AI2010_06_22 by Clermont Sun Publishing Company

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Wise celebrates Senior Rabbi Kamrass’ 25th year By Barbara L. Morgenstern Assistant Editor

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The numbers seemed risky — too young at age 29 to become the senior rabbi of the venerable Isaac M. Wise Temple, founded in 1840 at the beginnings of the Reform Judaism movement. Too little experience, with only threeand-a-half years as an assistant rabbi, when a minimum of 10, technically, was required by the rabbinic organization. “When I look back, there were real reasons for that rule,” said Senior Rabbi Lewis H. Kamrass, now 50, speaking of the tenure requirement that was waived. “You have to have a certain depth of experience and knowledge of the rhythm of running an organization.” Compensating for his lack of experience with what he described as exceptional mentors, he leads a congregation 25 years later that has grown to 1,350 families — more than 3,000 congregants — one of the 25 largest Reform temples in the United States. This growth, he said, “is an affirmation of the energy of the place.” To honor Kamrass on this milestone, some 800 persons earlier this month attended a special Shabbat service at the congrega-

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Senior Rabbi Lewis H. Kamrass

tion’s historic Plum Street Temple in downtown Cincinnati. Rabbi David Ellenson, president of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, awarded Kamrass an

Wise Temple Senior Rabbi Lewis H. Kamrass, left, in 1994 with his mentors, Senior Rabbi Alan D. Fuchs and the late Dr. Jacob Rader Marcus, seated, professor at Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion.

honorary doctorate and the next evening, about 600 attended a celebratory dinner and dance at Cincinnati Music Hall. “So many people,” the rabbi reflected, “but they weren’t strangers to me.” To mark the occasion, a social action fund was endowed at the temple in honor of the rabbi and his wife Renée. He is the seventh senior rabbi in Wise Temple’s history. The congregation hired Kamrass during troubled times in 1985, remembered Dr. Edward H. Saeks, temple president from 1975-77. He said Senior Rabbi Alan D. Fuchs, who had brought on Kamrass as an assistant rabbi three years earlier, was leaving for a congregation in Philadelphia. “We were a congregation at that point in turmoil…struggling to get ahead,” Saeks said. “We had made a very late move out of Avondale to here (Amberley Village). We had lost half of our congregation. We lost most of our religious school population.” After a national search, support grew for Kamrass when a congregational survey returned 705 “yes we want Rabbi Kamrass postcards;” three “nos;” and a couple of “maybes,” Saeks said. Although the congregation was united in its desire to hire Kamrass, KAMRASS on page 19

Rubashkin legal team vowing to fight conviction, 27-year sentence By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency WASHINGTON (JTA) -- For years Sholom Rubashkin made his living as an executive in the country’s largest kosher meatpacking company. Now to keep him out of prison his defense team is arguing that the judge in his financial fraud case made treif use out of federal sentencing guidelines. The judge, Linda Reade, on the federal bench in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, used a federal point system

in deciding this week to sentence the former meatpacking executive to 27 years in prison. Sophisticated crime? Check, that's 2 points. Fraud in the $20$50 million range? Check, that's 22 points. Was he a boss of the criminal enterprise? Check, that's 4 points. Did he perjure himself? Another 2 points. In the end, Reade said Rubashkin scored 41 points. According to federal sentencing guidelines, that earns a sentence of between 324 and 405 months. Reade handed down

324 -- 27 years -- and ordered another five years probation. Rubashkin also will be required to make restitution of nearly $27 million to several financial institutions. The sentence follows a conviction on defrauding two banks that had extended the slaughterhouse lines of credit. Rubashkin contends that he was desperate to keep the business afloat, and that had he had the opportunity to do so, he would have repaid the advances. Read assessed the fraud at close to $27 million.

Rubashkin's lawyers said that amounted to a life sentence for the 51-year-old father of 10, and that that they planned to appeal the sentence, on top of an appeal of the conviction. "This is a stain on American justice, and it gets to be a bigger and bigger stain all the time," Nathan Lewin told JTA. Defense lawyers dismissed claims that anti-Semitism underpinned the case. "Nobody responsible has made that allegation," Lewin said. Instead, the lawyers

said, the prosecutors "overzealousness" had more to do with the profoundly negative publicity in the leadup to the raid. In particular, Lewin cited media stories he said were "defamatory" that described alleged abuses of the immigrants who worked at the plant, claims by People for the Erhical Treatment of Animals that the cattle suffered immensely, and opposition from local unions because the shop was not organized.

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DINING OUT

Israelis key to development of Central African nations

Israeli wealthy class grows, transforming a country

JNF at the Cincinnati Playhouse for ‘The History of Invulnerability’

Through the Garden — an oasis in the middle of Blue Ash

CONVICTION on page 4

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010 12 TAMMUZ, 5770 CINCINNATI, OHIO S HABBAT C ANDLE L IGHTING T IMES : F RIDAY 8:50 – S ATURDAY 9:50

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OBITUARIES

DEATH NOTICES KASSEL, Terry Sonkin, age 64, died on June 12, 2010; 30 Sivan, 5770. PLOTKIN, Myron R., age 72, died on June 15, 2010; 3 Tammuz, 5770. APPLEBAUM, Shirley, age 86, died on June 19, 2010; 7 Tammuz, 5770.

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OBITUARIES BARRON, Norman Norman Barron, age 74, passed away June 5, 2010. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1960. While in law school, he served as a member of the law review and garnered several other academic distinctions. After graduation, Mr. Barron MJS from page 20 Photography was able to stay “afloat.” “Business is great. People (are) constantly coming through the door,” Snyder said. “That’s what makes that transition worthwhile, knowing that I’m going to survive probably the worst time that I could handle within that first couple of years.” With business continuing to increase for the one-man photography company, Snyder has been able to further establish his reputation in and around Cincinnati. In addition to photographing weddings, family and children portraits, special events such as Fleet Feet Sports’ annual Lady Distance Classic race and doing some commercial work, MJS Photography has become most popular in three areas. “I would have to say Bar and Bat Mitzvahs is one of my biggest avenues right now. It’s kind of blown up over the past year or

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spent two years on the faculty of the Indiana University School of Law. He returned to Cincinnati in 1962 and practiced law here since that time. He served as the managing partner of Barron Peck Bennie & Schlemmer for more than 25 years. During his 50 years of practice, Mr. Barron developed expertise in a number of areas including real estate, probate and administrative law. He also served as the general counsel for the Greater Cincinnati Automobile Dealer’s Association for over 35 years and became widely respected as one of the leading attorneys in representing the interests of automobile dealers. In 1970, Mr. Barron and a few of his former classmates, in conjunction with the College of Law, founded the George C. Katsanis Memorial Scholarship. Mr. Barron served as a Trustee for that scholarship since its inception and the scholarship has grown to be the largest pri-

vately funded scholarship awarded by the College of Law. Mr. Barron also served as a Trustee of the University of Cincinnati Alumni Association, as well as a Trustee and past President of the University of Cincinnati College of Law Alumni Association. On June 11, 2010, Mr. Barron was honored as a 2010 Distinguished Alumni of the University of Cincinnati, College of Law. In addition to practicing law, Mr. Barron was intimately involved with horse racing, both at the state level as well as nationally and internationally. In 1983, he was appointed to the Ohio State Racing Commission and spent over 20 years on the Commission, never missing a meeting. For six of those years, he served as the Chairman of the Commission. He was also a member of the Board of Directors and a past Chairman of the Association of Racing Commissioners International.

He previously received the prestigious Joan Pew Award, recognizing him as the most outstanding horse racing regulator of the year. Mr. Barron was the husband of Judy Barron; devoted father of Esther Barron, Michael (Carrie) Barron and Hal (Carol) Barron; dear brother of Lois (Barry) Lefton and Bernie (Ilze) Barron; and loving papa of Joshua, Nathan, Jacob and Sammy Barron. Services were held at Weil Funeral Home on Monday, June 7. Visitation begins at the funeral home at 2:00 P.M. Memorial contributions can be made to the Norman Barron Memorial Fund at the University of Cinti College of Law, P.O. Box 210040, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0040.

two,” Snyder said. “High school seniors is another huge one that we do and also youth sports — taking little league pictures and soccer pictures.” Snyder calls high school seniors a “massive market,” noting that virtually all seniors get photographs taken at least for their yearbook portraits. While a few local studios have dominated senior portraits in Blue Ash and surrounding communities for more than a decade, MJS Photography continues to see growth in that market. When Snyder was working out of his house, he had only a few seniors each year. Since opening his Blue Ash studio, there has been a big increase in the number of seniors who call upon MJS Photography’s services. “It seems to double every year,” Snyder said. With most seniors taking their portraits the summer before their final years of high school, it is expected to be a busy season for

MJS Photography. Snyder sent mailers out several weeks ago and is looking forward to another senior portrait season. In a busy week, MJS Photography might photograph about 10 seniors per week — one each morning and one each afternoon. “This allows us to take our time with everybody,” Snyder said. Shortly after the photographs have been taken, each senior and their families are invited back to the studio to view them on a 46inch rotatable monitor screen in MJS Photography’s conference room. Whereas senior portraits might keep Snyder busy on weekdays this summer, he shoots photos for youth sports teams at night and will make his way to bar and bat mitzvahs or weddings on the weekends. For him, MJS Photography is somewhat of a 24-7-365 operation. “If someone needs a job done, we’ll do it,” he said. Although Snyder did not always expect to be a photographer coming out of Ohio State, it seems that the Loveland resident and father of two — Madison, 6, and Zach, 1 — has made the right career choice. While he expects that business at MJS Photography will continue to increase and somewhere down the road changes could be made to accommodate overall growth, for now Snyder is having fun while trying to make photography enjoyable for all of his customers as well. “I really love what I do and I really hope that I make people happy with what they get,” he said.

SAEKS from page 20

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KASSEL, Terry Sonkin Terry Sonkin Kassel, 64, died

Applied Kinesiology takes techniques from a number of areas in “looking at a person as a whole and wanting to bring them to a higher level of health,” Saeks said. Kinesio Taping, meanwhile, is “another adjunct” to what he does that has had some “really great results,” he said. This practice has been performed and seen on a number of world-class athletes in recent years such as Lance Armstrong, Serena Williams and David Beckham. Being certified in these techniques, Saeks said it has provided him with “more tools on my tool belt.” “That’s what I’m all about,” he said. “Get the patient better with whatever tools are at my command.” When Saeks passed his chiropractic board exam in February 2009, he worked as an associate for another chiropractor for four days. After just one day, he realized he did not like his situation, feeling WEALTHY from page 10 Top managers can earn as much as $523,000 a month, compared to the $1,440 monthly income earned by the average Israeli, according to the Adva Institute. “Israel now worships the golden calf of the free market: privatization and sink-or-swim competition,” Yossi Melman, a senior writer for Israel’s daily Haaretz, wrote in a blog for the Washington Post. The government and analysts like Melman have concerns that so much wealth concentrated in the hands of so few gives the few too much political influence and is unhealthy for the Israeli economy. Prime Minister Benjamin

June 12 at her home in Chapel Hill, N.C. after a short illness. Terry was a pioneer in the field of sports marketing, having held the position of senior vice president of Major League Baseball before going on to start her own marketing firm, Kassel Marketing, securing MLB as her client. She graduated from Walnut Hills High School, attended Syracuse University and graduated from the University of Cincinnati. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Robert Silverman; her children: Beth Kassel, Miami, Fla.; Matt and Caroline Kassel, Stamford, Conn.; and Patty and Dan Schwab, Harrisburg, Pa.; her grandchildren, Madison, Alexa and Sammy Schwab and Benjamin and Sydney Kassel, and her brother, Dr. David Sonkin. Who will ever forget this amazing woman who has graced our lives. that the chiropractor’s system was too much based on billing and it seemed to him that “every patient was treated exactly the same.” Although Saeks treats each of his patients at Saeks Chiropractic as unique individuals, there is one clear consistency in how he deals with every person who steps into his office. “One of my mottos is: ‘You’re more than just a patient to me. You are almost like family,’” he said of the patient-centered care at his office. While he would like to see business increase, Saeks expects that it might take another year-and-a-half before his practice will be more upand-running. Still, his goal is simply to get people better, he said. Saeks recalled a recent story of a patient who had visited other chiropractors and doctors, but no one had helped. She visited Saeks Chiropractic and he made her better. “That, to me, is a success,” he said. “Getting my patients better is really success.” Netanyahu has said that one of his administration’s priorities is trying to fight the concentration of wealth. A 2009 Bank of Israel report found that Israel has among the highest such concentration of wealth in the Western world and that much of it was familial. The concentration of wealth could become problematic for the country, the report said. “That could have ramifications for the stability of the financial system and for economic activity,” the report said, “because both the control and ownership of the firms, and their performance and effect on the public’s well-being, depend on the nature of relationships within the families, and the strategies and tastes? (and whims?) of a few people.”

LOCAL

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

Hank Lerer gets surprise honor at Ohav Shalom A surprise recognition event for a synagogue administrator is almost impossible to pull off, but Congregation Ohav Shalom did just that recently when congregants, family and friends turned out in droves to honor Hank Lerer for his dedication and service over the past 10 years. President of the congregation, Shelley Kirk, said, “I simply don’t know how we were able to keep this a secret, recognizing Hank, not as our most valuable player, but as a Hall of Famer of the Congregation Ohav Shalom family.” Past President Barry Joffe and Sisterhood President Amy Healey-Callahan, also had remarks thanking him for his contribution to the shul and reiterating that Hank deserved a special day of recognition. Julie Kaufman, a volunteer in the Ohav offices, and part of the team that helped to pull this event off without Hank knowing about it said, “The double-take look on his face, when he turned around from the Bimah after reading the

first Aliyah, to find hundreds of congregants, family, and friends having suddenly appeared was priceless and could never be duplicated. Clearly it’s not easy

Hank Lerer

to keep a surprise from someone who is such an integral part of Ohav Shalom.” Lerer, who is the “go to guy,” has been a winner year after year, as he has been involved with every aspect of shul life at Ohav

Shalom. He is not just a synagogue administrator, but he’s the “general manager,” that sees not just the whole field of play but also everything that is going on in the community. Shelley Kirk said, “He not only showcases his talents and ability, but reflects the depth of his commitment, which can’t help but ensure a bright future for Ohav Shalom.” Jules Malowitz, another former president of the shul, said “The board knew what they had when they hired Hank 10 years ago.” Lerer, who’s a huge movie buff, saw the social hall decorated with posters from different movies, with some showing his superimposed picture as the leading man. It was spectacular to see all the posters created and put up by Donna and Larry Schwartz. The cover story for the event was that a congregant (Vice President Steve Segerman) was throwing a huge birthday party for his young son (Andy). Lerer was a little suspicious of how an

“He not only showcases his talents and ability, but reflects the depth of his commitment, which can’t help but ensure a bright future for Ohav Shalom.” Shelley Kirk

8-year-old boy could have so many friends. Segerman, with the help of a small sub-committee of the Ways and Means Committee, and Healey-Callahan pulled off this outstanding event for a “real mensch!” Segerman drafted Hank’s family members secretively to become a major part of the day for him. When he saw them in the sanctuary, “the cat was out of the bag!” Hank’s mom and dad (Hatsy & Jerry Lerer), his wife and son (Wendy & Max Lerer) and his brother and sister-

in-law (Eddie & Ellen Lerer), had prominent roles throughout the service. Lerer was presented with a large assortment of gifts (donated by congregants) suited to someone who loves baseball, movies and dining out. The Kiddush luncheon was prepared by Sisterhood Catering in his honor. On behalf of Ohav Shalom we extend our thanks for all of Hank’s family and friends who attended services on this special day.

Camp at the J offers one-week camps in July, August CINCINNATI — Starting July 27 at the Mayerson JCC, Camp at the J will offer “S’more Camps,” a variety of one-week specialty camps for children, ages 18 months through those entering eighth grade. To accommodate family vacations and summer schedules, these one-week camps run over a period of four weeks: July 27 - 31, August 3 - 7, August 10 - 14, and August 16 - 20. All camps start at 9:30 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Extended day options are available for an additional fee, and participants should register for all camps in advance. There are kid-themed oneweek S’more Camps available for children ages 18 months – 5 years, as well as one-week camps for grades K – 8 that cover a wide array of interests. These include basketball (grades K – 8), soccer (grades K – 8), Drama-Rama

“I can't wait to learn how to do magic tricks for my friends and family. I love Camp at the J because we get to do so many different things every day.” Morgan Evans

(grades K – 6), horseback riding (grades 4 – 8), and cooking (grades K – 6). Also available this summer are some new one-week camps: golf (grades 4 – 8), Young Rembrandts drawing and art camp (grades 4 – 8), the Youth Wilderness outdoor adventure camp (grades 4 – 8), Mad Science camp (grades K – 6), a junior magician camp (grades 2 – 4),

and a Sports Adventure Camp (grades K – 8). In the junior magician camp, kids will learn secrets used by famous magicians. The instructor, “The Amazing Cindini,” is a professional magician who has taught and performed professionally for more than 15 years. Jan Evans has enrolled her daughter, Morgan, in JCC one-

week S’more Camps for the past few years. “These camps give my daughter a chance to reconnect with friends in the community she doesn’t see very often,” she said. This year, Morgan is in the new junior magician camp. “I can’t wait to learn how to do magic tricks for my friends and family,” exclaimed Morgan. “I love Camp at the J because we get to do so many different things every day.” The drawing and art camp is offered by Young Rembrandts, a nationally recognized leader in art education. Campers will explore birds using different media and art techniques each day. They will use markers, colored pencils, cut-paper, and pastels, and learn cross hatching, mosaic and chalk pastel techniques. Kids can also get creative in the Mad Science camp with hands-on experiments, inventions,

rockets, periscopes, and more. Young nature enthusiasts will enjoy the Youth Wilderness camp. These campers will learn how to put up a tent, read a compass, basic rappelling, rock climbing, and hiking & creeking. Athletically inclined kids have two new one-week sports S’more Camps to choose from (they can enroll in both camps or just one). The Sports Adventure camp features flag football, baseball and lacrosse, as well as rappelling, map reading, and creeking. There’s also a golf camp for kids who want to learn golf skills, practice at a driving range, play miniature golf, and enjoy a par 3 golf course. JCC one-week S’more camps are filling up quickly. To register or for more information, contact Courtney or Katie at the J. Details and camp forms are also available on the JCC Web site.

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CONVICTION from page 1 Lewin said Rubashkin's team planned to appeal for support through rallies such as the one he addressed Monday evening in the heavily Orthodox Borough Park section o Brooklyn. "This is a man who did a lot more good for the Jewish community than not," Lewin said. "He made kosher meat available for Jews in far flung places." Lewin said he planned to appeal the sentence based on what he descrobed as Reade's adherence to mandatory sentencing guidelines, which the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional in 2005. However, Reade in her ruling appeared to say that she treated the guidelines as advisory, which the Supreme Court said was permissible: "The court finds that a sentence within the computed advisory guidelines range is firmly rooted in credible evidence produced at trial and at sentencing," she stated. Prior to the sentencing hearing last month, six former U.S. attorneys general and 17 other Justice Department veterans sent a letter to the judge criticizing prosecutors' recommendation that Rubashkin receive life in prison. The letter writers noted the “potential absurdity” in prosecutors using the federal sentencing guidelines to calculate a recommendation of life in prison for Rubashkin, saying the guidelines can produce sentencing ranges that are greater than necessary and “lack any common sentencing wisdom.” In hs interview with JTA, Lewin said he would show on appeal that Reade did not apply an "individualized process" in determining the sentence: She did not address motive, he said, nor did she take into account family issues or sentences for similar crimes. Reade did not cite similar cases, and she dismissed motive outright in rejecting defense requests for "downwards adjustment" of the sentence, although she acknowledged that the defense has presented "substantial" evidence that Rubashkin was not motivated by greed, but "out of a sense of duty to maintain his family business for religious purposes" -- i.e., to maintain the supply of kosher meat. "No matter defendant’s motive, he defrauded the victim banks out of millions of dollars," Reade wrote. "He unlawfully placed his family business’s interest above the victim banks’ interest." Reade did address Rubashkin's family situation, particularly his relationship with his autistic son. She rejected defense arguments in this case, saying that in the precedents, courts made it one of sever-

LET THERE BE LIGHT

The oldest English-Jewish weekly in America Founded July 15, 1854 by Isaac M.Wise VOL. 156 • NO. 48 Thursday, June 24, 2010 12 Tammuz, 5770 Shabbat begins Fri, 8:50 p.m. Shabbat ends Sat, 9:50 p.m. THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE CO., PUBLISHERS 18 WEST NINTH STREET, SUITE 2 CINCINNATI, OHIO 45202-2037 PHONE: (513) 621-3145 FAX: (513) 621-3744 publisher@americanisraelite.com editor@americanisraelite.com articles@americanisraelite.com production@americanisraelite.com HENRY C. SEGAL Editor & Publisher 1930-1985 MILLARD H. MACK Publisher Emeritus Courtesy of Rubashkin family

Lawyers for Sholom Rubashkin, shown with his wife, Leah, say his 27-year prison term amounts to a life sentence for the 51-year-old father of 10 and that that they planned to appeal.

al factors. In the case the defense cited, the defendant had made "extraordinary efforts at restitution" -- something, she argued, Rubashkin did not do. She also said that "in the vast majority of cases" that she has considered, loved ones are adversely affected, and that in this case -- unlike in many others -- Rubashkin's son enjoys "a loving and competent mother as well as an extremely tight-knit, supportive extended

family, all of whom are obviously devoted to him and accustomed to working with him." Another factor likely to be critical to the appeal of the sentencing is also central to the appeal of the conviction, the lawyers said: The judge allowed allegations of immigration law violations to be introduced both in the trial and sentencing stages, although she had earlier dismissed the immigration charges. Rubashkin was sepa-

Courtesy of Rubashkin family

Sholom Rubashkin

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rately acquitted earlier this month of state charges of labor violations related to the alleged employment of immigrant children. "Here's the fallacy in all that, he was never convicted in any immigration charges," Guy Cook, another of his attorneys, said in a conference call with Jewish media on Monday afternoon, after Reade released her decision. Bob Teig, a spokesman for the prosecutors, said that the jurors considered the alleged immigration violations only as it pertained to the bank fraud charges. Rubashkin had pledged to the banks to abide by the law, yet was in violation of immigration laws by knowingly accepting false identification documents, he said. “The jury finding was that he knew illegal aliens were being harbored at the plant and that he lied about that to the bank," Teig said. Reade cited the immigration law violations in making the case that Rubashkin knowingly defrauded the bank, but declined a prosecution request to add to the sentence because of the violations. However, she embedded a warning in her decision that she might change her mind if she is ordered to re-sentence on appeal. "In the event the court is required to re-sentence Defendant, it reserves the right to revisit these upward departure provisions to determine whether their application would be appropriate," she wrote. Bring it on, Lewin said. "If she's warning us, it's an empty warning -- we're appealing it and we'll get it reversed.”

NETANEL (TED) DEUTSCH Editor & Publisher BARBARA L. MORGENSTERN MICHAEL McCRACKEN Assistant Editors ALEXIA KADISH Copy Editor JANET STEINBERG Travel Editor STEPHANIE DAVIS-NOVAK Fashion Editor MARILYN GALE Dining Editor MARIANNA BETTMAN NATE BLOOM RABBI A. JAMES RUDIN RABBI AVI SHAFRAN Contributing Writers LEV LOKSHIN JANE KARLSBERG Staff Photographers PATTY YOUKILIS JUSTIN COHEN Advertising Sales JOSEPH D. STANGE Production Manager CHRISTIE HALKO Office Manager

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The views and opinions expressed by American Israelite columnists do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the newspaper.

AUTOS

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

A new look to the Jaguar XJ Until recently, Jaguar products had changed very little over time. But the 2011 Jaguar XJ sedan is very different. This model represents what one Jaguar official calls “phase one of rebuilding Jaguar.” In the 1960s the XJ was viewed as a break with the past. Well, the 2011 version continues that tradition. The XJ combines the best of luxury and sportiness. The 2011 XJ comes with Jaguar’s new 5.0-liter V8. The engine is available in two different versions: the 385-horsepower (380 pound-feet of torque) normally aspirated form, and the turbocharged version that produces 510 hp. The 2011 Jaguar XJ balances driving excitement with opulence. It offers favorable power-to-weight and high damping rates, as well as premium electronics and advanced safety devices. The interior offers advanced display technology and iPod-influenced ergonomics, with items such as the XJ’s 12.3-inch high-definition Virtual

Instruments and an 8-inch touchscreen. This screen can project DVD movies to the rear seat, while allowing the driver to view vehicle functions or follow satellite navigation. The dash is leather-wrapped and the door accents are pleasant to look at in either wood or carbon fiber. The 18.4-cubic-foot easily accommodates two large bags side by side, while the passengers inside never feel too close to each other. Jaguar’s new flagship is beautifully built, with light-catching panels. The interior is sophisticated and rich feeling. The sound system is an impressive Bowers & Wilkins model. High-end luxury sedan buyers want to be noticed but without a lot of attention. The XJ fills the bill nicely and adds a third appeal: independent thinkers will like the style and bravado of this car that is warmer and more comfortable than many in its class. The 2011 Jaguar XJ has an MSRP starting at $71,650.

E V E N P A G E

A new four-door model from Porsche The 2010 Porsche Panamera is a more practical, everyday version of the 911. The wheelbase is longer than other vehicles in its class, but still shorter than larger sedans. At 76 inches, the Panamera is the widest vehicle in its class. Even with its low stance, the front compartment is very comfortable and the two-person backseat has a substantial amount of head and leg room. The buyer of a Panamera has two engine options: a 400-horsepower 4.8-liter V8 in base models and upgrading to a 500-hp version in the Panamera Turbo. The 2010 Porsche Panamera is a four-passenger, four-door hatchback sedan, available in three trim levels: S, 4S and Turbo trim level. The Panamera S comes standard with 18-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, rear parking sensors, a sunroof, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a power rear hatch, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-telescoping steering column, eight-way power front seats, driver memory functions, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a 60/40-split rear seatback and rear bucket seats. The Panamera 4S offers all-wheel drive. At the Turbo level, the driver gets a turbocharged V8, 19-inch wheels, adaptive air suspension with load-leveling and adjustable ride height, front parking sensors, 10-way power front seats and adjustable lumbar support, expanded driver memo-

ry functions, a power-adjustable steering column, heated rear seats, a full leather interior and a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system. Options include ceramic composite brakes, variable-assist power steering, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (adaptive antiroll bars and a limited-slip rear differential), 20-inch wheels, ventilated front and rear seats, eight-way power rear seats (switches seat folding to 40/20/40), a rear-seat refrigerator, Bluetooth, a rearview camera and voice control. The Sport Chrono Package Plus adds analog and digital stopwatches and adjustable engine and suspension settings. All models of the 2010 Porsche Panamera come standard with antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability and traction control, frontseat and rear-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. Ceramic composite brakes and a rearview camera are optional. The controls are easy to reach with more space in every dimension. The front seats are comfortable and supportive. The back seats have these optional amenities: heating and cooling and electrically adjustable, they can easily accommodate adults over six feet tall. The trunk offers 15.7 cubic feet of storage space. That increases to 44.6 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. The 2010 Porsche Panamera has an MSRP starting at $89,800.

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MJS Photography Limited establishing Saeks Chiropractic aims to provide ‘holistic name for itself with Blue Ash studio wellness solution’

By Jordan Cohen Contributing Writer

O D D P A G E

On the surface, Michael Snyder’s childhood was not entirely different from those of many who surround him today in the Cincinnati area. He grew up in Pleasant Ridge before his family eventually moved to Amberley Village. He attended Walnut Hills High School. He graduated from Ohio State. But upon completing his college education in 1994, Snyder decided to follow one of his two older brothers, Barry, out to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Snyder, who had studied photography and cinema in college, looked up to his brother and was “always excited” about following in his footsteps. Like Barry, he worked behind the scenes, specifically working at post-production facilities for television shows. But after a few years out in California, Snyder realized it was time to make a change in his life. “At that point I realized that I wanted to not necessarily work behind a desk,” he said. “I wanted to do something a little more on the creative end.” Snyder had an eye for creativity, he said, but he did not necessarily expect it would lead him to shooting photographs for a living. However, within a month after returning to Cincinnati in 1998, a newspaper advertisement about an open photographer position piqued his interest.

Snyder answered the ad, was hired, and eventually began photographing babies and young kids for that company.

Michael Snyder

“That’s when I got behind the camera and that’s when I started wanting to do that for a living,” he said. The Walnut Hills and Ohio State graduate called his first photography job “fun,” but he was not big into working for somebody else and being told specifically how he had to shoot his pictures.

So after nine months, Snyder left that company and decided to open his own business. In 1999, MJS Photography Limited was born. With little to no advertising, instead using mostly word of mouth to market his new company, Snyder did not anticipate receiving much business initially at his inhome studio. As a result, Snyder also worked a job at Jewish Vocational Service until his photography business became more financially stable. Snyder spent about five years in total with JVS before he left to exclusively focus his time on the growing MJS Photography. Even after parting with his other job, his photography career was still based out of his and wife Tracy’s home. Business slowly but surely began to grow. Then three years ago, Snyder opted to make “the jump.” “Taking the leap from working out of your house to having your own studio is a big risk,” he said. “It’s a gut feeling. You just say, ‘Okay, I’ve got to do it now.’” And he did. In 2007, MJS Photography opened its doors in Blue Ash. The decision to open an out-of-home studio involved confidence in knowing there would be enough business to make the transition and be able to succeed, Snyder said. He opened his studio less than two years before the economic crisis in the United States, but MJS

MJS on page 22

Israel’s Peres appoints Chesley founding president of U.S. ‘Friends’ organization Cincinnati attorney Stanley M. Chesley has been appointed the founding president of the American Friends of the Peres Academic Center in Rehovot, Israel. The center, named after the president of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres, was established in 2006 to pioneer new learning techniques and degrees for undergraduate and graduate students. At the Center’s first graduation in 2009, Peres greeted its 250 graduates. “I am honored and privileged to have been asked by President Peres to join the Peres Academic Center as the first president of their ‘American Friends,’” said Chesley, who is also president of the Jewish National Fund. With this appointment, Chesley’s long-standing support of academics locally now extends to higher education in Israel. Chesley presently serves on the Board of Trustees of

the University of Cincinnati, having acted as chairman of the board for five years when he served as a past trustee for nine years. The Peres Academic Center retains prominent faculty members from numerous Israeli universities. “I look forward with great enthusiasm to introducing the Jewish community here in the U.S. to the Center’s innovative and progressive programs educating highcaliber students who will serve Israel in their chosen fields with an eye to social responsibility,” said Chesley, a trial lawyer who is internationally known for his expertise in mass tort litigation. “Israel, with its impressive high tech record, is a wonderful opportunity for young talent from around the globe.” The Center offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in business administration and behavioral sciences, and is about to open

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within the coming years both a law school and a nutrition department. “We are confident he brings the vision, experience and clear commitment to our mission that will move the Academic Center forward in exciting ways,” said Professor and Center president, Ron Shapira. Chesley’s many activities include donating his law firm’s time and expertise to recover approximately $9 billion for the World Jewish Restitution Organization representing the Claims Conference in the Holocaust litigation. In addition to the Jewish National Fund, Chesley also has served on the Conference of Presidents. He is a past president of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and has participated on the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) Board of Directors and on the Israel Bonds Board of Directors.

By Jordan Cohen Contributing Writer On June 13, Dr. Joel Saeks spent his morning at Yeatman’s Cove, along the banks of the Ohio River. That day marked the fourth annual Ride Cincinnati bike race for breast cancer research. While Saeks was not one of the 1,500 registered riders, he was still there at Sawyer Point contributing to the cause. Saeks, a chiropractor, decided to bring his services downtown that morning, offering free care to all of the event’s participants. Following the principle of tikkun olam, Saeks simply wanted to reward those people who were taking the time to partake in the benefit race. “I’m really big about doing, if you will, a mitzvah,” said Saeks, who hopes to get involved with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and has also offered to work with Habitat for Humanity. Saeks has been working as a chiropractor for only about 16 months, but his care for patients and all others who come in contact with him around town has become a staple of his work. On August 20, 2009, a ribboncutting ceremony marked the opening of Saeks Chiropractic, L.L.C. The Mason office, located about a half mile east of Cedar Village, is evidence of the hard work Saeks put in at the New York Chiropractic College — a place where he earned a number of accolades and honors, including “Student of the Year.” But Saeks was unlike the others who graduated with him in November 2008, as he was old enough to be most of his classmates’ father, he said. He was pursuing a second career. After growing up in Cincinnati, Saeks attended Beloit College in Wisconsin where he began as a pre-med chemistry major. He later switched majors and graduated with a performing arts degree. Saeks moved to New York to pursue a career in acting, ultimately spending about 20 years in total on stage. But the stresses of acting and working a number of jobs on the side led him to reconsider his future. “I kind of looked and said, ‘Man, I’m getting older, I’m bartending, I have a really good college education. What am I doing with my life?’” Saeks said. Around that same time, Saeks was rear-ended in a car accident, leaving him with two bulged discs

in his back, the loss of 50 percent of the strength in his dominant hand and the need to see a chiropractor. Saeks visited a chiropractor three times a week for an entire year, a higher number of visits than he felt necessary. But Saeks did get better. It also inspired him to pursue a career as a chiropractor. At chiropractic school, a light went off for Saeks. “When I got to school, every one of my teachers said, ‘If your patient is not 50 percent better within six visits, your diagnosis is wrong, your treatment protocol is wrong or you will never get them better and you need to refer them out,’” he recalled. Having frequently visited a chiropractor as a patient, that was exactly what he had wanted to hear. Further, it is the way Saeks operates his business today. “Yes, if I had somebody in a car accident, for two weeks maybe – possibly three – I would see them three times a week,” he said. “But then I’m going to decrease the frequency because how do you know if they are getting better?” In a nutshell, over extended periods of time a chiropractor cannot continue to provide the same treatment and expect different results, Saeks said. Instead, each visit would essentially just represent more money being earned. “Unfortunately, that is out there and it’s one of the things I really despise,” he said. As a chiropractor, Saeks’ first goal is to relieve patients of their pain. “One of the things I pride myself in is I am here to present a holistic wellness solution to a person’s problem and get them better quickly. I want them healthy, I don’t want them dependent,” he added. Saeks, the son of a retired surgeon — Dr. Edward Saeks — said he believes in what is known as the “triad of health.” In dealing with each of his patients, Saeks analyzes their physical life, their nutritional life and their emotional life. The Mason-based chiropractor performs orthopedic and neurological tests, but unlike many chiropractors, he also performs physical exams to decide if a patient’s problems are within his scope of practice. In addition, the muscle and skeletal specialist is a certified Applied Kinesiologist and Kinesio Taping practitioner. SAEKS on page 22

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

U.S. State Dept. warns against travel in Israel WASHINGTON (JTA) — The U.S. State Department warned Americans to “exercise a high degree of caution” while traveling in highly trafficked areas in Israel. It also said that Americans should avoid West Bank demonstrations because of dangers posed by Israeli troops dispersing protesters, and should not attempt to enter the Gaza Strip by sea. “Israeli authorities remain concerned about the continuing threat of terrorist attacks,” said the travel warning published Tuesday. “U.S. citizens are cautioned that a greater danger may exist around restaurants, businesses, and other places associated with U.S. interests and/or located near U.S. official buildings, such as the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. U.S. citizens are also urged to exercise a high degree of caution and to use common sense when patronizing restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, malls, places of wor-

ship, and theaters, especially during peak hours.” The warning banned U.S. government employees from using buses. It also urged vigilance for Americans visiting Jerusalem and banned government employees from parts of the city. “U.S. government employees are authorized to visit the Old City during daylight hours only except between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Fridays,” the warning said. It imposed the same restriction on the Haas Promenade in the Armon HaNatziv neighborhood and banned government employee visits to the Old City Wall ramparts between the Herod and Lion gates. The warning urged U.S. citizens not to travel to the Gaza Strip at all, and noted the dangers of traveling to the West Bank because of clashes between protesters and Israeli troops.

“Some U.S. citizens involved in demonstrations in the West Bank have sustained serious injuries in confrontations with Israeli settlers and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF),” said the statement. “The State Department recommends that U.S. citizens, for their own safety, avoid demonstrations.” Emily Henochowicz, a Jewish American art student at Jerusalem’s Bezalel college, lost her eye recently at such a protest when she was hit by a tear gas canister. Witnesses say she stood apart from rioters. Her family is suing Israel. The Gaza Strip warning specified entry by sea, and referred to Israel’s recent raid on an aid flotilla that resulted in nine deaths, including a dual TurkishAmerican citizen. “Previous attempts to enter Gaza by sea have been stopped by Israeli naval vessels and resulted in the injury, death, arrest, and deportation of U.S. citizens,” it said.

U.S., EU imposing new Iran sanctions By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency WASHINGTON (JTA) — The Obama administration and the European Union are imposing new Iran sanctions. The U.S. sanctions, announced Wednesday by Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, follow last week’s U.N. Security Council resolution expanding international sanctions. However, the new U.S. sanctions — targeting banks, shippers and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps — do not derive from the Security Council sanctions. Instead they are based on existing U.S. presidential executive orders mandating sanctions against entities that facilitate Iran’s acquisition of weapons. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards, which enforces its government’s repressive policies and is believed to be behind Iran’s suspected nuclear program, is a major target, said Stuart Levey, the Treasury’s undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. “It is our view that no IRGC entity should have any place in the world’s financial system,” Levey told reporters in a briefing after the announcement. Geithner said the United States in the coming weeks would be coordinating with other

nations to further squeeze Iran under the new Security Council resolution, which enhances trade restrictions. To that end, the Obama administration has named a senior State Department official, Bob Einhorn, to promote the implementation of the U.N. sanctions. The EU measures target, among other areas, Iran’s energy sector, including bans on “new investment, technical assistance and transfers of technologies, equipment and services related to these areas, in particular related to refining, liquefaction and liquefied natural gas technology,” according to a Reuters account of a statement issued Thursday in Brussels. Some U.S. pro-Israel groups praised the raft of new sanctions — and asked for more. “We commend this first step and agree more must be done,” the American Israel Public Affairs Committee said in a statement. “AIPAC continues to urge the Administration and our allies in Europe, Asia and across the globe to immediately implement further crippling economic, political and diplomatic sanctions on Iran before it is too late.” Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, a founder of The Israel Project, which partnered with European Jewish bodies to promote

tougher sanctions, said the governments saw containing Iranian ambitions in the region as not simply a matter of protecting Israel but of self-defense. “They did what’s in their own best interest,” she said.

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Reconstructionist college tries to Komen Race for the redo its outlook, live and online Cure to be run in Israel By Bryan Schwartzman Guest Author WYNCOTE, Pa. (Jewish Exponent) — Hoping to engage Jews “where they are,” the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in suburban Philadelphia has adopted an ambitious — and expensive — plan to boost its presence in cyberspace. The 42-year-old institution also has entered into talks with the two other branches of the Reconstructionist movement about the possibility of merging into a unified organization. One is the nearby Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, which works with congregations across the country and organizes an annual convention. The other is the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, which is based at the college and has some 300 members. Among the reasons behind the potential merger talks: a desire to cut costs and increase efficiency, and to find a new way to organize the movement as it confronts modern challenges. “This is us being true to our mission,” said Rabbi Dan Ehrenkrantz, the school’s president, referring to both the Web initiative and merger possibilities. “Our mission is to educate leaders, advance scholarship and create resources for contemporary Jewish life.” The rabbinical college has added a social-justice component, is pushing the new Web initiative and instituted several high-level personnel changes. The moves come as the college, which serves about 80 students and had a 2010 graduating class of 11, has been facing some fiscal woes. The school’s projected 2011 deficit tops $450,000 and accounts for about 8 percent of its $5 million budget. In an interview at his office, Ehrenkrantz said it wasn’t the first time in the school’s history that the board has approved a budget deficit. But in the past, the school has managed to raise enough funds by year’s end to make up the difference, so the institution has not accrued any debt. The school, as well as the other branches of Reconstructionism, also is contending with a general waning of interest among American Jews in specific religious movements and denominational labels. While these issues are far from unique to the Reconstructionist movement, the brainchild of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan and his disciples

is far smaller and less well-funded than other non-Orthodox streams. But its leaders say that lack of size will allow the movement to react to the times in a far more nimble fashion than perhaps the other much larger movements.

Rabbi Dan Ehrenkrantz

JTA Photo

Courtesy of RRC

Students attend class at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, Pa.

On June 6, the board unanimously approved Ehrenkrantz’s plans for bolstering the school’s Web presence. “We need to look to other avenues besides Reconstructionist synagogues to grow a constituency base that will be invested in our work,” Ehrenkrantz wrote in a May 24 memo to Reconstructionist leaders about the digital initiative. “Thanks to the advances in social networking, the Web provides a promising method to grow that constituency base.” As to what the digital plan actually entails, Ehrenkrantz said he could not yet go into the details other than that it will focus on “community engagement.” In recent years, there has been talk in certain circles about the potential of online congregations

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and online davening, and how that could add to Judaism’s appeal. But Ehrenkrantz said that wasn’t exactly what he had in mind. To implement the digital program, the college has hired Blue State Digital, a Washington-based firm that did work for President Obama’s campaign, as well as for the Jewish Federations of North America. According to Bob Goldfarb, a critic of the plan who writes widely on the influential Web site, ejewishphilanthropy, the digital initiative is budgeted at $500,000 per year. Ehrenkrantz, however, said he could not provide a dollar figure now, since the plan is still in the process of being worked out. Goldfarb, the president of the Center for Jewish Culture and Creativity in Los Angeles and Jerusalem, questioned in a June 1 posting as to why the Reconstructionist college board was willing to allocate so much money to a digital strategy as it faces such financial uncertainty. “If the administration is hoping to revitalize its mission and its finances simply by spending halfa-million dollars a year on social media in unspecified ways, that proposal calls for the closest scrutiny,” he wrote. Goldfarb continued, saying that “with the RRC budget for the next year purportedly projecting a deficit almost as large as the expenditure on the digital initiative, there is no apparent way to maintain it without large cuts elsewhere.” Asked about the issue, Ehrenkrantz acknowledged that “we do not think that we are going to recoup what we invest. The primary purpose is community engagement.” But in the planning stage, he said, all things are possible. “When we move out of the planning stage, we’ll be a little more focused,” added the rabbi. He also denied that the Web initiative would result in any cuts to existing programs or academics. Rabbi Avi Winokur, a member of the college’s board of governors and religious leader of Society Hill Synagogue, also defended the board’s decision. “We really don’t have a choice in this climate but to go online and start taking cyberspace much more seriously — or we will be left behind,” Winokur said. “The Reconstructionist movement has always seen itself as a movement that pushes the envelope and tries to push the Jewish community forward.”

By Jacob Berkman Jewish Telegraphic Agency

NEW YORK (JTA) — The world’s largest breast cancer organization, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, is partnering with Jerusalem, Hadassah: The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, health advocates and scientists for a week of breast cancer-related events. The Komen organization is launching the Israel Breast Cancer Collaborative, a partnership with nongovernmental organizations in Israel, to enhance advocacy, awareness, screening and treatment of breast cancer in Israel during the week of Oct. 25-29. A series of events will include a think tank on breast cancer, a mission to Israel and Komen’s famed Race for the Cure, which will be held just outside Jerusalem’s Old City. While not an overtly Jewish charity, Komen has deep Jewish roots. Nancy Brinker started the organization in 1982 after her sister, Susan Komen, died of breast cancer; Komen and Brinker are Jewish. Susan G. Komen for the Cure has invested more than $27 million in funding for international breast cancer research and more than $17 million in international community education and outreach programs. Komen has partnered or funded programs in more than 50 countries. While most of the money raised by Komen goes to general breast cancer causes, the organization has given $2 million for research in Israel through the Weizmann Institute of Science, Hebrew University-Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, Beit Natan and Life’s Door. In the United States it has ties to Hadassah, Sharsheret and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. This will be the first time, however, that Komen has held the 5K Race for the Cure in Israel. “This is exciting. For me it is very exciting,” said Hadassah Lieberman, who joined Komen as its global ambassador several years ago when the organization ran its first international race in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The race has since been held in countries such as Germany, Italy and Egypt. “We have been thinking about Jerusalem for a while,” said Lieberman, the wife of Connecticut U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman. “It has been one of the places where these things take a while to coordinate.” According to Komen officials, breast cancer is the most common form of women’s cancer in Israel, accounting for nearly 30 percent of new cancer cases in the country. About 4,000 people are diagnosed

A series of events will include a think tank on breast cancer, a mission to Israel and Komen’s famed Race for the Cure, which will be held just outside Jerusalem’s Old City. with breast cancer in Israel each year. In bringing the race to Israel, Susan G. Komen for the Cure hopes to spark new collaborations with organizations such as the Israel Cancer Association and to raise awareness of breast cancer in Israel. “Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s very first international research grant went to Israel 16 years ago, and we have enjoyed longstanding friendships and productive collaborations in Israel ever since,” Brinker said in a statement announcing the Israel project. “The new Israel Breast Cancer Collaborative takes our relationships to the next level — in partnership with the city of Jerusalem, Hadassah, government leaders, advocates and our global partners — as we work to address the critical issues in breast cancer for the women of Israel and the world.” This might seem a precarious time for an international fundraising organization to broaden its ties with Israel, with the country feeling the fallout of the flotilla incident in terms of public opinion, but Lieberman says she does not believe it will be an issue for Komen’s fundraising. “Everyone, whether it is Jewish organizations or Christian populations, are really excited about this race because we never have had a chance to do it in Jerusalem,” she said. “It’s very been exciting and positive, particularly at times like this, when you have to understand that this illness has no border and boundary and understand the cure has no border and boundary.” Lieberman added, “It is very special to be able to go to the Kotel to put a note in the [Western Wall], and for some of these women to go there and have a prayer for themselves or for their sisters’ or aunts’ health, and spread awareness around Israel.”

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THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Big Brothers/Big Sisters Assoc. (513) 761-3200 • bigbrobigsis.org Beth Tevilah Mikveh Society (513) 821-6679 Camp Ashreinu (513) 702-1513 Camp at the J (513) 722-7226 • mayersonjcc.org Camp Livingston (513) 793-5554 • camplivingston.com Cedar Village (513) 336-3183 • cedar-village.org Chevra Kadisha (513) 396-6426 Halom House (513) 791-2912 • halomhouse.com Hillel Jewish Student Center (513) 221-6728 • hillelcincinnati.org Jewish Community Center (513) 761-7500 • mayersonjcc.org Jewish Community Relations Council (513) 985-1501 Jewish Family Service (513) 469-1188 • jfscinti.org Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (513) 985-1500 • shalomcincy.org Jewish Foundation (513) 792-2715 Jewish Information Network (513) 985-1514 Jewish Vocational Service (513) 985-0515 • jvscinti.org Kesher (513) 766-3348 Plum Street Temple Historic Preservation Fund (513) 793-2556 The Center for Holocaust & Humanity Education (513) 487-3055 • holocaustandhumanity.org Vaad Hoier (513) 731-4671 Workum Summer Intern Program (513) 683-6670 • workum.org CONGREGATIONS Adath Israel Congregation (513) 793-1800 • adath-israel.org Beit Chaverim (513) 335-5812 Beth Israel Congregation (513) 868-2049 • bethisraelcongregation.net Congregation Beth Adam (513) 985-0400 • bethadam.org Congregation B’nai Tikvah (513) 759-5356 • bnai-tikvah.org Congregation B’nai Tzedek (513) 984-3393 • bnaitzedek.us Congregation Ohav Shalom

(513) 489-3399 • ohavshalom.org Golf Manor Synagogue (513) 531-6654 • golfmanorsynagogue.org Isaac M. Wise Temple (513) 793-2556 • wisetemple.org Isaac Nathan Congregation (513) 841-9005 Kehilas B’nai Israel (513) 761-0769 Northern Hills Synagogue (513) 931-6038 • nhs-cba.org Rockdale Temple (513) 891-9900 • rockdaletemple.org Temple Beth Shalom (513) 422-8313 • tbsohio.org Temple Sholom (513) 791-1330 • templesholom.net The Valley Temple (513) 761-3555 • valleytemple.com EDUCATION Chabad Blue Ash (513) 793-5200 • chabadba.com Cincinnati Community Kollel (513) 631-1118 • kollel.shul.net Cincinnati Hebrew Day School (513) 351-7777 • chds.shul.net HUC-JIR (513) 221-1875 • huc.edu JCC Early Childhood School (513) 793-2122 • mayersonjcc.org Mercaz High School (513) 792-5082 x104 • mercazhs.org Reform Jewish High School (513) 469-6406 • crjhs.org Regional Institute Torah & Secular Studies (513) 631-0083 Rockwern Academy (513) 984-3770 • rockwernacademy.org ORGANIZATIONS American Jewish Committee (513) 621-4020 • ajc.org American Friends of Magen David Adom (513) 521-1197 • afmda.org B’nai B’rith (513) 984-1999 Hadassah (513) 821-6157 • cincinnati-hadassah.org Jewish National Fund (513) 794-1300 • jnf.org NA’AMAT (513) 984-3805 • naamat.org National Council of Jewish Women (513) 891-9583 • ncjw.org State of Israel Bonds (513) 793-4440 • israelbonds.com Women’s American ORT (513) 985-1512 • ortamerica.org.org

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KAMRASS from page 1 “We could never, ever have dreamed this would be the result,” Saeks said. Kamrass credits his professor at HUC-JIR, the late Dr. Jacob Rader Marcus, and his predecessor Rabbi Fuchs with providing the kind of mentoring that made success possible at his unusually young age. Marcus was his thesis adviser and included him in his extended family (“one of Marcus’ boys”) in a friendship that began when the professor was 85 years old. They saw each other weekly until Marcus’ death at 99, he said. “Fourteen wonderful years.” Although a scholar, Marcus also possessed a keen modern view of his student’s role in a congregation steeped in history. “He really didn’t just connect me with history, which he did so deeply,” Kamrass said. “He really was very practical and pragmatic and in touch with the contemporary world.” Of his mentor Fuchs: “I simply would have failed without the kind of mentoring and guidance and latitude he gave me.” Today with two associate rabbis and a staff of 20, Kamrass said his ability to multi-task is important. But he said the balance inherent in the job refreshes him. For instance, he said he is asked how he can attend so many funerals. But he explained that the funerals he attends are balanced with weddings and baby namings. And while he handles many administrative tasks, those are balanced with “creative and fun things,” such as the temple’s award-winning social action programs. Last year 800 individuals participated in the WiseUP Social Action Volunteer Projects, which ranged from helping at the temple’s night shelter for homeless families within the building, assisting in the soup kitchen and involvement in inner city schools. He said he also is blessed with talented and devoted laypersons, including all of the former presidents during his time at Wise Temple, plus an outstanding staff. Even so, Dianne M. Rosenberg,

temple president from 1999-2001, said the rabbi’s energy is impressive. She related one of his workdays. “He had been at hospice at seven in the morning,” Rosenberg remembered. “He had counseled an interfaith couple later that morning. He taught a class at Xavier University and came back here to Wise Temple to teach the children in our religious school and then he had a few more meetings. And I said to him, ‘I don’t know how you do it.’ And he just shrugged his shoulders.” Originally from Atlanta, Kamrass met his wife Renée the first day of eighth grade algebra class 39 years ago and they have been married for 27 years. Aside from his degree from HUC-JIR, the rabbi is a Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia in sociology and psychology. Mrs. Kamrass is a reading specialist and the family lives in Blue Ash. Their daughter, Jenna Morvay, 25, is married to Jacob and the couple lives in New York City where Jenna teaches English in the South Bronx. “A real tough neighborhood,” said Kamrass. “That’s what she wanted.” The Kamrass’ two sons attend Ohio State University causing Rabbi Kamrass to become a rabid Buckeye football fan who shouts during televised games. Micah, 21, will earn a degree in political science and economics next year and plans to apply to law school. Jared, 19, is a sophomore with an interest in journalism and political science. Outside his work, Kamrass enjoys listening to all kinds of music, and he takes exercise classes a couple of times a week. He said he particularly enjoys reading American history and just finished “The Great Bridge,” a book about John A. Roebling and his son who designed and constructed the Suspension Bridge over the Ohio River at Cincinnati, the forerunner of the Brooklyn Bridge. Kamrass said he was enthralled by Roebling’s “can-do spirit.” Bottom line, his wife Renée said her husband truly loves his work. “He’s one of those people who found the right profession.”

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JEWZ IN THE NEWZ

Jewz in the Newz By Nate Bloom Contributing Columnist

O D D P A G E

HARRY POTTER AND THE BEANSTALK They ought to suspend, for at least a month, the union card of whatever Tony Awards stage director paired DANIEL RADCLIFFE (“Harry Potter”) and actress Katie Holmes to present the award for best featured actress in a play (won, by the way, by SCARLETT JOHANSSON for her performance in “A View from the Bridge”). Radcliffe is only 5’6” and quite slender. Holmes is 5’10” and was wearing heels that made her at least six feet tall. Such duos are often found in comedies, but this pairing was unintentionally comic. Adding to the silly effect was the fact that Holmes was wearing a strapless gown and showing a lot of décolletage. I’m sure that I wasn’t the only one who thought that if Radcliffe and Holmes hugged — as often happens with award presenters — both would be embarrassed as to where Radcliffe’s head met Holmes’ body. The day after the awards, the internet was abuzz with photos of the duo and comments about them. Many people said that Tom Cruise, Holmes’ hubbie, is only 5’7” (or maybe 5’8”) and he appears comfortable appearing with his taller wife. However, others chimed in that Holmes almost always wears flat shoes when with Cruise — so, couldn’t Holmes be advised to wear flats with Radcliffe? Radcliffe, 20, is an intelligent and steady young man with a sense of the more important things in the world (recently, for example he narrated a film on the Holocaust for the British Holocaust Trust organization). So, I’m sure that he won’t lose any sleep about this incident. Still, I suspect that he and his “people” will take steps to see that this doesn’t happen again. It doesn’t do an actor any good to appear almost dwarf-like in front of a TV audience that includes many important casting directors. DUSTIN HOFFMAN is the same height as Radcliffe and, so far as I can tell, he’s avoided just this situation at scores of awards’ shows. ALMOST MORE STARS THAN THE OSCARS Speaking of Dustin Hoffman, he was one of an amazing number of “A” list stars who attended the American Film Institute gala lifetime achievement tribute to stage

and film director MIKE NICHOLS, 79. The gala was held on June 11th and a tape of the event will be shown on the TV Land cable station on Saturday, June 26, at 9PM, with an encore showing on Sunday at 4PM. Hoffman, 72, who spoke at the gala, owes much to Nichols — he was a moderately successful stage actor, nearing 30, when Nichols picked him to play the lead in “The Graduate” (1967). Nichols, who won the best director Oscar for “The Graduate,” has often related how he defied conventional wisdom by casting Hoffman. He thought Hoffman’s “Jewish looks” would signal that his character, Ben, was an outsider amid that “white bread” suburban world Ben grew up in. ART GARFUNKEL and PAUL SIMON opened the AFI tribute with The Graduate’s theme song, “Mrs. Robinson.” Several speakers made a joking reference to a recent PBS family history show in which it was confirmed that Nichols is a distant cousin of ALBERT EINSTEIN. Director/actress ELAINE MAY, 78, who was in a comedy duo with Nichols in the ‘50s, said: “Einstein was a very sad man when he died because he hadn’t achieved a Combined Field Theory… But if he’s watching tonight, he’s got to be immensely happy that he’s Mike Nichols’ cousin.” A refugee from Nazi Germany, Nichols is one of only a dozen people who have won a Tony, Grammy, Oscar and Emmy. He has won six Tonys for best director of a play or musical and he has been nominated three times for the Oscar for best director, winning once. On May 27, Nichols was one of the guests at the White House reception saluting Jewish American Heritage month. YOU MARRIED HER? “Grown-Ups,” which opens in theaters on Friday, June 25, is a comedy of a familiar sort — a group of guys who won a junior high basketball championship reunite at the memorial service for their childhood coach. They then spend the 4th of July weekend, with their wives and children, at a nearby lake house. They compare character quirks and exchange comic zingers. ADAM SANDLER, 45, who co-wrote the flick, co-stars, with Salma Hayek as his wife. Also co-starring are ROB SCHNEIDER, MAYA RUDOLPH, Kevin James, David Spade, Chris Rock and Mario Bello. Schneider and Rudolph are the children of Jewish fathers and non-Jewish mothers.

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FROM THE PAGES 100 Years Ago Mrs. Moses Marx and daughter, Hazel, of Denver, are the guests of Mrs. Arthur Stroheim, of 3440 Dury Avenue, Avondale. Miss Blanche, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Meis and Mr. Sidney J. Elsman, of Oklahoma, Okla., were married at the Cincinnati Club, by Dr. Grossmann, on the 23rd. Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Stern, of Hale Avenue, Avondale, announce the engagements of their daughters, Gertrude, to Mr. Jesse

M. Joseph, formerly of Baltimore, Md., and Helen Mae, to Mr. Nathan I. Auer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Israel Auer. Mr. and Mrs. Philip Dine, of 3 Navarre accompanied by their daughter, Mrs. Morris Romanow, left Sunday to attend the graduation of their son, Sidney P. Dine, of Yale. From there, they go to Boston to attend his marriage to Miss Minnie Basker, which takes place June 28. The Young Peoples’ Auxiliary of the Jewish Consumptive Relief

Society will give an informal shirt waist dance on Tuesday evening, June 28, at the Roof Garden Ball Room at Chester Park, which has been engaged for the private use of the Auxiliary. Tickets can be had from any of the following committee: Alexander Landesco, president; Sadie Glass, vice president; Janet Shane, secretary; Fanny Stern, treasurer; Ruth Spritz, chairman; Pauline Phillips, Stella Glass, Lillie Berman, Blanche Rosentahl, Ben Rothsetin, Samuel Levites. — June 23, 1910

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

Drake, a black Jew, making a name on the hip-hop scene

75 Years Ago Harvard’s answer to the Nazis was repeated when that famous university recently awarded honorary degrees to two of Germany’s leading exiles – Dr. Albert Einstein and Thomas Mann. President James Bryant Conant of Harvard revealed that institution’s attitude some months ago when the board rejected a $1,000 gift offered by Dr. Ernst F. S. Hanfstaegl, Harvard alumnus and Adolf Hitler’s personal aide.

Leaving Saturday, June 29th, for Camp Wenonah, Naples, Maine are: the Misses Joanne Solinger, Joan Schriver, Raleigh Friedman, Helene Schwartz, Davira Libson and Jane Block. Mrs. Harold Moss will be assistant to the director of the camp, and Miss Charlotte Stern an assistant counselor. Larry Lee, Cincinnati orchestra director has been selected to fill an eight-week engagement at Monte

Carlo, famous European play spot, according to announcements by Felix Ferry, of London, representing Monte Carlo, who came to Pittsburgh, where Mr. Lee is playing at “The Pines.” Mr. Lee’s orchestra is an allCincinnati band, composed of Robert Kiketta, arranger; Gerald Duncan; Joseph Regan; Joseph Allman, Lee Allman; Douglas Boyle; Alfred Kern; Jack Weiner; Lawrence Carey; John Dietz; and William Dinkel. — June 27, 1935

50 Years Ago Sigma Theta Pi sorority and Mother’s Club held their joint installation dinner Tuesday, June 7, at the Hotel Sinton. Installed were: president, Mrs. Bert Steinau; vice president, Mrs. Herman Shapiro; treasurer, Mr. A.A. Levin; recording secretary, Mrs. Maurice Golding; corresponding secretary, Mr. Melvin Rose; contact chairman, Mrs. Victor Goldman. Installed as Delta Chapter President of Woodward High was Miss Jane Shapiro and for Walnut

Hills, Miss Linda Goldman. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Henle Klein announce the marriage of their daughter, Betsy Ruth, to Mr. Marvin Heidingsfeld Schwartz, son of Mrs. Harry Lapirow of Kennebunk, Me., and Dr. Bernard Schwartz of Cincinnati. The wedding was solemnized Thursday evening, June 16, at Plum Street Temple, Rabbis Samuel Wohl, Albert A. Goldman and Victor E. Reichert officiated. Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Gillman,

formerly of Cincinnati and now of Los Angeles, announce the marriage of their daughter, Barbara Lois, to Dr. Wallace M. Korbin, formerly of Akron, Ohio. Mrs. Korbin is a graduate of Walnut Hills High School and attended the University of California at Berkeley and at Los Angeles. Dr. Korbin is a graduate of Ohio State University Medical School with top honors. He is in his last year of residency in neurosurgery at the Los Angeles County General Hospital. — June 23, 1960

25 Years Ago Rabbi Lewis H. Kamrass, ordained at the June 1 services of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion at Plum Street Temple, has been named assistant rabbi of Wise Temple, Rabbi Alan D. Fuchs, senior rabbi has announced. A Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia, Rabbi Kamrass has served congregations in Ashland, Ky., Riverdale, Ga., Fargo, N.D.,

Kirksville, Mo, and Athens, Ga. He and his wife, the former Renee Slotin, are both from Atlanta. Stuart and Carol Ann Schulman announce the birth of a son, Maxwell Louis, June 3. Maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Smith of Dayton. Paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Schulman. Great-grandparents were the late Henrietta and Harry Sharff and

the late Rose and Louis Schulman. Louis Zimov of Dayton, formerly of Cincinnati, passed away June 13. He is survived by: his father, Ben Zimov, of Cincinnati; a son, Daniel Zimov of Dayton; and a brother, Martin Zimov of Cincinnati. Mr. Zimov was a veteran of WWII and attended Harvard Law School before moving to Cincinnati 22 years ago. — June 20, 1985

10 Years Ago Neil K. Bortz was one of four community leaders honored by the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), Greater Cincinnati Region, at its 50th annual awards dinner on May 25. Also honored were Hon. Nathaniel R. Jones and Susan E. and Joseph A. Pichler. The honorees received the Distinguished Service Citations, given to those who have distinguished themselves in their personal and professional lives in furthering

the cause of intergroup understanding in our community. The first award was presented in 1951 to Charles Sawyer, United States Secretary of Commerce under the Truman Administration. Sylvia Shokler, 89, passed away on June 14, 2000. Shokler was born on August 29, 1910, to Edward and Anna Horwitz of St. Louis, Missouri. Her husband, Fred Shokler, predeceased her. She is survived by a son and his wife, Robert

L. and Jean Shokler; as well as a grandson, Eric Shokler, all of Cincinnati. Shokler’s sister, Ruth Klein, preceded her in death. Shokler was a member of B’nai Brith and acitve in the Retired Businessmen and Professionals Association at the Jewish Community Center. Prior to her retirement, she worked for approximately 15 years for the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). — June 22, 2000

Drake adds some Chai to a recent cover of Vibe.

By Danielle Berrin Guest Author LOS ANGELES (L.A. Jewish Journal) — In a culture of misfits and outsiders, Aubrey “Drake” Graham is the ultimate outsider — a big-time black Jewish rapper. His star is rising rapidly on the hip-hop scene. Though fans have followed the Jewish-Canadian Drake since his days as basketball star Jimmy Brooks on the Canadian soap “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” a recent spate of press has introduced the 23-yearold artist to the broader public. The New York Times declared the young, emotionally vulnerable artist “the most important and innovative new figure in hiphop.” Drake released his first album, “Thank Me Later,” earlier this month, though his mixtapes have been widely circulating since 2006. In fact, Drake earned the unusual distinction of being nominated for a 2010 Grammy without the release of an album. He’s been traveling in the right company: Rap star Lil Wayne was the first mainstream act to incorporate Drake into his touring routine and served as some-

what of a mentor to the fledgling artist. Drake was born to an AfricanAmerican father and a Jewish mother who divorced when he was 5, according to an interview in Heeb magazine, and he was raised by his mother in Forest Hill, a heavily Jewish neighborhood of Toronto. He attended a Jewish day school and had a bar mitzvah, which featured the Backstreet Boys tune “I Want It That Way.” His father was primarily absent and, according to The Times, struggled with drug addiction and spent time in prison. His mother suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, which precluded her from working and forced Drake to grow up fast. In interviews he often portrays himself as a loner. “I went to a Jewish school, where nobody understood what it was like to be black and Jewish,” he told Heeb. “When kids are young it’s hard for them to understand the make-up of religion and race.” Drake told the magazine that he was often called a schvartze, a derogatory term for blacks. “But the same kids that made fun of me are super proud [of me] now,” he said. “And they act as if nothing happened.”

Drake displays signs of Jewish pride; Heeb says he wears a diamond-studded Chai. He also wants to travel to Israel, the magazine reports. With his complex identity, Drake is using the internalized experience of his childhood to infuse hip-hop with a rare emotionality. The Times gave his album an encouraging review, calling it “moody, entrancing and emotionally articulate,” and adding that he “manages to balance vulnerability and arrogance in equal measure.” After struggling through childhood, Drake seems to be enjoying the current payoff — the Heeb interview chronicles him driving around Manhattan in a Bentley. Already, however, there have been reports of overspending and financial mismanagement. Even so, with his career ascending, Drake doesn’t seem to be worried about finances. He told The Times that he’s more concerned about the insularity caused by fame. “Did I sacrifice something?” he wondered. “Have I not realized what it is yet because I’m enjoying this too much?”

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Historic treasure of Israelis key to development of Jewish life and culture Central African nations gifted to University of California, Berkeley BERKELEY, CA — One of the world’s preeminent collections of Jewish life, culture and history will have a new home at the University of California, Berkeley, starting this fall, campus officials and the Judah L. Magnes Museum in Berkeley announced on Monday, June 21. The 10,000-piece collection of precious music, art, rare books and historical archives — part of the Magnes Museum since its founding in 1961 — will be transferred to UC Berkeley over the summer. The collaboration will partner a world-class collection with a world-class university, complementing the school’s academic offerings, raising the profile of the Magnes collection, and making it more accessible to scholars. The transfer is being made possible by gifts totaling $2.5 million over five years from philanthropists Warren Hellman, Tad Taube and the Koret Foundation. These gifts will ensure that the acquisition is built on a solid and selfsustaining financial model. Support from other Magnes Museum donors will finance the renovation of a building at 2121 Allston Way, in the heart of the city of Berkeley’s arts and commerce district. The 25,000-squarefoot space will have a lecture room, seminar rooms and a stateof-the art space to exhibit the Magnes’ prints, paintings, photographs, costumes and Jewish ceremonial objects. The new name of the Magnes Museum will be the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life at The Bancroft Library. The Magnes’ Western Jewish History Archives, the world’s largest collection of letters, diaries, photographs and other archival documents relating to the Jewish settlement of the West, will move into The Bancroft Library. Musical manuscripts and sheet music will be located at the Jean Gray Hargrove Music Library. “We are excited to acquire, steward and grow this precious cultural asset and ensure that it contributes to a much broader vision for our already robust Jewish studies programs at UC Berkeley,” said UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert J. Birgeneau.

“We thank Warren Hellman, the Taube Family, and the Koret Foundation, who have stepped forward to help make this vision possible. We also look to build on the foundation of support created in the last five decades by the many friends of the Magnes Museum who have given generously and made this collection the treasure that it is today.” The Magnes Collection – considered among the world’s finest holdings of Jewish history and culture – features Hanukkah lamps, Torah ornaments, musical recordings, portraits, modern paintings and sculpture that date as far back as the 15th century. In some cases, long-separated papers of Jewish families will be reunited under one roof at The Bancroft Library. “The Magnes has been a vital and vibrant part of the cultural life of the Bay Area for almost 50 years,” said Charles Faulhaber, the James D. Hart Director of The Bancroft Library. “There is such a close fit between the Magnes’ Western Jewish Archives and library collections and The Bancroft’s collections on the history of California and the American West that it seems like a match made in heaven.” With the upcoming renovation of the Allston Way building, the core Magnes collections of Jewish art and ceremonial objects will be more available than ever to the public, Faulhaber added. “I think that this is the best of both worlds — a new and revitalized Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life as an integral part of The Bancroft, and a prominent physical and programmatic presence at the heart of the Berkeley Arts District,” he said. “What’s not to like?” That point is echoed by Frances Dinkelspiel, president of the Magnes Board of Directors. “Moving the Magnes Collection to a new facility in the heart of downtown means it will continue to enhance the cultural life of Berkeley,” Dinkelspiel said. “The partnership with UC will also introduce the collections to a new generation of scholars. The board of the Magnes Museum is delighted that the collection will not only be preserved, but will flourish.”

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Larry Luxner

Cameroonian soldiers march in the country's 50th anniversary parade, May 20, 2010. Israel provides weapons training to Cameroon as part of the two countries' expanding bilateral ties.

by Larry Luxner Jewish Telegraphic Agency MALABO, Equatorial Guinea (JTA) — On a barren, 60-acre tract of land overlooking the Gulf of Guinea, bulldozer operators turn the earth while sweaty construction workers take a lunch break in the shadow of an improvised Zim shipping container. Inside an air-conditioned trailer nearby, Tel Aviv native Zvi Blum sits at his desk under a colorful poster showing how Malabo’s evolving Centro Medico La Paz will look about a year from now. “This is going to be the best hospital in Africa. They’ve never seen anything like it before,” Blum says with obvious pride. The campus he describes will boast a 155-bed hospital, doctors’ residences, a 50-room hotel for guests, a pharmacy, a heliport, landscaping and a beautiful entrance fountain. Total investment: $100 million. “We’re importing all the materials from Israel, from concrete to ceramics,” says Blum, whose last job was helping build the new passenger terminal at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport. Now he is the project director of International Medical Services GE S.A. The government of Equatorial Guinea, he says, “is paying for everything.” It’s one of several Israeli-led projects in this tiny nation — population 800,000 and roughly the size of Maryland — that is awash in petroleum dollars. The Equatorial Guinean government already has financed the construction of an Israeli-run hospital in Bata, the main city in the continental part of the country, which employs more than 100 Israeli doctors and nurses. An unknown number of Israeli

advisers also provides military training to Equatoguinean soldiers guarding their Spanish-speaking nation’s remote borders with French-speaking Cameroon and Gabon. This is not the only country in Central Africa in which Israel’s involvement is growing. Aside from Israeli investments, there's a political element, too, helped along in some cases by American Jews. At a lavish 50th anniversary state dinner held May 19 in the Cameroonian capital of Yaounde, dozens of foreign dignitaries joined Prime Minister Philemon Yang in paying tribute to one of Africa’s long-ruling heads of state, Cameroon President Paul Biya. Among those in attendance was Jack Rosen, head of the American Jewish Congress and president of the American Council for World Jewry. In between schmoozing with Yang and visiting Gabon President Ali Bongo, the visiting New Yorker told JTA why he was in Cameroon — a poor, tropical country of 20 million without any native Jews. “Africa is important to us for a number of reasons,” Rosen said. “Currently, three members of the U.N. Security Council are from Africa: Gabon, Uganda and Nigeria. At the U.N., their votes are critical in such things as sanctions against Iran.” On June 9, all three countries voted to support the sanctions; behind-the-scenes lobbying by Jewish groups preceded the vote. Israel’s involvement in Central Africa also can help combat Iran’s growing influence here, Rosen said, noting the increasing influence of Iran-backed Hezbollah in Cote d’Ivoire. “It’s important for the American Jewish community to

play a role in African affairs and try to get them to support our causes,” Rosen said. “Not only that, the Israelis have done substantial trade with Africa over the years. They can provide these countries with resources and technology in areas that are important to them, like agriculture and military training.” Miki Arbel, Israel’s ambassador to Cameroon, said that back in the 1960s and early 1970s, his country had excellent relations with all of sub-Saharan Africa. But that was before the Yom Kippur War of 1973, when virtually all African states severed ties with Israel due to Arab pressure. Cameroon was among the first African states to resume diplomatic relations with Israel, in 1984. Other countries followed — Burkina Faso, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Central African Republic. Chad and Niger do not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Last year, while serving as Israel’s ambassador to Mauritania, Arbel was expelled from the country after the Arab League, meeting in Qatar, decided to freeze all relationships with Israel following the Gaza war. In Cameroon, Arbel said, Israel is helping primarily with irrigation methods and water management. Israeli experts teach courses on irrigation throughout the country, with a focus on the arid northwest province. “They don’t know how to cultivate and what to cultivate,” Arbel said of the Cameroonians. “But if we teach them and share with them the knowledge we have acquired in Israel over the past 60 years, then they can generate more crops from their piece of land.” Israel’s bilateral trade with Cameroon comes to just under $15 million, consisting mostly of imports of semi-processed wood and exports of heavy machinery and irrigation equipment. Some Israeli firms have invested in the booming telecom sector, while others have contracted out their expertise in security and weapons training. As for Cameroon’s position on Israel, Arbel said, “The Cameroonians understand one thing: that the conflict in the Middle East is not only an Israeli problem.” He explained, “The African Union is controlled by big countries — South Africa, Nigeria and Libya — and these are not necessarily the best friends of Israel. But politics is politics, and the politics of Cameroon is not to be against Israel.”

JEWISH LIFE

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

Sedra of the Week

by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin

SHABBAT SHALOM: PARASHAT BALAK • NUMBERS 22:2 — 25:9

Efrat, Israel — “G-d said to Balaam, ‘You shall not go with them; you shall not curse this nation because it is blessed’” (Numbers 22:12). The Balaam/Balak episode in this week’s portion naturally leads us to a discussion of the relationship between G-d’s will and our own. We have free will, but what happens when our choices fly in the face of the will of G-d? Are we truly given the freedom to go against His will or is freedom of choice only a delusion? Balak, King of Moab, is terrified by the strength of the Israelites. Not only has the Jewish nation been freed from Egypt, but as they proceed toward the Promised Land, they seem to vanquish every army that attacks them. For some reason, Balak deems the very survival of the Israelites to be a threat to his nation’s survival, and therefore he sets about ‘acquiring’ his weapon of choice; Balaam, the master curser of his generation. Balak sends a high-ranking delegation to this famous soothsayer, a wonder-working Gentile prophet, urging him to curse the Israelites, so that Balak will be able to overcome and banish them from the vicinity of his land. Inviting the delegation to spend the night, Balaam, the prophet-soothsayer awaits a directive from G-d. The Divine response is unequivocal: “Do not go with them! You shall not curse the people, for it is blessed” (Numbers 22:12). Balaam then sends the delegation back to Balak. Undaunted — because Balaam’s expression of refusal actually leave the door open for a second conversation — Balak then dispatches a new, higher ranking delegation to Balaam. They are to give a blank check to Balaam, the sky’s the limit and he can have whatever his heart desires, so long as he curses Israel. Again Balaam refuses. “Even were Balak to give me his entire house full of gold and silver, I would not be able to transgress the word of the Lord my G-d… And now, you too remain here now for this purpose, you too, for tonight, and I will find out what more the Lord has to say to me.” [22:18] Hidden between the lines of this second invitation to spend the night, our Sages hear a subtle message: “I cannot transgress G-d’s word even if I receive Balak’s house of gold and silver — but if I also receive his storage house of gold and silver, maybe we have something to talk about! Moreover,” says Balaam, “stay the night for this purpose”: let me attempt to convince or at least “wear G-d down.” That night, the Almighty visits Balaam. “If the men come to summon you, you may go with them, but only

whatever words I tell you, may you do” [22:20]. The very next verse declares, “And Balaam arose in the morning, saddled his she-donkey and went with the officers of Moab” [22:21]. Balaam did not report G-d’s caveat; he merely took the Divine words as a carte blanche to do Balak’s bidding. Despite the permission that Balaam received to go if they “summoned” him, (22:20) the text reports, “G-d’s wrath flared” because Balaam went (Numbers 22: 22). But if G-d had just allowed him to go, why was He angry? Is there free will or not? Several Biblical commentaries see these verses as expressing the fundamental freedom of choice granted to every individual, even a prophet of the Divine who presumably knows the will of G-d and cannot defy that will. The Ibn Ezra suggests that G-d never prevents an individual from doing what he really wants to do, even if it goes against the Divine will. We see this at the time of the spies when G-d clearly tells the Israelites to go up and conquer the Promised Land (Deut 1:21). Nevertheless, when they demur and insist upon sending out a reconnaissance commission (ibid 22), G-d tells Moses to send out such a group of spies (Numbers 13:1). G-d may not desire such a commission, but He will always acquiesce to the will of the people. Here in our portion, G-d acquiesces to the evil and venal will of Balaam. The Midrash Rabbah succinctly expresses the great principle of human freedom with the words: “From this text, we learn that ultimately G-d leads an individual to walk on the path that he wishes to travel.” In other words, G-d lets people decide which way they want to go, even if He disagrees! (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:12; see Ramban ad loc for a slightly different interpretation.) However, the dynamics of human will vs. Divine will don’t end here, neither in the case of Balaam nor in terms of Rabbinic theology. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 85), in an obvious reference to Balaam, makes the following pronouncement: Shmuel bar Nahman opened [quoting the prophet Jeremiah]: “For thus said the Lord, Master of Legions, G-d of Israel: Do not let your prophets who are in your midst and your magicians delude you, do not listen to your dreamers whom

you appoint to dream. It is falsehood that they prophesy to you in My Name… For thus said the Lord: I will remember and appoint you and I will establish for you My good word to restore you to this place. For I know the thoughts, which I think about you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give to you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:8-11). The Midrash elaborates: “The tribes were engaged in the sale of Joseph. Joseph was engaged in his sackcloth and fasting, and Judah was engaged in taking a wife. And the Holy One Blessed be He was engaged in creating the light of the Messiah.” This fascinating Midrash teaches us that we must look at life and history through two perspectives: the earthly dimension, predicated upon human choice, and the Divine dimension, in which G-d ensures that whatever mistakes we may make, the final result will be messianic redemption and a world of peace. Hence, although Balaam may have desired to curse and destroy Israel, and offers practical expression to this at the end of our portion when he advises Moabite and Midianite women to entice the Israelite men into idolatry and assimilation, G-d will turn all of these disasters into ultimate redemption. Our Rabbis teach that Balaam’s donkey was the same animal as that which Abraham rode to Mount Moriah to sacrifice his son Isaac and that this is the donkey that will eventually carry the Messiah. They explain that the sexual immorality that we read of in the Bible, between Lot and his daughters, between Yehudah and Tamar, between Mahlon son of Elimelech and Ruth the Moabite, will ultimately be manipulated by God to lead to the marriage between Ruth, and Boaz, which will bring forth David, progenitor of the Messiah. God will see to it that His designs will ultimately prevail, turning the bitter into the sweet, sadness into joy, and curses into blessings, immorality into Messianism. Our daily prayers open with Balaam’s words, ‘How goodly are your tents O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel’ (Numbers 24:5), a subtle reminder that no matter how strongly individuals may want us cursed, G-d’s blessings will prevail.

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3100 LONGMEADOW LANE • CINCINNATI, OH 45236 791-1330 • www.templesholom.net Richard Shapiro, Interim Rabbi Marcy Ziek, President Gerry H. Walter, Rabbi Emeritus June 25 6:30 pm Shabbat Evening Service followed by picnic dinner

July 2 6:00 pm Shabbat Nosh 6:30 pm Shabbat Evening Service Sweet Beginnings with Rabbi Terlinchamp

June 26 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Service

July 3 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Service

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OPINION

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A visit, a memory and a wish

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trip I made to Ner Israel a number of years ago with the religion editor of the New York Times at the time, Gustav Niebuhr. He had never seen a yeshiva before. One of the yeshiva’s administrators gave us a short tour of the campus and then took us to the main beit medrash. When a door to the cavernous but crowded room was opened, my guest surveyed the scene –several hundred young men (mostly in pairs, as yeshiva study is traditionally done) surrounded by piles of books, loudly and animatedly arguing. He was visibly intrigued. Actually, taken aback might be a better description. It was probably quite different from what the phrase “studyhall” likely recalled to the Oxford alumnus from his university days. The administrator invited the reporter to walk through the beit medrash and interview students at his whim. He seemed hesitant to take up the offer, reluctant to take the young men from their studies, but the administrator’s encouragement and the reporter’s own natural curiosity won out in the end. I watched as he gingerly entered the room — bare-headed, looking far from Jewish (which he isn’t) and armed with only a pen and a pad — and went from one pair of students to another. At each stop, the students stood up to welcome the visitor, pulled up a chair and invited him to sit down. Several such conversations later, the reporter returned, his pad filled with notes, and his eyes, it seemed, with wonder. He remarked to us how deeply impressed he had been “with the sincerity and idealism” of the students he had met. Some of the young men with whom he had spoken had been raised in Orthodox families; the fathers of many had studied at Ner Israel decades earlier (the yeshiva was founded in 1933). Others had come to Orthodoxy along with their families, or on their own. One student who particularly impressed him had been a Hollywood writer before becoming observant and enrolling in the yeshiva. The article the reporter later wrote for his newspaper about Ner Israel (which can be easily found using the search engine on the New York Times’ Web site) well evidences the positive impact the yeshiva and its students had on him. I have been an assiduous monitor of the media, especially the Jewish, for nearly two decades. And it pains me when media tend to focus on aberrations within the haredi community — real, magnified or fictitious. That focus often yields a negative image and, when it does, gravely misleads. At those times, I find myself wishing that every Jew could spend a Shabbat, or even just a few hours, at a place like Ner Israel. (Rabbi Shafran is director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of America.)

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Dear Editor, AJC applauds the European Union’s decision to adopt tougher sanctions against Iran, as the Tehran regime defies world opinion by pressing ahead with its nuclear ambitions. The gravest current threat to global security is Iran’s drive for nuclear-weapons capability.

These new sanctions, imposed just one day after the U.S. adopted robust new measures, show that the European Union recognizes the Iranian regime’s dangerous actions require a heightened response. The sanctions include a ban on investments, technical assistance and technology transfers to Iran’s key oil and gas industry. The recently-announced

U.S. sanctions ban Americans from trading with a number of firms and individuals, including Iran’s Post Bank, Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi, and the air force and missile command of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Sincerely, Barbara Glueck Director, AJC Cincinnati

CORRECTION (Last week’s A&E article)

The caption under the photograph of Professor of Judaic Studies Steven Bowman should have read “An independent filmmaker has optioned ‘Agony of Greek Jews 1940–1945,’ by Steven Bowman, professor of Judaic Studies at UC.” The article should have been titled “Judaic Studies Professor’s Book on Greek Jewry Optioned by Hollywood Filmmaker.”

T EST Y OUR T ORAH KNOWLEDGE THIS WEEK’S PORTION: BALAK (BAMIDBAR 22:2—25:30) 1. Who said “I sinned”? Why? a.) Balak b.) Bilaam c.) Bilaam's donkey d.) Pinchas

a.) From the Heavens b.) Egypt c.) From the hills 4. What was Balak's idea to help Bilaam fulfill his mission? a.) Move to another place b.) Try again from the same place c.) Offer more money

2. How does the Torah describe Bilaam's words? a.) Prophesy b.) Sorcery c.) Parable 3. According to Bilaam's prophecy, from where did he see the Children of Israel ? prophecy he saw the Children of Israel built on the strong roots of the Patriarchs and the Matriarchs. 4. A 23:13 5. A 24:17 Star is King David who defeated Moab.

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My wife, daughter and I recently spent a Sabbath on the sprawling campus of the Ner Israel Rabbinical College, near Baltimore. The Ner Israel yeshiva might better be described as a town, comprised as it is of scores of faculty and graduate student families living in on-campus apartments and townhouses, and hundreds of students residing in on-campus dormitories. (Full disclosure: My wife and I have three sons studying at Ner Israel, and my brother teaches Talmud and Holocaust studies in the yeshiva’s high school division. I spent formative years studying at Ner Israel; the literal meaning of alma mater — “nurturing mother” — for the yeshiva’s relationship to me is apt.) Located in a rural area of Maryland, amid rolling hills and verdant fields, Ner Israel is a rare, perhaps unique, place, an oasis of both natural and Jewish beauty. As we took a stroll late Friday night, the dulcet sounds of harmonizing voices floated on the air. The singing emanated from homes of the teacher-rabbis, who are traditionally visited on Sabbath evenings by their students for sharing Torah thoughts, discussions and song. The next day, after services and the Sabbath meal, the parking lots — where, of course, not a car moved — were quickly filled with children at play, the music of their laughter and chatter accompanied by the percussion of small feet running and skipping rope. A small playground hosted younger children and their mothers. Some parents sat on the balconies of their homes, watching the kids at play, studying Torah or just relaxing. The traditional Sabbath greeting in a yeshiva like Ner Israel is “Good Shabbos,” but there are few places on earth where the phrase “Shabbat Shalom” — “Sabbath of Peace,” introduced by the Safed kabbalists in the 15th century and used as a greeting by many Jews today — would fit so well. Life on “Yeshiva Lane” — the campus address — revolves around the two large study halls, or botei medrash, one used by the nearly 250 high school boys, the other by the more than 600 young men in the postgraduate and Kollel (married student) divisions. Aside from the apartments and townhouses, the campus includes an administration building, dining hall, basketball court and, of course, classroom buildings. But the botei medrash (singular: beit medrash) are the twin hearts that pump the lifeblood of Torah study throughout the campus. On the Sabbath as during the week, each of the large halls is filled with students poring over the holy texts of Judaism, reading, arguing, understanding — and adding links in the Jewish Torahchain stretching back millennia. Studying with one of my sons that Sabbath in the high school beit medrash, I was reminded of a day

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

5. What will come out of Jewish people in the future? a.) Star b.) Hammer c.) Song ANSWERS 1. B 22:34 2. C 23:7 Bilaam thought he could say what he wanted but the words came out as Hashem wanted them to. 3. C 23:9 Bilaam stood on a hill overlooking the people. However, in his

Written by Rabbi Dov Aaron Wise

ISRAEL

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

Israel Briefs Israel’s chief rabbi: I will ban cruel slaughter JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel’s chief rabbi said he will not certify beef as kosher if the animal was ritually slaughtered using cruel methods. Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger reportedly said that by 2011 he will not certify meat from slaughterhouses that use the shackleand-hoist method, Haaretz reported, citing Avi Blumenthal, assistant to the Ashkenazi chief rabbi. The method is used in nearly all South American kosher slaughterhouses, which provide about 80 percent of Israel’s kosher meat imports, the newspaper reported. The shackle-and-hoist method is prohibited in Israel, as well as the United States and European Union. Metzger’s announcement comes about a month after a hidden-camera video was disseminated online showing the shackleand-hoist method being used in a slaughterhouse in Uruguay. Elton John performs in Israel JERUSALEM (JTA) — Elton John performed a concert in Israel, following the politically motivated cancellations of shows by other artists. John arrived in Israel on Thursday, the day of his concert at Ramat Gan Stadium. He was scheduled to leave shortly after the show, a ploy to avoid having to make public statements about his appearance in Israel, according to the Jerusalem Post. About 50,000 fans attended the concert. It was his third career appearance in Israel. John’s appearance comes on the heels of cancellations by wellknown artists such as British rocker Elvis Costello, Carlos Santana and Gil Scott-Heron, reportedly after pressure by proPalestinian groups. Following the May 31 interception by Israel of a Gaza-bound flotilla that left nine passengers dead, other artists cancelled including The Pixies, Klaxons, Gorillaz, and, this week, Dvendra Barnhart. “I have always believed that music inhabits a world set apart from politics, religious differences or prejudice of any kind,” John said on his Web site, defending his decision to appear in Israel.

With school controversy, secular-haredi tensions reach boiling point By Leslie Susser Jewish Telegraphic Agency JERUSALEM (JTA) — The showdown between the Supreme Court and the parents of students at a haredi Orthodox school found guilty of discriminatory practices against Sephardic girls has brought already strained secular-religious relations in Israel to a fever pitch. A remark by Supreme Court Justice Edmond Levy that the court’s decisions are not subject to rabbinical approval went straight to the heart of the matter, with irate haredi demonstrators declaring that if they had to choose between the court and their rabbis, the rabbis always would come first. The fundamental argument over whether the courts or the rabbis have the ultimate authority reflects a long-standing clash between Theodor Herzl’s vision of a secular democratic state for the Jews and haredi notions of a Jewish state subject to rabbinical law. For secular Israelis, impugning the authority of the courts means anarchy. For the haredim, overriding rabbinical rulings means perverting God’s will. At issue is a test of the capacity of the Zionist, secular state to impose its will on a large group of haredim who often are derisive of its democratic, secular institutions. The latest angry confrontation between the state and the haredim began with a ruling by the Israeli Supreme Court in April ordering a school run by Ashkenazi Slonim Chasidim in the West Bank settlement of Emanuel to stop excluding Sephardic girls from their regular classes. In the state’s view, the practice constituted a form of intolerable segregation and violated basic principles of equality and human dignity. The offending Beit Yaakov school agreed to more mixed classes. But rather than comply, the Ashkenazi parents started their own school next door. They argued that the segregation wasn’t ethnic but religious. The Sephardic girls, they said, came from homes less strictly observant than their Ashkenazi daughters — for example, homes with television sets and Internet connections — and they didn’t want their daughters influenced by those who were less religious. They said Sephardic girls were welcome at the Ashkenazi-dominated school if they met the standards for stricter religious observance. The court ordered the parents to send their children back to Beit Yaakov or face fines. The parents ignored the court order and didn’t pay the fines. The court found them guilty of contempt and ordered that they be sent to jail for an initial two-

Abir Sultan / Flash90 / JTA

Tens of thousands of haredi Orthodox Israelis take to the streets in Jerusalem to protest a court order requiring haredi parents to send their daughters to an Emanuel school , June 17, 2010.

week period to reconsider their position. Amid defiant singing and dancing, 35 of the 38 fathers went to jail last week. The mothers failed to report for their prison terms on the grounds that they needed to be home to look after their younger children. There are conflicting accounts over what caused the brouhaha and what it means. The Slonim Chasidim say that in a true democracy, they should have the right to educate their children in any way they please. They say the Israeli state, like the Romans and Greeks before them, is interfering in matters of religious principle. Just as their ancestors, they say, they’d rather face punishment than compromise their religious beliefs. In the Chasidic account, the parents’ going to jail was presented as a form of martyrdom, showing up the inhumanity, lack of values and wanton persecution of the haredi Orthodox by the secular Israeli state. Secular Israelis see things quite differently. Many regard the Emanuel school case as a reflection of a much wider phenomenon, that of the haredim milking the state for funds without accepting its authority or performing the ultimate duty of Israeli citizenship: army service. Haredi schools are largely state funded but do not teach the country’s core curriculum. The secular press in Israel has been inundated with articles blasting the haredim for defying the state’s authority while tapping into its budgets for health, education and welfare. Nowhere else in the world would haredi Jews have the temerity to behave this way, the secularists say,

nowhere else would they defy state law or mock the Supreme Court. Many see the standoff as a test of strength the liberal democratic state cannot afford to lose. “Don’t give in to Emanuel,” the liberal daily Haaretz exhorted in an editorial. “We must not surrender,” echoed journalist Yair Lapid, who reportedly is on the brink of launching an anti-clerical successor party to Shinui, the party once led by his late father, Yosef “Tommy” Lapid. The Orthodox-Sephardic Shas Party was more ambivalent. Shas was created in the mid-1980s to combat Ashkenazi discrimination against Sephardim, so it may have been expected to take up the cause of the Sephardic students and families. But to do so would have seemed like siding with the Supreme Court, which is anathema for Shas. Its spiritual leader, Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef, resolved the dilemma by coming out against discrimination, but more strongly against taking the case to the Supreme Court. “Anyone who appeals to the secular courts will have no share in the world to come,” Yosef declared. Other recent rulings by the Supreme Court have compounded the strains between the haredim and the state, as well as a string of violent clashes between haredi demonstrators and police. In mid-June, the Supreme Court ruled against state stipends for married yeshiva students on the grounds that similar stipends for married university students were abolished in 2000. A seven-member panel ruled that this constituted a violation of the princi-

ple of equality in the distribution of public funds. Either all married students should get the stipend or none, the court ruled. Shas leader Eli Yishai has vowed to introduce legislation to overrule the Supreme Court decision. The ruling was seen as a major blow to the haredim, many of whom choose to study Torah rather than work for a living. This exempts them from mandatory army service. The haredim also clashed recently with police during demonstrations against building on sites where ancient bones are believed to be buried. These often violent protests were led by a small radical group in the haredi camp known as the Atra Kadisha. In May there were clashes over the removal of bones – believed to be pagan – from the site of a new rocket-proof emergency room at Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon; in June there were protests in Jaffa over bones at the construction site of a boutique hotel. For its part, the Israel Defense Forces is considering launching a new plan that would allow more yeshiva students to enlist, and more yet to join the labor force. Yeshiva students currently must remain in school until middle age in order to stay out of the army. Meanwhile, with the basis of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government a strategic alliance between Likud and Shas, government ministers have had very little to say on the Emanuel school brouhaha for fear of upsetting their haredi coalition partners. But it also means that Shas is unlikely to do anything that could topple the government.

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Israeli wealthy class grows, transforming a country by Dina Kraft Jewish Telegraphic Agency HERZLIYA PITUACH, Israel (JTA) — Some of the wealthiest Israelis live on Galei Tchelet Street in this coastal town on a narrow road that seems to groan under the weight of its many mansions. Rooftops and balconies of the grand homes peek out from beyond the walls covered in oleander and bougainvillea and the security gates that surround them, an eclectic mix of boxy white modern structures and sprawling Tuscanstyle villas perched on a bluff overlooking the Mediterranean. That such streets and tony neighborhoods exist in Tel Aviv suburbs such as the one in Herzliya Pituach, Kfar Shmaryahu and others — along with the new wave of luxury residential skyscrapers in Tel Aviv itself — attest to the new level of wealth being achieved by a small but growing pool of Israelis. Money, much of it fueled by Israel’s technology boom, is transforming a country once considered a bastion of socialist, even Spartan values. “There is a real race on here now to make money,” said Amir Kurz, a writer for the business magazine Calcalist. “If we once thought we lived the life of a socialist country, today everyone wants to study business and earn big,” Kurz told JTA. “Once the Israeli role models were figures from the army or cultural scene. Today it is businesspeople, the allure of joining the ranks of the wealthy. The goal is to be among those lucky few who, for example, are part of the hightech boom and cashed in.” Wealth watching has become something of a national sport in the last decade. The Marker, Haaretz’s financial section, now publishes an annual magazine detailing the fortunes of the 500 richest people in Israel. The magazine estimates the accumulated wealth of this elite group at $75 billion. Israel’s overall gross domestic product is about $194 billion. Between 2005 and 2007, Israel produced more millionaires per capita than any other country, although the rate has since slowed. The 2009 Merrill Lynch World Wealth report found that Israel now has 5,900 people with at least $1 million in liquid financial assets. Israel never truly was the egalitarian utopia envisioned by its founders. But for most of its history, Israelis tended to earn and live modestly, and there was a sense of camaraderie in the country based on the perception that people lived basically on the same playing field, said Tal

Reaction mixed to Israeli announcement on easing of Gaza blockade By Marcy Oster Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Moshe Shai / Flash90 / JTA

The Herzliya marina, where many of Israel’s wealthy class dock their boats.

Shavit, head of the finance department at the College of Management in Rishon Le-Zion. Now, however, there is a class of Israelis for whom horse farms, private jets, pool parties, vacation homes in Italy and yachting are a part of life. Israel’s acceptance in May into the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development — the OECD, a European-based forum of top developed economies and democracies — represented a milestone in the country’s economic development. At the same time, however, Israel has one of the highest rich-poor gaps in the developed world, with poverty rates exceeding 20 percent. Of Western countries, only the United States has higher poverty levels. Research from the Adva Institute of Policy Research, an Israeli think tank that focuses on social policy, has shown that higher income groups have been the main beneficiaries of Israel’s economic growth, but not the middle and lower income groups. “Israel is getting wealthier, but there is also much more poverty and crime,” Shavit said. “I think we are slowly becoming more like America, for good and bad. But unlike America, we are in a daily crisis for survival, and so perhaps we are not ready to be like everybody else. A large socioeconomic divide weakens us as a society. What has helped us until now to be resilient as a nation was our sense of solidarity. Today there is a growing ethos of the individual before society, and once it was the other way around.” Much of Israel’s wealth is concentrated among a few families that own newspapers, banks and leading companies. The wealthiest 16 families own 20 percent of the top 500 companies in Israel, according to a recent Israel Channel 10 report. Nochi Dankner, for example, is the CEO of the cellular phone giant

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Cellcom, the Israeli insurance giant Clal and a major Israeli supermarket chain, Supersol. “When we Israelis go out in the morning, there is no chance we will not, throughout the course of the day, put money in Nochi Dankner’s pocket,” said Kurz, the financial journalist. Sheri Arison, Israel’s richest woman with $3.4 billion in net worth, inherited two of the largest companies in Israel, Bank Hapoalim and the construction company Shikun & Binui. She recently paid $4.3 million for a 2,045 square-foot apartment along the Tel Aviv beach, according to the business daily Globes. At $2,100 per square foot, it was one of the most expensive residential real estate deals in Israeli history. Gil Shwed, founder and chairman of Check Point, the first company to market firewall products for securing computers, is an example of Israel’s new moneyed class; he is worth some $650 million. Another Israeli who made millions in high tech is Avi Naor, a former CEO of Amdocs, one of Israel’s most successful high-tech ventures. Today he devotes his time to charity, focusing his efforts on improving road safety in Israel. Naor founded the organization Or Yarok (Hebrew for “green light”) after his teenage son was killed in a traffic accident. Naor’s work is an example of the philanthropy that some among Israel’s new wealthy class have taken on in recent years. Despite Israelis’ fascination and even pride in the growing ranks of the wealthy, there is also some resentment, as seen in calls to cap executive salaries. Tapping into that, a Knesset bill co-sponsored by Likud and Labor lawmakers was introduced this spring that seeks to keep CEO salaries at no more than 50 times the salary of the lowestpaid employee in the company. WEALTHY on page 22

JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel’s decision to loosen its blockade on Gaza is drawing both praise and criticism. Israel’s security Cabinet on Sunday voted to ease land-based civilian imports to the Gaza Strip; the naval blockade will remain in place. The move garnered praise from the White House, which released a statement Sunday saying it welcomed the new policy toward Gaza. “Once implemented, we believe these arrangements should significantly improve conditions for Palestinians in Gaza while preventing the entry of weapons,” the statement said. “We strongly reaffirm Israel’s right to self-defense, and our commitment to work with Israel and our international partners to prevent the illicit trafficking of arms and ammunition into Gaza.” Turkey, which lost nine citizens when Israeli commandos raided a Gaza-bound aid flotilla determined to break the blockade, continued to slam Israel following the announcement. “If the Israeli government really wishes to prove that they have given up the act of piracy and terror, they should primarily apologize and claim responsibility in the slaying of nine people on May 31,” said Egemen Bagis, Turkish minister for European Union affairs, according to The New York Times. The blockade of Gaza was put into place by Israel and Egypt in June 2007 after Hamas violently wrested power in the Gaza Strip from the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority. It was designed to thwart the import of weapons or weapons-capable material into Gaza and pressure the coastal strip’s rulers into releasing Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was taken captive in a cross-border raid in 2006. An economic blockade had been in place since Shalit’s abduction. Pressure on Israel to ease the latter blockade, which had been climbing steadily, increased dramatically following last month’s Israeli interception of the Gazabound flotilla. Quartet Middle East envoy Tony Blair, who joined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday evening to announce the easing of the blockade, reportedly played a central role in establishing the new protocols for Gaza. The Quartet – a grouping of the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia – issued a state-

ment after Israel’s announcement calling for its rapid implementation and an easing of the humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip. Under the new rules, all items except those on a published blacklist will be allowed into Gaza. Until now, only items specifically permitted were allowed into Gaza. The blacklist will be limited to weapons and war materiel, including “dualuse items” that can be used for civilian or military purposes. Construction materials for housing projects and projects under international supervision will be permitted, according to a statement issued by Israel’s security Cabinet. The plan also calls for increasing the volume of goods entering Gaza and opening up more crossings, as well as streamlining the movement of people to and from the strip for medical treatment. Despite the easing of the land blockade, Israel will continue to inspect all goods bound for Gaza by sea at the port of Ashdod. Israel called on the international community “to stop the smuggling of weapons and war materials into Gaza.” British Foreign Secretary William Hague praised Israel’s plan but took a wait-and-see attitude. “The test now is how the new policy will be carried out,” he said. German officials called for a complete end to the blockade in the wake of Israel’s refusal to allow Germany’s minister of economic cooperation and development, Dirk Niebel, to enter Gaza during a fourday visit to the region. For their part, Hamas officials said the easing of the blockade was not good enough to relieve the distress of the Gaza population. They called the changes “cosmetic,” according to Ynet. In Israel, the announcement received mixed reviews. Some lawmakers, including ones from the centrist Kadima Party and the center-left Labor Party, criticized the government for buckling under pressure, saying the move would strengthen Hamas. But others, such as Labor’s Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, praised it. Arab-Israeli Knesset member Hanin Zoabi called it insufficient, saying the blockade should be lifted completely. A spokesman for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told the French news agency AFP that the blockade should be abolished altogether. “These steps alone are not sufficient,” spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said, “and all efforts must be exerted to ease the suffering of the people of Gaza.”

DINING OUT

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

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K.T.’s Barbecue & Deli 8501 Reading Rd Reading 761-0200

Slatt’s Pub 4858 Cooper Rd Blue Ash 791-2223 • 791-1381 (fax)

Apsara 4785 Lake Forest Dr Blue Ash 554-1040

Kanak India Restaurant 10040B Montgomery Rd Montgomery 793-6800

Stone Creek Dining Co. 9386 Montgomery Rd Montgomery 489-1444

Bangkok Terrace 4858 Hunt Rd Blue Ash 891-8900 • 834-8012 (fx)

Local 127 127 W. 4th St Cincinnati 721-1345

Sugar n’ Spice 4381 Reading Rd Cincinnati 242-3521

Bella Luna Cafe 4632 Eastern Ave Cincinnati 871-5862

Marx Hot Bagels 9701 Kenwood Rd Blue Ash 891-5542

Sukhothai Thai Cuisine 8102 Market Place Ln Cincinnati 794-0057

Carlo & Johnny 9769 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati 936-8600

MEI Japanese Restaurant 8608 Market Place Ln Montgomery 891-6880

Tandoor 8702 Market Place Ln Montgomery 793-7484

Embers 8120 Montgomery Rd Montgomery 984-8090

Mecklenburg Gardens 302 E. University Ave Clifton 221-5353

the Palace 601 Vine St Downtown Cincinnati (in the Cincinnatian Hotel) 381-3000

Ferrari’s Little Italy & Bakery 7677 Goff Terrace Madeira 272-2220

Noce’s Pizzeria 9797 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati 791-0900

Gabby’s Cafe 515 Wyoming Ave Wyoming 821-6040

Oriental Wok 2444 Madison Rd Hyde Park 871-6888

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Through the Garden — an oasis in the middle of Blue Ash By Marilyn Gale Dining Editor

O D D P A G E

Charming was the first word that came to mind when I walked into Through the Garden. An oasis in the middle of an industrial business section in Blue Ash, it was an eatery full of home cooked meals, quality soups, entree salads and specialty desserts to accompany the cup of coffee for those in the mood for a quick snack. Employees from Toyota, Ethicon and Ohio National make weekday lunch time lively and bustling. It is also a frequent dinner carry-out for two-income couples who want to grab a nutritious, tasty meal on their way home from work. I was greeted at the entrance by John Caldwell, owner. It was late afternoon, the sunlight illuminating the Colonial American décor and furniture. Nature photographs taken of the adjacent restaurant garden hung on the walls. Although surrounded by industrial centers, I could feel serenity inside. Caldwell purchased the restaurant five years ago. Before this venture, he was a head chef in Indiana—his claim to fame at that time was being on the Food Network for barbeque specialties. For early influences he gave credit to his parents who maintained good sized gardens. Caldwell grew up in College Hill, and he labeled himself a local guy. He described his parents as always enlisting his help to can tomatoes, puree grapes for juice and pickle bumper crops of cucumbers. As a student at Cincinnati State’s culinary arts program, Caldwell learned to embrace his passion for fresh food and transform it into a vocation. Reluctant to talk at length himself, Caldwell preferred to boast about the real garden outside the restaurant. “We grow vegetables: peppers, cucumbers, raspberries, zucchini, various squashes and eggplants, jalapenos, haberneros, no fertilizers, all organic produce. That means very fresh, truly home grown seasonal ingredients are available for the cuisine,” he said. We strolled through the garden and I saw garlic sprouting along the

John Caldwell, owner, stands in front of his ripening raspberries.

edges and rows of raspberries on the verge of ripening in a section of the backyard. Caldwell pointed to another patch and added, “We’ll have pumpkins in the fall.” Through the Garden’s menu caters to healthy options, and

everything can be made into a vegetarian meal. The Mediterranean plate, a platter of hummus, marinated vegetables and pita, is a favorite appetizer. Homemade soups are numerous—chicken tortilla is a constant favorite and a reg-

ular on the menu. During the summer months, Through the Garden offers gazpacho, a bold tomato base chock full of homegrown garden produce. For entrée salads, the Blackened salmon atop greens with bleu cheese, dried cranberries and pine nuts with fresh basil vinaigrette, gets rave reviews. All menu items can be ordered in a lunch or dinner size portion. Pastas and made-toorder stir fry are plentiful. The vegetarian lasagna promises fresh vegetables, a tomato sauce and layers of cheese; the Hawaiian stir fry is seared with pineapple and a sweet soy glaze. Garden tilapia, sautéed fish topped with spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes in a balsamic glaze, is a heart healthy fullof-flavor option and a frequent choice among patrons already familiar with this delightful restaurant. Dinner prices fall into the $10-20 range. Through the Garden has a full bar and quality wine and beer

selections. Sierra Nevada is on draft, Stella Artois, which Caldwell said is the champagne of beers and comes from Belgium, is also available. There are special seasonal drinks, too. Currently, a Mojito, a Caribbean mixture of mint, lime and rum, is a cozy happy hour favorite and only $4.75. The mint, of course, snipped that very day from the garden. Summertime desserts sounded scrumptious. Key lime pie, homemade and then frozen to seal in the tart fresh taste of lime was a cool breeze in your mouth. An amaretto ice cream pie caught my eye, the liquor adding extra spark. For winter, Caldwell talked about the bread pudding with amaretto cream sauce, making the restaurant a good choice year round. Caldwell summed up his restaurant as quality in a casual atmosphere. “It is a place that offers a fresh product and appeals to vegetarians—we even use brown rice. A diner could be comfortable eating here in blue jeans yet the quality of the food is equal to the more high priced restaurants. Our kids menu also caters to healthy selections, no fried chicken, grilled instead, with a side of fruit.” Through the Garden provides more than a fine meal, it is also a comfortable setting for friends to get together, play games and listen to music. Live team trivia on Saturdays, from is 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., is popular. You can order food and drink, a bucket of beer which I learned was five cold brews, for only $10. Twice a month on Friday evenings, Souls of Orange band plays classic rock. Music starts at 7 p.m. and lasts until 11. Just the Two of Us, a jazz and soul group, performs live music on the remaining Fridays of the month. If you and your family are in the mood for quality, fresh food in a relaxed atmosphere with reasonable prices, check out this delightful eating spot in the industrial heart of Blue Ash. Through the Garden 10738 Kenwood Road Blue Ash 513-791-2199 OUTDOOR DINING AVAILABLE

SOCIAL LIFE

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

A N N O U N C E M E N TS

ENGAGEMENT

dward and Shelley Hattenbach are pleased to announce the engagement of their son, Brian Joseph to Dr. Tina Goldstein. Tina is the daughter of Morton and Ina Goldstein of Silver Spring, Md. Brian is the grandson of Hannah and

the late Arthur Hattenbach and the late Ann and Dr. Joseph Wallack. Brian received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Illinois and his master’s degree in environmental science from Indiana University. Tina received her bachelor’s degree from Washington

University in St. Louis and her doctorate from the University of Colorado. Brian and Tina are residents of Pittsburgh, Pa. where he is a hydrologist with the US Geological Survey and Tina is a clinical psychologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

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CINCINNATI JEWISH LIFE

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CINCINNATI JEWISH LIFE

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

Jewish National Fund at the Cincinnati Playhouse for ‘The History of Invulnerability’ On April 7th and April 11th, Jewish National Fund held two events at the Cincinnati Playhouse. Both evenings centered around the play, The History of Invulnerability, written by David Bar Katz. For the first evening, David and the director, Michael Evan Haney, joined us for a private dessert reception, sponsored by Terry Katz, JNF National Board Member (from Philadelphia) and proud aunt of the Playwright. For the second evening, David and most of the cast joined our Rubin Scholars (young professional division of the JNF/Judge Carl B. Rubin Legal Society) at a meet/greet and dessert reception.

Amy Kurlansky (JNF Board Member and Rubin Scholars Co-Chair) and Tim Abrahamsen (cast member, including Cossack)

Terry Katz (JNF National Chair of the Women’s Campaign for Israel), Michael Evan Haney (Director), Eddie Paul (JNF National Board Member)

Amy Kurlansky (JNF Board Member; Rubin Scholars Co-Chair), Michelle Rothzeid (JNF Board Member; Rubin Scholars Co-Chair), Jon Lieberman (JNF Executive Board Member; VP of Legal Society).

Tim Abrahamsen (cast member, including Cossack), Jon Lieberman (JNF Executive Board Member; VP of Legal Society), David Deblinger (cast member, Jerry Siegel)

E V E N P A G E

(Back) Sam Joseph (HUC-JIR), Eric Martin Brown (cast member, including Harry Donenfeld), Dori Joseph, David Bar Katz (Playwright), Katie Augsburger, Bobby Oestreicher, Roshelle Rodriguez, Ben Rodriguez, Michelle Rothzeid (JNF Board Member; Rubin Scholars Co-Chair), Jon Lieberman (JNF Executive Board Member; VP of Legal Society), Michael Barolsky, Jessica Barolsky, and Amy Kurlansky (JNF Board Member; Rubin Scholars Co-Chair)

Ron Solomon (JNF Exec Board Member), Terry Katz (JNF National Chair of the Women’s Campaign for Israel), David Bar Katz (Playwright), Michael Evan Haney (Dir.)

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Sam Joseph (HUC-JIR), David Bar Katz (Playwright), Dori Jospeh

David Deblinger (cast member, Jerry Siegel) and Jon Lieberman (JNF Executive Board Member; VP of Legal Society)

Roshelle & Ben Rodriguez

Michael & Jessica Barolsky

David Deblinger (cast member, Jerry Siegel) and Michelle Rothzeid (JNF Board Member; Rubin Scholars Co-Chair)

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CINCINNATI JEWISH LIFE

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

CINCINNATI JEWISH LIFE

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

Amy Kurlansky (JNF Board Member and Rubin Scholars Co-Chair) and Tim Abrahamsen (cast member, including Cossack)

Terry Katz (JNF National Chair of the Women’s Campaign for Israel), Michael Evan Haney (Director), Eddie Paul (JNF National Board Member)

Amy Kurlansky (JNF Board Member; Rubin Scholars Co-Chair), Michelle Rothzeid (JNF Board Member; Rubin Scholars Co-Chair), Jon Lieberman (JNF Executive Board Member; VP of Legal Society).

Tim Abrahamsen (cast member, including Cossack), Jon Lieberman (JNF Executive Board Member; VP of Legal Society), David Deblinger (cast member, Jerry Siegel)

E V E N P A G E

Ron Solomon (JNF Exec Board Member), Terry Katz (JNF National Chair of the Women’s Campaign for Israel), David Bar Katz (Playwright), Michael Evan Haney (Dir.)

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Sam Joseph (HUC-JIR), David Bar Katz (Playwright), Dori Jospeh

David Deblinger (cast member, Jerry Siegel) and Jon Lieberman (JNF Executive Board Member; VP of Legal Society)

Roshelle & Ben Rodriguez

Michael & Jessica Barolsky

David Deblinger (cast member, Jerry Siegel) and Michelle Rothzeid (JNF Board Member; Rubin Scholars Co-Chair)

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DINING OUT

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Through the Garden — an oasis in the middle of Blue Ash By Marilyn Gale Dining Editor

O D D P A G E

John Caldwell, owner, stands in front of his ripening raspberries.

SOCIAL LIFE

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

A N N O U N C E M E N TS

ENGAGEMENT

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10738 KENWOOD RD. 791-2199 www.throughthegarden.com

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ISRAEL

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

Reaction mixed to Israeli announcement on easing of Gaza blockade By Marcy Oster Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Moshe Shai / Flash90 / JTA

The Herzliya marina, where many of Israel’s wealthy class dock their boats.

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DINING OUT

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

AUTHENTIC IRISH FARE • LUNCH SPECIALS TUESDAY IS TRIVIA NIGHT • GREAT SUNDAY BRUNCH • LIVE MUSIC ON THE WEEKENDS!

DINING OUT Andy’s Mediterranean Grille At Gilbert & Nassau 2 blocks North of Eden Park 281-9791

Johnny Chan 2 11296 Montgomery Rd The Shops at Harper’s Point 489-2388 • 489-3616 (fx)

Rusty’s Ristorante 8028 Blue Ash Rd Deer Park 793-6881

Aroma Restaurant & Sushi 7875 Montgomery Rd Kenwood 791-0950

K.T.’s Barbecue & Deli 8501 Reading Rd Reading 761-0200

Slatt’s Pub 4858 Cooper Rd Blue Ash 791-2223 • 791-1381 (fax)

Apsara 4785 Lake Forest Dr Blue Ash 554-1040

Kanak India Restaurant 10040B Montgomery Rd Montgomery 793-6800

Stone Creek Dining Co. 9386 Montgomery Rd Montgomery 489-1444

Bangkok Terrace 4858 Hunt Rd Blue Ash 891-8900 • 834-8012 (fx)

Local 127 127 W. 4th St Cincinnati 721-1345

Sugar n’ Spice 4381 Reading Rd Cincinnati 242-3521

Bella Luna Cafe 4632 Eastern Ave Cincinnati 871-5862

Marx Hot Bagels 9701 Kenwood Rd Blue Ash 891-5542

Sukhothai Thai Cuisine 8102 Market Place Ln Cincinnati 794-0057

Carlo & Johnny 9769 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati 936-8600

MEI Japanese Restaurant 8608 Market Place Ln Montgomery 891-6880

Tandoor 8702 Market Place Ln Montgomery 793-7484

Embers 8120 Montgomery Rd Montgomery 984-8090

Mecklenburg Gardens 302 E. University Ave Clifton 221-5353

the Palace 601 Vine St Downtown Cincinnati (in the Cincinnatian Hotel) 381-3000

Ferrari’s Little Italy & Bakery 7677 Goff Terrace Madeira 272-2220

Noce’s Pizzeria 9797 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati 791-0900

Gabby’s Cafe 515 Wyoming Ave Wyoming 821-6040

Oriental Wok 2444 Madison Rd Hyde Park 871-6888

Izzy’s 800 Elm St • 721-4241 612 Main St • 241-6246 5098B Glencrossing Way 347-9699 1198 Smiley Ave • 825-3888 300 Madison Ave Covington • 859-292-0065

Parkers Blue Ash Grill 4200 Cooper Rd Blue Ash 891-8300 Pomodori’s 121West McMillan 861-0080 7880 Remington Rd Montgomery 794-0080

Through The Garden 10738 Kenwood Rd Cincinnati 791-2199 Trio 7565 Kenwood Rd Kenwood 984-1905

9797 Montgomery Rd 6111 MONTGOMERY RD • 513.531.0700 MOLLYMALONESCINCINNATI .COM

(513) 791-0900 nocespizzeria.com

GREAT CASUAL DINING In the Heart of Kenwood

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KT’S BARBECUE & DELI 8501 READING ROAD • 513-761-0200 View our menu @ ktsbbqanddeli.com CATERING AVAILABLE FOR ANY AND ALL OCCASIONS

View Restaurant 2200 Victory Pkwy Cincinnati 751-8439 Walt’s Hitching Post 3300 Madison Pike Covington (859) 331-0494

Enjoy Our al Fresco Patio Dining • Private Dining Rooms Full-service Dining • Carry-out • On-premise Italian Bakery

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7677 Goff Terrace • Madeira, OH 45243 513-272-2220 • www.ferrarilittleitaly.com CMYK

E V E N P A G E

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OPINION

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

A visit, a memory and a wish

P A G E

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Do you have something to say? E-mail your letter to editor@americanisraelite.com

CORRECTION (Last week’s A&E article)

T EST Y OUR T ORAH KNOWLEDGE THIS WEEK’S PORTION: BALAK (BAMIDBAR 22:2—25:30) 1. Who said “I sinned”? Why? a.) Balak b.) Bilaam c.) Bilaam's donkey d.) Pinchas

a.) From the Heavens b.) Egypt c.) From the hills 4. What was Balak's idea to help Bilaam fulfill his mission? a.) Move to another place b.) Try again from the same place c.) Offer more money

O D D

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Written by Rabbi Dov Aaron Wise

ISRAEL

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

Abir Sultan / Flash90 / JTA

Tens of thousands of haredi Orthodox Israelis take to the streets in Jerusalem to protest a court order requiring haredi parents to send their daughters to an Emanuel school , June 17, 2010.

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NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

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Larry Luxner

Cameroonian soldiers march in the country's 50th anniversary parade, May 20, 2010. Israel provides weapons training to Cameroon as part of the two countries' expanding bilateral ties.

JEWISH LIFE

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

Sedra of the Week

by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin

SHABBAT SHALOM: PARASHAT BALAK • NUMBERS 22:2 — 25:9

E V E N

July 2 6:00 pm Shabbat Nosh 6:30 pm Shabbat Evening Service Sweet Beginnings with Rabbi Terlinchamp

June 26 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Service

July 3 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Service

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P A G E

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JEWZ IN THE NEWZ

Jewz in the Newz By Nate Bloom Contributing Columnist

O D D P A G E

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WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

Drake, a black Jew, making a name on the hip-hop scene

Drake adds some Chai to a recent cover of Vibe.

NATIONAL

The American Israelite is currently seeking a

WRITER Knowledge of AP Style preferred, but not required. This position is part-time, flexible hours.

If interested, contact Ted at 621-3145 or send your resume to publisher@americanisraelite.com

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NATIONAL

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

Rabbi Dan Ehrenkrantz

JTA Photo

Courtesy of RRC

Students attend class at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, Pa.

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By Jacob Berkman Jewish Telegraphic Agency

CLASSIFIEDS

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

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BUSINESS

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MJS Photography Limited establishing Saeks Chiropractic aims to provide ‘holistic name for itself with Blue Ash studio wellness solution’

By Jordan Cohen Contributing Writer

O D D P A G E

Snyder answered the ad, was hired, and eventually began photographing babies and young kids for that company.

Michael Snyder

MJS on page 22

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THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

NATIONAL

The American Israelite is currently seeking a

S ALES R EPRESENATIVE • HIGH COMMISSION • PART TIME OR F LEX T IME • NO EXPIERENCE NEEDED

For more information or to apply, call Ted Deutsch (513) 621-3145

You can also send your resume to publisher@americanisraelite.com

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NATIONAL

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Lawyers for Sholom Rubashkin, shown with his wife, Leah, say his 27-year prison term amounts to a life sentence for the 51-year-old father of 10 and that that they planned to appeal.

Courtesy of Rubashkin family

Sholom Rubashkin

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The views and opinions expressed by American Israelite columnists do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the newspaper.

AUTOS

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

E V E N P A G E

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OBITUARIES

O D D P A G E

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

SAEKS from page 20

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KASSEL, Terry Sonkin Terry Sonkin Kassel, 64, died

LOCAL

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010

first Aliyah, to find hundreds of congregants, family, and friends having suddenly appeared was priceless and could never be duplicated. Clearly it’s not easy

Hank Lerer

“He not only showcases his talents and ability, but reflects the depth of his commitment, which can’t help but ensure a bright future for Ohav Shalom.” Shelley Kirk

“I can't wait to learn how to do magic tricks for my friends and family. I love Camp at the J because we get to do so many different things every day.” Morgan Evans

Free Body Composition Analysis -- 50% off program fees

THE MD WEIGHT LOSS CENTER 11332 Montgomery Rd. Harper's Point Cincinnati, OH 45249 • 513-247-9025 Jo Cohen, RN • R. Alam, M.D. Internal Medicine

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MatureLiving

2010 CALENDAR

Special Issues & Sections

2010 SPECIAL SECTION.

P A G E S 2 & 2 3

J ANUARY

F EBRUARY

M ARCH

Cincinnati Jewish Living - Winter 2010

Wonderful Weddings

28 Mature Living/Senior Lifestyles

A PRIL

M AY

J UNE

Cincinnati Jewish Living - Spring 2010

Kids/Summer Camps

11 18 25

Purim

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planning Issue

The Car Issue

E V E N

Passover

P A G E

Celebrations

Lag B’Omer

J ULY

AUGUST

S EPTEMBER

1 Cincinnati Jewish Living - Summer 2010

9 Rosh Hashanah

16 Jewish Year in Review

Back to School

29 Mature Living/Senior Lifestyles

O CTOBER

N OVEMBER

D ECEMBER

Gift Guide

Cincinnati Jewish Living - Fall 2010

Chanukah

Year in Review

1st week: Legal | 2nd week: Trav el | 3rd week: Ar ts & Enter tainment | 4th week: Business | 5th week: Varies DEADLINE

FOR

SPECIAL SECTIONS – 10

DAYS BEFORE PUBLICATION

Business: publisher@americanisraelite.com | Editor : editor@americanisraelite.com | Production: production@americanisraelite.com

Phone: 513.621.3145 | Fax: 513.621.3744 Dates of Special Issues & Sections may change without formal notice.

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Wise celebrates Senior Rabbi Kamrass’ 25th year By Barbara L. Morgenstern Assistant Editor

O D D

P A G E

Senior Rabbi Lewis H. Kamrass

tion’s historic Plum Street Temple in downtown Cincinnati. Rabbi David Ellenson, president of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, awarded Kamrass an

INTERNATIONAL

ISRAEL

CINCINNATI JEWISH LIFE

DINING OUT

Israelis key to development of Central African nations

Israeli wealthy class grows, transforming a country

JNF at the Cincinnati Playhouse for ‘The History of Invulnerability’

Through the Garden — an oasis in the middle of Blue Ash

CONVICTION on page 4

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010 12 TAMMUZ, 5770 CINCINNATI, OHIO S HABBAT C ANDLE L IGHTING T IMES : F RIDAY 8:50 – S ATURDAY 9:50

VOL. 156 • NO. 48 S INGLE I SSUE P RICE $2.00

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