The Jewish News - November 2014 by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

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

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Published by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee www.jfedsrq.org

November 2014 - Cheshvan/Kislev 5775 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 8A Community Focus 14A Jewish Interest 19A Israel & the Jewish World 22A Commentary 24A Focus on Youth 27A Life Cycle 1B Jewish Happenings

4A “Ringing in 5775” with local Holocaust survivors

7A Fun for all ages at Interfaith PJ Library Sukkot event

Volume 44, Number 11

Celebrating Betty Schiff: Jewish innovator, pioneer and beloved friend

ll of us at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee mourn the loss of Columbus, Ohio, and Longboat Key resident, Betty Topkis Schiff. Betty was married to shoe magnate Herb Schiff for 64 years. They had three daughters, Jane, Suzanne and Patty, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. To her many friends at the Federation, Betty was the personification of elegance and impeccable taste. She had an extraordinary appeal and a regal essence. We celebrate the remembrance of Betty’s generosity, strength of character and her courageous spirit. She was always focused, straight-forward, compassionate and fair. Betty Schiff Betty was also an innovator and pioneer. Before Birthright Israel became popular, Betty and Herb knew the importance of exposing Jewish youth to Israel. In 1999, the couple set up a special fund dedicated to the Send-a-Kid-toIsrael Program (S.K.I.P). Their progressive thinking

and generosity allowed hundreds of teenagers to visit Israel over the past 15 years. Many of these teens will tell you that their experiences there were life-changing. Even during the most recent conflict in Gaza, young men and women from our area served in the IDF – there through the auspices of S.K.I.P. S.K.I.P was the progenitor for such successful Federation ventures as our Young Ambassadors mission, and our investment in March of the Living. Cumulatively, these programs have placed The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee at the forefront of the American Jewish teen experience in Israel. We have Betty and Herb to thank for so much of this. Betty truly “got it” about tzedakah. She understood the responsibility we have for each other and she gave with humility and without fanfare. “If we don’t take care of our own, who will?” she’d say. Betty was a proud Lion of Judah and also served on the boards of the AJC, JFCS and Technion. She was

continued on page 2A

Camryn Manheim: “Mitzvah Therapy: Living Life Generously”

The celebrated actress and social activist will be sharing her wisdom with area audiences on December 2 as part of the Federation’s Women’s Day program. By Marty Fugate

11A

The “knitzvahs” of Temple Emanu-El’s Mitzvah Knitting Group

amryn Manheim’s rare talents as a comedic What forged the link between your Jewish heriand dramatic actress have earned her roles tage and social activism? on some of the biggest shows on TV. Best I think it was always there. In my family, the two known for her Emmy-winning turn The Practice, from a long line of sotheonFamily Jeweler can’t be separated. I come 14276 Name: ________________________________________________ Invoice Ref #: ________________ Manheim has also won laughs on Two and a Half cial and political activists. My grandfather went back Men, How I Met Your Mother and Will & Grace, and to Poland to rescue Jewish children after a pogrom; shook audiences with roles on Person of Interest and my uncle Bill was a union organizer; my mother was Law & Order. More recently, she’s taken one small involved in the National Council of Jewish Women; step into outer space in the CBS sci-fi series, Extant. my father was an activist; my brother works for the Manheim is also a celebrated campaigner for soACLU. I come from a long line of warriors for social cial justice, the author of Wake Up I’m Fat!, and a justice. I just took the torch and ran with it. sought-after public speaker. She will be sharing her I guess it runs in the family. insights with Sarasota-Manatee audiences in “MitzIt does. It’s part of the fabric of who we are. This Proof must be signed and returned before vahwith Therapy: Did you grow up in an observant household? Join we can proceed your order.Living This is Life your Generously,” on Tuesday, December 2 as a benefit for The Jewish FederaNo. We were secular Jews – and still are. Proof prior to printing. Please examine all spellSRQUSYing and information carefully. RFJD will not be tion of Sarasota-Manatee. Her mini-seminar offers Yet you’ve come full circle to the core teachings of for fun held responsible for any unnoticed errors. Any a practical guide on putting the Jewish tradition of Judaism. What led you back? printing will be customer’s sole events errors found after “repairing the world” into practice. She recently My son, Milo, and the experience of raising him as responsibility. shared a few tips with us in advance of her appeara single mother. Yes, I am secular. Yes, I am Jewish. Approval ance in Sarasota. (Information about this event can I feel Jewish through and through. I am a part of the continued on page 3A Approvedbe found at the end of the interview.)

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Betty Schiff...continued from page 1A a lifelong member of ORT, Brandeis, Hadassah and Nation Council of Jewish Women. She was a member of the King David Society for decades and received the prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/ Friedland Award from the Jewish Federations of North America. It was always a special treat to be with Betty. We will miss her love of life, her positive attitude, her warm

smile, her golf stories, and her spicy emails. There is a huge hole in our hearts today. It’s not easy for us to say goodbye. So we won’t. We say instead L’hitraot. Until we meet again, Betty! With love from Betty’s Federation family: Howard Tevlowitz, Marty Haberer, Rich Bergman, Ilene Fox

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FEDERATION NEWS

Federation grants nearly $45,000 for Religious School Scholarships Staff Report

he Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee awarded a total of $44,480 to 107 students in the 2014-15 school year toward the cost of religious school tuition as part of our need-based Religious School Scholarship program. We wanted to share some of the responses we received! “The Religious School Scholarship program benefits everyone. It tells parents that Jewish education is a community priority and it is a tangible support of the synagogues’ educational programs. This kind of partnership can make a long-term impact on our community and its institutions.” – Susan Kittner Huntting, Religious School Director, Temple Sinai “Temple Emanu-El is deeply grateful to The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee for providing scholarships to needy Jewish children. Educating our kids is a community affair. It takes dedicated educators, parents and community leaders to achieve this sacred task. With the financial support of the Federation, a Jewish education is now within reach of every Jewish child in our community.” – Sabrina Silverberg, Director of Education, Temple Emanu-El Religious School And from several parents: “Without the help of this scholarship, my two sons would not be able to attend religious school at all. I am a full-time student in a master’s degree program and, like many other families, things are tight. We feel very blessed to have been granted this scholarship so that our sons can continue their religious education and spiritual growth as they learn how to become proud, Jew-

ish young men within our community.” “We are so grateful for the financial support this scholarship has provided for our family and our synagogue. Religious school is a top priority when it comes to our three children, so thank you for making that possible this year! They gain leadership skills, confidence, security in who they are as Jews growing up in Sarasota, spirituality, knowledge, love, friendship, and a sense of community by going to religious school. We can’t thank you enough!” “As a Jew who spent 30 years in Israel where religious studies are mandatory and taken for granted, I am very grateful to you for this scholarship program. When I moved back to the United States and our children reached the age of wanting to know more about their heritage, I found that religious schools here are far from free. In fact, without the support of this scholarship, we would not have been able to manage sending them to Hebrew school. It is through the generosity of fellow Jews that our children will have the tools for what it takes to practice Judaism. G-d bless the donors!” “For our family, especially as our son begins studying for his bar mitzvah this year, this scholarship provides an opportunity we cannot emphasize enough. When a family has dealt with hardships, including unemployment and illness, as we have over the past year, it is comforting to know that the Jewish Federation is there to lend a hand, and ensure that the next generation of students carries on our educational traditions.”

College Night 2014 Staff Report

any thanks to our presenters, Jane Robbins and Jeremy Dictor, for the insightful information they each provided at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s College Night on September 21. The Zell Room on the Federation Campus was full of students and parents eager to learn the ins and outs of college, as well as how to engage in Jewish life on campus. In addition, Wells Fargo financial advisor Paul Dietrich was available to answer specific questions with respect to financing col-

lege. College scholarship chair Dan Levison and committee member Bill Behrenfeld also attended the program, offering information on the Federation’s scholarships and Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF). College scholarship applications for the 2015-2016 school year will be accepted beginning January 1, 2015. For more information on scholarships or how to apply, please contact Andrea Eiffert at aeiffert@jfedsrq.org or 941.552.6308.

Program/event ads featured in this issue

For more information about the Lions of Judah and Pomegranates, please contact Ilene Fox at 941.343.2111 or ifox@jfedsrq.org.

AIPAC Policy Conference..........25A Annual Meeting............................1B Bob Malkin Young Ambassadors.25A Club Fed.............................15A,11B Fifty Shades of J............................8A Gil Hoffman..................................2A Hannah Arendt Film.....................6B Kristallnacht Commemoration...16B LOJ & Pomegranate Luncheon.....2A March of the Living.....................25A March of the Living - Adult Trip..11B Masa Israel Travel Scholarship...26A Mission to Israel...........................4B

Panim el Panim...........................25A People of the Book........................8B PJ Library®..................................24A Send-a-Kid-to-Israel Program....24A Silent Disco...................................2B Speakers Bureau - Holocaust.......10B Speakers Bureau - Israel..............10B STEP Lock-in.............................26A Super Sunday................................1B Women’s Day..............................12A Women’s Giving Circle...............14A Young Adults Happy Hour..........17A

941.371.4546 TheJewishFederation.org

November 2014

3A November 2014 FEDERATION NEWS

Camryn Manheim...continued from page 1A Please explain. tribe. It’s what I know. I want to pass When you do a good deed, you feel that on. good. When you give joy, you receive How? joy. It gives me immense pleasure to For a small question, that’s a pretty big see my small efforts help other peoquestion. (Laughs) I remember going ple. I don’t believe I’m a citizen of to different temples, organizations and the United States. I’m a citizen of the schools to see where I could best serve world. Every single person matters. him. And I kept saying to rabbis, “I’m The more that I can help each person, not sure I know enough to teach him.” the more I feel at peace. The world is The rabbis kept saying, “You don’t broken. Whatever I do to fix it puts a need to know what to teach him. He’s smile on my face. going to teach you.” So is Mitzvah Therapy an expression That’s beautiful. But it kind of leaves of tikkun olam, a way of repairing you off the hook. the world? Yes, it did. I didn’t want Yes. But it means a lot of to sit back and passively things. It’s tikkun olam hand off the responsibiliand it’s mitzvah. ty of teaching my son and What is mitzvah? then absorb his lessons It’s a commandment to do second hand. No. I want good. to teach him, or at least be What does that mean to a part of it. So what am I you? teaching? The lessons of Mitzvah is my ethical and the Jewish heritage. moral compass. It drives It’s a big heritage. Camryn Manheim me to try to repair the Yes! I felt overwhelmed. world, even though I know I can’t reI didn’t want to just go through the mopair the entire world, just sew up a few tions. I didn’t want to just show up at wounds here and there. Occasionally, a synagogue once or twice a year and I can galvanize large groups of people have my son be confused about the to raise money or get their hands dirty. reason. So, I kept searching for a place It’s just part of my life. that told you the reasons why – and You’re making the world a better then went out in the world and actually place. Our generation was supposed made a difference. to do that, right? So, how’d we do? What was that place? Not so good. We screwed up the govIt’s called the Sholem Community of ernment, the environment, and the Los Angeles. It’s a wonderful haven culture. Now I get to tell my son, “We for unaffiliated, progressive, secular broke it. Your generation needs to fix Jews and intercultural families looking it.” I wish I could offer more practical for a vibrant community. They explore advice, but I feel like a lousy mechanic. Jewish identity, Jewish cultural literaEven so, somebody has to do the repair cy, and the traditions of social justice – job on this planet. One way or another, all the values I wanted to teach my son. his generation and the one that follows They have a fantastic children’s school will have to find out how. that teaches those values – and it’s reOK. On that note, let’s jump to your ally been an incredible experience for work on television. both of us. In fact, he became a bar Sure! mitzvah in May. Out of all your characters, who’s Congratulations. your favorite? Thanks. I want to add, it was not a That would be Ellenor Frutt, from typical experience. My son’s entire The Practice. Not because it was my bar mitzvah journey was all about sofirst major television show or the role cial and political activism and social that I’m best known for, but because change. They confronted him with David Kelley is such a remarkable hard questions. What’s the difference writer that he created a character who between community service, volunteertransformed me. Ellenor’s work with ing and real social action? For the last the disenfranchised and the underpriyear and a half, he’s been working to vileged has had an incredible, empowchange things at the root level. He’s ering impact on me. done everything – from volunteering, You talk like she’s a real person. to community service, to picketing She was for me. She went on to have a with hotel employees. baby and be a single mom, as I did. DaThe lesson being, social justice is not vid took from my life and gave to her, just talk. and took from her life and gave to me. No, it isn’t. He’s putting his ideals into We learned from each other, and made practice. To me, it was really important each other grow. It was very satisfying. to pass those ideals on to him. He’s goDo you have any dream roles you’d ing to go forward and continue to fight like to tackle? for what he believes in. The interestYes. Bennie in Tony Kushner’s The Ining thing is, the rabbi’s prophecy came telligent Homosexual’s Guide to Capitrue. talism and Socialism with a Key to the How so? Scriptures and Amanda in Tennessee While my son is being educated in all William’s The Glass Menagerie. There of the different Jewish cultures, idenare so many amazing roles. I have a tities and historical lessons, I’m being bucket list, and live theater is a big part educated, too. The adults at the Sholem of it. Community have discussions and face You’ve written a book, some amaztheir own hard questions. Are we the ing speeches – any screenplays? chosen people? What does the Torah No. A book, a speech – that’s hard, but mean to us? It’s a lively, interactive, I can do it. Screenplays are particularly phenomenal dialogue. Thanks to my tough. Writing is a solo endeavor and son, I feel more connected to my JewI’m a very social person. There’s no ish heritage than I have in my entire feedback. life. No audience applauding when you’re And you express that heritage typing away at the computer. through social activism. No. I prefer the producer role. My faThat’s part of it. vorite approach is getting in a room An actor’s career is tough enough. with a lot of great writers, pitching a Why make more work for yourself? lot of ideas and letting them run with To me it’s simple. It’s what’s right. I it. Let the experts do it! don’t think I could be happy with a Tell us a little about your character, selfish devotion to my career. You have Sam Barton, in CBS’s sci-fi thriller to make the world a better place. That’s series, Extant. how I was raised; it’s in my blood Sam’s an incredibly bright, highly eduand bones, and I think it’s a universal cated doctor working for the privately truth. Whether you’re religious or not, – and secretly – funded International there’s a magnetic force that drives you Space Exploration Administration. to leave the world just a little bit better. When astronaut Molly Woods (Halle When you do, you feel better. I call it Berry) returns home after a long, solo Mitzvah Therapy.

mission and discovers she’s pregnant, the intrigue begins – but that’s just the beginning. Extant has a lot of layers. It’s a thriller. It’s a character-based ensemble show. It looks at politics, human loyalties and our definition of identity. It’s an intelligent examination of character under stress that happens to be in a science-fiction context. What other creative projects can we look forward to? Right now, I feel like the CBS darling. I’m simultaneously doing Criminal Minds and Person of Interest and Extant. I plan to keep going. I’m also working on a new series that’s very important to me. The most important thing, though, is raising my son to be a great man in this world, and working together with him on charity events to raise money and awareness. That’s what’s on my plate right now. What’s the most fascinating job you’ve ever had? Sign language interpreter. I signed for political bigwigs and people under

duress in emergency rooms. Those glimpses of human character helped shape who I am today. It taught me a lot. That’s why I’m teaching my son sign language now. “Women’s Day with Camryn Manheim” is presented by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Nashim L’Tova (Women for Good) Co-chairs: Melissa Howard and Lee Sax Tuesday, December 2 at noon Michael’s On East, 1212 S. East Ave. Tickets start at $75. For more information, please contact Andrea Eiffert at 941.552.6308 or aeiffert@jfedsrq.org. A minimum gift of $54 to the 2014 development efforts of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is required. Sponsored by: University Park Dermatology Sarasota Memorial Health Care Foundation

Embracing Camryn Manheim’s theme of Mitzvah Therapy, we will be welcoming donations of gift cards and new, unwrapped toys at Women’s Day this year. All of the collected donations will be given to Guardian ad Litem, to brighten the season for the children in their foster care program.

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FEDERATION NEWS

Super Sunday Telemarketing Day: Closing the 2014 annual campaign initiative Staff Report

n Sunday, November 2, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee concludes its 2014 Annual Campaign with Super Sunday telemarketing. To support its mission, “To save Jewish lives and enhance Jewish life in Sarasota-Manatee, in Israel and around the world,” you can contribute to the many ways in which the Federation enriches lives

through giving and programs. Your donation directly supports important overseas programs such as: the purchase of an ambulance for Israel’s Magen David Adom; dental care for Ethiopian teens; Handin-Hand, a center for Jewish-Arab Education in Israel; food parcels for Holocaust survivors in Israel; and the Yad Ezra V’Shulamit weekly food

distribution program. Donations also support local community partners, including Embracing our Differences, Florida Studio Theatre, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and Perlman Music Program/Suncoast. This past year the Federation provided more than 30 students with college scholarships, close to 80 children with grants to attend Jewish overnight camps, and sent teens to Israel, Poland and Washington, D.C., for leadership, education and advocacy programs. The Federation touched thousands of people in our own community through Federation-sponsored programs, including the PJ Library, the Jewish Film Festival, the Interfaith

Seder, People of the Book, Women’s Day, and other community holiday celebrations. Additionally, the Federation supported All Faiths Food Bank, Jewish Family & Children’s Service, and numerous Holocaust awareness and education programs. With so many who need help in the Sarasota-Manatee region, Israel and around the world, Federation appreciates your support with meeting its goals in closing the 2014 Annual Campaign on Super Sunday, November 2. For more information and to securely donate today, please visit www.TheJewishFederation.org or call 941.371.4546.

“Ringing in 5775” with local Holocaust survivors By Suzanne Hurwitz, MSW, JFCS Jewish Healing Program Coordinator

License # 274871

References Available

he newly renovated social hall of Temple Emanu-El was filled with smiles as Holocaust survivors and their guests enjoyed “Ringing in 5775,” a Rosh Hashanah luncheon event on September 16. This program was sponsored and planned by Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast’s Jewish Healing Program, The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee, Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services, and Claims Conference – The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. Nearly 50 Jewish survivors attended – many with a guest – and enjoyed the festivities, food and friendship. Temple Emanu-El’s pre-kindergarten class entertained with adorable singing, and Rabbi Brenner Glickman delivered an insightful d’var Torah about the shofar, its usage and significance. Zildjian Catering put together a delicious Rosh Hashanah lunch, complete with apple-glazed chicken and honey cake. The talented Betty Silberman provided the entertainment, combining her singing, piano playing and Yiddishkeit to the enjoyment of all. JFCS staff shared updates on reparations and upcoming programs for area survivors.

Temple Emanu-El was especially accommodating, even creating a ramp for attendees to transverse the construction outside the temple doors. The fabulous volunteers of JFCS obviously

Ruth Wheeler with her mother, Hilde Mandel, a Holocaust survivor

enjoyed themselves as well, for as they welcomed guests, signed them in and delivered and cleared plates of food, their smiles were ever-present. Of course, our esteemed guests were so appreciative of the special celebration just for them, remarking what a wonderful time they had. Attendee Carolyn Kaplan wrote: “Thanks to everyone involved in bringing us this delightful afternoon.” It is always an honor and a pleasure to work with this remarkable group. Thank you to all who made this possible!

Temple Beth Sholom Freund Scholar in Residence, Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson The Distinguished Chair of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies

and the Installation of our beloved Rabbi Michael Werbow January 23- 24, 2015

Orna Nissan, director of Federation’s Holocaust education and Israeli programs; Suzanne Hurwitz, coordinator, Jewish Healing Program, JFCS of the Suncoast; Jan Alston, Holocaust Survivor Support Services, JFCS of the Suncoast; Debra Cusick, case manager, Harvey Hertz Jewish Family Services Center, Gulf Coast JFCS; Cindy Minette, director, Harvey Hertz Jewish Family Services Center, Gulf Coast JFCS

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November 2014

5A November 2014 FEDERATION NEWS

ISIS is terrorism at its worst By Rabbi Howard A. Simon, co-Chair of The Robert and Esther Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative

Established 1971

PUBLISHER The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road Sarasota, FL 34232-1959 Phone: 941.371.4546 Fax: 941.378.2947 E-mail: jewishnews@jfedsrq.org Website: www.jfedsrq.org Published Monthly Volume 44, Number 11 November 2014 40 pages USPS Permit No. 167 December 2014 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: October 29, 2014 Advertising: October 30, 2014 PRESIDENT Nancy Swart EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Howard Tevlowitz ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Marty Haberer COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR Linda Lipson MANAGING EDITOR Ted Epstein COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Christopher Alexander ADVERTISING SALES Robin Leonardi PROOFREADERS Adeline Silverman, Stacey Edelman, Harold Samtur, Bryna Tevlowitz, Deb Bryan MIMI AND JOSEPH J. EDLIN JOURNALISM INTERNS Allya Yourish, Jackson Cacioppo MISSION STATEMENT: The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee strives to be the source of news and features of special interest to the Jewish community of Sarasota-Manatee, to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions in the Jewish community, and to communicate the mission, activities and achievements of the Federation and its Jewish community partners. OPINIONS printed in The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee do not necessarily reflect those of The Jewish Federation of 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. ADVERTISING: Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement and may require the words “Paid Advertisement” in any ad. Publication of advertisements does not constitute endorsement of products, services or ideas promoted therein.

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ames Foley, Steven Sotloff and evil militant group in existence today David Haines. These are the names and has begun to take steps to root of three men we must remember out and destroy this most threatening and respect; their families we must organization? This result will not be care for, mourn with and honor. These accomplished easily. It will take the were good men, caring men, innocent commitment of one and all to attain life-ending blows to the entire movemen who had their lives takthis goal. That commitment and all who are a part of it. en in the most brutal, hateful ment is being sought, We must do this because it is manner possible. They were but not yet totally atright, because it is necessary, because beheaded at the direction of tained, which means it is the only way to end this unholy an Islamic State group that we will see more horway of life. We do this in memory of has become the most vicious, rendous acts perpetratJames Foley, Steven Sotloff and David disrespectful, hateful and lifeed by ISIS. Haines. These brave men have not died threatening terrorist group in Make no mistake in vain. Terrorism must end. Hate monthe world. about this group. Its gers must be eliminated. Those who ISIS captures men, womfollowers hate anyone love life and who sanctify life must en and children. They line and everyone they feel be saved from destruction. The time is men up in rows and shoot disagrees with their inRabbi Howard A. Simon now. Right must triumph in the end. them for no reason. The womterpretation of Islamic For more information about the Heller en are raped, tortured and then married beliefs. They will behead more people, IAI, visit www.sarasotalovesisrael.com off to fellow terrorists to endure more will take more captives, and destroy or contact Jessi Sheslow at jsheslow@ punishment and dehumanization. The more lives until the world, including jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2109. children are taken to schools where the United States, delivers decisive, they are taught to hate, to kill and to maim – all in the name of an Islamic ideal that represents the most repreWho does the Jewish community hensible manner of thinking known to turn to for the most trusted service humankind. These children learn the in real estate? lesson that to hate others is far better than loving others. How despicable is such a thought. BARBARA Christians in the Middle East are also being murdered, tortured, taken GROUP The name to know in real estate captive and persecuted by this same hateful group. Why do they do this? The #1 group in Sarasota and Manatee Counties & all of Southwest Florida for 2013 Because ISIS hates the Christian faith 941-387-1820 Direct 800-910-8728 Toll-Free and all it believes in; its followers barbara@barbaraackerman.com www.barbaraackerman.com wish to destroy all who believe in such ideals and teachings. Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 1 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Is it any wonder that the world has now branded ISIS as the most

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November 2014

FEDERATION NEWS

Teen travel: Let the Federation take you there! By Jeremy Dictor

hrough the support of our generous donors, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is able to offer inspired travel opportunities for Jewish teenagers. Whether you are looking to explore your Jewish identity in Israel, or meet thousands of like-minded teens in Washington, D.C., the Federation can help you get there! The following programs have applications that close at the end of this month. International travel opportunities: Bob Malkin Young Ambassadors Teen Leadership Program Each year, the Federation selects local high school students to participate in the prestigious Bob Malkin Young

Ambassadors Teen Leadership Program (BMYA) and a two-week mission to Israel. This educational and spiritual journey allows teens to develop leadership skills, explore who they are as individuals and as a team, and learn firsthand the importance of Israel to Jews around the world. In addition to the highly subsidized trip, the program includes regular pre- and post-mission meetings, social events, and leadership training, during which the Young Ambassadors develop their relationships with one another and with Israel, and become ambassadors in our community. March of the Living Thousands of Jewish teens from around the world will share a once-in-a-life-

Business networking event a resounding success! Staff Report

early 100 people gathered to participate in The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee’s business networking event in September at The Francis in downtown Sarasota. Guest speakers included TJ Miller of the marketing firm, Graphic Jam, who presented “Branding with Purpose: Sell Your Authentic Story, Not Your Stuff.” Rich Swier, an area entrepreneur with The HuB, spoke about “Marketing to Your Target Demographic and Reaching a Niche Audience. And Su Byron and Claire Seminario of Su Byron Enterprises presented “The Power of Public Relations.” Robin Leonardi, senior account executive of The Jewish News, organized the event. She said that the evening was filled with informative, behind-the-scenes marketing tips – and it also provided a fertile

forum for businesspeople to meet and mingle. “It was wonderful to see so many people from the business community actively involved in pushing their marketing savvy to the next level. These events are never one-sided. It’s always a lively conversation and a true exploration of the mind,” said Robin.

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March of the Living

time experience when they march three kilometers from Auschwitz to Birkenau, the largest concentration camp complex built by the Nazis. The march commemorates Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, by retracing the steps of the March of Death – the actual route that countless numbers of people were forced to take on their way to the gas chambers. Participants will experience a memorial service in Birkenau, which will conclude with the singing of the Hatikvah. From Poland, they will fly to Israel to celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. The Federation is accepting applications to send students (grades 11 and 12) to participate. Domestic travel opportunities: Panim el Panim The Federation is subsidizing a trip to Washington, D.C., for a limited number of students in 10th, 11th or 12th grades to participate in the 2015 Panim el Panim

seminar (dates to be announced). Learn how to make a difference and advocate for the issues most important to you while exploring our nation’s capital. The BBYO Panim Institute is creating a movement of young activists ready to take on the challenges facing the Jewish people, America and the world. AIPAC Policy Conference The AIPAC Policy Conference is the pro-Israel community’s preeminent annual gathering in Washington D.C. Last year’s conference was the largest event to date with more than 14,000 attendees. The event attracted community and student activists from all 50 states, and more than half of the Senate, a third of the House of Representatives, and countless Israeli and American policymakers and thought leaders. Over three jam-packed days, Policy Conference participants choose from hundreds of informative sessions and participate in the pro-Israel community’s largest and most important advocacy day. The Federation will be subsidizing up to six students. If you are a high school or college student, a leader, and passionate about Israel advocacy, this is an experience you don’t want to miss. The deadline for submission for these teen travel opportunities is Sunday, November 30. For more information, visit www.jfedsrq.org or contact Jeremy Dictor at jdictor@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2106.

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L’Chayim

IN MEMORY OF Leonard Mazur Karen and Tommy Bernstein Sue Ann and William Crowley Leslie Gladstone Barbara and Fredric Jacobs Dana Klein Scott Somerville Cynthia and Stanley Wright Sally Shapiro Rebecca and Richard Bergman Karen and Tommy Bernstein Roz and Sam Brott Ilene and Michael Fox Lori and Marty Haberer Kim and Richie Mullins Margie and John Nathan Inna and Gerry Sideman Len Steinberg Bryna and Howard Tevlowitz Judy Weinstein Patti and David Wertheimer Froma and Jules Willen Cynthia and Stanley Wright Gerry Solomon Sylvia and Buzzy Barry

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IN HONOR OF Rich Bergman - Birthday Janice, Mickey, Karen and Bruce Harris Jeremy Lisitza and Michael Shelton Betty Schoenbaum - 97th Birthday Bryna and Howard Tevlowitz Ferna Steinberg - Birthday Joy FeBland IN MEMORY OF Leonard Mazur Sarah Wertheimer

Leonard “Lenny” Schwartz Karen and Tommy Bernstein Julie and Mitch Nusbaum MAZEL TOV Randi and Randall Brodsky Daughter’s Marriage Bryna and Howard Tevlowitz Bunny Skirboll Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award Nadia and Michael Ritter Bryna and Howard Tevlowitz

ISRAEL PROGRAMS IN HONOR OF Betty Schoenbaum - 97th Birthday Jeremy Lisitza and Michael Shelton IN MEMORY OF Leonard Mazur Nadia and Michael Ritter Lois Stulberg

SKIP (Send a Kid to Israel) IN MEMORY OF Win Katz Bonnie and Michael Chisling Irwin Leibowitz Barbara and Gary Ackerman Betty Schiff Rebecca and Rich Bergman Bonnie and Michael Chisling Ilene and Michael Fox Lori and Marty Haberer Allison Silver and Hardy Schwartz Inna and Gerry Sideman Bernice Stern Lois Stulberg Bryna and Howard Tevlowitz Patti and David Wertheimer Sally Shapiro Barbara and Gary Ackerman Shelley, Julianne and David Simson Lois Stulberg Judy Weinstein

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.

November 2014

7A November 2014 FEDERATION NEWS

Fun for all ages at Interfaith PJ Library Sukkot event Staff Report

n Saturday, October 11, local families gathered together at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for an afternoon of Sukkot fun with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and PJ Library. Parents enjoyed a beautiful day in the gardens, while the children made sukkot decorations, and miniature sukkahs out of graham crackers and frosting. They learned about the holiday of

Sukkot, while having a blast decorating pumpkins. Jeremy Dictor, Director of S.T.E.P. and Family Programs at The Jewish Federation, led a Sukkot-themed story time, and even facilitated a “Silly Dance Contest” with the children (and some of the adults!). There were smiles and laughter, all while learning and connecting to the Jewish community, leaving parents and children alike asking, “When can

we do this again?” PJ Library promotes Jewish literacy among children in our community through the distribution of high-quality Jewish literature and music. Through the philanthropic efforts of The Harold Grinspoon Foundation, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and its passionate and committed donors, this beloved community program is entirely free. Each month, across the

Sarasota-Manatee area, children ages 6 months to 8 years, and their families, are able to receive free books and music via mail, and together explore the important core values of Judaism, all while fostering a love of reading and community. Interested in future PJ Library programs? Please contact Jeremy Dictor at jdictor@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2106.

Macy’s University Town Center Charity Shopping Day

STAY CONNECTED

Staff Report

acy’s recently sponsored a Charity Shopping Day at the new University Town Center mall, partnering with local charities, and resulting in a win-win fundraising event for all involved. Each ticket sold for $5 went directly to the partnering charity, while the buyer enjoyed a $10 discount on their Macy’s purchase, 20% off thereafter,

and a chance to enter and win a $500 shopping spree at Macy’s. Not only did we raise over $400, but we enjoyed a sneak peek of the new mall! Shana Subelsky Tibi and Ilene Fox greeted familiar faces, welcomed newcomers, and engaged shoppers with information on The Jewish Federation. There were many charities to buy tickets from, and we at the Jewish Fed-

eration want to extend a special “thank you!” to those who chose to support us.

twitter.com/jfedsrq

Shana Subelsky Tibi and Barbie Edwards at the Federation table at Macy’s

There’s so much happening at Temple Beth Sholom! Family Movie Night

Fantastic, Fun Family Festivities

THE YOUNGER ONES Dr. Seuss, The Lorax THE TEENS Deep Impact THE ADULTS Comedy Quirky Short Films

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“WHAT ARE YOU DOING CHRISTMAS EVE” Join us for a movie and a (Kosher) Chinese Dinner

Hanukkah Havdalah Celebration

‘Winter in the Tropics’

LATKES, APPLE SAUCE, SOUR CREAM, DOUGHNUTS NO CHARGE

Spend Christmas Day at TBS Inflatable Jumping Castle Arts & Crafts Carnival Games

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November 2014

COMMUNITY FOCUS

“The Life and Escapades of King David”

Sponsored by

Marden Paru, Dean, Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva

srael’s most important king, David, eighth son of Jesse, born in 1040 BCE, lived a most extraordinary life as a military genius, musician, monarch and psalmist. His life, as presented in the Tanach (The Holy Scriptures) in 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings and 1 Chronicles, reveals the many facets of this derring-do hero. As the famous child giant-slayer, he first made a mark for himself in Jewish history as the great champion of his people against the warring Philistines in Elah. David is then appointed by Is-

rael’s first king, Saul, as the court musician and armor-bearer, and befriends the king’s children and other notables of the king’s court. Ultimately, David is chosen to succeed King Saul and reigns over his nation from 1010 to 970 BCE. Under David’s leadership, he unites a divided country, establishes the “City of David” which becomes Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish People – the ultimate center of government and worship. Known for leading a turbulent personal life, David is an adulterer, lives through the death

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of his own rebel son Absalom, and dies not being given the zechut (the merit or privilege) of building the first Holy Temple. Repentant in his later years, David composes the most beautiful and meaningful psalms that have become incorporated in the liturgy of Judaism and other religions. David is a genius but also very human. He displays great strength but also many weaknesses. He is always serving his Maker but not always with the expected, accompanying pious behavior. What an impact he has made

in his short life of 70 years! He passes from this realm in 970 BCE. The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva is pleased to present “The Life and Escapades of King David,” an eight-week course on Tuesdays, starting November 18, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. on the Federation Campus. To enroll and for further details, please contact me at 941.379.5655 or marden.paru@gmail. com. The Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva is funded in part by a grant from The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee where this class will be held.

New Sarasota-Manatee Jewish art series

Sponsored by

By Kim Sheintal

ewish Artists Explore” is a monthly live arts forum that begins with a professional interview highlighting a local professional Jewish artist’s journey and talents, through a Jewish lens. This program of the Association of Professional and “Aspiring” Jewish Artists (APJA) then continues with a half hour of socialization followed by an hour of artistic inspiration and community building. This year’s theme, “The Exodus Process,” will be explored through member offerings of sacred text study, live music, and expressive arts experiences. Be sure to mark your calendar

for five Sundays: December 14, Elizabeth Bergmann on dance; January 11, concert pianist Eleonora Lvov; February 8, actress Andrea Dovner; March 8, author Joy Weston; and April 12, fine arts painter Joan Davidson. Interviews begin promptly at 4:00 p.m. Open to the public. Cost: $5 for APJA members; $10 for nonmembers. The location and sponsor is The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more details, please contact Goldie Milgram, APJA President, at rebgoldie@gmail.com.

Kosher meat available in Sarasota-Manatee Store Name/Location Costco (Sarasota Square Mall)

Publix If your Publix does not carry these items, speak to the manager, as any Publix store can order these for you.

217 Manatee Ave. E, Bradenton • 6310 Health Park Way, Suite 340, Lakewood Ranch 1427 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota • 2020 Cattlemen Rd., Ste. 500, Sarasota

BJ's Trader Joe's (Glengary St and 41)

Type of Meat Cohen's Frozen Hors d’oeuvres Pastrami Brisket Stuffed Cabbage Beef and Veal Sausage Beef Chopped Liver Chicken Chopped Liver Stuffed Cabbage Ground Beef Brisket Roast Ribeye Roast Chicken and Turkey Parts Turkey Breast Sliced Corned Beef Sliced Pastrami Chicken Parts Ground Turkey Chuck Steak Stew Meat Brisket Ribeye Steaks

Kosher Symbol

Know of other stores selling Kosher meat in Sarasota-Manatee? Contact Allie Fraidowitz at moosemcalice@gmail.com to add them to this list.

Effective Solutions. Compassionate Care. Rebecca Cohen, M.D. is an expert clinician in psychopharmacology (medication management) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). She treats a broad range of psychiatric symptoms and disorders. Now in private practice, Dr. Cohen is accepting new patients. For more information, please call 941.404.0545 or visit rebeccacohenmd.com. Rebecca S. Cohen, M.D., LLC Board Certified | Adult Psychiatry | Psychopharmacology

3665 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 306, Sarasota | rebeccacohenmd.com

9A November 2014 COMMUNITY FOCUS

November 2014

NA’AMAT USA chapter launching in Sarasota

n 1921, a severe water shortage world. Each day, NA’AMAT supports threatened to destroy a fledgling more than 17,000 children going to Jerusalem tree nursery. Rachel Ya250 affordable daycare centers, and two youth villages, which are homes nait Ben Zvi, who was living in Israel, to youth at risk. Last year, NA’AMAT contacted a friend in New York to ask gave out more than 150 scholarships for help raising money to irrigate the to women seeking college and higher nursery. Through this small act, a siseducation degrees. The terhood was forged, organization supports which led to the founda 24-hour hotline, five ing of The Women’s women’s rights cenOrganization for the ters, a domestic vioPioneer Women of Pallence center, and much estine (NA’AMAT). more. NA’AMAT is the In the past eight desingle most important cades, NA’AMAT has provider of core social laid the groundwork services in Israel. for a modern Israeli soA new NA’AMAT cial services network, chapter is starting Sarabuilding daycare cenGail Simpson, NA’AMAT National V.P. of Membership sota. Join us for a getters for children whose acquainted meeting on Wednesday, mothers were working to build the land November 12 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and its economy, creating the Child on the Federation Campus. Come and Rescue Fund and the Building Fund, learn more about NA’AMAT, find out establishing an Aliyah department, how you can make a difference in the providing support to thousands of new lives of women, children and families immigrants arriving in Israel, and putin Israel, and make new friends along ting in place a Perpetual Scholarship the way. Fund, enabling Israeli women to purTo RSVP or for more information, sue higher education. contact Davida at 941.757.8512 or Today, NA’AMAT is the largest bandit44124@yahoo.com. Jewish women’s organization in the

JFCS welcomes new Development Director

band and two sons in 2009, she has ewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast (JFCS) is pleased joined Temple Emanu-El and currently to welcome Monica Caldwell to teaches part-time in the temple’s rethe position of Development Director. ligious school, and is involved with She brings to the agency nearly five youth group initiatives there. Monica years’ experience in donor relations, has found a strong sense of community event planning and implementation in the Sarasota area, and is impressed and marketing through her work at by all the nonprofits and vital work that American Jewish Committee (AJC) in people are doing to help those in need. Sarasota. Monica is ex“Our community is blessed cited to help JFCS rise to have JFCS and all the to new levels of success giving and caring staff and by engaging community volunteers that make up philanthropists and partthis wonderful organizaners with the organization. I am looking forward tion’s mission, seeking to strengthening our relato empower individuals tionships and gaining new ones in order to advance and families toward selfsufficiency. our mission.” Monica was raised Monica is the contact person for JFCS events inin New Jersey, where she Monica Caldwell attended a Jewish day cluding the Grace Rosen school through eighth grade. “I really Magill Jewish Healing Lecture on Nolearned during my early years in school vember 10, the Gala on December 14, and next year’s Celebrity Chefs and and from my family the true meaning Wine Tasting and Golf Challenge on of community and the Jewish values of March 24, and the Salute to Veterans tzedakah and tikkun olam. I value the foundation that my Jewish education Luncheon on May 29. For further inprovided me, and I attribute my strong formation on these events, please consense of Jewish identity to those early tact Monica at 941.366.2224 x142. To experiences,” stated Monica. learn more about JFCS, please visit www.jfcs-cares.org. Since moving here with her hus-

Come and see what’s happening! Rhythm and Jews musical Shabbat Service Featuring The Bruno Trio Friday, Nov. 7 at 6:00 PM Welcome Reception is at 5:15 PM.  Educational offering by Chazzan Cliff Abramson - “The Musical Liturgy of the Worship Service” begins on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 11:00 AM. This weekly workshop is free and open to all. Please register.

Veterans will be honored at the Shabbat service on Friday, Nov. 14 5:15 PM Welcome Reception, 6:00 PM Service. Dinner follows. RSVP. 

Save the Date:

7th annual Jewish Food Festival Sunday, January 11 Come hungry!

10A

November 2014

New JLI course: “How Happiness Thinks”

ince the dawn of time, man has been fascinated by the workings of the human brain. Only recently, scientists have been discovering the underlying dynamics that shape and influence our frame of mind – new ways to cope with anxiety and stress, steps that we can take to crystallize our self-concept, and practical tools we can use to build the resilience and grit to ride through any challenge life throws our way. Surprisingly, the Torah and the Talmud have for centuries advocated various approaches to achieving happiness; ideas that are only now being confirmed through scientific observation. The new JLI course, “How Happiness Thinks,” offers a Jewish roadmap to happier living. Every lesson contains poignant insights into how our minds operate, with practical steps you can take to boost your happiness levels to places unimaginable. This JLI course is partially underwritten by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. The course is offered at five different times as follows: Location: Chabad Jewish Center, 2169 Tamiami Trail South, Venice Option 1: Six Tuesday mornings, starting November 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Instructor: Rivka Schmerling Option 2: Six Tuesday evenings, starting November 4, from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Instructor: Rabbi Sholom Schmerling Fee: $74 (textbook included) Scholarships are available. All lessons will be recorded.

Sponsored by

For more information or to register for either of the above two options, call the Chabad of Venice office at 941.493.2770 or email info@chabad ofvenice.com. Option 3: Location: Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota Six Wednesday mornings, starting November 5, from 10:15 a.m. to noon Option 4: Location: Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road Six Wednesday evenings, starting November 5, from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.

For options 3 and 4: Instructor: Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz Fee: $74 or $139 per couple (textbook included) In joint sponsorship with the Washington School of Psychiatry, for participating in this course, psychologists, social workers and counselors can earn up to 15 CE credits. For more information or to register for either of the above two options, call the Chabad of Sarasota office at 941.925.0770.

Option 5: Location: The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton Six Wednesday evenings, starting November 5, from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Instructor: Rabbi Mendy Bukiet Fee: $75 (textbook included) For more information or to register for the above course, contact the Chabad of Bradenton office at 941.752.3030 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

Jewish Family & Children's Service is pleased to present the 10th AnnuAl GrAce rosen MAGill lecture JUDY & BOB VIGDER, CO-CHAIRS

SPIRITUAL HEALING and

american Jews Featuring

Dr. ellen M. uMAnsky Monday, November 10, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. Lunch & Lecture The Francis 1289 N. Palm Avenue • Sarasota

Ticket: $45 • Patron Ticket: $136 Patron ticket includes book & preferred seating Reservations are required by Friday, October 31st

Event includes presentation to JFCS Award Recipients The Rabbi Sanford E. & Leah Saperstein Hope & Healing Award presented to shirley Fein

The Sidney J. Berkowitz Building Community Award presented to the FrieDMAn FAMily

Please contact Monica Caldwell at 941-366-2224 ext. 142 mcaldwell@jfcs-cares.org EVENT SPONSOR

MEDIA SPONSOR

COMMUNITY FOCUS

First-ever community Torah dedication in Manatee County he first Torah ever commissioned for the Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton area is almost complete. The Torah will be completed on Sunday, November 16 at 4:30 p.m. when a sofer (scribe) will be helping the community finish writing the Torah. The entire community of Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton is invited to participate in this special event. The Torah means many things to the Jewish people. The most important element within the Torah is unity of the Jewish people, and Chabad is inviting the entire community to come together for this celebration. “A kosher dinner will be served, there will be live music, activities for the children, and a chance to participate in what will be for many of us the one chance in our lifetime to be part of dedicating a Torah. We encourage you

to bring a friend and we can certainly guarantee you will meet new friends,” said Jerry Zivic, an event organizer. There is no charge to participate. The Torah is the community’s Torah and everyone is welcome to come. Rabbi Mendy Bukiet of Chabad of Bradenton explained, “You will be uplifted by this experience and are always welcome at Chabad. Our goal is to get every single Jewish man, woman and child in the area involved in this momentous project. Every Jew is welcome regardless of the type of Jew you believe yourself to be. We are all one people. Join your fellow Jews and take part in this blessing for yourself and for your family.” For more information, please contact Chabad at 941.752.3030 or info@ chabadofbradenton.com, or visit www. chabadofbradenton.com.

A Taste of Chanukah 2014: Call for volunteers Planning for the 2014 edition of A Taste of Chanukah, Sarasota-Manatee’s preeminent community Chanukah celebration, is once again well underway. The event will take place on Sunday, December 21 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds, located at 3000 Ringling Boulevard (just southeast of Fruitville and Tuttle in Sarasota). It will again feature delectable gourmet kosher food prepared and served by some of the region’s top restaurants, spectacular entertainment, and attractions for the whole family. A large number of volunteers are urgently needed to assist with event operations, including set-up, decorating, traffic/parking assistance and more. If you wish to volunteer, please contact Chabad of Sarasota at 941.925.0770 or info@ chabadofsarasota.com.

This month’s advertisers This publication is brought to you each month thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please be sure to use their products and services, and mention that you found them in The Jewish News. Above Grade Level Tutoring.........5B Abrams Dermatology...................21A Ackerman, Barbara, REALTOR®...5A Advocates in Aging......................13A AIPAC..........................................7B Asolo Repertory Theatre...............4B Barach, David M............................4A Brooklyn Knish............................11A Camp Barney Medintz..................24A Cat Depot.....................................18A Center for Sight............................18A Chabad of Sarasota......................12B Chevra Kadisha............................27A Cohen, Rebecca S., MD, LLC.........8A Congregation Kol HaNeshama......8A Cortez Foot & Ankle......................3A Dan Dannheisser..........................13A Dulcefina Chocolates & Sweets...11A Envision Watch & Jewelry Repair..6A EverBank - Penny Hill Group.........5A Fresh Start Cafe...........................11A Gloria Musicae...............................5B Grad, Stacey, Morgan Stanley.......20A Grimefighters...............................17A Hanan, Stacy, REALTOR®.............6A HearUSA....................................15A Ian Black Real Estate...................19A Inspired Living at Sarasota...........11A Jason’s Deli..................................19A JFCS...........................................10A Jewish Museum of Florida - FIU..21A Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson.....23A Koontz & Parkins CPAs...............23A Lerner Cohen Medical...................3B Let Me Help...................................9A Longboat Key Dental.....................3A Manatee-Sarasota Eye Clinic.........8A Michael’s On East........................11A Mishner, Dr. Harvey.....................12A

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The Jewish News is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

November 2014

11A November 2014 COMMUNITY FOCUS

11A

The “knitzvahs” of Temple Emanu-El’s Mitzvah Knitting Group

lose to 200 blankets, booties and caps created by Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood’s Mitzvah Knitting Group have been delivered to needy families in Sarasota-Manatee or are en route to delivery in Israel. Now in its third year, Temple Emanu-El’s Mitzvah Knitting Group meets monthly to socialize and knit or crochet beautiful handmade baby items. Under the leadership of Susan Bernstein and Judy Sauertieg, group members practice their skills and enjoy one another’s company while doing good deeds. Overseeing the most recent sorting and distribution of the baby items were group members Sandy Ainbinder and Joan Zaroff. “It felt so good and right to be doing this,” Ainbinder commented. “I do these things because I love it. It’s really the way I was brought up. My parents strongly believed that every individual had to do something, while in this world, to make it a better place for everyone.” “We sent many of the toddler-size sweaters, hats and heavier blankets to Israel as they get colder weather than we do here,” added Zaroff. “We were able to match caps and booties to every

blanket, making a beautiful set. Hopefully the people in Israel will be astonished by all the wonderful and creative pieces we sent them and will see we are united as one.” Bernstein, who also facilitates a knitting group at Kobernick House and ensured that items created by Kobernick residents would be included in the package sent to Israel, stated, “It’s especially meaningful when I have the opportunity to mix together a personal passion along with the chance to give back to the community, and that’s exactly what the Mitzvah Knitting Group does. How lucky we are to be able to do these knitzvahs!”

Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood’s Mitzvah Knitting Group leaders Judy Sauertieg and Susan Bernstein

Joan Zaroff, Joan Franzel, Linda Abromson, Sandy Ainbinder and Susan Bernstein are among the members of Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood’s Mitzvah Knitting Group

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Meet the area’s only ordained cantor at Temple Sinai

s you walk through the doors of Temple Sinai you immediately become drawn in by the harmonious sounds coming from the synagogue. Chazzan Cliff Abramson, the area’s only Ordained Cantor, writes new settings to the existing liturgy to go along with every Friday night service. “My music is designed to take existing text and adapt to the current pulse and likes of our congregation,” said Chazzan Abramson. Chazzan Abramson earned a graduate degree in theatre from New York University in 1985 and has performed on stage, film and television. In addi-

tion to Jewish music, he has Liturgy of the Worship Service,” which begins Wednesalso trained in classical music as a tenor and classical day, November 12 and runs through May. The course guitarist. Chazzan Abramson was ordained at Hebrew will meet each Wednesday Union College, New York from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and is designed to give in 2006 after completing a Chazzan Cliff Abramson master’s degree in Sacred the average service attendee the tools to get the most out of their Music in 2005. His work has been selected for a URJ publication, and his worship experience. Through a series music was among the top pieces honof lectures, discussions and musical ored at the “Composers Workshop” of examples, the prayers that are already a part of Temple Sinai’s Friday night the American Conference of Cantors annual meeting. service will be given a new meaning Please join Chazzan Abramson at through the lens of history, musical analysis and personal connection. his next music study, “The Musical

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12A

November 2014

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Chorale to perform at Congregation supports Kristallnacht Commemoration veterans at JFCS Sponsored by

By Marcia Polevoi

n Sunday, November 9, the Sarasota Jewish Chorale will once again be part of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s remembrance of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. As in the past, the Chorale, under the direction of Linda Stewart Tucker, will be singing two profound and moving songs. One of these is “Ani Ma’amin” (I Believe), whose original composer is unknown. This piece was arranged by Mathew Lazar, a renowned composer and arranger of Jewish choral music. Maestro Lazar is the founder of the Zamir Choral Foundation, which continues to nurture the growth of Jewish music in the U.S. and Israel. The second selection is “Little Shoes/Eli Eli” by Kevin Keith, a resident of Tampa. When Kevin visited

By Andria Bilan, VP of Development, JFCS

the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., several years ago, he was “overcome with grief” for the victims, especially the children. There was nothing to remember them by, except their “Little Shoes.” He then wrote this poignant composition, interweaving the well-known prayer, “Eli Eli,” into it. This year, the Kristallnacht Commemoration will take place on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, at 7:30 p.m. RSVP at www.jfedsrq.org. The Sarasota Jewish Chorale rehearses most Thursday nights at the Hecht Building on the Federation Campus. For more information about the Chorale, please call Susan Skovronek at 941.355.8011.

Artwork credit: Janet Mishner

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u o Y D i DK n ow

2014

Tuesday, December 2

pating each Friday evening, and local ast May, an Anonymous Dorestaurants donating back 10% or more nor Fund was established by of the bill. the Social Action Committee “The Marine Corps saved my life at Temple Emanu-El when it received and I am passionate about helping otha $500 anonymous donation to help er veterans. We all owe a debt to those homeless and needy individuals in our men and women who have protected community. The Social Action Comour freedom,” stated Dick. A veteran mittee selected the Operation Military of the Korean conflict, Assistance Program Dick entered the Ma(OMAP) at Jewish rine Corps when he was Family & Children’s just 17 years old and Service of the Sunserved two tours over coast (JFCS) to be 33 months. the recipient agency On Tuesday, Noof this funding. And vember 11 our country a designated Anonywill celebrate Veterans mous Donor Fund Day and recognize the was created at JFCS Temple Emanu-El Social Action to help homeless and Committee members Lorraine Glixon efforts of the men and needy veterans and and Dick Gross present check to Rose women who served in Chapman, JFCS President/CEO our Armed Services. their families. JFCS extends its sincere appreciation In order to outreach to more needy to the Social Action Committee of veterans, Dick Gross led the efforts of Temple Emanu-El for its act of loving the Social Action Committee at Temkindness in donating $1,400 to help ple Emanu-El over the summer to raise our OMAP Program and provide asadditional funds to support OMAP. sistance and support to homeless and The Summer Dining Series was held needy veterans and their families. from June through September, with an average of 50 Temple members partici-

Featuring

Camryn Manheim The annual Women’s Day Luncheon provides an opportunity for women to come together around a theme they can all relate to while enjoying an inspiring speaker and a delicious lunch. This year’s event will feature Camryn Manheim, the acclaimed actress and social activist known for her Emmy and Golden Globe winning role on The Practice, who will speak about her topic: Mitzvah Therapy: Living Life Generously.

h lifE g JEwisMhanatEE throuurgal in h ic r n E rasota & , cult in sa aY cElEbratiorntus nitiEs anD holiD travEl oppo s. arts, ging prograM Enga

Over 250 people attended The Federation’s first Interfaith Passover Seder

941.371.4546 theJewishfederation.org

November 2014

13A November 2014 COMMUNITY FOCUS

13A

National Council of Jewish Women, Sarasota-Manatee Section’s 33rd Annual Women in Power Luncheon

he National Council of Jewish Women, Sarasota-Manatee Section’s 33rd Annual Women in Power Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at Michael’s On East at 11:00 a.m. The event will honor three women whose accomplishments mirror NCJW’s focus on social justice by improving the lives of women, children and families, and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. “This is a wonderful way to support NCJW’s local community service projects and hear motivational stories of how these women have added to the richness of our community,” said Chair Sally Yanowitz. The cost for the luncheon is $72. For a personal invitation or more information, call 941.342.1855. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideas into action! Eleanor Merritt Darlington Celebrated Artist, One-Woman Show, Former Chair of Art in Public Places for Sarasota County Eleanor Merritt, a native New Yorker, received B.A. and M.A. degrees in Fine Arts and Education from Brooklyn College CUNY. Her paintings are semiabstract, using figures as symbolic references through images that are based on personal revelations and experiences. The list of her one-woman, group, corporate and juried shows spans the entire country and includes universities, museums, galleries, libraries and art centers. During the past 50 years, she has had over 25 one-woman shows and her works have traveled to California, Colorado, Texas, Massachusetts, New York and Shimonoseki, Japan. She was listed in “Who’s Who in America” in 2000 and 2003. Ms. Merritt celebrated her 25th one-woman show in July 2005 at the Deland Museum of Art in Florida where one of her paintings was added to its permanent collection. Her onewoman shows continued in 2007 at the Selby Gallery, Ringling College of Art, and in 2008 at State College of Florida, Manatee. Past exhibitions also include “Ageless Creativity” at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts in October 2011. In June 2013, Ms. Merritt was the featured artist at the Houston Museum of African American Art with a 50-year retrospective of her work. In 2014, “Over 80 and Still Creating” was another show she participated in at the Manatee Art Center. In addition to Eleanor’s 10-year tenure as an Arts Council board member and Former Chair of the Art in Public Places Program for Sarasota County, she has served on the Ringling Museum of Art Foundation board along with being a docent for 25 years. She has served as President of the Venice Art Center board and served on the board of Art Center Sarasota. She is a longstanding member of the Women’s Caucus for Art, the Petticoat Painters of Sarasota and the Florida Artists Group. She belongs to the only artists’ cooperative gallery in Sarasota – ART UPTOWN.

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Renee Hamad Immediate Past President of the Board of the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota, Vice President of Second Chance Last Opportunity, Community Champion Born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, Renee has lived in five countries along 43 years of marriage to her late husband Sam, former CEO of a large international pharmaceutical company, and later on a prominent land developer in Sarasota. Renee is Immediate Past President of the Board of the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County, Vice President of Second Chance Last Opportunity, a board member of New College Foundation, Sarasota Concert Association, SAFI and the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Renee is also a member of the Florida State University College of Medicine, Sarasota Campus, and is a member of its Board of Directors. Renee is also a lifetime member of the Steinway Society, the Sarasota Musical Archives, a lifetime member of the All Children’s Specialty Care Center Guild of Sarasota, as well as a parishioner of the Church of the Redeemer on Palm Avenue. She completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development through the Eckerd College Experienced Learner Program, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. She serves on the Ambassadors’ Committee for Eckerd College PEL Program. Fluent in three languages, and an accomplished pianist, Renee enjoys needlepointing, knitting, gourmet cooking, playing bridge, mahjong and the culture Sarasota offers. Renee is the proud mother of Dr. Karen Hamad, a local Med-Ped Physician serving SMH and Venice Regional, and of Dr. Michael Hamad, a Ph.D. in Musicology, now living in West Hartford, Connecticut. Both are married with children; Karen has two girls, and Michael has a son and a daughter. Renee shares her home with one chocolate lab, Rex (5) and sometimes, two grand dogs, Harley and Sucre, both rescue labs. Wendy Surkis President of Sarasota Museum of Art, Champion Fundraiser, Accomplished Business Entrepreneur Wendy is a visionary driven by challenge, a prob-

lem-solver, and has a flair for creativity and design. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Long Island, New York. Wendy has a Bachelor’s Degree and received a Master’s Degree in Psychology with a specialty in Art Therapy. You will hear her say her training and experience as an art therapist was the best preparation for spending 25 years growing an advertising agency from a one-office operation into a full-service international firm with 18 branches, several hundred employees and $100 million in sales. Fortunately for all of us, when she retired in 2000, she and her partner moved to Siesta Key, where she brought these strengths to the nonprofit world. She began her community service with Season of Sculpture followed by Coexistence (Embracing Our Differences). When asked to be on the planning committee for a new modern and contemporary art museum for Sarasota, she jumped in and became President of Sarasota Museum of

Art (SMOA). To her surprise, she realized and accepted that she couldn’t change her stripes – 150% commitment is the only way she knows how to give – and went from workaholic to volunteeraholic on the job 24/7 for SMOA. As the primary fundraiser, she helped exceed its fundraising goal for a total of $22,540,603.04. (She always reports the fundraising monies to the penny because she believes each and every donation of any size is important.) Wendy said, “Working directly with President Dr. Larry Thompson and being a division of Ringling College of Art and Design, has been instrumental in bringing SMOA to where it is today. It became crystal clear to me in November 2008, when I was standing on the front steps of the Sarasota High School being handed the keys to the historic building, that this project was going to be my give-back to my community.”

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14A

November 2014

Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle

K’zohar Ha-Ivrit Sefer - a book By Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin

By David Benkof, DavidBenkof@gmail.com Across 1. Kvetch 5. Kiss alternative 9. The Big ___ (nickname for North America’s biggest Jewish city) 14. Shevat, ___, Nisan... 15. Celebration in Bette Midler’s home state 16. ___ Hill (part of Toronto with many Jews) 17. Philip Roth and Henry Roth 19. Color scheme in part of “Schindler’s List” 20. IDF foul-up 21. Haroset holidays 23. “Maoz Tzur” (“Rock of ___”) 25. Flatow or Levin 26. Place for a shtreimel 29. Women’s ___ Network (organization for female Reform clergy) 34. ___ Annie of “Oklahoma!” 35. ___ Reeds 37. Actress Dunham (“Girls”) 38. Marx Brothers specialty 39. Reason “Titanic” passengers Isador and Ida Straus died 42. Yom Ha___ (another name for Rosh Hashanah) 43. Haifa is north of Tel Aviv on ___ 45. “___ Rangers” (Haim Saban franchise) 46. Freudian idea 47. Turn in a new draft to the “Forward” 50. Kind of tallit material 52. Gloria Steinem goal 53. Association for Jewish Studies director Sheramy 54. Zionist Szold 59. Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons,” e.g. 63. Treat someone as if they were in herem (excommunication) 64. Great Jewish court 66. First Zionist Congress site 67. Pop 68. LA Republican Jewish congressional candidate Carr 69. Remains of the destruction of the Temple 70. Rabbinical pioneer Frank and others 71. Luxemburg was a red one

JEWISH INTEREST

Solution on page 16A

Down 1. Container for Manischwitz chicken consomme 2. ___ Olam (prayer that ends Shabbat services) 3. Babylonian Talmud voice 4. Levittown house 5. ___ G (Sacha Baron Cohen persona) 6. What 12-year old boys are on, in terms of Jewish adulthood 7. Brent Spiner’s “Star Trek” role 8. Say “dreck” and “putz” 9. Take in, as the Torah’s teachings 10. Behave as Israel in 1967 11. Common item Hasidic masters used to smoke tobacco 12. Gaza underground tunnel, sometimes 13. Second Temple Period and others 18. Landau won an Oscar for playing him 22. One of Dina’s dozen 24. Mark Zuckerberg, e.g. 26. Genesis woman 27. “South Pacific” song: “There is Nothing Like ___” 28. Costumes for Herod’s men 29. Isaac Asimov’s “I, ___” 30. Sorkin’s “___ Good Men” 31. “B’li ___” (“Don’t hold me to that”) 32. Mandy Patinkin line: “My name is ___ Montoya...” 33. Esther, but not Tobit, is in the Biblical one 36. Rush it 40. Repeat a Torah verse that was read improperly 41. Order at Starbucks 44. Like Pee Wee Herman’s humor 48. Veil-wearers 49. “She Done Him Wrong” actress West 51. Bouncer at Studio 54 53. Presented a movie idea to Spielberg 54. Olam ___ (the world to come) 55. Gabor and Hesse 56. Munch (on) 57. Moscow monster 58. Eilat neighbor 60. “Sailing Down My Golden River” singer Guthrie 61. Ron Arad and Zach Baumel 62. Ticho or Sokolow 65. “Rumor ___ it” (Rob Reiner film)

s we mark Jewish Book Month it will be interesting to explore the word sefer, the Hebrew word for ‘book.’ Sefer is mentioned often in Jewish manuscripts and documents and it has received a variety of meanings throughout time. Sefer is mentioned in the Bible over 185 times with numerous meanings. At times sefer meant ‘a letter’ (II Kings 5:5) and at times ‘a legal document’ (Dt. 24:1), ‘a purchase receipt’ (Jer 32:11) or ‘a recorded document of family history’ Dr. Rachel Dulin (Neh 7:5). Sefer Ha-Torah, the Pentateuch, is also ‘the Scroll of Law’ (Josh 1:7-8), and Sefer Div-ray Ha-yamim Le-mal-khay Yehu-dah ve-Israel, namely ‘the Annals of the kings of Judah and Israel,’ was a historical document recording the life and deeds of the kings (I Kings 14:29). The word sefer is probably derived from the Akkadian verb shaparu meaning ‘send’ and the noun shipru meaning ‘letter.’ The related Hebrew verb sa-per has multiple meanings: ‘count,’ ‘recount,’ ‘number,’ ‘tell’ and ‘narrate,’ Other words derived from the same root are sipur - ‘story,’ siphri-yah - ‘library,’ se-fi-rah - ‘counting,’ and sofer - ‘scribe.’ We should mention that in antiquity most documents were written on clay tablets or papyri and most historical compositions were written on parchment in the form of a scroll. Sefer, therefore, indicated both the composition and the material upon which it was written. So we find that prophetic words were recorded in a

140 kosher characters

sefer (Jer 36:2), curses were documented in a sefer (Num 5:23), and words of instructions were also written in a sefer (Dan 1:4). Sefer is at the center of many Hebraic concepts. For example, Sif-ray Ha-kodesh, ‘the Holy Scriptures,’ and Sefer Ha-se-fa-rim, ‘The Book of Books,’ are two Hebrew names for the Hebrew Bible. On the other hand, Sefa-rim Chi-tzo-ni-yim, ‘The Outside Books,’ is the Hebrew name for the Apocrypha, the books known at the time the Bible was canonized, but were considered irreligious and therefore excluded. We should also mention the Book of Life, Sefer Ha-cha-yim, traditionally considered the book in which God records the fate of each person (Ps 69:29), and we should not forget Sefer Ha-Chinukh, ‘The Book of Education,’ a medieval classical book of Jewish ethical principles written by an anonymous author from Barcelona, Spain. From all that was said, it is not surprising that in Hebrew, Bait Sefer means ‘school,’ for bait sefer is a house of learning where sefer is at the center. The centrality of the sefer in the Jewish tradition is unparalleled. From the early sefer, the scroll, to the bound sefer and on to the electronic sefer of today, the importance of reading a sefer has never diminished. As a people we have always celebrated the beauty of the written word and its impact. May we continue to be enlightened by the writings of the sofrim of old and the many sefarim that are yet to be written. 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.

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SENIORS TheJewishFederation.org The Strength of a people. The power of communiTy.

Be a part of it. For the betterment of Jewish women and children in Israel.

2014 Recipients • • • • •

Nebga – Network of Houses of Hope for Children At-Risk Family Nest Ashkelon – Group Parenting Workshops Orr Shalom for Children and Youth at Risk YEDID – The Association for Community Empowerment Livnot U’Lehibanot – Lifting Single Mothers Out of Poverty

WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE YOUR VOICE WILL BE HEARD. To become a member or for more information: Contact Ilene Fox at 941.343.2111 or ifox@jfedsrq.org The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232

941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

15A November 2014 JEWISH INTEREST

November 2014

15A

A stunning debut novel about loyalty, honor and identity By Philip K. Jason, Special to The Jewish News to fabricate letters requesting war reparations from the German government. While many of the aging Jews in the Gelmans’ Brooklyn community were disadvantaged because of the Nazi regime’s actions during World War II, they had survived the Nazis to lose even more under Soviet repression in the years following the war. First reluctant and then fascinated with the idea, Slava finds himself going along with it. He is now a creative writer, making up biographies with key incidents that qualify the alleged victims for reparations. His underground fame spreads. Money is offered for his services. His grandfather is, finally, proud of him. All goes well until an odd, shrewd inspector corners Slava and starts asking questions. Just as Slava is lured into one part of his destiny, he is lured into another as well. This time, there is far more upside to it. His co-worker, the quirkily independent Arianna Bock, finds something in Slava to arouse her sympathy and then her passion. She leads him into a romance and also wises him up about the ways of a writing career at Century and beyond.

Perhaps Fishman’s greatest gift is his talent for writing group scenes made out of conversations that couldn’t possibly be real but are totally convincing and revealing. There are several such scenes in A Replacement Life that could be expanded into plays. They are filled with social nuance, familiar pettiness, and (from the perspective of the participants) unintentional wit and humor. Fishman’s narrative shines with bright metaphors and similes. Describing a woman who has been assigned by a social service agency to assist his grandfather, he writes: “Like a Soviet high-rise, each floor of Berta was stuffed beyond capacity.” How do things work out with the family, with Arianna, with Slava’s career creating fraudulent lives on paper? Well, that’s a long story. Do yourself a favor and read it for yourself. 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.

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generation of Jewish immigrants from former Soviet Union countries is coming into its own as a special breed of Jewish American writer. The balance of ethnic identity spans a significant range. Some of these writers seem more Eastern European than Jewish, as might be expected when growing up under a regime that had little tolerance for religious communities. Others Phil Jason seem to treasure their Judaism as a kind of heirloom, but still arrive in the U. S. lacking significant Jewish learning or worship experience. In fact, their American lives often make possible the process of Jewish education and acculturation (as Gary Shteyngart recalls his American Jewish day school years in his recent memoir Little Failure). In 1979, Minsk-born Boris Fishman came to the U. S. from Belarus at the age of nine. After well-placed work as an accomplished journalist, Fishman’s first novel is putting him on the map in a big way. Slava Gelman, Fishman’s surrogate, works for a prestigious New York-based magazine called Century. However, whatever his tasks, he has not yet broken through with an article bearing his by-line. He needs to break through, to prove to his skeptical grandfather – the family patriarch – that his choice of a career was

neither foolish nor unmanly. Slava needs, as well, a fulfilling relationship with a woman. The pursuit of these needs springs the action of this unique and brilliant novel, along with the effect of Slava’s grandmother’s death on the family. The Gelman family and their relatives have become part of a RussianJewish enclave in Brooklyn. Inside their community, they are – of course – insiders. Still, they remain outsiders in the larger community of New York City. They admire the abundance of choices that America offers, but they are not able to partake of this abundance on a large scale. An almost totally Americanized Slava has become marginally connected to his family and his roots. To a significant extent, he is an outsider among them. He is also an outsider, for a complex of reasons, in his workplace community. What good are his writerly aspirations doing him or anyone else? His grandfather, the ultimate schemer and scammer, has made a reputation as the guy who can get his hands on things that others cannot. His

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16A

November 2014

JEWISH INTEREST

Journey through injustice Rabbinerin Regina Jonas By Beverly Newman

By Paul R. Bartrop, PhD

hose of you who have come to enjoy reading my column in these pages will realize that I take it as a matter of pride to write only on anniversaries relevant to the specific month of publication. I aim never to write out of sequence. It might come as a surprise, therefore, that I am doing a second article on the month of October 1944. It was then that a Jewish woman was deported to her death at Auschwitz. In itself, this might Dr. Paul Bartrop not seem all that momentous; after all, tens of thousands of Jews were deported to Auschwitz in October 1944. Why single out just one example from all these others? The reason is that this was a woman unique in the entire world: Regina Jonas, the world’s first (and, to that point, only) female rabbi. This month I wish to rescue the memory of Rabbi Regina. Regina Jonas was born in Berlin on August 3, 1902, the daughter of Wolf and Sara Jonas. She grew up in the Scheunenviertel, a poor, mostly Jewish, neighborhood. Her father was a merchant and when Regina was 11, he died of tuberculosis, leaving her mother to take care of herself, her son Abraham, and Regina. At high school, Regina’s passions for Jewish history, Bible and Hebrew saw her develop an interest in what at the time was unthinkable for a girl: she wanted to become a rabbi. She spoke about it often with her fellow students, and studied hard in order to be able to teach. She enrolled in Berlin’s Hochschule für die Wissenschaft des Judentums, and took courses designed for liberal student rabbis. Several people supported her along the way, leading Orthodox rabbis among them. She was even tutored in a weekly shiur (study session) by Rabbi Max Weyl, until his deportation to Theresienstadt during the war. In 1924 she graduated as an “Academic Teacher of Religion,” along with her fellow women students. She then became the only woman who hoped to go one step further and be ordained as a rabbi. The thesis that followed would, in the normal run of events, have been required as one of the important steps leading to ordination. Supervised by Professor Eduard Baneth (who was responsible for rabbinic ordination at the college), the thesis was entitled “Can a Woman Be a Rabbi According to Halachic Sources?” Submitted in June 1930, this was the first known attempt to find a basis in Jewish religious law that would allow for female ordination. Her conclusion was that there was no prohibition in law holding women back from being ordained. The thesis received a grade of “good,” which should have paved the way for ordination, but Professor Baneth died shortly afterward and his conservative successor, Rabbi Chanokh Albeck, refused to ordain a woman. The result saw Regina graduate as a teacher of religion – but only that. After the Nazis came to power in early 1933, there was an increased demand for Jewish religious teachers. Students were forced out of public schools and into Jewish establishments, and “Miss Jonas” worked hard to impart both Jewish knowledge and Ahavat Yisroel (a love of the Jewish people). Throughout the years following, she continued to pursue ordination, until finally, in 1935, Rabbi Max Dienemann agreed. On December 27, 1935, she became Rabbinerin Regina Jonas. She began working as a chaplain in various Jewish organizations, though as a woman she was denied a pulpit by congregations across Germany. The

lthough Margot Coville’s Hess, amongst others. penetrating movie, Journey While just a girl herself, Margot led to Justice, gives an insider’s ten little children into the night alone perspective on the Nuremberg Trials through extreme danger to safe harbor, of major Nazi figures to show the infrom Nazi clutches in France to refuge ner workings of the judicial system’s in Switzerland. Although she saved ten punishment of evildoers, it also starkly young lives with her fortitude, to this portrays the mindset day Margot knows none of mass murderers, of their names and does who never regretted not define her actions as their crimes against heroic. humanity, especialAfter the Holocaust, Margot’s brother, Howly Jews. After the deaths of six million ard Triest, a survivor who Jews and well over had joined the U.S. Army 40 million military during the war, was given personnel and civilthe opportunity to translate for the Nazis on trial ians from the world’s nations, the Nazi at Nuremberg, to face mentality remained the murderers of his parremorseless, even ents, without revealing ostentatiously proud his own Jewish genetMargot Coville of their barbarism. ics. Ironically, Streicher Margot Coville, recently speakassured Triest, “I can smell a Jew a ing at the Al Katz Center in Sarasota, mile away.” was her typical humble self, minimizAlthough there was justice at ing her substantial role in making the Nuremberg, no justice is ever suffimovie a reality for all to know the bacient for the remorseless to experience nality of evil in the minds and souls a sense of conscience and compassion of top Nazi leaders like Hermann for their victims. Their evil was banal Goehring, Julius Streicher and Rudolf and always will be.

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A commemoration The Jewish Federation and the Generation After Group invite you to commemorate Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. Dr. Allan B. Schwartz will discuss “FDR, the Holocaust and The Jewish Question.” Was FDR aware of the atrocities in Europe before and during World War II? Was there a U.S. Jewish Quota? Was FDR an antiSemite? What did FDR trade with Congress, Willkie, Lindbergh? Discuss FDR’s “Jewish Cabal.” What was the Morgenthau Plan? White House documents will be presented.

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spiritual head of German Jewry, Rabbi Leo Baeck, endorsed her ordination after the fact, though he had refused to assist in the process leading her to the rabbinate on the ground that a female rabbi, at that time in German Jewish history, would have caused massive and unnecessary problems within the Jewish community. In the years that followed, Rabbi Regina threw herself into pastoral work. Although she did not have her own pulpit, she spent long hours visiting the sick in Berlin’s Jewish Hospital, and cared especially for elderly Jews who circumstances – whether through age or finances – had left in a precarious position owing to Nazi antiSemitic measures. With the onset of war, she became a roving rabbi, ministering to Jewish communities in towns which no longer had a rabbi. In 1941, she led special services in lieu of regular worship, this no longer being viable in smaller communities from where large-scale emigration had taken place. Her messages were always positive, emphasizing the need to remain true to Judaism and a Jewish identity, despite the horrors taking place outside. On November 6, 1942, Regina and her mother were deported to Theresienstadt. Two days before, she was forced to fill out a declaration form listing all her property. This was then confiscated by the Nazi state. At Theresienstadt she continued working as a rabbi. In this case, as well as counseling older Jews, she also spent a lot of her time and energy preaching to children about the glory of being Jewish and the privilege of doing God’s work. She helped the renowned Austrian Jewish psychoanalyst, Viktor Frankl, in establishing a department of mental hygiene, as a way to prevent suicide attempts. Working without a break for two years, she lectured, preached, counseled and gave hope constantly to those around her. Being a “woman rabbi” was never a concern to her; being a rabbi was. She was aware of her unique status, but considered that to be only a temporary uniqueness; her hope was that this would be the harbinger of something much bigger to follow. On October 12, 1944, time ran out. Rabbi Regina and her mother were deported to Auschwitz, and probably killed the same day. Among her papers, found in 1991 by Dr. Katharina von Kellenbach from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, was a sermon that could have been her epitaph: “May all our work be a blessing for Israel’s future (and the future of humanity)… Upright ‘Jewish men’ and ‘brave, noble women’ were always the sustainers of our people. May we be found worthy by God to be numbered in the circle of these women and men… The reward of a mitzvah is the recognition of the great deed by God.” Amen, v’amen 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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17A November 2014 JEWISH INTEREST

November 2014

17A

Claims Conference reaches landmark agreement with Germany to assist child survivors of the Holocaust

he Claims Conference has reached a landmark agreement with the German Finance Ministry under which the organization and the German government will together provide assistance to Jewish child survivors of the Holocaust. The Claims Conference negotiating delegation emphasized to the German government that the trauma Jewish children suffered during the Holocaust has overshadowed the rest of their lives. Their experiences included devastating separation from parents, witnessing unimaginable atrocities, malnutrition and a range of physically abusive situations. These early traumas are now resulting in late-onset physical and psychological problems that only now are appearing as concrete symptoms in their old age. “Child survivors” are defined as Nazi victims born on January 1, 1928

or later. Those who were in concentration camps, ghettos or were, for at least six months in Nazi-occupied territory or 12 months in Axis countries, in hiding or living under false identity will be eligible to receive a one-time payment of €2,500 (approximately $3,280). The fund is expected to become operational on January 1, 2015, and details will be made available after approval by the German Bundestag and the Claims Conference. The agreement reached by the Claims Conference in negotiations with the German government comes on the heels of the first-ever symposium of Jewish child survivors held in Berlin on August 27 at Centrum Judaicum. “Lost Childhood. Jewish Childhood Survivors” was organized by the Claims Conference in cooperation with the World Federation of Jewish Child Survivors of the Holocaust and

Descendents (WFJCSD) and the Center of Organizations of Holocaust Survivors in Israel. Internationally recognized experts provided a broad picture of the special suffering of Jewish children during the Holocaust and shed light on the particular situation of child survivors today. Witnesses who survived the Holocaust as children shared their experiences and spoke about their life after the Holocaust. An exhibit of the same name at Stiftung Neue Synagoge Berlin - Centrum Judaicum is being presented in conjunction with the symposium. The exhibit – a tribute to the special fate of Jewish child survivors of the Holocaust – was created by the Claims Conference in cooperation with “Agency for Education. History, Politics and Media e.V.” and the “Pedagogical Center of the Fritz Bauer Institut and Jewish Museum in Frankfurt.”

The exhibit will travel throughout Germany over the course of the coming months and panels can be seen at www. jewishchildsurvivors.org. In 2014 the Claims Conference allocated a total of more than $302 million to 120 agencies in 44 countries to pay for homecare, food programs, medical care, dental work, emergency cash assistance and transportation for elderly Jewish Nazi victims worldwide, with substantial financial support (about $185 million in 2014) from the German Government. The needs of Holocaust victims are different now than they were immediately following the war, but no less crucial. And as Holocaust victims age, the Claims Conference support has become even more important in helping every Jewish Nazi victim live out his or her years in dignity and comfort.

Hadassah and Jewish Women International partner to launch “Know Your Worth” program

ewish Women International (JWI) and Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, are joining forces to teach women age 50 and beyond about financial literacy. The new program, “Know Your Worth (Own Your Future): financial education for women in transition,” is being developed by JWI, which has a lengthy track record in developing financial literacy materials for teens and young adult women. Hadassah will distribute the program to its extensive network of chapters throughout the country. This partnership is a groundbreaking collaboration between two major Jewish women’s organizations to combine programming and membership efforts. “Financial education specifically addressing issues critical to women over the age of 50 is of great importance to our membership. JWI has done great work empowering women to understand and take charge of their financial lives, and we are excited to launch this program in partnership with them. The synergy of their expertise and our membership allows us to

give an expanded audience of Jewish women knowledge that can potentially change their lives,” said Dr. Janice Weinman, Hadassah’s CEO and executive director. At the program’s core will be four modules designed to help women understand and plan for the many transitions they often face in their middle years and beyond, among them workplace shifts, the impact of life changes and ensuring long-term economic security. The program is expected to be piloted from January to June 2015 in four Hadassah chapters with full launch following in July. “Over the past decade JWI has been working to bring financial literacy to young women at the beginning of their adult lives,” said Lori Weinstein, JWI CEO. “Yet we get so many requests from women over 50 who are at their own unique financial juncture. Now we are thrilled to be able to turn our attention to this important generation as they plan for new personal and professional adventures. Empowerment is possible in every stage of life.

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It is exciting to think how now, because of this incredible partnership, we will be able to help all women control their financial futures.” About Hadassah Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is the largest women’s Zionist membership organization in the United States and was founded in 1912. With over 330,000 members, associates and supporters, Hadassah is now in its second century, growing its commitment to innovative and life-changing medical care and research, women’s empowerment, education, advocacy, philanthropy and building Jewish identity – in Israel, America and around the world. For more information, please visit www.

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18A

November 2014

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. NFL Jewish Players: 2014 The following players were on a National Football League (NFL) roster as of October 8. All these players have at least one Jewish parent and were raised Jewish or secular: GABE CARIMI, 26, guard/tackle, Atlanta Falcons. An outstanding college player, Carimi was severely injured in his rookie season with Chicago (2011). He was traded to Tampa Bay in 2013 and only started three games last season. Atlanta picked him up in February and he’s played in the first five 2014 season games. NATE EBNER, 25, free safety, New England Patriots. Ebner made the Ohio State Univ. team as a walk-on and excelled in special team play. “Barely drafted” in 2012, he shocked pundits with outstanding play on special teams during his first two seasons. ERIK LORIG, 27, fullback, New Orleans Saints. After four years with Tampa Bay (2010-13), Lorig signed a four-year $4.8M contract with the Saints. TAYLOR MAYS, 25, strong safety, Cincinnati Bengals. 2014 is Mays’ fourth season with the Bengals. If he stays healthy, this may be his first good season. GEOFF SCHWARTZ, 28, offensive guard, New York Giants. Schwartz, a six-year veteran, signed a $16.8M, four-year contract in the off-

season. In 2013, with Kansas City, he started seven games. He was injured in early September, and is not expected back until November 3. MITCHELL SCHWARTZ, 25, offensive guard, Cleveland Browns. (Mitchell is Geoff’s brother.) In his rookie season (2012), Mitchell started all 16 games and repeated this stat in 2013. By the way, Geoff Schwartz said that his injury allowed him to fast on Yom Kippur this year. Normally, he doesn’t fast when the holiday falls on a game day. Back in his college days, Greg Carimi decided to play a critical game that fell on Yom Kippur. He decided to fast on “Jerusalem time” and finished his fast some hours before the game began. October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Think Good Thoughts; Say Prayers; Donate What You Can JOAN LUNDEN, 64, and PAULA ABDUL, 52, are personally and very actively involved in the fight against breast cancer. Lunden, the former host of Good Morning America, disclosed that she had breast cancer last June. She appeared on the cover of the October 6 issue of People magazine with a bald head (she shaved her head rather than wait for her hair to fall out as a result of the chemo treatments that concluded in September). Lunden was also named a “special correspondent” for the Today

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JEWISH INTEREST

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

So here’s the deal: Send Nate an email at nteibloom@aol.com, tell him you saw this ad in The Jewish News, and include your phone number (area code, too). Nate will then contact you about doing a “limited” family history for you at a modest cost (no more than $100). No upfront payment.

hope is that this new video will inspire women and men to take charge of their own breast health through screening, detection and treatment.” You can watch Abdul’s video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMBhbg T8cZE. Too Odd You might have caught on-air interviews with a Dr. MITCHELL LEVY and his wife, Diana Mukpo, concerning their son, Ashoka Mukpo, 33. He’s the NBC cameraman who caught the Ebola virus and was flown back to America for treatment on October 3. Is there a Jewish connection? Yes, but a strange one. Diana, who came from an upper-class English Protestant background, shockingly married leading Tibetan Buddhist monk and teacher Chögyam Rinpoche Mukpo in 1969, when she was 16. Levy, who is Jewish, was a follower of Rinpoche and his personal doctor until the guru’s death from alcoholism in 1987. Diana, who never divorced Rinpoche, had a longrunning affair with Levy, and Ashoka is their biological son. They wed after Rinpoche’s death.

show for the month of October, doing weekly reports on breast cancer issues. Lunden converted to Judaism shortly before marrying her first (Jewish) husband in 1978, with whom she had three now-adult daughters (one of whom recently made Joan a grandmother). Her first marriage broke up in 1992 and, in 2000, she wed businessman JEFF KONIGSBERG. She has had two sets of twins with Konigsberg. Abdul has partnered with the Avon Foundation for Women in a new campaign called #CheckYourself. For this campaign, Adbul made a video that includes a song and dance based on the simple steps a person would take to check themselves for breast cancer. The moves include some hand gestures that approximate how to do a self-exam. She says in a news release: “Singing and dancing are my passions. I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to apply these passions to create a new music video in support of the new global #CheckYourself. This [campaign] is very personal for me. My sister Wendy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000…She inspires me every day. My

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19A 2014 ISRAEL & THENovember JEWISH WORLD

November 2014

19A

Jewish National Fund’s 2nd solidarity mission to Israel arrives in time of war and leaves in peace By Rachel Solomon

uring the 50 days of Operation Protective Edge, Hamas launched 4,500 rockets and mortars from the Gaza Strip into Israel. The war claimed the lives of 66 soldiers and six civilians – among them a 4-year-old boy from a southern kibbutz – and cost over $2.5 billion, making it the country’s most expensive operation in a decade. But those are just the numbers. To understand the effects of the war firsthand, 35 Americans from across the U.S. decided to leave the safety of their own homes and travel to Israel on a solidarity mission with Jewish National Fund (JNF), the second organized in the last month. From August 24 to 28, participants followed the same footsteps of JNF’s first solidarity mission and made visits to Israel’s most battered communities in the south. Despite the barrage of over 100 rockets per day, participants on the mission enjoyed playing with children in Sderot’s JNF Indoor Recreation Center; visited people with disabilities at Aleh Negev, a rehabilitative village near Gaza; and worked with children in Halutza to prepare care packages for IDF soldiers. “I can feel the huge effect that the last thirty days has had on these communities and families here,” said Sheryl Buchholtz of Brooklyn, New York, who spearheaded and co-chaired JNF’s L’Chaim Solidarity Mission II after taking part on the first. “While everyone is weary, they’re very grateful to have our support.” Aside from Ms. Buchholtz, those on her mission experienced the latest Hamas-Israel conflict for the first time. “This experience is a limited engagement for us and won’t have the same long-term emotional effect,” said Rabbi Adam Miller from Naples, Florida. “But for those who are stuck here

and are constantly under the barrage, it’s a completely different story, and I don’t know how the Israelis endure it. I really don’t.”

IDF soldier, Rabbi Adam Miller (Temple Shalom in Naples), Ronald Werner

It was equally hard for Israelis to understand why a group of Americans would purposefully leave the safety of the U.S. to travel to Israel during the war, but they appreciated the show of solidarity. “Last night we shared dinner in Ofakim with 17 IDF soldiers who were responsible for destroying the tunnels in Gaza,” said Ronald Werner of Denver, co-chair of the mission. “I stood up and thanked them for what they did for Israel and the Jewish people, and they said, ‘No, we thank you. Your being here and standing with us gives us the strength for what we had to do.’” Joining Mr. Werner on the mission were his father, Robert Werner of Miami, also a mission co-chair, and his 22-year-old nephew Jack, a recent graduate of Stanford University, who was in Israel six weeks earlier when the war began. “I was really happy to return and support Israel and let her people know they weren’t completely alone in the world,” said Jack Werner of New York City. “I’m sure people here feel very isolated based on the reaction of global media and international politics, so it seemed like an important thing to do.” Midway through the mission, Israel and the Palestinians announced an agreement on a long-term truce. After 50 days of fighting, quiet finally

ensued after Hamas sent a final message. “Hamas let us know a truce was coming,” said Dan Lewis from Chicago. “We were in the south, and right before the truce was announced, there was a barrage of Mission particpants at the Harvey Hertz-JNF Tree Planting Center rockets.” outside Jerusalem Having lifted the ed the small trees and got their hands spirits of so many men, women and dirty, Ronald Werner, an alumnus of children in Israel, the Americans comAMHSI, reflected on how special the pleted their trip and left their mark on experience was for him. the land itself. Joined by students from “I went to Alexander Muss thirtythe Alexander Muss High School in three years ago and have been to Israel Israel (AMHSI), they picked up a more than twenty times. This time I’ve shovel and planted saplings at the Harhad the privilege of having my father vey Hertz-JNF Tree Planting Center and nephew with me,” Werner said. “If outside Jerusalem. this is not the definition of ‘Am Yisrael The planting carried extra meanChai,’ then I don’t know what is. That ing as only two weeks earlier the Cenhas been the undertone of this mission: ter’s namesake and beneficiary, Harvey Am Yisrael Chai!” Hertz, had passed away. As all plant-

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November 2014

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

10 extraordinary places to stay in Israel

If you’re looking for something a little different from luxury chain hotels, B&Bs and youth hostels, then check out these uniquely unusual places to lay your head for the night. By Abigail Klein Leichman, ISRAEL21c, www.israel21c.org f you want to book a room at a fivestar property, a luxury spa hotel, a wooden cabin, a boutique hotel on the beach, a youth hostel or a simple bed-and-breakfast, no problem. Israel has all of that and more. But if you are seeking a really offbeat place to spend a night or two, check out ISRAEL21c’s list of 10 unusual places to stay in Israel. (Kudos to Judith Isaacson of Custom Israel Tours for helping us choose.) 1. Spa cave The Columbarium at Moshav Shekef, near the UNESCO World Heritage Beit Guvrin caves, has three guest rooms set in a chalk cave (Wi-Fi included). The

rock-walled rooms feature chromotherapy lights, fireplaces, a waste-recycling system, and organic bathrobes, towels, soaps and food. Each cave has a private garden and there’s an indoor swimming pool and hot tubs set in former rain-water collection basins. Infor-

mation: Dalia Anav, 972.52.978.7638; dalia.anav@gmail.com. 2. Renovated bus The Zimmerbus bed-and-breakfast (zimmer is Hebrew for a B&B) was created by an Israeli couple in the Negev hilltop village of Ezuz, using discarded buses. Zimmerbus offers

three converted, air-conditioned vehicles (one for couples, two for families) covered with natural adobe and date-palm leaves. A recycling system using wastewater from the Zimmerbuses irrigates an organic orchard, and there’s a new chlorine-free swimming pool. Information: 972.55.667.7962; exodianegev@gmail.com. 3. Ottoman authenticity Akkotel is built into the walls of the Old City of Acre (Acco). The renovated historical building originally was constructed by the Ottoman Turks (who ruled Palestine in the 16th to early 19th century) to billet army officers, and later became a boys school and then a courthouse under the British Mandate. Sixteen one-of-a-kind rooms

combine stoned arches with handmade furniture. Information: 972.4.987.7100; info@akkotel.com. Another historic option in Acre is Efendi, combining two Ottoman mansions meticulously reconstructed under the supervision of the Antiquities Authority and merged into one building as a boutique hotel. Artisans were flown in from Italy to restore the handpainted ceilings and a fresco of the city of Istanbul created in 1878 in honor of the new Orient Express train station. Information: reservation@efendi-hotel .com. 4. A real Crusader inn Montana House, in Jerusalem’s Ein Karem neighborhood, was originally a Crusader inn and is possibly the oldest structure in Ein Karem. Owner-manager Shahar Gur, who opened the property two years ago, says the basement

was built about 1,100 years ago when the Crusaders were building churches in Ein Karem. They called this neighborhood “The Mountain,” and that is where Gur got the name of the hotel. Each of the four floors has its own

luxury suite built from the remains of different eras; the oldest floor is 800 years old and the newest 200 years old. “There are no crosses in the rooms, but we have lots of unique items from that period,” says Gur, who hired an Austrian interior designer experienced in converting European palaces into boutique hotels. Information: montanahom@gmail.com. 5. Bedouin hospitality Kfar Hanokdim between Masada and Arad offers a range of desert accommodations: a goat’s-hair Bedouin tent, 35 desert-style, air-conditioned guest rooms furnished with local wood, metal, stone and salt from around the Dead Sea; and designed lodges (sukkot) made with thick woolen sides and doors with decked wooden floors and futon-style beds for up to eight occupants. Information: 972.8.995.0097; kfar@khn.co.il. 6. Can’t hurt to try a yurt Several sites in Israel offer yurts – Mongolian-style fabric-covered teepees with an underlying wooden structure. Ghengis Khan in the Golan, east of the Sea of Galilee, contains five airconditioned yurts with attached private bathrooms. Four of them hold up to 10 people each, and one up to six. There is a communal kitchen with equipment for guests to use. Information: 972.52.371.5687. Indian Village at Moshav Avnei Eitan in the Galilee is an upscale yurt campsite (think Jacuzzis) that also offers wooden cabins if a tent isn’t your thing. Information: 972.4.676.2151. 7. Dancing in the desert Adama Dance Inn, in Mitzpeh Ramon on the edge of the Negev desert,

continued on next page

For more Israel & the Jewish World items, see pages 9B-11B.

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21A 2014 ISRAEL & THENovember JEWISH WORLD

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continued from previous page

hotel lobby – with popcorn, of course – to heighten the nostalgic atmosphere. Information: 972.3.542.5555. 9. Playing in the mud There’s no shortage of eco-lodges, mud huts and similarly environmentally friendly accommodations in Israel. We’ll mention just three: Kibbutz Neot Semadar, offering 12 huts built of hay bales and homemade mud bricks,

on the road to Eilat (054.979.8433; Smadarim011@gmail.com); Essene Farm in Even-Sappir outside Jerusalem, with six self-catering holiday suites (including one with wheelchair accessibility), made of straw bales covered with thick mud plaster (972.2.644.9588; info@essenefarm. com); and Khan Be’erotayim, a desert inn in Ezuz (see Zimmerbus) constructed from mud, palm leaves, mats and recycled materials.

10. Sleep in an art gallery The Artplus boutique hotel in Tel Aviv boasts 62 rooms dedicated to rotating exhibitions of Israeli art. Five prominent Israeli artists created the murals that set the tone on each floor, and the

ISRAEL Needs You – NOW! foyer and lobby feature works by internationally renowned artists Zadok BenDavid and Sigalit Landau. A library has art books and magazines for guests to peruse. Information: 972.3.542.5555. The Art Gallery Hotel in Haifa was opened in 2010 in a refurbished Bauhaus-style hotel from the 1930s where statesmen such as David Ben-Gurion and Yigal Allon slept over. Nine exhibitions of Israeli art are installed throughout its floors and hallways, along with open displays. On Saturdays, guests can take a free guided walking tour of Haifa art and architecture. Information: 972.4-861.6161; gallery@hotelgallery. co.il. The most exciting new entry in this category is the Elma Arts Complex & Luxury Hotel set to open at the end of 2014 in Zichron Ya’akov. Two expansive galleries will accommodate paintings and sculptures by artists from Israel and all over the world. Four studios will offer artists the opportunity to work in residency at the hotel and offer master classes; and two full-size concert halls will be available for the performing arts. Artworks will be scattered about the hotel itself, which boasts spectacular views of the Mediterranean from guest rooms in its main building and private two-floor “cottages.” Abigail Klein Leichman is a writer and associate editor at ISRAEL21c. Prior to moving to Israel in 2007, she was a specialty writer and copy editor at a daily newspaper in New Jersey and has freelanced for a variety of newspapers and periodicals since 1984.

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22A

November 2014

COMMENTARY

Time for healing and forgiveness in Israel and Palestine From the Bimah Rabbi Harold F. Caminker Temple Beth El of Bradenton

he great philosopher Martin Buber was one Jew who truly exemplified rachmones/compassion for those who are suffering. In a 1937 letter that Buber wrote to Mahatma Gandhi, he made the following observations about the conflict between Jews and Arabs in Palestine: “In this case, two vital claims oppose each other. Two claims of a different nature and a different origin which cannot be objectively pitted against one another, and between which no objective decision can be made as to which is just, which unjust. We consider it our duty

to understand and to honor the claim which is opposed to ours, and to endeavor to reconcile both claims.” Thank God, the missiles have finally stopped coming in from Gaza and the strong response from Israel has concluded. Fifty days of war and devastation have come to an end, for now. Now the hard work begins; finding voices for peace and partners for peace. During the long summer months we all heard lots of analysis as to who was responsible for the death and destruction that took place in both Israel and Gaza. No one should take any joy in what happened. Human life has been wasted and so much spent on weapons of war. Imagine what could be done with such funds and energy if only they were turned to healing and peace, to health and reconciliation. How can we break the seemingly never-ending cycle of violence? How can we improve the lives of the Palestinian population of Gaza who have suffered tremendous losses of life and property under the tyrannical rule of

COMMENTARY BRIEFS YES, ISRAEL WON IN GAZA In June, Hamas operatives activated long-in-the-works plans to escalate terror operations in the West Bank and military attacks from Gaza. Israel responded by launching operations aimed at eroding Hamas’ terror infrastructure in the West Bank and its military infrastructure in Gaza. By the middle of August, Israeli security forces had secured both strategic goals. In the West Bank the Hamas coup plotters had been rounded up, their weapons had been seized, and Hamas’ leaders had been captured. In Gaza, the long-range rockets had been

blown up or wasted, the hang-glider plot had been disrupted, the drones had proven useless, and the tunnels had been destroyed. The country emerged from the summer’s violence more secure rather than less secure. (Omri Ceren, Commentary)

DOES HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF PREJUDICE?

Recently, the executive director of Human Rights Watch, Kenneth Roth, tweeted: “Germans rally against anti-Semitism that flared in Europe in response to Israel’s con-

Hamas, while also allowing the citizens of Israel to live without constant fear of rocket and tunnel attacks? So far, thank God, this cease-fire has proven durable and Israelis and Palestinians are emerging from the darkness that engulfed them for nearly two months. The cease-fire also offers an opportunity for both parties to urgently address the root causes of the violence including the very heart of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, notably the occupation. Without doing so, we are likely to see Hamas come back stronger and with better weapons, as was the case following the two prior conflicts in recent years. This would again lead to further bloodshed and loss of life on both sides. Substantive proposals include the demilitarization of Hamas and the construction of an airport and sea port in Gaza. Such developments would be a major step forward to building a new and better future for Gaza while also protecting the people of Israel. As Jews, our primary love and loy-

alty goes out to our brothers and sisters in our spiritual homeland of Israel. It pains us to acknowledge that once again, Israelis and Palestinians have stared into the abyss, and seen that there is no military solution to their conflict. This latest round of awful bloodshed has ended without winners – only with losers. And yet, there is no alternative. Neither Jews nor Arabs are leaving. Neither have anywhere to go. For each, the land is a fundamental part of their people’s narrative. The hard question is can both people come to accept each other’s narrative. If not, there will never be peace. I pray that no one on either side is willing to accept war as a permanent reality. There must be a commitment to building peace, as hard and complex, and painful that may be. May God finally bless us with reconciliation, healing and shalom. In addition to serving Temple Beth El of Bradenton, Rabbi Harold Caminker is the President of SMRA – SarasotaManatee Rabbinical Association.

duct in Gaza war.” Roth’s framing of this issue is very odd and obtuse. Anti-Semitism in Europe did not flare “in response to Israel’s conduct in Gaza,” or anywhere else. This is for the simple reason that Jews do not cause anti-Semitism. The targets of prejudice are not the cause of prejudice. Anti-Semitism is not a rational response to observable events; it is a manifestation of irrational hatred. The demonstration in Berlin was meant to protest the rough treatment of Jews, and Jewish institutions, across Europe, mainly at the hands of immigrants from Muslim-majority countries. These events included the sacking of synagogues; the desecration of Jew-

ish cemeteries; arson attacks on Jewish-owned stores; and physical attacks on people who dress in an identifiably Jewish manner. The people who perpetrated these violent acts, and who made these genocidal statements, were not protesting Israeli army policy. They were giving vent to sharp and negative feelings about Jews, feelings that obviously predated this summer’s war. Jews were victims of hate crimes in Europe before the latest round of fighting in the Middle East; the massacre of Jewish children at a school in Toulouse, and the fatal attack on the Jewish Museum in Brussels, are two examples. (Jeffrey Goldberg, Atlantic)

23A COMMENTARYNovember 2014

November 2014

23A

If not us, who? By David Harris, Executive Director, AJC, September 14, 2014

orty years ago this month, my life took a new path. Forty years later, I’m still on that path. The year was 1974. U.S. President Richard Nixon and Soviet Chairman Leonid Brezhnev had introduced the word “détente” into the Cold War vocabulary. One of the outcomes was a series of annual Soviet-American exchange programs designed, at least in theory, to widen contacts between the two countries. One such initiative brought six teachers from the USSR to the U.S. for several months to teach Russian language and culture in American schools, and vice versa. I was one of the six Americans selected to live and work in the Soviet Union in the fall of 1974. I was 25 years old. I went with a sense of youthful idealism, believing that such personto-person contact could help ease tensions between nations, even as I had some grasp of the totalitarian nature of the Soviet regime. My mother and her family had fled Soviet communism decades earlier and, shall we say, had no nostalgia for it. I knew that Moscow had crushed the Prague Spring in 1968 and the Hungarian uprising 12 years earlier. I followed the repressive campaigns against Soviet dissidents, and I was aware that Jews suffered from state-initiated persecution. Still, I departed New York’s Kennedy Airport with hope and enthusiasm. It didn’t take me long, though, to figure out that things were far worse than I ever could have imagined. In those days, the Soviets wanted some Western visitors, but only those whose visits they could choreograph. Officials believed that days filled with organized trips to sites sure to impress – from the ballet to the metro system – and encounters with regime mouthpieces could create new Western spokespersons for such notions as “The USSR is far better than I ever imagined,” “The people seem happy,” “I didn’t see any signs of repression,” and “You know, every country has its challenges, be it the USSR or the U.S., but we’re all basically alike.” But the country didn’t really know what to do with the concept of a Russian-speaking teacher who was actually living there, going to work six days a week, and not assigned to any tourist or business group and its official minders. And so the painstakingly-constructed Potemkin Village of Soviet life quickly crumbled, to be replaced for me by growing awareness, from day to day, of a vast system built on tight control, fear and intimidation, economic inefficiency, and widespread social pathologies. Russian President Vladimir Putin may think that the collapse of the Soviet Union was “the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century,” but I beg to differ. The unprecedented model of state repression and central control of the economy was not sustainable, nor should its disappearance be rued for a single moment. But what really hit me was the

pen Now oston in Bo

treatment of the Jewish population. Not quite 30 years after World War II, in which the Soviets had fought tenaciously – after the German invasion in June 1941 shattered the RibentroppMolotov agreement – to defeat Hitler (and liberated Auschwitz in the process), Moscow was carrying out a campaign of cultural genocide against millions of Jews. It was certainly more subtle than the Nazi effort, and didn’t entail mass deportations and death camps, but it did seek to stamp out all vestiges of Jewish life, dole out a painfully high price to those who resisted, and assail Israel and Zionism from morning till night. In my months living and teaching, first in Moscow, then in Leningrad (aka St. Petersburg), I saw all this from the ground up. But then I also witnessed something else that touched me far more deeply than I could ever have imagined – and that ultimately altered the course of my life. I saw some Jews fighting back. They were unwilling to be cowed or bullied, even if the price for their defiance was daily harassment, loss of jobs, difficulties for their spouses and children or, most ominously, imprisonment in the Gulag. All that I had taken for granted in my life as an American Jew was the focus of these modern-day heroes. Whether it was the right to worship freely or openly wear a Star of David, to study Hebrew or read Leon Uris’s Exodus, to learn about Israel or pay homage to the memory of Holocaust victims, or to celebrate holidays or organize a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, none of this was permitted in the Soviet Union. To the contrary, each entailed significant risks. For these heroes, their lifeline was the West and, above all, the Jewish world. The fate of those who challenged Kremlin authority had not been a pretty one since 1917. Why should Jews in 1974 experience anything different? The answer, I came to understand, lay, first and foremost, in Jewish solidarity. It meant ensuring that Soviet Jews never felt alone. No Iron Curtain could keep Jews apart, allowing the Soviets to do what they wished with impunity. And no less importantly, it meant mobilizing public opinion, especially in the U.S., and urging the American government to convey the stark message that “détente” without steps to improve the lives of Jews, and allow emigration for those who wished to resettle in Israel and elsewhere, was an empty shell. By the time I was detained by Soviet authorities on a frigid December day, shortly after leaving the one synagogue remaining in Moscow – which existed mostly as a showpiece for Westerners – and put on a plane to Helsinki, I understood that my life had changed irreversibly. I had met many Soviet Jews, visited some homes, befriended several “refuseniks” who were living in limbo between their desire to leave and their inability to do so, and heard – in

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I’ve learned a lot in these past four decades, since seeing Moscow for the very first time. Above all, I grasped two essential lessons. It’s totally up to each of us. If not us, who? And the seemingly impossible can be achieved. Not easily by any stretch, but the story of Soviet Jewry is ultimately one of redemption and renewal. Now fast forward to 2014. Jews face new threats and dangers, from efforts to isolate and demonize Israel to growing questions about the very future of some Jewish communities in Europe. Isn’t it time for each of us to ask how we can help – and to remind ourselves that, however immense the challenges, history has shown they can be surmounted? For more information, visit www.ajc.org.

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hushed tones, of course – individual stories of discrimination and persecution, coupled with dreams of new lives abroad as Jews. Rather than wonder what I might have done during the Holocaust were I alive, I was confronted with the great challenge of my era – to be that lifeline for Soviet Jews, prevent cultural genocide, and show that we could stand strong, even against the most powerful totalitarian regime on earth. And so within three months of my unplanned arrival in the Finnish capital, I was working in Rome, where Soviet Jews lucky enough to get out were being processed for onward travel and resettlement. Then came Vienna, the first arrival point in the West for arriving Soviet refugees. And then came AJC from 1979 onward. There were no more thoughts of the State Department or UN as a career path.

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24A

November 2014

Acts of kindness Education Corner By Dr. Geraldine Nussbaum

n keeping with the season of the Jewish New Year, I am reminded of a piece I read ten years ago written by Rosalynn Carter: “One of the most rewarding tasks in life is to teach our children, and in teaching them, to learn again some simple truths about ourselves. Children have said that kindness is the connection that links us all together and strengthens the bonds within our communities, neighborhoods and families. I am sure all of us have seen how easily and genuinely kindness flows from children – the sharing of favorite foods, the offering of toys, and the sincerely felt concern over wounds suffered by others. Simple acts of kindness are natural to children. It is this quality that makes a child’s smile melt our hearts. But it is also a quality that is fragile and easily crushed if not respected, nurtured and appreciated.” These words are the foreword to the book Kids’ Random Acts of Kindness, and my first random act was to purchase a copy for my faculty, with the challenge to perform kindnesses to each other and to our students. From the book, I share one of the most beautiful stories about a child’s kindness to a sibling: A girl, age eight, had a rare disease and only her sixyear-old brother had the type of blood she needed to live. His mother asked him if he would be willing to donate blood to save his sister’s life. He said

he’d have to think about it. After a while, he returned and agreed to the transfusion. The children went to the clinic together. The doctor had them lay down on adjoining beds, and drew blood from the boy until the plastic transfusion bag was full, then transferred the bag over to the sister, allowing it to drip slowly into her arm. As his sister was receiving his blood, the brother called the doctor over and whispered in his ear, “Will I start to die right away?” The boy thought that giving blood to his sister meant that he would be giving up his life for her. That was the reason for asking to think about it. What a marvelous heart this little boy had. And what an overwhelming act of gemilut chesed he performed. Children look forward, not back. They like to think about what could be, not what was. Kids are possibility addicts. Tomorrow they’ll hit a home run, the day after they’ll get along with their sister, next year they’ll get a nicer teacher. They’re always working on something. If you listen carefully, you’ll hear a language of hopefulness and striving, an elasticity that keeps them going and going. Kids love to master challenges. They want to try new things, move in new directions, and be productive. They are genuine risk-takers. More than anything else, children want and need to belong, to partner, to collaborate. Kids teach us how, with a positive focus, we can move forward in a healthy direction. But what are we offering them? When most of us were children, the adults around us believed that the future would be better than the past. Today, kids are being educated in

“Our Summer Place” est. 1963            

               

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            Summer Resident Camp of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta Accredited by the American Camp Association

The PJ Library program supports families in their Jewish journey by sending Jewishrelated books and music on a monthly basis to children for free. Follow us at facebook.com/pjlibraryofsarasota Visit the Federation website to sign up!

FOCUS ON YOUTH

a context in which the adults around them believe the future will be worse than the present. Research has shown that children who are raised by parents who teach them to avoid negative situations – “Be careful, you’ll get hurt” or “Try harder or you’ll fail” – tend to be defensive, isolated and overall low achievers, seeing the world as dangerous. On the other hand, children whose parents demonstrate and support active engagement in the community, who teach a positive model of interaction with the world, become high achievers. As adults and teachers, we must ask more of our children than they know how to ask of themselves. What can we do that will foster their openhearted hopefulness, that will engage their need to collaborate and that will be an incentive to bring out their natural compassion? To help children feel good about themselves, we have to help them feel good about the world. We, too, must learn again to think and feel good about the world. As professional educators, we should set for ourselves the goal of becoming superb teachers. Haim Ginott wore several hats: writer, psychologist, teacher and father. He said, “I’ve come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. My personal approach creates the climate. My daily mood makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or de-humanized.”

Perhaps, in keeping with our random acts of kindness, we should loosen our stranglehold in being right, stop trying to affix blame for the imperfect world in which we live, and simply enjoy our children. I conclude with three suggestions: 1. Believe that we do make a difference in the lives of our students. Believe that we are important to them and that they need us. One of the hardest parts of being an educator is that the results of our efforts aren’t always immediately obvious. Often we do not see how much we impact our students until later, sometimes, years later. We may have thought that our advice fell on deaf ears. Then, a former student tells us about something we did years earlier that changed his/her life. 2. Decide to be wholly involved with the child’s school and encourage the parents to do the same. 3. Be a problem solver, not just a problem pointer-outer. Adopt a “can-do” mentality. Will we solve every problem? Probably not. But we can always make some things better. We attended Selichot services which introduced us to Rosh Hashanah, which was followed by Yom Kippur. The new year should give us pause to think seriously about creating a generation of compassionate optimists. Dr. Geraldine Nussbaum @the corner of Tuttle and Jewish Learning wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year. Dr. Geraldine Nussbaum is the Interim Director of Religious Studies for Paver Religious School.

Dan Ceaser hired as Director of TBS Schools

he school year at Temple Beth Sholom Schools began with the best news possible! The Temple Beth Sholom Board of Directors approved hiring the next Director of TBS Schools: Dan Ceaser, a brilliant, experienced leader who brings his dynamic entrepreneurial style to Sarasota. Dan was the Founder and Head of School at KIPP Tech Valley Charter School in New York, where he created an exemplary college preparatory institution, earning the distinction of the highest performing public middle school in Albany and one of the most successful public charter schools in the nation. While Head of School, he oversaw the design and completion of a $6 million academic facility and raised over $1.5 million in additional funding to create a comprehensive model for high school placement and support. He is currently the Middle School Director at Kentucky Country Day School, where he has cultivated an environment where ambitious, student-centered inquiry projects and innovative 21st century curricular initiatives have flourished. Under his

Dan Ceaser and family

stewardship, innovative middle school curriculum initiatives including Environmental Engineering, Advanced Programming, Textile Arts, 3D Fabrication and Robotics form the cornerstone of a new, $15 million school-wide STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) campaign for 2015. If you would like more information on Temple Beth Sholom Schools for preschool-8th grade, please call the office at 941.552.2770.

S.K.I.P

F O R M O R E I N F O CO N TAC T: J E R E M Y D I C TO R 941.343.2106 O R J D I C TO R @ J F E D S R Q.O R G

Send-A-Kid-to-Israel Program

TheJewishFederation.org Questions?

Contact Jeremy Dictor 941.343.2106 or jdictor@jfedsrq.org

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

November 2014

25A November 2014 FOCUS ON YOUTH

25A

Camp Barney Medintz sets open house in Sarasota

amp Barney Medintz, the summer resident camp of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, will present a musical slide production and presentation for returning and new “Camp Barney” families from Sarasota and Bradenton on Sunday, November 16 at 4:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota on Sarasota Bay. Jim Mittenthal, M.S.W., Camp Director, will meet with families, answer questions pertaining to the 2015 summer camp season, and provide applications for registration. Camp Barney Medintz is located in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains on 540 wooded acres surrounding two private lakes just 75 miles north-

east of Atlanta. According to Mr. Mittenthal, the setting facilitates “every imaginable activity,” including water skiing, hydro-tubing, wake boarding, swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, leaping off the “Blob” or soaring down the 180-foot “Hurricane” water slide, horseback riding, “zipping” over 1,000 feet across Lake Wendy, whitewater rafting, tennis, all land/court sports, theatre, crafts, music, Israeli culture, dance, film studio, cooking “classes,” mountain biking, climbing the adjacent Appalachian Trail and a series of highadventure rock climbing, rappelling and ropes courses. Specific age groups may also enjoy fending, karate, ceramics and scuba diving!

“Camp Barney,” celebrating its 53rd summer season, has created “a unique community that is all about adventure and self-discovery, exhilarating activities and exciting events, being in a strong culturally Jewish environment with really great friends, all under the supervision of an outstanding group of mature, talented, conscientious and enthusiastic staff,” said Mr. Mittenthal. Camp Barney annually develops new construction projects to improve its spectacular mountain facility. Recent additions include a major cultural and performing arts complex, an exciting new sports complex and “Food Network”-type camper kitchen, the new Marcus Health Center, and the

construction of a brand new 2nd swimming pool with double water slides! New for 2015: “CBM LIVE!” is an incredible two-week specialty camp with either a Music/Band track or a Theatre track! Inquiries about all CBM programs during the 2015 summer season are again far exceeding previous years and each of the two- and fourweek sessions is likely to fill to capacity very rapidly. For more information about “CBM LIVE!” and all other Camp Barney programs, Family Camps, staff opportunities, or other CBM adventures, please call the Camp Barney Medintz Office in Atlanta at 770.395.2554.

Join SRQUSY for fun events By Camryn Cohen, SRQUSY President

n September 14, SRQUSY (the Sarasota chapter of United Synagogue Youth) had its first event of the year, which we called “Kick Off Cool Off.” Teens from all over Sarasota in grades nine through twelve came together and played kickball with a twist. Instead of running to the bases, kids had to slide into the bases on Slip ‘n’ Slides. “It was a great event. We had such a great turnout and it was so much fun.

I can’t wait for the next event,” said tenth grader and Programming Vice President Gabriella Hazan. During the High Holidays, SRQUSY distributed apples and honey at Temple Beth Sholom for all those who attended services to wish them a sweet new year. If you are in grades nine through twelve and are interested in joining SRQUSY, email me at camrynmae5@ gmail.com, or call Youth Director

Robert Patsko at Temple Beth Sholom at 941.955.8121. Also check out SRQUSY’s Facebook page or follow @ srqusy on Instagram for upcoming events. We can’t wait to see you at our next event! SRQUSY members take advantage of the hot weather during their “Kick Off Cool Off” event

March

APRIL 12 – 26, 2015

OF THE LIVING An unforgettable and life-changing experience!

For 11th & 12th Grade Students

“... the trip of a lifetime.” COMPLETE INFORMATION, ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS & APPLICATION:

www.jfedsrq.org

Questions? Contact Jeremy Dictor at 941.343.2106 or jdictor@jfedsrq.org

Selected teens will spend a week in Poland and march from Auschwitz to Birkenau with thousands of fellow Jews from around the world on Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day). The particpants will then spend a week in Israel on Yom Hazikaron (Israel Memorial Day) and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) seeing the incredible sites and sounds of our homeland. Student cost is $1,000, (trip value $5,700). Application deadline is November 30, 2014.

Get complete information under the Teen Section at www.jfedsrq.org Questions? Contact Len Steinberg at 941.552.6301 or lsteinberg@jfedsrq.org

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

www.TheJewishFederation.org

PANIM EL PANIM

The Federation will be subsidizing a trip to Washington, D.C. for students in 10th, 11th or 12th grade to participate in the Panim el Panim Seminar on March 29-31, 2015.

Let your voice be heard!

During this subsidized trip to Washington D.C. you can learn how to make a difference and advocate for the issues most important to you while exploring our nation’s capital. The PANIM Institute of BBYO is creating a movement of young activists ready to take on the challenges facing the Jewish people, America and the world.

On March 1-3, 2015, Join over 6,000 activists for THE AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE in Washington, D.C.! FEDERATION WILL BE SUBSIDIZING UP TO 6 STUDENTS! If you are a high school or college student, a leader, and passionate about Israel advocacy, apply today at

www.jfedsrq.org. Application Deadline: NOVEMBER 30, 2014

Application deadline: November 30, 2014. For more information, contact Jeremy Dictor at 941.343.2106 or jdictor@jfedsrq.org

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

For more information, contact Jeremy Dictor at 941.343.2106 or jdictor@jfedsrq.org Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

26A

November 2014

FOCUS ON YOUTH

Temple Sinai welcomes TEE children prepare new Youth Group Director for Rosh Hashanah

eb Bryan has joined the proScience (BS) in English Education. fessional staff at Temple Sinai Deb also has a Bachelor of Fine Arts as the new SAFETY/JOOSY (BFA) in Theatre, a Masters of EducaYouth Group Director. Deb’s career tion (M Ed) in Interdisciplinary Studies in Curriculum and Instruction, and working with children began in 1991, an Educational Specialist (Ed Spec) and she currently teaches in the English Department at Riverin Educational Leaderview High School. Deb has ship. also taught at Pine View Deb is the daughter School for the Gifted as well of Dr. Barry Torine and as Booker High School. In Mrs. Saundra Torine. 2006-07, Deb taught music She is married and has at Temple Sinai, and she is two children, Dylan and happy to be working again Madison, who attended with such a fine staff. religious school and At The Jewish Federacelebrated their Bar and tion of Sarasota-Manatee, Bat Mitzvahs at Temple Deb volunteers on the DoSinai. mestic Teen Travel ComShe looks forward Deb Bryan mittee and has also been a proofreader to working with youth group members, of The Jewish News. and all Jewish youth in grades 6-12 In 2001, Deb was the Sarasota are always welcome to join in what County Teacher of the Year and has promises to be a fantastic year, which received numerous other awards, inwill include social events, fundraising cluding a Distinguished Alumni Award opportunities and more. from the University of South Florida Deb can be contacted at dbryan@ where she received a Bachelor of sinaisrq.org.

spurlinphoto.com

emple Emanu-El children spent the weekend before Rosh Hashanah preparing for the special day through study, art, community service, prayers, tasting traditional foods, and exploring ritual objects. Temple Emanu-El’s youngest children gathered with their parents and grandparents on September 20 for a special Tot Shabbat program designed to infuse families with the Rosh Hashanah spirit. In addition to enjoying time on the playground and a bagel breakfast, participants created Rosh Hashanah cards for seniors served by Jewish Family & Children’s Service; recited the blessing over fruit and sampled apples and honey; sang Rosh Hashanah songs; and heard an original Rosh Hashanah story told by Rabbi Brenner Glickman. The morning concluded with the sounding of the shofar and the opportunity for the children to try their hand at shofar blowing; many of the children displayed an amazing knack for blowing shofar! The fun and meaningful event was chaired by Liana Sheintal Bryant, Stefanie Guido and Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman.

Temple Emanu-El Religious School students prepared for Rosh Hashanah at a special all-school celebration on September 21. After learning about Rosh Hashanah in their classrooms and from Director of Education Sabrina Silverberg, students rotated through art, card-making and food-tasting stations. Parent volunteers helped the children create foam honey pots and shofars, complete Rosh Hashanah coloring pages and activity sheets, make cards to be distributed through Jewish Family & Children’s Service, and enjoy apples and round challah dipped in honey. For more information about Tot Shabbat or Temple Emanu-El Religious School, please call 941.371.2788.

blake@spurlinphoto.com 6 7 7 N . Wa s h i n g t o n B l v d . S a r a s o t a F l

Temple Emanu-El Religious School secondgraders Rocco Rell and Duke Pullam created Rosh Hashanah greeting cards for seniors served by Jewish Family & Children’s Service at the school holiday celebration on September 21

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Temple Emanu-El Religious School student Aliyah Anderson and teacher Shelley Simson got ready to taste apples and honey at the September 21 school holiday celebration

Layla and Stella had a great time together at Temple Emanu-El’s Rosh Hashanah-themed Tot Shabbat on September 20

Muffin Madness

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emple Beth Sholom’s Paver Religious School once again partnered with the temple Sisterhood in baking apple muffins for Jewish residents in local residential care centers and rehabilitation facilities. Organized by Joan Braude, this intergenerational mitzvah project prepared over 500 muffins. On September 14, students chopped, measured and stirred in Tem-

ple Beth Sholom’s kosher kitchen. The baking was supervised by Joan Braude, Julie Friedman, Betty Levitt and Denise Shereff. Deborah Bortnick, Julie Friedman, Jane Greenfield, Becky Jaffer, Evie Mitchel, Ted and Belle Probst, Hannah Puckhaber, Felicia Servetz and Jan Silverman packaged and delivered the muffins before the start of Rosh Hashanah.

Olivia Knego

Julie Friedman and Alain Gurov-Pridyuk

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

Klingenstein Jewish Center, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Jeremy Dictor, Director of S.T.E.P. and Family Programs 941.343.2106 • jdictor@jfedsrq.org

The Jewish News is a monthly nonprofit newspaper supported by generous readers, committed advertisers and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

27A LIFE CYCLE

November 2014

ANNIVERSARIES 65th Morton & Libby Greenberg Temple Sinai 60th Marvin & Lori Feigen Temple Emanu-El 55th Harry & Dr. Gayle Yaverbaum Temple Emanu-El 50th Allan & Sandy Schneiderman Temple Emanu-El 45th Richard & Barbara Brown Temple Sinai

45th Howard & Dorothy Katz Temple Sinai 40th Richard & Betty Greenspan Temple Sinai 20th Andrew & Eva Bates Temple Sinai 15th Marian & Ken Raupp Temple Emanu-El

Sarasota-Manatee Chevra Kadisha

BIRTHS

Addie Bay Pomerantz, parents Erica and Benjamin Pomerantz, grandparents Ronnie and George Freed, September 2, Temple Sinai

IN MEMORIAM Arthur S. Brock, 90, of Sarasota, formerly of Longboat Key and New Rochelle, NY, Sept. 22 Mickey Quittner, 90, of Sarasota, formerly of Budapest, Hungary, Sept. 13 Tana Sandefur, 81, of Sarasota, Sept. 24 Betty Schiff (nee Topkis), 95, of Longboat Key, Sept. 12 Herbert G. Schiff Jr., 94, of Sarasota, Aug. 30 Steven Robert Schulman, 63, of Bradenton, Sept. 27 Sally Shapiro, 84, of Longboat Key, formerly of Wooster, OH, Sept. 2 Bernard Yablon, 90, of Sarasota, formerly of New York, NY, Sept. 13

admin 941.224.0778 men 941.377.4647 941.484.2790 women 941.921.4740

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Please submit your life cycle events (births, B’nai Mitzvah, anniversaries) to jewishnews18@ gmail.com. Photos are appreciated; please email as JPGs at 300dpi.

F A Q 140 kosher characters

During times of need for generations Jewish members of the Sarasota community have turned to Toale Brothers.

TAHARA

B’NAI MITZVAH Joshua and Justin Clark, sons of Russell and Lori Clark, November 8, Temple Emanu-El Jolie Mallitz, daughter of Craig and Dr. Michelle Mallitz, granddaughter of Randy and Susan Mallitz, November 15, Temple Emanu-El Rebekah Steinbach, daughter of David and Anne Steinbach, November 22, Temple Emanu-El

27A

Gerry Ronkin

Jewish Family Coordinator Office

941-955-4171 cell

941-809-5195

GARDEN OF ABRAHAM SKYWAY MEMORIAL GARDENS BURIAL PLOTS AVAILABLE BELOW CEMETERY RATES

CALL TBE AT 941-755-4900 FOR MORE INFORMATION

How do I get items in The Jewish News? Email your articles and photos to jewishnews18@gmail.com. What are The Jewish News deadlines? Items are due the 25th of each month, or earlier if the 25th falls on a weekend or holiday. Where can I get a copy of The Jewish News? Papers are available at several local libraries, synagogues and offices throughout Sarasota-Manatee. Can’t find it? Email jhanley@jfedsrq. org and let her know where you’d like to see the paper. How do I place an ad in The Jewish News? Contact Robin Leonardi, account executive, at rleonardi@jfedsrq.org or call 941.552.6307.

Out g n i s s i M e r ’ You On Birthda y Pres ents

Please confirm your birth date with us and get a chance to win one of our monthly gifts.

Tandoor

Shalom! We are in the process of updating our database. This information allows us to appropriately plan our yearly programs to better serve you. To make this fun we will have monthly drawings thru December. All who confirm will be eligible in the month that confirmation occurs to win a prize!

Congrats to October winner: Barbara Katz!

3 EASY WAYS TO ENTER

visit: www.jfedsrq.org (under events) email: jnew@jfedsrq.org OR call: 941.552.6304 LIMITED TO ONE ENTRY PER PERSON.

Our annual resource guide will be available throughout Sarasota-Manatee and online in December!

www.SarasotaConnections.org

28A

November 2014

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

Serving our community since 1971!

Published by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee www.jfedsrq.org

November 2014 - Cheshvan/Kislev 5775

Volume 44, Number 11

Jewish Happenings SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 CHJ presents Rev. Roger Fritts After the 10:30 a.m. Shabbat service, the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism will feature Rev. Roger Fritts, Minister for the Sarasota Unitarian Universalist Church, who will present “Are You an Atheist, an Agnostic or a Theist?” All are welcome at Unity, 3023 Proctor Rd., Sarasota. For more information, contact the CHJ office at 941.929.7771 or chjsarasota@ hotmail.com.

Annualmeeting

Sunday, November 16, 2014 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Chair: Helen Glaser

Shabbat Shaboom at TBS Join use for an exciting new program happening on Saturday mornings at Temple Beth Sholom! We have playtime, snack and an age-appropriate service geared toward preschool and early elementary children, although any age children are welcome. Shabbat Shaboom takes place at 10:30 a.m. on November 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 in the Temple Beth Sholom Multi-Purpose Room, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. For more information, please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@templebethsholomfl.org.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Gil Hoffman on “Peace, Politics and Projectiles” Sponsored by

Join us for an engaging lecture by Gil Hoffman, chief political correspondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post. Gil will present “Peace, Politics and Projectiles – An Insider’s Look at the War in Gaza and its Aftermath.” This free event is open to the public and begins at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. RSVP required at www.jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, contact Len Steinberg at 941.552.6301 or lsteinberg@jfedsrq.org.

“The Arab-Israeli Conflict” Lifelong Learning Academy (LLA) presents renowned archaeologist, historian and international consultant Dr. Steven Derfler in “The ArabIsraeli Conflict: The 100-Years War in a Twice-Promised Land.” This stimulating workshop takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Selby Auditorium on the campus of the University of South Florida, SarasotaManatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets are $75 (includes box lunch and afternoon snack); LLA members receive a 10 percent discount. Space is limited. To register, call 941.359.4296.

Torah Tots Join other parents, grandparents and caregivers as we explore the child’s world through story, song, cooking, crafts and circle time. Torah Tots encourages multi-sensory experiences that stimulate emerging language, motor development, socialization and bonding between parents and child. Explore child rearing from a Jewish perspective, participate in group activities and learn Jewish customs that will enhance this unique time in your toddler’s life in these formative years. Torah Tots takes place from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. Suggested Donation: $6. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

Mildred Sainer Pavilion at New College 5313 Bay Shore Rd • Sarasota, FL 34243

RSVP required: www.jfedsrq.org or Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232

941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

YOU ANSWER. WE ALL WIN.

Sunday, November 2nd

is SUPER SUNDAY. You’ll be called to support the Federation’s mission of saving lives and enhancing Jewish life.

Make a difference. MAKE YOUR DONATION NOW: - Visit www.TheJewishFederation.org - Or contact Martin W. Haberer at 941.552.6303 or mhaberer@jfedsrq.org YOUR DONATION TO FEDERATION WILL HELP: • Provide students with college scholarships.

WE HAVE A LOT TO SAY WANT TO DISPLAY THE JEWISH NEWS IN YOUR OFFICE OR BUSINESS?

• Provide kids with grants to attend Jewish overnight camps and scholarships for religious school. • Send teens to Israel, Poland, and Washington, DC, for leadership, education, and advocacy programs. • Strengthen partnerships with: Embracing our Differences, Florida Studio Theater, Perlman Music Program/Suncoast, All Faith’s Food Bank & Jewish Family and Children’s Service. • Community programs: PJ Library, Jewish Film Festival, Women’s Passover Celebration, and community holiday celebrations. • Support of Jews, young and old, in Israel and other geographical areas of need.

YOU ARE THE JEWISH COMMUNITY. WE ARE YOUR FEDERATION.

TOGETHER, WE DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS. Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

Robin Leonardi, Account Executive: 941.552.6307 • rleonardi@jfedsrq.org

www.TheJewishFederation.org

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

November 2014

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 JFCS Bereavement Support Group Sponsored by

This group meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays from November 4 through December 9 at JFCS, 2688 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Cost: $36 per person for the six-week session. For more information, contact Suzanne Hurwitz at 941.366.2224 x166 or shurwitz@jfcs-cares.org.

Torah & Tea Join Chanie Bukiet in her home for a weekly dose of delicious tea and refreshments spiced with thoughts on the weekly Torah portion and roundtable discussions. This is a free weekly event that will take place on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to noon. 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.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Temple Emanu-El’s “Lunch with the Rabbi”

NEW YEAR’S EVE ROOFTOP

Wednesday, December 31, 2014 Top floor of Palm Parking Garage 1289 N Palm Ave, Sarasota

VIP

TICKETS

Multi-channel wireless headphones Two live DJs including Israeli DJ Dor Dekel Incredible view of city & fireworks OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Includes: Cash bar and cash food vendors, free party favor and champagne toast at midnight General Admission: $70 (Oct. 2 - Dec. 30 at noon) At Door: $80 (based on availability)

Includes: VIP lounge with open bar, assorted hors d’oeuvres and free champagne toast at midnight General Admission: $150 (Oct. 2 - Dec. 30 at noon) At Door: $180 (based on availability)

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 free, popular, stimulating and enjoyable program at noon at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Attendees are asked to bring a brown-bag lunch and are also welcome to bring a newspaper article for discussion. Homemade dessert and terrific company are provided! For more information, call the temple office at 941.371.2788.

Rabbi Huntting’s Brown Bag Bring your lunch and come for this casual gathering. Discussion on current events determined by the group, which meets at noon on Wednesdays, November 5, 12 and 19 at Temple Sinai, 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. No cost. For more information, please call Mike Benesch at 941.924.1802.

Book Review: Kaddish - Women’s Voices In observance of Jewish Book Month, the Idelson Library and Temple Beth Sholom Sisterhood jointly present a review of Michael Smart and Barbara Ashkenas’s book, Kaddish - Women’s Voices. This anthology is from women around the world as they share the pain and joy in their memories of loved ones as they committed to reciting Kaddish for 11 months. This free event is open to the public and begins at 1:15 p.m. in the Temple Beth Sholom Band-Desenberg Memorial Chapel, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@templebethsholomfl.org.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Great Musical Jews - Their Lives & Times Russian-born renowned violinist Isaac Stern maintained close ties with Israel, where he began performing in 1949. During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Stern performed for wounded Israeli soldiers, and also performed in Israel during the Iraq Scud missile attacks on Israel in 1991. At one of his performances, an air raid siren blasted, causing panic in the audience, whom Stern soothed by playing a movement of Bach as the audience wore gas masks throughout his performance. Join us at 2:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 713 South Orange Avenue, Burns Square, Sarasota. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy kosher refreshments included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Le Petit Marche Join Temple Beth Sholom Schools as Michael’s On East is transformed into a bustling French marketplace filled with tres chic goods from Sarasota boutiques, salons and fitness spots. Proceeds benefit TBS Schools’ schoolwide technology needs and lower-school playground. The event takes place from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Michael’s On East, 1212 SE Ave., Sarasota. Please call TBS Schools at 941.552.2770 for more information and tickets.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Rhythm & Jews Musical Shabbat Service

TICKETS: SILENTDISCOSARASOTA.COM

Join Rabbi Huntting, Chazzan Abramson, friends and neighbors at 6:00 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. Come and hear the Bruno Family Musicians as they join Rabbi and Chazzan for an uplifting service with a variety of traditional, Israeli, Sephardic and Chasidic melodies. For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802.

TBE Men’s Club Shabbat

Sponsored by

PAID FOR IN PART BY SARASOTA COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX REVENUES

Kristallnacht Commemoration Sponsored by

Stage II Nov. 13 - 30

A Comedy of manners … without the manners

TICKETS & more info 941-488-1115 ● VeniceStage.com

WAKE UP YOUR MIND AT PIERIAN SPRING ACADEMY

Enjoy FREE lectures by PSA’s distinguished faculty. 2:00 p.m. • Selby Public Library, 1331 First St. Open to the public at no charge. Free parking. Wed., OCt. 29

•

tue., NOV. 4

Claudia deschu

•

Art Kesten

•

Rapid Changes in Science and Technology. •

Spectacular Art in Gold.

MON., NOV 10 • Sam Roberts • Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather and Mike Wallace -- What Were They Really Like? tue., deC. 2

•

Cheryl Smith

•

A Tapestry Woven from the Threads of Our Lives. Registration is now open for PSA’s 2014-15 Lifelong Learning Courses.

Visit: www.PSAsrq.org; e-mail: info@PSAsrq.org or call: 716-2471 to request a catalog.

Come and enjoy a terrific kosher falafel lunch at noon at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. All you can eat falafel for $5. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

BNC Prospective and New Members Reception Join the Brandeis National Committee Sarasota Chapter at 7:00 p.m at the home of Audrey and Stan Lourie to meet board members and to learn about BNC, the largest non-alumni friends of a university group. Men and women invited. To attend or to have a prospect invited, please contact Rookie Shifrin at rookies@me.com or 941.907.0985.

World Religions: Spotlight on Judaism Can religion be defined? Join our award-winning scholars as they tell a new story: traveling from prehistory to the present day illuminating how world religions came to be acknowledged and studied, with a focus on Judaism. Featuring Jack Miles, general editor of The Norton Anthology of World Religions and author of God: A Biography; Susannah Heschel, the Eli Black Professor of Jewish studies at Dartmouth; and David Biale, Emanuel Ringelblum Distinguished Professor of Jewish History and Director of the Humanities Institute at the University of California, Davis. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Cost: $5 (free for TBI members). For more information, visit www.tbi-lbk.org or contact the TBI office at info@tbi-lbk.org or 941.383.3428.

Bridge... Anyone?

The Bridge Group meets Thursday afternoons from 1:00–4:00 pm on the Federation Campus (582 McIntosh Road). Open to intermediate and advanced bridge players. For more information, call Bob Satnick at 941.538.3739

Thursdays / 12pm to 4ish Jerusalem Room, Federation Campus (582 McIntosh Road) $5 pie.

Friendly but serious game!

Contact Marilyn Oslander 941.951.2029 marasota@yahoo.com

Seasoned

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The Doctor Is In. Always.

Brad S. Lerner, MD Louis M. Cohen, MD 1921 Waldemere Street, Suite 814 Sarasota, FL 34239 LernerCohen.com

941.953.9080

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

November 2014

THE UROLOGY TREATMENT CENTER

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE

Winston E. Barzell, M.D., FACS Alan R. Treiman, M.D., FACS Kenneth J. Bregg, M.D., FACS Joshua T. Green, M.D., FACS Robert I. Carey, M.D., PhD, FACS Daniel M. Kaplon, M.D.

Diplomate of the American Board of Urology 1921 Waldemere Street, Suite 310, Sarasota 5350 University Parkway Suite #207, Sarasota

(941) 917-8488 www.urologytreatmentcenter.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10 10th Annual Grace Rosen Magill Lecture Sponsored by

Join us for a luncheon and lecture by Dr. Ellen M. Umansky, who will present “Spiritual Healing and American Jews.” The event will also recognize Shirley Fein as the recipient of the Rabbi Sanford E. & Leah Saperstein Hope & Healing Award, and The Friedman Family as the recipients of the Sidney J. Berkowitz Building Community Award. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. at The Francis, 1289 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Cost: $45 per person; $136 per Patron, includes book; $1,000 for table sponsors for eight guests with books. RSVP required by Friday, October 31. Contact Monica Caldwell at 941.366.2224 x142 or mcaldwell@jfcs-cares.org.

20%

ASOLO REP OFFERS OFF FULL PRICE TICKETS FOR VETERANS, ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILIES.

NOVEMBER 14-DECEMBER 28 PREVIEWS NOVEMBER 11, 12 & 13

LIMIT OF 4 DISCOUNTED TICKETS PER PRODUCTION

941.351-8000

ASOLOREP.ORG SPONSORS

The Jewish News delivers! Introduce your business to a POWERFUL demographic and reach nearly 20,000 readers for pennies per household! Contact Robin Leonardi for ad rates and deadlines at 941.552.6307 or rleonardi@jfedsrq.org.

Betty Schoenbaum: Kiryat Yam Reborn Thanks to an unprecedented gift from Betty Schoenbaum to ORT, a blighted brownfield site in the center of Kiryat Yam has been transformed into the Alex and Betty Schoenbaum Science, Educational, Cultural and Sports Campus. At this Michael B. Eisenstat Miniversity of Judaism class, hear from Betty how this project came into being and its impacts on the community there. The event begins at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Cost: $5 (free for TBI members). For more information, visit www.tbi-lbk.org or contact the TBI office at info@tbilbk.org or 941.383.3428.

CTeen - “Join the Club” Sponsored by

CTeen is a Jewish teen club that compacts exhilarating fun and meaningful projects into a program that’s thrilling and uniting. CTeen events happen at least monthly, but the moments last a lifetime. The impact is magnificent, the experience priceless. The CTeen program is underwritten by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota and Manatee. Join us at 7:30 p.m. at Chabad of Venice, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. No cost. For more information, please contact Chaya Rivka Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or rivka@chabadofvenice.com.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 YAD Happy Hour invite you to join us for the experience of a lifetime to

CELEBRATE ISRAEL’S DIVERSITY THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS, AND FLAVORS OF THIS UNIQUE COUNTRY SHONIM B’YACHAD (DIFFERENT TOGETHER)

Join other young Jewish adults for a drink and a schmooze from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Libby’s Café and Bar, 1917 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota. For more information about this free event or the Young Adult Division, contact Len Steinberg at 941.552.6301 or lsteinberg@jfedsrq.org.

Rabbi Harold’s Book/Movie Discussion Group

6, 2015 – 1 h c r a M , Monday 25, 2015 h c r a M , y a Wednesd A MISSION UNLIKE ANY OTHER

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12

• Tours featuring the diversity of Israel and its fine ethnic foods and wine, museums, music, dance, fashion, and exploring what a 21st century Israel means in the current Middle Eastern climate

NA’AMAT chapter opening meeting Additional Information: Jeremy Lisitza at the Jewish Federation, 941.343.2113, or missions@jfedsrq.org

• Artistic and cultural explorations of Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Jerusalem, southern Israel, and much more • Thursday, March 19th Opening of Embracing Our Differences Israel Shonim B’Yachad (Different Together) at the Port of Jaffa • Visit Sarasota’s Sister City – Tel Mond • Accommodations at the Royal Beach Hotel, Tel Aviv • Mission Co-chairs: Nancy Roucher and Patti & David Wertheimer

Join us for this monthly book/movie discussion group at 1:30 p.m. at Temple Beth El, 4200 32nd St. W., Bradenton. This month’s book/movie for discussion is Philomena by Martin Sixsmith. The group is free and open to the community. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank. For more information, please call the TBE office at 941.755.4900, Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Cost: $3,300 per person land only, double occupancy, single supplement: $1,090 Airfare: On your own or through the Jewish Federation

In Partnership with Embracing Our Differences, Sister Cities of Sarasota, and Tel Mond

A new NA’AMAT chapter is starting Sarasota. Join us for a get-acquainted meeting from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota. NA’AMAT is the single most important provider of core social services in Israel. Each day, NA’AMAT provides affordable daycare to more than 17,000 children, grants scholarships to women seeking higher education, supports legal aid bureaus, domestic violence counseling and shelters for battered women, and so much more. Hear more about what NA’AMAT does, find out how you can make a difference in Israel, and meet new friends along the way! To RSVP or for more information, contact Davida at 941.757.8512 or bandit44124@yahoo.com.

The Musical Liturgy of the Worship Service Through a series of lectures, discussions and musical examples, the prayers that are already a part of our Friday night service will be given a new meaning through the lens of history, musical analysis and personal connection. This free course takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays, November 12, 19 and 26 at Temple Sinai, 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802.

JEWISH HAPPENINGS 5B November 2014

November 2014

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Jewish Victories in History: The Bielski Brothers Of all the miraculous stories of the Holocaust, those surrounding the Bielski Brothers are at the top. These lower socioeconomic Jewish brothers exhibited heroism and altruism that could not ever be imagined in their tireless rescues of desperate Jews bereft of food, hope and strength. There are no tributes sufficient to properly recognize the contributions of the Bielski Brothers to the survival of the Jewish People in the worst of circumstances and the bleakest of times. Join us at 5:30 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 713 South Orange Avenue, Burns Square, Sarasota. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy kosher foods included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

Rosh Chodesh Society – Soulmates N’shei Chabad Women invites all women to attend the Rosh Chodesh Society course entitled “Soulmates - Jewish Secrets to Meaningful Relationships.” Jewish text and tradition are rich with insights on this very topic, from the mystical and spiritual to the no-nonsense and practical. Whether you are currently married, considering someday tying the knot, or simply seeking to better understand the spiritual root of love and marriage, please join us. Soulmates is a seven-session course (over seven months) drawing on timeless Jewish wisdom that will forever change how you think about this important relationship in your life. This opening session takes place at 7:15 p.m. at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva, Sarasota. Special thanks to Chabad’s First Lady, Anne Stein, for underwriting the Rosh Chodesh Society course. Refreshments will be served. Cost: Rebbetzin Circle members - free; N’shei Chabad Women members - $10; nonmembers - $12. For more information or to RSVP, call the Chabad office at 941.925.0770.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Brandeis National Committee 2014 Showcase Event Jim Shirley, Executive Director of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota and a longtime Sarasota resident, will speak about “The Arts in Sarasota” and what they mean to our economy and our lives. This free event is open to Brandeis members and nonmembers. A light brunch will be served. Study Groups and special events for the coming year will be highlighted. The event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, contact Rookie Shifrin at rookies@me.com or 941.907.0985.

Veterans Shabbat Service at Temple Sinai Join Temple Sinai and honor veterans at the Shabbat service at 5:15 p.m. at 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. There will be a welcome reception followed by the service and a Hawaiian-themed dinner. Cost: $18 for members; $20 for nonmembers. RSVP to Zvi Rogovin at 941.342.0984. For more information, call the temple office at 941.924.1802.

GLORIA MUSICAE PRESENTS

Veterans Shabbat at Congregation Ner Tamid Congregation Ner Tamid invites you to Veterans’ Shabbat – a special tribute to our service men and women. Join guest speaker, LTC Carol Barkalow, one of West Point’s first female cadets and now director of “Heaven on Earth for Veterans,” a non-profit group that purchases and fully furnishes homes that offer living space for homeless and needy vets. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. at The Lodge, 4802 B 26th St. W., Bradenton. For more information and directions, email shalom@nertamidflorida.org or call Elaine at 941.755.1231.

Veterans Appreciation Shabbat Service at TBS Join Temple Beth Sholom as the congregation honors veterans during this special Friday night Shabbat service, featuring participation from the Temple Beth Sholom Schools students. The service begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Temple Beth Sholom Chapel, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. For more information, please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@ templebethsholomfl.org.

Dan Friedman of the Forward After the 7:30 p.m. Kristallnacht service, the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism will feature Dan Friedman, who will talk about “Kristallnacht in Fiction.” Friedman is currently the Managing Editor of the Forward, which was launched as a Yiddish daily in 1897. As well as writing for many Jewish publications, he has also written for The New York Times, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and TV’s Da Ali G Show. Dan has a PhD in Comparative Literature from Yale and an MA in English Literature from Cambridge. All are welcome at Unity, 3023 Proctor Rd., Sarasota. For more information, contact the CHJ office at 941.929.7771 or chjsarasota@hotmail.com.

Veterans Shabbat at Temple Emanu-El Did you know that Jewish soldiers have fought in every American conflict beginning with the Revolutionary War? Temple Emanu-El salutes veterans of the United States Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces at this special annual service featuring a blessing for veterans and a musical tribute. Speaking at the service are Morry Goldfarb, newly-elected Florida Commander of the Jewish War Veterans; and Philip Gorelick, JFCS Vice President of Programs, who will talk about JFCS’ new Operation Military Assistance Program to support veterans. All local Jewish veterans are warmly invited. The service begins at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, contact Dick Gross at rjgfl37@gmail.com.

In Thanksgiving Sunday, November 23, 2014 • 4 PM • Sarasota Opera House The Gloria Musicae Singers celebrate the art of philanthropy in a concert featuring works by Handel, Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo, Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, and American composer Glenn Burleigh. Guest artists include the Sarasota Young Voices and Gulf Coast Community Choir. The concert is made possible with the support of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax.

PLAN TO JOIN US FOR: Spring Concert, “Old and New” • April 12 Independence Day Spectacular, “American Tapestry” • July 4 Gloria Musicae performances with the Artist Series Concerts: Holiday Concerts • December 20 & 21, 2014 Edvard Grieg Festival • January 9, 2015 Gilbert & Sullivan Review • May 9 & 10, 2015

Tickets: $30-$40 • Van Wezel Box Office 941-953-3368

GloriaMusicae.org • 941-387-6046

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

November 2014

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Roaring ’20s Dance Party/Speakeasy Join Temple Beth El as it co-sponsors this wonderful event with the Bradenton Women’s Club. Proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Come and enjoy live music, dancing, games of chance, hors d’oeuvres, raffles, prizes, silent and live auctions. Cash Bar. Come dressed in the style of the 1920s and have a picture taken next to an Authentic 1920s car. The fun begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Bradenton Women’s Club, 1705 Manatee Ave. W. Tickets in advance are $25; tickets at the door are $30. Buy tickets online at www.templebethelbradenton.com/dance party. The event is also sponsored by the Bradenton Herald, SnackWorks and Slicks Garage. For more information, please call the TBE office at 941.755.4900, Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA AND THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF SARASOTA-MANATEE PRESENT

HANNAH ARENDT A look at the life of philosopher and political theorist Hannah Arendt, who reported for The New Yorker on the war crimes trial of the Nazi Adolf Eichmann.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 | 7:00 pm | TICKETS $5 USF – SARASOTA-MANATEE | 8350 N. TAMIAMI TRAIL | SARASOTA, FL PLEASE RSVP AT WWW.JFEDSRQ.ORG

Dr. Suzanne Vromen has a PhD in sociology from New York University and is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Bard College, where she cofounded the Women’s Studies program. For years and in many venues, she has taught courses on the Holocaust, including presenting papers and publishing essays on Hannah Arendt. She will clarify points and address problems in Hannah Arendt after the film is shown. THIS MOVIE IS CO-SPONSORED BY USF SARASOTA-MANATEE

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

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Jewish Federation Annual Meeting Sponsored by

Join us for The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Annual Meeting from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Mildred Sainer Pavilion at New College, 5313 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. RSVP required by Friday, November 7 at www.jfedsrq.org. For more information, contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org.

Jewish War Veterans breakfast/meeting Jewish War Veterans, Sarasota Post 172, will hold its monthly breakfast/ meeting at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 South Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. Breakfast at 9:15 a.m. will be followed at 10:00 a.m. by the meeting. Guest speaker Windy Wicks will speak about “Senior Relocation Services.” The meeting will also feature special guest Morry Goldfarb, the newly-elected Florida Department Commander for JWV. A veteran does not need to have served in war or combat to become a member of the Post. If you are a veteran who served, and were honorably discharged, between 1990 and the present, the Post will pay your first year’s dues of $45 when you join. Please come and meet the members of the Post. For more information, call Stan Levinson, Post Commander, at 941.907.6720.

Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood Speakers Program The Brotherhood of Temple Emanu-El is pleased to announce that Richard M. Stern, Financial Consultant and Senior Vice President for Robert W. Baird & Company with offices in Sarasota and business commentator for ABC 7, will present his perspectives and analysis on the world of investing and finance. A deluxe bagel and lox breakfast will precede the presentation. All are invited at 9:30 a.m. to Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost: $10. For more information, please contact Don Malawsky at 941.359.2890 or dmalawsky@msn.com.

Jewish Genealogical Society presentation The Jewish Genealogical Society of Southwest Florida invites you to hear Donna Moughty, who will present “A Technology Update for the Jewish Family Historian,” at 1:00 p.m. at Kobernick House, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. According to Donna, “Genealogy and family history are all about making connections, child to parent, back through the years. Shortly after beginning your journey you discover that this is not a paperless hobby and you need some method for collection and storing information you find. Today there are a large number of options including standalone computer software, online trees or apps that run on your phone or tablet.” Join us and catch up! Attendance is free. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Kim Sheintal at 941.921.1433 or klapshein@aol.com, or visit http://jgsswf.org/.

Jewish Women’s Circle concert

SARASOTA CONCERT ASSOCIATION

2015 Great Performers Series at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Royal Philharmonic January 14 • 8 p.m.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

January 26 • 8 p.m.

Dresden Philharmonic March 1 • 4 p.m.

Takács String Quartet March 17 • 8 p.m.

Murray Perahia, piano March 25 • 8 p.m.

70th Anniversary Celebration! Featuring Dick Hyman in concert • Dinner at Treviso

Historic Asolo Theater Feb. 11 • $125

Discover our outrageously affordable subscription and single ticket prices.

941-225-6500 • www.scasarasota.org

Treat yourself to an afternoon of pleasure and inspiration! International singing sensation Chanala (pictured at left) will reach the depths of your heart with her soulful music. The concert begins at 2:00 p.m. at Chabad of Venice, 2169 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. Cost: $18. For more information, please contact Chaya Rivka Schmerling at 941.493.2770 or rivka@chabadofvenice.com.

Klezmer duo at Temple Beth Israel Considered the world’s leading ethnographer-artist of klezmer, Yale Strom has written and performed music for orchestras across the globe and even the UN General Assembly. He also composed the music for NPR’s series Fiddlers, Philosophers & Fools and Leonard Nimoy’s award-winning Jewish Short Stories from the Old World to the New. With his wife, Elizabeth Schwartz, Strom will present an entertaining and enlightening Mayses Un Muzik (Stories and Music) program at 3:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For tickets or more information, call the temple office at 941.383.3428.

Chabad of Bradenton Torah Dedication Join Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch in celebrating ten years with a Community Torah Dedication. This free event will feature a parade, buffet dinner and desserts, live music, Torah writing ceremony, activities for the children, and lots more. The entire community in invited to attend and celebrate this momentous occasion together at 4:30 p.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@chabadofbradenton.com.

Family Night Join us for Family Pizza Night and an Ice Cream Social! Bring your family to Temple Beth Sholom (1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota) for the grownups to “meet and mingle” while the kids watch a movie. Open to the community, this free event takes place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. To RSVP or for more information, please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@templebethsholomfl.org.

ConneCt with your Jewish Community facebook.com/jfedsrq

JEWISH HAPPENINGS 7B November 2014 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Mah jongg/cards/games day The Greater Venice Chapter of Hadassah is having a mah jongg/cards/ games day from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Indies Hall at the Bay Indies Resort, Bay Indies Blvd., Venice. The cost of $20 includes breakfast and a home-made lunch. Bring your own game or we can assign you into a group. Send your check to 4220 Tennyson Way, Venice, FL 34293. For more information, call Ruth at 941.492.6025.

Close-up: The Ten Commandments This is the fifth in a 10-part series on the Ten Commandments. It is said by the rabbis that the Commandment to “honor thy father and thy mother” is the very most difficult Commandment to observe. Why is this so? Why is it more demanding to honor our parents than to observe the Sabbath, for instance? What does it mean to truly honor our parents regardless of our ages and circumstances? Kindly bring your ideas, questions and insights into this hardest of all the Commandments to achieve. Join us at 11:00 a.m. at the Al Katz Center, 713 South Orange Avenue, Burns Square, Sarasota. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy kosher brunch included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Transitions Group Sponsored by

The death of a spouse, significant other or life partner is perhaps the most difficult experience that one can have. Once the initial intense period of grief has subsided, how do you recreate your life and go on? This group is an opportunity to be with others and stay connected socially. It meets from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at JFCS, 2688 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Funded in part through a grant from The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. RSVP required. Contact Suzanne Hurwitz at 941.366.2224 x166 or shurwitz@jfcs-cares.org.

ORT Musical Chairs Luncheon GulfsidePalm ORT chapter invites members and guests to this fundraiser to support schools, especially in Israel. A distinguished cello duet from bay area symphonies, including the Venice Symphony, Anna Maria Island Orchestra, and Charlotte Symphony, will entertain guests. Attendees will change dining tables for each course; a great way to meet new people and renew old acquaintances. Come to downtown Sarasota at The Francis in Louie’s Modern, 1289 North Palm Avenue, next to the parking garage, at 11:30 a.m. Mail your $40 check (payable to ORT America) to Alice Cotman, 5820 Fairway Lakes Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243 by Wednesday, November 12. For more details, contact Adrea Sukin at asukin@aol.com or 941.929.0115.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

November 2014

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Sarasota Liberal Yeshiva PRESENTS A SPECIAL CLASS IN NOVEMBER

THE LIVES AND ESCAPADES OF KING DAVID

An eight-week course and character study Tuesdays 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM Starting November 18, 2014

David, Israel’s most important king is hailed as a hero on many levels: A military genius, musician, long-reigning monarch and psalmist. But he also has many weaknesses and experiences the trials and tribulations of any mortal. And like Moses, also a shepherd, David displays exemplary qualities of leadership: He unites a divided kingdom and builds the “City of David” (Jerusalem) during his reign of forty years. In one of his escapades, he serves as Israel’s champion as a giant-slayer. Ever the lady’s man, he marries two of King Saul’s daughters, succumbs to adultery by the beauty of Bathsheba, and is unable to find true happiness. David is particularly aggrieved by the death of his rebel son Absalom and never is given the zechut (merit) of building the Lord’s House, the Holy Temple. According to our tradition, however, he is designated by Heaven as the progenitor of the Messiah, an honor shared through the grace of his grandmother, Ruth. Drawing on Midrash, Talmudic tales, and excerpts of Bible text, a character study of King David (1040-979 CE) will serve as the focus of discussion. All materials are included in the tuition fee of $50. Marden Paru will serve as moderator. 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 schooladministered programs.

Club Fed Lecture Series Sponsored by

Dr. Steven Derfler will present “Rediscovering Ancient Israel Today – Excavating Ancient Moladah of the Bible” from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Free; RSVP required at www.jfedsrq.org/events. For more information, please contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@ jfedsrq.org.

SARASOTA ANNUAL EVENT

Fifty Shades of “J” Happy Hour

featuring

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee cordially invites you to the

Sponsored by

This event is an opportunity for singles and couples to meet new and old friends. Join us at 6:00 p.m. at Snook Haven, 5000 East Venice Ave., Venice. Live music, cash bar, light snacks. To register, visit www.jfedsrq.org/events. For more information or to RSVP, contact Jeremy Lisitza at 941.343.2113 or jlisitza@jfedsrq.org.

Hadassah Singles Circle Hadassah’s new Singles Circle is a social group that offers participants the opportunity to meet like-minded women and make new friends. The group will decide its own agenda so that a variety of educational and social programs can be presented. Ideas such as talking about favorite books and current events have been offered as programming possibilities. The group hopes to meet monthly in a home or clubhouse. This event begins at 10:00 a.m. in the Desenberg Room on the Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota. For further information, contact Davida Weinberg at 941.757.8512 or bandit44124@yahoo.com.

TBS Idelson Library Film Matinee Series In How to Re-Establish a Vodka Empire, a funny, charming documentary (2012; 75 minutes), a British filmmaker discovers his grandmother’s journals in the attic of his family home. When the filmmaker travels to the Ukraine in search of his roots and discovers that the vodka distillery opened by his great grandfather in 1904 is still in operation, he decides – despite his utter lack of business experience – to become a liquor entrepreneur and import the vodka to the UK. Refreshments, including popcorn, will be served. Don Friedman will lead a question and answer session after the film. The screening begins at 1:15 p.m. in the Madeline L. Sainer Social Hall at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 South Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. Suggested donation: $3 for members and $5 for nonmembers. For more information, please contact the temple office at 941.955.8121 or info@templebethsholomfl.org.

Avi Dichter

Izzy Ezagui

Former Chief Director of Israel’s Security Agency (Shin Bet)

Squad Commander (res.), Israel Defense Forces

Monday, December 8, 2014 Dessert Reception 7:00 p.m.  Program 7:45 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota For online reservations and donations please visit www.aipac.org/Sarasota. For more information, please contact Elana Rickel, AIPAC’s North & Central Florida Area Director, at (954) 382-6110 or erickel@aipac.org. $36 Couvert Per Person • Dietary Laws Observed • Business Attire This event is off the record and closed to the press.

AIPAC’s Sarasota Chairs: Edie & David Chaifetz

JEWISH HAPPENINGS

November 2014

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21

JFCS Holocaust Survivors’ Havurah

Shabbat Alive! returns to Temple Emanu-El

Sponsored by

Shabbat Alive! is back! Temple Emanu-El members and hundreds of community guests fill the pews for this quarterly all-musical Shabbat celebration – and we hope you will be among them. With upbeat, contemporary and inspiring arrangements of the traditional prayers, led by Rabbi Brenner Glickman and professional and volunteer musicians, Shabbat Alive! is stirring, magnificent, exhilarating, jubilant and altogether unique. Please join us for a very special and spiritual Shabbat experience at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. For more information, call the temple office at 941.371.2788.

All survivors are invited to attend these monthly gatherings of friendship, camaraderie and support. This month’s topic is Different Backgrounds: Interactions with Others. 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. 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 Claims Conference of Germany. To RSVP or for more information, contact Jan Alston at 941.366.2224 x172 or jalston@jfcs-cares.org.

SaBra Hadassah Book and Author Luncheon

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22

Marian Leah Knapp, PhD, will speak about her book, Aging in Places: Reflective Preparation for the Future, at 11:00 a.m. at Kobernick House, 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota. Aging in Places sprang from Marian’s decision to return to school as an older adult. Defining her places – the community, the natural world, society, culture, etc. – makes for a thoughtprovoking book. Members, Associates and guests are welcome to attend. Cost: $20. Make your check payable to SaBra Hadassah and mail it to Claudia Dombrow, 12409 Thornhill Court, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. Reservations must be received by Thursday, November 13. For more information, contact Willie Walter at 941.907.2683 or williepwal@gmail.com.

Tot Shabbat: Shabbat in the Park Sponsored by

Young Jewish and interfaith families are invited to celebrate Shabbat in the Park! Sponsored by Temple EmanuEl and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, Shabbat in the Park is a relaxed, welcoming, festive Shabbat celebration featuring casual socializing, playtime on the fabulous circus-themed playground at Payne Park (2050 Adams Lane), a bagel breakfast, and age-appropriate Shabbat prayers, songs, movement, and a story with Rabbi Brenner Glickman. Although Tot Shabbat is designed for families with children ages 1-6, all are invited to this free event that begins at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman at 941.379.1997.

Great Humorous Jews - Their Lives & Times “My parents came to America by invitation” of Emma Lazarus for “after all, who was more tired, poor, huddled, yearning to be free, wretched, homeless and tempest-tost than they?” wrote America’s most beloved Jewish humorist, Sam Levenson, in his book Everything But Money. Married to his childhood sweetheart, Sam rose from a New York City teacher to a national television and radio personality and endearing author, speaking to the masses in a language common to all peoples. Join us at 2:00 p.m. at the Al Katz Center, 713 South Orange Avenue, Burns Square, Sarasota. Cost: $7 per adult; $3 per student; healthy kosher refreshments included. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Rosh Chodesh Society – Soulmates Sponsored by

Join Chanie Bukiet for the Rosh Chodesh Society’s new and intriguing seven-week course, “Soulmates: Jewish Secrets to Meaningful Relationships.” The first class is entitled “Two Halves, One Whole - The Cosmic Root of Love,” and begins at 7:30 p.m. at The Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. This course is sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Cost: $75 for the seven-week course, textbooks included; $15 per class. For more information, contact Rabbi Mendy Bukiet at 941.752.3030 x3 or info@ chabadofbradenton.com.

Festival of Jewish music Join Congregation Ner Tamid for a festival of Jewish music at 8:00 p.m. at the Neel Performing Arts Center on the SCF Bradenton Campus (60th Ave. West between 26th St. West and 34th St. West). Selections include Yiddish music and dance melodies, Kol Nidre and “Shalom Israel,” a highly acclaimed symphonic poem. Performed by the SCF Symphonic Band and Orchestra. General admission: $8. For information and reservations to join the Ner Tamid group, email shalom@nertamidflorida.org or call Elaine at 941.755.1231.

OF THE

veteran of film, television, and the Broadway stage (including Arrested Development and Meet Joe Black), Jeffrey Tambor is one of the most iconic and respected character actors of his generation. As a man of many talents, Tambor is highly creative, using his overwhelming love for life and the lessons learned along the way as sparks of inspiration for his keynotes. He speaks from the heart, sharing his personal truths as a way to inspire audiences young and old to embrace human connectivity.

F E A T U R I N G

Wednesday January 28, 2015 • 7:00 pm Riverview High School

The PEOPLE OF THE BOOK event, featuring guest speaker Jeffrey Tambor, will serve to recognize and thank donors to Federation’s Annual Campaign; those making a minimum gift of $36 individual/$72 family are invited to attend the event as guests of the Federation. MEDIA PARTNERS:

• 1 Ram Way, Sarasota

RSVP at www.jfedsrq.org Questions? Call 941.343.2106 or contact Jeremy Dictor at jdictor@jfedsrq.org 580 McIntosh Rd Sarasota, FL 34232

941.371.4546 www.jfedsrq.org

JEWISH HAPPENINGS 9B November 2014

November 2014

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30

Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Temple Emanu-El If you are looking for a welcoming community and a delicious meal on Thanksgiving Day, please join us for Thanksgiving dinner at 5:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El. Enjoy turkey with all the trimmings – gravy, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, veggies, rolls and more – plus a warm and friendly atmosphere and a chance to meet old and new friends. All are welcome. Cost: $25 for adults and children ages 13 and up; $15 for children ages 5-12; free for children under 5. Paid reservations are due by November 23 and may be mailed to Temple Emanu-El Thanksgiving Dinner, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232. For more information, please call Annabelle Wolter at 941.952.1757.

Teen travel application due date Sponsored by

Be sure to turn in your Teen Travel applications to be eligible for all of the incredible travel opportunities offered by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. The deadline is midnight tonight. For more information, contact Jeremy Dictor at 941.371.4546 x105 or jdictor@jfedsrq.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 Women’s Day with Camryn Manheim

NOV 28 - DEC 24

Sponsored by

ORT Gift Wrap ORT gift wrappers at both Westfield malls in Sarasota (Westfield Southgate, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail and Westfield Sarasota Square, 8201 S. Tamiami Trail) will wrap gifts from November 28 through December 24 to raise money to support ORT educational programs in the United States and around the world. Gift Wrap booths are open during most mall hours. Donations are appreciated. Contact Kim Sheintal at 941.302.1433 to be a volunteer wrapper.

Join us at noon at Michael’s On East (1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota) for lunch and a presentation on “Mitzvah Therapy: Living Life Generously.” Tickets start at $75, with a $54 required gift to the 2014 development efforts of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. To RSVP or for more information, contact Andrea Eiffert at aeiffert@jfedsrq.org or 941.552.6308, or visit www.jfedsrq.org.

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

BRIEFS ISRAEL’S POPULATION: 8,252,500

On the eve of the Jewish New Year, Israel’s population numbers 8,252,500, of whom 6,186,100 (75%) are Jews, 1,709,900 (21%) are Arabs, and 356,500 are “others,” the Central Bureau of Statistics reported. (Ofer Aderet, Ha’aretz)

ISRAEL NAMES SIX NEW FEMALE AMBASSADORS

Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced 12 new diplomatic appointments, including six female ambassadors. Einat Shlain, head of the international division at the Foreign Ministry’s Diplomatic Research Center, will become Israel’s new ambassador to Jordan. Other new female ambassadors include Aliza Ben-Nun to France; Tamar Samash to Romania; Irit Lilian to Bulgaria; Simona Frankel to Belgium; and Yael Ravia to Cyprus; as well as Judith Varnai, consul-general for Atlanta. (Shlomo Cesana, Israel Hayom)

FRANCE LEADS IMMIGRATION TO ISRAEL

24,800 new immigrants arrived in Israel in the Jewish year 5774, led by 6,000 French Jews, the Jewish Agency reported. New arrivals in the past year included 4,500 from Russia, 4,200 from Ukraine, 3,600 from North America, 1,100 from South America, 570 from the UK, 260 from Belgium, and 230 from Ethiopia. (Sam Sokol, Jerusalem Post)

UGANDA SENDS 200 AGRICULTURAL STUDENTS TO ISRAEL

Ugandan President Museveni saw off some 200 students on a one-year program to acquire agricultural skills in Israel. Merab Acham, a veterinary medicine student from Makerere University, said: “We have been always waiting for rain to do farming, but Israel is a desert and it’s one of the best countries in

agricultural production. So, we believe the skills we shall acquire will help in annual production and reduce the problems of food scarcity in the country.” At least 1,100 students from 17 countries worldwide are attaining modern agricultural skills in Israel. (Zurah Nakabugo, Observer-Uganda)

CHINA FIRM TO BUILD NEW ASHDOD PORT

A Beijing-based contracting firm, China Harbor, has been chosen to build a new port in Ashdod, about a kilometer north of the current port. Construction will take about seven years to complete. (David Shamah, Times of Israel)

GAZA WAR LEANED HEAVILY ON F-16 CLOSEAIR SUPPORT

Hundreds of the more than 6,000 targets Israel struck from the air during the Gaza war were from fighter jets delivering bombs in record time and

in close proximity to friendly ground forces. With an F-16 dedicated to every brigade, precision air power provided protection for friendly forces fighting less than 350 meters away. That’s a three-fold improvement from the traditional 1-km safety range for fixed-wing close air support, IDF officers said. Israel Air Force chief of staff Brig. Gen. Amikam Norkin said the Gaza war marked the first time fixed-wing fighters were used as dedicated assets to division- and brigade-level forces. During the 19-day ground segment of the war, close air support was provided within 30 minutes, and in many cases 20 minutes, of the first receipt of ground force tasking data. The Air Force wants to achieve bombs on target within 10 minutes. In addition, combat helicopters constantly accompany Israeli boots on the ground. “The Apaches are always there,” Norkin said. But when forces are maneuvering in built-up

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THE PERLMAN MUSIC PROGRAM/SUNCOAST 2014-2015 SEASON

Rachel Lee Priday, violin David Kaplan, piano Thursday, December 4, 2014 • 7 p.m. followed by optional

Meet The Artists Reception

Hear & Now Concert Series Showcasing the next generation of world-class musicians, our PMP alumni and students, to regional audiences

“Words could not describe this violinist’s talents.” - SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER

David Kaplan ”… delivered with grace and fire.” - THE BOSTON GLOBE

NEW THIS YEAR!

David Kaplan

Join us! January 3, 2015 • 5 p.m.

Celebration Concert April 19, 2015 • 3 p.m.

Ariel Quartet

any know and love our annual Celebration Concert, starring the exceptionally gifted PMP students led by internationally acclaimed violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman and Chorus Master Patrick Romano. This season we have added two PMP alumni concerts at the Sarasota Opera House to form the Hear & Now Concert Series, an incredible combination of performances by gifted young musicians representing the future of music. Subscribe to the series to enjoy premium seats and save! Subscription tickets ($150 for premium seats) to all three Hear & Now Concerts are available now through PMP/Suncoast (PMPSuncoast.org or 941-955-4942). Individual tickets to concerts ($30 and up) and receptions ($40 each) are on sale through the Sarasota Opera House (941-366-8450, ext. 1). The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast, Inc. PO Box 3407, Sarasota, Florida 34230

941-955-4942 • PMPSuncoast.org

10B

November 2014

BRIEFS continued from previous page areas where threats are hidden, above and under the ground, fighter-launched precision weaponry is the best option. “When there are residential buildings of three, four and five floors, and the civilians are already evacuated, fixedwing precision air power is most effective.” At any given time during the 50day campaign, the Air Force had an average of 40 air platforms of different types operating in the same congested airspace over Gaza, Norkin said. UAVs monitored and recorded all of the designated targets prior to attack, an essential element for preserving legitimacy and countering inevitable accusations of excessive force. “100% of the targets we attacked had constant [visual intelligence] above them before, during and after attack,” Norkin said. (Barbara Opall-Rome, Defense News)

SURVEY: ISRAEL RANKS AS FOURTH MOSTEDUCATED COUNTRY

Israel ranks behind Russia, Canada and Japan and ahead of the U.S., South Korea and the UK, according to the percentage of its adult population holding college degrees, a survey based on recent OECD data reported. The college-educated population in Russia was 53.5%, Canada 52.6%, Japan 46.6%, Israel 46.4%, U.S. 43.1%, South Korea 41.7%, Australia 41.3%, and the UK 41%. (Ha’aretz)

SEVERAL ISLAMIC NATIONS QUIETLY TRADE WITH ISRAEL

Malaysia, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, is importing more and more Israeli products – but not talking about it much. Israeli

exports to Malaysia reached $1.457 billion in 2013. Between January and July this year, Israeli exports to Malaysia soared to $884.7 million, a 27% jump over the same period last year. A significant chunk of the trade can be traced to Kiryat Gat in Israel, where global giant Intel has a plant churning out computer chips which it exports to an assembly plant in Malaysia. In addition, there is a heavy current of trade flowing beneath the surface. A raft of Israeli exporters and buyers in Malaysia and also neighboring Indonesia are braving the political headwinds in order to do business – largely through third countries such as Singapore. The estimated value of trade between Israel and Indonesia runs as high as $250 million. Indeed, hushhush trade between Israel and hostile states has been going on for decades, through conduits such as Cyprus, Turkey and Jordan. (Jacob Atkins, Times of Israel)

ISRAEL TURNS SELFDEFENSE INTO INDUSTRY BOOM FOR CYBER TECHS

Israeli firms have attracted growing foreign investment over the past two years to develop cutting-edge tools for detecting and preventing cyberattacks. Gadi Tirosh, of Jerusalem Venture Partners, noted a move away from perimeter defenses such as firewalls to focus on detecting and preventing attacks before they can reach inside organizations. IBM, Cisco Systems and EMC have all snapped up Israeli firms and set up research and development centers there. Many firms focus on emerging threats to mobile phone users and the need to secure the dizzying array of interconnected devices. Isaac Ben-Israel, the country’s former top military scientist and now head of Tel Aviv University’s cyber research center, said Israel’s goal is to become

FOR ISRAEL

Request a speaker today to provide this engaging and informative topic for your group and/or congregation.

one of the five leading cyber powers and already ranks among the top three in terms of cyber readiness, along with Finland and Sweden. “In a normal day we have 100,000 to 200,000 attacks. In times of emergency...this goes up to 2 million a day. This drives us to develop protection technology,” he said. (Tova Cohen, Reuters)

GAZA WAR’S ECONOMIC IMPACT ON ISRAEL WAS MINOR

International rating agency Standard and Poor’s sees the fiscal effects on the Israeli economy of the Gaza war as minor. “In our view, the recent Gaza conflict will lead to only a modest weakening of Israel’s fiscal trajectory,” the agency said in affirming its ‘A+/A-1’ foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on Israel, with a stable outlook. “The fighting has not changed our view of Israel’s core credit strengths, such as its prosperous and diverse economy, [and] the contribution of natural gas production to a healthy external balance.” (Globes)

ISRAELI ARAB PRIEST TELLS UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL TO “END WITCH HUNT” OF ISRAEL

Father Gabriel Naddaf, a Greek Orthodox priest from Israel, defended the Jewish state before the UN Human Rights Council recently, arguing that it is the only country in the Middle East where Christians are not persecuted, and implored the body to “end your witch hunt of the only free country in the region.” “In the Middle East today, there is one country where Christianity is...affectionately granted freedom of expression, freedom of worship and security,” Father Naddaf said. “It is Israel, the Jewish state. Israel is the only place where Christians in the Middle

East are safe.” According to Naddaf, some 120,000 Christians have been killed each year in the Middle East for the last decade. “That means that every five minutes a Christian is killed because of his faith.” (Marissa Newman, Times of Israel)

CHINA’S SEARCH FOR TECHNOLOGY LEADS TO GROWING VC INVESTMENT IN ISRAEL

Chinese companies are looking carefully at Israel, an influential tech power. Hong Kong-based consultant Michael Feldman said, “Over the past couple of years we’ve witnessed a huge increase in action between China and Israel...Li Ka Shing (the world’s richest Chinese), through his personal fund Horizons Ventures based in Hong Kong, has invested in over 25 Israeli companies and has had some big successes like with Waze, which was sold to Google for $1b. Other Chinese investors, particularly in tech, have started to pay attention and wonder what Mr. Li is seeing that they’re not.” “We’re seeing everyone from conglomerates like Fosun and China Everbright who are investing in tech and medical, technology companies like Qihoo 360 (which is a limited partner in two Israeli venture capital funds and invested in four companies including cyber security and image search), Lenovo, Xiaomi and Huawei, as well as Chinese VC firms which don’t have a big profile in the U.S. such as Ceyuan Ventures.” “I’m seeing founders from China’s biggest Internet companies, family offices, and even mainland coal bosses who are putting a small part of the their personal fortunes into Israel. And it’s not just China; Japanese ecommerce giant Rakuten has a keen eye on Israel after having acquired another

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A POWERFUL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

SPEAKERS BUREAU Enjoy the opportunity to educate your civic group, Church or Synagogue and community about Israel with the Speakers Bureau for Israel. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee through the Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative has put together a group of passionate and highly informed speakers to give clear and direct factual information about Israel and current events surrounding Israel both political and militarily.

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

ADVOCATE

INFORM

For Booking Contact Shana Subilsky-Tibi, Speakers Bureau Coordinator

HOLOCAUST, GENOCIDE AND TOLERANCE EDUCATION

MANY INSPIRING SPEAKERS TO CHOOSE FROM INCLUDING:

The 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.

HILDE MANDEL PAUL MOLNAR RIFKA GLATZ MARK SOLENT 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

941.706.0029 • stibi@jfedsrq.org PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

INSPIRE

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Klingenstein Jewish Center • 580 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232

941.371.4546 • www.jfedsrq.org

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

11B 2014 ISRAEL & THENovember JEWISH WORLD

November 2014

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continued from previous page Israeli company, Viber, earlier this year.” (Russell Flannery, Forbes)

CHINESE FIRMS SWOOP INTO ISRAEL LOOKING FOR TECH INVESTMENTS

Chinese investors are pouring millions into Israel-focused, tech-investment funds, as well as launching their own funds and investing directly in Israeli startups. Yongjin Group Inc. has put $15-20 million into Israeli venture fund Pitango Venture Capital during the past year. Lenovo Group Ltd. invested $10 million in Canaan Partners Israel in August. Ping An Venture created a $100 million fund dedicated to U.S. and Israel tech ventures, and has made six investments in Israeli startups so far. In the first half of 2014, 335 Israeli high-tech companies raised a record $1.6 billion in capital, 81% higher than in the year-earlier period. (Orr Hirschauge, Wall Street Journal)

PA DAILY LAUDS ISRAEL’S TREATMENT OF PALESTINIAN WORKERS

On September 21, the official PA daily Al-Hayat Al-Jadida lauded Israeli employers of Palestinians for their positive employment ethics. “Whenever Palestinian workers have the opportunity to work for Israeli employers, they are quick to quit their jobs with their Palestinian employers – for reasons having to do with salaries and other rights.” “The [Israeli] work conditions are very good, and include transportation, medical insurance and pensions. These things do not exist with Palestinian employers.” (Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik, Palestinian Media Watch)

ISRAELI RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS TAKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SILVER

Israel’s national rhythmic gymnastics team took home the silver medal on September 28, in the World Championship in Izmir, Turkey. The five Israeli girls ages 16 and 17, who worked 10 hours a day to create a faultless performance, were ranked second in the world. (Uri Tashir, Ha’aretz)

AZERBAIJAN: ISRAEL’S CLOSEST MUSLIM ALLY

What started as a marriage of convenience has netted Israel its closest Muslim ally. The majority Shiite na-

tion of Azerbaijan provides about 40% of Israel’s oil. Israel reciprocates by selling sophisticated arms including missile systems and drones. President Ilham Aliyev, whose family has run the country for four decades, has forged close ties with Israel in the face of criticism from neighboring Iran. The two countries share a 756-km border, and almost a quarter of Iran’s 75 million people are ethnic Azeris. (Zulfugar Agayev, Bloomberg)

NAZI HUNTERS FIND 80 “WAR CRIMINALS”

The Simon Wiesenthal Center said on October 1, that it sent a list of 80 former members of Nazi death squads to the German government, urging authorities to prosecute those still alive. Efraim Zuroff, the center’s top Nazi hunter, said the list included 76 men and four women whom it had identified as members of the Nazis’ SSled Einsatzgruppen in Eastern Europe. The squads murdered more than a million Jews, Gypsies, political opponents and local elites in Poland, the Balkans and the Soviet Union from 1939 to 1943. “There is no reason to ignore these people just because they are elderly. They also don’t deserve any sympathy since they obviously had none for their victims,” Zuroff said. (Andrea Thomas, Wall Street Journal Europe)

HUNDREDS OF SCHOLARS SIGN LETTER AGAINST ACADEMIC BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL

Over 800 academics thus far have signed a new letter opposing an academic boycott of Israel. The letter states: We, the undersigned...oppose faculty or student boycotts of Israel’s academic institutions, scholars and students. Our opposition is rooted in the following core principles: 1. Academic freedom: The BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) movement discriminates against Israeli institutions, professors and students for no other reason than their nationality and the policies of their government. Thus BDS violates the very principle of academic freedom. Academic boycotts such as those promoted by BDS activists “are antithetical to the fundamental principles of the academy, where we will not hold intellectual exchange hostage to the political disagreements of the moment,” according to a statement signed by 300 university presidents in 2007.

2. Truth: The factual record does not support the accusations and narratives of the BDS movement. Many are based on overstatements, cherrypicked evidence, outright falsehood, or on disputed or highly biased data. 3. Peace: The two-state solution – which guarantees to both parties mutual recognition – enjoys the endorsement of the UN, U.S., EU and the Arab League. By demonizing and seeking to isolate one of the two par-

ties to the peace process, the anti-Israel BDS movement sets itself apart from the global consensus for peace. (Eugene Kontorovich, Washington Post)

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

CLUBFED Lecture Series

EXOTIC JEWISH COMMUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD Presented by Dr. Steven Derfler TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

10–11:30am – Jews of Cuba According to popular lore, three Jews came with Columbus on his first journey as he explored the northeast coast of Cuba (landed on 28 October, 1492). The contemporary Jewish community, however, does not represent a line of continuity with the Jews of the 13th century.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

Façade – Bet Shalom Synagogue Havana, Cuba

10–11:30am – Jews of Morocco The beginnings of the Jewish community in Morocco are the subject of many legends. Some say that Jews arrived after the destruction of the First Temple of Solomon. It is generally agreed, however, that Jews arrived with Phoenician traders hundreds of years before the Christian era.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

10–11:30am – Jews of China Archaeological evidence suggests that Jews were in China as early as the 8th century, having arrived from Persia along the Silk Road. In 1163, the Emperor ordered the Jews to live in Kai Feng, where they built the first Chinese synagogue. However, Westerners lost touch with Kai Feng Jews in the mid-1700s. It was not until the 1850s that they would be re-discovered and an effort was made to re-establish contact.

Ben Saadon Synagogue Fez, Morocco

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

10–11:30am – Jews of Egypt The long, rich heritage of the Israelite community in Egypt, according to tradition, begins with the Genesis narrative of Jacob’s sons and sibling rivalry. Our story shifts to the era of the New Kingdom of Egypt—when Egypt ruled the East, and the Mosaic tradition of the Exodus. It continues throughout history in a relatively unbroken chain, even through the midst of the 20th century.

Main Synagogue Harbin, China

OF THE LIVING

Ben Ezra Synagogue from Women’s Gallery – Cairo, Egypt

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