Massachusetts Jewish Ledger • August 27, 2021 • 19 Elul 5781

Friday, August 27, 2021 19 Elul 5781 Vol. 22 | No. 8 | ©2021 majewishledger.com

Shana Tova 5782

Shana Tova

Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset Sept. 6, 2021

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INSIDE

this week

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER | SINCE 1929 |

AUGUST 27, 2021 | 19 ELUL 5781

7 Milestones

8 Around Mass

10 Jewish Federation of Central Mass.

17 Synagogue Directory

Campus Watch......................................................................................................5 Pro-Israel college students will face more aggression on campus

Fighting Hunger ..........................6 Jewish community works to end food insecurity

20 What’s Happening

22 Obituaries

What’s Next for..............................18 Afghanistan?

Former Israeli national security advisor and IDF commander discusses the U.S. withdrawal Wise Choice...................................8 Biden nominates Deborah Lipstadt next antisemitism envoy

Shabbat Shalom

A Reminder From

Gary M. Gaffin

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ON THE COVER: The staff of the Massachusetts Jewish Ledger wishes our readers and the whole Jewish community a Shana Tova.

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Arts &.............................................. 20 Culture Shir Joy Chorus has been singing through the pandemic

WORCESTER Metropolitan Area CANDLE LIGHTING

HAVDALAH

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A Reminder From

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HAVDALAH

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ADVISER TO UAE CROWN PRINCE: ISRAEL-EMIRATES RELATIONS ARE HERE TO STAY

BY ARIEL KAHANA

Vol. 22 No. 8

(ISRAEL HAYOM) – As chairman of the Defense, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee at the United Arab Emirates Federal National Council, Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi serves as a kind of senior adviser in the Arab Gulf state.

He recently sat down for an interview to share his views, which reflect those of the palace in the Gulf state.

Q: One year after the signing of the Abraham Accords, are the Emirates pleased with the results?

A: Yes. I am very pleased with what I see.

The agreement was an opportunity to open doors, not just to Israel and the Emirates, but the entire region. The Emirates received the change warm heartedly, with an open mind and appreciation, and that is not an easy thing. The region has been through 70 years of suffering and conflict, and suddenly you need to leave the past behind, embark on a new era and believe in peace. We see the Israelis in the hotels, at the shopping malls. We see you can talk to them, work with them, that we can let our walls down, overcome the injuries and the difficulties that separated us, and build bridges. That is a great achievement.

Q: What do people in the Emirates think about Israel re-examining the deal to transfer natural gas from the UAE to Europe via Israel?

A: Understand, the ties being forged between us are not political or just between governments. These are comprehensive ties in every respect. This is a normal relationship, that is growing. Clearly, there will sometimes be difficulties and differences, but that doesn’t mean you go back whenever there is conflict. We aren’t going back, no matter what. There is discussion and dialogue, and I know the media will paint it as a crisis. But it isn’t. This is one issue, and in the end, I am sure we will reach an

ISRAEL APPROVES NEW RESTRICTIONS TO CURB RISE IN COVID-19 INFECTION (JNS) In an effort to curb the fourth wave of the pandemic in the country, Israel’s coronavirus Cabinet has approved a series of new restrictions, the Prime Minister’s Office announced on Wednesday.

According to the PMO, the decisions reached by the Ministerial Committee on Fighting the Coronavirus to go into effect next week include the expansion of the “green pass” plan to all sectors of the economy other than

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agreement. But I don’t want our Israeli friends to think that a disagreement on one issue will degrade ties. This is not the case.

Q: How do you view the events of the last week, in which two ships came under attack in your area and Israel was targeted by rocket fire from Lebanon?

A: The international community must enforce international law so that there is security and stability in the region. These actions were taken all over the region by the [Iranian Islamic] Revolution Guards and organizations under their auspices.

This is a violation of international law. The Israelis conducted themselves wisely when they contacted the United States, Britain and other countries and tasked those governments with the responsibility to act.

This is not the responsibility of the Israelis, but the world.

Q: How should Iran, which threatens both our countries, be treated, particularly when a new president has just entered office there?

A: The problem is that the international community does not speak in one voice on Iran. When we speak with our European friends about the invasiveness and aggression of Iran in Arab states, we hear that they “understand our concerns.” But we don’t need someone to understand our concerns, rather we need someone to act according to international law and respond to those violating other countries’ sovereignty.

Q: What do the Emirates think of U.S. intentions of returning to the nuclear deal?

A: We have a clear history. The Iranians have never honored the agreement or the commitments, in any respect. They want to be a world power and violated the law in Europe when, in many cases, they supported

malls and places of commerce.

This means that anyone over the age of three will be required to present either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test result for entry to pools, gyms, academic institutions, sports and cultural events, conferences, museums, libraries, restaurants, and hotels.

The state will fund the test for children between the ages of three and 12, the PMO stated.

Those over the age of 12 who are unvaccinated by choice will pay for their tests privately.

A “purple pass” system—relating

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terrorist activity. So, to return to that accord as is won’t solve the problem.

Q: For years, you have sounded the alarm on the Muslim Brotherhood.

Why do you believe they are a problem?

A: The Muslim Brotherhood hijacked Islam. They use religion to promote political objectives.

Organizations DR. ALI RASHID like Al-Qaeda, AL NUAIMI Boko Haram, Islamic State and others have ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. But that is not Islam, and it does not serve the interests of the world’s Muslims. Instead of religion uniting all people, they have developed a narrative of hate.

Q: Is it a mistake for the Israeli government to include a party that in practice belongs to the Muslim Brotherhood?

A: No. Every country has its own priorities.

But I am confident that they joined after accepting that they are Israeli citizens and have sworn to serve their country, and that is a step in the right direction.

Q: What do you see happening with Israel-UAE ties over the next year?

A: I see progress. We already have the first students from the Emirates studying in Israel, and after the coronavirus restrictions are removed, there will be additional cooperation. It may not happen in the coming months, but I am certain more countries will take part.

This article first appeared in Israel Hayom.

to the number of occupants in a given location—will also be applied to malls and places of commerce, such that only one person per seven square meters (75 sq. ft.) will be permitted to frequent the venue simultaneously, though individual stores larger than 100 square meters (1,076 sq. ft.) will be exempt.

Other new rules include a limit on the number of participants at events in private homes, with no more than 50 people permitted indoors and up to 100 in open spaces.

Mask mandates for outdoor

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events of more than 100 people are also returning, and the government is calling on those over the age of 60 to avoid gatherings in closed spaces.

Israel is the first country to have begun administering a vaccine booster to its 60-and-over population after the majority of second shots were administered more than six months ago.

Due to the uptick in Deltavariant infection rates, however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday raised its COVID-19 travel alert for Israel to its highest level.

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UP FRONT

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER | SINCE 1929 |

AUGUST 27, 2021 | 19 ELUL 5781

Jewish advocates warn pro-Israel college students will face more aggression on campus

BY SHIRYN GHERMEZIAN

(JNS) A number of Jewish groups have significant concerns about how Israel’s conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip this spring will correlate into anti-Jewish sentiment on North American college campuses as the fall semester begins.

Most colleges are resuming in-person and on-campus classes after nearly three semesters of virtual learning as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic. Even with the rapidly spreading Delta variant, universities are getting ready to start in full force, at least for now. While proIsrael and Jewish students are looking forward to some sense of pre-pandemic normalcy at their schools, being back on campus means they also risk facing proPalestinian activists and renewed efforts at demonstrations against the Jewish state.

It also comes in the backdrop of the July 19 announcement by the Ben & Jerry’s icecream company not to sell their products in what they deem the “Occupied Palestinian territory”—namely, the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem. The Aug. 1 anti-Israel “intifada” rally in Brooklyn, N.Y., also has lingering effects.

Still, Jewish groups point to the criticism faced because of the Israel Defense Forces’ “Operation Guardian of the Walls”—criticism that led to a spate of anti-Semitic attacks in the United States and around the world. It came even though Hamas induced the conflict with rocket fire towards Israel; in the course of 11 days, the terrorist organization that runs Gaza launched more than 4,000 rockets at Israeli population centers, though many fell short of their target and landed locally, causing Palestinian fatalities and injuries.

“To us, that was a turning point: It was a bad situation before, but it got worse starting in May,” Matthew Berger, Hillel International’s vice president for strategic action programs and communications, tells JNS. He noted that Hillel International, which recently launched a partnership with the Anti-Defamation League to combat majewishledger.com

A “FREE PALESTINE” SIGN ON DISPLAY WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA’S GOPHER MASCOT THAT WAS ERECTED BY THE SCHOOL’S STUDENTS FOR JUSTICE IN PALESTINE CHAPTER. CREDIT: SJP VIA FACEBOOK.

anti-Semitism on campus, noticed an “unprecedented” amount of anti-Semitic activity in May and June immediately following the conflict. Students were attacked in the streets and on social media, targeted and isolated simply for being Jewish.

He also noted that many college student groups took anti-Israel actions in May when many other campuses had already emptied out for the summer, “so we’re concerned that students may try to catch up and take anti-Israel positions or commit anti-Israel activities because they didn’t have the opportunity to do last spring.”

Hillel is additionally concerned about a rise in pro-BDS resolutions that are almost certain to be raised and voted on by student unions and governments. “The phenomenon

that we saw during the conflict in spring was student government leaders writing unilateral, biased statements against Israel without going through the resolution process and without giving Jewish and proIsrael students an opportunity to engage or express their values. We’re certainly concerned that activity will rise in the fall as well.”

‘EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO SPREAD HATE AND MISINFORMATION’ Carly Schlafer, director of communications at the Israel on Campus Coalition (ICC), told JNS that during the 2020-21 academic year, 37 anti-Israel resolutions were introduced in student government—17 of CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

LESSENING THE LABOR OF LABOR DAY ROSH HASHANAH

BY ETHEL G. HOFMANN

(JNS) I know, I know; it’s summer!

Must we think of all the cooking now?

With the sun beating down, camp finishing up and vacations still in the works, and long evenings to sit outside and drink something cool, it doesn’t seem like fall schedules are around the corner.

Who’s ready for packing book bags and lunches? Well, some of us, of course—the ones who were home last year as children grappled with Zoom classes and being indoors too much of the time. In many parts of the country, this year looks much more promising as schools are open and services are slated to go, with the benefit of the warm weather making outside gatherings possible and comfortable.

Maybe a bit warm, but better that than bundling up for Rosh Hashanah.

This year, the holiday starts the evening of Sept. 6—on Labor Day itself in the United States—and lasts through the evening of Sept. 8.

With the tastes of summer lingering on our palates, make the menu fresh, local and lighter than the traditional brisket and kugels. For inspiration, I pulled out works that long ago were my culinary bibles: The Settlement Cookbook and anything by Betty Crocker. I flipped through old cookbooks by my foodie colleagues, Claudia Roden in the United Kingdom and Phyllis Glazer in Israel. I pulled out half a dozen of my own books (recipes tested and true) and reread, with awe, my food columns going back to when I was Philadelphia’s “Instant Gourmet.”

Back in the kitchen, I adapted old favorites—lively flavors reminiscent of overseas travels along with the variety of fresh fruits and veggies still abundant in an Indian summer. At a taste-testing supper, each dish received resounding accolades. With Ben’s Mint Refresher (the fizzy drink is cooling and palate-clearing), Chicken Masala CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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Fighting Hunger in Central Mass.

BY STACEY DRESNER

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year and a half after Covid-19 struck, many Americans are still facing food insecurity due to lost jobs and wages.

According to the hungerrelief organization Feeding America, the state of Massachusetts has seen food insecurity jump from one in 12 people before COVID-19 to a projected one in 10 in 2021, a 20% increase.

Now a year and half after the start of Covid-19 and the resulting job losses and food insecurity it continues to cause, Jewish organizations are still working to provide food to those in need.

Last summer Central Mass Chabad distributed fruits and vegetables to families in the Central Mass. area in collaboration with Boston Area Gleaners of Waltham as part of the USDA school lunch program for families with children ages 0-18.

This year, the USDA changed its waiver, requiring participating programs to include meat and dairy in boxes of food being distributed to families as part of the school lunch program.

“The USDA said you have to include cheese and meat. In New York, Chicago and LA it is a little easier to get access to all of that stuff,” said Rabbi Leivik Fogelman of Chabad Central Mass. “We have been working since our program ended [last fall] on a way to get approval to serve kosher food – looking for different avenues to get approval.”

Working with Tiferith Raphael of Brighton and its Kosher Food Bank -- which became a YMCA site for the USDA school lunch program – Central Mass Chabad is now approved as a satellite site for the lunch program.

They receive food from Bertran, a kosher food manufacturer and distributor in New Jersey.

“They are able to get really good products. It is real quality food and practical food. It’s pizza, bread and milk cheese and hot dogs. Bertran packs it for us and delivers it to us,” Rabbi Leivik said.

The boxes contain enough food for seven days worth of meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner – per child. The program is available to families with children ages 0-18 who do not already receive meals from their schools or from other sites. There is no financial eligibility requirement.

Since beginning the expanded program on July 25, Central Mass Chabad has given out 15,000 meals.

Pick up is at Chabad, 22 Newton Ave. in

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DIRECTOR JEFF NAROD SHOPPING LAST WEEK WITH CLARK STUDENTS FOR FOOD THAT WILL HELP FILL WORCESTER’S COMMUNITY FRIDGES.

BOXES OF KOSHER FOOD WAITING TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO FAMILIES IN CENTRAL MASS. Worcester every Sunday from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Rabbi Leivik said they will continue the distribution of the food boxes for as long as they can.

“We literally have lines of people coming and there are additional needs,” h e said. “I had a lady come and donate diapers, which are available to give out to people. That was really helpful. It’s really a special thing to be a part of. I’m happy we can be a part of this and we can help.”

FILLING FRIDGES Last February ClarkU Hillel became involved in Worcester Community Kitchens, a project founded by Northborough teacher Maria Ravelli to provide easily accessed food for people in the community in public refrigerators, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Six months later, ClarkU Hillel – which includes members from nearby Becker College – are still dedicated to keeping the community fridge near Clark, outside of Fantastic Pizzaria on Main Street, filled with food – even during the summer, said Jeff Narod, director of ClarkU Hillel. “Tikuun Olam and fighting food insecurity among other things are so important to our Hillel Students,” Narod said.

“Jeff and I went on at least once a week to one of the fridges in the community.

“We sometimes had other students join us throughout the summer as well,” said Monica Sager, former Hillel president and now a grad student and Hillel’s community

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| AUGUST 27, 2021

and media intern. “We would go to Price Rite, pick out food, and shop around, using the donated money from people in our community as well as businesses and others that want to help end food insecurity.

There are four fridges in the Worcester community now. We went to different ones each time.”

Besides the Main Street and Portland Street fridges, Worcester Community Fridges – which has been shortened to Woo Fridge – has added a refrigerator at 300 Southbridge Road. Another is planned at Worcester Academy; and in mid-September, a fridge donated by the Lavine family, owners of Percy’s Appliances, is set to be installed.

Sager has become somewhat of a warrior in the fight against hunger.

“Roughly 10 percent of people in Worcester -- and 20 percent of kids -- are classified as food insecure, according to the latest data from the USDA,” Sager explained. “And the pandemic further exacerbates the issue.”

Sager created a food aid plan at Clark University to provide five meals a week to college students who cannot afford the meal plans, and is a mentor and advisor for Challah for Hunger, a national organizations on different campuses that bakes challan and sells it to raise money to combat food insecurity within local communities. She is also the host and editor of The Campus Hunger Project.

She and the other members of Hillel also work with Rachel’s Table, the Jewish Federation’s food rescue program.

PACKING THE WOO FRIDGE ON PORTLAND STREET IN WORCESTER. And Hillel has become a major supporter of Woo Fridge.

“I really love the community fridges,” Sager said. “I plan to continue to go to them weekly with Jeff throughout the year. We’re also excited for more students to join us when the school year starts back up.”

“The Jewish Federation of Central Mass. supports Clark Hillel’s Fridge project by inviting community members to donate so we can shop and provide food each week,” said Narod, “We certainly thank all those who give and are glad we can share the mitzvah of bringing food to those in need.”

For more information about Woo Fridge, go to woofridge.org. More information about Central Mass Chabad’s weekly drivethru food distribution, call (508) 752-0904 or visit www.centralmasschabad.org majewishledger.com

MILESTONES RABBI DAWN ROSE WILL LEAD WESTFIELD CONGREGATION

Wishing You a Healthy, Happy, Prosperous New Year!!

BY STACEY DRESNER

WESTFIELD – Rabbi Dawn Rose is the new spiritual leader of Congregation Ahavas Achim in Westfield. She succeeds Cantor Colman Reaboi who is now at Congregation Agudath Achim in Marlborough.

Rabbi Rose received her PhD in Jewish Philosophy from the Jewish Theological Seminary and ordination from the Academy for Jewish Religion.

She will begin her new part-time post in Westfield for the High Holidays.

While she says she considers herself semi-retired, when she saw the job at Ahavath Achim, she said she thought it “sounded so wonderful and just the right size.”

Rose is originally from Northern California. While raised Baptist, she did have Jewish roots – a Jewish great-grandfather. She studied English Literature at the University of California at Berkley, before turning her attention to music in San Francisco.

“At the time AIDS began, I was in San Francisco and doing a lot of singing of classical music, so I knew a lot of gay tenors, and they started dying from AIDS. I saw the whole city start to change around the plague and I knew that I needed to change too,” she said.

“I converted to Judaism which seemed to be the right path for me. And the next day decided that I was going to become a rabbi.”

Rabbi Rose taught at JTS and then served as director of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College’s Center for Jewish Ethics before taking the pulpit at a few small congregations.

Her most recent post was at Temple Emanuel of the Merrimack Valley in Lowell where she served for seven years.

After leaving Temple Emanuel, she taught for four years at Rockdale Recovery High School in Worcester.

Rabbi Lowell lives with her two college-aged daughters, Paris and Toni, in Lowell, where she will continue to live, commuting to Westfield.

“I am gratified and delighted to become the spiritual leader of Ahavas Achim and look forward to a great year with this congregation,” she said.

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RABBI DAWN ROSE

Wishing the Jewish Community a Happy, Healthy and Sweet New Year!

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Biden nominates Holocaust historian Deborah Lipstadt as next antisemitism envoy

BY DMITRIY SHAPIRO

(JNS) After months of pressure from Jewish communal organizations to appoint someone to the position, the Biden administration on Friday nominated Deborah Lipstadt to serve as the U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism.

Lipstadt, 74, is the Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish and Holocaust studies at Emory University and author of numerous books on the subject. Her 2019 book “Antisemitism Here and Now” is considered a primer on antisemitism, according to the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and won the National Jewish Book Award that year.

“The Biden administration has chosen wisely in appointing Deborah Lipstadt to fill this ambassadorial post, so vital to U.S. leadership in fighting antisemitism,” AJC CEO David Harris said in a news release.

“Professor Lipstadt is one of this country’s – indeed the world’s – foremost experts on modern antisemitism, its constant morphing and multiple sources, and the current challenges to confronting it.”

The position was created by Congress in 2004. Most recently, it was filled by Elan Carr during the Trump administration. It was upgraded to the rank of ambassador in the final months of the administration and will require Senate confirmation.

The position aims to raise consciousness both in the United States and internationally about the menace of antisemitism and urge governments and institutions to take action to protect vulnerable Jewish communities.

“I first met Deborah Lipstadt in 1990 when she was the resident scholar on a trip to Poland and Israel. For decades, she has served as both academic and activist, inspiring policymakers to confront the harsh realities of antisemitism in our world and fight for justice,” Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) said in a news release.

“I can’t imagine a better, more qualified person to lead the United States’ efforts to combat antisemitism. Amid recent rising antisemitism around the globe, Deborah Lipstadt will lead with a vigorous moral clarity.”

Lipstadt was the target of a libel suit from British Holocaust denier David Irving over how he was described in her 1993 book “Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory.”

The lawsuit lasted for five years until the London courts ruled in favor of Lipstadt in April 2000. Lipstadt’s ordeal made her the protagonist of the 2016 film “Denial,” where she was played by British actress Rachel Weisz.

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Lipstadt’s nomination was hailed by numerous Jewish organizations, which over the past months had been lobbying the White House to appoint a candidate as violent acts of antisemitism have seen exponential growth in the United States and the world, especially in the aftermath of Israel’s conflict with Hamas in May. This week, a swastika was discovered etched in a wood panel of an elevator inside the State Department, not far from where Lipstadt’s office will be.

Jewish Democratic Council of America CEO Halie Soifer, welcomed the news on Friday.

“With antisemitism on the rise in the U.S. and around the world, Dr. Lipstadt is absolutely the right person at the right time for this critical role,” Soifer said in a news release. “Dr. Lipstadt is one of the leading global authorities on antisemitism given her meticulous scholarship, deep personal commitment to the truth, and profound understanding of the dangers of extremism.”

“We extend our sincere congratulations to Deborah Lipstadt upon her expected nomination to this critical State Department post that comes at a time we are witnessing a terrible surge in attacks and threats committed against the global Jewish community,” Nathan Diament, executive director for public policy at the Orthodox Union, said in a release. “These range from

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| AUGUST 27, 2021

assaults on individuals to legal assaults on fundamental Jewish rites including Kashrut and Brit Mila. While it’s unfortunate we need to have such a position at the State Department, Prof. Lipstadt is certainly the best person to fill this job.”

B’nai B’rith President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin also applauded the nomination in a joint news release, where they called her eminently qualified for the post.

“She has devoted her professional life to studying, teaching and writing about the world’s oldest hatred and to countering it on a global scale,” they wrote. “B’nai B’rith looks forward to working with Lipstadt as antisemitism has spiked exponentially in the United States and around the world, manifesting itself in many forms and variants, oftentimes fueled by social media.

“It is vitally important that the U.S. government, through the person of the special envoy, continue to assume a leadership position in the battle against this alarmingly growing challenge. Lipstadt’s appointment is a most reassuring indication that this will indeed be effectuated.”

Chabad of Shrewsbury & UMass Medical School receives matching grant

BY STACEY DRESNER

Chabad of Shrewsbury and UMass Medical School has received a matching grant of $100,000 from the Rohr Family Foundation for its new Chabad House on Locust Avenue, which they will close on Aug. 31.

Chabad has begun a capital campaign to raise $500,000 for the new Chabad House and the $100,000 matching grant from the Rohr Foundation, which they learned about two weeks ago, will go a long way toward raising those funds.

“People are excited to have their donations doubled and to see real backing is rewarding to people who gave early on.

Getting that $100,000 really fires up the troops,” said Rabbi Shmulik Fogelman, leader of Chabad of Shrewsbury and UMass Medical School. “You are maximizing the impact; your dollar goes really far.”

The new Chabad House will offer a Jewish home away from home for UMass medical students and residents of Shrewsbury. The house’s walkout basement – one big room – will serve as the shul and multi-purpose room, with a wheelchair accessible bathroom, and the house will also feature a student lounge area where students can meet, study and where classes can be held.

In addition, the house will feature bikur cholim suites for Jewish patients of the UMass Medical Center and their families.

UMass Medical Center is the home of the Horae Gene Therapy Center, which is currently developing breakthrough gene therapies for rare inherited diseases.

The bikur cholim suite in the new Chabad House will include three bedrooms and a handicapped-accessible bathroom for the families of UMass patients. The kitchen will be stocked with kosher food for the visitors including fresh baked goods; and hot kosher meals will be provided. And all of this is offered to the families for free.

“Especially in the past two years, during Covid, people have had a hard time doing the mitzvah of bikur cholim – visiting people who are sick, because of all of the restrictions and dangers involved,” Rabbi Shmulik said. “Here’s their chance to do this mitzvah in a safe way.”

Rabbi Shmulik and his wife Sarah will be meeting new UMass Medical School students in the next week and are excited to soon be able to offer Jewish students and a new permanent place to come together.

“We are looking forward to meeting the new class of Jewish students,” Rabbi Shmulik said. “It’s a new chapter in the rich history of Yiddishkeit in Central Mass.”

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Around Massachusetts 40th Annual Frankel-Kinsler Tournament honors the late Seymour Frankel LONGMEADOW– JGS Lifecare hosted its 40thth Annual Frankel-Kinsler Classic Day of Tournaments at Twin Hills Country Club on Aug. 16. Drawing more than 200 guests attracted to golf and card-playing tournaments, the event raised more than $115,000 to elevate senior care in the Leavitt Jewish Home, Ruth’s House Assisted Living, and Sosin Center for Rehabilitation.

The event honored the memory of Seymour Frankel, who passed away on Dec. 31.

Frankel, a stellar volunteer, was a founder of the Classic in 1981 –named originally for the Raymond and Herman Kinsler families and later for Frankel’s son Michael, a past chairman of the JGS Board who died suddenly in 2013 at age 49. “[Seymour] worked tirelessly for this organization and a number of organizations in town, and he touched everyone in a special way,” said Tournament co-chair Jeff Grodsky, Frankel’s great-nephew.

Past Board Chairman Stephen Krevalin, paid tribute to Frankel who, like others of his generation, “shared an abiding and passionate commitment to care for our needy and our elderly, and in particular the Jewish Nursing Home of Western Massachusetts, now JGS Lifecare. The creation of the Kinsler golf classic 40 years ago was an incredibly important step to help us not only raise significant funds but also share our compelling story with so many. And while the Kinsler tournament raised countless funds for JGS, it is but a small fraction of the contribution and ultimate legacy of Seymour Frankel.”

TOP: LEFT TO RIGHT: MARK KATZ, JERRY SCHREIBSTEIN, ANDY ZOLATOR AND BEN FALK HAD A GREAT DAY IN THE SUN, BRINGING HOME THE TROPHIES FOR FIRST PLACE NET WINNERS OF THE TOURNAMENT.

MIDDLE: MAH JONGG WAS A HIT. PICTURED HERE, DONNA FRANKEL, MARCIA KAUFMAN, MARGIE GRODSKY, SUSAN GRODSKY AND RHONA HARRIS.

Move to JGS Lifecare and join our Campus of Care 3

2 4

5

6

1

JGS: the solution to all your elder care needs!

Call Mary-Anne Schelb 413.935.1791 or email mschelb@JGSLifecare.org

BOTTOM: LEFT TO RIGHT: BEV NADLER, DONNA FELDMAN, AILEEN KRAMER AND ELLEN SHAPIRO GOODMAN ENJOYED CANASTA OUTDOORS.

1. Sosin Center for Rehabilitation 2. Wernick Adult Day Health Care 3. Ruth’s House Assisted Living 4. Leavitt Family Jewish Home 5. Spectrum Home Health & Hospice Care 6. Genesis House for Independent Living

770-780 Converse St, Longmeadow, MA 01106 • www.JGSLifecare.org majewishledger.com

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| AUGUST 27, 2021

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News and Jewish Community Update

THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING

A

s we enter into the final weeks of our Annual Campaign and gear up for the new year ahead it’s important to talk about why your support is so important. Giving to Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign is so much more than just supporting the Federation- it really means supporting the entire local Jewish community and also Jewish life around the world. The following are just a few examples of the areas funded through Federation’s Annual Campaign.

We welcome newcomers STEVEN SCHIMMEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (and there are more now than ever), send families PJ library books, provide scholarships for camp and other Jewish identity-building experiences, support Hillel and Birthright, and we fund enriching programs and Jewish cultural content like the JCC's Film Festival and Author Series. Five years ago, Federation brought the Grinspoon's LIFE & LEGACY Program to our community to build the endowment; thus far, the program has helped to secure well over $11M in promised future gifts. We build bridges through joint projects with our sister city Afula, and bring the Young Emissaries to Central MA each year (and

in a few weeks we will welcome back past emissary Aviv Jerbi as a Shaliach). We work closely with leadership from the Black and Latino communities to strengthen alliances and understanding. We are there to advocate on behalf of community interests- locally and nationally. We also communicate with the Israeli government to ensure that the values of diaspora Jews are known. We work with law enforcement on security concerns, and we combat anti-Semitism. We also assisted with a major recent effort led by Dana Levenson to beautify, refurbish and restore dignity to our Jewish cemeteries. Under the Federation umbrella, Rachel’s Table helps to distribute hundreds of thousands of pounds of food and milk to hungry families. When tragedies hit, we make emergency allocations. During the COVID pandemic, while families and organizations have faced severe hardship and suffering, we coordinated much needed assistance. In fact, when Jews anywhere are in need, we are there to help provide needed funding. These efforts, and many, many more, are what enrich and sustain our Jewish community. This could not be accomplished without the generosity of our donors. You are our partners on all of these efforts, and, together, we have made Jewish lives better, safer, healthier, and more secure. Thank you to everyone who has contributed time, financial resources, and talent to Federation.

jewishcentralmass.org

STAY CONNECTED YAD (YOUNG ADULT DIVISION)

Apple Picking, Sunday, September 5th, 10:00 am, George Hill Orchards, Lancaster First Night Outdoor Rosh Hashanah Dinner, Monday, September 6th, 6:00 pm, Worcester (RSVP for address) Pizza in the Hut for Sukkot, Sunday, September 26th, 2:00 pm, Berlin (RSVP for address) Keep up with ongoing events via YAD Private Facebook Group

PJ LIBRARY & PJ OUR WAY

PJ/PJOW Summer Meet-Up: Apple and Peach Picking for Rosh Hashanah, Sunday, August 29th, 9:30 am, Tougas Farm, Northborough PJ/PJOW Sukkot Newcomer Event, Sunday, September 19th, 3-5 pm, Worcester JCC PJ Library at the Jewish Healthcare Center 5K Road Race, Sunday, September 26th, 10:00 am PJ/PJOW Pumpkin Painting, Sunday, October 3rd, 2:30-4:00 pm, Davidian Farms, Northborough

CHAVERIM Café Chaverot Daytime Meet-Ups (TBA) Other Events TBA

COMMUNITY JFCM Annual Meeting Details to be announced.

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

YAD CELEBRATES HAVDALAH TOGETHER OUTDOORS!

PJ LIBRARY SUMMER MEET-UP AT ELM PARK

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DAYTIME FUN AT CHAVERIM’S CAFE CHAVEROT SUMMER MEET-UPS

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| AUGUST 27, 2021

majewishledger.com

News and Jewish Community Update

jewishcentralmass.org

SCHMOOZING AND SWIMMING WITH YAD

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.

YAD GAME DAY AL FRESCO

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MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| AUGUST 27, 2021

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SHANA TOVA HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES* 5782 – A MIX OF IN-PERSON AND ONLINE Synagogues are once again planning the High Holidays around the COVID-19 pandemic.

While some congregations were t entatively hoping Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services this year could be held safely indoors like the old days, The Delta Variant and a rise in new Covid cases has made that unlikely.

Here is a look at some of the High Holiday schedules and policies of our location congregations.

(Please check the website of any congregation not listed here for their dates and policies.)

SINAI TEMPLE 1100 Dickinson St., Springfield (413) 736-3619 Sinai Temple in Springfield will hold in-person and virtual High Holiday services.

The in-person services will involve COVID 19 mitigation measures and, therefore, will be only open to members and require that everyone be masked at all services.

In addition, members need to register for each of the services in order to limit the numbers so that social distancing can occur.

For those who are uncomfortable attending in-person services and non-members, virtual services are available through a link on the Sinai Temple Web site, www.sinaitemple. shulcloud.com.

In order to accommodate those attending services with social distancing on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur mornings, Sinai will hold two services, one at 9-10:30 a.m. and the second from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Other services are Rosh Hashanah evening at 8 p.m.; Kol Nidre at 8 p.m.; and Yom Kippur afternoon at 3-6:30 p.m.

For more details about dates and times, visit the Sinai Temple Web site.

CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL 15 Jamesbury Drive, Worcester (508) 756-6204 The High Holy Days are right around the corner, and we are looking forward to seeing you again as we join in prayer, song, and reflection about the difficult year behind us and hopes for a better, healthier year ahead. Our commitment to pikuach nefesh— protecting human life—is our highest priority.

Due to the rise in COVID cases and

increased transmission risks of the Delta variant locally, nationally, and around the globe, we are requiring pre-registration for all High Holy Day services, based on best practices advice from our Medical Task Force. The health and safety of our community members are our most important considerations. Registration will enable us to better plan for seating and other logistics.

To register, fill out the form here or call the office to register over the phone.

For a list of CBI’s COVID precautions, please visit www.bethisraelworc.org/roshhashana-5782.html All services are multi-access unless otherwise noted – i.e. both in person and Zoom. In person attendance requires pre-registration.

Zoom links will be provided to those who contact the office ahead of time.

Service schedule: SELICHOT, AUG. 28 Shabbat ends at 8:18 p.m.

Participants will be joining the Rabbinical Assembly’s online Selichot program.

The program runs from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. and will be available on the Rabbinical Assembly YouTube channel (www.youtube. com/user/RabbiAssembly).

For a direct link, call the temple office.

ROSH HASHANAH SEPT. 6-8 All services multi-access except where specified Zoom only.

Monday, Sept. 6 Erev Rosh Hashanah Service............ 6 p.m.

Candle Lighting.............................6:55 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 7 Shachari.............................................. 9 a.m.

Babysitting Room Opens ................... 9 a.m.

Family and Children’s Service... 10:30 a.m.

(In Person Only) Neighborhood Shofar Blowing........... 3 p.m.

Tashlich (11 Rollingwood Drive)...4:30 p.m.

Erev Rosh Hashanah Day 2 Service... 6 p.m.

Candle Lighting ............................ 7:56 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 8 Shachari............................................. 9 a.m.

Babysitting Room Opens ................... 9 a.m.

Family and Children’s Service.... 10:30 a.m.

(In Person Only) Evening Service.............(Zoom only) 8 p.m.

Havdalah/End of Rosh Hashanah.....8 p.m.

YOM KIPPUR, SEPT. 15-16 All multi-access Tuesday, September 15 Mincha........................................... 6:15 p.m.

Babysitting Room Opens...............6:30 p.m.

Candle Lighting.............................6:36 p.m.

Kol Nidrei .................................... 6:45 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 Shacharit............................................. 9 a.m.

Babysitting Room Opens.................... 9 a.m.

Family and Children’s Service.... 10:30 a.m.

(In Person Only) Yizkor.................. approximately 10:45 a.m.

Mincha (including Jonah) ............5:30 p.m.

Neilah.............................................6:45 p.m.

Tekiyah Gedolah followed by Maariv and Havdalah......................:46 p.m.

YOM KIPPUR Wednesday, Sept. 15 Kol Nidrei Evening Service...........6:45 p.m.

A special shofar-in-the-neighborhoods program is planned. Shofar blowers will go to a number of neighborhoods in Worcester and neighboring towns so people who cannot come to shul can safely fulfill the mitzvah of hearing the Shofar.

(Plans to have babysitting for younger children (5 and under) and Family/children’s services for the older ones, may change.)

CONGREGATION B’NAI SHALOM 117 East Main St., Westborough (508) 366-7191, ext. 202

CHABAD OF THE BERKSHIRES 450 South St., Pittsfield (413) 499-9899 In anticipation of the upcoming Jewish New Year, Chabad of the Berkshires has announced its High Holiday Services schedule. They will be “Warm, friendly, traditional and inspirational,” says Sara Volovik, Chabad’s co-director. Services will be held on the outdoor property of Chabad of the Berkshires, 450 South St., in Pittsfield.

Membership is not required to join Chabad’s services; However, RSVP is required. All are welcome, regardless of background or affiliation.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, space is limited and seats must be set according to social distancing regulations. Family members from the same household will be able to sit together. All others will remain three feet apart.

All prayers will combine the original Hebrew, as well as translated English.

“According to Tradition, at the New Year the Doors of Heaven are open; G-d accepts all prayers, from anyone,” explains Rabbi Levi Volovik. “The least we can do is open our doors as well, to the entire community.”

All are welcome, regardless of background or affiliation free of charge. Please reserve on line www.Jewishberkshires.com or call (413) 499-9899 ROSH HASHANAH Monday, Sept. 6 Evening service 6:45 p.m.

Dinner 7 p.m.* Sept. 7 & 8 Tuesday & Wednesday Morning Service 10 a.m.

Shofar Blowing, 11 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 16 Morning Service................................10 a.m.

Yizkor............................................11:30 a.m.

Mincha and Neilah............................. 5 p.m.

Breakfast Kiddush after Neilah All our welcome!

Congregation B’nai Shalom, 117 East Main Street in Westborough, is holding services for the High Holy Days on a modified schedule which will be updated as the situation with Covid continues to change. Current plans are for indoor services limited to fully vaccinated individuals who reside in Massachusetts, with outdoor options available for families with those unable to receive the vaccine.

Full information is available at High Holy Days 5782 - Congregation Bnai Shalom, with a registration for guests at https:// www.cbnaishalom.org/form/hhdguests, and to join us by livestream at https://www. cbnaishalom.org/form/hhd-livestream.

Registration is subject to capacity limitations.

For more information, call (508) 366-7191, ext. 202.

CONGREGATION AHAVAS ACHIM 55 Western Ave., Westfield (413) 642-1797.

Congregation Ahavath Achim, Westfield will hold High Holiday services at The Albert and Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center, Westfield State University, 55 Western Ave., in Westfield.

Masks will be required for services and an online service is planned as well.

Updated information will be posted on the facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/AhavasAchimWestfield; or for more information, visit www. congregationahavasachim.org, email at ahavasachiminquiry@gmail.com, or call (413) 642-1797.

SERVICE SCHEDULE Rosh Hashanah Evening Service Monday, 9/6/21..............................7:15 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Morning Service Tuesday, 9/7/21.................................10 a.m.

Yom Kippur Evening Service Wednesday, 9/15/21.......................7:15 p.m.

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majewishledger.com

Labor Day/Rosh Hashanah

coconut milk, cinnamon and enough water to barely cover (1 cup or less).

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, or until chicken is tender. Mix cornstarch and ¼ cup cold water to a smooth paste. Stir into the chicken mixture.

INGREDIENTS: 12 OUNCES MEDIUM EGG NOODLES ¼ CUP HONEY 3 TABLESPOONS FRESHLY SQUEEZED LEMON JUICE 1 PINT BLUEBERRIES, RINSED AND DRAINED 3 TABLESPOONS MARGARINE, MELTED

Simmer 2 minutes longer, stirring often. Adjust seasoning with pepper and salt.

Directions:

(simmered in a mellow coconut-ginger sauce; if frozen, you may need to add more fresh ginger to the thawed dish), Sweet Potato and Squash Tzimmes (not a carrot in sight; best made one to two days ahead of time and kept in the fridge) and Josie’s Plum Kuchen (melted margarine is blended with vinegar, flour and a little sugar; no need to roll) the hands-down favorites. The Mint Refresher and the Plum Kuchen are easy enough to prepare at a vacation house; then pack in a cooler and transport them home. Just add seltzer to the mint “muddle” to serve.

The recipe for Oma’s Noodles and Blueberries came from my late husband’s grandmother, a German-Jewish summer dish and simple to put together at the last minute.

And for non-meat-eaters, nothing could be easier than the salmon recipe. Make one to two days ahead, or cook same day and chill; it’s a standby for quick supper anytime.

Anne, my sister-in-law, a good cook in her own right, will sandwich the crisp Mocha Meringues with Nutella, while I opt for vanilla ice-cream or frozen yogurt. And the bonus recipe: Best-Ever Honey Cake. A triple infusion of honey, molasses and brown sugar, along with canned pumpkin, gives this cake a moist, rich syrupiness—guaranteed to become a traditional holiday favorite.

L’Shanah Tovah—to a sweet, joyous and healthy New Year!

MENU Ben’s Mint Refresher Chicken Masala Sweet Potato and Squash Tzimmes Oma’s Noodles and Blueberries Simple Salmon Plum Kuchen Mocha Hazelnut Meringues Bonus Recipe: Best-Ever Honey Cake

Ben’s Mint Refresher (Pareve) Serves 6 Cook’s Tips: *Make Herb Refresher. Combine equal quantities, fresh basil and mint. *Simple syrup may be made ahead of time.

Extra may be refrigerated for three weeks. *To muddle ingredients means pressing ingredients against the side of a container to release flavors.

INGREDIENTS: ¼ CUP SUGAR ¼ CUP WATER 4 TO 5 SPRIGS MINT, COARSELY SNIPPED 3 TABLESPOONS FRESHLY SQUEEZED LIME JUICE 1 BOTTLE (ABOUT 1 QUART) SELTZER

Directions: In a small saucepan, stir sugar and water over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Lower heat. Simmer for 1 minute. Pour into a bowl.

Add the mint, cover and steep for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Add the lime juice to the cooled syrup mixture.

“Muddle” the mint to release flavor.

To assemble: Just before serving, stir in the seltzer. Pour over ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime.

Chicken Masala (Meat) Adapted from a recipe in Claudia Roden’s “Book of Jewish Food.”

Serves 6-8 Cook’s Tips: *Substitute cumin for turmeric. You’ll get the flavor but not the yellowish-orange color. *Don’t worry if coconut milk appears curdled. Tiny flakes of coconut all but disappear in cooking. *If chicken breasts are large and thick, cut in half. *Make ahead, cover tightly and freeze.

INGREDIENTS: 2 LARGE ONIONS, COARSELY CHOPPED (IN PROCESSOR) 4 TABLESPOONS SESAME OIL 1 TABLESPOON BOTTLED MINCED GARLIC 2½-INCH PIECE GINGER ROOT, GRATED ON THE COARSE SIDE OF A GRATER 2 TEASPOONS TURMERIC 6 CHICKEN BREASTS, BONELESS AND SKINLESS (ABOUT 2½-3 POUNDS) FRESHLY GROUND PEPPER AND ¼ TEASPOON SALT 1 POUND LITTLE POTATOES, QUARTERED 1 CAN (13 TO 14 OUNCES) UNSWEETENED COCONUT MILK 1 TEASPOON CINNAMON WATER TO COVER 2 TEASPOONS CORNSTARCH ¼ CUP WATER ¼ CUP EACH OF CASHEWS AND RAISINS ¼ CUP SNIPPED FRESH PARSLEY (OPTIONAL) Directions: Sauté onions over low heat until soft and golden.

Stir in garlic, ginger and turmeric.

Sprinkle the chicken with pepper. Add to the onion mixture. Cook 5 minutes over medium heat, turning occasionally. Add salt, potatoes,

Stir in the cashews and raisins.

Serve with hot rice, spiked with snipped fresh parsley (optional).

Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Tzimmes (Pareve) Serves 6-8 Cook’s Tips: *Buy squash from the market already cut up. *Chinese Five spice is usually a combination of cinnamon, fennel, anise, cloves and pepper. You can substitute ¼ teaspoon each cinnamon, ground cloves and pepper instead. *Refrigerate 2-3 days ahead of time. Do not freeze.

INGREDIENTS 1 POUND BUTTERNUT SQUASH, CUT IN ½-INCH PIECES 3 SWEET POTATOES, ABOUT 2 POUNDS, COOKED 1 GRANNY SMITH APPLE, PEELED AND CUT INTO COARSE 1-INCH CHUNKS ½ CUP DRIED CRANBERRIES ½ CUP DRIED APRICOTS, HALVED ½ CUP FROZEN ORANGE JUICE CONCENTRATE, THAWED 3 TABLESPOONS MARGARINE, MELTED ¼ CUP HONEY, WARMED ¾ TEASPOON CHINESE FIVE SPICE Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Place squash in a microwave-safe dish.

Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon water. Cover and cook on High for 3 minutes. Drain.

Peel sweet potatoes and cut in ½-inch slices.

Place the sweet potatoes, squash, apple, cranberries and apricots in a prepared baking dish. Add the orange juice, margarine and honey. Sprinkle with Chinese Five spice. Stir gently to mix.

Cover and bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Reduce heat to 250 degrees. Bake uncovered, for 15 minutes longer or until bubbly.

Serve hot.

Oma’s Noodles and Blueberries (Pareve) Serves 6 Cook’s Tips: *For blueberries, substitute diced blue plums or a pinch of raisins and salted walnuts. *Rinse and drain blueberries before use. Pat dry with paper towels. *To liquefy honey: Set the container in a bowl of hot water for three to four minutes.

Do not try to microwave honey in a plastic bottle.

Cook noodles according to package directions.

Drain well.

While noodles are cooking, in a small saucepan, mix honey, lemon juice, blueberries and 3 tablespoons water. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring. Immediately remove from heat.

In a large bowl, toss hot noodles with margarine. Pour blueberry mixture over top.

Serve hot.

Plum Kuchen (Pareve) Serves 8-10 Cook’s Tips: *Substitute butter for margarine if making a dairy dish.

INGREDIENTS: 1 STICK (4 OUNCES) MARGARINE, MELTED 1 TABLESPOON DISTILLED WHITE VINEGAR ¼ CUPS, PLUS 2 TABLESPOONS SUGAR 1¼ CUPS, PLUS 2 TABLESPOONS, ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR 1 TABLESPOON CINNAMON 1 POUND PLUMS, PITTED AND QUARTERED 3 TABLESPOONS WATER Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl, mix the margarine and vinegar.

Blend in 2 tablespoons sugar and 1¼ cups flour to make a smooth dough. Press into the bottom of a 10-inch pie plate. Prick all over with a fork.

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.

In a medium bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons flour, ⅔ cup sugar and cinnamon.

Add plums and toss to coat.

Arrange plums, cut-side up, on top of the dough to cover. Sprinkle any remaining flour mixture over the plums. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of water.

Bake in a preheated oven for 40 minutes or until pastry is golden at the edges. Cool before cutting into wedges.

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MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| AUGUST 27, 2021

13

HAPPY NEW YEAR

SHANA TOVA

Labor Day/Rosh Hashanah CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Simple Salmon (Pareve) Serves 4 Cook’s Tips: *Any other fish, such as haddock or cod, may be substituted. *May prepare one to two days ahead of time and refrigerated.

NGREDIENTS: BOILING WATER ¼ CUP DISTILLED WHITE VINEGAR ¼ SMALL ONION, SLICED THINLY 1 TO 2 BAY LEAVES 4 (4- TO 5-OUNCES EACH) SALMON STEAKS, ½- TO ¾-INCH THICK Directions:

From all of us at HFLA on Rosh Hashana The Board of Directors of the Hebrew Free Loan Association of Western Massachusetts www.hebrewfreeloanassociation.org

Pour about 1-inch boiling water into a large heavy skillet. Add vinegar, onion and bay leaves.

Arrange salmon on top in a single layer. Add more water to almost cover if needed.

Bring to simmer over medium heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until salmon is opaque when flakes are separated with a knife.

With a wide spatula, transfer salmon to a serving dish. Pour a little liquid around to keep it moist.

Serve warm, chilled or at room temperature.

tablespoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets.

Bake in a preheated oven for 2 hours. Turn off the oven.

Leave in oven overnight without opening door.

No peeking. Transfer to wire rack. Let stand one to two hours.

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate.

Best-Ever Honey Cake (Pareve) Makes 1 average loaf (approximately 8×4 inches), plus 3 mini-loaves, or bake in a Bundt pan to serve 15 to 18 people.

Cook’s Tips: *All-purpose white flour may be used instead of a mixture of whole-wheat and white flours *Use canned pumpkin, not pumpkin-pie mix. *Substitute 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg and ¾ teaspoon cloves for Chinese Five Spice. *Can use dried cranberries instead of raisins.

INGREDIENTS: 4 EGGS ½ CUP WATER 1 CUP VEGETABLE OIL 1 CUP CANNED PUMPKIN ¾ CUP MOLASSES ½ CUP HONEY, WARMED 1 CUP DARK-BROWN SUGAR 2 CUPS WHOLE-WHEAT FLOUR 1 CUP ALL-PURPOSE WHITE FLOUR 2 TEASPOONS BAKING SODA 1 TABLESPOON CHINESE FIVE SPICE 1 CUP RAISINS Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray loaf pans or Bundt pan with nonstick baking spray with flour.

-Shanah -Shanah Tovah!May you have a sweet new year filled with good health and great prosperity, and may your hearts light up with peace, love and joy!

-Independent and Assisted Senior Livingwww.hoffmansummerwood.org (860)-523-3808

Mocha Hazelnut Meringues (Pareve) Makes 15-18 Cook’s Tips: *Substitute flaked coconut or other nuts, such as walnuts, for hazelnuts. *Bring egg whites to room temperature before whipping. Cold whites won’t whip up well.

INGREDIENTS: 3 EGG WHITES ¾ CUP SUGAR 2 TEASPOONS UNSWEETENED COCOA POWDER 1 TEASPOON INSTANT COFFEE 1 CUP HAZELNUTS, COARSELY CHOPPED Directions: Preheat oven to 225 degrees.

In a large bowl, beat eggs and water to blend.

Add remaining wet ingredients. Mix well.

Stir in the brown sugar and flours, about ½ cup at a time.

Add the baking soda and spices with the last ½ cup of flour. Fold in raisins.

Spoon the batter into the prepared pans.

Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Mini-loaves will bake in 35 minutes or so.

Cool 10 minutes in pan. Loosen edges by running a knife around.

Turn onto a wire tray to cool completely.

To freeze: Wrap tightly in aluminum foil.

Ethel G. Hofman is a widely syndicated American Jewish food and travel columnist, author and culinary consultant.

Spray 2 cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray. Whisk egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually beat in sugar, ¼ cup at a time, whisking well after each addition. Fold in the cocoa and coffee, then hazelnuts. Drop by heaped

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MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

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SHANA TOVA

Where LOCAL is just the beginning!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

Yom Kippur Morning Service Thursday, 9/16/21.............................10 a.m.

Yom Kippur Closing Service Thursday, 9/16/21............................. 5 p.m.

TEMPLE EMANUEL SINAI 661 Salisbury St., Worcester (508) 755-1257 Temple Emanuel Sinai is currently planning to hold in-person High Holiday services as well as live-stream services. Masks will be required for all in-person attendees. Vaccination required for all in-person attendees over the age of 12. The 9 a.m. “Family” service will be held outdoors and is for families with children 12 or younger. Children 12 or younger will not be allowed at the other services due to vaccination challenges.

Service schedule: Selichot Service: Saturday, Aug. 28..........................7:30 p.m.

ROSH HASHANAH Erev Rosh Hashanah Monday, Sept. 6.............................7:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Families Service: Tuesday, Sept. 7............... 9 a.m. (Outdoors) Rosh Hashanah Main Service Tuesday, Sept. 7................................. 11 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day Service Wednesday, Sept. 8........................... 11 a.m.

Tashlich Wednesday, Sept. 8, immediately following 2nd Day service Shabbat Shuva Friday, Sept. 19..............................6:30 p.m.

YOM KIPPUR Kol Nidre Wednesday, September 15...7:30 – 9:00pm Yom Kippur Day Thursday, September 16 Yom Kippur Families Service..........9:00 am (Outdoors) Yom Kippur Main Service................. 11 a.m.

Healing Service: immediately following Main Service..................... (estimated 11:45) *Study Sessions.................................. 2 p.m.

ZOOM ONLY, Topics TBA Afternoon Service............................... 4 p.m.

Yizkor/Memorial Service.............. 5:15 p.m.

Ne’ilah/Concluding Service................ 6 p.m.

SUKKOT Erev Sukkot Service Monday, Sept. 20..........................6:30 p.m.

SIMCHAT TORAH Erev Simchat Torah Service Monday, Sept. 27...........................6:30 p.m.

Festival Morning Service and Yizkor Tuesday, Sept. 28........................ 10:30 a.m.

LUBAVITCHER YESHIVA ACADEMY 1148 Converse St., Longmeadow (413) 530-7923 LYA will hold indoor Rosh Hashanah services inside on Tuesday, Sept. 7 and Wednesday, Sept. 8. Services begin at 9 a.m. with shofar blowing at 11 a.m. A special Children’s Program will begin at 10 a.m. For more information or to reserve a space please call or text (413) 530-7923.

In addition to the regular service, LYA will hold a special family service outdoors on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 5 p.m. at Turner Pond in Longmeadow. This interactive service will include shofar blowing and Tashlich. There will be a special program including snacks and games, sponsored by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

To make your reservation, call or text (413) 348-4978.

LYA will hold an outdoor shofar blowing on Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 5 p.m. at the school.

If you are in need to borrow a machzor, (prayer book), contact Rabbi Chaim Kosofsky at (413) 530-7923. We have mazchorim in Hebrew, English and Russian. There are no membership fees to attend.

Order a Taste of Rosh Hashanah bag for your family. Enjoy home-made challah, chicken soup, sweet kugel and apple cake. Curbside pick-up is available on Monday, Sept. 6 from 10-11 a.m. at LYA. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, Sept. 1. Suggested donation is $10 a bag. Call or text (413) 348-4978 to place your order.

*SCHEDULES MAY CHANGE. Please contact your synagogue for updated information closer to the holiday.

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MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| AUGUST 27, 2021

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Hate on campus CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

which came after the start of the Mideast conflict. Student groups and faculty associations on 152 university campuses released anti-Israel statements.

“Campus life does not exist in a vacuum,” says Schlafer. “Rather, national, global, and increasingly, digital events and circumstances deeply influence activity on campus. Students returning to campus will be facing an in-person reality deeply intertwined with a digital one. And for pro-Israel and Jewish students, that digital experience is increasingly rife with antiSemitic, anti-Zionist harassment. This means the challenges facing students on campus are even more complicated, complex, and in many cases, more disparaging than in prior years.”

information and “distorted accounts” that are “bound to appear” in response to the Hamas rocket attacks in May. She also says that after an “incredibly successful academic year” of seeing universities adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism, she thinks there will be “a trend” in more antiIHRA definition resolutions—for example, the one passed by the University of Houston student government in mid-July, which was backed by Students for Justice in Palestine.

“We have seen and expect to see more outright declarations to boycott all of Israel for its ‘apartheid’ policies,’ ” she says. “Even though we expect anti-Israel activism to be even more robust than in past years, our

students must remain proud of who they are and stand up for their civil rights and values, as they educate their peers and courageously fight anti-Semitism on campus.”

‘STRONG, THRIVING JEWISH COMMUNITIES ON CAMPUS’ Ilan Sinelnikov, president and founder of Students Supporting Israel, says the months that college students spent learning online during the pandemic gave anti-Israel supporters time “to fuel their hate in virtual forums.”

For that reason, he believes that grassroots pro-Israel activism is especially important since “it has been a while since groups were engaged in face-to-face advocacy

Moving into the new semester, Jewish advocates say it’s crucial that students educate others and stay engaged, especially with campus administrators.

Schlafer suggests working with and supporting students trying to share accurate information about the Middle East and the threats facing Israel.

Berger shares a similar sentiment, saying one of the best ways to address antiSemitism is to build “strong, thriving Jewish communities on campus that demystify Judaism to the full campus community.”

He also notes the importance of working to educate university administrators “so they understand their role in addressing anti-Semitism, speaking out when they see it and not allowing anti-Semitism to go

THE MESSAGE “FROM THE RIVER 2 THE SEA” – KNOWN TO BE A CALL FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL – WAS SPRAY-PAINTED ON A TUNNEL ON THE UMASS AMHERST CAMPUS LASTE SPRING. CREDIT: ANTISEMITISM.ORG

Since the start of 2021, some 472 cases of anti-Semitism have been reported on college campuses, according to the AMCHA Initiative, which tracks such instances, including the targeting of Jewish students and staff, anti-Semitic expression and BDS activity.

CAMERA on Campus recently held its 11th annual International Student Leadership Conference online, where students from North America, the United Kingdom and Israel discussed their academic institutions and issues that may arise in the upcoming academic year.

Hali Spiegel, CAMERA’s director of campus programming and strategic relations, told JNS that among the top concerns for pro-Israel and Jewish students is the false 16

CAMERA Fellows and CAMERA on Coalition members are prepared to combat the lies perpetrated by groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine.”

Roz Rothstein, co-founder and CEO of StandWithUs, says the Israel-Hamas conflict “showed once again that anti-Israel activists will use every opportunity at their disposal to spread hate and misinformation about the world’s only Jewish state.”

She adds: “In their effort to rewrite history and deny Jewish rights, these activists will continue to promote anti-Semitism on campus via divestment campaigns, academic boycotts, anti-Israel statements, petitions, study-abroad boycotts, continued disruptions of in-person and Zoom events, and more.

Now, more than ever, Jewish and pro-Israel

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| AUGUST 27, 2021

efforts, and it is a skill that needs to be practiced.”

He explains that “the virtual connections and many recent events, both locally and in the Middle East, formed solid coalitions against Israel, and we see a joining of radical voices that include Students for Justice in Palestine and their progressive allies of students who hold the same toxic ideas about Israel and support BDS. The major task of the pro-Israel side will be the recruitment of new members. An urgent issue is to build and maintain coalitions to counter the antiZionist and anti-Semitic forces that were created, correct misinformation and establish ourselves as the source of knowledge about Israel on campus.”

unchallenged on their campuses.”

Of course, that requires time, training and effort that add to students’ already busy schedules. It also necessitates the knowhow to approach those in charge, which can justifiably be intimidating.

Still, Berger makes it a point to say that “the same way university administrators have made a concerted effort to address racism and sexual misconduct, and in being outspoken in protecting the LGBTQ community, we want them to also address the concerns of the Jewish community and the rise of anti-Semitism on their campus as well.” m

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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

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

NORTHAMPTON

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

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

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

WORCESTER

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

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

WESTBOROUGH

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

WESTFIELD

Congregation Ahavas Achim Unaffiliated Rabbi Dawn Rose (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/

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

| AUGUST 27, 2021

17

THE U.S WITHDRAWAL FROM AFG

BY YAAKOV AMIDROR

(JNS) Earlier this week, I spoke with a respected American journalist who asked about the impact on Israel of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the country’s fall to the Taliban. He was not the first person to ask about this. Some expand the question, tying the hurried withdrawal from Afghanistan to the U.S. decision to stop fighting in Iraq, leaving behind only U.S. troops that will train the Iraqi army.

The first to define the process of U.S. withdrawal from the region was President Obama, who talked about a pivot to the East, in other words shifting U.S. efforts from the Middle East eastward, alluding to China. President Trump followed suit, deciding to withdraw all U.S. forces from Syria and Iraq (although this was not fully acted upon). President Biden continued this process and brought it to a difficult end in Afghanistan, taking another step toward a

complete withdrawal from Iraq.

In other words, this withdrawal from Afghanistan is part of an ongoing historical process reflecting deep-rooted American sentiment. The enormous U.S. investment in wars in the Middle East, the trillions of dollars spent, and tens of thousands of dead and wounded, have not yielded the desired result.

With regard to Israel, the question is how this U.S. decision to reduce American military involvement in the Middle East, and the Taliban’s rapid takeover of Afghanistan, will impact the international and regional order within which Israel operates. Thus, three spheres need to be addressed: global, Middle Eastern and Israeli.

From a global perspective, the collapse of the U.S. nation-building effort in a country that America took responsibility for

in 2000 is a resounding failure, especially considering the lightning speed at which it happened.

Will this failure impact America’s international standing, primarily the race between it and China? Most likely, it will impact U.S. standing very little. U.S. competition with China is not tied to any one event. China is driven by its beliefs and wide-ranging assessment over time of America’s decline; that the democratic system has run its course and China has emerged on the global stage to change the world, not integrate into it—and certainly not according to the rules set by the West. It is not at all certain that China is interested in Afghanistan becoming a terror state, but what happens in Afghanistan will not dictate China’s actions.

America’s success or failure in Afghanistan will also not lead Europe to

change its cautious position regarding the struggle between China and the United States. Europe will continue to speak in grandiose terms about protecting human rights and simultaneously expand its trade with China. The Europeans would certainly be happy if the United States succeeds in isolating the Taliban, and were even willing to provide some help during the various stages of the war against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda—but most Europeans believe trade is preferable to war, and when your largest trading partner is China you cannot really fight it, even if there are obvious moral reasons to do so.

The real lesson the world took from the U.S. failure in Afghanistan has to do with the entire Middle East. The failure of America’s Middle East policy has demonstrated that history cannot be replicated, and that what succeeded after

YOUNG U.S. SOLDIERS ON THE WAY BACK TO KANDAHAR ARMY AIR FIELD ON SEPT. 4, 2003.

THE SOLDIERS WERE SEARCHING FOR TALIBAN FIGHTERS AND ILLEGAL WEAPONS CACHES. PHOTO: STAFF SGT. KYLE DAVIS/U.S. ARMY.

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MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| AUGUST 27, 2021

majewishledger.com

GHANISTAN: WHAT’S NEXT? World War II in Germany and Japan does not necessarily work in the Middle East.

The United States failed to change the local culture in Iraq, let alone in Afghanistan.

Apparently, the Middle East, and the various Muslim countries that make up this region, are not ripe for change.

It should therefore be quite clear that the Middle East, between the Atlantic Ocean and India’s borders, will not change dramatically anytime soon, just as it did not following the Oslo agreements nor following the mislabeled “Arab Spring.” This region is doomed to remain brutal, repressive and culturally Islamist. The dual failure of the United States in the region demonstrates this once again.

Healthy suspicion must accompany every announcement or assessment about a change for the better, because it is difficult to impossible to realize such a change in the region. The world must recognize this and view regional processes accordingly.

At the same time, we must take into consideration that after the United States partially or completely leaves, there will not be a void. The obstacle to the involvement of other powers which the United States posed by its very presence will have been removed. This will enable China and Russia to expand their influence in the area. There will be economic indications of this. They will take part in rebuilding Syria as well as in the rebuilding of Iraq and Lebanon, and probably Afghanistan too (mainly by China), and will expand their influence by building military bases in the region and selling arms.

The Chinese interest, besides competition with the United States, stems from China’s energy needs. The Russian interest is geostrategic. It sees the Middle East as “the neighboring area” from which problems can spill into former Soviet countries and even into Russia itself.

China and Russia will be glad to expand their influence, even symbolically, into any place from which the United States withdraws—if for no other reason than to signal a change in their favor. Their more prominent presence in the region likely will bring about a change in behavior of Mideast countries, since it will not be possible to ignore Russian and Chinese interests. The world looks different when there is a Chinese or Russian military base nearby, instead of an American one.

As for the Middle East itself: Countries in the region must recognize that the political and security conditions around them are changing, and that the U.S. umbrella is growing weaker (because America decided to fold the umbrella up, for better or worse).

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For Iran and Turkey, two countries with imperial pasts that dream of restoring their former glory and expanding their influence, this is an opportunity not to be missed, and therefore they will likely become more aggressive.

For the countries seeking to maintain the status quo and which are concerned about the Shi’ite “axis of evil,” as well as a reemergence of the Ottoman Empire driven by a Muslim Brotherhood-like ideology—now is the time to act collectively.

These are Arab countries, some rich, some heavily populated, and some with serious economic and social problems. They are dictatorships at some level or another, exerting harsh control over their populations and suppressing opposition. At the same time, they are threatened by extreme Islamic organizations, both internally and externally.

Separately, each will find it very difficult to contend with Turkish or Iranian pressure as well as with the lurking danger of internal enemies.

However, if they act together, rendering each other mutual assistance regarding economic, intelligence and military matters, they will be able to contend with the two non-Arab countries that seek to control the Arab world. Each of these countries will be left with difficult internal challenges, but they will also be able to deal with these more easily if the external threat is mitigated and they receive “Arab sister” support from the outside.

It is entirely unclear whether the Arab world is ready for such a change. Perhaps the old rivalries between and within these countries will not enable them to cooperate, no matter how critical it may be that they do so. If this proves to be the case, Iran and Turkey will have an easier time in threatening countries across the Middle East.

At the same time, radical Islamist movements will be encouraged by the Taliban’s success and will increase their efforts in these Arab states. Whether Al-Qaeda, Islamic State or a new organization with similar ideology emerges remains to be seen.

From the Israeli perspective, the weakening of the U.S. commitment to, and involvement in, the Mideast poses a problem mainly because Israel will be left bearing the burden of contending with the countries threatening both it and the entire region.

At the same time, this also presents Israel with a genuine opportunity. After all, Israel is less impacted by U.S. withdrawals than Arab countries. Israel never built its defense capability on active American partnership, certainly not on the battlefield.

The United States has not backed away from

its commitment to Israel, and therefore the conditions for conducting future warfare have not fundamentally changed from Israel’s perspective.

Nevertheless, it is true that Israel is now more alone in bearing the day-to-day burden of dealing with aggressive forces in the region, both to prevent and win wars. Israel will have to address this additional burden in its military force build-up. Israel should try to convince the United States to assist in this additional effort. But under no circumstances should Israel call on the United States to return its soldiers to the region.

It is not Israel’s business how the United States sets its priorities and where it is willing (or unwilling) to sacrifice the lives of its men and women. Again, Israel must enhance its military power, and to this end receive as much assistance as possible from the United States so that it will not need American assistance on the battlefield. Israel must repeatedly emphasize that it will defend itself by itself. Israel is willing to pay for this capability, but will be happy to receive U.S. assistance in easing the burden of realizing this capability.

Israel’s regional standing may in fact grow stronger in two areas. Perhaps Mideast countries will come to understand that an open relationship with Israel is vitally important for their ability to defend themselves. In contrast to Iran and Turkey, Israel does not have any pretensions or aspirations to control or influence Arab countries, besides its desire to prevent them from threatening it. Thus, Arab countries can gain significantly from open relations with Israel because Israel can provide knowledge and technology in areas that are important to these countries, such as water, agriculture, education and health. Israel can help them defend themselves by way of intelligence cooperation as well as overt and covert security assistance.

Israel is not a substitute for the United States, but together with Israel these countries will be able to build a regional scheme making it easier for them to contend with various threats. If it responds correctly to the U.S. decision, the Arab world can mature and learn to deal with its problems on its own—together with Israel.

From the U.S. perspective, the importance of Israel for securing American interests in the region (and necessarily also of Israel’s standing as a component of U.S. national security) will increase. If the United States assesses the situation correctly and does not let clamor from the anti-Israeli ideological flank on the far-left margins of the Democratic Party impair its rational and

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

professional thinking, it will understand that Israel is the only country in the region on which the United States can count.

Israel is the only country in the region in which the United States has a serious partner and a safe forward-deployment area; the only country about which the United States can be confident regarding regime resilience and friendship. It is the only democracy in the region, on which the United States can rely in the deepest sense of the word. “Shared values” is not an empty slogan, but rather the basis for cooperation in the face of difficult predicaments.

The decision of recent American presidents to cut back on investments in the Middle East (mainly to direct energy and budgets to the Far East) is undoubtedly of historical significance for the entire region.

The U.S. shift does not ensure success in the race against China, but certainly undercuts the feeling of countries in the Mideast that there is someone to rely on in case of a crisis, particularly with respect to Iran and Turkey and with regard to the fight against global terror.

Nevertheless, if they act together, Arab countries should be able to defend themselves against Iranian and Turkish aggression. Adding Israel to this undertaking will make it much easier to contend with the regional powers that are not Arab but that aspire to rule the Arab world. Israel must continue to strengthen its ability to defend itself by itself, albeit with the assistance of the United States. Israel will remain the most reliable U.S. ally in the face of threats and changes washing over the region.

IDF Maj. Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror was national security adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and chairman of Israel’s National Security Council (April 2011-November 2013). He served for 36 years in senior IDF posts (1966-2002), including commander of the Military Colleges, military secretary to the defense minister, director of the Intelligence Analysis Division in Military Intelligence and chief intelligence officer of the IDF Northern Command. This article was first published by the Jerusalem Institute of Strategy and Security.

| AUGUST 27, 2021

19

ARTS & CULTURE

Shir Joy Chorus: Singing Through the Pandemic

S

hir Joy Chorus, entering its tenth year this Fall, is an adult nonauditioned community chorus in Central Massachusetts that sings a wide variety of Jewish music, from historic pieces to contemporary composers in Hebrew, English, Yiddish, and Ladino.

“Our Director, Nan Gibbons, as well as our board of directors, never considered the possibility of stopping during the pandemic,” says Karen Rothman, president, and founder.

“Singing brings people so much joy that we knew we had to stay together somehow.

In February of 2020, Shir Joy presented what would be its last live, in-person concert for the foreseeable future due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The chorus’ Spring concert was cancelled, but Shir Joy director Nan Gibbons used archival recordings from old concerts as well as recordings of other musical groups to create virtual “sing-along” rehearsals at home via Zoom. The chorus was determined to do at least one concert in 2021.

As the winter of 2020 became spring with no end to the pandemic in sight, Gibbons brainstormed with other choral directors around the country looking for innovative ways to produce a group sound when singers couldn’t be in the same room. Four chorus members made voice recordings in four distinct choral parts. Members learned their parts at home, taught each other to make their own individual video recordings and then sent them to Gibbons. Using sometimes-cooperative software, Nan spent countless hours editing, blending, and mixing to create virtual choir pieces.

“Making your own solo recording with all its imperfections and then sending it out on the internet for others to hear took a lot of guts,” said Rothman.

Laura Logan, a longtime Shir Joy member, added, “One of the challenges of singing in a virtual choir is that you can’t hear each other. We lose our opportunity to blend our sound with each other.” The end result seemed like magic: a series of beautifully blended pieces the chorus could be proud of that were used for the chorus’ Feb. 21 concert.

The singers really missed the experience of hearing each other’s voices. Gibbons and chorus member Warren Huber investigated more and discovered Parking Lot Chorus technology, a pandemic-born technique that allowed members to sing into a wireless

20

microphone connected to a mixer while listening to each other through their car radios. After a test rehearsal in the summer, the chorus began parking lot rehearsals weekly on Sunday evenings in the parking

was distributed to Central Massachusetts senior and assisted living facilities and cable stations so it could be viewed by thousands of people from the safety of their own home.

lot at Congregation B’nai Shalom in Westborough last fall.

Although darkness prevented members from seeing each other, they could hear each other. “The first time we tested this equipment was a very emotional experience for all of us.,” Gibbons said.

“Most importantly, it gave us a way to sing together.”

She directed in white gloves and car lights helped illuminate her hands. Warren ran the sound equipment and recorded the sessions so Nan could edit them and use them as a basis for future videos. The chorus’ pianist, Anne O’Brien, played keyboard wrapped in a coat, hat, and fingerless gloves. When the weather was too windy, snowy, or rainy, the group switched to Zoom rehearsals, where the chorus focused on learning new pieces.

On Feb. 14, 2021, Shir Joy livestreamed its first virtual concert on Zoom, with a combination of virtual chorus pieces, live recorded selections from the group’s parking lot chorus sessions, and a few pieces from previous concerts—all laced together with live introductions and commentary. More than 180 people attended the concert on Zoom and the video

Buoyed up by the success of the February concert, Shir Joy’s members were ready for their next challenge: to bring the joy of singing back to several other area choruses that had been idle since the previous March. Thanks in part to pandemic grants from the Worcester Cultural Council and Avidia Bank, Shir Joy re-envisioned its annual Communities of Song concert, a collaboration between Shir Joy and several area choruses.

Gibbons as well as some chorus members helped teach members of other choruses to prepare videos electronically. Gibbons spent countless hours collating these into video recordings that were presented as a virtual concert on May 16. Shir Joy hosted the concert on Zoom, composed of virtual chorus recordings, parking lot chorus recordings, and videos of previous Communities of Song concerts when all the choruses could sing together. Like Shir Joy’s Winter concert, a YouTube video was distributed to senior and assisted living facilities and cable stations. All proceeds from the concert were sent to the Pastoral Counseling Centers of Massachusetts, which provides counseling to residents of Central Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS JEWISH LEDGER

| AUGUST 27, 2021

When Covid restrictions began to relax in late spring 2021, Shir Joy resumed live, outdoor rehearsals in the beautiful courtyard of Congregation B’nai Shalom.

Guest musicians added to the music, giving the singers and players, at least, an opportunity to enjoy live music together. Singing together outside with flowers blooming and birds singing around us was a treasured highlight of a very difficult year for many of Shir Joy’s members. Shir Joy ended its 2021 season with a final concert on June 27, performed virtually with a combination of the many techniques they had used over the year. The group also performed lived while masked indoors at the Jewish Federation presentation Exodus 1947/ Yom HaShoah commemoration and Israel Bonds Appeal in Worcester on June 22 and is scheduled to sing the pregame show for the WooSox on Aug. 22.

The Jewish Federation of Central Mass. has been a major supporter of Shir Joy since it began. Congregation B’nai Shalom has generously allowed the choir its use of rehearsal space.

Everyone at Shir Joy is looking forward to being able to return to live, in-person rehearsals on a regular basis.

“As convenient as online concerts may be, they are actually far more work to produce and present than a live performance,” says Gibbons. “Chorus members much prefer to actually sing together rather than in the isolation of a virtual choir. We are a friendly, supportive group. For now, we have the option of live, outdoor rehearsals.

When we need to, we can use our parking lot chorus system. At this moment, the future of the pandemic is uncertain. We are really looking forward to being able to sing together in person on a regular basis.

However, come what may, we will continue as a harmonious community of enthusiastic singers!

Shir Joy Chorus will be resuming weekly rehearsals on Sunday evening, Oct. 3. Shir Joy welcomes new members; the group’s first two rehearsals are open to potential new members. Shir Joy Chorus is a 501(3)c corporation. Concerts are currently planned for Feb 6, 2022, and June 26, 2022. For more information about Shir Joy or how to join, go to shirjoychorus.com or contact them at shirjoyMA@gmail.com.

majewishledger.com

Despite Taliban takeover, Afghanistan’s last Jew opts to remain (JNS) Despite the takeover of Afghanistan this week by the Taliban, the country’s last remaining Jew said on Tuesday that he intends to stay.

In an interview with the New Delhi-based international English-language news channel WION, Zebulon Simentov explained that though “no one can stay safe from the Taliban,” and that “Sikhs, Hindus and even Muslims have left the country,” he will not follow suit.

According to WION, the 62-year-old is the caretaker of the last synagogue in Kabul, and he said that the Jewish house of worship would have fallen to disrepair had it not been for him.

Simentov, who said that the Taliban considers him an “infidel” and tried unsuccessfully in the past to convert him to Islam, said that he had had the opportunity to escape to the United States and also mulled moving to Israel, where members of his family live, but chose not to exercise those options.

This, he said, is in spite of his having been imprisoned four times over the decades, during which he witnessed the “Soviet invasion, the Afghan civil war and the first Taliban rule.”

Afghanistan was home to 5,000 Jews until Israel’s establishment in 1948, when many began immigrating there, reported WION.

Hamas congratulates Taliban for ‘victory’ over America in Afghanistan (JNS) The Hamas terror group praised the Taliban on Monday as the Islamist movement and military organization returned to power in Afghanistan, pushing out the United States and even overtaking Kabul after two decades of fighting.

In a statement, Hamas said it “congratulates the Taliban movement and its courageous leadership on this victory, which was the culmination of its long struggle over the past 20 years,” reported AFP. Its officials wished “the Afghan Muslim people and its leadership success in achieving unity, stability and prosperity.”

They added it proves that “the resistance of the peoples—foremost of which is our struggling Palestinian people—is destined for victory.”

Jewish humanitarian groups step in, or try to, as crises unfold in Haiti and Afghanistan

BY PHILISSA CRAMER

(JTA) — Two major humanitarian crises are eliciting the involvement of Jewish aid organizations, although it is unclear whether much can be done from afar to support Afghans now that the Taliban has retaken their country.

An earthquake struck Haiti early Saturday, killing nearly 1,300 with the death toll likely to rise. Meanwhile, a tropical storm is bearing down on the beleaguered country, which is experiencing political instability and still recovering from a devastating 2016 hurricane and a 2010 earthquake in the capital of Port-au-Prince that left more than 220,000 people dead.

Among the many foreign groups directing aid to Haiti is the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, which first engaged with the country in the 1930s, when Haiti was one of just a handful of countries to accept Jewish refugees from the Nazis. The JDC worked to support those refugees.

Now, the group is working with a longtime local partner to send medical supplies to a hospital in the region of Haiti most affected by the earthquake.

“We are heartbroken over the tragic loss of life in Haiti and send our prayers to a people and nation in mourning yet again,” JDC CEO Ariel Zwang said in a statement. “As we have done so many times in the past, we’ll be there to offer care, healing, and opportunities to empower Haitians to build back better and safer.”

The American Jewish World Service, which has long been involved in helping Haitians advocate for human rights, is also raising funds to support relief aid for Haiti.

But when it comes to Afghanistan, where the Taliban has retaken the country just weeks after the U.S. removed troops that had been there for nearly two decades, humanitarian groups have fewer avenues to help. The U.S. and its allies had said they would evacuate people who aided their mission and are likely to face retaliation by the Taliban, but those efforts were proceeding slowly. Now, the speed of the Afghan government’s fall makes their future uncertain.

HIAS, originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, wrote on Facebook Sunday night that it would work to help Afghans who make it to the U.S. through a special program designed to protect people who aided the U.S. mission there. But there is little more to do at this time, it said.

“Our hearts break for the people of Afghanistan right now. Unfortunately, the current reality is that options for resettlement are limited to the Special Immigrant Visa program,” the group wrote. “We are advocating to change that.”

The Taliban took over the country’s capital of Kabul on Sunday, entering the presidential palace and declaring victory over the United States, its allies and related “infidels.”

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OBITUARIES COHEN Stacie Heller Heller Cohen, 58, died July 11 after a long struggle with breast cancer. Born on June 27, 1963, she was the daughter of the late Phyllis (Bromberg) Heller and Jerome Heller. She grew up in Wayland, and graduated from Framingham Union Hospital School of Nursing, working as a nurse for many years. In addition to her husband, and her father and stepmother Anne, she is survived by two brothers, Drew and Sam Heller; and many cousins.

CRAMER Natalie Broder Cramer, 94, of Worcester, died at home Aug. 15. She was the widow of Allen Cramer. Born in Providence, R.I., her family later moved to where she graduated from Commerce High School.

She worked as a bookkeeper before starting a and moving to Shrewsbury. She worked at Shrewsbury Public Library retiring in 1985 for 21 years. She is survived by two sons, Michael Cramer and his wife Marsha, and Zak Cramer and his wife Susan; grandchildren, Melanie Cramer, and Matthew Cramer and his wife Kaylee; great-grandchildren, April Cryan and Logan Cramer; and her brothers, Everett Broder and his wife Lois, Sheldon Broder, and Seymour Broder and his wife Lisa.

The family would like to thank everyone at The Residence at Orchard Grove, OMAMA Home Health Care, and Salmon Hospice for providing care and comfort to Natalie in her last days. Memorial donations may be made to Rachel’s Table, 633 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

MILES FUNERAL HOME HURWITZ Reva Hurwitz of Delray Beach, Fla., formerly of Worcester, died July 24. She was the widow of Robert Hurwitz. Born and raised in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Ida (Teitz) Greece.

She is survived by a son, Mark Hurwitz and his wife, Martha, of Barre; two daughters, Rhonda Hayon and her husband, Daniel, of Boca Raton, Fla., and Cheryl Lunder and her husband, Michael Lunder of Swampscott; six grandchildren, Rachel Hurwitz, Stephen Hurwitz, Davida Benedek, and Shimon, Scott and Josh Lunder; one great-grandchild, Celia (Cece) Benedek; two sisters and their husbands, Rosalind and Earl Skiest, and Sandy and Arnie Miliefsky; her companion, Charles Goldfinger; several cousins; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Rae Rosenberg.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jewish National Fund, 42 East 69th St., New York, NY 10021; or Lown Institute 163 Highland Ave., Needham, MA 02494.

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SHUKAN Elinor “Penny” Shukan, 79, died June 10 in Longmeadow. She was the widow of Dr. Donald C. Shakun. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she was the daughter of Isidore William Gellar and Mary (Seidman) Gellar. After graduating from Adelphi University, she taught elementary school in the New York City public school system. She and her family settled in Longmeadow in 1971.

She volunteered at the Storrs Library, and enjoyed crafting. She is survived by four sons, Brian, Evan, Scott and Zachary; granddaughters, Abigail, Leah and Marigold; a grandson, Isidore; two daughters-in-law, Clare and Rachel; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Richard Salter Storrs Library, 693 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow, MA 01106.

ASCHER-ZIMMERMAN FUNERAL HOME KUDLER Howard Norman Kudler, DDS, of Boynton Beach, Fla. and Great Barrington, died at Delray Medical Center’s hospice unit July 10. He was the husband of Beatrice (Salzberg) Kidler. Born March 15, 1937 in Brooklyn, N.Y., he left home at the age of 16 without a high school diploma to attend Washington & Jefferson College. He attended the Columbia University School of Dentistry, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery. He began a dental practice before serving as a captain in the U.S. Army. After being honorably discharged, he began dental career in earnest. He retired after nearly 40 years, spending his time sculpting and playing bridge. He was a lifetime master’s level duplicate bridge player. In addition to his wife Bea, he is survived by a daughter, Jocelyn “Botzy” Kudler of South Windsor, Conn.; a son, Neil “Neily” Kudler, MD, of Northampton; a daughter-in-law, Rabbi Nancy Flam; and two grandchildren, Miriam Dora and Jonah Lev Kudler-Flam; and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Allen Mitchell Kudler.

Memorial contributions may be made to Yad LaKashish, (https://www.lifeline.org. il/), or ERAN (https://en.eran.org.il/), ASCHER-ZIMMERMAN FUNERAL HOME ZIMMERMAN Marilyn Zimmerman 96, of Ormond Beach, Fla., formerly of Berlin, Conn., died July 23. She was the widow of Abraham Zimmerman. Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late Isadore and Anna Wiener. She graduated from New Britain High School in 1943 and Hillyer Junior College, now University of Hartford with a bookkeeping degree in 1945. She worked alongside her husband, Abe in their family business Colchester Egg Farms in Berlin, Conn. for many years during the 50s-70s, moving to Florida in 1972. She was a lifelong member of Hadassah. She is survived

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by her brother Edward Wiener and his wife Lois of Revere, Massachusetts; her daughter Cindy Frederick and her husband Ron of Ormond Beach; her grandchildren, Scott (Leigh) Frederick, Jason (Kimberly) Frederick, and Cody (Kathleen) Frederick; and seven great-grandchildren, all of Ormond Beach. She was also pre-deceased

by her brothers Marvin Wiener and his wife Gertrude, and Seymour Wiener.

Memorial contributions may be made the Jerry Doliner Food Bank c/o Jewish Federation, 470 Andalusia Ave, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.

Rabbi Richard Hirsch, who eulogized Martin Luther King Jr. and helped guide the Reform movement to Zionism, dies at 95 (JTA) — Rabbi Richard Hirsch spent the 1960s bringing Jews and Blacks closer in advancing civil rights in the United States. He spent the rest of his life bringing Reform Jews closer to Israel in advancing Zionism.

Hirsch died Monday in Boca Raton, Florida, his family said. He was 95.

The Cleveland native became the first director of the Reform movement’s Religious Action Center, serving from 1962 to 1973. Under Hirsch, the center became a lobbying powerhouse in Washington, D.C. Its Dupont Circle office became a locus for civil rights organizing: The 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act were drafted in large part in its conference room. Hirsch personally lobbied President Lyndon Baines Johnson on voting rights.

Hirsch was close to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and delivered the Jewish portion of the assassinated civil rights leader’s eulogy in 1968.

At the RAC, Hirsch was an outspokenly pro-Israel Reform rabbi — a relative rarity in the movement before 1967. He was close to the Israeli Embassy and to AIPAC, the prominent Israel lobbying group.

In 1973, Hirsch assumed the leadership of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, where one of his first acts was to move its offices to Jerusalem from London. The Reform movement dubbed the move “Reform Judaism’s most significant decision of the 20th century.”

He became the leading advocate for Reform Zionism, affiliating the movement with the World Zionist Organization and the Jewish Agency. During his more than 25 years at the World Union for Progressive Judaism, he helped found ARZA, the Reform movement’s Zionist affiliate (his son Ammiel, also a rabbi, led ARZA from 1992 to 2004), and spurred the founding of two kibbutzes in Israel. In 2010 he was the first Reform rabbi to light the torch during Israel Independence Day celebrations. His 2011 memoir was titled “For the Sake of Zion.”

Yet Hirsch, a dual U.S. and Israeli citizen, remained an advocate of a Diaspora Jewish voice in Israeli policies, particularly as the policies impinged on the rights of non-Orthodox Jews.

“If Diaspora Jews have the right to speak out in internal policies affecting the fate of Argentinian Jews and Soviet Jews, do they not have the right to speak on issues affecting the Jews of the Jewish state?” he said at a Reform conference in 1983. Jews in the former Soviet Union and Argentina were facing persecution at the time.

Hirsch’s wife, Bella, a Russian speaker who helped him establish a Reform presence in the former Soviet Union, died in 2019. His children — a daughter and three sons, including Ammiel, now the senior rabbi at the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York — said they plan to bury both their parents in Israel once the pandemic abates.

“For the past few years, our parents resided in Florida, so that they would be closer to us,” they said. “It was a form of exile for our father.”

His children alluded to the great 12th-century Jewish thinker and poet Judah Halevi: “While he lived in the West, his heart remained in the East.” n

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IN MEMORIAM Ruth Pearl, mother of murdered journalist Daniel Pearl, was 85

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

BY RON KAMPEAS

(JTA) — Ruth Pearl, who dedicated the latter part of her life to preserving the legacy of her son Daniel, a journalist who was murdered in Pakistan, has died at 85.

Pearl, who suffered from a lung ailment, died at her Los Angeles home on July 20.

On Jan. 23, 2002, Pearl woke up with a premonition that her son, then 38 and a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, was in peril, according to an account in The Washington Post. In an email, she asked her son to assure her that he was safe. She never heard back.

At that very moment, Daniel Pearl had been lured into a trap: Expecting to meet a source, he was kidnapped, and nine days later beheaded on videotape. Daniel Pearl was in Karachi to report on the actors and structures that brought about the 9/11 terrorist attacks several months earlier.

“My father is Jewish. My mother is Jewish. I am Jewish,” were among his final words.

Ruth and Judea Pearl sought to reconcile the privacy they craved to cope with their towering grief with the need to preserve the legacy of Daniel Pearl’s passions: music (he was a skilled violinist), journalism and being Jewish.

They launched the Daniel Pearl Foundation, which brings journalists from Muslim majority countries to the United States to work at news outlets and sponsors concerts. The Pearl Project at Georgetown University advances investigative journalism; its first investigation was into Daniel Pearl’s murder. Its conclusion: Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks who remains captive in the U.S. jail at Guantanamo Bay, carried out the killing.

Judea Pearl has said that Ruth Pearl was proudest of the 2003 book she edited, I Am Jewish: Personal Reflections Inspired by the Last Words of Daniel Pearl. She solicited essays from some of the bestknown Jews of the time, including Elie Wiesel, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Edgar Bronfman.

Ruth Pearl was born Eveline Rejwan in Baghdad. In 1941, as a five-year-old, she hid out with Muslim neighbors during the Farhud, the massacre of 179 Jews in the Iraqi capital. The persecution that Arab militants aimed at Iraqi Jews helped shape her views.

“Dehumanizing people is the first step to inviting violence, like Nazism and fascism,” she said in testimony delivered to the Shoah

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RUTH PEARL LISTENS AS PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH SPEAKS TO THE MEDIA AFTER MEETING WITH JEWISH COMMUNITY LEADERS IN THE WHITE HOUSE, DEC. 10, 2007.

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Foundation of the University of Southern California.

When she was older, Pearl helped smuggle Jews to Israel and then immigrated herself, serving in new country’s Navy.

Along the way she changed her name to Ruth. She met her husband at the Technion, and after graduation they moved to the United States, where she worked as a software developer.

In January, the Pakistan Supreme Court ordered the release of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the sole figure involved in Daniel Pearl’s murder who was convicted, devastating the Pearls. The U.S. government says that Saeed remains a wanted man.

A lower court last year had ordered the British-born Saeed’s release, and the Pearls lost their appeal in the Supreme Court.

In a video appeal, Ruth Pearl explained to Pakistanis why they hoped to keep Saeed in jail.

“There’s not a single day that we don’t miss our son,” she said.

Along with her husband, Pearl is survived by two daughters; Daniel Pearl’s wife, Mariane; and five grandchildren. One of the grandchildren, Adam Daniel Pearl, was born after his father’s killing.

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