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JEWISH FEDERATION OF the desert 69-710 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 324-4737
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jewish federation BOARD OF DIRECTORS Celia Norian, Chairman of the Board Sondi Green, Co-chair, Campaign Libby Hoffman, Co-chair, Campaign Vernon Kozlen, Treasurer Bernard Reiter, Secretary Howard Levy, Immediate Past President Roberta Nyman, Immediate Past President
Board Joseph Bernstein William Chunowitz Elliott Cohen Nancy Ditlove Ellen Glass Phil Glass Marjorie Kulp Ron Langus
Chairman of the Board
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Allan Lehmann Allan Nyman Dr. Paul Ross Stephanie Ross Elisa Schwartz Sandy Seplow Andrew Teitel Lainie Weil
000Every month, I have a challenge: how to say our message in an innovative, compelling way that reaches more people, pulls more heart strings, excites more potential donors and compels those who have been our core supporters to want to do more. The reality is that the funds we raise continue to
be desperately needed by too many Jews here in our community, in Israel and in countries around the world (Russia, Argentina, and the Ukraine, to name just three); and the “non-crisis” monies we raise above the emergency needs go to Jewish organizations and projects that help our community to be a better, more meaningfully Jewish environment in which to live. As we begin 2015, our annual campaign is well under way. Last year we were able to distribute over $1.3 million to various agencies to take care of the vulnerable, feed the hungry and provide educational
opportunities. This is a significant amount of money, but the reality is that these funds were collected from a small percentage of the Jewish population living in our desert, and if every Jewish household here made even a small contribution to the annual campaign, we would be able to touch so many more lives. As I was working on this message, I read a quote from Kirk Douglas in the L.A. Times that goes directly to this issue. His words: “Help other people. My wife and I feel like you have to help, even if you don’t have enough yourself. That’s what being a human being means.”
Wollschlaeger is Featured Speaker for Yom HaShoah Observance April 19, 2015 The Jewish Community’s 28th annual Yom HaShoah/Holocaust Observance is Sunday, April 19, 2015 at the Galen Auditorium of the Annenberg Center at Eisenhower Medical Center, Rancho Mirage, with Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger as keynote speaker. Dr. Wollschlaeger, author of “Against All Odds Change is Possible,” has a fascinating message that he will share. From his childhood in Germany to his conversion to Judaism, immigration to
Bruce Landgarten, Chief Executive Officer
Table of Contents Vol. 40 • No. 6
Community Calendar 12, 13 Federation 2-5, 14, 24 Israel Mission 8 Legacy 16 Women’s Philanthropy 4 Jewish Family Service 15, 18 Schools 20 Simchas & Classifieds 22 Temples Listing 12 Tolerance Education Center 15 Tributes 14 2 • JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org
Israel and service in the Israel Defense Forces, his journey is one of devastating revelations and ultimate courage to confront the truth and create a new life. In addition to Yom HaShoah, a date chosen by Israel’s Knesset in 1951 to commemorate the Ghetto Uprising in
1943 (a week after Passover each year), a second Holocaust remembrance has taken place in our community the past six years. Coordinated by the Mensch Foundation, it is held on January 27th and commemorates the United Nations “International Holocaust Remembrance Day,” selected to memorialize the date that Soviet troops liberated Auschwitz in 1945.
Money is a Means, Not an End From the CEO Bruce Landgarten Jewish Federation Chief Executive Officer
000Even as we begin our 2015 Federation annual campaign in earnest, it is a mistake to think that Federations are all about the money. The money is simply a means and not an end. Collective responsibility is that while money is essential, communal
responsibility is foremost. Indeed, the prime goal is to build and sustain Jewish community and to facilitate and advocate for it. That is what we are about. My predecessors a hundred years ago understood that when philanthropists in major Jewish centers throughout the United States banded together to found one unified local charity to serve all the myriad of needs in those days, they developed the central theme of collective responsibility. Indeed, they created a successful organism that was flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances and critical needs whether immigrants
from Eastern Europe, refugees from Nazi ravaged Europe, or - more recently - disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. Fifty years ago Federations were the prime fundraisers in America. That’s clearly not true today and, as a result, the annual campaign has lost considerable ground in substance, size and prominence over the years. However, while generic umbrella fundraising is in decline both in the Jewish community and beyond, philanthropy overall is still increasing and the trends these days are more towards designated giving, directed giving and endowments. Similarly, the major potential for growth is
in corporate philanthropy through sponsorships, partnerships and grants. This is indeed a new direction that we in the Palm Springs and Desert Area will be exploring. It is critical that we work harder to widen the net and engage young Jews as well as building future leadership. We need to actively embrace Jewish newcomers who have moved to this special community. With such goals in mind, fundraising as a means to the community end becomes relatively easier. Building, sustaining, facilitating and advocating … That needs to be our future. That is what we are about.
JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 3
Women's Philanthropy March Education Day On Wednesday, March 4, Women’s Philanthropy is bringing Dr. Tal Becker to our community. Dr. Becker is an International Associate at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute where he has been central to the Institute’s “Engaging Israel Project” that seeks to deepen and enrich the Jewish people’s connection to Israel. He served as senior policy advisor to Israel’s minister of foreign affairs from 2006 to 2009 and was a lead negotiator during Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations.
In this capacity, he also played a vital role in managing Israel’s relations with the United States, EU, UN, and various Arab states.
Representing Israel in a wide variety of bilateral and multilateral negotiations, he has also served as director of the International Law Department at the Israeli Foreign Ministry, as counsel to Israel’s UN Mission in New York, and as an International Law expert in the Military Advocate General’s Corps of the Israel Defense Forces. In 2003, he was elected vice chairman of the UN General Assembly’s Legal Committee, the first Israeli to serve in a UN post of this stature in more than forty years. Mark your calendars now for this very special program.
Women’s Philanthropy Education Day program December 8, 2014 IDF Col. (ret.) Miri Eisin’s presentation on mid-east regional geo-politics and security related issues was an exceptionally instructive, informative and illuminating morning. Col. Eisin (second from right) is pictured with (left to right) Women’s Philanthropy Chair Lainie Weil, Campaign Chair Stephanie Ross and Education Chair Judy Cohn.
To apply for Emergency Funds from the
TZEDAKAH FUND call the Jewish Federation 760-324-4737 4 • JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org
JEWISH COMMUNITY NEWS A Publication of the Jewish Federation of the Desert VOL. 40, No. 6
EDITORIAL Bruce Landgarten, Chief Executive Officer Miriam H. Bent, Editor Bailey & Co., Layout & Design JCN STATEMENT The Jewish Community News seeks to provide news and feature material of special interest to its readership, and to create a heightened sense of Jewish identity through the dissemination of information about people, events and issues at home and abroad. The JCN seeks to serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions in the Jewish community. The JCN is published monthly, ten months a year by the Jewish Federation of the Desert, 69-710 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, 760-324-4737, fax 760-324-3154. Articles & Advertising, Miriam H. Bent, Editor 760-323-0255 e-mail-mhbentjcn@earthlink.net ADVERTISING The JCN does not endorse the goods or services advertised in its pages and makes no representation as to the kashrut of food products and services in such advertising. The publisher shall not be liable for damages if, for any reason whatsoever, it fails to publish an advertisement or for any error in an advertisement. Acceptance of advertisers and of advertising copy is subject to the publisher’s approval. The JCN is not responsible if ads violate applicable laws and the advertiser will indemnify, hold harmless and defend the JCN from all claims made by government agencies and consumers for any reason based on ads carried in the JCN.
SPECIAL FUNDS
This month we are highlighting five special Federation’s Funds. Best known is the Special Tzedakah Fund, established by Helene Berman Seidenfeld and Dennis Seidenfeld in September 2006. The fund was created specifically to be able to intervene at times of crisis facing Jewish full-time residents of the Coachella Valley. It was established with a substantial financial commitment by the Seidenfelds; and afterwards the Jewish Federation made the decision to credit all Tribute card donations to this fund as well. Barbara and Bernie Fromm Youth Enrichment Fund, established by Barbara and Bernie’s children in honor of their parents’ special birthdays last year.
A less known fund is the Jewish Federation Holocaust Memorial Fund. The funds are used to maintain the Holocaust Memorial located in the Palm Desert Civic Park. In addition to covering the cost of the (fortunately rare) graffiti/defacing of the Memorial, the fund pays for monthly maintenance of the site. Two of the funds were created to bring our community’s youth to Israel. The Kitsis Youth Experience Fund was created by philanthropist Louis Kitsis to help local youth with the transportation costs of visiting Israel and/or subsidizing the cost of participating on an Israel Mission.
OF PALM SPRINGS & DESERT AREA
The Stephen Platt Mission Fund was created by Steve Platt, for decades our community’s most committed and devoted liaison between the Jews of the Coachella Valley and the developing communities of Israel. He created his fund to subsidize teens participating in The March of the Living, a program that takes teens to first visit the remnants of concentration camps in Poland for Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and then flies them to Israel for Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day). Contributions may be made to any of these funds by calling the Jewish Federation of the Desert.
For more information and to participate in this mitzvah, contact the Jewish Federation of the Desert at 760-324-4737 or visit www.jfedps.org. JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 5
Number of Jews in Congress Continues to Decline
Senators
By Miriam H. Bent, JCN
Jewish representation in the U.S. Congress peaked in 2009, and has sharply declined in subsequent elections. In 2009, 14 Senators and 31 Representatives were elected, one more in each chamber as compared to 2007. In 2011, the number dropped to 12 Senators and 27 Representatives. In 2013 the numbers dropped by seven, with 10 Jewish Senators and 22 Jewish Representatives elected. With 114th Congress, beginning January 3, 2015, the numbers will have fallen by another five, with 8 Jews serving in the Senate and 19 Jews in the House. There were a variety of reasons behind the changes in the makeup of the 113th Congress as compared to the upcoming 114th Congress. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) died in June 2013, while serving his fifth term as Senator representing New Jersey. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) retired after serving six terms as Senator from Michigan. Republicans lost their only Jewish member of either chamber when Virginia Representative Eric Cantor (R-VA) was defeated in his primary and promptly quit. Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) retired after 30 years in the House. Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) did not run for reelection, opting
Sen. Richard Sen. Barbara Blumenthal (D-CN) Boxer (D-CA)
Sen. Al Franken Sen. Bernie Sen. Ben Cardin Sen. Diane (D-MD) Feinstein (D-CA) (D-MN) Sanders (I-VT)
Sen. Charles Sen. Ron Wyden Schumer (D-NY) (D-OR)
Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL)
Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY)
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA)
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA)
Representatives
Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI)
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN)
Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA)
Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI)
Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA)
Rep. Nita Lowey Rep. Jerrold (D-NY) Nadler (D-NY)
to seek the Democratic nomination for Governor of Pennsylvania, but was defeated in the primary. The only Jewish Congressman defeated by his Republican opponent in the 2014 midterm elections was Brad Schneider (D-IL). The one new Jewish Congressman elected was 34-year old Iraq war vet Lee Zeldin (R-NY), a Republican
Rep. Ted Deutch Rep. Eliot Engel (D-FL) (D-NY)
Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO)
State Senator from Long Island, New York. He raised money among Jews across the country in support of his declared goal of “wearing Eric Cantor's kippah” and will be the sole Jewish Republican in Congress. Zeldin ousted six-term Representative Tim Bishop by a 10-point margin for Long Island’s First District.
Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL)
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL))
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)
Rep. John Rep. Lee Zeldin Yarmuth (D-KY) (R-NY)
Representing Buyers and Sellers throughout the desert for more than 27 years When you think of real estate, "Just Ring a Bell"
760.902.9206 rng.bell@aol.com/www.beverlybell.com 6 • JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org
Israel Discovers Major Gas Field By Rachel Avraham, Arutz Sheva
A new natural gas source called Royee was discovered 90 miles off Israel’s shores that possess at least 3.2 trillion cubic feet of gas. According to a report in the Jewish Business News, the oil field is the fourth largest in the Mediterranean region and the drilling will begin in December 2015. According to the Business Insider,
Israel discovered two other oil fields as well in 2009 and 2010 that are capable of providing 33 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves. The report claims that these three oil fields are capable of providing Israel with all of its natural gas needs for the next century, thus dramatically changing a situation where Israel used to need to rely completely upon the importation of coal and other energy sources. It also opens up the opportunity that Israel can be a natural gas supplier for Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority. “At the national level, the news means a lot,” commented Eyal Shuker, CEO of Israel Opportunity. “We have learned that the Levantine basin holds reservoirs at other depths and I hope the next government will exploit the opportunity by encouraging entrepreneurs to continue the
exploring and developing. Our strategy of diversification of assets and risks has proven itself.” Arutz Sheva reported that the license of the Royee oil field is possessed mostly by Israel. Israel’s Ratio 0il possesses 70%, Israel Opportunity has 10%, and the Italian company Edison only has 20%. This latest discovery around the holiday season gives a whole new meaning to the term “Chanukah gelt,” as it represents a gigantic Chanukah present for the State of Israel.
JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 7
Holocaust Survivor Reunited with Childhood Friend who Saved Her from Nazis By Gabrielle Fonrouge and Natalie O'Neill < New York Post
A Holocaust survivor was reunited on November 27th with a childhood friend who brought her food to keep her alive while she hid from the Nazis more than 70 years ago. Mira Wexler, 78, hugged and kissed Helena Weglowski, 85, at the heartwarming meeting at JFK Airport. It was the first time the women had seen each other since Weglowski’s family hid Wexler on their farm to escape German soldiers in 1942. “I’m extremely happy to see Mira again. I remember the time before the war when we would play together. The war destroyed everything — but now we can be together again and I’m extremely overwhelmed,”
Helena Weglowski, left, and Mira Wexler at the The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous.
said Weglowski of Ilawa, Poland. Wexler, who now lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, called it a miracle. “It was very touching for me to be here and see Helena again. It’s something I couldn’t imagine until now — and
it’s happening,” she said. “Helena’s family always risked their life because sometimes the soldiers came from parachutes and they didn’t see them coming,” she added. Weglowski’s family helped Wexler’s family escape to their mill farm in Stara Huta, Poland — but when it became too dangerous for Wexler and her mother to stay on the farm, they hid in a forest near the mill. Weglowski who was just a child then, brought them food. “I’d hide myself and my mother in the woods and in the nights, when we could, we’d always go to Helena’s home to have coats and food,” Wexler said. “They always hid us because it was very hard to stay in the woods
without any food in the cold time so Helena’s family always welcomed us in,” she said. Wexler’s father, Jacob, had been killed by Germans, so Mira’s mother, Chana, led the family’s escape. The two families had been friends for years before the war. The reunion was organized by The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous, a charity that recognizes gentiles who risked their lives to help Jews and provides them financial support. “I continue to be amazed by the heroism of the thousands of Christian rescuers who risked their lives to save Jews from certain death,” said JFR Executive Vice President Stanlee Stahl.
Report: Hamas Has Started Repairing Terror Tunnels bYShay Belalo, Jerusalem Online
Four months have passed since the cease-fire went into effect and Hamas has already begun preparing for the next confrontation with Israel. According to Palestinians sources, the organization is focused on repairing the attack tunnels that were destroyed by the IDF during Operation Protective Edge. According to the report, some of the cement and other building material that were brought for the purpose of rehabilitate Gaza Strip have been recently sidetracked by Hamas for reconstruct the terror tunnels. However, certain amount of the building material does reach their intended destination for the rebuilding of Gaza Strip. In addition, other reports recently confirmed that Hamas has been conducting tests, lobbing dozens of rockets into the Mediterranean Sea in attempt to reestablish the rocket system that was also damaged during the operation. At the same time, Hamas continues producing longrange rockets and smuggling weapons through dozens of smuggling tunnels along the Philadelphi route. 8 • JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org
International Terrorism Claimed Over 5,000 Victims in the Last Month and a Half In 14 countries, No Less Than 650 Brutal Terrorist Attacks Occurred since Beginning of November* Rachel Avraham, Jerusalem on Line
Boko Haram, Islamic State, Al Shabab, the Taliban, the Muslim Brotherhood, Al Qaeda, Jamaa Al Islamiyya, and other Islamist terror organizations all have one thing in common----they are attempting to terrorize the world. The BBC gathered data on Islamist terrorist organizations since last November. They calculated that 5,014 people had fallen victim to Islamist terror in over 650 terrorist attacks that occurred within 14 different countries. The most murderous Islamist terror organization is Islamic State. They are followed by Boko Haram, the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and Al Shabab. This list did not even include Palestinian terrorist attacks committed by Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other terror groups within Israel and around the globe.
Terror attack in Pakistan in late December
The most dangerous country in the world is Iraq, followed by Nigeria, Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen. In Iraq, every month 1,700 people are murdered in the religious wars of Islamic State. In Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Syria, 500,000 people within a month have been killed in terror attacks, battles, or violent raids. The vast majority of those slaughtered were civilians. In December, the terror threat also
hit distant Australia, when an Islamist terrorist held hostages inside a Sydney café for 16 hours. Other western cities also fear the Islamist terror threat, but most of the victims of jihadist terror groups, like the 132 students who were slaughtered in a school in Peshawar, Pakistan were Muslim. *Data received hours before the Jewish Community News went to press December 21, 2014
JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 9
After Thousands of Years of Stitching, Israelis Invent New Wound-Closure Method By Dyana So, NoCamels
When it comes to treating large, open wounds, not much has changed in the past five thousand years. Just as the ancient Egyptians used needles and thread to patch up their wounded, doctors employ the same stitching ‘technology’ today to prevent infection and facilitate healing. Nonetheless, when a wound is too big, too complex, or when the patient is subject to a higher mortality rate, the average suture procedure just doesn’t do it. While treating numerous casualties in his capacity as chief of plastic surgery at Israel’s Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera, Dr. Moris Topaz realized that sutures could not effectively seal cuts and fasten the skin together for proper healing. According to him, in the majority of cases, surgery was the only viable solution to treat and close complex wounds, which led Dr. Topaz to develop a unique method
to secure wound closure, called TopClosure. An invaluable medical tool already being applied in Israeli hospitals, TopClosure works by first stretching out the skin around the wound to avoid the need for skin grafts, and second by ensuring that the wound scars in an aesthetic and healthy fashion. According to Dr. Topaz, it’s time to bid farewell to skin grafts, surgery and stitches for complex wounds, and to welcome a new method that he hopes will soon become the standard in severe wound treatment. The TopClosure tension-reduction
system consists of two main parts: fastening cables and attachable clasps. The cables come in a variety of lengths to accommodate the size of the wound, and each clasp contains an adhesive bottom to mount onto the skin, as well as hole for staples if additional support is needed. The two clasps are placed facing each other on opposing sides of an open wound, much like two supporting ends of a bridge. A cable is strung through the clasps, drawing the skin tissues together until they eventually close. Stitches are then applied over this temporarily facilitated enclosure as the final seal. Made with a special polymer that’s been tested to be durable and supportive for suture, TopClosure is specifically designed to collapse just before too much tension starts tearing skin tissues, as stitching big wounds may do. Taking into account the biomechanical properties of the skin, TopClosure’s system claims to take advantage of the elastic properties of the skin to optimize wound closure, be it naturally or with surgery. According to Dr. Topaz, “[TopClosure] places
one-hundred thousand times less tension on the skin than a suture,” he continues, “If I do it with suture, it would be very painful pulling for the patient.” TopClosure’s unique method is likely to improve the current suture practice significantly. The method can be used before surgery to prepare the skin incisions, during surgery to relieve tension on the skin, and after surgery as additional fastening support along with stitches, to speed up the healing process as a whole. A kind of modern tourniquet, TopClosure can and already is being used in field hospitals to temporarily treat soldier’s combat wounds and prevent immediate infection as they await proper medical care. “The most important thing about TopClosure is its simplicity,” Dr. Topaz said. “Doctors commonly say, ‘Why didn’t we think of this earlier?’ My wish is that it would be exposed to every doctor and every patient as an emerging technology that can be applied anywhere in the world without sophisticated plastic surgery procedures.”
Holocaust Film ‘Ida’ Makes Oscars Shortlist
Polish movie traces evolution of young woman about to take her vows in a convent before realizing she is Jewish The Times of Israel
The Israeli entry is out, but a Polish Holocaust-related film is still in the running, as movies from nine countries were shortlisted Friday in the Oscars race for best foreign-language film. “Gett: The Trial of Vivian Amsalem,” Israel’s entry, did not make the cut. The film depicts the five-year legal struggle of an Orthodox wife to obtain a divorce from her reluctant husband. However, “Ida,” an early favorite, made the shortlist. The sparse but powerful Polish movie traces the evolution of a young novitiate in a Catholic convent, who, about to take her vows, learns that she is the 10 • JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org
daughter of Jewish parents killed during the Holocaust. Among other strong contenders are Russia’s “Leviathan,” in which a simple worker battles a corrupt city hall, and Sweden’s “Force Majeure,” depicting a family facing down an avalanche while on a ski vacation.
While such traditional cinematic powerhouses as France, Italy and Germany failed to qualify, outsiders Mauritania (“Timbuktu), Estonia (“Tangerines”) and Georgia (“Corn Island”) made the shortlist. Rounding out the list of nine are Argentina (“Wild Tales”), Holland (“Accused”) and Venezuela (“The Liberator”). The slate of nine nominees will be winnowed down to five finalists when the 87th Academy Award nominations are announced on January 15. The Oscars will be held February 22 in Hollywood.
Online Gift Stores Fight Boycott of Israel
Give Supporters a Practical Way to Challenge the BDS Campaign JerusalemOnline
With the continued growth of online shopping, Israeli online gift stores are spending more and promoting their products abroad in an effort to encourage Jews and non-Jews around the world to support Israel’s economy – and challenge the BDS campaign against Israel. They are marking their products with “Made in Israel” in a clear sign for buyers to know of the Israeli designers. While much of the cheaper products are manufactured in China, many of the fine arts and crafts are produced in Israel. The BDS boycott, divesture and sanctions campaign waged against Israel has steadily advanced around the world. However, in the past 3 years, Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics reports there has been an increase in exports each year between 3-6%. This is good news for the online stores which are targeting new markets. The focus of these Israeli web stores has been moving to markets beyond the Jewish community including the Christian supporters, and countries in Latin America and Asia which have strong economies. For these, the emphasis tends to be more with products from the Holy land, but not necessarily religious items. Many Jewish and Christian organizations and individuals are vocally advocating for Israel, but most still shop in their local communities (where much is imported from Asia) or online for the best price.
The online stores are suggesting that the priority should be “buying blue and white”. One such company, www. IsraelGiftStore.com carries only products that are designed and manufactured in Israel, including the packaging. It brands its products as higher quality with lower margins and quick service to encourage the online shopping experience. “We started the Israel Gift Store after seeing the force of the BDS campaign and the growing divestures of companies doing business with Israel. We felt we needed to take a proactive stance to show the amazing creativity, diversity and culture of our country. We do this through beautiful products, and through our promotions,” said Tali Omer, founder of the Israel Gift Store. “It’s a whole new ballgame with the social media promotions, and not any less expensive than operating a physical store. But the rewards for promoting Israel abroad are so much greater,” Tali explains. The international reach of the online stores has the added advantage of fewer peaks and valleys in sales. Holidays and special events in other countries and cultures occur regularly, to create a more even ordering for manufacturers. With the statistics proving positive, the advantages of the online gift stores work both for the economy, the producers and the consumers.
JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 11
Shabbat and Weekday Service Information Check the websites or call for times of services.
BETH SHALOM
(Member, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism) Ken Hailpern, Spiritual Leader 79-733 Country Club Drive, Bermuda Dunes, CA 92203 bethshalom18.wordpress.com 760-200-3636 8:00 pm Friday/9:30 am Saturday Shabbat Services. Friday, January 30: 6:30 pm Tu B’Shevat Seder and dinner. $25 members; $20 non-members. Pre-paid reservations required. Call 760-200-3636. 8:30 am Monday & Thursday Morning Minyan, followed by light breakfast.
CENTRO CULTURAL HEBREO DE MEXICALI
(Conservative) Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico Contact: Ron Cohen www.judiosdemexicali.com 760-960-3392 US (686) 216-7152 Mexico
CHABAD OF PALM SPRINGS & DESERT COMMUNITIES
Rabbi Yonason Denebeim 425 Ortega, Palm Springs, CA 92264 www.chabadpalmsprings.com 760-325-0774
Shabbat services Friday/Saturday; daily morning and evening minyan.
CHABAD OF PALM DESERT A project of Chabad of Palm Springs & Desert Communities Rabbi Mendy Friedman www.chabadpd.com 760-969-2153 / 760-969-2158
CHABAD OF RANCHO MIRAGE
A project of Chabad of Palm Springs & Desert Communities Rabbi Shimon Posner 72295 Via Marta, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 www.chabadrm.com, 760-770-7785 Shabbat services Friday/10:00 am Saturday; daily morning and evening minyan. Check website for service times.
CONGREGATION HAR-EL
(Member, Union for Reform Judaism) Rabbi Richard Zionts 47-535 Hwy 74, Palm Desert, CA 92260 harelurj@aol.com 760-779-1691 5:00 pm Friday evening Shabbat Service, followed by speaker or discussion. Friday, January 16 4:00 pm Memorial Service for Dr. Kurt Wegner, followed by Shabbat Services at 5:00 pm.
Friday, January 23 5:00 pm Shabbat service followed by panel discussion on the Jewish-related films of the 2015 Palm Springs International Film Festival, with “international tasting” reception following. See “The Sage” on next page. Reservations required. Call 760-779-1691.
CONGREGATION SHALOM BAYIT (Reform) Rabbi Ken Milhander 1320 Williams Street, Banning Contact 951-769-3678/769-7514 Shabbat Service 3rd Friday/ Havdallah 1st Saturday evening.
DESERT HOT SPRINGS
Monthly Friday Shabbat Service with Rabbi Faith Tessler September through May. Contact 760-324-4737 for more information.
TEMPLE HAR SHALOM OF IDYLLWILD
Monthly services with Rabbi in Training, Julian King, Caine Learning Center, 54385 Pinecrest, Idyllwild. rabbijuleskingharshalom@gmail. com www.templeharshalomidy.com January service: Friday, January 9th – 6:00 pm
TEMPLE ISAIAH (Conservative) Rabbi Sally Olins 332 West Alejo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 www.templeisaiahps.com, 760-325-2281 7:30 pm Friday/10:00 am Saturday Shabbat Services; morning minyan Mondays & Thursdays - 8:30 am. Friday, January 2 5:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service Friday, January 30 Tu B’Shevat Seder follows Shabbat Services.
TEMPLE SINAI
(Reform) Rabbi Andrew Bentley 73-251 Hovley Lane West, Palm Desert www.templesinaipd.org, 760-568-9699 7:30 pm Friday/10 am Saturday Shabbat Services Friday, January 23 6:00 pm BBQ Shabbat Dinner; 7:30 pm services. Call 568-9699 for reservations. January 30: Bat Mitzvah of Olivia Marx
BIKUR CHOLIM
A project of Chabad of Palm Springs & Desert Communities (Community Outreach) Rabbi Yankel Kreiman www.BikurCholimPS.com 760-325-8076
January Community Calendar Monday, January 5, 12, 19, 26 7:00 pm Chabad of Rancho Mirage Men’s Torah Class with Rabbi Benny Lew. For more information call 760-636-2897 or email rabbibenny@chabadrm.com. Tuesdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27 10:00 am Temple Sinai Yiddish Club Tuesday, January 6, 13, 20, 27 1:00 pm Temple Sinai Adult Education “The Wisdom of the Talmud” led by Rabbi Andrew Bentley. Course: January – June. $36 members/$72
non-members. Drop in fee for individual session $5 members/$7 non-members. Call 760-568-9699. Tuesdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27 5:00-7:00 pm Chabad Rancho Mirage’s weekly BBQ. Reservations not required, but helpful: 760-770-7785. Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 10:00 am and 1:30 pm Tolerance Education Center free movies. See page 15 for January movie schedule.
12 • JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org
Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 10:30-11:30 am and 6:30-7:30 pm Chabad of Rancho Mirage Torah and Tea. A weekly journey into the soul of Torah. Call 760-770-7785. Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 12 Noon Temple Sinai Lunch and Limud. Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 1:30 pm Temple Sinai Bereavement Group.
Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 3:30-5:00 pm Jewish Family Service Jewish Bereavement Group. Meets weekly at the JFS Palm Springs Office, 801 East Tahquitz Canyon. Free to local community and reservations not required. Wednesday, January 7, 14, 21, 28 4:00 pm Temple Isaiah Adult Education Class “Ecclesiastes” led by Rabbi Sally Olins. Call 760844-7302 for more information.
January Community Calendar Continued Wednesday, January 7 & 14 4:00-5:30 pm Har-El Galen Trimester Course Presenter: Rabbi Mel Silverman “Jerusalem Tales,” based on his most recent book. Fee. See classified ad, page 22 for registration information. Wednesday, January 7, 14, 21, 28 5:30 pm Temple Isaiah Beginning Hebrew. Instructor: Rabbi Sally Olins. Call 760-844-7302 for more information. Thursday, January 8, 15, 22, 29 1:00 pm Temple Sinai Adult Education: “Kabbalah” led by Rabbi Andrew Bentley. Course: January – June. $36 members/$72 non-members. Drop in fee for individual session $5 members/$7 non-members. Call 760-568-9699. Thursday, January 8 5:30 pm Temple Sinai Brotherhood Dinner and Movie: “The Reader.” Dinner $15; movie and popcorn only $5. RSVP to 760-568-9699. Tuesday, January 13 10:00 am Rimona, Sun City & Tamar Hadassah Continental Breakfast meeting. Program: Barbara Isenberg, author of “Tradition, the Highly Improbably, Ultimately Triumphant Broadway to Hollwood story of Fiddler on the Roof.” Pre-paid reservations required by January 5th. Couvert $7.
Wednesday, January 14 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Jewish National Fund complimentary luncheon seminar “How to Live Forever, Help Israel, and Make Money at the Same Time,” with JNF Chief Planned Giving Officer Matthew Bernstein, Reesa Manning and Michael Harris, Jr.. RSVP to Nancy Rodgers, 760-864-6208, ext. 961 or email nrodgers@jnf.org by January 5. See ad page 7. Saturday, January 17 5:30-9:30 pm Temple Sinai Brotherhood: “Salute to Woodstock.” $55 per person includes life concert with “Live Woodstock Tribute Band,” dancing, small plate dinner and hosted wine and beer bar. Costume contest for best Woodstock-style outfit. Silent Auction. Reservations required. Call 760-568-9699 for more information. Sunday, January 18 12:30 pm Beth Shalom Barbecue, Movie and Discussion: “Joachim Prinz: I Shall Not Be Silent.” $18 members; $22 non-members. Call 760-200-3636 for information and reservations. Monday, January 19 10:30-11:45 am Har-El Galen Monthly Book Course. “The
Invisible City” by Julia Dahl, reviewed by Bob Schneeweiss. Registration required. Call 760-779-1691 or email harelurj@gmail.com. Tuesday, January 20 11:00 am Temple Sinai Sisterhood Book Club Wednesday, January 21, 28 10:30-11:30 am Har-El Galen Trimester Course Presenter: Prof. Penny Rivin: “The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement and the De-Zionization of Europe – The Threat to Israel and to Us as American Jews.” Fee. See classified ad, page 22 for registration information. Wednesday, January 21 4:00 pm Mensch International Foundation program: Lecture by Michael J. Bazyler, co-author of “Forgotten Trials of the Holocaust.” No fee. At Tolerance Education Center. Seating limited. RSVP to 760-328-8252. See ad page 11. Thursday, January 22 5:00-7:00 pm OneFamily event. See ad page 7. Sunday, January 25 9:30 am Har-El ninth annual Women’s Retreat. Private home.
Reservations required. Call 760-779-1691 or email harelurj@gmail.com. Tuesday, January 27 11:00 am Temple Sinai Sisterhood hosts All Valley Women’s Luncheon. Program: “Costume Jewelry: The Freedom of Luxury. Chanel’s Nonchalance Deluxe and Schiaparelli’s Surrealism” with vintage jewelry expert Carlos King. Couvert: $25. Pre-paid reservations must be received by January 19. See ad page 6. Tuesday, January 27 1:00 pm Mensch International Foundation 6th annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day Observance. Palm Desert Civic Center Park amphitheater. See ad page 11. Thursday, January 29 4:00 pm Tolerance Education Center program: Ken Green, “I Believe in Music.” $20. Space limited. RSVP to 760-328-8252. See TEC column page 15 for more information.
OF THE DESERT
Thursday, January 29 Jewish Federation Major Gifts Dinner. See page 3 for details.
JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 13
Tribute Card Donations Sending tributes and memorials is a meaningful way to honor loved ones.
Honorarium Tributes –
In Appreciation For:
All contributions received by the Jewish Federation for Tribute Cards are placed in our special Tzedakah Fund, which provides direct monetary intervention for needy Jews living in the Coachella Valley.
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Marilyn Malkin and Larry Wolf, Thank you from Jane and Larry Sherman.
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Joni and Don Maltzman, Thank you from Muriel and Irv Becker, Susie and Joel Cohen, Cass and Adrian Graff-Radford, Sanford and Rosemary Hertz, Margie and Stephen Kulp, Gloria and Michael Scoby.
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Bob and Alice Abt, So happy to celebrate with you, from Toni and Bobby Garmissa, Cass and Adrian Graff-Radford, Ruth and Mal Kaufman and Margie and Stephen Kulp.
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Audrey and Joe Bernstein, Thank you from Muriel and Irv Becker, Susie and Joel Cohen, Cass and Adrian Graff-Radford, Sanford and Rosemary Hertz, Margie and Stephen Kulp, Gloria and Michael Scoby.
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Joni and Don Maltzman, In your honor, from Phyllis Eisenberg.
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Stephen and Elana Polacheck, Thank you from George Green and Myrna Odwak.
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Tammy and Carl Birnberg, Thank you and Happy Chanukah from Al Bloch and Fefe Passer.
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Joanne and Bill Chunowitz, Thank you from Muriel and Irv Becker, Susie and Joel Cohen, Cass and Adrian Graff-Radford, Sanford and Rosemary Hertz, Margie and Stephen Kulp, Gloria and Michael Scoby.
Gail and Bob Scadron, Thank you from Muriel and Irv Becker, Susie and Joel Cohen, Cass and Adrian Graff-Radford, Sanford and Rosemary Hertz, Margie and Stephen Kulp, Gloria and Michael Scoby.
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Barbara Federman, Happy 70th from Susan and Bob Rosser.
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Sherry Fishman, A very happy special birthday from George Green and Myrna Odwak, Libby and Buddy Hoffman, Iris and Jerry Pollan, Gail and Bob Scadron, Susan and Burt Sunkin.
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Debra and Mickey Star, Thank you from Muriel and Irv Becker, Susie and Joel Cohen, Cass and Adrian Graff-Radford, Sanford and Rosemary Hertz, Margie and Stephen Kulp, Gloria and Michael Scoby.
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Micki and Jack Goldner, Thank you from George Green and Myrna Odwak.
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Joyce Freund, Continued recovery wishes from Barbara Platt.
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Alan Goldstein and Mary Levine, Mazel tov on the birth of your first grandchild, from Rabbi Yankel and Rochel Kreiman.
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Judy Hecktman, Wishing you a speedy recovery, from Judith and Elliott Cohen.
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Vernon Kozlen, Happy Birthday from David Suss and Sue Rappaport.
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Shelly Goldman, Wishing you a speedy recovery, from Sanford and Rosemary Hertz.
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Rhoda Samuels, Get well wishes from George Green and Myrna Odwak.
The Jewish Federation of the Desert is being honored as “Angels of the Year” by Angel View, at their 2015 Annual Luncheon on February 16, with Tamarisk Country Club receiving Angel View’s ”Special Donor Appreciation Award.” Pictured is Jewish Federation CEO Bruce Landgarten with one of Angel View’s residents. The full article on the event will be in the February issue of the JCN. 14 • JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org
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Bruce Cohen and Family, In memory of your beloved wife and mother, Inez, from Ruth and Mal Kaufman.
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Barbara Feldman and Family, In memory of Lenny, from Toni and Bobby Garmisa, Ruth and Mal Kaufman.
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Sandy Goldman, In memory of your beloved husband Al, from Ellen Bakst, George Green and Myrna Odwak, Ruth and Mal Kaufman, and Barbara Schrayer.
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Mr. and Mrs. Lee Greenberg, In memory of your dear brother Dick, from Gail and Bob Scadron.
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Faye Sarkowsky, In memory of your beloved husband Herman, from Barbara and Bernie Fromm, Donna and Jim Levitas.
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Phyllis Schwartz and Family, In memory of your beloved husband and father, Perry, from Ellen and Phil Glass, Marnie Miller and Joe Noren.
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Joan Sharfstein and Family, In memory of your beloved husband Richard, from Judy and Bob Appelbaum, Muriel and Irv Becker, Sandra and Bob Borns, Bonnie Carmell, Bruce and Inez Cohen, Judith and Elliott Cohen, Mary and Dick Freeman, Barbara Fremont, Ellen and Phil Glass, Muriel and Ron Goldberg, George Green and Myrna Odwak, Sanford and Rosemary Hertz, Libby and Buddy Hoffman, Ike and Grace Hong, Lily Kanter, Nora Kaufman, Ruth and Mal Kaufman, Susan and Fred Mardell, Iris and Jerry Pollan, Gail and Bob Scadron, Phyllis and Gary Schahet, Linda and Jay Schiff, Robert I. Schwartz, Jill and Allan Steinberg.
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Devorah and Ron Weinstein, In memory of your beloved daughter from Jim and Donna Levitas, Phyllis and Gary Schahet.
Get Well Wishes To:
Joel and Sherry Fishman, Thank you from Judith and Elliott Cohen.
Jean and Dick Leavitt, Thank you and Happy Chanukah from Al Bloch and Fefe Passer.
Condolences Sent To:
Refuah Shleimah –
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Memoriam Tributes –
Jewish Family Service of the Desert “Count on us… for life”
801 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 202 Palm Springs, CA 92262 73750 Catalina Way, Ste. A, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 325-4088 • www.jfsdesert.org
We show free movies on Wednesdays at 10 am and 1:30 pm
Exciting Upcoming Event:
January 7: INHERIT THE WIND (1960) 127 minutes. NR Film on the 1925 Scopes Trial (Evolution vs. Creationism)
Michael Childers Presents “One Night Only” April 22, 2015 – McCallum Theatre
January 14: DARE NOT WALK ALONE (2007) 78 minutes. NR Film on 1964 event in St. Augustine, FL, weeks before enactment of the Civil Rights Act, when a motel owner poured hydrochloric acid into a “whites only” pool where blacks had dove in, in full view of newsreel cameras. Filmmaker returns four decades later to examine the past and the city today.
Contact JFS at 760-325-4088 for more information
January 21: NICKY’S FAMILY (2011) 96 minutes. NR The story of Nicholas Winton, an Englishman who organized the rescue of 669 Jewish Czech and Slovak children just before the outbreak of WWII.
PROGRAMS & SERVICES For further information about these services and others, please call the JFS office, 760-325-4088.
January 28: THE PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO (1985) 84 minutes. PG Woody Allen movie where boundaries between the real and unreal are blurred. Set in the 1930’s, starring Mia Farrow. Wednesday, January 21 – 4:00 pm Mensch International Foundation presents a free lecture by Michael J. Bazyler, co-author of “Forgotten Trials of the Holocaust.” No fee.
COUNSELING & FAMILY SUPPORT: Experienced therapists help individuals, couples, and families address life's challenges.
DESERT HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL
SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM: JFS counselors serve elementary school children in Palm Springs Unified School District with on-site counseling and now with a new 5th grade curriculum to teach drug refusal and interpersonal skills to prepare them for success in middle school. SOLUTIONS FOR SENIORS: Serves older adults to maintain independence and help them enjoy a higher quality of life. BEREAVEMENT GROUP: Free to the local community. This group meets every Wednesday at the JFS Palm Springs office, 3.30-5.00 p.m. FRIENDLYVISITORS: JFS volunteers visit home bound seniors to provide companionship and support. For more information please call 760-779-9400 Ext. 204. SHABBAT- IN- A- BAG: JFS volunteers provide companionship and celebration during the Shabbat observance to home bound seniors. For more information please call 760-7799400 Ext. 204. CAFÉ EUROPA GROUP: Social programming for holocaust survivors. Transportation available, for dates, times & more information please call 760-779-9400 Ext. 204.
The Desert Holocaust Memorial is located in the Palm Desert Civic Center Park at San Pablo Avenue & Fred Waring Drive. Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit this moving memorial, a place of remembrance and monument of hope.
LET’S DO LUNCH! PROGRAM: Bimonthly activity program for homebound or isolated seniors. Participants take part in social activities; transportation and lunch are provided. Some restrictions apply. Please call Lisa Schmid for further information and to register 760-779-9400 Ext. 205.
JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 15
Using Parasites to Fight Autoimmune Diseases By Ruthie Blum, Israel 21c
It is common to make fun of men for acting like “big babies” when they’re even mildly sick. According to Dr. Yehuda Shoenfeld, who heads the Shlomo and Pola Zabludowicz Center of Autoimmune Diseases in the Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, there is a physiological basis for this behavior. Indeed, says the world-renowned Israeli autoimmunologist, “Women are literally the stronger gender, with a better immune system. Not only do they outlive men, but when a woman has a cold, she goes about her business, and when a man has one, he takes to his bed and cries for a cup of tea.” But this stronger immune system is also why, explains Shoenfeld, “with a few exceptions, autoimmune diseases attack women more than men, and usually at childbearing ages.” There are 80 such diseases, afflicting an estimated 20 percent of the population.
the patient suffers from multiple sclerosis; if it attacks the intestine, it is Crohn’s disease. When it attacks many different organs and tissues, it is considered ‘systemic.’ Lupus is an example of a systemic autoimmune disease.” The innovation of the Zabludowicz Center is its holistic approach to researching, diagnosing, treating Dr. Yehuda Shoenfeld and finding cures for autoimmune Among these are the ones most people diseases. It has brought together have heard of — rheumatoid arthritis, experts in every field of medicine multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, (such as internists, immunologists, Crohn’s disease and lupus. All are neurologists and gynecologists) characterized by an immune system to tackle what Shoenfeld and his colleagues call the “mosaic” of gone amok. “Instead of doing its work to autoimmune diseases, which are prevent outside invaders, such as always debilitating and sometimes bacteria and viruses, from attacking fatal. “Until recently, most of these diseases our body, it turns inward and becomes the attacker,” says Shoenfeld, likening were diagnosed and treated by the the process to “friendly fire” in the individual organ specialists,” says Shoenfeld. “Over the last decade, we military. “If it attacks the brain, for instance, found that the causes of autoimmune diseases are the same, and that they genetics, hormones and CREATING include environmental factors such as the sun, a J e w i s h l e g a c y pesticides and smoking.” e m p owe r s yo u t o Through the work of more support the Jewish than 25 physicians and a research causes you care about. Because all of laboratory, the center has made us, regardless of age, strides beyond the first revolution in wealth, or affiliation, the treatment of autoimmune diseases have the ability to — using biological drugs known as secure our people’s corticosteroids (such as prednisone) traditions, promote and immuno-suppressants. Shoenfeld Jewish values, and describes both as “miraculous,” yet create a strong future they cause multiple serious side for generations to come. effects and are very expensive. Shoenfeld and his team studied To learn more about regions of the world where there Legacy Giving, contact is a low incidence of autoimmune Bruce Landgarten, disease, and came up with the idea Jewish Federation of “harnessing nature” in the form Chief Executive Off icer, of helminth intestinal parasites – at 760-324-4737. something that modern hygiene has largely eliminated. OF PALM SPRINGS & DESERT AREA
69-710 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760-324-4737
The Strength of a People. The Power of Community. 16 • JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org
Helpful Parasites In order to survive and thrive, helminths secret substances that suppress the host’s immune system. “Wherever helminths thrive,
autoimmune diseases are virtually non-existent,” Shoenfeld says. “We know from epidemiological studies that there is a connection between increased hygiene and increased autoimmune diseases and allergies.” He relates that the Italian island of Sardinia was rife with malaria yet absent of autoimmune disease – until 1946, when the area was sprayed with DDT. Malaria was indeed curbed as a result, but the island’s population developed the highest incidence of multiple sclerosis in the world. Hygiene theorists tried using helminths to treat autoimmune disease, having their subjects ingest the long parasites like spaghetti. The experiments were successful but “a bit disgusting,” says Shoenfeld. “So the next trial was to ingest helminth eggs — which are so tiny that they can’t be seen by the naked eye — and let them hatch in the patient.” Shoenfeld and his team set out to mimic the helminth secretions that suppress a host’s immune system. The compound they patented, called TCP, is the basis of a startup they have established. They are seeking investors or pharmaceutical companies to mass produce the compound. TCP is a mixture of two existing molecules in the body – phosphorylcholine, a nonimmunogenic substance, and tuftsin, which is produced in the spleen and helps suppress the immune system. When introduced to mice in the lab at the center, via injection and orally, TCP completely eradicated lupus, colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Shoenfeld’s team is now expanding experimentation with TCP – which he believes can relieve almost all autoimmune diseases cheaply and without side effects — to tackle conditions such as hair loss and psoriasis. They are also starting a study on the connection between allergies and autoimmune disease.
Arab States Have Yet to Transfer Funds Pledged for Gaza By Justin Jalil, The Times of Israel
Less than two percent of the $5.4 billion of aid pledged by international donors to help rebuild Gaza following Operation Protective Edge has been transferred, and none of the Arab states have come through yet on their promised share, according to Palestinian officials. The funds, which were promised this past October at a conference in Cairo, were meant to provide the battered coastal enclave with much-needed reconstruction aid following this summer’s bloody 50-day conflict between Israel and terrorist groups operating within the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Authority sharply criticized the delay, especially on the part of the Arab states. “The Arab countries haven’t paid anything until now,” Palestinian Housing Minister Mufeed al-Hasayna was quoted by Reuters as saying earlier in December. “The Europeans just a few millions, maybe something from the Swedes.” The October conference, which raised far more than the original $4 billion originally requested by the Palestinian Authority, was considered to be a major success for the Palestinians, with the Gulf state of Qatar pledging $1 billion, Saudi Arabia $500 million, and the United States and European Union promising a combined $780 million of various forms of aid. Turkey and the UAE also pledged $200 million each. According to the UN and other officials, only $100 million has been received, mainly from the U.S. and Europe, and the Palestinians have been unsuccessful in securing additional funding since. Half of the money pledged was earmarked for rebuilding houses and infrastructure in Gaza destroyed during the conflict, with the rest going towards financing the budget of the
debt-ridden Palestinian Authority responsible for the reconstruction effort. The PA was also set to retake responsibility for the Gaza Strip, under a reconciliation agreement with Hamas, but that does not seem likely to happen in the near future. Although the Israeli government has acknowledged the need for reconstruction efforts in Gaza, authorities have expressed grave concern that aid will be exploited by Hamas to rearm its supply of rockets and rebuild tunnels leading into Israel. Jerusalem has frequently claimed that cement and other building materials are being used to rebuild much of the elaborate tunnel network that infiltrated into Israeli territory. During the war, the tunnels were used to ambush and kill IDF soldiers and were intended for future attacks on southern Israeli communities. “We have received funding and pledges of approximately $100 million for shelter and repair,” said Robert Turner, Operations Director for the UN’s Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza, an international agency that provides social services for Palestinians living within the strip, on December 19th. “That money will be largely finished
in January 2015. We have a shortfall [for shelter and homes] of $620 million and we are going to run out right in the hardest part of winter,” Turner added. Israel launched Operation Protective Edge on July 8 to stop Hamas and other groups’ indiscriminate rocket fire on Israeli cities and to destroy the terror tunnels that infiltrate into Israeli territory. During the operation, Hamas rejected a number of ceasefire proposals and violated a number of those that were agreed to. Israel lost 66 soldiers and six civilians, and a Thai agricultural
worker, in the month-long conflict, while the Palestinian death toll surpassed 2,100, according to Hamas officials in Gaza. Israel said half of the Gaza dead were gunmen and blamed Hamas for all civilian deaths because it operated against Israel from residential areas, placing Gazans in harm’s way. US-brokered peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority ended in late April after Abbas signed a unity pact with Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to continue negotiations with a government that rests on the support of a terror group. The Palestinians on Wednesday submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council seeking recognition of a Palestinian state and demanding an Israeli pullout to the 1967 lines by 2017.
JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 17
Remote Patrol
How the IDF is using unmanned vehicles to protect the borders without putting troops in harm’s way By Mitch Ginsburg, The Times of Israel
Increasingly surrounded by Islamist terror groups, Israel has erected hundreds of miles of solid metal fences and concrete barriers along its borders. The 860 kilometers (534 miles) of steel and concrete along the borders with Egypt and Syria, and the security barriers between Israel and Gaza, and Israel and the West Bank — where only 480 kilometers (300 miles) of the intended 760 (472 miles) have been completed — have stanched the flow of refugees and migrant workers and reduced the
Surveillance by remote control
scale and severity of cross-border terror attacks. But the patrol roads along those barriers, as a unit commander in the southern brigade of the Israel Defense Forces’ Gaza Division recently noted, are “a sort of destruction zone.”
A Letter to the Jewish Federation from Jewish Family Service of the Desert
As the year draws to a close, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Federation from the bottom of our hearts for your support for JFS! Please feel free to print it in the JCN... you deserve the recognition! Thanks to the Federation's support we are delivering Shabbat Meals to isolated Jewish seniors. Thanks to Federation's support we are able to provide lunch, socialization and informative programming to over isolated seniors in 3 separate locations across the valley. Thanks to Federation's support we are able to expand our outpatient mental health services to the most needy in our valley. Thanks to Federation's support we are able to provide case management for at risk elderly right in their own homes! Thanks to Federation's support we are able transport seniors to their doctor's appointments. We couldn't do it without you! Happy Hanukkah and best to you in the new year from your friends at JFS! Warm Regards, Maureen H. Forman, LCSW Executive Director JFS of the Desert
18 • JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org
In 2009, as part of its altered deployment along the Gaza border after Operation Cast Lead, Israel introduced a unique unmanned ground vehicle that can do the dirty work of patrolling the border. This preprogrammed or remotecontrolled car arrives at scheduled times, examines suspicious spots from up close and relays live video, all without putting Israeli lives at risk. The unit that operates the vehicles is set to receive a highly upgraded platform in early 2015, expanding its role beyond surveillance and its domain beyond the southern brigade of the Gaza Strip where it is currently deployed. Cpt. Avidav Goldstein, a former soldier in the Golani Brigade and the commander of the unit, stood beside a small vehicle, equipped with nine cameras, a microphone and a megaphone, and listed the array of threats facing troops on the border: snipers, tunnels, abductions, anti-tank missiles, mines. As a result, he said, along the southern part of the Israel-Gaza fence the army does not routinely send flesh-and-blood troops, since their patrols would have to adhere to a schedule that, by definition, would render them vulnerable to ambush. That “vacuum,” Goldstein added, is filled by cameras, sensors, surveillance posts armed with remote-controlled machine guns, and, filling in the blanks in coverage and performing the daily patrols, unmanned ground vehicles. They are operated from a small room in the southern brigade’s surveillance headquarters. The operators, female soldiers, sit in front of a steering wheel, their feet near an accelerator and brake pedal, and send the car
off to patrol a preprogrammed route like a plane on autopilot. If they see something suspicious or would like to stop or draw close to a certain spot, they can override the autopilot and drive the car. During the car’s first week in action, it triggered a mine, sending a section of the border fence flying and damaging the vehicle, but resulting in no loss of life. “The ultimate goal is to save human lives,” Goldstein said, “so it fulfilled its mission in full.” The Mark I unmanned ground vehicle is depolyed in the southern part of the Gaza-Israel border. During Operation Protective Edge in Gaza this summer, the border was swamped with combat troops and the remote-controlled technology was drafted into a new line of service — logistical support. Noting that American and British forces in Afghanistan and Iraq “suffered hundreds of casualties” while driving supplies in and out of the field, Goldstein said that some armored personnel carriers were outfitted with the technology and sent in to Gaza to deliver supplies. As the unit’s scope of operations expands to more border areas, the new vehicle, equipped with a remotecontrolled machine gun, also puts female soldiers behind the wheel in a role akin to that of a combat sniper. That added level of responsibility was noted by Pvt. May Krispin, a young vehicle operator who said that in the past male soldiers used to drive the cars but had showed they “weren’t serious,” treating the vehicles “like a PlayStation.” “That’s why I came here in the first place,” declared Krispin. “They said they were looking for serious female soldiers to serve in a hot region.”
Ultra-Orthodox Women Launch Election Campaign
Activists Demand Female Representation in Shas and United Torah Judaism, Threaten Voting Boycott By AFP and Times of Israel Staff
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish women in Israel have begun an unprecedented campaign to have female candidates on the lists of religious parties for next March’s general election. “We want ultra-Orthodox women — five percent of the population — to have a say in the Knesset and demand that the heads of the ultraOrthodox parties choose at least one candidate of their choice,” activist Esty Reider-Indorsky, a driving force behind the move, told Israel Radio on December 7th. However, the broadcaster reported that the leaders of the parties in question — Shas, with 11 of 120 seats in parliament, and the United Torah Judaism list, with seven — have no intention of agreeing to the demand. In a manifesto published on social networks online and supported by
personalities including secular Israelis, the ultra-Orthodox women say they are prepared to go as far as an election boycott. “And we (women) represent half of the electorate,” Reider-Indorsky told the station. A Facebook page dedicated to the campaign — founded in December 2012, ahead of the previous elections — has garnered nearly 3,000 “likes.” Michal Chernovitzky, 34, of Elad in central Israel, one of the signatories on a letter to the ultra-Orthodox
parties, told the Yedioth Ahronoth daily on Friday it was a common misconception in the ultra-Orthodox world that women were not interested in holding political positions. “Aryeh Deri, for example, is constantly using his wife, who doesn’t want to go into politics, as an example. So here, we are saying that’s not true. Haredi women do want to run, and it’s time for that to happen. Moshe Gafni has even been quoted in the past saying that if a Haredi woman asked to run, he would vacate his seat for her. So here you go, Gafni, vacate your seat,” she said. Another signatory is Racheli Ibenboim, of the Gur Hasidic sect, who was nominated for Jerusalem city council by the Jewish Home party, but dropped out after facing threats and intimidation, according to Yedioth.
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish women, recognizable by their modest clothing and hair covered by a scarf or wig, are already present in Israeli politics. Although they have not been able to be candidates for ultra-Orthodox parties, some have been elected for other parties and others work as assistants to Knesset members. In the last general election in January 2013, the ultra-Orthodox parties — long-time kingmakers in Israeli coalition politics — found themselves excluded from power for the first time in 30 years. The general election is being held on March 17, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a snap vote following the collapse of his coalition.
Portable Solar Energy Backpack KaliPAK Is The Ultimate Gadget For The Great Outdoors By NoCamels Team
One of the joys of roughing it in nature is the disconnect from today’s constant technology. However, the silent bliss for some is a bothersome inconvenience for others, which is why the creators of a new technology sought out a power solution to strike a balance between the two. Lovers of nature and technology, meet the KaliPAK, the portable renewable energy generator. The brainchild of two years of research and design by the Kalisaya team based in Israel, the idea for the KaliPAK came about as a solution for those places where grid-based electric power doesn’t exist. This doesn’t just mean that campers and trekkers have a way to stay connected; this autonomous and environmentallyfriendly power source could even be used to replace diesel generators or as a back-up in the case of natural disasters. Currently, the team of designers, disaster-recovery experts
and business people are hoping to raise $250,000 on crowdfunding site Kickstarter to bring the product to market and aid electrically-challenged communities in Africa in the process. Calling itself “all the power you need when there is no power around,” KaliPAK can generate up to 600watts/hour, enough to charge a smartphone 100 times over, a laptop 10-15 times and provide 120 hours
of light. The pack weighs less than 14 lbs. and can be charged by plugging it into anything from a regular outlet, to a car-lighter socket, or using the four (patent-pending) solar panels contained inside the pack. According to the company, the KaliPAK can be charged to up to about 80 percent of its full power capacity on a sunny day. In addition, the pack comes equipped with all the outlets you may need: two USB ports, two 12V power outlets and a Bluetooth transmitter that will let you know, through the KaliAPP, how much energy you still have, whether you’re correctly aimed at the sun, and provide an emergency switch. This little power station on-thego comes with still cooler features for the tech-savy outdoorsman: a waterproof raincoat, a waterproof torch, an AC/DC inverter, one LED lightbulb, cord and carabiner, a carlighter adapter and a quick-charge
USB splitter. Of course, this kind of next-generation gadget doesn’t run cheap, with the mid-range KaliPAK 401 costing at $348 and the full-force 600W generator at $698 and up. As an additional bonus, if the company is able to raise the $250,000 it’s aiming for (it has already raised $35,000 from 100 backers), it will ship one KaliPAK for every 50 produced to a community in need of electricity in Africa via Vital Capital, an impact investment fund focused on sub-Saharan Africa. Besides being an incredible outdoors gadget for those who can afford it, the KaliPAK has an inherently positive mission to make power accessible to those who need it most. Whether it be providing accessible energy to a small community in Africa, or immediate power needs after a natural disaster, if it raises the required funds, KaliPAK’s uses are likely only to grow with time.
JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 19
Community Schools
Shalom
RELIGIOUS/HEBREW SCHOOLS
Aleph Academy A Project of Jewish Sunshine Circle Director: Shaindy Friedman 73-550 Santa Rosa Way, Palm Desert, Ca. 92260 alephacademy.org • 760-413-4425
Temple Sinai Director: Leslie Pepper 73-251 Hovley Lane West, Palm Desert, CA 92260 www.templesinaipd.org • 760-568-9699
NURSERY SCHOOL
Temple Sinai Tikvah Pre-School Director: Debbie Midcalf • 24 mos - Pre-K 73-251 Hovley Lane West, Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-568-6779
To apply for Emergency Funds from the
TZEDAKAH Shalom The finest in Jewish Living FUND call the Jewish Federation 760-324-4737
20 • JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org
Israel Brings Hybrid Solar Power to Off-Grid Locations In Ethiopia By David Shamah, The Times of Israel
Solar energy is an ideal solution for the power needs of the developing world – except for one problem: It stops working when the sun goes down, at precisely the time power is needed to turn the lights on. The solution, according to Zev Rosenzweig, CEO of Israeli energy technology company AORA, is a hybrid system – one that utilizes solar to the fullest, and supplements it with a “backup” system to keep the power flowing when the sun is not high in the sky, using scant resources, with an operating cost of next to nothing. In December the company announced that it had signed a deal to build one of its Tulip solar-hybrid power plants in Ethiopia. “We are transforming our Green Economy Strategy into action and are pleased to partner with AORA to help achieve our vision,” said Alemayehu Tegenu, Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy for Ethiopia. “AORA’s unique solarhybrid technology is impressive and well-suited to provide both energy and heat to support local economic development in off-grid rural locations in Ethiopia.” “Off-grid rural locations” are exactly the places Rosenzweig wants to see more Tulips installed. “Our hybrid system uses both solar power and bio-gas to operate a turbine, with the
hot air moving the turbine to generate electricity.” Enhancing the sunlight are a series of mirrors to heat compressed air to over 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and drive a turbine. When the sun goes down, the system moves seamlessly
from solar to bio-gas in order to power the turbines, with the bio-gas derived from animal waste, bio-diesel, natural gas – just about any material that can be burned for fuel. For villages in places like Ethiopia, the best part of the system, said
Rosenzweig, is that it doesn’t even need water to operate. In essence, Tulips are like perpetual energy machines; when the sun is out, solar power is converted into power to run the turbines and create electricity; and when the sun is in, the system turns to biogas, created by an AORA conversion system. There are Tulips in Israel, Spain, and the U.S., but those are test programs; Ethiopia will be the first country to deploy the system commercially. Construction of the first plant is expected to begin by mid-2015. Following a trial, the Ethiopian ministry intends to expand deployment of AORA installations for rural economic development to off-grid communities in selected areas of the country. Each Tulip station is small and modular, producing 100kW of electricity in addition to 170kW of heat, while occupying less than 3,500 square meters (0.86 acres), requiring much less land per kWh to generate usable power and heat than other systems, like photovoltaic, said Rosenzweig. “Each Tulip can generate enough electricity for 30-40 homes in Western countries, and should be enough to cover all the power needs of villages in the developing world,” with each system costing between $500,000 and $750,000, depending on size.
Israeli Intervention in Syria Looking More Likely
This is following an alliance between the rebel Yarmouk Martyrs Brigades and ISIS. By Rachel Avraham , Jerusalem Online
Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon spoke with outgoing US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to discuss increased Israeli involvement in the war against ISIS. According to a report in Haaretz, Israel has been assisting villages around the Golan in exchange for keeping extremist Islamist groups away from the border. But with the recent defection of the Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade from the FSA to the ISIS dominated Islamist axis, a fact which has been confirmed on
Debka and by retired Major General Amos Gilad on Reshet Bet, Israel may have to become more actively involved in the Syrian civil war due to the ascendancy of Islamic State in strategically sensitive areas near the Israeli border. Although Yarmouk has not pledged formal alliance to ISIS, but merely signed an operational cooperation pact with it, it still represents a major danger to Israel. This sudden defection leaves IDF defense formations on the
Golan, US and Jordanian deployments in the northern part of the kingdom, and pro-Western rebel conquests in southern Syria in danger of collapse. It provides ISIS with direct access to a long section of Israel's Golan Heights border with Syria for the first time, as the Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade is primarily based in southwestern Daraa Province near the crossroads between Jordan, Syria and the Golan Heights. "Israel cannot stand by while red
lines which endanger its security are being crossed," Ya'alon stated previously. "This year, we find ourselves facing radical Islamic terrorism, which lurks in every Middle Eastern corner, seeking to destroy us only for who we are. The relentless terrorism is activated by cruel organizations which do not hold back on means, and will do everything to try and sabotage our existence here in Israel."
JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 21
Simchas Mazel tov to Rabbi Mel Silverman, a member of Congregation H a r - E l ’ s rabbinical staff, on the recent publication of his Rabbi Mel book “Jerusalem Silverman Tales: A Modern American Jewish Pilgrimage.” He will be reviewing it at the Har-El Galen
Classifieds KRISTINE A. KAUFFMAN - SENIOR CARE SPECIALIST. Driving for appointments, shopping, dining, etc; Errands (groceries, banking, etc); Bill paying and other miscellaneous tasks; Companionship. Dog sitting, walking. References available. 4-hour minimum 760-902-3490. PERSONAL ASSISTANT/PERSONAL AFFAIRS MANAGER Excellent local references. Bill paying, reconcile bank statement, run errands, drive to appointment. Computer help: MS Office, QuickBooks, emails. Notary. 2 hours minimum. Trustworthy, discreet, dependable. 760408-5260. DOOR PROS We specialize in repair of garage doors, sliding glass and screen doors. Reasonable pricing. Same day service. Fully insured and licensed #889442. 760-360-9300.
Trimester Course on January 7 & 14 (see details below, in the classified ads). This is his second book and he is about to publish his third! Olivia Marx ... Mazel tov to Olivia Marx, daughter of Angelique Marx, on being called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah at Temple Sinai on January 31, 2015 ... ... Share your Simchas with us. Call Miriam Bent at 760-323-0255 or email her at mhbentjcn@earthlink.net. CAREGIVER AVAILABLE. Let me give you a helping hand at a reasonable rate. Experienced in personal care. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Stroke cases. Cooking, errands and light housekeeping. Strong. Reliable. References and background check available. 760-668-6764 TEMPLE SINAI GIFT SHOP: One of a kind and largest Judaica shop here in the desert. For all your traditional needs and unique gift items. Special orders available. For information call the Temple office, 760-568-9699. JFS VOLUNTEERS WELCOME: JFS has rewarding volunteer opportunities available and is now accepting applications for the following positions: Let’s Do Lunch! Program Driver, Let’s Do Lunch! Program Volunteer, Friendly Visitor, JFS Express Senior Ride Transportation driver, Front Office Assistant. For more information contact 760779-9400 Ext. 204.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WELCOMED The Jewish Community News welcomes letters to the editor Publication will be based on appropriateness of material and available space, at the discretion of the editorial staff. We reserve the right to edit submissions. Submit letters of 250 words or less by e-mail to: mhbentjcn@earthlink. net, fax to 760-320-6085 or mail to the Jewish Federation, 69-710 Hwy. 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, attn: Editor, JCN. 22 • JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org
We Mourn the Passing of... Roslyn M. Blumberg, Alfred Garber, Julius L. Hoffman, Bud (M. Howard) Steiner. Our deepest sympathies to their families and friends. May their memories endure as a blessing.
Candle Lighting Times Friday, January 2 Friday, January 9 Friday, January 16 Friday, January 23 Friday, January 30
Shabbat Vayechi Shabbat Shemot Shabbat Vaerah Shabbat Bo Shabbat Beshalach
DAVID’S CONSTRUCTION Conscientious licensed, insured, bonded, general contractor. Catering to all your home repair needs. No job too small or big. Room additions, remodeling, patio covers, decks, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, masonry, drywall, cement, wood floors, tile, fences, painting, sprinklers, landscaping, swamp coolers, custom homes and more. License #506-370. davidsconstruction@ymail.com 760-671-4476 . PROFESSOR PENNY RIVIN will be the presenter for the Har-El Galen Trimester Course entitled “The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement and the Growing DeZionization of Europe--Its Threat to Us as Jews and as Americans.” The course is offered on Wednesdays, January 21 and 28, 2015, 10:30 to 11:30 AM. To register, call 760779-1691 or e-mail harelurj@gmail. com.
CLASSIFIED ADS $9.00 for 20 words & 25¢ for each additional word. Call 760-323-0255
4:08 pm 4:13 pm 4:19 pm 4:26 pm 4:33 pm
CONGREGATION HAR-EL JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS include worship, study and celebrating community. Join the Har-El Trimester Course presented by Rabbi Mel Silverman on the topic of his latest book Jerusalem Tales: A Modern American Jewish Pilgrimage. This clever approach, inspired by Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, takes place on a cruise ship and explores various types of modern American Jews. Two rabbis are featured in this tale, one making aliyah to Israel and the other a Jewish chaplain on the ship. Don’t miss this class as it will stimulate discussion long after the course is over. To register, call Har-El at 760-779-1691 or e-mail harelurj@gmail.com.
Laugh out Loud Stories in the news that bring a smile!
PEOPLE OF THE BOOK
The Knesset library has a one-of-a-kind collection – a library of ‘in-House authors’: 1,600 works which constitute 90 percent of the books penned by 312 members of the Israeli parliament – past and present. MKs have written and published books in no less than 11 languages – including Hebrew English, French, German, Spanish, Yiddish and Japanese. The collection is the initiative of Minister-MK Uri Orbach from the Jewish Home party (who himself authored no less than 26 children’s books) together with the Former MK’s Forum. The most prolific author of all times is David Ben-Gurion z”l, who wrote 39 books (not to be confused with the 40 books written about B.G. by others in the Knesset). Topics range from politics and religion, to novels, plays, and poetry…and even one cookbook (on Hungarian cuisine cooked-up by former Minister of Finance Yair Lapid’s father, the late MK Tommy Lapid z”l). “There isn’t a parliament in the world where a full third of its members have written books,” declared chief librarian Gila Eldar, proudly.
HIT THE DECK!
Greenpeace has singled-out Israel – which has one of the greenest footprints on the face of the planet: Israel has 99 percent solar water heating, 85 percent sewage water recycling (reused as irrigation water), recycles more beverage bottles per capita than any other people on the face of the earth, builds homes of concrete and cinder block – not wood, and registers a huge net gain in trees year-after-year. Has Greenpeace heralded Israel as a ‘light unto the nations’? Nope. Greenpeace named Israel the chief culprit behind the denuding of the Amazon rain forests! Yup, seven million Israelis have “the secondhighest per capita usage of Ipe (also known as ironwood) decking wood,” buying $1.3 million of Ipe, charges Greenpeace’s officials in Israel! Per capita?! What about all the Ipe sold to 312 million Americans - $5.7 billion of Ipe wood for decking alone in 2013? Ah, that’s beside the point.
UP IN SMOKE
When police found the largest marijuana field ever uncovered in Israel, lacking storage facilities for such a haul (1.6 metric tons of the weed) the law decided to burn the lot – except for three kilogram which was saved as evidence. Evidence did we say? The prime suspect’s lawyers told the court there is no evidence whatsoever that there was 1.6 tons in the first place. The law stipulates clearly that the suspects’ lawyers must have an opportunity to ‘weigh the evidence’ (literally) and affirm or contest the findings of the police, he said. So go prove to the court that there were 730 pots of pot and 34 sacks filled with grass seized in the police raid.
Israeli Chocolatier Takes Gold at International Competition with Zaatar Truffle By Amy Spiro, The Jerusalem Post
The win, announced November 30th, couldn’t have been too much of a surprise for Israeli-born and Frenchtrained chocolatier Ika Cohen, since the zaatar truffle also took gold at the European semifinals in May. Cohen’s lemon praline bonbon was also a semifinalist at the competition in 2012, and her Earl Grey-infused chocolate got a silver in the semifinals. The three-year old awards are “set up to recognize excellence in fine quality chocolate from around the world,” and boast more than 950 submissions for this year’s competition. The holiday may be over, but this Though Cohen has a degree in cartoon was too funny not to share! marine biology from the Hebrew Enjoy! University of Jerusalem, she turned to chocolate making after traveling around the South Pacific and sampling a wide variety of confections, kindling her love and passion for chocolate. Despite her big wins, Cohen is certainly not resting on her laurels, as she launched a new line of pralines several months ago in collaboration with the well-known French chocolatier Gilles Marchal. The new and exotic (and kosher) flavors include passion fruit and black pepper; salty caramel; pistachio marzipan; and honey with praline waffle chips.
You sprinkle it on pizza, pita and humus, but would you ever try zaatar with your chocolate? One Israeli company has taken that unlikely combination all the way to victory at the world final of this year’s International Chocolate Awards in London. Ika Chocolate, a three-year-old boutique confectionery headquartered in Tel Aviv, took a rare joint gold medal with Denmark’s wild blueberry chocolate in the “flavored dark ganaches and truffles” section of the competition.
JCN • January 2015 • Tevet/Shevat 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 23
HELP US ANSWER THE NEEDS OF THE JEWISH WORLD Our Jewish Federation in the desert has been supporting, sustaining and revitalizing Jewish life for over half a century. Today our work is far from finished. And we need your support. Your contribution helps to care for our entire Jewish community, enabling us to use your gift whenever it’s needed most … at home, in Israel and around the world. As we begin our 2015 campaign, we ask that you give generously. The needs are great. The time is now.
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The Strength of a People. The Power of Community. 69-710 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760-324-4737 • www.jfedps.org