The Dayton Jewish Observer, January 2018

Do designs we trulyGrace welcome interfaith p. 18 David Moss After Meals infamilies? comic book form p. 22 January 2018 Tevet/Shevat 5778 Vol. 22, No. 5

Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton

The Miami Valley’s Jewish Monthly • Online at daytonjewishobserver.org Lewis Larsson

DPO explores Bernstein’s Jeremiah

How 1917 Battle of Jerusalem surrender flag ended up in Greenville

21

Composer Leonard Bernstein

Recognition of Jerusalem

6 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID DELPHOS, OHIO PERMIT NO. 21

Library of Congress

Israel Bardugo

Pres. Donald Trump at the Western Wall, May 22, 2017

Back in time, for laughs

Address Service Requested

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22

Mayor of Jerusalem Hussein al-Husayni (R) and his entourage attempt to deliver the Turkish governor's letter surrendering the city to Sgts. James Sedgwick and Frederick Hurcombe of 2/19th Battalion, London Regiment, outside Jerusalem's western limits, Dec. 9, 1917

Amazon Studios

Rachel Brosnahan in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Not just a new year, a new you!

DAYTON

Community Shabbat Dinner at DAI with Dayton Jewish Chorale Jan. 26

The Dayton Jewish Chorale

Are you looking for a welcoming place to explore your faith?

Want to learn more about a family member’s faith traditions?

Need a spiritual home?

Temple Beth Or welcomes you!

Our diverse community includes something for everyone from toddlers to seniors.

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Today...and for Generations PAGE 2

Beth Abraham Synagogue, Beth Jacob Congregation, Temple Beth Or, and Temple Israel will host a community Shabbat service and dinner on Friday, Jan. 26 at the Dayton Art Institute.

The Dayton Jewish Chorale and congregational rabbis will lead the service, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Dayton Art Institute’s Gothic Cloister, followed by a kosher dinner buffet prepared by Bernstein’s Fine Catering under the supervision of Beth Abraham Synagogue.

Singers with the Dayton Jewish

Chorale come from across the Miami Valley’s Jewish community. Cantor Jenna Greenberg is the chorale’s music director, which is also facilitated by Cantor Andrea Raizen of Beth Abraham Synagogue and Temple Israel Music Director Courtney Cummings; the three will chant prayers at the service.

The cost for dinner is $45 for adults, $28 for children ages 5 to 11, free for children 4 and under.

R.S.V.P. to the Jewish Federation at 610-1555 by Jan. 12.

MLK Weekend interfaith services The Revs. Vanessa Oliver Ward and Dr. Daryl Ward will deliver the sermon for Temple Israel’s Shabbat service at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12 as part of Temple Israel and Omega Baptist Church’s Annual Pulpit Exchange Weekend.

Temple Israel Senior Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz will deliver the sermon at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14 at Omega Baptist Church, 1821 Emerson Ave. The temple’s religious school students will also attend the service at Omega. For more information, call Temple Israel at

496-0050.

Members of Beth Abraham Synagogue will attend an interfaith service led by Pastor Dr. P.E. Henderson Jr., Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg, and Cantor Andrea Raizen at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14 at Corinthian Baptist Church, 700 James H. McGee Blvd. for the congregations’ annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Service. The program will feature singers and musicians with Corinthian Baptist Church and Beth Abraham Synagogue.

For more information, call the synagogue at 496-0050.

Genealogical soc. mtg. Holocaust writing & art contests for students Diana Nelson will present the first talk in a two-part series about DNA testing for genealogy research at the next meeting of the Dayton Jewish Genealogical society, at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21 at Temple Israel. Nelson will explain the benefits of DNA testing, different kinds of tests, and her recommendations for which companies to test with and why. Newcomers are welcome. For more information, contact Molly Blumer at jmblumer@hotmail.com.

The Dayton Holocaust Resource Center encourages area students in grades five through 12 to submit entries to the 2018 Lydia May Memorial Writing Contest and Max May Memorial Art Contest. The theme of this year’s competition is Heroes of the Holocaust. Writing entries are due March 9, art entries are due March 16.

Entry forms are available at daytonholocaust.org. Email questions to Renate Frydman at rene@daytonholocaust.org.

IN THIS ISSUE Calendar of Events.......................12

Opinion...............................8

Family Education............................19

Obituaries.............................20

Food...............................................23

Re l i g i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 8

Kvelling Corner............................16

Wo r l d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2018

DAYTON Garst Museum & Darke County Historical Society

How 1917 Battle of Jerusalem surrender flag ended up at Greenville’s Garst Museum Marshall Weiss

world traveler.

By Marshall Weiss Before his The Observer radio career with Few at Israel’s CBS and NBC, commemoration in which spanned December markfrom 1930 until ing the centennial his retirement of the surrender in 1976, Thomas of Jerusalem to created the travthe British during elogue genre of World War I would film. know that the At the urgmain portion of the ing of Presisurrender flag is dent Woodrow housed at a muWilson’s Cabinet, seum in Greenville, Thomas and Ohio. his cameraman, And visitors to Harry Chase, the Garst Museum embedded with and Darke County British Gen. EdHistorical Society mund Allenby’s in this small city 40 army on its way miles northwest of to Palestine in Dayton are more 1917. likely aware of Thomas and its exhibits about Chase captured Darke County’s extensive footage Annie Oakley, and of the Battle of the 1795 Treaty of Garst Museum President & CEO Dr. Clay Johnson and board Jerusalem and Greenville with member Eileen Litchfield with the surrender flag of the Battle of documented AlNative AmeriJerusalem, offered Dec. 9, 1917, on permanent display at the Garst Museum in Greenville as part of its Lowell Thomas collection lenby’s entrance can tribes, which into Jerusalem on opened much of foot through the Jaffa Gate on historic artifact in this museum Ohio to European-American Dec. 11, 1917, two days after the for what it represents to world settlement. surrender. history,” said Dr. Clay JohnBut for more than 50 years, Following the war, Thomas son, president and CEO of the the 1917 Jerusalem surrender met with much success when Garst Museum since 2010, and flag has been on exhibit as part he toured England in 1919 with the museum’s only full-time of the permanent collection at his two most popular documenemployee. the Garst. taries, With Allenby in Palestine The surrender flag is part A smaller portion of the surand Lawrence in Arabia; he had of the third major exhibit area render flag is on exhibit at the befriended the British military Churchill War Rooms of the Im- at the Garst, which focuses on officer after the Battle of Jerusaperial War Museums in London. the life of Darke County native lem.

Lowell Thomas (1892-1981), “This flag represents probIt was in London in 1919 the longtime news reporter and ably the most significant and The Adventures of

Beat Poetry with Barkie

BMB

Bark Mitzvah Boy History gets so twistory when you’re met in the face with a fiststory, but how it ends up remains a mystery, so let’s fix all the misery. c O 2018 Menachem

where Thomas said he received half of the Jerusalem flag of surrender from a Canadian colonel who was responsible for compiling artifacts for Britain’s Imperial War Museum.

“He came to me one day almost with tears in his eyes,” Thomas recalled of the colonel in a 1972 interview with the Los Angeles Times. “He said, ‘They’re piling the stuff out at Crystal Palace, on the outskirts of London, just piling it in heaps, and it’s a mess. I think that you, because of your special interest in the Palestine campaign and what you’re doing, are entitled to have some of these things, so I’ve brought you some.’”

Thomas added, “he gave me

the white flag of surrender — half of it. The other half he said he was keeping.”

The flag portion, which measures 35 by 37 inches, was part of a cache of artifacts that Thomas donated to the Garst Museum in 1966 for its new Continued on Page Five

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From the editor’s desk

Five weeks before the British took control of Jerusalem in 1917 during World War I, England’s foreign secretary, Arthur Balfour, sent a letter to Lionel Walter Rothschild, a prominent leader of England’s Jewish comMarshall munity. The letter, now known as the Weiss Balfour Declaration, was the English government’s public statement that “His Majesty’s Government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavors to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.” The Balfour Declaration, followed by Britain’s victory over the Ottoman Turks in Palestine, and then the League of Nations’ approval of the declaration’s language in 1922 as part of the British mandate over Palestine were the first concrete steps to bring about the state of Israel.

Journalist Lowell Thomas, a Darke County native, in Arabian dress

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THE REGION

Student asks, OSU responds with kosher food option

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By Alyssa Schmitt Cleveland Jewish News For the first time, students at The Ohio State University have the option to pick up a kosher meal on campus.

The change came when freshman Jack Spero, 19, from Beachwood, saw options like vegetarian, vegan and halal foods in the dining halls, but no kosher options.

“The first couple weeks I went up to the managers in different dining halls and food places on campus and I asked them if they have any kosher options or accommodations,” said Spero. “They said, ‘Unfortunately we don’t.’ One OSU freshman person said it would be too Jack Spero expensive...I didn’t see any evidence of a movement to bring kosher food here.”

Spero, who started keeping a level of kosher during high school, wanted to keep kosher while at college but didn’t have time to walk off campus to Hillel. He began advocating for an oncampus option.

It started with a letter to dining services and grew into an email campaign with like-minded Jewish students.

As a result of his advocacy, the university started offering boxed kosher meals — including sandwiches, wraps and salads — Nov. 20, at its Ohio Union dining area.

During his pursuit, Spero connected with sophomore Max Littman, who sought to add kosher options a year earlier as a freshman member of the OSU Undergraduate Student Government.

While Littman was with USG, It started with a involved the body passed a letter to dining resolution in support of the move. services and Their connection grew into an came just in time email campaign for Spero’s meeting with Zia Ahmed, with like-minded the senior director Jewish students. of dining services at OSU. Together, Spero and Littman prepared a plan for the university to offer kosher food without the university having to invest in a costly kosher kitchen, which Ahmed accepted.

“Just like anything else we do, we will continue to stay in touch with Jack and others to see how the program is going,” Ahmed said. “We will keep an open mind — we can potentially expand it to other areas on campus, and one day in the future, we could have a kosher kitchen.”

Spero, who’s pursuing a biology degree with a Hebrew minor, said he was impressed to see that his university listened to students.

“It really means that Ohio State is very receptive and inclusive to students’ demands, and to students in general,” Spero said. “I’m glad OSU is accommodating more Jewish students on campus, especially with the strong Jewish community that we have here at Ohio State.”

Editor and Publisher Marshall Weiss MWeiss@jfgd.net 937-853-0372 Contributors Rachel Haug Gilbert Candace R. Kwiatek Advertising Sales Executive Patty Caruso, plhc69@gmail.com Proofreader Rachel Haug Gilbert Billing Jeri Kay Eldeen, JEldeen@jfgd.net 937-853-0372 Observer Advisor Martin Gottlieb Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton David Pierce President Judy Abromowitz Immediate Past Pres.

Bruce Feldman President Elect Todd Bettman Officer Dr. Heath Gilbert Officer Beverly Louis Officer Mary Rita Weissman Officer Cathy Gardner CEO The Dayton Jewish Observer, Vol. 22, No. 5. The Dayton Jewish Observer is published monthly by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton, a nonprofit corporation, 525 Versailles Dr., Dayton, OH 45459.

Views expressed by guest columnists, in readers’ letters and in reprinted opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Dayton Jewish Observer, The Dayton Jewish Observer Policy Committee, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton or the underwriters of any columns. Acceptance of advertising neither endorses advertisers nor guarantees kashrut.

The Dayton Jewish Observer Mission Statement To support, strengthen and champion the Dayton Jewish community by providing a forum and resource for Jewish community interests.

Goals • To encourage affiliation, involvement and communication.

• To provide announcements, news, opinions and analysis of local, national and international activities and issues affecting Jews and the Jewish community.

• To build community across institutional, organizational and denominational lines.

• To advance causes important to the strength of our Jewish community including support of Federation agencies, its annual campaign, synagogue affiliation, Jewish education and participation in Jewish and general community affairs.

• To provide an historic record of Dayton Jewish life.

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2018

DAYTON The Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem

Jerusalem surrender flag at the Garst

Garst Museum & Darke County Historical Soc. exhibit, Caroline Shapiro, a Continued from Page Three spokesperson for the Jerusalem Lowell Thomas wing. museum, said.

A page of stationery from “How can you have an the “Department of the Muexhibit about the surrender nicipality of Honored Jerusawithout the surrender flag?” lem” attached to the portion Shapiro said. “Then, as staff of the flag in Greenville states: went through pieces of our col“White flag indicating the lection, one opened a framed Surrender of Jerusalem which picture and an envelope fell was exhibited at junction of out of the back with a piece of Jaffa & Neby Samuel roads on the flag inside, and documentathe morning of December 9th tion from the IWM,” Shapiro 1917.” said. “We couldn’t believe it.”

The Garst Museum loaned Along the way, someone had its portion of the surrender flag Note affixed to the flag of surrender in cut and saved a piece of the to the Imperial War Museum flag of about 12 by 8 inches. Acin London for its Lawrence of the Garst Museum’s collection British, ending 400 years of Otcording to the Tower of David Arabia exhibition in 2005-06. toman rule over Jerusalem.

Museum’s records, the remnant “The Imperial War Museum Before venturing out to was a gift from the estate of the renovated and restored the flag widow of Lt. Col. A.E. Norton, as part of the agreement,” John- surrender to the British on the morning of Dec. 9 — also the “who collected the flag from the son said. field after the surrender.”

In preparation for the centen- first day of Chanukah — the mayor visited the American This third flag portion is part nial of the surrender, curators Colony. He asked Vester’s moth- of the Allenby exhibit at the for a new exhibit at the Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem er about the proper protocol for Tower of David, which runs surrender. She told him to bring through September.

— A General and A Gentleman: a white flag. Vester took a sheet Johnson said few visitors Allenby at the Gates of Jerusalem come to his Greenville museum — asked to borrow the flag from from a hospital bed, tore it in two, and gave the mayor half to specifically to see the flag. the Garst earlier in 2017.

“I have had people come for The Tower of David Museum use as the white flag, held aloft on a broomstick.

Lowell Thomas, some researchis steps away from where AlGeneral Allenby enters Jerusalem, walking from the Jaffa Gate to the That would be the easiest ers, a couple of World War I lenby walked into Jerusalem Tower of David Citadel, Dec. 11, 1917 part of the mayor’s day. Accord- historians. What this repreas a “pilgrim” at the Jaffa Gate haphazardly in today’s context. Lowell Thomas relevant, and on ing to several accounts, alsents is kind of lost here in the on Dec. 11, 1917; the victorious a shoestring non-profit budget, It could be argued that they Husayni attempted to surrender United States. The flag, in my general then addressed JeruJohnson said he aims to “tell the didn’t take any of the cultural six times on Dec. 9: the first four opinion, really represents this salem’s citizens from the steps story of history through Lowattempts involved low-ranking transformation into the modern- significance of where the borof the entrance to the Tower of ell Thomas instead of trying ders were drawn.”

British soldiers who day Middle East. They’re (the David Citadel, with Garst Museum & Darke felt unworthy of just to tell the story of Lowell Faced with a generational British) the ones that redrew the the promise that he County Historical Soc. Thomas.” challenge to keep the legacy of the honor or were modern Middle East borders, would protect all just confused, the of the holy sites “of fifth and sixth were the three religions.” with Brig. Gen. C.F. Exactly 100 years Watson at 9:30 a.m. later, The Tower of and then with Maj. David Museum reGen. John Shea on enacted the events behalf of Allenby at and officially 11 a.m. opened its new It was WatAllenby exhibit, son who in 1919 without the Garst’s donated half of the artifact. surrender flag to “It’s sealed away in our case,” Lowell Thomas broadcasts the Imperial War Museum in LonJohnson said. “We from Greenville, 1938 don. wouldn’t be able to Both halves carry the signaloan it.” ture of Mayor al-Husayni, who Instead, Johnson provided the curators in Israel with high- died only a few weeks after the definition images of the flag for surrender.

Curators with the Tower their exhibit. of David Museum also asked He also sent them a digito borrow the Imperial War tal file of a documentary film Museums’ portion of the flag Thomas produced in 1968 fea• Skilled Nursing Center turing a firsthand account from — which measures 34 by 231/2 Thomas’ friend, Bertha Spafford inches — “but as we required • Elegant Assisted Living Vester, the hospital nurse in Jeit for our own displays, the • Independent Living Community rusalem who provided the city’s request was rejected,” a spokes• Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care mayor with the surrender flag. person for the Imperial War Overnight on Dec. 8 and 9, Museums said.

• Rehabilitation Services 1917, the Ottoman Turks evacuAs of last summer, staffers ated Jerusalem and handed its at the Tower of David Museum mayor, Hussein al-Husayni, a were concerned they would 5070 Lamme Rd. - Kettering - OH - 45439 - 293-7703 letter of surrender to give the have no surrender flag for the

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PAGE 5

THE WORLD

Getting Your

AFFAIRS in Order Wednesday, February 7, 2PM Dayton Metro Library Main Branch (215 E. Third St. 45402) L. John Hartmann, author of Getting Your Affairs in Order: An Owner’s Manual, joins us to explain various financial, legal and logistical components in order to help you develop a purposeful, coordinated and cohesive plan to address your future financial needs.

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PAGE 6

Israel Bardugo

The Trump team’s surprising comments on who owns the Western Wall, explained President Donald Trump at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, May 22, 2017

By Ron Kampeas, JTA WASHINGTON — A week after President Donald Trump’s historic recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, a top aide said there was no way Israel would not control the Western Wall.

“We cannot envision any situation under which the Western Wall would not be part of Israel,” an administration official said Dec. 15 in a background briefing for reporters ahead of Vice President Mike Pence’s visit to Israel this week, which was to include an official visit to the Wall. On Dec. 18, the visit was postponed until mid-January amid the furor over Trump’s proclamation on Jerusalem, the Washington Post reported.

The official also cautioned that Trump was not determining Jerusalem’s borders.

“As the president said, the specific boundaries of sovereignty of Israel are going to be part of the final status agreement,” the official said.

Is Israel’s claim to the Western Wall a done deal? Is this a departure from American policy?

Here’s a primer on who claims the Western Wall and what it means for the peace process.

Why is the Western Wall so important to Jews?

The Western Wall is the outer wall and the largest remnant of the Second Temple, which was destroyed by Rome in 70 C.E. during the Jewish wars. Since 135 C.E. — the launch of the Jewish exile in the wake of the failed Bar Kochba revolt — Jews have directed prayers from wherever they are toward the destroyed Temple.

There are indications throughout the Dark and Middle Ages of Jewish worship at the Wall, but the Encyclopedia Judaica dates permanent worship at the site to the early 1500s, probably a result of an influx of Jewish refugees from Spain into the city. Depictions of pious Jews praying at the site were a cliché by the late 19th century.

Jordan’s almost absolute ban on Jewish worship at the Western Wall during its 1949-1967 occupation of Jerusalem

became a sore point for Diaspora Jews, as well as for Israelis. A photo by David Rubinger of three paratroopers, awestruck by the Wall after they helped capture it during the 1967 Six-Day War, has become iconic for Israelis.

Does Israel claim the Western Wall?

It almost, nearly, really close to certainly does. Israel extended administrative control to eastern Jerusalem, including the Old City, within a month or so of the Six-Day War. It declared the “complete and unified Jerusalem” the capital of Israel in a 1980 law that was amended in 2000 to define borders that included the Old City; the law refers to the “Holy Places” as being under Israeli protection. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation is a department of the Israeli government.

The caveat: The 1980 law and its 2000 amended version are declarative; neither uses the word “annexation” or “sovereignty.” Successive Israeli governments have been careful not to close off negotiations over the Old City, the most sensitive patch of territory. Notably, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who effusively welcomed Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, has not commented on the aide’s statement on the Western Wall.

Why is the Western Wall so important to Muslims?

The wall abuts the Temple Mount — the holiest site in Judaism, and the third holiest in Islam. Muslims believe its Al Aqsa mosque is where Muhammad ascended into heaven in his Night Journey.

As Zionists gained political and military strength in British Mandate Palestine in the 1920s, the Palestinian leadership also attached political significance to the Wall, advancing theories that Jewish claims to the site would eventually infringe on the plateau it abutted.

Palestinian attacks on Jewish worshippers at the Western Wall in August 1929 launched the bloody anti-Jewish riots that year — a galvanizing moment for Zionism, to a degree uniting disparate Jewish factions in Palestine and overseas.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2018

THE WORLD Wasn’t the Trump administration official restating a truism — that Israel will never settle for any final status that does not include the Western Wall?

Clinton went through the parameters for the Israelis and the Palestinians,” said Aaron David Miller, a U.S. Middle East negotiator under Republican and Democratic presidents. Declarations of Israel’s claims to the No. Prime Minister Ehud Ol- Wall were “said in the context mert in 2008 offered a deal that of what it would accrue to the ceded control of the Old City to Palestinians.”

Additionally, the statement a five-nation committee comwas the first sign that any prising Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Palestine, the United States and American president recognized Israel. The Palestinians rejected a specific Israeli claim to territory beyond the 1967 lines. it, in part because Olmert — In 2004, President George W. already facing indictment for Bush said in a letter to thencorruption allegations that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel eventually would land him in jail — was seen as a lame duck. Sharon that it was “unrealistic” to expect the sides to return to the 1967 lines, but also spoke So this is a big departure about undefined land swaps from U.S. policy? to compensate Palestinians for Yes and no.

No: The Clinton parameters, Israeli settlements — a position also embraced by the Obama a final status deal proffered orally to each side in December administration.

“For the United States to take 2000, have been considered this position formally is obvithe baseline for a final status ously a significant departure outcome, notwithstanding Olmert’s 2008 offer; they informed from previous policies,” said Yousef Munayyer, the directhe failed 2013-14 talks led by tor of the U.S. Campaign for President Barack Obama’s secPalestinian Rights. “It has huge retary of state, John Kerry. Under the Clinton parameters, the implications. There has been no formal American position on Western Wall/Temple Mount the holy sites that gave sovercomplex would nominally be under international control, but eignty to either party.” effectively Israel would control the Western Wall and the Palestinians and Jordanians would control the Temple Mount.

Yes: While the U.S. assumption has been since the 1993 Oslo accords that Israel would control the Western Wall, it was always seen as part of a deal — one that would include a give to the Palestinians. The statement by the senior Trump aide comes absent any similar nod to the Palestinian side.

“I was there when President

Tim Sweeny

Trump security plan: Israel not the problem in Middle East

By Ron Kampeas, JTA WASHINGTON — Israel is not the cause of problems in the Middle East, according to the Trump administration's plan on national security.

“For generations, the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians has been understood as the prime irritant preventing peace and prosperity in the region,” the 68-page document unveiled Dec. 18 says in its section on the Middle East.

“Today, the threats from jihadist terrorist organizations and the threat from Iran are creating the realization that Israel is not the cause of the region’s problems,” it says. “States have increasingly found common interests with Israel in confronting common threats.”

The document also refers to efforts to relaunch IsraeliPalestinian peace talks led by Jared Kushner, Trump's adviser Continued on next page

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PAGE 7

Trump security plan Continued from previous page and son-in-law, saying the U.S. remains “committed to helping facilitate a comprehensive agreement that is acceptable” to both sides.

Confronting Iran is a key element of the document spelling out the U.S. security strategy. It describes the “flawed” 2015 deal between that country and the international community trading sanctions relief for a rollback of Iran's nuclear program.

“We will work with partners to deny the Iranian regime all paths to a nuclear weapon and neutralize Iranian malign influence,” it said.

In his speech announcing its release, Trump was even tougher on the Iran agreement, calling it “disastrous, weak and incomprehensibly bad,” and noting that he has refused to certify Iranian compliance with the pact.

Trump also said the United States would continue to lead the effort to crush the Islamic State terrorist group.

The thrust of the policy and of Trump’s speech was that the president would oversee a sharp break with previous administrations on a range of issues, depicting Trump as more determined than his predecessors to prioritize American interests first and to build a robust military.

“Our citizens watched as Washington politicians presided over one failure after another,” Trump said, although historians have counted the collapse of Soviet power under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, the first Persian Gulf War under Bush and the U.S. interventions in Yugoslavia under Bill Clinton, among others, as successes.

Some of the policies Trump addressed in his speech do represent departures from his predecessors, particularly on immigration. Much else, however, is consistent with decades of American policy.

On the Israel issue, for instance, past administrations have said resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would facilitate other U.S. policies, but no administration since at least the 1970s has described it as a “prime irritant” in the region.

Kushner, speaking earlier in December at the Saban Forum, like many of his predecessors, said that resolving the Israeli-Palestinian issue was a priority in terms of creating greater stability in the region.

“You have the Israeli-Palestinian issue,” Kushner said. “If we’re going to try and create more stability in the region as a whole you have to solve this issue.”

Israel and Jewish groups tend to reject the concept of “linkage,” which suggests solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the key to solving wider regional issues.

OPINION

Recognizing Jerusalem: a good move for the wrong reasons?

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Trump’s decision seems to be based less on a cohesive Mideast strategy, than on politics and personal ego.

But does it matter?

that despite Palestinian and United Nations’ efforts to deny the historic connection between the Jewish people and Jerusalem, it indeed goes back 3,000 years.

And it is important that Israel, like every other country in the world, is permitted to have a capital of its choosing.

By Gary Rosenblatt What’s more, at the heart of The New York Jewish Week the Israeli-Arab conflict since the At dinner last Friday night, a friend day the state was created, is the posed this question to those of us at the widespread refusal to recognize table who’d expressed mixed feelings the legitimacy of the Jewish about President Trump’s recognition of people’s right to a state in their Jerusalem as the capital of Israel: “If a homeland. year ago, in the final weeks of his term, For too long, the failed peace President Donald Trump signing a proclamation at President Obama had made the same efforts have been asymmetrical the White House that the U.S. government formally speech that Trump did on Jerusalem, in demanding far more from recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Dec. 6 would you feel differently?”

Israel than from the PalestinThe administration’s hope may well It’s a good question because it gets to ians, whose leaders’ position has been to the heart of the issue of whether one’s reject Israel’s offers and focus on victim- be that all the angry talk of the Palestinians’ refusing to deal with the U.S. or reaction to the move was based more on hood rather than a sincere desire to imIsrael and renewing violence will soon the action itself or who was initiating prove the lives of their people through dissipate, and that Arab states, includit. (Hard to imagine that Obama would compromise. ing Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, will make such a decision without it being If the Trump approach is to make it part of a carefully developed strategy.) clear that the U.S. is firmly behind Israel value Israel’s role as an ally in countering Iran over their support for the Part of my problem with President and committed to force the PalestinPalestinians.

Trump’s declaration, which included ians to come to grips with that reality, The idea seems to be to wait out the plans to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel insisting that all threats of terror must Palestinians until, recognizing they have Aviv to Jerusalem, is that I think it was stop before there are any discussions little alternative, they come crawling to based less on a cohesive Mideast stratof Israeli concessions, that would be the negotiating table, finally ready to egy than on politics and personal ego. emotionally satisfying. But we’re not make the kinds of concessions that could Specifically, that means making good there yet. lead to a meaningful peace process. on a campaign promise and pleasing his President Trump has spoken of, but But it could backfire, with the Palbase, including evangelical Christians is not yet fully committed to a two-state estinians feeling desperate enough to and his pro-Israel supporters, while solution, saying he’d go along with it if launch a third intifada. showing up his Oval Office predecesthat’s what the Israelis and Palestinians It’s always wise to beware of the Law sors who talked about moving the want. of Unintended Consequences, a promiembassy but didn’t act on it.

But let’s note at the outset that the nent factor in Mideast machinations.

As has become increasingly evident alternatives are fraught with danger.

In the meantime, it’s worth noting in his first year in office, Trump has been Exhibit A: In the wake of the Trump that, in varying degrees, there was conerratic, impulsive and often paranoid announcement, Saeb Erekat, the top in his approach to major issues, foreign Palestinian negotiator, is now endorsing sensus within the religious movements here on Trump’s announcement. and domestic. a one-state solution “with equal rights The Orthodox Union enthusiastically He has instituted a kind of anti-presfor everyone living in historic Palestine, “applauded” the move; the Conservaidency in the White House, obsessed from the river to the sea.” with undoing the programs and values That sounds equitable and would be a tive movement said it “was pleased” of those who came before him while hard argument to counter, but the result with the initiative, while calling for a two-state solution; and the Reform attacking two pillars of a democratic is that Israelis would be outnumbered movement described the president’s ansociety: the mainstream press and the and Israel would cease to be a Jewish nouncement as “ill-timed” in affirming judicial system. state. the movement’s longstanding position So it’s been hard for me to separate The other option is that the increasthe man, with his many personal flaws, ingly bold Israeli right would prevail in that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital, adding: “We cannot support his decision to from his policies, such as they are. ensuring a state with a Jewish majority begin preparing that move now” of the That said, and whatever his motives, by limiting the voting rights of Arabs.

U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to JerusaI give the president credit for having Israel would no longer be a democracy; lem “absent a comprehensive plan for a righted a moral and historical wrong by it would be seen as an apartheid state. peace process.” recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of So for all its potential flaws, a twoI guess you can find my views Israel. state solution should be the desired goal.

The city always has been the capital Why, then, if the U.S. wants to maintain somewhere in that mix — pleased with and the heart of the Jewish people. Our its role as honest broker, did it give away the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the intention to move the daily prayers, going back to ancient the prize of Jerusalem to Israel at this embassy there, but worried at the price times, have included a yearning for our early stage?

Israel will have to pay and whether return to Jerusalem.

The Trump announcement has, at these moves will hasten or delay an end The Trump statement underscores least for now, put an abrupt end to to the conflict. a preparatory peace process that the administration seemed to be cultivatSo, what do you think?

Gary Rosenblatt is editor and publisher of ing with uncharacteristic patience and Send your letters (350 words max., thanks) to The Dayton Jewish Observer, The New York Jewish Week. pragmatism.

525 Versailles Drive, Dayton, OH 45459 • MWeiss@jfgd.net

PAGE 8

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2018

JEREMIAH FIRE IN THE HEART

JANUARY 19,20 & 21 By special arrangement with The Dayton Jewish Observer, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and Artistic Director Neal Gittleman are extending a special offer to the community to come experience Leonard Bernstein’s landmark Symphony No. 1, Jeremiah. ~ Using texts from the Book of Lamentations and sung here by mezzo-soprano Layna Chianakas, this amazing music won the New York Music Critics’ Circle Award for the best American work of 1944. ~ So come for just $18 (any seat) and hear this rarely performed, seminal symphony from the pen of one of CALL 228-3630 OR our nation’s finest composers. Save up to $46! ~ TICKETCENTERSTAGE.COM USE CODE JEREMIAH Choose from: January 19 or 20 (the 8:00 Masterworks concerts Brahms: First and Foremost) or January 21 (the 3:00 Classical Connections concert Jeremiah: Fire in the Heart). All three concerts performed at the Schuster Center.

$18

ANY SEAT

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2018

PAGE 9

THE WORLD

Beth Abraham, Dayton’s only Conservative synagogue, is enthusiastically egalitarian and is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

Why these experts say Trump’s Jerusalem recognition will help the peace process

For a complete schedule of our events and times, go to bethabrahamdayton.org.

Beth Abraham is Dayton’s only Conservative synagogue, affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

We are an enthusiastically egalitarian synagogue.

We also have an energetic Keruv program that reaches out to intermarried couples and families in our synagogue and in the Dayton Jewish community.

For a complete schedule of our events, go to bethabrahamdayton.org.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Service Sunday, Jan. 14, 9:45 a.m.

At Corinthian Baptist Church 700 S. James H. McGee Blvd, Dayton

Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg

Pastor Dr. P.E. Henderson

Cantor Andrea Raizen

Join us for a unique interfaith service filled with uplifting music and inspiring words, featuring clergy, singers and musicians with Corinthian Baptist Church and Beth Abraham.

Sunday Brunch Speaker Series 10 a.m. • $7 • R.S.V.P. to 293-9520 Jan. 7: Tonya Folks will discuss her work as the Human Trafficking Liaison with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department.

Jan. 28: Jim Nathanson, Why The Republicans Will Fail.

In conjunction with Temple Israel’s Brotherhood, at Beth Abraham.

Service Schedule: Mon.-Fri., 6:50 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Sunday, 8:30 a.m.

Kabbalat Shabbat, Fri., 5:30 p.m.

Sat. Morning Service, 9 a.m.; Youth Service, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush lunch following.

PAGE 10

By Ben Sales, JTA acknowledgement of Jerusalem’s status NEW YORK — When President in modern Israel as the seat of governDonald Trump recognized Jerusalem ment. as Israel’s capital, many foreign policy But many of them, too, reiterated experts called it a blunder. their support for the two-state solution It could spark a conflagration of and urged Trump to double down on violence in the city, they said. It would that cause. alienate Palestinians who revere the city “This is a significant step that acand ice any remaining hopes of a peace knowledges reality: Jerusalem is the process. It could be the death knell for political capital of the country and has an increasingly elusive two-state solubeen the spiritual heart of the Jewish tion. people for millennia,” read a state“Raising this the way he has done ment by the Anti-Defamation League, doesn’t advance the cause of peace, it which has not shied away from criticizdoesn’t advance the cause of stability in ing Trump’s actions in the past. The the region, it doesn’t make Israel safer, statement went on to urge “the rapid and it doesn’t make the United States resumption of Israeli-Palestinian negoany safer,” James Cunningham, a fortiations leading to a two-state solution.” mer ambassador to Israel who served A week after Trump announced the under Presidents George W. Bush and decision, peace prospects appeared to Barack Obama, told the Atlantic Counhave dimmed: Protests took place in cil. “It raises a significant risk with very Jerusalem and Palestinian areas, though little upside as far as I can see.” they were far milder than anticipated.

But a countervailing chorus of anaPalestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat lysts, mostly on the right but stretching called on his people to now pursue to the center, says the opposite: Trump’s equal rights within Israel rather than recognition of Jerusalem is a strategical- a state of their own, while Palestinian ly savvy course correction Authority President Mahof American foreign policy. ‘American moud Abbas said the U.S. It has not hurt prospects for no longer has a role to play support for peace, they say, and there’s in brokering talks. a good chance it will help. Palestinian But that does not bother “U.S. recognition of analysts who feel the aspirations is Israeli sovereignty over United States should presJerusalem might contribute not withdrawn, ent itself as a resolute supto peace,” Douglas Feith, but hinges on porter of Israel rather than President George W. Bush's an evenhanded mediator. undersecretary of defense, Palestinian Such a stance, some wrote, wrote in Foreign Policy. It rightly puts the onus on behavior.’ teaches Palestinians, he Palestinians to adjust their wrote, that “(t)here is a demands and show their willingness to price to be paid for perpetuating the reach a deal. conflict: Life goes on, the Israelis create “The intention is to disabuse the new realities, and the world in general Palestinians of the notion that the U.S. adjusts to those new realities.” is neutral between them and our demoTrump’s declaration showed that the cratic, pro-Western, tolerant, free-marUnited States would not be cowed by ket ally Israel,” wrote Shoshanna Bryan, extremism, tweeted Amos Yadlin, who senior director of the Jewish Policy Cenheads the centrist Israeli Institute for ter, a conservative group, in the Daily National Security Studies and affiliates Caller. “American support for Palestinwith the center-left Zionist Union party. ian's aspirations is not withdrawn, but Resisting threats of violence changes hinges on Palestinian behavior.” the contours of peace negotiations, he But some analysts who were inclined added. toward the decision also warned that “Trump was not intimidated by the granting a longstanding Israeli demand threats from Ramallah, Amman, or Ancould put Israel in Trump’s debt if he kara,” Yadlin wrote in a Twitter thread, ever demands concessions. referring to the Palestinian, Jordanian “Because Trump is viewed as very and Turkish capitals, respectively. “The pro-Israel by the Israeli public, it will refusal to bow to the threats and blackbe more difficult for Netanyahu to say mail, together with the message that the no to any requests from the president Palestinians do not have veto power, for compromises,” wrote Jonathan (is) a very important precedent for the Rynhold, director of the Argov Center future of the peace process.” for the Study of Israel and the Jewish Jewish groups, meanwhile, largely People at Bar-Ilan University. “It was praised the move as a recognition of easy for Bibi to say no to Obama, since Jewish historical and religious claims there was no domestic political price; to the city, long overdue, as well as an not so with Trump.”

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2018

JEWISH

FED ER ATI O N

of G R E ATER

DAY TO N

DINNER 201 8

PRE SID E NTS

t h e

SAVE DATE Sunday, June 3, 2018

The Jewish Foundation of Greater Dayton Presents

Invitation to follow.

Seating is limited.

For more information contact Juliet Glaser at jglaser@jfgd.net.

?

Dayton Women’s Seder

“As my ancestors planted for me before I was born, so do I plant for those who will come after me.” ~ Ta’anit 23a

If you have questions about the LIFE & LEGACY program, contact Janese R. Sweeny at jsweeny@jfgd.net or 937-401-1542

FINDING YOUR ROOTS: A PAT H TO F R E E D O M

Thursday, March 15 6–9PM @ Boonshoft CJCE $30 per person.

RSVP online at jewishdayton.org or by phone at 937-610-1555 by March 1.

Please consider contributing $18 in honor or in memory of someone you will miss at your Seder this Passover.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2018

PAGE 11

SUNDAY January 7

TUESDAY January 9

SATURDAY January 13

MONDAY January 15

 Distinguishing Fact

 Tu B'Shevat Woodland

 Kosher Deli Night

 Winter Camp Shalom

Chabad

JCC

7:30PM @ Chabad of Greater Dayton (2001 Far Hills Ave., 45419) Back by popular demand!

Enjoy a full array of delicious homemade deli sandwiches, knishes, matza ball soup, coleslaw, pickles and more!

Fee: $25/person - Sponsor $100 RSVP at ChabadDayton. com or 937-643-0770.

7:30AM–6PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Enjoy a day off from school, camp-style! Featuring an anti-bullying program led by JFS and PJ Library. RSVP to Karen Steiger at ksteiger@ jfgd.net or 937-610-1555.

SUNDAY January 14

 Mazel Tots

january

from Fiction in the World’s Media Bias Against Israel

Temple Beth Or 9:30AM @ Temple Beth Or in Levin Hall (5275 Marshall Rd, 45429) Noted area psychologist and Temple Beth Or member Richard Bromberg, Ph.D., will discuss Media Bias Against Israel at a January event sponsored by our Adult Education Committee.

This event is free and open to the public.  Sunday Brunch Series

Beth Abraham 10AM @ Beth Abraham (305 Sugar Camp Cir, 45409) Tonya Folks will discuss her work as the Human Trafficking Liaison with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department. Cost $7. Please RSVP to Beth Abraham at 937-274-2149.

COMMUNITY E V E N TS

&

PROGRAMS

PJ Library & Hillel Academy 5:30PM @ Hillel Academy (305 Sugar Camp Cir, 45409) An interactive story time with puppet show and songs led

by Hillel Academy Artist-inResidence, Aullwood Audubon Center Naturalist Chris Rowlands.

Chris is a nationallyrecognized performer, teaching children about nature through innovative programs. He creatively blends music, art, comedy and education to create high energy, fast paced shows, which teach and inspire young people.

For children ages 3 and up and their families. Kosher dairy dinner will be served. RSVP online at jewishdayton.org or to Karen Steiger at ksteiger@ jfgd.net 937-610-1555. No cost.

 Dr. Martin Luther King

Jr. Interfaith Service

Beth Abraham 9:45AM @ Corinthian Baptist Church (700 S James H McGee Blvd, 45402) Join us for a unique interfaith service filled with uplifting music and inspiring words, featuring clergy, singers and musicians with Corinthian Baptist Church and Beth Abraham.

SATURDAY January 20 Temple Beth Or @ 10AM @ Boonshoft Museum (2600 Deweese Pkwy, 45414) Rabbi Judy Chessin will lead a tour of the plagues for preschoolers! Everyone is responsible for their own museum admission. RSVP to Temple Beth Or at 937- 4353400  Dinner & Ice Skating

YAD (ages 21–35) 7PM @ Basil's on Market (312 N Patterson Blvd., 45402) Ice Skating @ Riverscape (111 E. Monument Blvd., 45402) Dinner (cost on your own) and ice skating sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton. RSVP to Cheryl Carne at ccarne@jfgd.net or 937-610-1778.

WEDNESDAY January 24  Family Social

JCC Early Childhood

SUNDAY January 28  Mysteries

Adventures

Dance class, 1929, at the JCC at 59 Green St. in the Oregon District.

PHOTO CREDIT: JFGD/WSU

of Dayton Jewish History

Active Adults 2:30PM @ Dayton Metro Library—Main Branch (215 E. Third St. 45402) Dayton Jewish Observer Editor and Publisher Marshall Weiss will give us a sneak peek at some of the stories he uncovered for his upcoming book about the history of Jewish Dayton, to be published this fall. Light noshes will be served.

6:30–8PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Enrolled students and their families are invited to join us for an (indoor) winter wonderland. RSVP to Shawna Balog at sbalog@ jfgd.net or 937-853-0376. No cost.

No cost. RSVP by January 22 to jewishdayton.org or 937-610-1555.

PAGE 12

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2018

c l a s s e s ACROSS THE COMMUNITY  Krav

Maga

Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30PM @ Boonshoft CJCE

JCC Beginning January 9.

Become safer and more confident by learning real world survival tactics. Register directly with instructor Tim Tharp. RSVP at israelisurvivaltraining.com /survival-classes.html $50/4 week session  Improv

Tuesdays, 6–7:30PM @ Boonshoft CJCE

JCC Beginning January 9.

Learn to say “Yes AND...” with instructor Karen Jaffe. 6 people minimum, 16 years and up. RSVP to Karen Steiger at ksteiger@jfgd.net 937-610-1555. $75/8 week session. No class February 20  Mussar

class Temple Israel Tuesdays, 5:30–6:30PM @ Temple Israel Beginning on January 9.

Led by Rabbi Tina Sobo.

Mussar is a long-standing tradition of Jewish ethics with a particular focus on character formation. Explore selections from the Mussar tradition in text and in practice. Take a more academic approach to Jewish ethics and ethical literature, and use some of the techniques of the Mussar Movement (modern form of Mussar study) to deepen our own understanding of ourselves and push to live up to the best that is within each one of us. All are welcome, absolutely no previous knowledge or experience required. Feel free to bring dinner and/or a snack with you. RSVP to Temple Israel at 937-496-0050.  Communication: Its Art and Soul Chabad

Mondays, 7–9PM @Chabad of Greater Dayton Beginning January 22.

Chabad presents the newest series in our acclaimed JLI classes Can you express yourself effectively in 140 characters or less? Should you?

In Communication: Its Art and Soul, we contrast Jewish thought with scientific discovery to unearth the essence of communication and how to utilize its powers to better ourselves, our relationships, and all of society. $69 (textbook included) Scholarships available! No one will be turned away for inability to pay.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: ChabadDayton.com/JLI Call: 937-643-0770

THURSDAY January 25  Torah on Tap

Temple Israel 5:30PM at The Barrel House (417 E 3rd St, 45402) Torah on Tap is a monthly invitation to have a drink or a nosh and let a little “Torah” flow from the tap in wide-ranging conversations with one of our rabbis.

You’ve got questions, we’ve got rabbis. First round is on us! RSVP to Temple Israel.

FRIDAY January 26  CommUNITY Shabbat

Dayton Jewish Chorale 6:30PM @ Dayton Art Institute, Gothic Cloister (456 Belmonte Park N, 45405) Musical Shabbat Service with Dayton Jewish Chorale and clergy of Temple Beth Or, Temple Israel and Beth Abraham in partnership with Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton. Followed

by Shabbat dinner catered

by Bernstein's Fine Catering (cost: $45/adult, $28/child 5-11). No cost to attend service.

RSVP to Karen Steiger at 937-610-1555.

SCHOLARSHIPS & STUDENT LOANS Applications are available for the following scholarships: RESIDENTIAL CAMP SCHOLARSHIP: Funds are available for local youths planning to participate in a Jewish residential camp program during the summer of 2018. This scholarship is made possible through the Joan & Peter Wells and Rebecca Linville Family, Children, and Youth Fund, and the Carole Rabinowitz Jewish Youth Experience Fund.

TRAVEL TO ISRAEL SCHOLARSHIP: Dayton area Jewish teens and young adults, ages 14-21, are invited to apply for the Wolfe Marcus Trust Youth Travel to Israel Scholarship.

Applicants must demonstrate financial need and plan to travel to Israel during the summer of 2018.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP: Since its creation in 2006, the Vicky & Robert Heuman Scholarship has been awarded annually to an undergraduate or graduate student who demonstrates both academic achievement and financial need. The scholarship is open to Jewish Dayton area residents.

QUESTIONS About student loans?

Student loans are available to Jewish Dayton area residents, undergraduate and graduate students, courtesy of the Lillian E. Finn Memorial Student Loan Fund and the Cantor Student Loan Fund. The loans are distributed based on academic achievement, financial need, and funds available.

Contact Shay Shenefelt at sshenefelt@jfgd.net or 937-401-1551 About scholarships?

Contact Alisa Thomas at athomas@jfgd.net or 937-610-1796.

COMING in FEBRUARY...

presents

Saturday, February 10 @ 8PM @ Sunday, February 11 @ 3PM

If you would like to request an application for either scholarships or student loans, please contact Alisa Thomas athomas@jfgd.net or at 937-610-1796.

Completed applications and supporting documentation for both scholarships and student loans must be received by March 30.

Awards will be announced on April 30.

Tickets: $10 adult, $5 child. At the Door: $12 adult, $7 child THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2018

PAGE 13

KIDS

MEGA

&

Bake

Tu B’Shevat Woodland Adventures Tuesday, January 9

5:30PM dinner, 6–7PM program @ Hillel Academy (305 Sugar Camp Cir., 45409) Join PJ Library and Hillel Academy for a kosher dairy dinner and an interactive story time with puppet show and songs led by Hillel Academy Artist-in-Residence and Aullwood Audubon Center Naturalist Chris Rowlands.

FREE. Recommended for ages 3+ and their families.

RSVP at jewishdayton.org or 937-610-1555

by January 4.

Thursday, February 15 5:30–7PM @ Boonshoft CJCE

Now w

ith more babka!

Children ages 5-12 along with their parents, grandparents, and younger siblings are invited to make chocolate babka and a delicious challah to bake at home for Shabbat. Enjoy a PJ Library story during rising time! Kosher meat dinner. $10/child. RSVP by February 8 at jewishdayton.org or 937-610-1555.

Author Paula Shoyer February 20 @ 6:30–8PM at Beth Jacob Synagogue Join us for tastes from Paula Shoyer’s amazing new cookbook, The Healthy Jewish Kitchen, as she discusses her

If you or your child has special needs, please let us know and we would be happy to make accomodations.

take on Jewish cooking. Partnering with Beth Jacob Synagogue. Kosher under supervision of Beth Jacob.

$12 in advance; $15 at the door RSVP at jewishdayton.org or 937-6101555.

Legacies, Tributes, & Memorials FEDERATION

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN IN MEMORY OF › Don Chernick › Mother of Joanie Jacobson › Fran Timmons -Debbie and Bruce Feldman › Theodore Schwartz -Mary and Dr. Gary Youra › Sandy Fogel -Mimi and Stuart Rose › Dr. M.J. Freeman › Theodore Schwartz › Arlene Furst -Elaine and Joe Bettman PJ LIBRARY FUND IN HONOR OF › Lynn Foster’s new granddaughter › Esther and DeNeal Feldman’s new great-granddaughter -Marcia and Ed Kress IN MEMORY OF › Arlene Furst › Dr. M.J. Freeman -Marcia and Ed Kress

PAGE 14

LINDA RUCHMAN FUND IN HONOR OF › 85th Birthday of Bill Warshauer › 3rd hole in one for Bill Warshauer › Bonnie and Judge Walter Rice -Judy and Marshall Ruchman IN MEMORY OF › Dr. M.J. Freeman › Sonna Tuck -Judy and Marshall Ruchman HOLOCAUST PROGRAM FUND IN MEMORY OF › Arlene Furst -Helene Gordon JFS

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES IN HONOR OF › Lynn Foster’s new granddaughter › Birthday of Maxine Rubin › Birthday of Lou Levin › Birthday of Dr. Melvin Mayerson -Susan and Jonas Gruenberg

JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES IN MEMORY OF › Dr. M.J. Freeman › Sonna Tuck -Beverly and Jeffrey Kantor › Don Chernick › Sonna Tuck -Claire and Oscar Soifer › Theodore Schwartz -Susan and Jonas Gruenberg

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES DIRECTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND IN MEMORY OF › Joe Hollander › Sonna Tuck › Dr. Dr. M.J. Freeman › Arlene Furst -Cathy Gardner

FOUNDATION

JCC

CAROLE RABINOWITZ YOUTH JEWISH EXPERIENCE FUND IN HONOR OF › Kindness of Connie Blum -Bernard Rabinowitz IN MEMORY OF › Dr. M.J. Freeman › Arlene Furst › Sonna Tuck -Bernard Rabinowitz JOAN & PETER WELLS AND REBECCA LINVILLE FAMILY, CHILDREN, AND YOUTH FUND IN HONOR OF › Lynn and David Goldenberg’s new grandchild -Joan and Peter Wells

JEREMY BETTMAN B’NAI TZEDEK FUND IN MEMORY OF › Theodore Schwartz › Arlene Furst › Dr. M.J. Freeman -Jean and Todd Bettman SAMMY’S RAINBOW BRIDGE FUND IN MEMORY OF › “Sancho Fuchman” -Elaine and Joe Bettman -Jean, Todd, Michael and Jeremy Bettman -Melissa and Tim Sweeny › “Harley Wakser” -Jean and Todd Bettman

BARBARA FLAGEL PLAYGROUND FUND IN MEMORY OF › Barbara Flagel -Debra Ohayon -Carole Greene -Jon Flagel THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2018

THE WORLD

Israel’s first Arab Rhodes scholar loves her country, tries to change it

By Andrew Tobin, JTA TEL AVIV — Lian Najani, Israel’s first Arab Rhodes scholar, is optimistic about nearly everything — including having a needle stuck in her spine.

As she waited in a Haifa hospital Dec. 13 for a lumbar puncture, Najani expressed hope that the procedure would finally put a name to her degenerative neurological disorder.

After that, she said, anything was possible.

“Once we know what it is, we should be able to treat the symptoms better, and maybe one day we will find a cure,” she said in a telephone interview. “I’m really excited to see where the world is going to take me next.

“As an Israeli, I guess I have that chutzpah,” she added. “I always have in mind: What can I do from here?”

Najani, 23, won the prestigious Rhodes scholarship in November, the latest affirmation of her forward-looking worldview.

The honor, which provides a free education at Oxford University, was also an opportunity to advance her advocacy work to make Israel a more inclusive place for people like her: a disabled Arab Muslim woman.

The Haifa native’s message: Arab Israelis, who make up some 20 percent of Israel’s citizenry, can succeed in the Jewish state.

“I was able to get a great education in Israel, and my social worker really gave me a lot of help and confidence in dealing with my disability, or what I like to call my different ability,” she said.

Najani graduated from the University of Haifa in 2016, where she studied political science and international affairs.

In 2017, she interned in Washington, D.C. for U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a Jewish Democrat from Hawaii, analyzing counterterrorism strategies, making policy recommendations, and drafting bills and resolutions.

She also helped draft the senator’s speech decrying President Donald Trump’s ban on travel to the United States from seven Muslim-majority countries.

The Rhodes Scholarship was extended last year to include Israelis for the first time.

“I keep getting phone calls from my Dad saying, ‘OK, I’m with this person,’ and then he hands over the phone for me to

Nir Landau/Combined Jewish Philanthropies

explain the whole thing again.”

Fortunately, Najami is a polished speaker. When it comes to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel, for example, she has made the case that it hurts Lian Najamin all Israelis — including some of the Arabs it is supposed to help.

“As an Arab Israeli, I would like to tell them, ‘No thank you,’” she said. “Academic boycotts especially prevent us from exchanging and challenging ideas, and that is something we want here.”

Her Israel advocacy has helped make her something of a hero to many Jews.

On the other hand, some Arabs have criticized Najami for allegedly choosing Jewish nationalism over the Palestinian cause — and whitewashing Israel’s oppression of Arab Israelis and Palestinians.

“They don’t understand why I need to speak out for Israel,” she said. “I tell them I’m coming from an agenda of really wanting to let the Arab-Israeli voice be heard, and to make sure the Arabs in Israel are treated

equally to Jews.”

Like most Arab Israelis, Najani said she is a proud citizen of her country but would not call herself a Zionist. However, she does not identify as Palestinian, she said, explaining that she has not endured the same hardships as her family members living in the West Bank.

She is adamant that Israel should be a democracy for all its citizens, and is critical of ways she sees it failing to live up to this ideal. She said Israel fails to invest sufficiently in Arab communities and denies Arabs equal access to land.

To Najami, Israel is at its best in her hometown of Haifa, where Jews and Arabs live together. She said growing up there, in a highly integrated neighborhood, gave her an early understanding that coexistence is possible.

In the fall, Najami will start a master’s degree at Oxford in England, where she will study comparative politics with a focus on inclusion policy.

She said she hopes to bring some of the lessons she learns back to Israel.

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Lela Klein, executive director of the Greater Dayton Union Co-Op Initiative — a non-profit organization that is developing Gem City Market to serve Northwest Dayton beginning in 2019 — has been named an Echoing Green Fellow. Out of 3,000 applicants, Lela is one

of 30 fellows to receive seed funding, training, and support to accelerate their impact as social change leaders around the globe. A native of Dayton, Lela is one of the founders of GDUCI. Rachel Crafton, daughter of Connie and Billy Crafton, has been accepted as a midyear sophomore at The Miami Valley School. She’ll begin with the high school’s Civil Rights Immersion program in January.

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PAGE 17

RELIGION

CONGREGATIONS 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 Rabbi In Residence Adam Rosenthal 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 Rabbinic Intern Taylor Poslosky Sat., Jan. 27, 10 a.m.

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 Educator/Rabbi Ari Ballaban Fridays 7 p.m.

Saturdays 10 a.m.

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 Senior Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz Rabbi/Educator Tina Sobo First Friday each month 6 p.m.

All other Fridays, 6:30 p.m.

Saturdays 10:30 a.m.

130 Riverside Dr., Dayton.

496-0050. tidayton.org Temple Sholom Reform Rabbi Cary Kozberg 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. Beginner educational service Saturdays 9 a.m. adults, 10 a.m children. Sundays 9 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 18

Do we truly welcome interfaith families?

By Rabbi Samantha Kahn interfaithfamily.com SAN FRANCISCO — “The organized Jewish community is nothing more than the mean girls from high school.”

What?! I think I stopped breathing for a moment. Could it be true? I knew this lovely person across from me believed what she was saying. So I wondered, “Could this community that brings me so much joy and comfort be unknowingly treating some individuals as though they are lesser than?”

I started asking around: Does the community ever look at you with eyes of judgment instead of acceptance; act unwelcom-

Christmas trees should never be of individuals, some Jewish, spoken about out loud. some who love Jews and some We say, just come: Everyone who are raising Jews. is welcome as you are, but then Each of these souls sat with in an effort to not make distincme and shared deep pain. This tions between people, we fail pain came from the words and actions of clergy, staff, lay lead- to provide proper instruction or explanation to the ers and other particimasses. pants in the congreAs one mother gations, schools and told me, “It’s like I organizations these asked how to get to families looked to for the kiddie pool and I community. was thrown into the One told me, “I had deep end, with no life never experienced jacket.” discrimination until I I have been blown tried to embed myself Rabbi Samantha away by the stories in the Jewish comKahn I’ve heard and the munity.” And another judgment some of our families said, “Whatever I do, whatand couples feel. ever I say — it’s never enough.

And I am a rabbi who works They’ll never accept me.” for a Jewish organization. If Obviously, this is hard to people are interacting with me, ing to other’s differences; create hear. Some of you probably distinctions and groupings — think it doesn’t apply to you or they are trying. They are chooswith some in and some out? your congregation, your organi- ing to engage with Judaism and Jewish community enough that Organized Jewish commuzation. If only that were true. they’re at the dinner table with nity can be just like the mean Even while trying to be me. girls to those who don’t fit its welcoming, many Jewish Even a Jewish family, raising idea of what normative partici- institutions still make interfaith Jewish children, embracing Jewpants should look like. And this families feel as though they’re ish community is accustomed realization now drives my work lacking. We embrace them, to to disrespectful comments and as director of InterfaithFamily/ a point. Welcome them in, but glances if they Bay Area. speak about how are intercultural, Yes, it might stem from our their choices are interracial or if one own inner fears about our fuflawed or probhasn’t formally ture, but the Jewish community lematic. converted to Judacan be the worst kind of mean As one person ism. Even though kids. told me, “Condithey are commitWe can make others feel tional welcoming ted to Judaism unaccepted, unimportant and is not welcomin their home, unwelcome; and then we preing.” Or another they may receive tend it’s all in their minds. who told me that strange looks and questions Every day. Every year. We welcoming her, while subtly that imply we believe they are look at interfaith families and, pushing conversion, made her secretly turning their children sometimes purposefully and feel like her congregation was away from Judaism. Let me sometimes accidentally, with saying she wasn’t welcome as clarify — they are not. both verbal and nonverbal she was. Or as she put it, “It’s There are interfaith families cues, we question their preslike they said, go ahead and in every congregation who ence, their legitimacy and their lose 10 pounds and then we’ll are active Jewish community worth. hang out with you.” members and who, whether Since beginning my work Or we institute a don’tyou know it or not, never conwith IFF a few months ago, I ask-don’t-tell policy inviting verted. They are members of have heard several painstaking everyone in, but offering unrevelations from a large variety written rules that things such as our religious school committee

Perspectives

When we use our hearts for love, true welcome will flow forth.

January

Tevet/Shevat

Shabbat Candle Lightings January 5 5:09 p.m.

Tu B’Shevat

January 12 5:16 p.m.

January 31/15 Shevat Marks springtime in Israel.

Celebrated with picnics, fruit and planting trees.

January 19 5:23 p.m.

New Year for Trees

January 26 5:31 p.m.

Torah Portions January 6 Shemot (Ex. 1:1-6:1) January 13 Vayera (Ex. 6:2-9:35) January 20 Bo (Ex. 10:1-13:16) January 27 Beshalach (Ex. 13:17-17:16)

and regular service attendees.

They are devoted to their family’s Jewish identity even if they themselves are from different faith backgrounds.

I fear we hurt these incredible souls the most, for they hear all of the unguarded and offhand comments which denigrate interfaith couples.

As one person told me, “The part I don’t normally tell people is that it wasn’t a stranger who said it to me, it was a friend.

A friend. I couldn’t respond. I couldn’t speak.”

When will these Jewish families feel like they’re not secondclass citizens? Only when we stop treating them as such.

I get that this feels complicated and painful. I understand loving Judaism so much that you only want what’s best for her future.

Here’s the thing — nothing excuses causing another pain. We need to love Judaism enough to know she will offer beautiful and wonderful lessons and rituals that will enrich people’s lives.

That’s how Judaism will thrive through generations, not by shutting doors and creating barriers.

If we really want to be good Jews, we’ll remember to welcome our guests (hachnasat orchim), to prioritize love (ahavah) and respect (kavod), to offer respectful communication (shmirat halashon), to support creating peace in the home (shalom bayit) and loving our neighbors as ourselves (v’ahavta l’reacha kamocha).

May we always elevate the values of knowing a whole person (kaf zechut), of offering explanations and choosing our words wisely so as not to embarrass or leave anyone out (lo levayesh) and may we never gossip or insult (lo lashon hara), whether we believe they may hear us or not.

If we embrace who our tradition truly wants us to be, the members of the organized Jewish community will transform from mean girls to ambassadors.

We will offer guidance, excitement, connection and true community. When we use our hearts for love, true welcome will flow forth.

Rabbi Samantha Kahn is director of InterfaithFamily/Bay Area.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2018

JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION

Forever questioning

is possible to find greater meaning and happiness in life and also become a light to others.

Our suffering is part of a bigger picture, a Divine plan that we can’t see, another argument goes. The Israelites’ slavery in Egypt was only part of an ongoShootings in a rural Texas ing saga. Some have argued the middah — meaning measure church. Cyberbullying suiBabylonian Exile was necessary corresponding to measure — cides as young as age 12. for the development of rabbinic this principle is like Jewish Neighborhood preteen molests Judaism, and the Holocaust set karma,” explains Tablet writer preschoolers. California fires the stage for the modern state Rebecca Klempner. destroy homes and businesses. of Israel.

She tells her own story of Hiking family plummets from Infertility may lead a couple Jewish karma that happened cliff. Just why is it that bad to adopt, providing a caring after publishing a highly critithings happen to good people? home for a needy child like cal and very public review of Steve Jobs. Physical disability another author’s work. can spur the development of Although she regretted her extraordinary character, as it unkind words, she delayed in did for Helen Keller.

Candace R. rescinding them. Almost imRabbi Harold Kushner, permediately, a bizarre accident Kwiatek haps the most famous modern caused her writing hand to be Jewish theologian on theodicy, severely burned. takes a completely different apShe remembers thinking at proach.

The attempt to answer this the time, “At The author of classic question is known as least the scar the book When theodicy, literally “justifying would remind Bad Things HapGod.” me to use my pen to Good People, Tackled by theologians and right hand to Kushner argues philosophers across the millenbuild people that suffering nia, it begins with the premise up…to be a isn’t punishment that God is all-powerful, allwriter who uses for our misbehavknowing, and good. her words to ior, nor is it part The problem is that evil and build instead of of some greater suffering exist, but God seems to destroy.”

Divine plan. unable or unwilling to prevent A counterin“God does not it. So what are we to conclude? tuitive response Detail of Jeremiah Lamenting cause our misforThe straightforward response suggests that the Destruction of Jerusalem by tunes,” he writes. to suffering is that bad things bad things Rembrandt, 1630 “Some are caused happen to people because they happen to good by bad luck, some are caused have done something bad. God people precisely because they by bad people, and some are punishes wrongdoing to instiare good people. simply an inevitable consegate change. Illness or misforIn this view, suffering is tune should therefore motivate God’s way of challenging those quence of our being human and being mortal, living in a world the sufferer to examine his or with deep spiritual quality to of inflexible natural laws.” her life to identify the cause discover the greatness within.

Instead of asking, “Why did and rectify it. Central to ancient The biblical Joseph, sold into this happen,” we would do pagan cultures, this perspective slavery, is an illustration of this better to ask, “Now that this is also an early biblical view principle. Like roasting a pephas happened to me, what am I that persists even today. per to release the hidden inner going to do about it?”

“Known as middah k’neged sweetness, through suffering it Kushner’s advice echoes that of Holocaust survivor and auLiterature to share thor Viktor Frankl in his book, Man’s Search for Meaning: “You Extreme Measures: Finding a Better Path to the End of Life by cannot control what happens to Jessica Zitter, M.D. American medicine can do amazing things you in life, but you can always to prolong life, but should it always do so? Or should its focus control what you will feel and be on enhancing life at the end of life? Through her casual sto- do about what happens to you.” rytelling style filled with medical anecdotes and patient stoAnother modern response ries, critical care physician Jessica Zitter reveals her personal is to reject the Divine premise reflections on what patient-centered caregiving truly means. altogether.

She doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all prescription, but explores “Physicists or biologists how patients, families, and physicians can work together to never ask why suffering exists,” fashion more personal, meaningful, and humane scenarios observes theologian Jeffrey even when approaching life’s end. Very highly recommended. Small, “because pain, suffering and even evil are absolute Like No Other by Una LaMarche. Ever-popular are star-crossed requirements for life as we lover tales, from Romeo and Juliet to West Side Story to the know it.”

Twilight series. Like No Other is an edgy 21st-century teen Think genetic mutation, version featuring African-American Jaxon and Chasidic natural selection, disease, natuDevorah who portray two very different worlds living side by ral catastrophes, and human side in New York. Racial tensions, religious tradition (sensichoice: each causes suffering in tively portrayed), historical events, family and community some way. and more come to life through this memorable story highSmall adds, “The problem lighted by credible characters and realistic settings. of evil and suffering is only a

Turning to Spirituality Series

problem when we view God as a supernatural Zeus-like being…God does not permit anything other than the creative state of being.”

The atheist also ignores the premise and doesn’t connect suffering and evil to God at all.

Rabbi Stephen Baars explains that, in the atheist’s view, violence, failure, and suffering (as well as success) are all random and without reason.

Results both good and bad have nothing to do with effort. It’s just bad luck that bad things happen.

The most powerful Jewish answer to theodicy is offered

by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, retired chief rabbi of the United Kingdom, in the form of a story.

A survivor of Auschwitz, the

Klausenberger Rebbe, was once asked if he had any questions for God. “Yes,” he responded, “but I’d rather be down here with the questions than up there with the answers.”

Sacks explains, “If we found an argument to satisfy us as to why there is evil, we’d be at peace with bad things happening to good people.”

Instead, we only have the questions, so we fight against the bad things.

“That is why you will find Jews disproportionately represented among doctors fighting disease, economists fighting poverty, teachers fighting ignorance, and lawyers fighting injustice,” Sacks writes. “We refuse to answer the question.”

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PAGE 19

OBITUARIES Judith Elaine Felman, a former Daytonian, passed away Nov. 25 at the age of 68. She had been living in San Francisco. She was predeceased by her parents, H. Marvin and Edith Felman. She is survived by her sisters Jyl Lynn Felman and partner Lynne Brandon and Jan Felman Schwartz and husband Harvey Schwartz and nephew Eric Schwartz.

Sanford “Sandy” Fogel, age 77 of Dayton, passed away Nov. 28. Mr. Fogel was the co-owner of Friedman-Fogel Realty for many years and later worked for The Oberer Co. He was preceded in death by his parents, Esther and Max Fogel, and his brother Herb Fogel. He is survived by his children, Joel (Barb) Fogel of Mason, and Meredith (Sam) Ziskin of Columbus; four grandchildren, Jeremy, Brooke, Jack and Max and Emily Fogel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton or the charity of your choice.

MJ Freeman, born May 1936 in Cleveland to Abraham and Rose (Steinberg) Freeman, died on Nov. 17. He attended school in Cleveland, where he made lifelong friends, was a varsity athlete in both football and track, and developed a love of learning. His academic path led him from Kent State University to Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine to The University of Pennsylvania School of Graduate Medicine to a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Indiana University School of Dentistry. While at Indiana University, he met and married Bella (Goodman).

Together they moved to Dayton, where he practiced oral and maxillofacial surgery for more than 35 years. He served on the staff of Children’s Medical Center, Good Samaritan Hospital, Miami Valley Hospital, and St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center. He was a mentor for students and

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residents at those hospitals as well as at Wright State University’s medical school and the University of Cincinnati Hospitals. Dr. Freeman led by example, serving terms as president of the Dayton Dental Society, the Ohio Oral and Maxillofacial Society and the Great Lakes Oral and Maxillofacial Society. With pride he retired from the U.S. Naval Reserves as a lieutenant commander after 20 years of service. To Dr. Freeman, happiness was working alongside medical teams that brought their expertise to others in Central America and Israel, or sitting alongside his ROMEO friends in Cleveland and in Dayton. As a proud citizen of Dayton, he enjoyed participating as a member of the Rotary Club of Downtown Dayton, was a longtime supporter of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and The University of Dayton Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Each organization brought continued friendships and learning. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years; their three cherished children, Lisa (Brian), Laura (Adam), and Jonathan (Heidi); their grandchildren, Abigail, David, Aden, Ethan and Julia; and a brother, Ralph. Dr. Freeman’s family extends gratitude to Dr. Frank Von Maluski and his staff, to the caregivers at Home Instead, to the nurses and staff at Bethany Lutheran Village, and to Hospice of Dayton for their kindness and care. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice or to the Developmental Pediatrics Department at Dayton Children’s Hospital, AH Foundation, One Children’s Plaza, Dayton, Ohio, 45404 in Dr. Freeman’s memory.

Arlene Furst, age 87, passed away Nov. 24 surrounded by her loving family at Brookdale of Oakwood, where she lived for the last five years. She was born on June 9, 1930 in Brooklyn, N.Y. and resided in the Dayton area since 1955. Mrs. Furst was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Rafael Furst in 2012,

G

and her parents, Aaron and Frieda Mark, and sister Gertrude Mark Ogman. She is survived by her children, Gary Furst of Mason, Steven Furst of Portland, and Felice Furst Shane (Michael) of Oakwood; six grandchildren, Pamela Abromowitz (Daniel), Alison Waxler (Blake), Hope Furst, Lindi Shane Vernick (Adam), Allison Shane and Jordan Shane; four great-grandchildren, Ellison, Oliver and Henry Abromowitz, and Sidney Rae Vernick. Mrs. Furst was a lifetime member of Hadassah, B’nai B’rith Women, and a longtime member of Beth Abraham Synagogue. The family thanks the staff at Brookdale Oakwood for providing loving care. Memorial contributions may be made to Beth Abraham Synagogue, Alzheimer’s Association Miami Valley or the charity of your choice.

founded Materials Management of Ohio. A lifelong member of Beth Jacob Congregation, Mr. Hollander enjoyed cars, anything mechanical, golf, his poker game, and trips to Las Vegas and other destinations. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Mary Hollander and his beloved son, Ian Hollander. He is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Barbara Hollander, sisterin-law and brother-in-law Lori and Mark Goldner, and nephew Joshua Goldner. Interment was at Beth Jacob Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Victoria Theatre Association, Daybreak or the charity of your choice.

Mary Gutmann passed away peacefully on Nov. 24 at Kobacker House in Columbus.

Mrs. Gutmann was preceded in death by her parents, Celia and Sam Tinianow; her beloved husband, Bernie; and brothers, Lewis and Ralph Tinianow.

Mrs. Gutmann is survived by her sister, Rose Frank; children, Sandy and Jeff Glassman, Norman and Gracie Gutmann, Jeff Gutmann and Becky Gutmann; her grandchildren, Erin Glassman, Matt and Vicky Glassman, Candace and Manny Holden, Melanie and Michael Emond, Jake and Zack Yablok; her great-grandchildren, Jack, Peyton, Parker, Austin, and Izzy.

Mrs. Gutmann was a beautiful, kind, much loved woman to her family and friends. Interment was at New Temple Israel Cemetery in Columbus. Donations are preferred to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank or Kobacker House in her memory.

Gerald “Jerry” Jacobson passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Nov. 24 while visiting family in Columbus. Born in Dayton on March 12, 1932, Mr. Jacobson joined his parents, Max and Ida (Jenefsky) Jacobson, and older brother Ralph. Mr. Jacobson was especially close to the large and close-knit Jenefsky family, where his beloved mother, Ida, was one of 14 children of Meyer and Tillie (Bromolt) Jenefsky, and Mr. Jacobson one of 29 first cousins.

In his youth, Mr. Jacobson developed a lifelong passion for the comic character Snoopy from Peanuts, the Indianapolis 500, World War II airplanes, chocolate, and tennis. He organized a regular weekly tennis league at age 46 and played in it for more than 30 years, into his late 70s. After graduating from Fairview High School and the University of Cincinnati, Mr. Jacobson, while in the army, went on a blind date with Helen Teres, who quickly became the love of his life. Married in June 1958, they enjoyed 59 wonderful years together, raising two sons, Jeff and Dan. Family vacations were often learning experiences; the family’s visits to museums and historic sites unlocked in both boys a thirst for learning and created important memories that last to this day.

Both boys credit a large measure of their successes in life to his unfailing and enthusiastic support of all their educational endeavors.

After his army service, Mr. Jacobson as a young newlywed became a CPA. Several years later he founded his own firm, Jacobson & Walton, in partnership with the late Carl Walton and ably assisted by Aggie Taylor.

Over the next 40 years he was in turn a corporate CFO, then had his own consulting business, and finally worked for Montgomery County Government as finance manager for the Domestic Relations Court. His accounting acumen helped the court to find millions of dollars of previously untapped funding for children and families in need. Mr. Jacobson was devoted to his synagogue, Beth Abraham, which had been

Joseph B. Hollander, age 70 of Springboro, passed away Nov. 27. Mr. Hollander was a graduate of Fairview High School and the University of Cincinnati Business School. He was a partner of Hollander Industries and later

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founded by a small group that included his grandfather, Meyer Jenefsky. The synagogue was a cornerstone of his entire life, from his childhood worshipping as part of a congregation that included most of his large extended family, to bringing up his own children there, to his service as president for two terms. Throughout his life, Mr. Jacobson was a faithful weekly congregant, and over the last 20 years often chanted the week’s Haftorah (especially his Bar Mitzvah portion, Terumah, which he tried to do every year).

In later years, he and his wife travelled often to Denver and Columbus to enjoy spending time with their sons and families.

Mr. Jacobson always took great pride in his grandchildren, sharing news of their activities and accomplishments. Just this year, Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson moved to Denver to be closer to son Dan and his family. They began a new chapter in their lives which tragically proved much too short, with both passing away within the past four-and-a-half months. Mr. Jacobson showed such great love and devotion to his wife throughout their 60 years together that he truly exemplified the Yiddish word mensch. Mr. Jacobson is survived by his children, Jeff and Dr. Dan (Bev); and grandchildren, Alex, Olivia, and Max. In addition, he is survived by sisters-in-law Sandra (Alan) Katz, Flora Russ, and Ina Jacobson; five nieces and their families, and several of his first cousins. He was predeceased by his wife, Helen; parents, Max and Ida Jacobson; grandparents Meyer and Tillie Jenefsky and Harry and Bluma Jacobson; brother, Ralph; and 32 aunts and uncles. Interment was at Beth Abraham Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Beth Abraham Synagogue or the Jewish National Fund in Mr. Jacobson’s memory.

Sonna R. Tuck, age 84, of Dayton, passed away Nov. 26.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Esther Cohen, and her brother Carl Cohen. After graduating from Fairview High School she worked at WPAFB. The Korean War had just started and she chose a 2nd Lieutenant from Boston. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage. Mrs. Tuck is survived by her husband, Harvey; two daughters, Cindy (Ron) Pulliam and Vicki (John) Buford; four grandsons, Ryan, Danny, Sam and Carl. They thought the world of their Nana for her pies, her warmth, her teaching, and understanding of their needs. She is also survived by close family, nieces, nephews and dear friends whom she loved. Twelve years ago due to wet macular degeneration, Mrs. Tuck lost her eyesight. She never looked at what she couldn’t do, but at what she could do. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Memorial contributions may be made to Goodwill or Hospice of Dayton.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2018

Arts&Culture

Library of Congress

DPO explores the art of the cantor with Bernstein’s Jeremiah symphony first symphony, which he composed in 1942 and

By Marshall Weiss, The Observer earned him the 1944 New York Music Critics’ Last summer, Cantor Jenna Greenberg found a Circle Award for best American work. handwritten note in her door from her next-door “Everywhere you read about this neighbor, Dayton Philharpiece, program notes say that there are monic Orchestra Artistic musical themes in the piece which were Director and Conductor taken from Jewish liturgical sources,” Neal Gittleman.

Gittleman said, “but nobody anywhere “I want to pick your ever says what they are.” brain about something.

Gittleman looked to Greenberg to Can you call me?” the note Leonard Bernstein making annotations to a musical score connect him to the origins of the work’s read. several Jewish musical motifs.

For the 2018 Leonard “In the third movement, the mezzo-soprano solo “They’re from either the nusach, the Bernstein centennial, quotes five or six of the verses of Lamentations,” Cantor Jenna DPO Conductor prayer modes, or from the trope, the cantilGittleman programmed Greenberg said. “It’s very dramatic and it’s according Greenberg Neal Gittleman lation of both Haftorahs (portions of the Bernstein’s Symphony No. to the trope melodies.”

Prophets),” Greenberg said. “The Haftorah trope is 1, the Jeremiah, over the weekend of Jan. 19-21, includGittleman said the mezzo-soprano soloist for Jering a Sunday Classical Connections program, in which quoted throughout the piece, as well as the cantillaemiah, Layna Chianakas, is planning to connect with tion for Lamentations. Jeremiah is considered both the he first explains the background of the work.

Greenberg, “because not only was she interested in author of his own book, and Lamentations as well.”

“It sets texts from the Book of Jeremiah and the the sourcing, she was interested in trying to make her When Gittleman and Greenberg began talking about interpretation a little less ‘I’m an opera singer’ and Book of Lamentations,” Gittleman said of Bernstein’s Jeremiah, it was two weeks before Tisha B’Av, the maybe a little bit more informed by the cantorial tradiJewish day of mourning when Lamentations is tions.”

The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra performs Bernstein’s chanted in the synagogue.

At Gittleman’s invitation, Greenberg will join him Symphony No. 1, Jeremiah, at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, “I ended up going to the evening services, and on stage for the beginning of the Classical Connections Jan. 19 and 20; and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21 at the Schuster concert, to share what they’ve learned.

Center. Cantor Jenna Greenberg will join DPO Artistic Director I heard all of the little bits that Bernstein used in their real context,” Gittleman said.

“Jenna will demonstrate some of the actual chants and Conductor Neal Gittleman for a Classical Connections Lamentations mourns the Babylonian destruc- and cadences that Bernstein used,” he said. “We’ll do discussion on the Sunday program. All seats for these concerts tion of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.E. The prophecies in a side-by-side comparison: Jenna will do the source are available to Dayton Jewish Observer readers for $18 each, the Book of Jeremiah were directed at the Jews in material, and then the orchestra will demonstrate what with the promotional code, jeremiah. Tickets are available at Babylonian exile.

Lenny did with it.” my.ticketcenterstage.com, 228-3630, or at the box office.

Open Houses: See Us in Action January 16 & 26 8:00 - 11:30 am Lunch with kindergarten teachers, Mrs. Krochmal and Mrs. George Tuesday, January 23 12:00 pm

Students don’t just come here.

Here, they become. mvschool.com THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2018

PAGE 21

Arts&Culture

Amazon Studios

With Mrs. Maisel, creator goes back in time, just for laughs

By Naomi Pfefferman Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles When Amy Sherman-Palladino was growing up in Van Nuys, Calif., her father, former Catskills comic Don Sherman, would hold court in the backyard with fellow comedians like Jan Murray and Shecky Greene.

Everyone would be eating deli food and trying to outdo each other with jokes.

Young Amy found the conversation “foreign and exotic and fabulous,” the effusive Sherman-Palladino recalled in a telephone interview.

She brought the same frenzied Jewish chatter to distinctly WASP-y characters when she created her hit television show, Gilmore Girls, set in the New England enclave of Stars Hollow, Conn.

“We wrote it as a Jewish show that just happened to feature a couple of Protestants running around,” she said. “They were the most Jewish goyish girls in the entire world.”

Sherman-Palladino now brings her shtick to the overtly Jewish Amazon series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which premiered Nov. 29 and spotlights a contented Jewish uppermiddle-class housewife in New York in 1958. The series opens as Miriam “Midge” Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan) gives a speech at her wedding, quipping that shrimp was an ingredient in the egg rolls served. A panic breaks out as the rabbi and various guests flee the reception.

Four years later, she’s bribed the rabbi with a dreidel signed

by Sammy Davis Jr. to attend her Yom Kippur break-the-fast meal. But the dinner is canceled when her husband, Joel, an aspiring comedian, leaves her for another woman.

Before her husband dumps her, Midge had bribed his open-mic night producers to give Joel better time slots by bringing them platters of her brisket and latkes.

Now, the desperate Midge rushes to Joel’s gritty comedy

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club, takes the stage, exposes her breasts, and kills with her rant about her loser hubby.

She thereafter reinvents herself as a stand-up comic in the burgeoning Greenwich Village scene. But not without a dose of Jewish guilt. As Midge munches on nuts during a meeting at the club, she suddenly realizes it’s Yom Kippur.

“I’m supposed to be fasting, atoning for my sins,” she tells a prospective comedy manager.

“You showed your (breasts) to half of Greenwich Village,” the manager replies. “You think some nuts are going to piss Him off?”

When asked why her new show is so, well, Jewish, Sherman-Palladino said, “Why the hell not? I come from Jews. ...I don’t want to say that Jews invented comedy — but Jews did invent comedy,” she added.

She set the series in 1958 because it was a time when artists were “taking the old, very structured ‘ba dump bump’ comedy and bringing it into social and political arenas. Lenny Bruce was like the new Jewish comedy. I wanted to take a woman who was expected to be a housewife and mother, who suddenly finds herself with this weird, hidden superpower onstage.”

Bruce pops in and out of Midge’s life “like a weird kind of muse,” Sherman-Palladino added. “Joan Rivers once told a story about a show she did where the audience didn’t

Rachel Brosnahan in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

laugh at a thing. But Lenny Bruce sent her a note saying, ‘You were right; they’re wrong.’

I give him a lot of credit that he could reach out to a female comedian at that time and see what was special about her.”

Rivers was, in a way, an inspiration for the character of Midge. “When it comes to female comedians, Joan Rivers is the queen,” Sherman-Palladino said. Rivers and Midge “are similar in that they were both raised in very comfortable Jewish families, expected to go a certain way, but went another way altogether.”

The series was born when, at a meeting with Amazon executives in 2016, Sherman-Palladino blurted out that she was “thinking about an Upper West Side, Jewish-American housewife who suddenly gets drawn into the comedy scene. And they said, ‘OK, go do that.’’’

As Sherman-Palladino created the show with her husband

CommUNITY Shabbat ayton

Lifting our voices as one

Friday, January 26 at the Dayton Art Institute (456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH 45405) 6:30PM service, Shabbat dinner to follow Join Beth Abraham, Beth Jacob, Temple Beth Or, and Temple Israel, led by the Dayton Jewish Chorale, as we celebrate Shabbat as one community. Shabbat dinner buffet kosher under supervision of Beth Abraham.

No charge for service. Shabbat dinner cost: Adult $45, child (ages 5–11) $28.

Please RSVP by January 12 at jewishdayton.org or to 937-610-1555. Dinner seating is limited.

PAGE 22

and longtime collaborator, Dan Palladino, she said, “I didn’t want Midge to be a character staring out the window, thinking, ‘There’s something better for me out there.’ I wanted her to be someone who had thought she had gotten everything she had ever wanted, only to have it blow up in her face.”

Sherman-Palladino drew on her experiences working odd jobs at The Comedy Store decades ago to create the club scene Midge tackles in the series.

“Stand-up comedy is the worst job in the world,” she said. “If you’re in a bad play or ballet, you can always say that the director was a moron or your (co-stars) showed up drunk. But if you’re a comic, it’s just you and your thoughts up there. If the audience rejects you, you can’t blame it on anybody else. It’s a pure, intimate rejection of who you are.”

Nevertheless, Midge is drawn to the craft because “when the audience laughs, it’s very powerful,” ShermanPalladino said. “When comedy hurts, nothing hurts worse. But when it hits, it’s probably the best high in the world.”

Sherman-Palladino grew up in a culturally Jewish home with her comedian father and her Mississippi-native Baptist mother, a dancer. Amy eschewed Hebrew school in favor of wearing a tutu to ballet class.

Eventually, she gave up dancing to write for the TV series Roseanne and went on to create Gilmore Girls as well as Bunheads (2012-13), which was set in the dance world.

She married Palladino in 1997. “Dan is not Jewish, but he knew there was going to be a chupah and that he was going to step on a glass,” she said.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2018

Wright Memorial Public Library Foundation presents

Harissa Honey Roast Chicken

By Shannon Sarna, JTA There’s a reason chicken is a bit of a Friday night staple: Before Jews came to America, red meat simply wasn’t abundantly available and therefore saved for special occasions.

But also, chicken is a relatively easy dinner to prepare, especially when you roast a whole chicken.

This honey harissa and lemon chicken is as easy as any other roast chicken recipe, with a slightly sweet, slightly spicy twist.

You may be asking, what the heck is harissa?

Harissa is a North African pepper and chili condiment, or paste, that was brought to Israel by the Jews of Tunisia and Morocco, and quickly became a popular flavoring. It can be found in dried form in the Israeli outdoor markets or as a paste in jars.

Even many American supermarkets like Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, Shop-Rite and Trader Joe’s are carrying harissa, usually in the ethnic aisle with other Middle Eastern products.

You can even try your hand at making your own.

There are so many ways to use harissa, from lemon potatoes with harissa mayo to a spring greens fritatta.

But I recently got my hands on some NY Shuk harissa, and it is so much better than trying to make your own or many of the other store-bought varieties I have tried. It’s smoky, deep and not too spicy. And I have

made chicken with it several times — to the delight of my family and friends.

I like roasting a whole chicken using an upright roaster. I highly recommend investing in one; it makes such a difference for a super-moist bird on the inside, while still achieving that coveted crispy skin.

If you want to add a rinsed and drained can of chickpeas to the bottom of your pan for the last 15 minutes, they are delicious with this chicken, but the step is completely optional.

1 whole chicken 2 Tbsp. honey 2 Tbsp. prepared harissa (such as NY Shuk) zest and juice of one lemon 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper

1. Mix together honey, harissa, lemon zest and lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Place chicken in a sealable plastic bag and pour in marinade.

Massage the chicken until completely coated. Throw in lemon halves if desired.

2. Place in fridge and allow to marinate for one hour or up to 24 hours.

3. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

4. Place chicken on an upright roaster or on a baking sheet.

5. Cook for 55-60 minutes or until a meat thermometer (stick into thickest part of chicken without touching bone) reads 165 degrees.

6. Allow to cool slightly. Cut into pieces and serve.

Shannon Sarna is the editor of The Nosher.

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING & DISCUSSION WITH THE FILMMAKERS FEBRUARY 8, 2017 - SEARS RECITAL HALL Screening 7 p.m., Discussion 8:30 p.m. (free) Jesse Philips Humanities Ctr., 300 Park Dr., Dayton

FEBRUARY 11, 2017 - WRIGHT LIBRARY Workshop with the filmmakers 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Register: wrightlibrary.org/peace

Wrightlibrary.org/peace

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Contact Patty Caruso at plhc69@gmail.com to advertise in The Observer.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JANUARY 2018

PAGE 23

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