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Cottage cheese becomes symbol of Israeli frustration with rising food prices
JCRC’s annual meeting, with Cinti, Israel bridge By Mike McCracken Assistant Editor
The Rise and Fall of Anthony Weiner
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Argentine gov’t official joins campaign to expose junta’s antiSemitic past
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Meet Australia’s Aborigine who is president of her Orthodox shul
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On June 14, the Mayerson Jewish Community Center hosted the annual meeting of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). The JCRC elected new board members Chris Bortz, Michelle Kohn, Steven P. Miller, Robert A. Oestreicher, and John Youklis for the 2011-2012 term. The annual meeting highlighted The Cincinnati-Israel Bridge. In his opening remarks, JCRC President Gary Greenberg expressed the importance of bridge building, both to Cincinnati and Israel, specifically because of their “shared cultural values.” He went on to quote Haim Harari of Israel, stating that “culture is important in creating the conditions for the betterment of humankind.” Mr. Greenberg listed those values and practices that result in a successful culture: “learning from other cultures and technologies, not blaming others for one’s own failures, investing in education and learning, and hard work.” He said that one of the purposes of the evening was to focus on sharing the “intellectual wealth of the Cincinnati region and Israel.” Steve Shifman, JCRC Vice President, then spoke about how the bridge between Cincinnati and Israel was jump-started last November, thanks to numerous sponsors. The resulting mission trip to Israel included thirty top business leaders, venture capitalists, and investors from companies in Cincinnati. Mr. Shifman said that the trip represented a first-time visit to Israel for many in the group, individuals who wanted to see “what makes Israel such a great place to develop businesses.” Mr. Shifman commented that the mission of the JCRC is to protect and advocate on behalf of Israel. One key way to do this is to look “beyond the conflict” and highlight for Cincinnatians that a relationship with
City Councilman Chris Bortz, Robert A. Oestreicher, Greg Landsman, Eric Greenberg, and Councilman Cecil Thomas
Israel can be an asset. “Our trade mission was an incredible opportunity to introduce Israel to some of Cincinnati’s most influential investment and business leaders,” Mr. Shifman explained. “These first-time visitors gained personal knowledge of Israel beyond the conflict. The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber board members saw Israel as a thriving center for innovation and entrepreneurship as well as a warm, vibrant, and inviting place to visit and to do business. We anticipate many opportunities for cooperation and development between Cincinnati USA and Israel emerging from this trip.” Ellen van der Horst, spoke about her experience organizing and participating in the trade mission — noting how there are now 400 international
businesses operating in Cincinnati, employing more than 40,000 people. The evening proceeded to a round-table discussion that included Bob Coy, Dr. Marc Levitt and Jerry Kathman. Moderated by Steve Shifman, the panel discussed existing and new ways in which the relationship between Cincinnati and Israel can be a success. The discussion concluded with a look at where the bridge between Cincinnati and Israel will take us in the next five to seven years. Dr. Levitt suggested that many more children from Israel will be able to be helped locally. He also spoke of collaboration between Israeli and Cincinnati doctors and improved care in Israel. Mr. Kathman spoke about “expanding opportunities” in both countries. In her closing remarks, Jessica
Stone Creek Dining Company
Mercaz Conservative Hebrew High School Graduation p.11
The Jewish Hospital becomes an EPIC Hospital p.20
Baron, JCRC Vice President, explained that one of the most central aspects of the organization’s mission is to continue building, strengthening and promoting the bridge with Israel. She explained, “We are proud of Israel’s achievements both in terms of the benefit we derive as Jews and as Americans, as well as the numerous ways in which Israeli innovation continues to benefit people worldwide. We delight in these achievements for the progress they inspire around the globe, and because we are convinced that sharing Israel's accomplishments is the best way to motivate people – both here at home in Cincinnati and elsewhere around the world – to support the Jewish State at a time when so many others seek to undercut it.” JCRC on page 19
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LOCAL • 3
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
Peace of the City Dinner honors Dick Weiland To a standing ovation of 500 guests, Dick Weiland was honored Sunday June 5, 2011 at the Peace of the City dinner at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, which benefited 39 Cincinnati nonprofit organizations representing human services, healthcare, education, and the arts. Jewish Family Service and Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati took the lead role in restoring this event. Cincinnati native US Senator Rob Portman was the special guest speaker. He thanked the nonprofit agencies in attendance for creating a lasting value and impact on the quality of lives in Cincinnati. He also thanked Weiland for his decades of devoted commitment to supporting these organizations. Weiland is the Founder and President of Richard Consulting Corporation, a public relations consulting agency that provides lobbying and mediation skills to over sixty companies and numerous non-profit organizations. He is a tireless community activist whose work has enhanced the quality of life in Cincinnati, the states of Ohio and Kentucky, and throughout the nation. “He has the ability to bounce back from adversity,” Portman said of Weiland. “Dick was even holding anti-drug legislation meetings from his hospital bed, while recovering from a major health scare.” On a lighter note, Portman also pretended to have accidentally put on Weiland’s coat instead of his own. He then pulled out everything from multiple cell phones
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U.S. Senator Rob Portman with Dick Weiland
and envelopes to two ties — one with elephants, the other with donkeys — showing that Weiland can flip party allegiance at a moment’s notice to the benefit of nonprofits. “Dick cares so deeply about our community,” said Beth Schwartz, Executive Director of Jewish Family Service. “He is so often a voice for the vulnerable, a fighter against injustice, and an advocate for the common good. He’ll take on any job large or small. He’s always willing to tackle a problem, lobby for a cause, and battle for threatened funds.” Shep Englander, CEO of Jewish Federation of Cincinnati added that Dick is an “icon — an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance. He proves that if it really matters, keep pushing; we don’t have to accept ‘No’ as an
answer; and that one person (even a person with a wrinkled suit and a stained tie) really can effect powerful change.” Schwartz presented Weiland with a shofar held in a Jerusalem stone stand. “This shofar represents your calling out to the community,” she said. “The engraved plate on the stand, which repeats the meaning of the Peace of the City award, reads, ‘In recognition of your dedication to creating a fair, equitable and just society for all.’” The event closed with benedictions by Rabbi Gary Zola with American Jewish Archives and Rev. Damon Lynch, Jr. of New Jerusalem Baptist Church. Photos and a video with additional tributes to Weiland are all available on the JFS website.
Cedar Village to host ‘The Sunshine Boys’ performance The Sunshine Boys, a comedy by the noted playwright, Neil Simon, will make a brief appearance at Cedar Village on Tuesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. The prize-win-
ning comedy focuses on the bickering relationship of two former vaudeville partners, and will be a professional production performed the by Blue Chip Players.
Originally produced on Broadway and directed by Alan Arkin, the play was later adapted for film and television. Admission is free.
Check out ‘What’s Happening’ on The American Israelite website Plus this week’s Facebook Fan of the Week Want to keep track of upcoming Jewish themed events happening in the Cincinnati area? By viewing The American Israelite
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Website’s What’s Happening tab, you can. Updated on a daily basis, sometimes including stories that did not make it into the print edition, the What’s Happening section will keep you informed of a variety of local events which are coming up. Simply by clicking on the What’s Happening heading on
The American Israelite Website’s homepage, you can stay informed. Remember to stick with the oldest for what’s new. Also, congratulations to Sheryl Smilan Harris, this week’s Facebook Fan of the Week. Don’t forget to “like” us, for your chance to be the Fan of the Week!
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Ladies Pool and Spa Day at the J, July 12 Ladies are invited to an afternoon of pampering and relaxation on Tuesday, July 12 at the Mayerson JCC, noon to 3 p.m. The Ladies Pool and Spa Day at the J is a time for women to unwind and socialize at the J’s outdoor pool. This event is open to
all women, ages 18 and older. J Members receive a discounted price. Advance registration is required by calling the J. Enjoy a fresh lunch complete with dessert and a champagne spritzer (for ages 21+) while resting under the outdoor tent or get-
ting some sun. Ladies will receive a mini facial and mini massage included in the package, and guests are encouraged to arrive early to reserve a specific time for these ten-minute spa treatments. Ladies can also choose to complete a fun craft activity or simply
relish the summer afternoon. “This afternoon pool and spa event is the perfect opportunity for ladies to relax with friends and enjoy some pampering,” said Lydia Mikenas, aquatics director at the J. “Space is limited to thirty spots, so if you’re interested, sign up now!”
J Café now offers new Grab and Go menu Healthy eating in the summertime can be simple: just head over to the J Café at the Mayerson JCC for the new Grab and Go menu. You’ll be able to enjoy healthy, delicious food, while staying out of the kitchen and away from fast food lines. Grab what you want from the J Café cooler, ring it up, and be on your way. The J Café is open to the public and convenient-
ly located right near the front entrance of the J. J Café Grab and Go items are an easy way to get nutritious, affordable meals all summer long. Customers can avoid waiting in line by choosing readymade yogurt parfaits, hummus, tuna salad wraps, Israeli couscous salad, vegetable cups and more. Stop by to grab lunch as
you head to the pool, or as a quick stop on the way home from work. An entire menu of healthy meals is available for order at the J Café, including salads, flatbread pizzas, sandwiches, paninis, bagels and more. The menu offers a wide array of vegetarian options, and all items are kosher. Seven Hills Coffee is brewed daily and
available iced for the summer. Comfortable seating with huge floor-to-ceiling windows, in addition to an outdoor courtyard eating area, provides ample space for anyone wishing to eat at the J. The J Café is open Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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VOL. 157 • NO. 48 THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011 21 SIVAN 5771 SHABBAT BEGINS FRIDAY 8:50 PM SHABBAT ENDS SATURDAY 9:51 PM THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE CO., PUBLISHERS 18 WEST NINTH STREET, SUITE 2 CINCINNATI, OHIO 45202-2037 Phone: (513) 621-3145 Fax: (513) 621-3744 publisher@americanisraelite.com editor@americanisraelite.com production@americanisraelite.com RABBI ISSAC M. WISE Founder, Editor, Publisher, 1854-1900
Wise Temple Brotherhood hosts Men’s Health Night On Thursday, June 9, 2011, the Isaac M. Wise Temple Brotherhood hosted an exciting and informative Men’s Health Fair. The evening, which was well attended by both men and women, was kicked off with a healthy meal prepared by Mr. Ed Waterman and the assistance of the Temple Brotherhood. All of the speakers were Temple Brothers. Dr. Michael Schmerler, MD, FACP, FAAN, a neurologist with Riverhills Neuroscience, dis-
cussed “Memory: Your Private Literature.” His presentation focused on the various types of memory and ways to enhance short-term memory as we age. Some time was spent discussing the contribution of a healthy diet and the role of B vitamins. The second presentation, given by Dr. Marc C. Schneider, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with The Christ Hospital Orthopaedic Associates, focused on “Common Orthopedic Problems: Tips for Avoiding Surgery.” Typical
injuries affecting the shoulders, hips, and knees were presented as well as tips for maintaining joint integrity and limiting stress to the joints. The role of good health, proper diet, and ideal body weight were discussed. Finally, Dr. Jay E. Rissover, MD, an internist with Blue Ash Internal Medicine, gave an enlightening presentation on “Vitamin D and Your Bones; Should You Be Taking It?” Dr. Rissover provided cutting edge data on the importance of supple-
menting the diet with Vitamin D and calcium. Although adults rarely get osteomalacia, which is softening of the bones, low levels of Vitamin D and calcium can be at the root of numerous medical conditions. Moderator and chair of this event, Dr. Dale Horne, commented, “My thanks goes out to all of those who attended for their interest and great questions. Planning for next year’s Men’s Health Fair has already begun. We look forward to seeing everyone their!”
Israeli, local scouts join for international exchange Camp Friedlander, Congregation Beth Adam and the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati will host eight 14-year-old male and female Scouts from Netanya, Israel, as part of an international cultural program from Thursday, June 23 – Tuesday, July 12. This is the 9th consecutive year of this program. The Israeli Scouts will camp and learn with over 500 North American Boy Scouts, including many from the Greater Cincinnati area. The teens will stay at Camp Friedlander for two one-week sessions. Each week emphasizes different “Scouting” skills development. The camp offers merit badge classes as its main daily activity, in addition to complementary programs, which includes a high ropes leadership-training course. “The greatest benefit of the Israeli Scout program is the American Scouts’ exposure to a different way of Scouting,” said Jason Baldridge, Program Camping Director of the Dan Beard Council. There are Scouting programs in just about every country in the world,
Each week emphasizes different “Scouting” skills development. The camp offers merit badge classes as its main daily activity, in addition to complementary programs, which includes a high ropes leadership-training course. but for most American Scouts they never learn much about those other programs. It’s exciting to see how intrigued the Scouts are in just the differences in uniforms – trading American uniform parts for Israeli uniform parts is probably the favorite pastime of those weeks of camp.” For many of the American Scouts, this is their first interaction with individuals from Israel. This program enables the Scouts to act as ambassadors of their individual cultures and lifestyles while building personal leadership and
growth, and developing one-toone connections with others from across the globe. “When teen boys from our area have a chance to meet and get to know a young person from another land, they learn to empathize with the lives and needs of others. While the teens from Israel have much in common with Greater Cincinnati area Scouts, this opportunity provides a chance for our Scouts to get to know other youth at a level that is much more meaningful than almost any other source,” says,
Greg Brownfield, Field Director for the Dan Beard Council. The Israeli Scouting program was developed by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s Partnership 2000 Program (P2K) under the leadership of Alan Brown, board member and Cochair of Partnership 2000 of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. Partnership 2000’s mission is to create people-to people connections between residents of Cincinnati and Netanya, Israel, with an emphasis on youth. While in Cincinnati and not at camp, the Israeli Scouts will stay with host families from Congregation Beth Adam located in Loveland, Ohio. While with the host families, the Scouts will experience Cincinnati living, with visits to Krohn’s Conservatory and the Cincinnati Park Board, a service project with IHN (Interfaith Hospitality Network), potluck dinner at Congregation Beth Adam and a Red’s baseball game. In addition, they will witness different shades of Judaism and how American Jews connect with Israel.
LEO WISE Editor & Publisher, 1900-1928 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 NICOLE SIMON RITA TONGPITUK Assistant Editors ALEXIA KADISH Copy Editor JANET STEINBERG Travel Editor STEPHANIE DAVIS-NOVAK Fashion Editor SONDRA KATKIN 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 MICHAEL MAZER Sales ERIN WYENANDT Office Manager
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 columnists of The American Israelite do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the newspaper.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
How an Access event turned into happily ever after… For six young married couples, the age old question: “How did you two meet” will always begin the same way, “We met at an Access event!” Even though it’s far from a singles’ group, dozens of serious relationships have blossomed over the years as a result of the many events and programs that Access offers each month to help Jewish young professionals connect to one other and to the Jewish community. “There has been about one wedding a year for the last four years, and another one is set for this coming October,” explains Pam Saeks, Director of Jewish Giving for The Mayerson Foundation. “We are so glad to have been able to play a role in helping to bring these couples together!” For the last several years, Access has hosted a Regional Speed Dating event on Valentine’s Day weekend. Each time, nearly 100 Jewish young professionals have come from Cincinnati and cities such as Columbus, Dayton, Louisville, and Indianapolis to participate. “For anyone who’s still searching for Mr. or Ms. Right, this event is the perfect way to fast track all your first dates and meet dozens of the region’s most eligible Jewish young professionals all in one night,” says Rachel Plowden,
Access Event Coordinator. “Those who want to get to know each other better have plenty of time to get together after the event when the group hits the downtown clubs. And if there’s chemistry in the air, they end up going out on a date a few days or weeks later,” she adds. Some serious relationships have developed as a result of the speed dating events, and in April of this year, Bree Rosen and Michael Bergman became Access’ first speed dating couple to get engaged. “For us it was an immediate connection!” says Bree, who is originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado and works for the Jewish Federation. “We honestly don’t think we would have met in another situation.” “We are both so thankful to The Mayerson Foundation for the unbelievable work they have done over the past years in energizing and bringing together Cincinnati Jewish Young Professionals,” explains Michael, a native Cincinnatian and a Marketing and Social Media Manager. “Cincinnati is a small city, but from personal experience we know it has much more to offer young Jewish professionals than many larger cities. It’s often difficult to find someone you’d really like to date, and our advice is to be
Newly engaged couple, Bree Rosen and Michael Bergman
open about trying new things. If we both hadn’t participated in Access’ Speed Dating event, we probably wouldn't be together now and on our way to getting married!” he adds. “Access enabled us to find each other and we will always be grateful for that.” In addition to speed dating events, Access offers Jewish young professionals ample opportunities to meet one another at the many events, programs and parties that it hosts more than 50 times a year.
Stephanie and Jack Rubin, the very first couple to get married as a result of meeting at an Access event, actually got engaged at the Mayerson Foundation. “The first time we met was at an Access party that was being held in the Mayerson Foundation’s beautiful penthouse office and art gallery. It just felt right to propose to Stephanie in the place we originally met,” explains Jack, who is originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, and works in Marketing. “The
Mayerson Foundation staff helped make it all possible. It was truly an evening we will never forget.” “We are proud to be the first members of Access’ “couples’ club!” says Stephanie, who is from Reston, Virginia and works in Customer Business Development. “We can’t thank the Mayerson family enough for starting Access and for continuing to fund the program. It has helped a number of us find our partners and hundreds of others find a true community here. I can say with certainty that without Access, I would not still be living in Cincinnati. Ironically, it was at Access’ mock wedding reception for a fictitious couple back in 2006 when Roshelle and Ben Rodriguez met for the first time. Although they didn’t start dating right away, they kept seeing each other at subsequent Access events, and established a friendship. Finally, at an Access website launch party in 2007 they started dating… and the rest is history. “We got engaged in 2008 and married in 2009, and we haven’t looked back,” says Roshelle who hails from St. Louis, Missouri and is an Assistant Brand Manager. ACCESS on page 20
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Homeland Security partners with Jewish groups on security campaign By Madeleine Morgenstern Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Courtesy of Rep. Anthony Weiner
Rep. Anthony Weiner, shown campaigning for New York mayor in August 2009, resigned from Congress after being pressured by leading members of his Democratic Party.
The Rise and Fall of Anthony Weiner By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency WASHINGTON (JTA) — What happens when new media scandal meets ancient political calculus? Anthony Weiner, the Democrat from New York, found out on Thursday, when he delivered his resignation following intense pressure from party leaders. Top Democrats described for JTA the key factors that led to Weiner’s ouster: Their bafflement with the new media Weiner used and misused to send a lewd photo to a 21-year-old fan, his aloof nature and the need above all to introduce bread-and-butter issues like health care back into the news cycle. “The Democrats need a debate on the issues, and this was a major distraction,” said Steve Rabinowitz, a public relations consultant who works with the Democratic National Committee. “Even if you’re a huge Weiner fan, he has to be sacrificed so we can get back to this agenda.” The measure of Weiner’s loneliness in the Democratic caucus was evidenced not just by the party leaders who cut him off, but also by how many of them were his co-religionists. Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.) was the first Democrat to call for Weiner’s resignation. She was followed by Rep. Steve Israel (DN.Y.), the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (DFla.), the DNC's chairwoman, the party’s top position. Also weighing in against Weiner was Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.), the veteran Detroit-area pol and one of the most widely respected members of his caucus. All are Jewish. Among the only Jewish members to come out defending Weiner was Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), who also represents a New York City district. “Congressman Weiner was
extremely bright, extremely intelligent, he could articulate the issues very well and dramatize them,” Nadler told Talking Points Memo. “Anytime you lose that kind of talent it’s a loss.” The 10 days that it took to persuade Weiner to step down, the venue he chose to make the announcement — the Sheepshead Bay home for the aged where he announced his intention to run 20 years ago — and his confident, self-affirming tone suggested that he believes his political career is not over. “I have never forgotten my neighbors because they represent the same middle-class stories as mine,” he said. “The story of New York is my story.” He said he would look for “other ways to contribute my talents.” Pundits said Weiner’s dream of becoming mayor of New York City was dead. Rep. Israel told CNN that talk of a political comeback was premature. “The only kind of recovery that Anthony Weiner is concerned about based on the conversations I had with him is in his personal recovery,” he said. The very qualities that made Weiner a media star served to alienate others, insiders said. His outspokenness helped guarantee him face time on the cable news networks. One insider said others in the caucus were jealous of the attention Weiner regularly garnered. Weiner’s aloofness did not help. Weiner did not make appearances at the routine party get-togethers, including those that draw the unofficial Jewish caucus. “He was happy with his own way,” is the way one top Democrat put it. “He did his own thing,” another said. Officials did not want to be identified by name because of the party’s eagerness to put the Weiner scandal behind them, particularly in media coverage. WEINER on page 20
WASHINGTON (JTA) — In its first partnership with a faith-based community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is working with Jewish organizations to expand awareness of suspicious behavior. The “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign will distribute posters and customized announcements in synagogues, Jewish community centers and related agencies across the country. Its thrust will be to educate the Jewish community to be on the alert for suspicious behavior and to report the community’s concerns to local law enforcement. The campaign’s rollout has already begun and will continue over the next several months. “One of the main goals of the campaign is to encourage people to be vigilant, not to be fearful, but to be vigilant,” said John Cohen, a senior Homeland Security official. “People know what belongs in their community, they know when things look out of place. We’re not looking for the public to make the determination of whether something is terrorist-related.” The Department of Homeland Security’s special partnership with the Jewish community is based on the recognition that the community is a target for threats, Cohen said. Two men were arrested last month in connection with an alleged plot to blow up Manhattan synagogues. And last October, two packages found on cargo jets addressed to Chicago-area synagogues contained explosive devices. Meanwhile, three of the four men convicted last year of plotting
to blow up synagogues in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, N.Y., in 2009 are slated to be sentenced Thursday. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano met June 10 at the White House with Jewish leaders to discuss the new partnership and ways to expand Jewish vigilance. Napolitano spoke at the meeting about the threat facing the Jewish community from radical Islamists and right-wing extremist groups, according to David Harris, the executive director of the American Jewish Committee. Napolitano understands “very well what links these two groups is deep-rooted hatred,” Harris said. “It’s logical to go to the Jewish community and say ‘let's partner.’” Malcolm Hoenlein, the executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, said the new partnership is particularly vital given the reported escalation of threatening statements in the wake of the killing by U.S. forces of alQaida chief Osama bin Laden. “This campaign is an opportunity to involve the grass roots of our community, and to emphasize the importance of security measures and empower them to do more,” said Hoenlein, who was at the meeting with Napolitano. The emphasis of the new campaign is to have people report suspicious activity. A car parked in a strange way in front of a synagogue or an unknown person taking pictures could be cause to contact authorities, Cohen said. In addition to public education, the Department of Homeland Security is to provide more detailed materials and briefings to security personnel.
William Daroff, vice president for public policy and director of the Washington office for the Jewish Federations of North America, said the response from local Jewish leaders about the campaign has been uniformly positive. “There’s an understanding among Jewish communal leaders that the Jewish community is unfortunately often a target,” he said. The visuals and imagery for the campaign material was created specifically for the Jewish community with the help of the Secure Community Network, an initiative funded by the Jewish Federations of North America. One poster depicts what appears to be an abandoned backpack in a hallway leaning against a table with an ornate Star of David on it. Posters and related material will be distributed to communities through local Jewish federations. The Department of Homeland Security will absorb the cost of the campaign. The department is looking to expand the program to other faithbased communities, including evangelical Christians and Mormons, according to Cohen. The agency already has started partner campaigns with a number of organizations, including Amtrak and local transit agencies, and within all federal buildings under federal protection. Homeland Security launched “If You See Something, Say Something” nationwide last year after originating the campaign with New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Paul Goldenberg, national director for the Secure Community Network, said the program is a way to “raise the bar of awareness.”
Courtesy of Courtesy Secure Community Network
Right to left, Paul Goldenberg, the director of the Secure Community Network; Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano; Conference of Presidents Executive Vice President Malcolm Hoenlein; American Jewish Committee Executive Director David Harris; Jewish Federations of North America President and CEO Jerry Silverman; and Jewish Federations of North America's Executive Committee Chair Michael Gelman meet at the White House to launch a new joint program to raise awareness in Jewish communities about terrorist threats, June 10, 2011.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
Argentine gov’t official joins campaign to expose junta’s anti-Semitic past By Alex Weisler Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK (JTA) — More than 30 years after he was kidnapped and tortured by secret police in Buenos Aires, Argentine banker Eduardo Saiegh has an unlikely partner in his fight to convict former government leaders on charges of anti-Semitic discrimination and state terrorism: the government itself. Last month, Eduardo Duhalde, Argentina’s secretary of human rights, joined Saiegh, who is Jewish, as a co-complainant in the case. That puts a member of the country’s current government on the side of an investigation of its former leaders, including an ex-finance minister and a head of Argentina’s Central Bank, on charges of crimes against humanity. It all stems from the events surrounding eight days in the fall of 1980 when Saiegh, the owner of a major bank in Argentina, was detained by police and allegedly tortured and encouraged to sign away the rights to his bank. Eventually he did. Just two days later, Argentina’s Central Bank transferred $7 million in airline shares from Saiegh’s bank, according to Morton Rosenthal, the former director of the Anti-Defamation League’s Latin American Affairs department, who has been working on the case since the early 1990s. Many viewed the incident as part of a campaign by government officials to oust Jews from the country’s major banks. Until Duhalde joined Saiegh’s campaign, however, that fact was never acknowledged publicly by
National Briefs Pollard, despite appeals, not allowed to attend father’s funeral (JTA) — Jonathan Pollard was not allowed to attend his father’s funeral despite appeals from Israeli officials and supporters who shut down the White House switchboard. U.S. authorities would not release Pollard, who is jailed for spying for Israel, from federal prison in North Carolina for Monday’s funeral for Morris Pollard, 95, a prominent U.S. researcher on viral diseases who died June 18 of complications
Courtesy of Alex Weisler
Eduardo Duhalde, Argentina’s secretary of human rights, has partnered with Eduardo Saiegh, seen here at a hotel in New York, in the Jewish banker's fight to implicate the government on charges of anti-Semitic discrimination and state terrorism.
Argentina’s government. It represents a significant milestone in the government’s recognition of its anti-Semitic past, Rosenthal said. “His complaint is now their complaint,” Rosenthal said of the government. “They called for the arrest of these people.” Though the financial deal, which occurred during the military junta that ruled Argentina from 1976 to 1983, led to the prosecution of some members of the army, the non-military personnel who served as the plan’s architects were never fully brought to task, according to Rosenthal. Saiegh’s campaign aims to change that. “The civilians, who were major beneficiaries, enjoyed immunity from prosecution,” Rosenthal said. “The government is taking actions to lift this immunity, even though 30 years have passed.” from a bladder infection. The funeral was held at a Jewish cemetery in South Bend, Ind. Pollard supporters had shut down the White House switchboard after flooding it with calls urging his release to attend the funeral. Israel had officially requested that the Obama administration let Pollard leave prison for a brief compassionate release to pay his respects at the funeral. The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in a news release Monday expressed regret that Pollard was not allowed to attend the funeral. “We believe that this humanitarian gesture was warranted,” wrote Richard Stone and NATIONAL on page 22
Saiegh says he has not forgotten the horrors of his week in captivity or the silent promise he made himself in the fall of 1980. “It was a Friday night, I was free, and I vowed to myself that I will fight the rest of my life to repair this situation,” he recalled. “I believed it was very, very deep moral pain. The moral pain is worse than the physical pain because the physical pain passes after time.” Saiegh says he has no doubts why he was targeted. ARGENTINE on page 20
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8 • NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL
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Jews on motorcycles? Yes, and they’re Ridin’ Chai! By Emma Silvers j weekly SAN FRANCISCO (j weekly) — It’s a warm Sunday afternoon in the Berkeley hills, and if you look west from the road that abuts Tilden Park, the San Francisco skyline is about as clear as it gets. As with most nice days, the park is full of people — kids riding the merry-goround, couples hiking around the lake. And then, against the soft whisper of the wind through the trees, comes the deafening sound of motorcycle engines. At first glance, the nine riders pulling off at the scenic overlook could be part of any motorcycle gang: bandanas, unruly beards, zippered black leather jackets. That is, until you take a closer look. From the Star of David patches affixed prominently at the centers of their backs to the Israeli flag pins on their lapels, the shofar charms circling their necks and the mezuzahs on the stems of their bikes, it starts to become clear that this isn’t your average bike club. This is the RCMC — the Ridin’ Chai Motorcycle Club of Northern California.
Its members are used to raising some eyebrows. “We mostly get a lot of, you know, ‘Jews ride bikes?!’ ” says Shoshana Bilunos, the club’s president and co-founder, aping an astonished face for emphasis. “And we just go, ‘Yep, we do.’ ” The Ridin’ Chai Motorcycle Club has 53 members — not bad for a 3-year-old group, although Bilunos says about half that number are active. Each of their semimonthly rides includes a dozen or so riders, although the number of participants sometimes dips to seven or eight. And there are plenty more like them. Though it’s the only officially recognized Jewish bike group in California, Ridin’ Chai is one of 42 clubs worldwide that belong to the Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance, a 7year-old umbrella group with outposts in Canada, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia and Israel. Members of the many clubs come together each year to shmooze and talk shop (be it Hebrew lessons or Harley Davidson mechanics) at the JMA’s annual spring Ride to Remember. “There’s a camaraderie to it,”
Courtesy of Cathleen MacLearie
Shoshana Bilunos, president and co-founder of the Ridin’ Chai Motorcycle Club, favors Jewish-themed jewelry and sports the local club’s patch on the back of her leather jacket.
says Robby Brodsky, a 58-year-old San Jose resident who helped found Ridin’ Chai. “It’s the sense that you have something in common with these people.” A badge on Brodsky’s jacket reads “Vice President,” but he waves the title off. “I’m more like the welcoming committee.” From the looks of the people that came out for a recent ride — mostly regulars, with two new members — everyone feels pretty welcome already. Good-natured insults and off-color jokes fly; getting everyone to stand together and hold still for a photo is a challenge. They start up again as soon as the shutter clicks, ruining each other’s punch lines. “Did you hear the one about the guy who goes into a Chinese restaurant, sits down and orders pork? And the rabbi’s sitting right there, not saying anything …” begins one. “But he’s watching the whole time, right?” interjects another. “And the guy argues it’s kosher anyway because of rabbinical supervision?” In 2007, Bilunos was turning 50. She decided to buy herself a motorcycle as a birthday present. “It was something I’d always wanted to do,” says the petite 54year-old, a resident of Lincoln, 25 miles northeast of Sacramento. She worked many years as the clinical director of Jewish Family Service in the state capital. “So for my 50th birthday, I said, OK, I’ll just take the class.” A two-day safety course is required to ride a motorcycle in California. Bilunos went to Day 1, visited a Harley shop that night and bought herself a gleaming new motorcycle. “I went back the second day for the road test and said, ‘You guys better pass me because I just bought my bike,’ ” she recalls. “They said, ‘Gimme a break. You didn’t buy a bike.’ No one does that! But I did. It was ready for me to pick up before I even had a permit to ride.” Not long after Bilunos began to ride regularly, she had the idea to combine her commitment to the Jewish community with her newfound love for motorcycles. As someone with a background in fundraising, she initially thought organizing rides could be a great way to raise money for Jewish groups that were hurting. “[Motorcycle] clubs raise a ton of money,” she says. “And I was just looking at all the JCCs, the JFSes, these community organizations that traditionally rely on grant money that was drying up … and I thought, what better way to help the Jewish community?” MOTORCYCLES on page 21
Courtesy of Lisa Jackson Pulver
Lisa Jackson Pulver with some Indigenous students studying at the University of New South Wales in Sydney.
Meet Australia’s Aborigine who is president of her Orthodox shul By Dan Goldberg Jewish Telegraphic Agency SYDNEY, Australia (JTA) — Lisa Jackson Pulver is not your average Australian Jew. Yes, she is one of this country’s 110,000 or so Members of the Tribe, but she is also a member of another tribe: an Aboriginal clan called the Wiradjuri. Jackson Pulver says she’s not the only Aboriginal Jew in Australia. “The first Jew came here on the First Fleet in 1788, and since then Jews have been marrying Aborigines because white women wouldn’t marry them,” Jackson Pulver said. “There’s a big mob of black Cohens out there, and they’ve got Jewish ancestry.” But Jackson Pulver has a few other distinctions not shared by other “black Cohens.” The first Aboriginal Australian to receive a doctorate in medicine from the University of Sydney, Jackson Pulver is now the director of the Muru Marri Indigenous Health Unit at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. Last week she was awarded the Order of Australia, one of the country’s top honors. The citation on her Order of Australia lauds her “contribution to medical education and her support for educational opportunities for Aboriginal Australians.” And last year, Jackson Pulver was elected the president of her Orthodox synagogue in Newtown, Sydney. Jackson Pulver, who completed her Orthodox conversion to Judaism in 2004, says Jews and Aborigines have much in common. “There is a natural relationship between my Aboriginal spirituality and my Jewish religion,” said,
Jackson Pulver, whose Hebrew name is Elisheva bat Sarah. “The things that bring us together are our history of dispossession, a deep sense of family, community and tribalism, and a deep sense of what’s wrong and what’s right.” She said, “I keep a kosher home, and I make my own challah every Friday. And I attend to cultural and spiritual practices of my grandmothers’ [Aboriginal] cultures.” Jackson Pulver, who also has Scottish and Welsh roots, is one of many Jews and Aborigines who have been building bridges between the two communities for years. In 1938, William Cooper, an elder from the Yorta Yorta people — indigenous Australians who originally hailed from northeast Victoria — petitioned the German Consulate in Melbourne to stop the Nazi persecution of the Jews. Cooper recently was honored posthumously by the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and Museum in Jerusalem. In the 1960s, James Spigelman, the outgoing Jewish chief justice of New South Wales, led Freedom Rides to advocate for rights for Aboriginals, who at the time faced widespread inequalities and discrimination. In the 1990s, Jewish lawyer Ron Castan won a landmark case that reversed the legal concept of noman’s land, or terra nullius, which Australian governments had used to seize Aboriginal tribal lands. And Mark Leibler, national chairman of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, was a former co-chair of Reconciliation Australia, which attempts to bridge gaps between indigenous and nonindigenous Australians. ABORIGINE on page 22
INTERNATIONAL • 9
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
International Briefs Salonika Holocaust memorial desecrated ATHENS (JTA) — A Holocaust memorial in the Greek city of Salonika was vandalized with swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans. In the June 17 incident, the word “Lies” was written on the bronze plaque dedicated to the 50,000 Jews of Salonika who perished during the Holocaust. The vandalism coincided with the decision by the Salonika City Council to bestow the city’s highest decoration on the 30 Holocaust survivors still living in the city in a ceremony Monday. Salonika’s City Council and its mayor, Giannis Boutaris, along with Greece’s education minister, Anna Diamantopoulou, condemned the vandalism in public statements. Human rights activist Yelena Bonner dies (JTA) — Yelena Bonner, a Soviet human rights activist who was married to the late Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, has died. Bonner, who smuggled her husband’s writings out of Siberia, died June 18 in Boston at the age of 88. She already was active in the Soviet human rights movement when she married Sakharov, who worked on the development of the atomic bomb for the Soviet Union, in 1972. The Soviet government, under international pressure, allowed Bonner to leave the Soviet Union on three occasions for treatment for an eye injury sustained while serving as a nurse in World War II. During one of those travels for treatment, Bonner went to Oslo, in 1975, to accept the Nobel Peace Prize for her husband. Bonner was born in in 1923 in Soviet Turkmenistan, where her parents were persecuted under Stalin. Bonner was kicked out of medical school for being Jewish. The American Jewish Committee, in a statement released Sunday, called Bonner a “human rights champion of extraordinary courage, valor, and determination.” “The world has lost a rare human being,” said AJC Executive Director David Harris. “Yelena Bonner experienced the full force of Soviet totalitarianism over the span of decades. But her spirit could not be broken and her voice could never be silenced. She was a tower of strength, and history was made because of her lofty ideals and steely determination, together with her late husband. They are surely among the most remarkable human-rights couples in history.”
‘Never Better’ in Krakow? By Ruth Ellen Gruber Jewish Telegraphic Agency KRAKOW, Poland (JTA) — Jews in Krakow have a new slogan — “Never Better.” The catchphrase is deliberately provocative, a blatant rejoinder to “Never Again,” the slogan long associated with Holocaust memory and the fight against antiSemitic prejudice. It may be counterintuitive, acknowledges Jonathan Ornstein, the American-born director of Krakow’s Jewish community center who helped come up with the slogan. But it’s aimed at rebranding Jewish Poland, or at least Jewish Krakow, shaking up conventional perceptions and radically shifting the focus of how the Jewish experience here is viewed. “Because the Holocaust isn’t subtle, then the rebranding, as a way to get people to understand the situation here now, also can’t be subtle,” Ornstein explained. Only a few hundred Jews live in Krakow, but the community has been rebuilding in the past two decades, particularly since the JCC opened three years ago. “When we say ‘Never Better,’ it’s not in terms of numbers, or the amount of things in Jewish life, or the synagogues that are functioning and all that,” Ornstein said. However, he went on, “in terms of the way the Jewish community interacts with the nonJewish community and the direction that things are going, I think that there’s never been a more optimistic time to be Jewish in Krakow than there is now.” I spoke with Ornstein on a Sunday in June, the morning after an unprecedented event that in a way had been a public affirmation of the new Jewish spirit he described. Organized by the JCC, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the Krakow Jewish communal organization, it was called 7@Night — Seven at Night or the Night of the Synagogues. Night of the Living synagogues may have been a better description. From 10:30 p.m. until 2 a.m., all seven of the historic synagogues in Krakow’s old Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, were open to the public. It was part festival, part celebration and part didactic exercise. The aim was to foster Jewish pride, but also to educate nonJewish Poles about contemporary Jewish life and culture. An astonishing 5,000 or more people turned out, a constant flow of people that trooped from one synagogue to the next and patiently braved long, slow lines and bottlenecks at doorways. Almost all were young Cracovians. Each synagogue hosted an
Courtesy of Ruth Ellen Gruber
Jonathan Ornstein, director of the Krakow JCC, in the JCC lobby.
exhibit, concert, talk or other activity that was produced by Jews and highlighted Jewish life and culture as lived today in Poland, Israel and elsewhere. Events ranged from talks by Krakow Rabbi Boaz Pash on “the ABCs of Judaism” to a live concert by an Israeli rock band to a DJ sampling new Jewish music from a console set up on the bimah of the gothic Old Synagogue, now a Jewish museum, to a panel discussion about the role of women in Judaism. All the events were free — and all were full. “It far, far exceeded our expectations,” said Ornstein. I’ve never seen anything quite like it, even though I’ve followed the development of Kazimierz for
more than 20 years — from the time when it was an empty, rundown slum to its position now as one of the liveliest spots in the city. I’ve witnessed — and chronicled — the development of Jewish-themed tourism, retail, entertainment and educational infrastructure in Krakow, including the Jewish Culture Festival that draws thousands of people each summer. And I’ve written extensively about the interest of non-Jews in Jewish culture. But Seven at Night was something different. For one thing, nostalgia seemed to play no role. And also, unlike many of the Jewish events and attractions in Kazimierz, this one was organized and promoted by Jews themselves.
It was their show, kicking off with a public Havdalah ceremony celebrated by Rabbi Pash that saw hundreds of people singing and dancing in the JCC courtyard. “Never Better” was a prominent theme. Most explicitly, it was the title of a multimedia presentation that ran throughout the night, projected on the vaulted ceiling of the 16th century High Synagogue, which today is used as an exhibition hall. The presentation featured interviews with local Jews young and old, religious and secular, all expressing a confidence in their identity and future. It’s still anybody’s guess whether or not demographic realities will enable the long-term survival of a Jewish community in Krakow. But Ornstein said that may not be the point. A key message of the current activism, he said, was to help frame the context of Polish Jewish history and hammer home that however small their numbers, Jews in Poland are not a separate, exotic entity but part and parcel of 21st century Polish society. “The powerful message is that Judaism isn’t just an idea, it’s not just something that belongs to the Polish past, but there are Jews living here,” Ornstein said. “We’re trying to say that you can be a Jewish Pole, not just a Jew in Poland, to turn ‘Jew into an adjective instead of a noun.” I hope he’s right.
10 • ISRAEL
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Cottage cheese becomes Start-ups in Ra’anana, Byzantine building in Acre, Sara’s Safed Shabbat symbol of Israeli frustration with rising food prices
By Marcy Oster Jewish Telegraphic Agency
By Dina Kraft Jewish Telegraphic Agency
JERUSALEM (JTA) — Here are some recent stories out of Israel that you may have missed. Start-ups get leg up in Ra’anana Start-up companies and developers in Israel will have help getting their latest innovations into the marketplace with the opening of an AT&T innovation center in Ra’anana. The facility in central Israel was opened with the international corporation Amdocs, which has a site in Ra’anana. It is the second permanent AT&T Foundry innovation center to open worldwide. The first, hosted by AlcatelLucent, opened in Plano, Texas, in February. A third center, to be hosted by Ericsson, will open later this year in Palo Alto, Calif. Projects at the Ra’anana center are enabling integrated mobile and wired broadband capabilities crossing multiple screens, including smartphones, PCs, televisions and emerging devices, according to AT&T. “The team in Ra’anana has deep ties with the startup community and specializes in identifying unique technologies that can benefit AT&T and their customers. It offers startups and developers the environment to initiate and advance projects by providing technological expertise to make their idea happen,” said Eli Gelman, president and chief executive officer of Amdocs Management Ltd. Ancient building revealed in Acre A building from the Byzantine period was unearthed near the northern city of Acre during excavation work to begin the construction of a mall. The 1,500-year-old public building may have been used as a church in the city that is known from Christian sources, which mention its bishop who took part in formulating the new religion. “This is an important discovery for the study of Acre because until now no remains dating to the Byzantine period have been found, save those of a residential quarter situated near the sea,” according to Nurit Feig, the excavation director of the project for the Israel Antiquities Authority. In addition to the structure, an abundance of roof tiles, parts of marble ornamentations, pottery and coins also were found, which all point to a public structure, possibly a church, that served the city in the Byzantine period. Terra cotta pipes survived below the wall levels and mosaic pavements adorned
Courtesy of Efi Sharir/Flash90/JTA
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara invited the coalition Knesset members to a social gathering in Safed meant to “strengthen the coalition members and support the North,” June 10, 2011.
the floor in one of its rooms. A well also was found in one of the courtyards of the building. Few Byzantine remains have been found due to the destruction wreaked on the area by groups that came in later periods. Come for Shabbat, stay for the politics Sara Netanyahu, the wife of the prime minister, hosted members of the ruling government coalition for a Shabbat in the northern city of Safed. The weekend reportedly was planned to boost spirits in the coalition and engage in team building. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak were not allowed to spend Shabbat for security reasons, though they were seen participating in Safed on Friday, according to reports. The 40 lawmakers and their spouses who attended the weekend event toured the Old City of Safed and ate Shabbat meals together. Only children under a year old were included in the weekend, so Yisrael Beiteinu lawmaker Anastasia Michaeli and her husband, for example, found baby-sitters for their eight children, The Jerusalem Post reported. Some lawmakers who are at odds with Netanyahu or with the coalition reportedly did not participate. Benedict wheat becomes Binyamin Religious Israeli farmers refused to plant a new strain of Israeli wheat named in honor of the current pope. The Benedict XVI wheat is a hybrid of two existing Israeli wheat strains developed by Uri Kushnir of the Department of Plant Sciences at the Volcani Center. Its development was speeded up at the request of Israeli President Shimon Peres, so that it could be presented to the pope dur-
ing his visit to Israel in 2009. But religious farmers who grow wheat near Beit Shean refused to purchase and plant the seeds until its name was changed officially to Binyamin, Ynet reported. A major Italian pasta firm apparently has no such problem with the Benedict name and has purchased the seeds in order to grow the wheat locally, according to Ynet. Birthright visit goes high tech Religious and political sites in Israel are no longer the only places that Birthright Israel wants young Jews to see in the Jewish state. Now the participants on the free trip also will visit the country’s high-tech capitals Ra’anana and Herzliya. The itinerary addition is meant to connect young Diaspora Jews with Israel’s future and to capitalize on the popularity of “Start-Up Nation,” a book by Dan Senor and Saul Singer. Participants reportedly have given mixed reviews to the visits. “I’d rather have been hiking somewhere,” one told The Jerusalem Post. Bnei Brak (hearts) Lakewood, N.J. Everyone has a soul mate, the saying goes — and apparently so do plenty of cities. The haredi Orthodox Israeli city of Bnei Brak has become a sister city to Lakewood, N.J., which has a large population of haredi Orthodox residents. In an alliance signed last month, Bnei Brak and Lakewood pledged to jointly develop the Torah centers in their cities. The mayors of the two cities, rabbis, council members and representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Israel were on hand for the alliance signing at Bnei Brak City Hall, Ynet reported. A ceremony also will be held in New Jersey.
TEL AVIV (JTA) — For Israelis, cottage cheese is no mere dairy product. Whipped to exceptional creamy and airy perfection, it is a coveted staple of tables across the country. Israelis spend $440 million per year on cottage cheese. But now, with the price of a 9ounce container climbing to just above $2, cottage cheese has become the focus of a consumer revolt and a symbol of frustration with the high cost of living in Israel. “On principle I’m not going to buy,” said Leah Buskila, 47, a stage manager pushing her shopping cart past stacks of colorful round cottage cheese containers in the dairy section of a large grocery store in Tel Aviv. “It’s important that people are uniting about this.” Cottage cheese prices have jumped by nearly 40 percent in the last three years. Dairy companies blame the hikes on rising production costs, including the price of raw materials and labor costs. “It’s just too bad there are not similar boycotts for other things like the price of gasoline or cellular phone charges,” Busilika said, echoing a common refrain. Prices in Israel for many items are rising, even though the shekel has barely budged against the dollar and economists say inflation is mostly in check. Gas costs more than $8 per gallon. Buying a home has become prohibitively expensive for most Israelis. On Sunday, the government announced that it was introducing a new law to facilitate a housing construction boom in order to reduce housing prices. For now, however, consumer anger is focused on cottage cheese. Last week, a 25-year-old haredi Orthodox cantor named Yitzhak Alrov started a Facebook page calling for a boycott. The page quickly garnered 90,000 members from all walks of Israeli life. Alrov became an instant celebrity. “Cottage cheese is not the essence of the struggle, it’s just the symbol of a greater protest,” Alrov said at a news conference last week. The campaign surrounding cottage cheese was sparked by an article in Globes, the Israeli financial daily, which ran a story comparing food prices in Israel to basic food products in Germany. The Israeli prices often were twice as high, the article showed. “Seeing gaps of 100 to 200 percent higher, consumers woke up,” said Ilanit Hayut, the newspaper’s
marketing correspondent. Hayut also found that several Israeli-made products, like some brands of soup and tea, are sold in New York for half the price as they are in Israel. “Because here they don’t have competition, companies take advantage of the situation,” she told JTA. “Most companies are monopolies in many areas, and the consumer suffers.” But food companies say they have been forced to raise prices not out of greed or lack of competition, but because of global increases in production costs and rising prices for commodities like fuel and flour. Indeed, food prices are rising around the globe. “Let them check us all, from the dairies to the retail chains,” Arik Shor, the CEO of the Israeli dairy giant Tnuva, the main producer of cottage cheese in the country, said Sunday at a conference for Israeli food producers. “The state should propose its solution for coping at a time when the prices of all food products abroad and in Israel are rising.” Fruit and vegetable prices have remained mostly stable, but prices for other food products have increased by 5.1 percent in the past year, according to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics. The Knesset Economic Affairs Committee convened a special meeting Sunday to call on dairy companies to lower prices immediately and for the government to reinstitute price controls. The committee also said an investigation needed to be launched into the overall surge in consumer food products. Since state supervision was lifted from dairy products in 2006, the price of a stick of butter has gone up by 39.1 percent and a small carton of heavy cream has soared by 69 percent. “Israel is just extremely expensive, from dental floss to deodorant,” said Omer Moav, a professor of economics at the Hebrew University who regularly travels to London, where he is also a professor at Royal Holloway University. “How can it be that Kellogg’s bran flakes in Israel cost more than twice what I pay for a box in London?” he said. “The fact that Israel is extremely expensive compared to other developed countries has nothing to do with a world increase in raw materials.” Maov, too, blamed a lack of competition. Israel puts limitations on imports that compete with its food products, and Israeli dairy products have virtually no competition from imports — a limitation made to protect local industry.
SOCIAL LIFE • 11
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
Mercaz Conservative Hebrew High School Graduation CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! BIRTHS • BAT/BAR MITZVAHS ENGAGEMENTS • WEDDINGS BIRTHDAYS • ANNIVERSARIES Place your FREE announcement in The American Israelite Newspaper and Website by sending an e-mail to articles@americanisraelite.com Rabbi Eric Slaton from Beth Israel Congregation, Rabbi Wise from Adath Israel Congregation and Rabbi Barnard from Northern Hills Congregation, the Conservative Rabbi’s that teach at Mercaz wait for the ceremony to start.
12 • CINCINNATI SOCIAL LIFE
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Mercaz Conservative Hebrew High School Graduation On Sunday, April 10th Mercaz Conservative Hebrew High School held its graduation ceremony for its senior class. This year’s class consisted of 21 students which is the largest class Mercaz has had in many, many years. These 21 students have attended for the past five years and taken a large variety of courses in our nine curricular areas to earn their diploma. Mercaz is open to any Jewish teen in 8-12th grade interested in a receiving a Jewish education. We offer a variety of interactive classes and are excited about the “Experiencing Jewish Education through the Arts” Courses this year! You at Mercaz. Just Picture It.
Graduate Eryn Kipner, her parents Shelly and Scott and her grandparents Roz and Marty Holtzman enjoy a homemade dinner before the graduation ceremony.
Jared, Susan and James Farber at the dinner before the ceremony.
Arielle Scheier helps Jeff Wolkoff with his boutonniere prior to the ceremony starting.
Daniel Brook, the MC for the evening welcomes the graduates, their families and current Mercaz students to the graduation ceremony.
Lainey, Arielle, Caren and Shira relax before the ceremony.
Brandon Sosna receives an enriched graduation diploma for his time at Mercaz.
Kirsten, Hillary and Michelle explain the senior class project, “Mercaz Can Do It , Can You?”. The students collected kosher canned and non-perishable foods for the Jewish Family Service Kosher Food Pantry which serves families in need in Cincinnati.
Brent Gutmann and Ed Kuresman, the senior class teachers, deliver their charge to the students. They are now responsible for continuing to nurture the Jewish identity that your parents and teachers have instilled in them.
Caren, Jared, Michelle, Hillary, Jeremy, Wiliam and Daniel watch the senior class video put together by William Harrison. The video was made from photos from their five years at Mercaz.
Lainey Paul shares with her class and guests the importance of attending Mercaz and sticking with it through graduation. She said she may have started because her parents said to go, but stayed because she enjoyed the classes and being with her Jewish friends.
Parents of the graduates rise as Jared Farber leads them in the Parents prayer.
CINCINNATI JEWISH LIFE • 13
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
Graduate Shira Spiegel and her family at the reception.
Stephanie Williams, her parents Paul and Beverley Williams and her grandmother, Shirley Gershuny celebrate Stephanies completion of Mercaz together.
Caren Bernstein and her family celebrate her graduation at the dessert reception in honor of the graduates.
Rose Mervis, one of the recipients of the Nate Kaplan Award for excellence in Jewish Education, shows her gift, A Book of Life. William Harrison was the other recipient of the award.
The seniors stocked the shelves at the kosher food pantry the week before graduation as part of their senior project to collect kosher canned food items. They collected food for 3 months before graduation in the community.
Three Generations of the Wolf Family celebrate Adam’s graduation from Mercaz. Natalie & Sarah Wolf, Gene & Gloria Rothchild, Adam & Scott Wolf.
Mercaz Graduating Class with their teachers and Rabbis: (Top) Teacher Ed Kuresman, Jeremy Guttman, Daniel Brook, Jared Farber, Steven Winkler, Sam Stewart, Adam Wolf, Brandon Sosna, Rabbi Eric Slaton; (Middle) Rabbi Irvin Wise, William Harrison, Kirsten Reiser, Hillary Goldsmith, Caren Bernstein, Arielle Scheier, Lainey Paul, Jeff Wolkoff, teacher Brent Gutmann; (Bottom) Rabbi George Barnard, ERyn Kipner, Michelle Glazer, Shira Spiegel, Rose Mervis, Stephanie Williams, not pictured Ian Privitera & Lauren Goldberg
14 • DINING OUT
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Stone Creek Dining Company By Sondra Katkin Dining Editor While chatting with Tom Cunningham, partner and Executive Committee Chairman of the Stone Creek Dining Company in Montgomery, a customer focused attitude was immediately evident. For example, when asked about the restaurant’s hours, he replied, “We are open seven days a week because you never want to have a customer come and find the door locked.” When we discussed his excellent location on Montgomery Road, he agreed that it had great demographics, however, “you still have to execute everyday with great food, superior service, and great value for the customer.” This is a family run business, characterized by the professional backgrounds of the owners, the Cunningham Restaurant Group. Tom is the oldest of nine children and his partner Mike is the youngest. They both attended Roger Bacon High School and the University of Cincinnati with degrees in hospitality management (Mike), and business administration (Tom). Tom’s daughter, Sara Cunningham, the general manager, has her degree in hospitality from Ohio State University. These are people who know what they’re doing. Mike, who is the restaurant’s founder, operates seven full service restaurants in Indianapolis. His talents also include expertise in decorating. Upholstered chairs and comfortable booths surround granite topped tables that are so beautiful you would never want a tablecloth hiding the design, which varies from table to table with swirls, spots, and curved lines. Earth tones dominate, creating a comfortable atmosphere where you would want to relax with a drink and a good meal. The interior is spacious, so that diners will not feel crowded, and there are several sections where sound levels are conducive to easy conversation. The rugs, booths, and ceiling acoustic tiles attest to the management’s expertise in customer satisfaction. Tom described the menu as American fare with a selection of seafood which is delivered daily, high quality steaks, chops, and excellent salads. In addition, there are specials featuring steak or seafood nightly. The very fashionable skirt steak is also available. Tom said that the fillet steak is very popular with their clientele, and the most sought after lunch choice is the applewood chicken salad with homemade cranberry, poppy seed dressing. All the salads are wonderful, filled with copious fresh greens, crunchy vegetables, and enhanced with a variety of homemade dressings. For the health conscious, Tom reminded me that the American Heart Association recommends we
(Top-bottom) Tom Cunningham, Partner and Executive Committee Chairman of Stone Creek Dining Company; The Floro Salmon Heart Healthy Entree.
eat no more than two thousand calories a day. Consuming more would of course be unconscionable. To help us maintain that healthy life style, he offers several entrees of no more than six hundred and eighty calories. I sampled the Floro Salmon. It was grilled with a Valencia citrus vinaigrette, surrounded by sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, and toasted pine nuts. The fish was so moist and tender, my teeth were almost in the way. The accompanying ingredients gave the dish a complete and wonderful taste. A thick portion, large enough to share with my friend, it is a good value, priced very reasonably. This and many other items on the menu are gluten free. They are noted clearly with “gf” symbols so those who rely on their server’s knowledge won’t need to endure the usual interrogation they have become accustomed to. Tom explained that more people than we think require this type of cooking. He added that his staff is very aware
of the various food allergies and will tailor an order to the customer’s needs. He said, “we run a ‘scratch’ kitchen and can adapt readily.” Stone Creek features an extensive array of selections, from appetizers to desserts and most are available for carry out. In the past, I ordered their French onion and wild mushroom soup, and there was no taming that rich flavor. Onions on their own are so savory, then combine them with the heady flavor of mushrooms, and you have a prize winner! Other notable ways to begin your dinner include chipotle barbecue duck confit, spinach artichoke dip, or ahi tuna. All the entrees are accompanied with sides and come with a complimentary loaf of round, crispy crusted bread and homemade dipping sauce. Their bread is delivered by Gonella Bakery almost daily and served hot out of the oven. One place you may want to suspend thoughts of calories, is their luscious dessert selection. Their
cranberry-golden raisin bread pudding, with a dense custard body, rich whiskey sauce, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream left me swooning just from the description. How much better the actual experience will be is something I intend to find out when I return soon. Other dessert features are carrot cake, caramel cheesecake and crème brulee. All the desserts are made “in house.” There is also a selection of Graeter’s ice creams. A wide variety of liquor and wines are available. A young man at the reception desk said they serve single pours. I inferred that this is the industry’s “in” term for wine by the glass. Now I feel so sophisticated. He added that they have a featured wine, Saintsbury, which was chosen because “it pairs well with our new menu.” He described it as “a delicate pinot noir with finesse” — another item I look forward to sampling. Champagnes, white, red and sparkling wines are also on their list.
Stone Creek has another location in West Chester and is planning a new restaurant venture, the Christian Moerlein Lager House, in association with the Christian Moerlein Brewing Company. It’s location will be in Cincinnati Riverfront Park across the street from the Great American Ball Park. It sounds like another winning location for the Cunninghams. I enjoyed my visit with Tom who was knowledgeable and easy to talk to. In addition, I found great service, good value, consistently excellent food, and a lovely atmosphere. To top it off, they now have two parking lots. One is located underneath the restaurant which you enter on the street to the rear and the other across Montgomery Road at 9361. Reservations are welcomed and the dress is casual to fancy. Stone Creek Dining Company 9386 Montgomery Road Montgomery, OH 45242 (513) 489-1553
DINING OUT • 15
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
RESTAURANT DIRECTORY 20 Brix 101 Main St Historic Milford 831-Brix (2749)
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Padrino 111 Main St Milford 965-0100
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Parkers Blue Ash Grill 4200 Cooper Rd Blue Ash 891-8300 Pomodori’s 121West McMillan • 861-0080 7880 Remington Rd Montgomery • 794-0080 Slatt’s Pub 4858 Cooper Rd Blue Ash 791-2223 • 791-1381 (fax) Sonoma American & Med. Grill 3012 Madison Rd Cincinnati 376-9941
Kanak India Restaurant 10040B Montgomery Rd Montgomery 793-6800
Stone Creek Dining Co. 9386 Montgomery Rd Montgomery 489-1444
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16 • OPINION
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‘What America Gets’
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Dear Editor, I do not know if I am more offended by the chutzpah of the Democrats telling me that Obama is a stalwart friend of Israel, article of June 16, Democrats launch major pushback among Jews, or disturbed that some of them actually believe that rubbish. As the old saying goes with friends like that, who needs enemies? They take us for complete fools. Who cannot comprehend what Obama is saying, while we are watching him say it? They tell us how brilliant Obama is and what a great orator he is, yet they say he does not mean what we just heard him
say. Is he a simpleton who needs to be reinterpreted it after he gets poor reviews? Not if he is a brilliant orator. Just to be clear, the 1949 Armistice Lines, the so called 1967 Lines, were established by a British trained Jordanian army by force of arms. They have no more validity than the lines Israel later established by force of arms in 1967, after being attacked. There are no rational reasons to accept the Armistice Lines as a starting point for negotiations. There should be some acknowledgement by Obama that the Palestinians, have said that they will not accept Israel as a Jewish state, and that
they raise their children to see all of the region, from the Jordan to the Mediterranean as their Palestine, that is being wrongfully occupied by Jewish settlers. Just how is Israel supposed to negotiate with those who will not accept Jewish Israelis right to live? I am deeply disturbed by those Jews who will say anything, do anything, and believe anything in support of their liberal leaders, even to the point of selling out Israel. Even many congressional Democrats will not go that far. To their credit they stand by Israel. Jerome C. Liner Montgomery, OH
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T EST Y OUR T ORAH KNOWLEDGE THIS WEEK’S PORTION: KORACH (BAMIDBAR 16:1—18:30) 1. Did Moshe ever get angry during the fight with Korach? a.) Yes b.) No 2. Did the Children of Israel support only Moshe in his fight with Korach? a.) Yes b.) No 3. Haftorah: What did Samuel claim? a.) He knew the entire Torah b.) He never used his position for 3. B 12:3 4. A 12:18 5. C 17:23
Rabbi Shafran is an editor at large and columnist for Ami Magazine. This column is reproduced with permission from Ami Magazine.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
personal gain c.) He led the people in war 4. What unusual phenomenon occurred in the Haftorah? a.) Rained during the dry season b.) Lunar eclipse c.) The sun stood still 5. Where were almonds in the Parsha? a.) A gift to Moshe b.) A gift to Korach c.) Staff of Aaron grew almonds
tressed rather than angry. 2. B 16:19 Korach went around the camp campaigning for himself. Many people fell for his arguments. Rashi
Many people seemed happy to treat President Obama’s speeches last month on the Middle East and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s before Congress as some sort of sports tournament, rooting and scoring and declaring winners and losers. There were even inspections of each player’s stats, not the tallying of runs-batted-in or touchdowns but rather the parsing of subtle phrases and revisiting of other players’ records. Some in the stands saw in the innings of addresses an American president trying to restart negotiations in order to derail the potentially disastrous establishment of a Palestinian state in the United Nations planned for September; and an Israeli leader arrogantly misrepresenting what his American counterpart actually said, publicly and rudely chiding him. Others saw a cold American president all-too-ready to compromise Israel’s security; and a triumphant Israeli leader speaking hard truth to haughty power. Among those rooting for Mr. Netanyahu and booing at Mr. Obama was Walter Russell Mead, a Bard College professor of foreign affairs and humanities, and editor-at-large of The American Interest. Whatever the merits of his cheers and jeers, though, a few paragraphs of Professor Mead’s essay on the declamation competition, concerning the warm response Mr. Netanyahu received from Congress, bear quoting: “Israel matters in American politics like almost no other country on earth. Well beyond the American Jewish and the Protestant fundamentalist communities, the people and the story of Israel stir some of the deepest and most mysterious reaches of the American soul. The idea of Jewish and Israeli exceptionalism is profoundly tied to the idea of American exceptionalism. The belief that [G-d] favors and protects Israel is connected to the idea that [G-d] favors and protects America. It means more. The existence of Israel means that the [G-d] of the Bible is still watching out for the well-being of the human race. For many American Christians who are nothing like fundamentalists, the restoration of the Jews to the Holy Land and their creation of a successful, democratic state after two thousand years of oppression
and exile is a clear sign that the religion of the Bible can be trusted. Being pro-Israel matters in American mass politics because the public mind believes at a deep level that to be pro-Israel is to be pro-America and pro-faith. Substantial numbers of voters believe that politicians who don’t ‘get’ Israel also don’t ‘get’ America and don’t ‘get’ [G-d].” There’s something embarrassing about the fact that declaring belief in the Divine is crucial for an American political candidate while for most Israeli leaders mere mention of Him seems off-limits. But Mr. Mead’s observation is poignant. Even if many Israelis and Israeli leaders telegraph a kochi vi’otzem yadi (“My strength and the power of my hand”) mindset, most Americans and their political representatives see a Higher Power at work in the world. And see Israel and the Jewish people as worthy of their concern and hope. That should give us all pause. We are in galus, to be sure, in exile from our land — and, worst of all, from the relationship to the Creator we once merited. But as the stages and venues of our exile have unfolded, the way-station called the United States of America has proven itself unique. Yes, there are Jew-haters here too. But the overwhelming aggregates of both our country’s political establishment and its populace are well-disposed, deeply so, to Jewish citizens and to a Jewish state halfway around the world. And so, while we may be tempted at times to succumb to the coarseness of American political debate, allowing disagreement to devolve into derogation; or tempted to afford laws of the land less respect than they deserve (in the eyes not only of government but of halacha), it behooves us all to stop and control ourselves. And remind ourselves how fortunate we are, in a world where hatred of Jews is widespread and visceral, to live in a land that provides us not only freedom and protection but concern and respect. Remembering that is not corny or jingoist. It’s an expression of what may be the most fundamental Jewish high ideal, hakaras hatov— in its most literal sense: recognition of the good.
Written by Rabbi Dov Aaron Wise
ANSWERS 1. A 16:15 After Moshe unsuccessfully tried to reason with Korach and then Dathan and Aviram, he got angry. Rashi interprets it that he was dis-
By Rabbi Avi Shafran Contributing Columnist
JEWISH LIFE • 17
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
Sedra of the Week
by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Efrat, Israel — What was the real attraction of Korah’s rebellion to all of the Hebrews? There must have been more to his argument than mere personal gain, since not a single member of the congregation took a stand on behalf of Moses. At this time, the Scouts had pretty much squelched the dream of conquering Israel — so the question was where to go? There were Hebrews represented by Datan and Aviram who probably never wanted to leave Egypt in the first place and now yearned to return there. They joined the chorus of the ten scouts “…It is better for us to return to Egypt…Let us appoint a new leader and return to Egypt” (Numbers 14:4,5). They restate this desire in this week’s Biblical reading when they taunt Moses, “Is it not enough that you took us out of a land flowing with milk and honey to cause us to die in the desert, that you must also rule over us . . .?” (Num 16:13). But this is clearly not Korah’s argument; he is coming from an altogether different place: “…for the entire congregation is holy and have G-d in their midst. Why must you lift yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?” (16:3). Moses charges Korah with wanting to be a holy Kohen-priest (16:10), and therefore tests Korah and his group with the censers of incense. I believe that Korah is going further than that; he wants all the Hebrews to become Kohenpriests. After all, “the entire congregation is holy and have G-d in their midst” — both literally in terms of being created in G-d’s image and figuratively in terms of their relationship to the Sanctuary — Mishkan — Shekhinah. And did not everyone hear G-d’s voice at Sinai, and did not Moses charge the whole assembly of Israel with being a “Kingdom of Kohenpriests”? (Ex. 19:6) And so Korah logically maintains that the best place for all the Hebrews to carry out their priestly function as Divine agents is where they are — in the desert! The desert experience provided a magnificent opportunity for all Israelites to devote themselves to Divine service, and to the study of Torah without distractions. No-one
Shabbat Shalom: Parshat Korach Numbers 16:1 - 18:32
The desert experience provided a magnificent opportunity for all Israelites to devote themselves to Divine service, and to the study of Torah without distractions. No-one had private land to till, everyone received their portion of manna delivered to the door and their shelter in the desert booths or — even better — the clouds of glory which protected them. had private land to till, everyone received their portion of manna delivered to the door and their shelter in the desert booths or — even better — the clouds of glory which protected them. There was even a Divinely sent cloud by day and pillar of fire by night to direct their travels. They were living in a perennial Kollel, with all their needs taken care of. What could be better than the Almighty Himself as the Kollel Dean, providing for every necessity and making every travel decision? Why leave a “sandy tower” for the challenges of war, politics, and economic disparities which plague every nation-state? So why is Korah reviled and punished? I believe that it is because he didn’t understand the function and purpose of a Jewish State. G-d doesn’t only desire an exalted, holy nation that lives in sacred, sandy isolation. G-d chose Abraham to become a blessing for the world (Gen. 12:3) and revealed His law to us so that we teach it to all of humanity as “a light unto the nations”. The true function of a Kohen is to teach, and the Kingdom of Kohanim exists to teach the world (Ex 19:6, Seforno). But we can only teach others if we demonstrate that we can solve our own national, existential and ethical problems ourselves, by means of the divinely bestowed Torah. G-d did not choose us to warm ourselves alone with a fur coat, (a zaddik in peltz); rather, he chose us to light a fire which will bring the warmth of peace and security to all of humanity. This is to be done from a land where we can imbue every aspect or our agricultural, industrial, sociological, and political lives with the compas-
sionate righteousness and moral justice of His Torah. We dare not stay in the desert; we must go up to Israel, become a nation-state, and join history! And this is the egregious error of Datan and Aviram. Perhaps they, too, were “religious” Hebrews who felt that the best way to influence the world would be to live in Thebes, Cairo or New York and teach from there; hence their desire to return to Egypt. However, you cannot truly influence a nation unless you are in charge of its government setting the foundations and limits of its societal structures. Otherwise, you become influenced and compromised by that nation which “allows” you in, and “suffers” your presence. This is the profound lesson we must learn from Joseph, Grand Vizier of Egypt. He rises to unique, perhaps unprecedented, greatness. He even succeeds in teaching Pharaoh about Elokim, Creator of heaven and earth (Gen 41:38). But when he must discharge the economic policies of Egypt, he enslaves all of the Egyptians making the Egyptian monarch a totalitarian despot who “owns” all of his Egyptian subjects (Gen 47:13-27). In his service to another nation and its ruler, Joseph was forced to compromise the cardinal message of creation: that every human being, created in Gd’s image, must be free and inviolate. Such uniquely Jewish lessons can only be expressed from our own homeland, as a nation-state performing as a significant actor on the stage of nations. Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Chancellor Ohr Torah Stone Chief Rabbi — Efrat Israel
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18 • JEWZ IN THE NEWZ
JEWZ
IN THE
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By Nate Bloom Contributing Columnist
make the film the first project of her new production company.
CARS, TEACHERS, GARDENERS “Cars 2” is the sequel to “Cars” (2006); the mega-hit animated film from Pixar studio (opens Friday, June 24). This time the lead (car) characters compete in a world Grand Prix race. British Jewish actor JASON ISAACS, 48, has a large role as the voice of “Siddeley,” a state-of-the-art British twin-engine spy jet. The screenplay was co-written by DAN FOGELMAN, 40, who also co-wrote the original “Cars.” Ten years ago, Fogelman was writing blurbs for the TV Guide network while, in his spare time, he wrote his first screenplay, a movie about a bar mitzvah. He says: “I thought there might be some agents who were Jewish who would like it. It worked.” (He got an agent). That screenplay was never produced; but his agent helped get him a job co-writing “Cars” for Pixar. Subsequently, he wrote the hit Disney animated films “Bolt” and “Tangled” and his first live-action comedy, “Crazy Stupid Love,” starring Steve Carrell, opens next month. “Bad Teacher,” a comedy which also opens on the 24th, stars Cameron Diaz as a foul-mouthed public high school teacher who couldn’t care less about her job. She’s just looking for a rich husband who will allow her give up teaching. She sets her sights on a handsome substitute teacher (Justin Timberlake) who happens to be the heir to a big fortune. The sub is a bit smitten, however, with another teacher. Diaz thinks that some “enhancement” plastic surgery is the way to snare the sub. She finds out that a “best teacher” award comes with a big cash prize that could pay for the surgery. So, she changes gears and manically tries to turn her students into scholars. Meanwhile, Diaz fends off the advances of a sarcastic gym teacher (JASON SEGAL, 31). “A Better Life,” which opens in many cities on the 24th, is the poignant, but realistic story of an undocumented Mexican gardener in Los Angeles who struggles to keep his son from gangs and immigration agents while he ekes out a living working for the wealthy. The script’s quality was so high that it led CHRIS WEITZ, 42, (“Golden Compass,” “About a Boy,”) to sign-on to direct — and actress JAIME GERTZ, 46, (“Still Standing”) to
NEW ON TV Starting tonight (June 23; 10 p.m.) is the new USA network lawyer series, “Suits,” about a young “stoner” and college dropout (Patrick Adams) who teamsup with a top corporate lawyer. The seasoned lawyer is played by GABRIEL MACHT, 38, a handsome and competent actor who has worked steadily, but never found a real star breakthrough role. Maybe this series will do it for him. His father, actor STEPHEN MACHT, 69, has had a similar career. Almost every older TV viewer could recognize Stephen Macht’s face. However, he has never had a “big time” star role (even though he has appeared in scores of TV series and soaps, including regular roles on “Knot’s Landing” and “General Hospital”) Stephen Macht recently told a Las Vegas paper that he was raised with little religion (although his wife, Gabriel’s mother, is Jewish) —and it wasn’t until he was in his ‘40s that he became religious. More recently, he graduated from a two-year intense Torah and Hebrew study program and has, in effect, become a lay chaplain. He can and does perform pastoral duties like visiting the sick. The older Macht added that if he was more religious back in the early ‘80s, he wouldn’t have been so full of himself, and would have realized that he was being a “tucas” (his exact word) when he passed on role that would have made him a big TV star: playing the captain of the starship in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Gene Roddenberry, Trek’s creator, implored Macht to read for the role and almost guaranteed him the part. But Macht says he thought, at that moment in his career, that he could do better than playing a character who “talks to aliens with ten heads” and turned Roddenberry down. Well, Patrick Stewart got the role and TV stardom. Starting Tuesday, June 28, at 8PM, is the TLC cable series, “I Kid with Brad Garrett.” GARRETT, 51, of “Everyone Loves Raymond” fame, does candid and funny interviews with real kids. Starting on Wednesday, June 29, at 10 p.m. is the USA network series, “Necessary Roughness,” about a sexy female therapist for a pro team. It co-stars SCOTT COHEN, 49 (“Kissing Jessica Stein”).
FROM THE PAGES 100 Y EARS A GO Mr. and Mrs. Moses Altshool and son, Stuart, have gone to Northern Michigan for the summer. The Yale honor list this year includes quite a number of young Cincinnatians. Among these are High Orations, Robert Philip Goldman, First Disputes, John David Watchman. Dr. David Philipson left for Swarthmore, Pa., Tuesday, where he will deliver a course of four lectures on “the Prophets of Israel;”at Swarthmore College, the famous Quaker Institution, before the Friends’ Summer School for Religious and Social Study. He will return to this city Sunday and remain till Thursday, when he will leave for St. Paul to attend the meeting of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. Alfred Springer, Jr., 22, son of Dr. Alfred Springer, 5160 Main Avenue, Norwood, was honored by trustees of Johns Hopkins University Tuesday, by having a fellowship prize bestowed upon him. Springer graduated from Norwood High School and then from Yale, and has been doing research work in physical chemistry at Johns Hopkins. It was for the ability he displayed in his work that he was honored with the fellowship prize. He will spend another year at Johns Hopkins and then study abroad. — June 22, 1911
75 Y EARS A GO New interns who will take over their duties at Jewish Hospital July 1st include Drs. James W. Coombs, Samuel Gendelman, Isidore H. Claybon, John H. Falk, Herman Blatt, Richard L. Marks, Luois E. Heideman and Elmer J. Sternberg. Dr. Walter Felson will be chief medical resident; Drs. Samuel Reingold and Samuel Rockwern, medical residents; Ellis Flax and Walter Brown, surgical residents. Mrs. Sidney O. Lindeman, of Richmond, Va., announces the engagement of their daughter, Miss Betsy, to Mr. Robert Nathan Rosenthal, son of Mrs. William H. Rosenthal and the late Mr. Rosentahal. In honor of Miss Lindeman and Mr. Rosentahl, a reception will be held in Richmond. Mrs. Lindeman and daughter are Mrs. Rosenthal’s house guests. Mr. Rosenthal is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, and is associated with the Frank Tea & Spice Co., this city. George C. Henry, Jr., 48, president of the H. A. Seinsheimer Clothing Co., 400 Pike Street,
passed away suddenly in New York City Thursday, June 18th, as the result of a heart attack. He leaves his widow, Ella Waldner Henry; his father George C. Henry, Sr., 96, and three children, Frederick C. Henry, Barbara and Ann Henry. Services were held from the residence, 3823 Barker Road, Monday. Dr. James C. Heller officiated. Interment was in Spring Hill Cemetery. Mr. Henry had been president of the Seinsheimer Co. since 1929 and had been associated with the firm for more than 30 years. — June 25, 1936
50 Y EARS A GO Mr. and Mrs. Harold H. Cohen announced the graduation of their daughter, Marilyn Cohen Sholiton, from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Miss Jane Frances Perlberg, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Charles Perlberg of New York City, was married Sunday, June 18, to Mr. Alan M. Shapiro, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman T. Shapiro of Cincinnati. Dr. Nelson Glueck, president of the Hebrew Union College and te Jewish Insitute of Religion, an uncle of the bridegroom, performed the ceremony at the Regis Hotel in New York City. The aufruf of Jack Rosen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rosen of this city, on his forthcoming marriage to Miss Rachel Winebrug, daughter of Mrs. Samuel Wineburg and the late Mr. Wineburg and the late Mr. Wineburg of Dayton, OH., will be held at Feinberg Synagogue Saturday, June 24, at 9 a.m. Rabbi Fishel J. Goldfeder will officiate. The marriage of Miss Ronnie Ann Levinson to Mr. John Edwin Shore was solemnized Saturday, June 17, at 7:30 a.m. by Dr. Victor E. Reichert at the home of the bride’s parents. Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Levinson, Mr. Shore is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard S. Shore. — June 22, 1961
25 Y EARS A GO “It gives me great pleasure to announce that David Lazarus has accepted the 1987 General Chairmanship of the Jewish Welfare Fund Campaign,” said Jewish Federation president, Robert M. Blatt. “David is the consummate campaigner, whose understanding of fund raising is second to none.” This is the second time that Mr. Lazarus has chaired te Federation’s annual drive. In 1977, he served as the general
chairman for the first time. His father, the late Jeffrey L. Lazarus, Sr., also held the chairmanship twice, in 1941 and 1946. The marriage of Susie Rosenberg and Perry Howard Moss took place May 3 at Rockdale Temple Chapel. Reception and dinner followed at Losantville Country Club. Susie is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Senior and the late Alan L. Rosenberg and the granddaughter of Mrs. Sidney Rosenberg of Miami. Perry is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Author Moss of Denver. Mrs. Rosalynde (Baer) Strauss of Glen Manor Home for the Jewish Aged passed away June 20. She is survived by three granddaughters, Patricia Eber of Cincinnati, Jill Gottlieb of Mobile, Ala., and Cathy Neuman of Orlando, Fla. Mrs. Strauss was the wife of the late Max Strauss, the mother of the late Elizabeth Eber and the grandmother of the late Ellen Eber. Services were on June 23 at Weil Funeral Home. Rabbi David Regenspan officiated. Interment was in B’nai Israel Cemetery, Hamilton. — June 26, 1986
10 Y EARS A GO Richard L. Katz has been named this year’s recipient of the Sigmund M. Cohen Memorial Award for Volunteer Excellence-inService for the Jewish Community Center. This award and endowment were established by Ruth B. Cohen and her children, Sigmund, Jr. and Nancy, in honor of Sigmund M. Cohen’s many contributions in the JCC and the Jewish community. The Cohen Award is presented annually to recognize an individual who has, in the course of their lifetime, rendered distinguished volunteer service to the JCC, and served in other capacities in the community as well. Bernice Tolpin, 87, passed away June 9, 2001. Mrs. Tolpin was born in Cincinnati. She was the daughter of Max and Sadie (Rosenbaum) Solinger. She was the wife of the late Ben Tolpin. She is survived by her children, Mark and Anne Tolpin of Milburn, OH; and Larry and Donna Tolpin of Dayton, OH. Surviving grandchildren are Benjamin, Stacy and Aaron Tolpin. Mrs. Tolpin graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in school psychology. She was a member of Isaac M. Wise Temple, where she worked as a volunteer and was a member of its Sisterhood. For several years, Mrs. Tolpin was the manager of the Wise Temple Gift Shop. — June 21, 2001
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
CLASSIFIEDS • 19
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 (513) 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 YPs at the JCC (513) 761-7500 • mayersonjcc.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 Congregation Sha’arei Torah shaareitorahcincy.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 Chai Tots Early Childhood Center (513) 234.0600 • chaitots.com Chabad Blue Ash (513) 793-5200 • chabadba.com Cincinnati Hebrew Day School (513) 351-7777 • chds.shul.net HUC-JIR (513) 221-1875 • huc.edu JCC Early Childhood School (513) 793-2122 • mayersonjcc.org 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
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Gal Adam Spinrad, Associate Director of the JCRC, also noted “The JCRC, in partnership with the organizations highlighted by the presenters at our annual meet-
ing, will continue to support the growing connection between Israel and the greater Cincinnati community and promote that connection as a model for international and inter-communal partnership.”
VP of JCRC Steve Shifman
JCRC President Gary Greenberg
JCRC from page 1
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 Discovery Center (513) 234.0777 • jdiscovery.com 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
Julia Weinstein, Debra Hill and Dick Weiland
20 • BUSINESS
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The Jewish Hospital becomes an EPIC Hospital The Jewish Hospital is taking a significant step in enhancing patient care by going completely paperless. The new electronic medical records (EMR) system, EPIC, went live at The Jewish Hospital early on the morning of June 13, 2011. Electronic medical records are proven to streamline communications between physicians and caregivers, enhance patient safety, reduce the risk of medical errors, and improve efficiency. “This new system benefits everyone – our physicians, our nurses and caregivers, and most importantly our patients,” said Steven Holman, president of the The Jewish Hospital. “Improving our efficiency in diagnosing and treating our patients really helps create even better care and better outcomes. We are excited to add this new technology to the services we provide.” An example of how the electronic medical records work would be that your primary care physician and cardiologist can quickly and easily access the same information regarding your health through a ACCESS from page 6 “I think it’s safe to say that we would not be together if it were not for Access, because we just kept running into each other, which created comfort and familiarity. Something my father calls the ‘propinquity theory’ of dating,” explains Ben, an attorney and native Cincinnatian. “If you keep running into someone, you WEINER from page 6 As much as he tacked to the left on economic issues, the congressman leaned to the right on Israel issues, reflecting the values of his heavily Jewish district, which included parts of Brooklyn and Queens. He directly criticized Obama for the tensions between his government and that of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Weiner is married to Huma ARGENTINE from page 7 “It happened because I am Jewish. If were from the traditional economic establishment,” he said, it never would have happened. The transparent day of reckoning provided by a public trial would teach Argentine antiSemites and lawbreakers that there are consequences for criminal action, Saiegh says. More important, he adds, a legal victory — with the government itself as a co-complainant — would serve as a rebuke to the notion that judges and prosecutors can be bought in Argentina. “They bought justice in every situation it was possible,” he said.
Staff from The Jewish Hospital received training on the new electronic medical records system recently implemented at the hospital.
secure online system – all of your test results, any concerns or symptoms, and any medications you may be taking. This reduces the risk of any medical errors occurring or the chance that you may have to repeat a test or procedure. It also leads to better patient outcomes. Also, if you are a patient of a Mercy Medical Associates physician (the network of physicians employed by Mercy Health Partners), you can now view your health history, access your test results, schedule appointments and renew prescriptions through your computer via a secure online system. The Jewish Hospital joined Mercy Health Partners in March 2010. It is the fourth hospital in the Mercy system to implement electronic medical records. Mercy Hospital Fairfield was one of the first in the region when it went live with EPIC in early 2010 and Mercy Hospital Anderson and Mercy Hospital Clermont implemented the EMRs at the end of last year. To learn more, visit Mercy’s website.
have more opportunities to showcase who you are in casual settings — eventually something will happen. And for us, it did!” “Access played a major role in us getting together, which we are very grateful for,” adds Roshelle. “And just as importantly, as two people who were somewhat new to the Cincinnati Jewish community, Access enabled us to make lifelong friendships which we
cherish to this day!” Native Cincinnatians, Rob and Rachel Callif met at an Access casino event a few years ago. “One thing led to another and now we are happily married, but we would not be together if it weren’t for Access,” says Rob. “It is not easy to meet people as a young Jewish professional in any city. I lived in San Francisco and Rachel lived in New York City. We found it easier
to develop friendships and relationships in Cincinnati because of the strong and organized young Jewish professional community here,” he explains. “Access leads the way with its fun and inviting social programs like wine tasting events, attending a Reds game together, speed dating and more.” “Although Access isn’t in the ‘marriage broker’ business, knowing that we’ve helped young
Jewish men and women find one another is icing on the cake,” says Manuel Mayerson, Trustee of the Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation. “We hope these couples, and many others to come, will go on to become even more involved in our Jewish community, and look forward to some of them bringing our Shalom Family program a few more ‘customers’ very soon!”
Abedin, a Saudi-born Muslim who is a top adviser to Hillary Clinton, the U.S. secretary of state. Abedin is pregnant, and Weiner has said their marriage is intact. Weiner’s defenders noted that other politicians have survived sexual transgressions. They called the pressures placed on him to resign — which came from Obama as well from as the Republican and Democratic leaderships — hypocritical. Many of
the same Democrats calling on him to step down defended President Clinton when he had a real sexual affair — as opposed to the virtual one Weiner seems to have conducted via phone, text and Internet messages — and lied about it. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) remains in the U.S. Senate after he was revealed to have frequented prostitutes. Weiner’s problem for the Democratic leadership was the novelty of his transgression, said a
source close to the leadership. According to this account, straightforward adultery or an addiction problem would have been dealt with, but there was an “ick” factor to the photos of Weiner’s excited state circulating around the Internet. “We didn’t know what to do with this,” the source said. More important than that, however, were Weiner’s initial — and indignant — lies about his conduct, such as blaming hackers
for sending the picture that sparked the scandal. It was only the continued leak of additional pictures and exchanges, and the emergence of his interlocutors — who numbered at least six, he finally acknowledged — that led him to apologize and seek treatment. “I’m here to apologize for the personal mistakes I have made,” he said Thursday, “and the embarrassment that I have caused.”
“With the money they buy impunity. What will be the future of this country if that continues?” Justice in Argentina often is not easily achieved. In the case of the country’s most notorious tragedy involving Jews, the 1994 bombing in Buenos Aires of the AMIA Jewish community center, which killed 85, the investigation has been marred by delays and prosecutorial misconduct. The perpetrators of the bombing have never been arrested, though Iranian officials have been implicated in the attack. The bombing’s Argentine suspects, many of them members of the Buenos Aires Police Department, were cleared of all
charges in September 2004. One year later, the judge heading up the case was impeached on charges of serious mishandling of the investigation. Saiegh, too, has faced significant challenges in his crusade. Over the past three decades he has seen some small victories, but nothing on the scale of the endorsement by Duhalde, the government secretary of human rights. In 1999, the political umbrella organization of Argentina’s Jewish community, known by the acronym DAIA, took Saiegh’s case to a judge in Spain. The judge, Baltasar Garzon, came out strongly against the Central Bank’s actions, noting that “the violent action against the
Jewish community in Argentina during the military dictatorship was something planned beforehand and institutionalized.” However, Garzon’s findings were not recognized in Argentina. In 2004, Duhalde wrote a letter in which he acknowledged that the facts of Saiegh’s case matched a pattern of state terrorism and unlawful appropriation of property against the country’s Jewish community. Rosenthal says it was an important turning point because it enabled Saiegh to begin pursuing a criminal complaint as opposed to simply working within the confines of the civil system — an action he filed in 2009.
Once a judge formally accepts Duhalde’s decision to formally join Saiegh’s suit as a co-complainant, they will have the ability to call witnesses, launch a full investigation and ultimately proceed to trial. Pursuing his case is still a risky endeavor, Saiegh says; he has had round-the-clock police protection since filing the 2009 suit. But to hear the banker tell it, there’s something more important at play here than his own safety: the future of the Argentine Jewish community. “With discrimination, you can’t make a country. You need integration,” Saiegh said. “That’s something we need change for the Jews in Argentina.”
FOOD • 21
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
Beat the heat with ‘beet borscht’ Zell’s Bites
by Zell Schulman When the weather heats up, I know it is time to prepare cold soups. Over the years, I have collected a variety of cold Summer Soups. Made from fruits, fresh garden vegetables, herbs and a combination of ingredients, I’ve found there is nothing more satisfying and thirst-quenching than a cold summer soup. One of the first MOTORCYCLES from page 8 The Internet brought her to the Jewish Motorcycle Alliance, which soon connected her with Brodsky, a veteran rider who also had stumbled upon the international organization and expressed interest in starting a local group. The first meeting of what would become Ridin’ Chai took place in the spring of 2008 at the Contra Costa JCC in Walnut Creek. Coming from Sacramento, San Jose, Stockton, Half Moon Bay and as far away as Yosemite, members began meeting up for semi-regular rides — sometimes through the Santa Cruz Mountains, sometimes inland. They’d have breakfast at a local diner, then take off for the day, with members occasionally spending the night at others’ homes if theirs were too far to get back to in an evening’s time. Through the Internet and word of mouth, membership grew quickly, and the group settled on a mission statement and logo for its official patch — both requirements for joining JMA. Aside from all the other Judaica dangling from their jackets and bikes, the patch is perhaps what prevents members from ever being mistaken for just another motorcycle club. As with most groups of Jews, opinions on the design and appropriate size for the patch often were loud and contradictory. But in the end the members were pretty pleased with the result. Paying homage to both the American and Israeli flags, the patch on the back of each member’s jacket features a Star of David filled in with stars and stripes, flanked by the inimitable slogan “Shtup it, let’s ride.” As to demographics, there are some constants among the regulars. Most are 50 and over, with many hovering around 60 and a few in their early 70s. Many have
on my list is Cold Borscht. Webster spells it, ‘borsh.’ “A Russian beet soup served hot or cold, often with sour cream.” In check my Food Lover’s Companion, tells me it is originally from Russia and Poland and that borscht is a soup made with fresh beets. It can be prepared using an assortment of vegetables, or with meat and meat stock, or with a combination of both. It agrees with Webster that is may be served hot or cold and is accompanied by sour cream. Roget’s Thesaurus calls it a Potage, then goes into a variety of French soups. All I know is, my father Harry Sharff, who came from Russia in his early 20’s loved beet borscht, but only in the summer. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to partake of many kinds of beet borscht. My friends from Russia, served it hot with meat and a boiled potato. My adult children and perhaps a young grandchild or two. A few 30-something riders are starting to come along these days, most of them the children of older riders. On the whole, the group is overwhelmingly male-dominated — in numbers, that is, as no one would deny that the barely 5-foot Bilunos (in her shades, Harley earrings, shofar necklace and black-and-white bandana) is the leader. They come from a range of professional careers, though in an apt reflection of a certain stereotype, there’s probably a higher percentage of doctors, dentists and lawyers in Ridin’ Chai than in a sampling of riders at your average motorcycle rally. "There was a time when we got a new member it was, ‘Oh, great, another doctor,’ ” says Al Aronofsky, better known as “Bear Al” or sometimes just “Bear.” A big man with a long white beard and hearty laugh, Aronosfky looks every bit the rough-and-tumble character you’d find at your local biker bar. He’s also among the most observant Jewishly. A member of both Chabad of Stockton and a Reform synagogue three miles away, Temple Israel, Aronofsky taught religious school for 18 years and now is enrolled in a distance-learning program to receive his rabbinical ordination from a school in New York. At home in Stockton, he rides his bike to and from services a few times a week — “except on Shabbat,” he says. “Right,” chimes in Stuart Sorkin, an original member, with a light elbow to the ribs. “Then you push it.” Sorkin, who taught religious school at Congregation Beth Sholom in Sacramento for many years, says it might not be traditional for religious Jews to ride motorcycles — but people get used to it. “When I was teaching 10-, 11-
grandmother Jacobs served it cold with sour cream, and once I really got surprised, when the borscht wasn’t made with beets, but with spinach. There are two very important elements to making a good borscht. Number one, any fresh beets you use must be small in size. The larger the beet, the tougher and less tasty the beet will be and it will take longer to cook. Number two, you need a pair of gloves or you will wind up with red hands and beet stains everywhere. Fortunately today, you can buy “throw away” gloves in a box at your super market. Over the years, I have gotten this summer treat down to a science. Quick and easy. Maybe not traditional, but very tasty. The color itself beckons and the flavor is the most satisfying. Oh yes, I always double my recipe so I have enough on hand. Enjoy!!
BLENDER BEET BORSCHT Makes 6 one-cup servings Ingredients • One 32 -ounce jar of kosher borscht with beets • 1 cup sour cream, plus extra for garnish • 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into 2- inch pieces • 2 green onions, sliced • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Method 1. Strain the liquid from the beets. Set the beets aside for later. Pour half the liquid from the kosher jar of borscht into the blender or bowl of your food processor with a 1/2 cup of sour cream. Blend on low speed for l0 seconds or pulse two or three times. 2. Add the cucumber pieces and
Courtesy of Cathleen MacLearie
Members of the Ridin’ Chai Motorcycle Club meet up for a Sunday ride.
, 12-year-olds, it actually helped!” he says with a laugh. “It offset the white hair, made me a little cooler, I think.” Sorkin also emphasized that being Jewish was an important point of connection for all members of the group, regardless of the varying levels of observance. “There are a lot of motorcyclespecific clubs —Yamaha, hogs, what have you,” he says. “We’re more social than bike-focused, I’d say. We’re not bikers that happen to be Jewish, we’re Jews who are also bikers. And we’re pretty nondiscriminatory.” “Except to each other,” Aronofsky adds with a laugh. One original member who commands respect is Bob Pave, 71, a Holocaust survivor. Born in Warsaw just before World War II, he came to the United States with his mother in 1944 as part of a trade between the Nazis and the U.S. government for Germans living in the U.S. “We can thank Heinrich Himmler for that,” says Pave, adding that he can speak Polish “like a 5-year-old,” which is how old he was when his family left Poland. While he doesn’t speak about
his past often, Pave is active in the Bay Area’s pro-Israel community, including the Israel Action Network and StandWithUs/S.F. Voice for Israel. He’s even found a way to put his bike to use with his passion for the Jewish state. “A couple of years ago there was a demonstration in San Francisco by the pro-Palestinians against Israel and against Jews,” he recalls. “So Robby [Brodsky] and I got in touch and we rode our motorcycles in with Israeli flags … I think we had eight riders, and people from StandWithUs came and rode on the backs of our motorcycles.” “We rode around them for a little while … the pro-Palestinians had nothing to say.” While most members agree the club wouldn’t be possible without the Internet (“There was no way we all would have found each other,” Aronofsky says), there are a few drawbacks to being such a spread-out community: It’s hard to get everyone in the same place very often, so they don’t ride as often — or in as big of a group — as they’d like to. The next big ride is a JMA meet-and-greet in Durango, Colo.,
sliced green onion. Pulse two or three times, then blend or combine on high speed for five seconds. Empty into a large glass container or pitcher. (This will stain a plastic container.) 3. Pour the remaining liquid from the jar with the remaining 1/2 cup sour cream. Empty into the large container. Fold in the beets. *Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for several hours before serving. Serve the borscht garnished with a dollop of sour cream. Zell’s Tips: I like adding extra beets to the borscht. Buy one 8ounce jar of sliced beets in liquid. Add the liquid to the prepared borscht. Slice the beets into thin strips and fold into the borscht. You may need to add a little more sour cream, salt and pepper. in August. The night before departing, a group of Ridin’ Chai riders will probably sleep over at Bilunos’ house to get an early start. The club’s main goal is to increase numbers and establish more regular events. Bilunos has been talking to JMA officials about plans for a commemerative “6 million mile ride,” with riders around the world logging their mileage in hopes of reaching an aggregate total of 6 million to honor Holocaust victims and survivors. For the time being, club members are content just to be in each other’s presence, taking in the scenery of Northern California whenever possible, especially during the spring and summer months. “When we head out there, it’s partly the ride and it’s partly the company,” says one of the group’s riders, a 64-year-old attorney, recounting a recent snowball fight on a ride over the Sonora Pass. “For a bunch of old guys, we manage to have a lot of fun.” Listening to them speak, many members also take a noticeable delight in the inherent rebellion of upending expectations — of what people in their 60s “should” be doing, of how white-collar professionals spend their retirement, of how Jews are “supposed” to get their kicks. “For us older guys, growing up, we always heard ‘You gotta be a doctor or a lawyer,’ ” Aronofsky says. “Nobody was ever a cop or a biker because those were dangerous things. Good Jewish boys didn’t do those things, especially when, for our parents’ generation, it was about trying to blend in.” Of course, there’s something to be said for having attorneys in your midst at all times. “It’s an old joke,” Brodsky says. “But if we ever have any trouble with the Hell’s Angels, we’ll just sue ’em.”
22 • OBITUARIES D EATH N OTICES LIPSHULTZ, Matthew, age 51, died on June 6, 2011, 4 Sivan, 5771. WEINBERG, Hillard, age 88, died on June 13, 2011, 11 Sivan, 5771. BUCHMAN, Evelyn, age 91, died on June 14, 2011; 13 Sivan, 5771. GRUSD, Edwin D., age 84, died on June 17, 2011; 15 Sivan, 5771. FORBUS, James Edward, age 72, died on June 17, 2011; 15 Sivan, 5771. WITKIN, Sanford E. “Sandy,” age 69, June 20, 2011, 18 Sivan 5771.
O BITUARIES LIPSHULTZ, Matthew We are heartbroken to share with you the passing of Matthew, our friend, son, brother, uncle and partner, on Monday morning, June 6, 2011. Matt fought the most gallant battle against his cancer for 25 years living life to the fullest every day, and came home two weeks ago in Hospice
NATIONAL from page 7 Malcolm Hoenlein, the chairman and executive vice chairman, respectively, of the umbrella group. “It underscores the need for prompt action to release Jonathan Pollard after 25 years of imprisonment.” At least 200 supporters of Pollard, a civilian analyst for the U.S. Navy when he was convicted of spying for Israel, had demonstrated Sunday in front of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, urging Obama to accede to the request. More than 70 Knesset members last week sent a petition to Washington urging Obama to allow Pollard to visit his dying father. Activists and organizations from around the world, including the Conference of Presidents of Major
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care with a household of family and friends to keep his spirits up. Matt was a lifelong member of SAG, Hollywood Playhouse, South Florida CAPPIES Board of Directors, starring in Actors With A Clue, Lost Colony, Barnum on Broadway, Brigadoon and many many more. He was a partner/ comptroller and IT Guru at Aquathin Corp. for 23 years. You will be amazed to know that Matt played poker with closest friends the day before leaving us, and won. Matthew is survived by his father Mitchell, Don, Alfie, Debbie, Roslyn, Jerry, Harvi, and was F.U.M. (Favorite Uncle Matt) to all of his nieces and nephews. A celebration of Matthew’s life was held at Forest Lawn North, in Pompano Beach, on Thursday, June 9, with family and friends. Donations can be made to The American Cancer Society or the “Mitchell and Harriette Lipshultz, John and Lenora Scircle and Aquathin Corp. Family Endowment Scholarship” at the University of Kentucky College of Arts & Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Arts & Sciences, 231 Patterson Office Tower, Lexington, KY USA 40506-0027 attn: Ms. Mimi H. Ward, for Mitchell & Harriette
Lipshultz, John & Lenora Scircle, Aquathin Corp Scholarship Fund.
American Jewish Organizations, had urged Obama to grant Pollard the compassionate leave, but the administration refused. Pollard, who was arrested in 1985 and is serving a life sentence, was allowed to make an emergency call to his hospitalized father a week before his death, but Morris Pollard was too weak to speak on the telephone. Pollard was not allowed to attend his mother’s funeral in December 2001. He reportedly has been estranged from his family since 1996.
Semitism, the school’s provost said in a statement. Monday’s announcement by Peter Salovey of the creation of the Yale Program for the Study of Anti-Semitism comes less than three weeks after the university said the Yale Interdisciplinary Initiative for the Study of AntiSemitism would be disbanded at the end of the summer for failing to promote sufficient research and instruction opportunities. Salovey said that in the wake of that decision, a group of faculty members interested in creating a new initiative to study anti-Semitism came forward. The Yale Program for the Study of Anti-Semitism will be sponsored by the university’s Whitney Humanities Center, he said. “YPSA will encourage serious scholarly discourse and collaborative research focused on antiSemitism, one of the world’s oldest and most enduring prejudices, in all its forms,” the provost said. The shuttering of the earlier program had garnered international attention and drew protests from a number of Jewish groups. YPSA will host visiting speakers and hold conferences, and students and faculty will be eligible to apply for research funding. The Yale Daily News had reported last Friday that the campus rabbi, James Ponet, had sent an e-mail to undisclosed recipients saying that he expected the university to announce the new program soon.
Yale to launch new antiSemitism program WASHINGTON (JTA) — Yale University is launching a new program for the study of anti-
WEINBERG, Hillard Hillard Weinberg of Amberley Village passed away Monday, June 13, 2011, the 11th of Sivan, 5771. He was 88-years-old. A World War II veteran, graduate of UC and the UC College of Law, Hillard would forgo a legal career to spend most of his professional life, up until his retirement at age 77, in the insurance business. He earned the designation of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and was an independent producer for Thomas E. Wood Insurance Agency, now known as USI Midwest. He was “Mr. Insurance” to many of his friends and customers, and had a well-deserved reputation for thoroughness, integrity and knowledge of all facets of the business. He developed an interest in, and pursued as a hobby, photography, documenting customers businesses – the “before” and when needed, the “after” photographs – and diligently filing them, always with the date recorded on the back of the photo. In her eulogy at his funeral, Hillard’s eldest daughter, Janie Weinberg, shared a few random thoughts about her father. “Hillard kept current on news,
business, and insurance issues, but not on technology,” she recounted. “Computers baffled him, even voice mail stymied him. He always wondered, ‘Who put all the information into the internet?’” He was a man of habit, she said. “He insisted on keeping his teeth clean and using a toothpick; he came home regularly to a prepared family dinner; he read the paper in the evening; he read the Court Index regularly, and he stayed at work every Monday night to catch up without interruptions.” She also remembered the kind of family man Hillard was. “He was devoted to his family. He worked hard to support us all, allowing Babette the choice of not working outside the home, and giving Mert and me two of the greatest gifts that helped form us – years of summer camp and college educations. At the time, we didn’t realize how lucky were were – we do now. “In regards to his grandson Benny,” she continued, “Grandpa Hill was so proud as he watched Benny grow and turn into such a smart, talented and really considerate young man. And Hillard’s six decades of love and devotion to Babette were clear to all. He spoiled her in many ways and
always supported and cared for her in all the ways she needed it.” In conclusion, she said, “if I had to sum up Hillard in one word, I’d say he was ‘engaged’ – engaged in all that he did and with all with whom he interacted person-to-person. He cared about his family, his friends and his work. He really listened to what people were telling him, be it on insurance or life or even a joke. He always wanted to know about our activities and asked questions that showed his sincere interest. And always, he wanted to know if everything was ‘copacetic.’ He was very present, and that is why we will miss him so much.” In addition to Babette, his wife of nearly 60 years, Hillard is survived by his two daughters and their husbands: Janie Weinberg and Bob Baron of Boston; Mert (Martha) and Rick Friedman, and their son, Hillard’s grandson, Benny. Interment was Wednesday, June 15, at United Jewish Cemetery, Montgomery, with Rabbi Lewis Kamrass officiating. Donations may be made to VITAS Hospice Charitable Fund, 11500 North Lake Drive Suite 400, Cincinnati 45249; the Plum Street Temple Preservation Fund, 8329 Ridge Road, Cincinnati 45236; or the charity of the giver’s choice.
ABORIGINE from page 8
program. Aboriginal health is a massive problem in Australia, where life expectancy among the indigenous community of about 400,000 trails life expectancy among white Australians by about 20 years. Many of the country’s indigenous people still live in remote communities in the Australian Outback. “We have had some wins,” Jackson Pulver said of the effort to improve indigenous people’s health. “Not as many babies are dying. And we now have about 150 Aboriginal doctors around Australia. Twenty years ago we had one.”
Jackson Pulver is admired in both the Jewish and Aboriginal communities. Of all her accomplishments, Jackson Pulver says she’s probably proudest of the Shalom Gamarada scholarship program, which raises money for indigenous students pursuing medical degrees. She founded the program in 2004 with Ilona Lee, then president of the Shalom Institute, a Jewish residential college at the University of New South Wales. Some 37 Aboriginal students have graduated through the scholarship
Courtesy of Lisa Jackson Pulver
Lisa Jackson Pulver, a Jewish member of the Aboriginal tribe called the Wiradjuri.
MatureLiving 2011 SPECIAL SECTION.
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