NA'AMAT WOMAN Fall 2010 by NA'AMAT WOMAN

Fall 2010

features

Magazine of Na’amat USA

Spreading the Sunshine With Na’amat. ............................... 4

Fall 2010 Vol. XXV No 4

Na’amat USA members from across the United States gathered in

Editor Judith A. Sokoloff

Boca Raton, Florida, for a stimulating 40th national convention in July. Take a look at the highlights — in words and pictures.

Assistant Editor Gloria Gross

By Judith A. Sokoloff

Art Director Marilyn Rose Editorial Committee Harriet Green Sylvia Lewis Sharon Sutker McGowan Liz Raider Shoshana Riemer Edythe Rosenfield Lynn Wax

“Drink Thy Wine With a Merry Heart”.............................. 12 Over the past 25 years, the reputation of Israeli wines has soared as wineries throughout the country produce world-class vintages.

By Michele Chabin

Rumiya and the Shofar....................................................22 Originally written in Yiddish in the early 1900s, this story about a Yemenite laundress in pre-State Israel speaks out against the

Na’amat usa Officers PRESIDENT Liz Raider

marginalization of women. By Rikuda Potash

departments

VICE PRESIDENTS Gail Simpson Chellie Goldwater Wilensky TREASURER Debbie Kohn

President’s Message

FINANCIAL SECRETARY Irene Hack

Na’amat News........................................................17

RECORDING SECRETARY Norma Kirkell Sobel

Heart to Heart: Rock Stars of the Senior Singles......................19

Na’amat Woman (ISSN 0888-191X) is published quarterly: fall, winter, spring, summer by Na’amat USA, 350 Fifth Ave., Suite 4700, New York, NY 10118, (212) 563-5222. $5.00 of the membership dues is for one year’s subscription. Nonmember subscriptions: $10.00.

By Edith Jacobs

Signed articles represent the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of Na’amat USA or its editors. Periodicals class postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster, please send address changes to: Na’amat Woman, 350 Fifth Ave., Suite 4700, New York, NY 10118. E-mail: naamat@naamat.org Web site: www.naamat.org

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By Liz Raider. .....................3

Book Reviews..................... 24 Around the Country............. 28 Our cover: Scenes from the Na’amat USA 40th national convention. Photos by Corby Kaye/Studio Palm Beach and Judith Sokoloff.

Mission Statement The mission of Na’amat USA is to enhance the status of women and children in Israel and the United States as part of a worldwide progressive Jewish women’s organization. Its purpose is to help Na’amat Israel provide educational and social services, including day care, vocational training, legal aid for women, absorption of new

Happy New Year to all our readers!

immigrants, community centers, and centers for the prevention and treatment of domestic violence. Na’amat USA advocates on issues relating to women’s rights, the welfare of children, education and the United States-Israel relationship. Na’amat USA also helps strengthen Jewish and Zionist life in communities throughout the United States.

Na’amat Usa Area Offices Eastern Area 350 Fifth Ave., Suite 4700 New York, NY 10118 212-563-4962 easternarea@naamat.org Southeast Area 4400 N. Federal Hwy., Suite 11 Boca Raton, FL 33431 561-368-8898 marjorie.moidel@gmail.com Midwest Area 10024 N. Skokie Blvd., Suite 226 Skokie, IL 60077 847-329-7172 naamatmdw@aol.com Western Area 16161 Ventura Blvd., #101 Encino, CA 91436 818-981-1298 wanaamat@sbcglobal.net

Liz Raider of Woodland Hills, California, was elected national president of Na’amat USA at the 40th national convention, July 11-14, in Boca Raton, Florida. An excerpt from her speech at the installation banquet follows.

raeli citizens who seek our services. Na’amat is known as the organization that will respond to their needs and those of their families. Na’amat USA has a long and proud history, and it is important for us to remember that historical process. But it is even more important for us to recognize that we face new and different challenges. Some traditional organizational methods are no longer valid or productive, and we — members of Na’amat across the United States — must work together to meet these challenges. I am very excited at the possibility of working with all of you to move forward by implementing a number of structural changes and new approaches, as approved by our national board at our meeting in April 2010. This restructure plan is an outline of ways Na’amat USA can take advantage of new technology and techniques to stimulate membership growth and increase fund-raising through new avenues. Change continued on page 27 Corby Kaye

t is with a great deal of pleasure that I am standing here this evening to give my acceptance speech as the new national president of Na’amat USA. As national president, I am accepting the responsibility for working closely with the national officers and board to ensure that we are able to continue to support the myriad of programs and services that we maintain in Israel in cooperation with our sister organization, Na’amat Israel. Our past national presidents have set a very high benchmark for this office. With their own special talents, they have helped to create a dynamic and unique organization, and I thank those who are here this evening for their dedication and leadership. Our organization began with just a seed — or should I say sapling — of an idea, which rooted and took hold long before the State of Israel came into being. Our first leaders had no roadmap or blueprint to follow. They intuitively did what was necessary for the evolution and growth of the movement they started, with some failures but many successes along the way. Having had the good fortune to actually meet a number of these determined women, it was apparent to me that each had her own way of facing challenges and offering help through her own strengths, but always with the fundamental desire to encourage others to join them in the effort to build and sustain an independent Jewish homeland.

Our organization faces many challenges. The economic instability that has been affecting the United States these past few years has made our job of maintaining our financial commitment to Na’amat Israel much more difficult at a time when Israel needs our support more than ever. In many places around the world, anti-Semitism has been increasing dramatically in an effort to threaten the very existence of Israel. A major focus of our Na’amat Israel programs has always been to provide a structure that encourages education as a means to the development of a responsible, just and independent society. It is through this educational process of enabling women, children and families to recognize their own self-worth and the possibilities that are open to them that Na’amat has played a major role in the development of Israeli society. We are an organization that has always created new and challenging programs by listening and responding to the requests of the Is-

New national president Liz Raider with her family, from left: son Mark Raider, husband Dave Raider, and daugher Lani Raider.

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Spreading the Sunshine With Na’amat Highlights of the 40th national convention of Na’amat USA by JUDITH A. SOKOLOFF

a’amat

USA members lit up sunny Florida even more brightly, as those who attended the 40th national convention in Boca Raton can attest. The atmosphere of conviviality, excitement, seriousness and enthusiasm for the work of Na’amat ensures a vibrant future for the organization as it marks its 85th year. “We’re here to celebrate the work that Na’amat does to spread sunshine to the women, children and youth of Israel,” declared Chellie Goldwater

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Wilensky, national convention chairwoman. And celebrate is what delegates proudly did. Our strong, influential movement has a long history of helping to build the State of Israel, to advance the position of women and give the country’s youth the best possible chance to succeed.

Newly elected national president Liz Raider emphasized how “our unique and dynamic organization has always provided a structure that encourages education as a means to the development of a responsible, just and independent society.” Appreciation for the vital work of Na’amat USA came from all around. Gabriela Shalev, then Israel’s Am-

Photos by Corby Kaye/Studio Palm Beach and Judith Sokoloff

What a wonderful convention! We heard informative, thought-provoking speakers and had meaningful discussions; we enjoyed each other’s company and were energized by new ideas. bilateral peace talks bassador to the United Nations, commended the as soon as possible, organization for its ability without precondito promote Jewish values tions. “We are willing and engage in tikkun olam to discuss anything.” (repairing the world) and Responding to for its support of and spethe concern among cial bond with Israel. some American Jews Paul Hirschson, depabout the “lack of uty counsel general, Conchemistry” between sulate General of Israel to Prime Minister NeFlorida and Puerto Rico, tanyahu and Presitold the convention: “You dent Obama, she touch the lives of Israelis. said: “I can attest that People experience Na’amat there is no better ally, on a day-to-day basis, more steadfast, than Delegates at business plenary prepare to vote on changes in the which is very valuable.” the United States of Na’amat USA bylaws. Masha Lubelsky, past America, our best, president of Na’amat Israel important friend — I and member of the World Zionist Or- anti-Zionism were prominent themes see this on the Security Council.” ganization Executive, brought thanks at the convention. Paul Hirschson expressed optifrom the 18,000 children in Na’amat Ambassador Shalev discussed the mism even as Israel faces very sophisday care centers, the 3,500 teenagers three major challenges that Israel faces: ticated campaigns to demonize the in Na’amat technological high schools, relaunching the peace process, the po- country and delegitimize its right to and the thousands of women helped by tential threat of a nuclear Iran, and the self-determination, holding it to a the organization’s legal aid bureaus and efforts worldwide to delegitimize the double standard. “We’re an equal memwomen’s rights centers, saying: “You can State of Israel. “We are the only state ber at the table and we’re staying,” he be proud of every dollar you send and in- whose existence is threatened — over said, pointing out that Israel’s resiliency vest in Na’amat!” and over,” she said. She urged delegates through many wars has proved it stronShirli Shavit, director of the to work to show the real face of Isra- ger than its enemies, and that “the perNa’amat Israel International Depart- el, the “Israel beyond the conflict,” at nicious attempt to terrorize us failed.” ment, pointed out how much our Is- home, with neighbors, and in the orga- He continued: “Let’s be clear. We are raeli sisters rely on Na’amat USA and nizations to which we belong. There is a for the rights of freedom, the rule of count on its support. positive agenda that needs to be publi- law, equality of law. We are up against “We touch the future of the chil- cized: how Israel helps people in distress a school of thought that elevates suidren of Israel,” said Edythe Rosenfield, in other countries, brings high-tech to cide and glorifies death.” The maritime outgoing national president. developing places, and contributes and blockade of Gaza is essential to Israel’s One of the greatest concerns of shares in the Millennium Development security, he continued, to prevent weapNa’amat USA is the position of Israel Goals of the United Nations. ons and materials used to make weapin the world and its relationship with She reiterated what Prime Minister ons from getting into the hands of one the United States. The threat of Iran, Netanyahu stated during his recent vis- of the “darkest regimes.” of Muslim radicals, anti-Semitism and it to Washington: Israel wants to start Israel is “on the cusp of a quantum FALL 2010

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Paul Hirschson, deputy consul general, Consulate General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico, talks about the threats to Israel’s security.

leap forward,” Hirschson said, talking about the steady increase in Gross Domestic Product per capita over the last few decades, which could reach $40,000 in the not too distant future. The American Jewish community has a critical role to play — on university campuses, in boardrooms and in the legal system — in the “joint venture to meet head on the sophisticated campaign against Israel as we continue to pursue peace on this cusp. We’ve been on this journey a long time. Let’s finish it together.” Rabbi and lawyer Andrew Rosenkranz, Florida Regional director of Anti-Defamation League, addressed the threat of anti-Semitism. He pointed out that in America, “institutional anti-Semitism doesn’t exist anymore,” but we are now faced with the growing threat of anti-Semitism couched in terms of anti-Zionism. “Holding Israel to a double standard in the U.N. is not legitimate criticism of Israel; it is antiSemitism.” Dismayed at the level of anti-

Israel rhetoric following Operation Cast Lead in Gaza and the flotilla incident, he deplored the knee-jerk reaction of condemning Israel by people not interested in understanding the facts. The Jewish community has “a lot of work to do” in countering international anti-Semitism and condemnation of Israel. Among the examples he presented is the strong movement within the Presbyterian Church to divest from and boycott Israel; another: the “screeds” coming from the academic community, such as the book The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy by two prominent professors, who argue, among other things, that the unwavering U.S. support for Israel has not been in America’s best interest. Domestically, he added, the “greatest challenge is your children who have a David and Goliath attitude about Israel.” They see post-1967 Israel as the Goliath that is racist and can’t do anything right. The Jewish community has responded with Birthright trips to Israel and stronger Hillels on college campuses — these are the mechanisms to creative positive Jewish identities — but more money must be invested so our children know how to respond to anti-Semitism. We have a strong and vibrant American Jewish community, he stressed, not afraid to raise its voice and

defend itself, and “we need to maintain our ideals and keep America the greatest place for minorities to flourish. We need to fight back and fight hard!” Eli Kavon, author and lecturer at Nova Southeastern University, focused on three arenas of relationships: Israel and Iran, Iran and the West, Muslims and the West. He stressed the need to know history to understand what’s going on in the world and how to act. Using the flotilla incident as an example, he said it’s not enough to debate about the use of force on the lead ship, the Turkish-flagged Mavi Marmara. To understand the importance of the incident you have to know about Turkey, about the danger of it moving from a secular society to a theocracy ruled by Shariah (law of Islam). Kavon emphasized the necessity of publicly identifying the enemy and criticized those in the U.S. government who fail to do this. The enemy is Islamic extremism, not simply terrorism, said Kavon, and that’s what we should call it. “Being politically correct is important, but if we’re going to fight a war against extremism and terrorism, we must identify the enemy” and not be naïve. We must understand the history of Jihad Islam; we must go back to the 14th century to make sense of the role that religion continues to play in the waging of terrorism and the desire to establish Shariah throughout the world. Americans underestimate those people who see the world through a religious lens that is anti-Democratic, anti-Western and anti-free speech. There are people that say they are really just like us, he noted, but a person like Iran’s “Ahmadinejad, who sends boys who are 11, 12,

From Generation to Generation:

Rosita Rosenthal made her granddaughter Sarah Rosenthal an affiliate life member at the convention.

Lily Schidlow and daughter Clarisse Porteny

Alice Howard and daughter Jane Blitz.

Sandra Silverglade and her daughter, Naomi Ledersnaider.

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Shelley Dermer and daughter Elana Dermer.

Toda Raba!

Na’amat USA wholeheartedly thanks the national convention committee, who made the event a great success. Chellie Goldwater Wilensky, Chairwoman Sharon Sutker McGowan and Gail Simpson, Program Co-Chairs Joyce Schildkraut and Rita Sherman, Local Chairs Marjorie Moidel, Southeast Area Coordinator Lynn Wax, Nominations Liz Raider, Bylaws Irene Hack and Debbie Troy-Stewart, Declarations Norma Kirkell Sobel, Credentials Jane Blitz, Steering Committee Barbara Novick, Displays Rabbi Charles Simon discusses how to build a volunteer culture to attract new members.

13 years old out to step on land mines to clear the way for soldiers, does not hold our values.”

s Na’amat USA approaches its 85th birthday this fall, the convention addressed the challenges facing Jewish organizational life by looking back and then forward. Mark Raider, professor of Jewish history at the University of Cincinnati, gave delegates an opportunity to connect with the ideals and values on which Na’amat USA (then Pioneer Women) were founded and review the achievements of the organization. The wellspring of the organization’s Labor Zionist origins included

socialism, Zionism and Yiddishism. The women who founded the organization saw themselves as equal players in the political and social realm, as women who think and act independently. In 1925, they broke away from the Poale Zion to become an independent organization, Pioneer Women. The first convention, held in 1926, stated these goals: to help create a homeland in Palestine based on cooperation and justice; to give moral and material support to the Moetzet Hapoalot (now called Na’amat Israel); to strive through systematic, cultural propaganda work to educate the American Jewish women to a more conscious role as co-worker in the establishment of a better and more just society. The organization’s contributions have been considerable, observed Raider: It helped establish a foothold for Zionism in America; it championed progressive Jewish politics; spearheaded the

Andrew Rosenkranz, Florida Regional director of ADL, addresses the threat of anti-Semitism.

New president Liz Raider and daughter Lani Raider.

Chellie Goldwater Wilensky and daughter Chai Wilensky

Outgoing president Edythe Rosenfield and daughter Patricia Rosenfield.

Sharon Sutker McGowan and daughter Jennifer.

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Beverly Hinton, Adria Silva and Lindsay Hanson, experts in gender discrimination in the workplace, discuss women’s employment issues. Author and educator Eli Kavon talks about the threat of Iran.

campaign for Jewish statehood; fought for women’s equality; and served as a conduit to the Yishuv and then to Israel. Many of its convictions endure, as was made clear by declarations announced throughout the convention. Na’amat USA continues to pursue a progressive agenda and strengthen its partnership with Na’amat Israel. Delegates “saw” tangible evidence of that strong bond when Masha Lubelsky took delegates on a virtual tour. “Let’s imagine that you are in Israel now,” she said. “You’re in Kiryat Shmona, Eilat and Tel Aviv, Je-

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Convention committee, from left: Local chair Rita Sherman, national chair Chellie Goldwater Wilensky, national program chairs Sharon Sutker McGowan and Gail Simpson, Southeast Area coordinator Marjorie Moidel, and local chair Joyce Schildkraut.

rusalem, Ashkelon, Netanya, Ra’anana, Haifa, Shoham… Everywhere you have Na’amat — everywhere!” She took delegates to visit Roni, a 7-month-old baby, who is number 12 on the waiting list for the Na’amat day care center near the Technion in Haifa. It’s the best, safest place for him, his parents say. She showed us one of Na’amat’s 25 multipurpose centers, open 12 hours a day to meet the needs of at-risk children and their parents. Some 18,000 preschoolers benefit from Na’amat’s care, Lubelsky noted, and “they all thank you, Na’amat USA. Thousands of parents

thank you, too.” We then visited Miri at the Na’amat technological school in Lod, where she is thriving. Everyone had given up hope for her when she finished middle school and had no direction and many emotional problems. “The 3,500 students at our technological schools thank you, Na’amat USA, for everything you are doing.” Next is Ronit, who is seeking help at one of Na’amat’s 26 legal advisory bureaus. She’s confused and needs advice about getting a divorce and child custody. Another stop was one of Na’amat ’s 30 community centers, where women

Gabriela Shalev, then Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, discusses the United States-Israel relationship.

Past national presidents, from left: Sylvia Lewis, Lynn Wax, Edythe Rosenfield, Harriet Green (seated), Frieda S. Leemon and Alice Howard.

are encouraged to get involved in workers’ committees, which help women improve their chances for advancing in a very competitive society; where women learn to empower themselves and work for legislation that improves the environment for working families. "These women also say, thank you Na’amat USA." At the Glickman Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Domestic Violence in Tel Aviv, we are introduced to three women: Shoshona, a very religious woman; Larissa from the former Soviet Union; and Simi, an Ethiopian immigrant. They have come to the center with their children to escape the violence of their husbands. “With compassion, care, love and sensitivity, Na’amat is there for women — to help strengthen the needy, to help bridge the social gap,” Lubelsky concluded. As much as Na’amat USA accomplishes in Israel, a number of speakers noted, it must do more. Two sessions dealt with “how to grow Na’amat.” Rebecca Higman from the Network for Good talked about using social media — Web sites, blogs, Facebook, Twitter — for increasing membership, raising funds and promoting the organization’s mission. Praising the benefits of social networking, she pointed out that online giving is steadily increasing and that recurring donors can comprise a solid base of support. “It’s not about the tool,” she emphasized, “but about interaction —

it’s about people and connections. It’s a great opportunity to engage people and have a two-way conversation.” It’s an effective way to tell your story and compel people to act. (More information can be found at www1.networkfor good.org.) Rabbi Charles Simon, executive director of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs and author of Building Successful Volunteer Communities, discussed how to develop a volunteer culture — a social environment of doing things together — to attract new members. Organizations need to create opportunities for engagement that give volunteers the chance to make a difference and know they are making a difference. He pointed out that “volunteerism is a learned skill, which has to be taught — this is not 40 years ago.” To engage leaders and volunteers, Simon explained, you have to target them (have a marketing strategy), engage them, get them excited and do follow up. Organizations have to take risks, he noted. Breakout sessions followed these presentations where delegates divided into the geographical areas to talk about various ways of “growing” Na’amat USA. There were calls for more designated giving, for opportunities to volunteer for Na’amat Israel, for increased use of e-mail, creating special interest groups, promoting the feeling of family that marks the organization, defining the mission of Na’amat USA more specifi-

cally, and creating more opportunities for members to be involved in political and social advocacy in America. Advocacy for women’s rights is an area in which Na’amat USA has long been involved, here and in Israel. It has supported equality in the workplace, and spoken out against gender discrimination and sexual harassment. A panel of three women on the frontline of the struggle reviewed the various mechanisms for fighting gender-based discrimination and their effectiveness. The panelists were Beverly Hinton, deputy district director, Birmingham Office, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the agency of the U.S. government that enforces the federal employment discrimination laws; Adria Silva, president, Florida National Employment Lawyers Association; and Lindsay Hanson, employment attorney. They discussed the laws that prohibit discrimination, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (which makes gender discrimination unlawful) and the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, and the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Sexual harassment, it was pointed out, is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Hinton noted that despite federal laws and heightened awareness among employers, charges of gender-based disFALL 2010

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Some of the past national leadership seminarists gather, from left: Sharon Sutker McGowan, program co-chair; Lynn Wax, past president; Shirli Shavit, director of Na’amat Israel International Department; Debbie Kohn, national treasurer; Nina Gaines and Ivy Liebross.

crimination have remained about the same over the past 10 years. The most recent piece of related legislation may improve the situation. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, passed by the Obama administration, amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964, stating that the 180-day statute of limitations for filing an equal-pay lawsuit regarding pay discrimination resets with each new discriminatory paycheck The women also discussed “maternal wall bias,” the strongest and most open form of gender bias, which stems from stereotypes that link motherhood with lack of competence and commitment and from assumptions about how mothers should behave. Attitudes are changing somewhat, it was agreed, but the biggest motivator is the fact that discipline — compensatory and punitive damages — can be costly to employers who discriminate against women. Unfortunately, employers have also become more savvy about how to hide discriminatory practices. One of the themes that subtly emerged from the conference was how one can find meaning in life. Two women who changed their lives by responding to a greater cause presented their compelling thoughts in a session dealing with living in Israel and in the Diaspora. Rebecca Yohai from Florida emigrated from Colombia some years ago where she grew up in a Zionist family. After her husband died in the early 2000’s, she became deeply involved in Torah study and Na’amat. She “fell in 10

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Rebecca Yohai, left, and Judy Telman, talk about the major changes they have made in their lives in search of greater meaning; far left: Rita Sherman, local convention chair.

love” with Na’amat when she visited one of its day care centers and “was inspired by these brave women”: Talia Livni, Na’amat Israel president (who due to health reasons could not attend the convention) and Shirli Shavit. “What is my purpose, my role, my contribution, how do I feel good about living?” she had asked herself at this juncture. What she discovered is that “chesed” or loving kindness, going the extra mile for another human being, fighting injustice and apathy, and making a difference is what is important to her. “When we stand up and create a better world through our commitment to Na’amat, she said, we get the “boomerang effect of chesed — and we must keep the enthusiasm growing.” (See the book The Chesed Boomerang by Jack Doueck.) The other speaker fulfilled her longtime dream of living in Israel. Judy Telman, originally from the Chicago area, grew up in a Labor Zionist home (her mother was a member of Pioneer Women), was involved in Habonim, and was active for many years in Na’amat USA, where she last served as national vice president. Telman made aliyah 26 years ago with her husband, Stewart, and three of their four children. During these “rewarding” years, Telman has worked for Na’amat; volunteers in many places, including the Israel Museum; is active in Na’amat’s Sophie Udin club and in the Association of American and Canadians in Israel, and writes for Na’amat Woman. She is “proud to have moved to Israel and affirm who

and what we are,” and to be able to support liberal values and pluralism in the Jewish state. With an optimistic vision for the future, delegates elected new national officers and board members and instituted some structural changes in the organization. Mazal tov to new president Liz Raider; Chellie Goldwater Wilensky, vice president of Membership; Gail Simpson, vice president of Program and Education; Debbie Kohn, treasurer; Irene Hack, financial secretary, and Norma Kirkell Sobel, recording secretary. Two new positions have been created, which are held by advisory board members: chairwoman of Major Funds, Gifts and National Campaigns, Harriet Green, and chairwoman of Council and Club Fund-raising, Lynn Wax. Congratulations also to the Area coordinators: Debbie Troy-Stewart, Eastern Area; Marjorie Moidel, Southeastern; Jan Minnick, Midwest, and Hilary Botchin, Western. Delegates also voted to officially create a category of individual membership — members who will not be organized into clubs. To jump start this new cycle, Harriet Green presented Masha Lubelsky with a $100,000 check for Na’amat from the Golda Meir Child Development Fund, which will help challenged children in Na’amat ’s multipurpose centers. What a wonderful convention! We heard informative, thought-provoking speakers and had meaningful discussions; we enjoyed each other’s company and were energized by new ideas. But

Members from California enjoy the gala installation banquet. From left: Hilary Botchin, Elizabeth Norohian, Roz Porton, Susan Brounstein and Ellen Barshop.

what this writer found most precious was the small bar of herbal soap in the convention bag. The packaging was attractive and simple: a photo of two students, a black girl and a white boy making soap, printed with the words “With Love — Ayanot students.” That bar of soap not only reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of the teens at Na’amat ’s ag-

Masha Lubelsky, member of the World Zionist Organization executive and past president of Na’amat Israel.

ricultural boarding high school. It also symbolizes what Na’amat is all about: helping people to help themselves; creating opportunities for the disadvantaged, the needy, the disenfranchised and others to learn, grow, feel good about themselves and become a thriving part of society. This is what Na’amat USA has stood for since its inception 85

Robin Lieberman, Cleveland Council president, speaks out at the bylaws session (as does Gail Simpson, shown below).

years ago when it aided women in the agricultural training farms of pre-State Israel. The organization’s values are steadfast. The journey moves forward. Kol ha’kavod! Judith A. Sokoloff is editor of Na’amat Woman Magazine

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“Drink Thy Wine With a Merry Heart” (Ecclesiastes 9:7)

Over the last 25 years, the reputation of Israeli wines has soared as wineries throughout the country produce world-class vintages. by MICHELE CHABIN

t’s a hot spring day in the Jerusalem mountains, but the forest on either side of the winding road seems to lower the temperature just a bit. Even so, the wildflowers baking in the midday sun in the Valley of Ella have lost most of their brilliance for lack of water. This year’s intense rainy season, which provided drought-stricken Israel with a fair amount of precipitation, has already ended. With not a building in sight, it is easy for me, my husband and our tour guide to imagine the Israelite and Philistine armies squaring off in the Valley of Ella where, the Bible says, David slew Goliath: “The Philistines stood on one mountain and the Israelites stood

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on the mountain on the other side, and there was a valley between them” (Book of Samuel). Lost in thought, I am surprised when our pleasant and very knowledgeable tour guide, Rabbi Mordechai Weiss, brings us up a narrow dusty road, into the industrial zone of Kibbutz Netiv Halamed-Heh. We are touring Israeli wineries, and this detour past metalworking shops definitely doesn’t look like wine country — but it is. Israelis live their lives expecting the unexpected, and that’s true for Israeli winemaking as well. The entire country, from the verdant Galilee to the arid Negev, is home to hundreds of wineries, which, like basement hi-tech start-ups, begin with tachlis (practical-

ity): First they focus on soil and climate conditions and then, if all goes well, on esthetics. Most modern Israeli wineries, are, in fact, based in the same beautiful locations where vintners produced wine thousands of years ago. In arguably the best book ever written on Israeli wines — Rogov’s Guide to Israeli Wines (published annually by The Toby Press) — Daniel Rogov, the country’s preeminent wine critic, notes that “the history of wine in the Land of Israel is as old as the history of the people who have inhabited that land over the centuries.” (He is also the author of Rogov’s Guide to Kosher Wines 2010, a guide to the 500 best kosher wines from around the world.) As long as 5,000 years ago, people in this region cultivated grape vines

and made wine. The Bible is full of wine references, the earliest of which is the story of Noah, who, almost as soon as he left the ark, planted a vineyard. The discovery of numerous ancient wine presses and storage bottles at high altitudes in places like Jerusalem, the Galilee and the Negev attest to the fact that even thousands of years ago, vintners already surmised that wine grapes grow best in high altitudes with warm daytime temperatures and much cooler nighttime temperatures. During the First and Second Temple periods, wine was so important to society “that vintners were exempt from military service,” Rogov notes. It was only after the Second Temple was destroyed some 2,000 years ago that wine was integrated into all Jewish religious ceremonies. Winemaking flourished until the 7th-century Muslim conquest, when Muslim religious laws prohibiting the consumption of alcohol all but eliminated wine production in the Holy Land. Although the Crusaders tried to revive it, they found it “easier to ship wines from Europe. It was only with the renewal of Jewish settlement in the 19th century that the local winemaking industry was reestablished,” writes Rogov.

When two legendary Jewish philanthropists, Sir Moses Montefiore and Baron Edmond de Rothschild, tried, in their own ways, to jumpstart the industry, they basically had to start from scratch, because the Ottomans, who were Muslims, uprooted virtually every grape vine in the region. For grapes to grow, the vines had to be brought in from Europe. Edmond de Rothschild, who owned

The vineyards at Yatir Winery in the Southern Hebron Mountains, one of the hottest places in Israel.

the famous Chateau Lafite winery in France, imported a wide assortment of quality vines as well as the people who best knew how to grow them. During the late 19th century, he helped launch the Rishon LeZion and Zichron Ya’akov wineries, what Rogov calls “the begin-

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The 2010 edition of Rogov’s Guide to Israel Wines is the definitive guide to the wines of Israel. In the 2010 edition, Israel’s preeminent wine critic, Daniel Rogov, describes, sorts and ranks nearly 2,000 wines from 140 wineries. Ten Up-andComing Producers Binyamina Tabor Assaf Vitkin Odem Mountain Avidan Psagot Tulip Trio Zion

Ten Best Value Producers Galil Mountain Tabor Dalton Golan Heights Winery (Gamla, Golan) Recanati Saslove Barkan Tishbi Teperberg Zion

Ten Best Wine Producers Golan Heights Winery (Katzrin, Yarden, Gamla) Yatir Margalit Castel Clos de Gat Flam Chateau Golan Pelter Carmel (Limited Edition, Single Vineyard, Appellation) Galil Mountain

From Rogov’s Guide to Israeli Wines 2010 by Daniel Rogov (The Toby Press, www.tobypress.com).

ning of the modern wine industry in Israel.” Unfortunately, heat and pestilence ravaged the vineyards and they had to be replanted. The wine cooperative that Rothschild helped establish in 1906, which came to be called Carmel Mizrachi, managed the two wineries. Israel’s emergence into the quality wine market occurred after Professor Cornelius Ough, an expert in viticulture and oenology at the University of California/Davis, visited Israel in 1972. After touring the country and examining the soils and climates of various regions, he declared that the Golan Heights would be the ideal spot to plant grape vines. A group of Golan kibbutzim and moshavim formed a cooperative and planted the first vines in 1976. The state-of-the-art Golan Heights Winery released its first wines in 1983. “Almost overnight, it became apparent that Israel was capable of producing wines of 14

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world-class quality,” Rogov observes. The Golan Heights Winery set the bar much higher for local winemakers, which encouraged vineyard owners to improve the quality of grapes and created fierce competition. Today, there are five major wineries, 12 medium-sized wineries and more than 150 small wineries in Israel, which together produce an estimated 36 million bottles of table wine every year, about 60 percent dry reds. The amount of wine produced has risen 5 to 10 percent over the past five years. Roughly 12,000 acres are under grape cultivation, a 55-percent increase since 1995, according to Rogov’s latest guide. Sales of wines have reached $140 million, and Israel exports more than $22 million annually, which goes mostly to the United States, France, United Kingdom, Germany and Canada, in that order. Of all the large wineries, Rogov gives the Golan Heights Winery — with its Katzrin, Yarden and Gamla series of wines — the highest mark. He also has praise for Carmel,

which, he says, has improved greatly in quality. His favorite small-to-medium size wineries are Margalit, Castel, Clos de Gat, Flam, Pelter and Sea Horse. The top 3 on his most recent list of 25 best wines, earning 94 out of 100 points, are Chateau Golan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Roya Reserve, 2005; Margalit, Cabernet Sauvignon, Special Reserve, 2007; and Yatir, Yatir Forest, 2005. Medium-size wineries produce up to 1 million bottles a year, Rogov points out, while boutique wineries (including microwineries and artisanal producers) make anywhere up to half a million (others say up to 100,000 bottles). “Boutique wineries are multiplying like rabbits,” he noted recently in his column in Haaretz. At the top, according to Rogov, is a small group founded by competent, well-trained professionals; at the bottom are numerous wineries founded by hobbyists producing barely acceptable wines. While the statistics testify to the growing popularity of Israeli wines, another indicator is the “buzz” Israeli wines produce among foreign critics and bloggers. And then there are the awards. This past March, seven Israeli wines were recognized in the Bacchus International Wine Competition in Madrid, winning four Gold and three Silver Bacchus awards, assuring the wine companies a presence in prestigious international wine fairs. In recent years, Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate), considered the world’s leading wine critic, has taken an interest Left: Bottle of Yatir Forest wine. Below: Carmel’s prestigious Limited Edition 2003.

in Israeli wines and has appointed wine taster Mark Squires to rate them. In the most recent tasting, one wine (Clos de Gat’s Sycra Syrah 2007) scored an impressive 92 points (out of 100), while Castel’s Grand Vin 2007 and Yatir’s Forest 2004 and 2006 received 91 points. Other wines that scored more than 90 points were from Domaine du Castel, Pelter, Tulip and Tzora vineyards. Parker’s ratings underscore the fact that whether a wine is kosher generally has no bearing on the quality of the wine. The Clos de Gat winery, which is located on Kibbutz Harel in the Judean Hills, produces about 50,000 bottles of non-kosher wine every year. In contrast, the 120,000 bottles produced by Yatir Winery in the Judean Hills are strictly kosher. Weiss explains that there are several factors that differentiate kosher wine from non-kosher wine, but none of them impact on flavor. “For one thing,” he says, “kosher wines cannot be made from vines less than four years old, and every seventh year, in accordance with the biblical shmitta year, the fields must lie fallow. All ingredients, to promote fermentation and enhance flavor, must be kosher.” Additionally, the entire winemaking process must be performed by a Torah-observant Jew. Physical contact by a non-observant Jew or a non-Jew, even in the process of pouring the wine, renders it non-kosher. To get around this problem, some wineries boil their kosher wines (known as Mevushal wines),

a process that allows anyone to touch the wine. Although the wines can taste very good, the “cooking” process may or may not affect the flavor, connoisseurs say. Most American-made kosher wines are Mevushal, while the majority of Israeli kosher wines are not. Asked how the local wine industry has changed over time, Israeli winemakers invariably mention the move beyond wines used for rituals during Shabbat, holidays and simchas, which was once the profession’s lifeblood. “The industry has changed focus over the years, from sacramental wines (which comprise between 5 and 10 percent of all wines) to quality table wines,” observes Adam Montefiore, the wine development director at the Carmel Winery, which also owns the Yatir Winery. Montefiore, whose great-great grandfather was Moses Montefiore’s nephew and heir, and who has worked in wineries for 30 years, in England and Israel, says that every Israeli winery “is making better wine than it did in the past.” The level of expertise among Israeli winemakers

Above: Barrel room at Carmel Winery. Below: The Kayoumi Vineyards at the foot of Mount Meron.

has grown by leaps and bounds, Montefiore elaborates. “Wineries have to produce the best possible wines or disappear. There’s more expertise than ever before, thanks in large part to the training most winemakers employed by the large wineries receive overseas.” Talking to Rogov, an affable former American, he estimates that “80

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Left: Yaakov Berg, the 33-year-old founder of Psagot Winery, studied vinification in Australia. Above: Tasting room at Ella Valley Vinyards, which produces 200,000 bottles a year.

percent” of the country’s “best winemakers” have trained abroad. Although Israel does offer some programs on the science of winemaking, “frankly, in my personal opinion, they are not adequate,” Rogov says. “They’re fine for producing technologists and chemists, but not winemakers.” Yaakov Berg, the 33-year-old founder of the Psagot Winery, studied the craft in Australia before establishing a winery in Psagot, a settlement in the West Bank in the northern Jerusalem Mountains, 900 meters above sea level. Seated in his winery’s stately tasting/ dining room, the lawyer-turned-vintner says that he “grew up” in the vineyards he and his father planted on their property some 20 years ago. “We used to sell the grapes to wineries, and then I spent a year in Australia and got interested in the wine country.” In 2003, the Bergs’ fledgling winery produced just 4,000 bottles. The wine was so good, “we started getting phone calls” from people wishing to purchase it, he recalls. Today, Psagot, which is considered a boutique winery, expects to produce about 90,000 bottles from its 2009 harvest. The winery’s Edom 2007, a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, received a rating of 89 in Rogov’s guide. Looking out at the dry, chalkcolored mountains around the winery, which, with its dignified stone build16

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ing and lush garden, feels like an oasis in the desert, Berg calls the region’s soil “unique.” He adds: “It’s limestone. The roots get into the rock and take the minerals from the rock. There’s almost no need for irrigation because the winter moisture remains.” Berg points out that vintners made wine in Psagot 2,000 years ago. “We discovered an ancient wine press in a cave on our property dating back to the Second Temple period,” he says, smiling with satisfaction. Like Psagot, the Gush Etzion Winery started off as a small, family, side business. Located, too, in the West Bank, a short drive from Jerusalem, the winery produces 40,000 bottles of its own wine and sells 90 percent of the grapes to other wineries, most notably Tishbi, with whom it has a partnership. In the winery’s dairy restaurant, Tamar Rosenberg, whose husband, Shraga Rosenberg, founded the winery in the couple’s backyard in Efrat, explains how their involvement in the industry has grown steadily over time. “My husband was a social worker who ran a senior citizens home. He didn’t especially like wines, but he thought this area would be an exceptional place to grow grapes. He made excellent wine from the blackberries in our garden and that’s how it began.” Starting in 2003, Shraga sold about 2,000 bottles from home. Then he ap-

proached two neighboring kibbutzim that had fruit orchards but had never planted grape vines. Another farmer, who wanted to grow organic grapes, came on board. The Gush Etzion vineyards are 900 meters above sea level — 200 meters above Jerusalem. “At night, it’s very cold here, but the days can be very hot,” explains Tamar, a petite religious woman. “Most of the soil here is chalky, which makes for wonderful drainage. The peaches, blackberries and cherries that grow here are incredible. It’s very different from the valley.” Today, they harvest 15 acres and produce white and red wines, dessert wines and a cherry liqueur. “We’ve won some awards,” says Tamar, unable to conceal her pride. “This is our life now,” she sums up, pouring Gewürtztraminer, a lovely, soft wine, into our wine glasses. The third and final stop on our personal wine-tasting tour takes us to the Ella Valley Vineyards, one of several wineries in the valley. Rogov has awarded a score of 91 to several of its wines, including the 2003, 2004 and 2005 Vineyard’s Choice Cabernet Sauvignon and its Vineyard’s Choice Merlot, 2005. Once we reach the top of the dirt road, we’re glad we came. To our left are rows of grape vines that had been hidden from the main road. On the right was a mesh-enclosed iron gazebo filled continued on page 26

News Na’amat

Scholarships for Female Students

he air was filled with “mazal tovs” at the Na’amat scholarship award ceremony in Tel Aviv. Every year, some 200 women from all over Israel receive stipends to help them pursue their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Scholarships are also presented to four women working toward their doctoral degrees. Na’amat USA’s then vice presidents Harriet Green and Lynn Wax, who were also attending the 36th World Zionist Congress and the Na’amat international meetings in Israel, participated in the event. In choosing the recipients, preference is given to women studying in the fields of technology, computer science, engineering and medicine;

those who are single parents; those who volunteer and are involved in social issues; and those pursuing master’s degrees. Economic factors are also considered. Among the four Ph.D. award recipients is Gili Hammer, a feminist cultural anthropologist, who is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. In the next academic year, she will be studying at the UC Berkeley as a visiting scholar with a Fulbright Fellowship. “Anthropology,” Hammer said, “has a special ability to tell a social-cultural story that captures the delicate fabric of everyday life and enables us to

rethink the basic categories with which we understand our world and ourselves as human subjects.” In her research, “Blind Women See Gender: Blind Women and Gender Identity,” she explores how congenitally blind women establish feminine identity and respond, create and preserve normative femininity, despite having never been exposed to the visual image of either their own or anyone else’s body or to a visual model of beauty. Her research breaks new ground and makes a major contribution to the fields of feminist theory and the anthropology of disability research in visual culture. The research of Hadas Tagari

Scholarship recipient Oshrit Cohen thanks Na’amat for its support of the empowerment of women.

examines Israel’s family law system, shedding light on the factors shaping its unique structure and normative content. Israel’s family law system is considered an anomaly within Israel’s constitutional system, she writes, “especially when examined against other family law systems in the United States and Europe. Considerable efforts by women’s groups and other civil society organizations brought about significant improvements through judicial decisions and some legislative amendments, yet the family law system’s basic structure has so far remained immune to change. This situation is often attributed to religious coercion by Orthodox religious parties due to their disproportionate political power, while at the same

At the Professional Scholarship Ceremony in Tel Aviv, from left: Lynn Wax, Orit Nussbaum, Prof. Hannah Naveh, Harriet Green, Hadas Tagari, Yafit Sulemani, Netta Achdut, Masha Lubelsky, Gili Hammer, Talia Livni and Shirli Shavit.

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News

Na’amat

time it is suggested that another important cause lies in the specific nature of Jewish religious norms, which necessitate this structure and make it resistant to change.” Her research wishes to challenge these prevalent understandings and hopes to gain new insights into the family law system by juxtaposing it with other religiously influenced personal family law systems in post-colonial countries. Netta Achdut has a master’s degree in social work. She is a social worker as well as a researcher in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, and is in the third year of her Ph.D. studies at Tel Aviv University. Her research addresses the debate over what is the best policy for reintegrating welfare recipients into the labor market: the model that emphasizes the social entitlement to a generous

income support or the model that emphasizes the attachment of welfare recipients to the labor market and the self-sufficiency principle — or a mixture. Her research concentrates on single mothers, comparing mothers who participate in the program for reintegration in the labor market and receive cash incentives to a second group of mothers who didn’t receive cash incentives. The research will contribute to the theoretical and empirical literature on the role of the welfare state regimes in improving the economic well-being of single mothers. The evidence might help policy makers in allocating public resources to finance benefits and various services for single mothers and in designing suitable measure for one of the economically weakest groups in the population. Yafit Solemani’s research examines the status of young, disadvantaged people leaving resi-

dential care and after their move to independent life. The research aims to identify the personal variables (such as optimism) and environmental variables (family, peer and care support) that predict the young people’s readiness during their last year in care and their adjustment during their independent life (financial status, risk behaviors and well-being). The study also investigates the role of gender in transition from care. Oshrit Cohen, who is working toward her master’s degree in physics at Bar-Ilan University, spoke at the ceremony. She grew up mainly in Kfar Adumim and took up computer studies in high school. She served as a liaison officer for the brigade of reservists and received a certificate of recognition of excellence, rising to the rank of lieutenant. She has a B.A. in physics and computer science. Her research is in the field of statistical mechanics, investigating the stability of net-

works for optimal performance. Cohen addressed the award ceremony with these words: “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank, first and foremost, all donors — thank you very much! Na’amat, thank you for your support and encouragement of women. Thank you for showing the world your stance on the status of women; for your support of the empowerment of women in the workplace; and for supporting working conditions suitable to mothers whose lives are full of multiple tasks. Thank you for your struggle to achieve equal economic status for men and women by reducing wage gaps and promoting women in managerial positions. I would also like to offer my appreciation to women who study sciences…. In this way, women might prove to the entire world that there is equality between men and women and that sciences are an open option for them.”

Two Celebrations

hildren, staff and Na’amat leaders from around the world celebrated the opening of the Dr. Arthur and Anne Singer Day Care Center in Ra’anana in honor of Harriet Green, then vice president and past president of Na’amat USA. Seventy children are enjoying the beautiful facility, which already has a long waiting list. Many young families with two

working parents live in the neighborhood. At the opening, Mayor Nahum Hofree told Na’amat leaders, “We could use another day care center!” A suburban city with many green spaces and public gardens, Ra’anana has a large population of immigrants from English-, French- and Spanish-speaking countries. At Kanot Agricultural Boarding High School,

the newly renovated theater was dedicated, also with the participation of international Na’amat leaders. The greatly anticipated 500seat auditorium, funded by Na’amat USA, is a state-of-the-art venue for students’ theatrical and musical productions and other schoolwide events. This is an important feature for a school that now boasts three special programs — veterinary, police and emergency medical technician studies — in addition to its academic and agricultural tracks. It also has a well-known equestrian program.

Opening ceremony at the beautiful Singer Day Care Center in Ra’anana, left. Above: Children enjoy the playground.

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Rock Stars of the Senior Singles

The widow once again believed in love, but time was her enemy. Men like younger women — much younger women. by EDITH JACOBS

ociety’s social mores have drastically changed since my grandmother became a widow. Grandfather had been the love of her life, but a few years after his death, she met a widower in her synagogue and her eyes began to shine once more. It was as if she had awakened from a long sleep. Her boyfriend closely resembled my grandpa and they had much in common. Both escaped from Nazi Germany just in the nick of time. In those days, widows didn’t become blondes at 65; they had gray hair and mostly wore shapeless black or gray dresses. Furthermore, a widow usually relinquished her independence, moved in with her married children and helped with family chores. This was never an ideal situation, since two women find it hard to exist in one kitchen. In parts of India, this problem was sometimes eliminated when the wife of the dear departed jumped into the flames of his funeral pyre, committing Sati. My grandmother was ahead of her time. I returned home from school early one afternoon and found the elderly couple ardently embracing. She didn’t even blush but calmly adjusted her skirt and hair, and said, “This wonderful man has asked me to be his wife.” She asked my uncle for his blessing. He was aghast, and said, “At your age, the entire community will be laughing — it just isn’t proper; it isn’t done!” He talked her out of her newfound happiness. Grandma lost her joie de vivre, and I believe it shortened her life. Society now accepts that many couples recycle their partners. Divorced women are no longer ostracized nor excluded from society as in Anna Karenina’s lifetime, and Illustrations by Avi Katz

rarely does any of the army of divorced women consider suicide an option. But both divorce and death may bring a mourning period that is often mitigated by grief counseling. After the bereaved slowly burrow out of their pit of confusion and sorrow, some search for a partner that will fulfill their emotional, sexual and, perhaps, financial needs. Women of a certain age, after deliberating over their situation, may not wish to marry again. The balancing act between marriage, family and career has left many a woman tired. Such women might fantasize exploring friendships with several different men. Since the beginning of history, men have been hunters who thrived on competition. Men’s higher testosterone level probably wired them that way. Sports are a favorite pastime, even if it’s cheering from a living room chair. Sexual prowess is high on their list of accomplishments, as well as providing for the family. Women’s serious business careers began during World War II. Added to this responsibility was their usual work with home and family, as women have the capability to multitask. This led to round-the-clock work, leaving very little time for the romantic life envisioned during the courting period. Men like the financial contribution women have made to the family, as long as it doesn’t challenge their thunder. Possibly these changes in the family social order have aroused stress and may be responsible for today’s high divorce rate. FALL 2010

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I hadn’t dated in the last 40 years and was as excited and nervous as a teenager. But I needn’t have worried: His eyes shone with delight. In her new quest, the single woman might consider a friendship with an elderly gent from the old school. He could be a comforting and generous substitute papa, satisfied to be a dinner companion at good restaurants, as his manhood evaporates with prostate problems. There’s also the possibility of a young virile lover in the prime of life — charming, romantic and playful. It would be tasteless and overkill to further elaborate on that fantasy. Perhaps, a homely chap could be useful around the house and ever ready to pitch hit for any necessary tasks and errands. Such a man may be delighted just to be seen in the company of an attractive woman. But let me not forget a gay man. Here’s a man to share confidences and gossip with and accompany her on shopping sprees for outfits she will be buying for the admiration from her other men. It’s an illusion — a pleasurable pipe dream to hit the jackpot with four such men. Formerly married senior women quickly become aware that nature has again been unfair to their sex, as the ratio between senior women and men is ten to two. Despite all the modern medical advances, men just don’t last as long. Socially, the shrinking population of the surviving older men have the upper hand; they do the choosing of women and are the rock stars of the senior singles. These elderly Tarzans are very much aware of their elevated status in the singles jungle, especially if they are in good physical and mental shape. One of the most important decisions for a couple is negotiating a marriage, or today, a “significant other” relationship. Since time immemorial, shadchens (marriage brokers) have initiated introductions. The price for a shadchen within the Orthodox community is a deeply kept secret. The more things change, the more they stay the same, as J Date has updated this old custom. Jews introduced monotheism to the world, and Jews have been pioneers for the Internet shadchen business that has become the springboard for many similar dating services. This business is a veritable cash cow; it flourishes in any economic climate, and will continue to, as long as one remains a lonely number. For a monthly fee, Internet dating services list available men and women, their profiles and photos, as well as geographical location. There have been many success stories, but there have also been disappointments and heartbreak. It’s a given that both men and women may lie about their age, but a more serious deceit is inventing or exaggerating one’s profile. These dating services do not verify or do any background checkups of clients. After a lengthy mourning period, I became a bornagain senior widow, believing once more in love and bashert 20

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— an old Jewish belief that the love between a man and woman is predestined. When I read Irving’s profile and saw his picture, I felt an immediate pleasant rush and a connection to the man although he looked more like a shorter Woody Allen with extra pounds and bore no resemblance whatsoever to my tall handsome and well-built deceased husband. After several e-mails passed between us through cyberspace, we made a date to meet at a local coffeehouse. I hadn’t dated in the last 40 years and was as excited and nervous as a teenager. But I needn’t have worried: His eyes shone with delight. Irving shared that his successful long marriage ended with his wife’s death six months ago. According to him, he was her caretaker through a long debilitating illness, and with a deep heavy sigh, he told me: “But I have not led an idle monastic life since my loss. I just can’t stand being alone. Life must go on.” Subsequently, he shared that he was a retired engineer and had advanced to vice president of a large corporation. “My wife and I were true partners, and I admit that without both her emotional support and her work at home with our children, I could never have achieved such success.” I liked what I heard. Most of all, I again wanted a partner to share my life with — an understanding shoulder to lean on, as well as recognition and respect. Then there is that instinctual activity to keep our species moving and whirling along, and I quote the Bible, “Jacob knew Rachel.” Yes, sex, and at its best the most intimate of all communication between a man and a woman — and there was definitely immediate chemistry between us. Irving didn’t wait very long before he called to attempt a premature intimate connection — not while he fervently kissed me or nibbled tenderly on my ear, nor through an e-mail; no he still had a bit of the old fashioned ways about him. My applicant for the promise of sexual bliss actually used that ancient tool, the telephone, and said, “I don’t like to beat around the bush — come to my house and let’s make passionate love.” I laughed with delight at his poetic license. My body had responded, but my mind cautioned that brakes needed to be applied. True, we were seniors and there would be no unwanted progeny, and in this new age, who would censure us and who would care? But then again, there was the danger of sexually transmitted diseases. On our next date, he again broached the subject. “I don’t know if you are aware that seniors have become the largest at-risk population for sexually transmitted diseases,” I cautioned my would-be lover. “I’ve been tested,” he replied.

I’m surprised at your attitude. You’re still an attractive and vibrant woman, and I desire you. It’s unfortunate that you have not moved with the times. “Oh,” I said, “there have been other romantic liaisons in your life?” “Not at the moment. There’s just you. At our stage of life we have no time to waste. Fortunately, I don’t even need Viagra. We must live for today. I’m surprised at your attitude. You’re still an attractive and vibrant woman, and I desire you. It’s unfortunate that you have not moved with the times.” “Verily,” I replied. “You have brought me flowers, Irving. I like flowers, but I prefer pebbles.” “What are you talking about?” he asked. “Haven’t you seen that National Geographic movie about the penguins? It seems they mate for life, and the male indicates his choice by placing pebbles at his intended female’s feet.” He laughed and said, “It’s too soon for me to make a permanent monogamous commitment.” “I agree — let’s get to know each other better and see how we feel in a few months.” But he walked out of my life. Irving had told me more than once that he was falling in love, was crazy about me. I wondered if I had swallowed only what I wanted to hear. It took me a while to lick my wounds and to discard my notions of “WHAT IFS,” and get on with my life. I knew time was my enemy. Men liked younger women — much younger women. Perhaps Restylane and Botox injections could hide senior years — an expensive but necessary investment. I also decided that I would no longer permit one man to secure all my time. I evolved into a social butterfly; joined both the Republican and Democratic clubs; visited every synagogue in town on a rotation basis. I left no social stone unturned and even became a volunteer when I found it was socially expedient. With such a grueling schedule, I lost weight and became the size 10 that I had dreamt about in my youth. In the meantime, I continued to search for my 60- to 70-percent acceptable male partner — and also accepted my best friend Joan’s suggestion to adopt a

cat. “It’s not good for you to live all alone in that big house of yours, and cats are not high maintenance,” she said. I visited my local town’s animal adoption center. A caregiver escorted me to the animals’ playroom; on the way out I noticed a black and gray tabby lying in the back of its cage. The animal’s eyes said it all. Those eyes spoke of abandonment and loneliness. “What’s wrong with that cat?” I asked. “Nothing now,” the caregiver responded, “but several months ago, we found her shivering and shaking in a cardboard box one morning. It was the coldest day of the year; it’s a miracle that this creature survived; yes, but survive she did! She’s a loner — doesn’t socialize, so both cats and people ignore her.” “She’s perfect for me,” I said. For three days, the cat, now renamed Mushie, hid under my bed. But I noticed that the cat had availed herself of the food, water, as well as the litter box in my adjacent bathroom. Eventually, Mushie came out of hiding, and now, most evenings, she sits on my lap, purring with contentment. Several months later, I became involved with an attractive and charming younger man. Unfortunately, it soon became apparent that he was allergic to cats. “It’s a pity,” said he, clutching another tissue to his nose as he wheezed and sneezed, “that I can’t be in the same room with that creature. The next time we meet, I expect you to have decided if it’s going to be just the two of us. The cat’s gotta go!” I chewed over his order. For me it was over! “I cannot abandon my Mushie,” I gently and regretfully told him. Now I wonder if sometimes we have to give up the life we planned for a life that may yet be waiting. Edith Jacobs is a newspaper columnist and awardwinning short story and feature article writer living in Florida. Her work has appeared in several anthologies. She wrote “A Hole in the Wall” in our winter 2009 issue. Her e-mail is jyehudith@ verizon.net. FALL 2010

Na’amat Woman

Rumiya and the Shofar by RIKUDA POTASH

Translated from Yiddish by Chana Thau

The poetry, short stories, novellas and plays of Rikuda Potash were acclaimed both in Israel and the United States for their eloquence, psychological insight and cultural pluralism. She was born in Yshenstochov, Poland, in 1906 to a well-off, cultured family and raised in Skale-Bayvidov. Radicalized by the anti-Semitic events of the time, she studied Yiddish literature and began writing poetry. After her marriage ended, Potash and her daughter moved to Palestine in 1934, where she worked as the librarian of the Bezalel Art School and Museum in Jerusalem. She died in 1965. The following story, excerpted from Arguing With the Storm: Stories by Yiddish Women Writers, speaks out against the marginalization of women in Judaism and of minorities in society.

umiya Khalifa the washerwoman is no ordinary washerwoman. In her heart, another world burns and glows. She doesn’t mind doing laundry for strangers; what she does mind is the Jewish custom in which men only are allowed to blow the shofar. Rumiya has a small metal case in which lies a shofar that belonged to her husband, who had been the king of all those who blow the shofar. When he put the shofar to his mouth, it was as though he were summoning from the Tomb of the Patriarchs each and every one of the forefathers. Every day, early in the morning, Rumiya goes to do the laundry, for a different family each day. She does laundry only for ’Shikanazim. At least they treat her with respect: they ask her whether she’d like some fresh bread, whether she’d like an egg, whether the butter is fresh. This shows that the ’Shikanazim have kinder hearts. The High Holidays are drawing near, so Rumiya takes out the shofar, polishes and looks it over carefully, then wraps it in a clean white towel and takes it with her to the ’Shikanazi lady she works for. “Khavivati,” she asks shyly, “can you tell me if a woman is permitted to blow the shofar?” “No, yekirati,” 22

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the lady, who is very orthodox, answers. “Women have not been granted permission by the Almighty to pray at the pulpit nor to blow the shofar. The Holy One chose women to do very different things. Women too may pray, but their prayers join with those of the men, and it is in that way that the women’s prayers rise to heaven.” Burning with shame, Rumiya goes and sits on the ground, wringing out the wash with her careworn hands. But now that she has begun to talk, she will not let go of the thought. She starts over again: “Khavivati, I would like some answers from you! Don’t think that my hands are capable only of doing laundry for strangers. They also are capable of many other things: they can sew and knit — and they can also hold a shofar!” The orthodox lady, who wears a scarf to cover her head and ears, looks at Rumiya and begins to get a little uneasy. “What do you mean, Rumiya? Are you saying that you can hold a shofar in your hands? You don’t mean to tell me that in your community, you are allowed to blow the shofar!?” Rumiya lets her hands, wrinkled as

Yevgenia Nayberg

yellow mushrooms, rest, closes her eyes, and says, “My husband died young. Of those who blow the shofar, he was the best. His shofar was one with God. My husband comes to me at night and, with his dead lips, teaches me how to blow

Who do you think you are, wanting to blow the shofar? The prophetess Deborah? Salome? Queen Esther? Judith?

the shofar. But how can I do it, when I am not allowed into the synagogue? Nobody minds when women huff and puff away in their daily work, but it’s only the men who are allowed to blow a true blast on the shofar. I must keep my shofar because if my husband were to come to me again and see that the shofar were not there, he would be terribly upset! Should I get my dead husband all upset? He may well know that women are not supposed to blow the shofar, but still he comes to teach me!” The orthodox lady looks at her and becomes lost in thought. “Rumiya, if you like, I can ask our rabbi. He will tell me what you should do with the shofar.”

Rumiya has just finished the laundry. It is hanging on the line, waving in the wind; Rumiya is rubbing a little oil into her wrinkled hands. Her lady is already preparing some things to give Rumiya to take home: an old nightgown and a pair of misshapen shoes the lady can no longer wear. Rumiya takes the shofar from its white towel and shows it to the lady: “Have you ever in your life seen a shofar so clean and well kept? Should I, God forbid, entrust it to strange hands? I will take it with me to the grave!” The lady is afraid to touch the shofar. Never in her whole life has she thought, or even dared to think, of blowing the shofar. It is not right that a Jewish woman should do so! She snaps angrily at Rumiya, “Listen here! Who do you think you are, wanting to blow the shofar? The prophetess Deborah? Salome? Queen Esther? Judith? Are you not ashamed to ask the Creator to let you stand and blow the shofar?” Her face is covered with white blotches of rage. Rumiya sits on the ground, sorting through and examining the handme-down clothing that the lady has prepared for her to take home. Her shrewd eyes see the holes in the nightgown; they also see the stains that will not wash out. To her the most ridiculous item is the corset with its rusty hooks. She lays it against her slim body, right against her belly, and says with a smile, “My friend, this is not for me. Our foremothers, Rachel and Sarah, did not wear such things. Their bodies were slender as palm trees. Do palm trees need corsets? Give it to an Ashkenazi woman. She can dress herself up in it. We Yemenite women like our own clothing.” Then Rumiya tries on the misshapen shoes, which are too big for her. Besides, Rumiya likes to wear black laceup shoes with heels. She has small feet she is proud of. The lady is seething. Rumiya takes her little change purse out of her bosom and puts her wages in it. Then she

wishes the lady a Happy New Year and walks proudly out, her head held high. On the way, she meets Margalit the seamstress. Margalit is carrying over her shoulder a dress she has made for Rumiya’s neighbor. Together, they walk toward Mazkeret Moshe, the little alley where Rumiya lives. The doors of her house are low, narrow, and green. In the yard is a bowl with dried watermelon seeds. Rumiya goes ahead, her steps small but steady. Margalit takes a handful of seeds. Rumiya enters through her green doors. She locks them behind her, unpacks the shofar, looks at it again, and puts it to her lips. But she does not dare blow. She opens her metal case and carefully, as one lays a child to sleep in its carriage, she puts the shofar away. As she eats, Rumiya thinks again about the lady who asked whether she were Mother Sarah or Mother Rachel. She laughs out loud, saying, “And who am I? Am I not of the same family?” Defiantly she adds, “And with God’s help, I will some day blow the shofar!” Bone tired, she falls asleep. In her sleep, her hands, shriveled from washing, turn into wings — two white wings! She dreams that the angels bring her wings so she may come to the Almighty and give him her husband’s shofar. When she awakens, she quickly slips on her wooden clogs and runs to see if the shofar is still in its case. Rikuda Potash, “Rumiya and the Shofar” excerpted from Arguing With the Storm, edited by Rhea Tregebov. Copyright © 2007 by Rikuda Potash. Reprinted with the permission of the Feminist Press at the City University of New York, www.feministpress.org. Glossary Khavivati (Hebrew): “my dear”; term of polite affection ‘Shikanazi (Hebrew): slang for Ashkenazi Jews, used by Sephardic Jews Yekirati (Hebrew): “my dear”; term of polite affection

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Na’amat Woman

BOOK REVIEWS Good Stories Where the God of Love Hangs Out By Amy Bloom New York: Random House 207 pages, $25

Alone With You: Stories By Marisa Silver New York: Simon & Schuster 164 pages, $22

There Is No Other By Jonathan Papernick Toronto: Exile Editions 184 pages, $17.95

MY RECENT FAVES

o many good books, so little space to review them… Here are short critiques of some of my favorite recent books. I like these works for all or some of these reasons: wonderful writing; insights they provide into our selves and the world; their importance to us as Jews, as women and as part of humanity. Gratitude (Thomas Dunne Books) brings you into the homes and streets of Budapest’s Jews in 1944. You can intimately observe their family life, taste their soup, admire their porcelain dishes and experience their growing fear. For five years they had lived with the war in a kind of blind complacency until the Germans moved in, and then, perhaps even worse, the Arrow Cross, Hungary’s ruthless, racist pro-Nazi Party took over. Next came the Russians, the “liberators,” who also had disdain for the Jews and for Hungarians in general. What existed was “barbarism

Na’amat Woman

his year at Manhattanville, a college in Purchase, New York, where I teach in the Master of Arts program, I started a class called Good Stories. We read, heard and discussed stories, and we told what we all hoped were good stories — and then, we took them apart. (If you, the reader, know a good story, or better yet, know what a good story is, e-mail me right away: bookdoctor@rcn.com). What we learned is what we know: A good story is apparent. You know it when you read it. This counterintuitive corollary follows: The subject doesn’t matter much. It’s all in the telling. Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, the famous Crown Heights

with impunity,” said the author Joseph Kertes in a radio interview. Although the book is fiction, it is based on the recollections of his parents and other family members along with diaries, journals and letters of the time. Particularly stirring are the characters who are driven to do something even more than survive: to save Jews, to feed and shelter Jews, to photograph the atrocities. The heroic Raoul Wallenberg, who issues forged Swedish passports to save thousands of Jews, figures largely in this story. Kertes, whose family escaped Hungary in 1956 and went to Canada, grew up “with a burden” he “needed to confront.” Writing the book was both ”nightmarish and cathartic” for him. For us, it is just nightmarish. But then, it is also a story of survival and hope. One of The New York Times top ten books, A Gate at the Stairs (Knopf) by novelist Lorrie

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leader who made Chabad Lubavitch what it is, told me years ago when I interviewed him for an article that there are only 71 stories on earth. (Seventyone? I don’t know why. And he seemed to believe that an explanation didn’t much matter.) We tell those stories over and over again, no matter our culture, no matter our belief system. Telling stories is part of being alive. Amy Bloom is a short story master. She’s published two collections, including Come to Me and A Blind Man Can See How Much I Love You, and two novels, Away and Love Invents Us. The novels were good, but not wonderful — but her stories are. Where the

Morris is full of words and sentences so beautifully crafted, thoughts so compelling and characters so quirky that you’ll fall under the author’s spell of humor and despair. The story is told through the keen and unusual observations of Tassie, a college student, who is smart but also naïve. This half-Jewish Midwestern daughter of a boutique vegetable farmer and his wife takes a job as a part-time nanny for an AfricanAmerican child adopted by an urbane white couple living in her college town. She becomes deeply involved in their complicated lives as the year progresses. The wife, restaurateur Sarah, also halfJewish, is extremely neurotic and has many strange, often ironic, takes on life. One of her comments: “These bumper stickers that say EVERY MOTHER IS A WORKING MOTHER are bullsh-t. Propaganda of the affluent. And an

insult to actual working moms with jobs. I’ve taken to tearing them off when I see them!” The frailties and strengths of each character unfold with the tale. The tensions in Sarah’s marriage with Edward, a cancer researcher, become more palpable; the horrible root of their problem is revealed only toward the end of the book. Tassie’s discoveries about the family, about love (she has an affair with an enigmatic student) and great writers profoundly alter her outlook on life. The pain of racism, of war and love and loneliness pervade the novel, which takes some devastating — and sometimes farfetched and unsatisfying — turns, as it showers us with bitter humor, unhappy truths and even more unhappy lies. I could barely recognize the country described by Gail Collins in When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present (Little,

God of Love Hangs Out is her latest. Bloom is funny and sexy and original and terrific to read. What she does is portray love in irreverent and funny ways. Love is her subject matter, her constant narrative. This book consists of two groups of linked stories. Four stories are in each group. Linked stories, by the way, are a relatively new phenomenon. Over the past 10 years, publishers and writers have created this notion — not a novel, not a novella either, but several stories where the characters are the same. At the end, Bloom throws in a few others, but it’s the linked stories that hold the heart of the book. Clare

Brown). She depicts a dark time and place where proposed legislation to improve the status of women gets filed by lawmakers under “broads,” where men are terrified of a world where married women work; where women are not allowed to run in marathons; where a woman can’t get a credit card without her husband’s permission — and forget about a woman buying a home! What oppressed place is this? It’s America, 1960. It’s hard to believe I grew up in that world, and that within the next 10 years, many of us would be caught up in revolutions and struggles for political, cultural and sexual freedoms. Yes, we’ve come a long way, baby. And New York Times columnist Gail Collins sure knows how to tell a riveting story of women’s struggle and gains over the last 50 years. Rich with engrossing anecdotes, remembrances and heroic personalities, the author takes us through the years, interweaving the women’s rights movements, the civil rights movement, the anti-war movement and the sexual revolution. She covers the issues surrounding abortion rights, rape, sexual

and William are the characters that dominate the first four stories. They are professors and best friends. Each one is married to a very good looking, kind and even appropriate spouse. The four are all best friends. Clare and William fall in love in the usual complicated way. Nothing is easy when you are middle-aged, when you have houses, children, patterns of life. How they love one another is what these stories are about. I read them twice and will read them again. The second group is about two Lionels, father and son, African Americans. The father was a famous jazz musician. His son becomes a successful lawyer. Julia, the

harassment and women in the military. The advances in gaining independence, power and rights are so profound, Collins emphasizes, that young women today have little idea of what our society was like not long ago. She also points out that we still have a long way to go: The feminist movement, she writes, “… did not resolve the tensions of trying to raise children and hold down a job at the same time…. Women… reared a new generation of men who appreciated the concept of equal rights for both sexes, even if they did not always act on it. But women did not figure out how to keep marriage from crumbling into divorce, and they are not particularly successful in making their lovers grow into dependable husbands. They had not remade the world the way the revolutionaries had hoped.” The oppression of American women that Gail Collins writes about pales in comparison to the cruelties dealt girls and women living in developing countries in Africa and Asia. Their stories are told with great compassion by

older Lionel’s companion, is a white jazz critic and writer. After he dies, she lives with her stepson, Lionel Jr., and Bernard, the son of Julia and Lionel Sr. It’s hard to say more without giving away the pivotal moment, and then, the way life changes with marriages, divorces, children, grandchildren, lovers and death. Marisa Silver’s Alone With You is her fourth book. (Her first, God of War, won much recognition.) Like Bloom, Silver has her own tone and voice, a particular way of telling a story. The eight stories in this collection are about ambivalence, about the complexities of feeling, about the two sides of

Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn in Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide (Knopf). You need a strong stomach to read the terrifying accounts of the abuses, which the authors have divided into three categories: sex trafficking and forced prostitution; gender-based violence, including honor killings and mass rape; and maternal mortality, “which still needlessly claims one woman per minute.” One of the many women the authors interviewed in their travels is Woineshet, an Ethiopian girl, “who grew up in a rural area where kidnapping and raping girls is a time-honored tradition.” Going against the community, who said she “broke tradition,” Woineshet and her family stood up to the men who had kidnapped her and then raped and battered her for two days. One of the men, whom she had never seen before, expected to marry her. She eventually escaped her tormentor, and was helped by

the advocacy organization Equality Now, based in New York, which works with the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association. Woineshet is now in high school, planning to go to university and study law. The authors say: “We sometimes think that Westerners invest too much effort in changing unjust law and not enough in changing culture, by building schools or assisting grassroots movements.” Empowering women begins with education, the head of the lawyers association emphasizes. Kristof, who writes a must-read op-ed column in The New York Times, and his wife, WuDunn, a businesswoman and journalist, include a chapter “What You Can Do” and list many organizations that specialize in supporting women in developing countries. They not only depict the brutality inflicted on women, but also give us solutions — and hope. — Judith A. Sokoloff

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Na’amat Woman

everything. Even love. In “Temporary,” the book’s first story, two roommates live together in an industrial space. One of them, Shelly, is an old fashioned bohemian type — beautiful, sensual, artistic, free. The other, Vivian, is careful, cautious and admiring — an observer more than a player. Vivian sleeps with Shelly’s boyfriend. It’s one of those Just Because situations — she has no good reason. The book’s title story, “Alone With You,” is the oddest in some ways. The Midwestern heroine, Marie, has had a nervous breakdown and is prone to depression. She goes on a trip to the Sahara, Spain and Morocco with her husband Edward, her son Teddy and his Jewish girlfriend Elise. They all tiptoe around Marie for fear of disrupting her precarious stasis. The story is odd because the reader doesn’t understand who Marie is, what occasioned her behavior, what happened in her life, and what is this somewhat tenuous relationship she has with her husband and with her son. Marie spends some time

Wine

continued from page 16 with songbirds. A simple, homey garden — a haven from the midday heat — held rustic garden furniture. Inside, the “Out of Africa”-inspired wooden furnishings are simple yet classy. Standing behind the bar, Doron Rav-Hon, Ella’s winemaker, explains that choosing the location for the winery had been a long, deliberate process. “We looked everywhere, all over the country, for something unique,” RavHon recalls, while his assistant pours a 2006 Merlot/Cabernet blend into our goblets. “We realized that archaeological excavations have uncovered ancient wine presses all over the Valley of Ella, as well as ancient coins with gold clusters.” Though based on a kibbutz, the winery is merely a tenant. It is owned by a Frenchman who prefers to remain anonymous, Rav-Hon says. Ella, which produced its first vintage in 2002, now produces 200,000 bottles, 60 percent for Israeli consumption, 40 percent for sale abroad. Like the two other wineries on our tour, it uses its own hand picked grapes. 26

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alone with Elise when the men go off for a while. That she engages her son’s girlfriend is a kind of relief. They have a dynamic together, though diﬃcult. The story works because of Silver’s gift of empathy. Jonathan Papernick is a writer of another sort. While Amy Bloom and Marisa Silver are both Jewish writers (what that means is a subject for another column about sensibility and Jewishness and language), it is not very obvious in their stories. Papernick’s Judaism is his central subject matter. More edgy, more difficult, more confrontational, his stories are difficult and anxious, where Bloom and Silver are charming and smooth. The book’s first story, for instance, is about a promiscuous teenage girl who tries to circumcise her non-Jewish lover. There’s a story about a biracial Haitian student who comes to Hebrew school impersonating a suicide bomber for Purim; he’s an intimidating, out-of-control teenage boy who terrorizes his class. Another story

depicts a synagogue janitor, an Irishman named Jimmy Mahoney who is recovering from injuries he got fighting in Iraq. In others, there are prophets, corrupt business people, difficult sex and frequent uncomfortable situations that have no resolution. Papernick disconcerts and surprises. His stories often have the moment that some critics call the bang button: a shocking end — an ending that causes the reader to utter, “What happened here?” Papernick writes about working-class people and Jews, two of my personal favorite subjects. He describes Brooklyn like someone who really understands what Brooklyn was, what Brooklyn is, and how life happens if you’re living there. His confrontation with Judaism, with the whole question of what Jewishness means, is one of the most original I’ve read in a long time. All three books are worthy of readers attracted to the idea that a good story is one of our greatest pleasures. — Esther Cohen

Rav-Hon emphasizes that he “looks for elegance in the wine. Not something one-dimensional — something deep. Our blends are never more than 50 percent new oak,” he adds, referring to the wooden wine barrels used in winemaking. Ella’s vineyards are grown in two nearby locations: Aderet, which has “some river soil, deep and fertile” and Nes Harim, “which is at a high altitude and has lots of gravel and stones, which provides more drainage,” Rav-Hon says. If anything, “the Ella Valley is too fertile, so we engage in high-density planting. This way, the vines have to compete for water.” Ella utilizes less than half the grapes it grows and sells the rest. “By choosing from our own grapes, we have very good control over our product,” Rav-Hon explains. While many Israeli wines are as good or even better than wines in several other better-known wine-growing countries, there are people who will not purchase Israeli wines — or any other products — for purely political reasons. That’s especially true of products produced in the West Bank and Golan Heights. On the record, at least, winemakers in the territories say they are un-

concerned by the boycott of West Bank products recently initiated by the Palestinian Authority. “There are people who won’t buy our wines, no matter what,” says Yaakov Berg from Psagot. “On the other hand, I just received five or six e-mails from people asking where they can buy our wines. It’s their way of showing solidarity.” Rogov, who refers to the West Bank and Gaza as “occupied territories,” says he has no qualms tasting wines produced there. “As a wine critic, I will taste those wines and critique them according to their quality, with no political connotation whatsoever,” Rogov emphasizes. “It’s up to the individual consumer to decide whether or not to buy that wine for political or moral reasons.” Michele Chabin is a journalist living in Jerusalem, covering the Middle East for the New York Jewish Week, Religion News Service and other publications. She wrote “Middle-Aged Moms” in our spring 2010 issue. Tour guide Rabbi Weiss can be reached at www.rabbiguide.com or 201-353-7946 (from the U.S.).

President

continued from page 3 is almost never easy, but I’m confident that our organization is determined and strong enough to overcome the difficulties involved in effecting the changes that we need to make to see Na’amat USA grow in strength and numbers. I anticipate that Na’amat USA and Na’amat Israel will profit in the long run. Na’amat USA has always had a unique partnership with Na’amat Israel. We have worked together to develop social services and programs that touch and influence the lives of countless Israelis — and we can all be proud that we play an active role in this partnership. I look forward to exploring and implementing new and innovative programs with Na’amat Israel as we continue this partnership. I have accepted this position with the encouragement of my husband, Dave. Habonim, Zionism and Jewish activism have been part of our lives since we were teenagers, and Na’amat and Israel have always been a central part of our family life. It is a source of pride for us that our children were also involved in Habonim and that they continue to actively include the principles of social justice, their Jewish heritage and concern for Israel in their lives. I am so pleased that Dave and two of our children — Mark, our oldest, and Lani, our youngest — are able to be here to celebrate this meaningful event. All my children, daughters-in-law and grandchildren have offered me support and encouragement in taking on this special role. The youngest grandchildren, hearing the title national president, thought for a few minutes that I would be replacing President Obama — until we cleared that up! My goal for Na’amat USA is not just to survive, but to live long and thrive. I know that this transition period will be a lot like my time living in Israel — sometimes frustrating, sometimes one step forward and two back, but always, always interesting! I thank you all for the honor and trust you have placed in me, and I will do my best to represent Na’amat USA as your national president.

Celebrate the 85th anniversary of Na’amat USA by becoming a Patron of the

GOLDA MEIR

Child Development Fund

This fund was established as a living tribute to our beloved Golda, head of our organization in the early 1930s. It serves as a direct contribution to the love of her life: the children of Israel. The names of the Golda Fund donors, or their loved ones, are permanently inscribed on a beautiful plaque in Bet Elisheva Community Center in Jerusalem. Donors will receive an exquisite, engraved glass sculpture. The Golda Meir Child Development Fund is used to provide quality day care for the challenged children, mostly from distressed families, in Na’amat ’s multipurpose day care centers. Here they experience love, security, educational and social enrichment, and counseling. Pledges to the Golda Meir Child Development Fund are $5,000, payable over a two-year period in cash, by credit card, or with State of Israel Bonds. Quota credit will be given. This was the first fund-raising campaign authorized by Golda’s family to carry her name.

Yes,

I would like to become a Patron of the Golda Meir Child Development Fund.

■ Enclosed is my check for ____$5,000 ____$2,500 (I’ll pay the balance next year.) ■ Please charge my credit card: __VISA __MASTERCARD __AMEX Card No._ _______________________________________ Expiration Date:_____________ Signature____________________________________________________________________ ■ I hereby pledge $5,000 to the Golda Meir Child Development Fund. ■ Please send additional information on the Golda Fund. Name________________________________________ Phone No._____________________ Address_ ____________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip________________________________________________________________ Club/Council________________________________ E-mail___________________________ Please make checks payable to Na’amat USA, 350 Fifth Ave., Suite 4700, New York, NY 10118.

Na’amat Woman

AROUND THE COUNTRY

π Kinneret club of Phoenix and the Rina club of Scottsdale hold a luncheon to celebrate their merger. From left: Faye Frankel, Barbara Lewis, Honey Yellin, Lee Weisen and Adele Adler.

π Palm Beach Council holds festive annual donor luncheon. More than 190 members and guests heard Robert Tanen, associate director of the Florida Anti-Defamation League, talk about anti-Semitism, and were entertained by Cantor Efraim Sapir of Temple Emeth in Delray Beach. From left: Cantor Sapir, president Raena Zucker, Southeast Area coordinator Marjorie Moidel and Robert Tanen; seated: event chairwoman Estelle Crozier.

Washington Council’s ® Rachel Ben Zvi club held its annual Spiritual Adoption luncheon, featuring guest speaker Marvin Kalb. The well-known author, television journalist and professor emeritus of Harvard University School of Government, talked about Israel-United States relations.

π At their annual donor luncheon, Sabra, Simcha and Habarot clubs of Youngstown, Ohio, honor officers and members with plants. From left: Bertha Froomkin, president of the three clubs; Ruth Katz, event chairwoman; Libby Aaron and Helen Kornspan, vice presidents of the clubs; Florence Harshman; Lucille Vegh; Edith Pincus; Esther Ortman; Edith Peskin, treasurer of Simcha club; and Hilda Manello. Not shown: new Life Member Tomar Green and event toastmaster Helen Passell.

π Roslyn Leff/Avodah club (Long Beach/South Coast Council) enjoyed the play “Golda’s Balcony,” performed by the talented Romi Temkin. From left: Gloria Schwartz; Henrietta Zarovsky, president; Diana Baldwin, program chairwoman; Katie Miller, past president, and Darlene Rose, membership vice president.

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πCleveland Council honors longtime members Marguerite and Allan Morris for their devotion and support of Na’amat USA and the Cleveland Jewish community at its spring fund-raising luncheon, “The Gift of a Lifetime.” Funds will provide scholarships for at-risk teenagers in Na’amat high schools. The couple has visited Israel numerous times and seen the great need for these scholarships. From left: Caroline Fultz, Margo Fultz, Allan and Marguerite Morris, and son Gerald Morris.

π A three-generation life member family adds a new generation with the addition of Lillian Mae Straus, age 2½. The first generation member, not shown, is former Na’amat USA president Gloria Elbling Gottlieb. From left: Cookie Elbling (Lily’s grandmother), Sarah Elbling Straus (her mother), Lily, and Rachel Elbling Albert (her aunt).

√ Members of Kadima club (Cleveland Council) have a great time at a sushi demonstration in the home of Linda Schoenberg. From left: Audrey Warner, Liz Weiss and Maxine Zion.

πCentral New Jersey members enjoyed their year-end luncheon and fund-raiser at the Pt. Pleasant riverfront home of member Doris Crudup, membership vice president. From left: Rita Michel, Lorraine Caris, and Helen Hollander.

π Broward Council donor luncheon features guest speaker Eliezer Rivlin, spokesperson for the Israel Consulate in Miami. From left: copresident Bess Frumin, Mr. Rivlin and co-president Ruth Racusen.

π More than 200 people honored Marcia Pevsner, former national board member and longtime Na’amat USA activist, at Chicago Council’s gala spring fund-raiser. Entertainment was provided by her son, David Pevsner, a singer, writer and actor. She is shown flanked by Joanne Glass, president of the Shira club, on the left, and Debbi Rosenberg on the right.

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Na’amat Woman

Go to iGive.com and earn money for

NA’AMAT USA!

Choose NA’AMAT USA as your designated charity on iGive.com and you can earn a percentage of each online purchase for our organization.

More than 700 top merchants offer spectacular prices and exclusive member deals. Among them are Bath & Body Works, The Teaching Company, Designer Linens Outlet, Staples, Amazon.com, JC Penney, Overstock.com, Dell Home and Quill.com.

To shop and qualify for a donation, you must be logged in as an iGive.com member and you must reach the store through iGive.com or iSearchiGive.com. $5 bonus donation: Just make your first purchase within 45 days of joining.

FRIENDS – FRIENDS – FRIENDS Make the man in your life a Friend of Na’amat USA. Encourage him to join you in making a commitment to the women and children of Israel who depend on Na’amat. $250 will make him a Friend for Life, or just $36 will make him a Friend for a year. Enclosed is my check for _____________. Or you may charge the life/annual membership to: American Express

Visa

The members of Na’amat USA clubs and councils in Florida are looking forward to your participation in their meetings and special events. Please call the Florida councils for information: Broward (Plantation): 954-327-0770 Palm Beach (Boca Raton): 561-368-8898 South Florida (Miami): 305-576-6213 Vacationing elsewhere? Contact the national office to learn about clubs and councils near your location: 212-563-5222 or by e-mail: naamat@naamat.org.

Send NA’AMAT USA Your E-mail Address Let’s communicate better! Please send your name and e-mail address to naamat@naamat.org. Na’amat USA values your privacy. Your e-mail address will never be sold or provided to an outside party.

My name Address City/State/Zip Council/Club E-mail

Friend’s name Address City/State/Zip E-mail

MasterCard

Account #

Please send to Na’amat USA, 350 Fifth Ave., Suite 4700,

Exp. Date

New York, NY 10118; phone: 212-563-5222.

Signature

Snowbirds

Na’amat Woman

FALL 2010

Welcome to the New Life Members of NA’AMAT USA EASTERN AREA Sara Rosenfeld Kew Gardens, N.Y. Bette Siegel Syracuse, N.Y.

AFFILIATES Samantha Leff 14 years old Plantation, Fla. Sponsored by Grandmother Rebecca Yohai

SOUTHEAST AREA Esseline Brandon Pembroke Pines, Fla. Annette Pass Tamarac, Fla.

Sarah Leff 1 year old Plantation, Fla. Sponsored by Grandmother Rebecca Yohai

MIDWEST AREA Lee Fischbach Pittsburgh, Pa. Saralouise Reis Pittsburgh, Pa.

Gabriela Parsons 10-1⁄2 years old Gaithersburg, Md. Sponsored by Grandmother Rebecca Yohai

WESTERN AREA Sandy Kaufman No. Hollywood, Calif. Roz Porton Northridge, Calif. Lea Templer Northridge, Calif. ISRAEL Roberta Hamling Hefer, Israel FRIEND Michael Sobel Pittsburgh, Pa.

Lillian Mae Straus 2-1⁄2 years old Germantown, Md. Sponsored by Grandmother Cookie Elbling Talia Yohai 6-1⁄2 years old Sunny Isles, Fla. Sponsored by Grandmother Rebecca Yohai Tatiana Yohai 8 months old Sunny Isles, Fla. Grandmother Rebecca Yohai

David Twersky Na’amat USA mourns the passing of David Twersky, a brilliant thinker, political analyst, journalist, essayist, activist for social justice and peace, and passionate Zionist. He wrote for Na’amat Woman magazine for many years and will be greatly missed.

Inspire the Next Generation of Na’amat USA Members Enroll your daughters and sons, granddaughters and grandsons, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews as Affiliate Life Members of Na’amat USA. But don’t just make them members. Tell them about the importance of Na’amat to the women and children of Israel. Explain the significance of Israel to them as Jews. Show them how to be Zionists so they can continue your work and ours. Affiliate Life Membership is $250. It’s more than a donation — it’s an investment in the future of Na’amat and Israel. Affiliates are boys and girls from birth to 18 years old. When they turn 18, the girls become Life Members and the boys become Life Friends. I want to enroll an Affiliate Life Member of Na’amat USA. Enclosed is my check for $250.

Circle of Hope Donors Na’amat USA is grateful to the following for their generosity. Thank you for helping at-risk Israeli teenagers achieve scholastic success and personal growth in Na’amat technological high schools. One ($1,600) Or More Circles Pearl S. Brooks Family Foundation Betty & Grant Silverfarb Trust Annalee Sosman

My Name Address City/State/Zip Council/Club

E-mail

Affiliate Name

Birth Date

Address City/State/Zip E-mail

Others Miriam Bargan Lois Brazen Anna K. Buchenbaum Mollie Gamer Arlene W. Geiger Claire Komisar

Beatriz Levi Harriet Murphy Jacqueline Oster Laura Rosenberg Esther Sardas

Or you may charge the life membership to: American Express Visa MasterCard Account # Expiration Date Signature Please send to Na’amat USA, 350 Fifth Ave., Suite 4700, New York, NY 10118; phone: 212-563-5222.

FALL 2010

Na’amat Woman

Connect With the Women and Youth of Israel. Join Na’amat USA! The largest women’s organization in Israel, Na’amat works to improve the status of women and provides educational and social services for women, children, teenagers and families.

Think ISRAEL Think NA’AMAT!

With 300,000 members — Jewish, Arab and Druze women — and 30 branches, Na’amat provides a huge social service network throughout all of Israel.

DAY CARE for 18,000

children, infants through preschoolers, including 25 MULTIPURPOSE centers for at-risk children

agricultural boarding schools, vocational training classes for adult Jewish women and women in the Arab and Druze communities

Thirty LEGAL AID BUREAUS provide

women with legal advice and representation for issues relating to employment, divorce, marriage, single parenting and aging

Two Centers for the Prevention and Treatment of Domestic Violence and a shelter for battered women

Community centers and women’s clubs throughout the entire country Fighting for the advancement of women so they can be full and equal

participants in the social, economic and political spheres of Israeli society

SCHOLARSHIPS for women to pursue higher

education

Assisting in the social integration and education of new immigrants Four Women’s rights centers provide legal, financial and family counseling; mediation, workshops and support groups For more information, please contact NA’AMAT USA, 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4700 New York, N.Y. 10118 Phone: 212-563-5222 Web site: www.naamat.org

Photos by Judith A. Sokoloff

Twelve

TECHNOLOGICal high schools, two