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IDF Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Nitzan Nuriel briefs Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley (Center) and West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio at the Gaza border as part of their AJC Project Interchange trip to Israel, May 9
Whaley concerned that support for Jewish state could become a partisan issue By Marshall Weiss, The Observer In the American Jewish Committee’s briefing before Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley chaired a delegation of four U.S. mayors to Israel in May, AJC’s Melanie Maron Pell told the participants, “If you don’t come home more confused, then we have failed you.” Whaley, who chairs the U.S. Conference of Mayors International Affairs Committee, returned from the May 5-12 trip with the observation that Israel’s situation is “not so much complex as it’s hard. The decisions are hard decisions and there are so many things to focus on.” Joining her on the AJC trip — sponsored and funded by AJC’s Project Interchange — were South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, and West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio. Pell, assistant executive director and managing director of AJC’s regional offices, accompanied them. “Project Interchange is an institute of the AJC to send thought leaders, influential leaders from around the world, in small delegations to Israel for an on-theground, firsthand experience,” Pell said. The project, she added, tries to show the leaders a wide range of viewpoints and expressions of what it means to
know Israel, from high-tech to education to culture. “It’s not just about the conflict which Israel is surrounded by, but that’s certainly an important element of it.” Whaley said she is impressed with Israelis’ impatience to get things done. “There’s a great urgency with Israelis that I really like,” she said. “I like Israelis because they’re as direct as me. So we have great conversations.” One of Whaley’s direct conversations was with Amb. David Roet, head of North American Affairs for Israel’s Foreign Ministry, who joined the mayors at a dinner in Jerusalem. “I have some things to say to the Israeli government because I do think that — we (the mayors) were all Democrats — we worry about losing the left. I think we should have a Jewish homeland, I think Israel should be its own state. But they (Israel) are losing the left. And I think the government (of Israel) has done some bad choices to make that happen and I don’t think they really understand that.” As an example, Whaley said she told Roet that if the American Israel Public Affairs Committee had hosted the trip, she would not have attended. “It’s perceived in the progressive community as a right-wing organization right now,” Whaley said of AIPAC. “He was pretty horrified by that, and I said, ‘Well think about it. Your prime minister gets involved in our elections before Continued on Page Five
IN THIS ISSUE A r t s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 9
Kvelling Corner............................14
Calendar of Events.......................13
Opinion...............................6
Family Education............................17
O b i t u a r i e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 6
Food...............................................18
Re l i g i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 5 THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2018
THE REGION
Survey: no smartphones at regional overnight camp brings much more relief than frustration to campers 2017 Camp Livingston study to be broadened to more Jewish overnight camps this summer By Marshall Weiss The Observer A study last year at a Jewish overnight camp serving the region concluded that its campers are far more glad than frustrated to be disconnected from their smartphones while there. This summer, the study will expand to several Jewish overnight camps across America, to yield broader and deeper data. Market researcher Michael Mercier, president of Cincinnati-
based Screen Education — a nonprofit that seeks to combat the negative consequences of screen addiction through research, education, and consulting — conducted the study last year for Camp Livingston in Bennington, Ind. At the request of Jodi Sperling, Jewish Community Center Association of America’s overnight camps senior consultant, Mercier will oversee the study for multiple Jewish overnight Camp Livingston
According to Screen Education’s 2017 study of session one campers at Camp Livingston, 92 percent experienced gladness and 41 percent experienced frustration at having no smartphone access at camp
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camps this summer in consultation with Camp Livingston Executive Director Max Yamson. Mercier’s 2017 study findings in this new research field — the consequences of and potential solutions for smartphone addiction — are centered around the 62 campers ages 12 to 15 in Camp Livingston’s first fourweek summer session last year. The campers said that being disconnected from their smartphones “allows them to get to know people at a far deeper level, to fully engage in new and fun activities, to escape ‘drama,’ to connect with nature and their surroundings, and to sleep better.” In the study, he also noted that many campers discussed the experience of face-to-face communication as though it were a novel experience that they were encountering for the first time. “The big concern was, are they conscious of the fact that smartphones are causing them problems before they come to camp? Is there a level of awareness? Because in the national conversation, the adults talk about this as if the kids are totally unaware that there’s a problem,” Mercier said. “We explored this issue, and they know it is.” To arrive at that conclusion, Mercier asked the youths how camp would have been different if they had been allowed to bring their smartphones.
From the editor’s desk
When I interviewed market researcher Michael Mercier for the story above, I asked him if there are any takeaways at this point on how parents can help kids self-limit their smartphone use. “This is such a new area that it’s open,” Mercier said. “I’m not going to Marshall label it as an addiction. It’s like an addiction.” Weiss But for those who view excessive smartphone use as an addiction, in order to self-limit, he says the first step is for the individual to intellectually grasp the problem. Step two, he says, is to provide people with intellectual concepts and nomenclature so they can analyze the problem. “Three would be getting them to use that framework to reflect on the problem at a deeper level,” he says. The next step would be “setting up rituals or rules for yourself that are sacred, where you follow them without question: you don’t use your phones during these times, when you’re doing these things. I think another part of it would be to try to create a culture or atmosphere — whether that’s within an institution or broadly across society — where this becomes a very high value, so there are new norms that are established, like at schools.”
“That was the biggest insight,” he said. “There’s just quote after quote: ‘We would have been like zombies, we would have spent all of our time in our cabin not talking to each other, staring at our phones all day, we wouldn’t have gone outside into the woods, we wouldn’t have engaged in activities, we wouldn’t have gotten to know each other.’” Mercier concludes that the campers are able to express those observations because that’s what it’s like when they’re home with their smartphones. Continued on next page
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THE REGION
Overnight camp smartphone study Continued from previous page “What they’re basically admitting is, they are not engaging in life fully because of those phones,” Mercier said. “The more research I do, I’m finding they know there’s a problem. We shouldn’t be talking down to them or keeping them out of the conversation. The national conversation is about imposing limits on their screen time. And part of my point is that we also have to do the complement to that, which is to cultivate within them the ability to independently self-limit the screen time. “The research from Camp Livingston especially shows that they’re mentally prepared for that. They have a level of awareness of the problem, and a desire that if we started to help them limit their screen time, a certain percentage of kids would be responsive to that.” The study found that 92 percent of Livingston campers experienced gladness and 41 percent felt frustration at having no smartphone access at camp. While there was an overlap of conflicting emotions, Mercier said the study found that 58 percent of campers experienced no frustration and 8 percent experienced no gladness without their smartphones. Twenty percent of campers self-identified as “addicted” to their phones. The main frustrations that came out of smartphone deprivation at camp, Mercier noted in his study, were feeling disconnected from family, close friends, and the world. “A few lamented not being able to take and share pictures, not being able to listen to music or access news,” he wrote in his report summary. Camp Livingston Executive Director Max Yamson said the phone-free policy has become the standard for traditional overnight summer camps in North America, and that parents on the whole have come to accept this approach. “We feel confident that
providing a tech-free atmosphere is a benefit for them,” said Yamson, who joined Camp Livingston in September. Yamson added that he was fascinated to absorb the study’s data on campers’ desires and attempts to limit their smartphone use. Campers indicated that prior to the camp session, 42 percent had desired, attempted, and succeeded in curbMarket researcher Michael Mercier, president of Screen Education in Cincinnati, ing their smartphone says his 2017 Camp Livingston research indicates campers are mentally prepared use. to self-limit their screen time In a follow-up survey three to four months after pate in the survey.” the smartphone-free expericamp, 37.5 percent said they This summer’s study will al- ence or if campers internalize desired to reduce their smartlow Mercier to conduct deeper the difference at the same level phone use, and 34.78 said they research that he wasn’t able to without structured talks. were successful at reducing achieve at Livingston in 2017. “I’m visiting 17 camps this their smartphone use. Livingston campers in summer and as I’ve been schedsession one and session two uling visits, I’ve been asking Broadening the data answered written questions at if they’re interested in doing a “When I saw the study the end of their first and second focus group,” Sperling said. come out two months ago that weeks there. She’ll start her camp visits Livingston did last summer, I Mercier also had session one at Livingston with Mercier and was really intrigued by it, in campers engage in Yamson. view of this research showing small focus-group “A lot of the not only that camp provides a discussions with credit goes to Max refuge from smartphones, but it their counselors at and Aaron (Slovin) then has mental health benefits the end of the third before him, and the through the camp,” JCCA’s week, to reflect on whole Livingston Sperling said. what it was like team for doing this “If camp is a to have no smartfirst, before rewhole new place phones. ally understanding where kids are Session two at how important this getting a refuge Livingston did not research is,” Sperling from their smart- include guided selfsaid. “Had they not phones, then reflection. Campers done this with MiJCCA Overnight Camps chael, we might not it can actually in both sessions Senior Consultant Jodi position camp as were asked to com- Sperling have ever thought of something that plete a follow-up this.” is needed and online survey in November and All the camps Sperling works not just a want,” December. with have no-cellphone polishe added. “What we wanted to study cies. Of those, only a few allow Sperling in comparing the two groups,” campers to bring an MP3 player contacted MerMercier said, “was whether or radio for activities and music. cier and Yamson to conduct a elaborating and reflecting on “There still will be parents larger-scale study this summer that experience deepens their who send their kids with mulwith as many Jewish overnight understanding and gives them tiple phones so when one gets camps in North America as pos- a good motivation to cut their taken, they have another one,” sible to broaden the data. screen time after they went she said. “It’s really counterinShe’s inviting all 25 overnight home.” tuitive to these kids to develop camps in the JCCA network, independence and to learn how along with Jewish overnight Finding the value of to solve their own problems.” camps where she knows the di- structured discussions Some parents, she said, worry rectors, and the camps affiliated The follow-up survey rethey won’t be able to reach their with the JCamp 180 program of sponse from session two was children if there’s a crisis at the Harold Grinspoon Founda- too low for him to use. “We just camp, such as a tornado. tion. focused on the qualitative data “What the camps try to “We already have eight we had from group one.” articulate to the parents is that camps that have approached Sperling said she hopes this camp would communicate imus about becoming involved,” summer’s data will help demediately with parents if there Sperling said. “I’m hoping termine whether there is value was an issue,” Sperling said. there will be a group of 10 to 15 in camp directors facilitating “For the most part, parents get camps or more that will partici- discussions with campers about it.”
‘What they’re basically admitting is, they are not engaging in life fully because of those phones.’
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Camp Livingston
Editor and Publisher Marshall Weiss MWeiss@jfgd.net 937-853-0372 Contributors Rachel Haug Gilbert Rabbi Cary Kozberg Candace R. Kwiatek Advertising Sales Executive Patty Caruso, plhc69@gmail.com Proofreaders Rachel Haug Gilbert, Pamela Schwartz Billing Jeri Kay Eldeen, JEldeen@jfgd.net 937-853-0372 Observer Advisor Martin Gottlieb Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton David Pierce President Judy Abromowitz Immediate Past Pres. Bruce Feldman President Elect Todd Bettman Officer Dr. Heath Gilbert Officer Beverly Louis Officer Mary Rita Weissman Officer Cathy Gardner CEO The Dayton Jewish Observer, Vol. 22, No. 11. The Dayton Jewish Observer is published monthly by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton, a nonprofit corporation, 525 Versailles Dr., Dayton, OH 45459. Views expressed by guest columnists, in readers’ letters and in reprinted opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Dayton Jewish Observer, The Dayton Jewish Observer Policy Committee, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton or the underwriters of any columns. Acceptance of advertising neither endorses advertisers nor guarantees kashrut. The Dayton Jewish Observer Mission Statement To support, strengthen and champion the Dayton Jewish community by providing a forum and resource for Jewish community interests. Goals • To encourage affiliation, involvement and communication. • To provide announcements, news, opinions and analysis of local, national and international activities and issues affecting Jews and the Jewish community. • To build community across institutional, organizational and denominational lines. • To advance causes important to the strength of our Jewish community including support of Federation agencies, its annual campaign, synagogue affiliation, Jewish education and participation in Jewish and general community affairs. • To provide an historic record of Dayton Jewish life.
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In the West Bank Palestinian city of Rawabi (L to R) South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley meet with Rawabi Mayor Ibrahim Natour (standing) and Bashar Masri, developer of the new city
Mayor’s trip
thing, is not set up for complicated.” Continued from Page Two The way Israel is handling the election and hugs Donald its politics in the United States, Trump.’ I said, ‘Regular people Whaley told Roet, “is Donald in Ohio that are not in the Trump and evangelicals. We’re Jewish community, they don’t (the left) going to be very nerunderstand Israel or even where vous about that.” Israel is.’” That this delegation of mayWhaley said that the Ameriors comprised only Democrats, can Jewish community has a AJC’s Pell said, was not intenrole to play in making sure sup- tional. port for Israel doesn’t become a “AJC is strictly non-partisan strictly Republican issue. and we always try to put “I feel like 20 years ago, Israel together bipartisan delegawas a bipartisan issue,” she tions,” she explained via email. said. “I worry that — it’s not “We invited a good number of there yet — it could become a Republican mayors (and other partisan issue. And I think the Democratic mayors) but these American Jewish community were the four that could make should pay very close attention this set of dates work. Our last to make sure that it doesn’t. I delegation, for example, was really pushed on the ambassachaired by a Republican (John dor. ‘I’m horrified you’re saying Giles of Mesa) and had three this,’ he said. Be horrified, but Republicans and five Demoyou need to pay attention.” crats.” Whaley also told the amWhaley saw for herself how bassador for North American much Israelis love U.S. Pres. Affairs that when Israel bombed Donald Trump, and she said she Syria in May, nobody in Dayton understands why. paid any mind outside of the “We were in Sderot, right Jewish community. on the border (with Gaza). “Unless you’re in the Jewish Then we got some street food community, no one has any idea for lunch. We asked the street that’s going on,” she said to vendor, ‘What do you think of Roet, “so when you have some- Trump?’ ‘He’s amazing. He has thing in the news in America cojones the size of ostriches.’ I and your prime minister is com- understand the passion around ing to attack a sitting president the Iran deal. I get that.” or your prime minister is having Over dinner in Holon (one a meeting with the Republican of Dayton’s Sister Cities), the candidate for president, that’s head of Holon’s Sister Cities what they (Daytonians) see, and project told Whaley, “Look, I’m then it becomes partisan. You (on the) left. I can’t stand Bibi want people to understand the (Netanyahu), I don’t like him at nuance, and that is not how our all, but Obama was no good for political system is right now. us on these issues. And I know Our political system, if anyTrump’s a weirdo, but at least
he’s doing what we need in our interests.” Whaley’s delegation also met with Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Technology Andy David. “The conversations were so rich,” she said. At the border with Gaza, Whaley and the other mayors received a briefing from IDF Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Nitzan Nuriel, now a research fellow with the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya. Originally, they were to hold the briefing at Israel’s border with Syria, but Iranian troops in Syria had fired missiles into Israel early that morning. “You see where Hamas burned the fields,” Whaley said, referring to the incendiary kites Gazans now release to ravage Israeli crops. “The general said, ‘Israel is not the main course here. Israel is a side dish. The main course is Iran versus Saudi Arabia.’ I would not have known that had I not gone there.” She also learned about the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement on the trip. “I had no idea this BDS stuff was happening,” Whaley said. “And it’s happening in (American) councils and cities. I had to be completely educated on that. But they’re watching it at AJC every single day. And it’s all coming from the left.” This was Whaley’s second trip to Israel. She and AJC’s Pell hope to expand this project with U.S. mayors.
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PAGE 5
OPINION
Will American Jews answer these letters? The loneliness of the liberal Zionist Yossi Klein Halevi’s Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor is more important reading for American Jews than its intended audience
tinians to whom Halevi’s letters are addressed will By Jonathan S. Tobin, JNS.org read them. Is peace still possible between Israelis and PalestinWhile Halevi says he has already received some ians? After the events of the last 25 years, the answer responses from Palestinians, given the current state of from most Israelis seems to be not for the foreseeable the conflict, it’s hard not to be skeptical about Letters future. gaining much of an audience on the other side of the But it is just this general loss of hope that has border. convinced author Yossi Klein Halevi to write what he The generation that grew up in the West Bank and hopes is a book that can be the beginning of a new sort Gaza after the Oslo Accords has been indoctrinated in of dialogue. His Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor is an hatred of Israelis and Jews by the Palestinian Authoreloquent plea for mutual understanding by someone ity’s official media and school curricula. who believes deeply in peace, but is not so blinded by Even as Israel celebrates its 70th birthday as a his hopes as to ignore the reasons why efforts to end nation with a First World economy and a military the conflict have been unsuccessful. that makes it a regional superpower, Palestinians are Halevi is no stranger to the task of trying to bridge discussing (and apparently believing) that history the gap between the two peoples. A fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, he has championed the concept can be erased. If tens of thousands of them are charging the border fence in order to support the “return” of honest dialogue between Jews and Muslims. by descendants of the 1948 refugees — in the goal of Though perhaps best known for his riveting 2013 eliminating the Jewish state — then it isn’t likely that Like Dreamers: The Story of the Israeli Paratroopers Who many will be swayed by Halevi’s appeals for mutual Reunited Jerusalem and Divided a Nation, he also wrote At the Entrance to the Garden of Evil: A Ilir Bajraktari/The Tower recognition. Nor do I think there will be many takers for his publishers’ offer Jews’ Search for God With Christians and of free downloads of the book transMuslims in the Holy Land, in which he lated into Arabic. recounted his journey seeking to underBut this dismal reality shouldn’t stand other faiths and their traditions. consign Halevi’s book to the remainder His new book is a series of letters adpile alongside, for example, Shimon dressed to an unknown and unnamed Peres’ The New Middle East, an irrelPalestinian who lives across the valley evant appeal that documents the deluand beyond the security fence from Hasions of Jews about their antagonists. levi’s Jerusalem home. In it, he attempts Young American Jews should be readto explain not only why the conflict ing Halevi even if Palestinians don’t. persists, but why the Jews are there. Palestinians could profit from learnRecognizing that among the chief ing the lessons Halevi teaches about obstacles to reconciliation is a Palestinthe necessity and justice of Zionism, ian narrative that denies Jewish ties to Yossi Klein Halevi why Jews are a people and not just a the land or even Jewish peoplehood, faith community, what happened in 1948 and 1967, Halevi lays out the case for Israel. In doing so, he has why the peace process has failed so far, the nature of not written a polemic that seeks to deny Palestinian Israeli society, and the case for a two-state solution. peoplehood or their ties to the same land. Rather, his But it is also required reading for a generation of intention is to demonstrate the legitimacy of both narratives in order to pave the way for a compromise that American Jews who are largely ignorant about the might enable a two-state solution that is, in theory, the conflict, and who arrive on college campuses unarmed when confronted with anti-Zionist lies. It is this group most rational resolution to the century-old conflict. of naive kids who are often unduly influenced by Palestinian and Muslim readers have much to gain intersectional propaganda that should be enlightened from this slim volume primarily because of the unby Halevi’s letters. productive and misleading nature of most outreach We hear a great deal from critics of Israel that most programs. Dialogue between Arabs and Jews generof what young Jews are fed about the conflict is oneally consists of the former lambasting Israel for its sided, and that we don’t hear enough about Palestinalleged sins and the latter agreeing with them. Such discussions do nothing to help Palestinians understand ian suffering. Those arguments are largely specious. But if what has been lacking is a rational account that an approach to the conflict that views Zionism as that makes a case for both Israel’s rights and for peace, inherently evil will accomplish nothing. then Letters supplies exactly that. For those looking for While Halevi is honest about Israel’s shortcomings, a book that can reclaim the notion that it is possible to he is not, like most peace activists, determined to igbe both pro-Israel and pro-peace from groups willing nore or downplay the case for Zionism or the legitito join the crowd of jackals snapping out unfair attacks macy of Jewish security concerns. To the contrary, he at the Jewish state — and who deny the truth about realizes that Palestinians need to know why the Jews Palestinian rejectionism — Halevi has supplied the have returned to their ancient homeland and, just as answer. important, why they don’t plan on leaving. Contrary to the rhetoric we often hear from some who claim to speak for the cause of peace, Halevi does Jonathan S. Tobin is editor in chief of Jewish News Syndicate. not consider Israel’s founding sinful or wrong. To the contrary, his belief in peace is rooted in the notion that the cause of Israel is just. Nevertheless, he asserts that peace must be based on a recognition of the common humanity of its antagonists and the necessity for sharSend your letters (350 words max., thanks) to ing the land with them once they’ve given up their The Dayton Jewish Observer, 525 Versailles Drive quest for Israel’s destruction. That’s why we should all be hoping that the PalesDayton, OH 45459 • MWeiss@jfgd.net
So, what do you think?
PAGE 6
By Jarrod Tanny, The Forward To be a “liberal Zionist” in the United States is to lead a lonely existence. It often means having few friends, aside from other liberal Zionists. It means you support the right of the Jewish people to self-determination in their historic homeland while simultaneously supporting progressive causes in your American homeland. It means wanting to have a place on the left, alongside Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ activists, because it means you react with horror at the Trump administration’s racist, misogynistic, and homophobic agenda. But it also means a denial of your right to have a place on the left, because the left — including prominent activists like Linda Sarsour, Tamika Mallory, and Shaun King — consider Zionism to be a white supremacist ideology that has decimated the “native” Palestinian population of the middle east through brutal colonial practices. And it means lowering your head in confusion and shame when the Trump administration offers unquestioned support for Israel while simultaneously enabling — even cultivating — the antisemitism of the “alt-right.” It means being homeless in America’s increasingly binary political landscape. To be a liberal Zionist means having a position on Israel/Palestine, one that is rejected by the anti-Zionist left and the Zionist right. It usually means supporting a two-state solution based on the Oslo Accords, so that Israel can be secure, Jewish, and democratic without having to perpetuate the misery of the stateless Palestinian people. However unlikely this solution may seem at present, liberal Zionists cling to this vision; it is the only way they can intellectually square a commitment to universal human rights and to an ethno-national state. Both the right and the left view this position with contempt, seeing it as implausible, duplicitous, and dangerous. The right insists that a Palestinian state would never allow a Jewish state to exist securely, and even if it would, it is beside the point, because the land belongs to the Jews and the Jews alone. The left, conversely, insists that a Jewish state is by definition repressive because ethno-nationalism is inherently antidemocratic and can never protect the rights of minorities. The right insists that all liberal Zionists are hypocrites because they tolerate and occasionally engage in criticism of Israel’s government and the occupation. Much like the right, the left insists that liberal Zionism is hypocrisy: their expression of concern for Palestinians is spurious, for if it were genuine, they would not be so hostile to the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement which seeks to make Israel into a pariah state in the global community until the Palestinians are liberated. Liberal Zionists are forced to wage war on two fronts, a reality made apparent yet again in May when Rabbi Jill Jacobs, executive director of T’ruah, published an op-ed in the Washington Post, in which she explains How to tell when criticism of Israel is actually antisemitism. With delicacy and nuance, Jacobs staked her claim as an American progressive and a liberal Zionist, neither exonerating the Jewish state for its continued occupation of Palestinian land, nor endorsing the American left’s “Israel as genocidal empire” narrative. What ensued was sadly predictable: a social media outrage mob and a relentless attack against her emanating from the left and the right. There is neither nuance nor middle ground for the left and the right. Israel/Palestine is a zero-sum game. But liberal Zionism in America is not merely a political position. It is also an expression of American Jewish identity. Liberal Zionists believe that American Jews, Continued on Page 16 THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2018
THE WORLD
Poll shows deep divide between Israeli and American Jews By Ron Kampeas, JTA WASHINGTON — Israeli and American Jews disagree on much — settlements, religious pluralism, even the degree to which they are “family.” And now you can add Donald Trump to the mix. Twin polls of Israeli and American Jews published by the American Jewish Committee June 10 uncovered divides on all these issues, but an especially stark one about perceptions of the American president. Asked if they approved of Trump’s handling of the U.S.Israel relationship, 57 percent of American Jews disapproved while 34 percent approved. Among Israeli respondents, the divide was 77 percent approved while 10 percent disapproved. That gap extended to perhaps Trump’s best known Israel related policy, moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. American Jews were statistically evenly split, with 46 percent supporting and 47 percent opposing. Israeli Jews were overwhelmingly in favor, with 85 percent supporting and 7 percent opposing. There are areas of agreement as well, on the importance of a thriving Israel and a thriving Diaspora to the Jewish future, and on whether being Jewish is a matter of religion or ethnicity. “The surveys reveal sharp differences of opinion between the world’s two largest Jewish communities on President Trump, U.S.-Israel relations, and Israel’s security and peace process policies,” the AJC said in a release. “On Jewish communal issues, such as Jewish religious equality in Israel, the surveys confirm fissures between American Jews and Israelis, though, at the same time, the data show a degree of commonality in opinions about the vitality of both the Diaspora and the state of Israel and their significance for the future of the Jewish people.” There’s also a small bright light for Trump stateside: American Jews still overwhelmingly disapprove of him, but not as much as they did the last time AJC polled them — he gained 6 points, going from 77 to 71, just outside the margin of error of 3.9 percentage points. Favorable ratings climbed 5 points, from 21 to 26. (By way of contrast, a Wall Street Journal/NBC poll the first week in June scored 44 per-
cent approval ratings for Trump among the general population.) Other areas of division included: Settlements: Asked whether Israel should dismantle some, all or none of its West Bank settlements in a peace deal with Palestinians, 4 percent of Israeli Jews said all, 35 percent said some and 54 percent said none. Among American Jews, 15 percent said all, 44 percent said some and 35 percent said none. Pluralism: Among American Jews, 80 percent said nonOrthodox rabbis should be able to officiate at weddings in Israel while 17 percent said they should not; among Israeli Jews, the split 49 percent in favor, 45 percent against. Asked whether Israel should allow civil marriage, 81 percent of American Jews said it should while 13 percent said it should not. A majority of Israeli Jews also favored civil marriage, but it was a closer split: 55-40. American Jews favored by 73 percent “a mixed-gender prayer area adjacent to the Western Wall administered on an equal basis with the services at the Wall itself,” while 21 percent were opposed. Among Israeli Jews, the split was 42 percent in favor, with 48 percent opposed. Peoplehood: Asked how they viewed Israelis, 12 percent of American Jews said “siblings,” 15 percent said “first cousins,” 39 percent said “extended family” and 31 percent said “not part of my family.” Affections were greater among Israelis:
28 percent regarded American Jews as “siblings,” 10 percent as “first cousins,” 40 percent as “extended family,” while just 22 percent said “not part of my family.” There were areas of agreement too: The Jewish future: Among Israeli Jews, 78 percent thought a “thriving” Diaspora was vital to the future of the Jewish people, while 15 percent did not. The split among American Jews was 69 percent agreeing and 17 percent not. The same question regarding a “thriving” Israel got 87 percent approval among Israeli Jews, with 6 percent disagreeing, while among American Jews the split was 79 percent agreeing and 17 percent disagreeing. Jewish identity: 56 percent of American Jews said being Jewish was “mostly a matter of ethnicity or culture,” while 24 percent said it was mostly a matter of religion and 17 percent said it was both equally. Among Israeli Jews, the split was 40 percent believing ethnicity and culture were more important, 19 percent listing religion and 37 percent listing both. The Israeli poll, carried out by Geocatography, reached 1,000 Jews over the age of 18 by phone in May. It has a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points. The American poll was carried out by SSRS; it reached 1,001 Jews over the age of 18 by phone between April 18 and May 10, and has a margin of error of 3.9 percentage points.
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THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2018
PAGE 7
THE WORLD Sam Sokol
‘Terror kites’ shake southern Israel’s residents, but not resolve to stay put By Sam Sokol, JTA NAHAL OZ, Israel — Dani Ben David fiddles with his radio, switching between it and his cellphone as he drives through the Beeri Forest, a nature reserve located on the border of Israel and the Hamascontrolled Gaza Strip. As his Jeep jolts over the dirt road, he quickly and calmly jumps between multiple conversations, coordinating efforts to extinguish the multiple fires that have sprung up across his territory. As regional director for the Western Negev for Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund, Ben David is responsible for maintaining the forest’s tens of thousands of acres in the face of Palestinian efforts to torch them and the surrounding farmland. Since April, more than 450 open-air fires have been set along the border region by kites and balloons carrying incendi-
ary materials launched from Gaza. Flying aimlessly over the kibbutzim, they have turned large swatches of what was once an oasis of green in a dry and dusty south into a charred landscape. Many of those kites have landed in farmers’ wheat fields, causing millions of shekels in damage to the local agricultural sector as well as in the area’s vast nature reserves. “Look over there,” Ben David says, pointing to a pillar of smoke in the distance. His finger sweeps across the horizon, noting the locations of several other fires in the distance. “We see three, four, five fires. There are eight fires now.” “It’s like this every day,” he continues, describing how nearly 490 acres have already gone up in smoke over the past two months. “It’s doing great damage to the forest, to the plants and animals. Everything here is burned. We don’t re-
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ally see a solution, either from the government or the army, against this kite terror.” Ben David says KKL-JNF employs 12-13 private firefighters who are responsible for the forest, a number bolstered by volunteers from local communities and Israel’s overstretched Fire and Rescue Services. “If we had 10 more it would be good, but we don’t have 10 more,” he says. “We are doing A firefighter battles a blaze in the Beeri Forest on Israel’s border with Gaza what we can. You extinguish Defense Minister Avigdor thing about tragedy that conone and you move on to the Liberman has pledged to strike nects you more to the people next one.” back in response to the kites At another site nearby, a trac- you live with.” “when it is convenient for us.” While acknowledging that tor puts out the flames by drivThe army is testing two types of the damage has only been to ing over them followed by a drones for use against the kites man carrying a hose attached to vegetation, she says it is only as “part of a comprehensive a matter of time until someone a small water tank on his back. response, which includes coopgets hurt in the community of It’s siren blaring, a firetruck fewer than 500 residents next to eration with firefighting forces pulls up and a regular-duty and the activity of combat the border fence. firefighter gets out and starts forces on the ground,” an IDF The Israel Defense Forces spraying a flaming clump of spokesman told JTA. and the government have not trees. According to police spokesresponded to the fires in the Over the course of less than man Micky Rosenfeld, bomb an hour, Ben David visits more same way in which they act in the wake of a rocket attack, she disposal experts have respondthan five fires, one of which ed not only to kites dragging says, and this “sends a mesblazes alongside a small onealcohol-soaked rags but also sage” to Hamas. lane road, completely obscurexplosive devices, “which is Lachyani says that despite ing visibility. a much more serious threat to the rocket attacks and fires, “At the end of the day, we Nahal Oz is thriving, with resi- both soldiers and civilians.” are succeeding at extinguish“Every day we have at least dency at capacity, in part due to ing everything,” he says, but the “new secular Zionism of liv- 30 firefighters with 10 fire adding it would help if he had ing wherever it’s necessary and engines to deal only with fires access to firefighting planes. near the fence,” Israel Fire and wherever it’s meaningful.” Ben David explains that such But while the community has Rescue Services spokesman aircraft are prohibited from takYoram Levy says. “In order to ing part in the battle due to the grown since the last flare-up with Hamas in 2014, it does not respond quickly we opened five proximity to the Gaza border. temporary stations in kibbutmean the residents are totally “These kites aren’t toys, zim. We have a volunteer unit sanguine about the situation. they’re weapons,” he says. “We are thriving under fire... at Kfar Aza with a fire truck and In nearby Nahal Oz, Yael equipment, and we are about to Lachyani walks along pointing for the moment,” she says, establish two more units. When complaining of the feeling that out the damage done to her “no one cares.” Citing Regional we receive intelligence that kibbutz’s farmlands. She notes there might be mass demonstraCooperation Minister Tzachi that almost 150 acres have tions, we are reinforcing our Hanegbi’s statement that he already gone up in flames. was “not excited by the kite ter- staff as needed.” “We try to be optimistic. It’s Levy says the fire service rorism” — that is, that people all about resilience,” Lachyani has used airplanes twice, near shouldn’t overreact to what he says. “We don’t complain. We Kibbutz Or Haner and Kibbutz called a “pathetic” enemy — don’t let them run our lives. Karmia, after receiving permisLachyani asserts that the “govYou burn and we plant. Our ernment isn’t doing anything.” sion from the Israeli Air Force. morale is high. There is some-
The Dayton Jewish Observer New & Renewing Voluntary Subscribers • May 1-29 Renewing Angels Robert & Vicky Heuman
Patty O’Connell Marilyn Serbin
New Angels Ken & Lisa Blum
Current Guardian Angels Howard & Judy Abromowitz Tara & Adam Feiner Groundskeeper Landscape Group Marilyn & Larry Klaben Bernard Rabinowitz Dr. & Mrs. Nathaniel Ritter Steve & Shara Taylor
Double Chai Ronni & Marc Loundy Dr. Judith Ribak Subscribers Mikell Kloeters Shirley Leventhal Mrs. Marshall Mazer PAGE 8
Current Angels Ken Baker, K.W. Baker & Assoc. Anita Barrett Skip & Ann Becker Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Bettman John Bloom Amy & Michael Bloom Buck Run Commercial Doors & Hardware Inc. Mrs. Melvin Crouse Dr. & Mrs. Scot Denmark Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Feldman Lynn Foster Bella Freeman
Drs. Felix & Erika Garfunkel Debby & Bob Goldenberg Judi & George Grampp Susan & Joe Gruenberg Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Harlan Bea Harris Sylvia & Ralph Heyman Mr. & Mrs. Steven Horenstein Steve and Rachel Jacobs Michael Jaffe Dr. & Mrs. David Joffe Dennis Kahn & Linda Ohlmann Kahn Joyce Kardon
Susan & Stanley Katz Jerome Krochmal Laurie & Eddie Leventhal Beverly Louis Perry Lubens Dr. David & Joan Marcus Carole & Donald Marger Suzi & Jeff Mikutis Irvin & Gayle Moscowitz Bobbie & Jack Myers Myrna Nelson Ron & Sue Nelson John & Sharyn Reger Russ Remick
Brenda Rinzler Cherie Rosenstein Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Rubin Jan Rudd-Goenner Marc & Maureen Sternberg Col. Jeffrey Thau, USAF, (Ret.) & Rina Thau Dr. & Mrs. Joel Tobiansky Julie & Adam Waldman & Family Donald & Caryl Weckstein Hyla & Ray Weiskind Michael & Karen Weprin Dr. Judith Woll & Ron Bernard
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2018
Highlights JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON & ITS AGENCIES
LEFT: The Active Adults enjoyed a delicious afternoon at the Winan's Chocolate Factory! PHOTO CREDIT: Winan's Staff. RIGHT: On May 23 JFS partnered with St. Paul's Episcopal Church to bring a special viewing of the documentary Newtown to The Neon. Community and committee member Angela Frydman (Left) is pictured with Newtown director Kim Snyder (Right). PHOTO CREDIT: Peter Wine.
LEFT: Camp K'Tan Camper Leyton Sweeny enjoys learning about caring for plants at Knollwood Garden Center. PHOTO CREDIT: Mitzvah Class. RIGHT: Camp Gadol Camper Lexi Hertz tries out the new slackline! PHOTO CREDIT: Meryl Hattenbach THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2018
PAGE 9
July events JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON & ITS AGENCIES SUNDAY 1 JFS & JCC Mysteries of Jewish Dayton Part 2: A Legacy of Caring 2:30PM @ Dayton Metro Library- Main (215 E 3rd St., 45420) Marshall Weiss, Editor and Publisher of the Dayton Jewish Observer, delves into stories of social services and social justice in Jewish Dayton history. RSVP by June 25.
JULY EVENTS & PROGRAMS SAT 7
FRI 13
MON 9
SUN 8
SAT 14
SUN 15
TUESDAY 10 JCC Cooking at the J 6PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Chicken soup and chopped liver like your bubbie made them! Instructor Cathy Gardner. Max 10 people. $10. RSVP by July 3.
MON 16
WEDNESDAY 25 JFGD Men's Event 6PM @ Fifth Third Field (220 N. Patterson Blvd. 45402) Join us on the Dragon's Lair party deck to enjoy food, baseball, and friends as the Dayton Dragons take on the Fort Wayne TinCaps, game starts at 7PM.
FRIDAY 20
SATURDAY 21
THURSDAY 26
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RSVP (unless noted): 937-610-1555 www.jewishdayton.org
WED 4
TUE 3
THU 5
FRI 6
THURSDAY 12 YAD (AGES 21–35) Kayaking Anyone? 6PM–8PM @ Whitewater Warehouse (104 Valley St., 45404) Join in on the summer fun as we enjoy an evening of Kayaking down Mad River. Sponsored by Shumsky.
TUESDAY 17 JCC Cooking at the J 6PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Healthy, low carb snacks with Lori Cohen. Max 12 people. $10. RSVP by July 10.
SUNDAY 22
MONDAY 23
WED 18
TUESDAY 24
FRIDAY 27 PJ LIBRARY Shabbat in the Park 5:30–7:30PM, Location TBD, contact Juliet Glaser for more information. Bring your bathing suit and enjoy a casual Shabbat potluck. We will provide a kosher vegetarian main course, challah, and grape juice. Please bring a vegetarian dish or dessert to share.
SUNDAY 29 JCC Yellow Springs Walking Tour 11AM–12:30PM @ Mills Park Hotel (321 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs) Enjoy a walking tour of Yellow Springs Parks. Tour begins and ends at the Mills Park Hotel. $5 per person, Minimum of 5 people. Lunch is on your own. In the event of rain, games will be played at Mills Park Hotel.
RSVPs due at least 1 week before event. Events with no price listed are free.
PAGE 10
WEDNESDAY 11
TUESDAY 17 JCC Shulchan Yarok Monthly Farmer's Market 3:30–6:30PM @ Boonshoft CJCE Locally raised vegetables, fruit, fresh eggs and baked goods for sale. Support local producers at our very own monthly farmer's market.
THURSDAY 19 JCC Candy Kitchen 6:30PM @ Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe (101 E Alex Bell Rd., 45459) Make delicious chocolates and enjoy a chocolate buffet. Soft drinks and water are provided. Bring your own wine. $25 per person. 10 person minimum.
SATURDAY 28
MON 2
MONDAY 30
TUE 31
SEE YOU IN AUGUST!
T•U•E•S•D•A•Y•S @ THE J RECURRING EVENTS
Krav Maga
Outdoor Ping Pong
$50/4 week session beginning June 5. Become safer and more confident by learning real world survival tactics. Register directly with instructor Tim Tharp at www.israelisurvivaltraining.com/ survival-classes.html
No charge. Beginning July 10. Call 937-610-1555 to reserve a table.
Tuesdays @ 6:30–7:30PM
Tuesdays @ 6:15PM
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2018
Announcements JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON & ITS AGENCIES
Welcome Rabbi Ari Ballaban, JCRC Director Rabbi Ari Ballaban joined the Federation staff as JCRC
Did YOU know?
60 100
Director in the beginning of June. As the JCRC Director,
New donors joined the 2017 Annual Campaign D AY S of last year.
Tikkun Olam
This year, our goal is to reach 1 0 0100 Dnew AYdonors S of in 100 days!
Rabbi Ballaban will work with a volunteer-led committee
Tikkun Olam
100 DAYS of T i k k u n O l a m : WHAT WILL YOUR IMPACT BE?
dedicated to educating the Jewish community on a broad range of issues, building consensus, and representing the
A Biss'l Mamaloshen
Jewish community to the community at large.
Fregn
Rabbi Ballaban currently serves as the Assistant Rabbi and
Expressions with fregn: 1 Ver es hot nisht keyn gelt in keshene, der zol keyn mekech nisht
Education Director at Temple Beth Or and will continue in those roles. Rabbi Ballaban comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Jewish community. He is also finishing his Ph.D. in Rabbinic Literature at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati.
| FREG-en | verb: To ask, inquire; seek.
fregn. He who has no money in his pocket should not seek any business deals. 2 Oyf a mayse fregt men keyn kashye nisht. Don't ask questions on a story (i.e. Don’t look for logic in places where you can’t expect to find it). 3 Freg nisht bay a blindn dem richtikn veg. Don't ask directions from a blind man.
Legacies, Tributes, & Memorials FEDERATION
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN IN HONOR OF › High School Graduation of Jeremy Bettman › College Graduation of Michael Bettman › Master’s Program Graduation of Alex Fuchsman › Master’s Program Graduation of Lauren Sweeny › Melissa Sweeny receiving the Beth Abraham Women of Valor Award Elaine and Joe Bettman › Anniversary of Debby and Dr. Robert Goldenberg Emily Fogel IN MEMORY OF › Larry Tomchin › Allen Seymour Marla and Dr. Stephen Harlan › Marlene Carne Susan and Stanley Katz › Larry Tomchin Mimi and Stuart Rose
THE TALA ARNOVITZ FUND IN HONOR OF › Speedy recovery of Cicely Nathan Beverly Saeks LINDA RUCHMAN MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR OF › 100th birthday of Harold Prigozen › Special birthday of Bea Harris Judy and Marshall Ruchman › 80th birthday of Burt Blomstein Nicki Caplan IN MEMORY OF › Erle Levy Judy and Marshall Ruchman
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. Making a donation is as simple as a phone call. Contact us at 937-610-1555 for more information.
CAROL J. PAVLOFSKY LEADERSHIP FUND IN HONOR OF › Elaine Arnovitz receiving the Beth Abraham Women of Valor Award › Stacy Emoff receiving the Beth Abraham Women of Valor Award › Charlotte Golden receiving the Beth Abraham Women of Valor Award Lisa and Gary Pavlofsky HOLOCAUST PROGRAMMING FUND IN HONOR OF › Tom Byvank receiving his Doctorate in Philosophy in Applied Physics with an Emphasis in Plasma Physics with minors in Materials Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering Beverly Farnbacher IN MEMORY OF › Allen Seymour Donna and Marshall Weiss Judy and Dr. Howard Abromowitz
JFS
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES IN HONOR OF › Vicky Heuman’s supernumerary cast member in the Opera Turandot Dr. Felix and Dr. Erika Garfunkel IN MEMORY OF › The mother of Ethel Portnoy Dee and Dr. Charles Fried › Larry Katz, father of Stanley Katz Bobbie Kantor Brenda and Scott Meadow JCC
CAROLE RABINOWITZ YOUTH JEWISH EXPERIENCE FUND IN HONOR OF › Speedy recovery of Dr. Stephen Levitt › Elaine Arnovitz receiving the Beth Abraham Women of Valor Award › Melissa Sweeny receiving the Beth Abraham Women of Valor Award › Cheri Rosenstein receiving the Beth Abraham Women of Valor Award Bernie Rabinowitz
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2018
JOAN & PETER WELLS AND REBECCA LINVILLE FAMILY, CHILDREN, AND YOUTH FUND IN HONOR OF › Birthday of Ralph Heyman › Birthday of Charlie Knoll › Graduation of Jeremy Bettman and Michael Bettman, › Graduation of Alex Fuchsman, and Lauren Sweeny Joan and Peter Wells IN MEMORY OF › Adam Nelson › James Patrick Sweeny Joan and Peter Wells THEODORE ARNOVITZ FILM FESTIVAL FUND IN HONOR OF › Speedy recovery of Matt Arnovitz Beverly Saeks FOUNDATION
JEREMY BETTMAN B’NAI TZEDEK FUND IN MEMORY OF › Larry Tomchin › James Patrick Sweeny Jean and Todd Bettman
PAGE 11
Upcoming events JEWISH FEDERATION of GREATER DAYTON & ITS AGENCIES
Shabbat in the Park
JULY 27
5:30–7:30PM Location TBD
Bring your swimsuit and enjoy a casual Shabbat potluck at a local park. We will provide a kosher vegetarian course, challah, and grape juice. Please bring a vegetarian dish to share. For more information, contact Juliet Glaser at jglaser@jfgd.net or 937-401-1558.
Contact Juliet Glaser for more information.
AUGUST 24
5:30–7:30PM Location TBD Contact Juliet Glaser for more information.
HAVE A BALL WITH US THIS SUMMER!
Active Adults
Annual Brunch Sunday, August 26 10:30AM–NOON Dayton Woman’s Club (225 N. Ludlow St., 45402) › Nosh with your friends › Entertainment › Optional tour of the Dayton Woman’s Club
L E A R N TO C O O K with the JCC Bubbie's Specials
Healthy Snacks
Tuesday, June 10 6PM Boonshoft CJCE
Tuesday, July 17 6PM Boonshoft CJCE
Chicken soup and chopped liver like your bubbie made them! Instructor Cathy Gardner. Max 10 people. $10. RSVP by July 3.
Candy Kitchen
Thursday, July 19 6:30PM Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe Healthy, low carb snacks 101 E Alex Bell Rd., with Lori Cohen. Max 45459
12 people. $10. RSVP by July 10.
Make delicious chocolates and enjoy a chocolate buffet. Soft drinks and water are provided. Bring your own wine. $25 per person. Minimum of 10 people.
$15 per person. RSVP by August 20. Your payment is your reservation. A kosher meal can be provided with advance notice, by the RSVP deadline. PAGE 12
Register online at jewishdayton.org or by calling 937-610-1555. THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2018
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Classes
Chabad Classes: Sundays, 8:15 a.m.: Deep Chassidus. 10:15 a.m.: Maimonides’ Mishnah Torah. Mondays & Wednesdays, 8 a.m.: Talmud Class. 8 p.m.: Torah Study (Call for location). Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Prepare for Prayer Class. 2001 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. 6430770. Temple Beth Or Classes: Tues., July 31, 7 p.m.: Caring for the Caregiver w. Montgomery County Area Agency for Aging. 5275 Marshall Rd., Wash. Twp. 435-3400. Temple Israel Classes: Tues., July 24 & 31, 5:30 p.m.: Musar w. Rabbi Sobo. Wed., July 25, noon: Talmud w. Rabbi Sobo. Thurs., July 5, 12, 19, 5:30 p.m.: Torah Trope w. Rabbi Bodney-Halasz. Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.: Torah Study. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 496-0050. Tuesdays @ The J: July 10, 6 p.m.: Cooking Chicken Soup & Chopped Liver w. Cathy Gardner. July 17, 6 p.m.: Preparing Healthy Snacks w. Lori Cohen. $10 per session. Weekly, 6:15 p.m.: Outdoor Ping Pong beginning July 10. Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville. R.S.V.P. to 6101555.
Discussions
Mysteries of Dayton Jewish History Part 2: Sun., July 1, 2:30 p.m. W. Marshall Weiss. Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. 3rd St., Dayton. Sponsored by JFS & JCC. Nosh & drinks provided. R.S.V.P. to 610-1555.
Young Adults
YAD Kayaking on the Mad River: Thurs., July 12, 5:45 p.m. Whitewater Warehouse, 104 Valley St. R.S.V.P. to Cheryl Carne, ccarne@jfgd.net by July 1.
Family
PJ Library Shabbat in the Park: Fri., July 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Call for location & R.S.V.P. to 610-1555.
Children
JCC Camp Shalom K’tan: Early Childhood ages 18 months to entering K. Through Fri., July 27. Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville. Contact Audrey MacKenzie, amackenzie@jfgd.net for info.
JCC Camp Shalom Gadol: Grades 1-10. Through Fri., July 20, 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville. Contact Meryl Hattenbach, mhattenbach@jfgd. net for info. Chabad Camp Gan Izzy: July 23-Aug. 10, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 2001 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. 643-0770.
Men
Jewish Federation Night @ Dayton Dragons: Wed., July 25, 6 p.m. Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd. Dragon’s Lair Party Deck. R.S.V.P. to 6101555.
Community Events
Beth Abraham Synagogue Opera Afternoon: Sun., July 8, 2 p.m. Screening & discussion of Verdi’s Il Trovatore led by Mike Jaffe. 305 Sugar Camp Cir., Oakwood. 293-9520. Temple Anshe Emeth Shabbat Shira: w. Steve Wyke & Mary Rogers. Fri., July 13, 7:30 p.m. 320 Caldwell St., Piqua. For info., call Eileen Litchfield, 937547-0092. Shulchan Yarok Monthly Farmer’s Market: Tues., July 17, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Baked goods available for purchase from Rochel Simon. Boonshoft CJCE, 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville. 610-1555. JCC Candy Kitchen Class: Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe, 101 E. Alex Bell Rd., Centerville. Thurs., July 19, 6:30 p.m. Make chocolates, enjoy chocolate buffet. Soft drinks & water provided; bring your own wine. $25. R.S.V.P. to Karen Steiger, 610-1555.
Conservative camps respond after some counselors take left-wing course on Israel By Ben Sales, JTA NEW YORK — The Conservative movement’s summer camps said their commitment to Israel should not be questioned after some counselors participated in training on how to teach both Jewish and Palestinian narratives related to Israel. “We, the leadership of Ramah, are proud that Zionism is a central part of our core mission, as we nurture within our campers and staff members a deep and enduring love for Israel,” read a statement sent June 7 to supporters of Camp Ramah in Wisconsin by its national leadership. “(A) wide variety of positions supporting Israel can be voiced and discussed. We do not, however, permit the sharing of anti-Israel educational messages at camp.” The statement was sent from the National Ramah Commission, which oversees the movement’s 10 overnight camps in North America, as well as day camps. It came a week after JTA reported on a weekend seminar run by IfNotNow, a left-wing millennial Jewish group, that taught about a dozen counselors from various camps how to teach their campers Palestinian perspectives as well as material reflecting criticism of Israeli policy. Staff from multiple Ramah camps attended the seminar. Rabbi Mitchell Cohen, national director of the National
Ramah Commission, told JTA for the article that the camps have no problem talking about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and about “people suffering on all sides.” But he said they do not allow counselors to teach anti-Zionist material and they ground their curriculum in a love of Israel. The statement echoed those points. Coverage of the IfNotNow seminar, it said, has led “some to believe that our 70year history of strong pro-Israel ideology has changed. It has not.”
In its own statement on June 7, IfNotNow said it was “deeply disappointed” in Ramah’s response. “We know the counselors that we trained over Memorial Day Weekend — as well as the dozens of counselors we’ve been in touch with since then — remain committed to teaching their campers an honest Israel education, including about the Occupation,” the statement said, adding that “we are saddened to know that too many of them will have to do so without the support of their camp leadership.”
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Temple Israel Prayer & Play at the Pool: Sat., July 14, noon. W. Rabbi Sobo. Sycamore Trails Aquatic Center, 400 S. Heincke Rd., Miamisburg. Ages 3 & under free, $6 ages 4 and up. R.S.V.P. to the temple, 4960050. Temple Israel Shabbat Under The Stars: Fri., July 20, 6 p.m. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton.
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JCC Walking Tour of Yellow Springs Parks: Sun., July 29, 11 a.m. Meet at Mills Park Hotel, 321 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs. $5. Lunch on own. R.S.V.P. to Karen Steiger, 6101555.
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LIFECYCLES Livnat ‘Livy’ Bella Gilbert Rachel and Heath Gilbert proudly announce the birth of a baby girl, Livnat “Livy” Bella Gilbert. She was born on May 1 at 4:09 p.m. weighing eight pounds even and measuring 21 inches. Livy’s doting older siblings are Avi, Chava, and Zeke, and her kvelling grandparents are Shirlee and Ron Gilbert, Gary Haug, and Sue and Ron Nelson. Send lifecycles to: The Dayton Jewish Observer 525 Versailles Dr., Centerville, OH 45459 • Email: MWeiss@jfgd.net There is a $10 charge to run a photo; please make checks payable to The Dayton Jewish Observer.
Temple Israel confirmands (L to R): Rabbi Tina Sobo, Charlie Blumer, Rachel Crafton, Abigail Zied, Jordan Poch, Deena Green, Aaron Guggenheimer, Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz. Not pictured: Sammy Caruso.
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Sportswriters Association Annual Writing Contest. There were 55 entries in Division III, which has the largest number of newspapers. Franklin T. Cohn won a gold medal in a 10.25-mile cycling race, a gold medal in a 1-mile cycling race, a gold medal in singles tennis, and a gold medal in doubles tennis at the 2018 Senior Olympics in Cincinnati.
Matthew Diamond graduated from the University of Pikeville in Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in business management. A four-year collegiate bowler for UPike, Matt will be employed at Goldman Union Camp Institute this summer. Proud parents are Susan and Rob Diamond.
Rachel Rosen, a junior at Wright State University majoring in political science, will study this summer at the Group, with its Best Media Buyer Mercury Award. This was Tom Byvank received his Ph.D. Université Lumiere Lyon 2, in Lyon, France. Rachel is the in applied and engineering among five Mercury Awards physics from Cornell University. daughter of Suzanne Rosen and The Ohlmann Group received the late Ron Allen. Tom is the son of Bette Feist this year from Dayton’s AAF. and Franz Byvank, and the grandson of Robert and the late Send your Kvelling items to Scott Halasz tied for fourth kvellingcorner@gmail.com. Ruth Feist. place in the best feature category of the Ohio Prep
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5070 Lamme Rd. - Kettering - OH - 45439 - 293-7703 THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2018
RELIGION
CONGREGATIONS
Pinchas: Be prepared…even with regret
Beth Abraham Synagogue Conservative Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg Cantor/Dir. of Ed. & Programming Andrea Raizen Mornings, Mon. & Thurs., 7:15 a.m.; Tues., Wed., Fri., 7:30 a.m. Evenings, Mon.-Fri., 5:30 p.m. Sun., 8:30 a.m. Sat. , 9 a.m.; Youth Service, 10:30 a.m. 305 Sugar Camp Circle, Oakwood. 293-9520. BethAbrahamDayton.org
By Rabbi Cary Kozberg Temple Sholom, Springfield “Assail the Midianites and defeat them for they assailed you by the trickery they practiced against you (Num. 25:16-18).” This is God’s command to Moses, after rewarding Aaron’s grandson Pinchas for his response to a public and wanton act of apostasy committed by a prominent Israelite with a Midianite princess. Although the original intention of this command is a mere
Perspectives memory of our ancestors’ desert experiences, the words continue to have a moral bearing on contemporary Judaism: they are the proof text underlying the religious obligation to use deadly force in defense of one’s life and wellbeing. Discussing the proper response to a home burglary (Ex. 22:1-2), the Talmud explains that because a homeowner is likely to resist someone breaking in to rob him, the burglar is prepared to kill the homeowner. Thus, if the homeowner kills the burglar, he is not guilty of murder, as the sages of the Talmud teach: “the Torah teaches: Im ba l’horgakh, hashkem l’horgo/ If someone comes to kill you, kill him first (Sanhedrin 72a).” Although this specific mandate is not found in the Torah itself, it is derived from a rabbinic explanation from the Numbers passage: “because the Midianites continually devised evil plots to assail the Israelites, the Israelites were permitted to go out and strike them (Sanhedrin 72a, Steinsaltz edition p. 48, quoting Midrash
Every morning, the prayTanchuma).” morning…” ing Jew affirms that our lives Mindful of recent events The text continues on: Abraare given to us by God; we are — the deteriorating situation ham saddled his donkey, took stewards of our lives, of Israel and its neighbors, as two of his servants, not owners. well as the daily occurrences of etc. In other words, As stewards, we random violence in this country he prepared for what are responsible to the committed against innocents in needed to be done Owner for their safeschools, churches, workplaces, with all due diligence keeping. Thus, even and Waffle Houses — perhaps and proper intention. though we are taught the time has come for Jews as a Significantly, the to shun violence community and as individuals text relates nothing whenever possible to make learning Judaism’s take about what Abraham because life is sacred, on self-defense a priority. was feeling. There is there are times, as the To this end, I recommend no mention of any sages of the Talmud as a good introduction to the sadness, regret, or make clear, when subject Rabbi Basil Herring’s anger. Rabbi Cary Kozberg we may have to take Jewish Ethics and Halakhah for On the contrary, another’s life to protect the one Our Time, Vol II. In this limited traditional commentaries ungiven to us in stewardship. space however, I wish to focus derstand the word vayashkem Our Christian neighbors beon understanding better the to connote Abraham’s enthulieve these are messianic times. imperative, “If someone comes siasm and zeal in fulfilling this For us Jews, messianic times to kill you, kill him first.” Divine request. will come when Isaiah’s prophThis is the usual translation But how is it possible that ecy will be fulfilled, and we will of the Hebrew, im ba l’horgakh, Abraham felt only enthusibe able to “beat our swords into hashkem l’horgo. asm and zeal, but no regret or plowshares.” However, a more literal sadness? If, as the text says, In the meantime, we still live translation would be “if someIsaac was his beloved son, is it one comes to conceivable that in “messy” times: the world is not yet redeemed. kill you, get up Perhaps the time Abraham did People may not be animals early (hashkem) has come for Jews not feel conper se, but they often choose to to kill him.” flicted at all? as a community act in horrible, beastly ways. Clearly, the Perhaps he Therefore, we would also do rabbis of the did feel sadand as individuals Talmud are ness, regret, and well to consider the words of to make learning calling for “a anger, but these the prophet Joel: “Prepare for battle…Beat your plowshares preemptive had to be put Judaism’s take into swords and your pruning strike” against aside. Perhaps hooks into spears (Joel 3:9-10).” an attacker who on self-defense a Abraham not It is said that a charging bull intends to harm, priority. only had to doesn’t care if you’re a vegeven kill you. prepare for the etarian. Indeed, in our messy, But why do they use the journey itself, but also had to unredeemed world, anyone word hashkem? Why not koom prepare his soul for what he (rise up) or hakdem (anticipate)? didn’t want to do, but knew he may be faced with a charging bull: in a parking lot, a store, a Why, specifically hashkem? had to do. A possible answer may be It should be noted that Abra- restaurant, even at home. Finding ourselves in such found in Gen. 22, the story of ham was fulfilling a request, circumstances, we may not the Akedah — specifically how not a command: “Please take the Torah reports Abraham’s your son…” But for us, protect- like what we may have to do. But like Abraham, we must be response to God’s request to ing our lives is a command: prepared to get up early and do offer up Isaac as a sacrifice: “Only take utmost care and “Vayash’kem Avraham baboker…/ watch yourselves scrupulously what we have to do anyway — even with sadness and regret. Abraham got up early in the (Deut. 4:9).”
Shabbat Candle Lightings
July 7, Pinchas (Num. 25:10-30:1)
July 6, 8:49 p.m.
July 14, Matot-Masei (Num. 30:2-36:13)
July 13, 8:47 p.m. July 20, 8:42 p.m. July 27, 8:37 p.m.
July 21, Devarim (Deut. 1:1-3:22) July 28, Vaetchanan (Deut. 3:23-7:11)
Fast of the 17th of Tammuz July 1 (Delayed because of Shabbat)
Commemorating numerous calamities that fell on the Jewish people on this day, this fast is observed from dawn until dusk. Among the calamities were the breach of the walls of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E. and by the Romans in 70 C.E. Marks the beginning of the Three Weeks, a period of mourning for the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, culminating on the Ninth of Av.
Temple Anshe Emeth Reform Fri., July 13, 7:30 p.m. with Steve Wyke & Mary Wyke 320 Caldwell St., Piqua. Call Eileen Litchfield, 937-5470092, elitchfield@woh.rr.com. Correspondence address: 3808 Beanblossom Rd., Greenville, OH 45331. ansheemeth.org Temple Beth Or Reform Rabbi Judy Chessin Educator/Rabbi Ari Ballaban Summer lay-led services Fridays, 6:30 p.m. 5275 Marshall Rd., Wash. Twp. 435-3400. templebethor.com Temple Beth Sholom Reform Rabbi Haviva Horvitz See Web site for schedule. 610 Gladys Dr., Middletown. 513-422-8313. thetemplebethsholom.com Temple Israel Reform Senior Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz Rabbi/Educator Tina Sobo First Friday each month 6 p.m. All other Fridays, 6:30 p.m. (no evening service June 22) Saturdays 10:30 a.m. 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton. 496-0050. tidayton.org Temple Sholom Reform Rabbi Cary Kozberg Fridays 6 p.m. 2424 N. Limestone St., Springfield. 399-1231. templesholomoh.com
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
July • Tammuz/Av Torah Portions
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
The Arch of Titus depicts the spoils taken from the Temple in Jerusalem
Tisha B’Av, Ninth Day of Av July 22 (Delayed because of Shabbat) The day of fasting to commemorate the destruction of the First and Second Temples, the loss of Jewish sovereignty, and numerous other tragedies said to have fallen on this day. The Book of Eicha (Lamentations) is read.
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2018
Chabad of Greater Dayton Rabbi Nochum Mangel Associate Rabbi Shmuel Klatzkin Youth & Prog. Dir. Rabbi Levi Simon, Teen & Young Adult Prog. Dir. Rabbi Elchonon Chaikin. Beginner educational service Saturdays 9 a.m. adults, 10 a.m children. Sundays 9 a.m. 2001 Far Hills Ave. 643-0770. www.chabaddayton.com Yellow Springs Havurah Independent Services 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 10-noon. Antioch College Rockford Chapel. Contact Cheryl Levine, 937-767-9293.
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Loneliness of the liberal Zionist
OBITUARIES Rose Marie Mauch, age 80 of Kettering, passed away June 10. She was born July 29, 1937 in Lebanon, Ohio. After graduating from Patterson Coop High School, Mrs. Mauch received an art education from Sinclair College. She retired from Nationwide Insurance following a stroke that left her unable to communicate well. Despite her condition, she continued to live a life of happiness and purpose which was an inspiration to watch. Mrs. Mauch was a devoted member of Temple Beth Or, a loving parent, and an artist of paint and clay. She brought kindness and love to those she knew and will be missed. Mrs. Mauch is preceded in death by husband, Steve Mauch, and is survived by her son, Michael Dorin; daughter, Joanie Delph; grandson, Justin Delph; as well as many siblings and friends. Interment was at David’s Cemetery. Donations to Temple Beth Or will be appreciated.
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Janice M. May, age 81 of Dayton, passed away June 5. She was preceded in death by her son, Thomas B. May Jr. and husband, Joseph Braunstein. She is survived by her daughters, Sharon (Robert) Stettner, Sheryl (Larry) Purcell; son, Jeffrey (Val) May and daughter-in-law, Laura LibbyMay; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Wanda Penrod. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton or the charity of your choice. Myrna F. Miller, age 83, passed away June 10 in Columbus. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Miller; parents, Jacob and Rose Korn; and brother, Sherwood Korn. Mrs. Miller is survived by her daughter, Shelly (Robert) Hoffman; sons, Mitchell (Christie) Miller and David (Marlene) Miller; grandchildren, Jacob, Alec and Evan Miller, Ben and Rose Hoffman, Josh and Taylor Miller, Coushatta Welch. Mr. and Mrs. Miller raised their family in Dayton, where she taught special education at Madison Park Elementary School. Following retirement, she moved to Columbus where she was an active member of Temple Israel there and volunteered at Wexner Heritage House. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery in Dayton. Contributions may be made in her memory to Temple Israel in Columbus, templeisrael.org.
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Dr. Paul Schreibman, age 79, of New Vienna, formerly of Dayton, Fort Recovery, and Yellow Springs, passed away May 24 at his residence after a long battle with cancer. Dr. Schreibman completed a fellowship at Harvard Medical School and was an instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, an associate professor at The Rockefeller University and professor of medicine at Wright State University. He served in private practice and emergency care, was a world traveler and provided medical care for underserved countries including South Africa and Belize and served as M.D. on a trek through the Himalayan Mountains. Dr. Schreibman has been heard to say, “It took me 30 years to become a doctor and another 30 to become a doc.” Dr. Schreibman is survived by his son, David Schreibman of California; daughters, Laura Barron of Toronto, and Susan Ford of Washington state; brother, Daniel Schreibman of California; grandchildren, Bret and Jacob Schreibman, Macie Melendez, Rafael, Ketzia and Simona Barron; great-grandchildren, Boston Schreibman, Ace and Zeke Melendez; and many other relatives and friends. Interment was at Beth Abraham Cemetery. A casual gathering for friends in Hillsboro will be announced at a later date. There’s a little less love in the world today without our one and only Papa Doc. Memorial contributions may be made to the GreatER Campaign c/o Highland District Hospital.
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Continued from Page Six much like other minorities who have suffered oppression throughout history, have the right to celebrate their Jewish pride in public, to be a so-called hyphenated nationality, like African Americans, Latinx Americans, and Asian Americans. This is the underlying premise of American multiculturalism as preached (if not always practiced) since the 1960s. And for liberal Zionists, being Jewish includes the right to engage with Israel, the right to express an emotional attachment to Israel, the right to practice and celebrate Israeli culture as Jewish culture. Liberal Zionists demand the right to show pride in Israel in public in America without having to shoulder the burden of solving the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. For the American right, all hyphenated nationalities constitute a form of dual loyalty, a charge that has been persistently hurled at the Jews ever since the European Enlightenment offered the Jews emancipation in return for assimilation. For the left, the Jews are no less suspect, because being Jewish may imply support for Israel. For Tamika Mallory, the founding of Israel in 1948 was “a human rights crime.” For Linda Sarsour, “Palestine is the global social justice cause of our generation.” For Dr. Steven Salaita, a professor who lost his job for virulent anti-Israel tweets that bordered uncomfortably on outright antisemitism, Zionism “is beyond redemption. It’s clear for anybody who cares to see it: there’s not enough space in the world for both Zionism and Palestinians.” The left argues that they are not antisemitic, just anti-Zionist, and they also claim to welcome Jews with open arms in the social justice movement if they check their Zionism at the door. My response to them is: why should Jews be denied the right to express pride in their historic homeland and its culture when this demand is not imposed on any other minority? Why should Palestinian Americans enjoy the right to express their solidarity with Palestine in public when the Jews are not permitted? Nobody on the left has raised this question. Nobody on the left targets Chinese Americans for the oppression of Tibetans. Nobody on the left would dare confront a hijab wearing Muslim woman (such as Linda Sarsour) over Islam’s violent misogyny and homophobia as practiced in many (if not most) Middle Eastern and Central
Asian states. If the left finds a Star of David “triggering” and demands that such inherently violent political symbols be left at home, then progressive Jews have every right to feel triggered by placards reading “Palestine will be free from the river to the sea.” To banish one and not the other is to impose a double standard on American Jewry. There is no other ethnocultural minority in America targeted with such ferocity from the left and the right. No other group is simultaneously branded as complicit in white supremacy and as false assimilators who threaten white ascendancy. And there is little that is new here; one need only look at late 19th-century political discourse to see how Europe’s Jews were simultaneously attacked by the communists as exploiters of the proletariat and by the proto-fascists who warned of the coming racial war between Aryan and Jew. The Zionists who emerged in this context believed that Jewish statehood would end antisemitism; that the Jews would henceforth be a “normal people” with a homeland, a flag, a language, and a destiny. They were wrong. If anything, the Jewish state has compounded the ways in which antisemitism is articulated today. The “alt-right’s” “Jews will not replace us” and Steven Salaita’s “there’s not enough space in the world for both Zionism and Palestinians” could have been articulated a century ago with little revision. Liberal Zionists will continue to support Israel and yearn for an Israel that can thrive peacefully as a sovereign Jewish state in the comity of nations. It is an expression of their identity; their American Jewish identity. But they fear that America’s polarized political landscape is painting them into a corner, and they are being forced to choose between an unpalatable left that denies Jewish peoplehood and a dangerous right that accepts Jewish peoplehood so long as it exists somewhere other than here. Liberal Zionists fear homelessness. And in this sense, we bear the mark of our ancestors: a people repeatedly denied the right to define themselves and ruthlessly coerced into homelessness. Jarrod Tanny is associate professor of history at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. He is the author of City of Rogues and Schnorrers: Russia’s Jews and the Myth of Old Odessa.
THE DAYTON JEWISH OBSERVER • JULY 2018
JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION
Where you go The Bible: Wisdom Literature
His responses Instead they to Ruth, deare plagued by spite her being invasions, fama Moabitess, a ine, apostasy, widow, and a civil war. foreigner, reflect “The God protection, comof the Exodus passion, respect, has gone quiet. and honor. Where is his Nor does mighty hand or he later take his outstretched advantage of a arm?” Wilson kinsman’s right and Roberts ask. to Naomi’s land Yet, “it is this despite his inlowest point of terest in Ruth. loneliness and As the story’s alienation that end makes becomes the clear, they are very source of enthusiastically an unhoped-for Naomi entreating Ruth and Orpah to return to the land honored and beginning, and of Moab by William Blake, 1795 blessed by the absolutely fresh strength, even when broken, to community. Only in the final start,” theologian Benoit Stanlead fulfilling and meaningful postscript do we learn that their daert writes. Choose life. lives. son is destined to be the grandfather of King David. 3. Moving forward 4. Noble character Humility, industriousness, “And she went forth out Ruth said, “Let me glean, I compassion, integrity, and of the place where she was… pray you, and gather after the honor are never in vain. (Ruth 1:7).” reapers among the sheaves; so Perhaps the simple message Broken and destitute in a of Ruth is that of a Divine plan foreign land, Naomi could only she came, and has continued fulfilling itself through the move forward by rebuilding her even from the morning until now...(Ruth 2:7).” actions of decent people, rabbi life in Bethlehem, encouraging Her humility and industriand educator Herbert Bronstein her daughters-in-law to do the concludes. same by finding new husbands ousness — caring for herself and her mother-in-law without I think Ruth offers more imin Moab. complaint — didn’t go unnomediate messages. We all face One remained, but Ruth chose instead to comfort Naomi ticed by a foreman, who would moments of decision, deal with crises of faith, harbor elements and build a new identity as part advise Boaz. As for him, “Boaz comof brokenness, and fashion our of Israel. manded his young men, saying: own character. What we choose As Rabbi Aaron Golds‘Let her glean even among the to do impacts others. In a very cheider notes, the Talmud sheaves, and put her not to real sense, where you go, I go teaches that “brokenness and too. wholeness coexist side-by-side, shame (Ruth 2:15).’” even in Judaism’s holiest spot.” It’s an apt metaphor for how to conduct our lives. We have a sacred responsibility both to embrace those who live with “broken tablets” in their hearts and to seek the
1. Stage one thinking “And it came to pass in the days when the judges judged, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the field of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons (Ruth 1:1).” Faced with a crisis in the Promised Land, an Israelite abandons his homeland and God and moves his family to enemy territory. There he dies, his sons marry Candace R. Moabites, and they too die leavKwiatek ing the women childless and unprotected widows. The man’s choice is all about expediency, not what is virtuous or wise. It’s periods, and transmitted them a prime example of stage one to the following one,” writes thinking: he ignores his identity folklorist Eli Yassif. and opts for immediate results Even the Bible is filled with without exploring what will such stories: Balaam’s talking happen in the long run. What donkey, Elijah’s contest with is expedient in the short term is the prophets of Baal, King David’s seduction of Bathsheba. often a bad long-term choice. Added to that collection are biblically-inspired rabbinic mi- 2. God gone quiet “Call me not Naomi, call me drash, King Solomon legends, Marah (Bitterness), because the and Elijah tales. Whether fact or fiction, these Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me (Ruth 1:20).” stories are so powerful and “In many ways, Naomi’s conlong-lived because they reveal fusion reflects (that) of Israel in “an ancient, deep, magical wisdom,” asserts storyteller Dr. the period of the judges,” write Andrew Wilson and Alastair Sharon Blackie. Roberts, authors of the book They are “embedded with Echoes of Exodus. instructions which guide us Israel has survived the through the complexities of wilderness and entered the life and show us what we may Promised Land, but it is not the become, or how we may parpeaceful, hospitable land flowticipate in the becoming of the ing with milk and honey they world.” An example of a stand-alone had imagined. biblical folk tale, Rabbi Jack Sasson notes, is that of Ruth. Set in the turbulent era of the Literature to share judges, its four chapters trace The Spy Who Played Baseball by Corrie Jones. Jewish American the rocky tale of Ruth from Hall of Fame inductee Moe Berg comes to life in unexpected Moabite to Israelite to ancestor ways in this fascinating children’s book. Berg was not only of King David. a major league baseball player, he was also a lawyer and an Interpretations are varied, intelligence officer and spy during World War II. Delightful Rabbi Rifat Sonsino explains, graphic-art style images trace Berg’s early start in baseball, from advocacy for the inclusion love of reading, learning and travel, commitment to fairness, of outsiders, to the establishand willingness to fight evil. There’s even a bit of mystery in ment of King David’s genealthis tale. An afterward offers additional information about ogy, to cultivation of gemilut his story. Highly recommended for all youngsters, not just chasadim, acts of loving kindbaseball fans. ness. Perhaps the genius of Ruth Unreasonable Doubts by Reyna Gentin. A blend of drama, is that it doesn’t reflect just a romance, and legal suspense, Gentin’s novel is engaging and single message. fast-paced, immediately sweeping you into the tale. It centers “No matter your age or seaon a disenchanted public defender who wants just one client son of life, there is wisdom to in whom she can believe. This desire colors her actions when learn from the lessons that una new case lands on her desk. Her job is to find a legal loopfold,” observes online religion hole in the first trial of a convicted felon allowing him to seek writer Mandy Smith. a new trial. Will justice be served? You might guess the end, What might we glean from but you’ll definitely want to know how the author gets there, the story of Ruth? because nothing is as obvious as it seems. Humorous Chelm stories. Mystical Golem legends. Inspirational Chasidic tales. Folklore is part of the rich oral and written literary tradition in nearly every culture, Judaism included. “Every major historical and cultural period of Jewish history has created folk tales, inherited folk tales from previous
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By Shannon Sarna, thenosher.com Babka is an Eastern European yeasted cake with deep Jewish roots and great American popularity. One of babka’s most notorious moments was in an episode of Seinfeld: Jerry and Elaine head to Royal Bakery to pick up babka for a dinner party, and when there is no more chocolate babka, they are somewhat devastated to be forced to bring cinnamon, “the lesser babka.” Meanwhile, babka has experienced quite a resurgence in the past few years since the launch of Breads Bakery in New York, which boasts one of the most decadent babkas, made with a Europe4 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose an-style laminated dough (i.e. with lots of butter). flour These days you can find sweet and 2 tsp. vanilla savory babkas across the country and 1/2 cup whole or 2 percent milk (or all over the internet, a trend I am proud almond milk) to embrace. I’ve experimented with lots 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter of babka flavors: sweet, savory, Latin(or margarine), melted inspired and just about everything in 2 large eggs between. This S’mores Babka, which is ideal For the filling: for summertime or brunch or dessert or 1/3 cup chocolate hazelnut spread just because, is featured in my cookbook, 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff Modern Jewish Baker along with several 1/4 cup crushed graham cracker other flavors. But the s’mores is still my crumbs favorite. It’s not the chocolate babka; it might For the topping: be a little better. I think even Jerry and 1/4 cup granulated sugar Elaine would agree. 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, For the dough: melted 1 Tbsp. dry active yeast 11/3 cups unbleached all-purpose 1/3 cup plus 1/2 tsp. sugar flour 1/2 cup lukewarm water 1/4 tsp. fine sea salt
It may seem like a long time to mix, but the result is worth the wait. (You can also knead vigorously by hand for 10 minutes if you don’t have a stand mixer.) 5. Place dough in a greased bowl with a damp towel on top. Allow to rise one to two hours. 6. Prepare the three greased loaf pans. 7. To make the crumb topping: Place all ingredients in a bowl. Using a wooden spoon, mix until crumbs form. 8. Cut the dough into three equal parts (use a food scale for precision). Roll out one part into a rectangle. Spread with one-third each of the chocoSuggested equipment: stand mixer, three late hazelnut spread, then marshmallow fluff, and then sprinkle with graham medium sized (8 1/2-X-4 1/2) loaf pans. cracker crumbs and roll up along the 1. To make the dough: Place the yeast shorter side. 9. Once the dough is formed into a and 1/2 teaspoon sugar in a small bowl. Add the lukewarm water and stir gently swirled log, cut it straight down the middle so the filling is exposed. Cut a to mix. Set aside until foamy, five to 10 half inch off of each end. Layer each cut minutes. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together the flour, 1/3 piece on top of one another and twist. Place in a greased loaf pan. cup sugar and two teaspoons vanilla. 10. Repeat with the other two pieces 2. In a medium saucepan, scald the of babka dough. Lightly drape a kitchen milk (bring almost to a boil, until milk towel over the top of pans. is just simmering). Allow to sit for one 11. Allow to rise another 30 minutes. minute to cool just slightly. Preheat oven to 350 degrees while the 3. With mixer on low, add the waterdough rises. Top with crumb topping. yeast mixture, milk and melted butter. Bake for 30 minutes. Add eggs one at a time. 12. Allow to cool for five to 10 min4. When the dough begins to come together after two to three minutes, turn utes. Using a butter knife, loosen sides off the mixer and scrape down the sides. of the babka from the pan and place on a wire rack to cool. Makes three babkas. Raise the speed to high and mix for another five to 10 minutes until the dough Shannon Sarna is the editor of The Nosher. is shiny, elastic and smooth.
S’mores Babka
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Arts&Culture The Band’s Visit wins 10 Tonys, including for best musical Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions
The Band’s Visit, a jewel-box musical based on an Israeli film about an Egyptian band stranded in a hardscrabble Negev town, won the 2018 Tony Award for best musical. The Band’s Visit dominated its categories during the 72nd annual Tony Awards ceremony at Radio City Music Hall June 10. Ari’el Stachel, the California-born son of an Israeli-Yemeni father and an Ashkenazi mother from New York, won the Tony Shalhoub, winner of the Tony for Best Actor in a award for best featured Leading Role in a Musical for The Band’s Visit actor in a musical for his performance as a romantic Egyptian I have avoided so many events with trumpeter in the musical. them because for so many years of my Tony Shalhoub (Monk) won for Best life I pretended I was not a Middle EastActor in a Musical and Katrina Lenk for ern person,” he said. “And after 9/11 it best actress in a musical for their roles was very, very difficult for me, and so I as, respectively, the leader of the band concealed and I missed so many special and the Israeli cafe owner who takes events with them. And they’re looking him in. at me right now and I can’t believe it.” The Band’s Visit also won awards for He also thanked producer Orin Wolf best book (by Itamar Moses), best direc- “for telling a small story about Arabs tion of a musical, best original score (by and Israelis getting along at a time David Yazbek), best lighting design, where we need that more than ever.” best orchestration and best sound Angels in America, playwright Tony design. Kushner’s 1993 epic about the AIDS Stachel, 26, is making his Broadway epidemic, won the award for best debut in The Band’s Visit. The play is revival of a play for the 2018 iteration based on the 2007 award-winning Isstarring Andrew Garfield. raeli movie directed by Eran Kolirin. Lindsay Mendez won for best perforIn her acceptance speech, Lenk paid mance by an actress in a featured role tribute to the late Israeli actress Ronit in a Musical for the revival of CarouElkabetz, who originated her role in the sel. Mendez, whose father is Mexican film. American and who identifies herself as In his acceptance speech, Stachel “a Mexican-Jewish girl,” said she had acknowledged his parents, who were been advised to change her surname to in the audience, saying the musical led downplay her ethnicity when she first him to again embrace an identity he moved to New York, but was glad she had long avoided. refused. “Both my parents are here tonight. — JTA
Shabbat at the Pool
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PRESIDENTS DINNER 2018