Jewish News May 23, 2016 by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater

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Southeastern Virginia | Vol. 54 No. 18 | 15 Iyar 5776 | May 23, 2016

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28 Respect and hope at Yom Hashoah

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French put off peace summit, Naro Expanded Cinema’s presentation of citing John Kerry’s schedule The Occupation of the American Mind: Israel’s Public Relations War in the U.S. skews the truth JERUSALEM (JTA)—A summit of foreign minis-

n Wednesday, May 4, the Naro Cinema presented The Occupation of the American Mind: Israel’s Public Relations War in the U.S. This film is an extremely skewed propaganda piece for the ‘Israel as evil occupier camp;’ those who believe Palestinian suffering is primarily Israel’s fault and therefore any terrorist actions on the part of Palestinians are justified by Israel’s “occupation.” The film is narrated by noted BDS proponent, Roger Waters, of Pink Floyd fame. BDS and the anti-Israel movement are entitled to their viewpoint, but they tend to minimize or completely overlook the reasons Israel must take agonizing steps to defend her populace—reasons like the latest Palestinian terrorist tactic of stabbing innocent Israelis. As insidious as the BDS movement is, this film distorts reality by further implying that, “the Israeli Government, U.S. Government and pro-Israel lobby shape media coverage of the conflict in Israel’s favor.” This is a completely farcical statement. The reason many BDS supporters—who have likely never been to Israel or lived a Hamas rocket away from a neighbor that wants them dead—believe that Israel is the villain, is because of the skewed coverage of the conflict—skewed to favor the Palestinians. One just has to look at how the recent spate of Palestinian stabbings of Israelis has dropped from the headlines, receiving almost no coverage in the U.S. press. These stabbings haven’t ceased, only the coverage of them has. Not newsworthy anymore because the killing of Jews in Israel doesn’t garner ratings here in the U.S. While we hope that one day there can be peace in Israel, a time when her neighbors accept her right to exist and she doesn’t have to send every child into the military, movements like BDS and propaganda films like The Occupation of the Mind, serve to skew the truth, pressure Israel’s efforts to defend her populace and embolden those who want to see a weakened Israel wiped off the map. To BDS and Palestinian sympathizers, I have one question: If by some miracle we learned tomorrow that all Palestinians have accepted Israel’s right to exist and have lost all desire to harm or kill Israeli Jews, and instead pledged to begin working towards economic development and education within the West Bank and Gaza, how long thereafter would it take to achieve peace with Israel and a two state solution? So who has the power to bring peace to the land of Israel? Jay Klebanoff

ters in Paris to discuss the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians has been postponed. French President Francois Hollande announced Tuesday, May 17 that the meeting of representatives of 20 countries that had been scheduled for May 30 would be postponed since U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry cannot attend. May 30 is Memorial Day in the United States. Neither Israel nor the Palestinians were invited to the summit. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on France, which is convening and hosting the summit, to cancel the meeting, saying it gives the Palestinians an excuse to avoid face-to-face negotiations. Netanyahu has called for direct, bilateral negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. The summit is set to be the run-up to an international peace conference to be held in the French capital this summer that would include Israel and the Palestinian Authority. French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault met in Jerusalem with Netanyahu to push the plan, and told reporters that the summit would go on despite Israeli objections. “I know that there is strong opposition. This is not new and it won’t discourage us. The conference will take place,” he said. Ayrault angered Israel in January for threatening to recognize a Palestinian state if a Paris-hosted conference failed to relaunch Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Ayrault backtracked on his statements last month, saying the conference would not “automatically” spur any action. U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said that the department is working with France to set a new date.

Contents Letter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Up Front. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Briefs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Torah Thought . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Hal Sacks Jewish News Archives. . . . . . . . .6 Election 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 College graduation: Choose Life . . . . . . . 11 Israel Independence Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Israel at 68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Healthcare in the Jewish community . . . 15 Author Larry Roth at Temple Israel. . . . . 27

Quotable HAT has Israeli pen pals . . . . . . . . . . . . . Respect and hope mark Yom Hashoah . . Lions of Judah hear from Jeannie Opdyke Smith. . . . . . . . . . . . . What’s Happening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Simon Family JCC Israel Fest . . . . . . . . . Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Who Knew?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CRC Israel poster winner. . . . . . . . . . . . . Special Section: Health Care

27 28 29 30 31 34 35 36 38

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Briefs State Dept.: PA envoy likening Israeli soldiers to Nazis “deeply concerning” The Palestinian Authority U.N. envoy’s likening of Israeli soldiers confronting stone throwers to Nazis putting down the Warsaw uprising was “deeply concerning,” the State Department spokesman said. Mark Toner responded May 5 to a JTA query about an April 27 news conference by Riyadh Mansour. “Obviously we would condemn any anti-Semitic remarks very forcefully,” Toner said, noting that he had not yet examined Mansour’s comments and was basing his assessment on remarks read to him by a JTA reporter. Mansour, who called the news conference to discuss U.N. actions on Israel and the Palestinians, attacked Israeli diplomats for their terming stone throwers “terrorists.” “All colonizers, all occupiers, including those who suppressed the Warsaw uprising, labeled those who were resisting them as terrorists,” he said. (JTA) Anne Frank’s copy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales sells for $50,000 A Boston museum has acquired Anne Frank’s personal copy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales for $50,000 at auction. The Museum of World War II was the highest bidder for the 1925 German edition of the book, which features the names of Anne and her sister, Margot, on the title page. The book, which sold at Swann Auction Galleries in New York City, is accompanied by a 1977 letter from the girls’ father, Otto, giving it provenance. It marked the first time in more than 20 years that something signed by Anne Frank has been up for sale. The book was left behind in the Franks’ Amsterdam apartment when the family went into hiding in the attic of another building in the Dutch capital. Eventually it was sold after World War II to a Dutch couple by a secondhand bookstore in Amsterdam. In 1977, the couple’s children discovered the signature and wrote to Otto Frank to let him know of the discovery. In the letter, included with the purchase of the book, he expressed how deeply the discovery of the book affected him, as well as his

wish for the family to keep the book for their own daughter, in memory of Anne Frank, according to the auction house. “Anne Frank is the human symbol of the Holocaust,” said Kenneth Rendell, the founder and executive director of the Museum of World War II. “Her diary is read by students everywhere throughout the world. Handwriting is the most direct connection we can have with someone, and seeing this book which belonged to her, with her handwriting on the title page, is as direct a personal connection we can have with her.” The book and letter are set to become a centerpiece of the museum’s collection of more than 7,500 World War II artifacts and a focus of its educational programs, according to the statement. (JTA)

No bidders for “anti-Semitic” Taft letter opposing Brandeis nomination A letter from former President William Howard Taft attacking the nomination of Louis Brandeis to the U.S. Supreme Court in thinly veiled anti-Semitic terms may be of historic value, but apparently not $15,000 worth. That sum was the opening bid set by the Nate D. Sanders auction house in Los Angeles for the 1916 document, but by the April 28 deadline there were no bids. Taft’s epistle sheds light on the state of anti-Semitism at the time in the most “respectable” circles. In addition, the episode provides an interesting parallel to the fight over President Barack Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland, a Jewish judge, to the Supreme Court seat vacated by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Taft had reportedly hoped that President Woodrow Wilson, his successor in the White House, would appoint him to the seat left vacant by the unexpected death of Justice Joseph Lamar as the 1916 presidential election campaign was heating up. Although Taft claimed his opposition to Brandeis was based on the latter’s progressive and “socialist” views, Taft’s scurrilous language and constant emphasis on Brandeis’ Jewishness pointed more to a personal outrage at the prospect of a Jew being named, for the first time, to the Supreme Court.

4 | Jewish News | May 23, 2016 | jewishnewsva.org

In his four-page letter on Jan. 21, 1916 to Jewish journalist Gus Karger, Taft labeled Brandeis “cunning,” “a hypocrite,” “unscrupulous” and possessing “much power for evil.” Taft maintained that “the intelligent Jews of this country” also opposed Brandeis’ nomination, but that to counter that opposition Brandeis had suddenly “adopted Zionism, favors the new Jerusalem, and has metaphorically been re-circumcised.” The Senate, after history’s first public hearing on a Supreme Court nomination, confirmed Brandeis by a 42-22 vote and the Jewish judge went on to a long and influential tenure on the court. Although the historic letter is no longer up for auction, it is still available for sale by the Nate D. Sanders auction house. (JTA)

London’s Muslim mayor reaffirms plan for Israel trip Sadiq Khan, who was sworn in as London’s first Muslim mayor this month, reiterated plans to lead a trade delegation to Israel. In an interview with London’s The Jewish News, Khan, the first Muslim mayor of any Western capital city and London’s first Labour Party mayor in eight years, also said he believes it is important to improve Jewish-Muslim relations in the UK capital. During his campaign, Khan criticized Labour for not doing enough to confront anti-Semitism among some of its members. Accusations of anti-Semitism have roiled his party in recent months, with dozens of members suspended in the past few weeks allegedly for making anti-Semitic remarks. London’s former Labour mayor, Ken Livingstone, was suspended for anti-Semitic remarks in late April following a series of interviews in which he claimed that Adolf Hitler had supported Zionism. A self-described moderate Muslim, Khan attended a Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony with British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis in his first official appearance as mayor. “We’ve got to accept there are some people who say they’re Muslim, some people of the Jewish faith who don’t like the fact I’m here, that I’m sitting next to the chief rabbi,” he told The Jewish News. “My message to those people is we live in the greatest city in the world and have

to get along. I’m the mayor of London, the most diverse city in the world, and I’ll be everyone’s mayor. No preferential treatment, but I have a role to build bridges. My signing-in ceremony was deliberately designed to show the sort of a mayor I’ll be and I started as I mean to go on.” Asked when he will fulfill a campaign promise to visit Israel, Khan said, “I’ve not even had my first Monday at work to be fair, I’ve had six hours sleep since Wednesday. But I’m keen to make sure I’m the most pro-business mayor we’ve ever had and that means going on trade missions, including to Tel Aviv.” (JTA)

United Methodist Church rejects 4 divestment resolutions The United Methodist Church rejected four resolutions calling for the church to divest from companies that profit from Israel’s control of the West Bank. The votes took place at the quadrennial United Methodist Church General Conference that began May 10 in Portland, Oregon. The resolutions called for divesting from three companies that pro-Palestinian activists have accused of working with Israeli security forces to sustain Israel’s West Bank settlement enterprise. They are Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard and Motorola. Similar boycott, divestment and sanctions petitions failed at general conferences in 2008 and 2012. This month Hillary Clinton, the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination who was raised and remains a practicing Methodist, criticized the BDS movement in a statement that was believed to be directed at the church, though it did not specifically mention the church. In January, the Methodists’ pension fund removed five Israeli banks from its portfolio, saying the investments were counter to its policies against investing in “high risk countries” and to remain committed to human rights. BDS activists have scored a series of successes in recent years in advancing similar resolutions, most prominently the United Church of Christ in 2015 and the Presbyterian Church (USA) a year earlier. (JTA)

Torah Thought

Power and pathos: a visit to the cemetery The memory at the heart of Memorial Day

his coming Monday, most Americans will celebrate Memorial Day with pilgrimages to malls and outdoor spaces. Shopping and the performance of beginning-of-summer rituals will be the order of the day. But a few of our fellow citizens will reenact the ritual that gave rise to Memorial Day, visiting cemeteries and paying our respects at the graves of those dear to us. The cemetery and grave tending visits leading to the creation of the holiday known as Memorial Day arose separately in both Southern and Northern states during the Civil-War. By 1868, the Grand Army of the Republic Union veterans’ organization had established the last Monday in May as Decoration Day. The date, not commemorating any one battle in preference to others, avoided slighting the relatives of the fallen, no matter when the death had occurred; and more practically, flowers—for decorating the graves—were in bloom even in the colder northern states by late May. Southern States thereupon differentiated their practice by naming it “Confederate Memorial Day.” By the 20th century, the two competing sets of practices were on their way to being unified, although Congress only changed the official name from “Decoration Day” to “Memorial Day” in 1967. I am often at Norfolk’s Forest Lawn cemetery on Memorial Day, and I see fresh American flags planted at the graves of veterans. One prominent marker near the cemetery entrance, of a Jewish major who was wounded at Gettysburg, and

then became a lay leader of Ohef Sholom Temple, used to fly both the American flag and the Confederate “stars and bars” battle flag. The Confederate flag has been removed in the wake of recent consciousness-raising. If only Major Hart could see us now… And that is precisely the Jewish connection to Memorial Day: the unanswered speculation about what the dead may possibly see and know, and the commitment of the living to visit those graves, regardless of the answer. The Bible emphasizes the silence of the dead: The dead do not praise You Nor those who descend to Silence But we will bless God Now and forever! Hallelujah! (Psalm 115:17-18) The Talmud, on the other hand, reflecting the body/soul concept that had become popular in the Jewish world after our contact with Hellenism, reflects the notions that the dead remain both sentient and interested in the world of the living, and also that the grave is the proper locus for relating to them. A Talmudic tale speaks about a man who visited the cemetery and overheard the pre-Rosh Hashanah conversations of two of the dead interred there. One would fly to the Heavenly Tribunal and hear the decree ordained for the coming year, return to the grave, and tell her neighbor. The man, eavesdropping, made a fortune on this insider information, until the souls became aware that the living were listening in. (Tractate Berakhot, 18b) Not the austere focus on this one, brief lifespan, but the consoling view of unending posthumous bliss in the Presence of the Divine came to characterize Jewish belief, at least until comparatively recently. In the past two centuries, non-Orthodox movements have moved (in this respect) closer to the Biblical focus, while Orthodoxy has retained the Rabbinic sense of the matter, even amplifying it by incorporating the

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speculations of the Kabbalists. Practice contains the echo of ideology, although one needs some learning to hear that echo and reconstruct the original message. We visit the graves of ancestors before the High Holidays (“Kever Avot”) because, traditionally understood, that’s when our own lives are on the line, and we need “friends in high places,” namely, our relatives now in Heaven, to amplify our prayers. As children used to sing on the playground (to the melody of Chopin’s funeral march), “pray—for—the dead— and—the dead—will pray—for you.” We visit the grave of a deceased spouse before remarrying, because we literally need that spouse’s blessing. Just think of the dream scene in Fiddler on the Roof: Tevye concocted the dream, but Golde believed that Frume Sara really came all the way from the Next World, because in that society, the structure of common belief made such a dream plausible. For some, today, this mental universe is still home. Part of me is slightly envious—it’s so nice to live in a comfortable home. For others, that’s not our world, and we can’t force ourselves to believe what is not plausible.

But we don’t have to know these ultimate mysteries of a person’s posthumous destiny to find great meaning and to live by it. For me, a visit to the cemetery contains power and pathos. It tells me that, evanescent as our life-spans may be, we live in the presence of Eternity. In Your hand are the souls of the living and the dead The life of every creature, the breath of all flesh Into Your hand I entrust my spirit; You will redeem me, LORD, God of truth. (Siddur, the evening liturgy) When I place a stone on the monument of a loved one, I am proclaiming a connection that continues to have undiminished significance for me. If a tree falls in the forest, and none heard it, has it made a sound? Yes, because God has heard it. When a person dies, and then all who have remembered him, has he still lived? Yes, because God remembers. May your Memorial Day contain moments of true memorialization! —Rabbi Michael Panitz, Temple Israel

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from the hal Sacks Jewish News Archives

May 19, 2006 The Women’s Cabinet Outreach Committee of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, co-chaired by Judy Rubin and Ellen Peck Rosenblum, held two tours of the Chrysler Museum focused on works by contemporary Jewish artists.

May 24, 1996 Ada Michaels, who began her tenure at Hebrew Academy of Tidewater as the school’s librarian in 1973, prepared to retire on June 12 as Head of HAT, a position she assumed in 1988.

May 23, 1986 The annual YES Club Wine Sale was held at the JCCT. Proceeds were donated to the JCCT Senior Adult Programs.

May 28, 1976 Representatives of the United Jewish Federation and the Portsmouth Jewish Community Council met to complete negotiations for the consideration by the two communities for a United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. A committee of seven, chaired by Joseph H. “Buddy” Strelitz, was to prepare a resolution to be presented to both communities for ratification.

May 1, 1966 The United Jewish Fund Women’s Division was near its goal of $40,000 with pledges totalling $39,768, Mrs. Leonard Strelitz, chairman, reported.

May 1, 1956 The Fourth Annual Meeting of the Jewish Community Center was slated for Sunday, May 20, 1956, announced Sidney Popkin and Maurice Mednick, co-chairmen of the Arrangements Committee. The dinner was to feature the installation of Julian Rashkind as president, as well as of the officers and board.

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To browse or search the Jewish News Archives, go to jewishnewsva.org and click on archives.

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Election 2016 Hillary Clinton Calls BDS movement “harmful” on eve of vote in her Methodist church WASHINGTON (JTA)—On the eve of a bid to have her church divest from companies allegedly profiting from Israel’s control of the West Bank, Hillary Clinton reasserted that the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement was counterproductive to peace. Clinton, the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, responded on Sunday, May 8 to an appeal from the Israel Action Network, an affiliate of the Jewish Federations of North America, ahead of the quadrennial United Methodist Church General Conference last week in Portland, Oregon. In a two-page reply, Clinton, who was raised and remains a practicing Methodist, does not directly mention the church, although it is the focal point of the letter to her from the Israel Action Network. But she says: “I believe that BDS seeks to punish Israel and dictate how the Israelis and Palestinians should resolve the core issues of their conflict.” The position is not new for Clinton; she rejected BDS most recently in a March speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Clinton says her support for Israel dates back to the early 1980s, when she first visited the country as first lady with President Bill Clinton, and continued through her term as U.S. senator from New York from 2001 to 2009 and then as secretary of state in President Barack Obama’s first term.

“I know you agree that we need to make countering BDS a priority, and that we need to work together—across party lines and with a diverse array of voices—to reverse this trend with information and advocacy, and fight back against further attempts to isolate and delegitimize Israel,” Clinton’s letter says. “I stand ready to be your partner as we engage all people of good faith—regardless of their political persuasion or their views on policy specifics—in explaining why the BDS campaign is counterproductive to the pursuit of peace and harmful to Israelis and Palestinians alike,” the letter concludes. Among more than 1,000 proposals, the Methodists will consider four resolutions calling for divestment from three companies that pro-Palestinian activists have accused of working with Israeli security forces to sustain Israel’s West Bank settlement enterprise. They are Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard and Motorola. In January, the Methodists’ pension fund removed five Israeli banks from its investment portfolio, saying the investments were counter to its policies against investing in “high risk countries” and to remain committed to human rights. BDS activists have scored a series of successes in recent years in advancing similar resolutions, most prominently the United Church of Christ in 2015 and the Presbyterian Church (USA) a year earlier.

Sheldon Adelson backs Donald Trump, says he’s good for Israel

$595,000.

8 | Jewish News | May 23, 2016 | jewishnewsva.org

asino mogul Sheldon Adelson says he will back Donald Trump now that Trump has locked up the Republican Party’s presidential nomination. “I think that Donald Trump will be good for Israel,” Adelson, who is Jewish, told the BBC on May 5, appearing at a gala in New York for the World Values Network. What was unclear is if Adelson, one of the world’s richest men and a major pro-Israel giver, meant he would help fund Trump’s campaign, and to what extent.

Trump, a real estate magnate and reality TV star, is himself a billionaire and has mostly-self funded throughout the primaries. However, he has said he would reach out to major donors now that he is heading into a heated general election likely to cost billions of dollars. Adelson, who donated more than $90 million to federal political races in 2012, is among the Republican Party’s most heavily courted contributors. Pressed if his thinking that Trump

Election 2016 would be good for Israel meant Trump would receive his support, Adelson said, “I plan to, yes I do. Yes, I’m a Republican, he’s a Republican. He’s our nominee.” In a departure from the 2012 race, when he spent heavily to boost Newt Gingrich’s unsuccessful primary bid and then gave generously to nominee Mitt Romney, Adelson had until now remained neutral in the 2016 nomination battle. This time around, Adelson did not want to handicap the eventual nominee. The perception among Republicans in 2012 was that the money Romney spent to defeat Gingrich early in the campaign had hobbled his campaign against President Barack Obama’s reelection. Adelson had hinted that he backed Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, and the Israeli newspaper he owns, Israel Hayom, provided Rubio with favorable coverage. Adelson’s wife, Miriam, favored Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

Both candidates ultimately dropped out. The question of whether Trump would be “good for Israel” surfaced in December, when Trump, addressing the Republican Jewish Coalition—another major Adelson beneficiary—said he would not pander to the group or ask for its members’ money. He also said he would remain neutral on Israeli-Palestinian talks and would not, before being elected, say whether he would recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. He has since walked back those remarks, most prominently in an appearance in March at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Adelson, quoted separately at the same event by The New York Times, suggested that supporting Trump was the right thing to do because he had bested his rivals. “Whoever the nominee would turn out to be—he was one of the 17. He won fair and square,” said Adelson. (JTA)

Donald Trump asks Jared Kushner, his Jewish son-in-law, for help on White House transition

resumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has asked his Jewish son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to plan for a possible White House transition team. Kushner, who is married to Trump’s daughter Ivanka, would not be involved in the actual transition, The New York Times reported. Kushner, 35, publisher of The New York Observer and head of his family’s real estate development company, will work with campaign manager Corey Lewandowski and senior adviser Paul Manafort to

determine the prospective team, according to the Times. “The campaign will likely be announcing transition team leadership in the coming weeks,” Hope Hicks, a Trump spokeswoman, told the newspaper. Kushner reportedly wrote Trump’s well-received speech delivered at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee policy conference. The Times reported that he and his father-in-law “have a close relationship and are often in contact, talking informally about the campaign.” (JTA)

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Election 2016

Bill Clinton: “I killed myself to give the Palestinians a state”

aying “I killed myself to give the Palestinians a state,” former President Bill Clinton defended his record on IsraeliPalestinian peace efforts, and his wife’s, at a campaign event. “I had a deal they turned down that would have given them all of Gaza,” Clinton

said Friday, May 13 in response to a heckler at an event in New Jersey in support of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, Politico first reported. The former president also commended Hillary Clinton, who as secretary of state during President Barack Obama’s first

term from 2009 to 2013 pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to meet and make peace, and defended her against the heckler who pointed out that she said “neutrality is not an option” in dealing with the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. “There’s nobody who’s blameless in the Middle East, but we cannot really ever make a fundamental difference in the Middle East unless the Israelis think we care whether they live or die. If they do, we have a chance to keep pushing for peace,” Clinton said. “And that’s her position. Not to agree with the Israeli government on everything, not to pretend that innocents don’t die, not to pretend that more Palestinian children don’t die than Israeli children. But that we can’t get anything

done unless they believe, when the chips are down, if somebody comes for them we will not let them be wiped out and become part of the dustbin of history.” Bill Clinton also condemned Hamas for locating its rocket launchers in civilian areas, leading to higher casualties during Israel’s 2014 war with the terrorist group in Gaza. “Hamas is really smart. When they decide to rocket Israel, they insinuate themselves in the hospitals, in the schools, in the highly populous areas, and they are smart,” Bill Clinton said to audience applause, according to Politico. “They said they try to put the Israelis in a position of either not defending themselves or killing innocents. They’re good at it. They’re smart. They’ve been doing this a long time.”

Melania Trump: Attacks on Jewish reporter went “too far,” but were “provoked”

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WASHINGTON (JTA)—Melania Trump said critics who deluged a reporter with anti-Semitic abuse went too far, but also said the reporter “provoked” the onslaught with her critical profile of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s wife. “I don’t control my fans,” Melania Trump told DuJour, a lifestyle magazine in an article posted Tuesday, May 17. “but I don’t agree with what they’re doing. I understand what you mean, but there are people out there who maybe went too far. She provoked them.” Melania Trump was asked about the anti-Semitic abuse received by Julia Ioffe, a reporter who wrote a critical profile of the former model for GQ. Ioffe, who is Jewish, has been flooded with death threats and anti-Semitic rhetoric via email, phone calls and on social media. She has filed a police complaint because of the threats. Melania Trump had said soon after the GQ article was posted that it was

“inaccurate” and that Ioffe had invaded her privacy by uncovering a half-brother born out of wedlock before her parents married. Donald Trump, the real estate magnate who has effectively secured the Republican nomination, said earlier that he has “no message” for what he termed as his “fans” who had attacked Ioffe. In the same DuJour article, Melania Trump defended her husband from those who accuse him of having fascist tendencies stemming from his broadsides against Muslims and Hispanics. The reporter noted that the comedian Louis C.K. had compared Trump to Adolf Hitler in his call for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States. “We know the truth. He’s not Hitler,” she said. “He wants to help America. He wants to unite people. They think he doesn’t but he does. Even with the Muslims, it’s temporary.”

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ost rabbis have the luxury of building relationships with their congregants that grow and change over the course of decades. They get to see their congregants’ life cycle events, be with them during times of joy and grieve with them during times of sorrow. The college campus, however, is not a normal community. Students are generally not around for decades (at least their parents hope that they are not). After about four years, most students move on to their next adventure, readying themselves to take on new challenges and opportunities. It is the campus rabbi’s job to help give them some of the tools necessary to be prepared for life when they depart the campus. Graduation at many colleges and universities across the country just took place, including our local Christopher Newport University and the College of William and Mary. At both of these schools, hundreds of students graduated and moved on to the next stage of their young lives. Many of the Jewish graduates were very involved in Hillel, and while it was wonderful to see them move on, it is hard to imagine campus life without them. Our Jewish students are very committed, very intelligent and very motivated in everything they do. They set a very high standard for themselves and are not satisfied until they surpass their goals. Graduation is a very happy time for the graduates and their families, but it can also be a scary time. What will they do next? Where will they live? What job or internship will they get? What new relationships are about to begin? All of these questions and more are stressing in the minds of a young 21– 22-year-old, just beginning their life journey—out of school for the first time since they were five years old. What do we wish for these young Jewish men and women? I was asked to speak at this year’s Baccalaureate ceremony at the College of William and Mary. In that speech I quoted a verse from the Torah, “I have placed before you life

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and death, blessing and curse. You shall choose life, so that you will live, you and your offspring.” (Deuteronomy 30:19) I told the graduates that just because they were leaving their college experience did not mean that anything had ended, but rather this time should be seen as a beginning. It is now that life actually begins. It is now that they have to start using the information they learned at home and in school to “Choose life.” As Jews we should be making choices through the lenses of the Torah, through the lenses of our ethics and morals. As Jews we need to always act in a holy way, not just in a popular way. As Jews, we recognize that success is not defined by what we have, but rather by what we do. It is my hope and prayer that we can all be inspired by the graduating class of 2016. Let us always, “Choose life” by doing what is right, not necessarily just what is convenient. Rabbi Gershon Litt is the executive director at the Norfolk Kollel, rabbi at Adath Jeshurun Synagogue, director of the Hillels at William and Mary and CNU, and rabbi of the Commodore Levy Chapel at Naval Station Norfolk.

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Israel Independence Day Netanyahu calls for return of military parades on Israel’s Independence Day

TEL AVIV (JTA)—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the return of military parades on Israel’s Independence Day. Israel celebrated its 68th year of independence on May 11-12, marking the anniversary of the state’s establishment on May 14, 1948, according to the Hebrew calendar. At a Jerusalem ceremony on May 12

awarding 120 Israeli soldiers with certificates of excellence, Netanyahu suggested Israel should again hold military parades on the day, as it did annually through the late 1960s. I remember seeing tanks for the first time,” said Netanyahu, according to Israeli media reports. “I saw soldiers and that

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excited me greatly. I have a suggestion: Let’s bring back the military parades in Jerusalem.” Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin also praised Israel’s economic and cultural development at ceremonies marking the day. Speaking at a torch-lighting ceremony May 11 inaugurating the holiday on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said world leaders come to Jerusalem daily and admire Israel’s accomplishments. “They see the roads, the construction, our technology, economy, society, art,” Netanyahu said of foreign dignitaries. “Above all, they see you, the citizens of Israel, and your great skills and entrepreneurship, your sense of mutual

accountability, the way you unify in times of trouble.” Speaking at the soldiers’ award ceremony, Rivlin compared the country to a little sister he has watched grow up. Rivlin, 76, was born in Jerusalem before Israel’s establishment. “I dreamed of her, I hoped for her, oh, how we hoped,” Rivlin said. “I was present at her birth, and since then I’ve celebrated her 68 wonderful and amazing years.” Rivlin went on to list 69 reasons he loves Israel. The list included Israeli settlements, illegal immigration to prestate Israel, the classic Israeli tembel hat, solar water heaters that were invented in Israel and Iron Dome, Israel’s missile defense system.

At Independence Day launch, Knesset speaker decries ‘offensive discourse’

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( JTA)—Israelis shifted from mourning to celebrating as Memorial Day (Yom Hazikaron) ended and Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut) began. The country’s 68th birthday kicked off with an annual torch-lighting ceremony on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem on the evening of May 11. In the opening address at the ceremony, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein spoke out about the country’s social divisions, the Times of Israel reported. “The tensions that characterize us, and which are often healthy, have exceeded the boundaries of good taste,” he said. “Widespread freedom of expression, the lifeblood of democracy, is often characterized by offensive discourse. Utterances have become more and more extreme: sector by sector, belief against belief and worldview against worldview.” Meanwhile, one of the four winners of this year’s Israel Prize, which was officially awarded at a ceremony May 12, said he will donate the $20,000 prize to a group working to end Israel’s occupation of the West Bank. David Shulman, a Hebrew University linguistics professor being honored for his work on the language and culture of south India, announced in a video posted online that he will give the money to Ta’ayush. Founded in 2000, the group is described

on its website as a “grassroots movement of Arabs and Jews working to break down the walls of racism and segregation by constructing a true Arab-Jewish partnership.” In his video, according to Haaretz, Shulman said he initially considered turning down the prize because of the “general deterioration of the situation and the witch hunt against Ta’ayush peace and human rights activists by a right-wing establishment determined to perpetuate the occupation.” The committee that recommended Shulman for the award described his research as “outstanding in its diverse engagement with various literary genres and different areas of research” and said he “has made an important contribution to research and teaching in Israel’s universities.” Among the 12 Israelis selected to light a torch at the May 11 ceremony in Jerusalem were Rona Ramon, widow of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon, and four people selected for acts of heroism during terrorist attacks. One torch-lighter, Israeli Greek Orthodox priest Gabriel Naddaf, was accused that week of sexually harassing young people, charges he has denied. Naddaf was selected for his efforts to encourage Christian Arab Israelis to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces.

Israel Independence Day

Six ways Israel is counting its blessings on Independence Day by Ben Sales

TEL AVIV (JTA)—When Israel entered its 1948 War of Independence, the coastal city of Rishon Lezion was a hardscrabble farming settlement with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants. As waves of immigrants inundated Israel in its founding years, many were settled in temporary camps on Rishon Lezion’s sandy outskirts. The arrivals braved rainy winters in tents and subsisted on the national food rationing program, which limited Israeli consumption of eggs and meat. Not seven decades later, Rishon Lezion is Israel’s fourth largest city, a bustling hub of nearly 250,000 freckled with malls. Its rise mirrors the meteoric growth experienced by Israeli society in the 68 years since the nation’s founding. Though Israel faces social, cultural, religious and military challenges, it has burgeoned economically, technologically and militarily. As the nation recently celebrated its Independence Day, here are six statistics that show how. • Israel’s population has grown tenfold since 1948. Israel was founded with a population of 806,000. Today there are 8.5 million Israelis, about 75 percent of them Jews. In 1948, just over a third of Israelis were native born, or “sabras.” The rest were immigrants either from war-torn Europe or the Middle East and North Africa. Today, three-quarters of Israelis are native born. But immigration, or aliyah, continues to swell the numbers: 30,000 immigrants arrived in Israel in 2015, including almost 8,000 from France, 7,000 from Ukraine and about 3,800 from the United States and Canada. In total, some 2.5 percent of Israel’s population—approximately 200,000 people—are from the U.S. Israel’s cities have grown apace. West Jerusalem, in 1948, had less than 100,000 residents. Now the city’s eastern and western halves include more than 800,000 residents. Sixteen Israeli cities boast more than 100,000 residents, and eight have more than 200,000. • A higher percentage of Israelis than Americans own cellphones.

In Israel’s first decades, phone access was a luxury. Through the 1970s, new immigrants sometimes waited years to get a landline in their apartment. In the meantime, they lined up at the local pay phone with a handful of tokens. Now, 96 percent of Israelis own cellphones, more than the 90 percent in the U.S. A swarm of Israeli phone companies compete for customers’ shekels, while Israeli technological innovation has made cellphones more powerful. Since 1948, Israel’s economy has grown even faster than its population. The country’s GDP in its founding year was $6.6 billion in today’s dollars. Now Israel produces about 44 times as much—nearly $300 billion a year. In 2010, the country joined the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a group of the world’s most affluent countries. Standards of living have also risen. Israel’s GDP per capita today is approximately $35,000—6.7 times what it was in 1948, adjusted for inflation. Nine years after the state’s founding, just one-tenth of Israelis had an air conditioner for the country’s sweltering summer. Now, thankfully, almost nine in 10 Israelis have the machines at home. The country boasts nearly 3 million cars, compared to 34,000 in 1948. • Israel’s Air Force grew from nothing to be the region’s most powerful. When Israel’s provisional government declared independence, a militia, the Haganah, was in place to defend it. But the new state had a total of zero combat aircraft. The first shipment of 25 planes came a few weeks after Independence Day from Czechoslovakia. The Israel Air Force has since established itself as the best in the Middle East. At 680 combat aircraft, it isn’t the region’s largest fleet, but technological prowess, training and Israel’s stability make it the most formidable. Israel receives more than $3 billion of U.S. military aid every year, allowing it to maintain its advantage. The countries are now negotiating a new defense assistance package reportedly shaping up to be the largest ever.

• Israel’s yeshiva student population is 300 times bigger than in 1948. When Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, exempted full-time yeshiva students from Israel’s military draft, the pass applied to just 400 haredi Orthodox young men studying Torah all

day. But Israel’s yeshivas have been fruitful and multiplied. Today, more than 120,000 yeshiva students skip the army, according to the religious pluralism advocacy group Hiddush. Haredi Jews make up 9 percent of continued on page 14

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Jewish-Israeli society, and their numbers are growing. According to a March study by the Pew Research Center, 91 percent of them have more than three children, while half of secular Jews have two or fewer. The draft exemption has been a heated political issue in Israel for years, with many Israelis calling on the government to “equalize the burden” of military service. The centrist Yesh Atid party became Israel’s second largest in 2013 by promising draft reform. Its legislation passed in 2014, but was defanged last year after Israel’s most

recent election, which swept haredi parties back into power and sent Yesh Atid into the opposition. • The number of women in the Knesset has tripled. Women fought alongside men in Israel’s prestate battles and the War of Independence. But when the first Knesset convened in 1949, just 11 of the body’s 120 members were women—less than 10 percent. One of them was Golda Meyerson, who would leave her mark on the world as Golda Meir, Israel’s first female prime minister.

While no woman has followed Meir to Israel’s top post, more women than ever are members of Knesset. Women, who make up a majority of Israel’s population, are still underrepresented. But the body now includes a record 32 women, more than a quarter of Israeli lawmakers. That’s compared to the 19 percent of the U.S. Congress that’s female. • Ben Gurion Airport welcomes 16 million travelers a year. As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has festered, Israeli fears of international boycott have risen. But you wouldn’t know

it from Israel’s main link to the outside world, Ben Gurion Airport. Fifteen million travelers passed through the hub in 2015, up from 10 million in 2010. Tourism did drop 3 percent from 2014 to 2015, which Israel’s Tourism Ministry attributed to the 2014 Gaza War. But the war also showed the importance to Israelis of international travel. Some of the war’s tensest days came in late July, when many flights to Israel were canceled due to missile threats, severing some links between Israel and the world. (See information on Israel Fest on page 31)

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Building community and healing the world medicine, particularly the treatment of Syrian refugees. Partnering with the UJFT Business he integration of medical and & Legal Society in November, the Jewish concerns is the founMaimonides Society hosted a dation of the Maimonides program titled, Business in Society of the United Jewish The Medicine, which featured Federation of Tidewater. local experts from the Society members work to legal and medical comheal others while providmission of the munities. Adam Foleck, ing better lives for Jews a Maimonides Society in need locally, nationMaimonides Society member, dentist and ally and globally. owner of The Foleck Throughout the year, is to form a fellowship Center, presented opportunities for about managing socializing, networka successful pracing, and learning of Jewish healthcare tice. Jeffrey Brooke, are enjoyed by doca Business & Legal tors, researchers, professionals dedicated Society member and and other healthcare attorney at Poole professionals. to educational, social Mahoney PC, proThis has been an vided insight into the active and inspiring legal side of medical year for the Maimonides and philanthropic malpractice and busiSociety. Under the leadness contracts. ership of co-chairs Dr. activities. Israeli high-tech is Julius Miller and Dr. Steven booming and Maimonides Warsof, events kicked off Society members, along with last summer with a special visit members of the Business & Legal from Dr. Eric Shinwell of the Ziv Medical Center in Sefat. A group of med- Society, had an opportunity to learn how ical professionals from the Maimonides Israeli technology is revolutionizing the Society gathered to learn and discuss with world from special guest Viva Sarah Press, Shinwell about humanitarianism in Israeli associate editor and writer for ISRAEL21C, which is recognized as the single most diverse and reliable source of news and information about Israel in the 21st century. Other special invitations for Maimonides members were extended throughout the year. One was to join the UJFT Young Adults Division for a program on the impact of Israel in the Ofer Merin, Marcia Samuel, Linda Samuels and Steven Warsof at a Maimonides event. by Samantha Golden

Tidewater community. At this event, Dr. Mae Winchester and Dr. Steven Warsof, Maimonides co-chair, discussed the successful EVMS and Bar-Ilan University continued on page 18

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Health Care enjoyed a unique and hand-selected assortment of Kosher wines and delicious pairings at the Holiday Inn North Beach at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Society members expressed a desire to make this an ongoing Alison Ohana, Neil Schulwolf, Ralph Northam, Julius and Jeanne Miller, April 2015. annual event. All wines were availcontinued from page 17 able to order in time for Passover, and a Medical School Exchange Program, portion of the proceeds were donated to the Israeli Emergency and Disaster the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. Preparedness Course and the benefits of The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater thanks current Society members for their these two exceptional programs. Another invitation was extended to participation, engagement and ongoing finanattend a JFS program, Heart 411: Getting cial support of the Annual Campaign. All to the Heart of the Matter. Heart 411 Maimonides members have contributed at least addressed common questions about heart $1,000 to the UJFT’s Annual Campaign, which health and cardiovascular disease, and in turn provides allocations to organizations featured Dr. Steven Nissen, department such as Jewish Family Service of Tidewater and chair of Cardiovascular Medicine at The the JDC (American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee), that provide food and medicine or Cleveland Clinic. The Maimonides Society will join the education or cultural enrichment, to those in Freda H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative need, wherever they may be. The Maimonides Society welcomes any Care of Tidewater for Conversations before the Crisis: An End of Life Discussion on Jewish doctor or other medical professional to Tuesday, May 24. This program will be pre- attend an event and consider becoming involved. To join the Maimonides Society, or to sented by Dr. Deborah A. Morris, medical learn more about upcoming events, “Like” the director of HPCT. Probably one of the highlights of the Maimonides Society’s Facebook page, www. year was a Kosher Passover wine tast- fb.com/UJFTMaimonides, visit JewishVA. ing that took place in February, led by org/Maimonides, or call Alex Pomerantz at professional Sommelier Crystal Cameron 757-965-6136. of Crystal Palate. One hundred guests

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jewishnewsva.org | May 23, 2016 | Health Care | Jewish News | 19 5/16/16 11:30 AM

Health Care

Healthcare leaders and hospital supporters from around the world to gather at “State of the Heart” conference HAIFA, Israel—Leading researchers, healthcare professionals and supporters will gather at the Rambam Health Care Campus for its annual summit May 29–31, where they will showcase exciting innovations and solutions to the global strategic challenges facing cardiovascular innovations and digital health. Several hundred participants annually attend this conference. The campus will host prominent practitioners, researchers and philanthropists to see first-hand the hospital’s advances in modern medicine, its steadfast promotion of coexistence and the vision for the future of the hospital and the region. The conference culminates with a gala reception and ceremony where the Rambam Award is presented. The Rambam Award recognizes individuals for their contributions to medicine, science and

technology, as well as their passion and special generosity to the State of Israel. This year’s recipients are: Professor William Brody, the former president of the Salk Institute who will be recognized for innovations in the treatment of cardiovascular disease; Professor Eric Topol of the Scripps Translational Institute, for his work on digitizing and democratizing medicine; and Sandor Frankel and The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. Professor Yuval Noah Harari, the best-selling author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, will speak about what he describes as the future of medicine: the changing focus from healing the sick, to “upgrading” the healthy. Participants will also be shown cutting-edge technological capabilities such

20 | Jewish News | Health Care | May 23, 2016 | jewishnewsva.org

continued on page 21

Simulation of the Rambam Sammy Ofer Underground Hospital. In times of war, when rockets are falling, Rambam’s underground parking structure can be converted into a 2,000-bed underground hospital with different wards, as well as operating theatres and specialty care.

Health Care

Bernard is doing good works forever.

continued from page 20

as a robotic cardiac surgery and optogenetic treatments of abnormal heartbeats. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the Rambam hospital, including a tour of the Samy Ofer Underground Fortified Emergency Hospital. “We see the annual summit as the apex of Rambam’s yearround commitment to medical research and innovation,” says Rafi Beyar, director general of Rambam, “the best and latest of cutting-edge medical technologies are presented at Shimon Peres presents the Rambam Award to Professor Rafi Beyar. the conference, as well as the methods and practices that make up the digital medicine frontier. serves the Israel Defense Forces Northern Rambam is more than just a hospital. Command, UN Peacekeeping Forces, and We believe that to best serve our con- the US 6th Fleet. Many of Rambam’s physicians particstituents, we must always be leading the way in developing a bright future for the ipate in cutting-edge research projects to bring new therapies and treatments not community.” Rambam Health Care Campus is a only to their patients, but the greater com1,000-bed academic hospital serving munity of the world. Rambam Heath Care Campus believes the more than two million residents of Northern Israel. Providing comprehensive that everyone deserves the highest quality of medical services in all medical specialties, care and has always opened its doors to all Rambam is the tertiary referral center those in need, regardless of their religion, race, for 12 district hospitals. In addition to and ethnicity. Visit http://www.rambam.org.il/ the citizens of Northern Israel, Rambam EnglishSite.

How will you help shape the future? Norfolk architect Bernard Spigel died in 1968 leaving an enduring legacy of homes, schools, theaters and commercial buildings he designed.

In 1983 Lucy Spigel Herman honored her dad by creating at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation a scholarship fund to help future architects. Today Spigel’s Scholarships are helping five Virginia architecture students learn the profession he loved. Dozens of past Spigel Scholars are busy designing buildings for us to enjoy. Spigel Scholarships will forever help architecture students pay for their educations. Design your own view of the future by ordering the free Leave Your Mark guide. Learn how easy it is to honor a family member or create your own permanent legacy. Call 757-622-7951 or visit hamptonroadscf.org.

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jewishnewsva.org | May 23, 2016 | Health Care | Jewish News | 21

Today from the Bay.

Health Care

Sole Meunière

Picky eater or a problem feeder?

with Balsamic

Brown Butter Sauce • • • • • • • • •

4 (6-ounce) sole fillets, skin removed 2 cups milk SECRET INGREDIENT 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup flour Salt, pepper 4 tablespoons finely chopped parsley 6 tablespoons butter 1 to 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, or to taste • Lemon slices, for garnish

Soak fillets in milk for 20 mins. Remove and pat dry. Season fillets with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp. oil over moderate heat in 2 large pans. Put flour into shallow dish; season with salt and pepper. Dredge fillets in flour, shake off excess, dip back in milk and in flour. Place fillets in pan and cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Place fillets on platter, sprinkle with parsley. Wipe skillet, add butter. Heat until it begins to brown. Remove from heat, stir in balsamic vinegar. Pour sauce over fish and serve. Garnish with lemon slices.

e partner with Virginia fisherman for fresh seafood. This is one of our favorite recipes, but we’ve left out one ingredient.

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Josh Adler by Josh Adler, OTR/L, ATP, Adler Therapy Group

ediatric occupational therapists and speech therapists often receive referrals from physicians with children that have been diagnosed with feeding delays or oral aversion. They range from newborns to toddler/school age and generally do not have any other diagnoses and an unremarkable medical history. Many parents of these children are told by doctors that these feeding issues will get better on their own and to let their child eat what they want whenever they want. The problem, however, is that when these problems are untreated by a professional they tend to get worse over time and start to effect the child’s everyday encounters with food. Some parents report they don’t know when this oral aversion started to

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22 | Jewish News | Health Care | May 23, 2016 | jewishnewsva.org

take place, whereas others report problems since infancy. They report inter-conflict in the home where one spouse does not believe there is a problem and the other spouse feels strongly that a problem exists. Occupational and speech therapists are specially trained to treat children with oral aversion and can quickly help parents turn the corner and assist their child learn how to accept new foods whether it’s a texture, taste or smell aversion. Picky eaters do not generally warrant outpatient therapy, as they generally like one or two foods in each food group. They don’t exhibit negative behaviors that impact their ability to participate in everyday activities when food is presented to them, regardless if they like that particular food or not. Problem feeders, on the other hand, are not a normal part of child development. Children who are problem feeders often have inadequate caloric intake, poor weight gain and growth, as well as vitamin and mineral deficiencies. If left untreated, children who are problem feeders can suffer from malnutrition, dehydration and impaired intellectual, emotional and academic development. Children with this condition have completely eliminated food groups and commonly have food jags where a once commonly eaten food is no longer acceptable and they outright refuse it. These children exhibit negative behaviors with a strong fight or flight mechanism in place and meal times become highly stressful. Children that struggle with oral aversion will avoid being in the same room with certain foods and it can easily affect the entire family dynamic. Often times, pressure from parents or other family members to “just try it” leads to more resistance and creates behavioral issues. The bright side, however, is that children with oral aversion generally can successfully be treated by specially trained occupational and speech therapists who can educate the family and give the child the tools they need to overcome this very serious feeding diagnosis. These checklists can help identify picky eaters vs problem feeders.

Health Care

WE TAKE PRIDE IN EXCEEDING YOUR EXPECTATIONS.

Picky eaters commonly: • Eat less than 30 different foods • Eat one or more foods from each type of food texture • Have one favorite food they eat consistently, then may burn out and not eat that food, but after 2 weeks will resume eating that food • Accept new foods on their plate and willingly touch or try new foods • Eat a new food after being exposed to it at least 10 times Problem feeders typically: • Eat less than 20 foods • Eat fewer and fewer foods over time until they are limited to about 5-10 foods • R efuse foods of certain textures altogether • E at one food over and over, but unlike picky eaters, they will eventually burn out and not go back to eating that food again

• Do not accept new foods on their plate and will not tolerate even touching or tasting a new food • Cry, scream and tantrum when new foods are placed on their plate • Are unwilling to try a new food even after 10 exposures • Have a rigidity and need for routine/ sameness during meals • Are inflexible about certain foods Adler Therapy Group (ATG) was opened in 2015 by Josh Adler, OTR/L who has been practicing in Hampton Roads as an occupational therapist since 2003. ATG has more than eight therapists, including a specially trained outpatient therapist in their pediatric division with decades of experience in treating oral aversion/feeding difficulties. In addition to feeding programs, ATG offers pediatric physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy for all other diagnoses and conditions. ATG also offers an outpatient adult therapy services division where a multi-disciplinary approach (PT/OT/Speech) is available. www.adlertherapygroup.com.

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www.MidAtlanticWomensCare.com • Kenneth Muhlendorf, MD, FACOG, Medical Director jewishnewsva.org | May 23, 2016 | Health Care | Jewish News | 23

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Health Care

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24 | Jewish News | Health Care | May 23, 2016 | jewishnewsva.org

have type 1 Gaucher Disease, a rare lysosome storage disorder that occurs when someone is born without the enzyme glucocerebrosidase that breaks down lipids in the cells. The result is a disease cell that accumulates in the blood, bone marrow, liver and spleen. Gaucher affects only 1 in 45,000 people overall, but among Ashkenazi Jews, the rate is much higher at 1 in 850. It is one of several genetic diseases that disproportionately affects our community. Despite the fact that my father was a doctor, it still took 21 years for me to get an official diagnosis. And like me, up to one-third of Gaucher patients are initially misdiagnosed with a number of other conditions, including cancer, lupus or leukemia. My childhood was riddled with illnesses, but no answers. My earliest symptoms were probably apparent from infancy, but my first significant symptom was when I broke my left hip at 18 months by simply falling off of a bed. The hip break was eventually written off as a freak accident, but I was still continually sick. Whatever my siblings brought home, I would wind up with bronchitis, pneumonia and croup. There was always an initial pattern: sore throat, fever and bone pain. By the time I was eight years old, these illnesses were accompanied by an enlarged spleen, liver and low platelets. I was misdiagnosed with a number of conditions, including juvenile arthritis and leukemia. At age 11, at the beginning of sixth grade, I fell ill with what appeared to be mono. This episode took on a completely different trajectory. My dad was taking lab work at my bedside. Different colleagues with different specialties were examining me in my room before and after work. I had a home tutor from the school that tried to teach me as I laid my head across the kitchen table. Once an avid social and enthusiastic student, I was so sick that year I missed more than three quarters of the

Tamara Isaacs Ciocci

sixth grade. At 14, a rheumatologist misdiagnosed me with lupus, and prescribed steroids and an anti-malarial drug. I stayed on steroids for seven years, adding 45 pounds of fluid weight to my frame. Over the next few years, my waist grew to 42 inches from the enlarged spleen and liver. My platelets were so low, I was restricted from all activities to avoid the risk of internal bleeding or rupturing my spleen. By the time I went to college, my life was no longer congruent with who I wanted to be. During my junior year, I fell off my bicycle and landed in the ER. A bone marrow biopsy came back positive. Finally, at age 21, I was diagnosed with type 1 Gaucher disease. Having a chronic illness means always second guessing yourself. I am constantly debating about which ailments are serious enough to report. What makes it even more difficult to live with a rare disease is knowing very few physicians in the world are even aware of the condition, let alone how to treat it. A simple trip to the doctor’s office can be very frustrating. Now married with a beautiful family, I have started working again. I continue to battle the bone pain, fatigue and poor immune system, but just having a diagnosis now gives my doctors the tools to manage my condition. Why, you might ask, should you care about Gaucher disease? When we learn about one rare orphan disease, everybody wins. Gaucher disease research has led to new insights on multiple myeloma and Parkinson’s disease, both complications of Gaucher. Tamara Ciocci lives in Duxbury, Mass. and was diagnosed with Gaucher disease in 1985 at the age of 21. She is a member of the Genzyme Gaucher Partners program and speaks on behalf of Genzyme Corporation.

Health Care First Person

What about the Jewish prayer for those with mental illness? by Risa Sugarman

(Kveller via JTA)—Traditionally, we say the Mi Sheberach prayer for those who are ill and those recovering from illness or accident. For example, I added the name of my friend’s daughter to the list to be recited at my synagogue following a terrible accident in which she was burned. As the Mi Sheberach was recited this past Shabbat at my synagogue, I had an epiphany. I wondered aloud to my husband, what about those with mental illness? Do we ever think of adding their names in hopes of recovery and wellness? Anyone who has ever had any diagnosis of mental illness knows it can be a horrendous and difficult road to travel, and prayers of any kind would be appreciated. In synagogue, as the names were recited, I wondered to myself if any of those mentioned were struggling with depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc. A mental illness is an illness. Complications from diabetes must be treated appropriately, and prayers can be part of the treatment plan. Similarly, complications from bipolar disorder must be treated appropriately, and prayers can also play a role in the treatment plan. As logical as this seems to someone like me who lives with depression; unfortunately, society as a whole has not yet reached that level of understanding. I like to think that the Jewish community is more open to accepting people for who they are because of what our earlier generations endured. But we still could and should do better. My synagogue greatly supported me over the past two years when I suffered from severe depression. Individual women from the synagogue reached out to me in response to my writing about my experience. I not only made some wonderful new friends, but I added to my support and logistics team. I gained friends who

checked on me, and these friends would also drive me to my ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) treatments. They availed themselves to me, which not only helped me, but my family as well. Now it was not as if an announcement was made in synagogue alerting everyone that I was ill, but these women knew we shared a connection to our synagogue and took it from there. I am very lucky. Part of the Mi Sheberach prayer asks God to restore, heal, strengthen and enliven the individual who is suffering. Someone who is suffering from severe depression definitely needs to be restored, healed, strengthened and enlivened. The individual may not know that she needs this due to her impaired cognition, but her community can surround her with these words in order to support the restoration of her cognition, the healing of her sadness, and wish her increased strength and a reason to wake up in the morning. This is what we need. This is what I need. We should not be feared due to our illnesses. Someone with schizophrenia not only deserves this, but as a human being, it is his/her right. Agreed? Let’s take what is scary, “invisible” and not easily understood, and turn it all around. I challenge synagogues, groups and individuals to include those with mental illness in the list of names when reciting the Mi Sheberach prayer. Make the invitation clear in synagogue announcements and bulletins. Give those and their families who may feel shame and fear the permission to reach out and ask for the prayers they need. Let’s provide each and every member of our communities the same opportunity to heal. —Risa Sugarman has an MSW from Fordham University and a B.A. from Columbia University. She has written for the Huffington Post, Psych Central, Keshet and Stigma Fighters; she blogs at sillyillymama. blogspot.com.

jewishnewsva.org | May 23, 2016 | Health Care | Jewish News | 25

Beth Sholom Village team at “Israel Fest” serves up delicious pareve food.

Ev e ry ye ar i n th e Ti dewate r Jewi sh c o m m un i t y…

It takes a village. Our Village.

We prepare Meals on Wheels packages for those in need.

At our campus on Auburn Drive and throughout the community, we play a vital role in many aspects of Jewish life and for people of all ages.

We provide support to the Simon Family JCC, Hebrew Academy of Tidewater and other local schools and agencies.

How Our Village Makes an Impact • On the second Thursday of the month, we hold an Alzheimer’s support group, which is open to the public and free of charge. In the group, caregivers of loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia share advice, tips and mostly have the opportunity to be heard. • Every month, our dietary team prepares approximately 600 meals for Jewish Family Service so volunteers can deliver them to people in need. • Transportation plays a vital role in the lives of our residents and the community. With the addition of our new company, BSV Transportation Company, LLC, it is easy to attend doctor’s appointments and celebratory family events. • For the past two years, we have staged a booth at the JCC’s popular “Israel Fest” and served a pareve meal with an Israeli theme. Come by our booth next month and see what we have prepared! • Every year, we provide financial support to synagogues and schools in our community. Just a few of them include: Beth El, Temple Israel, Ohef Sholom, Bina High School, St. Matthew’s Catholic School and Hebrew Academy of Tidewater. When the community needs us, we always answer the call. Of course, that’s what being a Village is all about.

A showing during the annual Jewish Film Festival was held at Beth Sholom.

All Denominations Welcome (757) 420-2512 | www.bethsholomvillage.com

26 | Jewish News | Health Care | May 23, 2016 | jewishnewsva.org

it’s a wrap Hebrew Academy students write pen pals in Kiryat Yam by Dee Dee Becker

Thursday, June 9, 2016 6:00 PM: Reception 7:00 – 8:00 PM: Meeting Ofek Newman and Shalom Brashevitzky, HAT fifth graders, after reading letters from their pen pals from Amirim School in Kiryat Yam.

pictures to illustrate concepts and ideas,” says Menda. “Many have expressed their desire to stay in touch for a long time and eventually travel to meet in person.” Emily Leon, HAT third grader, says about getting a new pen pal, “I’m very excited. I like meeting new people from different places and I like to write letters.” Ellie Debb, HAT fifth grader, is also excited about making a new friend. “You never know who you are going to meet— but after writing a letter and getting one back, we become friends.” While e-mail communication makes the world faster, a good “snail mail” letter from a special pen pal is always a treasure. For now, HAT students excitedly await their next batch of letters.

Temple Israel hosts speaker for Yom Hashoah brunch New York City public relations firm in 1933 to boost their image in the United arry Roth, author States. The end result creates of The Nazi Account, a moral dilemma for the stowas the guest speaker at ry’s protagonist who needs Temple Israel’s annual to choose between working Yom Hashoah brunch on the account assigned to him, Sunday, May 1. or risk losing his job and Roth spoke about his not being able to provide book in which he combines for his family during the a fictional tale interwoGreat Depression. The story ven with historical events Larry Roth at Temple Israel. around Nazi Germany hiring a prominent crosses paths with historical figures from by Andy Rabiner

Jewish Family Service of Tidewater invites the community to its

63rd Biennial Meeting

nail mail. Almost a lost art form, yes? Not for Hebrew Academy of Tidewater students. The sending and receiving of hand-written letters with new Israeli pen pals has become a fun way to broaden world perspectives, develop their cognitive and creative abilities and hone skills in the Hebrew language. All letters are written mostly or completely in Hebrew to students at Amirim School, in Tidewater’s sister city of Kiryat Yam, in the Haifa Bay district. “At Hebrew Academy,” says Rabbi Menda, Judaic studies director, “students learn Hebrew language starting right from preschool. By the time they reach 4th and 5th grade, they are able to carry on simple conversations. The pen pal program has been a great opportunity for them to deepen their knowledge and understanding of written Hebrew.” So far, two batches of letters have been sent from HAT students and one batch has been received from the Israeli students. These eager pen pals have discussed many different topics, including favorite hobbies, sports and animals, favorite subjects in school and favorite books. They’ve also learned about their likes and dislikes when it comes to video games and other toys. “Children write by hand and draw

Community Update

Fleder Multi-Purpose Room Sandler Family Campus

Please join us so we may update you on the growth of our services and the needs we are meeting in the community. The biennial meeting will also include: • Installation of Jefferson S. Cooper as president • Recognition of outgoing board members • Welcoming of new board members • Presentation of special board and community awards

RSVP to 757–321–2235 by June 1st. 1933 including Father Coughlin, General Smedley Butler, Henry Ford, Charles Lindberg and Lou Gehrig. As hard to believe as it may seem, the owner of the PR firm on which the story is based, Carl Byoir & Associates, was Jewish. During his presentation, Roth pointed out some other recent efforts of nations and groups enlisting the services of PR firms to help with their image, including: • Russia spent $23 million at Ketchum & Co. (Putin was Time Magazine’s Person of the Year in 2007, and as a runner-up again in 2014)

• Palestinians spent $660,000 at Squire Patton Bogg • Hungary spent $60,000/month at Connie Mack • China is currently accepting bids for PR representation. The Nazi Account is available in the gift shops of the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C., Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, as well as several other NYC museums. It is also available on Amazon. com in both paperback and Kindle.

jewishnewsva.org | May 23, 2016 | Jewish News | 27

it’s a wrap

Respect and hope mark community’s 2016 Yom Hashoah Holocaust Day of Remembrance gathering by Laine M. Rutherford

rom Wendy Juren Auerbach’s heartfelt welcome on behalf of the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater to Jay Klebanoff’s respectful closing remarks as UJFT president, Tidewater’s 2016 Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Day of Remembrance was a meaningful event filled with honor, hope, sadness and awareness. Held in the sanctuary of Norfolk’s Temple Israel, the program included a recognition ceremony for student winners in the Holocaust Commission’s 2016 Elie Wiesel Writing and Visual Arts Competitions, and special teacher awards for Excellence in Holocaust Education. Student art winners and judges’ selection pieces were displayed in the synagogue’s lobby, while winning written entries were distributed with the evening’s program. Jeannie Opdyke Smith, the evening’s guest speaker, captivated the audience of 500 through her expressive portrayal of the life of her mother, Polish rescuer Irene Gut Opdyke. As a young woman in Poland, Irene saved Jewish lives through her brave actions during the Holocaust. Smith was chosen to speak after careful consideration by the chairs of this year’s Yom Hashoah event, Rachel Abrams, Elyse Cardon and Rachael Feigenbaum, who had heard her speak at last summer’s Holocaust

Commission Educators’ Conference. “One might say we went out on a limb by bringing in Jeannie for Yom Hashoah this year, as she was not a Holocaust survivor, but I feel strongly there are many valuable lessons to be learned, looking at other angles and all perspectives,” says Cardon. “Jeannie Smith’s rendition of her mother’s heroic story, imitating her Polish accent and painting each detail with all-encompassing imagery, was so extraordinary, it felt like Irene was literally in our presence,” she says. “Jeannie’s heartfelt messages of the power-of-one, and how all things are possible with love and forgiveness, are powerful and inspirational words to live by—while we never forget.” Toward the end of her presentation, Smith held back tears as she spoke about the great care her parents received from the Jewish community and Federation in California at the end of their lives, and of her admiration and respect for the Jewish people. “As a Christian, I am so grateful for the Jewish community,” Smith said. “I want you to know that there are a lot people

standing up with you to make sure that something like this [the Holocaust] never happens again.” The lighting of memorial candles followed Smith’s talk. Holocaust survivors, liberators, Righteous Gentiles—or those lighting in their place—were handed long tapers by Holocaust Commission volunteers. As names were read, those in the sanctuary were silent, while those who had attended prior commemorations noticed the dwindling number of candles on the table. Organizers say that this is a motivation to continue to hold the event— so the stories and the survivors, and their rescuers are never forgotten. Cantor Wendi Fried of Congregation Beth El sang a haunting and beautiful rendition of the K’el Maley Rachamin memorial prayer, followed by the Mourner’s Kaddish. Guests departed quietly, with some lingering to view the student artwork and others waiting to have Smith sign copies of her mother’s memoir, In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer. Herbie Brewer asked Smith to sign two copies, one to give to his wife and one to his sister. Brewer felt the story Smith

Holocaust Commission members Mickey Held and Warren Aleck.

Elizabeth Hughes, granddaughter of four survivors, lights a candle in memory of children who perished.

shared was not only remarkable, but was important for people to hear. “We were honored to have her here,” Brewer said. What she said needed to be said, and needs to be said over and over again.” Visit and “Like” the new Holocaust Commission Facebook page to see photos from Yom Hashoah: www.fb.com/holcommission.

Ray and Lisa Soblotme, and Maddie and Camden Edwards attended Yom Hashoah with Ian Edwards of Bisship Sullivan Catholic High School, who was honored as a winner in the 2016 Elie Wiesel Visual Arts Competition. 28 | Jewish News | May 23, 2016 | jewishnewsva.org

Elena Barr Baum, Holocaust Commission director and Rachael Feigenbaum, Rachel Abrams and Elyse Cardon, Yom Hashoah co-chairs, with guest speaker Jeannie Smith, center.

Hilde Deutsch, Mimi Karesh, Ina Levy, Annabel Sacks, Robin Copeland, Dorothy Zimmerman, Jodi Klebanoff, Jeannie Smith, Miriam Seeherman, Ann Copeland, Amy Lefcoe, and Dolores Bartel.

Local Lions of Judah welcome Jeannie Opdyke Smith to Tidewater by Amy Zelenka, UJFT women’s campaign director

om HaShoah speaker Jeannie Opdyke Smith came to Tidewater a little early to meet with a special group of women. Thirty local Lions of Judah (Jewish women advocates and donors of $5,000 or greater to the UJFT annual campaign) met for lunch with Smith to hear in an intimate setting the courageous and often heart-breaking story of her mother’s triumph over evil. Smith is among a “new generation” of Holocaust speakers and educators—sons and daughters, whose parents were directly impacted by the horrors of the Shoah. Smith’s mother, Irene Gut Opdyke, was not Jewish. She was a Polish Christian who worked with the Partisans (fighting the Russians who had invaded Poland during the early part of the war). Later, while serving as housekeeper to a high-ranking German officer, Opdyke was instrumental in saving more than a dozen Jewish Poles. Despite enduring unspeakable physical and mental horrors at the hands of the Russians and the Germans, Opdyke survived the war, moved to the States, married William Opdyke, and eventually began sharing her inspiring story with others. Opdyke felt that hate could only be defeated by goodness and kindness, and love. Her message: “One person can make a difference.” Opdyke’s life story is detailed in her published book, In My

Hands—Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer. Her story was also briefly brought to the Broadway stage in a play called Irena’s Vow staring actress Tovah Feldshuh. Opdyke’s story illustrates how small is the world in which we live. Her diminutive hand touched many lives. And the love she shared with those she encountered came back to her over and over again throughout her life. During her lifetime, Opdyke shared her story with thousands of people across the world, including several Jewish Federations. During one such engagement (at the New York Federation), she was made a Lion of Judah. Thereafter, she wore her iconic Lion Pin with pride whenever she spoke to groups. Opdyke passed away in 2003 at the age of 85. Her only child, Smith, picked up the torch and began to run with it—continuing to share her mother’s story of survival, kindness, and love. Smith holds a very special place in her heart for the Jewish people and for the Lions of Judah—women leaders who advocate for so many of the ideals and institutions that were near and dear to her mother and to herself. A very emotional Smith thanked each of the tearful women in the room for continuing to do the work they do and for generously supporting the federation and its beneficiaries. “You may never know how many lives you touch with your kindness,” she said.

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

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

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what’s happening Israel Fest to feature tapestries that weave a tale of Jewish Pilgrimage

With change comes opportunity

The Simon Family JCC celebrates its Biennial Meeting as its staff merges with the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater Wednesday, June 15, 7 pm

he United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC are merging. Starting in January of 2016, JCC leadership initiated a plan for the Center and UJFT to combine resources, creating a stronger staff to support both the Federation and the JCC. That plan should come to fruition at the start of the new fiscal year in July. “Those visiting the campus for a JCC or UJFT event won’t notice any differences. We’ll still have the same great programs. The JCC will still be the Simon Family JCC. The Federation will still be the Federation,” says Marty Einhorn, JCC president. “And you’ll see all the same faces in mostly the same roles,” says Einhorn. “The changes we’ve made include all the existing staff members. We’ve streamlined responsibilities to reduce duplicate efforts and address some areas where we know we can grow,” says Jay Klebanoff, UJFT president. “We’re able to do more with the same number of people,” he notes. Collaboration is nothing new to the agencies that have shared the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus for the last 12 years. The Simon Family Jewish Community Center, Hebrew Academy of Tidewater, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Tidewater Jewish Foundation and Strelitz Early Childhood Center are all under one roof—making it a one-stop-shop for many members of the community. Last weekend, Jewish Family Service joined the other

Jewish Community Center Awards Sandra Porter Leon David & Sylvia Krug Award Jewish News Jewish Programming Award Kitty Saks and Dana Cohen The Thomas L. Hofheimer Humanitarian Award Hampton Roads Community Foundation Joseph H. “Buddy” Strelitz Community Service Award Jaime Brathwate JCC Center Service Award Bernice Greenberg Mary & Avalon S. Krukin Award for Senior Adults Evan Roesen The Center Youth Award

agencies on campus. Internally, with the JCC and UJFT merger, even more collaboration is happening. To learn more about the merger and celebrate the JCC, attend the JCC Biennial Meeting for drinks, light fare and the presentation of a few well-deserved community awards. RSVP to info@simonfamilyjcc.org.

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Sunday, June 5, 11 am–4 pm by Gaby Grune

uring the Spanish Inquisition in the 16th century, the Monzon family from Monzon, Spain, was one of many Jewish families expelled from their homes. This displaced family wandered around Europe seeking a new home in Russia where they lived for generations. In 1830, a patriarch of this family, Abraham Leib Monzon, left Russia for Israel. Monzon acquired great respect among community members in Jerusalem and became the Shamash (the assistant to the Hassidic Rabbi) of the Hurvah Synagogue. Monzon’s grandchildren became the first to open a printing press for artistic lithographs in Israel. With this press, these two brothers printed holy books in the Jewish Quarter of the old City of Jerusalem. Today, in Israel, Moshe Monzon, a modern abstract artist, upholds his family’s honor with his beautiful tapestries. Entirely hand-made of synthetic materials, 300 colors result from the felt and

colorfast dyes. The artist places individual strips of felt on top of one another, and then on a special loom, he completes the final product. Various hues depicting the Jewish State sweep through Monzon’s abstract landscapes. Golden horizons melt into rich Israeli earth tones. The deepest blues reflecting starry night skies stretch across vast desert lands leading to lush green fields. Monzon’s works are as colorful as the tale of his family’s journey from exile to the Promised Land, spanning 500 years. Monzon, along with his artwork, will exhibit at the Simon Family JCC’s annual Israel Fest, sponsored by Charles Barker Automotive. His work will be on display through June 7 at the JCC. For more information about Israel Fest, see page 31 or contact Michele Goldberg, director of cultural arts at the JCC, at mgoldberg@ simonfamilyjcc.org or 757-321-2341. For more information about Moshe Monzon, go to moshemonzon.com.

Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s Bi-Annual Tribute to thank and honor all current and new community members of the

Simon Family Legacy Society Thursday, June 2, 5:30 pm, Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus

he Simon Family Legacy Society honors those who have committed themselves to the future of Tidewater’s Jewish community. The Society encompasses all donors who have either pledged to leave a gift or already maintain an endowed gift at the Tidewater Jewish Foundation.

This Bi-Annual Tribute event will also honor and recognize outgoing members of TJF’s board of directors, including Jerry Miller, board chairman. For more program details and to RSVP, contact Ann Swindell by May 25 at aswindell@ ujft.org or 757-965-6106.

what’s happening

Simon Family JCC Israel Fest extravaganza promises fun for the entire family—celebrating 68 years

Sunday, June 5, 11 am–4 pm, Sandler Family Campus

xplore everything Israeli at the Simon Family JCC’s biggest party of the year, the sixth annual Israel Fest, honoring Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s 68th Independence Day. The festival honors all the cultural, artistic, and culinary gifts of Israel, is free and open to the public. “More than 1,500 people attended last year, and we are hopeful that it will be an even bigger and successful event this year,” says Marcy Terkeltaub, who serves again as co-chair of the festival with her husband, Paul. “This year’s festivities will include new features, such as a rock wall, a kid’s train ride, and an Israeli DJ providing upbeat Israeli music,” says Michele Goldberg, director of cultural arts at the JCC. In addition to the Israeli DJ, the festival will feature Cantor Wally Schachet-Briskin and the Ohef Sholom Temple Youth Choir sharing songs and musical entertainment, and a session of Israeli Folk Dancing led by area dancers. For anyone interested in visiting Israel, the Travel to Israel Booth presented by Birthright Israel VA, Chabad, BBYO, and Israel Ministry of Tourism will be a place to stop and get information.

Have a question about Judaism? The Ask the Rabbi Booth returns this year. The booth is in partnership with the Board of Rabbis and Cantors of Hampton Roads. Want to know more about tefillin? Stop by Chabad of Tidewater’s booth to learn about tefillin wrapping. Other activities include: • The Neighborhood Harvest: Learn more about having locally grown greens and microgreens delivered to your front door, and enjoy a fun kid’s activity • Ride a camel • Game tent with foosball, air hockey and ping pong, along with table top games for the young ones • Arts and Crafts • Inflatables • Outdoor Rock Wall Climbing • Ryan the Balloon Guy What’s Israel Fest without food? Area synagogues and agencies are preparing and selling: • Temple Israel: coffee (hot or iced), espresso, cappuccino • Congregation Heichal Shlomo:

hot dogs, Moroccan doughnuts, Limonana • Temple Emanuel: fruit smoothies • Congregation Beth El: rugelach, brownies • Congregation Beth Chaverim: Crembo cookies, cotton candy • Kehillat Bet Hamidrash Synagogue: pretzels with various toppings • Tidewater Chavurah: stuffed grape leaves • Beth Sholom Village: lamb chops with Mediterranean couscous salad • Ohef Sholom Temple: Icee frozen treats • B’nai Israel Congregation: boureka platter • Simon Family JCC: falafel Additional beverages and food items include Israeli beer, Kosher wine, soda and water, popcorn by Jody’s Popcorn and ice cream sandwiches. The Israeli Shuk, or marketplace, will offer myriad opportunities for shopping. Vendors include: • Jewish Museum • Thirty One by Beth Gross • Mandel Maven • Scrub A Dub Love • Jewelry by Tammy Rowan • Oberweis Dairy • Jewelry by Janet Olivieri • Books by Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill • It Started with a Fig • Crafty Cassie—Fabric Art and Quilts • Jewelry by Lindsay Kies • LuLaRoe by Amy Chase • Baker’s Crust • Moshe Monzon, Israeli Artist Visit SimonFamilyJCC.org or call 757-321-2341 for more information about all the food, art, music, and activities to discover at Israel Fest. To volunteer for Israel Fest, contact Michele Goldberg, 757-321-2341 or go online at http://www.signupgenius.com/ go/8050d4ea4ae2aa02-israel.

What is Yom Ha’Atzmaut?

he Independence Day of Israel, Yom Ha’Atzmaut was celebrated this year from sunset on May 11 until sunset on May 12. On that date in the Hebrew year of 5708—corresponding to May 14, 1948—the State of Israel was proclaimed. In 1949, Yom Ha’Atzmaut became the official holiday of the State of Israel. Celebrating Yom Ha’Atzmaut in America has been a way to express solidarity with Israel. This year, Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day in Hebrew), is celebrated on Sunday, June 5. Yom Yerushalayim marks the anniversary of the liberation and unification of Jerusalem under Jewish sovereignty that occurred during the Six Day War.

jewishnewsva.org | May 23, 2016 | Jewish News | 31

what’s happening Never a dull moment at the Simon Family JCC Presidents’ Cup Golf Tournament

Now in it’s sixth year, the Simon Family JCC Presidents’ Cup Golf Tournament has seen its share of exciting and silly moments Thursday, June 9, 11:30 am registration, 1 pm shotgun start, Heron Ridge Golf Club, Virginia Beach Gaby: Hi, good, thank you. I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about the golf tournament? Normie: Okay, I’m only capable of answering multiple-choice questions. Gaby: Oh, well, that’s unfortunate because these are anything but multiple-choice questions. Normie: Okay, go! Gaby: Well, I’ve been told you make your own Bloody Mary mix for the golf tournament. Normie: That’s what I’ve been told. by Gaby Grune

veryone’s favorite character—Norman Sher (known to most as Normie)— shares a few, colorful memories from past Simon Family JCC Presidents’ Cup Golf Tournaments, as well as a bit of advice for rookie participants in this year’s tournament. Gaby: Hi is this Normie Sher? Normie: You got my whole body! Gaby: (Already laughing) Hi, this is Gaby with the Jewish News. Normie: Hi. Hello, Gaby. How are you?

Gaby: I was wondering when you started bringing this mix and why? Normie: It was a couple of years ago and it was because I…could… I thought it would be fun, and everyone liked it. Gaby: Do you have any tips you’d like to share with anyone about playing at the Heron Ridge Golf Club? Normie: Try not to cheat. Put your real score down. Buy lots of mulligans. And, um, try to keep your balls dry! (Norm breaks into laughter).

Gaby: (Still chuckling to herself) I bet that does help! What for you has been the most memorable moment at the golf tournament these past couple years? Normie: Most memorable experience at the golf tournament was that I came in second place—when I thought I won. Gaby: How did that happen? Normie: I didn’t cheat as much as the other guy did. Gaby: Ah I see, I see. Normie: (Laughter commences) No, actually it was some “facacta” rule they had that we ended up in second place. And I’m a lousy golfer, by the way. Gaby: I appreciate your frankness—your honesty. Normie: The tournament has become a popular event, and we give decent prizes to decent players. We give good prizes for better players. It’s just a fun event. It brings the community together and we appreciate the support of all the groups and all the people that have continually come. It’s a wonderful community experience and it helps bring the Hampton Roads community together—not just the Jewish community.

Gaby: Do you have a memorable experience from past years? Normie: If you’re going to go to the bathroom on the course, just make sure no one is watching. Gaby: (Containing laughter) That’s a very good tip! Normie: (Laughing) And, if somebody shoots a hole in one, I don’t believe it. Interested in trying some of Normie’s legendary Bloody Mary cocktails? Want to make hilarious memories while playing golf for a good cause with great people? Look no further than the 6th Annual Simon Family JCC Presidents’ Cup Golf Tournament. Registration starts at 11:30 am and the main event starts at 1 pm. Registration $180 per player, $720 per foursome. Deadline is Friday May 27. Register at www.SimonFamilyJCC.org or by contacting Corrie Lentz, assistant director of development and fundraising at 757-321‑2337 or CLentz@simonfamilyjcc.org. All proceeds from the tournament fund the Simon Family JCC children’s programs and Camp JCC scholarships.

A Taste of Challah Days Around the World Friday, June 17–Sunday, June 19 — Kempsville Conservative Synagogue

by Alene Jo Kaufman

ave you ever wondered how Shabbat is celebrated around the world? After some members of Kempsville Conservative Synagogue/Kehillat Bet Hamidrash did some research, a weekend program was created—A Taste of Challah Days Around the World. The weekend of learning, eating, praying, singing and celebrating begins with a focus on Russia on Friday evening. Although many Tidewater Jews have a Russian background, over time, traditions are lost or changed. Galina Lifshitz, who

has lived in Russia and Israel and now lives here, will share some memories and traditions of her childhood. She will speak during services and some Russian/Yiddish melodies we will be added to the celebration. A Russian style Shabbat dinner will follow services. On Saturday morning, Maly Gadai Jackson and her family return to the community. Jackson will speak during Shabbat services about some Ethiopian Jewish Shabbat traditions. Services will be followed by an Ethiopian style Kiddush luncheon, complete with some of Jackson’s

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family recipes. Shabbat programming will continue with Mincha, Seudah Shelishit, Ma’ariv, and Havdalah. The “third meal” is being called “Israeli Fusion,” representing a variety of the Jewish cultures who call Israel home. A short movie about the music of Jews in other areas will follow Havdalah. On Sunday morning, following brunch, Jackson will share her story of leaving Ethiopia as a young child during Operation Moses. The community is invited to this program. The cost per person for the entire

weekend is $18 for registration by June 6 ($9 for children ages 5–13; under 5 free.) After June 6, the price increases to $25. Registration materials and additional information are available near the entrance of the Sandler Family Campus or on the KBH Facebook page, Kehillat Bet Hamidrash: Kempsville Conservative Synagogue. For more information, e-mail kbhsynagogue@ gmail.com. A Taste of Challah Days Around the World is made possible through funding of the United Jewish Federation, Tidewater Jewish Foundation and Simon Family Foundation.

what’s happening Ohef Sholom Temple to host internationally renowned musicians for concert Sunday, June 5, 4 pm Prisca Benoit, piano • Amit Peled, cello Kamal Chemali, MD, Sentara Music and Medicine Center and lecturer

rench pianist Prisca Benoit, Israeli cellist Amit Peled, and lecturer Kamal Chemali, MD, will present a concert and lecture at Ohef Sholom Temple. The program, organized by the Sentara Music and Medicine Center and presented by Ohef Sholom Temple, is free and open to the public. Dr. Kamal Chemali, neurologist, is the director of Sentara’s Music and Medicine Center, founded in 2013. In addition, he is a classically trained pianist. Chemali will speak on the Center’s focus on integrating music-based interventions as a treatment for improving the quality of life for patients and caregivers. Prisca Benoit is artist in residence at the Sentara Music and Medicine Center. A

prizewinner at major international piano competitions, Benoit has performed with prestigious orchestras including BordeauxAquitaine, Capitole of Toulouse, New Japan Philharmonic, Virginia Symphony, and National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland. A well-recognized educator and sought-after pedagogical innovator, she is an associate professor at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris. Amit Peled is acclaimed as one of the most exciting instrumentalists on the concert stage today. He has performed as soloist in the world’s major concert halls including Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall (New York) Salle Gaveau (Paris), Wigmore Hall (London), and Mann Auditorium (Tel Aviv). A sought after cello pedagogue, Peled

Amit Peled, cello

Prisca Benoit

is a professor at the Peabody Conservatory of Music at the Johns Hopkins University. Ohef Sholom Temple is located at 530 Raleigh Avenue in Norfolk. Reservations are not

required but are kindly requested for planning purposes. They may be made by email at reservations@ohefsholom.org or by calling 757-625-4295.

Celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut—Israel’s Independence Day with the biggest party of the year...

T he S

D SUN FREE Admission* &

Open to the Public

y JCC’s imon Famil

• 11AM–4PM 5 E N U AY, J

Featuring traditional Israeli cuisine!

Taste • Explore • Discover Visit Israel without leaving Hampton Roads.

*Food & rides require ticket purchase. purchase

For more information, visit SimonFamilyJCC.org or call 757-321-2338. jewishnewsva.org | May 23, 2016 | Jewish News | 33

what’s happening

Calendar

Interfaith Dialogue with a Purpose First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach Wednesday, May 25, 7 pm—Wednesday, June 1, 7 pm

two-session program for those interested in learning about the Muslim faith, as well as connections between Islam, Judaism and Christianity is planned. The May 25 session will feature Imam Rachid Khould of the Crescent Community Center presenting a lesson on “Muslim 101.” His intent is to dispel fears based on ignorance and misinformation. He will take questions from the audience about Islam. On June 1, a panel—including Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg of Ohef Sholom Temple, the Rev. Craig Wansink of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom at Virginia Wesleyan College, and Imam Khould—will share their experience with intolerance and how each faith community

has responded to the resulting persecution. Small group discussion will follow. This two-part series hopes to demonstrate how, if intolerance is allowed to go unchecked, everyone is at risk. In addition, the group hopes to bring together people who are interested in planning an inclusive follow-up action and continued shared activities, such as a multi-cultural meal or visits to a synagogue or mosque. First Presbyterian Church is located at 300 36th Street in Virginia Beach. Both sessions will include presentations, a brief break for refreshments, and an opportunity to meet in small groups for discussions and to get to know others who may have a different perspective on God. For more information, contact First Presbyterian Church at 757-428-6332.

May 26, Thursday JCC, YAD & Chabad’s Lag B’Omer Bash. 5:30 pm. Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus (outside). Celebrate Lag B’Omer JCC, YAD and Chabad style. Delicious BBQ dinner, beer, rockin’ music, fire juggling, a magical drum circle, and a BONFIRE. Family: $15 Adult: $5. June 5, Sunday Annual Israel Fest at Simon Family JCC. A Celebrate Israel Series event sponsored by Charles Barker Automotive. 11 am–4 pm. Interested vendors contact Naty Horev at nhorev@simonfamilyjcc.org or 757-321-2304. See page 31. Brith Sholom board meeting 10 am, general meeting 11 am. Memorial Service led by Cantor Elihu Flax at Beth Sholom Home. Brunch follows. Call Lee Anne at 757-461-1150. June 9, Thursday The Simon Family Jewish Community Center’s 6th Annual Presidents’ Cup Golf Tournament. 1 pm Shotgun Start. Heron Ridge Golf Club, Virginia Beach. For sponsorship opportunities and to register, call Corrie Lentz: 757-321-2337. See page 32. JUNE 15, WEDNESDAY JCC Senior Club board meeting at 10:30 am, lunch at 12 noon, general meeting follows. Ron Sable, a Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley and Bobby Darin impersonator will entertain. For Further information, call Bernice at 757-497-0229. 2016 Simon Family JCC Biennial Meeting. Members, donors and guests are invited to enjoy a reception and program honoring the contributions of special community volunteers and leaders, including recognition of Marty Einhorn, outgoing JCC president. 6 pm. See page 30. Send submissions for calendar to news@ujft.org. Be sure to note “calendar” in the subject. Include date, event name, sponsor, address, time, cost and phone.

Danny Kline President

Andy Kline CEO

Everyone’s invited to the Lag B’Omer Bash Thursday, May 26, 5:30 pm, Simon Family JCC

elebrate the Jewish festival of Lag B’Omer outside the Simon Family JCC with food, drinks and family fun. Dine on delicious BBQ, watch fire juggling and participate in a drum circle around a bonfire. Adults 21 years and older will receive tickets to exchange for beer.

Bring family and friends to this collaborative JCC, YAD and Chabad event. Tickets are available in advance at www.SimonFamilyJCC.org/LagBomer or at the door. Individuals are $5, and just $15 for the entire family

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All Services. All Local. Payroll, Taxes and W-2s • ACA Compliance and Reporting Web Based Time and Attendance • NCS Background Checks Employee Loans • Pay As You Go Workers Comp Insurance • HR Support Center Employee Self Service Online • Merchant Services • VISA Debit Payday Cards

10/28/15 2:56 PM

WHO Knew? Argentine pop star wears Israeli designer at country’s Emmys BUENOS AIRES, Argentina ( JTA)— Argentine actress and pop star Lali Esposito wore a dress by an Israeli designer at the Martin Fierro Awards, Argentina’s version of the Emmys. The dress by Julie Vino was first unveiled to the actress’ 4 million Twitter followers and on Instagram on Sunday, May 15 before the ceremony in Buenos Aires and climbed to second in an ongoing poll about the best dress of the night that included thousands of voters from the infobae news website. “One of the most impactful and shocking looks,” the La Nacion newspaper reported. Esposito performed in Tel Aviv in April and bought the dress during her trip, her eighth in Israel. On the day of her show she sent a moving video message to teen Israeli fan Eden Dadon, who had been seriously injured a week earlier in a terror attack in Jerusalem. She received the Friend of Zion Friendship

award from Ilan Scolnik, director of the Jerusalem-based Friends of Zion Museum, and sang Ma Nishtana during an interview. The 46th edition of the awards featured a video tribute to the late Argentine Jewish TV host and producer Gerardo Sofovich, who on his popular programs often mentioned the Jewish holidays and sent greetings in Yiddish. The tribute, which was welcomed with a standing ovation, ended with “Thanks Ruso,” Sofovich’s nickname, which means “the Russian” in popular slang used by Jews in Argentina. Sofovich wrote and directed 11 movies, acted in two and wrote two screenplays, and served as the host of more than 20 television programs. Among the winners of Argentine entertainment’s most prestigious awards were Jewish journalists Jonatan Viale and Debora Plager.

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Drinks and hors d’oeuvres

Wednesday, June 15th 7:00pm • At the Simon Family JCC

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5113 Crystal Point Drive

You are cordially invited to the

State of the J: Outgoing President Marty Einhorn Community Awards Ceremony $879,000 5113 Crystal Point Drive

Take time to smell the roses... from the deck and the hot tub!

757-439-4039 Howard Hanna William E Wood GRI Janet Frenck, 1321 Laskin Road,CRB, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451

On the Reba & Sam Sandler Family Campus 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach

JCC-UJFT Internal Restructure Update

We look forward to celebrating with you. Please RSVP by Monday, June 6th info@simonfamilyjcc.org • 757-321-2338

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obituaries Rose Ann Leventhal Grossman Coconut Grove, Fla.—Rose Ann Leventhal Grossman died peacefully in her home on May 4, 2016. She was 90 years old. A native of Norfolk, Mrs. Grossman was the daughter of Louis Leventhal and Agatha Liebman Leventhal. She was predeceased by her husband of more than 40 years, Lester Igra Grossman, as well as her brother, Phillip Leventhal. She was a graduate of Maury High School, Class of 1943. She attended Beaver College (now Arcadia University) in Jenkintown, Pa., the College of William & Mary, Norfolk extension (now Old Dominion University) and the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. A former long-time member of Congregation Beth-El, Mrs. Grossman has been a congregant at Ohef Sholom Temple for more than half a century. Along with her husband, she was a founding charter member of Temple Emanuel of Virginia Beach. In Norfolk, Mrs. Grossman served as a volunteer at the Norfolk Chapter of the American Red Cross, and was a member of Hadassah, Women’s American ORT, and the Friends of the American Technion Society. Mrs. Grossman was a long-standing supporter of the Norfolk Academy and the Eastern Virginia Medical School. In 1987, following the purchase of the family home by the government of Canada, the Grossmans lived in Palm Beach, Fla. for many years. Mrs. Grossman is survived by two sons, Louis, of Miami and Montréal (Canada), and John Alan, of Coral Gables,

Fla., daughter-in-law Jacqueline Green, and granddaughters Leslie Agatha (‘Aggie’) Grossman and Fannie Lucille (‘Lucy’) Grossman. She is also survived by several beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as her long-time, devoted caregiver, Magda Enid Olan. A graveside service was held at the Hebrew Cemetery. Rabbi Emeritus Lawrence Arthur Forman officiated. Memorial donations may be made to the Agatha and Louis Leventhal Library Fund at the Eastern Virginia Medical Foundation, Post Office Box 5, Norfolk, VA 23501 or to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund at NYU Langone Medical Center, One Park Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10016. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk chapel. Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com. Estelle Ruth Hochstadt Virginia Beach—Estelle Ruth Hochstadt, 93, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2016. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Lena and Meyer Tabatchnick. She was the third of four sisters. She married the love of her life, Gerald Phillip Hochstadt on August 13, 1943. They lived in Seaford, Long Island for 40 years. They retired to Century Village in Boca Raton, Florida, and enjoyed an active lifestyle with many wonderful friends. Estelle moved to The Terrace in 2013 to be near her daughter. She was active in many charitable organizations including Hadassah, ORT and the Ladies Auxiliary of The Jewish War Veterans. She enjoyed traveling, knitting

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and playing Mah Jongg and canasta. But most of all, she loved spending time with her family. Estelle is survived by a daughter Shelley Loeb (Jeff) and a son Ira Hochstadt (Lynne), grandsons; Michael Loeb, Jason Loeb (Emily), Scott Hochstadt (Jennifer), Craig Hochstadt (Katie) and great grandchildren Jessica, Zachary and Jacob Loeb. A graveside funeral was held in Florida. A memorial service will be held at the Chapel at Beth Sholom Village at a later date.

Ernest Michel, Auschwitz survivor and longtime Jewish leader NEW YORK (JTA)—Ernest (Ernie) Michel, who after surviving Auschwitz and a forced death march went on to become a prominent American Jewish communal leader, has died at 92. Michel died at his home in Manhattan on Saturday, May 7. He worked as a Jewish communal professional for more than 60 years, joining the staff of the United Jewish Appeal in 1947, according to UJA-Federation of New York. He served as its executive vice president from 1970 to 1989, overseeing the merger that created UJA-Federation of New York. Michel also served as chairman of the World Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and negotiated with the Mormon Church over the church’s practice of posthumously baptizing Jews who died in the Holocaust. According to an interview printed on Wollheim Memorial, a site featuring testimonies of numerous Holocaust survivors, Michel was born in Mannheim, Germany in 1923, the son of a cigarette manufacturer. In 1939, he was deported to a forced labor camp and later to Auschwitz. After a forced death march to Buchenwald in January 1945, he was forced on a second death march in April, which he managed to escape. Michel’s parents and grandparents were killed in the Holocaust, but his younger sister, Lotte, fled to France and then went into hiding there. After the war, Michel briefly worked as a correspondent for the German General News Agency, covering the Nuremberg

Trials. During the trials, he had the opportunity to meet Hermann Goering, who was Hitler’s vice chancellor, an encounter he described in a first person piece for JTA in 2005: When I entered, Goering got up and reached out his hand. I asked myself: “What the hell am I doing here? Should I shake his hand? Am I supposed to ask Goering about his reaction to the trial? How do you feel?” I must admit I simply could not handle it. I froze. Without uttering a single word, I turned around and asked to be let out. The last thing I remember was Goering standing there with his outstretched hand. Still today, I am glad that I never exchanged a single word with the top Nazi in Nuremberg. In the same piece, Michel said “the greatest experience of my life was to witness justice being served [at Nuremberg].” Describing his time in Auschwitz, Michel said, “I never gave up hope, but I will never understand how I survived.” He immigrated to the United States in 1946 and a year later was hired by the UJA. In 1993, he published a memoir titled Promises to Keep: One Man’s Journey against Incredible Odds. Michel is survived by his wife, Amy Goldberg Michel; three children; a sister, and several grandchildren.

Rabbi Morton Leifman, longtime dean of JTS cantors’ school Rabbi Morton Leifman, who oversaw the training of Conservative movement cantors for decades, has died. Leifman, a former vice president of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York and longtime dean of its Cantors Institute, now called the H.L. Miller Cantorial School, died May 5 in Rockville, Maryland. He was 89. A Minneapolis native, Leifman began his five decade career at JTS in 1959, becoming dean of students of the Teachers Institute and director of the Joint Bet Din. He became the dean of the Cantors Institute-Seminary College of Jewish Music in 1973, and while serving as dean was named senior vice president under Chancellor Gerson Cohen. In the 1980s he was named a vice-chancellor at JTS, the title he held at the time of his retirement.

obituaries He taught nusach, or cantillation, and liturgy in both the cantorial and rabbinical schools at JTS, and also made recordings of them. Leifman was considered a master raconteur. His stories were legendary and he would regale everyone for hours, his family told JTA. Over his career he visited hundreds of congregations as scholar-in-residence, engaging audiences with his stories and knowledge of Jewish music. “He was the seminary’s troubadour, raconteur, and carrier of an entire oral tradition of what happened inside those wrought-iron gates for well over half a century,” Shaul Magid, Tikkun’s editor for Jewish thought and culture, wrote in an appreciation on the magazine’s website. The chancellor and board chair of JTS, Arnold Eisen and Alan Levine, respectively, called Leifman “a gifted teacher, a valued colleague, and a wise leader.” “Rabbi Leifman’s tremendous impact on our institution and on Jewish life continues to be felt,” they wrote. In recognition of his years of service, the seminary awarded Leifman an honorary doctorate in 1977. Leifman was one of the first rabbis to travel behind the Iron Curtain, meeting with leaders of the Jewish community and government officials in Poland, Russia and Czechoslovakia. He translated Yiddish poems of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel that were later published in a book Leifman titled The Ineffable Name of God: Man: Poems in Yiddish and English. Leifman was an established baal tefillah, prayer leader, by age 15. He graduated from New York University in 1950 and was ordained by JTS in 1951, working for Heschel and Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, a co-founder of Reconstructionist Judaism, during his student years. After ordination, he served as a chaplain in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War, serving at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and in France. After the army he became the founding rabbi of Beth El in Montreal from 1954 to 1959. Leifman is survived by his wife of 54 years, Vera; four children; eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Israel recognizes its 23,477 fallen on Memorial Day JERUSALEM (JTA)—“For over 68 years we have been fighting the same war, the war for our independence,” Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said Tuesday, May 10 in a ceremony at the Western Wall marking Israel’s Memorial Day. Israel recognized its 23,477 fallen soldiers, as well as civilian victims of terror, with the start of Memorial Day, or Yom Hazikaron, on the evening of Tuesday, May 10, beginning with a minute-long siren. “We realize the bitter and horrible truth—that there is a terrible price— which you have paid—to be a nation determined to protect its citizens and its independence. We will stand strong against anyone who dares to put our resolve to the test in any way,” Rivlin said, addressing the families of fallen soldiers during the ceremony.

The official number of soldiers, police and other security officials who have died since 1860 while defending Israel or prestate Israel was released by the Defense Ministry. The number has risen by 157 since last Yom Hazikaron. The number of civilians who have been killed in “hostile acts” since the end of the War of Independence is 2,576, Haaretz reported, citing the National Insurance Institute. Some 31 civilians died as a result of terrorist attacks in the last year. A second Memorial Day siren, two minutes long, sounded at 11 am Wednesday, marking the beginning of official memorial ceremonies throughout Israel. After the siren, the official national Memorial Day ceremony was held on Mount Herzl, with ceremonies held simultaneously in military cemeteries throughout the country.

Mount Herzl is also the site of a ceremony in honor of civilians killed in terrorist attacks and an evening torch-lighting rite during which the country transitions from Memorial Day to Yom Haatzmaut, or Israel’s Independence Day. The figure of 23,477 fallen soldiers is calculated from when Jews first began to settle outside of Jerusalem. The dead include members of the Israel Defense Forces, the Shin Bet security service, the Mossad, the Israel Police, the Israel Prisons Service and the World War II Jewish Brigade, and soldiers who died from their disabilities suffered during combat, including 59 such soldiers this year. More than 1.5 million Israelis are expected to visit Israel’s 52 military and other cemeteries throughout Yom Hazikaron.

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When asked about having their stuor the fourth consecutive year, Tidewater students had the opportu- dents participate in the poster contest, nity to learn some “cool facts” about Israel Chris Kraus, director of Family Learning and share what they learned by creating at Ohef Sholom, says, “Israel education in Jewish communal life, as well as in original works of art. a broader, more diverse community, The 4th Annual Israel Poster Contest, is relevant at all levels and ages sponsored by the Community of American society. That is why Relations Council of the United we integrate Israel education Jewish Federation of Tidewater, throughout the year into our teminvited students in grades 1–12 ple’s spiritual curriculum. Israel is to illustrate one of 14 facts on a an ancient and modern democratic hand-made poster. More than 100 experiment with tremendous techsubmissions were received and displayed in the Simon Family JCC Brian Cohn holds nological achievements, including Cardo at the Reba and Sam Sandler his winning poster. a culturally ingrained sensitivity to Family Campus in March. Community the scarcity of natural resources. “There is much our two nations can members voted for their favorites and on April 20, the 10 posters with the most votes learn from each other on how to be good were selected as finalists. These posters stewards of our environment in the face of were put online, allowing people around the seemingly intractable socio-political diviworld to see these students’ creations and to sions. There is even evidence in Israel that joint projects in the field of ecology learn more about Israel. Designed by Brian Cohn, a sixth grade create effective pathways for bridging these student in Ohef Sholom Temple’s Religious divides,” says Kraus. Cohn’s original artwork will be framed School, this year’s winning poster illustrated an environmental theme and the fact that and permanently displayed with past win“Israel’s Etenergy gets 40% more power from ners at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family the sun with lightweight solar energy track- Campus and will be distributed at the community Israel Fest on Sunday, June 5. ers based on the principles of kite surfing.” The CRC says it “congratulates Brian “I decided to choose the fact about energy conservation because I believe in and all of Tidewater’s student artists for protecting our environment. I do a lot of producing these exceptional works of art recycling—and I even started a recycling and for using their talents to spread cool project, recycling markers, at my school. facts about Israel around the globe.” All entries from this year’s contest, as well Kite surfing looks really cool, and I imagined a beach while I was painting my as from past contests can be found on the CRC’s poster,” says Brian. “I’ve entered this con- Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CRCujft. test before, and was happy to participate For more information on this annual contest or about the CRC, contact crc@ujft.org. again this year. I feel so honored to win.”

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