The Charlotte Jewish News April 2025

Celebrating Israel Special Edition

e Charlotte NEWS JEWISH

Israel Emergency Campaign Update: How Our Community is Making a Difference

By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist

Following the tragic events of October 7, Jewish communities around the world rallied together to support Israel in its time of need. As the conflict in Israel persists, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (JFGC) remains steadfast in its commitment to support and rebuild affected communities. Through the Israel Emergency Campaign, our local efforts have joined with The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) to mobilize substantial resources addressing both immediate and long-term needs in Israel.

In just one month after launching the Israel Emergency Campaign, JFGC raised an astounding $2.6 million—a testament to our community’s deep connection to Israel and unwavering commitment to helping those in need. In total, JFNA has raised more than $867 million (as of February 2025) and have already allocated more than $722 million.

These numbers represent lifelines extended, homes rebuilt, and hope restored. Our collective support has provided funding to four critical efforts:

Lifeline Services: Essential items like food, clothing, and medicine, as well as spiritual care and emergency housing for families forced to flee their homes.

Medical & Trauma Relief: Critical medical supplies for

hospitals and trauma support programs to help Israelis heal physically and emotionally. This includes mental health hotlines, caregiver training, and direct support for first responders and families affected by loss and injury.

Economic Relief and Recovery: Financial assistance to small businesses hit hard by the war, ensuring they can continue to employ tens of thousands of Israelis. These efforts are vital in sustaining Israel’s economy during this period of disruption.

Community Resilience and Rebuilding: Investments aimed at helping communities recover, rebuild, and return home. This long-term support ensures that Israeli society can grow stronger and more resilient.

A significant portion of the funds has been allocated to core partners who are implementing critical programs. The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), a longstanding beneficiary of JFGC, has been instrumental in ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations, such as new immigrants and elderly residents, while delivering immediate and long-term assistance to those affected by terror. Their efforts include offering evacuation options, psychological support, resilience workshops, and financial aid to those in need. As communities continue to face challenges, JAFI remains focused on rebuilding disrupted areas and helping children navigate sig -

nificant educational and social hurdles. Almost $45 million in emergency funding has been provided to the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), supporting tens of thousands of Israelis with essential care.

Another longstanding beneficiary, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), has been pivotal in addressing the physical and mental health needs precipitated by the conflict. In addition to distributing essential medical equipment for emergency response units in the North, they launched the “Nafshi” online portal, offering accessible mental health resources tailored to individual needs. This initiative has provided critical

support to those grappling with trauma, enabling them to access self-care techniques, youth groups, and intensive therapy options. More than $19.5 million has been provided to the JDC, enabling them to quickly deliver emergency aid to vulnerable populations and extend support programs to thousands impacted by the war.

Additionally, the Israel Emergency Campaign supports various organizations that focus on areas such as aid for women and children, agricultural support, education, and food security among other critical needs.

The funds raised by our community represent a powerful message: the greater Charlotte

Jewish community stands with Israel. Our long-term support has enabled these agencies to be ready for disaster, bringing immediate relief and offering hope for long-term recovery. Every dollar raised fuels lifesaving services, strengthens community resilience, and sustains Israel’s economy during these challenging times.

As Israel continues on its path to recovery, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte remains committed to being part of the journey. Our role is clear: standing with Israel through compassion, action, and the belief that together, we can outshine hate and build a future filled with hope. The road ahead may be long, but with a community as committed and compassionate as ours, the future is bright.

Beginning this month, the CJN is pleased to offer our front page story in Hebrew beginning on page 2.

Hebrew High Has a New Director and New Vision

By Daniela Mickey

Unless you have a teenager in your life, you may not be aware of an amazing program for Jewish teens that has been thriving for over 25 years. Hebrew High is a supplemental program for Jewish students in grades 8-12, sponsored by Temple Beth El, Temple Israel, and Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte. The program offers three different tracks to accommodate teens’ busy schedules: Hebrew for Credit, Hebrew High, and Moving Traditions.

The transformative learning experiences at Hebrew High are designed to help students grow

both in and out of the classroom. Hebrew High reflects the vibrant energy of Jewish teens by giving them a voice to explore their Judaism in a safe, engaging environment with passionate and skilled teachers who encourage

them to make an impact on the world.

Welcoming a New Director: Daniela Mickey

Daniela Mickey, Hebrew High’s new director, brings fresh leadership and a revitalized vision to the program.

Born and raised in Mexico City, Daniela moved to Charlotte as a teenager, where Hebrew High became a transformative part of her Jewish identity. She loved participating in classes, learning alongside her peers about what it truly means to be Jewish in the world, and understanding why Jewish pride and

Daniela Mickey

Editor’s Corner

Finding Israel in Charlotte: A Community Coming Together

A few weeks ago, I was standing in line at Cinnaholic, a vegan cinnamon roll shop in Ballantyne. (If you haven't been—oy! Don’t let the “vegan” part scare you.) While debating between orange frosting or plain, I heard the family behind me speaking Hebrew. I turned around to introduce myself — an instinctive response that I realized I wouldn’t have had if I had heard them speaking French, even though I speak a little. It’s interesting how quickly a sense of shared experience emerges when we encounter other Jews.

It turned out they had just moved to Charlotte two days before and were still living in a hotel. I shared information about The Charlotte Jewish News and showed them a few Facebook

pages where they could connect with local Jews. Beyond that, though, I wasn’t sure where to send them. We exchanged phone numbers.

It surprised me that as the editor of a paper that strives to represent, inform, and engage the entire Jewish community, I was so unaware of a population we weren’t representing. After nearly five years in this role, how could there be such a significant part of Charlotte’s Jewish community that had remained invisible to me? As I later discovered, there may be as many as 300 Israeli families in our area, (but it's all an estimate) — yet they weren’t appearing in our pages.

This realization came while preparing our annual Celebrating Israel edition. As I gathered stories about Israel and our local agencies' connection to Israel, it seemed clear to me that I needed to balance our coverage of Israel abroad with a look at Israel right here in Charlotte.

I had heard that Noah Goldman, the Jewish Federation of greater Charlotte’s Israel & global Jewry associate, was working to strengthen connections with local Israelis. I reached out to him, and he put me in touch with several people to help me

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understand this community’s needs and experiences.

I spoke with Dror Stanitsky, who with his family moved here less than two years ago. Though he hasn't lived here long, he explained to me the evolution of the community here. Years ago, when the entire community was smaller, Jews coming to town would find the JCC and make their homes nearby. Israeli families would find each other and make informal connections. Though Charlotte has grown in recent years, and with it the Israeli community, the way the connect has remained the same.

“There’s no hub, no one-stop shop,” he told me, describing how most connections happen through informal WhatsApp groups and Facebook. “That’s what we’re trying to do now — together with Noah and the Jewish Federation — to create a central place where people can find all the information they need.”

This informal, word-of-mouth approach has unintentionally kept the broader Jewish community unaware of Charlotte’s Israeli presence. And when Israelis and American Jews do connect, there are natural cultural differences that can create a sense of distance.

Galia Lapidot, who has lived in Charlotte for 15 years, described some of these differences: “I asked my [American] neighbor, 'Sharon, if I invite you for dinner last minute — because that’s what we do — how would you feel about it?' And she said,

‘I’d be insulted. It would feel like you had other plans, someone canceled, and now I’m just a backup.’” Galia had to explain that for Israelis, spontaneous invitations are a sign of closeness, not an afterthought.

She also acknowledged how Israelis can come across as aggressive. “Israelis seem aggressive. But I always say, when you live in a place where you might die tomorrow, you need to be aggressive. It’s in your DNA.”

Beyond social customs, even the understanding of Jewish identity itself can differ. Limor Bregman, who has lived in Charlotte for 16 years, shared how it took her years to grasp American Judaism. “As an Israeli, I only knew Orthodox Judaism. But here, you have Orthodox, Conservative, Reform … They created a ‘new Jew’ that doesn’t exist anywhere else.” Limor admitted it took her time to fully accept these differences. “But eventually, I realized — we are all members of the same tribe.”

For many, October 7th was catalyst for change in how we see ourselves as Jews individually and as part of a tribe. The tragedy deepened awareness of the need for unity and strengthened the desire for connection across cultural lines.

“We understand now that there’s a greater need to be one big community,” Dror explained. Many who previously felt disconnected from Jewish identity or hesitant to engage found themselves drawn back

in the wake of these events.

This shift has opened an opportunity for action. Goldman is working with a committee of Israeli and American community members to develop resources for newcomers, create more inclusive programming, and establish better communication channels.

This partnership represents a new chapter for Charlotte’s Jewish community, one that respects cultural differences while fostering greater integration. As Galia put it:

“The Israeli community needs to be part of the Jewish community. It’ll take time, but we’re figuring out how to build those bridges.”

With Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) approaching, we have a perfect opportunity to come together. This celebration is more than a national holiday — it’s a chance for Israeli and American Jews to meet, connect, and celebrate our shared identity.

So if you find yourself standing in the food line and you hear someone speaking Hebrew, turn around and introduce yourself. Maybe share a falafel. Start a conversation. These small moments of connection are how communities grow stronger because, in the end, we’re all part of the same tribe.

(Join us for our community’s Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration on Thursday, May 1. For more information visit www.jewishcharlotte.org.)

The CJN does not assume responsibility for the quality of kashruth of any product or service advertised. Publishing of a paid political advertisement does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate, political party or position by this newspaper, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, or any of its employees. Articles submitted by individual agencies bearing their logo are reflective of the opinion of that agency.

Published monthly except July

An affiliate of Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte e Charlotte

Shira Firestone, Managing Editor CJN

Shira

Israeli Speakers Share Stories of Resilience at Charlotte Shabbat Event

By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist

Through its ongoing participation in the Partnership2Gether (P2G) program, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (JFGC) brings Israeli voices and experiences directly to the greater Charlotte Jewish community, deepening understanding and strengthening bonds between local and global Jewry. P2G, an initiative of The Jewish Agency for Israel, connects Jewish communities worldwide with Israeli regions to foster cultural exchange, educational opportunities, and deeper relationships between local and Israeli communities.

Hebrew High

community matter. The friendships she made then remain a huge part of her life today.

Daniela’s Jewish-centric career began at Camp Mindy, where she worked as a counselor in high school. Her passion for teaching took her to San Diego, California. Later, she returned to Charlotte, working as “Coach D” in the Levine JCC’s sports department, where she taught youth sports classes and served as a coordinator. After moving to Jacksonville, Florida, she became director of sports and recreation at the Jewish Community Alliance, continuing her lifelong passion for working with children of all ages.

Now back in Charlotte with her family, Daniela is excited to lead Hebrew High into the future. When she’s not with her husband, Jonathan, and daughters, Cora (5) and Margot (3), she enjoys reading, cooking, practicing yoga, weightlifting,

(Continued from page 2)

One such opportunity took place during a recent Shabbat, when JFGC and Temple Israel welcomed two extraordinary speakers from Israel for a powerful and moving experience at a recent Temple Israel Shabbat. The greater Charlotte Jewish community gathered to hear first-hand accounts of resilience, strength, and hope — stories that brought the realities of life in Israel after October 7 into sharp focus.

When Noga Hila Motana’s husband, Liron, was called to IDF reserve duty, the weight of the moment wasn’t just hers to carry; it also fell on her three children, who struggled to un-

derstand why their father had to leave and questioned when he would return. “Mom, when will it end?” her eight-year-old daughter Yahli had asked, a

question so many Israeli children have had to grapple with. What do you do when your child asks an impossible question? Unable to provide an easy answer, Noga drew on her experience as a parenting and family consultant and channeled the uncertainty into something tangible: a book.

“Mom, When Will it End?” offers tools for families to navigate the fears of wartime, reminding children and parents that even in the most challenging moments, strength and support can be found within their own homes and communities. Noga spoke directly to the children of the congregation, inviting them on stage and giving them words

of encouragement and hope. The next morning, the congregation heard from Amit Yagur, a leader both in the military and in Israel’s tech and education sectors. As the co-founder of Brainy’z, an educational technology startup, and a senior officer in the IDF Navy, Amit has spent years shaping Israel’s future. But after October 7, his focus shifted. The attack wasn’t just a moment in history — it was a call to action. What does leadership look like when a country is thrown into chaos? For Amit, it meant

(Continued on page 5)

crafting, and spending time with her 16-year-old “street terrier,” Flapjack.

A Fresh Look and New Initiatives

Daniela’s vision for Hebrew High comes with exciting updates, including a new logo and website that visually represent the collaboration between Temple Beth El, Temple Israel, and Hebrew High.

Along with the new branding, Hebrew High is also rolling out key program changes:

- Teen Advisory Board: A newly established board ensures that students’ voices are heard and that they feel ownership over the program.

- Curriculum Updates: A new curriculum for 11th and 12th graders is in development, ensuring meaningful engagement for upper-level students.

- Moving Traditions Evolves into “Kulam”: This program is transitioning from gender-spe-

cific groups to a fully inclusive format under the Hebrew name Kulam (“everyone”).

Join Us at Hebrew High’s Open House

Hebrew High invites all incoming 8th graders and new Jewish teens in the area to an Open House on May 7 to see the program in action. This event is a great opportunity to experience Hebrew High firsthand, meet the teachers, and connect with fellow students.

With a new director, a fresh look, and exciting program updates, Hebrew High continues to be a dynamic space for Jewish teens to grow, connect, and lead. For more information, visit www.HebrewHigh.org.

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Amit Yagur

Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte

Strengthening Bonds: Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte Connects With Israel

By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist

In the wake of the events of October 7, the greater Charlotte Jewish community has expressed a profound desire to deepen its connection with Israel and its people. A recent Jewish Federations of North America survey indicated that the majority of respondents feel deeply connected to Israel and are eager for more opportunities to engage. In response, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (JFGC) is expanding programs and launching new initiatives that aim to strengthen cultural ties and foster meaningful conversations that keep Israel central to Jewish life in Charlotte.

To help achieve this, JFGC introduced a new additional giving opportunity in 2025 alongside the Annual Campaign: the Sue Worrel Israel Center Endowment Fund, which supports the iCenter for Israel Education and Engagement. Named in honor of former Federation CEO Sue Worrel, this fund reflects her deep commitment to Israel. The iCenter, a central hub for Israel-related programming, education, and engagement, offers opportunities for meaningful dialogue and learning. By integrating existing programs and developing new ones, the iCenter initiative

ensures that Israel education and engagement is a vibrant part of Jewish life in Charlotte.

Through the iCenter, existing programs such as the upcoming annual Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day) and Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) events continue to bring Charlotte together in celebration and remembrance. Additionally, the Artist-in-Residence Program celebrates Israeli creativity and storytelling by bringing immersive cultural experiences to Charlotte, such as Erez Kaganovitz’s photography showcase last month. These experiences allow our community to engage with Israeli heritage and culture in meaningful ways.

Federation’s participation in the Partnership2Gether (P2G) program further connects greater Charlotte with Israel’s Hadera region. P2G, a subsidiary of The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), is a powerful initiative connecting 300 Jewish communities across the world in 43 unique city-to-city and region-to-region partnerships. P2G builds deep connections between Jewish communities around the world and regions in Israel through cultural and educational exchanges. By fostering personal relationships through hands-on projects and direct interactions,

P2G creates meaningful opportunities for communities to learn from one another and experience the enriching benefits of being part of a global Jewish family. (For more on Charlotte’s partner region, Hadera, see page 8.)

The Unpacking Israel: Masterclass Series is a new program series that provides opportunities to hear from top Israeli voices such as Haviv Rettig Gur, Erez Kaganovitz, Nadav Eyal, and Einat Wilf. These sessions offer nuanced perspectives on Israeli society, politics, and culture, fostering thoughtful conversations and deeper understanding. The most recent masterclass, featuring Artist-in-Residence Erez Kaganovitz, focused on telling the stories of those affected by Octo-

ber 7 with photography through the “Humans of October 7th” project. Upcoming masterclasses with Nadav Eyal and Einat Wilf will be on June 19 and September 11, respectively.

The Unpacking Israel: Masterclass Series is just one of the many exciting initiatives launched through the iCenter. As we look forward, the vision is clear. The iCenter initiative will continue to foster meaningful dialogue by providing opportunities for conversations about Israel’s identity, politics, and culture. Educational opportunities will deepen community understanding by offering historical context, contemporary insights, and personal narratives from Israel. Cultural events,

performances, and exhibits will highlight Israel’s diversity and creativity, enriching greater Charlotte’s cultural landscape. Additionally, professional development programs will equip educators and community leaders with the tools they need to enhance Israel-related education and programming.

This is just the beginning. The iCenter’s success depends on the support and involvement of our community. Contributing to the Sue Worrel Israel Center Endowment Fund ensures sustainable funding for programs that keep Israel central to Jewish life in Charlotte. Participation in upcoming events and programs allows community members to engage with speakers, cultural experiences, and educational sessions that explore Israel from multiple perspectives.

As we look ahead, the development of the iCenter represents a shared commitment to building bridges between Charlotte and Israel. Together, we have the power to create a future where Israel remains a vibrant, relevant, and essential part of our community’s Jewish experience.

To give to the Sue Worrel Israel Center Endowment Fund, visit the “Ways to Give” tab online at www.jewishcharlotte.org

Beach in Hadera Photo: Никита Андреев - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

Inaugural Charlotte Leaders for Tomorrow Cohort Attends Leadership and Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C.

Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (JFGC) recently partnered with the American Jewish Committee’s Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) program to bring several local Jewish high schoolers to Washington, D.C. for its Leadership and Advocacy Summit. The students engaged with policymakers, explored interfaith relations, and learned effective advocacy techniques.

Two of the teens, Abby Sherman and Jordan Sokolowicz, have written about their experience, the lessons they learned, and their hopes for the future:

This trip was a very impactful experience. We learned about Jewish identity, ways to advocate against antisemitism, and about the future of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This was done through guest speakers and educational seminars. Our first of many guest speakers was Benaya Cherlow, a young Israeli-American man. To preface his interview, Cherlow insisted on telling a story. He expertly painted a landscape of his experiences as an Israel Defense Force (IDF) soldier in Gaza, placing each listener directly into the high-stakes reality of being an IDF combat soldier. As his story came to a close, he was ready to answer the moderator’s various questions regarding his experiences on Capitol Hill, where he uses his experience as a reservist IDF soldier to persuade politicians to support Israel. Cherlow’s insight into current politics and his excitement for advocacy allowed him to uniquely deliver this memorable presentation.

Cherlow’s powerful message, which expressed the importance of taking an active role in advancing goals, changed our viewpoints on teenagers’ abili-

ty to make change. Cherlow’s use of personal experience to illustrate his motivations for becoming involved on Capitol Hill set the tone for the rest of the summit. During our discussions with state legislators, we were motivated by our religious and cultural identities, supported by real policies and pressing issues. Specifically, we advocated for legislation such as the Holocaust Education Antisemitism Lessons Act and the Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act. With the recent rise in antisemitism due to current events, Jewish teens now more than ever can share personal anecdotes that reinforce the importance of these legislative efforts.

The summit also emphasized inter-group relations. We were taught the relationships between Jews and other religions, which gave us insight into how different religions and ethnic groups interact. Learning about these relationships was very eye-opening as we explored the connections and relationships that Jews have with Muslims, Catholics, and Af-

Israeli Speakers

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stepping beyond his professional roles and volunteering as a community officer, helping to stabilize civilian life near Gaza. Later, as the state took over those efforts, he turned to the media, ensuring the world saw the reality on the ground — the human stories behind the headlines. He reflected on the responsibility of defending a nation and ensuring its people, its values, and its stories endure.

These special Shabbat services were opportunities for connection and understanding. The stories of Noga and Amit illustrated that the ties between greater Charlotte and Israel extend beyond geography, strengthened

through shared values, compassion, and support. As services ended, there was a renewed sense of gratitude for our connections with Israel and the power of standing together.

Programs and events like these go beyond storytelling— they provide opportunities to engage, learn, and take action in support of Israel. As Noga and Amit returned home, their stories stayed with those who heard them, uniting, inspiring, and mobilizing the community. The bonds between greater Charlotte and Israel continue to grow through Federation’s leadership, ensuring that these connections remain strong for generations.

rican Americans. We were able to go to the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, a gorgeous, classical Catholic cathedral. We learned about the harmful past relationship between Jews and Catholics, how it has changed and become a better relationship with a promising future ahead. Discussing this relationship led to the realization of my limited knowledge about Catholicism. However, I discovered that I want to learn more about this religion, especially how Judaism

and Catholicism are similar and different, and how these connections and separations affect and develop past, present, and future relationships between Catholics and Jews.

This trip taught us so much, but one thing that it especially did was confirm our Zionism and love for Israel. Several seminars focused on Israel, especially the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the region’s possible future. We realized our passion for Israel, particularly its safety and future

protection from terrorist organizations. Learning about possible future outcomes and current relationships between Israel and its Arab neighbors was extremely interesting, and inspired us to want to learn more about the history of the Middle East, along with future interrelations that could arise between Middle Eastern countries and Israel. The skills and thoughts taught by programs such as LFT are exponentially important as antisemitism continues to grow in the United States and abroad. Being exposed to the inner workings of national political organizations and federal legislatures provided a more comprehensive understanding of our government and the systems that work to support the Jewish people. Attending LFT taught us key skills in strategic communication, but more importantly, it inspired us to assume a more active role in our Jewish community. Overall, this trip was inspiring, and one that will stick with us for a long time, because of what we learned, the rousing speakers, and the advocating skills we learned from the trip.

JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL (JAFI)

As a means of bettering our greater Charlotte Jewish community, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte allocates donation funds to local Jewish organizations who embody Jewish values and overall better our community. In recognition of their work, we at Federation wish to bring attention to these organizations and the good that they do.

For nearly a century, The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) has been a cornerstone of Jewish life and continuity, connecting Jewish communities across the globe and strengthening bonds with Israel. Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (JFGC) proudly supports JAFI, recognizing its critical role in advancing our shared mission and strategic objectives of community, Jewish identity, Israel, and philanthropy.

Since 1929, JAFI has been dedicated to building a vibrant Jewish future. From helping establish the State of Israel to fostering relationships between Jewish communities worldwide, JAFI continues to serve as a vital link between Jews everywhere and Israel, the homeland of the Jewish people. Its mission to ensure Jewish safety, strengthen Jewish identity, and foster connections between Israel and global Jewry aligns seamlessly with Federation’s commitment to sustaining and

enriching Jewish life worldwide.

One of the most impactful programs supported by JAFI is Partnership2Gether (P2G). Through this initiative, Charlotte shares a meaningful partnership with the region of Hadera, Israel. This city-to-city connection fosters deep relationships built on shared Jewish identity, cultural exchange, and collaborative projects. Another vital element of JAFI’s work is its Shlichim (emissary) program. Shlichim are exceptional Israeli delegates who bring Israel to life within communities like Charlotte. Through Federation’s partnership with JAFI, Charlotte has previously had the privilege of welcoming these emissaries, offering firsthand insights into Israeli culture and daily life.

JAFI has also played a key role in connecting our community with Israeli soldiers, whose visits to Charlotte have provided unique opportunities

for local engagement. These encounters help foster understanding and solidarity, allowing members of our community to hear personal stories and perspectives that expand the connection between Charlotte and Israel.

Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s partnership with JAFI exemplifies how philanthropy fuels connection, community, and continuity. By supporting JAFI, our community invests in programs that not only strengthen Jewish identity and ensure global Jewish safety but also build bridges between Charlotte and Israel. Through these initiatives, we continue to build meaningful connections and sustain Jewish life for years to come, making sure our community remains connected, resilient, and thriving.

Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte

Noah Goldman, Israel and global Jewry associate,with Charlotte teen cohort to the Leaders for Tomorrow Summit

Sue’s Bookshelf

By Sue Littauer

If you’re looking for works of historical fiction, inspirational female characters, complicated family relationships, and a strong sense of Jewish identity, look no further than my top five recommendations for April.

Alyson Richman does it again with her incredible new novel “The Time Keepers.” In my opinion, this is her best, most perfect novel to date. According to Amazon, “Richman interweaves the journeys of … wonderfully diverse characters who will grip, fill, and break your heart — only to bring them together with the care and precision of an expert watchmaker,

one piece at a time.”

“Let’s Call Her Barbie” by USA Today bestselling author Renee Rosen tells the story of Ruth Handler, co-founder of the Mattel Toy Company, and her vision to bring a revolutionary doll to a new generation of girls.

“She was only eleven-and-a-half inches tall, but she would change the world.” (Amazon) Against all odds, Ruth Handler fought hard to bring this doll to the toy market, and its success defied all odds.

According to author Lisa Barr, “The Greatest Lie of All” by Jillian Cantor does not miss

a beat in this unputdownable, richly textured, propulsive tale.” Friendship, family, grief, and self-discovery are key to this contemporary novel that delivers surprises and a satisfying trajectory.

“The Goldie Standard” by Simi Monheit is described by Amazon as “hilarious and surprising, this unapologetically Jewish story, which delivers a present-day take on a highly creative grandmother trying to find her Ph. D granddaughter a doctor for a husband — with

a yarmulke, of course.” A love story between two elderly senior center residents develops alongside a romance between two seemingly mismatched young adults. Yiddish phrases are interspersed throughout this warm and enjoyable novel.

“Becoming Becca Solomon” by Dahlia Moore is a poignant exploration of a courageous woman’s pursuit of self-fulfillment and liberation from the strict traditions and rigid community of her upbringing.” (Amazon) Although I would recommend this book primarily to those seeking an education on Jewish practices, it does offer a somewhat compelling story for any reader. Unfortunately, the severe conflict between a mother and her daughter is universal and relatable to many readers.

These strongly recommended books, and ones yet to be published, already provide a strong foundation for assembling our 2026 Book Club schedule!

The Center for Jewish Education Book Club recently read and discussed two exceptional novels: “The Lost English Girl” by Julia Kelly and “Paris: A Novel” by Ruth Reichl. The next meeting will be on Wednesday,

April 12 at 10:30 a.m., when we will talk about “The Goddess of Warsaw “by Lisa Barr. If you’ve yet to read it, be prepared for an incredible story.

The Book Club is open to all members of the community who are registered users of the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library and Resource Center. For more information, please contact sueb. littauer@jewishcharlotte.org

The Power of Words: How Hebrew Values Guide the Mission of Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte

By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist

In Hebrew, several common words and phrases carry profound meaning for Judaism, for Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, and for our community, encapsulating the values that shape the essence of Jewish life. Whether you are familiar with these words and phrases or have never heard them, their significance within the context of our community is worth exploring further. Words have the power to inspire, connect, and transform. In the Jewish tradition, words are

sacred tools that shape the world around us. Among the most profound of these words is ahavah — love (ohev/ohevet as a verb).

More than an emotion, ahavah represents a commitment to care, support, and building meaningful relationships. For Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, ahavah is at the heart of everything we do.

Ahavah guides Federation’s mission to strengthen and sustain Jews around the world. A love for Israel fuels opportunities for connection and understanding with the Jewish state. Through educational programs, cultural events, and solidarity missions, Federation brings Israel closer to home, nurturing a bond that transcends distance. Ahava is also what drives the efforts behind upcoming Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations, where our community’s love for Israel is shown through shared joy, culture, and unity, and behind Yom HaZikaron, where love leads us to support and care for one another as we honor the memories of those who sacrificed their lives for Israel.

A love for our community drives Federation’s support for

Center for Jewish Education Book Club Schedule

The CJE Book Club meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10:30 am in Room A110 at Shalom Park. All books are available at the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library at the Center for Jewish Education.

Apr. 9

The Goddess of Warsaw, Lisa Barr

May 14

Behind Every Good Man, Sara Goodman Confino Jun. 11

The Escape Artist, Jonathan Freedland Jul. 9

Long Island Compromise, Taffy Brodesser-Akner

Aug. 13

Kantika, Elizabeth Graver

Sept. 10

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern, Lynda Cohen Loigman

Oct. 29

The Rest of Our Lives, Judy Goldman

Nov. 12

Small World: A Novel, Laura Zigman

Dec. 10

Like Mother, Like Mother, Susan Rieger

Contact sueb.littauer@jewishcharlotte.org for questions

over 70 beneficiary agencies that provide education, cultural programming, and critical services in Charlotte, in Israel, and worldwide. It is love that motivates a commitment to keeping the Jewish community safe, advocating for the Jewish people, and standing against antisemitism. Ahavah compels Federation to create spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging, no matter where they are on their Jewish journey. Each act of giving, each partnership formed, and each initiative launched is rooted in the belief that a community built on ahavah is a community that thrives.

Ahavah also means embracing responsibility and caring for one another in times of need. When crises arise, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is there, providing support with compassion and dedication. Federation’s ef-

forts reflect the belief that love is shown through action, not just

words.

Ultimately, ahavah drives Federation’s vision for the future. By connecting us with Israel, fostering the next generation of leaders, promoting generational giving, and investing in education, we ensure that love for our community endures. The ripple effect of this love is seen in the connections we build, the lives we touch, and the enduring strength of Jewish life in Charlotte and beyond.

As Federation continues its work, ahavah remains a guiding force — a reminder that love, in all its forms, is the foundation of a vibrant, resilient, and united community. Together, through the power of ahavah, we build a future filled with hope, connection, and purpose.

“One nation, one heart” exemplifies our community’s ahava (love) for Israel.

Hadera: Charlotte’s Partner City

By Shira Firestone

Hadera, a vibrant city nestled along Israel’s Mediterranean coast, is a place where history, culture, and natural beauty intertwine. Through The Jewish Agency for Israel’s (JAFI) Partnership2Gether Program (P2G), Hadera has forged a strong bond with Charlotte creating a bridge between these two diverse communities. This program connects 165 Jewish communities through 38 cityto-city and region-to-region partnerships within Israel, as well as through global thematic collaborations, engaging thousands of participants each year. The partnership fosters deep interpersonal relationships and celebrates the shared heritage and cultural richness that unites Jewish people worldwide.

Hadera’s story is one of resilience and renewal. Founded in 1891 by members of Hovevei Zion, a group of Zionist immigrants from Eastern Europe, the city’s early settlers faced immense challenges. These pioneers bravely confronted the daunting task of draining swamps and combating malaria while establishing their new home. As of 2023, Hadera’s population is estimated to be over 103,000.

It has absorbed large numbers of immigrants, notably from Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union since 1990, contributing to its diverse cultural landscape.

This remarkable transformation highlights Hadera’s enduring spirit and its ability to overcome adversity.

A City Forged by History Hadera’s history is deeply rooted in the Zionist movement.

The city played a significant role in the early days of modern Zionism, serving as a pioneering agricultural settlement. Located on the Plain of Sharon, Hadera holds a strategic position along a historic route known as the Via

Maris, which connected Egypt to the Fertile Crescent in ancient times. This route facilitated trade and cultural exchange for centuries, placing Hadera within a broader historical context.

The Khan Museum, housed in an Ottoman-era farmstead, stands as a testament to the city’s origins, showcasing its archives and narrating its captivating story. Founder’s Park, renovated by renowned artist Dani Karavan, commemorates the region’s founders and fallen soldiers.

Hadera has also faced its share of challenges. In recent years, the city has been the target of terrorist attacks, including a suicide

bombing in 2005 that claimed the lives of seven civilians and injured 55 others. Hadera has faced security challenges, including terrorist attacks over the years, with past incidents affecting civilians. The city has shown remarkable resilience in response to such tragedies. However, the community has shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, standing united and strong.

A Tapestry of Cultures

Hadera’s diverse population has created a rich cultural tapestry. The city is home to people from various backgrounds, including those with Eastern European, Ethiopian, and Russian roots. This blend of cultures is reflected in the city’s vibrant cultural scene, which encompasses a variety of attractions and activities

The Technoda, a science and technology center, welcomes over 250,000 visitors annually, showcasing the region’s commitment to education and innovation. Hadera also offers opportunities for visitors to engage in various activities, including shopping, dining, exploring museums, horseback riding, and embarking on bicycle trips and excursions.

Hadera’s Natural Beauty Hadera is a city of natural beauty, featuring a more than four-mile coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. It is the fourth-largest city in Israel by area and encompasses diverse landscapes. Beach 50 offers a unique coastal experience with cliffs, rocks, and wildlife, including sea turtles and seabirds.

The Hadera River Park, a restored natural habitat, allows visitors to observe sharks in the warm waters near the power station. The park also has walking paths, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Additionally, a “kurkar hill” in Alexander Stream National Park serves as a reminder of the region’s history as an Ottoman-era customs post.

Today Hadera is a thriving multicultural hub, committed to sustainability and diverse economic activities. The Partnership2Gether Program with Charlotte strengthens Jewish identity and global connections, demonstrating the power of shared heritage and mutual support as Hadera continues its vibrant evolution toward a bright future.

Hazikaron

Freed Hostages Redefine Freedom

By Rabbi Yossi Groner, Chabad of Charlotte

Passover is the festival that celebrates the freedom and emancipation of the Children of Israel from Egyptian slavery. Freedom and liberation are the theme and focus of the holiday. All the pomp and ceremony of the Passover Seder are to reenact and relive the miraculous liberation of the People of Israel as they were liberated on these days some 3330 years ago.

These days of liberation are more than being reenacted; they are happening in our lifetime. The liturgy of the Haggadah includes a powerful statement: “In each and every generation, we are to see ourselves as if we were liberated from Egypt.” This is interpreted in two ways: 1) We shouldn’t take our freedom for granted. 2) It’s imperative for us

to liberate ourselves from our inner self-imposed constraints, which impede us from living to our fullest as Jews.

There is a deeper dimension of freedom that is inherent within us since the miracle of Passover. This is alluded to in the Haggadah, which says, “Had it not been for this night of Passover, we would have remained in slavery until this day.” Passover transformed us from having a slave mentality to being genuinely free. True freedom is a state of mind.

This inner freedom lives within our inner spirit and is not affected by external conditions, whatever they may be. In his monumental work “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Viktor Frankl famously defines freedom as the ability to choose one’s attitude in any situation. This can only be accomplished by finding the inner meaning of life.

This year, we are witnessing this true definition of freedom coming to life through the amazing heroism of the Israeli people, especially the hostages who have just been released from Hamas captivity. As the stories of the most recently released hostages emerge, we find a common thread that binds all of them. Their willpower to survive and thrive is powered by the awakening of the Jewish spark within their souls.

Keith Siegel, the 65-year-old

hostage, formerly from North Carolina, was released in February. His family asked him after his release, what specialty food he would like them to prepare for his first Shabbat meal of freedom? His daughter said, “We were trying to imagine what dish he craved while in captivity.” His reply was, “All I would like is a kippah and a kiddush cup so I can recite the Kiddush.” That is what he had been craving for all these months.

In some cases, the brave hostages, keen on clinging to Judaism, outsmarted their captors in creative ways. Take the case of Daniella Gilboa, who sang the Friday night hymn of Shalom Aleichem in Arabic in order not to be detected. Omer Shemtov, who decided to observe Shabbat in captivity, scraped salt off a pretzel and would dip his dry pita bread in it after reciting the Kiddush on it every Friday night. He used tissue paper as a kippah. Emily Damari, the energetic survivor, recalls that the one time when she heard the radio, it was a live broadcast of the Selichot Prayers before Yom Kippur, which gave her light and hope. Eli Sharabi, who says that he is not a religious man, recited the “Shema Yisrael” every morning and learned how to govern his thoughts in a positive way.

Most striking was the testimony of Agam Berger, who fasted on Yom Kippur and refrained

from eating chametz during Passover. Agam asked that her daily ration of one pita bread should be held for her on the day before Yom Kippur until the evening so that she would have the energy to fast. Her friends recall how she kept the Jewish ethical laws even under the most excruciating conditions. Agam says that her deep faith in G-d and the Jewish people kept her going day by day. One Israeli journalist put it this way in his Ynet column: “We read stories about Jewish heroes in days gone by. To see the amazing strength and will to live Jewishly demonstrated by these released hostages in the harshest of circumstances in our day is nothing short of true heroism.”

When we read or watch stories of these modern-day heroes, who not only survived their unimaginable ordeals but emerged with a sense of victory and defiance, we are witnessing the true definition of freedom. We are watching the quintessential spirit of the inner soul that is shining forth and energizing a nation under attack and should energize the Jewish world at large.

The Seder tradition is to tell the story of freedom, which began 3337 years ago. The story is still being written in Israel in 2025.

Our youth in North America are also experiencing their own challenges. Many brave young

souls are similarly demonstrating freedom by displaying Jewish pride in the face of ugly and vile antisemitism. They need to be supported and celebrated.

The concern is with the Jewish kids who didn’t receive a proper Jewish upbringing, who have not been taught genuine Jewish values and find it more convenient to identify with the enemy.

Many of them mean well, and they don’t realize the damage they are doing to themselves and to the Jewish people at large. They are our responsibility, and we need to make every effort to reach out to them and help them come home to their true selves.

The Rebbe of Chabad, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, taught that the Seder speaks of the four sons at the Seder table. Our generation has introduced the 5th son, the son who does not take part in the Seder and who sometimes even demonstrates with the enemy, whose real desire is the destruction of Israel. Our task at hand is to reach out to these lost, but not abandoned, souls and pull them back with love and education so they too can be the heroes of today.

Ballantyne Jewish Center and Chabad of Charlotte Lead Women’s Trip to Crown Heights

By Charlotte Rouchouze

The Ballantyne Jewish Center and Chabad of Charlotte, led by Rebbetzins Leah Levin and Channie Weiss, took a group of 17 Charlotte Jewish women to Crown Heights, Brooklyn, this past Feb. 12 and 13. I was lucky enough to join this uplifting and fascinating tour of major Chabad-Lubavitch sites, local kosher restaurants, and much more. In addition to a chance to have fun and build community, the tour gave all participants a deeper understanding of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson and the inspirational role he plays for so many to this day.

After arriving in New York, the group went straight to Crown Heights and started with a delicious lunch at the modern dairy spot Mozzarella. This was followed by a tour of the Jewish Children’s Museum, a unique museum that allows kids to actively engage with Torah, Jewish values, and Jewish peoplehood through a wide range of beautifully conceived exhibits. Next, we went to the commercial cen-

ter of Crown Heights, Kingston Avenue, where we had a chance to browse Judaica shops, kosher supermarkets, clothing stores, and bookstores, all catering to the Chabad Hassidic community. The first day wrapped up with a visit to the Rebbe’s home and dinner at Butcher Grill, a highend kosher steakhouse.

On the second day, we visited a stunning mikvah which embodies the Rebbe’s desire for the mitzvot (particularly those pertaining to women) to be done with beauty, not as tedious tasks or to suppress women’s beauty. We continued with a tour of “770,” the main headquarters of Chabad-Lubavitch at 770 Eastern Parkway, where the Rebbe met thousands upon thousands of visitors until his death in 1994. Our guide took us through the Rebbe’s library and to a scribe’s studio where Torahs and mezuzot are written by hand.

At the end of our last day, we prepared to visit the Rebbe’s grave (called the Ohel), a unique pilgrimage site for Jews of many backgrounds and from all over the world. Two days of

visits, as well as a preliminary presentation from Dena Gorkin, mother of Rabbi Shimon Gorkin of Charlotte, gave us all we needed to understand the full impact of the Rebbe’s life and the powerful role he continues to play in Jewish life. As women who have all found meaning and connection in the communities tended to by Chabad emissaries, I believe we all connected in some way spiritually to this tzaddik and his legacy. We took some time to compose letters and prayers to be deposited at the grave and finally entered the Ohel under a stunning winter sunset. We reflected, prayed, petitioned, and

meditated along with the dozens of others visiting the Ohel that evening.

In the following days, we had a chance to reflect on the experience, and I will share with you a few poignant remarks I heard from participants. Amy Waizman told me, “This was actually my fourth visit to the Crown Heights neighborhood, but to see it along with so many other women from various backgrounds gave me a renewed enthusiasm and appreciation of my Judaism and way of life. I had also never had an official tour before, and our guides on this trip were top notch, not to mention the selection of kosher

food was vast and excellent!” Mirit Broudo-Jakad summed it up beautifully: “Thinking back on the 36 hours I spent with women in my community in Crown Heights, a feeling of serenity comes to me. Growing up in New York, I had actually never been to Crown Heights. It sounds funny, but it truly portrays the big divide in the Jewish community between religious and secular. Sometimes, we forget we all come from the same tribe and we feel the same pain of ages ago that follows us all. We Jewish women are sisters before we’re even born. I was so happy to be able to embrace women whose lives might be different from mine and yet they can understand me better than anybody else. Walking through those streets coming into 770 and the rest of the sites truly felt like I was going home.”

The scribe’s studio at the Chabad-Lubavitch main headquarters

By Rabbi Asher Knight, Temple

El

Passover begins with hunger—not just the kind that makes our stomachs rumble as we wait

for the meal, but the kind that tugs at our hearts. It’s the deeper hunger to leave behind the narrow places of our lives, the mitzrayim that constrain us. While mitzrayim refers to Egypt in the Exodus story, it also symbolizes the moments when we feel stuck, bound by fear, shame, or self-doubt. Each year, the seder invites us to step out of constriction and into the wild, open possibility of the midbar, the wilderness.

And yet, at the seder, just before we dive into these symbols of transformation, we pause to sing Dayeinu. “It would have been enough for us,” we proclaim, verse after verse. Each

line is a reminder of a blessing — a step on the journey to freedom. But there’s a paradox at its heart: even as we sing about sufficiency, we’re still yearning. Dayeinu is not a denial of our desires; it’s an embrace of gratitude. It teaches us to hold what is true in the present while making space for what might come next.

present in our lives. It’s not a denial of our hunger for more — it’s a way to soften hunger’s grip. By pausing to say, “This is enough,” we shift our perspective. Instead of being enslaved by what we lack, we begin to feel free.

This tension — being grateful while still longing—is deeply human. It’s also deeply Jewish. Gratitude, or hodayah, is central to our tradition. Leah, one of our biblical matriarchs, understood this well. She named her son Judah (Yehudah), saying, “This time I will give thanks to God” (Genesis 29:35). Leah’s life was not perfect. She wrestled with rejection and heartache. But her gratitude wasn’t about ignoring her struggles — it was about reframing them. In naming her son Judah, she gave us a legacy: to be Jewish is to live in the paradox of gratitude and longing, to find wholeness even in imperfection.

At its core, Dayeinu offers us the same invitation: to practice seeing the blessings already

The seder deepens this practice of gratitude through its symbols, each carrying the weight of our collective story. The bitter maror stings the tongue, a visceral reminder of the pain of slavery, while the simple matzah, flat and unadorned, reflects the urgency of freedom. These foods embody the tension of liberation: freedom isn’t always sweet, but it is always worth it. As we taste these symbols, the seder asks us to hold space for the complexity of our journey — not only our resilience but also the cost of our redemption.

Even in celebration, we are called to make room for others’ pain. We pour out drops of wine for the Ten Plagues, acknowledging that joy is never untainted by loss. This is what real gratitude demands: not erasing grief but weaving it into the fabric of our

experience. Dayeinu reminds us that freedom carries responsibility—not just for ourselves, but for the world we hope to build. Freedom is not the absence of struggle. It’s the ability to find fullness within it. This is the gift of Dayeinu: it teaches us that we don’t have to wait for everything to be perfect to feel free. We can hold both the pain of what’s hard and the joy of what’s good. We can say, “This is enough,” even as we dream of more.

By Andy Siegel Hatikvah,

Israel’s beloved national anthem, literally means “the hope.” And as Jews in our homeland and across the world grapple with

the many challenges to Israel, I like to think it’s often the hope that helps pull our emotions forward. But as we know, especially in times of crisis, we want to do more than just hope; we want to

So this year, as we gather at the seder table, may we sing Dayeinu with open hearts. May we allow the bitterness of maror and the simplicity of matzah to remind us of what we’ve endured and overcome. And may we step into the wilderness of possibility, holding the enduring truth of Passover: freedom begins not in what we have, but in how we hold it.

A Song of Enough: The Paradox of Freedom and Gratitude Temple Beth El Comes Together for World Zionist Congress

get involved and make our voices heard loud and clear.

Every five years, diaspora Jews are provided an opportunity to turn that hope into influence through the World Zionist Congress (WZC) elections. The WZC, established in 1897 by Theodore Herzl, is a legislative body that provides Jews from around the world a voice in determining policies and decisions in Israel.

About one-third of the delegates to the WZC are determined by the votes of American Jews, with this year’s election taking place March 10-May 4. The elected officials help determine where roughly $1 billion in funding will be assigned, across areas like development and public policy. I am proud to serve as Temple Beth El’s captain as we raise awareness for WZC and ensure voting is accessible for our congregants and all Jews over 18 who wish to participate in the election.

My hope for Israel is that it is a safe and secure home to all Jews, which is why I am supporting the Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA) and voting

(Continued on page 13)

Beth

Learning, Lobbying, and Leadership: Our Journey to Washington, D.C.

By Abby Sherman and Nora Yesowitch

In February, the 2024/25 Temple Beth El Confirmation Class had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., with the Religious Action Center (RAC) to connect with Jewish teens from across the country and explore the intersection of Judaism and social justice. This experience was part of Temple Beth El’s annual David Silverman Memorial Confirmation Trip, made possible by the David Silverman Youth Activities Endowment. In honoring David’s memory, this journey reflects his commitment to community, leadership, and tikkun olam — values that shaped our time in D.C. and will continue to inspire us.

There were about 500 other teens from all over the country, and we made friends from California, Georgia, Rhode Island, New York, and even other cities in North Carolina. Every day, we attended different social justice seminars with real-life scenarios that helped us understand what it’s like to be part of various minority communities. These experiences made the topics feel personal and deeply relevant. When we left the hotel, we explored D.C.’s landmarks, visiting the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the National Museum of American History. We celebrated Havdalah at the Lincoln Memorial, which was unforgettable. We also got the chance to explore D.C. on our own — going shopping in Georgetown, which was an absolute blast.

On the final day, we took what we had learned and went to Capitol Hill to lobby for topics we care about. We picked reproductive health because it is an especially pressing issue for us as young women. Some of our classmates chose other topics, focusing on the environment and antisemitism. To discuss reproductive health, we met with Thatcher Townsend, legislative correspondent at the office of Congresswoman Alma Adams, who listened intently and took detailed notes on everything we said. It was truly gratifying to speak with someone who valued our voices and made us feel heard. Shoutout to Thatcher Townsend!

Temple Beth El

(Continued from page 12)

Reform. When I first visited Israel, a friend said, “Look around! For the first time in your life, pretty much everyone you see will be Jewish.” I traveled with my wife, our daughters, and my mother-in-law, and I know that this remarkable feeling of belonging would not have been as powerful if they had not also felt that same sense of inclusion. I am voting Reform at the WZC because I want our homeland to be a welcoming home — one that opens its arms and embraces all Jews regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, patrilineal descent, pathway to Judaism, or how they choose to recognize and observe our traditions. In my mind, if you’re Jewish, you’re Jewish, especially in Israel.

Temple Beth El will be providing myriad ways to support our congregants’ desire to have

their voices heard. Voting is both online and through paper ballots and TBE will have stations set up at services to make it easier to participate. Whether voting takes place from home, at temple, or through mail-in ballots, our hope is to enable this mitzvah as best we can.

The Reform movement’s platform in the WZC speaks to the values I hold in my heart and my sense of Judaism. I believe in a strong and secure state intent on providing equal rights and recognition for all Jews. Being Jewish is both a gift and a responsibility, and the WZC elections afford us a chance to exercise our rights to support Israel in the hope of a bright future for our homeland and our people.

This trip was a very meaningful experience. It taught us how Judaism connects to different political issues and how we can use Jewish values to shape our understanding of the world. Learning about controversial topics through a Jewish lens helped us make sense of these complex issues and showed us that Judaism calls us to act. For instance, studying how the Torah guides Jews on the topic of reproductive rights and abortion access strengthened our belief that everyone should have access to safe, legal abortion, if needed. It was eye-opening to learn that the Torah teaches that the life of the woman comes before the life of the fetus.

More than anything, this trip showed us the importance of standing up for what we believe in and finding ways to advocate for the issues that matter to us. We realized that activism doesn’t just happen through lobbying lawmakers, but also by writing letters, attending marches, sharing on social media, and sup

porting organizations that are making a difference. These are just some of the ways we can start the process of change, and after this trip, we are even more committed to making our voices

heard.

After this incredible journey, we are excited to take the next step in our Jewish learning and leadership. We invite our community to join us for Confirmation Shabbat on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 6:13 p.m. This special service is written and led by our Confirmation class as we reaffirm our commitment to Jewish life and our community. Celebrate with us and show your support for the next generation of Jewish leaders. A dessert reception, hosted by the confirmands’ parents, will follow services.

We are deeply grateful to Marc and Mattye Silverman and the David Silverman Youth Activities Endowment for making this experience possible and to the Religious Action Center and Rabbi Beth Nichols for their guidance and leadership.

Temple Beth El’s 2025 Confirmation class in Washington, D.C. for the David Silverman Memorial Confirmation Trip, advocating for social justice and exploring the connection between Judaism and activism.

The Ruach Finds a Home

By Shira Firestone

For years, The Ruach carried their Shabbat instruments like a modern-day Mishkan — the traveling sanctuary of the Israelites — setting up sacred space wherever they landed. Guitars and prayer books in tow, they transformed breweries into synagogues, parks into prayer circles, and a theater into a High Holy Day sanctuary for more than 400 people.

But now, The Ruach has something new: a home.

This year, The Shabbat Experience, Charlotte’s beloved musical Friday night services, has found a permanent space at SouthPark Church, a welcoming venue where they can create something lasting while continuing to embrace the spirit of joy,

music, and community that has always defined them. The timing isn’t lost on anyone — with Passover around the corner, The Ruach Community sees a poetic resonance in having “arrived” after wandering. “Passover is about the journey from displacement to freedom and home,” notes Peter Levinson, The Ruach’s founder and lead guitarist.

“In a way, our community has been on its own exodus — we left the familiarity of a traditional synagogue setting, spent years traveling and improvising, and now we’ve reached a place where we can plant roots.”

The Ruach is not a synagogue. There is no rabbi on staff, no executive director, no governing board. Instead, The Ruach is shaped entirely by its

participants — by the voices that sing, the hands that clap, and the individuals who step forward to lead. Over the years, the community has evolved through different configurations: at times rabbi-led, at times featuring a full band, at times a more intimate gathering. But one thing has remained constant — this is a community-created experience.

At each monthly Shabbat Experience, different individuals take turns leading readings, offering blessings, guiding meditations, or delivering the d’var Torah. It is a modern worship service that blends contemporary Jewish music with traditional liturgy, designed to be participatory, accessible, and deeply meaningful.

“We’re not a top-down institution,” says one of The Ruach’s vocalists, Lisa Dale. “The Ruach exists because the community has asked for it, shaped it, and continues to bring it to life. Every time we gather, it’s because people are showing up, offering their voices, their energy, and their willingness to lead.”

Its unique blend of modern music and timeless Jewish tradition sets The Ruach apart. Guitars, percussion, and soulful harmonies elevate the melodies of Shabbat, creating an immersive, participatory experience.

But this isn’t a concert — it’s a full Shabbat service that pulses with warmth and energy, inviting people to sing, sway, and truly feel the prayers come alive. “Traditional prayers are offered through fresh new music written by some of today’s most influential Jewish artists,” explains Levinson. “It’s all about creating a space where people feel connected — whether they’ve been saying these prayers their whole lives or whether it’s their

first time stepping into a Jewish worship setting.”

That same openness and accessibility is at the heart of every Experience. There is no membership, no dues — just an open invitation to anyone who wants to be part of the Experience.

After years of creating sacred space in various locations, The Ruach looks forward to seeing how their community will continue to grow and thrive in a dedicated space. The Shabbat Experience, an evening of music, prayer, and communal connection, happens once a month,

either on the third or fourth Friday of the month at 6:15 p.m. at SouthPark Church in the heart of SouthPark. Here are the dates for the upcoming Friday night Experiences:

- April 25, 2025

- May 16, 2025 (at an outdoor location to be determined)

- June 27, 2025

- July 18, 2025

- Aug. 22, 2025

- Nov. 21, 2025

As The Ruach steps into this new phase, one thing remains the same: The Ruach is not a place — it’s a community. And now, The Ruach Community has a home.

SouthPark Church is located at 3151 Apex Drive in the Apex Center, right across Sharon Road from SouthPark Mall and within walking distance of dozens of great restaurants. To stay in the know, follow The Ruach Community on Facebook. Stay in the know by requesting to be on The Ruach’s distribution list: the.ruach.band@gmail.com.

Lisa Dale and Peter Levinson

Gretta Bolton (not pictured Byron Stein, keyboards)

Scott Menaker

Yom Hashoah Community Commemoration

APRIL 23RD, 2025 | 6:30 PM | TEMPLE ISRAEL

Genocide: Origins, Meaning, and the Danger of Misuse

Featuring guest speaker Judy La Pietra from the Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center, this event will offer a thought-provoking exploration of the history and significance of the term "genocide." Together, we will trace its origins and examine how its meaning has evolved in legal and social contexts.

KINDLY RSVP: WWW.TEMPLEISRAELNC.ORG/EVENT/YH

Connections and Commitment In Challenging Times

Staying active here is so easy

Whether you want to spend your time doing what you love most or try something new, you can find it at Brookdale Carriage Club Providence. Step out of your cozy, comfortable apartment and explore our 44 amazing acres to enjoy relaxing walks, fishing, golf, swimming and so much more. Come see what experience awaits.

For more information or to schedule a tour, call (704) 899-1990

Get ready to prepare the feast and share in the seder. And don’t forget the matzo ball soup! Start planning your Passover meal with recipes for traditional favorites. Get inspired at publix.com/passover

Temple Kol Ami Hosts “Why the Holocaust Still Matters”

By Shira Firestone

In an era where antisemitism and intolerance are rising globally, understanding the lessons of the Holocaust remains as crucial as ever. The horrors of the past serve as a warning for the present, emphasizing the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and systemic discrimination. To address these urgent concerns, Temple Kol Ami, in Fort Mill, is honored to welcome Judy LaPietra, director of the Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center at Queens University of Charlotte, for an educational presentation entitled “Why the Holocaust Still Matters.”

LaPietra’s presentation will explore the enduring significance of the Holocaust in today's world, examining the lessons we can learn from this tragic event. She will highlight the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and intolerance, providing historical context while connecting these themes to contemporary issues. The event will include a 45-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A session, with a reception to follow.

About the Speaker

Judy LaPietra brings over 30 years of experience in Holocaust education and social justice initiatives. She has participated in esteemed programs worldwide, including The Olga Lengyel Institute for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights and the Holocaust and Jewish Resistance Teachers’ Program in Poland. Her work has taken her to the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland, where she volunteered, and to the Nea Kavala refugee camp in Greece, where she contributed to humanitarian efforts. LaPietra has also served

as an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, developing courses in genocide and human rights studies.

As the number of Holocaust survivors continues to dwindle, it is essential to keep their stories and lessons alive. This event seeks to foster meaningful dialogue, ensuring that the memory of the Holocaust serves as a catalyst for combating antisemitism, discrimination, and hate in all its forms.

Event Details

- When: April 6 at 3 p.m.

- Where: Dina’s Place at Winthrop University

For more information about Temple Kol Ami and upcoming events, visit templekolamisc.org

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Judy LaPietra

Celebrating our Community’s Legacy Donors

Ann and Bob Abel

Janet S. Abel

Bernie and Teri Ackerman

Susan and Benjamin Aizenman

Yvonne Amato

Bernard and Leah G. Amler

Anthony and Brooke Amo

Bette Andrews

Alan and Madeline Aron

Wilma and Gerson (OBM) Asrael

Judy and Stan August

Amy Augustine

Jill and Craig Balick

Michelle Bamford

Michele (OBM) and Harvey Barer

Gail and John Baron

Linda and Ira Bass

Michael and Meredith Baumstein

Sanford and Lois Benjamin

Sharri and Peter Benjamin

Raymond Monty Bennett

Benjamin and Elizabeth Benson

Doug and Tara Benson

Milton and Arlene Berkman

Philip M. Berman

Robert Berman

Brian and Glenda Bernhardt

Adam Bernstein and Tammy Seigel

Andrew Bernstein

Bobbi and Don Bernstein

Cary Bernstein and Alan Kronovet

Mark (OBM) and Louise (OBM) Bernstein

Nancy and Sam Bernstein

Susan P. Bessey

Lillian (OBM) and Irving Bienstock

Lee and Jeffrey Bierer

Martin Birnbaum

Peter Martin Blair

Barry and Lisa Blau

Herman (OBM) and Anita (OBM) Blumenthal

Jill Blumenthal

Lee and Alan Blumenthal

Philip Blumenthal

Barry Bobrow and Karen Knoble

Gary and Susan Bogarad

Edward and Roberta Bograd

Michael and Lenora Borchardt

David and Bonnie Bornstein

Bunny Bramson

Marian (OBM) and Walter (OBM) Brawer

Justin Bregman and Diana Warth Bregman

Barry H. Brodsky

Tracy and Larry Brown

Chaim and Hanah Hawkins Burke

Doris Cagle (OBM)

Bobby Cain

Sera and Marvin Callif

David and Janice Cantor

Susan E. Cernyak-Spatz (OBM)

Bruce Bishop Cheen and Regina Rosenberg

Suly and Richard (OBM) Chenkin

Judith and Richard (OBM) Coates

Michael and Karen Coates-Traynor

Brian and Sonia Cohen

Aharon and Mintza Leah (OBM) Cohen

David Cohen

Paige and Mark Cohen

Rabbi Shlomo and Yiska Cohen

Steven and Olivia (OBM) Cohen

Wendy Williams Cohen (OBM)

Jennifer and Jonathan Collman

Denise (OBM) and Bob Cooper

Andrea and George Cronson

Michael and Beth Cupp

Irv and Deedee Gould Cygler

Gene and Deedee Daumit

Andrea and Jeremy Davids

Arlene and Gary (OBM) Davis

Jill and Michael Dinerman

Dana and Jeffrey Ditesheim

Ellen (OBM) and Dan (OBM) Dubin

Marcy and Fred Dumas

Paul and Lynn Edelstein

Steven and Ellen Block Englehardt

David and Aleen (OBM) Epstein

Barry and Mary Ellen Ezarsky

Rabbi Murray and Barbara Ezring

Larry Farber

Henry (OBM) and Margaret (OBM) Federlin

Alec and Nancy Felder

Roni and Glenn Fishkin

Dorlisa and Peter Flur

Adam Foodman

Melvin W. and Caren N. Frank

Robert and Beverly Friedman

Jacob M. and Hunter K. Fuerstman

Caren and Charles Gale

Albert and Phyllis Garten

Jena Coen Gartner

Loren Leah Gelber (OBM)

Goodlyn Gelper (OMB)

Y'honatan E. Gimbel

Stephanie and David Gitlin

Rick Glaser and Ellen Reich

Nancy Glass (OBM)

Rhoda (OBM) and Aaron (OBM) Gleiberman

Alan (OBM) and Ruth Goldberg

Ken and Tammy Golder

Sandra Goldman

Mark and Linda Goldsmith

Erin Goldstein and Amanda Vesta

Margi L. Goldstein

Milton and Arlene Goldstein

Shelton and Ellen Goldstein

Jennifer Cohen Golynsky and Leon Golynsky

Barbara and David (OBM) Goodman

Brett H. Goodman

Michelle Goodman

Scott and Rebecca Goodman

Allen (OBM) and Ethel (OBM) Gordon

Bill and Patty (OBM) Gorelick

Jeff and Bari Gorelick

Marcelle Gorelick

Shelton (OBM) and Carol (OBM) Gorelick

Stacy and Todd Gorelick

Alan and Merle Gottheim

Becca and Drew Green

Fay (OBM) and Dan (OBM) Green

Karen Greenblatt

Keith E. Greenspon

Roslyn Greenspon

Stanley Greenspon

Jodi and Josh Greenwald

Bill and Gloria Grifenhagen

Yossi and Mariashi Groner

Deidre and Clay Grubb

Anna Gunsher

Bonnie F. Hart

Stephanie Brodsky Haynes

Richard (OBM) and Barbara Herd

Ted (OBM) and M.E. Hessberg

Steven and Sharon Hock eld

Vicki J. Hopkins

Joel Horwich

Andrew and Christy Horwitz

Jake and Betsy House

Jonathan M. Howard

Jodie, Michael, Elyssa and Alex Iagnocco

Robert (OBM) and Linda Isser

Donald and Susan Jacobs

David Jacobson

Jake Jacobson

Robert and Leola (OBM) Jacobson

Florence Kaufman Jaffa

Sol (OBM) and Janet (OBM) Jaffa

Brian and Raizel Kahn

Alyson Kalik

Ronald and Mary-Margaret Kantor

Morton and Mary Kaplan

Dana and Andrew Kapustin

Andrew (OBM) and Susan Karp

Barbara and Alan (OBM) Katz

Robert and Nancy Kipnis

Joan Kirschner

Abby and Alexander Kleber

Paula and Richard Klein

Robert P. and Moira Quinn Klein

Lorrie and Barry Klemons and Family

Elise and Jaime Kosofsky

Lee and Sheila (OBM) Kritzer

Marcia B. Lampert

Anita Strauss-LaRowe and Bruce LaRowe

David A. Lash

Jack (OBM) and Carole Lash

Gladys Lavitan (OBM)

Judy and Eric Laxer

Robin Leavitt

Dale Lederer (OBM)

Janet and David Lefkowitz

Alison and Mark Lerner

Eric and Susan Lerner

Gary and Donna Lerner

Harry and Gloria Lerner

Barbara and Jerry Levin

Binyamin and Ilana Levin

David and Brenda Levin and Family

Donna (OBM) and Norman Levin and Family

Ross C. Levin

Alvin (OBM) and Helene Levine

Elissa and Joshua Levine

Howard Levine and Julie Lerner Levine

Leon (OBM) and Sandra Levine

Miles and Debra Levine

Sol Levine (OBM)

Ellis Levinson (OBM)

Eric Levinson

Gary and Jane Levinson

Holly and Hal Levinson

Jack and Alison Levinson

Lisa Strause Levinson

Sam and Linda Levy

Laura and Marc Lewin

Robert (OBM) and Inta Lidz

Andrew and Gwendolyn Lindner

Marshall (OBM) and Faylinda Lindner

David Lipsitz

Jill and Marc Lipson

Don and Ellice Liss

Ron and Frances Liss

Michael and Sue Littauer

Annie and Harrison Lord

Joshua and Adina Lowensteiner

Meg D. Goldstein and Matthew Luftglass

Isaac (OBM) and Sonia (OBM) Luski

Rose (OBM) and Abe (OBM) Luski

Audrey Madans (OBM)

Karen and Gary Maniloff

Leslie and Michael Marsicano

Jon and Dina Massachi

Linda McLendon

Peggy McManus

Michael Meiselman (OBM)

The Meiselman Family

Elise Menaker

Pam and Scott Menaker

Polly and Steve Menaker

Laura Milgrim

Fred and Joy Miller

Risa and David Miller

Staci and Darren Mond

Jennifer Monroe

Elsa and Martin Multer

Margaret Musa

Bruce and Candace Naliboff

Leah M. Naliboff

Elizabeth and Jeremy Naman

Edwin and Jill (OBM) Newman

Larry and Carole Nicholson

Michael and Judith Norman

Eva Nove

Gwen and Paul Orland

Andrew T. Osborne

Gale Osborne

Richard J. Osborne

Warshauer or Abby Kleber.

Allen Sherman

Lisa and Fred (OBM) Shporer

Raenea Siegel

Marc and Mattye Silverman

Ruth Silverman (OBM)

Gary and Maxine (OBM) Silverstein

Jonathan and Stephanie Simon

Marcia and Paul Simon

Louis A. Sinkoe and H. Kevin Levine

Anne and Mike Sinsheimer

Lori and Eric Sklut

Leonard (OBM) and Ann (OBM) Slesinger

Ira and Stacey Slomka

John and Marsha Small

Ruth Ann and Tom Smith

Steve and Emily Snyder

Marc and Shari Sokolowicz

Marcia Solomon

Phil Solomon

Victor (OBM) and Evelyn (OBM) Osborne

Nadine and Arthur Oudmayer

Marcelle and Allan Oxman

Wendy and Lee Pake

Brenda and Floyd Patten

Cyndee Patterson

Harriet and Mark Perlin

Diggie and Lee Pesakoff

Wendy and Adam Petricoff

Stephen and Laura Philipson

Rachel and Darren Pierce

Debora and Ed (OBM) Pizer

Milton and Gene Ruth Poler

Larry and Dale Polsky

William and Debra Porter

Baila (OBM) and John (OBM) Pransky

Michael and Cheryl Rabinowitz

Dena and Michael Raf er

Karen and David Ransenberg

Steven and Melissa Raphael

Alan and Jan Raznick

Elizabeth Ren and Michael Grunwald

Julie and Scott Rizzo

Albert Rogat

Linda and Elias Roochvarg

Wendy (OBM) and Sandy Rose

Andrew and Jennifer Rosen

Eliot and Shirley Rosen

Estelle and Murray (OBM) Rosen

Wendy and Frank Rosen

Karen and David Rosenthal Family

Anita Rounds

Ilya and Chantal Rubin

Dan and Toby Ruda

Leon Rutman

Neil (OBM) and Caren Sacks

Mark Sahn (OBM)

Fern T. Sanderson

Neil (OBM) and Carol Sandler

Susan and Bernie Sandler

Gerry and Barbara Schapiro

Michael Scharf

Marty and Elaine Schef in

Mike (OBM) and Sara Schreibman

Renee and Philip Schreibman

Chris and Jon Schuller

Larry Schwartz

Albert (OBM) and Dorothy (OBM) Segal

Melvin Segal

Howard and Andrea Seidler

Linda C. Seigel

Amy Jill Seitlin

Bobby and Stacey Selkin

Daisy Shapiro-Rieke / Julie Irma Shapiro

Morey and Lynne Sheffer

Barry M. Sherbal

Harry and Laurie Sparks

Bob (OBM) and Carol (OBM) Speizman

Sheldon and Randy Sperling

Sophie Spolender (OBM)

Elizabeth Hope Star

Philip and Lauren Stark

Gary and Stephanie Starr

Stephanie and Steven Starr

Norman Steinberger (OBM)

Joseph (OBM) and Renee Steiner

Ken and Marcia Stern

Liam G. Stokes and Betsy Rosen

Sam (OBM) and Alene (OBM) Strause

Irving (OBM) and Sylvia Swartz

Marilyn (OBM) and Harry Swimmer

Emery (OBM) and Jacqueline Szabo

Mike and Andie Taylor

Beverly Tirsun

Cheri and Marc Titlebaum

Patty Torcellini

Stephanie Townsend

Natalie and Mike (OBM) Tunney

Eleanor and Morton (OBM) Turk

Jeffrey and Karen Turk

Amy and Ross Udoff

Robert and Ellie Valenstein

Fred and Katie Valfer

David and Debra Van Glish

Judie and Michael Van Glish

Amy and Mark Vitner

Liz Wahls

Maor and Amy Waizman

Phil and Beth Warshauer

Janice and Ronald Weiner

Alexander Weinstein

Mark H. Weintraub

Anne and Michael Weiss

Evan and Debby Weiss

Susan and Robert Weiss

Mort Wise

Eric and Joanna Wisotsky

Marc and Kim Wojnowich

Mary (OBM) and Simon (OBM) Wojnowich

Nora Wolf

Robert and Sandra Wolf

Kim (OBM) and Sue Worrel

Michael and Nancy Yaffe

Scott M. and Lisa Braverman Yarbrough

Brian Yesowitch Family

Robert (OBM) and Anne Yudell

Marisa and Joe Zeibert

Herman and Barbara Ziegler

Emily and Samuel Zimmern

William and Angela Zimmern

Mildred Zuckerman (OBM)

Post-Genocide Reconciliation: An Unlikely Lesson from Rwanda

By Judy LaPietra, Director of the Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center

The need to understand and learn from genocide remains urgent, particularly as we witness ongoing conflicts and divisions in our world. It is with this urgency in mind that the Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center, along with the Queens University community, will commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi on April 13. The program, featuring a short film and survivor testimony, will be held at Queens University. Visit stangreensponcenter.org for details.

After the horrors of the Holocaust, scholars, activists, and policymakers turned their attention to understanding the causes, nature, and prevention of genocide. My academic journey into Holocaust studies began in the 1970s, a time when genocide studies were just beginning to take shape as a formal field of inquiry. As the field continued to

evolve, and as my own place in it developed, my inquiry into the Holocaust took on different dimensions. In 2019, my doctoral research in Holocaust and Genocide Studies landed me in the heart of Africa, to study genocide in a very different context. What I found there was a revelation not only for my research, but has profound implications for our world today.

The Holocaust stands as one of the darkest and most tragic chapters in human history, a horrifying reminder of the depths to which humanity can fall when hatred, bigotry, and indifference take root. In 1944, Polish jurist and Holocaust survivor Raphael Lemkin coined a term for the unique inhumanity exemplified in the Holocaust as well as the atrocities committed against the Armenian population at the hands of the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Moved by the mass killings and the systematic nature of the violence in both instances, he worked tirelessly to create a legal term to describe the

indescribable – genocide.

Though the term wasn’t coined until the 20th century, the concept of deliberately destroying a group of people is a long and tragic one, with many historical

instances of mass violence and destruction leaving lasting scars on humanity. Raphael Lemkin’s efforts to establish genocide as an international crime remain one of the most important contributions

to human rights and international law in the 20th century. Sadly, instances of genocide continued post-World War II. The Rwandan genocide was a tragic and horrific event that took place over approximately 100 days, from April to July 1994. It was a mass slaughter of about one million people of the Tutsi ethnic group, by extremist Hutu militias and soldiers in Rwanda. The genocide was the result of longstanding ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi populations, which had been exacerbated by colonial rule and political factors.

In the summer of 2019, in a remote village in the country of Rwanda, Maria I. shared the story of how her family survived the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi. Maria was displaced when the houses in her village were systematically burned at the hands of Hutu militia. Believing that survival was possible only if her family separated, Maria’s

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The Stranger: A New Play by Myer Leonard Explores the Shadows of History

By Susan Jenson

and lifelong scholar continues to challenge audiences with thought-provoking storytelling. Born in Newcastle upon Tyne,

England, Dr. Leonard spent decades practicing in Minnesota, where he also taught at the University of Minnesota School

Your Legacy, Our Community’s Future

“We met informally with Phil Warshauer and Abby Kleber to learn how to initiate a Legacy Gift. It was a pleasure spending time with them and learning how easy it is to support organizations in our community that we love so dearly. You don't have to be a multimillionaire to create a legacy gift. If you would like more information don't hesitate to contact the organizations, you want to support or reach out to the Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community-FCJC.”

Linda and Ira Bass

For more information, contact Phil Warshauer (704) 973-4544 or Abby Kleber (704) 973-4554. Charlottejewishfoundation.org

of Dentistry. A true intellectual omnivore, he has lectured on diverse topics across six continents. After retiring in 2001, he dedicated a decade to disaster relief with Nechama.org, a Minneapolis-based organization offering a Jewish response to global crises.

Since settling in Sun City Carolina Lakes in 2007, Myer and his wife, Pat, have been active members of Chabad Ballantyne. In addition to his many pursuits, Dr. Leonard has written three plays — each one probing the murky depths of ethics, compelling audiences to examine the fragile boundary between right and wrong.

His latest work, “The Stranger,” was inspired by a chance encounter recounted in a lecture by Professor G. Spanier. In 2023, Dr. Leonard attended Spanier’s talk, where the professor shared a story: A young German couple had joined his taxi ride and, through casual conversation, discovered an unexpected connection to his own family. This moment sparked an idea, and “The Stranger” was born — a play about a German couple whose seemingly ordinary meeting with the descendants of Holocaust survivors forces them to confront the origins of their valuable art collection.

“The Stranger” asks unsettling questions: What happens when a family’s fortune is built on theft? What obligations do the descen-

dants of perpetrators have toward the victims’ families? The play delves into intergenerational reckoning, as young Germans today begin to scrutinize the silence of their grandparents and great-grandparents about the Holocaust-era plundering of Jewish homes and businesses.

The narrative is framed around a wealthy couple traveling far from home, who, through a seemingly coincidental meeting, come face-to-face with a past they never expected to claim as their own. Was this encounter random, an act of fate, or a carefully orchestrated moment of truth?

Attend the Premiere Staged Reading

Charlotte-area audiences will have a unique opportunity to experience “The Stranger” at a special staged reading:

Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025

Time: 2:15 p.m.

Location: Museum of the Waxhaws, 8215 Waxhaw Hwy., Waxhaw, NC 28173

A wine and cheese reception will follow the one-hour performance.

Admission is free, but seating is limited to 56 guests. To reserve your spot, please contact Myer Leonard at (803) 547-1250 — only a few seats remain!

Don’t miss this gripping new work that explores history’s shadows and the moral dilemmas that still shape our world today.

Dr. Myer Leonard is a man of many talents. At 87, the retired oral surgeon, world traveler,

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Filbert N. and Maria I. of Rwanda shared their reconciliation story with Judy LaPietra.

New Hadassah Policy Statements Communicate Important Messages

By Aileen Greenberg-Kriner

Advocacy is fundamental to Hadassah’s mission of empowering women to affect change and putting our Jewish values into action. Hadassah provides an essential voice in the American Jewish community as we advocate for the health and well-being of women, fight against antisemitism and hate, and support Israel and Zionism in local communities, state capitals, Washington, D.C., and the United Nations.

Organizations need a consistent message that all members can refer to and discuss. Hadassah has defined specific policy statements since 1946 and has a formal process to determine the organization’s official policies.

Once a statement is approved, it is used to define Hadassah’s viewpoint and advocacy priorities. The new statement is shared with Hadassah members and elected officials, and, when needed, with the press and other media outlets.

Hadassah’s positions are non-

Greenspon

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partisan. They do not change based on who holds political office in the U.S.

Hadassah also supports the democratically elected Israeli government. Hadassah focuses on advancing strong U.S.-Israel relations rather than speaking out about specific Israeli political leaders or policies unless they impact Americans.

At meetings in Florida in January, Hadassah adopted three new policy statements:

Fighting Antisemitism and Anti-Israel Sentiment at the United Nations

“In the wake of dangerous and biased Palestinian-led resolutions attempting to delegitimize and isolate Israel and strip the Jewish state of its right to self-defense, and in the face of an acute rise in global antisemitism, Hadassah will continue its efforts to combat antisemitism at the U.N. and elsewhere and will work with U.S. policymakers and leaders of foreign governments to take independent action to hold Hamas accountable for

Center

husband and two sons fled as she and her three younger children sought refuge in the bush for five days. Maria managed to escape on foot to safety in Burundi, not knowing the fate of her husband and sons for years to come.

The story was continued by Filbert N., as he detailed how Maria’s husband and two sons were captured by his Hutu militia group during the genocide. They were taken to a ditch and thrown to their deaths at the hands of Filbert and his militia. Over 25 years after this scene transpired, Maria and Filbert shared their story of reconciliation and how they cultivated an unlikely relationship that originated from the trauma of genocide.

Maria and Filbert’s story was one of many similar testimonies from the inhabitants of the Rweru village, consisting solely of former victims and perpetrators of the 1994 genocide. They appeared not only to have reconciled their difficult past but to have forged authentic relationships that defy the trauma of genocide.

The concepts of reconciliation and forgiveness in the aftermath of genocide were not something I had ever encountered in my studies. Given the overwhelming genocidal brutality exemplified against the Tutsi at the hands of their Hutu neighbors, this reconciliation has resulted in an incredible reconstruction of Rwandan society. The difficult processes

its acts of terrorism.”

Affirming Support for Stabilizing Emergency Care

There has been a dangerous rise in laws restricting access to emergency care, placing pregnant women’s lives in danger since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022. “As a global humanitarian organization, Hadassah opposes any attempts— through administrative regulations, state and federal laws, public referendums, or court actions—to restrict the right to reproductive health care.” Hadassah’s new policy statement reinforces “the organization’s continued commitment to protecting access to the full continuum of reproductive care, including stabilizing emergency treatments like abortion, the health care professionals who provide such care, and the right to bodily autonomy.”

Support for Science and Evidence-Based Policymaking

“Hadassah recognizes that

involved in this reconstruction provide us with an extraordinary prospect for humanity.

Reconciliation after the Rwandan genocide provides critical lessons for healing divided societies today, offering insights into how communities can work through profound trauma and division. These lessons are not just applicable to societies re-

covering from genocide; they can also inform efforts to bridge divisions caused by political, racial, or ideological differences in any divided society, including our own.

Join us as the Greenspon Center and the Queens University community commemorates the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi on April 13 at Queens

science must be the foundation of all health policies and that federal funding for basic science and efforts to translate research into practical applications is vital. As the owner of the Hadassah Medical Organization, a leading hospital system in Israel, Hadassah is committed to promoting the work of health experts, professionals, and resources that advance policies based on proven science and speaking out against efforts to undermine medical providers.”

The full policy statements, plus Hadassah policy statements on other issues, can be found on Hadassah’s website, www. hadassah.org. If you have questions about advocacy or any of Hadassah’s policy statements, feel free to contact Helene Schilian, VP of Advocacy and Education at HadassahCLT@gmail. com or (980) 553-1880.

From Seder to Seder

On Sunday, Feb. 23, Hadassah held its annual Tu B’Shevat seder. Nineteen women gathered to sing, eat, pray, and honor the land of Israel. They enjoyed dishes featuring the seven species of Israel—wheat, barley, olives, grapes, pomegranates, dates, and figs—and ended the celebration by saying a prayer for the hostages and singing Hatikvah.

We wish everyone in the Charlotte Jewish community a happy Passover. Chag sameach! April Events and Meetings - Wine & Schmooze – Tuesday, April 1, at 7:00 p.m. at Vintner Wine Market in the Arbore-

tum. You’d be foolish to miss this fun evening of camaraderie and conversation! Pick up your Passover wine and mention Hadassah when you do.

- Coffee Klatsch – Tuesday, April 22, at 10:00 a.m. at Copain Bakery & Provisions in SouthPark. Meet other new and prospective members over a warm cup of coffee.

- Short Story Discussion Group – Will not meet in April. The next meeting is Friday, May 9, to discuss “Sound Effects” by Michele Ruby in “Frankly Feminist: Short Stories by Jewish Women.”

- Hadassah CLT Metro Board Meeting – Monday, April 21, at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom.

- Hadassah BookTalk – Tuesday, April 22, at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom to discuss “The Night We Lost Him” by Laura Dave. Save the date for our chapter’s Membership Tea on Sunday, June 8.

Interested in membership? Contact Laurie Sheinhaus at the phone number or email below, or attend one of our events. Our website, www.hadassahcltevents.org, has details and links for our events. If you have questions or need additional information, email HadassahCLT@gmail.com or call )980( 553-1880. Follow us on Facebook (Hadassah CLT Metro) and Instagram (Hadassah Charlotte Metro).

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Here’s How Jewish Family Services is Making a Difference

By: Rachel Green, JFS Director of Programs and Services

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment. Yet, too many children experience abuse or neglect, often going unnoticed or unreported. At Jewish Family Services (JFS), we are committed to breaking this cycle through prevention, intervention, and advocacy, working to ensure that children and families receive the support they need.

Jewish tradition places profound value on the welfare of children, reinforcing the collective duty to protect and care for the most vulnerable. JFS upholds this value by working year-round to support families in crisis, particularly during April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month serves as a call to action, reminding our community of the importance of awareness, education, and proactive measures.

Protecting children requires collaboration. JFS partners with local schools, synagogues, and agencies to equip caregivers, educators, and professionals with the tools to recognize warning signs of abuse and take appropriate action. Howard Olshansky, JFS executive director, and Rachel Green, JFS director of programs and services, play vital

roles in community education, ensuring that those in caregiving and educational roles understand how to respond effectively.

JFS is also a dedicated member of the Mecklenburg Child Abuse Prevention Team, a coalition of child-serving organizations working to raise public awareness and educate the community. As part of this initiative, JFS will again plant the annual Pinwheel Garden in front of the Levine JCC, a powerful visual reminder of the bright futures we want for all children.

JFS’s Role in Prevention and Support

At JFS, we take a trauma-informed approach to working with children and families impacted by abuse. Our specialized therapy services provide evidence-based treatment, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), a nationally recognized intervention designed to help children process trauma, rebuild trust, and develop resilience. This structured, short-term model involves both the child and parent/caregiver, using interactive sessions to foster healing.

JFS also provides critical awareness campaigns, equipping the community with the tools to identify signs of abuse and report concerns responsibly. These efforts are particularly vi-

tal in faith-based communities, where stigma or fear may prevent families from seeking support.

Collaboration with Pat’s Place and Advocacy Efforts

To strengthen the safety net for vulnerable children, JFS works closely with Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center, Charlotte’s hub for child abuse prevention and response. “During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we elevate the need for open conversations between caregivers, educators, and community leaders,” says Mary Kathryn Elkins, director of the Healing Center at Pat’s Place. “Normalizing the topic and providing shared language around prevention is critical as we address rising rates of abuse.”

Beyond direct services, JFS is a strong advocate for systemic change. Howard Olshansky frequently participates in coalitions and task forces dedicated to improving child welfare policies and expanding community resources.“Our work isn’t just about responding to crises,” he emphasizes. “It’s about changing the system so that fewer children experience harm in the first place. Prevention, intervention, and advocacy must go hand in hand.”

How You Can Help

Child abuse prevention is a shared responsibility, and there are many ways community members can get involved:

- Educate yourself on the signs of abuse and how to report concerns.

- Support JFS programs by donating or volunteering.

- Advocate for policies that protect children and expand services for families.

- Participate in awareness events during April to help break

the silence around child abuse.

A small act—whether attending an awareness event, making a donation, or simply learning more—can make a profound difference in the life of a child. By working together, we can ensure that every child in our community grows up in a safe, nurturing environment.

For more information about JFS’s programs and how to get involved, visit jfscharlotte.org.

Jewish Family Services Tributes February 2025

Happy Birthday

Rose Atkinson

Jackie Cameron and Hanna

Barker

Dorie Clark

Gail Clark

Mary Dranichak

Randy Hitt & the Girls

Steve and Maxine Horowitz

Matt and Heather Hrdlick

Linda Isser

Peter and Gail Lass

Ben and Margie Liebstein

Jim and Linda Neubauer

Roy and Robin Rhine

Diane Rosenberg

Tracy and Tina Todd

Florence Jaffa

Paul and Lynn Edelstein

Penny Krieger

Stuart and Eleanor Bantit

Phyllis Berlin

Jo Ann Levine

In Memory of Jacob Swimmer

Paul and Lynn Edelstein

Stanley Greenspon

Jewish Family Services Acknowledgements February 2025

Volunteers: Brian Ablitz, Jessica Alfandary, Marcia Arnholt, Mike Arnholt, Daniel Benjamin, Andrew Bernstein, Jonathan Collman, Andrea Cronson, Julie Dermack, Elayne DeMaria, Joni Deutsch, Sheryl Effren, Jamie Fram, Rachel Friedman, Robert Friedman, Meredith Gartner, Blair Goldsmith, Richard Goldsmith, Joann Goldstein, Marty Goldfarb, Jennifer Golynsky, Judith Goodwin, Gail Halverson, June Hirschmann, Rebecca Hockfield, Tara and Liat Hubara, Bob Jacobson, Rikki Kinitsky, Jennifer Koss, Stephanie Kreitman, Glenn Kunkes, Eric Lerner, Lisa Levinson, Kim Levy, Adina Loewensteiner, Frada Mozenter, Deb Perelgut, Wendy Petricoff, Barbara Rein, Nina Rose, Janice Shubin, Cindy Siesel, Stuart Singer, Lisa Somerson, Harry Sparks, Lorin Stiefel, Steve Teich, Gail Vogel, Nancy Wielunski, Amanda Zaidman, Jeff Zaleon

Hadassah Meal Preppies: Gabrielle Allen, Gina Bonfiglio, Sara Friedman, June and Paul Hirschmann, Yvette Jacobson, Johnson & Wales, Penny Krieger, Judy Kaufmann, Judy Nascimento

Food Drives: Blades Against Hunger, LJCC JHoops League

Mitzvah Baskets: Beverly Bonnheim in honor of Micah Knight’s bar mitzvah, Erica and David Ellenbogen in honor of Ben Ellenbogen’s bar mitzvah

Special Thanks: Jewish Preschool on Sardis and Better Together for Tu B’Shevat bags, LIBERTY of Temple Beth El for Shabbat kits

Shalom Green: Thank you to all Shalom Green volunteers for providing fresh produce to our pantry clients.

Food Pantry Donations: Thank you to our generous community for continuing to donate to the food pantry. We continue to collect donations every other Wednesday at the portico entrance to the Blumenthal Center for Jewish Education Building at Shalom Park.

Around the Table: An Israeli Childhood Treat

By Charlotte Rouchouze

When I first started writing my food blog as a new mom looking for something creative to do at home, my idea was to explore nostalgic foods from around the world. I wanted to discover the dishes people from different cultures remembered eating as children or that their grandmothers used to make. One dish from Israel that I had heard about but never tried is called schnitzel tiras, or corn schnitzel. I had heard it was a quintessential Israeli kids’ meal or after-school snack, usually purchased frozen. While browsing in a kosher supermarket in Brooklyn a couple of weeks ago, I came across a package. Since I was not home, I

didn’t buy it, but it reminded me that I still had not tried this dish. I decided to make it once I returned to my own kitchen. Were these a kind of Israeli hushpuppy or something more savory, like chicken fingers? While I wouldn’t necessarily call this a nutritious main dish, it was certainly delicious, and I think it would freeze well for a filling, parve snack. The sweetness is not as pronounced as in a hushpuppy, and the puréed corn gives it a chewier texture. Served with an Israeli chopped salad, it could be a fun, kid-friendly dinner.

Charlotte Rouchouze, PhD is a local French teacher, food blogger, and beaded jewelry designer. Her blog about food traditions from around the world can be found at www. thechildrenstable.com. Contact her at charlotte.rouchouze@yahoo.com.

Israeli Corn Schnitzel

Ingredients:

1 can whole corn

1 egg

¾ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup breadcrumbs, plus more for coating

1 tbsp. sesame seeds (optional) ¾ tsp. kosher salt

Neutral oil for frying

Directions:

Using either a food processor or an immersion blender, pulse the corn until it is about half puréed and half still a bit chunky. Add the egg, flour, breadcrumbs, and salt, and mix thoroughly.

On a large plate, sprinkle a generous layer of breadcrumbs and sesame seeds. With oiled hands, shape the mixture into patties, about ⅓ cup each, and place them on the plate. Sprinkle more breadcrumbs on top and press the patties gently.

Meanwhile, heat about ¼ inch of neutral oil in a large frying pan. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when the patties are added but not so hot that they brown too quickly and fail to cook through.

Cook each patty for about five minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Serve hot with ketchup.

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Education and Youth

Why We Celebrate Israel at Camp Judaea: The Role of Jewish Summer Camp in a PostOctober 7 World

By Francine Safdeye, Camper Experience Director and Joseph Zeuner, Associate Director

Jewish summer camps have long been a cornerstone of identity formation, instilling values, traditions, and a love for Israel and Judaism in young generations. After October 7, the role expanded beyond education. Camps became vital healing spaces, offering support to Israelis, college students, and young participants grappling with uncertainty and fear.

“For many, Camp Judaea feels like a parallel reality. It is is a warm and supportive space where Israeli staff came to find comfort after October 7,” says Soly Feinstein, an art therapist and member of the Kehilah Care Team, which provides emotional and mental support to staff and campers. “My role was to help them navigate a new environment while carrying the weight of being far from home, after a very difficult year and as loved ones continued to serve. I was there to provide steady support and to help them build meaningful connections essential to their well-being and success.”

According to Feinstein, the importance of this space became

even more profound in the wake of October 7 and the challenging months that followed. Suddenly, Camp Judaea’s mission to celebrate Israel and foster a deep, personal connection to the Jewish homeland took on new meaning as campers, staff, and Israeli Shlichim (emissaries)

sought comfort, community, and strength.

With antisemitism on the rise and Jewish communities around the world facing ongoing threats and uncertainty, Camp Judaea provides a haven where campers and staff can embrace their Jewish identity unapologetically.

In the summer of 2024, Camp Judaea became a place where discussions about Israel were not abstract; but personal. Our Israeli staff arrived carrying the weight of their nation’s trauma, yet they found solace in our welcoming environment. Campers, many of whom were processing their own emotions about the crisis, found strength in learning about Israel not just as a distant homeland but as a lived experience through personal relationships and immersive education.

Israel education at Camp Judaea is immersive, engaging, and deeply personal. Our goal at is for campers to build a meaningful connection to Israel through experiential learning. We teach Israel’s history, culture, and geography in relevant and exciting ways., from interactive lessons on Israeli innovations to creative activities exploring the country’s diversity.

Beyond knowledge, we focus on fostering an emotional bond with Israel. Campers experience Israeli music, rikkud (dance), and traditions daily, from starting our day singing Hatikvah to celebrating Israel in daily and special programming. A core part of our approach is relational learning, where campers build personal connections with Israeli staff, hearing first-hand stories and perspectives. Through a combination of cultural immersion, experiential education, and meaningful relationships, campers leave Camp Judaea with a lasting love for Israel that extends beyond their time at camp.

As our communities navigate a post-October 7 reality, the role of Jewish summer camps in fostering a deep connection to Israel and Jewish peoplehood is more crucial than ever. At Camp Judaea, Israel education isn’t just about facts. It is about feelings, relationships, and culture. Now more than ever, Camp Judaea remains a beacon of resilience, ensuring the next generation stays deeply connected to their heritage, their people, and the land of Israel. By fostering these deep connections, we empower our youth to carry forward a strong and meaningful relationship with Israel, strengthening our community for generations. As we look ahead, we invite families to be part of this experience — where campers learn about Israel and live it. Registration is open, and we invite you to reach out and learn how your children can be a part of a meaningful and transformative experience at Camp Judaea. For more information, reach out to Francine Safdeye at francine@campjudaea.org.

Camp Judaea dedicates a full day each session to celebrating Israel

Camp Judaea celebrates Havdalah with rikkud (Israeli Dancing)

Holocaust Education at Home: Exploring Digital Tools for Learning

By Lori Semel, LJCC Butterfly Project Coordinator and Emily Russell, Social Action Coordinator

Holocaust education is a critical endeavor to ensure that the atrocities of the past are neither forgotten nor repeated. While museum visits and classroom instruction remain essential, technology has created new opportunities to bring this history to life and to meet young people where they are. Two innovative digital tools are making this history accessible in ways that resonate with modern audiences, especially younger generations.

Voices of the Forgotten

Luc Bernard, a French Jewish video game creator, has pioneered the integration of Holocaust education into the popular video game “Fortnite” with the Voices of the Forgotten, a virtual Holocaust museum. Bernard recognized a startling statistic: As he explained to EuroNews, “If 80% of Americans haven’t visited a museum, let’s make a digital museum in one of the biggest video games around. It’s that simple.” The museum’s design emphasizes storytelling, in-

teractivity, and accessibility, ensuring users leave with a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and its enduring lessons.

Voices of the Forgotten provides an interactive experience that goes beyond familiar narratives, and regular gameplay is suspended. It delves into often-overlooked stories, such as those of Sephardi Jews in North Africa and Abdol Hossein Sardari, an Iranian diplomat who saved thousands of Jews by issuing passports that omitted their Jewish identity. Visitors navigate through the museum’s exhibits, encountering historical artifacts, multimedia elements, and educational prompts that encourage engagement and reflection. )Ingame coordinates for the island: 1511-8598-6202)

“The Light in the Darkness”: A Game that Teaches and Transforms Another groundbreaking effort by Luc Bernard, “The Light in the Darkness,” is a free game available on PlayStation 5 and in the Epic Games Store. This immersive gaming experience tells the story of a fictional Polish Jewish family living in France

during the Holocaust. Designed to educate players through storytelling, the game offers an emotional and profoundly human perspective on the events of the time.

Unlike traditional educational methods, “The Light in the Darkness” engages players by immersing them in the characters’ lives. By experiencing the family’s struggles and choices, players develop empathy and a visceral understanding of the Holocaust’s impact. Bernard’s aim is to “connect each new

Bernard’s groundbreaking approach to Holocaust education paves the way for future digital learning tools, inspiring others to rethink how young people can access and interact with historical events in a space they already spend their time.

Why Digital Tools Matter

generation with the experiences of those who lived through one of history’s greatest atrocities.”

The game’s novel approach to education is driven by its realism and narrative depth. The Economist noted, “It makes for sobering gameplay, though that’s the point. Bernard wanted to show that for Jews, survival was just a matter of luck.” By blending education with the immersive qualities of gaming, “The Light in the Darkness” fosters a healthier curiosity and inspires players to learn more about the Holocaust.

Both the Voices of the Forgotten virtual museum and “The Light in the Darkness” demonstrate the potential of digital tools to expand Holocaust education. They make this history accessible to people who might not engage with traditional resources, breaking down barriers of geography, cost, and time. Moreover, these platforms provide new ways to present complex stories, ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust remain relevant and impactful for generations to come.

As spring break approaches, consider making time for meaningful activities that combine education and engagement. These digital tools are an excellent way to spend time learning about history while using technology

(Continued on page 27)

Voices of the Forgotten, a digital Holocaust museum in the popular videogame, “Fortnite”

Education and Youth

My First National Club Z Conference

By Sephira Goldstein, 10th grader

Attending the Club Z National Conference in January 2025 was such a memorable experience. Before going, I was a bit hesitant because I didn’t know what to expect. But I met Jewish teens from all across the country and spent good times with my friends from Charlotte and the Triangle Area Chapter. It was amazing to know that everyone there shared a passion for Israel and our Jewish identity.

One of the highlights was listening to the powerful keynote speakers telling us their stories and inspiring experiences. Before each person was introduced, the teen emcees got the crowd hyped up with entertaining stories, games, and a huge beach ball tossed around the audience.

Shahar Azani, a veteran Israeli diplomat, was so enthusiastic in his passion for Israel. Shabbos Kestenbaum, a young Jewish man who is courageously suing Harvard University for not protecting Jewish civil rights, was inspiring. His commitment to standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity, moved me deeply. Colonel Richard Kemp, who spoke about Israel’s morality, was an-

other speaker I’ll never forget. Rowan Osman, a Syrian-Lebanese-German activist, shared her fascinating journey. She spoke about her time growing up in the Middle East and how it led her to embrace Judaism. It was so inspiring to see someone from such a different background embracing my religion even though her family didn’t approve. Then there was Dalia Ziada, a proud Zionist Muslim woman who had to escape Egypt for supporting Israel. Her story of resilience was incredible. Overall, I enjoyed the range of speakers.

I also attended some interactive breakout sessions where we learned how to engage in street activism, and how to post on social media. Also, the Shabbat meal was really delicious, we danced to Jewish music outside, and went to the shuk. Another memorable activity was the Krav Maga class. The instructors were serious and focused and taught me how to protect myself from an attacker with a knife.

In the midst of all the regular programming, the conference set aside time to honor Olga Washington, my beloved teacher and mentor, who tragically passed away. Sadly, the first conference

that I attended was the first one that she couldn’t make it to. Olga was more than just a teacher to me. She was the first non-Jewish person who impacted my life more than most Jewish people have. She taught me to always stand up for Israel, even when it wasn’t popular or easy. She truly made a difference in my life. She was the first person to show me how Club Z can filter in the Jewish past that has somewhat been forgotten and how Israel is and always has been the place where the Jewish people

belong, and that it cannot be stripped away. During the memorial, a video was played of Olga giving a speech and interacting with teens, and I have to admit, I couldn’t hold back my tears when I saw her smiling face light up the screen. It is so good to know that she impacted so many people worldwide. She was a princess in her tribe, but also the royalty we all looked up to as a leader in times of need and for knowledge.

The Club Z conference felt as meaningful as the Fall Regional

Shabbaton, but on a bigger scale. There was something special about the energy in the room, about being surrounded by so many people who were passionate about Israel. I was inspired by the teens who won awards for their activism, such as combating antisemitism at their schools. It was so much fun, even in unexpected ways, like seeing us all dressed up in business casual clothes.

My mother, Dr. Marcy Goldstein, is the Charlotte chapter educator, which does make me a bit more inclined to listen, but she truly shows me that the information being taught to us teens is extremely important and vital to create a future where people are informed and educated about Israel and what it means to be Jewish. That three-day weekend was an amazing experience and I learned so much. To see photos of the conference and learn about our homeland and people, follow Club Z on Instagram @ zionismforteens!

Club Z Charlotte at the 2025 Club Z National Conference in San Francisco, with Club Z founder and executive director, Masha Merkulova, and keynote speaker, Colonel Richard Kemp

A Friendship That Blossoms: Sydney and Amelie

By Nick Perez

Every Tuesday afternoon, Sydney and Amelie's smiles bring the laughter and camaraderie of Friends Together at Friendship Circle to life. Since September, these two have formed a meaningful bond through play, exploration, and conversation — all in an environment encouraging inclusivity, joy, and support. Their meeting spot might be around the foosball table, where Amelie often has the winning edge, or gathered around a friendly round of Chutes and Ladders or Uno. “We both like to play games,” Amelie grins, reflecting on their favorite shared activities. For both of them, it’s not just about winning or losing;

it’s about how these moments bring them closer together, allowing their personalities to shine through easygoing fun and laughter.

“Amelie is very sweet and funny,” Sydney says, grinning. Amelie, in turn, shares that Sydney’s sense of humor fills her with laughter. For both of them, these playful activities foster a sense of comfort that allows their friendship to flourish.

Beyond games, Sydney and Amelie love exploring the Friendship Circle space — checking out the tree house, bouncing on the trampoline, or simply chatting in different rooms. Every corner of Friendship Circle becomes an op -

Holocaust Education

(Continued from page 25)

in a purposeful way. Instead of merely playing video games for entertainment, explore these interactive experiences that teach the vital lessons of resilience, empathy, and the dangers of hatred.

The Levine JCC Butterfly Project: Connecting Education to Action

At the Levine JCC Butterfly Project, we believe in the power of education to transform perspectives and inspire action. The Butterfly Project is an educational initiative that uses art and storytelling to honor the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust. By painting ceramic butterflies, participants engage in meaningful discussions about tolerance, social responsibility, and the ongoing fight against bigotry. These digital tools align with our mission to use the lessons of the Holocaust to combat hatred

portunity for them to discover more about each other. Here, inclusivity is not just a concept, but a lived experience: a place where everyone is welcome, and friendships form through shared interests and laughter.

Their weekly get-togethers embody the spirit of Friendship Circle — breaking down barriers, celebrating each person’s

unique strengths, and building genuine relationships that extend far beyond the program’s walls. At the heart of their story is an uplifting reminder that true friendship thrives when people come together in a space where they can be themselves. Through Friends Together, Sydney and Amelie prove that with a little curiosity, kindness, and a will-

ingness to laugh, bonds can blossom, and communities can grow stronger — one foosball match at a time.

Friendship Circle is a project of Chabad of Charlotte and a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte. To learn more, visit FriendshipCircleNC.org.

UMatter: Another Level of Teen Empowerment Is Back at Friendship Circle

By Mendel Cohen

In one of the most challenging times in history to be a teen, Friendship Circle remains steadfast in its commitment to create opportunities for all teens to become the best versions of themselves. With a deep focus on mental health and emotional well-being, Friendship Circle is thrilled to announce the relaunch of UMatter.

UMatter is more than just a program; it’s a dynamic community designed to empower all teens to embrace their authentic selves while supporting others in doing the same. Through transformative workshops focused on mental health and emotional well-being, UMatter

is redefining what it means to seek and offer support and foster a culture of healthy interdependence.

and cultivate empathy. For those looking to explore Holocaust education further, the Levine JCC Butterfly Project offers handson learning opportunities that bridge history and action. Join Us!

Don't miss our Annual LJCC Butterfly Project Community Workshop on Sunday, April 6, 2-4 p.m.! It’s an opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to a important memorial project. Learn more about our workshops and how you can participate by visiting https://www. charlottejcc.org/pages/the-butterfly-project/. Join us in ensuring that the voices of the past are remembered—not just through history books, but in meaningful, interactive ways.

Like Friendship Circle, and true to its name, UMatter is grounded in the belief that every person is valuable and has a unique mark to make in the world. By equipping them to recognize their inherent worth, teens feel more confident to be themselves, stand up for what they believe, and share their power with others.

Led by Mendel Cohen, Friendship Circle’s new Teen Leadership Ignitor, UMatter is poised to ignite positive change in the lives of local teens and build a stronger, more supportive community for the next generation.

UMatter events offer engaging opportunities to teach teens the critical skills they need to thrive in today’s world. Through interactive activities, discussions, and real-world applications, teens gather tools for building resilience, improving self-awareness, and developing strong emotional intelligence. These skills are key to helping teens cope with adolescent pressures, knowing when to reach out for support, and being able to excel in all areas of life. Beyond mental health, UMatter events foster a sense of connection, purpose, and leadership, empowering teens to become champions of change within their community.

Sydney and Amelie

Travel to Israel Through Books!

I haven’t been to Israel — yet!

It’s high on my bucket list, but in the meantime, I love traveling to Israel through children’s picture books. These stories allow me to experience the beauty and culture of the country, without leaving my living room! Here are three of my favorites that you can read to your kids (and maybe even yourself) to take a virtual trip to Israel.

Sammy Spider’s First Visit to Israel by Sylvia A. Rouss & illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn

Sammy the Spider has been learning about Jew ish holidays with the Shapiro family for some time, but in this story, he gets a unique opportunity— he stows away in a toy airplane! Join Sammy as he embarks on an unforgettable journey to Israel, discovering the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and

Plan Your Own Trip to Israel—No Passport Needed! So, come visit the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library and start planning your “trip” to Israel today. No passport required — just your library card! – Miss Sara

Use the map to answer these questions.

1.What is the capital of Israel?

2.Can you name the four seas in Israel?

3.What is the name of the highest mountain in Israel?

4.What 4 countries boarder Israel?

5.What is the name of the desert region that covers southern Israel?

6.What is the southernmost city in Israel?

7.What large city is located on the Mediterranean Sea?

Dinosaur Goes to Israel by Diane Rauchwerger & illus

Across

1. Israel, once...or land the New York Times labeled as part of “Ancient Palestine”

6. Book that never uses the word “Palestine” 11. ___Moines

14. Winning 15. Lake with a Daytime Emmy

16. Kosher Yellowstone resident 17. Israel, once 19. 1002, to Caesar 20. Constellation named for a musical instrument 21. Signs

22. Actor who appeared in both Interstellar and The Martian

24. Frequent Hepburn co-star

26. Comforters

27. $, for short 30. Common kibbutz tool

31. Fall short

32. Item in the High Priest’s breastplate

34. One is used to quantify some Jewish measurements

35. Speak like a tough guy, say 39. What Israel was renamed by Hadrian as a punishment to the Jews 43. Back

44. Army 1sts and 2nds

5. Timber-shaping tool

6. Catatonic state

7. Fitting name for one of the Angry Birds pigs

8. Early color TVs

9. Paul French ___ Isaac Asimov

10. Most polytheists, today

11. The Silence of the Lambs director

12. George who was Mary

13. Team in a pickup game, maybe

18. “’Arrivederci’”

23. Turns away, as the eyes

25. Large, flightless bird

26. Venetian VIP of old

27. Red giant, once?

45. Boxed Jewish item, usually

46. “I am ___ I am”: Exod. 3:14

48. It’s not PC?

50. Nat. where Volvo is headquartered

51. The world’s largest river, in volume

54. The Golan, from Eilat

56. Begin famously walked to his funeral

57. Asher ___ ....

58. A Jew Today writer Wiesel

62. Cancelled Simpsons character

63. Israel

66. Animal that could essentially be used for all Biblical holidays

67. Words with “directed”

68. She meets a caterpillar smoking a hookah

69. M.D.’s org.

70. Book that never uses the word “Palestine”

71. Book that never uses the word “Palestine”

Down

1. Killer of Sisera, in some secular writings

2. Driving Miss Daisy playwright Alfred 3. They might ruin your garden

4. Really annoy

28. Case for an ophthalmologist

29. Boots and Map help her

31. Airport near Forest Hills, N.Y.

33. Seder end

34. Ernie of golf

36. Shows live

37. Rarity in Bet Shemesh

38. Piece of 6, 70, or 71-Across

40. Stratagem

41. Letters on a phone bill

42. Satmar, for one

47. Place to chill, ironically

48. Depressed

49. Kazakh/Uzbek sea

51. Start of a winter fast

52. Former leftist Israeli party

53. Para follower

54. Haredi or Prat

55. “Shalom”

57. BBC nickname, with “the”

59. Hibernation location

60. Peruvian Indian

61. Home of a famous garden snake

64. Hong Kong’s equiv. of the Dow

65. Shechtable beast in Nepal

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Shine On: Charlotte Teens Join Thousands in a Powerful Weekend of Jewish Pride

By Rabbi Levi Cohen

Since October 7, Jewish teenagers have been pushed to respond — to explain, defend, and counter antisemitism. But Judaism isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving, celebrating, and shining. This year’s International CTeen Shabbaton in New York embraced that message with the theme “Shine On,” a call for Jewish teens to live proudly and unapologetically, not just in response to challenges, but because our Judaism is beautiful and powerful.

Along with CTeen coordinators Breindel Piekarski and Mushka Friedman, I had the privilege of leading 19 high schoolers from Charlotte to this unforgettable weekend. We joined more than 4,000 Jewish teens from 60 countries, immersed in inspiration and joy. A highlight was the Guinness World Record-breaking tefillin-wrapping event. With 1,241 participants, it wasn’t just a number — it was a symbol of commitment to Jewish identity. Throughout the weekend, teens heard stories of resilience — of rescuing tefillin from California wildfires, celebrating Shabbat under rocket fire in Israel, and staying visibly Jewish despite campus hostility. The message was clear: We are here to live our Judaism with joy,

confidence, and pride. One of the most electrifying moments was singing “Am Yisrael Chai” in Times Square, sending a powerful message: The next generation of Jewish leaders is here, shining on.

Among them was Charlotte teen Liza Simon, who was selected for the “Shine On” choir, performing in front of thousands. The concert culminated in a moving candle-lighting ceremony, setting the tone for an inspiring weekend.

In Liza’s own words, here’s what the Shabbaton meant to her.

A Teen’s Perspective: My Life-Changing Shabbaton Experience

By Liza Simon

On my way to the airport, I felt an overwhelming sense of exhaustion, as it would be my fifth time there within two weeks. Running on a limited amount of sleep, I was honestly dreading the CTeen Shabbaton, which was at the tail end of a long, busy month of youth group trips and schoolwork. That being said, the moment I arrived in Crown Heights, my tiredness floated away and was replaced with pure joy and comfort from being surrounded by my CTeen family.

I had no idea what to expect going into my first International

CTeen Shabbaton, but I would not be exaggerating when I say it was one of the most unique, meaningful experiences I have ever taken part in. The opportunities at the Shabbaton were endless. I prayed, I learned, I studied, I let loose, and I allowed myself to let go of my responsibilities to spend the weekend being a teenager and having fun. Along with the wide variety of workshops and activities offered at the Shabbaton, I also had the

amazing opportunity to sing in the CTeen Girls’ “Shine On” choir.

My first night in New York, I spent two hours at a recording studio with other girls in the choir, where we sang, laughed, and hugged until 12:30 in the morning. That night confirmed what I thought the Shabbaton would be like: a tight-knit community where 4,000 Jewish teens meet in one place to learn, share, and celebrate together.

The CTeen community is truly like no other. From walking around Crown Heights for multiple hours on Shabbat, greeting everyone we saw with an enthusiastic “Good Shabbos!” to jumping higher than ever before while shouting the lyrics to “Am Yisrael Chai” in the middle of Times Square, I have never before felt free enough to run down the street wearing a flag reading, “Jewish and Proud.” But now, I would do so anywhere, at any time.

Without knowing so then, joining CTeen in 2023 was one

of the most life-altering decisions I have ever made, and attending the CTeen Shabbaton is now definitely high on my list of life-changing experiences. I will always be grateful to CTeen Charlotte for giving me and so many other teens a nourishing environment where we can be our proud Jewish selves, learn about our tradition, and learn how to continue thriving as Jews no matter where we are or where we end up.

Liza Simon performs on stage for an audience of thousands at the International Cteen Shabbaton.

Cteen Charlotte poses in front of “The Edge”, an incredible NYC lookout point.

Education and Youth

Little Learners Meet Community Helpers at Jewish Preschool on Sardis

By Hiley Davis

Learning about community helpers is always a popular unit at Jewish Preschool on Sardis (JPS), beloved by teachers and students. The kids love to learn about the members of our community who work to keep us safe, and the teachers come up with creative projects and engaging visitors.

In Ms. Tabby’s toddler class, the kids showcased their artistic talents with three art projects about three different community helpers. The first was an airplane silhouette made with chalk. The second, a paper collage of a dump truck, and the third, handprint firefighters. All of the children’s art projects are displayed proudly in their classrooms.

Ms. Ellen’s toddler class learned songs that could be connected to community helpers during their circle time. They sang about monkeys visiting the doctor after falling off of their beds and about racing down the road in their firetrucks to help fight fires. The students wrote letters and were able to give

them to a visitor from the post office to be mailed.

Ms. Olivia’s three’s class also had a special visit from a doctor. They learned about different medical equipment like stethoscopes and blood-pressure cuffs and what they’re used for.

A dentist also came to JPS and taught the kids about the importance of brushing their teeth well. Everyone was so excited to get a new toothbrush from

the dentist! Community helpers are an important part of our community, and we’re proud to teach our students about these essential people in our lives.

Silly Jilly from Providence Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics visits JPS.

Louisa’s community helper artwork displayed in her classroom.

Environmental Justice and Passover: A Call to Action

By Billie Anderson

As Passover approaches, we reflect on themes of liberation, justice, and responsibility. This holiday, commemorating the Israelites’ journey from oppression to freedom, invites us to consider modern injustices, including those tied to environmental harm.

In recent times, Seder plates have become more diverse; it is more common to see oranges, representing LGBTQ+ rights, and other non-traditional adornments with significant meaning. This growing inclusivity reflects a broader effort to make Passover discussions more relevant to modern issues. In this spirit, some Shalom Green members, and other Jews, are broadening their Passover conversations to include environmental justice, recognizing the intersection of social and ecological concerns.

Environmental justice recognizes that marginalized communities often bear the brunt of pollution and climate change.

Z Strawderman, environmental justice manager for CleanAIRE NC, a nonprofit dedicated to improving air quality and environmental health through advocacy, education, and community engagement, explains, “Environmental justice may mean different things to different people. Most often, environmental jus-

tice is spoken of through the injustice people experience in their communities. This can be measured through disproportionately adverse health or environmental impacts on a given community due to the cumulative impacts of exposure and the legacy of racism or other structural or systemic barriers.” Low-income neighborhoods and communities of color experience higher exposure to toxins, poor air quality, and climate-related disasters. This discrimination is often tied to geography — where people live determines their environmental risks.

The Local Connection

Charlotte-based organizations like CleanAIRE NC work to combat environmental inequities by advocating for clean air policies and supporting affected neighborhoods. Strawderman says, “In order to address these issues, CleanAIRE NC works with communities to understand local sources of pollution and what health or environmental concerns they want to bring attention to. We aim to support community advocacy through learning about their goals and assisting with steps to meet them, such as data collection and community mapping, that fall within our wheelhouse.” Other efforts to address environmental justice

in our area include reducing heat islands through tree plantings; increasing access to affordable, clean energy; advocating for equitable policies; and amplifying the voices of those negatively impacted.

Bringing Environmental Justice to Your Seder

There are a variety of ways to incorporate environmental justice into this year’s Passover Seder. Some dedicate their entire Seder to environmental issues, while others weave these concepts into specific elements. For example, Courtney Cooperman of ReformJudaism.org suggests that “This Passover we will make four new promises: to mitigate, adapt, protect, and conserve. As we welcome Elijah for a fifth cup of wine, we will also welcome a commitment to climate action and environmental justice, in order to promote the health of our earth and all its inhabitants.” Reboot, a nonprofit organization that reimagines Jewish traditions for modern life, challenges Jews to give up single-use plastic during Passover, likening the escape from our reliance on plastic to the Exodus.

If a portion of your Seder is going to focus on environmental justice, then the following resources could be shared with guests in advance so that every-

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one can have an informed discussion:

- “Environmental Justice Principles,” statement created at the 1991 People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit.

- “Broken Ground” (podcast)

- “Freedom Hill” (documentary)

- “The Color of Law” by Richard Rothstein (book)

Like so many aspects of Jewish life, Passover provides us with an opportunity to reflect as an individual and as a member of our community. This year, let’s pause to include the ways our neighbors are being impacted by environmental justice issues and create strategies to make substantial change.

- Advocate for local decision-makers when you witness environmental injustice.

- Follow along with local news updates and critically analyze them.

- Sign up for the CleanAIRE NC Connector Environmental Justice Newsletter at bit.ly/ CANCEJ.

- Join local efforts, such as those organized by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Climate Leaders coalition.

As Joel Burcat of the Jewish Book Council puts it, “We, as Jews, have a religious obligation to do what we can to fulfill our

sacred commandment — taking care of and repairing the Earth.” Therefore, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to view our lives and holidays through this lens. We look forward to creatively incorporating some environmental elements into our Passover Seder and hope to learn more about ways that our community is doing so, too.

As we prepare for Passover, let’s also prepare for action. Environmental justice is a modern-day Exodus story — one where communities struggle for freedom from pollution and climate threats. By learning, advocating, and participating in local initiatives, we can ensure that justice and liberation extend to all.

If you are interested in volunteering with or donating to Shalom Green, please visit our website at www.shalomgreenCLT.org or email us at info@ shalomgreenCLT.org. Connect with us on Facebook at Shalom Green: Shalom Park Environmental Initiative and on Instagram @shalomgreen_CLT.

A Lasting Legacy: How a Small Town Synagogue Endured — Its Impact Lives On

This story originally appeared on Foundation For The Carolina’s storytelling website, Philanthropy FOCUS. Read the complete story: https://philanthropyfocus. org/bethisrael/

By Page Leggett

Years before a 60-year-old Jewish temple in Whiteville closed its doors in 2020, congregants devised a plan to share their assets

When Jacob Steinberg –“Jackie” to everyone in his Whiteville, N.C., hometown –graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 1975, he came home to join the family business his grandfather started.

Steinberg took on another role shortly after returning volunteering to serve as lay rabbi at Beth Israel, the small congregation (no more than 40 at its peak) he had grown up attending. No one asked him to take on the role; it happened organically.

“It was a way to give back to my Jewish community,” he said, “as well as to my hometown.”

This was no interim position. It’s one he kept for nearly 45 years while working full-time at J.S. Mann’s, the clothing retailer where his parents and uncle worked. Steinberg remained

Beth Israel’s lay rabbi until the congregation dwindled to six members. Those six realized –after some gentle prodding – that disbanding, while painful, was their only choice.

Steinberg wasn’t alone in his efforts. Gary Kramer, whose family donated the land for Beth Israel’s building in 1959, also played a pivotal role. Together, with support from local families like the Manns, Leders and Moskows, they ensured the synagogue, despite its small size, thrived for decades.

“It took everyone’s efforts to keep it going,” Kramer said. “To survive, everyone had to participate. We knew we had to show up, or it wouldn’t work.”

Eventually, though, Whiteville’s young people who left for college found better opportunities elsewhere. And businesses that had thrived for decades faced a new threat. Kramer put it succinctly: “The writing was on the wall.”

But they wouldn’t go gently. They did something extraordinary to ensure that Beth Israel, while no longer an active congregation with a physical structure, would never be forgotten. To do that, they enlisted the help of

the Jewish Community Legacy Project and Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community, a supporting organization of Foundation For The Carolinas.

Beth Israel’s story exemplifies how thoughtful planning and collaboration with organizations like FCJC and FFTC can preserve legacies and create lasting community impact.

It Takes a Village Steinberg wasn’t the sole spiritual leader of the congrega-

Like many small towns in rural North Carolina, Whiteville saw its population drop over time, as younger generations moved out and on, seeking better opportunities in larger communities. As the synagogue faced dwindling membership, they sought help. Enter the Jewish Community Legacy Project )JCLP(, which was established in 2010 by David I. Sarnat with support from the Marcus Foundation, founded by Bernie Marcus, Home Depot’s late CEO.

Beth Israel leaders contacted JCLP in 2010. “Together with FCJC, we helped them make a plan,” Sarnat said. “They were

tion. Over the years there were many who led Beth Israel. Rabbi Reuben Kesner served the congregation from 1964 into the early 1980s. He lived in Whiteville and traveled to serve many other congregations in the area eventually becoming the rabbi in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Many in the congregation traveled to Wilmington with their children to receive weekly Hebrew lessons from Rabbi Waxman. The Manns, Steinbergs and other parents taught Sunday School. It was always a team effort. In the early days, Steinberg imported a rabbi for the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, as well as other holidays and celebrations. “One rabbi came from New York,” he recalled. “We led together. But after one service, she said, ‘Jackie, you don’t need to bring in anyone from the outside. You can lead these services yourself.’”

(Continued on page 34)

Jackie Steinberg and his grandson, Parker Weinrich

FCJC

(Continued from page 33)

down to a handful of members but weren’t ready to do away with the synagogue yet. They wisely wanted a plan for when the time came.”

“There’s tremendous psychological stress over closing a synagogue,” Sarnat added. “People need time to mourn the loss. The congregation has to control its own destiny and prove to themselves they did everything possible to keep the doors open.”

The Changing Face of SmallTown Faith

What happened in Whiteville isn’t unusual. Across the country, congregations – of all denominations – are shrinking. The issue is especially pronounced in small towns such as Whiteville (population: about 5,000).

Some of the most prominent –and civic-minded – members of the community were Beth Israel’s 16 founding families, including the Leders, the Leinwands, the Manns, the Kramers, the Steinbergs, and the Moskows.

Whiteville’s Jewish families may have comprised a small percentage of their small town’s population, but they had a significant impact on their communities, said Kramer, a third-generation Beth Israel member.

“Our families participated in government, civic clubs, school systems – everything,” he said. “They were good citizens; they took pride in their community and wanted to give back.”

Mann added, “Our families were always charitable. Giving back to the community was just a way of life for our parents.”

Those families founded the Beth Israel Synagogue, which was dedicated in 1959. It remained their spiritual home –and that of their children and grandchildren – for more than 60 years. The synagogues in Lumberton and Jacksonville closed, leaving Beth Israel the only synagogue in a 50-mile radius.

The Writing’s on the Wall

Over time, the viability of the congregation was something Kramer – whose 1964 bar mitzvah was the first one held in the new building – discussed with his father, acknowledging the hard truth.

“We were losing people,” Kramer said. “They were retiring, moving, passing away. My dad was very concerned – we all were – about what would happen to the synagogue. I promised him we would have a succession plan – that we wouldn’t just walk away.”

Kramer kept his promise.

“When I brought it up to our congregation, there was some resistance,” he said. “It’s like a death; no one wants to talk about it. But after a couple of meetings, I think everyone was on board. If we were going to close, we wanted to do it in a respectful and honorable way.”

Closing a house of worship is emotionally fraught, and compli-

cated. Phil Warshauer, executive director of the Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community, worked with Sarnat and the community leaders to develop an exit strategy that could be implemented at a time of the congregants’ choosing.

“Congregations usually have a building to deal with,” said Warshauer. “They may have a cemetery they have to care for. They may have one or more Torahs they want to preserve. What do they do with all those resources? They need a succession plan – a will for a community. They also have to determine the trigger or triggers for implementing the plan.”

Warshauer said that in the case of Beth Israel, it wasn’t a matter of money. They had the funds to continue. It was a matter of people.

“An essential and irreplaceable cornerstone of every congregation is their Torah,” said Warshauer. “Every Torah is handwritten, an incredible work of art and has a history all its own. When synagogues close, they seek other congregations in need of a Torah. That allows the Torah’s history, and the history of the Jewish people contained in its scroll, to live on through another congregation.”

Beth Israel found homes for their two Torahs at two North Carolina Orthodox congregations – Chabad of Wilmington and Chabad of Raleigh. The remaining congregants found new synagogues, too – in Wilmington. Fayetteville and Myrtle Beach.

People Made It Special

The building that housed the synagogue didn’t have historical significance, but the land it sat on – at the intersection of East Frink Street and Highway 701 Bypass – appreciated considerably over the years and was sold in 2023.

Kramer was philosophical about the sale. He never thought of Beth Israel as the building that housed worship services. “While it was emotional to sell the building,” he said, “it was the people who made it special – not the structure.”

A percentage of the proceeds were gifted to Southeastern

Community College, Bladen County Community College, the North Carolina Holocaust Foundation and Temple Israel of Wilmington. The remaining proceeds went to FCJC to establish six endowments to do good works, supporting Jewish and non-Jewish nonprofits, in Beth Israel’s name. Perpetuating Beth Israel’s legacy and commitment to community is especially significant given the dramatic uptick in antisemitism in North Carolina, throughout the United States and the rest of the world.

Warshauer said Beth Israel’s story is universal: “This is a Jewish story, but it is illustrative of what community foundations do every day. It’s about how you want to be remembered while making the world a better place. It also speaks to how FFTC –the fifth-largest community foundation in the country – has a Jewish component to it, which is incredibly unique.”

Warshauer said he is often approached by folks seeking his advice, not necessarily knowing if or how FCJC can help.

“It’s our job to help clients identify problems they’re trying to solve and help them find charitable solutions, typically matching their passions to the needs of a community,” he said.

“We begin with a conversation. At heart, we are problem solvers.”

Warshauer is currently in conversations with two other communities facing similar challenges to those faced by Beth Israel.

“The synagogue in States -

(Puzzle on page 29)

ville was built in the 1800s,” he said. “The congregation is very concerned about preserving the building. They do not want it torn down. They would like to see it become a center for Jewish life, but there’s just not much Jewish life in Statesville anymore.”

Or in Whiteville.

But that doesn’t mean Beth Israel has been forgotten. With the aid of JCLP, FCJC, and FFTC, the temple’s remaining members ensured that their Jewish community will be remembered and distributions from their endowments will benefit future generations.

Learn more about the Foundation for The Charlotte Jewish Community and FCJC donor-advised funds. Also, learn about the Charlotte Jewish Legacy Project. www https://www.fftc.org/

The Hebrew Cemetery joins with the community in remembering the names of those who have been buried in the cemetery in the month of February, 2025

Ian Epstein 12/15/1971 - 1/30/2025

Sonja Stern 11/8/1929 - 2/4/2025

Aliaksandr Maisak 4/5/1975 - 1/31/2025

Perla Bershadsky 7/12/1940 - 2/14/2025

Beth Israel Temple in Whiteville, N.C., built in 1959.

Newspaper archives are a treasure trove of collective memories, providing a snapshot of our history. The following in an excerpt from the article in The Charlotte Jewish News, October, 2006. To read the rest of the article and other issues of The CJN, visit the archives at https://www.digitalnc.org/newspapers/charlottejewish-news-charlotte-nc/.

Looking Back: Year 2006

The missiles are quiet and we pray the cease-fire will translate into real security for Israel. To date, the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s Israel Emergency Campaign has raised more than $460,000 to help rebuild and restore all that has been destroyed in northern Israel. Your continued support ensures that the Jewish Federation’s on-theground partners – the Jewish agency for Israel (JAFI) and American Jewish Joint Distribution (JDC) Committee remain on the scene, ready to help. On Wednesday, September 6, our community was briefed by JDC Representative, Kobi Tav. Following Mr. Tav’s stories regarding how Israeli families are coping with the crisis, our Israel Emergency Campaign chair, David Epstein, responded with his personal story.

Below is an excerpt from David Epstein’s speech:

“Ever gift to this emergency campaign is important. However, I would be remiss if I did not publicly acknowl-

edge the extreme generosity of Leon and Sandra Levine, who have made a gift of $100,000. In addition to this wonderful gift, so far in our campaign we have received three extraordinary gifts of $25,000 from Howard Levine, Eric and Lori Sklut, and Bill and Patty Gorelick.

“As you know, I am very passionate about this campaign and about Israel. I believe that just as the State of Israel has risen from the ashes of the Holocaust, so, too, has the Jewish community risen since the dark days of WWII.

I believe that the State of Israel has given the Jews of the Diaspora a status that we would not have achieved on our own. Here in the United States, as well as in the rest of the Western world, Jews have reached unprecedented heights. I would suggest to you that some of us may even take our status for granted. And yes, it is true that Jewish peoples’ contributions to the world, to its culture, to its medicine, to its science – I

could go on and one – have certainly been a significant factor in achieving our current status. But that was also true in Spain in the 15th Century and in other European countries and yet, in each instance, the Jews were eventually expelled or otherwise reduced to second class citizens (to put it mildly). I believe that it is the State of Israel that has significantly contributed to the place we now hold in our society. The State of Israel is respected throughout the Western world, it is the Jewish state and the IDF’s fighting ability have not hurt us either. Now, whether you agree with me, in whole or in part or not at all, is for you to decide.

“What you must agree with me about, however, is that if, and may G-d forbid this, something happens to the State of Irael, overnight the Jews would be again a stateless people, guests in every part of the world in which we live, and subject to the political and religious vagaries of the times.

“From its founding, the State of Israel has served as a haven, and as a refuge, first for the displaced persons of remnants of the Jews of Europe, then for the Yemenites and for the Jews of other countries in the Arab world, then for the Jews of the FSU, and more recently, from Ethiopia and from Argentina.

“And now, with the worst antisemitism raging in France, England, and other Euorpean countries, Israel is again a home, a have, and a refuge for those that need it. And if anyone doubts this, just look at the increase in Aliyah from the countries I have mentioned.

“So, in my mind and in my heart, this campaign is about the current needs of the people of Israel and the State of Israel. But, this campaign is also about our children and our grandchildren and what their lives will be like in the future. And I submit, and I believe with every fiber in my body, that without the State of Israel, the lives and status

we now enjoy will no longer be there.

“I believe that the State of Israel is more threatened now than at any time in history. There are no second changes for Isarel and it is us, and our fellow Jewish throughout the Diaspora, who are entrusted with Israel’s well-being and yes, its very existence.

“Since I would not ask any of you to do what Aleen and I would not do on our own, Aleen and I are doubling our gift, representing more than 60% of our gift to the 2006 Annual Campaign. Israel needs our help now and this is what Aleen and I, in good conscience want to do, and this is what Aleen and I, in good conscience should do, and this is what Aleen and I will do. Please join Aleen and me in the extremely important effort.

“On behalf of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and the people of Israel, I think you for your continued generosity and support.”

Nearly a Quarter of Americans Raised Jewish Have Left the Religion, Survey Says

By Grace Gilson March 26, 2025 (JTA)

Almost one in four U.S. adults raised Jewish do not identify as religiously Jewish anymore, according to a recent study by the Pew Research Center.

The study, published Wednesday, surveyed “religious switching” around the world, and found that significant percentages of people raised in religious homes in the United States and internationally are now religiously unaffiliated. Smaller numbers have converted to another religion.

Among Americans raised Jewish, 17% now describe themselves as religiously unaffiliated. An additional 2% now

identify as Christian while 1% now identify as Muslim. An additional 4% identify with another religion or didn’t answer.

The survey also found that 14% of Jewish adults in the U.S. had converted into the religion. Of that population, half were raised as Christians while most others grew up religiously unaffiliated.

In contrast to the U.S. findings, survey data from Israel found that 100% of those raised Jewish remained Jewish as adults, and only 1% of the adult Jewish population had converted. Virtually all Israelis raised Muslim also still identify as Muslim in adulthood.

But Pew also found in a separate survey that more than one

in five Israeli Jews had switched between Jewish religious sectors — going from secular to religious Zionist, for example, or traditional to haredi Orthodox.

That survey found that the secular population had gained more members than it lost due to religious switching, while the reverse was true for the religious Zionist community. Religious switching did not have an effect on the numbers of traditional or haredi Israeli Jews. (Those numbers do not account for differing birth rates among the groups.)

Wednesday’s survey found that retention rates were similar among Americans raised Jewish, Muslim and Christian.

Among those raised Jewish, 76% are still Jewish, while the corresponding figure is 77% for American Muslims, and 73% for American Christians. Other religious groups in the United States have higher rates of attrition: Just 45% of those raised Buddhist, for example, are still Buddhist.

The rate of religious switching among Jews has remained constant: The data reflected just a slight rise since the last survey of its kind in 2014, where 75% of U.S. adults raised Jewish said they no longer identified as such.

Another Pew survey of American Jews in 2020 sought to answer the same question, and found that 88% of people raised Jewish continued to identify as Jewish in adulthood.

The key difference? The

2020 survey measured both religiously affiliated Jews and those identified as “Jews of no religion” — people who may identify as culturally or ethnically Jewish but not religious. In that survey, if someone stopped affiliating religiously as Jewish, but still identified as a Jew of no religion, they still counted as Jewish — leading to a higher

retention rate.

U.S. data was taken from the 2024 Religious Landscape Study which surveyed 850 American Jews and had a margin of error of 5%. The Israeli data was taken from a sample of 591 Jewish adults and had a margin of error of 4%.

Gal Gadot Unveils Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame, Becoming First Israeli Actor Honored There

By Philissa Cramer (JTA)

Gal Gadot addressed her family in Hebrew and spoke about growing up in Israel at a ceremony Tuesday to unveil her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

“I’m just a girl from a town in Israel,” the 39-year-old said during the ceremony. She added, “This star will remind me that with hard work and passion and some faith, anything is possible.”

She later returned to the idea to cheers, saying, “To all the young women out there, the young people, especially young girls watching, if a girl from Rosh Ha’ayin can get a star at the Hollywood Boulevard, anything is possible.”

The ceremony to inaugurate the star was shielded from public view and briefly disrupted by a confrontation between pro-Israel

and pro-Palestinian demonstrators, according to Variety.

It also comes as Gadot’s latest movie, a live-action version of “Snow White,” is roiled by multiple controversies — including over potential tension between its stars over the Israel-Hamas war and its depiction of the fairy tale’s seven dwarves.

Gadot’s star was announced last year. She is the second Israeli to receive the accolade, after the media mogul Haim Saban in 2017.

After her ceremony, she posed on the star with her husband and their four daughters, who range in age from 13 to 1. Gadot survived a life-threatening complication during her most recent pregnancy last year.

Watch: Gal Gadot Gets emotional in Hollywood Walk of Fame Speech: “Anything Is Possible” — Extra TV

Gal Gadot poses with her husband Jaron Varsano and daughters Alma, Ori, Maya and Daniella during the ceremony inaugurating Gadot's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, March 18, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Sunday school students lead morning services at Temple B'nai Israel in Oklahoma City. (Ty Faulkner Branum)

Passover Requires Tons of Eggs. Amid the Avian Flu, What’s a Jew To Do?

(JTA) — This year, Rachel Levine is glad her family is heading to a Passover program in Arizona, departing from their tradition of hosting dozens for seders at their Manhattan home.

It’s not the cooking, the cleanup, or the wear and tear on her home that Levine is most relieved to sidestep. It’s the eggs.

In a typical year, she would buy at least 12 dozen eggs just for the first two days of the holiday — a minimum of 144 in total. This year, with avian flu decimating the egg supply, that feels like an impossible task.

“Making Pesach is always daunting, but the thought of having to do it with this egg shortage seems terrifying,” said Levine, a psychologist, mother of four and the wife of the rabbi at the Jewish Center, a Modern Orthodox synagogue on the Upper West Side. “I usually buy at least 18 to 24 dozen eggs just for baking!”

Eggs are essential to Passover, as a symbolic food on the seder plate and an essential ingredient in cuisine limited by the holiday’s strict restrictions on leavened food. Many sponge cake recipes, for example, are made with potato starch and require a dozen or more eggs to create fluffiness.

But this year, eggs are in short supply because of the spread of avian flu, which has required producers to slaughter 150 million birds in the last two years, including 30 million since the start of 2025. As the supply of eggs has fallen, their price has skyrocketed to record levels, and many stores have set limits on how many customers can buy — if any are available at all. Across the country, shoppers routinely find empty shelves where eggs once sat.

That poses a pressing concern for Jews preparing for Passover, which this year begins the night of April 12.

“Aside from the symbolism, just the pragmatics – you are so limited by all the other restrictions on the holiday,” said Levine’s husband, Rabbi Yosie Levine. “To be limited by eggs, too? I don’t know what people are going to do. It’s a little crazy.”

Advance planners are already starting to come up with strategies.

Some are planning to stock up, buying eggs a dozen at a

time in the leadup to the holiday. (The USDA says eggs can typically last three to five weeks after purchase if refrigerated properly.) For them, having to hunt down costly eggs — the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says they cost $5 a dozen on average, up from $2.45 a year ago — doesn’t change the Passover calculus all that much.

“So far we can still get eggs so that’s what we’ll use,” Sue Fishbain of Illinois said in an email. “Let’s face it, Pesach is SOOOO expensive anyway. If one keeps kosher, will we actually know the difference? Finding eggs in our area changes from day to day. I’ve seen empty shelves, and I’ve seen them full with high prices, but I have always found some.”

Others are rejiggering their menus to hedge against egg availability. Katja Goldman, a chef and cookbook author in New York City, is considering taking her sponge cake off the menu and serving an egg-free dessert — perhaps something springy like rhubarb compote, strawberry sorbet and chocolate-and-nuts-covered matzo brittle.

She’s also hedging her bets by keeping a small flock of chickens at her family’s farm, Stone’s Throw Farm, in Sagaponack, Long Island — which provides a stable supply of eggs as long the birds remain healthy.

Others are turning to the array of egg-free recipes for traditional Jewish foods created in recent years amid an explosion in vegan and plantbased eating. There are “1001 ways to use egg replacements,” said Micah Siva, a dietitian and cookbook author who specializes in vegetarian Jewish food.

“When baking, I often rely on chia seeds as well as things like applesauce or if you feel comfortable, a silken tofu or even mashed potatoes if you need to bind something,” said Siva, whose book “Nosh” includes a recipe for a vegan matzo ball that has aquafaba — the liquid byproduct of canned beans, as an ingredient. (Traditional Ashkenazi Passover rules prohibit the use of beans, but Siva’s husband is a Sephardic Jew who grew up eating such foods, known in Hebrew as kitniyot, on Passover and she has adopted his traditions.)

Eggs are prepared for distribution at Masbia's headquarters ahead of Passover in 2023. Each box, known as a "half box," carries 15 dozen eggs. (Courtesy Masbia)

“There’s a nice way to meet in the middle so that instead of buying four dozen eggs, you can get by with two dozen,” she said about using more plant-based recipes. “It’s a great way to tackle this year’s cost of eggs.”

Others are just planning to make concessions to reality. Chanie Apfelbaum, a cookbook author and food influencer under the handle “Busy in Brooklyn,” said she anticipates nixing the hard-boiled eggs she typically makes in bulk and throws in her bag for outings during the holiday with her five children. This year, she says, matzo with nut butter will have to suffice.

Apfelbaum is also scouring her archives for recipes that are less egg-reliant, such as a Nutella tart with a macaroon crust. But she knows she’ll have at least one egg on the seder table.

“If there’s a shortage, there’s a shortage,” she said. “If it’s a cost thing, people will have to cut back on other things because eggs are an important part of the holiday. You need it for your seder plate. How do you get around that? Can we cut back on eggs? Yes. Can we say we are not going to use them? No.”

Indeed, it’s hard to evade eggs entirely if one wants to carry out Passover traditions. An egg is set on the seder plate, representing both the ancient Temple sacrifice and —with its roundness — the cycle of the year. Beyond that, it is customary to place bowls of hard-boiled eggs on the seder table so each participant can dip one in salted water, to remind them of the tears and

people will adjust. Now you can adjust your recipe so you don’t use as much.”

But he’s not expecting any of his customers to go without eggs during Passover, when Masbia typically brings in two to three trailers of eggs — each holding 18,000 dozen — to use and distribute to its customers over Passover. “We give anywhere from 15 to 30 dozen eggs per family for Passover,” Rapaport said. “Very large families of more than eight members might get more.”

suffering of the Israelites in Egypt while retelling the story of their liberation.

Rabbi Levine said it is acceptable according to Jewish law to substitute any cooked meat for the egg on the plate, since it joins the shankbone as representations of the two sacrifices that would be given during Passover in ancient Jerusalem. (Siva uses a beet and avocado pit.)

“The eggs also symbolize a mourning component that we also factor into the seder,” Levine said. “Eggs are the food of mourning. After someone comes back from the cemetery, that first meal that we offer them are round foods like lentils or bagels or eggs. All speak to the same symbolic value which is the circle of life. There is an end and a beginning or there is no end and no beginning. We highlight that piece also.”

(Bagels are prohibited on Passover. Lentils are kitniyot, only eaten by some.)

For low-income Jews, the egg crisis is even more pressing. “I call them the poor person’s protein,” said Alexander Rappaport, executive director of the Masbia soup kitchen network in haredi Orthodox neighborhoods of New York City. Eggs, he said, were “cheaper than any canned fish or frozen chicken.”

Surging prices have changed that calculus, he said, at least for most of the year. “Eggs are a universal item,” he said. “In the past, it was used as filler in a recipe. You could make tuna salad with cooked eggs for filler because the eggs were cheaper than the tuna. That doesn’t make sense [now] so

This year, despite the rise in price, Masbia will still be buying and distributing eggs in bulk. “Any given haredi family goes through suitcases of eggs, not a few dozen” during the holiday, Rapaport said, adding, “In the observant world, eggs are synonymous with Passover, just like matzo.” It’s clear that Americans will find little relief before the holiday. President Donald Trump campaigned on a vow to reduce egg prices, blaming their rise on his predecessor, but with avian flu continuing to spread — and some producers accused of taking advantage of the crisis to gouge customers — the USDA predicts that prices will rise at least another 20% this year.

“While we can’t predict the future, what we know right now is that our system is strained — and HPAI remains a clear and present risk to poultry flocks,” Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board wrote last month, using an acronym for highly pathogenic avian influenza. “It’s going to take a sustained period with no additional HPAI detections on egg farms to stabilize supply.”

Passover programs like the one the Levine family is joining for the eight-day holiday have the advantage of scale. Entities buying in bulk — such as restaurants, grocery stores and hospital systems — can make use of egg brokers, longstanding middlemen in the industry who scour farms for available eggs on their clients’ behalf.

Even though Rachel Levine is sidestepping her own family’s Passover egg pressure, her anxiety about the crisis has her expecting to turn into something of an amateur egg broker herself.

“It’s not a joke!” she said about the crisis. “I told my