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L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • MARCH 2018

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contents

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March 2018 • www.lchaimmagazine.com

COVER STORY

Opera for Everyone..........................................................................................................................................

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1000 WORDS Jackie Tolley, Hillel of San Diego.................................................................................................................

RESTAURANT Tacos Libertad......................................................................................................................................................

ARTS

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OPERA FOR EVERYONE

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Soul Doctor comes to the Lyceum Theatre......................................................................................

Mingei Museum celebrates 70 years of Israeli arts....................................................................

FOOD KOSHEROLOGY: Green Eggs and Lamb...........................................................................................

PASSOVER Tempting trips for Passover in Israel...................................................................................................

Surprising benefits of the Passover diet.........................................................................................

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GREEN EGGS AND LAMB

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26 28

FEATURES

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Bekah Peace photography........................................................................................................................

Chabad Alef Center of San Marcos' Bar Mitzvah celebration..............................................

COLUMNS

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Torah: Of the Book.....................................

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Humor: Mazel & Mishagoss..................

PASSOVER DIET

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO, LLC (858) 776-0550 San Diego, CA 92127

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ADVERTISING & SALES Diane Benaroya (dianeb@lchaimmagazine.com), Sharon Buchsbaum (sharonbux@gmail.com) 4

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • MARCH 2018

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TORAH l BY RABBI DANIEL BORTZ

of

the book Looking Deeper "EVERY EVENT AND IDEA IN THE TORAH SIGNIFIES SOMETHING THAT'S OCCURRING WITHIN EACH OF US RIGHT NOW"

A

s we age and mature in our study of any subject matter, it’s important to progress deeper in our understanding of it. Looking at math or English at the age of 40 as we did at 5 years old is a problem. The same holds true in our understanding of G-d and the Torah, yet many of us retain similar views to the ideas we learned in Hebrew school, missing out on much of the depth Judaism has to offer.

I used to read an ancient event in the Torah as a historical event that was external from my life. The Sages teach that this misses much of the point: Every event and idea in the Torah signifies something that’s occurring within each of us right now. What do the Psalms of King David — describing countless struggles and battles with his enemies over 3,000 years ago — have to do with my life in California in 2018? It so happens that we too fight and battle, every day in fact! Our enemies just happen to be internal — fear, temptation, sadness, laziness, anxiety, anger, addiction, low self-worth and more — negative feelings and thoughts that are trying to defeat us daily. Like King David we call out to G-d for help in our time of need, finding solace in his faith during his intense struggles with darkness.

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L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • MARCH 2018

Passover is a holiday that commemorates the ancient miraculous freedom of the Jewish nation from enslavement in Egypt.

But why is there such an intense emphasis on this exodus, remembering it throughout every one of our three daily prayer services?

As we’ve just learned, this event like all others didn’t occur once in the past, but is happening right now, within each of us. We free Americans may be physically free, but we can still be enslaved inside.

On Passover, we recline and feel the comfort of physical freedom. But the mystics teach that a special energy of freedom permeates the air at the Seders; a channel to tap into that enables exponential growth in breaking through our mental and emotional chains of enslavement. At this time, we are granted the ability to transcend and free ourselves from anything that’s stopping us from actualizing our true potential of inner freedom. We need only to prepare for the occasion by locating areas in our life where we want to free ourselves.

To fix an issue in our character — or for most of us many issues as listed above — it helps to locate the deeper source of the problem. You can run around patching up countless holes in a water hose, but it’s more

effective to turn off the tap. On Passover, we completely rid our possessions of hametz — leavened bread that’s bloated and puffed up, for it spiritually symbolizes our egos that fill ourselves and close us off to growth. We then eat matzah — a flat cracker that symbolizes utter humility and openness to positive change. This sets the stage for growth in all our particular areas.

As we sit down this year to our Seders, let’s look a bit deeper at our crackers and recounting of an ancient trip from North Africa to Israel through a desert with no GPS. This is a journey of true freedom and spiritual growth; at this moment you are leaving your Egypt. The word “Egypt” in Hebrew is Mitzrayim, while the word for “Limitations” happens to have the same Hebrew letters — Maytzarim. This is no coincidence. This year, may we be granted the courage and conviction to free ourselves from any shackles holding us back from the happiness that comes from true inner freedom.

RABBI DANIEL BORTZ IS THE DIRECTOR OF JTEEN SAN DIEGO, JTEENSD.COM. TO WATCH HIS UNIQUE VIDEOS, VISIT RABBIBORTZ.COM.

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HUMOR l BY STEPHANIE LEWIS

mazel

& mishagoss This Passover article almost got "Passed Over"!

T

hat’s right, and amazingly the story of what happened bears a striking resemblance to the actual story of Pesach itself! It all begins with the lovely woman at L’CHAIM magazine, Diane Benaroya (my boss!) whom I jokingly call a “Slave Driver.” Now mind you, she’s nothing like cruel Pharaoh because she’s not punishing, but she is publishing! And while she’d certainly never carry out death sentences, Diane does assign monthly deadlines for my word sentences! But mysterious similarities between this story and Passover don’t stop there, so read on!

Ever the procrastinator, in order to get my articles written on time, I need someone to light a fire under my butt. (For our purposes, we’ll call that “The Burning Tush!”) When I married my husband Otis, it was his job to motivate me. But once Otis and I divorced, I packed up my stuff and made a mad “Exodus” from what I’ll call my mad “ex, Otis.” (You’re making that eerie connection, right?) Nowadays I write in my own bedroom, surrounded by just under a dozen author award plaques hanging on the wall.

You might call them, “The Ten Plaques!” Still following these shocking Passover parallels?

Meanwhile needing to submit a Pesach story for the March issue, I asked myself, 8

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • MARCH 2018

“The Four Questions” (What? When? Why? How?) which every journalist knows is the correct way to begin a good article. Unlike the children of Israel during Egyptian times, I had no help from Moses — however I did receive inspiration from several “Muses” but lately their ideas had run dry. (Probably from wandering the desert?) Frustrated, I recalled Moses’ helpful sister Miriam, and realized I had my own Miriam assisting me too — Merriam Webster — my trusty dictionary!

Just then my publisher Diane called to issue me a warning about my Passover story not making into L’Chaim magazine if it didn’t get to the printing press pronto. I envisioned the print shop owner, a grouchy guy named Herb tapping his foot impatiently — truly a “Bitter Herb.” I thought of explaining to Diane that I’d been plagued by darkness (a recent power outage!) preventing computer usage, or that all my kids were plagued with lice. But I realized she had hardened her heart when she announced she’d put an indefinite hold on my PayPal. No more paychecks? Hearing this news caused me to cry out in anguish, “Please … let my PayPal go!” Alas, this treatment was simply not fair-o! (Pharaoh?!)

There was only one thing to do and that was compose an email to the printer, Bitter Herb, asking if he’d accommodate my article

if I drove it there myself today? I typed the request in red font so it’d stand out. When I proofread the email, I noticed I formatted the word “accommodate” with a hyphen like this … “ac-commodate.” You realize what that means don’t you? I just parted the Red C’s !

After quickly dashing off my article, I hopped into my car, racing my Pesach story to the printers in my Mazda while munching Matzah. (Uncanny correlation?) Running through the front door, whom should I bump into but my publisher, Diane! “I hope this is funny enough,” I said, handing over my story. “Hopefully there are enough laughs?”

I reiterated, catching my breath. “Well, if you’d gotten here sooner, it would have been enough, “Diane peculiarly proclaimed. But if anyone knew about that kind of thing, certainly Diane knew! Because … Dayenu!

(It would have been enough!)

Only then did I finally have my precious freedom … at least until the April issue.

Happy Passover!

STEPHANIE D. LEWIS WRITES REGULARLY FOR THE HUFFINGTON POST COMEDY SECTION WITH A HUMOR COLUMN AT ONCEUPONYOURPRIME.COM REACH HER AT THEQUOTEGAL@YAHOO.COM

SD SYMPHONY

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L’CHAIM l BY ALANNA MAYA

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L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • MARCH 2018

L’CHAIM

A THOUSAND

WORDS JACKIE TOLLEY, HILLEL OF SAN DIEGO

T

his year, Hillel of San Diego’s Executive Director Jackie Tolley will retire from the organization after serving the Jewish student community for 40 years. In that time, she has touched numerous lives and helped to foster many generations of Jewish leaders. Former students, including this author, remember their college days spent at Hillel for Shabbat dinners and programming fondly; many times because of Tolley’s tireless efforts and dedication to the students who came to Hillel.

In her time with Hillel, Tolley has led Shabbat and High Holiday services; taught B’nai Mitzvah classes; held lunch and learn sessions with students; helped to organize Mitzvah Day programs; and chaperoned Birthright trips to Israel and Alternative Spring Break Programming in areas like New Orleans and Mexico, in addition to being a valuable resource for Jewish students learning how to incorporate Judaism into their daily lives. Her lasting impact can be felt in the hundreds of students she still keeps in touch with after their time at SDSU has commenced. She has had the pleasure of not only attending but officiating the weddings of former students, and has been a guest at the baby namings and brit milahs of their children.

Here, we talked with Tolley about her years of service to the Jewish community.

L’CHAIM Magazine: Let’s start with what brought you to San Diego and to Hillel in the beginning.

Jackie Tolley: The Jewish community was a very different place in San Diego in

the 1970s. We moved into town in July of 1977, and there were far fewer synagogues, agencies and organizations serving the community than there are today. It’s hard to even compare.

We moved to San Diego because my husband got a job with what was then the United Jewish Federation, and I was looking for a teaching job. I had 5 years of classroom experience [which I wanted to build on], and we moved into town the same month that [Federation] hired the first full time professional to work on campus. I had not had a Jewish communal background whatsoever, but by January of that year, the Federation had purchased a small house on Montezuma Road to be used as a program space for Jewish students at San Diego State University.

I was hired to keep the building open and to help whomever walked in the door, so that is how I was introduced to campus work. I really expected to do it just until I found a full-time teaching job, but one thing led to another and the job really dovetailed on my personal and professional interests. I got to work with a lot of individuals, groups, and [provide] informal teachings, and things developed from there.

L’CHAIM: How has the leadership at Hillel changed since you started with the organization?

JT: Most Hillel directors when I started with the organization were rabbis and at the time, there were just starting to be larger staff and more women in leadership roles. That has continued to develop, and we always have

"Being able to help students figure out how to live their own Jewish lives after college is part of the most important work." tried to have a diverse staff that reflects the Jewish community we serve.

In the general Jewish community, we see a decrease in people who are affiliated with more traditional forms of Jewish expression; whether that is attending synagogues, keeping kosher, or otherwise. That being said, I think that when you have someone in a leadership position who is not a rabbi, that also sends a message that one doesn’t have to be a rabbi to take Judaism and the Jewish community seriously.

That was a role that I always tried to play. I loved the rabbis that I worked with, WWW.LCHAIMMAGAZINE.COM

11

L'CHAIM

Tolley (left) with current staffmembers at Hillel of San Diego, Edden Dembsky and Yonatan Yogef.

and I would have loved to have the level of education and knowledge that a rabbi brings to an organization to have been something we had at SDSU, but it is also important for Hillel staff, whoever they are to be able to show that being Jewish is important [to them], Judaism can enhance someone’s life and that they can show that [to the student population].

L’CHAIM: In terms of the changing landscape Jews have faced in the past 40 years, how has Hillel been able to adapt to their needs? How will it serve students in the future?

JT: Hillel is a pluralistic environment and is a safe space where people can talk about issues and know that they are not going to be judged if they have issues that are different from what they perceive the mainstream to be. As long as people are respectful in how they articulate themselves, we want them to feel that this is a place where they can explore 12

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • MARCH 2018

all types of issues, from identity issues to world issues.

That is something that is really constant and important in terms of why Hillel is here.

We have always been there for students on their Jewish journey, but you can’t separate that from the rest of their lives, so we often talk about personal issues as well. Judaism is life, it is living, really; so, there is no way to separate the Jewish experience from living your life. We are here to help create the opportunity for students to figure out what living their life looks like, whether they come from a strong Jewish background or not.

For me, being able to help students figure out how to live their own Jewish lives — separate from their upbringing — after college is part of the most important work.

L’CHAIM: What does your future look like?

JT: Well, I am working on being present until the end of the school year, but on July

1, you will have to ask me again! I think that having spent 40 years with Jewish Holidays and Shabbats at Hillel, it will be nice to spend some time with my family, not that they have been short-changed. I think I will likely try and find some volunteer work that is meaningful, but I can’t see myself sitting on a board — I’ve sat through enough meetings in my lifetime!

I can honestly say that I am retiring from Hillel, but I don’t like the word “retired,” because I want to continue to do lots of different things, and it is nice to have the flexibility of time to figure out what some of those things are.

JACKIE TOLLEY IS ONE OF THREE NOMINEES AT THIS YEAR’S CAMPUS SUPERSTAR PROGRAM 5:30 P.M., MARCH 18 AT SCRIPPS AUDITORIUM. TO LEARN MORE, VISIT HILLELSD.ORG.

The closeness of family and friends gathered together in thankful celebration. A special feeling. A special warmth.

Best wishes from all of us at Passover.

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BRINGING OPERA TO THE MASSES San Diego Opera presents Turandot, honors costumer designer Dame Zandra Rhodes 14

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • MARCH 2018

Lise Lindstrom on the SD Opera stage.

PHOTO COURTESY SD OPERA

COVER STORY l BY EVA TRIEGER

COVER STORY

W

hile I don’t like to think of myself as a philistine, during a phone interview with San Diego Opera’s General Director David Bennett, I had to consider the facts. I’ve never attended an opera at the Civic Center, and I associated the art form with blue-haired ladies wearing too much perfume, while watching a large overdressed woman warble on stage in a foreign tongue. After a Bart Simpson-like query about the upcoming performance of “Turan-doh” I was gently and unpatronizingly told that I was not alone in my error and that Turandot is the current main stage production of this season.

Bennett further debunked my mistaken image of opera by filling me in on some exciting and very enticing new facets of the San Diego Opera’s commitment to community. To this end, SDO has adopted a mission and vision statement that brings opera to a much wider audience of varied ages, cultures, socio-economic groups and neighborhoods. There’s a good chance that if you can’t get to the San Diego’s Civic Center, there’s an outreach venue near you!

To complement the main stage productions, of which two remain, there is the new Detour Series. This collection offers a wider variety of works that fit under the umbrella of Opera. They provide a new definition to increase discovery, explore new arenas and introduce new singers. The programs selected for this series reflect San Diego’s communities including Latino, LGBTQ, African American and other groups that, to date, have not had much representation in opera. These populations are reached through chamber concerts, smaller operatic shows and performed at the Balboa Theater, San Diego Rep’s Lyceum, the Kroc Center and in other local auditoriums.

Furthering this sense of outreach, San Diego Opera is committed to education and has a new program, Words and Music, which brings resident teaching artists into the classroom, changing lives and providing profound experiences. Currently there are five participating schools, but the initiative plans to add a new school each year, as they receive government support and foundation grants. Students are encouraged to develop their own stories which are then performed before their peers and local communities.

Some themes have included border crossing, urban living etc. This impactful education

focus has made it possible for over 7,000 area students to attend a dress rehearsal at the Civic Center. The educational program is, in large part, funded by the annual gala, aka Opera Ball, which will be held at the US Grant hotel, and goes by code name “Pretty in Pink,” a nod to the honoree’s inspirational hair color. The US Grant Executive Chef Mark Kropczynski will cater a three -course dinner and entertainment will be furnished

by Encore Event Entertainment.

Speaking of the Opera Ball, this year’s honoree is none other than Dame Zandra Rhodes, famed designer and outfitter to celebrities, royals, who most recently has turned her talent to designing costumes and sets for San Diego and Houston’s Opera companies. The sets for Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers and Verdi’s Aida have toured internationally and raised over $1 million dollars for San Diego Opera. This grand event will be held on April 7th, and will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour, continue with dinner, drinks and dancing “all inspired by Zandra’s kaleidoscopic imagination.” Tickets are available at sdopera.org/opera-ball.

Rhodes returns to the Fashion and Textile Museum in London monthly and is currently putting together a retrospective that will showcase her 50-year romance with textiles, design and fashion. The show will have a companion book that is currently in the works. This maverick has dressed such notables as Princess Diana, Jackie Onassis, Bianca Jagger and Helen Mirren. Avid philanthropists, Zandra and her partner, Salah Hassanein, have made monumental contributions to the arts, cardio-vascular hospitals and TERI Inc, an organization that assists special needs children and adults. “I have been very lucky to enjoy my work and continue my business. One must always give back as well,” shared Rhodes.

Lest you think opera has not grown with the times, San Diego Opera is accessible on every social media platform imaginable.

There are podcasts that allow insights into the singers and productions. Videos are available on YouTube. Twitter, Facebook and Instagram enable a novice or an aficionado to learn more about what happens backstage or get up-to-date info on unique events and offers.

The financial puzzle has been carefully pieced together by Bennett; and collaborating with a team of clever advisors and generous

donors, fundraising has been quite successful. I also learned that it is widespread practice for costumes and sets to be on loan or rented from other national companies.

Turandot will feature sets from Lyric Opera of Chicago and costumes from Santa Fe Opera have contributed sets, costumes, and singers.

A three-act opera, Turandot is set in the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. While our princess is a rare beauty, she has an icecold heart, and will only marry a prince who can answer her three riddles. Any man who attempts and fails will be put to death.

While this seems a foolhardy venture to the princess’s serving girl, Liu, herself smitten by the would-be suitor, the man who has fallen for Princess Turandot, will not be dissuaded. Puccini died before the opera was completed, but his student, Franco Alfano, finished the tale, referencing Puccini’s notes.

The opera contains several well-known arias “Nessun dorma!” which was sung by tenor Luciano Pavarotti at Torino’s 2006 Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

San Diego Opera’s Turandot will feature Lise Lindstrom, who has sung the lead, Princess Turandot, on all the world’s leading opera stages. She debuted in San Diego in this very role in 2011. Lindstrom will be joined by Temecula native, soprano Angel Joy Blue as Liu, and American tenor Carl Tenner as Calaf, who are making their Company debuts, along with American bass Brian Kontes (Timur) and Italian baritone Marco Nistico (Ping), American tenor Joel Sorenson (Pong), American bassbaritone Scott Sikon (the Mandarin), and American tenor Chad Frisque (Emperor Altoum). Other notable artists include Italian conductor Valerio Galli and stage director Keturah Stickann. The production is sponsored by Darlene Marcos Shiley.

Now that I’ve had a proper indoctrination into the world of opera, I think I need to attend a performance of Turandot, touted as “one of the most popular operas ever composed.” In case you can’t make it, the opera featured a radio broadcast on Saturday, March 3, on KPBS radio, 89.5 FM and available online at www.kpbs.org.

WWW.LCHAIMMAGAZINE.COM

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BY MIMI POLLACK l RESTAURANT

good food and tikkun olam

T

here is nothing better than a tasty taco, and if eating that taco also helps you do an act of social justice, even better! Tacos Libertad, part of the successful Cohn Restaurant Group, opened up in Hillcrest last May. Opening Tacos Libertad, as a not for profit taco shop, is one of David Cohn’s ways of giving back to the community as all the proceeds of the restaurant – after operating expenses – go to charity. They choose a different charity each month.

Cohn had been looking for innovative ways to support and give back to a community that has patronized his many restaurants over the years. He continues a long held family tradition. His late parents were deeply committed to social action as are his brothers and sister. Cohn and his wife, Lesley, are long time members of Temple Emanu-el as were his parents. Twenty years ago, his father began an annual High Holiday food drive at the temple. They have donated over 40,000 pounds of food to Father Joe’s Villages each year. Cohn and his siblings continue that tradition.

While on a trip to Portland, Ore., he discovered The Oregon Public House, a pub that donates its proceeds to charity, and decided The Cohn Restaurant Group should try that model in San Diego. They opened Tacos Libertad as a non-profit.

Behind, there is also a bar or as they call

it, a “speakeasy” called Cache, where one can bring in their tacos to eat while having a drink.

A special committee chooses a different charity every month. There is a link on the restaurant’s website, and the committee reviews the applications that are sent in. The chosen charity is guaranteed $3,000 for the month. Restaurants typically take up to a year or more to turn a profit and Tacos Libertad is no different, thus the restaurant group is making up the difference in the meantime.

After, they will increase the donations as profits go up.

The committee tends to choose smaller, less well-known organizations that may be overlooked, places that could really use the money. So far some organizations that have received their help include Mama’s Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, San Diego Youth Services, International Relief Teams, and Humble Design which furnishes homes for the homeless. In addition, after hurricane Harvey and all the flooding hit Texas, they had one month that was “Tacos for Texas” and the proceeds went to help the many victims of that devastation. They are also open to donating to animal organizations.

The menu at Tacos Libertad is small, but has something for everyone. It is divided into vegetarian, seafood and meat tacos, plus sides. The vegetarian tacos are either

grilled or tempura avocado and Portobello mushroom. The seafood tacos are octopus, grilled fish and shrimp tacos. The meat tacos are chicken, steak, two types of pork, and even a duck confit taco.

My group tried the chicken, steak, grilled fish, and shrimp tacos and they were all delicious. If you like spicy, only the shrimp tacos had a bite. The others would need some hot sauce. We also ordered black beans and rice. I found the rice to have a lot of flavor.

This is a low key operation where you order at the counter and they bring the food to you.

Service was fast and friendly, with AJ Skojec and Joan Villanueva leading the crew.

For drinks, they offer Jarritos Mexican sodas and Blue Sky sodas, as well as various beers, wines, and “micheladas”. Seating is limited and not very comfortable, so the option of taking the tacos back to the beautifully decorated Cache is nice.

Except for Sundays when they open at 2 p.m., Tacos Libertad does not open until 4 p.m., so this is not a place to grab a fast lunch.

They do stay open late - until 2:30 a.m. - so it is a good spot for late night munchies. It is nice to have a food establishment in San Diego where you know you can go and enjoy a good meal while giving back to others.

The Cohn’s are providing a positive footprint for other restaurants to follow.

WWW.LCHAIMMAGAZINE.COM

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ARTS | BY SHARON RAPAORT

Soul Doctor THE MUSICAL

Ohad Romano as Ester Rada 18

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • MARCH 2018

WHO WAS SHLOMO CARLEBACH?

A

ny story where the words “Rabbi”, “Bob Dylan” and “Summer of Love” intersect, is sure to stop anyone on their tracks. Moreover, if the story is true.

Soul Doctor tells the incredible real-life story of Shlomo Carlebach; aka “The Singing Rabbi,” and his unlikely journey from pre-World War II Germany to performing on the world stage with legendary artists such as Nina Simone, the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane. This, while becoming the founder of a commune-like synagogue in San Francisco and turning himself into one of the most prolific musical artists of the 20th century. Stemming from a smash Broadway hit, an entirely new production will debut in San Diego this April, at the Lyceum Theater.

We had the pleasure of talking with the internationally acclaimed director Gabriel Barre, the force behind this electric new production.

Barre boasts an impressive list of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, such as Amazing Grace, The Wild Party, the world premiere of Stephen Schwartz’s Magic to Do, and the Mexican premier of Billy Elliot.

Our conversation touched on such topics as interracial relationships, the importance of musical theater and his fantasy of moving to San Diego. Here are some highlights of our conversation.

L’CHAIM Magazine: How will this iteration of Soul Doctor be different from the Broadway show?

Gabriel Barre: The Broadway production was choreographed and conceived to be a big Broadway production. This is a more of a theatrical piece. In our production, we wrote the story and the script to focus on the struggle between Shlomo and his father, which is really the struggle between the old and the new ways; between the Old Country and the new one. And rather than telling Shlomo’s story chronologically, we are placing the show in San Francisco, at The House of Love and Prayer during its heyday.

L’CHAIM Magazine: What will this experience be like for the audience?

GB: The entire show will have the fantastic atmosphere of a threshold experience, where the audience is brought into the environment, and participates as they are entering the theater. But when Shlomo’s father makes a dramatic entrance and calls Shlomo’s loyalty to his faith and to his culture into question, the show becomes sort of a struggle or a debate about what the best way is to perpetuate and build a religion in a new country, and the audience becomes a judge and jury, and eventually comes to realize these are not easy questions.

L’CHAIM Magazine: What do you see as the universal appeal of the show?

GB: The show I should stress is, like Sholmo, a “show-and-think,” which

Shlomo Carlebach was born in 1925 in Berlin, where his father, Naftali, was an Orthodox leader. To escape Nazi persecution, the Carlebach family moved to the Upper West Side in New York City. There, Shlomo joined a Yeshiva and became a Rabbi, like his father. However, an improbable friendship with Nina Simone, the “High Priestess of Soul,” changed his life.

Simone, whom he met at a Club in Greenwich Village, introduced him to gospel music and jazz. She also showed him the parallels between the persecution of the Jews in Europe and that of her people in the U.S. At those clubs, Carlebach also met Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger and other folk singers, with whom he would eventually share the stage. These artists were so impressed with his talent and philosophy of peace and love, that they helped him get a spot at the Berkeley Folk Festival in 1966.

After his appearance in the Festival, Carlebach decided to remain in the Bay Area. His goal was to reach out to what he called “lost Jewish souls” or runaways and drug addicted youths. He founded “The House of Love and Prayer” where his following grew.

Through his special style of enlightened teaching, his music, and inspiring story-telling, he encouraged disenchanted Jewish youth to embrace their heritage.

Thus, he became instrumental in the beginning of the Baal Teshuva (“returnees to Judaism”) movement.

Carlebach traveled the globe for more than 40 years, performed for millions of people and recorded more than 25 albums. His songs with their message of hope and love have touched the hearts and souls of people everywhere.

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ARTS

Soul Doctor

audiences of all religions and backgrounds will appreciate in many, many, levels. It’s a wonderful family drama, with wonderful music of course, played by a cast of actors-musicians. And that is the other difference between the Broadway show and this one. In our show, every cast member will be on stage the entire time, and there is no separation between the actors and the band. It’s an exciting show which again, ends with an interactive experience.

We are very excited to bring this show to San Diego first, and then to Los Angeles and Jerusalem.

L’CHAIM Magazine: Is Shlomo’s message still relevant in our times?

GB: There could no better time than today for Shlomo’s message of inclusiveness, tolerance and love. The events that are happening everywhere around the world, but also in our country and the way things are splitting is so polarized — Carlebach’s message being that we cannot possibly progress as a civilization unless we respect each other and try to see things in the perspective of others, and the willingness to do so — it seems to me this is the perfect time to be reminded of this.

FOR TICKETS OR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT LYCEUMEVENTS.ORG.

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L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • MARCH 2018

BUY OR REFINANCE A HOME TODAY James Greenspan Owner & Primary Broker

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Noa Raviv, Ensemble from Hard Copy collection, 2014 mixed media. Collection of the designer.

Israel: 70 Years of Craft & Design

ON EXHIBIT AT THE MINGEI MUSEUM, APRIL 21-SEPTEMBER 3, 2018 22

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • MARCH 2018

PHOTOS COURTESY MINGEI MUSEUM

FEATURE STORY

FEATURE STORY

Efrat Eyal, Make Your Own PCB, 2011 earthenware. Collection of the designer.

I

n recognition and celebration of the 70-year anniversary of the founding of Israel, Mingei International Museum and Balboa Park’s House of Israel will collaborate on a retrospective exhibition highlighting the nation’s diverse and lively craft and design.

This original exhibition is organized by House of Israel curator, Smadar Samson, with Mingei International Museum’s executive director Rob Sidner serving as curatorial advisor.

“For years, Mingei has wanted to present the contemporary artistic accomplishments of this nation. When Smadar came to us and proposed this exciting major exhibition timed with Israel’s important anniversary, we could not pass up the opportunity,” said Sidner.

The exhibit is titled ISRAEL – 70 Years of Craft and Design and celebrates the art and innovation of the nation’s diverse people through a rich range of objects of daily use.

Over 100 objects—including Yemenite jewelry, Bedouin textiles, contemporary garments, sustainable and industrial design, adornment incorporating ancient materials, furniture and ceramics—illustrate the special fusion of European and Arab

influences embodied in Israel’s modern artscape. Coinciding with global recognition of Israel’s 70 years of statehood, this project is the Museum’s first opportunity in its 40year history to feature the innovative work of Israel’s designers and artists.

“We are honored to partner with Mingei International Museum to present this exhibition. It will be the House of Israel’s most ambitious project to date and will offer the perfect setting to celebrate ours and The State of Israel’s 70th anniversary. We are ecstatic to be able to present this artistic, creative and expressive side of Israel which is seldom seen, and we could not have found a better partner to do so than this Museum,” Jack Maizel, House of Israel Board President said.

Over the past year, Samson’s curatorial work took her back to her native Israel to meet with artists, curators, collectors and designers and comb through museum and private collections, studios and galleries. As she continued the research from afar, she pieced together a collection of exemplary craft, cutting-edge fashion and design and a small selection of works made a century before Israel’s statehood.

Samson notes of her inspiration for the exhibition, “Israel has a craft and design history that is short and erratic, yet what it lacks in visual tradition, it makes up for with innovation, improvisation, and sophistication. I wanted to develop a unique opportunity to tell the story of the modern state of Israel through tangible, threedimensional objects that not only combine aesthetics and functionality but also serve as repositories of values and meaning.”

The exhibition will include loans from three museums and over 80 artists – a combination of objects that provides a window into the complexity of Israeli culture today and articulates the dynamic creativity of this young nation.

ISRAEL – 70 YEARS OF CRAFT AND DESIGN IS MADE POSSIBLE WITH SUPPORT FROM THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY; CONSULATE GENERAL OF ISRAEL, LOS ANGELES; ASSOCIATION OF ISRAEL’S DECORATIVE ARTS; A CULTURE OF PEACE; THE SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY AND GENEROUS MINGEI INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM AND HOUSE OF ISRAEL DONORS. LEARN MORE AT MINGEI.ORG. WWW.LCHAIMMAGAZINE.COM

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FOOD

KOSHEROLOGY GREEN EGGS & LAMB STORY & PHOTOS BY ALEX THE KOSHEROLOGIST KOSHEROLOGY.COM

'Oh, the things you can think!'

Kosher, I am.

‘86’ the ham and make mine lamb.

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L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • MARCH 2018

FOOD

I

n the late 1950’s, after the critical success of The Cat in the Hat, Random House publisher, Bennett Cerf, bet Ted Geisel (more famously known as Dr.Seuss) that he could not write a book using less than 236 different words-as he had with his first book.

Setting out to win the bet, Geisel produced the now classic Green Eggs and Ham — which boasts only 55 different words. And like many other American kids of the latter 20th century, I have been intrigued by the idea of eating green eggs for quite a while.

However, there were two main factors holding me back from this dream : 1) I can’t eat ham, and 2) I do not like to consume food coloring. So, what’s a kosherologist to do? Treat myself to some of KOL Foods’ awesome lamb bacon strips and break out some spinach- we’re making green eggs and lamb! And yes, while green eggs may look a little intimidating, they taste pretty darn good (if I do say so, myself) and are naturally packed with lots of HEALTHY vitamin A and C, etc. etc.

Serves 8-10, Meat INGREDIENTS 1/4 -1/2 lb. KOL Foods smoked lamb bacon strips One 9 oz. package baby spinach, washed and dried 12 egg whites

3 whole eggs 1/3 cup Casa Del Cielo Chardonnay (from kosherwine.com) 1 onion, chopped 2 tsp fresh chopped cilantro 1 avocado 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. white pepper

into the egg whites, whole eggs- with the salt and pepper- until well incorporated.

Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan. When the oil is hot, add the eggs and cook over a low-medium flame, scrambling almost constantly, until the eggs are thoroughly cooked (about 4-7 minutes).

DIRECTIONS 1. Slice the lamb bacon strips, while frozen, into bacon like strips (as thin as you can get them).

5. Serve with the bacon and enjoy. I will, I will eat green eggs and lamb. I will eat them, Al’, I am!

2. In a lightly greased saucepan, fry the lamb (frylance of the lamb!) until it is thoroughly cooked and lightly crispy, cooking on for about 2 1/2 minutes on each side. Set aside in a warm place.

3. In a large saucepan, combine the baby spinach leaves, onion, and Chardonnay and cook over medium flame for 5-8 minutes, or until the spinach is tender and mostly wilted. Transfer the spinach, minus the leftover liquid, to a food processor. Add the cilantro and process until all of the spinach is finely chopped up and resembles pesto sauce. Drain the liquid and add the avocado.

Process until well blended.

Born and bred in the American South, Alex ‘the Kosherologist’ Idov, was raised on collard greens stewed with smoked turkey leg (in place of ham hocks), black-eyedpeas, and Brunswick Stew. He boasts being a 4th generation Jewish Southerner, with one of his great-grandmother’s born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1888. His other greatgrandparents hailed from Russia, Poland, and France-inspiring much of his cooking with the cuisines of his heritage. Alex’s culinary repertoire goes beyond traditional Jewish and Southern fare, as he revisits and reinvents the cuisines of his ancestors.

Alex holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Sustainability and Hospitality from the Kennesaw State University Michael A. Leven School of Culinary Sustainability and Hospitality and works as a freelance food writer.

Find more recipes at kosherology.com.

4. With a fork, beat the spinach mixture WWW.LCHAIMMAGAZINE.COM

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PASSOVER | BY DEBORAH FINEBLUM | JNS.ORG

FROM 'GREATEST HITS',

TO 'HIDDEN TREASURES' 10 TEMPTING TIPS FOR PASSOVER IN ISRAEL

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L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • MARCH 2018

PASSOVER

I

srael, a tiny country roughly the size of New Jersey, boasts a temperate climate.

The Jewish state’s Mediterranean climate is marked by long, dry summers and short, cool winters. Rain is strictly a winter phenomenon.

By mid-April, spring is in full swing, with trees and wildflowers in bloom and daytime temperatures in the 70s (°F). The timing couldn’t be better given that on Passover, much of Israel’s citizenry — and countless tourists — are off from work and school, making them intent on discovering the nation’s most breathtaking sites.

While most can’t resist the allure of the open road, travel during Passover in Israel is not for the faint of heart, since locals and tourists alike pack into every corner of hotels, resorts, beaches and even public bathrooms.

“Maybe it’s a throwback to the pilgrimage holidays of ancient times, when we were all crowded on the road to Jerusalem,” says Yitzhak Sokoloff, founder of the Jerusalembased Keshet Educational Journeys tour provider. “We have a national history of creating mob scenes, maybe because when you are a small people you need to come together to feel your strength.”

Yet Sokoloff says the itineraries diverge for tourists and the Israelis themselves.

“For people here with only a limited amount of time, they go for the greatest hits such as the Dead Sea and Ein Gedi. But Israelis have the opportunity to see the more hidden treasures,” he says.

Moving from south to north, here are 10 popular destinations for Passover travel in Israel — both the “greatest hits” and the “hidden treasures.”

EILAT With temperatures hovering around the 80s, this southern resort city is a natural for scuba diving, an activity that peaks during the week of Passover. Other highlights include the picturesque Michrot Shlomo, the mines attributed to King Solomon.

MITZPE RAMON This small southern town is home to the Ramon Crater (or Grand Crater), which is one of the highest points in this part of the world and an excellent spot for stargazers to view the heavens without the distractions of artificial lights. Eilat resident Harold Berman, who since making aliyah from Massachusetts eight years ago has chosen a different trip for each Passover, recommends the Mitzpe Ramon-based museum dedicated to fallen Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon.

MASADA Masada is known for both its stunning natural beauty, with vistas of the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert, as its historic significance — on this mountaintop in the 1st century, Roman troops surrounded the Jews, prompting 960 Jews’ mass suicide.

Sunrise is the preferred time to set off on a hike up the mountain. Bring lots of water.

KIBBUTZ KALIA There are plenty of hotels to choose from for a stay at the Dead Sea, the lowest and one of the saltiest points on Earth. But many Israelis prefer the picturesque simplicity of Kibbutz Kalia, perched on the northern end of the Dead Sea and a 35-minute drive from Jerusalem.

EMEK HA’ELAH Widely believed to be the scene of the iconic showdown between David and Goliath, Emek Ha’Elah (Oak Valley) is a picturesque spot in the Jerusalem hills, southwest of the city. Here, it is easy to imagine the boy who would be king loading his slingshot with the stone destined to slay the giant.

JERUSALEM One of the most gorgeous panoramic views of Jerusalem is from the Tayelet (Haas Promenade) in the southeastern corner of the holy city. It’s a breathtaking scene by day or night, encompassing a wide expanse

including the Old City and the Hebrew University campus. It’s a relatively quiet corner of Jerusalem, and there’s even plenty of parking.

TEL AVIV A city of immense contrasts, where else in the world would the ancient stones of the Carmel Shuk market converge with a modern thoroughfare of chichi boutiques? Where else would skyscrapers abut miles of pure white sand beach? (Okay — maybe Miami.) Don’t rush off at day’s end. Tel Aviv’s sunset should not be missed.

ZICHRON YAAKOV All grape-growing centers abound with golden light, and Zichron Yaakov is no exception. Situated 22 miles south of Haifa, the city offers welcoming shops, wineries and cafes, and stunning Mediterranean views.

There’s also a museum commemorating the heroism of the Aaronsohn siblings — who took on the Ottomans of Turkish Palestine in 1917, sacrificing their lives in defense of the Jewish people.

CAESAREA Perched on the Mediterranean and founded

by Herod the Great, Caesarea was a central port for the Roman invaders in the years leading up to the common era. It’s an archaeology buff’s delight. Much of Caesarea’s 2,000-year-old infrastructure remains intact to this day.

KIBBUTZ LAVI A little-known gem of the lower Galilee, this kibbutz counts among its founders children saved from the Nazis through the famed Kindertransport rescue effort. Kibbutz Lavi not only boasts a classy hotel, but also a working farm and a factory producing furniture for synagogues around the world.

Activities include horseback riding and a “senses garden” designed to delight all five senses.

WWW.LCHAIMMAGAZINE.COM

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PASSOVER l BY ARMIN ROSEN | jns.org

THE SURPRISE BENEFITS OF THE PASSOVER DIET F

or a millennia-old religious celebration that has little to do with physical wellbeing, the Passover holiday offers unexpected health-related opportunities.

Thanks to its eight-day ritual ban on eating nearly any food that’s wheat or grain-based, the annual Jewish commemoration of the biblical exodus from Egypt imposes a mostly gluten-free diet on the people who celebrate it. Many of the foods eschewed during Passover are particularly high in gluten, notes Dr. Arun Swaminath, director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at Northwell Health’s Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

“Breads, pasta, pizza, bulgur, couscous and beer are all big sources of gluten-containing foods,” Swaminath says.

Ironically, for gluten-free aficionados, the prohibition of many of these high-gluten foods during Passover also extends to typical substitutes for gluten like corn, rice and most other grains. In other words, the Passover holiday requires significant changes for everyone, which is appropriate given that the dietary restriction was created to help Jews remember and even reenact their distant ancestors’ ordeal.

The holiday’s mostly gluten-free diet won’t have many health consequences for most Jews observing Passover — but it could have some real benefits for some of them. As Swaminath explains, eight days is just long enough for a gluten-free diet to result in noticeable health gains for people who may have celiac disease without realizing it. Improvements in digestion, energy level or sense of mental clarity during a weeklong bread, pasta and beer-free holiday could indicate that someone has an undiagnosed celiac condition.

“If you suddenly feel better during Passover, you should you talk to your gastroenterologist over why that might be,” Swaminath recommends.

Non-celiacs could potentially see improvements during the holiday, too. Although it’s still a matter of scientific controversy, Swaminath says it’s possible some people experience what he describes as “nonceliac gluten sensitivity.”

“There isn’t a lot of agreement across disciplines about how to diagnose this or who even qualifies,” he explains.

Proof for the phenomenon is entirely anecdotal. Nevertheless, significant numbers of patients have described experiencing improvements in health after cutting gluten out of their diet — but without having celiac disease or showing any clinically provable sensitivity to gluten.

Swaminath says that one possible explanation for non-celiacs benefiting from a gluten-free diet is that high-gluten foods usually also have an especially large amount of “poorly absorbed sugars”

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that introduce bacteria to the intestinal tract, causing indigestion and bloating. Even if people on a gluten-free diet don’t have a gluten sensitivity, they’re still eating fewer of these non-absorbent sugars as an unintended result of reducing their gluten intake.

Before you rejoice in the potential health benefits of a mostly gluten-free holiday, you should note that there is one important food consumed on Passover that is still fairly high in gluten. Yes, matzah — the square sheet of dry and oppressively bland cracker-like matter that Jews are commanded to eat during the holiday — has plenty of gluten. So while Passover is an ideal chance to experience the potential benefits of a low-gluten diet, you will need to moderate your matzah intake. Or, as Swaminath notes, you may also consider choosing one of the “non-wheat containing matzahs” on the market, including oat and spelt-based matzahs.

Regardless, Passover still doesn’t need to be a gluten-intensive holiday, even for observers who can’t get their hands on the non-wheat stuff. While Jews are commanded to eat matzah on Passover, they aren’t required to eat that much of it. A small nibble during the seders, the ritual meals held on the first two nights of the holiday, satisfies the holiday’s matzah-eating requirement. Given Matzah’s legendary taste profile, many Jews would be happy to avoid eating more of it than they absolutely need to, even if they’re not going gluten-free.

Yet a little of the “bread of affliction” won’t hurt most non-celiacs, even those who want to experience the effects of a gluten-free diet.

“A tiny exposure to gluten to meet religious observance and obligation may be reasonable or necessary,” Swaminath says.

ARMIN ROSEN IS A NEW YORK-BASED WRITER AND REPORTER.

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FEATURE STORY

FOR PEACE OF MIND Bekah Peace Photography

PHOTOS BY BEKAH PEACE

BY DEBORAH VIETOR

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FEATURE STORY

S

an Diegan and award-winning photographer Bekah Peace specializes in newborn and maternity photography, child and family photography, high profile events and wedding photography.

Working in San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles, Peace strives to give her clients beautiful, natural photos capturing each child’s unique personality and she has an eye for incorporating true emotion into each picture.

Recently Bekah provided us with our amazing cover photo for the December/January issue, featuring Gil and Nili Peretz of “Positive Chutzpah.” L’Chaim Magazine has received many compliments, and Peace offered to share her experience and passion for photography with us this month.

L’CHAIM Magazine: Where are you originally from?

Bekah Peace: I grew up in San Diego and I was homeschooled, which I really believe is a huge reason for my love for art. Many hours at home gave me extra time to use my imagination. My mom always had me making crafts with art being a huge part of my entire life.

L’CHAIM: Did you always know you wanted to be a photographer?

BP: My first job at age 16 was working in a portrait studio.

I realized that I loved posing and capturing the perfect look. I loved it so much, I seriously would dream of being a photographer and having my own business. I have been a photographer for 12 years.

L’CHAIM: What do you enjoy most about being a photographer?

BP: I love building relationships. I get to watch my clients grow from newborns and celebrate each birthday with them through graduation. Most of my clients return each year and we do birthday and family shoots during the holidays, becoming good friends.

I love event photography because I get to be an artist and photograph these gorgeous decorations, capturing candid images of people just enjoying the event. Event photography is so different from a family shoot because I am capturing the event from the way I see it. It’s very interesting because I usually have 2-3 assistants with me as events consists of anywhere from 500-5000 people. Each assistant gives me completely different photographs of the same thing, but all beautiful. This is where we can all be true artists and do what we love, which is to be creative, with no rules and capture what our own eyes see.

Most of the events are put by Pantherella events.

I have also had the opportunity to photograph some very inspirational speakers, events such as Laura Bush, Ben Carson, Taya Kyle and the talented recording artist Steven Tyler with the band Aerosmith.

L’CHAIM: Where did you study and who or what inspired you?

BP: I am a self-taught photographer. Everything I learned was with either by doing. My degree is in Psychology, from Long Beach State University with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Counseling, so studying people goes along well with photography.

L’CHAIM: How do you prepare clients and what do you ask them?

BP: I ask my clients what style shoot they are going for. We choose locations based from what they like. Sometimes they allow me to choose and I definitely have my favorite places to shoot. Lighting is key, so I always look for a place with that soft, golden, glowing light coming in. This creates a fairy tale look reflecting on the children and families. I also help with clothing by sending items I like and making recommendations.

Ultimately, clients choose which photos they would like to keep. I bring my own props and accessories and love to stylize a shoot.

L’CHAIM: In what ways are you different and what sets you apart from other photographers?

BP: What sets me apart is my passion. I am so excited after a shoot to get home and edit the images. I literally drive straight home and start on them right away! It’s just as exciting to me as my own children’s photos. I want all my clients to feel 100% happy and be thrilled with every shoot. I am so happy when I receive an email saying they are excited.

L’CHAIM: How do you manage difficult shoots?

BP: I have a lot of patience and you will never see a cranky child in my photos, because I capture them when they have those few seconds where they are smiling and happy. I make sure to “get the shot.”

TO CONNECT WITH BEKAH PEACE, EMAIL HER AT BEKAHPEACE@GMAIL.COM, CALL HER AT (760) 917-6113, OR VISIT HER ONLINE AT BEKAHPEACEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.

WWW.LCHAIMMAGAZINE.COM

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BY DEBORAH VIETOR l FEATURE STORY

mazel tov, chabad alef center! synagogue celebrates "bar mitzvah" with gala

R

ecently, I had the opportunity to attend a Shabbat celebration at Chabad Alef Center, where Rabbi Yair Yelin, his wife Chanie and their 6 children live. They purchased the home in San Marcos in 2015 which sits on about an acre of land with a Koi pond, chickens and a warm, inviting environment. The side of their home was transformed into a multipurpose room where classes and events are held regularly and everyone is welcome. In the Chabad household, everything feels balanced and peaceful.

There are no membership dues, however donations are welcome and students can attend programs and services for free. Rabbi Yelin shared that a main goal for Chabad in San Marcos is to start a formal center for Jewish life serving North San Diego, supported by donation and minimal fees.

“People come here to learn and connect, feeling when they leave that this day is more meaningful than the day before,” Yelin said of the atmosphere at the synagogue.

Myriad cultural and religious classes are offered at the Chabad Alef Center, including a Torah and Tea group for women once a week on Wednesdays. One-on-one classes with the Rabbi are held to discuss the torah portion

of the week, as are evening Torah classes.

A Sinai Scholar program with eight courses allows participants to engage in cultural celebrations and learn what it is like to live a Jewish life. Students come for these classes, held in the Rabbi’s home and participate in Shabbat dinner. Some topics include: What is a Jew? and Why is it important for me to be in a Jewish family?

To engage the next generation of Jewish leaders, Rabbi Yelin brought the national Chabad on Campus program to Cal State San Marcos and Palomar and Mira Costa Colleges. Last year, students met a Holocaust survivor, innovations and technology originating from Israel were presented and the center showcased the many contributions and innovations from Israel. Each year, Chabad Alef Center places a 6-foot menorah on campus for Chanukah and serves latkes to teach the college community about the traditions of Chanukah.

The approach of Chabad Alef Center is to bring a positive message about Israel and Judaism with love to program participants from all walks of life.

“We provide a home away from home for students and here we show how we run our family,” said Yelin.

This year, the center will celebrate it’s 13th in operation with a Bar Mitzvah Celebration Gala, to be held April 22 at the Lakehouse in San Marcos. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and include dinner, a silent auction and Rabbi Manis Freidman, a world-renowned speaker.

Additionally, the Gala will honor the Sherman family. Charles Sherman left a living legacy to Chabad Alef Center to impact future generations. According to Rabbi Yelin, “He supported us financially and emotionally, becoming a very good friend. He always showed a concern for others and for the Chabad House, leaving us a legacy [to uphold].”

Charles’ son, Jim Sherman, was one of the first people Rabbi Yelin and his wife Chanie met when they moved to San Marcos from New York and created Chabad Alef Center.

Jim will also speak during the evening, sharing his experience with Chabad Alef Center and how it has enriched his life, the life of his family, and the Jewish community.

THE CHABAD ALEF CENTER IS LOCATED AT 649 SANDY LANE, SAN MARCOS. VISIT ALEFCENTER.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION OR CONTACT RABBI OR CHANIE YELIN AT (760) 481-7503.

WWW.LCHAIMMAGAZINE.COM

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L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • MARCH 2018

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THINKING BIGGER TOGETHER

THE WOMEN OF JNF DEMONSTRATE POWER FOR THE JEWISH STATE The dream started simply enough. Over a decade ago, a few, active, female Jewish National Fund donors drove through Israel looking for a place where they could make a difference.

They traversed the country until they came to Israel’s south – to the Arava desert– where they met two young men who wanted to build a community and develop the land on an abandoned army base.

As Vivian Grossman, JNF-USA’s National Chair of Social Media, recalled, “They said, ‘I believe with Jewish National Fund’s help we can build a town that will thrive here,’ and today the lively artist community of Tzukim is a success. It’s amazing – and it’s due to the power of women who took the work on and raised money for it to happen.”

That initiative, one of the first projects taken on by JNF’s Women’s Campaign, which was established in 1999, has led to more and the Women’s Campaign has become a place for like-minded women philanthropists to come together to create innovative solutions for enhancing the lives of the people of Israel. March is celebrated as Women’s Month at Jewish National Fund, and the world commemorates the many achievements of women on March 8, with International Women’s Day. From March 8 to 31, all contributions made by women will be matched up to $900,000 by donor Theresa Lungwitz of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Making big things happen is what the Women’s Campaign is committed to doing. According to Jewish National Fund’s new national president, Dr. Sol Lizerbram, the women’s campaign alone raised nearly $10 million in his first 100 days in office. Beckie Fischer, of Hollywood, Florida, head of JNF’s Arava Task Force runs her own successful law firm and remains grateful to Jewish National Fund for being an organization that allows women’s voices to flourish in a safe atmosphere.

“JNF has always been good about giving leadership roles to women.

It has played to my strengths, utilized my skills and understands the challenges of a work/life balance,” she said. As for her work at JNF, she is amazed by the organization’s ability to gradually transform the Arava from a desolate desert to a blooming hub of life and innovation.

“I completely fell in love with the organization and the work we do.

JNF is on the ground in Israel changing lives for the better, probably more than any other organization in the country,” she said, citing her involvement in the establishment of the Danielle A. and Irving J. Grossman Arava Medical Center, a state-of-the-art medical facility in Sapir that recorded 10,800 general and 4,410 specialist visits last year.

Next door, the new Nancy Simches Emergency Response Center is

USA leaders in the Women’s Campaign (left to right): Samantha van Adelsberg, Marci Robinson, Alyse Golden Berkley, Myra Chack Fleischer and Nina Paul (Photo Courtesy: JNF-USA)

being built.

Stephanie Kelman, of Portland, Oregon, the National Chair of JNFuture (for donors ages 22 to 40), is an example of how the younger members are proving to be a driving force in the campaign and beyond.

“Our generation is very hands-on. They’re very active and want to do something – not just sit there writing checks. So JNFuture offers them the ability to work with their money and not just give it,” Kelman said describing the organization’s division of young ambitious professionals.

“Being part of the women’s campaign is phenomenal because we are doing so much more than any other campaign at Jewish National Fund. In fact, our Queen of Sheba trip this fall [November 8 to 14] will focus on Southern Israel and see what the power of women has developed in the Arava and Tzukim.”

According to Kelman, today, half of Jewish National Fund’s local board chairs are women and the future looks bright as women continue rising to the top of the organization’s leadership.

For more information about how you can get involved with JNF and Women for Israel, please contact James Kimmy at 858.824.9178 x988 or jkimmey@jnf.org.

This article originally appeared in the Jerusalem Post.

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L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • MARCH 2018