The Dayton Jewish Observer, February 2017

Kosher USA author Roger Horowitz dishes on the industry p. 23 February 2017 Shevat/Adar 5777 Vol. 21, No. 5

Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton

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

Documentary revisits

Wilberforce’s Israel program

Weddings

24

Ashley Novack

Descending on D.C.

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

5

Masha Kisel of Dayton at the Women’s March on Washington, Jan. 21

Major Leaguers visit Israel Address Service Requested

Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton 525 Versailles Drive Dayton, OH 45459

11

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Jon Moscot

Friendship Village Retirement Community

You’re Invited To our next monthly Friday Night Shabbat featuring a traditional Shabbat dinner with all your favorites.

Program led by Joe Bettman

Friday, Feb. 24, 5 p.m.

In The Atrium Dining Room

Friday Night Shabbat is $10 per person.

R.S.V.P. to 837-5581 Ext 1274.

Chili Cook Off Thursday, Feb 23, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Vote for your favorite chili!

Our directors will prepare their favorite recipes. Each vote is $1.00, with all proceeds going to the American Heart Association in honor of Heart Month

DAYTON

Choral concert for Tu B’Shevat

The Dayton Jewish Chorale

The Dayton Jewish Chorale, led by and temples across the Dayton area, the Cantor Jenna Greenberg, will present a Dayton Jewish Chorale made its debut Tu B’Shevat concert at 1 p.m. on in 2016. Its Feb. 12 concert will Sunday, Feb. 12 at Cox Arboreinclude Jewish music from Batum, 6733 N. Springboro Pike. roque to Broadway. The choThe concert is free and open to rale is a collaborative project the community. of Beth Abraham Synagogue Known as the New Year of the and Temple Israel, with fundTrees, Tu B’Shevat marks springing through a Jewish Federatime in Israel, and is celebrated tion Innovation Grant. with picnics, planting trees, and For more information or to overall ecological awareness.

R.S.V.P. for the concert, call Cantor Jenna With singers from synagogues Greenberg Karen Steiger at 610-1555.

Cooking class at Temple Israel

Tu B’Shevat seder and Kiddush lunch

Jeff Blumer with Whole Foods Market will lead a cooking class at Temple Israel on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. The focus of the class will be healthy twists to classic vegetables. The cost is $10. Temple Israel is located at 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. R.S.V.P. by Feb. 24 to 496-0050.

Beth Abraham Synagogue will host a Tu B’Shevat seder and Kiddush lunch on Saturday, Feb. 11 at noon following 9 a.m. Shabbat services. Beth Abraham is located at 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood. For more information, call the synagogue at 293-9520.

Chabad Israeli Shabbat Dinner

Chabad Spa Day for women

To celebrate Tu B’Shevat, Chabad will present an Israeli-themed community Shabbat dinner on Friday, Feb. 10 at 5:45 p.m. Chabad is located at 2001 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. The cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children. R.S.V.P. to Chabad at 643-0770.

Chabad Women’s Circle will present its annual Restorative Retreat And Spa Day on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Chabad, 2001 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. The program will include a variety of spa treatments, lunch, guest speaker Goldie Plotkin from Ontario, pop-up shops, and a Chinese auction and raffle. For more information, call Chabad at 643-0770.

Join our Diabetic Support Group Tuesday, Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. with Gem City Home Care Certified Diabetes Educator Mara Lamb.

Friendship Village For more information call Pam Hall, 837-5581 ext. 1269.

7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Located directly inside the Atrium entrance. Stop in & join us for a cup of coffee & Friendship Village Hospitality.

Volunteer opportunities available — call Bridgett at ext. 1299 for details.

Call Pam Hall today for details

937-837-5581 Ext 1269

The coffee shop is open for area Seniors to come enjoy FREE coffee, conversation, socialization, and the Friendship hospitality!

Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 Monday thru Friday

5790 Denlinger Road, Dayton, OH 45426 • www.fvdayton.com PAGE 2

The Coffee House is located just inside the Atrium entrance at Door 18. Watch for the Friendship Coffee House sign.

FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE

Jewish Family Services Intergenerational Tu B’Shevat JFS Active Adults will join with preschoolers in the JCC Early Childhood Program to make terrariums for a Tu B’Shevat celebration on Monday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. at the Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture and Education, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville. When the

students leave for lunch, adults will stay for Houseplants 101 with a representative from Siebenthaler’s Nursery.

After the session, the Active Adults will gather for lunch at Doubleday’s Grill & Tavern at Cross Pointe Shopping Center.

R.S.V.P. to Karen Steiger, 610-1555.

IN THIS ISSUE Arts & Culture...............................23

O p i n i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 0

Calendar of Events.......................17

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

Family Education.........................21

Re l i g i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 9

Kvelling Corner............................18

Wo r l d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • FEBRUARY 2017

DAYTON

Documentary revisits Israel program’s impact on Wilberforce students

Linda Weprin Realtor/Broker Military Relocation Professional

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By Marshall Weiss The Observer From 1988 to 2002, Wilberforce University — an historically African-American institution — sent more than 150 students to Israel for summers of work, teaching, and study.

The program’s architect, Dr. Eric V.A. Winston, will present a documentary he has produced about its impact, Taking Israel, on Feb. 27 for the Jewish Community Relations Council’s Wilberforce alumni reunite with the Bitran family from the Jesse Cohen new Israelity Series. neighborhood of Holon, Israel in a scene from the documentary, Taking Israel Vincent Singleton, Takmember Herb Abrons of New changed their lives. ing Israel’s director, will join York. The philanthropist’s foun“The students had an opWinston for a panel discussion dation funded the project for its portunity to see up close and after the film. Singleton filmed the documentary in 2014, when personal one of the most serious entire run.

To bring the intercultural conWinston and alumni of the program to life, flicts in the world,” program returned to Israel and Winston connected Winston says. reunited with their hosts. with staff of the The idea for the Winston, 74, said the proJewish Federation program came from gram’s aim was, “to give these of Greater Dayton.

Wilberforce Socioloyoung African-Americans “The Federation gy Prof. Dr. Stanley number one, an opportunity to introduced us to Borenstein. have an international experipeople in Israel, “Stanley came ence, and number two, to be and of course one able to observe the educational, to my office and suggested that the Retired Wilberforce V.P. of thing led to anothsocial and political environstudents at Wilments in the state of Israel — Development Dr. Eric V.A. er,” Winston says. just to understand — in light of berforce should be Winston produced the film “We had a good relationship. We given the opportutheir circumstances as Africangot with the Israeli government nity to satisfy their cooperative Americans.” education work requirement by folks and they suggested that He says the experience we consider Kibbutz Ramat Meworking on a kibbutz in nashe in northern Israel in the Israel,” Winston recalls.

The Jewish Community Relations Megiddo district, near Haifa.”

With the green light Council will screen the documentary With the Federation’s help, Taking Israel at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. from Wilberforce President after a few years, the summer 27 at the Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Yvonne Walker Taylor, program also evolved from 12 Winston secured fundDr., Centerville. The program is free.

R.S.V.P. to Karen Steiger, 610-1555. ing from university board Continued on next page

The Adventures of

Bark Mitzvah Boy

So Yiddishe Llama & Old Kveller, how’s your son’s love life these days?

It’s a good thing Tu B’Shevat’s coming ...

Or Barkie would never have a date.

OK

Yiddishe Llama c O 2017 Menachem

From the editor’s desk I suspect that in just about any other permutation of a presidential election, if the victor’s daughter and her family were not only Jewish but Orthodox, Marshall this would outstrip all JewWeiss ish media coverage of the new administration. Because the Trump administration presents a radical departure in its approach from those that came before it, we all have more important issues to parse.

Even so, coverage of how Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and their children navigate modern Orthodox life in the White House orbit began before the sun set on the Friday night of the inaugural balls. This peripheral coverage will continue throughout. My hope is that in time, someone from the Jewish media world will achieve an in-depth interview with the couple, to give readers a better sense of what role their Judaism plays in this unprecedented scenario.

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DAYTON AMMAK Productions

Editor and Publisher Marshall Weiss MWeiss@jfgd.net 937-853-0372

ith w g in k o o ff C e J f Che

Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 6pm

Say good-bye to those boring veggies – with a few easy vegetable side dishes!

Chef Jeff with Whole Foods Market is back in the kitchen at Temple Israel.

In this interactive and fun class, he will show us some new healthy twists on classic vegetables.

Reserve your spot today!

$10/person; RSVP by Feb. 24

Temple Israel • www.tidayton.org • 937.496.0050 130 Riverside Drive, Dayton, OH 45405 A Reform Synagogue open to all who are interested in Judaism.

Childcare provided during Friday services and Sunday school.

PAGE 4

Between 1988 and 2002, more than 150 students from Wilberforce University worked and studied in Israel to meet their co-op requirement

Wilberforce film

Continued from previous page weeks of work at Kibbutz Ramat Menashe, to comprise four weeks on the kibbutz, four weeks teaching English at a summer camp in the Jesse Cohen neighborhood of Holon (along with home hospitality there), and two weeks in a short-term study program at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Since 1983, the Jewish Federation had been paired with the Jesse Cohen neighborhood through the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Project Renewal program. Project Renewal sought to improve the quality of life for people in distressed neighborhoods in Israel, with help from volunteers and donors across Jewish communities in North America.

“Eric came and screened the movie here in Jesse Cohen in April, and at Kibbutz Ramat Menashe,” says Beth Zuriel, who was the Jewish Federation’s representative in Israel at the time of Project Renewal. “Eric, he acts like a Yiddishe neshama (Jewish soul). He’s very connected to Israel in his heart. He wanted his students to be in Israel in a way that is very Jewish. He has a love for Israel like a lot of Jews have.”

When Wilberforce students arrived to teach the Jesse Cohen children English, “people in the neighborhood saw that people from across the world cared about them, were interested in them,” Zuriel recalls.

“These were really underprivileged kids representing a number of different ethnic groupings that didn’t become part of the society, that weren’t integrated, and issues like drugs and street crime and all of that,” retired Jewish Federation Executive Vice President Peter Wells says of the youths in the Jesse Cohen neighborhood.

“This was part of our ongoing community relations efforts: reaching out to various segments of the community, building coalitions and relationships.”

The Wilberforce program with Israel ended when Winston left the university in 2002. After consulting for Central State University for three years, Winston served as vice president of institutional advancement for Columbia College of Chicago until his retirement and return to the Dayton area in 2013.

It was his connections with graduates of Columbia’s film school that inspired him to produce the documentary, on a shoestring budget of $35,000. Taking Israel received the award for Best Director of a Documentary Feature at the Los Angeles Action on Film Festival in September. It was also shown at the Chicago History Museum.

Upcoming screenings are scheduled for the Jewish Federation of Indianapolis, the Boxser Diversity Initiative in Sarasota, Fla., and the San Diego Black Film Festival.

Contributors Rachel Haug Gilbert Candace R. Kwiatek Advertising Sales Executive Patty Caruso, plhc69@gmail.com Proofreaders Karen Bressler, Rachel Haug Gilbert, Joan Knoll, Pamela Schwartz 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. 21, 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 departments, United Jewish 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 • FEBRUARY 2017

THE WORLD

Loving dependable care, when you’re not there We know it isn’t easy to invite someone into your home to provide homecare. You’ll interview and select any caregiver we refer you to.

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At dawn of the Trump era, 2 Jewish tribes descend on Washington

Masha Kisel of Dayton at the Women’s March on Washington

For the other, larger one, which votes reliably Democratic and tends to support a progressive domestic agenda, it was a time to stand against what it sees as Trump's crusade to cleave Americans from one another.

Those glad of the Trump ascendancy say it will be a relief from a U.S.-Israel relationship still stinging from the toxicity between former President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Their ranks include Sheldon and Miriam Adelson, the billionaire casino magnate and his wife, whose spending on pro-Israel causes is outmatched only by their spending to keep Democrats from power. On Jan. 20, they were seen grinning on the inaugural dais. Trump said later that their combined giving

to his campaign and to the inauguration reached $125 million.

Perhaps a half a football field across from them, six or so Jewish Trump supporters from Los Angeles huddled on the mall. They were close to tears as Rabbi Marvin Hier took the stage to deliver the benediction — one that cited another psalm, 137, "If I forget you O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill."

“That’s my rabbi!” one yelled out. The group enthused about why they had made the journey cross-country.

“We had a chill” as Hier spoke, said Chaya Illulian, 22.

“God wants us to stand for the truth!”

“We’re excited for the change,” chimed in Chaya Israely, also 22.

"To see Rabbi Hier up there, it means we're equal,” said Adam King, 33.

The evening before, clumps of middle-aged out-of-towners, red Make America Great Again hats covering their kippahs, clustered around tables at the Char Bar kosher steakhouse. A common topic of conversation: Would Trump’s Orthodox Jewish daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kushner, set to assume a role as a top adviser, make it out of their parade limos the next day in time for Shabbat? (They did: The limos pulled up to the White House at 4:35 p.m. Shabbat came in a few minutes after 5.)

Continued on next page

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By Ron Kampeas, JTA WASHINGTON — “Cantor Kaufman!” Rabbi Jonah Pesner shouted across the intersection of 3rd and D in Washington’s Northwest quadrant, packed sidewalk to sidewalk with women in pink pussycat hats and their male friends. “A song!”

Jason Kaufman, the cantor at Beth El in Alexandria, Va., draped in a rainbow tallit at the Jan. 21 Women’s March on Washington, didn’t hesitate.

Kaufman’s rich tenor soared and soon found company. The song was a natural for hundreds of Reform Jews waiting at the junction to join with hundreds more organized by the National Council of Jewish Women and other liberal Jewish groups.

“Hinei ma tov umanaim,” they sang, quoting from Psalm 133.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.”

The Reform marchers, organized by the movement’s Religious Action Center, which Pesner leads, ultimately never met up with the NCJW marchers — Washington’s streets and the National Mall were crammed to the point of claustrophobia the day after the inauguration of Donald Trump.

Still, around the same time, NCJW CEO Nancy Kaufman, said the marchers she led from the historic synagogue at Sixth and I broke into the same song.

It was not the first time the words soared over the nation's capital. Psalm 133 also made an appearance on Jan. 20, in Trump’s first inaugural speech.

“When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice,” Trump said. “The Bible tells us, ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.’ We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity. When America is united, America is totally unstoppable.”

Rather than unity, the twin uses of Psalm 133 that Friday and Saturday signaled a nation deeply divided, and within it two Jewish tribes deeply at odds over its future.

To the smaller tribe, solidly Republican and disproportionately Orthodox, the inauguration weekend was a time to celebrate Trump for bringing Israel closer to the U.S. bosom.

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • FEBRUARY 2017

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PAGE 5

A Tu B'Shevat Concert presented by

the Dayton Jewish Chorale

Sunday February 12, 1:00pm

Cox Arboretum

6733 N. Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449 Enjoy Jewish music from Baroque to Broadway, from East to West, as we celebrate the birthday of the trees surrounded by the beautiful nature at Cox Arborteum!

Light reception will follow. Dietary laws observed.

Space/Seating is limited! RSVP to Karen Steiger at 610-1555.

&

FREE OF CHARGE

This event has been made possible through funding provided by a Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton Innovation Grant.

PAGE 6

THE WORLD

2 tribes descend on D.C. Continued from previous page

Earlier on Jan. 19, a select group of Jewish Trump supporters attended the Republican Jewish Coalition reception with Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., the House majority leader, and Tom Rose, the conservative Jewish talk show radio maven who is close to Vice President Mike Pence.

On the night of Jan. 20, they gathered on the lower floors of the Marriott Marquis at “The Inaugural Shabbat," sponsored by the Israel Forever Foundation. The hotel is connected to the Washington Convention Center where, as the Shabbat dinner got underway, Trump took his first dance with his wife, Melania.

Or they were at the American Friends of Lubavitch headquarters near Dupont Circle, where Friday night services were packed with visitors.

The sense of a homecoming, of relaxed and happy banter, was natural, said Matt Brooks, director of the Republican Jewish Coalition. “At the end of the day, I think there’s a huge sense of relief,” he said. “This last eight years we have seen a significant weakening of the U.S.-Israel alliance. Things are going to be very different from the Obama administration. We’re looking forward to a different tone and a relationship.”

And Trump’s quotation of Psalm 133? A natural, Brooks said. “His presidency is going to be about the people, it’s going to be about holding government accountable, rebuilding infrastructure, restrengthening alliances, taking care of the middle class,” he said. “Judaism is predicated on making sure we take care of all people, and we look out for people who are less fortunate.”

Josh Weinberg, the president of ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America, had read Trump’s speech but did not notice the president’s Psalm 133 citation.

“OK, it’s a nice line,” Weinberg said. “But forgive my cynicism.”

Jewish marchers who had picked through Trump’s speech said they discovered intimations of exclusion: a rejection of prejudice that was conditioned on opening “your heart to patriotism,” a dystopian vision of “American carnage,” of inner cities in flame and children lost to broken schools.

Most striking for these marchers was Trump’s rallying cry. “From this moment on, it’s going to be America first, America first,” Trump said, an echo of the isolationist and antisemitic movement Americans rejected as they entered World War II. “I’ve been disappointed before,” said Leslie Shapiro, a retired paralegal from Gaithersburg, Md., recalling past elections. “I’ve never been afraid.”

Rabbi Shira Stutman suggested that Trump had hijacked Psalm 133. “Unity without watching out for one another is not us,” she told a packed Friday evening service for marchers at Sixth and I. “Some of us grew up in this country feeling safe, and the safety is slipping from between our fingers.”

The safety, according to Jewish marchers, was predicated on extending protections to all those who are vulnerable: The women, first of all, who marched because of Trump’s long history of misogynist statements, his recorded boast in 2006 of sexual assault (one he now insists was empty), and his pledge to roll back abortion rights as president. But also protections for the minorities he named as a threat during the campaign, Mexicans and Muslims.

“Resistance is awakened at the intersection of love and holy outrage,” Rabbi Sharon Brous, the leader of Los Angeles’ IKAR congregation, told the hundreds of thousands of protesters.

“Our children will one day ask us, ‘Where were you when our country was thrust into a lion’s den of demagoguery and division?’ And we will say, ‘I stood with love, I stood with hope, I stood with sisters and brothers of all religions and all races and all genders and sexualities,'" she said.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • FEBRUARY 2017

THE WORLD

Swastika painted Jewish institutions across on Reform U.S. targeted in bomb threats rabbinical Some 30 Jewish instituMinneapolis, and the Orlando in at least 17 states have area. school’s sign in tions received bomb threats, Jewish All the alerts were false.

Cincinnati security officials said, in the secWhether the community cenA swastika was spray-painted on a sign near the entrance to the Reform movement’s rabbinical school in Cincinnati.

The white swastika was discovered Jan. 3 on a Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion sign and was reported to the police shortly thereafter, said Rabbi Kenneth Kanter, associate dean and director of the rabbinical Vandalism at HUC school.

The rabbinical school removed the graffiti later in the morning at the police’s recommendation. Kanter said the school was looking at campus security footage.

“We are grateful for the support of the community and police, both locally and nationally, and recognize that this quickly painted swastika is a nuisance and troubling — but in comparison to issues in so many communities and cities around the world this is very small and very minor,” Kanter said.

Kanter said he was not aware of any similar acts of vandalism at the Cincinnati campus in the past five or six years.

— JTA

ond wave of such mass disruption in two weeks.

Paul Goldenberg, the director of Secure Community Networks — an affiliate of the Jewish Federations of North America, which advises Jewish groups and institutions on security — said 30 threats were called in Jan. 18 to Jewish community centers. Media reported additional threats called into schools and other Jewish institutions.

The JCC Association of North America in a release listed 27 JCCs in 17 states: New York, Ohio, New Jersey, Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Kansas, Delaware, Connecticut, Alabama, Maine, California, Tennessee, Missouri, Minnesota and Texas. The Anti-Defamation League issued a similar list, adding South Carolina.

According to the agencies and various media, there were threats in, among other places, Miami Beach; Edison and Scotch Plains, N.J.; Cincinnati and Columbus; Alabama; Albany and Syracuse, N.Y.; Nashville; suburban Boston and Detroit; West Hartford and Woodbridge, Conn.; suburban

ters evacuated depended on the practices of local law enforcement, Goldenberg said.

“It’s the second salvo in 10 days, we’re asking people to ensure they stay in contact with local law enforcement,” he said.

On Jan. 9, bomb threats were called into 16 institutions across the Northeast and South, forcing the evacuation of hundreds.

In many cases on Jan. 18 the callers were live, Goldenberg said, as opposed to the previous threat, when calls were recorded. He said the caller in most cases was a woman, who kept the call brief: leveling the threat and then hanging up.

In some cases, calls to communities near one another came within minutes.

Goldenberg said his organization was consulting with federal authorities, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.

He said there was no information as to the perpetrator, but noted an increase in social media threats, particularly from the far right.

“The neo-Nazi or white supremacist hate groups seem to be becoming much more vocal,” Goldenberg said.

— JTA

A Women’s Freedom Seder

T E AC H I N G O U R WAY TO F R E E D O M

Thursday, March 23 6–9PM @ Boonshoft CJCE $30 per person.

RSVP online at jewishdayton.org or by phone to Karen at 610-1555

by March 10.

We will be collecting donations of bras and feminine hygiene products that will be given to St. Vincent de Paul. Bring these items the night of the Seder.

This program is a collaboration with the women from Beth Abraham Synagogue, Beth Jacob Synagogue, Hadassah, Temple Beth Or, Temple Israel and The Jewish Community Center of Greater Dayton.

REAL LIFE, REAL RESOURCES The Montgomery County Heroin Epidemic Thursday, February 16 6:30PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Learn how relationships, families, and the Montgomery County area have become entangled in the national web of the Heroin Epidemic. We will discuss how our community is suffering and the appropriate ways in which we can stay vigilant.

Jane Novick, Esq. and Dr. David Novick will be presenting. No cost.

RSVP TO KAREN STEIGER @ 610-1555 BY FEBRUARY 9.

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • FEBRUARY 2017

PAGE 7

MARCH 4, 7–11PM @ Boonshoft CJCE

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VEGAS J C C o f G R E AT E R D AY TO N ’ S A N N U A L F U N D R A I S E R

Join us for games, music and great company. Alcoholic beverages, soda, and deli sandwiches available for purchase. Musical entertainment provided by Jim Hiller.

Silent auction, Raffle drawing, Door prizes, Texas Hold‘em tournament, Black Jack, or bring your favorite game! There’s something for everyone, 21 and up!

Admission: $25 in advance/$35 at door Texas Hold‘em admission: $125 in advance/$150 at door

HIGH ROLLER TICKETS Complimentary food, 2 drinks, and acknowledgement in The Dayton Jewish Observer $100 in advance/$125 at the door Texas Hold‘em: $200 in advance/$225 at the door

2017 Community Support & Corporate Sponsor

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PAGE 8

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • FEBRUARY 2017

THE WORLD

J E WI S H FED ER ATI O N of G R E AT ER DAY TO N

Women hold Western Wall prayer service with Torah scroll

SAVE DATE

Original Women of the Wall

JERUSALEM — The Original Women of the Wall group held a prayer service in the women’s section of the Western Wall that included a Torah scroll.

It was the first time that women have succeeded in bringing in and reading from a Torah scroll at the Western Wall since an interim Supreme Court ruling said they had that right. A petition to the high court challenged a 2010 directive issued by Western Wall administrator Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz barring women from bringing and using a Torah scroll on the women’s side.

The Original Women of the Wall said in a statement Jan. 23 that security officials at the Western Wall Original Women of the Wall hold a prayer services with a Torah scroll in the searched several of the women women’s section at the Western Wall, Jan. 23 who tried to enter the Western Wall plaza and refused to allow them to bring in a Robinson’s Arch.

Torah scroll. A second scroll was brought in clandesCurrently the Western Wall administration attempts tinely, according to the statement, allowing the women to bar women from reading from the Torah and denies to read the Monday morning Torah portion. women access to the dozens of Torah scrolls kept at The service was “dignified and joyous,” accordthe holy site exclusively for men’s use. Court rulings ing to the statement, though several haredi Orthodox in 2003 and 2013 state that Jewish women are entitled women blew loud whistles to disrupt it. to the same religious options that Jewish men have at On Jan. 11, the court gave the Wall’s Orthodox the site. administrators and state agencies 30 days to show The Women of the Wall group has brought hidden cause why women cannot pray “in accordance with Torah scrolls into the women’s sections several times their custom” or allow them to pray as they choose. for its monthly prayer service in honor of the new The injunction also declared that women should not be month. The group has held several Bat Mitzvahs with subjected to body searches before entering the plaza. the Torah scrolls, as well as Bat Mitzvah services withThe main petitioners in the lawsuit were the Origiout Torah scrolls when the women have been caught. nal Women of the Wall, a break-off of the Women of On Jan. 19, Women of the Wall held a morning the Wall group, who want to pray in the women’s secservice at the security checkpoint at the entrance to the tion and reject a compromise, still to be implemented, Western Wall plaza rather than open their coats for a that would expand an alternative prayer space at search.

— JTA

Netanyahu OKs plans for 2,500 West Bank housing units JERUSALEM — Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman have given the go-ahead to plans for 2,500 homes in the West Bank. Most of the housing units will be in existing settlement blocs, Liberman said Jan. 24 in a statement, including the city of Ariel and Givat Zeev located outside of Jerusalem. Some of the construction will be outside of the settlement bloc areas, however.

“We are building and will continue to build,” Netanyahu said in posts on social media.

The decision came two days after a Jerusalem municipal committee approved 566 housing units in Jewish and Arab neighborhoods in eastern Jerusalem over the Green Line demarcating the pre-1967 borders.

That vote had been pushed off from December, until the inauguration of President Donald Trump, who is perceived by Israeli leaders as more supportive of settlement construction.

On Jan. 23, Netanyahu told his inner Security Cabinet he would lift all restrictions on Israeli construction in eastern Jerusalem, Haaretz reported, citing unnamed sources. The prime minister reportedly also said that when construction plans are approved in eastern Jeru-

salem, he plans also to advance construction in West Bank settlement blocs.

Liberman also said in a statement that he would request permission from the Cabinet for construction of a Palestinian industrial park northwest of Hebron.

The Yesha Council, the official representative organization for the 430,000 Israelis living in the West Bank, congratulated the government on the building permits.

“We hope that this is just the beginning of a wave of new building across our ancestral homeland after eight very difficult years,” wrote Oded Revivi, the council’s chief foreign envoy as well as the mayor of the West Bank city of Efrat. “Israeli towns in Judea and Samaria are the answer to peace, enabling Israelis and Palestinians to live and work together. We hope to continue building a peaceful future with the blessing of the new Trump administration.”

The Palestinian Authority condemned the announcement. “This measure will have implications,” said Nabil Abu Rudeina, spokesman for P.A. President Mahmoud Abbas. “The decision to delay any attempt to restore security and stability strengthens the extremists and terrorism.” — JTA

DIN N E R 2017

PRE SIDE N TS

the

Sunday, May 7, 2017 Invitation to follow. Seating is limited.

For more information contact Caryl Segalewitz at csegalewitz@jfgd.net.

A STIMULATING EVENING WITH

DR. DEBORAH LIPSTADT

DR. LIPSTADT STANDS AS A BEACON OF STRENGTH AND TRUTH IN A TIME OF ANTI-SEMITIC RESURGENCE.

Her day in court with a Holocaust denier was recently portrayed in the film Denial, bringing her heroism to the silver screen.

Dr. Lipstadt, historian and Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish History & Holocaust Studies at Emory University, is a speaker not to be missed.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • FEBRUARY 2017

PAGE 9

OPINION

Full-court press on the press Chipping away at the Fourth Estate, here and in Israel.

By Gary Rosenblatt The Jewish Week Journalists who cover both American and Israeli life are feeling professionally whiplashed these days.

They are confronted by a new leader in Washington attacking the mainstream press almost daily and a prime minister in Jerusalem who, we learn, held secret discussions with a media mogul to upend how Israeli journalists do their job.

For all the talk about the imminent demise of newspapers in the age of “free” access, world leaders like Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu seem obsessed with combating and/or controlling the press.

If we journalists have so little clout, why are these heads of state so preoccupied with what we have to say?

The truth is, despite serious financial problems exacerbated by a “why pay for news?” culture and the growing phenomenon of “fake news,” traditional journalism still has a vital role to play in democratic societies — especially at a time when some basic freedoms, like freedom of the press, appear vulnerable.

At his first press conference in six months, facing shocking reports that he and his team have been in collusion with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump determined that the best defense is an aggressive offense.

From the outset he chose to vilify the press and avoid reporters’ tough questions. He conflated serious media outlets like CNN with the irresponsible BuzzFeed website rather than explain why he finds Putin, who is wreaking havoc in Syria and in much of the world, more trustworthy than the heads of the FBI, CIA and National Security.

Any hope that Trump would rise to the occasion when he assumed the power and dignity of the Oval Office was dashed as he stayed in campaign mode, bullying reporters, usPAGE 10

ing crude language, praising himself and still mocking Hillary Clinton and other political rivals.

It seems clear that as president, Trump will continue to portray the press as dishonest, biased and worse, playing to the prejudices of about half the country and chipping away at the reputation of the Fourth Estate, whose role now becomes even more important, and difficult.

Trump’s unprecedented approach creates new challenges for journalists. For example, when he circumvents the normative methods of presidential communication, sending out 140-character tweets instead of interacting with reporters, does one cover his every tweet as news, letting him set the agenda of each day’s news cycle, or ignore them in an effort to diminish their influence?

When the leader of the free world puts forth misinformation, do you call him a liar?

When his explainer-in-chief Kellyanne Conway insists that Trump should not be taken at his word but rather at the intentions of his heart, do you laugh or cry? As one journalist responded in frustration, “Are we now supposed to be cardiologists?”

For Jewish media, there are new equations in the face of two leaders who seek to intimidate the press and whose bromance could tempt reporters to pull their punches.

For example, do we describe Jews who call for abandoning the two-state solution as radicals or true Zionists? Do we note that moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is foolhardy or justified?

Or both?

And does having a Jewishly observant family and openly supporting Netanyahu give Trump a pass on a wide swath of disturbing domestic and foreign policy positions as well as his strain of bigotry and bias?

The Trump press conference on Jan. 11 reminded me of my own upsetting experience in Jerusalem in December, wit-

President Donald Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

nessing Prime Minister Netanyahu’s encounter with our group of 50 Diaspora Jewish journalists.

Throughout the session the Israeli leader was belligerent to a respectful audience, interrupting questions, and posing and answering ones he preferred. He was dismissive in tone, though not nearly as rude or boastful as Trump, his new protector.

Israeli reporters and officials who witnessed the session later noted that Netanyahu had been testier than usual, no doubt because he was under intense scrutiny from the press amid rumors of a pending investigation of criminal wrongdoing.

Two weeks later, the attorney general’s office launched a criminal investigation on several fronts.

The most startling one was based on taped conversations between the prime minister and Arnon Mozes, the wealthy publisher of Yediot Achronot, Israel’s most popular newspaper until American businessman Sheldon Adelson began publishing Yisrael Hayom, a strongly pro-Netanyahu daily, in 2007, and distributing it for free.

Part of the discussion between Netanyahu and Mozes

focused on an apparent bribe, with an offer from Mozes that Yediot would soften its tone toward the prime minister and help keep him in power — even hire a couple of reporters Netanyahu could choose.

And the prime minister said he would back legislation that would weaken Yisrael Hayom and make Yediot No. 1 again.

In addition to the serious legal issues here, one sees the willingness of a media mogul to sacrifice his newspaper’s integrity to curry favor with the prime minister.

And of course there is Netanyahu’s readiness to undermine Adelson, his most influential supporter, for the prospect of more favorable coverage from Yediot.

Sadly, but not surprisingly, the prime minister is now blaming the press — not the attorney general or his actions — for his public embarrassment.

The revealing conversations help explain why many Israelis fear that their government is veering away from open democracy, and why the Israel Democracy Index classified the press in 2016 as only “partly free.”

As Yedidya Stern, vice president of research at the Israel Democracy Institute, notes, “this is the price Israel pays for the strengthening control over the Israeli media by those who have mass wealth.”

The fact that the prime minister has insisted on also serving as minister of communications “is not helpful,” he

The basic goal of the journalist remains to tell the truth as best we know it and empower the informed.

So, what do you think?

Send your letters (350 words max., thanks) to: The Dayton Jewish Observer, 525 Versailles Drive, Dayton, OH 45459 • MWeiss@jfgd.net

added. (Netanyahu is also minister of foreign affairs and has appointed no deputy minister.)

I can only imagine how betrayed the editors and reporters at Yediot, a reputable newspaper, feel over the revelations that the paper’s owner was ready to sacrifice institutional credibility for legislative help from the prime minister.

And it’s no wonder that mainstream American journalists are feeling frustrated and unfairly maligned by Donald Trump and his supporters, blamed for disseminating “fake news,” when in fact it’s the new president who consistently tells whoppers and gets away with it.

After witnessing how the long-standing standards of political behavior were successfully attacked and cast aside by Trump in his campaign, we’ve come to realize that traditional norms are “out,” across the board, extending from social interaction to the workings of the White House.

So it’s time for journalists to re-think the way they operate as well. Reporters at the Trump press conference should have backed Jim Acosta, their CNN colleague, when he was rebuffed from asking a question and called “fake news”

by Trump; they should have refused to continue questioning the president-elect until he responded to Acosta, or even walked out.

A president who thrives on headlines and media attention might think twice about shutting down journalists so openly and unfairly if he knew they would boycott future press conferences.

In these unsettling times, when authoritarianism is in the air here and in Israel and the very definition of “facts” is up for individual interpretation, the role of the responsible journalist is that much more vital.

Conditions change, new leaders appear on the scene and the technology and modes of communication are continuously upgraded. But the basic goal of the journalist remains to tell the truth as best we know it and empower the informed.

Here’s hoping that still applies.

Gary Rosenblatt is editor and publisher of The New York Jewish Week.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • FEBRUARY 2017

THE WORLD

CJ CHAN

Major leaguers visit Israel

By Hillel Kuttler, JTA PETACH TIKVAH, Israel — For questions about Israeli food and culture, Corey Baker and Jeremy Bleich were their teammates’ go-to guys.

Baker and Bleich, pitchers in the minor leagues and members of the club representing Israel in the World Baseball Classic, are the only ones who have previously visited Israel as adults, both on Birthright trips.

The 10-player delegation arrived here Jan. 3 from Las Vegas and Chicago aboard a corporate sponsor’s private plane for a six-day visit that was meant to connect the nearly all-American Jewish team with the country they are representing in the tournament, a quadrennial event modeled after soccer’s World Cup. Israel will resume play March 6 in South Korea, having won a preliminary round in Brooklyn, N.Y., in September.

“For me, it feels good to tell them things because I’ve been here before," said Baker, who played in 2016 for the St. Louis

Margo Sugarman

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Jon Moscot visits the Cardo in Jerusalem’s Old City

Cardinals’ AA and AAA teams and won a WBC game in Brooklyn. "Everyone’s excited to get some falafel and shawarma to see if it lives up to the hype.”

The players and their significant others were kept busy

“You cannot get bored here. There is always something to do, someone to talk to, someone to walk with! I just love Bethany Village!”

– Jane Porter Bethany Village Resident

EnjoyLife

with a steady dose of modern Zionism, vibrant Israel, fun and some baseball. A venture capitalist told them about Israel’s cutting-edge high-tech scene.

They met Knesset member and New Jersey native Michael Oren. They joined a graffiti artist in painting a mural of Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax on a Tel Aviv shopkeeper’s door, rode bikes on the city’s Mediterranean promenade and met fighter pilots at an Air Force base.

On Jan. 6, they dedicated a new baseball field in Beit Shemesh and visited the Yad Vashem memorial to the Holocaust.

Over the weekend, the players took in Jerusalem’s Old City, Masada, and the Dead Sea. “There’s nothing more exciting to me than to bring people who’ve never been here before,” said Jeff Aeder, a Chicago businessman and founder of the Jewish Baseball Museum, who is funding the trip and brought his son.

The MLB players’ lone public Continued on next page

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PAGE 11

Garden Court Garden Garden Court Court

THE WORLD

court court Major leaguers court think garden think garden think garden

is a free agent. Another major leaguer who will join the club in Seoul is Danny Valencia, an inContinued from previous page Nursing & Skilled Skilled Nursing Skilled & Nursing & appearance in this city’s Baptist fielder for the Seattle Mariners.

Rehabilitation.

By WBC rules, a player may Rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation. Village baseball complex drew compete for a country if he is several hundred fans to watch eligible for citizenship under a home run-hitting exhibition 43 private suites suites 43 private suites 43 private — catcher Ryan Lavarnway and its laws. Israel extends the right Largeprivate semi rooms roomsfirst baseman Ike Davis, both Large semi Largeprivate rooms semi private of automatic citizenship to Renovations ongoing Jews, their non-Jewish children, Renovations ongoing Renovations ongoing of whom played recently in the grandchildren and the nonShortrehab term rehab Short term Short stays term stays rehab staysmajor leagues, slammed multiple moonshots far beyond the Jewish spouses of their children Longcare term Long term Longcare term care and grandchildren. fences — and a question-andsettingsetting Serene Serene settingSerene Kurz said he hopes that playanswer session. Fans sought ers’ on-the-ground tweets and autographs and selfies. phone calls will aid in recruitJon Moscot, a Cincinnati 4911 Covenant House Dr. Dayton, Ohio 45426 4911 Covenant 4911 House Covenant Dr. Dayton, House Ohio Dr.45426 Dayton, Ohio 45426 Located Unitedthe Theological Seminary on Denlinger Road. Road.

Located behind thebehind Located Unitedthe Theological behind Seminary United Theological on Denlinger Seminary Road. on Denlinger ing to the squad several major Reds pitcher, gave one boy his league stars who are Jewish: mud-caked cleats. Lavarnway more information or to schedule a tour, a tour, For moreFor information For more or to information schedule aor tour, to schedule please contact Shannon Ryan, Director of Admissions and Marketing at please contact Shannon please contact Ryan, Shannon Director of Ryan, Admissions Director and of Admissions Marketing at and Marketing at handed another his bat. infielder Alex Bregman of the Houston Astros and outfield“You made me the happiers Kevin Pillar of the Toronto est kid in the world,” he told Blue Jays, Joc Pederson of Lavarnway. the Los Angeles Dodgers and The players seemed as impressed by the surroundings as Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers. None in that quartet the spectators were of them. A goal of the trip is to connect the has ruled out participating, he added. crew with the country they are Kurz also expects the WBC representing in the WBC. But for most that was off their radar, visibility to boost Israelis’ said Peter Kurz, president of the interest in the sport. Following Israel’s inaugural tournament Israel Association of Baseball. appearance in 2012, enrollBaker said: “Whether you’re ment in IAB leagues jumped 25 religious or not, you grew up percent, Kurz said — a figure he with Bible stories, but that’s thinks he will match this time. what they are — stories. In His WBC players expressed Israel, we see it.” pride at being included on the Along with Moscot, whose team and this visit. arm injury will prevent him “As soon as they asked, I was from pitching in Seoul, the delexcited,” Lavarnway said. egation included Mets infielder Beth Abraham is Dayton’s “It was the easiest decision I Ty Kelly and outfielder Sam only Conservative could make,” added third baseFuld, who played last season synagogue, affiliated with the United Synagogue of man Cody Decker, who reached for the Oakland Athletics and ANHEALTHCARE EMBASSY COMMUNITY AN EMBASSY AN HEALTHCARE EMBASSY COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE COMMUNITY

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We also have an energetic Keruv program that reaches out to intermarried Beth Abraham, Dayton’s couples and families in our only Conservative synagogue, synagogue andisinDayton’s the Dayton is enthusiastically egalitarian Beth Abraham Jewish community. and isConservative affiliated with only the United Synagogue of synagogue, affiliated with Conservative Judaism. of the Synagogue For United a complete schedule of Conservative Judaism. our events, goSchedule to Daily Minyan bethabrahamdayton.org.

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We are an enthusiastically egalitarian synagogue.

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

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

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Sat., Feb. 11, noon following 9 a.m.

Shabbat Services

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.

PAGE 12

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the majors with the San Diego Padres.

And from Kelly: “I feel very appreciative and honored to be part of this team.”

Moscot visited as an 8-yearold and is the Jewish-American player on the team with the strongest connection to Israel.

He has an uncle and many cousins living in the country, and his father, Elliott, an eye doctor, resided here for four years.

The pitcher’s grandparents, Joseph and Rose Moscot, lived here, too, and are buried in Beit Shemesh.

“The guys see that as a Jewish American, I have ties here, and they see that it’s not a random country in the Middle East,” Moscot said. “It’s important for us to be playing for a country we have a relationship to — that there’s a bond there. After this trip, hopefully the guys will realize that it’s a special thing, that there’s some deeper meaning in it.”

It’s already happening.

“I personally feel a part of this, of Israel — the Jewish state of Israel,” Lavarnway said. "I feel a big part of this.”

As night fell, Davis talked to the fans gathered behind the backstop about his feelings.

“The cool thing about Israel is that Jewish people have a home here no matter where we live,” he said. “We might stay here if you want us to. When you get here, it feels a little like home.”

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A NOTE from Your 2016 Annual Campaign Chair

Jewish Federation of GREATER DAYTON › Innovation Grants Applications for the next cycle of the Innovation Grant are now available for programs taking place July 1, 2017–June 30, 2018. Please contact Jodi Phares at 6105513 or jphares@jfgd.net to request an application.

I chaired my first United Jewish Campaign in 1982 at the age of 15… the YOUTH campaign that is, during which I was responsible for soliciting all the other teens in our community. Clearly the United Jewish Campaign and fundraising have always

been in my heart, and so when I was asked to chair the 2016 Campaign, I knew it was what I wanted to do. Our community has changed so much over the 35 years since I chaired that first campaign, and yet we’ve retained so much of what makes us special.

Despite geographic and demographic shifts, we remain tight-knit; our organizations, community and community members never before working and sharing any more closely than we are now.

And another thing that hasn’t changed – the incredible generosity of our community!

Dayton has always been known for our incredible

generosity for Campaign, especially on a per capita basis.

And so, I am very proud to say that not only did we meet our fundraising goals for the 2016 Campaign, we SURPASSED them – for the first time in many years. This is a major accomplishment, and it is all due to the outstanding generosity of our community members, and diligence of our Federation volunteers and professionals!

Our community is refreshed and reenergized, and the 2016 Campaign results reflect that. The Annual Campaign has become more personal ~ connecting, listening and sharing with each other. We

were thrilled by the response to our newly instituted “Pearl Society” and events related to the Women’s Campaign in 2016, and in 2017 you will see similar efforts on the men’s side. Our goal is to bring our community even closer together in shared experiences and causes. Everyone is not only welcomed, but cherished!

Please help us make 2017 a year of even greater community growth. THANK YOU for your annual gift!

TODD BETTMAN 2016 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN CHAIR

› YAD Shabbat Dinner Friday, February 24 7PM @ The Greene Community Room (4450 Buckeye Lane, The Greene) Ages 21–35! Enjoy a dairy Shabbat dinner with friends.

Sponsored by Shumsky. Please RSVP to Cheryl Carne at ccarne@jfgd.net. No charge.

A series of open dialogues focusing on the realities of Israel today.

› Israelity: Taking Israel Monday, February 27 7PM @ Boonshoft CJCE

Director Vincent Singleton and producer Dr. Eric Winston join our panel discussion as we view and discuss the film Taking Israel: A Journey of African American Students. The film follows 150 students from Wilberforce University who spent summers in Israel from 1988–2002.

PHOTO CREDITS: PETER WINE

RSVPs are due at least 1 week before event. Events with no price listed are free.

PLEASE CONTACT KAREN STEIGER REGARDING ALL EVENTS UNLESS NOTED: 610-1555, ksteiger@jfgd.net

"Israelity: Left Vs. Right", the first in a new series about the realities facing Israel today, kicked off a yearlong Jewish Community Relations Council initiative of making Israel and its culture more accessible and relatable to not only Jewish Daytonians, but also to the Greater Dayton region as a whole.

"Left vs. Right" brought in American Jewish thought leaders J.J. Goldberg, editor-at-large of

Forward & past U.S. bureau chief of Jerusalem Report, and Jonathan Tobin, senior online editor of Commentary Magazine, to debate how the current political culture in America affects our relationship with Israel, and where American parties fall in regards to Israeli policies. Over 80 attendees participated in an active, lively, and respectful discussion on one of the hottest topics of 2017.

JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON AGENCY NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2017

Cards, Camaraderie, & Community: What A Night In Vegas has in store for 2017

Jewish Community Center of GREATER DAYTON › Dayton JYG @ Scene 75 Saturday, February 11 7:30-9:30PM @ Scene 75

(6196 Poe Ave., 45414) Have fun with your friends as we get our game on! Everyone gets a $10 game card to start off the fun. You're welcome to bring additional money to cover food and additional games. Partnering with Beth Abraham, Temple Israel, and Temple Beth Or.

Local mavericks Heath Gilbert and Mark Gordon are co-chairing the JCC's A Night in Vegas fundraiser for the third year and they aren't slowing down the fun!

Their goal is to create an event that promotes having fun with good music and

friends while raising money to benefit the Jewish Community Center's programs.

Each year they've proudly been able to declare "Mission Accomplished!", and start planning bigger and better things for the year to come.

So what do they have in store for 2017? More of what everyone loves about Vegas! Entertainment will be provided by the talented Jim Heller from the University of Dayton;

› Annie Jr. Saturday, February 18, 8PM Sunday, February 19, 3PM

@ Rosewood Art Centre (2655 Olson Dr., 45420) Treat yourself to an adorably uplifting performance by the JCC Children's Theatre! Tickets in advance: $10 adult/$5 child 4–12/ 3 and under free. At the door: $12 adult/$7 child 4–12/ 3 and under free.

› How Coke Became Kosher & Other Tales of Modern Food w/ Author Roger Horowitz Thursday, February 23 7PM @ Beth Abraham

Synagogue (305 Sugar Camp Cir, 45409) The Susan & David Joffe Author Event hosted by Beth Abraham and the JCC. See ad on page XX for more details.

Informational meeting Tuesday, February 7 5:30PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Teens ages 13–17 and parents are invited to learn more about the JCC Maccabi Games in Albany/Schenectady and

raffle, silent auction, and door prizes with prizes in everyones price range; Black Jack tables with local celebrity dealers; and the edge-of-your seat Texas Hold'em tournament where even novices have a shot at the grand prize: a $750 gift card.

Not a fan of cards? No worries! Deli sandwiches are available for purchase, and your favorite board games are welcome! Come together as a community to support each other and JCC programming!

$50 per student. RSVP by February 20.

HEALTH & WELLNESS › Aerobic Conditioning Tues/Thurs @ 9–9:50AM Through May 3. $25 for all sessions. Through Sinclair Lifelong Learning.

RSVPs are due at least 1 week before event. Events with no price listed are free.

PLEASE CONTACT KAREN STEIGER REGARDING ALL EVENTS UNLESS NOTED: 610-1555, ksteiger@jfgd.net JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON AGENCY NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2017

HIGH ROLLER TICKETS Complimentary food, 2 drinks, and acknowledgement in The Dayton Jewish Observer $100 in advance/$125 at the door Texas Hold‘em: $200 in advance/$225 at the door BUY TICKETS ONLINE AT JEWISHDAYTON.ORG OR CALL KAREN AT 610-1555.

Calissa and Cayla Caldwell and Charlotte Eninger take a break from skating at Riverscape during a field trip with Winter Camp Shalom. Join your friends from camp at School Days Out on February 20.

See the ad on page 21 for more information.

PHOTO CREDIT: PETER WINE

ArtsFest in Miami in August!

› Art Appreciation Fridays, February 24–April 28 10AM @ Boonshoft CJCE

Admission: $25 in advance/$35 at door Texas Hold‘em admission: $125 in advance/$150 at door

LEFT: WHAT'S

UNDER THE ICE?

Hutt Moody, Harper Bach and Taylor Ford make their own "arctic" discoveries as they explore the properties of frozen water. Students in the Brachot Cheder created their own physical change experiment by placing water outside and seeing what happened overnight.

PHOTO CREDIT: LISA SIEGEL

On December 31, JFS said goodbye to driver

JFS SPEAKER SERIES:

Ted Myers. Ted enjoyed his time with JFS. He

Real Life, Real Resources

appreciated spending time with

Through the year, JFS will be hosting

our seniors and the stories that

speakers and panels on a variety of

they shared with him; it was

topics that reflect the real life needs

difficult for him to say goodbye.

It was difficult for JFS, too.

We will miss Ted’s easygoing

of our diverse Greater Dayton community. From diversity, to physical health, to mental health, to family, to planning and preparing for the

nature and his sense of humor. We wish him well in

aging process, there is something

his future endeavors.

for everyone – resources to help us

On January 3, Marilyn Austin joined the JFS transportation team. Marilyn is excited to meet our seniors, hear their stories,

navigate our lives. That is why our speaker series will be called Real Life, Real Resources.

Please join us for our next program on February 16, Real Life, Real

and learn from their wisdom.

Resources: The Montgomery County

Welcome Marilyn!

Heroin Epidemic. Jane Novick, Esq. and Dr. David Novick will be presenting. Please see the ad on page 20 for details.

In December, JFS Board members, volunteers and staff assembled and delivered Chanukah gift bags for our seniors. Cards and bags were decorated by BBYO youth and adults and children at the JCC Community Chanukah Party - THANK YOU!!! JFS wants to thank its partners who support this holiday mitzvah – Beth Abraham, Beth Jacob, Chabad, Temple Beth Or, and Temple Israel. Lena Schmerzler enjoyed her bag! PHOTO CREDIT: AMY BOYLE On Sunday, December 25, the community came together and performed a mitzvah! Together, we made almost 150 sack lunches and 100 scarves and donated the items to St. Vincent de Paul for those in need. And, we had a blast enjoying the company of friends and delicious treats. JFS loves our community and is proud of the care and compassion we show for others. PHOTO CREDIT: TARA FEINER

Jewish Family Services Jewish Foundation ofof GREATER DAYTON GREATER DAYTON Monday, February 6 › Intergenerational Tu B'Shevat 10AM–NOON @ Boonshoft CJCE In partnership with Active Adults and the JCC Early Childhood Program. No cost for event.

Active Adult Dine Around following the above event at Doubleday’s Grill & Tavern (199 E. Alex Bell Rd., 45459) Cost is on your own.

RSVP by January 30 for both event and dine around.

Thursday, February 16 › Real Life, Real Resources: Montgomery County Heroin Epidemic 6:30-8 PM @ Boonshoft CJCE RSVP by February 9. No cost.

› Apply for Interest-Free Student Loans

Now through March 17 Contact Shay Shenefelt at sshenefelt@jfgd.net or 401-1551 with questions.

To request an application, contact Alisa Thomas at athomas@jfgd.net or 610-1796.

› Need Assistance Finding a Food Pantry Near You? Call the United Way Information & Referral Line, 225-3000 or Dial 2-1-1. › Are you caring for a loved one who is not in the Greater Dayton area? Visit http:// www.ajfca.org/senior-resourceconnect/ to find supports and services provided by Jewish agencies nationwide. › Don’t know what to donate in the Food Barrels? How about non-perishable, nonexpired dairy products such as: EVAPORATED MILK POWDERED MILK PUDDINGS & CUSTARDS PLEASE CONTACT KAREN STEIGER REGARDING ALL EVENTS: 610-1555

JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON AGENCY NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2017

Legacies, Tributes, & Memorials FEDERATION

›Mamaloshen

A little bit of Yiddish to share with friends, courtesy of the JFS Yiddish Club, in memory of Lynda A. Cohen.

Putsn \PUTS-en\ Verb 1. To clean, shine, polish; brush (one's teeth).

2. To dress up, ornament oneself [with reflexive zikh].

Expression with Putsn: › Fun oybn puts, fun untn shmuts. Finery on top, filth underneath. › Beser in Gan Eydn in shmates eyder in Gehenem oysgeputst.

Better to be in the Garden of Eden wearing rags than to be all dressed up in Hell. › A meydl darf zikh putsn

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN IN MEMORY OF › Ronnie Harlan › Stephen Harris › Jerry Teller Elaine and Joe Bettman › Lou Goldman Clair Zar-Kessler LINDA RUCHMAN MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY OF › Irene Friedman Judy and Marshall Ruchman ALLAN L. WASSERMAN LEADERSHIP FUND IN MEMORY OF › Ronnie Wasserman Harlan Susan and Jonas Gruenberg THE TALA ARNOVITZ FUND IN HONOR OF › Marni Flagel, thinking of you › Speedy recovery of Fern Archer Beverly Saeks

JCC

IN MEMORY OF › Stephen Harris › Allan Rinzler › Paul Nathan Beverly Saeks MIRIAM SIEGEL MARKS AND MILTON A. MARKS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND IN MEMORY OF › Milton A. Marks › Richard Marks Meredith Cline › Richard Marks Andrew Smulian SAMMY’S RAINBOW BRIDGE FUND IN HONOR OF › The establishment of Sammy’s Rainbow Bridge Fund Barbara Goldstone

CULTURAL ARTS AND BOOK FAIR IN MEMORY OF › Elsie Mintz Jane and Dr. Gary Hochstein JOAN & PETER WELLS AND REBECCA LINVILLE FAMILY, CHILDREN, AND YOUTH FUND IN MEMORY OF › Stephen Harris › Ronnie Harlan Joan and Peter Wells JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER IN MEMORY OF › Sidney Alter James Winnegrad

Corner At the Kids Mega Challah Bake on January 12, PJ Library

far fremde bokhrim un

joined forces with Chabad to

a vaybl farn eygenem

help children ages 4 and up

man. A girl should pretty herself up for her suitors

create their very own Shabbat

and a young wife for her

boxes, complete with challah

husband.

cover, candlestick, kiddush cup, and, of course, a loaf of challah to take home and bake for their family to enjoy on Shabbat.

PHOTO CREDIT: PETER WINE

For more information about PJ Library or PJ Our Way or to get a child enrolled in either of these great programs, please contact Juliet Glaser at jglaser@jfgd.net or 401-1541.

Want to see more photos from this event? Join the PJ Library-Dayton, Ohio Facebook Group for events, articles, and discussions on all things PJ Library!

JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON AGENCY NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2017

FAMILY SERVICES

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES IN HONOR OF › New grandchild of Karin and Dr. Neil Katz Susan and Jonas Gruenberg › Speedy recovery of Ralph Schwartz Beverly and Jeffrey Kantor IN MEMORY OF › Manny Tabackman Mimi and D.L. Stewart › Stephen Harris Esther and DeNeal Feldman ACTIVE ADULTS FUND IN MEMORY OF › Max Leo Markman Caryl and Scott Segalewitz FOUNDATION

JEREMY BETTMAN B’NAI TZEDEK FUND IN MEMORY OF › Max Leo Markman Jean and Todd Bettman

SCHOLARSHIPS 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 2017. This scholarship is made possible through the Joan and Peter Wells Family, Children and Youth 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 2017.

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.

If you have any questions, or would like to request an application, please contact Alisa Thomas athomas@jfgd.net or at 610-1796. Completed applications and supporting documentation must be received by March 17.

Awards will be announced on April 7.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Classes

JCC Classes: Tues. & Thurs., 9-9:50 a.m. through May 3: Aerobic Conditioning. $25.

Fridays, Feb. 24 through April 28, 10 a.m.: Art Appreciation. $50. R.S.V.P. by Jan. 20 to Karen Steiger, 610-1555.

Temple Beth Or Classes: Sun., Feb. 5, 12 & 26, 1 p.m.: Beginning Hebrew w. Renee Peery. Sun., Feb. 12, 19, 26, 1 p.m.: Advanced Hebrew w. Rabbi Chessin. Sat., Feb. 11 & Sun., Feb. 19 & 26, 10:30 a.m.: Tanach w. Rabbi Chessin. 5275 Marshall Rd., Wash. Twp. 435-3400.

Temple Israel Classes: Wednesdays, noon: Talmud Study w. Rabbi Sobo. Bring lunch. Sundays, noon: Jewish Literacy w. Rabbi Bodney-Halasz.

Tuesdays, Feb. 28 through April 4, 5:30 p.m.: Beginning Hebrew w. Judy Heller, and Intermediate Hebrew w. Teresa Wyman. $55 nonmembers/$50 members. Tues., Feb. 28, 6 p.m.: Cooking w. Chef Jeff. $10. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 496-0050.

Discussions

JFS Real Life, Real Resources: Mont. Co. Heroin Epidemic w.

Jane & Dr. David Novick. Thurs., Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m. Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville. Free. R.S.V.P. to 6101555.

Restorative Retreat & Spa: Sun., Feb. 26, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

2001 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood.

R.S.V.P. to Devorah Mangel, 9748648.

Beth Abraham Synagogue Men’s Club Brunches: Sundays, 10 a.m. Feb. 5: Marshall Weiss, My Favorite Jewish Observer Stories. Feb. 26: Joel Shapiro, So You Think You Know Jewish! $5. 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood. 293-9520.

Community Events

Temple Israel Ryterband Lecture: Sun., Feb. 5, 9:45 a.m.: Paul Cooper, A Brief History of Israeli Air Power. $7. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 496-0050.

Teens

Dayton Junior Youth Group @ Scene75: Sat., Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. 6196 Poe Ave. R.S.V.P. to Karen Steiger, 610-1555.

Young Adults

YAD Shabbat Dinner: Fri., Feb. 24, 7 p.m. The Greene, 2nd Floor Community Room btw. The Loft & Victoria’s Secret. R.S.V.P. to Karen Steiger, 610-1555.

Women

Chabad Women’s Circle

JCC Children’s Theatre Presents Annie Jr.: Sat., Feb. 18, 8 p.m. and Sun., Feb. 19, 3 p.m. Rosewood Art Centre, 2655 Olson Dr., Kettering. R.S.V.P. to Karen Steiger, 610-1555.

Beth Abraham Synagogue Joffe Scholar-In-Residence: Author Roger Horowitz. Thurs., Feb. 23, 7 p.m. 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood. Co-sponsored by JCC. Free. R.S.V.P. to 610-1555.

Screening of Taking Israel: Mon., Feb. 27, 7 p.m. JCRC Israelity Series. Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville.

Free. R.S.V.P. to Karen Steiger, 610-1555.

Tu B’Shevat

JFS Intergenerational Tu B’Shevat: Mon., Feb. 6, 10 a.m.

JFS Active Adults with Early Childhood at Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville.

Followed by Houseplants 101 for Active Adults & lunch at

Doubleday’s, Cross Pointe.

R.S.V.P. to Karen Steiger, 6101555.

Chabad Tu B’Shevat Community Shabbat Dinner: Fri., Feb. 10, 5:45 p.m. $20 adults, $10 children. 2001 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. 643-0770.

Beth Abraham Synagogue

Tu B’Shevat Seder & Shabbat Kiddush Lunch: Sat., Feb. 11, noon. Following 9 a.m. Shabbat services. 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood. 293-9520.

Dayton Jewish Chorale Tu B’Shevat Concert: Sun., Feb. 12, 1 p.m. Cox Arboretum, 6733 N. Springboro Pike. Free. R.S.V.P. to Karen Steiger, 610-1555.

Buying and Selling Video Games and Electronics

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Mon thru Sat, 10 - 9 Sun, 10 - 6

Cash paid for quality items

1133 Brown St., Dayton • 228-6399 secondtimearound.com

become.

At MVS, we believe the best learning is rooted in direct experience, which leads to engagement and discovery of passion.

We call it Immersion. Come experience the exciting results of such learning at our Immersion Open House. Talk to students about how Immersion shaped their ideas and changed their lives.

Immersion Open House Wednesday, Feb. 8 6:00 - 7:00 pm - Intro to upper school curriculum and college counseling program 7:00 - 9:00 pm - Tour of Immersion projects with student hosts Early Childhood - 12th grade Schedule your personal tour for all grades Financial assistance available mvschool.com

Students don’t just come here. Here, they become.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • FEBRUARY 2017

PAGE 17

KVELLING CORNER Jane Novick is now director of the Court Appointed Special Advocate program for the Montgomery County Juvenile Court. CASA assigns volunteers to children who typically have open cases with Montgomery County Children Services. Volunteers are often social workers or teachers who are retired or still working.

Rachel Haug Gilbert Dr. Samuel N. Dorf, assistant professor of music at the University of Dayton, presented the session, Listening in Hard Times: Music for Struggle and Solace, for the university’s day-long commemoration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on Jan. 18.

Arlene Graham, owner of Fiberworks Fine Yarns and

Fibers in Beavercreek, is selling the Israeli spun and dyed yarn brand, Soulwool. Both socially and environmentally friendly, Soulwool is spun by hand from wool obtained from merino sheep that are brushed, not sheared. Company owner Sol Israeli supplies Bedouin women with high-quality wool; they spin the fibers into yarn, and Sol dyes it and distributes it in Israel and the United States. Soulwool permits only four shops in each state to carry its fibers.

To celebrate his 80th birthday, Cantor Jerome B. Kopmar, cantor emeritus of Beth Abraham Synagogue, will present a recital at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19 at the synagogue. Jerry will sing works by Beethoven, Brahms, Handel, and Yiddish and cantorial selections.

For the second half of the recital, his voice students will perform liturgical works he has written for them over the years. “I’m very proud of my students, and I truly believe that teaching, whether with

Are you reading this? So is the entire Jewish community.

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

LIFECYCLES choirs or private students gave me the most satisfaction in my long and very fulfilling career,” Jerry explained.

In December, Franklin T. Cohn met with then President-Elect Donald Trump and his family over dinner at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club. He also met the presidential transition team and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. On that trip, Franklin also attended a meeting of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

In November, Galit and Uri Maman ran the New York Marathon: his fourth marathon, and her first. Galit used to run in their native Israel.

She had help training via e-mail from her Israeli coach.

David Klass’ chili recipe won the Archer’s Tavern Sixth Annual Chili Cookoff. His chili is now featured on Archer’s menu until next year’s cookoff.

Send your Kvelling items to: kvellingcorner@gmail.com or to Rachel Haug Gilbert, The Dayton Jewish Observer, 525 Versailles Drive, Centerville, OH 45459

Dumtschin-Evans Irwin Dumtschin is pleased to announce the marriage of his daughter, Rachel Beth Dumtschin, to Andrew Robert Evans, son of Carol Evans and Rob Evans, both of Centerville.

Rachel is also the daughter of the late Cantor Joyce Ury Dumtschin, whose presence was felt throughout the ceremony. Rachel is the granddaughter of Bernard and Helen Ury of Chicago, and the late Morris and late Edna Dumtschin. Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz officiated at the ceremony, on Sept. 4. The couple began dating their senior year at Centerville High School.

Rachel graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in human services.

She is an educator at the JCC and Temple Israel.

Andy graduated from Valparaiso University with bachelor’s degrees in geography and Spanish. He is a manager at MB Senior Solutions. The newlyweds honeymooned in Aruba.

Send lifecycles to: The Dayton Jewish Observer 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville, OH 45459 Email: MWeiss@jfgd.net.

There is a $10 charge to run a photo; please make checks payable to The Dayton Jewish Observer.

Welcome Home They say home is where the heart is.

You’ll find a lot of heart at Cedar Village.

We have beautiful apartments ready for your finishing touches. Our kosher kitchen serves your traditional favorites. And most importantly, you’ll find a sense of community—a neighborhood under one roof. Come make yourself at home at Cedar Village. Call today to schedule a tour.

5467 Cedar Village Drive Mason, OH 45040 513.754.3100 cedarvillage.org

PAGE 18

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • FEBRUARY 2017

RELIGION

CONGREGATIONS

Why a rabbi under the chuppah may boost Jewish engagement in intermarried homes

By Leonard Saxe and Fern Chertok At a summit meeting in October at the National Museum of American Jewish History, several hundred communal professionals, rabbis, scholars, philanthropists and young intermarried couples gathered to discuss engagement of interfaith families in Jewish life.

There is widespread communal agreement that intermarriage has reshaped the landscape of American Jewish life, but a lack of consensus regard-

Perspectives ing how best to respond to this development.

At the forefront of the controversy has been rabbinic officiation at intermarriage ceremonies.

For some, the debate over whether a rabbi or cantor should conduct an interfaith wedding hinges on theological questions.

But for many the debate is also about the impact that rabbinic officiation might have on the Jewish character of the homes and families these couples create.

Contrary to the long-held assumption that choosing a Jewish officiant is a symbolic, not a substantive act, we now have strong evidence of the association between rabbinic officiation at intermarriages and the couples’ subsequent involvement in Jewish life.

Our new report, Under the Chuppah: Rabbinic Officiation and Intermarriage, explores the trajectories of Jewish engagement of a large group of young adult Jews married to Jewish and non-Jewish spouses.

As part of a long-term follow-up study of 2001-2009 applicants to Birthright Israel, we surveyed 1,200 married young adults.

We explored differences among three groups of couples: inmarried couples, intermarried couples who had a sole Jewish clergy officiant (i.e., no non-Jewish co-officiant) and intermarried couples who married under other auspices such as a justice of the peace, friend or family member.

The data are unequivocal that intermarried couples

whose weddings were offici(that is, Jews who marry Jews). ated by Jewish clergy as the The rates of synagogue only officiant are more highly membership are 34 percent engaged in Jewish life than for the former vs. 41 percent other intermarried couples. for the latter, and for raising Among the children Jewish intermarried cou85 percent vs. 94 ples married by percent. a rabbi or cantor, Sole Jewish the overwhelmofficiation at ing majority (85 intermarriages percent) of those does not, howwho now have ever, fully level children reported Leonard Saxe Fern Chertok the playing field that the religion between interin which their children are bemarried couples with a sole ing raised is Judaism.

Jewish officiant and inmarried This is in stark contrast to couples on all measures of Jewthe intermarried couples who ish engagement. did not have a sole Jewish ofFor example, intermarried ficiant, of whom 23 percent are couples who had sole Jewish raising their children Jewish. officiation are somewhat less Consistent with these findlikely to have a special meal on ings, one-third of intermarShabbat. ried couples who had a rabbi Our study does not proor cantor as sole officiant are vide a full explanation of the synagogue members. reasons for the differences This number between interis more than four Rabbinic married couples times higher with a sole Jewofficiation at than the rate for ish officiant and intermarriage is intermarried other intermarcouples married a relatively new ried couples. by another type phenomenon, In part, the of officiant. decision to have and we are only These differa Jewish officiences persist now beginning to ant likely reflects even when the a continuation see its effects. gender, Jewish of the already background and existing Jewish college Jewish experiences of trajectory of these couples. the Jewish spouse are taken But it may also be that the into account. involvement of Jewish clergy On the two measures that has an independent impact have been at the heart of the on the lives of intermarried controversy about Jewish offici- couples. ation at intermarriages — synaInteractions with Jewish gogue membership and raising clergy in preparation for the children Jewish — intermarried wedding may serve to welcouples with sole Jewish clergy come the non-Jewish partner officiation are not very differinto Judaism, establish the ent from inmarried couples groundwork for a continuing

relationship, and affirm the couple’s prior decision to raise a Jewish family.

Conversely, rejection by clergy, even with a referral to another rabbi, may have a negative effect.

Rabbinic officiation at intermarriage is a relatively new phenomenon, and we are only now beginning to see its effects.

What does seem apparent from our research is that most couples who engaged rabbis for officiation purposes appear to have Jewish commitments that carry over past the wedding ceremony.

Marshall McLuhan famously cautioned, “We drive into the future using only our rearview mirror.” In contrast to demographic studies which, while valuable, tell us more about the past than the future, our socio-psychological studies of intermarried young couples shed light not only on the lived experiences of contemporary Jews, but also provide critical data for thinking about the future.

We would like to think that our research, rather than viewing Jewish experience through a rearview mirror, is looking forward.

We are discovering that the consequences of intermarriage that we have long expected to be devastating vis-à-vis the Jewish future may not be inevitable.

Leonard Saxe is the director of the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies of the Steinhardt Social Research Institute at Brandeis University. Fern Chertok is a research scientist at the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies.

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 Sara Otero-Eiser 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. followed by Share Shabbat meal.

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

February Shevat/Adar

Shabbat Candle Lightings February 3 5:41 p.m.

Tu B’Shevat

February 10 5:50 p.m.

February 11/15 Shevat Marks springtime in Israel.

Celebrated with picnics, fruit and planting trees.

February 17 5:58 p.m.

New Year for Trees

February 24 6:06 p.m.

Torah Portions February 4 Bo (Ex. 10:1-13:16) February 11 Beshalach (Ex. 13:17-17:16) February 18 Yitro (Ex. 18:1-20:23) February 25 Mishpatim (Ex. 21:1-24:18, 30:11-16)

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • FEBRUARY 2017

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 19

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OBITUARIES Robert N. Friedman, 88. Our friend, our mentor, our Dad, slipped away on Jan. 21 in Potomac, Md. Longtime residents of Dayton, Dad and Mom fled the sleet and snow for the sun and tranquility of their adopted home of Naples, Fla. He was predeceased by only seven weeks by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 66 years, Irene Friedman.

Dad was relieved to be honorably discharged from the U.S. Army to begin his career as a real estate developer in Dayton and Columbus. He had a love of life, food and wine that took him to many parts of the world, but the place he loved best was home. He leaves a legacy of love of family, humor and kindness to his three

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loving daughters, Joy Isaacson (Howard, Joshua and Ari), Robin Uhrig (Gary, Drew [Christi]), Ben and Lindsey, Merily Friedman (Joni and Robert Fisher), and three great-grandchildren, Carter, Cameron and Sydney. Not to be left out, is his canine companion, Sunshine, whom he dearly loved.

Interment was at Riverview Cemetery. Contributions may be made to your favorite charity.

Alan Bruce Rittner, age 59, beloved son, brother, uncle and cousin, died Jan. 18, in Angier, N.C. A Dayton native, Mr. Rittner graduated from Meadowdale High School and Sinclair Community College’s nursing program. He worked at Grandview and Good Samaritan Hospitals, the latter as an operating room nurse. He finished his nursing career as an operating room shift supervisor for WakeMed Cary Hospital in Cary, N.C. He was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Jeanne Rittner. Mr. Rittner is survived by his sister, Robbin Rittner- (Stewart) Heir; brother David (Becky) Rittner; nieces Kelly Heir and Jessica (Akash) Sharma; numerous cousins, as well as adopted family members.

Arrangements are pending.

Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Fred E. Sokol (Ephraim Shklovsky), 87 of Dayton, died quietly in his home on Jan. 16 after a long illness. Mr. Sokol

The Dayton Jewish Observer New & Renewing Voluntary Subscribers • Dec. 6 - Jan. 9 Renewing Guardian Angels Marilyn & Larry Klaben New Guardian Angel Groundskeeper Landscape Group New Angels Buck Run Commercial Doors & Hardware Inc. Ron & Sue Nelson Double Chai Elaine Abramson Keri, Don, Hannah & Emma Cohen Judy & Mike Feinstein Felix & Erika Garfunkel Stephen Green & Cheryl Levine Hindy & Richard Gruber Joel & Judi Guggenheimer Michael Lieberman & Randi Abramson Dr. Mel & Judy Lipton Mr. Leonard Press Jackie & Stan Schear Ed & Roberta Zawatsky Subscribers Joyce & Jim Anderson Mel & Janice Berman Marilyn Donoff Dr. & Mrs. Harold Fishman Pat & Don Gable Marc R. Gilbert Jerry Goldberg David Hurwitz Lawrence Katz Richard Lesser Louise & Irv Leuin PAGE 20

Babs Miller Sam Rosengarten Mike & Dee Saxon Dr. Gerald Troy Sue Wallace Sheryl Zawatsky Irvin & Sandy Zipperstein Current Guardian Angels Howard & Judy Abromowitz M.J. & Bella Freeman Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg & Hazzan Jenna Greenberg Bernard Rabinowitz Current Angels Ken Baker, K.W. Baker & Assoc.

Michael & Connie Bank George & Ruth Barnett & Family Skip & Ann Becker Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Bettman Amy & Michael Bloom Hy & Sylvia Blum Larry & Cindy Burick Betty & Don Chernick Mrs. Melvin Crouse Dr. & Mrs. Scot Denmark Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Feldman Esther & DeNeal Feldman Lynn Foster Dr. Eric Friedland Gaglione Family Drs. Felix & Erika Garfunkel Debby & Bob Goldenberg Kim & Shelley Goldenberg Judi & George Grampp Art & Joan Greenfield

Susan & Joe Gruenberg Bea Harris Robert & Vicky Heuman Sylvia & Ralph Heyman Steve and Rachel Jacobs Dr. & Mrs. David Joffe Dennis Kahn & Linda Ohlmann Kahn Susan & Stanley Katz Kim Kwiatek Gabriele & Todd Leventhal Laurie & Eddie Leventhal Mr. Joseph Litvin Beverly Louis Dr. David & Joan Marcus Suzi & Jeff Mikutis Irvin & Gayle Moscowitz Myrna Nelson Helene Perez Richard & Roberta Prigozen John & Sharyn Reger Russ Remick Brenda Rinzler Dr. & Mrs. Nathaniel Ritter Cherie Rosenstein Steven & Barbara Rothstein Jan Rudd-Goenner Susan L. Smith Dr. Marc & Maureen Sternberg Steve & Shara Taylor Col. Jeffrey Thau, USAF, (Ret) & Rina Thau David Verson Julie & Adam Waldman & Family Kathleen Wassenich Judith & Fred Weber Donald & Caryl Weckstein Michael & Karen Weprin Dr. Judith Woll & Ron Bernard

was born in Petah Tikvah, Israel on July 4, 1929 and came to the United States in 1950 after fighting as a member of the Irgun in the Israeli War of Independence in 1948. He was the youngest son of a family of six children. Mr. Sokol owned and managed a retail furniture business for more than 25 years. He lived in Dayton for the last 67 years. Mr. Sokol had a sharp wit and read incessantly.

He was always the epitome of a host, and opened his doors to many guests throughout the years, holding classes and family gatherings in his home. He would enthrall his guests with his stories of battles and with his humorous imitations of family members and deceased world dictators. Though English was not his first language, he always managed to insert a pun or two in every conversation. By far, his most passionate interest was in ensuring the future of the state of Israel, and he was an ardent Zionist all of his life. He leaves a large extended family in Israel. Mr. Sokol was married to Ruth Eckman Sokol for 48 years before she predeceased him in 2000. Mr. Sokol remarried in 2001 to his wife of 16 years, Miriam Karp Sokol. He was the father of four children, Barry D. Sokol (deceased in 1982), Ronn A. Sokol and his wife Leslie Cantor Sokol (Cincinnati), Dan Z. Sokol and wife Michele Skale Sokol (Dayton), and Dr. Karen A. SokolSills and her husband Dr. Lester B. Sills (Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.).

Mr. Sokol was the very proud grandfather of six grandchildren: David Sokol and his wife Joanna Pinker Sokol (New York), Barry Sokol (Columbus), Leonard Sokol (Cincinnati), Lauren Sokol Hanono and her husband Avi Hanono (San Diego), Raphaela Sills and Jonah Sills (Hastings-onHudson, N.Y.), and one greatgrandchild, Liam Hanono (San Diego). Mr. Sokol will be interred in the family cemetery in Petah Tikvah, Israel.

Sylvan L. Weinberg, M.D., age 93, of Dayton, passed away Jan. 17. Dr. Weinberg was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1923, in Nashville, Tenn. to immigrants Beatrice Weinberg from Latvia and Abraham Weinberg of Poland. The family moved to Dayton in 1932 and he graduated valedictorian of his class at Fairview High School in 1941, played on the varsity tennis team, and won a citywide essay contest two years in a row. Dr. Weinberg attended Northwestern University as an undergraduate and then completed his medical residency and fellowship in cardiology at Northwestern Medical School.

His internship, medical residency and fellowship in cardiology were at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Korea in 1950 as a captain in an army MASH unit on the front lines until the end of the Korean war.

At Northwestern, Dr. Weinberg met his future wife, Joan, through a blind date arranged by mutual friends in Dayton. They were married for 58 years until her passing in May 2014. They shared a love of science. Dr. Weinberg is survived by his daughter, Leslie D. Weinberg; son, Andrew L. Weinberg; and granddaughters Paige Weinberg and Hannah Weinberg. At Good Samaritan Hospital, where he served as chief of staff for over 30 years, he also founded the first coronary care unit in Ohio. He directed the Wright State University fellowship program from 1980 to 1989, and headed a private group cardiology practice until he retired in 2000.

A past president of the American College of Cardiology and the American College of Chest Physicians, he was Editor-inChief of ACELL, an international educational journal on tape of contemporary cardiovascular medicine and surgery from 1985 until his retirement. He was recognized as “the voice of cardiology” for two decades, travelling around the world and interviewing the world’s leaders in cardiology. Dr. Weinberg was the founding editor of the American Heart Hospital Journal, Heart & Lung Journal, and of Dayton Medicine magazine. He also was associate editor of the AMA Archives of Internal Medicine, the ACC Review Journal and served on numerous editorial boards, including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, CHEST, Clinical Cardiology and Heart Journal. He made more than 230 invited speaking appearances on six continents. He also was author of two books of essays, An Epitaph for Merlin and Perhaps for Medicine and The Golden Age of Medical Science & The Dark Age of Healthcare Delivery.

In 2009, a medical library was established in his name for his many years of service at Good Samaritan Hospital. He was a longstanding member of Moraine Country Club and the Moraine Society. Dr. Weinberg’s final months were spent at Arlington Pointe Rehab and Nursing Facility in Middletown, where he was beloved by everyone. His final word was the name of his beloved wife, Joan. Contributions may be made in Dr. Sylvan Weinberg’s name to The Heart Institute of Dayton.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • FEBRUARY 2017

JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION of derech eretz. But beyond basic manners, derech eretz is also about returning grocery carts and parking within painted lanes. “Jewish time” is out, prompt R.S.V.P.s are in.

Don’t be angry at mealtimes, eat standing, lick your fingers, or belch in the presence of another. Don’t speak to someone its focus is on how we relate before you have their attento others and to society, it is tion. Don’t indulge in obscene not explicitly commanded in language. Don’t enter another’s the Torah. Jerusalem-based home without an invitation. scholar Rabbi Peretz Rodman Ethical interactions. Do writes, “Some behavior must be legislated in order for society to unto others: be gentle, patient, respectful, and empathetic. function. We need to have tax Maintain a pleasant demeanor, regulations, traffic rules, bankeven toward phone solicitors. ruptcy laws, and trial procedures. But then there are things Don’t rush children or the elderly. Don’t cut in line or cut off that should not need to be the drivers. Don’t mislead sellers, subject of bylaws, statutes, or asking for prices if you don’t house rules…” This is the area intend to buy at their stores. of derech eretz.

Eliminate phones and iPads “It is possible to be disgustat the table and ignore them ing with permission of the during conversaTorah,” NachTo live a life tion. Give others manides points that is truly the benefit of the out. One can be doubt. Acknowla glutton who distinguished edge those who eats only kosher food, a drunkard and uplifted, one serve or support you — tip hidden who drinks only must go beyond such as kosher wine, a just following the servers, maids and garperson who uses bage collectors. vulgar language instructions.

Intimate but never gossips, relations. Relationships don’t a donor of only worn-out and convey unlimited license. Be broken items to charity. sensitive and responsive to While not directly prohibeach other without coercion, ited, such behavior is not in criticism, punishment, or abuse. keeping with the essence of Dating requires similar mutual Torah. In fact, we learn in the respect. Rejection should be Talmud that derech eretz is the gentle, trying not to wound the path to Torah, and without it other’s confidence or character. there is no Torah. To live a life Environmental consciousthat is truly distinguished and ness. Genesis tasks humans uplifted, one must go beyond with caring for Eden: “cultivate just following the instructions. it and guard it.” Should we do Hundreds of references to derech eretz in Talmudic literature highlight six distinct categories of behavior.

Social etiquette. This is the most common understanding

Possible but not permissible Back to basics series While escorting a visiting Talmud scholar around a Jewish neighborhood in Los Angeles, the local rabbi noted that his guest suddenly slowed to a snail’s pace, finally suggesting that they cross the street.

The rabbi deduced that these actions were to avoid embarrassing the elderly man shuffling just ahead, by passing him in a rush.

Candace R. Kwiatek Xavier University Education Prof. Hilda Rothschild never wavered from her weekday morning routine. Standing at the doorway to her lab school classroom, she would greet each preschooler by name and, with a handshake, add a personal comment or two.

Bald from chemotherapy, 8-year old Nathan was bullied by other students. Not wanting others to make fun of Nathan or feel sorry for him, his classmate Aviva cut her waist-length hair for a hairpiece for him until his own hair could grow back.

Each of these vignettes illustrates the Jewish virtue of derech eretz, literally “the way of the land” or more loosely, “the way the world works.” It has the sense of “what people tend to do or what people ought to do.”

Derech eretz is unique among Jewish virtues: while

less in the world? Take only pictures, leave only footprints.

Plant. Recycle. Use natural resources sparingly. Do not waste unnecessarily.

Earning a living. Rashi explains that honest work and Torah study are complementary tasks: while both are obligatory, neither alone is sufficient. Study informs work ethics, work prevents laziness and dependency. Derech eretz provides some practical details.

Work to support yourself and your family financially. Spend only what you can afford.

Don’t accustom children to indulgences. Don’t put all your money in one place.

Contributing to society.

Like a club or a synagogue, a

healthy society depends on its members’ involvement. Derech eretz embodies the idea that it’s not enough to learn and work for oneself or one’s family.

Learning and working are part of participating in the larger community, to perpetuate a virtuous and economically stable society. Contribute. Volunteer.

Vote. Smile.

The Torah alone cannot guarantee virtuous societies or honorable individuals.

Without derech eretz — the spiritual generosity and common decency that defines the mensch (humane person) — it is possible to be religious but disgusting. In the Jewish view, it’s possible, but ultimately not permissible.

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By Samantha Ferraro, JTA Koofteh are Persian meatballs with many different variations, including lima beans or meatballs mixed with only rice, or in this case, a gorgeous mixture of rice, split peas and the most exciting part of the recipe, sabzi.

Sabzi is a blend of dried herbs including leeks, parsley, and tarragon, used by many Persian cooks.

Instead of buying expensive fresh herbs in bulk, many Persian cooks use this dehydrated sabzi blend, which does the job beautifully.

You can find it at many Mediterranean markets, though I have seen it online as well. I still have half a can left of sabzi in the cupboard, permeating the kitchen.

Sabzi, meaning vegetable Koofteh (Persian Meatballs) in Tomato Turmeric Broth greens or herbs in Persian, in a bowl of water, enough to You don’t need to serve this comes in various blends for cover the herbs and allow to with any more starch, but a many different recipes. soak for about 20 minutes. nice helping of sautéed vegetaThere is Sabzi Polo, which If you haven’t already, cook bles and lavash (thin, unleavhas dried dill and leek for rice both the rice and lentils (in ened flatbread) to soak up all dishes, and Sabzi Ghormeh, separate pots) about half way. that delicious broth would be which is used in hearty stews.

The basmati should take perfect.

However, for these Perabout seven to eight minutes sian meatballs, we will be and the split peas, about 10 1 lb. ground beef using Sabzi Koofteh, which minutes.

1 egg is uniquely used for these gorOnce done, drain and allow ¾ cup rice, half cooked (I geous Persian meatballs. to cool to room temperature. use basmati) I couldn’t wait to make koofIn another large bowl, ½ cup yellow split peas, half teh after my best friend gave add the beef, grated onion, cooked me a huge can of the Sabzi rehydrated herbs, egg, rice, 1 whole onion, grated Koofteh. split peas, turmeric, salt, and 1 cup Sabzi Koofteh dried My friend knows how much pepper, and mix thoroughly herb blend, (or if you’re I adore Persian flavors, but I until well blended. Then cover using the can, have to admit, this with plastic wrap and place in about half the sabzi blend was a The most refrigerator to marinate for at can), soaked in new adventure for exciting part least 30 minutes. water me. The dried tarOnce done, form mixture ragon is captivat- of the recipe is 1 Tbsp. turmeric into large meatballs, it will 1 tsp. salt ing and gives the sabzi, a blend make about eight very large ½ tsp. black meatballs a very of dried herbs pepper meatballs. exotic aroma.

In a large pot or dutch oven Once everything including leeks, over medium heat, drizzle For the sauce: is mixed together, parsley, and olive oil and add sliced on2 small onions, and the saffron ion and garlic and sauté until sliced and onion are tarragon translucent. Then add turmeric 2 garlic cloves, added, the meatand tomato paste and sauté for chopped balls take on a about 30 seconds.

3 Tbsp. tomato paste deeper flavor, something more Next add the chicken stock 1 tsp. turmeric special and lingering. and season with salt and pep3 cups of chicken stock With the winter upon us, per and stir everything togethSalt and pepper, to taste stews, soups and these Persian er. This is a good time to taste Olive oil, for drizzling meatballs are what I crave. the broth for seasoning before Fresh parsley, chopped for Koofteh will feed the whole adding the meatballs. garnish family in one pot and most Then gently add the meatlikely provide leftovers that balls, cover and cook for about These Persian meatballs taste even better the next day.

45 minutes, turning them about take a bit of planning but are These aromatic meatballs halfway through. so worth the effort. Make the are blended with split peas, Once done, the sauce will mixture in the morning and alrice and herbs and are slowly have reduced. Serve with low the flavors to blend before stewed in a tomato turmeric sautéed vegetables and garnish forming them into meatballs. broth that will have you begwith fresh parsley.

First, soak the dried herbs ging for more.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • FEBRUARY 2017

Arts&Culture

Roger Horowitz looks at kashrut and industrialization in America

By Amy Spiro, The Jerusalem Post Walk into just about any supermarket in America and one thing is for sure: Almost half the food on the shelves will be kosher. How did this happen? And who was the driving force behind it?

Those are the questions Roger Horowitz seeks to answer in his latest book, Kosher USA: How Coke Became Kosher and Other Tales of Modern Food.

Horowitz will discuss Kosher USA at the Joffe Author Event hosted by Beth Abraham Synagogue Roger Horowitz and the JCC on Feb. 23.

Kosher USA received the 2016 National Jewish Book Award in the category of American Jewish Studies.

His decade of research reveals many insights into the decades during which kosher certification of processed foods blossomed.

He traces the story from the times when kosher homemakers pored over labels and lists of ingredients, to the certification of Coca Cola, one of the earliest mass-produced certified foods.

That is followed by the boom of Jewish-owned companies producing kosher products, through recent decades, when Oreos, Twix and other iconic American foods became available to the observant Jewish public.

Author Roger Horowitz at the Susan and David Joffe Author Event, hosted

by Beth Abraham Synagogue and the JCC on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at Beth Abraham, 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood. The program is free. For more information, call the JCC at 610-1555.

Which ingredients had to be switched out to make Coke kosher? Why did it take so long after Oreos removed lard from the recipe to gain rabbinic approval? Horowitz has the answers.

But the story is far from a straightforward climb, as rivalries, scandals and accusations plagued the kashrut business for decades (and some would argue those days are far from over). As industrialization took hold and packaged foods became a staple of every American kitchen, kosher certification became big business, with companies vying for the biggest market share. The Big Four — the OU, Kof-K, Star-K and OK — mostly get along today, but that wasn’t always the case among rival certifying agencies.

One of the most intriguing chapters, The Great Jell-O Controversy, details how feuding rabbinic interpretations led to a fierce debate among agencies — and the general public — over the certification of gelatin. Some authorities, relying on substantial and serious rabbinical backing, ruled that gelatin created from pig bones underwent enough of a physical transformation to become an entirely new product, and could therefore be considered kosher.

But a firestorm around the idea of eating pork led to the rabbinical establishment eventually coalescing to rule pig-based gelatin out of bounds (a

position that holds strongly to this day in Orthodox Judaism). Boxes of Jell-O brand fruit gels on supermarket shelves today still bear a “K” mark, though the majority of kosher consumers steer clear.

While the book is entertaining, informative and a mostly fast-paced read, Horowitz includes personal anecdotes and notes throughout, which seem somewhat misplaced in a documentary account.

But more than that, the author seems determined to take sides among the personalities and organizations that populate the book. As he recounts much of the development of the kosher industry over the 20th century, Horowitz clearly paints bad guys and good guys in the story, and often makes it personal.

Though he notes in his ending acknowledgments that Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO of the Orthodox Union’s kosher division, “asked OU staff to cooperate with my sometimes annoying research requests, which they always did” — in the text of the book itself, he takes him to task.

“He did not make me welcome,” Horowitz writes. “Genack barely looked at me during our perfunctory 15-minute conversation, constantly monitoring his email and mobile phone as I explained my project and asked for the OU’s cooperation.

“While indicating that the OU would respond favorably to my queries, he radiated disapproval… for my evidently non-Orthodox mode of dress and behavior.”

There is much to enjoy and even more to debate in Horowitz’s well-researched and engaging tome; and debate is so much the heart and soul of both kashrut and Jewish life. Anyone with an interest in the world of kosher food will be riveted to parts of the book, as long as they can ignore or agree with Horowitz’s many opinions.

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PAGE 23

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Understanding marriage ceremony’s customs reveals hidden meanings

By Rabbi Michael Barclay Los Angeles Jewish Journal Long before I was ordained, I asked my friend Rabbi Larry Goldmark where he saw God. His response: “I see God when I marry a couple. The bride sees the groom; the groom sees the bride; but I see God standing in between them.”

Years later, when I officiated my first wedding, I learned that no words were ever truer.

There is something truly divine about the wedding ceremony. A palpable feeling exists in the room — and especially under the chuppah — that is beyond words. But I have learned in counseling many couples that the experience of the ceremony is deepened as the ritual becomes more fully understood, its hidden meanings revealed.

Each ritualized part of the wedding plays a part in deepening the effect of the ceremony.

Going through each part of the wedding is good not only for a couple about to be married, but for all of us who strive to deepen the moments of our lives. It is also important to recognize that all marriages are “interfaith” — no two people come to the marriage with the exact same relationship with God. Each wedding ceremony must be personalized for the couple.

Even the required traditional elements of Jewish weddings — the ketubah, exchange of rings and yichud — can have different traditions or variances that are reflective of the couple.

The ketubah

The chuppah

This is the beginning of the Although it is traditional ritual. A concretized manifesta- to have the posts of the chuption of a couple’s commitment, pah (wedding canopy) held by the action of executing this con- four friends, it has also become tract takes their love and locks it customary in many communiinto the physical world. The tra- ties to have a free-standing ditional text is “legalese” — like structure. The chuppah is a a mortgage agreement making recapitulation of the Garden of a new homeowner consciously Eden, with the bride and groom aware of his or her commitas Adam and Eve. It needs to be ment — but the ketubah also temporary, so that the couple helps the couple understand remember that everything in at a deep psychological level the physical world is temporary, that their love is now but their love is eternal. becoming physically It is the tallit (prayer manifest, and this shawl) hanging union is real. It is above them the first step in that reminds truly knowing them that their that they will love is truly be together fordivine, and it ever. Although is a beautiful the traditional custom for it to text is standard the tallit of onderful thebegroom, and is a contracwith eddings new tzitzit (fringes) tual obligation, variations abound that have been tied by for the English aspect that the bride. Many brides are can be reflective of the couple’s scared that the knot-tying is too personality. The amount of acdifficult, but there are simple companying art that is availinstructions, and it creates an able for ketubot is astounding, even more sacred space when often with subtle meanings in the tallit is an expression of the symbols the artist includes. their partnership.

I make it a point to spend time with each couple as they pick The circling their ketubah so that they As the couple enter the chupunderstand the deeper meanpah, often the bride circles the ings of the artwork; and many groom seven times. Seven is couples even have artists create the number of wholeness (think a personalized piece just for Shabbat); and the circling is a their wedding, filled with imphysical demonstration of the ages that are especially meanbride spiritually protecting the ingful to them. groom. In egalitarian communities, it has become customary to demonstrate a mutual protecWellness & Spiritual Renewal tion by the bride circling the A gift to yourself after the simcha groom three times, the groom circling her three times, and Marsha Therese Danzig then the pair circling each other.

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grapes, but we make them into wine. We need God and vice versa, as the bride and groom need each other. I have found that it is a wonderful way to unify the families if the bride’s family gives one Kiddush cup for under the chuppah, and the groom’s family gives the other.

Vows and rings

Although vows are not part of the traditional ceremony, many brides have grown up looking forward to saying, “I do.” The best time to do this is immediately before the exchange of rings. Whether the couple are asked the standard questions that are typically found in a secular or nonJewish wedding, or they make statements that they have written, it can be a beautiful addition to the ceremony. The exchange of rings is another physical manifestation of their love — a love without beginning or end that has existed before they were even born.

The Seven Blessings

The Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings), which all praise God and the sanctity of the relationship, are a wonderful time to personalize the ceremony. One option is to have the rabbi say all 14 statements (seven in Hebrew and their English translations) or the couple could honor family or friends by having them recite some of these blessings. Make sure participants know their time and the words well in advance of the actual ceremony so that it is a smooth transition between parties.

The couple can also choose to have the groom under the bride’s veil during this time; wrapped in the rabbi’s tallit; and even have their hands bound together with tefillin (a medieval custom). It is often

for your

an extremely powerful and memorable part of the ceremony for the couple to be blessed by friends and family while they are in their own “tent” under her veil and wrapped in the tallit.

Ashley Novack

Breaking the glass

There are many interpreBride & groom under a chuppah (wedding canopy) tations for the breaking of the each part of the ceremony help glass, and often we are taught them learn how to negotiate that it is to temper our joy their partnership and, with the with a remembrance of the rabbi’s guidance, can become destruction of the Temple. The models on how to negotiate interpretation I most appreciother dialogues in the future. ate is that breaking the glass I always remind couples: is an explosion of their love This is your wedding. It needs together as it explodes into the to be a reflection of your love world. Grooms: make sure that and commitment. Your ceryou hit the glass with the heel emony changes the world. of your foot. There have been Know the meanings of each more cases than anyone wants step, bring a consciousness and to admit of a groom trying to depth to the experience. break it with the ball of his foot May we always remember and hurting himself. that we are not only in partnership with our spouse, but that Yichud God is the glue that binds our An under-appreciated part love together. of the ceremony in the nonOrthodox world is yichud. After Rabbi Michael Barclay is the the breaking of the glass, the couple go to a private chamber, spiritual leader of Temple Ner Simcha in Westlake Village, with a shomer (guardian) outside to make sure no one comes Calif., and the author of Sacred in. There, they feed and nurture Relationships: Biblical Wisdom for Deepening Our Lives each other. Just spending Together. private time together for a few moments is the culmination and realization of the ceremony.

After months of planning, the wedding and reception go by so quickly, and these few moments are consistently some that couples remember forever.

The discussions that arise as couples decide how to handle

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Israel’s chief rabbis embrace friendlier approach to marriage, but is it enough?

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PAGE 26

by Hiddush, a group that promotes

By Andrew Tobin, JTA religious pluralism, 63 percent of Israelis JERUSALEM — Many Israelis feel support separating religion and state, alienated by the marriage process in which would mean abolishing the Chief their country, fed up with the bureauRabbinate in its current form. The numcracy and strict religious requirements. ber rose from 56 percent in 2012.

Some seek to reform the haredi Uri Regev, the CEO of Hiddush, Orthodox-dominated Chief Rabbinate noted the obstacles to marriage for while creating alternatives to its moJewish Israelis. Hundreds of thousands nopoly on marriage and other personal of Israelis are not able to marry in their status issues in Israel. own country, he noted, because while But haredi Rabbi Yisroel Meir Riani they are deemed Jewish enough to be thinks the Chief Rabbinate just needs citizens, they do not qualify religiously. better customer service. His rabbinical This includes the families of many imgroup, B'Noam, has made helping Ismigrants from the former Soviet Union raelis navigate the famously infuriating state marriage bureaucracy its top prior- who arrived under Israel's Law of Return, which defines someone as Jewish ity. In December, the group expanded in terms less strict than rabbinic law, or its marriage program with help from a halachah. grant.

Millions more would prefer not to “People wonder why they have to have an Orthodox wedding but have no deal with this procedure and why there choice, Regev said. The recent Hiddush is this monopoly over marriage,” Riani survey showed nearly said. “They get very, very half of Israelis wanted a angry at the Chief Rabnon-Orthodox wedding. binate. And that is exactly By stepping in to offer where we come in.” friendly and helpful The Chief Rabbinate and guidance, B'Noam aims its allies in government to bolster the Chief Rabhave embraced B’Noam, binate's reputation and which means “pleasantly” authority. in Hebrew, since its estab“We fight for every lishment in 2015. By most Jew to get him the best accounts they view it as a services from the Chief haredi answer to Tzohar, a B'Noam Director Rabbi Yisroel Rabbinate, and yes, rabbinical group that offers Meir Riani (L) and Chief we believe that will marriage registration by Ashkenazi Rabbi David Lau strengthen the Rabthe generally more lenient binate,” Riani said. “The chief rabbis standards of religious Zionism. know our project is very important and A spokesman for Israel's chief Ashneeded, and they recognize that our suckenazi rabbi, David Lau, said the cess will close the gap between the Chief Chief Rabbinate was “very, very proRabbinate and the Israeli public.”

B’Noam,” which it sees as the only B’Noam now claims some 1,000 memreligious services group that recognizes bers, about half the community rabbis its authority. in Israel, including some 300 religious “If another group opens tomorrow, Zionists, who tend to view Jewish law we will support them,” spokesman in a more accommodating way. Tzohar Pinkhas Tannenbaum said. “We supsays it has more than 600 religious Zionport every organization that is helpist member rabbis. ing people get married as long as they While B’Noam offers a range of follow the Chief Rabbinate’s rules,” he religious services, from circumcision to added, implying Tzohar does not meet burial, its flagship program is marriage that standard. assistance. That program was launched Riani was among the handful of in June and expanded in December with mostly young haredi community rabbis funding from Orthodox philanthropist who started B’Noam. They were motiElio Moti Sonnenfeld, who renamed it vated, he said, by the growing public B'Noam Danielle in honor of his daughdiscontent with the Chief Rabbinate, ter who died in a car accident. which many see as religiously coercive About 60 rabbis work for B’Noam and difficult to work with.

Danielle, according to Riani, responding Members of Israel's secular majority to calls to its hotline from morning to must prove their Jewish bona fides to the haredi religious authorities — some- midnight during the week, and before and after Shabbat on the weekend. thing that's not always easy when one B’Noam also has a slick website and or both of their immigrant forebears an office in Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel weren't Jewish or converted under nonAviv.

Orthodox or obscure auspices.

Riani said B’Noam Danielle gets According to last year's annual survey THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • FEBRUARY 2017

We have accomplished our mission,’” he said. “But we register more marriages than Jerusalem and Tel Aviv combined. People come to us because they want another option.”

Regev said more groups like B'Noam, or for that matter Tzohar, would not solve Israel's marriage problem.

"These groups put a smiley face on the Rabbinate's religious coercion," he said. “But they don't come any closer to bringing Israel out of the fold of the Rabbinate and into the fold of liberal democracy.”

Every year, thousands of Each year, thousands of Israeli Jews who cannot or do not wish to marry unch pecial Jews who cannot or do not in Israel go abroad for their nuptials, such as this couple in Greece wish to marry in Israel go on. More broadly, Stav predictabroad, mostly in Cyprus, for about 20 calls a day and hopes Catering & Online Delivery Available ed B'Noam would neither hurt their nuptials. Meanwhile, a to one day serve 5,000 couples Greene Town Center • 72 Plum Street , Beavercreek, Ohio his group nor help the Chief growing number are opting out a year, or about 15 percent of Rabbinate's reputation. of marriage. all marriages, which happens 937-429 9000 • www.pashagrill.com "If there comes a time when Real change would only to be the number claimed by there is no more need for Tzocome, Regev said, when the Tzohar’s popular marriage har, we will say, ‘Wonderful. public demanded it. program.

For many years, the Chief Rabbinate and haredi politicians have sought to crack down on Tzohar’s work, which includes a private registry “customized for secular couples,” according to its website. Mainly they have tried to prevent its chairman, Rabbi David Stav, from registering people for marriage who do not live in Shoham, the Tel Aviv suburb where he is chief rabbi.

While most interpreted this as an effort to protect the Chief Rabbinate's monopoly, haredi and some Orthodox religious Zionist politicians argued that only local rabbis have the knowledge necessary to check that couples qualify for Jewish shopedc.com marriage.

By contrast, Israel’s religious establishment has gone out of its way to help B’Noam sucTroy - 1928 West Main St., Troy, OH 45373 | 937.552.9696 Centerville - 7245 Far Hills Ave., Dayton, OH 45459 | 937.434.0003 ceed. Haredi stars studded the group's inaugural event in September 2015, including speeches by Lau and his Sephardi counterpart, Yitzhak Yosef, along with Interior Minister Aryeh Deri and Religious Affairs Minister David Azoulay.

Riani said he could call on those and other officials in a pinch to help him get Israelis the religious services they need, adding that it gives B’Noam an advantage over Tzohar.

“We have very good and close cooperation with the chief rabbis of Israel and also with the Religious Affairs Ministry,” he said.

Stav, who helped found Tzohar in 1995, said such claims were “PR” and that navigating the Chief Rabbinate only required knowledge, not special connections. He also noted that Tzohar provides some services, like verifying a couple's Jewishness, which the Rabbinate relies We Are Red

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