Southern New England Jewish Ledger • May 31, 2022 • 1 Sivan 5782 by 2020 Media

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SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND

Shavout 5782

MAY 31, 2022 • 1 SIVAN 5782

uot Shav

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The two-day holiday of Shavuot highlights the concept of spiritual liberty. It begins this year at sundown Saturday, June 4 and concludes the evening of Monday, June 6.

Features

Milestones

21 & 23 Around SNE

5 History or Hazard?

Built in 1886, the Deborah Chapel was once a mortuary where the deceased were prepared for a Jewish burial. Now, its owner, Congregation Beth Israel of West Hartford, says it’s a dilapidated eyesore. But many residents disagree.

Analysis: Uvalde

The Ledger Scoreboard

29 & 30 Briefs

Jewish Life

Torah Portion

Crossword

In Memoriam

At The Emanuel synagogue, where he served as hazzan for more than two decades, Cantor

Sandy Cohen was remembered last week as a beloved member of the clergy, a devoted family man, and a true mensch.

6 Author’s Corner

Mike Rothschild is a professional buster of conspiracy theories. And, no, he doesn’t own even a single bank.

19 OPINION

Two Orthodox rabbis, devastated by the news that the Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, say it would be an unconscionable infringement on the religious freedom of Orthodox Jews.

CANDLE LIGHTING

Arts & Entertainment

The new Netflix series “Heirs to the Land” takes a deep dive into what it meant to live as a Jew in Spain in the days leading up to the Inquisition.

SHABBAT FRIDAY, JUNE 3 Hartford New Haven: Bridgeport: Stamford:

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What’s Happening

Obituaries May 31, 2022

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WEST HARTFORD IS GOING TO THE DOGS! The painted dogs, that is. And we couldn’t be more excited!

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SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND JEWISH LEDGER | MAY 31, 2022 | 1 IYAR 5782

Hazard or Historical Site?

IN MEMORIAM

West Hartford synagogue goes to court over the future of the Deborah Chapel

A Community Remembers a Beloved Cantor

BY STACEY DRESNER

ARTFORD, CT – Connecticut’s Congregation Beth Israel is embroiled in a battle with historical preservationists over the fate of a 135-year-old building that sits on the Beth Israel Cemetery property on Ward Street in Hartford. The trouble began in 2018, when the West Hartford congregation sought permission to demolish the Deborah Chapel, calling the structure “a hazard.” When the city of Hartford denied its request, Beth Israel took the issue to the courts and this past February a judge sided with the West Hartford congregation. Now the city is appealing that decision.

Built in the 1880’s by the Deborah Society, also known as the Hebrew Ladies Benevolent Society, the three-story brick building in question was used for the Jewish ritual of “tahara” – the washing and dressing of the deceased. By the 1940s, the building was no longer used for that purpose and was used as housing for a “shamus” (caretaker). According to a statement released by the congregation, the aging building was long ago abandoned and has since fallen into disrepair. “The building in question sits on approximately a threeacre parcel of land within the cemetery and was intended for the preparation of the dead for burial, a service now required to

be performed by funeral homes,” read the statement. “For the past 70 years this building has not been in use and has deteriorated and has become a hazard. The Congregation has investigated the possibility of rehabilitating the building and found that it would cost between $500,000 and $1 million to save it.” In early May, the National Trust for Historic Preservation included the Deborah Chapel in its annual America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list. “The Deborah Chapel, a rare and early American example of an intact Jewish funerary structure, represents the strong leadership of women within 19th-century Jewish religious and communal organizations,” said the Trust in a statement in early May. “Congregation Beth Israel has applied for permission to demolish the structure despite its national and state historic designations. Advocates for saving it—including neighborhood residents, Jewish scholars, preservation nonprofits, Continued on page 33

WEST HARTFORD, Connecticut – When Cantor Sanford Cohn arrived at The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford, Connecticut in 1999, he was thrilled to be following in the footsteps of the synagogue’s legendary longtime cantor Arthur Koret, who was considered to be one of the best 20th-century American cantors. “It was awe-inspiring to assume the position that had been occupied by such a great of the cantorial world,” Cohn told the Jewish Ledger in 2019, as he was about to be honored at a special Cantor’s Concert at the Emanuel. As awed as he was by Koret’s stature, Cohn gained his own reputation over his 21 years at Emanuel for his love of Judaism and music and his devotion to his congregants. On Sunday, May 22, after battling cancer for more than two years, Cantor Cohn died at his home in West Hartford, with his wife, Beth Polebaum, and their three children, Shoshana, Aryeh and Gavriel, by his side. At his funeral, held at Emanuel on Monday, May 23, Cohn – known as ‘Sandy’ to family and friends – was remembered as a devoted family man and a true mensch. “He was an integral and beloved part of Emanuel and of the Greater Hartford Jewish community,” Emanuel’s spiritual leader, Rabbi David Small, told those gathered. “As a pastoral leader Hazzan Continued on page 33

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Southern New England Jewish Ledger

Author’s Corner

A Rothschild who debunks conspiracy theories is writing the book about Jewish space lasers BY ASAF SHAVEL

(JTA) – To a conspiracy theorist, last week seemed to offer evidence that the Rothschild family is plotting to undermine Elon Musk. It started when the Tesla tycoon bashed the Democratic Party and said in a tweet that he would switch to voting Republican. A user named David Rothschild responded, mocking Musk and portraying him as an entitled whiner because Musk comes from a rich white family that benefitted from apartheid in South Africa. Then, Rothschild himself became the target of ridicule as other users, predictably, pounced on his last name to assert that the scion of the Jewish banking family had no standing to criticize someone over issues of social privilege. “A Rothschild complaining about other people’s privileges. The joke tells itself,” one user wrote. As if on cue, another Rothschild soon chimed in to defend the Musk mocker. “David M. Rothschild is an NYC-based economist,” tweeted a user named Mike Rothschild. “He is not related to the banking family. People might be thinking of David M. de Rothschild, an adventurer and environmentalist, 5x greatgrandson of Mayer Amschel. Not all Jews are related.” That the last names are purely coincidental is exactly the kind of lie a Rothschild would try to peddle – that is, if you’re a conspiracy theorist. In reality, neither user has anything to do with the famous family. David is an economist. Mike, meanwhile, is a professional buster of conspiracy theories. Last year, Mike released a book called The Storm is Upon

Us, an account of the QAnon movement. The irony of his last name is not lost on him, of course. Rothschild’s next book, which is still early in the writing process, will focus on the illustrious banking family that has been the target of antisemites for 200 years. The title is “Jewish Space Lasers.” The Jewish Telegraphic Agency caught up with Mike Rothschild for an interview about his book and what it’s like to do his work with such a last name. JTA: So, for the record, how many banks do you own, and which parts of the global economy do you personally control? ROTHSCHILD: [Laughs] I don’t talk about that. Those are the things you’re not supposed to know about. It’s so funny because so much of the paranoia and the conspiracy theories about the Rothschilds stems from stuff that doesn’t exist or that people misunderstand. For example, central banks don’t have owners, they’re the monetary arm of a country. There are lots of private banks, but that’s not what they’re talking about. It’s just wild the stuff people have talked themselves into believing. What is the craziest conspiracy theory you’ve encountered about yourself? Oh, god, there are tons of them. That typical stuff like that I am part of this family that has $500 trillion and owns everything. I’ve also had people who think that I helped start QAnon so that I can make money off it. There are people who think I work for Russian intelligence or that I work for Mike Flynn and my whole job is to get people involved in Q and spread

Southern New England Jewish Ledger

AUTHOR AND CONSPIRACY THEORY EXPERT MIKE ROTHSCHILD. (COURTESY)

disinformation about who started it so that people don’t find out who really started it. People just make things up about you and there’s nothing you can really do about it. You can’t engage with it because then you’re validating what these people think and you’re giving them attention that they don’t deserve. And you can’t prove it’s not true. They just can’t prove it is true. And unfortunately, the way proof works is kind of misunderstood by a lot of people. I don’t have to prove this stuff isn’t true. They have to prove it is. They just don’t do it. How did you get into reporting on conspiracy theories and fringe movements? I’ve always been interested in conspiracy theories as stories.

When I was in college, I spent a lot of time listening to Coast to Coast AM, the Art Bell radio show where he would talk about UFOs, crop circles, the face on Mars – all this stuff that people that I knew didn’t talk about. These were not topics for discussion in regular society. This was the domain of crazy people. And I thought, well, I am not a crazy person. I just enjoy these stories. I enjoy sort of picking apart why people believe this stuff. And after a while, I started to write for the blog of a critical thinking podcast that I’m a big fan of called Skeptoid. .... And I found that I was good at it. That started to lead to jobs in journalism. This wasn’t something that Continued on page 17

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Milestones Dr. Deena Grant named acting dean of Hartford International University HARTFORD, Connecticut – Deena Grant, Associate Professor of Jewish Studies, will become acting academic dean of Hartford International University for Religion and Peace (formerly Hartford Seminary) as of July 1. She is believed to be the first Jewish dean at HIU, which was established in 1834. Dr. Grant will take over for Rev. Dr. David D. Grafton, who has served as academic dean

DR. DEENA GRANT

since 2018. Dr. Grafton will return to his role as director of the Macdonald Center for Islamic Studies and ChristianMuslim Relations and Professor of Islamic Studies and ChristianMuslim Relations. “Dr. Grafton’s remarkable leadership has put the institution in excellent stead, and his continued leadership among our faculty and the MacDonald Center, as well as his commitment to support Grant in her new role, are things I cherish,” President Joel N. Lohr said. “That we now can also benefit from Grant’s incredibly sharp intellect, business acumen, and strategic thinking is paramount for the future of our growing and groundbreaking university. I’m delighted about this strategic development, and I look forward to observing the fruits of our collective work.”

An observant Jewish scholar. Grant has been at HIU for five years. The Author of Divine Anger in the Hebrew Bible, she has also written many academic articles and is a sought-after speaker at community events and workshops. She received her BA from Brandeis University in Near Eastern and Jewish Studies and her Ph.D. from New York University in Hebrew and Judaic Studies. She also studied at Midreshet Lindenbaum and Hebrew University’s Institute for Advanced Studies, both in Jerusalem. She received the Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture International Doctoral Scholarship for Studies Specializing in Jewish Fields, as well as the Dorot Award at the 37th Annual Conference for the Association of Jewish Studies.

Among her activities during her time at HIU, she has organized Jewish holiday celebrations, including Passover Model Seder. A highlight of each fall is when students of many different faiths join together to build a Sukkah on HIU’s front lawn. Grant co-chaired HIU’s Strategic Planning 2025 Committee, and for the past year, she has led the strategic area of Global and Community Partnerships. Said Grant, “Our faculty has worked extremely hard to construct and launch academic programs that speak to the specific needs of today’s religious leaders and peacebuilders. I’m eager to support our faculty and students as we continue to realize our vision.”

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Arts & Entertainment Spanish Jews take the spotlight in pre-Inquisition Netflix series BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ

(JTA) – The series “Heirs to the Land” that dropped on Netflix last month looks, at first glance, like just another installment in the fast-growing genre of Spanish period dramas. In some ways it is, featuring the familiar mix of romance, violence and a liberal dramatization of key historical events in medieval Spain that have made international hits out of several recent Spanish productions such as “Isabel” and “El Cid.” But “Heirs to the Land” also takes a deep dive into what it meant to live as a Jew in Spain at the time, when the strictly Catholic country began its descent into organized persecution of minorities that culminated with the Inquisition. The series reflects a growing appetite in Spain for exploring local history in general, especially its oft-overlooked Jewish chapters. “There’s a growing realization in Spain that Sephardic history isn’t about ‘them’ but about ‘us,’” said David Hatchwell Altaras, a former president of the Jewish Community of Madrid and one of the co-founders of the city’s planned Jewish museum. The show’s creators said they wanted to go beyond the dramatic scenes of execution and violence that have been typical of Spanish productions dramatizing Sephardic Jewish history. “You have multiple references to the Inquisition and to antisemitism in recent historical production, but I wanted to go beyond and show the texture of life for a Jew in Spain just before the expulsion,” said executive producer Jordi Frades, who is not Jewish. Possibly the most heavily

Jewish production of its kind in Spain, the 8-episode second season of “Heirs to the Land,” based on a novel by Ildefonso Falcones, follows the life of Hugo Llor, a fictional character born in 14th-century Barcelona. The illiterate son of a cleaning lady, Llor gets into trouble with the law and finds refuge with a Jewish family that teaches him to become a winemaker, eventually paving his path to the upper echelons of society. His journey provides a window into how hundreds of thousands of Sephardic Jews would have reacted to the tightening noose that eventually ended their presence as a vibrant community on the Iberian Peninsula. Whereas previous productions about the Inquisition – including the Netflix series “The Cathedral of the Sea,” which Frades also directed, and the Netflix film “Coven of Sisters” – depicted Jews briefly and mostly as hapless victims, “Heirs to the Land” digs much deeper. It depicts a Jew learning of the massacre of Jews in Valencia in 1391 even as he maintained trust in the government and king, who, at that time, sometimes intervened to protect Jews from lynchings – but at other times ignored or encouraged them. Jucef Crescas, a character loosely based on the real-life Jewish philosopher Hasdai Crescas and his pupil Joseph Albo, adopts external Christian customs such as wearing a cross, and changes his name to Raimundo. But he pursues neither Christian nor Jewish theology, devoting himself to science instead. Another protagonist, Regina Llor, is a Jewish doctor who genuinely wishes to convert to gain the acceptance she has always desired and to marry Hugo, the protagonist, who is not Jewish. “Above being Jewish, I’m a person. A woman. A physician. I’m tired of being ignored. Of

Southern New England Jewish Ledger

‘HEIRS OF THE LAND’ WAS FILMED IN SPAIN IN 2020. (COURTESY OF NETFLIX)

being spat at on the street. Of being humiliated. I’m tired of being Jewish,” Regina, portrayed by well-known Spanish actress Maria Rodríguez Soto, says in one memorable scene. Elsewhere, Dolça, a Jewish woman who was Hugo’s first love, chooses death over conversion. A lynch mob executes her in one of the many gory scenes that earned this series a matureaudiences rating. In an earlier scene, she refers to a non-Jew dismissively as “just a Christian” – an acknowledgement of Jewish isolationism and feelings of superiority. The execution scene was “the first time that this tragic part of Jewish history has been shown on television” in such a manner in Spain, according to Reconectar, a nonprofit that seeks to connect people with Sephardic ancestry with Judaism. Relying on multiple consultants and experts on Sephardic history, the show also attempts to explore realistically how non-Jews treated Jews back then. Even the noble and courageous protagonist, portrayed by superstar Yon González, says at one point about his estranged wife, who had converted chiefly to be able to marry him: “I wish that damned Jewess had stayed out of my life.” There’s also an attempt to capture Jewish communities and professional circles at the time, ranging from Jewish doctors performing abortions on Christian women (enabled by Judaism’s more permissive stance on ending pregnancies)

to the production of kosher wine exclusively with Jewish labor, as mandated by Jewish law. (There are also a few slipups, like several scenes in which supposedly devout Jews publicly say “Jehovah” – a serious no-no in their circles.) Frades said the new series attempts to do for the Inquisition what “Schindler’s List” has done for the Holocaust. “I must admit that I’ve found some references for explaining what happened in that period in what you can see in ‘Schindler’s List,’” he said. The reception of “Heirs to the Land” has been good, Frades said. Since dropping on April 15, the series has cracked the list of Netflix’s top-10 most viewed shows in 50 countries, including Israel and France, he said, citing information provided to him by Netflix. “It’s amazing to me because there has been so little active promotion and the series was done on such a small budget,” Frades said. Hatchwell, the co-founder of the Madrid Jewish museum, is not surprised by the audience interest in the series. The 2013 law passed in Spain giving citizenship to descendants of Sephardic Jews has “placed a spotlight on the Inquisition,” Hatchwell said. Portugal also passed such a law in 2013. Tens of thousands of descendants of Sephardic Jews have become naturalized in both countries under those laws. The government’s promotion of Jewish heritage sites may also be fueling interest in the show, May 31, 2022

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he added. “There’s a growing realization that Sephardic heritage is Spanish heritage,” Hatchwell said, citing a 2008 study in which Sephardic genes were observed in about 20% of about 1,000 Spanish men tested. A taboo in Spain until the death in 1975 of the pro-Fascist dictator Francisco Franco, the study of Jewish ancestry in Spain has been facilitated by the advent of the internet and social media. To Hatchwell, the current interest in the Inquisition is part of a broader interest in history in a moment when Spain is “experiencing an identity issue,” fueled by tensions around separatism in Catalonia and crises around Basque nationalism. The emergence of Jewish themes in Spanish popular culture is potentially a boon for groups like Reconectar, which attempt to build bridges between

the descendants of Sephardic Jews and the Jewish world. “It’s popularizing an important period in history that has not been fully discussed because of historical circumstances,” said Ashley Perry (Perez), Reconectar’s president. This trend benefits multiple initiatives, including the digitization of Inquisition-era records for genealogical research and getting Spain to join Portugal in establishing a national day of remembrance for the victims of the Inquisition. Politics aside, Frades says his motivations are purely about storytelling. “It’s about breaking down a big political narrative, a statistic, to individual stories,” he said. “There’s a Jewish saying about saving the world by saving one person,” Frades added. “Well, in the same vein: If you tell one person’s story, you’re telling the story of a whole world.”

Volodymyr Zelensky, Mila Kunis, Zoë Kravitz among Jews on Time 100 list BY JACKIE HAJDENBERG

(JTA) – Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s Jewish president who has been leading his country during the Russian invasion that began in late February, has been named to Time magazine’s annual list of the world’s 100 most influential people. Zelensky was listed in the “leaders” category, and his entry was written by U.S. President Joe Biden. Several Jewish entertainers also made the list released on Monday, including another with Ukrainian heritage: actress Mila Kunis, who immigrated from Chernivtsi to the United States at age 7 and launched a campaign that has raised over $36 million for Ukrainian refugee aid efforts. Other actors like Andrew Garfield, Sarah Jessica Parker and Zoë Kravitz were included, as well as “Saturday Night Live” comedian Pete Davidson, who was just announced to be leaving after seven years on the show. Taika Waititi, the Māori-Jewish director from New Zealand of “JoJo Rabbit” fame, had his entry written up by Jewish actor and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen. In “JoJo Rabbit,” a Hitler Youth member finds out his mother (played by Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. Andy Jassy, who became CEO of Amazon last year, was named in the “titans” category.

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Shavuot 5782

The holiday marked seven weeks after Passover, highlights the concept of spiritual liberty. BY YORAM ETTINGER

(JNS) Shavuot, which is marked this year from the evening of June 4 (after Shabbat) through the evening of June 6 (one day less in Israel), is one of the three libertyoriented Jewish pilgrimages to Jerusalem: Pessach (Passover), Shavuot (Pentecost) and Sukkot (Tabernacles). Shavuot is celebrated seven weeks after the second day of Passover, of which it is a historical, national, agricultural and spiritual extension. Passover highlights the physical liberty from slavery in Egypt; Shavuot highlights the spiritual liberty, embracing the values of the Ten Commandments and the Torah, in preparation for re-entry into the Land of Israel. Shavuot is also called the Holiday of the Harvest (‫)םירוכיב‬ since it concludes the harvest season, which starts during Passover. Shavuot (‫ )תועובש‬means “weeks” in Hebrew; its spelling is identical to the Hebrew word for “vows.” Shavuot commemorates the 40 years of the Exodus, which entailed tough challenges on the way to the Land of Israel, forging the state of mind of the Jewish people and the Jewish State. For example: • Earning and sustaining liberty – which is a most critical value – requires the willingness to endure tribulations (blood, sweat and tears); • Walking against the grain and a can-do mentality – no challenge is insurmountable when met by faith and principledriven determination; • The steeper the hurdle, the more critical the mission, the deeper the gratification; • Adversities and challenges are opportunities in disguise.

The book of Ruth (Honor thy mother-in-law) Shavuot spotlights the Book of Ruth, the first of the five biblical megillot (scrolls) studied during five Jewish holidays: Ruth (Shavuot), Song of Songs (Passover), Ecclesiastes (Sukkot), Lamentations (Tisha B’av) and Esther (Purim). Ruth was a Moabite princess, the great-grandmother of King David. Ruth was a role model of loyalty to her Jewish motherin-law (“Your people are my people and your God is my God”), humility, gratitude, responsibility, reliability, respect for fellow human beings, faith and optimism. According to the Bible, Ruth, the daughter-inlaw, was better than seven sons. Ruth stuck by her mother-in-law, Naomi, during Naomi’s roughest time, when the latter lost her husband, Elimelech (a president of the tribe of Judah), two sons and property. Just like Job, Naomi bounced back from the lowest ebb of her ordeal to fulfilled hope. Job and Naomi both went through family, economic and social calamities, lost their spouses, children and financial assets; both retained confidence in God and reconstructed their families; both became symbols of conviction over convenience, faith-driven patience and endurance. The legacy of Ruth reflects the central role played by biblical women, joining the matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Leah and Rachel; Miriam, the older sister of Moses; Deborah the Prophetess, judge and military leader; Hannah, the mother of Samuel the Prophet; Queen Esther, etc. The geographic setting of the Book of Ruth was the Judean Desert, the cradle of

Southern New England Jewish Ledger

ISRAELIS CELEBRATE SHAVUOT IN KIBBUTZ SARID, IN EMEK YIZRAEL, ON MAY 16, 2021. (ANAT HERMONY/FLASH90)

Jewish history, religion, culture, language and ethnicity.

50 days between Passover and Shavuot.

Impact on the formation of the United States

The centrality of humility

Shavuot commemorates the legacy of Moses: the Exodus, the Ten Commandments and the Torah, which had a significant impact on the Early Pilgrims and the Founding Fathers, and the formation of the U.S. culture, civic life, the federal system, the American Revolution (as highlighted by Thomas Paine’s Common Sense), the Federalist Papers, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, etc.

The U.S. Liberty Bell Shavuot is the holiday of liberty/ Exodus, as highlighted by the biblical concept of Jubilee, the role model of biblical liberty, which is celebrated every 50 years. The essence of the Jubilee is inscribed on the Liberty Bell: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land and unto all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10). The Liberty Bell was installed in Philadelphia in 1752, 50 years following William Penn’s Charter of Privileges, and eventually inspiring the 50 states in the union. According to the biblical Jubilee, all slaves must be released and land must be returned to the original proprietors every 50 years. Shavuot is celebrated 50 days following Passover, and Pentecost – a derivative of the Greek word for 50 – is celebrated 50 days following Easter. According to Judaism, there are 50 gates of wisdom, studied during the

Shavuot highlights the critical value of humility in human behavior and leadership. This is underlined by the receipt of the Torah, the Ten Commandments and the 613 statutes in the desert – an uncomfortable environment – and on Mount Sinai, which is not an overpowering mountain. Moses, the exceptional law-giver and civic and military leader, was accorded only one compliment in the entire Bible: “the humblest of all human beings.”

‘The Ethics of the Fathers’ (Pirkei Avot) It is customary to study – from Passover through Shavuot – the six brief chapters of The Ethics of the Fathers, one of the 63 tractates of the Mishnah (the Oral Torah) – a compilation of common-sense principles and ethical and moral teachings which underline key interpersonal relationships. For example: “Who is respected? He who respects other persons!” “Who is a wise person? He who learns from all other persons!” “Who is wealthy? He who is satisfied with his own share!” “Who is a hero? He who controls his urge!” “Talk sparsely and walk plenty;” “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?” “Don’t be consumed with the May 31, 2022

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flask, but with its content.” “Conditional love is tenuous; unconditional love is eternal.” “Treat every person politely.” “Jealousy, lust and the obsession with fame warp one’s mind.”

Shavuot and the significance of seven Shavuot reflects the centrality of the number seven in Judaism. The Hebrew root of the word Shavuot (‫ )תועובש‬is seven (‫– עבש‬

sheva), which is also the root of “vow” (‫ – העובש‬shvua), “satiety” (‫ – עבוש‬Sova) and “week” (‫– עובש‬ shavua). Shavuot is celebrated seven weeks after Passover. Shabbat was the seventh day of the Creation, and according to Genesis, has seven beneficiaries. The first Hebrew verse of Genesis consists of seven words. God created seven universes – the seventh universe hosts the pure souls (hence the phrase

“Seventh Heaven”). There were seven monumental Jewish leaders – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph and David, representing seven key human qualities. There were seven Jewish prophetesses – Sarah, Miriam, Devorah, Hana, Abigail, Hulda and Esther. There are seven major Jewish holidays – Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Tabernacles, Hanukkah, Purim, Passover and Shavuot. There was a seven-day-recess

between each of the Ten Plagues of Egypt. The ancient Jewish Temple had a seven-branched menorah. There are the biblical “seven species” – barley, wheat, grape, fig, pomegranate, olive and date/honey. The Jubilee follows a seven seven-year-cycle. Yoram Ettinger is a former ambassador and head of Second Thought: A U.S.-Israel Initiative. This article was first published by The Ettinger Report.

On Shavuot we received the Torah…the medium of revelation

BY SHMUEL REICHMAN

e experience life through the medium of time. Each new moment brings with it new opportunities as we ascend through the journey of time. Amidst the constantly moving waves of time, the chagim (Jewish holidays) are specific points imbued with unique energy. Each holiday presents us with the opportunity to tap into and experience the theme inherent at that point in time. If Shavuot is the time of kabbalat ha’Torah (receiving of the Torah), to truly understand what we are trying to experience on Shavuot, we must first understand what Torah is. To truly understand the importance of the receiving of the Torah, we must understand the Torah’s true depth.

What is Torah? Torah is not simply a guide to living a life of truth within this world; it is the blueprint and DNA of the world itself. In other words, our physical world is a projection and emanation of the deep spiritual reality described in the Torah. This is the meaning behind the famous Midrash, “ Istakel b’Oraisah u’barah almah,” Hashem looked into the Torah and used it to create the world (Bereishis Rabbah 1:1). Torah is the spiritual root of existence, the

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physical world is its expression. To illustrate this concept, imagine a projector. The image that you see on the screen emanates from the film in the projector, so that everything you see on the screen is simply an expression of what’s contained within the film. So too, every single thing that we see and experience in the physical world stems from the spiritual root - the transcendent dimension of Torah. Thus, the world in which we live is an avenue to the spiritual – we can access the spiritual, transcendent world through the physical world because the two are intimately, intrinsically connected. Think of the way in which others experience and understand you. All they can see of you is your physical body. They cannot see your thoughts, your

consciousness, your emotions, your soul. All they can see are your actions, words, facial expression, and body languagethe ways in which you express yourself within the world. They cannot see your inner world, but they can access it through the outer expressions that you project. The same is true of those trying to experience Hashem and the spiritual. We cannot see the spiritual, we cannot see what is ethereal and transcendent, only that which is physical. However, we can use the physical to access the spiritual root; we can study the Torah’s expression in this world to understand its spiritual root.

The World is a Mashal The more fully grasp the depth of this concept, we must understand

the nature and purpose of a mashal. A mashal is an analogy, an example one gives in order to explain something abstract and conceptual to one who does not yet understand it. If a teacher wants to share a deep principle with his or her students, they might share a story or analogy that depicts the idea through a more relatable medium. While the mashal does not fully convey the idea itself, it leads the listener towards it, aiding him or her in the process of understanding. Deep ideas cannot be taught, as they are beyond words. The job of the teacher is to guide the student towards the idea, until the idea falls into the student’s mind with clear understanding. A mashal serves as a guiding force in this process. This process itself can be understood through a mashal. You cannot teach someone how to ride a bike. You can only help them, holding on while they practice, and perhaps showing them an example of how it is done. Ultimately though, you must let go, and the student will have to learn how to ride it independently. Once you learn how to ride a bike, it’s hard to imagine not being able to ride one. Yet, despite the fact that we know how to ride a bike, we will not be able to explain how to ride Continued on the next page

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It’s Shavuot, get a little cheesy (JNS) Shavuot is almost upon us – a time when we rejoice in the giving of the Torah by hearing the Ten Commandments being read in synagogue. Some of the customs specific to this holiday include decorating our homes with flora and eating dairy foods. Which brings us to cheesecake… This cheesecake recipe is lighter with a slight lemony undertone, and the fresh fruit helps temper the richness. Use this cheesecake as a base and add your toppings of choice. Some suggestions: caramel, chocolate ganache, fresh berries, pie filling, lemon curd, roasted rhubarb…you get the picture. This recipe is closely based on a recipe by English-born Australian food critic, columnist and recipe writer Matt Preston, with one or two very small adjustments.

Classic Cheesecake With Fresh Fruit (Dairy) Prep Time: Less than 60 minutes Prepare the pan: You will need a 9-inch springform pan for this recipe. If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular pan, but the cake will be difficult to remove. You may need to cut it while it’s still in the pan. This cheesecake cooks best in a water bath, so you’ll need a larger pan that the springform pan can sit in. Wrap the outside of the

CHEESECAKE TOPPED WITH LEMON CURD. CREDIT: PIXABAY.

springform pan in 2 to 3 layers of foil. This helps keep the water from seeping through the crack around the base. Crust Ingredients: 4 oz./120 grams tea biscuits, crushed ⅓ cup sugar 8 tbsp. butter, melted Pinch of salt

next.

Crust Directions: 1. Crush the tea biscuits to a fine crumb, and mix with the sugar, salt and melted butter.

5. Pour the cheese mixture over the base.

2. Press the mixture down firmly into the base of the springform pan. Use the back of a spoon to help compress the mixture. 3. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool. Cheesecake Ingredients: 24 oz. cream cheese (3 cups) 1 cup sugar 4 eggs 2½ tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. vanilla extract ¼ tsp. salt 1¼ cup heavy cream Cheesecake Directions: 1. Let the cream cheese come to room temperature. 2. Using an electric mixer (stand or handheld), beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and mix until fully incorporated. 3. Add the eggs one at a time. Wait until each one is fully incorporated before adding the

CHEESECAKE TOPPED WITH ORANGES, KIWI AND STRAWBERRIES. CREDIT: CHABAD.ORG.

4. Pour in the lemon juice, vanilla and salt; mix. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and mix until smooth.

6. Place the springform pan into the larger pan and add 1 inch of water to the larger pan. 7. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 60 to 75 minutes. In order not to overcook the cake, turn off the oven when the center is still jiggly, but not completely wet. Leave the cheesecake to cool

in the oven for an hour. Then remove and let it cool completely. 8. Refrigerate cake until cold. Run a knife around the edge of the pan, then gently release the springform. 9. Top with fresh fruit. I used oranges, kiwi and strawberries. Miriam Szokovski is a writer, editor and author of the historical novel Exiled Down Under. She is a member of the Chabad.org editorial team and also shares her cooking and baking on Chabad.org/food.

The Torah CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

a bike to someone else. It is simply beyond words. A mashal is the only tool a teacher can use to teach spiritual truths; the learning and understanding must be done within the inner mind of the student. But we cannot see, touch, or feel the spiritual world, so how are we to relate to it? If all learning occurs through the use of analogy, what mashal did Hashem give us to enable us to relate to and understand spiritual truths? The ultimate mashal is the world itself. It is here to guide us towards a deeper, spiritual truth. Everything in this world is a mashal, a tool guiding us towards a deeper reality. Every physical object, every emotional phenomenon, every experience in this world is part of a larger mashal leading us towards the root of all existence, Hashem.

Our Shavuot Mission Our mission is to make this Shavuot the next step in our evolutionary spiral through time. We must not only re-accept what we have already accepted, we must take it to the next level, the next rung of the ladder. We do not simply remember, we build; we do not repeat, we ascend. May we be inspired to accept the Torah this Shavuot with all of our heart, to commit to living a life of Torah truth, and to endlessly pursue higher and deeper perceptions of the physical world as an expression of a spiritual reality. Rabbi Shmuel Reichman, MA, MS, is CEO of Self-Mastery Academy. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago. Visit his website at shsmuelreichmen.com.

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Author’s Corner CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

people were writing about even up until Trump. This was the domain of weirdos. Legitimate journalists didn’t talk about conspiracy theories or hoaxes. You didn’t give it oxygen. You ignored it because then it would go away. Well, now we know that ignoring these things does not make them go away. It just makes them worse because there’s no one confronting it. There’s no one calling it out. So what drew my attention to doing it as a profession was realizing that this stuff is everywhere and people are not talking about it in the way that they should be. When does belief in conspiracy theories cross the line and become a problem? People have all kinds of weird beliefs – why does it matter? For most people, conspiratorial beliefs are just a fun thing to talk about with your friends, things that you kick around. Everybody believes something unevidenced and weird that other people don’t really want to hear about. It could be as simple as arguing with your friends that a soccer game was fixed or that Melania Trump got replaced by another Melania Trump. It doesn’t take over your life. It doesn’t drive you to cut yourself off from the world or commit an act of violence. For the vast majority of people, it’s fine. I tell people, “You don’t need to try to get somebody out of beliefs like that. They’re not hurting anyone.” It’s just that some people do hurt people – some people do take it too far, and then you do have acts of violence. You do have people cutting themselves off from their families, people harming themselves by not getting vaccinated or not taking COVID precautions, and at the very worst of it, you have something like Jan. 6, which is the very, very edge of conspiratorial violence, and most people are not going to do that. May 31, 2022

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And even most people who were there didn’t commit an act of violence. That’s when I think you do need to start stepping in and paying attention to it. The title of your next book, Jewish Space Lasers, refers to a conspiracy theory about the Rothschilds causing the California 2018 wildfires using satellites. It surfaced when Marjorie Taylor Greene promoted the theory a few years before becoming a congresswoman. So how did your book come about? I wanted to write about the Rothschilds for a long time, and I had written about it before. I’ve written about the Rothschild family, the Facebook memes and some of these really bizarre ideas like that Hitler was secretly the son of a Rothschild baron who impregnated a maid in Austria. Then the Marjorie Taylor Greene thing that happened. She put that Facebook post in 2018 during the wildfires. And I remember I wrote quite a bit about the directed energy weapon conspiracy theory because a lot of people were talking about it. The head of Pacific, Gas & Electric was on the board of a Rothschild company – the Rothschild companies, by the way, don’t even have involvement from the Rothschilds. A lot of it’s just a name at this point. It’s just really wild the way this name is like a magnet for cranks and it has been for the last 200 years. The book is about trying to figure out why it became this wealthy Jewish family and not another wealthy Jewish family. Or why not the Rockefellers, the Morgans, the Waltons? There are other American dynasties and the Rothschilds are not even an American dynasty. They didn’t even do particularly well in America. They really kind of failed while trying to break into New York finance in the 1800s. Why is it such a magnet for this kind of crank stuff?

Are you talking to the family? I tried to when I started working on the book. I reached out to a bunch of different members of the family, and they don’t discuss this. They don’t talk about it. They don’t write about it. There’s nothing even in their archives about it. I talked to someone at the Rothschild family archives in London. She told me that they don’t want to put themselves in the position of proving a negative. If they come out and MIKE RO say, “Well, we don’t TH MOVEM SCHILD’S 2021 have $500 trillion. ENT IS O B UT IN PAOOK ABOUT TH PERBAC E We didn’t fund both (PENGU K IN AU QANON IN R AND GUST. OM HOU SE) sides of every war,” they can’t prove that why they didn’t. Again, the people they’re always who make these accusations kind of the family that you turn have to prove that they did. But to when you need a pop culture that’s not how this stuff works in reference about the Jews and popular culture. So rather than bringing about wealthy Jews. having to prove it’s not true, they just don’t discuss it. Nowadays, we have another Jew that antisemites like to talk It’s not the first book that about: George Soros. Which one touches on the topic of the is the bigger kind of target of Rothschilds. So what new antisemitic conspiracy theories? ground do you hope to break? It’s probably Soros just because I’m trying to run down this he’s more visible. Soros does specific aspect of the family’s interviews and he has his name legacy, or why these conspiracy on a lot of things. His Open theories have stuck for so long. Society Foundations makes There are quite a number of a lot of very public gifts to books on the Rothschilds. There philanthropic organizations. were a lot of books written about The Rothschilds are much them in the ’60s and ’70s, but quieter. But a lot of the tropes are they’re very dishy; they’re all recycled, so you get tropes about quite a bit about wealth and the Rothschilds that are just opulence. Then there was Niall reused for Soros. Ferguson’s two-volume book “The House of Rothschild,” Did you see the news that Israel which I’m using quite a bit, but has developed a new military that’s very focused on banking. system to shoot down missiles And the minutiae of loans. Also, using laser beams? It sounds a it ends in 1999, which of courses lot like a Jewish space laser. leaves out the internet. Oh is that true? [Laughs] I’ll So there’s never really been a have to add that to the book, life book about why this particular imitating conspiracy theory, as family is such a magnet for happens very often. conspiracy theories. And, and

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Opinion

Overturning Roe would infringe on religious freedom of Orthodox Jews

BY DOV LINZER AND SARA HOROWITZ

s Orthodox rabbis, we are devastated by the news that the Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade. If this happens, states will be free to pass laws to prohibit or strictly limit abortion, and approximately 25 of them are prepared to do so or already have. Such legislation would impact the lives of tens of millions of women. It would also be an unconscionable infringement on the religious freedom of Orthodox Jews. A strategy of the anti-choice camp is to claim that women make the decisions to terminate a pregnancy for trivial reasons. That is the opposite of our experience. A few years ago, one of us was approached by a pregnant woman whose husband had a history of erratic and violent behavior. She herself had just learned that the fetus she was carrying had a severe congenital birth defect and she did not believe that she had the capacity to care for such a child. Carrying out the pregnancy would wreak havoc on her delicate and compromised family situation. She was deeply conflicted about which decision was the right one. Had Jewish law offered her no choice – as she had initially believed – it would have robbed her of any moral or religious agency. No wonder, then, that she felt trapped and helpless. This changed when she was presented with the fact that, according to some Jewish decisors, abortion was an option in her case, for reasons we’ll explain. She was able to own her agency, to grapple with the competing ethical and religious mandates, to consult with a May 31, 2022

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halachic (Jewish legal) authority and to give weight to her own and family’s well-being. The final choice she made isn’t what is relevant here. It is that she was empowered to make it. We believe that halacha is binding and that protecting human life is one of its highest values. Our commitment to halacha is not contradicted by our pro-choice beliefs but expressed by them. We have seen how many false assumptions exist when it comes to Orthodoxy’s approach to questions of when life begins or what a woman’s autonomy entails. So we are writing together – as two leaders of Orthodox seminaries – to clarify misconceptions and to challenge those who claim that there is one “authentic” Jewish way at this personal decision. The Orthodox position on abortion is not the same as that of the Catholic Church. In fact, there is no one “Orthodox position” on abortion. Jewish law is rarely, if ever, univocal on issues. Its beauty and power lie in its decentralization and in the multiplicity of opinions articulated by those who interpret it. When it comes to abortion, the opinions run the gamut, from those who see the fetus as merely a part of the mother’s body to those who rule that abortion is tantamount to murder. The status of the fetus might also be quite different depending on the stage of development, whether first, second or third trimester, with an increasingly shrinking range of justifying circumstances as the fetus becomes more fully developed. It would be wrong to characterize any of these

PROTESTERS ATTEND THE “JEWISH RALLY FOR ABORTION JUSTICE” AT UNION SQUARE NEAR THE U.S. CAPITOL ON MAY 17, 2022. (ANNA MONEYMAKER/GETTY IMAGES)

positions as either pro-life or pro-choice. Jewish law is not so simple. As distinct from much of the contemporary “either/or” discourse around abortion, Jewish law embraces a “both/ and” approach. There is both a mandate to protect life, even a future life, and, at the same time, a religious obligation to protect the health and psychic well-being of every human being. Because a fetus is not seen as a full life, these two mandates exist in an ongoing tension. Halacha embraces the complexity and messiness of our lives and rejects simplistic, prepackaged answers. Orthodox women grappling with the question of whether to have an abortion will be guided by their consciences and their faith and consult with a religious advisor to guide them regarding Torah values and ethical and religiouslegal obligations. To deny women the right to choose is to assume that they cannot be responsible to give this consequential decision the full weight that it deserves. It is to infantilize women, to exhibit a lack of trust in them to be responsible moral agents. And in the case of women committed

to Jewish law, it is to rob them of the ability to be true not only to the dictates of their conscience, but to their faith as well. If the Supreme Court removes the protections of Roe v. Wade and states adopt legislation that limits or eliminates a woman’s right to choose, we and our co-religionists will be effectively barred from acting in accordance with our religious beliefs and from being guided by our moral compass. Taking away choices about one’s pregnancy undermines central values of Jewish law: engaging a range of options, bringing to bear competing Torah values, and owning the complexity of one’s reality. Dov Linzer is president and rosh haYeshiva of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School, and a religious guide to the yeshiva’s current rabbinical students and over 130 rabbis serving in the field. Sara Hurwitz is co-founder and president of Maharat, the first institution to ordain Orthodox women as clergy, and also serves on the rabbinic staff at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale.

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Around SNE West Hartford Friendship Circle honors members On Sunday, May 15, hundreds of people came together on the patio of Chabad House in West Hartford to honor the many local young people who participated this past year in the Friendship Circle – a program that brings together everyone from toddlers to young adults, with and without special needs, for a variety of Judaic and social programming. Guests at the May 15 event enjoyed a BBQ and other activities, and had the opportunity to hear from Friendship Circle members who talked about their experience and how it is possible for every individual to build a more inclusive community one friendship at a time. At the heart of Friendship Circle is a group of local teen volunteers who befriend children and young adults with special needs, and by so doing help develop a more welcoming Jewish community for everyone to take part in. Friendship Circle is a project of Chabad of Greater Hartford. To learn more, visit FriendshipCircleCT.com, or call (860) 833-4035.

B’nai Mitzvah RACHEL ANDERSON, child of Sherin Stahl and George Anderson, will celebrate her bat mitzvah on Saturday, June 4, at Beth El Keser Israel (BEKI) in New Haven, Conn. SHAE DUNAISKY, child of Taryn Dunaisky, will celebrate her bat mitzvah on Saturday, June 11 at Sinai Temple in Longmeadow, Mass. ALEX LUBITZ, child of Maureen and Steven Lubitz, will celebrate his bar mitzvah on Saturday, June 11, at Congregation Beth Shalom in Westborough, Mass. CHARLOTTE LUBITZ, child of Maureen and Steven Lubitz, will celebrate her bat mitzvah on Saturday, June 11, at Congregation Beth Shalom in Westborough, Mass. SOFIA VASQUEZ, daughter of Jessica Vasquez, will celebrate her bat mitzvah on Saturday, June 11, at Temple Sinai in Newington.

AT THE FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE CELEBRATION, (LEFT TO RIGHT) KOBY BRAUNSTEIN, BEN COELHO AND AJ LESHEM SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE AS THE FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE’S LONGEST LASTING “FRIENDS AT HOME GROUP.” THE THREE STILL MEET UP EVERY WEEKEND!

Westport Circle of Friends honors teens U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Westport First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, Westport Probate Judge Lisa Wexler, and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, were among 150 guests in attendance at the 16th annual Circle of Friends Evening of Recognition Gala Dinner, honoring the more than 100 teen volunteers who serve as friends to a child with special needs from the Fairfield County community. Pictured here are some of the teen honorees, and their leaders – including Circle of Friends founder and director Freida Hecht – holding the Certificate of Recognition presented to them by Senator Blumenthal. The event took place at Beth Israel Chabad of Westport/Norwalk on Sunday, May 22. For more information on Circle of Friends, visit circleoffriendsct.org.

May 31, 2022

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Around SNE Stamford day school joins 40,000 marchers at NY’s Celebrate Israel parade BY JULIA GERGELY AND JUDIE JACOBSON

(New York Jewish Week) – Students and families of BiCultural Hebrew Academy of Stamford were among thousands gathered on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on Sunday, May 22, to show their support for Israel at New York City’s annual and iconic Celebrate Israel Parade. BI-CULTURAL HEBREW ACADEMY OF CONNECTICUT WAS THE The parade, which touts itself ONLY CONNECTICUT-BASED as the world’s largest expression ORGANIZATION TO MARCH IN THE PARADE. of solidarity with the Jewish state outside of Israel, has been held every year on the first Sunday in June since 1965, save 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. This year, events were pushed up a few weeks in order to not conflict with Shavuot, which begins this year on the evening of Saturday, June 4. The theme of this year’s parade, which was organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, was “Together Again.” “We saw an incredible outpouring of love and support for Israel along Fifth Avenue,” said CEO Gideon Taylor of the 40,000 marchers. “Jews of all denominations, as well as people from different religious faiths and backgrounds, stood united, bringing a wider New York community together than ever before in the largest Jewish NEW YORK GOVERNOR KATHY diaspora community in the HOCHUL SHOWS HER SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL AS SHE MARCHES IN world. That’s what the JCRC-NY THE PARADE. Celebrate Israel Parade is all about.” The jubilant parade featured a plethora of spirited Zionist youth groups and Jewish day schools, as well as festive street performers and marching bands. A handful of pro-Palestinian protestors were on hand, waving Palestinian flags and shouting anti-Israel slogans, but the mood remained joyful and the atmosphere peaceful. Though it was s, it was clear that many in and along the route enjoyed celebrating Israel on a sunny day in the city with family and friends.

Israeli Shaliach build bridges in Central Mass From the moment Aviv Jerbi arrived in Central Massachusetts this past September, he hit the ground running. A post-Army Israeli shaliach (emissary), he had the advantage of already knowing many community members, thanks to the time he spent in Worcester as a Young Emissary seven years ago. Aviv has been working with Central Mass synagogues and their religious schools, and on projects with the Jewish Federation of Central Mass (JFCM), sponsor of the Young Emissary program. He led a monthly Israel Culture Series on Zoom, with programs ranging from “Israeli Whiskey Tasting” to “What motivates Israeli teens to join the IDF.” His Hebrew “Café Ivrit” classes on Thursday nights were a hit, as were other programs he led, such as Shakshuka in the Sukkah, Clark Hillel Café Ivrit and Krav Maga, a joint Yom Hazikaron program with the Rhode Island Shaliach, and Yom Ha’atzmaut Federation/Israel Bond event. To help combat rising rates of antisemitic acts all across the country, Aviv has worked with a representative from StandWithUs in the Hebrew high schools and has also visited public schools with predominantly non-Jewish students to teach them about Israeli culture and history. On June 12, he will lead a special Zoom program on the topic of “Challenges in the LGBTQ community in Israel.” This summer, Aviv will work at the JCC summer camp, after which he’ll return to Israel to begin his studies at university. “We are grateful to have had an outstanding year with Aviv and will miss his energy, spirt, knowledge and company,” said Liz Baker, shaliach supervisor. “We look forward to hosting a new shaliach or shlicha this coming year and thank JFCM for supporting this meaningful program.”

IN APRIL, SHALIACH AVIV JERBI (STANDING, FAR RIGHT) PRESIDED OVER A SHAKSHUKA COOKOFF IN WORCESTER, MASS.

The Shir Joy of Music Shir Joy Chorus of Massachusetts, located in Worcester, Massachusetts and, will hold its final concert of 2022, on June 26 at 7 p.m. The virtual concert will feature several selections from Ukrainian composers. Shir Joy will also perform at Jewish Heritage Day in Worcester’s Polar Park on July 10. Now entering its 12th year, Shir Joy chorus is an adult Community Chorus in Central Massachusetts, dedicated to learning, sharing and performing Jewish music in many genres. For more information about attending the virtual concert, joining the group or learning about Shir Joy, visit shirjoychorus.com. May 31, 2022

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NO ONE DOES

SUMMER BETTER THAN THE MANDELL JCC

WWW.MANDELLJCC.ORG/SUMMER OPEN TO EVERYONE!

Tuesday, June 21 5:00–6:30pm Presidents’ Courtyard

Join us for physical and mental health as we celebrate Yoga with the world!

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What’s New at the Mandell JCC Zachs Campus | 335 Bloomfield Ave. | West Hartford, CT 06117 | 860-236-4571 | www.mandelljcc.org

Zachs Campus | 335 Bloomfield Ave. | West Hartford, CT 06117 | 860-236-4571 | www.mandelljcc.org Everyone 12 and over, must be vaccinated to enter the JCC. All programming involving children under 12 will require masks be worn by everyone.

107

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J C C

ANNUAL MEETING

An Evening of Dedication

Make this summer memorable!

The Swim & Tennis Club is an extension of the JCC, a family summer oasis bringing the same Jewish values. Conveniently located in Bloomfield, The Swim Club features one of the region’s largest Olympic-sized recreational swimming pools with a slide, parentfriendly kiddie pool, children’s playscapes and sandpit, along with 8 tennis courts – 4 Har-Tru and 4 asphalt.

Relax and unwind with the JCC’s ultimate summer retreat. For more information: 24 Southern New England Jewish Ledger Amy Gurchin

860-231-6323 agurchin@mandelljcc.org

The Most Reverend Peter A. Rosazza, D.D. Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus

Lorraine & Stanley Wiesen z”l

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Wed. June 15, 2022 | 7:00 PM

RSVP to Naomi Scheinerman nscheinerman@mandelljcc.org 860-231-6315

Mandell JCC Innovation Center (6:15 – Fitness Center Dedication) Dessert reception to follow May 31, 2022 in the Presidents’ Courtyard

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Analysis Jewish groups condemn Texas school shooting; only some push for action BY RON KAMPEAS

(JTA) – After the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that killed at least 19 children and two adults on Tuesday, May 24, an array of Jewish groups issued statements that fell into two categories: generalized grief and recommendations for action. The groups who repeated longstanding and direct calls for gun control included those aligned with the Reform and Conservative movement, along with B’nai B’rith International, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). The NCJW was arguably the most blunt. “We must end gun violence in this country,” the group said on Twitter. “We must choose leaders and laws that regulate and restrict guns.” The Jewish Federations of North America avoided politics. Its statement said “our hearts break” and that “We mourn this terrible tragedy with the Uvalde community.” Jewish organizations were for decades united across the board in advocating for gun control, but in recent years they have retreated from the issue. Officials have said that it has become untenable to embrace advocacy that one of the two parties rejects, as the United States has become more polarized. “When we speak out on established policy issues, we still risk creating a backlash,” David Bernstein, head of the consensus-driven Jewish public policy umbrella JCPA, told JTA in 2018, noting that he received right-wing criticism for speaking up on guns in the wake of the Parkland school shooting. The JCPA said Tuesday: “We must all join together to end gun violence and domestic terrorism growing on our nation.” The majority of American Jewish groups, even many who May 31, 2022

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could be characterized as center or to the right on Israel policy, remain outspoken on the issue. For example, the statement from the antisemitism watchdog group B’nai B’rith noted that its president, Seth Riklin, was a Texan. “What will be the tipping point for our country to finally act on sensible gun reform measures?” read a statement in his name and of the group’s CEO, Daniel Mariaschin. “It seems our country is paralyzed by an irrational fear of taking action to stop this plague.” The statement by the Conservative movement’s Rabbinical Assembly suggested a barely concealed fury at the conventional calls for “thoughts and prayers” after mass shootings. “While our hearts and sincere prayers go out to the people of Uvalde, especially the families of the victims, thoughts and prayers have never been enough; it is past time for action,” said its statement. “It is high time that United States politicians, currently obsessed with reelection campaigns, put aside partisanship in order literally to save lives.” On the more liberal front, two Reform leaders used even stronger language. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the president of the Union for Reform Judaism, took aim at indications that the Supreme Court could soon further loosen gun ownership restrictions, and Congress’ failure to pass gun control laws. “Now two branches of government will worship a cult of death by deifying the Second Amendment,” he said on Twitter. Rabbi Jonah Pesner, the director of the Reform movement’s Religious Action Center, described on Twitter “the rage and heartbreak of living in a society that repeatedly permits the destruction of life.” “God

forgive this country for loving guns more than children,” he added. But several groups did not mention gun control; some clarified to the JTA that they support legislation on the issue despite a lack of pointed language in their statements. “Another unspeakable horror. Another occasion for national shock, mourning and, yes, anger,” said David Harris, the outgoing CEO of the American Jewish Committee. “Will the pandemic of violence in our nation ever end?” An AJC spokesman said that Harris and the organization were focused on the tragedy, but said that the AJC had in the past pushed for more gun controls and that it would back any new measures proposed by President Joe Biden. A JFNA spokesman, meanwhile, said it is “assessing potential next steps” with its partner organizations. The spokesman pointed to an updated priorities document published after JTA reported that it had removed any mentions of guns from its original document. The updated document calls for improved enforcement of existing gun restrictions but does not advocate for any new proposals. Agudath Israel of America, the umbrella body for haredi Orthodox Jews, said it was “horrified” by the attack, but a spokesman said the organization has never had a formal position on gun control and that its statement spoke “to the horrific tragedy and the pain of the bereaved.” The Orthodox Union, which takes a lead in advocating for federal and state funding to secure Jewish institutions, said schools must be “places of safety.” Nathan Diament, the O.U.’s Washington’s director, said his tweet was focused on the tragedy. But in an email, he

wrote that “The O.U. supports ‘common-sense gun safety measures’ – which includes (postSandy Hook) supporting the Manchin-Toomey bill,” a failed bipartisan bid, written after the 2012 massacre at a Connecticut elementary school, that would have strengthened background checks for gun purchases. The Anti-Defamation League said it would “investigate the shooter’s social media footprint.” A spokesman also said the group focused first “on the tragedy, the victims,” and pointed a reporter to its statement after the Sandy Hook massacre, which read: “We firmly believe that one way to limit the power of extremists and reduce violence in our communities is to enact tough, effective gun control legislation.” The AJC and AIPAC also retweeted Israeli government expressions of sympathy with the victims of the attack. Like many other Western democracies, Israel has strict gun control laws and a much lower frequency of mass shootings. Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, the Tree of Life synagogue rabbi who called the police when a gunman murdered 11 worshipers in his Pittburgh congregation in 2018, said in a statement, “This morning, as I lifted my eyes, tears fell. The pain of surviving the attack here in Pittsburgh once again feels fresh in my mind after yesterday’s horrific massacre at an elementary school. I readied myself to question God, ‘Why?’ But God returned my question, ‘why?’ Today we mourn with the families and friends of 19 beautiful children and two educators. May their memories be a blessing. We offer prayers of comfort and healing for the children who are now forever changed by what they witnessed. And tomorrow, we must all return to and wrestle with God’s question for us: ‘why?’”

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A new podcast chronicles the stories of boxers from the Holocaust era BY JACOB GURVIS

(JTA) – In the early 1930s, Victor Perez was on top of the world. The Tunisian Jewish boxer, who fought under the ring name “Young Perez,” became the World Flyweight Champion in 1931 and 1932 after moving from Tunis to Paris. He became a bonafide celebrity, dating famous French actress Mireille Balin (who would later go on to date Nazis). But like millions of others, Perez’s story took a dark turn as the Nazi campaign progressed. In September 1943, Perez was detained and transported to the Monowitz subcamp of Auschwitz, the same labor camp where authors Primo Levi and Eli Wiesel were held. While at Monowitz, Perez was forced to box other inmates to entertain the SS officers. The winner would receive extra food; the loser would be killed. Perez was ultimately murdered during a 1945 death march. That story is just the first episode of “Holocaust Histories,” a new podcast by Jonathan Bonder, a 36-year-old Ontario native and sound designer whose credits include Jean-Claude Van Damme’s 2015 film “Pound of Flesh” among other movies, shorts and commercials. Bonder envisions each season of “Holocaust Histories,” which is serialized and debuted last week, will focus on a different theme. Season one focuses on professional boxers from across the globe whose careers were cut short by the Holocaust. There are hundreds of films about the Holocaust, not to mention countless books and television series. But in terms of Holocaust history podcasts, Bonder found the available content underwhelming. “There’s hundreds and hundreds of true crime podcasts, comedy, sports,” Bonder told the May 31, 2022

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Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “And I thought to have something that was needed right now, which is the education of the Holocaust – if someone like me wanted to find a podcast about the Holocaust, they would be disappointed, like I was.” And given his background, Bonder was also motivated to make better use of the audio setting to elevate the storytelling. “A lot of podcasts, they’re telling the story and they just blanket it with either a music soundtrack or a series of drums,” he said. “I thought it is missing a big opportunity, which is to make it more cinematic. If you can do that, then it’s going to be more entertaining, and if it’s more entertaining then ultimately it will be more educational. The message will get across better.” It all started when Bonder learned about famous boxer and Holocaust survivor Harry Haft, the subject of HBO’s “The Survivor.” Haft’s story stuck with him, and when Bonder later learned about other Jewish boxers from the era, “I kind of just got obsessed with these individual stories,” he said. Bonder began researching

every Holocaust boxer he could find. Some, he said, only had a single sentence in a book or article and little else. The people he ultimately chose to highlight were those with welldocumented, yet little-known, stories. “I don’t think enough people know about a lot of these people’s stories, like I didn’t,” Bonder said. “I’m Jewish, I am a sports fanatic, and I didn’t know about this.” Bonder said he chose to begin the series with Perez’s story because it contained the most general information about the Holocaust. It also illustrates an underappreciated component of many of these boxers’ stories, he added: their genuine athletic ability. “What’s also not stressed enough is that these individuals were amazing boxers,” Bonder said. “Once the Holocaust comes, it kind of gets forgotten. Once that tragedy struck, their lives were just flipped upside down.” By beginning the series in Tunisia, Bonder also accomplishes one of his main goals: of telling geographically diverse stories beyond the

TUNISIAN JEWISH BOXER VICTOR PEREZ, LEFT, IS FEATURED ON THE NEW PODCAST “HOLOCAUST HISTORIES.” (JEFF DICKSON/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES)

Eastern European Jewish narrative. “It’s surprising to learn about the Jewish history of places that you didn’t really know about,” Bonder said. “We all think about Germany when we think about the Holocaust and the history. A lot of us have relatives from Eastern Europe, or different places within Europe. But then once you get outside of that Eastern Europe and that central Jewish hub of Europe, then to me it’s really fascinating.” This coming week, listeners will be transported to Italy to learn about Pacifico Di Consiglio, a Jewish teenage boxer who actively sought out Nazis to fight on the streets of Rome. Only one episode into season one, Bonder said the reception has been his favorite part of the experience. “I’ve heard back from Holocaust museums and a few organizations, and when they write you some heartfelt messages, they’re not just robotic replies, it’s really nice,” he said. “It’s a big positive to get a good reception from the Jewish community.” Bonder is donating a portion of the money he raises to various Holocaust education organizations, beginning with the USC Shoah Foundation. After his initial goal of $4,000 is reached – 20% of which will go to the charity – he will select a new organization. Supporting these organizations, many of which have served as crucial sources of information for Bonder’s research, is an added bonus. But right now, Bonder’s focus is on getting the word out. “Every listener helps,” he said. “It started at no listeners, we got a few, and now hopefully on to the next few.”

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Briefs Survey: Most Americans aren’t aware of BDS movement (JTA) – A Pew Research Center survey released Thursday, May 26, found that American adults are just not paying attention to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel. A whopping 84% of adults surveyed said they have heard “not much” or “nothing at all” about the movement, which seeks to pressure Israel into changing its policy towards the Palestinians by promoting boycotts and economic sanctions. Only 5% of the surveyed adults – who were of diverse religious backgrounds – knew “some” about it, and only 2% strongly support it. Pew used an online panel to survey 10,441 U.S. adults from March 7 to 13, with the stated goal of better understanding Americans’ views of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The margin of error for the full sample was 1.5 percentage points The survey also asked about views on how to best solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and only 35% favor a two-state solution, the outcome long favored by the United States and many other world power governments. The numbers changed little even among Republicans and Democrats. As far as an alternative: 37% say they don’t know the best solution, while 27% favor a onestate solution, in most cases with a joint Israeli-Palestinian government. The survey also found that Americans’ favorable impressions of both Israelis and Palestinians are slightly on the rise. Since 2019, when Pew conducted a similar survey, favorable impressions of Israelis rose from 64% to 67%, and of Palestinians from 46% to 52%. Israel’s government was viewed favorably by 48% of Americans as opposed to 41% in 2019. Notably, in the interim, Benjamin May 31, 2022

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Netanyahu was ousted as Israeli prime minister. The Palestinian government’s favorability rose from 21% to 28% and its unfavorable ratings dropped from 71% to 63%. The questions did not give particulars on either Palestinian government: The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and the Hamas-led authority in the Gaza Strip. Older Americans were the likelier they were to be favorable to Israeli people: 63% of those aged 18-25 viewed Israelis favorably while 77% of those 65 and older did. Republicans also were likelier to view Israelis favorably: 78% said they had positive views of the Israeli people, while 37% said they had positive views of Palestinians. Among Democrats, 60% said they viewed Israelis favorably and 64% said they viewed Palestinians favorably. Three out of ten Americans also believe God gave the land of Israel to the Jewish people: 46% of Republicans and 18% of Democrats.

Supreme Court wont’t hear cases to stop Ann Arbor shul protesters (JTA) – The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear two different requests to take up a suit against a group of protesters who have gathered weekly outside an Ann Arbor synagogue for nearly two decades holding anti-Israel and antisemitic signs, seemingly closing off any remaining legal avenues against the longrunning display. The court issued orders in March and May denying petitions brought by two different congregants who had argued that the protests targeted Jews at their place of worship, violating their First Amendment right to freely exercise their religion. The plaintiffs belong to two different congregations that both meet in the same synagogue building: Conservative Beth Israel Congregation and the Jewish Renewal-affiliated Pardes Hannah Congregation. Neither congregation was involved in the lawsuits. The two congregants, one of

whom is a Holocaust survivor, had first brought a joint lawsuit against the protesters, the city and Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor in 2019. Lower courts dismissed it on First Amendment grounds, and a judge ordered the plaintiffs to pay the protesters’ legal fees. Following a dispute between one of the plaintiffs, Marvin Gerber, and their attorney, Marc Susselman, the suit was broken up and two separate petitions under two separate attorneys were filed to the Supreme Court.

Israeli study: Climate change ‘might be more rapid than predicted’ (JNS) Climate change appears to be happening faster than predicted, according to a new study released by Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science. The Rehovot-based academic institution said on Thursday, May 26, that a new study has found that storms in the Southern Hemisphere have already reached intensity levels previously predicted to occur 60 years from now. Published in Nature Climate Change by a team of scientists led by Dr. Rei Chemke of Weizmann’s Earth and Planetary Sciences Department, the study “revealed a considerable intensification of winter storms in the Southern Hemisphere.” “Until now, climate models have projected a human-caused intensification of winter storms only towards the end of this century,” reported Weizmann. “In the new study, Chemke and his team compared climate model simulations with current storm observations. Their discovery was bleak: It became clear that storm intensification over recent decades has already reached levels projected to occur in the year 2080.” Chemke noted that “we chose to focus on the Southern Hemisphere because the intensification registered there has been stronger than in the Northern Hemisphere.”

Antisemitism envoy Deborah Lipstadt talks Buffalo shooting (New York Jewish Week) – President Joe Biden’s antisemitism monitor, Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, said the recent Buffalo mass shooting was a demonstration of a pervasive antisemitic ideology in her first-ever keynote address in New York on Thursday morning, May 26. “Many people were shown the horrific impact of the Great Replacement Theory in the Buffalo shooting,” she said, referencing a racist and antisemitic conspiracy theory the Buffalo shooter had shared in an online manifesto. She said the shooter’s “first objective was to kill Blacks, but the Jews would be dealt with in time.” Lipstadt spoke at a oneday conference arranged by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the foreign policy umbrella for Jewish groups, held Thursday at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park. Its purpose was to address the rise in antisemitism across the United States. In New York, antisemitic incidents increased by 24 percent last year to the highest level in decades, according to an annual report released by the Anti-Defamation League. The report counted 416 antisemitic incidents across the state, including 51 assaults, the most physical attacks since it began compiling data in 1979. There was also a rise across the nation, with 2,717 antisemitic incidents across the United States, including 88 assaults, an increase of 167 percent from the year before. During her speech, Lipstadt described antisemitism as “ubiquitous, free-flowing and moving in and coming from all directions.” “We must never delude ourselves that antisemitism comes from only one political, social, ethnic or religious direction,” she said. Lipstadt, 75, grew up in Far Rockaway, Queens, and went on to become an influential figure Continued on page 31

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in Holocaust education around the world. In 1996, she was sued by British author and Holocaust denier David Irving for writing about him in her book Denying The Holocaust. Lipstadt won the case. When she was first nominated as an ambassador in July 2021, her appointment was delayed because she criticized Republican Senator Ron Johnson, whom Lipstadt said was advocating for white supremacy. During her remarks, Lipstadt discussed the ways that antisemitism is linked to other hate speech, citing the May 14 Buffalo shooting in which 10 Black people were murdered.

Gantz says PA’s report on death of journalist Abu Akleh spreads ‘blatant lie’ (JNS) Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz dismissed a claim on Thursday, May 26, by the Palestinian Authority that Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was shot dead on May 11 in the course of a firefight between Palestinian gunmen and the Israel Defense Forces in Jenin, was deliberately targeted by Israeli forces. “The IDF is conducting an ongoing investigation into the matter in order to reveal the truth. Any claim that the IDF intentionally harms journalists or uninvolved civilians is a blatant lie,” he said. He spoke after the P.A.’s attorney general released a report into the journalist’s death, alleging that IDF soldiers deliberately targeted her as she tried to flee. The attorney general also claimed that the IDF used an armor-piercing round also used by NATO, according to a report by Mako. “The IDF is operating against murderous terrorism, which in recent weeks has claimed the lives of 20 people,” said Gantz. “Many of the terrorists who conducted the attacks came from the Jenin area, which is where the incident took place. May 31, 2022

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We always act with precision, targeting terrorists and taking measures to avoid harm to civilians. We will continue operating in this manner.” He added that “investigations and briefings are not carried out at press conferences, but rather in closed rooms. Despite multiple requests from Israel, the Palestinians refuse to cooperate, which raises the question of whether they really want to uncover the truth.” On Wednesday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos and also addressed the issue. “The event came in the context of fighting terror in Jenin, following the murder of so many Israelis. But what we have done–since we are a transparent nation that knows how to run professional investigations, and the rule of law is supreme in our land – [is] offered the Palestinians a joint investigation as to the circumstances of this very tragic event. Unfortunately, the Palestinians refused. They took the body; they took the bullet. Therefore, one cannot substantiate any one of the scenarios without those facts. Israel was open and transparent, and offered the United States to join this process of investigation as well because we attach high importance to freedom of speech, and the work of journalists and media channels, and we respect them.”

Photo essay book challenges Jewish stereotypes (JNS) A photo-journalism spread published last week by The Guardian newspaper in England depicts the diversity of the United Kingdom’s Jewish population and challenges the stereotype of who is a Jew. The essay, “Kilts, Mohawks and Plumbing: Smashing Jewish Stereotypes – in Pictures,” by Keith Kahn-Harris and photographer Rob Stothard, seeks to debunk the cliché of what a “typical” Jewish person looks like while also sharing the stories of those in the Jewish community. The article is based

on What Does a Jew Look Like? – a book released earlier this year written by Kahn-Harris, a lecturer at Leo Baeck College who runs the European Jewish Research Archive at the Institute for Jewish Policy Research. Stothard was the photographer on the project. The 10 people included in the photo series hail from different religious and ethnic backgrounds, and live in various parts of the United Kingdom. Among those featured are a female rabbi, a kilt-wearing educator in Scotland and a plumber. Each of the individuals featured offers a glimpse of their Jewish life and identity. Sanjoy from Edgware in Northern London, said: “We were the only observant Jewish family – and the only non-white family – in the village. People were incredibly kind and friendly, but walking the three miles to shul (and back) every Saturday morning, and being the only kid from that area to attend the Jewish school, did make me feel different.” Tattooed Rio from the city of Leeds related how his mother took him to the AuschwitzBirkenau concentration camp when he was a teen. He also said that “I lit a menorah at home for the first time this year, despite still being irreligious, and was moved significantly by the experience. After all, a lack of faith made no difference to the Gestapo or the KGB.” And Fiona, from the town of Brighton, noted that “wherever I have lived, being Jewish has been an integral part of who I am. It’s not something I’ve ever tried to hide or deny. Moving back to Brighton forced me to be a more public Jew, speaking out against the virulent anti-Israel behavior I saw in the city.”

Hasidic dynasty’s rivalry erupts into violence

between competing currents within the Ger dynasty happened last weekend in Jerusalem, Bnei Brak and Ashdod, according to Srugim, a news site focused on religion. Hundreds of people clashed on the street in Jerusalem, leading to several minor injuries. A police officer who tried to arrest rioters was also injured. The incident erupted after members of one faction within the Orthodox movement, led by Rabbi Yaakov Aryeh Alter, smashed windows and harassed passersby near homes and businesses associated with followers of the rabbi’s cousin, Shaul Alter. Police officers escorted Shaul Alter out of a synagogue to his home to prevent anyone from assaulting him, Ynet reported.The two cousins have drifted apart in recent years. The hostility rose in 2019 after recordings surfaced in which Shaul Alter argued to multiple listeners that his cousin was failing his rabbinical duties to his followers. Later that year, hundreds of Shaul Alter’s followers celebrated the Simchat Torah holiday separately from the rest of the movement, signaling a rift. Recently, one man complained about not being able to see his children in the framework of a family dispute that was being handled internally within the insular community, according to Ynet. But that was taken as a sign of disrespect to the leadership of Yaakov Aryeh Alter and triggered a crackdown on Shaul Alter’s followers, according to reports. The Ger dynasty was founded in Poland in the end of the 19th century. It has tens of thousands of followers in Israel and is a dominant force within the Orthodox political party United Torah Judaism.

(JTA) – A simmering rivalry within one of the largest Hasidic movements in Israel escalated into violent street brawls that left several people wounded. Clashes Southern New England Jewish Ledger

Jewish Life Junior’s, NYC’s iconic cheesecake emporium, buys back guns BY JULIA GERGELY

(New York Jewish Week) – When Alan Rosen, the third-generation owner of Junior’s Restaurant, read the headlines back in April about a 12-year-old Brooklyn boy who was shot and killed while eating in the backseat of a car, the only thing he could think was, “enough already.” “I had limited options on what I could do – I’m in the restaurant business,” Rosen, 53, told the New York Jewish Week. “But I took it upon myself to do something. It was a tipping point.” So, in between his regular workday at the famous restaurant and cheesecake bakery – which includes overseeing Junior’s original Downtown Brooklyn location, as well as outposts in Midtown Manhattan and Foxwoods Casino – Rosen contacted the mayor’s office to see what he could do to help prevent gun violence. He as was eventually connected with Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. Ultimately, Rosen and Gonzalez collaborated on organizing a gun buyback event through the New York City Police Foundation. The event was held May 21 at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill neighborhood. Rosen donated $20,000 in funds for the rewards; they offered $200 and an iPad for working assault rifles and handguns, and $25 for airguns. Speaking with the New York Jewish Week on May 24, Rosen said he considered the buyback a success. “There’s now 69 less guns on the street,” he said. He also said he was touched by the small differences he felt the event made in the community and in individual’s lives – a grandmother who was able to finally get rid of her grandson’s gun; a young boy who turned in his toy gun because he realized it was harmful. (He was paid $20, Rosen said.)

PEOPLE STAND IN LINE OUTSIDE JUNIOR’S RESTAURANT TO PICK UP FOOD TO GO ON MARCH 16, 2020 IN BROOKLYN, N.Y. (ANGELA WEISS/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES)

Rosen added that, as a bastion of New York City – and Brooklyn, in particular – for more than seven decades, Junior’s feels obligated to give back and protect the community as much as possible. “It was worth all the money,” he said of the buyback event. “It may not be the most efficient way to solve gun violence issues, but it’s what I can do right now.” In a devastating twist, at the time of the interview, the school shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas was unfolding into a national tragedy. Nineteen children and two teachers were gunned down in the attack. “As a parent of three, I’m devastated that innocents were murdered yesterday,” Rosen said during a follow-up conversation last Wednesday. “This is not a political statement. It’s getting legal or illegal guns off the streets. Having said that, no 18-year-old should be able to buy an assault rifle. Anyone who can’t agree to that needs to rethink their beliefs.” Rosen’s concerns come amid a wave of rising crime in the city: One Sunday morning, a day after the gun buyback event, a man was shot dead on the subway. According to he New York Times shootings in New York City rose in the first quarter of 2022 to 296 incidents, up from 260 during the same period last year. (Interestingly, while gun violence

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is up, homicides are down – and nowhere near the number they reached in the 1990s.) Though he officially grew up in Great Neck, Long Island, Rosen was practically raised at the restaurant on the intersection of Flatbush and DeKalb avenues, which was founded in 1950 by his grandfather, Harry Rosen. In the 1950s, Junior’s served as a gathering place for Brooklynites of all ages, especially Dodgers fans hoping to catch a game at Ebbets Field. By the 1960s, Ebbets Field had been demolished, the Dodgers had decamped to Los Angeles and a significant chunk of Junior’s clientele had moved to suburbia – but Harry Rosen wasn’t deterred. He and a baker developed Junior’s signature cheesecake recipe, which rose in popularity across the city and kept Junior’s on the map. “I see it definitely as part of the Jewish tradition,” Alan Rosen said of the rich dairy dessert that made Junior’s famous. “I don’t think America identifies it as a Jewish dessert, but it has its roots there for sure. We came here from Eastern Europe. We brought our recipes to the Lower East Side and you know, we went from there.” Alan and his brother Kevin took over in the early 1990s, and under his leadership, the restaurant took flight. In 2000, he opened a second location

in Grand Central Terminal, which was soon followed by locations in Times Square, the Barclays Center and at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. Rosen was also responsible for expanding Junior’s mail-order cheesecake business around the country, significantly propelled by his appearances on QVC and other national television shows. Despite the enormous growth and some menu expansions, the recipe for the famous cheesecake has stayed exactly the same since it was first introduced in 1960. “Besides the love, it’s cream cheese, it’s fresh eggs, it’s sugar, heavy cream and a touch of vanilla,” Rosen said. “It’s really not a secret. It’s how we blend it, it’s how we bake it, it’s how we take our time and make it in a water bath. It’s all of those little things combined.” Rosen said he would “absolutely” hold a gun buyback event like this again. “I thought it was amazing,” he said. With nearly 70 guns turned in, last Saturday’s event collected two dozen more weapons than similar recent events, as Grub Street reported. “We are taught to do good things from early on in our lives,” Rosen said of how his Jewish identity inspired him, quickly adding that he doesn’t know if his commitment to his community is due to his and the restaurant’s Jewish roots, or if it is because of the sense of moral justice his parents instilled in him as a child. “There’s tons of ways to give charity or help your fellow man or woman,” said Rosen, who is a member of Temple EmanuEl in Harrison, New York. “Do I have that sort of bend to me because of my religion? Possibly. I think it’s more because of my upbringing. My mom, my dad, they made sure to tell me that you do good things for others when you’re fortunate.” May 31, 2022

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In Memoriam CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Cohn became an able and willing partner in caring for and being there for our people in their most joyful and most trying moments,” said Small, who worked beside Cohn for more than 20 years. “Whether singing gently during a brit milah or baby naming or comforting a family at the bedside of a dying loved one, his sensitivity and neshama – soul – were evident in these intimate moments, as well as in the grandeur of the High Holy Days,” Small added. “Sandy had a special touch, a kindness, a presence for people in these times that brought them much peace and comfort…His support and partnership helped me as well. And I am forever grateful for the honor of sharing this path with him.” But serving as the congregation’s cantor was only one of Cohn’s jobs. “His other full-time job that he loved was being our Abba,” said his daughter Shoshana. “No matter how busy he got at the school he was back for family dinner at 6 p.m. sharp. It was over these dinners we would talk about our day, our issues, shared jokes.” “He took so much pride seeing us succeed in each of our own ways and was supportive of whatever winding path we each took,” said his son Aryeh. “As many of you know he was an encouraging teacher, patient and kind. And he parented the same way.”

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“In his last days Abba began writing an ethical will – a letter to each of us regarding the values he wished to instill in us,” noted Gavriel. “But I’m sorry Abba, you’ve already done that. Your compassion, empathy and capacity for forgiveness was in everything you did.” The three children supported their mother as she got up to speak about her “sweet singer.” “I think we knew we wanted to spend our lives together almost from the moment we met. I even pretended to be interested in an organ concert, and a bit later in whale music, when he asked me out,” Polebaum recounted. “He filled my life with music -- playing the guitar, singing in my ear when we danced, filling our home with his beautiful tenor voice. We expected, of course, for our lives together to last much longer. But I find solace that the almost 40 years of marriage we had were full and well lived.” Born in Kansas City, Missouri and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Sanford Dean Cohn was the son of Mary Louise and the late William Cohn. His father was an amateur singer, who had sung on USO radio during World War II and performed in musicals at the family’s Reform temple. His love of music influenced Sandy and his older brother, Mark. Both played guitar and would play 60s folk and rock music together at home. At the University of Kentucky,

Cohn majored in linguistics and minored in computer science. He worked as a computer programmer for two years after college. It was during that time he became affiliated with a Conservative synagogue in Louisville and began studying with Rabbi Simcha King and Cantor Marshall Portnoy, who encouraged him to become a cantor. Cohn gradually became more observant and more learned about traditional Judaism. He spent six months in Israel and went on to study at the Cantors Institute at the Jewish Theological Seminary (now the H.L. Miller Cantorial School), graduating in 1982. That same year he married

Polebaum, a student at New York University School of Law. They settled in Manhattan, where she practiced law and he served at his first pulpit – Congregation Knesset Tifereth Israel in Port Chester, New York. Over the years, he served at Whitestone Hebrew Center in Queens, New York, Temple Israel in Silver Spring, Maryland, and Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Winnipeg, Canada. Together with Cantor Joseph Ness of Beth El Temple in West Hartford, Cohn co-founded a local chapter of HaZamir, the noted national Jewish teen choir. “Sandy was the beloved conductor of HaZamir Hartford Continued on the next page

Deborah Chapel CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office, and the City of Hartford—are urging the owner to work with stakeholders to envision a new use or transfer ownership to ensure preservation.” According to Beth Israel, the land at issue cannot be used for other purposes. “The building is on land that was deeded to the synagogue in 1872 with a specific deed restriction that requires the property and everything that sits on it to be used solely as a cemetery. Due to the deed restriction, the house and the land on which it sits cannot be subdivided and sold or given away to be used for anything but cemetery purposes. Neither the City of Hartford nor its Historic Preservation Commission has authority to remove the deed restriction. Dr. Samuel D. Gruber, an art and architectural historian and instructor at Syracuse University, has worked for the past 25 years in the preservation of synagogues, Jewish cemeteries and other historic sites around the world, has written about the Deborah Chapel in his blog “Samuel Gruber’s Jewish Art & Monuments.” “The building is architecturally noteworthy and historically significant for its role in Jewish funerary tradition and as a representation of the strong role of Jewish women within the Jewish religious and communal organizations in 19th-century America. It is the second oldest surviving purpose-built Jewish building in Connecticut,” Gruber says. Despite this and the outcry by Hartford preservations and Frog Hill neighborhood supporters of rehabilitating the building, Beth Israel, in its statement, says it has plans to make the property accessible to the congregation and to the families of the Beth Israel members who are buried in the cemetery. “With limited space,” the statement says, “the synagogue hopes to remove this hazard and create a temporary memorial garden so that when the need for more graves arrives the congregation will be able to meet the needs of its members.” Southern New England Jewish Ledger

for many years,” said Vivian Lazar, director of HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir and Zamir Choral Foundation. “He built a vibrant HaZamir chapter and remained devoted to HaZamir even throughout the years of his illness.” In late 2019, following Cohn’s cancer diagnosis, he retired from his post at Emanuel. It was then his longtime friend Rabbi Earl Kideckel of Congregation Beth El asked him to step in as High Holiday cantor at the New London synagogue. After the High Holidays, Cohn’s was appointed Beth El’s cantor-inresidence, becoming a fixture at the synagogue’s Zoom Friday night services, and later, as services once again were in-person, playing his guitar and singing at services that ranged from Lag B’omer celebrations to Shabbat on the beach. In his eulogy, Kideckel spoke directly to his friend. “These past two and a half years you have been my inspiration. I found comfort in knowing you were there, even

part-time, all the way in West Hartford. Congregation Beth El of New London was reinvigorated by your special soul and spirit and, as Beth shared with me, those Friday nights often rocked your house,” said Kideckel. Cantor Cohn also rocked the Emanuel for years, introducing the congregation to “Ruach Shabbats” featuring a band of instrument-playing congregants, and Cohn on guitar, presiding over the exhilarating musical service. Cantor Ness was also a close colleague and friend of Cantor Cohn. “We worked on countless concerts,” said Ness, who also sang the 121st psalm at the funeral. “He was very open to making music and prayer with me and we would always talk about the next concert. Or we would just get together to talk about life. He was a really great guy. I would be kind of deep in my work and wouldn’t call and then he would call out of the blue – ‘Hey Joseph! How are you? Let’s get together!’ – That

was him. He made the ordinary, everyday moments, special.” Whether training future cantors or working with bar and bat mitzvah students, Cohn found his role as teacher most meaningful. “I adore my students,” he told the Ledger back in 2019. “I love watching them grow and watching them gain confidence in preparing for their services. And in most cases, gaining an increased connection to their Jewish heritage.” He also taught in a precantorial program at the University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music. Cantor Laura Breznick, now hazzan of Temple Sholom in New Milford, Connecticut, was one of his students. “Hazzan Cohn was a true mensch who was eager to help educate the next generation,” said Breznick. “I learned so much from him, from chazanut to contemporary Jewish music, he knew it all. Having the opportunity to sing with him once again in November 2019

was one of the highlights of my young career. Thank you, Hazzan, for the wisdom and the music.” Cohn was also active in the Cantors Assembly, the Conservative movement’s professional association of hazzanim. “He was a mentor, mensch and treasure of a cantorial colleague,” noted Cantor Deborah Katchko Gray of Congregation Shir Shalom in Ridgefield, Connecticut. My heart goes out to his beloved family and community. May his name always be a blessing and an inspiration.” In addition to his wife, children and mother, Cantor Cohn is survived by his brother, Mark Cohn and his wife Susan; his mother-in-law Phyllis Polebaum; his brothers-inlaw and sisters-in-law, Elliot Polebaum, Gilda Brancato, Mark Polebaum, and Diane Buhl;, and several nieces and nephews.

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May 31, 2022

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TORAH PORTION – BAMIDBAR BY SHLOMO RISKIN

“And God spoke to Moses in the Sinai Desert, in the tent of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they left the Land of Egypt.” [Num. 1:1]

ow can we transform a no man’s land into a domain of sanctity? The Book of Numbers, which we begin reading this Sabbath, provides an answer to this question. In doing so, it addresses the uncertainties and complexities of transitions: from Egyptian servitude to desert freedom and from abject slavery to the possibility of redemption. Perhaps most importantly, this fourth book of the Bible offers a glimpse into the complexities assailing the greatest leader in world history, Moses, and the challenges he faced in leading this transformation. A fierce advocate for his people and passionate lover of God, Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses) is a towering persona who reminded a nation about its mission in the world and inspired humanity with his clarion call about the human right to freedom. Nevertheless, and notwithstanding his stunningly remarkable achievements, Moses left the world frustrated and disappointed, having been denied his dream of joining his people in the Promised Land. Fortunately, God’s greatest prophet has been resoundingly vindicated by Jewish history. The Jewish people’s dramatic and historic return to the Land of Israel continues to draw inspiration from his teachings and longings, as well as from his legacy. The book that bears his name, “Torat Moshe,” is humanity’s blueprint for redemption. It is with this context in mind that we approach the book of “Bamidbar” [“In the Desert”], an apt name for a work that May 31, 2022

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documents the Jewish people’s 40-years of transition between Egypt and the Land of Canaan. Indeed, this desert period serves as the precursor of – as well as a most poignant metaphor for – the nearly two thousand years of homeless wandering that characterized much of Jewish history from the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E. to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. The Hebrew word for desert midbar contains meanings and allusions that in many ways have served as a beacon for our exile. An example of this is the word for leader, which, though most commonly referred to in Hebrew as manhig, our Sages also referred to as dabar, fully cognizant of its shared Hebrew letter root d-b-r with midbar. [Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 8a] In the Bible, the paradigmatic position of leadership – as exemplified by Abraham, Moses, and David – is the shepherd. And the desert is, of course, the most natural place for a shepherd to lead his flock: the sheep can comfortably wander in a virtual no-man’s land and graze on the vegetation of the various oases or their outskirts without the problem of stealing from private property or harming the ecology of settled habitations. And perhaps the letter-root d-b-r means leader-shepherd because it also means “word” (dibur). Just as the shepherd directs the flock using sounds and words, the leader of people must also inspire and lead with the verbal message he communicates. Indeed, the Aseret Ha-Dibrot [literally “Ten Utterances,” but better known as the “Ten Commandments”] were revealed in the Sinai desert [midbar], and they govern the Jewish People – as well as a good part of the whole world – to this very day. Moreover, it is important to note that wherever the Jewish

People wandered in the desert, they were always accompanied by the portable desert sanctuary [mishkan], which is derived from the word Shekhina [Divine Presence]. However, God was not in the Sanctuary, for even the greatest expanse of the heavens cannot contain the Divine Presence, as King Solomon declared when he dedicated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem (I Kings 8:27). It was rather God’s word [dibur], which was in the sanctuary, in the form of the Ten Utterances [Aseret Ha-Dibrot] on the Tablets of Stone preserved in the Holy Ark, as well as the ongoing and continuing Word of God that He would speak from between the cherubs on above the Holy Ark [Ex. 25:16-22]. It was by means of these Divine words [dibrot] that even the desert [midbar] – a metaphor for an inhospitable and alien

exile environment: boiling hot by day, freezing cold by night, and deficient in water, the elixir of life – can be transformed into sacred space, the place of the Divine word (dibur). Indeed, the words from the desert of Sinai succeeded in sanctifying the many Marrakeshes and Vilnas and New Yorks of our wanderings. The world is a desert [midbar] waiting to become a sanctuary [d’vir] by means of God’s word [dibur], communicated by inspiring leaders [dabarim.] Rabbi Shalom Reskin is founder and rosh yeshiva of Ohr Torah Stone, and founding rabbi of Efrat, Israel.

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May 31, 2022

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SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND

THE KOSHER CROSSWORD MAY 31, 2022 “Celebrity Breakups”

By: Yoni Glatt

Difficulty Level: Medium

JEWISH LEDGER Vol. 94 No. 11

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Across 1. One of four in the Windows logo 5. When an eye goes awry? 9. “How much?” to Maytal 13. Guevara and others 14. Alexandrian and Napoleonic 15. Words with “to differ” 16. City with a Tempio Maggiore 17. Attentive to the max 18. Locale of a bloody miracle 19. What Franz Kafka said when ending things with Gregor Samsa? 22. Words before “vacation” or “drink” 23. Marcel Marceau’s line when

ending a relationship? 29. ‘80s legal series 30. Silas Marner’s creator 32. Kazan of “On the Waterfront” 33. Actor Julia of “The Addams Family” 37. “Au revoir” 38. Gulf of ___, Red Sea neighbor 39. Shade of beige 40. Jerusalem’s Refaim 41. “In what way?” 42. Works by David and the sons of Korah 44. N.Y. Mets division 45. What William Shatner says when he ends a relationship? 48. Observant Jew, e.g.

50. Crafty to the max 53. What Bennett said to Bibi when he became Prime Minister? 56. “Agreed!” 57. Good garden soil 58. “As Time ___ By” 59. Join forces (with) 60. Life-support team, for short 61. You get five for a fiver

Down 1. Kind of Covid test 2. Pirate’s “Shalom” 3. Disney fish 4. Supposedly his head is buried next to Isaac 5. Peaceful and quiet 6. Copied, in a way 7. Brother of Shem 8. State: Sp. 9. Asa or Jehu 10. Composer Rotenberg 11. Vulcan mind ___ 12. What you’ll very slowly do as you solve this puzzle 20. See 21. Silver who analyzes elections

23. Hard-to-find guy in a redstriped shirt 24. Writer of an iconic Holocaust novel 25. Delhi bread 26. Old in Yiddish 27. Actor in an iconic Holocaust film 28. Judaism’s holiest place 29. Sister-in-law of 4-Down 31. Filming attempt 33. Make like Jews across Israel in the 1950’s 34. Educ. institute 35. Addresses in histories? 36. Some lottery payouts 42. Guadalajaran coin

43. Great Rabbi Baba 46. Dolt 47. BP competitor 48. ___-CREF 49. Code behind 35-Down 51. Hook’s aide 52. Julia, in the “Ocean’s Eleven” series 54. Start of most Israeli holidays 55. Milk that’s kosher with meat

Henry M. Zachs, Managing Partner (2014-2021)

Publisher’s Statement Editorial deadline: All calendar submissions must be received one week prior to publication. Advertising deadline: Tuesday noon one week prior to issue. 20/20 Media and Jewish Ledger shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad for typographical error or errors in the publication except to the extent of the cost of the space which the actual error appeared in the first insertion. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason and to alter advertising copy or graphics deemed unacceptable. The publisher cannot warrant, nor assume responsibility for, the legitimacy, reputability or legality of any products or services offered in advertisements in any of its publications. The entire contents of the Jewish Ledger are copyright © 2022. No portion may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. 20/20 Media also publishes All Things Jewish CT, All Things Jewish MA and WeHa Magazine.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING A calendar of events throughout Connecticut and Western & Central Massachusetts. Local Jewish community organizations are invited to submit events to the calendar. Events must be received one week prior to the bi-weekly publication of the Ledger. Send submissions to Ledger editor in chief Judie Jacobson at judiej@jewishledger. com. We reserve the right to edit calendar items.

June WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1 Southbury, CT (virtual) – “How lessons from the LGBTQ+ movement help to foster proud Jewish identity,” a conversation with author Ben Freeman (Jewish Pride: Rebuilding a People) and Jewish activist Steven Goldstein, 8 p.m. on Zoom. Hosted by Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County, Jewish Federation of Western CT, The Jewish Federation of Eastern CT. Register at jewishphilanthropyct. salsalabs.org. Springfield, MA – Springfield JCC Virtual Author Talk with Brad Aronson, author of HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act at a Time, about the outpouring of “humankindness” his family received when his wife Mia was diagnosed with leukemia, 7-8 p.m., Virtual Link: https://springfieldjcc.wufoo. com/forms/r1ondzst0ji3564/

Website: https://www. springfieldjcc.org/culture/ literatour/ Contact: Bev Nadler: arts@springfieldjcc.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3 Greenwich, CT – Making Music with J Babies. J Babies is partnering with Jewish preschools in Greenwich to bring the community a fun Shabbat experience. At Chabad of Greenwich. Best for children up to 2.5 years of age. Information: ujajcc.org. Registration a must.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4 Florence, MA – Kirtan Tikkun Shavuot Concert with the Kirtan Rabbi Andrew Hahn. A night of spiritually uplifting music to relight our inner light; 7 - 9 p.m.,followed by a cheesecake oneg and optional late-night learning led by rabbis and leaders, in Beit Ahavah sanctuary, 130 Pine St., co-sponsored by Beit Ahavah and Brattleboro Area Jewish Community FREE, donations accepted at: https://www.facebook.com/ events/509622234194008 Springfield, MA – Community Tikkun Leil Shavuot (Shavuot study session) with guest speaker Dr. Joel Hoffman, who will discuss “Four Exiles and Four Spiritual Revolutions,” a whirlwind tour of 3,000 years of Judaism focusing on 3 spiritual revolutions and the exiles that led to each, as well as the most recent revolution: modern Judaism; live streamed and

in-person at Sinai Temple, 1100 Dickinson St., and co-sponsored by Temple Beth El; followed by a Shavuot festival service. Contact: Lisa at llaudato@tbespringfield. org. West Hartford, CT – Shavuot Night Live (SNL)! 9:45 p.m. – 7 a.m.. A night of fun hosted by JTConnect (together with USY, BBYO, NCSY and West Hartford YI) that puts a new twist on the tradition of staying up all night on the first night of Shavuot to engage in different types of study. The all-nighter will include numerous opportunities to learn with local thinkers and enjoy delicious treats throughout the night, including breakfast for dinner, games, late night BBQ and more. To be held at Young Israel of West Hartford (drop off around the corner on Seneca Rd; parking lot will be closed for program). RSVP by May 31. Information/registration: cara@ jtconnect.org.

MONDAY, JUNE 6 Greenwich, CT (Zoom) – Rosh Chodesh for Women and Men, 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. A “siyum” (conclusion) to our year of learning, hosted by Congregation Shir Ami. Information: congregationshirami.org. Litchfield, CT – On the last day of Shavuot, Chabad Lubavitch of NWCT will hold a Yizkor memorial service at 9:30 a.m. Rabbi Eisenbach will the service at 69 West Street. All community members who wish to attend Yizkor are welcome to join the community in remembering their loved ones.

THURSDAY, JUNE 9

AUTHOR BRAD ARONSON IN SPRINGFIELD, MASS., JUNE 1.

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Southbury, CT – Love & Knishes Luncheon with a musical performance by Jack Lynn aka JackSingsDino who will sing the great tunes made famous by Dean Martin and his ‘Rat Pack’ pals from the late ‘40s, 50s and 60s; lunch at 12 noon, followed by performance at 1. At Jewish

Federation of Western CT, 444 Main St. N. Register at jfed.net. $10 West Hartford, CT – The 2022 Annual Meeting of the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford will feature “Remembering Abe Ribicoff: Lessons for Today.” A program about the career of New England’s first Jewish governor. The program will be preceded by a brief business meeting. Proof of vaccination required. Bring your vaccination card. Register at: https://secure. lglforms.com/form_engine/s/ xWdLeIgPoJrcXxP6rRQuxA

FRIDAY, JUNE 10 Springfield, MA – Bounce into Shabbat! 5-6 p.m. Familyfriendly program will include: Shabbat singing, bounce houses (ages 3+), playground play, light kosher supper (prepared by Zev Attias). Adult beverages available for adults. Schmooze and get to know other families at Springfield JCC, 1160 Dickinson St. Pre-registration equired. Presented by PJ Library Western Massachusetts and the Springfield JCC Virtual Link: https://springfieldjcc.wufoo. com/forms/srtjexu0eta6mo/

SUNDAY, JUNE 12 Bloomfield, CT – “Saying Goodbye to Gabb Road,” 12 noon-4 p.m. Students, parents and teachers say goodbye to the facility that was the Bess & Paul Single Hebrew Academy of Greater Hartford, as the school, which has since merged with the New England Jewish Academy prepares to welcome its lower division to the West Hartford campus; a family event featuring a BBQ and games. Special guest is the Academy’s longer serving principal, Rabbi Baruch Hilsenrath. Information: gabbroad@neja.org. Worcester, MA – PJ Library’s Book Mitzvah, 13 years in Central Mass., a free communityMay 31, 2022

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wide celebration with a live DJ dancing, activities, crafts, caricature artist, henna artist, food and more, for families of all ages, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., rain or shine, at Congregation Beth Israel, 15 Jamesbury Drive, mhall@jfcm.org. New England (Zoom) – “Lakes, Lanyards, and Learning: The Story of New England Jewish Summer Camps,” presented by the New England Jewish History Collaborative; 3-4:30 p.m.; hosted on Zoom by the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center. Join the New England Jewish History Collaborative for a fascinating event exploring the story of Jewish summer camps in New England. The program begins with a talk by Jonathan Krasner, PhD, of Brandeis University, examining the history and evolution of American Jewish camps in the 20th century and discussing their generational impact on Jewish life and identity. For reservations and information: jewishheritagecenter.org.

SUNDAY, JUNE 12 – TUESDAY, JUNE 14 Greenwich, CT – David Film Festival presents “Greener Pastures: Making Hay Out of Weed?” Dov, a 75-year old widower, is forced by his family to move to a nursing home. All he can think about is buying back his old house. When he notices that his fellow residents smoke legal medical cannabis, he realizes how to make hay out of weed – by selling it. Information/ tickets: ujajcc.org. $9

MONDAY, JUNE 13 Greenwich, CT (Zoom) – “Essential Jewish Conversation,” 7:30 p.m. on Zoom, hosted by Congregation Shir Ami. Information: congregationshirami.org. Stamford, CT – The Golden Ticket Series presents “Monday in the Library with Sondheim,” May 31, 2022

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songs from some of his most iconic musicals, Including “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Follies,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Company” and more; Broadway legend Jack Viertel narrates the history behind the songs of this iconic Jewish composer. At 7 p.m. Hosted by UJA-JCC Greenwich at the Ferguson Library. Tickets: In advance, $60; at the door, $60. For information: ujajcc.org.

THURSDAY, JUNE 16 Avon, CT – “Speaking of Jewish” with keynote speaker Kivi Bernhard, author of Leopardology: The Hunt for Profit in a Tough Global Economy, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at a private home in Avon, CT; address provided upon registration. Hosted by the Jewish will discuss how to live out our Jewish values in the workplace. Attendees will receive a copy of his book, which he will sign at the conclusion of the program. Attendees must be fully vaccinated and should bring masks for indoor needs (washroom, etc.). Kosher hors d’oeuvres, drinks, dessert. Presented by Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford $36/person (not tax deductible).

FRIDAY, JUNE 17 Greenwich, CT – Beach Shabbat Service and Installations hosted by Congregation Shir Ami will be held at Tod’s Point. Installation of the congregation’s new officers and our new Rabbi David Levy; a thank you to Cantor Abramson for her commitment and leadership of Shir Ami, and a baby naming! Information: congregationshirami.org.

MONDAY, JUNE 20 – FRIDAY, JUNE 24 West Hartford, CT – JTConnect, a program for Hartford area Jewish teens, will host the group’s Second Annual Summer of Service, June 20 - 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The week-long program is geared towards incoming 7th-10th graders who want a meaningful and social Jewish

“GREENER PASTURES: MAKING HAY OUT OF WEED,” AT THE UJA-NCC DAVIS FILM FESTIVAL, JUNE 12-14 IN GREENWICH.

experience. The day will start with teens working on service projects with local organizations that serve people and communities in need. After their morning of work, the teens will enjoy an afternoon of interactive actives, such as navigating a high ropes course, playing bubble soccer and kayaking on the Connecticut River. Cost: $200 ($160 if registered by May 1). Financial aid is available; no teen is turned away owing to a lack of funds. Drop-off and pick-up from Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford For information: jtconnect.org/SOS or contact cara@jtconnect.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21 Springfield, MA – Springfield JCC Annual Meeting, 5:30-7 p.m., 1160 Dickinson St., Contact: bnadler@springfieldjcc.org or (413) 739-4715.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26 Greenwich, CT – PJ Library Family Fun Day; 3 - 4:30 p.m.; An afternoon of food, friends and fun. Ice cream truck, comedy and bubble show by Mr. Bungles, animals and face painting. Hosted by UJA-JCC of Greenwich, One Holly Hill Lane. Information: ujajcc.org. $36/family

nature andlearn about sled dogs and about Jewish teachings concerning being kind to animals, includes a Yard Tour, Hike with a Husky, Playtime in the Pens and demonstration of mushing; For more information, including fee, contact ebarber@ springfieldjcc.org or (646) 3913553; RSVP by June 24. Worcester, MA – Shir Joy Chorus’ Virtual final concert of 2022, with several selections from Ukrainian composers, 7 p.m. Information: Shirjoychorus.com.

MONDAY, JUNE 27 Longmeadow, MA – 41st Annual Frankel Kinsler Classic Day of Tournaments, fundraiser for JGS Lifecare, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., 8 p.m. at Twin Hills Country Club, 700 Wolf Swamp Road. Enjoy fun, food and friendship to support the care of the community’s elders. Register online and receive the virtual link: https:// jgslifecare.org/ways-to-give/ frankel-kinsler-classic-dayof-tournaments/ For more information, call (413) 567-3949, ext. 3533 or email shalpern@ jgslifecare.org.

West Chesterfield, MA – PJ Library visits Hilltown Sled Dogs, 10 a.m. – 12 noon. Explore Southern New England Jewish Ledger

CT SYNAGOGUE DIRECTORY To join our synagogue directory of paid advertisers, contact stacey@20media20.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

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

EAST HARTFORD Temple Beth Tefilah Conservative Rabbi Yisroel Snyder (860) 569-0670 templebetht@yahoo.com

FAIRFIELD Congregation Beth El, Fairfield Conservative Rabbi Joshua Ratner (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 WendyBarr@grs.com www.grs.org Temple Sholom Conservative Rabbi Mitchell M. Hurvitz Rabbi Kevin Peters (203) 869-7191 info@templesholom.com www.templesholom.com

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

Greater Washington Coalition for Jewish Life Rabbi James Greene (860) 868-2434 jewishlifect@gmail.com www.jewishlifect.org

Orchard Street ShulCongregation Beth Israel Orthodox Rabbi Mendy Hecht 203-776-1468 www.orchardstreetshul.org

PUTNAM

WATERFORD

NEW LONDON HAMDEN Congregation Mishkan Israel Reform Rabbi Brian P. Immerman (203) 288-3877 tepstein@cmihamden.org www.cmihamden.org Temple Beth Sholom Conservative Rabbi Benjamin Edidin Scolnic (203) 288-7748 tbsoffice@tbshamden.com www.tbshamden.com

MADISON Temple Beth Tikvah Reform Rabbi Danny Moss (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 admin@myshul.org www.myshul.org

MIDDLETOWN Adath Israel Conservative Rabbi Nelly Altenburger (860) 346-4709 office@adathisraelct.org www.adathisraelct.org

NEW HAVEN The Towers at Tower Lane Conservative Ruth Greenblatt, Spiritual Leader Sarah Moskowitz, Spiritual Leader (203) 772-1816 rebecca@towerlane.org www.towerlane.org

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WASHINGTON

Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel Conservative Rabbi Eric Woodward rabbi@beki.org (203) 389-2108 office@BEKI.org www.BEKI.org

Ahavath Chesed Synagogue Orthodox Rabbi Avrohom Sternberg 860-442-3234 Ahavath.chesed@att.net Congregation Beth El Conservative Rabbi Earl Kideckel (860) 442-0418 office@bethel-nl.org www.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 Temple Shalom Reform Rabbi Cantor Shirah Sklar (203) 866-0148 admin@templeshalomweb. org www.templeshalomweb.org

NORWICH Congregation Brothers of Joseph Modern Orthodox Rabbi Yosef Resnick (781 )201-0377 yosef.resnick@gmail.com https://brofjo.tripod.com

Congregation B’nai Shalom Conservative Rabbi Eliana Falk - Visiting Rabbi (860) 315-5181 susandstern@gmail.com www.congregationbnaishalom.org

Temple Emanu - El Reform Rabbi Marc Ekstrand Rabbi Emeritus Aaron Rosenberg (860) 443-3005 office@tewaterfrord.org www.tewaterford.org

SIMSBURY

WEST HARTFORD

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

WALLINGFORD Beth Israel Synagogue Conservative Rabbi Bruce Alpert (203) 269-5983 info@bethisraelwallingford. org www.bethisraelwallingford. org

Beth David Synagogue Modern Orthodox Rabbi Yitzchok Adler (860) 236-1241 office@bethdavidwh.org www.bethdavidwh.org Beth El Temple Conservative Rabbi James Rosen Rabbi Rachel Zerin Cantor Joseph Ness (860) 233-9696 info@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 Congregation Beth Israel Reform Rabbi Michael Pincus Rabbi Andi Fliegel Cantor Stephanie Kupfer (860) 233-8215 bethisrael@cbict.org www.cbict.org Congregation P’nai Or Jewish Renewal Shabbat Services & Holidays Rabbi Andrea CohenKiener (860) 561-5905 pnaiorct@gmail.com www.jewishrenewalct.org

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) 679-4446 ostro770@hotmail.com Young Israel of West Hartford Orthodox Rabbi Tuvia Brander (860) 233-3084 info@youngisraelwh.org www.youngisraelwh.org

WESTPORT Temple Israel of Westport Reform Rabbi Michael Friedman, Senior Rabbi Cantor Julia Cadrain, Senior Cantor Rabbi Elana NemitoffBresler, Rabbi Educator Rabbi Zach Plesent, Assistant Rabbi (203) 227-1293 info@tiwestport.org www.tiwestport.org

WETHERSFIELD Temple Beth Torah Unaffiliated Rabbi Alan Lefkowitz 860-529-2410 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

Kehilat Chaverim of Greater Hartford Chavurah Adm. - Nancy Malley (860) 951-6877 mnmalley@yahoo.com www.kehilatchaverim.org

May 31, 2022

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SYNAGOGUE DIRECTORY WESTERN AND CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS

AMHERST

FLORENCE

LONGMEADOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WESTBOROUGH Beth Tikvah Synagogue Independent Rabbi Michael Swarttz (508) 616-9037 president@bethtikvahsynagogue. org www.bethtikvahsynagogue.org 45 Oak St., Westborough, MA 01581 Congregation B’nai Shalom Reform Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz/ Rabbi-Educator Joseph Eiduson (508) 366-7191 info@cbnaishalom.org www.cbnaishalom.org 117 East Main St., PO Box 1019, Westborough, MA 01581

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

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

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OBITUARIES ALDERMAN

Bernard Harold Alderman, 93, of West Haven Conn., died May 21. He was the husband of Sonya (Katz) Alderman. Born in New Haven, he was the son of the late Israel and Rose (Isenberg) Alderman. He was predeceased by his brother Norman and his wife Elinor Alderman; and his brother-in-law and sisterin-law, Matthew and Elaine Katz. He served in the Korean War in Germany as a medic. He was a member and past president of Congregation Sinai in West Haven for many years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Lynn Alderman, and Allen Alderman and his wife Cher; his ex-daughter-in-law Pamela Hensel; his grandchildren, Dawn (Jeff) Givner and Dean (Stephanie) Alderman; his great-grandchildren Kyle Givner, Mason Alderman and Maddox Alderman; his sister-in-law Ruth Katz.

ARONSON

Joni A. Aronson, 63, of Delray Beach, Fla., formerly of Worcester and Boston, Mass., has died. She was the widow of Charles Aronson. She is survived by her mother Dorothy (Slade) Aronson of Boca Raton, Fla., her son Spenser Aronson of Delray Beach, Fla.; her brother Robert Aronson of Sarasota, Fla.; her niece Jaclyn Rubin and her husband Alex, of Natick, Mass; her nephew Michael Aronson and his wife Alexandra of Armonk, N.Y.; three grandnephews; and a grandniece.

COHEN

Edward Cohen, 86, of Delray Beach, Fla. and Falls Church, Va., died May 20. He was the husband of Libby Cohen. Born in New Haven, Conn., he was the son of Sadie (Leventhal) and Morris Cohen. He was also a member of the Army Reserves. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Phyllis Cohen and her husband John

Goncalves, and Sheryl Cohen; his grandchildren: Jonathan Goncalves, Matthew Goncalves, Rachel Cohen, Benjamin Cohen, Olivia Cohen and Brianna Regueira; his sister Roslyn Kosowsky; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his son Michael Cohen and his wife Renee, hi s brothers Donald Cohen and his wife Pearl, George Cohen and his wife Ann, and his sister-in-law Harriet Oestreicher (Seymour).

FORCHT

Irene Forcht, 88, of Williamsburg, Va., died April 27. She was the widow of Arthur L. Forcht. She is survived by her children, Michael Forcht, Roger Forcht, Lisa Forcht and Jonathan Forcht; her grandchildren, Charlotte, Natalie and Oliver; and her partner David Mosso.

HENOWITZ

Anita Henowitz, of North Haven, Conn., died May 17. She was the widow of Maurice Henowitz. Born in New Haven, Conn., she was the daughter of the late Sophie and Bernard Mednick. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Debbie. She was a member of Congregation Beth El – Keser Israel (BEKI) in New Haven.

ISENBERG

Robert B. Isenberg, 74, of Worcester, Mass., died May 6. Born in Worcester, he was the son of Milton and Vivian (Schwartz) Isenberg. He is survived by his brother, Richard J. Isenberg and his wife Linda, of Holden, Mass.; his niece Stephanie Tuohey and her husband Ryan of Southington, Conn.; and a grandniece andgrandnephew. He was predeceased by his sister Sharon Gail Isenberg.

LINSKY

Miriam A. Linsky, 93, of Leominster, Mass., died May 16. She was the widow of Elliott Linsky. Born in Fall River, Mass., she was the daughter of Nathan

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and Dora (Epstein) Wyse. She was a member of Congregation Agudat Achim in Leominster. She is survived by her children, Faith Linsky of Worcester, Nathan Linsky and his wife Brenda of Gardner, Mass., James Linsky and his wife Crystal of Portland, Maine, and Daniel Linsky and his wife, Doreen of Vero Beach, Fla.; her grandchildren, Avalena Linsky, Adam Linsky and his wife Kristen, and Michael Linsky and his wife Nicole; and her greatgrandchildren Abigail, Paisleigh, Indy Rose and Josiah Linsky. She was predeceased by a sister, Ellie Lustig.

NEUSNER

Milton M. Neusner, 90, of Westborough, Mass., died April 28. He was the husband of Constance (Movitz) Neusner. Born in Philadelphia, Pa., he was the son of the late Harry and Norman Neusner. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sisters, three children, five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

PARAD

Libbie Greenbaum Parad, 98, of Northampton, Mass., died May 3. She was the widow of Howard J. Parad. She is survived by her children, Harry and his wife Diana, Jonathan and his wife Lori, and Sarah and her husband Larry; her grandchildren, Benjamin and his wife Rebecca, Eliza and his wife Tom, Joshua, Anne and Jacob; and her greatgrandchildren, Asa, Reuben, Zozia, and Jonah.

PUKLIN

Fenmore Puklin, 96, of New Haven, Conn., died May 19. He was the widow of Joyce Puklin. He was the son of the late Lillian and William Puklin. He was also predeceased by his brothers, Jerome Puklin and Myron Puklin, and. His grandchild Jessie Sandler. He is survived by his children, Wendy Ocone and her

husband John, David Puklin and his wife Nancy, Patty Sandler and her husband Keith, Laurie Nicks and her husband Shelby, and Adam (Lucia) Puklin and his wife Lucia; his grandchildren, Lauren Chudoba, Jeffrey and Leah Puklin, Alexandra Nicks, Adrianna, Gabriella and Dylan Puklin; his great-granddaughter Lily Chudoba; and his companion, Edie Tanenbaum.

SHEMITZ

Paula Joanne Shiff Shemitz, 90, of Woodbridge, Conn., formerly of New Haven, Conn., died May 20. She was the widow of Sylvan Shemitz. Born in New Haven, Conn., she was the daughter of Phillip and Harriet Shiff. She is survived by her daughters, Julie Jane Shemitz of Los Angeles, Calif., Elizabeth Deane ShemitzSmith, of Woodbridge, Conn., and Allison Kate Schieffelin of New Haven, Conn. and Nantucket, Massachusetts; her grandchildren, Charlotte Anna Shemitz-Smith and James “Ace” Evan Smith, of Woodbridge; and her brother Alan H.W. Shiff of Bethesda, Md. and Nantucket, Mass.

SOLOMON

Marshall Zane Solomon, 92, of Boca Raton, Fla., formerly of Longmeadow, Mass., died May 24. He was the widower of Joan Kaplinsky Solomon and Sandra Saxe. Born and raised in Springfield, he was the son of Joseph and Anna Solomon. He served in the U.S. Army with the Army Audit Agency. He is survived by his children, Jodi Mann and her husband Tom, Debra Sorkin and her husband Michael Sorkin, and David Solomon and his wife Karen; and his grandchildren, Victoria and Ethan Sorkin, and Judson, Alexa Lou and Josie Solomon.

STONE

Analee Stone, 93, of West Hartford, Conn., died May 16. She was the widow of Frank Stone. Born in Hartford, she was May 31, 2022

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the daughter of Joseph and Sadie (Simons) Gelman. She was a lifetime member of Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford. She is survived by her nephew Ian Wellins and his wife Robin Spencer-Wellins; her nieces, Bonnie Wellins and her husband John McNamara, and Jo Wellins; her grandnephews, Matthew Wellins and Joseph McNamara. She was predeceased by her sister, Doss G. Wellins.

WILDER

Michael Stephen Wilder, 80, of West Hartford, Conn., died May 18. He was the widower of Marjorie (Levitin) Wilder. Raised in New Haven, Conn., he was the son of the late Harry and Anne (Melin) Wilder. He is survived by his daughters, Kathryn Guarini and her husband Michael of Yorktown Heights, N.Y., and Amanda Wilder and her wife Camille of Albuquerque, N.M.; his companion Sandra Zieky of

West Hartford; his sister Gail Wilder of Milford, Conn.; his nephew Harrison Squire and his wife Miranda Smith of Syosset, N.Y.; and his grandchildren, Emma, Matthew, Tyler, Elan, and Ida.

WISNEFSKY

Walter Wisnefsky, 78, of Rocky Hill, Conn., died May 13. He was the husband of Barbara (Sack) Wisnefsky. Born in Norwich, Conn., he was the

son of Benjamin and Arline (Slitt) Wisnefsky. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Sheryl Abrams, Eric Wisnefsky and his wife Tammy, and Judy Foreman and her husband Andrew Foreman; and his grandchildren, Matthew, Samantha, Zachary and Adam Wisnefsky, and Isaac Abrams. He was predeceased by his sisters, Marilyn Cohen and Sondra Radin.

IDF: CNN claim Israeli forces killed journalist in ‘targeted attack’ is ‘baseless’ (JNS) The Israeli military has dismissed as “baseless” a report by CNN on Tuesday, May 24, claiming that Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was intentionally killed by Israeli forces in Jenin. Citing “new evidence,” the CNN report claims that Abu Akleh was killed by Israeli forces in a “targeted attack” during an exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Palestinian terrorists in Jenin on May 11. “While the footage does not show Abu Akleh being shot, eyewitnesses told CNN that they believe Israeli forces on the same street fired deliberately on the reporters in a targeted attack. All of the journalists were wearing protective blue vests that identified them as members of the news media,” the report said. It cited Palestinian journalist Shatha Hanaysha, who was on the scene, eight other eyewitnesses and various experts. The IDF Spokesperson Unit said in response that “since the incident occurred, the IDF has been investigating the circumstances of the journalist’s death in an in-depth and thorough manner. The intermediate investigation that was publicized found that it May 31, 2022

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is not possible to determine the source of fire that … killed the journalist,” according to Ma’ariv. “The claim that the gunfire was targeted lacks any basis,” the spokesperson continued. “In the context of arrests that the IDF conducts as part of its response to terrorism, widespread and uncontrollable fire was directed at an IDF unit, alongside precise fire and the hurling of explosives at military vehicles, and near the soldiers. Towards the end of the operation, a Palestinian journalist was hit as she stood

within the combat zone during an exchange of fire,” said the military. “A transfer of the bullet for a ballistic analysis could determine what happened. As of now, the Palestinians have ignored our request to hold a joint investigation or to send us the results of their investigation, including the bullet. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi has instructed that the investigation continue and that all available tools be used to clarify the incident, out of a commitment to transparency and seeking the truth,” the

statement continued. “We express our sorrow for Shireen’s death. We view freedom of the press with great importance and we work to preserve it. The IDF will continue to act to thwart terrorism anywhere that is necessary, and will continue to meet its missions, while making an effort to avoid harming noncombatant,” it said. On May 20, 57 U.S. lawmakers called on the FBI and the U.S. State Department to investigate the PalestinianAmerican journalist’s death.

PALESTINIAN JOURNALISTS TAKE PART IN A CANDLELIGHT VIGIL IN THE GAZA STRIP IN MEMORY OF AL-JAZEERA JOURNALIST SHIREEN ABU AKLEH. (ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)

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