Sharaka brings message of peace, understanding and partnership to Pittsburgh
By David Rullo | Senior Sta Writer
Sharaka’s mission is daunting: to shape a new Middle East, built on dialogue, understanding, cooperation and friendship. Whatever the challenges, the organization’s members are facing them head-on.
The group was formed five years ago in the shadow of the Abraham Accords by Israelis, Arabs, Jews, Muslims, Christians and Druze living in the Middle East and North Africa, according to Noah Meirov, managing director of Sharaka.
Meirov was in town to host a Nov. 5 roundtable discussion at the Church of the Redeemer in Squirrel Hill, sponsored by StandWithUs and featuring Sharaka representatives Fatema Alharbi from Bahrain, Youssef Elazhari from Morocco and Syrian Hayvi Bouzo.
Alharbi began the conversation discussing growing up in Bahrain.
“The only things we knew about Israel and Jews was from the media,” she said. “We didn’t ever get to meet the people.”
That, despite the fact that the country continues to be home to a small Jewish community more than a century old, Alharbi said.
“The picture we saw through the media is an evil figure, an enemy, people we’re supposed to hate because they are Jews, because of their religion. And they are supposed to hate us because we are Muslim,” she said.
Growing up, Alharbi told her parents she would like to one day visit Israel, but didn’t believe it would be possible until the Abraham Accords.
In 2020, she was invited to the Jewish state by Sharaka. It only took a few minutes in Tel Aviv for her to realize the lessons she grew up with were false.
Alharbi said as she was exploring the city, a stranger approached her asking where she was from. When he learned she was from Bahrain, the stranger said, “Welcome. We’ve been waiting to have peace with Arabs for a long time.”
Union presents petition for East End Food Co-op to boycott Israeli products
By David Rullo | Senior Sta Writer
After more than a year of trying, UE
Local 667 gathered enough signatures to present a petition to the East End Food Co-op’s board of directors lobbying for the boycott of Israeli goods at the grocery store.
The United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America Local 667 represents the workers of the EEFC. It has endeavored since last July, when it approved the petition’s language, to gather the 500 signatures required by the food store’s bylaws to present the document.
The union has been promoting the EEFC’s Nov. 6 annual meeting and its intentions since at least October, asking members who agree with their position to attend in support of the petition. Co-op member Simone Shapiro attended the meeting and said the group’s promotion worked.
“There were 80 to 85 people that attended the meeting,” she said. “A large number of those people were wearing keffiyehs.”
The union also had a table outside the main room, Shapiro said, where its members distributed information about the boycott and “Co-ops Against Genocide” stickers.
As a Jewish member of the co-op, Shapiro said it was a “disturbing” scene.
“As a Jew, a keffiyeh is not just an item of clothing. It’s something that has an association with a threat,” she said. “I’m not saying there was a threat of violence in the room, but it does trigger a reaction, especially in a situation like this where we know there are disagreements about what will be said.”
Those disagreements started with claims made in the petition which, Shapiro said, is filled with lies about Israel.
The petition alleges that Israel is an apartheid
StandWithUs’ Julie Paris introduces members of Sharaka who visited the Church of the Redeemer for a roundtable discussion.
Photo by David Rullo
Rehabilitation village in Israel seeks Pittsburgh support
By Adam Reinherz | Senior Staff Writer
Hoping to spark interest in a rehabilitation village 6,000 miles from P ittsburgh, former Baltimore resident Elie Klein visited Squirrel Hill on Nov. 3 to meet with prospective donors. For nearly 30 minutes, Klein, the North American director of advancement for ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran Rehabilitation Village, addressed nearly 30 people inside Congregation Beth Shalom.
ADI Negev, located in southern Israel, represents the best of what people can achieve, Klein said. “It’s not just a physical oasis in the desert — it’s a humanistic oasis in the desert.”
Founded in 2005, the 40-acre site welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds and abilities for cooperative rehabilitative activities.
“We have Israeli Arabs. We have veterans, we have Druze. We have women walking around with every manner of head covering — whether because they’re Muslim or they’re Jewish — and it just doesn’t matter,” he said.
ADI Negev was created by Didi and Major General (Res.) Doron Almog in honor of their son Eran, who was born with severe autism and cognitive disabilities. Eran Almog died of Castleman disease at age 23, nearly a year after ADI Negev was founded.
Shortly after becoming chairman of the executive of the Jewish Agency for Israel, Doron Almog, who remains chairman of ADI Negev, visited Pittsburgh in 2022. Speaking with the Chronicle he said the village’s values are globally applicable: “We need to spread more love in our world; and love starts with the slightest relationship between people.”
About 170 residents live at ADI Negev year-round, Klein told prospective donors. “We are their extended family. We are the home away from home.”
Within the southern-based center are residential facilities, schools, rehabilitative day care, a dental clinic, hydrotherapy pool and other services including equine, respiratory and sports therapies.
Pittsburgher Sarah Ertel worked at ADI Negev’s equine therapy horse farm for about two years.
“ADI Negev is a place of opportunity,” she said. It allows residents to “be seen as people not as their disability.”
Though the original mission has remained constant, ADI Negev has boosted its trauma-related services since Oct. 7, 2023, K lein said. “We need to make sure that people understand that we’re in that space too. We are in the business of making sure
that nobody feels alone, that nobody is left behind, that nobody’s in pain.”
Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, ADI Negev has handled 1,250 inpatients and more than 200,000 inpatient treatments, JNS reported in August. At the time, the village was treating 60 IDF soldiers and providing PTSD-services to 50 soldiers and families.
The Taking Charge of Life program to rehabilitate families, Klein said, ensures these individuals are “reintegrating into life together.”
Whether it comes to trauma-related care or any services, ADI Negev’s work is “apolitical,” Klein said.
That message should resonate with people of all ages and opinions, he continued — even those who are critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Klein stressed the village’s commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities,
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and encouraged everyone to visit the site and learn more about its operations.
“Even people who have doubts about is there still goodness left in the state, they get off a bus, and they come to Adi Negev, and they have their answer. They know that 100%, what I’ve been looking for in Judaism, what I’ve been looking for in Israel, exists right here,” he said.
Rabbi Dan Horwitz, Jewish National Fund-USA’s executive director for the Midwest states, attended the Nov. 3 program and encouraged attendees to consider ADI Negev among their end-of-year donations.
Horwitz, who lives in Detroit but spends several days a month in Pittsburgh, said he was happy to meet with individuals and speak with them about ADI Negev or other JNF affiliates.
Klein echoed an aspiration that the Pittsburgh visit would spark institutional support and said the process begins with engagement.
“The realistic ask is to get involved first, and we’ll work out the giving later,” he said. “I think everyone, if they really think about it, has the capacity to give something. And every little bit helps.”
Klein said he shared a similar message in Florida and New Jersey before arriving in Pennsylvania, and that he’ll articulate it again during subsequent stops in New York, Connecticut, Ohio, North Carolina and Tennessee.
“A community should never feel that they’re so small that they can’t make an impact. That doesn’t exist in Jewish life and in our reality,” he said. “We are a small but mighty people. That’s what we do.” PJC
Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
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Rehabilitation Village, visits Pittsburgh on Nov. 3.
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Headlines
When it comes to First Amendment rights, Pitt and CMU walk a tightrope
By David Rullo | Senior Staff Writer
Colleges and universities across the country must maintain a delicate balance: Guard the First Amendment rights of students and staff while protecting the security of marginalized groups from rhetoric and actions that can feel threatening.
Both Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh recently have been forced to confront First Amendment issues.
Pitt had to contend with an anti-Israel encampment outside the Cathedral of Learning, and later, defend in federal court its decision to suspend the local chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. CMU has dealt with inflammatory messages painted on its Fence, a spot traditionally open to free expression with no regulations.
“A public university is bound by the First Amendment, and they have to be careful about the kinds of regulations they impose,” said Bruce Antkowiak, a former federal prosecutor, who has taught at Duquesne University and St. Vincent College, including courses on Constitutional law. “Private universities are not bound by the First Amendment, but they have to be careful about the type of regulations they impose.”
While colleges and universities can impose some regulations on speech, Antkowiak said they also must protect academic freedom. The issue often pertains to faculty, but Antkowiak said it’s even more important for students.
“These are people who are at a point where they should be looking and challenging traditional views they may have adopted from their parents,” he said. “They are about to enter the body politic of the country and they should be able to articulate and examine positions as part of a growing and evolving democracy.”
For educational institutions, the theory of time, place and manner are factors often used to determine how to regulate speech.
Put simply, one has the right to hold an opinion and may have the freedom to express that opinion on a college campus, but one does not have the right to disrupt a class, make threats or damage property.
A college, Antkowiak said, has the responsibility to ensure its facilities are used for the legitimate purposes for which they were created.
The University of Pittsburgh maintains the website freespeech.pitt.edu, dedicated to detailing its freedom of speech policies.
Students and student organizations at Pitt have the right to engage in peaceful, orderly and nondestructive demonstrations, but they must ensure the safety and respect of all individuals on campus. The demonstrations can’t disrupt the educational process or infringe on the rights of other members of the university community.
Pitt utilizes time, place and manner considerations when deciding what types of restrictions it imposes, which are “generally put in place to allow for the continued
operation of the university,” according to the website. “Examples of these restrictions could include limits on noise levels, space and occupancy restrictions, or limits on earlymorning and late-night demonstrations.”
CMU’s freedom of expression policy is also available online at cmu.edu/ expressive-activity.
The university, which updated its policy earlier this year, said it has “a longstanding and deep-rooted commitment to upholding [freedom of expression] and its companion of academic freedom on our campus. These are core values of our institution and to the success of higher education.”
In addition to requiring groups to schedule events, CMU also uses time, place and manner considerations when deciding if an event is permitted.
“The university may restrict the length or time of day of an event to avoid interference with core education or administrative functions. Likewise, the university may weigh several factors of an event, such as the size, time and technical needs, in designating the appropriate location for it to occur,” the site explains.
Pitt was forced to defend its regulation of activities after it said an SJP event held at the Hillman Library violated its student code of conduct. Following a disciplinary hearing, the student group wrote an open letter to university officials and the hearing officers adjudicating the case. Pitt suspended the group, claiming the communication was improper.
The American Civil Liberties Union took up SJP’s case, arguing in federal court that the group’s First Amendment rights were violated. The ACLU won the case and SJP’s suspension was ultimately overturned.
CMU’s updated freedom of expression policy has come under fire by critics who aren’t happy that demonstrations must now be scheduled and events must be registered with the university.
Some groups have also criticized the private university’s attempts to balance messages painted on the Fence, which has served as a vehicle for various anti-Israel and anti-Zionist messages in recent years.
When President Donald Trump visited
the school to attend Sen. Dave McCormick’s inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, students painted the Fence with the message, “No rapists on our campus.”
CMU President Farnam Jahanian said the message “crossed a line” and the university took the unprecedented step of painting over the message and suspending access to the campus landmark.
While students were eventually granted access to the Fence, some students were displeased with the suspension of activity at the site and the university’s updated freedom of expression policy.
Since Trump’s most recent election, universities also have grappled with issues related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The Trump administration has used Title VI as a means to force schools to regulate antisemitic speech on campus.
Pitt, which has had some of its federal funding cut and partially restored, said it takes its obligations “seriously” to address bias and discrimination, including speech that constitutes harassment or creates a hostile environment for learning and working.
“When we receive any report — including anonymously — about speech which may have become harassing or is possibly creating a hostile environment, our Office of Institutional Engagement & Wellbeing and our Office of Compliance, Investigation and Ethics respond quickly. We evaluate the content and context of the speech to determine whether the views being expressed are protected by the First Amendment,” university spokesperson Jared Stonesifer said.
CMU, too, said it adheres to Title VI.
Outside of the possible loss of accreditation or funding, Antkowiak said its good policy for universities to follow Title VI.
“It’s not only a bad thing to suppress what is considered free speech,” he said, “but you also cannot compel people to speak in a way that would offend their own viewpoints. That’s the other side of that coin.”
It’s a fine line for a university like Pitt, which owns large swaths of public property that is often used for protests.
In 2024, a group of pro-Palestinian protestors encamped on the campus outside
the Cathedral of Learning. The protestors left after Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato interceded. Several people were arrested.
Antkowiak said universities can restrict access to public areas, especially if a demonstration would prevent reasonable access to or disturb the campus.
Some Jewish students expressed concern over the 2024 encampment and what they felt were borderline antisemitic messages expressed there. Antkowiak said it doesn’t pay for a university to isolate any group of students.
“Students are the lifeblood of an institution,” he said. “You might get money from the state, but if you aren’t bringing in tuition dollars, they aren’t going to last very long.”
For that reason, he said, it behooves a university to not allow students to harass or threaten one another.
It’s a concern for both Pitt and CMU. Cassia Crogan, CMU’s director of media relations, said that “Carnegie Mellon has asserted many times that hate, including antisemitism, has no place within our community. We work across the institution to build a safe climate for Jewish students so they may thrive and feel supported.”
Pitt, too, feels a “genuine and sincere obligation to ensure all of our students feel safe at the University,” Stonesifer said.
With respect to physical safety, he said, “Pitt works closely with local Jewish organizations, campus groups, and law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels to ensure a coordinated and responsive approach.”
He noted that the university police provide security escorts for Jewish students, faculty and staff attending religious services, as well as security support for Chabad at Pitt and Hillel Jewish University Center.
“Pitt has also demonstrated a strong commitment to combating antisemitism through education and training, offering multiple sessions in partnership with organizations like the American Jewish Committee and StandWithUs,” Stonesifer said.
The university also created an antisemitic working group.
Despite its work to ensure all groups feel safe, Pitt has faced challenges. In the 2026 College Free Speech Rankings, Pitt received an F grade and ranked 219th out of 257 institutions.
CMU doesn’t fare much better. It, too, received an F grade but ranked 98th out of the 257 institutions ranked.
Nevertheless, both Pitt and CMU have tried to find the balance between protecting free speech and making marginalized groups of students feel safe and secure.
Ultimately, Antkowiak said, the First Amendment on university campuses should act “like a crucible where all ideas get thrown in and bounce off each other and where we, as rational people, can ultimately see what the best ideas are.” PJC
David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.
p CMU’s Fence was painted by students with an anti-Israel message in October 2023, just a few days after Hamas’ terrorist attack in Israel. Photo by David Rullo
Headlines
Robotics and AI Discovery Day brings conversation and possibility of new partnerships between Pittsburgh and Israel
By Adam Reinherz | Senior Staff Writer
Robotics is shortening the pathway between Pittsburgh and Israel. With industry executives and advocates for increased ties between the regions meeting at Pittsburgh Robotics & AI Discovery Day on Nov. 5, the possibility of new partnerships was abuzz.
Hours into the daylong gathering at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Snir Benedek said he’d already spoken with several individuals about Benedex LTD, a company that provides “engineering solutions for robotics, high-performance motion and complex material handling.”
The Israeli, who now calls the United Kingdom home, said traveling to Pittsburgh for Discovery Day was a worthwhile endeavor.
Pittsburgh is globally recognized as a “robotics hub,” Benedek said. Creating “traction” here likely ensures the possibility of working with several entities.
With its more than 125 robotics companies, Pittsburgh is a “global anomaly,” according to Pittsburgh Robotics Network Executive Director Jennifer Apicella.
The annual PRN-led Discovery Day delivers insight on the region and the nearly 7,300 people who work in robotics-related fields by welcoming an estimated 10,000
people for a one-day program with panel discussions and 200 exhibitors.
Graham Celine, vice president of business development at Intelitek, a New Hampshirebased company with headquarters in Israel, said he traveled to Pittsburgh specifically for Discovery Day.
called the day productive: “We made some good connections.”
For years, Intelitek has helped educational institutions create career-ready tudents through technological learning environments.
As a lead-up to the gathering and throughout the program, Celine explained Intelitek’s role and potential benefit to the region.
Facilitating connections was Gal Inbar, executive director of 412x972, who introduced Celine and fellow Israelis to Pittsburghers.
“Unlike other events, where people are coming to aggressively sell, this is a celebration of the robotics and AI of Pittsburgh,” nbar told the Chronicle.
Discovery Day allows Pittsburgh to lean into the bridge motif, he continued. Representatives of companies, and even students, are just walking around, meeting up and finding ways to collaborate.
When asked about new developments, Inbar pointed to changing mindsets.
There’s a shift from being location-focused to network-focused, he said. Companies care about who they work with, and “between the two geographies [Pittsburgh and Israel] there are so many good people.”
David Kalson, a 412x972 board member, said he was among the group who worked with the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh to create 412x972 nearly eight
entrepreneurs and engineers between the regions on an “episodic basis just wasn’t getting it done.”
Visiting this year’s Discovery Day and observing the possibility of new connections, Kalson said, was akin to “seeing the fruits of our labor.”
Mayor-elect Corey O’Connor said he, too, liked what he saw at Discovery Day.
Along with numerous companies seeking Pittsburgh connections, “I like the fact that there are so many students that come to this,” O’Connor said. “When you want to talk about how you want to grow the region and grow cities, it’s going to start with younger people.”
One day after winning the Pittsburgh mayoral contest, O’Connor said Discovery Day underscores Pittsburgh’s strengths.
“We have so much to offer,” he said. Startups, established operations and students need to be told to “come to Pittsburgh.”
The responsibility of disseminating that message shouldn’t solely fall on select organizations, O’Connor continued. “It’s our job to make the calls.” Whether it’s Pittsburgh-based companies looking to grow, or companies elsewhere seeking a new home, “the mayor’s job is to make cold calls, too, and say, ‘Hey, have you ever thought about Pittsburgh?’ Maybe they say yes, maybe they say no, but you have to be in a conversation.” PJC
here was recognition that connecting
Pittsburgh to host all-trans cantorial concert
By Emma Riva | Special to the Chronicle
Cantor Kalix Jacobson, of Temple Emanuel of South Hills, was one of three nonbinary cantors to be the first ordained from Hebrew Union College in 2023. On Nov. 20, Jacobson will join their two colleagues, Ze’evi Tovlev and Jordan Goldstein, for We Remember, a concert honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Jacobson, Tovlev and Goldstein have remained close friends since their studies, and it was Goldstein’s idea to create a concert series. The plan is to take the series to each of the cities where each respective cantor worships and sings, starting with Pittsburgh and including Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Princeton Junction, New Jersey.
“The fact that the three of us are ordained and doing this work in the world is a huge step in the right direction for trans people of all kinds to see ourselves positively represented in faith, proving what we know: G-d made us as we are, in G-d’s image, and that our trans-ness is holy, sacred and worth celebrating,” Goldstein said.
Jacobson added that “This is not the first time we have been through difficult times to be trans people. We all think it’s really important to be beacons. As Jews we’re taught to be or lagoyim, a light among the nations.”
We Remember will take place at The Rotunda Collaborative, the former site of B’nai Israel synagogue, now a community space and performing arts center. The site previously has hosted live music and dance, and live painting from local artists.
The Rotunda’s mission states that it is “meant to be a spiritual space where all who
walked through its doors would have access to the divine” and that it “seeks to bring a sense of awe to community building through music, dance, theater, and more.”
sacred music and original work by the three cantors, they also plan to sing secular music and encourage people of all faiths to join.
Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah,’ some Jewish standards like Elana Arian’s ‘Shalom Rav,’ and plenty of new music speaking to healing in difficult times by up-and-coming composers,” Goldstein said. “The piece I’m bringing is part protest piece, part mantra to help me through the overwhelming nature of our news cycle.”
For Jacobson, Tovlev and Goldstein, We Remember isn’t just an opportunity to play
original music, but also a chance to center trans and nonbinary people in a way society as a whole — and Jewish liturgy — typically doesn’t. But all three have found ways to navigate being nonbinary in their Jewish
Jacobson recalled how at Modern Orthodox congregations they’ve attended, the rabbis let them sit on whichever side of
“A friend also let me sing for their kids, as since I’m not a woman, there isn’t an issue with kol isha,” Jacobson remembered, referencing the prohibition on a man hearing a woman’s singing voice in more religious communities.
Tovlev has been a pioneer of writing nonbinary Hebrew in the Reform movement, describing it as “gender-expansive” rather than “gender-neutral.” Even that
Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
small linguistic shift changes the framework for more inclusive language from neutralized to expanded.
“Showing up for trans and nonbinary people in Jewish community requires both intention and the ability to translate that intention into impact,” Tovlev said. “Beginning with an intention to use language that reflects the diversity of gender in our communities is a wonderful start. Then comes the work of translating that intention into action.”
Goldstein hopes the wider community can see that trans and nonbinary community members “are not an inconvenience, but an opportunity to do better.”
At a time when young people are less involved in synagogue life, Jacobson, Tovlev and Goldstein are working to help younger Jews see themselves in the liturgy. “Some of my favorite moments in my career so far have been in supporting and mentoring trans and non-binary teens and being the kind of adult in their lives I wish I had. That part never gets old,” Goldstein said.
Though the tone at We Remember will be somber in honoring the trans lives lost to violence and bigotry, Jacobson stressed the importance of marking this concert as a historical event.
“This is the first all-trans cantorial concert in history,” they said. “It’s a cool moment in history that Pittsburgh will be able to claim.”
We Remember: A Musical Memorial Honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance will take place on Nov. 20, 2025, at 7 p.m. at 327 N. Negley Ave. Registration available online. PJC
Emma Riva is a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh.
p From left: Cantors Kalix Jacobson, Jordan Goldstein and Ze’evi Tovlev
Photo courtesy of Kalix Jacobson
Jacob Frey, Jewish mayor of Minneapolis, defeats challenger who drew Mamdani comparisons
Jacob Frey, the Jewish incumbent mayor of Minneapolis, has won a third term against a Democratic Socialist opponent who had pledged not to affiliate with “Zionist lobby groups” and whose supporters compared him to New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, JTA reported.
Frey prevailed in the second round of rankedchoice voting last Wednesday in unofficial tallies, a day after polls closed. His most prominent opponent, state Sen. Omar Fateh, finished more than five points behind him.
The results could offer hope for a national Jewish electorate worried that Mamdani’s victory portends broader Democratic willingness to back candidates who are openly critical of Israel.
Fateh earned the endorsement of the local Democratic Socialists of America chapter. In order to earn it, the Somali-American candidate had pledged to “refrain from any and all affiliation” with Israel and to avoid work with “Zionist lobby groups” — a list that included J Street and the local Jewish Community Relations Council, whose director publicly condemned Fateh. Members of the candidate’s staff had also defended the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, according to reports.
Iranian terror cell that allegedly targeted Jews arrested in Europe
An Afghan national was arrested in Denmark last week on suspicion of taking part in an Iranian plot to attack Jewish
targets in Germany, JNS reported, citing the Associated Press.
The suspect, identified only as Tawab M. due to German privacy laws, allegedly promised a Danish national, Ali S., that he would obtain weapons for a trio to carry out an attack in Berlin.
Ali S., who was arrested in May, is suspected of gathering information on Jewish sites and individuals in the German capital for Iranian intelligence, the report said.
The identity of the third suspect was not disclosed.
A German federal prosecutor said that Tawab M. was arrested on suspicion of “having agreed to incite another person to commit a homicide,” the report read.
Tawab M. is expected to be extradited to Germany and be brought before a judge.
On Oct. 1, Federal Police arrested three men in Berlin suspected of preparing a violent attack against Jewish or Israeli targets in Germany on behalf of Hamas, prosecutors said.
Two of the suspects were reported to be German citizens, while the third was born in Lebanon.
Germany maintains tight security around synagogues and Jewish institutions. Unlike France, Britain and several other nations, Berlin declined to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September.
New Jersey men arrested in connection with ISIS terror plot in Michigan
Milo Sedarat, 19, son of award-winning Iranian-American poet and Queens College professor Roger Sedarat, was arrested last week at his father’s home in Montclair, New
Today in Israeli History
— ISRAEL —
Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.
Nov. 14, 2012 — Airstrike launches Operation Pillar of Defense
Ahmed Jabbari, the Hamas military chief, is killed in an IDF airstrike on Gaza that marks the start of Operation Pillar of Defense, which aims to destroy rocket launchers firing on southern Israel.
Nov. 15, 1948 — El Al is founded El Al, from a Book of Hosea phrase meaning “to the skies,” is formally established as Israel’s national airline. The first regular commercial service begins in July 1949 with weekly flights between Lod and Paris.
Nov. 16, 1947 — Immigrant ship
Kadima reaches Haifa
The Kadima, carrying 781 Jewish refugees trying to reach the Land of Israel despite a British ban, arrives in Haifa under escort after being intercepted by the British. The would-be immigrants are taken to Cyprus.
Nov. 17, 2012 — Fashion queen Leah Gottlieb dies
Leah Gottlieb, known as the queen of Israeli fashion, dies at 94 at her Tel Aviv home. A native of Hungary and a Holocaust survivor, she was co-founder and chief designer of swimsuit manufacturer Gottex.
Nov. 18, 1951 — Rock star Yoni Rechter is born
Yoni Rechter, considered one of Israel’s greatest musicians, is born in Tel Aviv. He has success in a band, Kaveret, and a rock duo, 14 Octaves, before his career takes off in 1979 with his first solo album.
p Yoni Rechter receives the Emet Prize, honoring achievements in art, science or culture, from Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in October 2008.
By Amos Ben Gershom,
Nov. 19, 1977 — Sadat visits
Jerusalem
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat arrives to a 21-gun salute at Ben Gurion Airport and is driven to Jerusalem for a 36-hour visit, launching the peace process that results in a treaty in March 1979.
Haviva Reik and two other paratroopers from Mandatory Palestine are among 40 Jewish fighters executed by the Nazis in Slovakia. Reik made aliyah from Slovakia in 1939 and joined the Palmach. PJC
Jersey, in connection with an alleged ISISinspired terror plot uncovered last week in Michigan, JNS reported.
Tomas Kaan Guzel, 19, also a resident of Montclair, also was arrested last week in a food court at Newark Liberty International Airport. He was allegedly preparing to board a flight to Turkey en route to Syria to train with ISIS, according to the New York Post.
The arrests of Sedarat and Guzel follow the Oct. 31 arrests of two men in Detroit for what the FBI called “a potential act of terror.”
Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmood were arraigned last week for federal charges of transferring firearms and ammunition for use in a terrorist act, CBS News reported.
A “newly unsealed complaint reveals a major ISIS-linked terror plot with multiple subjects arrested in the Eastern District of Michigan targeting the United States,” Pamela Bondi, the U.S. attorney general, said.
“According to the complaint, subjects had multiple AR-15 rifles, tactical gear, and a detailed plan to carry out an attack on American soil,” she added.
Kash Patel, director of the FBI, wrote that the agency “stopped a massacre before it could happen.”
Poland to adopt first national plan against antisemitism
Poland’s government is preparing to pass this year its first-ever national strategy plan for fighting antisemitism and strengthening Jewish life, the country’s justice undersecretary announced last week, JNS reported.
Maria Ejchart made the announcement
at the annual conference in Krakow of the European Jewish Association, a Brusselsbased body representing Jewish community interests in Europe.
“Last week, the draft resolution of the Council of Ministers on the adoption of the national strategy for countering antisemitism and supporting Jewish life for 2025-2030 was entered into the list of legislative and programmatic work of the government,” Ejchart told some 200 Jewish community delegates and politicians at the event.
The plan, which allocates budgets and sets out priorities, is currently under consultation, and Ejchart said she believed it would be passed this year.
The surge in antisemitism that has occurred throughout Western Europe after Oct. 7, 2023, was felt also in Poland, “where the situation has been relatively calm so far,” said Ejchart.
In Warsaw, Gdańsk, Kraków and Września, “we had to deal with the boycott, disruption of artistic performances, cancellation of events with the participation of guests from Israel,” she continued. This happened alongside “antisemitism that had a rather traditional form,” she added.
Last month, Grzegorz Braun, who represents the Confederation of Polish Crown Party at the European Parliament, held an antisemitic bookfair at a hotel in Krakow. Among the books were manuscripts titled “Meet the Jew!”, “Jews and Freemasons in Common Work,” and “Ukropolin,” a book about the alleged plan to use the war between Russia and Ukraine to take over Poland, the TVN24 network reported. PJC
Compiled by Toby Tabachnick
— WORLD —
p British soldiers arrest the passengers of the aliyah ship Kadima in Haifa to send them to Cyprus on Nov. 16, 1947.
By Hans Pinn, National Photo Collection of Israel
Calendar
Submit calendar items on the Chronicle’s website, pittsburghjewishchronicle.org. Submissions also will be included in print. Events will run in the print edition beginning one month prior to the date as space allows. The deadline for submissions is Friday, noon.
SATURDAY, NOV. 15
Join Rodef Shalom Congregation at Fifth and Morewood for a Strauss/Warschauer Duo Klezmer Concert featuring Deborah Strauss (violin, accordion, vocals, dance) and Cantor Je Warschauer (guitar, mandolin, vocals), part of a weekend festival of Yiddish culture. 7 p.m. $10. 4905 Fifth Ave. Find out more about festival programs and purchase concert tickets at rodefshalom. org/yiddish.
SUNDAY, NOV. 16
Join Young Peoples Synagogue for a Jewish Pittsburgh bus tour of the North Side hosted by Eric Lidji, director of the Rauh Jewish Archives. Breakfast at 9 a.m. in the YPS social hall at Denniston and Forbes; the trolley leaves at 10 a.m. $36. Open to YPS members, guests and the Jewish community. For more information, call Rebecca Spiegel at 412-421-3213, or email rebecca. spiegel1@verizon.net.
All are welcome to join Rodef Shalom and Temple Sinai as they are joined by Anna Kislanski, CEO of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, for a conversation about the Reform Movement in Israel. 7 p.m. Free. 4905 Fifth Ave. RSVP at rodefshalom.org/reform.
SUNDAYS, NOV. 16-DEC. 28
Join Chabad of Squirrel Hill for its Men’s Tefillin Club. Services and tefillin are followed by a delicious breakfast and engaging discussions on current events. 8:30 a.m. 1700 Beechwood Blvd. chabadpgh.com.
Join a lay-led online Parashah study group to discuss the weekly Torah portion. No Hebrew knowledge
needed. The goal is to build community while deepening understanding of the text. 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit bethshalompgh.org/online-parashah.
MONDAYS, NOV. 17-DEC. 29
Join Congregation Beth Shalom for a weekly Talmud study. 9:15 a.m. For more information, visit bethshalompgh.org.
Join Temple Sinai for an evening of mahjong every Monday (except holidays). Whether you are just starting out or have years of experience, you are sure to enjoy the camaraderie and good times as you make new friends or cherish moments with long-term pals. All are welcome. Winners will be awarded Giant Eagle gift cards. All players should have their own mahjong cards. Contact Susan Cohen at susan_k_cohen@yahoo.com if you have questions. $5. templesinaipgh.org.
TUESDAY, NOV. 18
Join Chabad of Squirrel Hill for Tanya and Tea, a Torah class exploring our inner world and strategies for spiritual growth. 7 p.m. Email caltein@chabadpgh.com for the address. chabadpgh.com.
Join Chabad of the South Hills for “Lift Your Life, Kabbalistic teaching that will elevate your daily reality.” Women will learn and connect through meaningful conversation and shared inspiration at this monthly event. 7 p.m. $25 individual class/$125 full course, includes textbook. 1700 Bower Hill Rd. chabadsh.com/rcs.
TUESDAYS, NOV. 18, 25
Enter the intricate world of the Talmud, the monumental classic that has defined Jewish learning for centuries. Discover its history, authors and significance — and experience it for yourself. You will learn the key terms, logical principles and historical context required to decode every part of the Talmudic page. Classes given by Chabad Young Professional’s Rabbi Henoch Rosenfeld. 7:45 p.m. $36. cyppittsburgh.com/Talmud.
Because of Achieva’s support services, Deangelo is
At Achieva’s Bridgeville Pallets and Packaging plant, Deangelo is trained as a pallet artisan, gaining valuable manufacturing skills and workplace experience.
TUESDAYS, NOV. 18-JUNE 30, 2026
Join Beth El’s Rabbi Alex Greenbaum and his Bible/ Talmud Adult Education class for a thought-provoking weekly session of Bible and Talmudic study. This program is available both in person and virtually. Call the o ce at 412-561-1168 to receive the Zoom link or to make an in-person reservation. 10:30 a.m. 1900 Cochran Rd. bethelcong.org.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19
Join Chabad of Squirrel Hill at Ladies’ Lunch and Learn. Enjoy a delicious lunch while exploring timeless wisdom for the month of Kislev. Noon. $18. 1700 Beechwood Blvd. chabadpgh.com/lunch.
WEDNESDAYS, NOV. 19-DEC. 10
Join Chabad of the South Hills for a new JLI course, “The Kabbalah of Meaning,” exploring Jewish wisdom for finding the purpose that connects parts of life. No previous Jewish learning required. Online or in person. This course will satisfy the continuing education requirements of physicians, health care professionals, psychologists, social workers, LMFTs and LMHC/LPCs. 7:30 p.m. chabadsh.com.
Join Chabad of Squirrel Hill for the JLI Course, “The Kabbalah of Meaning.” Explore Jewish wisdom for finding the purpose that connects all parts of life with the JLI course, “The Kabbalah of Meaning.” This course will satisfy the continuing education requirements of physicians, health care professionals, psychologists, social workers, LMFTs and LMHC/LPCs. 9 p.m. $90. 1700 Beechwood Blvd. chabadpgh.com/jlicourse.
WEDNESDAYS, NOV. 19–DEC. 31
Bring the parashah alive and make it personally relevant and meaningful with Rabbi Mark Goodman in this weekly Parashah Discussion: Life & Text. 12:15 p.m. For more information, visit bethshalompgh.org/life-text.
Join Chabad of the South Hills for Baby Loves Shabbat, music and movement for ages 0 to 3. Challah making and Shabbat songs. 3:45 p.m. 1701 Bower Hill Road. chabadsh.com.
THURSDAY, NOV. 20
Chabad of Squirrel Hill presents Loaves of Love, a fall baking event celebrating good neighbors and friends and honoring Maria Caruso, a community lamplighter. 7 p.m. $12. 1700 Beechwood Blvd. chabadpgh.com/lol.
SUNDAY, NOV. 23
Join Chabad Young Professionals for Mommy and Me, a special space for moms and their little ones to connect, play and build Jewish community. Join them for this series celebrating the beauty and warmth of fall. RSVP 10 a.m. $10. CYP Loft. cyppittsburgh.com/MM.
Call the o ce at 412-561-1168 to receive the Zoom link. 5:30 p.m. Free. bethelcong.org.
SATURDAY, DEC. 6
Families with young children are invited to attend Shabbat With You and spend Shabbat morning at Fifth and Morewood (Rodef Shalom) for a fun and engaging Shabbat morning service followed by lox, bagels and play time. 9 a.m. $5 per family. rodefshalom.org/ shabbatwithyou.
SUNDAY, DEC. 7
The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle invites you to join the Chronicle Book Club for its discussion of “Hostage” by Eli Sharabi. 1 p.m. Email drullo@pittsburghjewish chronicle.org for registration link.
Chabad of the South Hills invites you to attend the Miracle Makers Olive Press. Enjoy a toddler zone, latkes and treats. Co-sponsored by CKids and PJ Library. 4 p.m. $10 child. Register by Nov. 26. 1700 Bower Hill Road. chabadsh.com/olive.
Join Chabad of Squirrel Hill for “An Evening with Eli Sharabi.” Hear his story of survival and learn about his unimaginable strength and unwavering hope. 7 p.m. $18. JCC Levinson Hall, 5738 Forbes Ave. chabadpgh. com/sharabi. PJC
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10
Join Classrooms Without Borders for Exodus 1947 and the Legacy of Survival: Heroism, Agency and Nationbuilding and hear a story of resilience, resistance and renewal in the shadow of the Holocaust. CWB Scholar in Residence Avi Ben-Hur will facilitate a discussion with Professor Aviva Halamish on how the survivors of the Exodus transformed loss into leadership. Halamish will share the untold story of their impact on the making of modern Israel. 7 p.m. Free. 4905 Fifth Ave. cwbpgh.org/ event/exodus-1947.
SATURDAY, DEC. 13
Join in community and enjoy a smorgasbord of dairy delights at the Cheese Ball, a causal and cheesy evening to support Shaare Torah Congregation. A cocktail hour will be followed by a presentation by Brent Delman, “The Cheese Guy.” Participants will indulge in a selection of cheese pairings while learning about the kosher cheese business and what it takes to acquire some of the best kosher cheeses in the world. Heavy appetizers, along with wine, beer and a specialty cocktail are included. All food will be chalav yisrael. Casual attire. 7:45 p.m. Learn more and register online at shaaretorah.net/ event/cheese.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17
THURSDAYS, DEC. 4, JAN. 8, FEB. 5
Join Rabbi Amy Greenbaum and the Beth El community Beth El’s Virtual Hope and Healing on the first Thursday of the month. This is a safe space to chant, breathe, pray for healing and seek peace. Feel free to keep your camera o and just listen.
Chabad of the Souths Hills invites you to its Grand Chanukah seniors lunch. Enjoy a delicious kosher lunch with hot latkes and a presentation by the Jewish Association on Aging and AgeWell Pittsburgh. $5 suggested donation. 1 p.m. Preregistration strongly suggested at 412-278-2658. 1701 McFarland Road. chabadsh.com. PJC
shattering the peaceful life Eli Sharabi had built with his British wife, Lianne, and their teenage daughters, Noiya and Yahel. Dragged barefoot out his front door while his family watched in horror, Sharabi was plunged deep into the suffocating darkness of Gaza’s tunnels. As war raged above him, he endured a grueling 491 days in captivity, all the while holding onto the hope that he would one day be reunited with his loved ones.
“Eli Sharabi’s story is one of hunger and heartache, of physical pain, longing, loneliness and a helplessness that threatens to destroy the soul. But it is also a story of strength, of
resilience, and of the human spirit’s refusal to surrender. It is about the camaraderie forged in captivity, the quiet power of faith, and one man’s unrelenting decision to choose life, time and time again.”
Your hosts
Toby Tabachnick, Chronicle editor
David Rullo, Chronicle senior staff writer
How it works
We will meet on Zoom on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m.
What to do
Buy: “Hostage.” It is available at area Barnes & Noble stores and from online retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It is also available through the Carnegie Library system.
Email: Contact us at drullo@pittsburgh jewishchronicle.org, and write “Chronicle Book Club” in the subject line. We will send you a Zoom link for the discussion meeting. PJC
Event Planning
THE PERFECT EVENT-ONLY AT GATHER
miladrumeva/Adobe Stock
Event Planning
Event planning made Simple: Focus on purpose, flexibility and connection
Event planning can feel intimidating, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. Between the timelines, budgets and endless Pinterest boards, it’s easy to be confused about where to start and how to accomplish everything in time. Planning an event, whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, or office celebration, doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to focus on your event purpose, the people you’re working with and a flexible plan.
Before you start choosing little details like tablecloth colors or cake flavors, take a moment and ask yourself: What is more important for this event? Is it for everyone to have a fun-filled time spending most of
When
the night on the dance floor, or do you want that “wow” factor with a grand, dreamy look when guests arrive? Or maybe you are looking for ease of accessibility, where your guests can conveniently stay at the hotel where the event is held, which eliminates the need to add hiring a shuttle service to your to-do list.
I am always thinking about food and love trying new things, so for me, some of the top things to consider are delicious food and beverage selections. My best friend and I have been joking for over 15 years that if there is food at an event, we will be there! Knowing what is most important for your event is a great starting point and gives your planning direction.
When planning an event, remember: You don’t have to do it all on your own. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or even re-ask a question for further clarification. Even if someone doesn’t know the answer, they probably know someone who does. The wedding and event community is tightknit, full of people eager to help. Accept assistance from others, assign roles and delegate to help put all the pieces of a successful event together. The most seamless events aren’t the result of one superhuman planner; they’re built on clear communication and confirmed logistics of all the moving parts.
If you’re not sure where to start, rely on resources that already exist. Wedding and
event planning checklists, like the free one on The Knot, can be a helpful tool. Even if some items on their list don’t apply to your event, they’ll give you a solid baseline of things to consider — everything from vendor contracts to last-minute details you might otherwise overlook.
Finally, outline your plan. This is where your vision turns into logistics: timelines, budgets and checklists. Always remember to be flexible; your original timeline or budget may morph as you navigate the planning process.
Of course, no amount of planning will make everything perfect. The truth is, something (and usually more than one thing) will go awry. Maybe the flower garland doesn’t arrive. Maybe the catering order is off by 10 rolls. Maybe the weather decides to shower you with buckets of raindrops. It happens. The best thing you can do is plan for imperfection. Build in a little flexibility, keep your sense of humor and remind yourself that the
tiny hiccups won’t ruin the day. Most of the time, guests have no idea something went sideways and if you keep smiling, they’ll never find out.
One of the greatest things I’ve learned through my experience with events is that events aren’t about perfection; they’re about connection. When you look back, you won’t remember every centerpiece or how neatly the napkins were folded. You’ll remember the laughter, the hugs and the people who showed up to celebrate with you. Those are the moments that matter.
So when things go off-script — and they might — laugh, improvise and carry on. If your timeline gets delayed, keep rolling. If the cake melts a little, grab a fork and say, “That’s a sign it’s time to eat cake!” The guests will follow your lead.
At the end of the day, every event is a collection of moments. Some planned, some spontaneous and all uniquely yours. Your job isn’t to control every detail; it’s to create the space where those moments can happen. So take a deep breath, trust your preparation and remember: A perfect event isn’t one where nothing goes wrong — it’s one where everyone leaves feeling glad that they were able to be a part of this special occasion. PJC
Holly Bertovich is the event sales manager at the
Regency, Pittsburgh International Airport.
Event Planning
Guest Columnist
Amy Bebchick
So you’re thinking about hosting your first Shabbat dinner. Maybe you’ve been to a few in your time, maybe you just finished “Nobody Wants This” and want to see what all the fuss is about. Or maybe you’re simply looking for a reason to gather your favorite people around a table. Whatever brought you here, welcome!
Setting the tone early helps your guests know what to expect and helps you create your unique vibe.
Build your guest list
Shabbat is all about community. Invite people who make you feel comfortable and curious, folks with whom you can laugh, be real and tear unashamedly into challah. Don’t be afraid to mix it up. Shabbat dinner
At OneTable, we believe Shabbat is less about perfection and more about intention. It’s a weekly chance to hit pause, unplug and reconnect — with yourself, your people and something bigger than the weekly to-do list. And the best part? How you Shabbat is entirely up to you.
Here’s how we suggest you get started.
Set the intention
Shabbat begins every Friday at sundown, but your Shabbat practice can start when you’re ready. Pick a date and time that feels do-able for you. Then, decide what kind of energy you want to bring to the evening. Is this a cozy dinner with your roommates? A potluck asking everyone to bring a dish and a friend? A “no-phones” dinner party with multiple courses and deep conversation?
is a beautiful opportunity to introduce people from different parts of your life. There’s something about sharing a meal that makes strangers feel like family faster than you’d think.
Plan your menu
Add a little ritual
One of the most beautiful parts of Shabbat is the invitation to slow down. Traditionally, welcoming Shabbat and marking the transition from work week to 25 hours of rest is done with blessings: candle lighting, challah, wine and more. If you’d like to build a practice
Keep it going
of adding ritual to your Shabbat dinner, you could consider saying or singing traditional blessings (in Hebrew or English), playing a recording if that feels more comfortable, or even just taking a moment of gratitude together before eating. Some hosts like to go around the table and ask everyone to share a highlight of their week or something they’re looking forward to. It’s your Shabbat dinner — make it meaningful for you.
Let the evening unfold
Shabbat dinner can be anything from takeout sushi to a home-cooked feast. How you fill your table is totally up to you. You can also turn the meal into a participatory event by planning a potluck. Ask guests to bring a side, salad, or dessert to pair with your main course. Sharing the cooking — and the stories behind each dish — can make Shabbat dinner feel even richer.
When the evening ends, say goodbye to your guests knowing you’ve just created something special. You spent hours sharing food, stories, joy and connection. That’s the magic of Shabbat dinner. If it felt great, do it again! Try new menus, invite different people, or host in new spaces. Each Shabbat can look different, and that’s exactly the point. It’s a practice that grows with you.
One more thing
At OneTable, we help people in their 20s and 30s find and create Shabbat dinners. We offer support, resources, and even nourishment to make it easier. Visit onetable. org for information, and inspiration. And remember: We’re always here to help at hello@onetable.org. PJC
Amy Bebchick helps others create joyful, sustainable Shabbat practices as OneTable’s chief program officer.
Once the rituals are complete and dinner begins, let yourself relax into Shabbat. Resist the urge to micro-manage. The beauty of Shabbat dinner is in the pause: the laughter, the conversation, the lingering because no one’s rushing off to the next thing. Remember: Shabbat isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about connecting — with each other and with a sense of rest that’s so rare these days.
Kosher
Event Planning
Cranberry sweet and sour meatballs
By Jessica Grann | Special to the Chronicle
Whether I’m hosting a party or taking something along to contribute to one, I never go wrong with sweet and sour meatballs. No matter how creative or fancy I aspire to be, these meatballs are what sell, and there are never any leftovers. You can make these ahead and just warm them in a slow cooker, which also is perfect for serving since it will keep the meatballs warm at a party.
The sauce packs a lot of sweet and sour flavor into each little bite. There also is a bit of spice from the cayenne pepper. Start by adding a small amount to the sauce and add more if needed.
I use my general meatball recipe with the addition of chili pepper, which I’ll share below.
I think it’s worth the extra effort to make homemade meatballs, but you also could use pre-made frozen meatballs, adding them — frozen — to the sauce and cooking them for the same amount of time. If using frozen meatballs, there will be a bit of extra water in the sauce, so after cooking for 30 minutes, remove the lid and allow the sauce to simmer until reduced. The sauce should be on the thick side and cling to the meatballs.
I always end up with an extra can of cranberry sauce after Thanksgiving, so these meatballs typically end up on my Shabbat table as a meaty side dish, adding to the holiday leftovers to break up the menu a bit.
Ingredients
Makes about 40 small meatballs
Meatballs:
2 pounds ground beef
¼ cup packed grated onion, liquid squeezed out
⅔ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
¾ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons water
2-3 tablespoons oil for pan-frying
Sauce:
1 jar cranberry sauce, jellied or whole berry
1 jar chili sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Optional: 1 cup whole fresh cranberries
¼ cup light brown sugar
This is my basic meatball recipe. I use seasoned breadcrumbs because they include garlic and onion powder along with other seasonings, but everything is on the mild side. Feel free to try the meatball recipe for other dishes. For this recipe I add chili powder, although I would omit that for other dishes. If you’re a fan of cumin, you can add 1-2 teaspoons into the meatball mixture for a deeper flavor profile.
A fan recently told me that Giant Eagle’s brand of Worcestershire sauce is vegan, so I’m thrilled to have that umami flavor added to meatballs and meatloaf.
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix them together with your hands. It’s easiest to form all of the meatballs at once and set them on a tray until you’re ready to brown them. Make each one about the size of a superball. If the meatballs stick to your hands when forming them, dip your fingers into a small dish of water as needed.
Heat a wide sauté pan over medium-low heat for a few minutes before adding in 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Brown the meatballs in batches, cooking for a minute or so on each side until the edges are cooked. Set them aside on a tray until you’re ready to add them to the sauce.
If the sauté pan is lightly coated in grease you can use it as it. If there is a lot of excess fat or liquid, drain most of that off, leaving a couple tablespoons in the bottom of the pan for flavor. Add the can of cranberry sauce and break it into pieces. Then add the spices, sugar and chili sauce.
Once you’ve poured the chili sauce into the pan, add 2 inches of water to the jar, put the lid on and shake it to get every last bit of sauce mixed into the water, then add it to the pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer over mediumlow heat.
Once the cranberry sauce melts most of the way down, add the meatballs and bring them to a boil over medium heat, mixing well to combine the ingredients.
You can add 1 cup of fresh, raw berries into the pan for extra color and flavor when you add the meatballs.
When bubbling, cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 30 minutes. Keep covered until ready to serve.
You can refrigerate and reheat these over low heat or in a slow cooker on low, reducing to the warm setting once the sauce is bubbling. Enjoy and bless your hands! PJC
Jessica Grann is a home chef
in Pittsburgh.
Cranberry sweet and sour meatballs
Photo by Jessica Grann
Event Planning Impress
1/2 red onion
By Culinary.net | Family Features
If you’re looking for a new dip for your next get-together and tired of the same boring salsas and layered dips, this cowboy caviar may quickly become a family favorite.
Also known as Texas caviar, this bean salad can be a hit with loved ones at birthdays, holidays, graduations, reunions and more. It serves well with tortilla chips but can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Plus, it’s a breeze to make and can be even simpler when prepared the night before your big event.
Cowboy caviar
1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn
1 can (15 ounces) black beans
1 bunch cilantro
3 Roma tomatoes
2 jalapenos
Bell peppers (mix of green, red, orange and yellow, as desired) tortilla chips, for serving
Dressing:
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon paprika
1 lime, juice only
Salt, to taste pepper, to taste
Drain and rinse corn and black beans; dry well.
Finely chop and dice cilantro, tomatoes, jalapenos, onion and bell peppers.
To make dressing: Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, paprika and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix vegetables with dressing. Serve with tortilla chips.
Visit Culinary.net to find more quick and simple appetizer recipes. PJC
Photo courtesy of Culinary.net
Does it really matter that New York’s Mayor-elect Mamdani loathes and demonizes Israel?
Guest Columnist
There’s an argument to be made that Zohran Mamdani’s decisive victory in the New York mayoral elections is all about local issues, and that his hostility to Israel is largely irrelevant.
New York is spectacularly expensive, its residents are deeply dissatisfied with city services, and they’ve elected him to tackle housing, transportation, child care — not to march headlong into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
It’s an argument that many New York Jewish voters plainly bought, since many voted for him.
Some doubtless chose Mamdani in part because they endorse his strategic delegitimization of an Israel to which they were never connected or from which they are increasingly alienated. But others, who are troubled by his stance on Israel, backed him nonetheless because they are more preoccupied with the day-to-day problems of the city they live in, and believe he will do a better job of alleviating them than Andrew Cuomo would.
Yet Mamdani has left no doubt that his support of the Palestinians and refusal to accept Israel’s legitimacy as a Jewish state are central to his identity and purpose.
His first statement after the Hamas massacre in southern Israel, issued on Oct. 8, 2023, mourned “the hundreds of people killed across Israel and Palestine in the last 36 hours,” condemned Israel for going to war, and called for dismantling Israeli “apartheid.”
Campaigning for mayor, he repeatedly accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, made clear he supports the boycotting of Israel (an effort ultimately intended to deny Israel the capacity to defend itself against enemies openly committed to its destruction), equivocated on whether Hamas should lay down its arms and refused to condemn calls to “globalize the intifada” (though he later said he would discourage use of the phrase).
the fight against the scourge of antisemitism.”
But it is antisemites who will be encouraged by his victory.
It is the dark practice of antisemites to depict Jews — and, in the decades since the revival of our ancient homeland was legitimized, to depict the Jewish state — as the source of all problems, global and, crucially, local.
And so we see Mamdani, speaking at the 2023 national convention for the far-left
Addressing a panel entitled “Socialist Internationalism: The Solution to the Crisis of Capitalism,” Mamdani blamed Israel for police violence in New York, and explained why he was taking pains to do so.
And on election night, in his victory speech, he indicated that his ambitions extend far beyond local mayoral obligations.
“In this moment of political darkness, New York will be the light,” he vowed in an address that encompassed municipal and national aspirations. “Together, we will usher in a generation of change,” he promised his supporters. “And if we embrace this brave new course, rather than fleeing from it, we can respond to oligarchy and authoritarianism with the strength it fears, not the appeasement it craves. After all, if anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him.”
Mamdani, in his speech, also vowed to “build a City Hall that stands steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers and does not waver in
Democratic Socialists of America to which he belongs — two months before Hamas invaded Israel, massacring 1,200 people, abducting 251, triggering the war in Gaza, and sparking a drastic rise in anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric and violence that today sees Jews in New York targeted in hate crimes far more than any other group.
Addressing a panel entitled “Socialist Internationalism: The Solution to the Crisis of Capitalism,” Mamdani blamed Israel for police violence in New York, and explained why he was taking pains to do so. “For anyone to care about these issues, we have to make them hyper-local,” he said. “We have to make clear that when the boot of the NYPD is on your neck, it’s been laced by the IDF.”
In a statement issued after his victory on
Anti-Zionism is not antisemitism
Guest Columnist
The predictable anti-Zionist mantra claims “anti-Zionism is not antisemitism.” The mantra is right: Anti-Zionism is not classical antisemitism. But it misses the point: Anti-Zionism is itself a powerful form of Jew hatred. It is different in form, but identical in function. AntiZionism, just like antisemitism, is a hate movement that obsessively repeats popular libels about Jews to justify killing them. This cycle of libel leads to violence against Jews — and also against Palestinians, who are repeatedly sacrificed on the altar of its ideology and its endless wars.
To understand anti-Zionism we must first understand that Jew-hatred is a structural feature of monotheistic cultures. It takes on various forms, but its ancient cycle persists: Anti-Jewish libels and conspiracy theories stigmatize Jews and lead to violence, which is then denied.
First came anti-Judaism, which hates
Jews for their religion. Its cycle of libel casts Jews as Christ-killers and blood-eaters. Its conspiracy theories told of the corruption of princes and well poisoning. Disguised as piety, anti-Jewish violence erupted in mass burnings, expulsions, inquisitions and pogroms.
theories accuse Israel of plans for regional or world domination. Its violence has ethnically cleansed Jews across the Middle East and former USSR, and is already spilling into the West, recoding ordinary Jews as “the Zionists” deemed worthy of stigma and violence.
Fight the cycle of libel in the media, at work and at school.
Then came antisemitism, which hates Jews for their race. Antisemitic libels cast Jews as communists, capitalists and race-polluters. Conspiracy theories were updated: Jews were turned from well-poisoners to backstabbers. Antisemitism disguised itself behind myths of racial purity and national strength. Far-right violence soon emerged, from the Black Hundreds, to the killing fields of the Holocaust.
Next came anti-Zionism. Anti-Zionism hates Jews not for their religion or race, but for their nation. It targets Israel, the single Jewish nation, and libels it: colonizer, apartheid and genocide. Its conspiracy
Tuesday night, the UJA-Federation of New York, the city with the world’s largest Jewish population, carefully acknowledged the challenge and potential threat to the community posed by the incoming mayor: “We recognize that voters are animated by a range of issues, but we cannot ignore that the mayor-elect holds core beliefs fundamentally at odds with our community’s deepest convictions and most cherished values,” it said. “We will hold all elected officials, including Mayorelect Mamdani, fully accountable for ensuring that New York remains a place where Jewish life and support for Israel are protected and can thrive.”
But Jews and non-Jews who voted against him told our reporter in the city on election night why they fear that this will not be the case, predicting a Mamdani effect that will empower and embolden Israel-haters and Jew-haters.
“I’m worried about the indoctrination of kids hating Israel, thinking that Israel is a pariah, thinking that Israel commits genocide, something that Zohran has gone around saying for two years,” said one.
“I am frantic about being here in New York City with him as my mayor,” said another. “I’m frightened about antisemitism on my street corner. I’m frightened there’s going to be some march or something, and they’re going to strike us.”
There’s an argument to be made that Zohran Mamdani’s decisive victory in the New York mayoral elections is all about local issues, and that his hostility to Israel is largely irrelevant. It doesn’t hold water. PJC
David Horovitz is the founding editor of The Times of Israel, where this first appeared.
All three iterations of Jew hatred are rooted in the logic of supercessionism — the impulse to eliminate Jews to redeem the world — and all three repeat the same cycle over and over: libel, conspiracy, stigma, violence and denial. Each version merely swaps in new libels and selects a different aspect of Jewish identity to attack. The content of the libels is secondary to how society wields them: repeated obsessively, until they succeed in demonizing the Jews, justifying and sanctifying antiJewish violence.
Anti-Zionist war and terror left a long wake of atrocities before Oct 7, as the ideology was born over a century ago. The
Yevsektsiya, the anti-Zionist “Jewish section” of the USSR, began purging Jewish culture in 1918. In 1929, anti-Zionist Arabs butchered their Jewish neighbors, after living alongside them for generations. In the 1940s to the 1960s, Arab nations ethnically cleansed 850,000 Jews from their countries. AntiZionism drove the tiny remnant of Poland’s Jews from that country in 1968, as just one example. The rest of the Soviet bloc would flee much later. Anti-Zionist terror such as the butchery and mutilation of Israel’s Olympic athletes in Munich in 1972, the Air France hijacking to Entebbe in 1976, targeted Israelis and Jews worldwide for decades. Repeated wars struck Israel whenever the region had the opportunity and the backing. Ordinary Palestinians certainly didn’t benefit from the violence. Every time Israelis and Palestinians stood on the brink of peace, anti-Zionist violence erupted — dragging both peoples back into war. On Oct. 7, its armies once again butchered and rampaged, leading Gaza into yet another devastating war. Since Oct. 8, that violence has been simultaneously denied, justified and celebrated by anti-Zionists worldwide.
David Horovitz
Rona Kaufman
Opinion
Chronicle poll results: Government shutdown
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question:
“Have you been directly affected by the shutdown of the federal government?” Of the 208 people who responded, 78% said no and 22% said yes. Comments were submitted by 38 people. A few follow.
Everyone has been affected, especially those in most need. It’s not good for me and my family, but it’s tragic for those who are desperate to hold it together.
The airports in some areas are not great. The delays and cancellations are very difficult for those of us that have to fly frequently. Air traffic controllers cannot work for free and the American people cannot fly safely without enough of them.
I am an environmental consultant to several federal departments and agencies. I am still working but most of my government contacts are not. Projects are slowing down and new contract awards are in limbo. There is no immediate threat to public health and the environment now, but things are not getting done.
Kaufman:
Have you been directly a ected by the shutdown of the federal government?
Continued from page 14
That the anti-Zionist movement can claim Jews among its supporters, does nothing whatsoever to rehabilitate it. Even Nazi Germany tokenized Jewish antisemites in the Association of German National Jews, just as the Yevsektsiya pledged allegiance to Lenin. Tokenized Jews benefit from the status quo and recoil at having their comfort
It is very unfair that the legislature and all politicians continue to be paid during the shutdown. The air traffic controllers should be considered as essential workers and be paid to keep all safe.
unsettled by “troublesome” Jews who call out persecution.
How do we stop anti-Zionism? Recognize how it is like all forms of Jew-hatred before it: an eliminationist hate movement that still depends on the ancient cycle of libel. Expose how it cloaks its evil in a false consciousness and the politics of the era.
But also recognize what is new: AntiZionism is an oppression pretending to be anti-oppression. It invokes the language of decolonization and liberation as it murders
‘Stronger than hate’ falls short without a change in mindset
Thank you for your editorial “Seven years later, ‘stronger than hate’ must be more than words” (Oct. 24). It is right to question how limited the return has been from the multiple organizations formed and money spent.
There will not be meaningful progress until there is a change in mindset. The community leadership has largely never experienced antisemitism. Therefore, even after the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, they managed to think of it as an aberration and have taken only minimal steps at self-preservation.
That is because American Jews are primarily “Hanukkah Jews.” They have faced assimilation as a threat. Faced with a taste of the Israeli experience as “Purim Jews,” where the threat is annihilation, the community is not equipped to react.
The “stronger than hate” campaign is an assimilation solution, i.e., we will join with the non-Jewish community and be saved. It isn’t working. Allies are not going to combat a determined minority that hate the existence of Jews. No amount of education, yard signs, or programming is going to result in change.
Once there is an understanding of the problem, then there is a chance for progress.
Lee Golden Rehovot, Israel
My husband works for the Navy and is essential. He’s working without pay.
Salaries for all of the congresspersons should also be halted during the shutdown.
I’m only affected because I donated more money and food to the food banks.
I’m a retired federal employee. Boy, am I glad I left before things got to this stage!
My son needs to travel from his home in British Columbia to Los Angeles for some very important business meetings. Unfortunately, the shutdown is negatively affecting air travel. We also have a family reunion arranged for Thanksgiving in New York City. Again, I worry that the shutdown will cancel that. I know that others are worse off than I am, but I am still affected by this government snafu.
I volunteer at the Squirrel Hill Pantry and we have been swamped by new demand. The need seems to be enormous and the food is running low. We almost ran out of meat today, serving 56 households. If the members of government aren’t working, they shouldn’t be paid.
and persecutes Jews. It is racism for antiracists, reformatted against an entire nation: Israel. It persecutes Palestinians viciously — consistently choosing libel and war over coexistence. The price is thousands of dead Palestinians, destroyed infrastructure and generations raised in trauma. Its goal is not a better life for Palestinians but the end of Israel. We need you to see through this trick.
Fight the cycle of libel in the media, at work and at school. Fighting for human
Praise for community study
My roommate, whom I care for as she is disabled, will have her food stamps cut, most likely. That will create a hardship for me, as I will spend money on her food. It hasn’t happened yet, so I haven’t been affected yet.
Though I have not been directly affected, I am very concerned about those who are. Interfering with people’s jobs, their source of food, their health insurance, and so many other things is pure evil.
My daughter is a Senate employee and has not been paid in over a month so we’re loaning her money until she is (hopefully) made whole. She has continued to work full time.
My brother is a federal contractor. He is currently furloughed. Federal contractors do not receive back pay, unlike federal employees. He’s receiving unemployment right now. He has numerous health concerns and can’t be without work or health insurance. This shut down has been extremely difficult for him. PJC
— Compiled by Toby Tabachnick
Chronicle weekly poll question: Do you boycott celebrities and artists who call for a boycott of Israel? Go to pittsburghjewishchronicle.org to respond. PJC
rights starts with disrupting the anti-Zionist libels that inevitably lead to horrific violence against Jews and Palestinians alike. PJC
Rona Kaufman is an associate professor of law at the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University, where she teaches constitutional, employment discrimination, family and gender law. Her views and opinions are her own. They do not represent the position of Duquesne University. This article first appeared on The Times of Israel.
I loved the article “New study charts Pittsburgh Jewry’s strengths, struggles and shifts” (Nov. 7). I’m an AI consultant to nonprofits and a volunteer for my synagogue, Adat Shalom. We used AI and the map of Jews in Pittsburgh to estimate the percentage of them within 15 minutes’ drive of Adat Shalom’s building. I hope local Jewish organizations will become more data-driven with this study.
Offended by use of ‘schizophrenia’
Adam Hertzman O’Hara Township
We were deeply offended and troubled to read the Chronicle’s Oct. 31 article “Duquesne law professor, Pitt scholar listed on ‘Reverse Canary Mission’ website,” in which the site is described as “schizophrenic.”
The definition of schizophrenic is a person with a serious mental health condition that affects how people think, feel and behave. A website is not a person. Real people experience this condition, and some suffer greatly from it. In using this term casually — and incorrectly — the Chronicle is further marginalizing people with mental illness and perpetuating the stigma associated with it. This does a disservice to the Jewish community and to individuals who struggle with mental illness.
Nancy E. Gale, Executive director of The Branch Pittsburgh
We invite you to submit letters for publication. Letters must include name, address and daytime phone number; addresses and phone numbers will not be published. Letters may not exceed 500 words and may be edited for length and clarity; they cannot be returned.
Send letters to:letters@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org or Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle, 5915 Beacon St., 5th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
We regret that owing to the volume of correspondence, we cannot reply to every letter.
Headlines
Sharaka:
Continued from page 1
The trip, she said, included meeting Arabs, Muslims, Christians and Jews, and visiting various places of worship, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
“Everyone that I met, no matter their religion or background, told me, ‘We are fed up with conflict.’ The Arabs told me, ‘We don’t want to kill anyone. We just want to have dreams and families and go to university and travel.’”
It was because of those interactions, Alharbi explained, that she wanted to become an advocate for peace and understanding.
Youssef Elazhari began his part of the conversation by explaining that Morocco has a community of nearly 2,000 Jews that has been there since the destruction of the First Temple.
His parents, he explained, had Jewish friends and he grew up believing Jews to be equals. Still, he said, tensions exist, especially since most Moroccans didn’t support the Jewish state.
“This is their perspective: ‘Let’s find a compromise. We hate Israel but we love our Jewish neighbors and friends. Jews are good, Zionism is bad.’”
Like Alharbi, Elazhari was surprised after landing at Ben Gurion Airport.
“Imagine, the signs had three languages — Hebrew, Arabic and English. I had to ask my friend if we were in the right airport,” he recounted.
The surprise continued when Elazhari had to report to a nurse to test for COVID before leaving the airport.
Petition:
Continued from page 1
state. It demands that the co-op become an “apartheid-free zone,” and disclose and divest from all Israel-sourced products until Israel “end its 1967 occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantle the Wall.”
The petition further demands the co-op “Recognize the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality” and “Respect, protect and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194.”
According to information distributed by the union, the co-op stocks five Israeli products: Field Day Tahini; Soom Chocolate Tahini; Manischewitz Gefilte Fish; Equal Exchange Extra Peaceful Olive Oil; Let’s Do Organic Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cones; and Four Season bell pepper varieties.
Ironically, the Extra Peaceful olive oil is produced by a nonprofit organization of Arab and Jewish women in Israel that “uses fair trade to foster educational and economic opportunities and model mutual respect and collaboration between Jews and Arabs. They’re inspired to be agents of change, building bridges between communities, setting a positive example for their children, and promoting peace for future generations,” according to the product’s website.
While the co-op’s annual report doesn’t list the number of products it carries, it does record the store’s annual net sales as more than
The nurse, he said, was clearly Muslim. When he questioned her about her identity, the medical worker replied, “Listen, my parents used to be Palestinians. I am an Arab Israeli.”
The interaction inspired Elazhari to research other Muslim countries including Morocco, Algeria, Jordan and Pakistan — all countries that didn’t exist before the middle of the last century.
“How come we accept that some coun-
Living in a dictatorship, she said, means that all information is controlled and designed by the regime. That includes what many in the country know about Israel and the Jewish community, despite the fact that Jews lived in some parts of the country, like the Jewish Quarter in Aleppo.
Her family, she explained, would often bemoan the way minorities were treated in the country, but were forced to keep those
Sharaka, which means “partnership” in Arabic, has no political message, he explained; instead it strives to create relationships between
Israelis
and the Arab world.
tries evolve and get new identities, but we blame Israel for their identity, which is biblical?” he asked.
Sharaka, which means “partnership” in Arabic, has no political message, he explained; instead it strives to create relationships between Israelis and the Arab world.
“I wish people would have the humbleness to judge Israel once they have been there,” he said.
Hayvi Bouzo grew up in Syria to a mixed family — her father is part Kurdish, her mother part Turkish.
“I grew up knowing very well the different conflicts in the Middle East that not a lot of people talk about,” she said.
sympathies hidden.
The fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad, the rise of social media and the signing of the Abraham Accords, she said, were major turning points for Syria.
She, too, went to Israel with Sharaka.
“For the first time, I saw that people-topeople, peace was happening on the ground,” she said. “So, there is a major shift that is happening in the Arab-speaking countries. Of course there’s still antisemitism. There’s still Al Jazeera,” she said.
All three participants said they faced backlash from friends and family over their work with Sharaka and their belief in peace. During a question-and-answer period, the need for better media in the Middle East and America,
and the necessity of moderates like those working with Sharaka, was discussed.
Julie Paris, StandWithUs’ Mid-Atlantic regional director, said the visit from the Sharaka delegation was the final stop on a college campus multicity tour, whose mission included combatting antisemitism and supporting Israel.
“The urgency of this work has never been clearer; especially with the recent news of Kazakhstan joining the Abraham Accords,” Paris said. “We are hopeful these connections will continue to grow, expanding the circle of peace across the world.”
The Church of the Redeemer discussion, she said, was meant to foster “greater understanding and help our community become better neighbors by listening to diverse voices. The panelists — outstanding educators and bridge-builders from Israel, Bahrain, Morocco and Syria — are heroes who take great risks in speaking up, rejecting extremism, and bravely supporting Israel and the Jewish community.”
StandWithUs, she said, is grateful for Sharaka and hopes to amplify their message.
“By sharing their lived experiences and forging a new path forward based on mutual respect, understanding and an open mind, we prove that our allies and friends are playing a tremendous role in creating a safer, more peaceful future for the Middle East and the world,” she said.
After the roundtable event, the Sharaka representatives met with university students at Hillel JUC in Oakland. PJC
David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
p East End Food Co-op
$14 million. It has more than 17,000 members.
Jeremy Kahn has been a member of the co-op for 15 years. He is running for a position on the board of directors and is against giving in to the union’s demands.
“I see it as opposed to what the co-op stands for, which is inclusion and diversity and welcoming everyone that walks through the door,” he said. “I don’t think the co-op can succeed if it’s going to enact divisive and discriminatory boycotts.”
When speaking at the meeting about his candidacy, Kahn said he would resign as a member of the store if the union’s petition was enacted. His statement wasn’t welcomed by everyone in attendance.
“I’m up there proposing that we have a place where we coexist without yelling at each other and they responded by yelling at me,” he said. “I think that says a lot about what the
motivations are of the people that would argue for this boycott.”
Kahn hopes the board decides not to vote on the boycott, which he believes is within its rights.
“The East End Food Co-op does not engage in divisive, discriminatory boycotts, period. We are not going to put this to a vote, that would be my preferred action,” he said. “The board has a fiduciary responsibility. This boycott could open the co-op up to lawsuits, to legal action that would be bad for the co-op. More importantly than that, though, the co-op cannot entertain the notion of discrimination in its proceedings. That would be wrong.”
According to its bylaws, the board has 30 days to respond to the petition.
Board President Tom Pandaleon acknowledged receipt of the petition at the meeting. The board said its next steps will be to verify
that all the signatures on the petition are valid and from active members. It will also consult an attorney.
According to Shapiro, Pandaleon said several times during the meeting that, ultimately, “majority rules.”
Shapiro isn’t sure what that means.
“Who is the majority?” she asked. “Are we talking about a percentage of the membership? Are we talking about a flat number? Are we talking about the people who vote, the people who come to the meeting in person? It’s not clear and I would say I have the definite feeling that it has not been worked out what the next step is.”
Kahn believes the union doesn’t share that confusion.
“If this boycott passes, they’re saying they’ll welcome me, but only if I think like them and act like them,” he said.
It’s the opposite of community, he said, and contrary to the mission listed on the co-op’s website: To be a full-service grocery store open to everyone.
And, he said, it’s contrary to how he believes those on the other side of the boycott argument should be treated, should the petition be rejected.
“When this is all over, when the boycott is put down, I will welcome them into the co-op with open arms. They are my neighbors. They are part of my community, and I respect their differing views,” Kahn said. PJC
David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
Photo by David Rullo
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Celebrations Wedding Torah
With an abundance of happiness, Paula and Alan Dunn announce the marriage of their son, Scott, to Janine Doherty on Oct. 17, 2025. Janine is the daughter of John and Malu Doherty of Boston. The wedding took place at The Foundry, Long Island City, Queens and was officiated by Scott’s brother, Brian. Scott, a Penn State grad, is CEO of Unicorn and co-founder of Little Chonk. Janine, a Syracuse grad, presently serves as senior art director at BILT Rewards. The couple reside in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and plan to honeymoon in Greece. PJC
The portion of Chayei Sarah, the life of Sarah, begins with her death near the city of Hebron, which still stands today. We are told that she is 127 years old at the time of her death. Her husband, Abraham, cries at her death but is also faced with the duty of finding a burial place for his wife. For that he approaches the Hittites and requests a burial place. Among the Hittites, Abraham is honored and they are happy to comply. Abraham is very specific as to what he wants: land belonging to Ephron the Hittite, the Cave of Machpelah.
Ephron tells Abraham there is no need to purchase the land, he will give it to him. Abraham politely declines and insists on paying the full purchase price in the presence of witnesses. The Torah spends an extraordinary number of verses documenting the history of this transaction. Thus, the transaction can never be disputed.
Our tradition includes the Cave of Machpelah among the three holy locations whose ownership and claims of the Jewish people can never be disputed because they were purchased in valid documented transactions. The other two places are the Temple Mount and the Tomb of Joseph. But getting to the point of finalizing the purchase of Machpelah was one of great anxiety for Abraham. He admits as much while he is trying to get a burial place for his wife and bows low before the Hittites as he negotiates. He is desperate to find a place not just for his wife, but also for himself and the rest of his family. He is desperate to make sure that his wife has a place of honor, perhaps especially considering that he took his son to be sacrificed without informing Sarah.
The Akedah, Abraham’s test by God, is one of the 10 trials that Rambam cites in his list of trials in his commentary on Pirkei Avot. It is the last of the trials, yet as Abraham negotiates the purchase of the gravesite, it seems that he is involved in
yet another trial — one that Rambam did not list, but one that, if unsuccessful, could bring emotional trauma for him and dishonor to his wife and family. So even though he is offered a gift of the land, he knows he must purchase this property outright.
According to Nachmanides in his commentary on Genesis, a person who is tested has the absolute authority to decide which actions to do or not do. The rabbi cites a line from Psalms, “Hashem trieth the righteous” (Psalms 11:5). While God knows that a righteous person will act according to His will, God still wants the person to actually act with righteousness. Every test in the Torah is for the good of one being tested, according to Nachmanides. Every test is a learning experience for the one being tested. The experience of going through the test is a learning experience and, according to some, an example for others to follow.
It is through Abraham’s tests that he develops his sense of who he is in relationship to God, his people and his family. And like the other trials/tests, Abraham passes. And in the process of passing, Abraham teaches us something very important.
In this life, we are all tested, no matter how pious or holy we happen to be. But we can take comfort that God has given us a Torah, ethics and a way of life to help us pass our tests, and by doing so, bringing out the best in ourselves. The effects of passing each test in our lives informs our futures and creates habits of behavior and thought. Some of us run from tests, burying our heads in the sand and pretending like nothing is happening. That is a sure recipe for failure. The act of taking on the test is key to our development as individuals.
Sometimes the tests are not just of one person but an entire community or an entire nation. But when we learn what we can do, as individuals and together, and as we meet our challenges and tests, we are each better equipped to achieve our greatest potential and become the best version of ourselves. PJC
Rabbi Yaier Lehrer is the rabbi of Adat Shalom Synagogue.
Obituaries
COWAN: It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Barton Zalman Cowan, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, who departed this life on Nov. 2 at the age of 91. Bart was born on March 3, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Milton J. and Clara (Umans) Cowan, both teachers. He attended the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) where he earned an economics degree with honors and played trumpet for the Michigan Marching Band, something he continued throughout his life marching with the alumni band at homecom ings. After Michigan, Bart attended Harvard Law School, where he received his J.D. cum laude in 1958 and then served as an officer in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. He went on to join the Pittsburgh-based law firm of Eckert, Seamans & Cherin (later Eckert, Seamans, Cherin & Mellott) in 1961, and worked with Alcoa and other Pittsburgh-based companies, ultimately becoming the chief outside legal counsel for Westinghouse and involved in licensing nuclear power plants, as well as pioneering regulatory reform that led to advances in nuclear plant licensing. Bart was chairman of the lawyers committee of the Atomic Industrial Forum (AIF) and chairman of the Nuclear Management and Resources Council (NUMARC) and was the U.S. representative to the Board of Management of the International Nuclear Law Association (INLA). While at the firm, Bart was an adjunct professor for 12 years at several law schools including Duquesne University and following his retirement joined the faculty at WVU Law School. Throughout his life, Bart found joy in serving others. He served on the board of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and served on the Board of Governors of the Hebrew Union College. His leadership was seen through his serving as president of Rodef Shalom congregation and president of the Pittsburgh chapter of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) among others. Bart cherished most his wife, Teri, to whom he was married for 64 years and was his best friend and confidant. Bart and Teri traveled extensively worldwide and yet almost never missed a Steelers game — a converted Browns fan to his brother Dale’s chagrin. Bart was a devoted father to his three daughters, always making time to offer his guidance, love and support. He cherished his many friendships, loved playing golf and spending time with family on Hilton Head Island. Bart was the loving husband of Teri Cowan, beloved father of Pamela (William Noll, deceased) Cowan, Cynthia (Philip) Stewart, Susan (Ronald) Kraft, brother of Dale (Susan) Cowan, grandfather of Allison Kraft, Julia Kraft, Jason Grant, Amy Kraft, Zea Stewart and Adina Stewart, and great-grandfather of Aubrey Grant-Demarco. Funeral services were held at Rodef Shalom Congregation. Interment at West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE), aane.org/ donate. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. schugar.com
KLEIN: Mimi Klein, 92, of Fox Chapel, formerly of White Oak, passed away Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. She was born Dec. 3, 1932, in Uniontown and was the daughter of the late Herman and Dorothy Angerman. She was a former member of Tree of Life Sfard. She attended the University of Miami. She was the wife of 69 years of the late Burton Klein, who passed away on Jan. 11, 2021. She is survived by her three sons, Jeffrey (Harriet) Klein of New York City, Michael (Janene) Klein of Wexford and David (Sharon) Klein of Kalamazoo, Michigan; grandchildren Elizabeth, Jacob, Julian, Anna and Andrew; great-grandchildren, Blake, Sophie, Judah and James; nieces and nephews. Private graveside service took place Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in the Tree of Life, Elrod Cemetery, Versailles. Arrangements are by Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak. (412) 672-6322 Troy J. Gilbert, director. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
MAHARAM: Stanley Maharam, 72, son of Bess and Aaron Maharam (z’l), passed away on Nov. 10, the 19th of Cheshvan, of complications from Parkinson’s disease. Stanley was born and raised in Pittsburgh. He spent his summers at Camp Ramah in Canada growing up, where he made lifelong friends, and developed a deep love and appreciation for Jewish summer camp. A swimmer and French horn player through high school, he graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School and attended Oberlin College. There, he helped establish the kosher food co-op and watched the Steelers win the Super Bowl via a masterfully rigged up television of which he remained proud for years. After college, Stanley moved
Please see Obituaries, page 20
JOSEPH: Priscilla (Pat) Joseph, (1926-2025). We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved mother, Priscilla (Pat) Joseph, passed away on Oct.18, 2025. She was born in Pittsburgh on Sept. 29, 1926, to Dorothy (Lieberman) Gersmann and Silas Gersmann, who were immigrant refugees from Russia and Romania. Pat grew up in the Highland Park neighborhood of Pittsburgh, attended Taylor Allderdice High School, and graduated from Peabody High School. She went on to earn her degree in mathematics and education from the Pennsylvania College for Women (now Chatham University). She met the love of her life, Herbert Joseph, when she was just 15. A year later, he enlisted in the Army and served in Germany during World War II, fighting the Nazis. After the war, he remained there as an MP at a former concentration camp that had become a Displaced Persons Camp, where he searched in vain for missing family members. Throughout those three long years, Pat wrote to him every single day. When Herbert was discharged, he returned to Pittsburgh, and the two were married six weeks later. They soon welcomed their children, Randy and Judy. Pat devoted herself to raising her family while teaching middle school math part-time and tutoring privately. After her children were grown, Pat worked in curriculum development and as newsletter editor for a women’s shelter supporting survivors of domestic violence. Later, she joined a Braille translation group at Rodef Shalom Congregation, where she became certified by the Library of Congress in both literary and mathematical Braille. She went on to produce Braille textbooks, fiction, and even knitting and crochet patterns. Pat’s guiding values were peace and justice. She marched in Harrisburg for women’s reproductive rights and civil rights, volunteered with organizations supporting people with mental health challenges and contributed to The Promise, which helps provide college tuition for students from low-income families. One of our earliest memories is of her firmly asking a book club member to leave our home after they tried to recruit for the John Birch Society — she never wavered in her convictions. She instilled in us an early love of the arts, taking us to the theater, symphony and museums. Whenever she could, she attended the Pittsburgh Opera, Symphony and Public Theater, and loved visiting the Carnegie Art Museum and The Frick. A lifelong and voracious reader, crossword enthusiast, and devoted knitter and crocheter, she leaves behind many heirloom blankets — warm reminders of her creativity and love. Above all, Pat was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother — known affectionately by all as G.G. She often said that raising her two wonderful children was her greatest accomplishment. She was bold, vibrant, compassionate, a little bossy and very beautiful. Truly, a life well lived. Survived by her daughters Randy Joseph (Michael Crouch) and Judy Joseph; granddaughters Julia Crouch (Sarah Weigle) and Deva Hetrick (Evan Hetrick); and four great-grandchildren, Maya, Sage, Joy and Brooklyn, as well as loving cousins, nieces and nephews and many friends. Services and interment were private. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. schugar.com
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Contact the Development department at 412-586-2690 or development@jaapgh.org for more information. THIS WEEK’S YAHRZEITS —
Sunday November 16: Mayme Altman, Selma Berger, Esther L Carver, Sally Chudacoff, Eva Dizenfeld, Jack A Eckert, Max Feinberg, Stanley Glasser, Max Horovitz, Louis A Levin, Julia Moses, Helene Mueller, Israel J Rudoy, Bernard Samuels, Sam Seminofsky
Monday November 17: Doris Libby Bennett, Joseph Bilder, Max Cohen, Herman A Donofsky, Leah Firestone, Phillip Friedman, Morris Glassman, Betty Grayer, Jennie Iskowich, Harry Jacobs, Bertha Klein, Leon Morris, Polina Novak, Meyer Seiavitch, Irwin Sidler, Fannie G Skirboll, Sidney Stein, Sam Stern, Sam Stone, Marvin Tachna, Joseph Thompson, Mildred Weinberger, Milton Zakowitz
Tuesday November 18: Bessie Lottie Azen, Sylvia Braun, Harry Cukerbaum, Anne Firestone, Julia Goldstein, Louis Greenberg, Zelda Gutmacher, Isaac Klein, William Levy, Joseph Lustig, Jacob S Miller, Gertrude R Nachman, Ruben Nadler, Miriam S Nydes, Max Perr, Philip Rubenstein, Shana Sergie, Ida Sussman, Nettie Touber, Rose Wolovitz
Wednesday November 19: Jeannette Tafel Alman, Charlotte Ginsburg, Hymen L Kaplan, Benjamin Klawansky, Esther S Levine, Lafe B Murstein, Sadie Rossen, Fannie Ruben, Leah W Schlesinger, Helen G Sheinberg, Lena Frieman Sieff, Michael Stone, Rebecca Tillman, Janet Wolper
Thursday November 20: Sam Benowitz, Esther Berschling, Saul Cabin, Fannie Fleischer, Jay David Glasser, Hyman Goldenson, Meyer Helfer, Bella Kalson, Nathan Levenson, Robert Lisker, David London, Alvin Meyers, David Pudles, Ida Radbord, Bette Rudick, Anna Shapira, Edward I Solomon, Jack Joseph Sussman, Harry Edward Traub
Friday November 21: Carol Lee Anatole, Nathan Bliman, Rebecca Needelman Bodek, Sadie Chotiner, Benjamin M . Cohen, Hyman Daly, Rebecca Friedman, Isaac Glick, Dr Henry Goldstein, Selma Goldstein, David Gross, Raymond E Gusky, Hyman H Kimel, Alfred Malt, Alvin Marks, Max Schwimer, Elmer Solomon, David G Tarshis, Dora B Whiteman
Saturday November 22: Sam Birnkrant, Sara Chotiner, Goldie Fishman, Herbert Alvin Haase, Benjamin Himmel, Abraham Korsunsky, Louise Lebby, Adeline Levitt, Isaac Lieb, Mary N Lustig, Annie Mermelstein, Ida Nusin, Fred Nussbaum, Noah Saxen, Raymond Irwin Sloan, Sherwin Smalley, Arthur Speizer
Jewish Association on Aging gratefully acknowledges contributions from the following: A gift from ... In memory of... Anonymous Goldie Fishman Anonymous .Rose Thompson
Obituaries
Obituaries:
Continued from page 19
to Israel where he joined the army and trained as a welder and a tank driver. It was in Israel that he met his wife, Cherie (Lewin), on Yom Ha’Atzmaut in 1977. The two ultimately made their way back to Pittsburgh, where Stanley received his MBA at the University of Pittsburgh. He began working in banking and had a long and successful banking career, eventually becoming a senior vice president at Citizens Bank. But this wasn’t the work he was most proud of; that honor was reserved for his volunteer work. He volunteered for the Rainbow Kitchen and the Hebrew Free Loan Association and chaired the board of directors of Bridgeway Capital. He also served on the board of directors at Beth Shalom Congregation, where his family has been members for over 70 years and both of his daughters had their b’not mitzvah. Beth Shalom awarded him the Young Leadership Award in 1996 and the Nathan E Snader Distinguished Service Award in 2004. Stanley was known for his dry wit, directness, generosity and intolerance for empty rhetoric. He enjoyed playing golf and was a solidly average player. While his ability to communicate verbally was taken from him by Parkinson’s disease, he was still able to give a side eye to his trainer who jokingly requested a line of credit from him just before he passed away. In addition to Cherie, Stanley is survived by his two daughters Alexis and Edie (Matt Styen), two grandchildren, Morgan and Clayton Styen, his older brother David (Janet), niece Jill (Josh Zucker) and nephew Jason, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment Homewood Cemetery. His family thanks Linda Gordon and the staff at the JAA Ahava Memory Care Center who helped us care for him during his final years. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to a charity meaningful to you. Some of his favorites were Beth Shalom Pittsburgh, Rainbow Kitchen, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, or Camp Ramah in Canada. schugar.com
MOSKOVITZ: Jacob “Jack” Moskovitz, on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. Cherished brother of Sheila M. Lawrence and brother-in-Law of Ken Lawrence. Jack was a 1965 graduate of Carnegie High School, and a 1970 graduate of Duquesne University, earning an M.Ed., also from Duquesne, in 1972. Jack worked on the staff of the Carlynton School System for more than 30 years. Graveside service and interment were held at Beth Shalom Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Congregation Ahavath Achim, 500 Chestnut Street, Carnegie, PA 15106. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. schugar.com
NOTOVITZ: Matthew Notovitz, on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Beloved son of Frani (and loving stepdad, Bob) Wyner of Monroeville, and Wes Notovitz. Loving brother of Samuel (Jane) Notovitz, Bob Notovitz, Jessica Wyner and Sam (Brittany) Wyner. Cherished grandson of “Papa” Michael Sciulli and his beloved grandmother, the late Marta Sciulli. Matthew is also survived by loving Aunt Roz, Uncles Stanley and Bernie Fudor, his godparents Barbara and Sam Klein. Matthew was a loving, kind, caring person. He was a warrior through his battle with Crohn’s disease. He was loved by his brothers, and adored by his grandmother, Marta. She called him her “heart.” Matthew had a beloved pet Mya, who saw him through his struggles. He never gave up fighting. Even in his worst days, he tried to find hope even when he felt defeated. His strength and courage was to be admired. He was always willing to help anyone at any time. He never wanted to disappoint anyone, he showed up even when he knew it was a bad day. He engaged in conversation even when he was at a loss of words, thoughts or concentration. He was wise beyond his years. He was loved and cared for by all. Services and interment were private. Contributions in memory of Matthew may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, 6425 Living Place, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. schugar.com
Sidney Rosen, age 94, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, surrounded by his daughters, Cheryl Levin, Lynda (Marc) Turko, and Pam (Paul) Volz. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wilma. Sid was sociable and popular from a young age. He served as class president from third grade through his senior year at Taylor Allderdice High School. After college, he became a hardworking businessman, from running Rosen’s Bar with his older brother Al in the Hill District to owning Lubin & Smalley Florists downtown for more than three decades. Sid remembered everything. He always loved to tell a good story. Most of all, Sid cherished his family. In addition to his wife and daughters, he was the proud Poppa to his grandchildren Sarah Levin (Ian Fishman), Laura Levin (David Lowe), Erika (Barron) Dickinson, Alex (Ashley) Turko, Harrison Volz and Noah (Jessica) Volz, and great-grandchildren Mae and Lou Fishman, Benjamin Levin-Lowe, Brady and Riley Dickinson, Beckett, Campbell, Davis and Fitzpatrick Turko, and Charlie Volz. He is also survived by nephews Mark and Steve Rosen. Graveside services and interment were held at Beth Shalom Cemetery. Donations can be made to UPMC Family Hospice (Family Hospice, Development Department, 700 Bower Hill Road, Suite 1405, Pittsburgh, PA 15243) or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. schugar.com PJC
Real Estate
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Life & Culture
A stitch of kindness: How one woman is wrapping Pittsburgh in warmth
By Deborah Weisberg | Special to the Chronicle
Fran Fall is making Pittsburgh cozier one stitch at a time.
For 27 years, the retired elementary school teacher has been knitting scarves and, more recently, headwraps for those in need, turning a longtime hobby into a labor of love.
Through her friend Zivia Wilkes, a deaconess at Central Baptist Church in the Hill District, Fall’s wraps have found their way to women’s shelters, homeless missions and anyone who can use a wearable hug.
“I get pleasure out of knitting and I know people are happy to have something that helps keep them warm at this time of year,” said Fall, 82, who lives in Squirrel Hill and is a member of Congregation Dor Hadash.
Her project evolved after she retired from a decades-long career that included Pittsburgh Public Schools, Community Day School and Yeshiva Schools.
Fall learned to knit from her mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law, and made a lot of sweaters over the years. Her latest projects have included a sweater and hats for her infant great-grandson. She is an avid needle-pointer, too, having stitched belts, bar mitzvah tallis bags, pictures, pillows, and other items for her
husband, three daughters, three grandsons and granddaughter.
“I’m addicted to the needle, but it’s the right kind of needle,” she quipped.
After retiring in 1998, Fall focused her knitting on scarves for herself, family and friends. When a former colleague mentioned she was collecting items for people experiencing hardship, Fall was eager to donate.
She got the idea for headwraps when she saw one at Chatham University’s bookstore during granddaughter Danni’s freshman orientation.
“I bought it and used it as the prototype for making my own,” Fall said. “They became even more in demand than my scarves, so I switched to headwraps, exclusively.”
People like them because they keep ears warm without mussing hair. Fall likes that she can knit a wrap in a couple of evenings while watching
TV, “and I have something to show for my time.”
She knits year-round and even takes projects with her on vacations. She buys yarn in bulk, stocking up during sales, “but if I run out,” she said, “I figure, what the heck, and buy it anyway. I want to keep my project going.”
Fall picks fibers and colors that appeal to her and has fun putting leftover yarns together in interesting combinations.
“I like to mix up the stitches, and the sizes of the wraps. Some are wider than others,” said Fall, who uses soft, washable yarns. “Wool is too scratchy.”
She averages five dozen wraps a year.
On occasion, she has fulfilled a special request, like when the security guard at a nursing facility sent word through Wilkes that he’d like a wrap to match his uniform.
The wraps are stylish and practical, and something to treasure because they are handmade, said Wilkes, 62. “In a store, they’d be expensive.”
Fall got to know Wilkes when she was caregiving Fall’s sister,and the two became friends as well as partners in a mission.
Through Wilkes, Fall could expand her outreach.
“I saw what Fran was making and told her that I go to different facilities with my church the fourth Saturday of every month, and she started making more wraps for me to give away,” said Wilkes, who heads the Central Baptist
women’s ministry.Wilkes keeps the wraps in the trunk of her car and makes spontaneous gifts if she spots someone in need. “I can be driving down the street and if a kid looks cold I ask do they want one,” she said.
She is seldom refused.
Wilkes recalls a wintry day she was driving through East Liberty and saw a girl of about 10 or 11 years without a hat waiting for a bus.
“I rolled down my window and asked ‘You cold? Do you need something to put on your head?’And she said, ‘Yes.’ So I opened the trunk of the car and told her to pick a wrap.”
There were so many, the girl was overwhelmed at first, not knowing which to choose, Wilkes recalled. “I told her to take any one she wanted and then she asked if she could have a couple more, for her brother and sister.”
“Next time I saw her, she recognized my car, tapped on my window and asked for one for her mom.”
Wilkes’ church distributes clothing, and serves lunch every day but Sunday to anyone in need.
The wraps are just one more way to spread love, Wilkes said.
“It may not seem like much but they bring a smile to someone’s face. What people need more than anything is kindness, and to know that someone cares.” PJC
Deborah Weisberg is a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh.
p Fran Fall and dozens of her homemade headwraps Photo courtesy of Lee Schwebel
Community
Making the most of moka
More than 30 Jewish students from Carnegie Mellon University met on campus for coffee
abled students to enjoy a unique mobile coffee
Chabad Young Professionals hosted New Moon Circle. The monthly gathering, for women, celebrates the start of each Jewish month by allowing participants to explore the month’s energy, engage in lively
Such fine skills
Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh Support Services partnered with the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Occupational Therapy for a hands-on project with kindergarten students. While conducting fine motor and visual processing screenings, Pitt OT students developed clinical skills and enabled kindergarteners to explore coordination, balance and dexterity through play-based tasks.
p
Photo courtesy of Chabad Young Professionals
Photo courtesy of Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh
Students and parents from the religious school serving Temple Sinai, Rodef
Photo courtesy of Rabbi Larry Freedman
Learning at all ages
Chabad at Pitt hosted dinner, discussion and a baby-holding opportunity.
