CT Jewish Ledger • September 188, 2020 • 29 Elul 5781

Friday, September 18, 2020 29 Elul 5781 Vol. 92 | No. 38 | ©2020 $1.00 | jewishledger.com

Rosh Hashanah 5781 1

JEWISH LEDGER

| SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

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‫˘נה טובה‬

A sweet new year

Warm Rosh Hashanah wishes from your friends at Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford jewishhartford.org 2

JEWISH LEDGER

| SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

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INSIDE

this week

CONNECTICUT JEWISH LEDGER | SINCE 1929 | SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 | 29 ELUL 5781

13 Rosh Hashanah Message

19 High Holiday Services

19 Crossword

20 & 28 Briefs

23

It’s a Deal!............................................................................... 5 Jewish organizations welcomed the UAE and Bahrain normalization deals with Israel, saying they exemplify “a new era, but one rooted in history.”

Follow the Money................................................................. 5 Connecticut officials have steered up to $900,000 to the imprisoned Daniel Greer in tax breaks for businesses that donate to nonprofit organizations the disgraced New Haven rabbi controlled.

KOLOT

27 Bulletin Board

30 The Ledger Scoreboard

31 Obituaries

33 Business and Professional Directory

34

ELECTION 2020.............................. 14 A Jewish and gay California state senator is the brunt of unrelenting antisemitic and homophobic posts. Plus, a Jewish former Marine wins the hotly contested Democratic congressional primary in Massachusetts to succeed Rep. Joe Kennedy III.

Arts & Entertainment................. 30 Ato Essandoh isn’t an African-BritishJewish astronaut. But he plays one on TV.

Ode to West Hartford.................. 10 New York City is ravaged by COVID-19.

Rioters rampage through the streets of Manhattan. Everybody moves out. Some guy says NYC is dead forever. Jerry Seinfeld hyperventilates. YadaYadaYada. West Hartford is a great place to live.

Classified

CANDLE LIGHTING ON THE COVER:

The publisher and staff of the Connecticut Jewish Ledger wish all our readers a Shanah Tovah U’metukah — a sweet New Year overflowing with the promise of peace and the blessings of good health. (Image by istockphoto/Getty Images.) PAGE 16 jewishledger.com

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CONNECTICUT JEWISH LEDGER | SINCE 1929 | SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 | 29 ELUL 5781

City and State steer up to $900K to the imprisoned Rabbi Daniel Greer

N

ew Haven and state officials have greenlighted up to $900,000 in tax breaks for businesses that donate to nonprofit organizations controlled by imprisoned Rabbi Daniel Greer – organizations Greer has been accused of using to funnel money to himself and to avoid paying over $20 million to a former student he sexually abused.

Those promised tax breaks come courtesy of the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program (NAA).

The state Department of Revenue Services (DRS) annually gives out tax credits to for-profit companies that make cash contributions to eligible nonprofits. It’s a competitive statewide process.

In August, DRS announced its latest list of well over 300 qualifying nonprofits from across the state. Six New Haven-based organizations that made the cut are all controlled by Greer.

Greer has won approval for a significant number of tax credit-eligible private donations for years now by applying through a host of different corporations, and winning needed sign offs from city officials, local legislators, and state officials.

His criminal case hasn’t slowed down that process.

This year, six of Greer’s New Havenbased nonprofits – Edgewood Corners Inc, Edgewood Elm Housing Inc, Edgewood Village Inc, F.O.H. Inc, Yedidei Hagan Inc, and Yeshiva of New Haven Inc. – have made the official list of nonprofits participating in the business-to-business state tax break program.

As with their participation in the program in previous years, Greer’s companies secured those spots on the statecertified list after the city’s Livable City Initiative (LCI) and the Board of Alders first signed off on their inclusion.

From Sep. 15 through Oct. 1, for-profit companies can apply for an aggregate of up to $900,000 in state tax breaks in exchange for donating that amount of money to Greer’s companies.

This government financial assistance comes at the same time that five of Greer’s jewishledger.com

BY THOMAS BREEN

BY JACKSON RICHMAN

(JNS) Jewish and pro-Israel groups instantly applauded Israel and Bahrain for agreeing on Friday to normalize relations between the two countries—the second of its kind between Israel and a Persian Gulf nation in the wake of the United Arab Emirates. It’s also the fourth peace accord between Israel and a Middle Eastern country, following Egypt in 1979, Jordan in 1994 and the UAE, which agreed to such a deal on August 13, formalized it in a White House ceremony on Tuesday.

Bahrain will also be part of the ceremony, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani will sign a declaration of peace.

Israel and Bahrain will exchange ambassadors, have direct flights and launch economic initiatives, said Trump in the Oval Office after announcing the deal.

THE YESHIVA OF NEW HAVEN AT NORTON AND ELM.

nonprofits are wrapped up in a federal lawsuit involving alleged fraud.

The lawsuit rests on allegations by a raped former student that the Greercontrolled companies have been helping Greer the individual dodge paying tens of millions of dollars owed from a 2017 civil judgment.

On August 25, a federal judge found the allegations credible enough to order the companies to not sell off or otherwise encumber any of their roughly four dozen properties – many of which are located in the Edgewood neighborhood – as the court case continues.

A state DRS spokesperson, Jim Polites, declined to comment on a series of specific questions asked about Greer’s companies’ participation, state oversight of those companies’ participation, and any concerns the state may have about these NAAqualifying organizations currently facing allegations of fraud.

Polites instead sent the following statement by email Thursday afternoon, Sept. 10: “The Department of Revenue Services administers the Neighborhood

Jewish groups welcome Israel-Bahrain agreement

Assistance Act in accordance with state statute and published guidance available on the DRS website. To the extent there are questions about an individual taxpayer, confidentiality provisions in statute prohibit DRS from disclosing taxpayer specific information.”

The LCI official who is the local point person for the state program insisted that the city’s role is purely administrative, serving as a liaison between nonprofits and the state and focusing on ensuring that all qualifying nonprofits’ paperwork is in order. She also said that the city does not conduct audits on whether or not the participating local nonprofits ultimately use the state program-enabled donations as they promise to do in their applications. She said that kind of substantive review is the responsibility of the state.

The alder who chairs the committee that recommended approval of Greer’s companies’ participation in the state tax credit program this year said that the local legislature simply acted on

‘A very auspicious moment’ The American Israel Public Affairs Committee called the development “another historic demonstration of a new promising era in Israeli-Arab relations.”

“These diplomatic achievements are a testament to the fact that a strong and secure Israel, backed by the United States, is critical to bringing reconciliation to the region,” said AIPAC in a statement. “The old and unproductive paradigm of boycotts and rejectionism is collapsing, and a new model of peace, prosperity and cooperation is emerging. … Now is the time for other countries in the region and the Palestinian leadership to embrace this model, and cement new ties and forge lasting peace and security in the Middle East.”

“Historically, sustainable ArabIsrael peace agreements have been achieved with active United States CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Greer

Bahrain

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

the recommendations and information presented by LCI. He condemned Greer’s actions, and said he would likely have voted differently if he had been aware that the imprisoned rabbi’s corporations were on the list of participating New Haven nonprofits.

The full Board of Alders ultimately voted in support of including the companies on the list.

Greer is currently serving a 20-year state prison sentence (suspended after 12 years) after being found guilty in criminal court last year of repeatedly sexually assaulting Eliyahu Mirlis when the latter was a teenage student at Greer’s Norton Street yeshiva.

He is currently appealing both the 2017 civil judgment and the 2019 criminal judgment.

Representatives from his local nonprofits did not respond to requests for comment.

How The Program Works The NAA tax credit program is designed to encourage philanthropic giving by for-profit businesses, and to reduce the reliance of tax-exempt nonprofits on direct government aid. Although no city money goes into the program, the state does shell out public financial support in the form of corporation business tax credits, to entities first vetted by local municipal officials.

The city draws up the list of New Haven agencies eligible each year under the program. The alders then review that list and approve it. The state Department of Revenue Services collects all the requests from municipalities, then prorates the approved donations if the donations exceed the program’s $5 million cap.

Each year participating nonprofits are allowed to solicit and receive no more than $150,000 each in state tax crediteligible donations; and for-profit donors are allowed to give no more than $150,000 each in exchange for those state tax credits.

Because Greer controls six of the 30 New Haven nonprofits participating in this year’s NAA program, and because each of Greer’s nonprofits has been approved to request the maximum $150,000 in tax credit-eligible donations, the state could grant up to an aggregate of $900,000 in tax breaks for businesses that give to Greer’s companies.

2019: $476K In Donations To Greer Companies Last year, Greer’s companies landed a total of $475,999.84 in tax creditqualifying private donations through their participation in the NAA program. That was nearly two-thirds of all of the NAA-eligible donations made to New Haven nonprofits in 2019.

The for-profit businesses that gave to Greer’s companies last year in exchange for jewishledger.com

state tax breaks included: • Brown & Brown of Connecticut Inc., which gave $145,714.24 to Edgewood Corners, Inc. to support its Energy Renovation III program.

• QBE Insurance Company, which gave $121,428.53 to Yedidei Hagan, Inc to support its Park Area Energy Renovation IV program.

• General Casualty Company of Wisconsin, which gave $97,142.83 to Edgewood Village, Inc. to support its Lower Westville Renovation III program.

• Praetorian Insurance Company, which gave $48,571.41 to Edgewood Elm Housing, Inc. to support its Edgewood Energy Renewal Program IV program.

• Boscov’s Inc., which gave $48,571.41 to Edgewood Elm Housing, Inc. to support its Edgewood Energy Renewal Program IV program.

• And Southern Connecticut Gas Company, which gave $14,571.42t o Edgewood Elm Housing, Inc. to support its Edgewood Energy Renewal Program IV program.

Three of the 2019 donors to Greer’s companies – comprising over $267,000 worth of state tax credit-eligible contributions to Greer’s companies through NAA last year – all appear to be controlled by the same Australian-based insurance corporation, QBE Insurance Group Limited.

A QBE spokesperson did not respond to an email request for comment.

Ed Crowder, a spokesperson for Southern Connecticut Gas, told that the regional gas company and the regional power company UI (both are owned by the same parent company, Avangrid) have donated more than $3.8 million to hundreds of eligible state nonprofits since 2010 through the state tax credit program.

“These dollars support projects to help these organizations improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs,” Crowder wrote in an email message.

2020 Plans: “Energy Efficiency, Neighborhood Stability” According to this year’s NAA application forms submitted to the city and state by Greer’s companies, the affiliated local nonprofits plan to raise $900,000 with the state’s help in order to fund a variety of new energy efficiency initiatives at properties they own across the Edgewood neighborhood. In their applications, each of the companies stated that it would use its $150,000 in NAA-eligible donations for improvements to their facilities such as insulation, upgrading of heating systems,

U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP MEETS WITH KING HAMED BIN ISSA OF BAHRAIN DURING THEIR BILATERAL MEETING AT THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, ON MAY 21, 2017.

CREDIT: OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO BY SHEALAH CRAIGHEAD.

leadership. The back-to-back agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, and now Bahrain, were achieved with the full engagement of the U.S. administration,” said American Jewish Committee CEO David Harris.

Jewish Council for Public Affairs president and CEO David Bernstein told JNS that his organization “could not be more pleased that Bahrain and Israel are normalizing relations. This is a very auspicious moment for Israel and the prospects for peace in the Middle East.”

Jewish groups from both sides of the political aisle applauded the development.

“Bahrain’s decision to normalize relations with Israel demonstrates the growing conviction in the region that now is the time to set aside old conflicts, stand united against the threat of Iran, and engage in economic, technological, scientific and cultural cooperation with Israel that will improve the lives of all the peoples of the Middle East,” said Republican Jewish Coalition national chairman former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) in a statement.

Democratic Majority for Israel president and CEO Mark Mellman told JNS, “From Bahrain and the UAE to Chad and Malawi, countries once at best skeptical of Israel are turning into friends. We salute the wisdom of all these countries in recognizing both the mutual benefits of strong ties with Israel, and Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state in peace and security.”

At least since 2019, Bahrain has been improving its diplomatic relations with Israel. In June of that year, it hosted the “Peace to Prosperity” conference, where the United States released the economic component of its Israeli-Palestinian peace proposal. The following August, Bahrain joined the U.S.-led coalition against to protect shipping in the Gulf against Iran.

Last week, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain agreed to open their airspace to flights east from Israel.

‘A sea change of attitudes’ CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

American Jewish Congress president Jack

Rosen told JNS, “We are witnessing a sea change of attitudes: the Israel-UAE agreement, the decision of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to allow Israeli flights to use their airspace, the refusal of the Arab League to condemn the Israel-UAE accord.”

American Sephardi Federation executive director Jason Guberman told JNS that the Emirati and Bahraini normalization deals with Israel exemplify “a new era, but one rooted in history.”

“Muslims and Jews, as in centuries past, will once again be able to channel their considerable talents and resources into projects that will benefit all of humanity,” he said. “For the Greater Sephardic community, these developments are at once historic and personal in ways that may be difficult for others to understand. With shared roots in the region and [those] who have in recent memory experienced the trauma of exile, it is deeply moving to see one Arab country after another welcome them, in freedom and friendship, to be fully Jewish.”

“Acceptance of Israel and its integration into the Middle East is a positive development for regional stability, for American interests, and no less importantly, for Israelis not being unfairly ostracized by other states,” said Israel Policy Forum in a statement.

At last, “the walls of isolation around Israel are crumbling,” Malcolm Hoenlein of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations told JNS. Even J Street, which is usually highly critical of Israel, welcomed the deal.

“As with the UAE agreement, this is a positive development. Here is some context on the long history of Bahrain-Israel relations, from [Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchak] Rabin under Oslo [in the 1990s] to today,” tweeted J Street. “And while normalization is welcome, real *peace* requires an agreement that resolves the issues at the core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and leads to the establishment of a viable and independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.”

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Greer CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

’L ShanaTovah ‫לשנה טובה‬

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and sweet New Year.

May we be inspired to repair the world together.

B’Shalom,

energy efficient replacement windows, new furnaces, thermopane replacement windows and star energy installations, new siding, and the like.

Greer’s nonprofits also stressed in their NAA applications that funds raised through this state tax credit program are critical for providing safe, affordable, and energy efficient housing for low-income families in Edgewood.

Federal Court Allegations Of Fraud In the 1980s and 1990s, as the rabbi’s business entities went into a buying spree, they helped revive the neighborhood around his yeshiva at the corner of Norton and Elm Streets. They renovated neglected historic homes and continued renting them out.

Those companies have more recently been accused of serving as a legal shield for Greer from having to pay $22 million to a former student whom he sexually abused.

Through a federal lawsuit first filed in 2019, Eliyahu Mirlis, who is a former student at Greer’s Edgewood yeshiva, has been seeking a “reverse veil piercing” that would hold Greer’s companies financially accountable for a debt owed by the

individual, Greer, who controls them.

Mirlis wrote in an August court filing that he has been able to collect less than $240,000 so far of the $22,281,987.81 total judgment resulting from his 2017 civil suit against the rabbi. In the meantime, Mirlis alleged, Greer’s companies have transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to Greer and his wife Sarah in the former of salary and benefits and to help cover Greer’s legal bills.

The attorney for Greer’s companies in the case, Joshua Cohen, denied those allegations. He did not respond to a request for comment by the publication time of this article.

On August 25, federal Judge Charles Haight, Jr. sided with Mirlis and granted a temporary restraining order that “enjoined” the five nonprofits from “transferring or encumbering” any of their current real estate holdings or personal property, other than to pay their employees, with the exception of Greer himself.

“The pleaded facts also state a plausible claim that Daniel Greer used his dominance and control of the five Defendants to perpetrate fraud or a wrong which CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

L’Shanah Tovah Wishing you a healthy, happy and sweet new year.

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careathomebyjfs.org I 860.233.4470 I West Hartford, CT 06117 I CTDCP #HCA0000490

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Opinion West Hartford is a great place for NYC urbanites to relocate. Just ask the NY Times.

W

10

EDITORIAL Stacey Dresner Massachusetts Editor staceyd@jewishledger.com • x3008 Tim Knecht Proofreader

BY JUDIE JACOBSON

rite this down. On August 24, 2020, Jerry Seinfeld lost his sense of humor.

Hard to believe. But there you have it. Years from now you’ll want to tell your wide-eyed, awe-struck grandchildren where you were and what you were doing when it happened.

Of course, there’s more to the story.

In Jerry’s defense, the master of his comedic domain was goaded into an uncharacteristically humorless hissy fit

by New York City comedy club owner James Altucher. In a self-published essay reprinted by the New York Post on August 17, Altucher professed his undying love for the city of his birth…then in the very next breath espoused what Jerry perceived to be his cockamamie theory that the shining city on the Hudson had seen the last of its glory days.

Pointing an accusatory finger at the pandemic and recent riots, Altucher noted that apartment vacancies in the Big Apple were at an all time high as residents headed for parts anywhere but there, and companies were packing up and moving out as well.

“NYC is Dead Forever,” Altucher lamented in the essay’s apocalyptic headline.

Jerry was apoplectic.

“The last thing we need in the thick of so many challenges is some putz on LinkedIn wailing and whimpering, ‘Everyone’s gone!

I want 2019 back!’” Jerry hollered in an opinion piece published in The New York Times on August 24 (and written, or so it is rumored, from the confines of his $32 million waterfront shack in the Hamptons).

He then instructed Mr. Altucher to “shut up,” and “wipe your tears, wipe your butt and pull it together.”

Ok then. Safe to say Jerry Seinfeld was not captain of his high school debate team.

After receiving a bushel of death threats, James “The Putz” Altucher wrote a more respectful response to Jerry “Which-Of-My150-Cars-Shall-I-Take-Out-For-A-DriveToday?” Seinfeld, saying: “I appreciate that Seinfeld is also concerned enough about the city to write a rebuttal. But there’s denial, and there’s reality. Denial won’t help anything. Failing to address problems won’t save Gotham.”

JEWISH LEDGER

Unhinged tirades aside, I feel your pain, Jerry. As a Brooklynite born and bred, and a former longtime resident of Manhattan who arrived in West Hartford kicking and screaming in 1988, I stubbornly cling to the fervent hope of one day returning to the city wherein lies my heart.

As to the question of whether or not New York City will rise again, however, I’m not choosing sides. After all, does anyone really know what lies ahead? No. Does anyone really like being called a ‘putz’ by Jerry Seinfeld? I think not.

The resurrection of New York City notwithstanding, here’s what I do know: West Hartford is a gem of a suburban New England town that would make a great place for transplanted New York urbanites to call home.

I know this because Julie Lasky told me so.

On August 7, 2020 – a couple of weeks before the Seinfeld/Altucher feud erupted – Lasky penned an article in The New York Times entitled “Leaving New York: How to Choose the Right Suburb.”

“The pandemic, and its disruption of work habits, has led New Yorkers not just to untether from the city but to propel themselves to places where they never dreamed of living,” wrote Lasky.

So, where are those places?

To find out, Lasky asked more than 20 real estate agents in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to recommend places to move within two hours of New York City, based on eight different criteria. She then pared down the suggestions with the help of data about school performance, population density and demographic diversity.

Finally, she came up with eight suburban towns that might make great alternatives to New York City living. Six are located in New York, one in New Jersey.

West Hartford was the only town in Connecticut to make the cut.

No surprise – after all, West Hartford is the recipient of umpteen “Best Places” awards from the likes of Money, Niche, Family Circle, and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazines, as well as a travel website called The Crazy Tourist.

“West Hartford is a vibrant and walkable, diverse and welcoming community with a high level of services and

| SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

Vol. 92 No. 38 34 JHL Ledger LLC Publisher Henry M. Zachs Managing Partner Leslie Iarusso Associate Publisher Judie Jacobson Editor judiej@jewishledger.com • x3024 Hillary Sarrasin Digital Media Manager hillaryp@jewishledger.com

with residents that care deeply about each other,” West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor wrote in an email.

“West Hartford has always been an attractive place to live for people from New York, Boston and other cities, but in this extraordinary time when a home is the center of so much of life, we have experienced a large influx of home buyers and business owners from larger metropolitan areas that recognize the high quality of life that West Hartford has to offer,” she added.

Lasky thinks she knows why. Besides being only a two hour drive to midManhattan, West Hartford boasts real estate prices that are considerably lower than New York’s suburban towns.

In addition, she writes, West Hartford is noted for its “historic roots, walkable center, high-ranking schools, three public libraries, six public parks, two active senior centers” and, of course, Blue Back Square – which Lasky describes as “a 10-year-old mixedused development that went out of its way not to look like a typical shopping mall.”

West Hartford also has easy access to Hartford’s cultural offerings and to the Farmington Valley, which is rife with apple orchards, golf courses, hiking and river sports, notes Lasky.

“As the executive director of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, I have witnessed the resilience of our town first hand,” says Chris Conway. “Collectively, our residents, civic leaders, businesses and nonprofit partners are working together to maintain and even grow our community.

West Hartford has always been a special place. I am excited to welcome newcomers to our town.”

Newcomers like, say, Jerry Seinfeld?

Just kidding, Jer. Hey, how about we all hop in that vintage Porsche of yours and go for a cup of coffee, maybe breakfast, at Sally & Bob’s. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Judie Jacobson is the editor-inchief of Ledger Publications and West Hartford Magazine, and communications director of 2020 Media.

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The program will follow the West Hartford Public School’s reopening schedule.

For details, please contact Brett Manion, bmanion@mandelljcc.org, or Karen Wyckoff, kwyckoff@mandelljcc.org

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SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

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Greer

L’Shanah Tovah!

From our family to yours, here’s to a happy, healthy and wonderful New Year - 5781 Peter Fishman President

David Jacobs Executive Director

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

proximately caused injury to Plaintiff,” Haight wrote in a July 30 decision denying the nonprofits’ motion to dismiss the case entirely.

Who’s Responsible?

LCI Deputy Director Administrative Services Cathy Carbonaro-Schroeter is the point person for the the state NAA tax-credit program for New Haven city government. Each year she presents a list of qualifying local nonprofits to the aldermanic Human Services committee for review.

When asked about the city’s role in allowing Greer’s companies to participate in this year’s state NAA program, CarbonaroSchroeter argued by email that the city does not technically approve proposals. Rather, the city acts as a liaison between the state DRS and nonprofits.

“As per the requirements of the DRS program,” she wrote, “our role is limited to gathering proposals and ensuring the required documentation is provided in accordance with the DRS program guidelines. The City does not provide a ‘City Sanctioned List’ to the State for review; rather the guidelines require the City to provide to DRS the BOA Resolution and proposals. The City does not conduct any substantive review of the proposals.”

When asked whether or not Greer’s companies used the nearly $476,000 in tax credit-eligible donations they received in 2019 through their participation in NAA in the way that they said they would in their applications, Carbonaro-Schroeter said, “The City of New Haven does not audit the DRS tax program.”

She said that Greer’s companies have submitted state-mandated “post-project reviews” to the city as part of previous years’ participation in the program. She directed to the state any questions about the completion of the work described in the nonprofits’ applications.

Darryl Brackeen, Jr., who chairs the Board of Alders Human Service Committee, told the Independent by phone Wednesday, Sept. 9, that Greer’s ownership of six of the qualifying companies and the legal allegations that Greer’s companies may have perpetrated fraud “did not come up in any way, shape or form” during this year’s committee hearing on the NAA list.

“We only react and respond to the recommendations of the mayor’s office,” Brackeen said. “Had we been presented with all of the facts and information at the time, the outcome would have been totally different.”

“Obviously we do not support in any way, shape or form the actions of this heinous individual,” the alder added. “We have a strong disdain as a committee to the heinous acts of this individual.”

Brackeen said that he personally would not have supported the inclusion of Greer’s nonprofits on this list had he known about the allegations of fraud. He also pointed out that he was not the only one to vote in favor of including Greer’s nonprofits on the list; the full Board of Alders voted in support.

This is an excerpt of an article that appeared in New Haven Independent (newhavenindependent.org) and is reprinted with permission.

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A ROSH HASHANAH MESSAGE: What is the essence of our faith?

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Rabbi Shlomo Riskin is chancellor emeritus of Ohr Torah Stone and chief rabbi of Efrat, Israel.

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hat is the essence of our faith, the purpose for which the Jewish people have been placed in the world?

The answer is found within the central prayer of our Rosh Hashanah liturgy: the three blessings of Malchuyot (kingship), Zichronot (remembrances) and Shofarot, that are found within the Musaf prayer.

These blessings are each punctuated by the sounds of the shofar and, according to the 14th century theologian Rabbi Yosef Albo and the 19th-century Franz Rosenzweig, contain the essence of our faith.

The first of these blessings, Malchuyot, begins with the familiar Alenu prayer. This prayer teaches that the God whom we now accept as the one Lord of the Universe, the God of love, morality and peace, will eventually be accepted by the entire world. This blessing affirms that it is the God of compassionate, righteousness and moral justice who will emerge supreme.

Our broken world will eventually be perfected under the Kingship of the God of righteousness; through the teachings of Abraham “all the families of the Earth will be blessed” (Gen. 12:3) with a world of peace.

The second blessing, Zichronot, which is a Hebrew term for history, opens with: “You remember the activities from the beginning of the world, and you are mindful of the deeds [or the potential functions, from the Hebrew tafkid] of every creature from earliest times.” Here is a ringing declaration of faith in the process of history; the clear sense that historical time is on the side of humanity, and that individuals and nations have a unique role to play in the cumulative march of history toward redemption.

This blessing guarantees that there is an overarching purpose to history, which is not a cyclical, repetitive cycle leading nowhere, but rather a linear pathway leading to peace. Redemption will come about in the fullness of historic time as a result of the cumulative merits of all preceding generations.

The third blessing, Shofarot, reminds us of the revelation at Sinai, the 613 commandments which God presented to Israel and the seven commandments of morality, centering around “Thou shalt not murder,” which God presented to the world. Maimonides insists that just as God commanded Moses to bequeath 613 commandments to Israel, “similarly did He command Moses to coerce the nations

of the world to accept the seven laws of morality” (Laws of Kings 8:10).

This is an immensely significant message, especially in our postmodern, relativistic, “everything goes” society, which denies any absolute concept of morality. “Situation ethics” dominates our conventional wisdom, and the most heinous crime can become transformed into a sacred act “when seen from the perpetrator’s point of view.” (Hence a suicide bomber who murders innocent children is called a “freedom fighter.”)

Shofarot tells us that the Seven Laws of Morality must be accepted by the nations — the lives of all humanity hang in the balance of their acceptance.

Hence the Rosh Hashanah Musaf Amida teaches that the nation of Israel must and will teach fundamental morality, or ethical monotheism, to all the nations of the world. Only when this message is accepted, when “this Torah comes forth from Zion and the word of God from Jerusalem,” only then will “nation not lift up sword against nation and humanity not learn war anymore”(Isaiah 2:4) and “everyone will sit under his vineyard and fig tree and no one will have reason to fear” (Micah 4:4).

Each of these blessings is punctuated by the shofar sounding. After God’s kingship we sound the shofar, the means by which the king in the ancient world was crowned. It is we, the Jewish people, who must bring God down into this world and crown Him. After Zichronot, we sound the shofar as a reminder of the aborted sacrifice of Isaac in favor of the ram whose horns were caught in the thicket. Isaac, the future of the Jewish people, was slated for slaughter, but was set free. The shofar sound after Zichronot reminds us that the Jews will continue to live despite exile and persecution, so that we may remain God’s witnesses and “a light unto the nations of the world” (Isaiah 42:6).

Finally, we sound the shofar after Shofarot since the method by which we must reach out to the world is by teaching our Torah – a teaching revealed at Sinai amid the sounds of the shofar.

It will ultimately be that when the Almighty Himself will sound the shofar that all of the dispersed will return to Israel, the Temple will be rebuilt and the nations will come to learn from us to beat their swords into plowshares and to live together in peace.

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ELECTION 2020 A Calif. state senator faces antisemitic and homophobic attacks

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| SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

(JTA) – This has been a difficult month for Scott Wiener, who represents San Francisco in the California State Senate, and not just because he’s running for reelection.

Wiener has been the target of death threats on social media (“I’ll publicly execute you,” one reads), according to screenshots of posts he shared on Twitter, and says he’s been doxxed, his home address posted online.

He’s been called a pedophile thousands of times – in hashtags, direct messages and comments on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

And because he’s Jewish and gay, Wiener has borne the brunt of unrelenting antisemitic and homophobic comments and posts. One that has made the rounds in recent days before being removed from Instagram featured a crudely doctored image showing Wiener with an elongated nose and wearing the garb and hairstyle of an Orthodox Jew. The barrage is coming from believers in QAnon, the sweeping, false conspiracy theory that Democrats run a pedophile ring that President Donald Trump is secretly battling. Antisemitism, including the claim that rich Jews secretly control the world, is a recurring feature of the conspiracy. The movement has grown in recent months with people spending more time online, its adherents winning nominating contests for public office and Trump declining to condemn it. In one prominent example, a Republican congressional candidate who has embraced the movement, Marjorie Taylor Greene, won her Georgia primary with the eager backing of the president.

“It’s been really extreme and hard,” Wiener told JTA on Tuesday, Sept. 8 about the onslaught he’s experienced. “It’s been pretty consistent. No matter what I post about, there are an enormous number of comments calling me a pedophile, and it’s very disheartening that this is what the country has come to, that we have this cult, QAnon, that is gradually taking over the Republican Party.”

Wiener, 50, a Democrat who was first elected in 2016, said his Jewish identity has made him a target before, and he pointed to Trump’s leadership as a factor.

“In that world, it’s sort of par for the course,” he said. “You attack the Jews, and that’s been unleashed under this president.”

Why is Wiener being called a pedophile?

It’s because he introduced a bill that removes a disparity regarding who has to register as a sex offender. Under California law, the age of consent is 18. If one has

vaginal sex with a minor who is older than 14 and within 10 years of their age, judges have discretion as to whether that person should be registered as a sex offender. So, for example, if a 19-year-old has consensual sex with their 17 1/2-year-old partner, the 19-year-old can be prosecuted – but a judge can decide that the 19-year-old does not have to register as a sex offender.

California law, however, states that adults who are prosecuted for having anal or oral sex with a minor must automatically be registered as a sex offender, no matter the circumstances or what the judge thinks. Effectively, Wiener and his allies say, the current law discriminates against teenage LGBTQ couples. So Wiener’s bill, SB-145, corrects the disparity and leaves the decision to the judge about sex offender status.

The bill, which has passed the State Senate and is awaiting the governor’s signature, does not allow pedophilia.

But its content and author, Wiener, are flypaper to QAnon adherents, who view themselves as part of an imagined global effort to combat sex abuse of children.

Opponents are mischaracterizing the measure, falsely saying that it legalizes pedophilia or allows a 24-year-old to rape a 14-year-old without consequences.

Though untrue, the accusations have spread, and mischaracterizations of the bill have been amplified by random social media accounts as well as national figures like Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, and Donald Trump Jr. “Today’s CA Dems believe we need more adults having sex with children, and when they do, they shouldn’t register as sex offenders,” Cruz tweeted on Sept. 3. “This is extreme & very harmful to kids.”

Trump Jr. falsely claimed that California Democrats are “pander[ing] to the wishes of pedophiles and child rapists.”

Locally, meanwhile, opponents of the bill say that making penalties for anal and oral sex equivalent to those for vaginal sex weakens anti-pedophilia measures. Melissa Melendez, a Republican state senator in Southern California, said “SB145 allows adults who have ‘consensual’ sex with a 14 year old to not be charged as sex offenders,” she tweeted on Sept. 4. “It’s a disgusting bill and one that should be promptly vetoed.

Call the Governor and tell him to protect kids and veto this bill.”

Wiener says such statements could fan the flames of others who repeat claims like those of Trump Jr. – and then say they want to kill him. He said the vast majority of Republicans in the State Senate have not engaged in such rhetoric, but also that none of those colleagues have stood up for him publicly.

“I wouldn’t expect them to,” he said.

“Their party is unfortunately being more and more influenced by QAnon.” jewishledger.com

This marks the second time this year that Wiener has been targeted publicly with antisemitism. In June, a California trade union posted an ad showing Wiener holding Monopoly money and accusing him of “selling out California.” The ad was later withdrawn.

Wiener, who is not under police protection, said the latest wave of smears has made it harder for him to post on social media – the invective accompanies whatever he posts. One comment said “We need to end jewish zionism and jewish interference in white countries.”

The lawmaker also said he has to be judicious about tagging colleagues because he doesn’t want the abuse to then rain down on them.

The solution, Wiener said, is for social media companies to take a larger role in policing hate speech on their platforms, though he added, “I’m not saying they should be the thought police.” In the meantime, Wiener said all he can do is “manage” the hate he receives. While it’s made his life more difficult, he hasn’t given up on politics.

“Politics is hard and there’s a lot of ugliness around it, but with that said, politics is a big part of how we make positive change,” he said. “And so this hasn’t discouraged me at all.”

Jewish former Marine Jake Auchincloss wins Mass. primary

BY JOSEFIN DOLSTEN

(JTA) – Jake Auchincloss, a Jewish former Marine, has won a crowded Democratic congressional primary in Massachusetts. Auchincloss, a city councilor in the city of Newton, was one of several Jewish Democrats competing in the 4th Congressional District to succeed Rep. Joe Kennedy III, who lost to incumbent Ed Markey in last week’s Senate primary. As

Bennett Center for Judaic Studies LECTURES AND EVENTS: FALL 2020 Don’t Miss A Single Virtual Moment Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Scholar-in-Residence Lecture

“People of the (Printed/Digital) Book: Printing and the Birth of the Jewish Bookshelf” Joseph A. Skloot, PhD, Rabbi Aaron D. Panken Assistant Professor of Modern Jewish Intellectual History, HUC-JIR, New York City.

Tuesday, September 29 at 7:30 p.m. - free webinar

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment to the US Constitution

“Speaking in a Political Voice: Jews and the Fight for Women’s Suffrage” Judith Rosenbaum, PhD, historian and CEO of Jewish Women’s Archive.

Wednesday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. - free webinar JAKE AUCHINCLOSS CAMPAIGNING IN NEWTON, MASS., FOR THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION IN THE 4TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, AUG. 22, 2020.

(CREDIT: ERIN CLARK/THE BOSTON GLOBE VIA GETTY IMAGES)

the votes were tallied, Auchincloss was neck and neck with the more progressive Jesse Mermell, also Jewish. The final results were determined Friday, Sept. 4.

Auchincloss, 32, is a scion of an influential family who graduated from Harvard and served in the Marines, and he was endorsed by the Boston Globe. His maternal grandparents fled pogroms in Ukraine and he visited Israel in college. He links to a full position paper on Israel and other Jewish issues on his website, and notes that he experienced antisemitism in the military.

Auchincloss favors a two-state solution and believes in a compromise brokered only

by Israelis and Palestinians, not outsiders.

Critics pointed out that he had previously registered with and worked for the Republican Party.

Meanwhile, Jewish challengers Alex Morse and Robbie Goldstein lost their bids in last week’s state primaries.

14th Annual Lecture in Jewish-Christian Engagement

“Loving the Jews: Philosemitism and Judaizing in Contemporary Christianity” Rabbi David Sandmel, PhD, Director of Interfaith Affairs,

Anti-Defamation League.

Thursday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. - free webinar

Co-sponsored with Center for Catholic Studies

Daniel Pearl World Music Days Concert

“Cantor Azi Schwartz in Concert: From Bimah to Broadway” Cantor Azi Schwartz, Senior Cantor, Park Avenue Synagogue, NYC; performer, recording artist.

Wednesday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m. - free virtual event

“Göring’s Man in Paris: The Story of a Nazi Art Plunderer and his World” Jonathan Petropoulos, PhD, John V. Croul Professor of European History, Claremont-McKenna College.

Tuesday, November 10 at 7:30 p.m. - ticket required Open VISIONS/espresso, in affiliation with the Bennett Center and the Judaic Studies Program

Jacoby-Lunin Humanitarian Lecture

“Flint’s Fight for America’s Children” Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, pediatrician, public health advocate, whistle blower on the Flint, Michigan water crisis.

Wednesday, November 18 at 8:00 p.m. - ticket required Co-sponsored with Open VISIONS Forum

Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Lecture in Judaic Studies

“Cotton Capitalists: American Jewish Entrepreneurship in the Reconstruction Era” Michael R. Cohen, PhD, Stuart & Suzanne Grant Chair in the American Jewish Experience, Tulane University.

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Contact Howard Meyerowitz howardm@jewishledger.com 860.231.2424 x3035 jewishledger.com

Thursday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. - free webinar

Virtual Events Registration required at fairfield.edu/bennettprograms. For questions, contact the Bennett Center at bennettcenter@fairfield.edu or (203) 254-4000,Virtual ext. 2066 Event

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Rosh Hashanah 5781 Forbidden from using electronic media, CT Orthodox synagogues find alternate ways to conduct High Holy Day services

BETH DAVID SYNAGOGUE

BY FAYGIE HOLT

(JNS) As fall arrives and the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread throughout the United States, prayers are very much needed, say rabbis across the Jewish spectrum, even if individuals and families cannot make it to synagogue to herald in the new year, 5781.

“This is a time when the true focus of prayer and the need for prayer is more intense than ever,” said Rabbi Moshe Hauer, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union. “The prayers of the High Holidays always carry with it a certain level of urgency, it is just underscored and that much stronger this year.”

As more liberal Jews groups intend to utilize online platforms to stream services and shofar blowing, Orthodox congregations, which do not use electronic media on Shabbat or major holidays, are scrambling to ensure that as many people who want to come to holiday services can do so while they continue to meet local and state health guidelines.

For many congregations, that means splitting the members into different prayer groups, sometimes in different locations, and lining up additional people to lead the various services. In many cases, to make these accommodations work, parts of the service may look a bit different.

“Following the guidance of our medical committee and the best practices put out by the Orthodox Union and Rabbinical Council of America, the Young Israel of West Hartford will be conducting all of its in-person minyanim and programs outside over the High Holiday/Yamim Noraim season,” rRabbi Tuvia Brander, spiritual leader of Young Israel of West Hartford, told the Ledger. “We will be meeting under a massive, open-air tent/canopy. In order to accommodate the high demand and our booming membership, we will be running waves of services (including some off-site) including multiple Rosh Hashanah day services (beginning at 6:30 a.m. and going until mid-afternoon) and multiple Yom Kippur day and afternoon/Mincha-Neilah services.”

With the creation of additional prayer services comes an increased need for qualified people to lead prayers in those 16

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services. To that end, the OU is offering a “Ba’alei Tefillah Boot Camp” to do just that; a Ba’alei Tefillah is similar to the role of cantor. More than 50 synagogues representing congregations throughout the United States, as well as Canada and South Africa, are participating.

Traditionally, Rosh Hashanah services run upwards of five hours at Modern Orthodox congregations and longer at haredi synagogues. This creates concerns about how long people will be congregating in one space, particularly if indoors. It also creates logistical concerns for synagogues that because of COVID need to have backto-back prayers services to accommodate their congregants.

To that end, some synagogues are undertaking measures to shorten the prayer time.

“There has been a tremendous amount of rabbinic scholarship shared relating to the lengths of the services; and the conclusion of virtually all Modern Orthodox sages encourages the skipping of all ancillary prayers so as to limit the amount of time that any of the groups are congregated,” says Rabbi Yitzchok Adler, spiritual leader of Beth David Synagogue in West Hartford. “Beth David expects its Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur morning services to be close to two hours, less than half what they usually are. Since July, Beth David has been convening outdoors for Shabbat morning services; and we are able to meet all of the halachic requirements in just over one hour.”

Other synagogues are asking members to recite certain prayers at home, trimming back on in-person singing of prayers, speeches or simply trying to go a bit faster than usual.

While some may grumble about the rules and restrictions, research suggests that all of these changes will be welcome. In a Pew Research Center survey of adults in the United States, 79 percent of Americans and 80 percent of Jews say that houses of worship should follow the same rules about social distancing as other organizations and businesses in their region. The survey also found while more than 60 percent of people who regularly attend religious services

| SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

would feel confident about attending services, only about 12 percent had actually done so in the month preceding the midJuly survey.

“The response to these plans have been fantastic. We have had to close out a number of time options for the different services on different days. Plus, we continue to be contacted by others beyond our immediate community seeking in-person, COVID-19 responsible High Holiday options which we are happy and proud to provide for them,” says Brander.

Beth David’s announcement that it would be open for services also met with a positive response.

“When it was decided to open the sanctuary for the High Holidays, the response was exceedingly gratifying. Faster than we expected, we meet the maximum of 100 reservations for the indoor services.

Clearly, the membership respects the efforts that have been made and they value the opportunities to pray together. The state limit for outdoors assemblage is 150, and we are prepared,” says Adler.

Knowing that not everyone is ready to come back inside to services, especially during the High Holidays when sanctuaries usually filled to capacity make social distancing almost impossible, many, synagogues in the Reform and Conservative movements will be hosting services online.

Some congregations will be “broadcasting” the services led by their rabbis and cantors directly from their sanctuaries to give members a sense of comfort and camaraderie.

Given they don’t have the virtual option, most Orthodox synagogues are opening their doors to worshippers, while taking steps to ensure their well-being by sticking faithfully to state and CDC guidelines.

Beth David Synagogue, says Adler, “will open its sanctuary for the High Holidays for the first time since all synagogues ceased indoor worship in March.” And in an effort to be as inclusive as possible, outdoors and indoors services will be available on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.”

The reason is two-fold.

“We are limited by the governor to a maximum of 100 attendees at any indoors

services, and our membership exceeds that number” says Adler. In addition, he says, “Beth David has some members who are not yet comfortable to be indoors for worship.

Therefore, there will be some outdoors services over the holidays.”

Beth David has taken many steps to make worship in the sanctuary as safe as possible: The building’s HVAC has been retrofitted with high efficiency filters (MERV 13) and the balance of fresh air and recycled air has been maximized to the highest allowable levels of fresh air; bathrooms have locks, limiting occupancy to one person, or parent and child, at a time; seats are assigned and follow socialdistancing guidelines.

For those who can’t make it to shul, rabbis feel it’s incumbent on the community to make sure they are cared for. And many congregations are doing just that by ensuring that those individuals have a machzor (holiday prayer book), traditional holiday foods and are included in plans for shofar-blowing.

Beth El Temple, a Conservative congregation in West Hartford, for example, invited congregants to a Drive-Thru in the shul’s parking lot to pick up a pre-ordered, “Chagim to Go” tote, plus a loaned copy or two of the Machzor for High Holiday services.

At the Young Israel of West Hartford, says Brander, “We are coordinating numerous routes of shofar blowers as well as several shofar blowing points and ‘meetups’ across the community to ensure anyone who wants to hear shofar can without feeling the need to come to synagogue. We are happy to work this out for anyone. At the same time, we will be utilizing Zoom for parts of the service that do not require a quorum and can be said before the festivals — like for Kol Nidre.

Congregation Agudas Shalom, an Orthodox congregation in Stamford, is accommodating congregants who feel uncomfortable attending synagogue by offering a pre-Yom Kippur Virtual Yizkor Service on Sunday, Sept. 27. This is in addition to the Yizkor service that will be held at the synagogue on Yom Kippur itself.

“On every Yom Kippur, we recite and jewishledger.com

Shofar: A love song

BY DEBORAH FINEBLUM

(JNS) As first-chair trumpet in the Orville Wright Junior High School band in Los Angeles in 1966, Robbie Weinger didn’t know it, but he was in training for his destiny: to become one of the world’s master shofar blowers.

Weinger (who now goes by Robert) and other shofar-blowers have never been more sought-after as they are this year during the global coronavirus pandemic with so many synagogues either closed for business or accepting limited or outside seating for the High Holidays.

That’s why when Jews the world over are looking for someone to blow shofar for them, Weinger plans to be in Jerusalem, part of a team of shofar-sounders dividing up the city by neighborhood so that citizens

ROBERT WEINGER BLOWING TWO SHOFARS IN PERFECT HARMONY. (SOURCE: SCREENSHOT)

remember loved ones in our community who have passed away since the prior Yom Kippur” explains Rabbi Daniel Cohen, Agudas Shalom’s spiritual leader. “During the virtual service, we will be showing a brief video montage [entitled] ‘We Remember: Eternal Legacies,’ featuring photos and a sentence tribute to those who passed away within the past year.”

Despite their best efforts, this High Holiday season promises to be a very different experience for all Jews, regardless of denomination. But silver linings are everywhere.

“A debt of appreciation is owed to The Jewish Foundation of Greater Hartford for the support that has been forthcoming to assist synagogues at this very difficult time,” notes Adler. “More than most years, there is a sense that we are all ‘in this together.’ All synagogues are being forced out of comfort zones to be creative and responsive. I pray that Heaven sees all that this and other communities are doing to maintain the spirit and intent of this holy season. The inclusivity that is guiding all synagogues speaks loudly to the unity of our people.

There is still much work to do; but already, there is much in which we can all take pride.” jewishledger.com

can fulfill the commandment to hear the shofar blown on the Jewish New Year.

Weinger’s life has taken something of a leap. As a kid, he was not only a trumpeter but also a self-described “Hebrew-school rebel” who grew up to be a business executive and “a secular Jew to the core.”

And now? Not only is he known in Israel and beyond as “shofar man,” Weinger is one of the world’s tops blowers—a true baal tekiah who’s running a shofar center in the middle of the Judean Desert.

By 2008, Weinger was deeply in love with the ancient instrument and was in the shofar business full-time. By 2017, he had made aliyah.

Throughout this journey, the man will tell you that he was inspired by his father.

After all, Jack Weinger was born just before Rosh Hashanah in 1917 and died exactly 100 years later on Rosh Hashanah 2017.

His painting, “The Great Shofar,” is now the insignia of the shop his son runs 7,567 miles from his California birthplace. It didn’t take that son long to establish Shofar So Great in Beit Hogla, a tiny sand-blown speck on the map in the shadow of the ancient town of Jericho. It was here that the Israelites entered the land and, the priests blew the shofars and the people shouted, collapsing the city’s walls.

The shop is stocked with hundreds of shofars in every size and shape, fashioned from the horns of kudu, gemsbok, goat, and, of course, the traditional ram, many of them illustrated by Israeli artists. Visitors—be they families or groups—also get to hear Weinger share the history of the shofar or take workshops on the fine art of shofar

Rabbi Brander agrees. Times may have changed, he says, but our goal and aspirations for the holidays remain the same.

“We hope to connect deeply and meaningfully to the prayers, mitzvot and moments of Rosh Hashanah, Aseret Yemi Teshuva [the 10 days of repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur], and Yom Kippur; we hope to connect with friends, family and connect to the Almighty; we hope to get the most out of these sacred moments of the Jewish calendar,” says Brander.

“All the more so this year, our mission remains unchanged -- to create and foster a sacred space for spiritual growth, personal development and communal connection and inspiration,” he adds. “Together, we are confident that it will be just as meaningful and inspirational as it has been, in addition to being unique and new. Certainly, times are different and we will respond differently -- but the essence remains the same. I think it is comforting that these times of great uncertainty, we have timeless truths that anchor us.

Judie Jacobson contributed to this article.

blowing in the visitor’s center.

“Robert also tells the story of his spiritual search and how it landed him in this small eclectic community—what he’s doing here is attracting people to this somewhat hidden part of Israel,” says tour guide Shalom Pollack who often brings groups here. “The people here are pioneers taking a dusty piece of land and making the desert bloom like our ancestors did thousands of years ago.”

Of course, the pandemic has cooled off many, though not all, of the tours, and most of Weinger’s sales are conducted online these days. He also reports a decided uptick since the Jewish world woke up to the fact that opportunities to hear shofar in synagogues will be limited, and they might need to blow shofar themselves for their family, friends and neighbors this year.

‘A prophetic instrument’ On the Jewish New Year, Jews not only pray to be inscribed in the proverbial “Book of Life” for a happy and (this year in particular), healthy new year, but also coronate God as king all over again and resolve to make a fresh start in the new year.

And the shofar — which was first referenced in the Torah when God used it some 3,700 years ago to call the Israelites together to hear the Ten Commandments at the foot of Mount Sinai — is an integral part of all that.

As the sound pierces the listener to the core, it’s a cry of repentance on the day of judgment, hearkening back to the shofar used to call the Israelites to battle. Or, as Rabbi Yehuda Lave of Jerusalem puts it, “It’s also no coincidence that it’s on Rosh Hashanah that we read about the nearsacrifice of Isaac and the ram that was

sacrificed in his place.”

“The shofar is a prophetic instrument— hearing it awakens the power of Jewish history in every heart,” says Weinger. “It’s as if God speaks through it directly to His people and everyone who hears this sound— young and old, observant and secular—has an intense spiritual experience, of crying to God for mercy as opposed to judgment.”

“I’ve never heard anyone blow the shofar like Robert,” says Rabbi Hagi Ben Artzi who teaches at BarIlan University in Ramat Gan, as well as a woman’s seminary in Beit Hogla, where he first heard Weinger blow. “You can feel his shofar expressing something very deep, as if the sound comes from the bottom of his heart and spirit.”

In fact, Weinger has developed his own uses for the instrument. Five or six times a day, he hears from people around the world asking him to pray for them or a loved one in trouble. So he sounds the shofar, “petitioning God on their behalf, and God answers.”

‘Every neighborhood needs someone’ This year, given the COVID-19 pandemic, congregations everywhere are struggling to balance religious traditions and Torahbased mitzvot with government-mandated safety regulations. Meaning that on Rosh Hashanah, when the primary mitzvah is to hear the shofar, limited seating is likely to pass many shofar honors to smaller neighborhood minyanx.

For that reason, says Weinger, “Every neighborhood needs a shofar and someone who can blow the notes.”

Want to learn to blow shofar?

Chabad is offering a free course. Visit chabad.org for more info.

Lifting voices for the High Holidays, even in COVID times

BY ROBERT GOLDBLUM

JOEY WEISENBERG PERFORMING IN 2017.

(JNS) Joey Weisenberg is a gentle, but passionate, who gives would-be High Holiday prayer leaders an intimate tour of the wordless melodies and ancient modes of the Jewish liturgical tradition. It’s nigunim and nusach for a new generation, and with the latest video technology. And it’s a place where, if you get it right, prayer and musicality meet, the goal being what Weisenberg calls “spiritual artistry.”

From a studio in a Philadelphia synagogue’s choir loft, outfitted in a billowy white shirt with a Nehru collar, Weisenberg is the picture of a hip ba’al tefillah, or prayer leader. His extensive library of master classes for those looking to lead High Holiday services, newly posted online,

(SOURCE: JOEY WEISENBERG VIA FACEBOOK)

JEWISH LEDGER

CONTINUED ON THE PAGE

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SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

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ranges far and wide. It moves from the bluesy feeling you get from a flatted seventh note to the emotional punch of a wordless Chassidic melody (nigun) to the beauty of Rosh Hashanah’s opening Amidah prayer to the majesty of the Ne’ilah service at the end of Yom Kippur “as the gates are closing,” he says.

Called the “High Holidays Training Initiative,” Weisenberg, a leader in the movement to re-energize congregational singing and spirituality, has filmed 128 episodes (most run six or seven minutes) that amount to a curated trip through the entire arc of High Holidays davening.

Along the way, there is also instruction in the scales and modes that define what Weisenberg refers to as “Nusach Ashkenaz in America.”

A prayer leader will pick up hints about the “Freygish” and the “Ukrainian Dorian,” modal scales that give ancient chanting its distinctive musical flavor. If that prayer leader has an ear for jazz, he or she might find echoes of the modal jazz that defined the art form in its golden age in the 1950s and ’60s. Weisenberg himself is something of an improviser. “Nusach is heavily modal,” he says. “Most of the time when people are davening, there are a confined set of notes.

But in the singing you’re sliding in between the notes. Once you know the sound of the mode, you can improvise within it.”

That tension between the fixed and the spontaneous—the dialogue between

tradition, and the here and now—is central to Weisenberg’s musical and spiritual ethic. At 38, he’s an old soul, with a foot in the old world and one in the new. With a ready smile and wide Midwestern vowels courtesy of an upbringing in Milwaukee— where he soaked up the blues playing guitar and harmonica in the city’s clubs, and the soaring Chassidic chanting at Rabbi Michel Twerski’s renowned shul—Weisenberg is both a musician steeped in many strains of American music and a natural educator.

The COVID-19 crisis, of course, has cramped his style. Weisenberg is used to being smack in the middle of a circle of singers or on a tightly packed stage next to fellow musicians with fiddles and banjos and lap-steel guitars in the Hadar Ensemble. But, he sees a window opening.

Weisenberg had been getting a lot of calls from people asking for private lessons in prayer leading. He had a library of material he had created a year ago.

And, given the coronavirus, he spotted an opportunity. “This is the perfect time to let people into the world of the ancient tradition for leading prayers and singing wordless melodies. If this terrible pandemic can open up a doorway for people to study and become empowered in their ability to lead song and Jewish prayer, that would be a great outcome from my perspective.”

The training-initiatives pilot launched in June; about 200 people are already taking part (it costs $18). “People are joining with

very different sets of expectations,” says Weisenberg. There are some “established cantors” looking to learn a few new melodies. And there are people who have never led prayers and will be using the material as a crash course for their initial forays into prayer leading this High Holiday season.

Weisenberg says some of the people taking the master classes will be leading prayers online from their living rooms.

Others might be leading small groups of worshippers in backyards. (He’ll be leading prayers online for the Kane Street Synagogue in Brooklyn, New York, where he was music director.) The pandemic, he says, represents “an unparalleled opportunity for people to lead davening. If people can clear away some of the chaotic busyness of their lives, there’s a chance to focus in on what they always wanted to learn.”

New compositions are the outpourings of the soul “I feel committed to the old Jewish tradition, but as a musician, I have my ears open. My music draws from the depth of the Jewish tradition and the depths of the American tradition.”

Weisenberg’s 2017 book, The Torah of Music, earned a National Jewish Book Award. His work at the Kane Street Synagogue in Brooklyn put that congregation at the forefront of the neo-

nigun movement, and as the founder and co-director of Hadar’s Philadelphia-based Rising Song Institute, he is credited with helping to reinvigorate synagogue singing.

“Joey is a unique talent: he has adapted traditional nusach and given it new meaning,” says Nancy Abramson, director of H.L. Miller Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music at the Jewish Theological Seminary. “His use of accessible music and the participation of all congregants during services continues a trend that began in the 1970s.”

The longstanding tradition of the musician-educator—the guide who passes along the Jewish musical wisdom of earlier generations to the new one—is close to Weisenberg’s heart. He learned to play harmonica at 11 from Jon Gindick’s “Country and Blues Harmonica for the Musically Hopeless.” And he devoured instructional videos from guitar masters like Nashville’s Brent Mason and the late jazzblues virtuoso Danny Gatton.

“Those videos and instructional materials have been really important to me.

They opened up a whole world of music for me. These virtuosos saw beyond their own expression and saw the importance of bringing more music into the world through their teaching. I’m following in that lineage.

“It’s not enough just to make music,” Weisenberg says, articulating his “rising song” vision. “You have to make everyone make music.”

Wishing you a Happy Rosh Hashana!

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!

-Hoffman SummerWood-

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| SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

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HIGH HOLY DAY SYNAGOGUE SERVICES IN CT

THE KOSHER CROSSWORD SEPT. 18, 2020 “Starts of the New Year?”

By: Yoni Glatt

Difficulty Level: Medium

Curbside pick up and local home delivery available!

Temple Beth Sholom in Hamden In observance of the 5781 High Holidays, Temple Beth Sholom in Hamden is conducting virtual services for Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre, and Yom Kippur (Mincha, Yizkor, Ne’ilah). There will be a Virtual Family Service for Rosh Hashanah on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 4:30 pm. Additionally, all services will be live streamed online. For more information, visit www.tbshamden.com or call (203) 2887748.

SHABBAT DINNER TRADITIONAL DAIRY LUNCHEON DELI SANDWICH PLATTER DINNER MENU

Temple Sinai in Newington Temple Sinai, a Reform congregation in Newington, will host all High Holy Day services on Zoom. The congregation as well as the entire community are invited to attend these virtual services at no cost. For information and/or to get schedule of services and log-in details, contact the office at templesinaict@gmail.com). In addition, check out Temple Sinai’s Facebook page for the most up to date information (www.facebook.com/templesinaict).

B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom in Bloomfield B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom will combine traditional melodies and prayers, along with more creative elements and the congregation’s usual interactive learning and discussions. The theme of this year’s services is “Higher and Higher: Ascending a Ladder of Holiness Together,” which will be held on Zoom for 10 one- to twohour sessions or “steps” over the course of the three days. Some highlights: The first day of Rosh Hashanah will feature a “Deep Dive” text study, entitled “In a Year Like No Other: Who Shall Live and Who Shall Die?” On the second afternoon of Rosh Hashanah, worshippers may participate in the shofar service using their own shofars. Yom Kippur will include a special Yizkor, a challenge from the prophet Isaiah, an exploration of Jonah, prayer, discussion, song and reflection. Services are free; registration is required. For details and/or registration information, contact the office at (860) 2433576.

Across 1. Annoys 5. Not live, as on TV 10. Snake sound 14. Mine finds 15. Kemper who played Kimmy Schmidt 16. Moab’s state 17. Trips couples are unlikely to take over 10 Tishrei 19. Prefix with phone, tron or bytes 20. Leb. neighbor 21. Mimicked 22. Big name in Jewish camps 23. Chew on a baby toy, say

25. “The Man” Musial 27. Building a sukkah near them is a bad idea 33. Cold home 36. Make into a movie, maybe 37. Soap ingredient 38. “Dark” film 39. Makes mittens, in a way 40. “Just Do It” brand 41. . follower 42. Da follower, in art 43. With ___ breath (showing anticipation) 44. They can remind people to burn more (Rosh Hashanah) calories

47. Hawaiian necklaces 48. Best Actor winner in 2017 52. They aren’t given to Israelis in some countries 55. Batman’s hood 57. Some kosher symbols 58. First name?

59. The tale of Jonah?

62. Del Rey or Turner 63. Legendary composer Morricone 64. Dershowitz of note 65. They might be split 66. Linda Ronstadt hit “Blue ___” 67. Fem. counterpart

Down 1. Like a rare baseball game 2. Got up 3. 38-Across, e.g.

4. Tel Aviv to Hebron dir.

5. Short fuse, so to speak 6. Sunburn soother 7. Slog (through) 8. ___ Gedi, Israel 9. Moines preceder 10. Compassionate 11. Tabloid twosome 12. Long tale 13. Iran ruler, once 18. Where many play Fantasy Football

22. Deliver a diatribe, e.g.

24. One eyed Marvel hero 25. Crackling noise, in radio 26. Recipe abbr.

28. Mums’ mums 29. Authoritative order 30. Skirt opening 31. Little one 32. Plant starter 33. Ancient Peruvian 34. Gunk 35. Favor one leg 39. One from New Zealand 40. ___AQ, NYSE competitor 42. Victory letters 43. Quasimodo rang them

45. Alpaca relatives 46. “___ doin’?” (“Friends” catchphrase) 49. Cash, casually 50. Angels might have them 51. Big boy band in 2000 52. Land between hills, poetically 53.”Boee” singer Raichel 54. Beach, mostly 55. They sang 56-Down 56. State that was a hit for 55-Down 59. Summer mo., in Australia 60. “Barefoot” Garten in the kitchen 61. When doubled, a cracker

ANSWERS TO SEPT. 11 CROSSWORD

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(JNS) Israel and Chad discussed on Sept. 8 the possibility of upgrading diplomatic relations, including exchanging ambassadors and for the latter to have an embassy in Jerusalem, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. Netanyahu met at the prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem with Chad Cabinet chairman Abdelkerim Déby, a son of Chadian President Idriss Déby, and head of the Chad intelligence service Ahmed Kogri. In addition to potentially exchanging envoys and Chad opening an embassy in Jerusalem, “they also discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in a range of areas, including the war on terrorism, cyber, water and agriculture,” according to Netanyahu’s office.

Netanyahu visited Chad last year. In November 2018, Idriss Déby became his country’s first leader to make an official visit to Israel. During this visit, he announced that he would renew bilateral ties with Israel, which were severed in 1972.

A landlocked nation located in central Africa, the former French colony is about 55 percent Muslim and 40 percent Christian with a long history of co-existence between its dominant faiths. Split both culturally and geographically between the Sahara to the north and a tropical savannah to the south, the country faces numerous challenges as one of the world’s poorest nations.

The renewal of ties with Chad is part of a larger effort by Netanyahu to forge closer relations with non-traditional allies in Africa, Asia and Latin America. He views this not only as an opportunity for Israel to assist these countries with humanitarian needs and economic development, but also for Israel to gain support in international bodies like the United Nations, which have traditionally been hostile to the Jewish state.

Malawi to move embassy to Jerusalem (JNS) Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera said on Saturday, Sept. 5 that his country intends to establish an embassy in Jerusalem. The country in southeastern Africa will be the first African nation to establish an embassy in Jerusalem. Chakwera, who promised reforms after taking office in June, said in his announcement that “the reforms will also include a review of our diplomatic presence, including our resolve to have new diplomatic missions in Lagos, Nigeria and Jerusalem, Israel. I will be sharing

more details about this in the near future.”

Malawi has had diplomatic relations with Israel since 1964, refusing to budge when it came under pressure to sever relations with the Jewish state following the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Lesotho, South Africa and Swaziland also maintained diplomatic relations.

Film about Holocaust rescuer Nicholas Winton stars Anthony Hopkins (JTA) – A feature film about the life of Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 children from the Nazis, is in production with Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins in the lead role.

“One Life” has Hopkins playing an older Winton, Deadline Hollywood reported.

British actor Johnny Flynn portrays the young Winton. Winton, who is nicknamed “the British Schindler,” died in 2015 at the age of 106.

The baptized son of Jewish parents, Winton was a 29-year-old stockbroker when he arrived in Prague in December 1938. He was planning to go on a skiing holiday in Switzerland, but changed his plans when he heard about the refugee crisis in Czechoslovakia, which had just been occupied by the Nazis. In the following nine months, he organized eight trains that carried children, the vast majority of them Jewish, from Czechoslovakia to safety in Britain. Winton’s heroism was unremarked until the 1980s, when his wife found evidence of the rescues. The discovery led to a surprise reunion with some of the children and a documentary. Winton received many honors in his later years, including a knighthood.

Israel-South Korea freetrade agreement in final stages (JNS) Israel and South Korea are in the final stages of reaching a free-trade agreement in the next few weeks. Israel’s business daily Globes reported on Tuesday, Sept. 8, that talks between Jerusalem and Seoul have been ongoing for a few years but had been delayed for political reasons, are now bearing fruit. This, the report said, is partly due to the recent Abraham Accord between Israel and the United Arab Emirates,” which rendered the agreement acceptable from the point of view of South Korea’s trade relations with the Arab world.”

An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson told Globes that “the freetrade agreement with South Korea is in the final stages of drafting, and we hope that within a few weeks it will be possible to sign it. Advanced talks on a free-trade area are also taking place with China and Vietnam.”

According to the report, one of the key sectors to benefit from the agreement will be Israeli car importers, as the deal would jewishledger.com

remove the 7 percent duty on vehicles from South Korea and those produced by manufacturers in Europe that use many components made in South Korea. Nearly one-third of cars sold in Israel are from a South Korean manufacturer. A source in the vehicle import industry told Globes that the South Korean agreement also would lead to a free-trade agreement with Japan.

Kosher deli chef will compete on Food Network’s ‘Chopped’ (JTA) – Kosher-keeping chef Shalom Yehudiel of The Humble Toast in Teaneck, New Jersey, will be a contestant on “Chopped,” a competition cooking show on the Food Network. The restaurant’s menu features traditional Jewish deli foods like potato knishes and a pastrami sandwich on rye alongside more modern additions like a truffle burger or a cheeseburger (with vegan cheese, of course). “When they approached me, I called my rabbi to consult,” Yehudiel told NorthJersey.com. “I run a kosher restaurant, so I just don’t want to say yes if I can’t cook kosher.”

“Chopped” contestants prepare a threecourse meal but must use a selection of specific ingredients in each course. The mystery ingredients can pose problems for kosher-keeping contestants who will not eat certain ingredients or combine meat and milk.

Yehudiel will be the latest contestant on the show to have a mashgiach, a kosher supervisor, certifying that his ingredients are kosher. Rachel Goldzal of Staten Island, New York, won the competition in 2018 at just 12 years old. Producers worked with Rachel to ensure all the ingredients would be kosher and provided her with all new kitchen utensils. In 2014, then 12-yearold Eitan Bernath competed on the show, though he was unable to taste the food due to the nonkosher kitchen utensils.

The episode featuring Yehudiel will air at 9 p.m. Sept. 22.

Kushner addresses Israel’s concern if US sells UAE combat jets (JTA) – Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner pledged to “do what we can” to preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge if the administration works out a deal to sell advanced combat jets to the United Arab Emirates.

“With regard to the F-35: Right now, again, it’s just something that’s being discussed; we’re going through consultations,” Kushner said Wednesday when asked about congressional pushback against reports that the Trump administration is selling F-35 stealth fighters to the UAE. “President Trump has shown that he’s – that he understands Israel’s security jewishledger.com

probably more than any American president in decades,” he said. “He’s been a great friend of Israel. He’s made the region safer.

He’s brought America and Israel closer than they’ve ever been before. And we’re going to, obviously, work with the QME. And we’ll do what we can do to make sure that we accommodate that circumstance.”

U.S. law mandates that Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region must be preserved, including in any U.S. arms sales to the region. Israel’s government opposes the sale of the F-35s to the UAE. “But the United Arab Emirates is a great military partner of America,” Kushner said. “We work together on a lot of things.

They’re right on the border with Iran and have real threats. And I think that there’s a lot of opportunity to be gained by working on this. So this is something that we’re discussing very seriously. And we’ll see what happens as we go through consultations with the Israelis and with Congress and with other partners.”

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OU to oversee kosher food in hotels throughout UAE (JNS) In response to a request from the leadership of the United Arab Emirates, Orthodox Union Kosher, the world’s largest kosher certification agency, will be the leading kosher certification agency within the Emirates and do so in partnership with the local Jewish community. OU Kosher will oversee kosher food in hotels throughout the Emirates, as well as events such as Expo 2020, which has been postponed to October 2021-March 2022. The request comes following the success of OU Kosher facilitating the kosher food for the historic U.S. and Israel delegation’s visit to Abu Dhabi earlier this month.

Palestinian hijacker to speak at San Francisco State U (JTA) – A Palestinian hijacker is scheduled to speak at a virtual roundtable discussion organized by San Francisco State University. Leila Khaled was part of a team that hijacked TWA Flight 840 on its way from Rome to Tel Aviv in August 1969. A year later she participated in the attempted hijacking of an El Al flight from Amsterdam to New York City as part of the Dawson’s Field hijackings, a series of simultaneous hijackings carried out by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Khaled was arrested in London, where the pilot diverted the plane, and later released in exchange for hostages from another hijacking. She lives in Amman, Jordan.

Khaled, 76, will speak as part of a Sept.

23 event organized by the university’s Department of Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas Studies on “Teaching

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Wishing you a very happy Rosh Hashanah!

May the New Year bring peace, joy, and good fortune to you, your loved ones, and our community!

Best Wishes For a Happy, Healthy & Peaceful New Year!

United States Senator

Richard Blumenthal Paid for by Larson for Congress, Barry Feldman, Treasurer

Paid for by Richard Blumenthal personally

L’shanah Tovah!

Wishing you and your family peace, health, and happiness in the new year.

Congressman Jim Himes Representing Connecticut’s Fourth Congressional District 857 Post Road #312 • Fairfield, CT 06824

© 2020 Himes for Congress

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| SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

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L’Shana Tova!

The Road Back: Camp Laurelwood looks ahead to summer 2021

S Warm wishes for a sweet and healthy New Year.

L’Shana Tova!

Mayor Shari Cantor and faMily From our family to yours a Happy and Healthy

Rosh Hashanah!

The Gold Family jewishledger.com

BY RABBI JAMES GREENE

ummer camp is unique because it is one of those enterprises in which flexibility, creativity and planning are foundational parts of the success equation.

As Camp Laurelwood, Connecticut’s only Jewish overnight camp, closes an unusual summer season featuring smaller retreats and family camps on our beautiful Madison campus, we are already preparing to launch next year’s programs, including a return to overnight camp. In the mist of the pandemic, the staff and lay leadership are using 83 years of experience, leadership and creativity to keep things safe and fun for its campers.

I became Camp Laurelwood’s executive director in March, just as the pandemic began. Health and safety will continue to be a top priority as camp reopens in 2021 after its first canceled summer since opening in 1937. We continue to adhere to enhanced safety and health precautions as recommended by the CDC and local health authorities.

After a summer where overnight camps were cancelled and social interaction was extremely limited, camp will be more important than ever. It will create an important opportunity to reconnect with friends, build new relationships, and avoid Zoom and screen fatigue. As many communities in Connecticut head back to school with a hybrid or virtual schedule, a break from technology and a return to the simple experiences of camp will be critical for the social and emotional development of campers. My own two daughters are Laurelwood campers and I see the impact camp has on their spirit and personality.

They gain confidence at camp, grow into young leaders, and nurture their Jewish identities as part of the Laurelwood community.

Camp Laurelwood was originally started by families in the New Haven Jewish community, but now campers come to Laurelwood from all across Connecticut.

In fact, families from the Hartford area are now the largest contingent of campers.

This growth across the state highlights the impact of Laurelwood on the entire Jewish community in Connecticut. Moving forward to next year, Laurelwood is hoping for continued support from Jewish organizations across Connecticut to help overcome the significant loss in income from this past summer.

Families considering overnight camps in 2021 should give Laurelwood strong consideration. Our staff is dedicated and caring, and the depth of relationships at Laurelwood run through generations of campers and alumni. Our values-driven and

CAMPERS ENJOYED ARCHERY AT CAMP LAURELWOOD IN SUMMER 2019 – THEY’LL BE BACK AT IT IN SUMMER 2021!

welcoming environment means we have campers from around the state and across the Jewish identity spectrum. We are a true melting pot of Connecticut’s Jewish identity, and Camp gives children the opportunity to grow into their Jewish selves. Once you are connected to Laurelwood, you remain a part of the Laurelwood family.

Families also expect a great experience at camp. As a nature-guide and avid homesteader, I am especially excited about some of the outdoor enhancements coming to camp this year. In addition to our fantastic family of counselors and specialists, camp also has a wonderful array of facilities and programs. Set on over 140 wooded acres near the Connecticut coastline, Laurelwood is expanding its nature programming next year to include new nature trails, a larger garden area, and a chicken coop, giving campers firsthand experience with raising animals and growing their own food. We will continue to evaluate and improve camp’s facilities and program offerings to ensure campers have the best possible experiences.

We are excited and optimistic as we look ahead to next year. Camp Laurelwood has supported Jewish families in Connecticut since 1937, and we will continue to do that for decades to come. Our camp’s mission is more critical now than it has ever been, and I hope that families will join us through our year-round programs around the state, and next summer at our home in Madison.

For more information about Camp Laurelwood or to schedule an in-person or virtual tour, call the (203) 421-3736. We can also connect with a camp alumni or current camp family to hear firsthand about their Laurelwood experience.

Rabbi James Greene is executive director of Camp Laurelwood.

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L’shana Tova Tikatevu

Happy New Year from our Emanuel family to yours!

160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford, CT 06117 860-236-1275 • www.emanuelsynagogue.org

Law Offices of

Jan Carol Rosenthal 43 East Cedar Street, Newington 860-666-1300 jewishledger.com

BULLETIN BOARD Days of Awe, Days of Joy: Holiday Prep-Course

Thursday, Sept. 17, 8 p.m.

Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement and Forgiveness.

UCONN Center for Judaic Studies & Contemporary Jewish Life

Thursday, Sept. 24, 8 p.m.

Sukkot and Simchat Torah – The Joys of Judaism.

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 7.p.m.

Understanding and Teaching the Holocaust: Virtual Book Launch Cosponsored by the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Hartford. Part one of the 2020 Virtual Holocaust Educators Workshop (HEW) For more information on these virtual presentations, visit judaicstudies.uconn.edu.

a community schmooze, followed by the program from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Keynote speaker Lior Zoref, Ph.D., TED presenter and author of the bestselling book Mindsharing, will lead attendees in a virtual crowdsourcing activity live from Israel.

Other annual meeting highlights: presentation of the Henry M. Zachs Spirit of Judaism Award to Maya Schwartz for her work as a transformational educator teaching and sharing her love of Israel, the Hebrew language, and Judaism with her students at New England Jewish Academy, and Steven Kleinman for his commitment to preserving Greater Hartford Jewish life as a longtime Jewish community volunteer.

The evening will also include the election of new members to the Federation’s Board of Directors.

Event pre-registration is required. Register at bit.ly/ JFGH2020AnnualMeeting. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own beverage for a virtual “l’chaim.”

A Virtual Evening of Hope, Sept. 23

Calling all teens! Tara’s Closet needs your help!

Voices of Hope will host A Virtual Evening of Hope on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m.

Guest speaker Elisha Wiesel will discuss “Rememebering My Father, Elie Wiesel”; and the “L’Dor V’Dor Award, Honoring the Next Generation,” will be presented to Gayle Temkin. For more information, visit ctvoicesofhope.org.

Since Covid-19 hit, Jewish Family Service of Greater Hartford (JFS) has been unable to disseminate clothing to those in need through the Tara’s closet program – and is turning to the community’s teens for help in reimagining how Tara’s Closet can continue to give clients access to free clothes.

The challenge: Working in teams, teens in grades 8 through 12 will pitch their creative and out-of-the-box ideas to a panel of “sharks.”. The winning team will win a cash prize of $200 and, more importantly, will have its plan implemented at Tara’s Closet to benefit people in need. Teens are asked to sign up either as individuals or as part of a team by Sept. 16. Teams can have between 3-5 members.

Contestants will meet virtually to learn more about Tara’s Closet and the challenge on Sept. 23 & 30 and Oct. 14, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

For more information, contact cara@ jtconnect.org. Sign up at jtconnect.org at Mitzvah Tank.

Learn how to make the holidays a meaningful at home experience. A twopart holiday primer led by Rabbi Shaya Gopin of Chabad of Greater Hartford. For more information, email rabbishaya@ chabadhartford.com. Zoom Link: www.

ChabadHartford.com/study. Fee: $30

“Communal Kvell” with the Levy family of Schitt’s Creek, Sept. 16 UJF Community gathering on Wednesday, Sept.16 at 1 p.m., followed by the Communal Kvell, 1:25 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Join Jewish communities from around North America in this rare celebration. Hear about the impact Federations have had on the community, especially during the current crisis. Register at ujf.com/kvell.

Congregation Beth Israel fall events Events listed are virtual and hosted by Congregation Beth Israel unless otherwise noted. For details on viewing via Zoom, visit cbict.org/calendar.

Kreplach & Dim Sum – Yes, There are Jews in China Sunday, Oct. 18, 5 p.m.

Enjoy the talents of vocalist-storyteller Robyn Helzner in “Kreplach & Dim Sum – Yes, There are Jews in China!” who will also share her remarkable and uplifting story about serving as cantor for the United Jewish Congregation of Hong Kong.

B’nai Tikvoh Sholom prayer writing workshop, Sept. 23

Introduction to Judaism Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. starting Oct. 14 The course curriculum includes basic Hebrew, Jewish history, liturgy, holidays and life cycle events, as well as the Jewish perspective on spirituality, values and community. Discover the beauty of prayer, the endurance of traditions and learn more about the Jewish way of life. Taught by reform rabbis of Greater Hartford. For more information, contact Wendy Berg at wberg@cbict.org, (860) 233-8215.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 10:30 a.m. – noon “Opening Our Hearts: A Personal Prayer-Writing Workshop” led by Rabbi Debra Cantor of B’nai Tikvoh Sholom.Use guided meditation and writing prompts to compose your own heartfelt prayers for the new year. No experience necessary.

For Zoom login information, call (860) 243-3576, or email office@btsonline.

Red Cross Blood Drive Sunday, Oct. 18 To beheld at Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Avenue in West Hartford.

Donors will be screened outside before they enter. Donor tables will be spaced at least 10 feet apart. Sign up at redcrossblood.org.

Hartford Federation Annual Meeting to feature Lior Zoref, Sept. 16

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On Wednesday, Sept. 16, the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford will celebrate community accomplishments, recognize outstanding service, and elect new leaders at the organization’s 2020 Annual Meeting and Celebration, to take place via Zoom.

The event kicks off at 6:45 p.m. with

New initiative aims to boost teen travel to Israel

subsidies for trip participants, while also investing in trip curricula and experiences, as well as deeper pre- and post-trip engagements to strengthen participants’ Jewish identities and connections to Israel before they begin college.

Five Jewish youth organizations – BBYO, United Synagogue Youth (USY), Ramah, Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), and National Council of Religious Youth (NCSY) – are working with RootOne to elevate and increase participation in their Israel travel programs.

Through RootOne, the organizations will receive subsidies – called “RootOne vouchers” – to lower their point by $3,000 per participant on their trips. RootOne aims to increase teens traveling to Israel on these trips by nearly 40% each year. By 2025, more than 10,000 Jewish teens are expected to travel to Israel on RootOne peer programs every summer. And by 2030, that becomes 20,000 teens.

Says Bernie Marcus, chairman of the Marcus Foundation, “Over the next decade, The Jewish Education Project and their partners can inspire tens of thousands of teens, helping prepare them to be Jewish leaders in college and proud supporters of Israel and in turn changing the trajectory of American Jewish life.”

The iCenter for Israel Education, the primary educational advisor for RootOne, will train all American staff to lead trips, using a similar model to what The iCenter currently uses to train Birthright Israel staff. The iCenter also will develop trip curricula as well as pre- and post-program engagement, will help prepare Israeli teens who will join the trips, and will ensure that any existing training programs use best-inclass newly created resources.

A Virtual Briefing with Gov. Ned Lamont, Sept. 17 On Thursday, September 17, 2:30-3 p.m., join the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut, all seven Connecticut Jewish Federations and ADL Connecticut for a virtual briefing with Governor Ned Lamont, addressing issues that affect the Jewish community. Register in advance at https://zoom.us/meeting/ register/tJcrdeirrD8uH9DFEVBbEJhJz_ B4ewnVek-h

An ambitious new initiative will lower the cost of teen travel to Israel, aiming to help tens of Jewish youth travel there each summer for a host of transformational and meaningful experience.

Led by The Jewish Education Project, the initiative, known as RootOne (RootOne. org), received a $20 million seed gift from The Marcus Foundation to provide major JEWISH LEDGER

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Briefs

2002 and Barack Obama in 2009.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Report: Serbia won’t move embassy to Jerusalem if Israel recognizes Kosovo

Palestine.” Her discussion is titled “Whose Narratives? Gender, Justice, & Resistance: A conversation with Leila Khaled.” She is billed as a Palestinian feminist, militant and leader.

Jewish groups in San Francisco, as well as national Jewish organization, have slammed the university’s decision to give Khaled a platform. “An invitation to a public figure to speak to a class should not be construed as an endorsement of point of view,” said a statement from the university sent to J. The Jewish News of Northern California and other media outlets. “Higher education and the college experience are an opportunity to hear divergent ideas, viewpoints and accounts of life experiences.”

Khaled reportedly still has ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which is classified as a terrorist organization in the US, Canada, Israel and the European Union.

Trump nominated for 2021 Nobel Peace Prize in wake of Israel-UAE deal (JNS) President Donald Trump has been nominated for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, in part for helping to broker the treaty between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, dubbed the “Abraham Accord.” He was nominated by Norwegian Parliament member Christian TybringGjedde, who wrote in his letter to the Nobel committee: “As it is expected other Middle Eastern countries will follow in the footsteps of the UAE, this agreement could be a game-changer that will turn the Middle East into a region of cooperation and prosperity.” In an exclusive interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Sept. 8, TybringGjedde, who also serves as chairman of the Norwegian delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, said of Trump, “For his merit, I think he has done more trying to create peace between nations than most other Peace Prize nominees.”

He also pointed to Trump“s successful involvement in other conflicts, such as the border dispute between India and Pakistan, the conflict between North and South Korea, as well his diplomatic efforts with North Korea. Tybring-Gjedde also praised Trump for withdrawing large numbers of U.S. troops from the Middle East and asserted that the U.S. president meets the three conditions needed to win the peace prize–namely, “fellowship among nations,” “reducing the number of troops in the Middle East” and “promotion of peace congresses.”

Four U.S. presidents have won the Nobel Peace Prize: Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, Woodrow Wilson in 1920, Jimmy Carter in 28

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(JTA) – Serbia will not move its embassy to Jerusalem if Israel recognizes Kosovo as an independent country, according to two English-language Israeli publications.

The Times of Israel and The Jerusalem Post each cited unnamed sources who said that Israeli recognition of Kosovo would torpedo the Israel-Serbia relationship.

President Donald Trump announced that Serbia would move its embassy to Jerusalem in the next year, and that Israel and Kosovo will establish “full” diplomatic relations with Israel. The announcement came as part of the signing of separate agreements between Serbia and Kosovo, and the United States to normalize economic relations between the two countries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement after Trump’s announcement that Kosovo would also move its embassy to Jerusalem, which would make it the first Muslim country to do so.

“Diplomatic relations with Kosovo are one thing, recognition as an independent country is another thing entirely,” an unnamed Serbian source told The Times of Israel. “This would destroy the Israel-Serbia relationship,” The Muslim-majority Kosovo declared its independence from the Christianmajority Serbia in 2008. A decade earlier, Albanian rebels from Kosovo fought Serbian forces in a war following the persecution of ethnic Albanians in Serbia.

Meanwhile, the European Union on Monday said that any efforts by the two countries to join the EU could be jeopardized by their opening embassies in Jerusalem. Serbia currently is a candidate to join the EU. The EU’s policy is that the status of Jerusalem should be decided as part of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

Sherman questions rivals for House Foreign Affairs chairmanship over Israel (JNS) Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), one of several candidates to succeed Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) for the chairmanship of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs were the Democrats to keep its House majority, criticized several his rivals over their stances on the U.S.-Israel relationship. In a Zoom call hosted by Democratic Majority for Israel, Sherman made it known that he attended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s March 2015 speech before Congress, warning about why a thenpossible nuclear deal with Iran would be bad, while noting that Reps. Gregory Meeks

| SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

(D-N.Y.) and Joaquín Castro (D-Texas) boycotted the speech.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu is not my favorite Israeli, and I’ve never met an Israeli who doesn’t criticize him for one position or the other, but I attended the speech because Prime Minister Netanyahu embodies the Jewish state,” said Sherman. “My two opponents in this race boycotted the prime minister’s speech, made a big deal out of [it at] the time and are trying to get votes in the contest … by saying, ‘Look how great I am. I boycotted the speech.’ ” Meeks and Castro were two of 58 members of Congress to skip Netanyahu’s speech.

The aforementioned Democrats are in the running to succeed Engel for the committee chairmanship if the Democrats keep its House majority following the Nov. 3 presidential election.

Sherman also touted voting in favor of a House resolution in January 2017 that condemns U.N. Security Council Resolution 2334 and Israeli settlements, while noting that Meeks and Castro voted against the House resolution. The congressman noted that Meeks and Castro support conditioning U.S. assistance to Israel, though Meeks said in an American Jewish Committee event that assistance is “absolute and unequivocal.”

Polish auction house selling objects of Holocaust survivor behind ‘The Pianist’

Brooklyn hospital wants to fire doctor over antisemitic posts

Soccer star Lionel Messi is brand ambassador for Israeli company

(JTA) – The yearlong battle between a doctor and a New York hospital trying to fire him over antisemitic and anti-gay posts will be back in court next week. New YorkPresbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital has tried to dismiss Walid Khass from his position as a pediatric resident since 2019, the Forward reported Thursday, Sept. 10. In recent years, Khass has written on separate posts on social media “Go beat up a Zionist,” “You trust the Jews – I never did” and “I hope only Israelis get ebola.” He also wrote that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s mother was Jewish, meaning that she belongs to a “higher group run the corrupt world.”

Khass was admitted to the hospital’s residency program, but then was informed he had been found unsuitable. He sued the hospital to be readmitted to the program and won.

The hospital, which treats many Jewish patients, appealed the decision and is due to argue its case at a Sept.17 hearing in Brooklyn state Supreme Court. It says Khass cannot remain because some of his posts condoned or encouraged violence.

“These posts would cause serious and extreme hardship on the Program because it would interfere with the Program’s ability to serve a patient population consisting of a large number of Orthodox Jews,” one filing said.

(JTA) – A Polish auction house has announced the sale of 51 objects that belonged to the Holocaust survivor whose life story served as the basis for the 2002 film “The Pianist.” Desa Unicum will start selling Władysław Szpilman’s objects, including bowties, an antique metronome and a death mask of the Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin, on Sept. 22, the Warsawbased firm said on its website. Szpilman was one of Poland’s foremost composers and concert pianists. The priciest item is a Steinway piano, which is estimated to fetch as much as $70,000. Next is a score from the “Life of Machines” suite that Szpilman composed in 1933, which is expected to bring $3,000 to $5,000.

Roman Polanski’s 2002 film about Szpilman, who was Jewish and whose music helped him survive the Holocaust, won three Academy Awards. Szpilman died in 2000. He had lived through the carpet bombing of the Polish capital, the Jewish ghetto, forced labor and random executions while witnessing the ghetto uprising of 1943 and the Polish uprising one year later.

(JTA) – Soccer star Lionel Messi is the new face of the Israeli company OrCam, which makes devices that help the visually impaired identify their surroundings.

“It’s a tremendous satisfaction to help improve the lives of blind and visually impaired people,” Messi said Wednesday, Sept. 9, in a promotional video. “OrCam My Eye is amazing! It’s magical.” Messi, considered one of the best soccer players of all time, will be a brand ambassador for the Jerusalem-based company for three years.

This is not Messi’s first stint promoting an Israeli company. In December 2017, the Tel Aviv-based Sirin Labs hired him as its global ambassador. That company developed what it says is an ultra-secure mobile phone using blockchain technology.

OrCam was co-founded in 2010 by Amnon Shashua and Zvi Aviram, who also co-founded the self-driving car technology company Mobileye. OrCam devices attach to a user’s glasses frames and convert visual information into audio that is relayed to the user’s ear.

Messi has been to Israel at least twice – as part of his Barcelona squad’s “peace tour” in 2013, and for a match between his Argentina national team and Uruguay last year.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Conversation with Ato Essandoh

The star of Netflix’s ‘Away,’ talks about playing an AfricanBritish-Jewish astronaut. It’s not his first Jewish role.

BY GABE FRIEDMAN

(JTA) – Ato Essandoh isn’t Jewish, or British, or an astronaut – but he plays an African-British-Jewish astronaut on TV. In Netflix’s new hit drama “Away,” about an international crew of astronauts who set out on a critical near-future mission to Mars, Essandoh plays botanist Kwesi Weisberg-Annan, an orphan who is raised by a white Jewish mother and an African Jewish father in England after his parents are killed in his native Africa. Kwesi prays in Hebrew when the going gets tough on the spacecraft and early on he notes that he brought aboard a Torah.

Luckily for Essandoh, he already had the Jewish side of his role down, since he had previously portrayed a Black Jewish character – Dr. Isidore Latham on “Chicago Med.” “The British part was the problem – I was like, now I have to learn a dialect! But I said, ‘OK, I have the Jewish thing down,’” he said with a laugh on the phone from his home in Brooklyn.

He also had a head start on learning Jewish culture from his childhood in upstate New York, where he said he was surrounded by Jewish friends and brought up by parents who encouraged him to explore different histories and belief systems.

The role of Kwesi is just the latest in a wide-ranging career that kicked into high gear after a supporting part as Natalie Portman’s adopted brother in Zach Braff’s 2004 indie hit “Garden State.”

Essandoh, now 48, spoke with JTA about Black-Jewish representation on screen, and his family’s obsession with bagels.

This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.

JTA: When you saw this role, did you say to yourself: “Again with the Black-Jewish character?”

Essandoh: Where I grew up, when we moved from Schenectady to New Rochelle in like sixth grade, most of my friends were Jewish, so I got sort of a primer on a little bit of Hebrew, I got the Yiddish curses. I tasted bagels for the first time.

I have a funny story about that. We’re African kids living up in Schenectady, and my dad would do business down in New jewishledger.com

York City sometimes. One time he brought back bagels. And we had never seen bagels, we were probably 7- and 8-year-old kids.

We were like, “What is that round bread with a whole in it?!” And my dad is like, “Trust us, eat it.” We’re kids, so we said, “No, we don’t know what it is!” Then he pulled out cream cheese and he’s like, “You spread this stuff on it.” And he’s coming back to us like he’s discovered something from the new world – and of course he’s Ghanaian, so he’s never seen this.

I will tell you, when we put those bagels in our mouths and ate them, we became the bagel family. To this day – since my parents have moved back to Ghana – if I dare go to Ghana from New York without bringing New York bagels, I will not be allowed to stay in the home. My mom is trying to teach herself how to make bagels. This is 30 years of bagel expertise. We love bagels in our family.

I think that was kind of a precursor, to my career as an actor, now playing twice a Jewish character, which I think is great.

Any words or phrases that you struggled with?

I have to give props to the coach that they got for me out in Vancouver, who I believe is Israeli – he made it very easy. I think I can still do the “Traveler’s Prayer,” let’s see: Y’hi ratzon milfanecha Adonai Eloheinu ve-lohei avoteinu she-tolichenu l’shalom v’tatz’idenu l’shalom … I can’t even believe I can say that part, oh my God. I think I’m honorary at this point. [laughs] What I love about that prayer, at least how I translate it, is that it’s about the journey. It’s almost about “appreciate the journey, appreciate the opportunity of being able to go to a different place than you were before.” And hopefully you learn something, hopefully you do not die on the way, but learn and strengthen yourself through that travel, and that’s a lovely sort of way to look at life.

The conversation about Jews of color has really expanded in recent years.

Have any Jews of color reached out to you?

That I haven’t seen yet directly, but I think that it is happening, and that brings up a broader point that you are making, which

is that it’s seeing all of the diversity of different people, especially right now … is something that is tantamount to our progress as a human species. We have to learn the constructs that we have been under – like my construct that “all Jewish people look white, that’s what they are.” No, there’s a whole set of people who practice Judaism who don’t look this way. … And what it does is give us a diversity of ideas, a diversity of things that we can learn from each other and everybody belongs at this table and nothing should be off the table because it can only make us stronger. That’s my feel-good message of the day.

President Obama used the Passover Seder to draw parallels between the African and Jewish quests for freedom over the millennia. In “Away,” Kwesi’s adoptive father makes a similar kind of comparison as he explains to young Kwesi why he adopted Judaism. Have these roles made you think more about the similarities between African and Jewish culture?

It’s funny, having all the Jewish friends I’ve had all throughout my life, I realize it was only last year – and I’m mad at all my Jewish friends at this point – when my agent invited me to a Seder. I had never been to one before, which is extraordinary for someone like me, and what I absolutely loved – I’m not a very religious person – but what I loved was the family sitting around, talking about this shared history, this shared story, and laughing and joking about uncle so-and-so and auntie da-da-da, and there’s this sort of ritual which forces or which encourages the family to bond.

Which is the same thing with my family.

When I go to Ghana, since our family’s now spread all over the world, my dad has this thing that he calls the “family state of the union.” We all go around in circles and shake each others’ hands and then we just sit there and talk about the year – “How did the year go for you? Oh, this is what happened, this is what I’m worried about, this is the thing that I’m looking forward to, I feel like there are a lot of those parallels.

The thing my mom used to tell me all the time growing up, because I’ve always

been a person who’s stuck between multiple cultures – American and Ghanaian and Black and this and that – my mom said you know having that kind of diversity, see it this way, take the things that work from each culture and leave the other stuff behind, make your own culture, make your own identity. You get to pick and choose because you have a diversity of choices, and that’s something I’ve tried to uphold throughout my life.

This character has a deep religious narrative. Did playing it make you rethink your own spirituality?

I thought about it, but I thought about it in the way that I have an admiration for people of faith. Faith is the belief in something with the absence of evidence, so you’re looking into the void and your faith tells you that there’s somebody or something there that will help you and will guide you and has a plan – as opposed to somebody like me, who looks into the void and goes, “All right, guys, I don’t know where we’re going either, let’s all hold hands and try to figure this out on the way.” And I think somewhere in the middle is perhaps the reality of the universe.

So it didn’t necessarily change my point of view, but it has sort of helped me navigate the things that I think are true and have empathy for another person’s way of looking at the universe. Because who says I’m the one who’s right?

It’s a tricky time to play a character with traits that you as an actor don’t have. Do you ever think about people calling you out for being a non-Jewish actor playing Jewish characters?

Yeah, I think about it a lot with this role and my “Chicago Med” role, and a role I had just this past summer on Amazon’s “Tales From the Loop” where I played a gay man. And it’s really tricky because you can argue that I’m not Jewish, but you can also argue that I’m not a botanist nor am I an astronaut nor am I a British citizen nor am I a Ghanaian citizen.

So I don’t understand the problem in a

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THE LEDGER SCOREBOARD Dean Kremer, first Israeli drafted into the MLB, notches a win in pitching debut

BY MARCY OSTER

(JTA) – Dean Kremer, the first Israeli baseball player to be drafted into the Major Leagues, was called up to the Baltimore Orioles and earned a victory in his debut – all in less than 24 hours. Kremer led the Orioles to a 5-1 win over the New York Yankees on Sunday, Sept. 6, allowing just one hit and one earned run while striking out seven in six innings on Sunday afternoon. He got the call that he would be starting at 10:30 the previous evening, MiLB.com reported.

Kremer, 24, was born in California to Israeli parents. He was drafted in 2015 by the San Diego Padres but did not sign, opting to play another year at the college level. In 2016 he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers and signed with the team.

He was traded to the Orioles in July 2018 and had been playing in the minor leagues until the call-up.

The 6-3, 185-pound righthander pitched for the Israeli national team in the 2014 European Championships and in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. He also played for the gold-medal winning Team USA in the 2013 Maccabiah Games in Israel.

While Kremer is the first Israeli citizen to pitch in the Major Leagues, he is not the first Israeli citizen to play in the majors. That designation belongs to Ryan Lavarnway, who obtained Israeli citizenship in November in order to play for Team Israel at the Tokyo Olympics this year, but they were postponed to next summer due to the coronavirus. Lavarnway was called up to the Miami Marlins in August but was later designated for assignment.

Kremer’s entire extended family, including his grandparents, lives in Israel, and one of his brothers is serving in the Israeli army. His great-uncle is Haim Saban, the American-Israeli billionaire businessman who created the Power Rangers franchise and also played a role in last month’s deal normalizing Israel’s relations with the United Arab Emirates.

Kremer says he is happy to be a role model for Israeli children who want to play professional baseball.

“It’s awesome to be able to hold the torch, so to speak, for guys like me,” Kremer told MiLB.com. “There is a list and it’s growing every year. We’re just showing the kids over there that it’s possible.”

He has told reporters that he takes his Jewishness seriously and would not pitch on Yom Kippur, the CBS affiliate in Baltimore reported.

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DEAN KREMER PITCHES FOR THE BALTIMORE ORIOLES IN HIS MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT AGAINST THE NEW YORK YANKEES AT ORIOLE PARK AT CAMDEN YARDS ON SEPT. 6, 2020 IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND. (MITCHELL LAYTON/GETTY IMAGES)

Q&A CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

binary situation. I understand it if you’re doing “Raisin in the Sun” and you cast the family as white people. That is problematic because this play is about being Black.

There’s a difference between something that is tied to the identity of the piece that you’re doing and an actor playing a role. And so I think it should be a much more nuanced conversation than it is, and I do think about that all the time, I do anticipate people saying, “If you’re not even Jewish, if you’re not even somebody who says you believe in God, why should you have the right to play a religious character, much less a Jewish character?” I don’t know how to answer that question.

I love to act and I love to tell stories, but I also want to have respect for the stories I’m telling. If it’s a situation where it’s going to ruin the show or people aren’t going to watch it, then I’ll step down – that’s

something I have to take into consideration.

Because I don’t want to offend people. I wouldn’t want to offend everyone who’s a Jewish person who would look at that and go “Oh, my god, what is he doing!” If I’ve done something wrong, I don’t want to be in the boat of maligning a whole entire group of people. So it’s a really delicate situation.

I hope I’ve brought some reality to it and I haven’t shined the wrong kind of attention to it.

So if someone comes to with another Black-Jewish character. What’s your response?

I guess I’d say I’ve been doing a pretty good job, that’s why you’re coming to me, I’m the Black-Jewish expert at this point. I’ll stick it on my resume – I’ll put the “Traveler’s Prayer” on my resume.

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An 80-Year Commitment to serving the Greater Hartford Jewish and Interfaith Community 30

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OBITUARIES BRAUSE Elliot S. Brause, 83, of New Haven, died Sept. 6. He was the husband of Judith Weiner Brause. Born in New Haven, he was the only child of Harold and Clare Brause.

He was a member of B’nai Jacob Synagogue and served the Board of Camp Laurelwood in Madison. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, David Brause and his wife Elizabeth Coppage of Guilford, and Lisa Brause and her husband Myles Standish III of Los Angeles, Calif.; and his grandson, Joshua Harold Brause.

CHASIN Shirley Chauser Chasin, 92 of Hamden, died Sept. 5. She was the widow of Jack S. Chasin. Born in New Haven, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Rose Chauser. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia C. Jedynak; her grandchildren, Matthew Frankel, Jeremy Frankel, Michael Keehan and his wife Lindsay, Benjamin Chasin and Jessica Chasin; her greatgrandchildren, Elizabeth, Hannah and Connor Frankel and Avery Keehan; her daughter-in-law Michelle Chasin; her brother Barry Chauser and his wife Mille; and her sister-in-law Thelma Strickler and

her husband Gilbert. She was predeceased by her son Glenn Chasin, her daughter Sharon Hoxley-Chasin, and her sons-in-law, Charles Hoxley and Thomas Jedynak.

GOLDMAN Allene (Avrutin) Goldman, 92, of Woodbridge, died Sept. 7. She was the widow of David William Goldman. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Lee Avrutin of West Haven Connecticut and sister of Rita (Avrutin) Arthur. She was also predeceased by her son Richard Goldman.

She is survived by her son Kenneth Goldman; her grandchildren, Stephanie (Goldman) Barstis, Alyson Goldman, Samantha Goldman, and Matthew Goldman; her great-grandson Jack Barstis.

MOFFIE Harold Jay Moffie, 92, of Bloomfield, died Sept. 3. He was the husband of Selma Moffie. Born in Brookline, Mass., he was the son of the late Saul E. Moffie and Ruth D. Epstein. He served in the U.S. Army and served in the infantry in the counter-intelligence section.

He was honorably discharged in 1955. He was instrumental in the development of

A traditional way for all Jews since 1898

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In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Calvin Moffie and his wife Patricia, Clint Moffie, Celia Bedus and her husband Michael, Carrie Riccio and her husband John, and Cathy DeMio and her husband Richard; 15 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

SHEINBLUM Michael Scheinblum of Guilford, CT, age 77, beloved husband of Lonnie Scheinblum, died on Sept. 6, 2020, and was buried in a private service on Sept. 9, 2020. Mike was born on Thanksgiving Day in 1942, son of Robert and Marie Scheinblum. In addition to his parents, Mike was predeceased by his son, Andrew Scheinblum, his brothers, Allan and Paul Scheinblum, his sister-in-law, Judy Scheinblum, and his brothers-in-law, Gene Freund and John Yeck. After graduating from Weaver High School in Hartford, CT, Mike attended the University of Connecticut where he graduated first in his class in the School of Insurance. Following college, Mike became a pioneer and nationally known expert in the field of risk management. During his 25-year career, he was Director of Risk Management for several multinational corporations including Heublein, RJRNabisco, and Carnival Cruise Lines. In 1983, Governor John Y. Brown commissioned Mike a Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, for his work on behalf of Kentucky Fried Chicken. After retiring, Mike spent the next 25 years volunteering for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and its affiliated agencies. He worked even harder as a volunteer than he did in private life, advising the Federation and charities on risk management and insurance. In 2007, President George W. Bush presented Mike with the President’s Call to Service Award for his dedication to volunteer service and civic participation in the State of Florida. Mike had an extensive range of interests and hobbies. He was an avid gardener and loved caring for his lawn and the surrounding grounds. Mike also was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and devotee of the University of Miami Hurricanes, traveling with his son, Rob, to some of the most exciting college football games ever played. In his spare time, Mike

also enjoyed planning his travels on the many worldwide trips he took with Lonnie, including China, India, South Africa, Israel, and numerous countries throughout Europe. More than anything, Mike loved his family and friends and always strived to help others in need. May the memory of Mike be a blessing to all who knew him, loved him, and will sorely miss him. In addition to his wife, Mike is survived by his son, Robert Scheinblum; his grandson, Jacob Scheinblum; his brothers and their spouses Howard (Susan) and Peter (Cheryl) Scheinblum; his sisters Sondra Kay, Tobi Scheinblum, and Esther Yeck; his sisters-inlaw, Terry and Marilyn Scheinblum; and his brother-in-law, Arnold Holtman.

SCHNEIDER Rochelle (Tabachnick) Schneider, 79, of Milford, died Sept. 8. Born in New York, N.Y., she was the daughter of David Tabachnick and Yadvega Yellen She is survived by her brother Michael Tabachnick and his wife Nikki; her step-sons, James Hutchings, Edward Hutchings, and Sam Schneider; her step-daughters, Karen Hutchings and Anita Hutchings; and her daughters, Barbara Cohen, Catherine Bramball, and Elisabeth Hutchings.

SEDER Lois (“Loie”) Fisher Seder, 88, of Palm Desert, Calif., formerly of West Hartford, died Sept. 2. She was the widow of Warren Jay (“Dee”) Seder. Born in Worcester, Mass., she grew up with two younger brothers, Conrad and Philip. She is survived by her brother Philip; her daughters Lauren, Elizabeth and Carol; her grandchildren, Caitlin, Jacob, Jenna, Taylor, Kyle, Cooper and Carter; her great-grandson Leon; and several nieces and nephews.

SHEAR Anita (Arenstien) Shear, 93, of Newington, died, Sept. 6. She was the widow of Phillip Shear. She was the daughter of the late Israel Arenstein and Sarah (Freeman) Arenstein. She was also predeceased by her brother, Harold Arenstein. She is survived by her grandson Lannie Beauregard; her daughter Susan Beauregard of Willimantic; Susan’s partner Dan Reynolds and his daughter Ciera.

Honor the memory of your loved one...

Call 860.231.2424 x3028 to place your memorial in the Ledger.

JEWISH LEDGER

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SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

31

There’s only one place to be seen by everyone.

And it’s FREE!

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Introducing West Hartford’s all-inclusive online event calendar!

List your own event by going to WeHaCal.com and click on ADD MY EVENT. For more information or to advertise on this free service, contact Donna Edelstein at 860-833-0839 or Donna@20media20.com

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| SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

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ENERGY

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For maintenance on your fuel oil or natural gas heating or cooling system, call:

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SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

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CLASSIFIED

LOOK for these MAGAZINES in your INBOX!

To Place An Ad: PH: 860.231.2424 x3035 • Fax: 860.231.2485 Email: howardm@jewishledger.com

The Jewish Ledger assumes no responsibility for the product and services advertised

TRENDING

CELEBRATIONS • JUNE SENIOR LIVING • AUG.

MARCH JUNE SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

FOR SALE OR RENTAL

Caregiver - Willing to care for your loved ones overnight - Excellent local references Avoid nursing home or hospital in light of Covid 19. Call 860550-0483.

New England Jewish Academy in Greater Hartford - Preschool aide to assist our two dynamic lead teachers - Wonderful children and supportive environment - Hours are 11:005:00 M-TH, 11:00-4:00 on Friday’s with the exception of winter when Friday hours are 11:00-2:20. We are also looking for an art teacher who can work one full day each week. Please email your resume to zsilver@ sigelacademy.org.

FOR SALE- Delray Beach condo.

Over 55 community. Furnished one bedroom. Fabulous meal plan in dining room. Daily social activities & amenities. Gorgeous community, great location. Rare opportunity. $48,500. Call 215740-1165.

Tricia’s Cleaning Service - Residential & Commercial Detailed cleaning for Home & Office - For Free Quote call 860477-8636.

BLACK FRIDAY GIFT GUIDE: NOVEMBER

Kosher NEW ENGLAND

MARCH

Polish certified nursing assistant.

Twenty years experience in hospitals, nursing homes and private home settings looking to help your loved ones. Please call 860-803-6007.

Certified Home Care Aide - Live-in - HHA Certficate Experience with dementia, stroke, alzheimer’s - Driver’s License - References - Lydia 718- Home Health Aide - Two Years 864-7600.

Experience - Reliable - Livein seven days. References Mikael Poreshi - Remodeling & available, negotiable rates. Call Painting - 860-978-2505 - miki.

Kwasi 774-253-5479. pori87@gmail.com.

Driver available for shopping & Home Health Aide - Companion errands in the greater Hartford available for live in/live out Mon. area. Reasonable rates, senior - Fri. Valid driver’s license. Over discount and references 15 years experience. Excellent available. Call Ira 860-849-0999.

References. Call 860-796-8468.

Caregiver looking for full time CNA - 8 Years Experience live-in job - HHA/Precursor CNA Reliable - Own Car - Live-in 24/7 - 12 Years experience - Friendly, - Negotiable Rates - Please call outgoing, dependable - Please Tina 860-461-8692. call Janet at 412-527-9285.

Compassionate Elder Companion - Driver & Cook Beth: alifeofplantsandart@gmail. com.

P.C.A. - HHA Caregiver - 17 Years Experience - Available Live In or Live Out - Five Days a Week - Car Available - Have References - Please Call K.B. 860-796-8468.

All Things

JEWISH

Nurse (LPN, Male). 2 Years Experience in long term care.

4 Years Home Care as CNA and Nurse. Seeks Private duty.

Reliable, honest, hardworking.

860-656-8280.

CONNECTICUT September

Caregiver for your elderly loved one available Thursday evenings to Sunday evenings. Kosher experience, stellar references.

Monica - 347-486-0911.

MASSACHUSETTS December For more information on advertising in these magazines, call Donna 860.833.0839 or DonnaE@jewishledger.com 34

JEWISH LEDGER

| SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

NURSE SEEKING POSITION: GETTING BETTER TOGETHER! Adult care only. Live-in, days or nights and weekends.

Responsible and dedicated caregiver with medical education. Leave message: 860-229-2038 No Text Please.

CNA with 25 years experience, reliable car, live-in or hourly.

References available, and negotiable rates. Call Sandy 860-460-3051.

REAL ESTATE

For lease- Boca Raton, FL. Fully furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with kosher kitchen in beautiful Century Village. First floor, parking, pool & club house. Call Mike 561-654-4221.

WANTED TO BUY

Third Generation Jeweler - Gold & Diamond Buyer - Is Buying All Gold Jewelry - Sterling Silver Flatware Sets - Diamonds Over 2 Carats - Fast Payment Contact - mitchellrosin@gmail. com.

Collector looking to purchase coins and currency, silver, copper, and gold. No collection is too small. Will travel. Call 860951-5191 paprfred@aol.com.

TUTOR

Accounting & Math Tutor Retired College Accounting Teacher Will Tutor at Your Home - Call For Appointment 860-402-1201.

FOR SALE

Motorized KD Smart Chair rarely used - excellent condition - Call or text 203-710-0615.

CHAUFFEUR, WEST HARTFORD will drive you to New York, Boston, New England tristate area. Reasonable rates.

References. Call Jeff 860-7124115.

Have something to sell?

Have something to rent?

Have a service to promote?

Reach our highly qualified readers by placing your display classified ad in our digital issue with a LIVE link to your website!

Contact Leslie 860.231.2424 or leslie@jewishledger.com jewishledger.com

CT SYNAGOGUE DIRECTORY To join our synagogue directories, contact Howard Meyerowitz at (860) 231-2424 x3035 or howardm@jewishledger.com.

BLOOMFIELD B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom/ Neshama Center for Lifelong Learning Conservative Rabbi Debra Cantor (860) 243-3576 office@BTSonline.org www.btsonline.org BRIDGEPORT Congregation B’nai Israel Reform Rabbi Evan Schultz (203) 336-1858 info@cbibpt.org www.cbibpt.org Congregation Rodeph Sholom Conservative (203) 334-0159 Rabbi Richard Eisenberg, Cantor Niema Hirsch info@rodephsholom.com www.rodephsholom.com Jewish Senior Services Traditional Rabbi Stephen Shulman (203) 396-1001 sshulman@jseniors.org www.jseniors.org CHESHIRE Temple Beth David Reform Rabbi Micah Ellenson (203) 272-0037 office@TBDCheshire.org www.TBDCheshire.org CHESTER Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek Reform Rabbi Marci Bellows (860) 526-8920 rabbibellows@cbsrz.org www.cbsrz.org

COLCHESTER Congregation Ahavath Achim Conservative Rabbi Kenneth Alter (860) 537-2809 secretary@congregationahavathachim.org EAST HARTFORD Temple Beth Tefilah Conservative Rabbi Yisroel Snyder (860) 569-0670 templebetht@yahoo.com FAIRFIELD Congregation Ahavath Achim Orthodox (203) 372-6529 office@ahavathachim.org www.ahavathachim.org Congregation Beth El, Fairfield Conservative Rabbi Marcelo Kormis (203) 374-5544 office@bethelfairfield.org www.bethelfairfield.org GLASTONBURY Congregation Kol Haverim Reform Rabbi Dr. Kari Tuling (860) 633-3966 office@kolhaverim.org www.kolhaverim.org GREENWICH Greenwich Reform Synagogue Reform Rabbi Jordie Gerson (203) 629-0018 hadaselias@grs.org www.grs.org

Temple Sholom Conservative Rabbi Mitchell M. Hurvitz Rabbi Chaya Bender Cantor Sandy Bernstein (203) 869-7191 info@templesholom.com www.templesholom.com HAMDEN Temple Beth Sholom Conservative Rabbi Benjamin Edidin Scolnic (203) 288-7748 tbsoffice@tbshamden.com www.tbshamden.com MADISON Temple Beth Tikvah Reform Rabbi Stacy Offner (203) 245-7028 office@tbtshoreline.org www.tbtshoreline.org MANCHESTER Beth Sholom B’nai Israel Conservative Rabbi Randall Konigsburg (860) 643-9563 Rabbenu@myshul.org programming@myshul.org www.myshul.org MIDDLETOWN Adath Israel Conservative Spiritual Leaders: Rabbi Marshal Press Rabbi Michael Kohn (860) 346-4709 office@adathisraelct.org www.adathisraelct.org

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NEW HAVEN The Towers Conservative Ruth Greenblatt, Spiritual Leader (203) 772-1816 rebecca@towerone.org www.towerone.org Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel Conservative Rabbi Jon-Jay Tilsen (203) 389-2108 office@BEKI.org www.BEKI.org

ORANGE Chabad of Orange/ Woodbridge Chabad Rabbi Sheya Hecht (203) 795-5261 info@chabadow.org www.chabadow.org

Orchard Street ShulCongregation Beth Israel Orthodox Rabbi Mendy Hech t 973-723-9070 www.orchardstreetshul.org

Congregation Or Shalom Conservative Rabbi Alvin Wainhaus (203) 799-2341 info@orshalomct.org www.orshalomct.org

NEW LONDON Ahavath Chesed Synagogue Orthodox Rabbi Avrohom Sternberg 860-442-3234 Ahavath.chesed@att.net

RIDGEFIELD Congregation Shir Shalom of Westchester and Fairfield Counties Reform Rabbi David Reiner Cantor Debora Katchko-Gray (203) 438-6589 office@ourshirshalom.org

Congregation Beth El Conservative Rabbi Rachel Safman (860) 442-0418 office@bethel-nl.org bethel-nl.org NEWINGTON Temple Sinai Reform Rabbi Jeffrey Bennett (860) 561-1055 templesinaict@gmail.com www.sinaict.org NEWTOWN Congregation Adath Israel Conservative Rabbi Barukh Schectman (203) 426-5188 office@congadathisrael.org www.congadathisrael.org NORWALK Beth Israel Synagogue – Chabad of Westport/ Norwalk Orthodox-Chabad Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht (203) 866-0534 info@bethisraelchabad.org bethisraelchabad.org Congregation Beth El-Norwalk Conservative Rabbi Ita Paskind (203) 838-2710 Jody@congbethel.org www.congbethel.org

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Temple Shalom Reform Rabbi Mark Lipson (203) 866-0148 admin@templeshalomweb.org www.templeshalomweb.org

SIMSBURY Chabad of the Farmington Valley Chabad Rabbi Mendel Samuels (860) 658-4903 chabadsimsbury@gmail.com www.chabadotvalley.org Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation, Emek Shalom Reform Rabbi Rebekah Goldman Mag (860) 658-1075 admin@fvjc.org www.fvjc.org SOUTH WINDSOR Temple Beth Hillel of South Windsor Reform Rabbi Jeffrey Glickman (860) 282-8466 tbhrabbi@gmail.com www.tbhsw.org SOUTHINGTON Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation Reform Rabbi Alana Wasserman (860) 276-9113 President@gsjc.org www.gsjc.org

TRUMBULL Congregation B’nai Torah Conservative Rabbi Colin Brodie (203) 268-6940 office@bnaitorahct.org www.bnaitorahct.org

Congregation P’nai Or Jewish Renewal Shabbat Services Rabbi Andrea Cohen-Kiener (860) 561-5905 pnaiorct@gmail.com www.jewishrenewalct.org

WALLINGFORD Beth Israel Synagogue Conservative Rabbi Bruce Alpert (203) 269-5983 richardcaplan@sbcglobal.net www.bethisrael/wallingford. org

Kehilat Chaverim of Greater Hartford Chavurah Adm. - Marcey Ginsburg Munoz (860) 951-6877 info@ kehilatchaverim.org www.kehilatchaverim.org

WASHINGTON Greater Washington Coalition Rabbi James Greene (860) 868-2434 admin@jewishlifect.org www.jewishlife.org WATERFORD Temple Emanu - El Reform Rabbi Marc Ekstrand Rabbi Emeritus Aaron Rosenberg (860) 443-3005 office@tewaterfrord.org www.tewaterford.org WEST HARTFORD Beth David Synagogue Orthodox Rabbi Yitzchok Adler (860) 236-1241 office@bethdavidwh.org www.bethdavidwh.org Beth El Temple Conservative Rabbi James Rosen Rabbi Ilana Garber (860) 233-9696 hsowalsky@bethelwh.org www.bethelwesthartford.org Chabad House of Greater Hartford Rabbi Joseph Gopin Rabbi Shaya Gopin, Director of Education (860) 232-1116 info@chabadhartford.com www.chabadhartford.com

The Emanuel Synagogue Conservative Rabbi David J. Small (860) 236-1275 communications@emanuelsynagogue.org www.emanuelsynagogue.org United Synagogues of Greater Hartford Orthodox Rabbi Eli Ostrozynsk i synagogue voice mail (860) 586-8067 Rabbi’s mobile (718) 6794446 ostro770@hotmail.com www.usgh.org Young Israel of West Hartford Orthodox Rabbi Tuvia Brander (860) 233-3084 info@youngisraelwh.org www.youngisraelwh.org WETHERSFIELD Temple Beth Torah Unaffiliated Rabbi Seth Riemer (860) 828-3377 tbt.w.ct@gmail.com templebethtorahwethersfield. org WOODBRIDGE Congregation B’nai Jacob Conservative Rabbi Rona Shapiro (203) 389-2111 info@bnaijacob.org www.bnaijacob.org

Congregation Beth Israel Reform Rabbi Michael Pincus Rabbi Andi Fliegel Cantor Stephanie Kupfer (860) 233-8215 bethisrael@cbict.org www.cbict.org

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Thank You! During these strange and difficult times, The Crown Market wishes to thank you all for your continued support. Our amazing staff remains committed to providing the best customer service, prepared foods, kosher meats, artisan baked goods, sushi, pizza, fresh produce and grocery items that we are able to offer.

May the new year bring you continued happiness and good health and may you all be inscribed in the Book of Life!

The Crown Market 2471 Albany Ave West Hartford, CT 06117

860.236.1965

www.crownmarketonline.com HKC supervises the Bakery, Five o’clock Shop, Butcher Department and Catering.

We’re not JUST kosher...we’re DELICIOUS!

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JEWISH LEDGER

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