JFS hosts antibullying activist Internationally recognized author, educator and filmmaker Jackson Katz, Ph.D. will discuss ways to prevent bullying and abuse when Jewish Family Service presents the free program “More Than a Few Good Mensches” at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 5, at Wise Temple in Amberley Village, Ohio. Adults of all ages are invited to join Katz for a witty and engaging multi-media presentation where they can learn new ways to be proactive in preventing bullying and abuse. The evening will begin with a dessert reception. “Bullying and abuse affect us all, even if we never experience it personally,” said Linda Kean, director of Family Life Education at Jewish Family Service. Kean chairs the committee that arranged for Katz to come to Cincinnati as a scholar-in-residence for a three-day event called “Take a Stand: a Jewish Response to Bullying and Abuse.” Other committee members include Phyllis Binik-Thomas, Sandee Golden, Howard Goldwasser, Amy Greenbaum, Andrea Herzig, Sherry Kaplan, Erin McNew, Sharon Mirman, Danielle Sabarese, Rabbi Michael Shulman and Sarah Weiss. JFS on page 19
The American Israelite announces pricing for website advertising
Jewish Young professionals might meet their match this Valentine’s
Now in addition to the printed advertisements in the weekly paper, businesses can spread the word about their products on www.americanisraelite.com. Pricing for website advertisements is now available. The expansion of The American Israelite’s website means more information for readers and more opportunities for advertisers. “Businesses now have a whole new avenue to get the word out about their products and services to the Cincinnati Jewish community,” announced Netanel (Ted) Deutsch, publisher of the paper. Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook for your chance to win a gift certificate to either Embers or Marx Hot Bagels. If you are interested in advertising your business, contact Ted Deutsch for more information.
Still haven’t found your special Valentine? Feb. 14 is fast approaching, but you don’t have to dread the day any longer! Instead, embrace it at the Regional Jewish Speed Dating Party where you just might meet your heart’s desire. Join other Jewish young professionals, 21–35, from Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis, Lexington, Louisville, Toledo and Knoxville on Saturday, Feb. 12, at downtown Cincinnati’s Westin Hotel on Fountain Square, where you can “fast track all your first dates” with some of the region’s most eligible Jewish men and women this Valentine’s Day weekend! The event is free with advance reservations and is being sponsored by Access, Cincinnati’s popular program for Jewish PROFESSIONALS on page 22
Snyder sees anti-Semitism, but few agree
Conservative synagogue group releases new strategic plan
By Debra Rubin Jewish Telegraphic Agency
By Ben Harris Jewish Telegraphic Agency
WASHINGTON (Washington Jewish Week) — Is it anti-Semitic when someone defaces a photo of a Jew by adding devil horns, a mustache, goatee and a unibrow? Yes, says Redskins owner Dan Snyder. No, say numerous observers, including Redskins fans. The doctored photo of Snyder appeared in the Nov. 19 Washington City Paper illustrating an article titled “The Cranky Redskins Fan’s Guide to Dan Snyder.” Snyder filed suit Feb. 2 alleging that the article was defamatory and libelous, charging among other things that the image is anti-Semitic. He is seeking $2 million in damages.
Snyder has Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles, on his side. In a statement issued Feb. 2, Cooper said that while it’s OK to deride public figures, it’s not OK to use the devil image. “It is inappropriate and unacceptable when a symbol like this — associated with virulent anti-Semitism going back to the Middle Ages, deployed by the genocidal Nazi regime, by Soviet propagandists and even in 2011 by those who still seek to demonize Jews today — is used on the front cover of a publication in our Nation’s Capital against a member of the Jewish community.” The paper said Snyder’s Judaism was unrelated to the article or the illustration. SNYDER on page 22
NEW YORK (JTA) — In the latest attempt to reverse the fortunes of what was once America's largest synagogue denomination, the congregational association of the Conservative movement has released a draft strategic plan that seeks to improve its governance, reduce the financial burden on member synagogues and refocus its attention on “sacred communities.” The result of more than a year of deliberations, the plan for the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism calls for a narrowing of the group's focus and a raft of organizational changes, from the establishment of regional advisory councils to a name change. Specifically, it urges the United Synagogue to focus on three core areas:
strengthening “kehillot,” or sacred communities, a change that points to the possibility of non-synaogue-based affiliation; creating an integrated educational system for preschool through high school in coordination with other movement arms; and developing new congregations and leadership. “These are the core functions that synagogues have been asking for the most,” Rabbi Steven Wernick, the UCSJ executive vice president, told JTA. The plan is the latest effort to diagnose and treat the ills of the Conservative movement, which has been overtaken as the largest Jewish denomination in the United States by the Reform movement and is still struggling to articulate its position at the center of the Jewish religious spectrum. PLAN on page 22
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Cincinnati Community Mikveh opens for men this Friday The day has finally arrived! We are very excited to announce that the Cincinnati Community Mikveh will be opening for men on Friday, Feb. 11, 2011! Usage packages can be purchased easily on our website. The website is designed to be intuitive and comprehensive. During the week, prepaid electronic cards will be used for
admittance to the mikveh. For Shabbos, a manual code will be given to prepaid users to enter the facility. Please bring your own towels. Liquid soap will be provided. Your usage card will be mailed to you within 48 hours of online purchase. We highly recommend that if you would like to immerse on the first day of opening, do not
delay logging on to purchase your package! For the time being, women will continue to pay per immersion. More information on purchasing women’s packages will follow shortly. The Kenova Mikveh will be permanently closed for men and women at nightfall on Thursday, Feb. 17.
FJMC KIO Region honors two local youths The Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, Kentucky-IndianaOhio Region, has provided four youth scholarships through the Rose and Elliot Segerman Scholarship. This is the first time such scholarships have been given on a regional basis. The FJMCKIO region offers the scholarships to youths belonging to a Conservative synagogue in Kentucky, Indiana or Ohio who exhibit a strong commitment to leadership, volunteering, community service and completing their Jewish education.
Michelle Glazer and Lainey Paul from Adath Israel Congregation have won the awards locally for demonstrating the exceptional leadership qualities and commitment to service which are the hallmark of the award. The Adath Israel Brotherhood will match the $500 scholarships to those deserving young women. Michelle is the daughter of Susan and Brad Glazer. Lainey’s parents are Nina and Eddie Paul. The other two award winners are Samantha Levy and Rebecca Sigal from Tifereth Israel in Columbus, Ohio.
Dr. Gary R. Smith, president of the KIO region, will present the awards along with the Segerman family at the Youth of the Year and Man of the Year awards luncheon at Adath Israel on Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. At the luncheon Adath Israel will also honor synagogue member Michael Mills, incoming international president for the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, and Rabbi Irvin Wise who was selected to receive the Adath Israel Brotherhood Man of the Year award.
Goldstein Family Learning Academy to offer ‘Toward a Meaningful Life: A SoulSearching Journey for Every Jew’ The Goldstein Family Learning Academy will present Jewish Learning Institute’s “Toward a Meaningful Life: A SoulSearching Journey for Every Jew.” Rabbi Yisroel Mangel of Chabad Jewish Center will conduct the six course sessions. Morning classes — six Thursdays, will begin Feb. 10, from 9:30a.m. – 11, and the six evening classes will be on Mondays, which will begin Feb. 14, from 7:30 – 9 p.m. “The objective of this course is to teach and empower individuals of all backgrounds with new life skills based on traditional Torah thought, thereby enabling them to transform the way they view their daily lives,” said Rabbi Yisroel Mangel. “The course offers an antidote to the monotony and grind of unchanging routines. It provides newfound energy and exhilaration in taking on challenges, and it offers practical strategies for
developing a deeper sense of joy and satisfaction.” Through the examination of the spectrum of life, personal growth, relationships, home, work, special challenges, and the role of G-d and faith in daily existence, each session will also examine the Torah’s perspective, and students will be invited to challenge their views and consider more meaningful approaches to topical subjects. In addition, each lesson will conclude with exercises and guidelines to help students make full use of the ideas and strategies that will be discussed. Although the course is prepared by Rabbi Simon Jacobson, head of the Meaningful Life Center in New York and author of the book “Toward a Meaningful Life,” the sessions are freestanding and no prior familiarity with the book is assumed. “Day after day, life can be a
treadmill, as we go through the motions without asking why or seeking what really matters to us,” said Mangel. “This course offers recipes, tips, and techniques for not only discovering where your true meaning lies, but in actually making it a part of your daily existence. These sessions will help you see life as the mysterious, challenging, and satisfying wonder that it really is.” Like all previous JLI programs, “Toward a Meaningful Life” is designed to appeal to people at all levels of Jewish knowledge, including those without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning. All JLI courses are open to the public, and attendees need not be affiliated with a particular synagogue, temple or other house of worship. Interested students may visit JLI online for registration and other course-related information.
JUDGE HEATHER STEIN RUSSELL In addition to her regular duties, Judge Heather Stein Russell has filled the vacancy on the Hamilton County Municipal Court’s Mental Health Court docket. Mental Health Court is a specialized docket which is a collaboration between the mental health and criminal justice systems to serve persons who have been arrested for a misdemeanor and have a mental illness. Individuals who participate in this program have lower rates of re-arrest, higher rates of employment, and greater stability in their lives. Judge Russell is the daughter of Fay Stein and the late Dr. Morris Stein, and lives in Loveland with her husband and two sons.
Judge Heather Stein Russell
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Motorcycle maven or biker wannabe, Motorcycle Mensches invite you! Black leather-clad bikers terrorizing small towns in southwestern Ohio? Not if you are talking about Cincinnati’s newly-chartered Jewish motorcycle club — the Motorcycle Mensches. The Motorcycle Mensches can be found eating noodle kugel or salami and eggs at Rascal’s Delicatessen every Sunday morning. “We’re a very sociable group of guys and gals, motorcyclists and scooterists, who make the cold more bearable by meeting weekly to swap stories, tell lies, and plan rides for as soon as the snow melts,” said co-organizer Bruce Ente.
Sheldon Davis, the other club organizer, reports that more than 40 riders have signed up since the group started meeting late last fall. “Fortunately we had two beautiful weekends for a ride to Cowan Lake State Park and another to Lewisburg, Ohio, and now we are planning routes for the spring,” noted Davis. “Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky offer some of the best motorcycling anywhere, and our members know the scenic back roads.” The Motorcycle Mensches are sponsoring a three-day learn-toride course in mid-April, in conjunction with the Motorcycle Ohio
safety program. Club members who have never ridden a motorcycle can learn how – bikes are provided – and those whose skills are rusty can use the Basic Rider Course to get ready for the spring riding season. The only prerequisites are ability to ride a bicycle and a motorcycle learner’s permit. For more information, contact Sheldon Davis or Bruce Ente. In addition to local riding and socializing, Cincinnati’s Motorcycle Mensches will participate in the Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance seventh Annual “Ride to Remember” to support Holocaust remembrance and to fundraise for
‘LET THERE BE LIGHT ’
Holocaust education. The JMA consists of 42 clubs throughout the United States plus Canada, England, Israel and Australia, and riders from many of them will converge on Virginia Beach, Va., from May 12 – 15 for this year’s R2R in support of the Tidewater Holocaust Commission. “Some people are amazed that there are even 40 Jewish motorcycle enthusiasts in Cincinnati,” Ente observed, “but we know there are more than that, and we’d like all of them to get involved with the Motorcycle Mensches. The best way is to just join us for coffee any Sunday morning at 9:30!”
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RABBI JONAH B. WISE Editor & Publisher, 1928-1930 HENRY C. SEGAL Editor & Publisher, 1930-1985 PHYLLIS R. SINGER Editor & General Manager, 1985-1999 MILLARD H. MACK Publisher Emeritus NETANEL (TED) DEUTSCH Editor & Publisher BARBARA L. MORGENSTERN Senior Writer LEEANNE GALIOTO NICOLE SIMON Assistant Editors
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hands-on volunteer work and joint Shabbat experiences and learned about the community through indepth context education and Jewish studies. Project Kharkov was organized by YU’s Center for the Jewish Future (CJF) in partnership with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC),
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Yeshiva University students explore Jewish life in Ukraine A group of 18 Yeshiva University students traveled to Kharkov, Ukraine over their winter break session to explore a community rich in history, yet struggling to revitalize its Jewish identity, post-communism. Over the course of the two-week program students interacted with local community members through
THE OLDEST ENGLISH-JEWISH WEEKLY IN AMERICA FOUNDED JULY 15, 1854 BY ISAAC M. WISE
ALEXIA KADISH Copy Editor JANET STEINBERG Travel Editor
YU students help construct Kharkov’s new Jewish Community Center.
with support from the Eckstein Family and Repair the World. Before embarking on their journey, the group spent a meaningful Shabbat in New York with participants from Russian American Jewish Experience
(RAJE) — an organization committed to sparking Jewish life in Russian American society. In Ukraine, the students traveled outside of the city to shtetls, where STUDENTS on page 19
Adath Israel’s upcoming events Donate your hair on Lag B’Omer Adath Israel Youth Department is looking for people who are willing to grow their hair in order to make wigs for people with cancer. It takes only eight inches! Hair will be cut during the synagogue’s Lag B’Omer Festival on Sunday, May 22. Donors must meet the following requirements: Hair may be colored with vegetable dyes, rinses and semi-permanent dyes, but it cannot be bleached, permanently colored or chemically treated. Hair may not be more than 5% gray. If it is curly, you may
STEPHANIE DAVIS-NOVAK Fashion Editor MARILYN GALE Dining Editor MARIANNA BETTMAN NATE BLOOM IRIS PASTOR RABBI A. JAMES RUDIN ZELL SCHULMAN RABBI AVI SHAFRAN PHYLLIS R. SINGER Contributing Columnists LEV LOKSHIN JANE KARLSBERG Staff Photographers JOSEPH D. STANGE Production Manager ALLISON CHANDLER Office Manager
straighten it before measuring. To sign up or ask questions contact Hillary Hirsch at the Adath Israel office. Friday Night Live at Adath Israel On Friday, Feb. 25, at 5 p.m., Adath Israel will host special music during services titled, Friday Night Live: Carlebach Rhythm of the Night. The service features the Adath Israel band, Shir Ami, with bongos, congas and more. The congregation invites you to, “Get out of the winter cold and get up and dance to the Rhythm of the Night!”
THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE (USPS 019-320) is published weekly for $44 per year and $2.00 per single copy in Cincinnati and $49 per year and $3.00 per single copy elsewhere in U.S. by The American Israelite Co. 18 West Ninth Street, Suite 2, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-2037. Periodicals postage paid at Cincinnati, OH. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE, 18 West Ninth Street, Suite 2, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-2037.
The views and opinions expressed by The American Israelite columnists do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the newspaper.
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Rockwern celebrates Tu B’Shevat Rockwern Academy’s fifth grade students are very much engaged with the Jewish National Fund project to replant trees that were lost in the Carmel, Israel fires. The students volunteer to stand at the JNF table at the entrance to school every morning. They visit classes and remind everyone of the importance of trees, and they are also busy asking for donations from family and friends.
Trees are important all year, but the fire in the Carmel, and celebration of Tu B’Shevat intensified this even more. On Tu B’Shevat we are reminded of how taking care of nature is embedded in Judaism, as we read our Jewish texts and commandments asking us to take responsibility for nature. It is amazing to see the enthusiasm of the fifth grade students; it shows just how committed they feel, and how
much care they have for nature. As part of the celebration of the holiday, the fifth grade celebrated a Tu B’Shevat Seder with the first grade students (1A). The Seder included eating Tu B’Shevat fruits, singing Tu B’Shevat songs together, and the fifth grade students taught some Tu B’Shevat teachings to the younger students. The Seder was fun and educational to all students!
Wise young family group to hold Teddy Bear PJ Havdallah Party On Saturday, Feb. 6, Isaac M. Wise Temple’s YoFI (Young Family Involvement) group is hosting its annual Pajama Havdallah Party. This year’s theme is teddy bears. Wise Temple introduced YoFI three years ago as a way to address the social and spiritual needs of families with very young children. While the events are designed for children from birth to age 5, all of YoFI’s programs are geared for the family. Therefore, older siblings, parents, grandparents and friends are more than welcome to participate.
This event is being chaired by Karen Hershenson, Beckie Kurzner, Cheryl Strunk and Caroline Wells. Hershenson commented, “It’s been so cold lately, that many of us have been hibernating in our homes, so we had bears on our minds when we brainstormed ideas for this year’s PJ Havdallah party.” The evening will start with a teddy bear-making project, in which each child can make their own doll. Following this, the families will go on a “bear hunt,” enjoy a song-session with “Magic” Jeff Baden, and
enjoy teddy bear treats by the “fire.” Afterward, Rabbi Ilana Baden will lead an age-appropriate Havdallah ceremony, which will mark the end of Shabbat and welcome the beginning of the week. Everyone, including adults, is encouraged to come dressed in appropriate bedtime attire. The Havdallah Pajama Party will start at 6:30 p.m. at Wise Center. Guests are welcome and there is no charge for this event. However, you must RSVP in order to attend. Please contact the Wise Temple office for more information.
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Darfur coalition learns about Sudan secession The Sudanese are eager to find advocates who will speak out for foreign aid as they try to build a new nation.
Greater Cincinnati Advocates for Darfur met with Mayik Koriom, a U.C. doctoral student in engineering who grew up in Sudan, and Fr. Ruffino Ezama, a Comboni priest from Sudan. They explained the dire conditions in the Christian and animist sector of Sudan, which just completed an historic election with 99 percent voting to secede from the government in Khartoum. The oil-rich south has illdefined borders, few roads, miserable health problems and a short-
Naomi Ruben, AJC; Barbara Glueck, AJC; Mayik Koriom; Fr. Ruffino Ezama; and Sarah Weiss, CHHE
age of schools. The Sudanese are eager to find advocates who will speak out for foreign aid as they try to build a new nation. Barbara Glueck, director of American Jewish Committee, and two representatives from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati joined Koriom in meeting with an aide to Sen. Sherrod Brown prior to the Sudanese election. Other groups involved in the Darfur coalition are the Islamic Center and the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education.
Wise Temple senior adults look forward to a busy February The Isaac M. Wise Temple senior adult committee generally hosts one program each month. However, February features not one, but two programs that will be sponsored by this group. The first event was a presentation by Dr. Gilah Safren-Naveh on Jewish humor on Wednesday, Feb. 9. Dr. Safran-Naveh is an awardwinning and passionate professor who serves as the head of Judaic Studies at the University of Cincinnati. Among the many
courses that she teaches at the university is a course on Jewish and women’s humor. Event co-chair Donna Dansker stated, “I heard Gilah Naveh speak many years ago at a small gathering at a friend’s home. She was a bright, dynamic and very engaging speaker.” Fellow cochairs Nancy and Donald Seltz added, “We are looking forward to laughter to ease the winter woes.” The second event is a talk by
the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Polly Campbell, the food and dining writer, on Thursday, Feb. 24, at 1 p.m. Campbell will be discussing “What to Eat in 2011: The Best Dishes and Food Finds in Greater Cincinnati.” This presentation was originally scheduled for January, but with the inclement weather, the group postponed the event so that everyone could enjoy it. Event co-chair Cynthia Marmer related, “Ms. Campbell
has been the Enquirer’s restaurant critic since 1996 and the food writer since 2004. She will entertain us with her views of the Cincinnati restaurant scene. She will relate how she found her passion for food and what Tri-State meals have been her favorite. She ate her first five-way in 1983 at the Ludlow Avenue Skyline.” In addition to her extensive list of accomplishments and honors, it is notable that Ms. Campbell recently served as a judge at the first
annual Wise Temple Sisterhood Chocolate Festival. Co-chair Gloria Wolfson is especially looking forward to the Polly Campbell program. She reflected, “Polly seems to be such a down to earth, everyday kind of cook. And, like me, she tears recipes out of magazines in doctor’s offices.” Both events are open to the community and will take place at Wise Center in Amberley Village. Light refreshments will be served.
JEA holds 59th annual conference in Philadelphia The Jewish Educators Assembly, the professional organization of educators in the Conservative movement, just com-
pleted its 59th annual conference at the Westin Mount Laurel Hotel just outside of Philadelphia. Sharon Wasserberg, director of education
of Adath Israel Congregation in Amberley Village was among those in attendance. The four-day gathering brought together congre-
gational school principals, heads of Solomon Schechter Day Schools, early childhood directors, bureau and agency personnel and family and informal educators from all across North America and Israel. The theme of this year’s conference was “From Sinai to Cyberspace: Exploring the Impact of Technology on Jewish Education.” Lisa Colton and Caren Levine of Darim Online, Deborah Nagler, an independent technology consultant and David Bryfman of the Jewish Education Project, N.Y. served as featured speakers and anchored the multifaceted program. Collectively they addressed hardware and its new technologies, software and the numerous materials available, social networking and its implications, and the ethical challenges and issues associated with technology. Innovative Technology Theatres gave conference participants the chance to see and touch various programs and technologies up close and get a better understanding of what could be implemented in their schools. Connecting with Israel is always a fundamental part of the JEA’s work. They were pleased to host Daniel Kutner, the Israeli consul general in Philadelphia and Dr. David Breakstone, vice chairman of the World Zionist Organization. The conference was able to use the greater Philadelphia area and
its many resources as a classroom. Early childhood educators enjoyed a visit to Gratz College for some in-depth study with Lyndall Miller. Another group of educators visited the Kellman Brown Academy, a Solomon Schechter Day School in Cherry Hill, N.J. A special treat was a visit to the brand new National Museum of American Jewish History on Independence Mall, where they were among the first visitors to this new national treasure. The conference began with a Zimriah Song Festival with choirs from nine local schools. On Sunday evening, they celebrated 20/20, honoring 20 emerging leaders of the Jewish community with a dessert reception and concert by the David Morgan Band. During the conference, tribute was paid to Hazzan David F. Tilman of Beth Sholom Congregation, Elkins Park for his years of significant contributions to both Jewish music and Jewish education. The JEA/Behrman House Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to JEA Past President Dr. Michael H. Halzel, a longtime head of both Schechter and Congregational schools. Hedda Morton, president, of Cherry Hill, N.J. was installed for her second year as JEA president. For more information about the Jewish Educators Assembly contact Edward Edelstein, executive director, or visit their website.
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National Briefs Holocaust survivors to picket Allianz golf tourney JTA) — Holocaust survivors are set to picket a golf tournament in South Florida sponsored by the international insurance company Allianz. The company still owes an estimated $2 billion in unpaid claims to Holocaust survivors, say the protesters, who plan to picket Monday at the Boca Raton course of the $1.8 million Allianz Championship. The survivors also plan to return on the final day of the tournament. This is the fifth time the Champions Tour event is coming to Boca Raton, but the first time a protest has been planned, according to the Orlando Sun-Sentinel newspaper. Holocaust survivors have filed lawsuits against Allianz in an effort to reclaim insurance payments on thousands of life insurance policies that the company sold to Jews in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s. Survivors who attempted to file claims with Allianz after World War II were refused due to a lack of documentation. Having paid off on about 50,000 claims at a cost of $300 million, Allianz believes it has fulfilled its obligation, according to the Palm Beach Post. “Is any amount of money going to alleviate the pain?” said Allianz spokeswoman Sabia Schwartzer in the Post. “We’ve never denied any of the allegations. What else should we be doing?” Jewish Voice for Peace’s L.A. chief is threatened (JTA) — The head of the Jewish Voice for Peace in the Los Angeles area was threatened for her involvement in the organization. Estee Chandler, the organization’s Los Angeles chapter leader, said she found a poster on her front porch last week reading “WANTED for treason and incitement against Jews.” The poster featured her picture and gave information including her workplace, personal information, and the names of her nieces and nephews. The poster, which targets her work with Jewish Voice for Peace, a Jewish organization that champions Palestinian rights, charged her with using “her own presumed Jewishness as a weapon against the Jewish People and the Jewish State of Israel while conspiring
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with other well-known anti-Israel groups to assist in Israel’s destruction and to otherwise engender hatred and incite further violence against the Jewish People and the Jewish State of Israel.” Chandler had been in the media as part of a national effort to convince the retirement fund giant TIAA-CREF to divest from from holdings in companies that the Jewish Voice for Peace says profit from Israel’s occupation of Gaza and the West Bank. The creators of the poster have not yet been found, according to a Jewish Voice for Peace news release. “I was forewarned about extremists when I first decided to start a Jewish Voice for Peace chapter here in my hometown of Los Angeles,” Chandler said. “I went into it with my eyes open.” She added, “Ultimately I think these people really are cowards, and not really to be feared.” Ex-White House attorney requests Pollard’s release (JTA) — Another former White House official has called for clemency for Jonathan Pollard. Bernard Nussbaum, White House counsel under President Clinton, sent a letter to President Obama on Feb. 5 saying that keeping Pollard in prison is a “miscarriage of justice.” Nussbaum opposed pardoning Pollard, a civilian U.S. Navy analyst who was convicted for spying for Israel, when he served in the White House. He said in his letter that he studied Pollard’s file “extensively” and believed it was time for Obama to commute his life sentence. “I, too, believe that Jonathan Pollard has been appropriately punished for his conduct, and that a failure at this time to commute his sentence would not serve the course of justice. Indeed, I respectfully believe, it would be a miscarriage of justice,” Nussbaum wrote, according to The Jerusalem Post. In January, Obama received a letter from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requesting clemency for Pollard. Also, in recent weeks, others have written separate letters to Obama requesting clemency, including U.S. Secretary of State George Schultz; Michael Mukasey, the most recent Republican U.S. attorney general; and Harvard Law School professor Charles Ogletree, director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice at Harvard. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a likely Republican candidate for the 2012 presidential nomination, during a visit to Israel last week called on the United States to release Pollard.
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In sign of Dems’ precarious hold on center, pro-Israel hard-liner Jane Harman quits Congress By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency WASHINGTON (JTA) — Jane Harman, a Jewish Democrat who made her reputation in Congress as a tough-talking advocate for carrying a big stick, is transitioning to the world of speaking softly. Harman, 65, a tireless advocate in Congress of both the U.S.-Israel relationship and of strengthening the intelligence community’s capabilities, is quitting Congress to become the director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The center, established by Congress in 1968 as the official memorial of the 28th president, calls itself a “neutral forum for open, serious, and informed dialogue.” It’s a dramatic switch for a deft political infighter known equally for her fiercely close friendships and her hard-fought enmities. In an anguished letter Monday explaining her sudden resignation to her Los Angeles, Calif., constituents, Harman hinted at her frustration with an increasingly polarized Congress. “I have always believed that the best solutions to tough problems require a bipartisan approach, and bipartisanship is the Center’s ‘brand,’” she wrote. “Serving at its helm provides unique opportunities to involve the House and Senate,
top experts, and world leaders in ‘great debates’ about the most pressing foreign and domestic policy matters.”
Center for American Progress
Rep. Jane Harman, shown speaking at an October 2009 event of the Center for American Progress, hinted at her frustration with an increasingly polarized Congress in explaining her resignation to constituents.
Harman’s departure, which will come in a few weeks but was made official Tuesday, signaled the precarious position of the Democratic Party’s center. Harman is the only Jewish law-
maker in the Blue Dog caucus, representing the party’s more conservative wing. The caucus was gutted in the last election when Republicans, in a winning strategy, targeted Democrats in conservative districts. Democrats are now leaning further left, and the new Republican majority in the House of Representatives has not shown much interest in bipartisanship, leaving the Blue Dog rump — used to being the much-valued bridge between the parties — in the cold. One signal of the diminishment of conservative Democrats was the announcement this week that the Democratic Leadership Council, the centrist body that once was a powerhouse in the party, is closing down due to a lack of interest. Harman, who is married to Newsweek owner and philanthropist Sidney Harman, was a leadership council member. Harman’s more conservative tendencies have been apparent in fiscal and foreign policy. On social issues — abortion, gay rights and women’s rights — she has been an unabashed liberal, scoring high marks from the National Council of Jewish Women. In 1998, Harman interrupted her congressional career, launched six years earlier, to run for California governor as the self-described “best Republican” among Democrats, pledging a balanced budget. She
lost to Gray Davis and returned to Congress in 2000. In that setting, her hard-line reputation was made in foreign policy. She backed the Iraq war, and as the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, backed the expanded eavesdropping powers used by the Bush administration. Alberto Gonzales, the attorney general in 2004, asked Harman to make the case to The New York Times against revealing the program; she tried and failed. Harman is beloved by the proIsrael lobby and is a sure-bet appearance at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s annual policy conference. Her departure earned an unusually effusive statement of regret from AIPAC director Howard Kohr. “As a strong advocate for joint U.S.-Israeli Homeland Security cooperation, both nations are now better equipped to keep their citizens and borders secure,” Kohr said in a statement to JTA. “Her expertise in intelligence, national security and foreign policy has enabled her to make a significant and meaningful contribution toward ensuring that America stands with Israel in its quest for peace and security.” He credited Harman with being instrumental in ensuring that Israel received annual security assistance and funding for missile defense systems. It was that AIPAC-intelligence nexus that involved Harman in a scandal-that-wasn’t in April 2009, when her support for expanded eavesdropping powers came back to bite her. Intelligence officials leaked to the media a taped 2005 conversation between Harman and what they described as an “Israeli agent.” The “agent” asked Harman to intervene in the case of two former AIPAC staffers who had been charged with handling classified information. Harman agreed to “waddle” into the matter, “if you think it will make a difference,” according to the reports. The “agent” then said he would advocate on her behalf to keep Harman in her spot as the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee. Harman said, “This conversation doesn’t exist” and hung up. Nothing in the conversation had showed Harman agreeing to such a quid pro quo, and her last sentence — with nary a goodbye — could be read either as a plea to keep the chat secret or an angry sign-off fueled by the recognition that the “agent” was trying to co-opt her. There was never any evidence that Harman had intervened in the process. Harman was outraged that her calls had been taped and
demanded the full release of the tape. She spoke to JTA at the time in an interview that encapsulated her image as a tough talker. “I used the word ‘outrage’ twice in my letter, which I wrote this morning standing in my kitchen drinking cappuccino,” Harman said. “Three anonymous sources, former national security officials, are selectively leaking portions of an alleged intercept about which I knew nothing.” Justice Department officials emphasized that Harman was not under scrutiny, and a development in the government case against the AIPAC officials just a week or so later cast the leaks in a light that did not flatter the leakers: The government dropped the case for lack of evidence, and the “scandal” seemed like a desperate last-ditch bid to keep the case alive. What no one denied is that Haim Saban, the Israeli-American entertainment magnate who is also a major AIPAC donor, lobbied then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2006 to keep Harman on the committee. The Democrats won control of the House that year. Had Harman stayed, she would have achieved a career pinnacle: chairwoman of one of the House’s most powerful and secretive committees. Pelosi, however, insisted on moving Harman off the committee according to rules that Pelosi had helped set when she was ranking Democrat on the committee in the 1990s: Pelosi was adamant that an extended stay on the committee could lead to members becoming coopted by the intelligence community. That, as it happened, was not an issue for Harman. While she was beloved by the intelligence community for advocating for expanded eavesdropping powers and increased funding, she was not afraid to make waves. Harman earned the enmity of Porter Goss, the former committee chairman who became CIA director, first by making clear her opposition to “enhanced” interrogation techniques, and then by linking Goss’ associates to a bribe-taking scandal. (Some analysts said Goss, seeking revenge, seemed to be behind the AIPAC leaks.) Harman’s willingness to put friends in the hot seat was evident as well in her dealings with Israel. The WikiLeaks trove of State Department cables leaked late last year showed Harman giving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a hard time in a 2009 meeting over his two signature issues: settlement expansion and accelerating confrontation with Iran. Harman also agreed to sponsor the first conference, in 2009, of J Street, the “propeace, pro-Israel” lobby that arose in part to counter AIPAC’s influence.
NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011
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Badkhn Belt? Jewish humor was born in 1661, prof says By Sue Fishkoff Jewish Telegraphic Agency BERKELEY, Calif. (JTA)— The Chmielnicki massacres weren’t particularly funny. From 1648 to 1651, nearly 100,000 Jews were slaughtered throughout Ukraine by Bohdan Chmielnicki and his roving bands of Cossacks. It was arguably the worst pogrom in history, leaving hundreds of Jewish communities in ruins. Yet according to Mel Gordon, a professor of theater arts at the University of California, Berkeley, those years of terror led to the canonization of what we now know as Jewish humor. A lot of what we laugh at during Purim festivities stems from that horrific period. And it happened on one day in July 1661 when the badkhn — a kind of cruel court jester in East European Jewish life — was spared a ban on merrymakers. “We’re funny because of the badkhn,” Gordon told JTA. Gordon, who has authored numerous books on theater, cinema and popular culture, lectures widely on his badkhn theory at Jewish and non-Jewish venues. “Everyone says that Jews are funny because they suffered so much,” he said. “That’s ridiculous. You think the rest of the world hasn’t suffered? What about the Armenians, the Biafrans, the American Indians? None of them are known for their humor.” Nor are Jews funny because they’ve “always been funny,” another common falsehood, Gordon says. It’s only in the past 100 years, with the rise of Hollywood and nightclub society, that Jewish humor has become a staple of American popular culture.
International Briefs Cuba to seek 20-year prison term for Alan Gross (JTA) — Cuban prosecutors will seek a 20-year prison sentence for accused spy Alan Gross, a U.S. government contractor that the State Department says was assisting Cuban Jews. Gross is accused of “Acts Against the Independence and Territorial Integrity of the State,” Reuters reported, citing a Feb. 4 report by Cuban state media via a government-run website. The espionage charge carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence; he could have faced the death penalty according to Cuban law, Reuters reported. The report said a trial date will be set “soon”
“At the turn of the 20th century, the Jews were commonly perceived to be a humorless, itinerant nation,” he wrote in “Funnyman,” a 2010 book co-authored with Thomas Andrae about the short-lived Jewish comic book superhero. So it’s not genetic, and it’s not because of suffering or social marginalization, that led to this thing we call Jewish humor — it’s the badkhn. The badkhn was a staple in East European Jewish life for three centuries, mocking brides and grooms at their weddings. He also was in charge of Purim spiels in shtetl society. His humor was biting, even vicious. He would tell a bride she was ugly, make jokes about the groom’s dead mother and round things off by belittling the guests for giving such worthless gifts. Much of the badkhn’s humor was grotesque, even scatological. “They would talk about drooping breasts, big butts, small penises,” Gordon said. “We know a lot about them because they were always suing each other about who could tell which fart joke on which side of Grodno.” It’s that same self-deprecating tone that characterizes the Yiddishinflected Jewish jokes of the 20th century, Gordon points out. Who is the surly Jewish deli waiter of Henny Youngman fame if not a badkhn, making wisecracks at the customer’s expense? Before the 1660s, there were at least 10 different stock comic types in shtetl life, Grodon says. One would rhyme, one would juggle, one might sing. Wealthy folks would hire a variety for their simchas, or festive celebrations. But in the summer of 1661, a decade after the Chmielnicki mas-
sacres and its resultant famines, leading rabbis from Poland and Ukraine — the “Elders of the Four Councils” — met in Vilna to discuss why such evils had befallen the Jewish people. The elders decided the Jews were being punished by God. A return to strict observance was the only solution. Levity and luxury were to be avoided. As one of the new conditions, wedding festivities became much more somber, and holidays such as Purim and Simchat Torah less raucous. The traditional Jewish comics were outlawed. During one discussion on July 3, 1661, Gordon relates, a rabbi asked his colleagues, what about the badkhn? He’s not really funny, the rabbi said. In fact, he’s abusive. The elders agreed, and the badkhn was exempted from the ban — he wasn’t a merrymaker and wasn’t encouraging levity. And that’s how the badkhn became the only Jewish comic permitted in the shtetls, Gordon says, and how his particular brand of sarcastic, bleak humor set the tone for what we know today as Jewish comedy. Before the 1660s, the badkhn was the least popular Jewish entertainer – now he was the sole survivor. “Jewish humor used to be the same as that of the host country,” Gordon said. “Now it began to deviate from mainstream European humor. It became more aggressive, meaner. All of Jewish humor changed.” The badkhn’s role was secure from the 1660s to the 1890s and the beginning of the great Jewish migration to America and to the larger cities of Russia and Ukraine. Gordon’s father, who came to America in 1929 from the Polish shtetl Bielsk-Podlasky, remembers the badkhn of his youth.
and that U.S. diplomats have been informed of the charges. Cuban authorities detained Gross on Dec. 3, 2009 on his way out of the country, saying he was a spy. Gross’ family and State Department officials say he was in the country on a U.S. Agency for International Development contract to help the country’s Jewish community of about 1,500 to communicate with other Jewish communities through the Internet. The main Jewish groups in Cuba have denied any contact with or knowledge of Gross or the program. Cuban law prohibits bringing satellite phone equipment into the country without a permit. Gross’ lawyer, Peter Kahn, issued a statement following the announcement of the charges calling on Cuba to free his client for time served. The statement said the fact that the case is moving
forward, after Gross has spent 14 months in a Cuban prison, is a positive development. “However, the charges announced today by the Cuban authorities against him demonstrate, once again, that Alan is caught in the middle of a longstanding political dispute between Cuba and the United States,” the statement said. “Each time Alan traveled to Havana, he declared everything that was required by Cuban customs authorities. Never did the Cuban authorities raise concerns about what he brought with him. “Alan holds great affection for the Cuban people and culture, and neither his presence nor actions in Cuba were ever meant to, or in fact did, pose any threat or danger to the Cuban government.” Gross reportedly is being held in a military hospital; he is suffering from health problems and is reported to have lost 90 pounds.
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Concern rising along the Israel-Egypt border
Israel Briefs
By Dina Kraft Jewish Telegraphic Agency BE’ER MILKA, Israel (JTA) — Driving along the Israel-Egypt border near this southern Israeli town, rusted metal posts strung with barbed wire give way to sand dunes and an exposed, open border as wide open as the question of what will become of the countries’ relations now that Egypt is in turmoil. During a break between border patrols, which have been stepped up since the recent protests in Egypt began, a few Israeli soldiers climbing into a Hummer say they have been told to be on alert for possible trouble. But for now, the same quiet borne of 32 years of a cold but functional peace prevails. “It’s a very quiet border and we never expected it to continue being anything else but quiet,” said Sigalit Efrat, 36, who moved to Be’er Milka, overlooking the Egyptian border, eight years ago. Efrat and her husband came here from the Golan Heights, Israeli territory disputed by Syria, seeking life in an agricultural community in a seemingly more stable part of Israel. “You can never know what will be, but it’s in everyone’s interest to keep things calm,” said Sigalit’s husband, Adi Efrat, who grows pomegranates and lilies here, mostly for export to Europe. He was referring not only to the Israeli and Egyptian governments, but Bedouin smugglers
Dina Kraft
An Egyptian flag flies from an army outpost on the Egyptian side of the border with Israel near the moshav of Kadesh Barnea.
who make brisk business smuggling migrant workers and refugees across the border. They also run a lucrative sideline trafficking in drugs and women. For the residents of the five Israeli villages near the Egyptian border, the mood is watchful waiting. Last week, a group of Chinese migrants were found hiding in the greenhouses of the Kadesh Barnea, the Israeli town nearest the border. Residents shrug it off as nothing new. What is new, they note, is the behavior of the Egyptian soldiers manning the border. They are no
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longer facing Israel but toward the vast expanse of the Sinai Peninsula on their own side. Menachm Zafrir, a farmer at Kadesh Barnea who for 25 years served as its civilian security chief, offered his own commentary Feb. 4 just hours after Egyptian Bedouin used rocket-propelled grenades to attack an Egyptian state security office in the northern Sinai. “They have changed direction to make sure the Bedouin don’t slaughter them,” Zafrir said of the Egyptian soldiers. Reports in Israeli media say that Egyptian soldiers are building reinforced gun positions on the rooftops of their border outposts to cope with possible attacks. The Bedouin may want a modicum of quiet along the border to keep their smuggling business afloat, but they also harbor aggression against the Egyptian authorities, who they say have discriminated against them and mistreated them for years. Israeli authorities fear the Bedouin will help smuggle weapons and militants into Gaza and Israel. The 166-mile Israel-Egypt border has been Israel’s quietest front since the historic peace accord between the countries was signed in 1979 after Israel agreed to withdraw from the Sinai. The absence of a threat of a mobilizing Egyptian army meant Israel did not have to concern itself with defending its longest border — even when it went to war against Lebanon in 1982 or, more recently, against Hamas in Gaza at the end of 2008. The peace meant Israel could leave most of the border without a fence. Last year, however, a growing number of African migrants sneaking across the border prompted the Israeli government to begin construction of a fence.
Arsonists strike Tunisian synagogue (JTA) — The Torah scrolls at a Tunisian synagogue were burned in a fire reportedly set by arsonists. The synagogue in the southern Gabes region was set ablaze Monday night. Jewish community leader Perez Trabelsi told the French news agency AFP about the scrolls and criticized police for not stopping the attack. “I condemn this action and I believe those who did it want to create divisions between Jews and Muslims in Tunisia who have lived for decades in peace,” Trabelsi told Reuters. Trabelsi is the head of the Ghriba synagogue on the Tunisian island of Djerba. AlQaida terrorists bombed the synagogue in 2002, killing 21 people, including 16 tourists. Ten Tunisian Jews made aliyah to Israel with the help of the Jewish Agency in late January amid political upheaval and violence in Tunisia that led to the overthrow of President Zein elAbbadin Bin Ali. About 1,500 Jews are living in Tunisia. Some 1,100 Tunisian Jews live in Djerba, with the rest in the capital city of Tunis. Escaped Hamas prisoner returns to Gaza JERUSALEM (JTA) — A Hamas prisoner who escaped from an Egyptian prison during the recent unrest returned to Gaza. Ayman Nofal, 34, who was arrested three years ago in the Sinai Peninsula and accused of planning bomb attacks, was given a hero’s welcome in his hometown in central Gaza on Sunday. Five other Palestinian terrorists serving time in Cairo prisons returned home to Gaza last week, according to reports. The men sneaked back into Gaza through Egypt-to-Gaza smuggling tunnels, according to reports. Nofal served as a field commander for the Hamas military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades. Hamas had worked for his release and accused Egypt or torturing him. Meanwhile, The Jerusalem Post reported Monday that Israel last week refused a second Egyptian request to deploy even more troops in the Sinai Peninsula. The paper cited a senior military source. Israel early last week acceded
to a request by Egypt to deploy about 800 troops in the Sinai; under the peace agreement between Israel and Egypt, the Sinai is to remain demilitarized. Egyptian natural gas to Israel cut off after explosion J E R U S A L E M ( J TA ) — Natural gas supplies to Israel were cut off after an explosion in an Egyptian gas line in the Sinai Peninsula. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Cabinet at its regular Sunday meeting that Israel is prepared for “such situations” and he didn’t expect the explosion from the previous day to cause any disruption in power in the country. The head of Egypt’s natural gas company said the explosion was caused by a gas leak; Egyptian state television said it was sabotage. An Egyptian security official said the blast was caused by an explosive charge detonated inside the terminal, according to The Jerusalem Post. Gas supply also was cut off to Jordan, according to reports. It will take a week for the pipeline to be repaired and for the flow of gas to be restored to Israel, according to reports. “I believe that the shocks in our region underscore and reiterate that Israel is an island of stability in a turbulent area, and we will continue to do everything to ensure the security and vital interests of the State of Israel in the face of the major challenges yet before us as well,” Netanyahu said at the Cabinet meeting. About half of Israel’s electricity comes from natural gas from both Egyptian and Israeli sources. Egypt began pumping gas to Israel in 2008 as part of a 15-year contract. Prior to six years ago, all of Israel’s electricity was generated by imported coal and oil, according to The Jerusalem Post. A large natural gas field discovered underground off the coast of Israel late last year will begin providing the natural resource sometime in 2012, according to reports. Meanwhile on Sunday, Egypt’s main opposition party, the Muslim Brotherhood, said it would hold talks with newly named Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman, but said it would not move forward with negotiations unless President Hosni Mubarak resigns. Smaller opposition parties have refused to meet until Mubarak ends his 30-year reign, according to reports. Leaders of Egypt’s ruling party, the National Democratic Party, including Mubarak’s son Gamal, resigned from office Saturday, according to reports.
SOCIAL LIFE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011
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A N N O U N C E M E N TS ENGAGEMENT amela and Lawrence Schultz of Akron, Ohio, announce the engagement of their daughter, Leslie Ann, of Twinsburg, Ohio, to Netanel (Ted) Deutsch of Cincinnati. Mr. Deutsch is the son of Josephine Bower and the late Ted Deutsch, Jr. A spring wedding is planned.
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R E F UA H S H L E M A H Frieda Berger Fraida bat Raizel
Pepa Kaufman Perel Tova bat Sima Sora
Daniel Eliyahu Daniel ben Tikvah
Murray Kirschner Chaim Meir ben Basha
Edith Kaffeman Yehudit bat B’racha
Ravid Sulam Ravid Chaya bat Ayelet
Roma Kaltman Ruchama bat Perl
Edward Ziv Raphael Eliezer Aharon ben Esther Enya
AWARDS onathan Maxwell, the author of “Murderous Intellectuals: German Elites and the Nazi SS,” has recently won an international literary competition. Maxwell’s book — which explores why so many well-educated professionals willingly joined the Nazi SS — received the 2011 Allbooks Review Editor’s Choice Award in the Best Non/fiction Book Category. “Murderous Intellectuals” was selected among hundreds of submissions. Allbooks Review is a Canadian-based online literary
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Leslie Ann Schultz and Netanel (Ted) Deutsch
journal. Each year, it recognizes books that have been deemed to possess special merit. In addition, the publication “Author Exposure” called this new Nazi history one of the “20 Most Memorable Debut Books of 2010.” Maxwell resides in Taylorsville,
Ga. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English, along with a psychology minor and a paralegal certificate. His publishing house is Salt Lake City-based American Book Publishing. “Murderous Intellectuals” is Maxwell’s first book.
MEMORIAL TRIBUTE HONORING RABBI I. INDICH Z ”L ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 20TH YARTZHEIT
Rabbi Stuart and Karen Lavenda, Regina Eisenberg, Marlene and Howard Mayers, Gordon Schilmeister, and Phil Cohen
Announcements are free :) • BIRTHS • BAT/BAR MITZVAHS • ENGAGEMENTS • WEDDINGS • BIRTHDAYS • WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES • REFUAH SHLEMAHS Send your announcement to: articles@americanisraelite.com
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CINCINNATI JEWISH LIFE
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Yavneh Day School Alumni Gather For Post-Thanksgiving Reunion On the day after Thanksgiving, almost 70 Jewish teens and young adults decided to skip the Black Friday deals, choosing instead to head to Rockwern Academy for a special event. After months of a national and international search and using Facebook to track down former students, event organizers succeeded in reaching out to alumni of all ages to reconnect with one another. On Friday, Nov. 26, 69 alumni between the ages of 16 and 46 attended the first large-scale reunion at Rockwern Academy (previously known as Yavneh Day School). 95 percent of the alumni graduated from Yavneh after the eighth grade.
Excited alumni poured into the school all afternoon, greeting each other with shouts, eagerly catching up, and fondly reminiscing about their days at Yavneh. Tours of the school and giggle-filled sessions in the candid photo booth were enjoyed by all, but the top attraction of the event was the presence of beloved and renowned Rockwern teachers: Dana Gehri, Ophra Weisberg, Judy Diekmeyer, Patti Smith and Principal Susan Moore. The line-up of former Yavneh students turned out to be quite impressive in its own right. Besides being an incredibly confident and attractive group of young people, Yavneh alumni boast a formidable
record of accomplishments. The crowd was filled with passionate and driven young people, many of whom are already making their mark on the world. These alumni are students and graduates of the nation’s top-ranked universities, and are focused in a wide range of fields, including medicine, law, science, high-tech, business, public health, communications, gastronomy, politics, and fashion design. A survey of the many honors and awards won by Yavneh grads reveals a high level of academic excellence and a common penchant for community involvement and volunteerism. In addition, Yavneh graduates exhibited a high
level of interest in foreign languages. The reunion included fluent speakers of Hebrew, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, French, Italian, and Russian. When asked about the legacy of their Yavneh education, many former students expressed a belief that their desire to help others, their sense of responsibility to the community, and their courage to stand up for their beliefs that took root and developed during their years at Yavneh. In addition, students felt that the unique coursework and top-notch teachers allowed them to develop strong analytical skills, a deep sense of morality, appreciation for foreign cultures and a desire to more deeply under-
stand the world around them. After several hours the group dispersed, radiating with the warmth of rekindled relationships and the laughter they shared with old friends. Pockets filled with silly photographs and phone numbers of long-lost acquaintances, the alumni reluctantly said their goodbyes, promising to keep in touch. The event demonstrated the deep impact and connection that Yavneh students developed during their years at the school and succeeded in giving our Jewish youth, returning home for the holiday, a chance to reconnect, share stories, and strengthen their bonds to our local Jewish community.
Susan Moore, Judy Diekmeyer, Dani Isaacsohn
Melissa Singer, Rachel Ellison, Ophra Weisberg
Judy Diekmeyer, Alex Heiman
Abigail Lee Halpern and Family
Maya Isaacsohn, Lee Isaacsohn, Julie Guttman
Susan Moore, Herschel Guttman
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011
CINCINNATI JEWISH LIFE
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Dana Gehri, Susan Moore, Nikki Fisher, Gabrielle Junker, Jami Fisher
Ophra Weisberg, Michelle Neuman, Lynn Neuman, Vlad Leytus, Micha Kamesar, Judy Diekmeyer
Liora Bachrach, AJ Goldhoff, Sari Goldhoff, Kevin Saeks
Sarah Perlman, Thea Heiman, Maya Isaacsohn, Kyle Goldhoff, Maya Stuhlbarg
Max Fisher, Thea Heiman, Justin Junker
Ariella Guttman Cohen, Jared Newman, Mollie Zipkin Newman, Susan Casper
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DINING OUT
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Aroma, pizzazz for the palate By Marilyn Gale Dining Editor Move over baby boomers, the new generation in culinary and hospitality skills has arrived. Yes, we have trained them, fed them and now they are here, combining the latest trends in dining and drinking. Aroma, the fashionable eatery in the Kenwood Mall, nestled next door to Nordstrom department store, is emerging as the shining star with creative menu choices, tantalizing drinks and comfortable eye-pleasing atmosphere. I revisited Aroma after a six month absence and found the restaurant thriving. The friendly faced young woman who was pictured at the bar in my first write up, Nichole Wagoner, is now the manager. Her bubbly enthusiasm is contagious. She is a hands-on manager, a team player, and will bartend, waitress, trouble shoot and personally greet the customers. All are welcome, whether you are stopping in for a beer and a quick check on a sports event or meeting friends for an interesting meal. Wagoner has been in the hospitality business since age 15 and now at the age of 28, has experience in all aspects from hostess, to cocktail waitress, as a server, and bartender. Wagoner describes herself as a people person and enjoys multi-tasking. Working at Aroma 13 hours a day, she is still all smiles, relaxed and downright gracious. I ask for the secret to her gregarious manner and Wagoner replies, “Lots of sleep.” Wagoner also credits her staff with promoting an amiable atmosphere. Aroma has a new chef, the young, creative Gena Eidelman from Israel. The menu’s changes reflect a more simple, yet sophisticated culinary vision from a few months earlier. Wagoner agrees, saying it makes more sense, it flows better. There are tapas, new entrees, soup made from root vegetables, sides to share and of course, fresh sushi. Wagoner describes Aroma’s cuisine as American with Asian Influence. Cultural trends determine what we eat. No longer are most of us satisfied with a burger and fries. With an increased emphasis on dinners that consist of multiple healthy side
(Clockwise) Enjoy wine and spirits in colorful surroundings; A volcano sushi roll and a specialty martini brighten every day at Aroma's; Nichole Wagoner is your charming hostess and manager at Aroma's.
items, Aroma has tantalizing choices. Starting with soup, the Creamy Autumn, a luscious combination of sweet potato, butternut squash, pumpkin, carrot, chili oil, coconut milk and homemade croutons, for $6, would warm you on a chilly night. Sides to share are equally as interesting. Try soba noodles, a mixture of mushrooms, asparagus and red bell peppers in a mushroom sauce for $6, or the popular Pad
Thai noodles, a blend of bean sprouts, snow peas, scallions peanuts, lime for $7. Tofu, chicken, beef or salmon can be added. Between the appetizers and the entrees, Aroma has another category titled From the Kitchen. A trio of seared fish—salmon, tuna, yellowtail—sliders for $15, carpaccio of filet mignon, glazed in a balsamic vinaigrette, for $10, crispy duck rolls, duck confit, mushrooms,
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paired with a scallion and a cucumber salad, served with a seasonal fruit sauce for $10. I could go on and on but I invite you to see for yourself the delectable options on Aroma’s revitalized menu. For the old fashioned among us, Aroma has full size entrees. Short ribs; braised beef, seasoned and simmered in Asian BBQ sauce, served with seven spice baked potatoes and broccolini for $18, and
fresh salmon, bathed in a honey-soy glaze and served on a bed of sautéed grape tomatoes, baby bok choy, broccoli, snow peas and asparagus for $16 are satisfying choices. But food is not the only attraction at Aroma. The brightly colored interior, convenient location for shoppers and employees in the Kenwood Mall area, and sushi bar are equally appealing. Bold reds, shades of purple and big yellow squares are the first sights that catch your eye upon entering the stylish dining spot. A three-dimensional mural of Cincinnati by local artist Frank Stanton still hangs prominently on the back wall. The well stocked bar, glittery with liquors, wines and beers, promises customers lively choices in spirited beverages. Happy Hour is Monday through Thursday, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Halfpriced beer, $6 for specialty martinis and on Thursday, from 6:30 to closing, half-price wine. The shopper’s special offers $6 for specialty martinis all day on Saturday, and $2 off sushi rolls, too. The future looks bright for Aroma. Wagoner plans to create a new martini list for spring. She talked about gin with blueberries, or infusing vodka with habanera peppers and mixing it with passion fruit. The current specialty martini list offers a pear martini; Absolut pear and vanilla, simple syrup, and pineapple juice. Or try the Sake Slumber; Voices in the mist Sake, light rum Bacardi, Pama, the perfect companion to sushi. Aroma pays homage to the romance and charm of Valentine ’s Day. A three course dinner, at $35 per person, plus a free bottle of wine if you make reservations in advance, can make that cozy wintry day extra special. Three different seatings are available: 5:45, 7:30 or 9:15 p.m. This is a place for discriminating diners who want choices in the menu and dazzle in their drinks. Convenient location, friendly staff and vibrant palate pleasers continue to make Aroma a chic dining spot in the Queen City. Aroma Restaurant and Sushi 7875 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, OH 45236 513-791-0950
DINING OUT
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011
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20 Brix 101 Main St Historic Milford 831-Brix (2749)
Ferrari’s Little Italy & Bakery 7677 Goff Terrace Madeira 272-2220
Padrino 111 Main St Milford 965-0100
Ambar India Restaurant 350 Ludlow Ave Cincinnati 281-7000
Gabby’s Cafe 515 Wyoming Ave Wyoming 821-6040
Parkers Blue Ash Grill 4200 Cooper Rd Blue Ash 891-8300
Andy’s Mediterranean Grille At Gilbert & Nassau 2 blocks North of Eden Park 281-9791
Incahoots 4110 Hunt Rd Blue Ash 793-2600
Pomodori’s 121West McMillan • 861-0080 7880 Remington Rd Montgomery • 794-0080
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OPINION
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
By Rabbi James A. Rudin
For too long, too few people have been willing to openly discuss the persecution and killing of Christians in the Middle East and Africa by Islamic extremists. Spineless apologists for radical Islamic groups in the U.S. and Europe ignored, or even excused the growing number of lethal assaults. Their answer too often is that “angry” Muslims attack Christians because they represent Western imperialism and modernday Crusaders, which itself is an old story: victims’ behavior cause their own victimization. Recent attacks in Iraq and Egypt, thankfully, have prompted a different response, and the callous, look-the-other-way attitude may finally be changing. Christian leaders — including Pope Benedict XVI, the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops — have publicly denounced recent Muslim attacks on Christians. They’ve been joined by Jewish groups, as well as the Islamic Society of North America. The suicide bombing of a Coptic church in Alexandria, Egypt, at a New Year’s Eve Mass killed 25 worshippers and injured more than 100 others. (The Copts trace their history in the region to the first century, 500 years before the birth of Prophet Muhammad.) The Egyptian government has blamed Palestinian terrorists from Gaza. A year ago, six Christians and a Muslim security guard were killed in a drive-by shooting on the Coptic Christmas Eve in the town of Nag Hammadi. Leonard Leo, chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, dropped the usually guarded diplomatic-speak in describing the threat to Egyptian Christians: “At present, there is no real deterrent for those who target Egyptian citizens because of their religious identity,” he said. “Until there is justice and accountability, the Christian minority, and other minorities in Egypt, will remain vulnerable to extremists and terrorists.” Extremists attacked a Baghdad church last October and killed more than 50 Iraqi Christians, and at least 38 Christians died in Christmas Eve attacks in Nigeria. Extremist Muslim groups are suspected in both cases. The Islamic regime in Iran recently arrested 25 Christians and
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Dear Editor, Purim is a holiday that celebrates the power of secrets and their revelation; it is, in effect, the holiday of “coming out.” The rabbis of the Talmud mark Purim explicitly as the festival of masks, which calls for an unmasking of ourselves and ultimately, of God. This is the one time of the year when drinking too much is a “mitzvah” because, in their words, “the wine goes in and the secrets come out.” If there was a day that might be employed by gay Jews to signify the meaning of coming out, the fast of Esther ending in the celebration of Purim is it. The story begins with all its characters in lavish concealment. Each of them manages a powerful public persona while hiding an inner secret that if revealed would seem to undo them. King Achashverosh, according to tradition, was not of royal blood; he had married into Persian royalty. Vashti was the true Persian princess and because she refuses to take off her royal robes she is banished. She is the only one who refuses to dress up (or in this case down) as something she is not. Achashverosh is a fool and a degenerate, a common lout dressed up in royal robes. He is terribly insecure, anxious to build his political support and fearful of being challenged or manipulated. Esther and Mordechai are closet Jews. Mordechai is a statesman known in the king’s court but he does not flaunt his Jewish identity. It is perhaps for this very reason that he warns Esther not to reveal her identity. The people perceive Esther as a lovely Persian woman who has become a Persian queen.
Haman, like the king, rises to power with little, if any, merit. His secrets are his bloated ego and his hunger for royal power. The turn in the plot occurs when Mordechai is forced to choose between his inner and outer identities. Is he a Jew or a Persian noble? If he refuses to bow down to Haman, he will lose his status among the Persian elite; if he bows, he will lose his inner Jewish self. In this moment of reckoning, Mordechai recognizes himself as a Jew and refuses to bow. The story isn’t clear as to how Mordechai’s secret is found out. Someone tells Haman that this rude fellow is a Jew and Haman begins his plot against Mordechai and his people. Mordechai realizes that he must turn his secret inside out, bearing witness to the inner truths. He sits at the gate of the palace in sack cloth, a bold and public expression of his internal state of affairs no longer concealed in beautiful robes. Mordechai’s self-expression sets in motion the unmasking of Esther, then of Haman, and finally of Achashverosh. It is, however, Esther’s moment of courage that carries the most dramatic turn of story. Her coming to the king uninvited is mortally dangerous—even if he is willing to hear her out, she has no reason to think that he will not side with Haman. Esther reveals her secret deftly while aware of all the risks and uncertain of the outcomes. The Book of Esther could be read as a midrash on Jewish life in the diaspora. How we conceal and reveal ourselves as Jews is a diaspora story. But there is also a more personal journey. In many ways we are all Marranos, hiding behind our
various masks and robes. What can we glean from Esther to help us manage the interplay between our inner and outer lives? Can Mordechai teach us something about the search for wholeness? At the end of the story all the inner truths come to light—there seems to be a redemptive quality in selfexpression—when all is revealed, Esther becomes a powerful queen and Mordechai the king’s most trusted counselor. Even Achashverosh seems to achieve a more royal demeanor. Each of these fuller identities was achieved by reconciling the inner and outer persons. The story is also about the need to protect a life apart from the public eye. As Esther enters the king’s palace Mordechai warns her not to reveal her identity. Later he implores her to do so. Perhaps the story is about the dynamics of identity that cannot escape a tension between expression and inhibition. We are who we are not only by our self-revelations, but by our careful nurturing of a private world. As well, not all inner lives are equal. Haman uses his disguise for singularly destructive ends, and is ultimately destroyed by his inner self. At the perfect moment, Esther reveals herself as a Jew and saves the Jewish people. Though the war between the inner and outer worlds is over, there is no clear victory of one self over another. Instead there is a new and diverse wholeness, an integration of mask and man. The rabbis describe the God of the Book of Esther as a hidden God, a God who dances in between the revealed and the hidden. The name of Esther in Hebrew means, “I will hide,” LETTERS on page 22
T EST Y OUR T ORAH KNOWLEDGE THIS WEEK’S PORTION: TZAVEI (SHMOT 27:4—30:10) 1. Was there green in the clothes of the High Priest? a.) Yes b.) No
a.) Plate on the forehead b.) With the bells c.) Breastplate (choshen)
2. What type of measurement is a “zeret”? a.) Length b.) Weight c.) Volume
4. How many times a day was incense sacrificed in the Mishkan a.) One b.) Two c.) Three
3. Where is there a sapphire on the garments of the High Priest?
5. Where is there a reference to Yom Kippur in the Parsha?
names of the 12 tribes were etched into the stones. 4. B 30:7,8 The incense was sacrificed in the morning when the cups of the Menorah were cleaned and in the evening when the Menorah was lit. 5. 30:10 The only time of the year something other than incense was sacrificed on the golden altar was Yom Kippur Then the blood of the special Yom Kippur sacrificed was offered upon it.
A wake-up call from the Middle East
detained nearly 70 others. Some have been released, but rounding up Christians is becoming something of an annual Christmas/New Years tradition in Iran. The Iranian Christians are evangelicals and are not members of a state-sanctioned religious community. They practice their faith in fear and secrecy in a country where Christians, Baha’is, Zoroastrians and Jews are tiny minorities. For anyone needing proof that ugly public words have ugly public consequences, Tehran Gov. Morteza Tamadon last year compared the arrested evangelicals to — are you sitting down? — the Taliban. “Just like the Taliban ... who have inserted themselves into Islam like a parasite, they (Iranian Christian evangelicals) have crafted a movement in the name of Christianity,” he told state-run news agency, IRNA. An Iranian Protestant pastor is awaiting execution after his death sentence was upheld in September. But not to worry. Egyptian journalist Ammar Ali Hassan of the daily newspaper Al-Masry AlYoum revealed the real perpetrator of the attacks upon Christians: “With careful consideration ... the incident could lead to other interpretations, especially the application of the Zionist conspiracy against national unity in Egypt.” That's right. It’s the Jews’ fault. Of course. Essam El-Irian of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood has combined conspiracy with delusion to avoid blaming fellow Muslims for the campaign against Christians. He believes “the Israeli Mossad was behind the incident,” and he does not rule out the possibility that al-Qaida may now be under Israeli operational control. It would all be laughable if it weren’t so deadly serious. The thing that so many conveniently overlook is that, in the midst of Christians fleeing the Middle East, Israel is the one nation in the region with a growing Christian population. Phillipe Fargues, director of the Euro-Mediterranean Consortium for Applied Research on International Migration, reports that in 1914, Christians constituted 26.4 percent of the total population in what is today Israel, the Palestinian areas, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria; by 2005, they represented at most 9.2 percent. However, between 1995 and 2007, Israel’s Christian population increased from 120,600 to 151,600 — 25 percent growth. The number continues to climb, but the canard that the Jewish state is hostile to Christians remains a constant refrain among Israel’s adversaries. Fortunately, many Christian leaders now recognize, and are speaking out against, the real enemies of their faith community.
ANSWERS 1. B The colors of the threads are generally translated as blue, red 2. A 28:16 The length and width of the breastplate of the High Priest was a “zeret”. It was folded over to make a pocket for the “Urim and Tumim”. 3. C 28:18 There were 12 precious stones attached to the breastplate of the High Priest. The stones were surrounded by a setting of gold. The
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Written by Rabbi Dov Aaron Wise
JEWISH LIFE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011
MODERN ORTHODOX SERVICE
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Daily Minyan for Shacharit, Mincha, Maariv, Shabbat Morning Service and Shalosh Seudas.
Sedra of the Week
Kiddush follows Shabbat Morning Services
By Rabbi Shlomo Riskin
RABBI HANAN BALK & ASSISTANT RABBI STUART LAVENDA
SHABBAT SHALOM: PARSHAT TETZAVE • EXODUS 27:20-30:10
Efrat, Israel — “And you shall make sacred garments for Aaron your brother for honor and glory”(Exodus 28:2). The Torah portion of Tetzaveh is wholly dedicated to Aaron and his children, the High Priest and the Holy Temple priesthood – without even a mention of Moses’ name throughout the reading. We are also given a precise description of the ritual by which they were consecrated for their Divine task, including the specific Sanctuary offerings which were to be brought. But what is most jarring to the modern ear—and especially to those of us who have become accustomed to the informality of Israeli dress is the painstaking description of the unique apparel of the priests, the eight special garments of the High Priest and the four special garments of the regular priests. The Torah itself commands, “and you shall make sacred garments for Aaron your brother for honor and glory” (Exodus 28:2). The Talmud stipulates that only when properly garbed, are the priests endowed with sanctity and permitted to minister in the Sanctuary (B.T. Zevahim 7). Is the Torah then teaching us that “clothes make the man?” What about internal characteristics of knowledge, virtue and commitment? I believe that upon deeper reflection we will come to understand that the priestly garb is not meant to endow sanctity but rather to inspire sanctity—as well as to instill within the priests the confidence that they can make the entire world sacred. Moreover, the Torah teaches that every Jew must see him/herself as a High Priest dressed in sacred vestments, a member of “a holy nation and a Kingdom of priests.” Immediately prior to the Revelation at Sinai there is a strange dialogue between G-d and Moses, in which the Almighty calls out to Moses, Moses attempts to ascend to the top of the mountain, G-d tells him to go down to the nation, Moses complains that the nation has been disallowed from ascending the mountain, and G-d again tells Moses to go down (Exodus 19:20-25). My revered
teacher and Rav J. B. Soloveitchik ZT”L explained that Moses thought, in accordance with the other religions, that spirituality means to leave the material world and ascend to the celestial spheres of the Divine; G-d explains to Moses that Jewish spirituality means to bring G-d down into the material world and sanctify it. This is indeed the basic function of Torah: to sanctify the kitchen and dining room with Kashrut, to sanctify the bedroom with family ritual purity, to sanctify the market-place with business ethics, to sanctify the calendar with holy days and sacred moments. Hence our Sages declare that what the Almighty truly has in this world is the four ells of halakha (religiolegal practices). The previous Torah portion of Terumah began with the Divine charge: “They shall make a Sanctuary for Me so that I may dwell among them.” G-d gave us a world—an imperfect, incomplete world with darkness and light, evil as well as good (Isaiah 45:7)—and expects us to perfect it, to re-make the world into a veritable Sanctuary so that the Divine will feel comfortable dwelling among us. This is the charge as well as the challenge, the model as well as the mission, of the Sanctuary In order to effect this, the High Priest must first see himself as being capable of carrying out such a formidable task, he must see himself as a powerful king, representing the King of all Kings, garbed in regal robes of honor and glory. And his dress expresses a message. Just as the ideal King of Israel dare not involve himself with opulent, material blandishments like numerous wives, horses, gold and silver, but instead must demonstrate his devotion to G-d by always having with him a copy of the Torah (Deuteronomy 17:16-20), so must the High Priest wear the “tzitz” on his forehead “always,” a gold head-band on a thread of tchelet (heavenly royal blue) on which was written “holy unto the Lord” (Exodus 28:36-38). And just as the ideal king of Israel must understand that his authority derives from the will of the people and for the sake of the people (Deuteronomy 17:18, 19 especially in accordance with the interpretation of the Ha’amek Davar and the Talmudic dictum that a king cannot relinquish the honor due
him because it is in actuality the honor of his nation, by whose will and for whose well-being he must rule), so the High Priest wears the breast-plate of justice over his heart, upon which were embroidered 12 precious stones upon which were written the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. “Aaron shall carry the names of the children of Israel in the breast-plate of judgment upon his heart when he enters the Holy Place as a constant reminder before the Lord” (Exodus 28:29). In order to succeed in his daunting task of perfecting the world in the Kingship of G-d, he must learn from his special garb to lead the priests in total devotion to G-d and the nation. And every Israelite must also see himself as a High Priest, as a proud representative of a holy nation and kingdom of priests. After all, does not the Israelite dress himself every day in his tefilin-phylacteries, the head tefilin atop his forehead on the place of the High Priest’s tzitz and the hand tefilin opposite his heart, the place where the breast-plate of the High Priest expressed the names of the 12 tribes? And the tefilin are called a symbol of glory (pe’er, Ezekiel 24:17), just as the regal robes are vestments of honor and glory (tife’eret—Exodus 28:2). In wearing the tefilin, the Jew becomes adorned with the four portions of the Torah—expressing love of G-d, fealty to commandments, the sanctity of the people of Israel and the sanctity of the land of Israel— placed in the tefilin batim (houselike repositories), much like the King is adorned with the copy of the Torah which must always accompany him. Moreover, the second traditional Jewish mens’ garb is the ritual fringes of the talit or talit katan (“Prayer Shawl”), featuring a thread of t’chelet (heavenly royal blue) which is a salient feature of the High Priest’s tzitz and is significantly called by the Bible “tzitzit,” or a junior tzitz. Every Jew must share in the mission to perfect the world, and must be inspired to do so by wearing the priestly, regal garments which teach commitment to G-d and commitment to nation. Shabbat Shalom Shlomo Riskin Chancellor Ohr Torah Stone Chief Rabbi — Efrat Israel
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JEWZ IN THE NEWZ
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Jewz in the Newz By Nate Bloom Contributing Columnist FLOWERS BLOOM AGAIN “Just Go With It,” (opens Friday, Feb. 11) promises to be the best romantic comedy that ADAM SANDLER, 45, and Jennifer Aniston, 41, have made in years. It’s based on the hit 1969 film, “Cactus Flower” (starring WALTER MATTHAU and GOLDIE HAWN). Sandler plays Dr. Daniel “Danny” Maccabee. He avoids long term relationships with women by telling them he’s married. He then meets Palmer, an unbelievably “hot” younger woman (played by Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker, 23.) Danny doesn’t tell Palmer he’s married, but she discovers his phony wedding ring and demands an explanation. He lies and tells her he’s just about to get a divorce—and enlists his dour and seemingly dowdy office manager (Aniston) to play his wife. Well, as you can guess, Aniston “cleans-up well” and Danny is smitten. He then has to try and get Palmer a new beau. Appearing in supporting roles are RACHEL DRATCH, 44, and RACHEL SPECTOR, 30, a very pretty actress. GRAMMYS 2011 The Grammy awards, for excellence in music, air on Sunday, Feb. 13, on CBS (8PM). There are about 100 Grammy award categories, but only about 20 awards are actually presented on TV. BARBRA STREISAND, 68, will appear briefly at the awards (on tape). She’s the winner of the Grammy “special merit” award for her charitable work. But her award is being presented at a separate ceremony two days before the TV event. Streisand is nominated for best traditional pop vocal album (“Love is the Answer”). She vies for this award with BARRY MANILOW (“Greatest Love Songs of All Time”). Nominated for best new artist is rap singer DRAKE, 24. Born Aubrey Graham Drake, he’s the son of a Canadian Jewish mother and an African American (nonJewish) father. He was raised Jewish and was a bar mitzvah. Drake is also up for three Grammys in rap music categories. Drake and superstar singer Rihanna will perform together at the Grammys. Another live musical number will be sung by the unlikely trio of GWYNETH PALTROW, rap singer Ce-Lo Green and the Muppets. Also up for four Grammys is ARI LEVINE, 26, a rap music
producer and songwriter. He cowrote and produced (different) songs by Ce-Lo Green and Bruno Mars that are nominated for record/song of the year. The Mars’ tune, “Nothin’ on You,” is a charming and catchy musical number. Last May, I interviewed Ari, a former Jewish day school student, for his hometown New Jersey Jewish paper. His parents took a big leap of faith when they allowed Ari to drop out of high school and go, instead, to a technical school to learn music producing, his first love (he got his G.E.D. and, later, a tech degree from a career college). Ari has also produced for MATISYAHU, the Orthodox reggae singer. Worthy of note: actress SELMA BLAIR, 38, is nominated for best spoken word album for children: “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl: The Definitive Edition.” BAT MITZVAH GIRL AS… Paltrow and Ce-Lo Green appeared together on the Jan. 7 episode of “SNL.” As I recently noted in this column, that episode featured a sketch in which Paltrow did a pretty good imitation of singer Taylor Swift entertaining guests at a bar mitzvah. David Sims, a critic for the Onion newspaper/website didn’t find the famous singer imitations and bar mitzvah jokes that amusing; but added: “[The sketch] worked because of VANESSA BAYER’s performance as Bar Mitzvah boy Jacob, who was compellingly embarrassed (‘I just wanted a modest luncheon!’). It called to mind many of the Bar Mitzvahs I attended as a kid. She had that wide-eyed stare just right. At this point, Bayer is obviously being groomed by the show; she definitely seems to get more screen time than the other featured players, but when she’s that good, it’s hard to object.” Bayer joined “SNL” this season and has scored with several sketches in which she has done a hilariously satirical version of teen superstar singer Miley Cyrus. A reader of this column who is very close to Ms. Bayer tells me that Bayer is Jewish and that she was a bat mitzvah in 1993. Bayer, like Oscar-nominated director LEE UNKRICH (“Toy Story 3”) grew-up in Chagrin Falls, a Cleveland suburb. She graduated from the Univ. of Pennsylvania and was with the famous Second City comedy troupe in Chicago before joining SNL. In 2008, she also co-starred in “Jewsical: The Musical,” a Second City spin-off that presented a gently comedic take on Jewish life.
FROM THE PAGES 100 Years Ago Samuel Zielonka, 25, a student at the University of Cincinnati Medical College, was struck by an automobile in front of the medical school on Clifton Avenue and was seriously injured Tuesday afternoon. Carl Iglauer, a well-known retired merchant, died February 1 at his home on Rose Hill Avenue, Avondale. Mr. Iglauer was for many years and up to the time of his retirement a member of the dry goods firm of Louis Stix and Co., and had a very large circle of relatives and friends. The funeral took place at the United Jewish Cemetery Friday afternoon.
Mrs. Martha Semmons, widow of Harry Semmons, died at her late residence, 655 June Street, after a lingering illness. She is survived by her four daughters, Mrs. Gus Rexinger, Miss Blanche and Rose Semmons, of this city, and Mrs. M. Jacobs, of Toledo, O., and two sons, Ben and Herman. The funeral was held at the residence and the burial at the Judah Torah Cemetery. Most of the cities and towns in the United States have the city delivery of the postoffices closed on Sundays and no deliveries made on that day. This is not
the case in Cincinnati, where the central postoffice and all of its branches are open for one hour on Sunday mornings. This necessitates one-half or more men working seven days in the week. A movement is on foot here now to have the Cincinnati postoffice closed on Sundays, and it has the Israelite’s unqualified support. Every man is entitled to one day of absolute rest out of every seven, and whenever it becomes of great importance to communicate with anyone on Sunday the special delivery or night telegraph letter can be used. — February 9, 1911
75 Years Ago Miss Sylvia Chaliff has left the Jewish Hospital to take a postgraduate course in surgery at Cornell Medical Center in New York City for six months. Mrs. May Baar Solomon, director of Camp Wenonah, Naples, Me., will be the guest of Mrs. Harold Moss next week, arriving Saturday, Feb. 22nd. A tea honoring Mrs. Solomon, Wenonah campers, their parent and friends, will be given at Vernon Manor, Sunday, Feb. 23rd, from 2 until 5 p.m. The first annual supper will be given
by the P.T.A. of Price Hill Talmud Torah Sunday, Feb. 16th, at 6:30 p.m. The president, Mrs. Abe Zimmerman, will preside. Morris Goldberg is co-chairman, assisted by Mesdames Jacob Granick, Meyer Shaw, Same Tempchin, Morris Kaplan, Frieda Michaelson, Sam Siskin, Wolf Artenstein, Morris Goldberg, Joseph Tahl and Jacob Feuer. Speakers are Rabbi Louis Feinberg, Dr. Emanuel Gamoran, Dr. Aziel L. Eisenberg, George Leiberman. Entertainment includes a solo by Cantor
Emil Rosen, accompanied by his daughter, Sylvia; and Henry Shaw in violin selection, accompanied by Miriam Kaplan. Wolf Turk, 63, of 3310 Perkins Avenue, passed away Thursday, February 6th. He had lived in Cincinnati the past 28 years. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Lena Turk; two daughters, Mrs. Anna Simon and Miss Dorothy Turk; and a son, Samuel. Services were held Friday, Feb. 7th, from Weil’s Funeral Home, Rabbi Bezalel Epstein officiating. — February 13, 1936
50 Years Ago For Hadassah’s Donor Luncheon, at the Hotel Netherland Hilton, Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 12 noon, a group of women constituting nearly one-eighth of Hadassah’s entire membership, is engaged in preparation of the event. Mrs. Donald Silverblatt is Donor chairman, with Mesdames Nathan Blackman, chairman, and Arnold Turtletaub and Ted Liebowitz, co-chairmen. Models at the Anne Frank Group’s Donor Luncheon, at Mabley’s Swifton Store Wednesday Feb. 22, at 12 noon: the Misses Gail Graff, Julie Shavzin, Mary Lee Shavzin, Gail Weintraub,
Alta Zimov, Marilyn Vigran, Elaine Petricoff, Naomi Krupnick, Ronna Katz, Lynn Gehler, Anita Rothfeld and Sandy Kaplan. Daniel M. Collier, 1050 Barry Lane, passed away Monday, Feb. 6. He was 55 years old. Mr. Collier was chairman of the board of directors of the Dan Cohen Co., show dealers. He was a graduate of Harvard University and a member of Wise Temple. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Regine A. Collier; their two sons, Daniel M. Collier, Jr., and Roger; and a sister, Mrs. June Kassel.
The Orthodox Jewish Home for the Aged, 601 Maple Avenue, held its 55th annual meeting Sunday, Jan. 29. Rabbi Eliezer Silver spoke. Mr. Jacob Jacobson is president of the home. George Rosen, on behalf of Mr. Jacobson, thanked the community for the co-operation, which has made the The Orthodox Jewish Home a better place to live. Special thanks were extended to Jewish Hospital, Sheltering Oaks, Hamilton County Welfare Department, Aid for the Aged, Community Chest, Jewish Vocational Service, and the Associated Jewish Agencies. — February 9, 1961
25 Years Ago Bishop Emerson S. Colaw, Dr. George Wesley Buchanan, and Dr. Reinhard Neudecker will participate in the second Bronstein Colloquium on Judaeo-Christian Studies at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, March 17- March 19. Dr. Jacob Petuchowski, Sol and Arlene Bronstein Professor of JudaeoChristian Studies, had organized the Colloquium. The second meeting of the Jewish Federation’s Vanguard Club, for contributors of $25,000 and over, was held at the home of Nancy and Gerald Robinson. Addressing the group was Jerusalem
Post Washington bureau chief, Wolf Blitzer. Mr. Blitzer spoke about his recent meetings with top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Dr. Harold K. Moss of 1617 East McMillan, a long-time Cincinnati internal medicine specialist who later specialized in headache research and therapy, passed away Feb. 2. He was 84 years old. He is survived by his wife, Norma; two daughters, Ann Meranus of Cincinnati and Mary Greenbaum of Louisville; and five grandchildren, Norman, James and David Meranus, Stacey and Elliot Greenbaum.
Dr. Douglas Goldman, psychiatrist and internist, passed away Friday, Feb. 7. He was 80. Dr. Goldman is survived by his wife, Evelyn; three sons, Don Rodan of New York, Douglas Goldman of Springfield, Ohio, and Dr. John Goldman of Hersey, Pa.; three daughters, Constance Goldman and Mrs. Susan Abel of Cincinnati and Grace Vonderbos of Tucson, Ariz.; two sisters, Mrs. Roslyn Freiberg of Cincinnati and Anita Smith of Cambridge, Mass.; one brother, Stanford Goldman of San Diego; 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild. — February 13, 1986
10 Years Ago Norman J. Ganson, 76, passed away January 28, 2001. He was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and was the son of the late Philip and Norma (Dubin) Ganson. Mr. Ganson is survived by his wife, Reva Ganson, and his children; Harriet and Elliot Pinta of Potomac, Md., Abbe and Brent Shapiro of Venice, Calif., Michael and Ellen Ganson, and Nancy and Steve Elkus. Surviving grandchildren are: Stephen and Philip Pinta, Samantha and Nicole Shapiro, Adam, Sarah and Philip Ganson, and Jeffrey and Bradley Elkus. Mr. Ganson is also survived by a sister and her husband: Rose and Sam
Goldstein. Mr. Ganson was a member of the Issac M. Wise Temple. Just a week into President George W. Bush’s “honeymoon” period, Jewish groups were questioning when he would make good on his campaign promise to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem. Bush received international attention during the presidential campaign when he told a conference of American Israel Public Affairs Committee that one of the first acts of his presidency would be to move the embassy, as mandated by Congress.
More than 100 community volunteers made Cedar Village Mitzvah Day 2000 a success on Dec. 25. Volunteers assisted staff working on Christmas and also filled in for staff members who were celebrating the holiday with their families. Volunteers served lunch in the employee break room, transported residents and helped set tables for lunch, as well as visiting with old friends and making new ones. The volunteers also washed dishes, inventoried medical equipment and served lunch and dinner. — February 8, 2001
CLASSIFIEDS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011
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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Access (513) 373-0300 • www.jypaccess.org 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) 754-3100 • cedarvillage.org Chevra Kadisha (513) 396-6426 Fusion Family (53) 703-3343 • www.fusionnati.org 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 Shalom Family (513) 703-3343 • www.myshalomfamily.org The Center for Holocaust & Humanity Education (513) 487-3055 • holocaustandhumanity.org Vaad Hoier (513) 731-4671 Workum Fund (513) 899-1836 • workum.org
CONGREGATIONS Adath Israel Congregation (513) 793-1800 • adath-israel.org Beit Chaverim (513) 984-3393 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 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 Cincinnati Hebrew Day School (513) 351-7777 • chds.shul.net Chabad Blue Ash (513) 793-5200 • chabadba.com HUC-JIR (513) 221-1875 • huc.edu JCC Early Childhood School (513) 793-2122 • mayersonjcc.org Kehilla - School for Creative Jewish Education (513) 489-3399 • kehilla-cincy.com 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 Jewish War Veterans (513) 204-5594 • jwv.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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production@ americanisraelite.com JFS from page 1 On Saturday night, Katz will encourage dialogue by sharing clips from his award-winning films as well as stories from his experiences working with the U.S. Marines, collegiate athletes and college fraternities. Particular features of Jewish American masculinity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries will be discussed. He will also illustrate how sports culture, comedy, advertising and other media depictions of men, women, sex and violence contribute to pandemic levels of gender violence. With humor, he will show how homophobia prevents many people from dealing honestly with sexism. Katz has lectured on hundreds of college and high school campuses, and has conducted hundreds of professional trainings, seminars and workshops in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Japan. He created and co-created several educational films including “Tough Guise: Violence, STUDENTS from page 4 small Jewish communities still exist and experienced the community’s challenges firsthand by volunteering in various projects. In addition to their volunteer work, JDC professionals taught the students about Ukraine’s Jewish community, history and current socio-economic climate. “Our daily interaction skipped the initial, typical awkward phase of meeting a new group of individuals,” said Josh Zimmerman of Cincinnati. “We all bonded the instant the YU constituency stepped off the plane in Kharkov, welcomed by towering signs of greeting and Russian songs. The friendships that progressed were tremendous to witness despite the widely ranging
Media, and the Crisis in Masculinity, “Wrestling with Manhood” and “Spin the Bottle: Sex, Lies and Alcohol.” He is also a recognized leader throughout the Jewish community in the area of domestic abuse prevention. While Katz is in Cincinnati, he will also present additional programs intended for specific audiences. High school students will learn how mainstream media such as video, sports, television and film promote violent behavior. This is co-sponsored by KULANUCincinnati Reform Jewish High School and Mercaz. Professionals will be eligible to earn 1.5 CEUs when Katz introduces them to a creative new way of conceptualizing the role of men in raising awareness about domestic violence. This is co-sponsored by Family Violence Prevention Project. For more information about these programs contact Jewish Family Service by phone or visit their website. backgrounds of the two groups.” The students were accompanied by Aliza Abrams, program director for the CJF’s Department of Service Learning and Experiential Education, and Rabbi Nehemia Taylor, who provided the Torah learning component of their studies, focusing on Jewish values and highlevel shiurim (lectures) about Jewish responsibility, community, prioritizing need and giving. “The goal of this mission was to impart to our students the importance of remembering that there are Jews and people all over the world in need of help,” said Abrams. “We wanted to engage the students in hands-on service that was meaningful, both to those volunteering and those benefitting from the work.”
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TRAVEL
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Louisville, Kentucky: Just add bourbon Wandering Jew
By Janet Steinberg Travel Editor For great whiskey, great food, and a great time head to Louisville, Ky. for a sensual, and sensory experience that’s truly unique to America. With Louisville serving as your home base, you will experience a colorful, flavorful and unique experience as you prepare to hit Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. But wait a minute. I’m getting ahead of myself. First, we checked into the 21c Museum Hotel, voted the number one hotel in the U.S. and number six in the world for Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2009. This avant-garde, nationally acclaimed, museum/hotel (opened in 2006) was developed by Louisville investors and contemporary art collectors Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown. The first of its kind, this 91-room hotel is dedicated to world-class luxuries, contemporary art from living artists, and Southern-style hospitality. The hotel features a 9,000 square foot contemporary art museum dedicated solely to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art of the 21st century. This stunning collection of cutting-edge art inspired the naming of the property and influenced the creation of the museum and hotel. As you approach the hotel, look for the fleet of 4-foot-tall red penguins that stand watch on the hotel’s rooftop and migrate throughout 21c daily. Cincinnati is eagerly awaiting its own fleet of penguins when a new 21c Museum Hotel appears on the site of the old Metropole Hotel in downtown Cincinnati. If you arrive in Louisville on a Sunday morning, with a humongous hunger (as we did), head for the Seelbach Hotel’s Oakroom and a brunch that features over 100 items and 40 distinct bourbons. For 11 consecutive years, The Oakroom has been — and continues to be — Kentucky’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant. The private dining room, tucked away in a corner, is where Al Capone dined with F. Scott Fitzgerald. The room had a concealed exit from which Capone could escape when advised that the cops were coming. Following brunch, get oriented at the “Kentucky Show,” an exhilarating 32-minute screening in the Kentucky Center. As Governor Beshear stated: “It captures our people, our geography, and our spirit. It tells what Kentucky is all about.”
For the rest of the afternoon, and any time that remains after distillery tours, explore a bit of Louisville. Museums such as the Muhammad Ali Center, the J.B. Speed Art Museum, and the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory (with the world’s largest bat leaning against the building) are not to be missed. For a bit of Jewish history, check out the former Adath Israel Jewish Temple that still stands regally on Third Street in downtown Louisville. In 1942, the Temple received congratulatory letters from both Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Albert Einstein on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its founding. Listed on the Historic Registry, this stately structure, now a Baptist church, sports a cross on its rooftop. To prep ourselves for the next morning’s Bourbon Trail, we began Sunday evening with cocktails on Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail at Maker’s Mark Bourbon House and Lounge. Located in the city’s vibrant Fourth Street Live! entertainment complex, the nearly 60 ft. long wood-topped bar features an entire wall of backlit Maker’s Mark bottles. While it bears the Maker’s Mark name, bourbons from all of Kentucky’s distilleries are available. Monday morning, before taking off from Louisville, we indulged ourselves with breakfast at Lynn’s Paradise Café. From the moment you spot the world’s largest cappuccino cup in the parking lot, you know you are in for a unique experience. And you’ll know you’re in Kentucky, the Bourbon Capital of the World, when you devour Lynn’s Bourbon Ball Milkshake or Bourbon Ball French Toast (as seen on Food Network’s “Throwdown with Bobby Flay”). During the holiday season, you can buy unique Chanukah Menorahs, dreidels, or neon Happy Chanukah signs, in Lynn’s Paradise gift shop. Time to hit the trail…the Kentucky Bourbon Trail! Allow at least three days if you choose to visit all six of the historic distilleries on the trail…Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, Maker’s Mark and Woodford Reserve. We opted to visit the latter two. Maker’s Mark is a National Historic Landmark, housed in a series of buildings dating back as far as 1805. Their bourbon is well known for its distinctive waxdipped bottle top. The tour took us through the entire process and around the grounds. Following the tour and a tasting, visitors are invited to dip a purchased bottle of Maker’s Mark into the signature red wax and purchase bourbon chocolates in the gift shop. When it’s time for lunch, head to The Old Talbott Tavern in nearby Bardstown. Dating back to 1779, The Tavern serves a classic Kentucky Burgoo slow simmered to perfection. Their beer-battered fried green tomatoes are also a must. Yum!
Returning to Louisville for dinner, we once again hit the Urban Bourbon Trail with dinner at Proof On Main. Housed in five historic buildings, Proof on Main is part of the aforementioned 21c Museum Hotel. Proof’s large spirits collection is highlighted by an impressive selection of 50 of Kentucky’s finest bourbons. Proof On Main offers the finest in libations and culinary creations. Before heading off for your second day’s distillery tour, experience breakfast at Toast on Market, in the NuLu (New Louisville) district of Market Street. Try the Huevos Ahogados (Drowned Eggs)…poached eggs, floating in a robust tomato cilantro sauce, or a delicate Lemon Soufflé Pancake… bursting with lemon flavor and adorned with vanilla custard and blueberry compote. Time to hit The Bourbon Trail again. Woodford Reserve, a National Historic Landmark in Versailles, Ky., is the oldest and smallest distillery in Kentucky. The distillery is housed in a series of stone buildings, all over 100 years old. Woodford Reserve makes only one bourbon… Woodford Reserve, the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. Here you will experience the only copper pot still and triple distillation process used to handcraft bourbon today. Lunch at the unpretentious Wallace Station in Versailles is as down-home Kentucky as it gets. There’s the Bourbon Trail Triple Crown sandwich, or their Big Brown Burger. Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” named The Big Brown one of his Top 5 burgers! Top off your Kentucky Bourbon Trail lunch with a Chocolate Bourbon Bon Bon from the pastry counter. Amazing! At the end of our trail, as thoughts turned home to Cincinnati, we opted for a dining finale at the Louisville restaurant of Cincinnati’s own Jeff Ruby. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, a Las Vegas-style New York steakhouse was dubbed “The most popular white tablecloth restaurant in Louisville.” It received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence in 2009. Perfection…Jeff Ruby style. Locals call it LOO-uh-vul; visitors call it LOUIE-ville. Some wrongly opt for LEWIS-ville or LUH-vul. But no matter how you pronounce it, one fact remains for sure…Day-tripping from Louisville is the one getaway where smooth mellow flavors, rich traditions, big city sophistication and gentle relaxed countryside all mingle together to create an experience unlike anything else in the world. Personally, I’m just a plain ole LOU-natic! (Top-bottom) Jean Dubuffet’s “Perceval” in front of The Kentucky Center for the Performing arts; Hand dipping the red wax bottle seals at Maker’s Mark Distillery; Parking lot with pizazz at Lynn’s Paradise Café; Fleet of penguins stand watch on the roof of the Museum 21c Hotel.
Janet Steinberg is an award-winning Travel Writer, International Travel Consultant, and winner of 38 national Travel Writing Awards.
ALL ABOUT FOOD/AUTOS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2011
Homemade Israeli Style Hummus All About Food
By Zell Schulman Recipe Editor The culinary world entered my life 30 years ago and was purely serendipity! Had I known taking cooking classes from Marilyn Harris at H. & S. Pogue’s department store (no longer on Fourth Street downtown) would turn into a career connecting me to food writers, chefs and TV stars from all over the world, I would have told my friends and family “they don’t know what they are talking about.” Sharing my column, “The Modern Jewish Cook,” special features and book reviews with The American Israelite’s readership, for more than 18 years, gave me the courage to have my own books published. Five to be exact. Only one, “Passover Seders Made Simple,” (Wiley Publishers) can be found at your favorite book store or on Amazon. Today as I look back and realize people like Julia Child, Simon Beck, authors of “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” outstanding, Jewish author Joan Nathan and Matthew Goodman, a journalist and columnist for the Jewish Forward, became my teachers, traveling companions, fellow writers and friends I would have to say, the culinary world fulfilled dreams I never thought would come true. After retiring from the Israelite, I wrote on food and Jewish holiday celebrations, for Taste Cincinnati magazine, as well as the Internet and a variety of community newspapers. There are so many new and wonderful things happening in the world of food today. I can’t wait to share them with you. I’ll bring information about new Kosher products which have come on the market and how you can include them in your daily menus for family meals, holiday celebrations and entertaining. I will interview outstanding Jewish cooks living right here in our local community sharing their favorite recipes with you.
When you have food questions, ideas, or recipes you’re looking for, please e-mail me at editor@americanisraelite.com or go to our website, www.americanisraelite.com. I’m looking forward to sharing my culinary world with you. The first of many recipes we will be sharing together follows. This recipe is one of my favorite “noshes.” Quick and easy, you’ll usually find it sitting in my refrigerator, waiting to be spread on fresh pita bread, a cracker or become the filling in a celery stick, the icing on a cucumber slice or just a little bit on the tip of my finger. You can’t go wrong with this one. Sure you can pick packaged hummus up at your favorite deli counter, super market or specialty store, but it won’t taste as good as homemade. Hummus Israeli Style 4 to 6 servings I found this recipe in a Bon Appetite magazine and adapted it for my taste. The ingredient that makes the hummus special and gives you just the right flavor and texture, are the canned garbanzo beans (chickpeas) made in Israel. They’re canned in a liquid, which drains easily, not the thick coating usually found in most other canned chick peas. Look for them in the kosher departments of the Blue Ash Kroger or the Remke/Biggs on Highland Avenue off of Ridge Road. If you don’t own a food processor, use a blender or your electric mixer. Ingredients • One 15.5 ounce can Israeli Chickpeas, drained • 1 small garlic clove, minced or finely chopped • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, Divided • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (2 medium lemons) • 1/2 teaspoon sugar • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin Food Processor Method 1. Place the beans, garlic and 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and the lemon juice in the bowl of the food processor. Pulse two or three times. 2. Add the remaining olive oil, sugar and cumin. Process until very smooth, about 1 minute. Remove from the bowl into a one quart container. 3. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and chill at least one hour. Serve with pita crisps or crudités. Zell’s Tips: This can be prepared one week ahead.
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2011 Audi A5 — beauty and comfort The A5 is a comfortable and rewarding car to drive. It offers beauty and fuel economy, with highway mileage of over 30 mpg. The engine in the A5 is a turbocharged 4 cylinder that produces 211 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque. The coupe comes standard with all-wheel drive, while that is an option for the cabriolet. The 2011 Audi A5 is available in coupe and cabriolet (convertible) body styles. Both styles offer three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The Premium level comes with: 18-inch wheels, foglights, cruise control, eight-way power front seats, leather upholstery, a dash-mounted Multi Media Interface (MMI) controller and a 10-speaker CD audio system. The Premium Plus adds different wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlights, LED running lamps and taillights, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats, Bluetooth and an iPod/USB audio interface. The A5 Prestige comes standard with the equipment in the Navigation package and further adds keyless ignition/entry, autodimming exterior mirrors, driver
memory functions and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system (optional on the Premium Plus).
The engine in the A5 is a turbocharged 4 cylinder that produces 211 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque. For those who want to spice up the drive a bit, the Sport package is available and comes with: 19-inch wheels, high-performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats and shift paddles for the automatic transmission. Every 2011 Audi A5 comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0liter inline-4 engine that produces 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of
torque. Every coupe comes standard with all-wheel drive; a sixspeed manual transmission is standard and the eight-speed automatic is optional. Standard safety features on the A5 include: antilock brakes that stop the car from 60 mph in just 108 feet. Other features include stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. On the Prestige, the buyer may choose a blind-spot warning system and adaptive cruise control. The interior of the 2011 Audi A5 offers a console-mounted version of the MMI controller—it’s definitely the most user-friendly MMI. The front seats are comfortable and the buyer may choose to upgrade to sport seats. The rear seat folds down to accommodate larger items, a welcome convenience in a luxury two-door, and the trunk has 11.4 cubic feet of storage space. The 2011 Audi A5 offers superb handling from the all-wheel drive system. The standard speed-sensitive power steering system is very precise. Pricing on the 2011 Audi A5 starts at $36,900.
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OBITUARIES
THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE ONLINE - MAKOR - THE SOURCE/CINCINNATI @ WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM
DEATH NOTICES
young adults, which is an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation. The evening will take place in the Westin’s famous Fountain Room, overlooking Fountain Square, where guests will break the ice over cocktails, appetizers and conversation starters while they go on dozens of “mini dates” all in the same evening. Then, if there’s chemistry in the air, there’ll be plenty of opportunities for more one-on-one time when the group hits some of downtown Cincinnati’s hottest bars for a special Saturday Night HeBREW Happy Hour Hop! “This is Access’ third Speed Dating event, and the second to be open to the entire region,” explains Rachel Plowden, program coordinator. “Last year, nearly 100 people participated in the event, with a large percentage coming from oth-
PYNE, Dorothy, age 81, died on January 25, 2011, 20 Shevat 5771. MARKMAN, Dr. Sidney D., age 99, died on January 27, 2011, 22 Shevat 5771. COHEN, Phyllis, age 78, died on February 2, 2011; 28 Shevat 5771. OSTROW, Suzanne G., age 80, died on February 3, 2011; 30 Shevat 5771. STAMLER, Alvin, age 80, died on February 5, 2011, 1 Adar 5771. GOLDBERG, Stanley, age 85, died on February 5, 2011, 1 Adar 5771. GOLDBERG, Pat, age 91, died on February 6, 2011, 2 Adar 5771.
OBITUARIES POCKROS, Milton N. Milton N. (Mickey) Pockros, 83, (Hebrew name: Moshe Nachum) born in Cincinnati, where he lived most of his life until retiring to Boca Raton, Fla., passed away on January 27, 2011, in Los Angeles, Calif. Mr. Pockros was survived by daughters, Barbara Pockros, and Elizabeth Dikinis, both of Tucson, Ariz., and Margaux Ross of Los Angeles, Calif.; grandchildren, James Mooney of Austin, Texas, and Courtney Ross of Los Angeles, Calif.; and great-grandchildren, James and Brandon Mooney. Mr. Pockros was the loving brother of Leah Pockros Gerber, who still resides in Cincinnati. Mr. Pockros was pre-
SNYDER from page 1
Milton N. Pockros
deceased by his parents, Frieda Richter Pockros and Edward Pockros. Mr. Pockros was an avid golfer and a member of the Losantiville Country Club. He always cherished his years at Walnut Hills High School and the family would appreciate any donations to Walnut Hills High School scholarship fund, which can be made online or by mail to WHHS Alumni Foundation, 3250 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45207, (notation in memory of Milton N. Pockros for allocation to scholarship fund); or donations to Chai Hopes Fund at Cedar Village sent to Cedar Village, 5467 Cedar Village Dr., Mason, Ohio 45040, would be appreciated. Per Mr. Pockros’ wishes, cremation is taking place in Los Angeles. Graveside services will be held in Cincinnati at a later date.
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ers cities in the area. Many matches were made, some of which are still going strong! For those who feel they already know all the eli-
gible Jewish men and women in their own community, this is a perfect opportunity to meet a whole new group of people, all who live within a reasonable driving distance of each other!” For anyone coming from out of town, Access has secured a special rate for event participants at the Westin Hotel. There is no cost to participate in this event, however, hotel accommodations, meals and drinks at the HeBREW Happy Hour Hop go on each individual’s own tab. This event is strictly limited to Jewish men and women between the ages of 21–35. Advance reservations are mandatory. Space is limited and will be allotted on a first come, first served basis. For more information about hotel reservations and other general inquiries, please visit the Access listing on the community directory page of this issue of the The American Israelite.
plained in late November about the article and illustration. While the image of the devil is not exclusively anti-Semitic, he said in an interview, “I believe if it’s used against a Jew, its impact is antiSemitic. ... If you’re asked to make an apology, you should.” But David Friedman, director of the Anti-Defamation League’s Washington region, says that context is important. Snyder is “being demonized because people are angry about his ownership, not because he’s a Jew,” Friedman said. There is nothing in the article to suggest a motive of anti-Semitism, he said, noting that the article does not mention Snyder being Jewish. Yet Friedman also said, “If you’re going to play with caricatures, you have to vet that very well.”
Others agreed that nothing in the article suggested anti-Semitic intent. Even though that type of devil image has been used in anti-Semitic imagery, said Ron Halber, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Committee of Greater Washington, the City Paper illustration “does not strike me as antiSemitic, and I have a very sensitive antenna for anti-Semitism.” If anything, Halber said, it reflects poorly on the paper. “It strikes me as childish and immature,” he said. “It’s like the paper printed a professional photo that a kid touched up.” Jewish fans of the Redskins, and of football in general, also don’t see anti-Semitism in the illustration — at least not according to an informal Washington Jewish Week online survey and interviews with Washington-area Jews.
decline sharply in recent years from 800 to 650. In the past nine years, the report notes, there has been a 14 percent drop in membership. In 2008, three Canadian synagogues — among them the largest movement-affiliated congregation in North America — quit the USCJ claiming, among other things, that the organization was not providing a decent return for their membership dues. Then, on the eve of Wernick’s appointment as president, the USCJ came under withering criticism by
some of the movement’s most successful rabbis, who in a coalition calling itself Hayom (“Today”) called for a new strategic planning process. United Synagogue was largely responsive to Hayom’s demands and has billed the strategic plan as a joint effort between the two. Rabbi Michael Siegel, a Chicago rabbi and leader of Hayom, said the plan represented a “huge step forward” and a “bold move” on the part of the USCJ leadership. Nevertheless, he said, it is only a first step.
National Jewish Coming Out Day. The fast of Esther may seem a bit austere for such a commemoration, but actually it possesses a potent acknowledgment of the fears and the dangers of those in the closet and holds a place for the confusion and disruption that the coming out of a loved one can have for family and friends. Those actually using the day to come out may indeed wish to employ the fast in order to center themselves in clarity, prayer and soulful preparation. Perhaps in
those last moments of the Fast of Esther, just before the reveling of Purim begins, it is the right time to start telling the truth. Others may wish to skip the strum and drang and come out to friends and family on the day of Purim, as a celebration of Esther’s courage. In either case, the moment is perfect for the taking off of masks and conveying, perhaps for the first time, that our story is a Jewish one.
PROFESSIONALS from page 1
AND
“The story didn’t mention Snyder’s religion at all,” said the publication’s City Desk blog on Feb. 2. “And the illustration is meant to resemble the type of scribbling that teenagers everywhere have been using to deface photos for years. The image of Snyder doesn’t look like an ‘anti-Semitic caricature’ — it looks like a devil.” Deborah Lipstadt, an antiSemitism expert and Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish and Holocaust Studies and Emory University, agrees. “Of course Jews were seen as Devil-like in the Middle Ages,” she said in an e-mail. “But I don’t see it as an overtly Jewish thing.” Cooper believes the paper erred in not apologizing for the image when the Redskins owner first comPLAN from page 1 The movement endured a bruising battle in 2006 as it sought to formulate its policy toward gay clergy, and the economic recession has dealt a punishing blow to the movement’s flagship institution, the Jewish Theological Seminary. But the movement’s troubles have been most acutely felt within the United Synagogue, which has faced its own serious budget gaps and seen its member congregations
Speed daters will go on dozens of mini dates and maybe meet their match.
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LETTERS from page 16 which is nothing less than God’s invitation to us to start looking for Him. We too, find our journey in both inward and outward movements. Often we work behind the scenes nurturing a life apart, a sense of privacy and clarity. And when the moments come to stand for one’s inner truths, for principle, or for one’s people, then we must turn inside out and witness, loud and proud and sure. The time has come for a
Rabbi Steven Greenberg
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SHOW CASE 11 SUNDAY, MARCH 6 11-4 @ THE NEW JCC 8485 RIDGE ROAD, CINCINNATI, OHIO 45236
From Caterers to DJs, the Party Planning Showcase has everything you need to make your event something to celebrate! Come join us for this FREE extravaganza and learn what’s new and what’s hot. Don’t miss out on the Booths, Raffle Prizes and FREE Food plus everything you’ll need to throw the best party ever, no matter the occasion.
Showcasing only the best Balloons, Cakes, Caterers, DJs, Flowers, Photographers & More! Whether you are planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding, Sweet 16, Prom or Graduation Party, the Party Planning Showcase will be the only place to be. FREE ADMISSION. Sponsored by The American Israelite & Artrageous Desserts
To reserve booth space or for more information, contact Teri Scheff at 793-6627 / dezert@aol.com or Ted Deutsch at 621-3145 / publisher@americanisraelite.com