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2011 Cedar Village Battle of the Bands p.12
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New and novel events for Access’ No Boyz Allowed, No Ma’am this January While Access might be well known for hosting events in which men and women can mix and mingle with one another, once every other month the guys and girls go their separate ways for special gender-based programming that gives them a chance to let their hair down and hang loose with each other in a casual setting. So this Jan. 12, even though it might be freezing cold outside, No Boyz Allowed and No Ma’am are bringing the fun indoors with two free events sure to get 2012 off to a great start. For Jewish women, 21-35, No Boyz Allowed presents “Chick Lit Chat,” in a private area of Joseph Beth Booksellers, beginning with a free dinner in the Bronte Café at 6:30 p.m.“It’s the perfect event for anyone who wants to curl up with a good book this winter and take the chill off with a steamy romance or a hot new novel!” says Rachel Plowden, Access event coordinator. “Chick Lit Chat is so popular it has become an annual event. Not only will guests get to hear from a Joseph Beth expert who will give a synopsis of some of the most popular books of the season, they’ll have a chance to share some of their favorite page-turners, and leave with recommendations from the must read list of other NBA’ers!” she adds. All participants will receive a free book, and will be treated to dinner and a drink, compliments of No Boyz Allowed.The event is free with advance reservations. For Jewish men, 21-35, No Ma’am presents a “What to Wear Workshop for Men” at Nordstrom at Kenwood Mall. “It’s been said that ‘the clothes define the man,’ so this is a great opportunity for guys to find out what their wardrobe has to say about them,” explains Josh Rothstein, Outreach and Engagement coordinator. “From work attire to weekend-wear, whether they’re just in need of a few fashion pointers, or could use a complete closet overhaul, the
menswear experts at Nordstrom will give them all the tips and tricks they need to look like a million bucks—even on a budget,” he adds. “It’s the perfect event for anyone who wants to stay up with the new trends, or needs help just brushing up on the basics.”
the right entry point for everyone,” explains Pam Saeks, director of Jewish Giving for The Mayerson Foundation. “That’s when we started our first ‘interest-based’ signature program, No Boyz Allowed. It offered young Jewish women a chance to let their hair down and
“...I knew it would be the perfect way to get my feet wet. It didn’t seem as intimidating to start by meeting other girls.” Jenna Jacobson The event begins with a free dinner at the Nordstrom Café, compliments of No Ma’am at 6:30 p.m. The group will then head down to the Menswear Department for a private workshop. The event is free with advance reservations. “Soon after we started Access, we began to discover that our big blowout events weren’t necessarily
just get to know other women their age in the Jewish community,” she continues. “It gave them a chance to make some girlfriends with whom they could attend the big parties. Many have gone on to become lifelong friends! About a year later, a group of guys contacted me and asked, ‘what about us!’ That’s when No Ma’am was born. Now the men
have their own programs too!” “When I came to town I didn’t know a single soul,” says Jenna Jacobson. “I found Access on the Internet but worried about walking into a party all by myself. However, as soon as I clicked on the No Boyz Allowed tab on the website, I knew it would be the perfect way to get my feet wet. It didn’t seem as intimidating to start by meeting other girls,” she adds. “What I didn’t expect was how I was treated like a rock star! Everyone was so warm and welcoming. It wasn’t long before I had a whole group of friends, who not only brought me with them to Access events, but who have become like sisters to me. I feel so lucky to have found No Boyz Allowed and am now always one of the first to welcome the new girls when they walk through the door!” “No Ma’am offers a great way to chill out after a long day,” says Chad Solomon. “It’s cool to be able to kick back with the guys over a beer and some burgers, or a game of pool or poker. Not only have I made some solid business contacts, I’ve made some friends who I now hang out with on a regular basis.”
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2012 CALENDAR SPECIAL ISSUES & SECTIONS
The American Israelite
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MARCH
5 12 19 26 Mature Living *Section
2 Kids/Summer Camps *Section 9 16 23 Purim
1 Wonderful Weddings *Section 8 Purim 22 29
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5 Passover *Issue 12 19 26 Travel Guide
3 Bar/Bat Mitzvah *Section 10 Lag B’Omer 17 24 31
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2 9 Back to School *Section 16 23 30
6 13 Rosh Hashanah *Issue 20 Jewish Year In Review 27
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4 Financial & Estate Planning 11 18 25
1 Event Planning 8 15 22 29 Gift Guide *Section
6 Gift Guide *Section 13 Chanukah *Issue 20 27
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2012
Cincinnati Chapter of Hadassah presents new facets on Queen Esther Cincinnati Chapter of Hadassah will feature new facets of Queen Esther as the focus for its annual Education Day this year on Sunday, Jan. 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Hebrew Union College -
Jewish Institute of Religion. The program, “Meet Esther: Is She Ancient Queen, Modern Woman, or Both?” begins with a tour of the Klau Library with Dan J. Rettberg, Ph.D. Then, Rabbi
Judith Chessin will present another face of Esther as a role model for modern-day Jewish women. Light refreshments of Persian-style desserts will be served.
New dementia arts therapy program aims to make widespread impact Cedar Village Retirement Community is creating a pioneering creative arts therapy program to improve the lives of people with dementia, greatly expanding and enhancing Cedar Village’s already innovative dementia care. A major donation from philanthropists David and Nancy Wolf will fund the program. The Wolfs hope the program becomes so successful it’s replicated across the United States. “We’re not going to cure dementia or Alzheimer’s disease but we hope to improve the quality of life for people with those conditions,” David Wolf said. “That’s why we’re thrilled to be able to support this great program.” Cedar Village is a national leader in using the arts to stimulate the minds of people with dementia. And the new program will take Cedar Village to a much higher level, said Carol Silver Elliott, Cedar Village’s CEO and President. “More must be done to help unlock the doors to reach those with dementia and allow them to live as fully as possible despite the disease process,” Elliott said. “With this program, the potential for a positive impact is almost unlimited.” The Wolfs know the importance of quality care for people with dementia because Nancy Wolf’s mother, Frances Fishel, had dementia. Nancy Wolf was disappointed in the care her mother received at a Tennessee nursing home before her mother died 17 years ago at age 82. Nancy Wolf hopes the donation will help other people get better care. “We have great expectations and hopes that this program will fill a need by enriching the lives of people with dementia,” she said. Many people with dementia cannot express themselves in conventional ways, especially those in the mid to advanced stages of the disease. But research has shown that using creative arts is an effective way for them to become engaged. Experts know such therapies work when they see a person with dementia tapping his foot while listening to music that’s meaningful to him or painting for an hour when she would otherwise become dis-
Nancy and David Wolf
tracted. Even more stunning is when a person with advanced dementia sings, even though that person no long speaks. The three-year program is starting this month. It will be called the David and Nancy Wolf Creative Arts in Aging Program at Cedar Village.
“With this program, the potential for a positive impact is almost unlimited.” Carol Silver Elliott
The program will use various art forms such as music therapy, the visual and performing arts and creative writing. It will include an artist in residence program as well as public art shows and performances. And it will use measurement tools, developed by the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University, to gauge its effectiveness. The measurements could be used to help decide whether to continue the program
and replicate it elsewhere. Unlike other communities for the elderly, Cedar Village will offer the programming for most of its 300 residents, not just those living in specialized dementia units. And unlike other communities, it will provide the therapy almost every day throughout the year, instead of sporadically. The Wolfs are making the donation now so they can have the satisfaction of seeing the program’s success while they’re alive. The measurement system will help them know the impact of their donation. David Wolf is a real estate developer. Nancy Wolf is a retired occupational therapist and former member of the Cedar Village Board of Trustees. The couple lives in Newport, KY and Jupiter, FL. Clarissa Rentz, retired executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Cincinnati Chapter, and a clinical nurse specialist in gerontology, praised the Wolfs for supporting arts programming aimed at improving the quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s disease because historically this area of research has not been well funded. “Cedar Village residents are fortunate to be the beneficiaries of this most generous gift,” said Rentz, who is a consultant to the Wolfs.
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‘MLK Day at the J’ is a fun way to spend the day When school is closed on Monday, January 16 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, where will your children spend the day? Even though school is out, parents may still have to work and need ways to keep their children occupied. That’s why the JCC “MLK Day at the J” for grades K-6 is the perfect solution. “MLK Day at the J” operates from 9:30am to 3:30pm on January 16, and before and after care options are available for an additional fee.
Before care begins at 8am, and after care concludes at 6pm. Advance registration is required. During this popular school break camp, children can take advantage of all the fun activities at the JCC. They can splash in the J’s water park, play games in the gym, create great art projects, and enjoy the awesome JCC game room. The kids can also enjoy interactive video games, as well as traditional games like air hockey and foosball.
The JCC offers school break camps throughout the year, and camps are open to everyone. You do not have to be a member to enroll your child(ren), however, J Members receive discounted rates. Elizabeth Wagner has enrolled her daughter, Emelia, in several JCC school break camps and plans to enroll her in the “MLK Day at the J.” She said, “As a working mom it’s such a great option to know she’s in a creative, wonderful
environment. I wanted something more for her to do, not to just be with a babysitter.” “We strive to make the day fun for the kids, with creative, active and interesting activities that are appropriate for the different age groups,” said Matt Miller, JCC Youth and Family Coordinator and Director of Camps. Open registration for JCC “MLK Day at the J” is now available for the entire community.
Wise Temple’s young children celebrate Shabbbat For many families with young children, congregational life can be tricky. Parents want to instill Jewish values in their children, and often yearn to do so in a community setting. A natural place to start would seem to be Shabbat. However, the normative Shabbat service can prove to be a challenge to such families. For most small children, a regular Shabbat evening service is too long for their attention span, and it is nearly impossible for them to remain quiet for the duration of the liturgy. Furthermore, the liturgy is not ageappropriate, and therefore does not
engage the children in a meaningful way. Recognizing these challenges, the Isaac M. Wise Temple has been proud to offer its version of a “Tot Shabbat” experience. At least once a month, families with young children are encouraged to attend a “YoFI Shabbat” service. YoFI is Wise Temple’s “Young Family Involvement” group, and has programming for young children and their families, including older siblings and grandparents. YoFI Shabbat evening officially begins at 6:15 p.m., but many come a few minutes early to enjoy the
pre-service snacks. There are always coloring pages available for the children while families wait for the service to begin. The service is led by one of the Wise Temple rabbis, or by Wise Temple’s director of Education and Lifelong Learning, Barbara Dragul, as well as by YoFI song leader, Steve Pollak. The service features the prayer book, “Gates of Wonder,” which is the Reform movement’s Shabbat liturgy for young children. During the service, there is an opportunity to join in a Torah parade, in which the children can pick out musical instruments to
play, or can carry a small stuffed Torah doll. Following the parade, the service leader shares a Shabbat story and then concludes the service with the traditional Shabbat blessings over the candles, juice and challah. From time to time, the evening is extended with a special craft that the children can make. YoFI Shabbat is open to Wise Temple congregants and guests. Older siblings, parents, grandparents and other family members are welcome to join the children for this age-appropriate Shabbat celebration. The next YoFI Shabbat will take place on Friday, Jan. 20.
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The American Israelite “LET THERE BE LIGHT” THE OLDEST ENGLISH-JEWISH WEEKLY IN AMERICA - EST. JULY 15, 1854
VOL. 158 • NO. 24 THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2012 10 TEVET 5772 SHABBAT BEGINS FRIDAY 5:12 PM SHABBAT ENDS SATURDAY 6:13 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
Good Morning America. Entine’s break into genetics came as a special segment producer for NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw. Brokaw and Entine’s collaboration produced the documentary “Black Athletes: Fact and Fiction,” which was named Best International Sports Film of 1989. The research for Black Athletes led to Entine’s study of genetics and DNA. The result was his best-selling book “Taboo: Why Black Athletes Dominate Sports and Why We are Afraid to Talk About it.”
Wise Temple downtown Lunch and Learn gram has made in-depth Jewish study and discussion available to more Wise Temple congregants. The series has been a great success in the past, drawing thoughtful, engaged adult learners, and it is being offered again this year. The focus of the downtown series this year is on: “Living Ethics: An Investigation of Reform Halachah” (law). Using a curriculum written by Rabbi Mark Washofsky and Debra Siroka for the Union for Reform Judaism, the series is offered on four Thursdays throughout the year. “For Reform Jews whose primary understanding of the movement’s philosophy is informed choice and the autonomy of the individual, the idea of a central body of
Jewish law can seem irrelevant. It is a core goal of this unit to assert Reform Judaism’s role within the context of the ongoing evolution of Jewish thought and tradition,” according to the curriculum’s authors. The curriculum addresses important Jewish questions such as, “How do responsa analyze a given case, and how can we apply that analysis process to our own thinking?” And, “How can Reform halachah guide our own ethical decisions?” Taught by Wise Temple’s rabbis, the first session of this series took place in the fall and focused on: “How Does a Reform Jew Relate to Halacha, and How can Jewish Law Inform the Choices We Make?”
Upcoming classes will address: “How can we deal with nuclear war from within the Jewish tradition?” on Jan. 12; “Tipping the scales in favor of one value over another: Honesty and Privacy,” on Feb. 16; and “When to Reform and when not to Reform,” on May 3. “Our downtown lunch and learn series fits into our long and meaningful connection to downtown Cincinnati; our main (and historic) sanctuary, Plum Street Temple, is downtown, we are involved in many downtown social action projects, and now we have regular opportunities for learning there as well,” said Rabbi Michael Shulman about the downtown program.
ALEXIA KADISH Copy Editor JANET STEINBERG Travel Editor SONDRA KATKIN Dining Editor MARIANNA BETTMAN NATE BLOOM IRIS PASTOR RABBI A. JAMES RUDIN ZELL SCHULMAN RABBI AVI SHAFRAN PHYLLIS R. SINGER Contributing Columnists LEV LOKSHIN JANE KARLSBERG Staff Photographers JOSEPH D. STANGE Production Manager MICHAEL MAZER Sales ERIN WYENANDT Office Manager e Oldest Eng Th
ewish N h-J ew lis
Five years ago, Wise Temple started a new Eitz Chayim Adult Education program held in downtown Cincinnati. The program, a Lunch and Learn series, was designed for Wise Temple congregants who work or live in, or near, downtown and would like to attend adult Jewish education classes but find it difficult to make it to Wise Center for morning, afternoon or early evening classes. Each year the program has centered on a core theme, such as “Pirke Avot,” “Jewish Views On Philanthropy, Sexual Ethics, War and Peace, Life After Death” or “Biblical Models of Leadership.” Hosted by a congregant who works downtown, the pro-
YEHOSHUA MIZRACHI RITA TONGPITUK Assistant Editors
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Kirkus Reviews is “an epic tale…for Jews and non-Jews alike.” It also addresses efforts to identify cures for diseases that disproportionately impact specific populations and the social and political tempest that a renewed focus on “race” research is stirring. Early in his career, Entine spent 19 years in television, beginning while still in high school as a CBS copyboy. He worked for NBC while in college, and then moved to ABC News to write, edit and produce for
Est. 1854
“This past fall, I had the opportunity to hear Jon Entine speak on DNA,” explained Julie Brook, president of the club. “As a result of learning that every human being has DNA originating from Africa, I came to wonder why we even have to deal with bigotry.” Entine published “Abraham’s Children: Race, Identity and the DNA of the Chosen People,” a story of Western identity and the shared biblical ancestry of Jews, Christians and Muslims, which according to
BARBARA L. MORGENSTERN Senior Writer
• ca
The Blue Ash Recreational Center is honored to host Jon Entine, Emmy Award-winning producer and best-selling author, on Tuesday, Jan 17, at 7PM at the Blue Ash Recreation Center, 4343 Cooper Road. Entine’s presentation is entitled, “Our DNA – Why bigotry and prejudice should be a thing of the past.” Entine, founder of the Genetic Literacy Project, is a frequent speaker on university campuses, and at professional seminars and conferences.
NETANEL (TED) DEUTSCH Editor & Publisher
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Jon Entine, author of ‘Abraham’s Children’, founder of Genetic Literacy Project, speaks at Blue Ash Rec Center
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.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2012
LOCAL / NATIONAL • 5
Wise Temple seniors program with Jackie Demaline On Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 1:30 p.m., Jackie Demaline will speak to the Isaac M. Wise Temple senior adults about her experience as The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Theater Critic and Arts Reporter. Demaline has been with The Cincinnati Enquirer since 1994. Before joining this newpaper, she worked as the Entertainment Editor of New York’s Albany Times-Union for seven years. A highlight of her career came in 1998, when the Ohio Society of
Professional Journalists named her the state’s top arts reporter. Demaline’s writing reflects her column philosophy. “I believe arts change lives and that arts matter to every community. So every Sunday my aim is to tell readers what’s most significant in the arts in our community. Arts are about politics and education and suburbs and downtown development and everyday people, not just what’s on more formal stages,” she explained.
Furthermore, when it comes to reviewing works of arts, Demaline shared, “I want to put you in the seat next to me. I want to be surprised and provoked, to think and feel. I want you to respond to my writing and I strive to be consistent so that, like me or hate me, you can use me as a guideline.” The topic of Demaline’s talk is “Your Questions, My Answers.” This program will take place at Wise Center and is open to the community.
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Whatever your New Year’s resolution may be – shaping up, learning something new, or developing a skill – the JCC can help you succeed! Registration is open now for winter programs and classes, many of which begin the week of January 8. Most classes are open to everyone, but J Members enjoy a cost advantage. Make 2012 the year you shed those excess pounds with the J’s “Commit to be Fit”—the J’s version of television’s “Biggest Loser.” “Commit to be Fit” is a program for J members, and it has been phenomenally successful for members who want to lose weight and get healthy. Another fun way for J members to get active and
•Calling on restaurants, car dealers, and high-end retail establishments.
National Briefs U.S. releases $40 million to PA WASHINGTON (JTA) — The United States transferred $40 million in foreign assistance to the Palestinians. The Associated Press reported Thursday that congressional lawmakers released the funds, which amount to 20 percent of the $187 million in foreign assistance from fiscal year 2011 that was held up by Congress in response to the Palestinians’ actions at the United Nations. The assistance that the U.S. released is for humanitarian and economic purposes and not for security assistance. The release of the 2011 funds comes after an omnibus 2012 appropriations package passed by Congress earlier this month included restrictions that would limit any assistance to the Palestinians if they continued with their efforts to achieve member status at the United Nations.
meet new friends is to enroll in the J’s tap dance class. The J’s Men’s Basketball League, beginning Jan. 9, is an extremely popular league, so register soon, as teams fill up quickly! Have you always wanted to learn more about Judaism but could never fit a class into your busy schedule? “Foundations of Jewish Living” offers insights for parents to share with their children, and provides a thought-provoking encounter with the core values of Judaism. “Modern Living: Maintaining Balance” is a 4-week class that focuses on family, work, community, and self, and how to find the balance. “10 Commandments &
During yesterday’s State Department briefing, spokesperson Victoria Nuland emphasized that it was not in the interest of the United States to withhold assistance to the Palestinians. “We don’t think it’s in U.S. national interest to keep this money frozen. So from that perspective, we’re gratified that 40 million has now been released,” Nuland said. A senior Republican Hill staffer noted that this could be a good way to test the Palestinian Authority without putting U.S. taxpayers at too much risk. The staffer said “this is a smart move by the appropriators to put [Mahmoud] Abbas to the test without risking too much taxpayer money. Now that we have built-in legal conditions tying future Palestinian aid to issues like statehood, UN agency membership and a unity government with Hamas, the Congress is making the first move for 2012 — releasing a little bit of money to the PA in good faith. If the Palestinians act responsibly and comply with US law, they’ll get another tranche. If they don’t, especially in these times of great austerity, the American people will understand if we turn the spigot back off.”
Contemporary Society” examines the commandments in the context of modern society. The JCC is also the place to learn a foreign language through their Conversational Hebrew classes for beginners and intermediate learners. Adults age 60 and over can stretch their mental muscle and learn Yiddish, join a book club or try Yoga or Senior Tai Chi. The JCC Senior Center also offers a variety of day trips to fun and interesting destinations throughout the winter months. There is no end to the opportunities for adults and families at the JCC! Advance registration for classes and programs is required.
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Persian Gulf tensions mount as U.S. engages Israel on Iran By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency WASHINGTON (JTA) — The Obama administration is engaged in a full-court press to persuade Israel that Iran’s nuclear threat can be contained short of war. The U.S. lobbying has received a mixed reception from Israel, where the Netanyahu government has not ruled out a unilateral strike on Iran. Iran, meanwhile, is taking an aggressive stance in response to mounting sanctions. Last week the Iranian naval chief, Adm. Habibollah Sayyari, threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if Western sanctions intensified. The threat to close the strait — the passageway for oil from the Persian Gulf states — could presage a war, experts said. “We may be further along the road to war than most people believe,” said Michael Adler, an Iran scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Experts are divided as to the seriousness of the threat to cut off the strait and whether it will lead to war. Adler said that a direct confrontation between the U.S. and Iran may be inevitable, and that the two countries are headed down that
Courtesy of U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Betsy Knapper
The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, part of the 5th Fleet, transits through the Strait of Hormuz, Oct. 9 2011. Iran has threatened to shut off the strait, through which much of the world's oil travels, if it faces new sanctions.
road in “slow motion.” “Don’t underestimate what the Americans have been saying,” he said, referring to the longstanding U.S. line that all options for dealing with Iran are on the table. Stephen Rademaker, a former top nuclear arms negotiator in the administration of President George W. Bush, said the blowback Iran would suffer for shutting down the strait suggests that
Sayyari was bluffing. “It would be extremely difficult for them to close the strait for more than a brief period of time,” said Rademaker, now a principal at the Podesta Group, a lobbying shop and think tank. “The U.S. Navy knows how to keep waterways open.” The resultant war also would give the U.S. a pretext to attack suspected Iranian nuclear sites, he said. Anthony Cordesman, a former
senior U.S. defense intelligence analyst who is now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, wrote that the real threat was not the shutting of the strait — itself an act of war — but of “much lower level attacks which could sharply raise the risk to Gulf shipping.” Edwin Black, a historian who has written extensively on the Gulf and oil supplies, said the effects of any action in the vicinity of the strait would be far reaching. “Any conflict in the Persian Gulf would not be limited to the waterways,” Black said. “All they have to do is lob a few medium-range missiles at Abqaiq,” a processing plant in Saudi Arabia “or at Ras Tanura,” a terminal on the coast, “or on the strait,” where shipping lanes are just two miles wide, “and they can take out 70 percent of Saudi exports.” Iran also is flexing its military muscles. Last Friday, Iran announced that it would fire longrange missiles during a weekend naval drill in the Gulf. The aggressive posture from Iran comes in the wake of the Obama administration’s increased determination to cut off Iran’s economy as a means of shutting down its nuclear program — and its strenuous efforts to convince Israel’s government that
is serious about doing so. At the most recent U.S.-Israel strategic dialogue on Dec. 1, the U.S. side, led by Deputy Secretary of State William Burns, laid out a detailed plan to accumulate international sanctions against Iran over the next few months. The Americans said their efforts could force Iran to back down from progressing on its suspected nuclear weapons plan or even precipitate regime change. The plan involves two tracks: aggressive diplomacy engaging states that buy Iranian oil to stop doing so along with lining up other nations — Saudi Arabia, Libya and Iraq were named — to compensate for the estimated 2 million barrels a day that Iran’s isolation would cost the world’s oil markets. The plan targets, among others, Iran’s Central Bank and its energy sector, and is aimed at squeezing the economy of Iran full force by March, when the International Atomic Energy Agency board next meets and when a new report on Iran’s nuclear weapons capacity is expected to be more damning than ever. Such reports in the past have triggered intensified international sanctions. TENSIONS on page 20
Jewish conservatives push back against Paul surge
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By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency WASHINGTON (JTA) — Ron Paul’s unlikely rise in the Republican presidential race has Jewish conservatives on edge.
The Texas congressman had been regarded as a fringe figure whose views, especially on foreign policy — including his opposition to the U.S.-Israel alliance — put him far outside the Republican mainstream.
But new polls show Paul in a dead heat in Iowa with Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, and Newt Gingrich, the former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. In a crowded Republican field, ana-
lysts say, making the top three in Iowa could generate momentum in subsequent contests. Already, polls show Paul tied for second place with Gingrich in New Hampshire, where Romney leads. In response to Paul’s surge, Jewish conservatives have launched a counteroffensive, trying to spread the word among the Iowa grassroots about his views on Israel and Iran, as well as about his past associations with race-baiting rhetoric. Dan Lederman, a state senator in South Dakota who is active in the RJC and remains influential in the Republican Party in neighboring Iowa, his native state, described a typical outreach effort over lunch with Iowa Republican voters. “I brought up a lot of subjects,” Lederman, who backs Gingrich, said in an interview. “His views on national security, the white supremacy thing, foreign policy, the stance that having a nuclear Iran is okay.” The hope among those spreading the word is that Iowans would take these views to Christmas week get-togethers and that Paul’s support would recede by Jan. 3, when the Iowa caucuses take place. The Republican Jewish Coalition has made much of its refusal to invite Paul to its Dec. 7 candidate’s forum, attended by all the other main candidates. “He’s just so far outside of the mainstream of the Republican party and this organization,” RJC Executive
Director Matthew Brooks said at the time, explaining that inviting Paul to attend would be like inviting Barack Obama to speak. It’s not just the RJC that’s pushing back against Paul; the Republican candidates are too, Brooks noted. “Almost all the major candidates have been articulating their own views that demonstrate how out of touch Paul is with the Republican Party,” Brooks said. After Paul said in a Dec. 15 Iowa debate that he did not believe that the evidence necessarily supported the contention that Iran was seeking a nuclear weapon, other candidates pushed back. “This truly makes me nervous when I hear that type of rhetoric out of Dr. Paul,” Texas Gov. Rick Perry told ABC News the next day. “We cannot have a president of the United States that basically is so hands-off to a country like Iran that they say, ‘It’s not our business, we’re not going to get involved.’” It is not only Paul’s foreign policy views that have stirred disquiet. As Paul has risen to near the top of the Republican pack, a years-old controversy over newsletters published under his name in the 1980s and 1990s have resurfaced. The newsletters featured conspiracymongering language assailing blacks, gays and Israel in often lurid terms. PAUL on page 22
NATIONAL • 7
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2012
Judea Pearl, father of slain WSJ reporter, is a leader in artificial intelligence By Tom Tugend Jewish Telegraphic Agency LOS ANGELES (JTA) — A man arrives at an airport for a flight, and as he goes through security the agent asks some questions. Did anyone help him pack his suitcase? What is the purpose of his trip? Is anyone accompanying him? During the conversation, the agent enters answers and facial reactions into a computer pre-programmed with millions of pieces of information relating to the behavior of suspicious passengers. Such man-and-machine collaborations, in this instance to detect terrorists, are not yet in place at airports. But they already are in use in fields ranging from medicine and genetics to Microsoft diagnostics and Google searches. Underlying the remarkable advances in the partnership between humans and machines are research studies in artificial intelligence. AI is the subfield of computer science that aims to discover the fundamental building blocks of thought, creativity, imagination and language — those elements of the mind that make us intelligent. Prof. Judea Pearl of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is among the internationally recognized pioneers in the field, and on March 29 he will add to his string of honors and awards the Harvey Prize in Science and Technology from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. Pearl was selected for this recognition, which carries a $75,000 honorarium, for his “wideranging and keen research,” which has led to “his foundational work that has touched a multitude of spheres in modern life,” according to the citation. Pearl, 75, born and raised in the Orthodox enclave of Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv, leads a bifurcated life. As a professor emeritus, he teaches a class and guides doctoral students at UCLA. This, and his continuing research, takes up about half of his time. The other half is devoted to the Daniel Pearl Foundation, headed and established by him and his wife Ruth following the 2002 kidnapping and murder by Pakistani extremists of their son Daniel, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal. The foundation seeks to perpetuate Daniel’s ideals, and each year it organizes the Daniel Pearl Music Days around Daniel’s Oct. 10 birthday. This year, the event was celebrated with 2,091 separate concerts and performances in 84 countries, among them such unlikely venues as Saudi Arabia and Iran, according to the foundation.
Courtesy of Judea Pearl
Judea Pearl will receive the $75,000 Harvey Prize in Science and Technology from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology on March 29.
The foundation also runs a fellowship that each year brings three working journalists from Muslim countries to the United States for five-month internships at U.S. newspapers, including the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times, and for one week at the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles. In his effort to draw some meaning from his son’s murder, the computer scientist-cum-philosopher has evolved into a forceful public speaker and newspaper columnist, including frequent commentaries in the Jewish Journal. All the while, he’s continued to distinguish himself in the field of computer science. In 2008, when he received the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Computer and Cognitive Science from the Franklin Institute, Pearl was credited with research that “changed the face of computer science,” while his three books “are among the most influential works in shaping the theory and practice of knowledge-based systems.” His combined work schedule has left Pearl little time to pursue his previous avocations as leader of a Hebrew-language choir, singer, guitarist and collector of rare, early editions of books on Judaica, philosophy, and history of science. In his professional research, Pearl sees the interaction between humans and computers as a twoway street, in which humans infuse knowledge into machines, mainly in the form of natural language and graphs. The computer, in turn, sharpens human understanding, to the point where, Pearl says, “The only way to learn more about ourselves is by programming robots to emulate our behavior and, in this way, learn the architecture of the human mind.” Pearl’s major contribution to
the two-way dialogue between man and machine has been, first, in the area of uncertainty, a constant in every human endeavor, and later in causality, the relationship between cause and effect. In our daily lives “we are prisoners of uncertainty,” Pearl says. He offers as an example a doctor’s examination of a patient. Using his knowledge and an array of sophisticated tools, the doctor will try to diagnose the patient’s symptoms and devise a treatment. However, even the best physician often can’t be certain he is prescribing the best possible cure. The doctor’s computer can’t be certain, either, but it can review and combine thousands of pieces of information and offer the doctor a choice of the most promising treatment options. Besides the ability to manipulate and recombine innumerable bits of information almost instantly, the robotic or computer helper can follow the resulting rules more consistently than a human, Pearl said. But even so basic an example as a medical diagnosis involves tens of thousands of facts and rules, which must be programmed by a human and digested by the computer. Pearl’s next step was to fuse, or break down, this mass of facts and formulas into what he labeled “Bayesian networks,” in honor of Thomas Bayes, an 18th century English mathematician. The networks mimic the neural activities of the human brain, constantly exchanging messages without benefit of a supervisor. The research on uncertainty occupied Pearl for much of the first half of his career, and when it was finished in the late 1980s he turned his attention to the theory of causality to further advance the computer’s learning process. Causality seems a fairly simple concept: We step on the gas pedal and the car accelerates. However, it’s easy to confuse this with the mere association between occurrences. For instance, the word “malaria” is a contraction of the medieval Italian “mala” and “aria,” meaning “bad air,” because people who came down with the disease had often been near a swamp and breathed its foul air. Only later was it discovered that it was not the air that triggered the disease, but mosquitos that bred in the swamp. One case in which a computer helped involved a lengthy study at Montreal’s McGill University that sought to prove that warm-ups before a game reduce the number and severity of sports injuries. The researchers gathered statistics from numerous teams but also
sibility for their actions. Such a project conjures up sci-fi scenarios of robots eventually outsmarting and subjugating their human inventors — a possibility to which Pearl says has devoted considerable thought. While he believes that, at least in theory, “everything man can do, robots can do better,” he hopes that futuristic robots can also be indoctrinated with humanistic values and sensibilities. The one exception to the robot’s perfectibility may be to instill and install a sense of humor. “If we can make a computer come up with a funny joke, whose point generally rests on a failure of our anticipated expectation, we will have reached the pinnacle of success,” Pearl said.
had to take into account such diverse factors as the types of warm-ups, attitudes of different coaches and players, ages of the team members and their previous injuries, pressures on the teams to win, fatigue from previous games, and so on. For humans, it was impossible to juggle all these factors for hundreds of players, and the best that could be done was to establish some general associations between warm-ups and injuries. Computers, however, could absorb and combine all these factors, judging how they affect each other, and come up with appropriate cause-and-effect relationships. Pearl is now exploring ways of programming computers to reason introspectively and to take respon-
THE JEWISH OVERNIGHT CAMPING PROGRAM EXPANDS! The Jewish Overnight Camping Program provides grants for all Jewish youth from the greater Cincinnati area who want to attend Jewish overnight camps. The grants are an investment in our children's future, made possible by the support and generosity of The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati and other donors. Grants are available for all children, regardless of whether or not they have previously attended a Jewish overnight camp. And grants are now offered for a second year as well. Children can apply for a grant of up to $500 for a two-week summer session or a grant of up to $1,000 for a three-week or more summer session. Grants from the Jewish Overnight Camping Program are a gift. They are not need-based and are not contingent on other scholarship or financial aid dollars. To qualify, the overnight camp must be sponsored by a non-profit Jewish organization. Further information and an application form are available at www.jewishcincinnati.org/camping.
Application deadline is May 15, 2012 For information, please consult a congregational rabbi or
Barbara Miller at bmiller@jfedcin.org or 985-1528 or
Prof. Getzel Cohen at getzel.cohen@uc.edu or 556-1951 This program is administered by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.
8 • NATIONAL
WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM
With Samoa calendar change, question for Jews: When is Shabbat? By Adam Soclof Jewish Teleagraphic Agency NEW YORK (JTA) — The Pacific island nation of Samoa is taking 186,000 citizens through a national time warp by moving west of the international dateline, forfeiting the last Friday of 2011 and jumping straight from Thursday into Saturday. For Samoans, this solves a practical question: Why remain 18 to 23 hours behind chief trade partners Australia and New Zealand? For Jews, it poses a question of a different sort: When does Shabbat start in Samoa? And are there really any Jews in Samoa? A country adopting a new stance vis-a-vis the international dateline is nothing new. In 1995, the island nation of Kiribati also shifted westward. Even in Samoa, this isn’t the first time they have dateline-hopped: In 1892, the country jumped east to better align itself with American trade interests. That year, Samoa made the adjustment by repeating July 4. Alaska also adopted an extra day when it switched from Russian to American hands in 1867. Rabbi Dovid Heber, an adviser to the Baltimore-based Star-K kosher certification agency and a lecturer on halachah and astronomy at the Ner Israel Rabbinical College, said he fielded two questions this week about when one should observe Shabbat in Samoa
Courtesy of Max Lapushin
Max Lapushin shares a Passover care package from his brother with his Peace Corps host family.
and neighboring Tokelau, which is also participating in the change. “Neither were traveling there,”Heber noted of the questioners. While the Star-K does send kosher supervisers to the Pacific to inspect fish and food oil factories, he said none have been to Samoa or American Samoa, which is not adopting the time change. Nevertheless, Heber formulated a two-page halachic opinion on the issue. The upshot: Sabbath-observant Jews should avoid traveling to these areas. If they must travel to New Zealand, Japan or other areas in the Pacific over the weekend, they should consult their local rabbis.
“In Samoa it is ‘safek Shabbos’ (questionable as to when Shabbos begins) every week,”.Heber's opinion said. “Shabbos would begin every Thursday night at sunset and end when it gets dark on Saturday night — or 49 hours of Shabbos.” In the weeks following the clock change, the 49-hour period of refraining from work would commence Friday at sunset and end Sunday night. This weekend, however, the 49-hour period would begin Thursday at sunset and end Sunday night. “No wonder nobody comes here!” joked resident Samoan Jew Max Lapushin in response to the
notion of a 49-hour Shabbos in Apia, the Samoan capital. Lapushin, a 25-year-old American citizen, lives in Apia and has called the Pacific island nation home for nearly four years. A Jewish day school graduate from Atlanta, Lapushin first arrived in Samoa as a Peace Corps volunteer in October 2007 to teach computer classes. He was on the ground when the devastating 2009 earthquake and tsunami hit, killing more that 180 people. Lapushin recently returned to Samoa after a few months overseas to work as a computer consultant.. “This place is so disconnected,” Lapushin said.“Judaism without a sense of community—it’s something, but there’s no community.” “I don’t think there’s any island in the world that has no Jews,” Rabbi Menachem Mendel Goldstein, a Chabad emissary in New Zealand, told JTA. “We have had an inquiry from Samoa, but every indication was that there’s basically no Jewish community of any kind whatsoever,” he said, noting that the inquiry was an email from a group of curious Protestants a year ago. Previously stationed in Christchurch, Goldstein was reassigned to Auckland after the Christchurch Chabad house was damaged beyond repair in a massive earthquake in February. Although Goldstein recalls sending emissaries to Fiji and French Polynesia, he said he had never heard of Chabad emis-
saries traveling to Samoa. In 1951, JTA dubbed Arno Max Gurau, a member of the Legislative Assembly of Samoa, “the only Jew in Western Samoa.” According to infomation from the cemetery in Apia, Gurau married two Samoans and one half-Samoan and passed away in 1961. “[The clock change] would certainly be relevant for any Jewish tourists or humanitarian volunteer personnel — who obviously now I am aware exist in Samoa,” Goldstein said. At present, Lapushin only knows of two other Samoan Jews —both Peace Corps volunteers — who were on vacation this week. If he’s correct, it would make him the only Jew present on the Samoan mainland when the island nation turned the clock forward. While The Associated Press reported that the Seventh Day Adventist parish in Samatau village will continue to observe Saturday as the Sabbath, Radio New Zealand International indicated that most Seventh Day Adventist churches will adopt Sunday as the new day of rest. “I will follow their lead and light Shabbos candles on Saturday night,” Lapushin told JTA. In a way, Lapushin's decision seems fitting. “When you talk about being Jewish,” Lapushin explained, “people say, ‘Oh, you're Seventh Day Adventist!’”
Healing and hope for Tucsonans as Jan. 8 anniversary nears By Sheila Wilensky Arizona Jewish Post (Arizona Jewish Post) — Rabbi Stephanie Aaron of Tucson’s Congregation Cha?verim has plenty of “Gabby moments” on her mind these days. Aaron, who has been Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ rabbi for a decade, will never forget the sight of Giffords lying gravely wounded at the University Medical Center when Aaron visited her on Jan. 8, around 8:30 p.m. That morning, at Giffords’ first Congress on the Corner event, following the swearing-in for her second term on Jan. 6, a lone gunman opened fire on constituents meeting with her in front of a Safeway in northwest Tucson. Giffords was shot in the head, miraculously survived, and is continuing to recover in Houston, where she spent five months as an in-patient at TIRR Memorial Hermann (The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research) and is now an out-patient, commuting from the nearby home of her husband, Mark Kelly. Twelve others were wounded and six people were killed in the Jan. 8 shooting rampage. On that day, “I was trying to be a pillar for her, along with mem-
bers of her staff, who were pillars for each other,” Aaron told the AJP. Kelly went into Giffords’ UMC room with Aaron, who chanted the Mi-shebeirach prayer for healing. Then Aaron invoked the bedtime Shemah prayer: “I called in the angels of Jewish tradition to form a protective shield surrounding her,” she says. She called in the angel Gavriela — which is Giffords’ Hebrew name, meaning “the strength of G-d” — to stand on her left. “On my right was the angel Michael, standing for compassion,” says Aaron. She asked Giffords’ mother, Gloria, to touch Giffords’ left side, and Kelly to touch her right. “It was very powerful and reassuring. There was no question that we were standing there in the presence of G-d, and that Gabby would return to being Gabby,” says Aaron, who recited the same prayer at Giffords’ bedside nearly every day for the next two weeks. The day before Giffords left for rehabilitation at TIRR in Houston, Aaron added the Hebrew name Chaya, or life, to her Hebrew name Gavriela. The last time Aaron saw Giffords was in April in Houston. “We were sitting face to face, chanting the bedtime Shema, calling in the angels
in God’s presence,” she says. “She was with me in the melody of the prayer. There was a deep connection. I had no question that she was [the same] Gabby.” On Sept. 9, 2010, Giffords stood with Aaron and more than 300 Chaverim congregants on Mount Lemmon for a Rosh Hashanah service. Karla Ember, Chaverim’s cantorial soloist, had been brutally attacked by a former boyfriend and died the morning of Sept. 8, Erev Rosh Hashanah. At the service, “I’m standing on Mount Lemmon for one brief meditative moment, trying to summon my courage,” recalls Aaron, tearfully. “Honestly, the next thing I knew Gabby was standing in front of me, putting her hands on my shoulders, saying, ‘You are one of the strongest women I know. You will be strong for this community.’” What’s so interesting, says the rabbi, “is that she focused me on my strength. But I looked at her and said, ‘You are the strong woman,’ and this was four months before she was shot. This was a Gabby moment for me. “When she gave me that blessing I felt very fragile at that moment,” says Aaron. “Would I be able to carry the community
through that tragedy, this great loss?” She turned to the expression chazak chazak v’nitchazek, or “strength to strength, may we go in strength” then, and during this past year. “The inner anguish I’ve felt with all of this I’ve expressed with my rabbinic friends,” she says. “I have to hold the community and give hope. I have to lead prayers of healing. I believe in the power of praying and I also believe that when people can connect to those ancient words, it allows us to become deeply connected to G-d, to one another and the person we’re praying for,” says Aaron. “We ask for refuah sh’leimah, complete healing of the body and soul. When you hear yourself chanting those words, it allows you to quiet your worry. Your angst, your fears can be quieted — and held by the much bigger universe than we small humans.” Since April, “I’ve been taking care of things that need to be done in Tucson in Gabby’s name, being her representative,” says Aaron. She presided over the ribbon cutting for the recently opened Gabrielle Giffords Assistance Center at the Tucson Community Food Bank, and also accepted Tucson Hebrew Academy’s Tikkun Olam Award for Giffords
at THA’s fundraising dinner in November. Suzi Hileman was another member of the Tucson Jewish community wounded on Jan. 8. Hileman’s 9-year-old friend and neighbor Christina-Taylor Green was the youngest to die in the shooting. Hileman is recovering after being shot three times, now walking but with a severe limp. She told the AJP that she’ll never fully recover from Christina’s death. “Thanksgiving was hard,” says Hileman, recalling spending the holiday with the Green family in 2010, when Christina set the table. “I can see her standing there with her hands on her hips, smiling, telling me not to be sad,” she says. “There’s nothing we can do to fill the holes in our hearts,” adds Hileman, noting that Christina’s father, John Green, “tells everyone that Christina wouldn’t want us to be sad.” He also frequently says, “Don’t underestimate the impact that one little girl can have,” Hileman told the AJP. For example, Christina was the only girl playing baseball on the Canyon Del Oro Little League team in 2010; now more girls are involved. HEALING on page 20
INTERNATIONAL / ISRAEL • 9
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2012
International Where do Israeli haredim stand on haredi violence? Sa’ar, to be with him when he By Uriel Heilman delivered his speech on Chanukah’s Jewish Telegraphic Agency Briefs sixth night. Because Rokeach made Israeli tourist arrested in Chile forest fire An Israeli tourist in Chile was arrested and charged with starting a forest fire that has swept through a popular national park. Rotem Singer, 23, of Nes Tziona was arrested Saturday and charged with starting the fire at the Torres del Paine national park. Singer was released on bail but was ordered to remain in the region for the next three months as the case is investigated. Some 27,000 acres of the park have burned in the last six days. More than 560 firefighters and military personnel from Chile and Argentina have been working to bring the fire under control, but the blaze has continued to rage. Fox apologizes for poll asking if Jews killed Jesus (JTA) — The Latin American division of Fox apologized for a poll that asked whether Jews killed Jesus. Posted on the Fox Spanishlanguage Facebook page, the poll asked, “Who do you think is responsible for the death of Christ?” It provided three choices for the answer: Jewish People, Pontius Pilate and High Priests. The poll, which was promoting a National Geographic Channel Christmas special, was removed following the apology, according to reports citing The Associated Press. The Simon Wiesenthal Center in Buenos Aires reportedly slammed the poll and pointed out that in 1965, the Vatican annulled the idea that Jews killed Jesus. Jerzy Kluger, childhood friend of Pope John Paul II, dies ROME (JTA) — Jerzy Kluger, a Polish-born Jew who was a lifelong friend of the late Pope John Paul II, has died in Rome at 90. Kluger, who had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, died Saturday. He and his Irish-born wife had lived in Rome for decades. The Rome Jewish community said his funeral took place Monday and that he was buried in the city’s Jewish cemetery. Like John Paul, born Karol Wojtyla, Kluger was born in the southern Polish town of Wadowice. He was a year younger than the future pope, but the two were boyhood playmates and shared school benches together. Kluger was known by his nickname, Jurek, and Wojtyla by his nickname, Lolek.
(JTA) — The cascade of condemnations started pouring in almost as soon as the Israeli TV report aired. It’s subject was an 8year-old girl harassed by haredi men on the way to her Modern Orthodox girls’ school in the Jerusalem suburb of Beit Shemesh. The Israeli prime minister and president vowed that Israel would not tolerate haredi violence against women, whether directed at schoolgirls or women on public buses. Israel’s opposition leader, Kadima’s Tzipi Livni, went to a demonstration of thousands held Tuesday night in Beit Shemesh. In America, too, the condemnations came fast and furious: Hadassah, the Jewish Federations of North America, the American Jewish Committee, the Orthodox Union, the Rabbinical Council of America and the haredi Orthodox umbrella body Agudath Israel of America were among the many groups that responded. There appeared to be just one segment of the Jewish community that was staying silent about the violence: Israeli haredim. That’s because there is some ambivalence among haredi Israelis when it comes to religious zealotry. “The question isn’t how many haredim support haredi violence and how many do not,” said sociologist Menachem Friedman, an expert on haredi life and professor emeritus at Bar-Ilan University. “In all the conflicts involving haredi violence in Israel, from the British Mandate period until today, violent haredim were always a small minority, and I believe that the vast majority feel uncomfortable about them. “The problem is that most haredim allow the extremists to act and do not stop them,” Friedman continued. “Some, perhaps a small segment, really do support the violence; some, perhaps a larger segment, do not support the violence but understand the extremists, believing that actions like these, even if they are not pretty, at the end of the day are a true expression of religious sentiments,” he said. “And the majority perhaps opposes the violence and knows that ultimately it’s bad for Judaism but doesn’t have the courage to go out and oppose it publicly.” There were one or two notable exceptions this week. “If there are those in our generation who believe that warfare is the way to spread the light of Judaism, they are mistaken,” the Jerusalem-based leader of the Belz Chasidim, Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach, said Sunday during the nightly Chanukah candle-lighting ceremony at his synagogue, which holds upward of 6,000 people. Rokeach’s comments, though tepid by secular standards, marked
Courtesy of Miriam Alster/Flash90/JTA)
Shlomo Fuchs, a haredi Israeli accused of harassing a female soldier for her refusal to move to the back of a bus, is released on bail in Jerusalem, Dec. 30, 2011.
a rare foray into current events by the rebbe, who has an estimated 45,000 followers worldwide. But the roundabout way the rebbe’s message was delivered, and the scant media coverage given to haredi opposition to the violence aimed at non-haredim, is indicative both of the difficulties outsiders have with discerning shades of gray in haredi society and the ambivalence within the haredi world toward using violence to achieve religious aims. For one thing, Israeli haredi condemnations of violence are not delivered the same way as condemnations in the non-haredi world. They are generally directed inward, not outward; they tend to be delivered not in statements to the press but as words of Torah to followers;
they are often spoken not in English or Hebrew, but in Yiddish; and they are expressed less as a reaction to current events than as calls for dignified behavior by Torah-observant Jews. “The Belzer rebbe is one of the few people who has the guts to say something,” Tuvya Stern, a haredi attorney who lives in Beit Shemesh, told JTA. “But he’s not going to condemn the extremists; that’s not his way. He’ll just advocate for a different approach.” Rokeach’s speech, which was reported in haredi media and noted by Israel Radio, was unusual both because it referred to current events and because it was aimed, at least in part, at a wider audience: The rebbe had invited an Israeli Knesset member, Education Minister Gideon
his remarks in Yiddish, it’s not clear whether or not Sa’ar picked up on their significance. Rokeach’s reaction, however, was exceptional. Most haredi leaders stayed silent. The violent zealots are drawn largely from the Edah HaHaredis, a community of anti-Zionist haredim that is particularly strict even by haredi standards and has strongholds in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh. The Edah is closely aligned with the Satmar Chasidic sect. Haredi support for fighting a culture war against secularism extends beyond the Edah HaHaredis, but most haredim who espouse such views won’t go so far as to become defenders of the faith themselves. Haredim often invoke a classic metaphor to describe this approach: You may not want to live with a cat, but you need cats around to eat the mice if you want to prevent infestation. This week, the “infestation” is the presence of a new Modern Orthodox girls’ school, Orot, adjacent to a haredi neighborhood of Beit Shemesh. At other times, it has been the mixing of sexes in Orthodox neighborhoods, the operation of parking lots or roads on Shabbat in haredi neighborhoods, and attempts by women to pray with the Torah at the Western Wall. VIOLENCE on page 19
10 • ISRAEL
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Haredi protesters slammed over use of Holocaust imagery By JTA Staffer Jewish Telegraphic Agency JERUSALEM (JTA)—Israeli leaders criticized a haredi Orthodox demonstration in which protesters wore yellow stars to indicate that they are being oppressed like the Jews in Nazi Germany. More than 1,000 haredi Orthodox protesters gathered in Jerusalem on Saturday night to protest what they described as persecution against their way of life, including separation of the sexes. Many of the protesters wore yellow stars with the word “Jude” written on them, using Holocaust imagery to hammer home their point. Young haredi Orthodox children were also brought on a makeshift stage wearing striped prison garb along with their yellow stars. One child held up his hands in an imitation of a famous image from the Warsaw Ghetto. “Zionists are not Jews, they are racists,” read one sign in English. Protesters also shouted “Nazis” at police securing the demonstration. “Prisoner uniforms and yellow patches with the word ‘Jew’ written on them in German are shocking and appalling,” said Israeli Defense
Haredi men and their children dressed in Holocaust concetration camp outfits to protest against the state of Israel.
Haredi child dressed like child in the Gehtto reinacting a famous picture in protest of the state of Israel.
Minister Ehud Barak in a statement. “The use of yellow patches and small children raising their hands in surrender crosses a red line which the ultra-Orthodox leadership, who are largely responsible people, must not accept,” he said. “With all due respect to the right of groups in the haredi community to protest, and that is their elementary right, to put a yellow star on their children does serious injury to the memory of those killed in the Holocaust,” said
ful exploitation of these dramatic and tragic symbols of the brutal effort to destroy the Jewish people,” said Elan Steinberg, vice president of the American Gathering of Holocaust Survivors and their Descendants, in a statement. “The Nazis made no distinction in their murderous treatment of our people—whether one was ultraOrthodox, traditional, or nonbeliever, you were marked for cruelty and death. We who survived and witnessed these Nazi crimes
opposition leader Tzipi Livni. Eli Yishai, of the haredi Orthodox Shas Party, condemned the use of Holocaust symbolism. But, he added, while only a small minority of haredi Orthodox people are involved in the controversial actions, there has been “incitement” against the entire haredi Orthodox community. Condemnations also came from Holocaust survivor organizations. “Holocaust survivors express their utter contempt at this disgrace-
are particularly offended that demonstrators so blithely used children in this public outrage. They have insulted the memory of all the Jewish victims, including those who were ultra-Orthodox.” Avner Shalev, director of Yad Vashem, told Israel Radio Sunday that he condemns “in the strongest possible manner the phenomenon of using symbols of the Holocaust. It is unacceptable. This comes from an extremist attitude and a clear desire to provoke.”
Israelis paying the price when it comes to imported goods By Jessica Steinberg Jewish Telegraphic Agency JERUSALEM (JTA) — It’s a question many a shopper in Israel has pondered, particularly if they’ve spent time overseas. Why does this fill-in-the-blank cost more in Israel? Whether it’s a box of Cheerios, a supply of Ziploc bags or a shirt from H&M, Israelis are paying more for many consumer goods than their counterparts in Europe and North America. Consider the price for a pair of women’s slim cargo pants from the Swedish retailer H&M. In the United States, the pants cost $29.95. In France, the same pair of pants cost $32.40. In Israel? $39.22. What accounts for the difference? Experts say the reasons vary by market category, ranging from higher taxes — the tax rate on new cars, for example, is 78 percent — to Israel’s unusually small market size to the Israeli consumer’s eagerness to pay a premium for brand-name imports. In the clothing industry, for example, the profits that retailers in America and Europe generate through volume are not possible in Israel, a country with just 7.5 million people and two seasons rather than four. “In the U.S.,” says economist Natanel Haiman, head of the
Courtesy of Meir Partush / Flash90 / JTA
An Israeli crowd throngs the H&M store in Tel Aviv's Azrieli mall for a special sale, Nov. 17, 2011.
Manufacturer’s Association of Israel’s international regulation department, “you can sell a product with different margins, knowing there’s such a huge market out there. By us, the margins are smaller. Even if every single Israeli buys a certain product, you can still only earn so much from it. So if it’s a brand name, and people want it, the supplier can place a premium price
on it. There’s no one factor that stands out in the price issue.” In addition, logistics like transportation cost more in Israel because imports must come by air or ship rather than by truck or rail. That all translates into higher prices. “Buyers have to know what is going to sell from a collection before they order it,” says Ophir
Lev, general manager of the Israel Textile and Fashion Association. “They have a much smaller window of opportunity because of the market size, and they don’t want to get stuck with any leftover inventory. That brings the price up.” There is growing discontent in Israel over the high prices Israelis pay for everything from housing to cottage cheese, and the massive
social protests over the summer brought new scrutiny to the costs of living in Israel. The Marker, the financial section of Israel’s daily Haaretz, launched a new column this fall called “How long do you need to work for…” listing the number of hours one needs to work on an average Israeli salary in order to pay for products ranging from Heinz ketchup to an Ikea side table. There once was a time when imported products weren’t even available in Israel. Twenty years ago, if you wanted M&Ms, Secret deodorant, Playtex or Saran Wrap, you had to ask your second cousin in America to bring it in his suitcase. Americans would immigrate to the country with rolls of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil in their luggage. But in the early 1990s, multinational corporations entered the Israeli market after the government liberalized the import process and eliminated import quotas. Consumer goods giant Unilever bought Israeli food manufacturer Telma, and Swiss food company Nestle bought Osem, another major Israeli food manufacturer. Today, Israel has some 2,000 food importers alone, according to the Israeli Chamber of Commerce. PAYING on page 20
SOCIAL LIFE • 11
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Golf Manor went fishing at Sharon Woods as part of their pre-scouting program with 14 boys in attendace. Although they only caught one little fish, everybody had a great time!
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12 • CINCINNATI SOCIAL LIFE
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2011 CEDAR VILLAGE BATTLE OF THE BANDS AT THE 20TH CENTURY THEATER IN OAKLEY ON DECEMBER 4, 2011
Lesha Greengus, Sally Korkin, Roz Harkavy and Carol Silver Elliott
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14 • DINING OUT
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Elegant setting, gourmet American-Italian food at View Cucina By Sondra Katkin Dining Editor I was enjoying the view at View Cucina, a graceful configuration of tall buildings anchored to the horizon with a verdant wreath of trees. How ironic that the eponymously named American-Italian restaurant cannot be viewed from the street. Located on the fifth floor of the Edgecliff Condominiums in East Walnut Hills, it owes its success to word of mouth and the reputation of restauranteurs, Gay and Harry Stephens. “No one could even find it when they come in if it weren’t for the signs,” the doorman in the elegant lobby quipped. Another transfer, View Cucina’s executive chef Dawn Beckler, netted five awards at the Taste of Cincinnati in 2011, including “Best Damn Dish” for their prime rib canneloni pasta, an award that translates to the best of everything submitted. “After rolling 7,000 cannelones, we were rewarded when they kept calling our name (View). We were so excited,” Beckler recalled. As she spoke, her enthusiasm and joy in her profession were apparent. They say never trust a skinny chef, well, that aphorism can go out one of the multiple expansive windows here. The four courses I tasted reflected her philosophy: making sure everything is full of flavor and properly prepared. Serve me up a slender expert anytime. I began my taste tour with a macaroni and cheese kicked up several notches. I confess, I succumbed to the savory “mac.” The buttery crusted, al dente noodle is finished with a delicate touch of truffle. The cheddar and smoked gouda blended together coating the little doughy curls. “When you don’t overcook the pasta, there is room for the sauce, so that the diner can appreciate each separate flavor,” Beckler commented. I was concerned with room for the other courses but it was very hard to stop. They call it comfort food for a reason. This delicious appetizer is listed as a small plate, or antipasti, a category that also includes salmon crepes, bruchetta pomodori and other intriguing beginnings. I was glad that their spinach salad came next to cut the rich dish creaminess and refresh my taste buds. It’s funny how common, little homely titles like macaroni and cheese and spinach salad can be so different in the hands of an inventive chef. The artfully plated second course was cornered by thickly sliced, sweet orange. Crispy spinach greens were tossed with Maytag blue cheese, so velvety and sharp, I thought it was gorgonzola. The walnuts, broken pieces in house (for freshness) were an excellent earthy addition to offset the cheese. A light honey balsamic dressing brought out all the dis-
(Clockwise) Knowledgeable and talented chef, Dawn Beckler; A rolling hill of superior spinach salad; Coddle yourself with this “capital” cod; Windows decorate with panoramic scenery at View Cucina; Flaky is good in this yummy cookie dough pie; Truffled mac and cheese for discerning diners.
parate flavors. Once again I reined in my appetite so I could share this with my husband Steve. This wasn’t just altruism because, with the salad and the next course, I had enough for dinner and didn’t have to cook. Yay! Another secondary gain was getting his opinion to reinforce my impressions. He would never disagree. Grilled caesar; roasted eggplant with golden raisins, feta and pistachios; the View Cucina wedge and minestrone are some other choices under soups and salads. Between courses I spoke to the hostess/server Ingrid Langdon who described the Stephens as great people to work for. Other servers came by and praised Beckler as talented and down to earth. One of the line cooks teasingly mocked, “You just have to make everything luscious.” The successful restaurants I’ve visited have a warm, family feel and it was also in evidence here. Beckler told me that her mother was an Irish cook who couldn’t cook. So starting at age 9 she began taking over in the kitchen and became a
professional at 16. Prior to coming to Cincinnati, she worked for a Jewish catering company. She knows good “forsphice.” My next treat was such a unique and beautiful combination of ingredients that I heartily recommend it as one of the best fish preparations I’ve had. Cod is such a blank canvas; it invites a clever mind to bring it forward with embellishments and this chef does. We’re talking a crust of potato and parsnip ribbons, a tomato sauce that includes cherry tomatoes over silky mashed potatoes, accented with rosettes of saffron aioli. When the perfectly cooked, moist cod, caressed with its accoutrements, collides with your tongue, you’ll swear you have entered a new realm of culinary creativity — a classic dish is born. View Cucina is “a la mode” in its emphasis on local foods, with frequent menu changes to take advantage of availability of farm fresh free range, organic chicken, eggs and seasonal vegetables. Healthy food grains are featured in the house specialty, quinoa
stuffed eggplant on a bed of corn and smoky tomato marmalade. Beckler informed me that she was one of the first in Ohio to begin cooking with this high protein, crunchy grain over 10 years ago. In the same category, you can choose from angus New York strip steak, their popular short ribs, filet, veal and lamb. Pasta and fish specialties, as described on the menu, looked inviting. The chocolate chip cookie dough pie with Graeter’s ice cream was delicious and something I couldn’t share with Steve with his gluten prohibitions. Beckler had already gone out of her way to give him his own dessert when we were there for Chanukah. She is attuned to allergy problems and will cater to a diner’s desire. One of the highlights of the pie was the flaky crust — not an easy feat for most of us who cut and paste (not a computer program). As Beckler told me, “It’s a feel you attain after working with it enough. Maybe, but perhaps there’s some talent involved.” She explained that it’s
the same for her homemade pasta. “You can feel when it’s right.” Mellow music was playing the evening I visited, tempting me to sing along. They focus on the great melodies, with live music by the Bluebirds Big Band on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on one Friday a month, owner Harry Stephens is the popular featured singer. Space prevents me from describing the monthly wine dinners at $49 with five pours that Beckler designs. Call for reservations and more information. View Cucina also serves brunch on Sundays and has a prix fixe dinner menu of three courses for $28. They have several special happy hour discounts and a wide selection of alcoholic beverages. They are open Tuesday to Thursday from 4:30–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4:30–11 p.m., Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 –9:00 p.m. View Cucina 2200 Victory Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45206 513-751-8439
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DINING OUT • 15
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2012
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Pomodori’s
101 Main St
4110 Hunt Rd
121West McMillan • 861-0080
Historic Milford
Blue Ash
7880 Remington Rd
831-Brix (2749)
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Montgomery • 794-0080
Ambar India Restaurant
Izzy’s
Slatt’s Pub
350 Ludlow Ave
800 Elm St • 721-4241
4858 Cooper Rd
Cincinnati
612 Main St • 241-6246
Blue Ash
281-7000
5098B Glencrossing Way
791-2223 • 791-1381 (fax)
347-9699 1198 Smiley Ave • 825-3888
Stone Creek Dining Co.
At Gilbert & Nassau
300 Madison Ave
9386 Montgomery Rd
2 blocks North of Eden Park
Covington • 859-292-0065
Montgomery • 489-1444 6200 Muhlhauser Rd
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4762 Cornell Rd
The Shops at Harper’s Point
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K.T.’s Barbecue & Deli Baba India Restaurant
8501 Reading Rd
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Reading
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Cincinnati
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10040B Montgomery Rd
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891-8900 • 834-8012 (fx)
793-7484
Marx Hot Bagels Bella Luna Café
9701 Kenwood Rd
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Tony’s
Cincinnati
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12110 Montgomery Rd Montgomery
871-5862
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302 E. University Ave
9769 Montgomery Rd
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111 Main St
515 Wyoming Ave
Milford
Wertheim’s Restaurant
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16 • OPINION
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T EST Y OUR T ORAH KNOWLEDGE THIS WEEK’S PORTION: VAYECHI (BEREISHIS 47:28—50:26) b.) How to divide his estate c.) To bury him in the Tomb of the Patriarchs
1. Where is Leah buried? a.) Bethlehem b.) Tomb of Patriarchs c.) Schem 2. Did Jacob tell Joseph to forgive his brothers? a.) Yes b.) No 3. What was Jacob’s last charge to his sons? a.) To forgive Joseph nobody else. Ramban. 4. B 49:12 The redness of eyes is indicative of the over abundance of wine. This abundance of produce shows the specialness of the land of Israel. Sforno 5. A 49:17 Samson was a descendant of Dan. He is compared to a snake. because he did battle himself without an army. Ramban
One of the many downsides of a world that moves as quickly as ours is that many of us feel we must react to events in “real time” rather than after some research and thought. Leon Wieseltier once wisely remarked that the concept of such immediate reaction (he was speaking of blogs) is predicated on the ridiculous idea that our first thoughts are our best thoughts. Reactions, in other words, are one animal; thoughtful judgments, an entirely different genus. Enough time has passed — I hope — for a measured, nonknee-jerk, objective look at events of several weeks ago that were very quickly reacted to by many in the Jewish world. The events comprised a trifecta of sorts of alleged anti-Israel sentiment: a speech by the U.S. Secretary of State; remarks by an American ambassador; and the U.S. Secretary of Defense’s response to a question. It didn’t help, of course, that a presidential election is looming. Republican candidates led the charge, claiming that the trio of (as they portrayed them) dastardly comments were just proof to their charge that the current administration hates Israel. The remarks Hillary Clinton reportedly made at a private gathering in Washington were indeed offensive. Ms. Clinton seemed to portray Israel’s by-any-standard vibrant democracy as something less. (Let us pause to be thankful that she lost the 2008 Democratic primary.) And she waxed critical of what she perceived as discriminatory attitudes among religious Jews in Israel, evidencing a woeful ignorance of the difference between voluntary separation of the sexes and base discrimination. Those alleged comments yielded a torrent of well-earned chastisement, including a statement from Agudath Israel of America expressing its “chagrin” and contending that Ms. Clinton “seems either unaware or unconcerned with the sincerely held and timehonored convictions of traditionally religious Jews.” The second of the lambasted, however, was a victim, not a violator. U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Howard Gutman had the unfortunate experience of being paraphrased by Yediot Achronot, a notoriously sloppy news organization. Speaking to the European Jewish Conference, Mr. Gutman, a proud Jew and the son of a
Holocaust survivor, noted that while classical anti-Semitism — the sort characterized by accusations of well-poisoning and economy-manipulation — is not noticeably on the rise, a new sort of anti-Semitism, expressed in anti-Israelism, is. Yediot implied that Mr. Gutman was engaging in apologetics for the latter. The ambassador did note how such modern Jew-hatred can be fueled by Israel’s actions — something no one in his right mind would ever deny — but at no point did he do anything remotely to “justify” such animus, as he was accused of doing by a gaggle of Jewish organizations and writers (and Republican presidential candidates). They all relied on Yediot’s report, and on reports based on its reports, rather than take the time to research what Mr. Gutman had actually said. The condemnations of Mr. Gutman were succinctly summarized by Holocaust scholar Michael Berenbaum, who knows a thing or two about anti-Semitism, as “an awful lot of nonsense.” Finally, there was the comment of U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta. At the 2011 Saban Forum, an annual gathering of U.S. and Israeli officials, he was asked if he agreed with the contention that, for peace’s sake, Israel should withdraw from territories claimed by the Palestinians. His response was: “No, just get to the [goldarned] table.” (Mr. Panetta used a more explicit adjective.) He then repeated the sentence several times, making clear that his admonition was intended for both the Israeli government and the Palestinian leadership alike. Now one can easily make a case for the fact that Israel is entirely willing to sit down at the goldarned, or any, table, that the Palestinians are, as usual, the obstacle to negotiations. But no one has ever accused Mr. Panetta of being unsupportive of Israel. No one could. And his venting of frustration over stalemated peace talks doesn’t change that a whit. And yet, Mr. Panetta and Mr. Gutman were pilloried along with Hillary by talking heads and tapping fingers, the threesome cast as a Treacherous Trio, their strings pulled, of course, by an evil wizard in the White House. It’s easy to rush to judgment. What’s less easy but more important is to recognize that factuality and fairness are high ideals, indeed deeply Jewish ones.
4. Which tribe is blessed with redness of eyes? a.) Shimon b.) Judah c.) Joseph 5. Which tribe is compared to a snake? a.) Dan b.) Joseph c.) Benjamin
should forgive them(verse 17). However, Jacob did not suspect Joseph of vengeful behavior. This teaches that one can alter the truth for the sake of peace. Rashi 3. C 49:29-32 Abraham's intention was that only the three Patriarchs and Matriarchs would be buried in the Tomb of the Patriarch's and
Rabbi Avi Shafran Contributing Columnist
Written by Rabbi Dov Aaron Wise
ANSWERS 1. B 49:31 Jacob buried Leah in the tomb first, because he was concerned that Esau might claim his right to burial there. 2. B 50:46-17 The brothers were worried that Joseph would hate them for all the trouble they caused him. They made up that Jacob said he
‘Pilloried with Hillary’
JEWISH LIFE • 17
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2012
Sedra of the Week
by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Efrat, Israel — And Jacob called to his sons and said “Gather together and I shall tell you what will befall you at the end of days” (Genesis 49:1). The mesmerizing, magnificent and majestic historical parable of Jacob and his sons, Joseph and his brothers, comes to a riveting, but nevertheless peaceful climaxdenouement this week. Each of his 12 sons gathers around the patriarch’s deathbed for a final assessment of their respective characters and blessing which will carry them into their future collectively as the Children of Israel. Jacob has matured as a result of his years of suffering and struggle. He is starkly honest in his short but pithy charges: “As fickle as quixotic as water ...cursed be their anger for it is fierce.” Nevertheless, he paints a broad canvas which concludes with: “And to him shall be the gathering of the nations . . . until he shall apportion the spoils in the evening” when the enemies will be vanquished and the ultimate peace “Shiloh” will arrive. The picture which emerges is a bit nebulous and unclear. Still it makes clear that at the end of days, the brothers together will realize the mission of the Abrahamic covenant in a world blessed by compassionate righteousness and social justice. Having said all of this, however, is it not strange that a Biblical portion whose central feature is Jacob’s deathbed scene with “Joseph falling on his (dead) father’s face weeping over him and kissing him” and “all of Egypt weeping (for Jacob) for 70 days” (50:2-4) opens with the word which is the name by which this portion is identified “Vayehi” — “And he lived?” It is not true! Jacob — Israel whom we have come to know, love and identify with is now dead and not alive. Similarly, the earlier portion which deals with Mother Sarah’s death and burial — and tells how “Abraham eulogized her and wept over her” is called “Hayei Sarah” — the life of Sarah. Is this not a strange pattern? Dr. Eric Cohen, in his impor-
SHABBAT SHALOM: PARSHAT VAYEHI GENESIS 47:28-50:26
He is starkly honest in his short but pithy charges: “As fickle as quixotic as water ...cursed be their anger for it is fierce” Nevertheless, he paints a broad canvas which concludes with: “And to him shall be the gathering of the nations...until he shall apportion the spoils in the evening” when the enemies will be vanquished and the ultimate peace “Shiloh” will arrive. tant study, “In the Shadow of Progress: Being Human in the Age of Technology,” makes the telling point that death, an inescapable fact of life is not tragic as long as one leaves behind individuals who will continue our narrative. Much the opposite, a death which is surrounded by those who will take the baton carried by the deceased, is a triumph and not a tragedy. In such a case, we may rightfully declare: “Death be not proud; You have been overcome.” Let us hark back to the first time death is described in the Bible, when G-d punishes Adam for eating the forbidden fruit: “By the sweat of your brow shall you eat your bread until you return to the earth from which you were taken, because you are dust and to dust you shall return” (Gen 3:19). The very next verse, the penultimate verse in the chapter continues with what appears to be a non—sequitur: “And Adam named his wife Hava, for she was to be the mother of all life (Hay)” (3:20). Now if the significance of the name was to be Mother-of-alllife, her name should have been “Haya” and not “Hava”; Hava means the one who narrates, who expresses story, a prayer, or a lesson (See Abarbanel and Baal HaTurim ad loc). What does “Hava,” to narrate, have to do with “Haya,” to continue life? But that is precisely the point: when G-d elected Abraham and charged him with the mission of bringing blessing (the message of compassionate righteousness and moral justice) (Gen 18:18,19) to all the families of the earth, He didn’t expect him to complete the job in his lifetime. He expected the march of the generations of
people within the Covenant of Abraham to eventually succeed as a holy nation and a Kingship of Priest-Teachers to the world. The generation that succeeds will usher in Messianic Times; but they will not have done it by themselves. They are the result of the myriads of parents, teachers and enablers who came before them, and passed on the mission. The mother-of-all-life is the bearer of the narrative from generation to generation; in so far as you have a successor (one you have borne or one you have influenced) who takes over your baton, and sets out to transmit the as-yetunfinished symphony, you continue to live as well. The first time I visited Munich, Germany, I was struck by the fact that I didn’t see any children; when I commented on this at a public lecture, someone in the audience responded: “We Europeans have no patience for whatever makes noise and dirt which we cannot control.” As I pondered his retort, I realized that in the era of contraception, unless you have a compelling narrative to transmit, there is really no reason to have children; they take a lot of time, effort and money, and the results are far from certain. Most of Europe has a minus population growth — apparently because they do not feel compelled to continue their narrative. Hopefully, we Jews do feel compelled, and some day we shall conclude the symphony — at a time when the entire world will be blessed. Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Chancellor Ohr Torah Stone Chief Rabbi — Efrat Israel
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18 • JEWZ IN THE NEWZ
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By Nate Bloom Contributing Columnist 411 ON THE GOLDEN HEBREWS Here’s the list of Jewish nominees for a Golden Globe award (airs live, on NBC, on Sunday, Jan. 15, at 8PM, EST). I am providing this list a little early this year. First, the acting categories: Best actor, musical or comedy film: JOSEPH GORDONLEVITT, 30, “50/50”; Best supporting actor in a film: JONAH HILL, 28, “Moneyball”; and ALBERT BROOKS, 64, “Drive.” Best actress, TV drama series: JULIANNE MARGULIES, 45, “The Good Wife”; Best actor, TV comedy or musical series: DAVID DUCHOVNY, 51, “Californication”; Best actress, TV mini-series: EVAN RACHEL WOOD, 24, “Mildred Pierce.” Best director, motion picture: WOODY ALLEN, 76, “Midnight in Paris”; and MICHEL HAZANAVICIUS, 44, “The Artist.” Michel H., as recently noted in this column, is a French Jew whose grandparents were from Eastern Europe and he often speaks about his Jewish background. The director’s real-life wife, actress Bérénice Bejo, who co-starred in “The Artist,” is a best supporting actress Globe nominee. (I don’t know if she is Jewish.) Best screenplay, motion picture: Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris;” Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist;” GRANT HESLOV, 48, (co-writer), “The Ides of March;” and AARON SORKIN, 50, (cowriter), “Moneyball”. Best original film score: HOWARD SHORE, 65, “Hugo.” Best animated film: “Tintin” (directed/produced by STEVEN SPIELBERG, 65). As for the best motion picture categories (the Globes have two) — the award actually goes to the winning film’s producers, of whom there are usually many. Instead, I will simply note that two films nominated for best dramatic film have a “strong Jewish connection,” as do two films nominated for best comedy or musical film. Drama film: “Moneyball” (director BENNETT MILLER, 44; actor Jonah Hill, writer Aaron Sorkin); and “War Horse” (director Steven Spielberg). Comedy/musical film: “Midnight in Paris” (Woody Allen, actors COREY STOLL and ADRIEN BRODY as Hemingway and Salvador Dali, respectively); and “The Artist” (Michel Hazanavicius). SPOTLIGHT ON ALBERT BROOKS “Drive,” in which Brooks played a frightening, violent bad guy, was a departure for an actor/filmmaker associated with wry comedy. But his acting skill
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NEWZ
isn’t much of a surprise: he did get a best supporting Oscar nomination for “Broadcast News,” (1987) playing a role that was really more dramatic than comedic. Brooks didn’t marry until he was 50, when he met a (younger) Jewish artist, KIMBERLY SHALAIN, while making the movie, “Mother.” The couple has two young children. A long and interesting profile of Brooks aired on the CBS News Sunday Morning show on Dec. 25 and it can be viewed online. He says he is gratified that his 1979 film, “Real Life,” predicted the rise of reality TV, but, he added,“ There is no line at the bank for being ahead of your time.” He also said he might do stand-up again, “get on stage and read my tweets.” NEW ON THE TUBE “Are You There, Chelsea?” premieres on NBC on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 8:30PM. It’s based on the best-selling 2008 memoir, “Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea,” by comedian/talk show host CHELSEA HANDLER, 36. (Handler, the daughter of a Jewish father and a Mormon mother, was raised a Reform Jew.) The main character of the new show, Chelsea Newman, is a thinly disguised version of Handler. Chelsea Handler, herself, will intermittently appear as Chelsea Newman’s older sister, Sloane. Newman bartends at a sports bar and has a collection of wacky working class friends. Playing Chelsea Newman is Laura Prepon, 31 (“That ‘70s Show”). Prepon’s father is Jewish, her mother is not, and while I believe she was raised secular, she now identifies as a Scientologist. “Rob” is a CBS sitcom that starts on Thursday, Jan.12, at 8:30PM. ROB SCHNEIDER, 48, stars as a lifelong bachelor who has just married into a tight-knit Mexican-American family. Schneider is the son of a Jewish father and a Filipino Catholic mother. While secular, he identifies as Jewish and did himself proud when, in 2006, he paid for a big ad in “Variety”—an ad that was an open letter from him denouncing Mel Gibson’s recent anti-Semitic remarks. The fantasy/mystery series, “Alcatraz,” has a two hour premiere on Fox on Monday, Jan.16, at 8PM. Thereafter, the one-hour show will air Mondays at 9PM. The premise: a fingerprint at the scene of a grisly murder is that of an Alcatraz inmate who died decades ago. Teaming up to solve this guy’s re-appearance, and that of other Alcatraz inmates, are a San Fran police detective, a federal govt. agent, and an Alcatraz history expert. The series is produced by J.J. ABRAMS, 45 (“Lost”).
FROM THE PAGES 100 Y EARS A GO Mayor Henry Hunt signalized the first day of his official activity by filling the vacancies in the board of trustees of the University of Cincinnati by three excellent appointments, namely, those of exJudge Rufus B. Smith, Alfred K. Nippert and Dr. David Wolfstein, the prominent physician. It would have been very difficult indeed, if not altogether impossible, for Mayor Hunt to make selections which would have met with the more general approval of the best informed citizens of the city of Cincinnati, and the Mayor is to be congratulated upon the wisdom of his choice. Mr. and Mrs. August Levy, (Clara Huttenbauer) are spending the holidays in New York and Boston. Miss Frances M. Pushin has returned home after a pleasant trip with her sister, Mrs. J. Bernstein, of Russellville, Ky. Miss Mildred E. Koch and Miss Helen R. Wise will be at home to their friends Sunday, January 7th, at 3569 Bogart Avenue, Avondale. They will leave for school Monday, January 8th. The Xenia “Herald” of December 21st devotes two columns to a sketch of the life of Alfred M. Cohen, the Cincinnati statesman, whose nomination by the Democratic party for Governor of Ohio is being actively pushed by a number of friends and admirers. It gives a sketch of Mr. Cohen’s public and political career with which the citizens of Cincinnati are familiar. To this might be added that Mr. Cohen has since his very early manhood been identified with the Jewish activities of Cincinnati, congregational, charitable and educational. He has stood prominent as an active, consistent and conservative Jew, and it is very pleasing to be able to state that this has never interfered in the least with his political success. — January 4, 1912
75 Y EARS A GO Mr. and Mrs. Martin Lowe entertained recently for their daughter, Miss Alice, with a dinner at their home in Wyoming, O. The guests included many of Miss Lowe’s classmates at Bryn Mawr College. In honor of the 75th birthday of Mrs. Henry Rollman on Jan 1st, her children gave the University of Cincinnati $1,000, President Raymond Walters announces. The donors are Sidney and Madeline R. Stricker, Philip and Stella R. Trounstine and Justin A. and Josephine F. Rollmn. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel J. Johnson have moved into their new home on their 300-acre estate near Westchester, O. Dr. and Mrs. Stanley E. Dorst have taken the Johnson residence on Paddock Hills. They will occupy this house as soon as the remodeling
is completed. Messrs. Lee S. Rosenberg and Lawrence K. Arch shared honors with Messrs. Rendig T. Fels and John C. Wahlke Wednesday, Dec. 30th, at Cincinnati Harvard Club’s annual luncheon at the University Club. They are the four Cincinnati undergraduates of highest scholastic standing at Harvard and each was presented by Mr. Thurston Merrell with a copy of Morison’s “Three Centuries of Harvard.” Mr. Rosenberg is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Rosenberg. Mr. Ach is a son of Mr. Lawrence Ach and a grandson of Mr. Samuel Ach. Speakers were Dr. Alfred Friedlander and Mr. Joseph Spencer Graydon. — January 7, 1937
50 Y EARS A GO Miss Joan Dreskin of Walnut Hills High School was accepted on early admission at Wellesley College for the term starting September 1962. She is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. O. Herman Dreskin. Mr. and Mrs. Saul E. Shuller announce the engagement of their daughter, Barbara Elaine, to Mr. Jack Allen Hahn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joel Hahn, of Akron. Miss Shuller is a sophomore at Ohio State University. Mr. Hahn is a sophomore in the College of Dentistry at Ohio State and is affiliated with Sigma Alpha Mu and Alpha Omega, professional fraternity. Mr. and Mrs. Philip S. Cohen (Lois Michelman), 2641 Briarcliff Drive, a son, Wednesday, Dec. 27. The grandparents are Mr. and Mr. Joseph Michelman and Mr. and Mrs. Philip A. Cohen. Mrs. Rose Weisenberg, Owenton, Ky., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 27, in Mt. Sterling, Ky. She was 78. She is survived by four sons, Ruben Weisenberg, of Owenton; Sol Weisenberg, of Richmond, Ky.; Norman Zarach, of Mt. Sterling, Ky.; and Joe Zarach, of Cincinnati; two sisters, Mrs. S. Rozen, of Lexington, and Mrs. E. Kraus of Cincinnati; two brothers, Eli Zuckerman, of Brooklyn, and Nathan Zuckerman of Owenton. — January 4, 1962
25 Y EARS A GO Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Shapiro (Ann Schneider) of New York City announce the birth of a son, Robert William, Dec. 14. Grandparents are Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Shapiro. Great-grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Isadore Litwack and Mrs. William Shapiro. Ann Fine of 2324 Madison Road passed away Dec. 31. Mrs. Fine had devoted much of her life to community organizations and activities.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Archie Fine; three sons, Dr. John S. Fine of Austin, Texas; Dr. Edward J. Fine of West Orange, N.J., and Robert L. Fine of Columbus; a daughter-in-law, Deborah Fine of West Orange; and a brother, Irving Hoffman of Toronto, Canada. Services were on Jan. 2 at Weil Funeral Home. Rabbi Alan Fuchs officiated. Interment was in United Jewish Cemetery, Walnut Hills. Sarah Rosenberg of Glen Manor Home passed away Dec. 30. She was the wife of the late Isadore Rosenberg. She is survived by two sons, Bernard Rosenberg of Cincinnati and Philip Rosenberg of Hallandale, Fla.; a daughter, Edith Wiesen (Mrs. Aaron) of Cincinnati; six granddaughters and five great-grandchildren. Graveside services were on Jan. 2 at Chesed Shel Emes Cemetery. Rabbi Sidney Zimmelman officiated. Weil Funeral Home was in charge. — January 8, 1987
10 Y EARS A GO Maurice Schulzinger, 94, passed away on Dec. 20, 2001. Mr. Schulzinger was born in Szymjetich, Poland which at the time of his birth was a part of the Russian empire. The town of Szymjetich is located close to Grodno. He was a son of the late Jacob and Yetta (Sofer) Schulzinger. In 1985, Mr. Schulzinger was predeceased by his wife, Ann Z. Schulzinger. He is survived by his children: Robert and Marie Schulzinger of Boulder, Colo.; Jane and Michael Fox of Madison, Wis.; and Ellen and William Adler of Lafayette, Calif. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Elizabeth Ann Schulzinger of Boulder, Colo.; Ari and Molly Fox of Chicago, Ill.; Joshua and Louise Fox of Moshav Aderet, Israel; Sara Adler of Los Angeles; and Jonathan and Wendy Adler of Walnut Creek, Calif. His surviving great-grandchildren are: Benjamin, Rebecca and Daniel Fox of Moshav Aderet, Israel, and Jonah and Elijah Fox of Chicago. He is also survived by a brother, Edward Schulzinger, of Cincinnati. Mr. Schulzinger was a brother of the late Harry Schulzinger, Max Schulzinger and Marcia Schulzinger. Dr. Louis L. Sommer, 74, passed away on Dec. 26, 2001. Dr. Sommer was born in Cincinnati, and he was a son of the late Dr. Louis and Edna (Elsbach) Sommer. Dr. Sommer is survived by his wife, Roz Sommer, and his children: Lynn and Mathew Gertzog of Potomac, Md.; and Lisa Sommer. Also surviving Dr. Sommer are his grandchildren, Sydney and Judith Gertzog of Potomac, Md. A sister, Doris Sommer, predeceased Dr. Sommer. — January 3, 2002
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2012
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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Access (513) 373-0300 • jypaccess.org Big Brothers/Big Sisters Assoc. (513) 761-3200 • bigbrobigsis.org Camp Ashreinu (513) 702-1513 Camp at the J (513) 722-7258 • mayersonjcc.org Camp Livingston (513) 793-5554 • camplivingston.com Cedar Village (513) 754-3100 • cedarvillage.org Chevra Kadisha (513) 396-6426 Cincinnati Community Mikveh 513-351-0609 • cincinnatimikveh.org Fusion Family (513) 703-3343 • fusionnati.org Halom House (513) 791-2912 • halomhouse.com Hillel Jewish Student Center (513) 221-6728 • hillelcincinnati.org Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati 513-961-0178 • jcemcin.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) 514-1200 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 • 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 Congregation Zichron Eliezer 513-631-4900 • czecincinnati.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 Kulanu (Reform Jewish High School) 513-262-8849 • kulanucincy.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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production@ americanisraelite.com VIOLENCE from page 9 Similar behavior can be found in certain Islamic societies and fundamentalist Catholic and Protestant communities, Friedman said, noting that a key difference with haredim is that any violence is relatively limited in scope, not involving serious injury or death. Then there are haredim who oppose extremism but fear speaking out because they do not want to be seen as lax in matters of religion. When Rabbi David Kohn, the leader of the Toldos Aharon sect of Chasidim, spoke out a few years ago against religious violence via a Yiddish-language Torah exegesis of the story of Pinchas the zealot in the Book of Numbers, he quickly was condemned in placards posted around his neighborhood of Mea Shearim, in Jerusalem. Other haredim don’t speak out because they see fights like the one in Beit Shemesh not as a battle between extremists and moderates but as part of a broader Israeli assault on haredi life led by the mainstream Israeli media. “The source of the pollution is in halachah [Jewish law] itself,” former Knesset member Yossi Sarid wrote in a column published Friday in Israel’s daily Haaretz. Sarid called for the disqualification of haredi parties from the Knesset. On Haaretz’s Englishlanguage website, the article was titled “Orthodox Judaism treats women like filthy little things.” Facing such hostility, some haredim say, why get involved at all? And then there is the large segment of haredim who see themselves as totally apart from the haredim perpetrating the violence. Their attitude is that if it’s not their community members, it’s not their business and they don’t need to get involved. While to an outsider all haredim may look alike — with their black coats, hats and beards — the haredi community is as fractured as the Jewish community as a whole. In Israel, the haredi community is divided between Ashkenazi and Sephardic, Chasidic and non-Chasidic, moderates and extremists. Within the Chasidic community, too, there are multiple sects — and sometimes even competing grand rebbes within the same sect.
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(513) 531-9600 But in a world seen by outsiders as monolithic, all haredim inevitably are associated with the extremism of a few, and haredi silence is seen as affirmation of haredi bad behavior. It’s something that may irk haredim who are engaged with the outside world, but it doesn’t seem to matter much to haredim who aren’t. That nonchalance is alien to the non-haredi Jewish world, where organizations and leaders go out of their way to denounce ideas, people or actions they find distasteful. That goes for everything from terrorist attacks to the bombing of churches in Nigeria, which at least four Jewish groups issued statements condemning this week. When the main haredi umbrella organization in America issued its statement this week condemning the violence, it also took a shot at those denigrating haredim in general. “Those who have taken pains to note that the small group of misguided individuals who have engaged in this conduct are not representative of the larger charedi community are to be commended,” the Agudath Israel of America said in its statement. “It is disturbing, though, that some Israeli politicians and secularists have been less responsible, portraying the actions of a very few as indicative of the feelings of the many. Quite the contrary, the extremist element is odious to, and rejected by, the vast majority of charedi Jews.” Until haredim take to their synagogue lecterns, the airwaves or the streets, however, that’s a message that’s unlikely to be heard by the Jewish public. To be sure, there were a few haredim who joined Tuesday’s demonstration in Beit Shemesh against the violence. Some were members of a new local haredi party called Tov (Hebrew for “good”) whose platform espouses moderation and open-mindedness. “It was a very hard decision” because many of the protesters were engaged in anti-haredi sloganeering, explained Stern, the haredi attorney from Beit Shemesh, who is a leading Tov activist. “There were signs at the rally saying ‘Haredim leave Beit Shemesh.’” Nevertheless, he said, it was important to make a public statement.
20 • LEGAL
WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM
Justice Pfeifer testifies in favor of abolishing Ohio’s death penalty Legally Speaking
by Marianna Bettman In last month’s column, I wrote about Ohio Supreme Court Justice Paul Pfeifer’s public stance on abolishing the death penalty in Ohio. He has taken this position one step further. On Dec. 14 he testified before the Ohio House Criminal Justice Committee in favor of a bill to abolish the death penalty and replace it with the sentence of life without the possibility of parole. The Execution of Justice Bill, House Bill 160, is sponsored by Democrats Ted Celeste of Columbus (brother of former governor Dick Celeste) and Nickie Antonio of suburban TENSIONS from page 6 The Israelis at the meeting, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, seemed persuaded that the plan had a strong chance of rolling back Iran’s nuclear plans, according to officials who attended. They agreed with American caveats that sanctions must not be rushed. “The worst thing would be to impose sanctions too soon, and then to have the price of oil go up and Iran profits,” one Israeli at the meeting was quoted as saying. That reaction would have been a political and diplomatic triumph HEALING from page 8 Hileman has started a mentoring program, Grandparents in Residence (GRIN) in local schools. “People were surprised at my relationship with Christina,” she says. She formed GRIN, a 501 (c) (3), for retirees to become involved, “especially in a place like Tucson where there are so many educated [older] people, to PAYING from page 10 At present, customs taxes of approximately 12 percent are charged on imported items, including toys, clothing, cosmetics, luggage, medicine, tires, raw materials for chemicals and wood, and electric appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and ovens. In an effort to appease the public over the cost-of-living protests, Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz
Cleveland. “The death penalty in Ohio has become what I call a death lottery,” Pfeifer told the House Criminal Justice Committee. “The application is hit or miss depending on where you happen to commit the crime and the attitude of the prosecutor in that county.” He added: “I believe Ohio is no longer well served by our deathpenalty statute. It should be repealed.” At a press conference following his testimony, Pfeifer added the following observations: He absolutely can still be fair and impartial in death penalty appeals and has no intention of removing himself from these cases. He is constitutionally obligated to carry out the law as it now stands, and he will do so. Under the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct, judges have a duty to come forward and advocate for changes they believe would improve the administration of justice. Because prosecutors in death penalty cases tend to use peremptory challenges to remove all jurors who disagree with the death
penalty, even those who say they could be fair and impartial and follow the law, there is an inherent unfairness in the way death penalty cases are tried. Because of enormous and unchecked prosecutorial discretion, there are significant differences in seeking the death penalty from county to county (and he mentioned Hamilton County as one of the most pro-death penalty counties). The United States finds itself in very embarrassing company when it comes to countries that still use the death penalty — right up there with China, Saudi Arabia and Iran. He thinks the next change from the U.S. Supreme Court will be to take another look at imposing the death penalty on the seriously mentally ill. (What Justice Pfeifer meant by this last comment is that in recent years, the U.S. Supreme Court has found it unconstitutional to impose the death penalty on mentally retarded defendants and defendants who committed crimes as juveniles. He thinks the U.S. Supreme Court could be ready to do the same thing with the seriously mentally ill.) Earlier this year, Pfeifer urged
Gov. Kasich to follow the steps of Illinois Governor George Ryan and commute all death sentences to life without the possibility of parole. Ryan did this in Illinois in January 2003. Also earlier this year, in her first state of the judiciary speech as Chief Justice, Maureen O’Connor announced the formation of a joint task force with the Ohio State Bar Association to review the administration of Ohio’s death penalty. She made it clear, however, that the task force was not going to consider whether Ohio should or should not have the death penalty. When asked about this at the press conference following his testimony, Justice Pfeifer commented that there might be a minority report from this project. Have we ever seen this kind of thing from a justice before? Well, in February 1994, less than two months before he announced his retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Harry Blackmun wrote this in an opinion dissenting from the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision denying review in Callins v. Collins, a Texas death penalty case.
“From this day forward, I no longer shall tinker with the machinery of death. For more than 20 years I have endeavored…to develop…rules that would lend more than the mere appearance of fairness to the death penalty endeavor…Rather than continue to coddle the court’s delusion that the desired level of fairness has been achieved…I feel…obligated simply to concede that the death penalty experiment has failed. It is virtually self-evident to me now that no combination of procedural rules or substantive regulations ever can save the death penalty from its inherent constitutional deficiencies… I am … optimistic, though, that this court eventually will conclude that the effort to eliminate arbitrariness while preserving fairness ‘in the infliction of [death] is so plainly doomed to failure that it and the death penalty must be abandoned altogether.’ I may not live to see that day, but I have faith that eventually it will arrive. The path the court has chosen lessen us all.”
for the Obama administration — Israeli officials effectively were embracing a more moderate line than Congress, which in the following days passed a law calling for sanctions on the Central Bank to kick in almost immediately. Except it didn’t apparently “take” in Jerusalem — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued to press for a more immediate ratcheting-up of pressure on Iran, in part by hinting that Israel might take action alone. Likening himself to Israel’s first prime minister, David BenGurion, who declared statehood
against the counsel of some allies, Netanyahu said in a speech — just days after the strategic dialogue — that he would “make the right decision at the right moment,” whatever allies counseled. That was seen as a rebuke to Leon Panetta, the U.S. defense secretary, who a week earlier had warned that striking Iran could envelop the region in a conflagration. In subsequent weeks, the Obama administration took steps to reassure Israel that the option of a U.S. military strike was still very much on the table. Panetta said in an interview on CBS that for both Israel and
the United States, an Iranian nuclear weapon was a “red line.” Last week, plans for Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, to visit Israel in January were leaked to Israeli media; his visit likely will coincide with the largest-ever joint U.S.-Israel anti-missile exercise. The actions have yet to sway Netanyahu into fully cooperating, according to a report in Newsweek. Netanyahu will not agree to give the United States advance warning of a strike, the report said, citing three U.S. officials. Netanyahu’s posture is a func-
tion of Israel perceiving Iran as an existential threat, Rademaker said. “We've seen this threat from Israel in the past,” he said. “A lot of people discount it and say it's to motivate the U.S. and other countries to do more. That may be true in part, but Israel does see it as an existential threat, and should they conclude that the only way to prevent that existential threat from coming to being is by using force — well, we have examples from 1981 and 2007.” Rademaker was referring to Israeli pre-emptive strikes on Iraqi and Syrian reactors, respectively.
harness the energy of people like me, being an adopted grandmother. Having been transplanted, how can we share the love?” Even watching movies with a child is a way to get involved. Hileman is currently having an “Elizabeth Taylor movie festival” with the 13-year-old daughter of a friend. “She had never seen ‘National Velvet.’ Anybody can do this,” she says.
Although Hileman “gained entry to the schools through a horrible set of circumstances,” she says, her new program will open the way for others. “It’s impossible [for me] to be sad when 28 kids throw their arms around me and give me hugs. Having kids in my life helps me heal.” Hileman was planning to walk with her husband, Bill, and other family members and friends on
Jan. 7, the day before the anniversary of the shooting. But her plan has expanded to a “Stroll & Roll” in memory of Christina. “Grab someone who needs a smile, someone who makes you smile,” says Hileman, “and bring them along … to walk, ride a bike, push a stroller, be pushed in a wheelchair … and be together” at the CDO ChristinaTaylor Green Memorial River Park” from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Getting over the first anniversary of the shootings, Hileman hopes “to move on to focus on other projects,” she told the AJP. As for Aaron, “I still have that pain in my heart,” she says, “but I’m in a prayerful, hopeful place. My hope for Gabby is that she returns to Congress; G-d willing that she can be in the [U.S.] Senate. I’ll hold that vision until such time that she says otherwise.”
signed a directive this week abolishing customs duties on hundreds of imports; the changes take effect Jan. 1 and are expected to cost the government more than $100 million annually in lost revenue. The changes were among the recommendations of the Trajtenberg Committee, which the government set up to formulate possible ways to address the demands of this summer’s protests. Haiman says the 12 percent tax
isn’t what accounts for the sometimes vast differences in price between Israel and America. He attributes the price differences to importers who have figured out they can charge higher prices in Israel for brand-name products because consumers are willing to pay it. If people don’t want the products, they wouldn’t shell out money for them, says Gali Berger, a spokesperson for Super Pharm, the
country’s largest drugstore chain. “It’s about consumers and their needs and what they want on the shelf and what sells,” she says. “The customers vote with their feet, whether it’s Israeli or not. And we try to offer the best products available.” Supermarket entrepreneur Rami Levy, who has accused Israeli supermarket chains of price setting, says Israeli consumers have to stop buying imports and settle for local-
ly manufactured goods. Their tastes, he says, have gotten too expensive, and importers are taking advantage of that. Over the last decade, many imported clothing and furniture retailers have entered the Israeli marketplace, from European retailers Zara, Mango, Zip, H&M, Ikea and Kika to U.S. retailers American Apparel, Crocs, Payless, Columbia Sportswear and The Gap.
Marianna Bettman is a professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
FIRST PERSON / AUTOS • 21
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2012
Israel’s most wonderful 2012 Porsche Panamera GTS— time of the year Imagination is brought to reality Singer Says
by Phyllis Singer The holiday season is behind us, and with it went all the “ho, ho, ho,” Christmas cheer, Christmas music, Christmas decorations, and the ever-present reminder that America is a Christian country—even though it professes not to be.
With only 4 percent of the country’s population registered as other than Jewish or Arab, Christians are definitely in the minority—even though more Christian tourists visited the country in 2011 than Jewish ones. One of the great things about living in Israel is that Israel is a Jewish country, even though it acknowledges and respects other religions here. With only 4 percent of the country’s population registered as other than Jewish or Arab, Christians are definitely in the minority—even though more Christian tourists visited the country in 2011 than Jewish ones. The Christmas experience in Israel is pretty much confined to tourists visiting Bethlehem, although the Jewish National Fund gives out Christmas trees to Christians living in the country. In December, living in a Jewish country is a palpable experience. The malls are not besieg-
ing shoppers with Christmas music, Santa Claus is not standing on every corner and the shopping experience is for Chanukah. I remember being here in December 1990—right before the Gulf War—on a mission for editors of Jewish papers sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism. We got off the plane and made our way to Tel Aviv. Jelly doughnuts (sufganiot in Hebrew) were everywhere, instead of candy canes and chocolate Santas. It was a reprieve from the Christmas in the United States that we had all left behind. Jelly doughnuts are the preferred Chanukah delicacy here. They win hands down over potato latkes—perhaps because they are so much more readily accessible—plus the fact that someone else is making them, and you don’t have to stand over a hot stove and fry them yourself. Although we’ve been here for 13 Decembers, the memories of that Chanukah in December 1990 came flashing back this year. My husband, Allen, was in Hadassah Hospital during Chanukah, and Chanukah in the hospital was something to experience. Every day volunteers came to the room with sufganiot—from different Jerusalem bakeries. (An article in The Jerusalem Post during Chanukah rated the high calorie treat from various bakeries in the city. We don’t know which ones the volunteers patronized, but according to Allen, some were definitely better than others.) Too bad if the patient was on a low fat, low sugar diet! Then every day students came to visit and sing Chanukah songs. Many of them were teenage girls, including some Americans who are studying in seminaries here for the year, and some of the groups included young men and women. (I guess they must have asked the haredi patients if they wanted to hear the songs, or maybe they just skipped those rooms.) Some days, more than one group appeared – perhaps one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Allen’s room was at the end of the hall, near the lounge for patients’ families. In the evening, one of the student groups put on a program including candle lighting and a medley of Chanukah tunes. And one evening, two women put on a mini-concert with guitar and flute. And the top of Hadassah Hospital had a gigantic electric menorah. There are many things we love about living in Jerusalem; the holiday atmosphere in December is certainly one of them.
The 2012 Porsche Panamera GTS is where imagination is brought into reality. This car not only takes into mind every creature comfort one could want, but how to impliment it in a kinesthetically pleasing way. Not only does it have a sense of style, but it’s enviormentally friendly as well. Imagine the car you’ve been dreaming of your whole life, now take out the Back to the Future Delorean upgrades, as in Mr. Fusion and the ability to fly, and you get the Panamera GTS. The Panamera GTS is powered by a lightweight 4.8-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine. It features cast aluminum pistons, monobloc aluminum cylinder heads and integrated dry-sump lubrication for a reliable supply of oil even when an extremely sporty driving style is adopted. The Auto Start Stop function is also standard in the Panamera GTS. If, for example, you stop at traffic lights and keep your foot on the brake pedal, the system will automatically switch the engine off. This fuel-saving system restarts the engine as soon as you release the brakes. A key advantage is that there is no need for you to change your driving habits. You can simply carry on as normal. All audio and communication systems remain switched on and the climate con-
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2012 Porsche Panamera GTS
trol continues to maintain your selected temperature, despite the engine being switched off. The engine restarts if more power or extra cooling output is required. An expressive design. Wellconceived technology. A consistently sporty style. Why should the rules for performance be any different for the interior? The interior of the Panamera GTS is sporty, uncluttered and ergonomic. The layout is ingeniously designed and functional. This interior belongs in a sports car. What strikes you immediately is the elevated center console with controls arranged into logical groups for fast and direct access by the driver. The steering wheel adjusts for both height and reach. The five circular instruments with ‘GTS’ logo on the central rev
counter and on the integrated 4.8inch color display are quick, clear and easy to read. The color screen gives access, for example, to the on-board computer or tire pressure information and, in conjunction with PCM, it displays the navigation system map. That’s not all. In the Panamera GTS, it displays the longitudinal and lateral acceleration forces currently acting on the vehicle. Four-zone climate control is available for all models on request. With this option, the driver has access to separate controls for both seat positions in the rear. A control panel on the rear center console also enables the rear passengers to select their own climate control settings for their respective seat position, independently of the settings in the front compartment.
22 • OBITUARIES D EATH N OTICES Rubenstein, Dr. Eli age 89, died December 27, 2011; 1 Teveth, 5772 Travis, Gloria Faye age 81, died December 31, 2011; 5 Tevet 5772 Troup, Dr. Stanley B. age 86 died December 30, 2011; 5 Tevet 5772 Chaliff, James S, age 82, died December 30, 2011; 4 Tevet 5772
O BITUARIES GRUENEBAUM, Ruth Ruth Gruenebaum passed away December 7, 2011 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services were held on Sunday, December 11, at The Louis Memorial Chapel in Kansas City, Mo. Ruth was born in Benisch, Czechoslovakia (Sudetenland) in 1928 to Irma and Kurt Oppenheim, of blessed memory. She lived with her family in this small town for 12 years where her father owned and operated a renowned liqueur factory that had been founded by his grandfather. Ruth, her sister Ilse, and parents arrived in the United States in 1940 after making a treacherous escape through Holland and waters infested with mines. Ruth graduated from the University of Cincinnati, College PAUL from page 6 While Paul has said he did not write or even read the newsletters, a recent revelation seemed to tie him more closely to them. A 1993 subscription solicitation letter appearing above Ron Paul’s signature and written in the first person
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of Applied Arts in 1950. She was also a student of the Cincinnati Art Academy. Ruth spent several years designing and painting backgrounds for displays at the Federated Department Store in downtown Cincinnati. In 1957 the Cincinnati Enquirer praised her watercolor “Snow Bound” and in l961 her watercolor “Café” which were selected for display in two art festivals. Ruth developed incredible talent in various media, including pastels, enamels and silk. In addition, Ruth wrote many poems; some won awards and were published in local papers. Ruth married her husband Herbert in Cincinnati in 1949 and together they raised three children. Kansas City became their home in 1963. As a stay-at-home mom, Ruth devoted her life to her family and continued her passion for painting and had a booth in the original Plaza Art Fair. Ruth also volunteered her talent to the Jewish Community Center where she was a member of the Board. She was an active member of Beth Shalom Sisterhood and a life member of Hadassah and the Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary. In 1976 her husband Herbert was transferred to USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. They lived in Wheaton, Md., and she became a member of the Montgomery County Art League and the International Society of Poets and was thanked for her support and participation. Shortly after Herbert’s retire-
ment in 1993, she and Herbert returned to Kansas City to be near their children and grandchildren. Ruth became a member of Temple B’nai Jehudah Sisterhood and Brandeis. She continued painting and several were chosen for local art festivals. When her eyesight declined, she changed her style and eventually turned to working with clay at the Heritage Center and Alpha Point. Together, Ruth and Herbert enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Ruth is survived by her beloved husband, Herbert, and her children, Dr. Michael (Kristine) Gruenebaum, Dr. Steven (Louise) Gruenebaum, and Nancy (Jeffrey) Lang. She is adored by her six grandchildren, Benjamin (Morgan) Gruenebaum, Andrew (Lacey) Gruenebaum, Lauren Gruenebaum, Danielle Gruenebaum, Adam Lang and Brandon Lang. She is also survived by her sister, Ilse Smith of Endina, Minn., cousins Edith (Beck) Schreiber, Peter Beck of Bruntal, CSSR, and Dr. Felix Beck of Leicester, England and their families. Ruth’s cheerful smile and caring spirit will be missed by all who knew her. Her valiant and brave fight with blindness and cancer are an inspiration. The family suggests donations in her memory to Temple B’nai Jehudah, the American Cancer Society or Mother’s Against Drunk Driving. Online condolences may be
shared at www.louismemorialchapel.com.
Bernard Gert, Stone Professor of Intellectual and Moral Philosophy, Emeritus, died on the evening of Saturday, December 24, at the UNC Hospital. He was 77. Bernard–Bernie to his friends and family–was arguably the greatest moral philosopher of the 20th century. He taught at Dartmouth College for 50 years, from 1959 to 2009, making him the longest serving faculty member in the school’s history. He was also a giant in the fields of Hobbes scholarship and bioethics. A founding member of the Ethics Committee at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital, Bernie continued as a consultant to the Ethics Committee at the UNC Hospital until his death. His first book, The Moral Rules, was published in 1970. Re-titled Morality in 1988, it has undergone major revisions during the last 35 years, but has remained continuously in print. In 2006 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Cincinnati, his alma mater. That same year he also received a Lifetime Achievement award from the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities. At the time of his death he was at work on a book on Human Nature, and his book on Hobbes had just come out in 2010. Bernie lived and breathed philosophy and
could not be outlasted in philosophical discussion. Bernie is survived by Esther, his wife of 53 years and sweetheart of 70 years, his daughter, Heather, his son, Joshua, his sonin-law, John Roberts, his daughterin-law Victoria Costa, and his granddaughter Susanna. He also leaves behind his sister, Ilene Wolosin, and brothers-in-law Sam Wolosin and Jerry Rosenstein, as well as many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He often remarked, with pride, that all of his children, including his sonand daughter-in-law, were professional philosophers. He was a loving husband and a wonderful father and grandfather. He lived by the common moral code that his work helped to clarify, and he taught it by example. There will be a memorial service late in the summer of 2012, in Hanover, N.H., where Bernie and Esther spent most of their lives. The date is not yet fixed. Those who wish to honor his memory may plant a tree in Israel or make a donation to the ACLU. To plant a tree, please send your donation to: Jewish National Fund, 2 Reservoir Circle, Suite 204, Baltimore, MD 21208. Please indicate in the memo line of your check that your gift is in memory of Bernard Gert. This will allow gardens dedicated to his memory to grow over the years. Online condolences may be submitted at www.howertonbryan.com, select obituaries, or at hgruenebaum@kc.rr.com.
leveled the accusation that the “Israeli lobby plays Congress like a cheap harmonica,” warned of a “race war” and said there was a gay-led cover up of AIDS. Paul’s campaign has also repudiated the solicitation letter and said that Paul did not write it. The campaign did not respond to requests for comment. Over the weekend, a former longtime congressional and campaign aide to Paul emerged with new revelations. Eric Dondero, who says his mother is Jewish, and who considered challenging Paul
for his congressional seat in 2008 — five years after he left Paul’s employ under disputed circumstances — wrote an article insisting that Paul is not a racist or antiSemite, but that he is anti-Israel. “I can categorically say that I never heard anything out of his mouth, in hundreds of speeches I listened too over the years, or in my personal presence that could be called, ‘anti-Semite’,” Eric Dondero, wrote on the Right Wing News website. “He is however, most certainly anti-Israel, and anti-Israeli in gen-
eral,” Dondero continued. “He wishes the Israeli state did not exist at all. He expressed this to me numerous times in our private conversations. His view is that Israel is more trouble than it is worth, specifically to the America taxpayer. He sides with the Palestinians, and supports their calls for the abolishment of the Jewish state, and the return of Israel, all of it, to the Arabs.” Dondero also wrote that Paul repeatedly said that saving Jews was not reason enough for the United States to have entered World War II. Paul’s campaign dismissed the claims, telling media Dondero was a “disgruntled” fired staffer who had “zero credibility.” But Dondero’s claim about Paul’s hands-off view toward the Nazis and the Holocaust was backed up by Jeffrey Scott Shapiro, a blogger at the conservative BigGovernment website, who recounted an exchange he had with Paul in 2009. “I wouldn’t risk American lives to do that,” Shapiro quoted Paul as saying when asked if it would have been worth entering the war “purely as a moral imperative” to save Jews. “If someone wants to do that on their own because they want to do that, well, that’s fine, but I
wouldn’t do that,” Paul allegedly said. Given Paul’s views, some are predicting a backlash against Iowa’s first-in-the-nation contest if Paul should manage to pull out a win in the Iowa caucuses. The idea that someone with those views could win Iowa have led a number of conservatives to wonder preemptively whether the state caucuses are truly representative of the national party. Lending credibility to its image as a promoter of outliers, Iowa’s Republican caucuses admit voters who have registered as late as the day of the caucuses — something critics say allows the participation of activists not otherwise sympathetic to the party. “If Iowa can’t sniff out such characters, why put it in charge of the winnowing?” said Jennifer Rubin, the Washington Post’s influential conservative blogger. Paul, first elected to Congress in 1974, left the party in 1988 to run for president on the Libertarian ticket. He practiced medicine from 1989 until 1996, when he returned to Congress as a Republican — but only after besting a massive Republican establishment effort to defeat him led by Karl Rove, the adviser to then Texas Gov. George W. Bush.
GERT, Bernard
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