The Jewish News - May 2013 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 2013 - Iyar/Sivan 5773 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 10A Community Focus 17A Jewish Interest 21A Commentary 23A Focus on Youth 27A Life Cycle 1B Jewish Happenings 9B Israel & the Jewish World

3A Women’s Passover Celebration inspires 300+ attendees

13A Sarasota Memorial Hospital and KobernickAnchin Health Fair

14A

Volume 43, Number 5

Federation raises over $55,000 in “The 36-Hour Giving Challenge”

By Jessi Sheslow

n March, The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee participated in an exciting community-wide event sponsored by The Community Foundation of Sarasota County called “The 36-Hour Giving Challenge.” The Patterson Foundation was the presenting partner. Sponsors included Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Manatee Community Foundation, Charlotte County Community Foundation and the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, and the premier media partner was the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. From 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5 through 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 300 non-profit organizations from all over Sarasota County raced against the clock to get as many donations as possible registered onto The Giving Partner Challenge website. The exciting part about this crazy marathon of giving was that there was over $400,000 in 1:1 matching funds and over $200,000 in incentive grants! The Jewish Federation had incredible support from our community donors, and because of your help it stayed in the Top 7 out of 300 on the leader

board for the entire 36 hours! We had an aggressive social media campaign as well as a stellar committee who helped us get the word out by phone and email. In a single 36-hour period your Jewish Federation raised over $42,520, and received $1,250 in incentive grants and $11,536 in matching funds. The total amount raised (by you!) was $55,306! For us at The Jewish Federation, it was like a giant community hug. It tells us that you are out there, that you care about our mission to save Jewish lives and enhance Jewish life in SarasotaManatee, Israel and around the world. We cannot tell you how exciting and empowering it feels to have people who are willing to be there and support our community. We thank all who made donations and all who “shared” our messages on Facebook. Together we do extraordinary things! If you would like to make a gift to our annual campaign or speak about your donation options, please contact Sarah Wertheimer, Director of Development, at swertheimer@jfedsrq.org or 941.552.6308.

Embracing diversity

Sponsored by

32-year-old Israeli native Liat Waks wins “Best of Show” in 2013 “Embracing Our Differences” exhibit By Su Byron

Jeffrey Weber installed as Hazzan at Temple Beth Sholom

25A Focus on the area’s youth

A publication of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Klingenstein Jewish Center, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 Annual voluntary subscription: $25

iat Waks lives with her husband and two-yearold twin daughters in Petach Tikva, a small town south of Tel Aviv. But, in April, the family had good reason to visit our neck of the woods. Waks recently won “Best in Show” in the 2013 “Embracing Our Differences,” an annual outdoor art exhibit of billboard-sized images created by people from around the world reflecting their interpretation of the message, “enriching lives through diversity.” Embracing diversity is not a foreign concept to Waks. An Israeli native, the 32-year-old sees Israel itself as a patchwork of differences. And that’s exactly why she loves it. “I live in a small country with lots of diversity,” she says. “People from around the world live here – and they bring their food, language, culture and traditions.” Waks compares this cross-cultural fertilization to a spicy gumbo. “One dish made from many ingredients is, at the least, interesting,” she Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA FL PERMIT 167

Liat Waks with her award-winning artwork (photo: Patricia Horwell)

says. “Sometimes it boils over or spills, but if you get the balance right there’s nothing like it.” Food was on this artist’s mind when she created

continued on page 2A

FEDERATION NEWS

May 2013

Embracing diversity...continued from page 1A

Program/event ads featured in this issue Charitable Gift Annuities............12A Israel Advocacy Initiative.............4B Israel@65.....................................7B Itzhak Perlman Concert................9B Masa Israel Travel Scholarship...25A Miri Ben-Ari.................................2A

Planned Giving & Endowments...3B Rachel Dulin Holiday Series.........8B Seniors Programs..........................4A Shalom Baby...............................26A The PJ Library............................26A Young Adult Happy Hour.............1B

the winning image for this year’s “Embracing Our Differences” exhibit. Her piece, “Differences Work, Just Ask a Fork,” depicts a bowl of soup flanked by forks – and one helpful spoon. The message is witty and obvious. If we had only forks in our silverware drawers, we wouldn’t be able to eat soup. If human beings were all identical, we’d be equally frustrated. “I wanted to show that being the same would make us limited,” she says. “The power of differences creates unlimited possibility. It’s priceless.” Waks adds that, for her, being included in this exhibit was equally priceless. “I am always looking for new art opportunities to take part in. On one of my searches, I found out about Embracing Our Differences and it sounded like an amazing project. I was deeply honored when my work was selected as one of the winners.” Nancy Roucher, a member of Embracing Our Differences’ steering committee and one of the jurors for this exhibit, says that the judges were delighted with Waks’ creation. “This piece is fun and appealing – and gets its

message across in a bold and positive manner. We loved the wit and humor behind it.” Waks describes her quick trip to Sarasota “thrilling,” and says the diverse new people she met on her visit proves the point she was trying to make with her art. “Everyone wants to be one of a kind,” she says. “The truth is, we are! And that’s the strength of humanity. Even my identical twin girls are not really the same. They may look alike, but they’re each unique. I tell them, ‘If you work together, we can make a better family. If we all work together, we can make a better world.’” This year’s “Embracing Our Differences” exhibit is on display March 31 - June 2 in Sarasota’s Island Park, and May 1 - June 2 at North Port High School. For more information about Embracing Our Differences, please call 941.313.2311 or visit www.embracing ourdifferences.org. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is proud to be an Exhibit Sponsor of the “Embracing Our Differences” exhibit.

Legacy Society reception By Sarah Wertheimer

T revolutions wHEn: Sat., May 11, 2013 at 7:30 pm wHErE: Sarasota Opera House

Grammy award-winninG violinist

Miri Ben-Ari

61 North Pineapple Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236

tiCKEts: $31+ SarasotaOrchestra.org (941) 953-3434

Grammy award-winning violinist Miri Ben-Ari (from Israel) will perform with the Sarasota Orchestra. miri created her own unique sound by a fusion of classical style with jazz, r&B and hip hop. she is widely recognized as a musical pioneer.

hanks to the wonderful hos- of pride in her people. The Legacy Society includes Bepitality of Lois Stulberg, our Legacy Society members en- quests, PACE/LOJE Funds, Scholarship joyed a relaxing “thank you” reception Funds and Restricted Funds. Please conon Wednesday, March 13 on Longboat tact Sarah Wertheimer at 941.552.6308 Key. if you have made a bequest in your will, The Beatrice Friedman Legacy insurance policy or retirement fund, or Society was created to recognize and if you would like more information thank those who have made the most about the Legacy Society. personal and thoughtful gift of all: a commitment to the Federation through a will, trust agreement, prepaid life insurance policy or other estate plan vehicle. These individuals have set the stage for the future of our Jewish people in Sarasota-Manatee, in Israel and around the world. Federation Executive Director Howard Tevlowitz March of the Living with Legacy Society members Irene Ross and Bill Berman and Young Ambassador participant Jessica Zimmerman spoke about how the Federation supporters have impacted her life and her Judaism. After the life-changing opportunities these donors have provided for her, she not only feels more connected to her Jewish roots, she Bill & Lois Cohodas with Bruce & Naomi Wertheimer also feels a greater sense

PART of THE yEAR-loNg ISRAEl@65 CElEbRATIoN. VISIT TheJewishFederaTion.org PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: the Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 mcintosh rd., sarasota Fl 34232 941.371.4546

TheJewishFederation.org Hostess Lois Stulberg with Helen Glaser, Barbara Ackerman, Edie Chaifetz and Len Glaser

FEDERATION NEWS 3A May 2013

May 2013

Women’s Passover Celebration inspires 300+ attendees By Ilene Fox

ore than 300 mothers, daughters, sisters and friends attended the Women’s Passover Celebration on Wednesday, March 6 at Michael’s On East. The program was led by singer-songwriter Julie Silver, who was accompanied by pianist Carole Rivel. Rachel Saltzberg and Cynthia Wright co-chaired the event. “It was heartwarming to look at a room filled with so many strong Jewish women from all areas of our Jewish community

gathered together to sing, dance and celebrate the Passover holiday and its beautiful traditions. I was so proud and honored to be part of this event and our Jewish Federation,” said Rachel. Participating on the committee with Rachel and Cynthia were Karen Bernstein, Bonnie Chisling, Debbie Dannheisser, Claudia Dombrow, Stacey Edelman, Helen Glaser, Julie Green, Ruth Klein, Linda Lipson, Susi Parelman, Laura Recoon, Nadia Ritter, Brenda Sax, Kim Sheintal, Bunny Skirboll, Esta Snider, Helen Spindler, Arlene Stolnitz, Adrea Sukin and Hannah Weinberg. The Women’s Passover Celebration was sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Nashim L’Tova (Women for Good), which is co-chaired by Ros Mazur and Irene Ross. The four cups of wine were dedicated to women who have Artist Debbie Dannheisser and Dawn Epstein played significant roles in our Jewish heritage. Helen Glaser dedicated the first cup of wine to singer-songwriter Debbie Friedman; Ros Mazur dedicated the second cup to poet Emma Lazarus; Stacey Edelman dedicated the third cup to the first ordained female rabbi, Rabbi Sally Priesand; and Irene Ross dedicated the fourth cup to the prophetess Miriam. Nelle Miller described the Mitzvah project: a donation was made to purchase clothing Susan and Michelle Mallitz for children residing at the Ben Shemen Youth Village in Israel in honor of women attending the event. Ben Shemen is a home for children who are not able to live in a natural family setting. A highlight of the evening was the live auction of “Miriam’s Song,” an original painting by Sarasota artist Debbie Dannheisser, which was feaBetty Schoenbaum and Nelle Miller tured on the invitation. Debbie

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generously donated the painting, and $5,000 was raised for the benefit of Federation women’s programming. The artwork also appeared on the tambourines used during the evening and given as a gift to each guest. Attendees also participated in a Co-chairs Cynthia Wright and Rachel Saltzberg “Chinese” chance drawing celebrate a Jewish holiday!” with a wide variety of prizes. For more information about Nashim Cynthia shared the sentiment of women who joined her at the event. L’Tova, please contact Ilene Fox at “I was thrilled with the extraordinary 941.343.2111 or ifox@jfedsrq.org. Women’s Passover Celebration. The service was so warm and joyful! The food was delicious and most importantly, the spirit and ruach that we all shared...singing and dancing around the room was just AWESOME! I feel so blessed to be a part of this unique and special community that can sponsor and support such an outstanding event. I am Irene Ross, Nancy Swart, Bunny Skirboll thankful that 300 women Top right photo by Rachel S. O’Hara, The Observer; can gather in freedom to all others by Cliff Roles

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FEDERATION NEWS

May 2013

Federation seeks volunteers for literacy project By Linda Lipson

License # 274871

References Available

The Jewish Federationof Sarasota-Manatee

Supports Seniors In Our Commumity Helping The Homebound Elderly

Last year, in partnership with Jewish Family & Children’s Service, (JFCS), nearly 2,000 home visits were made to our most vulnerable neighbors, providing a host of critically needed high-quality services.

The Dress Up For Yontif Program

Through partnerships with JFCS and the Jewish Housing Council, area seniors, including the Russian Jewish population, receive a holiday service, a meal and a gift from the Federation during the High Holidays and Passover.

The Jewish Healing Program

Our Federation supports the Jewish Healing Program through the funding of four staff positions at JFCS. These staff members provide the following services to our Jewish seniors: Bikkur Cholim: Trained volunteers offer support in the Jewish tradition of visiting the ill, providing companionship to alleviate isolation and loneliness. Bereavement Services: Support groups, oneto-one bereavement counseling and home visits offering healing and hope to men and women coping with the loss of a loved one. Religious Services: Including Shabbat, High Holy Day and Festival Services celebrated in 20 nursing homes and assisted living facilities, providing 2,021 Jewish contacts during monthly Shabbat, and annual High Holy Day, Hanukkah and Passover celebrations. Holocaust Survivor Support and Assistance: Case managers provide assistance to survivors in identifying challenges and connecting to needed financial resources.

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota FL 34232 941.371.4546 • TheJewishFederation.org

hat if you couldn’t read road signs? What if you couldn’t read the labels on your prescriptions or the names on cans in the grocery store? What if you couldn’t read the directions to a hospital or job application instructions? What if you couldn’t even help your child with his or her homework? Life can be so much more difficult without literacy skills; the challenges can be insurmountable. Reading and writing are large parts of everyday survival, yet many people in our country, in our state and in our county cannot read or write and are having a difficult time with dayto-day life. Others are learning English for the first time, a necessity to survive in their new life. Illiteracy affects our entire society. According to Proliteracy data, adult literacy can be connected to every socioeconomic issue in the U.S. In the 1980s, the U.S. was ranked 17th in literacy in the world. Now, we are ranked 27th of the 205 countries represented in the report. The number of illiterate adults in our country is increasing. This is a major problem that affects our society and the lives of our children and grandchildren. These are some of the many reasons that The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee has decided to partner with two literacy groups as a pilot program in our continuous effort to expand our involvement in the greater community. The groups are the Literacy Council of Sarasota and Project Light Literacy Center in Bradenton. They are different in their areas of emphasis, but both have the same basic philosophy of creating a literate society.

The Literacy Council teaches its “learners through one-on-one reading, writing, speaking and comprehension skills” as stated on its website. The Council covers adult and family literacy, basic literacy education, workplace literacy education, financial literacy, and has a Jail Literacy Program, GED workshop and more. Project Light teaches literacy enhancement through reading and writing to mostly ESL (English as a Second Language) students. The program was established in “response to the unique educational needs of the immigrants and other economically disadvantaged adults.” It assists in helping students prepare for the citizenship test, workplace applications and all literacy needs that come with learning a new language. Both teach the non-reader survival techniques and practical life skills needed to survive, enhance their lives, and feel included in the community. The Federation needs YOUR help to make this partnership happen. As education is one of the most important Jewish values, we want to reach out to the community to help others achieve their goals, whether it’s to become a citizen or to be able to read to their grandchildren. No teaching or foreign language skills are required; both organizations provide training and materials. This is a way to make a huge, tangible difference in the life of one person, one family, our community and our country as a whole. For more information on how to get involved with this project, please contact Amber Ikeman at 941.343.2106 or aikeman@jfedsrq.org.

Community teens plan next joint youth event By Janae Newmark

n Sunday, May 5 at 1:00 p.m., The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee will be hosting a community-wide event for the Jewish teens of Sarasota-Manatee. The event will be a Beach Bash at the Siesta Key Beach Pavilion (near the playground and picnic area) to celebrate the end of the school year and start summer off with a bang! We will enjoy lunch and a fun day at the beach with new and old friends. There will be beach games, music and a bunch of fun in the sand. The Beach Bash is going to be major hit, so don’t miss it! Jewish teens from all around Sarasota-Manatee have been participating in helping plan events and programs for the Jewish teen community. The teen leaders from BBYO, USY and NFTY have been working together to get others involved in the Jewish community. We recently held a lock-in event which was a great success; it brought in new

teens and got them involved in the Jewish community. All of the teen leaders have been collaborating to create a stronger and bigger Jewish teen community and make new lifelong friends in the process. We plan to continue working together to help build the community and host events where Jewish teens can have a good time and meet other Jewish teens from around the area. These events wouldn’t be possible without the help of the Jewish Federation. Without this collaboration and the efforts of our teen leaders, these events wouldn’t be possible. We hope you will join us at the beach for this exciting, free event. Anyone in grades 8-12 is welcome. For more information on this event or other teen programming, please contact Amber Ikeman at 941.343.2106 or aikeman@ jfedsrq.org.

The Jewish News is also available online. Visit The Jewish News page at www.TheJewishFederation.org and you’ll be just one click away!

FEDERATION NEWS 5A May 2013

May 2013

Israel Film Festival 2013 attracts record attendance 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 43, Number 5 May 2013 40 pages in two sections USPS Permit No. 167 June 2013 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: April 26, 2013 Advertising: May 1, 2013 PRESIDENT Nancy Swart 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, Harold Samtur JOSEPH J. EDLIN JOURNALISM INTERN Roy Schneider 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. 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:

Josh Aronson, Abraham Balaban and Josh Kahn offer exciting “back-stories” during post-film discussions By Roz Goldberg, Israel Film Festival Chair nthusiastic crowds filled the Beatrice Friedman Theatre on the Jewish Federation Campus, the Polo Grill at Lakewood Ranch, Temple Sinai, and Temple Beth Israel on Longboat Key to view the six outstanding films that were presented at these venues during the 2013 Israel Film Festival, part of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Israel@65 celebration. Starting on Sunday, March 17, and running through Thursday, March 21, the Israel Film Festival proudly presented six exceptional Israel-related films: four documentaries, Orchestra of Exiles, Life in Stills, Inventing our Life and Follow Me; and two feature films, A Bottle in the Gaza Sea and Room 514. Several of these screenings were completely sold out, with many people standing by for “no-shows.” Enhancing the audience’s viewing experience were the post-film discussions that took place after each screening. Especially exciting were the discussions in which our visiting celebrities participated: Josh Aronson, the Director/Writer/Producer of Orchestra of Exiles, appeared at both screenings of that film – a docu-drama about Bronislaw Huberman, the brilliant violinist who saved 1,000 European Jews from Hitler and created what became the Israel Philharmonic at the same time. Mr. Aronson was joined at the second screening by Sarasota’s own Gerard Daniel, who happened to be present in Tel Aviv in December 1936 and was a privileged audience member at the orchestra’s first concert, conducted by the great Arturo Toscanini. Scholar, poet and novelist Dr. Abraham Balaban took part in both post-film discussions of Inventing our Life: The Kibbutz Experiment. Dr. Balaban, Professor of Modern Hebrew Literature at the University of Florida, was born and raised on Kibbutz Hulda in Israel, one of the kibbutzim visited in this fascinating documentary about the 100-year history of the Kibbutz movement. Dr. Balaban was extensively interviewed for the film, and his commentary about the difficulty of his early life at Hulda in the “children’s house” provided a sharp contrast to the remarks of some other interviewees, who remember only happy childhood days. Dr. Balaban’s memoir, Mourning a Father Lost: A Kibbutz Childhood Remembered, is used as a teaching text in both Israel and the U.S. in creative writing courses, and in courses dealing with the representation of the kibbutz in literature. Last, but not least, former IDF officer Josh Kahn joined in the post-film discussion of Room 514, a powerful and provocative film about the often-troubling conflict between Israel’s acute security needs and its moral values. Born in Australia, Josh made aliyah to Israel at 19. He served in a combat unit of the IDF for more than two years, stationed in both the West Bank and Gaza, and

Commenting on the success of the Israel 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 2013 Israel Film Festival. It was a privilege for us to partner with the Federation in this project.” s in previous years, the Federation was again a sponsor of the Sarasota Film Festival, which ran from April 5-14. To mark Israel’s 65th anniversary as a modern Jewish state, the Sarasota Film Festival designated April 13 and 14 as “Blue and White Weekend for Israel@65,” presenting three amazing Israel-related films on those days: Next Year, Jerusalem, Fill the Void and The Ballad of the Weeping Spring. The Hollywood 20 was appropriately decorated with Israeli flags for this special occasion, and the films played to soldThe Israel Film Festival is just one out houses. Another film, No of some 50 programs sponsored outstanding Place on Earth, was locally by the Jewish Federation presented by the Feson April 7, in in order to fulfill one of its primary tival commemoration of missions: To enhance Jewish life Yom HaShoah. The Federation is delighthere in Sarasota-Manatee. ed that its partnership Soldier Program had offered hospitality with the Sarasota Film Festival enabled and companionship to him; Susan Gold- audiences to view these excellent films farb spoke about Federation’s support among the Festival’s more than 200 for a Kabbalah class at her Longboat offerings. Key Education Center; Haven Miller I want to express my appreciation and Brandon Ikeman spoke about their to our wonderful, knowledgeable and experiences on the Bob Malkin Young articulate guests for their invaluable Ambassadors Leadership Mission to contribution to the success of this year’s Israel. Israel Film Festival. Thanks also to our The Israel Film Festival was again discussion moderators: Jordan Shifrin, presented in partnership with the Sara- Fran Braverman, Jack Braverman, Alan sota Film Festival – just one of the many Bandler, Dr. Rachel Dulin, Nadia Ritter, community organizations with which and Evans Tilles. And thank you to our the Federation is proud to partner in or- devoted staff, especially Kim Mullins, der to bring outstanding Jewish cultural Len Steinberg and Chris Alexander. and educational programs to the entire The Israel Film Festival Committee community. The Federation also part- included Nadia Ritter, Jordan Shifrin, ners with the Asolo Repertory Theatre, Fran Braverman, Susan Newmark, Lois Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, The Stulberg, Janet Tolbert, Karen BernPerlman Music Program, and many stein, Evans Tilles, Helene Morgenothers. stern and Barbara Horowitz. Federation Adding to the excitement on open- leaders who welcomed audiences at ing day was the Opening Reception, our screenings were Fran Braverman, which took place before the first show- Lenny Drexler, Ros Mazur and Irene ing of Orchestra of Exiles. The huge Ross. The Jewish Federation extends crowd that had gathered for the sold-out its most sincere thanks to all those who screening greatly enjoyed the excellent helped to make this program such a food and added to the “buzz” in the air. great success.

his comments about the complex issues raised in the film added depth and perspective to the discussion. Josh is now a shaliach (Israel emissary) at the University of Florida Hillel in Gainesville. In welcoming the audience to each film, leaders of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee pointed out that “The Israel Film Festival is just one of some 50 programs sponsored locally by the Jewish Federation in order to fulfill one of its primary missions: To enhance Jewish life here in Sarasota-Manatee. Its other primary mission is: To save Jewish lives – here, in Israel and around the world.” To make the impact of the Federation’s activities and grants more immediate to the audience, recipients of Federation support spoke briefly about how such support had affected them. For example, Josh Kahn spoke about how the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Lone

FEDERATION NEWS

May 2013

International music phenomenon Jeffrey Siegel captures Sarasota audience in threes By Roy Schneider, Joseph J. Edlin Journalism Intern

indfully dispersed into three varied events, Jeffrey Siegel brought his revolutionary concert series, Keyboard Conversations®, to The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee in order to better enhance one’s classical music listening experience through the power of a story. With classical music commonly having a reputation worse than a selfdestructive celebrity these days, Jeffrey Siegel, the very distinguished and internationally-acclaimed American pianist, was up for the challenge in engaging and retaining audiences, which was more difficult the younger the generations were. Even so, Mr. Siegel figured out the recipe for successfully luring in listeners as his series worked for many audiences already, including ours in Sarasota. Keyboard Conversations is the glorious process that smoothly pulls one into a world of musical delight and is dedicated to changing the complex vocabulary in a classical music-driven conversation to one that is more relaxed and story-based. This casual overtone is absolutely dependent on the story as the very formal and experienced Mr. Siegel, along with an ominously massive Steinway and Sons Grand Piano, give

anything but casual vibes. For the most part, he relies on crisp descriptions of how a certain piece of music came to form in a language that any “man off the street” could have

Jeffrey Siegel and Roy Schneider

understood, which makes the barrier of classical music much easier to overcome. Triumphantly, Mr. Siegel applies the story aspect of a musical composition to paint a more vivacious picture of the work to the participating audience. A crucial part of this experience, which relies entirely on the audience’s highly encouraged participation, is the question-and-answer segment toward the end of the program. The Sarasota trifecta, which was embedded between other honorable venues on Siegel’s schedule, included three entirely different topics that were

A visit with Paul Molnar By Matthew Twargoski, St. Martha Catholic School student

Sponsored by

n Monday, March 25, St. Martha Catholic School students were invited to The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee of strength and survival, even when Campus to meet a Holocaust survivor things seem dark and hopeless. Mr. Molnar’s situation appeared extremely and hear his story. Paul Molnar was a young boy liv- bleak numerous times, but he did not ing a normal life in Hungary. His life give up on himself. Most importantly, changed when Hungary came under if we see injustice happening in our German occupation. In 1944, his family lives, we need to stand up for what is was ordered by the government to move right. Being a bystander will not solve into a ghetto, and later they were sent the problem. These things may not to a camp. He was separated from them have happened if people defended one and, unfortunately, they were never another and said, “That’s not right!” Survivors like Mr. Molnar are imseen again. Mr. Molnar was forced to do slave labor that was meant to support the portant because they enlighten the curwar effort. He experienced many hard- rent generation about the Holocaust. ships during his imprisonment. At some This knowledge continues to spread to points, he almost gave up hope. He was their children and future generations. transferred to many camps throughout These survivors revisit their past with 1944 and early 1945. He ended up in the hope that the world will never forget a German camp near the Czechoslova- the heartache felt in Europe during the kian border. The camp had been evacu- 1930s and early 1940s. By rememberated to Czechoslovakia when Russian ing these events, history will hopefully soldiers approached the location. Mr. not repeat itself. To learn about the Federation’s Molnar and a fellow inmate were able to sneak away from the group. The two Holocaust programming, contact Orna found a family that owned a farm in Nissan at 941.552.6305 or onissan@ Czechoslovakia that sheltered them for jfedsrq.org. the remainder of the war. Mr. Molnar survived four different camps and was sent to one camp twice. Paul Molnar’s story shows many things we can apply in our own lives. In the face of difficulty, we should never Students at St. Martha Catholic School give up hope. We need with Holocaust survivor Paul Molnar (center) to believe in the message

only similar in the structure in which they were presented. The first segment, “Gershwin and Friends,” included primarily wellknown artists who inspired Gershwin to his works and incorporated a fantastic example of the techniques he used to establish his style. The second of the sequence, “The Romantic Music of Chopin,” discussed many of the stories behind Chopin’s revolutionary works, including the dramatic one of how Chopin’s sister published Fantasy Impromptu against his will after he had passed away. The third of the series, “The Power & Passion of Beethoven,” focused on the works behind this commonly-known artist and enlightened the audience on who Fur Elise was and why she inspired Beethoven to create the song that every piano student learns.

It seems to be a complete conundrum how each of Mr. Siegel’s performances remained extremely captivating and enticing. It is most likely driven by his belief that the “...transcendent dimension music adds to our lives is more necessary now than ever. As human beings, we long to be moved, affected and inspired – and if we lend an open ear and willing heart, great music can inspire us profoundly.” To avoid missing out on gems like Keyboard Conversations that bring a high grade of culture and content to our community, be sure to regularly check The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee’s upcoming events calendar at www.TheJewishFederation.org. Jeffrey Siegel will return to Sarasota in late 2013 with three new Keyboard Conversations performances.

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FEDERATION NEWS 7A May 2013

May 2013

We Love Israel Fair/Shuk unites local Jewish and Christian communities By Linda Lipson

ur numerous volunteers were standing at the doors wondering if we would give a party and nobody would come! They were worried about how many people would show for the We Love Israel Fair/Shuk on Sunday, January 27. After all, this was the first time that we were planning a major event in conjunction with our Christian friends in our community. The planning had begun over eight months before in a meeting of the Israel@65 Steering Committee made up of both Christian and Jewish members. Our shared vision was to focus on all positive aspects of Israel. Our goals were to not only highlight our mutual love of Israel but to celebrate Israel@65. Some of us remember that year of independence in 1948, some read about it in history books, while others heard about it from family and friends. But all of us wanted to celebrate the creation of and importance of Israel.

Richard Bergman and Reverend Don Roberts

Meetings were held, volunteers were recruited, ideas and concepts were discussed and, before long, an event in January was on its way to fruition. The We Love Israel Fair/Shuk opened. And the people showed up in droves – with more than 6,000 Christians and Jews attending! So what does this mean? How did everyone feel about the event? What did it mean to all in attendance? How does it affect our community? What about the future cooperation between the Christian and Jewish communities? The answer was very simply stated by a minister from Venice, who said, “Thank you so much for letting us get to know you better and celebrate this wonderful occasion together!” Other ministers throughout our community have commented with similar reactions:

Rabbi Howard and Rona Simon

Reverend Tom Pfaff, Chair, Sarasota Ministerial Association, said, “It was so important to celebrate Israel – our homeland of our faith community. We all need to be reminded of the importance of our community. The Shuk cemented our friendship because we did things together, and it was a positive dialogue and experience. It brought the experience up to more than just conversation. It was about being together and the wonderful feeling toward each other. In the future I’m looking forward to more programs and speakers which bring the Jewish and Christian communities together with our common interests and concerns. Doing more together and getting to know each other better, that is a wonderful goal.” Pastor Bill Pierson also reacted very positively to his experience at the event. “I enjoyed it tremendously! It reminded me of walking the streets of Jerusalem, and the booths, the food and the entertainment brought back many memories. It felt like Israel! But next time let’s get a bigger facility! Many people I’ve talked to said they heard they missed a wonderful experience. The great part is the love and friendliness I felt from the Jewish community. All barriers were knocked down. I felt a strong bonding between the Jewish and Christian communities. It was wonderful! This we should encourage even more. We’d like to get to know more about the Jewish religion and community. The more we know, the more our friendship will grow. The walls have broken down. It brought us together with a loving feeling! Let’s continue this for a great relationship.” Rabbi Howard Simon, an event committee member and volunteer, felt that “the outreach by the Federation through the programs of the Israel@65 Celebration strengthens the relationship that exists between the Christian and Jewish communities. We have found that working together to solve community problems expands the relationship that has been building between our communities with a definite benefit for all. Together we build a better city and build a better county. Together we build harmony, trust and love for one another!” We Love Israel was successful because of all the fantastic volunteers and Federation staff who worked together effectively. Each of the following people worked diligently against the odds that it was “only a fivehour event,” and participants/ vendors/food booths wondered if it would be worth their time and efforts. They found out it was definitely worth every minute! Volunteer chairs were Jill Schein/food; Anne Schimberg/ vendors; Rachel Saltzberg/children’s activities; Jackie Marr, Wendy Leventhal Broadfoot/ entertainment; Marty Katz, Linda Lipson /promotion; Jessica Balno, Robert Antovel, Adam Agran/logistics. The

amazing Federation staff members who coordinated the event were Kim Mullins, Orna Nissan, Chris Alexander and Joan Hanley. The We Love Israel chair was Patti Wertheimer, and she brought all her love for Israel and used her knowledge of this community to build a team of people who knew what to do and how to get things done the right way. What made this event so “over the top” successful was the coming together of this community and bringing on board our Christian friends and clergy who wanted to celebrate together. Committee members Gail Cox and Joel Swallow represented the Christian community. Their connections with business, professional and ministerial organizations brought new and exciting participation to the event. One example was The Mayors Feed the Hungry Program, which collected 2,160 pounds of food which has been divided equally between six participating members of MFTHP. In addition, $600 was collected and will be used for $10 food gift cards. Together with Rich Bergman, of the Federation, Gail and Joel were

Abe Pintchuck climbs “Masada”

also instrumental in spreading the word among the clergy of Sarasota-Manatee. This is one of the ways the whole community was notified about We Love Israel. Did we reach our goals? We think so. But now it is important that we continue the momentum for the future of our Sarasota-Manatee communities. This revitalized friendship will continue to flourish based on our mutual respect for each other and our shared passion for the future of the State of Israel.

For daily news stories related to Israel & the Jewish world, visit www.TheJewishFederation.org. Join us at

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM

Sarasota-Manatee’s Conservative Synagogue

in may All Are Welcome! Come Join Us! Wednesday, May 1, 1:00pm, Interesting Lives with Dr. Norman Weinberg Daily Morning Minyan Sunday, May 5, 10:00am, Sunday-Friday, 8:00am TBS Annual Meeting Sunday, May 5, Minyan Breakfast Kadima at Islands of Adventure Wednesdays, 9:00am Wednesday, May 15, 9:00am, SHABBAT SERvIcES Shavuot Service (Office Closed) Fridays, 6:00pm Thursday, May 16, 9:00am, Saturdays, 9:00am Shavuot Yizkor Service (Office Closed) Rabbi’s Tisch Sunday, May 19, 9:00am, Tuesdays, 8:45am Men’s Club Installation of Officers Holocaust Literature class Sunday, May 19, 5:00pm, Woman’s League of Conservative Judaism Florida Tuesdays, 10:00-11:00am Region Conference in Sarasota (4 weeks) Monday, May 27, chug Ivri - Hebrew Reading Office closed for Memorial Day & conversation Thursdays, 10:30am

ONGOING PROGRAMS

Judaica Shop, Gail Jagoda Monday-Thursday, 10am-2pm Idelson Adult Library Monday-Thursday, 10am-3pm

Temple Beth Sholom

941.955.8121

Email: info@templebethsholomfl.org Website: www.templebethsholomfl.org

1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237 Home of Temple Beth Sholom Schools: • The Martin and Mildred Paver Religious School – 941.552.2780 • Justin L. Wiesner Pre School – 941.954.2027 • Goldie Feldman Academy Grades K-8 – 941.552.2770

May 2013

FEDERATION NEWS

Federation sends five students to AIPAC Policy Conference By Sammy Robbins

ore than 13,000 people in- plenaries, or big sessions, and smaller, cluding 2,000 of my fellow more intimate breakout sessions. We young adults were in atten- heard notable speakers including Vice dance at the 2013 AIPAC Policy Con- President Joe Biden and Israel Prime ference in March. It was an invigorating Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. One of the most interesting breakexperience. I attended the conference with Haven Miller, a Southeast High out sessions included a presentation on School IB senior with whom I went to the design and structure of Israel’s most effective missile defense Israel this past summer on the Bob Malkin Young system, Iron Dome. Brigadier General Dr. Ambassadors Mission; Jessica Zimmerman and Danny Gold and Mr. Gideon Weiss articulated Gabe Moskowitz, two students at New College; how Iron Dome funcand Julianne Simson, antions. Both speakers presented intricate diagrams other Young Ambassador focused on how Iron and March of the Living Dome missiles create a alum from Sarasota. Our participation was subtrajectory path to target incoming missiles aimed sidized by The Jewish at highly populated arFederation of Sarasotaeas. Iron Dome even has Manatee. The conference fothe capability to target cused on strengthening Sammy Robbins at Capitol Hill incoming missiles that relations between the U.S. and Israel, have a trajectory to land in unpopulated and securing support for continued for- rural areas or in the sea. eign aid to Israel for the next four years. Perhaps one of the most imporWe attended morning and evening tant aspects of the conference occurred

when the delegates took a break from listening to Congressmen and important Israeli figures, and trekked up to Capitol Hill to lobby local senators and representatives. The Sarasota contingent lobbied Representative Vern Buchanan

Jessica Zimmerman and Gabe Moskowitz at the AIPAC Policy Conference

and focused on continuing strategic cooperation between America and Israel. We also voiced our opinions on securing support for preventing Iranian nuclear weapon capability and backing financial assistance for Israel. Representative Buchanan was pleased with our efforts

and very supportive of our proposals. Beyond the daily sessions and plenaries, the actual scope of the event was breathtaking. Thousands of Jews and non-Jews alike gathered in support of one main goal: supporting the existence of Israel and the safety of its people. A plethora of student activists from high schools and colleges gathered as campus delegates to show their support at the conference. Though I was awed by the sheer size of the event, I felt as though I was a part of a close-knit family. Everywhere I looked I found someone with whom I’d gone to elementary school, spent a summer at Camp Ramah Darom, or sat at High Holiday services at my former synagogue in Atlanta. The number of people present was a force to be reckoned with. As I joined thousands of people, ranging in all ages and faiths, to climb the Hill and do our personal part, I hoped that we had some effect on the future of our homeland.

For more on the AIPAC Policy Conference, please see the articles on pages 24-25A.

Federation grants $50,000 to 70 area youths for Jewish summer camp By Amber Ikeman

s the school year winds down and kids are getting ready for summer, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is excited to announce that it has distributed all of its funds for this year’s Camp Incentive Grant Program. This year, the Federation awarded $50,000 for 70 campers to attend overnight Jewish camps.

One of the Federation’s top priorities is strengthening Jewish identity in our youth. Federation leadership strongly believes that Jewish overnight camping experiences play a very impactful role on those who attend, and many of the grants given were for campers going back to camp for a third year or more. With such enthusiasm, it is clear that

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Jewish kids love Jewish camp, and it is important to us to support them, help them grow, and instill in them the desire to become involved in other aspects of Jewish life. Families applied for the grants by filling out an online application. Grants were given on a first-come, first-serve basis with priority for families who contributed to the Federation in the year prior to applying. Applicants were not selected in order of the amount of their gift; they are considered donors regardless of how much they’ve given and are automatically given priority for grants. In 2014, we will establish a policy for this program stating that if a family is unable to contribute any money at all to Federation, they can apply to have their situation reviewed by the Financial Hardship Committee. If the committee determines that their need is great enough to be unable to contribute,

the family will be considered as a donor and also be given priority. The Camp Incentive Grant application for the summer of 2014 will open in late fall at www.TheJewishFederation.org. We are proud to support our youth by helping them defray the cost of Jewish overnight camp. We hope the campers who received grants from us this year have an amazing time at camp this summer and come back with lots of wonderful experiences to share with us! For more information about the Camp Incentive Grant Program, please contact Amber Ikeman at 941.343.2106 or aikeman@jfedsrq.org. To help send a child to Jewish overnight camp or to become a Federation donor, please contact Marty Haberer at 941.552.6303 or mhaberer@jfedsrq. org.

Your Federation Dollars at Work “I would like to thank everyone at The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee who made it possible for me to attend URJ’s Kutz Camp this coming summer. The scholarship money you have granted me will help me in my pursuit to become a better Temple Youth Group leader. I am choosing Temple Youth Group Leadership as my major at Kutz Camp this summer. As repayment, I am applying to the work study program at camp. This program will enable me to give back to all of you who have given to me. Again, thank you very much for your generosity and know that I will happily volunteer my time at Temple Sinai, the Federation, or any other local Reform Jewish organization any time I am needed.” – Jamie Metzger, Federation camp grant recipient

See the Jewish Happenings section for more than 40 community events in May!

FEDERATION NEWS 9A May 2013

May 2013

Syria – What are the results of two years of fighting?

By Rabbi Howard A. Simon, Chair of The Robert and Esther Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative

nniversaries are wonderful mo- oppose any expansion of the control by ments to treasure and delight the Muslim Brotherhood because they over, because of their meaning fear such control could spread to their for individuals and families. However, countries, thus threatening their entire when looking at the conflicts now tak- way of life. ing place in our world, an anniversary As the battle for the heart and soul is all too often a time of reof Syria continues unflection and sadness, not joy. abated, Israel observes Such a reality exists toeverything from its day in Syria, where its citiposition on the Golan zens have recently observed Heights. What they the two-year anniversary of see is very disturbing their civil war. The counand most threatening. try has literally been torn to Ever since the end of shreds. More than 70,000 the Yom Kippur War people have been killed. It in 1973, the United is estimated that this number Nations Disengagewill escalate by 5,000 per ment Observer Force, Rabbi Howard A. Simon month in the future. More known as UNDOF, than one-million Syrians are registered has supervised the Israeli-Syrian disas refugees outside the country and engagement agreement in the Golan, more than 2.5 million are displaced in- and its 1,000-member force has carried side Syria. out periodic inspections within the 24 The Free Syrian Army, once looked kilometers on either side of the border. upon as the new government in the post- This has been most effective and has Assad era, has become a mere shadow produced years of peace in the area. On of its former self. It has given way to Wednesday, March 6, 21 Filipino solradical Islamist groups, many associ- diers, deployed by UNDOF, were abated with al Qaeda, who have grown in ducted while on patrol and were held by power and influence because they have the Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade for three the resources to continue the struggle days before being released unharmed. and provide for the people. This has sent shock waves throughout Much of the Arab world finds itself the area. This underscores a wish on at odds with one another over what they the Syrian side to possibly end this rebelieve is best for Syria. Qatar and Tur- lationship with the United Nations and key would like to see an Islamist group, change the entire scope of the practices headed by the Muslim Brotherhood, regarding the Golan. This has prompted take over rule in the land. Saudi Arabia, Japan, Canada and Croatia to withdraw Jordan and the United Arab Emirates their troops from the area. Israel now

March of the Living sendoff By Orna Nissan

n Sunday, March 17, the 2013 March of the Living teens visited the Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg. Our docent gave us an informative tour of the museum, where the students were engaged and asked a lot of questions. The docent spoke about the roots of anti-Semitism, Hitler’s rise to power, life in ghettos and camps, the Final Solution, Jewish resistance, perpetrators, collaborators and bystanders. This concluded our Holocaust study requirements for the March of the Living Mission. We ended this educational tour by having lunch at the Acropolis Greek Taverna restaurant. Many thanks to the Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg and our dearest

Anne Stein, March of the Living cochair, for driving the teens. The following week, March of the Living participants gathered at the Stein family home for a farewell dinner. Holocaust survivors, past March of the Living participants, members of the committee, guests and friends gave the teens last-minute tips and wished them success upon embarking on this important mission. Many thanks to Anne and Barry Stein for hosting us. The March of the Living mission departed on Thursday, April 4 and returned on Thursday, April 18. Stay tuned for participants’ reflections on their experiences. For more information about March of the Living, contact Orna Nissan at 941.552.6305 or onissan@jfedsrq.org.

fears that further jihadist gains in Syria will mean the possible end of UNDOF’s presence on the border and could lead to a renewal of fighting in the Golan. To protect against this, Israel’s military has begun setting up a new system of border fences separating Syria and Israel and has added more troops in the area while, at the same time, seeing to it that more sophisticated weaponry is placed along the frontier. The IDF believes it cannot sit back and just watch what is taking place across the border without acting in self defense. Israel must be prepared for any eventuality while continuing to hope that the peace between Syria and Israel holds. Israel also fears that weapons could fall into the hands of Hezbollah in Lebanon, or jihadists in Syria could use these same weapons to attack Israel. Either way the threat against the Jewish state becomes more serious with each passing day.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has said time and time again that Israel wants to have the most positive, friendly and helpful relations possible with all of its neighbors. The problem is, as the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood grows throughout the Middle East, the Prime Minister’s message falls upon deaf ears. This means Israel must be prepared for any and all happenings. She must be ready to defend herself on all fronts. A lasting, firm peace is the desire, but until Israel’s neighbors realize this is in their best interest as well as Israel’s, preparation for any and all possibilities must be the norm for our people and our beloved State of Israel. To learn about how you can get involved with the Heller IAI, please visit www.helleriai.org or contact Amber Ikeman at aikeman@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2106.

AJC’s 2013 SUMMER “LUNCH & LEARN” SERIES BRING FRIENDS AND ENJOY A SALAD, A COOL ICED TEA AND A HOT TOPIC!

May 29 * June 26 * July 31 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at Michael’s On East Only $25 Per Lecture (Includes Luncheon!) Reservations Required R.S.V.P. to (941) 365-4955 or sarasota@ajc.org

Wednesday, May 29

A New Pope and the Future of Catholic-Jewish Relations Since the 1965 Second Vatican Council and its dramatic transformation of Catholic-Jewish relations, the Church has navigated Rabbi Noam a challenging course of reconciliation with the Jews. How might Marans AJC’s Director of Pope Francis’ papacy shape the long history of Catholic-Jewish relaInterreligious & Intergroup Relations tions?

Wednesday, June 26

Confronting Anti-Semitism in Europe New right wing parties, severe economic distress, growing Muslim communities and anti-Israel animus have all contributed to a resurgence of anti-Semitism across Europe. How can we better underRabbi Andrew stand these problems and what can we do to help European Jews? Baker

AJC’s Director of International Jewish Affairs

Wednesday, July 31

American Jewry Post WWII: Is the Golden Age Past? Following WWII, American Jewry became the most assertive and Steven secure community known to Diaspora Jewish History. By the end of Bayme, Ph.D. the 20th century, however, danger signs were on the horizon. What AJC’s Director of Contemporary Jewish do these trends portend and what can be done to secure the Jewish Life future?

Sponsored by The group at the Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg

To learn more about AJC, please visit www.ajc.org.

10A

COMMUNITY FOCUS

May 2013

“Apocrypha: The Missing Books of the Bible”

Sponsored by

By Marden Paru, Dean, Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva

here is a longstanding scholars’ debate over the canonicity of the Old Testament Apocrypha or what has been called the “Septuagint Plus.” A new course is being presented this summer by the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva called “Apocrypha: The Missing Books of the Bible.” We will explore the material of debate and evidence that Alexandrian Jews accepted what has been called a wider canon. As mentioned previously, Jews in Alexandria, Egypt, began translating the Hebrew Bible into Greek (the Septuagint) hundreds of years before the advent of the Christian era. Because the earliest complete manuscripts we have of this version of the Bible include

extra books called the Apocrypha, many believe that these books should be considered part of the Old Testament canon even though they are not found in the Tanach, our Holy Scriptures. In effect, some argue that we have two Old Testament canons, the Hebrew canon of twenty-two books, often called the Palestinian canon, and the larger Greek or Alexandrian canon that includes the Apocrypha. The First and Second Book of the Maccabees provides additional major insight into the Hasmonean revolt and the story of Hanukkah. Such books as Tobit and Judith, as well as the Rest of the Chapters of the Book of Esther, are quite remarkable pieces of ancient liter-

Medical supplies needed for mission to Cuba

he Synagogue Council of Sarasota-Manatee is asking for your help. Carolina Sitrin, a Synagogue Council representative from Congregation Kol HaNeshama is taking a group to Cuba in May. They will be donating much needed medical supplies to the Ashkenazic Synagogue in Havana. Although much is needed, they have specifically asked for medicines that, due to the U.S. embargo, the Cuban government is not permitted to import – basically any prescription or over the counter medicine with even a tiny component made in the United States.

More specifically, the synagogue has requested blood pressure, cholesterol and asthma medications. Personal care products of all kinds are also needed. U.S. physicians are evidently not receiving as many samples as in the past so they have less to donate. Some people have offered to double their personal prescriptions of such medicines and send one to Cuba. To schedule a pick-up before May 15 or for more information, please call Carolina at 941.371.1207. She will gladly accept cash donations to buy over the counter products as well.

Call for survivor testimonies of their rescues The Al Katz Center is continuing to videotape Holocaust survivor testimonies about their rescues. Survivors are requested to call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239 to schedule an appointment for their testimonies, either at the Center or another convenient site. Plans are for the testimonies to be transcribed for an illustrated print edition to be given to the survivors and their families. Memorabilia will also be videotaped.

Judith Kaplan Eisenstein at the 70th anniversary of her bat mitzvah, 1992. Archives, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College.

Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU

Bat Mitzvah Comes of Age Thru September 15, 2013

On Saturday morning, March 18, 1922 Judith Kaplan, daughter of Rabbi Mordecai M. Kaplan, became the first American girl to mark her bat mitzvah during a public worship service. Learn the stories of nearly 100 b'not mitzvah, including many Florida girls and women.

A touring exhibition presented by the National Museum of American Jewish History and Moving Traditions. Sponsored in part by Congregation Beth Jacob and the Robert Arthur Segall Foundation.

Fryd on Fire by Carol Fryd Opens May 21, 2013

Jenny, collage on canvas, 2012.

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ature which were found to contain ideas and content contrary to the prevailing beliefs of the ultra-conservative rabbis and sages of the era of canonization. Please consider joining us in the leisurely study of this material on Fridays, June 7 through July 26, from 10:30 to

11:45 a.m., on the Jewish Federation Campus. The fee is $36. For more information, please contact Marden Paru, Dean of the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva, at 941.379.5655 or marden.paru@gmail. com.

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“These we honor” Your Tributes ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

IN MEMORY OF

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Howard Freeman Lois Stulberg Anne and Barry Stein Nadia and Michael Ritter Judy Weinstein Jeremy Lisitza Adeline Silverman Patti and David Wertheimer Edie and David Chaifetz Rebecca and Rich Bergman Dana and Elliot Corn Kim and Richie Mullins Suki and Larry Hoffman Irene and Marty Ross Cynthia and Stanley Wright Marla and Gordon Levine Joan and Brad Hanley Karen and Tom Bernstein Ann Bachmann Marilyn and Ivan Kushen Larry Sherman Marilyn and Ivan Kushen Marshall Bernstein Marla and Gordon Levine

IN MEMORY OF

MAZEL TOV

IN HONOR OF

Bobbie and Donald Bernstein - 50th Anniversary Cynthia and Stanley Wright

IN HONOR OF

Joan and Bob Goldschmidt Bonnie and Bob Kaplan

BOB MALKIN YOUNG AMBASSADORS

IN MEMORY OF

Jack Goldsmith Rebecca and Richard Bergman

MAZEL TOV

Jacob Green - Bar Mitzvah Marsha and Marvin Frank

Howard Freeman Inna and Gerry Sideman Barbara and Joe Sander Bernard Beyman Inna & Gerry Sideman

DORIS LOEVNER FUND

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Claire M. Levin Ruth Orne Joan Feder Bobbi and Jay Saphier

ISRAEL PROGRAMS

IN MEMORY OF

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SALLY FINE OVERNIGHT CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND

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SKIP (Send a Kid to Israel)

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NOTE: To be publicly acknowledged in The Jewish News, Honor Cards require a minimum $10 contribution per listing. You can send Honor Cards directly from www.jfedsrq.org. For more information, call 941.371.4546 x109.

COMMUNITY FOCUS 11A May 2013

May 2013

11A

AJC honors community leaders Larry and Debbie Haspel

JC (American Jewish Committee) honored Larry and Debbie Haspel with its 2013 Human Relations Award at a gala dinner on Sunday, March 17 at Michael’s On East. Almost 300 guests packed the elegant ballroom, decorated in silver and navy, to honor the Haspels and to support AJC, the oldest human rights organization in the United States. The Dinner Chairs, Edie and David Chaifetz and Margot and Warren Coville, spoke eloquently of the vital work of AJC, while remarking on the honorees’ great philanthropic endeavors over the past four years since they moved to Sarasota. AJC gives this award annually to individuals whose contributions have helped to uplift the shared life of their community. The Haspels have shown great leadership with their support of the arts and social services. Among the

many worthy organizations supported by the Haspels are AJC, The Jewish Housing Council, where Larry is Vice President/President Elect, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, Asolo Repertory Theatre, JFCS and Embracing our Differences. Debbie is chair of the Friends of Kobernick Anchin and is on the Board of the Sarasota Ballet. The Haspels’ daughter, Leesa, lovingly described her parents as energetic and generous with their time, having raised all of their six children to understand the importance of helping their community. The five Haspel daughters, “The Fab Five,” as their parents called them, were in attendance. Their only son was home in California with his three young children. Brian Lipton, AJC’s Regional Director, served as emcee for the evening,

Warren & Margot Coville, Larry & Debbie Haspel, Edie & David Chaifetz

The Haspel family

thanking the Dinner Chairs and Committee for their support. He shared his excitement about the upcoming Global Forum, AJC’s annual meeting in June, when over 50 delegates from the Sarasota area will represent the region in Washington, D.C. Mr. Lipton noted that part of the funds raised to honor

Brian Lipton, Warren & Margot Coville, David Chaifetz, Anne Virag, Debbie & Larry Haspel, Edie Chaifetz

the Haspels will help two local students from New College join the delegation. These two students, Jessica Zimmerman and Elizabeth Burger, attended the gala dinner as guests of AJC. AJC Regional President Anne Virag discussed AJC’s reach and impact all over the globe including AJC’s most urgent priority to stop Iran from building its nuclear weapons arsenal. The proceeds of this event help AJC further its mission to enhance the wellbeing of the Jewish people and Israel, and to advance democratic values around the world. For more information about AJC, please visit www. ajc.org.

Torah and the Family, particularly women

he Torah contains our earliest tales of families other than our own. Most of us have grown up with the view of women as presented in the Torah. At worst, this has been negative and paternalistic; at best, complex and ambivalent. Through its stories, the Torah has helped to shape how women see themselves in light of our religion. On the weekend of March 16 and 17, gifted speaker Professor Rachel Dulin was Congregation Kol HaNeshama’s

Scholar-in-Residence. She considered the role of the family in the Bible, particularly addressing women, and challenging this perception of negativity. Israeli-born Professor Dulin noted that the Torah recognizes the equality of man and woman in the Garden of Eden. She pointed out that a correct understanding of the first of the two Creation stories reveals that Eve was not created from Adam´s rib, but rather both were created from the earth. Eve has also been much maligned for disobedience, when it was Adam, not she, who was forbidden to eat of the fruit. Continuing her discussion of family matters in the Torah, Professor

Dulin highlighted Sarah´s fecundity The audience was so happily enas an illustration of hope, the possible lightened by her talks that Rachel Dulin nonpermanent condition of barrenness, has been invited back to Kol HaNeshand that a woman should not be ostra- ama for Shavuot. cized for failure to conceive. Among many other fascinating topics, Professor Dulin noted that it was Moses who interceded in the inheritance laws and lent his voice to the remarkable Kol HaNeshama co-Presidents Scott Barde and Maureen Binderman view of allowing with Professor Rachel Dulin and Scholar-in-Residence program sponsor Sue Schimelman women to inherit.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

May 2013

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n Thursday, March 14, the Sara- Leviatan, who holds the Joseph and sota Chapter of the American Sadie Riesman Chair in Electrical EnTechnion Society turned the ta- gineering. His research includes develbles, and instead of going to Technion in opment of specialized antennas, with Israel to learn, it brought two outstand- which communication devices transmit ing Technion students and a professor to and receive radio waves in satellite comSarasota. Additionally, the Chapter took munications. His work has applications the opportunity to recognize the efforts for military as well as industrial use. of two local leaders, Naomi Wertheimer After the students and professor and Lillian Brent. spoke about their research, Chapter coIf you had the good fortune to see President Milton Richter made a special Hanukkah 101, Technion’s 2012 video presentation to Naomi Wertheimer and of a Rube Goldberg contraption de- Lillian Brent, thanking them for their signed to light the Hanukkah candles, then you saw the creative mind of Eyal Cohen in action. At 28 and an undergraduate student in mechanical engineering, his college career was delayed while he served as an officer in the elite Paratroopers, where he continues to work part-time training others. He is a two-time winner of Dr. Bob’s TechnoBrain competitions. His future plans include working for an IsLillian Brent and Naomi Wertheimer, honorees raeli-Thai initiative on safe at the American Technion Society brunch in March drinking water. If you would like to see his Hanukkah contraption, it devoted service to the Sarasota Chapter is still available on YouTube; just type of the American Technion Society. Both the words Technion and Hanukkah in women have worked tirelessly to make Technion’s advanced achievements betany search engine. Eyal was joined by Yael Zaidberg, a ter known in the community, and have graduate student in industrial and orga- had great success in gathering support nizational psychology. Yael emigrated for the Technion. A special Technion Expedition will to Israel with her family at the age of eight from the former Soviet Union. be leaving for Spain and Israel from Her studies have included investigat- May 26 to June 7. If you are interested ing the motivation and reasons for the in joining the trip, call Chapter Director success of entrepreneurs, and she is Jennifer Singer at 941.378.1500. Becurrently researching the influence of come a part of Technion’s achievement in “Advancing Technology for Israel work-family conflict on workers. With them was Professor Yehuda and the World.”

Sister Cities Association of Sarasota turns 50 By Kim Sheintal

n 1956, the international Sister City program was created to form lasting friendships among cities while fostering world peace. With Sarasota formalizing its first sister fifty years ago in 1963, Sarasota has grown to include eight sister cities around the world. Sarasota and Tel Mond became official Sister Cities in 1999. Even before Sarasota and Tel Mond were official sister cities, there was a special bond between them. They are truly like sisters who share a strong kinship and love for one another. As SCAS celebrates its fiftieth year in 2013, SCAS celebrates Tel Mond. Members of the SCAS Tel Mond committee look forward to Sister Cities Association of Sarasota hosting the Florida Sister Cities State Conference the first weekend in May. Sister Cities Association of Sarasota is pleased to announce that among

the seven international winners of Sarasota’s 2013 Young Playwrights Festival is Ori Segev, a sixth-grader from the Shelanu School in Tel Mond. Other winners include two students from Kiryat Yam in Israel, one student from Dunfermline in Scotland, and two students from Vladimir in Russia. All winners have been invited to Sarasota to see their plays presented on Saturday, May 11 by professional actors. Winning is an outstanding accomplishment in that these playwrights were chosen from over 3,000 international student entries. Betty Greenspan, SCAS Tel Mond City Director, invites more people to join the Tel Mond Committee. For more information about Sister Cities and Tel Mond, email CD_Israel@SisterCities. org or visit www.sarasotasistercities. org/Tel_mond.html.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS 13A May 2013

May 2013

13A

Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Kobernick-Anchin partner for third annual Community Health Fair By Carlene C. Cobb

he Kobernick-Anchin retirement community teamed with Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) for the third annual Community Health Fair at Kobernick House on Wednesday, March 6. Free and open to the public, the health fair was a successful opportunity to revel in wellness while connecting with 33 vendors. Based on the number of goody bags given away, about 150 people attended. Many took advantage of the cholesterol and blood sugar screenings

provided by SMH nurses. The joyful sounds of giggles and chuckles beckoned curious participants who joined Laughter Yoga demonstrations by Yoga SRQ. Pet therapy dogs won hearts. Aromatherapy products and chair massages were very popular. People learned about services provided by Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Senior Friendship Centers, Roskamp Institute, DeMaio Chiropractic Wellness Center, Acupuncture Physician Dr. Bruce Benner, Help at Home Homecare and others. Dr. Grab Bar displayed prod-

Jayne Forstenzer, Bernice Lands and Mitzi Edelman enjoy pet therapy with Scruffy and Lynn Johns, pet therapy volunteer with the Humane Society of Sarasota County

ucts to prevent falls. Lighthouse of Manasota introduced products for visually-impaired people. The Lions Clubs International group screened 22 people for diabetes, referring six for medical follow-up. Plenty of giveaways were enjoyed by all. If you attended the health fair, thank you for your visit. If you missed out, stay tuned for upcoming community events on the Kobernick-Anchin campus. For more photos of the Health Fair and other events, visit www.facebook. com/KobernickAnchin/photos_albums.

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Robyn Marin of Yoga SRQ leads a popular Laughter Yoga demonstration

The Al Katz Center calls for Holocaust survivors to celebrate their birthdays and anniversaries together

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All Holocaust survivors in Sarasota-Manatee and adjacent areas are being asked to contact the Al Katz Center for Holocaust Survivors & Jewish Learning to help the Center in its efforts to give birthday parties each month for the survivors born in that month and to celebrate survivor anniversaries. Since every birthday and occasion of each survivor is special, the Al Katz Center will provide kosher food, decorations and invitations for the survivors in honor of them. Birthdays and special occasions in May will be celebrated on Sunday, May 26 at noon. Please contact Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239 to give her the dates of your special occasions. The Al Katz Center is located in Burns Square at 713 South Orange Avenue, Sarasota.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

May 2013

Volunteer Sy Goldblatt Jeffrey Weber installed helps struggling veterans as Hazzan at TBS By Carol Harwood, Director of Marketing, JFCS

By Joel Servetz and Donna Newman

ll that’s good and beautiful about Temple Beth Sholom of Sarasota was brought sharply into focus on Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16, as hundreds of members and community visitors gathered to celebrate the formal installation of Jeffrey Weber as Hazzan (Cantor). World renowned tenor Hazzan Alberto Mizrahi, Hazzan Weber’s dear

ou see them on the street corners parents struggled to earn for years, livand median strips throughout ing in the lower middle-class Bronx.” our community carrying cardThe two veterans Sy currently is board signs with scrawled handwrit- working with are both casualties of the ing that spells out their plight: “Please economy. One was an entrepreneur, the help a hungry and homeless vet.” They other a construction worker. In addition are male and female, young to the temporary finanand old, from all races and cial assistance providreligious backgrounds. They ed by the program, Sy fought for their country and offers understanding, for other people’s freedom. compassion and motiNow they are fighting for vation. “They just need their lives. someone to believe in In many cases, they can them,” he affirms. turn their lives around. Just The JFCS veterask Sy Goldblatt, a volunteer ans-focused safety net mentor in the Jewish Family program has served & Children’s Service (JFCS) 130 veterans and their Operation Military Assisfamily members since Sy Goldblatt tance Program (OMAP), October 1, 2012. For which is funded by a grant from the those who are receiving assistance to federal Department of Veteran Affairs. prevent them from becoming homeless, OMAP offers case management and the success rate is 91%. For those who temporary financial assistance to very are already homeless, the success rate low-income veterans and their families for getting them into permanent, stable who are homeless or about to become housing is 72%. homeless, enabling them to obtain or OMAP is one of 26 counseling and maintain stable, permanent housing. social services programs offered by Sy can relate to the veterans he is JFCS for children, adults, seniors and helping, whom he describes as “poor or veterans, delivered on a non-denominahomeless, and coming from the bottom tional basis, guided by the Jewish tradiof the ladder.” He explains, “I’ll always tion of helping all people. remember $43.34 – the rent money my

friend and mentor, made a very special and memorable appearance as he and Hazzan Weber joined to present two remarkable programs. On Friday night, the spectacular weekend started with a delicious congregational Shabbat dinner. The two Hazzans, along with Rabbi Joel Mishkin, spiritual leader of Temple Beth Sholom, led a packed synagogue in a joyous, music-filled Shabbat service dubbed “Friday Night Live.” The audience was full of energy, clapping, dancing and singing along throughout the evening. Saturday brought the two Hazzans together for the formal installation ceremony. The evening brought them together once more to present an amazing concert of Jewish music to an estimated audiHazzan Alberto Mizrahi and Hazzan Jeffrey Weber ence of 300! Before becoming a member of the clergy of Temple Beth Sholom, Hazzan Weber, along with his equally talented wife Andrea, had spectacular careers as opera singers, having performed at the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Sarasota Opera and other venues. Hazzan Weber and his family, including sons Sam and Ben, have settled into their new Hazzan Jeffrey Weber and wife Andrea home in Sarasota. (Photos: Joel Servetz, RGB Media Services, LLC)

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COMMUNITY FOCUS 15A May 2013

Jews, Catholics and Muslims unite at Feast of Abraham

ews, Catholics and Muslims celebrated their shared heritage at the Feast of Abraham on Wednesday, March 13. Held at St. Martha Church and attended by Temple Emanu-El and the Islamic Community of Southwest Florida, the event included greetings from Father Fausto Stampiglia, Rabbi Brenner Glickman and Imam Hassan Hammami, the signing of a pledge of friendship, and a festive meal. Imam Hammami pointed out the

similarities among the Hebrew, Arabic and Latin words for peace and explained the connections among the faiths represented at the Feast. “I believe in Islam, but I also believe in Christianity and Judaism,” he said. “Islam teaches us to revere the other faiths. We have a lot more in common with each other than we seem to think. “When I am asked to speak about Islam, it fills my heart with joy,” he added. “But it pains me when I see people who wrap themselves in the mantle of religion and do things that are un-Muslim, or un-Christian or un-Jewish.” Rabbi Glickman wished St. Martha parishioners “mazel tov” on the newly-elected pope and spoke about Passover. “Passover is the ancient celebration Imam Hassan Hammami of the Islamic Community of Southwest of our redemption,” he Florida, Father Fausto Stampiglia of St. Martha Catholic Church, and Rabbi Brenner J. Glickman of Temple Emanu-El said. “It reminds us of display the signed pledges of mutual friendship what is possible: that and support made at the Feast of Abraham redemption can come. “Nights like this,” he added, “give us that hope.” Father Stampiglia then led the assembled in a pledge that “in the name of Abraham, our common ancestor in faith…we will courageously support each other in time of trouble. St. Martha Catholic Church parishioner Claire Collins We will defend each and Temple Emanu-El’s Annabelle Wolter and Carol Kopelman other from discrimination, vilification and abuse…We ask God to forgive our past hardheartedness against each other.” After the singing of Let There Be Peace on Earth, gatherers mingled and ate dinner with new and old friends of Temple Emanu-El members Barbara & Marty Arch with St. Martha Catholic Church parishioners James & Gladys Weir the different faiths.

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Interfaith initiative on the Kobernick Anchin campus

t began on Christmas Eve and con- an interfaith Christian service that aptinued on Easter Sunday as the pealed to Protestant as well as Catholic Kobernick Anchin senior living residents. Connie Horst, president of the Ancampus welcomed Rev. Celestino Gutierrez to officiate at holiday services for chin Resident Association, worked with the Christian residents, their families Rabbi Barbara to initiate a visitation program where Christian deacons make and Christian staff members. “We are a Jewish community,” says Sunday visits to those who request it. Rabbi Barbara Aiello, resident campus When Christian residents expressed rabbi, “but we have a interest in holiday services, the local parish number of Christian residents who choose church, St. Jude’s, was contacted and Father to live here in the Kobernick independent Celestino sprang into residence, in Assisted action. “It is a joy for me Living, Memory Supto be here,” said Faport or in the Benderther Celestino, who son Skilled Nursing unit. Many of our staff spoke about his visit Reverend Celestino Gutierrez to Israel on an interare Christians as well. with Rabbi Barbara Aiello at Anchin Easter service faith mission with In the spirit of acceptance and appreciation, we offer Chris- The Jewish Federation of Sarasotatian services for Christmas and Easter.” Manatee, and how important it is for And that’s where Rev. Gutierrez Christians to support the Jewish state. comes in. Literally. With elegant vest- And residents and staff were impressed. ments and Catholic ritual items in tow, “I’m so pleased that my mother can enFather Celestino, as he prefers to be joy mass,” said one resident’s daughter. called, created a reverent atmosphere in “The familiar prayers and songs make the Anchin Chapel to offer mass during her smile.”

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16A

COMMUNITY FOCUS

May 2013

Jewish American Heritage Month kicks off May 5 at Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU 2013 theme is American Jews in Entertainment

he Jewish Museum of FloridaFIU (JMOF-FIU), the only museum dedicated to telling the story of 250 years of Florida Jewish heritage, arts and culture, is proud to announce May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), a national commemoration of the contributions that American Jews have made to the fabric of the nation’s history, culture and society. The 2013 observance will be held at the Museum at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 5. JAHM was initiated by JMOFFIU and enacted by the 109th Congress. This year’s national theme focuses on American Jews in Entertainment. An enlightening presentation by Professor Stephen Whitfield of Brandeis University and Marcia Jo Zerivitz, founding executive director of the Jewish Mu-

seum of Florida, will explore how two percent of the population has had such a huge impact upon the nation’s popular culture. Immigrant Jewish entrepreneurs and their sons – like Sam Goldwyn, Jack and Harry Warner, and Louis B. Mayer – were integral to the creation of Hollywood. Jews were once the heads, simultaneously, of the three major American television networks: William Paley at CBS, David Sarnoff at NBC and Leonard Goldenson at ABC. Jews have been writers, directors, producers, composers, performers and even clowns in the entertainment industry. “The arrival of over two million Jews from Eastern Europe a century ago coincided with the emergence of mass entertainment in the United States,” said Dr. Whitfield. “This was not en-

tirely a coincidence, as the energies and dynamism of the newcomers and their children were unleashed in the popular arts because so few barriers to entry existed, and because a novel path of upward mobility became available. The result was a fresh way of forging the national identity and a vehicle for making a diverse society more unified.” Whitfield’s lecture will describe how this combination played itself out in the birth of the Hollywood studios and in the contribution of Jews to the treasury of American humor. Dr. Whitfield holds the Max Richter Chair in American Civilization at Brandeis University, where he has taught since 1972. A native of Houston who grew up in Jacksonville, he earned a B.A. from Tulane, a master’s degree from Yale and a doctorate in American

Stephen Whitfield

Marcia Jo Zerivitz

history from Brandeis. He has served as visiting professor of many prominent universities and is the author of eight books including, most recently, In Search of American Jewish Culture, and numerous scholarly articles. The free program is co-sponsored by the JMOF-FIU, Jewish Community Relations Council of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, and Jewish Federation of Broward County, Community Relations Committee. For more information on JAHM and the national 2013 observance, visit www.jahm.us. For more information about the Museum, call 305.672.5044 or visit www.jewishmuseum.com.

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he BackPack Kids sounds like a good family movie. Temple Sinai has gone a step further in wrapping its arms around a program that provides nutritional support to children from low-income families or those who are homeless. Temple Sinai’s Social Action Committee, under auspices of the All Faiths Food Bank, with many other area groups, has committed to alleviating hunger for some of the community’s neediest. In 2011, congregant Betty Liner introduced this program to the temple. From then on, donations and fundraisers for BackPack Kids materialized. The Oak Park School for seriously intellectually, emotionally and physicallychallenged K-12 students, was selected as Temple Sinai’s recipient. Lunch bags are packaged with three to five pounds of healthy, kid-friendly food and sent home with the children twice monthly to provide weekend

nutrition. 100% of all donations to this program are used to provide food; bags are donated and volunteers do the packing. Their “payment” is the joy of performing a mitzvah and the knowledge that some children will not go hungry. Finally, the greatest mitzvah of all is that these children do not know who has packed

their food bags, nor do the volunteers know to whom they go. Nevertheless, the children express gratitude for knowing someone cares about them. For more information about Temple Sinai’s BackPack Kids program, to volunteer or contribute, please call Betty Liner at 941.924.1802.

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JEWISH INTEREST 17A May 2013

Stars of David

By Nate Bloom, Contributing Columnist 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. Jackie Robinson: Courage, Allies and Enemies By the time you read this, the movie 42, which opened on Friday, April 12, will be out of most theaters. However, most of the info in this item is historical and always timely – and look for the streaming video/DVD of 42 to be released by summer’s end. The title 42 references the player number of the great Jackie Robinson (1919-1972), the first African-American to play major league baseball. The film follows the college-educated Robinson (Chadwick Boseman), as he is selected by Branch Rickey (HARRISON FORD, 70), the Brooklyn Dodgers’ General Manager, to break the “gentleman’s agreement” that kept owners from signing black players. Robinson agreed to Rickey’s request that no matter how much racist abuse he suffered during his rookie season (1947), he would not react in kind with strong words or by fighting back. Robinson let his talent do his talking for him. The 1947 Rookieof-the-Year earned the respect of his teammates and millions of fans as he paved the way for other black players. Depicted in the film is one teammate who wouldn’t play with Robinson (Dixie Walker) and players on other teams who directed racial slurs at Robinson or even tried to injure him (Ben Chapman, the Philadelphia player/manager, and St. Louis catcher Joe Garagiola, now 87; Garagiola later re-invented himself as a genial sportscaster). Robinson’s allies included Dodger shortstop Pee Wee Reese, a Southerner;

Dodger pitcher Ralph Branca, now 87; and Hall-of-Fame first baseman HANK GREENBERG (1911-86). Branca, a devout Catholic who was the Dodgers’ pitching ace during the 1947 season, found out in 2011 that his late mother was born Jewish. He told the reporter who discovered this fact that maybe her Jewish background led his mother to teach him to be tolerant of people of any background. Branca welcomed Robinson on his first day with a hearty handshake. Greenberg, unlike the other players above, is not depicted in 42. However, the details of his friendship with Robinson are found in many sources, including the really terrific 1998 documentary The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg, directed by AVIVA KEMPNER. In 1947, Greenberg was the first baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates (all his prior years were with the Detroit Tigers). During a May 1947 game, Greenberg told Robinson, “Stick in there. You’re doing fine. Keep your chin up.” A couple of days later, Robinson told reporters that Greenberg was his “diamond hero” and “Class tells. It sticks out all over Mr. Greenberg.” Check Out Tapper (While You Can) In March, JAKE TAPPER, 44, started as the host of a new CNN news program, The Lead with Jake Tapper. (It airs 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.) Tapper was ABC’s Senior White House Correspondent from 2008-2012. The son of a Jewish father and a mother who converted to Judaism, Tapper attended a Philadelphia Jewish Day School. His wife, too, is a Jew-by-

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May 2013

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Interested in Your Family’s History? Ten years of doing a Jewish celebrities column has turned Nate Bloom (see column at left) 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.

So here’s the deal:

Send Nate an email at middleoftheroad1@aol.com, tell him you saw this ad in The Jewish News, and include your phone number (area code, too). Nate will then contact you about doing a “limited” family history for you at a modest cost (no more than $100). No upfront payment. Choice, and his sister, a Conservative rabbi, presided over his wedding. Sadly, Tapper’s early ratings are anemic. The Lead is informative. But it is traditional, “middle-of-the-road” reporting. Programs with a host with a strong point of view, like those on MSNBC and Fox News, are crushing CNN in the ratings. Bill Maher encapsulated this situation with this recent wry remark: “For the Left, there is MSNBC; for the Right, there is Fox; for airport lounges, there is CNN.” CNN has a pattern of recruiting seasoned, quite competent journalists from another network and then has them do a “down-the-middle” newscast that ultimately fails. This is what happened to Paula Zahn, 57 (her ex-husband is Jewish and their children were raised Jewish) and CAMPBELL BROWN, 44, another Jew-by-Choice. Both were heralded when hired as CNN program hosts and then quietly let go for tepid ratings. Tapper appears poised to follow them and that’s a shame.

Short-Term Troika? On Tuesday, March 5, Los Angeles city councilman ERIC GARCETTI, 42, came in first in the open primary to become the city’s next mayor. His father, Gil Garcetti, 71, was the former L.A. District Attorney. Gil’s father was born in Mexico to Italian and Mexican Catholic parents. Eric’s mother, SUKEY ROTH, is an American Jew. Eric was raised Jewish and is a synagogue member. Garcetti will now face City Controller Wendy Gruel, whose husband is Jewish, in a May 21 run-off. If he wins, he will take office in July. If he wins, until the end of the year, the mayors of America’s three largest cities will be Jewish: there’s RAHM EMANUEL, 52, who took office as Chicago’s first Jewish mayor in May 2011; and MICHAEL BLOOMBERG, 71, who completes his third term as New York’s mayor at the end of this year and cannot, by law, run again.

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May 2013

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JEWISH INTEREST

New National President of ORT America

inda S. Kirschbaum of High- Directors and officers are made up of Restructuring Committee, which helped land Park, Illinois, was elected innovative, creative, forward-thinking Women’s American ORT (WAO) and to a three-year term as Nation- individuals who bring a wide variety American ORT to merge into ORT al President of ORT America during of skill sets,” Mrs. Kirschbaum said. “I America. She was chair of WAO’s the organization’s Annual Meeting on look forward to working with them to Young Leadership and a graduate of Sunday, March 10 in Santa Monica, enhance ORT’s worldwide programs, its first President’s Young Leadership services and activities, and ensure that Council. Today, she is a strong advocate California. In her inaugural speech, Mrs. we always connect with our supporters for ORT’s Next Generation program. A graduate of Northwestern UniKirschbaum said that “The global ORT in creative and meaningful ways,” she versity with a BA in Economics, and mission – Educate and Elevate – has nev- added. A member of Women’s American the University of Michigan with an er been more relevant.” In Israel alone, she added, “our Science ORT for nearly 25 MBA in marketing, Mrs. Kirschbaum years in the Metro- had 10 years of experience as a marJourney (Kadima Mada) programs have literally politan Chicago Re- keting and strategic planning consulturned around school gion, Mrs. Kirschbaum tant with Fortune 500 companies in the served on the organi- food industry, before deciding to stay matriculation rates and zation’s Board of Di- home to raise a family. She and her husentire communities in rectors and Executive band, Howard, have two adult children, the country’s periphery. The newly installed Committee and has Joanna and Brian. About ORT America: ORT Ameriheld numerous local ORT America Board, and national leader- ca is a Jewish organization committed to Next Generation leadship positions. She has strengthening communities throughout ership, and leadership around the country are traveled extensively on the world by educating people against missions, visiting ORT all odds and obstacles. It supports a energized to do all we schools and programs global network of schools and traincan to assure that this Linda Kirschbaum generation of Jewish in Argentina, Cuba, Is- ing programs that reach throughout the youngsters around the world will have rael, and throughout the United States. U.S., Latin America, Israel, Europe, the the 21st century skills they need for a A member of World ORT’s Board of Baltic and Commonwealth of IndepenRepresentatives, she is also past chair dent States (CIS), and Africa, fulfilling life of dignity and hope.” Mrs. Kirschbaum also said she of the Zarem/Golde ORT Technical the aspirations of 300,000 young people in 54 countries every day. For more dewould work closely with the organi- Institute (Skokie, Illinois). Mrs. Kirschbaum served on the tails, visit www.ORTamerica.org. zation’s National Executive Director, Alan E. Klugman, and newly-elected Chair of the Executive Committee For a continuously updated community Larry Kadis to further ORT’s mission. calendar, visit www.TheJewishFederation.org. “The newly installed National Board of

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JEWISH INTEREST 19A May 2013

May 2013

19A

Novelistic biography reveals Depression-era Jewish immigrant life By Philip K. Jason, Special to The Jewish News My Mother’s Wars, by Lillian Faderman. Beacon Press. 264 pages. $25.95.

his strikingly intelligent and emotionally wrenching narrative traces almost a decade in the life of its main character, Mary Lifton. Set in New York beginning in 1932, the story explores Mary’s life as a Jewish immigrant from Europe. Her good fortune is that her family got her out of Latvia long before Nazi power and U.S. quotas severely Phil Jason limited chances for such relocations. Mary’s life as an uneducated, Depression-era foreigner, a woman without influence or a meaningful support system, represents the life of many such desperate individuals. And yet Mary is remarkably well profiled by the author. This shouldn’t be surprising, as the author is Mary’s daughter. I haven’t yet used the word biography to label this work because given the liberties that Ms. Faderman admits to taking, the book could have quite easily been published as fiction. The main sources for building character and situation are conversations between mother and daughter over the years. Many of these conversations (as well as conversations between Faderman and her mother’s younger sister) belong to a wholly different era than the events, beginning perhaps in the 1960s. Given the richness of the source material, this reader finds an unexpected remoteness between author-daughter and mothercharacter. In spite of this sense of distance, and due no doubt to the author’s skill and inventiveness, a luxuriantly imagined Mary Lifton explodes from the pages.

Whether viewed as fiction, biogra- obligation, and the clash of personphy or creative nonfiction, My Mother’s alities was extreme. After only a few Wars is a powerful achievement. One months, young Mary was out on her of its many glories is Prof. Faderman’s own. At first, she loved the freedom. portrait of the New York Depression- However, over time, loneliness enEra garment industry. Her descriptions gulfed her. of work spaces and conditions, interacBy the time of the early years tions among employees, and operations of the Great Depression, Mary had of union and nonunion shops, are to- made a quiet life for herself, living tally engrossing and ring with authen- in furnished rooms in other people’s ticity. In these descriptions, the author apartments and putting in long hours in demonstrates her ability to turn volumi- a series of Garment District jobs. She nous research into flowing action and had few relationships, and little money imagery. with which to indulge her curiosity or Faderman underscores not only that her appetites. But now, as her attractive this industry depended largely on Jew- appearance begins to lose its bloom and ish and other immigrant laborers, but her dancer’s step to lose its spring, she also that Jewish ownership was promi- meets the man of her life. Morris Faderman is her grand and all-consuming nent – even dominant. The author creates additional con- passion. However, like a non-union text by beginning each chapter with shop, his sense of well-being depends carefully constructed “Time on the on exploiting her insecurities and isolaMarch” introductions. Having the feel tion. She convinces herself that she can of movie-house newsreels, these nughave her wished-for gets of historical fact are future with him: mardrawn largely from conriage, children, greattemporary reports in Time er financial ease. But magazine and the New Morris’s side of their York Times. They outline relationship involves the different stages of two ducking responsibiliprocesses: the horrific rise ties, long absences, of Nazi Germany and the false promises, and disastrous slide of the U. S. a certain degree of economy. abuse. At his insisThe story proper begins tence, she agrees to in 1932 with Mary already abort two pregnanin her mid-thirties. She had Lillian Faderman cies. The 1930s slide already lived more than half of her life in the United States. An- by with one-sided faithfulness. Mary’s ti-Semitism, which Latvia had in abun- naïvete and her passionate nature lead dance, did not seem to have influenced to several bad decisions, but her addicher relocation at the age of seventeen. tion to Morris is the worst because it is Rather, her marketable skills in cloth- so self-demeaning. Years later, pretty much a lost soul, ing manufacture and her determination to become a professional entertainer led Mary takes a stand. Actually, Morris her to accept her step-sister’s invita- leaves her little choice. When she betion to immigrate. But the sponsorship comes pregnant a third time, Mary is of the step-sister and her step-sister’s forty-three. She is surprised, but also husband created an awkward sense of certain that it’s her last chance for

motherhood. Although her tenuous hold on Morris is clearly weakening, she determines to have and keep the child. There is another obsession in Mary’s life, and that is her desire to bring the family in Latvia to safety. Over and over, she and her sister Ray send money to their mother and their siblings. They attempt to find avenues to get their family to the U. S. under its conservative immigration quotas, or to somehow have them take advantage of loopholes. One possible avenue would require action on Morris’s part, but he refuses. After the family members become Holocaust victims, Mary never can throw off the guilt of her failure. While Faderman gives Mary’s outer life meticulous attention, it is Mary’s inner life that keeps reverberating long after the book is put away. She is always an exile, her life a mixture of disappointment and dignity. That life, of course, is a representative story as well as a particular one. Through it, Faderman reminds us of the emotional suffering of those lucky enough to escape the Holocaust but unable to rescue their loved ones. The narrative of Mary Lifton’s life ends with the birth of Lillian Faderman, who as an author and scholar now in her seventies, gives artistic birth to Mary. This review first appeared in the Washington Independent Review of Books in March. 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.

My Rosh Chodesh Nisan with Women of the Wall By Sue Huntting

hree things will never be the same for me: Rosh Chodesh (the first day of a Jewish month), my associations with the Kotel (the Western Wall) in Jerusalem, and my choice to wear a tallit for Jewish prayer. These all came together on Tuesday, March 12 as my husband, Rabbi Geoff Huntting, and I, along with Elana and Mark Margolis, joined several hundred women and men to pray on the morning of the first day of the Jewish month of Nisan, clearly in defiance of the laws governing women’s prayer at the Kotel. We were prepared. Israeli law protects holy places from desecration, including religious ceremonies not “according to local custom, which may hurt the feelings of the worshipers toward the place.” For almost 25 years, women have been gathering to pray at the Kotel, organized by the organization Women of the Wall under the leadership of Anat Hoffman, to challenge

the religious authorities’ discrimination against women praying at the Kotel and wearing tallitot. It was an intense morning: Relief at moving smoothly through security entering the Kotel plaza ourselves, yet anxiety over whether Anat Hoffman and the three women Knesset members accompanying her wearing tallitot would also be allowed through. Being approached by a police officer and informed that wearing my tallit was illegal. Straining to follow a morning service over the rowdy singing and shofar blasts coming from the men’s side and the constant ranting of several Haredi women amongst us, all intended to disrupt our kavannah (intention). Watching the security officers’ careful efforts to keep raised voices and physical confrontations to a minimum. Knowing that media coverage was important, yet resenting their intrusion during a worship experience. Feeling

the wonderful support of the many men standing behind us in solidarity. Unlike in previous months, no one was arrested or detained, most likely because of the participation of the brave and principled Knesset members. I was so honored to participate in this act of

civil disobedience in support of equal religious access and expression for Jewish women, and I am in awe of the women who stand up for these rights every month. Mark your calendar: Rosh Chodesh Sivan is on Friday, May 10.

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20A

JEWISH INTEREST

May 2013

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle

K’zohar Ha-Ivrit What is le-chem? By Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin

By David Benkof, DavidBenkof@gmail.com Across 1. Mighty as ___ 6. “Exodus” and others 11. “That’s the spot!” 14. Beliefs 15. “It’s ___ life” 16. Big name in sporting goods 17. “A Woman of ___, Who Can Find?” 18. Author Joseph (“Jewish Literacy”) 20. Everest guide 22. BlackBerry, e.g. 23. “___ I a stinker?” (Bugs Bunny line) 24. “___ worse than death” 26. Actress Amanda (“Hairspray”) 27. He starred in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” 32. “___ in Ruins”: Uris 33. First anti-AIDS drug 34. Gluekel of ___ 39. Country where only a quarter of its 40,000 Jews survived the Holocaust 41. Actress Portman who played a “Star Wars” princess 42. Word with cruise or gym 43. “... l’hadlik ___ shel Chanukah” 44. Cut (away) 45. Big name in cosmetics 48. Not a Mitnaged 52. More boorish 53. “Ko ___ Hashem” (“Thus said the Lord”) 54. Logan airport symbol 55. ___ Gaon 60. Albright or Kunin 63. Columbia Jewish historian Salo 64. Beirut-to-Jerusalem dir. 65. Tevye portrayer Theodore 66. Pessimist’s words 67. It’s eaten with an egg before Tisha B’Av 68. Kosher symbol 69. Paris-born actress Anouk Down 1. Modifying wds. 2. “Evan Almighty” analogy

Solution on page 24A

3. Emulate Groucho Marx 4. Love overseas 5. It’s often parsley 6. Posed for Annie Liebovitz 7. Having a knack for 8. “The ___ Land” (English/Yiddish musical) 9. Juan’s water 10. Air leak sound 11. “Chicago Hope” star Adam 12. “Book of Songs” author, Heinrich 13. Tips 19. The end of Chanukah? 21. Jerusalem Center for Public ___ 25. Left-of-center pro-Israel grp. 26. The “Exodus,” e.g. 27. Actor Klugman (“The Odd Couple”) 28. Farmer’s prefix 29. Sounds on a kibbutz 30. ___ HaChareidis 31. Philanthropist Bronfman 35. Hebrew novelist Abraham 36. Israel’s only official religious municipality 37. Pre-euro money 38. Not even once, in a poem 40. Got ready to drive? 41. “So that he shall have no ___ of spoil” (Prov 31:11) 43. Prolific author Jacob (“A Rabbi talks with Jesus”) 46. Ruling threesome 47. “Aladdin” setting 48. Palm-shaped amulet 49. Build up 50. Yitzchak of the Palmach 51. Wrath 54. ___ Hamikdash (Holy Temple) 56. Org. for olim 57. A little liquor 58. Skye who married one of the Beastie Boys 59. Penny, perhaps 61. Abbr. on a baby announcement 62. Antlered critter

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his month we celebrate Shavu-ot, a holiday rooted in agricultural economy. Keeping the spirit of Sha-vu-ot, let us look at agriculture’s basic product, le-chem. What is le-chem? Why, in Jewish tradition do we thank God with ha-motzi le-chem, ‘for bringing forth le-chem from the earth?’ After all, the meal is varied and bountiful. Dr. Rachel Dulin The word lechem is complex. It is derived from the root l.ch.m, and has several meanings. In some Semitic cultures it means ‘food’ or ‘bread,’ and yet in others lechem means ‘meat,’ not a grain product. In some it is a verb meaning ’to taste,’ ‘to enjoy’ or simply ‘to eat bread,’ yet in others it means ‘to join together,’ ‘to weld’ or even ‘to fight.’ In the Hebrew of old, these meanings juxtaposed into an interesting concept reflecting its cultural environment. The word le-chem appears 297 times in the Bible. Here too, le-chem means ‘bread,’ ‘grain’ (Gen 3:19) and ‘meat’ (Gen 31:54). At times le-chem means ‘food’ in general (Psalm 136:35) and sometimes it became a loan word meaning ‘livelihood’ or ‘income’ (Prov 12:11). The variety of meanings of the word le-chem is rooted in the economic

reality of ancient societies. People who raised cattle or sheep called ‘meat’ their le-chem – Israel not excluded. However, when farming and agriculture entered the economy and farming of different kinds of grain changed the diet (Duet 8:8-9), the meaning of le-chem broadened to include ‘bread.’ In short, as the writer of Job makes us aware, whether farmers or shepherds controlled the economy, e-retz mi-me-nah ye-tze lechem, ‘the earth is the source of foods’ (Job 28:5). There are many phrases in Hebrew where the word le-chem is at the center. Here are but two examples: Le-chem oni, ‘a bread of poverty,’ is the biblical name for ma-tza, the bread we eat on Pesach (Dt. 16:3), that which the Haggadah calls lach-ma an-ya. It evolved with the years to mean ‘poor income.’ Another example is a famous idiomatic phrase advising: sh’lach lach-me-kha al p’naiy ha-ma-yim ki bir-vot ha-ya-mim tim-tza-eh-nu, in translation ‘cast your bread upon the waters, at long last you will find it again’ (Ecc 11:1). This idiom is rooted in the wisdom teachings of Ecclesiastes, encouraging one to take a chance and act, for results will follow. I end our short le-chem discussion with the hope that no one will ever experience le-chem oni, ‘poor income.’ May it be that whenever le-chem is ‘cast’ over the waters, it will bear productive results so that all may be able to bless ha-motzi le-chem with joy.

Governor moves to fund Enterprise Florida office in Tel Aviv

haim Shacham, Consul-General of Israel, met on Wednesday, March 13 with the Governor’s Office to discuss Florida-Israel economic opportunities and to thank Governor Rick Scott for his recommendation in the recent State budget proposal to fund an Enterprise Florida office in Tel Aviv. The planned office will join ten other state-funded Enterprise Florida international offices around the world. As Florida’s primary organization devoted to statewide economic development, Enterprise Florida’s mission is to facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy. The International Office Network of Enterprise Florida provides counseling services for Florida companies looking to export their products and services, as well as foreign companies interested in investing and doing business in Florida. The international offices also provide support for overseas trade and investment missions from Florida. Reciprocally, the State of Israel maintains a Consulate General in Miami, to provide similar services to Israeli and Florida companies with the common goal of strengthening the economic ties between the two sides. A year ago, the Governor led an economic delegation to Israel to explore trade cooperation and expanding

economic ties between the two states. Now, due to the Governor’s request for funding, the Enterprise Florida office in Tel Aviv will be able to provide Florida companies that are interested in Israel a vehicle to introduce contacts, coordinate delegations and facilitate trade. There are enormous trade opportunities between Florida and Israel. Key areas of innovation in Israel include life sciences, water technologies, communication, homeland security, aviation and new media. With Florida networks covering these growing industries, there are abundant synergies and opportunities for trade and partnerships. Consul-General Chaim Shacham stated, “We are confident that a funded Enterprise Florida office in Israel will provide a new level of exposure to Israel’s economy for Florida companies and vice versa. We believe this proposed funding will enable the EFI Tel Aviv Office to undertake significant action toward fulfilling its mission of bolstering Florida’s economy and job market. We look forward to working together with the new EFI office to further the mutual economic interests of both states. This is truly a ‘win-win’ situation.” For more information, please contact Ariel Roman-Harris at mediacultural@ miami.mfa.gov.il or 305.925.9413.

See pages 9-11B for more on Israel & the Jewish World

JEWISH INTEREST COMMENTARY 21A May /2013

May 2013

21A

Burning books and burning people By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD

love books. I always have. I like their feel, their smell and, above all, their presence. I like libraries, too. I should confess right from the outset that I’m not a fan of newer electronic media, though perhaps, one day, I might have to make my peace with the newer forms of delivery. For now, though, I’m very happy with books in their traditional form. Dr. Paul Bartrop While I’m in this frame of mind, I have another confession to make: I have never been much of a fan of science fiction. Throughout my life I have probably read fewer than a half-dozen sci-fi novels, and while I have probably seen more than that in movies, it wouldn’t have been all that many. Having said that, I should add immediately that there is one book in the science fiction genre I embraced long ago. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, was published in 1953. It considers a future society where books are banned and the major role of firemen is to burn any that are found, along with the houses in which they have been hidden. What attracted me to this novel while I was still in school – not that many years after the book’s appearance – was its essential premise. Firefighters don’t put fires out, they start them; books are gathered together for the purpose of destroying them, not for housing them; it is illegal to read books, as that is a crime of dissent against the state. Fahrenheit 451 – the reality, not the novel – is reportedly the temperature at which paper burns. Looking at the historical record,

perhaps the essential premise of the novel isn’t too farfetched. On May 10, 1933 – 80 years ago this month – the Nazis in Germany engaged in a highly-orchestrated campaign of book-burning across the country. University students of the German Student Association (Deutsche Studentenschaft) purged some 25,000 titles of what were termed “un-German” books. That night, in university communities throughout Germany, students marched in torchlight parades and, at given times and locations, would convey into the flames such titles as they found within the university collections. Bands played, speeches were made, oaths were taken, and nationalistic songs were sung. Local Nazi leaders lined up to be heard (and seen). On that awful night, the works of all Jewish and many left-wing authors were burned. These included names such as Franz Werfel, Max Brod, Stefan Zweig, Bertolt Brecht, August Bebel, Karl Marx, Erich Kästner and Arthur Schnitzler. Also purged were foreign writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Jack London, Helen Keller and H. G. Wells. The works of Heinrich Heine, one of the most significant and beloved German poets of the nineteenth century, who had been born Jewish but converted to Christianity in his late 20s, were also burned. His play Almansor (1821) contained words that rang all too true on this horrible night: “Dort, wo man Bücher verbrennt, verbrennt man am Ende auch Menschen.” In English, this translates to the maxim, “Where they burn books, in the end they will also burn people.” In Berlin, live radio broadcasts from the scene brought the excitement of the book burnings into people’s homes, so that they could hear the speeches

For the sake of diplomacy? By Gene Sipe, VP Southwest Florida Chapter ZOA

n an attempt to restore a deteriorated relationship between Israel and Turkey, Prime Minister Netanyahu undertook a bold gamble at the behest of U.S. President Obama. Each time the U.S. attempts to broker a peace in the region, Israel suffers a financial loss, strategic setback, land loss or, at the very least, humiliation. So why would this latest foray have any different outcome? Once again true to Middle Eastern politics, the subject has little to do with the true matter of the issue. The deterioration of relations between Israel and Turkey is presented to be centered on the capture of the blockade runner, the Mavi Marmara. Even my calling it a “blockade runner” is clouded by the world press and diplomatic doublespeak. Let’s begin by establishing that Israel’s actions were 100% in accordance with International Maritime Law. One does not need 20 years experience in admiralty to clearly see the violations of the vessel and the compliance by Israel as determined by the current governing international rule, the “San Remo Manual on International Law.”

The most obvious rule being Rule 98: “Merchant vessels believed on reasonable grounds to be breaching a blockade may be captured.” Anyone following the news prior to the vessel’s departure will clearly recall that the stated intent of the flotilla was to break the blockade. So why is Israel once again being strong-armed into a capitulating apology and remuneration? The U.S. and Turkey are desperately trying to assert their mastery over the region. This is being presented to the uninformed as another peace initiative spun as Israel capitulating on its alleged aggression upon innocents. Turkey desires to regain her status as the center for Muslim influence and the anchor for the reborn caliphate. At the same time, it needs to temper the radical aspects of Iran, Syria and Hezbollah to maintain its own stability. The U.S., on the other hand, has to repair its failed attempt to pander to the Muslim world which has resulted in loss of influence and dominance of radical regimes now in control of much of the region. The incident is as much the responsibility of the media and the politicians as those involved in the flotilla. Of

(particularly that of Reich Propaganda Minister Josef Goebbels) that took place before some 40,000 spectators. In 34 university towns across Germany the Nazi book-burning night – termed an “Action against the Un-German Spirit” – was a great success. Widespread newspaper coverage reported the event over the next few days, perhaps not all that surprising given the degree to which Goebbels supported the whole idea. It is also worthy of note that the campaign continued beyond May 10. In some places it rained, forcing organizers to postpone their event; in others, local Nazis decided to relocate the occasion to June 21, to accompany celebrations for the Summer Solstice. All this worked to the Nazis’ advantage, as it enabled them to keep the issue of book purging on the front-burner for longer than originally planned. A colleague of mine at the University of Hawaii, Dr. Rebecca Knuth, has explored the phenomenon of book burning throughout history, and has given a name to it: libricide, the practice of destroying, often ceremoniously, books and libraries based on motives that are moral, religious or political in their origins. Book burning is a clear statement a harsh and oppressive regime can make about itself, as it goes about the task of silencing what it considers to be an unwanted aspect of a nation’s culture. As Dr. Knuth has shown, the Nazis were not the first to engage in such practices, nor were they the last. Yet, as she also shows, regime-sponsored,

ideologically driven, and systemic destruction of books and libraries in the twentieth century often served as a prelude or accompaniment to more sinister and destructive human rights catastrophes. Her core argument, with which I agree wholeheartedly, is that the destruction of books and libraries by authoritarian regimes is sparked by the same impulses that can provoke acts of genocide. Quite simply, the common cultural heritage of the world is at stake, as anyone committed to freedom of expression and humanistic values – read, the American people through the U.S. Constitution – will agree. In an interview in 2007, well over a half century since the publication of his book, Ray Bradbury discussed what he understood to be the key to an appreciation of Fahrenheit 451. As he saw it (he died in 2012), the villain in Fahrenheit 451 was not the firefighters nor the state. It was the people of this future state, who acquiesced silently before the assault on their freedom of thought and expression. Did he mean the people of Nazi Germany? He could have said so, but the major thrust of his message was in fact directed against the United States during the McCarthy witch-hunts of the early 1950s…a sobering thought for us all. Dr. Paul Bartrop is Professor of History and the Director of the Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. He can be reached at pbartrop@fgcu.edu.

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course, it would be too much to hope that the world press or the Turkish government would come forward to accept responsibility for encouraging and, at the very least, glorifying those who actually violated the rule of law. Israel is again being used as a pawn, however, in this scenario they have much to gain. Historically a good trading partner, Turkey may once again be a stabilizing factor in the future of Israel’s interests in the region. If an apology and a million dollars (estimated payoff at

the time of this writing) is the price to normalize relations, Israel’s leadership is demonstrating that they are willing to look at a much larger picture. With all of Israel’s bordering neighbors allying against her, this is a gambit with a potentially huge upside. As all three parties involved have something to gain, the potential for success is not only good, it also has tremendous long-term implications for the region’s stability.

22A

COMMENTARY

May 2013

Happy 65th Birthday, Israel! By David Harris, Executive Director, AJC, April 4, 2013

or many nations, a 65th birthday may not generate much excitement. But if the country happens to be Israel, which celebrates its birthday this year on April 15-16, it’s another story. Israel has the dubious distinction of being the only UN member state whose right to exist is regularly challenged, whose elimination from the world map is the aim of at least one other UN member state (Iran), and whose population centers are deemed fair game by Hamas-controlled Gaza and Hezbollahdominated Lebanon. None of the countries that are serial human-rights violators – not Iran, North Korea, Belarus, Zimbabwe, Sudan, or any of the others – gets anything near the relentless, obsessive, guilty-tillproven-innocent scrutiny that democratic Israel receives from UN bodies, with their built-in anti-Israel majorities, in New York and Geneva. Indeed, Israel is the only nation in the world which has a permanent, separate agenda item at the UN Human Rights Council. All other countries in the world are lumped together under another agenda item. No other country is the target of such non-stop, well-funded and highlyorganized campaigns to discredit and delegitimize a sovereign state. No other country faces systematic attempts to launch boycotts, divestment campaigns, and sanctions against it, not to mention flotillas and flytillas. All the while those behind the efforts, claiming to speak in the lofty name of human rights, studiously ignore places like Syria, where more than 70,000 have been killed in the past two years alone and numberless more wounded, homeless, exiled and detained. Why this lack of interest in Syria? Presumably because no Israeli connection can be claimed. No other country has its right to self-defense challenged as Israel does, even though it acts no differently than any other nation would if confronted by periodic terrorist assaults and deadly missile and rocket attacks. And no other country is as microscopically examined in the media, from the BBC to the Financial Times, from CNN International to the wire services, leading to such typical whoppers as the New York Times headline on April 4, “Tensions Rise As Israel and Gaza Swap Strikes.” Rockets were fired from Gaza at Israel, Israel responded to defend its citizens, and to the newspaper of record, it’s an antiseptically 50-50 equation between the attacker and the attacked. I have enormous admiration for Israel – for its resolve, resilience, courage and ingenuity. What it has achieved in the past 65 years is breathtaking: the rebirth of a state with a rock-solid democratic foundation; the ingathering of millions of refugees and immigrants from just about every corner of the world; the creation of a world-class economy; the

building of a first-rate army; and a determination to overcome one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after another. Other nations might have succumbed, after 65 years of uninterrupted hostility, to enemies trying everything under the sun to destroy them, and short of that, to demoralize and isolate them. But Israel has not flinched. It refuses to cave. It keeps confounding its foes. Its commitment to a two-state accord with the Palestinians, polls repeatedly reveal, remains unshakeable, even as many Israelis can’t help but wonder if the Palestinians, given one chance after another for sovereignty, truly share Israel’s aim of Jewish and Palestinian states living side by side in peace and harmony. Moreover, in global surveys Israel comes out among the “happiest” countries in the world; Tel Aviv ranks as one of the top “go-to” destinations for young people; and Israelis’ life expectancy exceeds that of Americans. How can it be, Israel’s adversaries ask, that these “sons of monkeys and pigs,” as radical Muslim preachers openly refer to the Jews (and as Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi declared three years ago, while a Muslim Brotherhood leader), manage to stand tall, strong and, yes, optimistic? How can it be that this nation of just eight million, grown from only 650,000 at its birth in 1948, repeatedly defeats far more populous Arab foes that have arrayed themselves against it? How can it be that these Jews, seemingly led to slaughter like sheep by the Third Reich, suddenly learned how to defend themselves and vanquish larger Arab armies, within three years of V-E Day? And how can it be that Israel, with no natural resources to speak of until recent natural gas findings, could achieve a first-world economy, catapulting it into the OECD; double-digit winners of Nobel Prizes; top-three ranking in new NASDAQ listings; and global recognition as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship? Too often, Israel’s adversaries have come up with misguided if self-satisfying answers, usually elaborate conspiracy theories inspired by anti-Semitic tropes. In reality, though, the answer is much simpler. It derives from an ageold connection among a land, a faith and a people. Many have tried to sever the link. All have failed. Consider the words of Ezekiel, expressed some 2,700 years ago: Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will take the people of Israel from the nations among which they have gone, and will gather them from all sides, and bring them to their own land; and I will make them one nation in the land, upon the mountains of Israel... And the desolate land shall be tilled... And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the Garden of Eden. Or, to fast forward from the ancient prophet Ezekiel to the prophetic Winston Churchill: The coming into being of a Jewish

Opinions and letters 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, or its advertisers.

state in Palestine is an event in world history to be viewed in the perspective not of a generation or a century, but in the perspective of a thousand, two thousand or even three thousand years. Churchill added that the state’s establishment was “one of the most hopeful and encouraging adventures of the 20th century.” Indeed, so it continues to be in the 21st century. To be sure, Israel, like all democratic societies, is a permanent work in progress. Much remains to be done. From grappling with a less-thanideal electoral system to dealing with religious zealots who invoke a “higher authority” than the state, from addressing a yawning gap between rich and poor to balancing the Jewish and democratic nature of the country, from the decades-long pursuit of peace with its neighbors to the defense of the country in an ever more turbulent region, Israel has no shortage of challenges. But, above all, Israel is a wondrous “adventure.” I feel privileged daily to see the fulfillment of the prayers of generations longing for a return to Zion from forced exile. Witnessing Soviet Jews arriving at Ben-Gurion Airport even as Saddam Hussein’s Scud missiles came raining down, while Israel did not miss a beat in welcoming the newcomers, reveals the country’s character. So, too, being in Rambam Hospital in Haifa during Hezbollah missile attacks. One minute, a siren would sound and everyone would calmly go, or be moved, to the bomb shelters. The next

minute, after the all-clear signal, the scientists would return to their labs to continue cutting-edge research in cancer, diabetes and stem-cell therapy. Or visiting Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, where victims of Hamas strikes against Israel were taken for medical care, and seeing Palestinian patients from Gaza in rooms adjoining the Jewish wounded. Or getting to know Save a Child’s Heart, an Israeli program that provides life-saving pediatric heart surgery. Many of the children come from Arab countries that deny Israel’s very existence. Or seeing the scrawling on a Tel Aviv wall shortly after 21 young Israelis were killed at a discotheque – “They won’t stop us from dancing.” Or watching an Israeli Arab Supreme Court justice – who, incidentally, refuses to sing Israel’s national anthem – sit on a panel that upheld the conviction of an Israeli ex-president on charges of rape. Or imagining the role Israel could one day play in the region in helping advance food security, water security, energy security, environmental security, public health security, and knowledge security, all of which will be towering issues in the 21st century. No, this Israel may not now feature prominently in the media, I’m sorry to say, but it is the Israel that pulsates daily with a love of life, of freedom and of the land. Happy 65th Birthday, Israel! For more information, please visit www. ajc.org.

FOCUS ON YOUTH 23A May 2013

May 2013

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Panim el Panim conference a life-changing experience By Sarah Levison

Sponsored by

recently had the privilege to go on a On the second day, we listened to a trip to Washington, D.C., and attend gun-control debate and then were split the four-day Panim el Panim con- up to debate the issue ourselves. Later ference. The trip was sponsored by The that day, we participated in an activity Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Man- called Street Torah. Our Sarasota group atee. I went with five other amazing held socks and other items ready to give Jewish teens from Sarasota to meet another 90 from around the country. It was truly a lifechanging experience I will never forget. The first event that really opened my eyes was hearing two speakers from the National Coalition for the Homeless. Homeless themselves, they told their stories to a room filled with tears. I have never Sarasota’s Panim participants: Allison Davis, Daniel Yohann, Sarah Levison, Samantha Hanan, Jeremy Raupp had that many mixed emo(not pictured: Landon Heitner) tions before. At that moment, I realized how much this program meant to the homeless. When we were able to me and that I wanted to learn how I to find some people to talk to we had could help and make a difference. conversations that lasted for two hours.

Standing in the middle of D.C. in the cold, hearing the homeless persons’ stories, I realized how strong they are and how lucky I am. On the third day, we split up to participate in many different service projects. I went to the Ronald McDonald House and had an amazing time. We made gift bags full of activities and toys for the patients and their siblings. Later, I cleaned the eating area and then got to play with the cutest kids who were going through the hardest of times but had incredibly positive attitudes. On the final day, we went to the Capitol and met with Bill Nelson’s representatives. We discussed education and NASA with them. It was a great learning experience. Of course, throughout all the learning and service work, we had time to explore the city and meet new people. I learned valuable lessons, including that not being a city

girl, if I am not aggressive enough getting on the metro, there is a big chance I may get left behind. As everyone knows, life can throw some punches and it’s just not fair. It’s easy to let these struggles bring you down. However, this trip showed me that there are so many inspiring people out there who are so positive and fight through their hard times. There are also people out there who want to learn how to help in every way they can and make a difference in an individual’s life and in the world. I learned how Jewish values are intertwined in real-life situations and have never felt more passionate about being Jewish. This trip changed my life and inspired me to be a better person and encourage others to help out, too, because anyone can make a difference.

In Florida, conference is epitome of collaboration By Jaime Sloane, Israel Campus Beat, March 15, 2013

ro-Israel students at the University of Florida (UF) are gearing up to host the second annual Florida Loves Israel conference, providing an opportunity for the school to showcase support for Israel and to show hundreds of students and community members from across the state the best of discussions, workshops and cultural activities focused on enhancing Israel’s standing on Florida campuses.. It’s no surprise that UF, the American public university with the largest undergraduate Jewish population as ranked by Reform Judaism Magazine, was selected to host the conference, slated to take place April 12-14. Israel activism penetrates the social dialogue on the UF campus, with multiple proIsrael groups coordinating weekly activities, programs and socials. Most notably, various Israel-focused student groups collaborated to organize a “UF Stands with Israel” rally in response to the Gaza rocket crisis last November. More than 200 students congregated in Turlington Plaza for two hours, where they waved Israeli flags and signs in support of Israel, sang Hebrew songs and chanted “UF stands with Israel.” “Other schools look to UF as a model for successful Israel activism and advocacy,” Jewish Student Union President Joseph Pardo said. “We’ve fostered relationships with allies in Student Government and managed to coexist with Students for Justice in Palestine by sticking to our methodology and structure.” Jewish Student Union (JSU), the largest Jewish club on campus, serves as an umbrella organization. In addition to offering its own programming, it directs students to other groups whose missions match individual interests. JSU is a student-run organization dedicated to bringing Jews together through social, educational and advocacy programming. During Israel Month last November, JSU hosted Israeli movie screenings, rabbi-led discussions and Israel-themed

bonfires in order to build and encourage students’ connections to Judaism and Israel. “UF is a unique situation,” Pardo said. “With the large number of Jewish students, supporting Israel becomes less of a movement and more of an identity. It’s not just a group of people presenting a niche view; it’s become the norm on campus and gives Jewish students a way to connect with their heritage.” While planning the Florida Loves Israel conference, JSU is working closely with a new organization on campus, Zionist Gators (ZG). Formed as the successor to the former Israel Student Organization, ZG was founded last spring to help build a strong Jewish and Zionist community at the UF that supports a secure, vibrant, Jewish and democratic Israel. As opposed to JSU, which provides broad Jewish and Israeli programming, ZG concentrates on planning cultural programs, promoting Israel-visit opportunities and teaching advocacy skills to help students disseminate facts about Israel throughout campus. ZG Vice President Ely Benhamo stressed the importance of UF Israel groups working together cohesively. “We try to collaborate with organizations that have similar visions to ours so that we can achieve our goals and reach as many students as possible,” Benhamo said. “Even if we have different views than other Israel organizations about certain topics, we always look at the bigger picture of instilling a sense of Zionism in everyone we come across. Even if we have different ways of getting there, our greater goal is the same.” One group Benhamo hopes the Zionist Gators can collaborate with in the future is Gators For Israel (GFI). UF’s political lobbying group, GFI is a student organization under the JSU umbrella that works to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship by involving students in the political process. During Israel Month, GFI was instrumental in helping to plan the UF Stands with

Israel rally that took place in response to the recent Gaza conflict. This type of advocacy meshed effortlessly with GFI’s main focus of creating trusting relationships with Student Government senators in order to educate them on issues and solidify Student Government’s support of Israel. “None of the Student Government executive board members were Jewish or had any ties to Israel last year,” Pardo said. “But because of our educational efforts and relationship building, they stand proudly behind Israel.” Pardo said the work of JSU, ZG and GFI would be nearly impossible without Student Government funding, supported and approved by students each year. And while funding flows accordingly to campus Israel causes, organization leaders occasionally find themselves at odds with each other when it comes to distributing the money fairly. In times of disagreement about funding or programming, it helps to have advisors like The David Project’s senior campus coordinator Avital Kranz, who encourages collaboration between campus Israel leaders. Kranz understands that although the groups

each have their own goals, it’s important for club leaders to appreciate the diversity of the work being done and create an effective communication culture so efforts can be streamlined. “My job is to bring student leaders to the table to have conversations about why we’re all here for the same reason,” Kranz said. “We try to figure out how we can, as a team, have the most impact on campus.” UF Israel Fellow Josh Kahn agreed that cohesive collaboration is the key to successful Israel advocacy and activism on campus. “Fostering relationships between these Israel groups is what ensures that our campus’ activism can remain sustainable,” Kahn said. “Relationshipbuilding is what fuels our programs, and constant communication is vital to making sure we’re not wasting time with overlapping programming. Creating these strong bonds between clubs means we can put our best efforts forward, and we don’t need to reinvent the wheel every year.” Visit www.israelcampusbeat.org for the latest Israel trends and events on campus.

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May 2013

USF Student Cadre wins big at AIPAC conference By Linda Wolf, Assistant Director and Director of Marketing, Suncoast Hillels

illels of the Florida Suncoast is pleased to announce that the University of South Florida (USF) Student Cadre, better known as “Bulls for Israel” on the USF Tampa campus, received AIPAC’s Student Activists of the Year Award at the Student Awards Dinner held on Sunday, March 3 at the Annual AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. This awards program celebrates and honors the most accomplished AIPAC-trained student activists, campus professionals and innovators throughout the country. Award decisions are based on input from all of the AIPAC field liaison professionals who support more than 400 participating campuses in the U.S. The USF Student Cadre was one of five campus delegations in the nation recognized for their outstanding proIsrael political activity during the 20122013 school year. AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, is a 100,000-member grassroots movement of activists committed to ensuring Israel’s security and protecting American interests in the Middle East and around the world. Rabbi Ed Rosenthal, Executive Director for Hillels of the Florida Suncoast and USF Campus Rabbi, could not be more pleased about this honor.

“This award not only reflects the growth and expansion of the Bulls for Israel’s efforts, but also the significant impact of the group’s activities on strengthening the culture on USF’s campus,” said Rosenthal. “Jewish life and Israel advocacy at USF continue to grow stronger every day. This is a great honor for our students, our community and our Hillel,” noted Rosenthal. Hand-in-hand with the exceptional efforts of the students, Rabbi Rosenthal also credits the group’s success on campus to Anat Valdman, USF Bulls for Israel Advisor and USF Hillel’s Director of Jewish Education and Programs. According to Rosenthal, “Anat has been an incredible advisor and mentor to the students. She has helped to provide the foundation for Israel advocacy upon which the students have been able to build this incredible program.” Rosenthal noted, “Above all, she is so proud to watch them develop as young Jewish adults.” To say that Anat Valdman is passionate about education would be an understatement, which certainly explains why she takes the subject of educating the students at USF about Israel so seriously. “As the Bulls for Israel advisor, and as an Israeli, one of my primary goals is to outreach to and educate both Jewish and non-Jewish students about

USF Hillel students showed their pride after the USF Student Cadre won the 2013 Student Activists of the Year Award at AIPAC. Pictured here are Jonathan Kessler, AIPAC’s Director of Leadership Development (center), and (from left to right) USF Hillel student Avi Halevi; Brandon Schuster, USF Hillel Student Board President; USF Hillel students Jonathan Schiller and Danielle Haberer; Danielle Halevi, USF Hillel Student Board Member

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle Solution to puzzle on page 20A

the Middle East, especially from Israel’s point of view,” said Valdman. “Over the last two years, I have met a lot of students on campus who live in ignorance about the situation in the Middle East. Working with Michael Kalmowicz and the Bulls for Israel group has given us the ability to educate these students… and receiving this award shows that our efforts are working. It has taken a while, but we are now on the map,” Valdman said proudly. The USF Cadre included a total of 12 students at the conference: 10 from USF and 2 from New College of Florida. Among those students was Michael Kalmowicz, one of USF Hillel’s board members, who played the key role in initiating and leading the Israel advocacy movement on USF’s campus. As president of Bulls for Israel, Michael’s efforts were instrumental in the AIPAC leadership’s decision to honor the USF cadre with the award. According to Kalmowicz, the program at USF started with small initiatives to get the student leaders involved in advocating on campus. Eventually these smaller initiatives turned into bigger initiatives including information sessions, articles in the student newspaper, and Israel awareness events at USF Hillel, like the “I Love Israel” program which brought close to 100 USF students to Hillel for an evening of education and learning about Israel and the many facets of its culture. During the year, the bigger initiatives started getting noticed by students on campus and by AIPAC as well. “The combined efforts of Anat Valdman, USF Hillel, USF student government and several other campus organizations allowed Bulls for Israel to be strategic in its pro-Israel activities – without engaging the opposition,” said Kalmowicz. “Our goal in developing Israel awareness on campus was not to win the award, but it was certainly amazing to be honored for our efforts. Being one of the top five cadres in the country is very special because, a year ago, we never could have imagined that this award would be possible.” Five other USF Hillel students also attended the conference and shared in Kalmowicz’s “Bull Pride” – Avi Halevi, Danielle Halevi, Danielle Haberer, Jonathan Schiller and USF Student Board President Brandon Schuster. The two New College of Florida students in attendance included Jessica Zimmerman and Gabriel Moskowitz. Additionally,

the student cadre included several representatives from USF’s student government, as well as the USF Bulls’ quarterback – making for a very diverse student delegation. Jonathan Schiller, a freshman at USF who is very involved in the Bulls for Israel group at USF, clearly shares Michael’s passion for pro-Israel activities on campus. “Attending the AIPAC conference really opened my eyes to the overwhelming number of people in this country and on campus who support the Israel advocacy cause,” said Schiller. “And winning the Student Activists of the Year award was spectacular! It provides a clear sign that our actions and efforts for Israel

Anat Valdman, USF Bulls for Israel Advisor and USF Hillel Director of Jewish Education and Programs; Michael Kalmowicz, USF Bulls for Israel Student President; Rabbi Ed Rosenthal, Suncoast Hillels Executive Director

advocacy on the USF campus are working. It hasn’t all been easy, but we’ve done it,” Schiller noted. Upon hearing the award announcement, Debbie Doliner, Hillels of the Florida Suncoast’s board president, was bursting with pride for the USF Hillel students and Hillel professional staff. “Michael Kalmowicz’s Israel advocacy work with Bulls for Israel at USF has been superb,” said Doliner. “It is clear to our board that Anat, Rabbi Ed, Brandon Schuster and his student leadership are soaring, and that student engagement efforts are truly affecting, in a most positive way, the USF culture,” Doliner said. Hillels of the Florida Suncoast supports Jewish life on five college campuses on the West Coast of Florida including University of South Florida, University of Tampa, Eckerd College, New College of Florida, and Ringling College of Art and Design. For more information about Hillels of the Florida Suncoast, visit www.suncoasthillels.org. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is a proud sponsor of Hillels of the Florida Suncoast.

The Synagogue Council of Sarasota-Manatee introduces a new website: www.synagoguessarasotamanatee.org

It’s a comprehensive listing of the 10 participating local congregations.

FOCUS ON YOUTH 25A May 2013

May 2013

Sharing our workload and harvest

25A

Sponsored by

By Shonna Brady

e are excited to continue our hard work in the Papa Ed and Mimi Organic Sustainability Kibbutz Garden. With help from a generous grant from Ed and Betty Rosenthal and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, we have expanded our nursery, experimented with different styles of raised beds, and cooked homegrown food in our new solar cooker. However, the most exciting development in the garden is the wonderful opportunity it provides for growing

Tristyn Opstal holds the weeds he pulled out of the garden

and giving. The nearby residential care center for children, Everyday Blessings, has enjoyed our bounty this year as much as we have. We regularly share our harvest with them and they put all of the homegrown produce to good use, feeding young people. We have had lots of help in the garden this year. Paver Religious School kicked off the celebrating with a big peanut harvest at Sukkot. A group of teenagers (plus one dad) from the USY group helped us build our compost bin, while a handful of Community Chai members helped build beds and perfect our signs. Children from Justin Lee Wiesner Preschool have loved visiting the garden to harvest, using shovels and observing the plants as they grow. Every grade level at Goldie Feldman Academy has had a hand in helping. The kindergartners and first-graders have garden experiences during their recess time. This year, the second and third-graders planted their own pots to use as decorations for their annual Salvation Army mitzvah at Thanksgiving.

River Rell and Ethan Ruben pull a wagon through the garden

The fourth and fifth-graders have had extensive garden contact integrated into their water study unit and religious studies. Our middle-schoolers just finished up some arugula experiments and are already planning further research. We will continue to make curricu-

lum connections and work to teach this generation exactly where our food comes from. For a chance to get involved in the Papa Ed and Mimi Organic Sustainability Kibbutz Garden, please contact me at sbrady@tbsschools.org. Let’s get growing!

The Youngest Lobbyist: Mo Glickman shares his experience at the AIPAC Policy Conference

mong the 13,000 attendees at the AIPAC (America Israel Public Affairs Committee) Policy Conference, held March 3-5 in Washington, D.C., was 13-year-old Mo Glickman. Although many students

Mo Glickman works on the speech he delivered to Senator Susan Collins and an aide to Senator Angus King

from across the United States were a part of the conference, Mo was the youngest person selected to speak directly to national leaders during the lobbying portion of the convention. He shares his experiences here: What was it like to attend your first AIPAC Policy Conference? It was wonderful! I just loved how nice everyone was. It may have been the most Jews in America I have ever seen in my life! What were your favorite learning sessions? I loved learning about the Iron Dome from a general from Israel. At the question-and-answer session, people asked about the practical applications planned for the future, and he just said, “Sorry, can’t tell you.” We saw a video of 12 rockets being shot down by 12 Iron Dome missiles – twelve for twelve! I really loved the speech by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. He gave us a free book! I also really enjoyed the lobbying workshop.

Stay connected at www.TheJewishFederation.org

MASA ISrAel TrAvel ScholArShIp The Federation will offer scholarships to applicants who have been accepted to a MASA program! Scholarships are first come, first serve. (Up to $2,000 to cover travel to and from Israel only.) Visit www.TheJewishFederation.org.

Klingenstein Jewish Center, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Amber Ikeman, Community Building Associate 941.343.2106 • aikeman@jfedsrq.org

Whom did you personally lobby? I represented the Maine delegation on foreign aid to Senator Susan Collins, and I gave the speech on that subject. I gave the same speech to an aide to Senator Angus King; Senator King was called out at the last moment to debrief an admiral. I also met Vern Buchanan. I really enjoyed lobbying. It makes me happy that I live in this great nation. Mo recently became Bar Mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El and is a seventhgrader at Goldie Feldman Academy. He attended the AIPAC Policy Conference with his father, Rabbi Brenner Glickman. If you would like to see a copy of Mo’s speech to Senator Collins, please email shalomfrommo@gmail.com.

Mo Glickman and his father, Rabbi Brenner J. Glickman, arrive at the AIPAC Policy Conference

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May 2013

Recent event photos of our area’s youth

Eva Schloss (center) with Cassandra, Chelsea & Carissa Davis and Ariel Gostisha at the Chabad of Venice event featuring Eva, stepsister and childhood friend of Anne Frank. The event was sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

Rabbi Harold Caminker and Religious School Principal Susie Konicov along with some of Temple Beth El Bradenton’s students celebrate with a mini Passover Seder

Haven Miller and Rachel Chapman starred in Temple Sinai’s Roaring ’20s Purim Shpiel

In what has become a Congregation Kol HaNeshama tradition, members’ children and grandchildren act out the ten plagues, overseen by Jennifer Singer and teen helper Fay Baldwin

Want to see photos from your recent events featured on these pages? Send your hi-res photos (up to 3 per month) plus captions (up to 25 words per caption) to jewishnews18@gmail.com. Alaya and Hana picked strawberries at “Strawberry Fields Shabbat” at Hunsader Farms, part of Temple Emanu-El’s monthly Tot Shabbat program for young families

SHA LOM BA BY The PJ Library program supports families in their Jewish journey by sending Jewishrelated books and music on a monthly basis to children for free.

Families who are expecting or have recently celebrated the arrival of a baby can receive a Complimentary Gift Basket, which includes special baby items and a helpful resource guide for our Jewish community.

Sponsored by

JFCS Transitions Support Group Sponsored by

The death of a spouse, significant other or life partner is perhaps the most difficult experience that one can have. Once the initial intense period of grief has subsided, how do you recreate your life and go on? Meet new people in similar life circumstances; share experiences – what works, what doesn’t; begin to laugh and enjoy what life can offer you now; and receive support as you navigate this new road. The group meets from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the JFCS Main Campus, 2688 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, and will meet monthly initially. No fee, but pre-registration is required. Call the Jewish Healing Coordinator at 941.366.2224 x166.

Stay connected at www.jfedsrq.org

Tikkun Leil Shavuot at Temple Emanu-El 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, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. 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 for temple members; $10 for guests in advance or $18 at the door. For more information or to RSVP, call Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman at 941.379.1997.

Tikkun Leil Shavuot at Temple Sinai Temple Sinai’s Dairy Dessert, Documentary and Discussion for Tikkun Leil Shavuot at 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, begins at 7:00 p.m. For specifics, visit www.templesinai-sarasota.org or call 941.924.1802.

Shavuot celebration Join Congregation Kol HaNeshama and Prof. Rachel Dulin as we celebrate Shavuot’s Festival of Weeks (also of the Giving of the Torah and First Fruits) and discuss the Book of Ruth. The celebration begins at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Marcia Fox, 7821 Wilton Crescent Circle, University Park (gated community). Free but space is limited. RSVP to Marcia at marciafox@comcast.net.

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saw first-hand the compassionate care and services provided on the Kobernick-Anchin campus when I visited my mother-in-law in Anchin Pavilion. When my husband died suddenly, I did not want to stay in the house alone, and I love the area. Kobernick House is the best of both worlds. I have family nearby, I still see my long-time friends and I meet new friends every day. I play Mah Jong at Kobernick twice a week, I’ve attended fabulous music programs here and the food is always excellent. If I need to ask the nurse in the Wellness Center a question, she’s right here.

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JEWISH HAPPENINGS

May 2013

The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva

fridAY, may 17

Fridays 10:30 - 11:45am: June 7 through July 26

“The Astounding Influence of Jews in the Entertainment Industry”

Presents a Summer Course

“APOCRYPHA: MISSING BOOKS OF THE BIBLE” Marden Paru, Instructor

This survey course is being offered to familiarize students with books that were written in biblical style but not accepted into the Jewish canon for a variety of reasons that we will explore in this class. These manuscripts have historical value and reveal information that is not present in the “Tanakh,” our Holy Scriptures. Their value as literature is praiseworthy but some of the content was considered contentious and contrary to the conservative views and values of the rabbis and sages who redacted the “Tanakh.” It will be illuminating to those not familiar with this literature to review the material as “newly found manuscripts” since most Jews are not familiar with these works. We will attempt to analyze the possible reasons for their not being included in our Holy Scriptures. Fee: $36 Classes are held on the Campus of the Jewish Federation, 580 McIntosh Rd. in Sarasota. To register or for more information, please contact Marden Paru, Dean and Rosh Yeshiva, at 941.379.5655 or marden.paru@gmail. com. Please make checks payable to the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva and mail to Marden Paru, 2729 Goodwood Court, Sarasota, FL 34235. NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other schooladministered programs. The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency. It is funded, in part, by a grant from The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism presents Roberta MacDonald, favorite leading lady of the Golden Apple, who will speak about Jews in the entertainment industry. MacDonald has appeared on Broadway, coanchored the Today Show, and was the Drama Award winner of New York’s famed High School of Performing Arts. The presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. at Unity, 3023 Proctor Rd., Srasota. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 941.929.7771 or visit www.chj-sarasota.org.

Friday Night Live Teens (13-18) are invited to Rabbi Mendy and Chanie Bukiet’s home at 8:30 p.m. for a delicious Shabbat meal in a lively atmosphere. There is no charge. RSVP by May 15 to Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030.

saturdAY, may 18 Adult B’nai Mitzvah Join the members of Temple Beth El Bradenton and the families of Zed Kesner, Betty Klein and Celia Strickler as they stand on the bimah and read from the Torah. All three have studied hard for this wonderful and fulfilling day. Join with all and wish them a hearty Mazel Tov. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Beth El Bradenton, 4200 32nd Street West. For more information, please call the temple office at 941.755.4900, Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to noon, or email tbebradentonfl@yahoo.com.

“Blessing of the Animals” 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. For more information, contact Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman at 941.379.1997 or elaine-glickman@comcast.net.

a program of the sarasota orchestra

sundAY, may 19 JWV - Sarasota Post 172 cemetery flag-placing

Robert Levin, Artistic Director

June 3 - 22, 2013 Classical musicians from around the world converge on Sarasota for three weeks of breathtaking performances.

Come as you are. Leave different. 941-953-3434 www.SarasotaOrchestra.org

Members of Jewish War Veterans - Sarasota Post 172 will begin placing flags at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Beth Sholom Cemetery, 901 Circus Blvd. (off Beneva). They will then proceed to Temple Emanu-El Cemetery located at Honore and Fruitville. For more details, please contact Stuart Krupkin, Commander, at 941.342.3413.

Jewish Genealogical Society’s Show & Tell Finding your mishpocha is a trip. The expedition can be frustrating, but getting there can also be more than half the fun. Those Eureka! moments are priceless. Learn from others as we share our personal Jewish genealogical research experiences. Members: please bring your books, charts, albums and any other materials you have found helpful. Attendance is free and everyone is welcome. The meeting begins at 1:00 p.m. at Kobernick House, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. For more information about this event or the Jewish Genealogical Society of Southwest Florida, please contact Kim Sheintal at 941.921.1433 or klapshein@aol.com, or visit www.jgsswf.org.

WLCJ installation of Florida Region President

Sarasota une in

good.

never sounded so

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

Anne Schimberg will be installed as the President of the Florida Region of the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. The event, which begins at 5:30 p.m., will include dinner, the installation ceremony and entertainment. Reservations are required by May 10 and are $50 per person. For more information, contact Judy Lebowich at 941.371.4686 or lebowich.judy@comcast.net.

140 kosher characters: twitter.com/jfedsrq

JEWISH HAPPENINGS 7B May 2013

May 2013 pen Now oston in Bo

monday, may 20 “Moving Movies: Righteous Gentiles” Did you know that the zookeeper of the Warsaw Zoo sheltered hundreds of Jews from certain Nazi onslaught and death? His courageous story is revealed in the award-winning film Safe Haven: The Warsaw Zoo, which will be shown at 7:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 713 South Orange Avenue, Sarasota. Join us for this inspirational film and lively discussions. $5 per person. Kosher refreshments served, and take-home materials provided. For reservations, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

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Ladies Lunch & Learn Join Chanie Bukiet from noon to 1:00 p.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton, 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.

thinking of selling or trading-in that

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Archaeological dig experiences in Israel Join GulfsidePalm ORT members and guests at the monthly ORT meeting as Lila Siegel gives a program about her two archaeological digs in Israel. Her interesting photos and fascination with ancient culture promises to add much to her presentation. Learn about the excitement of finding ancient pieces as you dig. This free event begins at 1:30 p.m. on the Jewish Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. To RSVP or for more information, contact Marsha Feldstein at 941.355.6016 or mushyf@ verizon.net.

SaraMana ORT Book Club The book to be discussed is In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Germany by Erik Larsen. The meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Suggested $5 minimum donation. For details and location, please contact Pam Gordon at martian1@aol.com or 941.758.6565.

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The JewISh FedeRaTIon oF SaRaSoTa-ManaTee pRoudLy pReSenTS

Thank you to our ISRaeL@65 SponSoRS for supporting our year-long celebration! JERUSALEM SPONSORS

The Robert & Esther Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative Betty & Ed Rosenthal • Betty Schoenbaum WESTERN WALL SPONSORS

Gerard Daniel • Paulette & Martin Samowitz • Lois Stulberg • Hannah & Dr. Norman Weinberg GOLAN SPONSORS

don’T MISS MIRI BEN-ARI: 05.11.13 • 7:30 pm • Sarasota Opera House • $31+ Grammy Award-winning violinist Miri Ben-Ari (from Israel) with the Sarasota Orchestra. Miri created her own unique sound by a fusion of classical style with jazz, R&B and hip hop. She is recognized as a musical pioneer.

Edie & David Chaifetz • Jean Weidner Goldstein & Alfred Goldstein • Deanne & Arnold Kaplan • Graci & Dennis McGillicuddy Susan Milman • Janie & Ed Moravitz • Sheila & Jules Rose • Bunny & Morton Skirboll • Anne & Dr. Barry Stein • Geri & Ronald Yonover GALILEE SPONSORS

Alice Berkowitz • Helen & Leonard Glaser • Debbie & Dr. Larry Haspel • Katherine & Judd Malkin & Family Nancy & Jerry Roucher • Nancy & Raymond Swart BEN GURION SPONSORS

Regene & Leslie Aberson • Linda Abromson • Dr. Rebecca & Richard Bergman • Bobbi & Donald Bernstein • Rosolyn & Samuel Brott Carol Camiener • Gershom Cohn • Ellen & Joel Fedder • The Tillie, Jennie & Harold Schwartz Foundation • Ilene & Michael Fox • Roz Goldberg & Alan Bandler • Lori & Martin Haberer • Sandra & Dr. Lewis Hanan • Me-Me & Robert Kramer • Linda & Norman Lipson • Sandra & Neil Malamud Leslie Malkin & Edward Kalin • Roslyn & Leonard Mazur • Nadia & Michael Ritter • Irene & Martin Ross • Marilyn Spencer • Susan BensonSteenbarger & Jack Steenbarger • Elli & Linda Streit • Bryna & Howard Tevlowitz • Janet & Bruce Udell • Joan & Peter Wells • Patti & David Wertheimer • Marysue & Leon Wechsler • Fremajane & Blair Wolfson • Cynthia & Stanley Wright • Sheila & Merrill Wynne SPONSORS Joan & Dr. Bartram Levenson • Branch Foundation • Kates Foundation • Maurine & Stanley Siegel • Sandra Loevner • Diane & Steven Ronis

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 941.371.4546 • www.TheJewishFederation.org

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

May 2013 thursdAY, may 23

saturday, may 25

Bereavement Support Group Sponsored by

Based on a Jewish approach to mourning and healing the soul, the Bereavement Support Group is scheduled for six consecutive Thursdays, through June 27. Each session has its own topic such as the normal process of grief, a roadmap for healing, the role of prayer, how to keep memories alive, and finally, healing. Sessions run from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the JFCS Main Campus, 2688 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. No fee, but pre-registration is required. For more information and registration, please call the Jewish Healing Coordinator at 941.366.2224 x166.

“Splash Shabbat” at Temple Emanu-El Young families are invite to cool off at “Splash Shabbat!” Enjoy sprinklers, wading pools and water play as well as bubble time and chalk in the shade – then head inside for a bagel breakfast and age-appropriate Shabbat prayers, songs, movement, and a story with Rabbi Brenner Glickman. An “oneg” of popsicles concludes the morning. All are welcome to this free event, which begins at 10:30 a.m. at 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. “Splash Shabbat” – part of Temple Emanu-El’s Shabbat Playdate series of events for young Jewish and interfaith families – is funded by an Incubator Grant from the Union for Reform Judaism. For more information, call Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman at 941.379.1997.

“Debate: Jews and Gun Control” Bring your own articles from reputable sources (only) to support your position on this timely topic, which will be discussed without rancor against those holding the opposite position. What does Jewish law say on the issue of Jews and gun control? What does Jewish history tell about the topic? Join us for a lively, civil debate at 7:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 713 South Orange Avenue, Sarasota. $5 per person. Kosher refreshments served, and take-home materials provided. For reservations, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Enjoy optimal health with us!

tuesday, may 28 “Shop Israel” Do you know which stores in our local area carry Israeli products, and which items are stocked year-round or seasonally? Learn this vital information to help support the State of Israel on a daily basis. Do you know which stores and brands are hostile to the State of Israel? If not, join us in learning how to “Shop Israel” at 6:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 713 South Orange Avenue, Sarasota. Sample kosher Israeli foods. Take-home materials provided. $10 per person. Students welcome. For reservations, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

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wednesday, may 29 AJC’s Summer Lunch & Learn AJC (American Jewish Committee) West Coast Florida is proud to present Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC Director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations (pictured), as the Keynote Speaker at its Summer Lunch & Learn program. Rabbi Marans will discuss “A New Pope and the Future of Catholic-Jewish Relations.” This program will be the first of a three-part series this summer, generously sponsored by the law firm of Williams Parker. The event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Michael’s On East, 1212 East Avenue, Sarasota. The cost of $25 includes the lecture and luncheon. To RSVP or for more information, contact Monica Caldwell at 941.365.4955 or sarasota@ajc.org.

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Questions? Contact Orna Nissan at 941.552.6305 or email onissan@jfedsrq.org

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

TheJewishFederation.org

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD 9B May 2013

May 2013

The 3D printers that are revolutionizing our lives Meet the Israeli-American company behind the amazing 3D printing technology that allows a disabled little girl to move her arms By Abigail Klein Leichman, ISRAEL21c

n his February 12 State of the Union address, U.S. President Barack Obama announced that “3D printing…has the potential to revolutionize the way we make almost everything.” It’s a huge claim, but one Israeli-American company is already leading the way with a series of quite extraordinary products that are most definitely transforming our lives. In the same way that your computer’s printer deposits ink onto paper to form words and pictures, three-dimensional printers put plastics and resins on all sorts of materials to make anything from clothing to advanced medical devices. “It does seem like magic,” says Joe Hiemenz, spokesman for 3D printer manufacturer Stratasys, which has dual headquarters in Minneapolis and Rehovot, Israel. Indeed it was magical when preschooler Emma Lavelle was able to use her arms for the first time with the help

Emma using her Magic Arms printer-made exoskeleton

of a custom-designed robotic exoskeleton made with a Stratasys Dimension 3D printer – so magical that the device has been nicknamed “Magic Arms.” The little girl has a congenital disorder that compromises her joint mobility and muscles. Researchers at the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Philadelphia knew of a metal exoskeleton for adults suffering similar conditions, but it was too big and heavy for a child. The Stratasys printer enabled them to fashion a lightweight alternative that has been nominated for the Designs of the Year 2013 awards by London’s Design Museum. “It works identical to an inkjet printer – forming a product layer by layer, but making it from some kind of plastic or resin,” Hiemenz tells ISRAEL21c. “A head puts down the material in very thin layers following a tool path created by a CAD [computer-assisted design] file, so whatever you have de-

signed through CAD is going to come out. In the case of Magic Arm, it was plastic coming out of the printer in molten form.” This is the same sturdy plastic used in LEGO bricks. ‘Tech couture’ U.S.-based Stratasys and Israel-based Objet – both leading manufacturers in the 3D printing field – merged in 2012. The line of printers assembled in Israel retains the Objet brand name, marketing VP Arita Mattsoff tells ISRAEL21c. At Paris Fashion Week in January, Dutch designer Iris van Herpen unveiled two ensembles from her new haute couture collection that were made with an Objet Connex multi-material 3D printer. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Prof. Neri Oxman, who was born in Israel, produced the intricate printed outfits in collaboration with Austrian architect Julia Koerner, a lecturer at UCLA-Los Angeles, and Belgian software developer Materialise. The designer had sought out Oxman after seeing her 3D-printed “Imaginary Beings: Mythologies of the Not Yet” display last spring in Paris. “The Connex line has unique abilities to print different material qualities simultaneously,” says Mattsoff. “The van Herpen skirt and dress have a combination of rigid and flexible parts made of three different material properties. You could not make this dress without the Connex technology. It allows you to really attempt new things in a unique way.” Oxman said, “The incredible possibilities afforded by these new technologies allowed us to reinterpret the tradition of couture as ‘tech couture,’ where delicate handmade embroidery and needlework is replaced by code.” Van Herpen told Fashion Week reporters that she believes “it will only be a matter of time before we see the clothing we wear today produced with this technology, and because it’s such a different way of manufacturing, adding layer-by-layer, it will be a great source of inspiration for new ideas.” Endless possibilities Those new ideas are not limited to fashion or even to medical and dental devices. “This industry started about 25 years ago to make prototypes mainly for the aerospace and automobile industries, and other high-end applications that have deep pockets to explore new

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This article is included as part of The Jewish Federation’s year-long Israel@65 celebration. During this time, in a series of articles, The Jewish News will spotlight Israeli innovation. Please visit www.jfedsrq.org for more information on Israel@65 events.

technologies,” says Hiemenz. “They’re not prototypes anymore; they’re real products now.” The medical applications are among the most dazzling, he adds. The 3D printing process has been used to make custom orthotics for disabled American veterans, a better device to treat clubbed feet and even a sophisticated heart surgery tool. The process allows for creating complex interior passages inside devices to carry air or liquids. Design News magazine recently named Stratasys a Golden Mousetrap awards finalist for its Mojo 3D Printer, its Objet30 3D Printer, and its Objet line of digital materials. The Objet product line won the 2012 Leadership in Engi-

neering Program from U.S. publication Design World, and the Objet260 Connex received an innovation award from Dental Advisor magazine. Hiemenz says that the news about Magic Arms has resulted in a flood of inquiries from parents hoping that the printed exoskeleton could help their child, too. A foundation is being set up for this purpose at the initiative of Eric Jenson, who produced a video showing Emma and her Magic Arms. The goal is to make 50 of these exoskeletons per month, perhaps giving them free to disabled children in developing nations. Abigail Klein Leichman is a writer and associate editor at ISRAEL21c.

View an inspirational 4-minute video of Emma and her Magic Arms at vimeo.com/43254602

in partnership with The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast PROUDLY PRESENTS

Itzhak Perlman

& The Perlman Music Program Alumni Performing A Chamber Music Concert

Wednesday, November 6, 2013 • 7:30pm Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

TICKETS

$50-$125 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Box Office 941-953-3368 • www.vanwezel.org Additional $50 for a Meet the Artists Reception immediately followng concert

SPONSORSHIP SEATING 941-350-2338

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10B

May 2013

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

Skydive or fly through the skies at an Israeli seaside aerial reserve

Discover the secrets of the first Zionist aircraft, get to know the land of Israel from a different perspective, and discover the country’s amazing beauty from above By Ted Epstein, Managing Editor, The Jewish News Editor’s note: Recently, I had the good fortune of participating, along with 20 other Jewish press professionals, in an 8-day trip to Israel sponsored by the Israel Ministry of Tourism and El Al. It was a fascinating journey, as expected. This is the third in a series of articles about several of the people I met, places I saw, and things I learned. fter my second skydiving experience several years ago, I vowed to never jump out of a plane ever again. While I enjoyed the experience once the parachute opened, the anxiety leading up to it – from the lesson on the ground to sitting in the airplane as it climbed to 13,000 feet – was something I didn’t think I wanted to go through again. That was until my trip to Israel a few months ago. And while I didn’t have the opportunity to skydive during this trip (our tour group had just 30 minutes at the location), I vowed to do so the next time I visited the country. During my group’s visit to the northwest area of Israel, we stopped off at Paradive in Habonim Beach. In addition to being a skydiving and flight operation, Paradive has recently

opened a gallery of civilian aircraft and flight artifacts from as far back as the Golden Age of aviation. Paradive owner Dan Mokady gave us a brief history and quick tour of the facility. Mokady, a former Israel Air Force (IAF) deputy squadron commander, has amassed one aircraft after another, and they’re now on display at Paradive’s Aviation Gallery. Mokady piloted A-4, F-4 and F-16 jets during his military service and performed with the IAF aerobatic team. Envisioned as a national tourist center, the gallery houses all manner of objects related to air travel, such as a 1918 wooden propeller, aviation magazines from 1917 to 1928, and Dan Mokady even aviator fashions from previous eras. Among the aircraft is a glider designed and built by the late Menachem Bar, a founder of the IAF who began gliding at 16 and didn’t stop until he was 82. There is also a rooftop deck where visitors can dine while watching the re-

stored planes take to the sky at specified times. During a tour of the hangar, Mokady showed us several biplanes including a 1928 Travel Air Fleet, which was previously owned by Richard Bach and featured in his 1977 bestselling book Illusions – one of my favorites during my 20s. Tours at the Gallery On group-guided tours, you will hear wonderful stories about the historical aircraft collection and the rare items on display. The Aviation Gallery offers you an opportunity to go back in time and be inspired from an era in which airplanes were made of cloth and wood. The Gallery also hosts conferences and events in a very special atmosphere, enhanced by the Habonim coastline and the unique collection of historical aircraft. Vintage flights You can also take part in the thrilling experience of flying in an old-fashioned, antique double-winged airplane. Sit in an open cockpit and feel the wind in your hair while flying over the spectacular view of the Habonim nature reserve. Skydiving Ah, yes, back to skydiving. Paradive was established 12 years ago in one of

An IAF plane on display at the Aviation Gallery

See the beauty of Israel during a flight in this vintage biplane

the most beautiful skydiving sites in the world. Skydivers enjoy the amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea, the countryside and the amazing coastline. No previous experience or knowledge is required. You will participate in a tandem jump, where you are connected to an experienced, professional instructor who does all the work. After a short explanation, you get on the plane with one of the instructors. He will attach you to the tandem parachute, open the airplane door, and then, together, you jump! Paradive offers the highest skydives in Israel – 13,500 feet on weekends and 12,000 feet on weekdays. I was curious about age and health limitations for skydiving at Paradive. Dan Mokady told me that jumps are restricted to those between the ages of 12 and 65; and if you’re between 55 and 65, you will need written permission from your physician. So while many of this newspaper’s readers will not be able to jump, their kids and grandchildren certainly will! On your next visit to Israel, if you are interested in taking a journey back through time, to the early days of the aviation world – in a unique setting – I recommend you visit the Aviation Gallery and Paradive in Habonim Beach (just 45 minutes north of Tel Aviv and 20 minutes south of Haifa). For more information, call 972(0)4-6391068/9 or visit www.airgallery. co.il and www.paradive.co.il. The websites are in Hebrew, but Google does a fine job of translating most of the text to English.

BRIEFS FLOCKS OF TOURISTS RETURN TO ISRAEL

Despite the heated military conflict with terrorist groups in Gaza in November, some 184,000 tourists and 49,000 day visitors entered Israel in February, similar to the record-breaking February 2012 numbers and 7% higher than in 2011. (Israel Hayom)

ISRAEL’S JEWISH POPULATION PASSES 6 MILLION

Israel’s population reached eight million over Passover, Yediot Ahronot reported on March 28, with six million Jews, 1.6 million Arabs, and 350,000 non-Arab Christians and others, mostly relatives of immigrants from the former USSR. There are 5.5 million Jews in the U.S. (two million in New York City alone), 500,000 in France (most of them in Paris), 380,000 in Canada, and 290,000 in Britain. “In the world today there are 13,800,000 Jews,” said Professor Sergio Della Pergola, an expert on Jewish demography from the Hebrew

University in Jerusalem, who collected the data. (Ynet News)

SIGNS OF A QUIET EXODUS OF JEWS FROM FRANCE

Increasing numbers of French Jews are appearing each week on the Upper West Side of New York City. Zachary, 29, a transport manager from Strasbourg, said: “If New York is full of French Jews, it’s because in 2002, in connection with the second Palestinian Intifada, a season of physical aggression began towards us from the Arabs that still hasn’t stopped.” “Episodes occur continuously in the [French] streets or in the subway,” adds Aharon, a designer in a start-up. “They force you to walk with your head down, and put a hat on to conceal the kippah.” The response from the police is to “often not classify the attacks as antiSemitism but as robberies or violence,” which conceals the true extent of the phenomenon. (La Stampa - Italy)

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ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD 11B May 2013

May 2013

11B

Israel begins pumping natural gas from offshore stations By Rachel Avraham, April 5, 2013

he Tamar offshore natural gas field, after four years of drilling some 80 miles off the coast of Haifa, has recently begun pumping natural gas into the port of Ashdod. This marks a historic step towards Israel achieving energy independence. The natural gas from Tamar combined with the Leviathan, a nearby, offshore drilling station, is expected to fulfill fifty to eighty percent of Israel’s domestic energy needs over the next ten years, in addition to possibly providing Israel with export opportunities. About 40 percent of Israel’s gas needs are presently met via natural gas and by 2015, that number is expected to rise to about 50 percent. Having Tamar’s gas on tap is ex-

pected to save Israel about NIS 13 billion annually on energy costs due to the energy independence and environmental sustainability that it provides. Furthermore, from an environmental point of view, the use of natural gas from the Tamar reservoir will reduce carbon dioxide emissions within Israel by about 195 million tons, which is a sum so great that it is like removing all cars from all roads within Israel for 14 years. David Yitzchak Teshuva, CEO of Delek, asserted, “This project will change the face of the Israeli economy and will guarantee energy independence for the state. This is a new age, filled with opportunities for the Israeli economy, which can take advantage of the benefits of natural gas on the envi-

Briefs...continued from previous page

JEWS WORLDWIDE SEE AN 9.5% to 6.5%, while GDP per capita grew 5.2%. (Jerusalem Post) ALLY IN NEWLY-ELECTED POPE FRANCIS TURKISH TRUCKS Jews worldwide welcomed newly-electPASS THROUGH ISRAEL ed Pope Francis as a friend, and pointed in particular to his sympathetic and TO REACH THE GULF strong reaction to the 1994 bombing of a Jewish center in his native Argentina. “He has shown deep signs of respect and friendship towards the Jews,” said Riccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi of Rome. As Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the archbishop of Buenos Aires, Francis “has had a warm relationship with the Jewish community of Argentina, and enjoyed close friendships with many prominent rabbis,” said Rabbi David Rosen, international director of interreligious affairs at the American Jewish Committee. (Washington Post)

FEMALE TECHNICIANS MAINTAIN ISRAELI FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

You see them in great numbers at every Israeli air force base – female technicians preparing fighter aircraft for missions around the clock. Young women in compulsory service with an average age of 19 have become part of the scenery in shelters housing ready-for-action F-15s, F-16s and Apache helicopters. Compulsory military service brings many women into all units of the Israel Defense Forces. You find them in the infantry, armored units, the navy and in the air force, where they fill positions from radar and electronic systems operators through to line technicians and even aircrews in fighting squadrons. (Flightglobal)

FINANCE MINISTER REPORTS ON ISRAEL’S ECONOMIC PROGRESS

Yuval Steinitz, outgoing Finance Minister, recently told the Knesset Finance Committee that Israel’s economy went from shrinking 2.4% in 2009 to growing 3.1% at the end of 2012. The debt burden fell from 79.4% of GDP to 73.8% and Israel’s credit rating rose to A+ from A. The unemployment rate fell from

With the ongoing Syrian crisis, Turkish trucks carrying containers have not been able to get to the Gulf of Aqaba. Iraq was not safe and then Syria became unsafe too. The unrest in Port Said and the continuing security problems in Sinai after the fall of Mubarak did not allow Turkish containers to follow the Iskenderun-Port Said-SinaiAqaba route. However, thanks to a private Turkish-Israeli-Jordanian initiative, the Israeli government has allowed Turkish trucks to enter Israel from Haifa and then travel to Jordan. This is a cheaper and safer route. Today, about a hundred trucks a week use this route. The potential is for around 500 trucks per week. (Hurriyet - Turkey)

For daily news stories related to Israel & the Jewish world, visit www.TheJewishFederation.org.

ronmental, geopolitical, social and economic fronts and turn the State of Israel into an important international player.” He continued, “The vision has turned into a reality. Today, we are again emerging from slavery to freedom; from dependence upon foreign energy sources to independence with natural Israeli gas. This is a huge accomplishment for the Israeli market and the beginning of a new era.” Teshuva added, “The Tamar project is also a technological and commercial milestone for Noble Energy and our partners. First production and the commencement of sales have been achieved in just over four years from discovery. Building on this success, we will work with our partners and the government to sanction the next phase of development at Tamar and the domestic phase of Leviathan.” He claimed that his vision was in accordance with Israel’s goal to remove her reliance on foreign energy

sources. “I congratulate the people of Israel on this transformational achievement, which significantly moves them toward energy independence and away from reliance on imports,” said Charles D. Davidson, chairman and CEO of Noble Energy. “Utilizing natural gas from Tamar will provide cleaner air, save the state billions of shekels in energy costs and be an engine for economic growth.” Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu continued, “This is an important day for the economy of Israel. On the holiday of freedom, we are taking an important step toward independence in the field of energy. We have advanced the natural gas sector in Israel over the last decade, which will be good for the Israeli economy and for all Israelis.” Source: United With Israel, www.unitedwithisrael.org

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Dear Jaymie,

I just wanted to thank you, your assistants and staff, and all involved so very much for all you did at Foster's Bar Mitzvah party on Saturday, June 16th. It was perfect, and gives new meaning to a job well done. Everyone was so wonderful and attentive to every detail, and our guests had a great time. I can't thank you enough, and would recommend you to any/everyone in the future. Thanks again, so very, very much, Susan, Stanley, & Foster Swartz

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RECENT EVENTS

May 2013

Recent event photos from the area’s temples and organizations

Eva & Tzvi Schloss with Rabbi Sholom Schmerling at the Chabad of Venice event featuring Eva, stepsister and childhood friend of Anne Frank. The event was sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

SaraMana ORT hosted a Dance Party at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Lakewood Ranch. Pictured are Shelley Goldklang, Lynn Harris and Susi Parelman.

The Temple Beth El Bradenton Sisterhood (along with Rabbi Harold Caminker and Cantor Alan Cohn) conducted its annual Erev Shabbat Service followed by a wonderful all-chocolate Oneg

Shaun & Gina Benderson, co-Chairs of the 9th Annual JFCS Celebrity Chefs & Wine Tasting, which featured 25 local restaurants, auction and island music with more than 500 attendees

Temple Beth Sholom’s Sophisticated Ladies...Act II Fashion Show with fabulous fashions from Dillard’s raised over $13,000 for Paver Religious School scholarships and youth activities. Pictured are Stacey Edelman, Stacy Hanan, Elisa Cohen and Julie Green.

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