Jewish life in Cuba p. 17 July 2015 Tammuz/Av 5775 Vol. 19, No. 11
Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton
The Miami Valley’s Jewish Monthly • Online at JewishDayton.org
Polling on Obama’s charm offensive
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Where are the Jews of Dayton? An update
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President Obama
Longtime Federation staffers retire
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Pat Jones
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Hyla Weiskind
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DAYTON
You’re Invited To our next monthly Friday Night Shabbat featuring a traditional Shabbat dinner with all your favorites.
Program led by Joe Bettman
Friday, July 24, 5 p.m.
Beth Abraham Synagogue congregants Marlene and Terry Pinsky, and Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg (Center) take in the new custom-designed Torah covers the Pinskys dedicated to the congregation just before Shavuot. Judaica artist Jeannette Kuvin Oren designed the covers for Beth Abraham’s seven Torah scrolls. The covers are made of silks in several textures that Oren dyed, appliquĂŠed and quilted, using colors to complement Beth Abraham’s stained glass windows. Oren said her design — an abstract Tree of Life peaking through the sky — was inspired by water, earth, and sky, ‘and a vision of joyous movement.’
In The Atrium Dining Room
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For more information, call Pam Hall at 837-5581, ext. 1269.
Join our Diabetic Support Group Tuesday, July 14, 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. (2nd Tuesday each mo.) with Gem City Home Care Certified Diabetes Educator Mara Lamb. For more information call Pam Hall, 837-5581 ext. 1269. 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Located directly inside the Atrium entrance. Stop in & join us for a cup of coffee & Friendship Village Hospitality.
Volunteer opportunities available — call Bridgett at ext. 1299 for details.
Members of Piqua’s Temple Anshe Emeth spruced up Cedar Hill Cemetery, the congregation’s cemetery, on May 24 (L to R): Mike Feinstein, Darl Blevins, Renni Livingston, Seth Shuchat, Susan Bargemann, Steve Shuchat, Judy Feinstein, Ella Shuchat and Jack Bargemann.
Auditions for Jewish choral ensemble Through support from a Jewish Federation Innovation Grant, Beth Abraham Synagogue and Temple Israel will form a choral ensemble for the Jewish community. Auditions to determine voice parts will be held on Sunday, Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon at Beth Abraham. The choir, open to teenagers and adults, will rehearse weekly from mid-October through January, and will
perform during Shabbat services at Temple Israel and Beth Abraham over Shabbat Shira, the Sabbath of Song, Jan. 22 and 23. Cantor Jenna Greenberg will direct the choir, which will premiere an original composition by Beth Abraham Cantor Emeritus Jerome B. Kopmar. To audition, call Cantor Andrea Raizen at Beth Abraham, 293-9520.
Tour of Wright State archives The Jewish Genealogical Society of Dayton will tour the genealogical collections available at the Wright State Library, with an emphasis on the Jewish Federation Archives collection housed
there, on Tuesday, July 21 at 1 p.m. After the tour, participants may stay on to conduct research. To R.S.V.P. and receive a parking pass, contact Molly Blumer at 479-8880 by July 15.
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2015
Where are the Jews of Dayton?
Demographer’s conservative estimate: nearly a third of Jews in Miami Valley unidentified Recent Pew studies are key to understanding trends By Marshall Weiss The Observer Virtually every year for more than a century, The American Jewish Year Book has included population estimates for Jewish communities across the United States. Since 2006, the year book — published by the American Jewish Committee — has been compiled under the editorship of Dr. Ira M. Sheskin, director of the Jewish Demography Project of the Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies at the University of Miami. A professor of geography and regional studies, Sheskin has conducted 43 local Jewish population studies in America and will soon begin his study of Houston. In preparation for the 2015 American Jewish Year Book, to be published in December, Sheskin contacted the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton earlier this
year to estimate the Miami Val- The Pew Research Center conducts studies on social issues, ley’s Jewish population. public opinion, and demoWhen he learned the Jewish graphic trends in America. Federation knew of little more “It is, without question in my than 2,700 identified Jews in the mind, probably the best done of Miami Valley, he says he estithe national surveys of Jews,” mated the local Jewish populaSheskin says of the 2013 study. tion at 4,000. “They have the expertise to do According to the demograit.” pher, there are more Jews here The Observer asked Sheskin by at least another third. to further analyze data from “We’re doing a lot of guessthe Federation’s work, clearly, going from how If younger Jews list of identified Jews — and data many you have provided by the on the list to how are moving Miami Valley’s many there must into the Miami synagogues and be out there,” Valley, chances Chabad — to Sheskin says. form a compos“I think 4,000 is are they’re ite of the area’s perfectly reasonJewish demoable in your com- not joining a graphics. munity. It may synagogue. As of June be higher, but I 2015, the Jewish tend to be a bit Federation’s database shows: conservative.” • The identified Jewish Sheskin based his estimate population of the Miami Valley on his years of experience; he also cited the results of The Pew is down by more than half in 20 years. Research Center 2013 Survey of • Since 2010, the list is down U.S. Jews, and Pew’s 2014 Reli338 ID’d households, a loss of gious Landscape Study. 18.5 percent; and down 860 A nonpartisan think tank,
Miami Valley identified Jewish population June 2015 Total ID’d households: 1,492 Total ID’d people: 2,710
Source: Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton.
Estimated Jewish population
by demographer Dr. Ira M. Sheskin:
4,000
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O2015 Menachem c
Zip Community 45458 Centerville/Wash. Twp. 45459 Centerville/Wash. Twp. 45419 Oakwood 45429 Kettering/Wash. Twp. 45415 Harrison Twp./Clayton
Households People 146 (9.8%) 313 (12%) 158 (10.6%) 281 (10.4%) 114 (7.6%) 271 (10%) 148 (10%) 250 (9.2%) 119 (8%) 200 (7.4%)
Notes: All percentages are in relation to entire ID’d Jewish households/people across the Miami Valley. All other Zips not listed here each comprise 5% or under of both households and people. Source: Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton.
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in 2008 and 2009, when ID’d people, a loss of younger Jews began 24 percent. leaving the area in the • The ID’d populawake of the recession. tion is declining by a “That has slowed net of 172 people per down over the last two year. or three years,” Myers • 48.7 percent of says. “Now, it’s more ID’d Jews are ages 60 elderly moving or and up. passing away.” • 16.4 percent of Sheskin notes that ID’d Jews — 393 — are Dr. Ira M. Sheskin Montgomery County is newborn to age 19. an area with a declining population overall. ‘More elderly moving “Back in 2000, there were or passing away’ 559,000 people in Montgomery Sheila Myers has served County,” he says. “And the estias the Federation’s database mate for today is 533,000.” administrator for 16 years. She Even so, Sheskin makes a says she began to notice the clear distinction between those rapid, accelerating decline of the identified Jewish population Continued on Page Five
From the editor’s desk
Attempting to achieve a composite of our Jewish population that’s as accurate as possible reminds me of the legend of the blindfolded men and the elephant. Each touches a differMarshall ent part of the beast and draws Weiss a different conclusion about what it actually is. None has enough perspective to get the big picture. The Observer has presented demographic updates about our community every five years since 2000. In the absence of a Jewish population study — an extremely costly prospect for a small community — it’s our hope that this fourth update will provide the perspective to spark new conversations about how best to plan for our future. Special thanks go to our synagogues, temples, and Chabad for providing critical data for this project, and to the Jewish Federation’s intrepid database manager, Sheila Myers, for ensuring I had all the reports I ever needed at my fingertips.
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2015
PAGE 3
DAYTON
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Temple Israel member Jan Berman works the bakery booth at the temple’s Jewish Cultural Festival on June 7. More than 1,800 people stopped by the festival, and bought out all of the baked goods, prepared by congregants.
Schuster Center
Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton Judy Abromowitz President David Pierce President Elect Melinda Doner Vice Pres. Mary Rita Weissman Vice Pres. Bruce Feldman Vice Pres. Cathy Gardner CEO
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Antioch College students (L to R) Ian Rosenthaul, Sara Goldstein, and Rachael Smith prepared cheesecake at a pre-Shavuot Chabad Sinai U event with Rabbi Hershel and Pesha Spalter. Sinai U outreach provides Jewish college students in the area with a Jewish home-away-from-home experience.
January 19 – 24, 2016 Schuster Center
February 9 – 14, 2016
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Jewish War Veterans, Scouts, and other volunteers from the Jewish community decorated the graves of more than 400 military veterans buried in Dayton’s Jewish cemeteries for Memorial Day. Shown here at Beth Abraham Cemetery is the Lindsay family (L to R): Bryce, Matt, Emma, and Karen.
March 15 – 20, 2016
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As part of its trip to Columbus, Hillel Academy’s graduating sixth-grade class visited the Ohio Holocaust and Liberators Memorial at the Statehouse (L to R): Devorah Schwartz, Samantha Jacobs, Hillel Academy Teacher Becky Nienaber, Becca Friedman, Lily Fullenhull, Ellie Bloom, and Ohio Jewish Communities Legislative Assistant Catherine Scheller.
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Where are the Jews of Dayton? Continued from Page Three Jews who choose to connect in some way and those who are actually out there. The most glaring example he cites is the impossibly high representation of older Jews on the Federation’s list. “There is no way that 40 percent of Jews in Dayton are 65 and older,” he says. “Miami (Fla.) is 31 percent. The ones who tend to give are older. It shows why you cannot just do a demographic study off of the mailing list.” Sheskin also points out that the 16.4 percent figure for ages newborn to 19 is extremely low. “Zero to 17 should be about 20 percent of the population. The difference between 16 and 20 percent may not sound like a big deal, but it is.”
Millennials don’t join
If younger Jews are moving into the Miami Valley, he says, chances are they’re not joining a synagogue. “What Pew calls Jews of No Religion, they put it at 22 percent,” he says. “That, by the way, is equal to what it is for all Americans when asked what is your religion? Twenty percent of the general public says nothing.”
Ages of ID’d Jews in Miami Valley Newborn-4: 54 (1.9%) 5-9: 107 (3.9%) 10-14: 130 (4.8%) 15-19: 156 (5.8%) 20-29: 69 (2.5%) 30-39: 149 (5.5%) 40-49: 218 (8%) 50-59: 425 (15.7%) 60-69: 597 (22%) 70-79: 416 (15.4%) 80-89: 231 (8.5%) 90+: 75 (2.8%) Unknown: 81 (2.9%) Note: Figures may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Source: Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton.
with Reform congregations. According to the 2013 Pew The 2013 Pew report noted study, 32 percent of Jews ages 18 that most switching among to 29 — known in the world of Jewish movements is in the demography as millennials — fall into the Jews of No Religion direction of what it terms lesstraditional Judaism: category. “The survey finds that ap“They’re Jewish, they’re proximately one-quarter of peoproud to be Jewish, they’re culturally Jewish,” Sheskin says. ple who were raised Orthodox have since become Conservative But they’re not interested in or Reform Jews, while 30 perjoining. cent of those raised Conserva“When you ask them if they’re Orthodox, Conservative, tive have become Reform Jews, Reform, it’s like, ‘don’t label me, and 28 percent of those raised Reform have left the ranks of I’m Jewish.’” Jews by Religion entirely.” Millennials, he says, also Pew’s 2014 Religious Landput off marriage until later, scape Study found a parallel have children later, and fewer across mainchildren at that. If stream religions they’re going to ‘You’ve got in America: a join a synagogue to run your shift from more at all, it won’t community on traditional to likely happen until they have a the basis of how less traditional observance, and child of at least many people then to no relipreschool age. gion; millennials “And so you are willing to in the category of can have younger atheist, agnostic Jews moving into participate.’ or nothing in the community particular fall in the mid-30-perwithout seeing any increase in cent range. synagogue membership.” In 1899, the Jewish PublicaSheskin also notes that miltion Society began publishing lennials don’t want to give The American Jewish Year Book. It to umbrella charities such as wasn’t until 1910 that it inFederation annual campaigns. cluded population estimates for They’re much more inclined to Jewish communities across the give to individuals in need, or United States. Dayton’s populaspecial-purpose organizations. tion for that year was listed as “And that is the reason why Federation campaigns are down 3,500. Subsequent listings show around the country,” he says. that the Dayton area’s Jewish In June, The Observer compopulation estimate reached its piled membership data from peak of 7,200 in the late 1960s the Miami Valley’s synagogues and early 1970s. and Chabad, eliminating outAlthough the estimated Jewof-town memberships and ish populations of Ohio’s large secondary memberships from cities — Cincinnati, Clevethe numbers (Chabad isn’t land, and Columbus — have a membership organization. remained stable, Ohio’s other However, it identified families medium-sized Jewish communithat regularly participate in its worship services and programs ties — Akron, Canton, Toledo, and Youngstown —have all that are not members of local faced significant declines of at synagogues). Among the key least 50 percent since 1972. findings: “The number of identified • There are 911 household Jews is way down, and to some memberships across the Miextent, that may be a more ami Valley’s synagogues and important number (than the Chabad. • 68 percent of memberships population estimate), because are with Reform congregations. you’ve got to run your community on the basis of how many • There are 309 children, people are willing to particinewborn through age 18. pate,” Sheskin says. • Of these, 78.3 percent are
Miami Valley primary congregation memberships by household
Affiliation of Miami Valley children newborn to age 18
Beth Abraham: 199 (21.8%) Beth Jacob: 86 (9.4%) Temple Anshe Emeth, Piqua: 15 (1.6%) Temple Beth Or: 188 (20.6%) Temple Beth Sholom, Middletown: 24 (2.6%) Temple Israel: 350 (38.4%) Temple Sholom, Springfield: 43 (4.7%) Chabad: 6 (6.5%)
Beth Abraham: 42 (13.6%) Beth Jacob: 11 (3.6%) Temple Anshe Emeth, Piqua: 5 (1.6%) Temple Beth Or: 117 (37.9%) Temple Beth Sholom, Middletown: 2 (.6%) Temple Israel: 108 (35%) Temple Sholom, Springfield: 10 (3.2%) Chabad: 14 (4.5%)
Total: 911 household memberships
Total: 309 newborn to age 18
Note: Doesn’t include out-of-town memberships. Figures may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Sources: Synagogues and Chabad
Note: Figures may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Sources: Synagogues and Chabad
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2015
PAGE 5
DAYTON
Federation to honor retirement of longtime staffers Photos and Story By Marshall Weiss The Observer For more than a generation, they’ve cared for the youngest and oldest in Dayton’s Jewish community. Jewish Community Center Preschool Supervisor and Lead Teacher Pat Jones has taught our children and grandchildren for nearly 36 years. And Jewish Family Services Senior Outreach Manager Hyla Weiskind has watched out for our parents and grandparents for 24 years. To mark Pat and Hyla’s retirements in June, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton will honor their years of service at its annual meeting on Sunday, Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture and Education.
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PAGE 6
The JCC and JFS are agencies operated by the Jewish Federation. A native of Mechanicsburg, Pa., Pat arrived in Dayton with her husband, chemistry professor Dr. Richard Jones, by way of Massachusetts in 1977. “When we moved out here, my husband was at Sinclair and we tried taking my 3-year-old daughter to Sinclair preschool,” Pat recalled. “She was unhappy. JFS Senior Outreach Mgr. Hyla Weiskind Long story short, she was crying and didn’t want to go The wisdom from the elderly to school. And the fellow at population is so enormous, you Sinclair said, ‘You might want can never get back what you to talk to Lynda Cohen (direcreceived from them.” tor of the JCC preschool). It’s a Inspired through her 21 years really good school. See if it’s a as a volunteer at Hospice of good fit.’” Dayton and the bereavement Pat, who isn’t Jewish, said groups she led for them, Hyla she liked the idea of exposing used the format to facilitate her daughter to Judaism. When a twice-yearly bereavement her second daughter began group for JFS, which she called in the room for 2-year-olds, Hello Again. She led the JFS beLynda asked Pat to work in the reavement groups at Beth Jacob preschool part time. Pat held a and Beth Abraham Synagogues, bachelor’s degree in elementary from 2003 to 2014. education from Purdue. “I always thought that Eventually, Lynda asked Pat whoever passed away should to go full time, and then to take always be kept in the person’s over the preschool’s summer life,” Hyla said. “We felt we camp. needed something that had a Hyla and her husband, Jewish tone.” optometrist Dr. Ray Weiskind, Pat said she credited her unmoved to Dayton from their derstanding of Judaism to the native Cleveland in 1973. That late Lynda Cohen. year, she began volunteering as “She was fabulous,” Pat said an advisor with BBYO, and at of Lynda. “She was my menCovenant House, Dayton’s Jew- tor, my teacher, my friend. She ish nursing home. taught me most of what I know In 1991, the JCC and JFS about Judaism. She taught hired Hyla to coordinate daily me how to be a better teacher. programs for their senior lunch She didn’t beat you over the site at the Jesse Philips Building head with it; she showed you. in Trotwood. I learned a lot from watching Hyla would complete her how she did things.” bachelor’s degree in social work It was Lynda who encourin 1999 at the University of aged Pat to sign up for the Dayton. Federation’s Melton Adult Mini Through a grant, she started School Jewish learning program the JFS Bikur Haverim Friendly in the late 1990s. Visiting Program, which con“I’ve learned from so many nects volunteers with seniors in people over the years,” Pat Dayton’s Jewish community. said. “And I keep learning. I go up and I work with Rochel Learning from so many (Simon, a kosher supervisor at Five years ago, Hyla began the CJCE) in the kitchen and I managing senior outreach and learn something new each time case management for JFS. I work with her up there.” “There’s nothing like the She appreciates being inhome visits and the stories they cluded in community members’ (seniors) share and the things Jewish lifecycle events. “I am so they tell you about their chilgrateful that the community has dren and their childhood expe- welcomed me the way it has.” riences,” Hyla said. “You learn Pat said that when she more from this population than started at the JCC preschool, the you could learn from anyone. emphasis was more on Jewish THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2015
DAYTON
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traditions. In recent years, the focus has been more on teaching hands-on Judaism. “We have gotten involved with Chabad coming in and doing Judaics for us,” she said. Now, during the daily morning snack, children recite the appropriate blessings in Hebrew.
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“We have fewer Jewish children than we JCC Preschool Supervisor & Lead Teacher Pat Jones and her students count up tzedakah donations brought in by the children, at the Boonshoft CJCE had when I first started,” Pat added. “It was response, they listen better. It’s the gift of two grandchildren in more like 60-65 percent Jewish also a matter of being firm, and town. at that time. And now we’re letting them know what you Hyla’s grandchildren are in more like half. And we have expect.” the Baltimore area. She said more interfaith families now.” That’s something, Pat said, she’s considering volunteerHyla said the most signifiing to rock babies in a preemie cant change she’s seen in senior some younger parents need to remember: children need to unit, and might sign up for art care is that the elderly live classes. much longer now and live more know what it is you want. “You need to be clear about “It really has been a privilege active lives longer as well. what you want,” she said. “And to have this job,” Hyla said. “The care is competitive, then you back it up. You have “Thank-you to the children, the care is getting better in the to actually mean what you say. parents, teachers and colleagues home,” she said. “I think you The other thing is you make it I’ve been privileged to work have more opportunities, you fun. There are times when we with and learn from,” Pat said. have more choices. don’t just walk up the stairs. We “Thanks to Audrey MacKenzie “No matter what anyone (current JCC Early Childhood says, if you can afford it, there’s hop up the stairs, just to make life interesting.” director) for being so welcomno place like home. Your qualPat and Hyla each plan to ing, and for becoming not just ity of living is, without a doubt a guide and mentor but also a in the home — if you can afford stay in Dayton for now. One of friend. I’m not sure how I will it. You have to have an advocate Pat’s daughters moved back here three years ago, giving her survive without my hugs.” if you’re not in your home.” Advocacy has been a key part of Hyla’s job. The Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton will honor Pat Jones and “I’ve known a lot of these Hyla Weiskind at its annual meeting on Sunday, Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. families because the kids were at the Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture and Education, 525 in BBYO, so I get a call from Versailles Dr., Centerville. Following the meeting, at 3:30 p.m., someone and I know the backthe JCC will present a rock concert with the American/Israeli ground of the families,” Hyla group Moshav outdoors at the Boonshoft CJCE. Both events are said. “The kids might have left, free and open to the community. To R.S.V.P. call 610-1555. but the majority of parents have stayed.”
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Hyla described her work with JFS as putting pieces of a puzzle together to help people. “You walk in each morning and we never know what’s going to happen,” Hyla said. “Because in this job, there can be a crisis. We have happy times and we have sad times. God forbid, someone is sick, dying, needs us to be there, we are there for them. So it’s something I’m going to miss. But there’s got to be time when you have to move on and go with your family and help them put the puzzle together.” Pat, who is known to have a firm command over her young charges, said she’s able to gain their respect through love. “I love them all. And I tell them that, and I show them that,” she said. “And I think, in
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PAGE 7
OPINION
No way to treat an ally
member of the Knesset. As someone with “a career in striving to write the truth about Former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren history,” he describes with candor the dilemma of a job has written a devastating insider’s account that required him to lie “for two of White House distancing from Israel countries.” “This, more than any other the Washington-Jerusalem ties By Gary Rosenblatt aspect of my new role, took a have unraveled — undone by New York Jewish Week toll on me emotionally and even In January 2011, with the U.S. mistrust, mistakes and missed trying hard to convince the Pal- opportunities — with Obama in physically,” he writes. The accounts accumulate on estinians to withdraw or moder- the role of bully-in-chief. issues from Obama administraThere are major confrontaate a U.N. Security Council tion criticism of Prime Minister tions, like over settlements and resolution condemning Israeli Netanyahu — “an America peace talks, and seemingly misettlements, President Obama that slanders the democratinor slights, like the president’s called Palestinian Authority cally elected leader of its ally is omission of Israel in noting President Mahmoud Abbas to one that is respected countries that came to make a deal. neither by its friends Haiti’s aid after a devThe White House did not nor its enemies” — to astating earthquake. want to find itself in a position the open rift over the of having to veto its own settle- There is the ring of Iran nuclear talks, with authenticity in omiment policy. Israel kept out of the nous warnings about In the course of a 50-minute loop and fearful for its the consequences of conversation, Obama offered survival. to support a U.N. investigation bucking the adminisAdding to the tration from Obama’s regarding settlements, renew impact is that Oren foul-mouthed chief of a U.S. demand for a full-scale is neither polemicist freeze on Israeli construction in staff Rahm Emanuel, nor political partisan. whom Oren liked, and Michael Oren the West Bank and East JeruA highly respected in his dealing with salem, and was prepared to declare a Palestinian state based National Security Advisor Gen. historian and award-winning on the 1967 borders, with mutu- James Jones, who “often seemed author of books about America and Israel, he is widely viewed ill-disposed toward Israel.” ally agreed swaps. as a voice of reason in both The cumulative effect is All without prior consultaprofound — a steady drumbeat countries. tion with Israel, according to He found much of Obama’s of behind-the-scenes examples former Israeli Ambassador of diplomatic dissonance. Oren, message in his first campaign to the U.S. Michael Oren, as charged with maintaining a pos- for the presidency inspiring. described in his revealing new itive public facade regarding the Over time, though, optimism memoir. Covering his more than four-year posting in Wash- “unbreakable and unshakeable” gave way to uneasiness, then dread. ington, the book and its revela- U.S.-Israel alliance, is privately “This book came from a deep tions are sure to raise a stir there seething over the administraplace of love for Israel and for tion’s treatment of his country as well as in Jerusalem, and far — politically and diplomatically America,” he told me. “I hope it beyond, deepening the debate will be read as a cri de coeur (cry over the U.S.-Israel relationship. — as less ally than obstacle. Repeatedly, he describes how from the heart) and a wake-up “By endorsing the Palestincall.” Israel is blamed for the lack ian position on the 1967 lines,” He has a clear message for of progress on the peace front writes Oren, “the White House had overnight altered more than while the Palestinians are given American Jews, particularly in light of the proposed nuclear a pass. 40 years of American policy.” agreement with Iran: “RememAn “outraged” Israeli prime ber that American Jewry once minister’s office, on hearing ‘A deep wound’ had a chance to save six milof the Obama offer from U.N. Author Yossi Klein Halevi, lion Jews,” Oren said somberly. sources, instructed Oren to whom Oren calls his closest “And there are six million today place calls immediately to Con- friend, said in a phone call the (in Israel). So think very hard” gressional leaders. other day, “Michael lays out and understand that “this is “Israel felt abandoned, I was the record of humiliation in an about our survival as a people. to say. And that is no way to understated way. The reader treat an ally,” he writes. follows a series…not of stabs in It’s about our children and grandchildren.” Surely it was with a twinge the back, but of pinpricks that Oren doesn’t say that the of irony that Oren entitled his add up to a deep wound.” president is anti-Israel. Rather, much-anticipated book, reOren, as a former diplomat, “Obama is pro-Israel — but his leased in June, Ally: My Journey seems to be struggling to keep Across the American-Israeli Divide his deepest feelings of hurt and is a certain mythical, pre-1967 Israel that never really existed,” (Random House). anger below the surface in his he said, a time when the state As he notes in the foreword, writing. was “less democratic, less open, “‘ally’ is a simple, beautiful At first “begrudgingly,” and less respectful of minorities.” word” that evokes “warmth,” later whole-heartedly, he kept As for the real Israel of today, fitting for the “special relationa personal journal during his in the eyes of the administration ship,” said to exist between Washington tenure in addiit is a country out of step with Israel and the U.S. But that tion to his diplomatic record of American interests. Oren writes relationship also includes “bitevents. “I began recording my that the president’s foreign ter differences,” he reminds us personal feelings, observations policy priorities included “creatat the outset. And much of the and tensions from one crisis ing a Palestinian state, reconcilnext 375 pages is a carefully to another,” he said during a recalled, detailed and rivet50-minute phone interview from ing with Islam, and preventing nuclear proliferation. ing first-hand account of how Jerusalem, where he is now a PAGE 8
“All three,” he noted, “intersected with Israel’s interests, and in potentially abrasive ways.” He cited Obama’s “credibility problem” in the Mideast, noting America’s lack of success throughout the region, including Iraq, Syria and Yemen. “But on this one vital issue,” the nuclear agreement with Iran, “they’re saying ‘trust us,’” he said. “First they (the administration) told us all options are on the table,” he continued, “and now they’re saying there never was a military option. This deal is not just a bad one, it is singularly dangerous, and it is our duty and right to speak out. And as an IDF war veteran whose son (in the IDF) was wounded, I am deeply offended when we are cast as warmongers.”
daylight on security” and “no daylight on diplomacy.” Thus, “open disagreement on policy” was seen as a means of enhancing the peace process. “It’s a false assumption and can be dangerous,” Oren told me. “It doesn’t work in the Middle East, where appearances are very important and any daylight can be searing.”
Complex transitions
Oren sounded as though he felt liberated by finally speaking out on concerns he largely kept private in his role as ambassador. Now that he sits in the Knesset — not in Netanyahu’s Likud party but as a member of Moshe Kahlon’s center-right Kulanu — he is free to engage in the fractious debates that go on there. He notes that much of his book is about transitions in his life, from his childhood in New Jersey dealing with weight, Bibi-Obama friction learning disabilities and antiOn the much-discussed, Semitic bullying at school, to his much-troubled relationship becoming an Israeli, to leaving between Obama and Netanyahu, Oren observes how much his academic career for the ambassadorial role (which required the two men have in common: him to give up his American “Both men were left-handed, citizenship), then back to being both believed in the power of a private citizen briefly, and oratory and that they were the now a Knesset member. smartest men in the room,” “It’s been very complex for he writes. “Both were loners, adverse to decision making and me, very challenging,” this susceptible to a strong woman’s going back and forth between “public and private lives,” he advice. And both saw themselves in transformative histori- said. “And being an Israeli politician is the most complex yet,” cal roles.” he laughed. Oren writes that “their One of his Knesset goals, similarities, perhaps as much given his unique background, as their differences, heightened the chance for friction” between is to close the gap between the U.S. and Israel and between them. But he adds that he decided not to share those insights American and Israeli Jews when it comes to understanding each with Netanyahu, who comes across in the book as somewhat other. “We are one people living in different universes,” he said. distant from his ambassador. In his seat on the Knesset But Oren defends Netanyahu’s positions, particularly on constitutional committee, he intends to “speak forcefully” Iran, and is generally sympathetic. (He agreed with the con- to convince Israeli leaders that tent of the prime minister’s con- American Jewry should be seen as a strategic ally for Israeli troversial address to Congress in March, but felt it should have security, and that Israel should see itself as “the nation state of been delivered at the AIPAC the Jewish people.” policy conference instead.) Oren hopes young people He writes that the prime will read his book and think of minister got little or no credit Israel as a land of opportunity, from the administration for a place he calls “a miraculous concessions he made or was mess — but it’s our mess.” prepared to give. And he notes Explaining his affection for that Obama’s team had it in both the land of his birth and for the Israeli leader from the the land he now calls home, and outset and did not heed advice the important message he hopes that treating him with respect, the memoir conveys, he remindif not warmth, would be more productive than pressuring him. ed me: “This book was written with love — and fear.” A major Oren criticism of Obama is that while his “commitment to Israel’s security was Gary Rosenblatt is editor and genuine,” the president “clearly publisher of the New York Jewish drew a distinction between “no Week. THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2015
THE WORLD
Obama’s latest wooing of Jews not working, poll suggests The president’s top aides have made By Ron Kampeas, JTA sure to address virtually every major WASHINGTON — A new poll sugJewish conference in recent weeks. Most gests that the White House’s latest recently, Jacob Lew, the Treasury secrecharm offensive among American Jews tary, endured boos at the annual conferis having little effect. ence organized by The Jerusalem Post — a The poll, published June 10 by J gathering notable in the past for attractStreet, a liberal pro-Israel group that ing Obama’s most acerbic critics. generally backs President Barack The theme of Obama’s messaging is Obama’s Middle East policies, shows that he sees Israel as a key strategic ally, Obama stuck at the same mid-50s apand also has an emotional attachment to proval ratings he was registering in the country and the Jewish people. April, when U.S.-Israel tensions were “The example of Israel and its values prominently in the news. was inspiring,” Obama said in the Jim Gerstein, whose GBA Stratespeech at the synagogue. “So when I gies conducted the poll, suggested hear some people say that disagreethat Obama and his supporters face an ments over policy belie a general lack environment among Jews that has been shaped largely by the president’s critics. of support of Israel, I must object, and I object forcefully.” “The balance of criticism against the Over the years, the White House has president on issues related to Israel has pushed back against perceptions far outweighed the statements that Obama is cool on Israel, of support for the president, noting levels of defense assiscertainly among the organitance and cooperation between zations that have the largest the countries are unprecedented reach,” Gerstein told reporters. and casting disagreements over The 56 percent approval ratIsraeli-Palestinian peacemaking among Jews that Obama ing and the Iran nuclear talks as scored in the GBA poll is tactical, not strategic. still about 10 points higher But his critics in the rightthan the national average. wing pro-Israel community have It’s also not the first time he President Obama found traction with a narrative has scored in the 50s among built on real and perceived gaps in the Jews. Obama’s numbers among votingrelationship. age Jewish Americans have fluctuated Some criticisms are grounded in fact, throughout his seven years in office. including the administration’s decision This poll, however, follows a high to keep details of the emerging Iran deal profile and intensive effort by the adfrom Israel, in part because it believed ministration to reassure American Jews that the Israelis were leaking the details that he has the best interests of Israel to media. But others are more fable, and Jews worldwide at heart. such as the claim that in 2010, Obama The White House launched the thanked six nations assisting Haiti foloutreach in April after weeks of public lowing the earthquake there but did not tensions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the emerging mention Israel; the president’s statement in that case was made before Israeli Iran nuclear deal. Netanyahu’s decision relief crews landed in the country. to accept an invitation from the RepubThe narrative of Obama’s ill intent lican leadership to address Congress in March, and remarks by the Israeli leader has appeared to help shape perceptions among Jewish-Americans. during his reelection campaign that apWhile 57 percent of respondents in peared to reject a two-state solution and the J Street poll agreed that Obama “has denigrate Arab-Israeli voters, further repeatedly demonstrated his support irked the White House. for the state and the people of Israel” The poll, conducted between May 31 and he has “led unprecedented military and June 3 among 1,000 Jewish adults, and security cooperation between the showed just a gain of just 2 points — United States and Israel,” a substantial well within the 3.1 percent margin of 43 percent agreed that he “unfairly unerror — over an April 10 Gallup poll dermines Israel’s interests and does not that showed Obama with a 54 percent sufficiently support the Jewish state” approval rating among American Jews. The latest numbers come after Obama and “has gone too far in his criticism of Prime Minister Netanyahu and his gave interviews to two prominent Jewcriticism sends the wrong message to ish journalists — The New York Times’ Thomas Friedman and The Atlantic’s Jef- Israel’s enemies.” Democratic pollster Mark Mellman frey Goldberg — in which he discussed said the numbers were strong and it was his closeness to Israel, and another with unrealistic to expect a change in attia leading Israeli television journalist, tudes so soon, noting the gap between Ilana Dayan. He marked Jewish Amerithe 56 percent approval rating the can Heritage Month with an impaspresident scores among Jews and the sioned speech on May 22 at the Adas 45 percent on average among the wider Israel Congregation, a Conservative American public. synagogue here.
Fri. / Sat. at 7:00 p.m. & Sun. at 3:00 p.m. Individual tickets $6 Victoria Theatre AMERICAN GRAFFITI
JULY 10-12
THE BIRDCAGE
JULY 17-19
JAWS
THE PINK PANTHER
JULY 24-26
JULY 31- AUGUST 2
12 ANGRY MEN AUGUST 7-9
NOTORIOUS
AUGUST 14-16
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
AUGUST 21-23
BACK TO THE FUTURE
AUGUST 28-30
FAMILY FILMS Individual tickets only $3!
Thurs. at 10:00 a.m. family-friendly showings • Victoria Theatre
THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER • JULY 9 HAPPY FEET • JULY 16 E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL • JULY 23 DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX • JULY 30
REEL LATE AT THE VIC Individual tickets $6 Sat. at 10:30 p.m. late-night showings • Victoria Theatre
MOTEL HELL • JULY 18 MAD MAX • AUGUST 15 BLADE RUNNER • AUGUST 29
More information: www.downtowndayton.org
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2015
Passbook of 10 tickets
35
$
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THE WORLD
HUC museum to provide home for B’nai B’rith collection The art and artifacts from the B’nai B’rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum will have a new home at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati. The Klutznick’s sacred and secular fine and decorative arts and social documents will be exhibited in galleries at HUC’s Skirball Museum designated as the B’nai B’rith Klutznick Collection, according to a statement issued May 18 by HUC and B’nai B’rith. In addition, a select group of Klutznick artifacts will be lent to the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington to be displayed in its new building, slated for opening in 2020. The Skirball will collaborate with B’nai B’rith through online exhibitions and links disseminating information about the collection with other organizations, and the sponsoring of special programs and lectures. B’nai B’rith transferred its archives to the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives, also located at HUC. “The acquisition of this historic collection creates unprecedented opportunities for community engagement on local, regional, national and international platforms,” Skirball director Abby Schwartz said in a statement. “Integrating this collection and making it accessible through digital technology will be a priority, as the Skirball positions itself as a center of Jewish art and culture.” — JTA
So, what do you think?
Send your letters (350 words max., thanks) to The Dayton Jewish Observer, 525 Versailles Drive Dayton, OH 45459 • MWeiss@jfgd.net
Hamptons rabbi blames expulsion on mail snafu, not affair
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images
By Uriel Heilman, JTA NEW YORK — If Rabbi Marc Schneier’s account of his expulsion from the Rabbinical Council of America is to be believed, he owes his ouster to failures of the U.S. Postal Service. Schneier, an Orthodox rabbi and leader of The Hampton Synagogue in Westhampton Beach, N.Y, told JTA that he learned of his expulsion from the RCA, the main centrist Orthodox rabbinical association, only when reading a report about it in the Forward newspaper. But the RCA apparently made the decision months ago, following an ethics inquiry about Schneier’s behavior. The investigation was prompted by reports in the New York tabloids that he had an extramarital affair with a woman who later became his fifth wife. Schneier, who says he was separated from his fourth wife at the time, chalks up his behavior to a “serious bipolar disorder” and says he explained the situation to the satisfaction of the RCA’s ethics committee, known as a Vaad Hakavod. He says the threeperson committee even spoke with the doctors at Beth Israel Medical Center that Schneier has been seeing since his bipolar diagnosis. In October, Schneier says, he and the RCA reached an agreement whereby he was to furnish a private letter of apology to the RCA and the inquiry would be concluded. In the letter Schneier says he mailed to the RCA, he said, “I expressed my deep regret for my actions, the shame I brought to my rabbinical family at the RCA.” The steady treatment of his bipolar disorder, Schneier
Independent/Assisted Living
said, has “put me on a whole new path of hope and possibilities.” But the RCA apparently never received that letter, and Schneier says he never received the RCA’s communications telling him the letter was Rabbi Marc Schneier missing. “This is crazy, this is absurd,” Schneier told JTA. “They held a meeting in January of the executive committee where they expelled me — never told me, never informed me. You can’t find Marc Schneier in New York City for five months? You don’t know where I am? You don’t know where my father is? My attorney?” The RCA would not comment on the matter except to offer a terse statement confirming the expulsion. “The Rabbinical Council of America Executive Committee reviewed the facts presented to it regarding the conduct of Rabbi Marc Schneier and voted to expel him from his membership,” said the statement form Rabbi Mark Dratch, the RCA’s executive vice president. “This decision has been communicated to Rabbi Schneier. Rabbi Schneier’s status as rabbi of his synagogue is determined by the synagogue’s leaderContinued on Page 18
Move in Special! For new deposits only
Experience an enriching and vibrant lifestyle in the Oak View or Fountain View Apartments! • One and two bedroom apartments as well as studio apartments available • Three meals daily in our beautiful Garden Dining Room or Deli • Full range of activities and programs including fitness; lectures and discussion groups; adult education; music and theatre • Chesed Corps—a group of volunteers comprised of residents and team members who do regular service projects for the community • Access to the new Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati Aquatic Therapy Center and a premier wellness and fitness program For more details or to arrange a tour, call Debbie Balk, Apartment Coordinator, at 513.754.3100, ext. 509. Cedar Village is a nonprofit retirement community, located in Mason, Ohio.
5467 Cedar Village Drive Mason, OH 45040 Tel: 513.754.3100 www.cedarvillage.org PAGE 10
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2015
1 0 0 D AY S Jewish Federation of GREATER DAYTON
of
Tikkun Olam
Diving into a World of JEWISH READING with PJ Library FAR LEFT: NOAH (5) AND ADINA (3) BAUMGARTEN SHARE EXCITEMENT ABOUT THEIR JOINT COLLECTION OF PJ LIBRARY BOOKS LEFT: MOISHE SIMON (11 MONTHS) ALREADY KNOWS WHAT THIS ENVELOPE MEANS: A NEW BOOK JUST FOR HIM!
Thursday, July 16 › Speaker Series: Dr. David Schuster 7PM @ Wright Memorial Public Library (1776 Far Hills Ave, Oakwood) Medicine and the Holocaust: From Ashes to Action
COMING UP
IF YOU’RE A FAMILY IN THE DAYTON AREA looking to take part in the fantastic program that is PJ Library, don’t miss out! Contact Caryl Segalewitz for more information on how to get your kids involved at csegalewitz@jfgd.net or 401-1558.
Sunday, August 9 › Annual Meeting 2PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Sunday, August 9 › Jewish Community Rock Concert featuring Moshav 3:30-7PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Thursday, August 20 › Speaker Series: Daniel Ravitch 7PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Behind the Iron Dome: A First Hand Account of a Soldier who Served in the Iron Dome Missile Defense System
E
veryone has a favorite childhood book. Whether it was the playful illustrations or the imaginative story, most can pinpoint a book they still hold dear, even into adulthood. But what about your favorite Jewish children’s book? Nationally funded by the
Harold Grinspoon Foundation, and locally supported by Marcia and Ed Kress, PJ Library works with our Jewish Federation to provide Jewish children’s books for free to local families who are raising Jewish children. Their aim? To foster Jewish learning while creating a gate-
way for deeper engagement in Jewish life in children 6 months to 8 years. Launched in 2005, the PJ Library program was inspired by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a literacy program that is also funded by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. PJ Library has been active in the Dayton community since 2006, with over 100 families receiving Jewish books and music every month of the year. Rochel Simon and her 5
children have been enjoying their PJ Library book subscription since the inception of the program. “PJ Library brings beautiful Jewish books into our home, and the kids just love the excitement of getting their own book. I think it’s amazing. Ever since starting with PJ Library, my kids are just obsessed with the mail -- they think they’re getting mail every day!” CONTINUE READING ABOUT THE PJ LIBR ARY ONLINE AT JEWISHDAY TON .ORG/BLOG
Daniel Ravitch: Behind the Iron Dome Speaker shares first hand account of serving in the Iron Dome Missile Defense System
RSVPs are due at least 1 week before event. Events with no price listed are free. PLEASE CONTACT KAREN STEIGER REGARDING ALL EVENTS UNLESS NOTED: 610-1555, ksteiger@jfgd.net
The JCC Speaker Series is teaming up with the Jewish Community Relations Council to bring guest speaker Daniel Ravitch to Dayton to speak about his first hand experience serving in the Israeli Defense Force’s Iron Dome Missile Defense System. Daniel Ravitch was born and raised in Benton Harbor Michigan, a small town in Southwest Michigan. Although his town had a synagogue, weekly religious school and a minyan most weeks, he was the only Jewish student in school. AntiSemitism was not unknown to him, and he found it difficult to feel free and safe being a Jew. Daniel began to teach other non-Jews around him about what Judaism really was, and through experience in Young Judaea, a Zionist youth group and summer camp, grew closer and closer to Israel. He spent 2009 through 2010 living in Israel both studying and volunteering across the country.
At the conclusion of the school year, he decided to pass on his acceptance to University of Michigan, and begin a new life in the Holy Land. After a year of travel and self-discovery, Daniel made Aliyah in November of 2011. He studied Hebrew for a year in the Golan Heights, and then spread roots in Jerusalem, and started the enlisting process. Daniel joined the IDF in 2013 and served for two years in the Iron Dome Anti-Rocket missile defense system. His position as a combat soldier gave him new insight on what it was to be Israeli, to defend the Jewish people, and to fight for what he, with his whole heart, believed was right. Daniel has returned to the United States to work at his old summer camp as a unit head. We hope you will join us to hear Daniel speak about his journey making Aliyah, Israeli lifestyle through an American’s eyes, the IDF, and the Iron Dome.
Don’t miss out on guest speaker Daniel Ravitch on August 20 at 7PM at the Boonshoft CJCE, dessert reception to follow! The JCC’s Speaker Series events are free and open to the community.
JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON AGENCY NEWSLETTER | JULY 2015
Make a Splash Camp Shalom Preschool 2015 is off to a splashing good start! Bernie Kuhl, Samuel Rott, Sebastian Jewish Community Center of GREATER DAYTON
Steiger and Isabella Kabbaz
Tuesday, July 7, 14, 21 › Calligraphy for Beginners 6:30-8PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Calligraphy for Beginners. Instructor - Cathy Gardner. Cost: $50/person (includes materials). Registration with payment due by June 30.
(PHOTO CREDIT: CINDY
Sunday, July 12 › Day at the Dragons 2PM @ Fifth Third Field Dayton Dragons vs. Lansing Lugnuts. $11 per ticket. Sunday, July 12 › Yiddish Club Meeting 1:30PM @ Oakwood Starbucks (2424 Far Hills Ave.) Experiences with Discrimination Contact Judy Woll, 470-0113 Thursday, July 16 › Speaker Series: David Shuster 7PM @ Wright Memorial Public Library (1776 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood) Medicine and the Holocaust: From Ashes to Action Friday, July 17 › Book Club 10:30AM-NOON @ Temple Israel (130 Riverside Dr., Dayton) The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant. Hostess: Connie Blum, 274-4717 Sunday, July 19 › Sunday FUNday 2-4PM @ Orchardly Park (2599 Delaine Ave, 45419) Inviting families for an afternoon of fun, friendship and activities. Bring your family and games to share while meeting other families at a local park.
RSVPs are due at least 1 week before event. Events with no price listed are free. PLEASE CONTACT KAREN STEIGER REGARDING ALL EVENTS UNLESS NOTED: 610-1555, ksteiger@jfgd.net
enjoy water play outside on the first day of camp. TURNER) JOB OPPORTU N ITY Seeking an energetic, organized Youth, Teen and Family Director with camp experience to join our JCC team. Bachelors Degree required. Send cover letter & resume to jhochstein@jfgd.net.
› Mamaloshen
A little bit of Yiddish to share with friends, courtesy of the JCC Yiddish Club, in memory of Lynda A. Cohen.
Teyln: \TEYL-en\ Verb To divide, apportion (with reflexive zikh: to be divided, be divisible).
Campers are ready for a summer of caring and sharing. Campers tend to the Joan & Dr. Charlie Knoll community garden. Still time to join us for cool trips, activities and meeting other kids in the community.
Expression with teyln: › Yoysher iz afile bay ganovim ven zey teyln zikh. Honesty is invoked even among thieves when they divide [the spoils]. › Er teylt zikh mit dem ber nokh eyder er iz gefangen. He counts his chickens before they hatch (lit., He divides up the bear[‘s pelt] even before it’s caught). › Az Got hot geteylt dem seykhl, bistu geshlofn When God apportioned common sense, you were sleeping. (L-R): Yale Glinter, Charlie Blumer, Rebecca Blumer, Jeff Blumer, › Der vos barimt zikh mit zayn yikhes iz glaykh tsu a bulbe - di beste teyl ligt in dr’erd. He who boasts of his ancestry is comparable to a potato - the best part lies underground.
JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON AGENCY NEWSLETTER | JULY 2015
Laila Blumer, Molly Blumer & Marc Gilbert attended the JCC of Greater Dayton’s Drive In program of Big Hero 6 at the Dixie Twin Drive In Facility (6201 N. Dixie Drive, Northridge, OH, 45415) sponsored by Ryan Levin.
JFS: A Time of Transition
It is hard to believe that I have already been in the position of Director, Jewish Family Services for two months. I am fortunate to work in a wonderful, warm organization and community and to have the support of an incredible staff and board, my colleagues, the JFGD, and the Jewish community. I was even lucky enough to spend time with recent retirees to learn from their experiences and expertise! As I began in my new position, I was very aware of the concerns in the community. In the April 2015 issues of The Dayton Jewish Observer, Cathy Gardner, Jewish Federation CEO, reported that the JFS grant from the United Way and Montgomery County would expire June 30, 2015, necessitating a change in the JFS policies for transportation and nutrition services as well as a strategic planning process to better focus and align JFS programs to community needs. Through all the change, our goal remained to ensure that our clients didn’t lose valuable services, that current programming for seniors remained in place, and that new programming be developed to augment what already was in place and to meet unmet needs identified in the community. Even with those goals articulated, we understand that change and transition can be scary. We are pleased to report that no current transportation and nutrition clients will lose services. However, there will be some changes to services
and how they are delivered. Here is what to expect… Nutrition Services, effective June 30, 2015 ››Food Pantry: The Food Pantry at Covenant Manor will be closed. JFS took remaining items to the Food Bank. Clients in need of services can call the United Way Information & Referral line to find the nearest Food Pantry. ››Meals at Covenant Manor: JFS will no longer
provide meals at Covenant Manor. In effect July 6, 2015 Senior Resource Connection will provide lunch at the site 4 days a week (Monday–Thursday). Please note that there will be no lunch service July 1– July 3, 2015. ››Meal Deliveries: All clients who received home meal deliveries from JFS will continue to receive home meal deliveries either through JFS or another provider. A big THANK YOU goes out to Cheryl Benson who has been the coordinator of the JFS lunch program and Food Pantry.
services for that client. If you have questions about case management and ››Current Clients: All transportation effective July current transportation 1, please call 937-610-1555. clients who JFS has transported within the Strategic Plan last year will continue to JFS kicked off the be eligible to use the JFS stakeholder input component transportation service, of the strategic planning provided that the client process at the Jewish resides and is transported Cultural Festival. Attendees within the 15-mile radius. at the festival provided us ››Cost: Effective July 1, with ideas to expand our 2015, the cost of a oneway ride will increase from services. We are now in the process of developing an $3 to $5. This puts the online survey, with a paper cost of JFS transportation option, to collect additional service on par with other comparable transportation input from the community at large and we will also be services. Much like a interviewing stakeholders in Forever Stamp, JFS will the community. By the end continue to honor all ride of August, we will have all tickets already in a client’s of our data collected, and on possession. However, September 1 Lee Sherman, effective July 1, 2015, the cost of 10 rides will increase Executive Director of the Association of Jewish Family to $50. If 40 rides are & Children Agencies, will purchased at once, there will be a fifty cent discount work with the JFS Board to per ride; 40 rides purchased review and prioritize the data and to develop our strategic at one time will cost $180. plan. The plan will be ››New Clients & Case shared in the October 2015 Management: Effective July 1, 2015, transportation issue of The Dayton Jewish Observer. becomes part of the JFS case management model. Thank you in advance That is, new clients can only receive transportation for supporting the strategic planning process. We look services if, following a forward to working with you needs assessment, JFS provides case management to grow JFS. Transition and change can be exciting, too! Transportation Services
After 24 years of Service, Hyla Weiskind Retires from Jewish Family Services There are not words to sufficiently express gratitude to Hyla Weiskind for all that she has done for the Dayton Jewish community. She has touched the hearts and lives of so many people. Even with all she gives, Hyla believes she receives more back from her services than she gives to others. Hyla is truly a special woman and while her official services will be missed, we all know she will be out making visits in the community even after she retires. Hyla will be honored at the JFGD Annual Meeting on August 9. Please join us in wishing Hyla well in this next phase of her life, retirement!
Jewish Family Services Jewish Foundation ofof GREATER DAYTON GREATER DAYTON ACTIVE ADULTS: › Dine Around Monday, July 13 @ 5PM Treasure Island Supper Club (4250 Chief Woods Dr., 45439) Join your friends for a delicious dinner, featuring steaks and seafood. Cost of dinner on your own. Please RSVP by July 10. › Dine Around Monday, August 17 @ 5PM La Fiesta Restaurant (8331 N. Main Street, 45415) Cost of dinner is on your own. Please RSVP by August 14. › Speaker: Daniel Ravitch Friday, August 21 @ 11AM One Lincoln Park Behind the Iron Dome: A First Hand Account of a Soldier who Served in the Iron Dome Missile Defense System
› Need Assistance Finding a Food Pantry Near You? Call the United Way Information & Referral Line Call 225-3000 or Dial 2-1-1 › Are you caring for a loved one who is not in the Greater Dayton area? Visit http://www.ajfca.org/ senior-resource-connect/ to find services provided by Jewish agencies to find supports and services.
PLEASE CONTACT KAREN STEIGER REGARDING ALL ACTIVE ADULT EVENTS : 610-1555 JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON AGENCY NEWSLETTER | JULY 2015
Jewish Foundation of GREATER DAYTON
Do you want to know more about the Jewish Foundation of Greater Dayton? Are you interested in establishing a philanthropic fund or endowment
ABOVE: CAMPERS HAVING FUN WHILE THEY WORK THROUGH A TEAM BUILDING CHALLENGE. RIGHT: CHAYA SIMON (LEFT) AND HANNAH DRITZ (RIGHT) ENJOY THE OUTDOORS AT CAMP SHALOM.
fund? Please call us at 610-1555 for more information. The recipient of the 20152016 Heuman Scholarship has been chosen. Check back in August for details!
Did You Know? Camp Shalom is in full swing, and the campers are having a blast! This year’s session began June 8th, and runs through July 24th. Children in grades 1 – 7 have been enjoying an array of activities, including swimming, arts & crafts, sports & games, and field trips. In addition to all of the fun, campers give back by participating in weekly community service projects. Camp Shalom is made possible in part through the generous support of the following endowment funds: Helen & Charles Abramovitz Jewish Camp Fund, Lillian Baum Fund, Gordon Matthews Scholarship Fund, Lawrence Schear Fund, and Philip & Thelma Sokol Fund. If you are interested in supporting this meaningful program by establishing an endowment fund, please contact us at 937-610-1555.
Legacies, Tributes, & Memorials
IN MEMORY OF TALA ARNOVITZ FUND › Rebecca Linville IN HONOR OF Rita Solko › Connie Blum receiving the Beth Barbara and Ira Kushnir Abraham Women of Valor Award UNITED JEWISH CAMPAIGN › Shelley Goldenberg receiving the Larry Glickler and Charles Quinn IN HONOR OF Marcia and Dick Moyer Beth Abraham Women of Valor › Engagement of Teddy Connie and Stanley Blum Award Goldenberg Dr. Barbara and Joe Hollander › Sandy Zipperstein receiving the Susan and Jonas Gruenberg › Joel Wechsler Beth Abraham Women of Valor IN MEMORY OF Joan and Peter Wells Award › Beloved parents Minnie and Beverly Saeks George Rudin FAMILY SERVICES PJ LIBRARY Natalie and Franklin Cohn IN HONOR OF › John Coit, brother of Mary Rita FAMILY SERVICES › Thank you to Marcia Kress Weissman IN HONOR OF Natalie Carne Judy and Dr. Howard Abromowitz › Complete recovery to Dr. CAROL J. PAVLOFSKY Raymond Weiskind JCC LEADERSHIP FUND Dr. Judy Woll IN MEMORY OF › Sandy Zipperstein receiving the › Rebecca Linville Beth Abraham Women of Valor EARLY CHILDHOOD Marlene and David Miller Award IN MEMORY OF Susan and Jonas Gruenberg LINDA RUCHMAN › Rebecca Linville › Speedy recovery to Dr. Raymond MEMORIAL FUND Pat Jones Weiskind IN MEMORY OF JOAN AND PETER WELL’S › Speedy recovery to Gert Kahn › Leonard Kaplan FAMILY, CHILDREN, AND Jane and Dr. Gary Hochstein › Rebecca Linville YOUTH FUND IN MEMORY OF Judy and Marshall Ruchman IN HONOR OF › Rebecca Linville › Graduation of Lauren Sweeny › Gerald Jacoby Joan and Peter Wells Claire and Oscar Soifer FEDERATION
JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON AGENCY NEWSLETTER | JULY 2015
ACTIVE ADULTS IN MEMORY OF › In Yahrzeit memory of Gene Linsker Sylvia Linsker JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES IN MEMORY OF › Rebecca Linville Esther and DeNeal Feldman FOUNDATION
JEREMY BETTMAN B’NAI TZEDEK FUND IN MEMORY OF › Gerald Jacoby › John Coit, brother of Mary Rita Weissman Jean and Todd Bettman
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Classes
Temple Israel Classes: Wed., July 1, 8, 15, 10 a.m.: Lattes & Legends, Dorothy Lane Mkt., 6177 Far Hills Ave. Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.: Torah study. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 496-0050. JCC Calligraphy for Beginners: Tues., July 7, 14, 21, 6:30-8 p.m. With Cathy Gardner. Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville. $50. R.S.V.P. to Karen Steiger, 610-1555.
Discussions
JCC Speaker Series: Dr. David Shuster, Medicine and the Holocaust. Thurs., July 16, 7 p.m. Wright Memorial Public Library, 1776 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. Free. 610-1555. JCC Book Club: The Boston Girl by Anita Diament. Fri., July 17, 10:30 a.m. Temple Israel, 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. Free. R.S.V.P. to Connie Blum, 274-4717.
Children
JCC Camp Shalom: Through July 24: Upper Camp, entering grades 1-7. Contact Yale Glinter, 401-1550. Through July 31: Preschool Camp, 18 months-K. Contact Audrey MacKenzie, 853-0373.
Chabad Camp Gan Izzy: July 27-Aug. 14. Ages 5-11. 2001 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. Register at cgidayton.com. 643-0770.
Temple Israel Shabbat in the Park: Sat., July 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oak Creek South Park, Centerville. 4960050.
Families
JCC Day at The Dragons: Sun., July 12, 2 p.m. Fifth Third Field. $11. R.S.V.P. to 610-1555.
JCC Sunday FUNday: Sun., July 19, 2-4 p.m. Orchardly Park, 2599 Delaine Ave., Oakwood. 610-1555.
Seniors
JCC Yiddish Club: Sun., July 12, 1:30 p.m. Starbucks, 2424 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. Topic: Experiences with Discrimination. R.S.V.P. to Dr. Judy Woll, 470-0113.
Fairborn. To R.S.V.P. and receive parking pass, call Molly Blumer, 4798880 by July 15. Beth Jacob Congregation Rabbi In Residence Weekend: w. Rabbi Adam Rosenthal. Fri., July 24, 6:30 p.m.: Shabbat services followed by catered dinner. $18. Sat., July 25, 9:30 a.m.: Shabbat services, followed by kiddush lunch, class. 7020 N. Main St., Dayton. For Friday night dinner, R.S.V.P. to 2742149.
Jewish Genealogical Society of Dayton Tour of Wright State Special Collections & Archives: Tues., July 21, 1 p.m. 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy.,
JFS Active Adults Dine Around: Mon., July 13, 5 p.m. Treasure Island Supper Club, 4250 Chief Woods Dr., Moraine. R.S.V.P. to 610-1555 by July 10.
Community Events
Temple Israel Welcome Shabbat for Interim Senior Rabbi Ilene Bogosian: Fri., July 10, 6 p.m. with Oneg to follow. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 496-0050. Beth Abraham Synagogue Shabbat Under The Stars: Fri., July 10, 7:30 p.m. At the home of Ellen & Michael Leffak. R.S.V.P. to synagogue office, 293-9520, by July 7.
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(937)701-0603 • BethanyLutheranVillage.org THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2015
PAGE 15
LIFECYCLES
KVELLING CORNER Dr. Miriamne Krummel, associate professor of English at the University of Dayton, received the 2015 College of Arts and Science Award for Outstanding Scholarship. The Frankel Institute for Judaic Studies at the University of Michigan has granted Miriamne a research fellowship for the 2015-16 academic year to work on her second book.
Hasten- Goldwasser Wendy Lipp of Vandalia and Joseph Goldwasser and Carolyn Braverman of Overland Park, Kan. are delighted to announce the engagement of their son, Jared Alex Goldwasser, to Amanda Eve Hasten, daughter of Dora Hasten of Indianapolis and Edward Hasten of Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Jared received his bachelor’s degree in communications from The Ohio State University. He is an account supervisor at the YARD advertising agency. Amanda received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Washington University in St. Louis. She is a brand and innovation strategist at the innovation agency, Redscout. Sharing in their happiness are their dear grandparents. Paternal grandparents are Marilyn Lipp and the late Stewart I. Lipp of Troy, and Ann Goldwasser and the late Harold Goldwasser of Camarillo, Calif. Maternal grandparents are Anna Ruth and Mark Hasten, and Sarah Katz and the late Morris Katz, all of Indianapolis. A Nov. 1 wedding is planned in Indianapolis. The couple will make their home in Brooklyn, New York.
Hatoff-Meadow Edward and Ruth Meadow proudly announce the engagement of their son Andrew to Elissa Jill Hatoff, daughter of Carolyn and Howard Hatoff of Boca Raton, formerly of Philadelphia. Elissa graduated from Emory University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and received her MBA from Drexel University and a master’s degree from the New York School of Interior Design. She is the senior project manager for Evenson Best in New York. Andrew graduated from Franklin & Marshall College, received his MBA from Case Western Reserve University, and a master’s degree in healthcare economics from the Rotterdam School of Management. Andrew is the chief strategy officer of Conceivex Inc., a late-stage medical device company. The couple reside in Birmingham, Mich. The wedding will take place Aug. 1 at the Union League club in Philadelphia.
Rachel Haug Gilbert Bob Thum’s newly released album, A Composer’s Musical Journey – The Words and Music of Bob Thum, has sold out, and all of the proceeds went to benefit The Cure Starts Now Foundation. Bob has been writing songs, music and lyrics on and off since high school. He first recorded one of his songs in 1957, but this was his first full-length CD. He chose the charity The Cure Starts Now, because his daughter, Melissa Saladonis, is on the
board, and his granddaughter, Annah, now entering high school, lost a friend in kindergarten to childhood cancer. Bob is also encouraging other communities and synagogues across the country to incorporate his song, They Were Children, as part of their Holocaust observance programs. Temple Israel Music and Program Director Courtney Cummings performed it at the Dayton Community Yom Hashoah Observance at Beth Abraham Synagogue on April 12. Franklin T. Cohn won a bronze medal in tennis singles at the 2015 Senior Olympics in Cincinnati. Recent Butler High School graduate Phillip Fishbein, son of Irene and Dr. Gary Fishbein, is the newest Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop 204. For his project, Phil and his crew painted the exterior of the building at Butler High School Stadium. Rebecca Gruenberg garnered an honorable mention in the Sara Dowlar/Ahava Studio Photography
Temple Beth Or Confirmands (L to R): Rabbi David Burstein, Emma Burstein, Adam Guadalupe, Danielle De La Cruz, Bryce Lindsay, Alex Frank, Rabbi Judy Chessin
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Artwork of Hillel Academy students Lily Fullenhull, Samantha Jacobs, and Yetta Krummel-Adkins will be on display at the Dayton Art Institute July 24 through Oktoberfest. The works are from the 2015 Max May Memorial Holocaust Art Contest. Their art teacher is Thea Klass. Lily’s parents are Batsheva and Shlomo Fullenhull, Samantha’s parents are Drs. Cassie and Brad Jacobs, and Yetta’s parents are Drs. Miriamne Krummel and Matt Adkins. Grant Halasz, son of Teri and Dr. Mike Halasz, was named regional song leader for NFTY — North American Federation of Temple Youth — Ohio Valley Region. Claire Gaglione graduated cum laude from Kenyon College with a bachelor’s degree in English. She’ll teach with City Year Americorps Columbus, which uses nearpeer mentors in underserved schools to prevent student drop out. Her parents are Dr. Elaine Gaglione and John Gaglione.
Send lifecycles to: The Dayton Jewish Observer 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville, OH 45459 • Email: MWeiss@jfgd.net There is a $10 charge to run a photo; please make checks payable to The Dayton Jewish Observer.
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2015 New York Times national editorial contest. Her sister, Madeline Gruenberg, and her Destination Imagination Team from Magsig Middle School in Centerville, competed in NASA’s STEM global championships and came in first in the category of science. Rebecca and Madeline’s parents are Mark and Angela Gruenberg.
Temple Israel Confirmands (L to R): Music & Program Director Courtney Cummings, Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz, Abigail Dickstein, Sara Pierce, Skyler Miller, Jack Nicholaisen, Molly Buchanan, Meredith Mollenhauer, Gabrielle Frost, Rabbi David Sofian
Korinne Bressler graduated from George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She studied abroad in Australia, was an intern at Events DC, and was hired to work there during the school year. Korinne was active in her sorority and was responsible for the creation, development and marketing of several charitable events including fund-raisers for women’s heart health. She’ll work in marketing for a healthcare consulting firm in Washington, D.C. Korinne is the daughter of Karen and Kevin Bressler.
Send your Kvelling items to kvellingcorner@gmail.com or to Rachel Haug Gilbert, The Dayton Jewish Observer, 525 Versailles Drive, Centerville, OH 45459.
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2015
RELIGION
CONGREGATIONS
Responsible for one another
envelopes like this!” She shared with us the many ways in which the community has benefited from generous By Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz resurgence of the Jewish comdonations. When we met with American tourists, in particular, Temple Israel their leaders — all of whom munity didn’t come easily. The Steven Tisch, co-owner of the The Talmud states, kol Yisrael “Jubans” have worked hard to happen to be women — it New York Giants. During his aravim zeh b’zeh, all Israel is was evident that though the rebuild their community and visit to El Patronato, Ms. Dworesponsible for one another Jewish community in Cuba reestablish houses of worship, rin was able to (Shevuot 39a). To me, this may be small, religious schools, Jewish cemconvince Tisch teaches that Judaism is rooted it is proud. eteries, and programming for to help fund in relationships; a Jew cannot Each commuthe young and old. Cuba’s first oflive in a vacuum. We are connity offered us a Daily life in Cuba is hard; ficial delegation nected one to the other — in unique perspecthe people are poor and earn in more than 50 our faith, our history, and our tive of Jewish very low wages. Cubans cannot years to parfuture. For better or worse, we life. comprehend the luxuries we ticipate in the are obligated to pay attention to Americans consider necesWhen we met 2013 Maccabiah what is happening around us. with Dr. Mayra sities. As I watched a Cuban games in Israel. We celebrate each other’s sucLevy, president child jump with joy when I We spent cesses, carry communal guilt of the Sephanded him a coloring page Shabbat at Ms. when one of us sins, and lift up and marker, I reflected on my hardic Center in Dworin’s conthose who are fallen. Havana — and Temple Israel Rabbi/Educator own child, leaving caps off of Karen Bodney-Halasz (L) with gregation, and a professor of his art supplies without a secDr. Mayra Levy, president of the her members pharmacology Sephardic Center in Havana ond thought. It was a healthy were proud to at Havana’s reminder to appreciate all that share their Shabbat traditions This is why I organized a University of Medical Sciences we have and to acknowledge with us and to offer tours of humanitarian mission to Cuba. — we learned about the senior that we often have more than their library and pharmacy. Most people are unaware that center run at the Sephardic we actually need. The synagogue was filled with there even is a Jewish commuCenter. The aging community Fortunately, the Cuban comguests from abroad, and nity in Cuba, and even fewer spends much of its day workmunity receives support from services were led by several are aware of its struggles. We ing on crafts and eating its generous Jews abroad. For the youths who personalized the tend to have blinders around past 20 years, communites have meals there. For some, it is the us that shield us from seeing all lent humanitarian support only way to eat three full meals service, assigning families different verses of Lecha Dodi. I the need in our world, especial- through missions like ours. The a day. was honored to lead Kiddush ly in other countries. That is, After listening to all these American Jewish Joint Distribufor the community before we unless we forge personal concommunity members do for tion Committee also provides shared dinner together, which nections. And that was exactly each other, I asked Dr. Levy funding for a rabbi to visit for many, offered the only what we set out to do when we Cuba a few times what she would I was chicken they would eat that travelled to Cuba: not only to want me to tell peoduring the year. week. forge connections with Cubans, ple back home. She In addition to unprepared In Cienfuegos, we met in but among ourselves as well. responded simply: providing monetary for how Rebecca Langus’ apartment, Our group of 20 was made up “to remind them tzedakah donations where she regularly holds of Temple Israelites of all genpowerful this that we are here.” to each congregaservices. She introerations, including members We also met with tion we visited, experience of Adela Dworin, pres- Shabbat duced us to her son David, an confirmed at Temple Israel who our group also later moved across the United ident of Beth Shalom artist, who was one of those brought hundreds Cuba would to participate in the MaccaStates and abroad. of pounds of gifts be for myself (El Patronato), biah delegation. She proudly The Cuban Jewish commuHavana’s Conservaincluding muchshowed us her selection of nity was formally founded in tive congregation needed items such and others. Jewish books in Spanish and 1901 and by the 1920s it was and community as medications, explained that what the chilhome to nearly 25,000 Jews. It center. Ms. Dworin was clearly medical supplies, school supdren in her community learned dwindled to less than 700 by a seasoned fund-raiser, likely plies, personal hygiene items, about Judaism was a result of 1985, as a direct result of the out of necessity. art supplies, clothing, eyeglass Cuban Revolution. When we presented her with this small library. frames, sheets, towels, preMs. Langus described the Today, the Jewish commuour tzedakah envelope, she and post-natal care items, and older generations who had nity boasts nearly 1,500 people, Judaica. jokingly responded, “Thank worked hard over the years to though we were told this you very much. You should The congregations showed keep Jewish life in Cuba alive, number is highly inflated. The come more often and bring me great appreciation for these and then also shared with some sadness that many young Fast of the 17th of Tammuz July 5 people in Cuba are making aliyah (immigrating to Israel). Commemorating numerous calamities that fell on the Jewish people on this day, this fast With programs like Taglitis observed from dawn until dusk. Among the Birthright and March of the calamities were the breech of the walls of Torah Living, youths have travelled Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E. and Portions to Israel and fallen in love with Shabbat by the Romans in 70 C.E. Marks the beginning her. And a life in Israel provides of the Three Weeks, a period of mourning for the Candle July 4/17 Tammuz financial and religious opportudestruction of the First and Second Temples in Lightings Balak (Num. 22:2-25:9) nities that don’t exist in Cuba, Jerusalem, culminating on the Ninth of Av. at least not at this time. Nearly July 3, 8:50 p.m. July 11/24 Tammuz Tisha B’Av, Ninth Day of Av July 26 700 Cuban Jews have made Pinchas (Num. 25:10-30:1) The day of fasting to commemorate the July 10, 8:48 p.m. aliyah over the last decade. destruction of the First and Second Temples, the Undoubtedly, we were July 18/2 Av loss of Jewish sovereignty, and numerous other July 17, 8:45 p.m. in Cuba at an exciting time. tragedies said to have fallen on this day. The Matot-Masei (Num. 30:2-36:13) Following the December Book of Eicha (Lamentations) is read. July 24, 8:39 p.m. announcement of thawing July 25/9 Av This year, these fast days fall on Shabbat relations with the United Devarim (Deut. 1:1-3:22) July 31, 8:33 p.m. and are postponed until the following day. Continued on Page 22
Perspectives
July
Tammuz/Av
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2015
Beth Abraham Synagogue Conservative Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg Cantor/Dir. of Ed. & Programming Andrea Raizen Monday through Friday 6:50 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Fri., 5:30 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. Sundays at 8:30 a.m. 305 Sugar Camp Circle, Oakwood. 293-9520. BethAbrahamDayton.org Beth Jacob Congregation Traditional Saturdays 9:30 a.m., Sundays 8 a.m., Sunday through Friday, 7 p.m. 7020 N. Main St., Dayton. 274-2149. BethJacobCong.org Temple Anshe Emeth Reform 320 Caldwell St., Piqua. Call Eileen Litchfield, 937-5470092, elitchfield@woh.rr.com. Correspondence address: 3808 Beanblossom Rd., Greenville, OH 45331. ansheemeth.org Temple Beth Or Reform Rabbi Judy Chessin Asst. Rabbi/Educator David Burstein Fridays, 6 p.m. summer lay-led Preneg and Kabalat Shabbat Service. 5275 Marshall Rd., Wash. Twp. 435-3400. templebethor.com Temple Beth Sholom Reform Rabbi Haviva Horvitz See Web site for schedule. 610 Gladys Dr., Middletown. 513-422-8313. thetemplebethsholom.com Temple Israel Reform Interim Rabbi Ilene Bogosian Rabbi/Educator Karen Bodney-Halasz 1st & 2nd Fri., 6 p.m. Other Fri., 7:30 p.m. Tot Shabbat 4th Fri., 6 p.m. Sat., 10:30 a.m. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 496-0050. tidayton.org Temple Sholom Reform Fridays 6 p.m. 2424 N. Limestone St., Springfield. 399-1231. templesholomoh.com
ADDITIONAL SERVICES Chabad of Greater Dayton Rabbi Nochum Mangel Associate Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin Youth & Prog. Dir. Rabbi Levi Simon, Teen & Young Adult Prog. Dir. Rabbi Hershel Spalter. Beginner educational service Saturdays 9 a.m. adults, 10 a.m children. Sundays 9 a.m. Tuesdays & Wednesdays. 6:45 a.m. 2001 Far Hills Ave. 643-0770. www.chabaddayton.com Yellow Springs Havurah Independent Services 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 10-noon. Antioch College Rockford Chapel. Contact Cheryl Levine, 937-767-9293.
PAGE 17
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Fred I. Badiner, age 82 of Englewood, passed away May 27 at Carriage Inn of Dayton. Mr. Badiner was the retired recreation director for the city of Dayton, a member of Beth Jacob Synagogue, the F&AM and Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Rosalind; two sons; brother-in-law, Stuart Shapiro of Dayton; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marilyn Shapiro and Ross Lowell of New York; cousin, Alvin Kallas of Englewood; childhood friends, Jody and Herschel Kahn; and many other relatives and friends. Interment was at Beth Jacob Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson Foundation Southwest Region in Mr. Badiner’s memory.
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Selma Sheft Garber, 92, passed away on May 16. Formerly of Dayton, she moved to Eugene, Ore. in 2000 to be near her children. Her husband, Joseph R. Garber, died in 1984. Her children are Martin, Jonathan (Dianne), Linda Garber (Richie Weinman), Sheldon (deceased) and Nancy (Robin Tupper); grandchildren: Anna Weinman Gonzales (Justin), David Weinman (Kelley), Joseph Weinman (Kelly), David and Joshua Garber and greatgrandson Jackson Gonzales. Born in Cincinnati, Mrs. Garber was a registered nurse. An Army nurse in England during World War II, she was proud of caring for D-Day casualties. In Dayton, she was
a hospital RN in intensive, coronary and psychiatric care units. She loved bridge, classical music, Broadway musicals and gardening. An extraordinary cook and host, she loved gathering family and friends, especially for Jewish holidays. One of her greatest joys was being a bubbie to her grandchildren, followed by traveling the world: Europe, Russia, China, Japan, Israel, Scandinavia and cruises. Mrs. Garber will be remembered as kind, loving and generous. She was considered a second mother to her children’s friends. When someone was struggling, she was there to help. Interment was in Eugene, Ore.
Expulsion
“The underlying problem is that his behavior was unacceptable for a rabbi,” Goldin told JTA. “In the estimation of the executive committee, this behavior” — the extramarital affair — “negatively affected the nature and the name of the rabbinate.” Schneier is one of New York’s higher-profile rabbis, not only for the exploits that have landed him in the gossip pages of the tabloids but also for running star-studded programs for his wealthy synagogue community in the Hamptons on Long Island. He also presides over the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, an organization devoted to bridge-building between Jews and other ethnic groups such as African-Americans and Muslims. Music producer and hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons chairs the foundation, which is known for attracting A-listers to its fundraising events. Schneier’s father, Rabbi Arthur Schneier, is also a prominent figure known for rubbing elbows with the rich and famous.
Continued from Page 10 ship and any questions about his status should be directed to them. The RCA will have no further comment about this matter.” But Rabbi Shmuel Goldin, a past president of the RCA and chairman of the ethics committee that met with Schneier, said that even if the RCA had received Schneier’s letter, the rabbi likely would have been expelled anyway given his behavior. The ethics committee’s decision in October to endorse Schneier’s continued membership in the RCA in light of the medical explanations for his behavior constituted only a recommendation to the RCA’s 47-member executive committee; that body retained final say over Schneier’s status in the association. After the Forward story appeared on June 5, the RCA executive committee held a conference call in which the decision to expel Schneier was upheld, Goldin said.
New & Renewing Voluntary Subscribers • May 5-29 Renewing Angels Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Bettman New Angels Erika & Felix Garfunkel Double Chai Sonia & Ivan Goldfarb Alan & Marilyn Moscowitz Stephen Renas Marilyn Scher Arlene & David M. Stine Minnette Weiss Subscribers Enrique & Ruth Ellenbogen Alan Goldstein PAGE 18
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Hazzan Jenna Greenberg Debby & Bob Goldenberg Kim & Shelley Goldenberg Judi & George Grampp Art & Joan Greenfield Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Harlan Robert & Vicky Heuman Sylvia & Ralph Heyman Maxine & Jeffrey Hoffman Steve and Rachel Jacobs Dr. & Mrs. David Joffe Susan & Stanley Katz Sarah Moore Leventhal Gabriele & Todd Leventhal Beverly Louis Dr. David & Joan Marcus Suzi & Jeff Mikutis
Thank you for your generosity. Irvin & Gayle Moscowitz Ron & Sue Nelson Myrna Nelson John & Sharyn Reger Russ Remick Felice & Michael Shane Mr. & Mrs. Henry Stern Dr. Marc & Maureen Sternberg Col. Jeffrey Thau, USAF, (Ret) & Rina Thau Joel & Jennifer Tobiansky Julie & Adam Waldman & Family Judith & Fred Weber Caryl & Donald Weckstein Michael & Karen Weprin Dr. Judith Woll & Ron Bernard
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2015
JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION
Human nature Jew in the Christian world series “This is an island. At least I think it’s an island…Perhaps there aren’t any grownups anywhere.” “Nobody knows where we are,” said Piggy. …Ralph pushed back the tangle of fair hair that hung on his forehead. “So we may be here a long time.” Thus begins William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies. Unrestrained by rules, adults,
Candace R. Kwiatek or society, two dozen boys marooned on an uninhabited island struggle between civilization and savagery. Barbarity threatens to triumph. Golding’s fictional exploration of human nature sparks questions about the fundamental issue of what it means to be human. In both Jewish and Christian Scriptures, Christianity finds confirmation that humans are created in the image of God. Echoing “And God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:27),” the Christian New Testament teaches, “A man … is the image and glory of God (1 Corinthians 11:7).” According to most Christian views, humans have a spiritual nature that includes free will, the capability of moral awareness and rational thought, and the ability to reflect God’s attributes such as compassion, truthfulness, and patience. Divinely created and pronounced “very good” (Genesis 1:31), human nature was perfect in the beginning. But Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the fruit of a forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden, bringing death and sin as a permanent corrupting influence into the world. Most Christian traditions teach that the human soul was permanently damaged, resulting in a predisposition to sinful behavior — humankind’s “fallen nature.” Many Christians also subscribe to the doctrine of “original sin,” the idea that all humans after Adam and Eve are born with the stain of sin. Although humans must struggle against their evil nature to obey God and do good, in
Christianity, the individual can only avoid eternal damnation through acceptance of Jesus as Christ (messiah) and savior, whose sacrificial death liberates the believer from sin and guilt. In Jewish tradition as well, the early biblical narrative describes the nature of humans. God finishes creating all the living creatures and says, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness (Gen. 1:26).” Commentator Dennis Prager concludes that humans are like both animals and God, with qualities that are both material (physicality and life) and spiritual (consciousness and holiness). The Bible emphasizes humans’ Divine nature by repeating, “And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him (Gen. 1:27).” Medieval Jewish commentators Rashi and Rambam elabo-
pulse (yetzer tov) and an evil or rate, explaining that humans selfish impulse (yetzer ra). The have the ability to understand, yetzer tov’s moral conscience analyze, reason, and predict by is the balance to the yetzer ra’s using the intellect rather than amoral desire to satisfy perphysical senses. sonal needs, regardless of the Jewish ethics and prayers consequences. further interpret “in the image The rabbis of the Talmud of God” to mean the ability to question why God exclaimed imitate God’s qualities such as that creation justice, mercy, was very good and lovingkind- Judaism does not ness, and the free hold the view that when it included the yetzer ra will to choose to (Genesis Rabhumans have a do so. 9:7). Rabbi While God sinful nature that’s bah Nahman replied laments humanpermanently fallen that, “were it kind’s appetite not for the evil for wrongdoing or stained by inclination, men —“The tendency would not build of man’s heart is original sin. homes, take toward evil from wives, have children, or engage his youth (Gen. 8:21)” — Judaism does not hold the view that in business.” Contemporary scholar and humans have a sinful nature author Rabbi Joseph Telushkin that’s permanently fallen or explains that the selfish motives stained by original sin. At the same time, the “very good” nature instilled at Creation does not mean that humans are born good, as Enlightenment thinkers proposed. Judaism teaches that human beings are born neutral, with both a good or altruistic im-
of the yetzer ra such as pride, lust, immortality, and wealth can create great things. “From Judaism’s perspective…greatness of character is not measured by our not having an evil inclination, but by our success in controlling it.” As for Adam and Eve in the Garden, their story is not central to the Jewish understanding of human nature. Rather, it is the story of Cain, where the word sin first appears in the Bible. “Why are you distressed, and why is your face fallen?” God asks the jealous Cain. “Surely, if you do right, there is uplift. But if you do not do right, sin crouches at the door; its urge is toward you, yet you can rule over it (Gen. 4:6-7).” It highlights the Jewish view that human nature is not sinful; only human behavior can be.
Literature to share Take Your Soul to Work by Erica Brown: Targeted to anyone in a leadership position, professional or volunteer, this collection of meditations coupled with thought provoking personal challenges should be your most-used leadership tool. It will be available in December, but you can pre-order now. The Mitten String by Jennifer Rosner: Based on the author’s own family story, this heart-warming original folk tale is allaround charming, including its antiqued watercolor illustrations. Without being preachy, it teaches about generosity, kindness, curiosity, and creativity. It’s a lovely read-aloud for preschoolers and perfect for the young reader as well.
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2015
PAGE 19
FOOD THE JEWISH INTERNET
Debunking internet rumors Part Two: Jewish (mis)information quiz Last month, we looked at how to spot rumors and hoaxes that are circulated (and re-cir-
Mark Mietkiewicz culated) on the Internet. Now it’s time to take a little quiz. See if you can determine fact from fiction. DJO715
Rumors
1. Around the time of the 2008 presidential campaign, a billboard outside a Beth Sholom Synagogue read “Happy New Year! Please vote for the (Yiddish term for a Black person).” 2. YouTube has been removing videos posted by the Israel Defense Forces. 3. An Egyptian cleric once called for a boycott of Starbucks because he said its logo portrays Queen Esther. 4. Tom Green’s MTV show was canceled after he taped a sketch in which he appeared at a Bar Mitzvah dressed as Adolf Hitler.
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5. Sex expert Dr. Ruth Westheimer served as a sniper in Israel. 6. Steven Spielberg wrote to Mel Gibson taking him to task for his antisemitic remarks. “I am one Jew who doesn’t accept your apology.” 7. Continuing on the Gibson beat…Mel’s daughter MaryCatherine Regina Gibson converted to Judaism to marry Ezekiel Sharon, a devout Jewish record producer. 8. Students in Tennessee collected six million paper clips for a memorial to Jewish victims of the Nazi Holocaust. 9. Actress Natalie Portman made a $50 million donation to a hospital in Israel. 10. As a teenager, former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell learned Yiddish while working at a Jewish-owned store in New York.
Truth
1. False. The “photo” was created by a website that allows people to insert what looks like authentic looking text into images (bit.ly/jru-
mor18). 2. False. The IDF spokesperson continues to maintain a page at the video site (bit.ly/ jrumor11). 3. True. Most see the logo as a mermaid but not Egyptian cleric Safwat Higazi, who called for a boycott of the chain (bit.ly/jrumor12) 4. False. As the debunking website Snopes.com puts it, “The rumor isn’t true, but people were apparently willing to believe it because it fit their image of Tom Green (bit.ly/ jrumor13).” 5. True. In 1944, Westheimer, then Karola Ruth Siegel, 16, joined the Hagana as a lookout and sniper. “I could hit the target smack in the center further away than anyone could believe...Even today I can load a Sten automatic rifle in a single minute, blindfolded (bit. ly/jrumor14).” 6. False. The letter is a fabrication and a forgery (bit.ly/ jrumor15). 7. False. Don’t believe what looks like news especially if it’s from humor sites like The Onion or in this case, The Daily Currant (bit.ly/jrumor16). 8. True. The award-winning
documentary Paper Clips tells the story of the students and their memorial to victims of the Holocaust (bit.ly/jrumor17). 9. False. Portman once appeared at a ceremony where Jerusalem’s Hadassah hospital announced it had raised $50 million. Inaccurate and persistent rumors have tied Portman to the donation (bit.ly/ jrumor19). 10. True. Powell’s family moved to a largely Jewish neighborhood in the Bronx, where he picked up some Yiddish while working at Sickser’s baby equipment store. Powell once admitted, “Well, yes, I do understand a bissel (bit.ly/ jrumor20).”
So, how did you do?
0-3 Correct: You understand a bissel about hoaxes. 4-6 Correct: Rumor has it you’re learning. 7-8 Correct: You’re an urban legend. 9-10 Correct: E-mail maven! Mark Mietkiewicz writes about resources for Jewish life to be found on the Internet. Contact him at highway@rogers.com.
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2015
1 1
T WO S P E C I A L E V E N T S
ONE
SUNDAY
AUGUST
DAY
BOONSHOFT CJCE | 525 VERSAILLES DR.
2015 JOINT ANNUAL MEETING
JEWISH COMMUNITY ROCK CONCERT
for the JEWISH FEDERATION & ITS AGENCIES
Please join us for the election and installation of 2015-16 Board of Directors and Officers, while we also honor recent retirees, Hyla Weiskind and Pat Jones. With their combined 59 years of service, Hyla and Pat have left a remarkable impact on the Dayton Jewish community. Please visit our website: jewishdayton.org to see a listing of board nominations for the Jewish Federation and its agencies. Please call 610-1555 if you need a hard copy of these documents or to make reservations.
1 0 0 D AY S
of
Tikkun Olam
9
V A H MOS featuring
››Internationally acclaimed American/Israeli rock group ››Adults and families are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets ››Special teen VIP section ››Food available for purchase: Bernstein’s Fine Catering, Graeter’s Ice Cream, and the Bella Sorella Pizza Company Food Truck ››Local entertainment begins at 3:30pm ››No coolers, no backpacks. Lawn chairs / blankets encouraged
ANNUAL MEETING 2PM | ENTERTAINMENT & FOOD VENDORS 3:30PM | MOSHAV 5PM THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2015
PAGE 21
LESHON IMA — MOTHER TONGUE
B’riut, health
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See you next year on June 5 130 Riverside Drive • Dayton, OH 45405 • www.tidayton.org PAGE 22
to bless one with chayim, meaning life (Pirke de R. Elazar 52). In the days in which Aramaic influenced the Hebrew language, the word Even though summer is here and assuta, meaning health, was the expresthe flu season is hopefully behind us, sion of politeness after a sneeze. sneezing and coughing are probably Today, Assuta is the name of a here to stay. hospital in Tel Aviv. The modern way In many cultures around the world, of wishing one health after sneezing is sneezing is perceived as either a sympeither labriut, to the health, or livriut, to tom of illness or a deed of the devil. health, as in the Yiddish tzu gesunt. The word b’riut, health, is a post-biblical word derived from the verb lehavri, meaning to become healthy (Shabbat Dr. Rachel 19:5) and refers to b’riut haguf, physical Zohar Dulin health; b’riut hanefesh, mental health; and b’riut hasekhel, healthy intellect. In the Bible, the adjective bari appears 14 times, and although derived from Therefore, it is customary to wish one the same root, it means fat (Gen. 41:2; well after sneezing in order to avert the Judges 3:17). evil eye. Later, influenced by Aramaic, we In the American culture, for example, find the noun bori the correct social (Yerushalmi Nida etiquette is to say 49:2) and the adverb “Bless you” or “Gebari (Baba Kama sundheit” after one 118), used not only sneezes. to mean health but Saying God bless also certainty, claryou after a sneeze ity, truthfulness and originated in the completeness. sixth century C.E. Phrases such to protect one from as heemid davar al the ills of sneezbooryo, meaning he ing, perceived to be made the matter a symptom of the Fred Ott’s Sneeze, an 1894 five-second certain and clear Bubonic plague. film, shot by William K.L. Dickson for the (Gitin 89); and bari The German Edison Manufacturing Company li, meaning cergesundheit, which tainly, it is clear to me (Hulin 2), are two means health or wholeness, entered examples. American culture in the the 20th cenAnd so, to reiterate the words al tury, influenced by German immigrabooryam, to say it clearly, it is fascinattion to the United States. ing that already in the days of old, the In Jewish culture, the custom of sayHebrew mind viewed b’riut holistically. ing a blessing for protection from the From this perspective true b’riut is ills of sneezing goes as far back as the the combined health of body, soul and Second Temple era and possibly even intellect. I wish all our readers nefesh earlier. b’riah beguf bari, complete health. In those days, the word to avert the ills of sneezing and assure good health Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin is a professor of was marpeh, meaning healing or soothbiblical literature at Spertus College in ing (B’rachot 53:1). Chicago and an adjunct professor of Bible Later, in the eighth century, we find and Hebrew at New College of Florida. that it was customary after sneezing
Cuba Continued from Page 17
States, there was a palpable optimism among the people. There is hope that the economy and quality of life will improve, though it was clear that the infrastructure to support a massive influx of American visitors is not yet in place. Hopefully, as things get better for the people in Cuba, the youths will be more inclined to stay and carry on the unique “Juban” culture they have created. I was struck by the richness of their culture and strong Cuban identity. At every meal and on every corner was at least one talented musician. The arts are highly regarded in the country and have never ceased to thrive, even in a suffering economy. A third of our time in Cuba was spent experiencing this cultural vibrancy. We listened to beautiful choral voices, enjoyed modern and
traditional dance performances, and explored the modern art museum. Sculptures graced public spaces. We even visited the home of artist José Rodríguez Fuster, whose artwork has taken over the neighborhood. It was breathtaking. Before visiting Cuba, I understood that the story of its Jews was one from which I would draw inspiration. Yet, I was unprepared for how powerful this experience of Cuba would be for myself and for others. I overheard individuals commenting how the efforts to maintain Jewish life against such odds inspired them to become more involved in synagogue life back home. It was then that I realized that along with learning a great deal about Cuban Jewry on our trip, many of us also learned about ourselves and developed a deeper and richer appreciation for all the services available to our Jewish community in Dayton. THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2015
Arts&Culture
Clean out your closet.
Holiness in challah making Spiritual Kneading Through the Jewish Months: Building the Sacred through Challah
Fill up your wallet.
By Dahlia Abraham-Klein • Shamashi Press • 166 Pages • $24.95 I know and love — sifting, mixReview By Etta King ing, kneading — to give them a Jewish Women’s Archive sacred, spiritual connection beExclamations of pride and yond myself to a larger whole. wonder filled the room when The book has a rich, inforwe filed into the kitchen and mative introduction to the halafound that the dough we had chic (according to Jewish law) carefully mixed and kneaded and traditional guidelines for had successfully grown into mixing, separating, and baktwo pillowy, pungent loaves. ing challah. Spiritual Kneading Pulling off an olive-sized serves as a souped-up how-to piece of dough, I recited the and cultural tradition without guide that not only covers the blessing, “Blessed are you, feeling exclusive or heavy ingredients — what to buy, God, who has sanctified us handed, especially for the lesswith your commandments and why you should buy certain or differently-observant Jews things — but also the process: commanded us to separate among us. It is also easy to what to do, when to do it, and challah.” Laughing and singfollow and use. Many first-time what to say. ing, we split the dough and challah makers in our group afSpiritual Kneading doesn’t began forming it into loaves. firmed this, and as an educator, stop there. It also includes Each month, I gather with I felt the guidelines for leading readings and discussion other young Jewish women discussions were simple and from the Boston area at Moishe questions for baking or Rosh complete enough for anyone to Chodesh groups to study Kavod House (MKH) for the follow. together while the dough rises, Rosh Chodesh/New Moon This morning, as I prepared suggestions and guidelines for gathering. Rosh Chodesh (Heto do my push-ups at the gym, meditation during the kneadbrew for head of the month) is I noticed that my arms were a holiday that marks the begin- ing process, and intentions for already fatigued. I recalled this holding at the center of one’s ning of the new Jewish month line from Spiritual Kneading: mind while the challah dough and corresponds with the “When we knead dough beginning of the lunar JWA.org properly, we feel it in cycle. our arms. We shape the On Rosh Chodesh dough, we push and pull days, I get up at 6 a.m., it, we flip it upside down; go to the gym, head to we work with it until it work full of meetings, yields to us and becomes phone calls and projects, elastic.” and then trek up the hill I remembered the looks to MKH. As we light of pride I saw on my the candles to begin our friends’ faces, our laughmonthly ritual (a traditer and singing, and our tion drawn from ancient discussions of how — like Israel when the new Esther in the story of month was signaled by Purim — we each have the lighting a bonfire on a hill ability to take and mold so the next town could the ingredients of our life see), I find that my body experiences to become the relaxes and I settle into people we want and strive a feeling of comfort and to be. reflectiveness. When the candles were I have long found the blown out and each loaf process of cooking and Women at the Moishe Kavod House knead had been carefully formed, baking to be centering, placed in a bowl, and even meditative, though challah dough for a Rosh Chodesh gathering covered for safe transif you ask my partner port to an oven at home, we is being formed into a loaf. Ryan about this, he will tell paused and said the ShehechiWhile some of the recipes you that my frustrated yelling yanu prayer, giving thanks for are not to my taste (I don’t and tendency to burn myself being together to celebrate, like rose water, a prominent on hot objects suggests otherparticipate in, and witness the flavor ingredient in the recipe wise. gathering. Smiling, we lifted for Adar) and some of the Meditative or not, I would our loaves high, wishing one questions aren’t what I would not quite describe my exchoose to discuss, each month’s another a month of strength, periences in my kitchen as renewal, warmth, support, and resources are adaptable, holy. Yet when I picked up said “chodesh tov,” have a good interesting, and different. The Dahlia Abraham-Klein’s new month. book serves as a wonderful cookbook-meets-curriculum, companion for individuals and Spiritual Kneading Through the Etta King is the education groups interested in learning Jewish Months: Building the how to bake challah or develop program manager at the Jewish Sacred Through Challah, I found Women’s Archive (jwa.org), in a new spiritual practice that a language and framework for Brookline, Mass. is deeply rooted in religious lifting up the physical actions
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2015