November 2024

NOVEMBER 2024 | HESHVAN 5785

JEWISHRHODY.ORG

Season of change

Mike Fink ponders the naming of Armistice Day

Cape Verdean Museum highlights Jews on the island

Day Schools catch Fall activities in photos

2 | NOVEMBER 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

ADVENTURE AND EXPLORATION AWAIT

Land Rover Warwick 1346 Bald Hill Rd, Warwick, RI 02886 www.landroverwarwick.com Vehicle shown: 2024 Defender 110. Vehicle Image for illustrative purposes only. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. These systems are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc.

Driver should not assume that these systems will correct errors of judgment in driving. Do not use Land Rover InControl® or Pivi Pro features under conditions that will affect your safety or the safety of others. Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Land Rover InControl has a number of purchasing options available. As we systematically roll out the Land Rover InControl suite of products, specific features, options, and availability remain market dependent. Certain Pivi Pro features use an embedded SIM card and may require a data plan with separate terms and conditions and an additional subscription after an initial term. Mobile connectivity cannot be guaranteed in all locations. The Land Rover InControl AppsTM and Land Rover RemoteTM smartphone apps will work with AndroidTM devices from version 4.1 and Apple® devices from iOS 7.0 and must be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Please see your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for more details, visit LANDROVERUSA.COM or call 1-800-FIND-4WD / 1-800-346-3493. © 2024 Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC.

SERVING ALL IN RHODE ISLAND At JCS, we pride ourselves on leaving no one behind. If we don’t have the services you need, we will still help you find someone who does.

Call us at (401) 331-1244.

ADOPTION OPTIONS KOSHER NUTRITION LIFELINK RI

THE COUNSELING CENTER

JEWISH ELDERCARE OF RI TAMARISK SENIOR LIVING

CASE MANAGEMENT

THE FULL PLATE KOSHER FOOD PANTRY SHALOM APARTMENTS

1165 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 | 3 Shalom Drive, Warwick, RI 02886 401.331.1244 |

JCSRI.org |

JCSofRI |

JCS_RI

NOVEMBER 2024 | 3

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

JEWISH RHODE ISL AND

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

VOLUME XXXI, ISSUE XIII JEWISH RHODE ISLAND

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

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID at Providence, R.I. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Jewish Rhode Island, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

PUBLISHER

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

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

Thoughts and ramblings on voting this year ARE YOU ONE OF THE MANY who has heard enough about politics this season? Don’t be ashamed. I’m a news junkie, and even I have to turn off the noise every so often.

But the bigger question is: Have you voted and, if not, do you plan to vote?

I really hope the answer to that question is a resounding “yes.”

And indulge me in one more column about the elections. Because of our publishing cycle, we felt it was too early to discuss voting in the October paper so here we are. It’s Nov. 1. You might be receiving this after Election Day. If so, feel free to turn the page. There’s lots of good content beyond this column.

But if you haven’t voted, make a plan. That is not just a slogan.

It is important.

Voting is integral to our democracy. It is a right and a privilege. And it is important.

In my lifetime, excitement and milestones have always surrounded voting. For each presidential election, when and where to vote were the big questions. Of course, how you were going to vote was a question, but that was personal and for small, private discussions.

And I have had some memorable election days. I remember an absentee ballot when my residency was in Virginia. I filled that out in my college dorm room in Illinois. That ballot was so long that when I held it up, it brushed the floor. I needed to get a witness to certify that ballot.

Fast forward to Utah. We lived in the mountains north of Salt Lake City. Where was our polling place?

In someone’s living room about half a mile up the road.

Cookies and coffee were available.

I’ve voted in person in Virginia, Illinois, Utah, Ohio

and Massachusetts. I’ve completed absentee ballots. I’ve waited in lines. I’ve been prepared and not so prepared.

But I’ve never considered not showing up for a presidential election.

And that concerns me now.

I’ve heard about a lot of unconcerned, uncommitted potential voters. They don’t think their votes will make a difference. They think that living in an overwhelmingly Democratic or Republican state makes the vote inconsequential. Disaffected? Apathetic? Confused? It’s hard to say.

But that’s never true. Numbers count. Making your individual voice heard counts. And even if you don’t believe your voice counts in the race for a particular office like President right on down to local representative, there are always statewide questions that most certainly affect your life and need your opinion. This year, both Rhode Island and Massachusetts have five questions on their ballots.

And here are some interesting facts from ballotopedia.org.

In Rhode Island,166 ballot measures appeared on statewide ballots between 1985 and 2022. One hundred thirty-one (131) ballot measures were approved, and 35 ballot measures were defeated.

In Massachusetts, a total of 76 ballot measures appeared on statewide ballots between 1985 and 2022.

Forty-one (41) ballot measures were approved, and 35 ballot measures were defeated.

It’s easy to form an opinion with a little online research. And please, research both sides of every issue. If you’ve been reading my ramblings for a while, you know that I’m a proponent of tuning in to a wide cross-section of media.

So, get out there and VOTE to make a difference. And make it a habit.

Fran Ostendorf, Editor

Rhode Island Press Association.

COPY DEADLINES: All news releases,

Clarification

ADVERTISING: We do not accept adver-

IN THE OCTOBER print issue of Jewish Rhode Island, there was an error in “Community Beit Midrash of RI: Bringing Jewish education to more families.” The beginning of the article was incorrectly formatted resulting in extra words inserted into the article. Jewish Rhode Island regrets the error.

These families were looking for something to supplement their children’s education, or in some cases, fill the gap left by not having a Hebrew school.

This led to the creation of the Community Beit Midrash of RI.

The story should read:

The entire article can be found at www.jewishrhody. com/stories/community-beit-midrash-of-ri-bringing-jewish-education-to-more-families,79370?

photographs, etc., must be received on the Wednesday 10 days prior to publication. Submissions may be sent to: editor@jewishallianceri.org. tisements for pork or shellfish. We do not attest to the kashrut of any product or the legitimacy of advertisers’ claims.

A group of families in Rhode Island came together with a common goal – to provide their children with a Jewish education beyond the fifth grade.

ON THE COVER: Fall in Rhode Island PHOTO | Glenn Osmundson

The Voice of Greater Rhode Island’s Jewish Community

JEWISH

D'VAR TORAH 5 | CALENDAR 6 | FOOD 8 | COMMUNITY VOICES 10 | OPINION 16 SUKKOT AT SCHOOL 18 | SPORTS 19 | COMMUNITY 20 | BUSINESS 32 | OBITUARIES 33

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.

@JewishRhody

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

4 | NOVEMBER 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

UP FRONT Jewish partisans articulate Jewish fears that have gone mainstream

BY ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL (JTA)

“Turn your anxiety into action.”

T

he phrase – which if not a translation of a Yiddish expression

might as well be – was the message of an email sent Monday to activists by Jewish Women for Kamala, an affinity group organized by the Jewish Democratic Council of America.

IT’S A MANTRA on both sides of the aisle in the closing days of the 2024 presidential election. With most polls showing a statistical JTA | COLLAGE BY JOSEPH STRAUSS Images from recent ads by, clockwise from top left, the Jewish Democratic Council of America, dead heat, Democrats are the Democratic Majority for Israel and the Republican Jewish Coalition. especially stressed out, remembering when what “the enemy from within,” a phrase tor. “That is antisemitism, and that supporting antisemites,” and name appeared to be a comfortable lead by he uses to describe Democrats like is unacceptable,” Harris is seen checks the marchers at CharlottesHillary Clinton over Donald Trump Adam Schiff and Nancy Pelosi and saying. ville, rapper Kanye West and white vanished on election night. Repubothers who have opposed or invesThe ad then turns from ominous supremacist Nick Fuentes, and licans, too, are feeling anxious, or tigated him (and which even a Fox to upbeat, showing images of Harris the antisemites spotted among the at least their candidate wants them News interviewer described as “a lighting a Hanukkah menorah crowd at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. to. As Trump tells supporters at his pretty ominous phrase to use about and denouncing Hamas’ Oct. 7 It also links Trump to some of rallies, “If we lose this election, this other Americans”). attack on Israel, and describing his most ardent surrogates, includcountry is finished.”

It’s the kind of language that has her as a “champion, a partner and ing Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor As for the specifically Jewish led to a debate – led most recently a defender of our community, our Greene and former Fox News host sources of anxiety, closing ads by by former Trump insiders – over freedom and our values.”

Tucker Carlson, both of whom have Jewish groups on both sides offer whether Trump’s populism and It’s a packed, concise ad, with the pressed conspiracy theories in strong indications. Beyond the ideas about presidential power subtext that authoritarianism is which Jews regularly play a diabolconcerns driving general voters – amounts to fascism, one that even never good for the Jews, that Trump ical role. housing, inflation, immigration, made its way into the campaign’s has dabbled in antisemitism, and Unlike the JDCA ad and keepreproductive rights, affordable official ads on Friday when it that Harris is the antidote. It barely ing with its mission, the DMFI ad health care – these ads (more likely released one featuring a Holocaust mentions Israel, which JDCA’s own directly addresses Israel – probably to be seen on your social media survivor rebutting the idea that polling has shown is not the top con- the one Jewish issue where Trump feeds than broadcast in major Trump is a fascist. cern among Jewish voters in swing and the GOP have an advantage markets) are focusing on specific In the JDCA ad, the debate is states. That distinction belongs to among Jewish voters. The ad Jewish issues: antisemitism, defend- reinforced by an image of rolling the “future of democracy,” at 44%, asserts that Trump and his running ing Israel and, especially among military vehicles and Trump saying followed by abortion at 36%, and mate, J.D. Vance, are isolationists Democrats, a fear that a second “that should be very easily handled inflation and the economy at 24%. who are likely to “blow up NATO, Trump term will represent a threat by the military” – part of a longer, Israel shows up as their fourth abandon Ukraine” as well as Taito American small-d democratic rambling quote in which Trump major concern, at 16%. (That same wan, Japan and South Korea. norms under which Jews have hiswarned about “very bad people … poll also showed that Harris is gar“Should we as Jews really believe torically thrived. some sick people, radical left lunanering 71% of the Jewish vote in the that this alliance with Israel holds a The JDCA, in a 30-second video tics.” seven swing states likely to decide special place in Trump’s heart?” the that started airing on Monday, The ad then pivots to refer to the election.) narrator asks. “What if the Israelis begins with a narrator warning, Trump’s remarks at a GOP-led event Meanwhile, Harris doesn’t even dumped Bibi and elect someone “This is a difficult time for many about antisemitism on Sept. 19, show up in the closing ad by the more centrist? What if the Saudis Jewish Americans, a time filled when he said, “The Jewish people Democratic Majority for Israel. Its and the Qataris who are literally with uncertainty. Our choice will would have a lot to do with the loss” video is three minutes long and funding the Trump family want impact our families and our democif the election didn’t go his way. is able to lay out its case against something that goes against Israel’s racy for years to come.”

“Donald Trump is openly scapeTrump in more detail. It describes interest? Will Trump stand with Quick cut to Trump talking about goating Jews,” says the narrahim as “a guy with a long history of CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

NOVEMBER 2024 | 5

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

Komemiyut and its meaning for Israel Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser delivered this sermon on Yom Kippur 5785 (Oct. 12, 2024) at Temple Sinai, Cranston. He participated in the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island Israel Solidarity Mission in January 2024, during his sabbatical. This has been lightly edited for publication.

O

n Nov. 29, 1947, the United Nations approved Resolution 181 calling for the division of the British Mandate for Palestine into two nations – one for Jews and one for Arabs. The

leadership of the Jewish community in Palestine, led by David BenGurion, decided that they would declare the establishment of the Jewish state one day before the British finalized their withdrawal.

They also appointed a committee to write a proclamation of independence. Ben-Gurion would be among the last to make final edits on the document, which was completed just a few hours before its presentation in Tel Aviv on May 14, 1948.

D’ VA

ONE OF THE MOST significant Adonai am your God who brought changes Ben-Gurion made to the you out of the land of the Egyptians document was the insertion of a so you would be their slaves no new opening phrase. Israel’s Decmore. and I broke the bars of your laration of Independence begins by yoke and made you walk komemisaying, “In the Land of Israel, the yut” (Lev 26:13).

Jewish people was born.”

Looking at the word in this Now, you may notice that there is context, we see something of what something odd about that opening.

Ben-Gurion envisioned for the Was the Jewish people born state of Israel. The word komemiin the Land of Israel? In yut comes from the root that the Torah, the first means “to arise” and it is time that Abraham’s connected in this bibdescendants are lical verse to the idea first referred to as of breaking free from a “people” is in the slavery and being opening chapter of strong, independent the book of Exodus and self-reliant. God did while the Israelites not just bring us to the were slaves in Egypt. land of Israel to Why did Ben-Gurion RABBI JEFFREY exchange servibegin the Declaration of tude to Pharaoh GOLDWASSER Independence with a statefor servitude to ment that appears to be false? a new king. God It was not out of ignorance. brought us to our land to allow us Ben-Gurion was not a religious Jew to be reborn in a state of dignity in the sense of traditional obserwhere no one would be able to lord vance, but he was a lifelong student over us in any way. That is what it and great admirer of Jewish sacred means to be komemiyut. texts. His choice to call the land of The historian and scholar Daniel Israel the place where the Jewish Gordis says that the word komemipeople was born was quite delibyut contains the essence of Ben-Guerate and, to his understanding, it rion’s dream for the Jewish state. was quite correct.

To see what Ben-Gurion was really trying to say, ‘To Ben-Gurion, komemiyut you have to look at the full opening of the Declaration. meant Israel would be a state You also have to look at it in the Hebrew, not the English that would restore the Jewish translation. In his preamble, the Declaration says of the people’s dignity...’

Land of Israel, “bah chai chayei komemiyut mamlachFor Ben Gurion, “Merely surviving tit.” It’s a difficult phrase to transin Egypt did not constitute genuine late, but it means something close peoplehood,” writes Gordis. “Meanto, “In [that land] they lived a life dering in the desert is not what of sovereign upright dignity and peoplehood is meant to be. Being independence.” across the river, not yet in their The really hard part to get right promised land and still desperate in English is that idea of “upright for God’s protection, is not peopledignity and independence,” which hood. Peoplehood, believed Ben-Guis actually a single word in Hebrew: rion, requires independence.” komemiyut.

From Ben-Gurion’s perspective, Komemiyut. Ben-Gurion chose the Jewish people were not really that word with deep intentionality. born until we arose into that state It appears in one verse in the book of Leviticus and nowhere else in the of dignity that is evoked by the word komemiyut. In Ben-Gurion’s Hebrew Bible. The Torah says, “I

R

TO R A H

mind there was no mistake in saying that the Jewish people were truly born in the Land of Israel, the place where they could walk upright as a free people.

That understanding of komemiyut is further amplified by the way the word is used in the siddur, the Jewish prayerbook. In the blessing before we recite the Shema in the morning service, we pray these words, “Bring us in peace from the four corners of the earth and lead us to our land komemiyut.” The rabbis who wrote the prayerbook pulled this word from the Torah to state our longing for the day when we return to our land, not as subordinates to anyone, but as a free people in control of our destiny.

You better believe that David Ben-Gurion was thinking about that line from the siddur, too, when he included komemiyut in the opening words of Israel’s Declaration of Independence. To Ben-Gurion, using the word was not just about the romance of using biblical or prayerbook language. It was about the way he saw the Jewish world in his own time.

After the experience of European antisemitism and its most horrible manifestation in the Shoah, Ben-Gurion believed that the Jewish people needed to shed their identity as victims, just as the ancient Israelites needed to shed their self-image as slaves when they emerged from Egypt.

The idea of returning “upright,” “sovereign,” “dignified” and “independent” to the land of our ancestors was Ben-Gurion’s ideal of how we should live in our land.

He saw Israel as the fulfillment of the Jewish people’s long-dreamed return to freedom, independence and self-sufficiency after the humiliations we had endured from the Middle Ages and until the Shoah. To Ben-Gurion, komemiyut meant Israel would be a state that would restore the Jewish people’s dignity – no longer merely tolerated outsiders in our own land and no longer dependent on the good intentions of others.

And this, I think, brings us to the present moment in understanding what is happening in Israeli society today. It also gives us a framework for imagining Israel’s future.

Israelis in 2024, now 76 years after their Declaration of Independence, see their nation as the fulfillment of a promise that the Jewish people should have a nation in which they can live in safety and determine their own destiny. To Israelis of all political perspectives, the heinous attacks of October 7, 2023, were a direct assault on the idea of komemiyut. They see the war that has raged on for a year now as an existential threat to their ability to live their lives with upright dignity and indepen-

dence.

Do not believe, as some do, that divisions in Israeli society today are about justifying the war against Hamas. There are deep differences in Israel about the government’s priorities in fighting this war – whether to prioritize defeating Hamas or prioritize the release of the hostages – but Israelis are quite united in their belief that Israel must be a nation that can stand up for itself. For Israelis, that is all part of what it means to be komemiyut, Yet, it is possible for Israelis and for us to explore and discuss what now serves Israel’s long-term interest in maintaining its integrity and its dignity. After October 7, we should investigate komemiyut through a different lens. We should ask, what does it mean for Israel and for the Jewish people today to maintain their dignity, to be upright, after what we have seen in the war against Hamas?

Remember that the word komemiyut originates in a text that proclaims God’s determination that the Israelites should be “slaves no more” and that the yoke of slavery should be broken. How can we build a foundation for our independence by depriving others of their freedom and independence? How can we pursue our upright dignity by denying the dignity of others?

The siddur has us recite a morning blessing that asks God to “Bring us in peace from the four corners of the earth and lead us upright to our land.” We cannot ask God to do that for us if we force other people from that same land to live lives bent over from oppression.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Candle lighting times November 2024

Greater Rhode Island November 1

5:19pm

November 3

Daylight Saving Time Ends

November 8

4:11pm

November 15 4:05pm November 22 4:00pm November 29 3:56pm

6 | NOVEMBER 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS FOR COMPLETE MONTHLY LISTINGS, VISIT JEWISHRHODY.ORG

Ongoing Kosher Senior Café and Programming. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday – Thursday at the Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence; Fridays at Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. In-person (and on Zoom most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) programming from 11 a.m.-noon followed by lunch and discussion noon-1 p.m. On Wednesdays, programming is chair yoga with Neal. For seniors aged 60 and older as well as younger adults with a disability; all faiths and backgrounds are welcome. 11/5: meet at Lippitt Park (1015 Hope St., Providence) either to eat there or pick up meal to bring home; 11/28 & 11/29: café closed for Thanksgiving. Suggested donation: $3 per lunch. The Kosher Senior Café is a program of Jewish Collaborative Services and is supported by the Jewish Alliance of Greater RI and Blackstone Health. Information and RSVP, Neal at neal@jfsri.org, Tyler at tyler@jcsri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 107.

Delve Deeper: Tikkun Olam in the Kingdom of God: Abraham Joshua Heschel as a Relevant Prophet.

Sundays 10 a.m.-noon. Thru 11/24.

In this Zoom course led by Dr. Dror Bondi, we will focus on the question of the connection between Heschel’s religious thought and his social involvement. Cost: $250 for 10 sessions. Tuition assistance available. Information, delvedeeper. org.

Hebrew Fall 2 Session at Temple Emanu-El. Tuesdays 6-7 p.m.

11/19/24 – 1/21/2025. 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Join us for Hebrew conversation and improve your speaking skills. Three levels of in-person Hebrew conversation classes offered – beginner (ongoing class not open to new students), intermediate and advanced. Cost: $100 per person (scholarship available). Information (including which level is right for you), Toby Liebowitz at tobyaane@gmail.com.

I Am My Beloved’s: Boston young adult couples cohort. Tuesdays 6:30-9 p.m. 11/12-12/17. (No cohort 11/26) The Village Works, 202 Washington St., Brookline, Mass.

Connect with your partner and other couples to explore essential conversations for navigating life’s journey. Jew-ish, interfaith or queer are welcome. Facilitated by Rabbi Jen Gubitz and Rabbi Jamie

Field. Cost: $275 (includes dinner).

Information, Modern Jewish Couples at modernjewish18@gmail.com or 812-345-2405.

Teen Nights at Temple Beth-El. Thursdays 6 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Teens are welcome to Temple Beth-El's Teen Nights for dinner and discussions.

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

Cape Cod Synagogue Family Shabbat Services and Dinner.

Second Friday of the month 5:30 p.m. 145 Winter St., Hyannis, Mass.

In-person and livestreamed services on website, Facebook, Cape Media, YouTube and Community Television Comcast channel 99.

Followed by Community Shabbat Dinner. Information, 508-775-2988 or capecodsynagogue.org.

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

By Zoom only. Information, temple@ toratyisrael.org.

Cape Cod Synagogue Shabbat Services. Fridays 7 p.m. 145 Winter St., Hyannis, Mass. With Rabbi David Freelund. In-person and

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

Temple Beth-El Torah Study.

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

templehabonim.org or 401-2456536.

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

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

Friday | November 1

Temple Beth-El Shabbat Service.

Second Saturday of the month 9 a.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence.

In-person, lay- and clergy-led service. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Beth-El Shabbat B'yachad. 5:30 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Bring your family to this child-friendly Shabbat service. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070.

Temple Sinai Breakfast and Torah Study. Saturdays 9:30-11 a.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Breakfast followed by a discussion of a portion of the Torah. Breakfast RSVP and information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401942-8350.

Temple Beth-El Shabbat Service.

7 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el. org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Temple Habonim Torah Study.

Most Saturdays 10-11 a.m. Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman leads Torah study on current portion. Via Zoom.

Information, Adina Davies at office@

Saturday | November 2 Temple Emanu-El Camp/Israel Shabbat. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

99 Taft Ave., Providence. Get a taste of what life is like at Jewish summer camps and summer Israel programs. Hear from campers,

Learn about New England’s Largest Jewish Fraternal Organization

FALL MEMBERSHIP OPEN HOUSE

Join Us for Dinner and Sports Talk Wednesday • November 20 • 6:00 PM Crook Point Brewery • East Providence

featuring ANDY GRESH Sports Talk Show Host FREE to prospective members ages 18-52 • Reservations required R.S.V.P. to info@tourofraternal.org or 401-785-0066

For more information: www.tourofraternal.org

NOVEMBER 2024 | 7

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

CALENDAR parents and counselors representing Camp Ramah New England, Camp JORI, Camp Pembroke, Camp Avoda, Camp Eden Village and more followed by a kiddush lunch with camp staff and parents. Information, Rachel Cohn at rcohn@teprov.org.

Temple Beth-El World Series of Bingo. 6 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Bingo night filled with food, friends and prizes.

Adults-only. Cost: $50 per ticket.

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

Sunday | November 3 PJ Library and Jewish Alliance Kindergarten Fair. 10:30 a.m.noon. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Find out about local charter and private school options for kindergarten and meet other parents with school-aged children. Information or RSVP, contact Lyndsey Ursillo at lursillo@ jewishallianceri.org.

about Children.” Free. Information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Friday | November 8 Temple Beth-El Shabbat Service.

7 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Information, Jillian Brosofsky at jbrosofsky@temple-beth-el. org or 401-331-6070, ext. 100.

Saturday | November 9 Kristallnacht Commemoration and Concert. 7 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center has partnered with the Violins of Hope, an international organization dedicated to preserving violins, violas and cellos that were rescued or hidden during the Holocaust. Featuring local musicians from Brown University. Free.

Information, Giovanna Wiseman at gwiseman@hercri.org or 401-4537860.

Sunday | November 10

Children's Concert at Temple Sinai. 2-3 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. The Rhode Island Wind Ensemble will be performing “Young at Heart: Music for and

Sisterhood of Temple Beth-El Artisan Marketplace and Scholastic Book Fair. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

70 Orchard Ave., Providence.

Twenty-three vendors will be

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

attack, antisemitism like I never thought I would see.

Israel then?”

There is something more than a little defensive about the DFMI ad – instead of making a positive case for Harris, it seems to be addressing Jewish voters considering pulling the lever for Trump. DFMI’s website has a landing page touting Harris’ “steadfast commitment to Israel’s security and to combatting the alarming rise in antisemitism,” but its closing argument is aimed at the Trump-curious – reflecting a strategy by both sides to sway undecided or wavering voters in this last stretch of what has been a static campaign.

The Republican Jewish Coalition also appears to be reaching across the aisle in its closing ad, which aims directly at longtime Jewish Democrats and Jewish voters who have negative feelings about the former president. The Seinfeldian ad was filmed (not uncontroversially) at Hymie’s, a Jewish-style deli in the Philadelphia suburb of Merion Station, and features three actresses portraying Jewish women of a certain age.

Their conversation is pithy: Speaker One: Did you watch the news lately? Israel’s under

Speaker Two: Did you hear about Samantha’s boy, Max? He got spit on just walking that path.

Speaker One: I mean, that’s scary.

Speaker Three: What about Kamala?

Speaker Two (rolls eyes): Uch, busy defending the Squad.

Speaker One: Oy vey. Trump I never cared for but at least he’ll keep us [dramatic pause] safe.

Speaker Two: I never voted Republican in my life. But I am voting Trump.

Speakers One and Three (raise coffee mugs): Amen.

In a release touting what it calls a “historic $15MM ad campaign targeting the Jewish community in key battleground states,” the RJC says this last ad of the 2024 campaign reflects the fear and angst that Jewish Americans across our country are feeling, as we see Israel still under attack and antisemitism skyrocketing to unprecedented levels here at home.”

In addition to aiming to create a permission structure for never-Trumpers to hold their noses and vote for

selling pottery, photography, jewelry, block prints, woodwork, wall hangings, Judaica and much more.

Scholastic Book Fair will be offering books for pre-school through 8th grade. Information, info@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070.

Friday | November 15 Temple Emanu-El Educational Weekend with Jonathan Sarna.

6 p.m. – Saturday, 1 p.m. 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Adult Educational Weekend featuring internationally recognized Scholar of American Judaism Jonathan Sarna with a Shabbat Chai Service, dinner, teaching opportunities and luncheon. Information, Shoshana Jacob at shosh@teprov.org or 401331-1616.

Saturday | November 16 Kids’ Night Out: Nature Explorer.

5-9 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Kids have fun while parents have the night off. Activities include gym games/sports, art, board games, free play and a movie. Dinner and popcorn included. Cost: JCC Member $40 | Non-member $55 | Additional siblings $25. Information, Rachel Accetturo at raccetturo@

him, the ad also appears to be a callback to “The Great Schlep,” the 2009 effort in which comedian Sarah Silverman urged young Jews to visit their grandparents in Florida and convince them to vote for Barack Obama.

“We encourage Jewish voters to listen to their Bubbies: It’s OK to vote for Donald Trump,” the RJC says in promoting the ad.

If you were to go to the websites and social media feeds of each of the Democratic organizations, you can find detailed cases to be made for their candidates on Israel, the economy, abortion and health care. The RJC’s Matt Brooks sketches out his organization’s case for Trump a bit more in a Washington Reporter op-ed.

jewishallianceri.org or 401-4111, ext. 140.

Temple Emanu-El Visioning 100 Art Installation. 7-8 p.m. 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Evening program with desserts. Exhibit will feature works in various media created by Temple Emanu-El members honoring the Centennial theme. Information, Shoshana Jacob at shosh@ teprov.org or 401-331-1616.

Sunday | November 17 The Ocean State Clarinet Choir at Temple Sinai. 2-3 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. The Ocean State Clarinet Choir will be playing popular and classical music. Free.

Information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401942-8350.

Crafting Your Ketubah. 7:30-9 p.m. Rabbis Jen Gubitz and Stephanie Crawley will take you through the steps to write your own Ketubah wedding contract. This Zoom session is interactive. Cost: $18-$72. If you choose to have your Ketubah translated into Hebrew, there will be a separate fee. Information, Modern Jewish Couples at modernjewish18@gmail.com or 812-345-2405.

But in their closing arguments, partisan Jewish groups are going for the kishkes. For Democrats, Trump coddles antisemites and has authoritarian designs on his enemies, the Constitution and the rule of law. He is also a transactional politician with an isolationist bent, and not to be trusted on Israel.

For Republican Jews, Harris is in thrall to the progressive left. For all his flaws, they say, “at least” Trump will “keep us safe.”

Closing arguments can define a campaign in voters’ minds. They can also go unnoticed, especially when events overtake a news cycle in the days leading up to election. (Trump has a peculiar genius for dominating these cycles, as he

Wednesday | November 20 Touro Fraternal Association Fall Open House. 6-9 p.m. Crook Point Brewery, 65 Massasoit Ave., East Providence. Open house includes a free Italian dinner and guest speaker Andy Gresh, a sports talk show host. Open to Jewish males ages 18-52 who might want to join.

Information, tourofraternal.org, info@tourofraternal.org or 401785-0066.

Thursday | November 21 Temple Habonim presents “The Story of Jewish Prayer Shawls (Talitot): Tradition and Innovation.” 7-8 p.m. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Join professional weaver Sarah Saulson for an illustrated lecture revealing the historical roots and personal stories behind these meaningful shawls.

Information, office@templehabonim. org.

Tuesday | November 26 Interfaith Thanksgiving Service.

7-8:30 p.m. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 50 Orchard Ave., Providence. Annual interfaith service.

Open to all. Information, info@ temple-beth-el.org.

did in recent days with his riff about the size of golfer Arnold Palmer’s genitals and his working-man cosplay at a McDonald’s.) Effective or not, the appeals being made to Jewish voters are a reflection of their real anxieties heading into an Election Day that can’t come too soon.

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

2024 JEWISH RI BELWING TURKEY FARM November 2024

TURKEYS . ALWAYS FRESH

8

8 | NOVEMBER 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

FOOD

3 Smart ways to support brain health STAYING HEALTHY goes far beyond physical activity.

If you’re laying out a path toward healthier living, keep your brain’s fitness top of mind. As the command center of the body, it influences every aspect of life and requires healthy stimulation, nourishment and adequate rest.

Consider a few key suggestions from the experts at the Mayo Clinic to keep your brain sharp:

Satisfy cravings with healthy foods

You can establish a strong foundation for brain health by consuming healthy, whole foods such as whole grains, fish, legumes and healthy fats, plus an abundance of fruits and vegetables, including grapes and leafy greens.

Research suggests grapes help maintain a healthy brain. In a human study of elderly subjects with mild cognitive decline, UCLA researchers found consuming

2 1/4 cups of grapes every day preserved healthy metabolic activity in regions of the brain associated with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Combinations of these healthy foods can be made into tasty dishes that support brain health such as this Chicken and Grape Cauliflower Rice Bowl.

Sleep well

Health experts recommend aiming for at least seven hours of sleep per night. As noted by the Mayo Clinic, adequate sleep may help boost overall memory and brain health by giving the brain time to effectively consolidate memories.

Sweat it out

Physical activity provides well-known benefits for the entire body, including increasing blood flow to the brain.

Article courtesy of Family Features.

Chicken and Grape Cauliflower Rice Bowl Recipe from California Table Grape Commission Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS Chicken: 1/2 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon turmeric Salt and pepper, to taste 1 pound (3-4 pieces) small boneless, skinless chicken breast halves Zucchini: 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 medium zucchini, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch

chunks 1 1/3 cups halved red grapes Cauliflower Rice: 1 bag (1 pound) thawed frozen riced cauliflower 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1/3 cup water 2 large garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed well 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Today, we the Jewish people, need a reminder of what we built Israel for. In 1948, Israel declared its independence in the aftermath of the Shoah, not, as some will claim, out of racist or colonialist motives – that is not dignity and it never was. Rather, Israel was founded, as its Declaration of Independence states, to “foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants,” to “be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel,” and to “ensure complete equality of social and political

DIRECTIONS To make chicken: In medium bowl, combine oil, garlic, ginger and cumin. Add turmeric, season lightly with salt and pepper, to taste, and whisk to blend. Lightly pound chicken pieces to even them out then turn to coat in oilspice mixture. Let stand 20-30 minutes.

Heat heavy, large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken, smooth side down, and cook until golden brown underneath, about 4 minutes. Flip with spatula, reduce heat to medium and cook about 4 minutes until just cooked through. Trans-

rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion…”

We remain committed to those ideals, in part because to go back to the Jewish situation of pre-1948 would mean going back to a time when we had no security, no way to defend ourselves and no way to be a dignified and upright people.

We also remain committed to those ideals because they are right. They make us worthy of dignity and worthy of being a people in partnership and covenant with God. Komemiyut today is being a nation that fights its enemies, but also fights for the rights of the innocent. It means being scrupu-

fer chicken to plate and tent with foil. Do not clean pan.

To make zucchini: In medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until hot. Add zucchini pieces and cook, stirring often until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.

Remove from heat.

To make cauliflower rice: In colander, drain cauliflower well. In same large skillet used for chicken, add oil, onion and water over medium heat; cook, stirring until softened, about 3 minutes.

Add garlic, ginger, cumin and turmeric; cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Add drained

lous in holding fast to the international laws that defend human rights. It means being tolerant of dissent and protecting the right to demonstrate against the government. It also means grieving the loss of not just Israeli lives, but also of Palestinian lives.

Komemiyut does mean taking arms against our enemies when that is needed, but it also means making peace when it is possible. It means fighting to make possible in the future what now seems impossible.

My hope for 5785 is that the war in Gaza and the war in Lebanon will come to an end – as quickly as

cauliflower and garbanzo beans; cook until hot, about 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Divide cauliflower rice among four large soup bowls.

Slice chicken against grain and arrange on top of cauliflower rice along with grapes and cooked zucchini. Serve warm.

Nutritional information per serving: 420 calories; 34 g protein; 42 g carbohydrates; 14 g fat (30% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (5% calories from saturated fat); 65 mg cholesterol; 280 mg sodium; 10 g fiber.

possible and with as little additional suffering by innocent people as possible. And that we will then move to creating a sustainable future in which Israel will reach out to its neighbors – those who are willing to receive it – with an offer of peace. It is my hope that we will make the turn toward a future of healing, peace-making and true komemiyut – peace, independence and dignity – for all people.

RABBI JEFFREY GOLDWASSER is the rabbi at Temple Sinai in Cranston.

NOVEMBER 2024 | 9

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

Business & Real Estate Disputes

William M. Kolb, Esq. ATTORNEY AT LAW

Richmond Square, Providence | (401) 714-0622

www.KolbLaw.com

Let Us Care for Your Family Please call us at

>

877-732-3264 At Saint Elizabeth Community, we provide exceptional, compassionate care for elders in an array of settings. Contact us to find the right fit.

• Adult Day Centers in Apponaug, Bristol, South Kingstown and Warwick Neck • Assisted Living in Providence and East Greenwich • Home Care - available across Rhode Island • Long Term Nursing Care & Short Term Rehabilitation in East Greenwich • Senior Apartments in Providence and Warwick Neck • GREEN HOUSE® Homes in East Greenwich

Learn more at stelizabethcommunity.org A nonprofit, nonsectarian 501(c)(3) charitable organization and a CareLink Partner

Osmundson Photography

A MODERN TRADITIONAL JEWISH DELI

BREAKFAST ∙ LUNCH ∙ DINNER ∙ CATERING ∙ OPEN EVERYDAY

727 EAST AVE • PAWTUCKET, RI 02860 (401) 205-8560 • MAVENSDELI.COM

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

10 | NOVEMBER 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY VOICES

Some high school memories

BY GEORGE M. GOODWIN

F

or my last two years of high school, following Confirmation, I attended Chadwick, which was located about 30 miles south of my family’s home in Los Angeles. It was one of the few private schools in the area that

accepted Jews. It was also coeducational, and I went as a boarder. The vast majority of Chadwick students, who lived in or near Palos Verdes, enrolled as early as kindergarten. Blacks were not admitted, and there were no more than a few Asian-American or Hispanic students.

CHADWICK WAS academically demanding and designed to prepare me better for college. Socially, it also prepared me well for the inanities of dormitory living. I did make a small number of close friends, however, and many of us have stayed in touch.

I am pleased that much of the following reminiscence was recently published in Chadwick’s alumni magazine. Since it contained no references to Jews, I added a few.

I have a good friend here in Providence, who recently retired after a 35-year career as a librarian at Brown University. She too is a Temple Beth-El member, who continues to serve as its part-time librarian. For many years, I chaired the library committee. Needless to say, we love discussing books.

Whenever Joanna speaks, I hear her Wisconsin accent. So, I recently mentioned to her that one of my high school classmates from Southern California attended a small liberal arts college at Ripon, in

M US

I

NG

S

Wisconsin. I explained that my friend spent his entire career as a librarian at the Wisconsin Historical Society, located on the University of Wisconsin’s campus in Madison.

Then Joanna asked, “Are you referring to the eminent James P. Danky?” Yes, it was indeed that Jim, who has remained one of my Chadwick buddies!

My Class of GEORGE M. 1966 may in GOODWIN fact be quite special, for most of us have attended at least five landmark reunions. Whether arriving from near or far, many of us feel that we never left our campus.

I believe that attending Chadwick as a boarder was a far more demanding experience than it was for most day students. Fortunately, during my junior year, I was able to go home every few weekends. As a senior, it was possible to go home nearly every weekend. I wonder now if this left stranded boarders feeling abandoned.

The senior boys’ dorm

overlooked Chadwick’s sprawling hillside campus and much of the Los Angeles basin. This dorm housed only eight kids – two per room. We were required to sit at our desks from 7 to 9:30 for evening study hall and turn out our lights by 10. Up again at 6:30 a.m.

Now I quite sadly regret that, among senior boarders who remained connected to our alma mater, I am the only survivor. Indeed, I am so sorry that both my junior and senior year roommates have left this world. Bob Wilson was a Methodist, and Steve Stryker was a Jew. Though I remained in touch with both roommates over the years, we seldom saw each other. I visited Bob when he studied medicine at the University of Guadalajara, and happily attended his first wedding, but the last reunion he attended was our fortieth. By then he had built a successful practice as an OB-GYN in Fresno, California, and had three children.

Bob’s grandparents were American missionaries in China, and his father, Robert, was the last foreign surgeon who remained during the Japanese “Rape of Nanking” (1937-38). I was

able to put Bob in touch with Iris Chang, an American writer studying that horror, and his father was prominently featured in her book.

After becoming an engineer and then a business consultant, Steve, the stepson of a Hollywood mogul, spent the rest of his life on the East Coast. Regrettably, we saw each other only a few times. Perhaps the last time was more than 35 years ago, for he never attended a Chadwick reunion. I never met his wife nor son. I do remember Steve’s younger sister, Terri, another boarder, but sadly she predeceased him.

I also remember Bob Wilson’s senior-year roommate - Bill Thompson, a math and science nerd. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Brown and became a computer science professor. Bill was a lover of the outdoors but he never married.

It’s never good to just dwell on losses, but my class began to experience them only a few years after our graduation. One day, while a graduate student at Columbia University, I happened to bump into my Chadwick classmate, Suzanne, who was working in a campus library. Within another year, she had passed away.

By 1988, Suzanne was one of four classmates whom we survivors honored by erecting a monument on a Chadwick field.

Many of us classmates who remain in touch remember our favorite (and least favorite) teachers. We also recall challenging and bizarre assignments as well as some favorite books (which some of us have kept).

Still other classmates have vivid memories of athletic, musical and theatrical triumphs (and some debacles too).

I would like to believe that many of my classmates are proud of our academic and professional accomplishments, which, perhaps, many of our Chadwick teachers might not have foreseen. And what about the joys of romance, marriage, parenthood and grandparenthood, which were seldom, if ever, discussed? Alas, even on the brink of the Vietnam War, our understanding of a fragile peace could not be fully comprehended.

Did Chadwick also make me a prouder Jew? It was the first and only place where I was ever physically attacked.

Boarders were required to attend Sunday vesper services, which were intended to be nondenominational, but had an essentially Protestant character. As a junior, I invited my great uncle, a quite prominent Reform rabbi in L.A., to speak at a service, and he gladly did so. Within a week, a much taller sophomore and I got into a silly argument- probably about sports- and he punched me in the face, knocked me to the ground, and called me “a dirty Jew.” I’ve told this part of my Chadwick story very few times. Perhaps I was fortunate to suffer such a minor indignity. Many Jews have suffered far worse.

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

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

NOVEMBER 2024 | 11

12 | NOVEMBER 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY VOICES

November 11th: Acknowledging sacrifice, celebrating peace

R

emember what Nov. 11 used to be called?

Armistice Day.

SKE

T

SINCE THE PRESIDENCY of Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, it has been renamed Veterans Day - and I miss the former term which was a memorial to the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the guns of World War I fell silent. It was a dedication to a war that was supposed to end all wars and, in Woodrow Wilson’s words “make the world safe for democracy.”

In my boyhood, parades would set out on Armistice Day from the Armory for Mounted Commands on Stenton Avenue. Two bygone cannons and the explosive balls in concrete as well as the tanks were openly on display. Then soldiers from World War I would join the march, followed by even older vets from forgotten battlegrounds of earlier periods. Even a few vets from the Spanish-American war joined the procession.

Some wore uniforms, some were still in shell-shocked condition, all marching uphill to honor the end of a devastating and tragic war.

My motive for frowning on this change of title has to do with the endless military “progress” in forging ever deadlier weapons for always-more-horrible wars. “Armistice” basically means ceasefire, whereas “Veterans” draws attention to fighters. It does not represent human hopes or “progress” toward peace, but merely acknowledges those warriors and the wars that foist ever-more harmful poisons upon the planet that was once our Eden.

75 years of compassionate skilled care Newly constructed state-of-the-art Rehab wing  CMS 5-Star rating Private Rooms and Bathrooms | Kosher Cuisine Arts Academy | RI Federation Garden Club

200 WAMPANOAG TRAIL | RIVERSIDE, RI 02915

CH

The golden Independent Man who stands atop the Rhode Island statehouse underwent a recent restoration in that same Stenton Armory at corner of North Main Street, across from the North Burial Ground, Providence’s oldest municipal cemetery, dating back to 1700. The Independent Man is back up atop its dome-home, our elegant neo-classical capitol designed by McKim, Mead & White which features the fourth largest structural-stone dome in the world.

The statue, originally named “Hope,” was designed

by George Brewster, cast by the Gorham Manufacturing Company, and MIKE FINK installed in 1899.

It represents freedom and independence and alludes to the independent spirit which led Roger Williams to settle and establish a colony in Rhode Island.

It emphasizes (I hope) that looking backward as well as forward is an important way to remember the toll of war.

Freedom and independence can only flourish in times of peace when words can replace wars. This November we must remember that pledge to end war and help the world recover its support for democracy.

Israel was destined to be a “lamp unto the nations,” and I pray in this month between Thanksgiving and Hanukkah for an Israel that will be safe and secure and be shining that lamp of hope for all nations.

BOOK

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

NOVEMBER 2024 | 13

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

BRING THIS AD FOR EARLY ACCESS TO OUR

FALL SALE STORE WIDE 15-50% OFF

Room Size and Scatter Rugs

Open Tues –Fri 10-5:30, Sat 10-5

One Governor Street, Providence (401) 751-5100 • www.rustigianrugs.com

14 | NOVEMBER 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY VOICES

Love, life and Judaism together after 70 years

I

had the great privilege of interviewing Manny and Rita Stern, parents of David Stern, long-term member of Temple Emanu-El of Providence. David has co-led the drumming and chanting service at the Soulful Shabbat

services and now drums and blows the shofar on the High Holy Day services.

What is your key to happiness for 70 years?

Rita: I would say compromise and love. It is important to be mindful and realize that

I

Rita: This was in

several stages.

In our early life together when our children were growing up, we had Shabbat every PATRICIA Friday night.

We sang songs RASKIN and we invited friends over for Shabbat dinner.

All our children went to shul regularly, and camp and Hebrew school, and had a basic Jewish education.

Manny: We always found that getting together with family to celebrate the holidays was very important We still get

together with our children, nephews and cousins and have 30-40 people every Thanksgiving. We cook together, sing Israeli songs and play guitar with our multiple generation family, ages 20 to 90. We all feel so connected and the togetherness is quite unbelievable.

What is your perspective on life at this stage of your life?

(Manny still drives) Rita: We are extremely

blessed. At least two of our grandchildren call up every Shabbat to wish a good Shabbos. Our children include us all the time.

Manny: We have a tradition in our family when we get together. Rita contributes and always brings food like soups, salad and things that are special for children and grandchildren. Rita is a phenomenal cook.

When I first met Rita, she was in the kitchen cooking dinner. The children and grandchildren love the food.

Even friends want her food.

This keeps us young – we are completely enjoying eating together and living together.

How have you handled conflicts in your marriage?

Rita: My parents told me

never to go to bed mad. We have learned to be flexible.

Kindness is very necessary to keep us both happy.

Sometimes we forget things and can be a little short-tempered as we are older. We should keep appre-

BMW AUDI MERCEDES BENZ VOLKSWAGEN MINI

“ALWAYS GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXCELLENT CAR CARE” “Excellent service both for the customer and the car.”

– Jimmy W., Riverside, Porsche Macan G E R M A N M O T O R S INC Sales &

Service

879 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 401-272-4266 Email us at: germanmotorshelp@gmail.com

BMW AUDI MERCEDES BENZ PORSCHE VOLKSWAGEN MINI COOPER

BMW AUDI MERCEDES BENZ PORSCHE VOLKSWAGEN MINI COOPER

What has been the role of Judaism and connection to Judaism throughout your lives?

HY LI V

HEA

L

Manny: Rita’s words are right on target.

NG

T

life is not perfect and when things are out of balance, by being compassionate and thankful for what you have – you can accommodate.

MERCEDES BENZ VOLKSWAGEN MINI PORSCHE

DAVID BRINGS his parents, who live in New York, to the High Holy Day services and I was so inspired to see them and watch his father Manny read the Haftorah. It brought me back to the days when my father, in his nineties, read the Haftorah at services.

So, I asked to do an interview with Manny and Rita for this issue of Jewish Rhode Island and here we are.

Manny, age 91, and Rita, age 89, just celebrated 70 years of marriage.

My work is all about positive living and positive aging and Rita and Manny’s relationship breaks through the myths of ageism as you will read in this remarkable interview:

Rita and Manny Stern ciating every single day we have today.

In the rare instances we forget, we get over it because we are in love with each other.

Manny: When we first got married on our honeymoon, I told Rita to shut up which she did for two weeks! I learned quickly to never use that term again. I can count on one hand the arguments we have had. We talk about how we feel and then it’s over.

How have you worked together as business partners for over 30 years?

Manny: I was a physicist with IBM in the beginning. I was in the food business with Rita where we had a bakery, a cheese shop and did catering. We were business partners.

Rita: I was in charge of qual-

ity control and the food, and Manny was in charge of marketing the business. My husband was always at my side as an equal. We shared roles at home as well, whether it was picking up the children or doing the shopping or laundry or driving the kids to Hebrew school. This was a joint affair, and we were and still are partners.

PHOTO | STERN FAMILY

What is the key to your lasting love?

Rita: I am still in love today.

I can look at Manny and feel my heart flutter - after all these years. That is a blessing I wish on all my friends.

Manny: I fell in love with Rita very quickly – I am in love with her in every sense and adore my wife.

I will close with the last sentence of my last email from their son David: “Glad you enjoyed your interview with my parents.

They are lovely people, and their marriage is a wondrous thing.”

I couldn’t say it better!

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

She has served on the board of directors of Temple Emanu-El, in Providence. Her “Positive Living with Patricia Raskin” podcast can be heard on voiceamerica.com

NOVEMBER 2024 | 15

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

Phyllis Waldman

Certified Dispute Mediator In Judaism, the mediator is known as rodef shalom - the pursuer of peace.

If you’re ready to make peace, mediation is an accessible, affordable and completely confidential alternative to litigation.

I help resolve family disputes, landlord/tenant conflicts, workplace tensions, and even pet custody arrangements.

To learn more, and request a free 20-minute consultation, visit On Common Ground Mediation at ocgmediation.com.

phyllis.ocgmediation@gmail.com | 401.363.2700

Protecting Social Security and Medicare Lowering Costs and Creating Opportunity Defending Women’s Freedoms Making Our Democracy Work Fighting Climate Change

Paid for by Whitehouse for Senate.

16 | NOVEMBER 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

OPINION Yiskor can wait

Larry Hershoff Sunset Beach, N.C.

“A

ntisemitic? Check. Racist? Check. Nativist? Check. (Let’s set aside sexist and homophobic for the moment.) If you want to subject ‘The Great Gatsby’ to a political purity test,

it flunks. ‘Gatsby’ is at once timeless and time-bound, a social novel of the 1920s as much as it is a free-floating Great American Novel. But view the novel in its entirety rather than in isolated passages…”

SO WRITES Maureen Corrigan in “So We Read On” (2014), her 300page, almost worshipful critique of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel.

Here Corrigan offers a checklist of its many flaws in what she considers to be the greatest of all American novels.

Greatest?

Check. But flawed?

Check. A novel without flaws has never been and never will be written here in the United States or any place else.

Fitzgerald (1896-1940) has created a masterpiece of lyrical writing.

His opening words, spoken by the 30-year-old narrator, Nick Carraway, are elegant in their simplicity: “In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since.

‘Whenever you feel like criticizing any one… just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.’ ” To supply detail to his scathing criticism of the blind and empty lives of America’s super rich in the year 1922, Fitzgerald invents two exclusive communities on Long Island’s north shore: West Egg, home of the nouveau riche, where Gatsby stages his lavish summer galas; and East Egg, home of

EM

the inherited wealth of “old money,” where Tom and Daisy live their life of luxury. Both the EastEggers and the WestEggers work and play in Manhattan, which Fitzgerald portrays as the embodiment of capitalism run amok.

Fitzgerald is especially harsh in his criticism of Tom and Daisy

S TO M

E

AT MY SCHUL’S Yom Kippur services, our fantastic Rabbi Avi Perets cautioned those with living parents to NOT leave before the traditional Yiskor commemoration. Recognizing the Oct. 7 massacre as a pogrom unseen since 1945, he orchestrated a Yiskor service in remembrance of the 1,600 or so Jews, who had perished on Oct. 7 and in its aftermath just because they were Jewish.

It was a breathtaking reminder of the significance of these events, reinforcing that we Jews are ALL related to those who were murdered. We are ALL now at greater risk of antisemitic activities in the backlash against Israel’s battle to rid the world of the Iranian-backed monsters who committed these heinous crimes.

Clearly, the regular Yiskor could wait. We were so fortunate, notwithstanding 1967 and 1973, to have had such a long time between such horrific events.

And then it made me remember how fortunate and naïve I had been before my parents died. I wandered out of temple before Yiskor, not fully understanding how lucky I was to have them, first looking over me, and, near the end, looking out for them. It reminded me of my dear mother Mary (Miriam), the Jewish lady with the Catholic name, who taught me thriftiness (maybe to a fault) and the importance of corresponding with others. It brought back memories of my dear father Leonard (Aryay ben Sheftel) who taught me about baseball and tzedakah, and keeping records of everything AND keeping everything (again, the latter two to a fault). How I miss them, and pray that my sister and I protected them as well as possible in their waning years.

I hope your schul creates a second and prior Yiskor for the victims of Oct. 7 (although I hope many already have done so). And for those of you fortunate enough to head outside during the traditional Yiskor, try to repay the kindness and support that your parents gifted to you as you grew.

Yiskor won’t wait forever.

Full of flaws: A great American novel

IT S E

LETTERS

RABBI JAMES ROSENBERG

Buchanan, whose unreflective sense of privilege echoes through the decades to infect a significant portion of today’s super-rich Americans: “They were careless people…they smashed up things and people and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made…”

“The Great Gatsby” breathes class consciousness – well documented by the contrast between the Buchanans’ East Egg “old money” and Jay Gatsby’s West Egg new money. Gatsby’s quest for Daisy’s love was doomed from the start – born a poor boy, now made wealthy by ill-gotten gain. No match for Daisy’s inherited wealth.

Not even close. Worlds apart. “Gatsby was overwhelmingly aware of the youth and mystery that

wealth imprisons and preserves, of the freshness of many clothes, and of Daisy, gleaming like silver, safe and proud above the hot struggles of the poor.”

Gatsby was so consumed by “the colossal vitality of his illusion” of what he thought and felt about Daisy that he was incapable of seeing how utterly shallow, how empty she really was – a woman who calls her husband Tom “very profound” because “He reads deep books with long words in them”.

The vast differences between socio-economic classes in the early '20s walled Americans into claustrophobic groupings. To this very day, a number of Americans continue to bow before the idol of inherited wealth.

Indeed, the novel is permeated with images of crowding and confinement: rush hour in mid-town Manhattan, Gatsby’s lavish weekend parties, jammed with uninvited guests who follow “the rules of behavior associated with an amusement park,” the shut-in space of a secret love-nest hidden in an unassuming apartment on Manhattan’s West 158th St., even the suffocating, overheated parlor of the Plaza Hotel – all symbolizing class-caused claustrophobia. Most of all, the novel features the failure of the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy as the uncrossable boundary between the

classes into which they were born.

All the pieces of “The Great Gatsby” seem to fit together into a work of consummate artistry.

Yet, at least for me, the novel is deeply flawed by Fitzgerald’s profoundly antisemitic cartoon caricature of the gambler-gangster Meyer Wolfsheim, the man with sufficient criminal “smarts” to avoid prosecution for “fixing” the 1919 World Series.

Fitzgerald’s first words regarding Wolfsheim: “A small flat-nosed Jew raised his large head and regarded me with two fine growths of hair which luxuriated in either nostril.”

I feel somewhat ashamed to confess that – despite the stain of Fitzgerald’s antisemitism, as well as the stain of his racism and his anti-immigrant leanings and his sexism and his homophobia – I find his novel as a whole to be both brilliantly conceived and beautifully executed.

God willing, I will live long enough to read it again and, possibly, yet again.

The lyricism of Fitzgerald’s writing makes “The Great Gatsby” as much a prose poem as a detailed indictment of America’s running-offthe-track early Twenties.

Fitzgerald’s lyricism persists through his final sentence, an eloquent expression of his quest for past and future: “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

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

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

NOVEMBER 2024 | 17

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

OPINION

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on Middle East policy

BY RON KAMPEAS (JTA)

W

ASHINGTON – With just weeks to go before the

election, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have both tried to use Israel as a wedge issue: Trump has said the country will not exist in two years if he is defeated, and Harris’ campaign has called his rhetoric on Israel antisemitic.

TRUMP AND HARRIS do disagree on a range of Israel-related topics, from how Israel should fight its battles to their starkly different visions of America’s role in the world.

But there are also key issues where – in the big picture – they agree.

Both Harris and Trump support Israel’s multi-front war against a range of adversaries, from Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Both want the war in Gaza to end soon. Both want to expand the normalization deals between Israel and its neighbors. Neither is a big fan of the phrase “twostate solution.” And, in an especially notable patch of common ground, both want to move on from the Obamaera nuclear deal with Iran.

Their disagreements tend to appear in the fine print of those policies, and in the style with which each delivers the message. And each candidate has given pro-Israel voters reasons for pause: Trump has taken a turn toward isolationism, while Harris has made efforts to appease critics of Israel in her party.

We combed through speeches and campaign materials and spoke to supporters of both nominees to understand their rhetoric, proposals and outlooks.

Trump says Israel’s security depends on him.

Harris vows to safeguard the alliance.

The two candidates both pledge to support Israel but characterize that support in different ways. Trump’s promise is wrapped up in his persona, and Harris hews to the traditional language of valuing the United States’ alliances.

In an interview last week with Al Arabiya, a Saudi-owned channel, Trump said he would be able to achieve peace in the Middle East based on the respect he commands and relationships he has built there.

“I want to see the Middle East get back to peace and real peace, but a peace that’s going to be a lasting peace, and that’s going to happen,” he said. “I think the election is going to make a big difference, but I was respected over there and [had] great relationships with so many.”

He has said Israel’s future also depends on his success. Speaking to the Israeli-American Council in September, Trump styled himself as Israel’s “protector” – and said the country would cease to exist if Harris wins the election – a repeated prediction that has made Jews across the political spectrum uneasy.

“If we continue down our current path, with four more years of Kamala, Israel will be faced not just with an attack, but with total annihilation,” he said. “And I hate to say it so much, it’s total annihilation. That’s what you’re talking about. You don’t have a protector. You have a big protector in me.”

Harris has emphasized the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and Israel.

On the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack this year, she and her Jewish husband, Doug Emhoff, marked the anniversary of Hamas’ attack by planting a pomegranate tree at the vice president’s residence, a symbol of the alliance’s permanence.

“On this solemn day, I will restate my pledge to always ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself,” she said then. Tom Nides, a surrogate for the campaign who served as President Joe

Biden’s ambassador to Israel, Harris surrogates said said Harris’s support would she shares Israel’s goal make it easier for Israel to of degrading Hamas and make its own decisions.

Hezbollah, but her push for a “If you’re Israel and you’re cease-fire in Gaza has come making a determination while Netanyahu has vowed of what you to continue should do, to the war.

‘Harris stresses a know that the And Harris, Americans mindful of have got your her pro-Palceasefire while back, that’s estinian pretty importTrump emphasizes constituents, ant,” he said. has also “They’re very expressed Israeli victory.’ vulnerable, sympathy for and they need the tens of our help, and we’re going to thousands of civilians killed help them.” and injured in the war – and Harris and Trump both called on Israel to allow want no more fighting in more aid to enter Gaza.

Gaza …

“Israel must urgently do Both nominees want a more to facilitate the flow quick end to the war. of aid to those in need,” she Harris tends to cast her said last week. “Civilians vision for the war’s end in must be protected and must terms of sympathy to both its have access to food, water Palestinian and Israeli vicand medicine. International tims – an attempt to bridge humanitarian law must be the divide in her party over respected.” the fighting.

Harris has spotlighted “I am working to ensure the experiences of Israeli it ends, such that Israel is hostages abducted last Oct. secure, the hostages are 7, as well as victims of the released, the suffering in attack. She’s made a point of Gaza ends, and the Palestinhighlighting sexual violence ian people can realize their during the attack, screening right to dignity, freedom a documentary on that topic and self-determination,” she at the White House in June. said in a call with Jewish “We cannot look away and leaders during the High Holy we will not be silent,” Harris Day season, a formulation said ahead of the screening. she has repeated across her “My heart breaks for all campaign stops. these survivors and their Trump has, for months, families and for all the pain also advocated for a prompt and suffering from the past end to the war. In March, he eight months in Israel and in said, “You have to finish it Gaza.” up and do it quickly.” He’s Trump frames the end of repeated versions of that call the war in terms of Israel in the months since. winning, though he hasn’t “I did encourage him to get detailed what victory might this over with,” Trump said entail. He has ridiculed at an August news conferHarris’ cease-fire calls as a ence, referring to Israeli constraint on Israel.

“From the start, Harris Prime Minister Benjamin has worked to tie IsraNetanyahu. “It has to get el’s hand behind its back, over with fast.” demanding an immediate He added, “Get your viccease-fire, always demandtory and get it over with. It ing cease-fire,” Trump said has to stop; the killing has to at his August news conferstop.” ence. A cease-fire “would … but Harris stresses only give Hamas time to a ceasefire while Trump regroup and launch a new emphasizes Israeli victory.

Oct. 7-style attack.”

Harris has focused her But speaking to Al AraGaza policy on seeking a biya, he also said he thinks cease-fire. Trump has cast negotiations are possible, an end to the war as Israel’s and agreed with the interdecision – though he’s also viewer when she said “Prime said he’d like negotiations.

Minister Netanyahu listens to you.”

“He does listen to me, and I have a call with him tomorrow,” Trump responded.

He added his most frequent speculation on Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack and its aftermath – that it never would have happened if he had been in office.

“It’s so sad to think that, if I were president, that war would have never started,” he said. “You wouldn’t have all those dead people, all those, you know, just demolished cities and areas.”

Those conversations with Netanyahu may not always be pleasant. Kirsten Fontenrose, a former Trump National Security Council staffer, said Trump could get impatient if he saw Israel as standing in the way of a grand deal.

“I don’t expect him to air the dirty laundry at first.

He’ll have those conversations behind the scenes,” she said in an interview. But she predicted that Trump would tell Netanyahu, “‘If you can’t get your cabinet behind what we are trying to lead, then there will be repercussions in terms of the level of American support.’”

Trump barely mentions the Palestinians – except when he has used the term as a pejorative against political figures such as Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer.

And regarding the hostages, in the Al Arabiya interview he speculated repeatedly that “many of them have been killed,” adding, “There are very few hostages” still alive.

They have both moved on from the Iran deal …

One of the sharpest foreign policy distinctions between Trump and Biden, four years ago, concerned the Iran nuclear deal, inked in 2015 when Biden was vice president and Barack Obama was president.

The deal curbed Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and was reviled by Netanyahu. Acting on Netanyahu’s behest, Trump pulled out of the deal in 2018. Biden, in his first months in office, CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

18 | NOVEMBER 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

Sukkot at school

More than 60 community members met in the Jewish Community Day School of RI Sukkah on a sunny fall day.

Two 5th graders and Rabbis Michael Fel, and Preston Neimeiser inspired us with their words of Torah. We welcomed parents, grandparents, board members, clergy from all of the local temples, Jewish Alliance staff and leadership, and David Cicilline who enjoyed his time with the 5th graders.

PHOTOS | JCDSRI

The David C. Isenberg Early Childhood Center at the Dwares Jewish Community Center in Providence had handcrafted sukkahs on display during Sukkot. Created by ECC classrooms, teachers, and parents and their children, these little sukkahs really brightened the lower lobby of the JCC. Made from mostly natural and recycled materials these miniatures celebrated Sukkot and the JCC’s smallest members.

PHOTOS | SARAH GREENLEAF

NOVEMBER 2024 | 19

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

SPORTS

The Jewish NBA players to watch as the 2024-2025 season tips off

BY JACOB GURVIS (JTA)

A

s the NBA season tips off, there are three Jewish

players taking the court – the same trio who were in the league last year – though one is still finding out where he will be playing.

TWO OF THOSE players – Deni Avdija and Amari Bailey – have changed uniforms, while All-Star Domantas Sabonis is entering his fourth season with the Sacramento Kings.

Meanwhile, Ryan Turell, who played in the minor G League last season, and Abby Meyers, who appeared in nine WNBA games in 2023, are both playing professionally in Israel this season.

Read on for more about the Jewish NBA players to watch as the season begins.

Deni Avdija

Portland Trail Blazers forward After a career year with the Washington Wizards, 23-year-old Deni Avdija is entering his fifth season in the NBA and his first with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Avdija, the only Israeli in the league, was traded to Portland over the summer.

Before last season, he had signed a four-year, $55 million contract extension with the Wizards.

Avdija, a native of Beit Zera in northern Israel, was drafted No. 9 overall by the Wizards in 2020, the earliest an Israeli has been selected in the NBA Draft.

Avdija averaged 14.7 points per game last season with 7.2 rebounds and a field goal percentage of 51% – all career highs. Avdija, who started 75 games for the Wizards, finished sixth for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.

Since he broke into the league, the small forward has been among the more vocal Jewish athletes across American professional

Deni Avdija during a game between the Washington Wizards and the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco, Feb. 13, 2023. sports. During a previous bout of violence in Israel, Avdija wrote “Am Yisrael Chai” (“the Jewish people live”) and drew Stars of David on his sneakers. He also celebrated Hanukkah with his teammates and spoke at the team’s Jewish Heritage Night.

In October, as his Trail Blazers prepared for their preseason opener, Avdija decided to sit out the game because it fell on Yom Kippur. He attributed the decision to a change in his outlook over the past year, following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.

“Tomorrow, on the eve of Yom Kippur, the first pre-season game of the season will take place. When the management informed me, I knew right away that I would not participate. I feel that the best way to start the season is by honoring Jewish tradition and standing united with my fellow Jews in Israel and around the world,” Avdija posted on an Instagram story.

“Basketball has been a central part of my life for

as long as I can remember, and it’s always been my top priority. However, after the past year, I’ve realized there are more important things than basketball,” Avdija added. “Am Yisrael Chai.

Wishing everyone a good inscription and sealing.”

Amari Bailey Point Guard

After making his NBA debut last season with the Charlotte Hornets, 20-yearold guard Amari Bailey signed a contract with the Brooklyn Nets this offseason.

Bailey was drafted 41st overall by the Hornets last year and appeared in 10 games with the team, spending most of the season with Charlotte’s G-League affiliate. Bailey had been competing for a spot on the Nets’ roster heading into the season but was waived on Oct. 19 after the final preseason game. He is a likely candidate to join the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn’s G League affiliate.

Born in New Orleans and raised in Chicago, Bailey

moved to California to play basketball at Sierra Canyon High School, a prestigious Los Angeles private school.

He was then recruited to play at the storied University of California, Los Angeles, where he was named to the Pac-12’s All-Freshman team.

Bailey’s mother, an influencer who is known to her 319,000 Instagram followers as Johanna Leia (surname Edelberg), is Jewish. Bailey himself personally identifies as Jewish, his agent Bernie Lee confirmed to the Forward.

Domantas Sabonis

Sacramento Kings center Entering his ninth NBA season, Domantas Sabonis, a center and power forward, has cemented himself as one of the premier players in the league. The 28-year-old, who is listed at a towering 6-foot10, is a three-time All-Star who has finished in the top 10 in MVP voting and was named to the All-NBA Third Team in each of the past two

PHOTO | LACHLAN CUNNINGHAM/ GETTY IMAGES

seasons.

Sabonis, who is in the process of converting to Judaism, averaged 19.4 points and 13.7 rebounds per game last season, leading the league in the latter. Sabonis’ 8.2 assists per game ranked sixth in the NBA and his field goal percentage of 59% ranked ninth. He played all 82 games for the Kings.

Sabonis, who was born in Portland to Lithuanian parents, has been studying with Los Angeles rabbi Erez Sherman and has been involved with the local chapter of the Chabad Hasidic movement in Sacramento.

Sabonis has also been keeping kosher and celebrating Shabbat, Passover and other Jewish holidays.

“He loves [Judaism] and really wants to be a part of it,” Sabonis’ wife Shashana Sabonis (née Rosen) said last year. Shashana grew up in Los Angeles, where she attended Jewish day schools. The couple was married by a Reform rabbi in August 2021.

20 | NOVEMBER 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

BUSINESS 32 | OBITUARIES 33

‘Roddie’s Code’ meant to inspire Rhode Islanders

Pastor Chris Edmonds speaks at Toll Gate High School. The crowd at one of the presentations at Bishop McVinney Auditorium in Providence.

BY GIOVANNA WISEMAN

F

rom Oct. 21 to 23, Pastor Chris Edmonds of Maryville, Tennessee, made a whirlwind trip around Rhode Island to share the story of his father, Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds. Roddie Edmonds was a young leader of

the 106th Infantry platoon which was captured by the Germans during World War II. Upon their imprisonment, a Nazi major ordered him to turn over all his Jewish soldiers. At gunpoint, Master Sgt. Edmonds refused, saying “We are all Jews.” He saved over 200 Jewish lives that day.

ALMOST 30 YEARS after his death, his son Chris went on an incredible journey of discovery, which culminated in the documentary film “‘We are all Jews here’- The Story of Roddie Edmonds.”

He also celebrated his father in a book “No Surrender:

A Father, a Son, and an Extraordinary Act of Heroism That Continues to Live on Today.” The posthumous bestowment of Yad Vashem’s recognition of Roddie as “Righteous Amongst Nations” for his bravery and moral courage

offers inspiration to all.

Pastor Edmonds was brought here by the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, the Jewish Alliance and Temple Sinai, along with the generous support of Shelley and Andy Siegal. He began his visit at

Temple Sinai in Cranston Monday evening, where he participated in a panel with Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser and a collection of clergy from across the state.

Tuesday morning, Pastor Edmonds spoke to over 200 middle school students and 500 high school students from all over Rhode Island during two presentations at Bishop McVinney Auditorium in Providence. That evening, the pastor gave a presentation to the public at the Met School in Providence. This visit was especially meaningful to Sandy Poissant, whose father was imprisoned along with Sergeant Edmonds.

On Wednesday, Pastor

Edmonds addressed 450 students at Tollgate High School in Warwick, before finishing his visit with a program at Bryant University in Smithfield that evening.

Pastor Edmonds uses his platform to encourage students and adults alike to live by “Roddie’s code,” which stresses the importance of putting others above self. He finished each presentation with the assertion that “an ordinary life well lived is extraordinary.”

GIOVANNA WISEMAN is director of programs and community outreach at the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center.

Touro Fraternal Association to Hold Open House JEWISH MEN 18 and older are invited to attend an open house, hosted by Touro Fraternal Association, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 6 p.m. at Crook Point Brewery, 65 Massasoit Ave., East Providence.

The guest speaker is Andy Gresh, a long-time Providence and Boston radio talk show host. A former football

player at the University of Rhode Island, Gresh has also been an analyst for pro and college football games and other sports.

Attendees will also enjoy a catered Italian food buffet and will be able to sample flights of home-brewed beer.

There is no cost for the open house or the dinner, but reservations are required by

calling Touro at 401-785-0066 or emailing info@tourofraternal.org.

Touro, home-based in Cranston, is the largest Jewish men’s fraternal organization in the Northeast. Founded in 1917, Touro offers numerous social activities for its members and guests, as well as monthly guest speakers, and

gives back to the community through dozens of annual contributions to Jewish and other causes.

Touro responded to the Oct. 7, 2023, atrocities by making major donations to several charities assisting the people of Israel. After the tragic shootings at a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2019, the organization has

provided significant funding to houses of worship throughout Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts for professional security at High Holy Day services.

Submitted by Touro Fraternal Association

NOVEMBER 2024 | 21

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY

Cape Verdean Museum highlights Jewish heritage on the island

BY ROBERT ISENBERG

P

AWTUCKET – At first, you may wonder: Why is there a Jewish-themed exhibit in the Cape Verdean Museum?

Where did these folded talitot come from? What is

the story behind this printed Haggadah, from a Jewish-Cape Verdean seder in 2012? Can there really be an entire book called “The Jews of Cape Verde: A Brief History”? How did Jewish people even come to this constellation of islands, some 350 miles off the West African coast, and how come most people – Jewish and Cape Verdean – have no idea this population existed?

“THERE ARE Jewish cemeteries on almost all the islands,” says Yvonne Smart, 87, education director of the Cape Verdean Museum. “We always knew there were Jewish people in our history. There’s always been fraternity between the two groups.”

About six months ago, the Cape Verdean Museum in Pawtucket installed a permanent exhibit on Jewish heritage. The display is modest, but the honor is great. Established in 2006 in East Providence, this institution was the world’s first museum dedicated to Cape Verdean culture. When the organization purchased a large building in Pawtucket and opened its doors in 2023, Cape Verde’s president, José Maria Pereira Neves, attended the dedication. An astonishing range of documents and artifacts deck the many walls, and the museum’s Hall of Fame celebrates a spectrum of leaders and artists. The museum regularly hosts cultural events and offers language classes in Kriolu, or Cape Verdean Creole.

The Jewish migration to Cape Verde dates back to the 16th century, when Sephardic Jews fled the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal. The Cape Verdean islands were much closer to the Iberian peninsula than the Americas and, as a Portuguese colony, the language and culture of Cape Verde was familiar to many Sephardic refugees. A second wave of Jewish migrants arrived from Morocco in the 1840s, this time following a wave of European industrial importation into northern Moroccan ports. Although some Moroccan Jews prospered, for others, in the interior, it drove traditional Jewish crafts out of the market. Many found a new home in Cape Verde.

While Cape Verdeans may know that Jewish residents existed, the details are hazy, partly because the islands’ history has often been suppressed or ignored by the rest of the world. People from the islands

were usually registered as “Black Portuguese” under colonial law, erasing non-European identities. Cape Verdeans were famous as mariners, especially on whaling vessels of the 19th century, but this reputation isn’t The exterior of the museum in Pawtucket. well known among landlubbers.

About 500,000 people with Cape Verdean ancestry live in Southern New England, and places like Dorchester and New Bedford are considered bastions of the diaspora. Yet outsiders tend to confuse the community with other ethnic groups, and Cape Verdean culture is not well known to mainstream Americans.

This is starting to change, however. When the nation won independence in 1975, many Cape Verdeans started to explore – and assert – their identities.

“We’ve always had other people tell our stories for us,” says Smart, a former librarian at Fox Point Library and a longtime Civil Rights activist. Smart grew up with her Cape Verdean grandparents in Rhode Island and is fluent in Kriolu. “This museum is an opportunity for us to tell our own story in our own words.”

Another champion of the Some of the artifacts in the Jewish exhibit.

Jewish exhibit is Dr. Isadore Ramos, 87, former mayor of East heritage after a period of intense Providence. Ramos visits Cape research and converted to JudaVerde every year and has learned ism in 2016, under the mentorship conversational Kriolu. Not long of Temple Emanu-El’s then senior ago, he found a cemetery there with headstones inscribed in Hebrew and rabbi, Wayne Franklin. The museum’s display includes Spinola’s with Stars of David, sparking fresh own Hebrew name certificate. The curiosity. To Ramos, the museum exhibit also received guidance and motivates Cape Verdeans of all materials from Carol Castiel, a backgrounds to learn their family journalist and consultant based in histories.

Washington, D.C., who founded the “We never had anything like Cape Verde Jewish Heritage Project this,” says Ramos. “When people in 2007. see this museum, they suddenly “I hope people come away from want to keep their documents in a the museum with a better undersafe place.” standing of Cape Verdean people,” Indeed, the exhibit’s curator is says Smart. “In the fight for freeCarlos Spinola, a Pawtucket resdom, Jews were always marching ident who confirmed his Jewish

PHOTOS ROBERT ISENBERG

with people of color. Now, we’ve got to bring all our people together.”

She adds: “We may have come in different boats, but we’re all in the same boat now.”

The Cape Verdean Museum is at 617 Prospect St. It is open on Friday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. To learn more visit capeverdeanmuseum.org ROBERT ISENBERG is a freelance writer and multimedia producer based in Cranston. His latest book is “Mile Markers: Essays on Cycling.”

22 | NOVEMBER 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY “We’re at an inflection he publicly thanked PalesJared Kushner, reportedly point.” tinian Authority President is still encouraging Saudi sought to restore it.

When he was president, Mahmoud Abbas for wishing Arabia’s buy-in to the Iran is now said to be at Trump ordered the assassihim a full recovery from his accords, something Biden the point where it could nation of Qasem Soleimani, a attempted assassination. also pushed hard for prior to activate a nuclear weapon leading Iranian general. But Shortly afterward, he had a the Oct. 7 attack. within a week. The Trump warm meeting with NetIn his interview with Al and Harris campaigns blame he is famously war-averse and has not said whether anyahu.

Arabiya, Trump predicted each other for that state of he would countenance U.S. Harris has rattled Israel that he would bring Iran into affairs – but neither wants to involvement in a strike now. supporters with her nods the Abraham Accords along rejoin the agreement now.

In his interview with Al toward pro-Palestinian with at least a dozen other Many of the accord’s proArabiya, Trump said of Iran activists… countries – something that, visions are lapsing, or have that “they won’t acquire” Harris’ sympathy for the if it were to happen, would already lapsed, and Harris a nuclear weapon, though right of pro-Palestinian entail a major realignment no longer even mentions the he declined to say how he’d protesters to speak out at in which the top regional deal. Earlier this month, she accomplish that. He has said her events can unsettle adversary of Israel and the named Iran as the “obvious” United States becomes an pro-Israel activists – and has chief adversary of the United that Israel should strike ally.

Trump did not detail Iran’s nuclear facilities. provided attack fodder for States. how that shift would occur.

“It’s the biggest risk we the Trump campaign.

“I don’t think anyone “I think we would have have, nuclear weapons, the Last week, speaking in would think that we’re going had something.

I think we power of nuclear weapons,” Milwaukee, protesters to be reviving the JCPOA he said at a campaign challenged her to call as it was constructed,” said stop this month. “Hit Israel’s actions a “genoNides, using the agreement’s ‘They both want to expand cide.” She would not, acronym. “Neither Trump or the nuclear first and worry about the rest but repeatedly said that Harris.” later.” she wanted a cease-fire. the Abraham Accords.’

Trump says one of his They both want to After security escorted proudest moments was pullexpand the Abraham out the protesters, she ing out of the JCPOA, but he would add something very Accords. told her supporters, “What now says he wants to strike special, we’ll still have A rare area of agreement he’s talking about, it’s real” a different deal with Iran, something,” Trump told Al between Biden and Trump and “I respect his voice.” though he does not provide Arabiya. was in their support for the That statement set off a details.

Neither mentions the Abraham Accords, the 2020 firestorm among Republi“We have to make a deal, establishment of a Palestinagreement that normalized cans, who accused her of because the consequences ian state. relations between Israel and confirming that she believed are impossible,” he said last Netanyahu’s government four neighboring Arab counIsrael was committing genomonth at a news conference. has rejected the possibility tries.

That remains on the cide.

“We have to make a deal.” of a Palestinian state, particagenda for both nominees, Her campaign told Israeli … but they have different ularly since the Oct. 7 attack. even in the shadow of war. media that she did not takes on how Israel should And that outcome – once “Vice President Harris has a bipartisan aspiration in believe Israel was commitstrike Iran. been strongly advocating ting genocide. “She didn’t Since Iran barraged Israel Washington – is also absent Israel’s integration into the agree with defining the war with more than 180 missiles from Trump and Harris’ region and adding onto the as a genocide, and she has at the beginning of October, speeches.

Abraham Accords to include not expressed such a stance talk has abounded of IsraHarris does not mention other countries including in the past, as this is not her el’s retaliatory strike. The “two states” or Palestinian Saudi Arabia,” said Jeremy position,” an official said.

United States is signaling statehood in her speeches, Bash, a top defense and intel- sticking to the vaguer The official characterized that it supports an Israeli ligence official in the Obama her words as “sympathy for response, and Harris said in formulation of “self-determiadministration who is acting nation.” But Bash signaled the genuine feelings that her High Holy Days call that as a Harris surrogate. the issue evokes in many “all options are on the table.” that two states is still the Trump, in the Republican people.”

Her surrogates said that preferred solution.

Party platform, has pledged Trump supporters have includes U.S. involvement.

“American foreign policy to “seek peace in the Middle highlighted other instances “We’ve got Israel’s back has not changed with respect East.”

Trump’s son-in-law where Harris appeared to and actions speak louder to our interests in the Middle and former senior adviser, express understanding of than words,” Nides said.

East,” he said.

Israel’s opponents. And since Trump has depicted his last Oct. 7, they’ve made a sidelining of the Palestinpoint of noting that pubians as one of the triumphs lic protests against Israel of his presidency. He has generally come from the left, also boasted of shutting including on college camdown the Palestinian puses. mission to Washington and Rhode Island area schools seek “You have the Democratic moving the U.S. embassy to nominee who has given part-time Hebrew and/or Judaica teachers, Jerusalem, actions reviled an interview saying she by Palestinian leaders.

The and substitute teachers for the really understands where peace proposal he unveiled 2024-2025 academic year. in 2020 left Israeli West Bank the anti-Israel, antisemitic protesters on campuses are settlements intact – and was coming from,” said Richard dismissed out of hand by Goldberg, who served on Palestinian leaders. the NSC under Trump. “You “I defunded the Palestinhave the Republican nomian Authority and choked off inee, the former president, all of the money to Hamas, For more information contact Dori Adler at the saying he’s going to deport don’t forget, nobody ever did those people who are not Jewish Alliance at 401.421.4111 ext. 179 that,” he said last month at American citizens, who are the Israeli American Counor dadler@jewishallianceri.org. rabble rousing on college cil conference. (U.S. funds campuses. If you have chilnever reached Hamas.) dren who are going to college Trump, though, remains in college, grandchildren, unpredictable: He rattled this contrast could not be Netanyahu in July when starker.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

…and Trump has worried the pro-Israel crowd with his move toward isolationism.

Since leaving office, Trump has grown closer to isolationists. His running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, opposes assistance to Ukraine, and held up an Israel funding bill because it had a Ukraine component.

It is not a comfort to traditional conservative pro-Israel Republicans that Vance and others insist their opposition to foreign defense funding does not extend to Israel, noting that, for example, Russia and China both have links to Iran. And there are isolationists close to Trump who don’t support continued aid to Israel, most prominently Tucker Carlson, the conservative talk show host.

Twenty-one Republicans in Congress, including some of Trump’s most ardent backers, opposed emergency funding for Israel this year.

In a post on his social network in February, Trump proposed loans instead of direct assistance to other countries; he did not name Israel specifically.

Goldberg, the former Trump NSC staffer, acknowledged that it is hard to anticipate where Trump will end up. “If anybody says they’re going to predict Donald Trump, they should get out of foreign policy, get out of the media, get out of any business,” he said in an interview this summer at the Republican convention.

Still, he noted that Trump had the final word in shaping the Republican Party platform, which pledged to “stand with Israel, and seek peace in the Middle East” and to “rebuild our Alliance Network in the Region to ensure a future of Peace, Stability, and Prosperity.”

Harris and her surrogates have portrayed her as a defender of the United States’ traditional commitment to international alliances.

Like Biden, her supporters say, she is committed to the continuation of defense assistance to Israel – despite calls from some Democrats to condition or end the aid.

“As vice president, Kamala Harris has been a strong supporter of military assistance for Israel,” Bash said.

“And I don’t foresee that changing.”

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

NOVEMBER 2024 | 23

24 | NOVEMBER 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

Violins of Hope at SBHEC Kristallnacht event

T

he Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center welcomes the Violins of Hope for its annual Kristallnacht commemoration on, Nov.

9 at 7 p.m. at the Dwares Jewish Community Center in Providence. The public is invited to the concert which promises to be an inspiring experience.

KRISTALLNACHT, or “The Night of Broken Glass,” refers to Nov. 9, 1938, when widespread pogroms broke out throughout Nazi Germany. Disguised to look like a spontaneous attack, the violence was ordered by Hitler following the death of Ernst von Rahm, a German diplomat working in Paris.

Von Rahm was shot by Hershel Grynzspan, a Polish Jew who had just received word that his family had been deported to a concentration camp. His actions were used as a reason to justify the mass violence that was to come.

Jewish businesses were

targeted, with looters breaking in, stealing cash and merchandise, and damaging property. Synagogues were set ablaze, and Torahs and holy books were other targets of destruction. Homes were broken into, vandalized, and pillaged. Women and children were brutally assaulted. By the end of the carnage, over 30,000 Jewish men had been arrested and sent to concentration camps.

Almost 100 people were killed, and many more committed suicide out of despair and desperation. Modern historians mark Kristallnacht as a turning point in Nazi brutality towards

Jews, and a definitive precursor to the Holocaust.

Violins of Hope is an international organization which works to preserve violins, violas and cellos that were hidden or rescued during the Holocaust. The instruments serve to educate and memorialize the

lives of prisoners in concentration camps through concerts, exhibitions and other projects. Local musicians, including students from Brown University, will play pieces for the audience on these precious instruments. This exceptional opportunity is not to be

missed. RSVP is requested, but not required. To get in touch, please contact the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center via email at info@hercri.org, or by phone at 401-453-7860.

Submitted by the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center

Michael Fine’s new book awakens Jewish memories

BY HILARY SALK

I

bought copies of Michael Fine’s newest book

“Jewish Prince of Denmark” to give to each of my children.

HIS SHORT STORIES are filled with Jewish wisdom, customs, and awaken the kinds of memories I inherited from my parents, grandparents, and from Jewish history, and even from my own life. My children are in their fifties, had a bit of Jewish education, but no longer belong to a temple.

Fine prepares us for what they will find in this book: “Stories about Jews and non-Jews, living together in a confusing world…a world that keeps changing, collapsing in on itself, the ground changing under everyone’s feet.” Yes, he’s got that right!

My first choice for my

children to read is the story called “The Kaddisher.” The word refers to the mitzvah for those of us who have to say kaddish for our parents and other close family members who predecease us. I hope that the story will inspire my children to remember to say kaddish for me and for their father.

In the story, the kaddisher, whose name is Howard, has gone to the cemetery to visit his grandfather’s grave.

The story explains: “His own grandfather, who died before Howard was born, was now dead 80 years. Hard to believe that so much time had passed, that Howard could remember stories of living people from another century, even another millennium.

But it was so.”

I too celebrate the memory of people who died before I was born. I am named for my grandfather who died 80 years ago and who seems as real to me as the grandparents I did know. This Jewish custom of being named for a

dead person and lighting a yahrzeit candle for them has kept all I have learned about my grandfather vivid in my mind. Such stories of family members give hope for a form of immortality. Hearing stories that are handed down like this allows them to become part of our memories.Told vividly, as these are, they feel almost as though we lived them.

Another story “From All Men” conveys Michael Fine’s nostalgia for a world that has changed. Set in a Providence Temple which is familiar to me and might be to you, this story describes the early morning Sabbath service (8:00 AM) as a “dwin-

dling community…once upon a time, not so very long ago had no fear of missing the required ten men needed for a minyan.” But in recent years, even when women were now counted as part of the minyan, there were often days without the required ten.

Fine remembers with nostalgia when most of the men at the service were from the first generation who came from Europe.

They were the generation who now owned businesses, familiar to those of us with RI roots: “candy factory owner, a furrier, a dry cleaner, a junk dealer whose children would call him a recycler….” The next generation were more

likely to be doctors, lawyers and engineers who rarely came to the early morning service….

But now, he recounts, there are Saturdays when there are no longer 10. The story tells of such a Saturday when that day seemed unlikely to reach the required ten for reading Torah and saying kaddish.

But, by some miracle, the needed number was reached after all. Find out how by reading the story!

I am a regular at the early morning service as Michael Fine now picks me up on Saturdays as a possible 10th for that minyan. I am not the miracle he writes about, but I am sometimes the 10th.

When you read Michael Fine’s stories, I hope they spark your own memories or tales you’ve heard. Reminiscences you may want to share with others.

HILARY SALK is the author of “Eavesdropping in Oberammergau.”

NOVEMBER 2024 | 25

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY

Offering essential services; meeting community needs: your dollars at work

BY BRAD SWARTZ

T

he Jewish Alliance’s largest local partner, Jewish Collaborative Services (JCS), is the community’s only Jewish

human service and social service provider and as their mission states, serves to “sustain, nurture and strengthen the well-being of seniors, adults, children, and families and to ensure access to a full continuum of care through the life cycle, within the framework of Jewish tradition and values.”

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH the Jewish Alliance, JCS commits to supporting Rhode Island’s most vulnerable populations, including frail or older adults, and individuals facing health and financial challenges.

Vulnerability is often exacerbated by poverty so assessing the needs of the Rhode Island Jewish community can be difficult. It relies on input from community organizations and synagogues to identify unmet needs, particularly as rising food insecurity, inflation, and housing issues impact the state.

Access to quality health care is also increasingly challenging, especially for those with lower incomes.

JCS case managers conduct person-first assessments to identify individual needs related to housing, food, utilities, and social connections, and then refer clients to appropriate JCS services or other available public resources.

JCS has many programs and services critical to Rhode Island’s residents.

Some of them are supported by the Alliance’s Community Campaign and include the Full Plate Kosher Food Pantry, the Kosher Senior Cafe, and Meals-on-Wheels.

The Full Plate is the only entirely kosher food pantry in Rhode Island. Through in-person shopping, the pantry delivers non-perishables, dairy, produce and proteins to approximately 150 households. With food costs at an all-time high, families of all sizes rely on

the pantry for supplemental support.

The Kosher Senior Café offers up to five kosher meals JCS volunteers each week for older adults and support system. those with disabilities at Led by President and two locations: the Dwares CEO Pam Morris, JCS conJewish Community Center tinues to work and thrive in Providence and Temple in its relationship with the Sinai in Cranston. AddiAlliance. “Because of its tionally, at-home delivertremendous fundraising ies take place weekly to efforts, the Jewish Alliance accommodate those who are helps to support essential homebound. Both opportusocial services to the comnities offer nutritious meals munity through its collaband socialization. oration with and financial At lunch, the group dissupport of JCS, she said. cusses world events, listens “Without the support (from to live music, and enjoys the Jewish Alliance), JCS exploring topics and shared could not provide kosher hobbies. At home, when volmeals at the Senior Café unteers come a-knocking, or to homebound seniors, they offer conversation and nourishing groceries from kindness too. the kosher food pantry, “I look forward to the friendly visits to nursing senior lunches each week. home residents, assessment They’re delicious and give and support for essential me a spot to hang my hat services and financial with friends,” shares one needs through our case Senior Cafe guest. management program, Case Management and or engagement with Kesher Outreach funded the synagogue congrethrough the Alliance’s gations. JCS and the Community Campaign Jewish Alliance benefit help to assess and identify from each other’s sucand customize needs for cesses.” care and wellness. Case JCS commits to workers serve as advocates serving and supporting for clients, many of whom vulnerable community are struggling financially, members and relies lacking adequate houson a person-centered ing, are unemployed, and assessment approach to require food items and/or identify specific needs. senior care support among Given the nation’s other needs. Often the case mental health crisis as manager assigned to a case well as the countless serves as a client’s family, and growing needs for cheerleader, and entire basic human and social

resources, the community must continue to care for its most vulnerable. To have a real impact, one effective way to do so is through a contribution or increased contribution to the Alliance’s Community Campaign. Giving a gift to the campaign helps to support and diversify your giving, and assures key priorities, including human and social services, formal and informal education, and community engagement, are regularly tended to and will continue to be well into the future.

Each gift honors these priorities and reaches partners such as JCS. To get involved in the allocations

process, through committee membership or contributing to the Community Campaign, visit: https:// www.jewishallianceri. org/support-us/featured/ donate-now or contact Brad Swartz, fundraising and partnership manager: bswartz@jewishallianceri. org.

BRAD SWARTZ (bswartz@ jewishallianceri.org) is the fundraising and partnership manager at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

26 | NOVEMBER 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

Seasonal fun at Alliance plant sale COOL WEATHER and crisp air greeted visitors to the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s Fall Plant Sale Oct. 20.

The participating vendors offered plants and pumpkins for sale.

There were alpacas to watch and apple cider and donuts to snack on.

Pumpkin decorating was a popular activity with young families.

And everyone enjoyed the performance by the Rehoboth Sunday Night Jammers.

PHOTOS | LYNNE BELL

JORI prepares for summer 2025 propelled by new grants

BY MICHAEL SCHUSTER

A

lthough the leaves at Camp JORI’s 72-acre waterfront site on Worden’s Pond, have just started to turn, plans are being prepared

for next summer – the camp’s 88th. Each season, the camp’s staff works hard all year to improve the camper and family experience at JORI. RECENTLY, the camp received news that it received a $382,000 grant from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank for a solar project that was designed by Pete Fine of US SolarWorks. In the planning process for six years, the project was unable to move forward due to lack of funding. The $628,938 proj-

ect will be supplemented by a Federal Incentive for Non-Profits grant of $188,681 and a Commerce Rhode Island Rebate of $57,832.

Once completed, the solar array will produce enough energy to offset the electricity usage of the entire camp facility. The project involves installing 288 solar panels, generating 186,050

kWh (kilowatt hours) per year. The camp will still be hooked up to the grid, but the new solar power will offset the energy usage through RI’s Net Metering program. The initial savings to the camp will be $60,000 annually, and will increase in value over time, shielding the camp from future energy cost increases. These savings will provide additional funds for camp scholarships and improved programming.

This past summer the camp air conditioned its dining room with a $150,000 grant from the Champlin Foundations.

This has greatly improved the camper experience by providing a cooling area

during some of the summer’s hottest, most humid, days. In addition, the camp has recently renovated its health center (named for Peter Smith) with a generous gift from Harvey and Susan Smith.

A Rhode Island Foundation organization development and strategy grant has recently helped the camp market itself better for off-season uses. The grant will provide for consulting and marketing services to create more regional awareness of the camp’s facilities and program capabilities. Monies received from off-season uses are allocated to the camp’s scholarship fund. Presently, the camp can accommodate weddings, Bar and Bat Mitz-

vahs, youth groups, family reunions, Shabbatons and other short-term camp experiences. Several other weeklong camps are housed at JORI once the season ends.

Camp JORI is Rhode Island’s only Jewish overnight camp. The camp’s overnight program is for children ages 7-16. The camp is welcoming to all Jewish denominations and interfaith families.

For more information about JORI, please visit the camp’s web site www. campjori.com or call camp director, Kara Liberman MICHAEL SCHUSTER is a former Camp JORI board president and current Camp JORI board member.

Explore the fascinating history of talitot on Nov. 21 JEWISH PRAYER SHAWLS (talitot) have a fascinating history and an expressive present and future.

On Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., at Temple Habonim, in Barrington, join professional weaver Sarah Saulson for an illustrated lecture revealing the historical roots and personal stories behind these meaningful shawls.

She will explore the significance

of prayer shawls in Jewish ritual, their connection to Biblical text and the story of tzitzit (the ritual fringes on each corner of a talit). There will be beautiful images of talitot created by Sarah, each unique and revealing a moving story about its wearer.

Sarah Saulson has been weaving since childhood. She taught

handweaving at Syracuse University and now teaches at the Rhode Island Weaving Center, in Wakefield. Sarah weaves talitot at her studio at Hope Artiste Village, in Pawtucket. When not weaving, Sarah enjoys cooking, kayaking and checking out the restaurant scene in Providence. Learn more at www. sarahsaulson.com.

Temple Habonim, 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington, invites the community for an evening of tradition, storytelling and learning about Jewish customs. For more information, go to templehabonim. org.

Submitted by Temple Habonim

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

JEWISH

RHODE ISLAND's

AMADEUS NOVEMBER 2024 | 27

BY PETER SHAFFER

This Month in

History

NOV 7 - DEC 1

THE GAMM THEATRE

Knock-Out Publicity WE CAN ONLY HOPE that, one day, Hollywood makes a biopic about Kingfish Levinsky, the Depression-era boxer and one of the more colorful sports figures of the 1930s. Born Harris Kraków in 1910, Levinsky was a mediocre prize-fighter but a master of self-promotion; he had a large fan-base in his native Chicago, largely thanks to his spitfire sister and manager, “Leaping Lena” Levy (seen here in a photo from the Nov. 9, 1934 Jewish Herald). Whether his affinity for “fan dancers” was a real problem or just a publicity stunt is hard to say, but Levinsky did in fact marry burlesque performer Roxana Sand in 1934 (before they divorced a month later). Fittingly, Levinsky spent successive decades as a professional wrestler. Really, the screenplay writes itself.

Newspaper courtesy Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association

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

28 | NOVEMBER 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

Fall at Providence Hebrew Day

Middle School Girls at PHDS enjoy their apple picking expedition in honor of Rosh Hashana.

Adina Weisman, 12th grader at NEAT, showing her clay art.

Preschool at PHDS proudly display their caterpillars after reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar!

1st graders at PHDS proudly display their art!

Mrs. Boyacigiller’s class at PHDS stand by their leaf art.

PHOTOS | PHDS

Jewish organizations in Rhode Island secure over $2M in nonprofit security grants

BY EMMA NEWBERY IN A SIGNIFICANT move to bolster security for local Jewish institutions, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, along with several other Jewish organizations in the state, have secured over $2 million in federal Nonprofit Security Grants.

These funds are designed to enhance the safety and security of Jewish institutions and nonprofits that may be at risk for hate crimes or other acts of violence. For the 2024 fiscal year, over 200 million dollars were allo-

cated by FEMA for state-specific funding to prevent hate crimes and ensure security.

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, which played a key role in advocating for these grants, is one of several local organizations benefiting from the funding.

Other recipients include Chabad of College Hill, Jewish Collaborative Services, Jewish Children's Home of Rhode Island (operating as Camp JORI), Providence Hebrew Day School, Temple Beth-El Congregation Sons of Israel and David, Temple Emanu-El, Temple Habonim,

Temple Sinai, and The Brown Hillel Foundation (Brown RISD Hillel).

This collective effort demonstrates the Jewish community's commitment to safety, especially in light of rising concerns about antisemitic threats and violence, explains Alliance President and CEO Adam Greenman.

“We're excited that so many Jewish institutions received critical funds to bolster their security in this time of rising hatred and antisemitism. I'm really glad that the Alliance was able to provide a grant writer to

help so many of these agencies access these important funds,” he added.

The grants will be used to fund a variety of security enhancements, including the installation of security cameras, reinforced doors, and emergency preparedness training to ensure the community is secured against the climate of rising extremism today.

The state’s Jewish institutions have long been centers of religious, cultural and social engagement. With this additional security funding, they are better positioned

to continue providing these services while maintaining the safety of their members and visitors.

This funding represents a significant investment in the local Jewish community’s security infrastructure, ensuring that Rhode Island’s Jewish institutions can thrive safely for years to come.

EMMA NEWBERY (enewbery@ jewishallianceri.org) is a staff writer and podcast host for Jewish Rhode Island.

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY

RI-produced Jewish short film ‘Perpetual’ wins in New Bedford

BY SETH CHITWOOD

T

he short documentary “Perpetual” has

been making waves in the film festival circuit, winning awards and touching hearts along the way. Having received Best Voiceover Performance at the New Bedford Film Festival, it was also shown at the 6th Annual Mental Health Suicide Awareness Film Festival in Denver, Colorado, on Sept. 29.

THE FILM, directed by artist and essayist Sally Edelstein, uses her skills as an artist and writer to paint a vivid collage of loss, despair, trauma, but also resilience, determination and hope in the film.

The film is based on her essay, “Finding Solace in an Unlikely Spot,” published in Lilith Magazine.

It tells the story of how Edelstein found strength in her Jewish heritage by visiting her family cemetery, and how she was able to reframe her experiences through art and storytelling.

"Describing my lifelong battle with depression, PTSD and suicidal thoughts, I share the solace I found in an unexpected place,” Edelstein said.

Co-produced by Rhode Island resident John Martin, the 12-minute film tells the deeply personal and moving story of a Jewish woman's battle with depression and how she finds solace in an

unexpected place - a Jewish cemetery.

Martin, a former columnist for the Providence Journal and current AARP Rhode Island communications director, served as editor for the film.

Martin's previous work on Edelstein's essayturned-film earned him the Best Editing/Short Documentary award at the Gothamite Film Awards in New York City earlier this year.

Despite the film's success, Edelstein said she remains humble and grateful for the opportunity to share her story.

"I am deeply grateful to be heard… that you heard my voice. And I am grateful to speak for all those who can't, and that I can use my voice for them," she said at the New Bedford Film Festival, where she beat out big names such as actor Liam Neeson for the Best Voiceover award.

Through "Perpetual," Edelstein hopes to shed light on the often-misunderstood topic of mental health, particularly in these difficult times. She hopes that by watching the film, people will have a deeper understanding of depression and the importance of taking care of one's mental health.

As the film continues to make its mark in the film industry, it is a reminder of the power of heritage, speaking up and finding solace in unexpected places.

SETH CHITWOOD (www. sethchitwood.com), of Barrington, is a features reporter for The StandardTimes, in New Bedford. He is also the creative director of the award-winning Angelwood Pictures production company.

NOVEMBER 2024 | 29

30 | NOVEMBER 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

Freedom of religion in practice: Roger Williams and the Hahn Memorial

BY LINDA LOTRIDGE LEVIN

“I

acknowledge that to molest any person, Jew or Gentile, for either professing doctrine, or practicing worship meerly religious

or spiritual, is to persecute him, and such a person (whether his doctrine be true or false) suffers persecution of conscience.” Roger Williams, 1644 AS ANTISEMITISM SPREADS and deepens in this country and around the world, two groups in Rhode Island have come together to use storytelling to educate the public about the history of the state’s Jews, and, in particular, one Jewish family.

It may seem like an unusual pairing at first.

But considering the state was founded by a man whose belief that religious beliefs should be protected, a freedom that found its way into the First Amendment, it seems natural that the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association and the Roger Williams National Memorial, a park at the edge of downtown Providence, should work together using the story of the Hahn Memorial which is inside the park to try to combat antisemitism.

Soon after the historical association’s 2024 spring meeting where Park Ranger Andrew Schnetzer gave a

presentation on the Hahn family, he and the association’s archivist Sam Turco decided to seek a competitive grant from the National Parks Service Foundation to do more research on the Hahns and to use it to tell the story of the Hahn Memorial, one of the key features of the Roger Williams National Memorial.

When the $72,500 grant was awarded to the two organizations late this past summer, Turco said, “We at the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association look forward to the opportunities presented to us through this grant. Not only do we intend to bring to light the legacy of the Hahn family, we hope to educate the public about the influential Jewish history embedded in the state of Rhode Island.”

Schnetzer said, “There were so many reasons why this grant opportunity is such a good match between the National Park Service

and the RI Jewish Historical Association. First, the Washington DC office reached out to us over a year ago to seek our participation in the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.”

He added, “The reason seemed obvious – Roger Williams established the practical foundations for the separation of Church and State in the mid-1600s which opened the door for the second permanent Jewish settlement in America, in Newport. But we immediately made a more direct connection to the National Memorial (in Providence).

In 1929, J. Jerome Hahn was the first person to preserve the land that eventually became the National Memorial itself – we have been calling that lot “The Hahn Memorial” for decades.”

Schnetzer said that once they started digging more deeply into the story of the Hahn family, “there was a clear need to collaborate with experts in RI Jewish history. RIJHA was our first call.”

The Hahn Memorial, an octagonal well, is in a small courtyard and is traditionally considered the freshwater spring around which Roger Williams established the Providence settlement in 1636. It is the only memorial in New England inside a

national memorial.

Judge Jerome Hahn, the first Jewish supreme court justice in Rhode Island, owned the land and a house on the site of the spring not far from the site of Roger Williams’ 1636 house and trading post, along a major thoroughfare and gathering place of the Narragansetts.

In 1928, Hahn donated both to the city of Providence in honor of his father, Isaac Hahn, the first person of Jewish heritage elected to public office in Rhode Island. Roger Williams may have wondered why it took so long. The memorial was owned and maintained by the city until 1974 when it was given to the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Isaac Hahn, a prominent 19th century Jewish businessman and community leader, was remembered for his contributions to various industries and his civic engagements, including his tenure in the Rhode Island General Assembly and his role in establishing the Sons of Israel and David Synagogue.

Isaac’s son, Jerome Hahn, played a significant role in Rhode Island’s legal history.

He was the second Jew to pass the Rhode Island Bar Exam, and later served as an associate justice of the Rhode Island Supreme

Court.

The grant will address the remarkable contributions of the Hahn family by engaging both youth and adult audiences.

Turco and Schnetzer said, “First, we will create a 4th–6th grade lesson plan and accompanying Junior Ranger Activity Booklet that could be used in classrooms, at the National Memorial site, and around the state.”

They said that the grant also will be used to create a traveling exhibit designed for adult audiences and will be installed in libraries, community centers, and local/state/federal visitor centers in the area and be accompanied by formal talks and programs.

Schnetzer said, “The growing partnership between the National Park Service and Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association (RIJHA) will broaden the community profile of these organizations within the thriving and active urban setting of Providence.”

LINDA LOTRIDGE LEVIN is president of the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association and a professor emerita of journalism at the University of Rhode Island.

Alliance Community Campaign a meaningful way to make a year-end gift THE HOLIDAY SEASON is fast approaching, and we know how busy you are! The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island wants to make your year-end giving easier. Below are some meaningful ways to give along with deadlines to keep in mind to ensure receipt by the end of the year.

When you give to the Alliance’s Community Campaign, your contribu-

tion reaches around the world. Your gift directly touches thousands of lives and supports the community’s priorities of social and human services; formal and informal Jewish education; and community collaboration and engagement. To learn more about the impact of the Community Campaign locally and globally, go to www.jewishallianceri.org/ about/our-impact/annu-

al-community-campaign.

Thank you for your commitment to the Community Campaign and thank you for your compassion and generosity.

For assistance making a gift including confirming instructions for electronic transfer, please email donate@jewishallianceri. org or call 401-421-4111 Submitted by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island

Contribution options

Critical giving dates

Credit card transactions

Receive by Tuesday, Dec. 31

Checks

Postmarked by Tuesday, Dec. 31

Wire or online transfers

Receive by Tuesday, Dec. 31

Securities via DTC Transfer

Initiate by Friday, Dec. 13

Mutual fund shares

Initiate process by Monday, Dec. 2

ACH

Initiate process by Monday, Dec. 16

Grant recommendations from JFF donor advised funds

Submit by Friday, Dec. 13.

Requests received later may be remitted to the grantee in January 2025.

NOVEMBER 2024 | 31

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

COMMUNITY

A giving way to celebrate

BY CLAIRE UZIEL ADELE G. ESPO CELEBRATED her 100th birthday in September of this year with a big party planned by her four children. The invitation requested that instead of giving Adele a gift, guests contribute to a fund close to her heart. She and her mother, Eve Medoff Goldberg, established the Harlan J. Espo Fund in 1968 at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Providence to help JCC board members attend national conferences. Adele’s husband, Harlan, became JCC president that year, so she learned quickly that financial assistance was essential for many lay leaders to travel to such events.

Adele is a lifelong Rhode Islander and has been involved with the JCC since the mid-1940s. Adele taught at the JCC nursery school when the JCC was on Benefit Street. Harlan got involved at the JCC when the Espo children were participating in

youth programs. Two of their children were close to the late Charlotte Goldenberg, director of the teen program.

Adele recalls that a highlight of Harlan’s presidency was the planning and construction of the new building at the corner of Elmgrove Avenue and Sessions Street; he then had the honor of hanging the mezuzah on the door.

Harlan was pleased that Adele, and his mother-in-law, created the fund in his name.

Since he was busy with his JCC work, he welcomed their efforts without his direct involvement. Adele believes he would be very grateful that his legacy continues to provide funding for Jewish community leaders to enable them to give back to the community.

For Adele’s part, she’s been giving back continuously.

Although Harlan died in 1990, she regularly adds to the fund. As she says, “It’s an honor and in memory of my dear husband. I want to

remember him, and it’s wonderful when others support a cause he cared so much about.”

Adele’s children, in turn, have honored Adele on the occasion her of 100th birthday by adding her name to the fund – now the Harlan J. and Adele G. Espo Fund – and by contributing to it themselves.

Though Adele and Harlan left Providence nearly 35 years ago, when they moved to Adele Espo with her children (left to right) Joe, David, Hal, PHOTO | ESPO FAMILY Florida, she still and Caryn at her 100th birthday feels like a Rhode Islander. She keeps birthday, visit https://jffri. perpetuity. For more inforup with local news and kimbia.com/donate or send mation, contact endowment@ remains a member of Temple a check made out to the fund jewishallianceri.org or Emanu-El, where she and name to Jewish Federation 401.421.4111.

Harlan had family roots Foundation, 401 Elmgrove and where their children Ave, Providence, RI 02906.

CLAIRE UZIEL is the attended Hebrew School.

Establishing an endowendowment/campaign To contribute to the Harlan ment fund is an easy way operations manager at the J. and Adele G. Espo Fund to ensure you will be supJewish Alliance of Greater in honor of Adele’s 100th porting the community in Rhode Island.

OF THE JEWISH ALLIANCE

S AT. | D E C . 7 | 2 0 2 4 | 6 : 3 0 PM D W A R E S J C C | 401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence

JOIN US

as we honor and celebrate our esteemed past presidents and embrace exciting possibilities for our future! The evening will commemorate our rich legacy and highlight a range of family and youth programs provided to the community at the Dwares Jewish Community Center and elsewhere by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

BLACK TIE OPTIONAL

PRICING $180 per individual $54 per child (Bonus Kids’ Bash)

SPECIAL GUEST GAD ELBAZ CANDLE LIGHTING MUSIC B Y R A B B I N OA M K AT Z P L AT E D D I N N E R & DA N C I N G

jewishallianceri.org

BONUS KIDS’ BASH C O M P L I M E N TA R Y VA L E T PA R K I N G

of Greater Rhode Island’s Jewish 32The |Voice NOVEMBER 2024 Community

WATCH REPAIR & SALES

JEWISH

Jewish RhodeESTATE Island | jewishrhody.org REAL

RHODE ISLAND

Business & Professional Directory CPA

Rochelle Ellen Ziegler REALTOR® Licensed in RI, MA & CT

· 18 years Experience & Top Producer · Top 3% of Coldwell Banker Realty Worldwide JewishRI#2&3:Layout 1

8/16/24

12:44 AM

EYEGLASS READERS

Page 1

· Clients are forever grateful

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

1000 Division Street, Suite 15 East Greenwich, RI 02818

401.474.0735

Rochelle.Ziegler@NEMoves.com

ThE OnLy OpTiCaL ShOp In PvD WhIcHIs AlMoSt AlL ReAdErS We have the biggest selection of locally made, high quality, reasonabley priced, unusual, artsy, original & over the counter handcrafted readers.You will have toget used to all the compliments you will receive.

WHEN WOODROW WILSON WAS PRESIDENT, 25¢ COULD BUY A GALLON OF GAS, AND A ‘TWEET’ WAS A BIRD TALKING

IN ThE CoUrTyArD OF

3 AcOrN StReEt PrOvIdEnCe

OpEn WeD-FrI 11-4

WE’VE BEEN HERE SINCE 1 9 1 9

(732)687-0193

f 4 01 /4 2 1 - 5 1 57 www. a d l e r s r i .co m

& By ApPoInTmEnT

THERAPY

1 73 W I C K E N D E N PV D

INSURANCE

NOVEMBER 2024 | 33

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

OBITUARIES Sandra Africk, 91

WARWICK, R.I. – Sandra Africk, of Warwick and formerly of Pawtucket, passed away Oct. 12, 2024, surrounded by her three devoted daughters. She was the loving wife of the late Morton J. Africk and the daughter of the late Irving and Sadie (Bulkin) Bernstein.

Sandra was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She attended Brooklyn College and soon after marrying, at the age of 20, moved with Morton to Rhode Island. As a stay-at-home mother to four children, she took pleasure in raising and taking care of her family. She was a traditional mother who was happiest caring for her family.

Sandra had many interests and talents. She was a member of many organizations, including the Institute of Mental Health and the League of Woman Voters and a lifetime member of Hadassah. She was a member of Temple Emanu-El, in Providence, and Temple Sinai, in Cranston. She devoted her time to many social causes to better society. She was an active member and volunteer at the Pawtucket Senior Center, interested in helping and improving the lives of others.

She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing and dance. She was a member of the Sweet Adelines International Chorus for many years.

After her beloved husband passed away at the young age of 53, she began working in retail as a women’s stylist where she sold and outfitted clothes for woman.

She worked at Donlevy’s and Cohoes, and then became a Jordan Marsh Liz Claiborne specialist. Upon the closure of Jordan Marsh, she worked at Macy’s Warwick Mall and then transferred to Macy’s Swansea Mall, continuing to work there until she was 80 years old.

Sandra is the mother of the late Philip Africk. She is survived by three daughters, Davina Villeneuve, and her husband, Kevin, of East Greenwich; Sherri Greenberg, and her husband, Jeffrey, of Tampa, Florida; and Lisa Africk Hague, of Cranston; eight grandchildren, Merrick Villeneuve, Jacquelyn Greenberg, Joshua Villeneuve, Philicia Greenberg, Jena Villeneuve, Jared Hague, Shea Greenberg and

Morgan Hague; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She is the sister of the late Sidney Bernstein and late Pauline Landau and sister-in-law of the late Ruth Bernstein, late Irving Landau and late Barbara Handelsman.

Contributions may be made to Association for Autism and Neurodiversity, 85 Main St., Suite 3, Watertown, MA 02472 or https://aane.org/support-us/ways-to-give/.

Myra Blank, 83

JOHNSTON, R.I. – Myra (Stein) Blank, of Johnston and formerly of Warwick, passed away Oct. 18, 2024.

She was the beloved wife of the late Jason L. Blank; they were happily married for 54 years.

Daughter of the late Sam and Sylvia (Hochman) Stein, she grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and attended Boston University, where she met her future husband.

Mrs. Blank was a children’s librarian at the Providence Public Library. She also was the interlibrary loan officer at Rhode Island College Library for many years.

Myra enjoyed, photography, cooking and listening to music, and she owned a silkscreened clothing business.

She is survived by her two sons David Blank-Edelman and his spouse, Cindy, and Steven Edelman-Blank and his spouse, Deborah; her brother, Edgar Fox; two grandchildren, Elijah Blank-Edelman and Chloe Edelman-Blank; several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Marshall Goldberg, 78

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Marshall Goldberg, of East Providence, passed away Oct. 19, 2024, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence.

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Abraham and Selma (Blum) Goldberg.

A graduate of Pawtucket West High School, Class of 1964, Marshall went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1968. A salesman at Jofran Inc., he sold multiple different manufacturers to

furniture retailers all around New England, from 1981 until just recently, retiring due to illness. He also opened a store in Memphis selling patio furniture and seasonal décor with his former wife and worked for Johnson Outboard Motors for several years.

An avid camper, counselor and waterfront coordinator at Camp Brunonia in Casco, Maine, he loved water-skiing and teaching others to water ski (including legendary Celtic Bill Russell). Marshall was a competitive marksmen and raced cars for Smokey Cerrone in his teens. He also raced power boats for Johnson Marine in the ’70s and was a member of the National Powerboat Association of America. An avid New England sports fan, Marshall learned Martial Arts in his adult life. He was a congregant of Temple Emanu-El in Providence.

Most of all he was a devoted father - there for all of his kids’ games, tournaments and events and was a beloved Pops to all of his grandkids.

He is survived by his amazing partner, Mary Jane Mahoney, from whom he had been nearly inseparable since they met in 2019 and provided great comfort and loving companionship to each other in the golden years of life; his son, Jesse Goldberg and his partner, Maggie, who gave Marshall a grandson Oscar only a couple of months ago; his daughter, Rebekah Ortell and her husband, Justin, and their daughter Shaun and his former spouse, Elizabeth Goldberg. He was grandfather of the late Summit Ortell.

Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 245 Waterman St. #306, Providence, RI 02906.

Chandler, Arizona. She was the dear sister of Samuel Goldman, of Warwick; Jonathan Goldman, of Cranston; and Louis Goldman, of Providence. She was the loving grandmother of Keira Schulman.

Contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Milton Kapelus, 87

Following a long, brave battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, Milton Paul Kapelus passed away Sept. 22, 2024, surrounded by family. He was the former husband of Denyse (Levitt) Kapelus.

He is survived by three children, Jerome Kapelus, and his wife, Jolie, of New York City; Darren Kapelus, of New York City; and Lisa Kirshenbaum, and her husband, Evan, of Cranston; his sister, Pamela “Pam” Rabman, of Toronto, Canada; seven beloved grandchildren, Liza Kapelus, and her wife, Hanna LoBello; Sydney Kapelus; Griffin Kapelus; Billy Kapelus; Kate Moskin; Nate Kirshenbaum; Lucy Kirshenbaum; a nephew, Leigh Rabman; and a niece, Alison Sher. He was the brother of the late Saville Kapelus.

Born in Benoni, South

Africa, a son of the late Louis and Dorothy (Paul) Kapelus, he immigrated to the United States in 1979 to build a better future for his children. He and his family lived in Larchmont, New York, for many years, and then in Manhattan, New York, before moving to Rhode Island a few years ago. Milton earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rhodes University, in South Africa, and managed a number of advertising agencies – with both domestic and international accounts – for many years before retiring.

Milton was knowledgeable about wine; he enjoyed traveling, international soccer and cricket; and he especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Most of all, he was kind, gentle and nonjudgmental, and always steadfast and optimistic.

Donations can be made to Friends of the Cranston Animal Shelter (FOCAS), 920 Phenix Ave., Cranston, RI 02921.

Elaine Kaufman, 92

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Elaine Estelle Kaufman, daughter of the late Ida (Feynman) Kahn and Martin Kahn,

Sandra Goldschein, 81

SUN LAKES, ARIZ. – Sandra Goldschein passed away on Oct. 8, 2024, at home. She was the beloved wife of the late Alan Goldschein. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Sanford and Ester E. Goldschein. She had lived in Sun Lakes for 22 years, previously living in California. She was a housing agent who made it possible for people to find and buy their homes, from starters to forever. She was always happy to assist in any way she could.

She was a member of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation and the Chabad Centers of California.

She was the devoted mother of Brian L. Schulman, of

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

34 | NOVEMBER 2024

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

OBITUARIES died peacefully on Oct. 25, at Wingate Residences in Providence, surrounded by her loving family. She is predeceased by her sister Shirley Webb and her son-in-law Lawrence Gaynor. She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert (Bob) Kaufman, with whom Elaine celebrated her 70th anniversary on September 25. She is also survived by her loving children Brenda Gaynor, of Providence; and Gary Kaufman and his wife, Miriam Ross, of Providence; as well as her four devoted grandchildren and their partners: Adam and Salonee, Amanda and Bradley, Rachel and Moshe, and Joshua.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Elaine moved to Mas-

sachusetts in her youth and graduated from Girls Latin School in Boston. She began her college career at Brandeis University, before transferring to Columbia University, where she also worked for Prof. Lawrence Cremin at Teachers College. It was during that time that Elaine went home to Nantasket, Massachusetts, and met Bob on a blind date. They married one year later in 1954.

Bob and Elaine enjoyed 70 years of beautiful marriage, living each day by their signature motto “every day is a new adventure.” Their marriage was one filled with devotion, Saturday afternoons spent listening to the Metropolitan Opera

on the radio, sailboat rides on Narragansett Bay on the Panache, and endless love.

Bob adored Elaine, and she him.

They raised their children Brenda and Gary in Barrington where they were proud members of the Jewish community. In 1963, Elaine was one of the founding members of the Barrington Jewish Center, now Temple Habonim, where she would go on to serve as sisterhood president. Elaine was also instrumental to the renovation of The United Brothers Synagogue in Bristol where she and Bob were members for many years in the 1970s.

Elaine went back to school in the 1980s to complete a college degree at the University of Rhode Island with a degree in English Literature. She had a tremendous passion for the arts. Elaine served as a member of the Rhode Island State Council of the Arts. She was the director and curator of the art collection at Anyart Contemporary Art Gallery on Steeple Street in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Elaine was a performer herself. She starred in many productions with the Barrington Players and the Barker Playhouse in Providence.

Elaine’s involvement in the arts continued after she and Bob retired to Sarasota, Florida, in 1995. She planned and coordinated art tours in both Sarasota and Tampa, curated art shows at the Palm Aire Country Club, and continued to be an active member of community theater. She performed with both the Asolo Theater Readers Circle and many times with the Florida Senior Theater, including playing the leading role of Dolly in a full-length production of “The Matchmaker” in her eighties. She also proudly appeared in the movie “Last Will and Embezzlement” starring Mickey Rooney.

Elaine traveled extensively with Bob, including memorable trips to Europe as well as a trip to Russia in 2006 with dear friends Tatiana and David Netes. Elaine also traveled many times with her Aunt and Uncle Alberta and Jack Feynman. Their destinations included China, Tunisia, the Alaskan highway, and Morocco, where she had an audience at the palace with the King.

Elaine’s family and friends delighted in her company, and she loved her family fiercely. She was a devoted and highly engaged mother and grandmother. Elaine spoke to her children and

grandchildren daily, including those living across the country and in Israel. She was thrilled to be able to attend her granddaughter Rachel’s baby shower this past July and found endless joy in the family’s accomplishments and milestones.

Together with Bob, she warmly opened her Sarasota home to her children, grandchildren and their friends.

Elaine’s family loved nothing more than to sit with her on her lanai in Sarasota, enjoying a beautiful sunset.

Perhaps Elaine would tell one of her wonderful stories; certainly she would say “I love you, darling.”

Elaine’s embraced others with fullness and warmth.

She formed meaningful relationships with the many wonderful caregivers who gave her and Bob such comfort later in their lives. The family is particularly grateful to Veronica Sauceda for her kindness, dedication and love.

Sheldon Lipson, 91

BETHESDA, MD. – Sheldon Robert Lipson, of Bethesda, Maryland, passed away Oct. 7, 2024, at Sibley Memorial Hospital. He was the loving husband of Maria-Elena (Destefano) Lipson, with whom he shared 30 years of marriage.

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late William and Anna “Anne” (Cort) Lipson. He had lived in Maryland for many years.

Sheldon attended Classical High School, where he made many friends and had a knack for making people laugh. In the summer, he enjoyed escaping to Camp Avoda on Tispaquin Pond, in Middleboro, Massachusetts.

After graduating from Classical in 1950, Sheldon attended Drake University for his first year before transferring to The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in economics in 1954. Upon graduation, Sheldon went on to earn a Bachelor of Laws from Boston University in 1959 and a Master of Laws from Georgetown University in 1963. A veteran of the United States Army and the Army Reserves, he served from 1954 to 1978, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel.

Sheldon practiced administrative law and was a judge

for many years before retiring. He was on the board of directors of Amnesty International of the United States of America from 1964 to 1967 and a member of the Conference of Administrative Law Judges of the American Bar Association. When Sheldon wasn’t in the courtroom, you could find him clowning around with his kids or performing with his all-volunteer nonprofit theater group, Hexagon, that staged original, satirical, musical comedy – he’d, no doubt, always play the quirky character with the funny accent.

Sheldon’s infectious personality and sense of humor won over the heart of Maria-Elena when they met at a mutual friend’s party. She gave him the wrong number by mistake when he asked for her phone number, but he called the operator and tracked it down. His persistence paid off when wedding bells were in their future.

In addition to his beloved wife, Maria-Elena, he is survived by three children, David Lipson; Jonathan Lipson, and his wife, Yvonne; and Janet Lipson; three grandchildren, Austin Lipson, and his wife, Ally Patrick; McKenna Lipson and Abigale Lipson; a daughter-in-law, Deborah Isaacs; one brother, Maurice “Uncle Moe” Lipson, and his wife, Mary; a nephew, Robert Lipson; a niece, Rebecca Lipson Solari; four stepchildren, James Ugarte; Diana Miroquesada, and her husband, Diego; Oscar Ugarte, and his wife, Jodie; Lorena Tatusko, and her husband, Stephen; eight step-grandchildren, Savannah, Grant, Pierce and Soleil Ugarte; Katherine Cordova; Allegra Euler; Konradt and Saskia Tatusko; and one step-great-grandchild, Koree Cordova.

Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Mitchell Pinsly , 78

WAKEFIELD, R.I. – Mitchell Pinsly died at his home in South Kingstown on Oct. .

He was the beloved husband and best friend of Sandra (Promisloff) Pinsly for 56 years.

Born in Providence, Mitchell was the son of Melvin and Etta Pinsly. He was predeceased by his brother, Howard. Mitchell was the devoted father of Jeremy Pinsly, of Warwick, and Matthew Pinsly and his wife, Marcy, of Miami Beach, Florida; and was the loving grandfather of

NOVEMBER 2024 | 35

jewishrhody.org | Jewish Rhode Island

OBITUARIES Max and Madeleine. Also surviving are his sister, Sharon Williams and her husband, Larry, of North Kingstown; and his niece, Melissa Montiero, and husband, Brian; and great-nieces Abbie and Avery. Mitchell was the faithful master to his beloved dog, Rosey. He is also survived by a host of friends and family.

Mitchell lived in Pennsylvania for over 52 years before returning to Rhode Island in 2020. He attended Temple University and was a graduate of Temple University School of Law. Mitchell was a well-respected litigator who practiced in Philadelphia for decades at Margolis Edelstein. While attending law school, he taught special needs students in the Philadelphia School District.

Mitchell served as president of Congregation Melrose Bnai-Israel Emanuel in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, and dedicated his time volunteering at the Abington Free Library.

Contributions may be made to NAMI Rhode Island, Congregation Beth David, Narragansett or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Vladimir Rakiyer, 67

PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Vladimir Rakiyer, of Pawtucket, passed away on Sept. 28, 2024, after a brief illness. Born in Moldova, he was the son of the late Shika and Roza (Belskaya) Rakiyer.

He is survived by his brother, Yefim Rakiyer, of Pawtucket; his aunt, Bluma Kanterman, and her husband, Boris, of Seekonk; two cousins, Vlad Kanterman, his wife, Kathy, and their children, Alyse and Justin; and Alex Kanterman, his wife, Debbie, and their children, Kayla and Kaci.

Jane Revkin, 67

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. – Jane Krasner Revkin, 67, of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 21, 2024, at St. Elizabeth’s Home, after living with Alzheimer’s Disease for over 7 years.

Born on December 3, 1956, in Providence, Rhode Island, Jane was the youngest daughter of Albert and Eleanor Krasner. Her love for learning took her to the University of Rhode Island for her undergraduate degree in horticulture, and later to Lesley University, where

she earned a M.Ed. in Arts Education.

Jane grew up in Cranston and married her high school sweetheart, Merrill Revkin, in 1978. Merrill passed away nearly 35 years ago, leaving Jane to raise their two children, Benjamin and Leah, with levity and resilience.

A devoted mother, she was proud of her children, and treasured the time she was able to spend with her four grandchildren, Maya, Adina, Jack, and Shea. She would have really enjoyed watching them grow up.

A resident of East Greenwich for nearly 30 years, Jane was a flutist and music educator, inspiring countless students with her passion, creativity, and positive energy.

In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, being outside, reading, and spending time with her pets. For as long as she could, she participated in Alzheimer’s advocacy in an effort to make a better world for her children.

She is survived by her children, Benjamin Revkin (Ilana) of East Greenwich, RI, and Leah Upton (Tim) of Stratham, NH; her four grandchildren; and her sisters, Paula Krasner and Robin Krasner Cossin.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Shalom Memorial Chapel, 1100 New London Ave, Cranston, at 1:30 PM, followed by interment at Lincoln Park Cemetery. The family will be sitting Shiva at the home of Benjamin and Ilana Revkin in East Greenwich directly following the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Jane’s memory.

Jerome Ritter, 97

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. – Jerome Ritter, beloved husband, uncle and friend, passed away on Oct. 10, 2024, in Delray Beach, Florida.

Born on July 22, 1927, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jerome, affectionately known as Jerry, led a life marked by dedication to his family and community.

Jerry graduated from Durfee High School, in Fall River, Massachusetts, and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.

During World War II, Jerry served honorably in the United States Army.

Professionally, Jerry was a respected manager at an electronic sheet metal company, where he formed

many lifelong friendships and initiated a tradition of weekly poker nights. He was not only committed to his work but also cherished the camaraderie it brought into his life.

Jerry married Judith Rodinsky, who was not just his wife of 59 years but also his best travel companion, near and far. Together, they enjoyed many adventures, including a memorable trip to Hawaii and several others.

An avid reader and sports enthusiast, Jerry enjoyed watching his favorite teams, the Red Sox and Patriots. He found joy and relaxation in these pastimes though he often humorously noted he could never read as many books as his wife.

Jerry’s spiritual life was deeply rooted in his community. He attended services in Brockton and later in Florida, reflecting his lifelong commitment to his faith and values it instilled in him.

Jerry is survived by his nieces, Helena Chirichella and husband, Steven, and Lisa Delfino and her husband, Robert, along with their families, who cherished his love and guidance. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith; his parents, Henry and Bertha Ritter; and sister, Sheila Ritter Bader.

Donations may be made to Trustbridge Hospice Center, of Delray Beach, Florida, or Jewish War Veterans. Jerry’s kind spirit and loving nature will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

setts; and daughter, Melissa Rosen, of Paxton, Massachusetts.

David is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Luis Colon; Jessica Colon; Kaitlyn Rosen and her husband, Douglas Michaels; Zachary Rosen and his wife, Brittany Rosen; Melanie Rosen; Tessie Taylor and her husband, William Taylor; Robert Rosen II; Jacob Rosen and Alex Rosen. He also had three great-grandchildren: Josi and Lola Rosen, and Kennedy Rosen-Michaels. His family was his whole life, and he loved them more than anything.

Donations may be made to the Rosen Cancer Awareness Fund. Donations may be mailed to the Division of University Advancement, Worcester State University, 486 Chandler St., Worcester, MA 01602.

Gerald Sherman, 78

CRANSTON, R.I. – Gerald S. Sherman passed away on Oct. 4, 2024, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice in Providence. He was the beloved husband of Anne (Hanson) Sherman for 52 years. Born in Providence, a son of the

late Milton and Sayde (Rosenfield) Sherman, he had lived in Cranston for over 50 years.

Gerald was a graduate of Hope High School, in Providence. He served during Vietnam and received an honorable discharge from the Air Force. He later earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island.

He was a salesperson in the southern New England area and a tax preparer for H&R Block for over 20 years and Anthony V. Ricci CPA, Inc., for over 10 years, retiring in 2020. Gerald was a devoted member of Temple Sinai and was a former treasurer for the Chased Shel Amess Association.

He was the devoted father of Lynda Bohling and her husband, Greg, of Auburn, Massachusetts; and Marsha Cleff and her husband, Jack, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

He was the dear brother of Faye Sherman. He was the loving grandfather of of Rachel and Sarah Bohling.

Contributions may be made to the RI Jewish Historical Association, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906 or a charity of your choice.

WE ARE READ

David Rosen, 88

David Lionel Rosen passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 11, 2024, after a brief illness. He was born on June 7, 1936, in London, England. In January 1957, David entered the Merchant Marine Navy, where he worked as a pastry baker.

After being discharged, he was sponsored to come to America and became the pastry baker at Widoff’s Bakery, in Worcester, Massachusetts.

He was also highly involved in the Masonic Lodge for over 55 years and held the position of Worshipful Master Mason.

He also received the Veterans Medal.

David married the love of his life, Joan Gesualdi Rosen, in 1961. They were married for 51 years until her passing in 2012. He is survived by his children: son, Jeffrey Rosen and his wife, Amy Rosen, of Johnston; son, Gregg Rosen and his wife, Pamela Rosen, of Warwick; son, Robert Rosen and his wife, Michaelle Rosen, of Taunton, Massachu-

WE ARE READ IN ITALY – Sharon Schwartz-Vanderhoff and her husband, Earl Vanderhoff, visited the Amalfi Coast in Italy earlier in the summer. They stayed in Vietri Sul Mare and are pictured on the island of Capri. They also visited Naples, Positano, Sorrento, Paestum and Ravello. Sharon reports that the trip was amazing and that Italy is very beautiful!

�e most important thing you can do while you’re here is to ensure the world will be better when you’re not.

One of life’s great achievements is the ability to leave a lasting legacy.

We can help.

rifoundation.org/legacy (401) 274-4564