Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle 1-19-24 by Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle

January 19, 2024 | 9 Shevat 5784

Candlelighting 5:04 p.m. | Havdalah 6:07 p.m. | Vol. 67, No. 3 | pittsburghjewishchronicle.org

100 days: Community gathers in unity, honors politicians, as hostage nightmare continues

NOTEWORTHY LOCAL A new face at CDS

Demolition set to begin at Tree of Life building

Casey Weiss chosen as head of school LOCAL

Page 2

District 12 primary field broadens  Demolition equipment is on site at the Tree of Life building. Photo by Maureen Kelly Busis  Vigil organizers Julie Paris and David Dvir stand with Sen. John Fetterman at a vigil marking 100 days in captivity for the hostages held in Gaza. Photo by Toby Tabachnick By Toby Tabachnick | Editor

Meet Laurie MacDonald Page 3

LOCAL Volunteering during war in Israel

Pittsburghers share their stories Page 4

LOCAL Volunteers of the year!

A celebration of those who do good Page 8

he chant “Bring them home!” echoed over and over again Sunday morning as about 250 community members — a standing-room-only crowd — packed into the Jewish Community Center of Squirrel Hill’s Levinson Hall for a solidarity gathering marking the 100th day of captivity for the remaining 132 hostages held by Hamas. On Oct. 7 — “Black Shabbat,” to Israelis — thousands of terrorists invaded Israel, brutally murdered 1,200 people and hauled 240 others off to Gazan tunnels. The IDF believes 25 of those hostages are dead. About 110 were released, many of whom have testified about the inhumane conditions imposed by the terrorists on their captives. A dedicated team of local community members, led by Squirrel Hill businessman David Dvir and Julie Paris, the Mid-Atlantic regional director of StandWithUS, have organized vigils every Sunday to remember and support the hostages. The rallies are typically held on the corner of Murray Avenue and Darlington Road in Squirrel Hill and draw crowds of 60 to 100 people or more. Various speakers share their stories, prayers and their connections to the people and the land of Israel. The gatherings always conclude with the singing of “Hatikvah” and “The StarSpangled Banner.” Sunday’s vigil — held indoors courtesy

of the JCC and with support from the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh — commenced with an emotional introduction by Paris as she described the agony of the Jewish people since Oct. 7 and implored the community to remain involved. “We are a people in limbo,” she said. “As long as the hostages remain inside Gaza and Israel fights an existential threat, we cannot stop our activism and our work. We must educate ourselves, stand up for ourselves and take action. It is our duty and our responsibility to the hostages and all of the generations of Jews who fought their own battle for survival before us, and for our own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “This is a fight of our generation,” she continued. “We must stand united and proud with Israel.” Paris thanked the politicians present at the vigil and standing in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people: U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, Rep. Chris Deluzio, Edgewood Borough Councilmember Bhavini Patel (who is challenging Rep. Summer Lee in the District 12 race for Congress), Pennsylvania state Rep. Abigail Salisbury, District 5 City Councilmember Barb Warwick, City Controller Rachael Heisler and a representative from U.S. Senator Bob Casey’s office. She also acknowledged state Rep. Dan Frankel, who “has been a champion for our Please see Vigil, page 12

By David Rullo | Senior Staff Writer

he corner of Shady and Wilkins avenues will soon look very different. That’s because demolition will begin at the Tree of Life building by the end of January. In fact, an observant eye might have noticed the arrival of demolition equipment, like earth-moving vehicles and forklifts, already at the site. Nearly 80% of the existing structure will be removed, according to Michael Bernstein, chair of Tree of Life Inc.’s Interim Governance Committee. “The Daniel Libeskind design preserves the sanctuary walls, but the rest of it is really all new construction,” he said. “The process will take several months to complete and, by the end of that, it will be, for the most part, a level lot with the sanctuary walls preserved allowing us to then begin construction in earnest.” Libeskind is the chief architect of the reimagined Tree of Life, working in collaboration with local firm Rothschild Doyno Collaborative. He is the founder of the world-renowned Studio Libeskind. Over the last several months, Bernstein said, Tree of Life has removed everything of value that the congregation wants to save, as well as items that could be donated. “The building is a shell,” he said. “We’ve been conducting asbestos remediation and preparation for the demolition.” Please see Tree of Life, page 12

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Headlines Casey Weiss succeeds Avi Baran Munro to head CDS — LOCAL — By Justin Vellucci | Special to the Chronicle

ommunity Day School soon will be helmed by a new head of school. Its board of directors voted “overwhelmingly” to hire Casey Weiss — a CDS alumna and Hillel Academy’s assistant principal for fifth- through 12th-graders — to succeed Head of School Avi Baran Munro, who is retiring after a 20-year run as the school’s leader. After spending time with three candidates for the position, “it became clear that Casey has a way of connecting with individuals, whether it’s community members, parents, teachers, students,” board President Evan Indianer said. “They just gravitate to her. She’s inspiring — there’s an excitement she brings to the people around her.” Weiss, a firefighter’s wife and mother of two, joined Hillel Academy’s administration in 2022 after seven years teaching fourth-grade English at Pittsburgh Colfax Elementary School. She started teaching in September 2013, working with preschoolers at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. Weiss, the second-eldest daughter of Jewish community stalwarts Amy and Lou Weiss, also serves as an adjunct professor at Carlow University and has earned her doctorate from Duquesne University. Weiss plans to grow academic excellence at the roughly 285-student school but also focus on improving school resources through broadened fundraising, embracing the school’s pluralistic Jewish views and ensuring CDS’ longtime financial health. While she plans to do a lot of learning and listening in her first months on the job, Weiss said she hopes to strengthen something she calls central to CDS: its place in Pittsburgh’s Jewish community.

p Casey Weiss

Photo courtesy of Casey Weiss

“It’s right in the name — Community Day School. The first word is community … and I think the possibilities are endless,” said Weiss, who lives in Squirrel Hill and attends services at Congregation Beth Shalom and Congregation Shaare Torah. “It’s ‘This is your community, this is your library, this is your park, this is your school campus.’ And it extends so much further.” “One of our roles as Jews is to be a light,” she added, “and for our students to be lights onto others.” The head of school position, Weiss said, “is not a job. It’s my calling.” Community Day School received 14 applications for the head of school post, said Shiri Friedman, who chaired the school board’s selection committee. The committee interviewed 11 of the 14 applicants, then narrowed the field in the second round to seven candidates, Friedman said. The final three applicants included Weiss, an administrator from the Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School in Los Angeles and a head of school from a Jewish day school in Kansas City. Each came to Pittsburgh to meet

students, parents, CDS staff and community stakeholders. Town hall-style sessions were held with each candidate. CDS received more than 250 feedback forms from the sessions, Friedman said. “I’m really pleased with how the process was run,” said Friedman, who graduated from CDS in 1992. “Ultimately, we made a good decision that reflects the values of this school.” Gabe Perlow has known Weiss most of his life and feels her dedication to Pittsburgh’s Jewish community and its values “are beyond reproach.” He attended all three candidates’ town halls but “was blown away” by Weiss. “To me, it was like having the opportunity to draft Sidney Crosby,” said Perlow, a CDS parent. “You don’t entertain trades or other candidates, you simply run the card up to the podium and make the selection of the franchise player.” Weiss said she plans to complete the academic year at Hillel but will be working with — and learning from — Munro during the transition. “I’m so humbled to learn from such a mensch,” Weiss said. “This is my time to listen. I really plan to listen intentionally to her wisdom and learn what has worked so well.” Parents at Hillel Academy are losing “a master educator and administrator,” said Mordechai (Michael) Milch, a parent at the Squirrel Hill school. “Her ability to communicate at the highest level with staff, parents and students — and always with a smile — is what separates her from the rest,” Milch said. “We wish her much mazel and hatzlacha.” Weiss’ sister placed her selection as head of school in a larger Jewish education context. “In light of Oct. 7, but really always, there’s nothing — nothing — more important for the future of Jewish life than Jewish education,” said Bari Weiss, a former New York Times staffer who founded and edits The Free Press. “It needs to be learned and warm and loving, and

it needs to be deeply Jewish and proud. Casey Weiss is all those things. And I am unspeakably proud to be her sister.” “I used to think I was something,” she added. “Then, I walked around Pittsburgh with Casey and realized I’m with the mayor of Squirrel Hill!” Munro leaves behind a treasured legacy at CDS, several people in the Jewish community told the Chronicle. A curriculum coordinator and lower school head from 1991 to 1997, Munro became head of school 20 years ago after working as a teacher educator at the Jewish Teacher Institute. Munro’s four children all attended CDS. “A 20-year tenure as head of school is no small feat,” Munro told the Chronicle. “Any celebration of accomplishments must credit whoever was on staff at the time because none of this was accomplished on my own.” Under Munro, the school created its early childhood program, launched its “Mensch” project acknowledging behavior expectations, and completed the Gary & Nancy Tuckfelt Keeping Tabs Holocaust Sculpture. Munro said she took over leadership of the school in 2004 much as Weiss will be doing in 2024 — as “a strong educator from within the community without prior head of school experience.” “My advice to her will be to approach this position as a great gift and privilege, and to encounter every challenge with humility and curiosity, as a learning opportunity,” Munro said. “Casey has proven that she is a lifelong learner,” she added. “And I commit to her and to the school that I will continue to be a supporter, cheerleader and active volunteer in any way that might serve to support the school and her leadership.” PJC Justin Vellucci is a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh.

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Headlines Laurie MacDonald wants to serve Pennsylvania as a moderate Democrat — LOCAL — By David Rullo | Senior Staff Writer

aurie MacDonald has a good reason for challenging incumbent Rep. Summer Lee in Pennsylvania’s 12 District. “Because I’m the best candidate,” she said when asked why she would enter a primary race that already includes Lee and challenger Bhavini Patel. MacDonald is the president and CEO of the Center for Victims, the state’s largest victim service organization, according to its website. The Carnegie Mellon University graduate and McKeesport native previously served as the president of the Elizabeth Forward School Board, on the financing committee of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, was a board member of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Allegheny County Community Justice Advisory Board, as well as the McKeesport Carnegie Library and Allegheny Intermedia Unit. “I’m at the point in my career where I’m not ready to retire and have more to offer,” MacDonald said. “My past experience, with all of these entities, has helped me to see where the gaps in service are, the lack of focusing on root causes and just putting Band-Aids on things.”

p Laurie MacDonald (center) is entering the race to unseat incumbent Summer Lee. MacDonald stands with Center for Victims receptionist Julia Stanton (left) and Director of the Healing Rivers Project Gail Fleckenstein. Photo by David Rullo

MacDonald believes a member of Congress should represent all groups and not put the priorities of one community over another, she said. “That was my impetus for joining this race,” she said. “It wasn’t something I planned to do, but I’ve watched my opponent [Lee] talk about Title IX, I’ve watched her talk about the Israel-Palestine conflict. She’s just divisive. It doesn’t make sense what she says. She’s not coming from a place of knowledge, and she just espouses her opinions which, from my perspective, are not the opinions of the people of this community.”

Lee, she said, is most interested in being a “Squad” member and “changing the climate of America.” “And not in the way I would like to see it changed,” MacDonald said. “Which is why I decided to run.” While she understands the concern that her entering the race now may simply split the anti-Lee vote, MacDonald said she believes she is the best candidate. “I’m the most experienced, I’m the most moderate,” she said. “One thing I’ve learned in my career: If you want to get something done, you build consensus,

you build bridges. You talk with people, even people you don’t like. You work with them. You get the job done. But all this namecalling and bullying and criticizing, I can’t stand it.” Patel, MacDonald opined, lacks experience. “You can’t go from being a college student to a congressman,” she said. “In my book, that’s unacceptable.” Patel earned a master’s in international relations from the University of Oxford in 2019, then went on to serve on the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Advisory Board, as a Biden delegate for the 2020 Democratic National Convention, on the Edgewood Borough Council and as the community outreach manager for Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. MacDonald said she has a wealth of experience, including running as a Republican against Sean Logan for a state Senate seat in 2000. During her time as a school board member, she often built relationships with people with whom she didn’t initially agree, she said. During her tenure at the Center for Victims, she said, she worked with people and organizations across the city. “I don’t talk about diversity — I walk the walk,” she said. “I serve victims from Please see MacDonald, page 21

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Join your fellow snowbirds to hear H. Arnold and Adrien B. Gefsky Community Scholar Rabbi Dr. Danny Schiff speak about his personal experience living in Israel after the October 7th attack. Rabbi Schiff has two children currently serving in the IDF and intelligence services. Additionally, Director of Community Security Shawn Brokos will discuss the rise in antisemitism and the ripple effect of the war in Israel on security in Pittsburgh. Invited are donors who make a minimum commitment of $1,000 to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s 2024 Community Campaign. For questions, please call Patti Dziekan at 412-992-5221 or email pdziekan@jfedpgh.org.

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Headlines Pittsburghers return home inspired by missions in Israel — LOCAL — By Adam Reinherz and David Rullo | Senior Staff Writers

he desire to stand with Israel led several Pittsburghers 6,000 miles east and into spaces ramshackled by Hamas’ attacks three months earlier. While joining missions organized by World Mizrachi and the Jewish Federations of North America, members of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community visited kibbutzim in the Gaza envelope, spoke with survivors of the Israel-Hamas war and attempted to bolster the Israeli economy. Squirrel Hill resident Oren Levy traveled to the Jewish state weeks ago alongside members of Congregations Poale Zedeck and Shaare Torah. Each interaction with an Israeli resulted in “amazement and surprise,” Levy said. “The families of those affected, the soldiers, the people we met, couldn’t believe that we came from America just to show support. It made them feel very cared for.” Levy said that spending time with injured soldiers was deeply impactful, and that even after returning home he continues to send the soldiers words of encouragement. Brian Eglash, senior vice president and chief development officer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, traveled to Israel in December alongside Federation board chair Jan Levinson as part of a national Federation solidarity mission. Eglash called the trip “absolutely unbelievable” and essential to “bearing witness to what’s going on.” He met with survivors of the Oct. 7 attacks during hospital visits, and traveled to the kibbutzim that were terrorized. “The carnage was horrific: 1,200 murdered, more than 240 kidnapped, almost 7,000 injured. The trauma is so deep,” he said. Eglash formerly served in the Israel Defense Forces. Witnessing the remnants of blown-out buildings and residences in the southern kibbutzim was challenging given his former combat duties, he said: “We fired RPGs against tanks, not against homes or humans.” Levinson said conversations with friends revealed a sense of bewilderment. During a visit to Pittsburgh’s “sister city” of Karmiel and Misgav, Levinson met with a longtime acquaintance who told him that he moved to northern Israel “because he wanted to be a pioneer, that he believed in shared society, had a lot of Arab friends and was trying to make a

p From left: Anna Yolkut, Etti Martel, Laurie Klitsner, Yisrael p Reid Simmons and his daughter Rachel recently visited Israel Klitsner, Michael Milch and Rabbi Yitzi Genack gather during a to visit family and volunteer. Photo courtesy of Reid Simmons recent mission to Israel. Photo courtesy of Rabbi Yitzi Genack

society that everybody could live in.” Levinson said his friend reiterated that the events of Oct. 7 caused “his whole world to blow up.” The people in Israel feel “very alone and very isolated,” Levinson added. “They need our support.” The Federation has raised about $7.5 million dollars through its Israel Relief Fund, Eglash said. While the money helps “those in need” through Federation’s international partners, Eglash and Levinson found another way to lend assistance during their stay in the Jewish state: They volunteered for a tomato farmer. “There’s no one to pick tomatoes and he needed our help,” Levinson said. Since Oct. 7, Israel has experienced economic and agricultural challenges. Nearly 30% of Israel’s agricultural areas are in regions primarily affected by battle. Resulting food loss stems from a reduction of approximately 30,000 foreign and Palestinian workers (almost 40% of Israel’s agricultural-related workforce), according to a report from Leket Israel. “Israel’s economy is having a really hard time,” Squirrel Hill resident Michael Milch said. “I feel like giving tzedakah (charity) and spending money there is literally my calling right now.” Milch has traveled to Israel three times since Oct. 7. “My biggest takeaway is that people need to go if they can,” he said. During a recent trip organized by World Mizrachi, Milch and congregants of Poale Zedeck and Shaare Torah met Mia Schem, one of more than 240 hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7. Schem was among the 105 captives released during a temporary ceasefire in November. “Sitting with Mia Schem and having a conversation with her, and other people there, is something you cannot have in

p From left: Etti Martel hugs released hostage Mia Schem.

Photo courtesy of Etti Martel

America,” Milch said. Israeli-American and Squirrel Hill resident Etti Martel also met Schem during the recent mission. “I was shaking looking at her,” Martel said. “She noticed I was shaking and told me not to cry. I was there to comfort her, but she was comforting me.” The mission was essential, Martel said, as is returning to Israel. On Oct. 7, Martel, her husband and their children were celebrating Simchat Torah with family in Jerusalem. When the war began, “me and my older kids were in fear. Nobody was leaving their house,” she said. “The next three days in Israel were miserable for me and my kids. Everything was closed, even the shuk. My kids were scared. They said they didn’t want to go back to Israel.” Days after the Israel-Hamas war started, the Martels traveled back to Squirrel Hill. “I had a lot of guilt,” Martel said. “There was a lot of crying. It was very emotional.” When Shaare Torah’s Rabbi Yitzi Genack approached Martel months later about returning to the Jewish state on a mission, she immediately agreed. “As an Israeli living so far away from my family, and the guilt of that, I was able to get some strength,” she said. “We are so worried here, but they are so strong there. They have been through hell and yet they are still comforting us.” Reid Simmons and his daughter, Rachel, traveled to Israel nearly three months after Hamas’ terrorist attack, spending Dec. 25 to Jan. 3 in the country. The pair visited Simmons’ family while volunteering. “We did a number of meal packing activities there, mostly for soldiers for Shabbat meals,” he said. They also worked on farms near Netanya, picking strawberries and pruning plants, as well

p Jan Levinson, left and Brian Eglash, right, join Amir, a farmer in Moshav Zekharia, while picking cherry tomatoes.

Photo courtesy of Brian Eglash

JANUARY 19, 2024

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

as sorting and packing scallions. Simmons said the Israelis he spoke with were stressed and concerned, but that after three months, life has begun to return to normal. “There were people with children in the military who were very concerned,” he said, “but we would see people go to restaurants, shopping. It was a fairly normal atmosphere with an undercurrent of concern, but people are trying to get on with their lives.” Most Israelis, Simmons said, were hyper-aware of the Israel-bashing going on around the globe. “They realize they have to do things on their own,” he said. “They’re not going to be able to expect the support and sympathy of the rest of the world.” Rabbi Amy Bardack visited Israel in December as part of a Rabbinical Assembly mission. The organization represents approximately 1,600 Conservative rabbis around the world. The trip included 24 rabbis. “The goals were to support our colleagues, Conservative rabbis in Israel, who are managing their own pastoral care with their own people, to get an understanding of the situation on the ground and all the people who’ve been affected by Oct. 7 and to ‘bear witness’ — meaning listening and learning,” Bardack said. She was based in Jerusalem but spent time exploring other parts of the country. “We toured one of the kibbutzim on the Gaza envelope, Kfar Aza,” she said. “We spent time in Be’er Sheva, which is also in the south.” Among several other stops, mission participants visited a home for neglected and abused children; volunteered by helping soldiers on temporary leave; and met with a rabbi and congregants at a Conservative synagogue. Bardack said she is still processing what she learned, which is why she thinks the mission provided an important service: listening to their colleagues. “They were in the stage of acute traumatic response,” she said. “They were still reeling with ‘How could this have happened’ and still dealing with what tomorrow would bring. It was very raw, even more than two months after the attack.” She likened the experience to a shiva call. “Just being there with empathy and stepping into somebody’s pain, that was really it,” Bardack said. “Our presence was comforting for people. We heard that over and over again.” PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org. David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org. PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Headlines Life of chaplaincy leads Rabbi Kara Tav back to Pittsburgh — LOCAL — By Adam Reinherz | Senior Staff Writer

he first time Rabbi Kara Tav came to Pittsburgh was for her husband’s schooling. The second time was for her healing. During the 23-year interim, Tav, 54, became a rabbi and chaplain. Representing spirituality and Judaism in hospitals and classrooms was a natural extension of her earlier studies. As a child growing up in Kitchener, Ontario, Kav imagined undertaking similar charges. The difficulty, she said, was that the model didn’t exist. Women didn’t become rabbis — not because anyone barred the practice but because the matter wasn’t addressed, she said: “It wasn’t a thing, but I wrote in my journal when I was a little girl, ‘It’s too bad that God doesn’t like girls as much as boys because I would make a great rabbi.’” Tav went off to college and later attended Columbia University for graduate school. She became an educator and focused on curriculum development and teaching before moving to Israel during the “very fraught Oslo years,” she said. “I met my husband, Kobi, and we built a life together, and then the prime minister got assassinated.” Yitzhak Rabin’s 1995 death prompted the young couple to reevaluate their future.

p Kobi Tav, Rabbi Kara Tav and Ella Tav during their first stay in Pittsburgh

Photo courtesy of Rabbi Kara Tav

“We looked at each other and said, ‘We’ve got to do something for the Jewish world, and I don’t think we can do it from here,” Tav recalled. They traveled to Romania in 1996 and spent a year working with its Jewish community. There had been the Holocaust, then 50 years of communism, “and then we showed up," she said. “It was really an enormous gift and challenge.” “The kids,” as they were called in Romania, finished the year and decided to come to Pittsburgh. “Kobi had always wanted to be in academics, and I was getting more serious about working in Jewish communal life,” Tav said. They rented an old row house on Phillips Avenue in Squirrel Hill and Tav accepted a job at Congregation Beth Shalom.

“I ran their Hebrew school, the religious school, which was an amazing production for a young idealistic person,” she said. In the late 1990s, there were close to 250 students and a team of teachers at the school; classes met three days a week, with services on the weekends and holidays. “It was a very vibrant and exciting time to be in the Pittsburgh Jewish community,” she said. Kobi finished graduate school and the couple, along with their young daughter, moved to Cleveland. Tav decided her career path needed to grow and that rabbinic ordination was the means. “So we sold everything we owned — except our car, our books and not much else. We moved to New York City, and rented a two-bedroom apartment on the Upper West Side,” she said. The family stayed there for 18 years. During rabbinical school at the Jewish Theological Seminary, Tav became a chaplain, “which became my life’s work,” she said. She served different sites, before accepting her first “really big job” at a veterans hospital in Manhattan. Tav spent an enjoyable year there, but because of her Canadian status “couldn’t be hired full-time,” she said. She then worked as a multifaith chaplain at Elmhurst Hospital, a level 1 trauma center in Queens. “It was an interesting role for a rabbi because there was a certain amount of strength in being a Jewish professional who was working

inside a very multinational universe as a Jewish professional,” she said. Citywide layoffs led to the decimation of her department, she said: “I was one of the masses.” Tav then took a job as manager of spiritual care and a palliative care chaplain at NYU Langone in Brooklyn. Two weeks later, the pandemic erupted. That period, she explained, isn’t the easiest to discuss. Tav told the Chronicle that she doesn’t like saying she was “on the front lines” because the “expression is overused.” The problem with avoiding that terminology, though, “is I spent all day, every day, on the front lines.” “I saw and I attended to hundreds of deaths, and some tragic endings, and supported families and staff members through probably one of the worst times in recent history,” she continued. “It was a lot.” As head chaplain in the hospital, Tav was continuously on her feet. Besides her commute, which involved four subway trains in each direction, she walked about 20,000 steps in protective gear every day, she said. “Now keep in mind, I’m entirely wrapped in plastic. And I’m new, and nobody knows who I am. I’m like a plastic thing, along with all the other plastic things, sort of shuffling along in the hallway,” she said. “I would come into the emergency department and I would go to where the chairs were, where people were Please see Tav, page 12

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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. q FRIDAY, JAN. 19 Join Chabad of South Hills for Shabbos of Unity: A Community Friday Night Dinner — an evening of unity, prayer and strength. Celebrate Shabbat in support and protective merit of our brothers and sisters in the holy land and for the safe return of our hostages. Candle lighting, Kabbalat Shabbat, and Shabbat dinner. 5 p.m. $25/adult; $15/child. RSVP required. chabadsh.com/unity. Join Temple Sinai for a Tot Shabbat Service & Dinner. Are you looking for an informal, inviting way to teach your little ones about Shabbat and connect with other families? Join Cantor David Reinwald, Rabbi Daniel Fellman and Danie Oberman for this exciting service. Contact Danie Oberman at Danie@ templesinaipgh.org or 412-421-9715, ext. 121. 5 p.m. 5505 Forbes Ave. templesinaipgh.org. q SUNDAY, JAN. 21 Join Tree of life Congregation to celebrate Tu B’Shevat. Enjoy an edible seder and plant parsley which can be used as part of your own Pesach seder plate, connecting seder to seder. 11 a.m. Freehoff Hall, 4905 Fifth Ave. Register at treeoflifepgh.org. q SUNDAYS, JAN. 21 – DEC. 29 Join a lay-led online parshah study group to discuss the week’s 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. q SUNDAYS, JAN. 21, 28 Join Chabad of the South Hills for Babyccino: A chic meet for moms and tots. Learn about the four holy cities in Israel through music, movement, arts, sensor and heaps of play. 10:30 a.m. $12/class. 1701 McFarland Road. chabadsh.com/babyccino. Chabad of Pittsburgh presents the Jewish Children’s Discovery Center. Girls and boys grades 3-5 will practice cake-decorating skills while learning about the holy temple and what its beautiful golden vessels can teach us today. Girls and boys grades K-2 will create and decorate a wooden mitzvah house while learning about the holy temple and the values it represents. Girls and boys ages 3 and 4 will touch, taste, hear and feel their way through a journey of Jewish values and traditions. With weekly storytelling, crafts, music and games, this class is sure to get out all the morning wiggles. Grades K-5: $60/4-week session; ages 3-4; $10/class. Noon. chabadpgh.com. q SUNDAYS, JAN. 21 – DEC. 29 Join a lay-led online parshah study group to discuss the week’s 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. q MONDAYS, JAN. 22 – FEB. 5 Join Rabbis Sharyn Henry and Jessica Locketz for Wise Aging Group, a five-session experience designed for Jewish adults 55 and older who are open to conversations about what it means not just to get older, but to age wisely. 7 p.m. $72. 4905 Fifth Ave. rodefshalom.org/wiseaging.

most important things that a Jew can learn. In Torah 2, Schiff will explore the second half of Leviticus and all of Numbers and Deuteronomy. 9:30 a.m. $225. Zoom. jewishpgh.org/event/torah-2-2/2023-10-09.

also include a Gift of Life Bone Marrow Drive. Registration is required with group code UG0020027. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. bethshalompgh.org/ quarterly-blood-drive.

q MONDAYS, JAN. 22 – DEC. 28 Join Congregation Beth Shalom for a weekly Talmud study. 9:15 a.m. For more information, visit bethshalompgh.org.

q WEDNESDAY, JAN. 31 Join Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle Senior Staff Writer David Rullo as he discusses his book “Gen X Pittsburgh: The Beehive and the 90s Scene.” 7 p.m. Mt. Lebanon Public Library, 16 Castle Shannon Blvd. mtlebanon.librarycalendar.com/event/gen-x-bookchat-dave-rullo-1023.

q TUESDAYS, JAN. 23 – FEB. 20 Join Chabad of the South Hills for Kosher in the Kitchen, a kosher cooking experience for your little chef. Ages 4-11, divided into age-appropriate groups. 5:30 p.m. $18/class; $60/full four-week session. Registration includes signature “kids in the kitchen” apron. 1701 McFarland Road. chabadsh.com/kidscooking. q WEDNESDAYS, JAN. 24 – FEB. 21 Join Rabbi Jonathan Perlman for Fun with Rashi: Torah Insights of a Medieval Scholar, a six-week introduction to the most famous of all medieval Torah commentaries that will become the foundation of much Jewish thought and strategy concerning the reading of sacred sources. Students will develop critical skills learned from greatest of the first wave of commentaries and understand how they influenced Judaism in generations to come. Please bring a Tanakh to class. Register required by emailing janet@ newlightcongregation.org. q WEDNESDAYS, JAN. 24 – MAY 15 The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh virtually presents two Melton courses back-to-back: “Ethics” and Crossroads.” In “Ethics,” learn how Jewish teachings shed light on Jewish issues. “Crossroads” will present an emphasis on reclaiming the richness of Jewish history. 7 p.m. $300 for this 25-session series (book included). jewishpgh.org/series/meltonethics-crossroads. q WEDNESDAYS, JAN. 24 – DEC. 18 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. Temple Sinai’s Rabbi Daniel Fellman presents a weekly Parshat/Torah portion class on site and online. Call 412-421-9715 for more information and the Zoom link. q THURSDAYS, JAN. 25 – FEB. 8 Bring your lunch and join Cantor Toby Glaser for Lunch Time Liturgy to look at the prayers of Kabbalat Shabbat, the opening psalms and prayers of the Shabbat evening service. $54. 1 p.m. Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Ave. rodefshalom.org/lunch. q FRIDAY, JAN. 26 Join the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh virtually for its annual commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Robbie Aitken, professor at Sheffield Hallam University, will discuss the concept of “forgotten victims,” which looks at the experiences of Germany’s Black resident community. Registration is free and donations are optional. Noon. hcofpgh.org/events. q SATURDAY, JAN. 27 Join Chabad of the South Hills for Bourbon Talk and Tasting with the Bourbon Rabbi. Learn about the history of bourbon and the behind-the-scenes details of the industry while enjoying a guided tasting of select bourbons. $36/person. 8 p.m. 1701 McFarland Road. chabadsh.com/bourbon.

q MONDAYS, JAN. 22 – FEB. 12 Beth El Congregation in the South Hills invites you to the Adult Education Winter Speakers Series. Each of the three evenings begin with a reception followed by a lecture. Lecture by Pierce Reed on Jan. 22, Peter DiNardo on Jan. 29 and Bruce Ledewitz on Feb. 12. 7 p.m. Free. 1900 Cochran Road, 15220, and online. RSVPs required. bethelcong.org.

q SUNDAYS, JAN. 28 – FEB. 4 Join Classrooms Without Borders for “Judaism’s Ancient and Ongoing Roots in Israel with Avi Ben-Hur: A 3-part Course.” Delve into the depths of historical narratives and contested landscapes and explore the rich heritage and complex relationships that have shaped the region. 1 p.m. cwbpgh.org/ event/judaisms-ancient-and-ongoing-roots-in-israelwith-avi-ben-hur-a-3-part-course.

q MONDAYS, JAN. 22 – MAY 13 H. Arnold and Adrien B. Gefsky Community Scholar Rabbi Danny Schiff presents Torah 2. Understanding the Torah and what it asks of us is perhaps one of the

q SUNDAYS, JAN. 28, JUNE 9, SEPT. 8, DEC. 8 Congregation Beth Shalom will be holding Quarterly Blood Drives in 2024. The first blood drive will

JANUARY 19, 2024

q WEDNESDAYS, JAN. 31 – MARCH 6 Chabad of the South Hills presents a new six-week course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute, Advice for Life: The Rebbe’s Advice for Leading a More Purposeful Life. This new multimedia course is a journey through the Rebbe’s practical wisdom on work, family, health and well-being. 7:30 p.m. Chabad of the South Hills, 1701 McFarland Road. chabadsh.com. q THURSDAYS, FEB. 1 – DEC. 5 Join Beth El Congregation of South Hills for Hope & Healing on Zoom the first Thursday of each month, a 30-minute program led by Rabbi Amy Greenbaum. Chant, breathe, pray for healing and seek peace. Call the Beth El office at 412-561-1168 to receive the Zoom link. 5:30 p.m. bethelcong.org. q FRIDAY, FEB. 2 NextGEN Shabbat After Hours is back, and this time it’s bookish! Join Temple Sinai after its Mostly Musical Shabbat Evening Service for a cozy oneg just for NextGEN. There will be snacks, warm drinks and a book swap. Bring a book you’ve read and pick up your next read. Share recommendations with friends and enjoy browsing what others have loved. 8:15 p.m. templesinaipgh.org/event/shabbat-afterhours-.html#. q SUNDAY, FEB. 4 Be a hero in your community at the Jewish Federation’s annual Super Sunday. Help raise funds with the community alongside your peers and represent your favorite Jewish Pittsburgh agency. Free T-shirts, prizes kosher food and drinks provided. Two sessions available: 9-11 a.m.; noon-2 p.m. 30-minute training sessions take place Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 8:30 a.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 31 at noon. To register, visit jewishpgh. org/event/super-sunday.

q FRIDAY, FEB. 9 Join Tree of Life Congregation as they celebrate Super Bowl weekend with a tailgate dinner followed by Friday night services and then oneg. A hot dog dinner will be served to kick off our enthusiastic football crowd before Shabbat begins even if the Steelers aren’t in the big event. Free. 6 p.m. 4905 Fifth Ave. treeoflifepgh.org. q SATURDAY, FEB. 10 Join Beth Shalom for a fun trivia event, including a raffle, open bar and snacks. Trivia will be played with teams of three to six. Bring your own team or be matched up at the door. Must be 21 or older to participate. Limited to 30 teams, so don’t wait, sign up now. Drinks start at 7:15 p.m. with the trivia game starting at 8:15 p.m. Registration is required. Deadline to sign up is Friday, Feb. 9, at 3 p.m. bethshalompgh.org/clues-and-schmooze-2024. q SUNDAY, FEB. 11 Temple Sinai Brotherhood invites everyone for brunch followed by a discussion related to Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month. 10 a.m. templesinaipgh. org/event/brotherhood-brunch/jdaim-event.html. q FRIDAY, FEB. 16 Are you looking for an informal, inviting way to teach your little ones about Shabbat and connect with other families? Join Cantor David Reinwald, Rabbi Daniel Fellman and Danie Oberman for a Tot Shabbat Service and Dinner at Temple Sinai. 5 p.m. Contact Daniel Oberman at danie@templesinaipgh.org. q TUESDAYS, FEB. 20 – MAY 14 Understanding and explaining Israel’s current position requires knowledge of history. In the 10-part course, A History of The Arab-Israel-Iran Conflict: All You Need to Know, Rabbi Danny Schiff will provide a full overview of the regional conflict that Israel has experienced over the last century. What pivotal moments brought us to where we now are, and what might that mean about where the conflict is headed? The cost of taking a course is never a barrier to participation. If price is an issue, please contact the organizer of this course so that we can make the cost comfortable for you. $145. 8 p.m. jewishpgh.org/ series/history-of-the-arab-israel-iran-conflict. q SUNDAY, FEB. 25 Everyone has their own special recipe that they think is the best. Prove you have the winning recipe at Temple Sinai’s Kugel Cook Off. 10 a.m. templesinaipgh.org/ event/kugel-cook-off-sponsored-by-wots.html. PJC

Join the Chronicle Book Club!

he Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle invites you to join the Chronicle Book Club for its Jan. 21 discussion of “Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth,” by Noa Tishby. From the Jewish Book Council: “Noa Tishby is on a mission to correct misperceptions of Israel — its history, culture, and people. After watching Israel be criticized by the global community, particularly online, the Israeli actress, writer, and producer began defending the country on Twitter and beyond. What began as a hobby developed into a deep passion, and ultimately, a vocation. The more Tishby sought to explain Israel to others the more she sought to learn herself. From that journey, this book was born.”

available at area bookstores and from online retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It is also available through the Carnegie Library system. Email: Contact us at drullo@pittsburghjewish chronicle.org, and write “Chronicle Book Club” in the subject line to register. We will send you a Zoom link for the discussion meeting. Registration closes on Jan. 18. Happy reading! PJC — Toby Tabachnick

Your Hosts: Toby Tabachnick, editor of the Chronicle David Rullo, Chronicle senior staff writer How and When: We will meet on Zoom on Jan. 21 at noon. What To Do Buy: “Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth.” It is

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Headlines — WORLD — Tunnel at Chabad headquarters stretches 60 feet, NYC investigators discover

Days after a wall at Chabad’s Brooklyn headquarters broke down over an effort to burrow into a synagogue there, New York City investigators have revealed exactly what kind of tunnel everyone is talking about, New York Jewish Week reported. An illicit underground passageway running underneath a building adjacent to the complex’s main synagogue stretched for 60 feet, the city’s Department of Buildings said on Jan. 10. The tunnel was 8 feet wide, 5 feet tall and threatening the structural stability of two buildings, the department said. Drama surrounding the tunnel drew international attention after bedlam broke out at the complex’s synagogue on Jan. 8. A group of men tried to tunnel into the synagogue to expand the headquarters, and when the building’s administration attempted to repair holes they had breached, the men tore into the synagogue’s walls. Nine people were arrested and three cited for disorderly conduct during the commotion, which also gave rise to antisemitic conspiracies online and brought rifts within Chabad to the fore. The headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway, a building that has taken on symbolic significance for the Chasidic movement, has been closed since Jan. 8. Investigators uncovered “a single linear underground tunnel” about the length of a bowling alley that had been illegally excavated, the buildings department said.

Antisemitic incidents have ‘skyrocketed’ in the US postOct. 7, ADL reports

Antisemitism in the United States has “skyrocketed” in the three months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 invasion of Israel, according to data tallied by the Anti-Defamation League, JTA.org reported. There were 3,283 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. between Oct. 7 and Jan. 7, according to the ADL’s report — including 60 physical assaults. It also counted 553 incidents of vandalism and 1,353 incidents of harassment. The total number of incidents during the past three months is more than four times the number that occurred during the same period last year. The figure is higher than any total it recorded over any full calendar year aside from 2022. By comparison, the ADL counted 2,717 antisemitic incidents during 2021. In all of 2014, the year of Israel’s last ground invasion of Gaza, the ADL recorded just 912 antisemitic incidents. The main driver of antisemitism over the past three months, according to the group, is the Israel-Hamas war that began with the Oct. 7 invasion: The ADL said two-thirds of the incidents “included verbal, written, or contextual references to Israel or Zionism.” Forty percent of the incidents tallied in the Jan. 10 report — 1,317 — were pro-Palestinian rallies that included “expressions of support for terrorism against the state of Israel and/or anti-Zionism.” ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt has repeatedly stressed, both before and after Oct. 7, that the group views anti-Zionism as tantamount to antisemitism. Surveys have shown that majorities of American Jews feel attached to Israel and say that opposition to its right to exist is antisemitic.

Today in Israeli History — ISRAEL — Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.

Jan. 19, 1990 — Resolution 242 author Arthur Goldberg dies

Arthur Goldberg dies in Washington at 81. Goldberg left the U.S. Supreme Court to become the ambassador to the United Nations in 1965 and helped draft Security Council Resolution 242 after the June 1967 war.

Jan. 20, 1942 — ‘Final Solution’ is planned at Wannsee

Nazis convened by Gestapo head Reinhard p Nazis gathered Heydrich in the Berlin at this villa in suburb of Wannsee Wannsee, outside draft the plans for Berlin, to plan the “Final Solution” the elimination to European Jewry of European through deportation Jewry. to deadly labor camps and mass murder.

Jan. 21, 1882 — BILU founding launches First Aliyah

BILU, whose name comes from Isaiah’s “Beit Yaakov lekhu venelkha” (“House of Jacob, let us go”), is founded by 30 students in Ukraine, setting the groundwork for the First Aliyah of Zionist immigration.

Jan. 22, 2013 — 19th Knesset is elected

After the dissolution of the Knesset over a budget dispute in October, Israel votes for the 19th Knesset. The right wing loses seats, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is able to form a government after eight weeks.

Jan. 23, 1950 — Knesset declares Jerusalem the capital

The Knesset votes 602 to adopt a Cabinetdrafted resolution declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel. Mapam and Herut By Yotam Ronen/Activestills abstain. The no votes are two Communists who favor an international status for Jerusalem.

p Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu thanks supporters at an election celebration on Jan. 22, 2013.

Jan. 24, 1941 — Nobel laureate Dan Shechtman is born

Dan Shechtman is born in Tel Aviv. He becomes Israel’s 10th Nobel Prize winner with the 2011 chemistry prize for the discovery of crystals that grow without a repeating pattern, known as quasicrystals.

Jan. 25, 1956 — Eban, Dulles discuss arms deal

Israeli Ambassador Abba Eban and U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles discuss a proposed $50 million weapons deal to counter a Soviet sale to Egypt, but President Dwight Eisenhower isn’t interested. PJC

Jewish students sue Harvard over campus antisemitism

Jewish students have sued Harvard University, accusing it of allowing its campus to become a “bastion” of antisemitism, Reuters reported. The complaint filed on Jan. 10 contends that Harvard “selectively” enforced “its anti-discrimination policies to avoid protecting Jewish students from harassment, ignoring their pleas for protection, and hiring professors who support anti-Jewish violence and spread antisemitic propaganda,” Reuters reported. “Based on its track record, it is inconceivable that Harvard would allow any group other than Jews to be targeted for similar abuse or that it would permit, without response, students and professors to call for the annihilation of any country other than Israel,” the complaint said. The complaint was filed eight days after Harvard President Claudine Gay resigned; she was criticized for her handling of antisemitism following the Hamas Oct. 7 in Israel.

DeSantis directs Florida state universities to expedite transfers for Jewish students scared of antisemitism

Gov. Ron DeSantis instructed Florida’s state university system to streamline the transfer process for Jewish students who want to leave a school if they have a “wellfounded fear of antisemitic persecution,” The Algemeiner reported. The announcement allows the State University System of Florida and the Florida College System to waive transfer application requirements that would “otherwise

unnecessarily burden” the transfer of Jewish students at a time of rising antisemitism. Florida’s public universities must now give students added time to submit applications and “waive” minimum credit requirements that could deny or delay academically eligible students from transferring elsewhere, “With leaders of so-called elite universities enabling antisemitic activities rather than protecting their students from threats and harassment, it is understandable that many Jewish students are looking for alternatives and looking to Florida,” said DeSantis, who seeks the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

Israel allows Ukrainian refugees to stay until year’s end

Ukrainian refugees who fled their country because of the ongoing war with Russia can stay in Israel until the end of 2024, the Israeli government announced on Jan. 11, The Algemeiner reported. Israeli Interior Minister Moshe Arbel made the decision to extend the stay. According to government figures released in early 2023, more than 15,000 Ukrainians immigrated to Israel since the war in Ukraine began in February 2022. About $10.7 million was budgeted by the Israeli government for their welfare. “We highly appreciate this decision,” said Yevgen Korniychuk, Ukraine’s ambassador to Israel. “Our nations are going together through the hardest times and even now, we feel the support of the Israeli people.” PJC — Compiled by Andy Gotlieb

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JANUARY 19, 2024

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR Adat Shalom

Allison (Ally) Berger, a thirdyear member of the Adat Shalom board, is the chair of the facility committee. She developed a strategic plan for the building, which was a herculean task Allison (Ally) accomplished with Berger tenacity and expertise. Her frequent refrain of “How can I help?”, is followed by action. Her devotion to Adat Shalom is evident with regular minyan attendance and ongoing assistance in the Chanukah and Purim carnivals. Ally is also a frequent and enthusiastic runner in our annual Chanukah torch run. We are very honored to recognize Ally Berger as our outstanding Volunteer of the Year.

Beth El Congregation of the South Hills

Rick Karp joined Beth El virtually from Altoona before moving to Pittsburgh with his wife, Sue. He has become a member e x t r a o rd i n a i re , participating daily at morning and Rick Karp evening minyanim and weekly at bingo. Rick is a regular at adult education programming and on Shabbat and holidays where he reads Torah, blows shofar and helps lead services. Rick was elected to the board of trustees and is a new member of the ritual committee. Beth El is strengthened by the gift of Rick’s time and talent that he willingly shares.

Beth Hamedrash Hagodol-Beth Jacob Congregation

Stephen Neustein is currently the assistant treasurer and a lifetime trustee of Beth Hamedrash Hagodol-Beth Jacob Congregation. He is a regular participant in our minyanim, and is a manager for our security Stephen Neustein grant programs. He also represented the congregation, pro bono, when over 100 of our cemetery monuments were vandalized in 2011. Stephen is the president of Zionist Organization of America – Pittsburgh District, is a past treasurer and vice president of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs International, and serves on other boards. Stephen received his Juris Doctor degree in 1977 from Pitt and has been a sole practitioner of law in Pittsburgh for 46 years.

Beth Samuel Jewish Center

Karen Beaudway, Beth Samuel’s past president, has worked hard to sustain engagement as our congregation has emerged from COVID restrictions. Karen serves on the board and is a Hebrew teacher and tutor, helping to prepare students for their b’nai mitzvah year-round. As events committee chair, she works tirelessly to raise funds and friends 8

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t h rou g h the Chanukah party and auction, the Purim carnival and a community rummage sale. Each event is a mammoth undertaking, and Karen runs them all Karen Beaudway cheerfully. Her l ov e l y v oi c e can be heard during Shabbat services and High Holy Days, when she helps to lead services and chant Torah. Beth Samuel is delighted to recognize Karen!

Beth Shalom

Joseph Jolson moved to Pittsburgh in 1992, with his wife, Sabina, and their children Michael and Ilana. Since then, Joe has regularly attended Congregation Beth Shalom’s Saturday morning Joe Jolson services and annual meetings. He has been a member of the board of trustees since 2013 and holds the position of VP of operations. In this role, he is responsible for upgrades to the facility and reducing the building’s carbon footprint. He spearheaded the cornice replacement project that eliminated the safety hazard that surrounded the sanctuary building. He serves on the finance committee, house committee, budget subcommittee and investment subcommittee. He was the driving force behind Beth Shalom’s Journey of the Spirit trip to Israel.

The Branch (JRS)

Cheryl Fogarty is a longtime member of the Sally and Howard Levin Clubhouse advisory committee and The Branch board. A devoted volunteer who takes a personal interest Cheryl Fogarty in Clubhouse colleagues, Cheryl has done one-on-one tutoring, managed the colleague event committee for our annual fundraiser, took a leading role in establishing an education committee in the Clubhouse, and much more. Cheryl is wise, compassionate and always respectful to the people we serve. She has a deep understanding of our program goals and is a staunch advocate for individuals with disabilities. We deeply appreciate the time, energy and enthusiasm she brings to The Branch!

Chabad of Monroeville

Greg Friedland

Our Volunteer of the Year, Greg Friedland, selflessly dedicates his time and services to our community on a regular basis. His tireless efforts and passion for

making a positive impact inspires us all. His joyful personality and his effort to include others make our community stronger and more vibrant. On behalf of Chabad of Monroeville, we thank him for being a beacon of generosity and kindness. We are truly grateful for his invaluable contributions.

Chabad of South Hills

Adah Pincus Schall is someone who cares deeply about the growth of Judaism in the South Hills. She especially enjoys working with the senior community. She is gracious and Adah Pincus Schall welcoming to the seniors at our monthly luncheons. Her warm words and helpful gestures make the seniors so comfortable. Adah brings special additions to women’s and children’s programs to help make them special. We are happy to give Adah the honor of being our Volunteer of the Year.

Chabad of Squirrel Hill

Our Volunteer of the Year is Jed Cohen. Chabad of Squirrel Hill is in the midst of major building renovations to create a new, modern space for all of its activities. Jed has taken a lead role Jed Cohen in advising and directing the project as it continues to develop and progress, from the planning stages through choosing a contractor and beginning the construction process. Without Jed’s help and dedication, we would not be able to make this happen.

Chabad Young Professionals

Max Sussman, a dedicated member of Chabad Young Professionals, stands out as the heart of our c om mu n it y. His unwavering commitment is evident through his role as the Max Sussman gabbai at the CYP Shul and his consistent volunteerism, always helping in any way he can. Max’s impact extends beyond our walls as he selflessly served as an ambassador of light during Chanukah, ensuring that every Jew in Pittsburgh had access to menorahs and candles. His passion for community makes him a role model to all and a deserving honoree for Volunteer of the Year, embodying the spirit of kindness and generosity.

Classrooms Without Borders

Classrooms Without Borders is proud to recognize Judith Ehrenwerth as our Volunteer of the Year for 2023. Judy’s warm smile and positive outlook brighten up the office whenever she’s there, and

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she even manages to light up many a Zoom meeting with her presence. A longtime ambassador and supporter of CWB, she has served as a valued member of our fundraising commJudith Ehrenwerth ittee and our advisory board, graciously offering her expertise and experience. Judy doesn’t shy away from more mundane tasks either. She is ready at a moment’s notice to stuff envelopes and is not afraid to shlep a stack of packages to the post office to make sure our seminar participants receive materials in a timely manner. We are so grateful to Judy for her dedication to our mission and honored to have her as part of the CWB mishpochah.

Community Day School

Community Day School is proud to recognize Haleigh Bartos and Rachel Albert as our Volunteers of the Year. Haleigh and Rachel are our Lion’s Pride (vintage uniform clothing Haleigh Bartos shop) coordinators this year and have spent countless hours organizing and cleaning the store to ensure our parents and community shoppers have an easy and fun shopping Rachel Albert experience. They are both active volunteers on the Parent Association leadership team, where they contribute to the success of our schoolwide and grade level experiences. Rachel is also a proud alum of CDS! Her love for this school runs deep, and she’s pouring that passion back in to make sure the next generation has the same incredible experience she had. Haleigh has been a big supporter of CDS’ security initiatives, and her dedication to the school community is greatly appreciated.

Friendship Circle

The Friendship Circle would like to recognize Emily Perlow for her dedication to FC over the years. Emily started volunteering at FC while she was in college and has Emily Perlow remained highly engaged since. Emily has always stepped up for different opportunities, including serving on the Friends All Around committee. In this role, she spearheaded the auction for the Friends All Around fundraising event, which keeps growing year after year. Emily now lends her skills and expertise to FC’s Junior Friends program, of which her son is a member. PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR Hebrew Free Loans

Since 2019, Randi Weinstein has served on the board of directors at Hebrew Free Loans. She has shared her passion for HFL with valuable stakeholders and works on HFL’s mission Randi Weinstein to support financial stability and advance opportunities for people in our community by providing interest-free loans. In 2023, Randi led the nominating committee to bring on eight new directors and she always uses her thoughtfulness, kindness and experiences to consider every loan application. A vice president of residential lending at Dollar Bank and a member (and teacher) of Beth El Congregation of the South Hills, Randi is married to Ellis, proud mom of two, and a kvelling first-time grandma in 2023! She also proudly serves in memory of her father, Arthur Spiegel, who was on the board years ago.

Hillel Academy

Avital Goldwasser has been an integral part of the Hillel Academy community for the past five years. In addition to her role on our board of directors, Avital has volunteered Avital Goldwasser in numerous capacities for our school community. Avital arranges school uniform sales to raise funds to purchase gifts to our teachers and is an integral organizer of our parent ambassador program, which coordinates social events among our parent body. In addition, she coaches our fifth- and sixth-grade girls’ basketball team. We are very grateful for her commitment to our school.

Edward and Rose Berman Hillel Jewish University Center

Adrienne Indianer’s dedication to Hillel JUC’s vision of a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel is the reason she is Hillel JUC’s Volunteer of the Year. Adrienne has been involved with Hillel JUC for close to a decade, and her role as chair of the governance and nominations committees and her participation

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on the finance committee has been invaluable. Adrienne is extremely active in the Pittsburgh Jewish community and is also a registered representative for Israel Adrienne Indianer Bonds. Hillel JUC is thankful for Adrienne’s love of Campus Superstar, her sage advice as a board member and her enthusiasm for, and dedication to, Hillel JUC’s students and staff.

Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh

Lee Goldman Kikel shares her father Melvin’s story of surviving Auschwitz and starting anew in Pittsburgh as part of the Holocaust Center’s Generations Speakers Bureau. regularly Lee Goldman Kikel L ee speaks to audiences ranging from middle school students through senior citizens. By telling her father’s story, she is not only keeping his memory alive, but also educating so many about the Holocaust, while encouraging discussion and understanding among diverse groups. In 2023, Lee spoke to over 1,000 individuals — at schools, churches, senior communities, universities and public libraries, both virtually and in person, presenting in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver and Butler counties, plus Morgantown, West Virginia.

Jewish Assistance Fund

Ellen Primis defines commitment to our organization and mission. Having served as JAF’s executive director, board member and grantor for three decades, she has tirelessly Ellen Primis given of her time and expertise. Ellen has truly touched every aspect of day-to-day operations and, more importantly, she has provided warmth and compassion to the people we serve in the local Jewish community. It is the rare asset that brings so much to an organization — and Ellen Primis is that community asset.

Jewish Association on Aging

Arlene and Jeff Berg are an invaluable dynamic duo at JAA’s Sivitz Hospice & Palliative Care and AHAVA Arlene and Jeff Berg Memory Care Center of Excellence. Dedicated JAA volunteers for over a decade, the Bergs approach everything they do with the utmost compassion and kindness. Whether they’re leading activities for residents, assisting with religious services, holding hands and singing with patients, or even teaching Yiddish classes, the Bergs are happy to help wherever it’s needed most. The Bergs’ love for the JAA and the Jewish community as a whole is evident, and we are honored to recognize them for their generosity.

Jewish Cemetery and Burial Association of Greater Pittsburgh

Meyer “Skip” Grinberg, a valued volunteer leader to the many organizations he has been associated with, served as the vice president of the Jewish Burial & Cemetery Skip Grinberg Association of Greater Pittsburgh for the last two years. He will be the president of the JCBA board in 2024. Skip has long been a cornerstone of the JCBA, and we are grateful to him for his sustained, tireless and exemplary leadership. We are proud to have Skip as our 2023 Volunteer of The Year. Mazel tov, Skip!

Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh

The JCC is proud to honor Rachel Firestone as Volunteer of the Year. Rachel grew up at the JCC, attended J&R Day Camp and Emma Kaufmann Camp, and worked as a Rachel Firestone counselor at J&R. She has come full circle, with her children having gone through our Early Childhood

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Center and now JCC camps. Rachel and her husband, Jason, co-chaired Big Night 2020, Havana Nights, one of our best supported events. A dedicated community leader, Rachel supported staff by delivering food daily after the 2018 attack and continues to volunteer. She understands the importance of sustaining the JCC community; her family is a member of our Legacy Society. “Rachel exemplifies the JCC’s mission and goals,” said Jason Kunzman, JCC President and CEO. “We deeply appreciate her dedication to our community.”

Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

Linda Joshowitz is the Federation’s Volunteer of the Year. Linda serves as a member of the overseas funding committee, is a member of Women’s Philanthropy and is also a campaign solicLinda Joshowitz itor. She has served on the 2023 officers’ nominating committee and was the 2018 and 2019 annual Community Campaign chair at the time of the 10/27 attack. In addition, she is an officer on the board of directors, serves as the Women’s Philanthropy chair, and is a member of aging and human needs commission. Pittsburgh is incredibly lucky to have a volunteer like Linda. She has been a great asset to the Federation, the Jewish community and beyond.

Jewish Healthcare Foundation

David H. E h r e n w e r t h ’s history with the Jewish Healthcare Foundation extends back to its earliest days, as he helped to handle the sale of Montefiore David Ehrenwerth Ho s p i t a l to UPMC and to transfer funds that established the Foundation in 1990. In the years since, David has consistently supported JHF’s work, including serving as board chair from 2018 to 2021. During 2023, David served as chair of JHF’s governance committee and has ensured JHF stays focused on its mission to advance health care innovation, advocacy, collaboration and education in the interest of better population health. The Foundation is incredibly grateful for David’s contributions in 2023.

JANUARY 19, 2024

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR Lubavitch Center

Since coming to Pittsburg h several years ago from Nashville, Tennessee, Moshe Nash and his wife, Sara Rivka, have been very Moshe Nash welcome additions to our shul and community. They bring an infectious “Southern hospitality” along with helping hands. Moshe has had a “do whatever it takes” attitude, performing duties around our shul well above and beyond what is asked. He is a shining example of ahavas yisroel (loving one’s fellow) and hakores hatov (giving gratitude). We know that Moshe can always be counted upon when help is needed. He is the epitome of what a volunteer should be and is a real mensch.

Our Giving Kitchen

Katriel Camp, a shining teen volunteer, dedicated her senior year to fighting food insecurity at Our Giving Kitchen. With enthusiasm, she inspired others Katriel Camp to volunteer, organized a bake sale that raised over $700, and led a group of friends and teachers in cooking 100 meals for those in need. Her kindness and compassion inspires others to follow in her footsteps, making a tangible impact in

the community. Katriel’s selflessness serves as a powerful example, demonstrating the potential for young individuals to make a meaningful difference.

Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle

Charlie Saul is, without a doubt, the Chronicle’s most frequent and careful reader. No one else — board member, lay leader, Jewish professional Charlie Saul or general member of the community — reads everything that the Chronicle publishes so carefully and thoughtfully. Charlie always offers feedback — both praise and criticism, but his criticism is always thoughtful, constructive and fair. Charlie is a long-standing member of the Chronicle’s board. He never flags in his enthusiasm and eagerness to help however he can, both within the Chronicle and as an ambassador to the Jewish community. He also always volunteers to help with legal matters, especially in his area of expertise, labor law.

Poale Zedeck

Ethel Taube Harmon is a huge asset to Congregation Poale Zedeck in the most unassuming way. Each week Ethel single-handedly organizes seudah shelishis (the third meal), doing all the shopping, setup and cleanup. Ethel is also an active participant in our safety committee, and can be seen every Shabbos morning, frontand-center of the balcony, carrying a safety radio and Bluepoint pendant. When she isn’t

JAA VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

Yasher Koach, Arlene and Jeff! Thank you for your years of dedication to the JAA! Join the Bergs and our other wonderful volunteers. Call 412-521-1171 or visit jaapgh.org/volunteer.

412-420-4000 | jaapgh.org 200 JHF Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 JAA is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh We actively hire and provide services without regard to age, race, gender, color, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or disability.

in her seat, she will be found volunteering for the Sisterhood with the kiddush or taking a turn helping the security guard as a door greeter. Ethel Taube Harmon A d d i t i o n a l l y, Ethel took it upon herself to be the door greeter every Shabbos afternoon to let congregants into the building for the rabbi’s class and the afternoon prayers so that people do not have to walk around the building. Ethel is such an important part of our community.

Rodef Shalom Congregation

Each week Marilyn Asimow brings w a r mt h and kindness to our congregation, and we are proud to honor her as our Volunteer of the Year. Marilyn plays Marilyn Asimow a vital role in the Women of Rodef Shalom’s Soup with a Heart program, which prepares and delivers soup and challah to our congregants. She also brightens the day of many in our community by providing bouquets each week, created from our Shabbat pulpit flowers. Marilyn is always willing to lend a hand, from offering rides to those in need to answering the phones. We are incredibly grateful for her cheerful presence and dedication to fostering our community of caring.

StandWithUs

Charlene Tissenbaum is an extraordinarily committed and dedicated volunteer. Over the last year, she has jumped in with both feet to help to bring StandWithUs educational programming Charlene to the Pittsburgh Tissenbaum Jewish community. We always know that when Charlene is involved, the event is going to be a success. This year alone, she has led multiple StandWithUs events, including organizing a large program at Temple Emanuel and a community briefing in her home. She is truly one in a million with a heart of gold and a dedication to the Jewish community and Israel that is unsurpassed. StandWithUs is so grateful to Charlene for her passion and dedication to our mission of fighting antisemitism and educating about Israel.

Temple Emanuel of South Hills

Bunny Schorr is a volunteer with Temple Emanuel who is dedicated to addressing childhood hunger in the South Hills and throughout Pittsburgh. Bunny regularly transports our congregation’s food donations to the South Hills Interfaith Movement’s (SHIM) food pantry. During the past year, Bunny initiated a second congregational food collection to support a food pantry within Carnegie Elementary School called FreeStore 15106, where Bunny volunteers weekly. Thanks to Bunny’s efforts in volunteering, recruiting more volunteers, and spreading the word about FreeStore

Who is honored? One who honors mankind.

—Ben Zoma, Pirke Avot

Beth El Congregation of the South Hills proudly honors Rick Karp. 1900 Cochran Road Pittsburgh, PA 15220 (412) 561-1168

BethElCong.org

Volunteer of the Year

Karen Beaudway Temple Ohav Shalom

congratulates Cindy Harrison, our 2023 Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle Volunteer of the Year.

JANUARY 19, 2024

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VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR 15106 throughout the congregation, Temple Emanuel now provides nonperishable food items, toiletries, clothes and meal kits to FreeStore 15106. Bunny Schorr Temple Emanuel’s successful partnerships with the food pantries at SHIM and FreeStore 15106 would not be possible without Bunny’s dedication and care, which is why she is Temple Emanuel’s Volunteer of the Year.

Temple Ohav Shalom

Cindy Harrison has been a devoted member of Temple Ohav Shalom since 2003. She has enthusiastically contributed to the mission of the Temple at many Cindy Harrison levels, volunteering as a helper in the Temple’s preschool, helping care for the Temple grounds and gardens, greeting our members and assisting our worship leaders for services. Cindy has served on the board as VP of fundraising and, since June 2022, served as the Temple treasurer. She is a member of the executive board. Cindy and her husband, Lee, live in Hampton Township in Allison Park and have four grown children, three grandchildren and two dogs.

Temple Sinai

Marcia and Philip Baumfeld embody the essence of relationship engagement that impresses everyone walking through Temple Sinai’s doors. For years they have coordinated hundreds of greeters for all of Temple Sinai services, funerals and programs. Ever responsive, they even succeed when given only a few hours’ notice, and will even step in themselves to answer a lastMarcia and Philip minute call. Their Baumfeld dedication expands beyond welcoming at our doors; you will find them in the kitchen cooking Shabbat dinners and assisting the staff with mass mailings. No matter the task, they are smiling and welcoming as they provide a comforting and warm environment. Marcia and Philip always represent Temple Sinai.

Tree of Life Inc.

Tree of Life recognizes Ben Simon (z”l) as our first Volunteer of the Year. The effort to reimagine Tree of Life incorporated began in 2022; this was only possible thanks to the advoBen Simon cacy and efforts of interim leaders like Ben Simon. Ben brought a

Mazel Tov to our 2023 Volunteer of the Year

Ellen Primis

warmth and kindness to all interactions, which was felt doubly by an organization navigating so much grief. He brought an attentive and inquisitive ear to all interactions, and his gentle but persistent attention to important details made him a strong voice. It is our honor to continue to move forward the work that he believed in; as we do so, his presence is deeply missed.

Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh

Zevy Blokh is a parent and a passionate volunteer who gives his own time to make sure that Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh succeeds. Zevy is Zevy Blokh extremely active in our school community. In addition to helping us rebrand our logo to mark our 80th anniversary, he served on committees for our annual dinner and this year’s upcoming crowdfunding campaign. He created unique branding for our capital campaign, as well as a beautiful commemorative magazine about Yeshiva’s history. No matter what is needed, Zevy is generous with his time, his creativity, and his good cheer. We are proud and grateful to have him in our school community.

Young Peoples Synagogue/ Bohnai Yisrael

Diana Spodek has volunteered her time and expertise supporting all financial aspects of Young Peoples Synagogue/Bohnai Yisrael for

over three years. She monitors our income and expenditures, insurance issues, contractor i nvoi c e s and payments, and the charitable donations we receive. Indeed, Diana Spodek Diana contributes to the well-being of our shul and congregants in whatever ways circumstances require. Young Peoples Synagogue is delighted to recognize her as our Volunteer of the Year for 5784.

Zionist Organization of America

Len Asimow has been a longtime supporter of ZOA and joined the Pittsburgh board s e ve r a l ye ars ago. Since that time, he has been an invaluLen Asimow able contributor and enthusiastic participant in many endeavors. Len, a retired professor of mathematics and actuarial science, has been a committed supporter of Israel for decades. He has engaged in pro-Israel advocacy in a variety of academic settings, for which ZOA educational materials proved to be a valuable resource. His participation and service to ZOA Pittsburgh is deeply appreciated. PJC

We appreciate YOU and all you do, Philip and Marcia!

We cherish Ellen’s involvement with our organization, and are thankful for her commitment to our mission and vision in serving the Jewish community.

From all of us at your Temple Sinai Family of Families

Financial help for the Western PA Jewish Community for pressing expenses Timely, Confidential, No Repayment

5505 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (412) 421-9715•www.TempleSinaiPGH.org

412.521.3237 | JewishAssistanceFund.org

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JANUARY 19, 2024 11

Headlines Vigil: Continued from page 1

cause,” but was unable to make the vigil. “There are leaders with such a clear moral compass, with such bravery, honor, understanding and guts that they go down in the history books and are forever remembered as heroes,” Paris said. “I can say with confidence that the leader today is our very own Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman.” As Fetterman took the podium, the audience erupted into cheers and resounding applause. Fetterman has been an outspoken supporter of Israel since Hamas initiated the latest war. “I don’t ever need to be thanked for doing my job,” Fetterman told the crowd. “And my job — and I believe it is the way it should be — is standing on the side of Israel.” He recounted meeting on four separate occasions with families of the hostages and the victims of the Oct. 7 massacre, remarking on their “courage” and “strength.” “It was difficult for me to maintain my

Tree of Life: Continued from page 1

For Carole Zawatsky, Tree of Life’s CEO, the demolition is the initial step toward the community's healing at the site. “When we removed the evidentiary material — the ark, the drywall in the room where the shooter was apprehended, the kitchen island — and I would walk through, it felt like a scarred building,” she said. “The absence of that material was stark. And this is the first step in moving from that horror to memory and moving forward.” While she acknowledged that moving forward might be difficult, she has heard a lot of enthusiasm for transforming the building through Libeskind’s design, which aims to bring “light and worship in a beautiful new space,” she said, citing the Memorial Garden as an example. “[It] really makes that corner alive, both with the memories of each of the victims and, as we continue to say, to never be defined by our haters and our killers,” she said. Andrew Stewart, the co-chair of the construction work group, has deep ties to both the building and the congregation. His family have been longtime members of the congregation. In fact, the reception for his

Tav: Continued from page 5

waiting to be seen, and they were predominantly empty because people didn’t come to the hospital unless they were feeling sick.” And the same situation would repeatedly occur, she said: “I would overhear a phone call of a young man talking on the phone to his girlfriend, saying, ‘Yeah, I’m waiting to get checked out. I still have this cough, but I think I’m fine. Um, they’re gonna send me home.’ And I would go over and say, ‘Hey, what’s your name? I’m the chaplain here. I’ll follow your case.’ I would find out that his name was Joe Smith and it wasn’t 24 hours before Joe Smith was dead — like he would die. He would come in talking, he would walk in on his feet, talking on the phone, and he would be in a body bag 30 hours later. And that happened over and over and over again.” 12

JANUARY 19, 2024

composure,” the senator said. “We need to bring them home now! There’s no talking about peace until we bring them home now!” Fetterman did not mince words when describing viewing the footage of the massacre, captured on bodycams worn by the terrorists. “I’ve seen that awful footage,” he said. “You want to know how you can see this these kinds of atrocities? They filmed it! They filmed it. Where does that evil come from? Who does that? I can never stand on any other side than on the right side of this. … I just want everybody to know that my votes are always going to be on this side. And I want everybody to understand that no matter where it goes, I’m always going to make sure that we deliver the aid that Israel needs in order to support it.” Fetterman reiterated his unequivocal support for the Jewish state in an interview with the Chronicle following the vigil. “We need to make a very strong statement that we’re going to stand with Israel, that we’re on the right side of history, we’re on the right side of peace and on the right side of human

rights,” he said. “I never understand how anybody can think that we can have peace until Hamas is destroyed.” Brian Eglash, the Federation’s senior vice president and chief development officer, who recently returned from a mission to Israel, emphasized the necessity of financial support for the Jewish state during this “historical moment.” Pittsburgh, he said, was making an impact: So far, through the Federation’s emergency fund, local donors have contributed more than $7.5 million. Several other speakers, including Rabbi Daniel Yolkut of Congregation Poale Zedeck, the four young Israeli shinshimim who are in Pittsburgh for the year, and Squirrel Hill resident Lauren Baldel shared stories about some of the hostages still held by Hamas, painting a vivid picture of the lives that the terrorists have disrupted and shattered. Violinist Lina Horwitz and pianist David Morgenstern filled the room with traditional Jewish music, including a moving rendition of “Arum Dem Fayer” (“Around the Firelight”), a

Yiddish folksong that was popular in the Polish ghettos of the 1930s. The also musicians accompanied the community in the singing of “Hatikvah” — “the hope.” Volunteers moved through the crowd, distributing information on how to obtain a mail-in ballot, as this year’s primary election will be held on the first day of Passover. The importance of electing politicians who stand with Israel was emphasized throughout the afternoon. The U.S. must continue to support the Jewish state and work toward the release of the hostages, Deluzio, who represents District 17, told the Chronicle following the program. “We’re looking at 100 days of captivity for these folks who never should have been taken by Hamas,” he said. “I think it should be very easy to say these folks should come home and that we support our friends and Israel’s right to exist as a democracy, and a Jewish democracy.” PJC Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

bar mitzvah in 1974 was the inaugural event in the building’s social hall. Because of those roots, he said the demolition and construction are personal. “Which is to say, it is a very important and special project to have the opportunity to work on and I view it as a real privilege,” he said. Like Zawatsky, he views the demolition as an important first step for the community, “Every milestone is affirming,” Stewart said. “And each milestone is a step forward in making something good out of something bad.” Sharon Novak also believes in making something positive out of a negative. Novak heads S&B USA, the Pittsburghbased operations of Israeli-headquartered Shikun and Binui, Ltd. Fay, S&B USA Construction, which will be performing the demolition. It is a subsidiary of S&B USA. The company is performing most of the approximately $500,000 demolition job pro bono. Novak is an Israeli native who moved to Pittsburgh about three-and-a-half years ago. He lives only a few blocks from Tree of Life. “When I moved here, it was very awkward for me to see that nothing had been done,” he said. “Obviously, it’s very sensitive and many people, all of the community, was affected by the events back then.” That lag in reconstruction contrasted with

how things are done in Israel and is contradictory to what Novak thought should be done. “In speaking with many people, it’s always been a topic of concern,” he said. “Obviously, there are a lot of different opinions.” Many of the people he has worked with, and several of his friends, were affected by the events of Oct. 27, 2018, he said, so he was looking for a way to contribute and support the project. “We have 250 employees in the Pittsburgh region. Home is Pittsburgh,” he said. “We thought this was the best way that we could bring the most benefit to the project and, rather than just make a contribution in terms of dollar value, we could bring more to the project doing this work.” Novak noted that the company is donating all of the labor and equipment for the demolition, which he said is the first stage of the reconstruction project. He views the work as “very meaningful,” he said, both because of S&B USA’s ties to the city and on a personal level. “The fact that the company is now part of an international company owned by a company based out of Israel adds another flavor,” he said. “It’s an important part of our DNA and what we do. It’s going to be a very important project and milestone.” Tree of Life is still raising money for the project, despite starting demolition.

Bernstein said that Tree of Life has raised approximately $30 million of its $75 million comprehensive campaign, of which $50 million will be allocated to the capital cost of the building, museum and memorial. The rest of the money will go to the organization’s operations over the first few years — something that Zawatsky said she can now begin to think about — including public programming for adults, schools and families, and high-level symposia and film festivals. In the meantime, she said the demolition is a “resounding shehecheyanu” moment for the project. “It feels like a moment of gratitude and blessing,” she said. “With new things, oftentimes, comes some tough feelings which I’m keenly aware of, that not only is this a building that so many people have generational memories, but it’s also a building that the ultimate tragedy took place in and seeing 80% of it come down will be associated with some difficult moments.” That said, she’s also aware of the forward momentum it represents. “It is a moment of shehecheyanu. It is a moment of gratitude that we’ve all as a community come to this place,” she said. “To have gotten to this point feels very rewarding.” PJC David Rullo can be reached at drullo@ pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

p Rabbi Kara Tav, Ella Tav and Kobi Tav Photo courtesy of Rabbi Kara Tav

‘Hello.’ And they were like, ‘Yeah, what is that? Maybe they just want something?’ And I’m like, ‘No, they’re actually just saying hello.’” Her story has a few takeaways, Tav said: “I want people to know that recovery from trauma is possible.” There’s also the communal element — that when people unflinchingly rally around others unimaginable progress is possible. Tav said she saw it herself, both as a recipient of care and as a provider. Last summer, when chaplains came to Pittsburgh to help during the synagogue shooting trial, Tav met privately with those who wanted to talk. Being a trained spiritual leader — and offering guidance in a city that had given her so much — brought countless things together, she said: “I was the chaplain for those chaplains.” PJC Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.

In retrospect, it felt as though “I was in some kind of dystopian movie,” she said. The devastating scenes from New York, “those things you saw on TV, it was me.” A year ago, approximately three years after the pandemic fundamentally altered life, Tav and Kobi returned to Pittsburgh. “I came here with pretty visible and debilitating PTSD,” she said. “I don’t know if you ever completely recover from a trauma like that, but I’m really vastly better.” She credits exercise, fresh air and teaching with helping, but mostly it was a network that refused to let her go, she said. “There were those people who we knew here from the first time, who received us, they knew we were coming and they welcomed us with open arms,” she said. “There were cooked meals at the doorstep of the rental apartment when we got here. People would say, ‘I’m going to the grocery store; can I get you anything?’

Or, ‘I have a doctor’s appointment and I’m going to ask if there’s an internist you can start to see because you’re going to need to change doctors now that you live here.’” The overwhelming kindness, even from strangers, isn’t surprising, Tav said: “When I first moved here, I told my New York friends that when you walk down the street in Pittsburgh, everyone you walk past just says,

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JANUARY 19, 2024

Opinion 100 days of war Guest Columnist Isaac Herzog

hundred days have passed since life was halted, the skies darkened, and we, all of us, were exposed to a boiling and horrifying cauldron of terror and deep-seated hatred unleashed upon us. One hundred days of a war forced upon us, a test for the entire nation. A test of our collective heart, courage, determination, righteousness, strength, mutual support, unity, and the values and principles that define us as a nation. In these challenging times, we cannot help but reflect on the sacrifices of our daughters and sons, who fall as civilians and soldiers alike. Their bravery, their commitment, their love for life and their dedication to ideals dear to us are a testament to the strength within all our hearts. We must not nor cannot forget — not for a moment — the hostages and the missing. It is difficult to fathom an ordeal more arduous and painful than that of the families whose loved ones are in the hands of Hamas murderers. We all carry a prayer, echoing the words of the prophet: “And your sons and daughters shall return to their borders.” We mourn the loss of the fallen heroes, their courage, sanctity of will and self-sacrifice that permeated in the fierceness of battle. We weep for the many lives, far too many, snuffed out brutally — victims of monstrous and antisemitic violence. Yet we

remember that even in the darkest hours, we witnessed the strength, courage, resilience and compassion that define us as a people. We made a grave and painful mistake by not being ready. But the greatest mistake is that of the enemy. The enemy, whose “great heroes” indiscriminately murdered, massacred, violated and slaughtered infants, elderly, girls, boys, burned homes with people inside and committed the worst crimes against humanity. An enemy for whom Hitler’s playbook, “Mein Kampf,” has pride of place

the strength of communities and displaced families, the bravery of our wounded in hospitals, the unwavering faith and pride of the bereaved families, the volunteerism and mutual responsibility in Israeli society — Jews and Arabs alike — the determination of our allies standing by our side, headed by the United States, and the Jewish communities around the world standing with us as one, sometimes at personal risk. No one can defeat such a people, such a united and determined nation. Even though this war broke out in one of

Despite the challenges ahead, I have no doubt that we will emerge from the shadows of this conflict stronger and more determined than ever. in their homes, whose children’s summer camps were centers of murderous brainwashing and blind hatred. An enemy who thinks he knows us and belittles the bravery of our sons and daughters until he sees with his own eyes how “a people rise like a lioness and lift itself like a lion.” The forces of courage within our midst have erupted in an inspirational manner. We saw how the “TikTok generation” emerged as a generation of historic strength, whose bravery will be etched in the annals of Israeli history. I met with the fighters and commanders, the leaders on the front — made of steel, eager to engage the enemy, with the oath of “never again.” We all witness

the most challenging periods in our history, and while the enemy hoped that the terror attack would deepen the rifts and weaken the internal Israeli alliance, we chose life, we chose our shared commitment. We chose to unite immediately and fight together, shoulder to shoulder, for the present and the future of our shared home. Unfortunately, it is hard not to see that there are those who choose, even now, to return to the discourse of hatred and division that prevailed here until Oct. 6. Any retreat to those dark places directly threatens us — our security, our lives. Criticism is always permitted; it is sometimes necessary to argue — it’s a clear part of our democracy — but it is time to

conduct our debates and discussions responsibly, to preserve our unity, to remember that we are one people and one country. We must not let Hamas win the battle for Israeli resilience. This is true for all of us, especially for public officials and leaders. Leadership in times of war implies responsibility for Israeli resilience, which is the foundation of any victory. When our brothers and sisters are risking their lives on the front, we must rise above the campaigns, above petty politics and divisive rhetoric — both regarding the day before and the day after — and listen to the cries of our children, who wish to return home safely to a peaceful home. Peaceful from within and without. Despite the challenges ahead, I have no doubt that we will emerge from the shadows of this conflict stronger and more determined than ever. Together, as one nation, we will overcome the darkness, rise from the ashes, rebuild, replant, sow, affix mezuzahs on homes, turn each and every hell into a paradise, as we have always done. We will create a future of hope and abundance for us, our state and the entire region — one that is worthy of the fallen, one that honors the memories of the victims, and reflects our commitment to being a beacon of hope for ourselves and for all of humanity. Our enemy made a mistake. The spirit of the people of Israel will always overcome. Even this time, our spirit will prevail. PJC Isaac Herzog is the president of Israel. This story first appeared on JNS.

‘They have eyes but do not see; they have ears but do not hear’ Guest Columnist Reuven Hoch

hen first reading this passage from Psalms, one might assume, quite understandably, that it is a prophetic pronouncement directed at the woke gods and their false prophets. It is, of course, a reference to other false gods — the man-made idols of biblical times. Human history is replete with instances of idolatry. In recent times idolatry has often taken the form of ideologies — totalitarian ideologies that purport to explain the human condition and human history by employing dangerously simplistic and deceptive notions. So it was with Marxism, Stalinism, Maoism and Nazism — man-made idols that ultimately descended into the depths of evil. What do these totalitarian ideologies have in common? The ideology is the god. It can be neither questioned nor challenged. Its word is absolute. Fidelity to the ideological god is the moral imperative. Those who are unfaithful 14

JANUARY 19, 2024

must be punished. They are preventing the fulfillment of the glorious utopia promised by the ideology. And, the ideology requires enemies — the oppressive class or the oppressive race — to justify its every anti-democratic, totalitarian action. Education of its youth is nothing but self-serving indoctrination. These ideologies

is beginning to resemble totalitarian idolatry. Shockingly binary in its unabashedly simplistic reduction of human history and society into two opposing camps — the oppressors and the oppressed — wokeness is a noxious concoction of critical race theory, intersectionality, cancel culture and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). It

There is a concept in kabbalah called chesed d’klipah — self-serving kindness. An act of kindness is performed for another because, ultimately, the actor somehow benefits, not because the recipient benefits. have no space for the complexities of human life, society and history. They have no tolerance for the spiritual and the transcendent. G-d does not exist in their crass materialistic world. Morality is how they define it. They are driven by false prophets who in turn are driven by ego, arrogance and self-interest. Neo-Marxist, progressive, woke ideology

professes to offer a marvelous elixir designed to cure the cruel and racist ills of American society. But, it must be swallowed whole. No challenges and no questions allowed. The oppressors are whites and Jews and the oppressed are everybody else. Simple and straightforward, it obviates the need for critical thinking. The perceived underdogs,

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defined by their group identity, are by definition the wronged and guiltless victims. Morality is determined by one’s identity, not by one’s actions. Armed with this idolatry, the woke false prophets smugly maneuver the well-intentioned, but ill-informed, down the wondrous path of political correctness, and, voila, herd immunity — immunity to critical thinking, immunity to intellectual honesty and immunity to moral integrity. Wokeness is destroying our national institutions: political, academic, media, corporate, entertainment and more. While institutions are intended to operate according to rules of law, codes of conduct and professional standards, many of our institutions are failing to adhere to the most basic of democratic principles. The treatment of Jewish students on campus is only one example. The institutions focus on the “oppressed,” not on the governing principles of liberal and constitutional democracy. The “oppressed” must be defended. The result matters, not the mechanism for attaining that result. The end justifies the means — the ruling principle of all totalitarian regimes. Please see Hoch, page 15

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Opinion Chronicle poll results: U.S. support of Israel

ast week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an electronic poll the following question: “Is Israel getting the right amount of U.S. support during its latest war with Hamas?” Of the 213 people who responded, 49% said, “no, not enough support”; 32% said “yes”; 8% said “no, too much support;” and 11% said they weren’t sure. Comments were submitted by 43 people. A few follow. If you are talking about dollars, perhaps. If you are talking about support from the media and academia, no. How could the USA possibly put a sufficient dollar figure on having the back of our greatest ally, the sole democracy in the pivotal Middle East region that shares our ethics and values? As our strongest friend, no amount should be too much.

Hoch: Continued from page 14

While the moral decay created by woke idolatry was evident even before the evil and barbaric events of Oct. 7, woke moral decay has since deteriorated into colossal moral rot. By granting Hamas favored victim status, the woke gods and false prophets have effectively joined forces with barbarous jihadists to produce the worst outbreak of antisemitism in the world since the Holocaust. Suffering from a particularly virulent variant of idiocy, they have become the useful idiots of genocidal Islamism, a movement that opposes everything these neo-Marxists support, excluding their mutual hatred of America and Jews.

Is Israel getting the right amount of U.S. support during its latest war with Hamas? 8%

No, too much support

11% Not sure

32% Yes

49% No, not enough support

The Obama-Biden policy of Iran appeasement is a disaster and has resulted in trying to coerce Israel into a cease-fire, which would be a huge victory for the Hamas terrorists and its handler Iran.

These false prophets would have us believe that their goal is selfless: to promote social justice, kindness and compassion. It has become quite evident, to all those who are willing to open their eyes and unplug their ears, that their true goal is self-preservation and self-promotion. There is a concept in kabbalah called chesed d’klipah — self-serving kindness. An act of kindness is performed for another because, ultimately, the actor somehow benefits, not because the recipient benefits. True kindness is performed solely to benefit the recipient without seeking personal gain. Self-serving kindness and compassion can conflict with true kindness and compassion. There is a well-known saying of our rabbis: “He who is compassionate to the cruel will ultimately become cruel to the compassionate.”

Congressional dysfunction impedes our obligations to our ally, and U.N. dysfunction means no one else is going to help (they support terrorists and turn a blind eye to victims like Israel and Ukraine). The Republicans need to make sure Israel gets the money it needs. Biden needs to appear sympathetic to noncombatant Palestinians being killed while not limiting the IDF in its efforts to eradicate Hamas. The U.S. should put some conditions on this support — it is in Netanyahu’s personal interest to keep the war going as long as possible so he avoids being held accountable. Netanyahu is not a reliable partner to the U.S. (or to Israeli citizens).

In uncritically supporting Israel’s continuing attack on Gaza, the U.S. government is supporting a course of action that will destabilize the region and politically isolate Israel while almost certainly failing to eliminate Hamas. The U.S. government should demand that the Israeli government change course. The U.S. should not be undercutting the tactics of Israel, which was subject to a horrendous sneak attack. The U.S. also needs to push back against attacks from Iran on its own forces and block financial flows to Iran. Seems to be working. PJC — Toby Tabachnick

Chronicle weekly poll question:

Grateful for the support but too many conditions limiting Israel’s ability to wage war.

Do you volunteer for a Jewish organization? Go to pittsburghjewishchronicle.org to respond. PJC

(Midrash Rabbah on Ecclesiastes 7:16) The cruelty and barbarism of Hamas is rewarded with kindness and compassion. It is not in the self-interest of the woke prophets to be kind and compassionate to the Jews. They fear the wrath of the woke gods — cancellation, shaming and career loss. There are clearly preferable alternatives to the inherent social divisiveness, shameless indoctrination, intellectual dishonesty and moral rot of woke idolatry. The West must return to the classical liberal ideas which allowed the societies of the West to develop and grow, slowly shedding ideas and actions that are now viewed as repulsive but were once universally accepted. Our children deserve education, not indoctrination. We must insist that our democratic traditions and

values be restored by those institutions that have succumbed to woke ideological poison. Such principles as freedom of speech, equal protection and due process of law need to once again be applied uniformly. As Jews, we possess G-dly teachings and traditions that provide a profound treasure of guidance toward achieving true kindness, justice, wisdom, humility and other values that promote personal and societal harmony. Jewish values, gained by an unyielding Jewish education, can give us the sense of purpose and determination to unabashedly combat this pernicious, destructive and antisemitic woke idolatry. PJC Reuven Hoch, J.D., is a legal editor living in Pittsburgh.

— LETTERS — Support for Bhavini Patel

As an elected member of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee, Ward 7 in Shadyside, I have, after much consideration, concluded that I can neither support nor vote for the reelection of our 12th district congresswoman, Rep. Summer Lee. I will be supporting and voting for Bhavini Patel, one of Ms. Lee’s opponents in the upcoming Democratic primary election (“Meet Bhavini Patel, congressional candidate for Pennsylvania’s 12th district,” Oct. 27). I have talked with both candidates — in Ms. Lee’s case both before and after the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre attacks on Israelis; and, after Oct. 7, with Ms. Patel, both in person and by phone. Here are my conclusions: • Rep. Lee is clearly an anti-Israel “progressive.” • Ms. Patel is clearly a pro-Israel, pro-Palestinian “progressive.” That not only makes sense, but is a good thing because it gives her a voice in an ultimate resolution/settlement of the conflict. • When we elect Ms. Patel we will get not only a congresswoman voting the right way on the right issues — minimum wage, justice and workers protections, women’s health care and choices, LGBTG rights, gun control and related matters — but … • … the Jewish community will not have a congresswoman who will judge Israel through a hard and fast ideological prism that abandons the fears, desires and concerns of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community. • Ms. Patel will not be in the far extreme part of the Democratic progressive wing that wants to defund the police, end the state of Israel and refuse to support appropriate and desperately needed aid packages. • In her Oct. 19 newsletter Rep. Lee wrote: “I will never abandon our Pittsburgh Jewish community — period.” Several days later, she voted against a support resolution for Israel. PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

She has consistently voted against any recognition or support for Israel. If that is not “abandoning” the Pittsburgh Jewish community, I don’t know what is. • Antisemitism has risen considerably in the U.S., and the world. The votes and statements of Ms. Lee and her “progressive” colleagues give cover to those engaging in antisemitic activity. • If you look at Ms. Patel’s policy statements you will see there is little to no daylight between Ms. Patel’s positions and Rep. Lee’s positions on virtually all of the “progressive issues.” • But there is considerable daylight between their positions on Israel and the Palestinians. • Pittsburgh’s Jewish community should take heed of this and join me and the growing diverse support Bhavini Patel is getting across District 12 from local government officials, labor unions, individual donors and just regular voters. The choice is clear. Marshall Cohen 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.

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Life & Culture Eggplant bechamel — FOOD — By Jessica Grann | Special to the Chronicle

ggplant bechamel may be the best dish that you didn’t know you were missing. Eggplant recipes made with dairy products almost always have a tomato sauce, but this one has cheese and a fairly simple, creamy bechamel sauce made from milk and eggs. This dish is typically made with Kashkaval or Gruyere cheese, which are both fantastic, but I used feta and it worked out well. Feel free to use any cheese you like; just keep in mind that the softer the cheese, the creamier the sauce will be. It’s important to bake the eggplant well in the oven before assembling the casserole. We’ve all had the misfortune of having a well-intentioned vegetable lasagna end up full of excess water or undercooked veggies. It only takes a few minutes to prepare the eggplant and pop it into the oven to bake. You can whip up the bechamel sauce when the eggplant is baking, then quickly assemble the ingredients in a casserole dish to bake again. This formula is a staple in my kitchen for cheesy eggplant and zucchini dishes. Once you have the basics down, you can use this recipe as a template to create your own favorites.

Eggplant bechamel

Serves 2-3 as a main dish, and 6 for a well-sized side dish

Ingredients For the vegetables: 3 large eggplants ¼ cup olive oil Kosher salt to season For the bechamel sauce: 2 cups hot whole milk 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 4 whole eggs, room temperature ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg ⅛ teaspoon cayenne or Aleppo pepper 4 cups crumbled or grated cheese, divided; you can use feta, Gruyere or Kashkaval

p Eggplant bechamel

Wash and slice the eggplant lengthwise with a sharp knife in pieces about a quarter-inch thick, removing the stem. I don’t usually peel the eggplants because I like the color and texture that the skin adds to the dish. If you are concerned that the skin may be tough, you can peel the eggplant before slicing. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and place the eggplant slices. Brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. The eggplant will suck up the olive oil immediately, so use a brush to distribute the oil more easily. Bake at 375 F in the upper third of the oven for 40 minutes. When the eggplants are almost done baking, prepare the sauce. Bring 2 cups of whole milk to warm over medium heat in a saucepan. You don’t need to stir the milk; just watch it carefully. Do not step away from the milk as it’s warming on the stove because it can boil over and quickly create a mess. The milk has reached the right temperature when bubbles start coming to the surface and the milk begins to get a skin on the top. Take it off of the heat immediately and set it aside. In another saucepan, over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Watch the butter carefully so that it doesn’t burn. If it turns brown, wipe out your pan with a paper towel and start again over lower heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the butter and whisk quickly until the flour is incorporated into the butter and a smooth paste is formed. Using a ladle, add a few tablespoons of the hot milk to the pan and whisk it well. Repeat

pour it into the bowl of eggs with one hand while constantly whisking the egg mixture with your other hand. Repeat this 5 or 6 times. When you’ve incorporated about a half-cup of the milk, repeat this process in reverse and very slowly pour the tempered egg mixture into the pot of milk, whisking constantly. Voila! You have a bechamel sauce. Keep this technique in mind if you’re looking for a different way to make lasagna. Add 3 cups of the cheese into the milk pot and stir well. The cheese does not need to be melted completely into the sauce. When the eggplants are done baking, take them out of the oven and allow them to cool a bit. Turn the oven down to 350 F and move the wire rack to the middle position. Photo by Jessica Grann Lightly grease a 9-inch-by-13-inch this process with about half of the hot milk. You casserole dish. Place the eggplant in several layers and will feel the sauce start to thicken as you stir it. gently pour the bechamel over it. Add the nutmeg and pepper of your choice KenIMarryYouHOL23_6.qxp_Layout 5:40 PM Sprinkle the1top10/16/23 with the remaining cheese and whisk well. Continue to add the milk until it’s all incor- and bake for 45-50 minutes or until bubbly porated and allow the sauce to simmer for a and the cheese on top is nicely browned. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. few minutes over low heat. Different cheeses have varying degrees of In a separate bowl, whisk the 4 room-temsalt, so I suggest salting this to taste at the table. perature eggs by hand for one minute. (It’s This serves well with a small side of pasta and, important that the eggs are placed on the as always, a big healthy salad. counter an hour before cooking because cold Enjoy and bless your hands! PJC eggs will curdle in the hot milk.) Temper the eggs (once you learn the skill you can use it in many recipes): With the ladle, Jessica Grann is a home chef living pick up about a tablespoon of the hot milk and in Pittsburgh.

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Rabbi Aaron Bisno Parshat Bo | Exodus 10:1 – 13:16

n a series of essays published in Esquire Magazine in 1936, American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald astutely observed, “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in [one’s] mind at the same time.” How true that is. Sadly, however, of late, many who lead our once most venerable institutions have difficulty dealing with complex, competing ideas and, therefore, have sacrificed their moral authority on the altars of expediency and political correctness. Seemingly, these leaders believe it is more important to demonstrate fealty to a singleminded ideology (of late based on identity or victim/oppressor framing) than it is to think independently, to say nothing of their being unwilling to admit error or reverse course.

of the final and most devastating of the 10 plagues. However, even more significantly, we discover that in spite of these newest plagues, Pharaoh fatefully fails to alter course and, as a result, enormous damage is done to the very people to whom he owes allegiance. At this moment in the story, those who recall the words of economist John Maynard Keynes — who insightfully stated, “In the face of new evidence, I change my mind. What do you do?” — plead, “Challenge your assumptions! Change your thinking! Consider the consequences!” After all, insisting on one’s own rectitude never makes a wrong decision right. So it is, as each of the 10 plagues rained down upon Egypt, Pharaoh repeatedly reaffirms his resolve by redoubling his original errors. As a result, the plagues keep coming and predictable harm to an enormous number of innocents follows. Pharaoh’s closed-mindedness (the text refers to his “hard-heartedness”), of course,

Many of today’s leaders clearly lack the character and courage to challenge the prevailing narrative — even as new information comes to light. Where once, nuanced first-rate thinking was valued among those who lead our colleges and communities, today it seems many otherwise capable leaders are more comfortable keeping their heads down and proving their bona fides by hewing to an unquestioned new orthodoxy. Further, many of today’s leaders clearly lack the character and courage to challenge the prevailing narrative — even as new information comes to light. This cowardice is encouraged by the approval of like-minded loyalists and can be explained by a very real fear of being deemed chootz l’macheneh (outside the camp). Show me one who doesn’t share fully in our collective (“woke”) opinion, the thinking goes, and I’ll show you one who must be dismissed, if not disappeared. Thus, those whom Fitzgerald derides for lacking a firstrate intelligence — in spite of the moral responsibility they shoulder — fall quickly and quietly into line. The cost of such acquiescence is borne not only by those immediately affected; these leaders’ lack of spine comes at all of our expense. But it need not be so. In this week’s Torah portion, Bo, we read

Chai

lies at the center of this story. After all, Pharaoh’s inability to think or act in new ways had dire consequences. But in hindsight we see it was not the plagues that harmed the Egyptians most; it was their leader’s inability to entertain new facts, challenge original assumptions, accept responsibility for earlier errors, and change course that brought the greatest pain to his people. The lesson of Parshat Bo? Leaders who are incapable of holding “opposed ideas … at the same time,” or are unwilling to weigh new evidence, or are too proud to admit errors of judgment and do the right thing, harm the very people they were elected to serve. Thus, while it is essential that leaders possess what Fitzgerald called the hallmark of a “first-rate intelligence,” Jewish tradition teaches: More than a keen intellect, it is character, courage, and an open heart that leaders need demonstrate most. PJC

B’nai Abraham Congregation The B’nai Abraham Congregation in Butler, PA is seeking a strong Judaically educated and versatile full- or part- time Rabbi, Cantor or Spiritual Leader. This person will guide a small multiple-generation and varied Jewish congregation. For more detailed information, to send your resume or any specific questions: Philip Terman at termanp1@gmail.com Our website: https://congbnaiabraham.org/

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Levi Berman Marcus will celebrate becoming a bar mitzvah on Jan. 20, 2024, at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. Levi will be surrounded by proud parents Fara and Andy Marcus, sister Eliana Marcus, grandparents Ron Marcus, and Hinda and Eric Morgan, and his extended family and friends. Levi is a seventh grader at Community Day School. Levi’s passion for soccer is exemplified by the hours he spends training on his own each week, yet he remains a dedicated student, loyal friend, entertaining companion and a responsible young man. Wish Levi a mazel tov if you can catch him in between training sessions. PJC

Mature, non-smoking, professional is available to house-sit in July*August 2024. If you are going out of town this summer and need a housesitter in the Squirrel Hill/ Shadyside/Aspinwall/Oakland areas feel free to contact me @ 412-980-5116 or email l.schulhof@gmail.com. References upon request.

❀ we don’t News for people who knowmean spiced tea. DENNY OFFSTEIN Every Friday in the tea. we don’t mean spiced 724-287-7771 Every Friday in the News for who News people for people who knowknow News for people who know we don’t mean spiced tea. we don’t spiced tea.know Every Friday we in thedon’t mean spiced tea. Newsmean for people who Rabbi Aaron Bisno is the Frances F. & David R. Levin Rabbinic Scholar at Rodef Shalom Congregation and the founding director of the Center for Interfaith Collaboration. This column is a service of the Greater Pittsburgh Jewish Clergy Association.

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Obituaries Jewish Association on Aging gratefully acknowledges contributions from the following: A gift from ... In memory of... Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barbara Berenfield Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Louis Fishman Lois S . Crone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Silverblatt Marc Darling & Susan Denmark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Darling Sharon & Morry Feldman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marian Weiss Sharon & Morry Feldman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Harold C . Weiss Edward M . Goldston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frumie Fraidel Brown Harry Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sidney H . Green Meyer S . Grinberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rachel Grinberg Cheryl Kalson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Max Kalson Amy R . Kamin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Helen Honig Stephanie Letzt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gertrude Schugar Lawrence F . Leventon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nathan H . Leventon Bernice & Jack Meyers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah A . Epstein Howie & Shelley Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brenda C . Miller Robert & Judi Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brenda Cramer Miller Jacob Notovitz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mollie Samuel Toby Perilman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bertha & Morris J . Ackerman Toby Perilman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stanley M . Perilman Mal & Ann Powell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pearl Sheckter Shirley E . Preny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bessie M . Bleiberg Shirley E . Preny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diane S . Friedman Susan & David Rosenberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacob Rosenberg Louis Michael Supowitz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Albert James Supowitz Ilene Zwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charlotte & Harold Levy Ilene Zwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leonard Klevan Ilene Zwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sadye & Isadore Steinman Contact the Development department at 412.586.3264 or development@jaapgh.org for more information.

THIS WEEK’S YAHRZEITS — Sunday January 21: Joseph Baker, Rebecca Belkin, David Allen Bertenthal, Helen Citron, Max Elinoff, Jennie Greenberger, Rachel Grinberg, Minnie S . Kopman, Sylvan A . Mendlovitz, Wallace Norman, Ciril Perer, Manuel Regenstien, Anna Gross Rosen, Jacob Rosenberg, Jacob Rosenzweig, Merle Nancy Scolnik, Pearl Sheckter, Morris Singer, Herman Smith, Eleanor Goldberg Toker Monday January 22: Ethel Graff Braun, Moses Brown, Brenda Cramer Miller, Sarah A . Epstein, Anna C . Feigus, Minnie Feldman, Max Green, Meyer Grossman, William Gusky, Jesse L . Kann, Samuel Karp, Ida A . Leff, Fannie London, Samuel Robins, Ethel Ruben, Louis Samuels, Belle Sokolow, Sidney Stark, Louis B . Stein, Irvin H . Tapper, Phyllis Weiner Unger, Ida Winer, Morris Wolk Tuesday January 23: Jacob Bahm, Barbara Berenfield, Jack Hart, Helen Betty K Israel, Edward Josephs, Pearl Karp, David Kart, Diane L . Katz, Anna Lazier, Marian Levine, Belle Wise Levy, Joseph G . Luptak, Erna Metzger, Beverly Pattak, Morris Roth, Mollie Simon, Samuel Sloan, Max Spodek, Herman Spolan Wednesday January 24: Irving Glicken, Morris Goodman, Mollie Greenfield, Harry Gruskin, Clara Ida Harris, Esther Mankovitz, Martha Rogal, Edgar Schaffel, Harry D . Wald Thursday January 25: Esther Berkman, Harry A . Cohan, James H . Darling, Ida S . Goldberg, Jacob J . Gordon, Sidney Hyde, Walter E . Katz, Carl Labovitz, Nathan Labe Land, Ludwig Landman, Sheldon G . Lindner, Philip Rosenthal, Harry Shapiro, Jennie Shrager, David Silverblatt, Minnie Rhea Silverblatt, Jennie Sobel, Dorothy Spolan, Annie Stearns, Julius Wolf Friday January 26: Jacob Adler, Ida Alpert, Simon Bostocky, Frumie Fraidel Brown, Eva Cohen, Mollie Hilsenrath, Michael Hoffrichter, Helen Honig, Nathan H . Leventon, Esq ., Daniel Levinson, Rebecca Luick, Dorothy Pollock, Elaine Portner, Leon Prinz, Mollie Ryave, Max Schoenberger, Enoch Sisselsky, Benjamin W . Steiner Saturday January 27: Hyman Browarsky, Louis Fishman, Ethel Golanty, Morris D . Herwitt, Hyman Klahr, David Lundy, Isadore Lupovitz, Joseph Markovitz, Lew J . Miller, Isadore Pachtman, Milton Ripp, Eunice Roth, Lena G . Skirble, A . Leonard Winer, Ivan Lee Wolinsky

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Freiser Jeanine, deceased, of Pittsburgh, PA. No. 04908 of 2023. Deena Ross, Extrx., 2256 Shady Ave. Pittsburgh, Pa 15217. www.pittsburghjewishchronicle.org 20

JANUARY 19, 2024

FLOM: Annabelle Flom, March 11, 1931 to Jan. 14, 2024. Annabelle Flom was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother and Bubbe, who spent much of her 92 years sharing her love of music with her family and her many students. Daughter of the late Jacob and Cora Slome and sister of the late Helen Schugar and Shirley Schack, Annabelle was devoted to her family. Annabelle married her beloved late husband, Martin, in 1952, and shared a beautiful marriage with him for 52 years. She is survived by her children, Richard Flom (Lynn Kronzek) and Lorrie Flom (Jay Goodman), and her three grandchildren, Robert Flom, Joshua Goodman and Hannah Goodman. An exceptional classical pianist, Annabelle grew up in Squirrel Hill and went to Duquesne University to study piano and earn a degree in music education. A 65-year resident of Stanton Heights, she was a music teacher in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and later in Fox Chapel, until she retired at nearly 80 years old. She especially delighted in attending classical music performances with her family, reading mysteries and courtroom dramas, cooking and baking for her family, playing bridge, solving crossword puzzles and working in her perennial garden. Annabelle will truly be missed. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment Cneseth Israel Cemetery-Reserve Township. schugar.com SHIFLET: Sherman Shiflet, on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. Beloved husband of the late Judy Shiflet. Loving father of Keith (Colleen) Shiflet. Devoted grandfather of Amanda Shiflet. Sherman was born, raised and lived his entire life in Pittsburgh. He loved history and antique cars. Graveside service and interment were held at Beth Shalom Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Animal Friends, c/o Development Department, 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. schugar.com SNYDER: Edward Dunn Snyder, devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. He was two months shy of his 99th birthday. Born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on March 10, 1925, Ed was the dedicated son of Sophia and Jackson Snyder, brother to Helen Snyder Weinberg and Arthur Snyder. Ed proudly served in the United States Air Corps, sharing his memories of flying “the hump” during World War II. In 1954, Ed married the love of his life, Janet Barmak (d. Nov. 17, 2020), building a beautiful life together with their children, Carol and Kenny, first in Pittsburgh and later in South Florida for 66 remarkable years. Ed, a steadfast and loving husband, was proud of Janet’s teaching career and played the role of statistician, averaging grades almost nightly. Together Ed and Janet traveled the world, mostly by cruise, delighting in European destinations, always bringing back colorful art to memorialize their trip. Ed was a consummate “people person,” engaging in a long professional sales career in electronics and, later, women’s apparel. He regularly won awards and vacations for being the highest selling employee. Ed was charismatic, quick with a joke and endearing to everyone who crossed his path. It was impossible not to be enamored with his sparkling aquamarine eyes, his tall and broad stature, and his winning laugh. A true gentleman of an era past, Ed had a deep love of Frank Sinatra’s music — the American Songbook was the soundtrack of his life. He had a strong affinity for animals, especially cats, dogs and birds. Ed adored his orange outdoor cat named Butterscotch, his beloved pet in the 70s. Ed was a lifelong sports enthusiast until his final day and was a dedicated Pittsburgh Pirates, Panthers, Steelers and Penguins fan, even traveling with Janet to the Sun Belt to cheer on the Pitt Panthers. Ed was also an accomplished and natural-born athlete, excelling in every sport he played, from ping-pong to tennis to swimming, passing on this passion to his grandchildren. A scratch golfer, who learned to caddy as a young boy in Uniontown, he delighted in the game into his early 90s. Ed’s retirement in South Florida was filled with fabulous friends, golf, card games, family and sunshine. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Papap” or “Papa Ed.” Beloved by staff and residents in his retirement community, Morse Life, Ed found a true home in this supportive circle of friends over the past five years. He leaves behind a rich legacy of family and love and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him. Zichrono Livracha — May Ed’s memory be for a blessing. Ed is survived by his beloved daughter, Carol Niren (Neil Niren, M.D.), devoted son, Kenneth B. Snyder (Lisa Snyder), six grandchildren Leslie Niren, Lisa Niren, Ilana Snyder Gershon (Ori Gershon), Daniel Snyder, Andrew Snyder and Michael Snyder, and great-grandsons Liam Gershon and Kai Gershon. Graveside service and interment were held at West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. To honor Ed’s life, contributions may be made to Rodef Shalom Congregation in Pittsburgh, rodefshalom.org/give. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. schugar.com WALDMAN: Ann Jean Waldman, 87, passed away on Jan. 15, 2024. She was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and lived in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area all of her life. She is the daughter of the late Carl J. and Rose Lefkowitz. She was married for 62 years until the recent passing of her husband, Lou. Her decline since his death reflects their

PITTSBURGH JEWISH CHRONICLE

Please see Obituaries, page 21

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Obituaries

PITTSBU RGH NEWEST ’S FUNERA L HOME

Obituaries: Continued from page 20

enduring love. She is survived by her beloved sons, Ivan (Jackie) and Dr. Carl (Shari) Waldman, and beloved grandchildren, Emma and Miles Waldman. She was foremost a homemaker, but also worked as medical secretary, sold advertisements for a local paper, and worked at the Hadassah Thrift Shop and Beth Shalom daycare. She loved family, friends, flowers, beaches and chocolate. She was opinionated when it was important but also a great listener. She will be missed for her dedication and love to her family and her indelible impression. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment Beth Shalom Cemetery. Donations may be made to Temple Sinai, 5505 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217, your favorite charity or you may plant a tree in her memory. schugar.com WEISS: Ronald (Lou) Weiss, 88, of Delray Beach, Florida, formerly of Pittsburgh, passed away peacefully on Jan. 6, 2024. The son of Sam and Zelda Weiss. Survived by his beloved wife, Evie, and loving children, Howie and Fran Weiss, Mitchel and Christie Weiss, and Elyssa Weiss. Devoted grandchildren Rachael and Jeff Carlson, Allison and Leeland Gotlieb, and Zoe Weiss. Precious great-grandchildren, Jacob and Madison Carlson. Beloved sisters Tema Edelstein and the late Fred Edelstein, and Lindy Levy and the late Ed Levy. Many beloved nieces and nephews. Private services were held at the Gardens in Boca Raton, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be donated to a charity of your choice. PJC

MacDonald: Continued from page 3

all over the county. They are heterosexual, homosexual, transexual, Black, Vietnamese, Hispanic. Southwestern Pennsylvania is a melting pot.” To that end, she said, her background is more diverse than people would think. “My father is a Palestinian,” she said. “We grew up thinking we were Lebanese, but he was born in Palestine. That’s what his passport says.” Her father, a Catholic, emigrated to America to study at the University of Pennsylvania around 1945. After the Arab-Israeli war broke out in 1948 and his passport was invalidated, he became an American citizen and served in the Army during the Korean War. Many people, MacDonald said, don’t understand the formation of the modern Middle East and Israel. “There are decades of issues from the Ottoman Empire to the British,” she said. “People don’t understand that Palestine isn’t a country. And so, with Israel, people think one group stole another group’s country, and that’s not what really happened.” Regarding the current war Israel-Hamas war, MacDonald said that she is 100% pro-Israel. “Every country has a right to defend itself,” she said, before adding that the United States can make diplomatic efforts if its leaders believe things should be done differently. MacDonald said that over the last several years, American policy has emboldened Iran, a funder of both Hamas and Hezbollah. “That’s why we are where we are now,” she said. MacDonald has a history with Pittsburgh’s Jewish community. She said she helped out following the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting of Oct. 27. “My friend Jen Storm, the former victims’ advocate for the state of Pennsylvania, called me and asked, ‘What can we do?’ I said, ‘Jen, we’re going to need a lot of money. There are a lot of problems here.’” She said the state issued a $2.2 million grant used by various Jewish organizations and the PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

Center for Victims to support the victims, their families and the region following the shooting. “One of the most offensive things I’ve heard my opponent say, if you look at her website, is that she got $1.5 million for this area to combat antisemitism,” MacDonald said. “Are you kidding me? What are you going to do with that money? You’re an antisemite. Give me a break. How dare she.” MacDonald’s campaign isn’t without controversy. An article published by WPXI in 2020 reported that MacDonald and others at the Center for Victims made homophobic and racist slurs during her time as president and CEO. Those claims, MacDonald said, were part of a personnel issue, the story aired just once, and then, because it was false, never appeared again on any newscast. On social media, users have alleged that MacDonald supported Donald Trump and the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett. MacDonald said she doesn’t support Trump but does feel he did some good things as president. She said she is a moderate Democrat and “100% pro-choice and pro-woman.” “I was a huge fan of Ruth Bader Ginsberg,” she said. “I’m a huge fan of any woman that can get herself on the Supreme Court. I think things are starting to balance now. I had nothing to do with Amy Coney Barrett. I just think it’s important to have women on the court.” MacDonald said it’s her belief in moderation and her experience that separates her from the other Democrats running. “I would be honored if people would support me,” she said. “I’m working to get AIPAC’s support. Bhavini is a nice girl, but she’s a girl. You don’t go to Congress and fight for one of the oldest industrial cities in the United States and not know anything. “I’m running as a Democrat because I believe in moderation,” she said, “and you don’t get that on the right.” PJC

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NOTICE OF HEARING IN RE: PETITION OF FIRST PODOLIER INDEPENDENT SOCIETY, A PENNSYLVANIA NON-PROFIT CORPORATION No. 02-23-8214 in the Orphans’ Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Notice is hereby given that the Court has set a hearing on the Petition of First Podolier Independent Society, a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation, to approve a Fundamental Change in the form of the transfer of ownership and management of its cemetery and the transfer of certain assets to the Jewish Cemetery and Burial Association of Greater Pittsburgh. The hearing will be held in the Orphans’ Court Division, Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania , 17th fl., Frick Bldg., 437 Grant St., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on February 14, 2024, at 11:30 A.M.. before the Honorable Lawrence J. O’Toole. Any interested person is invited to attend. Information may be obtained from Robert J. Garvin, Esq., Goldberg, Kamin & Garvin, LLP, Suite. 1806 Frick Bldg., 437 Grant St., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, phone (412) 281-1119; Attorney for Petitioner.

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JANUARY 19, 2024

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Community Now you know

Students from Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh enjoyed a special book-themed show and tell. Along with showcasing copies of their favorite reads, students prepared short reports explaining each book’s specialness.

Liberty and justice for all

The Honorable Rachel Heisler was sworn in as Pittsburgh’s City Controller on Jan. 8. Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh seventh-grade girls participated in the ceremony by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

p Kindergartener Leah Sebbag holds her book and report.

p Rachel Heisler, center, is joined by members of Hillel Academy’s seventh grade.

In living color

Bring them home now!

p The illustrated Pentateuch was purchased with funding from the CDS Parent Association. Photo courtesy of Community Day School

p The vigil was organized by Chabad on Campus and Bring Them Home

Photo courtesy of Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh

Community Day School students observed a new illustrated Torah.

Photo courtesy of Rachel Heisler

Students from the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University gathered for a vigil on Monday to commemorate 100 days since Israel was attacked by Hamas and to pray for the return of the hostages who remain captive inside Gaza.

Photo by Julie Paris

It’s good

Repair the World Pittsburgh received funding from the Pittsburgh Steelers after being selected as a recipient of the Pittsburgh Steelers Social Justice Matching Fund. In 2023, the fund provided 35 community organizations a total of $489,250.

p Representatives of the Steelers and community organizations gather on the Steelers’ indoor training field.

PITTSBURGHJEWISHCHRONICLE.ORG

p Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz, left, and Steelers owner Art Rooney II join Repair the World Pittsburgh Executive Director Jules Mallis. Photos courtesy of Jason Edelstein

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