The Jewish News - September 2013 by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

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

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

September 2013 - Elul 5773 / Tishrei 5774 INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

7A Community Focus 12A Jewish Interest 20A Commentary 23A Focus on Youth 27A Life Cycle 1B Jewish Happenings 8B Israel & the Jewish World 14B Recent Events

2A Bob Malkin Young Ambassadors Mission to Israel reports

11A Sew Good: How one local Jewish teen makes a difference

26A

Temple Sinai students “do good!”

It’s a new year at your Jewish Federation By Howard Tevlowitz, Federation Executive Director

very happy, healthy, sweet and peaceful New Year to all! As a people, Israelis are not exactly content to keep things status quo. It’s no exaggeration to say that Israel is still the land of idealists – chock full of people working to make the world a better place. During my most recent trip to Israel, I came across so many exceptional individuals who are striving to build stronger, more meaningful communities that should serve as an inspiration to us all. They individually and collectively remind us how much we in America and Israel have to gain Howard Tevlowitz, Federation Executive Director by feeding off of our respective energy. As one expert told me, “Knowledge is Israel’s biggest export.” It is one export we, in the Diaspora, need to import more than ever! Israel is not a mere obligatory paragraph in our Federation’s mission statement, it is our extended family. There’s a direct line from how Israelis are repairing the world to how we are embracing change for a better Jewish future here in Sarasota-Manatee. It’s in our collective interest to make that line as short as possible. To that end, the mission of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee – to save Jewish lives and enhance Jewish life – is guided in our continuing transformation by a few core principles:

Recent event photos from the area’s temples, camps and organizations Klingenstein Jewish Center, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 Annual voluntary subscription: $25

ÎÎ We are a Jewish agency ÎÎ We cannot be all things to all people ÎÎ In order to continue to be successful, we need to know what business we are in ÎÎ Our key driver is strategic, smart impact in our Jewish community and in Israel Our Federation has been increasingly successful, and a model for Federations around the country, because we have been focused, ensuring that our mission drives and frames the activities we do. First and foremost, we cannot have an organized Jewish community without Jews. Thus, we are endeavoring to connect Jews with “Judaism” in a variety of ways. Live music, performing arts, generation-specific programming, food, movies, Israel, speakers, holiday celebrations, books, learning, interfaith work and sports are some of those mediums. Consider the Federation a bit like the Jewish Food Channel. If you come with a passion for culture, a zest for learning and caring, and add to it a sprinkling of Jewish identity/pride, and then a seasoning of love for Israel, you then have a taste of what’s behind our Federation programming. Our programming is as much about creating a positive Jewish identity as it is about the mediums/venues we choose or use for engagement. Anyone can be a Jewish chef. There are no limitations. And Federation has not forsaken those Jews who are most vulnerable or at risk. Even with a vast array of technology at our fingertips (or perhaps partially as a result), people feel increasingly disconnected from one another, and

L’Shana Tova!

14B

A publication of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Volume 43, Number 9

continued on page 2A

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA FL PERMIT 167

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FEDERATION NEWS

September 2013

Finding myself in the desert Coming home By Ike Pintchuck

By Madison Bryan

recently spent 15 days in Israel as a 2013 Bob Malkin Young Ambassador, and I can honestly say there was one part of the trip that especially seeped through my skin and opened my mind. It was the time we spent in the desert. I’ve never actually been in a desert – let alone outside of the East Coast of the United States and Canada – so after waking up from an hour-long nap on the bus ride and catching a glimpse of the seemingly limitless hills of rocks and sand, I was nothing short of shocked. I saw camels – real, live camels! – as they traveled in huge herds along the side of a very long, one-lane road. Eventually, we all got to ride the camels, which was a lot of fun. Being introduced to the Bedouins was also nice, but all I could think about was how could I get Wi-Fi out in the middle of nowhere. I consider myself to be a relatively independent young lady. I like to walk around Sarasota and explore the streets with friends, and my dream is to literally get lost one day. This dream doesn’t worry me because I have always had a keen sense of direction no matter where I go, and I know I will always be able to find my way back home. But once we walked out into the desert that night, I lost all sense of navigation. I had no idea as to where I could walk to or where we were going. All that mattered was that I didn’t get stung by any scorpions. We began our “trust walk,” where each of us placed our hands on the shoulders of the person ahead of us, and we were assigned the task of clos-

ing our eyes and following the lead of our guide. Since we were all new to the desert, it was pretty humorous to hear everyone giggling and scrambling to retain their postures and occasionally cursing the rocks they had tripped over. We had finally reached our destination – about 150 feet ahead of where we had started – but it seemed as if we were

y Bob Malkin Young Ambassadors adventure didn’t begin seven months ago at the first training session on the Federation Campus, nor when I sent in my application, essay and had my interview, and not even when I did the whole application process a year before. In fact, it started back in 2008 when

The first reason is that it was the midpoint of our trip. I remember riding on the bus in the morning after leaving the kibbutz and thinking, “Wow, this week has taken so long. I still can’t believe there’s still eight days left of this. I’m kind of ready to go home and see my friends.” Thinking back on it, that was probably the dumbest thing I said on the whole trip because I’m glad there were still eight days left. In the end I couldn’t get enough of Israel. That same day, we went to Tzfat, one of my favorite cities in Israel. I loved the quaint feeling it had, and I loved the recurring sky blue theme that the buildings, doors and window frames had. The lesson with Avraham, a local artist, about Kabbalah and the importance of our own Hebrew names got my brain turning and thinking about this whole other aspect of Judaism that not many people realize. It wasn’t just Tzfat that made the day a highlight of the trip. Also of equal importance was the home-cooked meal with a Yemenite Jewish family. The house and the food blew me away! It was just a really happy day and so peaceful. My moment of clarity in Israel occurred in the Judean desert under the illumination of the super moon. The activity was to disperse into the desert night

miles away. Besides the Bedouin tents my mom led her first Young Ambassabeing entirely lit up, all one could see dors mission. That summer, when she out where we were was the mystifying returned from Israel for the first time, super moon, rocks, a road, dirt, camels she came back a new woman. Not only and more rocks. It became difficult to did she look different after two weeks of distinguish one rock from another and not seeing her, but she also seemed difwhich one had the potential to harbor ferent emotionally and religiously. She some small, poisonous creature, but it said, “Israel changed my life...It’s the stopped mattering anyway. The moon greatest place in the world. I felt a spekept us moving – a reminder that night cial connection the moment I stepped foot on Israeli soil.” That’s when I and day only last so long. Then, we all took steps away from thought to myself, “I want to feel like each other for what was supposed to that. I want to go to Israel.” Backtrack to seven months ago at be ten minutes so we could reflect on our time in Israel and on ourselves. It the Federation for our first group meetmade me wonder: Does everyone take ing. I walked into the room and saw time to reflect? I mean really, really re- some familiar faces – some from school Complete information, eligibility requirements appliCation: whom I’d seen but never really& conflect? Does everyone get to have this incredible experience www.TheJewishFederation.org where they are versed with, some from years way back surrounded by complete silence, where from Hebrew School at Temple Sinai, Amber at 941.343.2106 or aikeman@jfedsrq.org and some whom I’d never laid my eyes all that Questions? can be heard Contact is the wind and aIkeman The feeling in the room was person’s own breathing? My thoughts on before.Klingenstein Jewish Center no McIntosh one really knowing continued on page 3A awkward, 580 Road, Sarasota,what FL 34232 to say andwww.TheJewishFederation.org when to say it. None of us knew what was really in store for us and how, over the next six months, we would grow into a family that no other stranger could understand, and that we were going to be connected in more Ike at the home of a Yemenite family near Tzfat ways than we could realize. The day before I left for Israel, I was and reflect on the past weekend and the thinking about all I had been through whole trip. During this time I felt so conleading up to that day. My mom’s trips nected to Israel as a place and just felt the and testimonies, thinking my older understanding that only God could have brother was a fool for not wanting to created something so special as Israel. take this trip, the first application proAll in all, if I could describe Israel cess, the second application process, in one word, it would be “indescriband the six months of training we went able.” People don’t understand Israel through. I knew I was ready and that the unless they’ve been there. Going to Isfeelings that I manifested from this trip rael put a face to the name that is Israel would be mine and mine alone. I un- and the Israeli people. Before I went to Join us for a FREE prep class to learn and feel prepared to Honor the High Holidays derstood that everyone in our “family” Israel I was supporting something that in a meaningful way. Takes place on August 30, 2013 at 9:30 am on The Jewish would feel differently about our experi- seemed so close but was so foreign to Federation Campus, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 ences, and I thought that was amazing. me in reality. It was only after going to HigH • Examine some of the prayers that you hear in synagogue. Our seventh day in Israel: I chose to Israel that I truly understand the conHoliday • Learn conversation-starters and activities to do with kids. write about this day for a few reasons. cepts of a Jewish homeland. E

“... the trip of a lifetime.”

Mother’s Circle

d i t i o n! • Understand the virtues of traditional Rosh Hashanah foods. • Discover the concept behind fasting for Yom Kippur! • Discuss the intricacies of participating in or hosting a Jewish Holiday celebration. RSVP: www.jfedsrq.org/events.aspx Questions? Contact Flora Oynick at 941.343.2114 or email foynick@jfedsrq.org.

Howard Tevlowitz...continued from page 1A from broader frameworks of community. In a world of immediate gratification and infinite choice, so many people today are just lost and don’t know where they belong. Yet, one of the most important things we at Federation see in our cultural arts, Israel-based, youth and adult programming is that those who participate feel a part of something greater and bigger than themselves. This is our role and value in the 21st century: bringing Jewish community to Jews wherever they live, bringing Israel to our community – regardless of religious beliefs – and helping those most

in need. To summarize, Federation adds value by identifying where there are key needs/gaps; identifying key opportunities and effective solutions to these challenges; convening partners/leaders/donors to address these issues; and ensuring return on philanthropic investment. We aim to be the most effective JEWISH mechanism to ensure a meaningful – and strategic – impact in our community. If you would like more information, please contact me at 941.343.2110 or htevlowitz@jfedsrq.org.

responsibility.

FEDERATION NEWS 3A September 2013 Approval Madison Bryan...continued from page 2A

Approved Approved with Corrections New Proof Required

September 2013

Keep it in the Family...

were racing, and I remember making me. I was not in this desert alone. There some cool beats with my breathing pat- were,Authorized and stillSignature are people on this same terns, and then I realized something: land with the same thoughts. We don’t Why can’t I think? Why can’t I hear my knowDate each other, and we can’t see each Murray Margolis own voice? Why do I have nothing to other. Soon I became conscious of some E x t r ao r d i n a ry S E l E c t i o n o f f i n E J E w E l ry Certified WatChmaker appraisals expert JeWelry repairs think about? Was it because I had no kind of connection, and I became so enTelephone Number WatCh Batteries restringing all Work done on site external sources of amusement? Was it veloped in the land for that one special Your one-stop full-service jewelry center | Buying Precious Metals because, like so many moment that I practiFax Number T h e F a m i ly J e w e l e r of my peers, I am so abcally forgot to return 8342 market street • lakewood ranch • (941) 907-3418 • www.thefamilyjeweler.com sorbed in “Generation to my group. Me,” where technology A short later, Please sign and faxwhile back to and social media rule I wandered back and my train of thought? It sat with my friends was me, the ground, and amongst the rocks. ADDReSS: 6614 Villa Suite 123 the light from the moon. NoSonrisa, one said a word; Boca Raton, FL 33433 What was there to think no one looked at anyPhoNe: 561.368.8740 about? I began to get so one. We all respected FAx: 561.368.0776 angry at myself because the fact that each one I was left with nothof us just had an indiINTeRNeT: www.realfloridajewishdirectory.com ing but the inability to vidual experience we e-mAIL: rfjd@bellsouth.net have any intellectually could never describe Ad SIze: stimulating thoughts. or share. Full Page Twoam ThirdsI sharHow is anyone capable So why Three Quarter one Third Vertical of “meditation?” What ing mine one now? Israel half Third horizontal is there to think about seemed only surreal half Vertical one Sixth Quarter Vertical when all I could hear to me untilProfessional we went to Quarter horizontal was an endless stream the desert that day and Madison Bryan of wind? So I thought intoColoRS: the night. It was Full Color Black & White about how many people were thinking there that I realized where I really was. I AReA SeCtIoNS PRemIum PoSItIoNS the same thing I was. But I couldn’t see wasn’t just in a desert at night inorlando Israel. Inside Front Last Page Seniors holocaust Children Attractions Palm Beach Tri-County Cover (IFC) Inside Back Taste of the home Decor Funeral Calendar anyone anymore. Everyone blended in I was where I was supposed to be Israelas a Sarasota miami-Dade First Page Cover (IBC) County medical General Celebration New York/ Tampa Broward with the rocks because we were all so human being. Back Cover Theatre/Arts New Jersey distant from one another. The group embarked on another Full Page 5-1/4 x 9" Three Quarter 5-1/4 x 6-5/8" half 5-1/4 x 4 3/8" half Vertical 2-1/2 x 9" Quarter Vertical 2-1/2 x 4-3/8" Quarter horizontal 5-1/4 x 2-1/8" And then the thoughts came. I be- “trust walk,” but x this Two Thirds 5-1/4 5-7/8" time much one Third more Vertical 2-1/2 x 5-7/8" one Third horizontal 5-1/4 x 2-3/4" one Sixth 2-1/2 x 2-3/4" Professional 2-1/2 x 1-1/4" gan to think about which biblical fig- silently. I stopped cursing the rocks ures might have stood in this same spot, beneath me. I let go of the person in on these same rocks, with these same front of me, while having eight or nine thoughts. My troubles began to evade people behind me “trusting” me. Sudme. I was no longer constantly picking denly, I realized what this walk was for. up one foot after another trying to avoid I wasn’t about to put my life into the any small bugs or critters that inhabit hands of these people I had only known the desert. I was defenseless. I had nei- for a few months; rather, I put it into the ther the shield of my mind nor the dis- land that has waited for me for thoutraction of others to guard me. The only sands of years. I stopped tripping on thing between me and that land were rocks on the way back to the tents. I remy shoes. alized the rocks weren’t there to trip us; I must have been standing there lis- instead, they were there to keep us alert, tening to myself breathe for about ten as our trusty guides. We made it back minutes when I realized why none of the to the road, and I looked out to the hills desert animals had come to attack me. in the desert. At that moment, I realized These creatures were not there to scare I was meant to go on this trip. I also me, but to remind me that I was not here knew that I had to come back again. I by myself. Men and women have wan- knew, because for the first time in my dered this exact desert for years. Maybe life, I finally felt a sense of spiritual some of them were named Malka, like belonging.

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For more information about The Bob Malkin Young Ambassadors Teen Leadership Program, contact Amber Ikeman at aikeman@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2106.

Women’s Day 2013 Save the date!

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Featuring Broadcaster & Award-Winning Journalist

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AIPAC.........................................7B Annual Meeting............................8A Bob Malkin Young Ambassadors.25A College Night..............................23A College Scholarships..................23A Charitable Remainder Trust........20A Community Tashlich.....................1B Computers 4 Seniors...................12B Holocaust Garden.......................14B Itzhak Perlman Concert..............12B JCC Reunion...............................11A Keyboard Conversations®...........13B March of the Living....................26A

Masa Israel Travel Scholarship...26A Mother’s Circle.............................2A Morocco Mission........................14B Panim el Panim.............................6B People of the Book......................11B Purim Masquerade......................15B Shalom Baby...............................27A Send-a-Kid-to-Israel Program.....25A Teen Travel Expo........................26A The PJ Library.............................27A The Weekend.................................4B Women’s Day................................3A Young Adult Happy Hour...........18A

TheJewishFederation.org

FEDERATION NEWS

September 2013

Mensch of the Month – Dr. Rebecca Bergman

ALEPH’s Kallah event impacts Federation staffer

early 600 members of the sota-Manatee’s Youth Engagement worldwide Jewish Renewal Coordinator, Amber Ikeman, attended community gathered at the be- the Kallah and brought back new tools ginning of July in Rindge, New Hamp- for creating meaningful Jewish expeshire, for the biennial Kallah, a joyous, riences in our community. She parprayerful and community-shaping gath- ticipated in Rabbi Shefa Gold’s chant ering of friends, members, ordination workshop, as well as sessions on drumstudents and congregations. ming for Jewish worship, the nigunim The Kallah, a week-long gather- (songs without words) of Rabbi Zalman ing, helps to fulfill ALEPH’s primary Schachter-Shalomi, and other Jewish mission to organize and nurture Jewish spiritual practices. Amber’s goal is to Renewal communities, train leaders, use this knowledge and skill to enhance create liturgical and scholarly resources, services for the youth groups she works and work for social and environmental with and to build deeper relationships justice. with Jewish youth and teens. Amber Faculty at the event included many says that the Kallah had “a beautiful of the biggest names in Jewish Renew- sense of community and genuine spirial: Rabbi David Ingber taught a course tual connection. Through doing my own on Talmud; Rabbi Shefa Gold taught a spiritual work, I am able to help others class about Earth, Air, Fire and Water as find the connections they seek.” Also in Emanations of the Divine; Dr. Karen Barad and Rabbi Fern Feldman taught a course that explored the relations between Quantum Physics and Kabbalah; and Maggid Zelig Golden offered a Wilderness Torah trek. In addition, there was an effort to make available to Progressive Jews, Amber Ikeman (at left) gets into the beat in the “Holy Drumming” class at Kallah (photos © Talya Arbisser) several skills and practices located solely within the Orthodox attendance from Sarasota were Jennifer community. In particular, the scribal arts Singer, Spiritual Leader of Congregaare a tradition that has been relatively tion Kol HaNeshama, and Reb Goldie closed to liberal participants. Scribes Milgram. In the words of Jewish Renewal are responsible for the sacred task of creating new and repairing old Torah Rabbi Rachel Barenblatt, “Renewal is scrolls. This year’s Kallah included a an attitude, not a denomination; adhercourse, Barefoot Sofer, by Rabbi Kevin ents of Renewal come from all of the Hale, Sofer STaM (ritual scribe), that branches of Judaism. Renewal places taught participants the art and hands-on emphasis on direct spiritual experience, craft of repairing a Torah scroll that is and values accessibility over insularunfit for use by a congregation because ity...Renewal is a grassroots, transof damages to the scroll or the text. denominational approach to Judaism The course has generated a conversa- which seeks to revitalize Judaism by tion about beginning a two-year train- drawing on the immanence-consciousing program to train Jewish Renewal ness of feminism, the joy of Hasidism, the informed do-it-yourself spirit of the soferim (scribes). The Jewish Federation of Sara- havurah movement, and the accumulated wisdom of centuries of tradition. We strive to imbue Judaism with an ecumenical, egalitarian and post-triumphalist sensibility; to create innovative, accessible, and welcoming worship; to shape halakhah (Jewish law) into a living way of walking righteously; and to deepen the ongoing, joyful and fundamental connection with TOP SALES God that’s at the heart of Jewish Arthur Kurzweil presents “Searching for God in a Magic OCIA TE Shop” A to a S rapt S intergenerational audience practice.”

By Sarah Wertheimer

People comment regularly about hen we think of the ideal Jewish woman, we use the term Rebecca’s calming, soothing way. OfEshet Chayil, a “woman of ten the biggest question to Rebecca is valor.” One need not seek definitions in “How do you survive with the notorious Energizer Bunny husband of Jewish texts or in dictionaries yours, Richie Bergman?” To to figure out what the characwhich she merely chuckles teristics are that make a womand moves on to the next topan a “woman of valor.” One merely needs to conjure up the ic. She is truly a classy lady. A common theme among name Dr. Rebecca Bergman and the characteristics come any of our “Mensches of the Month” is their humilclearly into focus. Whether she’s enjoying ity; most allow us to recogdinner with Federation sup- Dr. Rebecca Bergman nize them, while kicking and porters, helping with registration at screaming, and Rebecca is no differcommunity events, or writing thank- ent. Despite her protests, the difference you notes to donors, Rebecca is always Rebecca makes in our Jewish commuthinking about and sharing our Federa- nity needs to be recognized. We only tion’s mission and vision. The manner wish we had more Rebecca Bergmans. in which Rebecca represents our or- Thank you Dr. Rebecca Bergman for ganization is notable. She is sensitive, being such a mensch. professional and a wonderful listener.

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FEDERATION NEWS 5A September 2013

September 2013

Egypt: Tahrir Square, focus of riots, protests, killings...again Established 1971

PUBLISHER The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road Sarasota, FL 34232-1959 Phone: 941.371.4546 Fax: 941.378.2947 E-mail: jewishnews@jfedsrq.org Website: www.jfedsrq.org Published Monthly Volume 43, Number 9 September 2013 44 pages in two sections USPS Permit No. 167 October 2013 Issue Deadlines: Editorial: August 29, 2013 Advertising: August 29, 2013 PRESIDENT Nancy Swart EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Howard Tevlowitz ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Marty Haberer COMMUNICATIONS CO-CHAIRS Linda Lipson, Jack Steenbarger MANAGING EDITOR Ted Epstein CREATIVE MANAGER Christopher Alexander ADVERTISING SALES Robin Leonardi PROOFREADERS Adeline Silverman, Stacey Edelman, Harold Samtur, Bryna Tevlowitz JOSEPH J. EDLIN JOURNALISM INTERNS Sammy Robbins, Sarah Tedesco, Andrew Wolfson MISSION STATEMENT: The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee strives to be the source of news and features of special interest to the Jewish community of Sarasota-Manatee, to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions in the Jewish community, and to communicate the mission, activities and achievements of the Federation and its Jewish community partners. OPINIONS printed in The Jewish News of Sarasota-Manatee do not necessarily reflect those of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, its Board of Directors or staff. SUBMISSIONS to The Jewish News are subject to editing for space and content, and may be withheld from publication without prior notice. Approval of submissions for publication in either verbal or written form shall always be considered tentative, and does not imply a guarantee of any kind. Submissions must be sent electronically to jewishnews@jfedsrq.org. LETTERS to the editor should not exceed 300 words, must be typed, and include the writer’s name, mailing address and phone number. Letters can be submitted via snail mail or e-mail (jewishnews@jfedsrq.org). Not all letters will be published. Letters may be edited for length and content. ADVERTISING: Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement and may require the words “Paid Advertisement” in any ad. Publication of advertisements does not constitute endorsement of products, services or ideas promoted therein. Member publication:

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

ohamed Morsi served as the my. Unemployment reached new elected President of Egypt highs and industry came to a near for one year and then faced halt. Poverty became an epidemic the wrath of the electorate, the military and the public saw no positive reand millions of Egyptians who wanted sponse from its new leadership. him removed from office and wanted Fears rose, doubts increased and the Muslim Brotherhood’s influence in more questions were raised. all facets of Egyptian life 4. Drivers found themdiminished, if not done selves waiting in line away with entirely. at gas stations for more The question arises: than four hours to fill How could there be so their tanks. While they much unrest in a country waited in line they talked that wanted most of all to fellow countrymen to rid itself of President waiting with them. ComHosni Mubarak, a country plaints were raised, anthat had said “anyone but ger boiled over and the Mubarak as our leader,” a blame was placed on the country that rioted in order government and its “do Rabbi Howard A. Simon to attain the right to have a nothing” president. free election? How could this happen in 5. The Muslim Brotherhood had taken such a short period of time? The answer over the government and their leadis that it has taken place because of the ership was as far from democratic actions of Morsi and his Muslim Brothas possible. The public saw that erhood supporters. In the course of his the Brotherhood was unresponyear in office, this is what Morsi did: sive to demands for change. They 1. He refused to make any concessaw the Brotherhood as a rigid hisions to opposition political parerarchy that listened only to their ties. In statement after statement, leaders and believed they had the Morsi made it clear that “it is my right to rule in any fashion they way or the highway.” The tougher wished. Suspicions grew and mishis stance became, the more suspitrust became rampant. cious the populace became. This is what both the military and 2. Shortly after taking office, Morsi the public saw as the reality facing issued a presidential decree giving Egypt. On July 1, under the leadership him power beyond the reach of any of the Minister of Defense, General court. The public saw this as the Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, an edict was anrepetition of what their previous nounced stating that President Morsi leader, Hosni Mubarak, had done had forty-eight hours to respond to the time and time again. The public nations concerns and, if he failed to do became outraged and feared what so, “it will be incumbent upon us (the else might be demanded by the new army) to announce a road map to the president. future.” On July 3 President Morsi was 3. While solidifying his position as forced out of office. president, Morsi did little or nothWhat has followed has been read ing to improve Egypt’s econo- about in the world press, seen on televi-

sion on a daily basis, and lived by the Egyptian people. Millions have gathered in Tahrir Square and throughout Egypt calling, on one side, for the imprisonment of Mohamed Morsi and, on the other side, demanding his return to office. The Muslim Brotherhood believed they had taken control of the government with the election of President Morsi. They believed they were an invincible power. They have now learned that the will of the people is stronger than any single political or religious power. Millions of Egyptians have signed petitions calling for a new election. The army, a group that, along with all other security forces in Egypt, does not have the right to vote in any election, has sided with the rebellion. Sadly, the death toll will rise and protests will abound. The world, including the United States, watches everything unfold in Egypt. There are countless statements made about the need for calm, for an end to the killing, but no country can or will step in to quell the problems that are rife in Egypt. At some point the military will hold sway, the fighting will end and a new election will take place. Changes will occur in Egypt, but will the country ever recover from what is now taking place? We watch and we hope a true, lasting peace will be restored and the country will find its way to a democracy that represents one and all. For more information about the Heller IAI, please visit www.sarasotaloves israel.com or contact Jessi Sheslow at 941.343.2109 or jsheslow@jfedsrq.org.

Israel innovates – 9/11 Memorial eptember is the month of reflection for the Jewish community,. Since 2001 it has become a month of somber remembrance for not only the United States but for much of the world. That devastating Tuesday, September 11, 2001, left a gaping hole in our society, having us ask who would and why would anyone do something that left 2,977 innocent people dead. The world mourned for the loss of peace in democratic societies and we quickly had to switch modes and find those who perpetrated these heinous acts. Three years later, back on the home front, a design contest to create a memorial at Ground Zero was coming to an end. Israeli-American Michael Arad was named the winner. The poetry behind this choice isn’t lost. An Israeli man who has seen war, terror and jihad, and who is now an American with dual citizenship, may be one of the few architects in the world who can truly understand what Americans went through that day. His design of the 9/11 memorial site has been said to have “…a solemnness, a simplicity and an otherness which is absolutely

perfect,” by fellow architect Thom Mayne. We congratulate Israeli-American Michael Arad, for his beautiful reminder and commemoration of September 11, 2001. This article has been presented by the Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative through The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. For more information, contact Jessi Sheslow at jsheslow@ jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2109.

Michael Arad at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City (Photo credit Andrea Morales/New York Times)

FEDERATION NEWS

September 2013

Communal Torah arriving in Sarasota-Manatee By Sammy Robbins, Joseph J. Edlin Journalism Intern

n late August, the Magdovitz Family Memorial Torah Scroll and Mantle from the former Congregation Beth Israel in Clarksdale, Mississippi, is scheduled to arrive in Sarasota-Manatee. The Torah will be made available for communal use for one year. Its presence in Sarasota-Manatee is made possible through the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, in collaboration with SRQ Jews Without Borders and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-ManSammy Robbins atee, which has generously offered to “host” the Torah for safekeeping. The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life is committed to providing educational and rabbinic services to Southern Jew-

ish communities, documenting and preserving the history of the Southern Jewish experience, and fostering a Jewish cultural presence throughout the South (a thirteen-state region). Clarksdale, Mississippi, a birthplace of blues music, has a rich Jewish history. Beginning in the late 1870s, German Jewish immigrants were drawn to the fertile soil in Clarksdale, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta region. These Jews were farmers, seed salesmen, dry goods and clothing sellers, grocers, jewelers and tailors. Jewish minyanim first sprung up in private homes in 1896. One of these small minyanim gathered supporters and formed Congregation Beth Israel in 1905. The Clarksdale Jewish community grew substantially at the beginning of the twentieth century, and Congregation Beth Israel constructed its first synagogue building in 1910, and a second, larger synagogue building in 1929

– large enough to accommodate both Reform and “traditional” services on any given Shabbat. By the 1930s, the Clarksdale Jewish community boasted numbers over 400, and Beth Israel Congregation continued to thrive. But like so many other small Jewish communities in the South, economic shifts, an exodus of young Jews to metropolitan areas, and a declining Jewish knowledge base weakened the communal bonds. By the 1970s, the Clarksdale Jewish community had dwindled to one quarter its former size. In 2003, the remaining twenty members of Congregation Beth Israel sold the synagogue building and used the sale proceeds to establish a perpetual care trust for the upkeep of their Jewish cemetery. The remaining congregants also chose to donate their Torahs for safe-keeping at the Institute of Southern Jewish Life’s Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience. One of these Torahs will grace

our community this coming year. The Torah will first be used by the community at the upcoming SRQ Jews Without Borders’ Open Door High Holiday Services at Selby Gardens. Thereafter, the Torah will be housed on the Federation Campus for the year. Al Goldis and Marden Paru will each serve as a shammos for the Torah and its safekeeping. The community is so grateful to The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee for serving to “host” the Torah. For more information about the Torah, please contact SRQ Jews Without Borders at SRQJewsWithoutBorders@ gmail.com or 941.447.9770, or visit www.srqjewswithoutborders.org. For more information about the Institute of Southern Jewish Life and its Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, visit www.isjl.org/index.html and www.isjl.org/museum/index.html.

somehow don’t seem out of place or overbearing. Modern Israel embraces its past, while boldly walking into the future with an ease that can only be the product of divine choosing. Yet, at the same time that Israel acknowledges the divine choosing of this land and people, it openly embraces secular thought and individual freedoms. The State of Israel is a nation unlike any other. It is unique in its place in the world because it chooses freedom and

diversity even when that freedom and diversity make it a target. If ever our world is to learn peace, the lesson must begin in Israel, and the courage of its people must be emulated. Rev. Henry Porter participated on the Federation’s 2013 Interfaith Voyage of Discovery. For more information about the Federation’s interfaith initiatives through the Heller IAI, please contact Jessi Sheslow at jsheslow@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2109.

What makes Israel unique By The Reverend Henry Porter, II

efore traveling to the State of Israel a few months ago on The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Interfaith Voyage of Discovery, I, like many Americans, didn’t fully understand the complexity of the Middle East. The State of Israel is a country roughly the size of New Jersey surrounded by nations dedicated to its destruction, and yet there is a feeling of peace, The Reverend Henry Porter, II goodwill and security that engulfs you upon arrival. The sense of serenity and closeness to the divine permeates all aspects of Israeli life. This feeling is foreign to us as Americans and is the beauty of Israel. During the celebrations of Memorial Day and Independence Day, I was

overcome by the sense of pride and ownership that each citizen displayed. In my opinion, this sense of shared well-being comes from the compulsory service in the Israel Defense Forces. Each citizen is dedicated to Israel’s well-being because of the shared sacrifice of all citizens. As an American, I’ve never seen such a feeling of pride for one’s country. Sure, the State of Israel has its problems and no country is perfect, but it is this complexity that confirms Israel’s support of the right of a people to self-determination. Their ability to be at peace while surrounded by hostility is a shining example of what all nations and peoples should strive to attain. As you tour ancient cities and ruins, you are exposed to the greatness of Israel’s people and past, all within the context of a modern bustling society. Modern skyscrapers reside next to monuments of past millennia and

American Jewish Committee

The Board of Directors and Staff wish you and your family a

Happy, Healthy, and Sweet New Year! For more information about AJC, visit www.ajc.org (941) 365-4955 sarasota@ajc.org

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

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COMMUNITY FOCUS 7A September 2013

September 2013

“Twelve Minor Prophets” coming to Sarasota By Marden Paru, Director of Continuing Education, Temple Beth Sholom

hile the section of the Hebrew Bible we call “The Prophets” (Nevi’im) is well known, the contents of the twelve smallest volumes are the least exposed. As a group they are generically referred to as the “Minor Prophets” or the “Twelve Prophets” (Trei Asar). The word “minor” is used as a descriptive adjective strictly because of the size of each book and not because of any level of importance in

contrast to the larger books such as Jeremiah, Isaiah or Ezekiel. The “Twelve Prophets” refers to the twelve traditional authors of these works: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. If any of these names seem familiar, it is more likely because the Bible is a common resource for the naming of children than from having studied these books in

Hebrew School. Jonah is probably the best known, not only because it is read and studied on Yom Kippur afternoon, but because of a whale of a tale that is contained therein. Temple Beth Sholom is offering a two-semester weekly course which will use a modern translation to study these twelve texts. The classes will meet in two different time slots: Sunday afternoons from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and re-

peated on Tuesday mornings from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Classes start on October 6 and 8 respectively. The classes are free for temple members and $72 for nonmembers. To register, please call the Temple Beth Sholom office at 941.955.8121, email marden.paru@gmail.com, or visit the Continuing Education page at www. templebethsholomfl.org.

AJC Regional Director receives national award

rian Lipton, AJC’s West Coast soldiers from World War II. He was so Florida Regional Director, was moved by the friendships formed as a honored by his colleagues with result of these young people’s experithe AJC (American Jewish Committee) ences, and remarked that “to see a young Staff Excellence Award during the or- Jewish woman from New York holding ganization’s annual meeting hands with a young man from in Washington, DC, the GlobGermany as they lit the memoal Forum, held in June. Lipton rial candle at a concentration was the only staff member camp was just incredible.” to earn the award from any For more than 100 years, GRAB THIS DEAL of the 25 Regional Offices in AJC has sought to advance the Your Bathroom Safety Specialist the United States. This prestipeace and security of the JewMoen Distributor • Certiﬁed Residential gious award is given annually ish people through high-level and Commercial • Licensed, bonded, to employees who have demdiplomacy, strong legislative Brian Lipton and insured in Florida • ADA Compliant onstrated their commitment to advocacy, and effective interF INSTREE ALLA AJC’s core values: respect, teamwork, religious and interethnic coalitions. AJC TION Always reachable at integrity, excellence and accountability. is the preeminent global Jewish advoThe Global Forum hosted over 1,500 cate. To learn more about AJC, please www.drgrabbars.com people from all fifty states and sixty visit www.ajc.org. countries and is the preeminent global Jewish advocacy conference. Dan Elbaum, Director of Regional Offices, remarked at the award ceremo1050 S. Tuttle Ave ny that “Brian always makes me hapSELICHOT SERVICE (Open to the Public) Sarasota, FL 34237 py.” Brian Lipton demonstrates his true Saturday, August 31, Dessert Reception, 8:00pm Selichot Service, 9:00pm love of the Jewish people and a passion We wish everyone in the community for the mission of AJC. At a sold-out CEMETERY VISITATION a Happy and Healthy New Year! lunch program in Sarasota this spring Sunday, September 1, 10:00am when AJC Executive Director David  EREV ROSH HASHANAH Harris was the Keynote Speaker, Harris Affiliated With The United Synagogue Wednesday, September 4, Service, 7:30pm reflected that opening the Regional Ofof Conservative Judaism  FIRST DAY OF ROSH HASHANAH fice in Sarasota had its challenges, but Thursday, September 5, Morning Service, 8:30am that “it has worked spectacularly well, Ongoing Programs: Tashlich & Evening Service at Turtle Beach, 5:00pm and…Brian is the best.” Brian Lipton • Daily Morning Minyan: Schools & Office Closed is known among staff members and Sunday-Friday, 8:00am community leaders as someone who  SECOND DAY ROSH HASHANAH • Morning Minyan Breakfast: is committed to AJC’s mission, shows Friday, September 6, Morning Service, 8:30am Evening Service, 6:00pm uncompromising attention to detail, and Wednesday, 9:00am Schools & Office Closed leads the Region with an enthusiastic • Shabbat Services: Friday, 6:30pm & professionalism which is evident to all.  KOL NIDRE Saturday, 9:00am Lipton has collaborated with lay Friday, September 13, Service, 6:45pm • Chug Ivri - Hebrew Reading & leaders during his six years with AJC,  YOM KIPPUR elevating West Coast Florida to one of Conversation: Thursday, 11:00am Saturday, September 14, Morning Service, 8:30am AJC’s most successful regional offices. Youth Programming K-7, 9:00am-2:00pm • Judaica Shop, Gail Jagoda: In addition to his current position in Community Yizkor, 3:00pm Wednesday only, 10am-2pm Sarasota, he has been promoted to lead Afternoon Service & Neilah, 6:00pm the very successful Adenauer Exchange • Idelson Adult Library, Summer Hours: Institute in Berlin, Germany, which  Tickets are REQUIRED Wednesday only, 10am-3pm is now in its 33rd year. This esteemed Please Call to Inquire program brings together German govabout High Holiday Tickets ernment officials and American AJC leaders to engage in discussions regard941.955.8121 SUKKOT ing German-Israeli relations, anti-Semiinfo@templebethsholomfl.org Thursday, September 19, Service, 9:00am tism and German-U.S. relations. He was Friday, September 20, Service, 9:00am www.templebethsholomfl.org also appointed to facilitate AJC’s Third Dinner, 5:45pm Generation Initiative, a program, also Schools & Office Closed Temple Beth Sholom Schools – Home of: in Berlin, which brings together Jewish SHEMINI ATZERET The Martin and Mildred Paver Religious grandchildren of Holocaust survivors Thursday, September 26, Morning Yizkor Service, 9:00am to meet with grandchildren of German School – 941-552-2780 3rd Grade Consecration & Simchat Torah Celebration, 6:00pm Schools & Office Closed See Brian Lipton’s article Justin Lee Wiesner Pre- School –

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SIMCHAT TORAH Friday, September 27, Morning Service, 9:00am Schools & Office Closed

COMMUNITY FOCUS

September 2013

Nurturing the Jewish identity of interfaith grandchildren The Grandparents Circle comes to Sarasota

t’s no secret that intermarriage rates in the North American Jewish community are higher than ever before. When an interfaith couple has children, the grandparents often feel unsure of how they can cultivate the religious identities of their grandchildren, especially when it is not always clear as to how the children will be raised. The Jewish Outreach Institute has created a program called the Grandparents Circle that offers Jewish grandparents the skills and techniques to nurture, and in some cases establish, their interfaith grandchildren’s Jewish identity. The program, which was piloted in

Los Angeles, is rapidly expanding to new communities across the country, and starting on October 15 it lands at Temple Sinai in Sarasota. “I’m excited to be able to bring the Grandparents Circle to my community,” said Sue Huntting of Temple Sinai. “Grandparents can have such a strong influence on the religious identity of their grandchildren, even from a long distance, and this course will help them share Judaism with their grandchildren

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in an engaging and interesting way.” The Grandparents Circle program, which is being funded by Temple Sinai‘s Adult Education program, has a number of components. The Grandparents Circle Course is a 5-session educational class that will meet weekly. Family-friendly events for grandparents and their grandchildren often held during or close to Jewish holidays or school breaks supplement the course.

The Grandparents Circle also offers a national email discussion listserve for all grandparents, including those who have not yet taken the course or live in a city where it is not offered. The listserve provides a supportive online community of peers from across the country to share their experiences, thoughts and questions. The program is free and open to all grandparents whose grandchildren are being raised in intermarried homes. Class size is limited. For more information and to register, contact Temple Sinai at 941.924.1802 or grandparentscircle@gmail.com.

JFCS Bereavement Group heads south to Venice By Carol Harwood, JFCS Director of Marketing he Jewish Family & Children’s Service’s (JFCS) Jewish Healing Program will be offering a new Bereavement Support Group at the Chabad of Venice and Northport beginning Tuesday, September 10 for six consecutive weeks. The death of a loved one is perhaps the deepest human loss human beings experience. Grief is universal and natural and is often accompanied by feelings of anger, confusion, fear and loneliness. The Bereavement Support Group, open to men and women, provides opportunities to hear how others deal with grief, share experiences, receive support and discover new ways to cope. Based on a Jewish approach to mourning and healing the soul, each session will address the stages of the normal grieving process. The group will be facilitated by Dale Block, LMFT, CAP, and meet from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Chabad of

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Venice & North Port, 2169 South Tamiami Trail in Venice. If you have recently lost a loved one and would like to participate, please call the JFCS Intake Office at 941.366.2224 x116. Thanks to the support of the donors of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, JFCS is able to offer the Bereavement Support Group at no charge to participants. Other Jewish Healing Programs offered by JFCS include: Friendly Visitors Shabbat and Holiday Services at Senior Facilities Holocaust Survivor Programs Financial Aid For a complete list of programs, please visit www.jfcs-cares.org.

Have you taken a trip to an interesting Jewish locale? We’d love to hear about it and share it with our readers. Send your story (up to 500 words) and photos to jewishnews18@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY FOCUS 9A September 2013

September 2013

Michael’s On East partners with Temple Beth Sholom to utilize kosher catering kitchen

emple Beth Sholom and premier caterer Michael’s On East have entered a partnership to provide a new kosher catering opportunity to Sarasota and Manatee counties. Temple Beth Sholom maintains a kosher kitchen and is now working with Michael’s On East Co-Proprietor Phil Mancini to make this kosher venue available on an ongoing basis. “This is a major breakthrough for

those observing kosher dietary laws and desiring to participate in this gourmet, traditional format,” said Lorie Rabin, catering chair and board liaison from Temple Beth Sholom. The Temple Beth Sholom kitchen requires no special process to prepare the facility for these kosher events. With this expanded partnership, Michael’s On East has exclusive access to the Temple Beth Sholom kosher facil-

ity where preparation is facilitated by Michael’s culinary team and speciallytrained Temple personnel supervise for adherence to Conservative Kashrut dietary laws. “I’ve been privileged to work with the Jewish community in so many ways over the years,” said Phil Mancini. “It is our pleasure to provide this expanded opportunity for clients to enjoy fine kosher catering at Temple Beth Sholom.”

The temple’s social hall can accommodate 40 to 240 guests. Members of the community (Jewish and non-Jewish) are encouraged to call the temple office at 941.955.8121 to check availability and schedule events. Once a date is secured, event coordinators will contact Phil Mancini at 941.366.0007 x227 or phil@bestfood.com to arrange menu selection and a customized catering package.

Rabbi Howard Simon to continue spiritual support on Kobernick-Anchin campus

he Jewish Housing Council, Inc. has contracted with Rabbi Howard Simon to provide religious services for residents of the KobernickAnchin campus following the retirement of Rabbi Barbara Aiello. Rabbi Simon earned a Doctor of Divinity Degree from Hebrew Union

College-Jewish Institute of Religion. He has served in the following congregations: Temple Emanu-El, Sarasota, FL; Temple Beth El, Knoxville, TN; K.K. Bene Israel/Rockdale Temple, Cincinnati, OH; Beth Israel Congregation, Atlantic City, NJ; and Har Sinai Temple, Baltimore, MD.

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Rabbi Simon has of the Jewish Federation inserved as Chair of the terfaith missions to Israel in Robert and Esther Heller 2012 and 2013. Israel Advocacy Initiative His published works insince 2009, as Chair of the clude the books Back from Sarasota Board of Rabbis the Abyss – Thoughts about Kallah from 2007 – 2009, Life and Death and Memoand as a member of the ries, So Many, So Vital. Rabbi Howard Simon Board of Directors of The Rabbi Howard and Rona Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Man- Simon have six children and eight atee since 2002 – serving as co-director grandchildren.

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10A

COMMUNITY FOCUS

September 2013

Veteran singer joins Chorale as new director By Arlene Stolnitz

inda Stewart Tucker, veteran including Gloria Musicae and the Sarasinger and local musician, has sota Jewish Chorale. Under Linda’s exbeen chosen as the new director perienced leadership, the Chorale is off of the Sarasota Jewish Chorale. A for- to a banner year! “I am filled with joyous anticipation mer member of the Chorale as a lyric soprano, Linda will launch the group’s at the musical vision we will shape and share with our community,” 15th season in September. said Linda of the season “Singing with the SJC was one of the highlights that begins with auditions on September 12. (Audiof my career,” said Linda. “Being offered the opportions will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Hecht tunity to direct the group is School. Experienced singa tremendous privilege and challenge.” ers are preferred. Call Susan Skovronek for an appointLinda has performed in show and touring choirs ment at 941.355.8011.) “I anticipate that many acthroughout the U.S. and in Linda Stewart Tucker Europe, including The Oracomplished singers will torio Choir of Philadelphia, The Choral join our talented chorale as we explore Arts Society of Philadelphia, and the the rich musical heritage that Jewish performance choir of The Philadelphia music affords us. I can hardly wait to Orchestra, under the baton of Riccardo get started!” Muti. If you are interested in singing with Locally, Linda has taught and the Chorale, visit www.sarasotajewish coached voice and acting, and has sung chorale.org for rehearsal dates, perforwith and directed area choral groups mances and contact information.

The Al Katz Center calls for Holocaust survivors to celebrate their birthdays and anniversaries together All Holocaust survivors in Sarasota-Manatee are being asked to contact the Al Katz Center to help the Center in its efforts to give birthday parties each month for survivors born in that month and to celebrate survivor anniversaries. Since every birthday and occasion of each survivor is special, the Center will provide kosher food, decorations and invitations for the survivors. Please contact Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239 to give her the dates of your special occasions. The Al Katz Center is located in Burns Square at 713 South Orange Avenue, Sarasota.

Celebrating diversity By Carol Harwood, Director of Marketing, JFCS

ince the beginning of time, people of every culture have gathered to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for the earth’s bounty. Sukkot is the Jewish version of this universal festival. It also pays tribute to the Israelites who were expelled from Egypt, living in temporary shelters as they wandered the desert for 40 years, waiting to receive the Ten Commandments and enter the Promised Land. This year, Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) is inviting parents and their elementary school children from the Jewish community to celebrate and share the meaning of Sukkot with children in JFCS’s Monday

evening group, September 16. Join us in creating decorations and transforming the JFCS gazebo into a sukkah. The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. on the main campus at 2688 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. A week later, on September 23 at 6:30 p.m., JFCS will host an event in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Both events are designed to educate and celebrate our cultural diversity and embrace our differences. To attend these events, or for more information, please contact Tara Booker at 941.366.2224 x143 or tbooker@jfcscares.org.

“All the mirrors were covered with cloth…” By Beverly Newman

In her 60s, Devorah’s life suddenly or 64 years, Diane Besand, a temporary resident of Sarasota, never became an adventure to make aliyah, fit in with the strongly-Catholic which required her to formally become life her family was leading in St. Louis. a Jew and travel to Sarasota where her Even as a child, she noted customs of conversion at Temple Beth Sholom was acceptable to the State of Israel. her family that were not Catholic. She says, “It’s very At eight, Diane returned deep…whether it’s in from her grandfather’s burial the DNA or whether and noticed a strange custom in it’s in the blood” to the house, the covering of mirlong to live in Israel rors. Diane says she wondered as a full-fledged Jew. why, “One night a week, we “This is what would have candles, bread and wine – always Magen David.” drives me, that all this was hidden from In 2010, Diane, now Deme and my parents… vorah Tikvah Besand, began Devorah Tikvah Besand You’re stripped of to suspect that her family was Jewish and subsequently researched your faith, your traditions…Can you their Sephardic heritage going back 500 imagine to be that old and to find out years in Spanish history. The surname all this?” At the end of July, Devorah, now of her mom’s father is found on the rolls of the Spanish Inquisition. “I officially Jewish at age 67, joined her wouldn’t be here if some of my ancestry People in our Land as the person she did not convert at least on the surface to always was, but did not know. Mazel Tov. Catholicism,” says Devorah.

stay connected @ www.jfedsrq.org

COMMUNITY FOCUS 11A September 2013

September 2013

Sew Good: How one local Jewish teen makes a difference

ine View eighth-grader and theirs – just like the butterfly that awaits with her for years to come.” Temple Beth Sholom congregant each caterpillar.” Work is also underway Once the pillows are done, it’s on Minnah Stein has found a way to creating a more boy-friendly version. to sewing monthly quilt squares for Recombine her love of art and sewing in “We enjoy seeing young people store Innocence. “My sewing instruca way that benefits others while enrich- giving back to their community,” said tor, Anna, found out about the pillows ing her own understanding of mitzvot. Dianne Whitten, Outreach Coordinator I make and asked if I’d like to get inShe makes doll pillows for the Center at Center for Building Hope. “The kids volved with doing quilting for girls who for Building Hope to give to kids im- will cherish these doll pillows. Minnah have been rescued from a terrible life pacted by cancer, and she makes quilt is a thoughtful and caring young lady. and have nothing of their own,” recalls squares for Restore Innocence to donate We look forward to continuing to work Minnah. “These girls need to know to girls rescued from huthat someone cares, even a man trafficking. stranger – someone young Surrounded by scraps like me. My quilt squares of material and so much will be joined by others, and batting it looks as if it has the finished product will be snowed in the room, Mingiven to a girl to call her nah is hard at work on her own. I think she can wrap it sewing machine, making around herself and feel the more doll pillows for an love and hope we all have upcoming Center for Buildfor her.” ing Hope kids’ camp. She To learn more about wants to make sure each Minnah and her unofficial child who attends receives not-for-profit, Sew Good, a special pillow. call 941.320.4477 or email “Each pillow has one moomoostein@verizon.net. of my hand-drawn dolls on To learn more about it,” shares Minnah. “I chose the Center for Building the butterfly design for this Hope, please visit www. event because just as a catcenterforbuildinghope.org erpillar goes through a difor call Dianne Whitten at ficult time and could give 941.921.5539. up hope, these kids have to To learn more about ReDianne Whitten, Outreach Coordinator at Center for Building Hope, receives a bountiful and adorable installment of doll pillows be brave because a beautistore Innocence, visit www. designed and sewed by volunteer Minnah Stein ful future is going to be restoreinnocence.org.

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Mission to Cuba February 16 – 23, 2014

Calling all friends of the JCC! Join us for an evening to get reacquainted, reminisce and take a trip down memory lane.

VISIT Hemingway’s House, Artists’ Studios & Museums LEARN About Life Under the Castro Regime EXPERIENCE Cuban Music and Cuisine

Questions? Contact Sarah Wertheimer at 941.552.6308 or swertheimer@jfedsrq.org

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Non-solicitation event. RSVP: www.jfedsrq.org/jcc.aspx eVent CoMMittee Steve & Pat Appelbaum Andrew Arbor Lee Berkowitz Dr. Richard & Pam Brown Liana Bryant Denise Cotler Danielle Dreznin Neal Dreznin Joe Floersheimer Ronnie Goodless Scott Gordon Dr. Joshua & Julie Green

David & Georgia Gruber Lael Hazan Amber Ikeman Jake Jacobson & Emma Joels Dr. Robert & Marla Katz Barbara Katz Neil Klaber Jaymie Klauber Chet & Barbara Komarin Seth & Nancy Koplin Wendy Leventhal Broadfoot Barbara Levison

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Deluxe Accommodations Experience the trip that is a vacation, an education and an inspiration all in one. Visit all three of Havana’s Synagogues and meet the Cuban Jewish Community. Learn how Cuba’s Jews keep our traditions alive with no rabbi and little money. For more information send your name, address, phone number and e-mail to Marion Levine: harbourkey@aol.com NOTE: Check your passport. Your must have 6 months left on your passport from the date of the trip—February 2014. If your passport is about to expire, start the process now of applying for a new one.

12A

September 2013

JEWISH INTEREST

Sonia Pressman Fuentes and the Red Star Line By Sarah Ida Tedesco, Joseph J. Edlin Journalism Intern

arasota resident Sonia Pressman Fuentes is a woman of much complexity. She is both an author and feminist leader who escaped Germany in her early childhood during the beginning of Hitler’s rise to power. Fuentes’ escape, however, is far different from the stories we ordinarily hear about fleeing Hitler’s regime. Fuentes was among Sarah Tedesco the millions who came to North America during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century via the Red Star Line, a transatlantic passenger ship that was in operation from 1873 to 1934. During the Red Star Line’s operation, about 2.6 million people left from Antwerp, Belgium, on an RSL ship bound for the U.S. and Canada. About a quarter of these people were Jews. Among the most prominent Jews who traveled to North America on the Red Star Line were Golda Meir, Albert Einstein, Irving Berlin and Admiral Hyman Rickover, all of whom, except Einstein, came as children. Sonia and her family were also among the Red Star Line’s passengers.

Fuentes was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1928 and lived there until she was five years old. At this time, Hitler was rising to power and life for Jews was becoming intolerable. Fuentes’ brother, Hermann, who was eighteen at the time, realized that it was time for the Pressman family (Hinda Leah, Zysia and their children, Hermann and Sonia) to leave Germany and urged his parents to do so. Hinda Leah and Zysia had lived in Germany for over twenty years and had established a successful life there. They believed Hitler and his thugs would soon blow over and poohpoohed Hermann’s warnings about the Nazi threat to the Jews. So in May 1933, Hermann left on his own for Antwerp, where the Pressmans had cousins. Hinda Leah and Zysia soon realized their son was right, and two months later Sonia and her parents joined Hermann.

Sonia Fuentes juxtaposed with a photograph of her and her late brother, Hermann Pressman, taken in a City Park in Antwerp, Belgium

The family spent nine months trying to obtain permanent residence permits with no luck. With the threat of being deported to Poland, the Pressmans booked tickets to become passengers on the Red Star Line’s SS Westernland. They arrived in New York City on May 1, 1934, and were no longer chasing freedom from the Nazi party’s antiSemitism and rising acts of genocide. Like Sonia and her family, many Jews immigrated to North America to escape Hitler’s Reich. Families were looking for a place far from the horror soon to come perpetrated by the Nazi party. Others found themselves traveling to America in order to begin a new life more prosperous than the economically underprivileged one they endured in Europe. The children and young adults who traveled on the Red Star Line’s ships brought an abundance of Jewish life and culture to North America. The Red Star Line concluded its expeditions to America 79 years ago, but the lives and the creation of future Jewish generations the ships brought to the U.S. and Canada are far from over. On Saturday, September 28, a museum dedicated to immigration and the Red Star Line will open in Antwerp. The Red Star Line Museum will include exhibits, documentation and videos educating its visitors about the rich history and people this ship line brought to North America. Exhibits will include several focused around the city of Antwerp’s seaports and passengers who traveled on the Red Star Line. Philip Heylen, Antwerp’s Vice Mayor for Culture and Tourism, made a speech at Fuentes’ congregation, the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism in Sarasota, on August 6, 2011. In his speech he spoke about Fuentes and the remarkable story she had about her journey on the Red Star Line. He said, “Nothing is so important for the future of mankind than to invest in the remembrance of our past.” The City of Antwerp did just this, and began the plan to open the Red Star Line Museum in 2004. This fall, the museum will begin to inform this generation about

stories of immigration through this historical ship line. Sonia Fuentes is among those featured in the Museum. The exhibit will follow the journey the Pressman family took – from their departure from Berlin to their many months of living in fear of deportation to Poland while they were in Antwerp, and finally to their arrival

Sonia Fuentes outside the MAS Museum in Antwerp in September 2011

in the U.S. The Pressman exhibit will include family photographs and references to a diary Hermann kept from July 1932 to November 1935. The original diary, written in German shorthand, along with its translation into English, is available at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. The exhibit will also include a documentary made about Sonia’s life. “The Museum will bear witness to a unique period of mass migration from Europe to the New World. It will make the hopes of those who left come to life,” said Heylen. The Museum’s mission is to inform people about the community of people from Antwerp who left Europe for a better life. The museum’s slogan, “People on the Move,” directly describes Heylen’s opinion that there is a need to inform people about the large volume of immigrants who fled Antwerp and Europe during this time. Along with many other stories, Sonia Pressman Fuentes’ story will be told and preserved in this museum so that the impact of mass migration during this time in history is never forgotten.

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JEWISH INTEREST 13A September 2013

September 2013

13A

One last mission: Phil Berkowitz’s and Greg Marra’s homage to great sacrifice By Andrew Wolfson, Joseph J. Edlin Journalism Intern

ucked away near the end of a street lined with car repair shops and towing services lies Greg Marra’s workshop. Outside it looks like a quaint American Midwestern home with the staple American flag set into the front right side of the house. I knocked on the door and was promptly met by Greg who showed me around before our interview. InAndrew Wolfson side and to the left stood a glass case lined with miniature versions of various sculptures he had created over the years. To the right stood a desk set up for paperwork. Down a small incline and through a doorway

stood his latest work. Standing next to it, waiting for me, was Phil Berkowitz, the man who commissioned the sculpture. He told me that he had gotten the idea to make the sculpture from a dream about military men and women working together to piece back a Jewish community torn apart by World War II. He decided that he wanted to bring that dream to life. After having seen the sculpture of Chris Kyle, the former Navy Seal and well-known sniper that Greg had created, Phil decided that Chris was the person he wanted to do his sculpture. The work stands 15 feet by 6.5 feet. More than just a commemorative piece, it is a thank you – a thank you to those who served not just their own country, but who worked to free the Jews from the concentration camps. Phil hopes that

ConneCt with your Jewish Community facebook.com/jfedsrq

this piece will educate people about the Holocaust and ensure that something like that never happens again. In memoriam of the 75th anniversary of the infamous Kristallnacht, the night of Broken Glass, the sculpture will be disPhil Berkowitz and Greg Marra pose for the first photo of their completed work played at a huge cerWhile known for his memorial emony in New York this November. Bringing together WWII veterans, Ho- pieces, Greg also enjoys creating sculplocaust survivors, singers and more, the tures for homes, offices or special ocevent will both entertain and inform the casions. If you are interested in seeing public. Afterwards the sculpture is set more of Greg’s work, contact him at 267.885.9203 or gwmarra@gmail.com. to tour through Europe.

Florida invests in Israel As Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, I oversee the state Treasury and, together, we make decisions on how to invest or deposit public funds with the goal of maximizing the state investment pool’s earning potential. On August 1, I am pleased to share that the state Treasury increased its investment in Israel Bonds by $5 million and reinvested an existing $5 million in maturing bonds. These bonds are widely recognized as one of Israel’s most valued economic resources and a catalyst for its rapid economic evolution. I am confident that this wise investment will allow us to show our support for one of our nation’s most important allies in the Middle East and secure state funds in a strategic resource with a proven track record for financial gain. — Jeff Atwater

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14A

JEWISH INTEREST

September 2013

Anti-Semitism declines statewide according to ADL 2012 audit Anti-Defamation League, www.adl.org, July 22, 2013

ccording to the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents issued on July 22, anti-Semitic incidents declined in the State of Florida by 20 percent between 2011 and 2012. A total of 88 anti-Semitic incidents of assault, vandalism and harassment were reported to ADL in Florida in 2012, down from 111 anti-Semitic incidents in 2011. This snapshot of anti-Semitism in Florida parallels the three-year trend of incremental declines experienced nationwide. In 2012, a total of 927 antiSemitic incidents across the U.S. were captured in ADL’s Audit, marking a 14 percent decline from the 1,080 incidents reported in 2011. Florida continues to rank fourth nationwide with the highest amount of reported anti-Semitic incidents, following three other states with large Jewish populations: California, New York and New Jersey. “For 100 years, the Anti-Defamation League has been on the frontline of combating all forms of anti-Semitism, and we are encouraged by the decrease in anti-Semitic incidents in Florida for the third consecutive year,” stated Hava Holzhauer, ADL Florida Regional Director. ”However, the fact that such anti-Jewish hatred still exists within

our communities is disheartening and unacceptable, and it reinforces the need for greater civility and vigilance.” The annual ADL Audit has tracked criminal and non-criminal incidents of vandalism, harassment and physical assaults against Jewish individuals, property and community institutions using data reported to the ADL Florida Office and law enforcement statewide since 1979. “During our centennial year, we remain resolute in our commitment to eliminate anti-Semitism from our schools, college campuses, workplaces, online and elsewhere to ensure that Jews are not victimized or discriminated against because of their religious beliefs,” stated Steven Daniels, ADL Florida Regional Chair. The Audit has never included the daunting number of online anti-Semitic events and expressions that appear on countless and fluid websites and social media outlets, since they are virtually impossible to quantify. However, ADL does receive and address reports from community members who have seen anti-Semitic content online. In addition, when a Jewish individual is targeted personally in an online forum and feels threatened, such an incident would be included in the Audit.

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Anti-Jewish vandalism The ADL Audit in Florida recorded 22 incidents of anti-Semitic vandalism in 2012, up from 20 in 2011. Vandalism incidents are evaluated by ADL individually and are classified as anti-Semitic based on the presence of anti-Semitic symbols or language, the identity of the perpetrator(s), if known, and the target of the vandalism and its proximity to Jewish homes, communities and institutions. Swastikas that explicitly target Jewish property or communal institutions were included in the Audit. However, swastikas targeting other minorities or those used out of context simply for shock value were not counted. The following is a list of selected instances of anti-Semitic vandalism in Florida in 2012: Port St. Lucie: A spree of anti-Semitic vandalism over the course of six weeks targeted at least 13 businesses with anti-Jewish messages, vandalism and fecal matter. (January) Bushnell: Anti-Semitic desecration of 14 Jewish gravestones at the Florida National Cemetery. The Jewish gravestones, engraved with Stars of David, were kicked over Continuing a consistent trend for many years, the states with the highest totals were those with large Jewish populations: New York State, with 248 incidents in 2012, up from 195 in 2011 California, with 185 incidents, down from 235 New Jersey, with 173 incidents, up from 144 Florida, with 88 incidents, down from 111 Massachusetts, with 38 incidents, down from 72 Pennsylvania, with 37 incidents, down from 38

and uprooted, while no gravestones representing other religions were vandalized. (March) Hallandale Beach: A swastika was etched onto a Holocaust survivor’s car. (October) Naples: A middle school was vandalized with multiple swastikas and the message “we will burn you piece by piece.” (October) Miami: A mezuzah was ripped off a Jewish person’s front doorpost. (November) Miami Beach: The words “Jews killed Jesus” were discovered in front of a very prominent Chabad Hanukkah display in an area with high foot traffic. (December) Harassment, threats and events The ADL Audit in Florida recorded 64 cases of anti-Semitic harassment in 2012, down from 90 in 2011. Incidents included verbal attacks and slurs against Jewish individuals (or individuals perceived to be Jewish); anti-Semitism conveyed in written or electronic communications, including anti-Semitic cyberbullying; and anti-Semitic speeches, picketing or events. The following is a list of selected instances of anti-Semitic harassment in 2012: Deerfield Beach: A series of antiSemitic letters appeared at Mozart Café, a kosher restaurant. (January) Pensacola: A synagogue received an anti-Semitic email with disturbing messages. (January) Boca Raton: An elderly man was told by two aides at an assisted living facility that he should “Go back to Nazi Germany, and they will finish you off. We should just drop you and get the hell out of here.” (June) Anti-Semitic incidents on campus The ADL Audit reported five incidents of anti-Semitism on Florida campuses

continued on next page

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JEWISH INTEREST 15A September 2013

September 2013

continued from previous page in 2012, a minimal increase from four incidents reported in 2011. The following is a list of selected anti-Jewish incidents that took place on Florida campuses in 2012: Boca Raton: A female student stood up in a biology class and went on a rant yelling “white people suck, Jewish people who think this world is theirs which it’s not, I will f---ing kill you at the Holocaust events all over the world.” The student also threatened to kill the professor and hit a male student in the front row before she was removed from the classroom. (March) Gainesville: “F-ck Israel” was spray-painted outside of Norman Lipoff Hall adjacent to the University of Florida Hillel. (April) Miami: The Hillel website at the University of Miami was hacked with a pro-Palestinian logo and face. (July)

Anti-Semitic bullying among children and teens ADL also continues to receive a troubling number of complaints about children, adolescents and teenagers engaging in anti-Semitic behavior, both on and off school grounds. These incidents include physical assaults, threats of violence, and verbal and written taunts promoting anti-Semitic stereotypes or evoking disturbing Holocaust themes. Within the anti-Semitic harassment category, the following are two selected incidents in 2012 that represent antiSemitic bullying of children by their peers in Florida: Melbourne: A 12-year-old was bullied and taunted for months at school for being Jewish, and was repeatedly called a “dirty Jew.” Palm Harbor: A middle school student was the target of anti-Semitic bullying at school, constantly being

referred to through anti-Jewish derogatory names. About the ADL Audit The Audit identifies both criminal and non-criminal acts of harassment and intimidation, including distribution of hate propaganda, threats and slurs. Compiled using information provided by victims, law enforcement and community leaders and evaluated by ADL’s professional staff, the Audit provides an annual snapshot of one specific aspect of a nationwide problem while identifying possible trends or changes in the types of activity reported. This information assists ADL in developing and enhancing its programs to counter and prevent the spread of anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry. For more information, contact the ADL Florida Region office in Boca Raton at 561.988.2900 or florida@adl.org. Or visit www.adl.org.

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15A

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By Amber Ikeman

ukkot: the Jewish Thanksgiving. Also known as “zman simchateinu” (time of our joy), it’s got to be one of my favorite holidays. What could be more fun than building a hut outside your house, decorating it however you like, and camping out in it for a week? It’s curious that Jews are to build their sukkot (booths) immediately after Yom Kippur ends. Yom Kippur is the most solemn day of the year, right? Let’s think of it more as a productive transformation, and at the end of working through all of the things we’re not too proud of from the past year, we emerge as even better human beings,

closer to God. That’s certainly something to be excited about. So why wait to celebrate?! We’ve kicked off a new year of school, a new Jewish year, and a new year of awesome youth group programming. This month, we are offering even more ways to celebrate and embrace this joyful time. On Sunday, September 15, we invite youth group-aged kids and teens (grades 3-12) to have “Pizza in the Hut,” or, in other words, to grab a slice and hang out in your home away from home, the sukkah at Temple Beth Sholom. The Men’s Club will begin to build and decorate the sukkah at 9:00 a.m.

Youth group participants are welcome to help for community service hours or scholar dollars. Then we’ll all have lunch together at 12:30 p.m. If you haven’t gotten your sukkah fix by the end of the week, come on out for Friday night dinner in the sukkah! USY members and anyone in grades 9-12 are invited to dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by services and teen activities under the light of the stars. We’ll be keeping up the holiday high on Sunday, September 29, when we will hold elections for Kadima, our youth group for grades 6-8. If you are a leader who wants to take part in planning programs and represent Kadima,

this is a great opportunity for you! Contact me for more information and to apply. Even if you’re not running for the board, we want all Kadima members to come out and show some love. Elections will take place at 12:30 p.m. in the youth lounge, followed by lunch and a party to honor the new board. For more information about youth group programs, please contact me at 941.955.8121 x480 or aikeman@tem plebethsholomfl.org. Amber Ikeman serves as the Youth Director at Temple Beth Sholom as part of a partnership with the Shapiro Teen Engagement Program of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

New website connects Jewish college students with their campus Hillel even before they move in

illels of the Florida Suncoast is pleased to announce the creation of a new online tool that will connect Jewish college students – whether they just graduated from high school or are already in college but not involved in Hillel – to the Hillel staff at the Florida college or university they attend. The website, www.jcollegebound. com, is a simple form which requests the student’s name, email address and the name of the Florida school they are attending. Once the data is entered, the website automatically sends the student’s contact information to the Hillel of that Florida school. A Hillel staff

member will then reach out to the student, and will be able to engage them prior to their initial arrival on campus. Students can also be identified as eligible for Birthright, a free 10-day educational trip to Israel for Jewish college students. For the inaugural year of the program, the website is only available to connect students to Florida public and private colleges and universities. With the website’s anticipated success, Suncoast Hillels will expand the program in the future to include colleges in other parts of the country. Any individual, student or parent may submit information to the jcollege

bound.com website. Suncoast Hillels hopes that Florida synagogues, Jewish day schools, Jewish community organizations and individuals will submit the email addresses of the college students of whom they are aware. None of the information provided will be used for solicitation purposes and the information will not be shared with any third parties. The development of this website was made possible by a generous grant from the Tampa Jewish Community Center and Federation. Rabbi Ed Rosenthal, Executive Director for Hillels of the Florida Suncoast, believes this website will improve Hillel’s ability to reach more Jewish students in Florida. “The college campus is our last chance to help a student strengthen his or her Jewish identity. This website will proactively allow the Hillel staff to reach out to Jewish students even before they arrive on campus, and will increase our chances of engaging the maximum number of students,” said Rosenthal. The following colleges and universities are currently available for selection on jcollegebound.com: Barry

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University, Broward College, Eckerd College, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Institute of Technology, Florida International University, Florida State University, Full Sail, Lynn University, New College of Florida, Nova Southeastern University, Palm Beach State University, Ringling College of Art & Design, Rollins College, Stetson University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Miami, University of South Florida, University of Tampa, and University of South Florida at St. Petersburg. Hillels of the Florida Suncoast supports Jewish life on six college campuses on the west coast of Florida, including University of South Florida (Tampa and St. Petersburg), University of Tampa, Eckerd College, New College of Florida, and Ringling College of Art and Design. For more information about Hillels of the Florida Suncoast, please visit www.suncoasthillels.org.

24A

FOCUS ON YOUTH

September 2013

Celebrating the High Holidays

Education Corner By Flora Oynick

he rhythm of Jewish life is determined by its calendar. Jewish existence is given structure and meaning by the passage of time. There are rituals, celebrations and holidays that are observed on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis. Time itself assumes a sacred function in Judaism. There are various types of holidays

in the Jewish calendar. The basic ones date from biblical times. Of the most important are Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). This category also includes the three ancient pilgrimage festivals, Sukkot (the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles), Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost). Very often I, as do many other people, ask myself: How can I learn more about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur so I can feel more comfortable participating in the holidays and explaining them to my family and children? How do I host a Rosh Hashanah meal, even though I never grew up attending one or have always been invited to someone else’s home? If you are looking to feel empowered to celebrate the Jewish New Year with your community, your family and

your friends, please join us for The Mothers Circle in the Zell Room on the Federation Campus on Friday, August 30 at 9:30 a.m. This is a free prep class to learn and feel prepared to honor the High Holidays in a meaningful way. Through the class, you can explore the “how-to’s” and meaning behind various High Holiday rituals; examine some of the prayers that you hear in synagogue and at home; learn valuable conversation-starters and activities to do with your children and grandchildren; and learn the virtues of some traditional Rosh Hashanah foods and the concept behind fasting for Yom Kippur. Participants will also discover ways to answer their children’s questions and discuss some of the intricacies of participating in – or even hosting – a Jewish Holiday celebration. The program is free and open to all who are interested in learning more about the High Holidays.

The Mothers Circle is a program of the Big Tent Judaism/Jewish Outreach Institute and is made possible to our community by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. The High Holiday Highlights prep class provides a unique, fun and interactive session that will prepare parents and grandparents or anyone who is interested in learning and sharing how to celebrate the High Holidays. Join us on August 30 and bring home lots of information to share with your family, new recipes, and fun activities to make this High Holiday season a special and meaningful one. For more information and to RSVP, contact me at 941.343.2114 or foynick@ jfedsrq.org. Flora Oynick is the Engagement Ambassador at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

Temple Emanu-El Religious School children support local charities

very Sunday morning, before they begin their studies, the children of Temple Emanu-El Religious School donate tzedakah. As the 2012-13 school year closed, the collections were counted, and the children were invited to vote on which agencies should benefit from the funds raised. With a record collection of $1,329.26, and many worthwhile organizations to consider, Temple EmanuEl Religious School students decided to make donations to three different groups: Nate’s Place, an animal shelter; Everyday Blessings, a children’s care facility; and Save a Child’s Heart, the Israel-based charity for young cardiac patients. “Tzedakah is an integral part of our

curriculum,” said Director of Education Sabrina Silverberg. “The voting process on the charity of their choice is very important as it lends tangibility to a concept that may be abstract to children. The children selected organizations that help animals, other children and Israel. We are very proud of our students for continuing the legacy of giving that is embraced by Jews everywhere.” “Our kids understand the Jewish value of tzedakah – charity and justice – and they give,” Rabbi Brenner Glickman added. “It is so sweet to see them come into religious school with their coins. “It is fundamental to the religious education that our children receive here,” he added. “Our curriculum is based on mitzvot, and tzedakah

is among the highest of all the commandments.” In addition to giving tzedakah, Temple EmanuEl Religious School students participate in charitable projects throughout the year. Past programs have included creating Rosh Hashanah challah covers and Passover cards for Jewish soldiers, food sorting at All Faiths Food Bank, a holiday toy drive, and involvement in Mitzvah Day. Many service opportunities are open to the entire community.

Temple Emanu-El Director of Religious Education Sabrina Silverberg and students Katie Hurwitz and Abbie Jo Mount display the boxes used to collect the children’s tzedakah

Baby Play at Temple Beth Sholom Schools

emple Beth Sholom Schools’ Baby Play for ages 4-14 months has exciting plans for the new school year. The routines established in this class are important as they teach each baby that going to school has a set

Growing Minds, Strengthening Bodies, Nurturing Souls Enrolling For The 2013-14 School Year! • NAC Accredited • Offering VPK • 18 months-5 years “We are overjoyed to have found such a warm and loving educational environment for our children!” Kelly, Mother of Marli, 3 & Brock, 1

of activities to complete for the day. The first of these components is song time. Each session begins with a “good morning” song which recognizes each baby individually while saying their name. After several months of the constant repetition, this song, and the singing of their name, brings a huge smile from the babies as they hear themselves being singled out one at a time. When babies have learned to sit

up, they begin to reach for the bubbles. During bubble time, the children practice their pincer grasp with their thumb and forefinger as they specifically try to catch a certain bubble. The teacher engages the babies with a variety of activities such as pulling scarves through paper towel rolls, playing peek-a-boo, building towers with a variety of textured blocks, playing with animal puppets as props, or making a footprint or handprint of the baby.

At the end of each class, a series of board books are read to the babies and families. While leaving, each baby has the chance to say goodbye to “bye-bye puppy.” Teachers note the babies’ milestones each week. For registration or more information about Temple Beth Sholom Schools’ Baby Play, please contact Rachel Saltzberg at 941.954.2027 or rsaltzberg@ tbsschools.org.

Volunteers renovate TEE Preschool

olunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in. Temple Emanu-El Preschool is fortunate to have a wonderful community of volunteers. The Brotherhood as well as temple members did a wonderful job of renovating the preschool playground. They leveled the playground and replaced the old mulch with sixty yards of Play Safe FloriMulch, which is an

environmentally-friendly playground surface. In addition, they replaced the shade tarps and refurbished the sandboxes. The children will be so excited to see our new butterfly garden planted by Alex Zalkin and her friend Christian Harris. In addition to spending numerous hours planting the garden, they constructed grow boxes for the children to plant vegetables. Christian is a botanist and volunteers at Selby Gardens. Thank you for helping to make Temple Emanu-El a wonderful commu-

nity for the children to grow and learn. We are currently registering for the 2013-2014 school year. Please call 941.377.8074 for more information.

Butterfly garden

FOCUS ON YOUTH 25A September 2013

September 2013

25A

TBS Schools Summer Camp filled with fun and adventure

BS Schools Summer Camp pro- munity. Students were thrilled to exvided an environment filled with perience a visit by an ambulance fun and creative experiences, but accompanied by a paramedic. After where essential learning never stopped! conversing with the paramedic, they Engaged campers ventured both indoors learned that he was a former preschool and outdoors, whether in the atelier student at TBS Schools! Many of the young campers were inor out in the organic garden. Children spired during the Cooking were also introduced to Camp as they were able to healthy physical activity at get messy and taste their the YMCA, where they parown creations. Campers ticipated in gymnastics and traveled the world while swimming lessons. cooking foods from differOne of the exciting advantages of TBS Schools ent countries – even some of our youngest campers Camp is that there is a differmade different types of ent theme during each sesmulticultural foods like sion. For example, in Drama tacos and African fruit Camp children dressed up as salad. Yum! clowns and enjoyed activiWhether working with ties while eating lunch under A camper enjoys a paint, mulch or batter, a circus tent. gymnastics lesson or teetering on a balance During the “The Real Super Heroes” theme, children learned beam, the children had a fantastic sumabout the heroes within our own com- mer, filled with fun and adventure!

Children help prepare their own snacks and lunches at Cooking Camp

“... the trip of a lifetime.” Campers delight in learning news skills in the water

S.K.I.P

F O R M O R E I N F O CO N TAC T: AMBER IKEMAN 941.343.2106 O R A I K E M A N @ J F E D S R Q.O R G

Send-A-Kid-to-Israel Program

TAKING ApplICATIoNS STARTING oCToBER 1, 2013 Complete information, eligibility requirements & appliCation:

www.TheJewishFederation.org

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

Questions? Contact Amber Ikeman at 941.343.2106 or aikeman@jfedsrq.org Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

www.TheJewishFederation.org

26A

FOCUS ON YOUTH

September 2013

Temple Sinai students “do good!”

Non-stop fun at Camp Gan Israel SRQ

amp Gan Israel provided twoweeks of non-stop fun and ru’ach for more than 30 children from the Sarasota area. Two outof-town counselors and five local junior counselors assured that every day was well planned and organized, and that campers all benefitted from a burst of Jewish pride.

The fifth/sixth-grade class was charged with researching non-profit organizations and choosing the ones that would receive the additional $448 that had been collected for tzedakah. Under the guidance of their teacher, Joni Mandel, they decided to support several projects. Learning about the critical shortage of safe drinking water in many parts of the world, they decided to give half of the tzedakah to Clean Water Action. Hearing about lobbying efforts to pressure supermarkets and restaurant chains to support farm workers, the other half of the tzedakah was given to the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. Inspired to do something more hands-on as well, the class organized a used-book drive for Oasis Elementary and was able to collect five boxes of children’s books and classroom learning materials. Indeed, this year Temple Sinai students both learned about and acted on important Temple Sinai second-graders create a puppet show Jewish values. embracing the concepts of kindness and respect

hroughout the past school year, Temple Sinai students engaged in many discussions about mitzvot (their Jewish obligations) and g’milut chasadim (acts of loving kindness). In the fall, in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, the entire school dedicated its weekly tzedakah (money collected for others), which totaled over $300, to the American Red Cross. In the spring, second-graders created a puppet show that contrasted a day in the life of a child their age who went through a day not being kind and thoughtful with a day in which the same child showed respect to parents and teachers, helped out a friend and cared for animals.

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.

Campers enjoyed an array of activities, including sports, dance, yoga, field trips, drumming, face painting, watercolor, crafts, challah making and swimming. A July 4 family barbecue, generously sponsored by Arthur and Sheila Fox, brought together 75 participants who enjoyed the delightful barbecue prepared by Michael Lauberblat and Natasha Serebro. Highlighting the event was a “Gan Izzy’s Got Talent” show put on by the campers. The camp was a success by all measures and we thank the generous sponsors Junior Counselors Naomi Warrenbrand, Kim Sasson, for providing scholarAli Fuchs, Julie Lichterman and Hannah Sklar ship grants, which enabled families facing financial constraints to provide their children with an amazing Jewish camp experience. The 2014 summer camp begins on June 30. For more information, please call Chabad of Sarasota at Campers enjoy a field trip to Bounce Down Under 941.925.0770.

Federation’s 2013

Teen Travel expo Sunday, September 22, 2013 4:00 PM Klingenstein Jewish Center, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, Florida 34232

RSVP online: www.jfedsrq.org/events.aspx Klingenstein Jewish Center, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Amber Ikeman, Youth Engagement Coordinator 941.343.2106 • aikeman@jfedsrq.org

March

OF THE LIVING An unforgettable and life-changing experience! For 11th & 12th Grade Students 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.

Get complete information under the Teen Section at TheJewishFederation.org Questions? Contact Orna Nissan at 941.371.4546 ext. 104 or onissan@jfedsrq.org

April 24 - MAy 8, 2014

FoR StudentS to leaRn about travel opportuniteS thRough: - bob Malkin Young ambassadors teen leadership Program - alexander Muss High School in Israel Sponsored by Bea Friedman - aipaC - March of the living - MaSa - panim el panim - the betty & herbert Schiff Send a Kid to israel program (S.K.I.P.) FoR MoRe InFoRMatIon:

amber Ikeman at 941.343.2106 or aikeman@jfedsrq.org Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road Sarasota, Florida 34232

TheJewishFederation.org thIS PRogRaM IS PReSented In PaRtneRShIP wIth the

SHapiro teen engagMent prograM (S.t.e.P.)

LIFE 27A CYCLE

September 2013

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

TheJewishFederation.org

27A

ANNIVERSARIES th

60 Steven & Barbara Becker Temple Emanu-El 55th Alvin & Marsha Sieger Temple Beth Sholom 50th Leonard & Gloria Biberman Temple Beth Sholom 45th Larry & Donna Lerner Temple Beth Sholom 40th Robert & Birgitta Taplinger Temple Beth Sholom 30th Stephen & Sharon Patrice Temple Beth Sholom 30th Jane & Neal Vorchheimer Temple Emanu-El

30th Leonard & Elaine Waters Temple Beth Sholom 25th Maury & Jacqueline Apatow Temple Emanu-El 25th Morton & Pauline Miller Temple Beth Sholom 20th Marco & Eve Moor Temple Emanu-El 20th Mark & Alyson Zildjian Temple Sinai 15th Lisa Thomas & David Abolafia Temple Emanu-El 10th David & Susan Serling Temple Beth Sholom

B’NAI MITZVAH Alec Moor, son of Marco and Eve Moor, September 21, Temple Emanu-El Matthew Cohen, son of Jeff and Wendy Cohen, September 28, Temple Emanu-El ary

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Sybil Dryer, 86, of Longboat Key, July 16 Louis Flanzer, 93, of Longboat Key, June 30 Melvin Herrin, of Sarasota and Philadelphia, PA, July 15 Irene Kane, of Sarasota, formerly of Queens, NY, July 21 Adele Leinfuss, 88, of Sarasota, July 19 Irene R. Midler, 71, of Sarasota, July 14 Stephen Harold Nevitt, 65, of Sarasota, July 15 Jerrold M. “Jerry” Shames, 68, of Lakewood Ranch, formerly of Eatontown, NJ, June 30 Anita Tobin, 70, of Sarasota, formerly of New York, NY, July 14

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

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

Sponsored by

All Kadima members are invited to vote for the next student-led board while celebrating the start of a great new year! Lunch will be provided. The event takes place from 12:30 to 2:30 at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. Cost: $5. For more information, contact Amber Ikeman at 941.955.8121 x480 or aikeman@templebethsholomfl.org.

Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood breakfast Join Temple Emanu-El Brotherhood for the best breakfast deal in town! A deluxe bagel breakfast with all the trimmings, plus friendly conversation with nice, welcoming, interesting people will be followed by a speaker and lively presentation. All are welcome at 9:30 a.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Cost: $5. For more information please call Neil Klaber at 941.921.2229.

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Learn about the life of the man who saved more Jews during the Holocaust than any other Jew. If you do not recognize the name Kasztner or do not know the contributions he made to the survival of the Jewish people in our darkest hour, this award-winning film is a must for you and your friends. Watch the movie and enjoy a light kosher meal. Materials provided for discussion after the movie. The event begins at noon at the Al Katz Center, 713 South Orange Avenue, Burns Square, Sarasota. $10 per person. To RSVP, call Beverly Newman at 941.313.9239.

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stay connected @ www.jfedsrq.org on March 2-4, 2014,

Join over 6,000 activists for the pro-israel community’s largest annual gathering 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 TheJewishFederation.org. application Deadline: December 1, 2013

Happy New Year We wish you the very best for the New Year. We look forward to sharing these special Days of Awe with all of you and to joining together for High Holy Day services. Blessings to you, your families and friends in this community and worldwide as we enter the New Year, 5774. Rabbi Howard A. Simon, Darlene Arbeit, CEO Kobernick, Anchin, Benderson residents and families Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Housing Council, Inc. Operating Board, Foundation Board, Staff and Volunteers

for more information, contact amber ikeman at 941.343.2106 or aikeman@jfedsrq.org

The Strength of a PeoPle. The Power of CommuniTy. Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 941.371.4546 • TheJewishFederation.org

1951 North Honore Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34235 • 941-377-0781 • kobernickanchin.org Sponsored by Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Housing Council, Inc., Kobernick-Anchin operates on a non-discriminatory basis for admissions, services and employment. Assisted Living Facility # 8951 • Skilled Nursing Facility # 130471046

September 2013

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

Top 12 made-in-Israel photo and video apps

Maybe you’ve already joined the millions using apps such as Magisto, Mobli and Moment to enhance, organize and share your images. By Abigail Klein Leichman, ISRAEL21c

e at ISRAEL21c are thinking of renaming Israel “App Nation.” Mobile applications are coming out of Israeli startups on a seemingly neverending basis. We’ve reported on many of them separately and will continue to do so. Meanwhile, we are launching periodic roundups of the best Israeli apps in a range of categories. In this article, we bring you (in no particular order) top photo and video apps devised by Israelis. 1. GroupShot Listed on the Apple App Store’s “Best Apps of 2012,” this program from Macadamia Apps lets you create the best possible group portrait from a collection of shots. A powerful set of algorithms deletes a flawed photo detail (Aunt Betty sneezing, perhaps) and replaces it with a better image from another photo in the collection, in a simple and intuitive way. 2. Mobli Mobile picture-and-video-sharing platform Mobli has won big bucks from celebrity investors including Leonardo diCaprio, Tobey Maguire and Serena

Williams. Recently unveiled are new auto-edit options and location-specific filters. In a bid to unseat its main rival, Mobli ran a contest through June 30 where Instagram users could upload an original picture and tag it on both platforms, then quit Instagram for at least three months. Judges will select the most original and creative picture and award the winner $100,000 (to be announced in October). 3. Facetune Founded by Jerusalem’s Lightricks, Facetune is a new state-of-the-art image-editing iPhone application promising “to give every user the ability to easily edit portrait photos like a Photoshop expert.” Its trademarked SafeBrush

Transform portraits with Facetune

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

technology uses computer vision and machine learning tools to comprehend the precise area that the user wants to be retouched with anything from tooth whitening and hair coloring to changing the proportions of a face. 4. Pixplit Pixplit lets users collaborate in a visual dialogue, creating a photo collage in two to four parts (“splits”). The viral social nature of the cloud-based app is its best selling point. Users create profiles; friends follow each other, commenting on and “liking” each other’s collages. A real-time feed displays completed splits as well as splits with open spaces waiting to be filled by friends – or friends of friends. 5. Magisto Like a professional human film editor – but a lot faster and cheaper – Magisto uses artificial intelligence to automatically select the best parts of videos shot with your smartphone, then adds your chosen music, themes and effects, and splices them into polished movies to share. The new Draw a Video feature allows users to add hand-drawn special effects. In May, Magisto launched on Google Chrome’s Packaged App Platform, meaning it’s included on Chrome’s native apps. 6. Takes This is not another app for making a slideshow “video.” Takes uses your smartphone’s motion-sensing technology to turn pictures into moving images instantly and seamlessly. Imagine snapping pictures throughout a three-hour party, and then using Takes to transform all those stills into a movie. You can spice up your video with filters, and add music from the app’s royalty-free soundtrack library. 7. Pixtr Tagline: “Putting your best face forward.” Pixtr, still in beta, uses computer vision and machine learning algorithms to gauge parameters such as your age, likes and dislikes, and then touches up your pictures accordingly – eliminating red-eye, skin “artifacts” and asymmetry. Microsoft Israel R&D Center liked this photo-improvement app so much that it accepted Pixtr into its fourmonth accelerator for Windows Azure. 8. Dumpr Select an effect, upload an image from your computer, watch the app do its magic and then save, email, print, blog or share your enhanced photo on social media platforms. Just some of the cool effects: turn your photo into a Christmas ornament, stone mosaic, Rubik’s

cube, jigsaw puzzle or LEGO construction. Dumpr comes from Gil Megidish of Macadamia Apps, the same Israeli video-game developer behind GroupShot. 9. Glide Talk Billed as “video walkie-talkie,” Glide Talk allows iPhone users to record and message brief video clips to several Facebook friends at once. If a recipient is offline, no problem; he or she can watch later. Because it’s based in the cloud, the video message doesn’t take up phone memory, and requires no uploading or downloading. At the recent TechCrunch Disrupt New York event, Glide was chosen first Audience Choice Battlefield company, and launched the beta version of its Android app. 10. PhotoMania With PhotoMania, you don’t need any technical know-how or artistic talent to create a work of art (anything from a cartoon to a sketch to a vintage B&W) from your plain ol’ photos. This app lives on the Facebook platOne of the possible PhotoMania effects form and lets users choose from 400 photo effects just by clicking the mouse. 11. Flayvr This free application accesses your photo library and then automatically organizes your pics into interactive, editable albums. Plus, Flayvr offers tools for one-click sharing to social network sites or via SMS or email. The UK’s Guardian named Flayvr one of its top 20 Android apps for the week of May 12, 2013. 12. Moment Use this iPhone application to combine your photos, videos and tweets from social networks, and automatically organize them into multimedia albums (“moments”) where friends can see 360-degree views of your entire experience. The system is based on proprietary “smart-matching” technology. If the event you’re documenting is still in progress, a red “Live” banner indicates that more is yet to come. 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.

Visit http://israel21c.org/technology/top-12made-in-israel-photo-and-video-apps/ for three short videos that provide overviews of three of the apps in this article.

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD 9B September 2013

September 2013

More Israeli Arabs are volunteering to serve Israel By Rachel Avraham, staff writer for United with Israel, www.unitedwithisrael.org

he number of Israeli Arabs who are volunteering to participate in Israel’s National Service program has increased to 3,000, representing a 76 percent increase over the last year. Ninety percent of Israeli Arabs who serve do so within the Arab sector, in schools, daycare centers, hospitals, and programs against drugs and violence. Upon completion of their national service, 85 percent of the National Service volunteers are able to find work. Among Israel’s minority population, of the 16,000 residents who participate in National Service, 19 percent are members of minority groups, with 17 percent being Christian Arab, 21 percent being Druze, and 51 percent being Bedouin. Israel has compulsory military service, where men are required to serve three years while women are in the army for two years. Two groups, however, are exempt – Israeli Arabs and ultraOrthodox Jews. However, both groups are permitted to volunteer for National Service and many have done so, realizing that the lack of service adversely affects one’s resume. In addition to an increasing amount of Israeli Arabs volunteering for National Service, there are also a number of Israeli Bedouins

and other Israeli Arabs who are proudly serving in the Israel Defense Forces, viewing it as a means to advance within Israeli society. One former Muslim Knesset candidate, Aetef Karinaoui, supports Israeli Arabs giving back to their country by either serving in the IDF or doing national service. Individual stories Nasim Awadallah is one of the Israeli Arab National Service participants. He assists the physical education instructor in a local Arab school. “I decided to do something with my life,” Awadallah claims. “I decided to serve the country and I hope it will help me in the future. I think that after I do this, people will look at me differently. The program has taught me how to be a teacher. I have learned so much and now I really know how to deal with kids. I have much more self-confidence than I did before I started.” Another Israeli Arab who has completed national service is Nasra Hmod. She claimed, “I really wanted to volunteer for the Magen David Adom [the Israeli Red Cross] but didn’t succeed. Then I heard about National Service, and contacted Chaya at Shlomit and told her I was an Arab.” Soon after that, Hmod was assigned to the Kaplan

For daily news stories related to Israel & the Jewish world, visit the Federation’s website at www.jfedsrq.org.

Medical Center in Rehovot, where upon completing her national service she was given a job. Prior to doing her national service, she was unable to find work. A great opportunity for Israeli Arab women A director who recruits Israeli Arab volunteers for national service claimed, “National Service represents a potential for empowerment for Arab women, and they sense that. That’s why they put on pressure to be allowed to volunteer despite the social opposition, because it’s their opportunity to breach the boundaries of the village. An Arab girl who comes from a small village and learns to answer phones and give service in

Hebrew, and to work on Excel – that raises her level significantly.” Presently, the majority of Israeli Arab women don’t work, partially because these women never leave their villages and thus don’t receive the opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to be able to work. However, doing National Service enables young Israeli Arab women to have the means to support themselves in the future, independent from their husbands. This works wonders for encouraging young Israeli Arab women to be self-supporting individuals, contributing to Israeli society as a whole.

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10B

ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

September 2013

BRIEFS YAD VASHEM NAMED FOURTH BEST MUSEUM IN THE WORLD

Yad Vashem, Israel’s official Holocaust memorial museum, was ranked fourth recently on the popular travel website TripAdvisor’s list of the Top 25 Museums in the world. It was also ranked #1 out of 148 attractions to visit in Jerusalem. The ranking was based on reviews and commentary from visitors from around the world. Yad Vashem was also awarded TripAdvisor’s 2013 Certificate of Excellence, given to sites that consistently receive top reviews from visitors and because it maintained a 4-star rating out of five as recommended by visitors. Around one million visitors, mostly tourists, visit the popular museum each year. Yad Vashem was dedicated in 1953 by the Yad Vashem Law to preserving the memory of the six million Jews who perished in the Shoah, as well as the thousands of Jewish communities destroyed by the Germans and their collaborators throughout Europe. Yad Vashem recently opened a new exhibit, “I Am My Brother’s Keeper,” marking 50 years of recognizing the

brave efforts of non-Jews during the Shoah to save Jews. The new exhibit is dedicated to the 24,355 gentiles from over 47 countries who have been honored as Righteous Among the Nations. (David Shankbone, The Embassy of Israel to the United States)

KING DAVID’S PALACE UNCOVERED IN JUDEAN FOOTHILLS

Two royal public buildings from the Kingdom of Judah of the tenth century BCE were uncovered this past year by researchers of the Hebrew University and the Israel Antiquities Authority at Khirbet Qeiyafa – a fortified city dating to the time of King David and identified with the biblical city of Shaarayim. One of the buildings is identified by the researchers, Professor Yossi Garfinkel of the Hebrew University and Saar Ganor of the Israel Antiquities Authority, as David’s palace, and the other structure served as an enormous royal storeroom. In the storeroom building the kingdom stored taxes it received in the form of agricultural produce. Hundreds of large store jars were found at the site, their handles stamped with an official seal as was customary in the Kingdom of Judah for centuries. The site is to become a national park. (Israel Antiquities Authority)

BIRTH RATES OF ARABS AND JEWS IN ISRAEL ARE CONVERGING

The birth rates of Arabs and Jews in Israel are close to converging. In the first 12 years of this century the number of Arab births in Israel has flat-lined at 40,000 per annum. Over the same period, Jewish births have risen from 95,000 to 130,000. In the first four months of 2013, Jewish births were up 38% compared to the same period in 2001; Arab births were down 6%. The falling Arab fertility rate reflects well-documented trends elsewhere. Between the early 1960s and 2005-2010, the UN reports that the average woman in Egypt went from having 6.5 children to fewer than 3. In Lebanon, the fall was from 5.5 to 1.5. In Jordan and Syria, fertility rates declined from 8 and 7.5 to 3 and 3.5. The surprising factor has been the steady rise of fertility of Israel’s Jewish women to around 3, a rate unprecedented for a developed country. (Paul Morland, Jerusalem Post)

JEWS POPULATING

Last year, 88,000 Jews were born, bringing the world Jewish population to a new modern high of 13.75 million. These figures come from a Hebrew University study by Sergio Della Per-

gola, who summarizes that Jews comprise one out of every 514 people on the planet, or less than 0.2 percent of mankind. About 43 percent of the world’s Jews live in Israel, which translates to about six million. (World Jewry Digest)

ISRAEL AND INDIA TO DEVELOP 5G TECHNOLOGY TOGETHER

India and Israel have agreed to work jointly on development of fifth generation (5G) telecom technologies. The matter was discussed during the visit of Indian telecom and IT minister Kapil Sibal to Israel last month. Sibal and his Israeli counterpart, Gilad Erdan, agreed that both countries can cooperate on exploring the possibilities of standard formulation, development and manufacturing in the area of 4G and 5G telecom technologies. “Israel has technology and innovation, India has the capital and market. The two areas which emerged out of discussion related to telecom were reducing roaming charges between India and Israel, and exploring the possibili-

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briefs...continued from previous page ties of standard formulation, research and development, and manufacturing in the area of 4G and 5G,” a Department of Telecommunication official said. At present, Indian telecom operators are providing 2G, 3G and some 4G services. No country in the world has 5G technology, while some companies claim to have tested 5G technology. There have been claims by companies that 5G technology will be in place by 2020. (Times of India)

180,000 PALESTINIANS VISIT ISRAEL DURING RAMADAN

Nearly 180,000 Palestinians received special permits to enter Israel during the month of Ramadan this year. “The moment I entered Israel I was surprised. I felt like I was in Europe. There’s a total difference between the West Bank and Israel,” said Amer al-Jallad, 27, from the West Bank city of Tulkarem. “In light of the positive reactions to this policy, Israel decided to adopt an even more lenient policy this year,

thanks to the stable security situation in Judea and Samaria,” said a spokesman for Israel’s office for Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT). (Elhanan Miller, Times of Israel)

IDF LEADS THE WAY IN GENDER INTEGRATION

Representatives of foreign militaries are increasingly seeking guidance from the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) in facilitating gender equality and preventing sexual harassment, as Israel’s military is recognized as one of the world’s most advanced in this regard. The office of the IDF Women’s Affairs Advisor explained: “Service for women is required, and therefore we strive to expand equal opportunities for recruitment and placement, and to empower women’s [military] service through a variety of roles.” The IDF stands out among the world’s militaries for the high representation of women in its ranks. 34% of those serving are women, including 23% of all officers and non-commis-

RAFI (Relatives and Friends of Israelis) RAFI (Relatives and Friends of Israelis) is a social group that is the bridge between loved ones in Israel and the U.S. RAFI is a non-political, non-fundraising group. Members enjoy sharing news about loved ones in Israel and have fun, interesting meetings. Try them out and connect with people who have the same interests. For more information, contact Harriet Joy Epstein at hjesarasota@yahoo.com or 941.342.1818.

sioned officers. 92% of the IDF’s jobs are open to women. (Israel Defense Forces)

ISRAELI AND PALESTINIAN BANDS UNITE TO TOUR EUROPE

United by a love of heavy metal rock ‘n’ roll – plus a belief that music is above politics, religion and conflict – the Israeli band Orphaned Land is joining forces with the Palestinian group Khalas to take a message of coexistence across Europe. The bands will perform in six countries, including Britain, this autumn and will share a tour bus for three weeks. Orphaned Land’s lead singer, Kobi Farhi said, “Sharing a stage and sharing a bus is stronger than a thousand words. We’ll show how two people from different backgrounds who live in a conflict zone can perform together.” Khalas lead guitarist Abed Hathut added, “there is no bigger message for peace than through this tour.” “One day our children will form a band together,” said Farhi. (Harriet Sherwood, Guardian - UK)

INSIDE THE SECRET TECH VENTURES THAT ARE RESHAPING THE ISRAELIARAB-PALESTINIAN WORLD

Nearly 100 times over the past two years, Israeli high-tech experts and Palestinian entrepreneurs have gotten

together in the hope of making Israel’s “Startup Nation” economic miracle a cross-border affair. And this is just one of dozens of business-driven dialogues quietly – in many cases secretly – proliferating across the Holy Land. Hundreds of Israelis and Palestinians are becoming actual business partners and colleagues in startups that are slowly transforming the Palestinian economy, at least in the West Bank. The Palestinians, flooded for years with foreign aid money that often gets misused and almost never sticks, accept partnerships with Israeli firms and Israeli offices of U.S. firms because it offers them perhaps the best chance to develop their economy. They are simply being sensible – taking advantage of being next door to one of the world’s top high-tech countries. (Richard Behar, Forbes)

ENDANGERED SPECIES: THE JEWISH DELI

May your favorite Jewish deli thrive, but according to the Los Angeles Times, their popularity and prevalence are dwindling. The recent report cites the shuttering of such famous landmarks of Jewish cuisine as New York’s Stage Deli, Chicago’s Ashkenaz Delicatessen and L.A.’s Junior’s Deli. Changing demographics, high rents, soaring food prices and a vast array of

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ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD

briefs...continued from previous page restaurant fare, including fast foods, account for younger, more hip crowds simply eschewing the deli. The Times quotes Jewish cultural maven and Dickinson College professor Ted Merwin: “There’s nothing that can bring back the centrality of the deli in either Jewish life or American life. There’s no way they’re going to survive in the numbers they once did. (World Jewry Digest)

PM NETANYAHU MEETS WITH FATHER GABRIEL NADAF

On Monday, August 5, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Father Gabriel Nadaf, a Greek Orthodox priest from Nazareth and spiritual leader of a forum for the enlistment of Christian youth in the IDF, Naji Abid, leader of the Orthodox council in Yafia, and Lt.

(ret.) Shadi Khaloul, head of the forum. Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed that a joint Government-community forum be established within two weeks to promote the enlistment of Christian community youth in the IDF and national service and their integration into the life of the state. The forum will work to integrate members of the Christian community in the law on equality in sharing the burden and deal with the necessary administrative and legal aspects, protect those who support enlistment and enlistees from violence and threats, and step up law enforcement against those who disturb the peace and incite to violence. There has been a significant increase in the number of Christian enlistees in the IDF, from 35 a year ago to approximately 100 this year; an additional 500

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young people from the community are doing national service. Prime Minister Netanyahu said, “Members of the Christian community must be allowed to enlist in the IDF. You are loyal citizens who want to defend the state and I salute you and support you. We will not tolerate threats against you and we will act to enforce the law with a heavy hand against those who persecute you. I will not tolerate attempts to crumble the state from within. The State of Israel and the Prime Minister stand alongside you.” Father Nadaf said, “Our goal is to guard the Holy Land and the State of Israel. We have broken the barrier of fear – the state deserves that we do our part in defending it. Those who oppose the integration of the Christian community in the institutions of state do not walk in the path of Christianity.” (Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

TEXAS TEAMS SIGN BOTH ISRAELI-BORN NBA PLAYERS

Omri Casspi, the first Israeli-born player in National Basketball Association (NBA) history, will don a Houston Rockets uniform for the next two years in a $2 million deal. The Houston Rockets are the six-foot-nine-inches-tall forward’s third NBA team, following the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland

Cavaliers. Casspi was born and raised in the town of Yavne, south of Tel Aviv. He made his professional debut as a 17-year-old with Israel’s basketball powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv during the 2005-06 season. Casspi’s best season in the NBA so far was his rookie season in 2009-2010 when he averaged 10.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game for the Kings. Casspi will be joined by a second Israeli-born player in the state of Texas. Point guard Gal Mekel, 25, signed a three-year, $2.3 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. “Gal is a smart player. He picks up things quick,” Monte Mathis, the Mavericks’ summer league head coach told the Star-Telegram. “I’m just trying to get him to understand our defensive schemes and things like that, and being a guy that causes problems off pickand-rolls offensively.” (Viva Sarah Press, Israel21c)

IN THE ARAB MIDDLE EAST, SCIENCE LAGS BEHIND THE WEST

“Between 1980 and 2000,” writes Hillel Ofek in The New Atlantis, “Korea granted 16,328 patents, while nine Arab countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, granted a combined

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ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD 13B September 2013

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Muslim Doctor: Israel is an inspiration to the Islamic world

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Qanta Ahmed is a Muslim physician, author and British citizen. In a recent exclusive interview with United With Israel, she called Israel’s achievements in women’s and minority rights an inspiration to the Muslim world. By Rachel Avraham, staff writer for United with Israel, www.unitedwithisrael.org undergraduates at the Technion are Arab Muslims, and seeing how they were thriving is very different from even the privileged women in Saudi Arabia. There is a different climate. I don’t feel in Israel that women are under siege or unequal or victims, but that is a strong feeling in the Muslim world. They aren’t fully empowered and they aren’t equal. I found Israel very refreshing. I did not find it in any way oppressive.” Ahmed was also impressed that Israel provides a safe haven to the Ahmadi Muslim community, which is “persecuted across the Muslim world.” In contrast, the Ahmadi Muslim community in Haifa has “been thriving for the last 100 years.” They have their “own mosques, cemeteries funded by the Israeli government, and a school,” while in Pakistan “Ahmadi cemeteries are frequently desecrated, Ahmadis are barred from giving the Muslim call to prayer, and it is forbidden to call their holy places mosques.” Ahmed relates, “When I was visiting the minorities in Haifa, there were young men who recently converted [to Ahmadi Islam]…[and] some of them were Palestinians from the West Bank. They were excommunicated by their families in the West Bank for adopting

briefs...continued from previous page total of only 370, many of them registered by foreigners.” “A study in 1989 found that in one year, the United States published 10,481 scientific papers that were frequently cited, while the entire Arab world published only four.” According to Pakistani physics professor Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy, the 57 Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries “have 8.5 scientists, engineers and technicians per 1,000 population, compared with a world average of 40.7, and 139.3 for countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.” “46 Muslim countries contributed

1.17% of the world’s science literature, whereas 1.66% came from India alone and 1.48% from Spain. 20 Arab countries contributed 0.55%, compared with 0.89% by Israel alone.” Iranians believe that the mastery of the nuclear field of science – rather than any other field of science – will pave the way for Iran’s triumphant re-entry into the community of nations. Not a new microchip, or the cure for cancer, but a nuclear bomb – a weapon of mass destruction, meant to kill tens of thousands of people. A wise man once said never judge a man by his mistakes, but rather by his dreams. (Lee Smith, Tablet)

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their views and sought shelter in Haifa.” She acknowledged, “Israel is a guarantor of religious freedom. Religious freedom is an absolute human right under Israeli law, but not in the Palestinian Authority.” Ahmed concluded, “The Muslim world needs Israel as an inspiration more than Israel needs the Muslim world’s acceptance. It is very bleak times, but Israel is extraordinarily hopeful…a hope I really experienced through the Israeli Muslims I met.”

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anta Ahmed is a physician, a Muslim of Pakistani origin, a British citizen and the author of In the Land of Invisible Women: A Female Doctor’s Journey in Saudi Arabia. Ahmed told United With Israel that she has traveled virtually everywhere in the Middle East, and has found no other country in the region with the same “level of freedom and integration.” Based on her experience, she acknowledges Israel as a special and unique country, a fact she believes no one should take for granted. Ahmed recounts, “There was a very powerful sense of national identity in Israel, and in a certain way an acceptance of people wanting to be different. I found Israel extraordinarily liberating, for Muslim men and women. I met with Israeli Muslims…I visited the Beit Issi Shapiro Center in Kalansua, where Israeli Arab women were taking care of children with special needs. These women participated in the society, whether veiled or not. They had a role outside the household.” Ahmed remarked that during her visit to the Technion, she was amazed by the various programs offered and the strong minority presence on the campus. She noted, “20 percent of the

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$36 Single ticket • $90 Concert Series pass $118 VIp Series pass (includes reserved seating and reception) Please visit www.jfedsrq.org/keyboard.aspx or call Jennifer New at 941.552.6304 to purchase tickets. Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

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14B

RECENT EVENTS

September 2013

Recent event photos from the area’s temples and organizations

The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism’s dedicated BackPack volunteers make sure that food reaches the students at Booker Middle School every weekend. CHJ’s program has raised enough money to see students through the 2013-14 school year. Pictured are Barney Sack, Jo Arora, Edith Sack, Fred Raymes, CHJ President Susan Friedman and CHJ Vice President Len Rosen. Renee Crames (not in photo) is the volunteer coordinator. Temple Sinai proudly sent campers and staff to the first session of URJ Camp Coleman in Georgia for what is always a remarkable experience. Pictured are Mari Blumenthal, Jay Manson, Ethan Blumenstein, Michael Fallacaro, Noah Fallacaro, Jared Friedman, Savi Quale and Becca Huntting.

Scott Anderson, Sally Yanowitz and temple president Michael Richker enjoyed the kiddush wine and cheese reception before summer Shabbat services at Temple Emanu-El

Remember A Life Lost Community Remember Me Holocaust Fruit Tree Orchard Garden on the Temple Beth Sholom Campus Tuttle & Bahia Vista, Sarasota

We must NEVER FORGET. We invite every child to remember a child who was lost in the Holocaust. There is no charge for participating. The suggested voluntary donation is $36 to receive a name from the database. The actual cost of the tree, memorial plaque and upkeep is $180 per tree.

At the 2013-2014 Installation of the Board of Directors of the National Council of Jewish Women, Sarasota-Manatee Section, are (front row) Paula Kaufman, Marge Rome, Marcia DuBrin, co-President Debbie Engleson, (middle row) Marion Marshak, Ann Goldstein, Karen Pariser, Nina Stanley, Nancy Alpher, (back row) Marian Moss, co-President Bonnie Sussman, Micki Sherin Evans, Rosalie Leon, Marge Ellin, Janet Moses and Sheila Brumberg

Morocco With the girls!

MAY 2014: The sights, sounds, cuisine, culture, art, gardens, Jewish heritage and shopping!

To get involved, please contact: Orna Nissan at 941.552.6305 or onissan@jfedsrq.org Sponsored in part by The Blumenthal Family Fund

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota FL 34232

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RECENT EVENTS 15B September 2013

September 2013

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In July, Hazzan Jeffrey Weber of Temple Beth Sholom visited Jewish residential camps Camp Ramah Darom and Camp Barney Mendintz in northern Georgia.Â At left: Hazzan Weber with the Sarasota kids at Ramah At right: Hazzan Weber with Jared Newman of Sarasota

Send your recent event photos (and captions) to jewishnews18@gmail.com.

The SaraMana chapter of ORT hosted a July reception at the home of Lynn Sacks to welcome new members and discuss upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Pictured are board members Lynn Sacks and Lisa Deutsch with new members Gail Calisoff and Emily Levin.

Campers and counselors at Camp Gan Israel of Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch

Purim Masquerade Ball

Saturday, March 8, 2014 The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Save the Date!

Noah Kunkel brought his famous homemade banana bread to Temple Emanu-Elâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Turtle Beach Picnic and Havdalah

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Graci & Dennis McGillicuddy Esther & Robert Heller Patti & David Wertheimer

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The STrengTh oF a PeoPLe. The Power oF CoMMunITy.

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

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M AY � Y O U R � N E W � Y E A R � B E � G O O D � A N D

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