The Dayton Jewish Observer, April 2020

Even with social Grace distancing, must p. 21 David Moss designs After we Meals in walk comictogether book form p. 22

THE DAYTON Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton

April 2020 Nisan/Iyar 5780 Vol. 24, No. 8

OBSERVER

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

A Prayer for Healing from Coronavirus

Ten P lagues

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID DAYTON, OHIO PERMIT NO. 59

are enough!

Dayenu!

Address Service Requested

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

BMB

Source of healing, Cast the light of health and well-being On those who’ve been exposed to coronavirus, Those who have contracted the disease, And those — God forbid — who contract the disease in the future.

Bless them, protect them and bring them speedily to full recovery.

Bless all who are ill With healing of body Healing of soul And healing of spirit.

Blessed are You Lord, Source of life.

— Alden Solovy © 2020 Alden Solovy and tobendlight.com.

Wishing You A Happy Passover

Spring Ahead Into Retirement Living

On a Dayton Region-Israel Trade Alliance mission to Israel in February, Montgomery County Commissioner Carolyn Rice met with Holon’s mayor of 27 years, Moti Sasson. Dayton and Holon have been sister cities since 1998.

Sasson and Rice met to explore ways to work together on shared challenges including youth literacy and economic development. While in Israel, the DRITA mission also met with officials from the Haifa Corporation, attended a global investor summit, and toured the Israel Fire and Rescue Services, which partners with Dayton company Lion on its training complex. In all, the seven DRITA participants met with more than 30 organizations.

Kristi Hale, director of Wright Memorial Public Library in Oakwood, welcomes donors to a March 1 event featuring WYSO Book Nook host and Dayton Daily News book columnist Vick Mickunas (Center) interviewing novelist Moriel Rothman-Zecher, author of Sadness is a White Bird. An Israeli American who lives in Yellow Springs, Rothman-Zecher was a 2018 National Book Foundation ‘5 Under 35’ honoree, and a finalist for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize in Fiction.

with our

Move-In Special If you move into a 1 bedroom (or larger) apartment between April 1 and May 31, you will receive 20% off your apartment rent — No Limit!

Please contact Robin Sisk at 937-974-7141 for details!

Sixth through eighth graders in Temple Beth Or’s religious school rehearse their production of The Diary of Anne Frank, directed by their teacher, Jay Weiss. The play was scheduled for 9 a.m., Sunday, April 26 at the temple. Shown here (L to R): Caitlyn Becker, Brianna Becker, Avi Gilbert, Ava Bressler, Asher Pachman, and Alexis Becker. Also in the cast are Chava Gilbert, Nora Glovka, Ilan Kuhl, and Levi Kuperman.

IN THIS ISSUE

5790 Denlinger Road • Dayton, Ohio 45426 • fvdayton.com

PAGE 2

Arts............................................27

L i fe cyc l es. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 8

Calendar of Events.......................19

N o s h e r. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2

Family Education............................26

O p i n i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 4

Mr. Mazel..........................................18

Obituaries.............................30

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

DAYTON

Meeting real needs in a time of social distancing With Covid-19 pandemic, JFS digs in to help vulnerable, local Jewish orgs ramp up virtual communities

By Marshall Weiss The Observer As the Dayton area’s Jewish community was shutting down its in-person programs and services in compliance with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s directives to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, it was rapidly building virtual communities to keep people connected. And Jewish Family Services was steeling itself up to meet what will likely be significantly expanded needs from the most vulnerable members of the Jewish community.

“We’re seeing increased isolation as required for social distancing,” said Tara L. Feiner, director of JFS, an agency of the Jewish FedJFS Director eration. “The Tara L. Feiner consequence is social isolation too, and the emotions that come with that.”

Feiner emphasized two key points: call people each day to check in with them, and call JFS if you or someone you know needs help.

“We need to take care of each other,” she said. “Everybody should be calling three people a day just to check on them and say, ‘Hi, how are you? Do you

Rachel Haug Gilbert

appointment is still going to happen? How about if you call your doctor? Confirm and then call us back.’”

One day prior to the medical appointment, JFS will call the client to confirm the ride and ask if the person has a fever or a cough.

“We need to protect them as well as our drivers,” Feiner said.

She added that JFS is checking Chabad of Greater Dayton’s Rabbi in with all of its clients, but it is Elchonon Chaikin leads morning prayers at its Facebook page, March not able to meet face-to-face at this time.

18 need anything?’ And call JFS if “We can’t go into nursing you need us for any reason. If homes or assisted living fawe don’t have the resources to cilities or independent living help you, we will find out who facilities,” she said. “We can’t go Hillel Academy fourth grader Chava Gilbert discusses her work online with teacher Anna Smith and her classmates via Google Meet, March does and get you connected.” see people in their own homes 17, the first day of the Jewish day school’s online classes An additional service JFS will right now, because people who offer at this difficult time, she are well can be carriers and not said, is to have JFS show symptoms, drivers assist with and we want to grocery delivery be mindful of that and prescription and not take anydelivery, “whether thing into someor not you are body either. already a client.

“So we will be There will be a making phone small fee.” calls. We have JFS will now only drive tiered our lists of clients who clients to essential medical aphave ongoing case management pointments. needs, who are people that we “The way we’re staying on know. We’ll keep them on our top of this is that anybody who radar, we’ll be calling them with has a ride, two days prior, we frequency. We’ll also start makare calling them and saying, ing phone calls to the next tier to ‘Do you know if this medical make sure they have what they need, make sure they know they can call us if there is an issue.”

Contact Jewish Family Services at 937-610-1555.

As community members The Jewish Federation has set up a web page with the latest Covid-19 call their local friends, family, updates: jewishdayton.org/coronavirus-update and neighbors, if they believe The Federation has also set up a web page listing virtual programs: Continued on Page Four jewishdayton.org/virtual-community

Bark Mitzvah Boy Coming this Passover ...

Matzah Man saves the day!

We don’t need no bathroom tissue!

M c O Menachem

Call JFS if you or someone you know needs help.

From the editor’s desk About the only thing we can say with certainty as we go to press with the April Observer is that for those of us in these times, this will be a Passover like no other. Almost each Marshall hour, we learn of further restrictions Weiss on our activities that are for our own health and the health of others. Covid-19 presents us with the ultimate test of our ability to put the greater good above our own immediate needs. It is a test of civic duty I pray we all take seriously. No doubt, the information in this issue will be out of date even a few minutes after we’re in print. Please be sure to go to The Dayton Jewish Observer’s Facebook page for the latest updates. And, as encouraged in our story above, call three people each day to see how they’re doing. If you or someone you know needs help, contact Jewish Family Services at 937-610-1555. Wishing you a happy — and most importantly — healthy Passover.

CELEBRATING PASSOVER All of us at the Lincoln Park Communities wish you well as you commemorate this season of freedom.

We Wish You and Your Families A Happy, Healthy Passover.

For Information about Retirement Living

PLEASE CALL 937.298.0594 For Assisted Living-Rehabilitation-Skilled Nursing

PLEASE CALL 937.297.4300 590 Isaac Prugh Way — Kettering 694 Isaac Prugh Way — Kettering

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

www.LincolnParkSeniors.com www.LincolnPark-Manor.com follow us on

PAGE 3

DAYTON Linda Weprin Realtor/Broker Military Relocation Professional

Meeting real needs

LindaMWeprinRealty.com

2019 DABR Sales Leader Award of Distinction

THE DAYTON

OBSERVER Editor and Publisher Marshall Weiss MWeiss@jfgd.net 937-610-1555

937-477-4734

Contributors Rabbi Judy Chessin Scott Halasz Masha Kisel Candace R. Kwiatek

Happy Passover

Advertising Sales Executive Patty Caruso, plhc69@gmail.com

Linda M. Weprin Realty Licensed Real Estate Agent for 30+ Years

Proofreader Rachel Haug Gilbert Billing Sheila Myers, SMyers@jfgd.net 937-610-1555

Assisting you every step of the way!

Observer Advisor Martin Gottlieb

Temple Beth Or’s Rabbi Ari Ballaban leads a virtual Friday night Shabbat service at its Facebook page, March 13

FINDING THE DESERVES A REWARD

Give Gifts of

ISRAEL BONDS ISRAELBONDS.COM

Continued from Page Three someone they’ve talked with needs additional support, they should either ask them for permission to call JFS and then let JFS know someone needs help, or encourage that person to call JFS directly.

“JFS can’t just cold-call people without their permission,” Feiner said.

Building virtual Jewish communities

With Jewish congregations cancelling services leading up to Shabbat, March 13-14, Temple Beth Or launched a virtual community, with Rabbi Ari Ballaban leading a Friday night virtual Shabbat service streamed on Temple Beth Or’s Facebook page. Temple Beth Or is now posting a brief video message at its Facebook page each day.

“We certainly have physical distance but we don’t have social distance,” said Temple Beth Or Senior Rabbi Judy Chessin on the first video, March 16. “We have to stay in touch.

We have to connect with one

another. So we’re going to try to put out a little daily Facebook hello, a psalm or prayer or a story, to check in with you to see how you’re doing. And we hope that people will respond, that they will comment, and maybe post some of your own videos as well until we can be together once again.

“That’s what it’s all about: the people of Israel, we are one and we stay together.”

As the week of March 15 progressed, Chabad began offering 15-minute morning prayer videos weekdays at 9 a.m. at its Facebook page.

With the JCC Early Childhood Program closing on March 17, PJ Library — a project of the Jewish Federation — launched a weekly story time using Zoom with Kate Elder on Tuesdays at 3 p.m., including cooking demos and crafts.

The Jewish Federation opened up the Jewish Dayton Virtual Community on March 17 at jewishdayton.org/virtualcommunity, as a portal to Continued on next page

israelbonds.com

Views expressed by columnists, in readers’ letters, and in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinion of staff or layleaders of The Dayton Jewish Observer or the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton. 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 provide an historic record of Dayton Jewish life.

This is not an offering, which can be made only by prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully before investing to fully evaluate the risks associated with investing in Israel bonds. Issues subject to availability. Member FINRA. Photo: Alamy

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

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

PAGE 4

The Dayton Jewish Observer, Vol. 24, No. 8. The Dayton Jewish Observer is published monthly by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton, a nonprofit corporation, 525 Versailles Dr., Dayton, OH 45459.

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

Development Corporation for Israel 2700 East Main Street, Suite 103 Columbus, OH 43209 614.453.0699 • columbus@israelbonds.com

BOND WITH A NATION OF LIMITLESS POTENTIAL

Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton Bruce Feldman President David Pierce Immediate Past Pres.

Dr. Heath Gilbert Pres. Elect/Treas.

Beverly Louis Secretary Dan Sweeny VP, Resource Dev. Mary Rita Weissman VP, Personnel/ Foundation Chair Cathy Gardner CEO

The Jewish Federation opened Jewish Dayton Virtual Community, March 17, an umbrella page for online resources for the Jewish community

Please recycle this newspaper.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

DAYTON Continued from previous page Jewish programs and services from the Federation’s departments, including the JCC and JFS, along with links to virtual communities from area Jewish congregations. To date, it includes links to The Dayton Jewish Observer’s weekly Jewish News Hour podcast, Partnership2Gether’s Global Virtual Book Club, PJ Library, Learn Hebrew Online, and JCC Live.

Hillel Academy of Dayton opened virtual classes for its students in grades three to five on March 17 in response to the state’s closing of all schools.

“Younger children have hands-on learning packets with immediate phone or text access to teachers as needed,” said Hillel’s Kathy Mecoli. “Teachers are doing impressive work.”

Beth Abraham and Temple Israel have communicated with their congregants about the need to limit funerals to immediate families and graveside services.

Plans for Passover

With the sense that social distancing restrictions will remain in place or become more stringent over the coming weeks, Chabad is offering Passover kits for those unable to attend or prepare a seder.

And in a bid to support Bernstein’s Fine Catering — struggling from cancelled events as so many caterers are at this time — Temple Beth Or will present a Streaming Second Seder in place of its cancelled in-person dinner. Participants will order boxed Passover meals catered

by Bernstein’s to be picked up from the temple and will follow the temple’s seder streaming on Facebook.

48

Our Warmest Wishes For A Happy Passover

We Wish The Dayton Jewish Community A Very Happy Passover.

MORE Style, MORE Selection, MORE Ways to Save!

Advice from JFS

“We need people to be mindful of scams during this time,” Feiner said. “Scams prey on people who are emotional and vulnerable, and that is heightened right now. Be very mindful about who’s calling you. We’ll post more information about scams at the Jewish Dayton Virtual Community, and about how to take care of yourself during this. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others.”

Feiner also urged people not to burn themselves out on social media and news. “Limit your screen time about the pandemic so you’re not constantly being bombarded,” she said. “And make sure your information is coming from an accurate source.

And you don’t need it 24/7.”

Wishing You a Happy Passover

™

937-222-4625 Patronize our advertisers. Tell them you saw it in The Observer.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

PAGE 5

THE WORLD

IN EVERY SEASON Dinsmore attorneys are proud to serve Dayton’s legal needs and we support the vision of a prosperous and vibrant community in every season.

Happy Passover to all.

DINSMORE & SHOHL LLP • LEGAL COUNSEL Ralph E. Heyman

Lisa S. Pierce

Edward M. Kress

Philip A. Zukowsky

Fifth Third Center 1 South Main Street • Suite 1300 (937) 449-6400

DINSMORE.COM ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. © 2020. All rights reserved.

ADVERTISING MATERIAL. ©2017. All rights reserved.

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

PAGE 6

What American Jews can learn from my Italian Jewish community’s response to the coronavirus

Andrea Ronchini/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Analysis By Simone Somekh, JTA NEW YORK — The Italian people’s first reaction to the coronavirus was to have a good laugh. Not because they didn’t believe the virus was a real issue, but because that’s just how we like to process big changes in my home country.

By Feb. 23, there were 152 confirmed cases in Italy. Yet many people were still skeptical, assuming the virus was probably no different than the regular flu.

Thousands of original, hilarious jokes, cartoons and self-deprecating memes regarding the virus started circulating Riccardo Di Segni, chief rabbi of Rome, speaks at the Italian capital’s Great Synagogue, Feb. 21 online. We all took part in the ment’s disposition to maintain a pandemic. By assuming the game. distance of at least one meter (3 virus will hit the United States A now-famous meme feet) from other people to avoid just as hard, we can learn from showed a beloved type of the steps taken — and the getting infected. cookie called Abbracci, (which mistakes made — in my home Had the Italian government means hugs), rebranded as community, and enact similar not stepped in, many Italians Saluti (regards). preventive measures, even if would still be out and about “The first cookies one meter the virus has still to hit all of away from each other,” read the having an aperitivo with their our own communities, schools friends, unbothered by the meme, referring to the governor synagogues.

Beginning Feb. 21, when there were only 20 confirmed cases in the country, the Italian government started enforcing very strict measures of self-isolation and social distancing.

Jeff Noble Prime Minister Giuseppe MRINetwork Conte urged the Italian people: Management Recruiters of Dayton “Let’s stay distant from each Noble Staffing Solutions other today, so that we can hug each other with even more 937-228-8271 • jnoble@mridayton.com warmth tomorrow.”

Life in my home country has changed drastically. Italians now love to use the English term “smart working” (working from home); young people Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton is organize large virtual gatherproud to be accredited by the ings on Zoom and FaceTime National Institute for Jewish Hospice to compensate for the lack of social life.

My father, who is a rabbi, traveled to Milan for work — as he does every week — during the last week of February for the last time.

He described the city as a “ghost town.” Milan is the pulse of the country, the heart of the wealthy northern region of Lombardy, and possibly the most liberal, fast-paced and international city in Italy.

324 Wilmington Ave. Dayton It was a shock for him to see 937.256.4490 the city on its knees — quiet 1.800.653.4490 and empty as he’d never seen it www.hospiceofdayton.org before.

This is how cities like New

Happy Passover.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

THE WORLD been repeating the virus was “just a flu.”

York and Seattle might look like in a It will be gone, he said, “within a couple couple of weeks. of days,” and advocated for “business as On Purim day, synagogues all over Italy were forced to close down. In cities usual.”

Over the following weekend, people like my hometown, Turin, there was no were still crowding bars and restaurants morning reading of the Megillat Esther in New York City, appearing largely at the local synagogue. unbothered; public schools are still open Communities organized livestreamings so that everyone could hear it from in many cities.

I don’t think the American people home. The Conference of European Rabhave some special antibodies that the bis told congregants to stop touching Italian people lack. The U.S. health sysand kissing Torah scrolls and mezuzot. tem is not particularly more advanced, Schools and universities shut down, nor does it have more hospital beds per first in the north in late February, then capita. by the first week of March all over The point is, the the country. virus doesn’t disSome mocked government meacriminate; it can hit sures, calling them draconian, but anyone. And even if many others started panicking and it doesn’t affect you raided local supermarkets. personally because A flood of fake news started you’re young and invading social media and group in good health, by chats. One said, “Tonight, starting contracting Covid-19 from 11 p.m., helicopters will fly and spreading it over the city to throw disinfectant around, you could all over; if you have any laundry kill an older person hanging outside, move it indoors.” or someone with (Yes, some people actually believed Simone Somekh medical issues, such it.) as an immunocompromised individual.

As of this writing, Italy is in a total Social distancing has proven to be one lockdown, with more than 27,000 confirmed cases and over 2,100 deaths. Only of the most effective ways to contain the pharmacies, supermarkets, laundromats virus. The philosophy of waiting for one and newsstands were allowed to remain case to emerge in one community before shutting everything down is shortopen for business.

My father now holds all of his classes sighted, since that one case is most likely via Skype. Many people who had never connected to multiple others.

Some of my friends think I’m an participated in a video call before are alarmist; I’m not. Panicking is not the now quickly catching up and learning answer; reacting responsibly is. I am more about technology because they simply basing my thoughts on what I’ve desperately need it in order to continue already seen happen elsewhere. living as normally as possible.

In response to the The lockdown is espelockdown, the local Jewish cially hard for people like communities in Italy have my sister: She is at home organized a series of ongowith her young kids, ing virtual classes taught who would love to go to live by a rotation of more school and kindergarten, than 10 rabbis from varigo to the playground or ous cities. Hundreds of organize a play date with people have been attendtheir friends, but can’t. ing the sessions each day.

It’s also hard for those Given the size of the local who have older loved community, it’s a remarkable achieveones living in nursing homes because they have not been allowed to visit them ment.

Canceling every social gathering, for weeks. Who knows how much lonworking from home when possible, closger they won’t be able to meet? ing down schools and testing aggresAnd now, the coronavirus is hitting sively are probably the best weapons the United States.

But despite having a major advantage we have against the virus at the moment. We have an advantage that Italy over other countries in terms of time, didn’t have — time. But if we don’t take the United States seems to be far from appropriate measures, it’s likely that prepared to face the pandemic. what is happening in Italy today will be Testing has been embarrassingly limited here — until the second week in happening in the United States in two or three weeks.

March, the U.S. had been testing about Let’s join forces to make sure it 80 times less than Israel and 160 times doesn’t. less than Italy.

The federal government took a long time to take the threat seriously enough. Simone Somekh is a New York-based writer and author, as well as an adjunct professor Until a few days before declaring a at Touro College. national emergency, the president had

Panicking is not the answer; reacting responsibly is.

Enjoy the simple things in life

Discover Bethany Village Our residents enjoy programs designed to make days with good friends easy, uncomplicated and fun. If you are thinking about downsizing, explore life at Bethany Village.

• • • • •

Spacious, open apartment floor plans Fine dining options Wide variety of clubs, classes and social events Fitness center Granite countertops

If you or someone you love is searching for a carefree community, call today to schedule your tour.

Arrange your tour today!

(937) 433-2110 BethanyLutheranVillage.org

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

PAGE 7

H e a r

THE WORLD

Israeli lawmakers sworn in to empty Knesset Haim Zach/GPO

this week’s Jewish news with Radio Reading Service Join Marshall Weiss Sundays, noon & 6 p.m. at Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley Radio Reading Service.

To listen, go to gesmv.org/radioreading-servicesterms-use

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin addresses a largely empty Knesset on the occasion of the swearing-in of the 23rd Knesset, March 16. Present is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein and Supreme Court president Esther Hayut

‘I have only one request of you: Give this people a government,’ said Israeli President Rivlin.

With Israel, like most of the world, reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, a surreal scene took place on March 16 as the 23rd Knesset was sworn in to a largely empty chamber.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin delivered his opening remarks to only three lawmak-

ers present: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, and Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein.

Supreme Court president Esther Hayut also attended in the galley, and there was an usher as well.

Afterward, each of the 120

members of the Knesset was sworn in, three at a time, turning the usually festive occasion into a more somber one, reflective of the seriousness of the outbreak.

At the same time, Israel is in the midst an unprecedented political deadlock with three elections over the past year failing to yield a government.

Earlier, Rivlin tasked Gantz with forming a government after he was endorsed by 61 Knesset members.

“The political crisis is very deep and divides us in half, but we have no other state and no other nation,” Rivlin said referring to the current political deadlock. “I have only one request of you: Give this people a government.”

In his remarks, Edelstein called for the formation of an emergency unity government, saying “the plenum is empty, but with us are the millions of citizens who badly need an emergency government.”

— JNS

Streaming Second Seder Temple Beth Or will provide the food, you set the table!

Where: The comfort of your own home When: Thursday, April 9 , 6:30 p.m.

How: Pick up @ Temple Beth Or

While we will have physical distance, we will maintain social and communal connection!

The Temple will provide Seder meal boxes for pick up or delivery (if unable to come to the Temple).

The meal includes: Matzo Ball Soup, Kale Salad, 1/2 Roast Chicken or Grilled Eggplant with Artichokes & Oven Roasted Tomatoes, Honey Glazed Carrots, Roasted Red Skin Potatoes, Sunflower Seed Charoset & Parsley, and Mock Chestnut Cake.

This will be a BYOB (Bring your own bottle) affair.

The Temple will be ordering 80 meat and 20 vegetarian dinners.

Get your reservations in early to be guaranteed a meal. The webcast Seder will be available to all.

Reserve your meal now at www.templebethor.com or call (937) 435-3400 Temple Beth Or 5275 Marshall Road Dayton, Ohio 45429 www.templebethor.com 937-435-3400 PAGE 8

Today...and for Generations THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

THE WORLD

Passover in a pandemic: Families on Zoom, solo seders, and broken traditions

By Ben Sales, JTA Rena Munster was looking forward to hosting a Passover seder for the first time. In past years, her parents or another relative hosted the meal. But this year she had invited her parents, siblings and other extended family to her Washington, D.C., home. Her husband, an amateur ceramics artist, was making a set of dishes for the holiday.

She was most excited for her family’s traditional day of cooking before the seder: making short-rib tzimmes, desserts that would pass muster yearround, and a series of charosets made by her uncle and tailored to each family member’s dietary restrictions (one with no cinnamon, another with no sugar, another without walnuts and so on).

Then came the new coronavirus. Now the family is preparing to scrap travel plans and hold the seder via video chat, like so much else in this new era. Munster expects to enjoy her family’s usual spirited discussions and singing. But she will miss the meal.

“The hardest thing to translate into an online platform is going to be the food,” she said. “The family recipes and all the things that we’re used to probably won’t

be possible…We always get together to help with the preparations, and that’s just as much a part of the holiday as the holiday itself.”

In a Jewish calendar packed with ritual observances and religious feasts, the Passover seder is the quintessential shared holiday experience.

It is perhaps the most widely observed Jewish holiday ritual in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center’s 2013 study of American Jewry. And the story of the journey from slavery to freedom, along with the songs, customs and food, have become a core part of Jewish tradition.

But all of that has been upended by Covid-19 and the restrictions necessary to contain its spread. Israel has limited gatherings to 10 people — smaller than many extended families — and President Donald Trump on March 16 asked Americans to do the same. Countries are shutting their borders, making Passover travel near impossible. Hotels and summer camps that have held Passover

programs, as well as synagogues that hold communal seders, are canceling.

And families are scrapping traditions as Passover, like so much else in Jewish life, is remade for the current moment.

“Something like a Pesach seder has a lot of people in a pretty close space,” said Mari Sartin-Tarm, who is immunocompromised due to medications she is taking following a January kidney transplant. “I’m concerned that if things are the way they are right now, if people are still kind of self-quarantined or schools are closed or businesses are closed, I don’t know that I could justify taking the risk of being at a Pesach seder.

It’s really hard to say that as a Jew.” Kosher food professionals say shelves of kosher grocery stores will probably still be stocked with matzah and other Passover staples. Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO of the Orthodox Union’s Kosher Division, said that due to social distancing, some kosher supervisors

have been supervising food production plants via a livestreamed walk-through.

But he said the food is still being produced.

“Most of the kosher-for-Pesach production began a long time ago,” he said.

“There’s not going to be any problem at all in terms of availability of products for Pesach.”

On the other end of the supply chain, Alfredo Guzman, a manager at Kosher Marketplace in Manhattan, said two deliveries of Passover food that were slated to come March 16 had canceled, though the suppliers hoped to arrive later in the week. Guzman was worried as well that because of social distancing measures, he would only be allowed to let in a limited number of customers at a time during one of the busiest times of the year.

“I really don’t know what we’re going to have, what is coming, what is not coming, regarding products for Passover,” he said. “A lot of people are going to get nervous...It’s not good for business, this situation, and it’s not good, I believe, for the people.”

Even if the food does make it to the shelves and into people’s kitchens, the limitations on large gatherings could be a problem for people like Alexander Continued on Page 30

When the COVID19 coronavirus arrived in Israel, the Ministry of Health knew who could best protect everyone’s health. Because Israelis know Magen David Adom has the paramedics, training, and vision to minimize the spread of the disease.

With its innovative home-testing program and cutting-edge video apps, MDA can literally see how patients are recovering — enabling most Israelis to recover at home, where they can infect the fewest people.

Yitzak Rabin called Magen David Adom Israel’s second line of defense.

With the coronavirus, we’re the first.

Support from Americans like you has helped MDA shield almost all of Israel’s 9 million people from this disease. But this fight has depleted the tools and supplies MDA needs to ensure the infection rates don’t rise.

Help Magen David Adom continue to protect Israelis and save lives. Make a gift today.

Chag Pesach sameach.

afmda.org/protect THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

PAGE 9

Turn Oy Vey Into Mazel Tov.

THE COMPASSIONATE CARE AND CLINICAL COMPETENCE YOU DESERVE Independent Living • Assisted Living • Rehabilitation Skilled Nursing • Short Term Stays

THE COMPASSIONATE CARE AND CLINICAL COMPETENCE YOU DESERVE Independent Living • Assisted Living • Rehabilitation Skilled Nursing • Short Term Stays

THE WORLD

Netanyahu’s criminal trial Israeli government allows delayed due to emergency tracking of cellphones coronavirus measures to fight coronavirus JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s criminal trial will be postponed until May due to emergency measures taken to combat the coronavirus.

The trial was originally scheduled to open on March 17 in front of a three-judge panel of the Jerusalem District Court. The new trial date has been set for May 24.

On the evening of March 14, Netanyahu prohibited all leisure activities in Israel and placed a ban on all gatherings of more than 10 people. Later that night, Justice Minister Amir Ohana put the country’s courts in a “state of emergency” over the virus, leading to the postponement of Netanyahu’s trial, Ynet reported.

Only urgent cases will be heard, according to the Jerusalem Post.

The NGO Movement for Quality Government filed a lawsuit March 15 to block the postponement and requested that Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit freeze the emergency order. The lawsuit noted that Ohana is an interim minister in an interim government.

Netanyahu was charged in November in three corruption cases, marking the first time that a sitting Israeli prime minister was indicted. Netanyahu has denied the charges and called the investigations against him a “witch hunt.”

— Marcy Oster, JTA

JERUSALEM — The Israeli government passed emergency regulations on March 17 that allow security services to track the cellphones of coronavirus patients. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit apLior Mizrahi/Flash90 proved the move, which circumvented the approval of the entire Knesset and the oversight of several committees.

“Far-reaching measures must be taken,” Mandelblit said in a statement defending his decision, “but even during these emergencies, steps will be taken by law.”

A man speaks on the The caretaker majority cellphone in Jerusalem government supported the use of cellular tracking for 14 days, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

“Because the plague is spreading at a tremendous pace, even a one-hour delay in using these tools can result in the deaths of many Israelis, as is the case with the deaths of thousands in Italy and elsewhere in the world,” the statement said. Later on March 17, the Shin Bet security service confirmed to The Times of Israel that it had started using cellular data to retrace the movements of coronavirus carriers.

Benny Gantz, the Blue and White party leader who Michele Sciama, a former secretary-general of the was tapped to form a new government, objected to the Jewish Community of Milan, died of the Covid-19 new measure without Knesset approval. coronavirus March 16 at age 79. Sciama had been heav“These are exceptional times that, unfortunately, ily involved in Jewish education. Italy on March 16 call for exceptional measures in order to save lives,” had about 28,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and 400 he said. “That said, we cannot surrender transparency deaths — more than any other country outside China, and oversight. A functional parliament, even and espewhere the pandemic started. Lombardy, the region cially in states of emergency, is a hallmark of democwhose capital is Milan, is the epicenter of the outbreak. racy and we will be steadfast in preserving it.”

— Cnaan Liphshiz, JTA — Marcy Oster, JTA

Former leader of Milan Jewish community dies of coronavirus

Grace Brethren Grace Brethren

The Dayton Jewish Observer New & Renewing Voluntary Subscribers • Feb. 6 - Mar. 4

Short Term Rehab Long Term Care W W W. G B V I L L A G E . C O M A NOT FOR PROFIT RETIREMENT COM MUNITY

1010 Taywood Road | Englewood, OH | 937.836.4011

Still Ranked #1 in Montgomery County for 2019 by the Ohio Department of Aging for Family Satisfaction

We focus on...

Renewing Guardian Angel Bella Freeman Renewing Angels Marni Flagel Susan & Stanley Katz Don & Harriet Klass Sis & Joseph Litvin Michael & Karen Weprin New Angels David & Lynn Goldenberg Sydney & Lois Gross Robert & Vicky Heuman Sarah Moore Leventhal Maggie Stein

Grace Brethren Our Residents Grace Brethren Their Health Their Safety TheirRETIREMENT DignityCOM MUNITY A NOT FOR PROFIT Their Families W W W. G B V I L L A G E . C O M 1010 Taywood Road | Englewood, OH | 937.836.4011

Happy Passover PAGE 10

Double Chai Ric & Linda Blum Marcia Burick Aaron & Anne Burke Susan Chudde Susan Dlott Fred & Eva Izenson Jeffrey & Beverly Kantor Ann Laderman Dr. Marc & Mrs. Rhonda Loundy Bonne Parish Roberta Prigozen Mrs. Wendy Rachlin & Mr. Roger Pankake Cherie Rosenstein Annie & Craig Self

Harvey Tuck Louis & Doris Ullman Dr. Warren Wingate Subscribers Marilyn Abrams Jon & Leah Baumhauer Melvyn & Janice Berman Bob & Sharon Burick Janice & Curtis Caden Philip & Louisa Dreety Enrique & Ruth Ellenbogen Barbara Goldberg Sally Green Ilene Hellman Nick Hrkman Ms. Mikell Kloeters Saundra Mendelson Ms. Victoria Minor Terry & Mark Mitzman Kenneth Rosenzweig Elaine B. Rothstein Florence Spitzmiller Mr. Dieter & Mrs. Suzi Walk Stuart & Gail Weprin Gary Wiviott Michael & Sally Zottar Current Guardian Angels Howard & Judy Abromowitz Congregation Anshe Emeth Tara & Adam Feiner Elaine & John Gaglione Marilyn & Larry Klaben

Bernard Rabinowitz Lee & Patti Schear Marilyn Scher Zerla Stayman Steve & Shara Taylor Current Angels Ken Baker, K.W. Baker & Assoc.

Skip & Ann Becker Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Bettman Amy & Michael Bloom Ken & Lisa Blum Sylvia Blum Frieda Blum Buck Run Doors & Hardware Inc. Roger Chudde Betty Crouse Dr. Scot Denmark Sam Dorf & Masha Kisel Esther & DeNeal Feldman Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Feldman Lynn Foster Felix & Erika Garfunkel Kim & Shelley Goldenberg Debby & Bob Goldenberg Judi & George Grampp Dr. Arthur & Mrs. Joan Greenfield Barb Gronefeld Susan & Jonas Gruenberg Harold & Melissa Guadalupe Stephen & Marla Harlan Ralph Heyman

Linda & Steve Horenstein Steve & Rachel Jacobs Michael Jaffe David & Susan Joffe Dennis Kahn & Linda Ohlmann Kahn Dr. Kim & Mrs. Candace Kwiatek Laurie & Eddie Leventhal Todd & Gabriele Leventhal Jean Lieberman Beverly A. Louis Dr. David & Joan Marcus Donald & Carole Marger Marvin & Susan Mason Suzi & Jeff Mikutis Irvin & Gayle Moscowitz Alan & Marilyn Moscowitz Richard & Marcia Moyer Myrna Nelson Sis & Phil Office Lori Ohlmann John & Sharyn Reger Steven Rothstein Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Rubin Jan Rudd-Goenner Marc & Maureen Sternberg Col. Jeffrey Thau, USAF, (Ret.) & Rina Thau The Waldman family Judith & Fred Weber Donald & Caryl Weckstein Ronald Bernard & Judy Woll

To make your Voluntary Subscription, fill out the form on Page 27 or go to daytonjewishobserver.org THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

THE WORLD

Trump and Netanyahu have handled the coronavirus outbreak in totally different ways. Here’s why.

Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

By Ron Kampeas, JTA WASHINGTON — Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have much in common when it comes to policy and style.

They stand together in recommending tough action to contain Iran, and are comfortable dealing with autocracies (Saudi Arabia) and increasingly nationalist democracies (Hungary, India). Netanyahu has fervently embraced idioms identified with Trump, like “fake news” and “deep state.”

But when it comes to how they are both handling the coronavirus, it’s night and day.

Netanyahu’s public statements have been clear and packed with detail. Trump’s press conferences have been wild rides, with the president often seeming like he and the government he leads are on different pages.

“It’s something we have tremendous control of,” Trump said of the virus March 15. A few minutes later, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said, “The worst is yet ahead for us.”

Netanyahu’s government launched containment measures in the last week of February, put into place strict restrictions on public gatherings and shut down schools. The prime minister has been unstinting and even prescient in describing the dimensions of the crisis.

“I say ‘crisis’ but it must be understood that we are in the midst of a global pandemic,” Netanyahu said in remarks March 4 after meeting with top emergency service officials. “They do not call it this but this is

+

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Jan. 28

a lot of people will have this and it’s very mild. They’ll get better very rapidly.”

The president suggested people with the virus should continue working.

Netanyahu has warned Israelis to restrain their famous tendencies to express affection.

“We love to embrace. We love to shake hands,” he said. “We love to kiss. No more.”

At Netanyahu’s appearances, his top officials maintain a healthy social distance from one another.

In contrast, at the rollout March 13 of the national emergency declaration, Trump kept shaking hands with the captains of industry he had assembled and who were standing shoulder to shoulder — a no-no for anyone exposed to the virus, as Trump has been in his meetings with foreign dignitaries.

How did two peas break out of their cozy pod in such drastically divergent ways?

the truth and it needs to be said. It could be that it is Trump has a bigger headache among the most dangerous of such pandemics in the “I have many criticisms of Trump’s handling before past 100 years.” and during the crisis, but some of the elements are due A week later, on March 11, the World Health Orgato Israel’s size and location,” said Daniel Shapiro, the nization made its official determination: the virus is a U.S. ambassador to Israel during the Obama adminpandemic. istration who has endorsed former Vice President Joe Trump, who did not declare a national emergency Biden’s presidential run. until March 13, has contradicted top U.S. officials and David Makovsky, a fellow at the Washington Instiunderstated the dimensions of the threat. On March 4, as Netanyahu was calling the virus a pandemic, Trump tute for Near East Policy, a think tank with close ties was telling Sean Hannity on Fox News Channel, “Now, to the Israeli and U.S. governments, pointed out that Israel has only one major port of entry, Ben Gurion and this is just my hunch, and — but based on a lot of conversations with a lot of people that do this. Because Continued on next page

=

Your Home for Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Victoria Theatre Association & Ticket Center Stage are now DAYTONLIVE.ORG | 937-228-3630 Dayton Live 9.5"x 5.5" JO.indd 1

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

3/2/20 2:46 PM

PAGE 11

Your Space. Just for you.

Wishing you a Happy Passover. spacethreedayton@gmail.com

COMING MID St. Clair Lofts OCTOBER

39Clair S. St.Clair at St. Lofts! St.

Dayton, Oh 45402

BARRE-TRX-DANCE

Pre-Sales going on now, email Follow us on Instagram spacethreedayton@gmail.com for details @spacethreedayton

39 S. St Clair St. Dayton, Oh 45402 Follow us on Instragram @spacethreedayton

LipSense will outlast 4 cups of wine!

Lip color that lasts 4-18 hours!

• Waterproof, Kissproof, Smudgeproof • Long-lasting cosmetics • Gift certificates available • Contact me for a free demo I ship too! rachel’s million dollar lips

INDEPENDENT SENEGENCE DISTRIBUTOR r.haugilbert@gmail.com • 937-672-8936

THE WORLD

Trump & Netanyahu Continued from previous page International Airport. Additionally, Israel has long experience shutting out its neighbors — it’s in a war zone.

“To gain control of that airport is more manageable — we have airports and (open) borders all over,” Makovsky said.

Another factor is the utility of Israel’s centralized bureaucracy in a crisis, as opposed to the devolved federal system in the United States, which relies more on local and state authorities for emergency services.

Netanyahu also leads a population that through decades of war has become accustomed to tradeoffs between civil liberties and security. A similar tension has been in play in the United States since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, but Israelis are more habituated to making the sacrifice, Makovsky said.

“This is not unprecedented for Israelis,” he said. “They’re used to ceding to the state emergency powers.”

The ‘Deep State’ isn’t always so bad Are you reading this? So is the entire Jewish community.

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

Alex Wong/Getty Images

Netanyahu and Trump have both reviled what they depict as entrenched bureaucracies bent on frustrating their agendas and launching unmerited

Samurai, Ghosts and Lovers

Trump speaks during a press conference with Netanyahu in the East Room of the White House, Jan. 28

investigations.

Trump, a true outsider when he won the presidency, may genuinely fear the “deep state” he imagines, but Netanyahu, a longtime diplomat who has spent more years of his adulthood on the government payroll than off it, knows how to use the bureaucracy.

“Netanyahu is experienced in the workings of government, he is strategic in understanding how to use resources, apply them across a policy and to communicate to the public,” Shapiro said. “You see in this case the experience, the knowledge and the appreciation of the mechanics of government he runs. That’s exactly the opposite of how Trump behaves.

Trump has been dismissive of expertise in his government, he has sought to downplay the crisis when it needed strong coordinated leadership.”

A cultural difference, too Netanyahu has at least since his enlistment in the Israeli army been part of a national culture that mandates team-

February 22– May 3, 2020

daytonartinstitute.org/samurai

Happy Passover Bubbles N Bows Pet Grooming 2517 Patterson Rd. 937-253-6464 PAGE 12

work. Trump, who avoided the draft, has for his entire adult life been calling the shots as a boss in a society that lionizes individualism and private enterprise.

Netanyahu loves telling stories about his time with a top commando unit, with an emphasis on the camaraderie and team building he enjoyed.

Trump’s stories as president often involve the praise he’s received from people who call him “sir.”

Netanyahu’s business training led to a career as a consultant — which requires listening and recommendations. Trump expects to be listened to and has little time for counsel other than his own.

Netanyahu has fashioned a political brand around the pitch that he is the only leader who can keep Israel safe in a dangerous neighborhood — a proposition that assumes threats will arrive. And in dealing with them, Netanyahu insists a disciplined communal response is needed.

“I would like to express appreciation for the citizens of Israel for their exceptional conduct, which is helping us to slow the pace of the spreading,” he said on March 15 at the outset of the weekly Cabinet meeting.

Trump on the other hand, promised to make America great again, insisting that American carnage would make way for beautiful — and that the way to get there, as he famously put it on the night he was nominated in 2016, is “I alone can do it.”

“It’s two different systems,” Shapiro said, “one where people learn teamwork early on, crisis response early on, where people learn to be creative and think outside the box when faced with real-time challenges, sometimes with life and death consequences.”

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

THE WORLD

Gorgeous Passover Centerpieces

I’m a veteran expert on stopping epidemics. Here’s why Jewish institutions should cancel everything.

Covid-19 or not.

Analysis By This virus is easily transmitGary Slutkin, JTA ted through droplets in the air, CHICAGO — I am an infecthrough hand-to-hand (to face) tious disease epidemiologist contact and on surfaces, and is who worked at the World much more dangerHealth Organization ous than the seasonal on epidemics in over flu. The seriousness 25 countries around and lethality of this the world. As a phyvirus to older people sician and member is exceptionally high, of the Jewish comand other adults also munity, I prize the have higher risks of Jewish teaching that serious illness as well places the saving of as high likelihoods of a life above all other causing transmission laws and practices. It to older people. is my expert opinion Gary Slutkin First and forethat as a result of the emergence of the novel corona- most, we must take these steps virus Covid-19, the Jewish com- because we value human life: munity (along with all religious our own lives, our families, and the greater community and the and community groups) must world around us. change what we are doing imStopping group contact is an mediately: We need to suspend our usual religious services and essential method right now for preventing ourselves from getsocial gatherings. ting this easily transmitted and Many communities have highly lethal virus, and also to recognized the emergency stop any spread to our families and already made this change, and the community. and more and more are doing Mistakes and delays and less so. But others are still making than perfect compliance with small-scale changes or contemnew behaviors and practices plating what to do next. can be deadly. We have seen Each community and individual will have to work within this happen already in other their own traditions and norms. countries, like Italy and elsewhere in EuBut as an rope, and we are epidemiologist, I Mistakes and know that these delays and less witnessing the active spread in recommendations than perfect Seattle and New will save lives.

I have worked compliance with York state. Other cities and parts to help stop epiof cities will see demics of many new behaviors lethal outbreaks sizes and infecand practices if they are late or tious patterns noncompliant.

— from AIDS in can be deadly.

Complacency, Africa and Asia, denial and overconfidence are to tuberculosis in San Franciscommon among us, but there is co, to cholera in Somalia. I also no place for this now. ran the Intervention Unit for You may get pushback from WHO, which guided countries your family or friends, and you in epidemic control and the may feel social pressure to go behavioral changes needed.

All serious epidemics disrupt about business as usual. But this is not a time to care about populations, and all require that — now is the time to do as important changes to what the population does. These changes much as we can to prevent the spread of disease and death. are necessary and urgent to Resist these impulses and counavoid preventable deaths and ter arguments. the spread of infections that This pandemic will go on for cause more preventable deaths. at least several months — we That’s why I recommend that we as Jews temporarily but still don’t know how long. As we learn more, we will be betimmediately refrain from atter able to make more localized tending synagogues and other and informed decisions about in-person meetings, no matwhen and how to adjust or ter whether we live in an area attempt to get back to normal, where there is a known case of

but now is the time to stop any possible potential for getting infected yourself and causing illness, perhaps serious illness to yourself — or for unknowingly infecting others, which you cannot judge by appearances of health right now.

Major global and local crises require these adjustments but also challenge us to increase our humanity and the best parts of our communal lives.

Synagogues and our religious communities present both significant challenges and value in that regard. However, we must now learn to balance our spiritual and emotional health with the real physical risks to our health today.

Therefore, unfortunately: We must suspend our usual religious services and gatherings now.

Crowds and close contact risk invisible spread of disease to you and others, and you don’t know who might be carrying the virus.

In addition, in our daily lives: Cancel and don’t attend other non-essential in-person meetings.

Learning can be done on conference calls, including video services like Zoom, Skype and Google Hangouts.

The same goes for meetings. It may sound harsh, but remember, the risk to what we schedule isn’t simply inside the synagogue walls. It also takes place for the participants on transportation, street encounters, etc.

Bring in this ad and receive $10 off your next in-store purchase of $60 or more* Expires 6.30.2020. *Some exclusions apply. Not valid on wine, candy, or delivery.

1306 Troy Street • Dayton, Ohio 45404 (937) 223-1213 • furstflorist.com

Happy Passover!

At Passover, Remember the Past, Share Joy in the Present.

Passover is observed from April 8 at sundown through April 16.

Vandalia 674 W. National Rd. 890-6842 Huber Heights 8293 Old Troy Pike 236-0036 Springfield 2984 Derr Rd. 937-399-5014

Chag Pesach Sameach!

We must stop (“ban”) all handshaking, as well as hugs and embraces.

Even the fist bump and elbow rub puts two individuals in closer proximity than is optimal and I recommend we stop this entirely.

That doesn’t mean we can’t greet one another with respect and warmth. The heart, lev in Hebrew, has been taught in Jewish and other traditions to be the seat of spirituality.

Consider alternatively placing your hand to your heart and bowing your head in acknowledgement of an encounter with a fellow community Continued on next page

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

Mark S. Feuer Attorney at Law For your business & personal needs.

Tax & Business Planning & Transactions Tax Controversies Employee Benefit Solutions Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 40 North Main Street, Suite 1700 Dayton, Ohio 45423-1029 641-1735 mfeuer@taftlaw.com • www.taftlaw.com

PAGE 13

Cancel everything

Stop sharing challah and Kiddush cups — and consider how and if you need to serve food.

It is very hard to ensure not spreading respiratory viruses by serving and sharing food.

control recommendation, it’s an important Jewish value. Do you have a friend or family member or neighbor at high risk for whom you can run an errand?

Many people are at home now working, in self-quarantine or just trying to stay safe. Check in on them safely. Pick up the phone and see how they are doing. See if they need an errand run for them without potentially passing on an invisible infection.

The isolation that can help protect our physical health should not erode our mental health. This important part of Jewish life can be adapted — perhaps not so easily, but we will figure out ways to do this with care and understanding.

While this is a moment for in-person synagogue activities to pause, this is an ever more critical moment for the role synagogues can play in the lives of people who are isolated, fearful or just in need of comfort. Nearly everyone is in some level of emotional and mental distress over what is happening.

There are brain processes we have as invisible to the eye, yet as powerful as microbial processes and just as crucial. Even in good times, our synagogues and religious communities represent crucial elements in our own sense of well-being and social safety net. This is all the more true during a frightening global crisis.

While nothing can fully replace human contact, our phones and computers offer a great means to connect in full safety. This is the moment for rabbis and synagogue leadership to be most mindful of preserving human life by using all technology tools — including the phone, of course — to make our communities virtual but still alive until this pandemic is under control. Which we are all now helping to ensure.

After decades of working to stop epidemics, I saw many very tough situations and many hard days, weeks, and months.

Epidemics follow a curve up and then back down, and eventually they end. It is up to us and our most important and trusted institutions to stop the spread now — and to keep the curve of infections and deaths as small and short as possible.

Better days are ahead. Our synagogues will again ring with beautiful voices and much joy.

We will get there with these strong and proactive steps to ensure as many beautiful voices as possible are there to join us.

Focus on the Jewish tradition of acts of lovingkindness.

While this is not an infection

Gary Slutkin is a physician and epidemiologist formerly of the World Health Organization.

Continued from previous page member. It may feel awkward at first, but can help to maintain critical social distance while honoring the encounter.

Practice frequent and thorough handwashing.

I cannot overemphasize frequent and thorough handwashing throughout the day.

An incredibly frequent means of spread of respiratory pathogens is a sick person touching their face, shaking hands with another person and that person then touching their face. We touch our face dozens of times a day, mostly unconsciously.

This practice with an unwashed hand is enough to cause the infection through your eye, nose or mouth touched. Develop a different relationship to your hands, be aware if you have touched a door knob, railing or other surface someone may have touched. These surfaces also harbor the virus if they have been touched by someone sick or incubating the infection.

Keep social distances.

It is best to be farther away from people than we usually are. This may seem weird or unusual, but it means in the grocery store, or wherever you go, try to be 6 feet or more away from others.

If you are sick with a fever or cough, stay home.

Call your doctor to determine if you really need to go in. Some medical facilities are getting full or risk being so; not everything is coronavirus and there are no treatments for now. If you are having shortness of breath or feel seriously ill, of course seek care as usual.

For those who are holding small services at home: Don’t kiss communally shared objects.

Prayer books, mezuzot and the like should not be kissed for the duration. Even touching communal objects or surfaces should be avoided, unless you can assure handwashing immediately after.

PAGE 14

OPINION

Is the virus hurting Jewish communities or showing their strength?

optimism. With more and more Americans increasingly riveted to the screens of their devices, a greater focus by Jewish groups tions with members and supBy Jonathan S. Tobin porters, as well as the intended on reaching them in this manner For many Jewish communiobjects of their efforts, will have is likely to produce dividends. ties in the United States, March As is inevitable in the market13-14 marked when synagogues to become virtual or not take place of ideas, especially when place at all. were abandoned. In an effort it comes to business, those who The immediate response to contain the spread of the cannot adapt to the new normal from many parts of the Jewish coronavirus, many houses of will not survive. world has been to embrace the worship were empty and may But the shift could be the remain that way until the end of challenge. Some non-Orthodox making of others who jump in congregations are putting their the pandemic is in sight. services online. Others have put and ably serve the needs of a Like a host of other endeavpopulation hungry for knowllectures, sacred text study sesors that involve people gatheredge, as well as a sense of pering in groups, Jewish communal sions and other courses on the internet. The same is happening sonal and spiritual connection, life is on hold. by being able to adapt And while some may grouse with schools as well to the changed circumas some communal about the inconveniences that stances. events. the shutdown of so much of The shutdown also The question is public life entails, as well as the has the potential to staggering economic costs, there whether the new bring out the best in is no doubt that as long as there strains being put on a Jewish communal a Jewish communal is a danger that the pandemic culture that has always culture will ultimately may become a public-health sought to emphasize catastrophe, these measures are strengthen or damage acts of lovingkindness it further. That’s esnecessary. to those in need. With pecially true since it’s The assumption on the part already under pressure Jonathan S. Tobin so many isolated right of most people is that this will now, especially the from demographic soon pass. We must hope that changes, as well as a sea change elderly and otherwise infirm the efforts to halt the spread of who are most at risk from the in how an increasingly assimiCovid-19 are successful, and coronavirus, focusing Jewish lated population with a declinthat life will be back to normal ing sense of Jewish peoplehood organizations and their cadres before the carnage the socialof volunteers on this aspect of thinks about identity. distancing imperative does to the crisis has the potential to reIt would be foolish to ignore the economy and our usual invigorate both the institutions the danger. pastimes is irreparable. of Jewish life and to make them As is the case with all forms However, it’s entirely posmore attractive to those who of organized religion and even sible that this crisis is going to hadn’t previously thought much non-religious endeavors, the last longer than a few weeks. about them. greatest challenge facing many Indeed, it may be that the only Ultimately, as is the case with groups is more fundamental way to ensure that the worst the rest of society, Jewish instithan just a medical crisis. outcome is averted is for these tutions are undergoing a trial As Robert Putnam’s classic measures to stay in place for by fire as all of the assumptions work of sociology informed us months. about the way we live have If so, then that will put a great when it came out 20 years ago, been turned upside down.

Americans are increasingly many families and individuals Those who find ways — under tremendous stress as jobs Bowling Alone. The assumption are lost and children remain out that people naturally congregate whether by skillful use of social media and the internet, or by to do things together is hopeof school. stepped-up volunteerism — to lessly out of date.

But it also places a different fulfill the needs of those trapped This applies not merely to kind of pressure on voluntary at home, and capture the interinstitutions like those that keep synagogue attendance and est of the underserved and the participation in the group the Jewish community afloat. unaffiliated will find themselves For Jews, our prayers and our endeavors that are at the heart of Jewish communal life, but to strengthened. Those either too communal life revolve around sclerotic in their organizational charitable giving as individual participation. If it is axiomatic structure or who lack the imagiboutique philanthropies have that it’s difficult to be a good nation to adapt will not. largely supplanted umbrella Jew while stranded on a desert While most of us are undergroups like Jewish Federations. island since so many religious The current dilemma faced by standably focused at the moobligations involve being with ment on the public-health crisis, others, then it’s not just a matter synagogues and Jewish groups this is exactly the moment when of people learning whether their may only strengthen these the collective genius and energy personalities are suited to a situ- centrifugal cultural forces that of the community must be are inevitably damaging much ation in which they are essenof the infrastructure of commu- mobilized to ensure that Jewish tially locked up at home with communal life isn’t one of the loved ones or by themselves. At nal life that can no longer take casualties of the pandemic. the interest of individual Jews this point, Jewish institutions in their activities or goals for are about to learn how well Jonathan S. Tobin is editor in chief granted. they are equipped to cope with of Jewish News Syndicate.

Still, there is reason for a new normal in which interac-

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

OPINION

I’m not a doctor, but I am a rabbi. Here’s my spiritual prescription for the coronavirus.

By Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz I am not a medical professional, an epidemiologist or an expert on pandemics. I leave the serious information in those important fields for the professionals who have the appropriate training to help us get through the coronavirus epidemic.

Even though I do not possess medical knowledge, as a rabbi and social activist, I believe I can try to humbly prescribe ethical vaccines that can remedy jilted nerves and worried minds. My words are not meant to heal physically but to inspire spiritually.

At this challenging time, it seems appropriate that those in the positions to (re)build confidence should do so. In that spirit, I am sharing thoughts on how we might be able to spiritually cope with the uncertain reality that has rapidly spread throughout the world. The coronavirus is not only a disease of the body, but also presents an existential crisis that has put governments, businesses and, most important, communities and individuals on edge.

I pray that we can get through it all. People are scared — and rightly so. We are truly living in an era of plague; we are largely unprepared. Communities throughout the world have been caught off guard by the virus’ potent potential for wanton havoc and daily disruption.

But hope can’t be lost. At this moment, we want to protect ourselves and our families; this is human nature. From a Jewish perspective, from a social justice perspective, from a human perspective, we cannot descend into pointed tribalism at a time when we must come together as a collective of mind and soul. The coronavirus is a huge burden placed on humanity, but one that can be handled through shared action, compassion, and a desire to see this disease contained before more lives are needlessly lost.

As I reflected inward about how the coronavirus is affecting the world, I thought about soul remedies that could help guide us — in the Jewish community and beyond — through this arduous ordeal and into a brighter

tomorrow. Here’s my six-part prescription for getting through this crisis with our souls intact.

1. There is no value in placing blame

We are already seeing our worst impulses play out in this crisis. Because the present strain of coronavirus originated in China, some are blaming “the Chinese” or even all Asians for the outbreak, which is absurd and hateful. And then there are community leaders such as an ultra-Orthodox rabbi who bizarrely blamed the LGBTQ community for spreading the disease. These are the wrong reactions: Whatever we do, we cannot fall into the trap of blame. Blame harms more than it helps; it is myopic and never leads to practical solutions. Of course, we must hold reckless public officials accountable if they neglect public welfare, but this is different from directing baseless blame at large populations. Rather than join the blaming team, we should join the helping team.

There are times when we cannot help as much as we’d like, but we can still do as much as we can from a distance. We must simply adjust our mindset to think about how we can all effectively work together with the help of experts to deal with the task at hand.

loved ones close. But don’t be held motionless — physically, emotionally or spiritually — by this disease. Feel it but own it, refine it, control it. Use it. We need to react boldly to situations such as the one that challenges us right now and with the clarity of mind that tells us that fear should inspire us to be courageous. Troubling times call for passionate and resolute leadership. Our fear can inspire us to hold one another even closer and with deeper resolve.

those who find themselves cut off from society. This disease has upended routines all over the world. We can be understanding of how it has ruined the daily lives of people who only want to support themselves and their families. This universal reality brings us together rather than tearing us apart. Let us have the strength to be understanding and kind in this time of great tumult.

among us, and by creating a society that keeps as many of us as possible healthy and financially secure. In a world so focused on “us vs. them,” the coronavirus reminds us that in a profound sense, there is only us.

The only sane path forward is more compassion, more justice, and more humility about the degree to which we need each other.

4. Embrace a sabbatical

6. Love is contagious too

One of Judaism’s great gifts to the world is the idea of the 3. Wipe out evil Sabbath, the sacred break from In the Jewish tradition, the the labors of the week. But the nation of Amalek is synonySabbath is more than lounging mous with the worst evil imag- around with nothing to do. It’s inable. The Amalekites about renewal and saw the most vulnerathe need to nourish ble among the Israelites the soul through extra and instead of helping time to study. One of them, pursued and the side effects of the killed them, targeting coronavirus might be in particular the weakthe ability for those est among the weak. who need to stay The Torah records the home to use that time deeds of the Amalekites away from the workand their actions, juxtaplace or the outside posing the meekness of Rabbi Shmuly world productively. the Jewish people with Yanklowitz Some folks need to the pure cruelty of the show up at work, nation of Amalek. travel, and go about business as We are commanded to vanusual. But to the extent that one quish Amalek and eliminate its can, it will be vital to take care memory from this world. The of yourself and those that you coronavirus — the disease itself love. Through the gift of physi— is Amalek-like since it apcal and spiritual rest, we may pears to have the most serious experience breakthroughs that consequences for some of the will allow our society to manage most vulnerable among us, the 2. Be afraid this disease more effectively. elderly and the immunocomYes, this must sound like promised. By protecting and unusual advice in a time of 5. Be gentle supporting the most vulnerable pandemic. But we must be Always be gentle with othpeople around the world, we skeptical of those in office who ers. Everyone is doing the best have the ability to live up to say, “Everything is fine. Stop they can. Human beings are panicking and live your life!” It the commandment to wipe out fundamentally frail. To comAmalek once more. is a natural human emotion to pensate for uncertainty and As tensions among combe afraid of the unknown and imperfection in this moment, munities may run high, we the uncertain. We live in times some people will act out with where every day’s events consti- must learn again the lessons of pure hubris. But this hubris interdependence: The coronavi- hides vulnerability and pain. tute a reminder that we canrus demonstrates the profound not control the world as much We do not know what others go ignorance of the belief that we as we might want. Politically, through on a daily basis. keep ourselves “safe” by buildculturally and spiritually, the The coronavirus may give us ing walls to separate us from world is experiencing levels of the ability to realize that humildisequilibrium that are difficult our neighbors and by locking ity in the face of great chalup immigrants at the border. to endure. It would seem then lenge can be a factor leading us In a world as interconnected that rationally, we should live toward communal healing. To as ours, we keep ourselves in fear of what tomorrow may be under quarantine, as whole bring. Rather than denying that safe by respecting the truths countries are essentially imposrevealed by science, by coophuman impulse to have fear in ing at this point, cannot be a the face of serious risks, we can erating and working together pleasant feeling. It’s isolating within and among nations, by channel that fear productively. and humiliating. To be gentle caring for the most vulnerable Hold the fear. Hold your also means to be empathetic to

So, what do you think?

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

The coronavirus is highly contagious, but so are the actions we can take inspired by love and joy. We are reminded yet again of the total interconnectedness of all life on this planet. The amazing phenomenon of life and its parallel humbling frailty can inspire wonder and deeper empathy. While, of course, we must heed medical experts to undertake precautionary measures to avoid the spread of the virus, we can also do our best to spread happiness and positivity, international cooperation, and a positive attitude to help quell this virus.

To give up on the better angels of our nature is akin to defeat. At the least, to acknowledge people’s good intentions and engage others out of love rather than fear are ways to help defeat the trials put before us by the coronavirus. Spread love, spread warmth, spread optimism. The times may seem bleak, but we can all do our part to ensure that a brighter tomorrow is around the corner.

Friends, this is a difficult time for all. No one has been spared from the effects of the coronavirus. Not all of us will be infected by the virus, but we are already affected. There is no denying that the global attention to this ailment has radically shifted the world’s power landscape indefinitely. But, for a moment, looking past these macro-effects can offer an opportunity to consider how each of us, at an individual level, can be spiritually renewed in our collective efforts to halt this disease and get through this moment.

Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz is president and dean of the Valley Beit Midrash in Phoenix.

Views expressed by columnists, in readers’ letters, and in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinion of staff or layleaders of The Dayton Jewish Observer or the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

PAGE 15

Highlights JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON & ITS AGENCIES

young adult division

ABOVE LEFT: The cast of JCC Youth Theatre’s Peter Pan Jr. performs at Dayton Playhouse. PHOTO CREDIT: Peter Wine.

ABOVE RIGHT: YAD had a great time at Spaghetti Warehouse on February 17! Three members of the group (Becky Klickstein, Rachel Halasz, and Lauren Moore) got pulled on stage for the Interactive Mystery Show – Gams, Gangsters & Giggle Water.

Fun was had by all. PHOTO CREDIT: Mathew Klickstein.

ABOVE LEFT: On Presidents’ Day, JFS partnered with the JCC to bring Camp Shalom campers to Bethany Village to enjoy BINGO with the residents of the memory care unit. PHOTO CREDIT: Theresa Clyburn. ABOVE RIGHT: Community members enjoyed JCC's A Night in Vegas with Blackjack, Texas Hold'em, Euchre, a Silent Auction, Karaoke, Dancing and performances by the Rubi Girls. PHOTO CREDIT: Peter Wine.

PAGE 16

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

Announcements JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON & ITS AGENCIES

THANK YOU for supporting our annual fundraiser A Night in Vegas!

Jewish Community Center OF GREATER DAYTON

2020 EVENT SUPPORTERS Roger Apple

Mark Gordon

Get Dressed

David Klass

Heath Gilbert

David London

Marc Gilbert & Annette Nathan

Beverly Louis

& to the many other individuals & businesses that have helped support our fundraiser!

2020 PRIZE DONORS » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »

African Safari Wildlife Park Alan Berman American Heart Association ArmorAll Arrow Wine ASAP Limo Bus Service Barry Bagels Batteries & Bulbs Ben Feldmeyer, CFP, CDFA, CLTC Biggby Coffee Blissful Nails By Laura Bockrath Flooring and Rugs Bonefish Grill Brixx Ice Co. Butler Auto Wash Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Carrabba’s Italian Grill Carver’s Steaks & Chops Central Perc Chicago Museums ChicagoCut Steakhouse

» » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »

Christopher’s Restaurant Cincinnati Museum Center Cincinnati Nature Center Cincinnati Reds Cincinnati Zoo City BBQ Cleveland Browns Cleveland Cavaliers Columbus Crew SC Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant COSI Cultural Arts & Book Series Dayton Dragons Dayton Optometric Center Dayton Playhouse Deli on Webster Dewey’s Pizza DK Effect Bar & Arcade Dobama Theatre Drs. Marc & Heath Gilbert Elizabeth Diamond Company

» » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »

Ensemble Theatre EnterTRAINment First Watch Flemings Flyboy’s Deli Flying Pizza Fricker’s Frisch’s Big Boy Gionino’s Pizzeria Gordon's Jewelry and Loan Graeter’s Ice Cream Heath Gilbert Heatherwoode Golf Club Holden Forest & Gardens Hollywood Gaming Houser Inc. Jaffe Jewelers James Free Jewelers KD Kettering BBQ KTC Quail Tennis Club LaRosa’s Family Pizzeria LulaBell Art & Design

» » » » » » » » » »

Mamma Disalvo’s

» » » » » » » »

NCR Country Club

Michael Halasz, DDS Michael’s Salon and Spa Mike’s Car Wash Morning Sun Morris Home Furniture Mudlick Tap House My Favorite Muffin Natural Foods & Juice Caboose Oakwood Club Ohio Lottery Ohio State Fair O’Reilly Auto Parts Poelking Lanes Puzzles Plus Rachel's Million Dollar Lips and More!

» Rahn’s Dental Group » Reiber Cleaners

Legacies, Tributes, & Memorials FEDERATION

UNITED JEWISH CAMPAIGN IN HONOR OF › Cathy Gardner’s providing her time and generosity and experience to the community Adam Solender HOLOCAUST PROGRAMMING FUND IN MEMORY OF › Sam Heider Gail and Charles Friedman PJ LIBRARY IN HONOR OF › Frank Handel and Renee Rubin Handel’s new granddaughter Marcia and Ed Kress › Ed and Marcia Kress new home Franklin Handel and Renee Rubin Handel

JFS

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES IN HONOR OF › Franklin Handel and Renee Rubin Handel daughter’s wedding and their new grandchild › Mr. And Mrs Scott Mathis new granddaughter Beverly and Jeffrey Kantor › Cathy Gardner Master’s Degree Completion › Speedy recovery of Gert Kahn Don and Harriet Klass IN MEMORY OF › Roberta Kantor Ken and Darrell May › Bruce Lane David and Arlene Stine › Eleanor Krongold Helen and Steve Markman

» » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »

Meadowlark

Renew Auto Detailing Rhinegeist Brewery River’s Edge Outfitters Roderer Shoes Salon Emerald Scene 75 Square One Starbucks Taft Museum of Art Tastefully Simple Temple Beth Or TJ Chumps Toxic Brew University Of Dayton Athletics Valvoline Oil Change Warped Wing Brewery Wild Birds Unlimited Wiley’s Comedy Club Woodhouse Day Spa Yankee Trace Yellow Springs Brewery

A Biss'l Mamaloshen Pakn

| PAK-en Verb

1. To pack, wrap.

2. To get hold of, catch.

Would you like to honor or memorialize someone in your life, all while making a meaningful impact on the Jewish community? Consider making a donation to a Jewish Foundation of Greater Dayton Fund. Tribute and memorial donations can be made for a variety of reasons. Contact us at 937-610-1555 for more information.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

Expression with pakn: 1 Yeder mentsh hot zayn pekl

Everyone has his own burden.

2 Ven di libe pakt dem mentshn, helft nisht keyn davenen, helft nisht keyn bentshn When love grabs hold of someone, neither praying nor reciting blessings helps.

3 Far a peklmakher, iz a finstere nakht a likhtike velt For the smuggler, a dark night is a bright world (i.e. he will have a much easier time doing his job when it is very dark).

PAGE 17

THE MARVELOUS MR. MAZEL A disgraced journalist is asked to cover a mysterious story on an isolated European island.

She discovers that children have taken control and are killing off all adults by their

THE SHOPS OF OAKWOOD 2316 FAR HILLS AVE DAYTON OH 45419

937-224-7673

WWW.THEFLOWERSHOPPE.COM

Happy Passover

Wishing You A Happy Passover.

DAVID L. ROER, M.D. JOHN M. RAHE, M.D. LINDA M. MEISTER, M.D. JENNIFER M. CONLON, M.D. SHALINI A. RYAN, D.O. JENNIFER M. FELDMAN, M.D. ELIZABETH A. DARKWA, M.D. M. PILAR HANSON, M.D. 9000 North Main Street Dayton, Ohio 45415 (937) 832-7337

APRIL A. BUNN, M.D. RAMYA KESHAVARAM, M.D. SARA M. DISKIN, M.D. SUE A. KARNITIS, M.D. DEBRA A. RILL, R.N., C.P.N.P. EMILY E. HENDRICKSON, APRN, CNP THERESA M. ACKERMAN, APRN, CNP GRACE E. NIKOLAI, APRN, CNP

5450 Far Hills Avenue Dayton, Ohio 45429 (937) 436-2866

3140 Dayton-Xenia Rd. Beavercreek, Ohio 45434 (937) 320-1950

The Law Office of

Alan D. Gabel

222-5335 • alan.gabel@yahoo.com P.O. Box 1423, Dayton, Ohio 45401

Criminal Defense • DUI • Personal Injury Wills • Juvenille Cases • Traffic Offenses Domestic Relations/Divorce Happy Passover to the Jews Stay Strong! Love! of Dayton, Cincinnati, Azerbaijan, Never Forget!

Macedonia, & Israel.

TCStorc

Commercial HVAC & Refrigeration Kettering, Ohio 45429 • (937) 604-2049 Tim Crafton, Owner • storchvacr@gmail.com Wishing You A Happy Passover

PAGE 18

Scott Halasz 40th birthdays. Now she must uncover the truth behind the killings while schmoozing up to the children’s leader so she isn’t the next victim.

Put the remotes down because you won’t find it on TV. You’ll only get the whole story in You Are Obsolete, a graphic novel compilation of five comic books created and written for AfterShock Comics by new Dayton resident Mathew Klickstein.

He’ll celebrate the release of the complete with a local signing at SuperFly Comics & Games in Yellow Springs, noon-2 p.m., Sunday, April 11.

Klickstein, whose work has

Writing for The been published Simpsons. For in Wired, The three seasons, New Yorker, and he was a casting New York Daily producer with News, teamed up Food Network’s with AfterShock Restaurant ImposComics for his sible maiden voyage He was the into the comic co-creator, head book genre. “I writer, and field really thought it producer of the would be a film,” TV series Nahe said. “Comic tional Lampoon’s books is its own Collegetown, USA community and Mathew Klickstein in 2003-04 and it’s really grown screenwriter for 2009’s Against over the last few years.” The the Dark. He and his wife, series is illustrated by Evgeniy Becky, moved here in February Bornyakov. It was released one from Boulder, Colo. Klickstein at a time beginning in Septemhas another local signing, at ber and culmiBooks & Co. at The Greene, 7 nates with the book he’ll sign in p.m., Friday, May 1.

Yellow Springs.

JCC Children’s Theatre “I’m very presented Peter Pan Jr. at proud of how it the Dayton Playhouse in ended up lookFebruary, produced by Meryl ing,” Klickstein Hattenbach and directed by said. “The ediRichard Lee Waldeck. This tors were great. was the third show Waldeck This is probably directed for the JCC and was my favorite creative experience. the best yet. Springboro High School student Lily Newman They really gave landed the role of Peter Pan me a lot of creand was nothing short of ative leeway.” phenomenal. Cast members Klickstein is were Alexis Becker, Brianna the author of Becker, Caitlyn Becker, Abbey SLIMED! An Boyer, Evie Davis, Eli Dowlar, Oral History of Nickelodeon’s Katherine Erwin, Avi Gilbert, Golden Age, and with Mike Chava Gilbert, Griffin Greear, Reiss co-wrote Springfield Jonah Halasz, Be’eri Harel, Confidential: Jokes, Secrets, and Esh’char Harel, Benjamin Outright Lies from a Lifetime Jones, Sophia Josue, Addie Kash, Shoshana KrummelAdkins, Yiyi Li Kudera, Faith Maples, Ian Morgan, Shira Naor, Ava Newkirk, Aliyah Nsabimana, Ashley Ortel, Ellie Peace, Cole Scanlan, Nora Scarbro, Spencer Scarbro, Bethany Scearce, Bradley Scearce, Ellerie Stone, Porter Studebaker, Jerry Matthew Ward, Casey Weckstein, Mannie Williams, and Natalie Wourms. Music and sound were coordinated by Brett Greenwood, who also had the same tasks for Tarzan and Addams Family, and Kara Castle was the choreographer. Jamie Pavlofsky was the show’s production assistant and Ellie Beringer was special assistant.

Hear this week’s Jewish news with Radio Reading Service.

Join Marshall Weiss Sundays, noon & 6 p.m. at Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley Radio Reading Service.

To listen, go to

gesmv.org/radio-reading-services-terms-use

Debbie Feldman was appointed to the Miami University Board of Trustees for a term beginning March 1 and ending Feb. 28, 2029. The appointment was made by Gov. Mike DeWine in February.

Send your announcements to scotthalasz1@gmail.com.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Wishing you Happy Passover!

No calendar listings for April

COLD PRESS JUICE & JUICE CLEANSES PLANT BASED PROTEIN RICH SALADS RAW VEGAN TREATS SMOOTHIE BOWLS

Because of numerous cancellations and postponements in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic — and the uncertainty of those programs going forward that have not been cancelled or postponed as of press time — we are not publishing listings on our Calendar of Events page this month.

For the latest information, check with local Jewish organizations via their websites, Facebook pages, and by calling them directly.

Contact information for congregations is on Page 21.

For information about the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton and its agencies, go to jewishdayton.org/virtual-community and its Facebook page, Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton. The general phone number of the Jewish Federation is 937-610-1555.

And keep washing your hands!

1120 Brown Street, Dayton OH • 937-991-0085 Mon-Fri 8am-7pm / Sat-Sun 9am-5pm

WE DELIVER THROUGH DOORDASH

Goat to it!

HAPPY PASSOVER TO OUR CUSTOMERS! Butter Cafe is a casual, quirky breakfast and lunch stop in the University of Dayton area featuring fresh and organic ingredients. We specialize in classic comfort dishes with an added flair!

Many of our dishes feature vegan and gluten-free ingredients and our bakery case is always packed with classic, keto and gluten-free sweets.

BMB

• •

ot Mitzv a Go t

We also deliver through DoorDash

ButterCafeDayton.com

Menachem

Walnut Creek Terrace An Independent Living Community

AVAILABL E NOW!

• Spacious 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home • 1,500 Square Feet • 24 Hour Emergency Assistance • Attached Garage • Security System • Maintenance Free Living

Wishing You A Happy Passover.

VISIT THE SHOP • CATERING • NATIONWIDE SHIPPING 36 South Main Street, Miamisburg, OH 45342 www.spoonfulcookiedough.com

Call Today! 299-0194 2501 Keystone Club Drive Dayton, OH 45439 • www.wcreekoh.com

Hours Mon 8am - 2pm Tues - Sun 7am - 3pm

1106 Brown Street Dayton, OH 45409 937-985-9917

SENIOR LIVING CAMPUS

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

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

PAGE 19

RELIGION

Happy Passover

Candice Karsch-Jacobs Licensed Massage Therapist 23+ years experience

Neck, Back & Shoulder Pain • Deep Tissue as Kneaded Headaches • Muscular Tension • Injury Recovery Arthritic Conditions • Repetitive Motion Syndrome Touch Pro® & Nationally Certified

937-222-3345

Historic East Dayton

Quirky family traditions to inspire your seder

By Rachel Ringler, JTA There are several dos and don’ts when it comes to the Passover seder: what we may or may not eat, and the story we are obliged to tell. Within these guidelines, how do 21stcentury American Jews keep Passover engaging? Here are some interactive, creative ideas to consider.

Towels provided

(937) 223-1130

www.pselaw.com

Montgomery County Commissioner Debbie Lieberman

Katja Goldman and Michael Sonnenfeldt, New York If you’re a guest at the Goldman-Sonnenfeldt family seder, get a pedicure. The evening begins when guests take off their shoes and walk through a huge, low, copper bin filled with water, as if they are passing through the Red Sea. Then, to combine the suffering of the Israelites in biblical times with modern suffering, Michael Sonnenfeldt starts the service by reading Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech.

During the seder, the family enacts the plagues, with props.

“In some years, frogs hop around the seder table, hail comes down in the form of ping-pong balls, and rivers of blood, courtesy of Halloween packets of blood capsules, fill the water glasses,” Katja Goldman said. “And when it comes time to read of the death of the firstborn, all firstborn children are asked to get up and leave the room, so that all in attendance can feel what it is like to lose the firstborn in a family.”

Haggadah optional

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Passover Paid for by: Committee to Re-elect Debbie Lieberman, Marty Moore, Treasurer, 3630 Berrywood Drive, Dayton, OH 45424

Hear

this week’s Jewish news with Radio Reading Service.

Join Marshall Weiss Sundays, noon & 6 p.m. at Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley Radio Reading Service.

To listen, go to gesmv.org/radio-reading-services-terms-use PAGE 20

Nirit Takele, Tel Aviv Artist Nirit Takele arrived in Israel in 1991 through Operation Solomon from her native Ethiopia, where her family celebrated Passover a little differently: They did not read from the Haggadah.

“They read the story in the Torah of the Israelites leaving Egypt,” Takele said.

Today, as Israelis, they follow the traditions of most other Israelis, holding a seder and following the Haggadah text.

But during the seder, Takele’s father reflects on their time in Ethiopia and the customs and traditions they observed there.

Kids at Jennifer Abadi’s seder make hamsas with charoset

cookbook writer, and culinary instructor, it is no surprise that Jennifer Abadi uses food to bring her seder alive.

“When the guests’ children arrive,” Abadi said, “I have each one dip his or her hands into date charoset, the mortarlike substance that is part of the seder plate.

They then press their hands onto a blank piece of paper to create a date hamsa, to ward against the evil eye. I tape our hamsas to the front door of the home, where they remain for all eight days of the holiday.

The reddish tint of the dates is reminiscent of the blood the Israelites dabbed on their doorposts before leaving Egypt.”

A taste of Yiddish

Liz Rueven, Connecticut One of the liveliest songs in the Haggadah is Echad Mi Yodeah, a fun “cumulative song” that lists common facts about Judaism in numerical order. In addition to the Hebrew version, it can be sung in English as Who Knows One? In Liz and Mony Rueven’s home, however, it is sung in Yiddish, the mother tongue of Eastern European Jews.

“In Romania, where Mony’s family is from, the entire seder was conducted in Yiddish,”

said Liz Rueven, a Jewish food blogger. “When they moved to Israel, the Yiddish was replaced, bit by bit, with Hebrew — except for their all-Yiddish, rowdy rendition of Echad Mi Yodeah. And now that Mony lives in the United States, the seder is conducted in English, the songs are sung in Hebrew, and Echad Mi Yodeah remains in Yiddish.”

Welcome to Egypt

April Stewart Klausner, New York April Stewart Klausner is an artist, a cook, a baker, and a bit of a comedian. A week before the seders, she hangs a sign by her door that reads Mitzrayim, Hebrew for Egypt.

“I made it by looking at photos of Israeli street and highway signs,” she said.

“It goes up the second I bring up my bins from the basement, when I hang it under the door frame, over the mezuzah, pointing toward the kitchen.”

This first pre-Passover act makes it clear to all who enter her home that she is bound to her kitchen for the week before and during the eight days of the holiday.

The cleaning, the cooking, the prepping, the covering of the countertops — her slavery story begins there.

Written in charoset

Jennifer Abadi, New York As a Sephardic and JudeoArabic recipe preserver,

The Egypt sign in April Stewart Klausner’s home goes up at the onset of Passover prep

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

RELIGION

Note: Because

of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are not publishing worship service schedules this month. For the latest information, check with the organizations below via their websites, Facebook pages, and by calling them directly.

CONGREGATIONS Beth Abraham Synagogue Conservative Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg Cantor/Dir. of Ed. & Programming Andrea Raizen 305 Sugar Camp Circle, Oakwood. 937-293-9520.

BethAbrahamDayton.org Beth Jacob Congregation Traditional Rabbi Leibel Agar 7020 N. Main St., Dayton. 937-2742149. BethJacobCong.org Temple Anshe Emeth Reform Rabbinic Intern Caroline Sim 320 Caldwell St., Piqua.

Contact Steve Shuchat, 937-7262116, AnsheEmeth@gmail.com. ansheemeth.org Temple Beth Or Reform Rabbi Judy Chessin Educator/Rabbi Ari Ballaban 5275 Marshall Rd., Wash. Twp. 937-435-3400. templebethor.com Temple Beth Sholom Reform Rabbi Haviva Horvitz See Web site for schedule.

610 Gladys Dr., Middletown.

513-422-8313. thetemplebethsholom.com Temple Israel Reform Senior Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz Rabbi/Educator Tina Sobo 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton.

937-496-0050. tidayton.org Temple Sholom Reform Rabbi Cary Kozberg 2424 N. Limestone St., Springfield. 937-399-1231. 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 Elchonon Chaikin.

2001 Far Hills Ave. 937-643-0770. www.chabaddayton.com Yellow Springs Havurah Independent Antioch College Rockford Chapel.

Contact Len Kramer, 937-572-4840 or len2654@gmail.com.

April

Even with social distancing, we must walk together

By Rabbi Judy Chessin Temple Beth Or This spring, the coronavirus has created an unprecedented crisis in our lifetimes. Already we were learning to cope with extremism in politics and religion, divisive elections, and antisemitism both here and abroad. Now the Covid-19 virus has become a global pandemic filling many of us with a new kind of terror.

How are we to cope with such fright? We have often quoted the words of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav. “The entire world is a narrow bridge,

Nisan/Iyar

Wikimedia Commons

In his sermon Antidotes for Fear, King described two types of fear: “Sigmund Freud spoke of a person who was quite properly afraid of snakes in the heart of an African jungle and of another person who neurotically feared that snakes were under the carpet in his city apartment.

Psychologists say that normal children are The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. born with only two fears — the fear of fallLikewise, we currently ing and the fear of loud noises find ourselves amid powerful — and that all others are envidays of commemoration on ronmentally acquired. Most of our Jewish calendar. Passover these acquired fears are snakes celebrates the flight of the Jewunder the carpet… but the essence of life is not ish slaves from fear to freedom.

“Normal fear protects us; to be afraid (lo l’fached klal).”

Yom HaShoah v’Hagevurah abnormal fear paralyzes us.

Only recently did Rabbi Avi (the remembrance of the HoloNormal fear motivates us to Shafran teach that we have caust and Heroism) provides improve our indibeen misreading the countless models of resilience, vidual and collective resistance, bravery, and surverse. Reb Nachman welfare; abnormal actually said, “lo vival. And Yom Ha’atzmaut fear constantly litpachad”— the es(Israel’s Independence Day) poisons and distorts sence of life is not to celebrates the Jewish people’s our inner lives. Our frighten ourselves.” eternal yearning for a homeproblem is not to be There are countland where Jewish children rid of fear but rather less dangers in this may yet breathe free and to harness and masworld. And there is unafraid. ter it.” no way to avoid fear Teacher Avram Infeld calls Despite the fear altogether. But Rabbi these the “Days of We.” Just as and worry which Nachman counseled the High Holy Days and Sukhe faced daily, King against feeding kot in the fall give us a time for lived his life, forged our fears, amplifypersonal introspection to focus Rabbi Judy Chessin ahead, and built ing a crisis beyond on “me,” so, six months later, bridges of courage imagining, anticipatdoes the period from Pesach on which to lead his people ing the worst to the point of to Yom Ha’atzmaut provide us from slavery. In his final speech with a period of time to focus immobilization. in Memphis, on April 4, 1968, Jerusalem Post’s Brian Blum on “we.” the night before he was slain, wisely suggests, “Let us treat Remember the old story King stated: Covid-19 as Israelis treat terabout the man “You know, rorist attacks.” How do Israelis There is no way lost in the respond to terror? “By continu- whenever Phaforest, lonely to avoid fear raoh wanted ing to live our lives. We take and afraid? He to prolong the altogether. But precautions, we follow the came across period of slav- Rabbi Nachman health advisories, we use comanother wanery in Egypt, he mon sense, but we don’t hide derer, who said, counseled against “Friend, I too had a favorite in our homes and stop living formula of out of fear. Depicting Covid-19 feeding our fears, am lost. But doing it. What as a viral terrorist confounds my hand, amplifying a crisis take was that? He the narrative of fearing the and together kept the slaves beyond imagining, we will find our other, and it allows us to think fighting among anticipating the logically — from experience — way.” themselves. not out of hysteria.”

Sadly, due But whenever worst to the point Rabbi Jack Riemer, forto the coronathe slaves get mer rabbi of Dayton’s Beth of immobilization. virus, we may together, someAbraham Synagogue, teaches not be able to thing happens another passage which might join hands right bring us comfort. It comes from in Pharaoh’s court, and he can- now. However, even with recnot hold the slaves in slavery. someone who walked boldly ommended social distancing, When the slaves get together, across the narrow bridge dewe can still walk together and that’s the beginning of getspite the fear. The Rev. Martin find our way to the Promised ting out of slavery. Now let us Luther King Jr. was assassinatLand…a place where none maintain unity.” ed 52 years ago, April 5, 1968. shall make us afraid.

Candle Lightings Shabbat, April 3: 7:45 p.m.

Erev Pesach, April 8: 7:50 p.m.

First Eve Pesach, April 9: 8:51 p.m.

Shabbat, April 10: 7:52 p.m.

Seventh Eve Pesach, April 14: 7:56 p.m.

Eighth Eve Pesach, April 15: 8:57 p.m.

Shabbat, April 17: 7:59 p.m.

Shabbat, April 24: 8:06 p.m.

Perspectives

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

Torah Portions April 4: Tzav (Lev. 6:1-8:36) April 18: Shemini (Lev. 9:1-11:47) April 25: Tazria-Metzora (Lev. 12:1-15:33, Num. 28:9-15)

Pesach

Passover April 9-16 • 15-22 Nisan Eight-day festival celebrating the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Leavened bread products are not eaten.

Yom Hashoah

Holocaust Remembrance Day April 21 • 27 Nisan Marked by memorials for those who perished in the Holocaust.

Yom Hazikaron

Israel Memorial Day April 28 • 4 Iyar Memorial Day for all who died serving Israel. Concludes with a siren blast as stars appear and Independence Day begins.

Yom Ha’atzmaut

Israel Independence Day April 29 • 5 Iyar Celebrated by Jews around the world. Israel celebrates with parades, singing, dancing, and fireworks.

PAGE 21

Pesach Edition

Gluten-Free Products • Matzo • Matzo Meal Sour Cream • Gefilte Fish • Matzo Balls Sparkling Juice • Macaroons • Panko Breadcrumbs Candy • Memorial Candles • Marshmallows

Oakwood

Washington Square Springboro

2710 Far Hills Ave.

6177 Far Hills Ave.

740 N. Main St.

(937) 299-3561

(937) 434-1294

(937) 748-6800

dorothylane.com • dlmmailorder.com

HAPPY PASSOVER HAPPY PASSOVER

5531 Far Hills Ave. Dayton, OH | MeadowlarkRestaurant.com

5531 Far Hills Ave. Dayton, OH | MeadowlarkRestaurant.com

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs for Pesach Photos and Recipe

By Leanne Shor, The Nosher Braised short ribs are a decadent and delicious alternative to brisket for Passover or anytime you want to serve up a very special meal. They are so tender from cooking low and slow, they literally fall off the bone.

Adding dried fruit to meaty dishes is one of my favorite tricks for creating a sweet and savory flavor profile. Plus the acidity from the red wine and balsamic vinegar adds an extra special touch of umami.

The trick to a tender and flavorful dish for many kinds of braised meat dishes is creating layers of flavor, which begins by browning the short ribs in a large pan to lock in the juices and caramelize the meat.

Then I add a mix of chopped aromatic vegetables (onions, carrots and celery) to cook in the fat rendered by the meat, getting all those “good bits” off the bottom of the pan.

After the vegetables have softened, it’s time to add the liquids — in this case, sweet wine, stock, and balsamic vinegar — and then cook it all low and slow until the meat is crazy tender.

I love to serve these short

HAPPY PASSOVER 515 WAYNE AVE. DAYTON, OH | WHEATPENNYDAYTON.COM

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

PAGE 22

2313 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood 937-293-1196 www.oakwoodflorist.com family owned and operated military discount

the olive oil over medium-high heat, then brown the short ribs over high heat on each side.

Work in batches and don’t crowd the pan to ensure that each piece gets good caramelization.

3 lbs. bone-in short ribs 3. Place the browned short 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves ribs in a heavy bottom Dutch 1 Tbsp. freshly ground oven; set aside. Preheat the black pepper oven to 325. Add the onions, 1/4 cup olive oil carrots and celery to the skillet 1 medium onion, diced where you browned the short 3 medium carrots, chopped ribs, and cook over medium 2 stalks celery, chopped heat for about seven to eight 3 bay leaves minutes until the vegetables 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar soften and start to caramelize.

11/2 cups sweet wine or 1 Add the balsamic vinegar, cup of port port and red wine to the veg21/2 cups full bodied red etables, then turn the heat up wine — Cabernet or Merlot to high, bring the mixture to a 5 cups beef stock boil, and cook until the liquids 11/2 cups pitted prunes have reduced by about half.

Chopped fresh parsley, for Add the beef stock and bring garnish (optional) the mixture back to a boil.

4. Pour the wine mixture 1. Remove the short ribs over the short ribs and add the from the fridge and rub well bay leaves and pitted prunes to with black pepper and fresh thyme leaves. Let the short ribs the Dutch oven.

Cover with a tight-fitting lid sit out for about an hour while and braise the short ribs for they come to room temperaabout three hours in the oven. ture.

Remove the lid from the pot for 2. In a large sauté pan, heat the last 15 minutes of cooking to crisp up the short ribs and ensure that sauce is thickened slightly.

5. Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables or wilted greens. Be sure to serve each portion with plenty of the pan sauces and a few prunes.

Acidity from the red wine and balsamic vinegar adds Serves six. ribs with mashed or roasted potatoes, roasted vegetables and wilted greens. But be warned — they are devoured quickly.

a special touch of umami to the braised short ribs

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

Passover Popovers make a comeback

‘You haven’t called

Bernstein’s yet?!’

Get crackin!

2 cups water Photos and Recipe 1 cup oil

By Sonya Sanford, The Nosher 2 Tbsp. sugar Passover popovers fall into the cat1 tsp. kosher salt egory of “old school” Jewish food. Like 2 cups matzah meal mandel bread or matzah brei, they’re 1 tsp. turmeric one of those dishes my grandmother 7 large eggs always made during the holiday.

These recipes were popular in a 1. Preheat the oven to 400. time when every baked Passover dish 2. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with oil seemed to be made of matzah meal and before there was an abundance of grain- or cooking spray.

3. Add oil, water, sugar and salt to a free flours and quinoa. You’ll find recilarge pot and bring the liquids to a boil. pes for these popovers in classic Jewish Simmer for a minute until the sugar cookbooks, and I think they deserve and salt dissolve. some renewed attention.

Remove the pot from the The batter for these popheat and use a wooden overs is similar to choux spoon to quickly mix in pastry. Choux is a pastry the matzah meal and turdough that consists of meric. Allow the matzah flour, butter, water and meal mixture to cool until eggs, and it’s the base for it is warm to the touch. If eclairs, gougeres, and the mixture is too hot, it cream puffs. can scramble your eggs!

When choux pastry gets 4. Add the eggs one at a baked, it puffs up and crisps time. Mix in each egg with a on the outside, but is hollow wooden spoon until fully incorpoon the inside. Instead of flour and rated. butter, the batter for Passover popovers 5. Fill each muffin tin 3/4 full. You is made with oil and matzah meal, will have enough for about 16-18 making them dairy- and chametz-free. popovers, more if you use a smallerThere’s a little sugar added for flavor, sized muffin tin. Cook the popovers in but these skew savory rather than batches one tray at a time. sweet.

6. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce Pastry dough might sound intimidating to make, but the ingredients are few, the oven temperature to 325.

7. Bake for 35 minutes or until and the only tools required to make crisped and golden brown. If you prefer the batter is a large pot and a wooden to use a smaller-sized muffin tin, bake spoon.

The eggs give the popovers their rise, for 25 minutes. Can be served warm or an airy texture, and richness. I’ve added at room temperature. turmeric for a golden hue. There’s no need for a special popover dish — a muffin tray will work just fine. You can use either a standard 12-cup tray or make them in a mini-muffin tin if you prefer.

I love to serve these as a Passover dinner roll alongside my entrée at the seder. During the week, the popovers go well with any kind of soup, or even at your breakfast spread with some jam, The batter for these popovers is similar to choux served with tea or coffee. pastry, the base for eclairs and cream puffs.

Don’t wait!

Order Your Complete Passover Seder Meals STARTERS HOMEMADE CHOPPED LIVER HOMEMADE MATZO BALLS HOMEMADE CHICKEN SOUP HOMESTYLE GEFILTE FISH (Cooked with carrots) ENTRÉES LEAN BRISKET (Natural Juices or Barbecue) BEEF SHORT RIBS (7-9 oz. Raw Wt. Portion - Red Wine Reduction) WHOLE ROASTED TURKEY (Boned & Sliced in Natural Juices) ROAST TURKEY BREAST (Sliced in Natural Juices) ROAST CHICKEN (Plain, Sweet & Sour, Cranberry Glazed) SWEET & SOUR STUFFED PEPPERS TURKEY GRAVY • BRISKET GRAVY SIDE DISHES POTATO KUGEL MATZO APPLE KUGEL OUR FAMOUS CARROT SOUFFLE MATZO STUFFING (Mushrooms, Plain) GARLIC WHIPPED POTATOES OVEN ROASTED POTATOES FRESH BROCCOLI FLORETTES HONEY GLAZED CARROTS ROAST LEMON & SHALLOT ASPARAGUS PASSOVER BAGELS HAROSSES

Orders due by Friday, April 3.

Pick-up is Wednesday, April 8, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Delivery $30 per order, North A.M./South P.M. Please call us for menu pricing.

HOUSE MADE DESSERTS APPLE MATZO CAKE HONEY CAKE CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY TORTE CHOCOLATE DIPPED COCONUT MACAROONS RAINBOW COOKIES CHOCOLATE DIPPED ALMOND HORNS

All food is prepared using Passover ingredients but is not under supervision.

937-898-2761 • info@bernsteinscatering.com 3100 Woodman Drive • Kettering, Ohio 45420

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

PAGE 23

Happy Passover

Mimouna A delicious way to celebrate Pesach’s end

Accepting New Patients

North

813 Troy St., Dayton 45404

228-2020

South

40 Southmoor Cir., N.E., Dayton 45429

299-4132

Wishing you a delicious Passover.

Mufleta is a traditional dish served on the Sephardic holiday of Mimouna, markeing the end of Passover

Photos and Recipes By Sonya Sanford, The Nosher You may already be familiar with Mimouna, a Sephardic holiday that originated in Morocco and marks the end of Passover. On the night following the last day of Passover, the end of eight chametz-free days is celebrated with a feast of treats.

In Morocco, neighbors travel to each other’s houses; it is customary to leave all doors open to welcome any possible guests. Tables are laden with symbols to ensure a good year: blossoming spring flowers, fish for abundance and fertility, and dates sweetened with honey to inspire an equally sweet life.

The next day, festivities contin-

ue with barbecues, picnics, and large gatherings.

One of the most common dishes prepared for Mimouna is the crepe-like mufleta (or moufleta). You might also find nougat, fazuelos (a fried thin pastry), couscous-au-lait (sweet couscous with milk), almond cookies, marzipan, stuffed dates, and a variety of other sweet and savory baked goods.

Mimouna’s popularity has expanded in recent years beyond North Africa and is widely celebrated in Israel.

Two of my favorite dishes for this holiday are the crepelike mufleta and sweet stuffed dates. My stuffed dates are a slight deviation from the norm.

Instead of marzipan, these dates

are stuffed with a combination of pistachio and almond. They are sweetened only slightly with honey, and then drizzled with tahini, and a generous pinch of flaky salt. They are a delicious celebratory treat, but they also make a delightful snack any time.

I hope this year brings you a chance to throw your own Mimouna parties with these delicious treats.

Mufleta 1½ cups warm water 1 packet (2¼ tsp.) active dry yeast 1 tsp. sugar 4 cups all purpose flour, plus more if needed 1 tsp. kosher salt

Call Today for a Tour 293-7703 SENIOR LIVING CAMPUS

Featured on Campus:

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

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

PAGE 24

• Skilled Nursing Center • Elegant Assisted Living • Independent Living Community • Memory Care • Rehabilitation Services

www.wcreekoh.com

“Setting the Standard for Excellence in Health Care”

5070 Lamme Rd. - Kettering - OH - 45439 - 293-7703

Happy Passover

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

pistachios 6 Tbsp. honey Pinch of salt 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. ground cardamom Tahini, to taste Flake salt (like Maldon), to taste

Oil as needed (sunflower, canola or a neutral tasting oil) 1. Combine the yeast and sugar with the warm water, make sure the water is not too hot or too cold, or your yeast won’t properly activate. Allow the yeast to get foamy and bubbly, about five minutes.

2. Combine the flour and salt together.

3. Make a well in the flour, and then add the water and yeast mixture. Using your hands, incorporate the water into the flour. The amount of flour you need can depend on the brand of the flour as well as the humidity/temperature in your kitchen. You want the dough to be slightly tacky to the touch, but it shouldn’t stick to your hands. If you find your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

4. Once the dough is formed into a ball, knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about five minutes.

5. Lightly grease the bowl with oil, and then place the dough into the bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp, clean dish towel and allow to rise for 40 minutes. Some form their dough into balls before letting it rise, and some prefer to do it after.

6. Generously drizzle a baking sheet or Pyrex with more oil.

Pull off golf ball-sized rounds of dough and form them into balls.

Roll them in the oil and then let them rest for about five minutes.

7. Form one round of dough into a paper-thin circle, about 10 inches in diameter. You want each layer to be as thin as possible, and you can do this by flattening and pressing the dough into a circle shape with your fingers, or with the help of a rolling pin.

Don’t worry if a few small

C

Sweet Stuffed Date

holes pop up here and there.

8. Over medium heat, add a few teaspoons of oil to a large nonstick or cast iron skillet.

Place the first round of formed dough into the skillet.

Turn down the heat slightly at this point and cook the mufleta over medium low so that it doesn’t burn.

Allow the mufleta to turn golden brown, and then flip it onto the other side. This is the only layer that will get browned on both sides.

9. While the first side is browning, form the next layer of dough. Once you flip the first layer of the mufleta over, place the raw formed dough round on top of that cooked layer. Form another round of dough while the next layer is browning.

10. Once golden brown, flip again and place another layer of raw dough on the top browned side of the mufleta while the bottom cooks. You can add a little more oil to the pan after each flip.

Continue this process for as long as you can manage to flip the pile of layers. If the stack gets too big to flip, remove the entire stack, and begin a new one.

1. In a food processor, combine the almonds, pistachios, honey, salt, and spices until very finely chopped, but be careful not to overmix or the mixture can become like a nut butter. (If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the nuts by hand and combine everything together in a bowl).

2. Slice the dates down the middle lengthwise, removing the pit, but keeping them intact.

3. Fill the dates with the nut mixture. Just before serving, drizzle the dates with good quality tahini and a sprinkle of salt.

4. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week without the tahini and salt.

CPAs and Business Advisors Accounting, Audit, and Assurance Comprehensive Tax Solutions Financial Planning Business Valuation

Litigation Support Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures Employee Benefit Plan Audits

3601 Rigby Road, Suite 400, Dayton, Ohio 45342 l 800.893.4283 www.bradyware.com

Happy Pesach Montgomery County Commissioner

A Healthy Alternative We Use The Best Ingredients Prepared Fresh Daily

www.mycjchan.com 536 Wilmington Ave. Dayton, OH 45420 937-259-9866

INSPECTIONS • ROOF REPAIRS • MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS Firestone - Johns Manville - Carlisle - Soprema

Greene Town Center

937-298-1155

72 Plum Street Beavercreek, Ohio 937-429 9000 www.pashagrill.com

E-Mail: commandroofing@aol.com 2485 Arbor Blvd., Dayton, OH 45439

Wishing You A Happy Passover

www.commandroofing.com

Centerville

(937) 433-6778 (937) 298-1456 Wishing You A Happy Passover

CJ CHAN

Catering & Online Delivery Available

After 6:00 PM/Weekends - Call 937-604-2922

615 Lyons Rd

Kettering

Paid for by Committee to Elect Carolyn Rice, Linda Martin, Treasurer, 1135 Green Tree Drive, Dayton, Ohio 45429

Serving Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana

24-Hour Emergency Roof Leak & Repair Service

2950 Far Hills Ave

Carolyn Rice

D

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • GOVERNMENT RE-ROOFING / NEW CONSTRUCTION

• Extensive Selection of Kosher Wines • 10% Discount on Cases (12 bottles Mix & Match)

from

Sweet Stuffed Dates 20-30 large fresh dates (Medjool, Khadrawy, or Halawy) 1 cup toasted almonds 1 cup toasted shelled

OMMAN • ROOFING•

“No One Sells Beer and Wine for Less”

2ND LOCATION! 2747 W. Alex Bell Rd. Moraine, OH 45459 * Hot Pot Available * 937-259-8882 Mon-Thu: 10:30 am-10 pm Fri-Sat: 10:30 am-10:30 pm Sun: 11:30 a.m-10 pm

MSG

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

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

PAGE 25

Happy Passover

JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION

A heritage of remembrance Our Dual Heritage

Janice & Curtis Caden Our warmest wishes for a joyous Passover Arlene & David Stine, Aaron & Joshua Stine Warm Passover greetings from

Remember Amalek, the nation that personified evil, the Torah emphasizes in the Purim daytime reading.

“God said to Moses: Write this remembrance…and read it aloud...I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek… (Ex. 17:14).”

Thus each Purim we also chant the tale of Esther, who bested a descendent of Ama-

The Wagenfeld Family Warm Passover greetings from Lil Winnegrad Wishing all of Dayton Happy Passover Dr. Warren Wingate Warm Passover greetings from Cindy Pretekin & Jeff Froelich Warm Passover greetings from Louise Stein We wish the Dayton Jewish community a very happy Passover Mark & Kathy Gordon Best wishes to all for a Happy Passover Sue & Don Zulanch

Wishing You A Happy, Healthy Passover

The Weiss Family PAGE 26

Candace R. Kwiatek lek’s King Agag, the evil Haman, who was bent on destroying the Jews and whose name we blot out with noisemakers.

Remember the Exodus, the moment of liberation, the Torah emphasizes during the Passover holiday readings.

“And Moses said to the people: Remember this day on which you went free from Egypt, the house of bondage, how the Lord freed you from it with a mighty hand…

(Gen. 13:3).”

Thus at every Passover seder the Haggadah reminds us, “We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt, and the Lord, our God, took us out from there with a strong hand...”

It has always struck me as remarkable that these two holidays of national remembrance are half a year away from the High Holy Days of personal reflection and remembrance: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It’s almost as if we need regular reminders to remember.

And so it is that the Jewish calendar is brimming with festivals and holidays of remembrance: Purim, Passover, Shavuot (Sinai), Sukkot (wilderness wandering).

Chanukah (religious freedom), Yom Hashoah (Holocaust remembrance), Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s birthday), Tisha b’Av (destruction of Jerusalem’s Holy Temples).

Most frequent of all is Shabbat, a dual remembrance of Creation and the Exodus.

Each of these occasions recalls a moment in Jewish national history and its related values such as liberty, courage, or gratitude, and commemorates it through story and ritual.

Remember the Alamo, the fateful battle for Texas independence. Remember Pearl Harbor, the Japanese attack that compelled entry into World War II. America, too, emphasizes remembrance with stories and rituals. America’s calendar is replete with remembrances that reflect communal values, historic days of national and personal significance. The Fourth of July (independence) and Thanksgiving (gratitude). Presidents Day (leadership) and Martin Luther King Jr. Day (community). Memorial Day (sacrifice), Veterans Day (courage), and 9-11 (patriotism).

Like the Jewish calendar’s days of remembrance, each of these American moments has traditionally been commemorated through story and ritual.

While the story is central to each moment of remembrance (after all, what are we remembering?), the importance of meaningful complementary rituals can’t be overstated. Found in every culture in both secular and spiritual life, rituals in their endlessly varied forms all serve the same purposes, writes educator William Stillman.

In terms of spirituality, they “elevate one’s physical and emotional consciousness” and “provide a focal point from distraction; a level of comfort and familiarity; and an opportunity to demonstrate reverence for being in the moment.”

In a broader context, early childhood educators and authors Jacky Howell and Kimberly Reinhard note, rituals have the power to unite and connect people, foster learning, and create memories that last into adulthood.

They also offer multi-sensory experiences to delight the

In many Jewish and American communities, the foundational stories and rituals are disappearing.

body and employ symbolism to awaken the mind. In short, rituals are designed to appeal to the intellect, the senses, the emotions, and the spirit, the main pathways to memory.

It seems, however, that in many Jewish and American communities, the foundational stories and rituals are disappearing.

If you can remember the birth dates of Lincoln and Washington, it’s likely because you learned their stories, engaged in artwork and drama productions about them in school, and celebrated their national importance with two federal holidays on their exact birthdates.

Today, we have a generic Presidents Day on a February Monday to have a long holiday weekend. Whose stories are told, what rituals are enacted for this day?

And how did the historyand values-laden rituals of Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving recede in favor of blow out sales and Black Friday? What memories are we creating for the next generation?

If you participate in a seder this year, you’re among the majority, according to a Pew Research survey. The communal, story-filled, interactive

nature of this Passover ritual certainly highlights the holiday’s importance and creates memories. But alone it’s not sufficient.

In his memoir of escape from Ukraine — A Backpack, a Bear, and Eight Crates Vodka — Lev Golinkin describes his father’s annual pilgrimage to find matzah flour for Passover with only the vaguest sense of why.

New York Times book reviewer William Grimes explains, “Judaism’s rituals had been ruthlessly expunged” in the Soviet Union.

As a result, Jews living there had become “alien to themselves,” in the words of Leszek Kolakowski, a Polish historian and philosopher who helped bring about the collapse of the Soviet Union.

It’s happening here in the Jewish community as well, albeit less deliberately and ruthlessly.

As we turn away from the Jewish calendar’s reminders to remember; as we abridge, dilute or simply ignore the stories and rituals of our tradition, our unparalleled historical, cultural, and ethical story is fading. As are we. “We learn (our) history not in order to know how to behave or how to succeed,” cautions Kolakowski, “but to know who we are.”

Literature to share Bathsheba, Reluctant Beauty by Angela Hunt. Strongly rooted in the biblical text and historical fact, Hunt’s novel uses Bathsheba’s voice to realistically and powerfully narrate the trajectory of her life, from a rooftop bath to a palace showdown. In just a few Bible verses, Bathsheba is portrayed as beautiful, favored, courageous, clever, and determined, a woman who ultimately influences the course of biblical history through her husband, King David, and their son, Solomon. But what is her story behind the scenes? Those who enjoy well-written midrash style fiction and strong female characters will not be able to put this novel down.

Shimri’s Big Idea: A Story of Ancient Jerusalem by Elka Weber.

Ancient history comes to life in this folk-style tale about a young boy who saves Jerusalem from the invading Assyrians. Inspired by the biblical account of the King Hezekiah — who wanted to protect the city’s water supply and make it more accessible — Big Idea emphasizes the qualities of observation, creativity, and courage, and the power of an individual to make a difference. Targeted to preschool and early elementary ages, this picture book is highly recommended for families, storytime, and preparation for a trip to Israel — which of course must include a trip to Hezekiah’s tunnel.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

Arts&Culture

Is Hunters basically Jewsploitation?

Christopher Saunders

EVENT POSTPONED

Logan Lerman (L) and Al Pacino as Jewish Nazi hunters in Amazon’s Hunters

A JTA editor and a rabbi discuss Amazon’s Nazikilling show.

liners.

The woman who gets gassed in the shower — Gretel, I believe — has some pretty outrageous wallpaper. The piano player in Episode 2 as well. When I picture the Nazi aesthetic, that’s not what

By Gabe Friedman, JTA jumps to mind.

Ah yes, the recording studio. What Spoiler alert: This chat reveals information an odd setting overall. Which could be about the first half of the first season of a good segue into — is this one of the Hunters. stranger shows you’ve seen recently?

Hunters is nothing if not great fodder I would offer a qualified yes. Qualifor armchair debate. fied only by the fact that I watch more Amazon’s new series follows a band of comic book-esque Nazi hunters in late TV than the average bear and a lot of my tastes run towards the weird. But, 1970s New York City who attempt to yes, everything about the show is odd dismantle a network of Nazis trying to — rather extravagantly odd. form a “Fourth Reich” in America. The I interviewed the creator, and one group includes several Jewish characters line he said stuck with me: “If Inglou— including a Holocaust survivor with rious Basterds is one a thick Yiddish accent I also thought it end of the spectrum, played by Al Pacino.

Munich is the other Jewish content was full-on camp. and end of the spectrum, I saturates the show, from think Hunters lives in the constant Holocaust flash- Which begs the backs to gefilte fish jokes, question: Is that middle.”

I can’t help but think raising all sorts of quesconstantly as I watch tions about the represen- an appropriate — that combination is tation of Jews and Jewish way to treat too strange. If he had themes in mainstream Holocaust taken the concept and television. gone more to one end or I chatted with Benmaterial?’ the other, it could have jamin Resnick, a rabbi, worked much better. writer, and avid TV Yes, I think that’s a very fair point. watcher (who also happens to be marTonally speaking it’s pretty much all ried to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency’s over the place. Having said that, I think new editor in chief), about what the I disagree with the creator’s assessment. show is trying to achieve — and whethIt strikes me as much closer to Inglourier it gets there. ous Basterds, in both tone and substance.

Gabe: There’s so much about this If they were going for Munich, I think show to dissect that it’s hard to know where to start. Especially from a Jewish they missed the mark.

For me, an even more apt comparison perspective. is Guillermo del Toro’s The Strain, which Ben: Yes, much to discuss, but before is a Nazi hunter/vampire mashup. we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s start It feels to me like (creator David with the biggest, most obvious question Weil) was genuinely trying to make … What’s with the Nazis’ wallpaper? something as an ode to his grandI haven’t even noticed! Which setmother, who survived Auschwitz and ting are you referring to? Maybe I was distracted by all of the ridiculous oneContinued on next page

Our annual Yom Hashoah Remembrance program is postponed until it is safe for our community to be together to honor our survivors and remember the victims of the Holocaust.

As we are taught to Never Forget, On Yom Hashoah, April 21, please take a moment to remember and say a prayer.

D I NNER 2 02 0

PRESIDEN TS

Keep updated on all things Presidents Dinner at:

Facebook.com/JFedDayton

STAY TUNED!

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

PAGE 27

If you love what we do, help us continue!

We can’t do it without you!

Ad sales and Jewish Federation support only cover a portion of our expenses to bring you The Observer.

BMB

Observer mascot Bark Mitzvah Boy

Printing costs and postage go up.

We need your help to ensure the depth of our coverage doesn’t go down.

Please consider a Voluntary Subscription to The Dayton Jewish Observer.

Yes! I will support

The Dayton Jewish Observer. $18 Subscriber

One-year subscription to The Observer and acknowledgment in The Observer

$100 Angel

One-year subscription, acknowledgment in The Observer and one free three-column holiday greeting ($36 value)

$36 Double Chai

One-year subscription, acknowledgment in The Observer and one free one-column holiday greeting ($12 value)

$250 Guardian Angel

One-year subscription, one-year acknowledgment in The Observer and three free three-column holiday greetings ($108 value)

Fill out your name exactly as you wish it to appear in The Observer

Hunters

But what’s great about those — and particularly Maus — is that they take a beat to really interrogate what they are doing.

Continued from previous page whom he has compared to a superhero.

Do you think the message of Hunters The superhero-comic book themes are is that we should kill Nazis? Because ubiquitous.

I think the show tries very hard to How did you feel as a Jewish person portray the violence as Jewish self-dewatching it? fense, to self-reflexively contrast with It’s a good question, but my initial Inglourious Basterds. reaction, having watched the first three I think that’s right, though I wonepisodes, is that it really doesn’t feel all der about Jonah’s guilt — remember that Jewish to me. the scene where he asks if he can say Yeah — it almost feels “fake” JewKaddish for one of the Nazis they just ish. killed?

It’s the little things they get wrong.

I think that’s the show trying very For instance, Jonah would almost hard to drive home the point I’m positcertainly have called his grandmother ing. I have thoughts on the blaxspoitabubbie and not safta. tion/Jewsploitation angle, too. But go Yes, that’s a whole Amazon on. topic we could go Well, it’s an on about — Hebrew interesting mashup vs. Yiddish in this and it’s also been show. Weil did done before — I’m call her his safta in thinking about The production notes. So Hebrew Hammer and, I can believe that’s of course, Inglourious what he called her.

Basterds.

That’s surprising.

One thing that’s It felt a little like I important to rememwas watching a long ber about blaxploitaminstrel show, but tion movies is that with Jewface rather whatever you think than blackface. of them, they’ve Yes — say more had an enormous about Jewface. impact on both Well, the characblack culture and on ters don’t really read Kate Mulvany as Sister Harriet in Hunters American culture in as all that Jewish to general. They were me — they seem to be an amalgamation also empowering in the sense that black of mostly uninterrogated Jewish stereopeople in this country had seldom been types refracted through the lens of 1970s depicted on screen as heroic before Shaft blaxploitation movies. Which I’m sure is came along. “the point” — I’m just not sure to what But I’m not sure there is a reasonable end. cognate there when it comes to AmeriI also thought it was full-on camp. can Jews.

Which begs the question: Is that an Oh absolutely, I’m not here to judge appropriate way to treat Holocaust the genre. I was really going to commaterial? pare Jewsploitation to it. Because I Maybe we should name-check some think often it fails to live up to the works of art about the Holocaust that good side of blaxpoitation you just have received critical acclaim and mentioned. unanimous approval.

I’m pretty sure that Hunters, whatever It’s interesting because this isn’t the its merits, is not going to be a seminal first time that the superhero and/or moment in American Jewish culture. comic genre has been used to depict I think we can agree on that. Can the Shoah. I’m thinking here of Miwe please get some “good” Jewsploitachael Chabon’s Kavalier and Klay and, tion? Less of the gefilte fish jokes. of course, Art Spiegelman’s magisterial Oh man, those jokes were terrible. I Maus. did laugh at “Gefilte her fish” though.

Buying & Selling Video Games & Systems

Name Address City

Phone

State

Zip

E-mail

(check one) I currently receive The Observer via mail:

Wishing you a Happy Passover

yes no Make checks payable to The Dayton Jewish Observer

Return with payment to: The Dayton Jewish Observer, 525 Versailles Drive, Dayton, OH 45459

Or —

PAGE 28

just pay at our secure site, daytonjewishobserver.org

®

Electronics, Movies, Music & More Mon thru Sat 10 - 9, Sun 12 - 6

1133 Brown St. Dayton • 228-6399 secondtimearound.com THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

A sweet and joyous Passover

Best wishes to all for a Happy Passover Cory & Sharon Lemmon

Our warmest wishes for a joyous Passover

Wishing you lotza’ matza!

Best wishes to all for a Happy Passover

Warm Passover Greetings from Sondra Kulback

Julie, Adam, Noah, Zoe & Oscar Waldman

Our warmest wishes for a joyous Passover

Warm Passover Greetings from Barbara Hollander

Susan & Nathaniel Ritter

Best wishes to all for a Happy Passover

Our warmest wishes for a sweet and joyous Passover Hank & Gail Stern

Henry Guggenheimer & Family

Best wishes to all for a Happy Passover

Judy Woll & Ron Bernard

Warm Passover greetings from Linda Novak

Robert & Vicky Heuman

Best wishes to all for a Happy Passover

A sweet and joyous Passover

Frieda Blum

Tara & Adam Feiner

We wish the Dayton Jewish community a very happy Passover

Best wishes to all for a Happy Passover

A sweet and joyous Passover

Howard, Judy, Daniel, Pam, Michael, Scott, Ellison, Oliver & Henry Abromowitz, Brent, Jill, Daria, Tzipora, Lyla & Vered Gutmann

A sweet and joyous Passover

Your northern neighbors, Cong. Anshe Emeth, Piqua

Steve, Shara, Rachel & Natalie Taylor

Judi & George Grampp

A sweet and joyous Passover

Our warmest wishes for a joyous Passover

Alan D. Gabel, Attorney

Lynda & Alan Cohen

Our warmest wishes for a joyous Passover

Best wishes to all for a Happy Passover

Steven & Penney Fraim

Dena Briskin

Dr. & Mrs. Steven Harlan

Sis & Joe Litvin

A sweet and joyous Passover

Our warmest wishes for a joyous Passover

Wishing all of Dayton Happy Passover

We wish the Dayton Jewish community a very happy Passover

Suzi, Jeff, Amanda, Anna & Joshua Mikutis

Judith & Fred Weber

Linda & Steve Horenstein

Carole & Donald Marger

A sweet and joyous Passover Ann Paddock Our warmest wishes for a joyous Passover Marlene & Terry Pinsky

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

PAGE 29

OBITUARIES Nagi T. Ahmed Nasr, age 79 of Dayton, passed away March 5.

He was born May 20, 1940 in Cairo, Egypt, the son of Hassan and Malaka Ahmed Nasr. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Farnbacher; children, Lelia Jenkins and Nadia (Jason) Saunders; grandchildren, Alana, Adassa, Jacob and Jase; brother, Abdullah and his children Amgad and Mona, and many other relatives in Egypt. He was preceded in death by his parents. Interment was at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens, Tipp City. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Nasr’s memory to Cox Arboretum Foundation, 6733 N. Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449.

Condolences may be sent to the family at zerklefh.com.

Harvey A. Cohen, known as Buddy since he was in high school, died on Feb. 21. Mr.

Cohen passed away peacefully at Hospice of Dayton. He was born in New York City, May 19, 1933. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Lynda A. Cohen.

They relocated to Dayton from New York City in 1965 with their three young children. He always said moving to Dayton was a great decision. The couple enjoyed a wonderful life in Dayton. Mr. Cohen was a great storyteller. He loved sharing his many jokes and stories with family and friends.

He was a Master Gardner who took great pride in his beautiful landscape he created, an avid tennis player and also the league organizer, and in fact was the organizer of the cardiac group luncheons and hospice support group luncheons in which he participated. Master Gardner relished telling every health care provider he met

Happy Passover.

Our Family Serving Your Family For More Than 90 Years

that he and his wife had three children, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

“We populated the world,” he would say with joy. Mr. Cohen was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Sarah Cohen, and his wife, Lynda.

He is survived by his children, Janice and Ken Krochmal, Leslie Cohen Zukowsky, and David Cohen. He was “Papa” to Josh and Natasha Krochmal and their children Ariella, Eli, Leah, and Benzi, Seth and Alisa Krochmal and this son Ruben, Ethan Krochmal, Ami and Franky Zukowsky and their children Ayden, Yonah, Romy, Shai Zukowsky, Sarit and Chanan Margolis, Matthew and Katy Cohen and their daughter Molly, and Andrew Cohen and Isaac Cohen. Interment was at Beth Abraham Cemetery.

Donations may be made in his memory to Hospice of Dayton or Beth Abraham Synagogue.

Green; his daughter Laura (David Moore), daughter Jan (Kevin Boylan), son David (Elizabeth), son Robert (Theresa); his grandchildren David (Emily), Matthew M., Patrick (Millena), Jenny Sarah (Justin), Christina (Jim), and Matthew G; and four greatgrandchildren. Mr. Green was a graduate of The Ohio State University School of Engineering. He was an active member of Temple Israel.

He had a lifelong interest in planes. He owned and flew a Piper Cub airplane by the age of 13. He was interested in traveling and spending time with his many good friends.

His true passion, however, was his family. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Dayton or a charity of your choosing.

Pesach in a pandemic

Continued from Page Nine Rapaport, who runs the Masbia network of soup kitchens in New York City. Masbia hosts two seders every year for the needy, usually drawing around 40 people per night.

Rapaport stressed that because many observant Jews having little trouble finding an invitation to a family or communal seder, those who come to a Masbia seder truly have nowhere else to go.

“We are hoping for the best and we will definitely follow the Health Department guidelines on how to operate a seder — spread out the seating, limit capacity,” he said. “It depends how severe it will be. I hope we don’t have to cancel.”

Others now face the unusual prospect of conducting the communal meal alone. Efrem Epstein, who lives alone in Manhattan, planned to join with Anita Carol DeMarco Wilson, friends or family, or a syna77, passed away peacefully gogue, for the seders. Now he’s March 14. She was born Aug. Patricia Dorothy Epstein, age wondering whether he’ll end up 8, 1942 in Philadelphia. She 77 of Dayton, passed away hiding the afikomen and finding especially enjoyed expressing peacefully Feb. 26. She was it himself. her creativity through painting born July 26, 1942 to the late “Throughout the Haggadah, and photography, often inspired Katherine and Zimmel Miller. we read about many accounts Mrs. Epstein is survived by her by her family, her travels, of our ancestors, whether it be and her beloved Siesta Key. loving husband of 55 years, in Egypt or whether it be hiding A vocal advocate for equality Morton Epstein; children Amy in caves or any other times, that for all, including women’s Epstein and Joseph Epstein; are going through some very grandchildren Sarah and James; reproductive rights, she challenging times,” Epstein pursued systemic change and great-grandchildren, Abel and said. “I’m an extrovert. I like her actions were instructive Wyatt; sisters Debra (Harry) being around people, but I also to those around her to fight Vignocchi and Kathy (Arthur) know that there are sources saywith integrity for their beliefs.

Hahn. Mrs. Epstein was a little ing that if one is doing seder by Anita was a proud and loving woman who was a giant when mother and grandmother and is themselves, they should ask the she stood on her talents. She was known for her kindness to survived by her children, Shawn Mah Nishtana of themselves.

If that’s what I have to do this (Giselle) Wilson, Jenifer (Joe) others, her incredible sense of year, I accept it.”

Mader, and Rachel (Aurelian) humor, and her fabulous eye If people are limited to small Oprea, and her grandchildren, for design. She will be missed or virtual seders on the first Daniela, Andrea, Sarah, Max, terribly! Interment was at Beth nights of Passover, they might Sam, and Hannah. Donations Abraham Cemetery. have a kind of second chance, can be made to Hospice of said Uri Allen, associate rabbi of Dayton, hospiceofdayton.org, Donald R. Green died Feb. 26.

Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn, or to Pancreatic Cancer Action He is survived by his loving N.Y. Network, pancan.org. wife of 64 years, Sally (Vezina) Allen is in a group of rabbis pondering the renewed relevance of Pesach Sheni, literally Second Passover, a day that comes exactly a month after the first day of Passover.

In ancient times, Pesach Sheni was a second chance to make LICKLER the paschal sacrifice for those who had been unable to on the UNERAL holiday itself.

Allen said that in any event, OME Jews should have a seder on the first night of Passover. But & REMATION if they are looking for a chance to make a communal seder with ERVICE friends or family, then depending on the coronavirus’ spread, Larry S. Glickler, Director they might be able to do so on Dayton’s ONLY Jewish Funeral Director Pesach Sheni — without the 1849 Salem Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45406-4927 blessings or dietary restrictions.

(937) 278-4287 lgfuneralhome@gmail.com

Wishing You Happy Passover.

Funeral Homes, Inc.

Pre-need Arrangements Pre-paid Funeral Trusts Cremation Services • Transfers North Main Chapel 1706 N. Main Street

Huber Heights Chapel 5844 Old Troy Pike

For Both Locations Call 937-275-7434 PAGE 30

G F H C S

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

Thank You, Hillel Academy Donors Your generosity is planting the seeds of Jewish engagement, values and traditions.

Life & Legacy Donors Anonymous Elaine & Matthew Arnovitz Amy Bloom Lisa Blum Jeff Blumer Molly Blumer Larry Burick Patty & Mike Caruso Rabbi Judy Chessin Ted Cooper Bruce & Debbie Feldman Cathy Gardner Shirlee Gilbert Rachel Haug Gilbert Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg & Hazzan Jenna Greenberg Danny Glaser Lois Gross

Jonathan Hakim Steve Harlan David & Susan Joffe Marc Katz & Julie Liss-Katz Sarah Moore Leventhal Rabbi Nochum Mangel David & Joan Marcus Irvin Moscowitz Bernie & Carole (z”l) Rabinowitz Lee Schear Patti Schear Andrew Schwartz Pamela Schwartz Rabbi Levi Simon Joel Vandersluis Marci Vandersluis Mary Rita Weissman Norm Weissman

Scholarship Fund Leader Sinai Scholars Foundation 2019-20 Major Contributors Dr. Joshua & Mrs. Julie Atkin Claudia Birch & Allan Spetter Dr. Michael & Amy Bloom Larry & Cindy Burick Rich & Susan Davis Dr. & Mrs. Kim Goldenberg Drs. Brad & Cassie Jacobs Shari Jacobs Steve & Rachel Jacobs Larry & Marilyn Klaben Amy Munich Pamela & Andrew Schwartz

daytonhillel.org • 937.277.8966 • dkmecoli@daytonhillel.org THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • APRIL 2020

PAGE 31

To a Beautiful Passover.

3100 Far Hills Avenue x 937-298-0171 www.JAMESFREE.com