February 2, 2012

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Obama assassination column raises question: Why do...

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Herbert Paper, renowned linguist, Yiddishist, and university professor, dies at 87 Professor Herbert Paper (January 11, 1925 – January 23, 2012) was among the first people to teach university level Yiddish courses in the United States and had to create course materials for his students at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he specialized in Near Eastern languages. During his 24year tenure there, he also played an instrumental role in founding their Jewish Studies program.

In 1977, Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion (HUCJIR) in Cincinnati, Ohio, hired Paper as dean of Graduate Studies.

He taught there for 22 years, helping to build HUC-JIR’s reputation in linguistics, introducing languages that had not been taught there before, including Yiddish, Sanskrit and modern Farsi. He served as editor of the Hebrew Union College Annual and as an early president of the Association of Judaic Studies, which he was instrumental in founding. He was a major influence on many students who went on to hold influential posts in the rabbinate, scholarly and secular world.

Paper was the eldest child of Rose Greenberg and Sol Paper, both of whom emigrated as young people from Ostrava-Lubelsk, located on the Polish-Russian border, to the United States, where they re-met on the streets of New York City and married. A first generation American born in Baltimore, Paper was a native English and Yiddish speaker. A lifelong Zionist, Paper’s commitment to Israel began as a child attending Camp Gordonia (later renamed Habonim Dror Camp Moshava), then located in Annapolis, Md. Pape first studied Hebrew as a child at the Baltimore Yeshiva. His lifelong love for languages increased as he studied Latin and Greek at Baltimore’s City College High School. The family moved to Denver, Colo., in 1939, where he graduated from North High School. At the age of 15, he began college at Yeshiva University in New York and later transferred to

the University of Colorado in Boulder, where he received his B.A. in Classics in 1943. On the day of his college graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, trained in horsemanship and then sent for intensive Chinese language training at the University of California, Berkley. He served as a member of the mounted U.S. Cavalry and then the Finance Corps in Calcutta, India, at the end of World War II. He then received his Ph.D. from the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago in 1952.

In 1948, he married his childhood sweetheart, Bess Brandwein.

In 1952, he went to Iran on a postdoctoral Fulbright Scholarship to translate texts written in the ancient Babylonian language of Elamite into English and Hebrew. While there, he learned modern Farsi, the study of which would become one of the cornerstones of his life’s work. He also discovered JudeoPersian text, which is Farsi written in the Hebrew alphabet. Paper explained that the unusual phenomenon developed because “for hun-

Professor Herbert Paper

languages of Iran, as well as on Yiddish literature.

Of his many publications, he cited his work on a Judeo-Persian manuscript of the Pentateuch from 1319, which now resides in the British Museum in London, as the most memorable. His 125-page edi-

Paper and his wife Bess were early leaders in the movement to free Soviet Jewry. Paper traveled to Moscow in 1960 to meet with dissidents and played a crucial role in helping Professor Michal Zand and his family immigrate to Israel. dreds of years, Jews in Iran could only read and write in Hebrew characters.” Persian Studies became a major focus of his career, which also included work on the history of the Persian language and ancient

tion of the document was published in Israel, where he and his family lived from 1968 to 1969 and from 1976 to 1977 while he was teaching at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

His daughter married an Israeli citi-

zen, Yisrael Teretz, and moved to Kibbutz Mevo Chama, where Paper and his wife spent every summer for over 20 years.

Over the course of his career, Paper made significant contributions to the resurgence of interest in once-declining languages, especially Yiddish. He marveled at the phenomenon that “the language once passed down verbally is now being studied at universities by people who did not learn it at home, and even by non-Jews, who are interested in it for its inherent literary and historic value.” He was proud to have been integral in the rebirth of “an aspect of Judaic studies that used to be neglected.”

Paper and his wife Bess were early leaders in the movement to free Soviet Jewry. Paper traveled to Moscow in 1960 to meet with dissidents and played a crucial role in helping Professor Michal Zand and his family immigrate to Israel.

Paper lectured in both Yiddish and English, presenting papers and generating public interest in Jewish languages. His topics included “The History of Yiddish Literature,” “The Languages of the Jews Throughout History” and “Sholem Aleichem as a Social Critic.” He retired in 1999. He remained an active force in the Jewish community and did the daily New York Times crossword puzzle in pen until he died of complications from a heart attack.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bess Brandwein Paper; his daughter Susan (Yisrael) Teretz, a teacher in Israel; his son James (Victoria Krouslis), a stockbroker in New York City; his sister Esther (Norman) Paper Gelman, of Potomac, Md.; and his grandchildren, Danny (Noa Pearl), Uri (Inbal Melamed), Tamar, and Asaf Teretz of Israel and Hanna Paper of Texas as well as two great-grandchildren.

The family requests that donations in his memory be made to Hadassah, Hebrew Union College or Cedar Village Hospice in Cincinnati.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

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Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. addresses record-breaking crowd Despite inclement weather, a crowd of about 500 greater Cincinnati community members filled the Mayerson JCC’s Amberley Room the evening of Saturday, Jan. 21, to hear Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren speak.

He spoke for approximately 30 minutes about Israel’s challenges and successes in an environment of uncertainty and then took questions from the audience. He answered the questions—whose topics ranged from the greatest threat to Israel’s security to the lack of positive press about Israel in the United States to cyber-terrorist attacks—frankly and with aplomb. The audience applauded the ambassador with three standing ovations throughout the evening.

Ambassador Oren, who is the first sitting ambassador to come to Cincinnati since the 1970s, was introduced by his longtime friend, Gary Heiman. The two first met in the late 1970s when they both served in the Israel Defense Forces; they later worked together as spokespeople for Israel during the Second Lebanon War. Heiman spoke of the ambassador with fondness and humor, commending him on his successful career as a historian, an author and a diplomat while also giving the audience a glimpse of Michael Oren, the person. He told the story of a 15-yearold Oren who, driven to make aliyah, claimed to be 17 so he could travel to Israel and work on a kibbutz. Heiman also praised

Oren for his love of his family, calling him a dedicated husband and father.

Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren

The audience was welcomed

by Jewish Federation President Bret Caller. “The Jewish Community Relations Council builds bridges with religious and civic leaders both within and beyond the Jewish community to promote understanding,” commented Caller. In that spirit, on Sunday, Jan. 22, Ambassador Oren attended a service at New Jerusalem Baptist Church.

Oren also met with the many civic, religious and community leaders who attended the event, including government officials

U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt, U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot, State Rep. Denise Driehaus, Hamilton County Commissioner Chris Monzel, Ohio State Auditor Dave Yost and a representative from the office of U.S. Sen. Rob Portman.

Jewish Federation CEO Shep Englander welcomed the audience as well and drew attention to the Cincinnati Jewish community’s connections to Israel, naming the particularly impressive example of travel grants provided to young adults.

These grants are some of the most generous in the country and have played a large part in helping 52 percent of Cincinnati Jews visit Israel, compared to a national average of 35 percent.

Englander also discussed efforts to position Cincinnati as a hub of business partnerships with Israel. In recognition, the ambassador visited Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center during his visit. He met with participants in the hospital’s Israel Exchange Program, which connects medical professionals and scientists from the U.S. and Israel to improve patient care, enhance training and education and advance medical and bio-tech research.

Oren mentioned another significant business partnership between Cincinnati and Israel—P&G’s recent joint venture with the Israeli pharmaceutical company Teva.

“One out of every five prescription pills that Americans take is manufactured by Teva,” said Oren.

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Chicken Soup Cook-off at Wise Temple

By Netanel (Ted) Deutsch Publisher The motto “Have Fun, Feed the Hungry and Support Charitable Works” perfectly described the Eighth Annual Chicken Soup Cook-off held Sunday, Jan. 29, at Isaac M. Wise Temple in Amberley Village. The gathering had all-youcan-eat soup, with 30 different types of soups, as well as door prizes, music by Shir Chadash, auction items and more. From all the smiling faces, attendees obviously enjoyed themselves.

Last year, over 132 gallons of soup were donated to the Over-theRhine Soup Kitchen, which generated nearly 1,970 servings. This year all proceeds will go to the many charitable activities of the Wise Temple Brotherhood, such as college scholarships, camp scholarships and library books and others too numerous to list. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Janeen Coyle of WGRR 103.5 FM. Rabbi Louis Kamrass com-

mented that matters of planning and organizing were well-executed by all parties involved. “This is the best ever cook-off,” said the rabbi.

“Previously we have had issues with overcrowding, too little parking, too much heat, and traffic flow issues of past years were all absent.”

He added, “Our off-duty police ensured good traffic on Ridge Road, and the extra parking personnel — plus the two parking shuttles to the JCC — made parking easy and traffic expeditious.

“We also subtly changed our timing to facilitate this. This year the open partitions really improved the air flow so that we never once got too hot. The flow around the tables, the soup and the auction items was very good. And the placement of the band Shir Chadash availed us of their beautiful music while not obstructing flow of the crowds. It was simply excellent,” he continued.

Adding to the lively occasion was Walnut Hills High School

freshman Michael Szuch who dressed in a full chicken suit and availed himself to everyone wanting photo opportunities. Some attendees also wore their own chicken hats.

One of the honorable mentions this year went to amateur soup entrant Steve Nassano, Sergeant 1st Class E7 of the Army Reserve who works as an officer at Lebanon Correctional Institute. Sergeant Nassano, who has served 24 years in the army, brought his artist/painter son Steve to help serve their hearty blend of chicken soup in sample cups. Dressed in full army fatigues and heavy boots, Nassano won for Most Patriotic Table.

Award winners received a tall red, metallic trophy—topped with a chicken figurine—and posed for pictures afterward. One winner said his soup was inspired by a mother’s love. Another winner, Herb Haas, said that his secret ingredient was that his wife helped him, which received a nice round of applause.

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Education explained, “Friday night is a wonderful time for families to come together to relax and enjoy each others’ company.

Families will welcome Shabbat and enjoy a delicious Shabbat meal, with fun conversation and activities for kids and families.”

Wise Temple senior adult Broadway program Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein, Eddie Cantor, Dorothy and Herbert Fields, George and Ira Gershwin, Marvin Hamlisch, Oscar Hammerstein, Lorenz Hart, Frank Loesser, Alan Menken, Richard Rodgers, Stephen Schwartz and Stephen Sondheim.

These are just a few of the Jewish artists who have contributed to the

Broadway scene.

On Monday, Feb. 13 at 1:30 p.m., Doug Iden will speak to the Isaac M. Wise Temple senior adults about this phenomenon in his presentation, “Give My Regards to Broadway: Why is the Jewish influence so strong on Broadway?”

Iden currently teaches a class

on the history of Broadway musicals for OLLI, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. He is also a judge for the League of Cincinnati Theaters, which determines outstanding performances of shows done by local theater organizations.

In talking about the upcoming event, Iden shared, “I have been a longtime fan of Broadway musicals,

having seen hundreds of productions.” Iden has an extensive collection of original Broadway cast albums, as well as a comprehensive library of Broadway history.

Nancy Goldberg and Cindy Weiner are chairing this presentation. The talk will take place at Wise Center and is open to the community.

Wise Temple’s family Shabbat experience We all know that Shabbat is good for us. The idea of taking time out from our regular hectic schedules to refresh and renew in a meaningful fashion is something that we can all appreciate. However, it is often difficult for families to celebrate Shabbat together with the many demands of today’s world.

This is one reason that the Isaac M. Wise Temple is launching a new initiative for families with children in first through eighth grades.

On Friday, Feb. 10, Wise Temple will host its first Got Shabbat…Why Not? evening. This will be a time to join other families for a special dinner and program

where participants can share the joy of Shabbat, generate new ideas on shaping Shabbat in their homes and engage the entire family in the excitement of Shabbat.

As Rabbi Ilana Baden explained, “We are looking to help families connect with each other and with the concept of Shabbat.

Realizing that so many of us are consumed with the chaos of everyday life, we hope to provide families with an evening where they can relax, renew, enjoy and be inspired to enhance and enrich their personal Shabbat routines.”

The program will begin at 6:15 p.m. with a brief welcome and intro-

duction by Rabbi Baden and Rabbi Michael Shulman. Then, members of the Got Shabbat committee will assist participants in designing their own “Shabbat Baskets,” in which they can keep their home Shabbat supplies. There will also be an opportunity to experiment with different challah braiding techniques.

Following these opening activities, families will sit together and enjoy a traditional Shabbat meal.

When the kids are finished eating, they will have the opportunity to enjoy a sundae bar with the madrichim (teenage teaching assistants), so that the parents can have some time to enjoy coffee and pas-

tries with one another.

After dessert, the participants will regroup for a special Shabbat song session with visiting song leader Sam Pollak and Israeli dancing with Idit Moss. On the way out, families will be able to pick up resources to take home in order to consider for their personal Shabbat experiences.

The Got Shabbat committee includes: Karen Hershenson, Melissa Hunter, Aimee Kirzner, Tammy Miller-Ploetz, Amanda Rosenberg, Shelly Schaddick and Sherri Weiss. Reservations are required in order to attend this dinner program.

92nd Street Y features Lawrence Summers Lawrence Summers is the next guest on the 92nd Street Y live, via satellite at Isaac M. Wise Temple. age 16, he entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he originally intended to study physics but soon switched to economics (S.B., 1975). He was also an active member of the MIT debating team. He attended Harvard University as a graduate student (Ph.D., 1982). In 1983, at age 28, Summers became one of the youngest tenured professors in Harvard’s history. It was also during this time that Summers was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s

lymphoma. He underwent treatment and has since remained cancer free. He was a visiting academic at the London School of Economics in 1987. Summers was director of President Obama’s National Economic Council, Secretary of the Treasury in the Clinton administration and former president of Harvard University.

Summers will be in conversation with Thane Rosenbaum, who is a novelist, essayist and law professor. He is the author of two novels, “The Golems of Gotham” and “Second Hand Smoke” and a collection of short stories, “Elijah Visible.” His articles, reviews and essays appear frequently in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and the Huffington Post, among other national publications. He appears frequently at the 92nd Street Y where he moderates an annual series of discussions on Jewish culture and politics. He is the John Whelan Distinguished Lecturer in Law at Fordham Law School,

where he teaches human rights, legal humanities, and law and literature, and where he directs the Forum on Law, Culture & Society.

He is the author of “The Myth of Moral Justice: Why Our Legal System Fails to Do What’s Right,” which was selected by the San Francisco Chronicle as one of the Best Books of 2004. His most recent book is an anthology entitled, “Law Lit, From Atticus Finch to ‘The Practice’: A Collection of Great Writing about the Law.” The 92nd Street Y Live series originates and is broadcast live via satellite from New York’s prestigious Jewish cultural center, the 92nd Street Y. The broadcasts are fed into the Wohl Chapel or Social Hall at Wise Center, equipped with a large screen and digital video technology. Also, the Cincinnati audience at Wise Temple is able to ask questions directly to the guest speakers. The event is open to the Greater Cincinnati public. There is a small fee and tickets are available at the door at 7:30 p.m. at Wise Center.

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

VOL. 158 • NO. 28 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012 9 SHEVAT 5772 SHABBAT BEGINS FRIDAY 5:43 PM SHABBAT ENDS SATURDAY 6:44 PM THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE CO., PUBLISHERS 18 WEST NINTH STREET, SUITE 2 CINCINNATI, OHIO 45202-2037 Phone: (513) 621-3145 Fax: (513) 621-3744 publisher@americanisraelite.com editor@americanisraelite.com production@americanisraelite.com RABBI ISSAC M. WISE Founder, Editor, Publisher, 1854-1900 LEO WISE Editor & Publisher, 1900-1928 RABBI JONAH B. WISE Editor & Publisher, 1928-1930 HENRY C. SEGAL Editor & Publisher, 1930-1985 PHYLLIS R. SINGER Editor & General Manager, 1985-1999 MILLARD H. MACK Publisher Emeritus NETANEL (TED) DEUTSCH Editor & Publisher BARBARA L. MORGENSTERN Senior Writer YEHOSHUA MIZRACHI RITA TONGPITUK Assistant Editors ALEXIA KADISH Copy Editor JANET STEINBERG Travel Editor SONDRA KATKIN Dining Editor MARIANNA BETTMAN NATE BLOOM IRIS PASTOR RABBI A. JAMES RUDIN ZELL SCHULMAN RABBI AVI SHAFRAN PHYLLIS R. SINGER Contributing Columnists LEV LOKSHIN JANE KARLSBERG Staff Photographers JOSEPH D. STANGE Production Manager MICHAEL MAZER Sales ERIN WYENANDT Office Manager e Oldest Eng Th

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Lawrence Summers is the next guest on the 92nd Street Y live, via satellite at Isaac M. Wise Temple.

Appearing on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 8 p.m., Summers will share his thoughts on the debt and housing crisis, the collapse and bailout of Wall Street, the economic stimulus initiatives, free trade, globalization, anti-Semitism and perhaps even the upcoming presidential election.

Summers was born in New Haven, Conn., on Nov. 30, 1954, into a Jewish family, the son of two economists, Robert Summers and Anita Summers of (RomanianJewish ancestry), who are both professors at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as the nephew of two Nobel laureates in economics: Paul Samuelson (sibling of Robert Summers, who, following an older brother’s example, changed the family name from Samuelson to Summers) and Kenneth Arrow (Anita Summers’ brother). He spent most of his childhood in Penn Valley, Penn., a suburb of Philadelphia, where he attended Harriton High School. At

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designed just for adults, such as an outing to the Cincinnati Observatory held in October.

Other events, like this Shabbat dinner, are for parents and children together.

As Tracy Weisberger, Northern Hills’ Director of Programming and

Est. 1854

begin at 6 p.m. All young couples and families with pre-Bar and Bat Mitzvah age children are welcome.

Northern Hills’ YAKS group offers programs to meet the needs of families with young children.

Some YAKS programs are

• ca

The YAKS Group (Young Adults, Kids Sometimes) of Northern Hills SynagogueCongregation B’nai Avraham will welcome Shabbat on Friday evening, Feb. 10 with a special dinner at the home of Mitch and Tracy Weisberger. The dinner will

r in Am ape er sp i

Northern Hills YAKS celebrate Shabbat

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

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

BBYO’s groundbreaking program takes on bullying They were nearly 80 strong.

They came from all across the region. They brought sleeping bags and stayed the night to speak out in solidarity and gain more awareness about an issue that all Americans should be concerned about. No, it wasn’t Occupy Wall Street, or even Occupy Cincinnati…it was Occupy the JCC, a program that was conceived of and led by members of the Jewish youth group, BBYO, who took over the Mayerson JCC Saturday night, Jan. 21 to bring attention to bullying, a problem that affects many thousands of children and teens across the country and leads to numerous unnecessary suicides each year.

This overnight event included a wide variety of programs and

began with an opportunity for the teens to join the entire Jewish community for a presentation by Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren. Afterward, the group participated in a series of interactive and informative discussions on topics ranging from celebrities who have spoken out against bullying to an engaging session about how to handle different bullying scenarios, and an open forum which allowed participants to share their personal experiences with bullying. Other activities included sports in the gym, snacks in the J Café and Laser Tag. “The mix of meaningful programs and fun activities with other Jewish teenagers is what made this event so exciting and appealing,”

Teens against bullying!

explained Matt Steinberg, BBYO City Director and Youth and Teen Director at the Mayerson JCC. “The idea was born out of Cincinnati BBYO chapter boards; Mishpocha

AZA (boys) and Ner Tamid BBG (girls) who wanted to have a fun event that would start the year off right. But they also wanted to include a meaningful social action

component, and felt bullying was an important topic that all teens could relate to. They knew that through a powerful program such as this; participants would feel empowered to make a difference themselves in the fight against bullying,” he continued. “But the best part was, like all BBYO programs, this event was led by teens for teens, which made it very accessible and relatable for them. I am so proud of everyone who planned and executed Occupy the JCC, and am glad to be part of a youth organization that gives its members the freedom and opportunity to take ownership of their own events. It is so rewarding to see them succeed in such a big way.”

BBYO on page 19

Bring kids to the J on holidays, snow days When school closes for inclement weather or a holiday, there is a safe, fun place where parents can bring their children for the day—the Mayerson JCC. When children in grades K – 6 don’t have school but parents still need to work, the easiest solution is “Snow Days at the J,” and on Monday, Feb. 20, “JCC Presidents’ Day Camp.” You do not have to be a member to send kids to any JCC camp.

“Snow Days at the J” drop-off begins at 9 a.m. and pick-up is as late as 6 p.m. Just pack kids a lunch, drink, swimsuit and warm clothing in case they go outdoors.

They will spend the day doing art projects, playing in the gym, splashing in the waterpark and having fun with friends. If a Level 3 Snow Emergency is declared, “Snow Days at the J” will not be held.

Cory Pollack said his children often ask if they can attend JCC School Break camps. “The camps are great; they are my kids’ home away from home. When the weather is bad, we definitely intend to bring them to the J for ‘Snow Days at the J.’” Available on Monday, Feb. 20, is “JCC Presidents’ Day Camp” for children in grades K – 6. Children

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will enjoy swimming, playing games and creating cool craft projects. Each child should bring a lunch with a drink and a swimsuit.

“My kids go to the day camps and always have a fantastic time.

The ‘JCC Presidents’ Day Camp’ is incredibly convenient and helpful on those days when they don’t have school,” said Michael Zaretsky.

J Members enjoy a cost advantage for both “Snow Days at the J” and “JCC Presidents’ Day Break Camp,” but anyone can sign up.

There is a cost advantage for siblings, too. (Before and after care for “JCC Presidents’ Day Camp” is available for an additional charge.)

The JCC offers 11 weeks of fun with Summer Camp at the J from June 4 – Aug. 17. Summer Camp at the J offers high-quality programs and facilities with a broad range of camps for ages 18 months through grade 10. Our camps are great for working parents who want a safe, fun place for their kids. All camps are open to the public; you do not have to be a member to sign up.

Campers can participate in a broad range of age appropriate activities at Summer Camp at the J, including sports, arts and crafts, swimming, music, nature, drama, special events, outdoor cooking, archery, hiking and more. Camps

are in 6-week, 3-week or 1-week sessions (all with extended day options). Drop off as early as 7:30 a.m. and pick up as late as 6 p.m.

J Members enjoy discounted fees and are eligible for additional early bird discounts when they register their child(ren) on or before March 15. Plan to attend Camp Parent Information Night at the J on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 5 – 8 p.m. to learn more about all the JCC camp options.

A completed Emergency Medical Form, which can be found on the JCC website, is due at time of registration for “Snow Days” and “JCC Presidents’ Day” camps.

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Jewish Federation’s J*Quest takes students abroad The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati is again offering a summer trip to Israel for Jewish students ages 16–18 in the greater Cincinnati area. On the J*Quest trip, students will travel with peers from Cincinnati and its sister city, Netanya, Israel, through Israel, Berlin and Prague. J*Quest is the first trip of its kind to give high school students the opportunity to travel to Berlin.

Cincinnati students will first spend three weeks in Israel, during which they will experience the beauty and history of the country— climbing Masada at sunrise, swimming in the Dead Sea, touring Haifa, exploring the City of David and more, all in the company of Israeli peers.

They will also learn about mod-

J*Quest teens tour Israel.

ern Israel, its beginnings and its current challenges by participating in an interactive visit at the

Palmach Museum, touring Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Remembrance Museum), joining a

political briefing and meeting with many segments of Israeli society.

The Israelis and Cincinnatians will then travel together to discover the rich heritage of Jewish life in Berlin and Prague, learn about the tragic losses during the Holocaust and experience the dynamic contemporary life of Jews in Europe.

Highlights of the week in Berlin and Prague include visiting the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie, touring the Jewish Quarter in Prague, visiting Prague Castle and Carl Bridge and spending time with individuals from the Jewish community in both cities.

Chaperone Alexis Storch, who is also director of educational outreach at the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education, will be an invaluable resource for students

as they learn about the past, present and future of Jewish life in Europe.

J*Quest is more than the fourweek trip. Before the trip, students will get to know their fellow Cincinnati travelers by preparing together for the trip. During the trip, their tourist and educational activities will be balanced with leadership training and social action programs and an opportunity to be hosted in the homes of their Israeli peers. Those same Israeli peers will visit Cincinnati in 2013, to stay with the students and experience life as a Jew in the Diaspora.

The trip will take place June 26–July 22. The entire cost of the trip, including airfare, can be covered by an Israel travel grant from The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati.

JFS workshop on resilience with Donald Meichenbaum Learning to help others bounce back after a traumatic experience will be the focus of Ways to Bolster Resilience in Children and Adults, a workshop with Donald Meichenbaum, Ph.D., presented

by Jewish Family Service 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday, March 20 at the Mayerson JCC. Early-bird registration is now available for this all-day professional development program which will explore whether resilience is innate or learned, and target ways professionals can help adults and children resolve a traumatic event successfully.

“A high percentage of people

Donald Meichenbaum

are able to readjust to life after experiencing a traumatic experience such as a tornado, combat, a robbery, family crisis, or sexual assault. However, approximately 20 – 30 percent will evidence lingering clinical disorders or adjustment problems including posttraumatic stress disorders, depression and related difficulties,” said Susan Shorr, Ph.D., co-chair of this event with Marcie Bachrach.

“We are excited to bring in Dr. Meichenbaum to teach methods to help victimized individuals persevere and adapt when things go awry, as well as ways to increase resilience on a preventative basis. Dr.

Meichenbaum works to help victims survive and survivors thrive.”

Meichenbaum, a founder of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, has published extensively and has lectured in every state and worldwide.

His presentations are noted for their scholarship, practical applications and humor. Meichenbaum is Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. He is presently Research Director of the Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention and Treatment in Miami, Fla. and Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Miami, School of Education. In a survey of clini-

cians, he was voted “one of the ten most influential psychotherapists of the 20th century,” as reported in the American Psychologist.

Social Workers, Counselors, Clergy, Marriage and Family Therapists, Educators, Psychologists, Case Managers, Nurses, Chemical Dependency Counselors, Rehabilitation Counselors, Attorneys, Law Enforcement Professionals, Life Coaches, Psychiatrists and Physicians are encouraged to attend.

Professionals will earn 6 Continuing Education Units. A Certificate of Completion is also available.

Ohav Shalom, Ohr Chadash redefine ruach Spirit: noun – temper or disposition of mind or outlook especially when vigorous or animated.

While Merriam Webster makes a valiant effort to describe the English word spirit, the comparable word in Hebrew—ruach—is simply indescribable. It refers to attitudes or dispositions and at times it can be described as fervent zeal or passion.

On Jan. 20, ruach was redefined as nearly 180 people from Congregations Ohav Shalom and Ohr Chadash came together to celebrate Shabbat and experience a heightened sense of ruach. The event was entitled “Revitalizing the Ruach” and was framed around a traditional Friday night Shabbat meal. From the moment that guests RSVPd, they knew that they were in for an exceptional experience.

Once the reservation had been placed, guests received CDs in the mail with 16 specially recorded Shabbat zmirot (songs). Table captains assigned places at their tables

and all were charged with learning and then leading their song the night of the dinner.

When congregants arrived at Ohav Shalom that evening, they first participated in a lively Kabbalat Shabbat service. Both congregations offered their own services. The melodies of Lecha Dodi permeated the walls of the building and brought a sense of renewed vitality to all who attended.

After services everyone entered the Social Hall for dinner. Table cards directed guests to their places and each table bore the name of one aspect of spirit. White table cloths, touches of silver and blue on the mini Shabbat centerpieces.

Attendees were treated to a traditional Shabbat meal which enhanced the feel of the evening. The event was one of several events planned

by Ohav Shalom’s new program director Chava Farb with a focus on bringing two congregations together in celebration of their Judaism.

NATIONAL • 7

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

National Briefs Adelson denies involvement in special caucus (JTA) — Casino mogul Sheldon Adelson has denied involvement in the decision to hold a special Republican caucus in a Nevada county to accommodate Sabbath-observant Jewish voters.

Clark County last week moved its Feb. 4 caucus to 7 p.m., six hours after the state’s totals are scheduled to be reported. Among the county’s voters is Adelson, who with his wife recently donated $10 million to a super PAC formed to help GOP presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich.

“In short, they had no involvement,” Adelson spokesman Ron Reese said of Sheldon and Miriam Adelson in a note to reporters Monday evening.

“For the record, Mr. and Dr. Adelson are not Orthodox, thus they could participate in the caucus regardless of time or location,” the spokesman added.

The special caucus was added after a member of the Orthodox community complained that he would not be able to participate in the caucus since it conflicted with Shabbat, CNN reported.

NATIONAL on page 22

Obama assassination column raises question: Why do some Jews see Obama as so sinister?

By Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK (JTA) — When news outlets began reporting last Friday that the owner of the Atlanta Jewish Times had published an opinion column seemingly suggesting that Israel might be wise to assassinate President Obama, the response from prominent American Jews was fast and furious.

Here was a Jewish newspaper publisher providing fodder for something the Anti-Defamation League regularly deplores as a pernicious anti-Semitic canard: that Jews are more loyal to Israel than the United States.

In his Jan. 13 column, Andrew Adler outlined what he said were three possible responses by Israel to Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon: a pre-emptive strike against Hamas and Hezbollah, a direct strike on Iran, or “three, give the go-ahead for U.S.-based Mossad agents to take out a president deemed unfriendly to Israel in order for the current vice president to take his place, and forcefully dictate that the United States policy includes its helping the Jewish state obliterate its enemies.”

He continued, “Yes, you read ‘three’ correctly. Order a hit on a president in order to preserve Israel’s existence. Think about it.

If I have thought of this Tom Clancy-type scenario, don’t you think that this almost unfath-

Amb. Oren on ‘challenges and opportunities’

By Paul Foer JointMedia News Service During a visit to the U.S. Naval Academy last week, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren stressed both privately and publicly that his country remains committed to working toward the possibility of a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians.

“This is a two-state solution, not a two-stage solution with the destruction of Israel as its second stage,” he told 800 future naval officers in Annapolis, Md. Regarding what he called the “changing Middle East,” Oren said in an interview that Israel sees “both challenges and opportunities.”

“Among Israeli public opinion, a solid majority looks at the situation around, but realizes that now is not the time to trade concrete assets (land),” he said.

Oren received an enthusiastic standing ovation from the Midshipmen—far more cordial than his reception at the University of California at Irvine in 2010, when he was repeatedly booed and heckled.

Still, Oren’s denial of Israel’s involvement in the recent targeted assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientist was met with raised eyebrows, incredulous “ahems” and snickers.

“There are people killing people every day in Iran,” Oren told the crowd. “We and the U.S. agree that we are determined to prevent Iran from acquiring and developing nuclear weapons.”

The former paratrooper and Israeli liaison to the U.S. Sixth Fleet underscored the seriousness of the Iranian threat—including Iranian support of terror as well as recent threat to close the Straits of Hormuz—but said in an interview that the threat “is not existential.

Israel can defend itself. It is a monumental threat but not existential.

We have the means and the will.”

“All of this Iran is doing without nuclear weapons. Can you imagine what it would do with nuclear weapons?” he rhetorically asked the Midshipmen, partially answering by saying it would also set off a regional nuclear arms race.

OREN on page 19

Courtesy of Official White House photo by Pete Souza

President Obama receives the King Abdul Aziz Order of Merit from Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, June 3, 2009.

omable idea has been discussed in Israel’s most inner circles?”

Condemnations rained from every corner, and Adler quickly apologized. By Monday, the publisher announced that he was resigning his position and putting up his newspaper for sale.

“I very much regret it, I wish I hadn’t made reference to it at all,” Adler told JTA last Friday. On Monday he said he was “relinquishing all day-to-day activities effective immediately.”

As wacky as Adler’s column was, it was an extreme expression of a viewpoint that carries great currency among Obama’s Jewish critics: that the president represents a serious danger to Jews and to Israel.

While few of those critics might go as far as Adler, it doesn’t take much discussion in certain Jewish circles to find those who see something far more sinister in Obama than a president whose policies are bad for the Jews and Israel.

“I think Obama’s overriding goal is to have Israel destroyed,” said Randy Silver, a businessman from Glenview, Ill. “He puts steps in motion to bring about the destruction of the State of Israel.”

One New Yorker who insisted on anonymity said, “He’s not a Hitler in the sense that he’s antiSemitic and wants to put every Jew into a concentration camp — at least not as we see things right now.”

He also said he believes that if

Obama hangs on for a second term, he’ll find a way to stay in the White House beyond that, even though the Constitution bars a president from serving a third term.

Noah, a physician from the New York’s Westchester County suburb who asked that his full name be withheld, told JTA: “I will admit to serious questions about whether he’s a Muslim and whether he hates Jews. It’s a possibility. I’m very uncomfortable with him.”

To be sure, such views constitute a minority viewpoint even among Obama’s Jewish detractors, and the American Jewish community has been — and largely remains — a stronghold of support for Obama.

In 2008, Obama won an estimated 78 percent of the Jewish vote, and even though his popularity in the Jewish community has dwindled during his Oval Office tenure, it has declined far less among Jews than among the general U.S. population. A Gallup poll released four months ago showed Obama with a 55 percent approval rating among Jews, though an American Jewish Committee poll released at approximately the same time showed the president with a 45 percent approval rating. Still, the AJC poll showed that Obama would win the Jewish vote against any hypothetical Republican candidate by at least 18 percentage points.

OBAMA on page 20

8 • NATIONAL

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Mystery swirls around Judaic manuscripts discovered in Afghanistan

By Ben Harris Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK (JTA) — It was said to be a finding of groundbreaking scholarly and historic significance, comparable in importance to the 19th-century discovery of the Cairo Geniza and rivaling the Dead Sea Scrolls for sheer drama.

That, at any rate, was the buzz in scholarly circles when reports began surfacing last month that an exceptionally rare collection of ancient Judaic manuscripts — some of them dating back more than a millennia — were discovered in a cave in Samangan province in northeastern Afghanistan.

The manuscripts are of several varieties, both religious and secular, and are drafted in a number of languages, including Judeo-Persian and Judeo-Arabic. Among the documents recovered are fragments of the writings of the Saadia Gaon, a famed Jewish sage born in Egypt in the ninth century, and financial records that may shed light on the little-known medieval Jewish merchant class known as the Raddanites.

But those who have seen the documents, and who are familiar with the shadowy trade in Middle Eastern antiquities, say the fantastic tales of an unsuspecting shepherd happening upon documents of

incalculable historic value are not to be believed.

“Generally, you have to be very careful of what a Middle Eastern antiquities dealer tells you,” said Lenny Wolfe, himself a Middle

Courtesy of JTA

A sample manuscript from a collection recently discovered in Afghanistan believed to be at least 1,000 years old.

Eastern antiquities dealer based in Jerusalem. “You’re probably safer not believing it.”

What no one disputes is that the documents are authentic and, if they can be made widely available to scholars, can potentially shed light on a period in Jewish history that remains shrouded in mystery.

The documents, which number about 150 — far fewer than the thousands in the Cairo Geniza — are generally believed to be about 1,000 years old, though a few are probably older. They include early texts suggesting the community

may have been Karaite, a Jewish sect that rejected rabbinic law and flourished in the 10th and 11th centuries. There are also financial documents that may have much to teach about the Jewish merchants who acted as middlemen along the trade routes between East Asia and Europe. The writings of Saadia Gaon include fragments of a biblical commentary and a rebuttal to the claims of a local heretic. Poems also were recovered.

“I think that it’s a very important find,” said Shaul Shaked, an emeritus professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem who saw some of the documents in London several months ago. “This is the first time that we have a large quantity of handwritten documents from that area, from Afghanistan, where we knew vaguely there was some kind of Jewish settlement, a Jewish community, but we had very vague ideas about what their life was like.”

Wolfe told JTA that he had the opportunity to purchase a small portion of the documents recently and is holding them in Jerusalem until a national institution can come up with the money to acquire them. He declined to say how much he paid for them, where he got them or how much it would cost to deliver them to a museum.

MANUSCRIPTS on page 20

Alexander Levin’s got a name (and cash), but does he have a plan?

By Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK (JTA) — Ukrainian Jewish leader and real estate mogul Alexander L. Levin came to New York this week to launch the latest international Jewish organization with a grandiose name. Called the World Forum for Russian Jewry, this one aims to harness the power of Russian-speaking Jews the world over.

At the launch event Wednesday at the United Nations, Levin, who is the president of the Greater Kiev Jewish Community, talked about the need to bridge East and West and how Russian Jews can mediate between Washington and Moscow by influencing governments to stop Iran’s march toward nuclear weapons.

“We will push them to listen to us,” he said.

I wanted to understand more about how he planned on doing this, so I met with Levin on Thursday in a nondescript conference room in midtown Manhattan that he was borrowing from a

Courtesy of Shahar Azran

Ukrainian Jewish leader Alexander Levin, left, and Ron Prosor, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, at the U.N. for the launching of the World Forum for Russian Jewry, Jan. 25, 2012.

Jewish organization. Would he be meeting with high-level government officials? I asked him.

Sending Russian Jews into the streets to stage demonstrations?

Levin was vague on the details — not intentionally so, it seemed, but rather because he hadn’t decided on them yet.

The most important thing to get Moscow to change its posi-

tions on Iran, Levin said, is for the United States to take a more compromising stance vis-à-vis the Kremlin. And if the U.S. administration won’t compromise, he suggested, the government of the United States could be overthrown.

Huh? LEVIN on page 21

Courtesy of Shlock Rock

“Still not Quite on Broadway” is one of two new albums by Shlock Rock marking the group’s 25th anniversary.

Twenty-five years later, Shlock Rock is still rockin’

By Michael Feldstein Jewish Telegraphic Agency STAMFORD, Conn. (JTA) — Before the Maccabeats created a sensation on YouTube with their Chanukah song, and before the scores of individuals recorded Jewish parodies on video, and before Jewish outreach organizations used popular music to connect with unaffiliated Jews, there was Lenny Solomon and Shlock Rock.

For 25 years the Jewish rock band has been teaching Jewish ideas through music using song parodies, original music in English and Hebrew, and children’s songs.

Last year, Shlock Rock celebrated its silver anniversary, and to mark the occasion the band is releasing two new CDs containing 25 songs.

One is a Broadway compilation called “Still Not Quite on Broadway” that features songs from musicals such as “Wicked,” “Hairspray,” “Rent” and “The Sound of Music.”

The other is a classic Shlock Rock parody album title “Kosher Cake” featuring songs from contemporary artists Taylor Swift, the Black Eyed Peas and Lady Gaga as well as classic rock bands such as Deep Purple, Bon Jovi and Pink Floyd.

The CDs are due out on Jan. 31.

“I really love all 25 of the new songs,” said Solomon, who praises the quality of the recordings.

Solomon, who lives in Israel, says he recorded the music between last May and August with the help of song sponsors.

“During the last three months, our fans have been receiving a new

song every Monday and Thursday via email, which they could download,” he said.

Shlock Rock has released 32 albums, staying true to its mission of encouraging Jewish pride, identity and awareness — and helping promote Jewish continuity through music. The band has sold nearly 200,000 albums and performed more than 2,000 live shows in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, South Africa, England and Israel.

Solomon says the group, which still tours three to four months each year, teaches Jewish education with its legal song parodies.

(Solomon says the group pays licensing fees for every album on the advice of its lawyer, though some say it is not necessary.)

“Fortunately, we have not had any difficulties with any of the original artists,” he said. “In fact, I heard through the grapevine that The Drifters liked our version of ‘Under the Boardwalk’ [titled 'Under the Chupah’]. But I don’t know if this is really true; I never met them personally.”

Solomon lists his musical influences as the Beatles, Billy Joel and the Diaspora Yeshiva Band in the music field, and Weird Al Yankovic, Tom Lehrer and Allan Sherman in the parody field.

Much has changed since Shlock Rock first started recording in the 1980s.

“The actual recording is now immediately transferred to hard drive instead of tape,” Solomon explains. “This makes the recording a little easier, as everything is digital.”

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL • 9

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Billionaire David Rubenstein donates $7.5 million to help repair quake-damaged Washington Monument

By Rita Tongpituk Assistant Editor In January philanthropist and billionaire David M. Rubenstein donated $7.5 million toward the total repair cost of $15 million to restore last year’s earthquakedamaged Washington Monument — a gift that will jump-start efforts to reopen the national landmark to visitors.

Rubenstein, the 62-year-old cofounder of the Carlyle Group investment firm, said that he gave the money to the National Park Service as a way to “repay my debt to the country.” He added, “I don’t think I want to be buried with my wealth. I don’t want my executor to give it all away,” Moreover, he said, “I’d like to have the pleasure of giving it away to things that I think are good while I am alive.”

As chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and a regent of the Smithsonian Institute, last year alone Rubenstein donated nearly $20 million throughout the city, including $4.5 million to the

National Zoo to help with its giant panda program and $13.5 million to the National Archives, which also houses his loaned copy of the 1297 Magna Carta.

Both of Rubentsein’s parents are Jewish-born Americans who are alive and well. “The country has been wonderful to me. The city has been wonderful to me and my family,” Rubenstein said at a press conference as he stood at the base of the 126-year-old structure. He added, “I thought, because it’s such an important symbol of our country, if I could help in some modest way I would like to do so.” He is humbled to be able to honor the father of our country in this way.

“Reopening the monument as soon as possible will help ensure that many people get to learn about American history and the unique role that George Washington played in the birth and life of our great nation,” Rubenstein continued.

The monument has been closed since Aug. 23, 2011 when a 5.8magnitude earthquake struck the East Coast. The donation will be used to get a matching grant from

Courtesy of Christopher Ullman/The Carlyle Group.

David Rubenstein stands in front of the Washington Monument with “President George Washington” (Dean Malissa).

the federal government to fix the cracks and fissures in the large stones and mortar that hold together the 555-foot-tall obelisk.

Rubenstein remembers his first visit to the monument as a child, particularly how he was struck by the panels on the interior stones that showed U.S. states and the names of people who had donated to the monument during its construction.

“It’s stirring to see how many people donated plaques.”

Rubenstein said. He added that the Washington Monument was originally built with private funds totaling $1 million.

The quake cracked stones in the upper-most point of the structure, shook loose pieces of its marble interior and damaged the elevator that carries tourists to the observation deck.

Officials have said the extent of the damage could have been worse had the monument not been restored in 1998.

The Park Service said repair work will start this year, and they hope to reopen to the public in 2013.

Germans honored for preserving Jewish history

By JTA Staff Writer Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) — A former Wehrmacht soldier was one of five Germans honored this year for helping ensure that local Jewish history and culture are not forgotten.

The 12th annual Obermayer German Jewish History Awards, one of several events in Germany marking Holocaust Remembrance Day, the 67th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, come as a new study reveals that one-fifth of young Germans do not even recognize the name of the Nazi death camp.

The award presentation on Jan. 23 at Berlin’s Parliament House was followed by news of the survey of 1,002 individuals, released Tuesday by the German polling institution Forsa and Stern magazine, which showed that 21 percent of Germans aged 18-30 did not know what Auschwitz was.

Fighting such ignorance is a mandate of Obermayer award recipients, virtually all of whom are educators this year.

The awardees are: • Werner Schubert, 87, of Weisswasser in the former East Germany, a retired schoolteacher who is largely responsible for educating all ages about the rich Jewish history of his hometown after being taught as a schoolboy in Nazi Germany that so-called Aryans were “the chosen people” and that Jews were inferior. He also teaches now

about the biography of a local perpetrator who was at the notorious Wannsee Conference, where the genocide of the Jews was mapped out 70 years ago this week. The exWehrmacht soldier has made contact with descendants of former Jewish citizens, many of whom have visited the town in recent years.

• Christa Niclasen, a Berlin elementary school principal whose pupils since 1994 have been building a wall dedicated to the memory of former Jewish neighbors. Each brick bears the name of a Jewish person whose life story is adopted by a pupil. This year, the 1,000th brick will be cemented in place.

• Retired high school teacher Wolfgang Batterman, of Petershagen, North RhineWestphalia, who helped rescue a former synagogue and school from oblivion and created an information and documentation center on Jewish local and regional history going back more than 450 years.

• Rolf Emmerich, a former chemical engineer and schoolteacher who lives in Laupheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, and has written about the Jewish past of his hometown, co-founded a museum dedicated to the history of local Christians and Jews, and helped preserve gravesites in Laupheim’s Jewish cemetery.

• Fritz Kilthau of Zwingenberg, Hesse, who has raised awareness of local Jewish history in his region. He says his work is a response to right-

wing extremism, which he contends is alive and well in the region.

The award was initiated by Arthur Obermayer, an American-

Jewish philanthropist inspired by his contacts with historians in his family’s ancestral town of Creglingen. Recipients generally

are nominated by Jews around the world who, like Obermayer, still have ties with the towns from which their ancestors fled.

10 • INTERNATIONAL / ISRAEL

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

International For some school kids in southern Italy, Israel meeting their first Jew on Holocaust Day Briefs Briefs

By Ruth Ellen Gruber Jewish Telegraphic Agency Austrian politician slammed for comparing protests to Kristallnacht (JTA) — The leader of an Austrian far-right political party was condemned for comparing protests by students in Vienna with the Nazi persecution of Jews during Kristallnacht.

The Anti-Defamation League on Monday slammed the comments made Jan. 27 by Austrian Freedom Party leader HeinzChristian Strache in response to heckling from leftist and radical protesters outside the Wiener Korporations-Ball in Vienna.

Strache was overheard by a reporter for the daily Der Standard comparing the protests to Kristallnacht and saying “we are the new Jews.” In addition, a Strache associate reportedly said that “whoever works for this ball immediately gets a Jew star pinned on him.”

Some 2,600 demonstrators were protesting that the ball, which was organized by Strache’s far-right Freedom Party, was held on the same day as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. ADL National Director Abraham Foxman said in a statement that “Strache mocked the victims of the Holocaust by comparing himself and his fellow extremists to Jews and invoking Kristallnacht to complain about the anti-fascist protests.”

Foxman added that “this trivialization is outrageous, but not surprising from Strache and his ilk.

The victims of the Holocaust are entitled to respect and sympathy, which was shown around the world at commemorations of the greatest act of genocide.”

According to the ADL statement, the People’s Party and the Social Democratic Party — Austria’s governing coalition parties — both strongly condemned the statements made by Strache.

Vienna’s Jewish community called on the state prosecutor to launch an investigation into the comments, according to reports.

Czech Holocaust survivor publishes diary PRAGUE (JTA) — A Czech Holocaust survivor published a diary of his Nazi concentration camp experiences.

Michal Kraus, 81, published the diary, which he wrote shortly after World War II, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Jan. 27. The diary will be presented officially by the Prague Jewish Community on Thursday.

INT’L on page 22

AMENDOLARA, Italy (JTA) — It was International Holocaust Memorial Day, and when I told my audience that I was a Jew, they burst into applause.

I was speaking at the City Hall in this ancient seacoast town in Calabria, deep in southern Italy on the instep of the Italian boot. My audience consisted of some 100 schoolchildren aged 10-13, along with their teachers, city officials and a few parents.

Italy marks Holocaust Memorial Day on Jan. 27 with an array of commemorative and educational initiatives, and schools all over the country organize special lessons, study units, projects and other programs on the Holocaust.

This year I was invited to Amendolara and Oriolo, another small Calabrian town perched high amid rugged hills, to speak to elementary-and middle-school students as part of municipal events.

In Amendolara and Oriolo, my presentations came at the end of a series of other speeches by local officials and educators. The mayors of both towns denounced the

Courtesy of Amendolara Town Hall

Amendolara Mayor Salvatore Antonio Ciminelli, left, standing next to JTA’s Ruth Ellen Gruber, after presenting award certificates to some of the 100 schoolchildren who attended a Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony in the town hall, Jan. 27, 2012. The children received awards for art or writing projects about the Shoah.

dangers of Holocaust denial.

“Democratic western countries must not forget that these democracies were built on the ashes of Auschwitz,” said Amendolara Mayor Antonello Ciminelli. “We must fight Holocaust denial; denying the Holocaust can lead to denying the legitimacy of the State of Israel.”

In Amendolara, the program included a film about the drawings made by children interned in the Terezin ghetto camp near Prague.

In Oriolo, a young local woman who had written a novella set during the Holocaust talked to the kids about the book.

KIDS on page 21

In Shimon Peres’ book on Ben-Gurion, a longing for leadership absent in Israel today

By Amir Mizroch Jewish Telegraphic Agency JERUSALEM (JTA) — David Ben-Gurion must be spinning in his grave. The handful of haredi Orthodox Jews to whom he gave indemnity from military service has become a million.

Israeli presidents and Cabinet ministers have landed themselves in jail for rape, corruption and nepotism. The Knesset and the Supreme Court are locked in a battle to the death, and the Knesset is winning. We have lost Turkey. And hardly anyone has moved to the Negev. If he were not already dead, Ben-Gurion would resign.

The more I read “Ben-Gurion: A Political Life” by Shimon Peres (Schocken, $25.95), the more I liked to play “What Would the Old Man Do Now?” One thing is for certain: If Israel’s first prime minister held the post today, he would cut an incongruous and confused figure amid all the bling and bang of Israel’s current politicians.

Written “in conversation with” David Landau, a former editor in chief of Haaretz and former correspondent for JTA, the book is the 19th title in the Jewish Encounter series from Schocken and Nextbook Press.

Courtesy of Schocken Books

Ben-Gurion: A Political Life

Let us dispense with the platitudes that Peres is usually showered with and cut straight to the chase. An insightful, exhaustive and dispassionate dissection of Israel’s founding father the book is not. In fact, Peres did not actually write it, Landau did.

Peres’ memories inform much of the book, and he edited its final draft. What is unique is that the book is peppered with Peres’ commentary about Ben-Gurion and his milieu at the time of Israel’s creation. With books called “The

Unmaking of Israel” making the rounds now, it is a timely text.

In that sense also, you are getting two for the price of one: a subjective historical account of Israel’s founder and first prime minister written by none other than Israel’s current president, who happened to be at Ben-Gurion’s side during much of his career, and an erudite and personal critique about contemporary Israeli politics from the last remaining figure of the Jewish state’s founding generation.

As a biography written collaboratively by two men with opposite goals, it’s a strange book.

Peres seeks to frame BenGurion as the very pinnacle of leadership and moral clarity, defending Ben-Gurion’s political pragmatism as the most necessary characteristic of the man whose sole purpose was to establish the Jewish state from the ashes of the Holocaust.

Landau, on the other hand, comes from a purely journalistic perspective, and his task, which he pursues vigorously, is to highlight the complexities of Ben-Gurion’s political life — to delve into the gray area, antagonizing the memory of Peres sufficiently to get a fuller account of the “Old Man.” BOOK on page 22

Netanyahu chats on Facebook in Arabic JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a live Facebook chat with web surfers from the Arab world.

Netanyahu responded in Arabic to questions from people from Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, the Gulf States, northern Africa and the Palestinian Authority, as well as from Israeli Arabs.

The questions and answers were translated by Ofir Gendelman, the prime minister’s Arabic media adviser.

In response to a question about the diplomatic process between Israel and the Palestinians, Netanyahu said that “I am ready at this moment to go to Ramallah and begin talks with Abu Mazen without preconditions,” referring to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. “To my regret, Abu Mazen is not prepared to come to my office. I think that this is a mistake.”

Other topics addressed included the Iranian nuclear threat, the Arab Spring and Saudi Arabia.

Canada’s foreign minister stresses strong support for Israel JERUSALEM (JTA) — The foreign minister of Canada emphasized his country’s staunch support of Israel.

“Israel has no greater friend in the world than Canada,” John Baird said Monday at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial museum.

Baird, on his third visit to Israel, also said that “Canada does not stand behind Israel; Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel.” He repeated the sentiments later in the day at a meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Baird and Finance Minister Jim Flaherty are scheduled to spend several days meeting with their counterparts in Israel and with leaders of the Palestinian Authority.

At the 12th annual Herzliya Conference Monday night, Baird called the delegitimization and demonization of Israel the “new anti-Semitism.” He also voiced Canada’s support for a two-state solution for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, The Canadian delegation was accompanied by Rabbi Chaim Mendelsohn, director of public affairs for the Canadian Federation of Chabad Lubavitch.

With the rabbi, the group was scheduled to visit ChabadLubavitch institutions and meet Chabad officials in Israel.

SOCIAL LIFE • 11

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

GOLF MANOR VISITS THE ZOO DURING SUKKOT

ANNOUNCEMENTS BIRTH BIRTH elen and Gary Elfenbein are thrilled to announce the birth of their granddaughter, Olivia Jean. She was born

H

on January 17, 2012 to proud parents Holly Henderson and Lonny Elfenbein. Olivia is also the granddaughter of Trudy Henderson and the late Kenneth Henderson.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! BIRTHS • BAT/BAR MITZVAHS ENGAGEMENTS • WEDDINGS BIRTHDAYS • ANNIVERSARIES Place your FREE announcement in The American Israelite newspaper and website by sending an e-mail to articles@americanisraelite.com

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CINCINNATI JEWISH LIFE • 13

Brownie Troop 43833 meets at Golf Manor Synagogue Brownie Troop 43833 meets at Golf Manor Synagogue to bake colorful stained glass cookies to enjoy and share with their family. Upon arrival the girls took some time to create colorful Thanksgiving posters honoring the Golf Manor Police and Fire Departments. For more Girls Scout information and to register please contact Batya Kahn.

Brownies Shaindy Scherer and Shayna Maltinsky discuss color for the glass

Brownies Rochel Leah Heigh, Gavi Bernstein, Miri Smith and Sara Frankel listen closely about what to do in case of emergency.

Brownies Sophie Weller and Sarit Benzaquen include their thanks to the Golf Manor Police and Firemen.

Group Leader Mrs. Batya Kahn, volunteer Mrs. Chaya Spetner and the Daisies stop for a group photo. Daisies decorated Thanksgiving cards for the Golf Manor Police and Fire Departments.

Daisies Na’ama Schwartzberg, Tzippy Motzen and Shevi Scherer choose their shapes.

Brownies Ellie Frankel and Milka Singer roll out dough for their stained glass cookies.

14 • DINING OUT

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Slatts offers well crafted, classic American dining

By Sondra Katkin Dining Editor At Slatts, classic American food is done well, with talent in the kitchen and good management. On a previous visit, I interviewed Waichun Lee (everyone calls her “Y”) the director responsible for the efficient management and excellent food — no doubt she’s been nominated for an Oscar. I was impressed with her experience and diligence in maintaining the restaurant’s quality. She enjoys checking out new foods and improving her menu. And there she was on her day off, making sure everything was going well.

On this visit, my host was Ken Wuest, the bar manager. It was a new experience discussing food and drink from the bar’s point of view. A tall, broad young man, he played football in high school, then went on to Miami University.

He began working for the Towne Group and became an expert “mixologist.” He mentioned the growing popularity of craft beers and informed me that Slatts has a wide selection. Customers can take advantage of the discounts on various brands and selected appetizers during Happy Hour. One diner noted, “It’s a great place to have a brew and catch a game.”

The pub-like casual atmosphere, large bar, comfortable booths and multiple flat screens lend themselves to an evening of conviviality. In the background, mellow rock classics can be heard unintrusively, and it’s easy to hold a conversation. Guests are treated warmly and Y regards many as family. My greeting was a fond hug.

A couple of guests told me that they love the appetizers and often make a meal of them. They usually get the chicken fingers or zucchini sticks. Another guest raved that the spring rolls are the best in town. Y treated my husband Steve (“Mr. Gluten Free”), me and another couple to the stuffed mushrooms last year and I can still taste the exquisitely rich, creamy, cheesy, moist mushroom masterpiece. Look out Rembrandt! Steve loves to eat here because he can have the french fries, a rare treat for him. Most restaurants don’t have a separate fryer for fries and mix them with forbidden gluten coated foods. I noticed that the potatoes do have a richer flavor when not interfered with by nonpotato “traif.” Slatts takes care of those with allergies. Wuest noted that all dishes are prepared from scratch, and since he is allergic to fish, they serve him their popular blackened chicken.

Speaking of gluten, the chicken fingers and fish and chips were fresh, sweet and delicious. In addition, because they use the right light batter, the fish and chicken are both sealed so no moisture escapes, and

(Clockwise) Hearty and fulfilling crispy chicken walnut salad; Velvety, savory tomato basil bisque; Moist, sweet and crunchy fish and chips; Sinfully delicious lemon-berry-mascarpone cake; Airy and tender homemade biscuits; Spacious pub-like interior at Slatts.

as the flour expands (I don’t mean to gloat over gluten), it envelops as it inflates. The result is so juicy it pops in your mouth and so airy your teeth can take a vacation. Chewing is overrated, some say. The chicken fingers topped the crispy chicken and walnut salad, a great lunch favorite according to Wuest. It is a little sweet, a little salty with earthy walnuts and salad greens finished with homemade honey mustard dressing. Other salads include Shanghai chicken, steak Mediterranean and salmon Caesar.

There are several soups to combine with your salad, such as their loaded baked potato or the tomato basil which tasted creamy and thick with a fresh tomato tang. Along with your lunch or dinner, your server will bring honey butter with a basket of hot biscuits. Wuest noted that some customers come just for these treats. The fresh homemade rolls really rocked me.

They were light yet gave me some-

thing to chew on even though they dissolved quickly.

Among their plentiful sandwich and burger selections, they serve a classic corned beef sandwich. I brought one home for Steve (no crust, no bread) and he loved it so much, he forgot to offer me a taste.

He did however give a little to our cat Boris who purred his gratitude.

The ingrates both have good taste.

He said that it reminded him of the good “stuff” we used to get in Philadelphia. He added that the dressing and sauerkraut were excellent. Slatts offers several pasta plates. Wuest said that the fire grilled red pesto salmon with sweet red pepper sauce over penne is a favorite with diners. In the chicken category, the pecan crusted breast sounds delicious; and for seafood, the salmon and halibut have many fans. They also feature premium cuts of Angus beef. Their blackened rib eye with grilled onions, grilled New York strip, and center cut filet

mignon will be a feast for serious meat “foodies.” Our friend had ordered the strip as a special treat since he usually doesn’t eat meat.

He observed, “It was well worth cheating.”

If you are going to cheat, I recommend the new addition to their dessert menu, lemon-berry-mascarpone cake. Talk about an egregious indulgence, it’s a generous serving of dense white cream cake, topped with blueberries, cranberries and vanilla crumbs. The layers are “married” with a lemon mascarpone filling. The top had a tender lemony crust which heightened its tart flavor. Other desserts include New York cheesecake, and for Steve and other gluten challenged folks, creme brulee.

There are two rooms for private parties or business meetings equipped with wifi and power point presentation capability. The small room is cozy with a living room feel. The stacked natural stone wall

adds to the comfortable ambience.

The front of the restaurant is a large conservatory, light filled and welcoming — perfect for a large party or diners seeking a bright, cheerful dining environment.

If you go for lunch and you wish to linger, you’ll be gratified to know that Slatts doesn’t close after lunch — you may stay as long as you wish. They have Happy Hour from 3 – 7 p.m. with discounts on various appetizers, beer and other alcoholic beverages. On Monday, half priced martinis and on Wednesday, half priced bottles of wine are offered.

They are open Monday - Thursday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; on Friday from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; on Saturday from noon – 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

Slatts 4858 Cooper Road Blue Ash, OH 45242 513-791-2223

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

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16 • OPINION

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‘Scrapbook Walls’

But the remainder of the wall space, in that room and most of the others, is a hodgepodge of, well, oddball items.

There are photos of children and grandchildren (oddball only in that they are, for the most part, random snapshots from various decades and just taped to the walls in no particular pattern); “parsha pictures” — visual riddles about the weekly Torah portion (changed weekly and drawn by someone who is sometimes accused of being a writer but has never been mistaken for an artist); a framed ticketstub from a trip to the top of one of the Twin Towers (from a visit my wife and three of our children made to the structure on August 30, 2001 — a reminder of the world’s unpredictability); and an assortment of inexplicable other oddities, like thank-you, mazel tov, and mishloach manos notes, first-grade writing assignments from small children who are now adults, homemade birthday and anniversary cards; various stick-figure artworks by einiklach, several colorful

Rabbi Shafran is an editor at large and columnist for Ami Magazine.

Do you have something to say? E-mail your letter to editor@americanisraelite.com

local Moslem public relations apparat joined the Coalition.

After the Coalition’s signature was affixed to a paid ad supporting the ground zero mosque I made a motion: “The MLK Coalition condemns terrorism.”

Zola led the opposition to my motion which failed.

Dear Editor, I am a senior member of the MLK coalition since 1998 when I returned from Memphis for the 30th anniversary of the assassination.

Some years after, Dr. Zola and two representatives from the

This pandering is to the people who have attacked Western Civilization and its salient in the Middle East, Israel.

Dan Griffith Covington, KY

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T EST Y OUR T ORAH KNOWLEDGE THIS WEEK’S PORTION: BESHALLACH (EXODUS 13:17—17:16) 1. Why did Pharaoh chase the Children of Israel after they left Egypt? a.) He had nobody to do his work b.) The Children of Israel l seemed lost and could be easily returned to Egypt c.) He heard many of the Children of Israel wanted to return to Egypt 2. How did the Jews react to the miracles on the Red Sea? Fled in terror Sang and danced Collected booty that washed ashore 3. Why did Hashem lead the Jews toward sweetened with a branch of a bitter tree. (Midrash) According to Rabbi Avigdor Miller, this miracle serves to remind us that all of our drinking water is sweetened by Hashem through what we now call the water cycle, in which useless sea water is distilled through evaporation and then delivered to man as precipitation.

But I would never consider mounting a Rembrandt in place of the then7-year-old boy’s homemade “newspaper” reporting that: “A boy crossed the street and insded of him getting hit, he hit a car and the car dide.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

the Red Sea, instead of toward the desert?

To avoid the Philistines They did not have maps Pharaoh tricked them 4. Which sign did Hashem make to lead the people through the desert by day?

Holy Ark. A pillar of cloud A lion 5. What miracle happened at Marah?

Manna fell from the heaven Moses struck a rock and produced water Moses made bitter water drinkable

we say “Hallel”like here and Chanukah. Talmud.

A—13:17 B—13:21. The cloud and the fire were the “eagles wings” that protected the Children of Israel in the desert. R Bchai.

—15:22-26. The miracle was that the bitter waters were

First time visitors to the Shafran home quickly notice how odd it is. Its walls, that is. Well, what graces them, anyway.

The dining room does sport a few normal things — a framed reproduction of a work of Hebrew micrography (a gift, many years ago, from some beloved students) and a small painting of a pensive man in a shtreimel studying Torah (likewise a gift, from some dear friends). And there is a photograph of Rav Avrohom Pam, zt”l, atop a bookcase.

ones by a very artistically talented little girl who is expecting her third child, bisha’a tova, a photo of a gorilla (don’t ask; I don’t remember), a photocopy of a Chassidic rebbe’s advice (to always remember that “when you are exasperated by interruptions… remember that their very frequency indicates the value of your life…”) given to me

by Rabbi Moshe Sherer, z”l; a list of phone numbers and another one of guests to invite for Shabbos meals; a tree leaf from each of the past 18 autumns. And much more.

One piece of paper taped to the wall over my desk is an elaborately crafted piece of cartoon art that graced a magazine cover many years ago. I honestly don’t recall how it came to my possession, but I clearly felt at the time that it deserved a spot of honor, which it does.

It depicts an “antique shop” scene: a large heavy-lidded, bearded man in a t-shirt, a cigar in his mouth and a foam cup of coffee in his hand, sitting in a rocking chair before a table laden with items for sale. In the foreground, a nondescript couple is walking away beaming, having made the purchase of a wholly unremarkable plastic snow-globe with a snowman inside.

On the table and mounted on a wall behind the large man are the $5 and $10 bric-a-brac in which the couple had no interest. Among the items: An ancient document bearing ornate script beginning “We the People”; a caged live dodo bird, a first-edition comic book, an old sled with “Rosebud” carved on it; a Ming vase, a photograph of the Loch Ness monster, a pair of ruby slippers… You get the idea.

The cartoon is really the key to all the eclectic, eccentric things gracing our walls. I’ve been in homes of wealthy people, where the walls were adorned with beautifully framed, expensive works of art. But I would never consider mounting a Rembrandt in place of the then-7-year-old boy’s homemade “newspaper” reporting that: “A boy crossed the street and insded of him getting hit, he hit a car and the car dide.” Or putting a Picasso where a faded homemade birthday card from a little girl (now mother of four) reads: “For a very good man that turns 33.” The “newspaper” dispatch and card are priceless. “Real” works of art are, well, snowglobes.

Of course the cartoon’s real lesson — perhaps intended by the artist, perhaps just channeled through him – is a powerful piece of mussar, about how easy it is for so many of us, like the clueless couple kvelling over their plastic metziah, to value silly things we have come to amass and remain oblivious to life’s truly priceless treasures, there all around us.

Written by Rabbi Dov Aaron Wise

ANSWERS B 14:3 Pharaoh thought the Children of Israel were trapped by the Red Sea, therefore he felt he still had a chance to bring them back.

B—15:1-21. Moses led the men in song, and Miriam led the women. Whenever we are saved from trouble,

Rabbi Avi Shafran Contributing Columnist

JEWISH LIFE • 17

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Sedra of the Week

by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Efrat, Israel - Israel saw the great hand that G-d inflicted on Egypt and the people revered G-d and they had faith in G-d and in Moses His servant (Exodus 14:31).

In this week’s Parsha, we read of one of the greatest miracles of all, the splitting of the Red Sea. It was a moment when all of the Jewish people experienced G-d’s miracles. Rashi quotes a famous Midrash which teaches that even the simplest handmaid at the Red Sea experienced prophecy which was more powerful than that of one of the greatest prophets; Ezekiel. (Rashi on Exodus 15:2) A couple of weeks ago, we saw how G-d made his presence known to our forefathers as E-l Sha-ddai. The splitting of the Red Sea was the culmination of G-d’s promise that the Jewish People had entered a new phase of history in which they would experience G-d by His name and attributes of Hashem (Y-H-V-H). What is the significance of this new perception of G-d and what does it signify about our own relationship to G-d?

Rashi explains that in the past G-d made great promises to our forefathers, but He had not yet fulfilled them. Everything lay in potential, but the promises for the fruition of the Jewish nation had not yet been realized.

The Ramban explains how through the Exodus in general and at the Red Sea in particular, G-d performed miracles showing His power and mastery over nature.

Now, the Jewish people witness G-d as the Director of history; rescuing His people and developing the Jewish nation.

Working through history, G-d is acting in partnership with the Jewish people. He has freed His nation of slaves, now He is working together with them to build the Jewish nation that will receive the Torah at Mount Sinai and live out its ideals and its commandments in the Promised Land. To fulfill this role, G-d will require eternal patience. The people will prove to be stubborn, fickle and complex; nevertheless, G-d will make them His partners and work together

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

The Ramban explains how through the Exodus in general and at the Red Sea in particular, G-d performed miracles showing His power and mastery over nature. Now, the Jewish people witness G-d as the Director of history; rescuing His people and developing the Jewish nation.

with them.

Our role and our challenge as the partners of G-d in history is beautifully expressed in a story about one of the great Jewish leaders of the twentieth century, Rabbi Shimon Schwab (1908-1995).

Rabbi Schwab writes in his memoirs that when he was a young man, he thirsted to learn more and more Torah. He studied at the famous Torah Academies of Telshe and Mir, but he was still desperate to learn with the saintly scholar Rabbi Israel Meir Kagan, affectionately known by the title of one of his books, “Hafetz Haim.” Eventually, in 1930, he travelled by foot to Radin, home town of the Rabbi. It was a long and difficult journey, but eventually he reached the Yeshiva, found a seat and began to study. He studied with great diligence and dedication, but to his dismay there was no opportunity to meet the renowned scholar. He waited patiently, but eventually, after six months, he could bare it no longer.

Plucking up his courage, he went to the home of the Hafetz Haim, knocked on the door and filled with trepidation, he explained what he wanted. The Hafetz Haim welcomed him in to his sparsely furnished house, offered him tea and cake and proceeded to offer a first lesson.

But before he started, the Hafetz Haim who was himself a Cohen (descendant of the Priestteachers who served in the Temple and whose descendants will serve there in the future) asked the young man whether he was a Cohen too. The young man responded that he was not. And then the Hafetz Haim started to

teach. This is what he said: “When the Messiah comes, he will bring us all to the Land of Israel. We’ll sail to the port of Jaffa and from there we will make our way to Jerusalem. Once we arrive in Jerusalem, there will be tremendous excitement, we will head to Temple Mount and then make our way to the Beit Hamikdash (Temple). But there we will have to separate: I will enter with the Cohanim (Priestteachers) and you will have to wait outside. I say this not to upset you, but to offer you a challenge.

“Years ago, when our ancestors stood at Mount Sinai and then panicked at the disappearance of their leader, they asked Aaron to build a Golden Calf. When Moshe came down from the mountain, he saw the terrible sight of the Jewish people dancing around this idol, he proclaimed, ‘Let those who are for G-d follow me’ (Shemot 32: 26), but only one tribe responded – my ancestors the Tribe of Levi.

That is why we are the Priestteachers and you are not.

“So I beg you, next time when you here the call of the G-d of History, do not miss your opportunity. Respond immediately.”

This was the message of the Hafetz Haim. We are privileged to live in a generation which like the generation that crossed the Red Sea, is privileged to see G-d working in history. G-d calls to us with a mission to perfect the world according to His vision. This time we dare not refuse the challenge.

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18 • JEWZ IN THE NEWZ

JEWZ

IN THE

By Nate Bloom Contributing Columnist All these movies open on Friday, Feb. 3: WHALES, SUPER-POWERS AND GHOSTS Based on a true story, “Big Miracle” is about an unlikely coalition that comes together to rescue a family of grey whales trapped by Arctic Circle ice. John Krasniski plays Carlson, an Alaska news reporter who joins with his ex-girlfriend, Rachel Kramer, an avid environmentalist (Drew Barrymore), to enlist the help of Inuit natives (Eskimos), oil companies and the Russian and American military in freeing the whales.

Along the way, Carlson and Kramer re-kindle their romance.

TIM BLAKE NELSON, 47, has a supporting role as a wildlife expert with a character name that sounds Inuit. (By the way, there really was an Eskimo Jewish actor — RAY WISE [1906-52], who was billed as “Mala.” The son of a Jewish father/Eskimo mother, he had a fabulous physique, and played Eskimos and Polynesians in over 25 films.)

“Chronicle” is about three high school students who virtually stumble on something that gives them super powers. However, they’re unable to cope with these powers and their lives spin out of control as their dark sides begin taking over. The young cast members are all virtual newcomers. The original screenplay is by MAX LANDIS, 26, the son of famous director JOHN LANDIS, 61 (“Blues Brothers,” many others) and his wife, DEBORAH NADOOLMAN LANDIS, 60, an Oscar-nominated costume designer. Max Landis has written several short films and Forbes magazine (Dec. 2011) named him one of “30 Under 30” young people to watch in the entertainment industry.

DANIEL RADCLIFFE, 22, of “Harry Potter” fame, stars in the supernatural thriller, “The Woman in Black,” as a widowed lawyer who goes to a remote English village to sort out the estate of a deceased eccentric woman. He eventually discovers what the whole town knows — that the woman’s house is haunted by the ghost of a vengeful woman. The screenplay is by Brit JANE GOLDMAN, 41, a very famous personality in the UK who has been married, since 1988, to JONATHAN ROSS, 51, an even more famous UK TV host.

SMASH/SEGEL Starting on Monday, Feb. 6, at 10PM, is the NBC musical drama, “Smash.” This series revolves around a group of people who come together to put on a Broadway musical based on the

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life of MARILYN MONROE. The personal and professional lives of these theater folk and their significant others form the backdrop of the series, which is very lavishly produced.

“Smash” is produced by STEVEN SPIELBERG, 65, and he opened his wallet to recruit high class talent: the top Broadway composing team of MARC SHAIMAN, 52, and Scott Witten are writing the songs for “Smash.” The TV show’s stars include Angelica Huston, Katherine McPhee (as the star of the “Marilyn” musical), and DEBRA MESSING, 42, of “Will and Grace” fame. Messing plays Julia Houston, the “Marilyn” musical’s songwriter.

Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals club, the country’s oldest college theater group, has named actor JASON SEGEL, 32, its “Man of the Year.”

The award (a pot) will be presented Feb. 3 and Segel will be feted with a parade and “roast.” Actress Claire Danes was named the “Woman of the Year.”

SISTERS DOIN’ IT FOR THEMSELVES RASHIDA JONES, 35, (“Parks and Recreation”) and LAUREN MILLER, 30, are taking a page from the playbook of SETH ROGEN, 29, Miller’s husband, and have written romantic comedies that they also co-star in. Rogen, a protégé of director/writer/producer JUDD APATOW, subbed-in comedic talent and writing ability for the great good looks that most romantic comedy leading men have and became a star via “Knocked-Up,” “Superbad” and Pineapple Express.”

Last year, “Bridesmaids” proved that a raunchy comedy written by and starring women could also be a box office and critical hit. Miller’s film, “For a Good Time Call,” just got raves at the Sundance Film Festival. Miller and ARI GRAYNOR play two women who run a sex call service and there’s a lot of graphic humor.

Likewise, Jones co-wrote and costars in the film, “Celeste and Jesse,” another Sundance hit. It’s a sharp, if not quite raunchy, dramedy about a divorcing couple (ANDY SAMBERG and ARI GRAYNOR co-star).

The Los Angeles Times caught-up with Miller and Rogen at Sundance, and satirically labeled Rogen “a trophy husband.” The reporter pointed out to Rogen (who has a small role in his wife’s movie) that really he had “no official business” at the festival and didn’t that make him “arm-candy” for his wife? Rogen laughed and replied, “Yeah, I guess it does [but] honestly, it’s not bad. It’s a lot less stressful than normal.”

FROM THE PAGES 100 Y EARS A GO Mrs. Ben Steinharter has arrived home after a visit to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Swope of Birmingham, Ala., and was accompanied by her daughter, Miss Corrinne, who spent the last three months as the guest of her grandparents.

Albert Heidelbach, for many years a resident of Cincinnati, but for the last twenty years a resident of New York City, died at his home suddenly of heart disease on January 28, aged 58 years, leaving a widow (Theresa Friedlander of Cincinnati) and one daughter. Mr. Heidelbach was a native of Cincinnati and has a number of relatives here. He was buried in New York.

During the past week Mr. and Mrs. A. Weiner of Cleveland, Ohio, and Miss Weiner, were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob W. Mack. A large number of friends called to greet them and to offer congratulations upon the betrothal of Miss Weiner to Rabbi Louis Wolsey, which was recently announced. Mrs. Weiner was formerly Miss Bella Aub of this city, and is the leading spirit of the Cleveland Council of Jewish Women.

Mr. and Mrs. Adolph S. Ochs of New York City were honored last Sunday with the company of President Taft at luncheon in their home. The only other guests present were the managing editor and the heads of the editorial departments of the New York “Times,” of which Mr. Ochs, numbered about twenty-five.

Mrs. Ochs was Miss Effie M. Wise of this city, and is a daughter of the late Isaac M. Wise. — February 1, 1912

75 Y EARS A GO The Jewish Center suspended activities and became the Avondale Red Cross. Cincinnati Jewish organizations cooperated to form the Avondale Red Cross Flood Relief Executive Committee with the following set-up: Julius W. Freiberg, chairman; Max Schiff and Isador Schifrin, vice chairmen; Bert Wallenstein, food, bottles, messengers, with Ira Harris and Harold Hirschberg; Mrs. J. William Brenner, motor; Mrs. Arthur L. Reinhart, food, bottles, messengers; Alvin Rowe, with Sam Krouse acting in the latter’s absence, motor; Jack Rappoport, bedding; Edward S. Horwitz and Fred Weiland, funds; Mrs. John Gitman, bedding; Eli G. Cohan and Mrs. Bessie Polasky, clothing; Herbert J. Kahn and Alfred Katz, water.

Cooperating organizations included Avondale Synagogue; B’nai B’rith, Eli Wittstein American Legion Pos, Federation of Jewish Women’s Organizations, Jewish Center, Boy Scouts Troops 75, 96, 11, Council of Jewish Women, Rockdale and Wise Temple Sisterhoods, Love Brothers Synagogue, Ruth 18, Hebrew Union College.

All Jewish organizations known

to have mobilized were invited to cooperate. Many individual members of the organizations named and not named rendered yeoman service in the emergency.

Mrs. Hannah Loebman, President Apartments, passed away Tuesday, Jan 26th, after a two-month illness.

She was 81 and had lived in Cincinnati many years.

Those surviving include a daughter, Mrs. M. J. Strauss, Eric, Pa.; two sisters, Mrs. Emil Huttenbauer and Mrs. Rose Erlick; and two grandchildren, David and John Strauss. — February 4, 1937

50 Y EARS A GO Roberta Peters, popular and beautiful soprano, will sing at Music Hall with Max Rudolph and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Thursday, Feb. 1, and Saturday, Feb. 3, at 8:30 p.m.

She will sing selections by Bach, Handel, Paul Creston and the famous Bell song from the opera “Lakme” by Delibes. Max Rudolph and orchestra will perform Bach’s Symphony for String Orchestra, Debussy’s Iberia and Schumann’s Symphony No. 4.

“I am happy to announce that the $1,000,000 drive for ‘Glen Manor,’ new home for the Jewish Aged of Cincinnati on Glen Meadows Lane has reached its goal.”

Eugene J. Weston campaign chairman, made that report at the victory luncheon of tem chairmen, vice chairmen and workers Monday noon, Jan. 29.

“Spearheaded by its Board of Trustees, which pledged over $260,000 before the drive started, the generous gesture of the residents of the Home at 3138 Burnet Avenue who contributed $43.25, and the splendid leadership of Carl Rauh, head of the Advance Gifts Division, and Phillip T. Cohen and Barry Stuhlbarg, co-chairmen of the Special Gifts Division, their subchairmen and the citizens of Cincinnati responded munificently,” Harry D. Liebschutz, president of the Home said. — February 1, 1962

25 Y EARS A GO Florine Pastor of 6920 LaBoiteaux, formerly of St. Louis, passed away Jan. 30. She was 71.

She is survived by two daughters, Phyllis Pastor of Covington and Elaine Karsh of Los Angeles; a granddaughter, Dawn Karsh of Los Angeles; nieces and nephews, Mr. and Mrs. Herb Pastor, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Pastor, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Sudman, Dr. and Mrs. Phillip Edlin, all of Cincinnati, and Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Edlin of Atlanta; grandnieces and nephews, Max, Sam and Lou Pastor, Mrs. Sylvia Sears, Marla and Marc Sudman and Harry and Frank Cohen.

She was the wife of the late Sam Pastor.

Fannie Kahn, formerly of

Dayton, passed away Jan. 31.

She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Sidney (Helen) Levinstein of Media, Penn.; a son, Sylvan Kahn; seven grandsons; nine great-grandchildren; two nieces, Mrs. Sam (Rose) Mann of Dayton and Mrs. I. (Shirley) Gurvis of Columbus; and a nephew, Melvin Kahn of Boca Raton, Fla. She was the wife of the late Harry M. Kahn and the mother of the late Manuel Kahn.

K.K. Bene of Israel Rockdale Temple’s “Second Friday Education Series” will continue its 1986-87 season on Friday, Feb. 13 following Sabbath services at 8:15 p.m.

The program will feature Dr. Collin Zadikoff and Drs. Barbara Ritchken and Roy First, who will explore the timely issue of Jews in South Africa.

The speakers will give their impressions of Jewish life in South Africa and will explore the character of the Jewish community there, the political situation as it impacts on the Jewish community, and the Jewish reaction to apartheid. — February 5, 1987

10 Y EARS A GO In the afternoon of the spring riots, Rabbi Lewis Kamrass, Wise Temple Senior Rabbi, and Barbara Glueck, executive director of the American Jewish Committee, are deeply involved in improving community and police relations. They are convinced that the health of our region depends on the fair enforcement of law and justice for all.

Rabbi Kamrass volunteered for Cincinnati Community Action Now (CAN), a task force to help achieve equity, opportunity and inclusion by addressing the disparities that particularly affect African-Americans.

He has served on the Police and Justice Team since its inception, regularly attending the weekly 7 a.m. meetings of the police and community issues group chaired by Xavier University President Father Michael Graham.

Cincinnati Police Chief Tom Streicher, key police officials and several people from the community are also involved in the team. Five other teams are working on education, economic inclusion, housing, health and media.

Carl A. Strauss, 89, passed away Jan. 16. Mr. Strauss was born in Cincinnati. He was a son of the late Albert I. Strauss and Louise (Wachman) Strauss. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Eleanore Strauss and his children, Carl A. (Tony) and Geri Strauss of Indian Hill and Peter J., a former city councilman, and his wife, Kitty Strauss of Hyde Park. Also surviving Mr. Strauss are his grandchildren, Michelle Ross, Carrie and Nicole Strauss, Mathew A. and Michael C. Strauss and a great-grandchild, Ella Ross. A brother, John R. Strauss of East Walnut Hills, also survives Mr. Strauss. — January 31, 2002

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Access (513) 373-0300 • jypaccess.org Big Brothers/Big Sisters Assoc.

(513) 761-3200 • bigbrobigsis.org Camp Ashreinu (513) 702-1513 Camp at the J (513) 722-7258 • mayersonjcc.org Camp Livingston (513) 793-5554 • camplivingston.com Cedar Village (513) 754-3100 • cedarvillage.org Chevra Kadisha (513) 396-6426 Cincinnati Community Mikveh 513-351-0609 • cincinnatimikveh.org Fusion Family (513) 703-3343 • fusionnati.org Halom House (513) 791-2912 • halomhouse.com Hillel Jewish Student Center (513) 221-6728 • hillelcincinnati.org Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati 513-961-0178 • jcemcin.org Jewish Community Center (513) 761-7500 • mayersonjcc.org Jewish Community Relations Council (513) 985-1501 Jewish Family Service (513) 469-1188 • jfscinti.org Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (513) 985-1500 • shalomcincy.org Jewish Foundation (513) 514-1200 Jewish Information Network (513) 985-1514 Jewish Vocational Service (513) 985-0515 • jvscinti.org Kesher (513) 766-3348 Plum Street Temple Historic Preservation Fund (513) 793-2556 Shalom Family (513) 703-3343 • myshalomfamily.org The Center for Holocaust & Humanity Education (513) 487-3055 • holocaustandhumanity.org Vaad Hoier (513) 731-4671 Workum Fund (513) 899-1836 • workum.org YPs at the JCC (513) 761-7500 • mayersonjcc.org

CONGREGATIONS Adath Israel Congregation (513) 793-1800 • adath-israel.org Beit Chaverim (513) 984-3393 Beth Israel Congregation (513) 868-2049 • bethisraelcongregation.net Congregation Beth Adam (513) 985-0400 • bethadam.org Congregation B’nai Tikvah (513) 759-5356 • bnai-tikvah.org Congregation B’nai Tzedek (513) 984-3393 • bnaitzedek.us Congregation Ohav Shalom (513) 489-3399 • ohavshalom.org

Congregation Ohr Chadash (513) 252-7267 • ohrchadashcincinnati.com Congregation Sha’arei Torah shaareitorahcincy.org Congregation Zichron Eliezer 513-631-4900 • czecincinnati.org Golf Manor Synagogue (513) 531-6654 • golfmanorsynagogue.org Isaac M. Wise Temple (513) 793-2556 • wisetemple.org Kehilas B’nai Israel (513) 761-0769 Northern Hills Synagogue (513) 931-6038 • nhs-cba.org Rockdale Temple (513) 891-9900 • rockdaletemple.org Temple Beth Shalom (513) 422-8313 • tbsohio.org Temple Sholom (513) 791-1330 • templesholom.net The Valley Temple (513) 761-3555 • valleytemple.com

EDUCATION Chai Tots Early Childhood Center (513) 234.0600 • chaitots.com Chabad Blue Ash (513) 793-5200 • chabadba.com Cincinnati Hebrew Day School (513) 351-7777 • chds.shul.net HUC-JIR (513) 221-1875 • huc.edu JCC Early Childhood School (513) 793-2122 • mayersonjcc.org Kehilla - School for Creative Jewish Education (513) 489-3399 • kehilla-cincy.com Mercaz High School (513) 792-5082 x104 • mercazhs.org Kulanu (Reform Jewish High School) 513-262-8849 • kulanucincy.org Regional Institute Torah & Secular Studies (513) 631-0083 Rockwern Academy (513) 984-3770 • rockwernacademy.org

ORGANIZATIONS American Jewish Committee (513) 621-4020 • ajc.org American Friends of Magen David Adom (513) 521-1197 • afmda.org B’nai B’rith (513) 984-1999 Hadassah (513) 821-6157 • cincinnati.hadassah.org Jewish Discovery Center (513) 234.0777 • jdiscovery.com Jewish National Fund (513) 794-1300 • jnf.org Jewish War Veterans (513) 204-5594 • jwv.org NA’AMAT (513) 984-3805 • naamat.org National Council of Jewish Women (513) 891-9583 • ncjw.org State of Israel Bonds (513) 793-4440 • israelbonds.com Women’s American ORT (513) 985-1512 • ortamerica.org.org

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production@ americanisraelite.com BBYO from page 5 “Infusing such powerful content into a fun-filled weekend is one of the many ways our region is making a name for itself,” said Josh Rothstein, KIO (KentuckyIndiana-Ohio) BBYO Regional Director. “It’s exciting to see that our Cincinnati chapters are leading the way with this kind of innovative programming. The fact that teens from the other four cities in our region: Indianapolis, Dayton, Columbus and Louisville, made the trip to Cincinnati just goes to show how moving (literally) something like this can be!”

The Occupy the JCC planning committee was made up of Cincinnati BBYO members from both the boys’ Mishpocha AZA chapter and the girls’ Ner Tamid BBG chapter, and included: Kelsey Bardach, Alex Burte, Kali Cohen, Mitchell Evans, Benji Kriner, Chase Kroeger, Marisa Levy, Herbert Meisner, Zach Samuelson, Joey Slovin, Alex Weisser, Hannah OREN from page 7 “The Iranian economy is in a nosedive and its currency has been devalued,” Oren added. “There are cracks and stresses in its leadership.”

Oren said that, “fates of such governments have not been particularly felicitous.”

On the topic of Syria, Oren told the Midshipmen “we want Assad to go,” because that would end Iran’s involvement in Syria and dominance of Lebanon. However, he said “we do not want to see Syria fall apart along ethnic lines.”

In an interview, the diplomat noted the Syrian people’s protests.

“It’s very inspiring. They protest every day and don’t stop in spite of knowing they might not come home, and we look upon them favorably,” he said.

At the Naval Academy, he said the Israeli and Egyptian militaries and government leaders are in daily contact. “We cherish that peace,” Oren said. “So far, the parties in Egypt, without expressing affection for us, have said they will uphold their treaty with us.”

Oren told JointMedia News Service that Israel maintains a military presence along the Jordan River, but that his nation’s problem with Lebanon is not at the

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(513) 531-9600 Wise and Sarah Wolf.

“Occupy the JCC was a great experience for all the old and new members. It was my first event and after going I knew that I wanted to come back,” said Cory Harbatkin, a freshman at Mason High School.

“This was one of the biggest BBYO events Cincinnati has hosted in a long time, and it was such a success. It was great seeing friends from out of town, discussing how bullying affects high schoolers, and of course, spending the night at the JCC. It was a fantastic event from beginning to end,” shared Alyssa Bardach, a senior at Cincinnati Country Day School.

In addition to special events, parties and Jewish social actionand holiday-related programs, BBYO provides numerous leadership opportunities and offers many chances throughout the year for teens to attend regional, and even national and international conventions, summer camp and trips to Israel.

Lebanese border with Israel, but the Lebanese border with Syria.

Similarly, he said: “Our problem with Gaza is its border with Egypt, not the Egyptian border with Israel.”

Oren emphasized to the Midshipmen the unique solidarity of the American-Israeli friendship, stressing that the two nations don’t agree on everything, comparing it to British-American relations during World War II. “Israel is not only a true friend, Israel is an ally—not just an ally but the ultimate ally,” he said.

Oren described how U.S. ships refuel in Haifa, how the two countries share military and intelligence information daily, and the presence of a U.S. radar station in the Negev.

One small kibbutz had developed armoring techniques that were used by 20,000 military vehicles in Iraq, and an Israeli company developed new bandages to stop bleeding in battlefields—technology that was used to treat Congresswoman Gabriella Giffords when she was shot in Tucson, Ariz.

“We are engaged in a serious and consistent dialog with the American Administration to maintain QME—a qualitative military edge,” he said. The goal, Oren said, is to “assure that Israel can defend itself against Mideast adversaries.”

20 • LEGAL

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

More judicial criticism of Ohio’s death penalty Legally Speaking

by Marianna Bettman As I have previously written in this column, Justice Paul Pfeifer has really stepped up his public criticism of Ohio’s death penalty. As strong as his words have been, they’re tame compared to those of U.S. District Judge Greg Frost of Newark, Ohio. Judge Frost sits in Columbus. Back in the day, when we were both state court judges, we taught a couple of continuing judicial education subjects together.

Judge Frost has been engaged in a battle with the state for nearly eight years over its execution OBAMA from page 7 Obama is hardly the first president to be called an anti-Semite or hostile to Israel. In 1991, George H.W. Bush found himself the subject of withering Jewish criticism when he sought to delay $10 billion in loan guarantees for Israel unless Jerusalem agreed to a settlement freeze in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The national director of the Anti-Defamation League, Abraham Foxman, said he remembers holding a news conference to denounce Jewish characterizations of Bush as Satan and evil.

But the rhetoric and conspiracy theories against Obama seem to constitute an unprecedented level of vitriol, say many longtime observers of the Jewish political scene.

“I’ve never seen as much enmity toward a president by American Jews as I do toward Obama,” said Morton Klein, the national president of the Zionist Organization of MANUSCRIPTS from page 8 In all probability, the manuscripts were illegally smuggled out of Afghanistan. The director of the Afghan National Archives told Reuters that the find was not Afghan, but a Culture Ministry adviser conceded that it’s not uncommon for local antiquities to be shipped abroad where they fetch much higher prices.

As a result, efforts to determine who now holds the documents, where they are being stored or how they were acquired proved to be inconclusive.

What is clear is that the collec-

protocol. He just said exactly that in an opinion January 11 granting a stay of execution to condemned murderer Charles Lorraine. After Frost wrote another and even harsher decision last July, rather than defend itself further, the state re-wrote its protocols for carrying out the death penalty. But in the Lorraine case, Judge Frost excoriated the state for failing to carry out those very protocols. Let me quote you verbatim the beginning of his opinion. Warning — this is rough stuff.

“This case is frustrating. For close to eight years, the Court has dealt with inmate challenges to the constitutionality of Ohio’s execution protocol. During that time, the litigation has morphed from focusing primarily on allegations of cruel and unusual punishment to allegations of equal protection violations. Ohio has been in a dubious cycle of defending often indefensible conduct, subsequently reforming its protocol when called on that conduct, and then failing to follow through on its own reforms.

Occasionally in this litigation, state

agents lie to the Court. At other times, different state actors impress this Court with their sincere devotion to carrying out the unenviable task of executing death-sentenced inmates within constitutional parameters. As a result of laudable effort by the various state actors involved – motivated either by duty, embarrassment, the decisions of this Court, or a combination of any of the foregoing – Ohio finally arrived at a protocol that on paper satisfies every Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment challenge thrown against it. Then once again Ohio decided to carry out the protocol in a manner that simply ignores a key component of the execution scheme.

“The end result is that rather than proceeding to a final conclusion in this case that would enable Ohio to proceed to fulfill its lawful duty to execute inmates sentenced to death free from this ongoing litigation, Ohio has unnecessarily and inexplicably created easily avoidable problems that force this Court to once again stay an execution.

“This is frustrating to the Court

because no judge is a micro-manager of executions and no judge wants to find himself mired in ongoing litigation in which he must continually babysit the parties. But the law is what it is, and the facts are what they are. The Constitution demands that a judge honor the rights embodied in that document, that a judge appreciate the nuance involved in those rights rather than adopting a constitutionally irresponsible, “big-picture, close enough” approach, and that a judge follow the evidence presented by the parties to whatever principled conclusion it leads – no matter how easily avoided and frustrating that conclusion may be. In other words, if Ohio would only do what it says it will do, everyone involved in this case can finally move on.”

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit Court swiftly affirmed Judge Frost’s decision, writing, “We agree with the district court that the State should do what it agreed to do: in other words it should adhere to the execution protocol it adopted.”

The timing of all of this is quite

interesting, because the task force on the death penalty commissioned last year by Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor with the Ohio State Bar Association to review the administration of Ohio’s death penalty met the day after Judge Frost’s decision came out, which certainly provides the members with food for thought.

O’Connor made it very clear from the outset that the task force was not going to consider whether Ohio should or should not have the death penalty. I wonder, though, if the task force can really avoid that issue. The task force is chaired by retired court of appeals judge James Brogan of Dayton, and is made up of academics, judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers, the state public defender’s office and lawmakers.

Additionally, a number of newspapers around the state are beginning to raise questions about Ohio’s death penalty.

I definitely sense change is in the wind.

America. “I’ve never heard people say, as they say to me, ‘I hate him.’”

Klein, who called on the American Israel Public Affairs Committee to disinvite Obama from its annual policy conference last year and thinks AIPAC should bar Obama from this year’s conference, lays the blame on the president.

“Among those who care about Israel, he surely is to blame for it,” Klein said. “Every chance he gets he blames Israel.”

Foxman says that extreme hatred of Obama is not so much about the president’s policies as it is about America’s economic troubles, the sense that Israel faces greater existential threats today than at any time in the last 30 to 40 years, and the Internet, which amplifies and spreads radical voices and conspiracy theories.

“All of these add an anxiety element that intensifies fear and anxiety,” Foxman told JTA.

“Attitudes have intensified.”

Then there’s Obama himself — a black president with the middle name Hussein who has been accused even by some Jewish Democrats of not being able to show sympathy for Israel in his kishkes.

“Here’s a president who doesn’t show emotion on anything, and the Jewish community is used to emotion,” Foxman said.

Democrats blame the Republicans for the vitriol; Republicans say Democrats are practicing divisive politics.

Obama’s most vehement Jewish critics are not the only ones who accuse Obama of being a secret Muslim, a socialist and a threat to America. Many Tea Party activists have sounded similar themes, with some going so far as to decry his adminsitration as pursuing Nazi-like policies.

But Obama’s most extreme Jewish critics also accuse him of seeking to erase the Jewish charac-

ter of the Jewish state and plotting to wage war against Israel or the Jews. They see anti-Semitic overtones even in Obama’s hiring of Jewish advisers.

“A Jacob Lew or a Rahm Emanuel is a danger to the Jewish people because they make treif look kosher,” Silver, the Illinois businessman, said of the current and former Obama chiefs of staff.

“I think these are anti-Jewish Jews.

They make Obama look like he’s not a threat, but he’s a clear and present danger to Israel.”

A Jewish New Yorker named Clive said of Lew’s hire, “We know that Pharaoh hired Joseph because it suited him, but down the road when it didn’t suit him he made his family slaves.”

Pamela Geller, a Jewish writer whose blog, Atlas Shrugs, is a popular source of information for antiObama conspiracy theorists, says Obama is trying to stir up Muslim enmity toward Jews.

“The President of the United

States is advancing jihad against the oath of office that he took,” Geller wrote in April 2010. “If he is agitating Muslims against Jews, will he declare war on Israel?”

Obama administration officials repeatedly have denounced these sorts of accusations as patently false and waged a campaign in the Jewish community to highlight the president’s record on issues of Jewish concern, ranging from domestic issues to Obama’s pushes for Iran sanctions and endorsement of unprecedented U.S.-Israel military cooperation.

But ultimately, for that subset of the Jewish community that sees ominous signs in Obama’s record, the concern isn’t so much what Obama has done so far in his three years in office as it is what he might do in the future.

“He takes baby steps and is slowly putting things in play to do Israel damage in the long run,” Silver said. “There’s a strategy behind this.”

tion is split between several private dealers, at least one of whom is based in London. Other lots are said to be in the hands of dealers in Dubai and Switzerland. Other than Wolfe’s acknowledgement of his holdings, JTA could not confirm claims regarding who has ownership of the documents or how they were acquired.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t lots of colorful stories floating around. One story, which several of those involved had heard, involves a Russian-Jewish billionaire who supposedly had expressed interest in purchasing the manuscripts but had pulled out

after his attorneys advised that he may run into legal difficulties. No one would divulge his name.

It “adds an element of mystique,” Wolfe said. “I personally never spoke to any Russian oligarch. What I’ve heard is hearsay.

I don’t trust hearsay.”

Menashe Goldelman, a London-based expert in Middle Eastern antiquities who has authored a 23-page report on the documents, told JTA that they emerged on the London market several months ago. Goldelman said he had been enlisted by a dealer to sell the documents on his behalf. At present, Goldelman said

he was trying to broker an agreement with the various dealers to bring the collection together.

Goldelman estimates their total value at about $5 million.

“They are not things that are stolen from an institution or found in a legal excavation,” Goldelman said. “At some point, everything that comes from the ground goes to the black market. The black market, this is the institution that helps to save this material. If something has, let’s say, commercial value, it gets saved. If you don’t have a commercial value for the manuscript, they go and put it in the fireplace.”

Goldelman’s involvement may not reassure skittish buyers about their provenance. In 2010, two professors reportedly accused him of trafficking in stolen antiquities and protested his scheduled appearance at a conference in Israel. Goldelman’s lawyer denied the accusations and threatened to sue for libel.

None of the experts who have spoken publicly on the matter of the Afghan documents appeared to be too troubled by unanswered questions about their origins, seeming to accept such things as the cost of doing business in ancient artifacts.

Marianna Bettman is a professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

FIRST PERSON • 21

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

This Year in Jerusalem Singer Says

by Phyllis Singer Reminiscing about “Jerusalem of Old” of the 1980s in last weekend’s Jerusalem Post Magazine, Liat Collins, editor of The Jerusalem Post International Edition and a frequent columnist LEVIN from page 8 If 100,000 Ukrainians could get rid of Ukraine’s government in 2004, during the Orange Revolution, Levin said, it just takes some extrapolation to figure out that a few hundred thousand people in America can get rid of an uncooperative president in Washington. It wasn’t clear whether Levin meant through revolution or elections.

I pressed Levin for more details on how Russian Jews figured into all this.

It’s all about genetics, he said.

With the experience of two world wars, 70 years of Communism and the struggles of pogroms and immigration, Russians are hardwired to fight for their lives. And if they believe they are threatened by Iran, they will do everything within their power to eliminate that threat. It’s not just Jewish Russians from around the world who could rally to this cause, but the 100 milKIDS from page 10 For my turn to speak, I wasn’t quite sure what to say. The kids had begun to fidget as the ceremony wore on, and I was concerned about keeping their attention.

So I decided to change gears. I wasn’t going to talk about the Holocaust per se, I told them. They had been studying that and were aware, I think, of the horror.

What they didn’t know anything about was Jews — Jews as living people, and not abstract Holocaust victims in striped pajamas or faceless components of the 6 million.

So, I told them, “I’m a Jew, living and kicking” — and that’s when they applauded.

In a manner of speaking, my message was my very presence.

We are normal people, I said.

We come in all shapes and sizes; some of us are rich, some poor; some are smart, some dumb; some

in the magazine, wrote, among other things, that 1983 “was a time when the light rail did not exist in our wildest dreams.” But, she continued, “now it figures in some of my worst nightmares.”

What is she talking about, many of you – especially those who are familiar with Jerusalem – may ask.

The answer focuses on the new transportation system in Jerusalem – the light rail – the municipal fast train now operating in the city.

Conceived in 2002 and scheduled to begin service in 2006, after many, many delays, the light rail finally began service last August.

From August through November, service was free because there were many glitches still to be ironed out. City Pass, the company operating the light

rail, wanted to delay beginning service until October, hoping that the problems would be resolved.

But the city refused to grant one more postponement and insisted that service begin in August— warts and all!

And so it began—a nightmare for Liat Collins and many more Jerusalemites! Many of us try to avoid taking the fast train, which is not really so fast, and still try to rely on buses whenever and wherever possible. Driving a private car in many parts of the center of the city is no longer possible, and even cabs and buses cannot travel on Jaffa Road. The municipality hopes to make Jaffa Road a midrahov, a pedestrian mall like Ben Yehuda Street, with the light rail tracks in the center.

Why is it a nightmare, you ask.

First of all, the train is supposed to have the right of way throughout the city. But, somehow, the traffic lights have not been coordinated with the light rail, so the train has to stop for red lights. Second, pedestrians are supposed to give the train the right of way and cross only at designated crossings, but many stroll along and walk across the tracks wherever they want. To date, there has been one incident of the train hitting a pedestrian, but many believe it’s a disaster waiting to happen. Third, special cards – Rav Kav cards – were issued in the fall replacing most paper tickets.

These new cards were supposed to be compatible between buses and the train. But the first batch was

not, so those of us who got the cards early had to have them reprogrammed.

Moreover—and perhaps the biggest headache—many bus lines have been changed or even discontinued. The idea is that buses should be feeders into the light rail system.

But now many people have to take a bus and then transfer to the train where before one bus would take them to their destination.

Tourists love the light rail. But many Jerusalemites agree: It is far more a nightmare than a dream come true! Visit Jerusalem and decide for yourself.

lion or so non-Jewish Russians, too, he added.

“These people are used to fighting for their lives, for their kids, for everything,” Levin said. “This is a very powerful genetic trait.”

Levin emphasized that solving the Iran problem isn’t the only, or main, objective of the organization.

“The most important goal,” Levin said, “is to bring the messiah.”

Levin, who is clean-shaven and sports a black, knit yarmulke, is a Lubavitcher.

“Our goal is first of all the Torah, land and people of Israel,” he said of the World Forum. “I want to make Israel live by the law of the Torah, but the people of Israel are not ready yet.”

Levin is hardly the first Russian-speaking Jew to launch an organization with an internationalsounding name and grandiose ideas about saving the Jewish people. In the fall of 2010, fellow Ukrainian billionaire Igor Kolomoisky

pledged $14 million to the European Council of Jewish Communities — a low-profile organization founded more than 40 years ago to promote Jewish culture, heritage, education and community — to become its president and redirect the organization to focus on political issues.

But when ECJC board members resigned in protest, Kolomoisky withdrew his bid (and his cash) and decided to start his own organization. This past spring, he and fellow Jewish Ukrainian billionaire Vadim Rabinovitch (a former ECJC vice president) created the European Jewish Union, whose first big project would be the establishment of European Jewish Parliament.

But when the list of candidates was announced over the summer, people dismissed the whole thing as a joke upon learning that the list included soccer star David Beckham, filmmaker Roman Polanski, comic actor Sacha

Baron Cohen, fashion designer Diane von Furstenburg and other famous and less-famous European Jews (including a JTA correspondent) who didn’t even know they were in the running — if they knew anything of the planned parliament at all.

At the same time, however, Rabinovitch and Kolomoisky were making plans to launch a 24/7 Jewish news channel called Jewish News One, which began broadcasting by satellite last September.

The two reportedly have poured $5 million into the project.

If Levin’s idea is to be taken seriously, he’s going to need more than his own cash, a name and determination (he also reportedly has welcome letters from the Israeli prime minister and foreign minister). He’s going to need a real plan.

The more deeply I delved, the more it seemed that that plan doesn’t exist yet.

The organization has no pro-

jected budget, no executive director, no staff and no office. Levin told the Forward there are plans for 18 offices around the world, but it turns out there are no actual plans, just a desire for 18 offices.

Well, could Levin at least identify the 18 places where he wants to put them?

He hasn’t figured that out yet.

All he’s got is the number, which he chose because 18 corresponds with “chai,” the Hebrew word for life.

“If you believe in G-d, there are two ways to keep the peace,” Levin concluded. “One, is if people are ready and doing everything to bring moshiach. Two, is if the situation is so bad that G-d send moshiach. We are working towards No. 1.”

Levin said the World Forum is still in an embryonic stage and needs time to nail down its exact goals, plans and strategy.

“We just created it yesterday,” he said.

are religious and others, like me, are not.

I recited the Shehecheyanu blessing, telling them that I thought it appropriate since I felt so moved and privileged to be able to meet with them.

Then I showed them pictures of the impact of the Holocaust — color pictures, not black and white shots or grainy film. They were pictures that illustrated the work I have done over the years documenting the synagogues, cemeteries and other remains of prewar Jewish life and also chronicling the rebirth of Jewish life in post-Communist Eastern Europe.

There was no time to take questions after the event in Amendolara.

But later, a woman told me that tears had come to her eyes when I said I was a Jew. And a group of girls came up to talk.

“You’re the first Jew we ever

met,” they told me.

What did they think of that? I wanted to know.

“You must have lived through a lot,” one said.

The kids had studied the Holocaust in class and, as part of their lessons, had created artworks and writing projects. Some of the pictures they drew were displayed on the walls: There were Stars of David and human faces penned in by barbed wire, prisoners in striped uniforms with the caption “so as not to forget,” images of deathcamp barracks.

One picture, I noticed, quoted the lyrics of a famous song about Auschwitz written in the 1960s by the Italian singer-songwriter Francesco Guccini.

“I died when I was a child,” the song begins. “I died with a hundred others. Passed through a chimney, and now I’m in the wind …”

About 30,000 Jews live in Italy

today, but none, as far as I can tell, lives in either Amendolara or Oriolo. Calabria was home to a flourishing Jewish community in the Middle Ages, but Jews were expelled from the region 500 years ago.

Ironically, the largest Jewish presence in the region came during World War II, when Italy’s fascist government held more than 3,800 Jews, most of them from other countries, in the Ferramonti internment camp near Cosenza.

Schoolchildren often visit Ferramonti as part of Holocaust education programs.

That evening in Oriolo, the program went on longer than anticipated, but the kids were eager to stay on and ask questions afterward.

“Did you lose any family in the Holocaust?” asked a girl who looked to be about 10.

I explained that no, my mother’s parents both had been born in the

United States and my father’s parents had emigrated from what is now Romania more than 100 years ago. My relatives in Romania were deported to a labor camp in Ukraine and, as far as I know, survived. I showed pictures of myself visiting the grave of my great-grandmother, who had died in Romania after the war.

Then one boy of about 11 asked a question that I couldn’t even begin to answer. It was the question underlying the entire evening and decades of history.

“What,” he asked, “did the Nazis have against Jews? What made them kill them like that?”

Phyllis Singer is a former editor/general manager of The American Israelite living in Jerusalem.

Ruth Ellen Gruber’s books include “National Geographic Jewish Heritage Travel: A Guide to Eastern Europe,” and “Virtually Jewish: Reinventing Jewish Culture in Europe.” She blogs on Jewish heritage.

22 • OBITUARIES D EATH N OTICES FABERMAN, Jay, age 70, died January 24, 2012; 29 Tevet, 5772.

SAMUEL, Citti, age 98, died January 25, 2012; 1 Shevat, 5772.

BARTFIELD, Pauline, age 94, died January 28, 2012; 4 Shevat, 5772.

CAPLAN, Alvin M., age 82, died January 30, 2012; 6 Shevat, 5772.

NATIONAL from page 7 The caucus will be held at the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Educational Campus, an Adelson-funded private school in Las Vegas.

More than half the state’s Republican voters live in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas.

Some 500 Republican voters are expected to attend the additional caucus. An absentee balloting system is in place for Nevada caucuses, according to Politico.

Rice: ‘No shortcut’ to Mideast peace WASHINGTON (JTA) — The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, told a Jewish group that there is “no shortcut” to peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Achieving a Palestinian state “can only come through direct negotiations and a negotiated twostate solution,” Rice emphasized during a conversation with American Jewish Committee President David Harris Monday before a crowd of AJC members in New York.

Rice also noted the uncertainty with the Palestinians’ intentions and that “nobody knows for sure what the Palestinians will choose to do, if anything, in the coming weeks or months.”

The Palestinians are adhering to the Middle East Quartet deadline of Jan. 26 for direct negotiations to resume between the parties, but Palestinian Authority

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

President Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday that there could be a possibility of a resumption of contacts between the parties after he consults with Arab League officials on Feb. 4.

In addition, Rice argued that the U.S. spends “an enormous amount of time defending Israel’s right to defend itself” and that it reflected poorly on member nations that continue to use the United Nations “as a venue in which they can attack and harass Israel.”

Suspect in N.J. synagogue attacks pleads not guilty (JTA) — The 19-year-old man arrested in attacks on two northern New Jersey synagogues pleaded not guilty.

Anthony Graziano of Lodi, N.J., made his plea Wednesday in a Hackensack courtroom through his attorney. He is being held on $5 million bail after being arrested the previous day in connection with the Jan. 11 firebomb attack on a synagogue and residence in neighboring Rutherford and the Jan. 3 arson attack on a synagogue in Paramus, The Bergen County prosecutor said Tuesday that Graziano hates Jews.

“We have no doubt that the arson and the attempted murder in Rutherford were directly the result of Mr. Graziano’s hatred for people of the Jewish faith,” John Molinelli said at a news conference in Paramus. “We believe that he did this because they were synagogues and specifically to intimidate and cause alarm or concern to people of the Jewish community.”

Graziano was charged with nine counts of first-degree attempted murder in the Rutherford attack, as well as one count each of bias intimidation and aggravated arson.

Rabbi Nosson Schuman of Congregation Beth El, who lives with his family in the synagogue residence, was injured in the attack.

In the Paramus attack on Congregation K’Hal Adath Jeshurun, Graziano was charged with aggravated arson and bias intimidation, as well as thirddegree arson.

INT’L from page 10 Kraus, a native of the Czech town of Nachod, from the ages of 12 to 14 was in the Terezin, Auschwitz and Mauthausen concentration camps, where his parents were murdered and he survived two death marches. He wrote the diary shortly after the war; a diary written before the war and at Auschwitz was taken from him.

He immigrated to Canada in 1948 at the age of 17 with help from the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.

Kraus told the Czech News Agency that he decided to publish his diary now because of the perBOOK from page 10 It is in this tension between subjective biographer and critical journalist that the book finds its drama. Perhaps their two missions merge at that point in the text where both Landau and Peres portray the current crop of Israeli leaders as not cut from the same cloth as Ben-Gurion. To Peres’ credit, he does not edit out some of the tougher exchanges with Landau.

In a good example, Landau harangues Peres about BenGurion’s single-minded focus on establishing a state instead of lobbying to save the Jews of Europe during the Holocaust.

Peres is certainly uncomfortable with this line of questioning, as he should be. It takes Landau’s constant, obsessive probing to pry the painful truth from Peres: “We didn’t have that kind of clout,” the president finally admits.

The exchange, between an acerbic and brutally honest journalist and a witness, imbues the book with real drama.

Peres wholeheartedly believes that Ben-Gurion made the right decision by focusing on creating the state, but Landau has to get him to explain why. Peres has no real reason to whitewash BenGurion or defend him against accusations of ignoring the plight of Hitler’s Jewish victims. History will judge Ben-Gurion for the decisions he took and the compromises he made. Peres, for his part, is convinced that it was the right decision, as was the difficult decision to accept the U.N. Partition Plan (“Better a state on part of the land than the whole land and no state.”)

Peres was, and obviously still is, in awe of Ben-Gurion. Here is a good example: “Landau: Despite your enormous admiration of him, did you ever find yourself, in private, critical of Ben-Gurion’s policies?”

“Peres: No!” “Landau: That’s almost impossible.”

In his book, Peres tells us a few interesting personal tidbits about

sistence of racism and the persecution of minorities in the Czech Republic and Europe as a whole.

The diary was given to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, with copies going to museums in The Czech Republic and Israel.

Kraus said he owes his survival of the camps to being among 89 boys chosen to work as servants and messengers, though only a few of the selected inmates survived.

Brazil remembers Jewish and Afro-descendant Shoah victims RIO DE JANEIRO (JTA) — Brazil’s president attended a Holocaust remembrance ceremony Ben-Gurion. The first woman he loved fell in love with another man, and Ben-Gurion kept up a correspondence with her for years after her marriage and his own marriage to his wife, Paula, even extolling the woman to leave her husband and children and come live with him.

Detailing Ben-Gurion’s singlemindedness with establishing the state, Peres relates that BenGurion left his pregnant wife to go off to war and fight for the British.

Ben-Gurion was such a stickler for clean governance that as an official of the Yishuv, he refused to expedite or help in any way with his family’s immigration to Israel from Poland. He refused even though his wife and child were waiting, and his father had supported Ben-Gurion financially during his legal studies in Turkey and during the first lean years in Palestine. That is how much he hated Israel’s culture of “protektsia” — who you know.

Peres’ primary message in the book seems to be that they just don’t make them like Ben-Gurion anymore. He recalls an exchange between President Kennedy and Ben-Gurion.

“Kennedy: I know that I owe my election to your people. How can I repay you for your support?”

“Ben-Gurion: You can repay us by being a great president of the United States.”

Peres has repeated this mantra to President Obama.

“Israel, by virtue of her abiding strategic, political, and democratic quintessence, needs the president of the U.S. to be strong and successful,” Peres writes. “It’s poor politics and the most shortsighted strategy to suggest that Israel can somehow benefit from a confrontational or adversarial relationship with the president of the U.S.” — a thinly veiled reference to the sometimes testy relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Obama.

With Israel facing challenges on so many fronts, much of them internally, I kept wondering: What would Ben-Gurion do today?

that honored Jewish and Afrodescendant victims.

President Dilma Rousseff and several Jewish and non-Jewish officials attended a Holocaust remembrance ceremony held Jan. 29 in Salvador, Brazil’s third largest city.

“We are here to express ourselves about a stain in the history of humankind. Remembering is a way to build the mechanisms to prevent it from happening again.

The Holocaust, which some deny, will always stand as a paradigm against intolerance. Democratic societies have the power to fight crimes like the Holocaust so that they will not happen ever again,” said Rousseff.

What would he do about rising lawlessness in the West Bank, which according to the book he did not believe Israel should keep?

What would he do with the increasing tensions between the secular and haredi Orthodox?

Peres implies in the book that Ben-Gurion took pity on the haredim who had survived the Holocaust and made it to Israel by allowing them to establish yeshivas and not serve in the army. Back then their numbers were negligible. But by the end of the 1960s, certainly toward the end of his second stint as prime minister, didn’t Ben-Gurion notice that their numbers had swelled?

Peres’ book ignores the issue, which recently has risen to the forefront of Israeli public discourse.

In another reference to contemporary Israeli issues, Peres relates a remark Ben-Gurion made to him about why he preferred Lenin over Trotsky.

“You know, Trotsky was no statesman . . . because of his concept of no war, no peace. That’s not statesmanship. That’s some sort of Jewish invention,” Peres quotes Ben-Gurion as saying. “A statesman must decide, one way or the other: to go for peace and pay the price, or to make war, knowing what the risks and dangers are.”

It’s almost as if Peres is telescoping Ben-Gurion’s ideas on the country’s biggest contemporary problem: the dangerous lack of decisive leadership.

Careful readers will hear the criticism and urgency permeating almost every page of “BenGurion: A political life.”

As president, Peres has to navigate a careful path as a nonpartisan figurehead trying to keep a fractured nation together. But as a writer, Peres clearly longs to see Ben-Gurion types in the men and women of today’s Knesset. It’s clear that for the most part, they’re just not there.

Amir Mizroch is the editor of the English newsletter edition of Israel Hayom.