The Jewish News - May 2012 by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Celebrating Jewish Life in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Israel and the World FEDERATION NEWS

Serving our community for over 40 Years! Published by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee www.jfedsrq.org

May 2012 - Iyar/Sivan 5772 INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

10A Community Focus 16A Jewish Interest 19A Commentary 22A Israel & the Jewish World 24A Focus on Youth 27A Life Cycle 1B Jewish Happenings 7B Recent Events

4A Women’s Passover Celebration is best ever!

7A Matisyahu visits Sarasota for the first time

Volume 42, Number 5

Jewish Film Festival attracts record attendance

Dani Menkin and Phil Jacobs inspire audiences at post-film discussions By Roz Goldberg, co-Chair, Jewish Film Festival nthusiastic crowds filled the Beatrice FriedInvestigative journalist Phil Jacobs, whose Jewman Theater on the Jewish Federation ish Times series on sexual abuse in some parts of Campus, the Polo Grill at Lakewood Ranch, the Orthodox Jewish Community in Baltimore was and Temple Beth Israel on Longboat Key to view the the inspiration and central theme of Standing Silent, six outstanding films that were premiered at these joined us for the single screening of that provocative venues during the 2012 Jewish Film Festival. film – and received a standing ovation. Phil is now the Starting on Sunday, March Editor of the Washington 11, and running through the Jewish News. Also adding following Sunday, the Jewish great knowledge and depth Film Festival proudly preto the post-film discussion sented six exceptional Jewishof Standing Silent was Dr. content films including two Jacqueline Platenik, Senior documentaries, Dolphin Boy Clinician at Jewish Famand Standing Silent, and four ily & Children’s Service, a feature films, Berlin 36, My Film Festival co-Chair Roz Goldberg, Dolphin Boy Director specialist in the treatment Australia, Remembrance and Dani Menkin, and Mote Marine dolphin expert Randal Wells of sexual abuse. Mabul. By coincidence, a major piece about Standing Enhancing the audience’s viewing experience Silent and the problems it exposed appeared in The were the post-film discussions that took place after Washington Post the next day, March 19. In it, Scott each screening. Especially exciting were the discus- Rosenfelt, the film’s director, says: “I saw a narrasions in which our visiting celebrities participated: tive character, Phil Jacobs, who was in great conflict Dani Menkin, the co-director/producer of Dolphin between protecting his faith and his community and Boy, appeared at both screenings of that film; he was protecting children and humanity… Phil’s journey joined at the second screening by Dr. Randall Wells, is a classic hero’s journey.” The article also pointed dolphin expert from Mote Marine, who added greatly continued on page 3A to the discussion of dolphin behavior.

20 area young adults attend TribeFest 2012 in Las Vegas

Eight local students attend AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington

By Jessi Sheslow and Shayna Teicher

7B Recent event photos: Chabad of Bradenton’s Ribbon Cutting and Open House A publication of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Klingenstein Jewish Center, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 Annual voluntary subscription: $25

ifteen-hundred Jews walked into the desert of Las Vegas and left it with a renewed sense of Jewish identity. TribeFest 2012 was a huge success not only for the Jewish Federations of North America but for all the participants from throughout North America. We all felt the same thing – Hineni! Here we are! We are responsible for ourselves as well as our community, committed to inclusivity, family and the power of synergy. We don’t see the world as something that is only for Jews, but something that is for all human beings. We are a people committed to solving problems together, not only within the Jewish community but throughout the world wherever people may be suffering – whether it be from social injustice, disease, hunger, poverty, lack of access to education...and the list goes on. From the moment we walked into the opening Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA FL PERMIT 167

main-stage event, there was unmistakable electricity in the air. All the communities raised their signs proudly, trying to gather their constituents. It was such a great feeling sitting in the front of the room with all twenty participants from little SarasotaManatee. We just knew amazing things were about to happen, and we’re not talking about a great run at the blackjack table! Rachel Dratch made us laugh with her anecdotes about being Jew-ish, but how when push came to shove, she insisted on her son being named Eli Benjamin. Jonny Imerman shared how after surviving cancer, he created Imerman’s Angels and grew a network – four-million strong – of cancer survivor mentors for people and families who are currently in the

continued on page 3A

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s policies allow for the inclusion of paid political ads in The Jewish News. These ads do not reflect the views of, or serve as endorsement by, the staff or leadership of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

FEDERATION NEWS

May 2012

Create a legacy: The gift that keeps on giving

By Jessica Katz

e are pleased to present Part 2 of our Endowments feature. We are so proud to highlight those in our community who have already decided to leave a legacy. Whether your gift-giving goal is to make this world a better place, reduce taxes, benefit from an increased income stream or make your name a living blessing, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee has a way for you to meet your objectives. No matter how or what you give, rest assured you will fulfill a mitzvah and help Federation give strength and hope to Jews worldwide. The choice – and the responsibility – is ours alone. Planned Giving through Federation gives you the opportunity to cre-

ate a charitable legacy that continues to strengthen the Jewish community long into the future. The future of the Jewish community depends upon the establishment of permanent legacies to perpetuate our institutions and secure growing resources to sustain our community. The establishment of an endowment fund to perpetuate a particular program or to continue your Federation annual gift after you are gone is critical to maintaining our community. These funds can be established during your lifetime or upon your death and will guarantee resources to ensure Jewish continuity. For decades, hundreds of donors and their financial advisors have entrusted The Jewish Federation of Sara-

Barbara Ackerman

sota-Manatee to be their partner in their thoughtful planning of Jewish philanthropy and management of charitable assets. Learn more about our com-

mitment to you by contacting Marty Haberer at mhaberer@jfedsrq.org or 941.371.4546 x108.

Herbert and Rita Gold* Four years ago, upon the death of his beloved wife Rita, Herb Gold established the “Herb and Rita Gold Education Fund” in her memory. “Rita was a wonderful teacher and this fund will continue to help educate our Jewish children long after we are gone,” Herb said. Herb and Rita were longtime supporters of Israel. In fact, Herb was there as a teenager in the 1930s, visiting family and seeing the “dirt roads, swamps and tents.” Herb was in regular contact with the children and grandchildren of his Israeli family until he died last year. Herb was particularly proud of Israel’s achievements in science, medicine, irrigation and space. Herb wanted something that connected Rita and his name to Israel education for future generations. He accomplished this goal through his beautiful legacy gift. * of blessed memory

Bruce and Naomi Wertheimer

My bucket list included two special goals I wanted to accomplish – becoming a Lion of Judah and endowing that gift to benefit future generations. At age 50, I became a Lion of Judah for the first time and at age 60, I endowed my Lion of Judah gift. Becoming a Lion and endowing my gift had been on my mind for a very long time and each was something I wanted to do as a Jewish woman to set an example for my children.

We are pleased to have established a legacy bequest for The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. We know this fund will help perpetuate the important work of the Federation – saving Jewish lives and enhancing Jewish life. We want to make life better and set a good example of tzedakah for our children and grandchildren.

Lisa Kates Each of us must demonstrate to the next generation what is important. The old expressions, “Lead by example” and “if not you, who?” are so true. The future may not be ours to live, but it is our responsibility to sustain the future for all those who come after us. My parents led, and I followed. I do not think that there is one of us who does not dream of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Is there one of us who does not envision a time of peace and prosperity for them? Let’s do what we can to ensure that.

political correspondent

Gil Hoffman

Ellen Fedder My desire to leave a Legacy gift started while I still lived in Baltimore. I thought I would endow the pin for my daughter Amy. I am happy to say that she has her own pin and that my idea was of too narrow a scope. I then thought the idea of leaving it to Federation as a Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) was made for my purposes as a Jewish woman and as, at one time, an active member of our Federation. I had to excuse myself from these very special duties because of health problems.

Peace, Politics, and Plutonium: An insider’s look at the quest for security, democracy & peace in the Middle East

tuesday, May 1, 2012 7:30 pm at temple Beth israel Tickets: $15.00 ~ Reception to follow. Well-connected to Israeli and Palestinian leaders, chief political correspondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post, Gil Hoffman, (pictured above with Benjamin Netanyahu), will speak in Sarasota next month. Hoffman has interviewed every major figure across the Israeli political spectrum and has been featured by top media on six continents. An outstanding speaker who has been called “The most optimistic man in Israel” by Israel Television, Hoffman’s writing often provides a behind the scenes look at the intrigue and humor in the Israeli political arena.

It was and has been a very emotional journey to save this insurance policy to give on my own and make sure that my gift will help fund our projects here in Sarasota. It means more to me than anyone can imagine now that I am still unable to serve with my body, but that my money speaks volumes for my love of our LOJE women. Our women’s division is special to me and the fact that we still have one, makes me even prouder to join with all LOJE women from cities around the country.

Enjoy optimal health with us! INTERNAL MEDICINE WOMEN’S HEALTH PREVENTIVE CARE Harvey S. Mishner, M.D. Board Certified Internal Medicine

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FEDERATION NEWS 3A May 2012

May 2012

Jewish Film Festival...continued from page 1A

TribeFest...continued from page 1A

out that the Shofar Coalition, a nonprofit agency that provides services for victims of sexual abuse in Baltimore’s Jewish community, has reported a near doubling in the last year of requests for help from childhood sexual abuse victims; the Coalition’s director attributes this increase to Jacobs’ articles and the Coaliton’s efforts to reduce the shame that has kept the issue quiet for so long. In welcoming the audience to each film, leaders of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee pointed out that “The Jewish Film Festival is just one of some 60 programs sponsored locally by the Jewish Federation in order to fulfill one of its two primary missions: To enhance Jewish life here in SarasotaManatee. Its other primary mission is: To save Jewish lives – here, in Israel, and around the world. The Jewish Film Festival was again presented in partnership with the Sarasota Film Festival – just one of the many community organizations with which the Federation is proud to partner in order to bring outstanding Jewish cultural

process of surviving cancer. Brad Sherman didn’t just talk about miracles as he shared his life story with us, but filled us all with joy, tears and a renewed belief that miracles happen every day, when we need them most. Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand addressed the importance of accountability in our relationships, not only with G-d but with each

Film Festival co-Chair Roz Goldberg, Standing Silent Director Phil Jacobs, and Dr. Jacqueline Platenik, Senior Clinician at Jewish Family & Children’s Service

and educational programs to the community. The Federation also partners with the Asolo Repertory Theatre, Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, The Perlman Music Program, and many others. Adding to the excitement on opening day was the Opening Reception, which took place between the matinee and evening screenings, and was attended by audience members from both. Dani Menkin mingled with the matinee audience, answering questions about his wonderful film. The event was enjoyed by one and all. The post-film discussions were greatly enhanced by the participation of other special guests from the community: Steve Shenbaum, Head of Communication Training at IMG Academies and President of game on Nation, joined me for the discussion of Berlin 36; Susie Konicov took part in one of the Remembrance discussions; and Rica Ben-Shushan added much to

pen Now oston o in B

the My Australia discussion with her comments about life on a kibbutz in the 1960s. Two highly-regarded therapists added their professional expertise to the discussions of Mabul, which deals with autism: Dr. Brent Hodgens with Manatee Glens and Board Certified Behavior Analyst Michelle Chrzczonowski with Pinnacle Academy. Sue Jacobson, President of the Southwest Region of the American Jewish Committee, took part in the discussions of My Australia, which opens with an anti-Semitic incident in postWar Poland. Sue commented: “AJC was pleased and grateful to be invited to co-sponsor My Australia. Fighting antiSemitism around the world has been one of AJC’s primary objectives throughout its more than 100-year history.” Commenting on the success of the Jewish Film Festival, Alan Wallack, Sponsor Relations Coordinator and Board Member of the Sarasota Film Festival, said: “We were so pleased to see the community’s overwhelming response to the 2012 Jewish Film Festival. It was a privilege for us to partner with the Federation in this important project.” As in previous years, the Federation was again a sponsor of the Sarasota Film Festival, which ran from April 13-22. A special series, entitled “Transcending History: The Jewish Experience on Film,” offered SFF audiences the opportunity to view five excellent full-length Jewish-content films and four short Israeli films among its more than 200 films. I want to express my appreciation to all of our wonderful, knowledgeable and articulate guests for their invaluable contribution to the success of this year’s Festival. Thanks also to our discussion moderators co-Chair Jordan Shifrin, Fran Braverman, Susan Newmark and Tess Koncick; and thank you to our devoted staff, especially Geneve Kallins, Kim Mullins and Chris Alexander. The JFF committee included Nadia Ritter, who supervised all the wonderful volunteers, Jordan Shifrin, Fran Braverman, Susan Newmark, Janet Tolbert, Karen Bernstein, Terry Neis, Evans Tilles, Barbara Horowitz and MaryLou Winnick. Federation leaders who welcomed audiences at our screenings were Jane Robbins, Bruce Udell, Josh Green, Lois Stulberg, Judy Weinstein, Bunny Skirboll, Lenny Drexler, Nelle Miller and Mike Ritter. The Jewish Federation extends its most sincere thanks to all those who helped to make this program such a great success.

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dating! We connected not only with each other, but with numerous Jewish philanthropic organizations. Our service project took us into local schools to deliver books to local children while getting to know them and read with them. We learned how to bring our unique and yet somehow universal love of our culture and Jewishness to addressing different “TribeFest really brought our local YAD problems in highly together. We left having become better creative and effective ways. friends than I think we ever expected. BeAs the stunningly ing there, listening to the speakers and poised and passionmeeting new friends really showed us how ate Talia Leman noted we can have a bigger impact on our com- with wisdom beyond munity. I’m looking forward to helping her mere seventeen years, “When we beplan and see what we can do back home.” lieve in the power we – Abe Feder, Chair, Young Adult Division each have, we have other, in a way that was both accessible the greatest power of all…Our greatest and inspirational. Randy Gold shared and most unimaginable triumphs ochis inspiring journey of how his daugh- cur when we make room for the plan ter’s unexpected (and heartbreaking) that we didn’t have, when we’re free diagnosis with a Jewish genetic disease enough and brave enough to take a step turned into a dedicated effort that made sideways to a place where unexpected genetic testing for all 19 Jewish genetic things might happen, because, by defidiseases accessible and affordable. nition, miracles can only appear in those All different walks of life, experi- unexpected places. By making room ences, backgrounds and passions joined for the unexpected, for ideas that are together in our “mishkan,” our tent, in not your own, for people who are not the middle of the desert. We shoulder- like you, for a path you didn’t define, danced to the ancient rhythm of Ethio- for a goal you did not set, for a dream pian drums, rocked out to one amazing you didn’t dream and for a future you musical performer after another includ- didn’t imagine, you can sometimes foling Hatikva 6 and KoshaDillz, and even low your heart to a larger destiny…and explored the dos and don’ts of online choose a path that raises you higher… and is marked with greatness you never thought possible.” If there’s anything more Jewish than that, we can’t think of it. We all left TribeFest 2012 a family reunited, reinvigorated and universally and unapologetically Jewish. For more information about the Abe Feder, Aaron Weintraub, Shayna Teicher, Young Adult group, contact Jessica Maury Azerad, Ashley Haber and Jessi Sheslow Katz at the Federation at 941.371.4546 before heading out on the TribeFest service x123 or jkatz@jfedsrq.org. project sponsored by The PJ Library

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The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee is asking artists to create a logo for the year-long celebration of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. The selected logo will be used on marketing materials for Israel @ 65 events, such as flyers, postcards and invitations, advertisements, event signage and on the cover of a commemorative book to be distributed. The winning logo will be selected by a committee. The artist will receive recognition in the commemorative book and on the Federation’s website, as well as a small cash prize! Logos must be: a minimum of 5 inches wide at 300 dpi; sent in JPG format via email to the attention of Kim Mullins, Communications Director, at jfedsrq@gmail.com. The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 8, 2012.

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FEDERATION NEWS

May 2012

Women’s Passover Celebration is best ever!

Staff Report

ed by singer, songwriter and educator Peri Smilow, the Women’s Passover Celebration was held on March 22 at Michael’s On East. Event Chair Nadia Ritter said, “Based on the feedback from so many attendees, this year’s Women’s Passover Celebration was the best ever! A crowd of 350 women took part in an inspirational evening of song, dance, learning, great food, wine and celebration. It was an honor and thrill to chair this fabulous community event.” Attending the cele-

bration were mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. The event was sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Nashim L’Tova (Women for Good). A highlight of the program was the dedication of the four cups of wine. Nashim L’Tova co-Chair Helen Glaser dedicated the first cup of wine to Lions of Judah and Pomegranates, Program Vice President Bunny Skirboll dedicated the second cup of wine to Federation’s educational and cultural arts programs, and Maddy Black dedicated the third cup of wine to Federation teen programs. Ruth Klein dedicated the fourth cup of wine to Kiryat Yam, Israel, accompanied by a video featuring four women from the city who recently Danielle Beatt, Brenda Sax, Stacey Edelman, Georgia Gruber visited Sarasota. Nashim L’Tova co-

Sandie Cutler-Cohen, Miriam Waltzer, Renee Crames

Chair Irene Ross described the Mitzvah project: a donation was made to Mazon, the Jewish response to hunger, by Nadia Ritter in honor of all of the women attending the event. FederaSusan Milman, Womens Passover leader Peri Smilow, tion President Nelle Federation President Nelle Miller, event Chair Nadia Ritter Miller lit the candles and was joined by women at each table. and brother Arthur. Participating on the committee The Four Questions were led by Camwith Nadia were Karen Bernstein, Barryn Cohen and Hadleigh Schwartz. Guests shopped at boutiques set up bara Brody, Bonnie Chisling, Clauby Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood Gift dia Dombrow, Stacey Edelman, Rita Shop, Temple Beth Sholom Sisterhood Feder, Georgia Gruber, Ruth Klein, Gift Shop, Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood Linda Lipson, Ros Mazur, Phyllis Gift Shop, Temple Sinai Sisterhood Gift Ploener, Laura Recoon, Brenda Sax, Shop, and Smadar Livne, who donated Kim Sheintal, Rookie Shifrin, Allison the invitation artwork. Each guest was Silver-Schwartz, Bunny Skirboll, Helen given a booklet containing Passover Spindler, Arlene Stolnitz, Adrea Sukin and Hannah Weinberg. games, recipes and music. For more information about Guest Susan Milman was so moved by the event that she made a significant Nashim L’Tova, please contact Ilene contribution to Federation in memory Fox at 941.371.4546 x110 or ifox@ of her mother Natalie, father Morris jfedsrq.org.

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FEDERATION NEWS 5A May 2012

May 2012

Helen Glaser to receive Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award Established 1971

PUBLISHER The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road Sarasota, FL 34232-1959 Phone: 941.371.4546 Fax: 941.378.2947 E-mail: jewishnews@jfedsrq.org Website: www.jfedsrq.org Published Monthly Volume 42, Number 5 May 2012 36 pages in two sections USPS Permit No. 167 June 2012 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: May 4, 2012 Advertising: May 3, 2012 PRESIDENT Nelle Miller EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Howard Tevlowitz ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Marty Haberer COMMUNICATIONS CO-CHAIRS David Gruber, Linda Lipson MANAGING EDITOR Ted Epstein CREATIVE MANAGER Christopher Alexander ADVERTISING SALES Robin Leonardi PROOFREADERS Adeline Silverman, Stacey Edelman JOSEPH J. EDLIN JOURNALISM INTERN Haven Miller MISSION STATEMENT: The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee strives to be the source of news and features of special interest to the Jewish community of Sarasota-Manatee, to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions in the Jewish community, and to communicate the mission, activities and achievements of the Federation and its Jewish community partners. OPINIONS printed in the Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee do not necessarily reflect those of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, its Board of Directors or staff. SUBMISSIONS to the Jewish News are subject to editing for space and content, and may be withheld from publication without prior notice. Approval of submissions for publication in either verbal or written form shall always be considered tentative, and does not imply a guarantee of any kind. Submissions must be sent electronically to jewishnews@jfedsrq.org.

Staff Report

elen Glaser will receive the prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/ Friedland Award at the upcoming International Lion of Judah Conference in New York City. The conference is being held September 10-12 at the Marriott Marquis. Helen embodies the spirit and vision of Lion of Judah through a commitment to tikkun olam. She has been a dedicated and outstanding leader of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Women’s Division, Nashim L’Tova (Women for Good), and has made a significant impact in the local Jewish community. Helen recently became a LOJE, endowing her Lion of Judah gift in perpetuity. A 1940 Danish immigrant escaping the Nazis, Helen came to America at the age of four after a perilous Atlantic crossing with her mother and infant brother. They voyaged through U-boat infested waters for 35 days on a Danish freighter from Finland to Ellis Island. There, her previously arrived father was

about to be deported back to Copenhagen but HIAS intervened and proved to authorities that the Nathan family were indeed Jewish refugees and in need of asylum. Helen spent her early years on a chicken farm in Vineland, New Jersey, learning the value of hard work. A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, she worked for 30 years as a dental hygienist. She and husband Len raised three daughters, Robyn Goldstein, Caryn Cohen and Helen Glaser June Schechner. While raising their children, Helen and Len constantly taught them the meaning of tzedakah, and they continue to devote much of their time and resources to charitable causes. These values have set an example for eight grandchildren – four boys and four girls. As a snowbird from West Orange, New Jersey, Helen has wintered on

Longboat Key for thirteen years. She is a selfless volunteer and community leader, working tirelessly in the Jewish and general communities. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee, has been co-Chair of Nashim L’Tova for three years, and sponsors many visiting lecturers. She is involved with Hadassah in Florida and New Jersey, and is President of the Women’s 9-Hole Golfers at Longboat Key Club, leading the fundraising efforts for breast cancer. Helen is also involved with AIPAC and the Cancer Support Community, among many other organizations. Helen and Len recently received the Tree of Life Award from the Jewish National Fund. Helen is truly a woman of valor, unafraid and undeterred in her efforts to ensure a better world for all of us and the generations to come. She inspires thousands, helping millions. For information about the International Lion of Judah Conference, please contact Ilene Fox at 941.371.4546 x110 or ifox@jfedsrq.org.

My volunteer experience in Israel By Ryan Waldman uring my two-month stay in Israel, I spent my time volunteering at ALYN Pediatric Hospital, working in the physical therapy department. ALYN Hospital is one of the world’s leading facilities in pediatric rehabilitation and is the only one of its kind in Israel. ALYN specializes in diagnosis and the rehabilitation of infants, children and adolescents who are suffering from physical disabilities, both congenital and acquired. (For more details, visit www.alyn.org.) Having the opportunity to work with the children and interact with them one on one will forever be an experience I will not forget. The ability to witness both Jewish and Arab children

interacting so peacefully and encouraging one another’s progress is nothing short of amazing. Each day, I spent time working mostly with kids suffering from traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries. My tasks would include helping the children learn how to walk again, as well as the strengthening/stretching of the upper and lower extremities. After various athletic and academic achievements in my life, nothing tops bringing a smile to these kids’ faces and know-

Ryan received a grant from The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee to help fund his trip to Israel. For information about Federation grants, please contact Marty Haberer at 941.371.4546 x108 or mhaberer@jfedsrq. org. In 2010, Federation’s Nashim L’Tova (Women for Good) raised over $6,000 at their Women’s Day Luncheon to purchase a treadmill for patients at ALYN Hospital.

LETTERS to the editor should not exceed 300 words, must be typed, and include the writer’s name, mailing address and phone number. Letters can be submitted via snail mail or e-mail (jewishnews@jfedsrq.org). Not all letters will be published. Letters may be edited for length and content. ADVERTISING: Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement and may require the words “Paid Advertisement” in any ad. Publication of advertisements does not constitute endorsement of products, services or ideas promoted therein.

Member publication:

Ryan Waldman at the ALYN Pediatric Hospital in Jerusalem

ing that I helped with their recovery. If you would like more information on my time spent at ALYN or about the hospital, please feel free to contact me at ryandwaldman@gmail.com.

FEDERATION NEWS

May 2012

Jewish Book Festival authors impress community

By Len Steinberg

art two of the 2011-2012 Jewish Book Festival, which took place February 26 through March 1, brought eleven critically acclaimed, award-winning and bestselling authors to the Jewish community of SarasotaManatee. Opening day drew crowds of over a hundred people for both the afternoon and evening programs. The Festival opened with a panel of baseball authors including Richard Michelson, Aaron Pribble and John Thorn, “2011 Official Baseball Historian of Major League Baseball.” This event was presented in partnership with The Jewish Club at Lakewood Ranch and proudly sponsored by Sarasota Magazine, whose columnist, Charles Huisking, served as the event moderator. Michelson, author of Lipman Pike: America’s First Home Run King, fascinated the crowd with his story of one of baseball’s first superstars. Aaron Pribble played professional baseball in the Western and Central Baseball Leagues, in France, and finally in the Israel Baseball League, which inspired his book, Pitching in the Promised Land: A Story of the First and Only Season in the Israel Baseball League. Noted baseball historian John Thorn told the story of nineteenth-century America, a land of opportunity and limitation, of glory and greed – all present in the wondrous alloy that is our nation and its pastime. All three authors engaged in deep discussion with one another and interacted with the audience for almost two hours. The Festival continued with the

following events: The Federation, thanks to the gracious support of Edie and David Chaifetz, was pleased to present award-winning historian Deborah Lipstadt. Her most recent book, The Eichmann Trials, is an excellent introduction to the trial and its scheming. Lipstadt infused the audience with a gripping narrative, historical perspective and contemporary urgency. If there is a single motivating ambition in Lipstadt’s research it is to ferret out evidence of anti-Semitism in every utterance emanating from Eichmann or those who might, even in the broadest sense, apologize for him. The Arab Islamic world is known for religious extremism, ethnic conflicts and, now, the overthrow of seemingly unshakable regimes – but if anything has become clear, it is that our understanding of the region remains shrouded and incomplete. Joseph Braude is the first Western journalist ever to secure embed-status with an Arab security force, assigned to a hardened unit of detectives in Casablanca who handle everything from busting alQaeda cells to solving homicides. Braude’s book, The Honored Dead, presents a timely and riveting mystery about a society in transition, the power of the truth, and the irrepressible human need for justice. Lorraine Abramson’s memoir, My Race: A Jewish Girl Growing Up Under Apartheid in South Africa, is filled with magical and heartwarming events: her childhood running barefoot in a dusty South African village, triumph and romance at the Maccabi Games, marriage, arrival in the U.S., and the recovery of family memories and friends in Pam Gordon, wife of event Chair, author Deborah Lipstadt a Latvian village. As an and Event Chair Marvin Waldman

Jewish Museum of Florida Max Miller

Cuban Hebrew Congregation, Miami Beach, FL, watercolor, 2005.

Final Mourner’s Kaddish: 333 Days In Paintings

NAOMI ALEXANDER Once Upon a Time in LITHUANIA & the Florida Connection

Thru May 13, 2012

Max Miller's grief provides inspiration for a vivid account of his year spent saying Kaddish (the Jewish prayer of mourning), for his father. The 50 vibrant watercolors depict synagogues Miller visited in New York, Vermont, Ohio and Florida, along with commentary on his experiences. While honoring the Jewish tradition of memorializing a parent, Miller learned a great deal about his father and their shared heritage. This exhibition by Max Miller originated at the Yeshiva University Museum in New York City and is sponsored by New York Foundation for the Arts.

Local Sponsor: Robert Arthur Segall Foundation

English artist Naomi Alexander, ROI, records the last remnants of Jewish heritage in Lithuania today. Alexander traveled the country depicting her impressions of the people and their communities. The Museum adds photographs, artifacts and stories from Floridian Jews whose origins are from Lithuania.

Local Sponsors: Sarita, Jimmy & Lidia Resnick and Deborah & Bruce Kaye in memory of Sonia & Nochim Golomb.

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T hru September 30, 2012

Organized by the London Jewish Cultural Centre in association with the Ben Uri Gallery, the London Jewish Museum of Art.

The Jewish Book Festival came to outsider excluded from conservative Christian mainstream, and an a close with Peninnah Schram and local insider who reaped many of the part-time resident Rabbi Goldie Milbenefits of that society, Abramson gram and their short-story book, Mitzhad a unique vantage point on the vah Stories: Seeds for Inspiration and apartheid experience. This is a unique and compelling portrait of a fascinating life journey. “Part two of this year’s Book Festival provided a terrific variety of authors to meet the interests Author Deborah Lipstadt with sponsors Edie and David Chaifetz of everyone,” said Book Festival committee member Learning. Rabbi Milgram and Schram Bunny Skirboll. She went on to say that dove right into these inspiring and proshe especially enjoyed the fiction panel active mitzvah stories crafted by Jewish and luncheon featuring Talia Carner, storytellers, rabbis and authors from the Ellen Feldman and Nadia Kalman. Is- full spectrum of Jewish life. This proraeli born Carner’s Jerusalem Maiden gram was presented in partnership with is described as The Red Tent meets A Congregation Kol HaNeshama. After each author’s presentation, Thousand Splendid Suns. Jerusalem Maiden is an exquisitely explosive audiences had an opportunity to particijourney back to the final days of the Ot- pate in a question and answer session, toman Empire in Jerusalem. Feldman’s followed by a book signing. All the Next to Love is a story of war, love, featured authors’ books were on sale loss and the scars they tend to leave. throughout the Festival. For more information about the Her riveting style keeps the reader in a “what’s next?” mode. A finalist for Federation’s Jewish Book Festival, the Sami Rohr Prize in Jewish Litera- contact Len Steinberg at 941.371.4546 ture, The Cosmopolitans by Nadia Kal- x106 or lsteinberg@jfedsrq.org. man tells the story of the Molochniks, RussianJewish immigrants in suburban Connecticut. Kalman was able to create wonderful parallels between the old and the new worlds as well as the old and the new generaAuthor Joseph Braude (center) signs books tions. and chats with Festival participants

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The Museum is supported by individual contributions, foundations, memberships and grants from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Arts Council, and National Endowment for the Arts; the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners and its Cultural Affairs Council and Tourist Development Council; and the City of Miami Beach and its Cultural Arts Council.

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FEDERATION NEWS 7A May 2012

May 2012

The meaning of President Bashar al-Assad’s slaughter of his people By Rabbi Howard A. Simon, Chair of The Robert and Esther Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative he death toll exceeds 8,000 and the world, and thrives on making pious is rising on a daily basis. The statements that are totally ineffectual. world cries “gevalt” and the The Arab world says “something must be done to stop Assad,” slaughter continues. The site of all this bloodshed is but the Arab League is Syria. The man pulling the useless and represents no threat to Assad. trigger of every weapon held by the 200,000 men Turkey, Qatar, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia in his army is President Bashar al-Assad. And what have called for intervenare the results? tion in Syria, but without The body count rises the active support of the U.S. and the European minute by minute. China and Russia continue to Union they will do nothsupport Assad. The United ing to turn words into Rabbi Howard A. Simon actions. Even Hamas, Nations proves once again it is a useless, meaningless, debating so- whose leader Khaled Mashaal found ciety that has no teeth, has no effect on a safe haven in Syria, has abandoned

Syria and turned on his host as he and his leaders have moved to safer climes. President Assad observes it all, laughs to himself while ordering his tanks to destroy more homes and lives, and makes clear to all of Syria who is in control. The world watches and asks “what can we do?” We need to understand the realities that exist in Syria. There are rebels, to be sure, but the numerous divisive groups are not unified in any way. There is no clear, relevant vision for the future of Syria. There is agreement that Assad must go, but none of the protesting groups know how to make this happen. They look about and cry out their need for arms, for countries to bomb Syria, for those who support the revolu-

tionaries to send the needed arms, tanks and supplies. But there is no central area to deliver them, no agreement on who will take possession of the arms. There are factions galore, but no unified action prevalent, which means Assad is free to continue the slaughter. The death toll will rise, protests will become more vocal, tears of frustration and death will continue to permeate all of Syria. It should not be, but it is, and until a unified effort arises in Syria, it will go on day after day after day. To learn about how you can get involved with the Heller IAI, please visit www.helleriai.org or contact Geneve Kallins at gkallins@jfedsrq.org or 941.371.4546 x105.

Matisyahu visits Sarasota for the first time, brings people of all beliefs under one roof

By Len Steinberg hen Matisyahu, the 32-yearold Jewish superstar, appeared onstage for the first time in Sarasota, Florida, it was clear that the crowd was in for a spectacular show. “Our entire family loved the show. The music was awesome and the venue was perfect for that up close and personal feeling. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee rocks for getting the community together for a cultural evening that all enjoyed,” said Federation Board member David Gruber. Prior to the March 3 performance, the Jewish world was rocked of news that Matisyahu had shaven his beard clean off. This news was widely discussed since the star tweeted a photo of himself, along with a brief explana-

Matisyahu and guitarist Adam Weinberg performing I Will Be Light

tion for his cosmetic and philosophical changes. Though he was now missing the aesthetic hallmarks of Chasidic Jewry, he still wore a yarmulke, and his tzitzit hung out from under his shirt. The sold-out crowd at the Sailor Circus Arena didn’t seem to care, roaring with approval as he stood in front of the microphone. Many concertgoers were more interested to see if any changes would result from his altered appearance. “I’m curious to see how his concert today compares to the show in Tampa,” said one woman, referring to a show she attended a year ago that was also an acoustic performance. “I thought it was a fun show, but mostly due to the mystique of a Chasid rapping and doing reggae.” The Federation was fortunate enough to host Matisyahu for the weekend and held a special Shabbat dinner at Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz’s house. Among the guests were many of the local involved teenagers. Sam Silverberg was given a very special opportunity. During the dinner, each person was asked to introduce himself, and when Sam mentioned he one day would like to be a chazzan, Matisyahu politely asked him to sing for the entire group. Sam went on to say, “It was the best Shabbat weekend featuring my Jewish music

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hero, Matisyahu! Thanks to the sponsors and the Federation for making a dream become a true reality. Getting to sing and talk to him and receiving his autograph made my weekend complete.” In a sold-out show, Matisyahu brought his More than 1,800 people packed the Sailor Circus Arena blend of Phish-style for the Matisyahu concert jam-rock, reggae and beat-boxing to the masses. The crowd We would also like to thank our reflected the diverse population of Sara- other sponsors: Adams and Reese LLP, sota. This is not to say that there weren’t Kates Foundation and Lois Stulberg. large numbers of Jewish people in atThe Sailor Circus Arena’s dance tendance, but Matisyahu’s appeal has floor was packed so tight, it was more clearly transcended the ethno-cultural- constricting than a bar-mitzvah boy’s religious line. This diverse crowd is due necktie. But that didn’t stop the mostly in part to the relationships the Federa- high-school-aged attendees from jumption established with 105.9 The Buzz ing around – even to an acoustic session and Sarasota Music Scene. The Market- – in enthusiastic appreciation of Matising Director of 105.9 The Buzz had this yahu’s mix of Jewish themes, Hassidic to say: “The Matisyahu concert was the melodies and niggunim with rock, regfirst event we partnered with the Fed- gae and hip-hop musical sensibilities. eration, and it was a true pleasure. The He covered many of his most popentire Federation team and volunteers ular songs – Jerusalem and I Will Be were top-notch. They were able to im- Light – yet the evening’s highlight was plement every aspect, from marketing the final song, One Day. The song had to production of the event, with passion, been used as the official anthem of the professionalism and flawless execution. 2010 Winter Olympics due to its utopiExperiences like this concert are what an message. The crowd was also treated we look for in partnerships for our radio to two new songs that will debut on his stations. I truly look forward to the next upcoming album due to hit stores this opportunity to work with The Jewish summer. Federation of Sarasota-Manatee!”

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May 2012

FEDERATION NEWS

March of the Living – inspiring stories from local survivors By March of the Living 2012 participants Haley Eiffert, Leah Genn, Jaclyn Jacobson and Julianne Simson

dragged by her arms to a truck and was a trap door that was used whenever Nazis came by. One day a Nazi knocked thrown in. Roma needed to escape and her at the door and Roma and her family mother tried to find a way to do this. went into the trap door. They realized A group of nuns were housing Jewish that the door would not close. It was children. Roma was to be sent there. stuck! The Catholic woman was clever However, the Nazis enough to lead the Nazi away. This was soon discovered this quite a close call. It was all because a and they executed the hair comb was lodged into the crack nuns and children. between the door and the floor. At last the war ended. Roma and her Eventually, Roma found a safe haven family survived in the woman’s house with her mother’s until the end. Roma was then enrolled schoolmate. In order in school. However, she simply would The MOL participants with Hilde Mandel to compensate the not speak. She was afraid to because her become a well-trained secretary. How- friend, she gave her all the jewels sewn whole life she was made to keep quiet. ever, she had never typed a day in her into Roma’s coat. In order to hide the Eventually, she regained her voice. She life. So she taught herself to type in one fact that Roma was a Jewish child, the finished school and after high school day and her skills with perfect German woman said that she was her sister’s went to medical school. helped her to maintain this identity. She daughter. What’s interesting is that a She decided to visit her aunt in Krawitnessed Russian liberation in Ger- Nazi would come to the house and he kow. It was here that she met the love of many and escaped Russian torment by would always put Roma on his knee and her life, Mark, another Holocaust surthe one factor that would have ended play with her. He enjoyed her company vivor. It was fate. They decided to get her survival previously – being a Jew. profusely. Roma stayed at the house for married to each other after a week. BeHilde moved to America after the Holo- quite some time and, eventually, people cause Mark lived in the United States, caust, and seven and a half weeks later started getting suspicious. he wanted to take her with him. It took married an American G.I. Hilde was five years but eventually such a delight and we enjoyed her story she left Poland and went to and company. She is such an inspiring America with her husband. woman, and her difficult past adds to Over fifty years later, her amazing personality today. the couple is still happily Roma Solent living together. They have was born in Lemmultiple children with mulThe MOL participants with Mark and Roma Solent berg, Poland. She tiple grandchildren, each Roma left her mother’s friend’s with very prestigious reputations. Roma was only one when war broke out. She house. Roma’s father found safety at and Mark Solent’s story has inspired us. lived under the Rus- a devout Catholic woman’s home. The We have never witnessed a couple more sian communist re- family was reunited. There was only in love and happy to be in each other’s gime. In 1941, when one condition – the children had to be presence than Mark and Roma. The MOL participants with Paul Molnar Germany attacked, converted to Catholicism after the war. Many thanks to Jill Rothenburg In March 1944, however, Germany oc- Roma’s father had to stop working and The family stayed in one room and who was the March of the Living 2012 cupied Hungary and the S.S. ordered the Jews had to wear armbands. This was used a pail for their toilet. There was no Holocaust educator. Molnars and other Jewish families to only the beginning of the separation. running water and little food because To learn about the March of the relocate to a ghetto. They then endured Then, the Germans formed a ghetto. the woman was poor. But they got by. Living mission and the Jewish Federaa horrific experience being transported They walled in the city. This ghetto was They would make paper flowers and the tion’s Holocaust programs, please conin a cattle car to Auschwitz. The next guarded by the Gestapo and German Catholic woman would sell them at a tact Orna Nissan at 941.371.4546 x104 day, Mr. Molnar was sent to Buchen- Shepherds. Jews were made to turn over flea market in exchange for food. There or onissan@jfedsrq.org. wald and for several months worked in their valuables. The Gestapo made sure a “sub-camp” known as Magdeburg. He that the women were not hiding anysurvived the horrendous conditions and thing of value. Subsequently, the women by sheer luck was sent back to Buchen- were disrobed and searched thoroughly. wald instead of Auschwitz. As the Nazis Roma’s parents were not rich, but her realized they were losing the war, the mother sewed the jewelry they did have Buchenwald prisoners were evacuated into Roma’s coat. One day, Roma and from the camp and forced to march all her mother were stopped in the ghetto day without food or water. Mr. Molnar by the Gestapo and were ordered to be and a friend, Ignacz, managed to escape searched. However, the German who and finally found a friendly Czechoslo- ordered the search said that Roma revakian woman who cared for them until minded him of his daughter and they the war was over. Mr. Molnar decided did not search the pair. If the soldier had to return to Hungary and was able to re- searched Roma, he would have discovunite with his father. He emphasized the ered the hidden valuables. Roma and importance of never being a bystander her mother would have been executed and to always stand up for what you be- immediately for smuggling the jewelry. lieve. Mr. Molnar is a living example of Roma and several of her family the fact that the Nazis did not destroy members stayed in a one-room apartthe spirit or the healthy future of a thriv- ment. Roma’s father was granted a pering Jewish people. mit to leave and enter the ghetto. One The Jewish Heritage Video Collection consists of 203 In our third Holocaust class, we day while he was out of the ghetto he videos. It is open and available to the entire commuwere introduced to Hilde Mandel. Not was captured and put in a concentration nity as it was at the JCC. It is housed at the Goldie only is she an adorable, tech-savvy, camp. Miraculously, Roma’s father esFeldman Academy at the Temple Beth Sholom (TBS) blue-eyed woman, but behind her cha- caped the camp successfully and went risma is a fascinating story beyond com- back to the ghetto. Idelson Adult Library. The videos may be circulated at pare. Hilde escaped the threats of going The family would hide inside of a no charge for up to three weeks and then renewed if to a concentration camp by taking on wall in their small apartment whenever necessary. A complete list is available on the TBS webthe identity of a deceased Polish Chris- the Germans came. One day, Roma’s tian woman named Barbara Czapcyn- cousin did not have time to hide in the site. Visit www.templebethsholomfl.org, click Education, ska, and through perseverance and wit, wall and hid under the bed instead. and then Library to see categories and descriptions. Call was able to carry on this “double life” The cousin disappeared afterward. And 941.379.0429 for an appointment or to reserve videos. to survival. Imagine how hard it would Roma’s grandmother was captured, n April 15, the four of us will embark on a journey of a lifetime, the March of the Living. We will visit Poland and be faced with the horrendous sights that are the remains of the concentration camps there. In preparation for this journey, we have been attending weekly classes to learn more about the Holocaust. The most amazing aspect of these Wednesday lessons are the Holocaust survivors who visit us and share their stories. During our first class, we were visited by Dr. Helen Fagin, an amazing woman who talked to us about our lives and having a moral compass. The Holocaust, she said, taught her that we all need to live our lives according to what we believe is right. During our second class, we had the opportunity to listen to Paul Molnar’s life story as a Holocaust survivor. Mr. Molnar was born in Rakospalota, Hungary in 1929 and led a happy, normal childhood before anti-Jewish laws were passed and the Nazi occupation began in many parts of Europe. By 1943, the 600,000 Hungarian Jews believed that they had somehow been spared the atrocities that their Jewish brothers and sisters were facing elsewhere in Europe.

be to resist signing your birth name, or writing your actual mom’s name, or responding at some foreign name on reflex. Imagine leaving your family for a new life and never knowing if you will see them again. She moved to Berlin to

Jewish Heritage Video Collection

FEDERATION NEWS 9A May 2012

May 2012

13,000 attend AIPAC Policy Conference in D.C.

By Geneve Kallins

hen over 13,000 pro-Israel community members of all ages and backgrounds gather to advocate for one cause, it sends a loud and profound message to the world: Israel is a sovereign and legitimate state that has the right to exist and defend herself just as any other nation state does. This year’s AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., at the Washington Convention Center, was by far one of the most impressive and successful, with turnouts of pro-Israel

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee proudly sent eight bright and highly motivated high school and college students to the conference by means of a very generous grant from David and Edie Chaifetz. The grant provided each student with the opportunity to attend the conference so they might learn how to better advocate and lobby for Israel both in Washington, D.C., and back home. The eight students who attended were Elizabeth Burger, Jacqueline Morris, Julianne Simson, Amanda Russo, Michael Waas, Elyse Warren, Michelle Zemil and Rachael Zucker. The following are personal accounts from two of the students who attended the conference. Michelle Zemil “It will be like nothing you have ever experienced before,” Len Steinberg assured me as he explained AIPAC’s 2012 Policy Conference. I attended the Religious Action Center’s L’Taken Social Justice Seminar last spring with Temple Sinai’s confirmation class of 2011 and, despite warnings, I honestly expected it to be fairly similar. I was wrong. AIPAC PC was AIPAC participants Michelle Zemil, Jacqueline Morris and Amanda Russo in the AIPAC village exactly what I was told it would be; a whole new world to me. advocates from all 50 states. The sheer volume of Jewish and some non-Jewish With so much going on, it was difficommunity leaders, many high school cult to decide on a schedule. One thing and college aged, was an empowering I knew I wanted to do was to listen to Israeli President Shimon Peres speak at sight. Given Israel’s current security chal- the opening plenary session. As Jackie lenges, her image in the media, and Morris, Amanda Russo (fellow teens), American-Israeli relations, the confer- Geneve Kallins (our terrific chaperence provided a platform for community one), and I rushed through security and leaders to voice their concerns, opinions ran around the enormous Washington and support for Israel. It also provided Convention Center to get to a room big the opportunity to hear firsthand from enough for all 16,000 AIPAC PC atboth Israeli and American government tendees, all I could think about was the officials regarding the complexity of amazing speeches I was about to hear the Middle East, Israel and the United delivered by people who will forever be written in the history books. States’ role in it all. We shuffled into a room as long as a The conference was broken into four full days consisting of opening ple- football field, found seats and waited to nary sessions and breakout sessions de- hear the speakers. When the time finally signed to educate and raise awareness on came and Shimon Peres walked onto a plethora of topics, including: the Ira- the stage, it seemed the entire crowd nian Nuclear Project, the Arab Spring, was as enthusiastic as I was. The enIsrael on College Campuses, U.S. Pol- tire speech was inspiring. Peres spoke icy in the Middle East and Evangelical about everything – from his childhood to the Israeli-American relationship. Christian Support for Israel. Israeli President Shimon Peres, Is- One issue in particular stuck with me. raeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netan- When speaking about the founding of yahu, President Barak Obama, Senate the State of Israel and all of those who Republican Leader Mitch McConnell did not believe that our country would and House Democratic Leader Nancy ever get off the ground, Peres said, “I Pelosi were but a few of the many speak- saw the critics and cynics, and they lived ers who enchanted the audience with in sorrow and died in sorrow, and I will their powerful and inspiring speeches. live in hope and die in hope.” This kind Peres and Netanyahu encouraged ev- of hope is the kind of spirit we could eryone to be hopeful and strong yet pre- all use right now, whether it is for our pared and ready to defend Israel as her youth’s future in these dark economic very existence is growing increasingly times, or the ever-present worry of war fragile with the rise of terrorism and a in our promised land. I refuse to be a nuclear Iran. President Obama verbal- cynic, and I will live in hope and I will ized his and the United States’ commit- die in hope. I am pro-Israel. ment to back Israel despite accusations Amanda Russo made by his critics claiming he and his At the AIPAC Policy Conference, so many people spoke and we attended cabinet’s policies are anti-Israel.

stay connected @ www.jfedsrq.org

many breakout sessions, but one session in particular stood out to me. It focused on the prevalence of Israel advocacy on campuses. Although the session addressed colleges, and college students were the ones leading the session, I felt like I could relate to what they were saying. They discussed their views and goals that they had for spreading Israel advocacy at their schools. There are so many more Israel and Jewish organizations in colleges than I thought there were. I thought that Hillel was the only main Jewish outlet at colleges, but I learned that Hillel can spur so many people to create new organizations to promote Israel and Judaism. After hearing so many wonderful success stories, it made me want to take a step up and bring awareness about Israel to my school. I feel that few people know about Israel as much as they should, and all schools should educate students on Israel. I haven’t learned too much about Israel in school, and if we do discuss the country, it is very minimal and only covers very simple facts, not important issues. Israel education and advocacy should be promoted in school classes and organizations. Since Israel is such an important ally to the United States, students need to learn more about such a crucial country in the world and what our country is doing to help it. Since I have gotten back from my trip, I have talked to many of my teachers and fellow students about the conference and how much I learned from it. They all seemed very fascinated and wanted to learn more. I would love

to raise more awareness of Israeli issues in school and form a group of students as an in-school club or even an organization outside of school. AIPAC really helped to open my eyes to Israeli issues and how to spread awareness of them. he AIPAC Policy Conference was an amazing demonstration of pro-Israel support throughout the American Jewish and non-Jewish community. Lobbying appointments reached record highs as hundreds met with government elected officials on Capitol Hill, urging them to take action and continue to support Israel, especially at such a crucial time in need. Perhaps the most important and emboldening aspect of the conference is that it provided an outlet for pro-Israel community members to give Israel the voice she is often denied in the international political arena. Furthermore, it stressed the importance and incumbent duty of all those who love Israel and believe in democratic values to continue to stand as one to ensure a Jewish future for Israel and those living in the Diaspora.

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10A

May 2012

FEDERATION NEWS / COMMUNITY FOCUS

Jewish living: Making questions part of the quest

By Amy Hirshberg Lederman

Sponsored by

ne chilly Saturday afternoon, a baby who isn’t baptized and doesn’t I had the chance to engage in know about God be destined to Hell?” a different kind of Torah study Or, on the lighter side: “If the Bible is than the one offered at my synagogue. I history, then where did all the women met with a group of interfaith friends, an come from who gave birth to all the eclectic collection of Jews, Sufis, Bap- children?” As our conversation progressed, tists, and a few lapsed Catholics thrown it struck me how difin for good measure. Our ferently Judaism apguide was a liberal Catholic priest and our agenda was to proaches the idea of asking questions – explore the different dogmas of each religion – a daunting about faith, religious beliefs, accepted practask made easier by the presence of Starbucks coffee and tices, even about the a box of Dunkin’ Donuts. concept of God. In the Jewish tradition, unIt didn’t take long for me certainty and doubt are to hear a theme emerge from not signs of religious my non-Jewish friends. They felt disappointed, frustrated heresy; they are the basis of true discernment and even angry because, as Amy Hirshberg Lederman and understanding. To children, they were prohibited from or punished for asking simple question is to be human. To ask “why” and honest questions like: “How could of God, of our tradition, of our rabbis

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Send our kids away! Education Corner By Sue Huntting

ewish camping was my entrée into Jewish education. During my many summers at camp in the Pennsylvania Poconos, it seemed to me the camper population could be divided into two distinct groups. For some, camp was a nice add-on to their Jewish lives which otherwise were embedded in thriving suburban synagogues and communities with rich Jewish networks of families, schools, day camps and JCCs. In sharp contrast, other campers hailed from much smaller Jewish communities which offered limited Jewish options. Often these

were the campers who traveled the farthest to be part of a Jewish community of peers that in size and diversity was unreplicable at home. Little did I know that many years later my husband and I would be raising children in Sarasota – children who would fall into this latter category. Jewish camping began almost a century ago, but it has moved far up the Jewish community’s national agenda over the past fifteen years. A report recently published by the Foundation for Jewish Camp (available at www.jewishcamp.org/research), quantifies what many of us who have been involved in Jewish camping have known anecdotally for years. We now have data that describes the ways Jewish overnight camp builds Jewish identity, Jewish community and Jewish leadership. In addition to its benefits for our community, Jewish camp is good for families. The camp community tends

Got young kids? Teenagers?

Be sure to see the Focus on Youth section on pages 24A-26A.

and teachers, is encouraged because Judaism is designed to reach us where we live, in the trenches of our hearts and our lives, in the midst of our uncertainty, anger, fear and doubt. One of the first and best examples of doubt and questioning in our texts is found in Genesis 18:25 when Abraham questions God about His decision to destroy the city of Sodom. With a boldness not yet encountered in human history, Abraham challenges God on the basis that there might be some good people living among the wicked by asking: “Shall not the Judge of the earth do justice?” Even more important than Abraham’s compassion towards potentially innocent people is the manner in which he engages God. From the outset, Jewish tradition establishes the right to question God, to build a relationship which permits us to pour out our anger, frustration, fear and sorrow without reprisal or retribution. Jews are called the Children of Israel, descendants of a man whose name was changed from Jacob to Israel after he wrestled with an angel and refused to release him until the angel blessed him as follows: “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel, for you have wrestled with God and men and have prevailed. (Gen. 32:28-9) The word Israel in Hebrew (Yisrael) means “to struggle with God.” It is our

namesake and our legacy to struggle in our relationship with God in order to build a life of meaning. Our starting point is the Torah, the central Jewish document which serves as our blueprint for understanding man’s encounter with God. Whether we believe it is the Divine Revelation of God or the inspired authorship of man, we can be certain that struggling with questions about the nature of God, about suffering and evil, and about why we should follow the commandments (mitzvot) are all legitimate Jewish questions. Throughout Jewish history, the obligation to question the meaning of sacred texts has served to strengthen, rather than weaken, our understanding of Jewish law and ritual observance. The Talmud is a wonderful example of how the process of questioning, debating and reconciling theological differences can result in a deeper and more practical understanding of the meaning of the Torah. Filled with legal rulings, legends and parables, it is a continuous rabbinic conversation and debate spanning more than 400 years, and testifies to the concept that “there are seventy faces of the Torah.” How lucky we are as Jews to have the freedom to engage in meaningful questioning as part of our quest to be Jewish.

Amy Hirshberg Lederman (www.amyhirshberglederman.com) is an awardwinning author and syndicated columnist, international speaker, Jewish educator and attorney. Her second book, One God, Many Paths: Finding Meaning and Inspiration in Jewish Teachings, won the 2009 Best Book on Religion and Spirituality from the Arizona Book Publishing Association. Amy has served in a scholar-in-residence capacity for The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee this year.

to embrace children’s differences and even celebrates their eccentricities. Freed from the social constraints of their school peer group, children have the time and space to explore new interests and develop self-confidence. Camp provides a variety of “cool” staff who are positive role models for impressionable youth. A recent online article even touted Jewish camp as an antidote to helicopter parenting! Despite being able to view photos posted daily on passwordprotected websites, camp forces parents to relinquish, for at least a short while, their roles as managers of their children’s hectic lives at home. The weeks spent apart can be a healthy break for everyone. Yet, even just one session away at camp comes with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, Jewish Federations (ours included), the Foundation for Jewish Camp (through its One Happy Camper program), local donors and synagogues are working tirelessly to provide generous scholarships and grants so that as many children as possible can benefit from a Jewish overnight camp experience. As a member of our temple’s camp scholarship committee, being part

of the distribution of $11,000 in camp scholarships this year alone was one of the most proud moments of my career. However, the real unsung heroes in this regard are grandparents who, more than ever, are carrying the financial burden of camp for their grandchildren. Let’s face it, children in SarasotaManatee have limited opportunities to experience real Jewish community. Personally speaking, sending our own children away for many summers was one of the best things we ever did for them. Now that one is an alum and the other is returning to be a 3rd year unit head, their summers as campers and on staff truly have sustained them into young adulthood. They have much broader, richer Jewish lives than if their Jewish experience had been limited to what was available in our home community. They were better prepared for college and life as a result of camp, and I have no doubt they are better Jews because of it. If you care about enriching the Jewish lives of children and ensuring a Jewish future for our community, send a kid away – to Jewish camp. It’s a gift that will last a lifetime. Sue Huntting is the Director of Youth Education at Temple Sinai.

COMMUNITY FOCUS 11A May 2012

May 2012

11A

Local ORT chapters receive prestigious award By Kim Sheintal

he Sarasota Sister Cities Association presented ORT, the largest Jewish educational organization in the world devoted to educating and elevating disadvantaged children across the globe with skills need needed to lead productive lives, with its prestigious “One World Award” at its second annual “One World” Gala on Wednesday, March 28 at Michael’s On East. This distinguished award hon-

ors individuals and organizations that enhance world understanding and respect through their extraordinary work or volunteer service. The Annual One World Award Gala, which is the Association’s major fundraising event of the year, attracted several city officials and many ORT supporters, including ORT America’s National President, Shelley B. Fagel. “I am delighted and excited to be a part of this year’s celebration, and extremely proud that the 49-year old Sarasota Sister Cities Association is honoring ORT for its enriching community activities throughout the Gulf region,” said Mrs. Fagel. “The dediTom Halbert (Sarasota Sister Cities Association President), Shelley Fagel (National ORT America President), cation of our hardNicholas James Bollettieri (One World Individual Award Recipient), working supporters Bill Wallace (Sarasota Sister Cities Association One World co-Chair)

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in your area contributes mightily to ORT’s initiatives to provide quality education and training that is transforming the lives of millions of our graduates.” The selection panel was chaired this year by Sarasota Mayor Suzanne Atwell and included Fulton Lewis III, broadcast news commentator and lecturer; Dr. Sarah Pappas, president of the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation; Steve Queior, president and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce; and James Shirley, executive director, the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. Sponsors included the Roskamp Foundation, Woody and Sue Wolverton, Floridays Resort in Orlando and Thompson Resources. There is an adage, “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If

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12A

COMMUNITY FOCUS

May 2012

Kobernick Anchin first in U.S. to offer residents innovative health assessment tool

By Patricia G. Horwell

esidents at Kobernick Anchin are the only members of any retirement community in the country participating in an innovative health monitoring system. The Rothman Index, a state-of-the-art health assessment program, is the brainchild of Michael and Steven Rothman, who learned firsthand how a lack of continuity of care can result in a tragic loss. As a result, they devoted their time and expertise to finding a solution – and the Rothman Index was born. Last fall, Kobernick Anchin launched a successful 90-day trial of the program for its independent living residents. Now this assessment tool is used throughout the full continuum of care – with independent and assisted living

and skilled nursing residents. There is no additional charge for participation. The Rothman Index uses a combination of nursing assessments, vital signs, and responses to a series of simple health questions such as: “Do you have a headache? Is your stomach upset?” An overall score of a person’s physical condition is then graphed to show a personal trend. The information is private and can only be accessed by the individual, the family (with the individual’s permission), and the health professional. Medical institutions like Sarasota Memorial Hospital already use the Rothman Index, but according to Brian Miller, director of long-term care for Rothman Healthcare, Kobernick An-

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chin is the first retirement community “on the planet” to offer this service to its residents. Miller tells the story of his own grandfather who at 88 was feeling fine and apparently in good health. Over a period of 48 hours, his index dropped substantially. After an examination, grandpa was found to have atrial fibrillation. Proper medication and diet has remedied the situation but it might not have been discovered, if not for the Rothman Index. “We are excited to be offering this important health assessment tool to our residents,” Chief Operating Officer Darlene Arbeit said. “Our goal is to keep them healthy and happy for a long time.”

Kobernick resident Audrey Kaplan tests her own pulse oximetry, measuring her heart rate and hemoglobin oxygen saturation. The entire Rothman Index assessment takes about 7 to 8 minutes per day. “It’s really so easy to do,” Kaplan said.

JFCS provides comfort and support to seniors

Join me for Bridge Group on By Andria Keil Bilan, JFCS VP of Development Sponsored by Thursday afternoons from 1:00 n May 20 I will celebrate my th 90 birthday with my friends 4:00 p.m. on the Federation Campus at JFCS,” Thelma Freedman (582 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota). told me when I asked how old she was. added, “As the caregiver for my husIntermediate or advanced players “The SOS Group is like my family. We band, I can share things with the group only, please. Questions? Call me laugh, we cry, we support one another,” and they understand and support me.” (Jayne Rosenberg) at 941.378.9323. added Thelma. Maram Schuster offers the SOS

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l, Hospita n’t l a i r o a Mem st was Sarasot go home. I ju ew t a y r e at a f rt sur g vous to sful hea I was too ner arbara looked erson s e c c u s wife B tly had s ischar ge n Bend “I recen was time for d re time. So my , we decided o hin. Besides it e c o e t n i r m h A e n t e but whe wanted a littl idering two or at Kober nick se we live in th s r d u e n n t a o c a n c e e y read ed it b tion C . After acilities & Rehabilita ion, we also lik f b a h e r er y t g us — v in Nursin nd fine reputa r to home. o l d e e v l r l i a r k S rating a right next doo The staff is m ey and Heathe r a t S e . v Fi was ourtn eeded s, so it ence. eeds. C hat I n Meadow on was just w re of all my n uilt my confid Ever ything is d reb nal. Benders They took ca y feet an r n and functio m . l a n o n o i e k od profess re got me bac clean, m — a e C e!” n b i t a s h i e R ip! s pr here els i h w s y y t e n i s l i a i c u g The fa eason. f goin on a cr e being uldn’t think o r k a i roy l r s o f a wo It w us Con I there ? G . d e o c o n f — e i e r And th h a good expe c u s s a It w

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Thanks to a grant received from group a safe and supportive haven to The Jewish Federation of Sarasota- share their feelings, frustrations and Manatee, transportation is offered to losses. “It’s important that they have an seniors so they can attend the weekly opportunity to talk freely and know that Senior Outreach Services (SOS) Pro- they are loved and supported. So many gram at JFCS. Every Wednesday, of our SOS members are homebound Thelma joins her friends Mina Fertig, and isolated; the group provides them Beverly Pollak, Charlotte Brown, Ber- with a community connection.” nice Schwartz and others as they meet Bernice Schwartz has been attendwith licensed clinical social worker ing the SOS group for several years and Maram Schuster to discuss life’s chal- stated, “Maram is the best. She is kind lenges and ways to cope. After their and encourages us to speak up and share group session, the members have lunch our feelings.” and participate in a community program To learn more about the SOS group organized by JFCS volunteers. or other programs available to seniors, “I look forward to Wednesday and contact Pamela Baron, Director of Secoming to JFCS. It’s my connection to nior Services, at 941.366.2224. the Jewish community and the only day I get out,” stated Charlotte Brown. “The SOS group is my lifeline,” offered Beverly Pollak, who recently was hospitalized and received phone calls and cards SOS participants Charlotte Brown, Mina Fertig, Bernice Schwartz, from SOS group memMaram Schuster, Beverly Pollak and Thelma Freedman bers. And Mina Fertig

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COMMUNITY FOCUS 13A May 2012

May 2012

13A

Hadassah Centennial celebrated locally

By Lucy Lapides

t was 100 years in the making! SaBra Hadassah marked Hadassah’s Centennial in the Fete Ballroom at the Polo Grill in Lakewood Ranch on March 18 with a gala reception/dinner/ musical entertainment celebration. SaBra Hadassah members will have joined over 300,000 members of Hadassah worldwide, who are remembering Henrietta Szold and 30 other women who formed Hadassah at Temple Emanu-el in New York City on February 24, 1912. The traditions started then continue today as the global organization supports medical care and research, education, and youth programs in Israel; social action and advocacy, volunteerism, Jewish education, and research in the United States. To mark this momentous occasion, the Myrtle Wreath award, Hadassah’s most prestigious honor, was presented

to two shining examples of grace, caring and community involvement. Adeline Silverman, a 30-year Sarasota resident, founded the Longboat Key SaBra Chapter, a combined Sarasota-Bradenton group, more than 20 years ago. She is deeply dedicated to the causes of the group. Over the years she has been president of the SaBra Chapter, involved with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, State of Israel Bonds, the Holocaust Speakers Bureau and the Ringling Museum of Art, to name a few of her numerous activities. Gloria Moss came to our area about 55 years ago. She helped develop the Sarasota Chapter and was its president three times. Gloria spreads a wide net with her philanthropic interests. She has donated a room in the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower in Jerusa-

Local community seders encourage support of All Faiths Food Bank

s we say at all Passover seders, “Let all who are hungry come and eat.” This Passover several area congregations and Jewish organizations held community seders and invited the guests to make contributions to All Faiths Food Bank. The idea was conceived by Kayla Niles. Participating were Congregation Kol HaNeshama, Temple Beth Israel, Temple Beth Sholom, Temple EmanuEl, Temple Sinai, The Jewish Congregation of Venice, The Jewish Club of Lakewood Ranch, and Meadows Country Club. More than five and a half million pounds of food will be distributed this year to our hungry neighbors by All

Faiths Food Bank in cooperation with its 160 partner agencies. The mission of All Faiths Food Bank is to feed the hungry, reduce waste, and educate the community about the issues of hunger and nutrition. In addition to providing food for 45,000 different individuals this year, AFFB offers educational programs designed for low-income preschoolers, school children, teens, adults, seniors, veterans and families. More than 1,000 volunteers and 23 staff make these services possible. Tours of the state-of-the-art distribution center are available by appointment and may be arranged by calling 941.379.6333.

lem, Hadassah’s gift to the Israeli people. Locally she has been generous with her time and efforts with the Designing Women Boutique, Asolo Theatre, and Pines of Sarasota. Her late husband, Marty, was a longtime member of the Board of Sarasota Memorial Hospital, prompting Gloria to donate an Emergency Department room there. For information about Hadassah and the SaBra Chapter, contact Membership co-VPs Elaine Sandler (941.359.2928) or Carol Rosenberg (941.907.9015), or Organization VP Lee Ruggles (941.924.1338).

Adeline Silverman and Gloria Moss

A planned gift to your Jewish community enables you to help those in need - forever. Jewish tradition teaches that one of our duties is to make the world a better place for future generations. Creating a legacy is rewarding not only to the giver, but to our community which benefits from the gift. And perhaps most important is the enduring nature of planned giving -- use the fund to honor or remember a loved one, perpetuating your family name long beyond your lifetime. Designate how your gift is to be used. Provide unrestricted funds to help meet community needs now and in the future; or to provide permanent resources to aid programs or initiatives that are of particular interest to you and your family. It’s up to you. for decades, hundreds of donors and their financial advisors have entrusted The Jewish Federation to be their partner in their thoughtful planning of Jewish philanthropy and management of charitable assets. Learn more about our commitment to you by contacting Marty Haberer at mhaberer@jfedsrq.org or 941.371.4546 x.108.

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14A

COMMUNITY FOCUS

May 2012

Ernie and Alisa Kretzmer honored by AJC for their contributions to Sarasota community

JC (American Jewish Committee) honored two of its esteemed members, Ernie and Alisa Kretzmer, on March 26, with its prestigious annual Human Relations Award at a gala dinner at Michael’s On East. This award is bestowed annually

Brian Lipton, Sue Jacobson, Consul General Chaim Shacham

on individuals who uplift the shared life of their community, which the Kretzmers have so nobly done for decades through their passionate support of the arts, education, social services and Jewish causes, including AJC. Ernie, who narrowly escaped from Germany in 1939, immigrated to the

Donald & Marie Monsky, Marilyn & Irving Naiditch

United States in 1940 by way of the United Kingdom, studied electrical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and later earned his Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was a research engineer and was promoted to Laboratory Director at Bell Laboratories in New Jersey. Alisa, born in Israel before its statehood, moved to the United States in 1947. Alisa, an occupational therapist with a passion for music and art, met Ernie at their synagogue in New Jersey, and later married. The couple moved permanently to Sarasota in the late 1980s. The Kretzmers have been involved in numerous organizations in Sarasota including G.WIZ, Sarasota Orchestra and Florida Studio Theatre. They have been honored by Jewish National Fund and American Technion Society. The Kretzmers’ award dinner was chaired by Marie Monsky and Marilyn Naiditch, and the keynote speaker was

Wendy Manto, Peter Kretzmer, Ernie & Alisa Kretzmer

Chaim Shacham, Consul General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico. AJC works to enhance the wellbeing of Israel and the Jewish people, safeguard minorities, pursue social justice, and defend religious freedom around the world. To learn more about AJC, please visit www.ajc.org.

Israel Wall street GIlad PalestIne Iran a part of the conversation Obama NCJW’s major 2011-12 www.FederationBlog.org accomplishments

By Jan Segal, co-VP Communications The Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota FL 34232 941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

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was astounded when I saw the annual report of community service accomplishments of the SarasotaManatee Section of NCJW. A huge mazel tov to co-VPs Bonnie Sussman and Susan Wilner, their program chairs and committee members for the impact they have made in our city. Just imagine: 779 students in 30 preschools received hearing screening with three students referred for further evaluation 1,000 preschool students received vision screening with over 60 students referred and one known referral resulting in surgery A puppet show teaching first-graders to understand and recognize physical, mental and sexual child abuse was shown to 750 children A teen dating violence prevention film and educational program was provided to 840 middle and high school students 36 women and their children at the Hope House Family Shelter received bedding, towels, clothing, personal items, and toys and games 60 children at HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool

Youngsters) received backpacks and school supplies 50 members volunteered for the new Court Watch program that provides impartial assessment of domestic violence injunction for protection (IFP) cases in Manatee County Court In addition to these outstanding community service projects, NCJW holds monthly community-wide programs and the annual Women in Power Luncheon. To learn more, please call me at 941.342.1855. I’d love to hear from you.

NCJW Vision Screeners: (seated) Judy Furman, Lita Press, (standing) Alice Cotman, Renate Hoffman

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COMMUNITY FOCUS 15A May 2012

May 2012

Mitzvah Day at TBS

emple Beth Sholom congregants of all ages recently participated in the temple’s communitywide annual Mitzvah Day to “Tikkun Olam, Repair the World.” Some of the different activities included constructing groggers, potting plants for seniors, sending greeting cards to soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, and knitting and crocheting caps for newborn babies at Sarasota Memorial and Lakewood Ranch hospitals. One group also performed administrative work for Children’s First. Congregants made over 700 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club, and Hippy (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters). Away from the Temple Beth Sholom campus, congregants visited and provided any needed assistance at Mothers Helping Mothers, Tidewell Hospice, Community Haven for Adults and Children, and the Sarasota Sheriff’s Department Animal Services. The Family Promise van was also cleaned. Other members visited patients at Anchin, Heartland Healthcare, Palmer Ranch Healthcare, and The Springs at Lake Pointe Woods skilled nursing facilities. In addition to volunteering time, temple members collected toiletries

and old cell phones for SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center), groceries for the Jewish Family & Children’s Service food bank, and food for the Cat Depot.

Mitzvah Day chairs Ellen Honig and Anne Schimberg (photos in this article by Joel Servetz, RGB Media Services)

Special thanks to the Mitzvah Day Committee, including co-chairs Anne Schimberg and Ellen Honig, Felicia and Joel Servetz, Laura Briefman, Gail Jagoda and Dina Smith. Special thanks to Rabbi Joel Mishkin, Men’s Club, Sisterhood, Colleen and Mitchell Blumenthal, and Sysco Food for the support and donations of supplies.

15A

Beth Vandroff makes a dent in hunger in Sarasota

n Pirkei Avot – a collection of inspirational sayings preserved in the Mishnah – Rabbi Tarfon states: “It is not up to you to complete the work. But neither are you at liberty to abstain from it.” Two thousand years later, Temple Emanu-El’s Beth Vandroff echoes his words. “Reach out and help others,” she urges. “If each of us helps one person, imagine the difference we could make.” Not only has Vandroff contributed to the temple – where she served as a Parent Ambassador, Mitzvah Day Steering Committee member, and Family Bowling Party chair, while her husband Jay chaired the Daddy-Daughter Dance – but she has become involved with the issue of hunger in Sarasota. After helping to lead the Kiwanis’ successful gleaning program, she plans to bring gleaning to the temple. Members will travel to the homes of local residents who have more produce than they will

eat, harvest the produce, and donate it to the hungry. She is also implementing a program at Yarnall Companies to collect food left behind when hoBeth Vandroff with meowners move, husband Jay and daughter Ava and have the food donated to those in need. “The community we live in has a serious problem with children and adults going hungry,” Vandroff explains. “We can reduce the need.” Vandroff finds inspiration for her work in her Judaism and involvement at the temple. “The religious connection we have as a family helps us stay connected to our values and beliefs. When we feel like we are moving away from what grounds us,” she adds, “we connect back with the temple and its members for support and direction.”

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16A

May 2012

A visit to Germany (part 2) By Sigmund and Lora Tobias

Seeing Schriesheim through Lora’s eyes We visited Schriesheim, a village near Heidelberg, where Lora’s family lived before fleeing to America in 1938. She has a documented family history dating to 1653, when Lora’s first recorded ancestor, Baruch (surnames were not used then), came to the village. In 2003, Schriesheim invited Lora back for a visit and paid for our trip; this time the Maier and Rufer families invited us to stay with them. In 1842, Lora’s great, great, grandfather, Simon Oppenheimer, donated most of the funds to convert part of his home into a synagogue. A picture of Lora entering the shul was the only existing photograph of the building as a synagogue. The shul existed from the mid 19th century, and included Lora about to enter a mikvah, a Hethe Schriesheim Synagogue in 1936 brew School, and a teacher’s apartment. A wall plaque now indicated that a Jewish synagogue was once located there. Later that day we were invited to an afternoon reception, attended by about 20, in the Protestant Church. We were welcomed by the minister and congregants singing Sholom Aleichem in Hebrew. Reporters interviewing Lora did not know that children in the Evangelical Kindergarten she had attended were required to pray for Hitler every morning. Lora recalled that she wanted to join the Hitler Jugend with her former friends; five-year-old Lora could not understand why they had suddenly become her enemies, nor why they often cursed and beat her. Her family’s dry goods store was picketed beginning in 1935 to frighten customers away. One morning when Lora opened their front door she saw two young men in Nazi uniforms standing at attention. Thinking this a great honor, she suggested they all sing the Horst Wessel song, a well known Nazi anthem. By this time a large crowd had gathered in front of their house, but Lora continued singing loudly until her horrified parents yanked her inside. Diagonally across the street from their store is a wall where the town crier rang his bell while announcing village news, including the names of locals who had shopped, or been friendly with Jews. After announcing the names of any customers shopping in the fam-

ily’s store, their names were written on newsprint on the town wall. The paper was soon blank because no one dared to enter the store. At great risk, a few people visited at night to buy goods and deliver groceries for the family. Their former housekeeper, who took care of Lora, slipped into their house at night to see her; she usually embraced Lora, murmuring “mein kind, mein kind” (my child). The housekeeper had to stop working for them because the Nuremberg Laws forbade Germans under 45 to work for Jews. We then visited Schriesheim’s Jewish cemetery, dating to 1870. Joachim Maier, in whose house we stayed, was familiar with the Jewish custom of placing small rocks on tombstones to mark cemetery visits; he brought a bag of stones for us to leave on the tombstones of Lora’s family. A menorah and the Star of David decorated the cemetery’s gate. It was well kept and the graves were free of weeds, with the names of the deceased clearly visible. The only new memorial since our 2003 visit was a small sculpture created by Schriesheim’s high-school students to honor the community’s Jews who had been killed in concentration camps, including her Uncle Ludwig Oppenheimer and her distant cousin Mathilda Oppenheimer Strauss. Lora’s former house and school We then visited the house and store Lora’s family had owned for 98 years. When they had no more customers in 1938, the store was sold for a paltry sum. Lora then showed us her former elementary school. Her second-grade teacher, a prominent Nazi, forced Lora to sit Lora’s family’s alone in the classstore in 1926 room’s corner, separated from other students by empty desks. Lora was not called on during her whole year in second grade. Once she mistakenly turned in her homework; the teacher cursed her and loudly tore the papers into shreds before discarding them in the garbage. The teacher humiliated Lora at every chance and encouraged her classmates to do likewise, and to gang up and beat her after school. An outspoken woman selling cookies during recess often protected Lora from the pursuing kids. Many years later we learned that Lora’s protector was the grandmother of Hansjorg Hoefer,

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Editor’s note: Part 1 of this article appeared in the April issue of The Jewish News. To view the issue online, visit The Jewish News page on www.jfedsrq.org and click on the online version of this issue. You will then find an archive of recent issues along the right side of your screen.

Schriesheim’s current mayor. The Strahlenburg Schriesheim’s old castle, the Strahlenburg, remains unchanged after hundreds of years. A tower, visible from the whole village, rises from the center of the Strahlenburg overlooking the surrounding vineyards. Jews, were not permitted to enter the Strahlenburg after 1935. Most of the castle was destroyed by lightning hundreds of years ago, and a restaurant is now operated in what remains of it. The castle is illuminated by floodlights every night making for a striking view. In 2006, Mayor Hansjorg Hoefer dedicated seven memorial tablets on Schriesheim’s main square inscribed with the names of the 200 local soldiers killed during World War II. The largest of these bronze tablets has the names of the twenty Jews who were deported from Schriesheim and killed in concentration camps, next to the names of three resistance fighters killed during the Nazi era, and eight disabled residents euthanized in the Nazi’s program to purify the Aryan race. Old Schriesheim and the museum We visited the old city hall that is now a museum. Religious objects, donated by Lora and Herbert Marx, another former Schriesheimer, were displayed in glass cases. Lora gave Joachim Maier a 100-year-old Haggadah that he loaned to the town for display. Many of the pictures and documents dealt with Lora’s family, including a picture showing them leaving Germany on their way to America. During Kristallnacht, Schriesheim’s synagogue and the few remaining Jewish businesses were vandalized. Only two Jewish families remained; the others had escaped, abandoning or selling

Lora, her mother and father about to board ship for the U.S. in 1938

their businesses. But the little synagogue remained. The synagogue was vandalized, and swastikas were smeared all over the building. All the prayer books and religious objects were burned in the town square. The day after Kristallnacht, Wilhelm Metzger passed the smoldering ashes. He noticed one singed page that survived the flames. At great risk, 17-year-old Wilhelm pulled the page from the ashes and hid it for many years.

The page contained the most famous of all Jewish prayers, the Shema Yisrael. That page was copied onto a poster for our 2003 visit and is on display in the museum. Years later, when asked why he did such a dangerous thing, Wilhelm replied that his grandfather had lived next door to a Jewish family who were good friends. The next morning we made one last stop at the new Town Hall, and were invited by Mayor Hoefer to record a farewell message in the town’s Golden Book. Lora wrote that she was glad to have friends again in Schriesheim, and we all co-signed her message. All our friends were there as well as a newspaper reporter. We had one final view of Schriesheim from the City Hall’s rooftop garden.

Jessica, Lora, Rochelle, Susan and Mayor Hoefer on the City Hall’s rooftop garden

Final thoughts Upon leaving Germany, we realized that this was probably our last visit. It had often been difficult and aroused complicated feelings of sadness and anger while revisiting places where we and other Jews were persecuted by the Germans of 1939. It was clear that many Germans of the 21st century were making a genuine effort to confront, and try to make up, for the past. The German word for restitution (wiedergutmachung) literally means “making good again.” It is clear to us that, unlike other countries in Europe who shrink from confronting their complicity in the Holocaust, many Germans take wiedergutmachung seriously. We recalled a conversation with a young German woman whom we met during a vacation. She told of her horror about the Holocaust, and of being committed to seeing that it could never happen again. But, she also felt that history was unfair, forcing her to bear a burden for things that she had nothing to do with. While our feelings differed from hers in many ways, the sense that history was unfair was very familiar to us. Lora Tobias retired from the NYC Board of Education where she was a teacher, reading specialist and teacher trainer. Sigmund Tobias, Eminent Research Professor, Division of Educational Psychology & Methodology, University at Albany, SUNY, has written on a variety of Jewish subjects for the Berkshire Jewish Voice. Lora and Sigmund are part-time Sarasota residents.

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JEWISH INTEREST 17A May 2012

May 2012

17A

Religious leaders are just like the rest of us – almost By Philip K. Jason, Special to The Jewish News Chazzonos, by Lyle Rockler. iUniverse. 276 pages. $17.95.

yle Rockler, himself a trained cantor (or chazzan) has drawn a remarkable, engaging portrait of middle-aged cantor Hal Perlmutter as he reaches several crossroads in his professional and personal life. The novel’s timeline involves six months in Cantor Hal’s life as he prepares for retirement, decides to remarry, struggles to improve his relationships with his adult son and daughter, loses old friends to death, and strives to tame Phil Jason the simmering rage within him that too often boils over into conflict and pain. Extended flashbacks illuminate Hal’s upbringing in Minneapolis, his family and community life as a child, his tempestuous experience as a husband and father, and pieces of his twenty years in the job from which he wishes to retire. We hear about his parents’ constant arguing, Hal’s early fondness for Jewish liturgical singing (chazzonos), and the maturation of that youthful infatuation into a calling and a career. Both in the foreground and background of the novel is abundant information about the majestic cantors who reigned during the golden age of chazzonos: their innovations, their individual styles, their importance to Jewish culture, and their ability to lift worshippers (as well as just plain music lovers) into a spiritual realm. Hal Perlmutter is, perhaps, among the last disciples of these giants. They represent a fading

world that deserves a permanent place of honor in the collective memory. Perhaps because of his uncomfortable home life as a child, Hal made very close friendships with two women of his parents’ generation. One such friendship developed with Molly, a neighbor in Minneapolis. Another, many years later, developed with Anna, a Holocaust survivor in his New Jersey community of Mirthgate. In the course of the novel, Hal loses both of these surrogate mothers. From Molly, Hal inherits enough money to plan a comfortable retirement. From Anna, who dies just before Hal remarries, his inheritance is less tangible. It includes such values as enhanced self-awareness, courage and flexibility. It’s as if Hal is finally ready to be an adult instead of an aging child. Connected with his delayed maturation is the influence of Mimi, the true love of his life, who has the right mix of patience and sternness, of life’s

joys and life’s responsibilities. Equally important, and aided by Mimi’s influence, is his acceptance of his children’s decisions and lifestyles, which at first make him cringe. When his gay son reluctantly shares news of his intimate relationship with a much older man, Cantor Hal is horrified and hostile. He is only relatively calmer when he meets his daughter’s boyfriend, an ultra-Orthodox young man. Slowly, he comes to see these people as individuals rather than types and realizes that their choices are not about him. Lyle Rockler’s knowledgeable and accurate portrait of congregational life – its texture, patterns, and politics – is another ingredient in the book’s interest and success. He handles the social dynamics of the community to which Hal has given twenty years of his life with a mixture of respect and critical insight. It is not an incidental to the book’s spiritual power and charm that expressing Hal’s love for chazzonos requires that author Rockler provide the transliterations and translations of many key phrases from the Jewish Hebrew liturgy. His decisions about making these selections and incorporating them into the story of Hal’s life are effective. We understand, even without hearing the

majestic melodies to which these words are set, their inspirational power. Cantor Henry (Hal) Perlmutter is a very imperfect individual. He can be childish and abrasive. His thoughts, works and behavior will frequently grate on readers’ sensibilities. Yet Lyle Rockler creates a compelling, sympathetic portrait. With his emphasis on Hal’s increasing stability, maturity and lessons learned, Rockler provides a unique kind of everyman. This review was originally published in Florida Weekly and is reprinted by permission. Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus of English from the United States Naval Academy. He reviews regularly for the Naples edition of Florida Weekly and for Fort Myers Magazine. Visit Phil’s website at www.philjason.wordpress. com. Lyle Rockler is the cantor and religious leader of Temple Beth El – North Port Jewish Center. He conducts all religious services, teaches classes and brings a strong commitment to the growth and vitality of the synagogue, located at 3840 S. Biscayne Drive, North Port, Florida.

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18A

JEWISH INTEREST

May 2012

Interested in Your Family’s History?

Stars of David: Celebrities with Florida connections

Ten years of doing a Jewish celebrities column has turned Nate Bloom (see column at right) into something of an expert on finding basic family history records and articles mentioning a “searched-for” person. During these 10 years, he has put together a small team of “mavens” who aid his research. Most professional family history experts charge at least $1,000 for a full family tree. However, many people just want to get “started” by tracing one particular family branch.

Editor’s note: Persons in BOLD CAPS are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jewish for the purpose of the column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in a faith other than Judaism – and don’t identify with a faith other than Judaism as an adult. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish. Lauren Miller marches to In 2010, Rogen and his girlfriend of her own drummer four years, LAUREN MILLER, also SETH ROGEN, 30, a very average now 30, were engaged. Miller, a filmlooking fellow, became an unlikely film maker who has had small parts in sevstar in the last five years with a string eral Rogen films, was raised on Long of hits including Knocked Up, Super- Island, New York and in Lakeland, bad, The Pineapple Express and 50/50. Florida. In 2003, she wrote and directed His Canadian parents met on an Israeli a short dramatic film, Happy Holidays, kibbutz and he attended an Orthodox about the difficulties a Jewish girl faces elementary school in Vancouver. Rogen when she is ‘inundated’ with Christmas. jump-started his career by writing or This girl feels particularly besieged co-writing most of the films that he has when her (public) middle school teachstarred-in. er asks her, and the rest of the class, to write a letter to Santa Claus. The film is semi-autobiographical – Miller, a very pretty woman, was a cheerleader at her Florida high school, but she raised a stir when she refused to march in Lakeland’s Christmas parade with the rest of her squad. Happy Holidays was shown at the Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival, and the Festival Board was so taken with the film that they created, on the spot, a “best college student film award” and gave it to Miller. On October 1, 2011, Rogen and Miller wed in a Jewish ceremony held in a vineyard in Sonoma, California. Guests included Rogen’s frequent co-stars ADAM SANDLER, PAUL RUDD and JONAH HILL. Director JUDD APATOW, who gave Rogen his first big breaks (the TV series Freaks and Geeks, and the film Knocked Up), was also in attendance. Rogen honored writer WILL REISER at his wedding. Reiser, who wrote the script for Rogen’s hit film

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By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist

continued on next page

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JEWISH INTEREST COMMENTARY 19A May /2012 continued from previous page “50/50 (which was inspired by Reiser’s own fight with cancer), was the person who first introduced Miller to Rogen. In February 2012, the film For a Good Time Call got raves at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. Miller and ARI GRAYNOR, 29, play two women who run a sex call service and there’s a lot of graphic humor. Miller co-wrote the film with another woman, and its director is a woman, too. (It’s scheduled for limited release in September 2012). The film takes its cue, a bit, from Bridesmaids, the huge 2011 hit that proved that a “raunchy comedy” about women and written by women could be box office gold. The Los Angeles Times caught-up with Miller and Rogen at the Sundance Festival, and satirically labeled Rogen “a trophy husband.” The reporter pointed out to Rogen (who has a small role in his wife’s movie) that he really had “no official business” at the festival and didn’t that make him “arm-candy” for his wife? Rogen laughed and replied, “Yeah, I guess it does [but] honestly, it’s not bad. It’s a lot less stressful than normal.” Rookie cops and a real life murder The CBS series NYC 22 premiered on April 15 and new episodes can be seen on Sundays at 10:00 p.m. It follows six diverse NYPD rookies as they patrol the gritty streets of upper Manhattan (mostly Harlem). The rookies’ supervisor is played

by ADAM GOLDBERG, 41 (“The Hebrew Hammer”). One of the rookies is played by Leelee Sobieski, 28 (Glass House, Warsaw Ghetto Uprising). Sobieski’s maternal grandfather, a Navy officer, was Jewish, and in 2010 she wed ADAM KIMMEL, 33, a very successful menswear designer. The couple has a young daughter. Sobieski, who wasn’t raised in an organized religion, has expressed great affinity for her “Jewish roots” in past interviews, and I think it’s just possible that she has quietly converted to Judaism. Kimmel’s late father, MARTIN S. KIMMEL, was a billionaire real estate developer (his company built over 100 shopping centers in Florida alone). He was a “huge giver” to medical charities in the States. He also gave millions to Israel’s Weizmann Institute. Adam’s mother’s father, the late DONALD ARONOW, became a millionaire before he was 30, developing New Jersey properties. He moved to Coral Gables, Florida in 1964, where he designed the famous speedy “cigarette” boats that were later prominently featured on Miami Vice. He used this boat to twice win the world powerboat championship. Many older Floridians may recall that Aronow was shot to death in 1987 while leaving a Miami-area boat yard. His murder has never been solved. Gangland involvement was suspected since his cigarette boats were used by Federal drug agents and also by drug smugglers.

May 2012

19A

Rainy season From the Bimah Rabbi Brenner Glickman Temple Emanu-El

love the summer rains in Sarasota. I love how the midday heat is punctured with an afternoon shower. I love the drama of the crashing thunder. I love that the rain comes on fast and goes away just as fast. I love when the sun breaks forth while it is still raining. I love the rainbows that appear in the eastern sky. I love that this happens almost every afternoon. According to the Bible, rain is a blessing from God. It is sign of the covenant. We read in Leviticus: “If you follow My laws and faithfully observe My commandments, I will grant you rains in their season, so that the earth shall yield its produce and the trees of the field their fruit.” Rain is the reward for being true to the covenant. As you can imagine, in an agricultural society, rain is essential. Ancient Israel was not like Egypt; it was not a land of flood-plains and irrigation. Crops in Israel received their water

from the seasonal rainfall. It was their only source of hydration. Rain was life itself. Most of us do not grow crops, but we understand the need for rain. For one thing, we see how much better our lawns and landscaping look! More importantly, we understand how drought has reduced the levels of our aquifers. We know how important the rains are for our ecosystem. In Jewish tradition, we have seasonal prayers for rain. We begin reciting the prayers for rain on the last day of Sukkot, and continue to recite these prayers until Passover. This corresponds to the seasonal winter rainfall in ancient Israel. But we live in Sarasota, and the rain here falls in the summer. Our climate does not fit the mold. We are not alone. I had a professor in seminary who was South African. He told the story of how they used to pray for rain in synagogue at the exact wrong seasons. After all, the southern hemisphere’s seasonal calendar is exactly the opposite of ours. Once, as a child, he complained to his father, “Dad, why are we praying for rain during rugby season when we don’t want it to rain?” His father replied, “Don’t worry, son. We are Jews. Our rain falls in Israel.” “And I will grant them a covenant of friendship…I will send down the rain in its season, rains that bring blessing.” – from Ezekiel 34:25-26

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20A

COMMENTARY

May 2012

Israel’s Arabs, living a paradox

By Daniel Pipes, March 22, 2012

an Arabs, who make up one-fifth of Israel’s population, be loyal citizens of the Jewish state? With this question in mind, I recently visited several Arab-inhabited regions of Israel (Jaffa, Baqa al-Gharbiya, Umm al-Fahm, Haifa, Acre, Nazareth, the Golan Heights, Jerusalem) and held discussions with mainstream Arab and Jewish Israelis. I found most Arabic-speaking citizens to be intensely conflicted about living in a Jewish polity. On the one hand, they resent Judaism as the country’s privileged religion, the Law of Return that permits only Jews to immigrate at will, Hebrew as the primary language of state, the Star of David in the flag, and mention of the “Jewish soul” in the anthem. On the other hand, they appreciate the country’s economic success, standard of health care, rule of law, and functioning democracy. These conflicts find many expressions. The small, uneducated and defeated Israeli Arab population of 1949 has grown ten-fold, acquired modern skills, and recovered its confidence. Some from this community have acquired positions of prestige and responsibility, including Supreme Court

Justice Salim Joubran, former ambassador Ali Yahya, former government minister Raleb Majadele, and journalist Khaled Abu Toameh. But these assimilated few pale beside the discontented masses who identify with Land Day, Nakba Day, and the Future Vision report. Revealingly, most Israeli Arab parliamentarians, such as Ahmed Tibi and Haneen Zuabi, are hotheads spewing rank anti-Zionism. Israeli Arabs have increasingly resorted to violence against their Jewish co-nationals. Indeed, Israeli Arabs live two paradoxes. Although they suffer discrimination within Israel, they enjoy more rights and greater stability than any Arab populace living in their own sovereign countries (think Egypt or Syria). Second, they hold citizenship in a country that their fellow Arabs malign and threaten with annihilation. My conversations in Israel led me to conclude that these complexities impede robust discussion, by Jews and Arabs alike, of the full implications of Israeli Arabs’ anomalous existence. Extremist parliamentarians and violent youth get dismissed as an unrepresentative fringe. Instead, one hears that if

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only Israeli Arabs received more respect and more municipal aid from the central government, current discontents would be eased; that one must distinguish between (the good) Arabs of Israel and (the bad) Arabs in the West Bank and Gaza; and a warning that Israeli Arabs will metastasize into Palestinians unless Israel treats them better. My interlocutors generally brushed aside questions about Islam. It almost felt impolite to mention the Islamic imperative that Muslims (who make up 84 percent of the Israeli Arab population) rule themselves. Discussing the Islamic drive for application of Islamic law drew blank looks and a shift to more immediate topics. This avoidance reminded me of Turkey before 2002, when mainstream Turks assumed that Atatürk’s revolution was permanent and assumed Islamists would remain a fringe phenomenon. They were proved very wrong: a decade after Islamists democratically rode to power in late 2002, the elected government steadily applied more Islamic laws and built a neo-Ottoman regional power. I predict a similar evolution in Israel, as Israeli Arab paradoxes grow more acute. Muslim citizens of Israel will continue to grow in numbers, skills and confidence, becoming simultaneously more integral to the country’s life and more ambitious to throw off Jewish sovereignty. This suggests that as Israel overcomes external threats, Israeli Arabs will emerge as an ever-greater

concern. Indeed, I predict they represent the ultimate obstacle to establishing the Jewish homeland anticipated by Theodor Herzl and Lord Balfour. What can be done? Lebanon’s Christians lost power because they incorporated too many Muslims and became too small a proportion of the country’s population to rule it. Recalling this lesson, Israel’s identity and security require minimizing the number of Arab citizens – not by reducing their democratic rights, much less by deporting them, but by such steps as adjusting Israel’s borders, building fences along the frontiers, implementing stringent family reunification policies, changing pro-natalist policies, and carefully scrutinizing refugee applications. Ironically, the greatest impediment to these actions will be that most Israeli Arabs emphatically wish to remain disloyal citizens of the Jewish state (as opposed to loyal citizens of a Palestinian state). Further, many other Middle Eastern Muslims aspire to become Israelis (a phenomenon I call Muslim aliyah). These preferences, I predict, will stymie the government of Israel, which will not develop adequate responses, thereby turning today’s relative quiet into tomorrow’s crisis. Mr. Pipes (DanielPipes.org) is president of the Middle East Forum and Taube distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University. © 2012 by Daniel Pipes. All rights reserved.

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 The historicright separation of churchchoice and state A woman’s to reproductive  A woman’s right tothat reproductive choice Federal budget protects Medicare  A Federal budget that protects Medicare Here are some excerpts from Keith’s Middle East Policy Paper: Here are some excerpts from Keith’s Middle East Policy Paper: When elected to Congress, I will be a staunch supporter of the U.S.-Israel relationship, and a committed fighter When to Congress, I will be a staunch supporter of theorganizations. U.S.-Israel relationship, and a committed fighter againstelected terrorism and the state-sponsored funding of terrorist against and the interest state-sponsored funding of terrorist organizations. It is in terrorism the vital national of the United States to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability,

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An Open Letter to the Jewish Community An Open Letter to the Jewish Community and All Supporters of Israel: and All Supporters of Israel:

It is all in options the vitalmust national interest of the United States to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and remain on the table. The proliferation of nuclear weapons to thea dangerous regime capability, in Iran and musttoremain on theof table. The proliferation of security nuclear of weapons to the in Iran posesalla options grave threat the stability the Middle East, to the Israel, and to dangerous the securityregime and safety of the poses a grave to entire the stability United Statesthreat and the world.of the Middle East, to the security of Israel, and to the security and safety of the United States the entire world. its current level of foreign aid to Israel. When elected, I will fight to ensure The U.S. mustand continue to maintain

Peace incan the aregion cannot dictated by outside forces. through negotiations with efforts a credible partner real peace be be secured. I applaud—and will Only support in the face-to-face Congress—Israel’s consistent to partner a real be secured. I applaud—and will support in the Congress—Israel’s consistent efforts to achieve can peace withpeace its neighbors. achieve peace with its neighbors.

We hope that you agree with Keith’s positions on these issues—and will vote for him on Nov. 6 and urge your friends to We hope youwant agreetowith on these issues—and will vote fororhim on issues, Nov. 6please and urge your his friends to do so, too.that If you readKeith’s more positions about Keith’s positions on the Middle East other log onto website: do so, too. If you want to read more about Keith’s positions on the Middle East or other issues, please log onto his website: www.GoFitzGo.com

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Help elect a strong friend of Israel and a voice for responsible, intelligent government. Help elect a strong friend of Israel and a voice for responsible, intelligent government. With your vote and your help, Keith will be our next member of Congress from Florida’s 16th Congressional District. With your vote and your help, Keith will be our next member of Congress from Florida’s 16th Congressional District. (LIST IN FORMATION) (LIST IN FORMATION) Jane and Martin Albaum Ancowitz Jane Arthur and Martin Albaum Ed and Linda Baker Arthur Ancowitz AlanLinda Bandler Ed and Baker LindaAlan andBandler Bill Berliner Benjamin I. Berman Linda and Bill Berliner Murray and Alice Blueglass Benjamin I. Berman Fran and Braverman Murray andJack Alice Blueglass Barbara Fran and JackBrizdle Braverman Gerry Daniel Barbara Brizdle Les Fishman Gerry Daniel Grace and LesMurray FishmanGoldberg RozMurray Goldberg Grace and Goldberg Eugene Lilly Green Rozand Goldberg Eugene and Lilly Green

Hedy and Al Guttman Hannah Hedy and Honeyman Al Guttman Sue A.Honeyman Jacobson Hannah Lynn Joe Kalish Sue and A. Jacobson Sandra Kamin Lynn and Joe Kalish Tess Koncick Sandra Kamin LucyTess andKoncick Jim Lapides Edward Levi Lucy andand JimBetty Lapides Claire Edward and Levin Betty Levi Joseph Levine ClaireS.Levin Marion and Bernard Joseph S. LevineLevine Richard S. Levine Marion and Bernard Levine Bobbi andS.Will Lorry Richard Levine Andy Maass Bobbiand andRuth Will Lorry Andy and Ruth Maass Paid for by Keith Fitzgerald for Congress

Don Malawsky BettyDon andMalawsky Marvin Morse Norman Olshansky Betty and Marvin Morse Corinne andOlshansky Sol Schaeffer Norman CorinneIna andSchnell Sol Schaeffer Arlene Ina andSchnell Paul Skversky Alan and Dale Sprintz Arlene Paul Skversky Cheryl Mel Taub Alan andand Dale Sprintz Evans Cheryl and Tilles Mel Taub Robert Wachs Evans Tilles Judy Weinstein Robert Wachs Mary Judy Lou and Ed Winnick Weinstein Sheila and and Warren Wolheim Mary Lou Ed Winnick Harold Phyllis Zabin Sheila andand Warren Wolheim Harold and Phyllis Zabin

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The must continue to maintainAppropriations its current levelbill of foreign aid to Israel. I will fight to ensure that U.S. the annual Foreign Operations always includes aid toWhen Israel,elected, our most dependable ally in that the annual the Middle East.Foreign Operations Appropriations bill always includes aid to Israel, our most dependable ally in the Middle Peace in theEast. region cannot be dictated by outside forces. Only through face-to-face negotiations with a credible

22A

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

May 2012

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Temple Sinai pilots Mitkadem Digital his spring, Temple Sinai students and teachers are piloting a new way to learn Hebrew. For the past four years, the Religious School has been using the Reform movement’s Hebrew program, Mitkadem. It is a self-paced comprehensive program that covers liturgy, vocabulary, grammar and the meaning of the prayers. Up until now, students have completed activity pages in class and rarely took work home. Now, students are able to log on to a beta version of Mitkadem Digital at home and do almost all activities without having to schlep their Hebrew folders between school and home. “I’ve been waiting for Mitkadem to go online,” said Sue Huntting, Re-

ligious School Director, “in order to make it easier for students to progress even quicker on their own and keep up if they miss class. I’m so excited that we have access to it immediately and that our students and teachers are providing design and content input that will be used to refine the product before its release in the fall.” Teachers log in and are able to check which activities students are completing and the accuracy of their answers. Students are excited about doing Hebrew on their computers, though they realize Mitkadem Digital may close a longstanding loophole. Said a resigned fourth grader, Lila Marlowe, “Now we don’t have any excuse for not doing our work!”

Looking for a temple? Take virtual tours of local synagogues 24 hours a day @ www.jfedsrq.org.

LIFE 27A CYCLE

May 2012

ANNIVERSARIES 70th Ernest & Ruth Feldman Temple Emanu-El 55th John & Edythe Baron Temple Beth Sholom 55th Herbert & Ellen Lenk Temple Emanu-El 45th Richard & Charlotte Cox Temple Beth Sholom 40th Debbie & Jerry Engleson Temple Sinai 40th Philip & Rosalind Lieberman Temple Emanu-El 40th Elana & Mark Margolis Temple Sinai 35th Michael & Marcy Kennelly Temple Emanu-El

25th Cindy & Bruce Gilburne Temple Emanu-El 25th David & Cathy Jaffer Temple Beth Sholom 25th Barry & Carol Rae Zitnick Temple Beth Sholom 15th Drs. Tanya & David Schreibman Temple Emanu-El 5th Cantor Harold Orbach & Polly Siarto Orbach Temple Emanu-El 5th Andrew & Sasha Rosin Temple Beth Sholom

B’NAI MITZVAH Evelyn Rose Baldwin and Fay Margaret Baldwin, daughters of Eileen Rosenweig and Tim Baldwin, May 5, Kol HaNeshama Allison Cohen, daughter of Brad & Elisa, May 12, Temple Beth Sholom

Erica Lester, daughter of Daniel & Helen, May 19, Temple Beth Sholom Camryn Cohen, daughter of Sanford & Lauren, May 26, Temple Beth Sholom

IN MEMORIAM

Howard Finkelstein, 94, of Sarasota, March, 11 Edward Golden, 88, of Sarasota, Feb. 28 Leonard A. Goodman, 83, of Sarasota, formerly of Cherry Hill, NJ, March 6 Joan Amy Gurgold, 80 of Sarasota, March 7 Miriam Lederer Small Hart, 87, of Sarasota, March 24 Max Hearshen, 91, of Boca Raton, formerly of Sarasota, March 10 Doris Idelson (GiGi), 98, of Sarasota, March 17 Rosie Rae Markowitz, 97, of Sarasota, formerly of Brooklyn, NY, March 13 Norman Jules Menell, 80, of Sarasota, March 16 Arthur Milton Neufeld, of Fair Lawn, NJ, formerly of Paterson, NJ, Feb. 29 Charles S. Sandler, 79, of Longboat Key, March 11 Donald “Don” Schoenbaum, 86, of Sarasota, formerly of Minneapolis, MN, Feb. 24 Eleanor Schweitzer, 98, of Sarasota, formerly of Lawrence, NY, Feb. 29 Abraham Stein, 92, of Sarasota, formerly of Coral Gables, March 24 Richard Wolfe, 79, of Sarasota, formerly of New York, NY, and Aberdeen, NJ, March 12

F A Q

How do I get items in The Jewish News? E-mail your articles and photos to jewishnews@comcast.net. What are The Jewish News deadlines? Items are due the 25th of each month, or earlier if the 25th falls on a weekend or holiday. Where can I get a copy of The Jewish News? Papers are available at several local libraries, synagogues and offices throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. Can’t find it? Visit www.jfedsrq.org and let us know where you’d like to see the paper. How do I place an ad in The Jewish News? Contact Robin Leonardi, account executive, at rleonardi@jfedsrq.org or call 941.371.4546 x114.

May 2012

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Celebrating Jewish Life in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Israel and the World FEDERATION NEWS

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May 2012 - Iyar/Sivan 5772

Section B

Volume 42, Number 5

Jewish Happenings tuesDAY, May 1

wednesDAY, May 2

The Rebbe’s Tisch

“Lunch with the Rabbi”

Everyone is welcome to join this ongoing Tuesday morning Temple Beth Sholom class. From 8:45 - 9:45 a.m. at 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota, Rabbi Joel Mishkin conducts The Rebbe’s Tisch, focusing on “What the Psalmist Said.” Cost for each series of classes for nonmembers is $36. Please contact Temple Beth Sholom at 941.955.8121 for registration, which is required.

Are you looking for a good lunch date? Bring a brown-bag lunch (we’ll provide homemade dessert!) and join Rabbi Brenner Glickman’s popular monthly “Lunch with the Rabbi.” Bring a newspaper article or discussion topic, or just enjoy stimulating discussion and friendly socializing. Past topics have included current events in Israel, the Arab Spring, the treatment of women in Israel, the Messiah, Jewish views on abortion, Holocaust photography, and much more. The community is warmly welcome at noon at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, call the temple office at 941.371.2788.

“The trials and tribulations of women artists” The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism presents Goody Hirshfeld, well-known teacher, Ringling tour guide and artist, in a four-week series of classes on Tuesdays, May 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 1:30 p.m. The course will celebrate the remarkable women who continued to paint even though they were denied routine access to the basic training needed for professional artists. The course, which will take place at Unity, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota, is free and open to the community at no charge. Reservations are required. Call 941.929.7771 before April 27.

N’shei Chabad Women For its final event of the year, N’shei Chabad Women will host guest lecturer Rochel Holzkenner, who will speak about “The Kabbalah of Health and Healing: Emotional Healing Through Self-Actualization.” Rochel is a mother of two children and the co-director of Chabad of Las Olas, Florida. She is also a freelance writer and lectures on topics of Kabbalah and feminism and their application to everyday life. Cost, which also includes a dinner catered by Delicious Creations, is $18 for N’shei Members, $25 for nonmembers, and $50 to be an event sponsor and support N’shei Women’s efforts. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. For more information and to RSVP, call the Chabad office at 941.925.0770.

Interesting Lives Series presents Bernie Yablon The Idelson Library at Temple Beth Sholom will feature Bernie Yablon as its May Interesting Lives speaker. Bernie will talk about his experiences in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Serving on a merchant marine ship in the Pacific, Bernie was in one of six outfits responsible for keeping the planes flying. There is no cost to attend this program, which begins at 1:15 p.m. at 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Refreshments will be served. Please contact Judy Lebowich at 941.371.4686 or lebowich.judy@ comcast.net for further information.

“Unpacking Judaism” Discover the rich and mystical significance of awareness and consciousness within Judaism. Topics will include Non-Duality in Religion, Kabbalah, Wisdom of Hebrew Letters, Soul, Talmud, Prayer, Laws. This ongoing class meets on Wednesdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. and is free for Temple Sinai members; $18 per month for nonmembers. Email Reb Ari Shapiro at rapsz@comcast.net for information or to register.

Political Correspondent Gil Hoffman Gil Hoffman, chief political correspondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post, and well-connected to Israeli and Palestinian leaders, will speak at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Hoffman has interviewed every major figure across the Israeli political spectrum and has been featured by top media on six continents. An outstanding speaker who has been called “The most optimistic man in Israel” by Israel Television, Hoffman’s writing often provides a behind the scenes look at the intrigue and humor in the Israeli political arena. His topic will be “Peace, Politics and Plutonium: An insider’s look at the quest for security, democracy and peace in the Middle East.” Tickets are $15; a reception will follow the presentation. To reserve your seat, call Temple Beth Israel at 941.383.3428. Presented by Temple Beth Israel, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and the Sarasota-Manatee Rabbinical Association. This event is made possible through the generosity of Jules and Sheila Rose.

For a continuously updated calendar, visit www.jfedsrq.org.

The 2012 International Lion of Judah Conference New York City, September 10-12 at the Marriott Marquis

Join us in honoring Helen Glaser as a Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award recipient!

reGISTraTIoN: http://www.jewishfederations.org/ilojc.aspx For more information, contact Ilene Fox at 941.371.4546 ext. 110 or ifox@jfedsrq.org The Klingenstein Jewish Center

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May 2012

Advertise in The Jewish News and reach an established and powerful demographic of over 9,000 homes in Sarasota-Manatee. Call Robin Leonardi at 941.371.4546 x114.

RetiRe in Style Experience Independent Rental Living in Elegant Surroundings

JEWISH HAPPENINGS thursDAY, may 3 “LIVE” from NY’s 92nd St Y: Madeleine Albright In her new and most personal book, Prague Winter: A Personal Story of Remembrance and War, 1937-1948, Madeleine Albright (pictured) looks at her family’s experiences during this tumultuous time in history before, during and after World War II. In this conversation, hear Albright’s story along with her interviews with contemporaries and newly available documents about the enormously complex events that took place. The event begins at 8:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Free for TBI members; $5 for nonmembers. For more information, contact the TBI office at 941.383.3428.

friDAY, may 4 Rhythm and Jews Shabbat Family Service Temple Sinai (4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road off Proctor between Beneva and Swift Roads) invites you to a Rhythm and Jews Shabbat Family Service honoring the Religious School teachers and celebrating T.G.I.S. at 6:00 p.m. preceded by a Welcome Reception at 5:15. All are welcome. For more information, call 941.924.1802.

sunDAY, May 6 Temple Emanu-El Mitzvah Day Be a part of Temple Emanu-El’s Mitzvah Day! Donation drives and community service projects to benefit Sarasota-Manatee – and beyond. Wrap gifts for needy children, prepare lunch for the homeless, beautify the environment, care for homeless animals, visit nursing home residents, host a sports party for disadvantaged families, sort food at the food bank, make crafts for local charitable agencies, and much more. A very special day of tikkun olam, with participation open to the community. Free; immediate registration recommended. Mitzvah Day kicks off at noon at 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, contact Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman at 941.379.1997 or elaine-glickman@comcast.net.

Live the Good Life!

Spa for the Soul Chabad of Venice’s Women’s Circle presents Spa for the Soul – a pampering afternoon for Jewish women to nourish the body and soul. The program will include well-known violinist Laurie Vodnoy Wright (at left). The Keynote Speaker will be Rivka Slonim (at right), a Chassidic feminist, who will address “Is Yentl Fundamental” – exploring Women in Judaism. Refreshments and a delightful spa hour will be enjoyed by all! Cost: $36. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. at 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice. For more information, contact Rivka Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or rivka@chabadofvenice.com.

Upscale, active community Loving family atmosphere Fine Kosher dining, restaurant-style Utilities included Fitness center Swimming pool

Full Continuum oF Care Independent living Assisted living Skilled nursing care

mediCal ServiCeS onSite Anticoagulant clinic Audiology Dermatology Gerontology Podiatry Wellness center

The Russian Jewish Avant Garde The Yiddish Culture Center presents a slide show by Baila Miller on the 20th century Russian Jewish Avant Garde painters and sculptors who expressed their talents and passion despite poverty and limited opportunities. In Yiddish with translated commentary by Chaya Perera. The event begins at 2:00 p.m. at the Jewish Congregation of Venice, 600 N. Auburn Road. Cost: $3 for JCV members; $5 for nonmembers. Contact Baila Miller at 941.416.4362 or baila@bailamillerprograms.com for more information.

Come See ouR Community

Temple Beth El Bradenton presents “Movie & Dinner”

Independent Living, call ext. 112 Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Care, call ext. 212

Temple Sinai Annual Congregational Meeting & Dinner

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Join the TBE family at 4:00 p.m. for another wonderful afternoon being entertained by a wonderful movie and then enjoying dinner together. This month’s movie is Left Luggage. Cost is $7 per person and the event is open to the community. Temple Beth El is located at 4200 32nd Street West, on the campus of the Unity Church. For more information, please call the temple office Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to noon, at 941.755.4900.

Temple Sinai (4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road off Proctor between Beneva and Swift Roads) holds its Annual Congregational Meeting and Dinner honoring outgoing co-presidents Laurie Lachowitzer and Elana Margolis at 4:00 p.m. A buffet dinner will be served. $18 per person; no charge for children. RSVP by April 30 to Paula at 941.924.1802.

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thursDAY, May 10 Lag B’Omer family celebration Chabad of Sarasota will be hosting this annual event at 5:00 p.m. at the Siesta Key Beach Pavilion (near the playground). This social family celebration is for all age groups. Lag B’Omer is the 33rd day of the Omer that we count from Pesach to the upcoming Shavuot holiday. On Lag B’Omer we celebrate outdoors amid unity and brotherly love. The event will feature a BBQ dinner, Jewish drum circle, klezmer music, balloon sculpting and watermelon hunt. Cost per person is $5. RSVP at 941.925.0770.

Lag B’Omer Meron style 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton, FL | Suite 350

tuesDAY, May 8 Ladies Lunch & Learn Join Chanie Bukiet from noon - 1:00 p.m. at Chabad Jewish Center, 5712 Lorraine Road, Lakewood Ranch, for a Lunch & Learn. Feast on a delicious lunch and learn Tanya, psychology of the soul, based on the Kabbalah. No cost. Call 941.752.3030 for more information.

Tuesdays with Rabbi Harold Rabbi Harold Caminker of Temple Beth El Bradenton leads a monthly discussion group centered on various subjects, including Jewish holidays (preparing for and celebrating), Jewish current events, and newsworthy current events. The discussion begins at 2:00 p.m. and is free and open to the community. Temple members are encouraged to come and bring friends interested in a stimulating discussion. Temple Beth El is located at 4200 32nd Street West, on the campus of the Unity Church. For more information, please call the temple office Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to noon, at 941.755.4900.

wednesDAY, May 9 Kaplan Preschool appreciation breakfast Appreciation is an integral component at Chabad’s Kaplan Preschool, and this parent-teacher appreciation breakfast will highlight this notion. Parents will prepare a memorable gift for the teachers, and the staff will serve a special breakfast to school parents and families. This breakfast, which begins at 9:00 a.m. at Chabad of Sarasota (7700 Beneva Road), is also open to parents of prospective students. For more information and to RSVP, call the Chabad office at 941.925.0770.

NCJW Installation Luncheon Back by popular demand, the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe will entertain us up close. Installing Officer Geet Jacobson will discharge the current Board of the Sarasota-Manatee Section of the National Council of Jewish Women, and install the new Board of Directors for 2012-13. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. at Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club, Central Sarasota Parkway, Palmer Ranch. Cost: $25. Call Rona Polikoff for reservations by May 2 at 941.921.1964.

Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood’s 2nd Annual Interfaith Tea All are welcome to this afternoon of learning, celebrating, and building bridges. Female religious leaders and laypeople from various faiths – including Judaism, Presbyterianism, Quakerism, Islam, Buddhism, and Catholicism – will discuss the teachings, symbols and meaning of their religions. The similar qualities – and the unique aspects – of each belief system will be explored; and a question-and-answer session will follow. People of different faiths will be encouraged to sit together, and tea and sweets will be served. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. at 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost is $5; reservations are strongly encouraged. Call Dorothy Quint at 941.359.9417.

Museum Night: Spring 2012 Temple Beth Sholom Schools will transform into a museum, complete with student docents. These young docents, K-8, will eagerly explain the exhibits which they have been researching and building for the past few months. The exhibit focuses on the Social Studies curriculum and integrates it with the arts and music for an exciting, in-depth look at the world around us. This free event runs from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. For more information, contact Heather Miller at 941.552.2770 or hmiller@tbsschools.org.

Join Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch at 6:00 p.m. at the new Chabad (5712 Lorraine Road) for an unforgettable Lag B’Omer bash. This year will boast an 8-foot bonfire with music for a taste of Meron in Lakewood Ranch. There will be traditional kosher foods for sale and activities for the young and young at heart. For more information, call Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030.

Lag B’Omer BBQ Sponsored by

Celebrate Lag B’Omer on the beach with delicious food, an exciting drum circle, great entertainment and a beautiful sunset! Special program for children as well. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Venice Beach Pavilion (near Sharky’s). No cost; food will be available for sale. For more information, contact Rabbi Sholom Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or info@chabadofvenice.com.

TBI Men’s Club Movie Night: For My Father A Palestinian terrorist and an Israeli outcast lock fates in this wartime romance about people more at odds with their own cultures than with each other’s. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Free for TBI members; $3 for nonmembers. For more information, contact the TBI office at 941.383.3428.

Robert Pinsky U.S. Poet Laureate 1997 – 2000

Book Signing of Selected Poems and An Invitation to Poetry Saturday May 12th 10 – 11 am Bookstore1Sarasota

1359 Main Street Downtown Sarasota Books for signing must be purchased at Bookstore1Sarasota Proof of purchase required at signing More information at www.bookstore1sarasota.com 941-365-7900 Pre-order Robert Pinsky’s books by phone or in person

Robert Pinsky will present his signature Favorite Poem reading 2:00 pm Friday May 11th at Florida Studio Theatre Tickets at www.floridastudiotheatre.org or call the box office at 941-366-9000 Ticket price includes a copy of Pinsky’s newest collection, Selected Poems.

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

May 2012 saturDAY, may 12 Golf Ball Drop BBQ Bash

Temple Sinai invites you to a Golf Ball Drop BBQ Bash at Evie’s Family Golf Center, 4735 Bee Ridge Road, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Golf balls with raffle numbers on them will be dropped from a large crane and the closest to the bulls-eye will win: $1,500 grand prize; $500 2nd prize; $250 for 3rd. Golf Ball Drop tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25 and may be purchased at www.templesinai-sarasota.org. Reservations are to be made on the website. Cost for the evening is $9; $4.50 for children under 5. Included are a complete BBQ dinner, mini golf, driving range, corn hole, waffle ball, face painting, bounce house, sand box and much more! Plus Havdalah service, a song session and SAFETY Board installations. Proceeds benefit youth and education programs at Temple Sinai. For more information, call 941.924.1802.

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Household Management Special Projects of All Types

sunDAY, May 13 tuesDAY, May 15

Mother’s Day and Pre-Shavuot “Cheesecake Factory” Celebration Join the Chabad Hebrew School at 11:00 a.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center (5712 Lorraine Road, Lakewood Ranch) for this special celebration. Admission is $5 and free to CHS students and their families. Sponsor this event for $180. For more information, call Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030.

Falafel with Yoav Enjoy a terrific kosher falafel lunch prepared by Yoav Cohen from noon - 1:00 p.m. at Chabad Jewish Center, 5712 Lorraine Road, Lakewood Ranch. Cost is $4 a falafel. Call 941.752.3030 for more information.

140 kosher characters

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The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva presents Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva Summer Studies Fridays 9:30‐11:00am ‐ May 18 to July 27, 2012 A 10‐week course on the Jewish Federation Campus

Jewish humor not only serves as a mood changer, ends feelings of blueness and makes us feel good, but it also can serve as a focal point of Jewish learning, a “teachable moment.” Humor analysis is a creative and innovative new approach to Jewish understanding. • • • •

What are the main ideas derived from any given piece of humor? What are the innuendos and why do we chuckle? What inspiration can we derive from the moment? What deeper meaning can we convey to ourselves from humor analyses?

(No textbooks are required; the source material is included.) Students are asked to bring a three‐ring binder to hold distributed class materials. The course will cover such diverse Jewish issues and subjects as: philanthropy; the mitzvah of hospitality; prayer; the art of listening; Jewish ethics; sexuality; Jewish cuisine; customs and ceremonies. This approach to teaching about Judaism is intended to be a way for adults to literally have fun while enjoying a renewed exposure to Jewish tradition and culture. This is a text‐based course. Marden Paru, Instructor Fee: $50 (includes materials) payable to the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva Mail to: 2729 Goodwood Court, Sarasota, FL 34235 For more information, email marden.paru@gmail.com or call 941‐379‐5655. The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva is an independent, trans-denominational, adult Torah study group. Everyone is welcome regardless of study background.

This program is sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

ORT presents Books Alive! Books Alive! has performed throughout Sarasota County for over a decade, spreading the word about the good deeds of The Literacy Council of Sarasota. Books Alive! will team with experienced volunteers and actors from The Players Theater to offer a cast of professional talent as they bring books alive. Classic and original excerpts from plays, poems and vignettes will be performed for the delight of the ORT audience and their guests. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. on the Jewish Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. $5 per person. For more information, please contact Kim Sheintal at 941.921.1433 or klapshein@aol.com.

Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser The Gulf Coast Region of ORT America is hosting a Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser at Michael’s On East (1212 East Avenue, Sarasota) from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. There is no cover charge for the event. Guests pay for their own drinks and food in the lounge; all tips are donated to ORT America. Attendees are encouraged to tip generously, perhaps $18 per person. For more information, call Andrew Polin at 541.501.2090. Although RSVPs are not required, you can send an RSVP to Polin at apolin@ortamerica. org. ORT America’s Celebrity Bartenders and Hosts include Jer O’Connor, Keren Lifrak, Aaron Weintraub, Lauren Rudd, Ashley Haber, Mical Johnson, Elena Haas, Pamela Gordon, Barbara Berliner, Adam Portnow, Valerie Vance, Susan Viteri, Michael Golden, Alice Cotman, Lisa Kleinberg, Meredith Nierenberg, Rolando Garcci Zendejas and David Simson.

“LIVE” from NY’s 92nd St Y: Persian Jews in America The Jews of Persia trace their roots to the Babylonian exile of the 6th century BCE. Now, approximately 70,000 Iranian Jews live in the U.S., primarily in large enclaves in Los Angeles and Great Neck, New York, immigrating in the aftermath of the Iranian Revolution of 1979. How does an ancient community face this geographic and cultural transition while preserving its core identity? Hear a panel of community leaders from both coasts address this unique chapter in Jewish immigration to the U.S. With Morgan Hakimi and Saba Soomekh on a DVD of a “LIVE” presentation on March 4. The event begins at 8:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Free for TBI members; $5 for nonmembers. For more information, contact the TBI office at 941.383.3428.

friDAY, May 18 Dr. Alan Grindal presents “Moral Instincts” The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism invites you to hear Dr. Alan Grindal. Dr. Grindal has been chosen by his peers to be among the Best Doctors in America and he presently serves as a neurological consultant to the Memory Disorder Clinic at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and as a Clinical Assistant Professor at FSU. He leads courses on the brain at the Lifelong Learning Academy and Pierian Spring Academy. His presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Unity, 3023 Proctor Rd., Sarasota. Open to the public; no charge. For more information, visit www.chj-sarasota.org or call 941.929.7771.

Friday Night Live Teens (13-18) are invited to Rabbi Mendy & Chanie Bukiet’s home at 7:45 p.m. for a delicious Shabbat meal in a lively atmosphere. There is no charge. Sponsorships are available for $180. RSVP by May 14. Call Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030.

JEWISH HAPPENINGS 5B May 2012 saturDAY, May 19

May 2012

tuesDAY, may 22

“Blessing of the Animals”

Match & Marry

Bring your pet and celebrate the gift of animal companionship at Temple Emanu-El’s “Blessing of the Animals.” Enjoy the chance to meet other pet lovers in the Jewish community; a brief and inspirational message from Rabbi Brenner J. Glickman about the importance of kindness to animals in Jewish tradition, and the special love we share with our pets; and the opportunity to have pets individually blessed by Rabbi Glickman and a family pet portrait taken. This free event begins at 10:00 a.m. at 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Contact Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman at 941.379.1997 or elaine-glickman@comcast.net for more information.

View the fascinating documentary Match & Marry, which depicts traditional Jewish trends in dating and marriage. The presentation is hosted by Abby Chasky, and a question-and-answer session with Chanie Bukiet will follow. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center, 5712 Lorraine Road, Lakewood Ranch. $5 for Jewish Women’s Circle members; $10 for nonmembers. For more information, call 941.752.3030.

friDAY, May 25

Tribute Dinner honoring Dan Carter

SUNDAY, May 20 Jewish War Veterans pre-Memorial Day event Sarasota Post 172, Jewish War Veterans will be placing U.S. flags on the graves of Jewish veterans in Sarasota and Venice prior to Memorial Day. In Sarasota, meet at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Beth Sholom Cemetery on Circus Road. For the Venice schedule, please call Herb Baskind at 941.497.0760. For more information, contact Stuart Krupkin, Commander, at 941.342.3413.

Delta Jews of Mississippi film and discussion The Jewish Genealogical Society of Southwest Florida invites you to hear Rabbi Allan Schwartzman, who will discuss the Jews who came to the Deep South. The presentation follows the showing of Delta Jews of Mississippi, a film that has been aired on public television. Rabbi Schwartzman lived in Mississippi from1960 until 1989 and served as rabbi in both Greenville and Vicksburg, Mississippi. The event begins at 1:00 p.m. at Kobernick House,1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. Attendance is free. Everyone is welcome. For more information about this and future JGS of SWFL programs, please contact Kim Sheintal at 941.921.1433 or visit http://jgsswf.org/.

Physician pens first novel at 81, spotlighting two diseases that affected his family in real life LOVE IS TWO PEOPLE TALKING A novel by Charles H. Banov, M.D.

A salty old widowed Jewish pawnbroker learns that he has Parkinson’s disease and reluctantly has to move in with his son’s family. Sam’s granddaughter has Rett Syndrome, a disability, and does not speak. He soon connects with her, learns about himself, and the importance of communication, sometimes without words. Acceptance and love come to him in his struggle to adjust to his illness and his good but different life.

Available at www.eveningpostbooks.com and Amazon.com About the author:

Charles H. Banov, MD, an active 81-year-old physician from Charleston, South Carolina, has authored his first novel, just published by the Evening Post Publishing Company. The semi-autobiographical novel, Love is Two People Talking, draws upon the experience of living with Parkinson’s disease as well as raising a daughter with Rett Syndrome, a genetic condition associated with severe mental and physical disabilities affecting girls.

www.charlesbanov.com

Ice Cream Social It’s May and that means it’s time for Congregation Ner Tamid’s annual Shavuot dairy treat and this year it’s the Ice Cream Social. Free and open to the public, the event begins at 7:00 p.m. at The Lodge, 4802 B 26th St. W., Bradenton. For more information and to reserve your yummy cone, call Elaine at 941.755.1231.

Oneg Shabbat sponsored by NCJW Shari Eshet, Director of NCJW’s Israel Office in Jerusalem, will be the guest speaker at Friday night services at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Sinai, Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota. Shari oversees NCJW’s funding and advocacy efforts in Israel and is active on NCJW’s behalf in international coalitions on issues of concern to NCJW. She also administers NCJW’s Israel granting program, which funds gender equality programs and leadership and empowerment programs for women and girls. She is a native of Miami Beach and has lived in Israel for over 30 years. No cost. Call Jan Segal at 941.342.1855 for more information about this event or other NCJW programs and volunteer opportunities.

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Wine & Cheese TasTing

Temple Emanu-El is delighted to honor Jewish community leader Dan Carter (pictured with wife Lisa) at this gala tribute dinner. As First Vice President and Philanthropy Chair at Temple EmanuEl, a board member of Big BrothersBig Sisters, and a generous donor and volunteer for Jewish causes, Dan will be feted with an elegant dinner, affectionate testimonials and lively entertainment. Dan’s friends, colleagues and admirers are warmly invited to attend this special evening or share congratulations in the beautiful tribute journal. The event kicks off at 6:00 p.m. at Bird Key Yacht Club, 301 Bird Key Drive, Sarasota. Various levels of tickets are available; for more information and reservations, please contact Dr. Elliott Sauertieg at 941.349.5260.

For those who appreciate the finer things in life. If you enjoy fine wine and creative cuisine, then Waterside Retirement Estates is hosting a special event you won’t want to miss! Join us on May 17 for a Wine Tasting and Pairing reception featuring popular varietals and the fine fare that goes best with them. Time for Wine will be here with some wines you have to sample!

Thursday, May 17 • 2:30 – 4 p.m. Wine, cheese & light hors d’oeuvres

Reservations: Call (888) 590-6979

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Independent Living Personalized Assisted Living 4540 Bee Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34233 www.brookdaleliving.com Assisted Living Facility # AL5851 ® Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office 20103-FSI01-0512 SW

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

May 2012

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Get a second opinion on your Wealth Call us for a no cost, no obligation financial review.

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Campaign to Elect Jennifer Cohen Sarasota Board of County Commissioners, District 3 1181 S. Sumter Blvd. # 111 North Port, FL 34287

Ronald D. Ellin, JD, MBA, Independent Wealth Manager

941-525-4910

email: ron@ronellin.com • website: www.ronellin.com

Securities offered through LPL Financial Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Independent Financial Partners (IFP), a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

Phone: 941.467.2549

saturDAY, May 26

Email: cohen4commissioner@yahoo.com Sarasota County Commissioner - District 3 Paid for and approved by the campaign to elect Jennifer Cohen, Democrat, Sarasota County Commissioner, District 3

Preparing to receive the Torah Join Kol HaNeshama, Sarasota’s Reconstructionist Congregation, in trying to stay awake to show we are ready to receive the Torah. All are welcome to come and study together at a Tikkun Leil Shavuot all night, or at least until midnight. Led by Jennifer Singer, the event begins at ma’ariv at 3145 Southgate Circle (right turn off Tuttle Circle between Bee Ridge and Webber). Free, but please let us know you will be coming by calling 941.244.2042 or emailing office@congkh.org.

Temple Emanu-El’s Third Annual Tikkun Leil Shavuot

www.helleriai.org • Get the facts about Israel • Learn how to respond to anti-Semitism • Contact local government and media

“Fighting antiSemitism and the movement to delegitimize Israel.”

The Klingenstein Jewish Center

580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota FL 34232

941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

Unbelievable menu for an unbelievable value!

Whatever your taste...we have you covered! north trail

main street

5050 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota 1/4 mile South of Airport 34234 (941) 355-7700

1526 Main Street Downtown Sarasota 34236 (941) 365-6800

According to Jewish tradition, God gave us the Torah on the holiday of Shavuot. Since the 16th century, it has been customary to observe the holiday with a Tikkun Leil Shavuot – a special night of Jewish study. Participate in this tradition with a fascinating, inspiring evening at Temple Emanu-El. Rabbis Brenner and Elaine Glickman will hold interactive study sessions. In between the sessions, we’ll enjoy homemade kugel, ricotta cookies and dairy desserts. All are welcome! Free to temple members; $10 for guests in advance or $18 at the door. The event takes place from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information and reservations, call Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman at 941.379.1997.

Tikkun Leil Shavuot Temple Sinai (4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road off Proctor between Beneva and Swift Roads) invites you to a Tikkun Leil Shavuot, dessert and film beginning at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 941.924.1802.

sunDAY, May 27 “Mystery Boat Trip” Join Temple Beth El Bradenton’s Social Activities committee to see what they have up their sleeves. The committee is keeping the secret but promises that everyone will have a wonderful time. It will be fun in the sun, or maybe sundown or maybe ??? Call the temple office Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to noon, at 941.755.4900, for more information on this exciting adventure.

Shavuot dairy dinner Join us at 5:00 p.m. for the reading of the Ten Commandments from the Torah, followed by a light dairy dinner including cheese bourekas, Greek salad, strawberry salad, flat breads, a variety of cheese cakes, coffee and tea. This event, which takes place at Chabad of Sarasota (7700 Beneva Road), is open to the community free of charge. Reservations are necessary at 941.925.0770.

We have over 150 Fresh Reasons to Enjoy Barnacle Bill’sOUR MENU! Enjoy our upscale ambiance without the upscale prices. Extensive menu selections matched only by our exceptional wines. Wine Spectator’s “Award of Exccellence” winner featuring over 35 wines by the glass. Seasonal dinner for two!*

Three course dinner includes Salad, Entree (with over 50 to choose from), shared Dessert and Select Bottle of Wine.

Rollback Prices!

Our early Dining Menu with 2 courses for $11.95 from 4 to 5:30 pm served daily. New! Prime Rib on Fridays & Saturdays

All you can eat Fish Fry on Fridays!

Happy Hour

11:30 AM - 6 PM Daily Over 125 craft beers at both locations!

This Shavuot, make your sundae on Sunday! Enjoy a Shavuot ice cream party and light dairy buffet. Bring the whole family to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments. There is no cost for this event, which begins at 6:00 p.m. at Chabad of Venice, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail. For more information, contact Rabbi Sholom Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or info@ chabadofvenice.com.

(north trail only)

thursdAY, may 31 *prices subject to change

*main street only

FREE Validated Valet Parking 4 to 11 PM*

Shavuot ice cream party & Hebrew School graduation

Enjoy our full bar with drink specials all day! A fun place to relax and enjoy a cocktail or great meal!

w w w. b a r n a c l e b i l l s s e a f o o d . c o m

Rosh Chodesh Society N’shei Chabad Women’s Rosh Chodesh Society will meet at 11:00 a.m. at Chabad of Sarasota (7700 Beneva Road) for a Torah class, lunch and challah making. This month’s class is entitled “Dreams Come True.” Culling from mystical sources and Jewish practice, we will depict the Messianic era as a feminine world of ultimate perfection. The Rosh Chodesh Society is partially underwritten by Chabad’s First Lady, Anne Stein. Cost is $18. Advance reservations are necessary at 941.925.0770.

RECENT EVENTS 7B May 2012

May 2012

Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz, Arthur Fox, Sheila Fox and Sara Steinmetz at Chabad of Sarasota’s 17th Annual Gala honoring modern-day matriarchs and patriarchs

Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz, Morris Weinstein, Sara Steinmetz and Pacy Weinstein at the Annual Gala

Congregation Ner Tamid founding members Marvin & Marcia Shepard and Jerry & Shirley Solomon are all smiles at a kiddush held in their honor

Rabbi Sholom Schmerling with Stephen and Abbie Davis at Chabad of Venice’s “Chai Society Club” cocktail event

SaraMana ORT members Lynn Sacks, Betty Schoenbaum, Norman Marshak, Natalie Abrams and Sandy Livon at the Asolo performance of Yentl

Hebrew School student Mackenzie Grace cuts the ribbon at Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch’s Grand Ribbon Cutting and Open House Ceremony of the new Chabad House At the SaraMana ORT semi-annual used book sale: Lynn Sacks, Sandy Livon, Estelle Chakrin, co-chair Lucy Bricker, co-chair Gail Edelman, Rainey Davis, Diane Block

Judi Cox and daughter Tatum rocked in their duet Can’t Buy Me Love at the Jewish Congregation of Venice’s Cabaret Night

Jill Collins (far left) gave several members of the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism a tour of All Faiths Food Bank. The Congregation has raised almost $6,000 for North Port’s Lemarque school children.

Event chairs Randy and Susan Mallitz at the 8th Annual JFCS Celebrity Chefs & Wine Tasting, which set a new record with 640 attendees

Dr. Rachel Dulin, the effusive, enchanting and erudite biblical scholar-in-residence at Congregation Kol HaNeshama

Rabbi Brenner Glickman greeted Helene Rosenberg at Temple Emanu-El’s “Geography Shabbat Dinner.” Diners enjoyed sitting with people who came from the same cities “up north.”

Part of the group of 80 people who enjoyed the annual Temple Beth Sholom Men’s Club outing to Ed Smith Stadium

RECENT EVENTS

May 2012

Shaina Davidovich and Hannah Glazer enjoy drawing Passover cartoons at the Weinstein Religious School Passover celebration

The Schmerling family dressed up for Purim in Mexico

GulfsidePalm ORT models at the annual fashion show luncheon: Dana Corn, Alice Cotman, Linda Weiss, Rona Polakoff, Sandy Leshman, Valerie Vance, Sherry Linhart

“Judge” Earl Gordon at Temple Beth Israel’s Purimshpiel, “The Trial of Haman,” written, produced and directed by Judy Goldstein

Temple Sinai celebrated Purim on two fronts: At the Sunday Carnival, Jada Gorn (at left) enjoyed her pony ride; the reading of the Megillah was followed by “The Muppets Take Purim,” performed by the eighth-grade students

Members of the Sarasota Jewish Chorale performed at a Women of Sinai Luncheon

Some of the Kol HaNeshama Purim entertainers: Iris Nahemow, Outgoing President Kayla Niles, Paul Gherson, Marilyn Ashkin, John Niles, Leona Brochin

Kobernick Anchin residents boogied the night away at a Senior Senior Prom. Pictured: Queen Leonore Hoffman, Kobernick’s Chief Operating Officer Darlene Arbeit, Prom King Simon Dorfman

Barbara Schur, Jackie Simmons and Mark Walzer at the Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch Purim in Paris celebration

Rabbi Barbara Aiello and residents at Kobernick Anchin celebrated the Jews of the Old West during Purim festivities. Pictured: Activities Director Joy Potter holds the mike for resident Ruth Sivin.

JFCS volunteers Arnold Elliott and Amanda Cattaneo with an eight-grade student in masks made by students of the Goldie Feldman Academy at the JFCS SOS Program Purim celebration

Hunter McDowall, Allison Kramer, Rachel Silverman, Josh Silverman and Jesse Clark were among the stars of Temple Emanu-El Religious School’s fantastic “Purim Pandemonium” shpiel

Zed Kesner (and Lady), Betty Klein, Sandy Clark and Kate Richmond at Temple Beth El Bradenton’s Purim celebration