J Magazine issue 5

The Je wis hChron icle . n e t

A DAY IN…shadyside

J J J J

Jewish Pittsburgh Living

“BAR” MITZVAH Cocktails for Grown-up Chanukah Celebrations

young, jewish & moving to the ‘burgh!

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J Magazine

David Caoin, Publisher, CEO davidc@thejewishchronicle.net MAGAZINE STAFF Roberta Lando Brody, Editor jmagazinepittsburgh@gmail.com Audrey Brown, Art Director jmagazinepittsburgh@gmail.com Holly Rudoy, Writer jmagazinepittsburgh@gmail.com Ilana Yergin, Photographer jmagazinepittsburgh@gmail.com SALES STAFF Susan Mangel, Sr. Sales Rep. susanm@thejewishchronicle.net Roberta Letwin, Sales Rep. robertal@thejewishchronicle.net Donna Mink, Sales Rep. donnam@thejewishchronicle.net Debra Levy, Associate Sales Rep. jmagazinepittsburgh@gmail.com BUSINESS STAFF Joseph Soloski, Comptroller josephs@thejewishchronicle.net Josh Reisner, Office Manager joshr@thejewishchronicle.net Marcy Kronzek, Receptionist marcyk@thejewishchronicle.net BOARD OF TRUSTEES Richard Kitay, President Cindy Goodman-Leib, Vice President Larry Honig, Secretary Andrew Schaer, Treasurer Davida Fromm, Past President Carolyn Hess Abraham Brian Balk Daniel Berkowitz Lynn Cullen Milton Eisner Stephen Fienberg Malke Frank David Grubman Thomas Hollander Evan Indianer David Levine Ari Lightman Mitchell Pakler Amy Platt Benjamin Rosenthal Charles Saul Adam Shear Jonathan Wander Lou Weiss

Volume 2, Number 1 J is published four times a year by the Pittsburgh Jewish Publication and Education Foundation, 5915 Beacon Street, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, 412-6871000 (phone), 412-521-0154 (fax). The information presented is from varied sources considered to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Opinions expressed are those of the indentified subjects and do not reflect the views of J Magazine or the Pittsburgh Jewish Publication and Education Foundation. Letters and editorial solicitations should be sent to: J Magazine, Publisher, 5915 Beacon Street, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Unsolicited manuscripts, photography, artwork or other materials will not be accepted, and unless accompanied by return postage, J Magazine is not responsible for their disposition.

winter 2011Issue Volume 2, Number 1 6 YOUNG, JEWISH & MOVING TO THE ‘BURGH: Is Pittsburgh’s Jewish Diaspora finally changing course?

11 “BAR” MITZVAH: Eight miraculous cocktails for grown-up Chanukah parties.

32 FACES & PLACES: Celebrations and events throughout the community.

38 ON THE STREET: We asked...what was your most meaningful Chanukah gift?

16 JEWISH APPS: Learn everything Jewish...right from your Smart Phone.

21 CHANUKAH GIFT GUIDE: Exploring the often-overlooked temple gift shop.

25 THE GIFT OF YOUNG GIVING: The Samuel M. Goldston Teen Philanthropy Project 26 RECIPES & RESERVATIONS: Mediterrano: A taste of authentic Greece in a warm, relaxed atmosphere.

28 A DAY IN...SHADYSIDE: A closer look at a familiar neighborhood.

On the Cover:

The faces of some of Pittsburgh’s new young Jews: Row 1: Jessica Svec, Danny Marcus, Lindsey Ehrenwerth Herman, Adam Brownold. Row 2: Melissa Krasnow, Peter Rackoff, Rachel Adland.

Photographed at Mad Mex in Shadyside.

Photography by Karen Meyers. winter 2011

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Letter from the Editor

A

s I sit at my computer contemplating what to write for this issue’s letter, a few noteworthy news stories keep coming to mind. One is the recent marriage of Paul McCartney to Nancy Shevell, an American Jewish woman...not the first such union for him. But what made me take notice this time was how he attended Yom Kippur services and a break fast in London the day before his wedding.

Soon after that was the sighting of Ivanka Trump (a newly converted Jew) and her husband, Jared Kushner, walking down a Manhattan street during Sukkot. She was wearing a hat and her husband was clearly carrying a lulav and an etrog! I can’t help but wonder if we are witnessing a trend of newfound respect for the Jewish religion… where the likes of Sir Paul, Ivanka Trump – and even Chelsea Clinton – are seen at synagogue services, openly embracing (and in some cases, adopting) their spouses’ Judaism.

One major story that has dominated the news is the premature passing of Steve Jobs, co-founder of and genius behind everything Apple. Okay, so he wasn’t Jewish, but he profoundly changed how we communicate today, in a way that we are not likely to see again in our lifetime.

Our creative staff had already planned a story on Jewish apps for this issue. How timely that is given the loss of Mr. Jobs. Our head writer, Holly Rudoy, has explored the countless (and there are many) Jewish apps available that teach us everything from how to celebrate holidays, speak Hebrew, or cook a kosher meal. See page16.

The most pleasantly startling news has to be the announcement by National Geographic Traveler magazine that Pittsburgh (yes, our Pittsburgh) is one of the “Best of the World: Must See Places for 2012”… and one of only two in the entire U.S. The other is Sonoma, CA…no surprise there!

How does this relate to J? Our cover story is about what we hope will become the reversal of Pittsburgh’s Jewish Diaspora and the return of many young Jews who have left our city in recent years. While researching a diaspora story, our editorial staff actually discovered that there are many young Jews either relocating here for work or just moving back home for family. You’ll meet some of them on page 6.

Hope abounds that the recent proliferation of honors for Pittsburgh, including the National Geographic Traveler article and the “Most Livable City” designation, will lead to even more young Jews choosing to live here.

As for those of us who are fortunate to call Pittsburgh home, we also share the honor of being named the most generous city in the U.S., in a 30-city national survey by the independent Charity Navigator. Our giving spirit begins at a young age at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and the Agency for Jewish Learning. You’ll learn just how great an impact local teens have had on our community as you read about the Samuel M. Goldston Teen Philanthropy Project. See page 25.

We have a lot to boast about in this city of re-invention, and its lively, welcoming and generous Jewish community is one of them. J Magazine is proud to be a part of that community and of Pittsburgh’s international resurgence!

Happy Chanukah to all of you!

Roberta Lando Brody Editor

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Melissa Krasnow Daniel Marcus

Young, Jewish and Moving to the ‘Burgh!

By Jessica Svec Photography by Ilana Yergin

Rachel Adland

A funny thing happened on the way to writing this story…

For quite a while, our intention was to write a story about Pittsburgh’s Diaspora— about all of the mostly young (and Jewish) talent that has left our city for college, marriage or lucrative opportunities elsewhere…never to find their way back to our fair city.

But in the process, we found dozens of young Jews who are relocating to the ‘Burgh…some for the job of a lifetime, like newly-named Pittsburgh Symphony Concertmaster Noah Bendix-Balgley; some who have come back to raise a family, like Daniel and Claire Marcus, who are expecting their first child; and others who have returned to work in a family business, like Peter and Melissa Rackoff. Even our writing intern, Jessica Svec, moved here sight unseen six months ago—straight out of college—and as you’ll read, she has never looked back.

No matter what the reason, one thing became quite clear to us: young people are moving to Pittsburgh…and finding it an easy—and affordable—place to call home!

I

Noah Bendix-Balgley

could see the question forming in their brains before it even hit their lips. “Why Pittsburgh?” Pittsburgh? It stumped everyone, my friends, my family, even the curious acquaintance or customer just trying to make small talk. It seemed to be the million-dollar question for the six months leading up to my move. Pittsburgh, really? Yeah. Really, Pittsburgh.

To an Iowan, or perhaps anyone without personal ties to the land of the Steelers, the reality of Pittsburgh is a little hazy. It is as though the city remains permanently linked to 7th grade history class, where we first learned about the industrial revolution and Pittsburgh’s immense contribution to the steel industry and, unfortunately, air pollution. For those who ask, “Why Pittsburgh?” it is because for them, the city is frozen in time, along with their preconceived notions of Pittsburgh as a dirty, blue collar, steel town.

At 18, right after high school graduation, Daniel Marcus left Pittsburgh.

He moved around the country, Michigan for college, California for grad school, then to New York to pursue a career in music. While he was away, he made a name for himself as a professional jazz guitarist, became a music teacher in the public school system, and met his wife, Claire.

Seventeen years later, with a baby on the way, Marcus finds himself back in the city that raised him.

“I can finally breathe deeply again,” he says of his homecoming; “it really was a no-brainer.” Unlike New York City, Philadelphia or Chicago, Pittsburgh has escaped becoming one of America’s concrete jungles, while still being able to provide the opportunities, culture and excitement found in big metropolises.

Adam Brownold, a Pittsburgh transplant and Winchester Thurston teacher agrees. “It is a big city with a small town feel,” he offers. The sense of community found here is one of the remarkable features that makes Pittsburgh different than the cities that operate within a sea of faceless strangers. “You are always bumping into someone you know—that doesn’t happen in many cities,” the history teacher remarks.

Peter Rackoff, originally from Pittsburgh, is another young professional who recognizes the charm of this big/little city. After living and working in New York City for seven years, sometimes without even knowing the names of his neighbors in his apartment building, he enjoys the elements of Pittsburgh that make it a warm and welcoming community, and an affordable one at that. After selling his one bedroom apartment in New York City, he and his wife, Melissa, were able to build a four-bedroom house in Frick Park, giving their 15-month-old daughter, Cara, plenty of room to grow.

Growing is exactly what American Eagle Outfitters recruit and recent Indiana University graduate Rachel Adland is doing in Pittsburgh. Before her third interview with the clothing company, Adland had never been to or even considered Pittsburgh. “I really didn’t know what to expect,” the 22-year-old says, but she was immediately struck by the landscape and overall vibe of the city. As AEO took her and her fellow recruits around the city, she became more and more excited at the possibility of her future home. Now, six months in to her Pennsylvania residency, she is looking forward to finally feeling like Pittsburgh is her city and taking advantage of all it has to offer. “I don’t really have a home home anymore; my parents moved away and so did I,” she says, “but I can see myself staying here long term; I guess this is my home now.”

and energy and natural resources attorney, says, “This is city living, but with backyards. People who have never been here don’t get it, but it literally has a little of everything…sports, theatre, culture and outdoor activities.”

And while Pittsburgh boasts all of the attractions of any major city, the network of neighborhoods creates a unique community that breaks the city down to a manageable scale, “I like that I can get everything I need without having to get into my car,” says Adland.

Granted that network of neighborhoods can also make it easy to get lost, plenty of people make their way. “This was a great place to grow up,” Lindsey Ehrenwerth Herman says, “and I have been trying to find a way back ever since I left.” The born-and-bred Steeler fan— and child and family therapist—found her ticket back home when her husband was accepted to The University of Pittsburgh to work on his PhD. After spending time in both Philadelphia and New York City, Herman believes that Pittsburgh has a lot of the same qualities as the other cities except on a more manageable scale. “Life in Pittsburgh is just easier,” she says.

I have only been in Pittsburgh since the beginning of September. I graduated from the University of Iowa in May, signed a lease and sent boxes to my new address without ever having visited. I was ready for the next step, a new adventure and, hopefully, career opportunities. I have only been here two months, but every time I drive out of the Fort Pitt tunnel at night and see the sparkling slopes and lights of the city reflected in the river, I don’t think, “Why Pittsburgh?” I smile and think, “Why not Pittsburgh?”

Jessica Svec

In August of this year, Noah Bendix-Balgley traveled over 4,000 miles to make Pittsburgh his new home. After spending five years in Europe, studying and then playing violin professionally, Bendix-Balgley was named Concertmaster at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He packed his bags and flew all the way from Munich, Germany to begin the next chapter of his life. Although his duties as Concertmaster, in combination with his own personal practice schedule, keep him more than occupied, he has made time to experience and learn a little about his new surroundings.

The abundance of “no right turns on red” signs and Pennsylvania’s bizarre liquor laws took some adjusting time, but the 27-year old violinist says he likes the size of this city. “New York is a little too much; [Pittsburgh] is still a city, but with a sense of community,” he says.”

The young Concertmaster is looking forward to exploring more of what Pittsburgh has to offer as well as the upcoming release of his first CD, A Musical Tour of the Early 20th Century, recorded with pianist Reiko Hozu.

Plenty of young Pittsburgh professionals acknowledge Bendix-Balgley’s small-town-within-a-big-city assessment. Melissa Krasnow, a Pittsburgh native winter 2011

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Lindsey Ehrenwerth Herman

It’s really no surprise that the growing number of young Jews who call Pittsburgh home know it as a city full of opportunities, cultural activities, charming neighborhoods and, occasionally, the source of an unpleasant relationship with their GPS.

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This is the first part of the story of his return to and life in Pittsburgh…in his own words.

I had never suspected that Oprah Winfrey was Jewish until I ended up as a guest on her show for, of all things, moving back to my hometown of Pittsburgh. On the program about people who changed their lives was an attorney who became a baker who gave out cake to the audience (cheers); a surgeon who become a shoe designer and gave out mink slippers (woo— mink slippers!); and me, a Hollywood screenwriter who had moved back to teach screenwriting at the University of Pittsburgh (crickets). Even Oprah seemed dumbstruck that I had found happiness in my hometown—or as she put it—like a Grandma Zadie “in Pittsburgh, even!?!”

Two years earlier, I had been living above the Sunset Strip with my wife, Natalie, and my daughter, Campbell, who was just a toddler, when I received a serendipitous offer to return to Pittsburgh to teach at the University of Pittsburgh. My wife had wanted to move to the Valley side of Los Angeles, pointing out that if we continued living in that neighborhood, my one-yearold daughter’s habit of dancing naked on the coffee table could become a profession.

So, as a compromise, we moved back to my hometown for what we thought would be a one-year Hollywood sabbatical.

But then, a funny thing happened. We fell in love with being back in Pittsburgh. We loved walking around the block with my daughter, kicking Fall leaves (who knew they still made leaves?), talking to our neighbors. Natalie and I jokingly referred to ourselves as “reverse pioneers.” Twenty years earlier, when I had gone out to Hollywood, my grandmother said, “What are you going out there for? You’re crazy— no one makes it.” When I told her I was moving back, she said, “What are you

moving back here for, everything’s dying.

Go back out there.”

The Pittsburgh we moved back to was far different from the one I grew up in. We had literally moved back to the real life “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”—where my daughter’s pre-school teacher, Mimsie Leyton, had been featured in the “Mister Rogers’ Moving Book”; and the head of the English department where I taught, Dave Bartholomae, had taught Fred Rogers how to play soccer on camera.

But shortly after I told Oprah how happy we were raising Campbell here, Pittsburgh— this city which 100 years earlier had been one of the richest cities in the history of the world—declared itself “financially distressed.”

Wanting to help my hometown, I wrote an op-ed observing that our biggest export was no longer steel, but talent—talent that had made billions for other cities such as Hollywood—and that if Pittsburgh were to come back, it might want to do something about that. Several months later, I would meet a remarkable woman named Ellen Weiss Kander through her friend, “Roseanne” writer/producer Maxine Lapiduss, who was in town for Ellen’s son, Ben’s, Bar Mitzvah. Together, we would form the non-profit Steeltown Entertainment Project with top Pittsburgh expatriates, still working in Hollywood, but who still called Pittsburgh “home in their hearts.” Together, we set out on the seemingly Don Quixoteesque mission of helping Pittsburgh build a vibrant and sustainable entertainment industry. And shortly after, the return would begin....

To be continued…

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“BAR” MITZVAH: Eight Miraculous Chanukah Cocktails!

By holly rudoy/Photography by Ilana Yergin

T

he e-vites are sent, the food is ordered and the music is downloaded. Everything is ready for a grown-up evening, sans kids. But this December party is different from the usual holiday gatherings because it’s a Chanukah party—adult style.

Chanukah falls at a relatively stressful time of year. Many of us suffer from mall madness brought on by forging the sea of humanity that can be found trolling through Nordstrom, Dick’s and any number of other stores. That, of course, is only compounded by the trails of red brake lights leaving crowded parking lots. Others may be dealing with latke overload from family celebrations, mixed in with the eggnog and gingerbread from last night’s office party. Add in the icy sidewalks, stuffy noses, school plays and antsy kids who are out of school until after New Years, and well, you get the picture!

Maybe what you need is another Chanukah party—an adult evening with good friends, complete with Chanukah cocktails to soothe your frayed nerves. No gifts and no eggnog (whew!) required.

The first five drink recipes below are courtesy of Robert Hirst, Bar Manager, Soba The Latke 2 ½ oz. Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka ½ oz. olive brine 1 drop of Dewar’s Galliano Rinse Stirred/Served up with an olive

Raisinate 1 ½ oz. St. John Commandaria 1 oz. thyme simple syrup ½ oz. Dewar’s 7 drops allspice dram Shaken/Strain over rocks

Midnight Oil 1 ½ oz. Moscato D’Oro ¾ oz. lemon juice ¾ oz. Skinos ½ oz. Carpano Antiqua ½ oz. cardamom simple syrup Shaken/Strain up/Flame of absinthe

The King’s Sour 1 oz. Cointreau ½ oz. Campari ½ oz. Maraschino liquid 1 oz. lemon juice 1 oz. egg white Shaken/Serve up Double Strain

Harvest 1 ½ oz. Kabocha Vodka ¾ oz. Kabocha Syrup ½ oz. cinnamon syrup ¾ oz. St. Germain 5 drops of Allspice Dram Shaken/Served up Grated Nutmeg on top

winter 2011

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Make Your Hanukkah Memorable…

“BAR” MITZVAH: Eight Miraculous Chanukah Cocktails!

The key to pulling off a great Chanukah cocktail party is to keep it simple, so that you, too, will enjoy yourself. And though it may go against your Jewish instincts, you do not need to serve a three-course meal. A full array of Chanukah cocktails soaked up by a few appetizers and desserts is perfectly acceptable.

Miraculous cHanukah Cocktails Christmas has its aforementioned eggnog, St. Patty’s Day has its green beer and Passover has its Manischewitz wine. So what about Chanukah?

“You can get very creative and have much fun with cocktails these days,“ says Amanda Horn, wine and beverage director at big Burrito. Horn and Soba bar manager, Robert Hirst, put their talent and creativity to work to craft their own refreshingly innovative libations for J Magazine readers.

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For each of their five recipes, Hirst combines great-tasting ingredients along with a nod to the Chanukah story. And just as important for the home entertainer, they are “more accessible and less intimidating,” than many custom-made drink concoctions, explains Horn.

Don’t worry if you don’t actually have a home bar. “You don’t need to go crazy at home; standard glassware is fine,” she

It is important to acknowledge that not everyone chooses to drink alcohol at cocktail parties. Here are a couple of tasty, yet alcohol free, “mocktails” to have on hand for your non-drinking guests.

DreidEL Daiquiri (Mocktail) 3 ounces of frozen strawberries 1/8 cup of ice 1/2 fluid ounce of sweet & sour mix 1 dash of grenadine syrup Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Serve.

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adds, “starting with three sizes of glasses: rocks, Collins and martini, along with a shaker and a jigger.”

Again, Horn insists the bar tools do not need to be anything fancy. “You can get a shaker anywhere, but get one with a strainer, “ she says. As for the jigger, it is recommended to help maintain the right measurements and to maintain consistency.

“The jigger will really help someone who doesn’t know what 2 ½ ounces feels like,” she offers, “and be sure to begin making ice about two days in advance, as ice is a big factor in making really good cocktails.”

When it comes to ingredients, Horn suggests shopping at the specialty Wine & Spirits stores to find what you need, but she promises ”It’s not as tricky as it sounds.”

These drinks can be easily concocted at home, which allows the host a chance to enjoy the party as well.”

And that’s the goal—an excuse to enjoy Chanukah in the company of your adult friends and family. With just a little advanced prep, you can set up your bar, pre-heat your oven (see the hors d’oeuvres sidebar) and enjoy your celebration. With some Midnight Oil (see recipes) in one hand and some phyllo-wrapped brie in the other, the evening will be sure to be a great escape from your holiday stress!

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Chanukah Temple-tation (Mocktail) 3 ounces of apricot nectar 1 dash of agave nectar 1 splash of grapefruit juice Dry Lavender Soda (or Ginger Ale as a substitute) Pour the apricot and agave nectars into a Collins glass filled with ice.

Add a splash of grapefruit juice and stir well. Top the drink with lavender soda and serve with a straw.

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“BAR” MITZVAH: Eight Miraculous Chanukah Cocktails!

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Since adults may not want or need latkes and donuts to make a Chanukah party, you can leave those treats for your family celebrations. Instead, pop some gourmet hors d’ oeuvres into the oven to accompany your Chanukah cocktails.

In Pittsburgh, beyond the standard frozen appetizers at Costco or your local grocer, you can now tap into the huge variety of gourmet delights served in our finest hotels, restaurants and country clubs. Many of these establishments get these delicacies from purveyor John V. Heineman, a Pittsburgh institution since 1908. With one simple phone call to request a customer number, you can access the user-friendly Heineman website (www.jheineman.com) to purchase the highest quality pre-made foods in the country…many of which

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Come see what all the fuss is about.

Manischewitz Sangria (Courtesy of Smithsonian.com) 3 parts Manischewitz About half a shot of brandy per serving 2 parts pineapple-orange juice 1 part lime juice 1 part lemon juice 1 part seltzer water Cut up apple, grapes, limes, lemons, oranges and put them in punch bowl. Pour wine and juices on top. Add seltzer shortly before serving

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

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chanukah Gelt Martini (Courtesy of Smithsonian.com) 2 parts Boyd & Blair potato vodka 1 part Goldschläger cinnamon schnapps (has flakes of 24K gold) A drop of Godiva chocolate liqueur

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are kosher. Everything from soup to nuts (literally)—including homemade phyllo, stuffed mushrooms, cheesecakes, chocolate bombs and more—is available to make your entertaining both easy and delicious.

“Call to make sure we have it in stock, and we will put it aside for you or get it in time for your party,” says Stu Cohen, vice president at Heineman, where he works with father-in-law Jack Ketler and his brother-in-law Fred Ketler. Cohen recommends placing your order two weeks in advance, especially around the holiday season.

Martha Stewart could only dream of entertaining this easily. L’Chaim…and Happy Chanukah!

CHECK OUT J MAGAZINE ONLINE AT

http://thejewishchronicle.net/pages/J_Magazine

winter 2011

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There’s an App for That... a Jewish app!

A Guide to Finding Everything Jewish on Your Smartphone

By Holly Rudoy

J

ust a few years ago, even the most learned Torah scholar would spend days pouring over the Torah searching for a certain word or nuance. This year, when Rabbi Mark Mahler of Temple Emanuel was preparing his Rosh Hashanah sermon, he needed to find the first mention of the word “love” in the Torah. Thanks to the Hebrew Bible app on his trusty iPhone, he found it in under a minute, practically less time than it takes to even open a Torah.

Mahler uses the Hebrew Bible app, among other Jewish-themed apps, fairly regularly and notes that it gives him the ability to locate information “that would have taken Rashi and Maimonides many hours.” Pretty powerful stuff.

the wisdom of generations or a classic Borscht Belt joke you crave, now you really can take it with you. Happy downloading!

Jewish Mother by Gotham Wave Games According to the App Store description, Jewish Mother features “a hilarious bitesized version of your own Jewish mother, trapped in your iPhone…like your own Jewish mother, she knows everything.”

Jewish Mother comes complete with more than 100 typical phrases your wellintentioned mom may be prone to utter including old standbys like “This phone could also be used to call me, you know.” and “If you made me a grandmother, I ‘d be too busy to nag you.” We can’t imagine

this app is filling much of a void. Sure is funny though.

Jewish Resource Locator by MapMuse No matter where you are, from London to La Jolla to Long Island, this app will direct you to the closest matzo ball soup, Friday night service or JCC workout. Jewish Resource Locator has the Jewish low-down on over 5,000 locations around the world and encourages users to submit new updates to keep current. Worth the $2.99 to ensure you are never stuck in a foreign land searching for a good deli.

The Amazing Jewish Fact-a-Day Calendar by Alexander Seinfeld

Not surprisingly, the proliferation of Jewish apps mirrors that of secular apps.

According to their web site, the Apple App Store offers hundreds of thousands of apps, plenty of them Jewish–themed.

Want to search for the best kosher food on your vacation? There’s an app for that.

Translate that farshtunken Yiddish phrase your dad is always saying? Plenty of apps for that. Get the latest news from Israel’s daily newspapers—you guessed it, an app for that, too. There’s even an app to help nice Jewish girls meet nice Jewish boys.

This year, Moment Magazine’s September/ October issue featured their picks for the top ten Jewish apps, similar to a New York Jewish Week release of their favorite Jewish apps of the year. We’ve featured some of their choices and added some of our own favorites to the list below. So whether it’s 16

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jewish days

Going Paprikash

Jewish Resource Locator

jew boo

oth

This is one fascinating little piece of powerful pocket trivia…although it is described as more than just trivia because each daily nugget includes links to further reading, audio and video. The app even lets you bookmark and e-mail info to your friends. For example, do you know where Hebrew is hidden in a Shakespeare play? Do you know what the Talmud says about airplanes…and do you know that the Talmud even mentioned airplanes?

According to the App Store description, users gain a “wealth of ancient Jewish wisdom on life, relationships, ethics and spirituality.” Well worth the 99 cents.

Jewish Days by Kosher Penguin LLC This handy app will tell you how many days

Jewish Mother

until Chanukah, what time Passover begins and when the High Holy Days are in 2015.

The newest version allows you to export the dates to your iOS calendar. Down to the minute, you will never miss another Jewish or Israeli holiday again.

Jew Booth by Brian Burke This free app lets you add a little Jewish culture—and bling—to your existing photos.

Want to see how you would look in a full beard? Pull up Jew Booth. How about with a diamond Star of David draped around your neck, a yarmulke for your keppe and an Israeli flag in each hand? Have fun expressing your Judaism and dressing up your photos to impress your friends and relatives.

The Amazing Jewish Fact-a-Day

Hebrew Bible

Guess Who’s Jewish by SMS Veil Based on a little shtick invented by none other than radio shock-jock Howard Stern, this game challenges players to guess between two celebrities which one is Jewish. You get three tries to guess as many correct as you can. But be warned, user comments reveal that the game is not all that accurate—Lady Gaga Jewish?? Come on! Reliable? Not so much. Entertaining?

Sure thing.

Guess Who’s Jewish

iBlessing winter 2011

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a Jewish App!



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     

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J Magazine

HEINEMAN John Heineman Company

Going Paprikash by LunchBox Publishing House Based on a cookbook of the same name and good enough to eat, this delectable app features your favorite kosher Hungarian recipes, photos and stories. Complete with home videos, Hungarian music, shopping lists, and a cooking timer, this app brings the Hungarian grandma to your kitchen and practically does the cooking for you. The free version includes 10 recipes, but many users recommend buying the upgrade for access to all 120 recipes. iBlessing by The Jewish Learning Group Never again be caught without knowing exactly how to say the right blessing at the right time. This touchscreen allows you to point to a specific item, (i.e. challah or wine), to access the right blessing. Don’t worry if you are quiet and shy; iBlessing comes equipped with full audio to recite along with you loudly and clearly. If you are just learning the blessing, it is repeated slowly so that you can follow after, word-forword and learn how to master it yourself.

151Stuart 39thCohen Street Vice President Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201 T. 412.681.9850

C. 412.401.0623 Stuart Cohen

scohen@Jheineman.com Vice President fax.412.681.9840

Gourmet Foods & Desserts www.Jheineman.com T. 412.681.9850 C. 412.401.0623

scohen@Jheineman.com Bus.Card Fronts.indd 1

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May each night be filled with warmth, joy and light.

APPealing to creative young minds We Jews don’t just use apps; we invent them too, and in the case of Alex Brufsky, we start pretty young. In fact, for the past few years, while most of his buddies were addicted to playing games on their iPods, 12-year-old Brufsky has been busy developing games.

When he was just nine years old, Alex explains, “I wanted to find a way to express myself and something to do.”

For a tech savvy kid of his generation, inventing an app seemed like a perfectly reasonable hobby.

Brufsky, the son of Jill and Adam Brufsky of Upper St. Clair, started playing around on Game Salad, a program that teaches users how to build an app. “After a few years, I got good at it,” he explains, adding of course that, “it takes practice.

You have to have an inclination to do it and I started to put it into my schedule.”

Last November, Brufsky submitted his game, Sushi! to the Apple App Store and by December, after a round of rejection followed by some finetuning, Sushi! was made available to app users around the globe. “It is painstaking to get it approved,” he advises. But it sure is worth it. By Brufsky’s estimate, about 500 users have purchased Sushi! so far, allowing him to make a little bit of money.

He’s definitely got the bug and would like to invent another app, but admits that he had a lot more free time last year than he has now. After all, he is a sixth grader with homework, hockey practice, Hebrew School and a social life!

For more information on Sushi!, visit the Apple App Store.

Wishing you a happy

Chanukah Louis Plung & Company, LLP Certified Public Accountants & Business Advisors Since 1921 Four Gateway Center, 9th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-281-8771 info@louisplung.com www.LouisPlung.com

Contact us for a complimentary consultation about your accounting needs.

Advertise in “J” Magazine!

“J” is mailed free of charge to 13,000+ Jewish households quarterly. That means your ad could be seen by as many as 35,000 educated consumers.

Call today to learn about how our advertising opportunities can help you reach this target market most effectively!

Call: Susie Mangel @ 412.687.1000 ext. 109 winter 2011

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“TALENTED, SMART, UNPRETENTIOUS, FUN.” - Mark Bittman, New York Times (IN OTHER WORDS, THE MAN CAN COOK.)

Executive Chef Andrew Morrison awaits you at Habitat. He prepares every dish with locally sourced ingredients for fresh, healthy, exquisite creations.

Rave reviews follow him wherever he’s been.

Come downtown to Habitat and taste what they’re talking about.

Habitat at Fairmont Pittsburgh.

Three PNC Plaza, Corner of Market and Fifth, 2nd Floor | 412-773-8848 | habitatrestaurant.com

1

Photgraphy by ILana Yergin

W

hen it comes to Chanukah shopping, there are plenty of options in Pittsburgh. One of those is the often-overlooked temple gift shop. With so many synagogues in our community, we thought it would be timely to showcase some of their gift recommendations…for Chanukah or any other time of year!

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1. Assorted Mezuzahs $18-$60 Temple Sinai, 2. Gary Rosenthal Tzedakah Box $75 Rodef Shalom, 3. Bar Mitzvah Tzedakah Box $35 Temple David, 4. Kids’ Tzedakah Box Train $20 Rodef Shalom, 5. Assorted T-Shirts $15 Temple David, 6. Hat & Yarmulke $ 12-$15 Temple David, 7. Judaic Tambourine $38 Temple Sinai, 8.

No Limit Texas Dreidel $18 Temple Emanuel, 9. Hava Nagila Music Box $21 Temple Sinai, 10. Jewish Dominoes $14 Temple Sinai, 11.

Alef Bet Stamp Set $9 Temple Sinai, 12. Kids’ Puzzle $9 Temple Sinai.

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13. Lenox Menorah $75 Tree of Life, 14. Jerusalem Menorah $25 Temple David, 15. Woman of Valor Menorah $42.99 Temple Sinai, 16. “Great Jews in Sports” $29.95 Rodef Shalom, 17. “Tastes of Jewish Tradition” $26.95 Adat Shalom, 18. Star of David Picture Frame $12 Tree of Life, 19. Judaica Art $35 Temple Sinai, 20. Nesting Doll Note Cards $12.95 Temple Sinai, 21. More Latkes Plate & Bowls Adat Shalom, 22. Vermont Nut-Free Chocolates $3.75-$8.75 Temple Emanuel, 23. Assorted Necklaces $ 21-$63 Temple Sinai, 24. Electric Yahrtzeit Light $58 Temple Sinai, 25. Gemstone Dreidel $75 Temple Emanuel. on page 3 Gary Rosenthal Dreidel Sculpture $90 Rodef Shalom.

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Introducing Our Newest Addition‌

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“Beautiful landscaping, tranquil elegance, and wrought iron gates and fencing distinguish this premier, exclusive property with its own private entrance‌â€? “A Place to Remember and Be Rememberedâ€?

So Close to Home‌In the Heart of Squirrel Hill

The Homewood Cemetery 1599 South Dallas Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (412) 421-1822 info@thehomewoodcemetery.com

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 TPP’s Teen Alumni Group (8th-12th grades).  TPP’s current Bar/ Bat Mitzvah Group.

giving

The Samuel M. Goldston Teen Philanthropy Project

by Roberta Brody

T

zedakah is the Hebrew word we use to describe acts of charity. We teach these Jewish values to our children at home and in Sunday school, with the hope that they will continue these traditions throughout their lives.

One special group of Pittsburgh teens has taken the tradition of tzedakah to a higher level, by virtue of their participation in the Samuel M. Goldston Teen Philanthropy Project.

Started in 2006 by Linda and Edward Goldston in memory of their son, Samuel, the philanthropy has—to date—106 participants and has awarded $94,500 to a variety of charitable causes.

“Edward and I are committed to providing a way in which teenagers commit to their Judaism at the earliest possible time,” said Linda Goldston. “It is our hope that with such a commitment, their attitude toward their faith will be sufficiently strong to cause them to maintain and develop as Jews throughout their lives. We look to the Samuel Goldston Teen Philanthropy graduates to provide a leadership core for the Jewish community of the future.”

This unique program, which is run out of the Agency for Jewish Learning (AJL) in partnership with the Jewish Federation Foundation, won the award in 2008 for Outstanding Philanthropic Innovation from the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

The Goldston Teen Philanthropy is open to teens during the year of—or following—their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. Each teen is required to donate $500 to the philanthropy. The funds donated by the teens “I like participating in Teen Philanthropy because I like giving back with my money. I like the option of choosing where the money goes. It is fun to be a part of this because I am with my friends!”

Shoshana Kaplan

“I am a part of this program because I like helping people, and this is a good, interesting, educational way to do it.”

Samantha Eppinger

are then matched through the Jewish Federation Foundation by the Goldston family.

The teens in the philanthropy are charged with researching various local, national, and Israeli causes, and determining how to best donate their collective funds. The allocation process often includes interviews and site visits of the charities that the teens are considering for grants. They may also interview nonprofit leaders and other philanthropy experts in considering their final decisions.

“Every grant is the result of a peer-led, consensus-based process that instills a sense of maturity and ownership in the young participants,” says Helene Kessler Burke, coordinator of the Samuel M. Goldston Teen Philanthropy Project.

The philanthropy doesn’t have to end after the Bar/Bat Mitzvah years. An Alumni Association enables teens to stay involved from the eighth grade through their senior year in high school. The alumni are required to contribute $54, matched once again by the Goldston Fund. The alumni teens review grant requests for up to $2,500, while the B’nai Mitzvah group reviews grant requests up to $6,000.

Whether through modest allocations from their personal giving funds or by group decisions on a shared grant-making pool, the teens involved in the philanthropy are making adult choices about giving away their money. They can have a real impact on the world around them, and often can see firsthand the good they are doing.

“I am part of the SMGTPP because I think this is a good way for teens to come together to learn about different organizations, Jewish philanthropy and how we, together, allocate our money to these organizations.”

Brian Burke

To learn more about the Samuel M. Goldston Teen Philanthropy project, contact :

Helene Kessler Burke Agency for Jewish Learning 412.521.1101 x3106 hburke@ajlpittsburgh.org www.ajlpittsburgh.org winter 2011

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Mediterrano 2193 Babcock Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15209 412-822-8888 • www.mediterranocuisine.com Tuesdays - Saturdays 11am-10pm • Sundays 4pm-10pm • Mondays Closed (available for private parties) BYOB, Reservations Recommended • Dine In • Carry Home • Catering Services • Private Parties Say you saw it in J and receive a complimentary piece of mini baklava (1 per person) of your choice (traditional, chocolate, or raspberry), from December 17-31.

&

RECIPES

reservations I

f you can find your way to Ross Park Mall, then you already know how to get to Mediterrano on Babcock Boulevard—near McKnight Road.

The authentic Greek cuisine is served in a warm, relaxed atmosphere, reminiscent of the Greek Isles. Frank Erdeljac and his wife, Katina, who is of Greek decent, were looking to share their passion and knowledge of traditional Greek dishes when they opened their charming restaurant in 2010.

Mediterrano serves fresh, local ingredients, and offers a menu that includes a variety of seafood, lamb, and over a dozen mezedes (appetizers) as well as traditional Greek pastries.

Mediterrano kindly shared their recipe of Rolled Leg of Lamb with J Magazine.

Rolled Leg of lamb Ingredients 1 leg of lamb 1 cup of red wine 2 carrots, small diced 3 stalks of celery, small diced 1 white onion, small diced 2 teaspoons of chopped garlic

*Olive Herb Stuffing 4 2 3 1

cups of olives sprigs of rosemary sprigs of thyme sprig of each: oregano, basil

4 cups of lamb stock 1 sprig of each: rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil 16 oz of olive herb stuffing * Twine

2 teaspoons of chopped garlic ½ tomato Place ingredients in food processor for one minute.

Directions Clean the leg of lamb, removing large pieces of fat and cut into 7-8 oz. portions.

Pound to 1/8 in. thick. Smear roughly 2 oz. of olive herb stuffing onto the surface of the pounded lamb. Roll lamb and truss with twine. Brown off all sides in sauté pan and remove. Sauté vegetables in the same pan for three minutes, then add garlic and sweat for one minute. Deglaze the pan with red wine and add stock, bringing to a simmer. Put lamb, stock, and fresh herbs into a baking pan and wrap with foil.

Cook for one hour on 375o F. Let rest for 15 minutes.

Cut twine and remove. Cut rolled lamb into medallions.

Serve with roasted lemon potatoes and sauteed spinach.

Kali Orexi!

Ben Swiger (Head Chef) and, Helena Erdeljac (Manager).

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You’ve worked too hard to let this economy jeopardize your future.

While you don’t have control over the markets, you do have control over how well-prepared you are for them. Working together with your UBS Financial Advisor, you can create a plan for retirement that accommodates future market changes, while still keeping you on track toward your goals. Once your plan is in place, you’ll feel more confident and rest a little easier knowing you’re always prepared for the unexpected.

Advice you can trust starts with a conversation.

Lee Oleinick Senior Vice President–Investments lee.oleinick@ubs.com Walnut Wealth Management Group 5600 Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA 15232 412-665-9914

ubs.com/team/walnut

As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services. These services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate contracts. For more information on the distinctions between our brokerage and investment advisory services, please speak with your Financial Advisor or visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor any of its employees provides legal or tax advice. You should consult with your personal legal or tax advisor regarding your personal circumstances. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. ©2011 UBS Financial Services Inc. All rights reserved. Member SIPC. 31.19_Ad_OJ1121_OleL

A Day in... shadyside

By Roberta Brody

T

o many of us, Shadyside needs little or no introduction, and like most Pittsburgh neighborhoods, it has a rich history. Most notable is its origin as one of Pittsburgh’s earliest “suburbs” originally subdivided from farmland in the mid-1800s. In the early 1900s, Shadyside’s Fifth Avenue became home to many of Pittsburgh’s wealthy industrialists and physicians. Many of those once opulent mansions still exist today, but mainly as condos and B&Bs. Other people might recall the Shadyside of the ’60s, with bars full of “hippies” and a few good restaurants and shops.

Soon after that decade, though, the neighborhood we now know began to take shape. Today’s Shadyside is a chic urban oasis, concentrated mainly on Walnut Street, between Negley and Aiken Avenues, and including the side streets of Ivy, Filbert and Copeland. It is where Pittsburghers of all ages, local college students and out-of-towners go to dine, shop and meet friends, and where some are lucky enough to call home.

The cornerstone of the business district has to be Schiller’s Pharmacy, one of the oldest and few privately owned pharmacies remaining, a place where the pharmacist knows all of his customers by their first names. It is also where locals

go for the best selection of bath and beauty products. Second to Schiller’s is probably the Shadyside Market, where you can find anything from fresh meats, produce and baked goods to takeout sandwiches and prepared foods. You’ll know you’ve found it when you see the most beautiful fresh produce in their window on Walnut.

A day in Shadyside might start with breakfast at the authentically French Crepes Parisienne or at Pamela’s Walnut Street location. If it’s a cup of great coffee you’re craving, look no further than the Coffee Tree’s fresh-brewed java. Afterward, you’ll be ready to begin your journey.

Although there are the requisite national chain stores (LuLuLemon being the newest and Apple always being the most crowded), Shadyside is still comprised of mostly independent merchants. If women’s clothing is your passion, you’ve come to the right place.

From Pamar at one end of the neighborhood to Dina Ellen at the other, there are clothing boutiques for all tastes. These include: Dress Circle, Choices, Maxalto, EB Pepper, Roberta Weissburg Leathers, Linda Bucci and Tots & Tweeds (both women’s and children’s wear). Men’s fashion is rather scarce in Shadyside with Moda being the only independent clothier on Walnut. All of these shops cover a wide range of price points, making shopping in Shadyside accessible to everyone.

Pursuits, on Filbert, is a delightful amalgam of affordable clothing and name-brand accessories. And if eyeglasses happen to be your favorite accessories, look no further than Eyetique’s Walnut Street location.

Photography by Ilana yergin

Another newcomer, Bond Street Shoes, features German-made shoes and accessories for men and women. Footloose, on Copeland, has a great selection of the top women’s shoe lines, with Ten Toes offering more artsy footwear.

Jewelry is another ubiquitous commodity in Shadyside…you can find your favorite baubles anywhere from the high-end jeweler Henne and the Southwestern-themed Four Winds Gallery to smaller boutiques like The Collection, Shadyside Mining, Caesar’s and La Niche (on the alley side of Copeland).

If you’re looking for a unique gift, stop in at Toadflax, a flower and gift shop that’s just plain fun to look around. Across the street, you can peruse Maser Galleries’ wonderful collection of mostly contemporary artwork. For wedding, anniversary or house gifts, Glassworks has been the place to go for decades (connected to Glassworks is Cheeks, so you can conveniently take care of your lingerie needs at the same time.) Tournesol, on Ivy Street, has a beautiful selection of tabletop items, and for bed and bath, Feathers offers only the finest brands. Marjie Allon (now on the second floor) has been taking care of Pittsburghers’ stationery and invitation needs for generations.

For the fun and funky, Kards Unlimited has one of the best selections of cards and themed gifts anywhere. For kids’ gifts, visit S.W. Randall, Kawaii (Japanese toys and gifts), Picket Fence or the wonderful Shadyside Variety, a Walnut Street institution.

Shadyside has long been the “Let’s meet for lunch” destination in the eastern part of the city. While there have been many changes over the years, new places seem to pop up all the time, most serving both lunch and dinner. Neighborhood icons like Girasole and China Palace have been around for years.

Pangea, Sushi Too, Thai Place, Walnut Grill, La Feria, Pizzutti’s and the recently relocated Elbow Room are all guaranteed to satisfy a wide range of palates.

A day probably won’t suffice to really cover Shadyside’s many attractions, but before you head home, be sure to stop into Prantl’s Bakery and Mercurio’s Gelato—right next door—to take home some treats...you won’t be sorry!

Although this column has focused on Walnut Street, we would be remiss not to mention the adjacent neighborhood of Ellsworth Avenue. Several noteworthy businesses are located there, including: Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery, Mendelson Gallery, Gallerie Chiz, Bagel Factory, Brasserie 33, Soba, Crazy Mocha, Hip’tique and NCJW’s Designer Days Boutique. winter 2011

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Resources:

Wishing you happy and healthy holidays!

Apple 5508 Walnut St. 412-316-2460

Gallerie Chiz 5831 Ellsworth Ave. 412-441-6005

Bagel Factory 5825 Ellsworth Ave. 412-362-6666

Girasole 733 Copeland St. 412-682-2130

Bond Street Shoes 5533 Walnut St. 412-681-5533

Glassworks/ Cheeks 5406 Walnut St. 412-682-5443

Brasserie 33 5863 Ellsworth Ave. 412-363-3090 Caesar’s Design 5413 Walnut St. 412-621-0345

NuGo Nutrition specializes in delicious, healthy, kosher snacks that the whole family can enjoy.

All of our products feature REAL Dark Chocolate and wholesome ingredients.

China Palace 5440 Walnut St. 412-687-7423 Choices 5416 Walnut St. 412-687-7600 Coffee Tree 5524 Walnut St. 412-621-6880 Crazy Mocha 5830 Ellsworth Ave. 412-441-9344 Crepes Parisienne 732 Filbert St. 412-683-2333

• OU Pareve • 10g Protein • Pittsburgh Proud

Designer Days Boutique 5846 Ellsworth Ave. 412-441-0330 Dina Ellen 817 S. Aiken Ave. 412-621-6133 Dress Circle 738 Bellefonte St. 412-681-7799 EB Pepper 5411 Walnut St. 412-683-3815

1- 888- 421 - 2 0 3 2 www.nugonutrition.com

Eyetique 5508 Walnut St. 412-683-5310 Feathers 5408 Walnut St. 412-621-4700 Footloose 736 Bellefonte St. 412-687-3663 Four Winds Gallery 5512 Walnut St. 412-682-5092

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Hip’tique 5817 Ellsworth Ave. 412-361-5817 Henne Jewelers 5501 Walnut St. 412-682-0226 Kards Unlimited 5522 Walnut St. 412-622-0500 Kawaii Gifts 5413B Walnut St. 412-687-2480 La Feria 5527 Walnut St. 412-682-4501 La Niche 813 Copeland St. 412-683-3373 Linda Bucci 826 S. Aiken Ave. 412-683-1533 LuLuLemon 5417 Walnut St. 412-687-3592 Marjie Allon 5406 Walnut St. (2nd Floor) 412-621-1373 Maser Galleries 5427 Walnut St. 412-687-0885 Maxalto 5426 Walnut St. 412-683-0508 Mendelson Gallery 5874 Ellsworth Ave. 412-361-8664 Mercurio’s Gelato 5523 Walnut St. 412-621-6220 Moda 5401 Walnut St. 412-681-8640

Morgan Contemporary Glass 5833 Ellsworth Ave. 412-441-5200 Pamar 5541 Walnut St. 412-687-7354 Pamela’s 5527 Walnut St. 412-683-1003 Pangea 736 Bellefonte St. 412-621-3152 Picket Fence 5425 Walnut St. 412-246-0350 Pizzutti’s 709 Bellefonte St. 412-687-1022 Prantl’s Bakery 5525 Walnut St. 412-621-2092 Pursuits 740 Filbert St. 412-688-8822 Roberta Weissburg Leathers 5415 Walnut St. 412-681-8188

Sushi Too 5432 Walnut St. 412-687-8744 Ten Toes 5502 Walnut St. 412-683-2082 Thai Place 5528 Walnut St. 412-687-8586 The Collection 732 Filbert St. 412-682-6668 Toadflax 5500 Walnut St. 412-621-2500

S.W. Randall 806 Ivy St. 412-687-2666

Tots & Tweeds 809 Ivy St. 412-661-6500

Schiller’s 811 S. Aiken Ave. 412-621-5900

Tournesol 808 Ivy St. 866-682-0115

Shadyside Market 5414 Walnut St. 412-682-5420

Walnut Grill 5500 Walnut St. 412-688-8220

Shadyside Mining 738 Copeland St. 412-688-8088 Shadyside Variety 5421 Walnut St. 412-681-1716 Soba 5847 Ellsworth Ave. 412-362-5656

Host Your Child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah at

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR 20-2,000 GUESTS KOSHER CATERING MULTIMEDIA CAPABILITIES CAPTIVATING VIEW OF DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH

PNC Park THE LEXUS CLUB | KEYSTONE CORNER | GUNNER’S CLUB 3000 | TOUR THEATRE | TRIB TOTAL MEDIA HALL OF FAME CLUB Our unique venues are the perfect setting for your child’s “coming of age” celebration.

Whether your throwing a themed event or a traditional celebration, our experienced staff will take the stress out of planning.

BOOK TODAY!

Contact Ann Elder at 412-325-4746 or ann.elder@pirates.com

CHATHAM COLLEGE FOR WOMEN COLLEGE FOR GRADUATE STUDIES COLLEGE FOR CONTINUING & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

The world is yours – to protect, improve, explore, and enjoy. And every student at Chatham knows it. We deliver a unique learning experience that allows you to define what you want out of your education – whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate, or continuing education student. With small class sizes, a dedicated faculty, distinctive programs, and unusual opportunities, Chatham encourages you to get involved, get ready, and get what you want out of life. Think of the possibilities.

Woodland Road . . . Pittsburgh, PA 15232 800-837-1290 . . . admission@chatham.edu

chatham.edu winter 2011

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&

FACES PLACES sue’s run for kids

Jill Lipman Beck (pictured at left), co-founder of Sue’s Run 4 Kids, addresses the participants and others in attendance at the first run/walk in September.

The family event, which benefited KidsVoice, honors the memory of Jill’s mother, Sue Lipman, who lost her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer in 2010.

Honoring harold marcus

Israel Bonds honors Harold Marcus as he relocates to Philadelphia. Pictured clockwise from top, Harold Marcus (right) Jacki Savage Gelernter & Steve Gelernter.

Harold with comedienne Maxine Lapiduss. Harold, his daughter Amy, and son Josh.

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bat mitzvah

Carlie Platt celebrating her Bat Mitzvah this fall (Eric, Carlie, Jeremy and Suzanne Platt). Photos by Dimitry Babichencko and Steve Lebo.

Louis Plung & Co. 90th Anniversary Celebration

K I TAY L AW R E N C E R AU K E R

& A S S O C I AT E S , L L C

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS & CONSULTANTS

Richard J. Kitay CPA rkitay@klracpa.com

2790 Mosside Boulevard Suite 850 Monroeville, PA 15146 412-372-5400 Fax 412-372-8924 www.klracpa.com Pub Set - JAF R3.pdf 1 11/29/2011 2:47:01 PM

Suzanne and Carlie Platt with great grandmother Lenore Adelson.

Clockwise from top, Lori & Louis Plung, group shot of guests celebrating at the Plung & Associates’ 90th Anniversary at the Heinz Regional History Center; Howard Plung and Louis Plung; Richard Halpern, Barbara and Dan Shapira, Jeff Letwin.

Bagel Factory BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS

SQUIRREL HILL 5885 Forbes Ave. 412-521-8100

SHADYSIDE

5825 Ellsworth Ave. 412-362-6666

○ Let Us Cater Your Special Affair ○ Full Service Catering from 10-500 ○ We Provide Everything from Wait & Bar Staff to Linens

CALL MARIANN (412) 683-1448 4428 Liberty Ave., Pgh, PA 15224 www.delsrest.com winter 2011

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&

FACES PLACES

bar mitzvah

Eli Izenson celebrating his Bar Mitzvah with his parents, Jeff and Joanna. Photo by Dimitry Babichencko.

THIS HANUKKAH, CELEBRATE WITH A GIFT OF

ISRAEL BONDS YOUR I N V E ST M ENT H E LP S I S RAEL

Harold F. Marcus

Emery J. Levick

Executive Director

Registered Representative

Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds 6507 Wilkins Avenue, Suite 101 路 Pittsburgh, PA 15217

412.362.5154 路 800.362.2669

pittsburgh@israelbonds.com

Follow Israel Bonds on Facebook and Twitter

CREATE NEW MIRACLES

BE A PART OF IT PURCHASE ONLINE AT ISRAELBONDS.COM

This is not an offering, which can be made only by prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully before investing to fully evaluate the risks associated with investing in State of Israel bonds. Issues subject to availability. Member FINRA Photos: Gary Faber/Photodisc/Getty Images; Rubberball/Mike Kemp/Getty Images

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Opening of the exhibit BESA Opening of the exhibit BESA: Albanian Muslims Who Saved Jews During the Holocaust at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh’s American Jewish Museum. Left to Right: Melissa Hiller, AJM Director; Deborah Fidel, Executive Director of Pittsburgh Area Jewish Committee; Stuart Huck, photographer; Karen Hussaini, President of the SFH Islamic Interfaith Network; and Helen Ahmed of the SFH Islamic Interfaith Network.

reception

I WANT MORE ENERGY.I WANT TO WORK OUT IN A COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT. I WANT TO CREATE HEALTHY HABITS. I WANT TO FEEL RESILIENT AND STRONG. I WANT TO BE A ROLE MODEL FOR MY FAMILY & FRIENDS. I WANT TO BE PART OF AN ACTIVE COMMUNITY. Reception at the JCC for Ilene Ruttenberg, who retired after more than 33 years as teacher of 3-year-olds in the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh’s Early Childhood Development Center.

Top: Ilene Ruttenberg (left) and Ina Gumberg (right). Bottom: Marv Adelson (left) and Ilene Ruttenberg (right).

JOIN THE JCC—GET ONE MONTH FREE • (412) 521-8011, EXT. 176 • JCCPGH.ORG Offer expires February 28, 2012. General memberships only.

winter 2011

35

business directory BETH HAMEDRASH HAGODOL – BETH JACOB SYNAGOGUE We Are Always Open—Visit Us Downtown 810 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412-471-4443

HOME IMPROVEMENT &Electrical Services Plumbing Windows Decks Kitchens & Baths Painting 30 Yrs Experience

Whole House Plugs to Wiring to Panel Box Upgrades

412-303-6883 Senior Discounts

Classic Motor Service 240 E. 14th Ave. Homestead, PA 15120 (412) 462-3054 FAX 462-1258

Classic & Antique Vehicle Repair • H-D Specialist

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CARING HANDS PERSONAL TOUCH ELDER CARE SERVICES Experienced with References Call Sam Benkovitz

412-841-0146 sb.chpt@gmail.com

Valgal8235@aol.com

DONATO’S Fox Chapel

Italian Fare with an American Flair

Pittsburgh’s Premiere Janitorial Service

46 Fox Chapel Road Pittsburgh 15238

(412) 781-3700 donatosrestaurant.com

SAUSALIDO The Gourmet Bistro

New American & European Cuisine

Mon.-Thu. 11-3 / 5-9 • Fri. 11-3 / 5-10:30 • Sat. 4:30 – 10:30

738 Ohio River Blvd. • Pgh 15202 • 412-761-0423 dlittman@omexcorp.com

4621 Liberty Avenue • Pgh 15224 • (412) 683-4575 sausalido@live.com

issue 4

37

staff on the street

Photgraphy by ILana Yergin

Although the story of Chanukah alone is compelling, one cannot overlook the tradition of gift giving as an integral part of the modern day Chanukah celebration. While some still go for the gift-a-day option, many people choose to give one special gift to their loved ones.

Adam Baron, tor: EKC Assistant Direc was a kid, it I en wh ily fam In my e to give socks. was a running jok

We at J Magazine were wondering if people had one particular Chanukah gift that remained in their memories for years, so we asked the wonderful staff at the JCC in Squirrel Hill, “What was your most meaningful Chanukah gift?” Here is what they told us…

Alan Mallinger, Program Coordinator : It was one of those little electric race car tracks.

(When he was 9 or 10).

Nicole Mezare, Program Coordinator, AgeWell’s Adult Department: Dinner out with my family.

Cathy Samuels, Senior Director of Marketing and Sales: I got my first record player and it was awesome!

Liza Baron, Camp Director of J&R Day Family en/ /Te ren ild Ch d an Division: mother A menorah that my I when d an am Ad to ve ga . ed ag eng t go we

, stein da Ep Rhon e Assistant: ka nu tiv Execu was a Cha e th ter m h o g fr u a My d hildren d to the c e h T baby. came aroun enorah m a Yeshiv om and lit a w baby e o n r l y a m hospit s holding h. enora wa m I e d n th a f o t n o in fr

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Marla Werner, Camping Brand and Development Manager: A jewelery box from my great grandmother.

om, Sam Blo ann Camp: fm u a K mma I give Director E anymore. lly ts n se re p t a e re g u ’t o n y o d if I ut w ur kids, b lanket a fe them to o b is th t o g .

I ft , e so m d n d nice a presse . It’s really her bed n o it years ago s use year old ht.

My nine every nig

Alex Speck, Basketball Director: A trip to Florida. It was just a great vacation.

Shar Adminis on Abrams, tr Childho ative Assistant, od Ea Being w Development C rly ith famil e y. When nter: about th e holida I think ys, tha most me aningfu t’s what’s l to me.

My

AdvAnTAge,

eArnIng AnoTher

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I scan my Giant Eagle Advantage Card® whenever I buy groceries, fill prescriptions or buy gift cards. For every $50 I spend, I get 10¢ off per gallon of fuel.”

– Theresa

Actual Giant Eagle Customer for 4 years

visit GiantEagle.com for your advantage.

That’s my

Advantage. winter 2011

39

We're Going‌ Are You Going??

Centennial Mega Mission to Israel June 19-28, 2012

An experience 100 years in the making

Learn more at www.JewishFederationPittsburgh.org or contact Becca Hurowitz at bhurowitz@JFedPgh.org or 412.992.5226

Anonymous (16) David Ainsman* Meryl Ainsman* Mike Andrews Sue Berman David Birkenfeld Kate Blank David Blank Elaine Blevins Bev Block Zack Block Lisa Botos Stephen Botos Liam Botos Evan Botos James Brown Susan Brown Tanya Bucci Jennifer Cohen Gary Dubin Milt Eisner Sarita Eisner Scott Engelberg Jennifer Friedman* Alan Friedman* Emma Friedman Alexandra Friedman Daniel Friedman Kristin Friedman Laurie Gerber* Geoffrey Gerber* Ronald Gerson Nathan Goldblatt Jonah Golomb Sophie Golomb Cindy Goodman-Leib Richard Goodman Wanda Goodman David Gordon Elizabeth Gordon Peter Gordon Janice Greenwald Debbie Graver Matthew Graver Karen Hochberg

Barbara Holst Jennifer Holst Seth Holst Kimberly Jaffe Gerson Avery Jaffe Gerson Rabbi James Gibson David Johnson Nancy Johnson Chad Jones Abe Kaplan Laura Kaplan Nathan Kaplan Stuart Kaplan Matthew Keller Kristen Keller Samantha Klein Alicia Klein Michael Klein Carl Krasik* Elaine Krasik* Doug Kress Jake Kress Leah Berman Kress Miriam Leib James Leib Scott Leib Noah Lesgold Reggie Levine Jan Levinson Sammy Lichtenstein Seth Lichtenstein Sheree Lichtenstein Michael Lichtenstein Nancy Lichtenstein Zack Lichtenstein Eric Milmaster Cheryl Moore Laurie Moser Deborah Myers Lloyd Myers Jennifer Olbum Louis Plung Lori Plung Danielle Plung Jesse Plung

Jennifer Poller Jon Prince Debbie Resnick Josh Resnick Samantha Resnick Robert Richman Mordy Rudolph Rivkee Rudolph Ryan Ruskin Stanley Ruskin* Stacey Seewald Scott Seewald Cynthia Shapira* David Shapira* Barbara Shuman Arthur Silverman Julie Silverman Marlene Silverman Robert Silverman Andrew Snyder Kara Snyder Eli Snyder Edgar Snyder* Sandy Snyder* Sara Snyder Marcie Solomon Helena Spatz William Spatz Freda Spiegel Joshua Sunshine Kira Sunshine Judy Tobe Scott Tobe James Wagner Rochelle Wagner Robert Wein* Judith Wein* Robin Wertkin Eric Wertkin Randal Whitlach Kathryn Whitlach Stanley Winikoff Nathaniel Ziefert

*Centennial and Mega Mission Co-Chairs