JEWISH
RHODE ISLAND
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 XXXII, ISSUE V
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
COPY DEADLINES: All news releases, photographs, etc., must be received on the Wednesday 10 days prior to publication. Submissions may be sent to: editor@jewishallianceri.org.
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Celebrating an active and flourishing community
NOTE TO THE RHODE ISLAND JEWISH COMMUNITY: We really are a strong and vibrant group with a wide range of engaging activities and programming. This is especially noticeable in this month’s Jewish Rhode Island.
Just take a look at this 36-page issue. May is always a favorite because we feature your furry friends. We ask you to submit photos of your pets and you always respond. In my 11 years as editor, I’ve seen some adorable photos, and this year is no different. But I rarely remember such a diverse group. We have the usual dogs and cats. But this year brings us rabbits and a lizard!
The lizard almost made the cover of the issue. Except there were so many other candidates. As I was putting together the paper, I couldn’t help but marvel at all that has gone on in the Rhode Island Jewish community since our
Any one of these stories could have been featured in our center pages or as the lead story on the Community pages. Some photos were even strong enough for our cover. It was a tough choice.
A new sefer Torah was dedicated at the Chabad House on Hope Street. Elianna Bresler sent us some really terrific photos.
Jewish Community Day School and Providence Hebrew Day School both had many activities and submitted photos.
There were the celebrations and remembrances that go with Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha'Atzmaut.
And Temple Emanu-El has been celebrating 100 years as a synagogue. You can read more about that in our electronic newsletter later this month.
We have a record of all of this thanks to the efforts of those who contribute photos and articles to the paper: our small staff, our freelance photog rapher, those at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island who change hats and write for us and you the community who send us photos and articles. This is truly a community paper. A com munity that we cover because we all care about letting our friends and neighbors know what the Jewish community is all about.
you live in Rhode Island and certain parts of Southeastern Massachusetts? And for a minimal fee, friends and family across the U.S. can subscribe to the paper. Let me know if you’d like a copy sent to your home. Our readers also contribute to the paper through our Patron Campaign which is now going on. I’m sure you guessed that when that pesky envelope fell out of your paper. But our non-scientific reporting has shown that our readers use those envelopes to contribute to the campaign so you will also get an envelope in your June paper. We hope you will use it or even try out the “Donate” button at the top of our home page at jewishrhody.com.
The Patron Campaign is our annual fundraiser. It funds about one-third of our budget, and we hope you will consider a donation to keep our newspaper going. The greatest part of our funding comes from a grant from the Jewish Federation Foundation, and we are grateful for that. Advertising also plays a part in our budget. But as patrons and contributors and readers you can proudly say you are a part of the Jewish journalism that covers the Rhode Island Jewish community.
And we thank you! Oh, and that address for getting in touch? editor@jewishallianceri.org or 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.
Fran Ostendorf, Editor
And the word is getting out. Through our distribution across the state, those in the non-Jewish community can learn more about us. Word of mouth brings us new subscribers in the Jewish community who might not receive the paper. Did you know that you can receive a paper at home if
Taking care of each other: A communal responsibility
“Any woman who gives birth must have her needs met and more.”
That may sound like a line from a policy statement by Planned Parenthood or the Children’s Defense Fund, but I read these words in a collection of traditional commentaries, Iturei Torah, quoting the Belzer Rebbe. The statement is not derived from any modern conception of the rights of women and children. Rather it is derived from a passage in this week’s Torah portion that, on the surface, appears to be talking about how women are ritually impure after giving birth. The commentary observes, as did Rashi in the 11th century, that these verses about the ritual of purification for such a woman appear to be out of order:
“[THE PRIEST] SHALL offer [the mother’s offering of a sheep and a dove] before Adonai and make expiation on her behalf; she shall then be pure from her flow of blood. This is the Torah of one who gives birth to a male or female child. If she has insufficient means for a sheep, she shall take two pigeons or doves, one for a burnt offering and one for a purgation offering. The priest shall make expi-
’VAR
D
ation on her behalf, and she shall be pure.” (Leviticus 12:7-9)
TO RAH
RABBI JEFFREY GOLDWASSER
Rashi and the Belzer Rebbe both wonder why the standard offering of a sheep and dove is followed by the statement, “This is the Torah,” but the alternative offering of two pigeons given by a poor woman is not followed by a similar statement. Is the offering of the poor woman not also Torah? The classical answer is that
the offering of the wealthy woman is the way that it ought to be for everyone – “this is the Torah.” The Torah acknowledges that there are poor women who give birth who cannot afford the prescribed offering, but that is a disgrace. It should not be that way.
The Belzer Rebbe taught, “In truth, ‘The Torah of one who gives birth’ is that she should have the means to bring the offering of a wealthy person. According to the Torah, any woman who gives birth must have her needs met and more. But if it sometimes happens that ‘she has insufficient means’ this is not according to the Torah.”
Whose responsibility is it to make sure that her needs are met? The Torah seems to say that we should not expect God to provide for her. God has made provisions for her – reducing the expense of her offering –if the responsible party fails to do the right thing. Who is the responsible party? It is, of course, all of us. As the famous statement from the Talmud declares, “All Israel is responsible for one another” (B. Shevuot 39a).
We can have endless discussions and arguments about how this should happen. Should the government be responsible for meeting her needs? Should it be the
responsibility of private charities to support women’s reproductive health care? Our texts do not say. Yet, there is no ambiguity in our tradition about communal responsibility. No pregnant woman should ever be without the means to meet her basic needs. It would be a disgrace for the entire community.
Yet, this is the very disgrace that we see in America today. A study conducted by Columbia University researchers shows that poverty rates for American women tend to increase in the two months before birth and are at their highest in the first three months after giving birth. These trends are true both for women who receive government financial aid and for those who do not. For women without government support, poverty rates after giving birth are higher than 30%.
Here in Rhode Island, the statistics are equally disturbing. The Economic Progress Institute shows that 34% of Rhode Island’s two-parent households with two children earn less than the income required to meet their basic needs. For single
women expecting their first children, the situation is much worse: 73% of single adult women without children in Rhode Island cannot meet their basic needs. We are responsible for each other, particularly for those in need, particularly for those who give life. No woman, regardless of who she is or how she came to be pregnant, should be left without all her needs (and more) met as she brings new life into the world.
RABBI JEFFREY GOLDWASSER is the spiritual leader of Temple Sinai in Cranston. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty.
Study finds 38% of American Jews believe in life after death
BY BEN SALES JTA
On ly 38% of American Jews believe in an afterlife, far fewer than in Israel, according to a new study of spiritual practices around the world.
THAT SHARE was lower than the 83% of U.S. Christians who believe in life after death, as well as the 58% of Israeli Jews who say there is an afterlife.
The finding dovetailed with other results in the
survey published Tuesday [May 6] by the Pew Research Center, which found that Jews were among the least likely in the United States to say animals or objects can have spirits, or that features of nature such as mountains or rivers have spiritual energy.
About half of American Jews, and nearly twothirds of Israeli Jews, said animals can have spirits. A much smaller fraction of Israeli Jews said spirits could be found in objects or in nature, beliefs that are not central to traditional Judaism.
Unlike in some Christian denominations where a belief in the afterlife is
an organizing idea, Judaism has no single doctrine about what happens after death. Still, the idea that ultimately the dead will be resurrected by God is a core aspect of classical rabbinic theology embraced by Orthodox Jews, who make up a larger share of Jews in Israel than in the United States.
Jews did rate higher when it comes to key Jewish practices and beliefs. They were the most likely in the United States, for example, to say that they used candles or incense religiously, an unsurprising finding given that lighting Hanukkah candles is a relatively widespread practice among
Jews in the United States and globally. Jews also traditionally light candles on Friday evening to mark the beginning of Shabbat, as well as to welcome major holidays. In the United States, 42% of Jews said they used candles religiously, a number that rose to 53% in Israel. While those numbers were higher than among members of other religions in each country, other surveys indicate that they could be an undercount. A 2022 survey in Israel, for example, found that 78% of Israeli Jews light Hanukkah candles. And a 2020 survey by Pew found that upwards of 80% of American Jews own
a Hanukkah menorah. Likewise, this week’s study found that 62% of Israeli Jews, and 49% of American Jews, perform religious fasts – the central observance of Yom Kippur. In the United States, the observance is more common among Muslims (80%), for whom fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is a key ritual. Among American Christians, 27% fast. The survey included more than 12,000 respondents, including an oversample of Jews, and was conducted in February. The overall margin of error was 1.5%.
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
Ongoing
Kosher Senior Café and Programming. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday – Thursday at the Bonnie & Donald Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence; Fridays at Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. In-person (and on Zoom Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) programming from 11 a.m.-noon followed by lunch and discussion noon-1 p.m. Wednesday programming is chair yoga. For seniors 60 and older as well as younger adults with a disability; all faiths and backgrounds welcome. Café closed on 5/26, 6/2, 6/3. 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 or 401-421-4111, ext. 114.
Hebrew Classes Spring Session. Tuesdays 5-5:45 p.m. beginner 1 class. All other levels 6-7 p.m. Thru 5/13. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Five levels of in-person Hebrew conversation classes: beginner 1 and beginner 2 (both ongoing classes – not open to new students), intermediate 1 and 2, and advanced. In partnership with the Jewish Alliance of Greater RI. Information, Toby Liebowitz at tobyaane@gmail.com.
Temple Beth-El Mahjong. Thursdays 1-3 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. All skill levels are welcome. Beginners will be taught. Information, Jude Weinstein at jweinstein@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070.
Teen Nights at Temple Beth-El. Thursdays 6 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Fun conversation and a delicious dinner. Information, Jude Weinstein at jweinstein@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070.
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.
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 9 a.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Join Temple Beth-El
clergy as we delve into the weekly portion. Torah Study is in person only. Information, Jude Weinstein at jweinstein@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 weekly Torah study at 10 a.m. Information, Templesinairi. org, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.
Temple Habonim Torah Study. Most Saturdays 10-11 a.m. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman leads Torah study on current portion. Via Zoom. Information, Adina Davies at office@ templehabonim.org or 401-2456536.
Cape Cod Synagogue Shabbat Services. Saturdays 10:30 a.m. 145 Winter St., Hyannis, Mass. With Rabbi David Freelund. In-person and livestreamed on website, Facebook and YouTube. Information, Cape Cod Synagogue at 508-7752988 or capecodsynagogue.org.
Friday | May 9
Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat and Torah Services. 5:45-6:15 p.m. Via Zoom only. Information, temple@toratyisrael.org.
Temple Beth-El Shabbat Service. 5:45-7 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Information, Jude Weinstein at jweinstein@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070.
Temple Sinai Friday Night Service. 6-7 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Service in the Chapel with conversion celebration. Information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@ templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.
Saturday | May 10
Temple Torat Yisrael Saturday Morning Shabbat Services. 9:3010:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. In person or via Zoom. Information, Temple@toratyisrael. org.
Temple Sinai Shabbat Morning Service. 11 a.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Service will be in the Sanctuary as we celebrate a Bar Mitzvah. Information, Templesinairi. org, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.
Kids’ Night Out: Circus. 5-9 p.m. Bonnie & Donald 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@
jewishallianceri.org or 401-4111, ext. 140.
Tuesday | May 13
Hadassah RI presents “Using Our Voice to Face Today’s Turbulent Times; Jewish Women from Past to Present.” 6:30-8:30 p.m. Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Bestselling author, former Knesset member and leading voice in women’s empowerment and Jewish leadership Dr. Aliza Lavie will discuss her new book, “Iconic Jewish Women.” Proceeds to benefit Hadassah Hospital. Cost: $18. Information and registration, chapRI@hadassah.org.
Thursday | May 15
Temple Beth-El Kadima Lag B’Omer Bonfire Happy Hour. 7-9 p.m. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Celebrate with a bonfire and BBQ. Free. Information, Jude Weinstein at jweinstein@temple-beth-el.org or 401-331-6070.
Friday | May 16
Temple Torat Yisrael Friday Night Live Service with Israeli Dinner. 6 p.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Service led by Rabbi Saks. Menu includes hummus, chickpea & tahini dip, Israeli salad, chicken shawarma, grilled chicken, falafel, chickpea fritters, etc. Cost: ages 12 & over $25 | ages 6 to 12 $12 | 5 & under free. Information and RSVP (by 5/14), Temple office at 401-885-6600.
Temple Sinai Friday Night Service. 6-7:30 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Evening service, held in the Sanctuary, followed by an Oneg in the social hall. Information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@templesinairi. org or 401-942-8350.
Saturday | May 17
Temple Torat Yisrael Saturday Morning Shabbat Services. 9:3010:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. In person or via Zoom. Information, Temple@toratyisrael. org.
Temple Sinai Shabbat Morning Service. 11 a.m.-noon. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@templesinairi. org or 401-942-8350.
Sunday | May 18
Stories and Scenes with PJ Library and Studio Playground: Jewish Values Edition. 1-2:30 p.m. Bonnie & Donald Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Join us for an afternoon of playacting and storytelling with a focus on Jewish values. Learn about putting on a performance, play movement games and act out a PJ Library book. For ages 5-8. RSVP and
information, Lyndsey Ursillo at lursillo@jewishallianceri.org.
“October 8” Movie + Discussion. 3-5:30 p.m. Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Join Rhode Island Coalition for Israel and Temple Sinai for a special screening and discussion of “October 8,” produced by Rhode Island’s own Debra Messing. Followed by discussion of how to engage in critical advocacy. Free. Open to all, but limited space. Information and registration, Maria Friedman at maria@ricoalitionforisrael.org.
Temple Emanu-El Centennial Gala. 5-10 p.m. 99 Taft Ave., Providence. This pinnacle event of the year-long celebrations will feature a curated menu by Catering by Andrew, a live band performance by Rory and the Blueshounds, a silent auction and speeches from guest speakers. Information, Shoshana Jacob at shosh@teprov. org or 401-331-1616.
Monday | May 19
Red Sox Jewish Heritage Night Trip. 4 p.m. bus departure from Bonnie & Donald Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave. (6:45 p.m. game. Fenway Park, 4 Jersey St., Boston.) Celebrate with the Boston Red Sox (vs. New York Mets) as we come together for a special evening. Pre-registration required for chartered round-trip bus ride in addition to ticket to game. Information, Brad Swartz at bswartz@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 147.
Thursday | May 22
Jewish Community Day School of RI Zimriyah. 6-8:30 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Annual Hebrew Songfest. Information, Meredith Friedman at mfriedman@jcdsri.com or 401-751-2470.
Friday | May 23
Jewish Community Day School of RI Special Visitors Day. 9-11:30 a.m. 85 Taft Ave., Providence. JCDSRI families and friends are invited to join us to visit their special students at this annual event. Information, Meredith Friedman at mfriedman@jcdsri.com or 401-7512470.
Temple Sinai Friday Night Service. 6-7 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Service in the Chapel. Information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401942-8350.
Saturday | May 24
Temple Sinai Shabbat Morning Service. 11 a.m.-noon. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@templesinairi. org or 401-942-8350.
Monday | May 25
Temple Sinai People of the Book. 2-3:30 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Discussion of “The World to Come “ by Dara Horn. Information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.
Friday | May 30
Temple Torat Yisrael Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat and Torah Services. 5:45-6:15 p.m. Via Zoom only. Information, temple@toratyisrael.org.
Temple Sinai Dinner and Shabbat Service. 6-8:30 p.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Falafel dinner in the Social Hall followed by our evening service in the Sanctuary as we celebrate an Israel Shabbat with Shireinu. Information, Templesinairi. org, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.
Saturday | May 31
Temple Torat Yisrael Saturday Morning Shabbat Services. 9:3010:30 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. In person or via Zoom. Information, Temple@toratyisrael. org.
Temple Sinai Shabbat Morning Service. 10-11:30 a.m. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Service will be held in the sanctuary as we celebrate a Bar Mitzvah. Information, Templesinairi.org, dottie@templesinairi. org or 401-942-8350.
Sunday | June 1
Temple Torat Yisrael Mahjong Tournament. 11 a.m. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Mahjong tournament and lunch. Doors open at 10:30am. Must be able to play a hand in 15 minutes. Cash prizes for top 3 winners. 50/50 raffle and door prizes. Cost: $50 per person. Information and RSVP (by 5/23), temple@toratyisrael.org.
Wednesday | June 4
Rochambeau Library presents “Holding Space – An Artist’s Exploration of the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Smith Hill.” 6-7:30 p.m. 708 Hope St., Providence. Artist and curator Zo Baker will present this documentary photo exhibition and presentation about the historic synagogue in Smith Hill. Featuring original artworks by Baker and historical artifacts and documents from the synagogue. Information, rocadults@clpvd.org or 401-272-3780.
JCDSRI Annual Meeting. 7-9:30 p.m. 85 Taft Ave., Providence. Information, Meredith Friedman at mfriedman@jcdsri.com or 401-7512470.
Could changes at the FDA call the kosher status of milk into question?
BY PHILISSA CRAMER JTA
As soon as news broke two weeks ago that the Food and Drug Administration was suspending federal testing of commercially produced milk, the Orthodox Union’s hotline lit up.
THE FLOOD OF INQUIRIES
was “off the hook … crazy: emails, calls, WhatsApp, everything,” said Rabbi Avrohom Gordimer, chair of the dairy committee at OU Kosher, the most recognizable kosher certifier in the United States.
The callers were all anxious about the potential implications of the policy change on the kosher status of milk. Since 1954, most kosher-keeping American Jews have relied on an influential rabbi’s determination that government oversight of
milk production is sufficient to render commercially produced milk kosher.
The rabbi, Moshe Feinstein, was dealing with an age-old problem of Jewish law when he made his ruling.
According to halacha, or traditional Jewish law, milk is only kosher if it comes from a kosher animal. One way to ensure that is the case is to consume only milk produced in a facility where Jews oversee every step of the process – relatively easy to accomplish in the pre-modern world, but less
practical in the contemporary United States.
Feinstein – considered one of the most important Jewish legal authorities of the 20th century – addressed the challenge by ruling that government regulations could effectively take the place of some aspects of Jewish supervision. Because the U.S. government both requires that only cow’s milk be called milk, and because inspectors are regularly dispatched to milk production facilities to ensure that all legal requirements are upheld, Jews could assume that commercial milk does not contain milk from non-kosher animals, Feinstein concluded.
its landing page for queries about milk. But what happens if the federal government overhauls or abandons its oversight of milk?
Nothing, at least for now. That’s what Gordimer and his team have concluded after seeking to understand just what has changed at the FDA.
“This development has no impact whatsoever on the
‘It’s also possible that producers will keep kosher-keeping customers in mind as they adjust.’
His opinion was so decisive and pivotal that the Orthodox Union cites it on
kosher status of ‘chalav stam’ (regular commercial milk) that Rabbi Feinstein permitted in the US, as the primary oversight of farms and dairy factories is performed by state governments; the FDA is a mere secondary body for this purpose,” he said by email.
What’s more, Gordimer said, the testing that Kennedy suspended is meant only to detect certain contaminants and prohibited additives. Physical inspections, which he said are continuing uninterrupted, are different, and key to Feinstein’s ruling.
“There has been no change in inspections, which are ongoing,” Gordimer said.
Plus, the law prohibiting anything other than cow’s milk being sold as “milk” remains on the books.
Still, the reports about changes have prompted concerns from kosher consumers. “Are we seeing the first step in the end of chalav stam…” one person asked in the Facebook group Great Kosher Restaurant Foodies.
Some Jews have rejected Feinstein’s opinion and instead limited their consumption to cholov yisroel milk, which is over-
seen by Jews throughout the production process. But it tends to be harder to find and more expensive.
A kosher-keeping critic of President Donald Trump tweeted about the regulatory changes, “If I have to go cholov yisroel because of Tronald Dump my head might explode.”
Even as OU Kosher – as well as health experts – says the current changes are no cause for concern, the scaling back of milk testing offers an early sign that kosher supervisors will need to pay attention to sweeping changes underway under the Trump administration. Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has broad and unorthodox views on a number of topics and has promised to shake up everything from fluoridation in water to vaccines to food additives.
He has announced plans to ban synthetic food dyes. Mounting concerns about synthetic dyes, which are widely used in commercial food production, have caused producers to turn to natural alternatives – such as cochineal extract, a derivative from parasitic bugs that is a powerful substitute for red dyes.
Cochineal extract, called carmine, is not kosher, meaning that kosher supervisors may need to retract certification of some items if their producers opt to replace synthetic reds with it. That happened with some forms of Tums, the heartburn relief medication, in recent years, according to a 2021 alert from the Chicago Rabbinical Council, which like the OU certifies products and offers guidance to kosher consumers.
But it’s also possible that producers will keep kosher-keeping customers in mind as they adjust to Kennedy’s decrees. Paulaur, which produces sprinkles and other food toppings, recently dropped its use of Red 3, a synthetic dye, the Wall Street Journal reported last month – but turned to beetroot juice and purple sweet potatoes as coloring agents so it could continue to sell kosher products.
Building our future; honoring our past
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My amazing athletic career, part II
More than a year ago, I wrote about some of my athletic triumphs. They began at a day camp in Los Angeles, when I was 7 years old. I won accolades for “Excellence in Checkers” and “Excellent Conduct on the Bus.” These framed awards, nearly the last I received, are proudly displayed in my library. Where else?
PERHAPS THE NEXT triumphs occurred when attending Walton’s Grizzly Lodge, a summer camp in Northern California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. At 11 years of age, I excelled at table manners, capture the flag and rock polishing. I also became an accomplished marksman, which horrified my parents. Indeed, my twin brother Theo and I were inducted as junior members of the National Rifle Association.
That summer of 1959 didn’t consist only of these acco lades, however. Both Theo and I took lessons through the Red Cross to become “junior lifesavers.” Our final test, in a fast-flowing river, was to rescue Grizzly Lodge’s largest counselor. Despite our efforts, neither Theo nor I could get our arms around his barrel-sized chest. Fortunately, he survived.
During our sojourn at the camp, Theo spent a night in a nearby town’s infirmary. No, it wasn’t because he fell off a horse or slipped on a treacherous trail. The camp director called our parents to say that he had suffered from indigestion. But Theo and I knew the real reason. He had swallowed too much soap after his mouth was washed out for uttering a profanity!
Our paternal grandmother, Sadie, taught us to ride bicycles in our hilly neighborhood. Alas, she wasn’t yet aware of skateboarding, since these “cool” toys weren’t yet sold in stores. So, Theo and I made our own from scraps of lumber and old roller skates. Perhaps we were inspired by my friend, Brian Berry, whose older brother, Jan, provided an encouraging accompaniment of surf music with his friend, Dean.
Theo and I were unable to participate in Little League because games were held on
Saturday mornings, when we and our younger sister Betty attended religious school. Every week we rode a yellow school bus for 45 minutes each way from kindergarten through Confirmation. Mom, who became a fierce Dodgers fan, also didn’t want to schlep us back and forth to Hebrew school, so we were tutored at home. But Hebrew lessons had a physical component. Our teacher loved to torment Theo and me, so once in a great while, feeling ready to explode, we threw books him. Fortunately, our bar mitzvah ceremony went quite well. Theo and I were still so small that we were required to stand on a riser behind the lectern so that congregants could see and hear us. Perhaps another reason that Theo and I were not aspiring athletes was because of our weekly music lessons at a neighborhood music store. I began with flute and switched to alto saxophone. Theo, who was talented, began with clarinet and switched to oboe.
At Emerson Junior High, we loved belonging to the marching band. However, we weren’t tall or fast enough to be invited to perform in the movie version of “The Music Man,” which was filmed in 1962 at Warner Brothers. Some of our friends, on the other hand, were visible in the final scene, marching behind Robert Preston. Do dance lessons have an athletic component? We began taking ballroom classes at 10 years of age, and Theo turned out to be quite talented. Indeed, I recall that he excelled at the cha-cha with Joanie Landis, whose younger brother, John, became a Hollywood director, perhaps best known in 1978 for “Animal House.”
After we had turned 13, our parents encouraged Theo and me to find a new summer camp, which we identified through an advertisement in Holiday magazine. This was Summer Camp Afloat, on Grand Bahama Island, which we loved dearly for two summers. We flew on our own to Miami, took a cab to the Fontainebleau for dinner, stayed overnight at an airport hotel, and flew the following morning to Ft. Lauderdale, where we met the other campers flying to Freeport.
The camp was at a beach resort, where we “Floaters” were welcome to do just about everything. Our favorite activities included sailing, snorkeling, fishing and SCUBA diving. Dad was far from happy, however, when we learned to shoot trap and skeet. We campers were also warned not to bother the hotel guests or stay at the nightclub later than 10 p.m.
While in grade school, Theo and I enjoyed participating in weekly meetings of the
Woodcraft Rangers, which were founded in the same era as Boy Scouts and focused on Indian lore. After my junior year of high school, I was recruited to become a counselor at one of Woodcraft’s summer camps. No, I didn’t teach hiking, wrestling or horseback riding. My assignment was arts and crafts.
I’d like to conclude this account of my athletic triumphs with a story from 11th grade at boarding school. After classes, I liked to read, write letters and draw, but a coach insisted that I “go out” for a team. Given his interest in track and field, he signed me up for a relay race. I clearly explained that I had no interest in participating, so I didn’t. At the end of the season, however, he explained that “my” team had done so well that I had actually “lettered.” He had to be joking because I never received one.
I love telling this ridiculous story, as I did a year ago to a coach at my son’s Rhode
Island high school. Although Michael graduated in 2006, I still care about his alma mater.
Wouldn’t you know that, after hearing my story, the coach gave me a varsity letter with a pin for running? I framed these too for my enormous library!
Oh, I forgot to tell about how I bought a fancy bicycle in 1986, my first since 1961, to commute to my office in Minnesota. When riding home on the first day, I hit a pothole and crashed, badly fracturing my right leg. I was hospitalized for two weeks. So much for my athletic prowess! I’m not a bad ping-pong player, but my favorite competitions – against myself – have become walking, reading and writing. I’m not bad at worrying, praying and laughing, too.
GEORGE M. GOODWIN , of Providence, is the editor of Rhode Island Jewish Historical Notes.
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COMMUNITY VOICES
Approaches to heal our pets
Judaism has a lot to say about the treatment of animals and pets. In Chabad.org. the article “Judaism and Pet Ownership: 18 FAQs” covers everything from Jewish laws and traditions to what to feed our pets on Passover.
IN THIS COLUMN I want to talk about the health of our pets and different modalities of care and treatment.
In the article “The Jewish Way To Care For Dogs, Cats, Birds and Fish” in Aish.com, Rabbi Dov Lev writes (with numbered biblical references at the end of the article), “God’s compassion extends to every living creature, caring for all their needs. As we strive to emulate our Creator, we have a responsibility to demonstrate concern for animals, to take care of their needs and to alleviate their suffering.”
that you can properly care for it. As King Solomon said: «A righteous person considers the life of his animal.”
H EALTHY LIVING
To check out the numbered references, go to https://aish. com/35-animals-andpets-2/
My friend and colleague, Becky Chambers, whom I have interviewed on my radio programs, has a new book out called “Energy Healing for Pets: Self-Help Guide to Solving Health & Behavior Problems with Homeopathy & Whole Body Vibration.”
Rabbi Lev continues later in the article “For Jews, there are many halachic issues involved in pet care. For some animals, providing food and paraphernalia can get expensive, as well. The Talmud stresses that before you acquire an animal, you must be certain
Becky talks about a renaissance in the use of natural health and energy medicine methods in recent years, and how this can be applied to our pets.
She writes, “In fact, the DNA of dogs is 94 percent the same as a human being, and cats have 90 percent of their
DNA in common with people. Homeopathy and Whole Body Vibration are growing in popularity because they address the body as one contiguous system, heal the source of disease, and restore balance to the body and mind. And just as allopathic medicine can and is used with animals, so too can these powerful and safe natural methods.”
Homeopathy is a medical system based on the belief that the body can cure itself. Those who practice it use tiny amounts of natural substances, like plants and minerals. They believe these stimulate the healing process. Homeopathy can be an invaluable aid in addressing common and often chronic afflictions animals can suffer from such as allergies, ear infections, digestive ills, weight gain, and Lyme disease. It can also address common behavioral issues in our pets driven by emotional issues, such as overeating, territorial behaviors, and phobias.
Whole Body Vibration is best known as a workout system where the user exercises or stretches while on a vibrating plate. However, it also has dramatic benefits even if you or your animal just stand on the gently vibrating plate.
Becky writes, “Whole Body
Vibration is a body, mind, and spirit system that has dramatic benefits for bone, muscle, and joint health. In fact, it’s currently regularly being used in the competitive world of horse racing, jumping, and other events, where it’s valued for its remarkable physical therapy benefits for healing injuries, and for the competitive edge it provides for athletic performance.” She concludes, “These are methods that you can use for your beloved animals and yourself.” Personally, I have used the Whole Body Vibration machine and have found it very helpful. I have not used
Trump taps eight new members for Holocaust Memorial Council
BY ANDREW LAPIN
(JTA) – Days after firing eight Joe Biden-era appointees from the board of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, including former second gentleman Doug Emhoff, President Donald Trump tapped eight new members. Among them are shock jock Sid Rosenberg, who was a Trump surrogate during last year’s campaign, and Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz, the founding editor and publisher of Yated Ne’eman, a leading haredi Orthodox publication. Alex Witkoff, son of Trump’s diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff, was also on the list. They will replace Emhoff and a number of Biden administration officials,
including Susan Rice, Tom Perez and Ron Klain, all of whom Trump abruptly dismissed from the board last week.
“This Council has the important task of preserving the memories and stories of the loved ones whose lives were robbed in one of the darkest moments in History. NEVER FORGET!” Trump wrote in the announcement late Thursday [May 1] on his social media platform Truth Social.
The eight new names will join 41 other members currently sitting on the council, including a number of other Biden appointees, the Washington Post reported.
The board oversees the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
in Washington, D.C. Board members have often been political appointments and serve five-year terms. It is highly unusual to dismiss groups of members midway through their terms.
Rosenberg, a longtime personality on conservative AM radio, is a fierce Trump defender who spoke at an October campaign rally for the president held at Madison Square Garden. During that profanity-laced speech, Rosenberg cracked a joke about parallels to an infamous 1939 pro-Nazi rally held at the same venue.
Rosenberg has also advocated heavily for Israel in recent months, making several visits to the country. He interviewed Trump live
from Israel on the one-year anniversary of Oct. 7, 2023, and was touring Israel when the president appointed him to the board this week – a juxtaposition he remarked was “surreal.”
In comments to Israeli media, he added that the appointment “isn’t just a personal milestone – it’s a chance to make a real impact in the fight for memory, education and justice. Especially now, when Jew-hatred is rising and history is being distorted, I’m ready to step up in an even bigger way.”
The list of appointees also included Barbara Feingold, a board member for the Republican Jewish Coalition; Betty Schwartz, who previously served on the board and is
it with a pet but since our DNA is so similar to our pets, this may be worth consideration.
Judaism emphasizes respecting and caring for our pets. This holistic method is another alternative for the care of our pets.
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
the daughter of a survivor who was one of the Holocaust museum’s founders; Ariel Abergel, who has worked for Fox News as well as in the first Trump White House; Robert Garson, president of the American Association of Jewish Lawyers; and Fred Marcus.
“At this time of high antisemitism and Holocaust distortion and denial, the Museum is gratified that our visitation is robust and demand for Holocaust education is increasing,” the museum told the Post in a statement. “We look forward to continuing to advance our vitally important mission as we work with the Trump Administration.”
PATRICIA RASKIN
Becky Chambers with her dog, Panda Bear.
OPINION
The destruction of Gaza IN THE NEWS
Argentina declassifies more than 1,800 Nazi-era files
BY GRACE GILSON
(JTA) – The Argentine government announced the release of nearly 1,850 classified documents that show how Nazi fugitives escaped to the country after World War II.
The trove of documents were declassified and made available to the public Monday [April 28] at the urging of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish advocacy group named for the famed late Nazi hunter. The group praised the decision on Tuesday [April 29].
The collection will shed light on the financing of escape routes for Nazis, thousands of whom escaped to South America via so-called “rat lines” after the war.
Last month, Argentine President Javier Milei ordered the declassification of the documents after a meeting with leaders from the Simon Wiesenthal Center. Sen. Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, also requested the records in a letter delivered by representatives of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
Argentina’s Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers Guillermo Francos said Milei gave the order “because there is no reason to continue withholding that information,” according to Argentinian outlet Perfil.
The documents are now publicly available through Argentina’s National Archive, the Argentinian government announced in a post on X. The released documents include banking and financial transactions that show how Nazis were able to resettle in Argentina as well as records held by Argentina’s Defense Ministry, according to The Times of Israel.
Notorious officials mentioned in Argentina’s extensive documentation include Adolf Eichmann, the architect of the Holocaust who was captured by the Mossad in 1960 and later tried and executed in Israel, and Josef Mengele, the Nazi doctor dubbed the “angel of death.”
The public received a glimpse of Argentina’s collection of tens of thousands of documents relating to its support for Nazis fleeing prosecution in a documentary in 2018. The government’s collection had been fully concealed until 1992, when Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declassified 139,544 documents. The collection could only be seen in person prior to its online publication by AGN.
SOMETIME DURING the spring of 2010, not quite three years after my retirement from Temple Habonim in Barrington, Rabbi Andrew Klein, my gracious successor, invited me to deliver the sermon at our upcoming Yom Kippur morning worship and on all succeeding Yom Kippur mornings until his retirement.
I began my first High Holy Day sermon as a retired rabbi by saying:
“Peter Beinart, who teaches journalism at the City University of New York, wrote an article which appeared in the June 10 issue of The New York Review of Books titled ‘The Failure of the American Jewish Establishment.’ Beinart’s piece created quite a stir both within the American Jewish community and beyond our borders; by and large, readers on the left applauded Beinart’s audacity, while a number of those on the right were apoplectic – accusing Beinart of being a self-hating, anti-Israel Jew.”
I continued: “Beinart writes that ‘Particularly in the younger generations, fewer and fewer American Jewish liberals are Zionists; fewer and fewer American Jewish Zionists are liberals.’ He goes on to say that ‘For several decades, the Jewish establishment has asked American Jews to check their liberalism at Zionism’s door, and now, to their horror, they are finding that many young Jews have checked their Zionism instead.’ ”
Beinart proved his prescience when he included in his article the following words: “…the Netanyahu coalition is the product of frightening, long-trends in Israeli society: an ultra-Orthodox population that is increasing dramatically, a settler movement that is growing more radical and more entrenched in the Israeli bureaucracy and army, and a Russian immigrant community that is particularly prone to anti-Arab racism.” Remember, Beinart wrote this back in June of 2010!
Earlier this year, Beinart published his latest book, “Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning.” As you can probably deduce from the title, Beinart considers the combined actions of the Israeli government and military to be morally inexcusable for the destruction of Gaza – at latest count, the deaths
of more than 50,000 men, women and children, the vast majority civilians; more than 113,000 wounded, often catastrophically; the obliteration of homes, hospitals and schools; food shortages leading to near starvation; and on and on. It is, of course, historically true that we Jews have often been a victimized people; but our being victims does not grant us immunity from the crimes we have committed.
published in 2010, continues to strike a raw nerve among us Diaspora and Israeli Jews precisely because he had begun to uncover radically competing visions of who we are and who we should be as a Jewish people – competing visions greatly exacerbated, as his recent book points out, by the destruction of Gaza.
RABBI JAMES ROSENBERG
Throughout his brief and angry book. Beinart insists that we Jews must never use our victimhood either to excuse or to brazenly deny our moral failings. As Beinart says in one way or another over and over again, here quoting the poet W. H. Auden: “ ‘Those to whom evil is done / Do evil in return.’ but in the case of Israel, many Jews claim not to know, because that would require acknowledging that evil resides not only in our enemies – Haman, Amalek, Hamas – but in us and in the state that speaks in our name.”
Over the years, Beinart has become ever more assertive in his argument that just because we Jews have been victims in the past, are still victims in many places today and will, most likely at times be victims in the future does not exempt us from our own moral culpability; and Beinart and his family have paid the price for telling his fellow Jews what they don’t want to hear:
“It is hard to talk so frankly today. In many Jewish communities, even many Jewish families, suggestions that Oct. 7 stems from anything but Hamas pure evil is a ticket to excommunication. Soon after the massacre, one of our closest family friends asked my wife whether we believed that Israel bore any responsibility for the carnage. She answered yes. He said that he would never speak to us again.”
Clearly, Beinart’s latest book, as its subtitle suggests, is his reckoning with the destruction of Gaza; but, just as importantly, the book is also a reflection of his decades-long struggle with what it means to be a Jew in the 21st century. Peter Beinart’s “The Failure of the American Jewish Establishment,” though
On the one hand, there are those among us who insist that after Auschwitz and after Oct. 7, 2023 we can and we must do whatever it takes to ensure our survival, even if this means being forever distrustful of strangers – even if this means being forever distrustful of all non-Jews, since from the perspective of these members of our Jewish community, much of the world wants us dead. In such a world, our only defense is military power. To quote Beinart one last time from his 2010, article, this is a mindset in which “Jews are licensed by their victimhood to worry only about themselves.” But there is a competing vision of who we are and who we can be – the liberal democratic vision enshrined in Israel’s Declaration of Independence, its Hakrazat Ha-atzma-ut, a vision of a Jewish State and a Diaspora which “will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisioned by the prophets of Israel.” According to its founding document, the Jewish State “will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants, irrespective of religion, race, or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture.”
In his latest book, Beinart continues to insist that the task of liberal Jews living here in the Diaspora as well as in Israel is to keep Israel democratic l’dor vador, from generation to generation. Our task is to ensure that Israel – and, in its own way, the Diaspora – lives up to the ideals it espoused at Israel’s founding on May 14, 1948. Our ongoing task is to work for a world Jewry, an Am Yisrael, that is tolerant, flexible and infused with those prophetic values embedded in the State of Israel’s Declaration of Independence. Dare we strive for less?
JAMES B. ROSENBERG is a rabbi emeritus at Temple Habonim in Barrington. Contact him at rabbiemeritus@templehabonim. org.
Pet-owner’s guide to the galaxy: Mark Podwal’s ‘Jewish Bestiary’ is a pocket index of the animals of Jewish cosmology
BY EMMA NEWBERY
Every pet owner knows – and their loved ones have witnessed – the ungodly long index of silly and self-referential nicknames they have for the (other) animals with whom they share their lives. In my own family life, I’ve heard my sister’s dog lovingly called everything from a goblin to a chicken to a tumble of syllables only decipherable to the two of them.
IN HONOR OF our pet issue and coming after a particularly heart-warming seder over Passover where animals reigned supreme as the most effective form of multigenerational communication, I raise your ungodly long list with a godly one. That is, Mark Podwal’s pocket guide to unlocking the powerful, spiritual role of animals in Jewish life: “The Jewish Bestiary” (University of Nebraska Press, 1984).
Bestiaries, collections of descriptions and illustrations of animals both real and mythical, first gained popularity in medieval Europe, often within a religious context. Originating from earlier Greek and Roman natural histories, medieval bestiaries blended natural observation with moral and spiritual lessons. Podwal’s 1984 volume treats Jewish lore not only as the origin point for our relationship with the animal world, but as the very physical biosphere in which these creatures stretch, prowl, bask, fight and flee. The fox, who is one of my official submissions to this menagerie, “prowls through Jewish parables as a reminder that cunning often triumphs over strength.” As Podwal makes sure to emphasize, these creatures are active in our lives as messengers of spiritual wisdom – and sometimes, warning.
Mark Podwal is an acclaimed American artist, author and physician whose work often explores Jewish history, legend and tradition. Best known for his illustrations in The New York Times and collaborations with Nobel laureate author Elie Wiesel, Podwal’s drawings have been exhibited around the world, including at New York City’s Jewish Museum and the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem. Podwal’s passing in 2024 marked the 40-year anniversary of the “Bestiary,” which continues to delight readers by transforming traditional legends into vivid, imaginative portraits, offering readers a fresh perspective on the animals and creatures that populate Jewish lore. While various books in the Torah dictate rules for the treatment of animals most often involved in labor – oxen, mules, camels – Jewish ethics is also
undergirded with a deep respect for what Mark Podwal’s compendium calls “fur, feather and fang.” The phrase tz’ar ba’alei chayim, found in the Talmud, which loosely translates to compassion for animals (as an extension of preventing harm to all living things) is a core tenet in Jewish life, taught as early as childhood with books and resources specifically about the Jewish connection to animals.
Animals' impact exists far beyond their role in labor in early Jewish texts. “In Jewish lore,” writes Podwal in “The Jewish Bestiary,” “animals often reveal the hidden laws of heaven and earth, whispering lessons.”
With an Aesop-like balance of stoicism and wit, Podwal’s “The Jewish Bestiary” offers a glimpse into how our bonds with animals could echo these ancient ideas: companionship, wonder and moral responsibility. Below are a few of my favorites – as someone who doesn’t own a pet, consider these my submission to the paper for this month. Podwal had a hard time picking, too: “From among the vast assemblage,” he notes in his introduction, “I have chosen to depict thirty-five creatures, culled from traditional Jewish sources [...] that exert a special force on the Jewish fancy.”
which means holder or binder – represents in Podwal’s “Bestiary” all the trappings of the abnormal. This strange, non-kosher bug who “lives in the sea but walks like a land animal” both embodies and challenges the human spirit in Jewish lore. According to the “Bestiary,” “The Talmud tells us that humans are like the crab, which first retreats to nooks and corners but eventually becomes brave as a lion.” The Hebrew calendar month of Tammuz, which corresponds with the zodiac sign of the crab, signifies this lungeand-retreat cycle, marking several tragedies in Jewish lore, including the desecration of key Jewish tenets: the Ten Commandments, Torahs and the practice of animal sacrifice, which it is said was suspended during a month of Tammuz in the First Temple Period. The Jewish people are no strangers to scuttling “abnormally,” shifting direction – serpentine on a dime – to seek out a new adaptation to meet the current Jewish moment.
THE FOX (shual)
CRAB (sartan- holder, binder)
The crab – or sartan in Hebrew,
Meet the new JCDSRI pets!
THE JEWISH COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL of Rhode Island is excited to introduce the newest members of its kehillah (community) to the Jewish community: an adorable pair of guinea pigs named Cherry and Daisy who have recently been adopted by the 4th and 5th grade teaching teams. Students have been so fortunate to learn from the folks at the RI Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals whose mission is “to teach
people of all ages to understand and care for the animals in our lives as well as to foster compassion, respect, and empathy for all living things.”
Students have been engaged in every part of this process from learning about how to care for guinea pigs to building their new homes to agreeing to take on the daily responsibilities of providing care for these new friends. Welcome, Cherry and Daisy!
The fox might at first seem like a fickle addition to your furry brood, but the cunning and clever shual takes on several important roles throughout Jewish folklore. A key foil for the steadfast, righteous lion, the fox is crucial to warding off the evil eye and sleep-related ailments.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
PHOTOS JCDSRI
PETS
Just one month short of her Sweet 16, Elsie Borger crossed the Rainbow Bridge after a welldeserved life of over-indulgence and boundless love. She took a piece of her owner Karen Borger’s heart and left a piece of hers behind.
Duke
Lola Cohen of Plainville, Massachusetts, belongs to Deborah, Jerry, Leah and Jonathan.
This is Cyrus. He belongs to Alexandria Fisher of Woonsocket.
Finnegan, a rescue Norwegian forest cat, is approximately 9 years old and belongs to the Stern family of Pawtucket.
belongs to Emily O'Connor, director of aquatics at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.
Yoody Mendel is a 7 year old cockapoo who lives in South Kingstown with his people, Jay & Jo-Ann Polsky.
PETS
Chumbles the leopard gecko spends her days basking under a heat lamp and eating crickets. She lives in Cranston with Evan and Juliet Foster.
Duncan Butter Beans the 41st lives with Claire, Ethan and Miles Moitra in Providence.
“TJ” is a 10-year-old mini Australian Labradoodle who lives with Cathy and Bob Oresman of Pawtucket.
Chloe lives with Michelle Cicchitelli, chief program officer at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, and her family.
Mollie is a 4-month-old cockapoo who lives with Linda and Joel Licker of Providence
Dohv lives with Lynn E. Taylor and Boris Bally in Barrington. Her name means bear in Hebrew because as a puppy she looked like a little bear.
Mia lives with Chary and Stuart Greengart of Pawtucket.
Gabby lives with Ariela & Michael Felsenthal of Washington, D.C.
Marshmallow Fluff is the floofiest Marsh in all the land! He lives with Alexandria Fisher of Woonsocket.
The healing power of pets
BY LEAH HALUNEN
IN
HOMES ACROSS
the world, animal friends are doing more than keeping us company. They’re helping us live longer, healthier and happier lives. Whether it’s the wag of a dog’s tail or the quiet purr of a cat, pets provide comfort, connection, and a surprising range of health benefits that go far beyond just companionship.
The soothing power of pets is well documented. This has become increasingly evident in recent years as more people have been turning to holistic and preventative approaches to health. The human-animal bond is now recognized not just as emotionally helpful but also as physically and mentally therapeutic.
Studies show that spending time with your pet can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, while increasing oxytocin, a hormone associated with relaxation. As a result, anxiety decreases, our moods are lifted, and we feel calmer. It has also been shown that animals can sense when their humans are feeling grief, illness or emotional difficulty and are there to provide consistent, nonjudgemental support. Their presence can be especially beneficial for those who live alone, are coping with depression or are dealing with chronic illness.
Owning a pet, especially a dog, often leads to increased physical activity. Daily walks, trips to the park, and playful interactions promote positive movement which in turn contributes to better cardiovascular health, weight loss and management, and improved stamina. Pet owners have been found to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. According to the CDC, these factors can reduce the risk of heart disease and contribute to a longer lifespan. Even the simple act of playing with a cat, tossing a ball or cleaning a pet’s living space helps to reduce sedentary habits and encourages regular movement.
Do you have children and are thinking about getting a pet? If so, it’s a good idea! Having a pet in the home can help to build a stronger immune system, especially from an early age. Research suggests that children raised around pets are less likely to develop allergies, asthma or eczema. Exposure to pet dander and microbes during early development teaches the immune system to regulate itself more efficiently which results in fewer allergic reactions and a lower likelihood of autoimmune issues later in life.
The emotional support and mental health ben-
efits that pets provide is unmatched. They are loyal friends and give us a source of unconditional love. This emotional bond can help reduce feelings of isolation and sadness. Taking care of an animal also offers a sense of purpose, structure and a daily routine–all important components of emotional well-being. For older adults, pets can help to maintain cognitive strength. In assisted living facilities and nursing homes, therapy animals are frequently used to improve patient moods. For children, pets assist with social developments, teaching empathy and self-regulation. For children on the autism spectrum, trained service pets can be particularly helpful with reducing feelings of stress and fostering communication.
Social connections within communities are a strong byproduct of pet ownership. Walking your dog or visiting a vet’s office often sparks conversations with strangers. Pet owners frequently report feeling closer to their neighbors resulting in many friendships being created over shared love for our fourlegged friends. Pets can serve as icebreakers or conversation starters for those who struggle with social interactions. Seniors, new parents or those who have moved to a new community can reap so
Home is where the pets are at Tamarisk and Shalom
BY JESSICA HOARD
THERE’S A SPECIAL kind of warmth that comes from being greeted by a wagging tail or the gentle nudge of a furry friend. At Tamarisk Senior Living and Shalom Apartments in Warwick, pets aren’t just welcome, they’re part of the family. From lap dogs to certified therapy companions, our four-legged residents play a powerful role in bringing comfort, joy and connection to our community. A morning stroll around the courtyard becomes a moment to greet neighbors. A quiet cuddle
during the evening news becomes a source of calm and companionship. These small, shared rituals of care and presence create a much larger sense of home.
For many residents, bringing a beloved pet along made the transition into senior living or apartment life a lot easier. “I wasn’t sure how I’d adjust at first, but having my dog here made all the difference,” one Tamarisk resident shared. “She helped me settle in, meet neighbors and feel at home.” Pets provide emotional support that goes beyond words; they offer loyalty, familiarity and a sense
many benefits from being out with their pet.
Beyond the physical and social benefits of having a pet, they can also bring a sense of spiritual grounding. Their simple joy, loyalty and instinctive connection to their loved ones invite us to slow down and appreciate all of life’s small blessings. Whether it’s your dog’s happy greeting after a long day or your cat curling up beside you on the couch, these moments remind us to be present, grateful, and loving. There are many things to consider before bringing a pet into your home. The responsibility, time, energy and financial requirements are significant. Animals need
care and training, and a pet owner needs to be prepared to take that on before adopting. For those who love animals but are not equipped to own one, there are other ways to get involved like volunteering at a shelter or pet-sitting for a friend. No matter how you do it, having pets in our lives comes with many benefits that can help us be the best version of ourselves. As a dog owner myself, I will say that even though it comes with challenges, my little Milo is an absolute joy to have around, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
LEAH HALUNEN is a personal trainer at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.
of purpose.
And it’s not just their owners who benefit. Pets have a unique way of bringing everyone together. “Even people who don’t have pets stop to say “hi” when they see Malachi in the hallway,” said a Shalom resident. In a community where connection matters, these animals help foster friendship and warmth in every hallway.
This May, as we celebrate the special bonds between people and pets, we invite you to experience the warmth and community at Tamarisk firsthand. Join us for our Jewish Traditions and Tours
Open House on Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and see what makes this place feel like home – for residents and their pets alike. Enjoy a delicious Bagel Bar with all the fixings, a hot cup of coffee or tea and catch a special screening of “Joey the Bagel,” a short documentary celebrating Jewish heritage,
humor and connection. You will have a chance to meet our team, tour our beautiful grounds and maybe even get a tail wag or two.
JESSICA HOARD is the senior manager of Marketing and Communications at Jewish Collaborative Services.
Tamarisk and Shalom residents with their friends. The dog at left is Malachi.
Leah Halunen with her dog Milo.
PHOTOS | JCS
PHOTO | LEAH HALUNEN
COMMUNITY
Community celebrates Israel’s 77th
BY FRAN OSTENDORF
PROVIDENCE – On April 30, about 130 community members celebrated Yom Ha’Atzmaut with a falafel dinner, and Israeli dance performance as well as activities for the kids at the Dwares Jewish Community Center on the East Side.
The celebration, organized by community shlichah Gaya, began with a community torch-lighting ceremony that symbolizes resilience, unity and continuity. Community members participated and Gaya lit the final flame, honoring the remaining hostages in Gaza.
The falafel dinner, a family style, do-it-your-
self affair with each table retrieving a basket filled with falafel fixings, was catered by Bonapita of Brookline, Massachusetts.
Karmey Machol dance troupe from Karmiel, Israel, performed a half dozen dances including some with participation from the audience. The group had performed the previous evening during the Yom HaZikaron program. All agreed it was a meaningful celebration for Israel’s 77th birthday.
FRAN OSTENDORF (fostendorf@ jewishallianceri) is the editor of Jewish Rhode Island.
PHOTOS GLENN OSMUNDSON
Dancers from Karmey Machol (above and below right) perform on the stage at the Dwares Jewish Community Center in Providence April 30 during the Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration.
Members of the community light the torches during the celebration.
Community shlichah Gaya introduces the program.
COMMUNITY Solemn ceremony for Yom HaZikaron
PROVIDENCE – On Tuesday, April 29, community members came together at the Dwares Jewish Community Center for a Yom HaZikaron, “Day of Remembrance” memorial ceremony. It was a solemn gathering to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in Israel’s wars as well as victims of terror who perished defending Israel.
Hosted by Gaya, the community shlichah, clergy and community members from across Rhode Island were invited to lead prayers and songs for Israel, the hostages and for peace and shared
moving testimonies of brave fallen IDF soldiers.
The Alliance hosted the Karmey Machol dance troupe from Karmiel, Israel, who performed beautiful and poignant dances during the program. The dancers showcased a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Israeli people.
Attendees of the program were offered the opportunity to light a candle in memory and in honor of the service and sacrifice of fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terrorism.
Submitted by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island
Men’s retreat moves to Camp JORI
BY FRAN OSTENDORF
THE RETREAT has been offering Jewish men a weekend of learning and camaraderie for 79 years. This year, it moves to Camp JORI in Wakefield, Rhode Island, making it a little closer for interested Rhode Islanders.
From June 5 to 8, men from around the U.S. will gather at the camp to pray and play, according to Marty Paley, one of the organizers. He said they hope to have 75-80 participants.
The group will be able to take advantage of activities at Camp JORI like fishing, boating, archery and basketball. The food will be kosher. And of course there will be prayer.
“When was the last time you had a chance to sit and relax with a bunch of like-
minded Jewish guys,” he said. Paley has been involved with The Retreat for 35 years.
This year, Rabbi Elan Babchuck and Mark Patinkin, author and Providence Journal columnist will be featured speakers. Larry Bressler is the retreat chair. Paley suggested that it would make a nice early Father’s Day gift.
Cost for the weekend is $340. For more information email retreat@nerfjmc.org. Scholarships are available. The Retreat is organized by the New England Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs.
FRAN OSTENDORF (fostendorf@jewishallianceri. org) is the editor of Jewish Rhode Island.
Clergy and community leaders led the audience in song.
The Velvet Hour: A roaring success!
THE VELVET HOUR: A Speakeasy Experience was the cat’s pajamas! This unforgettable evening – masterfully led by co-chairs Amy DeBlasio and Brandon Grandmaison along with the stellar committee Susan Leach DeBlasio, Katie and Pete Ziegler, Bethany and Rich Sutton, Heather and Dan Waters, Shannon and Brian Weinstein, and Lynne Klasko Foster – kicked off the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s Lift the J! Campaign in true Gatsby style.
Over 150 guests slipped behind the velvet curtain at the Dwares Jewish Community Center in Providence for a night of intrigue and indulgence, raising more than $25,000 in support of a vibrant cause. From gravity-defying aerialists and sultry jazz singers to swing dancers, magicians and caricaturists, the entertainment was as dazzling as the era it celebrated. And let’s just say – some surprises are still hush-hush (because what’s a speakeasy without a few secrets?).
Cheers to everyone who made it a night to remember –and a special thanks to all of our sponsors and vendors who made this night possible!
Submitted by Brigitte Baum, donor recognition and events manager at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.
Moreover, the fox operates as a sort of Podwal proxy – it is the one animal who is, at its core, “a teller of fables.” A herald of both good and evil, the fox is indiscriminate in its appetite for the present moment – keep an eye on your food, but also on the future! A fox joining your life heralds, according to Jewish lore, the beginning of a new prophecy being fulfilled.
RAVEN (Orev)
The raven, known in more modern writings for its striking black feathers, has (surprise, surprise!) a double meaning in Jewish telling. One of its most notable mentions is in the story of Noah’s ark, recounted briefly
in the “Bestiary.” The raven, originally created with white feathers, has its feathers turned “pitch black” for refusing to leave the ark and send a message for Noah. The dove that has now become an icon of Jewish imagery, bearing the message of the flood’s end, was originally, so the story goes, supposed to be a raven.
No label is ever as simple as it seems, and the raven works hard to complicate its black and white dichotomous origin story. While it has carried negative connotations in Jewish folklore, as in some other cultures, the raven is also crucial to the survival of humans in the Torah, as well as the transmission of key messages: “Whereas Jewish folklore depicts the raven as
an omen of evil, the first book of Kings (17:1–7) recounts how twice a day ravens fed the prophet Elijah when he hid from Queen Jezebel and King Ahab,” writes Podwal. While some thinkers attributed this action to a human, eventual interpretation revealed that it was indeed a raven that Elijah watched for, a shock of dark in the sky with an unexpected delivery.
I submit the raven as a willingness to go out on a limb for something unexpected and being rewarded by receiving exactly what you need (when you least expect it.) I’ll be checking my building’s bird policy.
Bonus: THE BRANTIUS BARNACLE GOOSE
Doubly mythic for doubts
about its existence even in its own lore, the barnacle goose was simply too good not to include. To those who might consider the crow an easy feat, this ornery, squawking Ferris wheel of religious myth might be for you. I say religious, not Jewish, because of this curious creature’s pervasiveness in myths across Christianity and Judaism. A confused hybrid of several real creatures—the (very real) barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis) not to be confused with the (also real) goose barnacle (Pollicipes pollicipes) and the tundra-roosting Brant goose (Branta bernicla) who is also involved, per Wikipedia—the barnacle goose makes for a silly addition to
any aviary. As Podwal puts it, any handwringing about the appropriate treatment or consumption of such a creature would necessitate, “of course, [finding] the tree that, instead of fruit, bears the barnacle goose.” Perhaps the goose is our slim-necked reminder to make sure our goals are feasible before we set ourselves to worrying about them? I’m not sure, but I hope this silly closer attests to Podwal’s whimsy and dedication to Jewish folk tradition in his accessible collection of animals. “The Jewish Bestiary” shows us that animals, real or imagined, can invite us into deeper compassion, curiosity or connection – and, even without speaking, invoke timeless Jewish values.
EMMA NEWBERY (enewbery@ jewishallianceri.org) is a staff writer and podcast host for Jewish Rhode Island.
Aerialist- Brittany Brothers defying gravity with elegance
Sir Danny Drake master of the perfect juggle.
Town Wine And A Perfect Taste served up clandestine cocktails to guests.
Mark and Jan kept it jazzy with timeless tunes.
PHOTOS | MADE YOU LOOK
Brittamy Brothers defying gravity with elegance.
Jewish Culture Fest returns to Providence in September
BY JEWISH RHODE ISLAND STAFF
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island has announced the return of Jewish Culture Fest, set for Sept. 14, 2025, outside the Bonnie & Donald Dwares Jewish Community Center at 401 Elmgrove Ave.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
gender is this beautiful, lush, complex jungle, and we've narrowed closer and closer over generations into this very constricted way of understanding gender, this binary that's closely policed. I went out and explored other parts of the jungle.”
“And,” they add after a moment, “I come back to the mainstream lineage and try to intervene in different ways to help heal it. I come back to the binary and teach trans Torah and critique how gender plays out, critique the patriarchy and attempt to bring healing to what exists.”
This return to the “mainstream lineage,” markedly different from a reintroduction to the strong female archetypes of Jewish tradition, comes at a cost.
“Do you feel – does that feel –” I stammer, “I don't know.”
I settle for an observation: “If you're encountering stories that are only ever told a certain way, re-encountering them in that way, even as
The festival, which drew more than 1,000 attendees in 2024, provides a space for the Jewish community to share its culture and pride with the wider public. This year’s event will feature live music on an outdoor stage, an open-air artisan market, food vendors, a beer garden, a kid zone and other fami-
you're deconstructing it for yourself, might be painful.”
“Rabbinical school, in particular, was very challenging for me,” Vincent acknowledges. "I often describe it as, like I was drinking cups of poison that had pearls inside, and I was kind of trying to take a sip of poison, hold it in my mouth, catch the pearl between my teeth, and then spit the poison back out. Not always 100% success, right?” They pause for a moment.
“I think it's impossible to deeply engage with such problematic inheritances without getting hurt a little bit. And I think I've learned over time to get a little better at catching the pearls and not swallowing the poison.”
ly-friendly activities.
The Alliance is currently seeking artisans and vendors for the market. Eligible items must be Jewish-related or created by Jewish artisans.
A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available, designed to suit different budgets and offer local businesses exposure while
ness, we must all do what we can to prepare ourselves to meet it head on. And, also, we need to do so in a sustainable manner.
“I think pacing is the crucial spiritual skill for this time we're in,” says Vincent. “If we take in more than we have the capacity to digest, we end up [...] more of a drain
‘The canon of Judaism is enormous. You could devote your whole life to it and barely scratch the surface.’
on the communal body than an aid to the communal body. [...] There's this balance between really pacing how much you take in and building your capacity to take in more.”
Are their listeners ready to take that on? Vincent’s answer, a sober one, seems to be that we must be ready. I don’t disagree. If we are all to be faced with this wilder-
For those looking for how to put this philosophy into action, Vincent has answers: “So like, okay,” they start to gesture with their hands,
supporting the Jewish community.
“There are so many aspects of cultural Judaism that can be celebrated and shared with others,” said Adam Greenman, president and CEO of the Jewish Alliance. “This event is a chance to shine a light on all the things we love about being Jewish.
creating small pockets of potential connection. “Who am I going to have, my little chavruta, my little partnership with? Who am I going to talk about the news with? You know, what is my small group, my community? Who are the people who are grappling with these things in real time?” The podcast is intended as a starting point for these conversations.
For Vincent, real time sometimes seems to move at warp speed. When I ask them which of their upcoming projects they’re most excited about, their eyes widen: “what I'm working on right now that I'm really excited about is everything!” Having wrapped the podcast series, they’re working on a forthcoming book of theology, a new prayer book and strengthening a growing global network. The podcast is their offering, a digestible starting point, a seed from which action hopes to grow.
“The canon of Judaism is enormous. You could devote your whole life to it and
At the same time, sharing our culture with others is a crucial way to reduce misconceptions that can often plant the seeds of antisemitism.”
More information, including vendor applications and sponsorship details, is available at JewishAllianceRI.org/ CultureFest.
barely scratch the surface,” admits Vincent, “and that's part of why I wanted it to be a limited series podcast. The idea is, you just have to listen to five episodes, and then you will have mastered something comprehensive about Miriam’s Torah. If you're not Jewish, or you're Jewish and only have limited background, this is a full chunk that you can walk away having.”
“Judaism has been monopolized by voices that have often used it to cause harm, and I don't want us to abdicate this anymore,” they say firmly. Their resounding message: those voices don’t have to be the only ones we hear: “Judaism is our ancestors, our inheritance, you know?” says Vincent, leaning forward and locking eyes with me again. “It's ours to claim.”
EMMA NEWBERY (enewbery@ jewishallianceri.org) is a staff writer and podcast host for Jewish Rhode Island.
Scenes from Jewish Culture Fest 2024.
PHOTOS | FILES
New Sefer Torah welcomed at Chabad House
ON MARCH 30 (Rosh Hodesh Nissan), there was a Hachnosas Sefer Torah celebration at Chabad House on Hope Street in Providence. The new scroll was commissioned and dedicated by Rabbi Yehoshua & Michla Laufer in honor of their parents: Aryeh Leib ben Pesach Hillel & Feigah Tzipah bat Yehoshua Laufer and Reb Dovber ben Gershon & Yasha Leiba bat Dovid Grossbaum.
It was a lively community-wide celebration, full of joy. The beautiful Torah was finished by members of the community at the event, with the help of the sofer, Rabbi Shmuel Taitelbaum. Then the new Sefer Torah was welcomed with dancing in the street, and was used immediately for the Rosh Hodesh reading at Mincha.
Submitted by Elianna Bresler
Rabbi Ahron Michel Plotsker, rabbi of Congregation Mishkon Tfilloh, left; Rabbi Shmuel Taitelbaum, sofer.
Rabbi Mendel Laufer wrote his letter with Rabbi Taitelbaum looking on.
PHOTO E. BRESLER
PHOTO E. BRESLER
PHOTO | R LAUFER
Rabbi Yehoshua Laufer carries the new Sefer Torah he donated, accompanied by his sons Rabbi Hillel Laufer and Rabbi Beryl Laufer.
CAN YOU THINK of anything better than spending a whole day in comfy clothes, inside an awesome fort that you built with friends, reading incredible books, connecting with reading buddies AND having a chance to snuggle and read to the cutest animals?
That is what Reading Day 2025 looked like at the Jewish
Community Day School of Rhode Island. The students could hardly contain their excitement! It was a special day filled with a love of literacy that you could feel in EVERY classroom – a BIG thank you to our thoughtful and passionate faculty and to Xen’s Critters for adding to the joy!
Scenes from Reading Day 2025.
Lt. Gov. Matos reflects on trip to Israel
BY EMILY GAUDREAU
In late January, Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos traveled to Israel with a New England delegation organized by the Consul General of Israel to New England. She said she was glad she was invited. “I really wanted to have this opportunity to go to Israel, learn more about the country, about how things have been affected, especially after Oct. 7,” she said. “There are things that I believe you cannot understand unless you see it by yourself.”
THE FOLLOWING is an interview with Matos after her return. It has been lightly edited for publication. Can you talk about the places you visited, the people you met with, any officials you spoke with?
We started with a visit to the Old City in Jerusalem. It was very moving to be able to go to a place that has so much significance. For me, someone who grew up Catholic, it was very moving to see the site where Jesus was crucified. We went to the Wailing Wall and saw families there celebrating Bar Mitzvahs. We went to Yad Vashem and took part in a wreath-laying ceremony. We met with members of the Knesset from two different political views. I was happy to see diversity in what was presented to us. A diverse set of opinions, but also of background. One of the members – from Ethiopia – originally immigrated to Israel with her family. We went to the Kibbutz (Nir Oz) and that was very emotional. We met with one of the members [of the Kibbutz] whose family members have been taken hostage. The night before, she left with her granddaughter, so she was not there when the attack happened on the 7th but when she came back, she couldn't believe it when she saw. Her mother and fatherin-law were taken, and we were able to see some of the homes that were destroyed. Every house had a bunker, in which people were supposed to be safe if there was an attack. I think nobody ever thought that it was going to be a ground attack. It was very sad to see places which people ran to thinking that they were going to be safe, that ended up being the places where some of them died. Seeing houses and beds burned was very emotional. You could see the houses in which people died – they had a black flag outside. Yellow flags represented the people who were taken
hostage. There were houses where you could see a mix. I remember a family, mother and father and three small kids, all of them unfortunately were killed inside and that was tough, to know that children lost their life there and suffered so much. We went to the site of the Nova Music Festival.
We heard from a survivor. She was there with her friends and her friends, unfortunately were killed on that day. She survived because she played dead for many hours while the attackers were still moving around. It's tough to know that so many young people lost their life when all they wanted to do was to have a good time. The survivor who spoke to us told us how hard it has been for her to move forward after that, and what kept her moving is she has a 10-yearold son.
We went to see the Iron Dome and learn about how they prepare to defend the country in case of an attack. Here in the US, we're not worried about our neighbors attacking us and how we're going to defend ourselves if any missiles are coming our way. It was eye opening for me to see that.
We went to Metula and talked with some of the residents there who were telling us about what it was like to be living with the constant threat that you don't know when Hezbollah was going to attack. We went to the border with Syria, and we met with members of the Druze community – they were so welcoming and so warm. It was just a great experience. We went to the site where the 12 children were killed when the attack happened. We met with the families; they want to tell the story because they feel it’s important for them to honor the memory of their children. They have created a foundation to honor the children who died.
We visited Shiva Hospital and learned about their Cen-
ter for Digital Innovation. They’re using innovation to be able to find resources for the hospital so they’re not depending just on government funding. They’ve been very creative hiring young people who have been working in technology and having them solve medical issues through technologies, creating companies, and once the companies are sold those resources go back to the hospital. I want to learn more and connect more now through the Rhode Island Israeli collaborative.
After, we visited a disabled veterans center. The center was something that I hope we’re able to establish some connection with Rhode Island. There's so much support for the veterans, disabled, disabled veterans, and I would love to figure out a way how we can connect to our veteran division here in the state of Rhode Island, or some other [veterans] organizations. I'm hoping that we can make some connections with them and learn from them in the future.
We ended by going to Hostage Square. We were able to see the families who keep showing up every day and talking with some of them about how they cope by supporting one another. We were able to see the resilience of the Israeli community. Even though life continued everywhere you went, the presence of pictures of the hostages was everywhere.
What are a couple of your main takeaways from this trip?
It was important for me to see the reality of people in Israel. The understanding and the appreciation of how here in the US we are not worried about when the [next] attack is coming. Getting that perspective, I think it was important, and I wish more people could go there and experience that. Seeing the images from the war on Oct. 7, that was very rough and it’s very real. It’s
different when you see the houses destroyed, when you see the pictures of the family, of their items burned. There are some things you cannot describe unless you see it. I believe it was an eye-opening experience for me. I was hesitant to go at first, because of the war, but it was important to go and see it and what everyday living is like in Israel.
What would you like your constituents to understand about the conflict based on what you saw?
I think that understanding the psyche of people in Israel right now because of the trauma of Oct. 7 and understanding that for people in Israel right now, the priority and their energy is all about bringing back the hostages.
Did your views on US aid to the region change at all?
I think I’m more understanding of the Israeli concerns for safety. I believe that we need to continue to talk about peace, but I also know that right now, people in Israel are very concerned after Oct. 7. For me, any conversation that I’m having about peace, we need to understand that Oct. 7 is real, it was traumatic and it damaged a lot of the advancement that had been made toward peace. My hope is that we can get back to getting closer to peace. But if someone is not able to recognize and acknowledge that Oct. 7 is real and the trauma it has caused to the people of Israel it is going to be hard to start to have a conversation about peace.
What stood out to you most about the areas you visited that were impacted by the Oct. 7 attack?
The number of people. Seeing so many black flags
in Nir Oz Kibbutz, people who died. The Nova Music Festival site, all the pictures of people, young people who died, it was a big number of people who died within those 24 hours. In Israel it was over 1,000 people, especially during those first 24-48 hours, there were people who didn’t know if their relatives were still alive. Everybody was on edge; I think that is important for us to understand. It was like a collective trauma.
What role do you believe elected officials should play in shaping the discourse around this conflict?
I think that we need to listen, and we need to learn. I encourage any other elected official who has questions and concerns to reach out to the Consul General and seize this opportunity to go and learn. It’s important for us to learn and to see what the reality is for people who live in this every day in Israel and to understand that it’s more complex than what we think. I always have been very clear. I’m not against Palestine, that is not my position. But I believe that Israel has the right to exist. And we need to talk about peace, understanding that looking for the two-state solution should be the way. How do we get there? If you’re thinking that Israel shouldn’t exist, you don’t want peace. So, we’ve got to make sure that both states can exist.
EMILY GAUDREAU (egaudreau@jewishallianceri. org) is the director of community advocacy and engagement at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.
Lt. Gov. Matos lays a wreath at Yad Vashem in Israel.
PHOTO | MARK GRAY
OBITUARIES
Robert Asekoff, 79 PORTSMOUTH, R.I. – It is with great sorrow that we mourn the loss of Robert “Bob” Asekoff, of Portsmouth. He passed away on April 26, 2025.
Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Jacob and Anne (Fox) Asekoff.
Bob had a lifelong passion for helping others and for learning, which guided his career path. He served as a special education director in the Easton (Massachusetts) public school system and the North Providence (Rhode Island) school district and later consulted at Global Learning Charter Public Schools, in New Bedford, before retiring.
Once Bob retired, he became a world traveler, visiting over 50 countries. He was always eager to share the newest foreign word he learned. He was also a proud collector of coffee and chocolate – being a bit of a chocoholic himself – from every place he visited. On his adventures, he loved meeting new people, exploring museums and learning about other cultures. He enjoyed taking photos wherever he went and can be seen in quite a few with elephants, camels, birds, monkeys, koalas and any other wildlife that had the good fortune of crossing
his path.
Everyone he met was a potential friend, whether a complete stranger or a neighbor in his community. Some would become lifelong friends. He was very chatty, with a fun, dry sense of humor, and ready to start a conversation about any topic at a moment’s notice. He was also a voracious reader, favoring spy thrillers, sci-fi, mysteries and crime novels. Bob spent the last 25 plus years on Aquidneck Island, one of his favorite places. During that time, he would head to the beach (never during tourist season), learned how to sail, rode his bike, took long walks and fed snacks to Luggy, the neighbor’s hungry cat. He had a bird feeder that he kept filled as he masterminded new ways to keep those pesky squirrels away! The turkeys on his property were always a treat for him, particularly the one he dubbed “Tommy, the Turkey.” You could frequently find him at Custom House Coffee, Anna D’s Cafe or Blue Plate Diner, where he was well-loved and always ready to strike up a conversation.
Bob is lovingly remembered by his son, David Asekoff, and wife, Susan Nathan, of Brooklyn, New York; his son, Jonathon S. Friedman, and wife, Sarah Friedman, of Marlboro, Massachusetts; his sister, Nancy Rakatansky, of Framingham, Massachusetts; his niece, Leah Camara, and
her husband, John Camara; his nephew, Alex Rakatansky, and his wife, Felicity Heath; and his cousin, Rozzy Glaser. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Donations are suggested to the following charities: Visiting Nurse Home & Hospice, of Middletown, Rhode Island, or RIPIN, of Warwick, RI.
Elizabeth Cohn, 78 SUN CITY WEST, ARIZ. –Elizabeth H. Cohn passed away on April 22, 2025, at the Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, in Glendale, Arizona. She was the beloved wife of the late Harold Cohn for 45 years. Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Samuel and Dorothy (Stern) Nulman, she had lived in Sun City West for five years, previously living in North Easton, Massachusetts, and Coventry.
She worked in the call center at MetLife Insurance, retiring in 2008. Elizabeth was a member of the former Temple Am David, Warwick, and a member of Beth Emeth Congregation, in Sun City West.
She was the devoted mother of Matthew and his wife, Jennifer, of Easton; and Jared and his wife, Jennifer Lynn, of Coventry.
She was the dear sister of the late Leonard Nulman and Charlotte Rubinoff.
She was the loving grandmother of Matthew, Jacob, Benjamin, Ella and Abby.
Contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen Fund for Breast Cancer Awareness, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380.
Diane Feinerman, 92 FAIRHAVEN, MASS. – Diane Roberta Feinerman (nee Herman), of Fairhaven, died peacefully on April 5, 2025. Diane attended the High School of Music and Art, and received a Bachelor of Arts from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Masters degree (in Gerontology) from St. Thomas Aquinas University.
Diane was a teacher of Arts and Crafts, and English, as well as a substitute teacher in many subjects and grades. She led Arts and Crafts at nursing homes later in her career. Diane was active in the National Organization of Women, the Jewish Federation of Women and other organizations. Throughout her life, Diane cherished art. She painted in different mediums, she sculpted, and she was a prolific quilter.
Diane married Bernard
Feinerman (deceased), and she is survived by her five children: Donna Feiner, Carl Feinerman, Alan Feinerman, Laura Feinerman and Ilana Feinerman. She is also survived by her sister, Jill Casty. Diane had seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Warren Galkin, 95 WARWICK, R.I. – By anyone’s standards, Warren Galkin was a stand-out human being. He leaves a legacy of inspiring many. He was born two days prior to Independence Day in 1929 to the entrepreneurial, charismatic and loving family of Arthur and Shirley Galkin and their 3-year-old son, Bob. Arthur had carved out his own path at the age of 21, quitting his job as an assistant manager of a shoe store, investing his savings in a horse and wagon, and selling wastepaper. Arthur went on to found Natco Products, still in business today, four generations later and still family owned. It’s from this hardworking family that Warren learned the value of hard work and a strong moral code.
He graduated from Hope High School and went on to Brown University, earning an ScB in Physics, then on to Wharton to earn a master’s. After graduation, Warren enlisted in the Navy as an engineering officer, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. From there, he joined his father’s company. He served many roles in the company, including head of the industrial relations department, negotiating and successfully executing union contracts. As a result of his skills, Natco never had a strike or grievance that went to arbitration.
When Arthur retired, Warren and Bob ran Natco. Bob managed the business end. Warren served in many roles, including putting his physics degree to work designing labor-saving machines for the factory, machines that would go on to create the iconic Pan Am flight bags. He and Bob sat with desks facing each other for more than 70 years. Their relationship was the perfect balance, Bob being the outgoing “mover and shaker” and Warren balancing out the team with his quiet intelligence and modest demeanor.
He was married to Joyce Galkin, the love of his life, and traveled extensively with her, preferring to explore the world by train and by walking. In his spare time, Warren found joy in playing the organ and built many throughout the years. He loved skiing, rollerblading, bike riding and wind surfing. In his late 80s, the family watched in awe as he skied the Glaciers, in Austria, as well as windsurfed in Newport Harbor.
Warren had a huge impact on the Boys and Girls Club of Warwick, setting up its first endowment fund and spearheading the construction and remodeling of its club buildings. He is the first inductee into its Hall of Fame. In the field of education, Warren has set up many endowments and scholarships that inspire students to achieve. One example is at Brown University, where he established the Galkin Physics Fellowship that funds research by their top physics graduate students as well as funding an undergraduate stipend for research in the Brain Science Department.
In 2017, Warren was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame and received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the New England Institute of Technology. He was on the board of the Japan-America Society of Rhode Island. He also earned the 2017 Middendorf Pillar of Freedom Award from the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity.
He has served as an inspiration to so many, including his three nieces, who adored him. Ellen Kenner, the oldest, will tell you that Warren taught her to take care of her body and her mind. This inspiring advice set her on a path to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology. Jane Litner loves to recall how Warren helped her excel in math, inspiring her to become a math teacher. Each time they were together, Jane would say, “IDOW” (I depend on Warren), and he would return “IDOJ” (I depend on Jane). His youngest niece, Debby Krim, was driven to mechanical and artistic endeavors, which, she will tell you, come directly from Warren’s influence. In the 1960s, Uncle Warren was ahead of his time gifting her “boy toys,” which all had “some assembly required.” Those toys, along with his supportive words, gave her the confidence to embrace mechanical challenges.
He is survived by his
OBITUARIES
stepdaughter, Cathy Gennert, and her husband, John King; their son, Ben King, and his wife, Stacey King; and their daughters, Zara and Layla, and son, Josh King
So many friends, neighbors, family members and employees were profoundly impacted by Warren’s generosity of ideas, his thoughtful support and his humility. He was easy to love, and so many of us loved him.
Contributions may be made to Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick, PO Box 8938, Warwick, RI 02888.
Elaine Marcus, 88 BOYNTON BEACH, FLA. – Elaine B. (Courlang) Marcus, of Boynton Beach, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025. She was the wife of the late Justin Benharris and the late Bernard Marcus and the loving companion of Arnold Sherman.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late George and Fanny (Bloomberg) Courlang.
Elaine was the Field House Administration Director at Rhode Island Junior College (now CCRI) and went on to become the Director of Admissions at New England Technical Institute of Technology for many years before retiring. A beautiful person inside and out with a flair for fashion, Elaine was a fantastic hostess and an avid golfer and runner; she always prioritized staying active and was a world-class Jewish cook. She loved spending time with family, especially her two grandsons.
In addition to her devoted partner, Arnold, she is survived by her loving son, David Benharris, and his wife, Kathleen, of Wrentham, Massachusetts; and two grandsons, Hunter Benharris, and his wife, Lindsay, of Wakefield, and Jared Benharris, and his wife, Alexa, of Brookfield, Massachusetts. She was the sister of the late Bertram Courlang.
Contributions may be made to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 676910, Dallas, TX 75267-6910.
Leon Missry, 91 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Born on the fourth of July, Leon Missry, of Providence, passed away peacefully
at home on April 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was the cherished husband of Madeleine Judith (Werner) Missry, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. He was also the devoted husband of the late Joan Lois Missry (Orleck).
Leon is survived by his wife, Judith, and five children: Michelle Missry Marshall (Stephen), Jill Bromberg, Denise Missry Milburn (Jeffrey), Jack Maurice Missry (Ekaterina) and Ari Solomon Missry.
He was the proud grandfather of eight and great-grandfather to one: Dylan Marshall (Mytra Haerizadeh), Joan Marshall, Joshua and Charlotte Bromberg, Lee and Annette Milburn, Leon and Victoria Missry, and his cherished great-granddaughter, Layla Marshall.
He is also survived by his siblings, Rachel Cohen, Seymour Missry and Muriel Simberg, and was predeceased by his sisters Annette Teubal and Beatrice Esses. He leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.
Born in Exeter, New Hampshire, Leon was the son of the late Jack and Matilda (Asher) Missry. He was a proud graduate of Hope High School, class of 1951. In 1955, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Textile Engineering from Lowell Textile Institute. He served honorably in the United States Air Force during peacetime, attaining the rank of Captain, and later served in the Army National Guard.
Leon began his career as a textile engineer at Malden Mills before becoming a successful entrepreneur. He owned and operated the Pier Linen Shop for 40 years, and later, he and Judith teamed up to launch MJM Physical Therapy, which they ran together with dedication.
Leon was deeply engaged in both the Jewish and wider Rhode Island communities. He served as president of Congregation Beth Sholom and was a member of Temple Emanu-El. He also served on the boards of several local healthcare organizations and the Gibson Court Condominium Association, in Narragansett.
Leon was known for his active lifestyle and boundless energy. He loved skiing and played tennis into his nineties. He shared these joys
with Judith, his beloved partner in both life and adventure – from traveling together to their never-ending backgammon tournaments.
Leon’s joie de vivre, sharp insight and quick wit brought smiles to everyone around him, often catching even his hospice nurses off guard with his one-liners. Leon approached life with humor, heart and an enduring positivity that touched everyone he met.
Above all, Leon valued his family. He was a loyal husband, a devoted father and an engaged friend. His presence, warmth and wit will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Contributions may be made to HopeHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, 1085 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904; or Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, RI 02906; or Congregation Beth Sholom, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.
Laura Putterman, 50 GROTON, MASS. – Laura Putterman was born on Feb. 18, 1975, in Manhasset, New York, to Susan L. Palitz, originally of Roslyn, New York, and Louis G. Putterman, originally of Great Neck, New York. Due to traumatic injuries sustained during her hospital delivery, she had cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder and was beset by profound cognitive impairment throughout her life. Blessed by nature with an infectious zest for life, she nevertheless learned to flourish in her own way and to inject a powerful spirit of joy into many lives.
At age 9, she moved from a specialized care facility in New York City to a nursing home for cognitively and physically challenged children in Groton, Massachusetts. It proved to be better equipped to care for her, as well as being located not far from the then current home of her father. Following surgeries at Children’s Hospital, Boston, which helped to improve her nutritional status, she grew more capable of engaging with her environment, becoming the music loving, radiantly smiling young woman who was loved by many of the extraordinary staff of her facility over the subsequent decades. Her Groton nursing home became for a time the
Children’s Extended Care Center, then the Seven Hills Pediatric Center, run by the Seven Hills Foundation of Worcester, Massachusetts. It always maintained an extraordinary standard of care and attracted an exceptionally caring staff, including deeply devoted doctors, nurses, therapists, teachers and nurses’ aides.
Beginning in her midteens, Laura had two half siblings, Patch Tseng-Putterman and Mark Tseng-Putterman, who as children loved visiting “Laura’s place” with their dad and at times also with their mother, Vivian Tseng. Many wonderful caregivers – among them nursing assistant Setsuko Gil, nurse Michelle Smith and teacher Haydee Adams – were won over by the radiant smile that would light up Laura’s face when she heard the sound of their voices or felt their gentle touch. She loved attending the performances of musicians who entertained at the facility, traveling in a facility van to a variety of field trips in the community and hearing her dad, later sometimes accompanied by brother Mark, singing and playing a keyboard to accompany favorite songs by Elton John, James Taylor, the Beatles and others. Some choice shakes of a maraca or tambourine
added further magic for her. Though Laura was strong and still had a youthful face as she reached her 50th birthday, muscular and nervous ailments had begun to take their toll, and her heart gave out a few weeks after her birthday with her father at her bedside and her mother anxiously awaiting word. The family expresses deep gratitude to the staff of Seven Hills Pediatric Center, the EMS team of the Groton Fire Department and the doctors and nurses of the emergency room and critical care unit at UMass Health Alliance Hospital, in Leominster, who offered the best possible care with love, respect and kindness during her last hours. In addition to her parents and siblings, Laura is survived by her cousins, who are the 19 other grandchildren of her late paternal grandparents, Milton and Eileen Putterman, and the two grandchildren of her late maternal grandparents, Laurence Louis Palitz and Beryl Palitz Daus. She is also survived by uncles and aunts, Sharon, Charles, Anne, Amy, Will, Lisa and their spouses and partners.
Any wishing to make a gift in Laura’s memory are encouraged to consider the Seven Hills Foundation, directing their gift, if
Certified by the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island Jacquelyn Aubuchon, Funeral Director
OBITUARIES
Gerda worked for the University of Pittsburgh Press after graduation, putting her attention to detail and skills in English grammar and writing to good use. This lifelong love of language was instilled in her three children even as they grew to adulthood.
In 1963, Gerda married Nelson Whitman, also of Pittsburgh, and a 62-year marriage began with a move to northern Virginia. There they raised three children, first living in Alexandria and then moving to Annandale.
Gerda was active for many years in girl scouting, leading neighborhood troops and serving on the board of the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital Council, where she received numerous awards for service. She was an avid collector of stuffed and collectable bears. Her collection numbers in the thousands. Visitors to the family home were often taken to meet the bears before meeting the rest of the human family. She was a supporter of the arts and a season ticketholder
to ballet and opera at the Kennedy Center and a longtime member of Beth El Hebrew Congregation in Alexandria, Virginia.
Above all, she was a devoted wife and mother, often volunteering at her children’s school activities and often serving as carpooler-in-chief. Family meant everything to her, and she was always accepting and supportive of her children and family.
Gerda is survived by her husband, Nelson, and three children: Frances (Bill) Ostendorf, Harriet (John) Dunkerley and Bernard (Constantin Mitides) Whitman. She is also survived by four grandchildren: James (Ashley) Ostendorf, Sally (Patrick) Ferrell, Zachary Whitman, Rosella Dunkerley; and five great-grandchildren: Ella, Sophia, Olivia and Noah Ostendorf and Lillian Ferrell. Contributions in her honor may be made to the World Wildlife Fund, the National Humane Society or the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital.
SIMCHA
WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE that David Gold, Alperin Schecter [now the Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island] graduate (class of 2003) has been awarded tenure on the faculty of Utrecht University, The Netherlands. He received his Ph.D. In Civil Engineering at Cornell. His parents are Marion and Art Gold of North Kingstown.
WE ARE READ
and Allyson Antin of Cranston.
OVER THE APRIL SCHOOL VACATION, Jacob Antin visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., with his parents, Frank
T hank You to all o ur eventSp o ns o rs!
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