The Jewish News - April 2016 by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

YOM HA’ATZMAUT Israel Independence Day MAY 15, 2016

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Celebrating Jewish Life in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Israel and the World FEDERATION NEWS 1971-2016 SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR

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April 2016 - Adar/Nisan 5776 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 10 17 25 31 33 35 39

Community Focus Jewish Happenings Jewish Interest Israel & the Jewish World Commentary Focus on Youth Life Cycle

4 NOOA dancers and Perlman musicians team up for great show

15 Temple Beth Sholom hosts the annual World Wide Wrap

Volume 46, Number 4

An Evening with Ehud Barak The former Israeli prime minister offers a hard look at the hard realities of the Middle East in a sold-out event. By Federation Staff

ormer Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, Real Estate, Kerkering Barberio, Udell Associates, one of the most recognizable names in Israeli UBS-The Heritage Group, and Sarasota Memorial politics, addressed a capacity crowd of 800 Healthcare Foundation. guests at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota on February 8. Prior to the event, Mr. Barak was interviewed by An additional 200 community members attended a local media outlets. You can hear the interviews by simulcast of “An Evening with Ehud Barak” at the visiting the following links: Bea Friedman Theater on The Federation Campus. WUSF: http://bit.ly/1TicpNC The presentation was moderated by David Chaifetz, ABC: http://bit.ly/1oTs49i a member of The Jewish Federation of SarasotaMilk & Honey: http://bit.ly/1Qo9Sez Manatee’s Board of Directors and a community leader. The event was cochaired by Bunny and Mort Skirboll and Hannah and Norman Weinberg. Mr. Barak’s appearance was generously sponsored by Hannah and Norman Weinberg, Lois Stulberg, and Marsha and Harry Eisenberg. A Major Gifts Dinner to honor and thank The Federation’s most generous donors was held before the public event. Guests heard remarks from Prime Minister Barak, who was joined by his wife, Nili. SponEhud Barak (center) with event co-chairs Norman and Hannah Weinberg, Bunny and Mort Skirboll (see page 3 for more photos from this event) sors of the dinner were Ian Black

First annual Heschel/King Breakfast a success! By Federation Staff

Syrian refugee creates website to thank Israelis

n February 16, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee hosted its first annual Heschel/King Breakfast. Chaired by Rona Simon and Pastor John Walker, the event attracted The Family Jeweler 14276 over 150 members of our community to commemoName: ________________________________________________ Invoice Ref #: ________________ rate Black History Month as well as to honor three outstanding community leaders for their work in promoting tolerance and diversity in our SarasotaManatee community: Chief Judge Charles E. Williams of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court; Dennis McGillicuddy, board chair of Embracing Our DifHonorees Dennis McGillicuddy, Howard Tevlowitz, ferences; and Howard Tevlowitz, Executive DirecChief Judge Charles E. Williams tor of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. wasandtruly an honor American rabbi, scholar and philosopher. A friend This Proof must be“It signed returned before to serve with Rona Simon Temple we can proceed with your order. This inaugural is your as co-chair of this event that brought two of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he was active in the Proof prior to printing. Please examine all spellcommunities together as we celebrated the history civil rights and anti-war movements, and marched Emanu-Eling and information carefully. RFJD willjustice. not be It is our coming together we share in social alongside Dr. King during the Selma to Montgomery teen brings held responsible for any unnoticed errors. Any in unity that will eradicate hate in our society or at march in 1965. Heschel’s daughter, Susannah Hesprinting will be customer’s sole to life errors found after least make hate unacceptable!” commented Pastor chel, wrote that her father “felt that the prophetic tra“The Diaryresponsibility. of John Walker when asked about the significance of dition of Judaism had come alive at Selma. He said Approval this community event. Anne Frank” that Dr. King told him it was the greatest day in his Approved Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907-1972) was an continued on page 2

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April 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

Heschel/King Breakfast...continued from page 1 played a significant role in championing the rights of African Americans. In fact, Jews made up half of the young people who participated in the Mississippi Freedom Summer in 1964. We wanted to celebrate Black History Month by showing that this common cause is still significant.” Co-chair Rona Simon said, “Our Federation’s Heschel/ King Breakfast was very special. The wonderfully diverse crowd that gathered was treated to meaningful expressions of shared respect for all people, a desire to build even more positive relations, and delight in honoring three vitally important individuHoward Tevlowitz, Iris Nahemow, Pastor John Walker als in our community.

life, and my father said that he was reminded at Selma of walking with Hasidic rebbes in Europe. Such was the spiritual atmosphere of the day.” “Jews in the United States have a long and proud history of advocating on the behalf of others,” said Howard Tevlowitz. “They were at the forefront of the civil rights movement and

I was especially pleased to co-chair the morning with my dear friend Pastor John Walker.” For more information about The Federation’s interfaith efforts, please contact Jessi Sheslow at 941.343.2109 or jsheslow @jfedsrq.org. Photos courtesy Cliff Roles

Rev. Don Roberts and Chief Judge Charles E. Williams

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April 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

“An Evening with Ehud Barak”...continued from page 1

Ehud Barak and David Chaifetz

A crowd of almost 800 gathered for Barak’s lecture

ABC7’s Alan Cohn interviews Ehud Barak

Please RECYCLE this newspaper!

Lois Stulberg and Betty Schoenbaum

Or give it to a friend to read and ask them to recycle it. You can also read The Jewish News online at www.jfedsrq.org.

David Wertheimer, Ehud Barak, Patti Wertheimer (photos courtesy Cliff Roles)

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April 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

NOOA dancers and Perlman musicians team up for spectacular show By Cantor Marci Vitkus

s part of an ongoing relationship with our sister city, Tel Mond, Israel, the NOOA dancers performed “A Cultural Evening of Dance & Music” at the Riverview Performing Arts Center on February 17. Three talented alumni musicians from The Perlman Music Program – violist Molly Carr, cellist Oded Hadar, and pianist Yannick Rafalimanana – accompanied the 24 dancers. The event was sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota. The mayor of Tel Mond, Roni Golan, and the mayor of Sarasota, Willie Shaw, attended the event. Stacy Hanan, Barbara Levison and Mindy Zelitt chaired

the weeklong festivities. In 1999, Tel Mond officially became Sarasota’s Sister City when then Tel Mond Mayor Shlomo Ratzabi signed the Sarasota/Tel Mond Sister City agreement document with then Sarasota Mayor Mollie Cardamone. This relationship continues now and was warmly commended by current mayors of each city. The dancers, ages 16 and 17, from the dance school at the Tel Mond Cultural Center, call their group NOOA, which means “movement.” The dance numbers were interspersed with music performances by the acclaimed trio, who achieved an incredible blend and balance. We were treated to an array

of dance pieces, ranging from a sweet “Oblivion” by Astor Piazzola to a spirited “44 Duos for Two Violas,” which essentially turned the viola and cello into two additional instruments by being plucked instead of bowed. Celebrated Sarasota performer and actor Carolyn Michel introduced the dance numbers. My absolute favorite was “In Uniform,” which had the audience riveted with the exhales, hair whips, and rapid-fire choreography. The “Israeli Hora” was another notable piece as the NOOA dancers came alive with their native dance style.

Avi Eliyahu, Executive Director, Tel Mond Community Center; Tel Mond Mayor Roni Golan; Naama Golan; Howard Tevlowitz, Executive Director, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Violist Molly Carr, pianist Yannick Rafalimanana, cellist Oded Hadar

Each of the 24 dancers had a chance to shine, though the emphasis was put on unity and teamwork. I commend the choreographers for the age-appropriate dance moves, which allowed the girls to look lithe, powerful and lovely. Cantor Marci Vitkus has served the Jewish Congregation of Venice since 2001. She was delighted to be on the committee for Tel Mond’s visit.

Event Chairs Mindy Zelitt, Stacy Hanan, Barbara Levison (photos courtesy Sherrie Kahley)

NOOA dancers and local teens bond By Amy Levison

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Celebration & Appreciation

recently enjoyed one of the best On Sunday morning it was sad to event-filled weeks I have had in a see them leave. All of the host families long time. brought the girls to the bus and we said Why? Because, for a week in Febour goodbyes. There were definitely a ruary, 24 girls from a dance school in lot of tears, but these girls give us one Tel Mond, Israel, came to Sarasota. more reason to take a trip to Israel! They are part of a group called the NOOA dancers, and my family hosted two of the girls at our house. The three of us bonded immediately and became very close. Every day of the week I joined the girls in a different activity. One of the highlights was the Saturday evening STEP event where the Israelis got to meet 40 Roni Pardess, Amy Levison, Oﬁr Czitron, Sarah Levison local Jewish teens. We celebrated Havdalah together at the beach and afterwards split into teams for a scavenger hunt around St. Armands Circle. Every group had a list of tasks to do – from finding a kitschy Sarasota souvenir to performing a mitzvah for a stranger. We ended the night with all of the groups meeting up at Ben and JerNOAA dancers and friends on beach ry’s for ice cream.

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Club Fed: Dr. Steven Derﬂer’s fascinating exploration of biblical mysteries By Karen Selwyn 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 E-mail: jewishnews@jfedsrq.org t Website: www.jfedsrq.org

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April 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

Published Monthly Volume 46, Number 4 April 2016 40 pages USPS Permit No. 167 May 2016 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: March 29, 2016 Advertising: March 31, 2016 PRESIDENT Patti Wertheimer EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Howard Tevlowitz COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR Linda Lipson MARKETING DIRECTOR Kim Mullins

lub Fed, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s adult Chavurah, is halfway through its annual lecture series. Dr. Steven Derfler, archaeologist and historian, is the lecturer on this year’s theme, “Ancient Mysteries of the Bible.” Derfler’s lectures demonstrate how the biblical narrative corresponds to archeological finds and clarifies differences in the text. The four lectures focus on Creation, Exodus, King Solomon and Queen Esther. Derfler begins with the premise that the Bible is a document of faith, God-inspired but ultimately written by men. His lectures do not challenge faith but illuminate how men – the oral tradition of priests for each of the 12 Tribes of Israel, distinct authors and editors – attempted to write a unified document about spirituality and the values and practices of Judaism. For example, the Bible contains three different names for Moses’ fatherin-law: Reuel, Jethro and Hobab. These different names indicate three different oral traditions about the Moses story. Similarly, the first chapter of Genesis

tells a creation story that is somewhat different from the version told in the second chapter. The second story is thought to be an older version written by a single author, called the Jahwist because of the consistent use of Yahweh, a Hebrew word for God. Since both narratives deal with the theme of creation – victory over chaos and the source of wisdom and the law – the differences do not impact the essential theology. Archaeological discoveries have affirmed many sections of the biblical narrative, although archaeology as a discipline doesn’t set out to prove or disprove anything. After centuries during which archeology failed to turn up concrete evidence about the Noah story, there is tantalizing new information. The curator of Egyptian clay tablets at the British Museum recently located a cuneiform tablet that details the flood story, including detail that the ark was round. Naval architecture argues in favor of a round vessel as being a more stable platform to survive a flood than the shape we typically envision. Similarly, archaeology confirms the presence of Israelites in Egypt dur-

MANAGING EDITOR Ted Epstein

ing the reign of Ramses II, a pharaoh whose long rule was marked by public works projects using slave labor. On Elephantine Island near Aswan, archaeologists have uncovered the ruins of “four-room houses,” the characteristic residential architecture of Israelites. Archaeologists have found more of these Israelite houses further north in the Negev desert of Israel, including sites in Arad, Beersheva and Nahal Yattir. These northern structures are dated four decades later than the Egyptian homes, supporting the narrative of the Exodus found in the Passover Haggadah, although the crossing likely took place in a swampy area dotted with quicksand at the northern end of the Reed Sea rather than through the parted waters of the Red Sea made famous in art and movies. Next season, Dr. Derfler will return for another series of fascinating lectures. If you enjoy gaining new insights about familiar topics or if you enjoy learning about the intersection of faith, science and historical research, watch for the Club Fed announcement about its 2016-17 lectures.

PROOFREADERS Adeline Silverman, Harold Samtur, Bryna Tevlowitz, Deb Bryan, Sandra Hayden, Stacey Edelman

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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 SarasotaManatee, 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 email (jewishnews@jfedsrq.org). Not all letters will be published. Letters may be edited for length and content.

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April 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

Where are they now? By Josh Levin

fter participating in The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee’s Bob Malkin Young Ambassadors program, I fell in love with Israel. Between my time in the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) group through Temple Sinai and on the regional level, I was already involved Jewishly, but after experiencing Israel for the first time I just knew I had to go back. With The Federation’s assistance, I managed to do just that during my spring semester of high school. I was given the opportunity to live on Kibbutz Tzuba and participate in the Eisendrath International Exchange (EIE). Four and a half of some of the best months of my life were spent just outside Jerusalem. Learning Jewish history in that environment was a profoundly eye-opening experience for me. We learned the story of our people in great detail from inception to modern times, and did so in an environment that allowed us total immersion. Any time we learned about a place, we physically went there to see the ruins, landmarks and buildings that comprised seminal moments in the history of our people. As a result, Am Israel will always mean more to me than Friday night services and the religious Jewish experience. For me, Am Israel means peoplehood and the history of a nation whose ties run so much deeper than a shared faith. Upon returning from EIE, I served as the religious and cultural vice presi-

dent (RCVP) for the Southern Tropical Region of the Union for Reform Judaism’s youth movement, NFTY. As the year came to a close I successfully campaigned for the North American board as RCVP. For a time, I acted in the same role at Hillel at Florida State University, where I attended college. In

Josh Levin

each case, I brought with me the same sense of the importance of Jewish peoplehood. Today, I’m taking a little break from the real world and traveling in South America. Over the next six months I’ll make my way from Buenos Aires to Bogota by way of Chile, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador, and try to see and experience everything I can along the way. After that, I’m off to law school back in the States to pursue a career in some form of public interest law. I cannot thank The Federation enough for giving me the opportunity to explore my heritage, form my identity, and participate in our region’s Jewish community. I’m certain that, wherever I end up next, the values and sense of belonging I experienced here will travel with me.

Mensch of the Month: Sheila Dorff

ne Friday evening 12 years she explains the prayers, but my comago, Sheila Dorff walked into mitment is coming early to set up, and the Lakeside South clubhouse staying late to clean up, along with other volunteers.” to pay her association dues. Little did she know that this would lead to the reBefore joining Ner Tamid, Sheila kindling of her Jewish identity. never felt like she belonged when she A woman who would went to synagogue. become a good friend, Still, she maintained Miriam Goolsby, z”l, inher Jewish identity, troduced herself to Sheila proudly bringing matand invited her to stay zah and chopped liver for Shabbat services with and other holiday foods Congregation Ner Tamid. for lunch, and decorat“But I’m not dressed ing her office for Chafor services,” said Sheinukah, even when she la, looking down at her was the only Jewish person at work. jeans. Miriam answered, “God doesn’t care.” So “I don’t know what Sheila Dorff Sheila sat down next to we would do without another friendly woman, Dottie Blair, Sheila,” says Elaine. “She is completez”l, who gently showed her how to parly dependable. Whether it is Shabbat or ticipate with the congregation in welthe Passover Seder or our annual Tomcoming Shabbat. bola Italian Dinner – or any other time “I kept coming back,” Sheila says – Sheila is there to shop, to prepare, to today, “because of how Miriam and clean up, and all with the same steady Dottie treated me. And then I met demeanor. She is active in our caring Elaine Mittler (Ner Tamid’s presicommittee and gives rides to those dent) who asked me to help out in the who need a way to get to services. She kitchen. I enjoy the songs and the stois my right-hand person and an easy ries that Rena Morano (Ner Tamid’s choice for Ner Tamid’s “Mensch of the Month.” rabbinic associate) tells and the way

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April 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

“No Place for Hate: Bully Prevention in Schools” By Nancy Hawkins

ver the summer of 2015, the local non-profit organization, Embracing Our Differences, with participation from the Sarasota County Schools’ curriculum and instruction department, the AntiDefamation League, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, and Facing History and Ourselves, presented an anti-bullying workshop called “Embrace Courage: Bully Prevention in Schools,” designed to give area educators the skills and tools they need to take a stand against bullying on and off campus. The “No Place for Hate” program provides a three-day workshop with ADL leadership trainers. The school chooses 18 to 20 juniors with leadership qualities to attend the workshop to participate in various cooperative activities. The students work together to create a plan to train the incoming 9th graders annually to promote diversity and anti-bullying. The lucky school that was chosen by The Federation was North Port High School. “Leadership is one of the most prized qualities a student can develop,” says Shannon Fusco, an assistant principal at North Port High School. “Many of our clubs, sports and classes provide opportunities for students to become leaders, and the ADL draws many students who use this opportunity to begin their path as a strong leader in the school and community.” In October 2015, the selected students participated in the three-day workshop along with Co-Existence Club sponsor teachers Denise Brislin and myself. I was excited to be working with a national organization with the impact that the ADL has in the United States. This was an amazing opportunity for our students.

Jeffry Frias, a North Port High School ROTC student, stated that after attending the three-day workshop he now has a better understanding of how to be a leader. He felt the training was a fun and unique experience. He also felt he learned a lot about himself and other people. Belle Ward-Gregorek said the workshop helped her realize the impact of micro-comments that hurt more than people realize, and she is much more aware of recognizing those comments and making sure she does not use them herself. She agreed the ADL workshop was a valuable opportunity and is looking forward to training the incoming 9th graders. Erin Dewey and Kasi Beauchamp have been using their leadership qualities to lead the student meetings to organize the ADL activities and are doing a great job. Learning about the ADL training from students inspired other classes at North Port High School. Mrs. Provitt’s class created an anti-bullying display in the school cafeteria inspired by a

activities that promote a positive antibullying atmosphere at the school. The first project in January was a “Thank you for being my ally” card that the students exchanged with other students and teachers whom they felt always “had their back.” In February, the students announced a “body positive” poetry contest. The winner’s poetry will be displayed around the school to inspire students to appreciate “the skin they are in.” The third activity, in March, was a collection of photos of students’ families and community members to display together in the cafeteria to promote a family atmosphere of diversity. The grand finale of the successful completion of the three anti-bullying activities by the ADL students is a ceremony on Friday, May 20 with com-

munity and school members to show their support of the No Place For Hate initiative. A banner will be presented, along with inspiration from various school organizations and students. None of the experiences created by the ADL could have been possible for the North Port High School students without the sponsorship of The Federation and the support we received from Orna Nissan, the Director of Holocaust Education and Israeli Programs at The Federation. The Federation sets an excellent example of what it means to be an “ally.” Our students and teachers are grateful for its leadership in our community. Nancy Hawkins is a teacher at North Port High School.

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April 2016

FEDERATION NEWS

Our Federation, our children, our land of Israel By Rona Simon

am often asked the following question: “Why are you so involved with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s teen travel program?” My answer reflects the many years of my involvement with Jewish youth as the director of a religious school, as a teacher in the public school system, and as a professional who provided private counsel and instruction to challenged youngsters in need of understanding and support. I am involved with our children because our Federation program is vital for the continuation of our faith and for our young people’s identification with the State of Israel. Israel counts on every generation of Jewish people knowing about, caring about and supporting Israel. The surest way to attain this goal is to send young men and women to Israel to see the land, meet the people, and feel the full meaning of being in the land that is so vital to all

of Judaism. The many young people we have sent to Israel come home impressed and deeply moved by the experience. Time and time again we hear our children telling us, “My life has been changed in ways I never dreamed possible.” They fall in love with Israel. They understand how vital Israel is to all of Judaism. They realize how vital American Jewry is to the continuation of the State of Israel. Our Teen Travel Committee is made up of dedicated men and women who volunteer their time to investigate the pros and cons of any and all teen programs relating to Israel. They meet with, interview, question and select the finest group of young people in our community to go on our trips, to represent our Federation, and to learn, firsthand, the wonders of the land and its people. When our young ambassadors return home, our committee meets with them, listens to their comments about their journey, and then evalu-

ates the merits of each individual trip. It is a time-consuming effort, but our committee is devoted to making this experience the most positive time our young people have ever had. I want to express my profound gratitude to all who serve with me. You are making a major contribution to the future of Israel and to our faith. None of this would happen without the leadership of our Federation. Andrea Eiffert, our Teen and Family Program Coordinator, labors day and night on behalf of our children, finding the best experience possible for each individual, and guiding all through the process of making this experience the most enriching occurrence in their lives. Andrea provides guidance to our committee and has been a source of strength to me. In addition, The Federation’s executive director, Howard Tevlowitz, and the organization’s Board of Directors see to it that the financial support

is there for these programs. Everyone believes this is a vital and necessary aspect of Federation life, and gives their all to provide guidance and support for our young people. Year after year, scholarships are provided. Year after year, our children take full advantage of this marvelous opportunity. Our goal is to continue our outreach to the entire Jewish community as we urge our young people to take full advantage of this opportunity to see Israel, to immerse themselves in the life of our people and to come home ready to do their part to see that Israel lives, grows and fulfills the hopes and dreams of our people throughout the world. Our children, our dedicated volunteers, and our Federation staff and board bring life to the phrase “Am Yisrael Chai,” the people of Israel live, because of what we do together. Rona Simon is the chair of the Teen Travel Scholarship Committee.

Integrating technology into the Jewish classroom By Sue Huntting

hat can we do with technology that we can’t do without it? That was a key question recently posed to 22 teachers and school directors at a professional learning workshop sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Facilitated by Peter Eckstein, an experienced Jewish educator based in West Palm Beach who is the founder and lead educator for the consulting group JEd Horizons, participants were encouraged to explore both the challenges and opportunities that incorporating technology into the Jewish

classroom presents. On the one hand, Eckstein was able to introduce software and apps that allow teachers new ways of doing what they already do, from organizing resources to creating quizzes. But he also shared programs that provide opportunities for students to learn in new ways, from building videos to creating comic strips. Given that living online is more and more a part of our students’ lives outside, as well as inside the classroom, it only makes sense for Jewish learning to utilize these same resources.

ONE COMMUNITY OUTREACH

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Israel Independence Day A TOUR OF

ISRAEL MAY 15, 2016 2-5PM THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF SARASOTA-MANATEE

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TRADITIONAL FOOD LIVE MUSIC DANCING FREE ART

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QUESTIONS? Contact: Orna Nissan 941.552.6305 or onissan@jfedsrq.org Andrea Eiffert 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org

Registration requested online at

jfedsrq.org/events

This is the third year that The Federation has underwritten the cost of a guest presenter for area teachers working in Jewish settings. A light lunch was served and teachers were given

a stipend for their time. Goldie Feldman Academy, Temple Emanu-El and Temple Sinai contributed to the effort. Sue Huntting, RJE, is the religious school director at Temple Sinai.

Teachers and school directors with Peter Eckstein (far right)

A POWERFUL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

Holocaust, Genocide and Tolerance Education

he HOLOCAUST SPEAKERS BUREAU offers teachers a unique opportunity to expand their students’ classroom experience. We have a large number of Holocaust survivors who reside in this community. They are very motivated to visit school children and give their eyewitness accounts of the Holocaust. Also available are speakers who were hidden children, those saved through the “Kindertransport,” resistance fighters, refugees, as well as World War II camp liberators.

Many Inspiring Speakers to Choose from Including HILDE MANDEL PAUL MOLNAR RIFKA GLATZ GINETTE HERSH HENRY TENENBAUM

All speakers are authentic to their respective experiences and feel a strong commitment to bring an awareness of the consequences that result when evil is allowed to flourish. They feel privileged and grateful to live in this wonderful country where their voices are being heard.

For Booking Contact

Anne Stein, Speakers Bureau Coordinator 941.923.6470 • luvhula@gmail.com PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

For Questions Contact Orna Nissan, Director, Holocaust Education and Israel Programs 941.552.6305 • onissan@jfedsrq.org

jfedsrq.org

Stay informed throughout the month. Sign up for the Jewish Federation’s Enewsletter at www.jfedsrq.org.

April 2016

Holocaust awareness program at ODA By Mira and Arya

ever forget. ently reading the book Night, and Ms. Mira and Arya are students in the eighth Glatz’s story helped increase our depth grade at the Out-of-Door Academy. of understanding of the Holocaust. Her Kathy Dozier is their teacher. The Hostory moved us profoundly and opened locaust Speakers Bureau offers a powour eyes to feel more appreciative of erful educational opportunity to hear our own lives. from Holocaust survivors and their According to one of the offspring. For booking information, eighth-grade students, “I was contact Anne Stein at 941.923.6470 or left spellbound by Ms. Glatz’s luvhula@gmail.com. For more inforstory. I never fully understood mation about The Federation’s Holothe Holocaust until now.” caust programs, contact Orna Nissan at Another student remarked, 941.552.6305 or onissan@jfedsrq.org. “I am amazed by her strength and resilience. Ms. Glatz is someone who I will always admire.” It was an honor to have Rifka Glatz come to our school to present her story, and it is a memory none of us will Teacher Kathy Dozier introduces Rifka Glatz

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April 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

“The Biography of God” By Marden Paru, Dean, Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva

ho is the Unseen One? It is the main character of the Tanach (the Holy Scriptures), often referred to as Hakadosh Baruch Hu (the Holy One Blessed be He). Did you know that there are at least 30 different utterances as Hebrew names for the Almighty in the Hebrew Bible? Why and why so many? We can only posit that each refers to at least one special attribute or character trait that defines the Master of the Universe. Drawing closer to HaShem (literally: The Name) is a leading objective of Jewish faith. Difficulties with our Main Character surface from the very beginning. God does not act consistently. In Genesis, HaShem is both the creator of the world and its flood-wielding destroyer. The Lord appears as lawgiver, conqueror, father and even mother. God is also the sleeper, the bystander and even a fiend. Can we reconcile those traits with the character of God? How does one account for all these personalities in one and the same entity? God has no past to explain the dynamic creation which opens the story. One source makes the case that the Ubiquitous One does not express love until the second half of Isaiah. And by the end of the story, the Lord of Hosts has become strangely silent. The Deity we meet in this biography, needed to create, but then gradually withdrew from what S/He made. On Tuesday, April 5, the Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva is offering an eightweek course called “The Biography of God.” It will consider the premise that God can be analyzed like any character in a play or novel. The course offers the student a unique approach to reading the biblical narrative. It will reveal

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Community-wide Mitzvah Day a success Sponsored by

By Laurie Lachowitzer some surprising aspects about the personality of the Living God as recorded in Scriptures. It may disturb the student who has an ironclad image of God, but it may bring comfort to those who have concluded that the traditional images of HaShem don’t fit their multi-layered experience of joy and sorrow. As with any journey to the heart of God, this one may bring both fear and comfort. There is no intention to alter anyone’s view – only to illuminate the light of Torah. This course’s content includes:  The many names of God  Where does God reside?  The God of rain and nature  Man created God in Man’s image  Is God male, female, both or something else?  The history of God  The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah  The God of Moses  God in the 40-year wilderness trek  The God of Christians, Muslims and Jews  God in the post-biblical age  The God of today  Hallelujah – God in liturgy Beginning Tuesday, April 5 from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., this new course will run for eight weeks. The fee is $50 and I will serve as the instructor. Classes are held in the Hecht Music School on the campus of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, a sponsor and grantor of the Yeshiva program. To enroll, or for further information, please contact me at 941.379.5655 or marden.paru@gmail.com.

n Mitzvah Day, 230 volunteers performed 690 hours of work at 10 project sites. That is something our community can be proud of! The date was Sunday, February 21 and it began with a kick-off breakfast and program at the host site of Temple Beth Sholom. The bloodmobile was there and happily met their donation goal. Rabbi Michael Werbow, in his welcoming comments, used the analogy of pebbles being dropped in water and causing ripples to spread to describe the effect of our efforts. Groups spread out to work at All Faiths Food Bank, Cat Depot, Family Promise, FL Center for Early Childhood, JFCS, Mothers Helping Mothers, Anchin Pavilion, Circus Arts Conservatory, and Nate’s Animal Res-

cue, and sack lunches were made for Resurrection House. A collection drive brought in an unanticipated amount of items: food, diapers, men’s socks, children’s books, and travel-sized toiletries. These went to six area agencies to serve their clients. Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. They enjoyed the camaraderie of working together while doing a mitzvah. More importantly, the recipients appreciated our efforts. A staff member from Resurrection House, a homeless shelter in downtown Sarasota, said it simply, but best, “I want to thank you for your caring and compassion to the less fortunate among us.” Mitzvah Day was organized by the Synagogue Council of Sarasota-Manatee with the support of The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee. Special thanks to Federation for hosting our registration on its Rabbi Micheal Werbow welcomes over 200 volunteers website and making the to the Community-wide Mitzvah Day breakfast day possible. that was held at Temple Beth Sholom

Many members of Temple Beth Israel participated in the Community-wide Mitzvah Day

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April 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Temple Sinai and community say farewell to the area’s longest tenure rabbi By Susan Maliot

emple Sinai has embarked upon a singular and historic series of events as the Temple Sinai membership and the Sarasota Jewish community formally say goodbye to our rabbi of 23 years. Rabbi Geoff Huntting is retiring in June 2016. Rabbi Huntting has had the longest tenure of any rabbi actively serving a congregation in the area. The program series will culminate with a weekend tribute beginning Friday, April 29. Rabbi Huntting will be honored for his dedication and service to the temple membership, to the greater Sarasota Jewish community, and to the innumerable causes he has championed. On Friday, the congregation will commemorate the Confirmation of his last 10th grade class. Saturday night, temple members will celebrate the rabbi’s love of Jewish music by hosting a concert featuring critically-acclaimed duo Josh Nelson and Neshama Carle-

memorate Rabbi Huntting’s last Tembach. On Sunday, Temple Sinai will ple Sinai service. host a Community Reception. The Rabbi Huntting retires in June afevent will feature music coordinated by ter completing his second career in Chazzan Abramson, a video highlightthe rabbinate. Prior to ating temple activities, tending rabbinical school and refreshments for atin Jerusalem, Los Angeles tendees. The program and Cincinnati, he received will include testimonials his J.D. from Loyola Law from community leadSchool and worked as depers, rabbinic colleagues, uty Attorney General for temple members and the State of California. Foltemple children. This lowing rabbinical school, event is open to the genhe served Temple Emanuel eral public at no charge. in Beverly Hills, before Other events recogRabbi Geoff Huntting committing to Temple Sinizing Rabbi Huntting nai 23 years ago. included a Temple Gala where he was Over the course of his career, Rabhonored for his vision and dedication bi Huntting has advocated for and supin bringing the Temple to its 25th anported causes that speak to his sense of niversary. A video created by TriForce social justice and fairness. Early on he Productions featuring the rabbi and performed same-sex commitment cercongregants was shown, and a naming gift in the rabbi’s honor was presented. emonies, has been actively involved in AIDS awareness, is a member of RabA special Shabbat service will be bis for Human Rights, and he speaks conducted on June 24 and 25 to com-

and writes about Israel as a strong supporter of J Street. Upon his arrival in Sarasota 23 years ago, the fledging congregation had not yet affiliated with the Reform movement and was operating out of a church building it had recently purchased. Currently celebrating its 25th year anniversary, the temple congregation now enjoys a thriving membership, an ordained cantor, a highly regarded early childhood center and an ARJE-accredited Religious School. After selling its previous church building, Temple Sinai conducted a successful capital campaign. As a result, the temple purchased land and built a beautiful new facility and campus in 2005. A grateful Temple Sinai congregation and the greater Sarasota community look forward to honoring and celebrating Rabbi Huntting’s 23 years of dedication, vision, contribution and leadership.

Temple Beth El Bradenton announces its new rabbi abbi Michael Sternfield has been a Reform rabbi for 40 years, beginning his studies for the rabbinate at UCLA, followed by studies in Cincinnati, Los Angeles and Jerusalem at various locations of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, receiving his ordination as Rabbi in 1973. At that time, he began work at the Congregation Beth Israel in San Diego as an assistant rabbi until 1975. For the next 20 years, he served as the senior rabbi for the congregation. In 1994, Rabbi Sternfield was presented with an opportunity to serve in South Africa and briefly as the leader of the Durban, South Africa Progressive Jewish Congregation during South

once again wants to be a pulpit rabbi Africa’s historic transition to multi-raand that has brought him cial democracy. From to Temple Beth El. The 1995 through 2014, he immediate feeling of unreturned to work in the United States where derstanding and caring between Rabbi Sternfield he served at Chicago’s and the TBE family was Sinai Congregation. real. His ideas to bring Since retiring from us forward in growing the Chicago congregation, as he states, “I our religious school and membership, and his deep brought my lifetime of experiences home commitment to making sure interfaith families to Los Angeles, where Rabbi Michael Sternﬁeld I am now a spiritual feel welcome in our concounselor. But I always missed the gregation, is uplifting to us all. We as a family, along with Rabbi Sternfield, challenges of pulpit life and teaching young and old the love of Judaism.” We now have the good fortune of Rabbi Sternfield deciding that he

are already planning events that will not only show that Temple Beth El is the place to be but that will also cross the lines of communication between all the diverse religions in the Manatee community. Please come and meet this dynamic and caring man as he begins his rabbinical duties at TBE the second week of April. For more information or to privately meet Rabbi Michael Sternfield, please call the temple office Tuesday thru Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, at 941.755.4900.

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April 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

The FHM partners with USC Shoah Foundation with web-based interactive education

he Florida Holocaust Museum announces a groundbreaking three-year agreement with USC Shoah Foundation - The Institute for Visual History and Education that will significantly extend the reach of both institutions’ educational work. “Three years ago, The FHM embarked upon a technology initiative to digitize the Museum’s collections and upgrade infrastructure to support 21st century learning. We continue to be

Join us at

grateful to the State of Florida for its vision in supporting this initiative,” says Elizabeth Gelman, executive director of The FHM. “We have now reached a new juncture and will soon be able to share our resources in a meaningful way with classrooms throughout the State of Florida, the U.S. and in 52 other countries.” Students and scholars across Florida will soon be able to access The Florida Holocaust Museum’s digital

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM

Sarasota-Manatee’s Conservative Synagogue

in april

All Are Welcome! Come Join Us!

ONGOING PROGRAMS Daily Morning Minyan

Sunday-Friday, 8:00AM – 9:00AM

Morning Minyan Breakfast Wednesdays 9:00AM (Except April 27th)

SHABBAT SERVICES Fridays, 6:30PM Saturdays, 9:00AM

Shabbat Shaboom

Saturdays, 10:30AM – 12:00PM

Shabbat Shmooze Saturday, 12:45PM

OFFICE HOURS Monday–Closed Tuesday–Friday 9AM – 3:30PM Paver Religious School

Sundays, 9:00AM – 12:30PM (No classes April 24th) Introduction to Reading Hebrew Sundays, April 3 & 17 11AM – 12:30PM A Cup of Joe and the Five Books of Mo Tuesdays 9:15AM – 10:15AM (Except April 26th) Chug Ivri (Advanced Hebrew) Thursdays 10:30AM – 12:00PM

JUDAICA SHOP HOURS

Tuesday-Thursday, 10AM – 3PM Friday, 10AM – 12PM Sundays, 11AM – 1PM The Shop will be open on Friday, April 22nd but will be closed on Sunday, April 24th and Friday, April 29th in observance of Passover.

TEMPLE TALK

Chat with our co-presidents about the exciting changes happening at TBS!

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6TH

HAPPY HOUR 5:30–7:00PM (1st Wednesday each month)

SUNDAY, APRIL 17TH

COFFEE HOUR 9:30–11:00AM (3rd Sunday each month)

UPCOMING EVENTS SUNDAY, APRIL 3 9:30AM, Men’s Club Breakfast & Learn – Joshua Karsh from AIPAC will be our guest speaker: The Changing Middle East and the Future of American Pro-Israel Community $5/person Breakfast 9:30AM, Speaker 10AM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 1:15PM, Idelson Library Book Review Earl Prohofsky will review Brenda Maddox’s Rosalind Franklin The Dark Lady of DNA and Lise Meitner: A Life in Physics by Ruth Lewin Sime

FRIDAY, APRIL 8 6:30PM, Kavanah Shabbat Services followed by a pot luck dinner; see our website for pot luck guidelines

SATURDAY, APRIL 9 9:00AM, Shabbat In Honor of our Temple Volunteers and New Members

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13 7:00PM, Shmooze & Brews with Rabbi Werbow – Ask questions, come listen, meet people, explore concepts and ideas. This month we will meet at Gecko’s (1900 Hillview Street, Sarasota)

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 6:30PM & Saturday, April 16, 9:00AM, Jordan Lonstein’s Bar Mitzvah

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23

TEMPLE BETH

SHOLOM

941-955-8121

7:00PM Community Passover Seder Join us for a scrumptious traditional seder. Members $60; children 10 & under $32. Non-members $80; children 10 & under $45. Call Kelly to make your reservations.

IDELSON LIBRARY

You can check out books, using our self-checkout, any time the office is open, provided there is not a meeting in the Library.

templebethsholomfl.org 1050 South Tuttle Avenue • Sarasota, Florida 34237

email: info@templebethsholomfl.org

collections of art, historical objects and first-person testimony. The Memorandum of Understanding between The FHM and the Institute – which is part of the University of Southern California – spells out the following key initiatives that, pending funding, are set to launch in July: Preserving the Legacy: The FHM collection of testimonies will be one of the first to be entrusted to USC Shoah Foundation under the recently launched Preserving the Legacy, an initiative that uses the Institute’s stateof-the-art infrastructure to digitize, index and integrate Holocaust testimonies taken by other organizations around the world in the Visual History Archive, the Institute’s vast repository of 53,000 genocide testimonies. The process will maintain the provenance of the testimonies as an important part of The FHM collection while at the same time ensuring that they will be preserved in perpetuity and made available to all worldwide users of the Visual History Archive, extending the reach of The FHM collection dramatically. Providing Access: Through this program, The FHM will become an access point for the Visual History Archive in Florida, making the 53,000 audiovisual testimonies available for research and education. This will make The FHM a leading resource for scholars and educators alike, and the 54th access site to the Visual History Archive. Enhancing Education: Under the agreement, the two institutions will embark on a number of projects that leverage the strengths of The FHM’s

programs and expertise and those of the Institute. First, the initiative will realize the integration of The FHM’s digitized artifacts and substantial visual art collection into IWitness, USC Shoah Foundation’s educational website. The addition of The FHM’s visual art collection will become a new feature to IWitness. As The FHM testimonies are integrated into the Visual History Archive, they will also be integrated into IWitness, providing more local resources for the Florida education environment, and also making those voices heard across all environments IWitness reaches. Leveraging The FHM’s leadership, educational staff members from The FHM and USC Shoah Foundation will collaborate to develop curriculum specifically to meet the standards and needs of Florida classrooms. Using The FHM’s testimonies, the team of education experts will build learning activities in IWitness, as well an offline activity. These branded activities will provide much-needed resources for Holocaust education in Florida, as well as expand the educational programming The FHM offers to a worldwide audience. Evaluating Impact: The program will also include a robust evaluation and research program that will contribute to a deeper understanding of the impact of testimonies and Holocaust education. For more information, please call The Florida Holocaust Museum at 727.820.0100 or visit www.flholocaust museum.org.

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

“These we honor” Your Tributes ANNUAL CAMPAIGN IN MEMORY OF Marcia Abel Joan and Robert Brand Kathyrn and Bob Carr Leslie and Steven Chase Pat Cohen Paul L. Fleischmann Cheryl and Scott Gordon Marti and Marc Grinberg Iris Grossman Rhoda and Michael Karp Clara and Sheldon Kopel Lois Levine Harriet and Richard Liroff Phyllis and Saul Lowitt Shara Newman and Rabbi Michael Churgel and Family Arlene and Joel Sainer Muriel Shindler Shumaker, Loop, & Kendrick, LLP Phyllis Dworkin Cheryl and Scott Gordon MAZEL TOV Adrea and Jack Sukin Anniversary Susan and Sam Samelson Patti and David Wertheimer – New Grandchild Nelle Miller

BOB MALKIN YOUNG AMBASSADORS IN HONOR OF Berel Abrams Rebecca and Rich Bergman Sandra Hanan Bryna Tevlowitz IN MEMORY OF Marcia Abel Rebecca and Rich Bergman Bryna and Howard Tevlowitz

MAZEL TOV Patti and David Wertheimer – New Grandchild Bryna and Howard Tevlowitz Judy Weinstein

ISRAEL PROGRAMS GET WELL Bob Heller Bryna and Howard Tevlowitz IN HONOR OF Nancy and Joe Jacobson Birthdays Stephanie and Marvin Anzel

SKIP (Send a Kid to Israel) IN HONOR OF Nancy and Joe Jacobson – Birthdays Bunny and Mort Skirboll Adrea and Jack Sukin – Anniversary Saranee and Cantor Neil Newman Hannah Weinberg – Special Birthday Saranee and Cantor Neil Newman

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, please call 941.552.6304.

COMMUNITY FOCUS

April 2016

Have a joyous Passover. And share what it means to you. #PassoverPublix

April 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Jewish refugee recalls welcoming arms of Sarasota Jewish community By Wendy L. Sunshine, MA, JFCS Director of Marketing wenty-five years ago, a family of four Russian Jews – Viktoriya Bul (Lee), her two sons, and her then-husband – arrived in Sarasota from the former USSR. They arrived with only four suitcases of clothes, which they couldn’t wear because of the weather, and $400 in hand. “We were very confused because we didn’t speak the language, and we didn’t know what was going on around us,” said Viktoriya. “But we were surprised by how much at home we felt, and by how much love we felt.” The Bul family was sponsored by Temple Beth Israel on Longboat Key, The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee, and Jewish Family Service (now Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast). They were picked up at the airport by volunteers, including Alice and Fred* Taich, Barbara* and Oscar Arney, and others including Francie Weintraub. Donated turnkey housing and two months prepaid rent got them on their feet. (*of blessed memory) “So many volunteers generously opened their homes and hearts, and gave countless hours and resources,

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helping all the Jewish refugees from the former USSR,” said Viktoriya. Soon the family started learning English. Four-year-old Ross (Rostislav) attended public school and a JCC afterschool program. Two-yearold Vadim went to preschool at Temple Emanu-El. The family began meeting neighbors – such as Paul, Ellen and Steven Hepner – who would become lifelong friends. By 1994, the family gained enough language skills and financial resources that they could follow their father’s dream of graduate school. Ultimately, the Buls relocated to California, where Viktoriya opened a skincare clinic and earned a master’s degree in nursing. In 2001, they brought Viktoriya’s mother from Russia. The boys have been living the American dream. Over the years, Ross earned a dual JD/MBA degree and now works as Senior HR Manager at GE Capital in Chicago. Vadim earned his MD and is currently a resident at the University of Illinois with plans to specialize in gastro-intestinal medicine. When Viktoriya remarried, her new husband asked where she preferred to live during semi-retirement. She chose

Young Ross and Vadim Bul shortly after arriving in Sarasota

Sarasota and they arrived last November. With them was Viktoriya’s mother, who is now a regular participant in the Holocaust survivor program at JFCS. “I feel a sense of urgency to give back to the Jewish community,” said Viktoriya. She hopes to lend her nursing expertise to elderly in the Sarasota Jewish community who offered their help to the Russian Jewish resettlement. “I made my children realize that once they get on their feet, they have to give back to the places that helped them become who they are.” To become a volunteer at JFCS, contact Cindy Underwood, Director of Volunteer Services & Community Outreach at 941.366.2224 x143.

Jewish War Veterans Post 172 honors guest at Mitzvah Day Brunch By Wendy L. Sunshine, MA, JFCS Director of Marketing

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bout 80 people attended this year’s Mitzvah Day Brunch on February 21, sponsored by Sarasota’s Post 172 of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV). While noshing on bagels and lox, members and guests honored local veteran Jennifer Capwell. Jennifer is a single mother of four who served for four years as a U.S. Marine combat engineer. She successfully graduated the Vets-2-Chefs training program. Vets-2-Chefs is the result of a unique partnership between University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) and the Operation Military Assistance Program (OMAP) of Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast (JFCS). Together, these programs help struggling veterans get on their feet, find new career opportunities, and embark on a path to success

after their military service. At the brunch, Retired Colonel Stan Levinson, Commander of Sarasota JWV Post 172, introduced Jennifer. He gave her a dozen bagels, cream cheese, and a $100 Publix gift card on behalf of the members. “This went over very, very well.

Jennifer Capwell and Post 172 Commander Stan Levinson

All our people in attendance were 100% in support of doing this mitzvah on Mitzvah Day,” said the commander. “Afterward, many members came up and spoke to the veteran and showed positive interest.” JWV is dedicated to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fighting bigotry, prejudice, injustice and discrimination of all kinds. JWV civic activities and values align with JFCS’ mission of empowering individuals and families toward self-sufficiency, as guided by the Jewish tradition of helping all people. “JFCS appreciates the support of Post 172 for our Operation Military Assistance Program. We are boots on the ground and rely on support from the community,” said OMAP Peer Mentor Brian Saum. For more information about OMAP, please call 941.366.2224 x121.

The Jewish Federation offers assistance for all ages, like: Camp Grants, Overseas Grants, Education Scholarships, Religious Scholarships, and Women’s Giving Circle Grants. Plus, complimentary programs like PJ Library, Shalom Baby and Senior services provide unique support throughout Sarasota and Manatee.

Learn more at jfedsrq.org/help

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DON’T MISS OUT! Registering for The Jewish Federation’s weekly email means you won’t miss important community events or notices. Get updated every Thursday!

Just click the button and enter your email address! www.jfedsrq.org 941.371.4546

Read the current and previous editions of The Jewish News online at www.jfedsrq.org.

COMMUNITY FOCUS

April 2016

TBS hosts the annual World Wide Wrap

ebruary 7, 2016, may have been Super Bowl Sunday number 50, but for more than 6,600 congregants in 166 synagogues, it was World Wide Wrap number 16, and Temple Beth Sholom was once again proud to join. The annual event is sponsored by the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, a partnership of more than 250 affiliated clubs in Conservative Jewish congregations in North America and around the world and boasting a membership of more than 20,000. The aim of this event is to teach the meaning and technique of putting on tefillin, for both adults and religious

school students. This year we were ably led in this effort by our own Rabbi Michael Werbow and assisted by our many knowledgeable lay leaders. This all took place within the framework of the regular morning minyan, and all in attendance enjoyed socializing at a deluxe breakfast, sponsored by the TBS Men’s Club, immediately following services. We encourage everyone, including youth, to join us next year on Super Bowl Sunday to learn about this mitzvah. Please contact Temple Beth Sholom at 941.955.8121 for more information.

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Rabbi Michael Werbow and Michela Hazan

Sarasota Jewish Chorale has new president By Marcia Polevoi

he Sarasota Jewish Chorale recently announced its new slate of officers and board members. Taking over as president is Ronnie Riceberg, as Susan Skovronek steps down. Susan remains on the board as manager and past president. Other officers remaining in place are Phyllis Lipshutz as vice president, Don Friedman as secretary and Kathy Rance as treasurer. New to the board is Paula Rothman. She joins board members Brenda Lederman and Marci Vitkus. President Riceberg says the Chorale will continue next season, performing music that reflects aspects of Jewish culture, history and the geographic distribution of its people in the Diaspora. “In Hebrew, Yiddish, English and Ladino, we sing about the Jewish experience from all parts of the world over thousands of years. Our programs both entertain and inform about Jewish traditions. In the next year we will be reviving our first cantata, “Esther’s Story,” as well as rehearsing a new cantata. These presentations with narrative celebrate our beautiful heritage.”

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Board Ofﬁcers of Sarasota Jewish Chorale: (seated) Ronnie Riceberg, President; Phyllis Lipshutz, Vice President; (standing) Kathy Rance, Treasurer; Don Friedman, Secretary

The SJC will resume rehearsals next September on most Thursday evenings at the Hecht School on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Linda Stewart Tucker is the director. For more information about the Chorale, please call Ronnie Riceberg at 941.251.7437. You can also visit www.sarasotajewishchorale.org or find us on Facebook. For bookings, please call Phyllis Lipshutz at 941.924.6717.

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Robin Leonardi • 941.552.6307 rleonardi@jfedsrq.org

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April 2016

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Great Jewish voices of civil rights movement heard at Temple Emanu-El

he great Jewish voices of the civil rights movement were heard at Temple Emanu-El on January 23 as Peck Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Gary P. Zola, Ph.D. offered a multimedia presentation about the role of Jewish leaders in the fight against segregation and racism.

Unveiling primary source documents, including rare recordings of sermons and speeches given by leading rabbis in the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, Rabbi Zola educated the many attendees about Jewish clergy who joined the African-American community’s quest for justice and equal

Rabbi Brenner Glickman, Peck Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Gary P. Zola, Ph.D., Scholar-in-Residence chair Wendy Barnet, Luncheon Chair Barbara Gerber

treatment. Among the rabbis spotlighted were Rabbi Perry Nussbaum, who served the Jews of Jackson, Mississippi, visited imprisoned Freedom Riders, and suffered the bombing of his synagogue and residence by white supremacists; Rabbi Milton Grafman of Birming-

Temple Emanu-El President Gloria Weed, Judilee Sterne, Betty Perlmutter

ham, Alabama, who joined Christian and Catholic clergymen in speaking out against Governor George Wallace’s segregationist policies; and Rabbi Joachim Prinz, who spoke at the March on Washington immediately before Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech. Rabbi Zola serves as Executive Director of the American Jewish Archives, the repository for the great documents of Jewish life in America, and as a Distinguished Professor of American Jewish History at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio. His visit was generously underwritten by Charles Peck, the Mal and Joyce Peck Scholar-in-Residence Fund at Temple Emanu-El, and Arny and Dee Kaplan. Wendy Barnet served as Chair of the Scholar-in-Residence Committee, and Barbara Gerber served as Luncheon Chair.

Josh Nelson and Neshama Carlebach in concert

emple Sinai is presenting Josh Nelson and Neshama Carlebach, referred to as the “Prince and Princess” of American Jewish music, on Saturday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. as the culmination of its 25th anniversary music series and as part of its Weekend of Celebration and Appreciation in honor of Rabbi Geoff Huntting who is retiring in June. “We knew we wanted to end our anniversary concert series with Jewish music superstars,” said Chazzan Cliff Abramson, “and this was also the perfect way to honor Rabbi Huntting, who has been such a champion of Jewish music at the temple. Josh and Neshama,

individually, are outstanding musicians and performers, beautifully combining the influences of Debbie Friedman, Josh’s mentor, and Neshama’s father and legend, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. Our community is truly in for a treat.” Like her father, Neshama’s talent and charisma captivate and endear her to people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds. She has performed around the world and on Broadway, and has sold more than one million records. She helped create the Broadway play Soul Doctor, and her ninth recording, “Soul Daughter,” features performances by the original Broadway cast of the musical.

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Neshama Carlebach and Josh Nelson

conference audiences, congregations and concert audiences alike. Most recently, Josh starred as Shlomo Carlebach in the Off-Broadway revival of Soul Doctor at New York’s Actors Temple Theatre. Tickets to the concert are $36 in advance and $50 at the door. Students with ID are $10. Sponsors receive tickets, reserved seating and are invited to a Champagne & Dessert Soirée following the concert with the musicians and Rabbi Huntting. Advance purchases and sponsorships may be made at www. SinaiSRQ.org or with check or cash in the temple office. For more information, call the office at 941.924.1802.

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munity in Pittsburgh and founder of icture this: You scheduled a MOJI, Museum of Jewish Ideas. He Scholar-in-Residence weekend. was able to deliver a talk right on target. Everything is well-planned and Saturday was a little more chaleveryone is excited about a great weeklenging for us, as the topic was the relaend at the synagogue. You get a phone tionship between Abraham call at 2:00 p.m. on that Lincoln and the Jews. Friday letting you know How do you find an expert that your Brandeis scholon this material? Luckily, ar, Dr. Jonathan Sarna, is Barb Sander, Temple Sisnowed in and not able to nai member and President come to your community. of the Brandeis National What do you do? The Committee, was availsecret is: Do not panic, able to lend a hand. She and follow the lead of reached out to friend your spiritual leader, RabArny Kaplan, a member bi Michael Werbow. Rabbi Rabbi Danny Schiff of Temple Emanu-El. As it turns out, Werbow presented the conflict to the Mr. Kaplan is also an expert in the field magician who was scheduled to enterof Jewish history and a personal friend tain the kids that evening. Would he of Dr. Sarna. To our delight, Arny also mind performing for 300 people? Imdelivered a dialogue right on target. mediately, the very stressful moment We would like to thank everyone was lightened. who assisted us that weekend, and we After that the phone calls began. are fortunate to be part of such a supWe were fortunate enough to have in portive local Jewish community in town a colleague and friend of Rabbi Sarasota. Werbow, Rabbi Danny Schiff, Scholar for Agency for Jewish Learning Com-

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Jewish Happenings SUNDAY, APRIL 3

FRIDAY, APRIL 1 “Local Anti-Semitism: Condominium Policies”

Temple Sinai Mitzvah Day

In Bradenton, one condominium holds its board meetings solely on Saturdays in order to prevent the only Jewish family living there from participating. In 2006, a woman in a 16-story condo in Fort Lauderdale was instructed to remove the mezuzah from her hallway unit and threatened with a fine. After a lengthy legal battle, the condo association was found guilty of discrimination. In 2008, the Florida Legislature passed a law permitting such mezuzahs. Join us at 1:30 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $10 per adult; $3 per student. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Temple Sinai teams up with 24 local nonprofit organizations for a day of performing acts of loving kindness on behalf of those most in need in our community. Projects will be indoors at Temple Sinai, outside at Temple Sinai, and out in the community. Mitzvah Day begins at 9:00 a.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. For more information, contact the temple office at 941.924.1802.

Rhythm & Jews Family Erev Shabbat Join Rabbi Huntting, Chazzan Abramson, your friends and neighbors, and hear the Bruno Family Musicians in an uplifting service with a variety of traditional, Israeli, Sephardic and Chasidic melodies. This free event begins at 6:00 p.m. at Temple Sinai (4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota), and is followed by pizza and praying at 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact the temple office at 941.924.1802.

CHJ presents Suzanne Vromen After the 7:30 p.m. service, the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism – which meets at Unity, 3023 Proctor Rd., Sarasota – will introduce Suzanne Vromen, who will speak on “The Making of a Totalitarian State: The Rise of Hitler.” Vromen is Professor Emerita of Sociology at Bard College, where she co-founded the Women’s Studies program and directed it for eight years. Her research includes social theory, gender, collective memory with emphasis on commemorations, memorial and monuments, and the identities of Jewish-American women. For more information, call 941.929.7771 or visit chj-Sarasota.org.

Joshua Karsh, AIPAC’s Deputy Regional Director The Temple Beth Sholom Men’s Club Breakfast and Speaker Program will present Joshua Karsh, discussing “The Changing Middle East and the Future of the American Pro-Israel Community.” AIPAC’s Deputy Regional Director is responsible for creating the strategic direction and supervising the daily operations for one of the largest AIPAC offices in the United States. A Q&A session will follow. Both men and women are invited to Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. The programs will start with a bagel and lox breakfast at 9:30 a.m., followed by the program at 10:00 a.m. A voluntary donation of $5 would be appreciated for food. Please contact the TBS office at 941.955.8121 to reserve your spot.

“Is My Forgetting Normal?” The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism – which meets at Unity, 3023 Proctor Rd., Sarasota – will introduce Cheryl Brandi, a researcher at The Roskamp Institute in Sarasota, who will talk about The Roskamp Clinic, which offers free memory screening for people 55 and over. She will discuss signs and symptoms of abnormal behavior, describe mild cognitive disorders and the mission of Roskamp, which is to effectively treat and cure neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Registration is required for this event, which begins at 2:00 p.m. Cost: $5 for nonmembers. For more information, call 941.929.7771 or visit chj-Sarasota.org.

Intergenerational Women’s Seder

Looking to connect with other members of the Jewish community? The Jewish Federation would like to welcome you to the area!

We Welcome You!

Women of all ages are warmly invited to this Passover celebration featuring the miraculous Exodus story as told by biblical women. We’ll sing and dance, and be inspired by generations of women who have triumphed over physical, emotional and spiritual trials throughout the centuries. A delicious turkey dinner with all trimmings will be served, with vegetarian options available as well. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. at Temple EmanuEl, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. The cost is $20/adult and $10/student through high school. Participants are also asked to bring a salad, veggie or dessert to share. Paid reservations may be mailed to Temple Emanu-El Women’s Seder, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232. For more information, please call Elaine Klein at 716.523.0045.

We hope you feel at home and become active members of the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish community.

Questions? Contact Ilene Fox at ifox@jfedsrq.org or 941-343-2111

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April 2016

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

Are You Jus Saturday, April 23, 6:00pm Jewish?

Join us as we celebrate Passover with a warm, wonderful, humanistic Haggadah.

Michael’s On East Millions of Jews connect with Jewis 1212 East culture butAvenue, not with Sarasota traditional Juda You may one of them. - $65 Members - $55be• Non-members Children underCalendar 12 - $25 and Vis Check our Event

www.CHJ-Sarasota.org Congregation for Humanistic Judaism or call 941.929.7771 Unity, 3023 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, F

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Congregation for Humanistic Judaism wishes a Happy Passover to all!

April 2016

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

Join the Campaign Against Summer Hunger, April 1 - May 15, 2016

Help feed children this summer PUBLIX FOOD DRIVE - APRIL 3, 10 AM - 2 PM Shop at one of these locations and drop off your donation at the Food Bank trucks in the parking lot. • • • •

Sarasota Village Plaza - 3690 Bee Ridge Road The Landings - 4840 S Tamiami Trail Sarasota Pavilion - 6543 S Tamiami Trail Jacaranda Commons - 345 Jacaranda Blvd. in Venice

Nonperishable food may also be dropped off during the Campaign at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information contact Denise Cotler: dcotler@allfaithsfoodbank.org or 941-315-7671

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April 2016

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

MONDAY, APRIL 4 Jennifer Teege presentation Sponsored by

Join us for a conversation with Jennifer Teege, author of My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me, a book born of a shocking discovery. At age 38, married with two children, Jennifer Teege picked up a book by chance at Hamburg’s main library and discovered that her grandfather was the brutal Nazi commandant of the Plaszow concentration camp, portrayed so memorably by Ralph Fiennes in the film Schindler’s List. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. on The Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost: $10. Your payment is your reservation. Please register online at www. jfedsrq.org. For more information, contact Orna Nissan at 941.552.6305.

Artists & Audiences with Jean Renoux Jean Renoux, designer, filmmaker and lecturer, brings us “The Art and Architecture of Venice.” This mystery city has been celebrated for centuries and is still resplendent; an empire that was founded on the sea, with art treasures, palaces, hidden masterpieces and magnificent monuments to delight the eye and move the heart. Special attention will be paid to the Jewish Ghetto. Experience this wondrous city! Followed by a luncheon with Jean Renoux. The event begins at 11:00 a.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. Cost: $30 for members, $35 for guests. For more information, contact the temple office at 941.924.1802.

The Perlman Music Program PRESENTS

PMP Alumni: In Concert Ariel Quartet

Sunday, April 17, 2016 at 3 pm Venice Performing Arts Center

TUESDAY, APRIL 5 Fifty Shades of “J” Happy Hour Sponsored by

This is an opportunity for singles and couples to meet new and old friends. Join us from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Apollonia Grill, 8235 Cooper Creek Blvd., Bradenton. There will be a cash bar and light snacks offered. To RSVP or for more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@ jfedsrq.org, or register at www.jfedsrq.org.

Cynthia Crane in memory of Arnold Crane

Torah & Tea Join Chanie Bukiet in her home Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to noon for a weekly dose of delicious tea and refreshments spiced with thoughts on the women in the Torah and roundtable discussions. Free. Sponsor a class in someone’s memory or honor for $25. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

“Awesome Stories from the Talmud” Temple Emanu-El’s popular “Lunch with Scholars” series continues as Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman presents “Awesome Stories from the Talmud.” Explore, learn and share fascinating tales of our talmudic sages – from the sage who almost died after spending a freezing night on the roof of the house of study to the sage who left a wealthy home in order to study Torah, from the sage smuggled out of Jerusalem in a coffin to the sage who stopped and started rainfalls through the power of his prayer. Join us on Tuesdays, April 5 and 12 at noon at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Free to Temple Emanu-El members; $18 donation requested for guests. Please bring a brown bag lunch. For more information, please contact Temple Emanu-El Adult Education Chair Dan Barwick at dan@barwick.us.

ORT welcomes EOD speaker ORT welcomes Carol Poteat-Buchanan, co-chair of the Embracing Our Differences exhibit, who will speak at 1:30 p.m. on The Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Embracing Our Differences uses the power of art and education to celebrate the diversity of the human family. Following Carol’s presentation, everyone is invited to go to the EOD Exhibit at Sarasota’s Island Park (Ringling Boulevard and Bay Front Drive) for a docent tour by ORT America member Alice Cotman. For more information, contact Kim Sheintal at 941.921.1433.

Cteen: Let Freedom Ring Teens are invited to join us at 7:00 p.m. at The Chabad House (5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton) for the next Cteen get-together. Themed to “Let Freedom Ring,” teens will learn aspects of their freedom through activities such as Limitation Snapper and sending matzah to inmates’ families from the Aleph Institute. They will also partner with the Aleph Institute for their Learning the Torah education. Teens will also experience an exciting trip to The Zone. Refreshments will be served. Cteen’s mission is to give teens three things: Jewish Network, Jewish Identity, Jewish Values. This is an opportunity that no Jewish teenager should miss, and there’s plenty of room for all their friends as well! Cost: $180 per teen for annual Cteen membership. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

Making a Living – a Bintel Brief The letters that young newly-arrived Jewish immigrants wrote to the Forward Yiddish newspaper are an intimate record of their struggles and dilemmas adjusting to life in America. Trivial, serious, comic and tragic problems were shared, and the editors responded with advice and counsel through the Bintel Brief, a sort of Dear Abby newspaper column. Rabbi Harold Caminker will read a letter from the Bintel Brief archives and ask the audience how they would answer. He will then read the editor’s answer that appeared in the newspaper. Everyone is invited to join this enjoyable Adult Learning Mini-Series at 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Congregation of Venice, 600 N. Auburn Road. No charge and no RSVP needed. For more information, call the JCV office at 941.484.2022.

Jewish Happenings specifically for families and youths are easily identified with the event descriptions in red type.

Alexandra Kazovsky and Gershon Gerchikov, violins; Jan Grüning, viola; and Amit Even-Tov, cello

Tickets: $35

Student/Teacher and group ticketing available. 1 Indian Avenue • Venice, FL

941-955-4942 or PMPSuncoast.org

Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva PRESENTS APRIL COURSES

ABRAHAM AND SARAH: OUR FIRST PATRIARCHS

MONDAYS 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM Starting April 4 (Eight Weeks) Abraham and Sarah, the “First Couple of Judaism,” are revered in religious history as the founders of the Abrahamic Religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Who were they? Where did they come from? Where did they travel? They certainly left a huge footprint in our tradition. Drawing on biblical text, Midrash and other rabbinic literature, we will examine every aspect of the lives of this patriarch and matriarch. We will better understand why these names were given to so many over the millennia including very famous Abes and Sarahs. Instructor: Marden Paru; fee $50.

THE BIOGRAPHY OF GOD TUESDAYS 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM Starting April 5 (Eight weeks) God is the main character in our Holy Scriptures. This course offers the student a unique approach to reading the TANACH/Bible. It reveals some surprising aspects about the personality of God as recorded in Scriptures. It may disturb the student who has an ironclad image of God, but it may bring comfort to those who have concluded that the traditional images of God don’t fit their multilayered experience of joy and sorrow. As with any journey to the heart of God, this one brings both fear and comfort. We’ll consider the premise that God can be analyzed like any character in a play or novel. We’ll also reveal the 32 names of God in Scriptures. Instructor: Marden Paru; Fee $50.

MAIMONIDES: PHILOSOPHER, SCHOLAR, PHYSICIAN

FRIDAYS 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM April 8 (Eight weeks) The name Maimonides strikes a responsive chord for his many contributions to Judaism a millennium ago but very much alive today. First and foremost, Maimonides was a rationalist. He served as the court physician to the Caliph of Egypt. His medical and science background influenced his Jewish philosophy and outlook on Judaic practice, changing long-standing views on the coming of the Messiah. He negated popularly-held superstitions about sorcery and dybbuks in favor of rational thought. His most complicated work is the Moreh Nevukhim – The Guide for the Perplexed. Better known for his codes and liturgical contributions, the RAMBAM was truly the “renaissance man” of his generation a millennium ago. Instructor: Marden Paru; fee $50.

Inquire about multi-course discounts. Scholarships are also available. Classes are held on the Campus of the Jewish Federation, 580 McIntosh Rd. in Sarasota. To register or seek 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 school-administered 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.

April 2016

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

THURSDAY, APRIL 7

Temple Emanu-El “Lunch with the Rabbi”

TKO Club Arts Day at Painting With a Twist

Are you looking for a great lunch date? Join Rabbi Brenner Glickman and nice, friendly, interesting companions for lunch, socializing, and discussion of current events and subjects of Jewish interest. All are invited to this popular, stimulating and enjoyable program. Attendees are asked to bring a brown-bag lunch and are also welcome to bring a newspaper article for discussion. Homemade desserts and terrific company are provided! This free event begins at noon at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, call the temple office at 941.371.2788.

Create a painting to donate to JFCS of the Suncoast. This free event is open to local Jewish high school teens and begins at 4:00 p.m. at 5543 Palmer Crossing Circle, Sarasota. Space is limited to the ﬁrst 20 teens to register! For more information, contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@ jfedsrq.org. To register, visit http://jfedsrq.org/events.

SaraMana ORT monthly happening

Book review and discussion

SaraMana ORT will have its monthly happening at 7:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Town Hall (8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.) with a surprise program. Members and guests are invited. For more details, contact SaraMana ORT Co-Presidents Suzanne Crandall at ennazus411@gmail.com or Joan Levenson at j.levenson@comcast.net.

Dr. Earl Prohofsky, a retired physics professor, will review two books: Rosalind Franklin: The Dark Lady of DNA, by Brenda Maddox, and Lise Meitner: A Life in Physics, by Ruth Lewin Sime. Each book describes a brilliant Jewish woman who was at the heart of one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs of the twentieth century. Neither won the Nobel Prize in her field, but their colleagues did. Why? Dr. Prohofsky will explain. This free event is open to the public at begins at 1:15 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, Band-Desenberg Chapel, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please call Arlene Hamburger at 941.921.2554.

N’shei Chabad Women’s Rosh Chodesh Society The Rosh Chodesh Society Torah Class “Our Edifice and Environment” will give us time to take a deeper look at Torah-based texts and discuss the ways in which we are truly architects of our personal edifice. Following the class, participants will enjoy making a Jewish-themed trivet with artist Getter Rosenstock. The event takes place at 7:15 p.m. at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. For assistance with underwriting the Rosh Chodesh Society course, we thank Anne Stein. Cost: free for Rebbetzin Circle members, $10 for N’shei Women members, $12 for nonmembers. Advance reservations are necessary. To RSVP, call 941.925.0770 or email NCWSarasota@gmail.com.

“Genocide and the Holocaust” Holocaust survivor and famous leader Dr. Thomas Hecht reveals the Holocaust as a unique event in history, standing alone amongst every genocide. The Nazi extermination did not seek only to destroy the Jews of Germany or Europe, but was designed to ultimately destroy every Jew on earth, who alone amongst all nations has endured as a people for over 4,000 years. To this end, the Nazis collected Jewish artifacts for Hitler’s planned “Museum of an Extinct Race.” Join us at 5:30 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $12 per adult; $3 per student. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8 “Triumph from Tragedy: A Restitution of Stolen Cultural Property” Do you know the story of The Woman in Gold – the famous Klimt painting of Adele Bloch-Bauer stolen by the Nazis and returned to her family only after a protracted and historic legal battle with the Austrian government? It’s one of many tales of priceless artwork looted by the Nazis and eventually restored to their rightful owners. Los Angeles attorney Donald Burris – law partner of Woman in Gold attorney E. Randol Schoenberg and a leader in the restitution of stolen cultural property – will share stories of his fascinating work at this event, part of Temple Emanu-El’s popular “Lunch with Scholars” series. The event begins at noon at Temple EmanuEl, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost: $5 at the door. Please bring your own lunch and beverage. For more information, please contact Temple Emanu-El Adult Education Chair Dan Barwick at dan@barwick.us.

Kavanah Service Be comfortable and come as you are! You and your friends are invited to stop by Temple Beth Sholom (1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota) at 6:30 p.m. for an inspirational and musical alternative Kavanah Service, followed by a potluck dinner. Potluck guidelines and sign-up can be found at templebethsholomfl.org. No cost. For more information, please contact the TBS office at 941.955.8121.

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JEWISH HAPPENINGS

SUNDAY, APRIL 10 Chabad of Sarasota Men’s Club Breakfast All are welcome to join a delightful breakfast which will feature a presentation by Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz entitled “How to Celebrate a Meaningful Pesach.” This is a great opportunity to get the answers to questions about Passover that you’ve always wanted to know. Enjoy the best kosher breakfast in Sarasota, including scrambled eggs and onions, whitefish salad, bagels, lox and cream cheese, followed by the program. Men and women welcome. The event begins at 9:00 a.m. at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. Cost: $7 for Club 770 members, $10 for nonmembers. RSVP by Thursday, April 7. To RSVP or for more information, call 941.925.0770 or email info@chabadofsarasota.com.

“A History of Jewish Visual Artists” Sy Waldman, Venice artist, will review the Second Commandment forbidding graven images, and the Jewish art created in the 14th through 16th centuries of the Italian Renaissance. He will then introduce the Jewish artists entering the broad, secular Western world of art in the 17th and 18th centuries, whose influence continues today. Waldman will discuss wellknown Jewish artists and display some of their work. The event takes place at the Jewish Congregation of Venice, 600 N. Auburn Road. A hot breakfast will be served at 9:30 a.m. followed by the presentation, which is sponsored by the JCV Men’s Club. Everyone of all genders is welcome. Cost: $7 donation requested to cover food. For more information, call the JCV office at 941.484.2022.

This Passover, whether you choose to celebrate with us or in the comfort of your own home, let TooJay’s do the preparation for your holiday meal. Call ahead and we will have your order ready; ask about our express pick-up options. To dine in on Friday, April 22 or Saturday, April 23, please call to make a reservation for the 5:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. seating. See restaurant or website for full menu.

Holocaust Memorial Service The Sarasota Jewish Chorale will be a part of the Holocaust Memorial Service presented by the Epiphany Cathedral of Venice at 3:00 p.m. at 350 Tampa Avenue West, Venice. The Cathedral has held this memorial service for many years in recognition of Yom HaShoah. The Chorale has been privileged to be a part of this occasion for the last 14 years. They will sing “Under the Little Green Polish Trees” by Israel Alter, telling how “under the little green trees of Poland, little Moishe, little Shlomo are playing no more.” The SJC is under the direction of Linda Stewart Tucker. For more information about the Chorale, contact Ronnie Riceberg at 941.251.7437. For bookings, please call Phyllis Lipshutz at 941.924.6717.

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Ellen Goldberg Tishman, arts educator, will present “Creating Ways to Relate to Interfaith Family Members” with a hands-on arts project at 4:00 p.m. on The Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota. This open-to-thepublic Jewish Artists Explore program is co-sponsored by the Association of Professional and Aspiring Jewish Artists and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Cost: $5 at the door. For more information, contact Ellen Goldberg Tishman at 941.302.4493 or tishgold@verizon.net.

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SRQUSY at the Maccabeats Concert Yeshiva University’s a cappella vocal group, the Maccabeats, will be performing at 4:00 p.m. in Orlando at Dr. Phillips High School, 6500 Turkey Lake Road. The group is known for its Jewish-themed parodies of contemporary songs. SRQUSY, Temple Beth Sholom’s high school youth group, is reserving a section so friends can sit together. Purchase your family’s tickets at http://www.sojc.org/maccabeats/ by Friday, April 1, and then contact Kelly Nester at knester@templebethsholomfl.org to let her know how many seats you need so we can reserve them in the TBS section. Tickets are $21. For more information, please contact Lael Hazan at lael@educatedpalate.net.

MONDAY, APRIL 11 Hadassah Mah Jongg/Cards/Games Day Join the Greater Venice Chapter of Hadassah from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Bay Indies Resort Community Center in Venice in the Indies Hall off Bay Indies Blvd. (1st clubhouse). In addition to the games, enjoy coffee, bagels and a delicious home-made lunch. Bring your own group or we will assign you a game. Cost: $20. Send your check to Hadassah, 4220 Tennyson Way, Venice, FL 34293. For more information, call Ruth at 941.492.6025.

“American Jewish Military History: Korean War” Some 4,000 Jewish servicemen, mostly American, fought in the Korean War. Hear heroic stories such as that of Corporal Abraham Geller, son of an Orthodox rabbi from the Lower East Side in New York. On the day after Yom Kippur in October 1950, he was wounded in the stomach three times while protecting his commanding officer during a Korean ambush; he killed the enemy with his bayonet. Geller’s life was probably saved by his fasting the day before! Join us at 11:00 a.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy kosher refreshments with vegan options and discussion materials included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

L’chaim Mondays

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The Kehillah of Lakewood Ranch invites you to its continuing L’chaim Mondays celebrations at 7:00 p.m. at The Windsor, 8220 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch. Tonight’s theme is “The Borscht Belt Comes to Florida.” Bring a Yiddish joke to share. No charge; donations appreciated. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Kehillah at 941.281.2587 or info@kehillahoflakewoodranch.org.

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For more information, call Bob Satnick HAPPENINGS JEWISH at 941.538.3739

April 2016

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Mitzvah Knitting Group at Temple Emanu-El Are you a knitter or crocheter interested in using your talent to brighten the lives of others while making new friends? If so, please come to the Mitzvah Knitting Group sponsored by Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood. We gather monthly to craft and socialize, and our beautiful handiwork has been donated to local new parents as well as needy families in SarasotaManatee and in Israel. Bring your needles or crochet hook and a favorite pattern – we’ll supply the yarn and great company! This free event begins at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, email Susan Bernstein at susanhope22@comcast.net.

JFCS Bereavement Support Group Sponsored by

This group meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays from April 12 through May 17 at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. These sessions provide supportive conversation and community for individuals dealing with grief and loss of a loved one. Cost: $36 per person for the six-week session, payable to JFCS of the Suncoast. For more information, please contact Jennifer Singer at 941.366.2224 x166 or jsinger@JFCSCares.org.

Rosh Chodesh Society – Fashion and Design Join us on a seven-part journey as we explore Judaism’s insights into art and how it benefits and transforms our lives, one brushstroke at a time. This sixth class will explore Fashion and Design through workshops and an interactive class. Refreshments will be served. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. Course cost: $75, textbooks included; or $20 per class and $15 per book. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@ chabadofbradenton.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13 Club Fed Hits the Road Sponsored by

Join us for a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg. The bus leaves from The Federation Campus (580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota) at 9:00 a.m. and returns at approximately 4:00 p.m. The cost of $60 includes transportation, museum admission, docent tour and lunch. (No full refunds two weeks prior to event.) Seats are very limited. Register online at www. jfedsrq.org or contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113.

STEP College Preparation and Information Series Join us at 7:00 p.m. on The Federation Campus (580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota) for “Beat the Curve in College Admissions.” This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org. To register, visit http://jfedsrq.org/events.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 Education Scholarship application deadline Sponsored by

No late applications will be accepted! For more information, contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org. To apply, visit http://jfedsrq. org/help/educationscholarship.

“Displaced Jews” Morton’s offers a full menu of Passover delicacies, from traditional Seder plates to braised brisket, apple walnut charoset and pomegranate glazed chicken. Finish your meal with our famous flourless chocolate truffle cake. Details available online.

This important three-part series explores the plight of displaced Jews throughout history and around the world. In hundreds of locations over millennia, Jews have been forcibly exiled. Where did they go, and what were their lives like where they resettled? After World War II, some Jews remained locked in displaced persons’ camps until 1957, twelve years after the war’s end. Join us at 10:00 a.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. Cost: $25 for the series; healthy kosher refreshments with vegan options and discussion materials included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Temple Beth El presents “Shabbat Live”

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Join us for “Shabbat Live,” a musical service, at 7:30 p.m. at 4200 32nd St., Bradenton. The prayers and songs are uplifting and joyful, adding a new spirit to a beautiful worship experience. Join with the talented singers and musicians, Cantor Alan Cohn, Cantorial Soloist Deborah Suta, Albert Rosenstein and Robbie Taylor as they “rock the shul.” Come and meet Rabbi Michael Sternfield as we start on the journey to make Temple Beth El the “shul” that everyone will want to be part of, and learn about his wonderful plans for his new temple home. For more information, please call the synagogue office at 941.755.4900, Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

April 2016

JEWISH HAPPENINGS SATURDAY, APRIL 16

MONDAY, APRIL 18

Play reading of Address Unknown

Kehillah of Lakewood Ranch book review

Following the Yom HaShoah Service at 10:30 a.m., the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism – which meets at Unity, 3023 Proctor Rd., Sarasota – will feature a reading of Address Unknown, a short novel by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor. This epistolary novel is about friendship, betrayal, the Nazi regime, and how two friends take different paths during the years 1932-1938. The production will be directed by Carole Kleinberg, a wellknown and experienced director in the theatre worlds of Chicago and Sarasota. The staged reading will have excellent actors in the two parts. For more information, call 941.929.7771 or visit chj-Sarasota.org.

The Kehillah of Lakewood Ranch invites you to a book review of Too Many Men by Lilly Brett, facilitated by Marilyn Abrams. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. at Esplanade Golf & Country Club, Amenity Center, 5240 Esplanade Boulevard, Lakewood Ranch. Ruth Rothwax, a successful woman with her own business, Rothwax Correspondence, can find order and meaning in writing words for other people – condolence letters, thankyou letters, even you-were-great-in-bed letters. But as the daughter of Edek Rothwax, an Auschwitz survivor with a somewhat idiosyncratic approach to the English language, Ruth can find no words to understand the loss her family experienced during World War II. No charge; donations appreciated. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Kehillah at 941.281.2587 or info@kehillahoflakewoodranch.org.

Tot Shabbat at Temple Emanu-El Join us at 10:30 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El (151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota) for a relaxed, welcoming, festive Shabbat celebration for young Jewish and interfaith families. There will be playground time, a bagel breakfast, and age-appropriate Shabbat prayers, songs, and movement with Rabbi Brenner Glickman. This month we’ll also prepare for the coming Passover holiday with a Passover craft, hearing the Exodus story, sharing Passover recipes, and of course a matzah tasting! Although Tot Shabbat is designed for families with children ages 1-6, all are invited to this free event. For more information, call Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman at 941.379.1997.

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Jewish War Veterans meeting Jewish War Veterans Sarasota Post 172 will hold its next meeting in the Activities Room of Kobernick House, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. This will be the last meeting of the 2015-2016 season. The lox-and-bagel breakfast begins at 9:45 a.m. and is free to all Post 172 members. The cost for guests is $7. The meeting will include an award presentation to the outstanding “Cadet” from four different high school JROTC Departments. For more information, please contact Stan Levinson, Commander, at 941.907.6720 or stanlevinson172@gmail.com.

Jewish Genealogical Society of SWFL program The Jewish Genealogical Society of Southwest Florida presents “A Hunt for Roots in Old Galicia” by Dennis Gries. With his hobby and quest for genealogy, Dennis has amassed many research techniques in researching his roots. Because of many years of personal research successes and a recent trip to Tarnow and Sanok in Poland, he is eager to share with others that they can accomplish much in their personal research, too. Attendance is free. Everyone is welcome at 1:00 p.m. at Kobernick House, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. For more information, contact Kim Sheintal at 941.921.1433 or klapshein@aol.com, or visit http://jgsswf.org/.

Dinner and a Movie with the Rabbi Enjoy Ethiopian cuisine followed by the final movie of the season, Operation Moses & Operation Solomon, and a discussion with Rabbi Hunting. The film covers the evacuations of Ethiopian Jews in 1984 and 1991. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for guests. For more information, contact the temple office at 941.924.1802.

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April HIGHLIGHTS

How one family embraces Passover cooking

THE GEFILTE-FISH CHRONICLES April 17 at 7 p.m.

Taking a leap of faith

JEWISH JOURNEY: AMERICA April 24 at 7 p.m.

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April 2016

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

Passover begins at sundown on Friday, April 22. Many of the area’s temples will hold first- and second-night Seders open to the community. Contact the temples for more information.

TUESDAY, APRIL 19 Sarasota Jewish Singles The Sarasota Jewish Singles is an outreach program of Temple Beth Israel to give all Jewish singles in the area the opportunity to meet each other. The group meets once a month for dinner, laughter and a time to turn acquaintances into lifelong friends. Join us at 6:00 p.m. at the Brio Tuscan Grille, 190 University Town Center Dr. (UTC Mall), Sarasota. For more information or to make a reservation, call or text Rosalyn Fleischer at 941.915.6631 or rozfleischer@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20 NCJW 16th Annual Scholarship Awards The 16th Annual National Council of Jewish Women Scholarship Awards Night will be held at 7:00 p.m. on The Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Dr. Barbara Shirley, principal of Alta Vista Elementary and Florida Principal of the Year, will be the guest speaker. Scholarship recipients are outstanding non-traditional students who are at least 27 years old and are returning to school after a hiatus and need financial assistance to reach their goal. For additional information about this program or NCJW, call the NCJW phone line at 941.342.1855.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 “Counting the Omer” Jews are commanded in the Torah to count 49 days from the second day of Passover until the day before Shavuot, when the Torah was given to Moses on Mount Sinai. What is the purpose of the counting, and how do rituals differ historically and in Jewish communities across the world? Connect in spiritual preparation for Shavuot with this ancient Temple ritual. Join us at 2:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 5710 Cortez Road West, Bradenton. The cost of $7 includes healthy kosher foods. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

JFCS Holocaust Survivors’ Havurah Sponsored by

All survivors are invited to attend these monthly gatherings of friendship, camaraderie and support. Enjoy a light nosh and a lively discussion. The group meets from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at Kobernick House, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. Conversation topic: Photographs and Memories. This is a multi-agency event sponsored by JFCS of the Suncoast, Inc., Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. To RSVP or for more information, contact Jan Alston at 941.366.2224 x172 or jalston@JFCS-Cares.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28 Lecture: Compliance or Resistance? Sponsored by

The Jewish resistance in Nazi-occupied Europe is one of the most contested questions in Holocaust history. It emerged as one of the principal subtexts at the Eichmann trial in Jerusalem in 1962. Witness testimonies and subsequent interpretations in Hannah Arendt’s reports spoke of the lack of significant Jewish resistance. Could they have done more? This lecture will revisit the arguments about this topic in view of Holocaust historiography with Dr. Andre Krauss. The lecture begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Zell Room on The Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost: $5. Your payment is your reservation. Please register online at www.jfedsrq.org/ events. For more information, please contact Orna Nissan at 941.552.6305.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30 Josh Nelson and Neshama Carlebach in concert

HISTORY. CULTURE. AND SO MUCH MORE. Get to know Israel and her people!

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Josh Nelson and Neshama Carlebach will create a sound as provocative and intimate as that of their musical and spiritual mentors, Debbie Friedman and Neshama’s father, Reb Shlomo Carlebach. Offered as part of the Honors Weekend honoring Rabbi Geoff Huntting. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. Cost: $36 online, $50 at the door. For more information, please contact the temple office at 941.924.1802.

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

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April 2016

The Holocaust comes to Yugoslavia

Jan

By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD

azi Germany invaded the Kingdom of Yugoslavia 75 years ago this month, on April 6, 1941. Initially Yugoslavia had tried to remain neutral after the outbreak of World War II, but the wider strategic situation drew the country more and more deeply into the German orbit. German dictator Adolf Hitler, having made Dr. Paul Bartrop military alliances with Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, next put pressure on Yugoslavia to join Germany’s Tripartite Pact, and on March 25, 1941, a deal was struck with Yugoslavia’s regent, Prince Paul. The alliance prompted widespread popular discontent and public protest, and a contingent of military officers moved quickly to overthrow the regency in a coup d’état on March 27, 1941. Prince Peter, who was still a minor, was declared to be of age, and proclaimed King Peter II. In his name, the newly-installed government repudiated the German alliance. Upon hearing the news, Hitler flew into a rage and by way of response issued Führer Directive 25. This declared that henceforth Yugoslavia was to be treated as a hostile state, to be slated for destruction. On April 6, German, Italian and Hungarian troops invaded, and within two weeks the country was occupied. Two rival resistance groups rose up to oppose the Nazi occupation: the Chetniks (Serbian nationalists) and the Partisans, communists led by Josip Broz Tito. While both groups fought the Nazis, they ultimately had different ideas regarding what a reconstituted Yugoslav state would look like. The Chetniks sought a resumption of Serbian dominance, while the Partisans wanted to establish a communist federation in states divided along ethnic lines. Yugoslavia’s entry into World War II provided a breakaway Croatian movement, the Ustashe, with the opportunity to establish an independent Croatia, and after the Axis invasion of April 1941, they came to power and formed a fascist puppet state ruled by Ante Pavelic. The Ustashe pursued a policy of ethnic cleansing against Jews, Roma, Muslims and Serbs in the territories under its control. Chetnik and Partisan resistance to the Nazis, followed by brutal forms of repression in response, would lead to violence on a genocidal scale. While the Germans rounded up Jews and Roma for extermination at Auschwitz, the Ustashe murdered their victims in a network of locally constructed concentration camps. The most notorious of these was at a place whose name is infamous in the Balkans to this day: Jasenovac, about 60 miles south of the Croatian capital of Zagreb. A location in central Croatia, Jasenovac was not established by the Nazis, but was, instead, set up in August 1941 by the Ustashe. Over time, it grew to become a complex of five subcamps and three smaller compounds, including a camp for children at Sisak, and a pitiless camp for women at Stara Gradiska, east of the main Jasenovac complex. Jasenovac would ultimately see the murder of over 100,000 victims, mainly Serbs, Jews and Roma. The Nazis were not to be denied their contribution to the suppression of Yugoslavia. Other camps were established at Zemun, Sajmiste and Donja Gradina. Sajmiste was run by the Nazis as an extermination camp for Serbian Jews, and it has been estimated that between 4,000 and 8,000 Jews were murdered there, in addition to Serbian resisters and Roma. In total, the Ustashe’s extermination policies,

implemented with merciless brutality, were responsible for the deaths of more than 500,000 Serbs, 20,000 Roma, most of the country’s Jews, and untold thousands of political opponents. By August 1942, the Yugoslavian heartland in Serbia became the first state declared by the Nazis to be “Free of Jews” (Judenfrei). By the time Yugoslavia was liberated in 1945, most of Serbian Jewry had been murdered. At the outset of the German invasion in April 1941, the country’s Jewish population was estimated at 82,500; at the liberation, only 14,000 survived. Within Serbia, the figures were even starker, with the Nazis having murdered some 14,500 of the pre-war Serbian Jewish population of 16,000. Serbia, moreover, was the only country outside of Poland or the Soviet Union where all Jewish victims were killed on the spot without undergoing the traumatic experience of deportation. Ultimately, by the time Tito’s Partisans had gained the upper hand and effectively driven the Nazis out of Yugoslavia, their numbers had swollen to over half a million fighting men and women – the foundation of what would be a communist state in a reconstituted Yugoslavia.

The anti-Semitic and fascist Ustashe, on the other hand, was effectively destroyed as a force within Yugoslavia. Many of the leaders managed to flee to safety in Spain or South America. Ante Pavelic himself fled to Argentina, where he reorganized the Ustashe in exile. Against this background, it is indeed ironic that half a century later, during the Bosnian War of 1992-1995, the Jews were considered by all sides (Orthodox Serbs, Catholic Croats and Muslim Bosniaks) to be neutral – one of the very few occasions in the history of European warfare that Jews were left alone and unmolested. Some very brave Jewish leaders, such as Zoran Mandlbaum, were aware of what the Jewish past had been during World War II, and turned their attention to saving lives in this new conflict. It was a most remarkable set of circumstances, practically unprecedented over the past millennium of Jewish history – and a fitting coda to the Holocaust years that began in April 1941. 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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ANTI-SEMITISM

Across 1. Ginger cookies bubbi might make 6. Magen David Adom letters 9. Zion and Acadia 14. Dip for the new year 15. Output from the Timnah mine 16. Wilpon, e.g. 17. Dress a kallah 18. Pareve Twizzler bite 19. They should be uninteresting from Jew to Jew? 20. Workout device for Jonas Salk and Maimonides? 23. Play for a yutz 24. Schnozzes 25. “Aladdin” prince voiced by Scott Weinger 28. Sadducee, e.g. 30. Makes like a really boring rabbi 33. Matzo exercises? 37. Fleet Israel never had 38. Relating to a “cholent bean” organ 39. Title for Rabbi Israel Brodie 41. Uncle of Hur 42. Crowned girl’s name 44. Lifting weights after a meal? 46. Device used on David Simon’s lauded HBO show 48. The least anti-Semitic country, apparently 49. “Solaris” author Stanislaw 50. Develop, like a citron 52. King before Jehoshapat 55. Exercises over Black and Klugman? 59. Biblical fruit 62. Benji, e.g. 63. NFL star Foster with a very un-Jewish sounding name 64. The Witch of Endor might have cast one 65. Diamond District “rocks” 66. He encountered no Jews in “Inferno” 67. Like fresh babka 68. Flanders who visited King David’s tomb 69. Tool used at the Baha’i Gardens

Down 1. The biggest star in the world (who is neither a Jew nor a Gentile) 2. Lymph masses 3. “___ to Himself,” Ben Jonson poem that mentions Japhet 4. “Frasier” actress Gilpin 5. In ___, sing like the Miami Boys Choir 6. Implies, as the written Torah often does 7. Acts like a Yenta 8. Hassidic leaders 9. Barometer for Sanders 10. Missing from Sayeret Matkal, say 11. It’s passed down in the mishpacha 12. Yes 13. Many Jews in Fl. 21. Ilan Rubin, drummer for Nine ___ Nails 22. Like Jonah, when he runs 25. Israel’s Gali (with a video game last name) 26. What Madoff did to many investors 27. “What would you do if ___...,” words at the start of Savage’s “The Wonder Years” 28. Set part for Ilan Rubin 29. Brilliant display, like a Chagall show 31. Foe of Harry 32. Talmud lengths (in English vernacular) 33. Go through a Bar Kokhba cave 34. String a tallit again 35. Take an uzi from 36. Levi to Dan 40. What Pharaoh did after each plague 43. ISIS inflicts it 45. Da ___ (city in Vietnam) 47. 1972 Bob Fosse musical 51. One Reese’s in “E.T.” 52. Pitching like Sandy Koufax 53. Make like Sarah Hughes 54. Actor Ed 55. What a moving service can give to the soul 56. Gehazi after he becomes a leper 57. Woody Allen’s “The Curse of the ___Scorpion” 58. City in Southern Israel 59. Time Zone in Boro Park 60. Resort that might have Ahava products 61. ___ judicata

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April 2016

“Rabbi USA” explored in ambitious, penetrating biography Book review by Philip K. Jason, Special to The Jewish News Pillar of Fire: A Biography of Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, by A. James Rudin. Texas Tech University Press. 416 pages. Trade paperback $39.95. hrough the first half of the twentieth century, no one dominated the American Jewish cultural landscape like Rabbi Stephen S. Wise. Another rabbi with a distinguished career, A. James Rudin, has taken it upon himself to explain this phenomenon. He does so with abundant energy, exquisite detail, and a balanced view of his conPhil Jason troversial subject. Hungarian-born Wise (the family name originally spelled differently) was a rabbi’s son and something of a prodigy. His family moved to the United States when he was very young, imbued with the spirit of the European Jewish Haskalah (enlightenment movement), a spirit that informed young Stephen and sent him into the orbit of Reform Judaism in the United States. However, it was an uneasy fit. Though allied broadly with a liberal Jewish orientation, Wise attained his rabbinic ordination at a yeshiva in Vienna. He added to this a doctorate from Columbia University, where he had already earned his bachelor’s degree. Handsome, strongminded, and with a powerful and engaging voice, as well as sterling oratorical skills, Rabbi Stephen (as Rudin frequently calls him) was soon recognized as a committed leader. His twin passions were social/

political action and Zionism. Reform York, and Herbert Lehman for Judaism’s negative stance toward ZiLieutenant-Governor of New onism (which was eventually reversed) York; Rabbi Rudin elaborates was the main factor in Wise’s need to the circumstances surroundbuild his own brand of liberal Judaism. ing Wise’s role with abunFor himself he sought influential puldant detail. pits and institutional roles that would Some will say too much allow him to make a difference in U.S. detail. And that’s just to get social policy, in Jewish life, and in a us through the 1920s. future for the Jewish people in its own As Rabbi Wise’s celebrity grew land. (and his acquaintanceships with other Author Rudin meticulously takes celebrities), so did the demands on his us through the stepping stones of Wise’s time. Writes author Rudin, “During his ascent to power and influence over sevcareer of fifty-six years, Stephen exhiberal decades. And he does much more ited a zest for all things religious and than this. In fact, an alternative title for political. Because he broadly defined Rabbi Rudin’s book could be “Stephen those terms, his enthusiasm allowed S. Wise in His Time.” Just him to become inabout every major episode volved in almost every in Wise’s life is set into the aspect of American solarger context of national ciety. He was a human and international events in version of today’s 911 which he played a role or emergency number: if had a stake. there was a crisis, conWhether it’s the drama flict, confrontation or of Wise’s initial meeting controversy, individuwith Theodore Herzl at the als and groups contactsecond Zionist Congress in ed Rabbi Stephen Wise Basel in 1898; his support for help.” Rabbi Rudin Rabbi A. James Rudin for Woodrow Wilson and illustrates Wise’s refor the president’s call for a League of sponses by quoting from a wide range Nations; two decades later, his work as of letters. founder and senior rabbi at New York’s The 1930s and early to mid-1940s Free Synagogue (which stressed freewere extremely busy, strenuous years dom of the pulpit); his conflicts with for Rabbi Wise: the Great Depression, the Reform establishment; his foundWorld War II and the Holocaust, and ing of the American Jewish Congress the effort to create the modern Jewish and later the World Jewish Congress; State occupied his time and drained his his founding of the Jewish Institute of stamina. Though he remained a major Religion (a seminary in his own imforce, he was no longer a young man. age); his fierce outrage against Henry The central thread of these years Ford’s anti-Semitism; or his energetwas Wise’s troubled relationship with ic support in 1928 for Al Smith for Franklin Delano Roosevelt – a man president, FDR for governor of New whom he praised early and often, but

whose decisions and behavior Wise often found disappointing. Social activist Wise applauded the New Deal, but the president’s lack of leadership in blunting the growing horror of the Holocaust was more than merely perplexing. Rabbi Rudin’s nuanced treatment of the many interactions between these two giant figures is one of the book’s most engaging achievements. Rabbi Rudin does not neglect to explore Stephen Wise the private citizen: the son, the husband, the father, the friend. However, in some ways, the fellow who would inevitably receive any letter addressed to “Rabbi USA” remains a mystery. It’s as if his private and inner life was subsumed into his outer life. Rabbi Rudin is aware of his subject’s faults, and doesn’t hesitate to reveal them. However, he doesn’t dwell on them. Rather, he keeps them in the perspective of Wise’s accomplishments. This biography is a splendid achievement both as a work of scholarship and as a piece of storytelling. Rudin, the author of many books and a Reform rabbi, lives in busy retirement on Sanibel Island. Philip K. Jason is Professor Emeritus of English from the United States Naval Academy. He reviews regularly for Florida Weekly, Jewish Book World, Southern Literary Review, and other publications. Please visit Phil’s website at www.philjason.wordpress.com.

We Are Here For You! Come Enjoy Our Upcoming Events: Temple Sinai Mitzvah Day Perform acts of loving kindness for our community Sunday, April 3rd, 9:00am The Original Brown Bag with Rabbi Geoff Huntting Wednesday, April 6, 13, 20 & 27, 12:00pm

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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. Outrageous Casting of Biblical Proportions Of Kings and Prophets, an ABC biblical series, started airing on Tuesday, March 8. The main characters include King SAUL and King DAVID. The producers say that it will have as much sex and violence as broadcast TV allows (but will be – their words – “tasteful”), and maybe some of the especially “hot” scenes will be in the online version only. No doubt, many will object to the sex and violence, especially if, as in most biblical epics, it’s invented and not in the text of anyone’s Bible. What I object to more is that there isn’t a single lead Jewish actor in the series and it wasn’t filmed in Israel. Modern non-Jewish Brits didn’t look like ancient Hebrews, but six of the eleven big roles are played by non-Jewish English actors. “White-washing” is the term black actors have recently applied to roles that blacks should have or could have gotten that were given to white actors, instead. I would call the Of Kings and Prophets casting “WASP-washing.” If there were any Jews in the cast, I wouldn’t quibble with the fact that a Muslim Lebanese actor plays JONATHAN, Saul’s son. I have much more serious objection about the casting of Mohammed Bakri, an Israeli Muslim

actor. He plays the prophet SAMUEL. Yes, Jewish actors have played Muslims, but I don’t recall a Jew playing a Muslim after falsely accusing Muslims of massacring Jews. Bakri directed the so-called documentary Jenin, Jenin (2002). He procured demonstrably false interviews to support the claim that the Israeli army slaughtered hundreds of Palestinians living in the Jenin refugee camp. Even the hardly pro-Israel Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International concurred with the Israeli finding that about 53 residents were killed, two thirds of whom were combatants. Twenty-three Israeli soldiers died in the raid, which followed Palestinian attacks on Israelis that originated in Jenin. (The Israeli Supreme Court struck down an attempt to ban the showing of the film on free speech grounds. But they, too, labeled Bakri a liar.) Catching-Up with Other New TV Series Jorma Taccone, AKIVA SCHAFFER, 38, and ANDY SAMBERG, 37, three guys that met as teens, often work together under the collective name “Lonely Island.” Under this name, they created and are producing Party Over Here, a Fox comedy series that debuted on Saturday, March 12, at 11:00 p.m. It skewers everything from pop culture to politics. It combines video comedy

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Send Nate an email at nteibloom@aol.com, tell him you saw this ad in The Jewish News, and include your phone number. Nate will then contact you about doing a “limited” family history for you at a modest cost (no more than $100). No upfront payment. shorts along with sketches filmed before a live audience. The cast for the new season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars includes Fox News journalist GERALDO RIVERA, 72 (begins on Monday, March 21 at 8:00 p.m.). Rivera, the son of a Jewish mother and a Puerto Rican father, was raised Jewish and had a bar mitzvah. In recent years, he has identified more strongly as Jewish, and his wife since 2003, ERICA MICHELLE LEVY, 40, is Jewish. They have a daughter, SOL LILIANA, 10. (Geraldo’s late mother was named Lillian.) Also dancing is Marla Maples, “the Donald’s” ex-wife. Her presence in the cast, in light of recent events, should skyrocket ratings for awhile. The TBS weekly series Separation Anxiety started on Tuesday, March 8 at 10:00 p.m. It’s a game show in which host ILIZA SHLESINGER, 33, tests couples on how well their partner knows trivia in different subjects. Shlesinger began doing improv comedy in college. In 2008, she became the first woman, and the youngest contestant, to win NBC’s Last Comic Standing stand-up competition. Over

on YouTube, you can see her tell threes Jewish jokes, submitted by visitors to a“ popular website – it’s entitled “Laugha s Out Loud Jewish Jokes.” t Nancy Reagan (Jewish) Footnote Actress ALLA NAZIMOVA (1879-M 1945) was born Adelaida Leventon ina the Crimea. She was a Russian theaterS star before moving to the States in 1905 and becoming an American star,t too. She toured the country until aboutK 1930 and she made some silent films.t She was very kind to an aspiring ac-A tress, Edith Luckett, when they werea in a stage play together and, in 1921,i when Nancy was born, Edith askedM Nazimova to be her godmother. Untild her death, Nazimova remained close tos Edith, to Edith’s second husband, Dr.r Loyal Davis (a far-right Republican who adopted Nancy), and to Nancy.e The backstory: Nazimova was open-d ly lesbian and famous for her manyl intimate relationships with famousc women. It goes to show that person-a al kindness and friendship can oftena trump so-called family-values views ofb gay people, and that the Reagans, in-l cluding the late President, were not ast J rigid as often depicted.

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April 2016

Enjoying Israeli opera…under the stars By Arlene Stolnitz

nyone traveling to Israel this year will want to see two dramatic events taking place during the summer months. Over 4,000 tourists will visit The Masada Opera Festival in June, with visitors from the world over traveling to Israel to see this awe-inspiring event. This year, two operas are planned for the Arlene Stolnitz program: “Samson and Delilah” by Saint Saens and “A Masked Ball” by Verdi. “Samson and Delilah” is the classic biblical story of the Israeli hero Samson and the beautiful Philistine, Delilah. “A Masked Ball” is based on the real-life assassination of King Gustavus III of Sweden. Many Israeli citizens also come to Masada to be part of the festival. Known for its outstanding productions, The Israeli Opera, based in Tel Aviv-Yafo, stages its summer program at Masada each year. The Masada Fest is a highlight of its program repertoire. More than 200 Israeli schools send students to this spectacular event at Masada, which looms in the background rising 1,400 feet. The Masada Open Air Festival, established in 2010, enables opera productions to be presented on a much larger scale than can be done in a typical opera house. The larger stage can accommodate many more performers as needed in operas such as “Aida” by Verdi or “Carmen” by Bizet. These larger-than-life productions soar in the magic of the summer nights of the Judean desert. With bleachers having

a seating capacity more than 7,000, people often stay in nearby Dead Sea resorts, enabling them to be rewarded with full-scale productions accompanied by full orchestra and chorus. Staging an opera at the foot of Masada where there is only parched land and rocks is a monumental task. The Dead Sea, the lowest dry-land place on earth is in a desert region that is blistering hot most of the year. Each year, a complex lighting system, LCD display for English and Hebrew subtitles, and setting up a tiered seating system for 7,000 viewers are only a small part of what is required to enable the productions to take place. Producing an operatic work at Masada is a gargantuan task that requires building a stage three times the size of a regular opera stage. Tons of equipment are trucked in to construct a backstage opera “city” to house the hundreds of performers and extras. Over 2,500 workers are responsible for the infrastructure and operation of the Festival. Most are residents of the Negev and Dead Sea area. Rehearsals of the productions are an opportunity for local residents to enjoy the operas free of charge. They also can take advantage of education activities related to the festival. According to Michael Ajzenstadt, Israeli Opera’s artistic director, “Opera, wherever you do it, is a larger-than-life genre… and in the desert, it has to be even grander. You have to have larger numbers of everything. So if you need a choir of 80 in the opera house, you need 150 in the desert.” Other opportunities abound for seeing opera in Israel. In the summer of 2016, Jerusalem will hold its second annual Jerusalem Opera Festival at Sultan’s Pool, located at the foot of Mount Zion. Sultan’s Pool, a water

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reservoir, was a key part of Jerusalem’s water supply from Roman times to the end of the Ottoman era. An ancient water basin on the west side of Mount Zion, some think it is the Snake Pool mentioned by Josephus in his writings. Since it is dry in summer, the setting is used today for concerts and festivals. Set against the backdrop of the Old City Walls, this year the production of “Rigoletto” will be performed by the Israeli Opera Chorus and the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. Sarasota classical music lovers recently heard the orchestra when it had an appearance at

the Van Wezel earlier this season. If you are in Israel in June, you won’t want to miss either of these wonderful musical events. Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sarasota Jewish Chorale, is a member of the Jewish Congregation of Venice. A retired educator from Rochester, New York, she has sung in choral groups for over 25 years and also sings in Venice’s Chorale (formerly Exsultate!). Her interest in choral music has led to this series of articles on Jewish folk music in the Diaspora.

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JEWISH INTEREST

K’zohar Ha-Ivrit Mah nish-ta-nah: The Seder’s question By Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin

s the holiday of Pesach approaches, Jews around the world are preparing for the Seder. The Seder ritual, which is central to the Jewish faith, is celebrated on the evening of the 14th of Nissan in the Jewish calendar to commemorate in lore, songs and prayers the Exodus from Egypt and the blessing of freedom. Dr. Rachel Dulin The Seder ritual follows an old tradition mentioned in the Mishnah (P’sachim 10), and its recitation is triggered by a set of questions presented to the elders of the household by the young. These questions are known as ku-shi-yot (kashes in Yiddish). The post-biblical Hebrew word, ku-shi-ya, literally “a difficult problem” (P’sachim 116a), is derived from the verb ka-sheh, meaning “difficult,” “hard” and “severe.” Thus the ku-shi-yot are not simple questions; rather they are meant to be catalysts to raise and stir conversation in order to explain difficult issues. Interestingly, originally only three ku-shi-yot were asked to begin the recitation of the Seder, and they focused on the nature of the meal. They questioned the custom of eating matzah, the reason for dipping the appetizer twice, and the rationale for eating bitter herbs. The forth ku-shi-ya was added during the Middle Ages and questioned the setting and the comfort level of the participants, and not their eating customs. The four ku-shi-yot are also known as the Mah nish-ta-nah because all four begin with the same wording: Mah nish-ta-nah ha-lay-lah ha-zeh mi-kol

ha-ley-lot? The customary translation of this sentence is “How does this night differ from all other nights?” (P’sachim 10:4). But this translation is not exactly accurate. The key word nish-ta-nah is derived from the root sh.n.h, meaning “change” or “become different.” Since the verb appears here in the past tense it should be read “how this night” (nish-ta-nah) “became different” from all other nights? In other words, it is not merely a statement that this night is different, but rather it is an inquiry as to what happened to make this night different? This reading gives a new meaning to the ku-shi-yot and with it a new tenor to the recitation of the Haggadah. There are a few phrases in Hebrew based in the root sh.n.h which are interesting to note. For example, me-shaneh ma-kom me-sha-neh ma-zal means “a change (me-sha-neh) in location brings a change in luck.” Also, I wish to add the wise rabbinic advice ein me-sha-nim mi-min-hag ha-me-di-nah or, literally, “the custom of the land should not be altered.” In other words, one should adjust to the custom of the land in order to be a part of the society wherein one lives. (Tosefta Baba Metziah 5:6). So, as we sit at the table and listen to the children asking the Mah nish-tanah, we should be cognizant that their four ku-shi-yot echoed yearly at the Seder, lead us into the journey of history and our reaffirmation of faith. I wish all our readers a Chag Pesach sa-me-ach. Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin is a professor of biblical literature at Spertus College in Chicago and an adjunct professor of Hebrew and Bible at New College in Sarasota.

How friends become family By Helene Rosenberg

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e are a group of seven – seven women who come together once a week for an hour and a half. We are a group of women who worked outside of our homes while raising our children, and retired to a gated community of 730 condominiums in Sarasota, Florida. There are many physical, educational and cultural activities that we can pursue in our community. However, when Miriam’s husband died, she felt the need for a support group with other women. A group where you could talk about yourself and express your feelings. We formed just such a group 14 years ago. At the onset, ground rules were developed. No one is to be judgmental. Whatever is said stays in the group. No one interrupts nor gives advice unless it is asked for. Soon topics were introduced: “Who influenced your life the most?” “Do you ever feel lonely or alone?” “What should you tell your grown children?” What responsibilities, if any, do we owe each other?” At the beginning of the meeting, each in turn can briefly tell about their week or a problem that they need to share. One participant had a husband with Alzheimer’s. She needed to discuss with the group if and when he should be placed in a nursing home that could care for him better than she could. After much group discussion, she finally decided to do it. Another started a relationship with a man and no longer needed us. She was replaced

with a new member who was chosen with group consensus. We decided to call each other every morning just to see if all is well. The morning telephone chain turned into a “What are you doing today?” “Do you need a ride to a doctor? To the airport? To have your car repaired?” Whatever, one of us is available to help. We all have other friends and participate in events outside of the group. However, we see one another for many social activities – a movie, a play, a concert… Several have gone on vacations together. We have gotten to know each other’s families. We are truly an extended family. Only two of us have children in the area. We share a list of all our children’s addresses and phone numbers in the event of an emergency. We share happy moments together as well as the sad events in our lives. A death in our family. A loss of a friend. A sudden illness. We are a part of a generation that is living longer. Our needs have changed. We want to function as independently as possible. When our children cannot reach us by telephone, we like to tell them, “Isn’t it wonderful we are just so busy living a good life!” We are seven women who came together late in our lives. We are 83 to 95 years of age. Of course we celebrate our birthdays together, in a special way. The “big” birthdays also call for a special gift! We feel good about having each other in our lives. We are truly blessed.

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April 2016

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

Syrian refugee creates website to thank Israelis Aboud Dandachi says the world should know about the assistance given to Syrian refugees by Israeli and Jewish organizations and individuals. By Viva Sarah Press, ISRAEL21c, www.israel21c.org, February 21, 2016

boud Dandachi, a Sunni Muslim from the city of Homs now living in Istanbul, has created a website dedicated to the Israeli and Jewish organizations and people helping Syrian refugees. The website, Thank You Am Israel, highlights the humanitarian aid being given to displaced Syrians and also refutes any reasons why Israelis and Syrians should be enemies. “As a Syrian, I am morally obligated to ensure that the goodwill that Israelis and Jews have displayed toward my people will not be overlooked nor forgotten. The day will come when the conflict in Syria will come to an end, as all things come to an end. On that day, it is imperative that Syrians reciprocate the enormous goodwill shown toward us by Israelis and the Jewish people. Whatever supposed reasons we may have had to be adversaries is dwarfed by the compassion shown to us during our darkest days, a time when we have nothing to give back except our gratitude,” writes Dandachi in a January opinion article on his site. Dandachi, a 39-year-old high-tech project manager, says he never imagined the civil war in Syria would last five years. Dandachi left his hometown of Homs in September 2013 for Lebanon and then made his way to Turkey. In December 2015, he created a blog, Twitter account and Facebook page “in appreciation of the assistance given to Syrian refugees by Israeli and Jewish organizations and individuals.” “I wanted to start this blog a while ago, but I was a little wary of the political climate in Turkey. But now it seems the Turks are reconciling with Israel so that gives me an opening, so to speak,” Dandachi tells ISRAEL21c on a Skype call from Istanbul. “When you’re a refugee you have to be very careful about what you say and what you do. When you’re a refugee you’re on your best behavior in your host country. You never want to offend your host country.” The site includes news stories and opinion pieces on the global humanitarian aid being offered by Israeli and Jewish people to the Syrian people. (Am Yisrael is Hebrew for “Nation of Israel.”) “There are new stories of Israelis helping Syrians every day. As far as I’m concerned, because we as Syrians cannot give back to Jews what they give to us, we should at least thank them,” Dandachi told Ynetnews. He says this “one-man operation” is a personal mission and that he had no idea what feedback he’d get, if any. “I’ve been getting tremendous feedback and messages of support,” Dandachi tells ISRAEL21c. “What surprised me is the feedback from Arabs. I was expecting hostility from Arabs and instead a surprising number have told me that I’m saying what they can’t say and that I should keep saying what I’m saying. It surprised me the number of Arabs and refugees like me who say that.” Dandachi tells ISRAEL21c that his site has also prompted great interest from Israel. He says he gives talks via Skype to groups in Israel and is regularly interviewed by local media here. While he would love to visit Israel, he says: “I’m a Syrian. Visiting Israel is not even remotely possible. I would love to visit Israel when it becomes possible.” A displaced Syrian refugee Dandachi blogs: “Turned away from Arab countries, increasingly unwelcome in Europe, Syrian refugees have found support, aid and assistance from the last place they could have expected: Israeli and Jewish organizations

and individuals. “While thousands of Syrians languish on the borders of neighboring countries, Israeli medical teams and hospitals have been tireless and unstinting in treating Syrians in need... Israeli and Jewish organizations are, despite considerable personal risk, on

nians are coming to kill me and I’m forced from my home by Syrians, and then I hear that Israelis and Jews are helping Syrians, my view of the world changes.” “Why are we the Jews’ enemies?” he asks. “At a time when Donald Trump is defaming us, when Denmark and Switzerland confiscate Syrian refugees’ belongings, when all these countries are against us – we have the Jews who even endanger themselves to help us. So why should I be an enemy of the Jews? They have proven that they want to be my friends. They held out their hand, so why should I turn against them?” This is why he created the Thank You Am Israel portal. “For what it is worth, you have the thanks of at least this Syrian. I myself am not a media mogul, or a well-placed columnist. I am at heart a simple Syrian village boy caught up in events far bigger than himself, trying to muddle through as best as can be expected. My powers of persuasion are limited. Heck I can’t even convince one of my own brothers to stop being such a Russophile,” he writes.

“I grew up with statements like ‘These people are your enemies. The Jews are evil.’ And then I saw that the Jews are the most humane and generous people of this era.”

the ground in Greece and the Balkans, providing aid and assistance to the seemingly endless wave of refugees fleeing the mayhem of the Middle East. “No one could have faulted Israelis and Jews had they taken a strictly hands-off approach to the humanitarian catastrophe created by the Syrian conflict. Indeed, with six Arab societies tearing themselves apart and in different stages of failed statehood, the sensible thing for Israelis to do would have been to hunker down, and wait until the mayhem beyond had burned itself out.” Dandachi calls himself “a displaced Syrian refugee currently living in Istanbul.” His site chronicles aid, assistance and medical care to Syrian refugees from 2011 to the present. Dandachi told Ynetnews about his childhood anti-Israel education. “I grew up with statements like ‘These people are your enemies. The Jews are evil.’ And then I saw that the Jews are the most humane and generous people of this Aboud Dandachi at the 12th century Krak des Chevaliers in Homs. era. When I see that In 2013, the Syrian government bombed this site, destroying what had been the world’s best preserved Crusader Castle. Hezbollah and the Ira-

“But by chronicling and acknowledging the numerous acts of compassion and generosity shown by the Jewish people to my own people, I can try to ensure that Syrians, Arabs and the world at large never be allowed to forget what you have offered and provided to Syrian refugees, at a time when you had every historical and practical reason not to. “Thank you Am Israel, and may you always be safe and blessed.” Viva Sarah Press reports on the creativity, innovation and ingenuity taking place in Israel. Her work has been published by international media outlets including Israel Television, CNN, Reuters, Time Out and The Jerusalem Post.

It’s not manna from heaven, but this Passover, provide something just as crucial to the survival of the Israeli people.

In a country where knifings and other terrorist attacks are an all-too-frequent occurrence, your gift to Magen David Adom ensures Israel’s national paramedic organization has the medical supplies and blood it needs to save lives. So this year, while you recount the story of the Jews’ redemption from slavery, your gift will help modern-day Israelis survive the threats they face today. Make a gift today at www.afmda.org/donate. Or call 561.835.0510 to learn about sponsoring a laboratory or other facility at Israel’s soon-to-be constructed Marcus National Blood Services Center. Pesach kasher v’sameach. AFMDA Southeast Region 3300 PGA Blvd., Suite 970 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 Toll Free 561.835.0510 • southeast@afmda.org www.afmda.org

April 2016

BRIEFS ISRAELI VOLUNTEERS PASSING CRITICAL HUMANITARIAN SUPPLIES TO SYRIANS Several times a year, Doreen Gold, an Israeli Jew, goes undercover to organize a mission of humanitarian aid for Syrian NGOs. Some 200 Israeli volunteers are working for her nonprofit, iL4Syrians. Doreen (not her real name) has signed a form that says that if she is captured, the government will not negotiate for her release. iL4Syrians began operating in April 2011. “We were probably the first international NGO operating in the area,” she says. The first mission brought in sanitation kits, baby powder, food and medical supplies. Since then the organization has passed along survival kits, medical devices and even 3,000 chemical suits to protect the doctors working with patients who had been victims of chemical attacks. The group supports 17 field hospitals and surgery rooms in Syria. Doreen’s team keeps them stocked with everything they need. It has also provided four 3D printers to Syria and trained 22 orthopaedic doctors to print out prosthetic limbs. Two years ago Doreen admitted to one of the large Syrian NGOs she works with where she comes from. “They understood for the first time that...Israeli volunteers were risking their own lives in order to save their women and children. Their world was shaken to the core. After a month they came back to the table and made an agreement with us.” (Nicky Blackburn, Israel21c)

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

the world in waste-water recycling. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta promised to bring about a paradigm shift from rain-fed agriculture to irrigated agriculture that will remove Kenya from the yoke of food and water insecurity by rapidly increasing the acreage under irrigation to over a million acres, while building local capacity through technical training in collaboration with Israel. Israel has promised to double the number of Kenyans training in Israel and to establish the Irrigation and Water Engineering Institute in Kenya to give the country technical capability as it increases its acreage under irrigation. Other initiatives include partnering

KENYA-ISRAEL PARTNERSHIP WILL MAKE THE COUNTRY WATER SECURE Israel changed its water and food fortunes after realizing that rain-fed agriculture was not sustainable and turned to irrigated agriculture. Israel stopped waiting for rain and water from the Sea of Galilee and sent salt water from the Mediterranean Sea through desalination plants and practiced waste-water recycling to give its citizens millions of cubic meters of water in excess of their needs. Through irrigation, Israel has turned the desert green and produced enough food for its national consumption as well as export. Israel is a water and irrigation superpower and No. 1 in

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ISRAEL TO LAUNCH ONE OF THE MOST ADVANCED MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD, WITH U.S. HELP When it is complete, Israel’s multibillion-dollar missile defense system will rival, and in some ways surpass, in speed and targeting, air defenses deployed by Europe and the U.S. The U.S. has provided $3.3 billion over the past 10 years to support the defensive system, which will be able to knock down not only ballistic missiles but also orbiting satellites. The Israeli defense establishment and its American partners have designed a layered system that can respond to simultaneous attacks from multiple fronts – rockets lobbed by Hamas from Gaza, mid-range rockets fired by Hizbullah from Lebanon, and long-range ballistic missiles being developed by Iran. In addition, Israel’s new X-Band radar will allow it to detect incoming missiles 500 or 600 miles out. “I define the system as pioneering,” said Uzi Rubin, former director of Israel’s missile defense program. “Even the United States doesn’t have anything as complex, as sophisticated.” (Ruth Eglash and William Booth, Washington Post)

with Kenya in developing desalination along Kenya’s 500 km. coast along the Indian Ocean, and supporting Kenya’s new Water for Schools Program to connect all our public schools to water. (Eugene Wamalwa, Standard Digital Kenya)

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April 2016

COMMENTARY

Dream the impossible dream

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

he Middle East faces the most historically, been the greatest of allies divisive reality it has known in with the United States. More and more years. On January 2, Saudi AraMiddle Eastern nations feel deserted bia, to the consternation of the Shiite by the U.S. and feel that the focus of world, executed 47 persons, including attention in this country has shifted to Nimi al-Nimi, a cleric and nonviolent a desire to create better relations with activist for Saudi Arabia’s Iran and find ways to Shiite minority. This act endestroy ISIS before raged the Saudis’ chief rival ISIS takes control of in the area, Iran. In response this part of the world. to the execution, Iranians atAs all of this untacked and pillaged the Saudi folds, Israel stands embassy in Tehran. Relations by and watches and between these two countries thinks. What are Israhave collapsed. The reaction el’s greatest concerns? to this from the United Arab They believe Iran is the Emirates and other gulf monmost alarming threat to Rabbi Howard A. Simon archies was to sever relations world peace. They bewith Iran. Only non-Sunni Oman has lieve Syria, Iran’s ally, will continue a not joined the boycott. war that appears to have no end. They While this confrontation takes are deeply concerned about Iran’s place there is a deeper gulf that has continued support of Hezbollah and developed between the Saudis and the Hamas. In short, Israel believes her United States. The desire – and attainneighborhood is fraught with worry ment – of a nuclear deal with Iran has and threats from all sides. had a most negative effect on the relaIsrael looks about the area and what tionship between our country and Saudoes she see? Saudi Arabia is anti-Iran di Arabia, Turkey and Israel, who have, like Israel. The United Arab Emirates

are as concerned about Syria and Iran as is Israel. Israel has reached out to Turkey wanting to end the mistrust that has existed for some time, and Turkey, facing problems that are rampant on her borders, wants to improve relations with Israel. While all of the concerns in the Middle East continue to grow, Israel has reached out to Saudi Arabia and to Turkey emphasizing the fact that all are in agreement regarding the major threats in the area. Talks have taken place. Obstacles exist, to be sure. Past history has to be dealt with, but it is a new Middle East. ISIS, Syria and Iran represent threats to the Saudis, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Israel. Now comes the impossible dream. What if these Iran-threatened countries decided to work together to combat this major threat in the area? The Saudis have the largest military budget of any country in the area. Israel has the strongest military force in this part of the world. Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are as concerned as anyone about Iran and could be open to dis-

cussing this shared problem. What if the Arab world began to look at Israel in different terms? What if Israel began to look at the Arab world in different terms? Could there be major changes in the way these countries dealt with each other? No one knows the answer to these questions, but given the situation that exists in today’s world, this just might be the right time to seek these answers and, perhaps, to change the thinking of all concerned regarding who is my friend and who is my enemy. Who can I trust and who will stand by me at this critical hour? Dream the impossible dream. Why not? Rabbi Simon serves as co-chair of the Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative and is the author of the recently published book, Atlantic City: Winners and Losers. For more information about the Heller IAI, visit www.sarasotaloves israel.com or contact Jessi Sheslow at jsheslow@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2109.

Why I am a Jew From the Bimah Rabbi Brenner Glickman Temple Emanu-El n a recent Confirmation class, we addressed the topic: Why Aren’t We Christians? The class of 8th-10th graders gets to choose the topics of study at the beginning of the year. This one must have piqued their curiosity, seeing as how we live in a country that is mostly Christian. The kids must have been wondering: Why have we remained different? Why don’t we believe in Jesus? In the class, we studied the Torah’s warning not to stray and follow other prophets and religions. We reflected on the Jewish understanding of messiah, and how the millennial hope for redemption and a perfect peace has not yet been fulfilled. We also discussed why we want to be Jewish and steadfastly remain so. Naturally, we studied Edmond Fleg’s famous treatise, “I am a Jew Because…” The kids really responded to this piece. I found out that our Confirmation class loves to be Jewish and

SEEKING TORAH READER Congregation B’nai Israel of St. Petersburg, a Conservative egalitarian synagogue, seeks an interim Torah Reader for full readings on Shabbat mornings, beginning mid-April.

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Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle Solution to puzzle on page 26

values its Jewish identity very much. They are adamant about being Jewish! We resolved as a class to come up with our own list of reasons to be Jewish. Students nominated ideas, edited some, and sought consensus from the class as a whole. In the end, the class formulated its own version of “I am a Jew Because…” I could not be more proud of them. When you read it, I think you will see why.

I Am a Jew Because… (By the members of the Temple Emanu-El Conﬁrmation class) I am a Jew because previous generations made sacrifices to faithfully keep the covenant. I am a Jew because future generations should carry on the traditions. I am a Jew because I affirm Jewish values. I am a Jew because I enjoy being part of something bigger than myself.

I am a Jew because I am waiting still for an ultimate peace and messianic ideal. I am a Jew because the traditions and culture are beautiful. I am a Jew because I can affirm Jewish beliefs. I am a Jew because I like being part of a minority. I am a Jew because the Jewish people are my family.

Community Video Archives

Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon 11:30am Monday, April 18, 2016 | Michael’s On East Ballroom 2016 HONOREES:

MARY BENSEL

HOWARD TEVLOWITZ

LORI WHITE

NIK WALLENDA

When Mary Bensel became executive director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in 2007, she faced a $2 million deficit projection. By developing a top team and tightening fiscal controls, Mary has achieved a $1 million surplus and completed capital improvements making the Van Wezel the #1 tourist attraction in Sarasota and earning the #1 performing arts hall ranking by Venues Magazine four times.

“The Strength of a People, The Power of Community,” the motto of The Jewish Federation has been the driving force in Howard Tevlowitz’s life. In 2001 Tevlowitz was named Executive Director of JFED Sarasota-Manatee, where he has not only helped reinvent the organization’s strategic direction, but also enhance its community impact, with a focus on Israel “beyond the conflict” and Jewish cultural and arts engagement.

Lori White has been “going to school” in Sarasota since her childhood years at Alta Vista Elementary and Pine View. After earning her master’s degree in Special Education at FSU, she returned to Sarasota to begin her teaching career. Thirty eight years later in 2008, Lori was appointed Superintendent of Schools, and with the support of teachers, administrators and staff members, she is responsible for the education of 42,000 Sarasota County students.

Continuing his famous circus family’s tradition of amazing highwire performances, Wallenda is a daredevil in the air, whether on a wire or hanging from a helicopter, earning eight world records. Nik is a sought-after inspirational speaker, who encourages his audiences to “follow their dreams and never give up.” His achievements and positive messages have shined a positive light on Sarasota worldwide.

Induction into the Community Video Archives “Hall of Fame” with a professionally produced video biography of the honoree...which will live forever... is the most prestigious honor our community has to offer. This event has been sold out since its inception. Reservations are available now. Seats: $90 per person. Tables of 10 (if available): $900.

Reservations: 941.365.7052 / videoarchives@verizon.net Community Video Archives is a 501 [c] 3 non-profit corporation CVA’s mission is to create a historical legacy by professionally recording, producing and preserving “Living Annette Scherman Histories’ of outstanding Sarasotans who helped shape our community in this period of time. CVA videos CVA Founder, President & Benefactor preserve the history, philosophy and persona of the special individuals inducted into our “Hall of Fame” each year.

TH A N KS TO OU R SPONSORS

Gerri Aaron David & Myrna Band Renee Hamad Josephine Hennelly Betty Schoenbaum

Chris Pfahler

Event Chair & M.C.

April 2016

COMMENTARY

The women of the Exodus From the Bimah Jennifer Singer Congregation Kol HaNeshama

ne of my favorite New Yorker cartoons depicts Moses waving his arms and saying, “This way, follow me!” while in the foreground a woman is holding a map. The caption reads: “After 39 ½ years of wandering in the desert, Mrs. Moses secretly asks for directions.” Besides poking fun at men and their famous unwillingness to ask for directions, this is a profound message about the role of women in the story of the Exodus from Egypt. All too often, women are overlooked in the Bible. So the events at the beginning of the book of Exodus are an unusual and powerful example of women stepping into leadership roles. We meet two amazing women at the very beginning of the Exodus story: The midwives Puah and Shifrah, who refuse to kill the Israelite boy babies, as Pharaoh decreed. It’s unusual for the Torah to name minor characters. By

doing so, our sacred text points out that these women are both remarkable and important. Their act of civil disobedience teaches that two individuals, although seemingly powerless, can make a difference in the history of nations. Our tradition says that when you save a single life, it is as if you have saved the entire world. These women saved an entire people. The Torah is unclear as to their nationality – were they Hebrews or Egyptians? We can only guess, but if indeed they were Egyptian, their act of civil disobedience makes them the very first Righteous Gentiles (a phrase used to describe non-Jews who during WWII protected their Jewish neighbors). Immediately after their story is told, we meet two more women – Yocheved and Miriam, mother and daughter – who hide the baby Moses, and then place him in a basket to float down the river…where Pharaoh’s daughter steps into the narrative. She rescues the baby from the river, Miriam offers to find her a wet nurse for the child, and they send for Yocheved, who gets paid to take care of her own child. Unlike the midwives, Pharaoh’s daughter goes unnamed, referred to only by her relationship to the Pharaoh. Our sages felt that she deserved a name, and so called her Batya, God’s daughter, and in the process divorced

Opinions and letters printed in The Jewish News of SarasotaManatee do not necessarily reflect those of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, its Board of Directors or staff, or its advertisers.

her from her own father. All of this happens in a mere 18 verses near the very beginning of the book of Exodus. And yet the bravery of these five women teaches a powerful lesson about the impact an individual can have on the world around her. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wrote of them, “They were leaders because they had courage and conscience. They refused to be intimidated by power or defeated by circumstance. Their courage is still a source of inspiration today.” Courage takes more than moral integrity; it takes action. These five women didn’t wait for someone else to step forward, and they didn’t wait for

God to take care of things. They took matters into their own hands, despite the dangers. I do not imagine that they did it without trepidation. Each of them was risking her life to do what she knew was right. As we sit at our Seder tables this Passover, reading about the men of the Exodus and celebrating our people’s liberation, let’s also celebrate the women who made the story possible. Jennifer Singer, MAJE, is the Spiritual Leader at Congregation Kol HaNeshama; Director, Jewish Healing Program at JFCS; Rabbinical Student, Aleph Alliance for Jewish Renewal.

Letter to the Editor Jews of Cuba I am just back from a Road Scholar trip to Cuba, with a lot of people-topeople interaction. My trip was already planned and paid for by the time I learned of The Federation’s December trip led by Dr. Steven Derfler. This letter is to comment on Karen Selwyn’s lovely article in the March Jewish News. While in Havana, I went to a Kabbalat Shabbat service at Temple Beth Shalom, which was wonderful. There were almost 200 people in the sanctuary. Yes, some of them were visitors like me, but 200 Jews from all over the world makes for a rich and meaningful spiritual experience. About half the music was familiar to me, but all the music was familiar to some of the congregation. The leaders were energetic and enthusiastic. A

sermon was delivered in English ands Spanish. a The service was followed by a din-d ner for the attendees. y This is the congregation that hasS a beautiful building in Havana, runs ar clinic, and is Cuba’s center for Jewishe activity. It was built when there wereb 20,000 Jews in Cuba. Even now whens there are only 1,500, the Jewish com-s munity is active and energetic. Theyo are not giving up. s Soon tourism to Cuba will open upt and be easier. If you go, be sure to visitI and support the Jewish community. Itl is easy to get there. Any guide can helps you. Taxis will take you and pick youl up. It won’t always be in your tour, buta our fellow Jews need our support, soT help them. And enjoy their wonderfulc services. – Linda Buxbaum y

What do you think? Send an email to jewishnews18@gmail.com. Letters Policy

Letters must include the author’s name, full address and daytime phone. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for length and/or accuracy. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee or its advertisers. We cannot acknowledge or publish every letter received.

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Susan Miller “sees” through stone. She has the ability to perceive and reveal, through the density of weighty blocks of marble, a form that communicates human dignity and energy. Miller’s sculptures express her spirit and the beauty of the human body. The subjects of the pieces are connected to names from history, mythology and the Old Testament. Biblical passages, poetry, and prose accompany the works.

The Jewish resistance in Nazi-occupied Europe is one of the most contested questions in Holocaust history. Could they have done more? This lecture will revisit the arguments about this topic in view of Holocaust historiography.

Thurs., May 12 | 10:30 am-Noon THE VITAL IMPORTANCE OF HOLOCAUST EDUCATION

Susan Miller, Leah Rejected, Cinema Judaica: 20 x 15 x14” The Epic Cycle (1947-1971)

On View Through October 23, 2016

Hollywood films in the three decades after WWII portrayed 4,000 years of Jewish historical identity and, in some of the biggest box office hits of all times, transformed the image of the Jew from embattled to triumphant. Flamboyant posters and bold advertising materials for films are featured in this blockbuster exhibition. Sins of Jezebel (1953), 16 x 38”

HOLOCAUST AWARENESS LECTURE SERIES

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This concluding lecture will focus on the Holocaust narrative, how it is portrayed in modern society, and the critical importance for educating the public about the Jewish tragedy during WWII.

RSVP to: 941.552.6304 | jnew@jfedsrq.org For more information, please contact Orna Nissan 941.552.6305 • onissan@jfedsrq.org

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The Museum is supported by individual contributions, foundations, memberships and grants from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners and the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council.

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April 2016

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Meaningful Passover for our little ones

By Laura Freedman

he story of Passover is a very interesting read. It has inspired so many storytellers and, even, screenwriters to create new and riveting adaptations to enjoy. This excitement doesn’t necessarily translate to our youngest participants in the Passover Seder. The Seder is simply the story’s retelling with blessings and symbolic elements infused, and is then followed by a traditional flavorful meal. It consists of The Four Questions that are designed for the youngest children to read or ask. Very often we forget that the answers should be given in such a way that these young children understand. Instead, this service requires attentive listeners that are able to sit without shpilkes or wiggles for a considerable length of time while the grown-ups talk above their level of comprehension. Toddlers and preschoolers cannot typically fit that mold. So often it is expected of our youngest children to sit through the service and festive meal in a “respectful” manner. That is an unrealistic

Sinai Conﬁrmation class trip to D.C.

the plague of frogs, can all be ways to learn through play. Families can add science in the mix by introducing the hypothesis: Will an egg float in fresh water or salt water? Make predictions and chart them and then experiment. How much salt will it take? The hands-on learning will be memorable for all in attendance. The children’s table can have a pyramid sketched onto mural paper. Youngsters can create the bricks to stack. Or the youngest children can use wooden blocks to build their own tall pyramids. They will learn that the slaves had to carry and to work, work, work. In the backyard sand pit, children can have their preschool book bags on their backs and trudge across the “dessert” to discover the trek of their ancestors, or walk the balance beam through the parted sea! There are so many wonderful ways to make the Passover Seder age-appropriate for our youngest celebrants! Let’s be sure to expose them to our holidays meaningfully. Laura Freedman is the Director at The Gan at Temple Sinai.

www.thinkingcenter.com Educational Intervention Reading & Language Training for Students Math Tutorials & Reteaching Fluency & Cognitive Training Home School Support Educational Crisis Management

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Send-A-Kid-to-Israel Program

jfedsrq.org The SKIP program is funded in large part by the Betty and Herb Schiff Send-a-Kid-to-Israel Fund.

twelve states attended various engaging, creatively-planned workshops and a mock rally in which blog posts, lobbying approaches, and passion for and understanding of the issues were judged for each side of the argument. After sightseeing, we worked late into the night in our pajamas, transforming our ideas into speeches. On Monday, we traveled to Capitol Hill to advocate for our perspectives. Our group visited the offices of Florida Representative Vern Buchanan and Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio, discovering friendly faces who promised to take our comments into consideration. My participation in the L’Taken program helped me better understand the world around me and prepared me for the future. Many thanks to Mrs. Marge Shurberg and the Marx Fund at Temple Sinai, who helped make it happen.

941.924.6373

S.K.I.P

By Ashlyn Downey-Hayes

hat do you get when you mix fun times and political activism into your Confirmation class trip to Washington, D.C.? The L’Taken Social Justice Seminar presented by the Religious Action Center (RAC) for Reform Judaism! My adventure to our country’s capital at the end of January with Rabbi Geoffrey Huntting and my three Confirmation cohorts was one that I will never forget. Not only was it my first time seeing snow, trying “legit” hummus, and being inside the Supreme Court building, but I was also provided with an excellent education regarding a multitude of issues facing our society today. We learned about controversial social policy issues such as the minimum wage, LGBT rights, immigration reform, stem cell research, separation of church and state, and climate change. Students from 34 congregations across

Amy F. Weinberger, M.S.Ed. Founder/Director

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Education Corner

expectation. It is not that two- or threeyear-olds are being disrespectful. It is more likely that the children are being put in a situation that does not fit their abilities…yet. I believe young children should still be exposed to our traditions and holidays, but I suggest it be in an ageappropriate style. This age group needs to be taught on its level so it has meaning and value to them. Early Childhood educators know that learning through play is the best way for young children to discover and to retain what they have been exposed to. In a preschool setting, teachers provide opportunities for the youngsters to experience new things through their senses, such as manipulating clay or Play-Doh to create letters in the alphabet; walking out steps on an oversized number line to count up (add) or count down (subtract); listening to adventures told by a storyteller; using puppets to role play an interaction or problem solve, etc. For the holiday of Passover, there are so many wonderful ways to introduce the story and our traditions to our youngest. We can call it the Passover Experience. The experience is in the truest sense of the word. The children will use their senses to experience the elements of the holiday: using their sense of smell with the powerful aroma of the horseradish; using their sense of taste with the “tears of the slaves” with the salt water and parsley, and discovering new traditional flavors of matzah and matzah ball soup; using their sense of sight with the plague of darkness with sunglasses climbing through play tunnels; using kinesthetic activity by playing leap frog to represent

•L•U•

TEENS!

Have fun and do a mitzvah! Create a work of art at Painting with a Twist: a fun art studio where experienced local artists will help you create a painting to donate to participarticipants in the JFCS Senior Outreach Service program. Space is limited to the first 20 teens.

DAY THURSDAY APRIL 7 4-6PM

at jfedsrq.org/events

QUESTIONS? Please contact Andrea Eiffert 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org

Temple Sinai’s Conﬁrmation class – Ashlyn Downey-Hayes, Melanie Saltz, Mackenzie Dyrda, Aaron Norden – and Rabbi Geoff Huntting at the Capitol while lobbying on the Hill as part of the L’taken Social Justice Seminar sponsored by the Religious Action Center of the Reform movement

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota

April 2016

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Temple Emanu-El and Goldie Feldman Academy host a night for sweethearts

ove and music – along with plenty of balloons, sparkle, happiness and excitement – were in the air as Temple Emanu-El and Goldie Feldman Academy sponsored the Sweethearts Dance on Sunday evening, February 21. Over 150 excited girls – and the dads, grandpas and special friends who love them – followed a path of inviting red glitter-chalked hearts that led them into Temple Emanu-El’s Benderson Family Hall. At pink-bedecked tables with balloons floating overhead, inspirational messages adorning the mirrors, and a disco ball casting a colorful glow, guests enjoyed a festive, elegant

and fun evening of dancing, dinner followed by root beer floats and a gallery of beautiful homemade desserts, games and crafts, professional portraits, and a hair and nail salon staffed by teen volunteers. Among the evening’s highlights was singing and dancing to “YMCA,” led by five dads – including an extremely sporting Rabbi Michael Werbow – who donned Village People costumes and delighted their girls with their best moves. Chairing the Sweethearts Dance was a team of dedicated and creative parents from Temple Emanu-El and Goldie Feldman Academy, including Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman, Dr. Dan

Ceaser, Sepi Ackerman, Stacey Bloom, Rachel Stark-Cappelli, Cloe Drapkin, Martha Kleinberg, Dr. Michelle Mallitz, Amy Meese, Hilary Yunis and Alicia Zoller. Generous underwriters and outstanding donors included Dr. Jonathan Yunis and the Center for Hernia Repair, Brooklyn Catering, Michael’s On East, Soundsational DJs, Trachten-

berg PR, and Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood and Sisterhood. For more information about Temple Emanu-El, call 941.371.2788. For more information about Goldie Feldman Academy, please call 941.552.0770.

Temple Emanu-El Religious School dad Ari Margulies escorted his daughters Noga and Daniela to the Sweethearts Dance

Goldie Feldman Academy students Sophia and Lila Levin shared a hug with dad James at the Sweethearts Dance

Goldie Feldman Academy middle schoolers and Temple Emanu-El Conﬁrmands Julianna Maggard, Natalie Mount, Rebecca Kleinberg and Jenny Marcus facilitated a sweetheart-themed craft at the dance

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Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

jfedsrq.org

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April 2016

FOCUS ON YOUTH

GFA launches Kol Yeled Scholarship program

FA, a Hershorin Schiff Community School, is excited to announce its Kol Yeled Scholarship Program. The scholarship was ecreated to allow the school to serve a ebroader socio-economic cross section nof the community and assist families who are seeking a diverse, Jewish education for students of all faiths. The scholarship will create sustainable, endowed financial assistance for any family that qualifies based on need, academic potential and outstanding character. The program’s success will be based on a set of outcomes that include home educational engagement, positive trends in student motivation, and instructional characteristics that include AP/IB academic readiness. Building upon the school’s curricu-

lum, which promotes social justice and embraces diversity, GFA scholars will be expected to demonstrate leadership traits that contribute to combatting intolerance and anti-Semitism in high school, college and beyond. “Research has clearly indicated that Jewish day schools positively impact the lives of students, families and the larger community in which day school graduates live and work,” said GFA head of school Dan Ceaser. “Day school students and graduates are grounded in their identity, rooted in the ancient wisdom of Judaism and its rich philosophical perspectives, and exhibit ethical behavior based on Jewish values. We don’t want an inability to pay to disqualify families seeking the benefits of a Hershorin Schiff Community School education.”

Families who wish to receive further information, or donors who wish to invest in the scholarship fund and support Jewish education, are invited

to contact Rachel Saltzberg, director of outreach, at 941.552.2770 or rsaltz berg@gfasarasota.org.

Goldie Feldman Academy students have fun posing for a photo

GFA students enjoy a whirlwind tour of Tallahassee

n January, the seventh- and eighthgrade students from Goldie Feldman Academy, a Hershorin Schiff Community School, traveled to Tallahassee. While there, the group toured the Supreme Court of Florida, the Florida State Capitol building and the Florida Historic Capitol Museum; sat in on a Senate committee meeting and a Senate session; met Representative Ray Pilon, who provided the students with a unique perspective on how the Florida political system works; spent

about 20 minutes speaking with Senator Nancy Detert; had their photo taken with Gov. Rick Scott; and met up with GFA alumnus/current FSU freshman Jenna Bloch, who gave the group a campus tour and later joined them for an FSU women’s basketball game vs. Virginia. “The trip was amazing. The kids have been buzzing about it since we got back,” said Aaron Goldberg, who is GFA’s middle school team leader and language arts teacher. “In addition to

loving all these experiences and learning a great deal from them, many of the students cite being able to bond and learn more about each other as a major highlight of the trip.” GFA offers a unique educational model that combines a global vision, religious and cultural diversity, project-based learning, small class sizes, service learning, and community partnerships to enhance and enrich the learning experience. The students participate in numerous experiential learn-

ing excursions to support classroom learning and bring what they read in their textbooks to life. For more information, please visit gfasarasota.org or call 941.552.2770.

mazel tov

TO OUR

CONFIRMATION CLASS of 5776

STAY CONNECTED

Ashlyn Downey-Hayes daughter of Nancy Downey and Jeff Hayes

Mackenzie Dyrda

daughter of Illene and Skip Dyrda

Aaron Norden

son of Bari and Jack Norden

Melanie Saltz

pinterest.com/jfedsrq

daughter of Kimberly and Jeff Saltz and Jeannine Saltz

GFA students in front of the Supreme Court of Florida

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GFA students in Senator Nancy Detert’s ofﬁce include (back row) Ethan Schaefer, Jenny Marcus, Michael Shulman, Alexa VanSuch, Emma Hershorin, chaperone/GFA teacher Barbara O’Brien, Bianca Gruber, chaperone/GFA teacher Aaron Goldberg, (front row) Madelyn Halperin, Rebecca Kleinberg, Bibiana Braga, Kaila Cohen, Sen. Detert

1974 SAR A S OTA A Hershorin Schiff Community School

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CONFIRMATION SHABBAT SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 29 | 6:00PM preceded by a

Welcome Reception at 5:15PM

Kicking Off a Weekend of Celebration and Appreciation Honoring Rabbi Geoff Huntting

The community is cordially invited! 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL

P: 941-924-1802 | F: 941-925-2455 TempleSinaiSarasota.org

Sarasota’s Jewish Community Day School

GOLDIE FELDMAN ACADEMY – A Hershorin Schiff Community School

Now Enrolling for Summer Camp!

• Age-appropriate programs available for 15 months through 8th grade • Preschool Summer Camp Experience and kindergarten readiness camps available for ages 15 months through pre-K • Now presenting the STEAMY (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) Summer Camp program for children entering grades 1-5! Activities include robotics, STEM LEGOs, “fizz and foam” labs, STEM gardening, creative writing, film production, dance, drumming, pottery, and so much more • Counselor In Training program available for grades 6-8 • Convenient hours for working parents Call Camp Director Amy Tutunick at (941) 552-2770 for more info.

Goldie Feldman Academy – A Hershorin Schiff Community School 1050 S. Tuttle Ave. Sarasota • (941) 552-2770 www.gfasarasota.org

April 2016

FOCUS ON YOUTH

SRQUSY joined other USY chapters at Universal for a day of fun By Gabriella Hazan

SY has been up to a lot recently. On February 14, our youth groups USY (high school) and Kadima (middle school) went to Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The SRQUSY chapter joined the rest of the Hanegev region at the park. It was a great opportunity to see our Jewish friends from all over Florida. This is an annual event, and SRQUSY looks forward to seeing new members share in the fun next year. The following weekend was Community Mitzvah Day, coordinated by the Synagogue Council of SarasotaManatee with the support of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

The SRQUSY board volunteered all day, first helping set up breakfast for the kickoff at Temple Beth Sholom, and then packaging food at All Faiths Food Bank. It was amazing to learn about all the programs the Food Bank runs around town, including the Warren Backpack Program, where a backpack full of food is given to kids who are on free and reduced lunch for the weekend. We learned so much about hunger in Sarasota, and we learned about mitzvahs we can do to help the community. SRQUSY’s next chapter event is on Saturday, March 26. This will be held at Temple Beth Sholom, and we look

forward to hanging out with new and old USYers. Please contact Kelly Nester at knester@templebethsholomfl.org if you would like to join the fun.

Members of Temple Beth Sholom’s youth groups, USY and Kadima, met with other Jewish youth at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Temple Emanu-El teen brings to life The Diary of Anne Frank

anuary was a month of nachas for Temple Emanu-El members who attended the sold-out Manatee Players run of The Diary of Anne Frank. Starring in the outstanding and critically-lauded production, which was co-sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, were four Temple members: Trustee and Sisterhood leader Alice Cotman as Mrs. Van Daan; former Trustee and religious school parent leader Jason Lip-

ton as Dr. Dussel; Confirmand Eliza Lipton as Margot; and Confirmation class member Audrey Lipton as the lead, Anne Frank. Audrey shared her thoughts about the privilege and the responsibility of portraying Anne Frank: Q: What was most meaningful to you about playing Anne Frank? Audrey: The most meaningful part was getting to embody a person who personalized the war for so many Jewish

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

Amanda Green and Hannah Levison, members of Temple Beth Sholom’s USY youth group, participated in an annual trip to Universal’s Islands of Adventure to meet other Jewish youth