MA Jewish Ledger • December 11, 2020 • 25 Kislev 5781

Friday, December 11, 2020 25 Kislev 5781 Vol. 21 | No. 12 | ©2020 $1.00 | majewishledger.com

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INSIDE

this week

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER | SINCE 1929 | DECEMBER 11, 2020 | 25 KISLEV 5781

8 Jewish Federation of Western Mass.

9 Around Mass

10

Staying connected.......................5 SNEC communities Zoom with their Young Emissaries

Jewish Federation of Central Mass.

15 Milestones

Welcome aboard!......................... 4 Samantha Dubrinsky will be the Springfield JCC’s new CEO

A new chapter................................5 Sharon Conway to retire as SNEC Young Emissary Coordinator

The power of women................ 14 The Beautiful Feminist Chanukah Tradition of North African Women

CHANUKAH HAPPENINGS................................................................................ 18 What’s Happening around Mass. during The Festival of Lights

16 Briefs

17 Synagogue Directory

19 Chanukah Greetings

20 What’s Happening

22 Obituaries

Shabbat Shalom

A Reminder From

Gary M. Gaffin

ON THE COVER: The staff of the Massachusetts Jewish Ledger wishes everyone a very happy Chanukah!

PAGE 12

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WORCESTER Metropolitan Area CANDLE LIGHTING

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SPRINGFIELD Metropolitan Area CANDLE LIGHTING

HAVDALAH

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Springfield JCC Names Samantha Dubrinsky New CEO

BY STACEY DRESNER

S

PRINGFIELD - Samantha Dubrinksy has been named the Springfield Jewish Community Center’s new chief executive officer, effective Feb. 1, 2021.

Dubrinsky will succeed Michael Paysnick, who has served as CEO since 2008 and will retire at the end of this year.

more nimble and even more ready to move into a new era, post-COVID. The future is definitely bright and I’m so excited to lead the Springfield JCC forward.”

Dubrinsky’s selection followed a nationwide search by a 10-member search committee, chaired by J Board Vice President Richard Goldstein, in conjunction with the JCC Association of North America. “It was a pleasure working with the search committee these past few months, and it was a true team effort to find the right leader for our J,” said Goldstein. “Michael Paysnick and his team have been immensely supportive through this process, and I look forward to a smooth and productive transition.”

Dubrinsky received her bachelor’s degree in History from Birmingham-Southern College, and holds MBA and MPA degrees from Troy University in Alabama. She and her husband have a 20-month-old son.

REIMAGINE CAMPAIGN

SAMANTHA DUBRINSKY

Dubrinsky is currently the CEO at the Levite JCC in Birmingham, Ala., where she has served on the leadership team since 2018. Prior to that, Dubrinsky spent seven years in a variety of programming and leadership positions at the Birmingham Jewish Federation.

“We are delighted to welcome Samantha as our next CEO,” said Jonathan Goldsmith, president of the Springfield JCC Board of Directors. “We are confident she is going to be a wonderful, charismatic, visionary leader that will build upon the great work and accomplishments achieved by our retiring CEO Michael Paysnick.”

“I am looking forward to meeting members of the J and hearing about their unique experiences. Creating and building community are what I love most about working in the JCC field,” said Dubrinsky.

“My hope for the Springfield JCC, as well as the broader Jewish community, is that despite the unprecedented challenges we’ve all faced this year, we’ll be stronger, 4

EDITORIAL Stacey Dresner Massachusetts Editor staceyd@jewishledger.com • x3008 Tim Knecht Proofreader ADVERTISING Donna Edelstein Senior Account Executive Non-Profit & JHL Ledger LLC Media Marketing donnae@jewishledger.com • x3028 Joyce Cohen Senior Account Executive joycec@jewishledger.com • (860) 836-9195 Joan Gaffin Central Mass. Account Executive joang@jewishledger.com • (508) 414-6210 Trudy Goldstein Account Executive trudyg@jewishledger.com • x3007 Amy Oved Account Executive amyo@jewishledger.com • x3030 PRODUCTION Elisa S. Wagner Creative Director elisaw@jewishledger.com • x3009 Christopher D. Bonito Graphic Designer chrisb@jewishledger.com

SAMANTHA DUBRINSKY AND HER FAMILY.

coordinated with over a dozen agencies.

At the J’s Health & Wellness Center, scores of virtual fitness programming were created and personal training was moved onto the internet. In desperate times, J staff overcame layoffs to help the community navigate the pandemic while giving children,

Last week, the JCC launched a $500,000 “Reimagine Campaign” aimed at ensuring continuity of programs and services amidst the unprecedented financial challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

More than 1,000 children and special needs families depend on the J for programs and services. Moreover, thousands of adults utilize our community center to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing.

The J has served the community for 124 years. Now, because MICHAEL PAYSNICK WILL RETIRE AS CEO OF THE SPRINGFIELD JCC AT THE END OF THE YEAR. of increased costs and HE WORKED AT THE JCC FOR 32 YEARS, THE LAST 12 AS CEO. lower enrollments, they need the support of the parents, and seniors an outlet as everyone community to keep offering in-person adapted to the ‘new normal’. and virtual services.

“Simply closing our doors is not an Back in March, the J responded to option,” Paysnick said. “We will continue the Covid-19 pandemic crisis quickly and to offer virtual programs, reach out to our decisively with virtual programs to continue elderly friends with wellness checks, provide serving its members. From virtual classes resources for families, and ensure creative for preschool classrooms, to do-it-yourself ways to maintain physical wellness.” projects and activities for our special needs To participate in the “Your J Reimagined” community, the J even gave hundreds of campaign visit SpringfieldJCC.org/Donate. campers a FREE ‘Camp-In-A-Box’, a project

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| DECEMBER 11, 2020

Vol. 21 No. 12 JHL Ledger LLC Publisher Henry M. Zachs Managing Partner Leslie Iarusso Associate Publisher Judie Jacobson Editor judiej@jewishledger.com • x3024 Hillary Sarrasin Digital Media Manager hillaryp@jewishledger.com

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UP FRONT

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER | SINCE 1929 | DECEMBER 11, 2020 | 25 KISLEV 5781

YOUNG EMISSARY PROGRAM ON HIATUS – BUT ZOOM KEEPS THEIR CONNECTION TO SNEC COMMUNITIES ALIVE

BY STACEY DRESNER

E

very August since 1999, groups of young people from the Afula-Gilboa region of Israel have arrived in Southern New England to share Israeli culture with local Jewish communities as part of the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Partnership2Gether Young Emissaries program.

Sponsored by the Southern New England Consortium (SNEC) -- made up of the Jewish Federations in Connecticut, Western and Central Massachusetts, and Rhode Island – these 18-year-old emissaries from Afula-Gilboa, SNEC’s sister region in Israel, delay military service in the Israeli Defense Service (IDF) for a year while they live with local host families and perform outreach in day schools, religious schools, youth groups, synagogues, Jewish

By August, when the incoming 20202021 emissaries would have landed in New England, the program had been cancelled for the year.

“The process has already started for the selection of Young Emissaries for arrival in August 2021, but I think some communities have already been questioning whether that’s going to happen,” said Sharon Reisman Conway, coordinator of the Young Emissary program. “If I were to guess, I’d say we’re going to have another year on hiatus.”

AVIV ZIV (RIGHT), WHO SERVED AS A YOUNG EMISSARY IN SPRINGFIELD IN 2016-2017, LIT SHABBAT CANDLES WITH A FRIEND.

FORMER YOUNG EMISSARY IN FAIRFIELD, CONN. NOA FELDMAN TAKES A SELFIE OF HER FAMILY AND NEIGHBORS SITTING DOWN TO SHABBAT DINNER.

Community Centers, and nursing homes, strengthening the connection between Israel and the local Jewish communities.

But that connection was cut short in March when the 2019-2020 Young Emissaries were sent home three months early due to the spread of Covid-19. majewishledger.com

But all is not lost. As everyone has learned, when activities can’t be held in person, the next best thing is Zoom.

On Friday, Nov. 13, several Young Emissary alumni from 2016-2017 put together a “mini-Kabbalat Shabbat” presentation on Zoom specifically for students at Ezra Academy in Woodbridge and Solomon Schechter in New London, as well as almost 100 individuals from other SNEC communities.

“They say the goal of the Young Emissary program is creating a living bridge between the two Jewish communities -- Israeli Jewry and diaspora Jewry,” said Aviv Ziv, a 2016-2017 Young Emissary in Springfield, Mass., who participated in the Zoom program. “I think the Kabbalat Shabbat proved this bridge is still there, and it’s there to last.”

Conway said the idea to bring the emissaries back to their communities via Zoom was a natural.

“I think it was sort of a synthesis of everybody saying, what are we going to do?

How do we keep this alive? Because this year we don’t have the personal connections that really is the magic of the program,” Conway said. “So we thought it would be great if we could come up with something that would at least give us some of that connection.”

Conway said there were two goals when planning to reconnect with the Young Emissaries.

“One was to see if we could develop a bank of videos of activities that would be available to various communities to use in their virtual Hebrew schools and virtual day schools, or even as a community interest program. And the hope was also to do live experiences. That was what we did last Friday with the mini-Kabbalat Shabbat,” she said.

Aviv Ziv and Guy Carmi, who served as a young emissary in Eastern Connecticut in 2016-2917, helped to coordinate the Zoom program on their end after Conway told them that the Young Emissary program had been cancelled this year.

“Aviv and I contacted the other emissaries and sent them a message on our WhatsApp group chat,” Carmi explained.

“We explained to them the plan for the event and they were all excited to join.

This was an amazing opportunity for all of us to reconnect with our communities. I wanted to do it because especially in a year like this, where the communities have no emissaries, it is so important to strengthen the ties between Israel and our friends from Connecticut.”

The group of former emissaries – all from 2016-2017 -- sent videos showing how they celebrate Shabbat, some showing their families at the Shabbat dinner table, some singing songs and saying blessings.

The live Zoom presentation took place as Shabbat was set to begin in Israel; it CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

Sharon Conway to retire as Young Emissary coordinator

F

or the past 16 years, the Israeli Young Emissaries have called Sharon Reisman Conway “Mama Sharon.”

This fall, Mama Sharon will retire from her position as coordinator of SNEC’s Young Israeli program.

“It’s been 16 years and its just time for my next chapter,” Conway said.

SHARON CONWAY (CENTER) WITH SOME YOUNG EMMISSARIES.

Conway became director of the program in 2004 after the departure of its first coordinator, Rabbi Andy Hechtman. She had become familiar with the Young Emissary program while serving as chair of Hartford community shaliach Asaf Ron’s Israel committee.

“Asaf was helping Andy, so I got to know a lot about the program. I often said to Andy, ‘If you ever thinking of quitting, let me know because this could be a really fun job.’ The kids are really stimulating and interesting, and I could spend time in Israel.”

Conway came to love Israel after her first trip there as a teenager. She went with her family one summer when her father was on a sabbatical.

“I spent a summer on a kibbutz and then kind of fell in love with the country,” she recalls. “Then after college, I did a gap year kind of similar to what these [emissaries] do when they come here except I did it in Israel.

“I did volunteer work in the community with the Department of Welfare with families that have children CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

| DECEMBER 11, 2020

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Give the gift of financial stability Earth has been a giving planet.

It is our duty to take care of it as well as the people who rely on its resources.

Your support can help us reshape the future for members of our Jewish community who need loans.

Our loans can be used for: • Jewish Summer Camp • Life Cycle Events • Debt Consolidation • Home Repair • Medical & Dental • Home Healthcare • Mortgage Payment • College Tuition • Security Deposit • Nursing School • Car Repair or Purchase • Business Start-up • And more

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from the Board Members of The Hebrew Free Loan Association of Greater Springfield We also accepts grants, gifts, and funding from individuals and foundations.

Contributions to HFLA can be made to honor lifecycle events or the memories of loved ones.

They can be made online or mailed to: the Hebrew Free Loan Association of Springfield, 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA 01108

H ebrew F ree L oan a ssociation oF G reater s prinGFieLd Carlin Trietsch, HFLA Executive Director 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA 01108 413-372-9756

he b rewf re e l o a n a s s o c i at i o n . o rg • i n fo @ h e b rew f re e l o a n a s s o c i at i o n . o rg majewishledger.com

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| DECEMBER 11, 2020

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S AV E T H E D AT E : J A N U A R Y 1 1 , 2 0 2 0 , 6 : 0 0 P M JEWISH FEDERATION OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS (VIRTUAL)

ANNUAL MEETING

Eight Nights of Hanukkah: 2020

T

his year, our streets may be quiet but our hearts are full! The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts has brought families together (virtually) this year through several collaborative Hanukkah opportunities. Read more at at jewishwesternmass.org On, Dec. 12, 7-8pm: The Latke “Drive Through” at Congregation B’nai Torah is open for pre-registration; all are welcome! Sign up here to participate: rb.gy/uifgfe

the Bag)” in collaboration with the following community partners: Beit Ahavah Circles for Jewish Living Congregation B’nai Israel, Abundance Farm, & Gan Keshet Preschool Congregation B’nai Torah Congregation Sons of Zion Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s Havurah Initiative Independent City of Homes Association Jewish Community Center of Springfield Jewish Community of Amherst Lander-Grinspoon Academy Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy Mak’hela NeoHasid.org Sara Schley Sinai Temple Temple Beth El Temple Israel in Greenfield Thank you to the following sponsors for providing financial support to make this project possible:

PJ Library Western Massachusetts, a program of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, presents “Eight Nights of Hanukkah (in

Jewish Community Grant from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation Unexpected Opportunities grants from the Jewish Endowment Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts Benjamin H. Katz Family Hanukkah Fund of the Jewish Endowment Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts Susan and Bill Firestone The Home Depot #8452, Hadley, MA

Our 2020 Annual Campaign is raising money to fund the programs and institutions that keep Jewish life vibrant in Western MA:

If not now, when?

jewishwesternmass.org/give 8

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| DECEMBER 11, 2020

Program of Jewish Federation of Western MA

(VIRTUAL) FOODRAISER 2020 Rachel’s Table is hosting a virtual shopping competition anyone can join to feed the hungry in Western MA. Foodraiser 2020, for individuals, lasts from December 13-18, and for teams of teenagers, is on December 20, 6-8pm. All food purchased will be sent directly to Providence Ministries-Springfield, the Amherst Survival Center and Franklin County Community Meals Program.

FOODRAISER 2020 is a virtual pivot from the previous Foodraisers of the past 13 years. This year, Foodraiser has two tracks: individuals and youth teams. Prizes will go out to winners of both the individual and team competitions!

Every penny goes to food!

More: rachelstablepv.org/foodraiser

ALL OUR THANKS FOR GIVING As we enter the holiday season, this year brings unprecedented financial challenges to many families in our community. Rachel’s Table recognizes the momentous struggles of our friends and neighbors and, throughout the month of November, is providing 1310 turkeys to 29 agencies that serve the hungry. This amount is more than double the 550 turkey dinners that were delivered in 2019!

Sarah Maniaci, Associate Director of Rachel’s Table, observed, “We are so grateful that for many years, thousands of residents in Western Mass have enjoyed Thanksgiving meals because of the generosity of the Thanksgiving Fund of Rachel’s Table which was established

by Daydie Hochberg (of blessed memory) on her 70th birthday. Daydie’s friends, family, and the community continue to carry out her wish to make Thanksgiving a little easier for our hungry neighbors.” Daydie’s cousin and board member of Rachel’s Table, Judy Yaffe, is organizing the distribution. majewishledger.com

Around Massachusetts JGS Lifecare Volunteer Janice Lawrence Rocks!

LONGMEADOW – Carefully placed in the stone beds lining the walkway into the Sosin Center for Rehabilitation at JGS Lifecare sitting on exterior window sills are rocks ofg all sizes painted brightly with images of hearts, birds, faces, and silly bugs.

These painted stones are the handiwork of long-time JGS Lifecare volunteer Janice Lawrence, a resident of Genesis House, located on the JGS Lifecare campus.

“With COVID-19 and the protective restrictions on entering the nursing home, I am no longer able to visit and volunteer. I miss it terribly,” says Lawrence. “This is my home away from home. Painting these stones was a way for me to keep giving back.”

Lawrence began volunteering at Ruth’s House Assisted Living Residence 15 years ago, offering manicures to the residents. For the past ten years she has been working in the volunteer-run gift shop at the Leavitt Family Jewish Home. Unable to perform her volunteer duties due to COVID-19, she found herself with a lot of time on her hands.

To help her pass the time, her daughter Michele bought her some painting materials.

Lawrence gave them a try, but didn’t see herself as an artist. It was on one of her daily walks on the JGS Lifecare campus that she got an idea.

Lining the sidewalk to the entry of Sosin Center for Rehabilitation are tumbled stones of all shapes and sizes.

“I enjoyed looking at the stones, and all of a sudden I found that they started to

Conway CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

who were developmentally disabled.

And I lived in an apartment with other American girls. We didn’t have host families but there were families in the community who sort of were our connecting point, and it was a life changing experience for me. It was at that point that I thought maybe I was going to stay and live there, but I determined ultimately that it was too big price to give up my close connection with my family.”

Years later, when her own children were teenagers -- “and they needed me less” -- Conway took the position as Young Emissary coordinator.

“In many ways, this was the perfect job for me. It would keep me connected to Israel and would allow me to speak Hebrew, which I do. And even though I wasn’t able to move to Israel this was giving me the opportunity to deepen majewishledger.com

speak to me,” says Janice. “I see images in the patterns and shapes of the stones. I see a face, a bird, a heart, or a cute bug. This I knew I could paint.”

Lawrence started gathering stones – three or four at a time – taking them back to home Genesis House. She found inspiration from their shape and pattern, painted her image, and then returned them to their original place, with the goal of giving back and brightening someone’s day.

“When people are going in for rehab they have likely experienced a great deal of

JANICE LAWRENCE HOLDING ONE OF HER PAINTED STONE CREATIONS.

BRIGHTLY COLORED STONES PAINTED

BY JANICE LAWRENCE CAN BE FOUND ON THE WALKWAYS AND WINDOW SILLS AT SOSIN CENTER FOR REHABILITATION.

my connections with Israel and travel there.”

Indeed, Conway travelled to Israel every year since taking the position to participate in interviewing and selecting the candidates.

As she prepares to step down, Conway speaks proudly of all of the young Israelis she has helped nurture over the years.

“I’m still in touch with such a huge percentage of them. Every day I hear from somebody; they send a baby picture or ask ‘Could you please be a reference for me for medical school?’” she said. “They are all in various careers and doing interesting, exciting things.

“For me, one of the greatest rewards is seeing how each of the emissaries personally developed and changed and to watch them basically grow up with the pride of feeling they contributed in a meaningful way, which all of them did.”

trauma. I want them to see something that makes them smile and tells them that someone cares,” Lawrence says. “I want them to be happy and feel good,

knowing that they are entering a caring place and will soon be returning home to their families. I hope my painted stones help do that.”

A Sweet Quarantine Basket EAST LONGMEADOW – Heather from East Longmeadow stands in front of Maureen’s Sweet Shoppe holding the magnificent basket that Maureen Basile, owner, prepared for JGS Lifecare, as a Quarantine Survival Basket. JGS Lifecare held a food drive to benefit the Parish Cupboard in West Springfield.

All employees who donated were entered into a raffle to win 2 separate BIG Y gift cards and all community members who donated were entered into a raffle to win Maureen’s basket. “As appreciative as the Parish Cupboard food pantry was to receive our donations, we were as appreciative to those who gave. We wanted to say thank you while keeping it local,” says Mary-Anne Schelb, director of business development for JGS Lifecare.

HEATHER WITH HER QUARANTINE BASKET.

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| DECEMBER 11, 2020

9

News and Jewish Community Update

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

L

ife in modern society isn’t always proud of. The challenges of our times have easy. Distractions are numerous. taught us that we can’t turn inward and We have full schedules. We are shy away from our concerns; we have to bombarded with headline-driven work through them, not around them. Our media. College education is people are perhaps the best prepared to expensive. Our children often live far from confront difficulties because we’ve been their parents. For Jews it can be especially here many times before. Our ancestors faced difficult. We face all of that while also working situations that were far more perilous than to ensure that our traditions continue and anything we see today. Travel back in time that our children will through the history books - between the fall embrace Judaism while of the Second Temple in 70CE and the 21 navigating a world that centuries that followed, our people faced is so very un-Jewish. peril. We were exiled, persecuted, tortured, Before COVID, parents and impoverished, but we remained proudly often had to balance Jewish. And today while our issues are soccer practice and serious, we are in a better place than those Hebrew school, drama who came before us in every way. So let’s STEVEN SCHIMMEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR lessons and youthnot fret, let’s continue to be proud Jews. groups and much more.

Let’s work through our current situation.

The COVID pandemic has only exacerbated Let’s come together to strengthen our our challenges and created new ones. community. We are facing something more Virtual Hebrew school has replaced difficult than anyone in our generation has in-person experiences and Jewish youth seen but we should be confident that we can groups, that once offered a haven where make it through - through the challenges of Jewish children could interact with their modern society, and through this dreaded Jewish peers, are now also virtual. Every pandemic. Jewish Federation is here, generation has given up a lot. Many of us leading just as we always have. Supported rely on the camaraderie of friends from by a generous community and caring and synagogue. We look forward to events on thoughtful clergy and leadership, we will the brotherhood and sisterhood schedule, make it. This is the time of the year when it our Hadassah and JCC-led programs, and is appropriate to bring light into our homes of course, the great times with the whole and lives. Let us think community at Jewish Federation. We miss of ourselves as beacons those activities and chances to be with our of light in a dark community. And of course, antisemitism and world. We see the light anti-Israel forces haven’t stopped plotting of others and shine against us. brightly giving hope to So let’s take a breath, step back for a all. We can’t lose hope moment, and look at what we can do to work and we shouldn’t. We through all of this. First, let’s take note that have a lot to be proud in many ways we are succeeding. The work of and we must not of our Jewish organizations and synagogues forget that. Keep going. over the past nine months has been We are right here commendable. The virtual events and services with you. n continue to impress, and everyone seems to have become more flexible and patient.

YAD NOVEMBER SHABBAT The connections haven’t stopped. Our young people have shown resilience and commitment to their work and to Judaism, and they still connect with their peers. So much has continued and on a scale that we should be very 10

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| DECEMBER 11, 2020

jewishcentralmass.org

STAY CONNECTED PJ LIBRARY AND PJ OUR WAY

Generations of Friends Holiday Card Project for the residents of Jewish Healthcare Center PJ Library Storytime with Lori & Friends Friday, December 18

YAD

Hanukkah Goodie Bag YAD will be distributing Hanukkah goodie bags to the first 50 households that sign up and will contain items to use throughout our Hanukkah celebrations. Two contactless pickup locations will be provided for your convenience. If you would like to pick up a bag after December 10, contact mhall@jfcm.org directly.

Virtual First Night of Chanukah Candle Lighting Thursday, Dec 10, 7pm, Zoom Virtual Chanukah Party Sunday, Dec 13, 4:00 pm. Join us for candle lighting, dreidel games, schmoozing and a gift exchange. If you would like to participate in the gift exchange please sign up on the Goodie Bag Google Doc. Please limit gifts to $10. Drop of your gift when picking up your Goodie Bag and we will have another gift waiting for you to take home.

Virtual Post-Chanukah Shabbat Friday December 18, 7:30 pm Virtual Movie Watch Party Friday Dec 25 at 2 pm.

Come join us for this time honored Jewish tradition. Family friendly movie TBD. Bring your own Chinese food.

Special item for this night in Goodie Bag.

CHAVERIM TBA

COMMUNITY-WIDE Breakfast with Dror

Boroughs & Worcester Hanukkah Please keep in touch with all ongoing virtual events by visiting our Facebook pages or contacting Mindy Hall, mhall@jfcm.org

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News and Jewish Community Update

Worcester Mayor Joe Petty and JFCM Executive Director Steven Schimmel continued the annual Hanukkah tradition of lighting the menorah together in the Mayor’s Office at Worcester City Hall.

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jewishcentralmass.org

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD AND STAFF OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF CENTRAL MA, WE WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY HEALTHY AND SWEET NEW YEAR.

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| DECEMBER 11, 2020

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Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel, I made it out of…titanium?

HORST ENGINEERING CREATES LIMITED-EDITION DREIDELS OUT OF AIRCRAFT GRADE MATERIALS

BY STACEY DRESNER

H

orst Engineering in East Hartford manufactures highprecision metal hardware components for global clients like the Collins aerospace division of Raytheon and General Electric Aviation.

The company manufactures bolts, screws, studs, tie rods, nuts – among many other products – using materials like aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and high temperature alloys and polymers.

Horst parts can be found in a variety of aircraft systems in commercial aircraft flown every day.

The multi-million dollar company’s slogan is “We Lift You Up.” Now Horst Engineering has diversified, using its premium materials to manufacture another sleek, high-tech, precision metal product – The Horst Dreidel.

The limited edition Horst Dreidel comes in aluminum, stainless steel or titanium, and is offered in three colors: blue, orange and gold. Each comes in a carrying pouch with a serial numbered certificate of conformance.

Horst’s website even has its own “dreidel” page, with videos explaining the history of the dreidel and how to play dreidel, as well as a recording of “The Dreidel Song” with written lyrics.

The company first made a batch of dreidels three years ago as a giveaway at a Horst Family Day – an event held every three years for employees and their families.

But now, as the coronavirus has grounded much of the commercial airline industry, Horst CEO Scott Livingston says that making dreidels has kept some of Horst’s idle machines busy.

“We do a large amount of defense business but we do an even larger amount of commercial airspace business and that is where the pain is being felt right now,” he told the Ledger. “We definitely have a little bit more capacity than we have had in the past few years. We didn’t have the time to do this up until February or March, so, yeah now there’s a little bit of machine time.”

Three months ago the company began churning out several hundred of the colorful Horst dreidels.

“This project could easily become a distraction when we have so many other worries going on,” Livingston said, “but it was a fun little project to do in a year where we could use a little joy.”

A design challenge Over the years, Horst has designed and manufactured a number of small products to give away at its fun-filled Family Day

HORST DREIDEL POUCH & CERTIFICATE

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MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

events. Livingston says these aren’t just gifts, they are also a way to showcase what the company does.

As he was giving family members tours of the factory and its machinery, Livingston had realized that it wasn’t easy for the children to understand all of the ins and outs of manufacturing Horst’s small metal components.

“So we challenged our team from the first time we did one of these events to develop a product that kids can really identify with,” Livingston says. “Over the years we’ve done key chains, yo-yos, golf ball tees, little model airplanes, and tops.

And then we said, ‘Well, tops are cool but how about a dreidel?”

Those first dreidels were made in 2017 with materials and machinery that the company already uses.

“We were demonstrating our processes, so the original design was an aircraft grade aluminum body with an aircraft grade stainless steel stem. And we wanted a twopiece design, so that way we could actually demonstrate more steps in the process… by making two pieces they were kind of modular and interchangeable, and we were able to demonstrate more of the steps.

“The aluminum body is made on what we call a Swiss screw machine,” Livingston explains. “If you are familiar with fine watches, the Swiss are the best. And they became so good they built their own machines to build their tiny watch parts.

These Swiss screw machines can be used to make all different types of components, including aerospace components.”

The “Swiss” screw machines Horst uses now were made by a Japanese company, which has designed computer numerical control screw machines.

“So our dreidels are made on a Japanese Swiss screw machine – very high tech,” he said. “The stem is made on a different screw machine. It’s ‘thread-rolled; we roll the [metal] thread, which is high strength. We form the thread and roll the knurl, which is the little diamond pattern for the grip.

You never want your dreidel to slip out of your fingers, right? How many times do you use a cheap dreidel and it slips out of your finger? Well, the knurl on this dreidel is surgical quality. It’s the same equipment we use for surgical instruments. The beauty of it is that we have all this capability and it is such a wonderful way to demonstrate it.”

HORST CEO SCOTT LIVINGSTONE SHOWS OFF THE HORST DREIDEL.

Everyone at Horst’s 2017 family day event got one of their dreidels and they were a big hit.

“Of all the ideas we’ve had over the years for these family day events, the dreidel was the first one that I wanted to offer [for sale to the public]. Because people saw pictures of them and said, ‘That is beautiful, how do I get one of those?’ I said, ‘Well, you’ve got to come work at Horst Engineering.’”

A long legacy Horst Engineering was founded in 1946 by Scott Livingston’s grandfather Harry.

Born Horst Rolf Liebenstein in Bad Liebenstein – a spa town in Germany – he graduated from the Technische Universität Ilmenau with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.

While studying, Horst also worked at several factory jobs, including an apprenticeship at a bicycle factory. There he learned skills like metalworking and tool and die.

After getting his degree in 1935, Horst worked at a company manufacturing stationary bicycles and treadmills and calisthenics equipment for the local spa industry. He worked there for three years until things got so bad for the Jews that he knew he had to leave Germany. Horst’s two brothers had already left for Africa and were encouraging him to get out.

“His employer was sympathetic and ultimately helped him get to the Netherlands to get a boat in Rotterdam,” Scott Livingston says.

Horst’s parents, who owned a grocery store in Bad Liebenstein, would not leave and perished during the war.

At 26, Horst made it to the United

| DECEMBER 11, 2020 majewishledger.com

Israel Philharmonic to host virtual pre-Chanukah global music celebration

THE PASSPORT HORST FOUNDER HARRY LIVINGSTON USED TO LEAVE NAZI GERMANY IN SEPTEMBER 1938 IS AMONG THE LIVINGSTON FAMILY MEMENTOS THAT SIT IN A DISPLAY CASE IN THE OFFICES OF HORST ENGINEERING.

States where he was sponsored by cousins who had changed their last name from Liebenstein to Livingston.

So Horst Liebenstein became Harry Livingston.

“Ultimately he was able to make his way to Hartford in 1940 to seek industry, because this was a boomtown,” says Scott Livingston.

Harry married Sylvia Hurwitz, a Hartford native, and worked for a variety of companies in the Hartford area, including Whitney Chain Company, JohnsHartford Tool Company, and Colts Manufacturing Company. Between 1940 and 1946 he learned different parts of the manufacturing trade before leaving to start his own business.

Harry founded Horst Engineering and Manufacturing Co. in 1946 opening up a shop in the rented second floor of a barn on Garden Street in Hartford. In 1950, with support from a great-uncle, Harry built the plant in East Hartford where it still stands today. In its early days, Horst Engineering specialized in making small parts for a broad range of industries.

In the 1960s and 1970s, under the leadership of Harry’s two sons, Stanley and Steven, the company acquired several other firms and began to specialize in the aerospace parts industry.

Next year Horst will celebrate its 75th anniversary by moving its 115 employees into a new, larger headquarters two majewishledger.com

miles away on Prestige Park Road in East Hartford.

“That will be a huge year. You’re not talking about generational transition you’re talking about a multi-generational transition. The company has evolved over the generations,” adds Livingston. “Today we make fasteners, including bolts, screws, tie rods, pins. We make specialized aircraft clevis pins. We make bodies bushings and sleeves, all different types of small super precision aerospace components that go into aircraft engines, cabin pressure systems, propeller systems, fuel controls, landing gear.”

The company also makes specialized metal parts for the bicycling industry – a connection to Harry’s time apprenticing for a bike factory in Germany in the 1920s. “A passion for cycling is in our roots,” Livingston says.

Now the Horst Dreidel – which includes the newer models with stainless steel and titanium bodies – can be found on the “Shop” page of Horst’s website, along with their patented “cross spikes” made for bicycle shoes.

“So we have the ability sell accessories or little items,” Livingston said, “and the dreidel is now another item in that shop,” although there are limited quantities.

Horst only created 384 of the aluminum dreidels, which sell for $54; 58 of the stainless steel dreidels at $58; and 56 of the titanium dreidels, selling for $72.

“Let’s put it this way,” Livingston jokes, “It isn’t going to pay for the new factory.”

(JNS) American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Israel Philharmonic Foundation will premiere the “Israel Philharmonic Pre-Hanukkah Global Celebration,” a multidisciplinary program of instrumental performances and behind-the-scenes interviews, coupled with powerful messages of hope.

The Dec. 6 event will stream internationally, free of charge, to bring music and holiday light from Israel’s world-class Philharmonic to audiences around the world amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

The event will weave together word and song, featuring Academy Awardwinning composer Hans Zimmer; Grammy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Bette Midler; actress and star of Fauda Ronalee Shimon; actress and model Dar Zuzovsky; music manager Kenny Hamilton; and other special guests.

The Israel Philharmonic and its conductor, Lahav Shani, will perform pieces from Zimmer’s acclaimed works.

“The Israel Philharmonic is a shining light for humanitarian principles, artistic freedom and the tireless pursuit of excellence – and for continuing to provide

accessible, inspiring digital musical content despite the pandemic,” said Danielle Ames Spivak, AFIPO executive vice president and CEO. Tali Gottlieb, Israel Philharmonic Foundation executive director, said “2020 has been an extremely difficult year.

We are making every effort to assist the philharmonic, and I am moved by the heartwarming response of its friends in Israel and throughout the world. In an end-of-the-year effort and in light of the exceptional success of our Global Gala this past June, which was viewed by more than 500,000 people worldwide, I hope this event will provide the support it needs to grapple with the enormous challenges still ahead.”

Registration is free. Donations will offset critical Philharmonic revenue losses due to forced closures due to the ongoing pandemic.

Donors will receive access to a VIP after-party with Christie’s global managing director Lydia Fenet and guests, discussing “Trendsetters and Tastemakers: Culture, Art, Fashion and Design in 2021 and Beyond.”

ISRAEL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA CREDIT: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| DECEMBER 11, 2020

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North African Jewish women have a beautiful feminist Chanukah tradition

D

id you know that there’s a special Chanukah tradition – Eid Al Bnat (The Festival of Daughters, in Judeo-Arabic) or Chag HaBanot (in Hebrew) – that women and girls from North Africa’s Jewish communities have been celebrating for centuries? In Jerusalem last year, I joined a group of women of Middle Eastern and North African backgrounds who gather regularly to study their heritage with an organization called Arevot. We held an inspiring Eid Al Bnat celebration, with a focus on how to bring it back into our own communities this beautiful tradition.

Origins of the holiday Celebrated on the Rosh Chodesh (New Moon) of Tevet (one of the Hebrew months where Chanukah takes place) in communities in North Africa and elsewhere, particularly the islands of Djerba and Tunis in Tunisia, Algeria, Salonika in Greece and Kushta (Istanbul) in Turkey, this day is filled with historic connections to powerful Jewish women. The festival takes the form of ceremonial gatherings featuring symbolic rituals, delicious treats and traditional songs, all focusing on bringing together generations of mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters and the extended community.

The stories of Chanukah and the ladies therein are often retold only as the story of Judith, the brave widow who fake-seduced the Greek-Syrian general Holofernes, fed him salty cheese and got him drunk on wine, then calmly beheaded him. The soldiers freaked out, the Maccabees won the battle and the rest is quite literally history.

But there’s another, lesser known story of a brave woman not named except as “the daughter of the Hasmonean, Yohanan the High Priest,” who lived in Judea (AKA modern day Israel) during the time of the Maccabees. Among the anti-Jewish edicts of the time, the invading governor insisted on sleeping with every virgin woman the night before her marriage, and this carried on for almost four years. On the night of the high priest’s daughter’s marriage, as she was about to be carted off to the governor’s chamber for the night, she uncovered her hair, ripped open her clothes, and exposed herself to all.

Amid cries of “send her off to be burned!” she turned to the crowd and said something along the lines of, “Are you kidding me? You think this is me being

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exposed – before my brothers and friends – but it doesn’t bother you that I’m about to be exposed before this foreign invading governor, sacrificing me to him?”

Her brothers, the Maccabees and Co., realized it was time to go off and kill the ruling governor. She got herself fancy and had herself escorted with dancers and musicians straight to the governor’s palace.

Seeing the priestly family all caught up in this pseudo-wedding, the egomaniac governor let them right in, imagining they were handing off their daughter with voluntary joy. They utilized the opportunity to behead him and all his servants, which eventually helped bring the Maccabees to victory. The power of this woman’s vulnerability, honesty, and using her voice at just the right time is a fascinating tradition that we celebrate on this night.

How to celebrate Like every tradition that gets passed down from generation to generation, there’s always a new flourish or nuance between how your grandma did it and how my aunt likes to do it.

In some communities, women visited the synagogue (not a thing that was usually done!) and kissed the Torah scrolls and were blessed by the rabbi; in others they cooked and baked a festive meal together, and then celebrated all night.

Sweet traditional foods were prepared and gifted in baskets to mothers, daughters, or mothers-in-law, prayers were shared, and songs were sung. Overall, though, the key components always include lighting the Chanukah candles, lots of music and dancing, and the opportunity to create intimacy and community with women.

A song or piyyut often begins the night, followed by lighting the Chanukah candles.

Piyyutim are liturgical poems written in Hebrew that are sung in incredibly complicated and deeply moving Arabic maqam (a system of melodic modes). For those of us without the ability to improvise our way through epic Hebrew poetry, you can pick out a song that is meaningful to you and that women can sing together.

After that, the women traditionally recite a blessing of “Mi Shebeirach Imoteinu,” or, “May the One who blessed our Mothers bless us.” It’s a cool opportunity to improvise your own prayer and gratitude for the women who came before us.

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| DECEMBER 11, 2020

Next comes the chance to go around and get to know everyone. It’s beautiful to encourage every woman to name their mothers and grandmothers as well, lighting a candle for each one in the center of the table, bringing our personal histories into the circle.

A communal bat mitzvah One awesome tradition is the presentation of the bat mitzvah girls of the year – it’s up to the moms and aunts to cheer, bless, and generally love up these young girls as newcomers to the women’s circle. It’s also traditional to prepare foods together, like the North African favorite sfenj – think jelly doughnuts meet churros drizzled with honey – or honey cakes and cookies, or a potluck dinner. Mishloach manot – gifting packages of food and treats – is also part of the Eid Al Bnat tradition, so the Jewish mom Tupperware buffet is a must at this party!

The power of women’s circles Since this festival is based on the stories of Judith and the daughter of Yohanan the Hasmonean, it’s important to tell, read or act out their stories, reflecting on the power of women. It’s also a good time to share the history of the holiday, passing on wisdom from generation to generation and sharing the customs across different cultures.

Women’s groups have a natural intimacy, so it’s fun to find ways to connect.

In Jerusalem, we played a game that asked each woman to share a tip or a gift with another, which included everything from womb meditations to honeybee secrets to how to cope with mourning a loved one.

You can share poetry, songs or just the best thing your mother ever taught you.

Whether you share stories, get vulnerable, cook up a storm, or dance the night away, this night is for us all to celebrate the power of the ladies in our lives, and the bonds that keep us strong in the face of struggle.

This piece originally appeared in Alma.

LYA STUDENTS DOING THEIR SCHOOLWORK OUTSIDE

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MILESTONES B’NAI MITZVAH SAMANTHA FINKLE, daughter of Michael and Jill Finkle, celebrated her bat mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 21. They are members of Temple Emanuel Sinai in Worcester.

GIFT CARDS

PARTy PlATTeRS

MACI OBER, daughter of William and Gayle Ober, celebrated her bat mitzvah on Dec. 5.

They are members of Congregation B’nai Shalom in Westborough.

TALYA SERI, daughter of Debbi Seri and Ran Serri, celebrated her bat mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 14. They are members of Congregation B’nai Shalom in Westborough.

LILLI TREITMAN, daughter of Brian Treitman and Marni Giss, celebrated her bat mitzvah on Nov. 14. They are members of Temple Emanuel Sinai in Worcester.

A call for help Jonathan Newman is in dire need of a new kidney – and he and his family are praying he will find an altruistic donor to save his life.

Newman, who is 38, has polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic disorder that took the lives of his grandmother and great-grandmother. His mother received a kidney transplant at Yale University Hospital from a live donor six years ago. She is fine today, as is her brother, who received a transplant from a donor approximately 25 years ago.

Since this is a genetic problem, and not due to an illness (e.g. diabetes), a donated kidney will not be attacked, and is expected to last many years, if not the patient’s full life time. It is expected that once Jonathan receives a new kidney, he will be able to lead a normal life – and enjoy every moment with his wife as they raise their year-old son, who is PKD-free.

Jonathan is currently listed for transplant at Yale.

For further information, please contact Jonathan Newman’s father, Edward Newman at enewman591@aol.com or (201) 265-2939.

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GABRIEL PELLISH, son of Randy and Elyssa Pellish, celebrated his bar mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 21. They are members of Congregation B’nai Shalom in Westborough.

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BULLETIN BOARD Seeking teen leaders who are changing the world Applications and nominations are now being accepted for the Diller Tikkun Olam Awards, which honor Jewish teens who demonstrate remarkable leadership and en-gagement in projects that embody the values of tikkun olam, “repairing the world.”

Up to 15 recipients will be awarded $36,000 each to further their project or for their educa-tion.

Those eligible are teens 13–19 years old who self-identify as Jewish, live in the United States, and are not compensated for their work. Projects may focus on the Jewish or general community.

Teens may apply directly online by submitting an application by Jan. 8, 2021.

Teachers, rabbis, community leaders, or any individual aware of the value of the teen’s leadership may submit a nomination online by Dec. 18, 2020. Nominated teens will then be asked to complete a full application.

For an application or for more information, visit dillerteenawards.org.

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MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| DECEMBER 11, 2020

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WHAT’S HAPPENING (For Chanukah events, please see page 18)

FRIDAY, DEC. 11 Greenfield – Temple Israel Chanukah Gathering for families, 5:30-6 p.m., Register: office@templeisraelgreenfield.org Springfield – Virtual Tot Shabbat with Rabbi Master and Sinai Temple, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/ register/tZcldO6tqjkpH9XXJhyk5f_ fuNMZOVmVzyCT

Rabbi Joshua Weisberg, 7-8 p.m., a candle Lighting & Virtual Trip to Israel and a meeting with Brother Olivier, an Israeli citizen and ID volunteer based in the Arab town of Abu Gosh. Registration: mailto:rritchie@tbespringfield.org

DEC. 11 - DEC. 21 Springfield – Virtual Tot Shabbat with Marlene Rachelle, Temple Beth El, and PJ Library, Grab an instrument and a favorite stuffy as we welcome Shabbat together and fill our homes with music and fun; 5:306:15 p.m., (Also: Jan. 2) Register: https:// us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tZIldOGtrjIjG93LsyTK8ANSe6VKaVF50Myj

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16 Western Mass. – Jewish Family Jam, Explore Jewish holidays, language, culture and values through music, movement and drumming, 10:30-11:30 a.m., (Also: Dec. 23, 30, Jan. 6 & 13) http://jfswm.org/jewish-family-jam

SUNDAY, DEC. 20 Western Mass. – Foodraiser 2020 – For Youth Teams; Each team (3-5) of teenagers, with a designated team leader, will compete with other teams to purchase the most amount of food for the price limit we give,

begins! To be a part of the game the team leader to register their team and will need to know the names and email addresses of their teammates. As we get closer, details will be sent to all. Registration: https:// rachelstablespringfield.org/foodraiser-2020/ Contact: jfalk@jewishwesternmass.org

MONDAY, DEC. 21 Western Mass.– Jewish Federation of Western Mass. Community Study Meeting, 5-7:30 p.m., Registration: www. jewishwesternmass.org; sbromberg@ jewishwesternmass.org. (413) 737-4313.

SATURDAY, DEC. 12 Northampton – Shabbat Shabloom on Zoom! With Aram Rubenstein-Gillis, a songfilled Shabbat morning singalong for children and familes, 9-09:45 a.m., (Also Jan. 9) Register: molly@cbinorthampton.org

PJ Library Pajama Drive Will Bring Warmth & Comfort to At-Risk Children in the Berkshires

A

s chilly weather returns to the Berkshires, the PJ Library Pajama Drive conducted by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires also returns to help the many children in our community who may lack the comfort of warm sleepwear. Last year’s effort collected more than 150 pairs of pajamas from individuals, groups, and local businesses.

SUNDAY, DEC. 13 Central Mass. – “Breakfast with Dror” past Young Israeli Emissary; grab a coffee and bagel and join Zoom for breakfast and conversation with Dror Ben Ami, discussing the differences between childrearing in the U.S. and Israel, 9 a.m., RSVP: Liz Baker, lizkbaker58@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

Western Mass. – Foodraiser 2020 – For Individuals; The first ever online competition in partnership with OneDeeds, a new product donation platform: two tracks – individual and teen (youth) teams. The Fee: For individuals: The game is to shop for the most amount of food for the three levels $18, $36, and $72. If you’d like to shop for more, you are welcome. Registration: https://rachelstablespringfield.org/ foodraiser-2020/; For more information: contact jfalk@jewishwesternmass.org

TUESDAY, DEC. 15 Springfield - Virtual Trip to Israel with

FELICIA SLOIN LEADS JEWISH FAMILY JAM IN WESTERN MASS.

THURSDAY, DEC. 17 Western Mass. – Virtual Film Discussion and Q&A about two films, The Peanut Butter Falcon and The Drummer and the Keeper, with Michelle Theroux, director of the Berkshire Hills Music Academy, 7 p.m. (participants are asked to view the films at home on Amazon Prime before the event), a program of Kehillah, the Special Needs Department of the Springfield JCC and the PVJFF. Register: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/film-discussion-and-qa-withmichelle-theroux-tickets-130318190215; FREE & open to the public

FRIDAY, DEC. 18 Central Mass. – PJ Storytime with Lori and Friends, Learn about Jewish holidays, traditions, values, and Shabbat 10 -11 a.m., via Zoom, mhall@jfcm.org (every month on the 3rd Friday and 1st Saturday until June 1, 2021)

fully sponsored by Taylor St. Dental and other individuals. The competition will use the Onedeeds platform and occur on Zoom, 6-8 p.m. Participants must also purchase at least one item from each of the 4 food groups. The leader of the team will upload the team’s items to their “wish list.” The game begins at 6 p.m., when the team leader signs onto the Ondeeds site, and they learn the rules. The team leader coordinates with their team and then at 7p.m., the game

This year, the Federation hasd teamed up with Carr Hardware to offer dropoff of brand-new pajamas (sizes newborn to teen) at locations across Berkshire County: • Carr Hardware, 256 Main St. in Great Barrington • Carr Hardware, 489 Pittsfield Road in Lenox • Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, 196 South St. in Pittsfield • Carr Hardware, 179 State Road in North Adams The Pajama Drive runs through December 16.

Monetary donations towards the purchase of pajamas are also welcome.

For more information, contact Susan Frisch Lehrer (413) 4424360, ext. 14 or email: slehrer@ jewishberkshires.org.

Donations will be received by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families in Pittsfield and will be distributed to local families during the holiday season.

RABBI JOSHUA WEISBERG

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MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| DECEMBER 11, 2020

majewishledger.com

SYNAGOGUE DIRECTORY Western and Central Massachusetts

AMHERST

Jewish Community of Amherst Reconstructionist Rabbi Benjamin Weiner (413) 256-0160 info@jcamherst.org www.jcamherst.org 742 Main St., Amherst, MA 01002

ATHOL

Temple Israel Unaffiliated/Egalitarian Reb Sarah Noyovitz (978) 249-9481 templeisraelathol@gmail.com 107 Walnut Street Athol, MA 01331

BENNINGTON, VT

Congregation Beth El Reconstructionist Rabbi Micah Becker Klein (802) 442-9645 cbevtoffice@gmail.com www.cbevermont.org 225 North St., Bennington, VT 05201

CLINTON

Congregation Shaarei Zedeck Conservative Lay Leadership - Elena Feinberg (978) 501-2744 sherryesq@yahoo.com www.shaareizedeck.org 104 Water St., Clinton, MA 01510

FLORENCE

Beit Ahavah, The Reform Synagogue of Greater Northampton Reform Rabbi Riqi Kosovske (413) 587-3770 info@beitahavah.org www.beitahavah.org 130 Pine St. Florence, MA 01062

GREENFIELD

Temple Israel of Greenfield Unaffiliated Rabbi Andrea Cohen-Kiener (413) 773-5884 office@templeisraelgreenfield.org www.templeisraelgreenfield.org 27 Pierce St. Greenfield, MA 01301

HOLYOKE

Congregation Rodphey Sholom Orthodox Rabbi Tuvia Helfen Religious Leader (413) 534-5262 djs1818@aol.com 1800 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040 Congregation Sons of Zion Conservative Rabbi Saul Perlmutter (413) 534-3369 office@sonsofzionholyoke.org www.sonsofzionholyoke.org 378 Maple St. Holyoke, MA 01040

LEOMINSTER

Congregation Agudat Achim Conservative Rabbi Eve Eichenholtz (978) 534-6121 office@agudat-achim.org www.agudat-achim.org 268 Washington St., Leominster, MA 01453

LONGMEADOW

WESTBOROUGH

Beth Tikvah Synagogue Independent Rabbi Michael Swarttz (508) 616-9037 president@bethtikvahsynagogue.org www.bethtikvahsynagogue.org 45 Oak St., Westborough, MA 01581

NORTHAMPTON

Congregation B’nai Israel Conservative Rabbi Justin David (413) 584-3593 office@CBINorthampton.org www.CBINorthampton.org 253 Prospect St. Northampton, MA 01060

Congregation B’nai Shalom Reform Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz/ Rabbi-Educator Joseph Eiduson (508) 366-7191 info@cbnaishalom.org www.cbnaishalom.org 117 East Main St., PO Box 1019, Westborough, MA 01581

PITTSFIELD

Temple Anshe Amunim Reform Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch (413) 442-5910 rabbiliz@ansheamunim.org www.ansheamunim.org 26 Broad St., Pittsfield, MA 01201

SPRINGFIELD

WORCESTER

Temple Beth El Conservative Rabbi Amy Walk Katz (413) 733-4149 office@tbesprinfield.org www.tbespringfield.org 979 Dickinson St., Springfield, MA 01108

Congregation B’nai Torah Orthodox Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe Rabbi Yakov Wolff (413) 567-0036 office@bnaitorahma.org rabbi@bnaitorahma.org www.bnaitorahma.org 2 Eunice Drive Longmeadow, MA 01106 Neighborhood Minyan 124 Sumner Avenue Springfield, MA 01108

WESTFIELD

Sinai Temple Reform Rabbi Jeremy Master (413) 736-3619 rblanchettegage@sinai-temple.org www.sinai-temple.org 1100 Dickinson St., Springfield, MA 01108

Congregation Ahavas Achim Unaffiliated Cantor Colman Reaboi (413) 642-1797 ahavasachiminquiry@gmail.com www.congregationahavasachim.org Ferst Interfaith Center, Westfield State University PO Box 334, 577 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA 01086 Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AhavasAchimWestfield/

Central Mass Chabad Rabbi Mendel Fogelman, Rabbi Chaim Fishman, Rabbi Michael Phillips, Cantor Eli Abramowitz (508) 752-0904 rabbi@centralmasschabad.com www.centralmasschabad.com 22 Newton Avenue, Worcester, MA 01602 Congregation Beth Israel Conservative Rabbi Aviva Fellman (508) 756-6204 receptionist@bethisraelworc.org www.bethisraelworc.org 15 Jamesbury Drive Worcester, MA 01609 Congregation Shaarai Torah West Orthodox Rabbi Yakov Blotner (508) 791-0013 Brotman156@aol.com www.shaaraitorah.org 835 Pleasant St. Worcester, MA 01602 Temple Emanuel Sinai Reform Rabbi Valerie Cohen (508) 755-1257 amayou@emanuelsinai.org www.emanuelsinai.org 661 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609

To join our synagogue directory, contact Howard Meyerowitz at (860) 231-2424 x3035 or howardm@jewishledger.com majewishledger.com

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| DECEMBER 11, 2020

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CHANUKAH Happenings Springfield JCC announces virtual Chanukah Events

LYA plans COVID 19 safe Chanukah programs

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Jewish Community Center (the J) will present a virtual celebration of Chanukah, including the lighting of the largest outdoor menorah in Western Massachusetts, and a festive community concert.

LONGMEADOW – Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy will be sponsoring public menorahs around town. Menorahs will be lit daily at the following locations: Court Square Downtown Springfield, Longmeadow Shops near Starbucks, Longmeadow Town Green and at LYA, 1148 Converse St. When visiting the public menorahs, take a selfie and send them to info@lya.org.

• First Light, Virtual Edition Thursday, December 10, 5:30 PM Celebrate the light and miracle of the first night of Chanukah. Join us for virtual community candle lighting and singing as the Springfield JCC “livestreams” the lighting of the largest outdoor menorah in Western Massachusetts.

• Virtual Concert: A Community Celebration of Hanukkah Saturday, December 12, 7:00 PM Join us virtually on the third night of Hanukkah for Havdalah, menorah lighting, and a festive concert with musician Deborah Sacks Mintz, a leading voice in the Jewish music soundscape.

Pre-registration is required. Visit springfieldjcc.org/ hanukkah to register for the concert.

DEBORAH SACKS MINTZ “Chanukah is a holiday that celebrates religious tolerance and resilience,” says Deb Krivoy, Chief Operating Officer of the JCC. “Now more than ever, we look forward to ‘bringing light’ to the whole community.”

Pre-registration for The J’s Chanukah programming is required. Visit springfieldjcc. org/hanukkah to register for the concert.

Programs are free and open to the community. First Light is sponsored by the Springfield JCC and supported by the Sklar Family. The Virtual Concert is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Western Mass., Temple Beth El, Sinai Temple, and Camp Laurelwood. For more information about the J’s Chanukah programs, call (413) 739-4715 or email info@springfieldjcc.org.

Community Drive-In Chanukah in Worcester WORCESTER - The Jewish Federation of Central Mass. will present “Worcester Community Chanukah 5781: Light Up the Darkness!” a Drive-In Chanukah Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Theatre Event on Sunday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m., in the parking lot of the Worcester JCC, 633 Salisbury St. Sign up: https://events.idonate.com/ hanukkahworcester

• An interactive Chanukah Scavenger Hunt will be held on Sunday, Dec. 13.

Children will be able to embark on a Covid safe scavenger hunt journey with their families, discovering Chanukah’s message as they drive around town and end with a special activity to take home. The drive begins at LYA, 1148 Converse Str., in Longmeadow at 11 a.m., where participants will receive their first clue. The Chanukah experience is made possible by CKids Club International, an initiative that inspires children to make a meaningful impact in their communities through educational programs exploring the richness of Judaism.

Limited spots are available, so sign up today at by emailing Mushkiekosofsky@gmail.com.

This event is open to the entire community and designed for the whole family.

• Join LYA for drive-in concert featuring 8th Day on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. at Springfield Jewish Community Center Parking Lot at 1160 Dickinson St., Springfield.

8th Day is an American Hasidic pop rock band 8TH DAY based in Los Alamitos, Calif. Formed in 2004 by brothers Shmuel and Bentzion Marcus, the group gained popularity in the Jewish music scene with their album Chasing Prophecy and its lead single, “Ya’alili”, whose video became a minor viral hit on YouTube.

Each car will receive a special Chanukah bag with refreshments. Join in a menorah lighting honoring the heroes of COVID 19, who are bringing light into our world.

Decorate your car and be entered to win fun raffle prizes. The concert will be viewed on large screens and listened to in the comfort of your car. RSVP required: info@lya.org or (413) 567-8665.

• Join LYA rabbis for an evening of Chanukah Comedy on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Chaim Kosofsky and Rabbi Yakov Wolff will make sure you laugh a lotke and keep you spinning with their

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MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| DECEMBER 11, 2020

jokes. RSVP to chaimrl@comast.net and the link to this not to be missed event will be sent to you two days before the event.

Grand Menorah Lighting In Central Mass.

WORCESTER – Central Mass Chabad will present a “Grand Menorah Lighting” on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at The Menorah at Newton Square, continuing a tradition that began in 1970.

Besides the public candlelighting, the event will include a children’s program, festive Chanukah treats, music and more.

CDC safety guidelines will be followed.

On Dec. 16, the 6th night of Chanukah, Central Mass Chabad will share the light of Chanukah with a “Chanukah Menorah Parade.” Cars should begin to light up at Central Mass Chabad, 22 Newton St. at 5 p.m.; the parade leaves at 5:30 p.m.

RSVP at centralmasschabad.com/parade

YAD Celebrates Chanukah CENTRAL MASS. – Yad, the Young Adult Division of the Jewish Federation of Central Mass. will offer several Chanukah events:

• Chanukah Goodie Bag YAD will be distributing Chanukah goodie bags to the first 50 households that sign up and will contain items to use throughout our Chanukah celebrations. Two contactless pickup locations will be provided. To pick up a bag after Dec. 10, contact mhall@jfcm.org directly.

• Virtual First Night of Chanukah Candle Lighting Thursday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., via Zoom.

• Virtual Chanukah Party Sunday Dec. 13 4 p.m. Join us for candle lighting, dreidel games, schmoozing and a gift exchange. If you would like to participate in the gift exchange please sign up on the Goodie Bag Google Doc. Please limit gifts to $10. Drop of your gift when picking up your Goodie Bag and we will have another gift waiting for you to take home.

will present a special online performance by singer, songwriter and educator Neshama Carlebach on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 6:30-08 p.m.

Havdallah and Chanukah candlelighting will be at 6:30 p.m.; the concert will begin at 7 p.m.

Suggested donation is $18-$54 The Zoom link will be emailed to all BI members; non-members should contact the BI office for access: receptionist@ bethisraelworc.org or (508) 756-6204.

IllumiNation: Making the 8th Night Bright

C

hanukah reminds us that we have the power to bring light into any darkness.

Join Conservative congregations from across the nation as we light our menorahs, share holiday music, and connect with friends in celebration, joy, and unity.

“IllumiNation: Making the 8th Night Bright” a virtual Chanukah Celebration, will be held on Thursday, Dec. 17, 8:30-9:30 p.m., will feature a candlelighting from coast to coast and a concert by singer-songwriter Neshama Carlebach, featuring music from her new album.

The evening will also have a keynote address from AJ Jacobs, author of “The Year of Living Biblically” and “Thanks a Thousand.”

To register contact rritchie@ tbespringfield.org

• Virtual Post Chanukah Shabbat Friday Dec. 18 7:30 p.m.

• Virtual Movie Watch Party Friday Dec. 25 at 2 p.m. Come join us for this time-honored Jewish tradition. The familyfriendly movie TBD. Bring your own Chinese food. A special item for this night will be in the Goodie Bag.

Live Concert with Neshama Carleback WORCESTER – Congregation Beth Israel and the Charlotte Koocher Music Fund

NESHAMA CARLEBACH

majewishledger.com

HAPPY CHANUKAH The publisher and staff of the Massachusetts Jewish Ledger wish all our readers and friends a Chanukah filled with beauty and light.

Wishing You a Healthy, Happy Chanukah!!

A to Z Moving & Storage, Inc.

Owner operated and proudly serving the community and greater New England for over 25 years Robert Zeller “Happy feet move faster”

413-736-4440 visit us on the web at:

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Happy Chanukah! from all your friends at

Grooming available Monday-Saturday

garyg@bsfcpas.com 508.797.4826

313 Park Avenue, LLC 313 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA 01609

Temple Emanuel Sinai Hanukkah Virtual Program Saturday, December 12, at 5:00 pm

Raw diets available • New & unique toys and treats arriving daily

785-B Main Street, Holden, MA

508.829.8200 • elliespetbarn.com

Wishing the Jewish Community a Happy, Healthy Peaceful Chanukah!

Stay in touch with Jim: JimMcGovern.com Facebook.com/McGovernforCongress Twitter: @McGovernMA

PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED FOR THE RE-ELECT MCGOVERN COMMITTEE

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Contact the TES office for more info including Zoom login (508) 755-1257 MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

|

DECEMBER 11, 2020

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Briefs Netanyahu greets Ethiopian immigrants in Operation ‘Rock of Israel’

Israel, Bahrain sign historic tourism agreement in Jerusalem

(JNS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday greeted at BenGurion International Airport the first group of Ethiopian immigrants to arrive in the country within the framework of “Operation Tzur Israel” (“Rock of Israel”). The 316 immigrants are among approximately 2,000 who are slated to make aliyah by the end of January as part of the operation, approved in Oct. 2019, to reunite them with their families in Israel, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

“I do not remember, for many years, when I have been moved so much at a sight of such refined Zionism that expresses all of its significance,” Netanyahu said at the ceremony in a tent on the tarmac. …The mother kisses the ground and carries an infant named Jerusalem, and another infant is named Esther. Esther and Jerusalem are coming to Jerusalem; this is the essence of the Jewish story. This is the essence of the Zionist story,” he said, adding, “Therefore, we, dear brothers and sisters of ours, immigrants from Ethiopia, we are so moved to welcome you here. Welcome to the land of Israel. Welcome to the State of Israel.”

Netanyahu informed Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in October about his intention to bring to Israel some 2,000 Ethiopian Jews currently in Addis Ababa and Gondar waiting to immigrate. In a phone conversation during, Ahmed readily agreed to the move and stressed the special bond between the people of Ethiopia and Israel. Ahmed also congratulated Netanyahu on the Abraham Accords, saying that the positive ramifications of the deals will only be understood by future generations.

Approximately 13,000 Jews currently reside in Addis Ababa and in Gondar.

Most live in poverty and are waiting to be taken to Israel, which they consider their homeland. Many have family members who have been living in Israel since “Operation Moses” in 1984 and “Operation Solomon” in 1991, when the Israel Air Force Israel airlifted a total of some 20,000 Jews out of Ethiopia.

“Some 250 people have left for Israel within the past year until COVID-19 came.

Now the travel has stopped, but Israeli officials are conducting interviews online,” said Nigusie Alemu Eyasu, program director for the Ethiopian Jews’ Community.

(JNS) Israeli Tourism Minister Orit Farkash-Hacohen and her Bahraini counterpart Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at a ceremony in Jerusalem on Wednesday, Dec. 2. According to Farkash-Hacohen, the MoU, which deals with tourism, provides the framework to turn ideas into plans into packages.

“Together, we can create packages for regional tourism, offering tourists from Brazil, China or Australia or the Philippines to visit both our countries,” she said. At the ceremony, Al Zayani said that he and his 40-member delegation, which arrived in Israel on Tuesday, were returning to Bahrain “with lots of hope and ambition that we will forge the peace signed by our leadership, so it transmits to every Israeli and every Bahraini citizen.”

The MOU, the first of its kind between Israel and an Arab Gulf state, includes a number of sections on bilateral cooperation between the governments and the private sector in the field of tourism, and calls to develop various types of travel: for families, wellness, business and others. Additionally, it establishes a joint committee headed by the ministers, which will meet regularly to promote joint ventures of travel agents, airlines, tour operators and all relevant industry representatives.

Farkash-Hacoen said that she would work to open up travel for tourists from Bahrain as soon as possible, and stated: “Governments sign treaties, but people create peace. This is why signing a bilateral tourism MOU is so important.

We are encouraging travel between our countries. We are encouraging people to meet and interact with each other. We are connecting two cultures. By doing so, we are encouraging true and lasting peace.”

Al Zayani said Israel would find Bahrain to be a “true partner, a genuine investor and a frank friend.” “We invite you and welcome you to use Bahrain as a springboard to the rest of the world, and look forward to using Israel as a springboard for us to the rest of the world,” he said.

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Israel transfers to Palestinian Authority $1.14 billion in tax revenues (JNS) Israel transferred $1.14 billion in tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority, the head of the P.A. General Authority of Civil Affairs, Hussein Al-Sheikh, announced on Wednesday. “The #Israeli government transfers all financial dues of the clearance

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| DECEMBER 11, 2020

to the account of the #Palestinian Authority, amounting to three billion and 768 million shekels,” tweeted Al-Sheikh. According to Israeli media reports, the Israeli Cabinet decided on Sunday to deduct 600 million shekels ($180 million) from the amount that the P.A. pays in monthly stipends to Palestinian terrorists and their families. The deduction of the “pay for slay” money is in accordance with a 2018 law passed by the Knesset.

The P.A. in June had refused to accept the revenues for the month of May collected on its behalf by Israel, as part of the leadership in Ramallah’s threats to halt all cooperation with the Jewish state over Jerusalem’s plan at the time to extend Israeli law to parts of Judea and Samaria.

In May, the Jerusalem District Court placed a lien on NIS 450 million ($138 million) in the revenues, after ruling against the P.A. in several lawsuits, charging it with responsibility for numerous terror attacks.

Israel collects these funds on behalf of the P.A. under the terms of the Oslo Accords.

EU invites members to adopt antisemitism definition that includes Israel hatred (JTA) – The Council of the European Union “invited” all the bloc’s 27 members to adopt a definition of antisemitism that includes anti-Israel vitriol. The invitation to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition came in a declaration published Wednesday, Dec. 2 by the Council, which is made up of cabinet ministers from all the bloc’s member states.

“Member States that have not yet done so are invited to join the other Member States and endorse the IHRA working definition as soon as possible,” reads the document, titled “Council Declaration on Mainstreaming the Fight against Antisemitism across Policy-Areas.” The European Parliament, the EU’s legislative branch, adopted the IHRA definition in 2017, as have dozens of countries.

The IHRA working definition describes various forms of antisemitism, including hatred and discrimination against Jews and Holocaust denial. It also includes examples of anti-Israel criticism it defines as antisemitic, including comparing the country’s policies to those of Nazi Germany, denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination and “applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.” Criticism of Israel similar to that leveled at any other country is not antisemitic, the definition states.

The Council declaration also speaks of the need to carry out Holocaust education and also of “Protecting Jewish life and making it more visible as part of Europe’s identity.” It does not list concrete actions to achieve this.

In a statement, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder called the declaration a “significant step forward in making Europe a better place for Jews.”

European Jewish Congress President Moshe Kantor said it was an “important decision” that “appreciates the sad growth of antisemitism.”

Democratic centrists succeed pro-Israel stalwarts as chairs of key House panels (JTA) – Democratic Party centrists with solid Israel bona fides defeated progressives as the chairs of two key House committees, succeeding pro-Israel stalwarts Eliot Engel and Nita Lowey. Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York will replace Engel, also of New York, as chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Engel, for decades one of the Democrats closest to the centrist and rightwing pro-Israel communities, was defeated in a primary by a progressive challenger.

Meeks in the caucus vote defeated Joaquin Castro, a Texas Democrat who has been critical of the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, going so far as to suggest that Netanyahu had undercut U.S.-Israel ties. Meeks is the first Black chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Meeks has co-sponsored pro-Israel legislation, including a bill that would further enhance Israel-U.S. defense cooperation, and told a Jewish Democratic group that defense assistance to Israel was sacrosanct. He also said that under U.S. law, Israel is not allowed to use American defense assistance on West Bank spending.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Connecticut Democrat close to the party establishment, defeated Marcy Kaptur of Ohio and will replace New York’s Lowey as chairwoman of the powerful Appropriations Committee.

Lowey is retiring this year and, like Engel, has long been close to the pro-Israel community. Both Engel and Lowey are Jewish. DeLauro is married to Stanley Greenberg, a prominent Democratic pollster who has advised Israel’s Labor Party.

BETTE MIDLER IN “COASTAL ELITES”

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Young Emisaries CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

was early afternoon in Connecticut so that day school students from Ezra Academy in Woodbridge and Solomon Schechter School in New London could participate.

LEOR SHAPIRO-LEKACH, AN EMISSARY FROM 2001-2002 IN WESTPORT, PERFORMED “OSEH SHALOM” ON THE GUITAR AND HARMONICA.

“It was very nice,” Conway said. “We had a lot of community members who joined in and I think people felt it was a feel-good experience, both seeing everybody and kind of reminding ourselves that the connections are still very much alive… I got a lot of feedback from the Emissaries saying how meaningful it was for them to be reminded that the relationships still are very vital and connected.”

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

L

ast March, when the last batch of emissaries was sent home early and the next group was cancelled, Marcia Reinhard, coordinator of the Jewish Federation of Eastern Conn.’s Young Emissaries came up with the idea for her past emissaries to write articles for the Federation’s Jewish Leader newspaper.

Liz Baker, the coordinator of the Central Mass. Young Emissaries, loved this “Where Are They Now” article idea and asked if she could do the same.

One way was through “Where Are They Now?” a series of articles the young Israelis wrote about their lives now, whether in the IDF, college or in their careers.

So far several Young Emissaries who have served Central Mass. have written articles, which have been sent out to the Central Mass. Jewish community in stand-alone emails from the Jewish Federation of Central Mass.

“When I came back to Israel, I knew that my role as an Emissary wasn’t over,” wrote majewishledger.com

Stav Attias, a 2017-2018 Young Emissary in Central Mass. in her article. “It was the time to share my American story with the Israelis and keep strengthening this strong connection.”

Attias wrote about her work in the IDF as a logistic commander working with “challenging recruits who are categorized as ‘at-risk youth.’”

“My experience abroad was always the focus of my conversations, whether I told my soldiers about the difficulties I had to overcome when I was alone in a new country, or when I found myself telling my colleagues about how it was to pray in Conservative and Reform synagogues in the Jewish community I lived in. It is very satisfying to hear that you have changed something about those people’s perspectives by making them understand Judaism in a different way.”

Others emissaries have preferred to Zoom.

A regular program now in Central Mass. is Café Israel, Sunday morning Zoom presentations by emissaries. A recent Café Israel featured 2016-2017 emissary Yoav Luxenbourg, who talked about his work in the IDF’s elite combat-canine unit – at least much as he could say about the secretive unit. On Dec. 13, 2010-2011 emissary Dror Ben Ami, who now attends the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, will lead Café Israel zoom conversation comparing childrearing in the U.S. and Israel.

Baker also solicited a Zoom presentation from Sahar Dayan, another past Central Mass. emissary, who gave eighth grade religious school students at Congregation B’nai Israel in Westborough a Zoom tour of the moshav where she was raised – and where her father grows oranges -- then talked about her experience in the IDF training as a spokesperson for the Israeli Navy.

Tamar Melech, another Central Mass. emissary made a video of herself shopping in the market in Carmel for Shakshuka ingredients. She then demonstrates how to make the egg and tomato sauce dish in her own kitchen.

“It was fantastic,” Baker said. “She was in the Carmel shuk and I felt that you really get a great feeling for what the shuk is. She wasn’t just touring the shuk, she was buying groceries for a specific recipe. Then she went home and did the recipe very clearly. It was extremely well done.”

That video is now in the bank of videos available for any Hebrew or day school in any of the SNEC towns. “We have about 15 videos in the bank. We are trying to solicit more,” Conway said.

But soliciting past emissaries is not always easy, despite their enthusiasm. Some of them are now serving in the IDF and many are busy with demanding careers and

RAZ LACHMI, LEFT, AND HER SISTER ARIEL, SANG “SHOLOM ALEICHEM” AT THEIR FAMILY’S SHABBAT TABLE. RAZ WAS AN EMISSARY IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. IN 2016-2017.

families of their own.

“We have somebody who is working as a lawyer in the Israeli Supreme Court; we have doctors, architects, political organizers.

I think the problem is they’re into it, but they’re all so busy,” Conway said.

To make things a little easier for the extremely busy emissaries, Conway, the coordinators and the emissaries are working on a Milat Hayon or Hebrew word of the Day program. Emissaries will make 30-second videos teaching a new word of the day, explaining it and using it in a sentence.

Those videos will be available in January.

For now, as communities are deciding whether or not they will commit to the Young Emissary program for the year

2021-2022, these virtual programs will have to do.

Conway says while it is disappointing not to have the emissaries here in person, she realizes there are more pressing things to be concerned about.

“I think of things like hierarchy of needs,” she said. “I mean when we’re talking about people losing jobs or being worried about their personal health or their family’s health, it is kind of a luxury to be thinking about deepening our connections with Israel Although, in fact, I don’t think the Young Emissary program is any less important, given all that’s going on in the world and the concerns about rising anti-Semitism and hate.”

CONWAY SURROUNDED BY YOUNG EMMISSARIES IN 2017.

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| DECEMBER 11, 2020

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OBITUARIES BLINDER Dr. Boris Blinder, 84, of Paxton, died Dec. 4 at UMass Memorial Healthcare-University Campus, Worcester. He was predeceased by his wife, Luba (Boguslavsky) Blinder.

He was born in Moscow, Russia, the son of Naoum and Polina (Tandetnik) Blinder and had lived in Paxton for many years.

He graduated from the Moscow Medical and Dental College and from the Boston University College of Dentistry. He practiced general dentistry in Worcester for many years. He is survived by a son, Dmitry Blinder and his wife, Ellina of Brighton; a granddaughter, Veronika Blinder; and a cousin, Mikhail Tandetnik of Worcester.

He was predeceased by a sister, Milya Gurbanov. Memorial contributions may be made to the Israel Defense Force.

RICHARD PERLMAN OF MILES FUNERAL HOME CHAFETZ Zelda (Shack) Chafetz, 96, of Delray Beach, Fla., died Nov. 23 at home. She was the widow of Samuel Chafetz. Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of Israel and Jenny Shack. She lived in Worcester and Holden for many years before moving to Florida in 2004. She was an avid bridge and canasta player and enjoyed playing golf and traveling. She was a member of the Anti-Defamation League, Israeli Bonds, South Palm Beach Jewish Federation, JARC and the Jewish Healthcare Center.

She is survived by two daughters, Trudy Cohen and her husband, Merrill, of Bal Harbour, Fla., and Jean Kessler, and her husband, Glenn, of Delray Beach, Fla.; four grandchildren, Laura Freimauer, and her husband, Brett Freimauer of Short Hills, N.J., Karen Holden of Short Hills, N.J., Andrew Kessler and his wife, Ronnie, of Hopkinton, and David Kessler and his wife Kathryn, of Delray Beach, Fla.; and eight great-grandchildren, Addison and Zachary Freimauer, Alex and Emma Holden and Eli, Sam, Abigail and William Kessler. Memorial contributions may be made to B’Nai Brith Cemetery, c/o Mr. Alan Feingold, Treasurer, 76 ill St., Worcester, MA 01603.

RICHARD PERLMAN OF MILES FUNERAL HOME OF HOLDEN FIGARSKY Abraham A. Figarsky, 94, of Norwich, Conn., died Nov. 16 at William W. Backus Hospital. He was the widower of Irene Figarsky. Born in Springfield, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Emma Figarsky. He was a member of the Brothers of Joseph Synagogue in Norwich. He is survived by three children, David A. Figarsky, Deborah R. Figarsky and her life partner, Philip M. Small, and Philip E. Figarsky and his wife, Deborah Kudej 22

Figarsky; his grandchildren, Adam Louis Figarsky and his wife, Elizabeth, Kim Bucko and her husband, Aaron, Kenn Armstrong III and his wife, Melanie, Sara Figarsky Morrison and Paul Maracic, Ezra Figarsky Morrison, Ilana Figarsky Morrison, Anna Figarsky Morrison and Eric Foley, Andrew Small and Emma Connell, Rebecca Small and her husband Seth Fink, Jennifer Small, Jessica Festa, David Festa and his wife, Karen, Courtney Figarsky and Richard House, Benjamin Figarsky and Sydny Hamilton; and several great-grandchildren; a brother, Philip and his wife Sheila Figarsky; a sister-in-law, Mildred Goldstein; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Karen Armstrong; and a brother, George Figarsky. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Jewish Healthcare Center, the Jewish Family Service, Congregation Beth Israel and the former Temple Sinai. In addition to his wife of 61 years, her is survived by a son, Michael W. Hodes and his wife, Marilyn of New York City; a daughter, Alida F. Hodes-Gallin and her husband, Tom of New Rochelle, N.Y.; three grandchildren, Jared Hodes, Sarah Hodes and Jake Gallin; a sister, Ceril Fish and her husband, Howard of Worcester; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a son, Jeffrey B. Hodes. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts, 633 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609; Congregation Beth Israel, 15 Jamesbury Drive, Worcester, MA 01609; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

RICHARD PERLMAN OF MILES FUNERAL HOME

GORDON Samuel I. Gordon, 85, of Boca Raton, Fla., formerly of Worcester, died Nov. 9. He was the widower of Harriet Gordon. He graduated from Boston University in 1956 then enlisted in the Army where he was stationed in Germany.

President of Goldstein Swank and Gordon Jewelers, he took over the family business in 1960 and worked alongside his wife Harriet until they sold the stores to a regional chain. He was a longtime member of Temple Emanuel and the Rotary Club. He is survived by a daughter, Susanne Gordon of Providence; two sons, Michael Gordon of New York City and David Gordon of Newton; a daughter-in-law Jenny Gordon; and three grandchildren, Joshua, Jacob and Adam. He was predeceased by a brother, Arthur. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Federation of Central Mass, 633 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

RICHARD PERLMAN OF MILES FUNERAL HOME OF HOLDEN

HOROWITZ Benjamin Horowitz, 91, died Nov. 12 in Boynton Beach, Fla. He was the husband of Sara (Kramer) Horowitz. Born in 1929 in Lipnishki, Poland, he and his family fled to the United States in 1938. He graduated from AIC in 1951 and began his career working at Popular supermarkets as a bookkeeper and then started his own business in 1954. He founded Serv-U Hardware stores with his brother Samuel Horowitz and brother-in-law Jordan Rosenkrantz. He was an active member of Temple Beth El and the Melha Shriners.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Michael (Debbie), Arnold (Meri) both of Longmeadow, and Howard of Carmel, Ind.; seven grandchildren, Erica, Samantha, Joshua, Zachary, Dylan, Mark and Max; and two brothers-in-law, Jordan Rosenkrantz and Steven (Gerry) Kramer. He was predeceased by a brother, Samuel Horowitz; and a sister, Leona Rosenkrantz. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St. , Springfield, MA 01104, shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/ donate or Temple Beth El Minyon Group, 979 Dickenson St., Springfield MA 01108 https://tbespringfield.org/ ASCHER-ZIMMERMAN FUNERAL HOME

HODES Sidney R. Hodes, 82, of Worcester, died Dec. 3 after a period of declining health.

He was the husband of Marion “Susie” (Eisenberg) Hodes. Born in Boston, he was the son of Samuel and Dora (Hanin) Hodes, and was a lifelong resident of Worcester.

He was a proud alumnus of Worcester Academy and then went on to study business, graduating from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon returning to Worcester, he joined the family business, Hodes Food City, which included supermarkets in Worcester, Grafton and Spencer, working with his father, Sam, and eventually as partners for many years with his cousin, Barry. He was a supporter of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts, the

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| DECEMBER 11, 2020

JACOBSON Ellen Beth Jacobson, 69, of Worcester, died Nov. 10 at St. Vincent Hospital. Born in Worcester, she the daughter of Martin and M. Faye (Rosen) Jacobson. She spent most of her life in Central Massachusetts, living in Worcester, then Westboro, eventually settling in Shrewsbury for the past 10 years.

She attended Worcester Public Schools, and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University. She worked for many years as a technical writer in the healthcare industry, including many years at Brigham

and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

She was a longtime active member at Congregation B’nai Shalom of Westboro.

She had also been a member of the Jewish War Veterans Post #32 of Worcester. She is survived by a sister, Linda Aronson and her husband, Robert, of Windham, N.H.; and a brother, Brian Jacobson and his wife, Virginia, of North Port, Fla. Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation B’nai Shalom, 117 East Main St., Westboro, MA 01581; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

MILES FUNERAL HOME MACKLER Irving “Sonny” Mackler of Boynton Beach, Fla., formerly of Springfield, died Nov. 18.

He was the widower of Pearl (Rosenberg) Mackler. Born in Springfield, he was the son of William and Mary Mackler. In 1949 he and his brothers opened the Main Food Market in Springfield until his retirement in 1989. He is survived by two sons, Allen (Wendy) of Springfield and Stephen (Ellen) of Dallas Tex.; four granddaughters, Allyson Mackler, Jill (Eric) Spunberg and twins Erica & Marissa Mackler; two great-grandchildren, Ryan and Joshua Spunberg; many nieces and nephews; two sisters-in-law, Raziel and Cherna, both of Montreal; and his longtime companion, Shirley Sperling. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Nursing Home of Western Mass., 770 Converse St. Longmeadow, MA 01106, jgslifcare.org.

ASCHER-ZIMMERMAN FUNERAL HOME MARKWALD Stephen Markwald, 77, died on Nov. 13 after a battle with cancer. He was the husband of Linda Markwald. He grew up in New Hartford and worked for many years as a Personnel Officer at the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Shortly after retiring, he took a job with the grounds crew at Airways Golf Course in Suffield, where he spent nearly two decades. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Emily Markwald-Brown (Matthew) and Jared Markwald (Laura); two stepchildren, Lisa Olney and Brian Olney (Linda); grandchildren Delilah and Olivia Brown, Connor and Chloe Markwald, and Mateo and Lucia Olney; and siblings Richard Markwald and Corinne Johnson (Ralph). Memorial contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood (www. plannedparenthood.org).

ASCHER-ZIMMERMAN FUNERAL HOME

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STAMBOVSKY Edward Stambovsky, 68, of Longmeadow, died Nov. 16. He was the husband of Janice Stombovsky. Born in Springfield, he was the son of Ruth Stambovsky of Westfield and the late George Stambovsky. He graduated from UMass Amherst with a degree in accounting, and he worked in the field for over 40 years.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by two sons, Jeremy and his wife, Mollie, of Fairfield, Conn., and Jayson and his wife, Melissa, of Westport, Conn; five grandchildren, Ben, Jack, Max, Henry and Madeline; two sisters, a sister, Cheryl and her husband, Keith of Westfield and Sandy and her husband, Bill, of Carlsbad, Calif.; and many extended family members. He was predeceased by a brother, Richard. Memorial contributions may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation or Baystate Hospice.

ASCHER-ZIMMERMAN FUNERAL HOME

SMITH Peter L. Smith, 67, of Longmeadow, died Nov. 27. He was the husband of, Cheryl Smith. Born in Springfield, he was the son of Abraham and Clarice Smith. He graduated as the Class President from Classical High School and received his bachelor’s degree from UMass-Amherst. After graduating with honors, he was a teacher and coach in Brimfield for over eight years. He continued his education at the Western New England School of Law, then opened a private practice focused on educational interventions for students all over Western Massachusetts. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, David (Christianne) and Ben (Kelsey); a grandson, Ryder; a brother, James (Fay).

He was predeceased by a son, Jonathan “Bubba� Smith. Memorial contributions can be made to: The Jonathan Andrew Smith Award at Tabor Academy, 66 Spring St., Marion, MA 02738 and the Western England University School of Law 3 + 3 Scholarship in care of the Advancement office.

ASCHER-ZIMMERMAN FUNERAL HOME

Serving the Jewish Communities of Worcester, * Worcester County and Surrounding areas

Richard Perlman Serving the Jewish communities of Worcester and Worcester County Is now affiliated with

Miles Funeral Directors

of Holden

Honoring Lives ~ Celebrating Memories 508.829.4434 Respect, Dignity and Compassion

Taharah (religious preparation) Taharah is performed on-site by the (religious preparation) is performed on-site FamilyKadisha Owned and Operated Worcester Chevra by the Worcester Chevra Kadisha

Richy Perlman* and Rick Mansfield Richard S. Mansfield, Funeral Director Ricky Mansfield www.milesfuneralhome.com Holden and Sterling locations

508-829-4434 | 978-422-0100

Six Israeli Border Police wounded when riots break out during arrest raid near Ramallah

W

hen the security forces entered Kalandia to apprehend suspected car thieves, locals took to the rooftops, hurling bricks and other heavy items—including a washing machine—at them. Four Palestinians were wounded during the clashes.

(JNS) Six Israeli Border Police officers were wounded on Monday, morning, Dec. 7, when riots broke out during an arrest raid in the Palestinian city of Kalandia, according to Israeli media reports.

Some of the locals took to the rooftops, hurling bricks and other heavy items— including a washing machine—at the security forces. Some were treated by medics on the scene; others, who lost consciousness, were evacuated to the hospital, where their injuries were designated as “light.�

During the clashes, the officers fired rubber bullets and live ammunition, wounding four Palestinians. Backup from the Israel Defense Forces arrived to complete the operation. Two of three suspected car thieves were apprehended.

A similar incident occurred in May, when IDF Staff Sgt. Amit Ben-Yigal was killed by a cinder block to the head during a raid in the Palestinian village of Ya’bad in search of suspected terrorists.

Contact 800-983-4434 Richard Perlman www.milesfuneralhome.com Cell: 508.769.7017 Nationally recognized as a Selected Independent Funeral Home *Lic.and – Typeprofessional 6 with the highest ethical standards.

*Type-6

Proudly Serving the Community for Over 60 Years

Funeral Directors: RYAN S. ASCHER • ROBERT P. ZIMMERMAN 413.734.5229 • 888.827.2437

44 Sumner Avenue Springfield, MA 01108 E: ascherzimmerman@aol.com www.ascherzimmerman.com

FLEISHER MONUMENT COMPANY

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Ira Jay Fleisher ~ 401.265.2330 fleishermonumentco@gmail.com (Serving Rhode Island & Massachusetts)

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DECEMBER 11, 2020

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