The Dayton Jewish Observer, May 2016

Talk of giving back Golan a thing of the past

p. 8 May 2016 Nisan/Iyar 5776 Vol. 20, No. 9

Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton

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

Memories of Meadowbrook

Women of Wall dir. hopeful

3

Women of the Wall Exec.

Dir. Lesley Sachs

Ukraine’s first Jewish premier Wikimedia Commons

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DAYTON Dayton BBYO alumni reunion

Dayton BBYO alumni will come together for a reunion, June 23-26, coordinated by Leslie Goldberg Zimmer and Sally Chasman.

Participants will gather on Friday evening, June 24 at the Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture and Education, 525 Versailles Dr. in Centerville, for a Shabbat dinner and program, as well as a dance and memorabilia display on Saturday, June 25.

On Sunday, June 26 at 1 p.m., alumni will meet at the former JCC pool, on the campus of United Theological Seminary, 4501 Denlinger Rd. in Trotwood. Food Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop trucks will be available at the pool. *$50 gift card per month for 12 months Friendship circles will be held at the Offered by the Area Agency on Aging, PSA 2 end of all events. Alumni from all years Learn to better self-manage your health! are invited, and current Dayton and Columbus BBYOers will join the reunion Six Wednesdays, June 1-July 6, 1-3 p.m. too.

At Friendship Village in the Convocation Room For more information and to help Free for participants 60+ locate missing alumni for the reunion, Retirement Communitycontact Leslie Goldberg Zimmer at 310• Strategies to deal with stress, fatigue, pain, weight management 625-1833 or butterfly_hope@hotmail.

5790 Denlinger Road • Dayton, OH 45426 • 937-837-5581 ext. 269 or 277 • www.fvdayton.com and depression. com, or go to the Facebook group, Day“The Friendliest Place On Earth” ton BBYO Alumni Reunion.

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You’re Invited

Join us for our traditional Shabbat dinner with all your favorites Program led by Joe Bettman

Friday, May 27, 5:15 p.m.

In The Atrium Dining Room Friday Night Shabbat is $10 per person.

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

Join our Diabetic Support Group Tuesday, May 10, 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. (2nd Tuesday each mo.) with Gem City Home Care Certified Diabetes Educator Mara Lamb.

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

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

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

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

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

The Dayton Area Yom Hashoah Observance: A Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Holocaust, will be held on Sunday, May 1 at 4 p.m. at Temple Israel, 130 Riverside Dr. in Dayton.

Conrad Weiner, a survivor who lives in Cincinnati, will talk about his childhood in a Nazi labor camp as part of the program, which will also honor the student winners of the annual Max May and Lydia May Memorial Holocaust Art and Writing Contest.

Works from the art contest will be on display beginning at 3 p.m. The observance is sponsored by the Yom Hashoah Committee, a project of the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council and the Holocaust Committee.

For more information, call Jodi Phares at the Jewish Federation, at 610-1555.

Beth Abraham Mother’s Day brunch Beth Abraham Synagogue Men’s Club will present its annual complimentary Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday, May 8 at 10 a.m., including musical entertainment. R.S.V.P. by May 5 to 293-9520.

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Tell them you saw it in The Observer.

Jewish War Veterans Post 587 is seeking volunteers to help place American flags at the graves of Jewish veterans for Memorial Day weekend. JWV will place flags at Beth Jacob Cemetery and Temple Beth Or’s section at David’s Cemetery on Friday, May 27 at 10 a.m., and at Beth Abraham Cemetery and Riverview Cemetery (Temple Israel) on Sunday, May 29 at 10 a.m.

JWV maintains a list of Jewish veterans buried at those cemeteries and places a metal flag holder beside each veteran’s grave. The holders help JWV to quickly find veterans’ graves. To have a flag holder placed at the grave of a Jewish veteran in time for Memorial Day, call Post Commander Steve Markman at 886-9566.

Israel Independence Day Celebration Israeli singer Avi Dayan will perform at the Community Israel Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, May 12 at the Boonshoft CJCE from 5:30-8 p.m. The program will include an olive oil tasting, Israeli dancing, and kosher Israeli food available for purchase from Bernstein’s Fine Catering. Admission is free. For more information, call 610-1555.

Lag B’Omer BBQ & Dragons with Chabad Chabad of Greater Dayton will host a barbecue dinner on Lag B’Omer — Thursday, May 26 at 5:30 p.m. — at Mendelson’s Liquidation Outlet, 340 E. First St., across from 5/3 Field, followed by a Dragons game. The cost is $18 adults, $14 children for dinner and a stadium seat ticket. R.S.V.P. to chabaddayton.com or call 643-0770 ext. 1.

Israeli kiddush lunch at Temple Israel Temple Israel will host a free kiddush lunch with Middle Eastern and Israeli cuisine following Shabbat services on Saturday, May 21 at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call the temple at 496-0050.

Mourning rituals class

Rabbinic Intern Tina Sabo will lead the class, The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning, on Saturday, May 7 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Temple Anshe Emeth, 320 Caldwell St. in Piqua. R.S.V.P. to Eileen Litchfield, at 937-623-7234.

IN THIS ISSUE

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Yom Hashoah Observance

JWV to place flags at graves for Memorial Day

Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 Monday thru Friday The Coffee House is located just inside the Atrium entrance at Door 18. Watch

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

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Wo r l d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

DAYTON

‘You here have made a difference’ Women of the Wall exec. dir. hopeful for progress on Knesset legislation for egalitarian worship plaza at Western Wall

By Marshall Weiss expand an egalitarian secThe Observer tion of the Wall at RobinEach month, Women son’s Arch. of the Wall Executive In January, the Knesset Director Lesley Sachs says approved this compromise she must think of a new, agreement, which would creative way to smuggle a bring the Women of the Torah scroll into the womWall to a new egalitaren’s section at the Western ian plaza, and would also Wall — Judaism’s holiest include divided space for site — in Jerusalem. modern Orthodox women “Last month, we used to conduct their own a baby carriage,” she told prayer services. a gathering at Dayton’s But on April 3, Israel’s Temple Israel on the evesupreme court gave the ning of April 13. “But this government an additional is not the way it should three months to reevaluate be.” the egalitarian prayer plan For 27 years, Women of for the Wall. the Wall has come togeth“Immediately after the er in the women’s sec(Knesset) vote, the ultration at the Kotel (Western Orthodox (haredi) started Wall) for a service at the Women of the Wall Exec. Dir. Lesley Sachs gives a huge battle against the beginning of each Jewish an update on the Israeli NGO at Temple Israel Reform movement, the month with the aim of seConservative movement curing four rights there: to wear Torahs for their readings at the and this agreement,” Sachs says.

Wall. prayer shawls, pray out loud, “Netanyahu is trying to buy “But that ruling of that judge, time now. He set up another wear tefillin, and read from the together with tremendous Torah. committee to try and work out pressure from people here, These prohibitions for womthe differences in 60 days. And women and men in America en stem from Israel’s operation Natan Sharansky, the head of who are saying this is unaccept- the Jewish Agency; Jerry Silverof the Kotel under the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, part able, (and) with this mounting man, the head of the (Jewish) of the haredi Orthodox religious pressure on (Prime Minister) federations; Rick Jacobs, the Netanyahu, he decides to do establishment. head of the Reform movement; In 2013, a district court ruled something that’s never been and Julie Schonfeld, the head done before,” Sachs says in her that Women of the Wall is free of the Conservative movement; update. to express those four rights in are standing strong behind Three years ago, Netanyahu the women’s section, since the this agreement. We are saying: brought together representagovernment of Israel had not Prime Minister Netanyahu, you tives of the Reform and Conser- made a promise. Your governcreated an alternative place for vative movements, the Heritage ment voted on it. We demand them to pray.

Foundation, Women of the Wall, that this happen. We want our Even so, a legal loophole alJewish Agency, and Jewish lows the Heritage Foundation place at the Kotel.” to prohibit the women access to Federations of North America to Continued on next page

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From the editor’s desk

As the saying goes, the Jewish holidays always come early or late, but never on time. This being a “late” year, May is loaded. We begin with Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaziMarshall karon (Memorial Day in Israel), Weiss and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day in Israel). Then we celebrate Lag B’Omer, the 33rd day of counting the Omer, the period between Passover and Shavuot. We complete the month honoring those who sacrificed for our freedoms, on U.S. Memorial Day. But we can’t ever forget one of the most Jewish of holidays, Mother’s Day. I can still hear my mother telling me as a youngster: “You can forget my birthday, but don’t ever forget Mother’s Day!” Not that I would dare forget her birthday. She’d leave messages with my roommates when I wasn’t in the dorm that went something like, “let him know he still has a mother.” When I did answer the phone, she’d begin with, “this is your mother.” She always did that, with a kind of wink in her voice, until she departed this earth. Mom — this is your son. I still don’t forget you on Mother’s Day.

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

PAGE 3

DAYTON

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Continued from previous page According to Sachs, the plan for the egalitarian plaza calls for the government to fund its construction, operations, and maintenance; for representatives from Women of the Wall, and the Reform and Masorti (Conservative) movements in Israel to oversee its operations; and for the plaza to be in plain sight of visitors to the Kotel.

She says the Women of the Wall board — comprising modern Orthodox, Conservative and Reform women — deliberated carefully before agreeing to join Netanyahu’s negotiations in 2013.

“We decided to enter negotiations for a new plaza for two main reasons: The first was, if it hadn’t been brought (to us), the government of Israel would have made that (egalitarian) section, but not at all what we would have wanted, and of course they would have sent us there.

“The second reason we joined was that we are feminists, and we believe that if there is an alternative section that is dignified, the ultra-Orthodox women — who don’t want us — have the right to pray without us.”

Sachs adds that when the Women of the Wall board voted to join the negotiations, two board members voted against it. One accepted the majority vote, the other left and said she would fight it all the way.

Should the agreement get back on track, Sachs estimates it will take up to two-and-a-half years to complete the egalitarian plaza construction.

“Until it’s finished, we are not moving. We are in the women’s section, all of us. They should be wanting to get rid of us soon.”

To up the ante, Sachs said Women of the Wall will hold its first women’s priestly blessing service in the women’s section a day before the priestly blessings in the men’s section on Passover.

As much as the Women of the Wall issue elicits strong reactions among American Jews, it barely registers on the radar for Israeli Jews. According to a survey released April 13 by Hiddush — an Israeli organization that aims to advance religious pluralism — only three percent of Israeli Jewish respondents see the debate over prayer arrangements at the Kotel as their most important religious priority.

Even so, Sachs cites the support among Israel’s modern Orthodox and secular women.

“Modern Orthodox women are finding their halachic (Jewish legal) groundings. They want to assume a more central place in their community,” she says. “And they read Torah in women’s groups. They say that we are strengthening them. And then you have secular women who are, maybe, feminists. They are just appalled at the way we are treated. They see us as women who are fighting against excluding women in a public place. Feminism in Israel came from North America. We didn’t know anything.”

“I need to say strongly that you here have made a difference,” she says. “The (former) ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, told Anat Hoffman, our chairperson, and myself that he approached Benjamin Netanyahu in 2013 when he made that decision to sit with us.”

Sachs says Oren told Netanyahu that the prime minister was losing North American Jewry over the issue of Women of the Wall.

“It’s coming from here, that important lesson on gender equality, on freedom of religion,” Sachs says. “It is such a gift that you are bestowing on us, this wonderful thing that is happening in Israeli democracy and religion. Thanks to you.”

Editor and Publisher Marshall Weiss MWeiss@jfgd.net 937-853-0372 Contributors Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin Jon Freeman Rachel Haug Gilbert Marc Katz Candace R. Kwiatek Mark Mietkiewicz Advertising Sales Executive Patty Caruso, plhc69@gmail.com Proofreaders Karen Bressler, Rachel Haug Gilbert, Joan Knoll, Pamela Schwartz Billing Jeri Kay Eldeen, JEldeen@jfgd.net 937-853-0372 Observer Advisor Martin Gottlieb Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton Judy Abromowitz President David Pierce President Elect Melinda Doner Vice Pres.

Mary Rita Weissman Vice Pres.

Bruce Feldman Vice Pres.

Cathy Gardner CEO The Dayton Jewish Observer, Vol. 20, No. 9. The Dayton Jewish Observer is published monthly by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton, a nonprofit corporation, 525 Versailles Dr., Dayton, OH 45459.

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

DAYTON

Turner: removal of Bible from Wright-Patt POW/MIA Missing Man display is censorship ‘Absurd,’ says Military Religious Freedom Foundation’s Weinstein.

‘We are a secular republic. We are not a Christian nation.’

By Marshall Weiss The Observer The symbolism and rituals associated with the Missing Man Table in remembrance of POW/MIAs are nearly as intricate as those of a Passover Seder.

In military dining facilities and at special military meals, a round table is set with a white cloth, sometimes with one empty chair, sometimes with six. It is set with a single red rose, a yellow ribbon wrapped around its vase.

Each aspect of the table setting stands for something; meal participants recite wording from an honor ceremony prepared by the National League of POW/MIA Families.

The ceremony explains the meaning of each symbol. For example, the slice of lemon on the bread plate represents the bitter fate of the missing. Salt on the bread plate represents the tears families shed as they wait for their loved ones.

There’s an inverted glass, a lighted candle. And sometimes, as indicated in the ceremony script, a Bible.

“The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain us and those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God,” the ceremony script reads.

It’s no wonder the inclusion or exclusion of the Christian Bible on the Missing Man Table elicits strong emotional responses among military personnel, veterans, and families of POW/ MIAs. When Wright-Patterson Installation Commander Col. John M. Devillier decided to remove the Bible from the Missing Man Table at the Wright-Patterson Medical Center dining facility in April, U.S. Rep. Mike Turner blasted it as an act of “censorship.”

“It is simply unacceptable that WPAFB personnel removed the Bible from the display, and I am concerned that similar efforts to restrict religious freedom may be made at other military installations,” Turner wrote in an April 13 letter to Gen. Ellen M. Pawlikowski, head of Air Force Materiel Com-

mand at the base.

Turner wrote that he was greatly concerned that the decision “may reflect a policy implementation at WPAFB that could put at risk many of the artifacts currently on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.”

The Air Force’s decision MRFF President U.S. Rep. Mike to remove the Bible from the Mikey Weinstein Turner Wright-Patt table display — as well as from table displays tion of church and state — is a at four Air Force installations key aspect of that,” Weinstein across the United States so far added. “That doesn’t apply to this year — came about through private expressions. But this pressure from the Military isn’t about privacy. This is the Religious Freedom Foundation government we’re dealing with.

(MRFF).

We are a secular republic. We Mikey Weinstein, founder are not a Christian nation.” and president of the AlbuquerIn a statement reported by the que-based MRFF, said he had Dayton Daily News on April 13, received complaints from 31 Air Force Materiel Command individuals about the WrightSpokesman Ron Fry wrote Patt display. that the command and the Air Of those, he said 10 were Force “place a high value of its Christians: Protestants and Romembers to observe the tenets man Catholics. of their respective religion or no “We had Jewish veterans, we religion at all.” had Islamic veterans, Hindu, we Language in the statement had agnostic, atheistic,” Weinwent on to mirror Air Force stein said of the others who con- Instruction 1-1, Section 2.12: tacted him about Wright-Patt.

“Our leaders and personnel are “They did the right thing there,” Weinstein said of the base. “By putting one particular religion’s book in such a solemn display, that is endorsing it, and that is simply not allowed by our Supreme Court, it’s not allowed by the Department of Defense instructions and directives.”

encouraged to accommodate the free exercise of religion and other personal beliefs, including freedom of expression unless it has an adverse impact on mission accomplishment. Air Force leaders must carefully balance constitutional protections of individuals’ free exercise of religion or other personal beliefs with the constitutional separation of church and state. They must ensure their actions cannot reasonably be construed to officially endorse, disapprove of, or extend preferential treatment to any faith or absence of faith.”

The Observer asked Turner, through his communications director, if the presence of only one religious book, the Bible, excluded numerous other religious beliefs — and non-belief

— held by non-Christian POW/ MIAs, their families, and current military personnel.

‘Not an official WPAFB display’

Turner responded with a statement on April 15: “The display in question was not an official WPAFB display. This is not a question of inclusion or exclusion. It is an issue of censorship. The First Amendment is a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution, and it should not be misinterpreted to allow these attacks on our freedom of religion. Our Government has an obligation to protect freedom of speech and freedom of religion — not censor it.”

Weinstein said Turner’s response was “nonsensical Continued on Page Seven

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Violation of regulation

Weinstein said that to keep the Bible as the sole religious book on Air Force table displays is a violation of Air Force Instruction 1-1, Section 2.12, which reads that Air Force leaders at all levels “must ensure that their words and actions cannot reasonably be construed to be officially endorsing or disapproving of or extending preferential treatment for any faith, belief, or absence of belief.”

He said the MRFF pushed hard in 2014 for the Air Force to put that regulation in place.

“It’s fine if people want to have private displays, because the First Amendment of the United States — the separa-

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

PAGE 5

THE REGION

Columbus, Israeli embassy rally around eatery owner

By Tami Kamin Meyer Cleveland Jewish News GAHANNA, Ohio – Life has changed profoundly for Hany Baransi since Feb. 11, when Mohamed Barry attacked diners with a machete and a knife in the Nazareth Restaurant and Deli, a Mediterranean eatery Baransi owns in this Columbus suburb.

The four people wounded — one critically — have been released from area hospitals.

Barry, who yelled Allahu Akbar (the Islamic phrase in Arabic meaning God is greatest) just he attacked, was shot dead by local police after making a getaway that night.

Baransi’s restaurant is doing well, though he is struggling with debt. And it sports a major new accessory: a large Israeli flag, straight from the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. Baransi, 50, an Israeli-born Christian Arab from Haifa, came to the United States in 1983 “to pursue the American dream,” he said. “I didn’t know what to expect from life at that time.”

He lived in San Francisco

He even plans to host a Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration at the restaurant in May.

Tami Kamin Meyer

“He wanted to say how proud he was of me,” said Baransi.

Baransi had initiated expansion plans for the eatery about a month earlier, with a grand reopening set for late February.

He said Dermer was going to try to come, but couldn’t.

Then The Israel Project invited Baransi to speak at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference in March, when some 18,000 Jews gathered in Washington, D.C. When Dermer learned Baransi would attend Hany Baransi (L) and Rabbi Misha Zinkow of Temple Israel in Columbus at AIPAC, he made plans Nazareth Restaurant and Deli in Gahanna. They hold an Israeli flag given to to meet him at the Israeli Baransi by Israeli Amb. to the U.S. Ron Dermer. Baransi also holds the bat one embassy, where he gave of his employees used to scare a machete attacker from his restaurant.

Baransi the new Israeli ernment.” flag, now so prominently disKiddush, and share a meal.

Baransi is still angry with played at the Nazareth.

“It was a great gesture of the government officials, including members of the congregation “As proud as you are of Israel, Israel is even more proud the FBI, saying they have yet to express their support and to call the incident a “terrorist of you,” Dermer said when he solidarity with Hany after the attack.” gave Baransi the embassy flag. terrorist incident,” Zinkow said.

“Before the incident, I was Baransi also made history as The rabbi said he believes the the first civilian unrelated to the drawing a paycheck. Now I had attack was terrorist in nature to borrow money to finish the embassy to raise the flag. because “the assailant had been expansion. I am broke,” he said. in the restaurant (earlier that “I am honored he took the Baransi said he not only feels evening) to inquire about the time to meet with me,” Baransi neglected by government lead- owner’s religious background. said of Dermer. “The support ership: members of his family he gave me was amazing and He left and came back. Maybe have ostracized him. it was support I have yet to it was a hate crime, but it ap“I have cousins in Texas and peared to me as terrorism.” receive from the American govMichigan who don’t talk to me JTA reported that police said because I am on the Israeli side the attacker had asked a worker and they are on the Palestinian at the establishment where the side,” he said. owner was from originally.

Meanwhile, his restaurant is Alan Rosen attended the thriving. pop-up Shabbat and concurred In 1989, when it opened, he with the rabbi’s characterizafed a handful. These days, sev- tion. eral hundred diners show their “I am here to support Hany, a love for Mediterranean food at true Zionist, after his restaurant the Nazareth. suffered a terrorist attack,” he Rabbi Misha Zinkow, senior said. Rosen said he is amazed rabbi at Temple Israel, was sad- Baransi has not received a word dened when he learned of the of support from any governevent at the restaurant. mental official.

As spiritual leader of a large Baransi has established a Reform congregation in Colum- fund-raising account at gofundbus, he had been promoting the me.com. He said he paid emconcept of “pop-up Shabbat” ployees the month the restauprograms at unusual venues in rant was closed after the attack central Ohio. because he knows most live Within days of the Feb. 11 paycheck to paycheck. Now, he attack, Zinkow visited the resis deep in debt and isn’t sure he taurant to offer Baransi support. has the will to continue operatPlanning a pop-up Shabbat ing the eatery. dinner and brief prayer service At the same time, when peoat the eatery were natural fits ple walk up to Baransi, his face with his vision to bring Judaism lights up with the deep love to where people congregate, he and gratitude he feels for all said. the support. He even plans to So, on March 25, Zinkow and host a Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel 55 congregants gathered at the Independence Day) celebration Nazareth to share challah, say at the restaurant in May. GREATER DAYTON

and Texas before he made Columbus his home in 1987. He sold cars for a local dealership for 18 months, and opened the Nazareth in July 1989.

Baransi has never made a secret of his love for Israel, his homeland. A small Israeli flag has always been on display in his eatery.

Since the incident, that flag has been attached to the eatery’s front door. Inside is a new, larger Israeli flag Baransi received from the state of Israel.

Before Feb.11, Baransi never dreamed he would meet Ron Dermer, Israel’s ambassador to the United States.

In the days following the attack, Baransi’s cell phone virtually burst with calls and texts from all over the world. Notes of support lined the outside of the Nazareth, and affectionate customers waited anxiously to return to the restaurant and support Baransi.

Immediately after the incident, Dermer’s office reached out to Baransi to tell him the ambassador wanted to speak with him. They talked 10 days later.

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Jewish Family Services JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES of PAGE 6

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

DAYTON

Bible Continued from Page Five

Concern in Jewish community

ligious extremism and antisemitism,” she said, “we may consider allying with our likeAcross the region’s Jewish and not only illogical, but it’s minded friends of other faiths, community, there is a range of another example of what we opinions on the issue, and some rather than alienating them.” call fundamentalist ChrisCathy F. Heldman, regional ambivalence as well. tian supremacy and primacy.

“The First Amendment poses director of the American Jewish Anything that happens there (at a dilemma for American Jews,” Committee Cincinnati Office, Wright-Patt), the responsibilnoted that since the Missing said Temple Beth Or Senior ity belongs to the government, Man Table at Wright-Patt apRabbi Judy Chessin. “Since it in this case, the Department of prohibits the government from pears to be a government disDefense.” play, the government is entitled establishing a religion, most Weinstein cited the U.S. Suto determine its content.

Jews support separation of preme Court’s ruling in Parker “Merely removing a Bible is religion and state with regard to v Levy (1974) as a counter to surely a permissible decision by public displays. We are disthe censorship argument. The the government to steer clear of turbed by such displays which ruling states that “speech that is include religious symbols that any suggestion of religious faprotected in the civil population are not inclusive of all faiths.” voritism,” Heldman explained. may nonetheless undermine “It’s not certain that the governOn the other hand, she adds the effectiveness of response to the First Amendment also ment needed to do so, but it ofcommand. If it does, it is consti- allows citizens’ free exercise fends no constitutional value by tutionally unprotected.” doing so. We trust no one sees of their religion as long as the “We had 31 people come to this decision as an expression practice doesn’t interfere with us at Wright-Patt,” Weinstein of hostility to religion — just a public morals or a compelling said. “And they’re too afraid to government interest. commitment by government to go up their chain of command avoid the religious fray.”

“Does the representation of for fear — very wisely — of “Displays like that,” Weinthe same Bible (which includes reprisal, retribution.” stein said, “should honor and our own Hebrew scriptures) Turner declined to respond to that generated American values bring people together and not The Observer’s request to detail divide them. This is causing and inspired those protecting which artifacts on exhibit at wounds in a place that is supour nation truly threaten our the Air Force Museum could security as Jewish Americans?” posed to be healing. And it was be at risk because of the Bible’s wrong. They did the right thing Chessin also cited changing removal from the Wright-Patt there, and we’re very happy world conditions as a factor.

Medical Center Display. that they did.”

“With the increase of re-

In March, Chabad of Greater Dayton led a trip to Israel. Shown here at the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron (L to R): David and Becky Rittner, Rabbi Nochum Mangel, Dr. Mike Bloom, Amy Munich, Amy Bloom, and Dr. Ed Sperber. Not pictured: Devorah Mangel.

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

PAGE 7

THE WORLD

Talk of giving back the Golan is a thing of the past

By Ben Sales, JTA JERUSALEM — During the five-plus years of Syria’s civil war, Israel has striven to stay neutral — supporting neither the government of President Bashar Assad nor the rebels, and certainly not the Islamic State.

But on one issue, senior Israeli politicians have taken sides: Israel keeping the Golan Heights.

Facing reports of an international call for Israel to leave the territory as part of a settlement of the Syrian crisis, the Israeli Cabinet met April 17 on the Golan. The unprecedented meeting aimed to demonstrate that Israel’s 21,000 citizens in the heights — in addition to some 20,000 Druze residents —

weren’t going anywhere.

“The Golan Heights will forever remain in Israel’s hands,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the meeting in Katzrin, the Golan city 120 miles from Jerusalem. “Israel will never come down from the Golan Heights.”

It wasn’t so long ago that the heights, which Israel conquered from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War, were up for negotiation.

Israel annexed the mountainous strip of land on its northeast corner in 1981, a move the international community has never recognized. But until the Syrian civil war began in 2011, rumors had frequently abounded that it would be returned as part of an

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Effi Sharir/Pool/Flash90

Speaking last June at Israel-Syria peace deal. the Herzliya Conference, Israel had already Israel’s premier defense signed treaties with gathering, pro-settler Egypt in 1979 and Jewish Home Chairman Jordan in 1994. As Naftali Bennett called Israel and the Palestinfor Israel to quintuple ians flirted with a final the Golan’s Jewish accord in the 1990s, Ispopulation to 100,000 raelis wondered if peace within five years. with Syria, their last “Whom should we major Arab adversary, give the Golan to, to was also in the offing. al-Nusra? To al-Qaida?”

Prime Minister Yitzchak he asked at the conferRabin declared at a 1994 ence, referring to terror Cabinet meeting that groups in Syria. “Why he would be willing to do they still not recogagree to a phased with- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at an unprecedented weekly Cabinet meeting held on the nize the Golan? What’s drawal from the Golan Golan Heights, April 17 the reasoning? If we had Heights in exchange listened to the world, we would for full peace and normalizaplaying the slogan “the nation have given away the Golan, and tion. But those talks — as well with the Golan” freckled cars, ISIS would have been on the Sea as subsequent rounds through lampposts and public spaces. of Galilee.”

2000 and again in 2008 — went In 2008, a poll showed that 59 While a population surge is nowhere due to enduring gaps percent of Israelis opposed givin the two sides’ positions. ing back the Golan, with only 25 unlikely, Israel’s Cabinet voted As with the Palestinian nego- percent supporting withdrawal. April 17 to devote additional funds to the Golan as a show tiations, Israelis who opposed As Syria’s war has become of permanence there. Through withdrawal from the heights more complex, opponents of 2018, Israel will spend an admounted a vigorous public pro- withdrawal claim vindication. test campaign. They argued the Some on the right have drawn a ditional $2.3 million on culture, energy efficiency and preservaGolan was an essential strategic link between returning the Gotion of historical sites in the asset that Israel couldn’t cede. lan and withdrawing from the For years, bumper stickers disWest Bank, calling both foolish. area.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

THE WORLD

KEVIN A. BRESSLER, CFP®, MBA Financial Advisor CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner

In Ukraine, a Jewish wunderkind is tapped to be prime minister Wikimedia Commons extremely difficult condition,

By Cnaan Liphshiz, JTA that the government has a VINNYTSIA, Ukraine huge responsibility and the — Like many Ukrainian challenges it faces are simply mayors, Vlodymir Groysenormous,” Groysman said man used to visit his local April 13 of Ukraine’s $17 bilsynagogue on Rosh Hashalion debt to the International nah and Chanukah.

Monetary Fund, a financial But unlike most of them crisis that has halved the Groysman, the former national currency’s value mayor of Vinnytsia, did against the dollar and the not visit the synagogue as conflict with Russia. “I also a political gesture. He was know that with Ukrainian going in his private capacity citizens’ support, we’ll strive as a member of his central to end the crisis.”

Ukraine city’s Jewish comHorowitz is among those munity. who believe Groysman will Groysman's Jewishness is succeed where others have not very unusual, even for a failed. The rabbi points to mayor and senior politician Groysman's record as mayor in Ukraine, where 360,000 in his native Vinnytsia.

Jews live. But his openness “He’s a man of action who about it was not customdoesn’t talk too much but ary in a country where Vlodymir Groysman, Ukraine's first openly gets a lot done,” Horowitz antisemitism and decades Jewish prime minister and, at 38, the said. of Communist repression youngest person to hold the post When Groysman, a once made it undesirable lawyer with a background in for politicians to be seen as too absence of serious anti-semibusiness, became mayor in 2006 Jewish, said the local rabbi, tism in Ukraine. Russia regu— at 28 he was the country’s Shaul Horowitz. larly points to the country's alyoungest mayor ever — “the Last year, his reputation as leged antisemitism to justify its an honest and effective adminconflict with Ukraine, including place looked like a Third World city,” Horowitz recalled. istrator earned Groysman the the annexation of Crimea.

“The roads were (in) disretitle of speaker of the Ukrainian “Clearly, Groysman’s nomipair, there were no street lights, parliament. nation shows the opposite,” fires broke out regularly,” he On April 14, he was appoint- Zissels said of the claims. said. ed prime minister by PresiGroysman's nomination on R Ewhich S TA U RA N T the resignaContinued on next page dent Petro Poroshenko, April 11 followed makes him the first openly Jew- tion a day earlier of Arseniy The perfectYatsenyuk place over forhis seeming ish person to hold the country's second highest your post and,graduation at 38, failure toparty. fight corruption and the youngest person to have implement economic restructhe Large job. turing measures.

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

PAGE 9

OPINION

LETTER

You should be scared of Islamophobia He’s an Islamophobe, a perBy Haroon Moghul son prejudiced against Islam or All strongmen seduce, and Muslims. It’s a word that many Donald Trump is no exception.

Americans think conveys nothHe enchants his supporters with his virility, his endless ref- ing. I know why. Three years erences to his success, his over- ago, I joined the first class of sized and gilded ego. Because I a groundbreaking program at am great, he promises, you will the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem called the Muslim be too. America will be great.

Leadership Initiative. With 15 Even if you disagree with other American Muslim leadhim, he holds you in thrall. He ers, I traveled to Israel to study doesn’t obey the laws of politiabout Judaism and Zionism cal physics, or any basic social from Jewish scholars, Israeli conventions either. and American. Of the many Words that would destroy valuable lessons I learned, one most of us only make him was how my language often stronger. missed its mark.

For the first time in my life So let me assure you that as an American, as a Muslim, when I talk about IslamophoI am rattled. Existentially insecure. Feeling like my status bia, I don’t mean that fear of terrorism, extremism and here is conditional. Trump’s radicalism language concernare not legitiing Muslims is All minorities mate. Keep terrifying: He calls become suspect. in mind too for war crimes Difference becomes that extremagainst terrorists — and their fami- deviance. Deviance ist groups mostly attack lies. He proposed becomes danger.

Muslims, and a complete ban most of the on our entry into extremists don’t even consider the country. He talked about mainstream Muslims to be special registries, IDs, dipping bullets in pig’s blood to not just legitimately Muslim, meankill our enemies but debase my ing most Muslims are Islamoreligion generally. What’s more phobes, which makes no sense.

Nor do I do mean criticism alarming? of Islam is somehow unfair, Much of the country doesn’t unreasonable, or inappropriate. seem overly concerned. Many We each have every right to of his opinions aren’t outside press against beliefs and ideas the GOP mainstream. But we find problematic.

Trump only begins with comBut Islamophobia is another munities it’s easy to demonize, beast. Islamophobia is, like to justify the marginalization any other bigotry, the decision of. The undocumented — he to treat people collectively, to calls them illegals, aliens, and reduce them to a racial categoworse — well, they should just ry impossible to escape from. go back to their country anySound familiar? way. And Muslims? They’re all When Donald Trump proterrorists, potential and actual.

Ukraine Continued from previous page

But today, Vinnytsia, a sprawling city of 370,000, has a reliable tram system, one of Ukraine’s best-functioning train stations, street lights everywhere and three new hospitals.

Using international connections and attracting oligarchs to set up shop in the city, Groysman nearly doubled its budget from 500 million hryvna in 2007 (approximately $100 million) to nearly 1 billion hryvna in 2010.

“If Groysman does for Ukraine what he did for Vinnytsia, then he will have done something truly great for this

PAGE 10

nation,” said Koen Carlier, a Belgian national who lives in Vinnytsia, where he heads the operations of the local Christians for Israel group.

Endeavoring to jump-start his city’s economy, Groysman has made use of his ties in Israel.

He has family in the city of Ashdod, which his 69-year-old father, Boris, visits regularly. In 2012, Groysman welcomed Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman to Vinnytsia for the opening of a state-of-the-art medical diagnostic center that Israel built there.

That project demonstrated Groysman’s knack for using his broad network to meet the

Outraged by Trump’s tactics

posed banning Muslims, that was collective. It didn’t matter what you believed, just that you were born into a people, the entirety of whom are guilty.

Even the president is suspect, because he is descended, on his father’s side, from Muslims.

But though it starts with Mexicans and with Muslims, it won’t stop there. Even if Trump wants it to (which isn’t clear). Something else I learned in the process of hearing and learning from Jewish scholars?

Just how dangerous antisemitism is — and how we here in America are religious minorities facing many of the same challenges and many of the same dangers. Implying that Muslims aren’t Americans very obviously permits into public conversation the kind of people whose definition of American doesn’t just exclude Muslims.

Trump’s Islamophobia gives white nationalists and religious chauvinists an excuse to rejoin a conversation they were driven from at great cost, and after a tremendous length of time.

Never forget that for most of America’s history, those who weren’t white, Christian, propertied men were secondclass citizens, if they were even human beings. Trump feeds on the adulation, the validation, so much that he chases after it. A man who must place his big, bolded name on his every project must suffer a bottomless insecurity. No amount of attention can sate him, because of the endless emptiness inside.

Which is why we’ve seen violence at his rallies.

What greater obeisance than

to see your supporters willing, in your name, to commit violence? One day Donald Trump will go from leading the seething to being led by them.

Let me be blunt. Pitchforks will make America great again.

We can see the signs on the horizon. Here we are in 2016, and we have Trump supporters screaming, “go back to Africa,” sucker-punching a person of color, a campaign manager attacking a journalist, the candidate himself encouraging thuggishness.

The angrier they get, the uglier it gets. All minorities become suspect. Difference becomes deviance. Deviance becomes danger. Excise the foreign body. Make America pure again.

A month ago, I watched a Trump supporter in a New York Yankees shirt screaming, apparently at a journalist, “Go back to Auschwitz. Go back to f--king Auschwitz.” I watched the video over and over again, and each time was more devastating than the last. He looked like an ordinary American. He was an ordinary American.

That’s how it happens. No one thinks it can happen. Until it happens again. A voice in my head said, “Run. Leave. Go. Now.” But there’s another voice in my head. Louder.

Stronger. “This is your country, your home. Stay and fight for it.”

As a Polish Jew and a Holocaust survivor, I am outraged by the tactics Mr. Trump is using against the people who don’t agree with him.

Mr. Trump, this is America. People have the right to demonstrate and express their opinions. This is the United States, not Nazi Germany. Demonstrators don’t deserve to get beat up by your body guards.

This brings back memories of when Hitler made speeches in the cellars of Munich with his followers.

We all know what happened to the ones who were against him. Hitler was not a politician or a personality; he was a prisoner in Landsberg AM Lech for attempting to take over the government of Bavaria.

When he was released from prison, he continued with his speeches not because he was a politician, but because all he had was a big mouth and people liked his speeches.

This is how he was elected to be the chancellor of Germany in 1933. Mr. Trump, I don’t compare you to Hitler, but don’t use the same tactics as he did. People have the right to demonstrate.

Haroon Moghul is the author of the forthcoming How to be a Muslim: An American Story (Beacon, 2017). Reprinted with permission of the New York Jewish Week.

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

needs of his constituents and partners, according to one Ukrainian official who spoke to JTA under condition of anonymity because he is not allowed to speak to the media.

“With fears of growing international isolation, Israel was anxious to demonstrate that it has allies,” the official said.

“Groysman knew this, and he also knew it was a country where politicians are accessible and act fast. So he worked out a symbiosis to benefit his own city.”

Groysman’s recent rise in Ukrainian politics owes a great deal not only to what but who he knew — especially Poroshenko, with whom he had a close relationship long before

Poroshenko became president.

In 2012, Poroshenko, an oligarch who made his fortune from chocolates, opened Ukraine’s largest confectionery factory in Vinnytsia, adding thousands of jobs. Poroshenko, who became president in 2014, also was a partner in the construction of the Israeli diagnostic center.

Poroshenko asked Groysman to become speaker of the parliament shortly after assuming power following a revolution that ended with the ousting of his predecessor, Viktor Yanukovych. That bloody insurrection began amid claims that Yanukovych was a corrupt Kremlin stooge.

In interviews with the

— Sam Heider, Dayton

So, what do you think?

Ukrainian media, Groysman spoke of his grandfather Isaac's survival during the Holocaust, when he pretended to be dead after being dropped by Nazis into a mass grave.

On Jan. 27, International Holocaust Memorial Day, when Groysman was the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, the parliament, he asked other lawmakers to stand for a minute’s silence in honor of the victims of the Jewish genocide. It was the first time such a gesture took place in parliament.

“Unlike many who either try to hide their Judaism or just not talk about it, Groysman is a warm and open Jew because he’s part of a new generation in a new country,” Horowitz said.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

No more running Face to face with Jewish history in Curaçao

Story and Photos By Jon Freeman was failing. A group of Dutch Jewish Special To The Observer businessmen convinced the comA February trip to the Caribbean island of Curaçao pany and the government that they gave me the kind of unexpected connection to Judacould make it work. They came to ism I’ve only felt a few times in my life. When my Curaçao and succeeded in shipfamily and I disembarked from our ship, instead of ping and trading. In 1652, the Dutch hitting the beach, we decided to tour the capital city, government formed a contract with Willemstad. While we were renting a car, we saw an the early Jewish settlers of Curaçao ad that read, “Visit Synagogue Mikvé Israel-Emanuthat declared religious liberty for el.” My father-in-law encouraged us to have a look. the Jews. This was the Jews’ first We set off through the bustling outdoor markets guarantee of religious freedom in that lined the canals of the city. We passed cart after the New World. cart of papayas, oranges, bananas and pineapples, unInside Mikvé Israel-Emanuel, the til we reached a lemon-colored building that blended Caribbean sun poured through the into the surroundings. A small sign let us know we sanctuary’s heavenly blue stainedhad arrived at the synagogue. The building is majestic glass windows. A congregant but simple. pointed out the four main pillars Mikvé Israel-Emanuel is the oldholding up the roof of Mikvé Israelest continuously used synagogue the structure. On each in the Western Hemisphere. This pillar is engraved the Emanuel is the building dates to 1732. The Jewish name of one of Judacommunity first settled in Curaçao oldest continually ism’s four matriarchs. in 1651. The synagogue’s current Our congregant-guide membership is approximately 115 used synagogue explained this was the households. synagogue’s way to in the Western Why did Jews feel safe on this honor the strength and Hemisphere. tiny Caribbean island just about continuity that women 30 miles off the coast of Venezubring to Jewish life. I’m ela? Congregants and plaques tell the story inside sure my mother would agree. the walls of the synagogue. To escape the Inquisition, The floor of the sanctuary is of Jews fled Spain in the 15th century for the more tolerwhite sand. At first, I thought that ant Holland. There they flourished and became great was a nice touch, since we were in businessmen, professionals and scholars. As the New the Caribbean. But I learned the World gave the promise of escaping the historical sand has far more meaning. oppression of the Old World, a small group of Dutch First, it symbolizes the Israelites’ Jews looked to Curaçao. encampments in the desert over 40 The powerful Dutch West India Company first years on the way to the Promised Heidi and Jon Freeman’s daughter, Julia, in the sanctuary of Mikvé Israelthought Curaçao would be an excellent source of Land. Second, the congregants Emanuel, Willemstad, Curaçao agricultural and trade revenue. However, business wanted a reminder that they had to pray in secrecy in Europe, with their movements and sounds of praying muffled in the sand. To be found praying as Jews in Spain had dire consequences. Third, the sand symbolizes God’s promise to Abraham: “I will multiply your seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the seashore (Gen. 22:17).”

From the sanctuary, we entered the attached museum. When I saw the centuries-old artifacts there, it hit me. On this spot, I felt what Jews must have felt for millennia: the hope that there would be no more running. No more praying in secrecy. No more fear for their lives.

On this spot, in those times, they hoped they would finally have the inalienable right to live and prosper. That the synagogue’s congregants have been thriving on this spot since the 1700s is all the proof I needed.

“Dad, why do you have tears in your eyes?” my daughter, Julia, asked.

I said, “Look at what is in front of us.”

It was a Torah smuggled out of Spain just before the Inquisition. The Torah was inscribed in 1320.

We were looking at more than a Torah: it was a symbol of the life and times of our people across centuries. After hundreds of years of traveling the world to guarantee its safety, that Torah finally found a home to be read in peace. With its peace came the peace of a people who had been uprooted from nearly every home they had ever known.

Exterior of the synagogue

Jon Freeman, an attorney based in Dayton, enjoys seeking out historic synagogues when he’s on vacations with his family.

Exterior of Mikvé Israel-Emanuel, Willemstad, Curaçao. The building dates to 1732.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

PAGE 11

WORLD

No experience necessary Meet the Orthodox lawyer advising Trump on Israel

  ‘And you shall teach your children.’                  

Temple Beth Or Thanks The Educators Who Diligently Teach Our Children

PAGE 12

By Uriel Heilman, JTA intensified, the Republican front-runner NEW YORK — If Donald Trump wins occasionally has tapped Greenblatt on the White House, he’ll probably be the Israel-related matters. Greenblatt says first U.S. president whose top adviser on he was among those who helped Trump Israel used to do guard duty at a Jewish prepare his speech to the AIPAC confersettlement in the West Bank armed with ence in Washington in March. an M-16 assault weapon.

“I certainly will tell him my thoughts The adviser, Jason Dov Greenblatt, on something where I think I need to,” currently works for Trump as a real estate Greenblatt told JTA in a wide-ranging, attorney. Trump identified Greenblatt on 90-minute interview at Trump headApril 14 as one of two Jewish lawyers quarters in Manhattan April 15. “He’s who would be his top Israel advisers; very much open to listening. But people the other is bankruptcy expert David M. should recognize that Donald is his own Friedman of the Kasowitz law firm. person. An adviser is no more than some“I do rely on him as a consultant on one who gives him context. He’s the one Israel,” Trump said of Greenblatt at a making the decisions.” meeting with Jewish reporters, including Greenblatt’s positions on Israel are JTA. “He’s a person who truly loves Issimilar to those of his boss. Like Trump, rael. I love to get advice from people that Greenblatt supports a two-state solution, know Israel, but from people that truly so long as it is reached by the parties love Israel.” themselves and not Uriel Heilman Greenblatt, 49, has imposed by an outside an unusual resume for body like the United a prospective presidenNations. He does not tial adviser on Middle believe Jewish settleEast affairs. An Orthoments in the West Bank dox Jewish father of are a core part of the six from Teaneck, N.J., problem. He says who wears his yarmulTrump, an “incredible ke at work, Greenblatt facilitator,” should try has worked for Trump to restart peace talks. for the last 19 years “We kind of need to dealing exclusively roll up our sleeves and with real estate and try to attack it again company matters. His and see what we can titles are executive vice accomplish,” Greenblatt Jason Greenblatt, Donald Trump's top president and chief le- real estate lawyer said. gal officer. He has selfTo get the Palestinpublished three travel books, one about a ians to the negotiating table, Greenblatt family trip to Israel, and runs a blog about suggests threatening to withhold some family travel, Realfamilytrips.com.

U.S. funding from the Palestinian AuthorAsked by JTA about his expertise on ity.

Israel, and what he reads and who he U.S. negotiators “need to lay down the consults to stay informed, Greenblatt law and explain that the (Palestinians are) said his main sources of information are not going to get the benefits they get from daily email alerts, American Israel Public the United States unless they come to the Affairs Committee materials and a weekly table,” Greenblatt said. “I think they need Jewish radio program featuring Malcolm to say: ‘Over the course of the next period Hoenlein, the CEO of the Conference of of time, we will continue to provide fundPresidents of Major American Jewish ing, but in order to do that you need to do Organizations.

X, Y and Z, set concrete goals, and if you “I also speak to people that I would say don’t we need to start tapering off the are involved in the Israeli government at funding,’ and see what happens.” certain levels and hear their thoughts,” Also like Trump, Greenblatt believes Greenblatt said. “There’s just a tremenIsraeli-Palestinian negotiations can be dous amount of literature out there, handled similarly to Trump’s real esemails and all that, so I read all of those as tate negotiations, with money as a main often as I can.” incentive.

Though he would help a President “If you take out the emotional part Trump navigate the complexities of of it and the historical part of it, it is a Israeli-Palestinian affairs, Greenblatt has business transaction. Land is going to be no Palestinian contacts. In fact, Greenblatt negotiated, water rights are going to be told JTA he hasn’t met any Palestinians negotiated, security issues are going to since he was a yeshiva student in the be negotiated,” Greenblatt said. “So you mid-1980s at Yeshivat Har Etzion, in a need to say to them, ‘Listen, we want to West Bank settlement bloc near Jerusalem, discuss these two issues in this quarter, when he had some casual interactions and then you’ll get your check, and these with Palestinian laborers, gardeners and two issues in this quarter, and then you’ll shopkeepers. (That was also when Green- get your check. At the end of the day blatt, like all students at the yeshiva, did you want to resolve all the issues. I think occasional armed guard duty.) it isn’t a good idea to do partial negoAs Trump’s campaign for president has Continued on Page 23 THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

Presidents Dinner Frequently Asked Questions Jewish Federation of GREATER DAYTON

Sunday, May 1 › LESSONS NOT YET LEARNED: Community Yom HaShoah Remembrance 4PM @ Temple Israel

(130 Riverside Dr. 45405) 2016 Max & Lydia May Memorial Holocaust Art & Writing Contest submissions will be on display from 3 to 4PM and following the program in the social hall.

Tuesday, May 3 › Fusian co-founder Zach Weprin: How Jewish Values Guide Our Business 6:30PM@ The Greene community room (4450 Buckeye Lane) YAD: Join newcomers and local Daytonians for a relaxed, informal evening with drinks and appetizers. Sushi from Fusian sponsored by Zach.

RSVP to ccarne@jfgd.net or 610-1778.

Sunday, May 15 › Presidents Dinner 5PM@ Boonshoft CJCE

Reservations and ticket price online at jewishdayton.org or call Alisa Thomas at 610-1796 to RSVP.

Wednesday, May 25 › Fabric Cutouts 7PM@ Boonshoft CJCE

RSVP by May 13. $25 per person. Your payment is your reservation. Limited to 10 participants.

Thursday, May 26 › Circles of Color Master Class 1PM@ Boonshoft CJCE RSVP by May 13. $25 per person. Your payment is your reservation. Limited to 10 participants.

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

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

The Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton is proud to present the 2nd Annual Presidents Dinner on Sunday, May 15. This premier event honors the legacy of its past presidents with worldrenowned speakers, who inspire our community with a global message on an intimate level. You don’t want to miss this year’s dinner!

1. When and where is the Presidents Dinner?

The Presidents Dinner will be held on Sunday, May 15 at the Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture & Education. The reception begins at 5PM. Dinner begins at 6PM.

2. Who is speaking at the dinner?

Our Keynote Speaker is Randi Zuckerberg, who will share her personal story of Silicon Valley success while seeking the meaning of her Jewish roots as a young Jewish professional. An ardent supporter of Birthright and Israel’s development as a booming tech hub, Randi carries an inspirational message for our Jewish community.

We will also debut a short video, featuring community members speaking about how Federation has positively impacted their lives.

3. What is the cost?

Individual tickets are $75 each or $36 for those 30 years old or younger. Patron tables are also available for $2,000/table.

4. What is being served for dinner?

During the reception, there will be complimentary wine, beer, and cocktails available, accompanied

by Gazpacho Soup Shooters, Mini Shredded Chicken Tacos, Deviled Quail Eggs, and Smoked Salmon Kettle Chips with Onion Dip. Once seated, enjoy Knot Challah Rolls from Marx Hot Bagels and a Crunchy Asian Sesame Salad of a Crunchy Shell with Shredded Greens, Toasted Almonds, Dried Cranberries, Diced Sweet Peppers, Edamame, and Sunflower Seeds in a Light Asian Sesame Dressing.

Complete your meal with choice of the following: › Boneless Braised Beef Short Ribs with a Red Wine Demi Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Mixed Vegetable Bundle (red pepper, yellow pepper, carrot, asparagus, green bean, tied with a leek)

› Butterflied Red Snapper Filet with a mild Thai Coconut Sauce Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Mixed Vegetable Bundle (red pepper, yellow pepper, carrot, asparagus, green bean, tied with a leek) › Portabella Wellington with Marsala Sauce (Vegetarian option) Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Moroccan Spiced Carrots (Mix of purple, white and orange carrots roasted with Moroccan spices)

5. When do I need to make my reservation?

We anticipate this event will sell out. We encourage reservations be made as soon as possible in order to reserve your spot. The deadline is April 29. If you would like to make your reservation over the phone with a credit card, please contact Alisa Thomas at 937-6101796, or you may go online to www. jewishdayton.org. Please contact Caryl Segalewitz at 937-401-1558 or csegalewitz@jfgd.net with any questions you may have.

One Community, One Heart, One Gift: The Gift of Independence Most of us can go where we want on a whim. We don’t think twice about hopping in our car to run errands, go to doctors’ appointments, or pick up prescriptions. Many community members, like Marilyn Lebowitz, don’t have that luxury. Whether it is because of age, illness, or injury, our Jewish Family Services Transportation Program allows people with barriers to take back their independence and perform the day-today tasks we all take for granted.

“It’s been a few years since I had to quit driving. I have macular degeneration, and the Transportation Services has been a lifesaver,” says Marilyn. “I’m thrilled with it. It is a blessing for me, it really is…there are other services out there, but they’re just so expensive!” Not only does Transportation Services have set driver schedules, but our drivers treat each client with respect and dignity, and provide a safe means of transportation to appointments, errands or events.

Tara Feiner, Director of Jewish Family Services explains, “The clients and the drivers really do get to know each other well. The drivers are on the front lines, so if they see a situation of concern or a change in client ability, they coordinate with us so we can make sure any additional help or services the client needs is addressed. They're really an essential part of the Case Management team."

Your gift to the our Annual Campaign helps those like Marilyn continue to live a quality life.

Hear more of Marilyn’s story of independence at the Federation’s 2nd Annual Presidents Dinner on Sunday, May 15, featuring keynote speaker Randi Zuckerberg.

Be amazed. Be proud of what we do—we are One Community, One Heart, One Gift.

PASSOVER PALOOZA! Sandy Sloane Brenner and friends present The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah in an interactive reading at the PJ Library event in April.

PHOTO CREDIT: MARSHALL WEISS PJ LIBRARY SENDS FREE JEWISH CHILDREN'S BOOKS EACH MONTH TO CHILDREN AGES 6 MONTHS–8 YEARS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ENROLL YOUR CHILD, CONTACT CARYL SEGALEWITZ AT 401-1558.

JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON AGENCY NEWSLETTER | MAY 2016

A Month in Pictures Jewish Community Center of GREATER DAYTON › Community Israel Independence Day Celebration Thursday, May 12, 5:30-8PM

@ Boonshoft CJCE Family fun for all! Entertainment provided through Partnership2Gether. Food available for purchase.

› Early Childhood End of the Year Picnic Wednesday, May 18, 6-8PM

@ Boonshoft CJCE This school year has been a circus of fun in the preschool! See invitation for dinner details and to RSV P.

› First day of Camp Shalom!

Monday, June 6

@ Boonshoft CJCE Camp K'tan: 18 months– kindergarten Camp Gadol: Grades 1–7

HEALTH & WELLNESS @ Boonshoft CJCE

$5 per class. Minimum 4 students. › Tai Chi Beginners Thursdays @ 4–5PM Instructor Debra Stewart

› Tai Chi Advanced Thursdays @ 5–6PM

(CLOCKWISE, FROM ABOVE)

WOMEN'S SEDER Committee Chairs, Bonnie Rice and Judy Heller; Music and dancing inspired by Courtney Cummings, Hazzan Jenna Greenberg and Mary Wyke; Dancers during Miriam’s Song.

PHOTO CREDIT: PETER WINE

PURIM MASQUERADERS! Students from Mishpacha Cheder take a minute to pose for the camera before attending our annual Early Childhood Purim carnival.

PHOTO CREDIT: SHOSHANNA FARRELL

FILM FESTIVAL Baladino performs at the Mosaic Institute reception, prior to opening night’s film, Once in a Lifetime; 2016 Film Fest Chair, Martin Gottlieb.

PHOTO CREDIT: PETER WINE

Instructor Debra Stewart

› NEW! Aerobic Conditioning Tues/Thurs @ 9–9:55AM May 17–August 4. Instructor Katie Marshall. $25 for all sessions.

Through Sinclair Lifelong Learning.

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

PLEASE CONTACT KAREN STEIGER REGARDING ALL EVENTS UNLESS NOTED: 610-1555, ksteiger@jfgd.net JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON AGENCY NEWSLETTER | MAY 2016

JFS: It’s a Family

Affair Last month, we highlighted the 4 strategies and Phase 1 – 2016 implementation of JFS’s new strategic plan. What can you expect in Phase 2 – 2017 implementation? We will continue with those Phase 1 initiatives we detailed in April and add additional programs and services.

Jewish Family Services Jewish Foundation ofof GREATER DAYTON GREATER DAYTON Wednesday, May 3 › Welcome to Medicare Seminar

JFS Strategic Plan – Phase 2 STRATEGY 1

Develop new programs and services that meet unmet NEEDS of the community.

6PM @ Boonshoft CJCE

Given by OSHIIP, the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program.

Baby Boomers, Seniors & Others in the Community › Provide vocational support by connecting to area programs. › Develop a concierge program.

Thursday, May 19 › Active Adults Mosaic Class 1:30PM @ K12 & TEJAS Gallery

STRATEGY 2

(341 S. Jefferson St., 45402) $10 fee includes class and all materials and supplies.

Provide programs & services that engage the COMMUNITY.

Please RSVP by May 12, 2016.

Young Families › Develop a Youth Volunteer Corps.

Young Families, Youth & Teens, Baby Boomers, Seniors › Engage the community in Mitzvah Day. › Develop a platform to engage more volunteers for discreet, diverse tasks.

› Need Assistance Finding a Food Pantry Near You? Call the United Way Information & Referral Line, 225-3000 or Dial 2-1-1.

STRATEGY 3

› Are you caring for a loved one who is not in the Greater Dayton area?

Visit http://www.ajfca.org/ senior-resource-connect/ to find supports and services provided by Jewish agencies nationwide.

EDUCATE the community regarding the valuable resources and programs JFS offers.

Colleges and Universities › Establish relationships with Hillels on local college campuses.

STRATEGY 4

› Don’t know what to donate in the Food Barrels? How about peanut butter? The Dayton Bar Association, in collaboration with the Greater Dayton Volunteers Lawyer Project, launched the “Bar Hunger: Peanut Butter and Justice Challenge.” We can show our support for this initiative by filling our barrels with peanut butter!

Identify revenue sources both to SUSTAIN and grow JFS.

› Seek donors and grant opportunities to support existing and new programs and services. › Develop a fee-for-service structure for the new concierge program.

JFS Strategic Plan: Bringing NaChES to the Greater Dayton Community!

(TOP TO BOTTOM) On March 21, JFS celebrated Purim at Friendship Village. We enjoyed

musical selections by Courtney Cummings, Music and Program Director, Temple Israel.

On March 24, JFS celebrated Purim at One Lincoln Park. We enjoyed a spiel (skit) and musical selections by students from Hillel Academy. On April 14, the Active Adults enjoyed dinner at Thai 9 before going to The Neon to see the Dayton Jewish Film Fest showing of Apples from the Desert. PHOTO CREDITS: TARA FEINER

PLEASE CONTACT KAREN STEIGER REGARDING ALL ACTIVE ADULT EVENTS: 610-1555

JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON AGENCY NEWSLETTER | MAY 2016

TWO NEW ENDOWMENT FUNDS The Jewish Foundation of Greater Dayton announces the creation of two new endowment funds, established in memory of Carole Rabinowitz. Created by Carole’s husband Bernie, the funds will honor Carole’s passion for Jewish sleepaway camp, and help support the Dayton Jewish community through an annual gift to the campaign in Carole’s name.

Jewish Foundation of GREATER DAYTON

DID YOU KNOW? 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, including:

› Honoring someone’s memory › Celebrating a birthday or anniversary › Celebrating life cycle events, such as births, b’nai mitzvot, & weddings › Recognizing achievements such as awards, promotions, honors, etc.

Making a donation is as simple as a phone call.

Contact us at 937-610-1555 for more information.

Carole Rabinowitz Youth Jewish Experience Fund Over the years, Carole would tell her husband that Jewish sleepaway camps were just as important as day schools and trips to Israel in shaping ones’ Judaism. When Carole was about 7 years old, her mother became ill with tuberculosis. Carole was forced to move to Cincinnati, where her mother was hospitalized. She lived with an aunt and uncle, while her sister and brother lived with another aunt and uncle. Carole’s father, a pharmacist, remained in Dayton for work.

This proved to be a tough time for the family. One bright spot for Carole was going to Camp Livingston, where she spent three summers with other Jewish youths. In many ways, it was Carole’s time at Camp Livingston that helped shape her life, thanks in part to people like Lois Unger, who was a counselor at camp. Through her camp experience, Carole was able to make the best of a difficult situation.

With this in mind, Carole’s family established the Carole Rabinowitz Youth Jewish Experience Fund to honor her memory. This fund will help families in Dayton who are interested in sending their children to Jewish sleepaway camp. Carole’s husband Bernie said “We hope that children in Dayton will get as much out of sleepaway camp as Carole did.”

The fund will begin offering scholarships for the 2017 summer camping season.

Legacies, Tributes, & Memorials FEDERATION

UNITED JEWISH CAMPAIGN IN HONOR OF › Special birthday of Ralph Heyman Sue and Don Zulanch › Speedy recovery of Cathy Gardner Beverly Louis ENDOWMENT GENERAL FUND IN HONOR OF › Speedy recovery of Cathy Gardner Mahj Group LINDA RUCHMAN MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY OF › Benjamin R. Behr › Sue Phillips Judy and Marshall Ruchman JCC

JOAN & PETER WELLS AND REBECCA LINVILLE FAMILY, CHILDREN, AND YOUTH FUND IN MEMORY OF › Mother of Linda Engle › Edna Flagel Joan and Peter Wells JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON AGENCY NEWSLETTER | MAY 2016

FAMILY SERVICES

ACTIVE ADULTS FUND IN HONOR OF › Joan Marcus, Jane Novick, Wendi Pavlofsky and Hyla Weiskind receiving the Beth Abraham Women of Valor Award Harriet Klass FOUNDATION

ADDISON CARUSO B’NAI TZEDEK FUND IN MEMORY OF › Barbara Lotney Donna Holt

Carole Rabinowitz Lion of Judah Endowment Fund As a longtime supporter of Campaign, the Carole Rabinowitz Lion of Judah Endowment Fund will honor Carole’s memory and passion for Judaism by providing an annual gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton’s Annual Campaign.

Those around Carole knew of her dedication to helping Jews throughout the world.

Through this fund, Carole’s commitment to the Jewish community will continue for many years to come.

› Mamaloshen

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

Kern : \KER-en\ Verb 1. To turn. 2. To sweep. 3. To belong to.

Expression with kern: › Er shtelt zich mitn kop arop un di fis farkert. He stands with his head down and his feet up! › Freg baym soyne an eytze un tu farkert. Ask advice of an enemy and then do the opposite. › A nayer bezem kert gut. A new broom sweeps clean.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Classes

JCC Fitness: Aerobic Conditioning w. Katie Marshall.

Tues. & Thurs., May 17-Aug. 4, 9-9:55 a.m. $25 for all sessions.

Tai Chi Beginners w. Debra Stewart. Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.

Tai Chi Advanced w. Debra Stewart. Thursdays, 5-6 p.m. $5 per class. Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville.

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

Quilting Workshops With Hasia Naveh: Wed., May 25, 7 p.m.: Fabric Cutouts. Thurs., May 26, 1 p.m.: Circles of Color Master Class. Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville. $25 per class. Sponsored

by Jewish Federation & Partnership2Gether w. Israel.

R.S.V.P. by May 13 to Karen Steiger, 610-1555.

Temple Anshe Emeth Class: Sat., May 7, 1-2:30 p.m.: The Jewish Way in Death & Mourning w. Rabbinic Intern Tina Sabo. 320 Caldwell St., Piqua. R.S.V.P. to Eileen Litchfield, 937-623-7234.

Temple Beth Or Classes:

Sun., May 1, 8, 15 & 22, 1 p.m.: Adult Hebrew w. Rabbi Chessin. Sun., May 8, 10:30 a.m.: Tanakh w. Rabbi Chessin.

Wednesdays, 6-9:30 p.m.: Israeli Folk Dancing w. Janifer Tsou. Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m.: Intermediate Adult Hebrew w. Ehud Borovoy.

Thurs., May 12, 1 p.m.: Socrates Café. 5275 Marshall Rd., Wash. Twp. 435-3400.

Temple Israel Classes: Sun., May 1, 8, 15 & 22, 9 a.m.: Tanakh w. Rabbi Bogosian.

Sun., May 1, 8, 15 & 22, noon: Reform Responsa w. Rabbi Bodney-Halasz. Wed., May 4, 11, 18 & 25, 10 a.m.: Coffee & Commentary, Dorothy Lane Mkt., 6177 Far Hills Ave., Wash.

Twp. Wed., May 11 & 18, noon: Talmud Study w. Rabbi Bogosian. Fri., May 20, 6 p.m.: Shalommm Yoga w. Courtney Cummings & Cathy Hackett. $5. Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.: Torah Study w. Rabbi Bogosian or Rabbi Bodney-Halasz. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 4960050.

Discussions

Temple Israel Ryterband

Brunch Series: Sun., May 1, 9:30 a.m.-noon. Dayton Jewish Observer Editor & Publisher Marshall Weiss: My Favorite Stories, Celebrating 20 Years of The Observer. $5. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 4960050.

Young Adults

Federation Yad: Fusian CoFounder Zach Weprin, How Jewish Values Guide Our Business. Tues., May 3, 6:30 p.m. Community Room at The Greene, 4450 Buckeye Ln. Drinks & appetizers from Fusian. R.S.V.P. to Cheryl Carne, 610-1778.

Women

Chabad Rosh Chodesh Society Jewish Learning Institute: Cuisine. Sun., May 8, 10 a.m. 2001 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. $15. 643-0770.

Chabad Women’s Circle End of Year Brunch: Sun., May 15, 10 a.m. 2001 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. 643-0770.

Seniors

Medicare Seminar: Tues., May 3, 6 p.m. Boonshoft CJCE,

525 Versailles Dr., Centerville.

Sponsored by Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program. 610-1555.

JFS Active Adults Mosaic Class: Thurs., May 19, 1:30 p.m. K12 & Tejas Gallery, 341 S. Jefferson St., Dayton. $10.

R.S.V.P. by May 12 to Karen Steiger, 610-1555.

Community Events

Dayton Area Yom Hashoah Observance: Sun., May 1, 4 p.m. Temple Israel, 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. Guest speaker Conrad Weiner. Annual Max May Memorial Holocaust Art Contest works on display beginning at 3 p.m. For info., call Jodi Phares, 610-1555.

Beth Abraham Synagogue Sisterhood Women of Valor Luncheon: Wed., May 4, 11:30 a.m. 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood. 293-9520.

Beth Abraham Synagogue Men’s Club Annual Complimentary Mother’s Day Brunch: Sun., May 8, 10 a.m. 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood. R.S.V.P. by May 5 to

293-9520.

Israel Independence Day Celebration: Thurs., May 12, 5:30-8 p.m. Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville.

Kosher Israel food available for purchase. 610-1555.

Temple Israel Environmental Film & Breakfast: Sun., May 15, 9:45 a.m. Bag It: Is Your Life Too Plastic? Free. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 496-0050.

Jewish Federation Presidents Dinner: Sun., May 15, 5 p.m.

Randi Zuckerberg, keynote.

Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville. $75. For info., call Alisa Thomas, 610-1796.

Temple Israel Middle Eastern & Israeli Kiddush Lunch: Sat., May 21 following 10:30 a.m.

Shabbat services. Free. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 496-0050.

Chabad Lag B’Omer BBQ & Dragons Game: Thurs., May 26, 5:30 p.m. BBQ at Mendelson’s, 340 E. First St. followed by game. $18 adult, $14 child. R.S.V.P. to chabaddayton. com or 643-0770 ext. 1.

Welcome Home They say home is where the heart is.

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

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

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

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

PAGE 17

KVELLING CORNER Grant Halasz, son of Teri and Dr. Michael Halasz, has earned his third varsity letter and the 2015-16 Academic All-Ohio Bowler Award. He is one of

Mom deserves the best on her day.

In The Shops of Oakwood

Rachel Haug Gilbert three bowlers on the Centerville High School Boys and Girls, JV and Varsity Teams to qualify for that award. He was also named most improved bowler.

Kindertransport survivor Felix Weil will share his story with the Quad Cities in Iowa and Illinois. From April 30 through May 3, he’ll meet with Jewish day school students, Augustana College students, high schoolers, and soldiers and civilians at Rock Island Arsenal.

He is also the keynote speaker at Tri-City Jewish Center’s Yom Hashoah program.

Rabbi Brent Gutmann, his wife Jill, and their daughters, Daria and Tzipora, are relocating from Auckland, New Zealand to West Bloomfield, Mich.,

2316 Far Hills Avenue, Oakwood, Ohio 45419

937-224-7673

meadowlark

Our Garden Center is open!

Hanging baskets & blooming baskets for Mother’s Day delivery.

Bring in this ad and receive $10 off your next in-store purchase of $60 or more*

R E S TA U R A N T A small, neighborhood restaurant with a friendly atmosphere and high-quality, delicious food.

Large party reservations welcome • Private rooms 5331 Far Hills Ave., Centerville (937) 434-4750 • www.MeadowlarkRestaurant.com

Expires 12.31.2016. *Some exclusions apply.

Not valid on wine, candy, or delivery.

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

Garden Court AN EMBASSY HEALTHCARE COMMUNITY

think garden court

where Brent has been named the senior rabbi of Temple Kol Ami. Jill’s brother Michael Abromowitz has been hired as an associate attorney by Compensation & Benefits Solutions in Denver. The firm specializes in executive compensation, benefits, and corporate governance. Jill and Michael’s parents are Judy and Dr. Howard Abromowitz.

Brent’s parents are Bev and Jay Gutmann.

David Esrati is mentioned twice in the fifth edition of the guide to creating great advertising, Hey Whipple, Squeeze This

by Luke Sullivan. Besides contributing to the career and digital strategy sections, Esrati’s agency, The Next Wave, built and hosts the site for the book, heywhipple.com. The book is used by colleges across the globe as a textbook for learning the craft of advertising.

A new arrival to Dayton, Alex Kudera will read from his comic crime novel, Auggie’s Revenge, at Wright Library in Oakwood on May 5 at 7 p.m. Auggie’s Revenge is now being reprinted in a classroom edition.

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

Fusian co-founder Zach Weprin:

How Jewish Values Guide Our Business Tuesday, May 3 @ 6:30PM The Greene community room 4450 Buckeye Lane (between Victoria’s Secret and Loft)

Skilled Nursing &

Rehabilitation.

43 private suites Large semi private rooms Renovations ongoing Short term rehab stays Long term care Serene setting 4911 Covenant House Dr. Dayton, Ohio 45426

Following Zach’s brief talk, join newcomers and local Daytonians for a relaxed, informal evening with drinks and appetizers. Sushi from Fusian sponsored by Zach.

Zack Weprin is a Dayton Native, Oakwood High School Alumnus, and Ohio State University Alumnus.

No charge. RSVP to ccarne@jfgd.net or 610-1778.

YAD Committee: Dara Fine, Jacob Rapport, Joe Saks,

Hannah Schwartz, Lauren Stephenson

Located behind the United Theological Seminary on Denlinger Road.

For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Shannon Ryan, Director of Admissions and Marketing at

937-837-2651 Are you reading this? So is the entire Jewish community.

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

PAGE 18

young adult division THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

May

Nisan/Iyar

CONGREGATIONS

RELIGION

BimBam (formerly G-dcast) web series looking to animate preschoolers

bimbam.com

Shabbat Candle Lightings

Beth Jacob Congregation Traditional Saturdays 9:30 a.m., Sundays 8 a.m., Sunday through Friday, 7 p.m.

7020 N. Main St., Dayton. 274-2149.

BethJacobCong.org

May 6: 8:18 May 13: 8:25

Temple Anshe Emeth Reform Sat., May 7, 10 a.m.

Rabbinic Intern Tina Sobo.

320 Caldwell St., Piqua. Call Eileen Litchfield, 937-5470092, elitchfield@woh.rr.com.

Correspondence address: 3808 Beanblossom Rd., Greenville, OH 45331. ansheemeth.org

May 20: 8:31 May 27: 8:37

Torah Portions May 7/29 Nisan Acharei (Lev. 16:1-18:30) May 14/6 Iyar Kedoshim (Lev. 19:1-20:27) May 21/13 Iyar Emor (Lev. 21:1-24:23) May 28/20 Iyar Behar (Lev. 25:1-26:2)

Yom Hashoah

Holocaust Remembrance Day May 5/27 Nisan Marked by memorials for those who perished in the Holocaust.

Yom Hazikaron

Israel Memorial Day May 11/3 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 May 12/4 Iyar Celebrated by Jews around the world. Israel celebrates with parades, singing, dancing and fireworks.

Lag B’Omer

33rd Day of Omer May 26/18 Iyar The 33rd day of the Omer breaks up the seven weeks of semi-mourning between Passover and Shavuot. It marks the end of a plague among Rabbi Akiva’s students and a victory of Bar-Kokhba’s soldiers over the Romans 2,000 years ago. It is celebrated with picnics and sports.

Beth Abraham Synagogue Conservative Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg Cantor/Dir. of Ed. & Programming Andrea Raizen Monday through Friday 6:50 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Fri., 5:30 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.

Sundays at 8:30 a.m. 305 Sugar Camp Circle, Oakwood. 293-9520.

BethAbrahamDayton.org

From the opening of the Shaboom! web series for Jewish preschoolers and their families

to offer them on an everyday

By Drew Himmelstein basis, they may later get exJ. Weekly cited about Torah and Talmud SAN FRANCISCO — When and holidays,” Lefton said.

Sarah Lefton first conceived Shaboom! will consist of 10 of G-dcast, the San Franciscoanimated episodes using songs based media production and humor to teach about Jewcompany that creates apps ish concepts like kavod (honor and animated videos explainand respect) and bal tashchit ing Torah portions and Jewish rituals, she was in her early 30s (taking care of nature). The and thought the content would series is directed at preschoolers and young children, focusappeal to people like her: ing on social and emotional adults fascinated by the details development concepts of Jewish texts and rather than Jewish tradition. holidays or ritual “(It was) using practice. the Internet to show “That’s what people how quirky they’re focused on in and wonderful Judathis age cohort,” said ism was if you just Lefton, who said she scratched the surface was influenced by a little bit,” Lefton Sarah Lefton the PBS series Daniel said. “But when we Tiger’s Neighborhood put them online, and direct research G-dcast that’s not where it caught on conducted with young families. at all.”

“At ages 4, 5 and 6, they’re A decade later, G-dcast has learning to be respectful of created hundreds of videos friends. Helping us be good about everything from Queen people in our families, in our Esther’s activist role in the Pucommunities, is a huge piece of rim story to a how-to illustrathe beauty and the importance tion of the Havdalah ritual. of Judaism.”

And the nonprofit has Shaboom! is available at bimdeveloped a reliable audience: bam.com and on a dedicated Jewish educators and elemenYouTube channel. tary school students who have Five other episodes will air become the key consumers of weekly this spring, and the seG-dcast’s content. ries will return with five more Now G-dcast is trying to weekly episodes starting Sept. capture a new audience — an 7 in time for the High Holy even younger one. With the launch of bimbam.com and the Days.

Bimbam.com also will host web series Shaboom! on April G-dcast’s previously produced 6, the organization is making a Jewish lifecycles content, bid for the preschool and famincluding educational videos ily set. about wedding rituals and “If we can get families with young children of all stripes ex- welcoming new babies.

“We’ve been talking about cited about what Judaism has

renaming the organization since we named the organization. G-dcast was a name that I made up in 2005 because I thought it was funny and because I needed the domain name, but it has a lot of challenges,” Lefton said.

“People can’t spell it, people leave out the dash, people are nervous about the word ‘God’ sometimes. Sometimes I don’t get my phone calls returned because people think I’m an evangelist. But it still has a lot of brand trust among Jewish educators.”

In recognition of that brand trust, G-dcast’s signature Torah portion videos and other content will remain at G-dcast. com.

Viewers also can visit the original website (g-dcast.com/ leg) to watch the first narrative short, a three-minute movie aimed at adults that made the Jewish film festival circuit over the last year and went online in February. The Man Who Buried His Own Leg tells the story of a man who holds a funeral for the leg he lost to diabetes so he will have both legs available when the Messiah returns.

It was this story, which Lefton heard from a friend, that inspired her to start G-dcast years ago.

“To me this was so wild and weird and wonderful, and I had to know more about it. It caused me to meet with a rabbi and crack open some texts,” Lefton said. “It became this driving compulsion of mine: I’ve got to tell this story. In the meantime, G-dcast got created.”

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

Temple Beth Or Reform Rabbi Judy Chessin Educator/Rabbi Ari Ballaban Fridays 7:30 p.m. Kabalat Shabbat 4th Friday, 6 p.m. followed by potluck. Saturdays 10 a.m.

5275 Marshall Rd., Wash. Twp. 435-3400. templebethor.com Temple Beth Sholom Reform Rabbi Haviva Horvitz See Web site for schedule.

610 Gladys Dr., Middletown.

513-422-8313. thetemplebethsholom.com Temple Israel Reform Interim Rabbi Ilene Bogosian Assoc. Rabbi/Educator Karen Bodney-Halasz 1st & 2nd Fri., 6 p.m. Other Fri., 7:30 p.m. Saturdays 10:30 a.m.

130 Riverside Dr., Dayton.

496-0050. tidayton.org Temple Sholom Reform Fridays 6 p.m.

2424 N. Limestone St., Springfield. 399-1231. templesholomoh.com

ADDITIONAL SERVICES Chabad of Greater Dayton Rabbi Nochum Mangel Associate Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin Youth & Prog. Dir. Rabbi Levi Simon, Teen & Young Adult Prog. Dir. Rabbi Hershel Spalter.

Beginner educational service Saturdays 9 a.m. adults, 10 a.m children. Sundays 9 a.m. Tuesdays & Wednesdays. 6:45 a.m. 2001 Far Hills Ave. 643-0770. www.chabaddayton.com Yellow Springs Havurah Independent Services 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 10-noon. Antioch College Rockford Chapel. Contact Cheryl Levine, 937-767-9293.

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION

Cardboard characters

Jew in the Christian World the Jewish Bible were no longer binding on Christians, but the moral precepts are permanent.

While they are different faith communities, when it comes to living day by day, Judaism and Christianity do have common ground in the moral and ethical spheres.

In God’s Image. Both traditions assert the value and digCandace R. nity of each human being, of respecting oneself and others, Kwiatek because all humans were made in God’s image (Gen. 1:27).

Sanctity of Life. Unlike other ancient — and now some In the real world, Jews and modern — philosophies, JudaChristians have tended to ism and Christianity have dediview each other as cardboard cated themselves to the respect, characters. protection, and preservation of Jews have been portrayed life. It is interesting to note that, as legalistic, rigid adherents of despite the stereotypical imbiblical law. Christians have ages, Christians been depicted careers as militantly When it comes pursuing in the military righteous, mesand Jews pursusianic prosely- to living day to ing careers in tizers of a “God day, Judaism medicine arise is love” message. and Christianity from this shared ethic.

These Love your extreme stereo- do have types do great common ground neighbor as yourself. This harm not only by demeaning in the moral and principle of common deand marginalizing, but even ethical spheres. cency from both traditions’ more so by Scriptures (Lev 19:18 and Matt. communicating the idea that 22:39) underscores a committhere is no common ground ment to compassion. between Judaism and ChristiGolden Rule. “Do unto othanity.

To find common ground, we ers as you would have them do unto you,” was a central need to stop seeing each other teaching of Jesus, made famous as cardboard characters. In the by his Sermon on the Mount. fall of 2000, more than 100 rabHis teaching had Jewish roots. bis and scholars did just that, Rabbi Hillel (1st century B.C.E.) publishing a statement titled responded to a prospective Dabru Emet (Speak Truth) as a full-page ad in major print and Jewish convert as he stood on one leg: “That which is hateful electronic media outlets. unto you, do not do to your Included in the eight-part neighbor. This is the whole of statement about the growing the Torah. The rest is commenunderstanding between the tary. Go forth and study.” two religious traditions was Ten Commandments. Judathe observation that “Jews and ism teaches that all humans are Christians accept the moral obligated to the universal moprincipals of Torah.” rality codified in the Noahide Theologian Thomas AquiLaws as the foundations for nas (13th century) said much civilization: Do not deny God, the same, explaining that the ceremonial and judicial laws of blaspheme, murder, undermine A literary character that’s two-dimensional, “lacking in depth, complexity, or history” is known as a flat or cardboard character, writer Brandon Sanderson explains. Such characters do not change over the course of the story.

Are you reading this?

So is the entire Jewish community.

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

marriage, steal, or eat of a live animal, and establish courts and a legal system.

However, the Ten Commandments, obligatory for Jews, were also adopted by Christianity as its preeminent moral tenets: no other gods, no idols, no blasphemy, remember the Sabbath, honor parents, no murder, no adultery, no stealing, no bearing false witness, no coveting.

Family. The biblical view of marriage and family, the backbone of society, is largely shared between Judaism and Christianity. Marriage creates stable reciprocal relationships between individuals, helpmates for one another. It provides a nurturing environment for children and is the source of a healthy, productive, and responsible citizenry.

Liberty. Resonating with both Jews and Christians, the Exodus story links freedom to responsibility: to make good choices, to fight injustice, and to recognize that human beings have the capacity to transform their circumstances.

Jews and Christians alike have transformed the world for good because they have understood that there is no freedom without responsibility.

Justice. In both Jewish and Christian scriptures there is a call for justice. Moses exhorts, “Justice, justice shall you pursue (Deut. 16:20),” and

the Hebrew term for charity is tzedakah, justice rather than generosity.

“Biblical justice involves making individuals, communities, and the cosmos whole, by upholding both goodness and impartiality…(toward) the poor, orphans, and widows,” writes Paul Metzger in What is Biblical Justice?

Participating in mission trips, both local and overseas, building homes, offering medical care, providing clean water, influencing legislation to this end all exemplify this moral tenet.

The stereotypes of Judaism as law and Christianity as love

do a great disservice to two great religious traditions.

Instead of seeing each other as cardboard characters, we need to see each other as full, multidimensional characters that have different faith traditions but a common moral ground.

Focusing on our shared ethics when addressing controversial issues or looking for societal solutions would help to bring about more interfaith understanding, if not agreement.

Whether in response to God’s law or in the image of Jesus, we need to become better partners in fixing this world.

Literature to share Sadie and the Big Mountain by Jamie Korngold. “Adventure Rabbi” Jamie weaves together Bible, midrash, and nature with a lesson in courage in this whimsically-illustrated preschooler’s explanation of Shavuot. Cooking and other projects are included for your own reenactment of the story. Pair this book with Seder in the Desert and Sadie’s Lag Ba’Omer Mystery by the same author for the perfect trio of tales for the Passover-to-Shavuot season.

Mosaic Haggadah by David Silberman. Whether you’re looking to add more participation to the annual straightforward reading of the Haggadah, searching for new or different big ideas that are hinted at in the collection of traditional texts and songs, or wondering how to fulfill the obligation to “see oneself as personally redeemed from Egypt,” this is the Haggadah for you. Six color-coded themes offer writings, quotes, and questions to stimulate participation and engagement throughout the festival. Get a copy now so you’re prepared for next year.

Quilting Workshops Circles of Color Master Class

Fabric Cutouts

Wednesday, May 25 7PM @ Boonshoft CJCE

Thursday, May 26 1PM @ Boonshoft CJCE

Learn to fold and cut fabric squares, make flowers, and traditional Jewish motifs that will be glued onto a backing fabric, fused to a background, embroidered then sewn to create a picture, pillow or tablecloth.

Learn to create with colored fabrics - circles, spirals, rectangles and lines, examine the color spectrum, study hues and their influence on each other. Create colorful abstract pictures with an independent presence which become a background for work with applique.

HASIA NAVEH is a member of the Israel Quilters’ Association and owns a studio on her family farm in Bustan HaGalil where she hosts traveling groups to talk about her life and artwork and also teach workshops in patchwork and quilting.

These programs are brought through Partnership2Gether.

Jewish Federation

®

OF GREATER DAYTON

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

RSVP at jewishdayton.org or to Karen at 610-1555 by May 13. $25 per person.

Your payment is your reservation.

Each class is limited to 10 participants.

PAGE 21

FOOD THE JEWISH INTERNET

Study at iTunes U What’s on your iPhone or MP3 player? Taylor Swift?

Drake? Lennon and McCartney? Well, put them on pause because class is about to begin — at iTunes U. ITunes, of course, is the free Apple software best known as the program used to purchase, download and listen to music on iPads and iPhones.

Mark Mietkiewicz But universities and other organizations also use iTunes to distribute recordings of courses and lectures which you can enjoy during a boring commute or a jog around the neighborhood. It’s free, and much of the content is of particular interest to Jewish students of all ages.

Two New York-based institutions have created huge repositories of excellent interviews and lectures that will have you listening for weeks.

The Jewish Theological Seminary’s offerings are diverse and engaging. The What to Wear series examines topics that you may have missed in Hebrew school like From Jewess Jeans to Juicy JAPs: Clothing and Jewish Stereotypes and The Naked and the Damned: Stripping in the Bible. More subdued (presumably) are sessions on

Torah commentary, Sephardic History, and Challenges of the 21st Century (http://bit.ly/jitunesu1).

Over on Manhattan’s East Side (and right at your fingertips), the 92nd Street Y is famous for the luminaries who have walked through its doors. How’s this for a lineup: Carl Reiner, Gene Wilder, Art Buchwald, Richard Lewis and Sarah Silverman in the Comedy section (bit.ly/jitunesu2), Hedonistic, Healthy and Green with Michael Pollan and Dan Barber in the Food section (bit. ly/jitunesu3), and how’s this for interesting pairings: Gloria Steinem and Alice Walker, Edgar Bronfman with Charlie Rose, and Shmuley Boteach and Christopher Hitchens in News and Politics (bit.ly/jitunesu4).

When I learned Hebrew back in day school, it was nothing like the way they do it at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Dr. Andrew Bartelt’s course, Elementary Hebrew, is geared toward seminary students. The course was recorded and is now presented in 282 parts ranging up to 30 minutes each. If, like me, you enjoy arcane Hebrew grammar, you’ll love this online review with topics like segolate nouns, cohortatives and geminate qal perfect. If you prefer to wing it in Hebrew, then stay far away from Dr. Bartelt’s classroom. (bit.ly/jitunesu5).

Much of the content at iTunes U consists of recordings

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PAGE 22

of lectures by guest speakers like Judea Pearl. Prof. Pearl is the father of the Jewish American journalist Daniel Pearl who was murdered by Islamic militants in Pakistan.

Following an invitation by the American Jewish Committee, Prof. Pearl toured university campuses along with Prof.

Akbar Ahmed in a series of talks titled The Daniel Pearl Dialogue for Muslim-Jewish Understanding. Theirs is a fascinating dialogue: passionate and heartfelt yet always respectful (bit.ly/jitunesu6).

After that, you can spend an evening with Alan Dershowitz, or at least an hour and 34 minutes. That’s what a roomful of students did earlier at Stanford University.

His talk touched on everything from the Palestinian (and Jewish) right of return, the legacy of Jimmy Carter to the irony of a Mickey Mouselike character being used for antisemitic purposes (bit.ly/ jitunesu7).

More than a half a century after he passed away, Albert Einstein continues to amaze and mystify. The 22-part radio series, Einstein & the Mind of God delves “into Einstein’s Jewish identity, his passionate engagement around issues of war and race, and…Einstein’s way of thinking about mystery, eternity, and the mind of God.” Download and ponder over three hours of radio documentaries and interviews about the genius.

For the talk about Einstein and Judaism, click on Interview No. 2. It’s mislabelled. (bit.ly/jitunesu8).

And speaking of Einstein, check out the interviews with the late Pete Seeger. What’s the connection between the father of the theory of relativity and the veteran folkie? Seeger recounts an incredible story (Track 13) about Yiddish novelist Sholem Asch and Asch’s son Moe who travelled to Princeton in 1939 to record Einstein urging American Jews to help get their brethren out of Europe.

Later that day, Einstein chatted with young Moe and encouraged him to pursue his interest in recording American folk singers. Moe Asch went on to found Folkways Records, famous for recording Seeger, Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie (bit.ly/jitunesu9).

Mark Mietkiewicz writes about resources for Jewish life to be found on the Internet. Contact him at highway@rogers.com.

LESHON IMA — MOTHER TONGUE

Aliyah — Ascending Arielle Di-Porto/The Jewish Agency for Israel

The final group of Jewish olim from Yemen arrive in Israel, March 20

Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, brings to mind the unique relationship between world Jewry and the land of Israel.

For Jews, to come to live in Israel from any place in the world — be it from the highest mountain or the largest valley — is an act of ascension, an aliyah.

Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin In honor of the day, we’ll explore the meaning of the aliyah concept and its centrality in Jewish culture.

Aliyah is derived from the verb oleh, meaning go up, ascend and rise, which appears almost 900 times in the Bible.

Interestingly, the last word in the Hebrew Bible is veyaal, and go up, a term of encouragement from King Cyrus to the Jews of Persia to return to Israel and rebuild the Temple in Yerushalayim, Jerusalem (Ezra 1:3; II Chron. 36:23).

From this perspective, moving to live in Yerushalayim is neither a simple voyage nor just immigration. Rather, to move to Yerushalayim is an act of aliyah, an ascension.

Indeed, aliyah (pl. aliyot) is a central concept in Jewish culture. Going to Israel with the intent to settle there, means to make aliyah, to ascend, and the person who acts upon this calling is an oleh, an ascender.

Throughout our history there were constant waves of aliyot to Israel, aliyot that assured uninterrupted Jewish residency in the Land despite the exiles.

Short is the space to mention

all the waves of aliyot to the Land, which began with Cyrus’ declaration (538 B.C.E) and proceeds to this day.

Suffice it to mention that Jews from Muslim lands made aliyot already in the 7th century. Jews from Europe, led by prominent rabbis, made several aliyot from the eighth century to the 18th century.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, aliyot from different corners of the world — America, Europe and places like Yemen, Persia, India, Ethiopia and Iraq — were based on the national quest for independent Jewish life in Israel.

As the 21st century unfolds, the state of Israel is still a magnet for Jewish aliyah.

Jews from France, Russia, Ukraine and even China continue the tradition of ascending to the Land.

Beyond its connection with the Land, aliyah is at the center of other Hebrew phrases. For example, the honorary call to the reading of Torah in the synagogue on Shabbat is called aliyah laTorah (Orach Chayim 25) and the pilgrimage to Yerushalayim on holidays is called aliyah leregel (Yoma 21).

To rise in rank is aliyah bedar gah and an increase in salary is called aliyah bamas koret. However, aliyah laaretz, going up to the Land, is by far a central motif in Jewish life.

On this Yom Ha’atzmaut, we look to Israel to continue as a haven for those who make aliyah and settle in her midst.

We wish her to continue being a steadfast beacon of strength and pride for Jews worldwide.

Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin is a professor of biblical literature at Spertus College in Chicago and an adjunct professor of Bible and Hebrew at New College of Florida.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

Trump’s Israel adviser Continued on Page 12 tiations and then hope for the best.”

On Syria, Greenblatt said the United States should create safe havens for civilians fleeing the war, possibly by “borrowing land” from nearby Turkey and Jordan. On ISIS, he says the U.S. should marshal a worldwide coalition to address the problem.

Asked how the Iran nuclear deal should be handled, Greenblatt says it’s too late simply to tear it up and that he’s not sure how to proceed.

“I’m not an expert on it to answer that question adequately,” he said.

When Trump identified Greenblatt as his top presidential adviser on Israel, it appeared to be a spur-of-themoment decision.

“I knew that he was relying on me for certain aspects of Israel, but I didn’t know I was his top adviser,” Greenblatt said. “I

G

feel fortunate he said it.”

Raised in an Orthodox neighborhood of Queens, Greenblatt is a product of Orthodox Jewish day schools. He went to Yeshiva University’s high school for boys, the Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy, and then to Yeshiva College after a year of study in the West Bank yeshiva. He obtained his law degree from New York University and worked for a law firm doing real estate transactional work — and tried to launch a start-up cappuccino company — until a recruiter brought him to Trump.

“I’m in this unique, amazing position where I might be able to help a country like Israel that I love so deeply by being where I am,” Greenblatt said. “When Donald negotiates deals in the White House, I know how he thinks, I know how to get his bidding done, so I could be useful. And I’d love to help change this country for the better.”

GLICKLER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE

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OBITUARIES Wilma L. Keller, age 89, of Centerville, passed away April 2 at Bethany Village.

Mrs. Keller was retired from Dayton Public Schools and a member of Temple Israel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bertram; parents, Charles and Dovie Smith; and sister, Vechel Barlow. Mrs. Keller is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, David and Diane Keller of Calif., Joel and Libby Keller of Calif., and James and Amy Keller of Cincinnati; sisters and brotherin-law, Charlene Miller of Centerville and Annebell and William Arthur of Centerville; and a host of family and friends. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery.

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Carol E. McBride, age 71 of Dayton, passed away March 25. Ms. McBride had a degree in accounting from Wright State University. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Beatrice Levine, and great nephew, Joshua Levine. She is survived by her sister, Lois Harris; niece, Julie (David) Buckner; nephew, Bill (Julie) Harris; several great nieces, nephews and cousins. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to JoshELevineFoundation.org, Temple Israel or Hospice of Dayton.

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Frances Shaman Stofflet, age 77 formerly of Dayton, passed away March 24 in Ann Arbor, Mich., where she had been living for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Rose Shaman.

Ms. Stofflet is survived by her brother, Benson R. Shaman of Japan, two nieces, and many cousins. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

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New & Renewing Voluntary Subscribers • Feb. 5 - April 4 New Guardian Angels M.J. & Bella Freeman Bernard Rabinowitz Renewing Angels George & Ruth Barnett & Family Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Bettman Hy & Sylvia Blum Myrna Nelson Russ Remick Col. Jeffrey Thau, USAF, (Ret.) & Rina Thau New Angel Brenda Rinzler Double Chai Alan & Elyse Berg Linda Blum Kevin & Karen Bressler Bob & Sharon Burick Ellen Elovitz Marni Flagel

Erika & Felix Garfunkel Dale Goldberg & Mark Dlott Lynn & David Goldenberg Sylvia & Ralph Heyman Ted & Linda Jarvis Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Kantor Bonnie & Alan Klein Mr. & Mrs. Paul Kulback Shel & Irene Miller Sis & Phil Office Alice & Burt Saidel Arlene & David M. Stine Mr. & Mrs. Larry Tomchin Subscribers Larry & Sydelle Balas Dr. & Mrs. Steven Blumhof Marcia Burick Julie Cohen Craig & Marilyn Crossley Enrique Ellenbogen M.D. Stephen Gemza Franklin & Renee Rubin Handel

Marlene Kantor Robert Klaben Shirley Brook Klausner Henny Lubow Helen & Steve Markman NCCJ Jennifer Oppenheimer Ann Paddock Mrs. Eileen Phinick Barry & Haana Serotkin Reuben Wasserman Steven & Patty Wyke Gary Zaremsky Mr. & Mrs. Don Zulanch Current Guardian Angels Howard & Judy Abromowitz Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg & Hazzan Jenna Greenberg Marilyn & Larry Klaben Howard Michaels Walter Ohlmann Andrea Rabiner

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Michael & Connie Bank Skip Becker Amy & Michael Bloom Larry & Cindy Burick Betty & Don Chernick Mrs. Melvin Crouse Dr. & Mrs. Scot Denmark Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Feldman Esther & DeNeal Feldman Lynn Foster Dr. Eric Friedland Kim & Shelley Goldenberg Debby & Bob Goldenberg Judi & George Grampp Art & Joan Greenfield Susan & Joe Gruenberg Bea Harris Robert & Vicky Heuman Maxine & Jeffrey Hoffman Steve and Rachel Jacobs Dr. & Mrs. David Joffe

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

Dennis Kahn & Linda Ohlmann Kahn Joyce & Chuck Kardon Susan & Stanley Katz Mrs. David Laderman Gabriele & Todd Leventhal Shirley Leventhal Jean Lieberman Beverly Louis Dr. David & Joan Marcus Suzi & Jeff Mikutis Irvin & Gayle Moscowitz Martin Nizny John & Sharyn Reger Jan Rudd-Goenner Felice & Michael Shane Mr. & Mrs. Henry Stern Dr. Marc & Maureen Sternberg Julie & Adam Waldman & Family Judith & Fred Weber Donald & Caryl Weckstein Michael & Karen Weprin Dr. Judith Woll & Ron Bernard

Thank you.

PAGE 23

Arts&Culture

Can morality and faith find common ground?

A conversation with Rabbi Donniel Hartman, author of Putting God Second: How To Save Religion From Itself

By Aaron B. Cohen JUF News CHICAGO — “If praying makes one deaf to the cries of a child, there is something flawed in the prayer.”

That old Chasidic adage is one way Rabbi Donniel Hartman illustrates for readers of his brilliant book the vexing reality of the present, a time when religion is engaged in what he calls a “cultural and intellectual war” over its essential identity.

In Putting God Second: How To Save Religion From Itself, Hartman ascribes crimes committed throughout history in the name of God to a paradox Shalom Hartman Institute President Rabbi Donniel Hartman whereby monotheism, in an effort to uproot idolatry, “gives To walk with God, Hartrise to the greatest idolatry man asserts, is to “walk with of all, the idolatry of human human beings through all self-intoxication, an idolatry of our shared struggles and in which God is drafted in the needs.” To do so is to transform service of human self-interest.” religious passion into a fuel In chapters that are profor moral greatness. This, he found but accessible, explainclaims, is the power and poing ideas both complex and en- tential of the ancient maxim of thralling, Hartman diagnoses Rabbi Hillel, who two millenand presents antidotes to what nia ago laid the basis of rabbinhe terms religion’s autoimic Judaism: “What is hateful to mune disease. you, do not do to your neigh“For in the very act of bor: this is the whole Torah. self-revelation, of making the The rest is commentary (on the divine presence accessible principle); go and learn it.” to human experience, God Hartman offers a radical unleashes a spiritual virus on ideal in this age of religious human beings that even God radicalism: The purpose of cannot control,” he writes. The religious systems, commandresult is that “…the immoral ments, and becomes mysteriously moral, laws, he the profane miraculously states, is not holy.” to determine Rather than indicting Judamoral good in ism, Christianity, and Islam, the first place.

Hartman’s goal is to aid mono- Rather “they theistic faith communities in function to “rediscovering and reclaiming remind us of a religious system that does not that which we merely attempt to balance love already know, of God with love of neighbor and their pribut that clearly prioritizes love mary role is of neighbor over love of God.” to condition us to overcome the By doing so, the modern most significant cause of moral Orthodox Hartman — who is mediocrity, which is not lack among Judaism’s most influof knowledge but weakness of ential educators — implores character.” the faithful to recognize the To refocus religion in service religious primacy of the ethical. of humanity’s moral evolution Orienting religion around will entail what Hartman calls the primacy of the ethical is an internal culture war that critical to overcoming what believers must wage “if we Hartman calls “God intoxicaare to save our traditions from tion,” an effect of monotheism’s themselves.” autoimmune disorder that, he “We must be, and cultivate, says, “plagues and subverts internal critics who can look the spiritual priority of human moral failure squarely in the moral responsibility.” eye, not as an indictment of

religion but as a failure of religion to live up to its own goals,” he writes.

Hartman and his colleagues are doing that through the Shalom Hartman Institute, in Jerusalem and North America, by redefining the conversation about Judaism in modernity, religious pluralism, Israeli democracy, Israel and world Jewry, and the relationship with other faith communities.

“In light of religion’s resurgence as a significant power in shaping the world, it is critical that the faithful take an honest look at the types of people and communities our systems are producing. The broad geopolitical and socioeconomic impact of religion in the world today demands that people of faith take ownership over the consequences of their ideologies,” Hartman writes.

Readers of Putting God Second will find within its pages kernels of wisdom and of hope that the rent fabric of humanity can be restored with the thread of divine inspiration.

What moved you to write this book?

Rabbi Donniel Hartman: As a religious person, it’s very disturbing to me how God is made the framework under which immorality is allowed and how prevalent that is. On the global level, God has literally blown up.

To me this is not what our religion is.

Religion is important if your life is enriched and you become a better person because of it. I wanted to understand why religion is so generally underachieving.

To walk with God, Hartman asserts, is to ‘walk with human beings through all of our shared struggles and needs.’

PAGE 24

How worried are you about the mixing of religion and politics?

It’s not the combination of religion and politics that concerns me; all religion by definition is political. And therefore the notion that you’re going to separate religion from politics is (unproductive)…Psychologically, religion is not about what you do in your inner house. It’s

about a system of values that shapes your world.

You’re not going to save religion by separating it from politics; you’re going to save it when you ensure what it does when it gets involved in politics.

What are the correctives to the paradox of, on the one hand, the self-effacement that gives rise to what you call God intoxication (putting God above all else) and, on the other hand, the covenantal partnership that can give rise to God manipulation (using God to your own ends)?

The corrective I’m suggesting is a different mode of faithfulness with God: putting God second. We need to create a different internal religious language where the more faithful I am with God, the more I place the ethical responsibility above God. That’s the Hillelian Principle: “What is hateful unto you, do not do unto others; that is the whole Torah.”

The New Atheists and others say that what you need to do is to exit your religious system in order to save yourself from religion. I’m trying to heal religion from the inside and I’m trying to create a religious vocabulary that sees piety not in terms of a willingness to sacrifice yourself — or, more often than not, sacrifice somebody else for God — but that truly reflects a common humanity. A corrective is the primacy of the ethical and the independence of the ethical.

Why is our belief system not elevating ethical issues to the top of the conversation?

Those are considered socalled secular values, but are what the prophets spoke about all the time. The pope is very much in that tradition. He’s trying to create a religious discourse of the primacy of the ethical. But it falls primarily on deaf ears because we haven’t created a theology that makes

this coherent.

The idea that the good is independent of religion is in Gen. 18, when Abraham says to God, “Will the judge of the whole earth not deal justly?” and he assumes that his standard of ethics trumps God’s.

But the more God enters into your life, you’re looking for salvation: salvation from doubt.

You want answers. And when that happens, then you can kill in the name of God. Everything you do is in the name of God. Is that good?

How will fundamentalists deal with your plea to weigh these ethical exigencies?

My goal is to make sure they don’t define religion for a whole group of people who are salvageable.

Paradoxically, the public discourse — that there are no Muslim terrorists — is hurting us because it’s not creating the inner battle.

You think you’re protecting religion from the fundamentalists, but you’re not. People know there’s a problem in religion. But you’re not offering them another vision of religion.

You’re just saying, no, there is no problem in religion. There are Muslims who are doing terrorists acts, but they’re not Muslim terrorists.

People look and say, “How much murder is being perpetrated now in the name of God? Whatever that God might be, I don’t want any part of it.”

If you create a different religious language, you’re creating a door for more people to be part of a religious conversation.

Let’s create a discourse that reminds us of what really makes our religion great, and makes every religion great.

What do you hope to accomplish with the book?

I want to upgrade the quality of Jewish discourse. I’m tired of moral blindness in the name of God! I’m tired of superficial religious conversations. We have to reclaim our traditions.

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

Memories of Meadowbrook

Originally the Dayton area’s Jewish country club, Meadowbrook became a public course owned and operated by the city of Clayton in 2014

husband, Bob, a stunt pilot. On weekends when she club manager Ted LaVeris, who never forgot a name, wasn’t at Meadowbrook, she likely was at a flight what a member wanted to eat, or where each member show or state fair, her husband climbing to just under wanted to sit. t was unseasonably cool on Wednesday, Aug. 14, the clouds while Patty was harnessed to a wing, walkIt became a place to hang out at the pool and play 1963, when Arnold Palmer drove the first hole at ing back and forth. tennis, enjoy lunch and the view, or just to hang out.

Meadowbrook in an era when even the top PGA pros Bill Williams still runs the pro shop as he has since “Oh, it was like a second camp for me,” said Brenda played lucrative exhibitions between tour events.

1997, reporting that rounds of play have more than Rinzler, whose family held Meadowbrook member“I wasn’t there, but I heard about it,” said Art doubled last year, from 10,000 to 21,000. ships for decades. “Jewish kids used to Shone, who was 28 at the time; he was busy with his With more publicity — and good weather go to camp in the summer. After camp family real estate business.

— play should be up even more this (and before), my parents dropped me off “A big deal? Sure it was a big deal. Most guys used season. (or she took the bus). I played tennis and a driver and a wedge to reach the first hole. I was a (later) became obsessed with golf. I was single-digit handicap golfer, and I couldn’t do it.” born into Meadowbrook.” t all began at a 1924 meeting of 35 Palmer shot a 70; just under the Her father, Harry Schear, men in the dining room of the downweather, he was apologetic.

Over a period was a past president. When town Egry Register Co. at a time when “I wish I could have hit the ball betshe and her late husband country clubs were much more restrictive. ter and given them a better show,” said of 90 years, Allan, moved back to Initially, they leased 125 acres (an adPalmer, who played in front of a crowd Meadowbrook Dayton from Atlanta, they ditional 55 acres were purchased in 1935) estimated at 2,200 to 3,000. joined on their own. They from The Lightner Farm on Salem Pike.

Founded in 1924, Meadowbrook was was a family built a home nearby.

Seventy-five families became charter more than a country club. It was a soMeadowbrook was members as Scotsman Alex “Nipper” cial center for Dayton’s Jewish commu- club as much as where they spent a lot of Campbell was contracted to design a nity. In the winter of 2014, the owner From 1953 to 1986, a country club their free time. nine-hole course with 14 tees (to give difdonated the 18-hole course to the city Meadowbrook operated “There were not many of Clayton as a public place. Clayton under the watchful eye of ferent views and shots). He was named restaurants around,” Rinzler said. “We City Manager Rick Rose sees the site as a considerable Club Manager Ted LaVeris the club’s first pro. ate at Meadowbrook two to three times a Egry Register President Milton Stern value to the citizens of his city and surrounding area. week, and we never had to eat by ourselves. It was not served as Meadowbrook’s first president, with a roster Use of the golf course is up and a new caterer has snobby. The food was the best in town. The entertainof members that included Eugene Ach, Raymond been signed to operate a daily grill and provide for ment was the best in town (including song-and-dance Adler, Max Frankel, J.H. Margolis, Elmer Rauh, Ben larger events. routines). Kids grew up at the original pool (built in Shaman, and Joseph Thal.

While the city initially has no plans for the six tenthe 1950s). We had formal parties.”

In the very earliest of days, there weren’t many nis courts or swimming pool, those areas are expected For many, it was the place where from 1953 to ‘86, country clubs — or fine public courses — anywhere. to be transformed into an outdoor event facility.

LaVeris ruled as a kindly king. He hired teenager In the Dayton area, Piqua Country Club opened in Over a period of 90 years, Meadowbrook was a Patty Wagner to help with the books in 1966, and she 1896, Dayton Country Club opened in 1897, and family club as much as a country club, a Jewish comhas been there ever since: a much safer job than her Springfield Country Club followed in 1898. munity venue where people gathered for golf and other vocation.

John Patterson donated 340 acres in Kettering for weddings, golf and Bar Mitzvah parties, golf and the Wagner became a wing walker after marrying her Continued on next page best Sunday dinner in town under the watchful eye of

By Marc Katz, Special To The Observer

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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

PAGE 25

Men’s Club Annual Complimentary

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

We are an enthusiastically egalitarian synagogue.

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

6:50 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. Sunday We are an enthusiastically egalitarian synagogue.

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

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

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

Sunday, May 8, 10 a.m.

Featuring lox and bagels, blintz soufflé, musical entertainment.

R.S.V.P. to 293-9520 by May 5.

Beth Abraham Synagogue offers regular Minyans on the following days and times

6:50 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. - Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. - Sunday All are welcome

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

We are an enthusiastically egalitarian synagogue.

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

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

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

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

The original clubhouse at Meadowbrook

Meadowbrook

Continued from previous page the community golf course, opening nine holes in 1919, and four other golf clubs opened by the end of 1923, when Meadowbrook went on the drawing board.

Meadowbrook had a different membership philosophy from most clubs, requiring members to make donations to Jewish causes in relationship to their club dues. For decades, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton’s annual campaign had a Meadowbrook division.

In 1934, Depression membership dwindled to 32, golf pro Ock Willoweit worked without salary (except for the occasional tip) and the greens keeper was reduced to $20 per week. During World War II, the clubhouse was closed for about a year.

Norm Kidd, the longest-serving pro in the club’s history, was there from 1944 to ‘79. He oversaw the rebirth of the club, with its full 18 holes, and Max Frankel, one of the last of the founders, was still playing.

The 1950s marked the club’s high point, with additions and expansions through the ‘60s.

“Meadowbrook, for maybe a couple of hundred families at best, was kind of the focal point of their social life,” Shone said.

“Businessmen and doctors played golf on Wednesday afternoons. Sunday night dinners were a real treat. My parents would take us for Sunday night dinner because we could play bingo. In that wonderful old Meadowbrook clubhouse, and with that big-beamed English ceiling, it was great fun to have dinner and play bingo. Saturday nights were very much the social life of its members.

There were parties at the club.

I would go out to play golf on Sunday morning, my wife and kids would go to the pool and we would meet for lunch.”

Golf, of course, was always the central cog of the club.

“When I came here in 1997,” said Williams, “three (older) guys used to play all the time — Milt Levinson, Jake Margolis and George Brockman. They took a cart out every day and played 18 holes in about an hour and 15 minutes.

“I couldn’t understand how they could get around the course that fast — especially at their ages — so one day I went out to watch them. They never putted. As soon as one of them landed on the green, they’d pick up their balls and go to the next hole.

“One day, they lost a ball in the creek near the 17th hole and instead of just using a new ball, they went looking for it, like they couldn’t afford a new ball.

“But they forgot to put the brake on the cart. It rolled down the hill — I don’t know how it missed them — and into the creek. One of them walked back to the clubhouse and told me they had a problem.”

T

hat was after the fire, and by that time, membership had expanded beyond the Jewish base, although Jewish members were still the core of the club.

The fire came July 24, 1986. It was a Thursday, and started in the kitchen.

“We had to take everything out of the shop,” Patty Wagner said. “The amazing thing was how many people helped us.”

Although the fire accelerated the pace, Meadowbrook’s PAGE 26

THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

membership was declining as Jews began moving from mostly northern neighborhoods to the south; older courses began admitting Jews and newer clubs glutted the Dayton market.

“People were not really welcome at any of the other clubs until the mid-1980s,” said Steve Wagenfeld, Meadowbrook’s president at the end.

“The biggest loss we had was right after the fire. And people were actually going south and not joining other country clubs.

Their lifestyle changed. They weren’t playing as much golf.”

Assimilation was also taking over. Jews didn’t have to stick together as much any more.

The fire, though, was critical, especially since the old clubhouse was under-insured. Despite that, a decision was made to rebuild on a grand — and costly — scale.

“It was a slow death,” Wagenfeld said. “We could not figure out a way to get people to join.“ The club turned to a management company that didn’t work out, and in 2005, local entrepreneur Larry Harris bought the club.

Harris, one of the first nonJews to join the club, lived nearby and liked the club so much, he thought he could save it.

He operated it for about a decade, and when he sold his core business and semi retired, faced choices of selling the land piecemeal or saving it as a golf destination.

“Tremendous people there,” Harris said. “During the time I was there, they were tremendous. It just wasn’t going to make it (as a club). I thought, what could I do for the community and keep the history of Meadowbrook there?”

Do you have memories of Meadowbrook to share?

Send your recollections and photos to Marshall Weiss at MWeiss@jfgd.net or to The Dayton Jewish Observer, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville, OH 45459.

We’ll post them at our website, daytonjewishobserver.org.

The original Meadowbrook clubhouse burned down July 24, 1986

He offered it to Clayton, which, on short notice, began operating the golf course in 2015.

The city has since refurbished the clubhouse, pro shop (including re-stocking) and this year has added Heritage Catering to plan events for the 65,000 square-foot clubhouse and to provide food for the daily golfers.

It won’t be quite the same, but it survives.

Art Shone used to play every

Saturday at Meadowbrook with Jimmy Patterson, Jimmy Schear and Steve Wagenfeld, the youngest of the group.

He still goes from time to time, but he lives south, in Centerville. So does Wagenfeld.

“It’s bittersweet,” Wagenfeld said. “I still play there. A lot of the same people who were members are still playing there.

But you see a lot of strangers.

It’s a public golf course. It’s no longer Meadowbrook. It’s a different feeling.”

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Meadowbrook’s rebuilt clubhouse

The Observer is happy to offer you a FREE announcement, including a photo, in our June graduation issue. To receive an announcement form, contact Karen Steiger at 853-0372 or KSteiger@jfgd.net. All forms must be received by May 6.

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company Presents

Soulstice: Saturday, May 14, 2016 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm America’s Packard Museum, 420 S Ludlow St, Dayton, OH 45402

DCDC dancers will perform with headline blues singer Kathy Wade, Victory James, and others with music provided by Deron Bell.

Join us for our annual fund-raising gala and enjoy fun times, dining, entertainment and auction items.

Tickets on Sale Now Individual tickets $125; For event sponsor opportunities or group tickets call 937-228-3232 ext. 113

For individual tickets call 937.228.3630 | 888.228.3630 or online at ticketcenterstage.com THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • MAY 2016

PAGE 27

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