Lights, Camera, Shelter in Place by midatlanticmedia5

May 8, 2020/14 iyar 5780

Candle Lighting: 7:50 p.m.

18 AGE SEE P

Gordon Center Prepares to Host 32nd Annual Film Festival Online

To my dear friends in the Jewish community, As with all citizens of Maryland, I know that the recent weeks have been uncertain and difficult for each of you. There is literally no individual in the State that has not been affected by the global pandemic. But, I know that our social distancing protocols were especially challenging during the recent Passover holiday - a time that is built around gatherings of friends and family. And I am acutely aware of the impact caused by the closure of religious and cultural institutions that are so central to communal life. But, please know that while this threat will pass, the resiliency and sense of community fostered by our shared experience will positively impact our State for years to come. I am proud of the way that medical and other essential professionals rallied to support our community, at great personal sacrifice. I am gratified that people felt a sense of responsibility to abide by guidelines that not only protected their health, but those of their fellow citizens. I am in awe of the people, including many in the Jewish community, who stepped forward with creativity and determination to help their friends, neighbors, and even strangers. And, I am confident that Marylanders throughout the State will join together, in a responsible manner and at the appropriate time, to restore our vibrancy and economic vitality. Thank you for all that you do and will continue to do as we build a brighter tomorrow.

Your friend, Governor Larry Hogan

Convenient Laundry Pick-up & Delivery In Your Neighborhood

Call us at 301-395-3072 or Order Online at LaundryCity24.com

MARYLAND’S ONLY 5-STAR LAUNDROMAT › No charge for Pick-up or Delivery from anywhere › Pick-up & Delivery 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Daily

› $1 Per Pound for Regular Laundry. Minimum Charge $50; Except for Comforters

› We do Laundry, Comforters & Rugs

› All Orders Washed Separately.

› Dry Cleaning Service also Performed in 24-36 Hours

› Each Washer & Dryer Cleaned & Sanitized After Each Load

› Wash, Dry, Fold & Deliver your Laundry in 1 Day

› Laundry Wrapped & Treated With Care

COMFORTER SPECIAL 1 COMFORTER ONLY $29.99 Each Additional One only $10

› 4-6 Hour Service also Available

Baltimore Jewish Times May 8, 2020

Laundry City Corporate 7113 Windsor Mill Rd. Windsor Mill, MD 21244 Laundry City West 3421 Frederick Ave. Baltimore, MD 21229 Laundry City East 5200 Moravia Rd. Baltimore, MD 21206

CONTENTS

COVER STORY: Lights. Camera. Shelter in Place.

Connect with us:

Vol. 374 No. 2 | May 8, 2020 Candle lighting 7:50 p.m.

Local News

In Every Issue

12 A Spring Story: How Two Girls Started a Nonprofit to Deliver Flowers to Hospitals

4 The Seen

14 During the Pandemic, Grief Is Amplified by Isolation

29 Amazing Marketplace

5 You Should Know 24 The Jewish View

16 Kids Deliver Bunches of Lunches

Opinion

17 Israeli Medical Technology Firm Seeks to Aid in Fight Against Coronavirus

7 Voices

Arts & Life 21 Israel Film Festival Goes Online With ‘King Bibi’ Screening

6 Editorials

Society 25 The Community Page 26 Obituaries

22 It’s the Perfect Time to Get Into Pickling

Want More JT?

BOOKMARKED: Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation Allocates Grants in Democratic Process EDITORIAL Editor | Selah Maya Zighelboim

Vol. 374 No. 2 May 8, 2020

Publisher & Chief Executive Officer | Craig Burke cburke@midatlanticmedia.com ADVERTISING

Advertising Sales Manager | Ed Reynolds 410-902-2309 | ereynolds@midatlanticmedia.com Sales Consultants | Kelly Crew, Alan Gurwitz, Molly Hoopes, Lori Lampert, Lana Popok, Jennifer Rosenberger, Michelle Weinstein Classifieds Sales Consultant | Pattie-Ann Lamp

410-902-2300

Subscriptions & Office 410-902-2309 Display Advertising 410-902-2326 Classified Advertising

Director of Marketing & Custom Media | Jeni Mann Tough 410-902-2302 | jmann@midatlanticmedia.com

Visit JewishTimes.com for exclusive digital content throughout the week. CREATIVE

Director of Production | Jennifer Perkins-Frantz Graphic Designer | Jay Sevidal Photographer | David Stuck Digital Coordinator | James Meskunas BUSINESS

subscriptions@jewishtimes.com

jewishtimes.com

contact@jewishtimes.com

facebook.com/jewishtimes

advertising@jewishtimes.com

twitter.com/jewishtimes

classified@jewishtimes.com editor@jewishtimes.com

instagram.com/jewishtimes

11459 Cronhill Drive, Suite A, Owings Mills, MD 21117

©2020 Baltimore Jewish Times is published by Mid-Atlantic Media. Past Publishers: 1919-1947 David Alter, 1947-1964 Sadie S. Alter, 1964-1972 Geraldine A. Jacobson, 1972-1996 Charles A. Buerger, 1996-2012 Ronnie L. Buerger Baltimore Jewish Times does not endorse kashrut claims. To verify the kashrut of goods or services advertising in the Baltimore Jewish Times, readers should consult rabbinic authorities. The Baltimore Jewish Times reserves the right to revise, reject or edit any advertisement. Baltimore Jewish Times (ISSN-0005-450X) is published weekly by Mid-Atlantic Media, 11459 Cronhill Drive, Suite A, Owings Mills, MD 21117. For subscription prices please call 410-902-2300. Periodicals postage paid at Owings Mills, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Baltimore Jewish Times, 11459 Cronhill Drive, Suite A, Owings Mills, MD 21117.

jewishtimes.com

Seen The Seen

Compiled from JTA reports

Kiss Frontman Gene Simmons Learns More About His Holocaust Survivor Mother Kiss frontman Gene Simmons said his mother almost never spoke about her Holocaust ordeal, including time in Nazi camps. A German newspaper has provided him with plenty more information. Bild am Sonntag presented the Israel-born rock star with 100 pages of documents about his mother’s ordeal, including her impact statement, to mark the 75th anniversary of her liberation. Flora Klein, a native of Hungary, was 19 when American troops liberated the Mauthausen camp on May 5, 1945. She died at 93 in the United States. In her statement to the former Restitution Office in Koblenz,

Klein wrote: “In November 1944, I was brought to the Ravensbruck concentration camp. I lived there in block no. 21 and worked in the fields, gathering potatoes outside the camp. I wore old civilian clothes with a white oil (paint) cross painted on the back, in a camp surrounded by barbed wire and guarded by the SS.” Klein was transferred to the Venusberg subcamp of the Flossenburg concentration camp in January 1945, and arrived at Mauthausen in March that year. “She was strong,” Simmons told Bild in an interview as he read the documents. “She fought all of this on her own.” — Marcy Oster

Betty Friedan is the ‘Moses’ of the Women’s Movement in ‘Mrs. America’

Baltimore Jewish Times May 8, 2020

Tracey Ullman portrays Betty Friedan in the FX series “Mrs. America.”

Feminine Mystique,” which is often credited with sparking second-wave feminism. Following her book, she co-founded the National Organization for Women, or NOW, in 1966. In 1970, she organized the nationwide Women’s Strike for Equality on the 50th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, and garnered 50,000 people in New York City alone. In 1971, she and other feminists established the National Women’s Political Caucus. More than just regarding her as a leader, however, a lot of the language used to

describe her in the series often seems to be a nod specifically to Friedan’s Jewish identity. In a sweet moment in the episode, Gloria (Rose Byrne) expresses the struggle of working with Friedan and her “difficult personality,” and Friedan’s friend Natalie (Miriam Shor) speaks up for her. “Betty is impossible,” Natalie says. “But without her there’s no NOW, no Women’s Political Caucus, no NARAL. We get to do what we do because she risked everything. So, before you tell her what she can and cannot do, consider just saying thank you.” — Linda Maleh

Amazon Prime via JTA

The women’s movement is led by Jews … or at least it was in the ’70s. Betty Friedan, Bella Abzug, Gloria Steinem — they were all Jewish, and they’re all characters on FX’s new show “Mrs. America,” now airing on Hulu. The series, created by Dahvi Waller, chronicles the rise and fall of the Equal Rights Amendment, which would have guaranteed equal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex and probably would’ve been ratified if Phyllis Schlafly (Cate Blanchett) hadn’t organized conservative women in opposition. Along with the ERA, the aforementioned leaders of the women’s movement fought for women’s rights, like the right to abortion, child care, and equal pay. The series does a good job of giving each of its leading women, conservative and liberal alike, significant focus, which means that the show got an influx of Jewish identity, especially the fourth episode titled “Betty.” Until this episode, you could say that the show mostly depicted Betty Friedan (Tracey Ullman) as annoying, and a chore to deal with, but in this episode centered around her, it reminds viewers that Friedan was basically the Moses of the women’s movement. One character, named Jill Ruckelshaus (Elizabeth Banks), even says that women were “wandering in the wilderness for 40 years” before Friedan “lit a match.” That match would be her 1963 book “The

YOU SHOULD KNOW … By Carolyn Conte

Na’ava Velkoff

evena “Na’av a” Tsahàla Velkoff, 24, is “proudly Jewish, trans, and queer, and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” they said. Originally from Alexandria, Virginia, Velkoff is an educator. In 2018, they worked with MASA Israel Teaching Fellows to teach English in Haifa. Now, Velkoff works for Baltimore City Public Schools as a first grade paraeducator, supporting the head teacher and teaching phonics and social emotional learning lessons. Velkoff resides in Laurel and is involved in Hinenu: The Baltimore Justice Shtiebl, Bet Mishpacha in Washington, D.C., and MASA Israel.

Alexander Tyson

How has your job changed because of the coronavirus? Under COVID-19 life, the switch has been dramatic. I attend a live session every morning of the weekdays to support the teacher on a digital platform and share videos and visuals while she teaches. I call or text parents who are unable to connect virtually to discuss the state of their children, as well as the alternative distance learning tactics. I attend weekly staff meetings and academic planning virtually to keep up to date and to know best [classroom] practice. What kind of music and cooking doyouliketodoinyourfreetime? I write soul R&B. My music is

not published yet but my poetry can be found on Instagram. I cook all sorts of things. I try to be vegan as best as I can. That doesn’t always work, and I do sometimes eat meat, but on very rare occasions. All the meats are my weakness. A good roasted chicken, I really like. I cook mostly Mediterranean dishes, from Spain, through Macedonia to Israel and Morocco and Egypt. Anything on the Mediterranean is my favorite branch of cooking. My shakshuka is to die for. I also love to spend time with my friends and family. I love nature and taking time to enjoy life. What does your Jewish identity mean to you? I would not say I am a religious Jew, but a proudly ethnic one. I am Sephardic and Ashkenazi mixed and have interesting histories in regards to my Jewish lineage. I love the rituals of Judaism and practice them — Shabbat, holidays, fasting — with joy. I do not study Torah — I see it as our history book as a people, more than a religious work — and I do not often attend temple. I still keep Shabbat and other Jewish traditions because they just feel right. I love Jewish mysticism. I really connect to my Jewishness through music, specifically music in Ladino, Yiddish, or Hebrew. That makes my heart soar.

Can you share more about your experience as a Jewish member of the LGBTQ+ community? As a queer Jewish woman, life has been challenging to navigate with two large targets on my back. I face anti-Semitism in my daily life and have been dealing with it since I was young. I face discrimination in the Jewish community often for being queer. In the many times I lived in [Haifa and Jerusalem], I found many of the Orthodox rejected my validity as a Jew, claiming my queerness invalidated it. It was tragic and heartbreaking. I think I am really beautiful and pretty and I feel that I pass, but I feel misgendered a lot in public ... Now that we have to wear face masks

I’m actually happy [because my strong facial structure is hidden]. Also my voice, a lot of people call a man’s voice, which is unfortunate because I’ve affected my voice as much as I can. But regardless of if I had a deep or high voice, it would still be a woman’s voice because I’m a woman. At the same time, I have built some of my strongest and most important relationships with fellow queer Jews, especially in Israel where I was part of a queer trans Jewish support group. I wish people could understand that my gender identity and sexuality do not make me a good or bad person, They are just facets of my life, as they are with everyone. J T

cconte@midatlanticmedia.com

Have a suggestion for a You Should Know profile? Nominate your interesting Jewish co-worker, cousin, camping buddy — anyone over age 21 and previously or currently living in the Baltimore area. Email cconte@midatlanticmedia.com. jewishtimes.com

Editorials »

Biden and #MeToo Joe Biden, the presumptive presidential nominee of the Democratic Party, has a problem. Those competing in the vicepresidential sweepstakes to join the Biden ticket as his running mate have a problem. Most of all, the Democratic Party has a problem. What the Democratic Party has touted in the past as the proper response to allegations of sexual abuse is now coming back to haunt them. Since the #MeToo movement went viral in the wake of allegations against Harvey Weinstein in 2017, leaders in the Democratic Party supported women who came forward to detail their experience. That, combined with Joe Biden’s own history — he authored the Violence Against Women Act, led an Obama administration effort to address sexual assault on college campuses, and voiced support for all women who raise similar allegations — puts party faithful in an uncomfortable position. That is because at the end of March, a former Biden aide named Tara Reade

claimed that when she worked for Biden in 1993, he sexually assaulted her. Biden, his vice presidential contenders, and many in the Democratic Party are now trying to figure out how to deal with the allegation. Following mounting pressure to address the issue, Biden appeared on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” last week and denied the allegation. He also addressed the apparent hypocrisy between his denial now and comments in support of Christine Blasey Ford during the Brett Kavanaugh hearing. “Look, from the very beginning, I’ve said believing women means taking the woman’s claim seriously when she steps forward, and then vet it,” Biden said. “Look into it. That’s true in this case as well. Women have a right to be heard, and the press should rigorously investigate claims they make. I’ll always uphold that principle. But in the end, in every case, the truth is what matters. And in this case, the truth is the claims are false.” Some in the Democratic Party — including those who supported Ford during the

Kavanaugh hearings — have made comments in support of Biden. Some have stayed quiet. But many, it seems, would like this issue to go away without too much conversation about it. That is not likely to happen. It is important to acknowledge sexual assault even when it’s inconvenient and even when the allegations are against someone in your own party. And it’s important to support the people who come forward to talk about this difficult subject. Support does not mean unqualified belief in an accusation. Rather, it means providing a framework for allegations to be reviewed in an even-handed, open-minded manner. All of which is very difficult to achieve in general, and even more so in a politically charged environment like a presidential campaign or a Supreme Court nomination. In this case, a thorough investigation will be best for Biden, for the Democratic Party, and for the electorate. We may not get a conclusive answer, but we need to try. J T

India’s Hindu-Only Democracy India has been called the world’s largest democracy. With its billion-plus citizens, it was founded as a secular democracy to be shared by a multiplicity of groups, languages, and religions. But that isn’t how the country’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sees it. Instead, BJP and its leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have made it clear that India is a state for Hindus, but Muslims are not welcome. India has a Muslim population of 182 million people — the third largest Muslim population in the world, just behind Indonesia and Pakistan. Concern over India’s growing discrimination against its Muslim residents has gone so far as to lead the independent, bipartisan U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom to recommend that the State Department designate India as a country of “particular concern” when it comes to religious freedom. That would place the country of Gandhi and Nehru in the same group as such notable dictatorships, theocracies, and thugocracies as China, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. 6

Baltimore Jewish Times May 8, 2020

BJP’s landslide victory in parliamentary elections last spring accelerated the state’s anti-Muslim activities. For example, Modi’s government passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, to create a fast track for citizenship for migrants from surrounding countries who are already in India — as long as they’re not Muslims. This came as India’s state of Assam implemented a National Register of Citizens to help identify illegal migrants. Those not included on the list live in fear of “statelessness, deportation or prolonged detention,” according to UN reports. Although originally intended to protect Hindus and weed out Muslims and other “foreigners,” it turned out that some of the 1.9 million residents who were excluded from the Register were Hindus. BJP officials are, nonetheless, advocating for a nationwide register of citizens. That has generated fear among Muslims that they will be vilified and declared stateless. As if that weren’t enough, there is also the government’s crackdown on the autonomy of the country’s Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir, and the rights of its citizens, including mob

lynching and other violence against Muslims. The Commission on International Religious Freedom has recommended that the United States sanction the agencies and officials within India’s government who are responsible for what it finds to be “severe violations of religious freedom.” It calls for U.S. diplomatic missions to work to “build capacity to protect religious minorities.” India is a significant U.S. ally, and has increasingly warmed toward Israel. But Modi’s government has rejected the report, calling it “biased and tendentious.” The battle lines have been drawn. It is now up to the U.S. government to stand behind its Commission’s findings, and to speak out forcefully against India’s growing government-backed xenophobia and the targeting of the country’s Muslim community. Such a move would, undoubtedly, be a big step for the Trump administration. But it is a perfect opportunity for the administration to show concern, compassion, and leadership in helping guarantee minority rights while supporting a democratic government and strong international relations. J T

Voices »

Letters »

Much of my work has not been explicitly Jewish, or Jewish at all in nature. Long before I helped to create “Dear Evan Hansen,” I adapted “The Christmas Story” for Broadway. But I’ve been trying to figure out how to make meaningful Jewish content for a long time. I’ve done two previous reinterpretations of Passover seders, and also a reinterpretation of Sukkot. One of the issues I always had was how to bring that kind of work to more people beyond the 100 who could fit in the room. And then a broader question for Jewish artists — one that I’ve tried to tackle through my own work and by serving on the board of Reboot, a Jewish arts and culture innovation nonprofit — is how do you play with new forms to create content that’s meaningful and accessible? This moment has forced us to come up with answers. It’s forced us to figure out scalability — and also helped us realize that meaningful Jewish content is interesting for way more than the 100 people we happened to know. The coronavirus has forced people to reevaluate how they make things, and it has forced people not to rely on the traditional ways of how they produce content. There’s also no reason not to think about making your work resonant for a broader audience right now, because with all performances online, you’re able to reach them. For the Saturday Night Seder, we wanted to make something that was charitable — to center

Alzheimer’s Doesn’t Only Affect the Elderly Alzheimer’s disease is not just a disease of old age (“Forget Me Not,” Feb. 28). Approximately 5% of the more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s have younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. As a caregiver and advocate for my husband who passed away from the disease seven years ago at the age of 52, I understand firsthand the impact this disease has on loved ones. Alzheimer’s is a devastating illness at any age, but it brings added difficulties when it strikes young. My husband — our household’s breadwinner — lost two jobs in the prime of his career as the result of his cognitive decline, resulting in lost income and health care coverage. Though we had saved wisely, we anticipated that costs for his care would derail our plans to pay for our daughters’ college educations. One university was responsive to our request for aid while the other did not consider it a reason to provide financial assistance. Many care facilities are ill-equipped or unwilling to manage difficult behaviors when they inevitably arise, and this can be especially so with younger-onset residents. Being otherwise physically healthy and active, my husband was not always treated as the ill person he truly was. One dementia care facility tried to prevent his return from the emergency room after an altercation with another resident; the nurse at that facility referred to the other party as “my patient” as though my husband was not also under her care. Those with dementia under age 60 have not been eligible

Making Jewish Art Accessible

Jeff Spicer/Getty Images via JT

By Benj Pasek | JTA

the event around tzedakah — but also fill a void created by the absence of a Jewish ritual people were missing. We bootstrapped it; we got some financial support from Reboot, and for the most part people donated their time. We raised $3.1 million for the CDC Foundation so far, and millions of people watched it. It definitely showed me that there is a hunger for that kind of content in the Jewish world, about things that are related to ritual and Jewish tradition. But I wonder if it would have been possible without the COVID-19 crisis: The access to talent and time right now is unique. So the question for the future is: How can we facilitate more Jewish artists doing this kind of work? What context can we create to help Jewish artists get the support they need, be connected to talent partners, get financing they require — basically, how do we help people get from point A to B to C to get projects out into the world? Reboot is investigating how to be a hub for content creation in the Jewish world, and there’s room for more innovation. The more we think about how to support a vast array of Jewish artists, the more we will be able to meet the needs of what people are looking for in this world — whatever it looks like. J T

Benj Pasek is half of the American songwriting and composition duo Pasek and Paul, known for “A Christmas Story,” “Dogfight,” “Edges,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” and “James and the Giant Peach”.

for benefits under the Older Americans Act, which since 1965 has provided support to seniors by organizing and delivering meals, in-home services, transportation, legal services, abuse prevention, and caregiver support. The Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020 — the law that reauthorizes the OAA — includes the Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act, which addresses the gap in care and services for those with dementia under age 60, finally allowing them to access vital OAA. Miriam Lupien Baltimore

We Are Glad to Be a Part of This Story My name is Wayne Grooters, president of Sovereign Medical, Inc. Sovereign Medical is the medical sales distribution company referred to in this article (“Hagerstown Rabbi Helps Secure Ventilators,” May 1), and Michael Mendez is our clinical specialist that Rabbi Plost is working with, who will be providing the training education. We are very appreciative of the business, but more importantly, I was moved by Rabbi Plost’s story. Rabbi Plost’s research was the key. Percussionaire’s percussive ventilation technology is truly unique from any other. The TXP5 and VDR ventilators are ideally suited for patients suffering from this dreaded virus, as well as other diseased states. As Rabbi Plost and Michael pointed out, these ventilators break down the secretions, remove them while, at the same time, protecting the lung and providing additional ventilatory support. Wayne Grooters Hillsborough, N.C.

jewishtimes.com

Voices »

Let’s Show Our Appreciation for Frontline Workers as We Repair the World These past few months have surely tested our understanding of the Talmudic saying to save one life is to save the world. We must continue to live each day by caring for the people who have carried us through this crisis and caring for each other. But individual acts cannot repair and reshape our world in the ways that the pandemic has made clear are needed. We must harness our collective power to make sure we emerge from this crisis stronger, more just, and more able to weather the next emergency. As an engaged Jew, I am inspired by the values that have underpinned our people for millennia. And as the president of the American Federation of Teachers, a labor union representing more than 1.5 million educators and others, I have seen what is possible when we work together to change realities that might have seemed immutable. Last year, AFT members in Chicago and Los Angeles demanded and won raises, changes in working conditions, and improvements for students that city leaders had said would be impossible. This required short-term interruptions to routines in the form of teacher strikes. Now we are facing greater disruption and a situation that could easily feel doubly impossible. This pandemic has exposed so many harsh inequities of our society: Before this, nearly 40% of Americans couldn’t put together $400 in an emergency. The lines at food pantries and applications for emergency 8

benefits have made visible the dire straits of many hard-working Americans and the absence of a safety net to catch them in the case of an emergency. What’s more, the reality is that until a vaccine is discovered and widely distributed, and we fully implement testing, tracing, and other key public health measures, our society – including our public schools, places of worship, and the economy – will continue to operate in a fundamentally different way. But we don’t need to feel defeated. Instead we have a chance to use this moment to change reality for American workers, and thus for all of our futures. We have a new appreciation of the frontline workers, and can see the many ways that our society is not structured to support them. Going forward, Congress must act to protect these essential heroes — among them nurses, food service workers, teachers, postal workers, child and home care workers, and other public service workers

Baltimore Jewish Times May 8, 2020

who are risking their lives — both from the pandemic and the caprices of everyday life. We also now have a visceral understanding of something many of us have long believed: Inequality and poverty must be eradicatedaspreexistingconditions in the richest nation on earth. We can now reimagine a world that values all people’s ability to access basic care, goods, and services. Support for the public good, the public sector, a commitment to public services that ensure health care, education, and welfare for everyone — especially the most vulnerable — should lead us on our journey. And we also have new insights about the role that schools play in building a healthy society. Not only do they help children learn, they also facilitate parents’ work, provide essential services including food and therapies for children who need them, and create space for children just to enjoy themselves in the company of friends. States and districts may be tempted to cut

budgets, but now is the time to commit the resources — emotional, intellectual, creative, and financial — to fund our schools so that when they resume, they can educate the next generation for a truly different world. As a Jewish community and as a labor movement, we must be at the forefront of fighting for a better planet for all. Everything we do must reflect our values, particularly those that are inherently central to our Jewish tenets of justice and equality. We are the people of the book. Let’s not forfeit our children’s future; let’s fight for it. No more agreeing to the lowest common denominator — it’s time to shout our progressive values and fight to repair the world from which we are emerging. J T

Randi Weingarten is an American labor leader, attorney, and educator. She is president of the American Federation of Teachers and a member of the AFL-CIO. She is the former president of the United Federation of Teachers.

Cindy Ord/Getty Images via JTA; ©iStockphoto.com/shaunl

By Randi Weingarten | JTA

« Voices

The Great Virtual Camporee of 2020

Dan Dinkin”

By Dan Dinkin

“Be Prepared” is the scouting motto. It guides youth and adult leadership training in teaching us to “have a Plan B.” The COVID-19 pandemic has created a reality not seen by the Boy Scouts of America, or World Scouting, since their early days and the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919. The vast majority of states in the U.S. and most countries around the world have invoked some form of stay-at-home directive and/or social distancing requirement. All voluntary group activities — including scouting — have stopped under these restrictions. Youth stopped holding their weekly meetings and camping trips. However, if there is anyone who has been taught to find a way to persevere in these global tough times, it will be a scout. The scouts of 2020 have something that the scouts of 1918 did not — the internet. Using online tools, the youth were able to keep in touch with each other, and adult leaders were able to work with them to get virtual meetings and merit badge classes up and running. One thing was missing — the ability to go camping. As scoutmaster of Troop 97, a troop sponsored by Temple Oheb Shalom in Pikesville, my scouts were conducting meetings but they were missing out on the key feature of scouting. They needed to find a way to go camping — without getting together. But then I started thinking … As committee chair of the Arrowhead District, I wanted to provide the same opportunity

to everyone in the district. Our annual Camporee had been scheduled for April 24-26 and was postponed to November. Those dates seemed like a perfect time for the virtual event. But then I thought … If we were going to do a virtual event for the district, there was no reason it could not be extended to the entire Baltimore Area Council. And, if it could be extended to the council, why not the whole world? Scouts and their families have been sitting in their homes for two months with few outlets for activity or positivity. We wanted to create an event as close to a Camporee as possible. We did not want attendees attached to the computer screen all weekend just watching videos that we posted. We wanted them go outside and participate. Working with the other leaders of the district, we quickly assembled a team of people that had the skill sets we needed to support the social media or create or acquire the content that we would need. We created a Facebook group page. Several intro videos showing attendees that this was going to be more than just a Facebook Live presentation were prepared. While many virtual events simply ask the participant to sit in front of the computer and watch videos and streams, The Great Virtual Camporee required that the “campers” actually get up and do something. Set up a tent and sleep in it. Start a campfire and cook on it. Go for a hike. And post pictures while doing it. The intro videos were

cross-shared to council, national, and international Facebook groups to raise interest. An Instagram group was also created (@Camporee2020) to keep the interest of older scouts who do not use Facebook. A schedule of events was posted. We decided that we would not do any live broadcasts. The time zones across the country, and around the world, were too disparate and the risks of technology failure were too high. Opening videos for each activity were created. At the appropriate time in Baltimore, the video related to that activity was posted to Facebook. Participants would then post comments showing their own actions related to that activity — in their own time zone. This method also had the advantage of allowing religious units (such as Orthodox Jewish troops) to participate at a later date rather than having to log on during Shabbat. Scouts were also asked to create their own content. We provided an opening ceremony but asked the scouts to post their own openings and greetings — one such greeting came from an Israeli scout who had been a madricha in Baltimore until the pandemic hit. We provided campfire programs and asked the scouts to post their own skits and songs. On Sunday morning, we held an interfaith service to recognize the 12th point of the Scout Law (“A scout is reverent”). Clergy and scouts of many faiths provided videos, greeting the

attendees and offering a prayer. One such video was provided by Rabbi Ariel Platt, director of education and engagement at Beth Israel Congregation in Owings Mills, home of Cub Scout Pack 971. Another was provided by Rabbi Art Vernon from Congregation Shaaray Shalom of West Hempstead, New York, who serves as the national chaplain of the National Jewish Committee on Scouting. Just under 3,000 registrants had subscribed when the zero-cost event started. By the time the event was over, there were more than 3,500. It is believed that entire units were active behind many of the registrants — so the actual participation is believed to be 10,000 or more. At least 403 distinct units participated in the U.S., including some Lone Scouts and Girl Scouts. Outside of the U.S., countries from every continent were represented – including Antarctica. Given that a NASA astronaut (Col. Mike Fossum) also participated, we are claiming that the event was solar system-wide. Over the course of the weekend, there were over 43,000 posts, likes, and comments from over 3,300 unique members of the group. People are still asking to join the group. As of this writing, there are 3,760 members. We fervently hope that a Camporee like this will never be needed again. But, if it is, we will be prepared. J T

Dan Dinkin is Scoutmaster of Boy Scouts Troop 97 and Committee Chair of the Arrowhead District of the Baltimore Area Council.

jewishtimes.com

Local News »

Jewish Women’s Giving raise their handkerchiefs in last year’s meeting to determine grant allocations.

Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation Allocates Grants in Democratic Process ON THE MORNING of April 30, 80 women gathered on Zoom. They shared what time they changed out of their pajamas, talked about how they were all doing, and made some announcements. Then, the work began. This was a meeting of the Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation, a 125-member program of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, and they were there to determine grant allocations for the upcoming year. 10

JWGF is a collective of donors that funds nonprofits and hosts education programming. Since 2003, JWGF has awarded more than $1.5 million in grants to 58 nonprofit organizations. While the entire organization doesn’t have to be comprised of women, their funds go toward helping women and girls. In December, a group vetted and narrowed potential recipients to 12 finalists. During the Zoom meeting, a reporter for each of the finalist

Baltimore Jewish Times May 8, 2020

nonprofits explained to members how their charity is responding to COVID-19, how it represents Jewish values, and what it accomplishes. An open discussion in Zoom’s chat feature followed, where members typed 848 messages, including “I wave my hanky” to show agreement. This was a reference to how the members usually wave a white handkerchief in meetings, according to Diane Israel, JWGF’s grant chair.

Director Jennifer Millman said that the virtual format may have contributed to greater participation among the women. “There was so [much] more participation,” she said. “As an introvert myself, I can see there were so many women who would not have spoken up otherwise.” Three hours later, the meeting concluded, and members voted through SurveyMonkey for their top eight picks. “Leading the voting session

Jennifer Millman

By Carolyn Conte

was a little stressful in that we had not done it before,” said Cindi Topolski, grant chair. “However, through many meetings, all via Zoom, the executive committee were able to plan for and strategize how to proceed.” The votes were weighted to determine the amounts of money. The recipients are Asylee Women Enterprise (Baltimore);

She also appreciates the ability to be “up close and personal” with the community. According to business magazine Fast Company, collective philanthropy has grown over the past decade, and much of it is being driven by women. “To be in a room with 80 women discussing where to put your money to help people

“JWGF gives me the opportunity to [not only] be connected to the Jewish community, but also be part of a group of women who really make a difference.” – Diane Israel

Hillel – the Right to Choose (Israel); Sisters Circle (Baltimore); Itach-Maaki, Women Lawyers for Social Justice (Israel); JDC (Tunisia); Helping Up Mission (Baltimore); Center for Women’s Justice (Israel); Jewish Agency for Israel (Israel); Intercultural Counseling Connection (Baltimore); and the Edward A. Myerberg Center (Baltimore). The funds ranged from $6,000 to $20,000 and totaled more than $163,000. Millman said the chosen organizations could be put into “three buckets.” One is of familiar organizations like JDC; a second is of those in advocacy; and a third group is of organizations that responded immediately to COVID-19 disaster relief. “JWGF gives me the opportunity to [not only] be connected to the Jewish community, but also be part of a group of women who really make a difference,” Israel said.

best, talking thoughtfully, and listening about charity ... you can sign me up for that any day of the week,” Millman said. Topolski agreed that she enjoys the democratic process. “Everyone has a vote and sometimes the proposals I like are not chosen, but I’m very confident that each one is important and worthy of our funds,” said Topolski. “The grants do so much good within the Jewish community both here and in Israel and in our local Baltimore home.” “It’s pretty spectacular to have all these women in the office,” Millman said. “Our democratic process gets a bad rep because people can disagree, but everyone has one vote. And so you can pipe up, but you still have to listen to everyone and everyone has a vote. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? It’s how democracy should be.” J T

Farmers & Merchants Bank

Our Small Business

Advantage

in your community

is “Free” Business CheCking with Farmers & Merchants Bank

Reduce business expense by taking advantage of Free Business Checking, today! 4 no minimum balance 4 no monthly service fee 4 remote Deposit Capture available 4 Free online/mobile bill pay

Call 410-833-6600 or visit fmb1919.bank

cconte@midatlanticmedia.com

jewishtimes.com FMB_FBC_JT_3.479x9.4375.indd 1

1/23/20 12:37 PM

Local News »

A Spring Story

By Carolyn Conte

How Two Girls Started a Nonprofit to Deliver Flowers to Hospitals first day of chemotherapy, scared of the unknown. Two little girls walked in with flowers and gave her a warm hug, telling her it would be OK. This is just one of the memories that makes Sherri Sibel Thomas proud of her daughter, Lexi Thomas, 16, for co-founding a nonprofit called Flowers for Powers with her friend Abby Levin, 17 — before the two were even in middle school. Almost a decade ago, Abby and Lexi were two fourth-grade neighborhood friends. One

spring morning, they were jumping on Thomas’ trampoline. As they bounced high and got a good view of the neighborhood, they spotted someone’s colorful flowers. “I don’t think they realized they shouldn’t be picking people’s flowers from their yards,” Sibel Thomas said. The girls brought the flowers inside, where Sibel Thomas gave them coffee mugs and old vases to hold them. But the girls didn’t want the flowers to just sit and die, so Sibel Thomas suggested they deliver the flowers to the nursing home around the corner. “I said they should come up

Hear the sounds that matter the most

Left: From left: Lexi Thomas and Abby Levin as children. Top: From left: Lexi Thomas, Zipora Schorr, and Abby Levin

with a name and make deliveries like this often. So I put on Facebook what they were doing, that they named themselves Flowers for Powers,” Sibel Thomas said. She reached out to GBMC

Healthcare - Greater Baltimore Medical Center to find more places for them to deliver flowers. Neil Meltzer, president and CEO of LifeBridge Health, called and asked for the girls to bring their flowers to his

Get all your favorites for

Mother’s Day

Order online at lascaladining.com/mercato/

LESLIE B. PAPEL, AU.D. Doctor of Audiology

Professional, Private & Personalized Service

1838 Greene Tree Road • Suite 370 Woodholme Medical Building • Baltimore

www.lesliepapelaud.com • 410-486-3400 Most insurances accepted: BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, Medicare • American Express, Visa, MasterCard & Discover welcome

HEARING SERVICES

Baltimore Jewish Times May 8, 2020

Contact-less delivery means you pull up to the valet station and pop your trunk.

Photos by Sheri Sibel Thomas

A BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR came in for her

hospital patients. Hospitals were a particularly emotional place for Abby. Her paternal grandmother had died of breast cancer in 2008, and her maternal grandmother of Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2009. “Looking back, I was so young, and there was so much I wish I could do,” Abby said. Their deliveries made her feel like she was doing something to help other patients. Now, markets donate flowers to Flowers for Powers, and others give them gift cards. They buy Ikea vases for 90 cents, and then make lively arrangements to hand out. The deliveries don’t end there; they also appreciate a good conversation with the patients. Flowers for Powers registered as a nonprofit in 2013, and the founders have continued their acts of goodwill even

while balancing high school schedules. They go to GBMC’s chemotherapy unit a couple times a month, make sporadic visits to the sick, participate in ALS walks, volunteer with Ronald McDonald House Charities Maryland, hand out flowers at charity parties, and visit schools to educate others on how to start a nonprofit, and so much more. “Corona made our plans fall apart,” Lexi said. So, they evolved. Flowers for Powers sends videos to people who are sick or need cheering up, and gives flowers indirectly by having hospital staff hand them out. “It’s not the norm, but it’s the best we can do right now,” Lexi said. “Abby and I are both the type of people where, when we’re having a bad day, uplifting

others people makes us happy,” she continued. She pointed out that they both live comfortable lives. “We want to bring that back into people’s lives.” Their kindness has impacted thousands, Sibel Thomas estimates. The breast cancer survivor (mentioned earlier) was so taken aback that she created her own fundraiser for Flowers for Powers, according to Sibel Thomas, and donated $45,000 a few months ago. “It takes a person with a big heart to think to do this, but to continue to do this for eight years,” Sibel Thomas said. “To be involved in all these different activities — Lexi had a job and was babysitting, Abby was in other events — but they were able to navigate through all of their other normal challenges.” The two are narrowing down their list of possible colleges,

but they won’t let those plans hinder the nonprofit. Lexi predicts they will continue when they come home for breaks, and Abby said they could bring the program to college. “We are family friends, our sisters are friends, and even now Abby has so many activities but we still find time, so I think we will continue,” said Lexi. Abby wants others to know that it’s never too late to get involved. “It doesn’t involve a ton of work if you don’t want to put in a ton of work,” she said. “But it is so easy to just ask someone how they’re doing.” Lexi credits their parents in large part, and added that “It wasn’t difficult, but it went such a long way. You’re never too young to support others.” J T

cconte@midatlanticmedia.com

0 BEST O 02

2020 AWARDS

IS H

Vote for the winners of the Best of Jewish Baltimore Awards!

B A LT I M

From your favorite restaurant to the best bagel… Day camp to your favorite doctor... Family-friendly Shabbat service to best non-profit organization…

Go online and tell us what you think! Jewishtimes.com/bestof2020 Voting ends May 20, 2020

jewishtimes.com

Local News »

During the Pandemic, Grief is Amplified by Isolation

t is never a good time for a family member to leave this life, but the strife of isolation makes grieving an even more impossible process right now. Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. continues to stay open and adapt to serve its closed community through their tragedies. Staff, primarily from home, answer phones and arrange funerals virtually. “We’re very proud of our dedicated staff working in difficult situations right now,” said Matt Levinson, president of the funeral home. “They’re passionate about helping the community, so I am very proud and able to honor them.” Following the state’s limit of 10 people at gatherings, Sol Levinson & Bros. only hosts graveside services with 10 or fewer people. Some funerals 14

fill all 10 spaces, whereas others must cope with a lonely service of only one or two if family members live out of town. The limitations on gatherings also impact shiva. “That is the most difficult part for families, to not have

used to shoveling dirt over their loved one’s grave, Levinson has families wear gloves to toss dirt, rather than share a tool. Where families are used to being held by others, Levinson uses Zoom to bring some solace, with the eulogy

“That is the most difficult part for families, to not have the community support them.” — Matt Levinson the community support them,” Levinson said. Levinson has adapted by holding dignified Jewish burials that balance safety and support. Where families are

Baltimore Jewish Times May 8, 2020

recorded. Where families are used to seeing everyone who knew their loved one, Levinson will offer memorial services at a later time in their chapel. Fram Monument is also

adapting. Though temporarily closed, it is available online. It just started doing virtual appointments, which allow families to see the showroom and the design of their memorial, as well as color drawings. “We are now working with some families to expedite their memorial and combining the unveiling with a delayed shiva opportunity when things are safe again,” owner Steve Venick said. “This can give families a sense of comfort and closure by seeing their monument for the first time and by giving friends and family an opportunity to visit with them afterwards and offer their sincerest condolences,” Venick said. Rabbis around the community are similarly evolving by going out of their way to help people through the grieving process.

AntonioGuillem/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

By Carolyn Conte

AntonioGuillem/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

cconte@midatlanticmedia.com

Baltimore

JULY/AUGUST

OUR SUMMER ISSUE!

Baltimore baltimorestyle.com JUNE 2019

TO US! HAPPY 30TH

INSIDE

STYLE

would think would happen: Loneliness is helping people grab opportunities to reach out.” These opportunities are particularly important in a time when people must say goodbye to saying goodbye. “There are many incredibly difficult aspects to losing loved ones in this moment of time,” said Saroken. Busch noted besides the lost opportunities for funerals, people have to confront the fact that a family member is dying in a hospital others cannot visit. Kane suggested friends of mourners send stories or photographs of the deceased, and leave shiva trays on porches. Levinson advised lighting a candle, planting a tree, or “just a phone call goes a long way.” Levinson confirmed an increase in obituaries, but could not think of the losses in numbers. “We just hope it will end soon and it will impact least of all our community,” Levinson said. “The grieving process is important for everyone. No matter how they passed away, it is important to be around family to be there for you. I do believe this is making it harder for people to grieve because they don’t have that support,” Levinson said. But through all this pain, the voices of Jewish Baltimore persist and continue to shoulder suffering. “The community is still there,” Kane said. “We don’t know how long we’re going to be in this situation. It’s comforting for people to know [others are there]. Being part of the community means taking care of everyone.” J

BALTIMO RE

That includes Rabbi Dana Saroken of Beth El Congregation. The Zoom shivas do bring some solace, she said. When everyone is muted, all can focus on the person telling their stories, “which is so beautiful, I am amazed by the true presence afforded in these zoom talks,” she said. Baltimore Hebrew Congregation rabbis and cantors call and videoconference with mourners. BHC Rabbi Andrew Busch hears about some of the challenges self-distancing measures pose to those in mourning. Some have told him about how they are not able to hug their siblings when their parents die. He can only console them with the hope that tombstone unveilings will offer larger gatherings when possible. “We are talking and meeting with them as often as possible, just not in person,” Busch said. For those in need of additional support, Jewish Community Services offers support groups for grievers. “This is a strange, unprecedented time,” said Donna Kane, JCS grief specialist, who facilitates support groups and counseling. A new eight-week group begins May 14. Kane is working even more to offer supplemental articles and stories for people to share. “It’s been a moving experience for everybody to virtually see one another,” Kane said. “The other positive thing is people are sharing their phone numbers and are much more willing to talk and communicate than when they’re face to face, where there’s not that pressure to go out of their way to talk to them,” said Kane. “It’s the opposite of what you

The

Weddueing

WEEKEND FUN PAGE 69

g, Summer Dinin Beauty, lth Women’s Hea

Iss

WELLNESS FOR YOUR PET AND YOU

Readership 133,000 Page Views 68,300 E-News Subscribers 28,169 Social Media Followers 23,480

CALL NOW TO ADVERTISE! 410-902-2309 or advertising@baltimorestyle.com jewishtimes.com

Local News »

Kids Deliver Bunches of Lunches By Carolyn Conte

Especially now, when many people feel powerless, opportunities like this benefit both the giver and reciever. averages an 85% participation rate in the school, according to Joe Uddeme, Bunches of Lunches chair. Uddeme is a parent volunteer for KSDS, with two kids who help out. He assists, sorts, and delivers around 250 lunches from KSDS and Chizuk Amuno per month to various recipients. His sons pack and organize the food, and then he delivers them to school before they’re distributed. “It’s greatly important to me because it has a direct impact on our community, the impoverished and homeless who don’t have anything. It’s the least we can do,” said Uddeme. Uddeme’s son Asher, 12, enjoys being a helpful volunteer. “I think that’s it’s a very good

Baltimore Jewish Times May 8, 2020

experience because it’s good to help people as much as we can, especially the people that don’t have any meals. I make sure that I make a lunch for them everytime there is a collection,” Asher said. He also tries to sneak in a cookie for each lunch when he can. Uddeme’s youngest, Madden, 9, focuses more on the sorting. It seems to suit his style best. “Earlier in the year we would usually put them in bins that said the grade and some people would drop them in random bins so I would stand in front of the bins and ask them what grade they’re in and sometimes they sneak past me and I said, ‘No, we’re sorting them by grade’,” he said. Madden is even more passionate during these times.

“I think it’s really nice to help the people in need, especially now. Some people cannot work, and some people can work from home and they’re very lucky like my mom and my dad, but some people are not able to and it’s not really that great, and they don’t gain any money and in fact they lose some money because they still have to pay bills,” he said. Madden is so eager that he said he has been thinking about this issue a lot and keeps asking his dad for more ways to help. If you would like to help too, JVC will continue this service weekly with more information on its website, JVCBaltimore.org. J T

cconte@midatlanticmedia.com

©iStockphoto.com/TAO EDGE

AT THE BUNCHES OF LUNCHES CHALLENGE April 27, 140 volunteers ranging from preschoolers to seniors made and delivered 1,877 meals to community members in need. The majority of volunteers were from Krieger Schechter Day School and Beth El, while the recipients were from seven organizations including the Weinberg Housing and Resource Center. Leftover meals went to a group of people canvassing to gauge people’s needs in North Baltimore to distribute to the households they interviewed. Ashley Pressman, JVC executive director, was at the KSDS drop-off location. While most of the kids she saw stayed in the car, “for the kids who I have talked about it, kids just really love having the chance to help,” she said. Especially now, when many people feel powerless, opportunities like this benefit both the giver and receiver. “It meant so much that the bag was decorated,” Pressman said one recipient told her. “It was gift and not just a meal.” JVC usually has educational programming included in its charity activities, making it service learning. In this case, because of social distancing, they were not able to reflect in a group setting on the economic and social implications of the recipients’ needs this time. However, Pressman does hope to create and post a resource guide that families can use to discuss over dinner. Bunches of Lunches is a monthly program, and KSDS

« Local News

Israeli Medical Technology Firm Seeks to Aid in Fight Against Coronavirus

Courtesy of Medispec

By Jesse Berman

MASKS, SOAP, LITTLE BOTTLES OF PURELL — and, of course, our state of quarantine. These tolls have helped us flatten the curve, but they are a far cry from the vaccine or cure that we so desperately crave. Still, that does not mean we don’t have any advanced medical equipment to limit the number of fatalities, with one Israeli company looking into how its technology could help COVID-19 patients. Avner Spector, an Israeli mechanical engineer, is the CEO of Medispec, an Israeli medical technology company. Spector co-founded Medispec in 1992, along with its American branch, the Gaithersburgsituated Medispec USA, in 1994. Since 2005, the company has been looking into the ways low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or Li-ESWT, can be used to improve patient health. However, Li-ESWT’s original intent never had anything to do with the coronavirus. This year, Medispec’s Ominspec, a tool that delivers Li-ESWT to patients, received FDA approval to be sold in the U.S. as a therapeutic massager and as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. Medispec had planned to market the device early this year. “Unfortunately, the corona stop everything,” Spector said. While deploying the Omnispec for its initial purpose may be on indefinite hold, Spector said that, according to preliminary

Avner Spector is the CEO of Medispec.

yet promising evidence, the Li-ESWT used by the device can also be used in combination with prescription drugs as a supplement to treat patients for high blood pressure and kidney failure. Meanwhile, the Cardiospec, another Medispec device, could potentially use Li-ESWT to treat patients for heart disease, though it has not yet to be approved by the FDA for medical use. According to Spector, treating COVID-19 patients for high blood pressure and heart disease is important, as these conditions increase the likelihood that a patient will experience more severe complications due to the coronavirus. “If you don’t have enough blood flow to the apex of the heart … when you are in stress, you don’t, you can’t produce enough blood pressure to the body,” Spector said. Spector explained that, when

patients are sick, they need their blood to flow freely to supply oxygen to needed areas of the body. “Our goal is to reduce the risk factor by improving the heart condition and reduce blood pressure,” Spector said. “This will give them better chance.” According to Spector, Li-ESWT is a safe and simpleto-use outpatient procedure that involves exerting a series of painless pressure pulses on the body to create small blood vessels, increase blood flow through the body, increase nerve activity, and generally improve vitality. According to Julia Divon, Medispec’s HR and special projects director, Li-ESWT therapy would normally be administered by an ultrasound technician, as it is similar to receiving an ultrasound. The treatment would be for a maximum of four hours, divided into six 30 - 40 minute sessions.

There certainly is a great need for effective tools to fight COVID-19, as Dr. Dov Frankel, an emergency physician at GBMC HealthCare - Greater Baltimore Medical Center, can attest to. Frankel said that it could potentially work to treat COVID-19 patients. “We have to have a riskbenefit analysis,” Frankel said. “If we can do this safely, minimizing the amount of time the operator is exposed to the patient, I think it could work.” Medispec is currently trying to apply for a grant and needs a U.S. partner to introduce the treatment to clinical partners. “It’s good to use this technology to increase the probability of people with corona disease not to [deteriorate] their condition,” Spector said. “This treatment, in principal, has a lot of potential.” jberman@midatlanticmedia.com

jewishtimes.com

By Jesse Berman

Baltimore Jewish Times May 8, 2020

« Cover Story

Gordon Center Prepares to Host 32nd Annual Film Festival Online

©iStockphoto.com/Pazhyna

THE 32nd ANNUAL WILLIAM AND IRENE WEINBERG FAMILY BALTIMORE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL is set to begin May 16. And while the

COVID-19 pandemic continues to keep much of the community closed for business, as the old proverb goes, the show must go on. To that end, this year’s festival will be held in an online format, according to Sara Qureshi, The Gordon Center for Performing Arts’ program director, arts and culture. “Our patrons’ safety and security are always our first priority, whether in person or virtually,” Qureshi said. “Rather than coming to the film with 500 people at The Gordon Center, our film patrons will have the opportunity to view the films from the comfort and safety of their own homes.” As the Gordon Center is only 25 years old, Qureshi said, the festival actually predates the venue that, normally, it would have been held in. The film series will consist of 10 films running from May 16 to June 8. An 11th film, “Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles,” is “presented adjacent to the festival in partnership with our sponsor North Oaks,” Qureshi said. While tickets for this film are free, registration will still be required. At specified dates and times, ticket holders will receive a link to stream the movie they have selected, Qureshi said. The movie will then be viewable by ticket holders for a 48-hour window. The festival will also feature opportunities to discuss a number of the films via Zoom meetings with guest speakers, with these meetings largely being scheduled approximately 24 hours after a particular film is available for streaming. The chosen 10 films were whittled down from a preliminary list of 60, Qureshi said, adding that the “film selections are diverse in terms of genre, country of origin, content, and perspective.” Sara Shalva, the JCC of Greater Baltimore’s chief arts officer, provided a detailed explanation of the selection process. “The

selection committee votes on films, and all of that information is analyzed,” she said. “The films that are highest rated are then watched in person at the JCC.” After discussing each film’s merits, the final film selection is held in late fall, followed by a general announcement of the films ultimately considered for the 10 available slots. The committee members that make these selections go to great effort to get the selection right, according to Shalva. “The festival planning process has always engaged the volunteer committee in a very immersive way,” she said. “The committee, full of lifelong cinephiles, spend the year reviewing and talking about the films, working to ensure that they will appeal to our audience.” The first film in the series, “Golda’s Balcony, The Film,” consists of the “archival capture of acclaimed actress Tovah Feldshuh’s performance as Golda Meir in Broadway’s longest-running onewoman show: ‘Golda’s Balcony,’” Qureshi said. It tells the story of Golda Meir’s rise from a simple Russian schoolgirl to Israel’s prime minister, with Feldshuh herself playing no less than 45 different characters. Other films Qureshi’s noted were “Flawless” and “The Keeper.” Available for streaming May 23, “Flawless” is a 2018 Israeli drama focused on transgender issues and coming of age during high school. According to the film’s synopsis, after “enrolling in a new school, 17-year-old Eden discovers that her two new best friends are planning to sell their kidneys to pay for cosmetic surgery and prom dresses … Things don’t go as planned, and when Eden’s secret is revealed, they must all come to terms with their prejudices and who they really want to be.” The digital live discussion will be held on May 24, with guest speakers Abby Stein and Jo Ivester, and is made possible in part by funding from JPride Baltimore.

jewishtimes.com

discussion sessions safe for users through registration and waiting rooms. “We mention security concerns only because patrons have mentioned what they’ve heard in the media about Zoom bombing and other safety issues,” she said. Qureshi also stressed that Baltimore’s festival was but one part of a greater whole. “There is a wide network of Jewish film festivals all around North America,” she said. “It is a very connected community, connected with their local JCCs or as their own nonprofit organizations.” Each festival has its own unique character, with some having their own theaters and some taking place throughout the year, she said. When asked about the Jewish community’s contributions to filmmaking, Shalva made clear how seriously she takes the subject. “As I look back on my own interest in Jewish art and culture, there are so many places where I felt I was consuming art that really spoke to me and my soul,” she said. “I’m a big fan of poetry and creative writing, and when I find a talented writer I feel like they have a direct line to my soul.” For Shalva, art represents a connection to Jewish tradition. “Jewish tradition is a tradition based on storytelling and evoking emotional response to real and imagined events,” she said. “To me, creating art is one of the ways we act in God’s image. Creative expression is an act of creation, just as much as planting a [seed], raising a child. Writing a poem, writing a song, we are acting in the image of God when we do those things.” Tickets for the Baltimore Jewish Film Festival can be purchased at JCC.org/gordon-center/film. J T

jberman@midatlanticmedia.com

Baltimore Jewish Times May 8, 2020

“Golda’s Balcony, The Film” Available May 16, 8:30 p.m. May 18, 8:30 p.m. “Those Who Remained” Available May 18, 7 p.m. May 20, 7 p.m. “Love in Suspenders” Available May 20, 7 p.m. May 22, 7 p.m. “Flawless” Available May 23, 8:30 p.m. May 25, 8:30 p.m. “Leona” Available May 25, 7 p.m. May 27, 7 p.m. “The Keeper” Available May 26, 7 p.m. May 28, 7 p.m. “Witness Theater” Available May 30, 8:30 p.m. June 1, 8:30 p.m. “The Unorthodox” Available June 1, 7 p.m. June 3, 7 p.m. “1938 Different” Available June 3, 7 p.m. June 5, 7 p.m. “After Munich” Available June 8, 7 p.m.June 10, 7 p.m.

Golda’s Balcony, The Film: via Golda’s Balcony, The Film press kit; Those Who Remained: Lenke Szilágyi via Menemsha Films; Love in Suspenders: Courtesy of the JCC of Greater Baltimore; Flawless: Courtesy of IsraeliFilms; Leona: Courtesy of JCC of Greater Baltimore; The Keeper: Courtesy of Menemsha Films; Witness Theater: Debbie Egan-Chin; The Unorthodox: Yaron Scharf; 1938 Different: Courtesy of JCC of Greater Baltimore; After Munich: via Seventh Art Releasing

A few days later, on May 26, “The Keeper” streams into your home theater. Set in England during and after World War II, it tells the true story of Bert Trautmann, a German soldier who, after being captured by the British, is recruited as the goalkeeper at Manchester City. When the decision to allow him to play outrages fans of the game, Trautmann is unexpectedly defended by one who escaped Nazi tyranny: Rabbi Alexander Altmann. A virtual discussion on the film, with guest speaker Christopher Reed, chair of the Film & Moving Image Department of Stevenson University, is scheduled for May 27. In addition to serving as a forum for artistic discussion, Qureshi views the live discussion sessions throughout the festival as an opportunity to build connection between people, something particularly important as the coronavirus continues to create physical separations. “As a festival, we are not just streaming films but building community,” Qureshi said, adding that the virtual format might actually help to widen that community in terms of geography, number, and age range. “We acknowledge that our normal audience in past years tends to be on the older side,” she said, “and we hope that this year we will have a broader audience age range.” She encouraged parents and grandparents to consider purchasing tickets for children or grandchildren who may no longer reside in the Baltimore area, so that they can continue to have the opportunity to experience the art and culture emerging from Baltimore’s Jewish community. Qureshi also wished to emphasize that the festival is working to make the Zoom

ISRAEL FILM FESTIVAL GOES ONLINE WITH ‘KING BIBI’ SCREENING

« Arts & Life

By Carolyn Conte

Netanyahu photo: Thierry Orban/Getty Images News/Getty Images; edited graphics: Ebony Brown

o celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, the Jewish Federation of Howard County held its second Israel Film Festival. The film festival took place May 3, when the Jewish Federation streamed the documentary “King Bibi” and held a virtual conversation with director and producer Dan Shadur. Shay Rubinstein, Jewish Federation’s shaliach (emissary), had met Shadur while visiting family in Israel, and had invited him to be a part of the event. “King Bibi” documents Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rise to power in 97 minutes. Told only through archival footage, it follows Netanyahu’s interest in politics, beginning with the death of his brother. It provides brief glimpses into his three marriages, and how the media went after his family gossip. As he becomes more confident with the media, Netanyahu takes bolder steps. He welcomes CNN for a live interview during the Second Intifada, where they wear gas masks. He begins deciding on lighting in some interviews and does his own hair. He has a film crew follow his family life for a year. The attendees joined in to watch “King Bibi” on a Zoom link, where Rubinstein shared his screen to play the movie. After the screening, Shadur spoke more about the film. Attendees submitted

questions for him to the Zoom chat feature. They ranged from how Shadur found interest in this topic, his opinion of Israeli politics, contrasts between President Donald Trump and Netanyahu, and more. One element of the documentary Shadur addressed was how communications consultant Lilyan Wilder is in the film. Her recordings are woven throughout the documentary. Shadur explained that during his research, he learned that Netanyahu listened to Wilder’s “7 Steps to Fearless Speaking.” “Don’t talk up or down to them, talk to them,” the recording says in gentle, singsong tone after a clip of Netanyahu’s early interviews. “Bring something to show them,” Wilder says, after a clip of Netanyahu showing CNN a map of Israel. In little ways like this, viewers see Netanyahu take control of his presentation in media. This idea mesmerized Shadur, he said, particularly when he found footage of Netanyahu in the ‘80s perfecting how to tell a story, retelling it to the reporter again and again until they recorded the perfect moment. Eventually, Netanyahu stopped doing

interviews with the media, which he accused of being biased against him. While Shadur was fascinated by the press-prime minister relationship, he refrained from speculation and partisan answers during the discussion. He did note, though, that Netanyahu’s ability to get the message he wants across in the media has only improved over the years. “His control of discourse is better from when he started ... He realized he should only go for his base,” Shadur said. J T

cconte@midatlanticmedia.com

jewishtimes.com

Arts & Life »

It’s the Perfect Time to Get Into Pickling

ou’ve tried coaxing a sourdough starter to life or braiding a challah, turned speckled bananas into muffins, maybe even churned out sheets of pasta. For those lucky enough to hunker down at home in good health during the coronavirus pandemic, experimenting in the kitchen can be a welcome escape. But what about your produce drawer? If you can’t get your hands on baking staples right now, or are looking for a stay-at-home food project that’s a bit

Baltimore Jewish Times May 8, 2020

more nutritious, consider pickling and fermenting. By making your own pickles or kraut, you can stretch the contents of your fridge, save wilted fruits and vegetables, and make something that lasts for months. You’ll also be leaning into a long, rich tradition embraced by Jewish cultures all over the world, a tradition of preserving foods to last in times of scarcity and uncertainty. “It’s more of a lifestyle” than a recipe, said Jeffrey Yoskowitz, co-founder and

chief pickler of The Gefilteria. Pickling and fermenting, said Yoskowitz, who also teaches Jewish food anthropology, is “a way of making sure you don’t waste, using resources to plan ahead,” he said. “If you are someone who does this at home, you always have something to add acidity, freshness, and essential nutrients” to whatever you’re eating. Which is why, he explains, these methods were a bedrock of Eastern European Jewish cuisine for centuries. To survive the long,

Jars: Getty Images via JTA; Pickle, Floortje

Sophia Gottfried | The Nosher via JTA

harsh winters of that region, preserving cabbage, beets, carrots, cucumbers, and turnips was key to making it through to the spring. In our current reality, “who knows if and when you can go to the supermarket or what they may have,” said Yoskowitz, co-author of “The Gefilte Manifesto” cookbook. “Things are changing so rapidly,” but if you “pick up a bunch of green beans or turnips or beets or carrots,” you can make them last and have more vegetables between crucial grocery outings. These hearty vegetables were not preserved with vinegar, which many modern pickle lovers may find surprising. Vinegar was rare and expensive in that part of the world. Instead, Ashkenazi Jews used salt in a process called lacto-fermentation, which just requires a brine made from salt and water. The process, an ancient technique discovered in China, came to Eastern Europe in the 16th century via nomadic Turks and Tatars, according to Gil Marks’ “Encyclopedia of Jewish Food.” It was embraced for its low cost, the sour, tangy flavor it created, and its ability to keep these foods edible for months. Lacto-fermentation also ups nutritional value, creating good bacteria that studies have shown reduce inflammation, aid digestion, and support the immune system. This was also important to staying healthy during those harsh winters. “I like to think you’re improving these foods” by fermenting them, Yoskowitz said, adding that this nutritional boon is especially valuable now, when processed foods and pantry staples may be in heavy rotation. A note on the difference between pickling and fermentation: Fermented pickles are made by submerging vegetables in that saltwater brine, causing naturally occurring good bacteria in the air to gradually turn the vegetables’ sugars into lactic acid. That process of creating acid – lacto-fermentation — is why foods fermented with just salt still taste sour. Traditional kosher dill pickles, for example, get their distinctive flavor this way. Vinegar pickles, on the other hand, use, well, vinegar, and sometimes sugar

and spices, and are not fermented. When stored in the fridge, they are called quick pickles or refrigerator pickles. What you’ll likely find at the grocery store, though, are vinegar pickles that have been canned in boiling water in order to be shelf-stable. Essentially, fermented pickles just use salt, spurring lacto-fermentation, while nonfermented pickles are made with vinegar. So not all pickles are fermented. And not all fermented foods are pickled – think yogurt, wine, cheese, sourdough bread, and more. In a time before refrigeration, “it’s hard to underestimate how revolutionary” and critical techniques like lacto-fermentation were for survival, said Emily Paster, author of “The Joys of Jewish Preserving.” Plus, to make sauerkraut and other simple fermented vegetables, “if you’ve got clean glass jars, salt, and a knife,” you’re ready to start, she said. Paster points out that though pickling, fermenting, and preserving vegetables and fruit are more often associated with Ashkenazi Jews (like deli pickles, apple sauce, and sauerkraut), “whatever part of the Diaspora you come from, this tradition was there and it goes back centuries.” Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews, despite living in more temperate climates, “made the bounty of the season stretch,” too, she notes, from extending the short apricot season by floating excess fruits in sugar syrup to making sure citrus was on hand all year round by encasing whole lemons in salt

to pickled vegetables like the pink turnips ubiquitous in falafel joints today. The Talmud even mentions pickles, stating that one who is about to recite the blessing over bread must have salt and leaftan — a word that comes from the word for turnip that means relish or pickles, Marks’ encyclopedia explains. Of course, flavor also was a reason to preserve. While tangy sauerkraut and root veggies livened up an otherwise bland winter diet for Eastern Europeans, schug, a fiery fermented hot sauce, and amba, a condiment made from pickled mangoes, added heat and brightness to Middle Eastern and North African dishes, said Yoskowitz. They can do the same for rice, pasta, and any other basics we’re relying on heavily during this crisis. For Paster, these techniques are a reminder of how past generations thought about food: rarely was it wasted or taken for granted. In contrast, shopping and cooking for food right now is “a massive wake-up call,” she said, since “we’re used to getting any ingredient we want, any time of the year,” and making as many trips to the store as we need. Yoskowitz agrees. Like much of Jewish food history, pickling and fermenting is about “embracing restraint and restriction,” he said, from Spanish Jews making sausage out of chicken instead of pork or German Jews making a version of challah with potato. Embracing this creativity – while creating something mouth puckering, delicious, and nourishing in the process – is inspiring, said Paster. “It’s a connection to an earlier time, to our ancestors,” she said. “It makes you feel good and self-reliant.” J T

Sophia Gottfried is a journalist, editor, and communications strategist.

jewishtimes.com

REACH 60% OF JEWISH BALTIMORE! Contact us TODAY before time runs out to advertise in the 2020-2021 Guide to Jewish Life! • Religious Life • Seniors • Arts & Culture • Community Organizations • Simcha • Camps / Schools & Education • Dining & Food • Financial & Legal • Health & Fitness • Retail & Fashion • And More...

GET A 12-MONTH INVESTMENT FOR ONE LOW PRICE!

RESERVE YOUR AD TODAY!

jewishtimes.com

Call today! 410-902-2309 advertising@jewishtimes.com 24

Baltimore Jewish Times May 8, 2020

The Jewish View | Rabbi Sonya Starr Parshat Emor

Mourning From a Distance By Rabbi Sonya Starr

Parshat Emor begins by telling Moses to speak to the Kohanim, saying that they should not be defiled by being near any person in their family who has died, with the exception of their immediate family. As a child, I was confused by how they could mourn that way. It was not until COVID-19 that I had a more complete picture of their grief process. In today’s world, many of us have had to watch funerals or attend shiva minyans over Zoom. We know that during this pandemic only 10 people are allowed to attend a funeral; many have to bring their own shovel and stand apart; no hugging or reaching out to comfort each other. In many ways we are mirroring what the Kohanim throughout the centuries have had to do — mourn from a distance, removed from those whom they love. Intellectually, I knew that the biblical Kohanim removed themselves from death to not become defiled. A Kohan needed to be ready at a moment’s notice to help the Israelites rectify or enhance their relationship with G-d. Now for the first time, I understand emotionally what that must have felt like. For in one way or another, we are all mourners during COVID-19. Some of us are mourning the loss of a loved one, others the loss of employment/education, some the loss of security and stability, others the loss of community. Please do not get me wrong, not all forms of grief are the same nor is it a competition.

Few people are weathering this pandemic without some kind of grief, depression, or anxiety. Elad Nehorai wrote, “All grief is painful. The question is more whether it grows and evolves into trauma or whether it will be healthy grief.” For the first time, I understand the Kohanim believed they were preventing a trauma greater than isolation to visit upon the Israelites. They believed that they could learn how to grieve in a healthy manner rather than be destroyed by that very same grief. For they, like us, believe the choice we are given is between life and death. By sheltering in place, returning to life slowly, and listening to medical professionals, we too choose life. We forgo the incredible financial security, comfort, and community we crave, to allow life to win over this horrible disease. As we pray for phase one to begin to close, as we hope that we will not return to sheltering in place anytime soon, let us also remember the Kohanim who knew that choosing a sacred life was worth the alternative. As many COVID-19 mourners said, even though the mourning process was not what they would have wanted, they still felt loved and supported. They knew they had people they could reach out to. They were not alone. We, like the Kohanim before us, separate ourselves so that our world might be healthier. B’ezrat Hashem, may it come soon. J T

Rabbi Sonya Starr is the rabbi of Columbia Jewish Congregation.

The Community Page Out&About

Snapshot: Courtesy of the Jewish Museum of Maryland, 2006.13.408; Out & About: Making Friends: Beth Tfiloh Congregation; Bedtime: Beth Am Synagogue; Workout: JCC of Greater Baltimore

MAKING FRIENDS: Dr. Ron Davis, president of Beth Tfiloh Congregation, introduced a new friend he found in his garage, while joking that he has not been affected at all by the ongoing quarantine, May 1.

BEDTIME SERENADE: Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg of Beth Am Synagogue led a musical bedtime evening program for his congregation’s little ones and those who are little-one adjacent, April 29.

BODYSTEP WORKOUT: From left: Amy Schwartz and Emily Love led a virtual Bodystep class at the JCC, April 30.

|Snapshots| To celebrate the Associated’s Centennial year, we’re featuring photos from the history of the Associated and its agencies! JCC volunteers celebrate Volunteer Week, 1982. Can you identify anyone in this photo? Contact Joanna Church, 443-873-5176 or jchurch@ jewishmuseummd.org. To see more of the Jewish Museum’s extensive collection and find out who has been identified in past photos, visit jewishmuseummd.org/tag/once-upon-a-time-2/.

jewishtimes.com

W.S. TEGELER Monument Co. 410-944-0300

MONUMENTS, MARKERS, BRONZE MARKERS, CEMETERY LETTERING

We can meet with you at our office or your home.

Check our prices before you buy. 5804 Windsor Mill Rd. Baltimore, Md 21207 Walter S. Tegeler

Six generations since 1897 www.tegelermonument.com

tough

Providing uplifting programs for critically ill children. CaseyCaresFoundation.org 443.568.0064

May Their Memory Be For a Blessing The Baltimore Jewish Times extends condolences to the families of those who have passed. To receive our weekly obituary eletter visit jewishtimes.com/ obitsignup To submit an obituary visit jewishtimes.com/ submit-obituaries

jewishtimes.com 410-902-2300 26

Obituaries Âť ASTRINSKY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; On March 10, Raisa Astrinsky of Owings Mills at age 71. She is survived by her loving husband Alexander Astrinsky; children Jason (Irina) Astrinsky and Olga (Alexander) Trogun; brother Victor (Evdokia) Lukyanov; and grandchildren Alexandra â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sashaâ&#x20AC;? Astrinsky, Ray Trogun, and Katherine â&#x20AC;&#x153;Katyaâ&#x20AC;? Trogun. BARRY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; On March 1, Rhoda Ann Barry in Towson. Daughter of the late Isaac F. and Bessie Klein (Buchinsky) of Medford, Massachusetts; sister of the late David A. Klein and Aaron Klein; and wife of the late Benjamin Barry. Survived by son Steven A. Barry of Montreal, Canada; daughter Shereen R. Zellars of Indianapolis, Indiana; and grandchildren Mikaela and Lilah Barry and Ziv and Riva Zellars. Barry graduated from Somerville High School in 1950 and was a proud member of the National Honor Society. She attended Boston University, where she was a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma and graduated with a B.S. in secretarial and allied studies in 1954. She worked in Boston as a sales correspondent and learned to sail on the Charles River. Rhoda and Benjamin Barry met on a blind date and were married in 1958. They lived first in Medford, Massachusetts, and then settled in Melrose, Massachusetts. For more than 20 years, Ben Barry was the owner and registered pharmacist at Bond Pharmacy (B&R Drug) in Inman Square, Cambridge, and Rhoda Barry managed the finances of the business. She was an active member of the League

Baltimore Jewish Times May 8, 2020

of Women Voters and at Temple Tifereth Israel in Malden, Massachusetts. She worked for a time at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site as an office manager and was delighted to be allowed to wear a park ranger uniform complete with hat. In 1989, they moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina where she was an office manager for the Fayetteville Region Catholic Social Ministries. She also volunteered with the Cape Fear Regional Theatre and the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum. She enjoyed traveling far and wide and spending time with her friends and grandchildren. In 2008, they moved to Baltimore, where Ben Barry was treated for lung cancer and Rhoda Barry became active at the HopeWell Cancer Support center. After he passed away in 2011, Rhoda Barry became a resident at Edenwald in Towson. During her years there she continued to explore Baltimore, enjoyed theater trips, a memorable day sailing on Chesapeake Bay, and dining out at restaurants where she was always asking for â&#x20AC;&#x153;something different.â&#x20AC;? She was smart, thrifty, and fiercely independent. She loved dogs, kitchen gadgets, and frozen pudding ice cream. She was an experienced knitter and lifelong yoga practitioner. She was proud of her â&#x20AC;&#x153;idiosyncrasiesâ&#x20AC;? and had many devoted, lifelong friends. Contributions may be sent to HopeWell Cancer Support, P.O. Box 755, Brooklandville, MD 21022. CAPLAN â&#x20AC;&#x201D; On March 10, Daniel Caplan at age 90.

Predeceased by his beloved wife Alice F. Caplan (nĂŠe Weintraub) and siblings Albert (Rona) Caplan, Beatrice (Sonny) Feinstein, and Sandra (Donald) Sherman. Survived by his daughters Lynn (Menachem) Weinglas and Barbara (Gene) Warfield; grandchildren Esther Frimit (Nachum) Zager, Hena Miriam Weinglas, Chaya Shira (Shua) Rosenberg, Jenna Paige Kellman, and Mollye Becca Kellman; and many loving great-grandchildren. Contributions may be sent to Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association of Maryland, 1850 York Road, Suite D, Timonium, MD 21093. DAVIS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; On March 10, Terri Anne Davis of Owings Mills at age 64. One of two girls born in St. Louis, Missouri , to Marjorie and Jerome Davis. She grew up in Randallstown and graduated f rom Randallstown High School. She attended Franklin & Marshall College and the University of Baltimore Law School and went on to work as an attorney for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 36 years, where she was involved in the Military Construction Program and Civil Works Program. In the late 1980s, she met Ronald Maj at Ft. Drum in New York. The two were wed in 1989 and later made their home in Owings Mills where they would welcome a son and a daughter. She enjoyed many hobbies in her spare time such as knitting, making jewelry, and arts and crafts. She was a devoted wife and mother and will be remembered for her caring nature and concern for others. She is survived by her

loving husband of 31 years Ronald Joseph Maj; children Rachel and Matthew Maj; sister Cheryl Cannon; parents Marjorie and Jerome Davis; her father-in-law Leon Maj; sister-in-law Christine Maj; nephews Robert Cannon, Douglas Gorecki (Kimberlee), Keith Gorecki (Kimberly), and Glen Gorecki (Samantha); in addition to many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was predeceased by her mother-in-law Irene Maj. Contributions may be sent to American Cancer Society, 405 Williams Court, Suite 120, Baltimore, MD 21220, or Shriners Hospital For Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607. FRIEDMAN — On Feb. 25, Craig Steven Friedman of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, at age 56. Predeceased by his parents Rhoda M. and Norman H. Friedman. Survived by siblings Mindy (the late John) Warthen, Laurence Friedman, and Robin (Jose) Barrera, and by nieces and nephews Natalie, Blake, and Nolan Warthen; Riley, Ryan, and Joshua Friedman; and Tatiana, Chase, Madison, and Nathan Barrera. Contributions may be sent to Jewish Addiction Awareness Network, 23052-H Alicia Parkway, #118, Mission Viejo, CA 92692. GACOFSKY — On March 10, Miriam Gacofsky (née Sterman) at age 92. Predeceased by her beloved husband Peter Gacofsky; brothers-in-law Irving Schoenberg and Charlie Schwartz; and parents Abraham and Esther Sterman. Survived by daughter Audrey Gacofsky-Sperr (Greg Sperr); sisters Rosalind Schoenberg and Toby

Schwartz; and grandchildren Alexander and Liam Sperr. Contributions may be sent to Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation, B eth El Congregation, or Friends of Yad Sarah.

Upcoming Special Sections National Stroke Awareness

GOREN — On March 10, Dr. Robert Goren of Baltimore at age 91. Survived by children Cindy (Stuart) Littman, Andrea (Douglas) Farbman, Howard (Stacy) Goren, and Diana (Michael) Marmelstein; grandchildren Robyn Littman (David Faranda), Jackie Littman (Joe McCord), Adam Farbman (Jessi Taff), Brian Farbman, Brooke Goren, Kevin Goren, Abby Marmelstein, and Natalie Marmelstein; and great-granddaughter Miriam Faranda. Contributions may be sent to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 200 East Joppa Road, Suite 407, Towson, MD 21286. LEIBOWITZ — On March 8, Leonard Leibowitz of Pikesville and Palm Beach, Florida, at age 88. He was born in New York to the late Sadie and Samuel Leibowitz. He grew up in the Bronx, attended DeWitt Clinton High School, then attended New York University. He worked as a salesman of ladies’ house dresses where he met Sandra Towsner, an assistant buyer, and the two wed in 1963. In 1970, he opened a retail bridal business in Baltimore and in 1985 developed Discount Bridal Service, with dealers throughout the U.S. He also opened an office in Tokyo, Japan, where he represented American bridal manufacturers and sold to

May 29 May is National Stroke Awareness month. This special section offers resources and information to help educate Jewish Times readers.

Seniors June 5 From home health aides to financial planners to nursing homes, this is the perfect venue to show how your business can help older Jewish residents navigate these challenging times.

Graduates June 12 Celebrate the success of the class of 2020 by sending them congratulatory wishes!

REACH 60% OF JEWISH BALTIMORE! Website Page Views

81,800

Print Readership

35,000

E-Blast Subscribers

Social Media Followers

10,445

15,640

JEWISHTIMES.COM Contact your sales consultant to schedule your advertising at 410-902-2309 advertising@jewishtimes.com jewishtimes.com

Obituaries » Japanese bridal stores. Through his connection in the bridal industry, he became a travel agent. He and his wife traveled extensively and visited all seven continents. If asked, he would tell you his favorite places to visit were Israel, Japan, and Africa. When he wasn’t traveling the world, he loved to spend time boating, reading books, and watching movies about World War II. He was a great fan of Winston Churchill, believing he was the right man in the right place at the right time in history. However, the most important thing in his life was his family. Along with his wife and children, Gary and Deb, he lovingly cared for an aunt who raised him after the deaths of his parents. He also hosted a number of foreign exchange students whom he considered family as well. He always told people to “smell the roses” every day and never took for granted all the amazing things he had the opportunity to do in life. He was a kind and gentle man who will be missed greatly by his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Sandra Leibowitz (née Towsner); daughter Deb Gordon (Joel Simon); and grandchildren Ellie Gordon Simon and Danny Gordon Simon. He was predeceased by his son Gary Leibowitz and his parents Sadie and Samuel Leibowitz. Contributions may be sent to Mildred Mindell Cancer Foundation, 40 Stirrup Ct, Baltimore, MD 21208. LONDON — On March 6, Joan Rita London at age 75. 28

Survived by her loving children Brian Goffman, Mark (Lindsay) Goffman, and Allison Goffman (Randy Reynolds); her brother Robert (Andrea) London; and her grandchildren Natasha, Stella, Geoffrey, Oliver, and Madeline Goffman. Predeceased by her parents George and Adele London. Born on June 5, 1944 and raised in Baltimore, London went to college at the University of Maryland and Towson University where she graduated with a degree in communications after getting married at 19. London parlayed her communications degree into an illustrious career in journalism and public relations dating back to when it was nearly unheard of for women to be in the field. During her career she was an anchor woman, a writer for the Houston Chronicle, the head of public relations for Texas Children’s Hospital, and a professor of journalism. She was recognized throughout her career with countless awards and public accolades. Later in her career, she attended the University of Maryland for her Ph.D. and then brought her talent and experience to hundreds of students at the University of Maryland and Towson University. Always driven to keep learning, she had an infectious passion for journalism and current events. Even in her mid-’70s, she was up to speed on news around the world. But she also made time to keep up with the latest in entertainment, enjoying TV series like South Park and Game of Thrones. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her early 20s. This disease hit her hard and was relentless in its

Baltimore Jewish Times May 8, 2020

rage against her body. But she never let it define her or stop her. Always with a smile, a positive attitude, and a remarkable drive, she was an inspiration to everyone around her. The Arthritis Foundation, where she was an active volunteer leader, recognized this and honored her with the designation to work with leaders in our government and even sent her to speak to the U.S. Congress. She spoke alongside Lance Armstrong and others on a panel to congressmen and senators, including Ted Kennedy. Her greatest legacy is her family and friends. As a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, and aunt, her family and friends have been core to her spirit. In recent years, she relocated to Santa Monica where she quickly created a new life for herself. She documented her senior living, search, and move to LA on her blog, called Joan’s Journey, which ran on Seniorliving. com. Once in LA, she found many kindred spirits and new friends after joining the Plato Society, a dynamic lifelong learning community distinguished by its small peer-led discussion groups for those who share a passion for learning and participating in active, informed, collegial discussions. Her big gest pr ide and joy were her three grown children and five grandchildren; she was also very close and supportive of her three nieces. She also was a mother to two sweet dogs (Duchess and Muffin), two adorable cats (Mia and Heather), and an assortment of turtles, parakeets, and fish over the years. She was

thought of as the matriarch to her extended family, to whom she often and easily expressed her love and well-wishes. The Jewish faith was core to her identity and gave her strength. Holidays were a special time for her, not only in the planning and tradition, but also in how they brought family together. She was the brightest light, and had a smile and spirit unlike any other. Her magnetism was in a league of its own. Her zest for life and friendly, bubbly, and kind personality was immediately apparent to everyone who came into contact with her. Her strength, generosity, and optimism were limitless. She embodied her life’s motto, “Live, laugh, love.” She was deeply loved by all who have been blessed to know her. She will live on through all the lives she touched. SILBER — On March 7, Gabriel Walter Silber at age 60. He was born in Gainesville, Florida, June 23, 1959 to Halina “Helen” and the late Dr. David Silber. He is survived by his siblings Fran Silber (Dr. Steven) Pruce and Dr. Harry (Ruth) Silber; nieces and nephews Alan (Caroline) Pruce, Cheryl Pruce, Joshua Silber, Jeremy Silber, and Matthew Silber; and great-nieces and great-nephews David, Joshua, and Lena Pruce. Contributions may be sent to Camp Shoresh, 3723 Old Court Rd. Suite 206, Baltimore, MD 21208 or the charity of your choice. The Baltimore Jewish Times updates obituaries regularly on its website, jewishtimes.com. Obituaries are compiled and may be condensed for space.

ELDER CARE www.nursebankofmd.com

Whenthegoinggetstough… Wehelpyougetgoing.

When you care enough to use the best

RNs • LPNs, CNAs Private Duty Nursing and Personal Care

• Home • Hospital • Extended Care

Servicing the Balto-Metro area

THE THE THE THE

410-486-3350

36 Years of Dependable Caring Service Licensed by State of Maryland, DHMH

Choose Our Reliable &Affordable Home Care Services Skilled Nursing Meal Preparation Personal Care Errands Respite Care Shopping Companionship Escort toAppointments Light Housekeeping 24 Hour Services Our Competent & Compassionate Nurses and Aides Are Screened & Credentialed

JewishTimes.com

410-486-6565 Info@phcmd.com www.phcmd.com

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Lisa Lisa Lisa Lisa

Vogel Vogel Vogel Agency Vogel Agency Agency Agency

I N - HOM E C A R E I N - HOM E C A R E I N - HOMagency.com E CARE lisavogel I N - HOM E C A R E 410-363-7770 lisavogel agency.com 410-363-7770 lisavogel agency.com lisavogel agency.com Now Servicing Formerly Accessible Home Health Care 410-363-7770 410-363-7770 We bill and collect fromHealth all longCare Bethesda, Silver Spring Formerly Accessible Home

term care insurances. and Chase WeChevy bill and collect fromHealth allareas! longCare Formerly Accessible Home License No.R2635 Licensed as a residential service term care insurances. Formerly Accessible Home agency the Maryland Department of Health and Webybill and collect fromHealth all longCare Mental Hygiene,Licensed Office ofas Health Care Quality. License No.R2635 a residential service term care insurances. We bill and collect from all longand agency by the Maryland Department of Health Mental Hygiene, Officeinsurances. ofas Health Care Quality. term care License No.R2635 Licensed a residential service agency by the Maryland Department of Health and License No.R2635 Licensed as a residential service Mental Hygiene, Office of Health Care Quality. agency by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Health Care Quality.

MD LICENSED & INSURED s 15 years combined home care experience

Vintage Furniture & Accessories

MARC BALOTIN Master Electrician ster Electrician

(410) 922-7081 Licensed

We buy Mid-century furniture, antique furniture and accessories. Mary Kay’s Furniture, LLC. • 410-852-4896

forcleaner cleaner carpets upholstery for carpetsand and upholstery

By Stephen David

(when the dust settles) HAVE YOUR CARPETING, UPHOLSTERY AND AIR DUCTS DISINFECTED AND SANITIZED!!

WWW.S-DCARPETCARE.COM

OWNER ON SITE! 10% DISCOUNT! 443-463-2884

call 311 -2 410-902 e t o p l aacd your jewishtimes.com

APPLIANCE REPAIR

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

WANTED TO BUY

APPLIANCE DOCTOR - Repairs all major home appliances. Shlomo Roshgadol: 410-358-2707

MARC ELECTRIC MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSED in Baltimore City, Baltimore Co & Carroll Co. Decorative lighting, house power and repairs. Marc Balotin. 410-922-7081. SEE MY AD IN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY.

Mary Kay’s Furniture, LLC. We come to you to make your down-sizing easy. Buying furniture and accessories - all styles. 410-852-4896

ELDER CARE Available Now! Excellent CNA & Med Tech 30 yrs experience in hospital, nursing home & private duty. CPR & First Aide. Car available for Dr appts & errands. Dependable. Excellent references, background check. Call Shirley Ann 443-3607815 BEST OF BALTIMORE: The Lisa Vogel Agency Bill & Collect Long-Term Care Insurance. 410-363-7770 Always Hiring Caregivers! Receive compassionate, quality care while in the comfort of your home at a less costly rate. Our caregivers are background checked, trained & certified to meet all your care needs. Gentle Care Home Health is bonded & licensed by the State of MD. Many insurances are accepted. Give us a call, rates this good don’t last forever. 410-8085358 Trusted Home Care - Home care you can depend on. My name is Denise Matthews. I am a certified nursing assistant. Private duty is my specialty. I am capable and experienced in serving all types of client and come highly recommended. If you want the best care for yourself a loved one or a friend, please contact me at 443-801-4824. I am currently available for all shifts.

HAULING & MOVING

MR. BOB’S ANTIQUES Buying all styles of furniture and YOUR #1 SOURCE for selling your $Silver - jewelry - lamps - clocks - watches - complete estates. 410-371-3675

Estate cleanouts & junk removal. Free estimates. Thompson Service Solutions 410-5644095

OLD SILVERPLATE WANTED Large lots, sets, flatware, interesting Silver. 410-274-5696 or BaltimoreJohn.com

LANDSCAPING

WANTED FURNITURE ‘50s-70s. Complete cleanouts, real estate work.. An essential business. Baltimorejohn 410-274-5696

GROUNDSCAPE INC. For all your lawn and landscaping needs. Spring & Fall cleanup, mulching & planting. 410-415-LAWN. MHIC#126283

PAINTING & WALLCOVERING FINE INTERIOR PAINTING Decorator colors, paper hanging and removal. Graduate of Maryland Institute of Art. Free Estimates MHIC #26124 Bert Katz 410-356-4722 See Our Ad.

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED: OLD WIND UP WRIST & POCKET WATCHES. Not even working. Coin collections, including foreign. 410-274-5696 or BALTIMOREJOHN. COM

WANTED-RECORDS & CD’s Jazz, Rock, Soul & More 410-627-6017 CashForMusic.com

WINDOW TREATMENTS BEST PRICES on custom blinds, upholstery, draperies. Installation, repairs, drapery cleaning. 410-526-2744

LARGE LOTS OF JEWELRY WANTED for inventory. Earn some mad money by selling unwanted jewelry. Including old costume jewelry, QVC jewelry collections, old watches working/ non-working. Call: 410-274-5696

IT’S amazing WHAT PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR Selling? Buyers are flocking to the JT’s Amazing Marketplace. To advertise, call 410-902-2311. 30

Baltimore Jewish Times May 8, 2020

TO SAFELY SELL YOUR HOME CALL MARGARET ROME CALL ME On Live Radio

AM 680 WCBM | Sundays at NOON

For Those Who Value Community

410-922-6680

If you had known about the shelter in place mandate one or two years ago, where would you be living? Would you have bought a home? Would you have sold your house? Would you still be renting? Would you be in a condo? Would you have moved to your forever home or a retirement home? Would you have moved closer to the family? Yes, there is plenty of pondering for these questions.

The preferred career resource for the Jewish community.

410-530-2400

www.HomeRome.com • mrome@HomeRome.com Broker-Owner • Home Rome Realty

Master Certified Negotiations Expert

info@jewishcareers.com | 410-902-2300

Staying Connected We’re all in this together.

STAY ENGAGED | FIND RESOURCES | GET ADVICE We’ve added a new COVID-19 tab to the navigation bar and a new area on the homepage of jewishtimes.com to help keep you informed on how the virus is impacting our families and community. The paywall has also been lowered. We want to know how the pandemic is changing your life. Please send your story tips, photos, and videos to our editor, Selah Maya Zighelboim, at szighelboim@midatlanticmedia.com.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION jewishtimes.com

@jewishtimes

jewishtimes

jewishtimes.com To advertise, please call 410-902-2309 or email advertising@jewishtimes.com jewishtimes.com

Upper Park Heights

ES ACR SING 6 . 4 ED T LEA GAT ABOU ASK MO

R E IN

EAD

Y 6905 Carol Rd 21207 Buyers found their perfect home. 3 bedrooms 3 1/2 baths. Front and back porches and finished lower level.

MS OO EDR STEPS B 3 O N

This one-of-a-kind corner unit is surrounded with lush greenery and landscaping. The covered level patio area is easily accessed from your car. No STEPS! Bright open condo has sliding glass doors that give you a perfect place to relax overlooking the gardens. Please call for details 410-530-2400

2A Stonehenge Circle #1 Stevenson Village

410-530-2400

Broker-Owner • Home Rome Realty

www. .com HomeRome.com | mrome@HomeRome.com

VEL SE 2 LENHOU TOW

Rome

Real Estate the right way

Margaret Rome author of

Rarely available two level brick townhouse with 3 bedrooms 2 ½ baths, fireplace, family room, and two sets of sliders to the enclosed patio. Gas heat and cooking. Two assigned parking spaces in front. Ready to move in NOW. For details 410-530-2400

16 Lamplighter Ct 21208 Annen Woods

8511 Arborwood Rd 21208 A four-bedroom, mid-century modern rancher with double carport, finished lower level, a first-floor den with fireplace and a lovely heated sunroom addition awaits you in this updated Stevenson home in a quiet cul-de-sac. Replacement windows and glass sliding doors. Spacious granite eat-in kitchen with access to the brick patio, carport, and oversized shed. There’s a fourth bedroom, family room, laundry, and plenty of storage to complete the walk out lower level. For information call Margaret Rome 410-530-2400

SELL YOUR HOME WITH MARGARET ROME

25 Highfield Ct Hunt Valley, 21030 Exquisite three level brick home on 4.6 wooded acres in the gated neighborhood of Overlook in Hunt Valley. A gentle stream on the property leads to the Loch Raven Reservoir where you can explore, wander, and quickly get to your favorite fishing spot. Luxury, privacy, spacious 7600’ custom home with a 3 car garage, multiple master suites for large family and guests. Call Margaret Rome for details 410-530-2400.

315 Northlands Ct 21078 Meadows@BulleRock Three finished levels, 3 ½ baths, first floor master, 2 car garage, in-law suite with kitchen, over 4000’, sunroom, high ceilings, low HOA fees $118/month. Better than a single family home. Call Margaret Rome 410-530-2400

LIVE RAD SHOW IO Sun 1 AM68 2 Noon 0/WC B

6210 Park Heights Ave #600 Strathmore Towers Sixth floor, over 1800’ sq ft, bright corner unit with great views from the covered 22’ balcony. The eat-in kitchen is updated with tile floors and backsplash. 3rd bedroom is used as a den. The condo fees include all utilities, a front desk, doorman, and the conveniences of living in a fullservice luxury condo. Move in perfection. Call 410-530-2400

OM DROTH O E B 3 2 BA OND C URY LUX

R CHE RAN LEVEL N O ENS WER STEV SHED LO I FIN

Gas cooking, balcony off the kitchen with sunset views. Full service elevator building! For information call Margaret Rome 410-530-2400

Park Towers West Unit 808

8978 Furrow Ave 21042, Howard County This forever home is on a private wooded acre with no grass to mow! Spectacular contemporary rancher. The kitchen designed for the gourmet cook, Subzero, gas 6 burner stove, Solid walnut island. Where are the kitchen outlets? They are all hidden! Hardwood floors, custom recessed lighting everywhere! And the main level master suite has TWO separate full baths. Enjoy outside privacy from the deck off the open kitchen, dining and living rooms. Two stacked stone gas fireplaces, one in the living room one in the lower level great room. Two car garage with available lift. Total perfection in every single space. Margaret Rome 410-530-2400

2911 Montebello Terrace 21214 Grandma’s home with Five Bedrooms, in ground pool, front and back porches, slate roof, gas heat, greenhouse, huge patio, fenced private lot, outdoor kitchen, grape arbor and a koi pond. For more information 410-530-2400

M OO EDR H 2 B 2 BAT

TER MAS E OOR ARAG L F 1ST CAR G 2

38 Bouton Green 21210 Village of Cross Keys Beautiful large luxurious end townhouse in the woods surrounded by nature’s privacy. Featured in the Sun Papers, this English country home in Village of Cross Keys is turnkey move in condition. Call Margaret Rome for details 410-530-2400

MS L ROOD POO D E 5 B ROUN IN G

410-530-2400

TO SAFELY SELL YOUR HOME CALL MARGARET ROME

E SUIT THS TER L BA MAS O FUL TW HAS

D IN UN URE ORE S T A E F LTIM BA THE

Virtual Tours at www. HomeRome. com