October 11, 2019 12 Tishrei 5780 Volume 75, Issue 19
S O U T H E R N A R I Z O N A ’ S A WA R D - W I N N I N G J E W I S H N E W S PA P E R S I N C E 1 9 4 6
Celebrations ............11-15 Senior Lifestyle ........ 16-21 Arts & Culture ...................... 28 Classifieds .............................10 Commentary ..........................6 Community Calendar.......... 24 Local ...............2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 15 .........................16, 17, 18, 21 National ..............................7, 8 News Briefs ......................... 22 Obituaries ............................ 26 Our Town ..............................27 Rabbi’s Corner ..................... 23 Synagogue Directory...........23 OUR NEXT EDITION Oct. 25 GOING AWAY? Remember to stop delivery of the AJP at least a week before you leave town.
Launching Oct. 24: Annual campaign funds local, global needs DEBE CAMPBELL AJP Assistant Editor
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ducating the community — that’s our real campaign task,” says Melissa Goldfinger, chair of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona’s 2020 fundraising drive. “We kick off our 100 Days of Impact on Oct. 24, with our 2020 theme: Powered by You — Stronger Together. Our job is to help donors know what the Federation really does — instead of just asking for money,” she explains. “The campaign is truly the Federation’s tzedakah box. We collect donations in our box and give them away to agencies and partners.” Goldfinger wants everyone to understand the impact of these campaign gifts. “When people learn what we do, they give. We support the past, through the Jewish History Museum and the Holocaust History Center; we support the future through Tucson Hebrew Academy, PJ Library, and our growing reach in the Northwest; we support the vulnerable through Jewish Family & Children’s Services, Senior Task Force, Jewish Free Loan, and special needs programming, as well as many other community outreach projects,” says Goldfinger. “We support our synagogues, our Weintraub Israel Center, indeed, our whole community. It’s just that simple. For those in need, Federation is here.” Other campaign innovations are in the works, too. Calling won’t be the primary mode of securing pledges in this year’s drive. The 2020 solicitation will begin with a letter and email, with follow up
Photo: Debe Campbell/AJP
INSIDE
w w w. a z j e w i s h p o s t . c o m
Melissa Goldfinger, Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona annual campaign chair for 2020, is surrounded by (L-R) Deborah Oseran, Ronnie Sebold, Andy Kunsberg, and Leslie Glaze.
calls, texts, and paign chair, will emails. “We’re rebe the keynote introducing Textspeaker, joined to-Donate, a great by Rachel Hoffer, tech-friendly way JFNA’s national to donate on the leadership — Melissa Goldfinger young spot,” says Goldco-chair. All curfinger. rent and potential Goldfinger encourages JFSA donors and volunteers who want supporters to complete their 2019 to learn more are invited to atpledges before the new campaign tend the three-hour event, beginbegins. “We are near 100% of our ning at 6 p.m. Register for Train2019 goal. But we still need each ing CAMP-aign at www.jfsa.org/ pledge to reach that $4 million campaigntraining2020. mark.” The Campaign Summits, Nov. The 2020 campaign launches 12-13, will feature Mohammed Al with a “no pain and lots to gain Samawi, author of “The Foxhunt: Training CAMP-aign” dinner and A Refugee’s Memoir of Coming event for community members on to America” (William Morrow). Thursday, Oct. 24. Two training Al Samawi, an interfaith activtracks are offered: “Track 101 for ist, will share his powerful story, the freshman class and Track 201 recounting how four ordinary for the seasoned people who’ve Jewish strangers he connected been around the block a time or with through Facebook saved his two,” Goldfinger explains. David life as two opposing terrorist facT. Brown, the Jewish Federations tions threatened him in his home of North America national cam- country of Yemen. “We actually
“The campaign is truly the Federation’s tzedakah box.”
found out about Al Samawi from my son, Sam,” said Goldfinger. “I asked him who his favorite speaker at his BBYO camp experience was and above them all was Al Samawi. Because of that, and because one of my passions is involving younger generations, we’ll open up the Young Leadership Summit this year to include teen leaders and youth group participation.” The Federation will work with Hebrew High, BBYO, USY, and NFTY to invite local teens to join the Young Leadership and Ben Gurion Society Summit dinner on Nov. 12 at the home of Tedd and Melissa Goldfinger. The Community Summit lunch for all agency boards, Women’s Philanthropy, and community leaders will be held at noon on Nov. 13 at Hacienda del Sol. The Advanced Gifts Summit dinner will be held on Nov. 13 at the home of Steve and Shelly Silverman. “We hope that between the three summits offered, everyone will find one to attend. If not, give us a call, and we’ll work something out,” says Goldfinger. Register for summits at www.jfsa. org/summit2019. Fran Katz, JFSA senior vice president, adds, “Every year, we anticipate the excitement and the passion of Federation’s campaign launch and summits. We see the strength in our community renewed as together, we gather to raise the funds essential to our mission. Our programs, agencies, and partners transform lives locally, nationally, and internationally, but our annual campaign is the foundation of that success.” To make a campaign donation, go to www.jfsa.org/donate.
CANDLELIGHTING TIMES: October 11 ... 5:38 p.m. • October 13 Erev Sukkot ... 5:36 p.m. • October 14 Sukkot ... after 6:29 p.m. October 18 ... 5:30 p.m. • October 20 Hoshana Rabbah ... 5:28 p.m. • October 20 Shemini Atzeret ... after 6:22 p.m. • October 25 ... 5:23 p.m.
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Migrant justice learning session to kick off initiative
A new mural by JJ Dardano, unveiled outside the Jewish History Museum Sept. 6, underscores the institution’s focus this year on humanitarian issues.
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he Jewish History Museum and Jewish Community Relations Council will formally launch the Jewish Community Migrant Justice Initiative on Thursday, Oct. 24. The project will coordinate Jewish community efforts in response to the humanitarian needs of asylum seekers and refugees in Southern Arizona, says Bryan Davis, JHM executive director. “This initiative is designed to mobilize our Jewish community toward collective/collaborative action in response to these humanitarian needs now and into the future,” Davis says. The launch event, a “Day of Learning and Deepening Partnerships,” will be a full day of learning, listening, bearing witness, community conversation, and planning. Elements of the program will include a bus trip to the border to meet with the Consul of Mexico in Nogales, Arizona, Ricardo Santana Velázquez; a visit to the Casa Alitas migrant shelter run by Catholic Community Services in Tucson; and bearing witness at Operation Streamline at the Federal Courthouse in downtown Tucson. Agencies and synagogues will share about work they have undertaken in the area of migrant justice, with opportunities to hear individuals directly impacted because of their immigration status, to understand what kind of community response and support is most helpful from their perspective.
Following the 8 a.m.-5 p.m. program, participants will have two options for sharing in a generative discussion that will lead to the next steps toward coordinated and collective Jewish community action, Davis says. Participants may join for dinner nearby at Cafe Desta, 758 S. Stone Ave., at 5:30 p.m., followed by a facilitated conversation, or they may reconvene for a breakfast and discussion the following morning at 8:30 a.m. at the Harvey and Deanna Evenchik Center for Jewish Philanthropy, 3718 E. River Road. “The intention is for every agency and synagogue to have representation on the Day of Learning and Deepening Partnerships so that we can come together as a community in a coordinated effort to respond to the many facets of this complex humanitarian crisis,” Davis says. “Following the Day of Learning and Deepening Partnerships, a cohort will be formed that will include representation from every Jewish agency and synagogue that is willing to participate as we move forward. This is a big commitment of time, and we believe that the urgency of this situation requires a response of this scale.” Register for the event by Oct. 18 at http://bit.ly/jhm dayoflearning1024. The program begins at the museum, 564 S. Stone Ave. For more information, contact Davis at director@jewishhistorymuseum.org.
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ARIZONA JEWISH POST, October 11, 2019
LOCAL Celebrate 50th anniversary of Woodstock with outdoor concert at the Tucson JCC
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Wayback Machine with special guest Shanti Foster (far left) and core members Beverly Seckinger, Jim Lipson, and Tom Woolley — from their ‘Barrio Jam’ CD cover (2004).
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his summer marked the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, the music festival that brought half a million people together in 1969 to celebrate peace, love, and music. In celebration of this anniversary, the Tucson J is putting on J-Stock: an outdoor community concert featuring Eric Schaffer & the Other Troublemakers, Wayback & Co., and The Levi Platero Band. Come relive the ’60s and jam with the J on Saturday, Oct. 19, 7-10 p.m.
Guests should bring their own blankets or lawn chairs for seating; chairs also will be provided. Ticket includes a complimentary brownie dessert bar; additional food and drink will be available for purchase. Admission is $10 for J and Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association members; $12 general admission, or $15 at the door. Visit www.tucsonjcc.org/j-stock or call 299-3000 to register.
‘Next Step’ campaign to bring sustainability for JFSA’s Olson Center in Northwest
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he Northwest Division of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona has launched a special campaign called “The Next Step” to support its expansion to larger premises and operation of The Ruth & Irving Olson Center for Jewish Life. The center’s new facility now in use at 180 W. Magee Road, Suite 140, doubles its space from its former digs in the same plaza, allowing for events of up to 100 people, with administrative areas separate from the event area, an office for the director, and urgently needed security and technology lacking at the former site. The facility has been configured to the Federation’s specifications and is ADA compliant. The new space has been leased for five to seven years, says Alan Kendal, chair of the Northwest Division Advisory Council. “It is considered a stepping stone to a permanent facility that is envisioned to be one of the main foundations for the vibrant Jewish community developing rapidly in Northwest
Tucson,” he adds. “The Next Step” campaign invites supporters to take advantage of a grant that will match up to $40,000 for pledges totaling $500 or more, to be paid over two years, or for $1,000 or more to be paid over four years. Pledges can be fulfilled in a tax-advantageous way by many persons over 70 years of age directing funds from their IRA. Pledges for credit card payments (e.g. $18 a month for 36 months) also will qualify. The matching funding, which comes from two anonymous donors, expires after Oct. 27. “Of course, smaller donations that do not qualify for matching funds are very much appreciated,” says Helene Mittleman, vice cochair of the Northwest Division, and will contribute to the goal of raising $100,000 to be invested by the Jewish Community Foundation and used as needed over the coming years for the Olson Center for Jewish Life. To make a donation, visit www.jfsa. org/nwnextstep. October 11, 2019, ARIZONA JEWISH POST
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LOCAL / ISRAEL UA joins global effort with JNF and Israel to secure food, water, energy NICK ENQUIST Jewish News, Phoenix
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ARIZONA JEWISH POST, October 11, 2019
Photo courtesy JNF
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n an effort to boost global agriculture, the University of Arizona has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Jewish National Fund and Israel’s Arava region to establish The JNF Joint Institute for Global Food, Water and Energy Security. The memorandum was signed on Sept. 12 by JNF President Sol Lizerbram, D.O.; JNF Joint Institute Project Co-Director Udi Gat; and Dean of UA’s College of Science and Vice President of Innovation Joaquin Ruiz, Ph.D. (On Oct. 1, Ruiz became the UA’s vice president of global environmental futures.) The Joint Institute is focused on developing and introducing new technologies to help build food, water, and energy security in vulnerable global communities. “It’s exciting to combine expertise to work on problems related to the food, energy, and water nexus — one of the grand challenges that is facing all of us,” said Kim Ogden, Ph.D., UA interim vice president for research. “Because of our location, Arizona is truly a living laboratory, and the hands-on training that we will be able to provide can be used for real-world solutions.” UA has done a good deal of research on land affected by dry climate with limited vegetation, and is a leader in water sustainability research through the university’s Water Resources Research Center. WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal has been deeply involved in the development of the new Joint Institute, and is now a member of the board of governors, along with Ruiz. “The unique partnership will be an additional opportunity to connect water and environmental sustainability expertise across the University of Arizona to arid regions across the world,” says Megdal. Water sustainability is a critical concern in both Arizona and Israel. Both UA and the JNF are members of the International Arid Lands Consortium, which explores ways to improve the lives of people living in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. “Israel’s south and America’s Southwest know the challenges of farming in arid regions all too well,” Lizerbram said. “Today, both Israel and America lead the world in the development of innovative farming methods for arid areas and this initiative will empower African farmers by democratizing access to agricultural training and knowledge sharing.” In addition to signing on with the Joint Institute, UA has partnered with Israel for other global cooperation initiatives. In 2017, UA created a partnership with the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México to focus on devel-
(L-R) Jewish National Fund President Sol Lizerbram, JNF Joint Institute Project Co-Director Udi Gat, and Dean of the University of Arizona College of Science and Vice President of Innovation Joaquin Ruiz sign a memorandum of understanding, Sept. 12.
oping and researching new technologies in six different sectors. One of those sectors included arid lands agriculture and water. The groundwork for the Joint Institute began more than a year ago, according to Matt Fragner, who serves as co-chair for JNF’s Arava and Eilot Task Force. Fragner, who has worked with the Arava and Eilot Task Force for seven years, is leading the planning efforts for the new Joint Institute. Fragner admitted that initially he didn’t have high hopes for the new institute, but after meeting with participants from the Arava and UA, he saw that both entities had a lot to teach each other. “As a non-academic lawyer with no formal scientific or governmental experience, I feel very lucky to be part of something that’s more than negotiating long transactional documents between private parties, something that could move the needle for many underserved people,” Fragner said. In November 2018, JNF took a group of roughly 20 — including representatives from UA — to the Arava region. They toured the Arava International Center for Agricultural Training and the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, which teach students about environmental sustainability. “I looked up at our partners from Arizona and saw their eyes literally shining as they listened to the students talk about their experiences,” Fragner said. The feeling was mutual when Arava’s representatives visited UA’s agricultural projects. For the Joint Institute, the focus on sustainability is broken down into two components: environmental and cultural. The environmental aspect of the project seeks
to have a positive environmental impact that doesn’t deplete resources that are difficult to replace or re-utilize. But the cultural component also is necessary to ensure that the environmental projects are successfully integrated into the social environment. JNF Chief Israel Emissary Talia Tzour Avner explained that a great sustainable solution might not be as well-received if it doesn’t integrate with the local culture. She said that it could be a waste of time and resources to develop an idea that ultimately gets rejected. “For example, if we come up with a great idea on how to grow corn for a community but it turns out that community doesn’t eat corn, we’ve actually created a problem,” Tzour Avner said. “If we bring them something that they don’t use, eat or even cook with, then what was the point?” To help understand the cultural differences, UA brought on professors of anthropology to assist with research. Tzour Avner said that their contribution is just as valuable for the progress of the Joint Institute. Right, now Tzour Avner said that the institute is focusing on finding the communities that would benefit from their help the most. She hopes that the institute will have more substantial projects in Africa by the end of next year. “This really is an unprecedented program for our region, which promotes cooperation between students and farmers in developing countries together with JNF, Israel’s Arava region, and UA to identify the places in which we will work while finding solutions and equipping these farmers with useful solutions,” Gat said. This article first appeared in the Jewish News (Phoenix). AJP Executive Editor Phyllis Braun contributed to this report.
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Photo courtesy Tucson Community Center
Upcoming art exhibit at Tucson J seeks to spark ‘Reflection + Renewal’
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‘Mountain Embrace’ by Laurie Kaye
he Tucson Jewish Community Center is featuring the works of more than 20 local artists, many of whom are members of the Jewish Artists Group, in the Fine Art Gallery show, “Reflection + Renewal,” which is on display through Nov. 2. The Jewish High Holy Days season began with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and ends with the holiday of Simchat Torah. The holidays are an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and returning to our best selves. While these holy days are celebrated by Jews around the world, the ideas of reflection and renewal are universal. Each of us must take the time to reflect and renew, says Jennifer Selco, director of Jewish Life & Learning at the Tucson J. The hope is that as people walk through the show, they will consider what reflection and renewal means to them. The show includes paintings, glasswork, sculpture, pottery, and mixed media pieces. Most of the art work is for sale. There will be a gallery opening on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 5:30-7 p.m., and the gallery is open any time the J is open.
‘May You Be Protected From Harm’ by Jacqueline Cohen
Hours can be found at www.tucsonjcc.org or by calling 299-3000.
Group to support domestic violence survivors
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ewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona is initiating a free support group for Jewish women of all ages who have been impacted by domestic violence. The LEAH (Let’s End Abusive Households) Support Group represents a safe environment for healing and support. Group activities may help in anxiety reduction, planning safe place strategies, and empowering participants to survive and improve the quality of their lives, says Susan Kasle, MPH, JFCS vice president of community services. A JFCS masterslevel licensed clinician will facilitate and support the program. The first LEAH Support Group meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 28, 6:30-
7:30 p.m. at JFCS, 4301 E. Fifth Street. Beginning in November, the group will meet the third Monday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at JFCS. For more information or to register (which is not required for attendance), call 795-0300, ext. 2271 or email igefter@ jfcstucson.org. All communications will be completely confidential. JFCS also is a local resource for person-centered trauma informed counseling and therapy services for individuals, couples and families. Appointments can be made by calling 795-0300. The LEAH Support Group is a free service made possible with funding from the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona. October 11, 2019, ARIZONA JEWISH POST
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COMMENTARY How late French president Chirac started France’s reckoning with the Shoah LIAM HOARE JTA VIENNA, AUSTRIA acques Chirac, the former French president who died on September 26 at age 86, had only been in office two months when, on July 16, 1995, he delivered a speech that began a vital reckoning with one of the darkest aspects of France’s recent history. Breaking a 50-year taboo on acknowledging France’s role in the Holocaust, Chirac said that “the criminal folly of the occupiers” — including the July 1942 Vel’ d’Hiv roundup, during which 4,500 French police arrested nearly 13,000 Parisian Jews, confining them in crowded, unsanitary conditions prior to their deportation to Auschwitz — “was seconded by the French, by the French state.” “France, the homeland of the Enlightenment and of the rights of man, a land of welcome and asylum, on that day committed the irreparable,” Chirac said of the roundup. “Breaking its word, it handed those who were under its protection over
Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
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French President Jacques Chirac attends a media conference for Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei (not shown) in the courtyard of the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, March 11, 2004.
to their executioners.” France owes the victims “an everlasting debt.” With these words, Chirac shattered the myth of French innocence his predecessors on the left and right of French politics, from Charles de Gaulle to François Mitter-
rand, had, in the name of national unity, created and nurtured for decades. When the Nazis occupied France in June 1940, so the story went, the Republic ceased to exist. All the crimes committed on French soil — the anti-Jewish laws, the
arrests, the deportations, the near-75,000 dead French Jews — were therefore the responsibility of Nazi Germany and the puppet Vichy regime, not France. To quote former French President François Mitterrand, “In 1940, there was a French state, this was the Vichy regime, it was not the Republic.” Far from cultivating a culture of remembrance, the leaders who rebuilt France after World War II and presided over it in subsequent decades sanctioned an official culture of denial and forgetting. As late as 1992 — 50 years after the Vel’ d’Hiv roundup and long after Germany had begun its own process of coming to terms with the past — Mitterrand pointedly avoided acknowledging France’s role in a major speech marking the event. “The dead hear you,” Mitterrand was warned by his longtime friend Robert Badinter, the president of the Constitutional Council. The Nazi hunter Serge Klarsfeld condemned Mitterrand as someone who was only “faithful to himself.” Prior to joining the French resistance in 1943, Mitterrand See Chirac, page 10
Mayim Bialik: Everything I’ll never know because my father died MAYIM BIALIK Kveller
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bba, are you there? You died 4 1/2 years ago, but I still forget sometimes. I was driving in sixth gear the other day. I went to exit the freeway and, on the offramp, I downshifted enough that I was able to shift directly into fourth. You taught me
never to skip a gear. You said it was bad for the car. I never asked more about it; I just did what you said. Because you were Abba and I was me and you knew best. You knew all. That was your job. But now I want to know why. I bet you knew but I didn’t think to ask. I didn’t know to ask. Like: Does it hurt the gears? What if the speed is sufficiently low? Is that not the
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ARIZONA JEWISH POST, October 11, 2019
same as shifting to neutral and then into an appropriate gear? I mean, it is — right? I won’t Google it. The internet is not the answer because you were the answer. And you disliked the internet. You didn’t think it would really catch on, the same way you said cellphones wouldn’t. Abba, I laughed at you with disdain. And I’m sorry. I understand you better now that you’re gone. I understand how scary the internet was for you. It’s scary to me, too. We have trouble processing a certain kind of information, you and me. Filling out forms is hard for us. Lots of stimulus is hard for us. The internet can really overwhelm our brains in ways other people don’t get overwhelmed. They tell us we have a touch of ADD, which seems so strange since we are so productive and focused in so many ways. They didn’t have alternatives for us when the internet became popular. We just pretended we didn’t like it. So instead of looking up why I shouldn’t skip gears when I drive, I prefer to keep it in the category of “Things I Can’t Know Because My Father Died.” This list of things is long, and it is a terrifying one. There is no comfort, there is no peace. Some more items on the list: What was Grandpa really like? What was he always angry about when you were a kid?
What was your bar mitzvah like? Who taught you how to dance so well? Were you scared to become a dad? What was the best part about me being born? Was it weird having a daughter look so much like you? Did you like that? Why did you collect such strange books? What did they mean to you? And then there are the many things I wish I never knew. Like what it was like for you to feel your body dying. What it was like to lose the ability to control your walking, your balance, your speech, your writing. I know these things because you told me. And I was there to receive them. That was my job. I know your regrets — about your lack of Jewish dedication, about your communication, about your faults, about how you treated mom sometimes. I know the last things you wanted to say to your brother, your cousins, your niece and nephews. To your son. I know what you wanted mom to hear you say before you died. I helped you say it. I was there for all of it, and still, I forget you are gone. This is the time of year when we remember. Four times a year — including Yom Kippur — we have Yizkor, an entire Jewish memorial service just for people See Bialik, page 10
NATIONAL America’s 7.5 million Jews: older, whiter, more liberal than U.S. as a whole while 45.8 percent of all Americans are aged 18 to 44, among Jews the figure is 41 percent. Within that group, 10.5 percent of Jews are 18 to 24. Among the states with large Jewish populations, Florida (perhaps unsurprisingly) had the largest share of seniors — one-third of its Jews are 65 and older. Conversely, the state with the highest share of 18- to 24-yearolds is Utah, where 15 percent of Jews fell into that age cohort. Notably, the study found that even as the Jewish population has grown overall, the number of children being raised Jewish has held steady since 2012 at 1.6 million. Saxe said that determining the precise number of Jewish children is difficult because it’s hard to say what exactly counts as being raised Jewish.
BEN SALES JTA NEW YORK n the past seven years, the American Jewish population has grown 10 percent. It remains a population that is mostly liberal, college educated, and overwhelmingly white. And it’s not getting any younger. This is all according to a new American Jewish population estimate of the 48 contiguous U.S. states put out by Brandeis University’s Steinhardt Social Research Institute. The center published similar studies in 2012 and 2015. “The cynicism about American Judaism, and this belief that we are a shrinking population, we are a vanishing population, is incorrect,” said Leonard Saxe, director of the Steinhardt Center. “The prophecy of the vanishing Jew has not come to fruition.” The study is based on data collected from approximately 150 independent surveys that sampled about 234,000 adults, including 5,300 Jews. The authors provided no margin of error for their findings, though each estimate has a range. For example, the study estimates the total Jewish population at 7.5 million, but it could be as low as 7.1 million or as high as 7.8 million. The study also broke down the number of Jews by age, racial background, education level and geographic location, among other factors. Here are five key things to know about the Jews of the United States in 2019.
There are 7.5 million Jews in the United States.
The study found that as of 2018, there are approximately 7.5 million Jews in the contiguous United States (and, to be honest, there likely aren’t a ton more in Alaska and Hawaii). That’s only about 2 percent of the U.S. population, but it’s enough to make the United States home to the largest Jewish community in the world. According to recent government statistics, Israel has 6.7 million Jews. People who say their religion is Jewish account for some 1.8 percent of all U.S. adults, or 4.4 million people, according to the study. There are an additional 1.5 million or so adults who “consider themselves Jewish by background and other criteria.” And there are 1.6 million children being raised Jewish in the United States. Those numbers are up from the 2012 survey, which found 6.8 million total Jews in the United States. And the number of Jews who do not define themselves by religion soared — to about 1.5 million from approximately 1 million. Saxe said part of that major increase was the overall growth of all Americans of no religion. “It’s more acceptable now to say, if you’re not a religious
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Those aged 65 and older make up more than a quarter of the U.S. Jewish population.
Jew, that you’re a Jew of no religion,” Saxe said. “More people, especially young people who don’t engage in the religious practice their parents have, are of no religion, but that doesn’t mean they’re not involved or that they don’t become more involved as adults.”
More than one in 10 Jews is not white.
While the United States is growing more diverse, the Jewish community does not appear to be following suit. In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau found that 63 percent of the country was non-Hispanic white. By 2019, that number was hovering around 60 percent. And by 2045, whites are projected to be a minority in the country. Meanwhile, the numbers in the Jewish community have remained level. In 2019 and the previous two surveys, the percentage of Jewish Americans who are white has remained at approximately 89 percent, though the percentage is higher among younger Jews. Among Jews aged 18 to 24, the study found that 14 percent identified as nonwhite or Hispanic. Among the 11 percent of American Jews who are not white, 2 percent are black, 5 percent are Hispanic and 4 percent are another ethnicity. The area with the largest number of nonwhite Jews (as well as Jews in general) is New York City, which is home to nearly 140,000 Jews of color. Los Angeles County is home to nearly 100,000, while Miami’s 33,000 Jews of color account for half the Florida city’s Jewish population.
Jewish Americans are disproportionately elderly.
Younger Jews may be more diverse, but they still make up a smaller percentage of the overall Jewish population. In the United States, 20.6 percent of the population is 65 or older. Among Jews, the number is 26 percent. And
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Jews across the country are liberal and vote for Democrats.
Ahead of 2020, politicians may do well to keep in mind that across America’s tapestry of red and blue states, Jews are reliably liberal and mostly support the Democratic Party. Fifty-one percent of Jews nationwide identify as Democrats, compared to 34 percent of all Americans. And 17 percent of Jews are Republicans, compared to a quarter of Americans overall. There are more than twice as many Jewish liberals (42 percent) as Jewish conservatives (20 percent). Moderates comprise 37 percent of Jews. As a whole, 38 percent of Americans identify as conservative and 24 percent as liberal. There is no state where there are more Jewish Republicans than Jewish Democrats, though Mississippi comes closest. Some 33.4 percent of Mississippi Jews identify as Republican, while 35.8 percent identify as Democrat. Nearly 32 percent of Wyoming Jews also identify as Republican. Washington, D.C., has the highest percentage of Jewish Democrats (70 percent), followed by the states of Maryland (57 percent), California (55 percent) and Oregon (54 percent).
New York remains America’s Jewish capital. Wyoming, not so much.
The state with the largest Jewish population, by far, remains New York, with 1.5 million — or one in five Jewish Americans. Wyoming has the fewest Jews among the states with 2,200. New York City also dominates Jewish population figures as a metropolitan area. Including the New Jersey suburbs, there are 1.8 million Jews in and around the Big Apple. Within New York City, Jews are concentrated in Brooklyn and Manhattan, which together have 678,000 See Survey, page 8
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Reliving the massacre every minute: How Pittsburgh survivors are still struggling
The doors of the Tree of Life synagogue feature memorials surrounding the building nearly a year after the attack there that killed 11 worshippers.
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ARIZONA JEWISH POST, October 11, 2019
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s this city’s Jewish community celebrated Rosh Hashanah last week, the Tree of Life synagogue stood closed, its doors blocked by a chain-link fence. A brown, wilted wreath hung on a tree near the synagogue, where a gunman killed 11 worshippers last year in the worst anti-Semitic attack in American history. Jewish stars bearing the names of the victims are taped to a glass door at the front entrance, behind a fence and under an Israeli flag and a sign thanking first responders. A makeshift wooden sign on a barricade next to the building reads “No day shall erase you from the memory of time.” The synagogue is built to welcome hundreds of Jews. But the only person to enter regularly now is a custodian who maintains the building while the three congregations that meet there decide what to do. Tree of Life has been shuttered since the attack. “I hope it’s torn down,” said Ellen Surloff, who was president of one of the congregations, the Reconstructionist Dor Hadash, at the time of the shooting. “I don’t think that I could ever go back in that building and not be continually reminded of what took place there.” Signs of the attack remain everywhere in Squirrel Hill, the quiet, warm, treelined community that has been the home to Pittsburgh’s Jews for more than a century, and which otherwise feels idyllic as summer turns into fall. Local businesses display a sign created shortly after the attack that reads “Stronger than Hate” alongside a yellow
Star of David and blue and red diamonds — the city’s traditional colors. The kosher supermarket hangs a banner with the names of the 11 victims. The local Starbucks has three large hearts painted on its windows with the words “love,” “kindness,” and “hope” painted in Hebrew and English on each one. As the first anniversary of the Oct. 27 attack nears, bearing up has become especially difficult. The shooting’s survivors and the rest of the community are just trying to get through the High Holidays — the busiest time of the Jewish calendar, when Jews are traditionally called to account for their souls. “We’re figuring it out an hour at a time, a day at a time, what to do,” said Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of Tree Of Life*Or L’Simcha Congregation at a recent news conference organized by the community. As the shooting began, Myers dialed 911 from his cellphone and then rushed to protect his congregants. “I live with Oct. 27 every minute of every hour of every day, and I will for the rest of my life,” he said. “Each of us finds the strength and courage to integrate what happened into our beings, to move forward.” Every month, survivors of the Tree of Life shooting get together in a room to process their feelings. Many of them live next to each other in Squirrel Hill, and they can relax and schmooze about everyday life. At the meeting last week, however, the conversation turned to the mechanics of getting past October. Some survivors attended Rosh Hashanah services in the neighborhood and will go to memorial events. Others will not, concerned that the communal prayers will be too painful. One person decided to leave home
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The window of the Starbucks in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh bears three hearts with the words “love,” “kindness,” and “hope” written in English and Hebrew.
and rent an Airbnb for the weekend of Oct. 27 to avoid reporters who might come knocking. There have been signs of progress, too. One survivor realized that 11 months after the attack, they could finally relax — a little. For the first time that year, the survivor didn’t feel the need to constantly monitor those who were entering and exiting the room. “One of the people there had this aha moment and said, ‘I need to tell you all something: I am sitting with my back to the door,’” said Lulu Orr, the clinical specialist and care navigator from the Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh, who did not discuss the survivors’ personal details in order to respect their privacy. “They’re the only ones who experienced what they experienced. They support each other. They laugh with each other.” Beyond the circle of survivors, the congregations that lived through the shooting are also figuring out how to move forward. As needed, they are training people for the ritual chanting and prayers that used to be led by those who were killed. Rabbi Jonathan Perlman, who leads the Conservative New Light Congregation and survived the attack, composed a prayer in remembrance of the victims to be read during a section of the Yom Kippur service that commemorates Jewish martyrs throughout history. “Like all the others, he did not deserve to die,” Perlman said at the news conference, speaking of Melvin Wax, a congregant who was killed and remembered as a devoted grandfather, passionate baseball fan, and energetic community volunteer. “That’s survivor’s guilt. “I go through these scenarios in my mind, and I think a lot of other victims do, too, about I could have done more, I could have saved people, why did this person choose to do x, y, and z, why did they turn the other way. And it’s part of the trauma, and it’s part of being
human. You carry those kinds of things with you.” Dor Hadash met for Rosh Hashanah in the local Jewish community center, with survivors of the shooting in attendance but a new person blowing the shofar. The usual shofar blower, Jerry Rabinowitz, was killed in the attack. Daniel Leger, who was injured, will be speaking to the congregation on Yom Kippur. Surloff, the Dor Hadash president, was not at the synagogue when the gunman entered: She was feeling sick and came late. She recalls seeing a row of police cars surrounding the building. When Surloff told a policewoman, “I have to go, that’s my synagogue,” the officer gave her a hug and did not let her pass. The synagogue leader later found out that Rabinowitz, a mainstay of the congregation, had been killed. “Not only was he such an integral part and member of the congregation, but he also was a really important part of the congregation at the time of the High Holidays,” Surloff said. “Jerry was in charge of the greeting and ushering. You walk in the door and there was Jerry with his smiling face.” Some community members and survivors said that amid the stream of commemorative events, logistical decisions and media interviews, they have not had time to even begin processing the shooting. A few refer to the day as “10/27,” giving it a name similar to 9/11. Surloff said that the four months after that day were consumed with meetings on everything from insurance claims to finding a new prayer space to writing thank-you notes to those who had reached out after the shooting. “They’re all feeling anxious about the upcoming High Holidays, as well as the commemoration,” Orr of Jewish Family and Community Services said about the attack survivors. “This past year has been very public, and they really believe that Oct. 28 of this year will be the first day of their grief journey.”
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CHIRAC continued from page 6
had been a civil servant in the Vichy regime. The urge not to remember was therefore in part self-serving. Chirac, on the other hand, was only 11 at the time of France’s liberation in 1944. He was the first of a new generation of French leaders unencumbered by the experience of World War II. His 1995 address, Klarsfeld would say, “contained everything we hoped to hear one day.” Chirac in general was far from an honorable man. He was a political chameleon and a hypocrite. The same politician who gave the notoriously racist “le bruit et l’odeur” speech in 1991 was the anti-racist option when he campaigned for the presidency against the far-right’s Jean-Marie Le Pen in 2002. And he was corrupt, as a French court found in 2011 when it found him guilty of embezzling
BIALIK continued from page 6
like me. We stand and we weep, or we can’t weep and that’s weird because we cry ALL THE TIME everywhere else, all over everyone and every thing. So we stand and listen for the ancient words that seal the deal. The rabbinical punctuation mark to end all punctuation marks. The punctuation is this: Your father is dead. He is never coming back. You won’t ever know the things you don’t know and you can’t unknow the things you do. You will live the rest of your life in his shadow, as his shadow. You are the daughter of a dead father. Binyomin Yidl ben Meir v’Shayna Duba. Who will receive your name? Who will carry that weight and that
SURVEY continued from page 7
Jews among a total population of 4.2 million — a proportion of 16 percent.
public funds to illegally finance his neo-Gaullist political party. But when successive French presidents, from François Hollande (“The truth is that this crime was committed in France, by France”) to Emmanuel Macron (“It was indeed France that organized this”), speak so openly of France’s complicity in the Holocaust, they do so because of Chirac. “To recognize the errors of the past and the errors committed by the state and not to hide the dark hours of our history, that is plainly the way to defend a vision of man, of his freedom and dignity,” he said in 1995. A complicated figure, to say the least, this aspect of his legacy cannot be negated.
Liam Hoare is Europe editor for Moment. He lives in Vienna where he reports on politics, culture, and Jewish life in Austria and the wider region. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the AJP or its publisher, the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona.
blessing into generations I can only pray God gives me the time to see? If my older son reads this, he will say, “Ema, I carry his countenance. I look like him. I talk like him. I make people laugh like him. I am like Zaidy.” And my son will also invariably Google why you shouldn’t skip gears when you drive. And maybe, just maybe, he will tell me the thing I don’t want to know: That it’s not true. Zaidy was wrong. Zaidy believed it because his father told him it was so, and he believed it because no one questioned one’s father. No one should question one’s father. Abba, are you there? This story originally appeared on Kveller. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the AJP or its publisher, the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona.
Across the country, 91 percent of American Jews live in the largest 40 metropolitan areas. Behind New York, the areas with the largest Jewish populations are Los Angeles (570,000), Southeast Florida (500,000), Chicago (340,000) and Boston (265,000).
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ARIZONA JEWISH POST, October 11, 2019
Tucson teens’ b’nai mitzvah projects celebrate community, giving PHYLLIS BRAUN AJP Executive Editor
Photos courtesy Brenda Frye
T
he b’nai mitzvah project has become an important part of the traditional coming of age ritual for many Jewish teens. Whether they volunteer in the local community or raise funds for a worthy cause, it’s a chance to exercise compassion and responsibility. Sometimes, it’s also a lesson in flexibility, when the project a teenager first envisions must be revised, or a new opportunity presents itself. Here, some local teens share their b’nai mitzvah project journeys. Nathan Daniel Cherkis, who celebrated becoming a bar mitzvah on March 3, 2018, with Congregation Anshei Israel, had hoped to volunteer at his elementary school helping kids to read. As it turned out, despite many attempts, he wasn’t able to set up a meeting with the principal. “I know that there is a lot on the plate for the principal,” he says. When that plan
Nathan Cherkis
Abigail Cherkis
didn’t pan out, he decided to volunteer at the Jewish thrift store, 1st Rate 2nd Hand, where he spent time organizing inventory and helping customers. Each year, the thrift store’s profits are divided among Jewish community organizations, based on volunteer hours. Nathan, the son of Brenda Frye and
Sergey Cherkis, also helped set up some of the Himmel Park runs, a weekly 5K run organized by and for runners for their own enjoyment. Nathan’s sister, Abigail Claire Cherkis, a year and a half his junior, celebrated her bat mitzvah on Oct. 20, 2018. Abigail raised money by playing violin at Barrio
Bread on New Year’s Day, and at the 4th Avenue Street Fair. She also sold homemade fruit-ades while her family was visiting a friend in Berkeley, California. Her original intent was to donate the money to a cancer organization, she says, taking a cue from a friend’s mitzvah project. But after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, her mother says, “we diverted funds” to the Jewish Federations of North America’s hurricane relief fund, responding to a more immediate need. Nathan and Abigail remain strongly connected to Anshei Israel, adds Brenda, as a madrich and a madrich-in-training, respectively, teen leaders who serve as b’nai mitzvah tutors, lead Shabbat services, and facilitate youth programs. Evan Benton Gilmore, the son of Dana and Jeff Gilmore, celebrated his bar mitzvah with Congregation Chaverim on Feb. 3, 2018. “It was important to me to do something for veterans,” says Evan, who raised See Celebrate, page 12
October 11, 2019, ARIZONA JEWISH POST
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funds for Honor Flight, an organization that pays for flights, room and board for World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans to visit the war memorials in Washington, D.C. He and his family researched other nonprofits that serve veterans, he says, but were especially impressed by Honor Flight. “I liked how it directly related to World War II and the Holocaust,” he adds. While he does have grandfathers who served in the military, he says, “it always kind of spoke to me, just being that selfless. I always wanted to do something for veterans to show my gratitude.” Evan used social media as part of his fundraising, and also spoke to relatives and friends of his family, raising a total of $700. Davis Michael Yalen, son of Ilene and Allen Yalen, also was inspired to help veterans by raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project. “My dad was in the Navy and he got injured in the ser-
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ARIZONA JEWISH POST, October 11, 2019
vice,” says Davis, who celebrated becoming a bar mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El on Oct. 21, 2018. “I saw on a commercial one day that Wounded Warriors needed donations, and I thought that’d be cool to do for a bar mitzvah project.” Allen had served in Operation Desert Storm against Iraq in 1991, and hurt his knee during that deployment. He was stationed in San Diego when a cyst in his knee burst, leading to infection, 11 operations and a medical discharge. Davis, who attended Tucson Hebrew Academy, did his fundraising as part of THA’s Passport to Peace program, an annual event where local organizations and students promote various charities. Students get tokens pre-purchased by their families, which they use to donate to one or more charities. “I made a big poster and did a lot of research,” he says. “I got $200 and sent that in to Wounded Warriors.” Alex Stephen Rosenblum, who celebrated his bar mitzvah on Jan. 26, 2019 with Congregation Or Chadash, helped with Shabbat services at Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging.
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“I wanted to gain confidence, to help me for leading services in front of a bigger group for my bar mitzvah,” he says. “I wanted to spend my time with older people — I like hanging around them,” adds Alex, the son of Elka Eisen and Lenny Rosenblum. He explains that his last experience with a grandparent was when he was 3 years old; his one remaining grandparent, who doesn’t live locally, suffers from dementia. Alex is part of Or Chadash’s eighthgrade madrich-in-training program, observing how the staff works and learning from the cantor how to teach Torah cantillation, so he can be a tutor next year as a madrich. Skylar Naomi Dehnert, daughter of
LeeAat and John Dehnert, celebrated becoming a bat mitzvah on March 9, 2019 with Congregation Or Chadash. She also helped out with Shabbat services at Handmaker. “It was a fun thing to do,” says Skylar, who went to Handmaker on Fridays after school for about six months. “I met a couple of the residents and got to know them a bit. “I liked leading services when I was preparing for my bat mitzvah. They weren’t very long services, so they were easy to fit in with a big schedule,” adds Skylar, an athlete who participates in swim, volleyball, and track. “But it still was something that I felt that I was contributing to the community.”
Upcoming Special Sections HOME & GARDEN, November 8 MIND, BODY & SPIRIT, November 22 To advertise with us, contact Bertí: 520-647-8461 • berti@azjewishpost.com
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Photo: Martha Lochert
Leah Richter, left, with granddaughters Abby Stadheim and Rachel Richter. Allison Richter (Rachel’s mother), not pictured, also took part in the Mega Challah Bake.
Hundreds of women gathered for the Mega Challah Bake Sept. 26 at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, cosponsored by Chabad Tucson.
Photo courtesy Noah Richter
undreds of women and girls gathered at the Tucson Jewish Community Center on Thursday, Sept. 26, for the sixth annual Mega Challah Bake, co-sponsored by Chabad Tucson. Participants learned how to make and shape dough for round challahs in advance of the Rosh Hashanah holiday, enjoyed a buffet of flavored challahs and sweet dips, played a lively icebreaker game to discover what they had in common with their table mates, and danced together to Jewish music. One participant, Rachel Richter, sent a photo from the evening to her brother, Noah, who is Sarajevo, Bosnia, for 10 months participating in a State Department YES Abroad program and living with a Muslim family. He texted Rachel for the recipe, which was printed on the placemats at the event. Noah then explained the Jewish New Year and traditions to his host family, and made the challahs with his host mother. He and his host parents ate the challahs, apples and honey to celebrate the new year.
Photo: Martha Lochert
H
Mega Challah Bake: a celebration of bread, from Tucson to Bosnia
Noah Richter with his host family in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
October 11, 2019, ARIZONA JEWISH POST
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At COC Sisterhood Girls’ Night Out, fitness coach to discuss healthy aging DEBE CAMPBELL AJP Assistant Editor
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ealth and fitness coach and author Laurie Rein will present a Healthy Aging for Women program for a Congregation Or Chadash Sisterhood Girl’s Night Out on Nov. 13. Rein brings 30 years of experience in health training and a career in professional dance to her talk. Growing up in Tucson, she began ballet study at age 8 at the Tucson Jewish Community Center when it was on Broadway and Plumer. She became a professional dancer at age 18, first with the Tucson Civic Ballet, then at the Santa Barbara Ballet in California. After receiving a bachelor of fine arts degree in dance and theater from the University of Arizona, she joined Canyon Ranch. Over the years there she taught ballet, aerobics, strength training, and weight lifting, and became the director of the life enhancement program. She also was a personal trainer and Pilates instructor
Laurie Rein, right, works on balance practice with friend and client Jenny Fisk.
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ARIZONA JEWISH POST, October 11, 2019
I realized that was not a good way to be. And, as a trainer, I heard other women’s stories of diets and exercise that didn’t work. I had to find the balance I was teaching others in my own life. Now I’ve found that balance,” she says. “It all made more sense to me when I hit 60. It’s getting women to begin to realize now is the time to get started, right now, today.” Rein’s book, “Getting to the Best You: How Small Steps Can Change Your Life for Good” (A3D Impressions), was published in March. “I’m all about preventive medicine and starting right now, wherever you are. If you’re not walking, can you walk a block? If you’re not eating fruit can you eat one piece a day? That’s seven pieces in a week,” Rein says. The book includes stories from many of her clients; the oldest is 95. “Many were pillars of the Jewish community and many have passed. I learned so much about aging and gratitude from them; they really mentored me,” says Rein.
She adds that the book is friendly and relatable. “It’s what has worked for me and clients. Every body is different. My role is to educate, guide, motivate, and inspire readers to get moving and make lifestyle changes — if they are ready for it — and to know that change is possible at any age. For people who say they are old, they are wiser and have the tools to change. This is what I know to be true and what can work,” she says. “The book is informative and easy to read,” says COC Sisterhood president Laurie Kassman. “It includes easy changes.” Rein will have a book signing at Barnes & Noble, Saturday, Oct. 26 at Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd, at 1 p.m. Her program for the Sisterhood will be Nov. 13 at Trattoria Pina, 5541 N. Swan Road, at 6 p.m. The dinner is $30, including a fixed menu of salad, an entrée and drink. A book signing follows. Space is limited. Reservations with payment required by Nov. 8; contact Sheila Peress at 250-7349.
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hen I first spot Bill Kugelman across the room at a local senior living community, he is sitting in a chair, waving his arms in the air and stomping his feet to lively Zumba music. Surrounded by a group of grey-headed women, he is one of very few men in the class going through the motions. “Are you sure that’s him,” I ask Joana Valenzuela, the community administrative attendant who points him out to me. “He’s supposed to be 95 years old. He looks closer to 70,” I say, still surprised. “No, that’s him. He attends all the exercise classes. He is so sweet and complimentary. All the ladies love him,” she giggles. He springs from his chair, smoothing his silvery hair, and extends a hand with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. As we walk to Kugelman’s apartment, he is emphatic. “I’ve been pumped so much about the Holocaust, I don’t want to talk about it any more. The other day I had nightmares about it again, and I hadn’t even talked about it that day,” he says, frowning. Indeed, Kugelman spent three and a half years in Nazi concentration camps. He pokes at the tattoo on his left arm to prove it. He says now, he and Walter Feiger, 91, are the only Holocaust camp survivors remaining in Tucson. “The others didn’t feel the boot of the Nazis,” he says, scowling again. “The Holocaust shaped my life. Luckily, not too bad a shape it took. I still have my sense of logic and brain,” he says, as he begins to recount a bit about his post-war life. We settle into a friendly conversation. Kugelman was 15 when war broke out in his home in Sosnowiecz, Poland. His prosperous family manufactured and retailed shoes. He had two brothers and a sister that he adored. “I would have grown up to be a playboy if not for the war. I was a spoiled brat, but the Holocaust got it out of me.” After the war, he continued his studies in a Swedish conservatory studying opera. “I didn’t sing on stage but sang an aria from ‘The Magic Flute’ better than the guy on the film.” Kugelman sang professionally in Sweden and notes that his father and sister had beautiful voices. “I quit singing when I came to America in 1952. I had to establish myself and make a living,” he recalls. “I did anything I could for a dollar.” He worked in a used clothing shop in the Bowery in New York City, worked as a gardener and much more before he was able to
“Family Takes Care of Family”
Lively at 95, Bill Kugelman says, “Old is what you make of yourself.”
reignite the family business, as the owner of a “very elegant shoe salon” in New York. In Tucson from 1965, he owned Zev’s Famous Brand shoe stores before his retirement in 1985. The stores remain in the family today as Alan’s Shoes. “I’m in such a lucky position at my age that I can afford to walk around,” he says, waving at his cozy apartment, dotted with artworks and family photos. Soothing classical music plays in the background. For many years Kugelman was a well-known, frequent public speaker about the Holocaust to community groups, school children, and youth in juvenile detention, among others. He feels it’s been enough. He places a hand on a thick, hardbound volume stacked with a paperback dictionary. He is reading “The Story of Civilization” by Will and Ariel Durant, in 11 volumes. He’s been reading it for the four years since he See Kugelman, page 20
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Training for caregivers helps local clients keep kosher DEBE CAMPBELL AJP Assistant Editor
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Photo courtesy Mark Schmidt
A
s part of its balanced care method, Tucson’s Home Care Assistance caregivers offer adult clients care to help them live longer, happier, more balanced lives. That’s why the caregivers are trained in kosher care, to deliver a Jewish perspective to services and conform with Jewish laws and customs, according to the preferences of their clients, says company owner and general manager Mark D. Schmidt. “Our caregivers are specially trained in Jewish traditions, holidays, and in keeping a kosher kitchen,” he says. The classroom and online certification addresses housekeeping; utensils and dishes; storage; shopping; kosher food symbols; meat, dairy, and pareve (neutral food) issues; and food service. “If we can better prepare our caregivers to interact with the client, it makes their relationship much better,” says Schmidt. He adds that clients’ family members sometimes come to the quarterly training, which also covers the history of Jewish foods and such details as how to use a dishwasher in a kosher home. A kosher cookbook with recipes for Jewish holidays enables caregivers to meet cultural expectations. Based on the success of the kosher training, Schmidt says the company looks to expand to include halal and Latter-Day Saints specialty programs. The San Francisco-based group provides non-medical care in the home or in communities such as Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging, or skilled nursing facilities. “Wherever a client needs care,” Schmidt says. Care levels vary from hourly, to around the clock, or “live in” care. “Since we don’t have contracts, we are flexible with patients as things change.” Upon intake, a holistic care plan is created to measure social interaction, physical condition, nutrition,
Mark Schmidt and his sister Patricia Payne are co-owners of Home Care Assistance in Tucson, along with Payne’s husband, Bradley Payne.
emotion levels, cognitive ability, sense of purpose, and drive. “We assess and monitor every element on every visit,” says Schmidt, noting that ways to address issues are unlimited. HCA utilizes a proprietary cognitive stimulation program developed from scientific research. “It is a nonpharmacological way to increase the brain’s cognitive store and neuroplasticity to help impede cognitive decline,” says Schmidt. The company’s cognitive interventionists identify deficient brain activity areas through specific exercises. By focusing activity and care to stimulate those brain areas, “we see a dramatic reaction and response time, not in curing but in improving cognitive levels. Clients don’t have to get the answers right. Just by activating the mind it increases neuroplasticity and cognitive storage, so it takes dementia longer to attack or slows it down. The measurable progress is documented and the client can take the report to their neurologist.” See Kosher, page 20
October 11, 2019, ARIZONA JEWISH POST
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moved into a senior living community. “I did a couple of seders for Passover here, but I don’t like to put myself out as the center of attention,” he says. “Everyone made themselves my friend … when I look at whiney people, I don’t see them. Sad people scare me. I avoid them. I keep to myself,” he contends. Without skipping a beat, the philosopher in Kugelman makes a different ar-
KOSHER continued from page 18
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gument. “Longevity is not a game unless you live it. You have to have exchange with people. You gotta have fun in life. If I can’t have a few laughs in an hour, I’ve lost an hour. “I’m a clown in one place and a crying actor in another. I adjust to the surroundings, to the hour. If you are too rigid, you break. Old is what you make of yourself. I believe the mind is what causes people to physically deteriorate. If you dwell too much on the negative. You gotta be positive, otherwise, throw in the towel.”
and achieved three coveted awards from Home Care Pulse in 2019 as home care Leader in Excellence, Provider of Choice, and Employer of Choice. Schmidt is retired from a 30-year career in the hospitality industry. His coowners include his sister Patricia Payne, president, and her husband, Bradley Payne.
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f you are a Tucson Hebrew Academy student, you have probably met, or at least heard of, Gertrude Shankman, a resident at Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging. THA students have been celebrating Shankman’s birthday every year since she turned 100. On Oct. 26, Shankman will turn 105. “It is not just Gertrude’s many years that make her so memorable, but her spunk, engaging personality, sharp wit and mind that make a lasting impression on almost everyone who meets her,” says Nanci Levy, community outreach coordinator at Handmaker. The THA eighth grade class will celebrate Shankman’s 105th birthday with her on Friday, Oct. 25 in the Great Room of Handmaker at 9:45 a.m. The Handmaker community will celebrate her at the Shabbat morning service on her birthday, during and after the 9:30 a.m. service. All are welcome to join Handmaker in this celebration — Handmaker
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NEWS BRIEFS Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from northern Syria will “eventually become a nightmare for Israel.” Graham, one of the president’s staunchest supporters in the Senate, called the move “shortsighted and irresponsible” in a series of tweets. “The most probable outcome of this impulsive decision is to ensure Iran’s domination of Syria,” he tweeted. “The U.S. now has no leverage and Syria will eventually become a nightmare for Israel. “This decision to abandon our Kurdish allies and turn Syria over to Russia, Iran, and Turkey will put every radical Islamist on steroids. Shot in the arm to the bad guys. Devastating for the good guys.” The move came following a phone call between Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said Turkey would begin a military offensive in the area. “Turkey will soon be moving forward with its longplanned operation into Northern Syria,” a statement issued Monday from the White House said. “The United States Armed Forces will not support or be involved in the operation, and United States forces, having defeated the ISIS territorial ‘Caliphate,’ will no longer be in the immediate area.” — Marcy Oster, JTA ... Students at the University of Warsaw, one of the
largest Polish universities, commemorated the victims of a segregation policy against Jews introduced there 82 years ago.
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ARIZONA JEWISH POST, October 11, 2019
The university’s rector did not participate in the commemoration on Sunday. Ghetto benches, as they were called, were an official form of discrimination against Jews in prewar Poland. Jewish students were required to sit on designated benches in specific sections in lecture halls or to stand for some classes. In Warsaw, Christian students who wanted to show solidarity with their Jewish colleagues and sat on the same benches with them were beaten by nationalists. This is the second year in a row that University of Warsaw students have commemorated the victims of such discrimination. They criticized the absence of the rector, Marcin Palys, during the program. “After over 80 years, the University of Warsaw authorities still have not decided to commemorate the victims of their own anti-Semitic policy and have not detached themselves from right-wing organizations that have sowed terror here,” said Dominik Puchala of the Student Antifascist Committee. Piotr Wislicki, president of the Association of the Jewish Historical Institute of Poland, told commemoration attendees about the anti-Semitic repression faced by his parents during their studies in Warsaw and Lviv. He thanked the organizers for their commitment and courage in dealing with a difficult past. “History shows that silence is definitely worse than telling the truth,” Wislicki said. “History will never forgive those who were silent.” — Katarzyna Markusz, JTA
Archaeological excavations in northern Israel
in preparation to build a highway off-ramp uncovered a 5,000-year-old city that was home to as many as 6,000 residents. It is one of the first and largest early Bronze Age settlements excavated in Israel, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority, which announced the discovery on Sunday. “This is the Early Bronze Age New York of our region; a cosmopolitan and planned city where thousands of inhabitants lived,” Itai Elad, Yitzhak Paz and Dina Shalem, directors of the excavation, said in a statement. The antiquities were discovered during massive excavations, initiated by Netivei Israel - the National Transport Infrastructure Company, which was carrying out groundwork for construction of an interchange road to the new Israeli city of Harish. The excavations have been in progress for 2 1/2 years. Deeper excavations found that the ancient city was built over an even more ancient 7,000-year-old settlement. The attraction for both settlements appears to be two abundant springs originating in the area in antiquity, according to the IAA. About 5,000 teenagers and volunteers participated in the excavations as part of the authority’s Sharing Heritage Project. The new interchange will be built high above the ruins, preserving them for future generations. — Marcy Oster, JTA
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Often repeated during the High Holiday season: “What are you celebrating now?” “Who cares? We Jews always pray, eat, and are merry!” During prayers on every Jewish holiday, we mention “Mo’adim L’Simcha,” a holiday to rejoice. Yet, on Sukkot there is an extra emphasis on being happy and celebrating. Why does this joyful time come right after the more serious and contemplative holidays? There is a great influx of spiritual energy during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur that creates an awe in G-d, perhaps the reason our shuls and synagogues fill. We are then given the holiday of Sukkot, a precious mitzvah for channeling all the seriousness of the High Holidays into a year of joy and unity.
Unity
Unity is another running theme during Sukkot. The Lulav and Etrog In “Ethics of Our Fathers” (1.2), Shimon the Tzaddik said the world stands on three pillars: Torah, Avodah, and Gemilut Chasadim — learning, service (which refers to prayer), and acts of kindness. He teaches us that a well-balanced world cannot exist of only scholars or only kindness; we need a combination of talent and methods of service. The four species — the lulav (palm, willow, and myrtle) and etrog (citron) — represent all types of Jews. We need all of them together to make the blessing. So too, each Jew, no matter how different is important and necessary. The Holy Temple There are three holidays of pilgrimage, when all the Jews traveled to Jerusalem for the special service and to offer sacrifices. Sukkot is one of those times when the nation gathered together. The Sukkah We were given the commandment to dwell in booths. When we enter the sukkah, we are surrounded on all sides. It unites everything within. Even before we were given the mitzvah of Sukkot, Abraham had his version. It was made from a tree rooted in the ground where he would serve his guests. A big strong tree representing deep roots but limited in area. After the giving of the Torah, one of the requirements of the sukkah is that it be disconnected from its roots. The “roof ” is made of growing things, (i.e. bamboo, pine needles) but they have to be uprooted. The benefit? A bigger, widespread space that allows more individuals to come together under one sukkah. And, when Moshiach (the messiah) comes our sukkah will not have any limitations, bringing us the ultimate unity where we will be able to celebrate Sukkot in the third and final Temple. May it be speedily in our days.
AREA CONGREGATIONS REFORM
CONSERVATIVE
Congregation anshei israel
5550 E. Fifth St., Tucson, AZ 85711 • (520) 745-5550 Rabbi Robert Eisen, Cantorial Soloist Nichole Chorny • www.caiaz.org Daily minyan: Mon.-Thurs., 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Fri., 7:30 a.m.; Sun. and legal holidays, 8 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. / Mincha: Fri., 5:45 p.m. / Shabbat services: Sat., 9 a.m., followed by Kiddush; Tot Shabbat, 1st Fri., 5:45 p.m.; Family Service, 3rd Friday, 5:45 p.m.; Holiday services may differ, call or visit website. / Torah study: every Shabbat one hour before Mincha (call or visit website for times) / Talmud on Tuesday, 6 p.m. / Weekday Torah study group, Wed., 11 a.m. beverages and dessert provided.
ORTHODOX Congregation Chofetz Chayim/southwest torah institute
5150 E. Fifth St., Tucson, AZ 85711 • (520) 747-7780 Rabbi Israel Becker • www.tucsontorah.org Shabbat services: Fri., Kabbalat Shabbat 15 minutes before sunset; Sat. 9 a.m. followed by Kiddush. / Mincha: Fri., 1 p.m.; Sat., 25 minutes before sunset, followed by Shalosh Seudas, Maariv, and Havdallah. Services: Sun., 8 a.m.; Mon. and Thurs., 6:50 a.m.; Tues., Wed., Fri., 7 a.m.; daily, 15 minutes before sunset. / Weekday Rosh Chodesh services: 6:45 a.m.
Congregation young israel/ChaBad of tuCson
2443 E. Fourth St., Tucson, AZ 85719 • (520) 881-7956 Rabbi Yossie Shemtov, Rabbi Yudi Ceitlin • www.chabadoftucson.com Daily minyan: Sun. and legal holidays, 8:30 a.m.; Mon. and Thurs., 6:30 p.m.; Tues., Wed., Fri., 6:45 a.m. / Mincha and Maariv, 5:15 p.m. / Shabbat services: Fri. at candlelighting; Sat. 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush. Mincha, Maariv, and Havdallah TBA.
ChaBad on river
3916 E. Ft. Lowell Road • (520) 661-9350 Rabbi Ram Bigelman • www.chabadonriver.com Shabbat services: Fri., Mincha at candlelighting time, followed by Maariv. / Sat., Shacharit service, 9:30 a.m. / Torah study: women, Wed., 2 p.m.; men, Tues. and Thurs., 7 p.m. Call to confirm.
ChaBad oro valley
1171 E. Rancho Vistoso #131, Oro Valley, AZ 85755 • (520) 477-8672 Rabbi Ephraim Zimmerman • www.jewishorovalley.com Shabbat services: 3rd Fri., 5 p.m. Oct.-Feb., 6 p.m. March-Sept., all followed by dinner / Sat., 10 a.m. study session followed by service.
Congregation Beit simCha 7315 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85704 • (520) 276-5675 Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon • www.beitsimchatucson.org Shabbat services: Fri., 6:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m., with Torah study at 9 a.m; monthly Shabbat morning hikes.
Congregation Chaverim 5901 E. Second St., Tucson, AZ 85711 • (520) 320-1015 Rabbi Stephanie Aaron • www.chaverim.net Shabbat services: Fri., 7 p.m. (no service on 5th Fri.); Family Shabbat, 1st Fri., 6 p.m. / Torah study: 2nd Sat., 9 a.m., followed by contemplative service,10 a.m.
Congregation Kol simChah
(Renewal)
4625 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718 • (520) 296-0818 Mailing Address: 6628 E. Calle Dened, Tucson, AZ 85710, Shabbat services: 1st and 3rd Fri., 7:15 p.m.
Congregation m’Kor hayim 3888 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718 (Tucson Hebrew Academy) Mailing Address: P.O. Box 31806, Tucson, AZ 85751 • (520) 305-8208 Rabbi Helen Cohn • www.mkorhayim.org Shabbat services: 2nd and 4th Fri., 7 p.m. / Torah study, 2nd and 4th Sat. 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Congregation or Chadash 3939 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85718 • (520) 512-8500 Rabbi Thomas Louchheim, Cantor Janece Cohen www.orchadash-tucson.org Shabbat services: Fri., 6:30 p.m.; 1st Fri., Friday Night LIVE (Sept.-May); 2nd Friday, Tot Shabbat (Sept.-May), 6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. / Torah study: Sat., 8:30 a.m.
temple emanu-el 225 N. Country Club Road, Tucson, AZ 85716 • (520) 327-4501 Rabbi Batsheva Appel • www.tetucson.org Shabbat services: Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m./ Torah study: Sat., 8:30 a.m. except when there is a Rabbi’s Tish.
temple Kol hamidBar 228 N. Canyon Drive, Sierra Vista • (520) 458-8637 www.templekol.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 908, Sierra Vista, AZ 85636, Friday night Torah study group: 6 - 7:15 p.m. / Shabbat services: Fri., 7:30 p.m.
ChaBad sierra vista
401 Suffolk Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 • (520) 820-6256 Rabbi Benzion Shemtov • www.jewishsierravista.com Shabbat services: Sat., 10:30 a.m., bimonthly, followed by class explaining prayers. Visit website or call for dates.
OTHER
Beth shalom temple Center
1751 N. Rio Mayo (P.O. Box 884), Green Valley, AZ 85622 (520) 648-6690 • www.bstc.us Shabbat services: 1st and 3rd Fri., 7 p.m. / Torah study: Sat., 10 a.m.
Congregation Bet shalom 3881 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718 • (520) 577-1171 Rabbi Hazzan Avraham Alpert • www.cbsaz.org Shabbat services: Fri., 5:30 p.m. (followed by monthly dinners — call for info); Sat. 9:30 a.m., Camp Shabbat (ages 6-10) 10 a.m.-noon, followed by Kiddush lunch; 12:30-2 p.m. CBS Think Tank discussion led by Rabbi Dr. Howard Schwartz and Prof. David Graizbord; monthly Tot Shabbat (call for dates) / Weekday services: Wed. 8:15 a.m. / Hagim 9:30 a.m.
handmaKer resident synagogue
Jewish arizonans on Campus 2146 E. 4th Street Tucson, AZ, 85719 • (520) 834-3424 • www.myjac.org Shabbat hospitality and social events for UA students with Yosef and Sara Lopez. Shabbat services on request.
seCular humanist Jewish CirCle www.secularhumanistjewishcircle.org Call Cathleen at (520) 730-0401 for meeting or other information.
university of arizona hillel foundation 1245 E. 2nd St. Tucson, AZ 85719 • (520) 624-6561 • www.arizona.hillel.org Shabbat services: Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and alternative services two Fridays each month when school is in session. Dinner follows (guests, $8; RSVP by preceding Thurs.). Call for dates/times.
2221 N. Rosemont Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85712 • (520) 881-2323 www.handmaker.com Shabbat services: Fri., 4:30 p.m., led by various leaders, followed by Shabbat dinner; Sat., 9:30 a.m., led by Mel Cohen and Dan Asia, followed by light Kiddush lunch.
October 11, 2019, ARIZONA JEWISH POST
23
COMMUNITY CALENDAR The calendar deadline is Tuesday, 10 days before the issue date. Our next issue will be published Oct. 25, 2019. Events may be emailed to office@azjewishpost.com, faxed to 319-1118, or mailed to the AJP at 3718 E. River Road, #272, Tucson, AZ 85718. For more information, call 319-1112. See Area Congregations on page 23 for additional synagogue events. Men’s Mishnah club with Rabbi Israel Becker at Cong. Chofetz Chayim. Sundays, 7:15 a.m.; Monday-Friday, 6:15 a.m.; Saturdays, 8:15 a.m. 747-7780 or yzbecker@me.com. Chabad of Sierra Vista men’s tefillin club with Rabbi Benzion Shemtov, first Sundays, 9 a.m., at 401 Suffolk Drive. 820-6256 or www.jewishsierravista.com. “Too Jewish” radio show with Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon on KVOI 1030 AM (also KAPR and KJAA), Sundays at 9 a.m. Oct. 13, Professor Dov Weiss, on his National Jewish Book Award winning work, “Pious Irreverence: Confronting God in Rabbinic Judaism.” Oct. 20, Andrea Simon, author of “Floating in the Neversink” and the memoir, “Bashert: A Granddaughter's Holocaust Quest.” Beth Shalom Temple Center of Green Valley bagel breakfast and Yiddish club, first Sundays, 9:30 a.m. Members, $7; nonmembers, $10. 648-6690 or 399-3474. Southern Arizona Jewish Genealogy Society, second Sundays, 1-3 p.m. at the Tucson J. Contact Barbara Stern Mannlein at 731-0300 or the J at 299-3000. Tucson J Israeli dance, taught by Brandi Hawkins, 2nd and 4th Sundays, 5 p.m., no partners. Members, $6; nonmembers, $8. 299-3000. Cong. Anshei Israel parent-tot class, led by Ally Ross. Mondays, 9-11 a.m. Children up to
Friday / October 11
11 AM: JHM Gallery Chat with Dr. Yolanda Chavez Leyva, director of the Institute of Oral History at University of Texas El Paso, keynote address for opening of Contemporary Human Rights Exhibit on asylum and the Mexico-U.S. border. 564 S. Stone Ave. www.jewishhistory museum.org or 670-9073. 5:45 PM: Cong. Anshei Israel Shabbat Under the Stars in the Rabbi Arthur Oleisky Courtyard. 745-5550 or www.caiaz.org.
Saturday / October 12
9-10 AM: Cong. Or Chadash Eat, Study, Pray, “Sukkot: Why does my Sukkah have to be smaller than an elephant?” with Rabbi Thomas Louchheim. Includes lox and bagel breakfast. Discussion followed by Shabbat service at 10 a.m. Free. 512-8500 or www.octucson.org.
Sunday / October 13
10 AM-NOON: JFCS CHAI Circle meeting. Annual CHAI Circle memorial event starts at 11:40 a.m. Free. At the Tucson J. RSVP to Irene Gefter at igefter@jfcstucson.org or 795-0300, ext. 2271. 2–4 PM: Temple Emanu-El JLL Sunday Salon: “A Bissel Yiddish” (A Little Bit of Yiddish) with Bob Schwartz. Free. Register at 3274501 or www.tetucson.org. 5-8 PM: Cong. M’kor Hayim party in the sukkah. For location, email congregationmkor hayim@gmail.com.
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ARIZONA JEWISH POST, October 11, 2019
ONGOING 24 months and their parent(s). Free. Mandatory vaccination policy. Call Nancy Auslander at 7455550 or visit www.caiaz.org. Temple Emanu-El mah jongg, Mondays, 10 a.m. 327-4501. Cong. Anshei Israel mah jongg, Mondays, 10 a.m.-noon. All levels, men and women. Contact Evelyn at 885-4102 or esigafus@aol.com. Tucson J current events discussion, Mondays, noon-1:30 p.m. Members, $1; nonmembers, $2. Bring or buy lunch, 11:30 a.m. 2993000, ext. 147. Cong. Bet Shalom yoga, Mondays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $5. 577-1171. Jewish 12-step sobriety support group meets Mondays, 6:30-8 p.m. at Cong. Bet Shalom. dcmack1952@gmail.com. Spouse Bereavement Group, cosponsored by Widowed to Widowed, Inc. at the Tucson J, Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Contact Katie at 299-3000, ext. 147. JFCS Holocaust Survivors group meets Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-noon. Contact Raisa Moroz at 795-0300. Awakening Through Jewish Meditation
5:30 PM: Cong. Anshei Israel Erev Sukkot service. 745-5550. 6 PM: Cong. Anshei Israel community Sukkot dinner, with Dr. Richard Green, astronomer at the UA Steward Observatory, “Moonshine is More Than a Drink … Legal or Otherwise!” Members, $15 adults, $10 children 2+; nonmember $20 adults, $15 children 2+. RSVP for availability at 745-5550.
Monday / October 14
9 AM: Cong. Anshei Israel Sukkot festival morning service. Call 745-5550 or visit www. caiaz.org for complete holiday schedule. 10 AM: Cong. Or Chadash Sukkot festival morning service. 512-8500 or www.octucson. org. 10 AM: Temple Emanu-El Sukkot festival morning service, followed by potluck in the Sukkah at 12:30 p.m. 327-4501 or www.tetucson.org.
Wednesday / October 16
3:05-4:15 PM: Temple Emanu-El Krav Maga: Israeli self defense. Continues Wednesdays, six classes, through Nov. 20. Members, $40; nonmembers $50. 327-4501. 5:30-7 PM: Temple Emanu-El advanced biblical Hebrew with Abby Limmer, Ph.D. Continues Wednesdays, seven classes, through Dec. 4. Members, $55; nonmembers $70. Book fee, $35. 327-4501.
— Discover Freedom, with Reb Brian Yosef, Tuesdays/Sundays at 10:30 a.m., at Cong. Bet Shalom. Free. Check calendar at www.torahof awakening.com. Tucson J social bridge, Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon-3 p.m., year round. Drop-ins welcome. Meets in library on second floor. 299-3000. Tucson J canasta group, Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon. Instruction available and a beginners’ table every week. Call or text Lisa at 977-4054. Cong. Anshei Israel Talmud on Tuesday with Rabbi Robert Eisen. Meets 6 p.m. 745-5550. Weintraub Israel Center Shirat HaShirim Hebrew choir, Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Learn to sing in Hebrew. Contact Rina Paz at 304-7943 or ericashem@cox.net. Cong. Anshei Israel gentle chair yoga with Lois Graham, Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Members of Women’s League, $6 per class; nonmembers, $8 per class. Contact Evelyn at 8854102 or esigafus@aol.com.
or www.jewishsierravista.com. Jewish mothers/grandmothers special needs support group for those with children/ grandchildren, youth or adult, with special needs, third Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m. at Tucson J. Contact Joyce Stuehringer at 299-5920. “Biblical Breakthroughs with Rabbi Becker” at the Southwest Torah Institute. Fridays, noon, for men and women. 747-7780 or yzbecker@me.com. Temple Kol Hamidbar (Sierra Vista) “Wrestling with Torah” study group, led by Reuben Ben-Adam, Fridays, 6-7:15 p.m. 458-8637. Jewish History Museum/Holocaust History Center, drop-in hours Fridays 1-3 p.m., Saturdays/Sundays 1-5 p.m. 564 S. Stone Ave. Call 670-9073. Beth Shalom Temple Center of Green Valley exhibition “The Art of Paying Attention,” by Beth Surdut, artist and writer. Through Oct. 23. Mondays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesdays, noon-4 p.m. Artist’s reception, Oct. 13, 11 a.m. 648-6690.
Temple Emanu-El Talmud study, Wednesdays, 10 -11:30 a.m. Text required, call 327-4501.
Jewish History Museum/Holocaust History Center exhibit, “Asylum/Asilo,” through May 31. 670-9073 or www.jewishhistorymuseum.org.
Chabad of Sierra Vista women’s class with Rabbi Benzion Shemtov, last Wednesdays, 2 p.m., 401 Suffolk Drive. 820-6256
Tucson J Fine Art Gallery presents “Reflection + Renewal,” through Nov. 2. 299-3000 or www.tucsonjcc.org.
6:30-8:30 PM: JFSA Women’s Philanthropy “Salsa in the Sukkah.” Bring donation of high school supplies or backpacks for Youth On Their Own. Margaritas, mojitos and tapas. At the Tucson J Sculpture Garden. $36. RSVP at www.jfsa. org/salsainthesukkah or call Anel Pro at 6478455. 7:15-8:30 PM: Temple Emanu-El continuing modern Hebrew with Abby Limmer, Ph.D. Continues Wednesdays, seven classes, through Dec. 4. Members, $55; nonmembers $70. 327-4501.
Thursday / October 17
11:30 AM: Brandeis National Committee fall opening luncheon with Dr. Nicola Finley of Canyon Ranch presenting “Wellness: The Integrative Way.” At The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, 6200 N. Club House Lane. Profits benefit Elaine Lisberg Tucson Chapter BNC Scholarship Fund. Bring walking shoes, sweatpants/shirts, towels, twin bed sheets in good condition, and women’s hygiene products for Sister Jose Women’s Center. $39. RSVP for availability to Shelly Picus at 529-8004. 5:30-7:30 PM: Sukkot Fall Festival. Free. At Tucson Hebrew Academy field, 3888 E. River Road. Kid-friendly dinner, crafts, games, photo booth, and more. Presented by PJ Library & PJ Our Way, Cong. Bet Shalom, Cong. Or Chadash, Temple Emanu-El, Cong. Chaverim, Cong. Beit Simcha, Tucson J, Tucson Hebrew Academy, and Wild West Promotions. RSVP to www.jfsa.org/pjsukkot2019.
Friday / October 18
5:30 PM: Temple Emanu-El Shabbat Sukkot Rocks! service with sixth grade class, Rabbi Batsheva Appel, Avanim Rock Band and youth choir, followed at 6:30 p.m. by Spaghetti Under the Sukkah dinner, and traditional service at 7:30 p.m. Dinner $10 for adults, $5 ages 5-12, age 5 and under, $3. RSVP for dinner at 327-4501. 5:45 PM: Cong. Anshei Israel Family Shabbat Experience service and dinner. Dinner at 7 p.m.: members, $25 family of 2 adults and up to 4 children; nonmember family $30; adult (13+) $10. RSVP for dinner only by Oct. 16 at 745-5550 or www.caiaz.org. 5:30 PM: Cong. Or Chadash Sukkot potluck dinner, followed at 6:30 p.m. by Shabbat Under the Stars service. 512-8500 or www.octucson.org.
Saturday / October 19
10:30 AM: Cong. Bet Shalom and PJ Library Tot Shabbat with Lisa Schachter-Brooks. Free. At Bet Shalom. 577-1171. 5-7 PM: Cong. Or Chadash and PJ Library present “S’mores & Elephants in the Sukkah,” with Cantor Janece Cohen and Rabbi Thomas Louchheim. Includes potluck dinner and Havdalah. At east side home of Goldie & Larry Goldstein, address provided upon RSVP at 512-8500.
7-10 PM: Tucson J presents “J-Stock,” celebrating the 50th anniversary of Woodstock. Live music, food available for purchase. Bring blanket or lawn chairs. Advance admission, members, $10, nonmembers, $12, at door, $15. RSVP at 299-3000.
Sunday / October 20
9 AM: Cong. Anshei Israel B’Yahad (Together)/Mishpacha progam, Hoshanah Rabbah service followed by breakfast in sukkah. RSVP to Kim at 745-5550, ext. 224 or edasst@ caiaz.org. 6:30 PM: Cong. Or Chadash Simchat Torah with third and fourth grade consecration. 512-8500 or www.octucson.org.
Monday / October 21
10 AM: Cong. Or Chadash Shemini Atzeret Yizkor service. 512-8500 or www.octucson.org. 10 AM: Temple Emanu-El Shemini Atzeret Yizkor service, followed at 12:30 p.m. by potluck lunch. 327-4501 or www.tetucson.org. 10:30 AM: Cong. Anshei Israel Shemini Atzeret Yizkor service. 745-5550. 5:30 PM: Cong. Anshei Israel Community Simchat Torah Dinner & Celebration, followed at 6:13 p.m. by Hakafot with Israeli singing, dancing, and dessert. Free for celebration. Dinner including alcohol for adults, members, $10 adults, $5 children 2+; nonmember $15 adults, $10 children 2+. RSVP by Oct. 16 at 7455550 or www.caiaz.org. 5:45 PM: Temple Emanu-El Simchat Torah pizza party, followed at 6:30 p.m. by Simchat Torah Klezmer celebration and consecration. 327-4501 or www.tetucson.org.
Tuesday / October 22
9 AM: Cong. Anshei Israel Community Simchat Torah celebration and lunch. Torah presentation by shinshin (Israeli teen emissary) Shay Friedwald. Free. RSVP by Oct. 16 required for lunch at 745-5550 or www.caiaz.org.
Wednesday / October 23
4:30-7:30 PM: Jewish History Museum/Holocaust History Center presents Lisa Ungar Holocaust Education Teacher’s Workshop, “Teaching Partisan Resistance: Translating Lessons of Jewish Partisans to Studentled Efforts for Social Change,” with Jonathan Furst, manager of education at Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation. Preceded at 3:30 p.m. by museum tours. $20 includes dinner. Contact Josie Shapiro at 670-9073 or programs@jewish historymuseum.org. 564 S. Stone Ave.
Friday / October 25
9:45 AM: Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging 105th birthday celebration for Gertrude Shankman. Also at Shabbat services, 9:30 a.m.–noon, Oct. 26. 2221 N. Rosemont Blvd. 322-3622. 11 AM: JHM Gallery Chat,“Acts of Faith and Conscience,” with Steve Saltonstall and Rev. John Hoelter of Humane Borders. Free. 564 S. Stone Ave. www.jewishhistorymuseum.org or 670-9073.
Friday / October 25
6:30 PM: Cong. Or Chadash Sisterhood Breast Cancer Shabbat at COC. Wear pink. Special blessing for survivors. 512-8500.
Sunday / October 27
10 AM: Temple Emanu-El Babies and Bagels Noah’s Ark at Tanque Verde Therapeutic Zoo, 8210 E. Woodland Road. $5 per person. 3274501. 11:35 AM: Cong. Anshei Israel Blessing of the Pets service. 745-5550. 2-4 PM: Pack-a-Thon. Help pack 50,000 meals for needy. Participants include Cong. Or Chadash, Temple Emanu-El, UA Hillel Foundation, Muslim Community Center, and churches. At Muslim Community Center, 5100 N. Kevy Place. Contacts: Or Chadash, Len Kronman, lenkronman@yahoo.com; Emanu-El, Degas Lopez, dlopez@tetucson.org; Hillel, Michelle Blumenberg, michelle@uahillel.org. 5:30 PM: THA 2019 Tikkun Olam Celebration honoring Bertie Levkowitz. At the Tucson J. Cocktail reception followed by dinner. $150 per person, $250 per couple. Sponsorships available. RSVP at www.thaaz.org or contact Sha’ron Wolfin Eden at 529-3888, ext. 107.
Monday / October 28
1:30 PM: Hadassah Southern Arizona book club east discusses “The Alice Network” by Kate Quinn at Dusenberry-River Library, 5605 E. River Road. Contact Maxine Murray at 885-5800. 6:30-7:30 PM: JFCS LEAH (Let’s End Abusive Households) support group. Will meet third Mondays starting in November. Free. Contact Irene Gefter at igefter@jfcstucson.org or 7950300, ext. 2271.
Thursday / October 31
1 PM: Handmaker lecture. Rabbi Yehuda Ceitlin of Chabad Tucson presents “Land of Opportunity and Challenges,” on the mass immigration of Jews from Europe to America in the 19th century. Free. Contact Nanci Levy at 322-3632.
NORTHWEST TUCSON
ONGOING
JFSA Northwest chair yoga with a Jewish flair taught by Bonnie Golden. Meets at JFSA NW Division Ruth & Irving Olson Center for Jewish Life, 180 W. Magee Road #140, Mondays, 10-11 a.m. $7 per class or $25 for four. No class Oct. 14 or 21. 505-4161 or northwestjewish@ jfsa.org. Northwest Needlers create hand-stitched items for donation in the Jewish community. Meets at JFSA NW Division Ruth & Irving Olson Center for Jewish Life Wednesdays, Oct. 16, 2-4 p.m., Oct. 23, 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, 1-3 p.m. RSVP to judithgfeldman@gmail.com or 505-4161. JFSA Northwest mah jongg, meets at JFSA NW Division Ruth & Irving Olson Center for Jewish Life Wednesdays, Oct. 16, 2-4 p.m.; Oct. 23 and 30, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., 505-4161. Chabad of Oro Valley adult education class, Jewish learning with Rabbi Ephraim Zimmerman. Wednesdays at 7 p.m., at 1171 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd., #131. 477-8672 or www.jewishorovalley.com.
Sunday / October 13
6:30 PM: Cong. Beit Simcha Sukkot evening service followed by oneg in the sukkah. 7315 N. Oracle Road, #100. Call 276-5675 or visit www.beitsimchatucson.org for complete holiday schedule.
Monday / October 14
10 AM: Chabad of Oro Valley Sukkah morning service. At 1171 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd., #131. For complete holiday schedule, 477-8672 or www.jewishorovalley.com.
Wednesday / October 16
NOON: JFSA Northwest Lunch & Learn, “Sukkot: Finding our true home,” with Rabbi Helen Cohn at JFSA NW Division Ruth & Irving
Olson Center for Jewish Life. $10 for dairy lunch. 180 N. Magee Road, #140. RSVP required to 505-4161 or www.jfsa.org/nwsukkot.
3-6 PM: Chabad of Oro Valley Sukkah Party with live music. Kids Sukkah Party starting at 5 p.m. Kids’ activities including moonbounce. Free except hot dog dinner, $5. At 1171 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd., #131. adeli@jewishoro valley.com or (818) 793-8082.
Monday / October 21
10 AM: Cong. Beit Simcha Shemini Atzeret Yizkor service. 276-5675 or www.beitsimcha tucson.org. 6:30 PM: Cong. Beit Simcha Simchat Torah Klezmer celebration. 276-5675 or www.beitsimchatucson.org.
Sunday / October 27
1-3 PM: JFSA Northwest Division Ruth and Irving Olson Center for Jewish Life open house and dedication, 180 W. Magee Road, #140. RSVP at www.jfsa.org/olsoncenteropen house or 505-4161.
Monday / October 28
5-6:30 PM: Hadassah Southern Arizona/ JFSA NW Division Ruth and Irving Olson Center for Jewish Life book club discusses “Pachinko,” by Min Jin Lee. At JFSA NW Division Ruth & Irving Olson Center for Jewish Life, 180 W. Magee Road, #140. RSVP at 505-4161 or northwestjewish@jfsa.org.
Sunday / November 3
9 AM: JFSA Northwest Fifth Annual Mah Jongg Tournament & Silent Auction. $40 includes continental breakfast and lunch. At JFSA NW Division Ruth and Irving Olson Center for Jewish Life, 180 N. Magee Road, #140. RSVP by Oct. 28 at 505-4161 or www.jfsa.org/ nwmahjtournament2019.
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October 11, 2019, ARIZONA JEWISH POST
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OBITUARIES Jerome Sonenblick “Jerry” Jerome Sherwood Sonenblick, formerly of Tucson, passed away in Encinitas, California, on Sept. 8, 2019 after a protracted illness. He is survived by his daughter, Beth Blum and her husband, Howard, of San Diego, and their sons, Alex and Ty; his son Ando Sonenblick and his wife, Negin, of San Diego; his step-daughter Becky Poliakoff of Los Angeles; and his sister, Dee Dee Raskov of Sacramento, California. Jerry was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 22, 1931 to Fae and Ben Sonenblick. His family moved from Chicago to Tucson in 1948, however, Jerry remained in Chicago, independently, for his senior year of high school so he could graduate with his childhood friends. After Jerry graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1949, he joined his family in Tucson where he attended the University of Arizona. He achieved his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1953 and was a member of the Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) fraternity. Jerry also earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Arizona and became a member of the Arizona Bar in 1957. Jerry was married for 28 years to Phyllis Rowley, beginning in 1961. Together they had three children, Beth, Chip, and Ando. Beth, a wonderful wife and mother, raised two handsome, accomplished grandsons who made Jerry very happy and proud. Chip was a talented automotive engineer who sadly passed early at the age of 30. Ando is a successful software developer. Jerry was married a second time to Anita Burg. They met in 1987 and Jerry was blessed with Anita’s daughter, Becky Poliakoff. Becky was just 4 years old when Jerry and Anita met, and Jerry considered Becky his “adopted” child. Becky lost her biological father at age 15, and she and Jerry always had a very special relationship. Anita and Jerry were together 20 years, and although they parted 13 years ago, remained friends. Jerry resided in Tucson for 60 years. He practiced law briefly, and then found his passion, real estate development, including limited partnerships and joint ventures. His law background was certainly an asset. He was instrumental as one of the founders of Empire West, which became one of the largest real estate developers in the southwestern United States. He
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ARIZONA JEWISH POST, October 11, 2019
also started “Desert Angels,” an ongoing successful organization in Tucson, where he helped raise capital for various business ventures. Jerry was an organizer and after many years away from his buddies at ZBT Fraternity, decided to get the group together again. They were older and lived in many different states, but their reunion turned into a successful annual event and brought much joy to the many who participated over the years. Jerry was responsible for their renewed friendships, and friendships between their wives. Jerry had many interests and accomplishments. He was active in the Arizona Democratic Party for many years. He was very involved in Tucson’s Jewish community. You could often find him in the gym at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, and he was especially active with the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona (president in 1987). He attended, supported, and sponsored many events. He was also philanthropic with other Tucson community nonprofit organizations. For many years he loved to play tennis, and was athletic and fit. He was a talented public speaker. Jerry always said he would never retire and fulfilled a lifelong dream of writing, authoring three novels. He was always embracing new technologies, and stayed socially engaged and aware. Jerry loved the ocean and spent many summers in Coronado, California, with family and friends. He always said he wanted to move to California, and his wish finally came true in 2018, when he moved to Encinitas and enjoyed living near his children. Jerry was a character, unique, and a rebel! He often found unconventional ways to do things. He was a leader, innovative, creative, eccentric, opinionated, sentimental, and fun-loving! He loved adventure, world travel, and was very spontaneous. Most of all, Jerry will be remembered for his character, wit, wisdom, sense of humor, love of life, and love of family and friends. Memorial donations may be made to the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, 3718 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718 or www.jfsa.org.
Eric Prosnitz
Eric H. Prosnitz, M.D., died Sept. 24, 2019. Dr. Prosnitz was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Lois Prosnitz. Survivors include his daughters, Debra (Peter) and Beth; significant other, Kathi Willis; and brother, Ted (Karen). Memorial contributions may be made to the El Rio Foundation at www.elrio.org or 839 W. Congress St., Tucson, AZ 85745.
Thomas Peters
Thomas John Peters, 62, of Oro Valley, died Sept. 16, 2019. Mr. Peters was born in Chicago, Illinois. He studied music in college and eventually followed his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Maureen, to Tucson, where he began a career in the health insurance industry. He was at UMC/Banner for 17 years, the last three as a business analyst for the emergency department. He was a volunteer coach for special needs children’s baseball at El Conquistador Field of Dreams. Survivors include his wife, Annette Hillman; children, Lily Jean Peters and Jacob Elijah Peters of Tucson; brothers, Jim Peters of Chicago, and Bill (Sherry) Peters of Milwaukee. A memorial service was held at Congregation Or Chadash, with Rabbi Thomas Louchheim and Cantor Janece Cohen officiating. Arrangements were made by Adair Funeral Homes. Memorial contributions may be made to the Autism Society of Southern Arizona at www.as-az.org or 2600 N. Wyatt Drive, Tucson, AZ 85712. In addition, if there are memories or stories you would like to share, Annette is collecting them for a memory book for the children. Email ahillman1601@gmail.com. Obituaries printed free of charge may be edited for space and format. There is a nominal fee for photographs. Please inquire at 319-1112 for paid obituaries.
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JFSA Northwest center holds mezuzah hanging at new office
The Arizona Jewish Post won two awards at the Arizona Newspapers Association convention, held Sept. 28 in Phoenix. Executive Editor Phyllis Braun and staff won a third place award for “Fall Arts Preview” in the Special Section category, Division 2 (non-daily circulation 3,500-10,000). Michelle Shapiro, AJP graphic designer, won a 2019 Excellence in Advertising third place award for Most Effective Use of Paid Small Space for “Desert Dream.”
Photos: Debe Campbell/AJP
The Tucson Jewish Community Center has been selected to host a Women inPower fellowship. Women inPower is a national initiative that originated at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, and through a collaboration with JCC Association of North America, the Tucson J will pilot the program here. An application process will be announced soon. For more information about the yearlong program, contact Allison Wexler at awexler@ tucsonjcc.org.
People in the news
The Ruth & Irving Olson Center for Jewish Life in the Northwest opened its new facility at 180 W. Magee Road, Suite 140, on Sept. 24. About 40 people gathered as Rabbi Avraham Alpert (right) hung a mezuzah on the outer door and another on the interior office door. Rabbi Ephraim Zimmerman (left) blew the shofar in celebration of the opening and the month of Elul, which leads up to Rosh Hashanah. Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona Northwest Division Director Phyllis Gold and JFSA Board Chair Deborah Oseran addressed those attending. The facility doubles space available for programs and events in the Northwest. A formal dedication is set for Oct. 27, 1-3 p.m. For more information, contact northwestjewish@jfsa.org or 505-4161.
Former Catalina Foothills High School swimmer Hannah Orbach-Mandel is one of nine finalists chosen from a field of 585 nominees for the National Collegiate Athletic Association Woman of the Year Award, which will be announced Oct. 20 at a ceremony in Indianapolis. The finalists demonstrated excellence in academics, athletics, community service and leadership throughout their collegiate careers. Orbach-Mandel, who won three individual NCAA national championships, was named captain of the swimming and diving program her senior year at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. She served for four years as a member of the school’s student-athlete advisory committee and volunteered for three years at an elementary school, working with third-graders struggling with math, English, and reading. She graduated summa cum laude with high honors in economics and was inducted into the Kenyon chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a national honors society.
Send news of your simchas to localnews@azjewishpost.com or call 319-1112
Photo: Nanci Levy/Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging
State Rep. Alma Hernandez, MPH, was selected by The Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority for a 2019 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Awards. Hernandez is one of the Tech Ten Legislators chosen for the honor. The awards will be presented Oct. 24 at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Handmaker residents bake honey cakes for a sweet new year
Using a recipe Handmaker resident Betty Light shared, Bonnie Gottesman (left) and Rabbi Richard Safran were among a group of residents at Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging who enjoyed making honey cakes Sept. 25 in preparation for Rosh Hashanah. Some added nuts and/or raisins, depending on their individual tastes. Each resident had the opportunity to make one cake for themselves and one to share with a friend, as it is the custom to give others honey cake during the holiday to start off their sweet new year, says Nanci Levy, Handmaker’s community outreach coordinator. October 11, 2019, ARIZONA JEWISH POST
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ARTS & CULTURE Why a Christian Japanese-American artist painted mural of a Nazi fighter JOSEFIN DOLSTEN JTA
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ARIZONA JEWISH POST, October 11, 2019
Photo courtesy Julia Robertson
H
annah Senesh may seem an unlikely motivation for Japaneseborn artist Julie Robertson. But the 35-year-old Christian artist, who just spent four days painting a 30-by-40-foot mural of the late Jewish poet, learned about Senesh earlier this year and was struck by her bravery. A national hero in Israel, Senesh parachuted into Europe to help anti-Nazi forces in 1943. She was captured and killed at the age of 23, but despite being tortured refused to reveal any details of her mission. “To be able to hear the story of such a young girl that had such conviction to do something so dangerous, and then she never gave up information when she was captured, that’s my hero,” she told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency on Oct. 2 in between finishing work on the mural. “So I really wanted to paint her.” Robertson, who goes by the name JUURI professionally, painted the mural in the East Village neighborhood of San Diego. She learned about Senesh earlier this year while on a trip to Israel
Julie Robertson painted a mural of Hannah Senesh in downtown San Diego.
organized by Philos Project, a Christian pro-Israel group. She had been to Israel two other times as part of delegations organized by Artists 4 Israel, a group that brings creatives to the Jewish state. The Oklahoma City-based artist says she had always wanted to go to the Jewish state because “[i]t’s the starting place of my faith.” “I’ve always heard about Israel my entire life, but you can’t really know what it is until you go there,” she said. As part of the Artists 4 Israel trips, Robertson painted murals throughout
the country, including on a wall on the border with Lebanon, an experience she describes as “unique.” It took her seven days to complete the 13-by-30foot mural, which shows a woman’s face surrounded by horses looking at a dove holding an olive branch. “It was a little bit different because [of] the soldiers going back and forth all the time,” she said. Robertson, whose mother is Japanese and father is Japanese and American, lived in Japan until she was 6. She and her family moved when her father was serving in the
U.S. Army and was transferred to Kansas. She draws on influences from her native country in her art, often combining Japanese floral patterns with images of female faces. In the Senesh mural, Robertson juxtaposed flowers from a Japanese kimono on to the Jewish fighter’s uniform. Though the mural does not include Senesh’s name, the figure is wearing a British paratrooper insignia. The mural is part of Ladies Who Paint, a weeklong festival that ran through Oct. 5 and brings 12 female artists to paint murals in San Diego. Robertson wasn’t sure if the organizers would be on board with her idea, since few of the other murals feature historical figures. “But I showed them the design and told them what it was and said, ‘This was the ultimate female empowerment, she was such a hero,’ and they thought it was really cool,” she said. There’s an added layer of meaning since the mural is only a half-hour drive from the city of Poway, where a synagogue shooting in April left one dead and three injured. “I think it just shows goodwill to the city and for the Jewish community,” she said, “and for everyone else it’s beautiful.”