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Patriot games: Is Captain America too American?
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Norway killer espoused right-wing philosophy
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Talented chef, tasty Thai at Bangkok Terrace
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JCC Blue Jays had stellar baseball season Despite the soggy spring, the Blue Jays boys Class C2 baseball team at the Mayerson JCC had a successful season. They finished with a 9-6 record, and again qualified for the City Tournament. Boys participating in the JCC Blue Jays baseball program have unique opportunities to improve their skills. The Blue Jays utilize the JCC’s indoor batting cage and pitching machine, and can practice rain or shine in the JCC gym. This also means they get a head start on the season by working out in the winter months. “The difference between our team and most other teams is our cohesiveness and solidarity,” Head Coach Mark Gordon said. “Most of our players have played together for several seasons and nearly all have committed to next season already. Our fantastic volunteer coaches and the terrific equipment at the J really make the difference.” “There are many opportunities for kids to practice and improve their sports skills at the J all year. In the summer, we offer S’Mores Sports camps,” said Mike Creemer, JCC Director of Sports and Recreation. “Soccer, basketball, golf, and sports adventure are each featured during 1-week late-summer camps
JCC Blue Jays C Athletic Div. 11 U team – First row (L-R): Dovid Wilheim, Yehuda Kernerman, Koby Bernstein, Shai Younger, Drew Samuelson, Yisroel Bidnick; Second row (L-R): Yehuda Heigh, Gavi Behrman, Avram Schreiber, Quint Kaufman, Levi Scherer, Jason Eichner, Moshe Spetner, Avrami Kernerman; Third row (L-R): Mike Meyer, Mark Gordon, Steve Ostrow, Mike Creemer, Matt Steinberg
in August. The sports camps are expected to sell-out, so families should call now.” Youth sports programs at the JCC, including tennis, soccer, flag football and base-
ball, will be offered starting in September. Children will develop sports skills and gain game experience in a fun environment. “Our sports programs real-
ly benefit from our community of families, players, coaches, and the great JCC facility,” Creemer said. “It’s awesome.” The J offers a variety of fun sports programs for every
age, from youth to adult, throughout the year. For more information regarding JCC sports and recreation programs, please contact Mike Creemer at the J.
LOCAL • 3
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011
Jewish Foundation holds annual meeting
(L-R) Chairman Gary Heiman, President Michael R. Oestreicher, Treasurer Beth Guttman, Vice President J. David Rosenberg, Secretary Jeffrey Zipkin, Executive Director Brian Jaffee
The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati held its fifteenth annual meeting last week, paying tribute to retiring Trustees, announcing new leadership and offering a preview of the priority funding areas in the Foundation's strategic plan. Michael R. Oestreicher was elected to serve as the sixth President of The Jewish Foundation, succeeding Gary Heiman, who will now serve a three-year term as Chairman. J. David Rosenberg, was elected Vice President, and Beth Guttman and Jeffrey Zipkin were elected Treasurer and Secretary, respectively. It was also announced that Michael Fisher, Bob Brant and Leslie Newman were elected as Trustees of the Foundation. They join the Officers, as well as Benjamin Gettler, Robert Kanter and Gloria S. Haffer who, along with Gary Heiman, are the only original Trustees still on the Foundation Board. This transition comes at a time when the Foundation’s assets have grown considerably, as a result of the sale of The Jewish Hospital, formerly owned by a subsidiary of the Foundation. Before the sale, the Foundation managed approximately $70 million; post-sale that figure is now closer to $280 million. Foundation Trustees and staff have been immersed in a strategic planning process to determine how to deploy these new resources in a way that will positively transform the Cincinnati Jewish community and make Cincinnati the envy of other communities across North America. “It is a great and humbling privilege to have the opportunity to lead the Foundation during the formative years of what will be a new epoch in the Foundation’s history,” said Oestreicher. “Together
with the Jewish Federation and many other organizations, we have a greatly enhanced ability to help create an extraordinary, exemplary community in which to live.” “We are thrilled to have Mike Oestreicher at the helm of the Foundation during this pivotal moment in our history, and to bring aboard such an accomplished group of new Trustees,” said Heiman. “Mike has distinguished himself as a committed, thoughtful and visionary leader during his time on the Board. His organizational skills, track record of involvement in Jewish communal life, passion for our work and experience leading institutions in transition make him an ideal President of the Foundation. As we contemplate the awesome responsibility of stewarding the Foundation’s new resources, we are confident that Mike’s leadership, the combined talents our new Trustees and the wisdom and experience of our veteran Trustees, will make this next term of office an extraordinarily productive one.” Immediate Past Chairman Phyllis Sewell led off the meeting with a review of the Foundation’s grantmaking activities during the three-year term of office that just concluded. She emphasized the Foundation’s lead gifts to the Mayerson JCC capital campaign, Hebrew Union College and the Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati. Sewell also made a special presentation to Connie Hinitz, the Foundation’s former Administrator, expressing appreciation for her dedicated service to the Foundation over 12 years. Heiman then delivered an overview of the Foundation’s strategic planning process, describing the input Foundation Trustees received from key informants in the Jewish community – including
Rabbis, Federation leaders, volunteers, professionals and educators associated with Jewish communal agencies – and the deliberations Trustees undertook to determine their vision for “a vibrant Cincinnati Jewish community.” He then presented the five main priority funding areas that the Foundation will now focus on in the Jewish community: Unmet Basic Needs, Jewish Education, Leadership Development, Continuous Jewish Involvement and Israel Connection. Heiman emphasized the imper-
ative of a strong partnership between the Foundation and Federation to stimulate more individual giving in the community, saying, “The Foundation’s new resources alone will not be sufficient to take care of all the needs and transform this community into a model envied by others around the country. Even the combined resources of the Federation's annual allocations and the Foundation's new annual distribution won't be enough. This can only be accomplished through partnership – partnership between institutions in vision and planning, and partnership with individual donors who display the kind of generosity and commitment that makes them owners of a community, and not merely tenants. For our community to be able to truly help everyone who is in need, it will require the Foundation, together with individual givers who can afford to maintain and strengthen their support for the ongoing critical work of the Federation and its agencies.” In his first remarks as Foundation President, Oestreicher echoed Heiman’s call for continued support of the Federation, and articulated the Foundation’s vision for encouraging more collaboration in the Jewish community. “We intend to position the Foundation as a creative, constructive partner that will have the ability and resources to help weave together different threads into a stronger and more interwoven community tapestry,” said Oestreicher. “This
will often require a dialogue with prospective grantees about both their individual needs as institutions, working towards their own worthy objectives, as well as then working with them to develop ideas about how they in turn can contribute even more to the overall communal landscape in a way that makes the collective ground more fertile – and ultimately results in everyone receiving much more than they put in to begin with.” By engaging with the community in this way, Oestreicher predicted a “rising tide that will lift all boats.” The Foundation’s Annual Meeting marked the retirement from the Board of Immediate Past Chairman Phyllis Sewell, Founding Chairman Bernie Dave, and Philip T. Cohen. Along with Warren C. Falberg, who resigned earlier this year, each of these Founding Trustees was presented with an award from the Foundation and thanked by Heiman for their more than 15 years of dedicated service, commitment and contributions to the Foundation’s work. In brief remarks, each of the retiring Trustees expressed deep appreciation for having had the opportunity to serve both The Jewish Hospital as well as The Jewish Foundation, counting these experiences as their most fulfilling volunteer contributions, and each of them exuded confidence that the Foundation will continue to make a transformative impact on the Cincinnati Jewish community.
4 • LOCAL
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The American Israelite website — comprehensive community source Plus this week’s Facebook Fan of the Week The American Israelite website is Cincinnati, Ohio’s source for all of it’s news and lifecycle needs. Remember, you do not have to wait until Thursday to read about the latest happenings in Cincinnati’s Jewish community or to learn about news happening around the world. The American Israelite web-
site is updated every business day with timely stories from national, international and Israeli sources. The American Israelite website also offers a complete listing of community organizations for all of your family’s Jewish lifecycle needs, from congregational life to entertainment, health and fitness, Kosher establish-
ments, scholarships and loans, college life, job placement, young adults, senior adults and much more. The full listing can be accessed by going to The American Israelite’s website. Roll the computer’s mouse over the “Organizations” header to see a dropdown that shows the “Community Directory” section.
Click on it to use and peruse the directory. Remember to stick with the oldest for what’s new. Also, congratulations to Mert Weinberg Friedman, this week’s new Facebook Fan of the Week. Don’t forget to “like” us, for your chance to be the Fan of the Week!
Save the date for JFS Festi-bowl Mark your calendar for an afternoon of family-friendly fun for all ages. The first annual FestiBowl for Jewish Family Service will have a variety of entertaining activities from bowling to face painting 1-3 p.m., Sunday November 6 at Coleraian Bowl,
just about a mile north of the Ronald Reagan Highway exit on Colerain Avenue. The Jewish Hospital is the Title Sponsor for this party that will benefit the many JFS programs that strengthen lives in times of need.
“Of course there will be bowling, including glow-bowl and bumper-bowl,” noted Andrea Lerner Levenson, JFS committee chair. “But even if you don’t bowl, you are certain to have a great time. Festi-Bowl activities are planned for young children to the
young-at-heart grandparents,” The other committee members are Marcie Bachrach, Sandee Golden, Sherry Kaplan, Beth Schwartz, Susan Shorr, and Gary Smith. For more information about sponsorships or tickets, contact Sandee Golden at JFS.
Rockwern improving school’s play spaces During the summer, the Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC— formerly referred to as Rockwern’s pre-school) staff at Rockwern Academy has been busy organizing, planning, and creating improved indoor and outdoor play spaces for the ECEC children. The Rockwern staff are
excited to offer additional gross motor opportunities and some new equipment to use. The Early Childhood Education Staff can always use additional items. If you happen to have any gross motor equipment for young children and toddlers that have been gently used, the ECEC staff
would be happy to add it to their play spaces. Please label any donations “ECEC” and drop them off in Eden Hall. In addition, Kat Bowlin, the muralist, is putting the finishing touches on the ECEC outdoor playground. The staff are still accepting donations for this proj-
ect, which includes creating a personalized stepping stone so your family’s artwork can be forever a part of Rockwern’s ECEC playground. All donations for this project should be directed to the PTO. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Marcie Oliff at Rockwern Academy.
Café Chabad’s summer special—grill the rabbi Café Chabad is back for the summer. Café Chabad is the premier night out for Jewish adults in Cincinnati, featuring delicious food, great entertainment and good company. Held several times throughout the year, these evenings are a wonderful time to meet up with old and new friends in a relaxed atmosphere. This summer’s Café Chabad features an upscale barbeque prepared by local professional Jewish
chefs. The menu caters to all tastes and diets, with rib-eye steaks, beef, chicken and vegetarian kabobs. Sides include baked potatoes grilled corn, and dessert. Wine and beer will be available for purchase. While diners kick back and enjoy, they are invited to “Grill the Rabbi.” Any and all questions about Judaism (and anything else the Rabbi may know) will be game, no questions too big or too small. Opportunity will be given for ques-
tions to be asked both in person and anonymously. For those who don’t have any questions? Come anyway, the food’s great. From past experience, Rusty and Gale Goldner say, “Cafe Chabad is a wonderful and memorable evening. To enjoy good food, drink and conversation in the Café Chabad setting is well worth one’s time.” This event promises to be an evening not to be missed, and you
are invited to partake and bring along a friend or two. The Café Chabad will take place on Sunday, August 14, at 6:30 p.m. It will be held at Chabad Jewish Center in Blue Ash. There is a cost to attend, and the fee will increase after August 7. A sponsor opportunity is also available. For adults only. Reservations and more information can be found on Chabad’s website and for more information, contact Chabad.
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VOL. 158 • NO. 1 THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011 26 TAMMUZ 5771 SHABBAT BEGINS FRIDAY 8:35 PM SHABBAT ENDS SATURDAY 9:36 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 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
Mending Relationships: Rebuilding Our World Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation Tisha B’Av Event Imparts the Tools to Build Sholom On August 9 at 6:30 p.m., Congregation Ohr Chadash will be one of 700 worldwide venues which will be holding The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation Tisha B’av presentation. The Jewish world puts aside the concerns of daily life on Tisha B’Av in order to mourn the Temple in Israel. This year’s Event, entitled “Mending Relationships: Rebuilding Our World,” focuses on the imperative of pursuing sholom in our person-
al lives and communities. This year’s speakers will paint a picture of the beautiful life each person can attain by cultivating sholom. The program offers speakers such as: Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits, founder and director of The Jerusalem Kollel and a leader in Jewish Outreach, Rabbi Eli Mansour and Dr. David J. Lieberman, an award-winning author and a leader in the fields of human behavior and interpersonal relationships.
The Event’s speakers focus not only on the spiritual aspects of sholom, but on the practical, doable nature of the concept. What may seem impossible and “not for me” emerges as entirely possible, and doable for everyone. “Mending Our Relationships, Repairing the World will be presented in hundreds of cities throughout the world. The presentation is aimed at awakening each person to the boundless benefits of pursuing
sholom. By heeding these uplifting words, each person can gain effective, practical tools to heal the rifts, repair the damage to our world and enable G-d’s Creation to operate at full capacity, bringing blessing, health, prosperity and happiness into our lives. The presentation will occur in Congregation Ohr Chadash’s Ohav Shalom building at 6:30 p.m. For more information please contact the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation.
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.
LOCAL • 5
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011
Enjoy Indian Summer Shabbat with young professionals It’s hot outsid and here’s a cool way to beat the heat. Now Jewish young professionals, ages 21-35 can add some spice to the season and experience a whole new way to celebrate Indian Summer when Access presents the next event in its popular Got Shabbat dinner series, Indian Summer Shabbat, on Friday, August 19 at 7 p.m. at Mayerson Hall on the campus of Hebrew Union College. Guests will get a taste of the food, music, dance and culture of India when they step into this exotic world where vivid colors and vibrant flavors await! The event is free with advance reservations and is made possible through the generosity of The Mayerson Foundation. The evening will kick off with a happy hour, complete with a selection of authentic Indian beer as well as wine and other beverages. Guests will also be treated to traditional henna tattoos and an Indian dance demonstration. Then, after candle lighting, wine and challah, participants will enjoy an Indian-style Shabbat dinner, including tandoori chicken, basmati rice, saag paneer, naan and other traditional dishes sure to
tempt even the pickiest eaters. Access’ Got Shabbat dinner series gives Jewish young professionals a chance to wind down the workweek together in a fun and casual atmosphere while getting the chance to engage in a unique experience. Past Got Shabbat events have included, Israeli Wine and Dine Shabbat at the Art of Entertaining in Oakley, Down on the Farm Shabbat at an organic, free-range farm in Loveland where participants learned about sustainable farming and enjoyed an organic meal fresh from the farm, and Shabbat ShaBark at Lakeside Lodge in Sharon Woods where guests got to bring their favorite four-legged friends to share in a fun and casual camp-style Shabbat, complete with a guitar player, fire pit and s’mores. This coming December, Access will present CelebRussian Shabbat, a salute to the culture and traditions of Access’ many first generation young professional participants of Russian heritage. “Our Got Shabbat series provides the perfect opportunity for young professionals to meet new people while participating in a
Jewish activity without any strings attached,” explains Access Program Coordinator, Rachel Plowden. “No matter what their level of experience or observance, it’s less about knowing the prayers and more about just being together in a Jewish context,” she adds. “The only expectation we have is fun!” Space for this event is limited to the first 200 people and is expected to fill up. Reservations are required and will be given on a first come, first served basis. The event is open to Jewish young professionals, 21-35. Non-Jewish significant others are welcome. To RSVP, or for more information about this event, please consult the Community Directory in this paper for contact information to reach Rachel Plowden at Access no later than August 15. Access, an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation, offers 4-6 programs a month designed to help Jewish young professionals get connected to one another and to the Jewish community. Most programs are completely free or very deeply subsidized. Some past programs have included,Bootleggers’
Get good karma at ACCESS’ Indian Summer Shabbat for Jewish Young Professionals.
Ball at Green Acres Estate, DIVE at the Newport Aquarium, The Underground, White Out Miami: All White All Night, The World’s Biggest Bar Mitzvah Party, Casino Royale, Saturday Night Staycation and many more. In addition, Access also runs a host of other
Signature Programs throughout the year including No Boyz Allowed just for women, No Ma’am just for the guys, HeBREW Happy Hour, JSPN(Jewish Sports Network), JCafe: Light Conversation and Latte, ACTout and JGourmet Cooking Classes.
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Cedar Village welcomes public to jazz concert, Aug. 11 For the first time, Cedar Village Retirement Community will be welcoming the public to an outdoor jazz concert, which will feature the Buffalo Ridge Jazz Band. The concert will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 11 at Cedar Village. The Buffalo Ridge Jazz Band is a favorite of Cedar Village residents.
“We thought our folks would love an outdoor concert and we thought we’d share the fun with our friends and community,” said Carol Silver Elliott, Cedar Village’s President and CEO. Buffalo Ridge, based in Greater Cincinnati, specializes in classic traditional jazz with an entertaining and humorous presentation. The band appeals to lis-
teners of all ages. Founded in 1994, it plays in jazz clubs, on cruises, in parks and at jazz festivals. Buffalo Ridge will perform on Cedar Village’s lawn near its gazebo. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. In case of rain, the concert will be held indoors. Free refreshments will be provided.
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BALTIMORE (Baltimore Jewish Times) — Aaron Pribble was a 27-year-old high school teacher when the call came in early 2007: He was among the few chosen to play for the newly formed Israel Baseball League. Three years removed from his last pitch in the minor leagues, he embarked on a summerlong journey to champion his childhood dreams, one that wound up giving him new insight into the Jewish state and its challenges. As American baseball fans were enjoying the Major League Baseball All Star game this month, Pribble was reflecting on his newly published book, which chronicles his own All-Star campaign in the first and seemingly last Israeli professional baseball season. He recently spoke about the experience. Baltimore Jewish Times: Tell us about the league. Pribble: There were three fields and six teams attempting to play six days a week — never on Shabbat. The league was created by Larry Baras, a Boston businessman and creator of the cream cheese-filled bagel. Director of baseball operations was Dan Duquette, a former general manager of the Boston Red Sox. League managers included [former Jewish Major Leaguers] Ron Blomberg, Art Shamsky and Ken Holtzman. I recently told a friend your book could be called “One Big Baseball Birthright Bar Mitzvah.” [Laughing] Yep, something like that. I usually say it’s like “Bull Durham” in Tel Aviv. It has all those crazy moments emblematic of small-town minor league ball, but with an Israeli twist — like the time when the sex doctor, Ruth Westheimer, throws out a first pitch and promises us healthy “relationships” if we promise not to brawl. Or that our tie games were settled by home run derby. There was also a near strike, fears of a terrorist attack on opening day and my exotic romance with a Yemenite Jew.
Courtesy of Aaron Pribble
Pribble, top row, second from left, shown with his All-Star team from the Israel Baseball League, chronicles his experiences in the IBL’s lone season in a new book, “Pitching in the Promised Land.”
Since Birthright Israel and bar mitzvahs are all about exploring our Jewish identity, throwing in the baseball adventure covers all bases, as it were. I really did feel like my summer in Israel was about exploring both who I was as a baseball player and a Jew. How so? Well my dad is Christian and my mom is Jewish, so I’ve spent much of my life considering various aspects of religion, culture, heritage and belonging. And living in Israel definitely made me feel more certain of my Jewish identity and place in the world. In terms of my baseball career, after having played in college and for a few years professionally and internationally — including stints on four of seven continents — this was one last shot to reach for a lifelong goal. It caused me to think long and hard about what I was willing to sacrifice in pursuit of my boyhood dream. What were your digs like? I played for the Tel Aviv Lightning and we lived at Kfar HaYarok, just north of Tel Aviv near a town called Ramat HaSharon. Peacocks were the unofficial mascot of our kfar. They were crazy; they were everywhere. How was the competition? Most of the players were between low college and single A level. We joked that a player’s talent was in inverse proportion to
how Jewish he was. They had a little more leeway with Jews making the cut because this was a product catering to a majority Jewish audience in a Jewish country. But the IBL included many non-Jewish players from around the world, mainly the Dominican Republic. People in Baltimore might like to know that current Orioles DH Vladimir Guerrero’s younger brother, Juan, played in the league. How did you fare? I led the league in ERA and had the chance to become the first IBL player to sign a pro contract back in the States. [He wound up returning to teaching.] What was it like playing America’s pastime against the backdrop of the Middle East? In high school I played in Australia, for college I attended the University of Hawaii and after several summers of independent baseball around the country, I even played in France and Germany. I’m immensely grateful for what this beautiful game has taught me about the world, as well as myself. And in the Holy Land, I got to explore both yet again. The biggest difference was the way I was viewed as an American. In Israel everyone opened up and made me feel welcome, so I had a great opportunity to explore my cultural heritage. I’m really thankful that my long baseball journey brought me to Israel, too.
NATIONAL • 7
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2011
National Briefs Agudah commends TSA on new scanner technology WASHINGTON (JTA) — Agudath Israel of America commended the Transportation Safety Administration for its new scanner technology that obscures details of passengers’ bodies. “We are a community that is particularly sensitive to the threat of terrorism and the need for strict security measures,” Rabbi Abba Cohen, the haredi Orthodox group’s Washington director, said in a statement Thursday, “but we were convinced that, with perseverance, both religious concerns and security issues could be accommodated.” The TSA announced this week that its full-body scanners would use Automated Target Recognition, which casts only a generic image of the body. Cohen noted that the Aguda had, along with a number of other religious groups, joined an effort spearheaded by the American Civil Liberties Union to ban earlier technology that revealed intimate details. “There are other civil rights issues that still need to be addressed but it looks like this one has been resolved to the satisfaction of all,” Cohen said. Gross tells Cuban high court he had no ill intentions WASHINGTON (JTA) — Alan Gross, an American contractor jailed in Cuba, told its Supreme Court he never had any intention of harming Cuba’s government or people. Gross, 62, who is serving a 15year prison sentence for “crimes against the state,” was convicted and sentenced in May. He was in the country distributing laptop computers and connecting Cuban Jews to the Internet. The country’s Supreme Court heard an appeal on Friday. “Alan Gross’ appeal was argued before the Cuban Supreme Court earlier today by his Cuban attorney, Nuris Pinero,” said a statement from his American lawyer, Peter Kahn. “Alan was grateful to have been permitted to be present for today’s argument and to have had the opportunity to make a brief statement to the Court. Alan reiterated that he never had any intention of hurting the Cuban government or its people, and that he has always believed — and still does so today — in the sovereignty of the Cuban nation and its people.” Cuban authorities detained Gross in late 2009 on his way out of the country, saying he was a spy.
Patriot games: Is Captain America too American? By Simcha Weinstein Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK (JTA) — In March 1941 — nine months before the attack on Pearl Harbor impelled America to enter the Second World War — one colorful American hero already had joined the battle: Captain America. The famous front cover of “Captain America #1” showed its titular hero punching Hitler straight in the face, sending the ridiculous looking Fuerher tumbling backward. With that single unforgettable image, the Nazi ideal of the Aryan ubermensch was dealt a fatal blow, as was what remained of the once respectable American “isolationist” movement. As the first comic book character to enlist in World War II, Captain America was an instant success, selling nearly 1 million copies per issue. In a way that’s not surprising, considering the character’s pedigree. Captain America was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, second-generation Jews who made no secret of their source of inspiration. The character of Captain America, Simon said, “was our way of lashing out at the Nazi menace.” In that first issue of the Marvel comic, readers meet the superhero’s “everyman” alter ego, Steve Rogers. A sickly Depression-era child, Rogers loses his parents at a young age, then tries to enlist in
The March 1941 front cover of “Captain America #1,” the creation of two second-generation Jews, showing its titular hero punching Hitler in the face.
the military. Too feeble to join the regular forces, Rogers volunteers for a top-secret military medical experiment known as “Operation
Rebirth,” being overseen by one Dr. Reinstein. (Note the character’s Jewish name, one that sounds suspiciously like “Albert
Einstein.” In 1941, Einstein was a wildly popular — if little understood — cultural icon in the real world.) In need of a human “guinea pig” to test his formula, Dr. Reinstein injects Rogers with his Secret-Soldier Serum. Unfortunately, a Nazi spy infiltrates the experiment and kills Dr. Reinstein, leaving the newly empowered Rogers as the serum’s sole beneficiary. Hailed by the U.S. military as a superhuman savior, Rogers dons a patriotic costume of red, white and blue, with a star on his chest and stripes on his waist. Captain America is quickly dispatched to his most important early assignment: destroy his evil “super soldier” counterpart, a Nazi agent called the Red Skull. Fast forward to 2011: This summer, Captain America returns to the big screen. Unfortunately, the spirit of 1941 (let alone 1776) is a long way off. In an era of antiAmericanism — at home and abroad — the movie’s director and star have been playing down the character’s American identity. Director Joe Johnston insists that “this is not about America so much as it is about the spirit of doing the right thing.” Chris Evans, who plays the title character, echoes the sentiment, saying that “I’m not trying to get too lost in the American side of it. This isn’t a flag-waving movie.” CAPTAIN on page 19
Senate Democrats to Jews: Help us on budget and on Obama’s Israel record By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency WASHINGTON (JTA) — When two-fifths of the Democrats in the U.S. Senate met this week in Washington with representatives of Jewish groups, the senators delivered a clear message: If you agree with us, it’s about time you spoke up. The appeal, delivered at an annual meeting organized by the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee with the assistance of the National Jewish Democratic Council, was targeted at two disparate issues: Helping to pass a budget and defending President Obama from charges that he is selling Israel down the river. Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI), the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), both of whom are Jewish, spoke most forcefully, participants reported, linking Jewish requests for funding to the need for Jews to lobby Republicans to help
pass the budget. In an interview after the meeting, Cardin told JTA that it’s not enough to advocate for spending; the Jewish community, he said, needs to help get a budget passed. “The Jewish community has a direct interest not just with the debt ceiling but in the budget as we attempt to get the deficit under control. Will our priorities be preserved?” he said. “The Jewish community has been very effective in their involvement in the American political scene. My point was these are very consequential times, and they need to focus their efforts in a much more dramatic way. The consequences are much too great.” The hourlong meeting Wednesday morning attracted 21 senators — a substantial turnout, considering how Congress is mired in negotiations to raise the debt ceiling by Aug. 3 or else face a default and shortfall in government funding. There are 51 Democrats in the Senate, along
with two independents who caucus with them. Not all of the Jews attending the meeting were Democrats. Josh Protas, the Washington director of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the umbrella body for Jewish public policy groups, said the takeaway was that Jewish groups need to be more proactive in resolving the budget crisis. “The Jewish community can be actively talking to their members on both sides of the aisle about the importance of addressing this and not getting to the crisis point we’re close to approaching,” he said. The remarks by Levin and Cardin were prompted by a presentation by the chairwoman of the Jewish Federations of North America’s board of trustees, Kathy Manning. Manning appealed to the senators to protect a number of funding programs in budget talks, including Medicaid, the program that funds the poor, and Homeland Security grants that help nonprofit
institutions implement security precautions. “We know firsthand the critical impact that the delivery of basic health and long-term care made possible by Medicaid has made in people’s lives and the tragic consequences should this program be weakened by Congress,” said William Daroff, the Washington director of Jewish Federations of North America. One of the Jews present who asked not to be identified because of an agreement at the meeting not to describe what others said, characterized the senators’ response as follows: “They basically said: ‘If you want these things, help us pass the budget.’ ” While they will aggressively lobby to defend discrete budgetary items, Jewish groups are wary of taking sides in a bitter partisan budget fight. Particularly difficult for Jewish groups is the issue of tax increases to generate revenue. DEMOCRATS on page 19
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In N.Y. and Houston, Jewish communities are struggling with tragedy By Dan Klein Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK (JTA) — The two tragedies occurred 1,500 miles apart and in much different circumstances, but both united a community in shock, horror and grief. In New York, the abduction and gruesome murder last week of 8-year-old Leiby Kletzky while walking home from summer day camp in Borough Park, Brooklyn, left the neighborhood’s tight-knit Chasidic community reeling from the revelation that the crime was committed by an apparently observant Jew. In Houston, catastrophe struck when five members of a Jewish family driving home from a vacation in Colorado over the July 4 weekend collided head on with another vehicle. The parents, Josh and Robin Berry, 41 and 40, were killed instantly. Two of the children in the back seat, Peter, 9, and Aaron, 8, suffered severe spinal injuries and are paralyzed from the waist down. One child, Willa, 6, escaped with broken bones and was able to speak when paramedics arrived. A woman in the passenger seat of the other car, Colleen Doyle, also died. “The tragedy is unprecedented in our synagogue, in our community,” said Rabbi Brian Strauss of Congregation Beth Yushurun, the
Courtesy of Tim Faracy/Creative Commons
Missing-person posters for 8-year-old Leiby Kletzky were plastered throughout Borough Park, Brooklyn, in the time between his disappearance and the arrest of his suspected murderer on July 13, 2011.
Conservative synagogue where the Berrys were members. “In Houston, the Berrys were beloved.” Robin had worked as family life coordinator at Beth Yushurun, and Josh had participated in men’s club programs. The Berry children attend Jewish day schools. In both Houston and New York, the tragedies rippled far beyond the Jewish community. In New York, coverage of Leiby’s disappearance — on the first day his parents let him walk home alone — and murder dominated headlines for days. This week, the city’s mayor, Michael Bloomberg, visited the Kletzky
home to pay a shiva call. In Houston, the Jewish community’s grief was joined by a burst of activity to make sure the Berry children are well cared for. Friends established a trust fund for the kids, local businesses held fundraisers, TV stars have sent their condolences and professional athletes have stopped by the children’s hospital beds. Baseball all-star Hunter Pence of the Houston Astros showed up, and Wilson Chandler of the NBA’s Denver Nuggets and Kyle Lowry of the Houston Rockets also came to boost the children’s spirits with a gift and jokes. Three players
from Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo visited, too. An upcoming Dynamo match, already designated to celebrate Jewish Heritage night, will donate $10 of every ticket sold to the Berry trust. “It made me really happy,” Aaron Berry said after the visit by Chandler and Lowry, the Jewish Herald-Voice of Houston reported. “I got to meet Kyle Lowry of the Rockets and his friend Wilson from the Nuggets!” Reality TV stars Kourtney Kardashian and Brooke Burke expressed their condolences online, and Kardashian encouraged followers to donate to the trust fund. At least $46,000 has been raised through dog washes, lemonade stands and ice cream sales organized by local children and their parents, according to Jewish Herald-Voice reporter Michael Duke, who has been covering the story. That amount does not include donations to the trust fund or fundraisers by local businesses. “The response has given a glimmer of hope,” Strauss said. “If they walk again, it will be with the help of the community.” While the community mobilized for the children, friends and family mourned the Berry parents. More than 1,200 mourners turned out for their funerals, and area Jews have organized Shabbat candle lightings in their memory and shifts to say Kaddish and pray for the surviving children.
Norway killer espoused right-wing philosophy By Toby Axelrod Jewish Telegraphic Agency BERLIN (JTA) — The confessed perpetrator in the attack in Norway that killed at least 76 people espoused a right-wing philosophy against Islam that also purports to be pro-Zionist. Anders Behring Breivik is charged with detonating a car bomb outside Oslo’s government headquarters, which houses the office of Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, that killed eight people and of shooting and killing at least 68 mostly young people at a political summer camp on nearby Utoya Island. The July 22 massacre reportedly was the worst attack in Norway since the end of World War II. In numerous online postings, including a manifesto published on the day of the attacks, Breivik promoted the Vienna School or Crusader Nationalism philosophy, a mishmash of anti-modern principles that also calls for “the deportation of all Muslims from Europe” as well as from “the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.”
Courtesy of Alex Weisler
During the 100,000-person Rose March, a man places a flower into the fence separating downtown Oslo from the exclusion zone set up by Norwegian police around the blast site, July 25, 2011.
According to the manifesto, titled “2083: A European Declaration of Independence” and published under the pseudonym Andrew Berwick, the Vienna School supports “proZionism/Israeli nationalism.” Breivik listed numerous European Freedom Parties and neo-
Nazi parties as potential allies because of their anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim stance, and mentioned that right-wing populists like Dutch politician Geert Wilders “have to condemn us at this point which is fine. It is after all essential that they protect their reputational shields.” Among the potential allies he
listed for Germany were the three largest neo-Nazi parties — the National Democratic Party, Deutsche Volksunion and Republikaner. In Holland, Wilders’ Freedom Party topped the list, and the British National Party topped a long list of potential supporters in the United Kingdom. European right-populist parties increasingly have been waving the flag of friendship with Israel, as well as expressing vehement opposition to Europe’s multicultural society. Last month, after it emerged that German-Swedish far-right politician Patrik Brinkmann had met in Berlin with Israeli Likud Party lawmaker Ayoub Kara, who is deputy minister for development of the Negev and Galilee, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman wrote to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding that Kara be prevented from making further trips abroad. According to Ynet, Lieberman accused Kara of meeting with neo-Nazis and causing damage to Israel’s image. NORWAY on page 22
International Briefs Israeli orchestra to play Wagner piece in Germany (JTA) — The Israel Chamber Orchestra plans to perform a composition by Richard Wagner in Germany, breaking an Israel taboo against playing the antiSemitic composer’s music. The ensemble will play “Siegfried's Idyll” in the Bavarian town of Bayreuth at an annual festival devoted to Wagner's work. Wagner, who lived from 1813 to 1883, is buried in Bayreuth, where festivals celebrating his operas have long been held. Since its founding, Israel has had an unofficial ban against playing music by Wagner, whose anti-Semitism was public. His music and writings were long admired by Hitler and featured in Nazi propaganda. From an early age Hitler was a devoted follower of Wagner and drew on the composer’s work to build his own ideology. He attended the Bayreuth festival every summer from 1933 to 1939. “At the age of twelve,” Hitler wrote in “Mein Kampf,” “I saw ... the first opera of my life, ‘Lohengrin.’ ... I was addicted. My youthful enthusiasm for the Bayreuth Master knew no bounds.” In 2000, Israel’s Lezion Orchestra, led by Holocaust survivor Mendi Rodan, played Wagner’s “Siegfried Idyll,” and in 2001, members of the Knesset called for a ban on performances by David Barenboim after the Argentina-born Israeli pianist and conductor performed a piece from “Tristan and Isolde.” Dan Erdmann, a clarinetist in the Israel Orchestra, told Haaretz that “We have tried to treat the delicate points with sensitivity, and I hope in the future we will play [Wagner] also in Israel.” “However,” he added, “the conflicts and emotions associated with the history of Wagner are exactly those which make it special for us.” Out of respect for the public dispute, the ensemble chose not to rehearse the piece within Israel, and the performance was made optional for its members. All but one of the orchestra’s 36 members is participating. The orchestra’s concert also will include works by Israeli composer Zvi Avni, as well as Germany's Felix Mendelssohn and Austria's Gustav Mahler, both of whom were banned by the Nazis.
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Canadian DJ finds audience for klezmer fusion in France By Alex Weisler Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Leonardo G. Kremenchuzky
Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, left, was among those at a Buenos Aires ceremony commemorating the 17th anniversary of the attack on the city’s AMIA Jewish center, July 18, 2011.
Jewish leaders condemn, Argentine officials welcome Iranian offer By Diego Melamed Jewish Telegraphic Agency BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (JTA) — Jewish leaders are doubting the sincerity of an Iranian offer to help solve the Buenos Aires Jewish center bombing, while the Argentine government has welcomed the proposal. Following a ceremony Monday marking the 17th anniversary of the attack on the AMIA Jewish center, which killed 85 and injured hundreds, AMIA President Guillermo Borger told JTA that “The statement made by Iran just two days before the annual commemoration of the attack is strange. I think it is simply fireworks.” Sergio Burstein, a member of the Families and Friends of the victims of the AMIA bombing group, told the crowd that the “hypocrisy” of Iran is sickening. “We do not need the condolences of the Iranian state,” especially because they come from “a Holocaust denier [the country’s president Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad, who is the new Hitler,” he said. “Turn over the eight fugitives from justice to resolve this case,” Burstein said, referring to the Iranian offer. At the ceremony, Borger made a direct plea to Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner. “Ms. President, we appreciate your presence here but this is not enough, we need justice immediately,” he said. The Argentine government has welcomed the Iranian proposal. Argentine Foreign Minister Hector Timerman, who attended the ceremony, later confirmed that he had received an official proposal from the Iranian Foreign Ministry titled “To cooperate with the Argentinean government in the
solution of the AMIA case.” Timerman, who is Jewish, told JTA that he “will analyze deeply this offering but I think it is a step forward, I am very optimistic about it.” The Islamic Republic announced its willingness to cooperate with Argentina’s investigation into the July 1994 bombing in a statement issued July 16 by its Foreign Ministry that condemned the attack and offered condolences to the families of those killed. It also denied responsibility for the blast. The Iranian Foreign Ministry offered to hold “constructive dialogue” with Argentina to “shed all possible light” on the case, according to the statement carried by Iran’s official IRNA news agency. Though Argentina has accused the Iranian government of directing the bombing, and the Lebanon-based terror group Hezbollah of carrying it out, no arrests have been made in the case. Six Iranians have been on the Interpol international police agency’s most wanted list since 2007 in connection with the bombing, including the current Iranian defense minister, Gen. Ahmed Vahidi. In October 2010, Iran rejected Argentina’s proposal to put its accused citizens on trial in a neutral country. “The Iranian government has ensured that no Iranian citizen was involved, directly or indirectly, in the bombing of the AMIA,” read the official letter sent to United Nations SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon. “If Iran really wants to collaborate it must bring to justice all the Iranians suspected instead of release declarations empty of real content,” Argentinean prosecutor Alberto Nisman told JTA.
PARIS (JTA) — Josh Dolgin didn’t set out to kick Yiddish music into the 21st century. But there’s no denying that the 34-year-old musician’s beguiling blend of ‘70s-style funk, hip-hop beats, traditional Chasidic melodies and klezmer has been an electric addition to the Jewish music scene. On July 11, Dolgin, who performs under the name DJ SoCalled, drew a sold-out crowd of bubbes and hipsters to Cafe de la Danse, a 500-seat venue in Paris. Dolgin, who lives in Montreal, is popular in France. In North America, he says, there’s a greater pressure for music to be easily categorized, and identity politics is a game he doesn’t want to play. “America? Forget about it — if you’re not dressed up like a rabbi singing reggae, then Jews don’t want anything to do with you and non-Jews don’t want anything to do with you,” he told JTA. “People want to put you in a little rack on the iTunes store.” Growing up near Ottawa, Dolgin played piano and dabbled in various genres — salsa, funk, reggae, even playing with a gospel band as a teen. From there he experimented with beats, drum machines and sampling. That’s how he stumbled upon the world of Yiddish theater music. “It was weird to always sample funk and African-American music, which is where hip-hop comes from, but it’s not where I come from,” he said. Though Dolgin grew up aware of his Judaism — celebrating holidays, having a bar mitzvah and attending synagogue — he was never plugged into Yiddish culture. But as a musician he was always looking for “cool sounds,” and Dolgin said that Yiddish theater music provided that in spades — “in between the verses are these sort of funky, rhythmic, orchestral breaks that were ideal for sampling.” “Yiddish culture has been lost and forgotten, and it’s not popular for Jews in North America. They forgot how funky they were,” he said. “In a way, I’m sort of the godfather of mixing it with beats.” The name of SoCalled’s first album — “Ghetto Blaster,” released in 2007 — has a dual meaning. Yes, it refers to boom boxes, but Dolgin also was urging communities around the world to interact with each other in a broader, deeper way. “It was about blasting out of the ghetto, out of our ghettos of style, ghettos of community,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who we are. We can learn from each other’s histories and share it.” For his next album, the recently released “Sleepover,” Dolgin put politics aside and decided to focus
Courtesy of Alex Weisler
DJ SoCalled — Josh Dolgin of Montreal — performing his blend of klezmer and hip-hop before a sold-out crowd in Paris.
on an album of catchy pop songs, no more and no less. “In France, it’s, ‘Oh look you’re Jewish, you’re a Jewish rapper.’ I’m just a rapper. I’m just a producer. I’m just a piano player,” he said. “I’m Jewish, I’m bald, I’m Canadian … That adds to your appreciation of the art, but it doesn’t necessarily give you a better understanding of where the artist is coming from.” His music has resonated with young French Jews like Noam Morgansztern, who said the mix of old and new sounds perpetuates Yiddish culture in an appealing way.
Israel Briefs Envoy compares terror in Israel, Norway JERUSALEM (JTA) — Norway’s ambassador to Israel drew distinctions between the Oslo and Utoeya massacres and Palestinian terrorism. Svein Sevje said in an Israeli newspaper interview Tuesday that while the Norwergian bomb and gun rampages that killed 76 people and Palestinian attacks should both be considered morally unacceptable, he wanted to “outline the similarity and the difference in the two cases.” Palestinians, the ambassador told Maariv, “are doing this because of a defined goal that is related to the Israeli occupation. There are elements of revenge against Israel and hatred of Israel. To this you can add the religious element to their actions.” “In the case of the terror attack in Norway, the murderer had an ideology that says that Norway, particularly the Labor Party, is forgoing Norwegian culture,” Sevje said, referring to suspect Anders Breivik, a Christian nativist who is opently anti-Islam
“He doesn’t say first that it’s Jewish,” Morgansztern said. “He says first that it’s music.” And Dolgin’s audiences attract many non-Jews, like Rebecca Touboul, who made the three-hour trip from Marseille to attend the Cafe de la Danse show. “I don’t really know klezmer. I just like the beat,” she said. “When I heard his first album, I loved it.” Cafe de la Danse normally hosts indie acts and DJs specializing in house music, but booking an artist like Dolgin is a way to guarantee a full house, said Cyril Bahsief, who works at the venue and organized the show. “We expected to touch all audiences — hip-hop and klezmer and jazz audiences,” he said. “The concert was just magic.” Dolgin’s live show is energetic. Dressed in red pajamas, he darts in and out of French and English, inviting guest performers on stage for dance and instrumental solos, and asking the audience to help him with a magic trick. If the grandmothers in the audience are offended by lyrics such as “Girls in their nightgowns/we’re gonna pull their panties down,” they don’t show it. The crowd demands an encore and keeps singing the lines of Dolgin’s biggest hit, “(These Are the) Good Old Days.” and anti-immigration. Unlike European Union states, Norway has engaged Hamas and often been fiercely critical of Israel, to Jerusalem’s dismay. While Sevje voiced sympathy for Israeli terror victims, having experienced “the inferno” of such attacks during his posting, he saw little chance of Norway reviewing its Middle East policies. “We Norwegians consider the occupation to be the cause of the terror against Israel,” he said. “Those who believe this will not change their mind because of the attack in Oslo.” He added, “Can Israel and the Palestinians solve the problems without Hamas? I don’t think so.” As strike wears on, top doc says he’ll go hungry JERUSALEM (JTA) — The head of the Israel Medical Association went on a hunger strike to ramp up doctors' demands for better wages. Dr. Leonid Eidelman announced Monday that he would fast until the long-deadlocked negotiations between the medical association and the Treasury were resolved. Now in its fifth month, the Israeli doctors' strike has seen hospitals reduced to skeleton staff and lengthening patient waiting lists.
10 • MATURE LIVING
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Senior adults stay connected with JCC’s ShalomPhone Home alone doesn’t have to mean lonely at home for senior
adults who participate in the ShalomPhone program through the Mayerson JCC. This telephone assurance program is free, and involves trained volunteers who provide daily social and safety phone calls to senior adults, ages 60 and older. ShalomPhone offers senior adults the opportunity to make new friends, while also providing family members increased peace of mind. “These calls serve two purposes; to check on safety and to provide social interaction,” said Susan Bradley, Senior Adult Program Coordinator at the J. “ShalomPhone works to eliminate some of the concerns facing those who may feel isolated in our community and allows them to remain independent.” Many senior adults enjoy the opportunity to give back to their community by volunteering to make calls to fellow seniors. Volunteers are trained to communicate over the phone with some-
one who is hard of hearing, lonely or depressed, to meet the needs of the homebound seniors, and what to do if there is no answer. These volunteers also provide a vital service to the community. They observe changes in the health of seniors and also help protect those who are vulnerable to neglect or theft. The Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio, many Cincinnati area synagogues, and the Fire Department of Reading utilize ShalomPhone as a resource to help area seniors stay socially connected and independent in their homes. This program has won the Jewish Community Centers Association award for Best Programs and Practices for Outreach. ShalomPhone is a program of the Mayerson JCC and is funded by a donation from The Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation. SHALOMPHONE on page 22
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Books at Wise Temple on growing older By Sue Ransohoff Guest Writer Still young at heart but need a how to on growing wiser? Check out these books at the Wise Temple library. A Heart of Wisdom: Making the Jewish Journey from Midlife through the Elder Years, edited by Susan Berrin This book is uneven, but don’t let that deter you. There is enough really good material here to seek it out. The best parts are those that have to do with intergenerational relationships, which can be wonderfully rewarding but often are beset by earlier issues you thought you’d left behind when your offspring turned, well — fifteen, or
twenty-two, or whatever. There are good suggestions as to how to handle that time when your offspring suddenly seem to be acting like your parents. Pick and choose in this widelyresearched book; you’ll find a great deal that is interesting, helpful, and spiritually significant. Jewish Visions for Aging, by Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman Although written for professionals, this book can definitely be used by anyone who is close to, related to, or cares about aging individuals. For example: one truly useful section is about communicating with individuals who have Alzheimer’s or other symptoms of dementia, and another deals with older people who have suffered
many losses, whose lives are emptying out of loved ones, leading to a feeling of loss of self. A third tells how the injection of small changes—observation of rituals around the Jewish holidays, for example—can enhance a sense of community for those living in nursing homes. We all know that we can’t turn back the clock — that aging can be a challenging time — but it’s very helpful to those of us — all of us — who interconnect with the elderly to have tools and methods to make this time a better one, that elders’ lives will be infused with meaning and dignity. Still Alice, by Lisa Genova, is one of the most astounding novels of the moment. Alice Howland, a psy-
chology professor at Harvard, finds that she has early onset Alzheimer’s Disease, and because she is knowledgeable about this disease, she is more aware than most people would be of what is in store for her. Genova, with a doctorate in neuroscience, depicts the protagonist’s perception of her declining powers in a way that is entirely believable. The book is moving, readable, but somehow it is not so terrifying that, for those of us approaching the upper realms of advanced age, it can’t also be found fascinating. I read it at one sitting in sorrow but also in admiration. An author whose work is entirely delightful is Judith Viorst. Her slim volumes include: Suddenly Sixty, and Other Shocks of Later Life, andI’m Too Young
to be Seventy and Other Delusions. I can’t wait for her “take” on being eighty. She tackles her tricky subject with a perfect balance of realism and humor, with chapters like: will we ever, ever give up watching our weight? [No]; they may be middle-aged but they’re still my children (sound familiar?); and body heat: we’re thermostatically incompatible. These subjects may drive you crazy in real life, but reading about them in Viorst’s books makes them fun. All these titles and more are available to the community, at temple’s Ralph and Julia Cohen Library at Wise Temple. Sue Ransohoff is a member of Isaac M. Wise Temple.
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Mature Living Arthur Murray Dance Studio Arthur Murray Dance Studio has a teaching staff whose only goal is to make your ballroom dancing experience the best ever. Learning to dance is one of life’s most enjoyable experiences and can provide you with an opportunity for exercise, great personal satisfaction and a new circle of friends. Arthur Murray Cincinnati is all about dancing and enjoying people. We have people of all ages and professions, all who love ballroom dancing and learning to dance. Many people turn to ballroom dance when more traditional exercise programs fall by the wayside, either because of injuries or boredom. Ballroom dance is a low impact activity, making it accessible to people of at any age or fitness level. Best of all, you don’t have to be an expert to begin enjoying dancing. The fun starts with your very first lesson! Cedar Village Cedar Village offers living accommodations for seniors with a variety of needs: helping those who are independent and people needing some assistance. Cedar Village serves the Greater Cincinnati community
guided by a mission based on Jewish values. Their vision is that “aging will be a fulfilling and enriching experience for older adults and their families…” The Jewish residents will find full-time pastoral care, with Reform and Orthodox rabbis, as well as a kosher deli. Other amenities include private and public dining, a fitness center, two beauty salons, several libraries, a bank, transportation and a variety of activities, including adult lectures. From the website, “We celebrate the individual and recognize their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs to ensure that they achieve an optimal quality of life.” Independent You Life can be difficult for those struggling to fasten the buttons on a shirt or pulling one’s top over their head. The owners of this unique shop in Wyoming saw this firsthand while working with nursing home residents as health care social workers. Those with limited dexterity or mobility depended on these social workers to shop for them. The choices were scarce. Independent You offers both a
store front and online shopping, to aid customers in getting the right fit. The owners, Suzanne and Amy (who have more than 25 combined years of social work experience), have personally selected their clothing, accessories and unique gifts, bringing together quality and stylish, dignified choices, to not only needing adaptive garments, but those simply seeking easywear items. For example, all the fabrics are wash and wear. Jewish Family Service With the summer season on, you may be looking forward to a vacation with your family or celebrating an out-of-town wedding. But for adult children who are caring for an older parent or spouse, vacations become fraught with anxiety that something could happen to their loved one when they’re not there. Relax and enjoy your vacation with peace of mind. Let Jewish Family Service compassionate Geriatric Care Managers be your “eyes and ears” while you’re away, ensuring that your loved ones are safe and cared for at all times. JFS Geriatric Care Managers are Your Experts in Aging. Their
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compassion and knowledge will help you manage the growing and complex demands and responsibilities of caring for yourself or your loved one. With personalized short-term solutions and longrange plans, JFS can ensure safety, independence, and a high quality of life. Call Jewish Family Service today for a free consultation. The Kenwood by Senior Star Arrives in Cincinnati “The Kenwood focuses on the unique intellectual, emotional and physical growth of each resident, while also offering the highest level of individualized service in a five-star environment,” said Michael Coler, co-executive director of The Kenwood and the former COO at Jewish Hospital. “The combination of best-care practices and unique amenities supports residents in their desire to continue living, loving and experiencing life.” Among the amenities and services are a spa complex, concierge services, personal driver, health club, gourmet chef and unrivaled views of the Cincinnati skyline. Residents can choose from four primary offerings – The Residences (independent living), Bridges (fine living with assistance), Connections (Memory Support) and Pathways (boutique rehabilitation and skilled nursing, opening late in 2011) – a full continuum of care ideal for seniors who wish to age gracefully while maintaining a discerning lifestyle. Med Center Doctors and Pharmacists agree that taking medications on a set
schedule is crucial for managing your health. With the MedCenter System monthly pill organizer and reminder, taking medications on schedule, becomes a daily routine. Often confusion can occur as to what day of the week it is, once a person retires and their daily norm is no longer dependent upon a work week schedule. Because of this, our system emphasizes the “Date” rather than the “Day of the Week”. The “Date” is located on each Pill Box and Pill Cavity, the visual display of the Clock as well as audibly during the alert messages. For persons with very specific medication needs, they can have an extra measure of security knowing they will be reminded by pre-set alerts about the times for taking different pills. Park Manor Carriage Homes Ready to right-size? Take a look at the Park Manor Carriage
Homes. These residences boast all of the features and finishes you’d expect to find in a luxury condominium. These homes showcase a great room with entertainment bar; gourmet kitchen; two bedrooms and two baths; a gas fireplace; and an abundance of architectural detail including oversized trim and beams. These condominiums are also acoustically engineered with high-premium soundproofing and high-level energy efficiency including geothermal climate control. Park Manor condominiums are situated in the heart of Blue Ash. With a carefree lifestyle, you’ll “Do what the locals do” with so many conveniences right outside your door. Seasons Community spirit has to be cultivated through personal connections, shared interests and a genuine feeling of neighbors caring
for neighbors. At Seasons, a continuing care retirement community in Kenwood, you’ll see our campus has a special personality that’s developed over the past 24 years. Seasons is nestled on its own private reserve of century-old trees, located in the heart of the Kenwood neighborhood. Then there is the superb personalized service, with an emphasis on delivering true hospitality in every way. Our maintenance-free living means your time is freed up for the activities you choose to enjoy, not spent on chores and upkeep. The finishing touch is our people. You’ll instantly feel like a member of our community, as you interact with neighbors and our staff through the day. UC Cardiovascular Institute at University Hospital The UC Cardiovascular Institute at University Hospital is a
comprehensive diagnosis and treatment center for all types of heart conditions. Whether routine or complex, our physicians and specialists have the expertise needed to improve the quality of our patients’ lives. Our multidisciplinary team of physicians and caregivers includes: cardiologists, heart surgeons, Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), registered nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners, pharmacists, various other physician subspecialists, social workers, dieticians and exercise specialists. We are pleased to announce a partnership with Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Surgeons, Inc. (CVTS). CVTS is the region’s leading community-based cardiac surgery practice, and their expertise will add to the quality clinical services at UC Health. MATURE on page 22
14 • DINING OUT
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Talented chef, tasty Thai at Bangkok Terrace By Sondra Katkin Dining Editor A dear friend is going to “Shangri-La” (Tibet) in September but I don’t envy her since I visited Bangkok Terrace Thai and Sushi Restaurant. I adore Thai cooking with its rich and savory sauces that never become boring before you finish your meal; the flavor keeps on going. Jennifer Boonyakanist is co-owner along with Tom Khlongnarong. She is a natural, intuitive cook focusing on details like cooking ingredients in a specific order, noticing how a dish must look to taste right, using the freshest foods, and willing to spend more to achieve a better taste. For example, she uses shitaki mushrooms in her spring rolls, a more expensive choice that she feels is necessary to take the flavor to the next level. Boonyakanist said, “I add the things they (other restaurants) won’t add. I’ll spend the time and the money to add the ingredients that taste the best.” Her mother and aunt were great cooks, she reminisced and she spent hours in the kitchen cooking with them. They grew their own spices, herbs and vegetables. Twenty years ago she came to the United States and worked at different restaurants in Boston and California. She is the former owner of Asiana in Hyde Park. When she sold it, she and her partner bought a kosher deli in the heart of Blue Ash and totally transformed it. Her ability in the kitchen is also reflected in her makeover of the restaurant. Walking around the artistically designed interior, the vibrant colors, curving walls, modern chairs, tables and sushi bar create a graceful, flowing architectural structure, both relaxing with pastels and invigorating with hot reds and oranges, cool blues and purples; a perfect palate for a canvas of culinary craftsmanship. Once again, Boonyakanist’s attention to detail is evident in the bamboo style of the place mats, the rounded, small, opaque vases filled with bunches of fresh alstromeria in contrasting colors. Gardenia sculptured votive candles complete the inviting table tops. One important test that an Asian restaurant must pass to be credible with me is their ginger salad. Not only must the salad be fresh and crisp, the dressing must have an authentic ginger bite, a minimal sweetness, with a lemony finish. Bangkok Terrace more than satisfies that need. In addition, they include mixed greens, so much tastier, healthier, and more attractive than iceberg lettuce. Another detail the chef pays attention to is providing salad plates that have been precooled in the refrigerator. What could be cooler? “I know her food is good,” Manager Nikkia King explained, “because many of our Asian customers have commented that this is their favorite restaurant.” For King,
(Cklockwise) Bangkok Terrace Co-Owner Tom Khlongnarong, Manager, Nikkia King, and Co-Owner Jennifer Boonyakanist; Golden dragon roll; Tuna imperial; Rainbow roll; Inviting colors and shapes decorate the interior.
the credibility test is the “pho,” a Vietnamese noodle soup which is an excellent beef noodle soup with sliced beef, onion and beef meat balls. She said that they serve it with the spicier Thai basil, bean sprouts, sriracha hot sauce and hoisin sauce on the side so the diner has the option to add to the complexity of taste. She has tried “pho” elsewhere and felt it didn’t come close to pleasing her. She agreed it was “faux pho.” King began working at Bangkok Terrace shortly after it opened three years ago, has enjoyed watching the business grow and continue to learn from Boonyakanist because the chef is very knowledgeable and involved in every aspect of the restaurant’s daily activities. To try the wide variety of selections for the first time, King suggests coming for lunch when smaller portions at half price are available along with complementary spring rolls or house salad. To help guests choose their dinners, she asks them if they prefer rice or noodle dishes and then explains their choices which
include curries, soups, meat and seafood combinations, vegetarian specialties, noodle dishes such as Pad Thai with rice noodles, bean sprouts, minced radish, peanuts and egg. King says that theirs is less sweet preventing the many other flavors from being overwhelmed. Another popular dish is Pad Se Ewe with wide rice noodles (very hard to find in Cincinnati), broccoli, green cabbage, carrot and egg in a black soy sauce. The noodles remind me of the thick dumpling noodles that satisfy the need to bite into something chewy that is coated with saucy flavor. When King, an attractive, slim lady, wants a noodle that’s light but still a noodle, she prefers Pad Woon Sen, a stir fry of clear bean thread noodles, egg and vegetables in a soy sauce with a hint of sweetness and a hint of saltiness. She also mentioned the Jungle Curry (take a walk on the wild side with this spicy dish) which is only available at dinner and is difficult to make, perhaps because of its panoply of vegetables including bamboo, egg-
plant, red and green bell peppers, green beans, baby corn, carrots, mushrooms and basil leaves. My fingers are rebelling just listing all these ingredients. She says the curry flavor is less pronounced in this selection. Meat of your choice can be added to all the entrees. King added that the eggplant used in the curries is Chinese, a narrower, firmer and sweeter variety that is a bit pricier but holds up better in this type of dish. Describing dessert is a difficult task since the pictures on the menu are irresistible and I don’t have space for another thousand words. Boonyakanist told me that she only uses champagne mangoes — a smaller, sweeter, yellow variety in her most popular dessert — with sticky rice which also includes coconut milk sauce and sesame seeds. There is another luscious looking dessert, fried banana, consisting of a banana sprinkled with coconut shreds and wrapped in a rice spring roll wrapper, fried and served with ice cream, honey and chocolate sauce.
This covers all bases. Customers may bring either wine or beer to accompany their meal with no corkage charges, and when the weather becomes moderate again, dine out on the patio surrounded by roses and large planters filled with colorful native grasses, zinnias, petunias and day lilies, a lovely echo of the indoor decor. Happy hour is Monday through Wednesday with half price sushi designer rolls and sushi nigeri pieces. The chef will be happy to accommodate food allergies and encourages those with gluten free diets to bring their own wheat free soy sauce. Take out and catering are available. Bangkok Terrace is open for lunch Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and for dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. — with Friday and Saturday hours to 10:00 p.m.; and Sunday for dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Bangkok Terrace 4858 Hunt Road Cincinnati, OH 45242 513-891-8900
DINING OUT • 15
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011
RESTAURANT DIRECTORY Izzy’s 800 Elm St • 721-4241 612 Main St • 241-6246 5098B Glencrossing Way 347-9699 1198 Smiley Ave • 825-3888 300 Madison Ave Covington • 859-292-0065
20 Brix 101 Main St Historic Milford 831-Brix (2749) Ambar India Restaurant 350 Ludlow Ave Cincinnati 281-7000 Andy’s Mediterranean Grille At Gilbert & Nassau 2 blocks North of Eden Park 281-9791 Aroma Restaurant & Sushi 7875 Montgomery Rd Kenwood 791-0950 Baba India Restaurant 3120 Madison Rd Cincinnati 321-1600 Bangkok Terrace 4858 Hunt Rd Blue Ash 891-8900 • 834-8012 (fx) Blue Elephant 2912 Wasson Rd Cincinnati 351-0123 Carlo & Johnny 9769 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati 936-8600 CUMIN 3520 Erie Ave Hyde Park 871-8714 Dingle House 9102 Towne Centre Dr West Chester 874-PINT (7468) Gabby’s Cafe 515 Wyoming Ave Wyoming 821-6040
Johnny Chan 2 11296 Montgomery Rd The Shops at Harper’s Point 489-2388 • 489-3616 (fx) K.T.’s Barbecue & Deli 8501 Reading Rd Reading 761-0200
Parkers Blue Ash Grill 4200 Cooper Rd Blue Ash 891-8300 Pomodori’s 121West McMillan • 861-0080 7880 Remington Rd Montgomery • 794-0080
Stone Creek Dining Co. 9386 Montgomery Rd Montgomery 489-1444
Marx Hot Bagels 9701 Kenwood Rd Blue Ash 891-5542
Sugar n’ Spice 4381 Reading Rd Cincinnati 242-3521
Mecklenburg Gardens 302 E. University Ave Clifton 221-5353
Sukhothai Thai Cuisine 8102 Market Place Ln Cincinnati 794-0057
MEI Japanese Restaurant 8608 Market Place Ln Montgomery 891-6880 Morton’s 441 Vine St (Carew Tower) Downtown 621-5111 Oriental Wok 2444 Madison Rd Hyde Park 871-6888
101 Main St • Historic Milford
831-Brix • www.20brix.com
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
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16 • OPINION
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For a number of years, in my role as Agudath Israel of America’s media liaison, I attended an annual gathering, each year in a different city, of Jewish periodical editors and writers. Over time, the conferences became more business-oriented and less focused on Judaism and Jewish issues, and I decided that the potential gain of my having some input during the proceedings did not justify the cost in Klal dollars of my attendance. I don’t particularly miss the conferences, except for one thing: the opportunity they afforded me to meet the kind of fellow Jews I wouldn’t otherwise likely ever have met. Among the attendees were Reform and Conservative Jews, unaffiliated Jews, cultural Jews and, well, just plain Jews. At first, some of them were a little wary of me. They seemed to regard my beard and tzitzis as a sort of cultural poison ivy. But few barriers are invulnerable to a smile and a friendly introduction; and each year I conversed with, got to know, and even befriended some of the other attendees. What dawned on me as a result of those experiences was that all the banes of the contemporary Jewish world — the lack of observance, the ignorance of halacha, the increase in intermarriage — are really underlain by something more prosaic: the social wall between the community of Jews who know and appreciate Torah and that of Jews who don’t. It’s not a consciously constructed wall; it’s just there. They don’t know us (and we don’t know them, but that’s another essay). The lives of Jews who have never experienced a true Shabbos or Yomtov, who have never opened a holy book, never attended a Torah-class, never considered living in accordance with Jewish law, can proceed from cradle to grave without ever intersecting, in any real way, the life of a Torahobservant Jew. It’s not our fault, and certainly not theirs. Living is a hectic business these days and the responsibilities of observance consume much time and energy. As for the other Jews, well, they’re busy too — and don’t know that they’re missing anything. To be sure, there are opportunities we can and should take to reach out to our Jewish brothers and sisters. Programs like Torah
Umesora’s “Partners in Torah” — which facilitates telephone studypartnerships between more and less Jewishly-knowledgeable Jews — are invaluable means for breaching the wall. Those of us whose work puts us in contact with other Jews can find cracks, too, that can be widened with a little effort. The point isn’t to proselytize, only to interact, Jew to Jew. A new way of forging a path through the wall came to me recently, from an unlikely place. A while back, a weekly magazine focused on science, an abiding interest of mine, began arriving in my mailbox. The issues were an interesting read, but I hadn’t ordered them. Why was I being gifted with a subscription? After reading a few issues, though, the magazine’s bias became laughably apparent. Its reports on developments in the scientific world almost always came with a blended-in “editorial” comment that referenced random evolution or the backwardness of religious beliefs. It dawned on me. My anonymous benefactor, presumably having read something I had written about the rightful place of skepticism in evaluating scientific claims, wanted to enlighten me. Alas (at least for him), it didn’t work. Nothing in the periodical was novel; on the contrary, the tiredness of its presentation of assumptions as facts only confirmed my convictions as a believing Jew. But my anonymous benefactor’s real gift was one he hadn’t intended: the idea he gave me for giving fellow Jews a window on our world. Whether or not we are able to seize opportunities to engage in “real time” with non-observant or less-observant Jews, here’s a way to place something of our lives in, quite literally, their laps. Not to proselytize, just to familiarize. Do you have a co-worker or relative or acquaintance on the other side of the “Jewish Divide”? Well, consider entering a gift subscription for him or her to a Torah-oriented newspaper or magazine (like Ami! — but any of them will be fine). It’s a window, after all, in the wall. Rabbi Shafran is an editor at large and columnist for Ami Magazine. This column is reproduced with permission from Ami Magazine.
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T EST Y OUR T ORAH KNOWLEDGE THIS WEEK’S PORTION: MATOT (BAMIDBAR 30:2—32:42) 1. Why did the Children of Israel fight Midian? a.) Part of the conquest of Canaan b.) Midian attacked the Children of Israel c.) Avenge the sin of Peor 2. Did Joshua lead the battle? a.) Yes b.) No 3. How many soldiers get killed in the war? a.) None b.) One hundred Rashi 3. A 31:49 Another explanation, that no soldier sinned during the battle. Moshe asked why did they donate the spoils of war to the Mishkan as an atonement. They answered that it was as an atonement for impure thoughts. 4. A 32:39,41 5. A 31:22.23
By Rabbi Avi Shafran Contributing Columnist
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
c.) One thousand 4. Are there any other battles in the Parsha? a.) Yes b.) No 5. What did the Children of Israel do with the eating utensils they captured from the Midianites? a.) Kosherized them b.) Destroyed them c.) Sold them to neighboring nations ANSWERS 1. C 31:2 Midian was involved in causing The Children of Israel to sin by Peor. Even though Moab was also involved, Midian had no reason to fear The Children of Israel, while Moab felt threatened by The Children of Israel. Rashi 2. B 31:5 The verse does not indicate who led the army. Pinchas is mentioned because he was the priest who spoke to the army before the battle.
Another breach in the wall
Written by Rabbi Dov Aaron Wise
JEWISH LIFE • 17
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011
Sedra of the Week
SHABBAT SHALOM: PARSHAT MASEI NUMBERS 33:1-36:13
by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Efrat, Israel - “Command the children of Israel: This is the land which shall fall to you as an inheritance, the land of Canaan and its boundaries” (Numbers 34:2) These closing portions of the Book of Numbers conclude the story of the desert generation, almost all of whom perished before reaching the Promised Land. The sin of the scouts occurred in the second year of the desert sojourn, after which they were all informed that the desert would become their grave. How did the Hebrews have the fortitude to persevere for the next 38 years, knowing that the goal of settling the Land of Israel would not be realized during their lifetimes? How does someone persist with the struggles of life knowing that they are suffering from a terminal illness? On the deepest level, each of us is plagued by this problem as soon as we become aware of our own mortality. Most of us manage to repress such “intimations of mortality” fairly successfully. The Midrash teaches that each year, after the sin of the scouts, Moses ordered every Hebrew to dig his own grave on the evening of the ninth of Av and sleep in it. The next morning, a significant percentage would not get up (B.T Bava Batra, 121a Rashbam). The desert generation could not repress their impending doom. Perhaps the way in which they coped will teach us all an important lesson. The secret lies in the manner in which the Land was to be divided, as described in this week’s portion of Masei, but also harks back to last week’s portion of Pinhas. One verse implies that the Land was to be divided according to the number of people entering it (Numbers 26:53), whereas two verses later, the text implies that the division was based on the numbers of the generation that left Egypt and died in the desert. The Talmud (B.T. Bava Batra 117a) orchestrates a solution to the apparent contradiction by means of a practical illustration: Reuben and Simeon leave Egypt;
Most of us manage to repress such “intimations of mortality” fairly successfully. The Midrash teaches that each year, after the sin of the scouts, Moses ordered every Hebrew to dig his own grave on the evening of the ninth of Av and sleep in it. The next morning, a significant percentage would not get up (B.T Bava Batra, 121a Rashbam).
Reuben has one son, Simeon has two sons. The three sons who enter the land receive three portions, representing the fact that this is the number of sons who enter the homeland. But in order to give credit to the two fathers who came out of Egypt, the three boys divide their portions in half, with Reuben’s one son receiving a portion and one half, and Simeon’s two sons combining theirs to receive their portion and one half. This prompts Rabbi Yonatan to cry out: “How different is this from any other inheritance; generally the living inherits the dead, whereas here the dead inherit the living!” The logic of the Talmud is a glory to behold. The narrative of Israel is an unfinished symphony, which began with Abraham and will not conclude until the eventual Redemption of the world. Every generation owes its accomplishments to the foundations established by its forebears. Hence, the generation which left Egypt but did not enter the Promised Land, can likewise share the inheritance of the children. This is the significance of the teaching in the Passover Haggada: “It is incumbent upon every individual to feel as if he came out of Egypt.” Superficially, such an emotion seems impossible, how can one traverse 4,000 years? But the first time I sat at the Pessah Seder with my grandchildren and recognized my genetic characteristics – but even more
importantly my values and customs – within their words and deeds, I realized how much of me was in them and how much of them was in me. Indeed, I am them and they are me. At that moment, I ceased being afraid of my mortality, for I realized to what extent it is possible to participate in eternity. As the Talmud says so eloquently: “Father Jacob never died” (Ta’anit 5b). As long as his children and descendents are alive, and following his customs and values, he too is alive. It is this interpretation which prompted our sages to declare, “Whoever teaches his grandchild Torah is as if he received it from Sinai,” as our sages teach, “The crown of the elders are their grandchildren and the glory of the children are their forebears” (Mishna Avot 6: 8). And this does not necessitate biological children and grandchildren; anyone who influences the next generation – as a teacher, as an author, as a patron, anyone who makes the continuity of the narrative possible – shares in that eternity. “Spiritual children” can be even more significant than biological children. What is crucial is to be imbued with the desire to preserve our narrative into the next generation. Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Chancellor Ohr Torah Stone Chief Rabbi — Efrat Israel
18 • JEWZ IN THE NEWZ
JEWZ
IN THE
By Nate Bloom Contributing Columnist COWBOYS AND CRAZY LOVE “Cowboys and Aliens,” an action/sci-fi adventure, opens on Friday, July 29. The screenplay was co-written by DAMON LINDELOF (TV’s “Lost”); ALEX KURTZMAN, 37, and Roberto Orci. The latter two guys met in high school. They’ve been a team for a decade, writing sci-fi hits including “Star Trek” for J.J. ABRAMS and “Transformers” for MICHAEL BAY. “Cowboys” is directed by sometime actor JON FAVREAU, 44. He’s now “very hot” because he helmed the mega-hit “Iron Man” movies. The basic plot: Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig), a loner, wakes up in 1873 with no memory of anything. He wanders into an Arizona desert town. The town is run with an iron fist by a Col. Dolarhyde, played by HARRISON FORD, 69. (As I have noted before, Ford is the secular son of a Jewish mother and an Irish Catholic father.) Everybody is mean to Lonergan, but that turns around when the town is attacked by space aliens. Longeran starts to recover his memory and seems to recall a “secret” way to fight the aliens. He is aided by a beautiful woman (Olivia Wilde), as he pulls together a coalition of cowboys, townsfolk, and Apache warriors to battle the outer space baddies. Before “Iron Man,” Favreau had a big hit as the director of “Elf” (2003), a fantasy/comedy. Then, in 2005, his “Hollywood stock” plunged when “Zathura,” a big-budget, sci-fi film he directed got only mildly positive reviews and did so-so business. However, the star of the film, JONAH BOBO, then 8, was singled out for praise. Bobo was raised in a New York Orthodox Jewish home and his paternal great-grandparents were an Egyptian and Syrian Jewish couple who came to America in the 1920s. Bobo, now 14, has a big supporting role in the romantic comedy, “Crazy, Stupid, Love” (opens July 29). He plays “Robbie,” the teenage son of Cal Weaver (Steve Carrell) and his wife, Emily (Julianne Moore). The Weavers seem to be the perfect couple — nice house, good jobs, and great kids. But when Cal discovers that Emily has been unfaithful, he files for divorce and hits the singles bars. The hapless Cal is taken on as “a project” by the smooth and
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NEWZ
handsome Jacob (Ryan Gosling). He tutors Cal on everything from his approach to women to his wardrobe. Meanwhile, Robbie is smitten with his 17-year-old babysitter and she has a crush on Cal. The film’s original screenplay is by DAN FOGELMAN, 40 (“Cars”). MENSCHES AND GOWNS Did you catch the grilling of Rupert Murdoch before the British Parliament? Did you notice, as I did, that a pretty blonde Member of Parliament, named “Louise Mensch,” asked Murdoch straight out if he would resign as head of his company? (He replied, “No.”) Well, I had to get to the bottom of this. “Mensch” is a great last name if you are running for office in Miami Beach---but in England? Turns out, Louise is only a “Mensch by marriage.” She was born (1971) Louise Bagshawe and was raised a Catholic. Under her maiden name, she has written popular novels about young British career women, similar in style to “Sex and the City.” The Brit Conservative Party, looking for fresh blood, gave her a pretty safe seat to run for in the last election and she’s now serving her first term in office. Last June, she married PETER MENSCH, 58, a New Yorker who’s long been the manager of top rock bands like Metallica. There’s not much biography on Peter; but he is mentioned in a 1970 NY Times article about his sister, BARBARA MENSCH, then 16. She was on her way home from a summer on an Israeli kibbutz when her plane was hijacked by Palestinians. She was released unharmed after being held hostage in Jordan for almost a month. In summary: Peter is a Jewish Mensch. Louisa is a nonJewish Mensch. I don’t know if either is “a real mensch.” Last month, DYLAN LAUREN, 37, the daughter of famous designer RALPH LAUREN, 71, wed hedge fund manager Paul Arrouet. A rabbi presided over the ceremony; but I simply don’t know if Arrouet has a Jewish parent(s). A photo of her wedding gown, which was designed by her father, is in the current (August) issue of “Vogue,” and you can easily find the photo on-line (just google her name). So far as I know, Mr. Lauren has designed just one other wedding gown: for actress ELIZABETH BERKLEY, when she married Ralph’s nephew, GREG LAUREN, in 2003. They’re still married.
FROM THE PAGES 100 Y EARS A GO A Cincinnati girl is to have the distinction of starring next season in the Yiddish drama. She is Miss Clara Rafalo, the daughter of Isaac Rafalo, of 1508 Central Avenue. She is to play leading lady to Boris Thomaschefsky, who, next to Jacob P. Adler, is considered the leading tragedian of the Yiddish stage of the world. The interpretation of Yiddish drama requires dramatic power of a peculiar kind. The tragedienne must possess emotional powers of rich quality if she would wish to succeed with her audience. When it is remembered that a Jewess, Sarah Bernhardt, has ranked as the leading tragedienne of the world for half a century, succeeding another Jewess, the famous Rachel, to that title, and that the American stage has borrowed Bertha Kalisch from the American Yiddish stage, the importance of Miss Rafalo’s engagement may be appreciated — though she disclaims any intention of robbing Bernhardt or Kalisch of their titles. Miss Rafalo has played roles in Adler’s and Thomaschefsky’s companies for several years. A sister, Miss Eva Rafalo, also holds forth on the same stage. A brother, Ben Rafalo, is considering an offer to go with Gus Edward’s troupe of “Kids” next season. Oscar Hammerstein was wondering why the newspapers should make him out to be worse than he is, according to a cablegram from London, By stating that he is married to Mme. Alvarez they accuse him of being a bigamist, for, even supposing that he desired to marry, he is not yet divorced. “People have been talking about me and Mme. Alvarez for two year,” said Hammerstein, “simply because we happen to be good comrades. Of the various problems that have been worrying me at present, the chief is where to find a decent five-cent cigar in London.” — July 27, 1911
The bake Shop of Cincinnati’s United Jewish Social Agencies will open its new headquarters at Melish Avenue and Durbin Place soon after Friday, Aug. 21st it was announced this week. The Bake Shop will leave its present home — 3404 Reading Road — Aug. 21st. Mrs. Stanley J. Eisman is president of the Bake Shop. Dr. Henry Freiberg is U.J.S.A. president. Gus H. Hilb is chairman of the Bake Shop’s Building Committee. — July 30, 1936
50 Y EARS A GO Mrs. Mollie Eppstein Valin of the Vernon Manor passed away Wednesday, July 19. She was the widow of Jacob Valin. Mrs. Valin was a native of Cincinnati and a member of the Rockdale and Jewish Care & Relief. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Robert L. Dunie, 4256 Rose Hill Avenue; two sisters, Mrs. Julie Rutmann of Dayton, and Mrs. Florence Smalley of Montello, Calif.; and seven grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Horwitz, of this city, announce the marriage of their daughter, Lois, to Mr. Irving L. Gartenberg of New York. The ceremony was held in New York with members of the immediate families present. After a honeymoon at Cape Cod the young couple will reside in New York. The Jewish Hospital births include: Mr. and Mrs. Arthur L. Stern (Susan Frieder), Ridge Circle, son, Arthur Lauber Stern, Jr., Sunday, July 16. The infant has two sisters, Jean Helen and Barbara Morris. The grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Stern and the late Mr. and Mrs. Morris Frieder. Mr. and Mrs. Ben Schreiber, 2726 Losantiridge Avenue, announce the forthcoming Bar Mitzvah of their son, Steven Herschel, Saturday, Aug. 5, at Adath Israel Synagogue. — July 27, 1961
75 Y EARS A GO Mrs. Harry Berg and little son, Jacob, will return this week from a stay in the Bershires, N.Y. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hellwitz, of Clinton Springs Avenue, will leave Saturday, Aug. 1st, for a two-month trip to California and Hawaii. Their son and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Louis J. Simon, and little son, Tommy, will also leave the first week in August for a motor trip to Eagle River, Wis. Dr. Herbert G. Frankel and family of 766 E. Mitchell Avenue left Monday, July 27th, for a two-week vacation in St. Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Isaac and daughter, Irene Lee, of Lexington Avenue, are leaving today (Thursday, July 30th) for Geneva Lake, Wis.
25 Y EARS A GO The Jewish National Foundation will present its National Tree of Life award to State Sen. Stanley J. Aronoff, president pro-tem of the Ohio Senate, in recognition of his public service to the people of Ohio and his support of Israel and the agencies serving that country. The award will be presented at tribute dinner Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Hyatt Regency, Cincinnati. Dr. Sidney Peerless, honorary chairman; Richard Weiland, chairman; David Lazarus and David Philips, co-chairmen; will be assisted by more than 100 vice-chairmen throughout the state. Samuel L. Furer passed away July 25.
He is survived by his wife, Gertrude; a son, Dr. Jerald A. Furer of San Diego; a daughter, Barbara A. Michaud of Tucson; and three grandchildren, Kenneth and Alyson Furer and Jessie Michaud. Mr. Furer was an attorney for 45 years, most recently with the firm Furer, Moskowitz and Mezibov. He was a member of the Cincinnati and Ohio Bar Associations and was a former president and executive secretary of the Findlay Market Association and the Federated Civic Association. The Jewish Community Center has received its first installment payment from the Proctor &Gamble Fund’s $40,000 pledge to the JCC Capital Campaign. Gerald S. Gendell, vice president and trustee of the P&G Fund, presented the $20,000 check to Milford Scwartz, president, and Charles B. Levinson, general chairman of the Capital Campaign. Presenting the check, Gendell said, “This gift from Proctor & Gamble recognizes the important contribution the Jewish Community Center makes to the quality of life for so many of our citizens, most particularly children and our seniors.” — July 31, 1986
10 Y EARS A GO Congregation Beth Adam has relocated to a new 12,000 sqaure foot building on 3.3 acres on Loveland-Madeira Road, south of I275 in Symmes Township. “Our brand new home embodied our commitment to remain a vital institution within the Cincinnati Jewish community and beyond, “ said the congregation’s founding rabbi, Robert B. Barr. “more practically, after 20 years of operating from rented space, for the first time we have a permanent home for all of our religious, educational and social events.”
Kevin Youkilis, an AllAmerican for the University of Cincinnati baseball team, was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the eighth round of June’s amateur draft. Youkilis, the son of Mike and Carolyn Youkilis, has already signed with the Red Sox organization and is currently playing with for their rookie league affiliate, the Lowell (MA) Spinners. Mrs. Gertrude K. Strauss, 85, passed away July 13, 2001. Mrs. Strauss was born in Cincinnati. She was a daughter of the late David and Vivian (Jacob) Kahn. Mrs. Strauss was the wife of the late Stan;ey S. Strauss. She is survived by her children, Anne and Skipper Perry of Aiken, SC, and Ellen and Milos Jovic of Chantilly, France. Surviving grandchildren are Stanley and Richard Perry and Stevan and David Jovic. Mrs. Strauss is also survived by a niece, Joan Nelson. — July 26, 2001
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011
CLASSIFIEDS • 19
SENIOR SERVICES
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 Ohr Chadash (513) 252-7267 • ohrchadashcincinnati.com 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
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
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Up to 24 hour care Meal Preparation Errands/Shopping Hygiene Assistance Light Housekeeping
(513) 531-9600 CAPTAIN from page 7 This isn’t the first time Hollywood has eagerly deAmericanized superheroes, sometimes by undercutting traces of “corny” patriotism with doses of winking irony. Take the 2006 film “Superman Returns,” which has Clark Kent’s boss cynically describing Superman as fighting for “truth, justice … all that stuff.” Or take the 2009 movie based on a hugely popular toy from Hasbro. The film’s title, “G.I Joe: A Real American Hero,” was trimmed down to just “G.I Joe,” the toy’s iconic logo with the American flag was removed, and the storyline transformed the title character’s American anti-terror squad into an international peacekeeping task force that apparently took its marching orders from the United Nations. The fact is, Hollywood movies today live or die based on worldwide ticket and DVD sales, and in a world in which American flags are burned regularly from Paris to the Punjab, received wisdom has it that anything too “American” is international box office poison. Anticipating anti-American blowback, Paramount and Marvel Studios actually offered distributors the choice of marketing the new DEMOCRATS from page 7 Indeed, some of the major donors to Jewish organizations that lobby for increased social spending are wealthy Jewish Republicans who chafe at increasing taxes. At the meeting with the senators, the budget crisis seemed to push Israel and Middle East issues aside for the first time in years. Usually, Israel takes up two-thirds of the meeting, one participant said; this time, most of the talk was about domestic issues. When it came to Israel, Levin and Cardin said that misimpressions about Obama’s Middle East policies need to be corrected, according to meeting participants. It may be fine to criticize Obama for pressing Israel to negotiate with the Palestinians on the basis of the 1967 lines, they said, but it’s dishonest not to mention that he also called for mutually agreed land swaps and secure borders for Israel. Levin thanked Howard Kohr,
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movie using its real title — ‘Captain America: The First Avenger” — or opting for simply calling it “The First Avenger.” Most distributors say they are going with the original title, eager to take advantage of decades of “Captain America” brand recognition. However, three countries — Russia, Ukraine and South Korea — have decided to promote the movie as “The First Avenger.” By literally cloaking their character in patriotism, Kirby and Simon displayed unabashed love of, and confidence in, the United States. Like many Jewish Americans during World War II, such as the heads of Hollywood studios, they felt duty bound to use their creativity in the service of their country. Alas, times have changed. Hollywood is now more concerned with international box office numbers than national pride, never mind respecting the obvious wishes of the two artists without whom Captain America wouldn’t exist. Simcha Weinstein is a best-selling author whose latest book is "Shtick Shift: Jewish Humor in the 21st Century." He also chairs the Religious Affairs Committee at the Pratt Institute in New York. the president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, for agreeing to his request to write to his constituents in Michigan earlier this year to quash an unfounded rumor that the Obama administration was funneling money to Hamas, participants reported. Levin said that such rumors, left unchecked, undercut Obama’s prospects of pushing back against a Palestinian effort to obtain U.N. recognition of statehood in September. Susie Turnbull, a past vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee who now heads Jewish Women International, said it was critical for the Jewish community to push back against misconceptions. “We as Jews have a responsibility to take up this mantle,” said Turnbull, who had delivered a presentation on how budget cuts would adversely affect women’s health care. “You tamp down rumors and misstatements and misconceptions when they appear.”
20 • BUSINESS
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ShalomNet Luncheon and Tech Fair, August 4 On August 4, 2011, the Mayerson JCC will be celebrating their ShalomNet computer learning programs by hosting the ShalomNet Luncheon & first ever Technology Fair from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Exhibitors will pro-
mote products and services aimed at enhancing the health and well being of the J’s tech knowledgeable seniors. There will be stations offering information on online photo processing, products for visual impairments,
video phones, Hearing Services, care center’s offering WiFi, Comfort Keepers monitoring services and many other products. The Technology Fair will take place before and after the
ShalomNet luncheon. The luncheon, which will begin at 11:30 a.m., is a special program the Mayerson JCC host every year to recognize the students and their accomplishments. Door prizes will be given away. The
ShalomPhone Program, a telephone outreach program for Cincinnati seniors, will also be celebrated. Volunteers make daily calls to check on the wellbeing of elderly and disabled persons who live alone.
The Children’s Home hires first medical director, Dr. Phillip Lichtenstein The Children’s Home of Cincinnati has hired pediatrician Dr. Phillip K. Lichtenstein as its first medical director. Dr. Phillip K. Lichtenstein comes to The Children’s Home with years of experience in treating the physical and mental health needs of his patients. Dr. Lichtenstein will fill the job in early July, leaving a private
practice in Northern Kentucky, where he has served as a pediatrician for nearly 30 years. During that time, the scope of his work widened to include children with behavioral health problems from low-income families. In addition, he will be responsible for developing widespread solutions to problems in treating children’s mental health issues.
He has worked as a pediatrician at HealthPoint Family Care in Covington, Kentucky since 1994. He also has developed training programs for primary care physicians at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, to help them treat the most common childhood mental health issue, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder, also known as ADHD. That approach frees psychiatrists to handle the most extreme cases. Dr. Lichtenstein also has been instrumental in identifying, preventing and responding to child sexual abuse in Northern Kentucky. He has served as the medical director and forensic evaluator at the Community Pediatric Clinic for Child Sexual
Abuse Evaluation at the Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center. Lichtenstein has a bachelors of arts degree from Harvard University and a medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He is a resident of Columbia Tusculum and a member of Isaac M. Wise Temple.
Mesh family invests $2 million in Israel Bonds Gene and Elise Mesh are two of Israel Bonds’ most dedicated investors. They have participated in numerous leadership conferences, delegations to Israel, and events, and have received the highest honor from the State of Israel and Israel Bonds, the Spirit of Jerusalem Medallion. Now, they are purchasing their second $1 million dollar Israel Bond in 2011 in tribute to Joshua Matza, immediate past president and CEO of Israel Bonds. Gene Mesh stated, “Joshua Matza’s story is remarkable and inspiring not only to Elise and me, but to Jews everywhere. Joshua preferred to be honored through the purchase of bonds. It is also appropriate in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of Israel Bonds.”
Joshua Matza’s ancestors first settled in Jerusalem more than three centuries ago. When he was just 14, Matza joined Avraham
became the president and CEO of the Development Corporation for Israel, the official name of Israel Bonds. Matza served for more than
“Gene and Elise are true friends of Israel. This significant investment brings honor to their family and mine.” Joshua Matza
Stern’s LEHI underground group to oust the British from Mandatory Palestine. Matza started in politics in 1965, and eventually spent 18 years in the Knesset. In 2002, he
nine years as head of Israel Bonds, guiding it to more than $11 billion in worldwide sales. “I have known the Mesh family for many years, and thank them
from the bottom of my heart,” declared Matza. “Gene and Elise are true friends of Israel. This significant investment brings honor to their family and mine” The Mesh purchases were made using a unique program of financing. Through the bondfinancing program, a client borrows the amount of the bond from a participating bank, which then funds the purchase and holds the Israel Bond as collateral for the loan. The client is responsible for the difference between the interest income on the bond and the amount of interest due on the loan. A bond can be financed from $100,000 to several million. It currently costs an approved client at one participating bank only $4000 per year for two years to lend
Israel $1 million with an Israel Bond, or only $650 per year for two years to finance a $100,000 Israel Bond. The procedure is simple and convenient and has potential tax advantages. Mesh stated, “With the financing program, anyone qualified can lend Israel a large amount to help strengthen Israel’s economy in a significant way. And, there is no greater feeling in your heart and soul,” continued Mesh, “than the one you have when the transaction is complete. It is also reassuring that Israel has made every Israel Bond payment of principal and interest on time and in full.” More information about Israel Bonds and the finance program is available from Kathe Turiel at the Cincinnati Israel Bonds office.
A new location for ‘A Gourmet Sensation’ “A Gourmet Sensation” is on the move! Celebrating its 22-year, the Midwest’s premier food and wine event will be moving downtown to the Duke Energy Convention Center this upcoming September 10. “The popularity of the event made it possible for us to move to a new larger venue,” Hospice of Cincinnati President and CEO Sandra Lobert said. “It’s nice to see an event like this grow to be so popular because it truly is for a great cause.” Since the event was founded, more than 215 chefs have lent their expertise and talents to create over 8,000 different dishes served with 13,000 bottles of wine to more than 15,000 patrons. As a result, over $3 million has been raised in support of Hospice of
Returning this year is Chef Miles James of James at the Mill in Johnson, AR.
Also, returning, is Chef Robert Waggoner, Charleston, SC, from the PBS show U Cook with Chef Bob.
Cincinnati’s very important mission: to create the best possible and most meaningful end-of-life experience for all who need care and support in our community. Headlining this year’s chef roster is The Palace Restaurant’s executive chef Jose Salazar, voted Midwest Top Chef by Food & Wine Magazine. This will be Salazar’s third consecutive year attending the event. Joining Executive Chef Salazar will be his new pastry chef at The Palace Restaurant, Kristen Seiter. This year’s “A Gourmet Sensation” will feature more than 20 chefs, each creating their favorite dishes served in a dinnerby-the-bite style. Each dish will be paired with a signature wine or craft beer, courtesy of Heidelberg Distributing Co., Wine Trends and
Ohio Valley Wine & Beer. Guests will also enjoy live entertainment provided by Second Wind and a silent auction. Following the main event will be the first ever “A Gourmet Sensation – YP Late Night,” an event created for Cincinnati’s Young Professionals. Late Night Bites prepared by students from the Midwest Culinary Institute will be paired with a signature wine and beer. There is a cost to attend. Individual “A Gourmet Sensation” tickets are good from 7 p.m. – midnight. Young Professionals’ tickets are good from 9 p.m. – midnight. Guests can purchase tickets online or at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Molly O’Connor of TriHealth.
FOOD/AUTOS • 21
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2011
Meet the Madisons Zell’s Bites
by Zell Schulman Over the years, I’ve enjoyed meeting fabulous chefs, outstanding food writers, well-known cookbook authors, television and radio personalities, and wonderful and creative home cooks. I would like to introduce you to my friend, Bryan Madison, owner and entrepreneur of Madison’s Produce in historical Findley Market. You wouldn’t know he has a doctorate in analytical chemistry or spent 27 years working at P & G, 18 of them in their food division. Bryan s interest in food began at age 5, when he spent weekends on his grandfather s farm. Picking fresh corn for dinner, milking cows, churning butter and enjoying the bread his grandmother baked in the wood fired oven was just the beginning. Today all you need to do is walk into Madison’s Market at Findley Market and you’re surrounded with produce that delights the eye. Bryan and his wife Carolyn, bought a farm in Adams County, where they raised three children under the age of three, Michael and twins, Matthew and Mallory. In 1996, because Bryan grew berries and other vegetables on their farm, he decided to purchase space at Findley Market, where they would bring their produce from the farm and sell it. Matthew got his family interested in going into the mushroom business. As the mushroom business grew larger, they decided to get into the retail business and went from their space outside in Findley market into a retail store in the market area. The best part of having met Bryan and his family has been the opportunity to meet so many different people in the food area of Cincinnati. As Bryan says, Cincinnati is probably one of the more underrated cities in regard to what we offer, from the restaurants to the food industry. We’re seeing more and more foreign
markets sprouting up in neighborhoods. More and more appreciation and interest in foreign foods. Bryan is still putting his chemistry to work on their farm. Carolyn still comes to work with Bryan at their store in Findley Market, Michael makes authentic Italian gelato, and Mallory still helps out at the store. TILAPIA with MADISON’S BLACK RASPBERRY SAUCE Makes 2 servings This light entrée may be prepped earlier in the day, covered well with plastic, refrigerated and baked just before serving. Bryan s Black Raspberry Sauce adds the perfect flavor for your palate. Ingredients: 4 filets of Tilapia 1/4 cup sesame oil 2 tablespoons soy sauce 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely chopped 1/4 of a small red onion finely chopped 1/4 cup finely chopped, flat leaf parsley (leaves only) 1/4 cup Madison s Black Raspberry Sauce 9- inch x 9-inch baking pan Method: 1) Rinse the filets in cold water and dry with a paper towel 2) Mix the sesame oil and soy sauce together and brush over the filets. 3) Distribute the chopped garlic, ginger, onion and parsley on the filets. 4) Drizzle the black raspberry sauce evenly over the filets. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake the tilapia 20 to 30 minutes. Zell s Notes: Brian serves these over a bed of baby spinach or sliced cucumbers. You may wish to chop the garlic, ginger, onion and parsley in your food processor or blender. This sauce is also great over chicken breasts or chicken you wish to bake in the oven.
2011 Land Rover LR2 — off-roading off the beaten path As consumers gravitate toward car-based crossover SUVs (or CUVs), manufacturers are rolling out even more models to meet demand. Luxury-brand automakers, in particular, have been focused on introducing small crossover SUVs. One of the first to join this segment was the Land Rover LR2. With its reputation for off-road performance to uphold, Land Rover endowed the LR2 with technologies to make it both capable and confident when the journey is off the beaten path. Chief among these is Terrain Response, which is standard on the LR2. Terrain Response adapts the responses of the vehicle’s engine, transmission, AWD system —which comes standard —, suspension electronics, and stability and hill descent control systems to match the demands of the terrain. It optimizes drivability and comfort as well as maximizing traction. All the driver has to do is select from one of four driving conditions via a rotary knob, and the LR2’s computers automatically optimize the vehicle’s systems for the selected setting. The Land Rover LR2 is available in a single trim level. Motivation comes from a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 230 horsepower and 234 pound-feet of torque. The transmission choice is a six-speed automatic with a manual shift mode. The LR2 also has manual selected gear
www.landrover.com
2011 Land Rover LR2
changes available through the CommandShift system, and a driver-selected sport mode for rapid gear shifting. Many of the LR2’s standard features are often optional on competitors. These include keyless ignition/entry; a panoramic dual-panel sunroof with one-touch control; front and rear foglights and power headlamp washers; rain-sensing wipers; rear parking sensors; power leather seats; 18-inch alloy wheels and dual-zone climate control. Notable optional features include a navigation system, memory seating, bi-xenon adaptive front lighting, heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio and a surround-sound audio system. LR2 is packed with advanced
safety systems and technology, including a host of sophisticated stability control systems, all standard, that are built into an immensely strong monocoque body with inner safety cell. One such safety feature is the Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). By controlling the brake forces between the front and rear wheels, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) provides predictable braking under different load conditions. Others safety features include antilock brakes, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, cornering brake control, emergency brake assist, seven airbags, including side curtain airbags, and roll stability control, which is an ideal feature for anyone considering taking the LR2 off road. For a luxury SUV, handling is highlighted by a relatively soft suspension. If your intent is to take your small luxury crossover SUV offroad, then the LR2 should be near the top of your consideration list. The soft suspension settings that conspire to dampen a sporty on-road feel help to deliver superior control on light- and medium-duty trails. The Terrain Response system does give the driver a high level of confidence when the going gets rough — essentially bridging the performance gap between the light-duty AWD systems on most car-based SUVs and the dual-range 4WD systems on more traditional SUVs. The MSRP of the Land Rover LR2 is $35,700.
22 • OBITUARIES D EATH N OTICES RABENSTEIN, Aaron, age 74, died on June 18 2011, 17 of Sivan, 5771. GARBER, Joseph M. age 91, died on July 20, 2011; 18 Tammuz, 5771.
O BITUARIES RABENSTEIN, Aaron Aharon, Aaron Arnold Rabenstein passed away after a brief illness, on Motzei Shabbos, the 17th of Sivan, June 18 2011, in Be’er Sheva, Israel. Aharon is survived by three children — Menachem Rabenstein and Family, Nina (Yosi) Madar,
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Yirmiyahu (Ilana) Rabenstein and eight grandchildren. Aharon, the eldest child of the late, Rev. Manfred and Flora Rabenstein, was born in Darmstadt, Germany, on April 7, 1937. He and his parents came to the United States in 1938. After a brief stay in New York, the Rabensteins arrived in Cincinnati in November of 1938. Aharon attended Avondale School and Walnut Hills High School before enrolling in Telshe Yeshiva in Cleveland, Ohio in the fall of 1951. After attending the Yeshiva for seven years, Aharon returned to Cincinnati in the fall of 1958 to begin his teaching career at Chofetz Chaim, now Cincinnati Hebrew Day School. Simultaneously he continued his
studies with Rabbi Eliezer Silver to complete his S’micha, Rabbinical Degree. After 3 years of one-on-one study with Rabbi Silver, he was awarded his ordination. In 1964 he met and married his wife, Lois Karp Rabenstein of Cincinnati. Both Aharon and Lois (Leah) taught at CHDS and ran an afternoon Hebrew school at New Hope Synagogue. In 1972 the couple chased their dream and made Aliyah to Israel with their new child, Nina Ronit. They found true satisfaction in Israel, working in the religious public school system and the Yeshivah system, being teachers and guidance counselors. Aharon also took on to be the Rav of his neighborhood shul, Bait
SHALOMPHONE from page 10 On Thursday, August 4, the JCC Senior Center will celebrate the accomplishments of almost 600 ShalomPhone and ShalomNet program participants. MATURE from page 13 Visiting Angels Visiting Angels, “America’s Choice in Homecare”, specializes in providing non-medical personalized homecare services to senior adults in their own homes. The client has the opportunity to interview any caregiver we refer to them and make the final choice of their caregiver. Our caring and experienced caregivers provide assistance with personal hygiene, errands and shopping, meal prepa-
GARBER, Joseph M. Joseph M. Garber, age 91, of Beachwood, Ohio, beloved husband of the late Carole (nee Schneider), beloved Father of Richard (Frances) Garber of Hudson, Ohio and loving Grandfather of Harrison Garber, son of the late Ida and Harry Garber died July 20, 2011. Mr. Garber was President of the Credit Bureau of Cincinnati, and a WWII veteran. Memorial service will be
held Monday, August 1, 11 a.m., at Spring Grove Cemetery Memorial Mausoleum, 4521 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232. In lieu of flowers, please visit johnsonromito.com for suggested charities. darity with the people and government of Norway in this hour of trial, and trust Norwegian authorities to bring to justice those responsible for this heinous crime.” Israeli President Shimon Peres called the king of Norway, Harald V, to express condolences. “Your country is a symbol of peace and freedom. In Israel we followed the events over the weekend in Norway and the attack on innocent civilians broke our hearts. It is a painful tragedy that touches every human being. We send our condolences to the families that lost their loved ones and a speedy recovery to the wounded. Israel is willing to assist in whatever is needed,” Peres said, according to his office. The king thanked Peres for his phone call and for the expression of Israeli solidarity. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas visited Norway last week and was told that Oslo will recognize Palestine, but not immediately. While much attention in Norway has been focused on the threat of Muslim extremism, the threat from the far right was generally considered to have abated.
Joseph M. Garber
recent years we have witnessed the phenomenon of radical rightists proclaiming their sympathy for Jews and their support for Israel, also in Germany,” adding that “In many cases, it is clear that this is no more than a PR maneuver to create an air of respectability.” “Whatever ‘support’ for Israel Anders Behring Breivik may have had in his abominable mind, it is not any kind of support we want,” Kramer said. One day after the attack, members of Norway’s small Jewish community gathered at the Synagogue
of Oslo to pray for the survivors. “We also pray that the authorities will be less naive on security issues and threats,” businessman Erwin Kohn, newly elected head of the 750-member Jewish community, said in a telephone interview from Oslo. Kohn added that it appeared that no one in the Jewish community was injured or killed in the attack, but “we are affected just the same as the Norwegian society in general.” On the reports about Breivik’s online postings, he offered his concerns.
“You have many others who are in the same ballpark, being scared of multiculturalism,” Kohn said, adding that Breivik’s alleged pro-Zionism is a sham. “We don’t need such friends, we don’t need such friends.” Serge Cwajgenbaum, secretary general of the European Jewish Congress, in a call from France said that Breivik “is not pro-Israel — he is anti-Muslim. “It is a national catastrophe,” he said, “and we share the sadness of the sorrow of the families.” German journalist Ulrich Sahm reported on the pro-Israel Israelnetz.com website that many of the youths who survived the massacre said they thought the killer, dressed as a police officer, was simulating Israeli crimes against Palestinians in the occupied territories. They believed that “the cruelty of the Israeli occupation” was being demonstrated to them, Sahm wrote. Meanwhile, Israel on Saturday night condemned the attacks in Oslo. “Nothing at all can justify such wanton violence, and we condemn this brutal action with the utmost gravity,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “We stand in soli-
ShalomNet, another program offered by the Senior Center at the J, teaches seniors computer skills. The Annual ShalomNet and ShalomPhone luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. in the Amberley Room at the J. New this year is a
Tech Fair starting an hour earlier in which exhibitors will promote products and services aimed at enhancing the health and well being of technology savvy seniors. Seniors, their children or people interested in technology
for seniors are welcome to attend this event. Reservations for the lunch must be made in advance, by Friday, July 29. The JCC offers a vast array of Senior Life programs and events. Most are open to the
public and require advance registration. For more information, contact Susan Bradley at the J. To view a complete list of JCC Senior Life programs, events, and trips, visit the JCC or their website.
ration, safety monitoring, light housekeeping and laundry and companionship. Hourly, live-in or on-call respite care is available. Each caregiver is thoroughly screened through extensive interviews, local, state, and national background checks, drug tests and fingerprinting. We are bonded and insured. Our staff is on call 24/7.
makes that possible. For all of us at VITAS Innovative Hospice Care®, hospice is a philosophy of care; it focuses on enhancing a patient’s comfort and overall quality of life during the last months of life. VITAS is dedicated to providing all our patients with care that is clinically relevant and culturally sensitive. VITAS is proud to be accredited as a Jewish hospice by the National Institute of Jewish Hospices (NIJH). This certification allows VITAS to offer a special-
ized level of hospice care that better serves our Jewish community. By treating physical symptoms and providing pain management, as well as addressing emotional and spiritual concerns, hospice can make the dying process more meaningful for patients and their loved ones.
their new chapel, which is wheelchair accessible, with seating for over 350. Thus the chapel can handle large public funerals or small private ceremonies, whichever the family desires. Also provided, are all-necessary materials for Jewish practices, from the most traditional Orthodox to the non-religious, including shiva stools and kria ribbons. Pre-arranging funerals can be arranged as well. Weil can arrange for services at area synagogues and at graveside.
NORWAY from page 8 Brinkman said he had reached out to Israeli rightists hoping to build a coalition against Islam. In postings on the website Document.no that appear to be by Breivik, the poster pondered whether one could “accept the moderate Nazis as long as they distance themselves” from the extermination of the Jews. The words of right-wing populist politicians “are dangerous, it allows them to radicalize,” Hajo Funke, an expert on right-wing extremism in Europe and the Holocaust at Touro College Berlin and the Free University Berlin, told JTA in a phone interview. “It is a tactical viewpoint of the rising populist right-wing to use this kind of identification, or forced identification with Israel, to be accepted,” he said. “They say, ‘Our enemies are not any more the Jew ... the real enemy as you can see all over the world is Islam, and not only Islam, but the Islamic person.’ This is the new, great danger.” Stephan Kramer, general secretary of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, told JTA that “in the
Hakenneset Ha’al Adati, which grew exponentially under his 39year guidance. Aharon was laid to rest in Be’er Sheva on Sunday June 19, 2011, next to his wife Leah, who predeceased him by 12 years.
Courtesy of Alex Weisler
Flowers and candles outside the Domkirke Cathedral in Oslo serve as a memorial to bombing and shooting victims, July 25, 2011.
VITAS Faced with a terminal illness, some 90 percent of patients prefer to remain in their homes. Hospice
Weil Funeral Home For over four generations — a span of over 90 years — Weil has served Cincinnati. Services include the use of
2011 CALENDAR Special Issues & Sections J ANUARY
F EBRUARY
M ARCH
6
3
3
Wonderful Weddings
13
Health & Beauty
10
20
Tu-Be-Shevat
17
17
24
24
27 Mature Living/Senior Lifestyles
Kids/Summer Camps
10 Purim
31
A PRIL
M AY
J UNE
7
5
2
12
9
14
Passover
21 28
Real Estate / Home & Garden
19 19
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planning Issue Lag B’Omer
26
Celebrations
The Car Issue
16 23
Best of Jewish Cincinnati
30
J ULY
AUGUST
S EPTEMBER
7
4
1 8
Dentistry Issue/Dental Directory
14
11
21
18
28
Mature Living/Senior Lifestyles
Back to School & Shopping Guide
25
Medical Issue
15 22 29
Rosh Hashanah Jewish Year in Review
O CTOBER
N OVEMBER
DECEMBER
6
3
1
Gift Guide
8
Gift Guide
13
10
Estate Planning / Financial Planning
17
20 27
Event Planning Guide
15
Travel Guide
24
Chanukah
22
Legal Directory
29
Year in Review
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