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THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014 8 SHEVAT, 5774

Opening minds through art

CINCINNATI, OH Candle Lighting Times Shabbat begins Fri 5:16p Shabbat ends Sat 6:17p

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VOL. 160 • NO. 25

The American Israelite T H E

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Camp at the J and Camp Livingston reunion

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JVS Career Services and Mayerson JCC to present career expert

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Sparkle up your Tu B’Shevat seder

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Israeli celebrity chef injects hummus, ‘balagan’ into Jewish heart of Paris

DINING OUT

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Johnny Chan 2 offers award-winning cuisine, lunch buffet of favorites LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!

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Pro-Israel groups denied presentation at MLA confab

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Israel’s circumcision interventions draws mixed reception

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The legal case for Judea and Samaria

PJ Library extending its age range for participation PJ Library is growing up! This popular program, which celebrates reading, family and Jewish traditions with a free book each month for children six months through five-and-a-half years, is extending its age range by three more years! Now Jewish children in Greater Cincinnati up to the age of eight will have the opportunity to benefit from this groundbreaking initiative as well.

PJ Library has changed the face of Jewish early childhood literature by providing engaging books and CDs directly to the homes of families in the Jewish community,” explains Linda Kean, Director of Family Life Education for Jewish Family Service. “Thanks to the philanthropic spirit of our very generous local donor, Anne Heldman, as well as support from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, we are able to provide age-appropriate books for children through the age of eight.

This will enable us to double the number of children who run excitedly to their mailboxes each month to receive their special books from PJ Library,” she adds.

These free resources present the perfect way to educate both children and parents about their rich heritage filled with exciting stories, timeless traditions and important values. “I am thrilled to be able to support this amazing and important program for all types of families in the Jewish community,” says Anne

Heldman. “These beautiful books are as engaging for parents as they are for their children!”

In partnership with local organizations, this award-winning program has touched the lives of more than 100,000 chil-

dren in 185 communities in the United States and Canada. In Cincinnati, PJ Library is a collaboration between Jewish Family Service and the Mayerson JCC. “We are committed to ensuring that the learning and connections

to community continue beyond the books,” says Pam Saeks, the JCC’s Director of Innovation and Engagement. “In addition to taking part in Shalom Family events and other special programs such as the Lollipop Book Swap this past summer, PJ sends monthly e-newsletters with many additional resources, and promotes other local parenting and family programs in the Cincinnati Jewish community.”

“Through the benevolence of donors like Anne Heldman, the international PJ Library initiative is building a stronger Jewish people by investing in the future, one book at a time,” states Danielle Minson, Chief Development Officer of the Jewish Federation.

Across North America, there are currently 185 communities that have been strengthened by the PJ Library initiative. Beyond the positive impact on individual households, PJ Library also brings whole communities closer together, connecting one family to another and enriching local Jewish programming. In addition, PJ Library communities report that 20 to 70 percent of their subscribers were previously unknown to the organized Jewish community. In this way, as our local program grows to 800 children up to 8 years of age, Jewish Cincinnati will grow along with it!

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

Adath Israel Congregation to host USY Regional Specialty Kinnus in February Four fun-filled Days. Three meaningful Nights. Two sets of Parent Chairs from Adath Israel.

One amazing Shabbat to create memories and friendships for a lifetime. All that is missing from this equation is YOU and your family.

Adath Israel Congregation Family & Youth Department is proud of its ongoing diverse offerings of extended active Jewish programming for its USYers and teens in our Jewish community. Adath Israel, along with CRUSY (Central Region United Synagogue Youth), are pleased to announce that this year’s Regional Specialty Kinnus will hosted by Adath Israel and the Cincinnati community.

Specialty Kinnus (gathering) is a convention focusing on social action and Israel affairs. Throughout the weekend, Jewish teens from around the Midwest will come together and volunteer around the city with their friends in Social Action Tikkun Olam (SATO) projects. The teens will also participate in interactive

Israel programs and games and have tons of fun. The weekend will be topped off with a fantastic Saturday night program including dancing with a DJ, video games and much more.

The four day Shabbaton will begin Thursday evening, February 6th and continue until the morning of Sunday, February 9th, under the leadership of CRUSY Director, Arlyne Bochnek. Also working on the planning and Kinnus execution are the Adath Israel Chairs, Debbie and Dr. Hamilton Lempert, CoChairs Beth and Dr. Scott Kotzin, and USY Tri-Chairs: Allison Nemoff, Dena Dave and Paige (Maddie) Hall. This year’s Kinnus theme is Disney-based royalty; Princes and Princesses. New for this year’s Kinnus is the invitation and inclusion of all eighth -grade USY members.

“Specialty Kinnus isn’t only a place to make lasting new friendships, but a great way to give back to the community” shared Elana

Schwartz, Adath Israel USY Chapter President and experienced Kinnus participant. Chair Debbie Lempert reflected on the long-term rewards of Kinuus from the vantage point of a past host family: “My family volunteered and hosted the last time Adath Israel hosted a Kinnus.” Lempert added that “although my kids were too young to participate, I saw the friendships and bonds that developed and knew that I wanted my kids to have those experiences one day.”

It may take a village to raise a child, but it also takes a shul and an entire Jewish community to successfully host a Regional USY Kinnus.

If you are interested in helping out, please contact Dara Wood at Adath Israel Congreation.

The time to register or volunteer is now upon us, as the early registration discount ends on January 9th.

Go online to register your child and/or sign up to volunteer as soon as possible.

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JVS Career Services and Mayerson JCC to present the country’s leading career expert Andrea Kay Ask most job seekers and they’ll tell you what it’s like trying to navigate the tricky terrain on the path to employment… “It’s a jungle out there!” But it doesn’t have to be…

“With the right tools it’s possible to successfully change careers, land that new position or enhance the job you already have” explains Andrea Kay, nationally syndicated columnist, six time author and expert career consultant. "No matter where you are in life--what age or what stage--there is a way to create the life and career you want!” And on Sunday, January 26th, she will explain how when JVS Career Services and Mayerson JCC present a rare opportunity to hear from Andrea Kay herself, live and in person at the Mayerson JCC. This event is FREE and open to the public with advanced registration.

Considered by many to be “the country’s leading career expert,” Andrea Kay helps people of all ages and walks of life have the life they’re looking for. From first time job seekers to seasoned professionals, her relevant and targeted tips are aimed at helping just about anyone learn to navigate the job market, resolve workplace dilemmas or land that coveted promotion.

Guests can arrive as early as 9:00 am to enjoy bagels and coffee, network and peruse several career and lifestyle information booths before the talk. Andrea Kay will speak from

Andrea Kay

10:00 to 11:00 am, after which attendees can continue networking and exploring the booths. Andrea Kay will also be available following her presentation to sign books and answer questions. Following the event, guests are invited to keep their parking spaces at the JCC and take the free shuttle bus over to Wise Temple for the 10th Annual Chicken Soup Cook Off which will begin at noon.

“JVS Career Services is thrilled to be partnering with the Mayerson JCC to bring a speaker of this caliber to our community,” says Peter Bloch, JVS Career Services President and CEO. “Andrea Kay is a highly regarded career advisor and author whose words are sure to hit home with anyone looking to improve the job they have, or find

the job they’ve dreamed of having!

We are delighted to be hosting this important event, which is the next in our popular series of presentations on career advancement,” he continues. “We look forward to an engaging and energizing presentation.”

Throughout her talk, Andrea will draw on a wealth of knowledge and experience that makes her a virtual one-stop career resource. Kay has shared this expertise with a wide audience, having been quoted and interviewed in many national publications including: The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and Chicago Tribune. Some of her books include: Life’s a Bitch and Then You Change Careers, Resumes That Will Get You the Job You Want, and her latest, This is How To Get Your Next Job. In addition, she has run her own career consulting firm for 25 years.

Andrea Kay supplements her decades-worth of diverse experience with an infectiously inspirational attitude. With her unique mix of insider insight and an upbeat outlook, she is able to forge a personal connection with her audience that transcends run-of-the-mill career advice. As a result, her readers and listeners feel motivated as they are armed with the tools they need to find success in their work lives.

The event is free and open to the entire community. Dietary laws will be observed.

Annual Inventory Clearance through January

No coupons may be used in combination with this sale.

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513-621-1123 Hours: MWFS 10-4

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series highlights prominent Jews from all aspects of American Life.

The 92YLive is broadcast live from New York’s prestigious Jewish cultural center, the 92nd Street Y, and viewed on a large screen at Wise Center. This event is open to the public. Come and bring a friend.

Northern Hills HaZaK to screen ‘Rescue in the Philippines’ The escape by over 1,300 European Jews to the Philippines on the eve of World War II will be the focus when the HaZaK group of Northern Hills Synagogue Congregation B'nai Avraham holds its monthly program on Wednesday, January 15th. Following a delicious lunch, the documentary "Rescue in the Philippines" will be shown. The event will take place at the syna-

gogue and will begin at 12 noon.

"Rescue in the Philippines" tells the story of the Frieder brothers, 5 Cincinnati Jewish businessmen who made cheap cigars in the Philippines.

Working with Manuel Quezon, the charismatic first president of the Philippines, Paul McNutt, the U.S. High Commissioner, and an ambitious army colonel named Dwight Eisenhower, they hatched over poker

games a plan to help over 1,300 Jews escape the Nazis and reach the Philippines. The documentary was shown last spring on public television.

"HaZaK" is an acronym, with the letters standing for the Hebrew words "Hakhma" (wisdom), "Ziknah" (maturity), and "Kadima" (forward). The HaZaK programs are for adults 55 and older, and are open

to the entire community. In addition to members of Northern Hills, many attendees have come from the Jewish Community Center, Cedar Village, Brookwood Retirement Community, and throughout Greater Cincinnati.

There is no charge for the program and lunch, but donations are greatly appreciated. Please RSVP to the Synagogue office by Monday, January 13th.

Hadassah Coffee Talk: ‘The Male vs. Female Brain’ Cincinnati Chapter of Hadassah will hold its monthly Coffee Talk program on Monday, January 13th at 7:30 pm at the home of Marsha Barsman. Guest speaker Shari Goldsmith, LISW, will discuss "The Male Brain vs. The Female Brain: Do we really see the world through different eyes? How can we all get along?” Tobe Snow is Coffee Talk Chair.

After graduating from Ohio State University with a B.A. in Organizational Communications, Shari Goldsmith spent 10 years working in Business Operations with progressive responsibility. She was an integral part of the company’s

rapid growth from 2 stores to 50 store operations. After leaving this position, she worked in the fields of Education and Social Services, where she became the “go to” person for change. Her problem-solving, leadership and people skills enabled her to take an idea and develop it into a full-fledged successful program.

After turning down an opportunity to be the Director of Social Services, Shari decided to fulfill a life-long dream and receive her Mental Health degree. This additional training, coupled with her business experience, became the perfect combination of skills needed to coach professional women to find success

and happiness. She is passionate about supporting and empowering women to define their goals and develop a plan to go after their dreams.

Today, Shari is a Women’s Success Coach, Speaker, and Author.

She’s also the President of the 85 Broads Cincinnati Chapter and has two grown sons with her husband of 32 years. When she’s not working, she can usually be found biking or walking her pug, Miles.

Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, was born from the vision of one woman, Henrietta Szold, who saw a great need and wanted to help. Today,

there are two Hadassah Hospitals in Jerusalem, Hadassah College, Youth Aliyah and other medical and educational programs. Cincinnati Chapter is full of vibrant, intelligent women who look forward to continuing Henrietta Szold's vision of making a difference.

Coffee Talk is a monthly casual get-together, usually held in a Hadassah member’s home, to discuss topics of interest. Meetings are held the second Monday of the month, alternating between evening and morning times. Refreshments will be served. Coffee Talk is open to the public, and there is no charge to attend, but RSVPs are requested.

Camp at the J and Camp Livingston team up for ‘The Reunion 2014’

Director. “This is a rare opportunity for them to see more of their camp friends in one place during any time outside of the summer,” he adds.

“This is likely going to be the biggest Cincinnati camp reunion ever!”

The much-anticipated afternoon of campfire nostalgia and catching up with friends will be filled with fun activities for both kids and parents to enjoy. Plus, participants will have the opportunity to visit with many of

their favorite counselors and staff, and there will be a camp trivia challenge with prizes for the most knowledgeable players!

“This year's camp reunion is going to be great on every level, but what we’re most excited for is the unveiling of our brand new indoor gaga arena!” raves Matt Steinberg, Camp at the J Director. “Gaga is a summertime favorite at Camp at the J and Camp Livingston alike. This

game is a huge highlight of the summer experience, and now we have the opportunity to play this popular game with friends from camp at the winter reunion,” he adds. “Come be among the first to 'break-in' our new gaga pit!

In addition to gaga and a sampling of some other popular camp activities, guests will be treated to a bounce house, camp-style snacks, and TV’s tuned to the football game for fans who don’t want to miss a second of the action on the field.

Kids can also capture some new memories with old camp buddies in the free photo booth.

“I can’t wait for this reunion!” says Sarah Klein, who attended Camp Livingston for the past two years. “I thought I wouldn’t get to see my camp friends until next summer, so I’m really glad that the J is giving us this great chance to get together before then.”

The Reunion 2014 promises to be a relaxing and engaging program, fun for both campers and their parents. To RSVP or to learn more about this event, please contact Matt Steinberg at the JCC or Aaron Slovin at Camp Livingston.

The American Israelite “LET THERE BE LIGHT” THE OLDEST ENGLISH-JEWISH WEEKLY IN AMERICA - EST. JULY 15, 1854

VOL. 160 • NO. 25 THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014 8 SHEVAT 5774 SHABBAT BEGINS FRIDAY 5:16 PM SHABBAT ENDS SATURDAY 6:17 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 ISAAC M. WISE Founder, Editor, Publisher, 1854-1900 LEO WISE Editor & Publisher, 1900-1928 RABBI JONAH B. WISE Editor & Publisher, 1928-1930 HENRY C. SEGAL Editor & Publisher, 1930-1985 PHYLLIS R. SINGER Editor & General Manager, 1985-1999 MILLARD H. MACK Publisher Emeritus NETANEL (TED) DEUTSCH Editor & Publisher JORY EDLIN BETH KOTZIN Assistant Editors YOSEFF FRANCUS Copy Editor JANET STEINBERG Travel Editor JULIE TOREM Special Assignment Editor MARIANNA BETTMAN NATE BLOOM IRIS PASTOR ZELL SCHULMAN PHYLLIS R. SINGER Contributing Columnists JENNIFER CARROLL Production Manager BARBARA ROTHSTEIN Advertising Sales

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Summer seems like such a distant memory! Is your child going through camp withdrawal? Know the warning signs: 1.) She says she was just “holding those lanyards for a friend!”; 2.) He breaks out into song after meals for no good reason; 3.)

She has taken to hording bottles of sunscreen and bug spray under her bed; 4.) He hangs his wet bath towels on a rope outside his bedroom window; 5.) You find bits of grass and dirt in her shoes from secret brushes with nature.

Luckily campers don’t have to go cold turkey any longer when Camp at the J and Camp Livingston partner up to present: The Reunion 2014 on Sunday, January 19 from 3-6pm at the Mayerson JCC! This FREE event is open to everyone who attended at least one session of Camp at the J and/or Camp Livingston during the summer of 2013, as well as potential campers and their families who want to learn more about one or both of the camps.

“I can’t wait for all the campers and staff to come together from across the region,” says Aaron Slovin, Acting Camp Livingston

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motivating advice from her new book, Your Life Calling—as well as her own personal story of reinvention. This evening is ideal for anyone who has been yearning for “something different” or “something more”.

The “Live from New York”

Est. 1854

On January 14 at 8:15 PM, the 92YLive series presents pioneering TV anchors Jane Pauley and Tom Brokaw as they reunite for an inspiring discussion about “the lucky generation”—boomers who, at 50 and up, are finding their true callings.

Pauley shares practical ideas and

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From Talmud and Torah, to movies and live presentations via satellite, Wise Temple’s Eitz Chayim (Adult Learning) committee presents engaging and exciting opportunities for adult learning in January. Let 2014 be the year you say “yes” to participation in adult Jewish learning.

r in Am ape er sp i

Wise Temple Eitz Chayim presents January’s 92Y Live

THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE (USPS 019-320) is published weekly for $44 per year and $2.00 per single copy in Cincinnati and $49 per year and $3.00 per single copy elsewhere in U.S. by The American Israelite Co. 18 West Ninth Street, Suite 2, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-2037. Periodicals postage paid at Cincinnati, OH. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE, 18 West Ninth Street, Suite 2, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-2037.

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

LOCAL / NATIONAL • 5

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

3CDC leader to discuss new projects in the urban core on Jan. 14 The final program in the “Changemaker” series will feature Stephen G. Leeper, president and CEO of Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen downtown Cincinnati through revitalization in the Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine (OTR). Leeper will discuss the implications and effects of 3CDC’s work, along with new projects in the pipeline. All are welcome to join the discussion on Tuesday,

January 14, at 7 p.m., at the Mayerson JCC. The program is free with advance registration.

3CDC’s goals are to create great civic spaces; create high density/mixed-use development; preserve historic structures and improve streetscapes; and create diverse mixed-income neighborhoods supported by local business. Since 2004, over $717 million has been invested in redevelopment and new construction projects in support of these goals, including Fountain Square, Washington Park, the

21C Museum Hotel, Boca Restaurant and multiple condos and apartments.

The organization’s current projects include renovating St. Paul’s Church into commercial space, converting the YMCA in OTR into affordable apartments for seniors and working with potential homeowners to restore 12 buildings in the Washington Park area to single-family homes.

Advocates for homeless individuals and low-income residents have long been concerned

about 3CDC’s work, though.

Incoming residents of renovated condos and apartments in OTR are providing an income boost that stabilizes the tax base and attracts more retailers. But at the same time, hundreds of longtime residents have been displaced to make way for those condos and apartments.

Leeper will give 3CDC’s perspective on the complicated issue of gentrification and engage in a discussion with the audience about the impact of the organization’s 10 years of work

on the greater Cincinnati area as a whole.

The Changemaker series offers fresh approaches to current issues facing our community by bringing local Cincinnati leaders to explore big ideas and offer new perspectives. The series is presented by the JCC Wolf Center for Arts & Ideas and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.

Pro-Israel campus groups denied presentation at MLA confab

By Jacob Kamaras (JNS) The pro-Israel campus groups Hillel International and the Israel on Campus Coalition (ICC) have been denied the right to present a discussion on Israel at the Jan. 9-12 Modern Language Association (MLA) convention in Chicago, JNS has learned.

MLA’s convention includes a roundtable discussion that will feature supporters but no opponents of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. The discussion – titled “Academic Boycotts: A Conversation about Israel and Palestine” – is seen as a possible precursor to an MLA academic boycott of Israel, which would mirror recent boycotts by the American Studies Association and the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association.

The MLA convention will consider a resolution that condemns Israel for alleged “arbitrary denials of entry to Gaza and the West Bank by U.S. academics who have been invited to teach, confer, or do research at Palestinian universities.”

Hillel and the ICC asked the 30,000-member MLA for the chance to present what they called an “open discussion featuring MLA members regarding academic freedom in Israel, its territories, and Gaza,” but MLA said the deadline to book a meeting at the convention had passed.

“The MLA convention has procedures for its members to organize sessions, and that deadline was 1 April [2013],” MLA Executive Director Rosemary G. Feal, the MLA’s executive director, wrote in an email to ICC Executive Director Jacob Baime.

“We do not rent space at our convention for nonmembers to hold discussions.”

The existing MLA session’s speakers will include BDS movement co-founder Omar Barghouti; University of Texas professor Barbara Jane Harlow, who has stated her support for the ASA boycott of Israel; University of Southern California professor of English David Lloyd, a wellknown BDS activist; and Wesleyan University professor Richard Ohmann, who signed a 2009 letter that described Israeli treatment of Palestinians as “one of the most massive, ethnocidal atrocities of modern times.”

University of Texas professor Samer M. Ali, who publicly defended the ASA boycott, organized the roundtable.

“We believe the members of the MLA deserve to hear a far more diverse set of perspectives on the issue of academic freedom in Israel and nearby countries.

The MLA members, as academics, certainly can appreciate the value of multiple perspectives on what is a very controversial issue,” ICC’s Baime said.

ICC and Hillel said they are now considering organizing a “balancing panel” discussion at a nearby location during the MLA convention. The panel would feature MLA members who oppose the anti-Israel resolution being considered at the convention.

Ali, the organizer of the convention’s roundtable on BDS, told The Chronicle of Higher Education that the roundtable assumes that Israel violates the rights of Palestinians, and that the debate will center on what to do about it.

“If people want to come and debate occupation, I think it will be a waste of their time, because that’s not what the roundtable is about,” Ali said.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The Modern Language Association’s (MLA) upcoming annual convention will include a session on BDS featuring only supporters of the anti-Israel movement.

6 • NATIONAL

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At Tu B’Shevat, digging for spiritual growth with planting

By Edmon J. Rodman LOS ANGELES (JTA) – While my neighbors were putting their Christmas trees to the curb, in what seems like a ritual of replacement, I was preparing to plant for Tu b’Shvat.

My friend Freda recently presented me a cutting from an Angel’s trumpet – a small tree with beautiful, large, pendulous white flowers that grows in her yard – and to observe the New Year of the Trees on Jan. 16, I wanted to get it in the ground.

Looking around the garage for a shovel, I wondered if there were a Jewish ceremony for planting a tree.

A Tu b’Shvat seder introduces philosophical concepts into the holiday. But could I skip the four cups of wine – you start with white and gradually add more red to each cup – and just do something shorter, and well, more down to earth to help observe what some have called Jewish Arbor Day? The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life had published a tree-planting service in a guide called “To Till and To Tend: A Guide to Jewish Environmental Study and Action.” Though tilling

Courtesy of Edmon J. Rodman

An Angel’s trumpet is the tree of choice for a planting by Edmon J. Rodman at an impromptu backyard service for Tu b’Shvat.

and tending sounded like a lot more work than I was up for, I gave it a look.

“There is an order to this, God’s universe, that is beyond our comprehension,” read a passage from the ceremony. Picking out the right spot to plant had often been beyond mine.

Planting thorny rose bushes near the

free-standing basketball hoop in the backyard had been one of my chief blunders. Another was not removing a ficus tree; its roots are now cracking our brick patio.

Freda had told to me that her trumpet tree had done well in a spot that was full sun to part shade. I found a similar spot near a wall next to a bougainvillea vine that when it flowers bathes the area in magenta.

Recalling my pruning battles with the spreading bougainvillea, another passage from the service came to mind: “The world of nature was given to us to join with, not to conquer.”

Perhaps the trumpet tree – it also spreads, Freda’s husband, Stuart, informed me – would provide a more natural way to control the quickly spreading vine.

Clearing the area of leaves and debris, I found something brown and pebbled sticking out from the ground.

Pulling it out, I realized it was a chewed-up football that our dog, Oliver, used to bite and shake into submission.

Before lapsing into backyard nostalgia, I recalled what Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai had to say

about tree-planting interruptions: “If you are in the midst of planting a tree and word reaches you that the Messiah has arrived, do not interrupt your work; first finish your planting and only then go out to welcome the Messiah.”

Snapping back to my shovel, I began to dig. Almost immediately, another line from the tree-planting ceremony – “Take care not to spoil or destroy My world, for if you do, there will be no one to repair it after you,” from Midrash Ecclesiastes Rabbah assumed a different shading as I struck a root from a nearby plum tree.

Gauging that the loss would not be fatal, I chopped it out.

The service’s warning “And do not wound your neighbors, for they, too, are part of the interdependent whole,” reminded me that when you plant near a property line, you are planting for two. Who could be upset by the tree’s sweet-smelling flowers that are only fragrant at night? And by day, the Angel’s trumpet called to hummingbirds.

However, after some research I also discovered that the Angel’s trumpet, like other common landscape plants such as azaleas, rhododendron

and oleander, is poisonous if ingested.

I would have to remember to keep it from growing into their yard.

As I pulled the 2-foot shoot from the plastic pot, I saw that it had already developed a good set of roots.

“People can sense God’s presence in nature,” read the text. “We pause in awe at nature’s elegance.”

I lowered the plant into the hole, filling in around it with a mixture of earth and potting soil.

“Originally, we got this plant as cutting from our neighbor,” Stuart said a few days before I planted the trumpet. I wondered how many generations this plant, which is native to South America, had traveled to reach my backyard.

Looking at my little plant that had been passed down, I decided that not exactly a renewable resource, it was a source of renewed spirituality.

The service said that we protect the world “by planting and by remembering and by connecting, from generation to generation.” As I watered the planting, I wondered, once it grew large enough for a cutting, who would be renewed by the next generation.

Food to sparkle up your Tu B’Shevat seder with

By Mollie Katzen

is springy to the touch.

(JNS) – Winter fruit might seem less spectacular than the much more time-valued offerings of summer, but oranges and pears in particular, while quiet and “common,” can be the unexpected stars of simple savory dishes.

This is perfect for Tu B'Shevat, the Jewish New Year for trees, which is a relatively unsung holiday.

Sparkle up your Tu B'Shevat seder with an easy but surprising sweet potato-pear soup, which goes perfectly with a winter salad featuring crunchy, colorful leaves refreshingly coated with orange sections and a yogurty-orange vinaigrette, and exuberantly dotted with pistachios (also from trees). Finish the meal with an old-fashioned cake brimming with apples and walnuts, and studded with cranberries.

Winter Salad with Radicchio, Oranges, Pistachios, and YogurtyOrange Vinaigrette Servings: 4 Romaine and arugula join forces with radicchio and fresh orange sections, and an orange-laced yogurt dressing coats the leaves, allowing a scattering of pistachios to adhere at random. If you choose to form a bed of couscous or extra yogurt underneath each serving, you will be rewarded with an extra layer that both absorbs the delicious trickledown juices and also boosts the volume of the dish, herding it into light main-dish terrain.

You can wash and spin the salad leaves (keeping them cold and very dry), prepare the vinaigrette, and section the oranges well ahead of time. Dress and finish the salad immediately before serving.

The tangy vinaigrette, freestanding, will keep very well-for weeks-in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator. Shake well, or stir from the bottom, before using.

Cranapple Walnut Cake Servings: about 8 You will likely want to serve this a la mode with some excellent vanilla ice cream. If you anticipate this need, be sure to have the ice cream on hand before you begin.

The cake is quite sweet as is. If you are going to serve it with the ice cream, you might want to reduce the sugar a notch or two-maybe to 1 1/2 cups. If you buy extra-fresh whole cranberries in season and freeze some, you can enjoy them yearround. No defrosting necessary. Use nonstick spray.

Courtesy of Mollie Katzen

Cranapple walnut cake.

Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups (packed) light brown sugar 1/2 cup grapeseed or canola oil 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (also called “white whole wheat”) (could also be unbleached all-purpose) 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 medium apples (about _ pound)peeled and thinly sliced 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (chopped to the size of peanuts) 1/2 pound fresh (or frozen) whole cranberries

Directions: 1) Lightly spray a 9 X 13-inch pan with nonstick spray. Heat the oven to 375°F. 2) In a medium-large bowl, beat together the sugar, oil, and vanilla.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.

3) In a second bowl, combine the flour with the other dry ingredients until thoroughly blended. Add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring until combined, folding in the fruit and nuts as you go. The batter will be very thick.

4) Patiently spread the batter into the prepared pan (take your time spreading it in place) and bake in the center of the oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan, and the top surface

Vinaigrette ingredients: 1 heaping tablespoon finely minced shallot 1 teaspoon agave nectar or honey 3 tablespoons orange juice 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1/4 teaspoon salt (rounded measure) 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup plain yogurt (regular or Greek)

Salad ingredients 1/2 pound very fresh radicchio (any type) A handful of small arugula leaves About 6 perfect, crisp romaine leaves 2 oranges, sectioned 1/2 cup lightly toasted pistachios Optional Enhancement: Spread a bed of yogurt and/or couscous on the plate underneath the salad, as a bed to catch the dressing (and to make this more of a light main course).

Vinaigrette Directions: 1. Combine the shallot, agave or honey, orange juice, vinegar, and salt in a small bowl, and whisk to thoroughly blend.

2. Keep whisking as you drizzle in the olive oil, keeping up the action until it is completely incorporated.

3. Stir/whisk in the yogurt and mix until uniform. Cover and refrigerate until use.

Salad Directions: 4. Have the cleaned, dried salad leaves in a large-enough bowl.

Break them into bite-sized pieces as desired.

5. Add about 6 tablespoons of the vinaigrette, tossing as you go, to thoroughly coat all the leaves. Add the orange sections toward the end, mixing them in gently so they don't break.

6. Sprinkle in the pistachios with the final toss, and serve pronto.

NATIONAL • 7

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

National Briefs University officials who opposed ASA boycott of Israel asked to follow suit for MLA measure (JNS) – Ahead of the consideration of a resolution condemning Israel at the Jan. 9-12 Modern Language Association (MLA) convention in Chicago, the leaders of Hillel International and the Israel on Campus Coalition (ICC) asked nearly 100 American university presidents, provosts, and campus officials who spoke against the American Studies Association’s (ASA) recent endorsement of an academic boycott of Israel to also publicly oppose the MLA measure.

Modern Language Association denies JNS press credential for convention (JNS) – The Modern Language Association (MLA) rejected a JNS application for a press credential to cover its Jan. 9-12 annual convention in Chicago.

Mark Aurigemma, a communications professional representing MLA, wrote in an email to the JNS reporter who applied that the convention “reserves media credentials for outlets and journalists that are substantively focused on academic issues.”

“In reviewing your request... we did not find anything that meets the convention’s criteria for media accreditation.

In its application, JNS had submitted nine examples of stories it has published on academic issues, including one authored by the reporter who applied.

‘Troycott’ Facebook campaign outvotes ASA boycott through education and dialogue (JNS) – A new Facebook campaign by McGill University American History professor Gil Troy, called “Troycott,” has garnered more than 1,100 “likes” in three days, topping the 827 votes of American Studies Association (ASA) members for a boycott of Israel.

Troy, who is also an iEngage Project Fellow with the Shalom Hartman Institute, said he was “particularly offended and contemptuous” of the recent ASA boycott and launched the Facebook page to try to top the ASA vote. He believes the best way to combat the ASA boycott

is through education and dialogue through programs like the iEngage Project, which emphasizes study and teaching rather than attacking.

Jewish teens return from Young Judaea winter break community service trips (JNS) – Young Judaea’s Alternative Winter Break program sent more than 100 North American Jewish high school students to partake in community development projects over winter break. One group of students went to New Orleans, where they helped renovate homes and rebuild the parts of the city still affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Another group traveled to Los Angeles to volunteer in shelters and food banks.

“Alternative Winter Break ensures that participants develop a sense of building community, get the chance to further explore their Jewish identity, and ultimately go home more committed and better equipped to offer service where it is most needed,” said Andrew Fretwell, Young Judaea’s Alternative Winter Break program manager.

Israel to name Arrow facility for Inouye WASHINGTON (JTA) – Israel will name an Arrow antimissile facility for Daniel Inouye, the longtime Hawaii senator who championed Israel in the U.S. Senate.

Inouye, who died in December 2012, was a Democratic senator for 50 years. He sold State of Israel Bonds in Hawaii in the 1950s before becoming a lawmaker and was active in pro-Israel issues during his long tenure in Congress.

Brandeis’ Jonathan Sarna to lead Jewish studies association NEW YORK (JTA) – Jonathan Sarna, a professor of American Jewish history at Brandeis University, was elected president of the Association for Jewish Studies at its annual meeting.

Sarna is the fourth Brandeis professor to serve in the role – one was his father, Nahum Sarna.

“This is a great honor to be a leading an organization that plays an important role in furthering Jewish Studies scholarship and education,” Sarna said.

“On a personal level, it means a great deal to me to be following in my father’s footsteps.”

Sarna is the chief historian of the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia and also serves as a JTA board member.

N.Y. Post sparks storm with cover story on Stark murder (JTA) – The New York Post is under fire for its cover story about the murder of Brooklyn Hasidic landlord Menachem Stark.

“Who Didn’t Want Him Dead?” blared the headline of the Sunday edition next to a photo of Stark, 39, wearing a large shtreimel and graying side curls.

New York City and state politicians, including state Sen.

Simcha Felder and City Councilman Stephen Levin, as well as many Brooklyn politicians, called on the Post to apologize, as did some Jewish media outlets with mostly Orthodox readers.

8 • INTERNATIONAL

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

Israeli celebrity chef injects hummus, ‘balagan’ into Jewish heart of Paris

By Cnaan Liphshiz PARIS (JTA) – In the elegant silence of a narrow street near the River Seine, David Moyal takes a breath of fresh winter air and enters a noisy restaurant in the French capital.

Inside Miznon, he is transported to another world, filled with the cacophony of Hebrew voices and Israeli music. A bustling new bistro that Moyal runs in the 4th arrondissement, Miznon is becoming hugely popular with Israelis and French Jews thanks to its Tel Aviv feel and audacious mission to pack Paris into a pita.

Inside, a few dozen customers are chatting and gesticulating while eating fusion dishes such as ratatouille with hummus, beef bourguignon with fried eggplant or a whole head of roasted cauliflower.

Sometimes a staffer will spontaneously start drumming on pots to songs by Yehoram Ga’on or the Dorbanim as one of his colleagues doles out complimentary glasses of mint tea.

“As you can see, we were going for good service but with

International Briefs Dutch soccer team leaves Israeli player home before competing in Abu Dhabi (JNS) – Dutch soccer club Vitesse has come under fire for its decision to travel to Abu Dhabi without star Israeli defender Dan Mori after United Arab Emirates officials barred Mori’s entry.

According to the Vitesse spokeswoman Esther Bal, the club originally had permission to bring Mori, but UAE officials withdrew the guarantee the day before the trip, DutchNews.nl reported.

“As a football club, we steer clear of politics and religion,” Bal said.

Lebanese Christians protest torching of library by Islamic extremists (JNS) – Hundreds of Lebanese Christians took to the streets in Tripoli to protest the torching of a decades-old library owned by a Greek Orthodox priest.

The demonstrators held up banners reading, “Tripoli, peaceful town” and “This is contrary to the values of the Prophet [Mohammed],” Ya Libnan reported.

On Friday night, assailants

Courtesy of Cnaan Liphshiz

The Paris outpost of the Tel Aviv restaurant Miznon serves fusion dishes of Israeli and French cuisine in a pita.

a healthy amount of Israeli 'balagan,' " Moyal says, using the Hebrew slang word that translates roughly as “hullabaloo.”

Opened in October in the heart of the Marais, the historically Jewish district on the right bank of the Seine, Miznon is the brainchild of Eyal Shani, a well-known Israeli television chef who owns a successful restaurant by the same name in Tel Aviv.

“My vision is to take whole

cities and translate them into one pita," Shani says. "So in this case, to take Paris’ energies, its groove, its longings, its limitations, its beauty and its food, and express all of that in one pita.”

Miznon is not the only Israeli restaurant in the Marais to offer pita power for a couple of euros. Next door is L'As Du Fallafel (The Falafel Ace), a Parisian eatery whose devoted clientele and 35 years in exis-

torched the personal library of Greek Orthodox Priest Ibrahim Surouj, destroying two-thirds of the 80,000 books and manuscripts.

by piece, taking advantage of the coverage provided by the Syrian civil war for its next confrontation with Israel.

Over the past year, Hezbollah’s efforts have largely been hindered by at least five Israeli airstrikes on its smuggling routes. In turn, Hezbollah has now attempted to smuggle the missiles in a piecemeal fashion, overseen by Iran’s al-Quds force, to avoid Israeli detection, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Pope Francis makes Israel trip official, will visit in May (JNS) – Pope Francis officially announced his plans to visit Israel from May 24-26.

“In the climate of joy, typical of this Christmas season, I wish to announce that from 24 to 26 May next, God willing, I will make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land,” Pope Francis said following his Sunday service, Vatican Radio reported.

Hundreds of Palestinians protest Kerry’s visit to Ramallah (JNS) – Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in the streets of Ramallah to protest U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday.

According to Reuters, Palestinian demonstrators evoked the popular street protests of the “Arab Spring” by chanting, “Kerry, you coward, there’s no place for you in Palestine!”

Hezbollah upgrading its missile arsenal from Syria (JNS) – The Lebanese-based and Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah has been secretly upgrading its missile arsenal piece

Up to 7,000 foreign jihadists reportedly fighting in Syrian civil war (JNS) – There are between 6,000 and 7,000 foreign jihadists fighting in the Syrian civil war, according to a report released Thursday by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center in Tel Aviv.

The report said that the two main jihadist factions in Syria are the al-Nusra Front (Jabhat alNusra), which is a branch of alQaeda in Syria under the command of Ayman al-Zawahiri, and its main competitor, the Islamic State in Iraq and Greater Syria.

Hamas and Muslim Brotherhood planned attacks on Egyptian Christians over Christmas (JNS) – Terror groups affiliated with Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood had cooperated to plan attacks on churches in the

tence have made it into something of an institution here.

Moyal, 32, says he is unfazed by the competition.

“The Ace have nothing to do with what we’re about,” he says. “They are selling Israeli food from the 1970s. We are offering a taste of contemporary Tel Aviv mixed with Paris.”

Some Israeli fans of Miznon become indignant at the mere comparison.

“Miznon is one of the few places where you can get real hummus, which they cook and make here,” says Hen Solomon, who has been living in Paris for several years. “The rest of the restaurants here sell the cliche of Israeli food, shwarma and falafel. That’s bull****. Been there, done that.”

Still, Ace does have its own card to play. Unlike Miznon, which is kosher style, the Ace is certified kosher.

The fact that Miznon is situated in the heart of the Marais carries special significance for Moyal, who grew up here. Once clotted with Jewish shops and restaurants, the area has grown more chic and become less

Jewish in recent years.

“It’s very important for me that Miznon is keeping Jewish presence here,” Moyal says.

If Miznon succeeds in becoming a hub for Israel-born expats in Paris -- a population some estimate at approximately 5,000 -- it would be a first, according to Ariel Kandel, the Jewish Agency’s head of operations in France.

“Paris doesn’t have any of those Israeli hangouts you see in New York, London or Amsterdam,” Kandel says.

“Maybe Miznon will become just that. So far their marketing has been brilliant.”

Indeed, the restaurant has received rave reviews from some of France’s hippest publications, including L'Express Styles, Nous Paris, Time Out and Le Figaro, among others. In addition to non-Jewish clients, the publicity has brought in a stream of French Jews.

“We can’t afford a ticket to Israel every week, so we come here to be reminded,” says Nathalie ben Chetrit, a Miznon regular. “But we also come for the banane au chocolat.”

northern Sinai Peninsula over the Christmas holiday, according to a report in the Kuwaiti daily AlWatan.

The attacks were planned for the Coptic Christian Christmas on Jan. 7. According to the report, Sinai terror groups were told to expect weapons and funds to arrive through Gaza’s smuggling tunnels “via three members of the Hamas military wing.” But Egyptian intelligence prevented the attacks by intercepting conversations between the Sinai and Gaza terrorist groups.

scheduled to visit Israel in February, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced.

Cameron is scheduled to arrive in mid-February, while Merkel will arrive a week later. The visit will be the first for Cameron since becoming prime minister in 2010.

Merkel last visited in 2011.

IDF purchases field-ready smartphones (By Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS) – The Israeli Defense Ministry’s acquisition department recently finalized a deal with Motorola for a durable, field-tested smartphone that would allow Israel Defense Forces troops to communicate and share encrypted data.

The Motorola smartphone platform was selected after comprehensive testing carried out by the Defense Ministry and the IDF’s teleprocessing unit. According to the deal, Motorola will supply smartphones and establish a secure network for the devices.

British and German leaders to visit Israel in February (JNS) – British Prime Minister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are

Egyptian astrologer warns Jews will grow stronger in 2014 (JNS) – An Egyptian astrologer has predicted on television that the Jewish people will grow stronger in 2014 because Saturn will enter a fire sign in December of this year.

Egyptian astrologer Sayyed Al-Shimi said on Al-Nahar TV that many events in past Jewish and Israeli history happened under similar astrological conditions, according to the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).

“When Saturn enters any of the fire signs, the Jews grow stronger.

Don’t believe in this merely because I say so. It’s been tested.

The Balfour Declaration was released when Saturn was in the fire sign of Leo… the 1948 [War of Independence] took place when Saturn was in the fire sign of Leo. The 1956 [Sinai War] took place when Saturn was in the fire sign of Sagittarius. The 1967 [Six Day War] took place when Saturn was in the fire sign of Aries,” he said.

INTERNATIONAL / ISRAEL • 9

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

Israel’s circumcision interventions draw mixed reception from European Jews

By Cnaan Liphshiz Contributing Columnist PARIS (JTA) – The Israeli government is wading into the burgeoning European debate over circumcision and receiving a mixed reception from the continent’s Jews.

On Dec. 11, Israel initiated a motion in defense of circumcision at the Council of Europe, an intergovernmental organization devoted to enhancing cooperation among its 47 member states. Intended to offset a nonbinding October resolution approved by the council’s Parliamentary Assembly that condemned non-medical circumcision of boys, the Israeli initiative will be reviewed in January and possibly put to a vote by the assembly.

The earlier resolution

shocked both Jewish and Muslim groups and threatened to internationalize an anti-circumcision campaign that, until now, has been waged mostly by local activists working in individual European countries.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs got involved following the passing of this resolution because claims that milah [Jewish circumcision] hurts boys go against the essence of the State of Israel and its responsibility for the fate of Jews everywhere,” said Nimrod Barkan, Israel’s ambassador to UNESCO, who spearheaded the motion.

The growing campaign to limit ritual circumcision of boys has generated considerable concern in Israel. The chairman of the Knesset committee on the Jewish Diaspora, Yoel

Courtesy of Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Former Israeli Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger addressing journalists following a 2012 court decision in Cologne, Germany, that the practice violates the bodily integrity of a child.

Razbozov, said in October that if bans are enacted, circumcisions should be performed at Israeli embassies in such countries. But Israel’s incipient role

as defender of European Jewry is dividing local activists, with some warning that Israeli involvement could complicate the lives of Jews in Europe.

“Jewish communities don’t want to mistakenly be regarded as an extension of the political State of Israel,” said Rabbi Lody van de Kamp, a well-known Dutch Orthodox figure. “Any involvement from the state in religious issues in the Diaspora communities’ work in that way [is] counterproductive.”

Representatives of Jewish groups active on the circumcision issue in Europe say that as an observer state at the Council of Europe, Israel has every right to lobby on issues of concern.

But in off-the-record talks, some Jewish activists expressed worry that Israel is getting involved in an issue that does not directly

concern it and with which it has limited experience.

“It’s not always beneficial to have the Israelis wade in,” one European activist said on condition of anonymity, citing a need to maintain good working relations with Israelis. “They do things differently to how we would.”

The activist recalled a vocal disagreement that leaders of Germany’s Jewish community had last year with Eli Yishai, who at the time was Israel’s minister of internal affairs, and Yona Metzger, who was then Israel’s chief Ashkenazi rabbi.

(Metzger has since been arrested in Israel on fraud and bribery charges.) Germany’s Central Council of Jews said that the Israelis had done more harm CIRCUMCISION on page 22

Bringing it all back home: Tu B’Shevat in Israel

By Deborah Fineblum (JNS) – Israelis know that each and every tree is precious. When the pioneers of the Jewish state first cast their eyes on the Promised Land, it was barren. There were no natural forests to be had. And now, just consider: Israel is the only country in the world that ended the 20th century with more trees than it started with. In just six decades, Israelis have literally sunk down roots.

Of course, Israel did not accomplish this alone. Diaspora Jews have grown up dropping coins into little blue-and-white pushkes (tin

cans), coins earmarked for planting trees in Israel. Many lucky enough to travel to Israel in their youth recall sticking slippery little saplings into the ground, knowing that each one made the fledgling Jewish state that much stronger.

Each sapling and coin has done its part to “green” the Jewish state.

Since 1903, the Jewish National Fund (JNF) has planted 250 million trees indigenous to the Middle East, such as native oaks, carob, redbud, almond, pear, hawthorn, cypress, and the exotic Atlantic cedar. JNF has also developed more than 250,000 acres of land and 1,000 parks.

Tu B’Shevat-the Jewish New Year for trees, celebrated Jan. 16 this year-grew out of the tithes (the amount Jewish law requires to be donated) that Jews take from the produce grown in Israel. The date when new fruits are officially assigned to the New Year is the 15th of the Hebrew calendar month Shevat, hence the holiday’s timing.

Today, Jews around the world mark Tu B’Shevat by eating fruit, particularly the kinds mentioned in the Torah as Israel’s natural gifts: grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates.

HOME on page 22

Courtesy of Nati Shohat/Flash90

Two-year-old Hagai, and his parents Ofra and Eyal, choose plants in a nursery in Eshtaol, Israel, in celebration of Tu B’Shevat on Jan. 19, 2011.

Originating in Kabbalah, Tu B’Shevat seder transforms into conduit for environmental activism

By Diana Burmistrovich (JNS) – A simple way to celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish New Year for trees, is to grow a plant or eat some fruit. But those seeking a deeper experience with the holiday may choose to take part in a “Tu B’Shevat seder”-not to be confused with the Passover version.

“Tu B’Shevat needed a major ritual, and the seder provides us with that,” entrepreneur, educator, and blogger Rabbi Jason Miller told JNS. “Based on the seder of Passover, this is an educational forum and symposium in which we can discuss and also recommit ourselves to the environment.”

Kabbalists from the northern Israeli city of Safed in northern Israel created the ritual of the Tu B’Shevat seder to celebrate the idea that even God’s smallest creations-be they tree, pomegranate,

or date-are all equal within nature’s grand web. The initial ritual was outlined in “Peri Etz Hadar” (Fruit of the Goodly Tree), part of an anthology of Kabbalistic customs called the “Heindat Yamun.”

While Tu B’Shevat is widely celebrated in the Jewish world as the religion’s counterpart to Arbor Day, fewer Jews employ the seder ritual on this occasion. Many Jews are troubled by the seder’s apparent roots in the texts written by followers of the 17th-century false messiah known as Shabbatai Zvi. Like the Passover seder, the Tu B’Shevat version relies on the recitation of blessings and the drinking of wine, with a greater emphasis on fruit. Each group of fruit eaten at the Tu B’Shevat seder represents different ways that trees provide for us. Before eating each kind of fruit, a blessing is said and a spiritual question related to that

Courtesy of Gilabrand via Wikimedia Commons

Dried fruit and nuts on a platter, traditionally eaten on Tu B’Shevat.

kind of fruit is asked.

To fully appreciate nature’s bounty, Kabbalists matched up Israel’s regional fruit to symbolize the four physical elements: air, earth, water, and fire.

• Assiyah, or earth, is symbolized by fruits or nuts with an outer shell and fruit within. This includes wal-

nuts, pomegranates, pistachios, and coconuts.

• Yetzirah, or water, is symbolized by fruits with edible outer flesh and inedible cores. This includes cherries, apricots, olives, and plums.

• Briyah, or air, is symbolized by fruit that is entirely edible. This includes apples, pears, figs, and raisins.

• Atzilut, or fire, is not symbolized by fruit but by things that represent God’s presence all around us. This can include smelling something natural like pine, cedar, or spices.

It is no coincidence that the fruits included in the seder don’t fall far from the tree. The constant imagery of trees is intended to invoke our connection to the earth and our Jewish responsibility as its stewards. Looking from the roots at the bottom to the fruits among the leaves acts as a reminder that when everything is connected,

each small action by a human reverberates throughout the universe.

“Trees are so important in Jewish thought that the Torah itself is called ‘a tree of life.’ Perhaps this Torah wisdom can help us think more wisely about using these resources carefully and living in a more sustainable way,” write Dr. Akiva Wolff and Rabbi Yonatan Neri in their article “Trees, Torah, and Caring for the Earth” as part of Jewcology’s “Year of Jewish Learning on the Environment.”

Though the origins of the Tu B’Shevat seder may be hazy, the intention to deepen our connection with nature and assure the preservation of its bounty has lead to environmental activism’s increased relevance within the context of celebrating the Tu B’Shevat holiday.

10 • ISRAEL

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

A guide to Israel’s ancient and historic trees

By Michael Brown (JNS) – In 2013, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) published a survey of mature trees in Jerusalem that was “the most comprehensive of the recent SPNI surveys, including some 4,000 trees,” according to the society's marketing and communications coordinator, Danielle Berkowitz.

Many of the trees identified through such surveys have rich histories and stories attached to them.

In fact, hundreds of trees throughout the Jewish state illuminate fascinating aspects of Israeli history and culture. Ahead of Tu B'Shevat, the Jewish Arbor Day, JNS presents a small sampling of those trees.

Gethsemane Olives Behind a high-stone wall, just outside the Old City walls, stand some of the most famous trees in Jerusalem, if not the entire country.

These trees, producing the olives of Gethsemane, are set in a small grove revered by Christians because of its connection to Jesus.

In 2012, the National Research Council of Italy, along with researchers from several Italian universities, investigated the eight trees at the site. Samples of wood were taken from several of the trees and carbon-dated to 1092, 1166, and 1198. That would make the

Courtesy of Zvi Roger via Wikimedia Commons

The Bahai Gardens in Haifa.

trees at least 900 years old-ancient by any standard!

It is possible that the trees could be even older. Olives will readily sprout from the roots, so if the top growth of the trees was cut down or died at some point in time, then their true age may not be accurately reflected.

Gush Etzion The Lone Oak in Gush Etzion, located halfway between Jerusalem and Hebron, has served as an area landmark for more than 600 years.

After the 1948 War of Independence, it became a symbol of Jewish return to the land.

Today, Gush Etzion is a collection of kibbutzim, moshavim, and general of Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv, said Monday. “The threat to his life has not decreased; it may have even increased.”

In addition to multiple organ failure, Sharon is suffering from a blood infection, according to the doctor.

Sharon, 85, has been in a comalike state since he had a major stroke in January 2006. With the exception of a short furlough to his ranch in Israel’s Negev Desert, Sharon has remained at Sheba since his stroke.

Israel Briefs

Courtesy of Flash90

Ariel Sharon is pictured in Jerusalem with the Temple Mount in the background on July 24, 2000.

Sharon needs ‘miracle’ to stop deterioration, doctor says JERUSALEM (JTA) – The condition of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon continues to deteriorate as his organs slowly shut down.

“Unless there is a turn on the level of a miracle, his condition will get worse and worse from day to day,” Dr. Zeev Rotstein, director

Palestinian arrested for stabbing Jewish girl, 9, in West Bank JERUSALEM (JTA) – A Palestinian man was arrested and confessed to stabbing a 9-year-old girl in a West Bank settlement.

Abdullah Abu Kabita, 21, was arrested last week for the October attack on Noam Glick in Psagot.

Noam was attacked while standing on the porch of her home.

On Monday, pipe bombs thrown at Rachel’s Tomb near Bethlehem injured one worshiper. The attack came several hours after a firebombing at an Israeli military base near Bethlehem.

On Sunday, Palestinians threw four firebombs and rocks at an Israeli car riding west of Bethlehem,

were uprooted.

During the 19 years the Gush Etzion area was under Jordanian control, the Lone Oak was just about the only identifiable landmark visible from the Jerusalem hills. It came to symbolize the former residents’ desire to return to their homes (and in fact today, the oak is the logo for the regional council).

After the 1967 Six Day War returned Gush Etzion to Israel, the sons and daughters who had been evacuated during the siege requested permission to return to their lands. The first kibbutz there, Kfar Etzion, was re-established in September 1967.

villages with more than 70,000 residents. Though the land was purchased in the 1920s, the first successful settlements there started in the early and mid-1940s. By 1947, the total population was 450 people.

On November 29, 1947, life at Gush Etzion changed forever. On this date, the United Nations voted on the plan to partition Palestine.

Less than two weeks later, the settlements found themselves under siege, and over the next few months they were under continuous attack. Within six months, hundreds of settlers had been massacred or taken as prisoners. Their buildings were completely destroyed, and thousands of trees

Hurshat Tal Hurshat Tal is one of the northern jewels in Israel’s national park system. Expansive lawns, together with streams and pools of clear cool water, combine to make this a particularly inviting spot. The park is dotted with hundreds of huge Mt. Tabor oaks that are among the largest in the country.

According to local legend, 10 of the Prophet Mohammed’s messengers once rested in Hurshat Tal. With no trees to provide shade or hitching posts, they pounded their staffs into the ground to fasten their horses. Overnight, the staffs grew into trees, and in the morning the men awoke to find themselves in a beautiful forest.

causing damage to the car.

Also Monday, a rocket fired by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip landed in the Negev Desert, where it caused no damage or injuries.

France, Britain, Canada, Romania, Sweden, Italy and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, or UNHCR, among others, according to reports.

Kerry leaves Israel without framework agreement as West Bank housing plans published JERUSALEM (JTA) – Israel published plans to build nearly 300 West Bank apartments as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry wrapped up a visit to the Middle East without an official framework agreement between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators.

Kerry left Israel for the United States on Monday after pressing U.S.-brokered Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations for several days.

Judea and Samaria communities won’t be evacuated in peace deal, Netanyahu says (JNS) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a Likud party faction meeting on Monday that there would be no evacuation of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria in a peace deal resulting from the current U.S.-brokered Israeli-Palestinian conflict negotiations.

Protesting African migrants march on Tel Aviv embassies JERUSALEM (JTA) – Thousands of asylum-seeking African migrants marched on foreign embassies in Tel Aviv, asking them to pressure Israel to consider their refugee requests and release those in prison.

At least 2,000 protesters demonstrated Monday in front of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, and hundreds of others in front of the embassies of

Pipe bomb thrown at Rachel’s Tomb wounds Israeli man (JNS) – An Israeli man was wounded in the face on Monday after a pipe bomb thrown toward the upper parking lot at Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem exploded, Israel Hayom reported. The bomb was thrown from the Palestinian side of the complex.

The man, 25, had gone to the site to pray. After he was wounded, he refused to be taken to the hospital, and received medical treatment at the scene from Magen David Adom medics who had arrived from Jerusalem.

Bahai Gardens, Haifa One of Israel’s major tourist destinations, and a World Heritage site to boot, the Bahai World Centre is an architectural and landscaping masterpiece. Haifa and its northern neighbor Akko have great significance for the 5 million adherents of this 19th-century religion.

The genesis of the gardens came in 1891, when Bahai religious leader Baha’u’llah ascended the Carmel mountain with his son.

Together, they walked until they arrived at a small clump of cypress trees. At that point, Baha’u’llah indicated to his son that this would be the future center of Bahai.

Today, the small clump of cypress trees can still be found on the grounds of the garden – little changed from how they appeared more a hundred years ago.

So, next time you visit Israel and pass by a gnarled ancient tree, take a moment to reflect on the story behind the tree. Perhaps it was planted by early Jewish colonists working for the Turkish authorities, or perhaps it has outlived whole towns or villages that existed on the same spot in previous centuries. At one point, it may have been a landmark in an otherwise barren countryside now crowded with buildings and automobiles. Every tree has a story.

You just have to ask.

The past year has seen a rise in the number of security-related incidents at Rachel’s Tomb, with Palestinians there hurling rocks, fire bombs, and sometimes homemade pipe bombs almost every day toward the walled complex.

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef’s Talmud set to go up for auction (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS) – When Rabbi Ovadia Yosef died last October, the former Sephardi chief rabbi of Israel and spiritual leader of the Shas political party left behind a unique Talmud set originally published in Munich in 1949. Later this month, the Kedem Auction House in Jerusalem will publicly auction the set, a series of 19 books that is the first Talmud edition printed in its entirety after the Holocaust in Germany.

The set is expected to fetch between $40,000 and $50,000, and was designed to commemorate the fact that it was printed on German soil, featuring illustrations of a Jewish township and a concentration camp with the caption, “A labor camp in Ashkenaz in the days of the Nazis,” and a passage from Psalms (119:176) reading, “I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek thy servant.”

SOCIAL LIFE • 11

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

CEDAR VILLAGE: OPENING MINDS THROUGH ART Cedar Village Retirement Community in Mason, the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University and The Rookwood Pottery Co. of Cincinnati collaborated in a ground-breaking program called Opening Minds through Art in November. About 35 Cedar Village residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia created Rookwood tiles. In these photos, students from Miami University and the University of Cincinnati as well as some community volunteers worked one-on-one with the Cedar Village residents to paint the tiles. The tiles went on display at Cedar Village in December after Rookwood fired the tiles in a kiln.

More photos on Page 12 A wide view shows Cedar Village residents working on the tiles with the college students and other volunteers.

A Cedar Village resident works closely with a student.

A close-up view shows a Cedar Village resident using a sponge to paint a tile.

A Cedar Village resident reacts with delight as the painting session begins.

Two participants take a break as a painted tile sits on a work table.

A framed tile is admired at Cedar Village.

12 • CINCINNATI JEWISH LIFE

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CEDAR VILLAGE: OPENING MINDS THROUGH ART Continued from Page 11

Miami University student Audrey Zimmerman smiles as she discusses the art project with a Cedar Village resident.

A volunteer and a Cedar Village resident work hand in hand to paint a tile.

A Cedar Village resident shows his appreciation to student Ashley Martin for her help.

Elizabeth Lokon, OMA’s founder, standing, reacts with joy as she looks at a tile painted by a Cedar Village resident. UC student Jill Germana, with back to the camera, looks on.

After being fired in a kiln by Rookwood Pottery, the framed tiles went on display at Cedar Village.

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14 • DINING OUT

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Johnny Chan 2 offers award-winning cuisine, lunch buffet of favorites

by Bob Wilhelmy One fact a writer learns in covering the restaurant scene is that eateries come and go with amazing rapidity. Here today, gone tomorrow.

Poof!

Granted, I have no statistics to cite, but Chinese or Asian-themed restaurants are subject to their share of flashes in the pan—or should it be flashes in the wok? Whatever one calls it, Johnny Chan 2 is one Chinese establishment with staying power, coming up on its 16th year in business later in 2014.

Over those years, Johnny Chan 2 has regularly gained awards of both local and national prominence. One of the most prestigious is from Chinese News, a periodical with a devotional focus not unlike the American Israelite. The publication rated Johnny Chan 2 among the top 100 best Chinese restaurants in the United States! How many Chinese restaurants are there in Uncle Sam’s domain? No clue, but a safe bet is in the many thousands. New York City alone probably has hundreds. So too San Francisco, and travelers usually can find at least one Chinese restaurant even in the most miniscule hamlets, burgs and East Tree Stumps all across America.

Point is, being voted in the top 100 is a big deal. Link that up with kudos from a number of local publications and you get the picture.

I’d say if you are hungry for Chinese, or just want to go to a good restaurant, head to Johnny Chan 2.

You’ll find the typical broadsheet menu, loaded with choices. The difference for me is that the food is always hot, tasty and beautifully prepared and presented.

Given all the choices on a Chinese menu, the novice diner may not be sure what to select. That would be a good reason to head to Johnny Chan 2 for the lunch buffet, where the selection will allow you to try many popular dishes. “People come here for lunch, they say: ‘Oh, very good; everything fresh.’ They like the lunch buffet,” said Frank Shi, proprietor and GM of Johnny Chan 2. Patron enthusiasm is generated by entrée dishes such as Mongolian beef, but the buffet features many dishes, including chicken, vegetarian and fried rice entrée items.

That’s one of the secrets of success of this Chinese eatery’s lunch buffet. Shi says that his kitchen staff is constantly replenishing the entrée selections of the buffet. They do that to keep the buffet trays full, but also to keep every item hot, fresh and appetizing. “Not enough to just put food out, then not pay attention.

Have to watch; bring out fresh all the time,” he said.

We all know what he means.

I’ve been at buffets where the food tends to be steamed to death, dried

The luncheon buffet at Johnny Chan 2.

Nicely presented plated entrée dishes direct from the wok.

out and stuck to the bottom of the serving tray. Shi promises you will never find that at his lunch buffet, since attention to freshness is a constant. The buffet is a bargain at $7.25 for all you can eat, and at $8.80 with an accompanying drink.

Beyond the buffet, another difference Shi pointed to at his Chinese restaurant is “hand skill,” which amounts to his way of saying homemade quality. “We make by hand, all sauces. Our food is all fresh and high quality.” He said that many restaurants specializing in Chinese

and Asian foods rely on pre-packaged or canned foods for the most part. The pre-made approach results in less flavor and inferior dishes in the end, he claimed. “Food not as good if you don’t have that hand skill.”

Having eaten many meals at Johnny Chan 2, I have my favorites.

Among these are: orange beef and sesame beef; Mongolian beef and beef pepper steak; chicken with eggplant and yu hsiang chicken; General Tao’s chicken and sesame chicken (the sesame chicken is

The exterior of the restaurant.

exceptional!); the steamed walleye, at market, and big enough to share with one or two others; and the vegetarian eggplant Shanghai style, and spicy Szechuan string beans.

All the entrée dishes in my personal-favorite category are generously large, and I regularly resort to doggie bags for take-home, and another meal at least. As with most Chinese restaurant menus, Johnny Chan 2 features an array of Chinese dishes, including moo shu selections, soups, seafood, vegetarian, noodle entrees, fried rice, and a long

list of house specialties that include entrees such as sizzling pan-fried noodles, mango chicken and walleye filet Shanghai style.

See you at Johnny Chan 2!

Johnny Chan 2 11296 Montgomery Rd. The Shops at Harper’s Point 489-2388

DINING OUT • 15

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

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16 • OPINION

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Hamas closed 2013 not with a bang, but a whimper

By Ben Cohen (JNS) – Israel ended 2013 in much the same way as previous years: facing a surge of terrorist activity from the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. On Dec. 24, Salah Shukri Abu Latyef, a 22-year-old Israeli Defense Ministry worker who was repairing the border fence with Gaza, was shot dead by a Palestinian sniper. Abu Latyef’s murder was followed by a series of rocket attacks that provoked response strikes from the Israeli military – which deemed that the assault directly threatened the 13,500 Israelis living in the immediate vicinity – on weapons manufacturing facilities in Gaza.

Israel’s explanation of its response was also little different from previous years. “The manufacturing of rockets in Gaza has no other purpose except to target Israel and its sovereignty, putting thousands of lives at risk,” said Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, the IDF’s spokesman. Exactly three years after the so-called Arab Spring descended on the region, bringing both the promise of political change and the threat of even deadlier violence from jihadi groups, the fundamental menace that Hamas represents has remained unaffected by these broader developments. Israel is still the Islamist group’s eternal enemy, and its aim of destroying the Jewish state remains sacred.

But what has been profoundly altered is Hamas’s room to maneuver. Had this latest sequence of events unfolded five years ago – not just the murder of Abu Latyef and the rocket attacks, but the bomb explosion on a bus in the city of Bat Yam moments after the passengers were fortunately evacuated – it’s quite conceivable that we would have seen a military reaction on the part of the Israelis that stretched well into January.

Quite simply, Hamas does not enjoy that kind of clout anymore.

Over the past 12 months, the fortunes of the Muslim Brotherhood, the parent organization of Hamas that loudly proclaims, “Islam is the Solution,” have gone from a peak to a trough in a dizzyingly short space of time. In Tunisia, the governing Islamist Ennahda party was chastened by a coalition of secularist groups, and is currently in the final stages of handing over to a caretaker government. And in Egypt, where the Brotherhood was first formed in the late 1920s, the regime of Mohamed Morsi that came to power in 2012 was unseated by the Egyptian military, following angry demonstrations against the Brotherhood that, left unchecked, might have resulted in

a nasty civil war.

In these conditions, Hamas is just about clinging on to power in Gaza. But all the signs are that the Gaza Strip’s Palestinian residents are becoming more and more fed up with Islamist rule. Recently, a fuel crisis triggered by Egypt’s destruction of tunnels from Sinai into Gaza that had been used for smuggling, as well as a tax hike on fuel prices engineered by the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, compelled Hamas to cancel the celebrations around the 26th anniversary of its formation. And when leading Palestinians gathered for a conference about political unity in the Qatari capital of Doha, the proceedings merely underlined their deepest differences. Fatah, reported the Saudi Gazette, has been left “with a feeling of impasse,” while Hamas “is hardly more ebullient.”

Continued the Gazette, “The lack of a shared vision – the Islamic militant group depends on force and Fatah continues to negotiate – only deepens the sense of fragmentation, said participants.”

All this suggests that a killer blow to Hamas might be dealt as early as 2014 – and will emanate not from Israel, but from Egypt.

One IDF officer has even spoken of an Egyptian “strategic decision to paralyze Hamas.”

Such a decision would certainly be in keeping with Egypt’s strategy towards the Muslim Brotherhood at home, along with its determination to defeat the jihadi fighters who have gathered in Sinai. Following the recent suicide bombing against a security compound in Mansoura, which left 16 people dead and more than 100 wounded, the Cairo authorities banned the Brotherhood by declaring it a “terrorist organization.” Freedom and Justice, the Brotherhood’s Orwellian-sounding newspaper, has been shut down, and a huge number of social and welfare organizations associated with the organization have had their bank accounts frozen.

Should Egyptian pressure lead to the collapse of Hamas, Gaza’s problems are unlikely to be solved overnight.

The Palestinian Authority will find it difficult to assert itself in the Gaza Strip, while smaller and more radical jihadi groups could mushroom amidst the vacuum. Crucially, in neither the West Bank nor Gaza has a political force emerged to give Israel confidence in the negotiating process. For the foreseeable future, then, Gaza will retain all the trappings of a failed state but with a diminished capacity to wage terror.

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The legal case for Judea and Samaria

By Nadav Shragai (JNS) – If international legitimacy for the settlement enterprise were a horse, one could say that it’s been long out of the barn. Those roaming the halls of power worldwide – from the White House in the era of Barack Obama and John Kerry to the United Nations – have for years regarded the territories of Judea and Samaria as Palestinian territory that is currently under occupation.

The hostile attitude toward the settlement enterprise is a natural, direct derivative of this premise. If we were to make a gross generalization, the world has adopted the Palestinian narrative as it relates to the legal status of the territories.

Even those who negotiate on behalf of the State of Israel, men and women who officially adhere to the party line that Judea and Samaria, the cradle of Jewish civilization and peoplehood, is not occupied territory, have long ceased to make this statement publicly, just as they haven’t even bothered to make use of a long list of legal and historical arguments that support this position.

While it may seem that this train has long left the station, for months now a counterattack has been waged over “the historical, legal truth.”

This is a campaign that is being waged by hundreds of jurists from Israel and abroad who aren’t making do with the usual “rights of our forefathers” or “Zionism” rejoinders that are now devoid of currency in the international arena and the High Court of Justice.

Last summer, right-wing organizations and settlers managed to bring together a number of highly regarded legal minds – including those who are not traditionally aligned with right -wing politics.

These individuals set out on a mission to change the terminology and

the legal discourse that the left has assumed control of for quite some time.

The battle over the narrative The so-called “new” jurists are really just dusting off old arguments that were first made and eventually accepted in the initial years following the Six-Day War. This new line of discourse categorically rejects the premise of “occupied territories.”

The State of Israel did indeed conquer Judea and Samaria in 1967 as the result of a war of self-defense, but from a legal standpoint these territories are not occupied since the foreign power that held these territories between 1948 and 1967 – Jordan – did so illegally.

These jurists note that with the exception of Britain and Pakistan, the international community refused to recognize the Jordanian annexation of the West Bank. Therefore, the legal status of these territories is in dispute. From the standpoint of international law, there is an enormous difference between occupied territories and disputed territories.

Those who bolster this argument – and some jurists do indeed do this – with what is referred to as “the historic right of the Jewish people to sovereignty over the Land of Israel” add another legal statement in support of their case: “Demanding the right to this sovereignty, which supersedes any counter-demand by the Palestinians.”

Jurists like Professor Talia Einhorn or Professor Eliav Shochetman, who are two of the more active legal experts in the group, note that this right was recognized by the international community from the time of the British Mandate for Palestine. This legal document granted national rights solely to the Jewish people, which were in turn reaffirmed in Article 80

of the United Nations Charter.

A legal case The renaissance that the “new jurists” are trying to infuse into the Judea and Samaria discourse has for years been trumpeted on the website of the Israeli Foreign Ministry. It has even been articulated into a codified doctrine by the former president of the Supreme Court, Meir Shamgar.

This case rested on a number of international resolutions and historical facts that were almost wiped clean from the public record, but in recent years have been resurrected by a number of organizations.

Two of these groups are drawing the most attention. First, there’s the Regavim Institute’s Center for Zionism, Justice, and Society. For years, Regavim has provided assistance in court cases that hear petitions brought on by left-wing groups against settlements in Judea and Samaria. The other organization is the Legal Forum for the Land of Israel, which was originally founded as a group dedicated to pursuing legal means to defeat the disengagement plan.

The Center for Zionism’s inaugural recently took place in Jerusalem. The occasion featured the unveiling of an impressive new book that delves into property laws and international law in Judea and Samaria.

One of the most noteworthy articles appearing in the book was written by Col. (res.) Daniel Reisner, the former head of the international law department in the IDF Military Advocate General’s Corps. Reisner is a jurist who is not aligned with the political right and who recognizes that the Palestinians also have claims to Judea and Samaria. In his article, he expresses understanding CASE on page 19

JEWISH LIFE • 17

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

embrace. Words and speech lead to meditation, books and authoritative judgments. Song and music lead to the drum of the rhythmic heartbeat.

Words and speech lead to the staff of the ruler and judge. Hence, Moses left a legacy of a Book of Books and a Code of Laws and Commandments, while Miriam left a legacy of a well from which poured living spring waters of regeneration and rebirth.

And as the sea is song-speech, the mountain is the speech-song.

The entire nation saw the sounds of Sinai; they saw the words, they saw the cantillations and the musical notes, they heard the music within the commandments and they felt the love within the laws.

A story is told that at a bitterly cold seuda shlishit (third meal of Shabbat), the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (17451812) was sitting with his hassidim when he instructed his beadle to go outside into the snow and bring in a teenage boy who was looking and listening through the icy windowpane. “But he is only a young Russian peasant,” said the beadle. “He is a Yiddishe neshama [Jewish soul],” the rebbe replied.

The young man was seated next to the rebbe. When the rebbe asked him who he was and where he came from, the boy explained that his Russian-Christian parents had found him one morning on their doorstep.

They had brought him up as their son and taken him to church every Sunday – but he had always felt drawn, as if by a magnet, to Jews and Judaism. “You were left

by Jewish parents escaping a pogrom; you are a Jew with a Yiddishe neshama,” explained the rebbe.

The rebbe began to speak words of Torah, transporting his hassidim to exalted, supernal heights. “Do you understand?” he asked the boy in Russian. “No, I don’t understand,” the boy replied. The rebbe began to give an involved analogy, a story within a story within a story. “Do you understand now?” he asked. “No, I don’t understand,” the confused boy replied. Whereupon the rebbe

began to sing a nigun – a tune without words. He sang, his hassidim sang, he clapped his hands and his hassidim clapped their hands.

And then they all rose, clasped hands, linked arms and danced rapturously around the holy ark.

And the boy also sang, danced and clapped his hands. With tears streaming down his face, he cried out, “Now I understand, I understand everything, the Torah and the analogy too!” We must join the staff of Moses to the drums of Miriam, the song-speech of the sea to the speech-song of the mountain, the lovingkindness of Miriam’s well to the laws of Moses. Moses’ commandments, the wisdom of the heart, must be joined to the hermeneutic interpretations of the mind. Then everyone will understand everything.

Shabbat Shira Shalom Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Chancellor Ohr Torah Stone Chief Rabbi – Efrat Israel

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T EST Y OUR T ORAH KNOWLEDGE THIS WEEK’S PORTION: BESHALLACH (SHEMOT 13:1-17-16) 1. What rained down from heaven? a.) Hail b.) Arrows c.) Manna 2. What happened in the evening that showed Hashem took The Children of Israel from Egypt? a.) The birds came to the camp b.) The Manna fell c.) Moshe threw the wood to sweeten the water 3. What showed the honor of Hashem? a.) Splitting of the Red Sea

5. A 17:11 Moshe raised his hands in prayer to inspire the Children of Israel to pray. His arms were tired and he needed help from Aaron and Chur to keep them raised. Ramban

EFRAT, Israel – The miracle at the Re(e)d Sea was expressed through song: the song sung by Moses and the Children of Israel and the song sung by Miriam with all of the women, amid drumming and dancing.

The miracle of the revelation at Sinai was expressed through words: “And Moses descended to the nation and he said unto them, ‘And God spoke all these words, saying...’” (Exodus 19:25, 20:1).

Song and music enter the heart and soul, whereas speech and words speak to the mind, the brain. Song and music create emotions, feelings; while speech and words create understanding and cognition. Song and music develop spirituality and faith; speech and words develop intellect and knowledge. Song and music lead to the wisdom of the heart; speech and words lead to the wisdom of the mind.

Song and music produce religious prophets; speech and words produce learned sages. Song and music can touch every individual deeply and profoundly. Speech and words can only move those with an intellectual background and innate ability.

Song and music reach out to all – as a group experience, inclusive, with everyone joining in.

Speech and words – meant for one who understands – are a teaching experience, an exclusive experience in which the most learned dominate.

Hence, Moses sings at the Red Sea, but it is a song-speech; Moses is a master of words and speech, not of music and song.

Hence, our Sages delay the timing of his song to the Messianic Age. Only then, “Moses will truly sing” (Talmud, Sanhedrin 91b). Now, at the Red Sea, Moses speak-sings and he, the teacher, speaks alone, after which everyone repeats the lesson in unison.

“Moses and the children of Israel after him.”

But Miriam sings with the beat of the drums. She responds to the miracle together with, and at the same time as, all the other women, in the united group experience of ecstatic joy. “And Miriam responded along with them, ‘Sing all of you unto the Lord...’” (Ex 15:21). Song and music lead to movement, dance and human

“And Miriam responded along with them, ‘Sing all of you unto the Lord...’” (Ex 15:21).

Song and music lead to movement, dance and human embrace.

b.) Sweetening of the waters c.) Falling of the Manna 4.With what did the Children of Israel test Hashem? a.) At the Red Sea b.) By the battle with Amalek c.) When there was no water 5. Where were Moshe's hands spread out in prayer? a.) War with Amalek b.) By the Red Sea c.) Moshe's hands were always spread out in prayer

showed Hashem's pleasure and love of the Children of Israel. It was covered top and bottom and there was time to collect and prepare it.

Rashi 4. C 17:2 They tested if Hashem could make water in a desert. Rashi

by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin

SHABBAT SHALOM: PARSHAT BESHALACH Exodus 13:17-17:16

Written by Rabbi Dov Aaron Wise

ANSWERS 1. C 16:4 The manna fell like rain. Ramban 2. A 16:6 The Children of Israel should realize that Hashem took them out of Egypt and not Moshe and Aaron.

3. C 16:7 The Manna came in a way which

Sedra of the Week

18 • JEWZ IN THE NEWZ

JEWZ

IN THE

By Nate Bloom Contributing Columnist Golden Globes Part II: Woody and Thespian Nominees The annual Golden Globe Awards, hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, will air live on NBC on Sunday.

WOODY ALLEN, 78, is this year’s recipient of the honorary Cecil DeMille Award, for lifetime achievement. There was a little drama last September when the award was announced: Would Allen personally accept the Demille on stage? Allen has been nominated for a combined total of 36 Oscars and Globes, winning six.

Only once has he made an award stage personal appearance – in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, he went to the 2002 Oscars ceremony and appeared on-stage to introduce a tribute film to New York City.

The drama ended last month when it was revealed that Diane “Annie Hall” Keaton, Woody’s great pal, would accept the DeMille on his behalf.

In my last column, I listed the Jewish nominees except those in the acting categories. Here are those Globe acting nominees: Film nominee: JOAQUIN PHOENIX, 39,“Her”; TV Nominees: best actress, drama: JULIANNA MARGULIES, 47, “The Good Wife.” Best actor, drama, LIEV SCHREIBER, 46, “Ray Donovan.” Best actress, comedy: LENA DUNHAM, 27,”Girls.” Best actor, comedy, ANDY SAMBERG, 35, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” Best actor mini-series, movie, MICHAEL DOUGLAS, 69, “Behind the Candelabra.” Best supporting actor, series, mini-series, or TV movie, JOSH CHARLES, 42, “The Good Wife” and COREY STOLL, 37, House of Cards.”

At the Movies: “Lone Survivor” and “Her” These two films got a very limited release late in December. They open in most cities in January. Both flicks were praised by most critics.

“Lone Survivor” is about a (real) 2005 Navy SEAL mission whose aim was to capture or kill a Taliban leader. Three of the four Seals who went on the (first phase) of the mission were killed. Mark Wahlberg plays the one surviving Seal. The others are played by BEN FOSTER, 33, Taylor Kitsch, and Emile Hirsch. (Hirsch isn’t Jewish, by the way. His last name stems from his only Jewish grandparent.)

“Survivor” director PETER BERG, 51, also wrote the script.

Berg, a former actor, is best known for his film “Hancock” and “Friday Night Lights” (both the original movie and the TV series of the

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NEWZ

same name.

Nice note: recently I viewed a local TV interview with the brother of Matthew Axelson, the Navy Seal whom Foster plays in “Survivor”.

He said that Foster captured his brother’s “reality” as well as anybody could have. Foster, by the way, is now filming a bio-pic about Lance Armstrong in which he plays Armstrong.

“Her” stars Joaquin Phoenix 39, as Theodore Twombly, a soulful man who makes a living writing heartfelt personal letters for others.

After a bad break-up, he comes across a new computer operating system with a female voice called “Samantha” (voiced by SCARLETT JOHANSSON, 28).

Twobly is delighted when Samantha’s programming allows her be intuitive, insightful, and even funny. Their ‘friendship’ grows into love.

Directed by SPIKE JONZE, 44, “Her” is the first film he has written alone. It is a top contender for Golden Globes and Oscars, like his three prior feature films (“Being John Malkovich”, “Adaptation” and “Where the Wild Things Are”).

As noted above, Phoenix was Globe nominated for his “Her” performance. There was a mini-campaign to get Johansson a nomination, too. But the Globes board refused to even consider a voiceonly role for an acting nomination.

Ghost Writers in the Sky Last month, actor SHIA LABEOUF, 27, admitted he grossly plagiarized the work of novelist and screenwriter DANIEL CLOWES, 52. A short film (“Howard Cantour”) that the actor wrote and released on-line in early December was quickly identified as being very much like a 2007 comic written by Clowes. Clowes is best known for his graphic novel, “Ghost World,” which was turned into a hit 2001 movie of the same name. Clowes got an Oscar nomination for his “Ghost World” screenplay.

Many on-line critics found LaBeouf’s apology inadequate and piled-on in social media. So, on New Year’s Day, LaBeouf hired a plane to fly above Los Angeles and skywrite, “I am sorry Daniel Clowes.” However, this stunt didn’t stifle all critics – some said it looked like LaBeouf just wanted more publicity, while others pointed out that Clowes lives in San Francisco.

I suppose these two guys, both Jewish, could turn their dispute over to a rabbinical court. Or they could refer it to the a Screen Actors Guild union credit panel. Most Guild panels would have almost as many Jewish members as a rabbinical court.

FROM THE PAGES 150 Y EARS A GO Our friend, Mr. M.J. Rosenberg, of New York, is making a tour through the Western States. We had the pleasure of meeting him at our office this week, enjoying good health and looking as fresh and hardy as ever. He is a true gentleman, scholar, and an agreeable companion. Our numerous friends will please pay to him their arrears, and also recommend him to various acquaintances, who desire to support our common cause, as the agent of the Israelite and Deborah.

The members of the Hebrew Ladies’ Benevolent Society of K. K. Adath Israel, of the city of Cincinnati, hereby offer a vote of thanks to each member of the Committee, for the exertion and good services rendered by them at the ball given for the benefit of the above-named Society, at the Metropolitan Hall, corner of Walnut and Ninth Streets, on the evening of December 9, 1863. – February 5, 1864

125 Y EARS A GO We herewith call your attention to the fact that the two Matzos Bakeries of Simon Bros. and Jos. Weil have been consolidated, and will be carried on under the firm name and style of Simon & Weil. Martin Simon, of Simon Bros., and Mrs. Jos. Weil will continue their long established business at our new place, 292 W. Sixth Street, where we have erected a very large bakery, with new machinery and bake-ovens, all of the latest and improved patents. We are prepared to fill orders in the largest quantities, and offer special inducements to Matzos bakers in furnishing them with their full supply as cheap as they themselves can bake it. Matzos, Matzos Meal, Potato Flour, Yontoftik Cakes, Maccaroons and Chocolate, all our own make, we offer at the very lowest prices. Also smoked Beef and Tongues. Address all orders and communications to Simon & Weil, 292 W. Sixth Street.

Mr. N. Wolf, of 73 Barr Street, is the proud father of a baby girl.

Weight, fifteen pounds.

Mrs. Leo Wise leaves Thursday for a visit to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. Goodman of Chicago. – January 10, 1889

100 Y EARS A GO Mr. J. Baer, formerly of Cincinnati, O., now of Danville, KY., and Miss Freda Hyman of Cincinnati, were married at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Brady on Locust Street, Walnut Hills, Dr. Grossman officiating.

A very unique event will occur in this city on January 12, when Miss Ida Mincowsky will be married to Aaron Hirschman. On the same day the parents of the prospective bride , Mr. and

Mrs. Philip Mincowsky, will celebrate their silver wedding, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Billor, grandparents of the bride, will celebrate their golden wedding. The celebration of these three events at one time is certainly most unusual.

Miss Hannah Cohen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred M. Cohen, entertained a large number of her friends, most of them college girls here on their vacation, at the home of her parents on Reading Road on New Year’s Afternoon. – January 8, 1914

75 Y EARS A GO Cincinnati delegates to the Union of American Hebrew Congregations January 15th-19th convention include: from Rockdale Temple, Lester A. Jaffe, Stanley Klein, Charles Ascheim, Sidney Rosin, C. Ralph Weil, Charles Israel, and Sigmund Freiberg; and from Wise Temple, Herbert R. Bloch, Professor Samuel S. Cohon, Siegfried Geimar, Philip L. Hershman, Jeffrey L. Lazarus, James M. Levy, Sidney Weil, and Rabbi Samuel Wohl.

Mr. and Mrs. Morris Signer, 829 Windham Avenue, announce the engagement of their daughter, Mary, to Mr. Herman Schottenstein, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Schottenstein of Columbus, O. Mr. Albert Mayer, Sr., has been elected head of Ohio Chapter 3, American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers.

Mr. Herbert Okrent has been chosen president of the Central Avenue Business Men’s Association. – January 12, 1939

50 Y EARS A GO Club 1828 News: Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet, eating her curds and whey. Along came a spider who sat down beside her and said, “Hey Lady!

You going to the Club 1828 mixer Sunday night?”. Sunday, January 12 in the Teenage Lounge at the JCC for pool, ping pong, dancing, Hootenany, and free refreshments. All those between 18-28 are invited. Cost per member, 25 cents. Membership fee is 25 cents.

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Nadler, 7657 Greenland Place, celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary, as well as Mrs. Nadler’s birthday, with their children, Mr. and Mrs. Martin S. Nadler and family, who visited them from Paramus, N.J. Additional congratulations came in the form of a long-distance phone call from Japan from another son and his family, Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Nadler and children.

Dr. and Mrs. Charles L. Claybon, of Roselawn, announce the engagement of their daughter, Marcia Ann, to Mr. Paul Harold Rubin of Roselawn.

Mr. Rubin is the son of Mrs. Freda Rubin and the late Mr. Joseph Rubin.

Miss Claybon attended the University of Cincinnati. Mr. Rubin

attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduated with honors from UC, where he is engaged in work leading to Masters’ degree in economics. A summer wedding is planned. – Janaury 9, 1964

25 Y EARS A GO Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Clair of Kettering, Ohio, announce the engagement of their daughter, Anita Lynn, to Dr. Murray Dock, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Dock of Indianapolis.

Miss Clair is a graduate of the University of Arizona and is a clinical dietician at the Jewish Hospital, Cincinnati. Dr. Dock received his D.D.S. degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. He is assistant professor of dentistry at Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati.

The wedding will take place at the Phoenix, Cincinnati, on Sept. 10.

Glen Manor and the Orthodox Jewish Home shared a joint program, Monday, January 9, because of the interest of Max Frankel and the Jewish Culture and Art Committee.

Many of the residents in the homes today find it difficult to go out in the evening for entertainment, so the entertainment came to Glen Manor. Lillian Lux, with an all-star supporting cast, came to perform song and dialogue in Yiddish for the residents. It was a wonderful program with the warmth of both the entertainers and the residents.

– January 19, 1989

10 Y EARS A GO Ever since she was eight years old, Teen of the Month Tamar Pentelak has been quite the little fish on her swim team. For 10 years, that was her passion, and this year her time committment has switched over into the world of art. Giving up swimming for art has been a rough transition for her, but it is something that she really enjoys.

Tamar attended school in London for three years, but sadly she didn’t bring home her uniform or a British accent. Tamar is now a senior at Sycamore High School, where she has been on the Honor Roll since she got to the school her sophomore year. She is also a proud member of the National Honor Society.

She is an active member of Northern Hills Synagogue. Tamar also is quite involved in their chapter of USY, and currentlys holds the position of president. Last summer Tamar travelled to Israel on USY’s Eastern Europe Israel Pilgrimage, “which, by the way, was amazing.” She hopes to return after graduation for Nativ, a year-long course in Israel. She is also on the Cincinnati Israel Teen Council.

Tamar spends “all hours of the week working on my artwork, “to create her portfolio, a collection of her best works. She hopes to major in art, and go into the field of interior design or architecture. – January 15, 2004

BUSINESS / COMMUNITY DIRECTORY / CLASSIFIEDS • 19

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

Isabelle Stamler, local author of ‘Sarah’s Ten Fingers’, to hold book signing Isabelle Stamler, Cincinnati author and retired schoolteacher from Wyoming and Saylor Park, didn’t need to look far for inspiration: the New York native essentially lived the novel she wrote, recently published in hardcover as “Sarah’s Ten Fingers”.

“The people are real, as are their stories. This is my family, my blood, as attached to me today as my grandmother’s 10 fingers were part of her,” said Stamler, a New York native and descendant of Eastern European immigrants.

In this artuflly crafted memoir, author Isabelle Stamler traces her family’s roots to the small Belarussian hamlet of Vashisht, narrating the story of their journey from Russia to a new life in New York City. Stamler moved to Cincinnati in the 1950s with her husband, who had landed a job at Rollman’s Department Store, after a raucous upbringing in Brooklyn,

Staten Island, and Coney Island during the pre- and post-World War 2.

The character of Sarah, an illiterate Soviet Union woman with the dream of moving to America with her family, is painted with a lush, historical, generation-spanning brush. Author Stamler boils life down on life’s terms, on an engaging memoir-based path from Russia to New York City and Cincinnati.

In the early 1900s, Sarah, a single mother of six, is trapped in the bloody upheaval marking the death of Czarist Russia, and the birth of the Soviet Union. Facing b i g otry, extreme poverty, and blood revolution, Sarah is determined to escape the catastrophe engulfing her family. She vows to bring them all to America.

Some highlights from the book include: skinning bombed-out horses on World War 1 battlefields for their hides; paying bribes to Eastern

European immigration officials to board the boat to America; pondering a Luftwaffe wave while a student at P.S. 61, in the days after Pearl Harbon; calling for a Jewish homeland at a 1943 Madison Square Garden rally; chowing down on Nathan’s Famous, then catching an Ingrid Bergman flick at the RKO Theater; and surviving as the ‘only living Jews on Cincinnati’s West Side.”

From the Great Depression through World War II and beyond, Sarah’s Ten Fingers tells a story of family trials and tribulations, and of ultimate survial undaunted, as a determined mother seeks a better life for herself and her family.

Stamler, 80, now lives in Cincinnati,where she enjoys her retirement and is working on another book. She will be signing books on Monday, January 13th, at 6:00 p.m., at Joseph Beth Booksellers in Hyde Park.

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS 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 Chabad (513) 731-5111 • campchabad.org Camp Livingston (513) 793-5554 •camplivingston.com Cedar Village (513) 754-3100 • cedarvillage.org Chevra Kadisha (513) 396-6426 Cincinnati Community Kollel (513) 631-1118 • kollel.shul.net Cincinnati Community Mikveh (513) 351-0609 •cincinnatimikveh.org Eruv Hotline (513) 351-3788 Fusion Family (513) 703-3343 • fusionnati.org Halom House (513) 791-2912 • halomhouse.com Hillel Jewish Student Center (Miami) (513) 523-5190 • muhillel.org Hillel Jewish Student Center (UC) (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) 214-1200 Jewish Information Network (513) 985-1514 JVS Career Services (513) 936-WORK (9675) • www.jvscinti.org 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 CONGREGATIONS Adath Israel Congregation (513) 793-1800 • adath-israel.org Beit Chaverim (513) 984-3393 • btzbc.com Beth Israel Congregation (513) 868-2049 • bethisraelcongregation.net B’nai Tikvah Chavurah (513) 284-5845 • rabbibruce.com Congregation Beth Adam (513) 985-0400 • bethadam.org Congregation B’nai Tzedek (513) 984-3393 • btzbc.com Congregation Ohav Shalom (513) 489-3399 • ohavshalom.org Congregation Ohr Chadash (513) 252-7267 • ohrchadashcincinnati.com Congregation Sha’arei Torah (513) 620-8080 • 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 Shevet Achim, (513) 602-7801 • shevetachimohio.com Temple Beth Shalom (513) 422-8313 • tbsohio.org Temple Sholom (513) 791-1330 • templesholom.net The Valley Temple (513) 761-3555 • valleytemple.com EDUCA 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 Sarah’s Place (513) 531-3151 • sarahsplacecincy.com Yeshivas Lubavitch High School of Cincinnati (513) 631-2452 • ylcincinnati.com ORGANIZATIONS 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 BBYO (513) 722-7244 • mayersonjcc.org 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

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CASE from page 16 for Israel’s formal position “because since the territories of Judea and Samaria were never a legitimate part of any Arab state, including the Kingdom of Jordan, it is impossible to determine that Israel is an occupier in Judea and Samaria in the accepted legal definition.”

“Israel didn’t conquer these territories from any state because Jordanian control of the West Bank was illegal. If Israeli control over Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem in 1967 was illegal because of the illegality of taking over a territory by force, then the Jordanian occupation of that same complex in 1948 suffers from exactly the same problem,” Reisner said.

From Jerusalem to Al-Khader Reisner recommends that we do not take the simplistic approach of treating Judea and Samaria as a single, solitary entity.

“There is no uniform law that applies equally to Ramallah, where there was never a Jewish presence, and Hebron, where a constant Jewish presence spanning hundreds of years was cut short by a horrific massacre,” he said. “There is no uniform law that applies equally to Al-Khader, which was and remains an exclusively Arab village, and the settlements of nearby Gush Etzion, which like Rachel’s Tomb was in sole Jewish control before the War of Independence.”

In addition, Reisner finds legal backing for distinguishing between territories and specific sites in Judea and Samaria. Such language can be found in U.N. Security Council Resolution 242. The wording of the resolution calls for “withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories conquered” in the Six-Day War. It doesn’t call for withdrawal from “the” territories.

“This shows that there really isn’t an insistence on all of the territories that were captured during the war,” Reisner said.

Reisner is convinced that Israel “needs to make its case cogently from a legal, political, and historic standpoint simply because it has its own truth that is backed up by facts.”

But if there is a legal case to be made, why don’t Israel’s negotiators use it in the current final-status talks with the Palestinians?

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(513) 531-9600 “Because inside the negotiating room it’s almost irrelevant,” said Reisner. “International law has a relatively marginal role to play in Israeli-Palestinian agreements. The bottom line is the one that both sides need to live with.”

Stop apologizing Alan Baker, an attorney and a member of the Levy Committee which was formed in 2012 to investigate the legal status of the outposts and the settlements and which came to the conclusion that Judea and Samaria are not occupied territories, echoes much of Reisner’s sentiment.

The former Israeli ambassador to Canada, Baker heads a new group of experts in international law which has already written to Kerry and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in protest of their “mistaken and misleading” positions. The group includes Yaakov Neeman, the former Israeli justice minister; Baroness Ruth Deech, a member of the British House of Lords and a professor of law at Oxford; and Meir Rosenne, the former Israeli ambassador to France and the U.S. “The Israeli government for years has refrained from waging a hasbara (public diplomacy) campaign based on advancing our rights,” Baker said.

“Instead, it has waged a hasbara campaign based on apologies. The right thing to do was to operate out of a sense of advancing our rights, the rights of the Jewish people as an indigenous nation in its land.”

Baker said Israel “has refrained from emphasizing that what we are dealing with is not occupation.”

“It is inconceivable that the entire world will repeat the mantra about Judea and Samaria being occupied territory when from a factual standpoint there is no legal basis for this,” he said. “When Kerry claims, even before the negotiations ended, that we have no rights in territories over which negotiations are being held and where settlements are illegitimate, he is in essence adopting the Palestinian position and harming the negotiations. If the negotiations are intended to determine the fate of the settlements, then by all means. Even if you are the secretary of state, don’t prejudice the negotiations by stating beforehand that they are illegitimate.”

20 • WANDERING JEW / FOOD

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

2013: the year in retrospect Wandering Jew

by Janet Steinberg “I would not eat the soup of life with a fork; I would continue to use a big ladle.” Those words of my late friend, Holocaust survivor, and world-renowned restaurateur George Lang, have remained with me long after his death.

Surviving a year of my husband’s health issues with flying colors, my handsome hunk of a husband and I threw away all the forks in our life and once again continued to enjoy the soup of life with a super large ladle.

And, although we chose not to travel too far from home this past year, we still managed to fill our soup bowl to the brim. Come along for a taste of our delicious year.

OCEAN CRUISE: Silversea’s Silver Spirit sailed my husband and me on a Caribbean cruise… one of the most relaxing, rejuvenating, cruises I’ve ever taken. For 8 glorious days we escaped Cincinnati’s snow and ice. We soaked up sun and sea, either from a deck chair on our private veranda, or on shore in Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize, Guatemala and Key West. We were waited on hand and foot by our butler and the Silver Spirit’s delightful staff (whose services came with all gratuities included); ate gourmet meals (in our choice of six dining venues); and toasted my birthday and our 25th wedding anniversary with complimentary champagne and beverages (provided at no charge to all passengers on every Silversea cruise).

RIVER CRUISE: Volunteer Princess yacht’s two-and-a-half hour Starlight Escape Dinner Cruise stepped me into a world of ease and relaxation on the Tennessee River.

We were treated to breath-taking views of the Knoxville shoreline that changed with each of our four delightful dinner courses. On board, we had another of the many 25th anniversary celebrations we toasted this past year. We traveled downstream on the Tennessee River, passing under the bridges of Knoxville.

The skyline included Neyland Stadium, Thompson Boling Arena, the Sunsphere, and the beautiful shoreline homes of Sequoyah Hills.

BOUTIQUE HOTEL: The Oliver Hotel, situated in the heart of Knoxville on Market Square, is an original expression of the city.

Originally built in 1876 as the Peter Kern Bakery, the building has hosted everything from the Kern’s candy counter and soda fountain to a drugstore, and dancing hall. Known for its quirky, eclectic style, the hotel is the only boutique property in Knoxville with a style that plays tribute to the buildings history, yet offers charming sophisticated rooms with modern amenities. The hotel’s Peter Kern Library, a cozy bar where Knoxville socializes, cleverly incorporates its menus into old World Book Encyclopedia covers.

HOTEL TRANSFORMATION: Embassy Suites, Ft. Lauderdale has had a happy face lift transforming its lobby, atrium, event spaces, restaurant, and guest suite bedding to create a more beautiful and comfy atmosphere at my Ft. Lauderdale home-away-from home.

Add to this, daily complimentary cooked-to-order breakfasts as well as complimentary daily Manager’s Cocktail Receptions, a complimentary business and fitness center, and tropical swimming pool area, and it is little wonder why it is one of the best hotel buys in South Florida.

Located a short distance from the airport and six blocks from Port Everglades, it is also the best place from which to start and finish all cruises out of Port Everglades.

INN: The Gratz Park Inn exemplifies the Southern grace and charm for which Lexington, Kentucky is known. Nestled in the heart of the downtown’s historic district, the Inn was built in 1919 as a medical office. In 1987 it was renovated to become a luxury hotel. Gratz Park Inn, and the nearby Gratz Park, are named after the late Benjamin Gratz (1792-1884), a graduate lawyer and the youngest of 12 children born in Philadelphia to Jewish merchant Michael and Miriam Gratz. He headed a prominent manufacturing business and is buried, along with his good friend Henry Clay, in the Lexington Cemetery.

SMALL CITY: Knoxville, Tennessee, resting on the banks of the Tennessee River and backdropped by the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of travel’s best-kept secrets. Surrounded by unsurpassed natural beauty, it is a magical meld of rustic, Appalachian wilderness and a cosmopolitan downtown. Blending small town charm with some big city attractions, BIG CITY: Chicago, Illinois, “that toddling town” that keeps reinventing itself, never ceases to amaze me. The “Windy City,” teeming

Zell’s Bites: A great culinary experience Zell’s Bites

Party Macaroon Tart Serves 20 This was the dessert my late friends Pat and Ralph Corbett served when they entertained at their home after an opera performance. Serve this with a red raspberry sauce, which you can make with a premium, 13 ounce jar of seedless red raspberry preserves.

by Zell Schulman

Ingredients 4 dozen day-old macaroons 8 egg yolks 1 -1/2 cups light brown sugar 1 quart of whipping cream 1 tablespoon of Brandy, Rum or Grand Marinier

"Cloud Gate" (also known as “The Bean”) at Millennium Park

with life and exuding an excitement all its own, is now fully grown into a sophisticated metropolitan area that rivals any major city in the world.

Millennium Park is a masterpiece!

Chicago’s twenty-nine miles of lakefront, that form the front lawn of what has become one of the world’s greatest cities, make that vibrant city a ‘shore’ bet.

MUSEUM: The Headley Whitney Museum is the shining jewel in Lexington’s crown.

Founded on La Belle Farm in 1968, the museum’s Jewel Room houses one of the world’s best contemporary collections of bibelots. The museum’s dollhouses were created for Cornelia Whitney, daughter of Marylou and Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney. They are replicas of buildings on the Whitney estate. The dollhouses are authentic down to the smallest detail… the books in the library actually are printed… there is a small diamond ring on a dresser… the silver on the dining room table is sterling silver… the Aubusson carpets are reproduced in petit point and there is food in the kitchen cupboards.

STEAK RESTAURANT: Gibson’s Steak House Chicago is the classic Gold Coast steakhouse that attracts celebrities and VIPs. If you want to combine great food with a casual – yet sophisticated – atmosphere and Chicago nightlife, head to Rush Street on the Near North Side.

Gibson’s next-door sibling, Hugo’s Frog Bar is a hopping scene specializing in seafood but also serving the same steaks as Gibson’s.

PARK: The Kentucky Horse Park, the only park of its kind in the world, is a working horse farm, an educational theme park, and an equine competition facility dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. Herbert Haseltine’s largerthan-life statue of Man O’ War awes visitors as they enter the park.

Reinterred beneath the bronze statue of “Big Red” are the remains of this legendary racehorse. In the Big Barn, one of the largest wooden structures in North America, I got up close and personal with some of the gentle giants that reside within.

I just returned from New York City, where I had a fabulous time visiting with my son Alan, his wife Stacey and my grandchildren, Eva Mae, Josie, Jacob and Julian. The highlight of course was celebrating Eva’s 16th birthday. We were planning to go out for dinner Saturday evening to celebrate Eva’s birthday,. and Stacey’s mother Susan, Eva’s other grandmother, would be joining us.

I love to travel, but I hate to pack, so I packed what I thought would be the appropriate outfit for a night out for dinner in New York. Eva chose the restaurant were the celebration would be held and surprise, it turned out to be a popular, Italian restaurant called V&T’s, on the upper West side, where the dress code was nice but not fancy, and the food was fabulous. This was followed with dessert at LALO’s, an unbelievable dessert restaurant and pastry shop where I had a difficult time figuring out what to order. It’s like going to a Graeter’s Ice Cream Parlor for the first time and wanting to order two or three different flavors of ice cream, but not being able to decide if you wanted them in a sundae, a soda, or a cone.

What an unexpected new culinary adventure it was for me. I would like to begin this new year by sharing my two favorite desserts with you.

These may not be the healthiest recipes, but they worth enjoying on special occasions Zell’s Favorite Ice Cream Sundae The next time you go to a Graeter’s Ice Cream Parlor, you can order my favorite Ice Cream Sundae. It is one scoop of vanilla ice cream, covered with three sauces, marshmallow, carmel and dark chocolate.

Oh SOOOO GOOD! Once a month, I try and stop by a Graeters and order this decadent treat.

Method 1. Oil a 9 or 10-inch springform pan. In your electric mixer, beat the egg yolks and brown sugar together until thick, about 5 minutes.

2. While this is beating, tear the macaroons into small pieces; this may be done in a food processor, but do not make them too fine. Pulse several times till you see the correct size. Set aside.

3. Whip the cream until stiff.

Gently fold in one cup of whipped cream into the egg yolk mixture. Slowly and gently fold in the remaining whipping cream, Gently fold in the macaroons.

4. Stir in the chosen liquor and pour the mixture into the prepared springform pan. Cover the entire tort with plastic wrap and place in the freezer. Remove from the freezer 1 hour before serving. Un-mold the tort and serve along with the red raspberry sauce.

Red Raspberry Sauce Ingredients This sauce may be prepared ahead and kept in the refrigerator until ready to serve the tort.

One-13-ounce jar of seedless red raspberry preserves 1/4 to 1/2 cup of a good Port or Sherry (enough for spreading consistency) Method 1. Empty the contents of the jar into a medium bowl. Slowly pour the liqueur of your choice into the preserves, mixing well with a fork until smooth enough to add over each individual slice of the tort.

AUTOS • 21

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

The Audi Q5 lineup: powerful, fuel-efficient, luxurious Audi describes the Q5 as a vehicle with the interior of a luxury car, the handling of a sport sedan and the ground clearance of a crossover SUV. While automotive marketing often leans towards hyperbole, in this case, it’s right on the money. The 2014 Audi Q5 is a favorite in the compact luxury crossover SUV class.

With the addition of the Q5 TDI model, you could add in "the appetite of an economy car" to that list of attributes as well. The TDI sports a powerful diesel-fueled engine that earns a combined city/highway fuel economy estimate of 27 mpg. In addition, the Q5 Hybrid model, introduced last year, is similarly frugal. In keeping with this "cover all the bases" powertrain philosophy, Audi also offers the new high-performance SQ5 variant.

Yet, you don’t even need all these power choices, because the 2014 Audi Q5 has a lot going for it all on its own. Performance and practicality, two traits that are typically opposing forces when you're talking about an SUV, are both here in ample supply.

The sensibly sized Q5 offers snappy acceleration and buttoned-down handling, with plenty of passenger room within its well-trimmed cabin. You’re not getting the same cargo capacity as some of the Q5’s rivals, but it’s still about quadruple what you'd get in a midsize sedan's trunk. It’s easy to understand why the Q5 is a top pick for active single people and small families alike.

The 2014 Audi Q5 is available in five trim levels, which correspond to engine: 2.0T Premium, 3.0T Premium Plus, 3.0 TDI Premium Plus and 2.0T Hybrid Prestige.

Standard equipment on the 2.0T Premium includes 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, roof rails, eight-way power front seats (with four-way lumbar adjustment), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, trizone climate control, a sliding and reclining 40/20/40-split rear seat, Bluetooth connectivity, Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) and a 10speaker sound system with a CD player, an iPod/USB input, an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.

To all that, you can add the 2.0T Premium Plus package, which includes xenon headlights, LED running lights, a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, heated front seats and an auto-dimming interior mirror.

The 3.0T Premium Plus includes all the above and adds a supercharged V6 engine, 19-inch wheels and special exterior trim. The available Prestige package adds adaptive headlights, blind-spot monitoring, a 14speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a heated/cooled cupholder, rear door sunshades and the Audi MMI Navigation Plus package (navigation system, digital music storage, voice

controls, rear park assist, rearview camera, HD radio and center-consolemounted MMI controller).

The 3.0T Premium Plus can also be equipped with the Driver Assist package, which includes Audi Drive Select (four settings alter throttle response, transmission shift points and steering assist), adaptive cruise control and dynamic steering. Also available is the Comfort package (upgraded leather seating, additional leather cabin trim, ventilated front seats and power passenger lumbar adjustment), a Sport Interior package (front sport seats and a sport steering wheel) and the S Line Plus package (20-inch alloy wheels/summer tires, matte black roof rails, brushed aluminum cabin accents, flat-bottomed sport steering wheel, adaptive suspension system and Audi Drive Select controls). Rear-seat side airbags and a rear-seat entertainment system with twin display screens are also available.

The 3.0 TDI Premium Plus is equipped like the 3.0T Premium Plus, except it doesn't come with the 3.0T's sporty exterior trim pieces and headlight washers. You can get these items in an expanded version of the S Line Plus package. Otherwise, option packages for the 3.0 TDI are the same as for the 3.0T. The 2.0T Hybrid Prestige includes all the features of the 2.0T Premium Plus, as well as 19-inch wheels, adaptive lighting, the Bang & Olufsen sound system, the heated/cooled cupholder, rear door sunshades and the Audi MMI Navigation Plus package. The Comfort and Sport Interior packages described above are optional on the 2.0T Hybrid.

The 2014 Audi Q5 2.0T comes standard with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline fourcylinder engine good for 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 20 city/28 highway and 23 mpg combined. In Edmunds testing, a Q5 2.0T accelerated to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, a performance on par with the Audi's peers.

The Audi Q5 3.0T gets a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. An eightspeed automatic is standard, as is an automatic stop-start system that saves fuel by shutting off the engine when the car comes to a halt. In Edmunds testing, the 3.0T engine brought the Q5 from zero to 60 in 5.8 seconds, a very quick time for this class of vehicle. Fuel economy estimates stand at 18/26/21.

The Q5 3.0 TDI features a 3.0liter turbocharged diesel V6 with 240 hp and a massive 428 lb-ft of torque.

The automatic stop-start system is standard. Audi claims a zero-to-60mph time of 6.5 seconds while fuel economy estimates stand at 24/31/27.

The Q5 Hybrid pairs the 2.0T's engine with an electric motor and bat-

Audi Q-5

tery pack to provide a total output of 245 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Audi estimates its 0-60 time at 6.8 seconds, while EPA fuel mileage estimates stand at 24/30/26.

Standard safety equipment for the 2014 Audi Q5 includes stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. Rear side airbags are optional on all models, as is blindspot monitoring (standard on the Hybrid). The optional Audi MMI Navigation package includes rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.

In Edmunds braking testing, the Q5 2.0T came to a stop in 119 feet, a strong, competitive result. Yet a 3.0T with the Prestige package stopped in 109 feet, which is very impressive for any vehicle, let alone an SUV with allseason tires.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Q5 was awarded the highest rating of "Good" in moderate-overlap frontal-offset, sideimpact and roof strength tests.

This Audi Q5 model provides classy interior design and top-notch construction. The center stack controls are canted toward the driver, although the layout depends on whether you opt for the navigation system. Navigation-equipped models also get the latest MMI system with more intuitive menus, enhanced Google Maps satellite imagery and an additional joystick button for enhanced control.

Despite its compact size, the Q5 manages to feel roomy whether you're seated in the front or rear. The rear seats slide fore and aft, which is a rarity in this segment of luxury

crossovers, and the seats also recline for greater comfort. Folding the rear seats down creates 57 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.

Regardless of which powertrain you choose, the 2014 Audi Q5 delivers smooth, powerful acceleration, and the eight-speed automatic is also refined and responsive. Both the 2.0T and 3.0T gas engines match their respective rivals in terms of acceleration and fuel economy, while the diesel and hybrid versions of the Q5 offer even higher fuel-efficiency while still delivering plenty of power.

The Q5's ride quality is firmer than the norm for this class of vehicle, but it’s never found to be harsh.

Handling is excellent, and the 2014 Q5 is considered one of the sportiest crossovers on the market. Starting price for an Audi Q5 is $37,300.

22 • OBITUARIES

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

D EATH N OTICES LEV-LEVIT, Arkady, age 63, died January 3, 2014; 3 Shevat, 5774.

O BITUARIES KAHN, Ruth Ruth Kahn passed away, on December 11, 2013 – Tevet 8, 5774, at the age of 88. She had been a resident of Cedar Village since November, 2008. Ruth is survived by two children Jeffrey (Linda Heide) Kahn, and Emmy (Bob) Friedenberg and grandchildren Zack (David Pinck) Kahn, Nick (Lindsey) Kahn, David (Jen Kushner) Friedenberg, Laura Friedenberg and Dylan Heide. Her beloved husband, Ernst, passed away in 2010.

Ruth Eichberg was born on July 20, 1922, in Oberlahnstein Germany. She was the daughter of the late Josef and Emmy (Diewald) Eichberg. At age 21 she came to the United States with her sister, Irene, having survived the Holocaust. In 1947 Ruth met Ernst Kahn and they were married the following year.

When Ruth’s parents saw first-

Ruth Kahn

hand what was happening to the Jews in Germany, they attempted to leave. Ruth and her sister were sent to live in France with their Aunt and Uncle and their parents were to follow. Unfortunately, they never saw their parents again. When the war was over they attempted and eventually succeeded in locating their mother’s brother and his wife (Oscar and Alice Dewald) who had relocated to the United States – in Cincinnati, Ohio. They signed affidavits, allowing Ruth and Irene to come to the U.S. and live with them and their daughter, Marge. Ruth arrived in Cincinnati on July 20, 1946, her 21st birthday. She found employment at Shillito’s in the fur department where she worked until 1951.

Ruth met Ernst Kahn through some friends of the Dewald’s who suggested that she go to a Purim party at New Hope Congregation.

They were married in 1948. For 62 years, Ernst and Ruth were as one.

Even in poor health, they were inseparable.

HOME from page 9 But in Israel, where trees are nothing less than a relatively recent miracle, Tu B’Shevat isn’t just a passing nod to our leafyboughed friends. It’s a real live holiday marked by countless treeplanting ceremonies, ecological consciousness-raising programs in schools and communities, and seders for young and old alikeminus the matzah. It is in many ways a holiday ahead of its time, says one Israeli rabbi.

“Tu B’Shevat is really the cel-

Family was first and foremost for Ruth. Until her health prohibited it, Ruth and Ernst made yearly visits to California to see their son and his family. In Cincinnati, Laura and David’s fondest memories of their grandmother include Shabbat and Holiday dinners, looking forward to seeing their grandparents every Friday night, having a delicious meal, and being blessed by their grandparents. Laura remembers her Oma making “Chicken Laurie,” which received its name because it was Laurie’s favorite, and mashed potatoes because they were David’s favorite. When Jeffrey came to town, she always made her famous nut torte because it was his favorite.

The kitchen was her domain and she delighted in cooking up family favorites. David also has fond memories of going to the movies with his Oma and in more recent years, visiting her at Cedar Village, whenever he was in town.

Both Ruth and Ernst were active in the New Hope Congregation and remained members there until it folded. In more recent years, they were members of Congregations B’nai Tzedek and then Adath Israel.

Rabbi Irv Wise officiated at the funeral on December 13th at Weil Funeral Home. Ruth’s son and sonin-law both honored her with beautiful eulogies. Interment was at the New Hope Cemetery in Price Hill.

Memorial contributions can be made to Cedar Village or American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA).

ebration of spring time, yet it is in the middle of the winter, because it’s really the festival of faith, and particularly faith in the land of Israel,” Rabbi Binny Freedman, Rosh Yeshiva of Orayta Yeshiva in Jerusalem’s Old City, tells JNS. After all, it was in Israel that 17th-century Kabbalistic master Rabbi Yitzchak Luria of Safed and his disciples instituted the Tu B’Shevat seder, modeled after the Passover seder. Here, each of the fruits and trees of the Land of Israel were given symbolic meaning, including fruits with hard shells, inedible pits, and those that are completely edible.

In addition, four cups of wine (or grape juice) are drunk in a specific order and in varying shades of red, pink, and white, representing the cycle of life and seasons.

For many years, the Tu B’Shevat seder was an important event for the children in the elementary school in Kfar Saba, where Israel Lenchner was principal. They were among Israel’s poorest kids, the majority of them from Ethiopian families. “Five hundred years ago, the rabbis of [Safed] would eat 34 fruits and vegetables that night, telling their

CIRCUMCISION from page 9 than good in their response to a German court ruling in Cologne that said circumcision amounted to a criminal offense.

“Metzger said there was no reason why we shouldn’t have a doctor present at every milah. That’s not a message we want to spread,” the activist said. “He said unhelpful things and put us in a difficult position.”

The 2012 ruling in Cologne, which was reversed earlier this year, was one of several recent high-profile actions aimed at limiting the custom across Europe. Most of the anti-circumcision activity has been led by secularists who believe the practice violates children’s rights or nationalists seeking to limit Muslim or Jewish influence in their countries.

The Cologne ruling prompted brief bans in Austria and Switzerland and led several Scandinavian politicians and health officials to express support for banning circumcision. Many Jews believe those statements could be a prelude to restrictive legislation in Scandinavia and beyond.

Shimon Cohen, who advises the British Jewish community on resisting measures to limit ritual slaughter and circumcision, said that large stories and speaking of their love for Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel),” Lenchner, who is now retired, tells JNS. “That’s why, for all the years I was the principal, we always had the seder of Tu B’Shevat.”

But Lenchner didn’t do it for the children alone. “As important for them to know the stories, the wisdom and the traditions that have been handed down to us about the land, it’s just as important for us that they know it, that they truly love this land and this people,” he says. “That’s why every year we made sure they heard it, so they could grow up appreciating what they-and wehave been given here.”

The tree planting was an Israeli tradition even before JNF got in on the act. On Tu B’Shevat in 1890, Rabbi Ze’ev Yavetz led his students on a first planting outing to Zichron Yaakov. The tradition was embraced in 1903 by the JNF and taken up in 1908 by the Jewish Teachers Union. A few years later, JNF devoted the holiday to planting eucalyptus trees in an effort to drain the swamps and halt the malaria that had attacked the communities in the Hula Valley. In honor of the tradition of this holiday of new

European Jewish communities are equipped to handle such threats. But in countries with very small Jewish communities, a ban could get through without anybody noticing and have a precedent-setting effect.

“One of the major advantages to this Israeli involvement is that, no matter what the size of the local Jewish community, there’s likely to be an Israeli embassy present with politically intelligent insight and open channels of communication with senior government officials,” Cohen said.

For Barkan, the Israeli UNESCO ambassador, spearheading the pro-circumcision motion at the Council of Europe has been an opportunity for rare cooperation with Muslim partners – particularly Turkey, but also Albania and Azerbaijan, whose representatives signed on fairly quickly, he said. As for the criticism from Jewish activists, Barkan chalks it up to cultural differences.

“European Jewish communities have very complex considerations to accommodate, and I understand that,” he said. “But I grew up in a place that taught me that if I wanted to achieve something, I better to go ahead and try

beginnings, the laying of the cornerstone at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem took place on Tu B’Shevat in 1918, as did those of the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology in 1925 and the Knesset in 1949.

These days, more than a million people each year attend JNF’s Tu B’Shevat planting ceremonies in Israel’s largest forests.

But trees have proven not to be immune to violence. In 2006, after the destruction of 10,000 acres of forest by Katyusha rockets, JNF launched Operation Northern Renewal to begin replacing much of the topsoil that had been burned away and replant the forest.

“Through 2,000 years of exile we never stopped believing that one day, we would come home,” says Rabbi Freedman. “Which is why this Jewish festival is being rediscovered in Israel, because anywhere else in the world it is by necessity missing something.

A celebration of coming home makes the most sense… when you are home.”

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