November 21, 2014

Volume XX, Issue XLII | www.thejewishvoice.org Serving Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts

TRAVEL

28 Heshvan 5775 | November 21, 2014

Nothing overtly scandalous about this ‘nice Jewish boy’ … and he’s OK with that

BY JENNIFER ZWIRN and HILLARY SCHULMAN jzwirn@jewishallianceri.org & hschulman@jewishallianceri. org We’ve all heard the term “nice Jewish boy.” Joshua Malina officially puts a face to that phrase.

It is without a doubt the fi rst thing that now comes to mind when we hear the name Joshua Malina.

On Dec. 7, he will be the featured speaker at “A Scandalous Campaign Finale,” a celebration of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s 2015 Annual Campaign. Malina is best known for portraying Will Bailey on “The West Wing,” Jeremy Goodwin on “Sports Night” and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Rosen on “Scandal,” though he should add “nice Jewish boy” to his portfolio.

Here’s an excerpt from a recent Alliance interview with Malina himself: ALLIANCE: We’re really excited for you to be joining us come December. Your message on the importance of being a positive Jewish role model is certainly admirable. Do you consider yourself a role model?

MALINA: I would like to think so though I don’t want to pat myself on the back too hard.

But I would certainly like to be.

I don’t think of myself as particularly well-known enough to be a role model for anyone. But the one upside that I can say of having a higher profi le is that

EXPLORING ISRAEL Gilgal Refa’im: Israeli Stonehenge in the Golan Heights

BY GILOR MESHULAM gmeshulam@jewishallianceri.org Hidden in the Golan, an amazing, mythical monument stands. Our own Stonehenge – amid the Valley of Refa’im – Gilgal Refa’im (or Rjum el-Hiri – Arabic for “The Cat’s Monument”).

How to get there?

We will make our way on Route 808 to Moshav Yonathan. Park your car at the very end of the moshav (Follow the instructions for Gilgal Refai’m) – and then Gilor Meshulam in the Golan Heights. walk through the valley until you reach Who were the Refa’im than a few times, dea fountain. If you look around, you won’t be able to miss the pile of stones, which and what do they have to scribed as powerful race of giants. The Refa’im are is about 0.5 miles from your position. (In do with this monument?

The Refa’im are men- considered to be one of the right season you can pick some apples on your way to Gilgal Refai’m from tioned in the Torah more our greatest enemies. One the moshav’s apple orchard.)

ISRAEL | 15

Joshua Malina Joshua Malina sometimes I feel like there is a relative lack of visible Jewish role models. There are a lot of Jewish actors, actresses, musicians and comedians, but we don’t seem to have many with a message about the beauty of Judaism and the worth of living a substantive Jewish life.

ALLIANCE: What does it mean to you?

MALINA: I would say it’s not an add-on to my life in any way.

It’s not an extra-curricular. It is the cornerstone of my identity.

If I had to defi ne myself in a few words, “daddy” would be one of them. “Jew” would be another.

It’s a gift I feel my parents gave to me, raising me in a household MALINA | 16

National conference invigorating for local leaders

BY FRAN OSTENDORF fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org Building community and attracting the next generation of leaders. Local representatives who attended the Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly Nov. 9-11 agree on the main takeaway for Rhode Island.

“The messaging was crisp and clear,” says Jeff rey Savit, president and CEO of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. “If our communities do not bond together as a collective CONFERENCE | 17

THERE WERE THE vice president of the United States, two Supreme Court justices and an Academy Award-winning actress with a compelling Jewish story. See what they all had to say at the National G.A. on page 17

The G.A. app.

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2 | November 21, 2014

COMMUNITY | WORLD

The Jewish Voice

Jews around the world mourn terror attack victims

INSIDE

BY THE VOICE STAFF

Business 18-19 Calendar 6-7 Classified 19 Community 2-5, 11, 16-17, 21, 24-25 D’var Torah 7 Food 12-13 Nation 17, 25 Obituaries 22-23 Opinion 8-10 Seniors 20-21 Simcha | We Are Read 26 Travel 14-15 World 2

THIS ISSUE’S QUOTABLE QUOTE “Having children has taught me to slow down and love the moment.”

As we go to press, events surrounding the terrorist attack at the synagogue in Jerusalem on Nov. 18 are still developing.

Three of the victims – Rabbi Moshe Twersky, 59, Rabbi Kalman Zeev Levine, 55, and Aryeh Kupinsky, 43, – held dual U.S.-Israeli citizenship. Twersky was from a wellknown Boston rabbinic family. Kupinsky was reportedly born in Rhode Island before moving to Detroit and then Israel in the early ’80s. The fourth victim, Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Goldberg, 68, was from Great Britain. And late Nov. 18, Zidan Saif, 30, a Druze police officer, died from injuries suffered in the attack.

The following are some reactions of American Jews.

Jeffrey Savit, president and CEO of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, issued this statement on Nov. 18: “In response to today’s horrific attack on a synagogue in Jerusalem, where Palestinian terrorists killed at least four Jewish worshippers, the Jewish Alliance, along with the Jewish Federations of North America call on the global community to join in condemning those responsible.

“The Jewish Alliance is shocked by the horrific attack on innocent worshippers that took place earlier today. We send condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. This despicable and reprehensible act of terrorism took the lives of at least four innocent civilians and injured many others.

The recent wave of Palestinian terror attacks and acts of violence in Israel is outrageous and completely unacceptable, but today’s attack on innocent people praying in a synagogue is incomprehensible. We call on the Rhode Island community to join the entire global community in condemning

tim who grew up in Boston.

Clockwise from top left: Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Goldberg, Rabbi Moshe Twersky, Rabbi Kalman Levine and Rabbi Aryeh Kupinsky. this attack in the strongest possible terms, immediately and unconditionally.”

Barry Shrage, president of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston, said on Nov. 18, in part: “Our community mourns and protests at the same time. We mourn the loss of these innocent people murdered in Jerusalem.

We protest against the extremism that seems to be filling our world and we refuse to be silent in the face of murder and terrorism.”

The following exerpt from Shrage’s statement is on Rabbi Moshe Twersky, the vic-

Let’s change the world...

Together.

“He was the son of Rabbi and Professor Yitzhak Twersky (z”l) and Dr. Atarah Twersky, and the grandson of our most beloved Rav, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik (z”l) founder of the Maimonides School in Brookline, Rosh Yeshiva at the RIETS rabbinical school at Yeshiva University, and a respected rabbinic authority and philosopher who influenced religious thought in the Jewish community and well beyond.

“Rabbi and Dr. Twersky were important leaders within our Orthodox community and beyond. Dr. Atarah Twersky served as Chair of the Education Committee of the Maimonides School and is a widely respected educator. Rabbi Dr. Yitzhak Twersky was the Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy at Harvard University and the Rav of the Talner Shul in Brookline. He was also a deeply respected Jewish educator whose advice was sought whenever communities and philanthropists tried to understand and improve Jewish education in America. They were both friends to our community and to me, and they gave their advice and wisdom to us in good times and bad. Their advice was always given with affection and caring, and in complete accord with the most important traditions of our people.

“Rabbi Moshe Twersky was Dean of Torat Moshe Yeshiva in Jerusalem. He is survived by his wife Bashy and children Meshulam, Refoel, Rivka, Nechama and Avrohom, and by his sister Tzipporah Rosenblatt and his brother, Rabbi Mayer Twersky.”

The Voice staff along with everyone around the world mourns these acts of violence. We offer our condolences to the families.

Super Sunday January 11, 2015

#SuperSundayRI

Volunteer with us on Super Sunday: Because without you, it’s not that super.

Learn more at jewishallianceri.org.

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Practice your Jewish values on #GivingTuesday

BY IRINA MISSIURO imissiuro@jewishallianceri.org Every year, on the day after Thanksgiving, you partake in the phenomenon known as Black Friday. You get up with the rooster, drive to the mall and set off on a hunt. Perhaps you have already perused the stores’ fliers and chosen the deals you must fight for.

You will buy inexpensive products – whatever they may be – and then you will come home and try to find somewhere to store these most likely unneeded clothes, knickknacks and electronics. How many pairs of jeans, albeit cheap ones, does one need, after all? Possibly, you will wrap up your purchases and hand them out during Hanukkah. This holiday, why not spend your time, money and energy on something that’s more meaningful and lasting than a tchotchke?

This time, instead of participating in the hysteria of Black Friday or engaging in the consumerism of Cyber Monday, engineer your own Hanukkah miracle by getting involved in #GivingTuesday. Started in 2012 by New York’s 92nd Street Y, the initiative, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, promotes charity and volunteer activities to support nonprofit organizations. The name was likely inspired by the Twitter hashtag – a phrase that follows a pound sign and is used to identify tweets on a specific topic. The event’s website explains the thinking behind the concept, “On Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, charities, families, businesses, community centers and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.”

Funds running low this year? You don’t have to give money to participate. Contribute by raising awareness, donating goods and services or volunteering – offering involvement beats apathy.

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island is participating. Brian Sullivan, director of Marketing, says, “The Alliance will be taking part in #GivingTuesday for the first time since its inception. Our participation this year will be limited to social media, with the hopes of growing it into something larger in the coming years.”

Trine Lustig, vice president of Philanthropy, adds, “We are excited to join this international phenomenon that celebrates generosity. We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for finding bargain sales. Now we also have a day for tzedakah.”

Those who took part in the 2013 event generated roughly $19 million, growing donations 90 percent from the amount raised just a year before.

Will these figures be surpassed once again in 2014?

Already, the number of partners has quadrupled since the inaugural year, climbing past 1,300. Stomach full of turkey, nourish your soul next. And don’t forget to document your efforts with #UNselfie photo to inspire others. Judging by last year’s stats of #GivingTuesday reaching 700 tweets per minute, the initiative is an effective means to reach more than 2 billion Twitter and 300 million Facebook users.

IRINA MISSIURO is a writer and editorial consultant for The Jewish Voice.

Let her be the

reason.

There are many ways to create your legacy.

Let us show you a few.

November 21, 2014 |

Plenty of Hanukkah events at the Dwares JCC December at the Dwares JCC will be filled with Hanukkah-related events for all ages. Children’s activities will range from crafts such as making one’s own oil-burning hanukkiyah to social action/mitzvah opportunities to viewing a mini-museum. Adults can enjoy special fitness classes in barre, Pilates, chisel and more, or join (401)j for special discounts at stores on Hope Street or for beer-tasting.

Professor Gizmo will lead children in making a usable oil-burning menorah out of recycled items on Dec. 2, at 4:30 p.m. Families may make other Hanukkah crafts during a drop-in on Dec. 10, at 4 p.m. A PJ Storytime will be available at 10 a.m. on Dec. 12.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Shannon Boucher at SBoucher@jewishallianceri.org or 401421-4111, ext. 147.

Hope Street Winter Stroll will be held Dec. 4, from 4-8 p.m. on Hope Street in Providence. As a member of the Hope Street Merchants Association, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island invites everyone to this annual event. There will be refreshments, in-store promotions, live entertainment and much more! Among the events will be storytime and edible dreidel craft at the Rochambeau Library at 4:30 p.m., Sip, Schmooze & Shop with (401)j and preregister for a free day-long shopping pass to receive special discounts at select merchants, a Winter Wellness session at J. Marcel at 6:30 p.m., a homemade menorah display at Olive del Mondo, and Hanukkah and Winter crafts from 4 p.m. on at the craft tent.

The Alliance will collect food for The Louis & Goldie Chester Full Plate Kosher Food Pantry, and for other food pantries, at this event, as well as at the Dwares JCC. For more information or to RSVP, contact Wendy Joering at WJoering@jewishallianceri.org or 401421-4111, ext. 169.

Teens are invited to a communitywide teen event, EVENTS |16

In the Jewish community, caring for one another is a top priority, and our Jewish values inspire us to take action.

These same values teach us to care for the next generation, too.

By making a legacy gift to the Jewish Federation Foundation of Greater Rhode Island, you ensure that our Jewish community remains strong. You leave your children and grandchildren a priceless inheritance and a lasting testimony to your values.

For more information on establishing your Jewish legacy, please contact Trine Lustig, Vice President of Philanthropy at 401.421.4111 ext. 223 or tlustig@jewishallianceri.org.

3

COMMUNITY

4 | November 21, 2014

Guests at the event included, left to right, FIDF New England Regional Director, Lior Zommer; Somali-born American activist, writer and politician, a fellow at the Kennedy Government School at Harvard University, Ayaan Hirsi Ali; Rhoda Dermer, wife of Ambassador Dermer; Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Ron Dermer; New England FIDF Board member and FIDF National Board member Stephen Schultz; Chairman and CEO of The Kraft Group and owner of the New England Patriots, Robert Kraft; wife of Daniel Kraft, Wendy Kraft; International President for the Kraft Group, Daniel Kraft; Laurence A. Tisch Professor of History at Harvard University and husband of Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Niall Ferguson; and New England FIDF Co-Chairman and FIDF National Board Member, Joseph Sieber.

The Jewish Voice

Israeli shaliach (emissary) Gilor Meshalum, Alyse Teitelbaum and Yehuda Fishaut at the FIDF event.

FIDF honor Israeli soldiers BOSTON – More than 1,200 prominent lay leaders and Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) supporters from across greater Boston came together Oct. 31 for the FIDF New England Chapter’s annual dinner at the Westin Waterfront Hotel.

Among the main speakers was Moria Ashkenazy, whose husband, Sgt. Maj. Yair Ashkenazy z”l, an IDF reserve soldier, was the 33rd Israeli casualty of Operation Protective Edge this past summer. A municipal lawyer, Ashkenazy attended university and earned a law degree thanks to the FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship Program. Moria, a widowed mother of three, is now a recipient of the FIDF LEGACY Program, which cares for the families of fallen soldiers.

Special guests included Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali-born activist, writer and politician, best known for her outspoken advocacy about female genital mutilation, Islam, and women’s rights; her husband, Niall Ferguson, a Scottish historian and Laurence A. Tisch Professor of History at Harvard University; and Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots.

Ron Dermer, Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., delivered the keynote address, recognizing Kraft for his support for Israel and Hirsi Ali for her human

rights advocacy. From 2005-2008, Dermer served as Israel’s Minister of Economic Affairs in the U.S and senior adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from 2009-2013. In 2004, he co-wrote the best-selling book, “The Case For Democracy: The Power of Freedom to Overcome Tyranny and Terror,” which has been translated into 10 languages and notably endorsed by President George W. Bush.

The FIDF event also featured 11 IDF soldiers who participated in Operation Protective Edge in Gaza this summer.

FIDF was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors as a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization with the mission of providing and supporting educational, social, cultural and recreational programs and facilities for the heroic men and women of the IDF. Today, FIDF has more than 120,000 loyal supporters, and 15 regional offices throughout the U.S. and Panama. FIDF proudly offers its support to the IDF soldiers and their families through a variety of unique and innovative programs. These opportunities reinforce the vital bond among the communities in the United States, the soldiers of the IDF, and the State of Israel. For more information, please visit: fidf.org.

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November 21, 2014 |

5

Women’s Alliance welcomes community guests and writer Judith Frank

BY JENNIFER ZWIRN jzwirn@jewishallianceri.org SEEKONK, MASS. – Empathy.

Fairness. Awareness of something bigger than ourselves.

All overarching themes of this year’s Women’s Alliance Annual Campaign celebration cochaired by Lezli Pious and Robin Kall Homonoff and held Nov. 6 at Ledgemont Country Club.

A beautiful Lion of Judah dinner sponsored by Wesley Alpert in memory of Grace Alpert started the evening, followed by remarks from the event’s cochairs as well as Board Chair Sharon Gaines and Vice Chair of the 2015 Annual Campaign Mitzi Berkelhammer.

“We represent hundreds of thousands of donors around the world. In fact, over $160 million is raised by women’s philanthropy in Federation campaigns every year. $160 million!

Think about how much money that is. When we say we can change the world together, we mean it!” announced Berkelhammer proudly.

Allie Robbio, student at the University of Rhode Island, shared her story of growing up in Rhode Island with the benefit of Jewish programs that shaped her life. This summer, she participated in an Israel internship program sponsored by the Jewish Alliance and returned to Rhode Island more aware of who she is as a Jewish woman and what she wishes to accomplish for her community. She thanked the audience for making all of her Jewish experiences possible, through their donations to the Jewish Alliance.

The event’s guest speaker, renowned writer Judith Frank, read excerpts of her latest novel, “All I Love and Know,” and shared snippets of her life, offering further insight into the novel.

Having grown up outside of Chicago, Frank’s mother, a widow at 35, moved the family to Israel shortly after Frank’s father passed away. Judith and her twin sister were both 17.

Their brother was 14. Acclimating was not easy. She did not know Hebrew. She did not know the customs and practices. She did not know where or who she was supposed to be. So she grew

more aware of her surroundings, and she wrote about them in order to become them – the memories of light, the sounds of sandals slapping on the streets, the aromas of Shabbat cooking wafting from apartment windows. She lived in Israel for six years before returning to the states to attain a Ph.D. at Cornell.

“Part of the writing process is using what it is you know and are comfortable with to explore.

I didn’t know anything about Israel prior to being moved to Israel. But the awareness of things became so clear to me when I left. It took me leaving Israel to be more aware of Israel. My viewpoint had shifted.

And this novel had a range of those viewpoints. The power of art broadens peoples’ perspectives.”

Frank’s novel considers a variety of topics from gay marriage and adoption to the Middle East conflict. She illustrates humanity through each of her characters. “My hope is that my readers will empathically engage with characters who may be different than they are and that that engagement will open them up a little. We have all experienced the same things – love, loss. We are all the same.

That’s what empathy is. My mother taught me this. She was difficult and formidable and wonderful. She’s in all of my stories, including this one.”

Frank, a mother of twin 6-year-old girls herself, is learning how to enjoy the ride.

“Having children has taught me to slow down and love the moment.”

PHOTOS | ELAINE SANDY

Marcia Hirsch, Mindy Sherwin and Sharon Gaines, Alliance Board chair It was a successful event featuring women who have made great impacts on the local and worldwide Jewish communities. Gaines said, “We are able to put the Jewish values of generosity and responsibility into action every day. When Jews need our help, we are there for them. It is hard to believe that right here in Rhode Island, half of Jewish households face economic difficulties. We need to continue working toward better long-term solutions to the everincreasing needs.”

JENNIFER ZWIRN is in grants and planning for the Jewish Alliance.

Event co-chairs Robin Kall Homonoff, left, and and Lezli Pious, right, with Judith Frank, center.

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Tricia Stearly tstearly@jewishallianceri.org 401-421-4111, ext. 160 EDITOR Fran Ostendorf CONTRIBUTING WRITER Irina Missiuro

Karen Borger ksborger@gmail.com 401-529-2538

EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS Irina Missiuro | Judith Romney Wegner

COLUMNISTS Dr. Stanley Aronson, Michael Fink, Rabbi James Rosenberg and Daniel Stieglitz

DESIGN & LAYOUT Leah Camara

MEMBER of the Rhode Island Press Association

A beautiful Lion of Judah dinner was sponsored by Wesley Alpert in memory of his beloved wife, Grace.

Lion of Judah co-chairs Cheryl Greenfeld Teverow, left, and Cindy Feinstein, right, with Mitzi Berkelhammer, vice chair of philanthropy.

THE JEWISH VOICE (ISSN number 15392104, USPS #465-710) is published bi-weekly, except in July, when it does not publish.

PERIODICALS Postage paid at Providence, R.I. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: The Jewish Voice, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

PUBLISHER The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, Chair Sharon Gaines, President/CEO Jeffrey K. Savit, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

Phone: 401-421-4111 • Fax 401-331-7961

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

ADVERTISING: We do not accept advertisements for pork or shellfish. We do not attest to the kashrut of any product or the legitimacy of our advertisers’ claims.

All submitted content becomes the property of The Voice. Announcements and opinions contained in these pages are published as a service to the community and do not necessarily represent the views of The Voice or its publisher, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

Through Jan. 8 Encaustics, Prints and Photography.

Temple Habonim Gallery. Works by three artists in a variety of mediums.

Felicia Touhey, encaustic painter and printmaker, uses materials and manipulation in her creations. Brian Larkin, artist, musician and historian, has perfected the white (or black) line woodblock printing technique used

by Provincetown artists in the early 20th century. Richard Jacobs has a passion for travel photography. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and by appointment. Information, call 401-245-6536, or email gallery@ templehabonim.org.

Tuesday | Nov. 25 Lunch and Learn. 12:15-1:15 p.m. Study a bit of Torah with Rabbi Naftali Karp over lunch in a one-hour session to explore relevant Jewish topics using ancient wisdom as the guide. Bring a brown bag lunch; be prepared for a lively discussion. Weekly sessions through Dec. 9. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. RSVP 401632-3165. Drop-ins welcome.

Tuesday | Dec. 2 Oil Burning Menorah Workshop. 4:305:30 p.m. Dwares JCC. Professor Gizmo will be here to lead us in making a useable oil-burning menorah out of recycled items. This program will be an activity that all J-Space children will have the opportunity to participate in for free if they are in J-Space that day (regular fees apply). If you would like to send your child straight from school, be sure to ask us about our transition care. Families are also welcome to attend. Some of the menorahs will be displayed at Olive del Mondo on Hope

Temple Torat Yisrael’s Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Philmus. Noon. Each participant orders from the menu and we study Jewish sources addressing current issues. Topic: “Woman at the Wall – Women’s Religious Rights in Israel and Beyond.” Everyone welcome; bring a friend. T’s Restaurant, 5600 Post Road, East Greenwich.

Sunday | Nov. 23 Thanksgiving Service. 7 p.m. Shireinu, the community chorus of Temple Sinai, joins with the choruses from Woodridge Congregational Church and the Edgewood Congregational Church This musical event will take place at the Edgewood Congregational Church at 1788 Broad St., Cranston. This event is open to the public.

Monday | Nov. 24 Experience Israel. Historical Decisions in Hysterical Moments: How today’s decisions affect tomorrow with Israeli Shaliach Gilor Meshulam. 7-7:30 p.m.

Dwares JCC. Kaf-Tet Be’November refers to Nov. 29. That was the day, 67 years ago, the United Nations voted to partition Mandatory Palestine into

Calendar Submissions

Dec. 5 issue, HANUKKAH – must be received by Nov. 26.

Dec. 19 issue, GENERATIONS & FAMILY HEROES – must be received

by Dec. 10.

SEND ALL CALENDAR ITEMS TO: editor@jewishallianceri.org with the subject line “CALENDAR.” Calendar entries may be edited for content, length and relevance. Please submit two weeks prior to issue of publication.

CALENDAR | 7

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Music Doctors. 8-10 p.m. Fishel Bresler and Phil Edmonds play original music from Klezmer to Irish, lively to meditative. Tickets, $10. Brooklyn Coffee Tea House, 209 Douglas Ave., Providence.

Information, BrooklynCoffeeTeaHouse. com.

Metropolitan Klezmer Quartet.

7:30 p.m. New York musicians perform a range of musical treasures. Tickets, $25. Zeiterion Theater, New Bedford, Mass.

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Saturday | Nov. 22

Thursday | Dec. 4 Hope Street Stroll. 4-8 p.m. Hope Street, Providence. As a member of the Hope Street Merchants Association, the Alliance invites you to this annual stroll.

There will be refreshments, carolers, restaurant specials, in-store promotions, live entertainment and much more! For more information, contact Wendy Joering at 401-421-4111, ext.

169 or wjoering@jewishallianceri.org.

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Gold, Paper, Scissors. By Naomi Geller Lipsky. gallery (401). Naomi uses quilling, gilding, painting and other techniques to create artistic designs, inspired by her love for Jewish heritage.

Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Information, Erin Moseley, director or Arts & Culture, 401-4214111, ext. 108, emoseley@jewishallianceri.org

Monday | Dec. 1 Jewish Philosophy Book Club. 8-9:30 p.m. Open to men women and teens.

Rabbi Dolinger leads a guided discussion engaging Judaism’s most important topics and questions. Participants are responsible to order the book, “God in Search of Man,” by Abraham Joshua Heschel, part one. Rabbi’s study at Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. For information, 401621-9393.

David Makovsky. 7 p.m. Between November 2013 and September 2014, Makovsky advised Secretary of State John Kerry as part of an elite team charged with seeking an historic peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians. Makovsky’s firsthand account of what it’s like to work behind the scenes on the most difficult diplomatic issues of the last century provides a riveting view of the issues, the personalities, and the prospects for peace moving forward. BERT 130, 85 Waterman St., Providence. Sponsored by: Brown RISD Hillel, Brown Students for Israel, J Street U Brown and the Watson Institute for International Studies.

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Through Dec. 5

Services with Shireinu, the community chorus of Temple Sinai. 7:30 p.m. In the sanctuary at Temple Sinai. Open to the public. An Oneg Shabbat follows the services. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston.

Jewish Alliance Phone-a-Thon. 6:308:30 p.m. Dwares JCC. Come join the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and help raise money for our Annual Campaign! Learn about our partner agencies and their positive impact on our Jewish community and abroad.

RSVP to Michele Gallagher at mgallagher@jewishallianceri.org.

Fr rd e hr e S ay on am to E so re & ry ve d by th te n e ll in Li m 7 J m :3 ew ing g ud 0 C (D Bo 9 ish st pm St ab e on or a c. & yt re 6 Te el t ) m lin p

The Igbo Jews of Abuja. Hillel Gallery.

There is widespread belief among the Igbo of Nigeria, dating back to the 18th century, that they are descendants of the tribes of Israel. An exhibit of Shai Afsai’s photographs and interviews from his three visits to the Abuja (Nigeria) community and its four synagogues in 2013 and 2014. 80 Brown St., Providence.

Chamber Music Concert. 2 p.m. Temple Sinai. Features the Ocean State Clarinet Choir and the Classic Winds Quartet.

Open to the public and free of charge; refreshments will be served. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston.

Wednesday | Dec. 3

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Through Nov. 30

Gaga Challenge: Join the fun in the gym as both children and adults participate in the game that is referred to as Israeli dodgeball. There will be a separate gaga pit for adults and children. Crafting: Create Shabbat-friendly crafts using a variety of materials. Gaming: Test your skills at various games. Price: $15 Adults | $7 Children | $36 Family Max. For more information or to register, contact Michelle Cicchitelli at mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org or 401-4214111, ext. 178.

Sunday | Nov. 30

Street during the Hope Street Stroll on December 4. Price: $5 | Members: $3. For more information or to RSVP, contact Shannon Boucher at 401-4214111, ext. 147 or sboucher@jewishallianceri.org.

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Through Nov. 23 Hanukkah Art & Writing Contest. Touro Fraternal Association and The Jewish Voice are sponsoring a Hanukkah contest. Students in grades 1-4 are invited to draw or paint a picture. Students in grades 5-8 are invited to write a short essay on “My family at Hanukkah” or “What Hanukkah means to me.” Prizes will be awarded in each category.

Entries must be postmarked no later than Nov. 23. Visit thejewishvoice.org or tourofraternal.org for more details.

Shabbat Shabbang. 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Dwares JCC. Join us for a kosher Shabbat dinner and stay for a variety of activities. Appetizers starting at 5:30 p.m. with a musical welcome by Pastrami on RI, Rhode Island’s co-ed a cappella group. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. with Shabbat blessing followed by songs throughout the meal, led by Pastrami on RI and Camp JORI. Afterdinner activities, beginning at 6:45 p.m., will include: A cappella/sing-a-long workshop for children and adults: Learn the science behind a cappella and join Pastrami on RI, for a family sing-a-long.

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Am David Kosher Senior Café. Kosher lunch and program every weekday.

Temple Am David, 40 Gardiner St., Warwick. 11:15 a.m. program; Noon lunch. $3 lunch donation from individuals 60+ or under 60 with disabilities. Elaine or Steve 401-732-0047.

PJ Library Thanksgiving Story Time.

10-11 a.m. Dwares JCC. Enjoy a PJ Library story, songs, movement, crafts and a holiday-themed snack. All children ages five and under are welcome. To RSVP or for more information, contact Michelle Cicchitelli at 401-421-4111, ext. 178 or mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org.

TNT! (Tuesday Night Talmud). 8-9 p.m. Open to men, women and teens of all levels and backgrounds. This is a collaborative group study of the first chapter of Masechet Berachot, tractate dealing with blessings. Meets weekly in the rabbi’s study at Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. For information, 401-621-9393.

two states – one for the Jews and one for the Arabs. What kind of decisions did Israeli leadership face? How can we learn from this significant time in history and apply it to our everyday decision making? Gilor Meshulam will expose the audience to his own decision-making experiences as a Captain in the IDF, in the heat of battle, and in everyday life. For more information, contact Gilor Meshulam at 401421-4111, ext. 121 or gmeshulam@ jewishallianceri.org.

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Alliance Kosher Senior Café. Kosher lunch and program every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Noon lunch; 1 p.m. program. $3 lunch donation from individuals 60+ or under 60 with disabilities. Neal or Elaine, 401421-4111, ext. 107.

Friday | Nov. 21

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6 | November 21, 2014

LimmudBoston 2014

Sunday, December 7, 2014 9am – 6pm

www.LimmudBoston.org Discover

Learn

Laugh

Greet

Sing

The all-day, volunteer-driven conference celebration of Jewish culture and identity.

Sessions on Torah, Israel, Spirituality, Lifecycle, Arts, Music, Interfaith, Social Justice, Peace Something for everyone! Secular to Observant! Beginner to Scholar!

Camp Limmud program for families with children ages 3-13 (Advance Registration Required)

Register Now! $36 in advance; $54 at the Door Special Family and Young Adult Rates Free Havdalah Storytelling Cabaret: Saturday, Dec. 6 7:30pm

LimmudBoston 2014 will be at Congregation Mishkan Tefila 300 Hammond Pond Parkway, Chestnut Hill, MA

D’VAR TORAH | CALENDAR

thejewishvoice.org

November 21, 2014 |

Vayeitze: Discovering the Divine ladder within

BY RABBI AARON PHILMUS Who has time to pray these days? We barely get to talk to our friends and family, so who has time to talk to God? Young Jacob is running away from home to escape the jealous rage of his brother Esau. Mom and dad have promised him Divine blessings; however, Jacob has yet to experience a direct encounter with God. As the sun sets, he realizes he must stop and find a place to sleep for the night. Jacob was not a “man of the field” like his brother. He was really a man of the tent, who spent most of his time cooking with his mom and studying Torah. Now he is alone at night in the wilderness with no tent, no mom and no pillow. “He took one of the stones of the place and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep.

And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.”

FROM PAGE 6

(Genesis 28:11-12) Before this dream, Jacob had reached rock bottom (literally), yet from this low vantage point, he was able to look up and see the path to heaven. He finally gets a promise directly from God that his promises of blessing will indeed come true. Then he wakes up and exclaims, “Wow! Adonai is in this Place, and I didn’t even know it!”

When we are at our lowest and darkest moments in life, it often feels like our connection to God has been lost entirely. Jacob’s story teaches us that no matter where we are on the ladder, we are always connected. One of the names we use for God when comforting a mourner is HaMakom which literally means “The Place”; though at times we may feel very distant from God, there can be no place devoid of the Divine presence. We are always connected whether we realize it or not.

As Jacob discovered in his dream, the path of Divine connection is right here, right now.

We carry this ladder around with us everywhere we go in our very bodies. Our spines are the ladder, carrying messages from above to below and sending messages back up from the body to the brain above. We can find that connection to God through our own Divine image by stilling our minds and calling awareness to our breathing and our thoughts. But who has time to meditate? If you are like Jacob and you are always on the run, try creating a nighttime ritual just before bed. First, still your mind with slow deep breathing, take a deep breath and then say the Shema really, really slowly and keep a dream journal by your bed with a pen, ready to write.

Like Jacob, you just might discover that God was in your life and you didn’t even know it!

AARON PHILMUS is rabbi of Temple Torat Yisrael in East Greenwich.

CALENDAR

Saturday | Dec. 6

of any amount to the 2015 Annual Campaign. RSVP by Nov. 19 to Michele Gallagher at 401-421-4111, ext. 165 or mgallagher@jewishallianceri.org.

The Wholesale Klezmer Band. 8 p.m.

Six musicians perform in Yiddish and Hebrew. Repertoire includes Yiddish folksongs, and songs from theater as well as dance tunes. Tickets, $20 in advance and $23 at the door. Advance tickets through Brown Paper Tickets, 800-838-3006. Doors open at 7 p.m. for a folk tailgate party. Bring a picnic basket. Common Fence Music Hall, 933 Anthony Road, Portsmouth. Information, commonfencemusic.org.

Drop-in Crafting. 4-5 p.m. Dwares JCC. Drop in at your leisure to create a special craft. Member price of $1 per child and nonmember price of $3 per child to help cover the cost of materials.

RSVP to Michelle Cicchitelli at 401421-4111, ext. 178 or mcicchitelli@ jewishallianceri.org to ensure enough supplies.

Sunday | Dec. 7

Friday | Dec. 12

Humongous Hanukkah Sale. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Everything you need for Hanukkah and things you didn’t know you needed.

Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Free admission.

A “Scandalous” Campaign Finale. An evening with Joshua Malina. Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island 2015 Annual Campaign Community-Wide Event. 7 p.m. Temple Emanu-El. Keynote speaker Joshua Malina is known for his roles in the TV shows “Sports Night,” “The West Wing” and “Scandal.” He will speak about his background as a Jewish actor and his involvement in The Jewish Federation. A dessert reception follows. $18 couvert per person plus a donation

Wednesday | Dec. 10

PJ Library Hanukkah Storytime. 10-11 a.m. Dwares JCC. Enjoy a PJ Library story, songs, movement, crafts and a holiday-themed snack. All children age 5 and under are welcome. To RSVP or for more information, contact Michelle Cicchitelli at 401-421-4111, ext. 178 or mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org.

Sunday | Dec. 14 Humongous Hanukkah Sale. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Everything you need for Hanukkah and things you didn’t know you needed.

Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Free admission.

Monday | Dec. 15

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Jewish Philosophy Book Club. 8-9:30 p.m. Open to men women and teens.

Rabbi Dolinger leads a guided discussion engaging Judaism’s most important topics and questions. Participants are responsible to order the book, “God in Search of Man,” by Abraham Joshua Heschel, part two. Rabbi’s study at Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. For information, 401621-9393.

Candle Lighting Times Greater Rhode Island Nov. 21 ............................. 4:01 Nov. 28 ............................. 3:57 Dec. 5 ................................ 3:35 Dec. 12 ............................. 3:35

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8 | November 21, 2014

OPINION

The Jewish Voice

Slow down and be thankful At some point in the last couple of weeks, someone called our office asking, “Do Jews celebrate T h a n k sg iving?” I found this question surprising.

Remember the fuss last year over Thanksgivukkah when T h a n k sg iving and HaEDITOR nukkah fell at the same FRAN time?

It OSTENDORF caused quite a stir.

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, filled with food, family, friends and festivities. To most Americans, it is a secular celebration.

However, many congregations participate in interfaith worship services during the holiday. Regardless, giving thanks remains a part of all of our celebrations.

I did some research to see if I could discover any connections between Judaism and Thanksgiving. I found lots of interesting stuff, from the elementary to the rather detailed.

About.com has an article devoted to such topics as what makes Jewish people uncomfortable about the dinner (the traditional turkey dinner is certainly not kosher) and how Americans in Israel might celebrate.

Chabad.org offers a more traditional explanation on thankfulness, laced with inspiration from Torah, for a deeper perspective and insight into the connections between Judaism and Thanksgiving.

There are many kosher food blogs filled with appropriate recipes and instructions.

Clearly, we do celebrate Thanksgiving, but the how and why are fodder for questions. Do your own search.

It’s fascinating.

So in the lead-up to this uniquely American holiday where families and friends gather to relax, have a nice meal together and celebrate their collective traditions, I thought I’d reflect on a few of the many things I am thankful for in my life.

I am thankful for my family, who have been very supportive in the months since I took this job. I look forward to spending time with my extended family who will be at our house on Thanksgiving day. Since nobody ever lets me eliminate anything from the menu, I will be calling on everyone more than ever to jump in and help. There will be no visiting in the living room this year!

I cannot ever offer enough thanks to our “little staff that can.” Without the hard work of The Voice team, there would be no newspaper. Additionally, I am thankful for my co-workers at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, who give me great support when I need it most – articles, photos, information.

Volunteers make any organization sing. I’m lucky to have a few very dedicated volunteers who help in the office, offer advice, copy edit and proofread. Never underestimate the power of a volunteer at a small newspaper like ours. (Anybody else want to jump in? We’re friendly and always grateful.

Call me.)

I am thankful for patience, a trait I really value. Once, years ago, my 3-year old son asked his father what patience was. Why? Because he wanted to give it to me as a gift since I’d said, more than once, that “I was losing my patience.” Well, I found it, thankfully, because I still have it, and a sense of humor, too.

And to you the loyal reader, I say, thank you and keep reading!

Errata – Nov. 7

The correct email address for more information about the Jewish Woman’s Renaissance Project trip in June 2015 is Elissafelder@aol.com. There is no hyphen in the address. * * * In the editor’s column, the Rhode Island Free Clinic was incorrectly referred to as the Providence Free Clinic.

The Jewish Voice regrets these errors.

OUR MISSION The mission of The Jewish Voice is to communicate Jewish news, ideas and ideals by connecting and giving voice to the diverse views of the Jewish community in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, while adhering to Jewish values and the professional standards of journalism.

A psalm that makes us squirm Psalm 137 – at least its first six verses – is one of the best known and best loved of our 150 psalms: “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat, sat and wept, as we thought of Zion. /There on the willows we hung up our lyres, /for our captors asked us there for songs/our tormentors, for amusement. / How can we sing a song of the Lord on alien soil? /If IT SEEMS I forget you. O Jerusalem, let TO ME my right hand forget its cunRABBI JIM ning; /let my tongue cleave ROSENBERG to the roof of my mouth if I cease to think of you, /if I do not elevate Jerusalem above my highest joy.”

Few words capture more completely the millennial-long love affair between Jerusalem and the Jewish people. To this very day Jerusalem continues to tug at our heartstrings. The contemporary Israeli poet, Yehuda Amichai (1924-2000), writes: “Jerusalem stone is the only stone that feels pain; there is in it a network of nerves.” This is the very same stone that turns Jerusalem at sunrise and sunset into that magical city of gold and copper and light.

Until my years as a rabbinical student, I never read past the first six verses of Psalm 137. Indeed, during my youthful folksinging days, I would frequently perform a mournful version of Al Naharot Bavel (By the Rivers of Babylon), which takes as its Hebrew text the opening verses of the psalm; I sang the song for years without realizing

LETTER I am writing to reply to the Nov. 7 letter to the editor by Nina Tannenwald, Re: StandWithUs. As chairperson of the Oct. 29 event, I find it very interesting that all the comments by Ms. Tannenwald were about the attendees at the event rather than the content of our program. As I said in my introduction that evening, our mission will be twofold: 1) to provide more proIsrael programming in R.I. and 2) to counter the anti-Israel programming as well. For example we assert that we support the democratically elected government of Israel, that Israel has a right to defend itself, that Israel protects the rights of all of its

that the psalm had a most disturbing “Part II:” “Pay back, O Lord, the Edomites, for the day of Jerusalem’s fall/the ones who said, ‘Tear her down, tear her down, to her very foundation!’ /Daughter of Babylon, destroyer, /happy the one who pays you back for what you did to us! /Happy the one who grabs your babies and smashes them against the rocks!”

Reading these words makes me squirm. How could this psalm, how could any psalm, celebrate the smashing of babies against the rocks? Nevertheless, given the historical context of exile in Babylonia, given the helpless impotence felt by the Israelites who were forced to become strangers in a strange land, given the sadistic taunts of our ancestors’ captors, one can understand, if not condone, their rage for revenge.

The Israelite exiles were in no position to fight back physically; all they could do is to fight back with words.

In view of the fact that the concluding three verses of Psalm 137 express such violent hatred, it seems strange, almost perverse, that Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772-1810) chose to include it as one of “ten psalms of having special power to bring a true and complete healing: R’fuat HaGuf (Healing of the Body) and R’fuat HaNefesh (Healing of the Spirit). Rabbi Nachman designated these 10 psalms (16, 32, 41, 42, 59, 77, 90, 105, 137, 150) the Tikkun HaKlali, the Complete Remedy. (“Healing of Soul, Healing of Body.” Rabbi Simha Y. Weintraub, Editor. Jewish Lights Publishing, 1994.)

The apparent contradiction between the expressed violence at the end of Psalm 137 and its

Re: Letters (Nov. 7)

citizens including women, gay persons, Arabs, Christians and other minorities. We also assert that: Israel is not an apartheid state, that it is not a racist state and that we condemn the boycott, divestment and sanction movement whether that is being carried out by Jews or nonJews.

It was apparent that our program struck a chord in the attendees that evening, and I have a feeling that was so because people are concerned by what they see in our community, and on the college campuses, and they are hungry to know what they can do about it. Ms. Tannenwald discounts the problem

designation as a psalm of healing is resolved when one interprets exile as a metaphor for illness. As Rabbi Amy Elberg, one of several rabbinical contributors to “Healing of the Soul, Healing of the Body,” wrote in her introduction to this psalm, “I had always read Psalm 137 only in historical terms, the homesick lament of the Jews in exile in Babylon, weeping for Jerusalem, their home. But to read the psalm through Rabbi Nachman’s eyes is to imagine the lament as my own, as a cry of despair and longing in my own times of pain ..., when I am disoriented, forcibly removed from the normal, comfortable times and places of my life.”

Illness is exile. Illness takes us far away from the comforts of home by turning us into strangers in a strange land, by closing off all conversation with others and even with ourselves, trapping us in the prison of our own relentless pain. As Bob Dylan begins his frequently performed but ever enigmatic “All Along the Watchtower,” “There must be some way out of here ... There’s too much confusion. I can’t get no relief.”

But there can be a way out of here; there can be some measure of relief from the confusion and the pain that illness brings in its wake. A sustained engagement with our Biblical Tehillim, our Psalms, even those psalms that might make us squirm, can bring us out of ourselves and back into relationship with all those who help us to heal – and back into a relationship with the Ultimate Healer.

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

of anti-Semitism today. However, there are scores of news reports on the soaring rates of incidents targeting Jewish students.

Many of the attendees at the event have attended Brown University events about Israel sponsored by the Watson Institute in which Ms. Tannenwald is a professor. At those events, we have not been allowed to ask questions, though the Institute pays lip service to the right to free speech. Our organization will continue to welcome all opinions.

Stefanie Feld Providence

COLUMNS | LETTERS POLICY

The Jewish Voice publishes thoughtful and informative contributors’ columns (op-eds of 500 – 800 words) and letters to the editor (250 words, maximum) on issues of interest to our Jewish community. At our discretion, we may edit pieces for

publication or refuse publication. Letters and columns, whether from our regular contributors or from guest columnists, represent the views of the authors; they do not represent the views of The Jewish Voice or the Alliance.

Send letters and op-eds to: The Jewish Voice, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906 or editor@jewishallianceri.org. Include name, city of residence and a contact phone number or email (not for publication).

OPINION

thejewishvoice.org

November 21, 2014 |

PHOTO | PERRY BINDELGLASS

Meital Cafri’s Birthright group in May 2013.

Taglit-Birthright Israel meets Providence, Rhode Island

This past April I began working at a company called Sachlav | Israelont he House, a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip organizer.

Since 1999, T a g l it- B i r t h right Israel has given more than 400,000 LETTERS young Jews the gift of a free 10HOME day trip to Israel. Sachlav is one of several DANIEL T a g l it- B i r t h STIEGLITZ right Israel trip organizers that runs trips for American citizens and residents.

Among IsraelontheHouse’s distinguishing factors is that we cater to all kinds of people who identify as Jewish. It doesn’t matter if someone considers themselves to be a secular, Reconstructionist, Reform, Conservative or Orthodox Jew. Our buses blend all sorts of Jews from various backgrounds, which in itself enhances their Taglit-Birthright Israel experiences in Israel.

These young people discover the Land of Israel while also discovering the many facets that Judaism has to offer. IsraelontheHouse’s trips are the perfect mix of exposure to Israel’s religion, culture, landscape and history (both biblical and modern), without focusing too much on one or the other.

Our participants enjoy activities such as kayaking in the Jordan River, camel rides, hiking up Masada at sunrise, sleeping in Bedouin tents and snorkeling in Eilat. In fact, we have won Taglit-Birthright Israel’s award for “Best Itinerary.” We add a personal touch by bringing each group to a barbecue

at the CEO’s house. It’s hard to believe that all of this is FREE. As a trip coordinator alongside my colleagues, I helped bring 45 buses of participants to Israel this past summer. One of my responsibilities is to interview, hire, train and manage the counselors who come to Israel with the groups. I inherited many of the staff members I managed this past summer from my predecessor. While scanning the staff spreadsheet that she left me, I couldn’t help but notice that some of the staff members had “401” area codes and “02906” zip codes. It didn’t take me long to realize that some of these current and former staff members were from Providence.

Among them was Nomi Mitchell, a native of Providence and four-time Taglit-Birthright Israel trip staffer. Nomi is now my contact at Boston University, one of our partner organizations. A new name to me was Yehuda Fishaut. I recognized his Providence address, but not him. Yehuda came to Providence from Israel for work and now teaches at both the Wheeler School and Temple EmanuEl. Rounding off our summer staff from Providence was Elanah Chassen, a first-time Taglit-Birthright Israel staffer, originally from Rockaway, New Jersey, who staffed New England March of the Living just a few months earlier.

This coming winter, the Rhode Island monopoly over the IsraelontheHouse staffing positions will continue. (Not bad for the smallest state.) Returning to the staff roster will be Nomi, who will once again be leading a Boston University trip. Yehuda will be returning, and co-staffing with another IsraelontheHouse staff alum and Providence resident, Meital

Cafri. Meital moved from L.A. to Rhode Island for college 4 1/2 years ago, and stayed to earn a master’s degree. She is now the Advancement & Membership coordinator at Temple EmanuEl. This will be the second Taglit-Birthright Israel trip that she has staffed.

And new to both TaglitBirthright Israel and IsraelontheHouse staffing will be my sister, Eve Stieglitz, whose proIsrael activism over the last few months very much impressed my colleagues in the Sachlav office.

Each of these Providence natives and residents, along with several other staffers, will help to ensure that hundreds of Taglit-Birthright Israel participants will have the times of their lives in Israel. While winter registration is closed, prospective participants can still contact us to inquire if it would be a possible to participate in a trip between December and March. If not, registration for the summer season will open in early February. Applicants can go to www.israelonthehouse. com or email info@israelonthehouse.com for further details and to receive reminders about summer registration. Space is limited. Seize your Birthright before it’s too late!

DANIEL STIEGLITZ (dstieglitz@gmail.com), a Providence native, made aliyah in 2007.

He holds a master’s degree in creative writing from Bar Ilan University; works as a trip coordinator at Sachlav/Israelonthehouse, a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip organizer; does freelance content writing; and lives in Jerusalem. His short story “End” was just published in FictionMagazines.com’s magazine, New Realm.

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Elanah Chassen

Nomi Mitchell

10 | November 21, 2014

OPINION

The Jewish Voice

IN HIS OWN WORDS

A political columnist finds a new life

BY M. CHARLES BAKST An interesting thing has happened to me in retirement. I have converted – from political journalist to political activist.

You know, the kind of person who does what he can to help folks like Gina Raimondo get elected governor and Jorge Elorza mayor.

That’s a huge leap into a world I could only glimpse from my previous perch as a nonpartisan Providence Journal reporter, editor and columnist. As a columnist, at least, I could air opinions, but I was not free to labor on behalf of candidates or even endorse them. Donate money?

Unthinkable. Indeed, almost until the end, I did not feel at liberty to vote in primaries.

In those days, especially when I was out speaking to a group, frustrated folks often would ask how they could bring change to Rhode Island.

One solution I offered was to become active in politics: running, or recruiting candidates, or working for them.

Post-Journal, I dabbled some in the 2010 and 2012 races, but during the 2014 election cycle, I immersed myself big time. I was surprised by the amount of hours this took up, and by the occasional frustrations, but, overall, it was a liberating, exhilarating experience.

Virtually all “my” candidates won. I do not claim credit for that. But I was doing something important to me.

I loved my work at the Journal – but it was work. This was more like a hobby. A big difference. As a partisan activist, I didn’t have to interview anyone, or chase after people who didn’t want to talk to me, or worry that my tape recorder wasn’t working, or hang onto the words of boring speakers, or rush back to the office.

No one paid me. I wasn’t on anyone’s clock or, indeed, under anyone’s control. When Democrat Raimondo was under attack from the Catholic Church, I went on line striking back in her defense. She herself was keeping a low profile, clearly trying not to inflame the situation. It’s possible she and her campaign welcomed my initiative. Or maybe not.

I knew that I had moved far beyond the discipline of journalism when, one night, I went to a fundraiser for my choice for lieutenant governor, Republican Catherine Taylor.

The podium party included Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian and Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, the GOP nominee for governor. Everyone was pleased to see Fung, of course, and during the speaking program his presence was noted.

I thought Avedisian might

call on Fung to speak and that Fung would then introduce Taylor. But Avedisian introduced Taylor, who gave a rousing speech. Surely, I thought, she would then ask Fung to speak, and, when she didn’t, I guessed that, in a burst of enthusiasm, Fung would take the initiative, grab the microphone, and say how proud he was of Taylor. But he didn’t, and the program ended.

Momentarily, I thought like a reporter. What was this all about? Was this the plan? A mix-up? Was there a rift between Taylor and Fung? And then I said to myself, “I don’t care.’’ And I went home.

There wasn’t a lot that was particularly Jewish about my political involvement, except I repeatedly employed the word shande in conversations about Buddy Cianci’s mayoral candidacy. I deliberately used the term at a meeting of the Elorza Finance Committee, with a roster that included several Jews. I knew they’d appreciate it, and I wanted to be sure the candidate was familiar with it. Of course, even without the term, the concept of a scandal – of an embarrassment for everyone to see – informed whatever I wrote about the disgraced former mayor, online or in fundraising letters.

My 2014 involvement actually began in 2013. Early on, I gravitated to Seth Magaziner’s campaign for treasurer and Nellie Gorbea’s bid for secretary of state. I have known Seth from the time he was born; his parents, Ira and Suzanne, are longtime friends of mine and my wife Elizabeth. I knew Nellie from her days helping to mold Latinos into a Rhode Island political force.

We contributed a little money to these two candidates, and I offered some tips on speeches and sound bites, something that would continue episodically through the Democratic primary and beyond.

One day our East Side neighbors, Andy and Tina Miller, inquired about joining them in hosting a meet-and-greet for a mayoral aspirant who been had recommended to them: Brett Smiley. I knew him from when he managed Charlie Fogarty’s campaign for governor in 2006. But I had no feel for him as a candidate himself, so he came to the Millers’ apartment and, so to speak, auditioned for us, spending an hour discussing issues and the political landscape. We all were impressed and did indeed host

COURTESY | M. CHARLES BAKST

Democratic candidate Gina Raimondo with M. Charles Bakst (and reusable Gina for governor shopping bag) at the farmers market at Hope Artiste Village, Pawtucket, on Nov. 1. Three days later, Raimondo won her race. a meet-and-greet.

In 2014, I continued to help Smiley here and there, such as arranging an introduction, or appearing with him at a senior assisted living facility; old people are avid newspaper readers.

D u r i n g the summer, Elizabeth and I attended a Smiley fundraiser, where one of the dignitaries was state Rep. Ray Hull, whom I knew from his days as a Police Department driver for Mayor Cianci.

Not, long after, in a key move in the mayoral primary, Smiley withdrew and joined forces with Elorza, so I jumped too. Hull publicly fumed that Smiley had left him out of the loop. I called Hull and listened to him vent at length; he was in no mood to sign on with Elorza, but he did allow that if Elorza reached out, he’d be willing to talk with him. I sent a detailed account of our conversation to Smiley (and, by extension, Elorza). I thought: This is real nitty-gritty, inside stuff, interesting, but also wearing and eating up time. It was one of many insights I’d have that made me appreciate what candidates and aides go

“Momentarily, I thought like a reporter. … And then I said to myself, ‘I don’t care.’ And I went home.”

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through. (Hull wound up backing Cianci’s independent run.)

In October, when the general election was in full swing, the Millers and Baksts hosted a meet-and-greet for Elorza. His skill in telling his life story, outlining his proposals and fielding questions was extraordinary, and I think by then voters around the city increasingly were seeing him as an inspiring figure, not simply as a name on the ballot.

If anything I did all year had a positive impact, it likely was my urging Elorza and his people to organize a news conference with several former U.S. attorneys to slam Cianci’s criminal background. I was asked to enlist former Gov. Lincoln Almond to join Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Robert Corrente in the exercise.

Almond was pleased to agree.

The news conference attracted a decent amount of immediate publicity and, I think, more usefully, continued to be mentioned in stories long afterward.

Over the election cycle, I became addicted to using

Facebook and Twitter, linking news articles or editorials or relentlessly posting photos and mini-commentaries to promote candidates or take on their opponents.

A TV ad Mayor Angel Taveras launched in the Democratic gubernatorial primary declaring that Treasurer Raimondo “works for Wall Street’’ sent me over the top. I posted a long, angry rebuttal online.

Her campaign then suggested I turn it into an op-ed essay. So I massaged it and sent it to several local newspapers. “This is an inflammatory iteration of a constant Taveras whine,” I wrote of the claim that Raimondo works for Wall Street.

“Myself, I thought Raimondo was working for the taxpayers of Rhode Island when she had the smarts, skills and courage to orchestrate and put through the Democratic General Assembly an overhaul of the pension system in order to stabilize state finances, preserve social services, and afford long-term assurance that employees will actually have pensions.’’

And on and on it went.

The Valley Breeze published it as a letter to the editor.

The Warwick Beacon did too, though in shorter form. The campaign then reproduced the Beacon version and – this was Raimondo’s idea – inserted copies of it in blue “Gina for governor” reusable shopping bags her campaign distributed at senior-citizen stops.

On the Saturday before the November election, I was heading out to shop at the farmers market at Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket. I happened upon the Gina bag I had in my closet and took it with me.

And whom should I encounter shaking hands in the market? Yes, my only-in-RhodeIsland friends, the candidate herself. We posed for an iPhone photo – Raimondo, Bakst and the bag – and it made for a wonderful entry on Facebook and Twitter.

On Nov. 4, I retweeted it, with this message: “With your help, one of us will be elected governor today!’’

And indeed, one of us was.

M. CHARLES BAKST, a Providence resident, is a member of Temple Habonim in Barrington, where he formerly lived.

DO YOU HAVE A FAMILY HERO? Let us know about him/her, why that person is your family hero and perhaps include a photo.

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November 21, 2014 |

Reduce stress and increase gratitude at Thanksgiving

celebrations 2015

BY PATRICIA RASKIN Here are some time, money and energy-saving tips to reduce stress during the holidays: • Delegate so that you are not doing it all. Distribute the chores. Carpool and/or pick up things for others when you have to shop in the same place.

• Simplify. Make less complex recipes, which can also be elegant.

• Schedule time for you. Give yourself 30 minutes a day to relax, unwind, call a friend or do something that brings you joy.

• Stop when you are tired and finish later. This applies to shopping, cleaning and organizing your home as well as cooking.

• Prioritize what you want to accomplish to stay focused.

• Buy local. This saves time and energy and supports our Rhode Island economy.

• Be financially prudent.

Pay cash or use a debit card or a credit card with no, low or deferred interest.

The true spirit of Thanksgiving is to share joy with family and friends and celebrate the gifts you have been given and those you give to others.

January 25, 2015

Rabbi Benjamin Blech says it so well in his article “Jews and Thanksgiving” (Aish.Com, Nov. 19, 2011): “Jews are the people who gave to the world, in addition to the awareness of God, the concept of gratitude. … Eric Hoffer had it right when he said, ‘The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.’… Let’s acknowledge our gratitude to God for everything he’s given us instead of complaining about how much

more we think we deserve.”

Give yourself credit for the good things you have accomplished and for all the good and joy in your life.

PATRICIA RASKIN, M.Ed. is an award-winning producer and host of “Patricia Raskin Positive Living” heard Saturdays from 3-6 p.m. on WPRO, AM630/99.7FM. She is also a coach specializing in change and transition.

11

12 | November 21, 2014

FOOD

The Jewish Voice

Emily Shalansky invites attendees to try her Eggplant Dip.

BY IRINA MISSIURO imissiuro@jewishallianceri.org (Part two of two) Enjoy the second installment of Temple Beth-El’s World Series of Jewish Noshes recipes. As mentioned last week, some of these are award-winning dishes. Others are simply delicious.

PHOTOS | IRINA MISSIURO

Sara Dorsch offers her Spinach Souffle.

More noshes for your table

Eggplant Dip

Emily Shalansky

Ingredients:

1 large eggplant 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 plum tomatoes, cored and diced 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped Italian parsley 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste Freshly ground pepper to taste

Process:

Preheat the oven to 375 de-

grees. Prick the eggplant with a fork. Place on a baking sheet and bake until soft, about 45 minutes. When cool, split in half and remove seeds. Scoop out the flesh and coarsely chop. Place in a bowl.

Stir the onion, garlic and tomatoes into the eggplant. Stir in the olive oil and lemon juice. Stir in the basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Serve.

Fritada de Espinaca (Spinach soufflé)

Sara Dorsch (recipe from “Sunday at the Moosewood Restaurant”)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach (or two 10-ounce packages frozen spinach) 1/2 cup matzo meal or breadcrumbs 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

6 eggs, beaten 1 pound cottage, farmer or feta cheese (or queso fresco) 1/2 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and ground pepper 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Process:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. If using fresh spinach, wash and stem it. Steam until soft. Drain it, squeezing out the excess liquid, and then chop it. If using frozen, simply squeeze out the excess liquid.

Set aside 1/4 cup of matzo meal or breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup cheddar cheese. In a large bowl, mix the spinach thoroughly with the rest of the ingredients.

Oil a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

Dust the bottom with the reNOSH | 13

FOOD

thejewishvoice.org

November 21, 2014 |

13

What’s new with the teens?

Sandy Gamm, left and Sonya Bostom ready to work at the Teen Tzedakah Kitchen.

Most recently the teen engagement department at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island opened the Teen Tzedakah Kitchen, preparing food for the Louis and Goldie Chester Full Plate Kosher Food Pantry.

Once a week, on Sunday, teens come to the kitchen at Temple Emanu-El at 10:30 a.m. They learn about a new Jewish food, prepare it, package it, and then it’s delivered to the kosher pantry the next morning. It’s part

Josh Levanos (wearing glasses) and Noah Prizant (foreground) stir the poys in the kitchen. Josh Bermel is in the background.

of the community service program that also includes volunteer work at Amos House and delivery of prepared food such as sandwiches to Crossroads Rhode Island.

Participation in this program is

open to all teens in grades 8-12 in the community regardless of synagogue affiliation. Teens say they enjoy the program as it adds value to the community and everyone likes to help out.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on this and all the teen programs, contact Jana Brenman, director of Teen Engagement and Education, at jbrenman@jewishallianceri.org, or 401-421-4111, ext. 181.

NOSH

FROM PAGE 12 served matzo meal. Spread the spinach mixture evenly in the pan. Sprinkle the top with the reserved cheddar. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, until the top is golden and firm to the touch.

Happy Hanukkah

Bread-and-Butter Pickles Brendan Weiner

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds Kirby cucumbers, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch rounds. (about 8 cups) 2 cups thinly sliced red onions 1/3 cup pickling salt 1 3/4 cups apple cider vinegar 1 3/4 cups water 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar 1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger 1 tablespoon turmeric 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds 1 teaspoon celery seeds 2 Fresno chili peppers or red jalapenos, pricked with toothpick

from

Brendan Weiner arranges the pickles for the tasters.

Process:

In a large bowl, mix together cucumbers, onions, peppers and salt. Allow to stand approximately 3 hours.

In a large saucepan, mix the cider vinegar, water, ginger, sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, coriander seeds and turmeric. Boil.

Drain liquid from the cucumber mixture. Stir the mixture into the boiling vinegar mixture. Remove from heat shortly before the combined mixtures return to boil Transfer to sterile containers.

Seal and chill in the refrigerator until serving.

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14 | November 21, 2014

TRAVEL

The Jewish Voice

From Rhode Island to Pittsburgh to Israel: Ashdod adventure

BY CHLOE NEWMAN Just over two months ago, I moved to Ashdod, the fi fth largest city on the southern coast of Israel. The surreal feeling, that magical I’m really doing this, I’m really here mindset, still hasn’t left.

The adventure began when I received my acceptance letter into the Masa Israel Teaching Fellowship program at the end of April. As a fellow, I would live in Ashdod with 14 other fellows, volunteering in elementary schools as English teachers from September 2014 to the end of June 2015. The 10-month program would provide us intensive Hebrew lessons, pedagogical training and weekly trips all over the country. The apartment provided promised a short, 10-minute walk from the Mediterranean. The Rhode Island beaches of my childhood really can’t compare with my balcony view, overlooking soft sands and warm (I mean, really warm) waters.

I knew this invitation was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Yet, I felt my heart torn. For the past five years, I have loved making my home in Pittsburgh with my amazing friends, having my family close-by in Rhode Island. I loved studying, and then working, at Carnegie Mellon University, fi nding creative and intellectual stimulation in a comfortable environment.

For my fellowship, I had to justify leaving this behind to enter an unknown, to live in Israel. On top of making difficult

goodbyes, I would be moving into a literal war zone. The most recent crisis with Gaza resulted in frequent and heavy rocket fi re into southern Israel, much of which was directed at the city of Ashdod. While the Iron Dome offered significant protection against physical damage, citizens’ lives were terrorized daily by the constant sound of sirens, and days spent waiting in bomb shelters. If I were to volunteer there, I too would have to accept the physical and emotional risks.

Not one day passed this summer that I didn’t wonder about how different my life in Israel would be. As my departure date grew close, so did the exciting madness.

I made it through my crazed packing phase, emptying the contents of my bedroom into a pile of boxes in my basement.

With a 50 pound allowance, I managed a 49 1/2 pound weighin for my one checked suitcase, along with one small carry-on and my backpack. I experienced, for the fi rst time, the liberation of carrying the next 10 months of my life in my hands.

I made it through many long travel hours in cars and planes: to Providence (visiting my family briefly, one last time), to Boston, then to Toronto, and on to Tel-Aviv. Leaving Providence the morning of Aug, 31, I didn’t arrive in Ashdod until 3 p.m., Sept. 1.

I made it through customs, the passport check, found my luggage and navigated the strange airport to my taxi escort. For a brief moment, I

feared customs had taken my sacred jar of American peanut butter and a pang of sorrow struck my heart. I was relieved to later fi nd it hidden in clothes, with the tragedy averted.

Finally, I arrived at my new home, with my new apartmentmates, and certainly many new friends. It felt remarkably like college again, with so many young people all getting to know each other, claiming sides of our dorm-sized, shared rooms, and trying to imagine what our next 10 months would be like, living and working together.

After two months here, I’m happy to say that I’ve made the right decision. I’ve made incredible bonds, not just with the other fellows but all over Israel. Every day, I fi nd myself meaningfully engaged with the

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Chloe Newman is Israel.

ADVENTURE | 15

A view of Ashdod.

PHOTOS | CHLOE NEWMAN

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TRAVEL

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FROM PAGE 14

Gilgal Refa’im, Israel’s Stonehenge in the Golan Heights.

FROM PAGE 1

ISRAEL of the most noticeable Refa’im was Og, the king of Bashan, the evil Amorite king – whom we waged war against, and prevailed. Some people believe that this megalithic monument, once reaching the height of 16 feet, served as a sanctuary to the Refa’im, and probably to Og himself (who was 11 feet 10 inches tall – 8 cubits).

Another reason that might be relevant for the monument’s name – is the fact that no one knows exactly who built it – and the literal meaning is “the wheel of spirits.”

When you walk in the area, try to imagine the huge basaltic boulders surrounding you, thinking about what this monument might have been used for.

In archeological diggings, they found a family tomb inside the

Gilgal, dated hundreds of years after the original monument was built.

What else is there to do in the area?

Keshet – natural juice making: After you’re done exploring the mythical mysteries of the Refa’im, 10 miles northeast of Moshav Yonatan (going north on Route 808, and making a right in Route 87 to Moshav Keshet), is Keshet natural juices. The organic, all-natural process begins with the picking of the fruit directly from the orchards and ultimately ends up in your glass – all for you to try.

Where? – Moshav Keshet, Mitzim Tivi’im Requires reservations – Ronen 052-4251625 Naomi’s Dairy: 5 miles south of Gilgal Refa’im – in Moshav Natur, you can visit Naomi’s Dairy. You can enjoy a dairy lunch or dinner – mainly of goat cheese and some wine – with

the beautiful scenery of the Golan Heights as a background.

Where? – Moshav Natur, Meshek Naomi Requires reservations – 0524833166 More History – If you’re in the mood for some more exploring, you can go 10 miles northwest of Yonathan (taking a left instead of a right turn in Route 87) and visit Gamla, the “Masada of the North” – with a lot of scenery, an ancient synagogue and a lot of our history from the great revolt against the Roman empire.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy your visit in Ramat Ha’Golan, the “Tuscany of Israel” – packed with beautiful scenery, natural food and an inseparable connection to our history and legacy. Have fun!

November 21, 2014 |

15

ADVENTURE

different cultural values and experiences. From exploring the unique balance of secular and religious lifestyles, to the way my students and I share and teach each other language; from the extraordinary hospitality of complete strangers to the overall assertiveness of the Israeli way. I’ve even adapted my love of peanut butter, having become infatuated with tahini.

Never have I felt my safety here compromised, and in fact, the strong sense of national community makes me feel even more cared for than before.

There’s much more to come from my time here, and I am

excited to continue exploring my passion in being here, to experience this new land and culture.

CHLOE J. NEWMAN grew up in Providence, where she attended The Wheeler School and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. While currently volunteering in Israel, Chloe continues to pursue her career in the arts. Her trip was partially funded with a travel grant from the Salmanson Fund established at the Jewish Alliance of Greater R.I. and with funds accrued through the Gift of Israel program.

GILOR MESHULAM is the Israeli Shaliach (Emissary) for the Jewish Alliance.

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COMMUNITY

16 | November 21, 2014

The Jewish Voice

FROM PAGE 1

FROM PAGE 3

MALINA that honored Jewish traditions and sending me to yeshiva. It’s one of the things I am trying to do as a Jewish dad myself, and that’s part of what I will be sharing with the community when I visit Rhode Island.

ALLIANCE: Very commendable and you’re absolutely right. Tell us more about your family.

MALINA: I grew up in a Conservative household. I went to an Orthodox yeshiva. I married a woman who converted to Judaism, and we now attend a Reconstructionist synagogue so I’m like a Jewish mutt. I’ve seen different traditions, and it’s had a very positive effect on me. It’s incredible for me to see my wife become someone who sings in the choir at our synagogue. She’s sat on the board of the synagogue and keeps a kosher home.

ALLIANCE: Has your professional path to Hollywood ever been in confl ict with your Judaism in other ways?

MALINA: I would say that I have been very lucky. Occasionally there are confl icts. I fi nd that my employers have been understanding. On “Scandal,” some of my cast mates are like, what? They’re like, what’s next? Stop making up Jewish holidays! If you don’t want to work, tell us you don’t want to work! I assure them they’re real holidays!

ALLIANCE: You’ve been quoted as saying that it can

PHOTO BANK VIA GETTY IMAGES)

Joshua Malina as Will Bailey in “The West Wing” (Mitch Haddad/NBC/NBCU) be lonely work trying to support Israel in Hollywood.

What do you mean by that?

MALINA: It started with a rally in 2001 when I was invited by the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles. It was a rally in support of Israel, although its entire mission statement was supporting the concept that Israel has the right to exist, which is sort of sad to think that you need to have a rally to make that point.

My message isn’t one of blind support of Israel. I’m all for debate and conversation and, yes, seeing a situation, all the issues, evolve from both sides and maybe not even thinking of it as sides and hoping there is some way, a path toward peace. I’m all about showing the gray area instead of having everything stand as either black or white.

I think sometimes that mistake is made of us typecasting everything as “us” and “them”

or “we’re right” and “they’re wrong.” It’s obvious that things are much more complicated and nuanced than that.

Exceptionally level-headed and grateful, Malina is held in high esteem by his peers, though you would never hear that from him. He truly is a mensch, and he will be speaking about how to make it in Hollywood while remaining a mensch at the annual campaign event, which will be held at Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, at 7 p.m. A dessert reception will follow, and you never know – you may even have the opportunity to meet this “nice Jewish boy.”

JENNIFER ZWIRN is in grants and planning and HILLARY SCHULMAN is a development association in Philanthropy for the Jewish Alliance.

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EVENTS

which is being planned by a committee with representatives of youth groups across the state.

Join us for fun and games, food and prizes. This exciting program will take place on Dec. 14, from 5-8 p.m.. For more information or to RSVP, contact Jana Brenman at JBrenman@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 181.

Families may celebrate the holiday season by lighting candles and enjoying traditional Hanukah foods and music while participating in a variety of mitzvahs. We’re putting the miracle back in Hanukkah by inviting various community agencies to create social action opportunities for you and family to engage in. This MITZVAHS and MIRACLES Community Hanukkah Celebration will take place in the afternoon and evening of Dec. 17. Michelle Cicchitelli has more information, MCicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org or 401421-4111, ext. 178.

The Foolproof Brewing Company in Pawtucket will host (401) j on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. for Vodka + Latke…sort of. Beer tasting and awesome raffle prizes are available for participants who are at least 21 years old. For more information or to RSVP, contact Erin Moseley at 401-421-4111, ext. 108 or emoseley@jewishallianceri. org.

The Early Childhood Center will conduct its annual Hanukkah Shabbat dinner on Dec. 19.

ECC families should contact Denise Aubin at DAubin@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext.

130 for more information and to RSVP.

J-Fitness is offering 8 Days of Fitness for Hanukkah. Adults can try a variety of group exercise classes open to all levels of fitness. Whether it’s barre, Pilates, spin, yoga, or chisel, there’s a class for every body. With an eight-day Guest Pass you may enjoy the use of the Fitness Center, gym and 75-foot heated pool.

Touro Fraternal Association and The Jewish Voice are sponsoring a Hanukkah Art & Writing Contest. The deadline for participation will have passed, but anyone may view the entries from grades 1 through 8 in Gallery (401).

The Lights Museum will be on display in the main lobby of the Dwares JCC throughout December. Everyone is free to browse through it, though special guides will be available so that parents may share related activities with their children as they enjoy the exhibit.

All are encouraged to participate in the mitzvah of tzedakah by purchasing a gift that can be given anonymously to a child from a family in need. Cards will be available in the main lobby, describing particular children and a gift or two that each would appreciate. Those who purchase these gifts should leave them at the main desk with the cards.

Gifts should NOT be wrapped, so that parents can see what will be given. However, gifts may be put in gift bags. Some of the recipients will be Jews and some non-Jews.

All activities at the Dwares JCC take place at 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence.

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FROM PAGE 1

CONFERENCE

and work together as one, and indeed listen to the myriad of voices and opinions across our Jewish landscape, then each of us will lose our power to stay relevant and engage our millennials and next generation of leaders.”

Savit called the conference the best he’d ever attended.

“I was thrilled I was able to share this year’s experience with Rabbis Mack, Dolinger, Babchuck and Franklin, let alone Minna Ellison, Erin Moseley and Terry Smily, president of the Jewish Federation of Cape Cod.” Erin Moseley said she was inspired by the overall feeling of the conference. As director of Arts & Culture and NextGen Engagement, she went with the (401)j team that included Rabbis Mack, Babchuck and Dolinger, to make a presentation. “The atmosphere and attitude of everyone was in support of everything I believe we are trying to do,” she said.

The (401)j presentation, part of the “Fedovation” TEDstyle breakout sessions highlighting how federations are pioneering change, was well received. “The response was overwhelming,” said Moseley. “To know that we are cutting edge and people want to know more about what we are doing and how we are doing it is amazing.”

Rabbi Elan Babchuck, of Temple Emanu-El, said he’s

THEY SEE COLOR WAR.

already fielded phone calls from people who were at the presentation or who had heard buzz about it. “People were excited about the possibility of an entire state thinking collaboratively and efficiently.”

Rabbi Barry Dolinger, of Congregation Beth Sholom, agreed. “This kind of open institutional cooperation is a key to building community across many areas. People even posted about our presentation on the GA app.”

“It’s reassuring, motivating and exciting to know that we are moving in the right direction and doing the right things, Moseley said of her experience at the GA. “It was the perfect boost of positive energy we need to continue moving forward.”

As for how Rhode Island compares with others?

Babchuck observed, “We were defi nitely on the cutting edge. Being able to talk about what we do in Rhode Island while talking to others from different cities gave me a great sense of pride for our little state.”

Savit sum med it all up: “Working together as a community provides the best mechanism to achieve success, innovation and engagement.”

FRAN OSTENDORF is editor of The Jewish Voice.

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For more information contact Elanah Chassen at 401.421.4111 ext. 140 or echassen@jewishallianceri.org.

November 21, 2014 |

17

At G.A., Jewish federations see future in more collaboration

BY URIEL HEILMAN OXON HILL, Md. (JTA) – There were the vice president of the United States, two Supreme Court justices and an Academy Award-winning actress with a compelling Jewish story. There were Jewish professionals, lay leaders, clergy and recent college graduates. The West Point cadets’ Jewish choir performed. The Israeli prime minister appeared via satellite from Jerusalem.

Part pep rally, part training and part family reunion, the annual General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America drew some 3,000 people to a conference center outside Washington to cheer federations’ philanthropic work, listen to presentations ranging from European antiSemitism to crowdfunding, and to schmooze.

As usual, much of the talk was how to bolster North America’s 153 Jewish federations.

“We can go beyond exchanging ideas to actually exchanging services,” Jewish Federations CEO Jerry Silverman said in a speech at the closing plenary. “JFNA expanded the resources of our consulting and community development department, but what if we also leverage and share the resident expertise in this room and across our federations?”

The federations face an uphill battle at a time when studies show younger American Jews

are less affiliated than previous generations with Jewish institutional life and less likely to give to Jewish causes — let alone clearinghouses like Jewish federations.

Though federation annual campaigns are up by about 7 percent compared with this time last year, the number of federation donors has declined by about one-third since 2000, according to the sociologist Steven M. Cohen of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Meanwhile, last year’s Pew Research Center survey of U.S. Jews found that 43 percent of non-Orthodox Jews ages 30– 49 donate to Jewish causes — in contrast to their counterparts ages 50–69, some 60 percent of whom give.

At the conference, the answer to these trends was twofold.

One, organizers showcased dozens of federation programs, called “Fedovations,” that are piloting new models for programming and outreach.

The second answer was for federation leaders — and some of the plenary speakers from outside federation, including the actress Marlee Matlin — to drive home the message of the importance of collective action in the Jewish world.

“We do have the intellectual and fi nancial potential to effectuate substantive change, but only if we work together,” Jewish Federations board chairman Michael Siegal said in a plenary address Nov. 10. “Fed-

erations must lead this charge and convene the necessary organizations and thought leaders because, simply, we have the reach that others do not.”

Vice President Joe Biden affi rmed the Obama administration’s “ironclad” commitment to Israel’s security and talked about his experience taking each of his kids to the site of the Dachau concentration camp when they were 15 to teach them about the “incredible resilience and indomitable nature of the human spirit.”

Biden also called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “really great friend” — in contrast to the recent characterization of Netanyahu as “a chickenshit” by an anonymous Obama administration official in an interview with journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, who also spoke at the G.A. Seeking out Ron Dermer, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., in the audience, Biden said, “Ron, you’d better damn well report to Bibi that we’re still buddies.

You got it, right?”

In another plenary, NPR correspondent Nina Totenberg got U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer to discuss the Jewish values that drive his work (tzedakah) and Justice Elena Kagan, who grew up Jewish on the Upper West Side, to reveal that she has become a duck hunter since joining the nation’s highest court.

18 | November 21, 2014

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Timing is everything Today, retirement planning/ living is not about what you make, it’s what you keep. For decades investment advisers have focused on assembling asset accumulation models for clients, applying theories around historical market returns to help prepare for future uncertainty in the market.

They’ve givRETIREMENT en far less attention to CAFE measu r i ng future inANDREW come needs.

Regardless MILLER of the investor’s age, financial organizations and advisers have always frowned upon the idea of timing the markets when accumulating wealth. Economists consider market timing to be a form of gambling based on pure chance and claim that financial prices always exhibit random behavior and thus cannot be predicted with consistency.

History has proven that timing the markets in our wealth accumulation years leads to irrational decisions made without examining causes or facts.

Ironically, today we find timing the market in retirement offers a strategy necessary to protect the potential extension of our future income needs.

In previous discussions in this column, we addressed the dynamic shift in retirement planning due to life expectancy risk. Today we will highlight

a volatility-based process that shows us how to use a scientific strategy when withdrawing our retirement income, taking advantage of market volatility. In retirement “Timing Is Everything,” the underlying message is we can no longer succumb to fear around market volatility in our 60s and 70s as we prepare for a potential 20- or 30-year retirement. We must establish two investment vehicles that help us tailor our risk, ultimately allowing us to: withdraw sustainable income streams, avoid eliminating our life savings and keep pace with health care and pharmaceutical inflation. This method is commonly known as a “volatility buffer” and provides a balance between reacting positively to instability in the market (unknown) while taking advantage of an income source that can be rationally explained and reliably applied (known).

One resolution must be adopted by the other to prepare for the disproportionate effects of inflation in retirement. Spending habits and expenses become more challenging for retirees when they reach their 70s and 80s due to higher medical care and housing costs and other outlays. To reduce the chance of outliving our money, the key is to establish a process where we are not always taking money from one pool of assets directly tied to the markets. We must establish the ability to also withdraw income from different assets not openly tied to the short-term fluctuating returns of our qualified retirement plans (401k, 403b, IRA) we spent decades to accumulate. Taking income from one source alone

creates significant concerns.

Withdrawing income from an independent pot of money after a year in which your investments may not have earned what you need to pull out for income that year, never gives your pot of money (resources) a break.

Establishing two income sources offers your savings a “volatility buffer” year, a chance to recover from any losses that occur in a down year within your assets subject to the markets. Or to take an immediate withdrawal out of these assets after a year of positive gains in the market – a buffer emotionally leads you off the curves of the market’s instability. Even more alarming, is when retirees seek comfort by periodically or constantly holding excessively large positions in cash/fixed alternatives, subjecting themselves to inflationary pressure found in, for example, health care and pharmaceutical inflation, at far greater percentages than the yields gained in their cash holdings.

We must accept the fact there is healthy risk and unhealthy risk when protecting our income upon retirement. Timing your withdrawals due to the outcome of the global economy/ markets offers a justifiable strategy to undertake a drawnout retirement. Until next time remember, “The only thing forever is yesterday.”

November 21, 2014 |

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20 | November 21, 2014

SENIORS

The Jewish Voice

A moral responsibility called naming We are taught at an early age that there is nothing more precious than the sanctity of a good name. And further, that a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches (Proverbs 22:1). A family, a sect member, even a nation, may hold someone in great reverence. How then do they guarantee that this revered person’s name will not fade into total obscurity? The hazards of OF SCIENCE oblivion come to the & SOCIETY fore when this personage’s friends, colleagues and former STANLEY M. students enter an ARONSON, M.D. advanced age and, at best, are surviving in nursing homes. Who is there to remember when there are none alive to recall the many wondrous deeds of this exalted person?

Rome and other cultures of the past elevated their heroes to a status somewhat higher than human, placing their busts in structures called pantheons (temples consecrated to the gods and demigods).

Currently, we remember those worthy of enduring remembrance when we attach their names to permanent structures or great institutions, in the hope that the named building will survive in perpetuity.

Prestige, of course, is a two-way contrivance. It enhances the reputation of both, the newly named facility as well as the person whose name had been used.

Does the avowed purpose of the facility matter? Does the naming of an incineration plant, for example, carry as much prestige as the naming of a great courthouse? (New Englanders might not recognize the name, Peter B. Brigham, were it not for that eponymous hospital in Boston.)

Does, for example, having one’s name appended to an insane asylum bestow as much honor as one’s name giving title to a maternity hospital? Both health institutions labor to bring sanity and a new generation into the community, both, therefore, fulfilling a highly laudable, perhaps indispensible, need. Yet, when we ponder how a public benefaction might best be used, our ancient misbeliefs place the alleviation of emotional disorders at a lower level than maternity

care.

A street wending its way through the treeless slums of an inner city carries less prestige than a grand avenue passing manicured parks and government buildings. The location of the avenue to bear an intended name becomes a critical determinant despite the reality that both streets answer the secular needs of each urban community; and, if esthetics are ignored for a moment, there is little doubt that the street lined by decrepit tenement houses serves the needs of more citizens than the sumptuous boulevard neighboring upon the city’s government structures.

Consider the family names of the eight Ivy League colleges. Four carry names of men who contributed materially to the beginnings or enhancement of their institution (Harvard, Yale, Brown, Cornell); two carry names derived from geographic sites (Princeton, Dartmouth); one bears an alternate name of these United States which its trustees adopted after the conclusion of the Revolutionary War (Columbia); and one college straddled two of these categories by giving their college a geographic name; yet, this name, in turn, had been named after a human (Pennsylvania).

Then there are those diseases named, without undue opprobrium, for their discoverers (Sydenham, Osler, Huntington, Alzheimer, Tay, Sachs, Grave and scores of others). Alternatively, the disease may be named after a geographic site where the ailment had first been documented (for example, African sites such as West Nile fever, Ebola fever, Lassa fever); sites in Asia such as Delhi; South American sites such as Ilheus; and sites within the United States: Tulare, California (tularemia), Rocky Mountain Fever and Coxsackie.

Many centuries in the past, Romeo Montague, a citizen of Verona, once dared to question whether there was any intrinsic meaning in a given name.

As an example, he cited the fragrance and beauty of a rose; and then he asked whether the rose would be less attractive and its aroma less appealing if it had been called something else. Others might have reminded Romeo that our Creator gave us memories so that we might have roses in January.

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on many of this nation’s hitherto uncontrolled waterways. The larger dams were named for political figures such as Norris or Hoover. The smaller dams, on the other hand, were named for neighboring towns. H. L. Mencken, (1880-1956) tells the story of a newly established dam in West Virginia neighboring upon a profoundly religious town called Gad (the seventh son of Old Testament Jacob and the founder of the Israelite tribe of Gad).

The chilling thought of a permanent and highly visible structure to be called

Gad Dam mobilized its local citizens to protest what they claimed was a major blasphemy. And so it was renamed the Summersville Dam, a pleasantly neutral and inoffensive name. The regional newspapers then found other things to prey upon, thus depriving its anxious readers of news whether the neutral name of the dam brought spiritual equanimity to Gad. STANLEY M. ARONSON, M.D. (smamd@cox.net) is dean of medicine emeritus at Brown University.

Offering inspiration to students in my Bible course I inherited the syllabus and the bibliography for my elective course on the Bible. The Oxford Study Bible combines the “Old” and the New Testaments, and I have added Elie Wiesel’s “Five Biblical Portraits” as recommended reading. As you must know, Wiesel finds contemporary tragic implications among the fates of Joshua and Saul, Jeremiah and Elijah.

There is nothing new under the sun, and I also screen “The Green Pastures” and “The Gospel according to St. Matthew” (Pier Paolo Pasolini’s strange neo-realist portraits of Mary and Joseph, Jesus and Judas).

Some semesters I even show “David and Goliath” starring Orson Welles as Saul, “Samson and Delilah” to display the charms of Hedy Lamarr, and Susan Hayward as Gregory Peck’s Bathsheba.

Mostly, I seek to inspire my students to learn Torah with their hands! Yes, to build Noah’s ark and to follow the directions for a creative and imaginative Sukkah. Whatever passage or parable they fixate, or focus upon,

they present their “research” in the form of something they are also inventing within the studio chambers of their majors. “You will understand the metaphorical meanings or the SKETCHBOOK difficult dilemmas best with your eyes and your hands, not just MIKE FINK with rhetorical language and abundant verbiage,” I tell them.

I also avoid as much as possible the “duh” – the obvious – good advice and sound counsel available in Proverbs. I prefer the poetry of paradox, contradiction, puzzlement. I drive about town to snap a shot of something that illustrates a passage, or a verse, from scripture. The burning bush? I’ll grab a quick glimpse with my camera of the reddest, most crimson, most scarlet, of the trees of our late autumn. G-d speaks to me from its glory, and it also recalls the menorah on the last night of Hanukkah.

I took a portrait of a strange sight on Blackstone Boulevard. A tree growing out of the stump of a giant felled oak, or maybe it was only an overgrown Norway maple. Job complained to the Creator that an axed tree can come back to life by natural magic, while the death of one’s beloved son or daughter, wife or brother, friend or father or mother, is irreversible.

You may smile at my trivial and literal version of the grandeur of biblical metaphors, but I find the Hasidic facet of my faith and my vocation within a few blocks from my home and my office!

“Job complained to the Creator that an axed tree can come back to life by natural magic, while the death of one’s beloved son or daughter, wife or brother, friend or father or mother is irreversible.”

MIKE FINK (mfink33@aol.com) teaches at RISD.

SENIORS | COMMUNITY

thejewishvoice.org

Charlotte Perkins Gilman

BY CYNTHIA YOKEN

“There is no female mind.

The brain is not an organ of sex.

Might as well speak of a female liver.” (Charlotte Perkins Gilman) Over a century before scientists connected the “feel good” mental state that comes after heavy exercise to an endorphin rush, Providence’s Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1860-1935) understood this connection. Gilman, a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, was an important women’s rights advocate and a prolific writer. Her childhood passions were physical exercise (hiking, sleighing, rowing, running) and reading philosophy. In the fall of 1881, she persuaded a local teacher to open the Providence Ladies Sanitary Gymnasium in the Butler Exchange Building, the first women’s gym in the state. For three years, she considered herself the Gymnasium’s chief performer.

“I could easily have been an acrobat,” she wrote later, “having good nervous coordination, strength, courage and excellent balancing power.”

In 1884, Gilman married fellow artist Charles Walter Stetson and gave birth to her only child a year later. Following the birth, she suffered from severe depression. She consulted the noted neurologist S. Weir Mitchell, who recommended his “rest cure” of complete bed rest in a dark room and limited intellectual activ-

During World War II, several diplomats risked their lives to save Jews from the concentration camps. In Vienna, there was the consul from China, Ho, and in Lithuania, there was the Japanese consul, Sughiara. In Bordeaux, France, in 1940, the Portuguese diplomat, Aristide deSousa Mendes was one of the diplomats who did the right thing despite orders from the Portuguese government.

On Oct. 31, at Bristol Community College, the Luso-American Center and the Holocaust Center sponsored an all-day conference helping participants learn about this brave Portuguese diplomat and how he managed to sign visas for 30,000 people who were able to cross the border from France to Portugal. Learning that deSousa Mendes disobeyed the orders of the Portuguese government, Salazar asked him to resign his post and so, he and his family were disgraced and deSousa Mendes died a pauper.

During the morning session, Dr. Douglas Wheeler, retired professor from the University of New Hampshire, spoke about the history of Portugal during the war and then, Robert Jacobvitz, board member on the advisory board of the deSousa Mendes Foundation, spoke about how he helped to honor deSousa Mendes and how he helped the family with these efforts in 1986. Following lunch, participants got to view the French film, “Disobedience,” a docu-drama that portrays how Aristide deSousa

TOBY ROSSNER (tobyross@ cox.net) was the director of media services at the Bureau of Jewish Education from 1978 to 2002.

Conference looks at Israel model BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (JTA) – An Argentine municipality hosted a conference with Israel as its model for start-up development.

On Nov. 11, the Israeli flag was flying over the Vicente Lopez district for a conference titled “Start-up Nation: Israel as a paradigm of the entrepreneurship ecosystem.”

More than 60 businesspeople heard from a panel of Argentine’s and Israelis about Israel’s model to develop start-ups.

“The Israeli model has a lot to bring to our society, the panel was inspiring for our entrepreneurs and we want to improve the institutional links with Israel,” Eduardo Vinales, gen-

eral director of economic development for Vicente Lopez, told JTA. “After this success, we want to continue showing here the Israeli model in order to transfer to Vicente Lopez Israeli methodologies and experiences.

“Argentinians and Israelis share a basic personality trait, which is the ability to challenge the limits and think we are capable of achieving great things without fear of failure,” he said.

21

A hero who did the right thing

BY TOBY ROSSNER

ity. Gilman credits this experience with driving her “near the borderline of utter mental ruin.”

Desperate, she removed herself from Mitchell’s care and resumed her physical fitness regimen to cure herself. Her illness was the inspiration for her most famous short story, “The Yellow Wallpaper,” about a depressed woman whose husband imprisons her in a darkened room and who sees women crawling out from behind swirly yellow wallpaper. The full text of “The Yellow Wallpaper” is at http://womenshistory.about.com/library/ etext/bl_gilman_yw.htm.

Through the remainder of her life, Charlotte Perkins Gilman advocated for women to build strong bodies as a prerequisite to assuming an equal, non-passive role in society.

November 21, 2014 |

COURTESY | CYNTHIA YOKEN

Douglas Wheeler and Robert Jacobvitz at Bristol Community College.

Mendes disobeyed the order from the Portuguese government, Circular 14, and shows the refugees who came to him in Bordeaux in 1940 asking for visas.

At the conference, a reproduction of the portrait of Aristide deSousa Mendes was shown. The original portrait is in the portrait gallery on the third floor of the New Bedford Public Library. It was painted

by Deborah Macy, a local artist who has done portraits of many luminaries in the New Bedford community, including Abraham Landau, Holocaust survivor of 13 concentration camps. The reproduction was made available by Diane Bolton and can be borrowed from the New Bedford Public Library.

Those who attended the conference learned the story of Aristide deSousa Mendes and how one person can make a difference in the innocent lives of so many Jews and non-Jews.

On Nov. 2, Jacobvitz spoke about deSousa Mendes’ road to recognition from New Bedford to Lisbon at a breakfast at Tifereth Synagogue in New Bedford. Jacobvitz began this journey 25 years ago in New Bedford when he visited our community with John Paul Abranches, the youngest son of Aristide deSousa Mendes.

In a world full of strife and turmoil, it is indeed uplifting to learn about a hero in history who, facing consequences from his own government, did the right thing to save so many individuals.

Cranston Senior Guild schedules holiday party The annual holiday party of the Cranston Senior Guild will be held at Phyllis Saperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living, 3 Shalom Drive, Warwick, at

noon on Dec. 3. There will be a dairy luncheon, raffles and entertainment. Janine Andrews, a well-known Rhode Island singer, will entertain at the

party. Because of the limited seating, members only can attend. The cost of the luncheon is $18. For information, call Natalie at 401-615-9483.

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22 | November 21, 2014 Abbott Walter Dressler, 77 PROVIDENCE, R.I./JUPITER, FLA. – Abbott Walter Dressler of Providence and Jupiter, Fla., died Nov. 16. He was the beloved husband of Phyllis (Bernstein) Dressler for 56 years.

Born in Providence, a son of the late Joseph and Sarah (Weisman) Dressler, he was a resident of both Providence and Jupiter.

He was an owner and president of the former Colfax Inc. for many years until his retirement in 1999.

He was a graduate of Providence Country Day School and the University of Miami, where he was a member of Tau Epsilon Phi Fraternity. He was a past president of AFOA, past master of Redwood Lodge of the Masons, past chairman of Israel Bonds, an alumnus of Leadership RI, a member of Temple Beth-El and its brotherhood and a member of Admirals Cove and Ledgemont Country Clubs. He was also past president of Admirals Cove Property Owners Association.

He was the devoted father of Sherri Dressler Klein and her husband Gary; Gary Dressler and his wife Susan; and Larry Dressler and his wife Amy, all of Cranston. Dear brother of the late Maurice and Sidney Dressler and Joan Abrams. Loving grandfather of Joshua, Jared, Scott and Ross.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to your favorite charity.

Stephen L. Dreyfuss, 67 WARWICK, R.I. – Stephen L. Dreyfuss died Nov. 10 at Kent Hospital. Born in Providence, a beloved son of the late Jack and

OBITUARIES Renee (Kahn) Dreyfuss, he had lived in Warwick since 1960, previously living in Cranston. He spent more than 40 years working with schools, music educators and community groups providing on-site music recordings. He was a controller for several retail stores and an administrative director for R.I. Optometric Assoc.

He was the devoted father of Jillian Dreyfuss Marks of Cranston and Emily Dreyfuss of Warwick; brother of Robert Dreyfuss of Ellicott City, Md. Loving grandfather of Sophia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to R.I. Music Education Assoc., 667 Waterman Ave., East Providence, R.I. 02914.

Sarah Epstein, 89 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Sarah Epstein died Nov. 11. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Maurice and May (Guny) Epstein.

She received a master’s in Education from the University of Rhode Island.

She retired in 1985 after working as a librarian for the Providence School Department for 40 years. She was a former member of Temple BethEl. She is survived by her brother Earl Epstein and her friend Thomas Messa.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Salvation Army, 855 Asylum Ave., Hartford, Conn. 06105 or El-

The Jewish Voice mhurst Extended Care, 50 Maude St., Providence, R.I. 02908.

Allan Z. Fine, 87 PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Allan Z. “Mike” Fine died Nov. 6. He was the husband of the late Anita (Merson) Fine. Born in Attleboro, Mass., a son of the late Samuel and Jesse (Baker) Fine, he had been a resident of Pawtucket for 62 years.

He was a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and the owner of the former Fine Fabrics in Pawtucket, retiring in 2013.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was the chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board for the City of Pawtucket for 2 terms and a member of Temple Beth-El. He is survived by his children, Stuart Fine and his wife Amy of Pound Ridge, N.Y., and Jeffrey Fine and his wife Terri of St. Louis, Mo.; his brother Alfred Fine of Providence; and his grandchildren Emily, Janey, Jonathan and Alexander. He was the brother of the late Harold Fine.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Miriam Hospital, 164 Summit Ave., Providence, R.I. 02906.

Sheila Gittelman, 77 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Sheila (Kaufman) Gittelman passed away Nov. 15. She was the wife of Daniel Gittelman. Born in P rov idence, a daughter of the late Julius and Anne (Edelman) Kaufman, she was a former resident of Fall River.

She was a member of Adas Israel Synagogue and Sisterhood, Hadassah, Ladies Auxiliary of Jewish War Veterans and Women’s American ORT. She is survived by her husband and children, Randi Biren and

Steven Gittelman, her loving son in law, Alan Biren, and her grandchildren, Joshua and Jessica Biren. She was a sister of the late Marilyn Morse and Louis Kaufman.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to The Miriam Hospital Cancer Center, Attn: Dr. Fred Schiffman, 164 Summit Ave., Providence, R.I. 02906 or to The Dana Farber Cancer Center, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, Mass.

02215.

Herbert Glick, 80

CRANSTON, R.I. – Herbert Glick, of Carlisle St., died Nov. 13 at home. He was the beloved husband of Elaine (Linder) Glick for 54 years. Born in Brooklyn, a son of the late Henry and Sophie (Schneider) Glick, he resided in Cranston for 54 years.

Serving in the navy, Herbert was in the Pacific Theatre during the Korean conflict. A furniture salesman for 45 years and owner of the Sleep Shoppe, he retired 10 years ago. He was a member of Touro Fraternal Association and former member of both Crestwood Country Club and Temple Sinai. He was an avid reader and golfer.

He was the devoted father of Stanley Glick and his wife, Cheryl, of Cranston, and Lawrence Glick and his wife, Laura, of Pompano Beach, Fla. Dear brother of the late Ira Glick. Loving grandfather of Meredith, Rebecca and Erica.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 275 Westminster St., Providence, R.I. 02903, National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, N.Y. 10016 or your favorite charity. For online condolences, visit ShalomMemorialChapel.com.

She was the beloved wife of the late Irving “Itsie” Glick. Born in Boston, Mass., a daughter of the late Louis and Fannie (Green) Rosen, Rachel was an eternal optimist who sincerely believed that there was good in everyone. She had a nearly unquenchable passion for learning, her community, her friends and family. As a young woman, she embarked on a long career as a hairdresser at Filene’s.

Upon retirement, she pursued a new career in gerontology, graduating with a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts in 1989 at the age of 70. Rachel was an active participant in many organizations in the greater Boston area. She was a member of the former Jewish Community Center in Quincy and past president of its Sisterhood. She also volunteered regularly with the Massachusetts Medicare Agency to help with various senior educational outreach initiatives. One of her favorite pastimes was writing poetry.

She was a devoted mother to Dr. Richard Glick and his wife, Lynn, of Cranston, and Linda Glick and her husband, Elliot Landes, of Winters, Calif. She was a loving grandmother to Hava, Zachary, Cheryl and Laura, a cherished great grandmother to Isaac and Sammy, and a dear sister to William Rosen of Boston and the late Bob, Ted, and Harry Rosen and Wilma Tannenholtz.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, 72 River Park St., Ste. 202, Needham Heights, Mass., 02494, the West View Nursing Home, 239 Legris Ave., West Warwick, R.I. 02893 or Gentiva Hospice, 2374 Post Rd., Ste. 206, Warwick, R.I. 02886.

For online condolences, visit ShalomMemorialChapel.com.

Rachel L. Glick, 95

Carole Moses Harman

WEST WARWICK, R.I. – Rachel Glick of Quincy, Mass., died Nov. 14 at the West View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Carole Moses Harman died Nov. 11. She was a gentle and loving woman who loved beautiful things. She

OBITUARIES

thejewishvoice.org is survived by her loving partner and friend for many years, Debbie DeCarlo.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and raised in Manchester Conn., she was the daughter of the late Mae (S ch neide r) and Nathan Moses.

She came to Providence to attend and graduate from R.I.S.D in 1965 with a B.A. and an M.A. in 1969.

In 2003, Carole was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Pedagogy from RIC. She taught art in Providence for 33 years at Hope High School and Central High School. After retiring, Carole began teaching, mentoring and supervising future art teachers.

In 1993, Carol was the recipient of the A. Milken Award and was cited as the RI Art Teacher of the Year.

Carole was an artist and longtime member of the Providence Art Club. She was a painter, pencil drawer and weaver. She loved all things creative and had numerous art exhibits over the years.

She was a gourmet cook and traveler, liked to spend time exploring, eating and entertaining with friends.

Over the years Carole served on many committees and boards, including RISD Alumni, RISD Board of Trustees, Founder of the Citywide Arts, New Urban Arts and RI Art Teachers Association.

Contributions may be made in Carole’s name to New Urban Arts, 705 Westminster St., Providence, R.I.

Richard Hershey, 64 TIVERTON, RI – Richard Hershey, of Main Rd., died Nov. 10 at St. Ann’s Hospital, Fall River, Mass. Born in Bronx, N.Y., a beloved son of Irene (Schiller) Hershey of Warwick and the late Herman Hershey, he had lived in Tiverton for 17 years.

Dear brother of Steven Hershey and his wife, Leslie Ann, of Pawtucket and Joanne Hershey of Co-op City, N.Y. Cherished uncle of Alex and Noah.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to L.I.F.E., Inc., 1463 Main Rd., Tiverton, R.I. 02878.

Richard Misch, 87 WARREN, R.I. – Richard Misch died on Nov. 10 after a short illness. Born in P rov idence, he was the beloved husband of Dolly (White) of Warren, and the father of Gary Misch and his wife Rabbi Rose Lyn Jacob of Syria, Va., and Judy (Misch) Keseberg and her

husband Wayne, of Sudbury, Mass. Loving grandfather of Joanna (Keseberg) Welch and her husband Joseph, of Brighton, Mass., Jonathan Keseberg and his wife Tali, of Braintree, Mass., and Noah Misch of Mountain View, Cal. Son of the late Walter P. and Ruth (Greene) Misch and beloved brother of Donald Misch, PhD, of Chapel Hill N. Car., the late Dorothy Winer, Robert Misch, PhD, and Marion Misch, PhD. He was the president of S.M. White & Son, Inc. of Lincoln until his retirement. He was a former chairman of the board of The Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket and an active member and Paul Harris Fellow of the Pawtucket Rotary Club. He was a former chairman of the Blackstone Valley March of Dimes, a vice president and board member of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the Pawtucket Health Center and the Pawtucket Boys Club, as well as a past president of the New England chapter of the National Association of Master Metal Finishers. He was a third generation member of Redwood Lodge Number 35 in Providence. He was an active supporter of the Central Falls Little League, for which he provided a ball field for many years. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

in Providence until retiring to Boynton Beach, Fla. in 1986.

He was an owner of the Providence Yarn Co. for 36 years.

He was a WWII Navy veteran, a former member of Crestwood and Ledgemont Country Clubs and of Temple Emanu-El in Providence. He was a 1950 graduate of Lowell Technological Institute. Devoted father of Lynda Samdperil of Boynton Beach, Fla., Fredda Korber and her husband, Michael, of Barrington, R.I., and Paul Samdperil of Cranston, R.I. Dear brother of the late Charles Samdperil, Beatrice Frank, and Claire White. Loving grandfather of Maurice Dressler and his wife Abigail, and Allison Dressler Kramer and her husband Glenn. Cherished greatgrandfather of Charlotte and Theodore Dressler and Talia and Edward Kramer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice by the Sea, 1531 W Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton, Fla. 33486 or The Isadore and Sophie Samdperil Fdn. at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, R.I. 02906.

Gloria Moscovitz, 80

Theodore Slavsky, 95

WARWICK, R.I. – Gloria F. Moscovitz, of 200 Post Rd., died Nov. 5 at South County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, North Kingstown. She was the beloved wife of Irwin Moscovitz. They were married for 59 years.

Born in New York, N.Y., a daughter of the late Joseph and Esther Wolff, she had lived in Warwick, previously living in Brockton, Mass. and Bayside, Queens, N.Y. She was a college loan officer at the University of Massachusetts in Boston for 20 years. She attended City College of NY and was an artist and art teacher.

She was the devoted mother of Terry Moscovitz and his wife, Wendy, of West Greenwich, Jeffrey Moscovitz of Philadelphia, Penn., and Bonnie Gaines and her husband, Jonathan, of Cohasset, Mass. Dear sister of Robert Wolf of Dover, N.J. and the late Eleanor Berenberg.

Loving grandmother of Jennifer, Jamie, Justin, Jaclyn, Paige, and Jacob.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Home & Hospice Care of R.I., 1085 N. Main St., Providence, R.I. 02904.

Albert Samdperil, 89 WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. – Albert “Albie” Samdperil died Nov. 7. He was the beloved husband of the late Edwyna (Cohen) Samdperil. The son of the late Isadore and Sophie (Forman) Samdperil, he lived

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Theodore T. Slavsky, of Warwick, passed away Nov. 12. He was the beloved husband of the late Ida

Slavsky and devoted father of Isabelle Slavsky Stoto and Sigmund Slavsky and his wife Carol. He was the devoted grandfather of Daniel Slavsky and his wife Heidi, and Pamela Stich and her husband Eric. He was the loving great grandfather of Jacob, Julia, Ruby and Isaac.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to The Alzheimer’s Association - RI Chapter, 245 Waterman St., Ste. 306, Providence R.I. 02906 or the American Heart Association, 1 State St., Ste. 200, Providence, R.I. 02908.

Lucinda Merle Surdut, 60 NARRAGANSSETT, R.I. – Lucinda Merle Surdut, beloved wife, mother and sister, unexpectedly died last week. She is survived by her loving husband Dr. Scott Surdut, and children, Steven of Narragansett and Julia (and Nick Young) of Narragansett; sisters Susan L. Potter of Boulder, Colo., Carol Mercurio (and Paul) of N.Y., and brothers Daniel C. Potter (and Lucy) of Bedford, N.H. and William A. Potter (and Helle) of Denmark.

Cindy was the daughter of the late Janet (Soban) Potter and Dr. Clinton Potter, and daughter-in-law of the late Albert and Roz Surdut.

A graduate of Classical High School, Bradford College and Boston University, she also held an RN degree from NewtonWellesley Hospital School of Nursing. She was most recently working with her husband as the business manager of Cranston Eye Associates. She was an avid

November 21, 2014 |

23

beach goer, reader, baker, and traveler. She enjoyed putting her green thumb to use in her flower and vegetable garden and picking fresh fruit. She always made ordinary occasions special. She drew people in with her caring nature, kindhearted spirit, love for life and love for family and friends.

Claire Toye, 93 DAYVILLE, CONN. – Claire Toye died Nov. 11 at West View Health Center. She was the beloved wife of the late David J. Toye. Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Leo and Annie (Krovitz) Spaniel, she had lived in Dayville, Conn., for eight years, previously living in Warwick and East Providence.

She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, canasta, mah jongg and bingo. She was the devoted mother of Deborah West and her husband, Jeff, of Rumford, R.I. and Barbara Langlois and her husband, Bill, of Dayville, Conn. Dear sister of the late William Spaniel and Barbara Bazar. Loving grandmother of Scott Langolis and his wife Kerry, David Langlois and his fiancé Lynn Gilman, Jeffrey West, Jr. and his wife Kristi, and Ashley West and her husband Danny Carpenter. Cherished greatgrandmother of Ellie Langlois, Colton West, Landon West and Jacob Gilman.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to JSA/JERI (Jewish Seniors Agency/Jewish Eldercare of RI), 100 Niantic Ave., Providence, R.I. 02907.

24 | November 21, 2014

COMMUNITY

The Jewish Voice

Dance your cares away with Rachel Balaban DAPpers move to the music

BY IRINA MISSIURO imissiuro@jewishallianceri.org Brown University’s Ashamu Dance Studio is still empty as DAPpers, the dance class for the aging population with a special emphasis on movement challenges, doesn’t start for another 45 minutes. The nearby chair is broken, but Rachel Balaban, the regional coordinator of “Dance for Parkinson’s Disease” and the instructor of the upcoming class, doesn’t mind sitting on the floor. In fact, she appreciates an opportunity to stretch as she feels sore from the class she took the day before. It’s important to Balaban to be a student as well as a teacher. Discussing teaching and the class itself, she smoothly moves from one topic to the next, deftly anticipating the looming questions with the grace of a gazelle.

Balaban is back at her old stomping ground. As an undergraduate at Brown in the 1970s, she danced and pursued the possibility of dance therapy as a concentration. Eventually, Balaban figured out that she wasn’t meant to be a professional dancer and chose clothing design, the field she explored for more than 20 years. While working for a sportswear company in New York, her career path was disrupted by her now-husband’s business move to Newport. Caring for an 8-month-old at the time, Balaban sought work on her own terms. She started a successful clothing line, but found design to be isolating.

Longing for the social nature of dance, she took advantage of her third daughter’s entrance into school to pursue dance.

In the late 1990s, Balaban joined the Arabella Project, a modern dance group in Providence for mature dancers that Julie Strandberg, professor of Performance Studies at Brown and her teacher, formed along with others. Mingling with dancers, Balaban realized that she wanted to continue being involved in the field. After some expressive movement training at Kripalu YogaDance in Massachusetts, she began teaching novices. The experience left her frustrated, because she found it

challenging to keep a core of attendees.

Balaban was introduced to Dance for Parkinson’s Disease, a program that Mark Morris Dance Group started in Brooklyn, and she participated in a workshop that trains sufferers to dance. The idea appealed to her because it allied with her mission to share the power of movement with people. Balaban explains, “This was a perfect place for me to reach people who want desperately to feel freedom in their bodies that they were starting to lose because of their condition.” Sufferers’ range of motion becomes limited, but dance allows them to forget about the impairment for the duration of the class. Dance becomes more than just a physical aid; it serves as an effective outlet for flexibility, balance and coordination.

“It’s a safe place. No matter how badly they might be feeling, once they’re here, they feel better.”

Additionally, the benefits are evident on a cognitive level, one that deals with movement sequencing, patterning and memory. Each week, dancers create new neural pathways, enhancing their imagination that’s responsible for creativity, play and spontaneity. Balaban says that classes such as DAPpers are valuable because music has a way of organizing brain patterning. What’s more, the psycho-social aspect is a fundamental reason for the class’s success. Balaban emphasizes the value of belonging, connecting and being a part of something for people who are detached and depressed. She supports her statements with numbers – the adherence rate for these dance classes is 99 percent. Balaban sums up, “It’s a safe place. No matter how badly they might be feeling, once

PHOTOS | IRINA MISSIURO

Rachel Balaban and her students they’re here, they feel better.”

In fact, Balaban became so confident that dance classes for Parkinson’s sufferers are crucial to their well-being that she approached Strandberg about creating an undergraduate course, Artists and Scientists as Partners (ASaP), the result of a research project that’s dedicated to implementing the arts within a holistic healing approach. The idea is for the students to witness the positive effect that dancing has on those suffering from Parkinson’s and autism, patients who – in the future – might be prescribed such classes to reduce the need for medication and physician involvement. Because the second four weeks of the course focus

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on the role of the arts in healing and on the ways arts enhance the patient-doctor relationship, medical school students participate. DAPpers was made possible with a 2014 grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) and from a private donor within the class.

But the funding has run out and, Balaban says she might have to charge a fee unless the class receives another grant or donation.

Watching the dancers express themselves in the cozy, artistic environment, it’s obvious that they receive a substantial benefit from the class.

The atmosphere recalls a family get-together, a gathering of like-minded individuals who are comfortable in front of one another. One of the four Brown student assistants participates alongside the older crowd. Balaban says that the intergenerational aspect and the location of the class allow the attendees to feel like they’re real dancers, creating and inventing routines.

In February, the DAPpers will have a chance to show off their interpretation of a classic modern dance. Like a folktale, the dance will see numerous transitions. First, Balaban will watch the Brown University dance program’s étude. Then, she will modify it for the class.

Afterward, the DAPpers will perform it during the ASaP

symposium, held in conjunction with American Dance Legacy Initiative (ADLI), on holistic approaches that benefit Parkinson’s sufferers. Finally, Central Falls High School will present its version of the routine. The cycle adheres to ADLI’s mission to preserve, archive and teach modern dance. It also allows the DAPpers to be a part of something bigger, to transcend the boundaries of the class, joining the college and the dance communities.

Staying true to the welcoming nature of the discipline, Balaban insists that the class is open to everyone, including the dancers’ children, grandchildren and caregivers. She says, “I’ve seen incredibly tender interactions. They can be playful during this hour.” Balaban enjoys what she does so much that she feels guilty even saying that she’s working. “What’s so fulfilling is that I’m getting to teach what I love, imparting to undergraduates how to integrate real-world experience with their studies.” Brown students are not the only ones who see how incredibly important the arts are. The dancers are the first to reap the benefits.

Mudge Anderson appreciates the music, the movement and the spirit of the class so much that she’s even willing to put up with “the lousy parking on the East Side” to be a part of this “wonderful concept.” Joyce Colaiace says that being a DAPper lets her feel better both mentally and physically; she’s “noticed quite a bit of improvement.” She too is not deterred by obstacles, explaining that she braved the wind and the rain because the class makes her concentrate on balance and movement. Likewise, Diane D’Errico takes pleasure in being free without embarrassment. She says the class challenges make her feel alive.

Balaban starts the class with “Heavenly Day” by Patty Griffin, believing that the underlying rhythm and the mood the tune evokes are most important. Throughout the class, she tells her students how to move in painterly terms: “You bowl, swoon, make a beautiful figure eight.” As she yells over the music, “Let the torso ripple,” they smile. Despite the presence of classmates, the dancers are in their own worlds, inhabiting the environment they create in their thoughts.

Nothing kills the joyful mood.

When a worker comes in to fix some broken chairs, Balaban puts him at ease too, “You can dance with us!” And dance they do. Per their teacher’s instructions, they become Olympians, sweepers, “Thriller” dancers.

The possibilities are endless.

IRINA MISSIURO is a writer and editorial consultant for The Jewish Voice.

COMMUNITY | NATION

thejewishvoice.org

November 21, 2014 |

25

Jewish Seniors Agency gets first best practices award Jeff Padwa, right, president of Jewish Seniors Agency of Rhode Island, (JSA) accepts the first best practices in the workplace award from Rev. Marie Carpenter, far right, chair of the Caregiver Alliance of Rhode Island and the Director of Eldercare Ministries, R.I. Baptist Churches. The award was given at a ceremony at the State House on Nov. 3.

JSA has been in existence for over 103 years. The mission is to provide a full continuum of care for seniors in greater Rhode Island. Programs are Jewish Eldercare of Rhode Island, Shalom Housing, Tamarisk Assisted Living, To Life Center Adult Day Services and The Louis and Goldie Chester Full Plate Kosher Food Pantry.

JSA recognizes the dedication of its employees to the seniors and acknowledges that this hard-working team is the key to success. The agency’s philosophy is, how we can properly take care of our clients if we do not understand the stress our own employees are under with their own loved ones. The human re-

METROPOLITAN K L E Z M E R Q UA R T E T

source department embraced the new Temporary Caregivers Insurance by offering a presentation to each employee. As a result, one of our staff members was able to take time off to help care for a sick mother. The employee was relieved that she could care for her mom without any pressure from work.

The JSA believes that if they

More Madoff money going back to investors JTA – Victims of Bernard are also entitled to recoup some Madoff ’s Ponzi scheme will split of their losses. another $500 million, bringing The settlement must be apthe total recovered to $10.3 bil- proved by the U.S. Bankruptcy lion.

Court in Manhattan, which has Trustee Irving Picard on Nov. scheduled a Dec. 17 hearing to 17 announced a settlement with consider approval of the deal, actwo “feeder funds” that are be- cording to The Associated Press. ing liquidated in the Cayman Picard has distributed to Islands. The funds had invested bilked investors nearly $6 billion with Madoff but had withdrawn of the $10.3 billion recovered in their profits from Madoff ’s fi rm your the past Make sure ACsix years. in the six years before it colMadoff, 70, is serving a 150-year is ready for summer! lapsed. Investors in those sentence Makefunds sure your AC at the medium-security

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For questions about Jewish Seniors Agency of Rhode Island, please view the web page at jsari. org or contact Executive Director Paul Barrette at 401-351-2440.

federal prison in Butner, N.C., for a scheme believed to be the largest of its kind in U.S. history. He pleaded guilty in March 2009.

The scheme affected a disproportionate number of Jewish individuals and organizations.

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26 | November 21, 2014

SIMCHAS | WE ARE READ

The Jewish Voice

NEWLY ENGAGED – Elissa and Michael Felder of Providence are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter, Sophie Felder of Providence to Evan Pelz from Boca Raton, Florida.

FABULOUS TRIP – Jeffrey and Melanie Miller of Attleboro, Massachusetts, just returned from a trip that included a stop at Victoria Falls in Zambia. And, of course, the paper went with them.

BAR MITZVAH – Sharon and Earl Vanderhoff are pleased to announce the Nov. 1 bar mitzvah of their son, Zachary Noah Vanderhoff, at Temple Am David in Warwick. The service was intimate, the Haftarah reading was loud, atonal and awesome, and the weather was appropriate: It rained for his birth; it rained for his brit; it rained for his bar mitzvah.

PRAGUE ADVENTURE – Betsy Singer Cable and her son, Dylan Abrams, in Prague, Czech Republic, on Nov. 7.

They are standing at the Prague Castle overlooking the city.

Dylan is a junior at University of Southern California and is studying abroad this semester.

AWARD – The American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA) honored Grant E. Brown with the 2014 Martin Rosenberg Academic Achievement Award during the 48th ASPPA Annual Conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

Grant Brown is vice president and a Retirement Plan consultant at Compensation Planning Inc. in Warwick. In 2012, he joined the family business established in 1977. He has earned the Tax Exempt & Government Plan Consultant (TGPC) designation from ASPPA and was honored for his performance on the Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) exam. The CPC is the culminating designation for non-actuary ASPPA members, comprised of 12 comprehensive tests and a capstone essay exam that demands content knowledge and analytical acumen.

This recognition for the exceptional performance on the CPC exam has only been extended one other time in the last 10 years.

He is an IRS Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent and Certified Financial Planner. Brown received a B.A. in Economics from Bates College and serves on the board of the Financial Planning Association of RI. His background of consulting on IRS projects for IBM, and working at multiple third administrators around the country focusing on complex retirement plan design and actuarial work, supports Compensation Planning’s commitment to deliver knowledgeable cost saving retirement plan solutions for businesses.

November 21, 2014 |

thejewishvoice.org

Let’s change the world together.

March of the Living New England Delegation 2014

You have the power to make a difference in the world. Serve a hot meal to a poor child in a village in Ukraine. Deliver medicine to a fragile Holocaust survivor in Israel. Build a roof over the heads of a homeless family. Give a local teenager her first Israel experience.

When you connect with the Jewish Alliance, you put the Jewish values of compassion, generosity, and responsibility into action.

Contribute to the Annual Campaign and you’re helping to care for our entire Jewish community—at home, in Israel, and around the world. To learn more or to donate today, visit us at jewishallianceri.org or call 401.421.4111.

Be part of our vibrant and thriving Jewish community by donating to the 2015 Annual Campaign.

Be part of the greater good.

401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI 02906 | 401.421.4111 | jewishallianceri.org

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28 | November 21, 2014

The Jewish Voice