Volume XX, Issue XXVII | thejewishvoice.org Serving Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts
12 Adar II 5774 | March 14, 2014
SPRING HOME & GARDEN
UKRAINE CRISIS
Jewish Ukrainian citizens do not know what the future holds BY KARA MARZIALI kmarziali@jewishallianceri.org Ukraine, Europe’s second largest country, is in crisis and the Jewish population has been affected by the turmoil. The complicated relationship between Ukraine and Russia is not new. Ousted President V i k t o r Ya nu kov ych claimed his intentions were to balance U k r a i n e ’s relationship between Russia and Europe, but his actions have suggested otherwise. During his
first two years in office, he was faulted for making extensive concessions to Russia and refusing to sign an agreement that would strengthen ties with the European Union. As thousands of people swarmed the streets of Kiev UKRAINE | 35
AP / EFREM LUKATSKY
faces of ukraine’s activists
BAZ RATNER/REUTERS
Ukrainian men help pull one another out of a stampede during clashes at rallies in Ukraine on Feb. 26.
BAZ RATNER/REUTERS
A beloved spring ritual Avid gardeners share their experience BY IRINA MISSIURO imissiuro@jewishallienceri.org
folks who enjoy gardening and asked them about their experience.
Despite the fact that you might still be wearing your parka and snow boots, spring is on its way. That means that gardening isn’t far off either. Ah, the meditative pleasure of digging in the soil and the gourmand’s joy in biting into that ripe tomato! If growing food sounds delightful to you, you might be one of the many avid gardeners of Rhode Island. Did you know that Greater Providence has more than 30 inner-city community gardens? Southside Community Land Trust supports families in their efforts to transform underused land into space that builds community and enhances the quality of life. The Voice reached out to some
Layne Mayer gardens at 160 Sessions Street in Providence
Mayer sees the hobby as “a nice escape.” She particularly enjoys the camaraderie the community provides, “There is a connection between everyone in the garden, whether you are friends or not. It is like a micro-neighborhood and everyone gives a friendly wave and shares their [sic] harvest.” Vouching for other gardeners’ friendliness and willingness to offer advice to novices, she says, “We are all in it together.” While she likes the community aspect, Mayer also enjoys the opportunity for some peace, “It is RITUAL | 22
KAROLYN WHITE
The JCDSRI garden in full bloom. The pergola (sukkah) provides a shady place to rest.