Comedic web series slays ‘em — in Yiddish p. 23 March 2016 Adar I/Adar II 5776 Vol. 20, No. 7
Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton
The Miami Valley’s Jewish Monthly • Online at daytonjewishobserver.org Marshall Weiss
Israeli water start-up starts here
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Marshall Weiss
Woosh founder & CEO Itay Tayas-Zamir at Sinclair
Bernie no big deal to Jews
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She’s got it Temple Israel’s next senior rabbi, Karen Bodney-Halasz
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Women of the Wall pray at the Western Wall
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, March 25, 5 p.m. In The Atrium Dining Room
Friday Night Shabbat is $10 per person. R.S.V.P. to 837-5581 Ext 1274.
Jewish Family Services Purim Program Monday, March 21 1:30 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day Open House Thursday, March 17
If you would like more information about life in independent living at Friendship Village, R.S.V.P. our open house and save some GREEN. • Irish Lunch at 11:30- Atrium Dining Room • Wear something green & receive a gift • Tours available • Ask about our St. Patrick’s Day special
Join our Diabetic Support Group Tuesday, March 8, 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.
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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 5790 Denlinger Road, Dayton, OH 937-837-5581 ext. 269 or 277
DAYTON
Jewish Family Services strategic plan to expand beyond seniors By Marshall Weiss The Observer At its meeting on Jan. 20, the board of the Jewish Federation approved Jewish Family Services’ three-year strategic plan, which aims to meet newlyidentified needs in the Dayton Jewish community. Specifics of the plan — which grew out of a community survey and conversations with stakeholders last summer — call for engaging community members JFS Strategic Task Force Members (L to R) Maryann of all ages and backgrounds, creating more awareness of JFS Bernstein, past JFS Chair Helene Gordon, and current JFS Chair Wendi Pavlofsky programs and services, and identifying additional sources of speakers, referrals, and partnerships revenue for the social service arm of the with other area social service agencies. Jewish Federation. “I say we are small and mighty,” “Our recent past has been geared Feiner said. “We can get a lot done, but toward the senior population,” said it doesn’t make sense for us to recreate Helene Gordon, immediate past chair of the wheel when we can leverage comJFS. Gordon served on the JFS Strategic munity resources.” Task Force with Co-Chairs Maryann BerShe cites Family Services Association, nstein and JFS Chair Wendi Pavlofsky. Catholic Social Services, Graceworks, Gordon said the survey results made and Artemis as examples. them aware of programs and services “We’ve got all of these programs that adults would like to see, to help them we can tap into for education so people raise their children, for example. are aware of the issues,” Feiner said. “A lot of people perceive us as senior Feiner hopes that if JFS educates services, but we have younger families members of the Jewish community and younger individuals taking about its services before a peradvantage of our services,” said sonal crisis hits, they’ll make JFS Director Tara Feiner. “Not a JFS their first call. lot, not as many as seniors, but “It’s about people feeling they can take advantage of us.” comfortable coming to us first, Feiner said JFS will roll out based on trust,” Gordon said. its plan in three phases. “Sometimes people are more “The first phase is really comfortable starting with about engaging the commufamiliar people.” nity,” she said, “JFS as a family Feiner also received sevJFS Dir. Tara Feiner eral requests from younger affair. We’ll educate the community about what services we families to focus on bullying, have.” technology, and LGBTQ issues. Pavlofsky said that when she saw the “We can bring in speakers to do results of the survey, she was surprised things through a Jewish lens, and then to learn that even members of the JFS you know where to go, or you feel comboard weren’t aware of JFS programs fortable saying, ‘they (JFS) are willing and services they could tap into. to talk about this, they can connect us “How are we here, and somebody somewhere else.’” doesn’t even know that when their parent passes away, JFS could help with Concierge service new to area some of the overwhelming issues,” A unique component to the plan — Pavlofsky said. for the Jewish and general communities Gordon said JFS wants the communi- here — will be the addition of a JFS ty to know that “even though we might concierge service in 2017. not have a drug program or an alcohol Currently, JFS offers case managedependency program, our Jewish Family ment along with information and Services can direct you, and help you get referral. A concierge service provides an the help that these families need.” extra step, making the actual arrangeFeiner said JFS will expand its proments, for a fee. gramming to include more educational Continued on Page Four
IN THIS ISSUE Calendar of Events....................17
Opinion...........................10
Family Education.........................21
O b i t u a r i e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Internet.............................22
Re l i g i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 9
Kve l l i n g Co r n e r. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 9
Wo r l d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
DAYTON
Sinclair scores Israeli start-up’s first U.S. water stations its strategy from pursuing sizeable contracts for the Dayton-area defense and R&D sector to connecting smaller operations in Israel to business opportunities in Dayton’s civilian and commercial markets. DRITA, a collaborative of the City of Dayton, Montgomery County, and the Dayton Development Coalition, brought a trade Woosh co-founder & CEO Itay Tayas-Zamir (L) with Montgomery County Commissioner mission to Israel a Dan Foley at the launch of Woosh Water Stations at Sinclair Community College, Feb. 1 few months after Foley first read about Woosh. Three months later, Tayas-Zamir arrived in Dayton to continue the converhis project — lining up the city, sation. Story & Photos by Marshall Weiss, The Observer county, and Sinclair as funders Tayas-Zamir said Woosh’s In August 2013, Montgomery — and encouraging him to Smart Water Stations are aimed open a factory here to manufac- at those who buy water bottles County Commissioner Dan ture the water stations for the Foley read a story at the Times on college campuses and pedesof Israel website about a start-up U.S. market if the product takes trians in urban areas. off. that was beta testing filtered Customers can take virtu“Dan Foley was the man who ally any bottle or cup of their drinking water stations on the led the delegation to Israel,” streets of Tel Aviv. own (up to 32 oz.) and fill it Tayas-Zamir said at the Sinclair with filtered, chilled tap water Two and a half years later, Woosh launch ceremony, “and on Feb. 1, Sinclair Community at a Woosh Water Station; the the first person we met back College became the first pilot charge is 50 cents for up to 20 in our factory in Israel. And to site to test the water stations oz., 75 cents for 32 oz., payable quote from a famous film, you outside of Israel. by credit card or through a prehad us with hello.” In between, Foley and the purchased subscription. Dayton is the only city in Dayton Region Israel Trade For another 15 cents, customOhio with its own economic de- ers can cleanse a drinking bottle Alliance (DRITA) were detervelopment office in Israel. The mined to show Woosh water before reuse, with the station’s Woosh pilot is evidence that the O3 purification system. station co-founder and CEO Itay Tayas-Zamir their thirst for six-year-old DRITA has changed “One of our challenges is to
convince people to stop buyPotential jobs ing the next bottled water,” Sinclair Community College Tayas-Zamir said. “We’re now has three Woosh Smart promoting tap water. Because, Water Stations: at the Tartan actually, bottled water is tap Marketplace in Building 7, the water (that’s) filtered, shipped, Main Street Café in Building 10, and that’s unbelievable in terms and in Building 14 at the walkof carbon emissions. You get way to the student parking lot. the same quality pure water Students can use their Tartan without the plastic. So you save Cards to purchase Woosh water the environment and money. and cleanse their bottles for We want to encourage people reuse. again and again to use their Woosh has invested $200,000 own bottle.” in the pilot, and received a After testing five Woosh wa- grant of $100,000 from Israel’s ter stations in Tel Aviv for more Ministry of Economy for the than two years, Tayas-Zamir project in Dayton. Sinclair, the was as ready to enter the U.S. county, and the city each paid market as DRITA was to have Woosh $25,000 to become parthim start here. ners on the pilot project. “The U.S. market is by far The payoff to DRITA would the biggest market for bottled be a Woosh manufacturing fawater,” he said. Continued on Page Five
Personal touch cements local trade alliance’s second recent shiddach
The Adventures of
Bark Mitzvah Boy c O 2016 Menachem
What’s a
hamantash’s favorite song?
Fillings... nothing more than fillings...
A Happy & Delicious Purim!
From the editor’s desk
We’ve read for months with horror about the random terror attacks on Israelis: stabbings, shootings, murders of young and old, civilians and soldiers. Now, this terror has come to Ohio. Marshall Hany Baransi is an Arab-Israeli Weiss Christian from Haifa. He owns Nazareth Restaurant and Deli in Columbus. On the night of Feb. 11, Mohamed Barry entered Baransi’s restaurant and attacked patrons with a machete. Customers and employees fought Barry off, throwing chairs at him. Police shot and killed Barry after he fled the scene, when he lunged at them with his machete and a knife. Police said Barry showed up at the Nazareth Restaurant a half hour before and asked employees where owner Baransi was originally from. Baransi told NBC4 in Columbus, “You get knocked down, you get up again.” When he opened for business the following Monday, hundreds lined up to eat — and show their support.
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
PAGE 3
DAYTON
2016 Susan & David Joffe
Scholar in Residence Weekend
University of Georgia Prof. of Jewish Studies
Dr. Richard Elliott Friedman Friday, March 11, 6:15 p.m.: Kabbalat Shabbat 7 p.m.: Shabbat Dinner $22 adults; $7.50 children - R.S.V.P. Followed by discussion Everything We Know Is Wrong Saturday, March 12, 9 a.m.: Shabbat Service Dvar Torah on the Torah Portion: Pekudei Saturday, March 12, Noon: Kiddush lunch followed by discussion The Great Exodus Debate Sunday, March 13, 10 a.m.: Men’s Club Brunch. $5 per person. R.S.V.P. Love Your Neighbor, and Love the Alien
Beth Abraham is Dayton’s only Conservative synagogue, affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
Purim Shpiel & Dinner
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5:30 p.m. Megillah Reading 6:30 p.m. Dinner • 7:30 p.m. Shpiel R.S.V.P.
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PAGE 4
JFS strategic plan Continued from Page Two “Some people want the help of someone else — ‘Just take care of all of it, you make the phone calls, you arrange the services, just tell us what we owe,’” Feiner said. She said the survey indicated that respondents want JFS to take care of the phone calls to link them to housekeeping, shopping, and additional transportation beyond doctors’ appointments. Some JFS agencies across the country offer concierge services, and Feiner is consulting with them to learn how to bring it to Dayton. “Concierge services can ease the stress of caregivers, whether they are close or far away,” said JFS Strategic Plan Task Force Member Maryann Bernstein. “It is the reassurance that someone is there when you can’t be.” Feiner anticipated that the JFS staffing and budget for 2016 will remain the same as in 2015; changes to the 2017 budget will be based on rolling out the new concierge program. By 2017, JFS will also offer resources for those in the Jewish community seeking employment. Other components of the plan include expanding current JFS initiatives: engaging young families through volunteer projects, and more intergenerational Elaine Kramer was one of 90 seniors to receive a programs to bring those JFS Chanukah gift bag of all ages together. One way JFS will pull these together will be to host an annual Mitzvah Day beginning in 2017, with participation from local Jewish community organizations. “When we did the Dayton Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit collection project Jan. 31 at the Boonshoft CJCE, stuffing bags for NICU, we purposely said to bring the children,” Feiner said. “They made the cards and decorated the bags.” Jewish Federation CEO Cathy Gardner said the JFS Strategic Plan was the second step in the Federation’s revisioning of the direction and future for JFS. “Step one was recognizing that we weren’t in sync with the needs of our community completely,” Gardner said. “Step three will be prioritization of the plan and its implementation.” The JFS Strategic Plan Task Force also included Bonnie Parish, executive director of Dayton’s Family Service Association and former assistant director of JFS in Columbus; and Lee Sherman, president/CEO of the Association of Jewish Family & Children’s Agencies. Sherman described the Dayton JFS plan to build new services as a “smart approach — taking on only what’s needed and only in areas where they can excel.” “Our reputation in the non-Jewish community for taking care of our own people is phenomenal,” Gordon said. “And that’s how we’re admired: through the spread of our goodness and kindness, through the services we offer.” JFS serviced 199 clients in 2015. Feiner said approximately 70 percent of its clients are Jewish. Feiner added that JFS doesn’t just serve the Jewish community. “Rather, through the lens of Jewish values, JFS serves the greater Dayton community and is committed to continuing to provide great services, grounded in our values.”
Editor and Publisher Marshall Weiss MWeiss@jfgd.net 937-853-0372 Contributors Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin Rachel Haug Gilbert Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin Candace R. Kwiatek Mark Mietkiewicz Advertising Sales Executives Patty Caruso, plhc69@gmail.com Lori Cohen, lori.appel5@yahoo.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 Judy Abromowitz President David Pierce President Elect Melinda Doner Vice Pres. Mary Rita Weissman Vice Pres. Bruce Feldman Vice Pres. Cathy Gardner CEO The Dayton Jewish Observer, Vol. 20, No. 7. 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 • MARCH 2016
DAYTON
Israeli start-up Continued from Page Three cility with 200-plus jobs based in Dayton to serve the U.S. market. The pilot water stations were manufactured in Petah Tikvah by the Odis Group. “We came with the innovative technology, and they came with the extensive experience in water infrastructures,” Tayas-Zamir said. The cost to build each pilot machine, he said, was about $22,000. For now, he has contracted with DeBra-Kuempel Mechanical-Electrical in Moraine to maintain the stations here. “Our plan,” Tayas-Zamir said, “is the moment we would have the critical mass of units that need to be manufactured in the U.S., we would move the manufacturing here, because it doesn’t make sense to ship them from Israel.” He added that 50 units in the United States is his threshold for critical mass. “The next project, hopefully, would be in Miami Beach,” he said. “It’s like Tel Aviv in a way, everything would be outdoors.” Woosh is already in contact with other universities and colleges in the United States. “The potential here in the U.S. could be for 10,000 stations.” “We’re happy that this is going to be a long-term relationship,” Foley said at Sinclair’s opening ceremony for Woosh. “We think that as Itay sells more units around the country, we believe that with our manufacturing companies, that with our workforce, we can make these machines here in Dayton, Ohio.” “It didn’t take us long to realize that we found a home away from home,” Tayas-Zamir said. Four of his sevenperson team rented a house in Bellbrook for two weeks while they oversaw the Sinclair pilot. “What we really liked is the combination of openness to innovation, and meeting with the folks from Sinclair — we really like the vibe here. Students are early adapters. The campus is really forward-thinking in that way.” Tayas-Zamir, 38, studied at The Heschel Sustainability Center in Tel Aviv and has worked in the water technology sector; he made a point to involve Sinclair’s sustainability club in the project. “This will be one of their research topics,” he said. “We want to see how many bottles we can save here, what would be the CO2 carbon emissions decrease due to the lesser consumption of plastic bottles.” Sinclair Associate Prof. of Reading and ESL Barbara Gilbert, who advises the sustainability club with her husband, Sinclair Prof. of Energy Management Technology Dr. Robert B. Gilbert, said the dozen members of the club have been meeting with Tayas-Zamir since last summer to prepare for the launch. “We’re going to be standing in front of the posts for the next two weeks, introducing them to students, teaching them how to use it,” said Ron Hinrichsen, president of the club. “It’s important that this project gets traction early so that it
“When Israel’s defense sec- airspace, and we’re able to integrate tor gets aid from the U.S., it them and use them in the simulation comes in the form of credits,” product,” said Jeffrey Miller, Sinclair’s Tuss said. “There’s a certain assistant vice president of workforce amount that needs to be spent development. “You can’t do that with the back with U.S. companies, other products that we have. There are so there’s a real opportunity also really good teaching tools with the here. We’ve been trying to system, so you can assess somebody’s figure out how that works for performance using the simulation prodthe last five years, for military uct and understand what the issues are funds. Most of that foreign that they need to work on.” military spending goes to big Miller said the aim of the UAS center companies, but there’s probis to create a pipeline of qualified UAS ably, on an annual basis, $400- employees for the soon-to-emerge civil $450 million of spend that’s and commercial U.S. market. specifically designated for “Given that UAS is relatively new, small to midsize companies.” Simlat is a fairly mature product, a relaDayton Development tively small company,” Tuss said. “This Coalition President and has been five years in the making. We CEO Jeff Hoagland said he’s met Simlat on one of the trade missions. learned that patience is key to And this is one of the missions that Sincultivating the Dayton-Israel clair was on.” relationship. “Throughout the years, DRITA was “The number one thing, instrumental in keeping both parties in every time we’re over there mind and evaluating when would be the — especially in defense and right time to move forward and work aerospace — they want to get together,” Simlat President Yuval Peshin into Wright-Patt, most specifi- explained in an email. Sinclair invested cally the Air Force Research $750,000 to incorporate Simlat platforms Laboratory,” Hoagland told a in its UAS training. Woosh founder & CEO Itay Tayas-Zamir uses a Woosh Smart Water Station at Sinclair Community College gathering of Dayton’s Jewish Fannin said there are now approxiCommunity Relations Coun- mately 25 nondisclosure agreements that can spread. Because this is long overdue. cil in January. “The other thing is, a lot of DRITA has facilitated across composite the Israeli companies that we met with, technology, digital, and medical sectors. And it would be nice to have these in (while) our goal is to get those compaDRITA has renewed Bar-Or’s conlots of different public areas, exercise nies here, they want us to go over there tract to oversee its trade office in Israel places, parks, you name it.” and invest in them there.” through the end of 2017. A week before the opening, TayasIf it was only about the money investWoosh head Tayas-Zamir praised Zamir also began working with marketed in DRITA, Tuss said, “we wouldn’t DRITA’s Fannin, who helped him bridge ing students at Sinclair. “The idea is to U.S.-Israeli cultural differences. get their insights and then to go through get anybody.” In the end, he said it’s “DRITA makes it really easy for Israel maybe rebranding, repositioning for the about people and relationships. DRITA’s total budget is $250,000 for start-ups to enter the U.S. market,” he U.S. market,” he said. 2016, with $141,000 directed toward its said. “We learned a lot how to really office in Tel Aviv. work with authorities in the U.S. by that Learning curve “If Florida has a pot of $2 million, process. And that was critical. Without DRITA had some early successes that is only for their Israel initiative,” that, we wouldn’t be here.” brokering tech and aerospace partnerDRITA taught Woosh how to form ships even before opening a trade office said DRITA’s local staffer, Montgomery County Economic Development Spean LLC, showed Tayas-Zamir potential in Israel in 2010. The alliance marks the cialist Pamela Fannin. “Massachusetts, sites for a factory, and connected him only formal trade relationship the DayMaryland, Georgia all have a million with The Ohlmann Group to handle ton area has with a foreign country. dollars.” Woosh’s PR and marketing. But the next four years yielded only When asked why he ultimately setwo partnerships between Israeli and lected Dayton for Woosh’s pilot, Tayas‘It’s the people’ Dayton-area businesses. Zamir said, “At the end, it’s everything DRITA upped its charm offensive Montgomery County Administrator on a personal level. You like to partner when it hired Hadas Bar-Or of Tel Aviv Joe Tuss said a challenge to connecting with people you like. If you ask me, to take over its trade office in 2014. BarDayton region defense and aerospace this is the real reason we’re here. It’s the Or, formerly the trade representative to contractors with Israeli companies comes from issues of international intel- Israel for Massachusetts, has since facili- people.” tated hundreds of introductions belectual property. tween the Dayton region and Israeli “You have to be 100-percent ITAR entities, mostly in the tech sector. (International Traffic in Arms RegulaIn August 2015, after five years tions) certified before you can even enter without brokering a formal agreeinto any of these conversations, which ment, DRITA was able to celebrate goes through the State Department beSinclair’s partnership with Simlat cause it’s all about intellectual property Ltd. of Herzliya, when the comand trade secrets,” Tuss said. “And the Israelis are just as stringent about that as munity college cut the ribbon on its National UAS Training and Certificawe are in the U.S. So trying to get those tion Center. companies working together — talking Simlat has customized its UAS about the same thing and figuring out training simulation systems for use at where there is an intersection that can Sinclair’s UAS center. result in real business applications — is “What I would call a differentiator a heck of a lot harder than I think any of for the Simlat system is that we’re us ever thought it would be.” Sinclair Asst. VP of Workforce Development Tuss said the opportunity for defense able to take our ground control staJeffrey Miller at Sinclair’s National UAS Training tions that we use with our real vehi- and Certification Center, which relies on Simlat and aerospace partnerships comes indicles when we’re flying in the national training systems rectly through American aid to Israel.
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
PAGE 5
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Although the cut-off for the Jewish Federation’s June 26-July 5 mission to Eastern Europe is March 1, Mission Chairs Gayle and Irvin Moscowitz urge interested community members to check with the Federation to see if any spots remain. “As long as there’s still room, we’ll still take people,” Gayle says. The itinerary includes tours of Jewish sites in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, with an extension to Berlin. A key component of the trip,
the Moscowitzes say, will be the chance to explore the rebirth of Jewish life in Budapest through the efforts of the Partnership2Gether program. Dayton and 12 other Jewish communities in the central United States participate in the Partnership2Gether program — a project of the Jewish Agency for Israel — to create strong Jewish ties among the Jews of Budapest, the Western Galilee, and the partner communities. In 2009, when Irvin was chair of Dayton’s Partnership2Gether,
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the Jewish Agency added Budapest to the program. “They realized they had a problem,” Irvin says of Budapest’s Jewish community. “They had 100,000 Jews, but only 10,000 actively identified as Jews because of the history with the Nazis and then Mission Chair the ComGayle Moscowitz munists. And so they reached out to the Partnership program to help them rebuild Jewish identity and continuity.” Gayle says that Budapest’s young Jewish adults often weren’t aware of their heritage growing up. “It’s important as part of the Partnership that we show our support for them,” she says. “We’ll offer our mission participants the opportunity to see the Jewish Agency’s preschool, camp, medical and elderly services. Of course, we’re going to visit the Jewish Quarter, and we’ll visit an artists’ village. We’ll take a cruise on the Danube, and I always look at the food, the desserts.” To find out if spots are still available on the trip, call Jodi Phares at 610-1555. — Marshall Weiss
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
DAYTON
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Simply Hyacinth The Boutique for the Connoisseur 2800 Miamisburg Centerville Rd Dayton, OH 45459 (937) 221-8652 Tuesday-Saturday 11am-6pm www.Simplyhyacinth.com As part of Hillel Academy’s Slice of Life presentation on Feb. 11 for parents and family members, students in first and second grade performed as wax museum historic characters come to life. Shown here (L to R): Chaya Simon as Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, Eden Lubow as Jewish aviation pioneer Arthur Welsh, Avi Gilbert as Albert Einstein, Matthew Vlahos as Abraham Lincoln, Natalie Klass as Betsy Ross, Brody Dowlar as George Washington, and Ranon Ginsberg as Rabbi Moses Ben Maimon.
Beth Abraham scholar-in-residence weekend Dr. Richard Elliott Friedman, excavations of biblical Jerusalem, and was a consultant for professor of Jewish studies at the Dreamworks film The Prince the University of Georgia, will of Egypt. lead the 2016 Susan On Friday, March and David Joffe 11 following the Scholar in Residence Kabalat Shabbat Weekend at Beth service at 6:15 p.m. Abraham Synaand dinner at 7 p.m., gogue, March 11-13. Friedman will presFriedman is the ent the discussion, author of Who Wrote Everything We Know the Bible, The DisapIs Wrong. pearance of God, The The cost of the Hidden Book in the Shabbat dinner is $22 Bible, Commentary on Dr. Richard Elliott for adults, $7.50 for the Torah, The Bible Friedman children. with Sources Revealed, As part of the 9 a.m. Shabbat The Bible Now, and The Exile and services on Saturday, March 12, Biblical Narrative. Friedman will talk about the He also participated in the Torah portion, Pekudei. After City of David archaeological
the noon kiddush lunch, he’ll offer the discussion, The Great Exodus Debate. Friedman will also lead the talk, Love Your Neighbor and Love the Alien, for the Men’s Club Brunch on Sunday, March 13 at 10 a.m. The cost for brunch is $5. To R.S.V.P. for the scholarin-residence Friday dinner and Sunday brunch, call the Beth Abraham Synagogue office at 293-9520.
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
PAGE 7
P R E S I D E NTS
DI NN E R 201 6
SAVE THE DATE
Sunday, May 15 Kicking off the 2016 Annual Campaign with 1 0 0 D AY S
AN EVENING WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER
RANDI ZUCKERBERG
of
Tikkun Olam
Tickets on sale at jewishdayton.org on April 1.
MEDIA MOGUL & LEADING PHILANTHROPIST RANDI ZUCKERBERG SPEAKS TO THE POWER OF LIVING AND GIVING JEWISHLY. Randi shares her personal story of Silicon Valley success while seeking the meaning of her Jewish roots as a young Jewish professional. An ardent supporter of Birthright and Israel’s development as a booming tech hub, Randi carries an inspirational message for our Jewish community. She urges each of us to discover our Jewish passions and to build for the next generation.
Seating is limited. For more information contact Caryl Segalewitz at csegalewitz@jfgd.net.
JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON PAGE 8
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
THE REGION
Columbus diner owned by Arab-Israeli reopens after machete attack A Columbus restaurant owned by an Arab-Israeli reopened days after four patrons were injured in a machete attack. The Nazareth Restaurant and Deli in Columbus reopened Feb. 15 with a limited menu, according to local reports, four days after the attack. Owner Hany Baransi, a Christian originally from Haifa, told WBNS-TV in Columbus that he has no doubt the attack was terrorist in nature. “I come from the Middle East,” he said. “I come from Israel, and this has been a big thing here. People ask me, ‘where are you from?’ (I respond) I’m from Israel. Sometimes it offends people. I don’t know, but I still am. I’m not going to change. I am what I am.” The FBI reportedly is involved in the investigation to help determine a motive for the attack and whether it was terror-related. The injured patrons are expected to recover. Police identified the assailant as Mohamed Barry and said he had come to the restaurant earlier and asked a worker where the owner was from originally. Barry was shot and killed by police about two miles from the restaurant after lunging at officers with the machete and a knife. On Feb. 12, sources told NBC News that investigators are looking into whether the attacker mistakenly believed the owner was Jewish. — JTA
THE WORLD
Why Bernie Sanders’ historic victory is no big deal to Jews – or America Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images
By Daniel Treiman, JTA Jewishness. Bernie Sanders is at the center of Sanders doesn’t go out of this way historic firsts. In New Hampshire on to highlight his Jewish background, Feb. 9, he handily won the Demonor have his supporters or oppocratic Party contest, becoming the first nents made it an issue. The Jewish Jew to win a presidential primary. community has not rallied around In Iowa, he became the first Jewish him, nor has there been, until now, presidential candidate — the first any Jewish groundswell of public non-Christian, even — to win delpride or anxiety over his campaign. egates in a major party’s caucus or We have not heard calls for Jews to primary. But that’s trivia. support their fellow Jew. What’s more significant is that he’s Contrast this with the prominence the first Jew to mount a credible camof gender in discussions of Clinton’s paign for the White House. candidacy. It’s not that credible Jewish politiFormer Secretary of State Madcians haven’t run for president before. Sen. Bernie Sanders makes his eleine Albright and feminist icon There was Republican Sen. Arlen Gloria Steinem caused a stir in Febvictory speech in Concord after Specter in 1996 and Democratic Sen. winning the New Hampshire ruary when they seemed to rebuke Democratic primary, Feb. 9 Joseph Lieberman in 2004. But they younger women who back Sanders were out of step with their parties over Clinton. and their candidacies went nowhere. Both later quit Meanwhile, American Jews are united in comparatheir parties. tive nonchalance about Sanders’ Jewishness. Partly And if the prospect of Republicans nominating a that’s because few expected he would do so well. But pro-choice Jew in the 1990s or Democrats tapping a it’s also because Lieberman already broke the Jewish Jewish hawk in the Iraq War’s aftermath seemed farglass ceiling. His 2000 vice-presidential run proved fetched, the notion of a Jewish socialist with a thick Americans were prepared to put a Jewish candidate a Brooklyn accent giving Hillary Clinton a run for her heartbeat away from the presidency. money is incredible. Of course, Lieberman wasn’t just a Jewish candiYet one aspect of Sanders’ improbable candidacy date. He was a very Jewish candidate. He wore his is, remarkably, treated as mostly unremarkable: his Continued on Page 12
A Women’s Freedom Seder O U R
J O U R N E Y
T O
B E
F R E E
Thursday, March 31 6–9PM @ Boonshoft CJCE $25 per person. Your payment is your reservation. RSVP online at jewishdayton.org or by phone to Karen at 610-1555 by March 21. Please bring peanut butter or other canned goods to this event for donation to the Food Bank. This program is made possible through a grant from the World Religion Foundation and is in 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. THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
PAGE 9
OPINION
Why the Western Wall deal is a Gay community must build tent victory for now, but not forever to include pro-Israel voices By Debra Bennet On the morning of Dec. 1, 1988, about 70 Jewish women entered the sacred space of the Western Wall. They represented all major streams of Judaism. Some wore prayer shawls or kipahs. Some did not. One woman cradled a Torah in her arms. Together, their voices rose in prayer, marking the beginning of a movement. From that day until now, the Women of the Wall have fought for the right of women to pray together at Judaism’s holiest site — out loud, with tallit, tefillin and the Torah. It has been no easy task. For the past three decades, the Women of the Wall have faced down the many who object to their mission. During the women’s monthly prayer services at the Wall, people have screamed and yelled, blown whistles, and hurled rocks and even feces at them. Critic after critic told the women they were the ones disturbing the peace, causing problems and airing dirty laundry in public. They were commanded to stop and give up their fight without acknowledgement of the injustice they were battling. But on Jan. 31, some of the Women of the Wall’s greatest hopes came to fruition. The Israeli government approved a deal recognizing mixed-gender, egalitarian services at a part of the Western Wall called Robinson’s Arch, an archaeological site adjacent to the traditional prayer area. The government will expand Robinson’s Arch and make it accessible from the main plaza, where everyone enters to get to the Western Wall. Those coming to pray will be able to choose between an all-male section, an all-female section and an egalitarian section where anyone can pray however they choose. An incredible victory, right? Yes. But much has been lost, too. While Robinson’s Arch has been recognized for the first time as a place for Jews of any denomination to pray, the area known as the Western Wall has been officially designated an Orthodox Jewish prayer section ruled by Israel’s Chief Rabbinate. For some — even members of Women of the Wall — this concession makes the deal a defeat rather than a victory. They refer back to the original goals of the movement: demanding room for women to pray with other women out loud, not separate but equal spaces. Orthodox members of Women of the Wall and others face the same dilemma they always have: Where do you pray at the Wall when you feel most comfortable with a separation of women and men but believe in the rights of women to pray out loud and read from the Torah? Some of these women feel forgotten. PAGE 10
Who will fight with them now? Have the Women of the Wall given up who they really are in this compromise? The Torah provides some insight. A newly freed people, escaping the bonds of Egyptian slavery, the Hebrews gather at the foot of Mount Sinai to hear the new laws of the community, to receive the commandments. They listen as Moses relays the following words: “When you acquire a Hebrew slave, he shall serve six years; in the seventh year he shall go free ...” Hold on one moment. The Hebrews were just freed from awful, brutal, demoralizing slavery. Why, then, is the Torah so quick to institute a new set of laws for the practice? If slavery was so terrible for us, shouldn’t our next step be ensuring that we are not inflicting the same horrific experience on others? True, the new laws ensure rights for slaves, address them as human beings and even provide for them to be freed after a time. But still: slavery. We must remind ourselves that in the ancient Near East, a world without slavery was unimaginable. Change could happen, but gradually — one step at a time. You can imagine our ancestors wondering, “Is this enough?” Then as now, the answer is: “Maybe for now, but certainly not forever.” As we consider the historic compromise on the Western Wall, we should remind ourselves that this is the way of change — as great leaders of social movements have understood. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” We are moving forward. The Jan. 31 decision proves that. The challenge is not to become complacent with this victory. We must continue to challenge the assumption that traditional Orthodoxy is and should be the norm at the Western Wall. We must continue to demand and raise our voices. Gloria Steinem, another fighter for equality and justice, said, “I’m a realist, but I’m also a dreamer. And I’m not just a dreamer, I’m a hopeaholic.” We Jews are hopeaholics, too. So we hope and pray for a time when every woman and man can pray, raising their voices, wearing the garments that provide meaning to their prayer and speaking the ancient words of our people at our holiest site, the Western Wall. We grasp this hope while understanding the reality of the world. And we carry this hope with us as we move forward, striving for the next great victory. Debra Bennet is the associate rabbi at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, N.Y.
By Arthur Slepian The central prayer of our people, the Shema, is often interpreted as a message of unity and the interconnectedness of all things. This can be a powerful force for bringing people together, for helping us to see the common humanity and the spark of the divine that unites us, whatever our seeming differences may be. But in January, we saw something else, how a claim of interconnectedness can be used as a wedge to drive us apart, to turn people who might be allies on many issues into bitter enemies because of disagreement on others. A Wider Bridge was set to sponsor a program at Creating Change, the nation’s largest conference of LGBTQ leaders, presented by the National LGBTQ Task Force. The mission of A Wider Bridge is to build connections between the LGBTQ communities of Israel and North America, and our guests were two leaders of The Jerusalem Open House, an essential organization that works to build LGBTQ community in Jerusalem in a challenging and diverse environment. Jerusalem Open House has spent the past six months helping its community recover and heal from the horrific violence at last summer’s Jerusalem Pride Parade, which resulted in the murder of 16-year-old Shira Banki and the serious wounding of several others. Leaders of Jerusalem Open House came here expecting to be embraced and supported by the LGBTQ community at the conference. Instead, our program was disrupted by protesters, a threatening atmosphere of hate and intimidation was created, and the Jerusalem Open House leaders were not permitted to speak. Many of the Jewish participants at the conference were truly shaken by the ferocity of the protest, especially the antisemitism that was on display in some parts — including the chant of “from the river to the sea, all of Palestine must be free.” What we came up against was “intersectionality,” a theory which includes the axiom that all oppression is rooted in the same causes, that struggles that might seem distinct from one another are really the same and must be fought together. At its core, we find a truth here that is helpful — we are not elevated if we can only see our own pain, our own struggle, and if we lack empathy for the oppression of others. But in practice, intersectionality often leads to rigidity and dogma, the abandonment of critical thinking and the demonization of
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
people who might otherwise be allies. Israel is a complicated topic, about which there is no consensus in the LGBTQ community. But intersectionality is used to suggest that there must be consensus, that “good queers” should know they obviously need to hate Israel, and that there is no room for conversation or hearing other viewpoints. Case closed. Throughout the week we heard over and over, including from speakers at plenary sessions, that “there is no place at this conference” for any discussion of Israel that is anything but a complete condemnation. When African-American queer feminists spoke of the connection of their movement to the anti-Israel cause, the canard of the “forced sterilization” of Ethiopian women in Israel was repeated on several occasions. Some people believe that if you repeat a lie often enough it becomes the truth. I will add that those who say it is obvious that LGBTQ people should support Israel reflexively simply because Israel has a relatively positive record on LGBTQ rights are also being simplistic. The bottom line is that movements advance by building broad coalitions, often with people with whom they disagree about certain things. The successes in the struggle for LGBTQ rights that we have had here in the United States are a prime example of this kind of broad coalition building. A movement that devolves into an ideological echo chamber with demands for rigid adherence to one agenda is not likely to grow and flourish. Clearly we have work to do inside the LGBTQ community. What lessons can this episode bring to the Jewish community? As Jews, we are often great at arguing and debating with one another while remaining in solidarity. The Talmud itself gives us a tradition of civilized discourse. And we are a people whose wisdom teaches us that “both these and these are the words of the living God” — that is, opposing viewpoints can both be reflections of the divine imperative. But of late, we too are prone to say that those who hold to certain views have no place in the Jewish community — or, worse, are antisemitic. I can think of many examples, including last summer’s overheated debate on the Iran nuclear deal. So as we offer our critique of the LGBTQ community for not having a tent large enough to safely include the voices of those who care about Israel, let us also look with some introspection at how we are managing the tent of the Jewish community. Once again, Jews and queers have a lot to learn from each other’s experience and wisdom. Arthur Slepian is the executive director of A Wider Bridge. THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
WORLD
Western Wall prayer fight ends with historic compromise expansion, spearheaded by Sharansky, By Ben Sales, JTA began in December 2012. In October TEL AVIV — Israel’s government of that year, police had arrested the on Jan. 31 approved a compromise to expand the non-Orthodox Jewish prayer Women of the Wall’s chairwoman, Anat Hoffman, for wearing a tallit during the section of the Western Wall, putting group’s monthly service — an act that at to rest the decades-long fight between the time was illegal at the site. Women of the Wall and Israel’s haredi Talks on a plan to expand the nonOrthodox religious establishment. Orthodox section of the wall, located The deal achieves what had been an in an archaeological park known as elusive goal: an interdenominational consensus on Judaism’s holiest site with Robinson’s Arch, began in April 2013. Sharansky and outgoing Israeli Cabinet official recognition. The non-Orthodox secretary Avichai Mandelblit led the prayer section at the Wall will become negotiations, which included represenmuch larger and more accessible. But tatives of the Reform and Conservative haredi control of the Orthodox section movements, the Heritage Foundation will also be solidified, though non-Orand Women of the Wall. thodox leaders have long protested that Nearly three years later, the deal monopoly. calls for the creation of an “official and The deal still contains a few unrespected,” 9,700-square foot prayer knowns. It is unclear how long conspace in the non-Orthodox section of the struction will take. It does not say Western Wall, running along a 31-foot whether clear signage will direct visisegment of the wall, that Sharansky tors to the non-Orthodox section. Nor does it say exactly Miriam Alster/Flash 90 said will fit approximately 1,200 when Women of people. It will the Wall prayer have a governgroup, will move ment-funded its monthly staff, Torah services from the scrolls and other Orthodox Jewish ritual objects, and women’s prayer be open to all section to the nonforms of Jewish Orthodox one. prayer. SharanStill, the Consky estimated servative and its construction Reform movecould take up to ments can declare two years. victory. The size Even after it is of the non-Orthocompleted, the dox section of the Women of the Wall praying at the Western non-Orthodox Western Wall will Wall in Jerusalem, Jan. 2, 2014 section will redouble to nearly main smaller than its Orthodox coun10,000 square feet — half the size of the terpart. The Orthodox section measures Orthodox main section just to its north. some 21,500 square feet, adjacent to a A committee of non-Orthodox leaders nearly 200-foot segment of the wall, and and government officials will manage has some 27,000 visitors on an average the non-Orthodox section. And a single day. entrance will lead to both sections. The area is divided into two sections: The Western Wall’s haredi Orthodox a larger one for men and a smaller one management, called the Western Wall for women. The rules prohibit women Heritage Foundation, also safeguarded from reading from Torah scrolls in the its interests. Non-Orthodox leaders had Orthodox section. campaigned for a share of control of A committee composed of two Rethe Orthodox section of the wall, but form leaders, two Conservative leaders, the Heritage Foundation will retain full two non-Orthodox women representaauthority over it and the larger plaza tives, the Jewish Agency chairman and behind the prayer sections. And when six government officials will run the the plan is implemented, Women of the non-Orthodox section. Wall will move to the non-Orthodox The Orthodox and non-Orthodox section, one of the Heritage Foundasections of the Western Wall will share tion’s long-standing demands. an entrance near the Old City of Jerusa“They all came to the conclusion that lem’s Dung Gate, one story above the they must make serious compromises Western Wall plaza’s current entrance. because they want it to remain one KoCurrently, the path to the non-Orthodox tel for one people,” Jewish Agency for section is long, narrow and accessible Israel Chairman Natan Sharansky told only through a gateway tucked in a JTA, using the Hebrew term for the site. back corner of the plaza. The deal will “lt’s the place that must unite us more create a wide and visible walkway to the than anything else, and it turned into section. the most ugly war.” Plans for the non-Orthodox section’s Continued on Page 12
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
PAGE 11
WORLD
Sanders
Congratulations to Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz, who will become Temple Israel’s Senior Rabbi on July 1, 2016.
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 12
odds with Jewish communal leaders. He has strongly criticized Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians and suggested that as Continued from Page Nine president he would “maintain an evenidentity on his sleeve: an Orthodox Jew handed approach to the area.” Yet he has outspoken in his support for Israel and come under fire from anti-Israel activists, other Jewish causes. as when he was heckled at a 2014 VerSanders is different. He describes mont town hall meeting for expressing himself as “not particularly religious.” sympathy with the Jewish state over the He is married to a non-Jewish woman. threat it faces from Hamas rocket attacks He is aloof from Jewish communal life. even as he condemned Israel’s conduct in A Sanders campaign ad described the Gaza. candidate simply as “the son of a Polish Iowa and New Hampshire can’t tell immigrant.” us much about how Sanders will perBut Sanders is also, in his own way, form with Jewish voters, and Clinton a very Jewish candidate. It’s not just his has plenty of Jewish devotees. But these Brooklynite bearing that marks him as early contests do indicate that Sanders’ inescapably Jewish. Nor is it the fact that Jewishness isn’t hurting him with Demohe volunteered in Israel on a kibbutz. crats. If anything, Sanders’ fans find his Rather, his personal and political story is disheveled-old-Jewish-socialist-fromemblematic of a whole generation of Jew- Brooklyn image to be a charming badge ish idealists. of authenticity. Sanders was far from the only young Polling suggests that Jews may be Jew in the early 1960s to fervently emAmerica’s most popular religious group. brace socialism, following in the footsteps Jews are warmly regarded by Democrats of Jewish radicals from earlier eras. Like and Republicans, evangelicals and athemany Jews, Sanders was deeply invested ists. A recent poll by the Pew Research in the black struggle for civil rights; he Center found that only 10 percent of was active with the Congress of Racial Americans are less likely to vote for a Jew Equality and attended Martin Luther for president, compared to 20 percent King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. After who said they were less likely to vote for college, Sanders was in the vanguard of an evangelical Christian. the mini-migration to Vermont of socially Perhaps it’s because everyone can conscious Jewish urbanites going “back to seem to find something to like about the land.” Jews: To conservative evangelicals, Jews Today, Sanders invokes his Jewish are the Bible’s “chosen people;” to secular roots to explain his passion for combatand liberal Americans, Jews are liberal, ing bigotry. In one of his campaign’s secular types. most memorable moments, a young Sanders’ identity as a socialist may hijab-wearing woman at a Sanders rally be much more problematic: 50 percent told the candidate she was worried about of Americans say they wouldn’t vote anti-Muslim rhetoric in American politics. for a socialist. And the fact that he’s not Sanders beckoned her over for a hug. particularly religious could be a liability: “I’m Jewish,” he said. “My father’s 51 percent of Pew respondents said they family died in concentration camps. I will were less likely to vote for an atheist for do everything that I can to rid this counpresident. try of the ugly stain of racism.” If Sanders’ Jewishness is not an issue, Sanders’ disconnect with organized perhaps it’s because Jews are so well-inteJewry, his attenuated religiosity and his grated into contemporary American life. marriage to a non-Jew are not atypical Indeed, Sanders is not the only presidenfor American Jews, plenty of whom are tial hopeful with intimate Jewish ties. His unaffiliated, secular and intermarried. rival for the Democratic nomination has a Sanders fits comfortably into the growing Jewish son-in-law who donned a yarmulcategory that Jewish demographers dub ke and tallit at his wedding to Chelsea “Just Jewish.” Clinton. The winner of New Hampshire’s At the same time, Sanders’ staunchly Republican primary, Donald Trump, has a left-wing stances occasionally have taken daughter who converted to Judaism and him outside even the liberal mainstream goes to an Orthodox synagogue. of American Jewish politics. On Israel, he What’s remarkable is how unremarkexpresses positions that would put him at able this is.
Western Wall
Continued from Page 11 The deal does not specify, however, whether there will be signs at the entrance informing visitors of the non-Orthodox section or anything else notifying visitors of its existence. “The vision of the new section of the Kotel is a physical and conceptual space open to all forms of Jewish prayer,” a statement from Women of the Wall read. “Instead of splitting up the existing pie into ever more divided, smaller pieces, we are making the pie much larger and sharing the new space.”
The Western Wall’s haredi management, headed by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, has long pushed for Women of the Wall to leave the site. Under the deal, the women’s group has agreed to move to the non-Orthodox section only once the deal is implemented. And a faction of Women of the Wall has vowed not to budge from the Orthodox section — regardless of what the deal says. The Western Wall’s religious status has been under contention for decades. Women of the Wall was founded in 1988 to advance women’s prayer at the site, which is prohibited under haredi Orthodox Jewish law. THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
One Community, One Heart, One Gift: The Gift of Birthright What could be better for our college-age children than a trip to Israel to help them reconnect with the joys of Judaism experienced in our homeland? How about a FREE trip to Israel supported through our Federation? That is Taglit-Birthright.
Jewish Federation of GREATER DAYTON
"Being in Israel felt like home. I'm now looking for ways to go back. As soon as I can, I will," said Rachel Halasz, a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati, who just returned from a Birthright trip in December. "We have to keep our Judaism alive,” said Addison Caruso, a freshman at Miami
› Innovation Grants If you have any questions, or would like to request an application, please contact Jodi Phares at 610-5513 or jphares@jfgd.net Completed applications for Innovation Grants are due March 25. Awards will be announced in May.
University, who just returned from the same Birthright trip. “When I arrived in Israel, I instantly had a connection. Judaism is not just my religion, it's my culture and it's my people." Your gift to our Annual Campaign allows our youth—our Jewish future—to experience Israel for the first time through this life-changing program. Hear more about Rachel and Addison's incredible trip at the Federation’s 2nd Annual Presidents Dinner on Sunday, May 15, featuring keynote speaker, Randi Zuckerberg.
Be amazed. Be proud of what we do—we are One Community, One Heart, One Gift.
YOM HASHOAH: Monday, April 4 › PJ Library Passover Palooza 5:30–7:30PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Kosher dinner followed by an interactive reading of Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah and activities inspired by the book. RSVP by March 28.
Addison Caruso & Rachel Halasz
P2G @ WSU: Rebellion of Hope
A Survivor's Story Holocaust Survivor Conrad Weiner joins our community this year in honoring those that have perished. This year's community Yom Hashoah remembrance ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 1, at Temple Israel.
SAVE THE DATE Sunday, May 15 › Presidents Dinner
Conrad carries with him an amazing story of survival and family strength. Conrad reflects on the many issues surrounding modern society, "We see many examples of intolerance every day. It is unfortunate that today, in the 21st century, we still have wars, ethnic cleansing, poverty, and hunger. Education and dialogue are key elements in sharing the world in peace and harmony."
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
THIS YEAR'S LOCAL STUDENT ART SUBMISSIONS TO THE MAX AND LYDIA MAY MEMORIAL HOLOCAUST ART & WRITING CONTEST WILL BE ON DISPLAY FROM 3PM TO 4PM, WITH THE YOM HASHOAH SERVICE STARTING PROMPTLY AT 4PM.
(TOP) Partnership2Gether
Chair Dave London
addresses the crowd at the Rebellion of Hope event. (BOTTOM) Visitors
at the Rebellion of Hope display at
Wright State University on January 28, 2016. PHOTO CREDIT: PETER WINE JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON AGENCY NEWSLETTER | MARCH 2016
A Women’s Freedom Seder:
OUR JOURNEY TO BE FREE
Jewish Community Center of GREATER DAYTON Friday, March 18 › Book Club 10:30AM @ Temple Israel (130 Riverside Dr, 45405) Ordinary Grace by William Kent Kruger. RSVP to Suzanne Thum at 885-2061. February 22–March 13 › Early Childhood Scholastic Bookfair Shop for great books for all ages at http://bookfairs.scholastic. com/homepage/JCCDayton to support JCC Early Childhood. Books will be shipped free to us, and we will contact you for pick up. Or visit our in-house fair in the preschool lobby March 7-11! › 2016 Maccabi Games July 24-29 The maccabi games is a very special competition where Jewish teens can bond and create friendships that will last them a lifetime. This year the games are in Columbus, much closer than past locations. To register, contact Casey Owens at 513-5713795 by March 10.
HEALTH & WELLNESS @ Boonshoft CJCE $5 per class. Minimum 4 students. › Tai Chi Thursdays @ 4–5PM Instructor Debra Stewart. › Yoga Thursdays @ 5–6PM Instructor Debra Stewart RSVPs are due at least 1 week before event. Events with no price listed are free. PLEASE CONTACT KAREN STEIGER REGARDING ALL EVENTS UNLESS NOTED: 610-1555, ksteiger@jfgd.net
The journey towards freedom began in a flush of hurried activity as we gathered our families and grabbed a few valuable possessions. No time for our bread to rise, no time, perhaps, to ponder the dangers of the path that lie before us. Rather, we began the journey with a leap of faith and that first footstep out of slave camps and across the heat of desert sands, only to be followed by thousands upon thousands of footsteps more. Those first hours under the hot sun grew to months and then years. The journey was coupled with the fears of pursuit, moments where we stumbled and moments where we witnessed great miracles. And always we persisted. The shackles of slavery take many forms and the plagues of brutality, discrimination and intolerance are not only remnants of our past, but remain in the here and now. And we realize that as long as there is a lack of freedom for any group of people among us, we are none of us truly free. As Jews and as women we understand the
struggles, the joys, the responsibilities and the price that a struggle for freedom brings. That struggle has at times been led quietly, and at times, been boisterously led. Small steps have been taken, often followed by great leaps. But, the one constant is that there is strength in our sisterhood, in our faith and in our determination to continue on our journey towards freedom for all humankind. Come relive this spiritual journey with the women of our community as we celebrate Passover with a unique Freedom Seder. Raise your voice, feed your soul, pray, sing, dance and bond with your sisters as we continue that journey today that was begun by our ancestors so many years ago. This program is made possible through a grant from the World Religion Foundation and is in 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.
» A WOMEN’S FREEDOM SEDER: OUR JOURNEY TO BE FREE will be held on Thursday, March 31, 6-9PM at the Boonshoft CJCE. Cost is $25 per person. RSVP by March 21 at jewishdayton.org or to Karen at 610-1555.
Camp out under the Rainbow with us! Camp begins June 6! Camp Shalom is perfect for every child in your family! Camp Shalom K'tan, for ages 18 months through entering kindergarten, runs June 6–July 29, and is directed by Audrey MacKenzie. Casey Owens kicks off his first Camp Shalom Gadol, designed for children entering
1st through 6th grade, June 6–July 22. Both meet at the Boonshoft CJCE for your convenience. Specialty sport and art classes will be available. This year, Camp Shalom Gadol will introduce choices for campers to select activities they truly enjoy and experience making schedule desicions. Exciting and educational trips to Wright Patterson Air Force Museum, Sun Watch Village, and much more. Early Bird registration for Camp Shalom Gadol: $50 off when you register by April 20.
PURIM @ the JCC! In the Kitchen with Rochel: Learn to Make Your Very Own Hamantaschen Thursday, March 17, 6PM @ Boonshoft CJCE
Join Rochel Simon from Chabad for a "hands on" demo on making your very own home made hamantaschen, from scratch! Traditional and unique, sweet and savory, you will leave this fun and informative class with new recipes and a dozen fresh hamantaschen to share with family and friends for this Purim season. $10 per person, all supplies and ingredients included. RSVP by March 9. Ages 16 and up.
A Taste of Purim: Purim & Wine Pairing
Sunday, March 20, 3PM @ Rumbleseat Wine (5853 Far Hills Ave, 45429)
Discover wine varieties to enhance your favorite hamantaschen flavors. Savory and sweet hamantaschen provided, wine available for purchase. Fun and festive songs provided by 'Little Mary'. $5 in advance, $8 at the door. RSVP by March 15.
SHADOW PUPPETS! Teacher Tasha Lawson helps Noelle Conde and Anthony Donohue make different animals with their hands as part of the Once Upon a Stage enrichment class. PHOTO CREDIT: SHAWNA BALOG
JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON AGENCY NEWSLETTER | MARCH 2016
SAV E T H E DAT E
Opening Night Tuesday, April 5, 7:30PM 6:30PM entertainment with Baladino The Mosaic Institute of Greater Dayton 7:30PM film Historic Plaza TheatreMiamisburg
Once in a Lifetime
WHAT CAN JFS DO FOR YOU?
Did you know that March is National Social Work Month? This is the perfect time to say thank you to our social workers at JFS and in the community for all that they do! So what do we do here at JFS? This month we are highlighting two different kinds of services, Information and Referral (I & R) and Case Management.
In some ways, I & R and Case Management are similar. In both instances, we help a client efficiently and effectively navigate the maze of resources in the community. For I & R, we provide a client with resources and then the client follows up and makes connections. However, for Case Management, a client requires more in-depth supports; we help make connections and remain in close contact with the client.
No matter your age, JFS can be your first call for information and resources in the community. JFS is “A Family Affair”!
Potential scenario What I & R may look like The individual is not looking for ongoing contact with JFS, but is seeking resources in the community. JFS can assist by providing the individual with the names of various community programs that may be appropriate and then the individual makes phone calls to determine the best fit and makes all arrangements.
A member of the community calls, indicating that he/she or a family member feels isolated/ lonely.
There is not necessarily ongoing contact between the individual and JFS.
JFS can provide the individual with information regarding: › options for donating various items; › the names of various vendors who assist with downsizing; and/or, › the names of various vendors who assist with moving and transitioning from a larger residence to a smaller residence or independent/assisted/ nursing facility.
An individual is looking to downsize or clean out a residence.
There is not necessarily ongoing contact between the individual and JFS.
JFS can provide limited financial support in specific situations. However, JFS can speak with an individual experiencing financial difficulties and refer the individual to various community resources.
(LEFT) On January 26, the Active
Adults enjoyed a wonderful Tu B’Shevat celebration at Aullwood Audubon Center. Thank you, Tom Hissong, Naturalist, for a great presentation! PHOTO CREDIT: TARA FEINER (RIGHT)
On January 31, volunteers assembled bags for the babies and their families at Dayton Children’s NICU. We assembled 78 bags! PHOTO CREDIT: MARSHALL
An individual is experiencing financial hardship.
What Case Management may look like JFS may assist the individual by: › providing the names of various community programs that may be appropriate and then the individual makes phone calls to determine the best fit and makes arrangements; › providing ongoing support via home visits or telephone calls; and/or, › connecting the individual with an appropriate volunteer. In addition, if the individual is a case management client of JFS, he/she may qualify to utilize our transportation services. (Fees apply.) The individual may be downsizing and/or moving because of a significant life change, perhaps the loss of a loved one, or some other change in circumstances (e.g., financial, medical, family stressors or other). JFS, via a needs assessment, can assist the individual by: › making recommendations regarding potential living arrangement options; › advocating and assisting with navigating various benefits and agencies; › remaining in contact with the individual and providing emotional and clinical supports; and, › if necessary, referring the individual to counseling services with partner agencies. JFS may assist the individual by: › helping apply for various benefits such as cash assistance and food stamps; › reviewing the budget and making recommendations; › referring to financial counseling with a partner agency; and, › if eligible, in an emergency situation, providing limited financial assistance.
Jewish Family Services Jewish Foundation ofof GREATER DAYTON GREATER DAYTON Thursday, March 10 › Active Adults Lunch and a Movie! 11:30AM @ 10 Wilmington Place (10 Wilmington Avenue, 45420) NO COST. Please RSVP by March 7. › Purim Program Monday, March 21, 1:30PM @ Friendship Village (5790 Denlinger Road, 45426) Thursday, March 24, 1PM @ One Lincoln Park (590 Isaac Prugh Way, 45429) No cost. › 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-resource-connect/ to find supports and services provided by Jewish agencies nationwide. › Did you know that the Jewish Federation is a donation site for Clothes that Work? You can drop off new and gently-worn men and women’s clothing and accessories at the Boonshoft CJCE. › Don’t know what to donate in the Food Barrels? How about peanut butter? The Dayton Bar Association, in collaboration with the Greater Dayton Volunteers Lawyer Project, just launched the “Bar Hunger: Peanut Butter and Justice Challenge.” We can show our support for this initiative by filling our barrels with peanut butter! PLEASE CONTACT KAREN STEIGER REGARDING ALL ACTIVE ADULT EVENTS: 610-1555
JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON AGENCY NEWSLETTER | MARCH 2016
Awards for the following scholarships will be announced on April 8:
Jewish Foundation of GREATER DAYTON Would you like to honor or memorialize someone in your life, all while making a meaningful impact on the Jewish community?
Tribute and memorial donations can be made for a variety of reasons, including: › Honoring someone’s memory › Celebrating a birthday or anniversary › Celebrating life cycle events › Recognizing achievements When making a donation, you pick which fund you would like your donation to go towards. In addition to sending a card to the honoree or honoree’s family on your behalf, we also publish donation information monthly in The Dayton Jewish Observer. If you prefer, you may also honor someone anonymously. The minimum amount for a donation is $18. If you are interested in making a donation to a Jewish Foundation fund, or would like more information, please contact Sheila Myers at smyers@jfgd.net or 610-5538.
» RESIDENTIAL CAMP SCHOLARSHIP For local youths planning to participate in a Jewish residential camp program during the summer of 2016. This scholarship is made possible through the Joan and Peter Wells Family, Children and Youth Fund and by a generous donation from Bernie Rabinowitz.
» WOLFE MARCUS TRUST TRAVEL TO ISRAEL SCHOLARSHIP For Dayton area Jewish teens and young adults, ages 14-21, who plan to travel to Israel during the summer of 2016.
» VICKY & ROBERT HEUMAN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP For an undergraduate or graduate student who demonstrates both academic achievement and financial need.
Questions? Contact Alisa Thomas at athomas@jfgd.net or 610-1796.
Legacies, Tributes, & Memorials CAROL J. PAVLOFSKY LEADERSHIP FUND UNITED JEWISH CAMPAIGN IN HONOR OF › 50th wedding anniversary of IN HONOR OF Carolyn and Mel Caplan › Bill Schoenfeld and Jack Jenefsky Myrna Miller being true gentlemen › Wendy Pavlofsky receiving the Russell Remick Beth Abraham Women of Valor › Get well Melvin Lipton Award › Get well Jim Hochman Sarah Pavlofsky Beverly Louis IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF › Florence Katz › Harriet Zawatsky Marlene Miller Beverly Louis Bernie Rabinowitz DOROTHY B. MOYER › Richard Flagel YOUNG LEADERSHIP FUND › Ruth Spialter IN MEMORY OF › Jerry Kantor › In Yahrzeit memory of Elmer L. Penny and Dr. Jerome Spiegel Moyer › Richard Flagel › In Yahrzeit memory of Sheila D. Joyce and Hal Spritzer Moyer Bernie Rabinowitz Marcia and Richard Moyer and Mimi and Stuart Rose Family Ellie and Bob Bernstein › Sheila D. Moyer › Jerry Kantor James Moyer Bernie Rabinowitz LINDA RUCHMAN › Dr. Sidney Miller MEMORIAL FUND Ellie and Bob Bernstein IN MEMORY OF ROBERT AND MOLLIE › Richard Marks FITTERMAN FUND › Richard Flagel FOR PROFESSIONAL › Dr. Sidney Miller DEVELOPMENT Judy and Marshall Ruchman IN MEMORY OF › Elaine Mayerson › Robert Fitterman › Carole Rabinowitz › Mollie Fitterman Diane and James Duberstein › Richard Marks PJ LIBRARY FUND Susan and Alan Witte IN MEMORY OF HOLOCAUST PROGRAM › Richard Flagel FUND Marcia and Ed Kress IN MEMORY OF › Ruth Scheuer Helene Gordon FEDERATION
› Mamaloshen
A little bit of Yiddish to share with friends, courtesy of the JFS Yiddish Club, in memory of Lynda A. Cohen.
Klogn : \KLOG-en\ Verb To complain; lament, wail. Expression with vartn: › Farbrent di shtub un er klogt oyf di shindlen. The house has burned down but he laments [the loss of] the shingles (a case of misplaced concern). JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON AGENCY NEWSLETTER | MARCH 2016
ENDOWMENT GENERAL FUND IN MEMORY OF › Evelyn Barnett Joan and Dr. Arthur Greenfield JCC
FILM FESTIVAL IN MEMORY OF › Carole Rabinowitz Joyce Anderson
FAMILY SERVICES
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES IN MEMORY OF › Carole Rabinowitz Sally and Don Green Marilyn and Larry Klaben Alan Schriber › Richard Flagel Kantor and Meadow Families Esther and DeNeal Feldman
ACTIVE ADULTS FUND IN HONOR OF › Get well Gertrude Kahn JOAN & PETER WELLS AND Jane and Dr. Gary Hochstein REBECCA LINVILLE FAMILY, IN MEMORY OF CHILDREN, AND YOUTH › Richard Flagel FUND Klass Family IN MEMORY OF › Helen Abramovitz FOUNDATION › Candy Davidson › Ruth Spialter JEREMY BETTMAN B’NAI › Leonard Spialter TZEDEK FUND Dr. Eric Friedland IN MEMORY OF BEN AND DOROTHY › Richard Flagel HARLAN CHILDREN’S FUND › Dr. Sidney Miller IN MEMORY OF › Ruth Scheuer › Carole Rabinowitz Jean and Todd Bettman › Richard Flagel › Dr. Sidney Miller Marla and Dr. Stephen Harlan Elaine and Joe Bettman BENJAMIN R. SHAMAN BERNARD AND CULTURAL ARTS FUND CAROLE RABINOWITZ IN MEMORY OF PHILANTHROPIC FUND › Harriet Zawatsky IN MEMORY OF Jodi Rosensweet › Carole Rabinowitz Matthew and Renee Rosensweet & Gary Holstine Family
› Eyne klogt vos di perl zaynen shiter, di tsveyte klogt vos di perlgrits iz shiter/di kashe iz biter. One woman complains that the pearls are thin, while the second complains that the barley grits are thin/the buckwheat is bitter (it all depends on your perspective on and position in life). › "Efsher" un "tomer" brengen klog un yomer. "Maybe" and "perhaps" bring lament and wailing (i.e. uncertainty can be destructive).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Classes
JCC Fitness: Tai Chi w. Debra Stewart. Thursdays, 4-5 p.m. Yoga w. Debra Stewart. Thursdays, 5-6 p.m. $5 per class. Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville. R.S.V.P. to Karen Steiger, 610-1555. Temple Beth Or Classes: Sun., March 6, 13 & 27, 1 p.m.: Adult Hebrew w. Rabbi Chessin. Sun., March 13 & 27, 10:30 a.m.: Tanakh w. Rabbi Chessin. Wednesdays, 6-9:30 p.m.: Israeli Folk Dancing w. Janifer Tsou. Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m.: Intermediate Adult Hebrew w. Ehud Borovoy. Thurs., March 10, 1 p.m.: Socrates Café. 5275 Marshall Rd., Wash. Twp. 435-3400. Temple Israel Classes: Sundays, 9 a.m.: Wisdom Literature. Sundays, noon: Exploring Reform Responsa w. Rabbi Bodney-Halasz. Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.: New Beginner Hebrew. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.: Coffee & Commentary, Dorothy Lane Mkt., 6177 Far Hills Ave., Wash. Twp. Wednesdays, noon: Talmud Study w. Rabbi Bogosian. Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.: Weekly Torah Portion w. Rabbi Bogosian. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 496-0050.
Discussions
Beth Abraham Men’s Club Brunches: Sun., March 13, 10 a.m.: Dr. Richard Elliott Friedman, Univ. of Georgia, Love Your Neighbor, and Love the Alien. $5. 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood. 2939520. Temple Israel Ryterband Brunch Series: Sundays, 9:30 a.m.-noon. $5. March 6: Bob Thum, The Campaign in America to Save Europe’s Jews During the Holocaust. March 13: Dan & Dr. Kathy Mecoli, Hillel Academy, Teaching Jewish Values for the 21st Century. March 20: Dr. Adam Kamesar, Hebrew Union College, Intimations of the Trinity in Pre-Christian Jewish Sources. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 496-0050. JCC Book Club: Fri., March 18, 10:30 a.m. Ordinary Grace by William Kent Kruger. At Temple Israel, 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. R.S.V.P. to Suzanne Thum, 885-2061.
Women
Synagogue, Hadassah, Temple Beth Or, Temple Israel, and the JCC. $25. R.S.V.P. to 610-1555 by March 21.
Seniors
JFS Active Adults Lunch & Movie: Thurs., March 10, 11:30 a.m. 10 Wilmington Place, 10 Wilmington Ave., Dayton. Free. R.S.V.P. by March 7 to Karen Steiger, 610-1555.
Community Events
Beth Abraham Synagogue Joffe Scholar in Residence Weekend: w. Univ. of Georgia Prof. of Jewish Studies Dr. Richard Elliott Friedman. Fri., March 11. Kabalat Shabbat Service at 6:15 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. ($22 adults, $7.50 children) followed by Everything We Know Is Wrong. Sat., March 12. Dvar Torah w. 9 a.m. Shabbat service. Discussion after noon kiddush lunch, The Great Exodus Debate. Sun., March 13, 10 a.m.: Men’s Club Brunch ($5), Love Your Neighbor, and Love the Alien. 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood. R.S.V.P. for dinner & Sunday brunch to 293-9520. Beth Abraham Synagogue Men’s Club Deli Dinner, Movie & Raffle: Sun., March 20, 6:15 p.m. 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood. $18 dinner & movie, $5 movie only. R.S.V.P. to 2939520.
Purim
JCC In the Kitchen with Rochel: Learn to make hamantashen. Thurs., March 17, 6 p.m. Ages 16 and up. $10. Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville. R.S.V.P. by March 9, 6101555. JCC Taste of Purim & Wine Pairing: Sun., March 20, 3 p.m. Rumbleseat Wine, 5853 Far Hills Ave., Wash. Twp. Sweet & savory hamantashen, songs by Little Mary. $5 in advance, $8 at door. R.S.V.P. by March 15, 610-1555. JFS Purim Programs: Mon., March 21, 1:30 p.m. at Friendship Village, 5790 Denlinger Road, Trotwood. Thurs., March 24, 1 p.m. at One Lincoln Park, 590 Isaac Prugh Way, Kettering. Snacks & holiday songs. Free. For info., call Karen Steiger, 610-1555.
Chabad Rosh Chodesh Society Jewish Learning Institute: Edifice & Environment. Sun., March 13, 10 a.m. 2001 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. $15. 6430770.
Beth Abraham Synagogue Purim Shpiel & Dinner: Wed., March 23. Megillah reading at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., shpiel at 7:30 p.m. 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood. R.S.V.P. to 2939520.
Chabad Women’s Circle Night Out at Raise Your Brush: Sun., March 20, 5:30-8 p.m. 169 N. Main St., Centerville. Dinner & Purim-themed painting. For info., call Chabad, 643-0770.
Chabad Purim at the Stadium: Thurs., March 24, 5:30 p.m. 2001 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. 643-0770.
Women’s Freedom Seder: Thurs., March 31, 6-9 p.m. Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville. In collaboration with women from Beth Abraham Synagogue, Beth Jacob
Temple Beth Or Star Wars Purim Shabbat: Fri., March 25. Dinner at 6 p.m. Purim play at 7 p.m., comedy show with Rabbi Ziggy Danziger at 7:30 p.m. 5275 Marshall Rd., Wash. Twp. 4353400.
MARCH 15 - 20 • SCHUSTER CENTER
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! www.victoriatheatre.com
937-228-3630
GROUPS SAVE! Call 937-461-8295
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
PAGE 17
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Dumtschin-Evans Irwin Dumtschin is pleased to announce the engagement of his daughter, Rachel Beth Dumtschin, to Andrew Robert Evans, son of Carol Evans and Rob Evans, both of Centerville. The future bride is also the daughter of the late Cantor Joyce Ury Dumtschin. Rachel is the granddaughter of Bernard and Helen Ury of Tucson, Ariz., and the late Morris and Edna Dumtschin. The couple began dating their senior year at Centerville High School. Rachel graduated from Loyola University in Chicago in 2013 with a bachelor of science degree in human services. She is an educator at the Dayton JCC and Temple Israel. Andy graduated from Valparaiso University in 2012 with bachelor’s degrees in geography and Spanish. He is currently a manager at Retiremed IQ. The two reside in Centerville and have planned a wedding for September 2016 in Dayton.
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Oscar Leo Waldman Samantha Skye Jacobs It is with double the happiness that the Jacobs and Waldman families announce the B’nai Mitzvah of cousins, Samantha Skye Jacobs and Oscar Leo Waldman. The B’nai Mitzvah will be on March 5 at Beth Jacob Synagogue. Samantha is the daughter of Cassie and Bradley Jacobs and the sister of Lucie and Ezra. She is the granddaughter of Rachel and Steven Jacobs of Dayton, Julieann Maduro Milling of Boca Raton, and the late John Milling. Samantha is a student at The Miami Valley School, where she is a Sinai Scholar. She is also a member of the MVS Middle School basketball and soccer teams and participates in the JCC Children’s Theatre Program.
Oscar is the son of Julie and Adam Waldman and the brother of Noah and Zoe. He is the grandson of Rachel and Steven Jacobs of Dayton, Stephanie Waldman of Huntington Woods, Mich., and Ann and Barry Waldman of Huntington Woods, Mich. Oscar is a student at The Miami Valley School, where he is a Sinai Scholar. He is also a member of the MVS Middle School tennis and soccer teams and participates in the JCC Children’s Theatre Program.
Devorah Chava Schwartz Pamela and Andrew Schwartz announce the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Devorah Chava, on Shabbat Tzav, March 26 at Beth Abraham Synagogue. A graduate of Hillel Academy, Devorah is a seventh-grade student at the Dayton Regional STEM School. An avid basketball and softball player, she also enjoys participating on the cross country team at Oakwood Junior High School. Devorah studies the guitar and is a cast member of the JCC’s current children’s theatre production. She is an active member of Kadima/USY, loves to spend her summers at Camp Wise, and is a regular attendee at Shabbat services. Devorah is the granddaughter of Lois Gross, Dr. Allan Spetter, and Theodore Schwartz and the late Debra Schwartz. For her mitzvah project, Devorah is raising money for my.charitywater.org to help fund water projects in communities around the world. 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; make checks payable to The Dayton Jewish Observer.
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
KVELLING
CONGREGATIONS
RELIGION
Doubling joy
us with his usual brevity why it is we specify this time — the onset of Adar. He writes: “Because these were days of which of the months it was and miracles for Israel: Purim and By Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin simply wrote Adar – would the Pesach.” Chabad of Greater Dayton document still be valid? For the second time in three What no doubt has caught One of the more interesting years, we are in a leap year. your eye is the mention of Addison Caruso has been discussions centers on a teachOur Jewish calendar is not just Pesach, which comes not in asked to be one of three ing in the Talmud (Taanit 29a) trying to stay in sync with the Adar, but in the next month, student representatives for that “when Adar comes in, we Nisan. How is citing Pesach Miami University’s Hillel at the sun, as with the Gregorian and increase in joy.” Julian calendars, but with the relevant to the matter at hand? 2016 AIPAC Policy Conference There is someWe can understand in Washington, D.C., March 19- moon as well. Running shorter thing that is unusual months, we have to add an this by looking at the 21. His parents are Patty and about this teaching, extra month every so often so different qualities Mike Caruso. and requires further that Pesach will still wind up of the holidays. The explanation. For joy coming in the spring, as the story of Pesach is is something hugely Torah requires. one of miracles from important in Jewish Purely for the purpose of above, “with signs Rachel teaching, back to our balancing the number of days, and wonders,” God Haug Gilbert any month could have been earliest and most took us out of Egypt. basic texts. chosen for this purpose, or a Such open miracles “Serve God in are noticeably absent joy” says the Psalm. in the Purim story, in Roger Pankake has been Deuteronomy goes Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin which God’s name selected to be inducted into so far as to say that does not even appear. new month invented. Had we the Tecumseh Local Schools undesirable consequences The rabbis find the theme of doubled the month of TamHall of Honor, based on his the naturalness of the events in muz or Cheshvan, the numbers come from lack of joy, even if outstanding qualifications one had been compliant: “BePurim profoundly significant. would still have come out the and contributions. Roger was So much so, that they make the same, and the goal of staying in cause you did not serve God employed there for 23 of his with joy and a good heart.” amazing claim that at Purim, the solar sync achieved. 35 years in education as a high Maimonides summarizes the we willingly accepted the ToThe month we chose to school assistant principal, value of joy as legal rulings: rah for the first time. For at the double, however, was Adar. middle school principal, high in the laws about Sukkot, he time of the Exodus, we acceptThis year, as with two years school principal, assistant writes, “The joy a person has ed it only under the compulsuperintendent, and the last six ago, instead of having just one sion of the supernatural; but at month of Adar on our calendar, in doing mitzvot (commandyears of his career as district ments) and in loving God as Purim, with God hidden, we we have two, called simply superintendent. He commanded is in itself a chose on our own to accept our First and Second Adar. great service.” role and to stand proudly in it, The Talmud and subsequent Brian Sweeny, son of Melissa In the laws of character come what may. and Tim Sweeny, graduated at rabbinic literature has a fair That choice, Rashi is hintamount of discussion on which traits, Maimonides makes the top of his Columbus Police clear what kind of emotion it ing, had an effect not confined of these two months of Adar is Academy class and is now a is that we are talking about: “A to Purim — it affected even the prime Adar and which is Columbus police officer. person should not be overly Pesach. Being willing particimerely secondary. elated and laugh (excessively), pants, joining in Jewish life out It was decided long ago that Through March 5, all Hillel nor be sad and depressed in of love rather than just out of Purim is mainly celebrated in Academy students will have spirit. Rather, he should be joy- compulsion — that results not Second Adar, though there is a their creative work on display ous at all times, with a friendly just in the steady joy that is the small celebration on the same in the Fine Art Center at Cross basis of decent character, but day of First Adar, called appro- countenance.” Pointe Shopping Center in This is not a forced, artificial of a joy that we can cause to inpriately enough, Purim Katan, Centerville. The art show was emotion, but something so crease, because it is profoundly arranged by Hillel’s art teacher, Little Purim. capable of being sustained that a part of us. But there are some interestThea Klass. it is possible to be in this state As the text says of Purim, it ing questions that were not so at all times. is the joy of turning darkness quickly resolved. For instance, That being so, why does the into light, seeing our own inner for those born in Adar in a Send your Kvelling items to Talmud single out Adar? If we darkness being revealed as a regular year, in which month kvellingcorner@gmail.com or to should be joyous continuously, cause of joy — our difficulshould they celebrate their Rachel Haug Gilbert, The Dayton ties and suffering are infused birthday? Or suppose if in a le- how then does Adar differ? Jewish Observer, 525 Versailles In commenting on the with meaning, as we discover gal document written during a our own ability to change the leap year, one forgot to indicate Talmud’s teaching, Rashi tells Drive, Centerville, OH 45459. world by the moral courage of proud Jewish commitment. There is a bit of a debate here arch Torah too: should this period of extra Portions joy begin only in Second Adar, dar I/ dar II when Purim actually falls, or in March 5/25 Adar I the first? The consensus is from Vayakhel (Ex. 35:1-38:20, 30:11-16) Purim the first. What better way to Shabbat The Feast of Lots increase joy than to double it? Candle Lightings March 12/2 Adar II If there is doubt, let us err on Pekudei (Ex. 38:21-40:38) March 24/14 Adar II March 4, 6:15 p.m. the side of joy, especially a joy Commemorates the rescue of that’s in our power to release March 19/9 Adar II March 11, 6:22 p.m. the Jews in ancient Persia. The and increase. And may we Vayikra (Lev. 1:1-5:26, Deut. 25:17-19) reading of the Book of Esther, speedily see the day of which March 18, 7:29 p.m. costumes, grogers (noisemakers), Isaiah prophesies, in which we March 26/16 Adar II and eating hamantashen “come with shouting to Zion, Tzav (Lev. 6:1-8:36) March 25, 7:36 p.m. are part of this festival. crowned with joy everlasting.” Laila Blumer played a “London Child” in the Muse Machine production of Mary Poppins at the Victoria Theatre in January. Laila’s parents are Molly and Jeff Blumer.
Perspectives
M A
A
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
Beth Abraham Synagogue Conservative Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg Cantor/Dir. of Ed. & Programming Andrea Raizen Monday through Friday 6:50 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Fri., 5:30 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. Sundays at 8:30 a.m. 305 Sugar Camp Circle, Oakwood. 293-9520. BethAbrahamDayton.org Beth Jacob Congregation Traditional Saturdays 9:30 a.m., Sundays 8 a.m., Sunday through Friday, 7 p.m. 7020 N. Main St., Dayton. 274-2149. BethJacobCong.org Temple Anshe Emeth Reform Sat., March 26, 10 a.m. Rabbinic Intern Tina Sobo. 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 7:30 p.m. Kabalat Shabbat 4th Friday, 6 p.m. followed by potluck. 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 Interim Rabbi Ilene Bogosian Assoc. Rabbi/Educator Karen Bodney-Halasz 1st & 2nd Fri., 6 p.m. Other Fri., 7:30 p.m. Saturdays 10:30 a.m. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 496-0050. tidayton.org Temple Sholom Reform Fridays 6 p.m. 2424 N. Limestone St., Springfield. 399-1231. templesholomoh.com
ADDITIONAL SERVICES Chabad of Greater Dayton Rabbi Nochum Mangel Associate Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin Youth & Prog. Dir. Rabbi Levi Simon, Teen & Young Adult Prog. Dir. Rabbi Hershel Spalter. Beginner educational service Saturdays 9 a.m. adults, 10 a.m children. Sundays 9 a.m. Tuesdays & Wednesdays. 6:45 a.m. 2001 Far Hills Ave. 643-0770. www.chabaddayton.com Yellow Springs Havurah Independent Services 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 10-noon. Antioch College Rockford Chapel. Contact Cheryl Levine, 937-767-9293.
PAGE 19
FOOD
Grandma Beauty’s delicious, nutritious hamantashen — and the story behind them By Dawn Lerman, JNS.org In her recently published memoir, My Fat Dad: A Memoir of Food, Love, and Family, with Recipes, New York Times wellness blogger Dawn Lerman shares her food journey and that of her father, a copywriter from the Mad Men era of advertising.
was coming up. I would spend most mornings, when I wasn’t at my grandmother’s house, outside my parents’ door listening to them have the same argument over and over again. “Taking Dawn to the sandbox once a day does not make you a good mother.” “Putting a roof over our My maternal grandmother heads does not make you a always told me that if just one good father or husband.” person loves you, it is enough Often, they would to make you feel good forget I was even in inside and grow up the house, raising their strong. For me, that voices behind their person was my grandclosed bedroom door, mother, Beauty. and no matter how I spent most weekmany times I knocked, ends with my grandthey never seemed to mother because my hear. parents liked to go out Even though I was and stay out late. only 3 and a half, I was My dad, an ambioften consumed with tious copywriter reDawn Lerman an overwhelming feelcently hired by the Leo ing of sadness and pain in my Burnett Company in Chicago, stomach that would linger from was invited out pretty much Sunday until Friday. I knew the every night, either to the Playdays of the week because my boy Club for a members’ only grandmother showed me how dinner or to one of the new to check them off on a calendar. nightclubs on Rush Street for “There are only four checks cocktails with his creative team. between visits,” she would say. “It’s a job requirement,” he Each and every Friday night, would tell my mom, often rewhen I arrived at my grandparturning home to our third-floor ents’ house, my grandmother walk-up apartment as the sun
would run down her front porch stairs in her lacy matching nightgown-and-robe set and scream in excitement, “My little beauty, my little beauty!” I thought when I heard her say “beauty” over and over again, she was trying to tell me her name — so “Beauty” is what I called her. The cooking aromas coming from her kitchen made my mouth water. Beauty always had a pot of something cooking on the stove, a freshly drawn bath, and a fluffy, lavendersmelling nightgown waiting for me. For meals, she would lift me up and sit me in a special chair, which she piled high with several phone books and an overstuffed round corduroy pillow. She wanted to make sure I could see above the table, which was set with silverware that she polished every week, and an embroidered tablecloth. Beauty was the perfect name for my grandmother. Everywhere she went, she made people smile. She emphasized how important it was to make others happy, even if it sometimes meant putting your own feelings aside.
PURIM WITH THE JCC In the Kitchen with Rochel:
Learn to Make Your Very Own Hamantaschen
Thursday, March 17, 6PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Join Rochel Simon from Chabad for a “hands on” demo on making your very own home made hamantaschen, from scratch! $10 per person, all supplies and ingredients included. RSVP by March 9. Ages 16 and up.
A Taste of Purim: Purim & Wine Pairing Sunday, March 20, 3PM
@ Rumbleseat Wine (5853 Far Hills Ave, 45429)
Discover wine varieties to enhance your favorite hamantaschen flavors. Savory and sweet hamantaschen provided, wine available for purchase. Fun and festive songs provided by ‘Little Mary’. $5 in advance, $8 at the door. RSVP by March 15. A WORLD OF CULTURE » jewishdayton.org PAGE 20
And Beauty always made sure I was the one who tasted whatever we were making first. In her arms, I was never hungry for food, love, or affection. She was my mentor and my savior — saving my life, spoonful by spoonful.
“We do not know what goes on in anyone else’s house, but we can change their day by just saying hello and offering a kind gesture,” she said. As I lay on her lap, my grandmother would stroke my hair and I would ask her why she liked spending time with me, yet my mother did not. “Your mom loves you very much; she just has a funny way of showing it. You shouldn’t take it personally,” she said. Beauty liked to spend time with me as much as I liked to spend time with her. We could sit around the table cooking and talking about our feelings for hours. Beauty would say, “God is in my kitchen, not in temple”— which was really upsetting to her very good friend and neighbor, the rabbi next door. “I am a culinary Jew,” she’d proclaim. “I honor tradition and those who came before me, and I want to pass the history of the food on to you. I can find my heritage in a bowl of soup. I believe in the power of sweet-and-sour meatballs. I believe that when I combine, eggs, raisins, cottage cheese, yogurt, and baby shells into a kugel, I honor my own grandmother. I believe that stuffed cabbage connects me to my father, whom I miss. My bible is recipes that fill your soul and will keep you healthy and nourished for years to come.” From the time I could hold a spoon, my grandmother involved me in the cooking process, allowing me to mix the onions, green peppers, and bread crumbs for the salmon patties and decide what kind of soup we were going to prepare.
Beauty’s Protein-Packed Linzer Hamantashen 8 Tbsp. coconut oil or softened butter (put a Tbsp. aside for greasing the baking sheet if you are not using parchment paper) 1 egg, beaten 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 Tbsp. nondairy milk 1/3 cup maple syrup 1/2 cup almond flour or oat flour (plus additional, as needed, for thickening) 1¼ cups oat flour (you can make your own oat flour by blending oats in a blender) Pinch of sea salt 1/4 tsp. baking powder 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine the oil or butter, egg, vanilla, nondairy milk, and maple syrup, and mix well. In a separate bowl, mix together the flours, salt, and baking powder. Then combine the ingredients from both bowls and mix together with your hands until they form sticky dough. If the dough feels a touch dry, you can add a splash of water to thin it. And if it feels a bit wet, you can add a touch more almond or oat flour. Chill the dough for 10 minutes, then roll out to 1/8-inch thick. Make sure it is firm but not dry. Cut in 3-inch circles, or larger if you prefer. The larger, the easier to fold and fill. Make sure your jam for the filling has been refrigerated so it is thick, not runny. Use about one teaspoon per cookie. Place filling in center and pinch the edges firmly together to create a triangle, leaving the center open to expose the filling. Repeat with the remaining cookies. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly brown on the bottom. Let cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar (if desired) before eating. Yields one dozen.
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION
Miscommunication Jew in the Christian World
Try to explain the Yiddishisms chutzpah, shlimazl, or nu in English and you’ll quickly perceive the challenges of translating the nuances of language from one culture to another. This isn’t just an academic curiosity. “Language, any language, is always specific to the culture which gave birth to it and which it serves,” writes Ronald Brauner in Being Jewish in a Gentile World. “Language is
Candace R. Kwiatek
not separate and distinct. The word later adopted into Hebrew to mean religion, dat, comes from Persian and means law or decree, sometimes suggesting custom. Because Judaism is distinguishable in part by its observance of biblical law, dat was appropriated into the Hebrew language to express the Jewish “way of life or customs” and later to connote “religion.” However, both being borrowed, neither the English religion nor the Persian dat truly reflects the breadth of Judaism’s worldview.
Law developed precisely in order to enable that culture or civilization to communicate its values, concepts, identity, its very soul, to its constituents.” This specificity explains why the Bible in its original Hebrew often conveys a different message from that in an English translation.
Religion
Religion as understood in English today — a distinct set of beliefs and practices for worship or ritual observance of faith — is a 17th-century invention, writes Brent Nongbri in Before Religion: A History of a Modern Concept. “Ancient texts like the Bible…did not have a concept of religion in the original languages and neither did the people or the cultures in which these sacred texts were written.” Every aspect of life reflected a particular people’s religious worldview, from its gods, beliefs, and rituals to its government, cultural practices, and wisdom literature; religion was
Christianity’s doctrine of linking faith alone to personal salvation has led to the erroneous characterization of Judaism as legalistic, focused on performance of myriad laws to the same end, a kind of bribery through good works. Judaism, on the other hand, views the law — halachah, meaning walk or pathway — as a partnership with God, divinely designed to foster the morals and ethics that lead to personal improvement and communal repair irrespective of personal salvation. The significance of the law is not its exacting performance, but its transformative effect on the individual and the community and its potential for bringing the message of ethical monotheism — one God who demands ethical behavior — to the world.
Prayer
From the Latin meaning to ask or entreat, the word prayer is described in Christian sources as personal “communication with God” to develop a closer relationship through
conversation. The Hebrew Love for prayer is tefillah (tefillot in From Latin, Greek, and Old plural), meaning look inward, English we acquired love, varijudge, or assess oneself. ously meaning fondness, adoIt implies standards — diration, passion, and eroticism. vinely inspired and woven The Hebrew equivalent, into the tefillot themselves — ahavah, is used in the same against which to examine one’s manner, except in the context qualities and of a relationneeds, role in the The Bible in its ship with universe, relaGod as in this tionship to God, original Hebrew familiar prayer: and fulfillment often conveys “You shall love of God’s expecta(v’ahavta) God tions. a different with all your Tefillah is heart, with all about getting in message your soul, and touch with the with all your from that in Divine through might.” an English self-evaluation In this setting, for the purpose ahavah means translation. of improving reto show one’s lationships with loyalty by doing others and the world in which God’s will. Loving God in the we live. Jewish Bible is about behavior, not sentiment.
Phylacteries
From the Greek and Latin meaning to protect or guard, the English term phylactery means safeguard or amulet. In the original Hebrew, however, tefillin (a pair of leather boxes worn on the forehead and arm containing scrolls inscribed with biblical verses) is linguistically related to tefillah. Their purpose is to motivate awareness: to remind the wearer to connect the head, hands, and heart for holy purposes when acting in the world. Clearly, they are not amulets.
of the intellect. The v’ahavta prayer commands thoughtful demonstrations of loyalty — not blind obedience or expressions of adoration.
Charity
From the Latin caritas meaning love or affection, charity is an act of generosity or caring when one’s “heart is moved.” The Hebrew idea of caring for the poor and needy — tzedakah — is very different in nature: its connotation is justice, equity, and righteousness and is a legal obligation of the Covenant. To safeguard ethical and moral behavior, Judaism relies on the law rather than trusting fickle sentiment. The cultural specificity of language explains why Jews and Christians — despite a perception of a Judeo-Christian tradition — are often not on the same wavelength. We can’t assume words have same meaning.
Heart
The biblical Hebrew lev, heart, is the organ of thought,
Hear
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
PAGE 21
FOOD THE JEWISH INTERNET
LESHON IMA — MOTHER TONGUE
Sweet lessons in a basket The ninth chapter of The Book of Esther states in verse 19: “Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the 14th day of the month of Adar a day of gladness and feasting, a holiday, and of sending portions to one another (bit.ly/manot1).” That’s why on March 24, Jews around the world will
Mark Mietkiewicz scurry from doorstep to doorstep depositing baskets laden with goodies at the homes of friends and strangers, too. This month, a look at one of the most delightful customs on the Jewish calendar: mishloach manot. Why does the megillah command us to perform this mitzvah? Surprisingly, one source traces this tradition to the evil Haman. As Rabbi Yehudah Prero explains, “Haman described the nation of Israel to Ahashverus as a ‘people scattered abroad and dispersed amongst the people.’ Some commentators explain that Haman was pointing out that the Jewish nation was vulnerable because they did not all get along: there were disagreements and disputes among them so that in their hearts they were scattered and dispersed...To foster feelings of closeness, kinship, and love, we send gifts to each other on Purim (bit.ly/manot2).” Prero also suggests that our happiness on Purim is to be expressed through festive feasts that clearly not everyone can afford. But because we do not want “to embarrass the poor, the rich give poor gifts, and the poor give gifts to the rich. All the members of the nation of Israel give indiscriminately to their brothers and sisters so all can celebrate Purim properly, without any shame.” Although the megillah clearly states that we should exchange food on Purim, curiously, there is no blessing PAGE 22
associated with the mitzvah. Rabbi Yechiel Weinberg suggests that this makes perfect sense when you consider human nature. If there were a blessing, it would have included the word v’tzivanu, “and He has commanded us.” However, it is preferable to give of your own free will from a sense of love for your fellow Jew. If one gives mishloach manot because one was commanded to do so, this would lessen the element of love (bit.ly/manot7). In that light, CLAL, The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, has created a meditation that can be recited as you put together your mishloach manot: “May I prepare and give these gifts with a full and open heart. May we be blessed on Purim and on each day of our lives with light, gladness and honor and with the gift to express our friendship (bit.ly/manot8).” It is very difficult to imagine these days, but mishloach manot was practiced during the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto.
From the writings of Hillel Zeitlin in 1942, we learn that Jews exchanged food during Purim in the ghetto. According to the article Solidarity and Vitality During the Holocaust, “at the end, each Jew remained with the same meager quantity of food, but the fact that his poor meal represented the fulfillment of the mitzvah of mishloach manot revived his soul, reinforced his inner strength and even aroused a feeling of song and joyousness within him (bit.ly/manot9).”
Rina Peled wants to fill her gift basket with something more substantial than sweets — like kindness, consideration, love and other qualities she longs to give of herself. Writing in Hebrew in Mishloach Manot of Love, she tells us that her daughter’s teacher should get a basket filled with “consideration” for the hard work she puts in. Her own kids should receive gifts of “tranquility and acceptance” while her husband deserves “unending kindness.” And “maybe this year, I’ll attach to the basket I send to my father…a bit of forbearance and patience. Something that will symbolize the fact that I will wait until he finishes his sentences and I won’t interrupt as if I knew what he was going to say…something that will show him that he is truly important to us all (bit.ly/ manot11).” Nowadays, it is not unusual for families to deliver dozens of boxes on Purim. But some of the truly moving stories of mishloach manot tell how a solitary bundle can change the lives of the recipient and the donor. In Rediscovering Purim: A Bronx Tale, we meet Bernie, a man who lives in a rundown neighborhood that had once been a thriving Jewish community. Through the delivery of some mishloach manot, Bernie somewhat reluctantly welcomes a visitor, and then reconnects with traditions that had been forgotten long ago (bit. ly/manot10). The author concludes, “That year, the holiday of Purim was brought to Bernie. On that day, Purim was not merely a forgotten memory celebrated elsewhere but something real, a cause for celebration. There are times when a seemingly small act can have the most profound effect upon another. It was a Purim I will never forget.” Mark Mietkiewicz writes about resources for Jewish life to be found on the Internet. Contact him at highway@rogers.com.
Hashaon — The Clock Winter is coming to an end. It is time to change the clocks as we enter Daylight Savings Time (March 13), and prepare to celebrate Purim on the 13th of Adar on the Hebrew calendar (March 24). Both events are based on the method of time measurement. Let’s look at a few Hebrew words connected with this method.
Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin We should mention that the measuring of time in the Western world can be traced to the astrological counts of the ancient civilizations of Sumer, Babylon and Egypt. The Greeks and Romans added their insights to the count and eventually, from the 14th century C.E. onward, time has been measured by the clock in increments such as seconds, minutes and hours gauged on base 60 (sexigismal) in a 24-hour cycle of a day. The Hebrew language mirrors the significance of time’s measure in words based on biblical Hebrew as well as words coined along the years, reflecting the scientific progress of the measure. For example, shaon, the Hebrew word for clock, was coined in the modern era by the father of Modern Hebrew, Eliezer Ben Yehudah (18581922). It is based, however, on the noun shaah, an Aramaic word meaning a short segment of time, found five times in the Book of Daniel. In Modern Hebrew, shaah means hour, indicating more precisely a 60-minute unit of time. In biblical Hebrew, a short unit of time was called rega. Originally rega meant “twinkle of the eye,” but it was used to mean short time (Ex. 33:5) or instant (Ps. 6:11). In Modern Hebrew rega means minute, implying a 60-second unit of time. Similar to rega, yet more precise, is daka, meaning minute, corresponding to the Latin minuta, literally the first small part, a word used by the Alexandrian
Callahan Building Clock on display at Carillon Park
mathematician and astronomer Ptolemy (100-170) to denote the 60th part of a degree. We should also mention the word shniya, meaning second, which is found in the writings of Maimonides, the Jewish philosopher of the Middle Ages (Kiddush Ha-Chodesh 11:7). Shniya is derived from the Hebrew sheyni meaning second, corresponding to the Latin secunda, namely second small part of an hour. The units of time are at the center of many Hebrew phrases. Beshaah tovah, literally in good hour, is a congratulatory way to wish one good luck. Bin rega means instantly, and is used similarly to the English in a jiffy. Rega rega is a colloquial expression corresponding to the English just a minute. And the phrase bediyuk hashaon, literally, with the precision of the clock, implies like clockwork. So, as the time changes bediyuk hashaon, and each rega of daylight is longer, the holiday of Purim is getting closer, beshaah tova. May every daka and every shniya be celebrated with joy, fulfilling the saying: mishenichnas Adar marbin besimcha, when the month of Adar enters, joy is multiplied. Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin is a professor of biblical literature at Spertus College in Chicago and an adjunct professor of Bible and Hebrew at New College of Florida.
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Now in 2nd season, comedic web series slays ‘em in Yiddish Canadian duo discovers viewers of all backgrounds relate to YidLife Crisis By Renee Ghert-Zand Times of Israel Thirty-something buddies Chaimie and Leizer love to argue on YidLife Crisis about matters of great import: who sells Montreal’s best bagels and whether smoked meat should be served fatty or lean. The YouTube series’ initial handful of Yiddish-language episodes racked up 200,000 views in its first year, a sign that mamaloshen is anything but dead on the web. Viewers of all ages and backgrounds (most of whom presumably make ample use of the English subtitles) have developed an affinity for the two young cultural Jews, played by Jamie Elman and Eli Batalion, who explore tensions between ancient religious traditions and contemporary secular life with edgy humor. The series was named best comedy series at Toronto’s WebFest in 2015. Batalion and Elman write and direct the series in addition to playing the two main characters. In season two’s opening episode — which coincided with Rosh Hashanah — Chaimie and Leizer meet up in a suburban Montreal neighborhood after Rosh Hashanah services and head to the brit milah (ritual circumcision) ceremony for a friend who is converting to Judaism from Hinduism. In typical fashion, the show tackles head-on not only the obvious topics of conversion and circumcision, but also those of religious chauvinism and Messianic Judaism. As usual, the slightly nebbishy Leizer approaches it all with total earnestness, while Chaimie, with his boyish looks and charm, takes the irreverent, rebellious stance.
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In February, Big Bang Theory actress and attachment parenting guru Mayim Bialik guest starred as a high-powered, no-nonsense neurosurgeon apparently set up by her mother on a blind date with Leizer. The two meet at a kosher sushi restaurant. Chaya comes with a long Chaimie (Jamie Elman) and Leizer (Eli list of questions to ask Batalion) ponder tensions between the Jewish and secular in YidLife Crisis Leizer. “As our mothers may learned Yiddish as students at have discussed, I’m interested Montreal’s Bialik High School; in leading a traditional Jewish now, it has turned into a fulllife. I’m seeking candidates. I time undertaking. know exactly what I want. I “Insanely and against all have all the questions right off logic, we’ve pursued this and the bat, so a blind date is just a basically arranged our lives more efficient way of seeing if around this,” said Batalion. this is even possible,” Bialik’s “We’re pretty much all-in character states. with this now,” echoed Elman, Her first question, however, who has put his Hollywoodis not one she had come prebased acting and music career pared with. on hold for the time being to “What’s he doing here?” she stay in Montreal to work with asks, glancing to Leizer’s right. his friend on YidLife Crisis. When Leizer decides he no “What began as a paslonger needs his wingman, sion project has taken on an he whips out his phone and unexpected life. We realized pretends his mother is callwe could go further with it. ing him. In his fake Yiddish We haven’t said all we want conversation with his mom, to with regard to culture and he’s actually telling Chaimie to Judaism,” he added. get lost. Chaimie suddenly also While having YidLife Crihas a “call” from his mother sis picked up by Amazon or and informs Leizer in Yiddish Netflix, or seeing it made into that he is having too much fun an independent feature film to leave. are goals they strive for, the Not amused, Chaya takes creators said they are simply out her phone and fakes a conversation with her mother — in happy in the meantime to be working on a project that puts Yiddish. all their talents on display. With their “secret” lan“We’re running on pure guage no longer secret, the chutzpah,” said Batalion. Well, men buckle down and answer that and funding from Shapthe neurosurgeon’s barrage ing Our Future Grants and the of questions — which she of Jewish Community Foundation course asks in Yiddish. of Montreal, Bronfman Youth Hilarity ensues as Bialik’s Fellowships in Israel Alumni character shoots off query after Venture Fund, ROI Microquery. The earnest Leizer and grants, and individual donors, the irreverent YouTube including Montreal philanthroChaimie stay pists Irwin and Sara Tauben. true to charBatalion and Elman’s subveracter as they sive appropriation of Yiddish in answer each grappling with Jewish tradione, no matter tion, as well as with attendant how absurd or generational clashes, can be apirrelevant to a preciated by young adults of all first date. ethnicities whose have grown YidLife Crisis up in families with strong relistarted out as a gious or cultural affiliations. fun experiment “We’re a Yiddish show, but for Batalion we’re not just a Jewish show,” and Elman, said Elman. who originally Mayim Bialik guest stars on YidLife Crisis
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OBITUARIES Edna Flagel, of Naples, Fla. passed away Jan. 29 at the age of 102. Her devoted husband of 74 years, David, predeceased her just a few months before reaching
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100. Clearly the longevity of both Mr. and Mrs. Flagel comes to the forefront because of the relatively high numbers, but it is the quality of life both enjoyed that is even more amazing. Rarely do you find a couple where both were relatively healthy their entire lives, enabling them to enjoy their time, and their passion, of sharing a loving family and so many friends. Mrs. Flagel was also predeceased by her parents, a sister, and three brothers. She is survived by two sons, Bertram and Gerald (Barbara). A third son, Richard (Marlene), passed away in December. Also surviving are eight grandchildren. A ninth grandchild, David A., of North Port, passed away in September. Fourteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren also survive. Born in Dayton on Sept. 4, 1913, Mrs. Flagel graduated from Parker High School and then attended The Ohio State University. She lived in Dayton until moving with her husband to Boca Raton in the late 1970s
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and then to Naples in 1991 where son, Gerald, and family were living. Mrs. Flagel volunteered for various community organizations. Perhaps her outstanding contribution was using her musical talent, specifically playing classical music on the piano. Besides performing at recitals, Mrs. Flagel served for many years as “the accompanist for visiting musicians” to the Dayton area. Next to that was Mrs. Flagel’s strong influence over her three sons to both play and appreciate music. Frances Marwil, age 76, formerly of Dayton, passed away Jan. 28 in Oklahoma City, Okla., where she had been living for the last 11 years. While in Dayton, Mrs. Marwil was an active member of Beth Abraham Synagogue, working in the office, preparing Shabbat meals, and serving on the Chevra Kadisha. At her new congregation in Oklahoma City, she assumed many of these same roles, along with running the gift shop. Mrs. Marwil was an avid gardener and was active with several mental health organizations in the Dayton area. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Jennifer Marwil Cohen. Mrs. Marwil is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, William B. Marwil; her two sons, Joshua Marwil and
Jeremy (Suzanne) Marwil; four grandchildren, Gabriella and Ethan Cohen, Max and Jonah Marwil; three brothers, David (Anita) Lieberman, Gary (Linda) Lieberman and Irwin (Margie of blessed memory) Lieberman; nieces and nephews, Stephen, Scott, Ronald, Rachel, Sarah, Laura and Mark Lieberman. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Alvin L. Phinick passed away Feb. 2 of esophageal cancer at Viera Hospital in Viera, Fla. Born in Cleveland, Mr. Phinick moved to Dayton in 1959 with his family to manage a furniture department in a store called Fame. A few years later, he worked as a partner in a wholesale furniture company called Crest Custom Products. The last adventure was Mattress Factory Outlet, which he owned for many years before he retired. Mr. Phinick would have been married to his beloved wife, Eileen, for 63 years on March 1. He was the beloved father of Karen, Susan and Jim, and grandfather to Michael, Rachael, Wesley, Aaron and Jackie. He was so proud to be the greatgrandfather to twins Zack and Asher, Riley, Aaron, Isaiah and Kennedy. Mr. Phinick loved to garden and fish with his friends. He was so proud of his tomatoes from Dayton and his wonderful
herb garden. He enjoyed playing poker with his Dayton buddies. He loved to travel and his favorite trip was the couple’s cruise to Alaska. In 1951, Mr. Phinick served in the Army and played the saxophone in Special Services, traveling all over Europe. The couple were snowbirds for 10 years before becoming permanent residents in a 55+ community in Viera to be close to family. Mr. Phinick loved living there, and enjoyed being the host for the Romeo’s breakfast club. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. Ruth Scheuer, age 88 of Dayton, passed away Jan. 27 at her residence. Mrs. Scheuer was a pediatric nurse, social worker, a longtime volunteer with CASA, and a member of Beth Abraham Synagogue. She is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Fred G.; her children and their spouses, Edna and Gerald Willis of Florida, Eliot and Marylyn Scheuer of Wisconsin, Elaine and Matt Arnovitz of Dayton; grandchildren, Stephen and Michael Arnovitz, Jason and Elisheva Scheuer. Interment was at Beth Abraham Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in Mrs. Scheuer’s memory.
New & Renewing Voluntary Subscribers • Jan. 7-Feb. 4 New Guardian Angels Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg & Hazzan Jenna Greenberg Renewing Angels Betty & Don Chernick John & Sharyn Reger New Angels Bea Harris Donald & Caryl Weckstein Double Chai Tara & Adam Feiner Shirley Gotlieb Frankowitz Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Gilbert Eva Izenson Marc Low Barbara Sanderow Jackie & Stan Schear Mrs. Louise Tanis Harvey & Sonna Tuck Doris & Louis Ullman Lois Unger Emalee Weisman Diane Rubin Williams & Ralph Williams Warren & Tina Wingate Subscribers Mel & Jan Berman Bernice Ezekiel Brant Earl & Marion Chadwick Bob & JoEllen Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Robert Cohen Marilyn Fleming Gary Gams
Marian & Joseph Glatterman Evelyn Goldstein Donald & Harriet Klass Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Matusoff Eli Mitchell Edie Pequignot Lita Saul Suzanne & Norman Schneiderman Professor Melvin Wiviott Current Guardian Angels Howard & Judy Abromowitz Marilyn & Larry Klaben Howard Michaels Walter Ohlmann Andrea Rabiner Current Angels Ken Baker, K.W. Baker & Assoc. Michael & Connie Bank George & Ruth Barnett & Family Skip Becker Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Bettman Amy & Michael Bloom Hy & Sylvia Blum Lori Appel-Cohen Mrs. Melvin Crouse Dr. & Mrs. Scot Denmark Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Feldman Esther & DeNeal Feldman Lynn Foster M.J. & Bella Freeman Dr. Eric Friedland Erika & Felix Garfunkel Kim & Shelley Goldenberg Debby & Bob Goldenberg
Judi & George Grampp Art & Joan Greenfield Susan & Joe Gruenberg Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Harlan Robert & Vicky Heuman Sylvia & Ralph Heyman Maxine & Jeffrey Hoffman Steve and Rachel Jacobs Dr. & Mrs. David Joffe Dennis Kahn & Linda Ohlmann Kahn Joyce & Chuck Kardon Susan & Stanley Katz Mrs. David Laderman Gabriele & Todd Leventhal Shirley Leventhal Jean Lieberman Beverly Louis Dr. David & Joan Marcus Suzi & Jeff Mikutis Irvin & Gayle Moscowitz Myrna Nelson Martin Nizny Russ Remick Jan Rudd-Goenner Felice & Michael Shane Mr. & Mrs. Henry Stern Dr. Marc & Maureen Sternberg Col. Jeffrey Thau, USAF, (Ret) & Rina Thau Joel & Jennifer Tobiansky Julie & Adam Waldman & Family Judith & Fred Weber Michael & Karen Weprin Dr. Judith Woll & Ron Bernard
Thank you.
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
August August 20 20 –– School School Begins Begins
“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows” -Sydney J. Harris
Nurturing confident and successful learners • Exemplary secular and Judaic education • Art and science professional residency programs • Project-based learning and critical thinking • Hebrew language immersion via Tal-Am Hebrew Curriculum Time to start thinking about 2016-2017. Call Hillel Academy to arrange your personal tour. We want to hear from past students To To keep keep you you better better informed, informed, Hillel Hillel Academy Academy is is updating updating its its alum alum and and prior prior student student information. information. Please Please call call or or email email the the school school with with your your current current contact contact information. information.
Nurturing Nurturing confident confident and and successful successful learners learners www.daytonhillel.org www.daytonhillel.org 937.277.8966 937.277.8966 •• dkmecoli@daytonhillel.org dkmecoli@daytonhillel.org
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Thirteen years after she first arrived at Temple Israel, Karen Bodney-Halasz to become its next senior rabbi
B’nai Jehudah there. “I didn’t have a feeling that I was drawn to anything specifically Jewish in my life until I went to Goldman Union Camp,” she says. “I realized as the summers went by, this was so special to me. It was an incredible opportunity to live Judaism completely. I would be immersed in it during the summers and separated from it during the year, and so there Story and Photos By Marshall Weiss was this longing and separation.” The Observer One summer, Rabbi Dr. Gary Zola of Hebrew Although she’s overseen Temple Israel’s religious Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cinschool since 2003 and has served as assistant rabbi cinnati visited the camp. there since her ordination in 2007, Rabbi Karen She relates that Zola told the campers, “I know a Bodney-Halasz is ready to reintroduce herself to her bunch of you are looking into ways you can become congregation and community. leaders in your school, and it’s wonderful. For On Jan. 27, Temple Israel’s board approved the God’s sake, the Jewish community needs leaders unanimous recommendation of its rabbinic search too.” committee to name Bodney-Halasz as its senior “That would complete my purpose in life,” rabbi beginning July 1. Bodney-Halasz recalls thinking. “It would allow me “People know me in the role of rabbi/educato do so many things that I want to do, and do it in tor, and not in the role of a senior rabbi,” Bodneya way that was meaningful spiritually as well.” Halasz, 41, says. “It’s important for me to sit down She went on the March of the Living in high with members, share my vision, and say, ‘I know school, first touring Nazi death camps in Poland, that we’ve talked a hundred times, but I want you then celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence to know what it is that I care so passionately about. Day) in Israel. These are different conversations than we had “I remember sitting across the way from the before.” Western Wall and staring at it. I thought to myself: Her selection as the first female senior rabbi Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz says she wants to help her congregants This is a huge tradition. It is longer than I can even in the temple’s 166-year history followed a nineimagine. It’s a chain. And I don’t want to be outside month search process that began after the retirement get to know each other better That vision, she says, puts a priority on pastoral of it. I want to be a part of it. I want to be a link. of Senior Rabbi David M. Sofian; Temple Israel care, social justice, adult education, and involvement And I want to be an important one, someone who contracted with Rabbi Ilene Bogosian to serve as its in the Jewish and non-Jewish communities. helps to carry the tradition from one generation to the interim senior rabbi from July 1, 2015 through July 1, “I want to work on increasing areas of social ennext.” 2016, while it conducted its search. gagement,” she says. “The more people feel connected As an undergraduate at Northwestern, Bodney“This feels natural to me at this time in my life,” and valued, the more engaged they become. We all Halasz pursued a degree in comparative literary Bodney-Halasz says. “After eight years in the rabbinneed opportunities to sit down and share our stories.” studies with a focus on Hebrew literature and culture; ate, I’m ready to take on a senior position, whether Bodney-Halasz’s story of how she chose the rabbinduring her junior year, she enrolled in Hebrew literathat was going to be here or elsewhere. Having the ate began in Overland Park, Kan. in 1985, when she ture classes at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. congregation here, that I know and that I love — and was in fourth grade. Her family still belongs to Temple While in college, she interned for two summers at that shares the same vision as I do — is a blessing.”
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MARCH 2016
her home congregation to help her decide if the rabbinate was for her. “It was certainly eye-opening,” she says of the politics. “But it fit, and I really enjoyed it.” The day after she graduated from Northwestern, she was on a plane to Israel for her first year of rabbinical school with HUC-JIR, followed by her move to its Cincinnati campus.
‘The people here are dear to me’
In 2004, after BodneyHalasz’s first year as director of Temple Israel’s religious school, she moved to Dayton. In her role as assistant rabbi/ educator, her contributions to Temple Israel’s programming have included healing services, its Day of Jewish Learning, Sukkahs in the City, last year’s congregational trip to Cuba, and the Mitzvah Alley component of the temple’s annual Jewish Cultural Festival. “The people here are dear to me,” she says. “I’ve been part of people’s lives from births to weddings to deaths. Having people let me into their lives in that way, it’s a very special connection, and one that I treasure.” She also met her husband, Scott Halasz, here in Dayton. They have two sons, Jonah (6) and Ethan (1). “My husband was confirmed here. He had his Bar Mitzvah at Temple Israel,” she says. The biggest challenge she sees for Temple Israel is the same one facing the whole Jewish community and all religious communities in Dayton. “It’s demographics,” she says. “And that’s not something unique to us. Fewer and fewer people are returning. I think it’s a matter of engaging better the people who are already engaged, continuing to make it important in their lives, and for their children’s lives.” Bodney-Halasz officiates at interfaith weddings, though she doesn’t co-officiate with clergy from other religions. She is a champion of Hillel Academy, Dayton’s Jewish day school, where she is on the Judaics faculty; Jonah is enrolled at Hillel too. “There are some who feel that we need to be competitive with one another at all times within the Jewish community,” she says. “I think we do that to our detriment. The overall goal is to have an active, engaged, Jewishly knowledgeable community that can express its Judaism together. If I see someone going to Hillel Academy as a threat to my religious school,
‘How lucky and blessed I feel that their choice was my choice.’
then I lose.” At the same time, she encourages her congregants who send their children to Hillel to also enroll them in the temple’s religious school; and most do. “It’s important to me that the kids have a community of other like-minded Reform Jews to explore what Judaism means to them in a different environment,” she says. “But for the same reason, I think it’s important for a rabbi from Temple Israel to have facetime with the students at Hillel, in order that they are reminded that the Jewish community is diverse.” If Bodney-Halasz doesn’t have time to continue teaching at Hillel when she takes over as Temple Israel’s senior rabbi, she says she’ll try to have the
congregation’s new assistant rabbi/educator teach there. She and the temple have already begun the search to fill her current position. She says she’s ready to hit the ground running in July. “I’m able to address issues I already know are significant to this community. I’m sensitive to what the congregation is going to perceive as small or large changes.” She’s also excited to continue building relationships with members of the non-Jewish community, particularly clergy involved with Leaders for Equality and Action in Dayton (LEAD), and a new coalition, Dayton Stands With Muslims, which held a solidarity press conference at Temple Israel on Feb. 12. “Judaism teaches that we have an obligation to fight intolerance, xenophobia, and racism because we view all human beings as b’tzelem Elokim, created in God’s image — without exceptions,” she told the gathering. In her interview with The Observer, Bodney-Halasz says she recognizes she’s not perfect. She sees this as a strength, not a weakness, in her journey “toward finding wholeness and completion, working to do my best.” “I’m so looking forward to this. It’s inspiring, it’s exciting, it’s overwhelming, but mostly just exhilarating. And how lucky and blessed I feel that their choice was my choice.”
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Baladino is brought to our festival as a part of the Arts Midwest World Fest through the sponsorship of 3M, the Ohio Arts Council, Murphy Theatre, and the Israel Consul General to the Midwest.
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P Historic Plaza Theatre 33 South Main St., Miamisburg
Photo by Omri Barel
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Retired lawyer and community member Ellen Leffak speaks to the legal background of the film, Gett. Leffak has 30 years of experience in employment law, contract law, and regulatory law.
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SPONSOR: GREATER OHIO VIRTUAL SCHOOL
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CLOSING NIGHT
SPONSOR: JAMES FREE JEWELERS
Panel discussion with film makers
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Secrets of War
SPONSOR: WASHINGTON CENTERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY & FRIENDS OF WCPL
Apples from the Desert 94 min N 7:15PM
95 min LA 7PM
OPENING NIGHT SPONSOR ($5000)
SPONSOR: ECONOMY LINEN & TOWEL SERVICE, INC.
AVIVA KEMPNER
SPONSOR: DAYTON CITY PAPER
Single Tickets $9 Student Tickets $8 Season Pass $75 (includes all films) CLOSING NIGHT SPONSOR ($2500)
FILM SPONSORS ($1000)
HOW TO ORDER: BY PHONE: Karen at 937-610-1555 ONLINE: Credit Card Orders Only jewishdayton.org
PRINT MEDIA SPONSOR ($2500)
RADIO MEDIA SPONSOR ($1000)
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Local speaker and Holocaust education expert Renate Frydman, Ph.D, discusses the importance of Holocaust education for today’s youth. Pulling from her personal and family history, she links fighting racism and prejudice as part of her message to raise awareness and promote compassion within the Dayton community and abroad.
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Local guest speaker Felix Weil, a Kindertransport survivor. Through telling his story, he has dedicated many years of volunteer service in the Dayton community, at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, and around the country.
AVIVA KEMPNER
Producer and director of Peabodywinning , Emmy nominated The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg, and Producer and director of Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg, the award-winning Aviva Kempner returns to Dayton to discuss her new documentary film, Rosenwald. FILMS MAY CONTAIN ADULT CONTENT OR THEMES. PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION: JEWISHDAYTON.ORG
IN PERSON: Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Drive, Centerville AT THEATRE: Day of Event
HOTEL SPONSOR