November 13, 2015

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

1 Kislev 5776 | November 13, 2015

THANKSGIVING and

VETERANS

It’s not too late

THE EVENING OF JEWISH RENAISSANCE ACCEPTS WALK-IN REGISTRANTS. Come to the Dwares JCC on Saturday night, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. for an amazing array of cultural and educational programs. Admission is free.

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2016 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

Speaker puts modern anti-Semitism into perspective

BY FRAN OSTENDORF fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org

PHOTO | SIMON LICHTER

Are we obsessed with anti-Semitism?

That was one of the issues Dr. Deborah Lipstadt raised at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s 2016 Annual Campaign Community-Wide Event on Nov. 1. A celebration of all the benefits of giving, the event was highlighted by Lipstadt’s presentation on anti-Semitism.

Before a crowd of more than 340 people at Temple Beth-El, in Providence, Lipstadt said Jews tend to have a pessimistic outlook on the world. Nevertheless, she said we have reason to be concerned about anti-Semitism.

But, she pointed out, those who say today is like 1939 have it all wrong. In

More than 340 people filled Temple Beth-El to listen to Deborah Lipstadt discuss anti-Semitism.

CAMPAIGN | 16

Pew survey: 57% of U.S. Jews eat pork, and Torah study more popular

BY URIEL HEILMAN NEW YORK (JTA) – Do you experience feelings of peace and well-being at least once a week? Did God write the Torah?

Do you eat bacon?

If these questions seem a little personal, don’t fret. They’re all part of a new Pew Research Center survey on

American religion, released Nov. 3, that shows moderate declines in religious beliefs and behavior among Americans generally, but growth among Jews in some key religious categories.

Some 847 of the 35,000 Americans in the Pew telephone survey between June and September 2014 identified

themselves as Jews by religion – far fewer than the 3,475 Jews interviewed for Pew’s landmark 2013 survey of U.S. Jewry. (Unlike the new survey, the ‘13 study also counted as Jews those of “no religion” who identified themselves as Jewish by ethnicity, parentage or feeling). But there’s still plenty of interest-

ing data on Jewish beliefs, practice and voting patterns in the new survey.

Here are some of the study’s more interesting fi ndings:

Growing prayer and Torah study

Compared with the last time Pew surveyed Americans about religion, PEW | 6

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Rabbis walk to promote school attendance

Business 22-24 Calendar 10 Classified 23 Community 2-4, 7, 11, 15-17, 28-29 D’Var Torah 7 Food 12-13 Nation 6, 20-21 Obituaries 26 Opinion 8-9 Seniors 25 Simchas | We Are Read 31 Thanksgiving 12-14 Veterans 18-19

THIS ISSUE’S QUOTABLE QUOTE “Gratitude means thankfulness … noticing simple pleasures … .”

Several area rabbis joined Providence School Superintendent Chris Maher on a Family Service of Rhode Island Walking School Bus route Nov. 10.

The rabbis and superintendent participated in a route for Fogarty Elementary on Oxford Street in the South Providence neighborhood. Family Service of Rhode Island launched the Walking School Bus program in 2012 at Fogarty because data showed that most of the school’s families with attendance issues lived a relatively short distance from school. Barriers to attendance included health, parental work schedules, and other issues.

Margaret Holland McDuff, Family Service of Rhode Island CEO, thanked the rabbis and Maher for their support.

“Having the support of these community leaders will help us grow the Walking School Bus to serve more and more children,” she said. “We are hoping to continue to build upon our volunteer base.” There were 37 volunteers during the last school year.

The Jewish Voice

PHOTO | STEPHEN HUG

On the way to school (back, left to right): Stephanie Hague, Family Service of RI; School Superintendent Chris Maher; Rabbi Barry Dolinger, Congregation Beth Sholom; Rabbi Elan Babchuck, Temple Emanu-El; Rabbi Sarah Mack, Temple Beth-El; Rabbi Wayne Franklin, Temple Emanu-El; Front row: two students from Fogarty Elementary School; Joyce Leven, Family Service of RI. “We deeply appreciate the commitment of these respected Providence rabbis in supporting the Walking School Bus program and our efforts to reduce chronic student absenteeism,” said Superintendent Maher.

“Dedicated community partners like these, willing to generously give of their time, are essential to supporting Providence schools as we work to provide a great education for all of our students.”

Rabbi Sarah Mack, of Temple Beth-El, Providence, and president of the Board of Rabbis of

Greater Rhode Island, said, “The Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island is so pleased to support the Walking School Bus program as a reflection of our tradition’s commitment to social justice. We look forward to sharing this opportunity with our communities and recognize that each step we take this morning is holy as we work to repair the world.”

She was joined by Rabbi Barry Dolinger, of Providence’s Congregation Beth Sholom, Rabbi Wayne Franklin and Rabbi Elan Babchuck, both of Temple

Emanu-El in Providence.

The Walking School Bus program, created by Family Service of Rhode Island in 2012, currently provides supervised walking routes at Bailey, D’Abate, Fogarty, Kizarian, Lima and Young/ Woods elementary schools in Providence. The program serves students not eligible to take the bus because they live within a mile of school.

– Stephen L. Hug, Family Service of Rhode Island

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Plans for now and later Rabbi Elan Babchuck discusses ‘surprise’ resignation

BY FRAN OSTENDORF fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org “I’m grateful for four really wonderful years. I loved the job.

I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Gratitude is a word Rabbi Elan Babchuck uses often when he speaks about his tenure at Temple Emanu-El, in Providence.

Many in the community were surprised several weeks ago when he announced that he was moving on. Members of the congregation received letters announcing the news from Babchuck as well as Rabbi Wayne Franklin and president Judy Greenblatt.

In his letter, Babchuck wrote, “. . . after much soul searching, I have come to believe that there are yet more chapters for me to write and other ways to serve the world that I would like to explore.”

Babchuck, his wife, Lizzie Pollack, and their two children, 3 1/2-year-old Micah and 3-weekold Nessa, plan to stay in Providence. In fact, he said they love it here and will be active members of the Temple Emanu-El community after July 2016, when he officially steps down.

“I’m excited about the future of the synagogue and where it’s going and my place in it as a member,” he said.

Babchuck, a passionate supporter of entrepreneurship and leadership in Providence, will become director of innovation at Clal – The National Jewish Cen-

ter for Learning and Leadership, a leadership-training institute, think tank and resource center based in New York City. He will work from Providence and travel throughout the United States to Clal’s innovation project sites as part of his role in running Clal’s new innovation incubator, which will be launched next fall.

He also will help develop entrepreneurship in the next generation of Jewish leaders.

Babchuck said this is a natural extension of his many interests, including innovation in the Jewish world. “I wanted to utilize my rabbinic toolkit as well as my MBA,” he said. “I wanted to serve the Jewish world in a different way.”

Babchuck is part of the Clal-affi liated Rabbis without Borders’ pluralistic network, having completed its year-long fellowship. He said he hopes that in his new post he can help deepen Clal’s ties to the greater Jewish community. He also hopes that Clal will have a greater presence in Providence, with their common emphasis on entrepreneurship and small business.

Innovation wears many hats, Babchuck said.

“Clal doesn’t lay out a blueprint,” he said. “It inspires and sparks interest in key lay leaders.”

In Rhode Island, Babchuck is also working on a Jewish mindfulness project with Rabbi Barry Dolinger of Congregation Beth Sholom, in Providence, and Nicole Jellinek, a social worker in private practice.

Until June, Babchuck emphasizes, he remains deeply en-

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FRAN OSTENDORF is editor of The Jewish Voice.

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PHOTO | RI STATE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

Rabbi Leslie Y. Gutterman with Rev. Donald Anderson and Rev. Betsy Aldrich Garland.

Heroes of Faith Award

The Rhode Island State Council of Churches began the Heroes of Faith Awards Breakfast six years ago to highlight the incredible work the faith community does for the common good.

Each year, the council chooses individuals or organizations that have distinguished themselves in helping to achieve a better Rhode Island and names them Heroes of Faith. These heroes come from a variety of faith traditions and professions. This year, the Rev. Hebert Bolles Life

Achievement Award was given to Rabbi Leslie Yale Gutterman, rabbi emeritus of Temple BethEl in Providence.

In addition to the heroes, congregations and originations are encouraged to name a Partner in Faith. These partners are named for their wide range of activities in their faith communities. This year Temple BethEl named Lillian and Frank Birch as partners for their long engagement in the congregation’s activities.

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The Jewish Voice

J Space greenhouses will be blooming this year

BY ARIEL BROTHMAN J Space has a new and exciting venture in the house – in the greenhouses, that is!

Made possible by grants from United Way’s “race to the top” and RIDE funds, along with donations, training services, and many other forms of generosity, J Space has begun using the greenhouses recently installed in its backyard, outside the fitness center at the Dwares JCC, in Providence.

Shannon Kochanek, J Space’s director of After School and Vacation Camps, along with dozens of children who attend the afterschool program, are in the process of planting seeds that they will harvest over the coming months. Some children chose to plant radishes, which have the shortest growing time.

Others were willing to be more patient.

“Some of them picked really pretty flowers [to plant]. They were like, ‘It takes a long time ’til the harvest, but I think it’s gonna be worth it because they’re so pretty!’ ” Kochanek has coordinated everything related to the children’s involvement in the greenhouses, from construction to training sessions to guiding the children in their gardening plans. She didn’t do

it alone, though.

She said a master gardener from Farm Fresh Rhode Island “gave me a lot of tips on things that I hadn’t budgeted. [For example] he suggested that we get a timer for the switches so that when we’re not here on the weekends the grow lights can turn on and off without someone coming in to turn them on and off.”

It’s taken a lot of planning and hard work, but, like the flowers that are so pretty they will be worth it in the end. Kochanek is steadfast in her belief that the skills the children are learning are worth it.

“I want them to do everything,” she says excitedly as she explains that the children, who are working in pairs or in threes, will be doing everything from picking their seeds and projecting sprout/harvest times to tracking their development for the next several months.

“Some things will take longer than a school year to harvest so they have to decide [what to grow],” she said.

Kochanek also plans to introduce the children to the entrepreneurial side of gardening by giving them a choice of eating their produce, cooking with it, selling it, or whatever else they can think of. She hopes that

PHOTO | ARIEL BROTHMAN

The greenhouses will soon house several kinds of fruits, vegetables and herbs. this experience will not only allow them to see the practical and healthful aspects of growing your own food, but also the economic role it can play in both personal finances and the community.

“Do they want to eat it? Prepare it? Sell it? My hope is that each group will try everything.

I really want to introduce that entrepreneurial aspect, and I want them to even … decide how much they will sell it for and then decide what they’re

going to do with it [money].”

The money raised from any sales will go back into J Space, with ideas for a tablet or an ice cream party on the table.

Kochanek also plans to further educate herself by attending workshops on gardening, including some at An Evening of Jewish Renaissance: Redesigned in mid-November.

“I’m so excited!” she says, smiling at the mention of the workshops.

And it isn’t just Kochanek and

the kids who are excited – the adult community at J Space is enthusiastic about the project as well.

“Some of the members of the [Jewish] Alliance have suggested that the kids’ produce go on sale near the fitness center,” said Kochanek, smiling.

ARIEL BROTHMAN is a freelance writer who lives in Wrentham, Mass. She was the summer intern at The Jewish Voice in 2012.

IDF’s lone soldiers in spotlight at Nov. 17 talk

BY SHAI AFSAI More than 6,000 lone soldiers from 52 countries serve in the Israel Defense Forces, and almost a third of them are from the U.S. On Nov. 17, Ari Kalker will speak at Pawtucket’s Congregation Ohawe Shalom about the IDF’s lone soldiers and the Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin, as part of an effort to raise support and awareness.

The center was founded in 2009 and has four branches in Israel. Lone soldiers are soldiers in the IDF with no family in Israel to offer support.

Kalker, who lives in Jerusalem with his wife and two children, is originally from New York. He made aliyah after high school and served in a Special

Forces infantry unit from 2003 to 2007.

He holds the rank of lieutenant and is a commander in a Special Forces reserve unit.

A former lone soldier himself, and one of Michael Levin’s roommates, Kalker is one of the founders of the Lone Soldier Center.

“We are an organization of former lone soldiers helping current lone soldiers,” Kalker explains. “We founded the organization on Michael Levine’s dream and vision, and hope to truly fulfill our motto: ‘Lone soldiers are no longer alone.’

We provide a social group, counseling and support to lone soldiers before, during and after their army service.”

IDF soldiers are given leave for Shabbat usually at least twice each month,

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but lone soldiers often have no family or community to return to. That’s where the center comes in, supporting lone soldiers with caring volunteers and events.

According to Kalker, “Lone soldiers arrive in Israel with a strong ideological drive and a desire to serve, contribute and succeed. High numbers of lone soldiers volunteer for combat roles and advance to be commanders and officers.

“We build a family and diverse community of lone soldiers, so that they will be included and supported and will succeed in adjusting to life in Israel.”

Ari Kalker will speak at Congregation Ohawe Shalom, 671 East Ave., Pawtucket, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. The talk is free and open to the public.

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PHOTO COURTESY | ARI KALKER.

Ari Kalker (right) with a lone soldier.

SHAI AFSAI lives in Providence and can be reached at ggbi@juno.com.

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6 | November 13, 2015 FROM PAGE 1

| PEW

in 2007, the percentage of Jews who said religion is very important to them grew from 31 percent to 35 percent.

Similarly, the percentage who said they attend religious services weekly or more often grew from 16 percent to 19 percent; the proportion of Jews who said they read “scripture” at least weekly grew from 14 percent to 17 percent, and the percentage of those who said they participate in prayer groups or religious study groups at least weekly grew from 11 percent to 16 percent.

However, it’s important to note that most of those increases are within the survey’s margin of error for Jewish respondents, which is 4.2 percentage points. On the question of the proportion of Jews who attend religious services weekly or more, for example, there is inconsistency between this survey’s finding of 19 percent and Pew’s 2013 finding of 14 percent. Alan Cooperman, Pew’s director of religion research, told JTA the numbers are within the two surveys’ combined margins of error, but that the questions were also asked slightly differently, so direct comparisons are tricky.

Jews aren’t that concerned with the meaning of life

Jews think about the meaning and purpose of life less than American Christians or Muslims – 45 percent of Jews compared with 64 percent of

NATIONAL Muslims, 61 percent of Protestants, 52 percent of Catholics and 59 percent of Buddhists.

The survey found that 70 percent of Jews feel a strong sense of gratitude at least once a week.

Did God write the Bible?

Eleven percent of Jews believe the Torah is the literal word of God. That’s about the same proportion as Orthodox Jews within the U.S. Jewish population overall. An additional 26 percent of Jews believe the Torah is the non-literal word of God, and 55 percent believe the Torah was written by men. Compared to other religious groups in America, Jews have the lowest proportion of adherents who believe God wrote the Bible (except for Buddhists, who don’t believe in the Bible).

Jews also read the Bible less than other religious Americans. Among Jews, 17 percent of respondents said they read the Bible outside of services at least weekly, compared with 35 percent for all Americans, 52 percent of Protestants and 25 percent of Catholics.

Meanwhile, belief in God fell slightly among Jews, from 72 percent in 2007 to 64 percent in 2014 (37 percent said they were absolutely certain God exists, and 27 percent said they were fairly certain).

Right or wrong?

Jews use common sense

Where do Jews turn for guidance on questions of right and wrong? Fifty percent use

The Jewish Voice “common sense,” 17 percent turn to religion, 17 percent to philosophy and 14 percent to science. Twenty-one percent of Jews believe in absolute standards of right and wrong, and 76 percent say it depends on the situation.

Forty percent of Jews say they believe in heaven, up from 38 percent in 2007, and 22 percent say they believe in hell, the same as in 2007.

By contrast, 72 percent of all Americans believe in heaven and 58 percent believe in hell.

Seventy-nine percent of Jews believe other religions can also lead to eternal life – a higher proportion than among Christians (66 percent) or Muslims (65 percent).

Jewish women pray more than Jewish men

Most Jewish survey respondents – 53 percent – said they belong to a local house of worship (the survey did not break down results by religious denomination). Though 19 percent of Jews surveyed said they attend services at least once a week, 29 percent said they pray at least once a day (up from 26 percent in 2007), 24 percent said they pray weekly or monthly, and 45 percent said they seldom or never pray.

While there is a significant divide between the sexes among Americans generally when it comes to daily prayer – 64 percent of American women vs. 46 percent of American men pray daily – among Jews the gender difference is slight: 31 percent

of Jewish women compared with 27 percent of Jewish men pray daily.

Most American Jews eat pork

When it comes to observing religious dietary restrictions, Jews are less fastidious than Muslims or Hindus. While 90 percent of Muslims surveyed said they abjure pork and 67 percent of Hindus said they avoid beef, only 40 percent of Jews abstain from eating pork. Fifty-seven percent of Jews surveyed affirmed they eat pork. (One percent of Jewish respondents said they were vegetarian; the survey did not ask Christian respondents about vegetarianism.)

Jews are not at peace with themselves

While 59 percent of all Americans said they experience deep feelings of spiritual peace and well-being at least once a week (68 percent of Protestants, 57 percent of Catholics and 64 percent of Muslims), the figure for Jews was only 39 percent.

But that was still more than agnostics and atheists, who experience those feelings weekly at rates of 37 percent and 31 percent, respectively.

Are religious organizations a force for good?

Eighty-eight percent of Jews said their houses of worship and other religious organizations bring people together and strengthen community bonds, but only 63 percent said those institutions protect and strengthen morality in society. By contrast, 83 percent of Christians and Muslims said their institutions protect and strengthen morality in society.

At the same time, 54 percent of Jews surveyed said religious institutions are too concerned with money and power (compared with 52 percent of all Americans), 59 percent said they focus too much on rules (51 percent among

all Americans) and 59 percent said they’re too involved with politics (48 percent among all Americans).

Jewish Republicans gain, but so do Jewish liberals

Although the increase in Republican Jews is within the survey’s margin of error for Jews, the percentage of Jews who identified as Republican or leaning Republican grew by 2 points between 2007 and 2014, from 24 percent to 26 percent.

The proportion of Jews who identified as Democrat or leaning Democratic fell from 66 percent in 2007 to 64 percent in 2014. However, while the percentage of Jews who identify as politically conservative stayed constant during that time, the percentage of Jews who identify as liberal grew from 38 percent to 43 percent – mostly defectors from the “moderate” camp.

Among Americans generally, the change between 2007 and 2014 was a 3-point growth for Republicans and a 3-point drop among Democrats. Nine percent of Jews surveyed in 2014 identified as independents, compared with 17 percent among Americans generally.

Jews are more accepting of gays than other Americans

Acceptance of “homosexuality in society” grew among all Americans between 2007 and 2014, from 50 percent to 62 percent, and among Jews from 79 percent to 81 percent. The religious groups least tolerant of homosexuality in society are Mormons (only 36 percent favor societal acceptance), Jehovah’s Witnesses (16 percent) and Protestant evangelicals (36 percent). Buddhists were the most accepting at 88 percent. Seventy-seven percent of Jews said they support samesex marriage, compared with 53 percent of all Americans.

D’VAR TORAH | COMMUNITY

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November 13, 2015 |

7

Meeting the world with a generous heart Parashat Chayye Sarah Sandwiched between the deaths of our fi rst matriarch and our fi rst patriarch, we witness the choreog raphy of a dramatic, divinely directed love story between Isaac and Rebecca.

How does this powerful connection come to be? What interRABBI nal qualities or practices were ALAN active in the FLAM Rebecca and Isaac story that allowed them to be open to what poet Mark Nepo calls the “exquisite risk” of an open heart?

Two middot (internal qualities), chesed and vulnerability are essential ingredients of this love story.

Isaac’s love for Rebecca is

clear and unequivocal: “And Isaac brought her to the tent of Sarah his mother, and he took Rebecca, and she became his wife, and he loved her. And Isaac was comforted for [the loss of] his mother.” (Genesis 24:67) Does Rebecca love Isaac? The text is less clear, but something powerful happens to her when she sees Isaac for the fi rst time: “And Isaac went forth to meditate in the field toward evening, and he lifted his eyes and saw, and behold, camels were approaching. And Rebecca lifted her eyes, and saw Isaac, and she fell down from the camel. And she said to the servant, ‘Who is that man walking in the field toward us?’ And the servant said, ‘He is my master.’ And she took the veil and covered herself.”

(Genesis 24: 63-65) Rebecca’s kindness and generosity upon meeting Abraham’s servant at the well is as abundant as the water she

pulls up to quench the thirst of the man and his camels. Aviva Zornberg writes “as she runs back and forth at the well, eagerly providing for the needs of the servant and the camels, she resembles Abraham welcoming his angel-guests – impatient, energetic, overflowing with love (chesed).” In fact, the text uses the word chesed four times in the space of two chapters, underlining the trait in relation to Rebecca. Chesed is also the trait most commonly associated with Abraham.

Rebecca’s chesed should not be considered simply being nice. Chesed in the Torah can be defi ned more accurately as a profound generosity of spirit. Alan Moranis writes that chesed involves acts that sustain another. She gives from a bottomless well (pun intended) of this sustaining love and kindness.

Why does this make Rebecca particularly open to receiving love?

Congregation Beth Sholom announces ‘CBS Speaks’ lecture series

BY SHAI AFSAI “In our times, people often gauge communities by their leaders,” observes Congregation Beth Sholom’s Rabbi Barry Dolinger. As part of countering that trend, the Providence synagogue has launched “CBS Speaks,” a Friday night dinner series in which synagogue members speak on topics relating to Judaism.

“At Congregation Beth Sholom, we want to promote a Judaism that isn’t ‘top-down,’ ” Rabbi Dolinger explained. “We believe that communities are built horizontally by the ties that bind them together. In the spirit of this inclusive mission, we’re excited to announce the

beginning of CBS Speaks.”

The fi rst talk in the CBS Speaks lectures series, “Exploring Jewish Ethnic Identity and Understanding its Impact on Mental Health,” was given on Oct. 30 by Aliza Krieger, a clinical psychologist at Eleanor Slater Hospital/Zambarano Unit, in Burrillville, and a clinician at Providence Psychology Services.

On Nov. 20, Brown University Prof. Paul Nahme will give a talk on “Protestant Judaism and the Making of Modern Orthodoxy.” Nahme is the Dorot Assistant Professor of Judaic Studies and Religious Studies at Brown.

Future speakers in the new

lecture series include Brown’s Prof. Michael Satlow, who will talk on the topic of “Rosh Hodesh, Authority, and the Invention of the Jewish Calendar,” as well as Rhode Island College’s Ezra Stieglitz.

All CBS Speaks dinners and talks are open to the public.

Paul Nahme will speak on Friday, Nov. 20. Dinner begins at 5:15 in the social hall, following services. For more information or to make dinner reservations, contact Office@BethSholom-RI. org.

SHAI AFSAI lives in Providence and can be reached at ggbi@juno.com.

enior are

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One possibility is that chesed works directly to counteract the scarcity mentality, i.e., “I don’t have enough myself, how can I give generously to others?” Chesed abides by its own rules – generating love even as it “spends” it. As Shakespeare’s Juliet says, “My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, / The more I have, for both are infi nite.”

Emily Esfahani Smith, writing about this topic for the Atlantic, cites recent research that underlines this point. She writes, “the more someone receives or witnesses kindness, the more they will be kind themselves, which leads to upward spirals of love and generosity in a relationship.” Rebecca has this kindness orientation, and, from this space, her heart is primed for an intimate connection with Isaac.

Rebecca humbles herself before Isaac at the moment they fi rst see each other in the fields (either “falling” or “descending from” her camel, covering herself with her veil). Isaac brings

Rebecca to his mother’s tent – his place of deepest suffering and grief. The fi rst explicit love story in the Torah reverberates with vulnerability from both of the protagonists, which perhaps is the most important requirement for love.

Brene Brown says, “there can be no intimacy – emotional intimacy, spiritual intimacy, physical intimacy – without vulnerability... . It’s about being honest with how we feel, about our fears, about what we need, and, asking for what we need.

Vulnerability is a glue that holds intimate relationships together.” When Isaac and Rebecca fall in love, they meet each other fully as they are: raw, unfi ltered, with a generous, open and vulnerable heart.

Our challenge is to meet the world with the same.

RABBI ALAN FLAM is the executive director of the Helen Hudson Foundation for Homeless America and senior Fellow at the Swearer Center for Public Service at Brown University.

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8 | November 13, 2015

OPINION

The Jewish Voice

The breath of God

A public Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday whose origin is entwined with the very roots of our country. Even its centerpiece at the holiday table – the turkey – is native to North America.

Most Americans, no matter their backg r o u n d o r faith, celebrate Thanksgiving.

If they don’t EDITOR have a big holiday gathering, FRAN they at least OSTENDORF pause, with a day off from work or school.

From time to time, Gallup, the survey people, has questioned Americans about Thanksgiving. Holiday spending was the most recent topic.

A decade ago, they asked questions about holidays and family and found that most people do gather together to reflect on what they have to be thankful for.

A 2002 article, “The Gallup Brain: Americans and Thanksgiving,” looked at Gallup polls as far back as 1939 and found some interesting Thanksgiving facts and trivia. During the course of some 60 years, the Gallup pollsters asked Americans at least six times what they were thankful for. Family was always high on the list, but not always at the top. When Americans were asked what they, personally, were most thankful for, “health” or “good health,” were the top responses in 1947, 1954 and 1990. In 1946, the year after World War II ended, good health was second to “war is over, world at peace.” The year after the Korean War, in 1954, “peace” was the top answer.

Family finally pushed health from the top in 1996 and 2000.

Family and thankfulness seem to go hand in hand.

For my family, Thanksgiving is one of those holidays where everyone gathers at our house. That usually means quite a few people. My family is not alone. According to Pew Research in 2010, about onequarter of us expect 20 family members at the Thanksgiving table and 62 percent said that number would be 10 or more.

I’m figuring that there will be somewhere between those two numbers at my table this

year. Occasionally we take the time to discuss what we are thankful for. Usually it’s pretty informal, but it’s a nice break from the hustle and bustle of trying to get the Thanksgiving feast on the table.

In the daily rush of a busy life, we often forget to take a minute and reflect on what is good about our lives. Somehow, it’s easier to remember the difficulties. And it’s especially easy to forget to say a public thank you.

What am I thankful for?

Well, as editor of The Voice, I’m thankful for all the readers, supporters and donors who help make this job worthwhile. I’m thankful for the advertisers who use us as a way to get their messages out to the community. I’m thankful for our small but loyal staff, which, week after week, produces a paper you want to read. And I must mention our contributors, who write for us and let us know what’s going on in the community – I’m thankful for them, as well as our volunteer proofreaders, who do their best to make sure mistakes in The Voice are few and far between. Our Editorial Advisory Group who offers advice and guidance deserves my thanks as well. And I’m thankful for my colleagues at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island who step up to help when we need information or an article or coverage we cannot provide.

Personally, I’m thankful for my fantastic family and friends. Now more than ever I realize how lucky I am to have a supportive network. I probably should say that more often.

So, in the next couple of weeks, don’t forget to take a minute and reflect on the positive things in your life – and perhaps say a public thank you, too.

One of the majestic phrases in the opening verses of Bereisheet, the first book of our Hebrew Bible, reads, “...v’ruach Elohim m’rachefet al p’nai hamayim,” which can be translated as “...and the breath of God was sweeping over the face of the waters.”

IT SEEMS Ruach Elohim: breath of God, TO ME spirit of God, w i n d f r o m RABBI JIM G o d . M a n y ROSENBERG of those who at tended t he multicultural, interfaith celebration at Barrington’s Temple Habonim this past Oct. 25 felt the breath of God; they felt the breath of sacred song and dance and prayer and pleas for peace. Peace: salaam in Arabic, shalom in Hebrew – all three words rich with the overtones of wholeness and integrity.

The sold-out program was a benefit for Rhode Island for Community and Justice, a statewide organization with a long history of “fighting bias, bigotry and racism.” From the very outset, those present said NO to bias, bigotry and racism with their energetic affirmation of tolerance, mutual respect and cultural diversity.

Just after 4 p.m. on that Sunday afternoon, nine of Temple Habonim’s Ruach Singers began a chant-and-response call to worship, first with a Hindu Sanskrit-English text: “Hari Om, Dear One / Satnam, Holy Name, / When I call on the Light of my Soul, I come home.”

As the chant and response continued through Christian/ Greek, Muslim/Arabic, Buddhist/Tibetan and Jewish/

LETTER The 19th century Catholic theologian, Luigi Taparelli, coined the phrase “giustizia sociale” (social justice). His vision of social justice emphasized freedom and respect for individuals and local institutions. He believed there were natural inequalities in ability and that some would have wealth and some would be poor. He believed workers should be paid enough to support themselves and their families, and people should have a day off to go to church.

“Social justice” has now taken on a Marx-

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.

Hebrew versions, the stage filled with about 50 singers and dancers. All in all, about 300 men, women and children lifted their voices in prayerful song.

The tone was set for the next two hours. Both individually and collectively, we were summoned to call on the Light of our Souls and to come home to the very best within us.

Rabbi Andrew Klein of Temple Habonim and the Rev. Donald Anderson, executive minister of the R.I. State Council of Churches, followed this opening procession of faith groups with brief statements of welcome. Each of these men is a model of interfaith outreach and cooperation.

After the rabbi and minister took their seats, five young barefoot women in colorful traditional costumes performed two classic Hindu dances from southern India. They won the hearts of the audience with their graceful and delicate response to the complex polyrhythms of the Indian music – poetry in motion.

The program continued to flow like a river of good will: Wheeler School students August Kahn and Danish Azam leading us in their original prayer for peace; Waleed Mohamad singing his songs for peace; Susan Dearing, of the Atisha Kadampa Buddhist Center, and Anjali Ram, of the Hari Vidya Bhavan School, reciting Buddhist and Hindu prayers for peace.

Then more Indian dancing.

Greetings and appreciation from Toby Ayers and high school sophomore Marlene Rodrigues from Rhode Island for Community and Justice.

Five songs by The Ruach Singers. Muslim prayers offered by Halimah Muhammad and Pricilla Abdul-Wakil of the Mus-

Re: Champions of social justice ist flavor, postulating that social inequality stems from exploitation, or that wealth was gained at the expense of the poor. Social justice means, in operational terms, using taxes and government to confiscate the wealth of some and distribute it to others. The results have been uneven. Welfare policies have created a permanent class of dependent people who have surrendered responsibility for providing for themselves and their children to their political patrons. This is radically against what Taparelli envisioned.

lim American Dawah Center.

The 35-member Prism of Praise Community Gospel Choir, led by their animated founder/director Michael Evora, brought the afternoon to a rousing but not raucous conclusion. Among the words that filled the room: “Don’t give up on God, and He won’t give up on you!” By the last song, “It’s your season to be blessed,” almost all hands were clapping and feet stomping in joyful praise.

Each song, each dance, each prayer, each plea for peace had its pride of place during this wondrous Sunday afternoon at Temple Habonim. Nevertheless, the whole of the program was greater than the sum of its parts. The ruach – the spirit of togetherness, the spirit of cooperation, the spirit of united purpose – was one that I have rarely had the privilege of experiencing during my long life.

The organizers of this multicultural, interfaith event gave it the name “Sing Out for Peace!”

As the program was drawing to a close, Diane Minasian, leader of The Ruach Singers and a prime mover behind the afternoon’s joyful celebration, told the crowd, “Maybe this is what peace looks like. Maybe this is what peace sounds like.” Holding a bouquet of dark red roses, Diane alluded to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s transformative vision, “This is our Beloved Community!”

As the combined choirs filed off the stage after leading the audience in two final songs, the hall was ringing with the music of those three magical words, words of almost infinite meaning: Peace ... Salaam ... Shalom.

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

The Voice often calls a person a “champion,” or similar superlative, of social justice.

If the Voice is truly a Jewish paper, it would do well to avoid this phrase, with its Catholic origins and current Marxist connotations, in favor of “tzedakah,” and “justice.”

Expecting government to solve all social problems crowds out charitable and religious organizations, and opens the door to tyranny.

Farrel I. Klein Providence, R.I.

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).

thejewishvoice.org

OPINION

November 13, 2015 |

9

Why you love (or hate) our ‘Too Jewish’ billboard

BY ADAM TILOVE This campaign is first and foremost about drawing attention to the amazing things happening at the Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island (JCDSRI). From our Design Lab to KinderSTEAM (our partnership with Brown and RISD STEAM) to our upcoming theater collaboration with the Islamic School of Rhode Island and the Center for Dynamic Learning, our school is redefining Jewish education. We are both on the cutting edge of education and deeply grounded in our millennia-old tradition. We are proud of our school, and we want to share our pride.

But our campaign is also about where we find ourselves today as Jews. For hundreds of years, Jews lived in fear as

a disenfranchised minority.

For too long, Jews were afraid to be “Too Jewish.” We wanted to fit in, to be accepted and to live with the same rights and opportunities as anyone else – so we

kept our Judaism quiet.

We sent our children to public school, where they would blend seamlessly into America’s wonderful melting pot. But now, with assimilation as much a risk to Jewish identity as anti-

Semitism, our needs have changed. As respected and often prominent members of society, we recognize that Judaism is not an identity assigned to us, but a choice that we make each and every day.

At JCDSRI, we often hear that parents did not consider our school for their children because it is “too Jewish” – whatever that means. The campaign’s tagline is “Challenge Your Assumptions.” We mean to challenge the preconceived notions that people have about Jewish day school.

Moreover, we hope to engage our community in a discussion about what it means to be Jewish today. It is a challenge to check our assumptions and see one another as complex,

Disagreements behind them, Obama and Netanyahu get down to business

BY RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) – It took agreeing to set aside differences on Iran and the IsraeliPalestinian peace process for President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to get down to business on other issues afflicting the region, including the threat of Islamist extremism and the rise of Israeli-Palestinian violence.

Appearing pleased and relaxed – if hoarse – after meeting with Obama for more than two hours on Nov. 9, Netanyahu told reporters that the two had a pragmatic discussion that lacked the contentiousness of their previous encounters.

“The conversation was substantive, practical,” Netanyahu told reporters after the meeting.

“We have a common interest in keeping Iran from violating the agreement.”

Two major burrs that have irritated the U.S.-Israel relationship for months were removed in the lead-up to the meeting, with each leader scoring a win. Netanyahu acknowledged that the nuclear deal between Iran and six major powers is on its way to implementation, despite his vehement objections. And Obama administration officials said the president no longer held out hope for a comprehensive Israeli-Palestinian peace deal before the end of his term in January 2017.

“Not that we are agreed on the agreement,” Netanyahu said, referring to the Iran deal. “But we must look forward at what needs to be done.”

In remarks before their meeting in the Oval Office, each man signaled an understanding of what the other wanted. Netanyahu, free from the pressure of having to reach a final-status agreement with the Palestinians

in the short term, recommitted to a two-state solution in the long run. Obama was furious when Netanyahu declared, on the eve of his re-election in March, that a Palestinian state would not rise on his watch.

“I want to make it clear that we have not given up our hope for peace,” Netanyahu said, looking Obama in the eyes – itself a change from previous tensionwracked meetings, when the leaders barely looked at each other.

“We’ll never give up the hope for peace. And I remain committed to a vision of peace of two states for two peoples, a demilitarized Palestinian state that recognizes the Jewish state.”

For his part, Obama said the two would discuss “how we can blunt the activities of ISIL, Hezbollah and other organizations in the region that carry out terrorist attacks.” And he reiterated his defense of Israel’s right to defend itself against Palestinian terrorism.

“I want to be very clear that we condemn in the strongest terms Palestinian violence against innocent Israeli citizens,” Obama said. “And I want to repeat once again, it is my strong belief that Israel has not just the right but the obligation to protect itself.”

Following the meeting, Netanyahu described an encounter more conversational than contentious.

“I did not sense any broad tension,” Netanyahu told Israeli reporters at a briefing after the meeting. “It was not a symposium for debate, it was not a debating society – and there have been such meetings. But this, for sure, was not.”

Instead, Netanyahu and his team, including national security adviser Yossi Cohen, outlined the technological challenges facing Israel in dealing with the

rise of the Islamic State and an Iran emboldened by the nuclear deal.

In addition to Obama, American officials in the meeting included Secretary of State John Kerry, National Security Adviser Susan Rice and Vice President Joe Biden.

One focus of the discussion was renewing the 10-year defense assistance memorandum of understanding between Israel and the United States. Under its current terms, due to expire in 2018, Israel receives an average of $3 billion a year.

Netanyahu would not address the particulars of the Israeli request, but Israeli officials have said that Israel wants a comprehensive package that would amount to as much as $50 billion over 10 years, or $5 billion a year. It would include missile defense cooperation, which is now considered separately from the $3 billion in annual defense assistance and amounts to about an additional $700 million in U.S. contributions.

He said Israel was eager to avoid inflaming the recent violence, which has focused on the Temple Mount, also known as Haram al-Sharif, the Jerusalem site holy to both Muslims and Jews.

Netanyahu said he raised with Obama proposals that his Cabinet had unanimously endorsed.

The Israeli leader did not describe the proposals except to say that they included easing movement and the transfer of goods to Palestinians.

Another key issue was Syria.

Netanyahu said it was critical that whatever the outcome of the civil war in that country, Iran should not be able to open a front against Israel on the Syrian border. Iran is actively assisting the Assad regime.

intelligent, real people who share something special.

So if you love the billboard, it’s probably because you are proud of being Jewish, and you’re not afraid to show it. You know that with our demographic challenges, we can’t sit passively and hope people somehow find themselves engaged in Jewish life. The hour is short and the time is now. If our community is to thrive, we need to reach out to people where they are, not wait for the unaffiliated families to find us.

And if you hate the billboard, maybe it’s because it breaks the unspoken rule that we Jews are supposed to lay low and not make a stink. Jews don’t advertise – at least not in public!

But in the great marketplace of ideas, it just won’t work for Jews to advertise to other Jews

through the newspaper alone.

We are a part of the larger world, and we need to engage it. Maybe you hate it because it feels dangerous; a way to attract unwanted attention. I understand this, too. But Jews have never needed to advertise to get unwanted attention. It came to us anyway.

This campaign is about all of us. It’s about having deep, me a n i n g f u l c onve r s at ion s that matter. It’s about exploring community and values and identity. Whether you love or hate the campaign, we hope you will use it to foster these conversations with your family and friends. What could be more Jewish than that?

ADAM TILOVE is Head of School at Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island.

BDS movement aims to erode support of Israel

BY NOAM GILBOORD In recent years, growing numbers of activists have participated in events and campaigns under the banner of “BDS: The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement.” This global network of individuals and organizations aims to isolate Israel politically, economically and culturally through boycotts of Israeli products, divestment from companies doing business in Israel and imposing international sanctions on Israel.

While BDS activists describe themselves as part of “a strategy that allows people of conscience to play an effective role in the Palestinian struggle for justice,” the movement actually has much more insidious goals: The gradual erosion of political support for Israel in America and the international community and the eventual dissolution of Israel’s right to exist as the democratic nation state of the Jewish people.

A decade ago, small numbers of students would listen to anti-Israel activists lecture in university classrooms. Today, the BDS movement boasts hundreds of groups that organize anti-Israel activities on campuses, within faculty associations, church movements, grocery stores, legislative bodies, transportation systems, minority groups, the LGBTQ community, cultural institutions and unions.

BDS strategies are designed with one goal: Create controversy around Israel. The more controversial Israel becomes, the more people of conscience

will have difficulty supporting Israel. For this reason, BDS campaigns are often organized to elicit emotions that cause individuals to either feel personally responsible for causing Palestinian suffering or to personally identify with the struggles of Palestinians under occupation.

For example, when the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team came to play the Brooklyn Nets, a local BDS group protested with the slogan, “We don’t play w it h Apa r theid!” Currently, BDS activists have drawn false parallels between police violence against people of color in America and Israeli military suppression of Palestinian riots. Most Americans would not want to be associated with “Apartheid policies” or “police brutality.” Thus, while purposefully twisting the reality of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into a caricature of good versus evil, the BDS movement is able to build relationships with progressive constituencies and push anti-Israel messages into mainstream American discourse.

No matter your feelings on BDS, information is important. For additional information about BDS and efforts to counter assaults on Israel’s legitimacy, visit IsraelActionNetwork.org.

NOAM GILBOORD is Director of Community Strategy at the Israel Action Network, a project of the Jewish Federations of North America in partnership with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

10 | November 13, 2015

CALENDAR

The Jewish Voice sixty-year career in show business. A discussion led by the film’s producers, Susan and Lloyd Ecker, will follow the screening. Ages: 18+. Space is limited, and pre-registration is encouraged.

Admission: $9 | Members: $7. For more information, contact Erin Moseley, Director of Arts & Culture, at emoseley@jewishallianceri.org or 401-4214111, ext. 108.

Sisterhood Dinner. 6:30 p.m. Temple Sinai’s Sisterhood paid-up dinner in the social hall.

Community commemoration

Singers and musicians perform Nov. 8 at “We Remember Them,” a concert at Temple Sinai commemorating Kristallnacht.

Participants included Shireinu, the chorus of Temple Sinai along with HaZamir Providence and Shir Emanu-El from Temple Emanu-El, Can-

Ongoing

West Bay Kosher Senior Café. Kosher lunch and program every weekday.

Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston.

11:15 a.m. program; Noon lunch. $3 lunch donation from individuals 60+ or under 60 with disabilities. Steve, 401743-0009.

Through | January 7 Three Artists, 30 Works. Gallery at Temple Habonim features Joan Boghossian, Eileen Horwitz and Elizabeth Bonner Zimmerman. Hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and by appointment. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. For information, call 401-245-6536. gallery@templehabonim.org.

Friday | November 13 Friday Night Live Honors Torat Yisrael Veterans. 6 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael.

A musical celebration of Shabbat with a chicken dinner that follows. Cost: Adults and Children over 12 years of age, $20, Children 12 years and younger, Free, Family max., $60. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. RSVP to the Torat Yisrael office at 401-8856600. toratyisrael.org.

Saturday | November 14 Evening of Jewish Renaissance: Redesigned. 7 p.m. Dwares JCC. A night of diverse learning opportunities, discussions, workshops and interactive experiences that will expose you to the many facets of Jewish culture. Free.

Ages: 18+ (certain workshops 21+). To learn more, contact Jana Brenman at 401-421-4111, ext. 181 or jbrenman@jewishallianceri.org. Brought to you by the Judge Marjorie Yashar and Dr. James Yashar Fund at the Jewish Federation Foundation.

The 2015 Joseph and Leba Zelniker Educators Conference: Telling Jewish Stories. With Rabbi Goldie

tor Brian Mayer, Temple Emanu-El, and cantorial soloist Dr. Deborah Johnson. Approximately 300 people attended including two Holocaust survivors. Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser, Temple Sinai, and Rabbi Richard Perlman, West Bay Community Jewish Center, provided narration.

Community calendar

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.

Sunday | November 15

PHOTO | BRUCE WASSER

Milgram. 8:30 a.m.-noon. Dwares JCC. A conference for teachers in schools affiliated with the Jewish Alliance. Story telling is one of the most basic skills in a Jewish classroom across all content areas: Israel, history, Hebrew, holidays, values, etc., and not just Bible and Midrash. Learn how to choose and tell stories, involve the listeners, make the stories meaningful to them and check for understanding. From Cape Town to Seattle, Sarasota to Moscow, across the full spectrum of Jewish life and practice, audiences love the invitation to interactive learning with Covenant Foundation Award finalist Rabbi Goldie Milgram. Her vibrant stories and experiential teaching methods nurture joyful and deep Jewishing for all ages.

Among her many award-winning books are Mitzvah Stories: Seeds for Inspiration and Learning, honored Seeking and Soaring: Jewish Approaches to Spiritual Guidance and Development, and Reclaiming Bar/Bat Mitzvah as a Spiritual Practice. Rabbi Milgram also founded and serves as dean of the three-year Maggid-Educator ordination program, a first in the emerging field of Jewish Spiritual Education (JSE).

ReclaimingJudaism.org. For more information, contact Larry Katz at lkatz@ jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 179.

Reclaiming Bar/Bat Mitzvah as a Spiritual Practice: A workshop for b’nai mitzvah educators. 1:30-3 p.m.

Dwares JCC. Please RSVP for this special session. For more information and to RSVP, contact Larry Katz at lkatz@ jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 179.

Day-at-the-J! 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dwares JCC. Looking for something to do on the weekend? Join us for a day of fun or a place to relax with friends. Programming will include Meditation with Rabbi Barry Dolinger (sessions at both 10 a.m. and at 11 a.m.), Storytelling with Corey Finkle (from 12-2 p.m.) and the movie “Shrek” (continuous viewing from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.). All ages. No charge. For more information, contact Seth Finkle at 401-421-4111, ext. 146 or sfinkle@jewishallianceri.org.

Family Paint and Popcorn. 2-4 p.m.

Dwares JCC. Bring the whole family together to paint a Thanksgiving-themed picture in a class led by famous Rhode Islander Charlie Hall, owner and experienced art instructor from Drink

and Dabble. Family Paint and Popcorn is for ages 6 and up, and is a fun, creative way to spend quality time with kids, parents and grandparents. Charlie is experienced in teaching all ages and skill levels. All materials are included, and pre-registration is required. Absolutely no experience is necessary! At the end of the session, you’ll be amazed at the artwork you’ve created with your family, working together on one canvas.

Sign up early to reserve your spot.

Ages: 6+. Price: $40 per family canvas | Dwares JCC Members: $30 per family canvas ($15/additional family canvas).

For more information, please contact Erin Moseley at 401-421-4111 ext.

108 or emoseley@jewishallianceri.org.

Laser Tag Event. 2-4 p.m. CRAFTY youth group of Temple Sinai invites all Jewish teens in grades 8-12 to attend a Laser Tag event at Mission Combat Laser Tag, 3 Bridal Avenue, West Warwick. Admission is $10 at the door on that day.

Temple Sinai Sisterhood Fundraiser.

10 a.m.-8 p.m. Barnes and Noble Bookstore, 1350 Bald Hill Road, Warwick.

Shoppers will be able to purchase a voucher from members of the Sisterhood at the bookstore and a portion of the net sale will be contributed to Temple Sinai.

Music if the Renaissance 2:30 p.m.

Temple Habonim. Make We Music performs selections of liturgical and secular works written by Salomon Rossi, a Jewish composer who lived from about 1570-1630. Vocals accompanied by period instruments under the direction of Jacqueline Devillers. No charge. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington.

Wednesday | November 18 Jewish Culture through Film: “The Outrageous Sophie Tucker” with guest speakers Susan and Lloyd Ecker (producers). 7 p.m. Dwares JCC. Sophie Tucker, born in an Orthodox Jewish family, was not what you would expect for a star. Yet this film depicts the rags-to-riches story of how Sophie Tucker became an iconic superstar who ruled the worlds of Vaudeville, Broadway, radio, television and Hollywood throughout the 20th century.

She inspired stars like Bette Midler and Judy Garland. More than 400 recently discovered scrapbooks of Tucker’s are documented through authors and producers Susan and Lloyd Ecker’s seven-year journey retracing Tucker’s

Thursday | November 19 Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island Phone-a-thon. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

URI Hillel, 6 Fraternity Circle, Kingston.

Join the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island at the University of Rhode Island Hillel for a phone-a-thon to help support our Jewish community. Contact Michele Gallagher at mgallagher@ jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 165 to RSVP or for more information.

Friday | November 20 PJ Library Storytime with Bubbie Sara. 10-11 a.m. Dwares JCC. Join us for a storytime, with PJ Library books, songs and movement, crafts and snack. All children ages 5 and under are welcome. For more information, contact Sara Foster at 401-421-4111, ext. 184.

TGIF: Thank G!D It’s Friday! Family Shabbat Jam and Dinner. Temple Torat Yisrael. 5:45 pm Shabbat songs and story with Rabbi Aaron. 6:15 pm kiddush and free kid-friendly Shabbat dinner (donations welcome). Open to all (non-members welcome). 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. 401885-6600, toratyisrael.org

Saturday | November 21 Kids’ Night Out: Food Frenzy. 5-10 p.m. Dwares JCC. Kids’ Night Out is a chance for children to spend the evening with their friends in a fun and safe environment. Kids’ Night Out runs once a month on Saturday evenings. Each month, children will be entertained with a variety of themed activities ranging from sports, crafts, swimming and more. A pizza dinner and snacks will be served, and the evening will end with a movie. This is also a great opportunity for parents to have a night out “kid free!” Ages: 5 – 12. Price: $35 | Dwares JCC Members: $25 | Siblings: $15. For more information or to register, contact Shannon Boucher at 401-421-4111, ext. 147.

Monte Carlo Night at Torat Yisrael. 7

p.m. $50 per person (includes $30 worth of gaming chips). Redeem chips for raffle tickets to win prizes. Dinner, drinks and merriment. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Please call the Torat Yisrael office at 401-885-6600

by Nov. 16 to RSVP. toratyisraelorg.

An Evening of Film and Live Music.

7:30 p.m. Temple Emanu-El. “The Return of the Violin,” is a true-tolife story of remarkable Jews and a priceless violin. A 1713 Stradivarius is given to a young Polish Jewish prodigy, Bronislaw Huberman, who later becomes the founder of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Fifty years later, the world-renowned American violinist Joshua Bell brings the violin back to Poland to perform the Brahms Violin Concerto in D Major. After the film, violinist Maya Ramchandran, New England Conservatory of Music, will play the second and third movements of that concerto. Tickets at TEProv.org; early purchase discount available.

Sunday | November 22 Humongous Hanukkah Sale. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Temple Beth-El Sisterhood. Everything you need at great prices. Also Dec. 6. Temple lobby. 70 Orchard Ave., Providence.

Tuesday | November 24 PJ Library Storytime with Bubbie Sara. 3-4 p.m. Dwares JCC. Join us for a storytime, with PJ Library books, songs and movement, crafts and snack.

All children ages 5 and under are welcome. For more information, contact Sara Foster at 401-421-4111, ext.

184.

Sunday | November 29 Ocean State Clarinet group. 2 p.m.

Temple Sinai. This group, which includes 8-10 musicians playing clarinets of all sizes, will perform light classical music. Free and open to the public. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston.

Calendar Submissions NOV. 27 issue, HANUKKAH PLANNING must be received by NOV. 18 DEC. 11 issue, HANUKKAH GREETINGS must be received

by DEC. 2.

SEND ALL CALENDAR ITEMS TO: editor@jewishallianceri.org with the subject line “CALENDAR.” Calendar entries may be edited for content, length and relevance.

COMMUNITY

thejewishvoice.org

November 13, 2015 |

11

PHOTO | JFSRI PHOTO | JFSRI

This year’s officers are (left to right) Bonnie Ryvicker, Mindy Stone, Marisa Garber and Matt Brennan.

Installation of officers highlights JFS annual meeting Jewish Family Service held its 86th annual meeting on Oct. 21st at Laurelmead on Blackstone Boulevard. The meeting was marked by the installation of new officers and board members. Amanda Isenberg completed three years as JFS president, and she handed over the gavel of leadership to Marisa Garber.

Garber is known as a passionate community volunteer and has served on the JFS Board, filling the role of vice president this past year. Other officers installed included Mindy Stone, vice president; Matt

Brennan, treasurer; and Bonnie Ryvicker, secretary.

New Board members are Kevin Blake, Stephanie Markoff Cohen and Rachel Mersky Woda. Nate Beraha, Mitzi Berkelhammer, Stuart Einhorn and Mara Weller renewed their terms to continue in service on the JFS Board of Directors.

During the meeting, tribute was paid to three individuals who dedicated years of service to JFS and have passed away since the agency’s last annual meeting: Audrey Bieder, Rosalie Fain and Dottie Nelson.

ON A MISSION

Participants in the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island Community Relations Council Leadership Mission to Israel are (back row, left to right) Chris Boyle, attorney and board chair, St. Clare Newport; Richard Licht, Alliance past board chair; Linda Newton, principal, Newton & Newton Consulting; Nicholas Matiello, speaker of the R.I. House; Marty Cooper, Alliance Community Relations Council director; Adam Greenman, United Way EVP for Community Investment and Public Policy; Janet Coit, director, R.I. Department of Environmental Management; M. Teresa Paiva Weed, president of the R.I. Senate; Sharon Gaines, Alliance Board chair; James S. Sanzi, vice president of

THE POPE AND MUSSOLINI

PHOTO | JEWISH ALLIANCE

development, R.I. Foundation; and Barbara S. Cottam, chair, state Board of Higher Education and EVP, Citizens Financial Group; (front row, left to right) Margaret M. Van Bree, president, R.I. Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital; Jeffrey Savit, Alliance president & CEO; James Diossa, mayor, Central Falls; Toby Ayers, executive director, R.I. for Community and Justice; Charles Newton, senior vice president, Newton & Newton Consulting; Rev. Donald Anderson, executive minister, R.I. State Council of Churches; and Richard Glucksman Alliance Community Relations Council chair. The interfaith group of community leaders spent Nov. 8-15 in Israel.

A LECTURE BY DAVID KERTZER

WINNER OF THE 2015 PULI TZER PRIZE FOR BIOGRAPHY PROFESSOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AT BROWN UNIVERSITY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15 7 – 8:30 pm • Temple emanu-el

FOOD | THANKSGIVING

12 | November 13, 2015

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The Jewish Voice

A nontraditional twist on turkey Family Features – They say that your friends are your chosen family. Although much is made about the traditional family gatherings that abound around Thanksgiving, some of your most anticipated events may actually revolve around your closest friends. With everyone contributing a dish, friend-focused potluck celebrations are the perfect time to put a unique spin on traditional dishes for a modern approach to dining.

A friendly gathering, where you’re likely to encounter more adventurous palates, is a perfect opportunity to bring the awesome with bold new flavors. There’s only so much whole-roasted turkey one person can eat, so why not change it up with a flavorful twist on a crowd pleasing dish – mini turkey meatball sliders.

These mini sandwiches, made with Soy Vay Island Teriyaki, will bring a hint of the tropics to your party. Infused with pineapple and onion, the sweet and salty sauce also carries notes of onion, ginger and garlic for a perfectly seasoned dish every time. Soy Vay is certified Kosher and does not contain preservatives.

Explore more non-traditional dishes at soyvay.com.

Turkey Meatball Sliders Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound turkey, mix of light and dark meat 1/2 can (8 ounces) water chestnuts, chopped 2 scallions, minced (white and green parts) 1/2 cup Soy Vay Island Teriyaki, divided Salt and pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil 12 soft, sweet dinner rolls (such as Hawaiian rolls) Lettuce for garnish (optional)

Directions Heat oven to 400 degrees.

In mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, water chest-

nuts, scallions and half the teriyaki sauce. Add generous pinch of salt and pepper, and mix together with hands until all ingredients are incorporated.

Roll into balls about 2 inches in diameter.

Place meatballs in even layer in baking dish. Be gentle, as they will be very soft. Roast meatballs for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Shake pan once during cooking to fl ip meatballs.

Toast buns and spread both sides with remaining sauce.

Place one meatball on each bun and top with lettuce, if using.

Serve with any leftover sauce on the side.

Wine for Thanksgiving? No problem

BY ARIEL BROTHMAN

Scratching your head on which Israeli or Kosher wine to choose for Thanksgiving? Scratch no further! The Jewish Voice has checked in with some of Providence’s wine merchants for recommendations.

Elliott Fishbein at Town Wine & Spirits stocks an extensive selection of wines. If you’re into whites you can pick up the Italian Bartenura Moscato, a light and peachy choice. Or if you’re interested in a fusion, there is Segal’s Fusion Chardonnay/Colombard from Galilee Heights, Israel, a white that also happens to be Meshuval. You can expect aromas of melon and tropical fruits from the fusion – yum!

Bottles on Pitman Street included a couple of French wines

in their recommendations, including the medium-bodied Domaine La Ferrage Cotes de Brouilly from Beaujolais, France. With notes of violet, cherry and blackberry, Eric Taylor notes that this one particularly is great with turkey!

Taylor also included a bottle from Galilee: the Hai “Moshe” Cabernet Sauvignon from Galilee, Israel. He notes that this is a crowd-pleaser with flavors of currants, cherries and light vanilla. This could be perfect especially for those who have lots of mouths to feed and palates to please.

Richard Backer over at East Side Prescriptions recommended almost solely Israeli wines, with only one bottle coming from Italy (which also happens

to be the Bartenura Moscato mentioned by Fishbein). A couple of the wines even had mint listed as an ingredient, such as the Carmel Cabernet Sauvignon from Israel. A full-bodied wine with blackberries, plum and mint, it goes well with fullflavored dishes. Also from Israel is the Hai Emerald Riesling, a white wine with pineapple, green apple and lime fruits, which has “a flowery character and a slightly spicy fi nish.” Perhaps that pineapple will help you to forget the impending cold that is upon us!

ARIEL BROTHMAN is a freelance writer who lives in Wrentham, Mass. She was the summer intern at The Jewish Voice in 2012.

Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

3 large sweet potatoes Salt and pepper, to taste 4 tablespoons Empire Kosher rendered chicken fat (divided) 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped 4 ribs celery, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 2 tablespoons flour 3 1/2 cups turkey broth (divided) 1/2 teaspoon rosemary 1/2 teaspoon sage 1/2 teaspoon thyme 1 box (6 ounces) peas 3 cups leftover turkey, chopped

1/2 cup crushed walnuts 1/4 cup brown sugar Instructions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Poke holes in sweet potatoes and microwave each on high for 6 minutes, fl ipping potatoes over halfway through cooking.

Meanwhile, in an ovenproof deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of rendered chicken fat on medium high heat. Add onions, carrots and celery and cook for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add 2 more tablespoons of chicken fat and 2 tablespoons of flour to vegetables. Stir and

cook the flour for a minute and then slowly add 3 cups of chicken broth. Add rosemary, sage and thyme. Cook for 3 minutes to thicken. Stir in turkey and peas and turn off heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Peel potatoes and mash in a mixer until smooth with 1/2 cup of broth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spread potatoes in an even layer over the meat mixture. Sprinkle with walnuts and brown sugar. Place in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until bubbly.

Recipe from Empire Kosher

FOOD | THANKSGIVING

thejewishvoice.org

November 13, 2015 |

13

Latkes for Thanksgiving? Why not!

BY ARIEL BROTHMAN How can we, as Jews, celebrate Thanksgiving in a Jewish way?

There’s always the food; we could cook a turkey with dill or have latkes instead of mashed potatoes. We could incorporate some of the harvest prayers from Sukkot or a prayer for peace and togetherness. We could express our gratitude for what we have by helping others who have less by an act of tikkun olam.

These were some of my thoughts when I was asked to write about a Jewish Thanksgiving. These fi rst thoughts formed after I fi nished my evening shift at a restaurant. My colleague, who has all kinds of European nationalities in his ancestry, mentioned that his favorite thing about Thanksgiving was the story we learn during our fi rst years in school: the Native Americans and the Pilgrims broke bread together at one table. Then I started to think more broadly: What does

Thanksgiving mean to anyone?

In addition to writing for this newspaper, I work at a restaurant and volunteer at an English as a Second Language center as a teacher’s aide, so I have a diverse group of contacts to whom I could pose this question. In addition to conducting in-person interviews, I posted a Facebook status and asked the ESL students for their thoughts. Overwhelmingly, the answer I got was that Thanksgiving means food and family – but differences arose when it came down to specific foods and family activities, which was at least partially due to the diversity of the respondents.

Americans, Canadians, British, French, Dominicans, Australians and others, along with friends living away from their

Local congregations schedule interfaith services

Following are some of the area interfaith events being held before Thanksgiving.

Congregation Beth David (Narragansett) St. Peters by the Sea 72 Central Street Narragansett, RI 02882 Nov. 22, 2015 – 9 a.m.

9-10 a.m. Adult conversation 9-10 a.m. Children gather in classrooms 10:15-11:15 Worship service 11:15 a.m. Dairy community luncheon If you will be bringing a dairy dish, please contact Bob Fricklas. 401-533-9226; email: bfricklas@gmail.com

Temple Sinai (Cranston) Oaklawn Community Baptist Church 229 Wilbur Ave. Cranston, R.I. 02921 Nov. 22, 2015 – 5 p.m.

West Bay Community Jewish Center (Warwick) Pilgrim Lutheran Church 1817 Warwick Ave. Warwick, R.I. 02889 Nov. 22, 2015 – 7 p.m.

Congregation Agudas Achim (Attleboro, Mass.)

First United Methodist Church 20 Hoppin Hill Ave. North Attleboro, Mass. 02760 Nov. 22, 2015 – 7 p.m.

home countries and with different religious backgrounds, all answered with different favorite Thanksgiving foods and different ways of spending the holiday with family. Turkey, pumpkin pie, rice, beef, salad … a long weekend with the family, cooking with the family, watching football with the family.

These were all responses to the question, “What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving?”

When I asked some of the ESL students if they had eaten turkey, one of them made a face as if I’d asked her to eat a slug.

The staple of one of America’s most beloved holidays is, apparently, not for everyone.

By now I’d started to realize what the story should really be about: Newcomers’ ways of blending Thanksgiving into their own customs. I also realized that this holiday is absolutely in line with Jewish culture.

America invented a holiday that has been adapted to fit its people and surroundings for hundreds of years. From the Pilgrims’ fi rst meal of venison and fowl to incorporating new foods into the “traditional” meal, we have turned Thanksgiving into a holiday that is designed to celebrate the newcomer. Considering the Jewish story of migration since ancient

times, it seems we fit right in.

Of course, Thanksgiving is not often described as a celebration of newcomers. However, in this process of trying to connect Judaism and Thanksgiving, I’ve started to think that as Americans and as Jews, we could think of it as a holiday that celebrates both diversity and the newcomer – an identity that Jews and Americans have both held throughout our separate histories. And, at a time when the world is reevaluating how it welcomes newcomers – those in crisis and those seeking better lives for themselves elsewhere – perhaps now is the time to also reevaluate our own history and remember why it’s important to welcome the stranger.

Happy Thanksgiving!

ARIEL BROTHMAN is a freelance writer who lives in Wrentham, Mass. She was the summer intern at The Jewish Voice in 2012.

Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup with Matzah Balls Yields 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients 1-2 leftover turkey carcasses 4 quarts cold water 2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock 1 large onion (or 2 small onions) 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks 4 stalks of celery 2 parsnips 1 turnip 2-3 garlic cloves 1 bunch fresh parsley 1 bunch fresh dill A few sprigs of fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns Salt to taste Leftover turkey meat Egg noodles Matzah balls

stockpot and cover with cold water and stock (add additional water and/or stock if needed).

Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium.

Simmer for 2 hours, skimming the top of the soup to remove fat and any scum that rises to the top.

Remove turkey and vegetables and set aside. Simmer again on low-medium heat for another 30-45 minutes until stock has reduced just slightly

and flavor is rich.

Season with salt to taste.

Serve with the cooked carrots, diced leftover turkey meat, cooked egg noodles and matzah balls if desired.

Shannon Sarna, editor of The Nosher. The Nosher food blog offers a dazzling array of new and classic Jewish recipes and food news, from Europe to Yemen, from challah to shakshuka and beyond. Check it out at TheNosher.com.

Happy Hanukkah

Directions:

Place all ingredients in large

Temple Beth El (Providence) 70 Orchard Ave. Providence, R.I. 02906 Nov. 24, 2015 – 7 p.m.

Please bring a donation of canned fruits and vegetables.

Temple Habonim (Barrington) Barrington Presbyterian Church 400 County Road Barrington, R.I. 02806 Nov. 23, 2015 – 7 p.m.

After services, attendees can enjoy a time of refreshment and conversation.

from

Please bring non-perishable food items as a donation for TAP-IN. Monetary donations for Mobile Fishes & Loaves will also be accepted.

www.GreggsUSA.com Providence 831-5700

E. Providence 438-5700

Warwick 467-5700

N. Kingstown 294-5700

14 | November 13, 2015

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The Jewish Voice

Jewish Family Service gives thanks to its donors, volunteers and partners

BY JULIE HERZLINGER While fall brings the natural beauty of changing leaves and the start of holiday festivities, it also initiates a time of great need for many in the community. The colder weather means an increase in heating bills and Thanksgiving brings the expectation of a hearty holiday meal for families across Rhode Island. Jewish Family Service and many other community agencies are here to support those struggling to provide necessities and holiday meals for their families.

Each year, Jewish Family Service, with support from the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and the Jewish Seniors Agency, coordinates the distribution of Kosher Thanksgiving food packages, including gift cards for perishable food items, for families in our community who are in fi nancial need. Staff and volunteers assist in the shopping, coordination and distribution of these

donations. All three organizations are thankful to the many donors and volunteers who support this meaningful effort.

The impact on community members is significant. Requests for Thanksgiving baskets have increased by 24 percent from last year. This year we are on target to provide baskets

to over 50 households throughout the state. These households vary greatly, and include individuals, young families, singleparent families, senior citizens, and multigenerational families.

All have reached out to JFS for help with providing their families with food for Thanksgiving.

It is important to recognize, though, that our Thanksgiving program is just a small part of

how we help clients. Throughout the year we are inundated with calls from families and individuals who are struggling to keep utilities on, whose sudden job loss has made it impossible to pay a month’s rent, or who need guidance on how to navigate available resources.

The holiday season is a powerful reminder of the strength in our small Rhode Island community. We’re grateful to donors, volunteers and community partners who help us support our neighbors in need both during the holidays and throughout the year.

JULIE HERZLINGER, MSW, LCSW, is the community resource and outreach specialist at Jewish Family Service. To fi nd out more about the case management program at Jewish Family Service, contact her at Julie@jfsri.org or 401-3311244.

Thoughts on gratitude, happiness and Thanksgiving

BY BONNIE RYVICKER I stopped into a store in Providence today, looking for a small thank-you gift for a friend. I noticed a wooden board there that was labeled “a gratitude board.”

It started me thinking: What is a

gratitude board? Why do we need one? As Americans, we set aside one day each year, Thanksgiving, for giving thanks and showing gratitude. Why only one day? Is that the only time of year you appreciate all the gifts you have?

What if each day you noted things for which you were grateful? While sitting around the Thanksgiving table, why not begin a discussion with family and friends?

What are you thankful for, who are you thankful for?

Why should we take time to give thanks? Is it important? The responses might be interesting and lead to further d i s c u s sion.

What is gratitude? Gratitude means thankfulness, counting your blessings, noticing simple pleasures and acknowledging everything you receive. It means learning to live your life as if everything was a miracle and being aware on a continuous basis of how much you are given. Searching for gratitude shifts your focus from what is lacking in your life to the abundance that is already present.

In addition, behavioral and psychological research has shown the surprising life improvements that can stem from the practice of gratitude. Giving thanks

makes people happier and more resilient. It strengthens relationships. It has the ability to improve health and reduce stress.

We all face stress and adversity.

When facing adversity, think, “what can I learn about this difficult situation? Though challenged, am I able to feel stronger as a result of this experience? What is the takeaway?”

Perhaps, inspired by a day of Thanksgiving, consider trying to have days that are complaintfree. No gossiping, no complaining, minimal kvetching.

In time, showing gratitude may no longer be a reaction to getting what you want, but you may notice little things and begin to look for the good even in unpleasant situations.

Research has shown that it is beneficial to our health and well-being when the practice of searching for gratitude becomes a daily occurrence. Try keeping a “gratitude journal.” In selecting things for which you are grateful each day, you may find that this journey becomes easier and your “set-point” for being happy may increase. Wishing you future increased happiness and the happiest of Thanksgivings.

BONNIE RYVICKER is secretary of the Board of Directors of Jewish Family Service of Rhode Island.

COMMUNITY

thejewishvoice.org

November 13, 2015 |

15

Dr. Rachel Adato inspires URI Hillel students

BY BRITTNEY LIEF KINGSTON, R.I. – On. Oct. 23, Dr. Rachel Adato, physician, lawyer and former Knesset member, spoke at the University of Rhode Island Hillel to a rapt audience of students and community members about her life and experiences as a pioneering Israeli doctor, politician and women’s health advocate.

Adato, the fi rst female gynecologist in Jerusalem, attended medical school in Israel at a time when there was a quota of 10 percent for female students.

She began her speech by telling the audience about her fi ght to become a doctor. Her adviser discouraged her dream of becoming a gynecologist saying that no woman would want to be seen by a female gynecologist. She could not believe that “stupid sentence came out of his mouth.” Thus began a lifelong philosophy of not taking “no” for an answer.

Adato served as a senior doctor in the women’s department of Hadassah Medical Center at Mount Scopus, becoming deputy director of Hadassah Hospital at Ein Kerem in 1993. In 1995 she became vice-president of Sha’arei Tzedek Medical Center. When she was elected to the Israeli parliament in 2009, she became chairwoman

Meeting with Dr. Rachel Adato are (left to right): Meagan Hamblin, president of URI Delta Epsilon Mu; Ellie Rosen, Israel chair of the URI Hillel Student Board; Dr. Adato; Lauren Cohen, president of the URI Hillel Student Board. of the Welfare and Health Committee.

Adato worked to transform the image of what it means to be a healthy woman by sponsoring legislation that became known as the “Photoshop Law.” In 2012, the Israeli parliament passed legislation that banned models with a Body Mass Index

of less than 18.5 from appearing in print ads. Models now have to supply medical documents stating that they fit the qualifications to model. The second part of the law requires that there be no graphic editing of an image to make the model appear thinner. If the image is graphically altered, it has to

be cited. Adato was successful in convincing the legislators that unhealthy body image and problems with teenage anorexia and bulimia were linked to media images of women.

According to Adato, 15 percent of Israeli youth suffer from eating disorders. “The fi rst cause of death among

Super Sunday

teenage boys and girls is anorexia,” she said. “This is something people are not talking about.” This law and the publicity it has received is educating people around the world about healthy living and good body image.

Adato encouraged students to get involved in politics in order to make change. She talked starting small, educating yourself and fi ghting for what you believe in. This resonated with the student audience of many pre-medical students.

One student asked what advice she would give to a woman who wanted to be a surgeon. Like Nike, Adato said, “Just do it.”

Nothing has stopped Adato from fi ghting for what she believes in.

Adato’s political party did not receive enough votes, so she is no longer in the Israeli parliament. However, she would love to be re-elected in the future. In the meantime, Adato is working as a doctor three days a week in an out-patient clinic.

She travels, giving speeches, and said she especially enjoys meeting with college audiences.

BRITTNEY LIEF is a sophomore at the University of Rhode Island, majoring in fi lm media and minoring in journalism.

A super-sized day full of philanthropy, fitness, and fun!

Sunday, December 13 | Dwares JCC | 401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence

We may not call at the most convenient time... but you never know when someone will need your help.

Volunteer to make calls with us...

Can’t volunteer? Answer the call!

Funds raised during Super Sunday help support 300 programs and services at home, in Israel and around the world.

9:00am - 3:00pm

Contact Hillary Schulman for more information at 401.421.411 ext. 127 or hschulman@jewishallianceri.org

We’re putting a new spin on tzedakah with Cycle-for-Good.

Be part of JCCs of North America Cycle-for-Good and raise money to benefit the 2016 Jewish Alliance Annual Campaign.

Participants across the country will be cycling for a good cause and their own wellness. Reserve your stationary bike by the half-hour and/or get sponsors to support your ride.

9:00am - 12:00pm

Contact Luke Brookner for more information at 401.421.411 ext. 117 or lbrookner@jewishallianceri.org

We’ve also got some great activities planned as part of Day-at-the-J! Bounce House | Family Swim | Movies | Crafts and more More information coming soon to jewishallianceri.org.

We invite you to join us for “One Voice Multi-Cultural Panel & Music Show” “One Voice” is a collaboration of two musical youth groups: Tel-Aviv Hebrew Scouts Music Group and The Greek Arab Orthodox Scouts Musical Band of Jaffa.

The show provides the audience a glimpse at the educational process undergone by both groups, and is a reflection of the complexity of today’s Israeli society.

3:00 - 4:30pm

Contact Larry Katz for more information at 401.421.411 ext. 179 or lkatz@jewishallianceri.org

16 | November 13, 2015

COMMUNITY

Deborah Lipstadt

PHOTOS| SIMON LICHTER

The Jewish Voice

Co-chairs for the evening, left to right, were Jeremy Isenberg, Amanda Isenberg, Lezli Pious, and Jamie Pious, standing with Alliance Board chair Sharon Gaines and Alliance Vice Chair of Philanthropy Mitzi Berkelhammer.

Judy and Robbie Mann.

R.I.’s Jewish community ‘strong’ and ‘vigorous’ The Alliance’s 2016 Annual Campaign Community-Wide Event kicked off with two receptions for Annual Campaign donors. One welcomed Silver Circle members, those who have given for 25 consecutive years. The other celebrated the Double Chai Society, those who give $360 or more annually.

Event co-chairs Lezli and Jamie Pious then welcomed the audience. They were followed by Sharon Gaines, Alliance Board chair, who reminded the crowd about the vitality of the community and the Dwares JCC. “Together we are making a difference,” she said.

Mitzi Berkelhammer, Alliance vice chair of philanthropy, thanked donors for their gifts and announced that in the first six weeks of the 2016 campaign, $1.3 million has been raised. She pointed out that the 2015 campaign raised enough to help support 300

programs and services worldwide.

Lexi Kutenplon, a University of Rhode Island sophomore who grew up in Barrington, gave a poignant speech about how the Jewish community has helped shape her life.

She has benefited from many Alliance programs, and she spoke about how each experience helped her to grow and develop as a person. She characterized her participation in March of the Living two years ago as life-changing. “I can’t thank the Alliance enough,” she told the crowd.

After Kutenplon’s talk, Alliance CEO and president Jeffrey Savit spoke about the vitality of the Rhode Island Jewish community before introducing Dr. Deborah Lipstadt.

“Here in Rhode Island, we are strong, we are vigorous,” he said. “We have an unbelievable commitment.”

– Fran Ostendorf

Doug Emanuel, left, Marshall Einhorn, Steve Shalansky and Jeffrey Isaacs.

FROM PAGE 1

| CAMPAIGN

1939, anti-Semitism was state-sponsored. Those states that were not sponsoring it were silent.

“Today’s anti-Semitism is not state-sponsored and states are condemning it.” This, she said, is a critical difference.

Plus, today we have the advantage of memory – in the 1930s, Jews had no conception, no way of anticipating what was to come.

With personal stories and a dose of humor, Lipstadt kept the largest crowd at a campaign event in recent years interested in a detailed discussion of anti-Semitism in Europe, the United States and around the world.

She also discussed the sources of anti-Semitism, including extremists from the right and the left and other religions. She warned against condemning an entire group of people as antiSemitic.

“It is wrong to brand all Muslims as extremists,” she said. “Don’t do to Muslims what has been done to Jews.”

A discussion of the difference between antiSemitism and attacks on Israel led to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which Lipstadt characterized as “very dangerous.” The movement is changing the perception of Israel on campuses, she said, leading students who couldn’t find Israel on a map to think its treatment of Palestinians is wrong.

Lipstadt, who is an expert on modern antiSemitism and Holocaust denial, is the Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish History and Holocaust Studies at Emory University, in Atlanta.

For more information on the BDS movement see page 9.

She spoke to the fear that BDS and anti-Semitism are making college campuses unsafe for Jews.

She warned the audience against scaring college students into hiding their Judaism. “Students have a choice and one choice is to disengage,” she said, adding that many campuses have a vibrant Jewish life and students should be encouraged to get involved.

In the end, she told the audience, we should embrace our Jewish heritage and support it, not as a reaction to negativity or anti-Semitism, but because of our long history.

After Lipstadt’s talk, event co-chairs Amanda and Jeremy Isenberg thanked Lipstadt, and Jeremy said, “the best answer to anti-Semitism is a strong Jewish community.”

FRAN OSTENDORF is editor of The Jewish Voice.

thejewishvoice.org

Stacy and Doug Emanuel

Amanda Isenberg, left, Rachel Mersky Woda, Bethany Sutton, Rashmi Licht and Mindy Stone.

COMMUNITY

November 13, 2015 |

17

Susan Froehlich, left, Mitzi Berkelhammer, Maxine Richman, Jeffrey Savit, Diane Ducoff and Sharon Gaines.

Joe Chazan, Victoria Veh, Jeffrey Savit and Mel Alperin.

Silver Circle members enjoy a reception before the main event.

Hebrew school students gathered to listen to Dr. Deborah Lipstadt.

Ahren Cohen and Dorothy Fishman.

Stanley Bleecker and Maureen Krasnow

VETERANS

18 | November 13, 2015

The Jewish Voice

A new era of service

BY PETE ZUBOFF At an early point in my military career, I remember attending a Veterans Day event at which I had the good fortune to converse with a World War II veteran, a man who had survived the D-Day invasion at Normandy.

This man thanked me for my service, a sentiment that left me confl icted. Sure, I had been to combat, but my experience flying over Iraq and Afghanistan paled when compared to his harrowing tales. After all, my sorties were flown during an unprecedented period of American airpower in which dominance of the skies was all but assured, while this WW II veteran had to face his own mortality on a daily basis. Yet this individual, perhaps sensing my trepidation, reassured me that service in today’s military was equally challenging, for entirely different reasons.

Today’s military members, as he put it, were in our current war for the long haul. Unlike previous confl icts, which saw intense periods of violence that resolved relatively quickly,

our current “War on Terror” has been continuing unabated since Sept. 11, 2001, representing more than 14 of my nearly 17 years of service. By contrast, American involvement in World War II lasted only four years and even our military involvement in Vietnam subsided in a shorter period than our present confl ict.

Adding to the complexity of service, not since Pearl Harbor have servicemen and women been more under attack at home. Just this summer, a radicalized Muslim American attacked and killed four Marines and a sailor in Chattanooga, Tennessee. These were servicemen who were supposed to be in the “safer” part of their career military rotations. Threats overseas prompted the U.S. European Command to issue an order prohibiting troops from wearing uniforms off base, and there were some initial calls, in the wake of the Chattanooga incident, to carry such a policy over to the states. Yet around my piece of our small state, I still see military mem-

bers proudly donning their uniforms publicly as they go about their daily routines. Is this courage? Perhaps or perhaps not. I tend to think it is more an act of American pride, patriotism and defiance. For my part, I absolutely despise the concept of being ruled by fear, especially in my own backyard.

Social values and norms have changed dramatically since the “greatest generation” stormed the beaches of Normandy, freeing Europe from the grip of tyranny and putting an end to the Holocaust. As Americans, we have become increasingly risk averse, dramatically reducing the pool of individuals who will run toward the proverbial fi re, rather than away from it. Yet there are still those who are willing to stand up in the face of personal danger.

There’s no better illustration of this fact than the brave display of off-duty servicemen who subdued a would-be gunman on a French train earlier this

year. These modern warriors understand that there is no such thing as a front line, or the safety of being behind it, in our modern confl icts.

Most American Jews understand that such a reality has existed in Israel for decades, yet as a community, we often seem more connected to that confl ict than our own domestic security issues. In my previous writings, I have often attributed this to a continued disconnect between our Jewish community and our men and women in uniform.

While I have yet to identify a root cause of this disconnect, my suspicion is a matter of demographics. While the IDF is almost entirely composed of Jews, the American military has a tiny Jewish demographic.

Still, I assert that support for our American veterans, both Jew and gentile, is a responsibility of our Jewish community.

So as we approach this Veterans Day, I ask you to think about our new era of national

security. While it’s easy to heap praise upon those “on the front lines,” whether they be Americans or Israelis, we should remember that our current war is close to home. Men and women who put on the uniform every day do something unique in this generation: they stand up for what they believe in even when that belief may bring them harm. As American Jews, all of us immigrants, they are standing up for us.

PETE ZUBOF is a native of Richmond, Virginia. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland and has a master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island. He is a pilot in the United States Navy and currently on the staff of the Naval War College. Pete is also the Jewish layleader for Naval Station Newport. Pete blogs regularly for 401j. He resides in Jamestown with his wife, Morgan, their son, Logan and dog Cider.

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thejewishvoice.org

November 13, 2015 |

19

Reminiscing about Jewish military life

BY GERALD SHERMAN On Veterans Day, as we remember and salute those who serve, I want to relate my experiences, along with those of my lifelong friend Murray Gereboff, and my son-in-law Jack Cleff. As Jews in the military, not everyone had the same experiences.

Here are our stories: I entered basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, in June 1967.

There was very little Jewishness in basic training. Teamwork was important. Two Jewish events stand out. At the onset of basic, I was presented with a Siddur given by the National Jewish Welfare Board. I used this Siddur then and still use it now. On the last Sunday of basic, The JCC of San Antonio sponsored a brunch and invited all Jewish personnel.

I then went to Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, for technical training to become a weather observer.

At Chanute, there was a Jewish chaplain or lay leader who led Shabbat services. Personnel permanently at Chanute also attended. This was important because they owned vehicles and were able to provide transportation to High Holy Day services and meals at the University of Illinois Hillel.

It was at Chanute that I met Frank Gorleski. Frank was from Cohoes, New York. Maybe, I thought, he was Jewish.

Frank was Polish, but he was very aware of Jewish tradition and customs. He had attended the State University of New York, which had a large Jewish population. One evening in the barracks another airman used a derogatory word to describe Jews. Frank ran to this airman and had to be restrained – the rest of us learned a lesson in tolerance.

From January 1968 to December 1969, I was at Kinchloe AFB near Sault Saint Marie, Michigan. There was little Jewish presence on the base. There was a synagogue in Sault Saint Marie, Ontario, but I never attended because crossing into Canada was a hassle. Luckily the Base Exchange stocked some Kosher products, and care packages from home helped in the observance of Passover.

I was on leave during the High Holy Days in 1968 and 1969. Since the military operates 24/7/365, I worked 12-hour shifts at Christmas time.

In February 1970 I was sent to a small base at Quang Nai, Vietnam. There was no Jewishness there and I did my best to keep the faith. Passover arrived in April as well as care packages from home. I was given a pass to attend seders at DaNang Air Base. The seders were traditional with all the foods.

The High Holy Days saw a return to DaNang for Rosh Ha-

shanah. I was unable to attend Yom Kippur services because the monsoon season was approaching, making transportation difficult.

I was discharged in February 2001 and awarded the Air Force Accommodation Medal.

Murray Gereboff was drafted and served two years in the Army. His experience was far different from mine.

He completed basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. A Jewish chaplain assistant was on post. Services were held and some Kosher food was available.

Upon completion of basic, Gereboff was assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana, for advanced training. He arrived at Fort Polk just before Yom Kippur and recalls staying with a Jewish family for two days, but he does not recall whether a chaplain was on post.

After advanced training, he was then ordered to report to the Oakland, California, embarkation facility to await transportation to Vietnam.

Suddenly, as he awaited fi nal orders, he was pulled from line and told that he was being assigned to The Presidio in San Francisco. There, Gereboff was to serve as Jewish chaplain assistant reporting to Rabbi William Dalin. Letterman General Hospital was located on the post and his duties included visits to wounded soldiers.

Murray had all the attributes of Jewish life due to his position and the location of the post.

Among his accomplishments he worked to send a Torah to Vietnam. This Torah was used at either DaNang or Ton San Naut in Saigon. He helped organize services and seders on base and at Travis Air Force. He was honored to meet with Rabbi Shlomo Goren who was then a Major General and chief chaplain for the Israeli Defense Force. Rabbi Goren later became Chief Rabbi of Israel.

Gereboff met his future wife Rosalyn, a dietician, at Letterman. They were married in San Francisco by Rabbi Dalin.

Rosalyn, who worked with returning troops, had joined the Army so she could better her skills and perform her internship.

Jack Cleff, a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, resident, attended a Hebrew day school through grade 8. He graduated from Harrisburg High School and enlisted in the Army six days after graduation in June 1994.

Cleff completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Very little Jewishness existed in basic training. Then he was assigned to Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, where he completed advanced training in human resources. Services were available.

Cleff was assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, the largest Army

post in the country. A Jewish chaplain and services were available and there were other Jewish soldiers on the post.

When he took a Primary Leadership Development Course in February 1997, Kosher, halal and vegetarian MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) were introduced.

They are still available today.

He deployed to Kuwait in the summer of 1997, six years after Operation Desert Storm.

Americans were treated as heroes. Kosher-style food was available.

In May of 1998, Cleff was assigned to Heidelberg, Germany.

Other Jewish troops were on post. He traveled in Europe. A trip to the oldest Jewish cem-

etery in Germany was the highlight of his stay; this visit was somber and awe-inspiring.

In May of 2001, he was assigned to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. A chaplain was based there and a Jewish Chapel was on post.

Cleff was given the High Holy Days off, and was able to attend services year round. He worked on Easter and Christmas.

supervisors made sure that he had time off for all the holidays.

Fort Stewart, Georgia was the next career stop. Fort Stewart is located near Savannah, Georgia. There was Jewishness on the post and at home.

Cleff deployed to Iraq in 2009.

Services were conducted for Jewish troops; however, since Iraq was a war zone, no troops were allowed extra time off for religious observances. Jack received the Bronze Star upon completion of his tour of duty in Iraq.

From 2011 until October 2015 when he retired, Butte, Montana was home. Cleff was Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of a Military Entrance and Processing Station. In Butte, the Cleffs joined a small temple.

I asked my daughter Marsha about her feelings as an Army wife. She said that during Jack’s career, fi nding a synagogue was not always possible. She made sure that all the holidays were observed at home, including meals and candle-lighting.

Since his retirement, they now reside in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Cleff met my daughter, Marsha when she was a student advisor at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. They were married in October 2003.

He spent three years recruiting in San Marcos, Texas. Although recruiting was a great deal of work, requiring many long hours away from home, his

GERALD SHERMAN is 2nd Vice Commander and Quartermaster of JWV Post 23 and a member of Vietnam Veterans of America. Parts of this article were presented Nov. 9 during an assembly the Providence Hebrew Day School.

20 | November 13, 2015

NATIONAL

The Jewish Voice

At Reform biennial, focus on social justice and tradition

BY URIEL HEILMAN ORLANDO, Fla. (JTA) – Growing up in a traditional Jewish household, Joan Cubell didn’t really know much about Reform Judaism.

But after obtaining ordination a few years ago from a little-known rabbinical institute in suburban New York, Cubell decided to make her home in the Reform movement.

First she got a job as the leader of the Reform Temple Beth Shira in Boca Raton, Florida, and more recently she launched her own start-up congregation in Boca, Beit Kulam, Hebrew for House of Everyone.

“Reform’s the way to go because I believe in pluralism,” Cubell told JTA in an interview at the biennial conference of the Union for Reform Judaism, which took place here Nov. 4-8.

“I like what the movement has to offer. They’re more welcoming, and I think you should be welcoming. I think the Conservative movement is too stuck on rituals,” Cubell said. “You should just be Jewish and practice the way you want.”

Cubell was among the 5,000 or so participants at the Reform conference, which was as much a pep rally and celebration of Reform Judaism as it was a place for Jews to learn, network and strategize about improving their congregations and Reform Jewish life.

Highlights included a Saturday evening address by Vice President Joe Biden and the passage of a groundbreaking resolution embracing transgender rights.

“We can create a 21st-century Reform Judaism that is inclusive, adaptable and thriving,” said Daryl Messinger of Palo Alto, California, the new chair of the union’s board of trustees and the fi rst woman ever to hold Reform Judaism’s top lay post.

For many participants, however, the real highlight came not from the well-produced onstage presentations, many of which focused on social justice issues, but from the excitement of being with thousands of other Reform Jews, connecting with old friends, and choosing from a rich tapestry of sessions and religious services.

“This is a big, liberal Jewish conference with tons of amazing things; it’s great,” raved one attendee, Lee Epstein, a fi rstyear student at the Conservative movement’s Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles who had been to two previous Reform biennials.

“Just because the conference is based in another denomination is not a reason not to come,” Epstein said. “As someone studying to become a rabbi in America, being here allows me not only to build relationships with people out there but

also to learn. Only good can come of it.”

“Today, we Reform Jews are no longer allergic to everything in traditional Judaism,” Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, said in his Nov. 5 keynote address, which was devoted largely to bolstering “tikkun olam,” or “repairing the world,” as a gateway to Reform Judaism.

“We can and should reinterpret what prayer, kashrut and Shabbat are, how Jewish study and practice can be the underpinning to a life of tikkun olam,” Jacobs said. “They can give us the balance and strength to labor daily to do justice in our time.”

Some attendees at the biennial wore tzitzit ritual fringes under their shirts, and many men and women sported yarmulkes.

When it came to worship, the conference offered a wide variety of choices.

On the second day of the conference, the options for the evening prayer service included an experimental contemporary service led by Rabbi Judy Schindler, daughter of the late Reform leader Alexander Schindler; a choir-led classical Reform service; and a theaterstyle service with song, poetry and a dramatic reading by actors from the 1997 best-seller “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom. As is common in the Reform movement, music

The new model – 4 percent of a congregation’s adjusted operating revenue, with a few exclusions and readjustments every two years – will reduce the URJ’s congregational revenue by $1.5 million. Under the old model, which was based on a congregation’s expenses and membership, the URJ took in $22 million from congregations last year, down from $35 million in 2008, before the fi nancial crisis hit. At present, more than 40 percent of the URJ’s 860 or so member congregations receive some form of dues assistance.

In his keynote speech, Jacobs said the movement isn’t interested in just keeping the lights on, but in doing something of ultimate significance.

“We believe that we were put on this earth not to take up space or punch the time clock of our years, but rather to move our people and our world closer to the redeemed world envisioned by our prophets – a world of justice, compassion and wholeness,” Jacobs said.

“For us, being religious is not about being dogmatic, intolerant or unchanging. It’s about living a life of depth and commitment. It shapes who we are and leads us to build just communities, which in turn shape a more just, compassionate and whole world.”

The next Reform biennial will be held in 2017 in Boston.

was a centerpiece of all three services.

While a few moments generated headlines – the transgender resolution, the applause for Biden when he criticized Israeli settlements, Jacobs’ call on Diaspora Jews not to support the “misguided policies” of Israeli leaders, philanthropist Charles Bronfman’s call for Reform to outdo Chabad when it comes to organizing Birthright Israel trips – much of the conference was devoted to the four subject areas prioritized by URJ organizers: strengthening congregations, “audacious hospitality,” tikkun olam and Jewish study.

At one of many sessions devoted to audacious hospitality – a Jacobs buzzword that he has made a centerpiece of his presidency – conference goers enacted and then deconstructed different ways to greet entrants to the synagogue.

“Think about the principles of how Abraham welcomed his guests,” Cantor Rebecca Joy Fletcher, who led the session, said. “The fi rst thing Abraham does is look, see and discern. If you ask them a question, wait for their answer.”

In a well-attended session on the union’s new model for congregational dues, Reform leaders earned mostly high praise for simplifying and reducing the fees that congregations must pay to be URJ members.

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thejewishvoice.org

November 13, 2015 |

21

Federations’ General Assembly focuses on healing after Iran rancor

BY GABRIELLE BIRKNER WASHINGTON (JTA) – Think unity. On the heels of this year’s rancorous and polarizing debate over the Iran nuclear deal, organizers of this week’s General Assembly (GA) of Jewish federations wanted their annual conference to be an opportunity for reconciliation and healing in the Jewish community.

At their conference in Washington, they talked about civility, touted the strength of the Israel-America relationship, and managed to secure the participation of Israel’s prime minister – who a day before his GA appearance had his own reconciliatory meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House.

In the vision of Jerry Silverman, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) – the umbrella group for the network of 151 local Jewish federations spread out across Canada and the United States – the federations are the big tents, where Jews from all walks of life, denominations and ideological positions can come together.

“If you go to synagogue weekly or hardly ever, if you’re supporting Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump,” Silverman said, “what matters is that you care

Honor

and want to be involved.”

The theme of this year’s GA was “Think Forward,” an allusion to moving past the divisive rhetoric that marked the debate over the Obama administration’s ultimately successful push for a nuclear agreement with Iran. Although several Jewish federations opposed the Iran deal, the federation umbrella group did not take a stance. At the height of the debate in August, both Obama and Netanyahu made their case to the Jewish community in webcasts hosted by the Jewish Federations of North America.

“We didn’t debate Iran – we basically attacked each other,” Richard Sandler, JFNA’s incoming board chair, told JTA, noting how the conversation about the deal in some instances devolved into ad hominem attacks.

As Silverman put it in his plenary address Nov. 9: “Something was markedly – and dangerously – different about what federations faced this past summer, as many of them dealt with heated disagreements about the Iran deal among their community members and donors. Too much of the language was vicious and beyond the pale, and has no place in our community.”

With some 3,000 Jewish communal professionals, lay leaders and college students present at the GA, which ran from Nov. 8 to 10, healing was the order of the day.

Netanyahu, despite irreconcilable differences with Obama over Iran, in his GA speech Nov. 10, touted the unbreakable ties between Israel and its American allies.

“There is only one Jewish people, there is only one Jewish state,” the prime minister said. “We must work together to unite the Jewish people and secure the Jewish state.”

Netanyahu also told the GA that he would support rights for non-Orthodox Jews in Israel.

“As prime minister of Israel, I will always ensure that all Jews can feel at home in Israel – Reform Jews, Conservative Jews, Orthodox Jews,” he said to cheers.

While respect for diverse ideas was a major theme of this year’s G.A., a contingent of students who are Open Hillel activists – several dozen of whom protested outside of the conference Nov. 8 – said there were still too many communal restrictions on dialogue around the Israeli-Palestinian confl ict.

Open Hillel seeks to amend Hillel International’s guidelines on

mium on those with proven track records “that are relevant beyond a specific community’s needs.”

One such meeting focused on the challenges of engaging Jewish young adults, starting in college. About 250 North American college students attended the GA. Emilie Weisberg, 19, was one of 20 University of Michigan students who came to the conference on a trip sponsored by her campus Hillel.

She said her GA highlights were candid talks by actress Debra Messing, a Rhode Island native, and Canadian Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Abella, the fi rst Jewish woman to serve on Canada’s highest court, about how their faith has shaped the paths they forged.

But Weisberg said she wished the GA provided more forums for millennial-aged Jews to engage with their older counterparts.

“It’s important for the younger generation to learn from the older generation, because we will be where they are now,” she said. “But it’s also important for the older generation to understand how we envision the future.”

Washington Bureau Chief Ron Kampeas contributed reporting.

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Israel programming, such as those preventing campus Hillels from working with groups that support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel.

Inside the Washington Hilton, where the conference was held, the “Think Forward” theme was also meant to reference the new ideas that Jewish groups may need to embrace due to shifts in Jewish demographics and funding models.

To that end, the JFNA, for the second consecutive year, invited local federations to share case studies of some of their more successful, scalable programs – which JFNA labeled “fedovations” (think “federation” + “innovation”). Among the best practices highlighted during GA breakout sessions was Miami’s Making Miracle Babies Fertility Fund, which provides interest-free loans to Jews seeking costly fertility treatments, and San Francisco’s Pro Bono Consulting Practice, which links Jewish nonprofits with top Bay Area professionals looking to donate their time and expertise.

Lisa Kleinman, who coordinated these sessions, said that in selecting which federation programs to showcase, conference organizers placed a pre-

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Paying the bills: Potential sources of retirement income

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According to the Social Security Administration, more than 70 percent of Americans choose to take early Social Security benefits rather than wait until full retirement age. And they say that almost 9 of 10 people aged 65 or older receive Social Security benef its. However, most retirees also rely on other

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For a rough estimate of the annual benefit to which you would be entitled at various retirement ages, you can use the calculator on the Social Security website, ssa.gov. Your Social Security retirement benefit is calculated using a formula that takes into account your 35 highest earnings years. How much you receive ultimately depends on a number of factors, including when you start taking benefits. You can begin doing so as early as age 62. However, your benefit may be 20 percent to 30 percent less than if you waited until full retirement age (65 to 67, depending on the year you were born). Benefits increase each year that you delay taking benefits until you reach age 70.

As you’re planning, remember that the question of how Social Security will meet its long-term obligations to both

baby boomers and later generations has become a hot topic of discussion. Concerns about the system’s solvency indicate that there’s likely to be a change in how those benefits are funded, administered and/or taxed over the next 20 or 30 years. That may introduce additional uncertainty about Social Security’s role as part of your overall longterm retirement income picture and put additional emphasis on other potential income sources.

Pensions

If you are entitled to receive a traditional pension, you’re lucky; fewer Americans are covered by them every year. Be aware that even if you expect pension payments, many companies are changing their plan provisions. Ask your employer if your pension will increase with inflation, and if so, how that increase is calculated.

Your pension will most likely be offered as either a single or a joint and survivor annuity.

A single annuity provides benefits until the worker’s death; a joint and survivor annuity provides reduced benefits that last until the survivor’s death. The law requires married couples to take a joint and survivor annuity unless the spouse signs away those rights. Consider rejecting it only if the surviving spouse will have income that equals at least 75 percent of the current joint income. Be sure to fully plan your retirement budget before you make this decision.

23

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24 | November 13, 2015 FROM PAGE 23

BILLS continuing to earn, you’ll rely less on your savings, leaving more to accumulate for the future. Work also may provide access to affordable health care.

Be aware that if you’re receiving Social Security benefits before you reach your full retirement age, earned income may affect the amount of your benefit payments until you do reach full retirement age.

If you’re covered by a pension plan, you may be able to retire, then seek work elsewhere.

This way, you might be able to receive both your new salary and your pension benefit from your previous employer at

BUSINESS the same time. Also, some employers have begun to offer phased retirement programs, which allow you to receive all or part of your pension benefit once you’ve reached retirement age, while you continue to work part-time for the same employer.

Other possible resources include rental property income and royalties from existing assets, such as intellectual property.

Retirement savings/investments

Until now, you may have been saving through retirement accounts such as IRAs, 401(k)s, or other tax-advantaged plans, as well as in taxable accounts.

Your challenge now is to convert your savings into ongoing income. There are many ways to do that, including periodic withdrawals, choosing an annuity if available, increasing your allocation to income-generating investments or using some combination. Make sure you understand the tax consequences before you act.

Some of the factors you’ll need to consider when planning how to tap your retirement savings include: • How much you can afford to withdraw each year without exhausting your nest egg. You’ll need to take into account not only your projected expenses and other income sources, but also your asset allocation, your life expectancy and whether you expect to use both principal and income, or income alone.

• The order in which you will tap various accounts. Tax

The Jewish Voice considerations can affect which account you should use first, and which you should defer using.

• How you’ll deal with required minimum distributions (RMDs) from certain tax-advantaged accounts. After age 70 1/2, if you withdraw less than your RMD, you’ll pay a penalty tax equal to 50 percent of the amount you failed to withdraw.

Some investments, such as certain types of annuities, are designed to provide a guaranteed monthly income (subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuer). Others may pay an amount that varies periodically, depending on how your investments perform. You also can choose to balance your investment choices to provide some of both types of income.

Inheritance

One widely cited study by economists John Havens and Paul Schervish forecasts that by 2052, at least $41 trillion will have been transferred from World War II’s greatest generation to their descendants.

(Source: “Why the $41 Trillion Wealth Transfer Is Still Valid.”) An inheritance, whether anticipated or in hand, brings special challenges. If a potential inheritance has an impact on your anticipated retirement income, you might be able to help your parents investigate estate planning tools that can minimize the impact of taxes on their estate. Your retirement income also may be affected by whether you hope to leave an inheritance for your loved ones.

If you do, you may benefit from specialized financial planning advice that can integrate your income needs with a future bequest.

Equity in your home or business

If you have built up substantial home equity, you may be able to tap it as a source of retirement income. Selling your home, then downsizing or buying in a lower-cost region, and investing that freed-up cash to produce income or to be used as needed is one possibility.

Another is a reverse mortgage, which allows you to continue to live in your home while borrowing against its value. That loan and any accumulated interest is eventually repaid by the last surviving borrower when he or she eventually sells the home, permanently vacates the property or dies. (However, you need to carefully consider the risks and costs before borrowing. A useful publication titled “Reverse Mortgages: Avoiding a Reversal of Fortune” is available online from the Financial

Industry Regulatory Authority.)

If you’re hoping to convert an existing business into retirement income, you may benefit from careful financial planning to minimize the tax impact of a sale. Also, if you have partners, you’ll likely need to make sure you have a buy-sell agreement that specifies what will happen to the business when you retire and how you’ll be compensated for your interest.

With an expert to help you identify and analyze all your potential sources of retirement income, you may discover you have more options than you realize.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Data may not total 100% due to rounding. Source for figures is Fast Facts and Figures About Social Security, 2014, Social Security Administration.

BARBARA KENERSON is First Vice President/Investments at Janney Montgomery Scott LLC and can be reached at BarbaraKenerson.com.

2 US Jews in final 3 at World Series of Poker JTA – Two Jewish-Americans are among the three players remaining at the final table of the World Series of Poker Main Event.

Neil Blumenfield of San Francisco and Josh Beckley of New Jersey are battling with chip leader Joe McKeehen of Pennsylvania in a bid to reach the finals Nov. 10 night at the Rio

All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The tournament started with 6,420 players.

Four Jews will be among the tournament’s top five finishers. Max Steinberg of Las Vegas finished fourth and an Israeli, Ofer Zvi Stern, was fifth. Both were eliminated Nov. 9.

Stern, 36, of Herzliya, was the second Israeli player to make the final. Amir Lehavot finished third in the 2013 main event.

Stern was criticized for taking too long to make decisions during the final rounds.

“I do realize sometimes it may seem like it takes too long. But if you need to take a moment to make the right decision, you should take it,” he told The Associated Press. “You have a lot at stake.”

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November 13, 2015 |

25

REMEMBER THE PAST From the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association

When ‘the Socialist’ came to town

BY GERALDINE S. FOSTER During the past few months, pundits and politicians have been amazed by the huge turnouts at Bernie Sanders’ rallies.

Sanders, an avowed socialist, evidently poses no threat to public safety or the government, as the police presence at his events has been unexceptional – just the usual numbers sufficient to handle large crowds. No accounts of his speeches accused him of fomenting revolution.

This acceptance of a socialist candidate for president, albeit under the banner of the Democratic Party, brings to mind another gathering and the speech of an avowed socialist many years ago. It was described in an article titled “The Day the

Anarchist Came to Town,” written by Dr. Carol Ingall for the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association Notes.

The year was 1905. “Fear of anarchism and revolution were rampant…,” she wrote. The assassination of five heads of state and the wave of strikes sweeping Russia in the aftermath of Bloody Sunday fueled a sense of alarm. Newspapers, including the Rhode Island dailies, carried stories that conflated openly or by implication – revolution, anarchism and Jewish socialists.

In January of 1905, the Providence police received a tip about a meeting that was about to take place at What Cheer Hall. A famous anarchist, they

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Following lunch, there will be entertainment by Stan

Freedman and Sounds of Simcha. A raffle will be held.

Men and women 55 plus are welcome to join the guild.

Reservations for the lunch must be made by Nov. 20. For information call Natalie at 401615-9483.

From ship to citizenship: Finding our immigrant ancestors How can you learn where your ancestors lived before they arrived in the United States?

Keren Weiner, a noted genealogist from Pittsfield, Mass., spoke to the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association on Oct. 18 at Temple Habonim, in Barrington, as part of the Bonnie and Seebert Goldowsky lecture series.

Weiner explained that the Hebrew phrase on the bottom of many tombstones means “may he/she be bound in eternal life”; finding out more about your ancestors is a way to fulfill that wish.

While there are many paths to information, it is not always easy: ship manifests are one source, but before 1906 the amount of information they held was scanty. Naturalization papers are another source, but, again, before 1906 they did not always have much information, even omitting home towns and family relationships. Fortunately, various websites, such as ancestry.com, explain what ship manifests mean and list

government sources available to the public.

Weiner told the story of one young pregnant woman who wanted to come to Chicago from Mexico City in the early 1900s but was detained at the border by the Americans. There were many pages of appeals, all available, which gave a huge amount of information not only about her reason for coming, but about her family situation, her father’s business, etc. Ultimately she prevailed, and Weiner had spoken to her son, who was then 91!

An interesting fact is that the belief that names were changed by the inspectors at Ellis Island is a myth. The inspectors had to write down the exact name as it appeared in the ship records; when people became naturalized citizens, they often changed their name.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact Keren at kweiner2@ gmail.com, or the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association at info@rijha.org.

were told, was in town to address a group of his supporters.

The police quickly surrounded the building, turned off the gas (no lights, no heat), and claimed no license had been procured by the sponsors of the event.

The sponsoring organization was the Providence branch of the Arbeiter Ring, the Workmen’s Circle. The Workmen’s Circle was and is an organization espousing social, economic, and political justice and equality, as well as Yiddish culture. It is also a mutual aid society with branches and schools in the United States and Canada. At one time both Providence and Pawtucket had branches; Providence supported a school where Yiddish language, literature and history were taught.

The school closed in 1942, but the branch continued operating for several more years.

Undaunted by the actions of the police on that January night in 1905, the Workmen’s Circle secured the necessary permits, rented a hall at 128 North Main St., and rescheduled the lecture

by Benjamin Feigenbaum.

Feigenbaum, editor of the Yiddish-language socialist literary magazine Zukunft (The Future) and a former general secretary of the Workmen’s Circle, was a popular speaker. His brush with anarchism had come during visits to anarchist hangouts in London. Once known as an agitator for socialism and

a devout atheist given to antireligious polemics, he had mellowed by 1905. World events and the pervasive anti-Semitism of the time had tempered his radicalism.

Still wary of the possible provocations of the “anarchist,” the police chief devised a new strategy.

The Providence police had one Jewish policeman, Hyman Goldsmith. Because he could understand Yiddish, he was posted at the door of the meeting hall to listen in on the proceedings. One word of “Emma Goldmanism” or “bomb throwing” and he was to tip off the plainclothesmen who had infiltrated the audience and the police stationed outside. The hall would be cleared immediately.

Nothing approaching anything revolutionary occurred.

Feigenbaum took as his text the words by Roger Williams engraved on the Rhode Island Statehouse: “To hold forth a lively experiment that the most flourishing State may stand and be best maintained, with full liberty in religious concernments.”

For two hours and 15 minutes, Feigenbaum stressed the compatibility of religion and socialism. He also raised the question of why it was acceptable for a religious person to join the Democratic or Republican parties, but that same person was considered a crank or misfit for

becoming a member of the Socialist Party.

The plainclothesmen, immediately recognized by members of the audience, also had to endure mini-lectures from people sitting nearby on the oppression of workers and police brutality.

Even for a mellowed Feigenbaum, his speech was pallid, Dr. Ingall wrote. Perhaps he had “cleaned up his act” because he knew of the police presence.

Perhaps Patrolman Goldsmith, described in newspaper accounts as listening in rapt attention to the lengthy speech, translated a “gussied up” and toned-down version for the benefit of reporters and police.

The newspapers had a field day at the expense of the police when the feared anarchist turned out to be anything but a provocateur. Still, other stories involving Jews during that month were hardly sympathetic. Only on that one day in January 1905 did prejudice against Jews, immigrants and “anarchists” take second place to poking fun at Providence’s police force.

GERALDINE FOSTER is a past president of the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association. To comment about this or any Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association article, email info@rijha.org

26 | November 13, 2015 Ann Ehrlich, 90 BOYNTON BEACH, FLA. – Ann (Schaffer) Ehrlich, formerly of Providence, wife of the late Abraham Ehrlich passed quietly on Nov. 2. Contributions may be made to The National Children’s Cancer Society, 500 North Broadway, St. 1850, St Louis, Mo. 63102 or www.thenccs.org\donate.

William M. Guttin CRANSTON, R.I. – William M. Guttin died Oct. 30, at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Ronni (Saltzman) Guttin for 35 years.

Born in Providence, a son of the late Alex and Alice (Brookstone) Guttin, he had lived in Cranston for 50 years. William was the owner of the former Guttin’s Bakery in South Providence. He was a member of Temple EmanuEl and Touro Fraternal Association. Devoted father of Ilana Guttin and her husband Gabriel Rosenfeld of Rockville, Md., Sari Guttin and her husband Leo Desforges of Smithfield, Aaron Guttin and his fiancé Hillary Schulman of Pawtucket and Deena Guttin and José Montanez of Cranston. Brother of Priscilla Jaffe and the late Dinah Goldman. Loving grandfather of Noa. Contributions in his memory may be made to Camp Jori, P.O. Box 5299, Wakefield, R.I. 02879 or R.I. Jewish Historical Association, 130 Sessions St, Providence, R.I. 02906.

Clinton Novek Levin M.D., 82 NORTH DARTMOUTH, MASS. – Beloved and dedicated New Bedford internist was born in Fall River, Mass. on March 18, 1933. He died Nov. 7 after a brief illness. He leaves his wife of 59 years, Frances, two sons, Philip (Lila) and Benjamin (Laural), and three grandchildren, Jared, Micah and Julian.

A graduate of Durfee High School in Fall River, Dr. Levin

OBITUARIES was a scholarship student at Harvard College. He enrolled at NYU Medical School after his third year at Harvard. He did his training and fellowships in New York City. He proudly served his country as a physician in the U.S. Army (Captain) in South Korea. He was assigned to one of the first MASH units and was stationed near the DMZ. He was also an advisor to the South Korean Army Medical Service.

Dr. Levin started his medical practice in New Bedford, in 1963.

In 1971 he and Dr. Thomas Zipoli co-founded Hawthorn Medical, which became one of the largest multi-specialty medical practices in the area. He was a benefactor of many local nonprofit organizations. A lifelong jazz fan, his love of music and the arts flavored his life. He and Frances were patrons of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera and many museums in both New Bedford and New York. He was also a supporter of many local artists. He loved his home and garden and was overwhelmed by the community’s response to his illness. The family would like to thank Dr. William Caplan for his assistance.

Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Benjamin Liss, 85 SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. – Benjamin Liss, of Scottsdale, passed away on Oct. 9 surrounded by his family. He was the son of Sarah and Wolf Lissovitz of Chelsea, Mass. He is survived by Barbara ( Rosen f ield) Liss, formerly of Providence, his wife of 56 years. He was employed for 38

The Jewish Voice years as a life insurance agent for New York Life. After he retired, he volunteered at Mayo Hospital and Paradise Valley Hospital. He was a member of Temple Chai. Besides his wife Barbara, he leaves behind two sons: Gary (Irma), of Phoenix, and Kevin (Maris), of Silver Spring, Md. He also leaves behind a sister Lena Burack of Massachusetts. He was pre-deceased by a brother Joseph and two sisters Esther Cohen and Ida Lichman. Also surviving are three grandsons, Jeremy, Daniel and Aaron; two granddaughters, Ashley and Cindy; and one great-granddaughter, Aaliyah.

Bernard N. Roth, 86

NEW BEDFORD, MASS. – Bernard N. Roth, husband of the late Eleanor Roth, died on Nov. 7. Roth was the father of Jeffrey David Roth, M.D., o f C h i c a g o , Laurie (Roth) Bennett, J.D., of St. Louis, and Susan (Roth) Rose of Cranston.

He was the grandfather of Isaac, Hannah, and Michael Roth, Kurt Bennett and Melissa (Bennett) Chosid, and Michael and Rebecca Rose. He is survived by his sister, Lila (Roth) Stern of Spring Valley, N.Y. He was born in 1929 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He graduated from Cornell University and married his wife Eleanor in 1951. He worked in engineering, management consulting, in the financial sector, and in academia. For years Roth worked as “turnaround specialist” in a technology firm helping other companies meet their goals. His management consulting took him to a variety of locations. Later, his volunteer work took him to Xi’an, China as a visiting management instructor.

He was active in his synagogue, Tifereth Israel Congre-

gation in New Bedford. He was a tutor at Our Sisters School in New Bedford. He actively supported and attended minyan. He volunteered to help others find employment opportunities, to network, to revise resumes. He volunteered as a Junior Achievement instructor, as a Cornell alumni interviewer, and with a variety of charitable and nonprofit organizations. He was also a lifelong believer in tikkun olam.

He had passion for life, but especially for music, reading, fine cuisine and travel. With his wife, he circumnavigated the world at least twice. His love of New England focused on his zest for skiing and the ocean.

Contributions can be made in his name to the American Friends of Magen David Adom (Israeli Red Cross), Tifereth Israel Congregation (New Bedford), or the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

Beatrice Schaffer, 86 PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Beatrice Schaffer died Nov. 4, at South County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, North Kingstown.

She was the wife of the late Philip Schaffer. Born in New York, N.Y., a daughter of the late Philip and Bessie (Hoffman), she had lived in Providence for over 60 years. She was a sales associate for J.C. Penney Co. for more than 20 years, retiring five years ago. Devoted mother of Jill Schaffer and Barbara Schaffer, both of Providence and the late David Schaffer. Sister of the late Alfred and Harold Hoffman and Martha Lazeroff.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, Mass. 02241 or the American Parkinson Disease Association, P.O. Box 41659, Providence, R.I. 02940.

B. James Suzman, 61 NORTH PROVIDENCE - B. James Suzman died Nov. 4.

Born in Providence, a son of the late Maynard and Arline (Marcus) Suzman, he was a life-

long resident of Rhode Island.

He was a graduate of Purdue University with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science Degree in Eng ineering and Mathematics. He was the Public Works Director/Traffic Engineer for the City of Providence before becoming the Public Works Director for the Town of Smithfield for 12 years before retiring. He was a member of the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) and a member of the R.I. and New England Water Works Associations. He was a mathematician, loved to play the clarinet for friends and family, and enjoyed attending all of Aria’s dance performances.

He is survived by his daughter Aria V. Suzman of North Providence; his former wife Lorraine Suzman; his brother Fredrick Suzman and his wife Linda; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was the brother of the late Ivan Suzman.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, Md. 21741-5014.

Vladimir Y. Vilner, 79 SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Vladimir Y. Vilner died Nov. 3. He was the husband of the late Eleonora Krasnova. Born in Minsk, Belarus, a son of the late Yacov Moses and Faina (Ginzburg) Vilner, he had lived in Riga, Latvia, before immigrating to the U.S. in 1992. He was a stationary engineer for R.I. Hospital, retiring 10 years ago.

The father of Sergey Krasnov of Cranston and Oleg Vilner and his wife Elina of Old Bridge, N.J. Brother of the late Bertold Vilner. Grandfather of Matthew, Nicholas and Valeriya.

Contributions in his memory may be made to your favorite charity.

thejewishvoice.org

November 13, 2015 |

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28 | November 13, 2015

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The Jewish Voice

Jewish Women’s Conference renamed to honor Tichyeh Schochet

BY JILL PEARLMAN The Jewish Women’s Conference has been a regular date on my calendar for nine years. It’s no ordinary day when a kaleidoscope of Jewish women from all backgrounds, in all variety of dress and hairstyles, learn Torah together.

Together, the women also talk about marriage, which, not surprisingly, presents the same challenges, rigors and pleasures no matter who you are, and listen to speakers. One such speaker was Reyna Simnegar, who was raised Catholic in Venezuela and spoke about uncovering her hidden Sephardic roots and how she came to write a Persian cookbook.

Another year the leader of OneFamily spoke about defending victims of terror in Israel.

What will be radically different at the Nov. 22 meeting will be the absence of vibrant organizer and founder Tichyeh Schochet. With her dynamism and curiosity, Schochet created the conference for women to learn, grow and investigate our spiritual place in the world.

Last year, while sick from chemotherapy for breast cancer, she was still writing and organizing the schedule, making sure there would be gifts, touches of luxury and a good lunch. Schochet passed away just months later, in March 2015, at age 42.

Always frank about her illness, Schochet often spoke at the conferences about one of her favorite topics: gratitude.

Tichyeh Schochet lived and breathed gratitude in all her

Tichyeh Schochet gestures, and when she talked about it, she was blunt and to the point: The complexities of life, the whys, the worries, the suffering, while acknowledged, were balanced by a courage that stemmed from her clear faith.

“With Tichyeh, I shared that I sometimes felt judged for being considered secular just as Tichyeh told me she felt judged for being considered too religious.”

One year her talk was so funny, disarming and moving, I suggested she take it on the road. She shrugged her shoulders – she’d heard that said many times. Schochet was part comedienne with her

Touro Fraternal Association and The Jewish Voice announce the

Art & Writing Contest ENTRY FORM Name of Student ________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________________________ Phone Number__________________________ Email Adress ____________________________ School Attending ________________________________________________________________ Grade_________

Completed Entry Forms and Essays/Art Work should be mailed to: Subject: Hanukkah Contest The Jewish Voice 401 Elmgrove Avenue Providence, RI 02906 Entries must be postmarked no later than December 4, 2015.

For more information please email to info@tourofraternal.org or TStearly@JewishAllianceRI.org

wise-cracking wit and spitfire responses – but they were never put-downs but rather “putrights.”

Schochet was also observant she was a quick study, sizing up people in a way that gave her a deep understanding of human nature.

She was a teacher for more than 20 years, most recently at the New England Academy of Torah, where she was also the head of school.

In the summer of ‘13 we took many bus rides together through Israel on a trip sponsored by the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project. We were women in sheitels and scarves, in shorts and T-shirts.

With Tichyeh, I shared that I sometimes felt judged for being considered secular, just as Tichyeh told me she felt judged for being considered too religious. That is the raison d’etre of the women’s conference – to reach across borders to all Jewish women. “Secular” Jewish women are welcomed as well as the religious.

In Schochet’s memory, organizers have renamed the annual event The Tichyeh Schochet Memorial Conference for Jewish Women.

Educator Aliza Bulow, the keynote speaker at this year’s conference, uses the term “predenominational” as a model for the potential of Jewish unity. A fascinating woman with deep history, learning and sensitivity, Bulow has been a Jewish educator for more than 30 years.

As a child she worked with her parents in the Civil Rights movement, and at 16 went her own way in converting to Judaism. She has a son who took his own life and a daughter who married a paraplegic. She will be speaking about suffering, anger management and her journey.

After the keynote address, participants will attend talks on topics such as parenting with love and seeking inner peace. Not all seminars center on spirituality: participants can also choose sessions on topics such as enhancing everyday photography and improving fitness.

The conference is a perfect day for Jewish women to share, relax, learn and remember Tichyeh Schochet.

The Tichyeh Schochet Memorial Conference for Jewish Women is Nov. 22, 9:30-2:30 p.m., at the Dwares Jewish Community Center, in Providence. To register, please go to providencekollel.org or call 401273-3923.

JILL PEARLMAN of Providence writes nonfiction, poetry and fiction. Visit her blog at jillpearlman.com.

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thejewishvoice.org

November 13, 2015 |

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PHOTOS | PHDS

Government in the classroom On Oct. 30, Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea visited the seventh and eighth grade American Government classes at the Providence Hebrew Day School (PHDS). She shared information with the students about her background, how she came to her current position and the role of her office.

The students asked questions about term limits, her opinion regarding Puerto Rico’s statehood, and how she juggles home life and job. She distributed Rhode Island Red pins to the students. Then, Gorbea toured the elementary school and was introduced to students and teachers.

PHOTO | M. CHARLES BAKST

On Oct. 24, five women celebrated their B’not Mitzvah at Temple Habonim in Barrington.

The ceremony was filled with prayer, chanting and stories of their Jewish experiences.

Pictured here (left to right) are Rabbi Andrew Klein, Bonni Koppelman, Marilyn Strauss, Santina Ventimiglia Fortunato, Susan Hirsch, Leslie Lorber and David Perolman, education director/song leader.

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD: Contact Tricia Stearly, tstearly@jewishallianceri. org or 401-421-4111, ext. 160.

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Tricia Stearly 401-421-4111, ext. 160 tstearly@jewishallianceri.org

30 | November 13, 2015

The Jewish Voice

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}

Welcome to AccessJewishRI.org—an Information & Referral website that brings people and services together, combined with personalized, confidential phone assistance. It is a single point of contact to access the multitude of services, activities, and resources provided by the Jewish community as well as social services, health care, and government agencies in greater Rhode Island.

We are the friendly voice at the end of the phone, a loving embrace, and a helping hand.

401.421.4111 ext. 411

AccessJewishRI.org

Employment Assistance & Vocation:

Health & Wellness Services:

Housing & Shelter:

Jewish Life:

Other Needs:

Find help with job and workrelated needs, including resumes and networking.

Find resources related to health and wellness, including insurance, counseling, and more.

Find resources for support in housing, shelter, and assisted living.

Find resources that connect you to the Jewish community, education, fitness, and more.

Find resources to meet your basic needs such as transportation, childcare, tax assistance, and more.

An initiative of your Jewish community:

thejewishvoice.org SIMCHAS

GET TOGETHER – Longtime subscriber Soni Smith Meyer tells The Voice that at Roger Williams Jr. High School, she belonged to a group of girls called “The Junior Debs.” The group stayed together through Hope High School. “After graduation, in January 1956, we all went our own way, graduated from colleges, married, raised families, had careers and are now retired (most of us),” she writes. “The Debs get together, somewhere in the country, for a reunion about every two years. At the present time, only

two still live in Rhode Island, and the rest of us are scattered around the country.”

Recently, she continues, “the Junior Debs met in New Orleans for five days together to celebrate our 77th birthdays.

We had a wonderful time touring, walking, museum-going, dining, shmoozing, etc.”

She sends us a photo of the six who were together in New Orleans, standing outside the World War II Museum. In the photo are, from the left: Dottie Eisenberg Carlin (Chicago, Illinois), Marian Gilbert Knapp

| WE ARE READ

November 13, 2015 |

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(Newton, Massachusetts), Elaine Siegel Ades (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida), Harriet Diamond Adelberg (Grinnell, Iowa), Sondra Smith Meyer (Sacramento, California, holding the Voice) and Naomi Wolk Goodell (Scottsdale, Arizona).

Rona Namerow Nachbar (Providence), Fredda Gordon Chauvette (Narragansett), Wilma Polofsky Walter (Bradenton, Florida), and Reyna Cohen Katt (Boynton Beach, Florida) were unable to attend this reunion.

WEDDING – Avraham Adam Goldstein and Tzipora Winterfeld were married Aug. 10 in Montreal, Canada. The groom is the son of Brian and Helene Goldstein of South Kingstown and the grandson of Lillian Lewis of Warwick. The bride is the daughter of Barry and Lelach Winterfeld of Montreal and the granddaughter of Marilyn Winterfeld of Montreal and Edit Ben-Tor of Cleveland, Ohio. The newlyweds reside in Montreal where Avi is completing his rabbinical studies and Tzippy is a preschool teacher. The couple plans to become schluchim, Chabad emissaries, supporting Jewish communities throughout the world.

WE ARE READ – Ida and Tom Brown of Hopatcong, New Jersey (Ida is formerly from Rhode Island) celebrated the High Holy Days onboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Sea to Bermuda. The Voice went with them, of course.

TO OUR NEW ADVERTISERS! EVOLVE IMPERIAL PEARL

32 | November 13, 2015

The Jewish Voice

Everyone has the power to make a difference.

50%

Half of all households in communities served by the Alliance face economic difficulties.

e v a h You THE POWER TO MAKE A

DIFFERENCE

Young, jobless parents who need help putting food on the table. Grandparents who deserve to live out their lives with dignity. People with disabilities who face barriers to living full lives. When an individual or family needs help, they can turn to the Alliance or one of our partner agencies. Through food banks, cash grants, job training, legal services and crisis intervention, we give a hand to anyone who needs it—including many who never imagined they’d need help, until they faced unemployment, illness, or aging.

When you connect with the Jewish Alliance, you put the Jewish values of tzedakah, compassion, 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 2016 Annual Campaign.

2016 Annual Campaign