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Cedar Village recognizes Eight Over Eighty honorees The fourth annual Eight Over Eighty event sponsored by Cedar Village will honor distinguished older adults, 80 years or older, who have dedicated their time, talents and lives to our Jewish community and the Greater Cincinnati area. The event will be held on Thursday evening, May 17, at Adath Israel Congregation. Cedar Village will recognize Bob Betagole, Rosemary and Frank Bloom, Werner Coppel, Bernie Dave, Debbie Fox, Pat and Morry Passer, Ruth Schwartz, and Phyllis Sewell, who were nominated to receive this honor. Bob Betagole served for many years on the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati Finance committee. He is a longtime supporter of the United Way of Cincinnati, has served on the Cincinnati Chapter Board of the American Red Cross, and is a member of the de’Toqueville Society. He and his wife Maryann are members of Isaac M. Wise Temple. Rosemary Bloom has been on the Board of Trustees of the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Jewish Family Service, the Russian Resettlement Program, the National Council of Jewish Women, and Rockdale Temple. Frank Bloom served on the Glen Manor board as well as several committees during the creation of Cedar Village. He is a founding member of The Valley Temple and a past president. He has served as president of the MS Society and as a board member of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Rosemary and Frank are members of Rockdale Temple. Werner Coppel is a Holocaust survivor, who as a member of the Jewish Community Relations Commission Speakers’ Bureau for 36 years, has spoken in hundreds of schools to thousands of students about his experiences. Werner’s commitment to sharing this history
has greatly impacted Holocaust education in Cincinnati. Werner and his wife Trudy are members of Temple Sholom. Bernie Dave has served the Cincinnati Jewish community for over 40 years in a number of roles. He is a founding member of the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati and its first chairman. Bernie has served on the board of Rockdale Temple and on the Board of
Pat Passer has served on the following boards: Women’s Political Caucus, the Hillel Jewish Student Center, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, and Total Living Concepts. She has served as president of Isaac M. Wise Temple as well as its Sisterhood. Morry has served on the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, Jewish Community Relations Council, Camp Livingston, Jewish
“Each of these people has made a difference in the lives of others and it will be a privilege to salute them and their lifetimes of achievement and community service. We invite the community to join us on May 17 to celebrate their accomplishments.” Carol Silver Elliott
Overseers of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. He and his wife Roselyn are members of Rockdale Temple. Debbie Fox has been a lifelong member of Hadassah and has held many leadership positions in the organization. She is an active member of the Friends of Cedar Village and volunteers in the clinic and Gift Shop at Cedar Village. She is a member of Congregation Ohav Shalom.
Community Center, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Welfare Fund, Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati, Isaac M. Wise Temple, Jewish Community Coalition on AIDS, and Jewish Vocational Service boards. They are members of Isaac M. Wise Temple. Ruth Schwartz is a dedicated and active volunteer of the Friends of Cedar Village. She has served as the corresponding secretary. Currently, she serves as a Friends’
Bingo volunteer, decorates the Cedar Village Gift Shop windows and sings in the Cedar Village choir. She is a former member of Golf Manor Synagogue, and now attends services at Cedar Village where she resides. Phyllis Sewell has served as a Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati chairperson and is a past president of Jewish Vocational Service. She has served on many boards including United Appeal, United Way, the Jewish Hospital and Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. She is a member of Isaac M. Wise Temple. At our inaugural Eight Over Eighty celebration, we honored eight wonderful seniors: Philip T. Cohen, Paula Gallop (of blessed memory), Charlotte Hattenbach, Faye Horwitz, Ernst Kahn (of blessed memory), Gertie Kirzner (of blessed memory), Dr. Gordon Margolin, and Ted Schwartz. In 2010 we recognized Wilbur Cohen, Dave Jacobson, Robert Kanter, Florence Lieberman, Lou Nidich, Sue Ransohoff, Richard Weiland, and Florence Zaret. In 2011, honorees included Dr. Larry Essig, Benjamin Gettler, Murray Guttman, Eric Hattenbach (of blessed memory), Dr. Albert Miller, Barbara Rosenberg, Freda and Pearl Schwartz, and Sue and Jerry Teller. “Each of these people has made a difference in the lives of others and it will be a privilege to salute them and their lifetimes of achievement and community service. We invite the community to join us on May 17 to celebrate their accomplishments,” said Carol Silver Elliott, CEO/president of Cedar Village. The evening begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and the program. Funds raised will be use for the expansion and renovation of Cedar Village’s rehabilitation services. Carol Leshner is chair of the event.
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Neale Godfrey, bestselling author, speaks at Wise Temple Neale Godfrey, the #1 New York Times bestselling author and nationally recognized expert on family and children’s finances, will speak to several audiences at Wise Temple on Sunday, March 11, and Monday, March 12, about the importance of being financially fit. Godfrey will be joined by educators from UC’s Economics Center to discuss a variety of financial topics ranging from budgeting, savings and debt management, to college funding, retirement planning and tzedakah. These sessions, targeting different age groups, will provide information and resources to help any child/tween, teen, adult or senior improve his or her financial fitness level. Godfrey has long understood
that financial education is one of the critical keys to success. Unfortunately, many of us are not as literate as we should be when it comes to financial concepts. To address the growing need for financial education, particularly amongst young people and their parents, Godfrey founded the Children’s Financial Network and has authored 26 books dealing with money, life skills and values including “Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Financially Responsible Children.” In addition, Godfrey is a strong advocate for women, encouraging them to take control of their financial lives with two books, “Making Change” and “Mom, Inc.: Taking Your Work Skills Home.” She appears fre-
quently on radio and television, including Good Morning America, The Today Show and CNN. For more than 30 years, the Economics Center has worked with schools to help them deliver financial literacy curriculum to their students. The Center has trained teachers, developed classroom materials, and revolutionized economics learning for students from kindergarten through high school. Annually, the Center trains 800-1,000 educators. These individuals improve their working knowledge of the economy, entrepreneurship, and personal finance and then pass this knowledge on to over 25,000 students across the city, both in urban and rural schools.
Northern Hills features Yair Cohen, Community Shaliach As part of its year-long focus on Jews, Civil Rights and Freedom, Northern Hills SynagogueCongregation B’nai Avraham will present, “The Israel Dilemma: Can Democracy and Judaism CoExist?” featuring Community Shaliach Yair Cohen. The program will take place on Sunday, March 11, at the Synagogue, beginning at 7 p.m. Using a multimedia presentation, Cohen will explore current issues impacting the relationships among Jews in Israel, some of which have received a great deal of publicity in recent months. For over 30 years, Cincinnati has been host to one of the most active Israeli emissary (shaliach)
programs in the country. Because of our community’s reputation for commitment to the State of Israel and to each other, we have attracted talented ambassadors to our city, who have helped forge a strong link between Cincinnati’s Jewish community and Israel. Yair Cohen, the new community shaliach, arrived in September and will be here for at least two years. Cohen arrived in Cincinnati after being trained by the Jewish Agency for Israel and will be primarily responsible for strengthening the unique and multifaceted significance of Israel in the local Cincinnati Jewish community by connecting the next generation of Jewish people to Israel’s people
and homeland through education and advocacy. Cohen comes to Cincinnati from his most recent position as the Director of Programming at Gesher, a non-governmental organization focusing on developing a stronger Jewish identity for Israelis and exploring the multicultural society of Israel, with the goal of enhancing tolerance, identity and Israeli Jewish democracy. He has a master’s degree in political science from Tel Aviv University and a bachelor’s degree in Jewish philosophy from Hebrew University. He comes to Cincinnati with his wife, Shani, and their 2-year-old daughter, Maayan.
HUC-JIR presents tribute concert to Bonia Shur Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) will present a tribute concert to Bonia Shur—celebrating the music and soul of a living legend– at Plum Street Temple, on Sunday, March 25, at 7 p.m. The concert will feature over 30 members of the American Conference of Cantors from the United States and Canada. Many are graduates of the HUC-JIR Friedman School of Sacred Music in New York City. The impact of Shur’s music has been significant in the work of these cantors as they serve congregations throughout North America, says Cantor Yvon F. Shore, director of Liturgical Arts and Music at the
Cincinnati campus of HUC-JIR. As the previous director of Liturgical Arts and Music at the Cincinnati campus of the CollegeInstitute, Shur has taught hundreds of rabbinical students, beginning in the 1970s. As a composer, he has had a unique impact on music in the Reform Jewish Movement in America. In addition to his vast liturgical repertoire, he has written for theater, television and film. He has over 300 published compositions in use in the synagogues and on stage across the country and abroad. In 1966 he collaborated with Johnny Mandel on the vocal score to the motion picture “The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are
Coming.” In 1968, he received a National Television Academy Award for his music in the television special, “Revolt in Mode’in.” His orchestral music has been played by the Israeli Radio Orchestra, Minneapolis Chamber Symphony and Cincinnati Chamber symphony. Born in Latvia, he escaped the Nazi invasion, fought in the Russian Army, immigrated to Israel and lived on a kibbutz for many years before coming to the United States in 1960. His music integrates and reflects the many diverse cultural heritages in which he has lived. The concert is free and open to the public. A reception will follow the performance.
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Access pays tribute to the traditions of Jews around the world with Got Shabbat dinner series
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VOL. 158 • NO. 33 THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012 14 ADAR 5772 SHABBAT BEGINS FRIDAY 6:21 PM SHABBAT ENDS SATURDAY 7:22 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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food, drinks and Bollywood dancers, and the Israeli Wine and Dine Shabbat at the Art of Entertaining in Oakley, complete with an Israeli wine tasting and a gourmet Middle Eastern meal. And coming soon, Access will bring the fun back to our own shores with a Got Shabbat celebration that’s close to home, when it pays tribute to the many contributions that the Jewish people of the Queen City have made to our city and our country when it presents: Cincy Shabbat! Space for the Mexican-style Shabbat is limited to the first 200 people and is expected to fill up quickly. Non-Jewish significant others are always welcome. Reservations are mandatory and will be given on a first come, first served basis. Access, an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation, offers four to six programs a month designed to help Jewish young professionals get connected to one another and to the Jewish community. Most programs are completely free or very deeply subsidized. Some past programs have included, Saturday Night Fever, The Bootleggers’ Ball, DIVE at the Newport Aquarium, The Underground, White Out Miami: All White All Night, The World’s Biggest Bar Mitzvah Party, Casino Royale, Saturday Night Staycation and many more. In addition, Access also runs a host of other Signature Programs throughout the year including No Boyz Allowed just for women, No Ma’am just for the guys, HeBREW Happy Hour, JSPN (Jewish Sports Network), JCafe: Light Conversation and Latte, the ACTout volunteer initiative, JGourmet cooking classes, and Schmooze for Twos for young couples.
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tunity for young Jewish adults to experience the traditions and customs that I grew up with and many of their grandparents and greatgrandparents grew up with,” said Max Yamson who immigrated with his family to Cincinnati when he was 9 years old. “I really appreciated that The Mayerson Foundation took the time and put the resources into creating such a wonderful, one-of-a-kind experience that honored the country in which I was born as well as the traditions that we as Jews share the world over.” “Max and the other young professionals of Russian origin who made up our planning and host committee were so proud to share their rich traditions and customs with their friends, many of whom had never experienced Russian culture or tasted Russian food before,” said Saeks. “It was a very special evening and we know our upcoming Mexican-Style Shabbat will be equally so.” Access’ Got Shabbat dinner series gives Jewish young professionals a chance to wind down the work week together in a fun and casual atmosphere. These dinners provide the perfect opportunity for young professionals to meet new people while participating in a Jewish activity without any strings attached, regardless of their level of experience or observance. “It’s less about knowing the prayers and more about just being together in a Jewish context,” explained Plowden. “The only expectation we have is fun!” In addition to CelebRUSSIAN Shabbat, other past Got Shabbat events have included Indian Summer Shabbat at Mayerson Hall on the campus of Hebrew Union College, which included Indian
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never expected to find such an active and awesome young Jewish community here. The people we have met through Access have been so welcoming, and we have already developed a very strong connection. That’s why it means so much to us that Access is having a Mexican Shabbat so we can bring a little bit more of ourselves and our culture to the young professionals of Cincinnati and share some of the things that make us proud to be from such an amazing country.” “After living on both the East and West Coasts, we are excited to bring a Mexican experience to Access and the friends we have made in the Midwest!” said Daniel Kerbel, who along with his wife, is originally from Mexico City. “It’s wonderful to feel so welcomed and to have been offered this opportunity by Access to showcase our culture. While Shabbat is celebrated in a very similar way in Mexico, the food is very different. This event will be a great way to bring people together to show our take on this Jewish tradition.” Reflecting on the recent CelebRUSSIAN Shabbat this past December, Pam Saeks, director of Jewish Giving for The Mayerson Foundation had this to say: “We wanted to honor all our young professionals of Russian heritage, as well as the many other Access participants of Russian decent, whose ancestors came to this country so that they could make a better life for future generations to come. This event was a deeply personal one, especially for our many constituents who moved to Cincinnati from the former Soviet Union when they were young children.” “Access’ CelebRUSSIAN Shabbat offered an amazing oppor-
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Participants enjoying Access’ Indian Summer Shabbat
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Tradition, tradition. Tevye sang about it, Rambam wrote about it and now Access has added a new twist to it with its Got Shabbat dinner series which focuses on a different country every quarter and showcases the special culture, customs and cuisine that are unique to each one. Next up in this aroundthe-world adventure is a Mexicanstyle Shabbat—on Friday, March 30, at 7 p.m. at Rockwern Academy—where participants will get to travel south of the border for the evening without ever leaving Southern Ohio. This event is open to Jewish young professionals, ages 21-35, and is free with advance reservations. From tacos and tortillas to mariachi and margaritas, this Friday night fiesta will feature all the flavor and flare of Mexico, sure to spice up the fun and turn the temperature up to “muy caliente!” Access, an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation, has hosted three other international Got Shabbat events to date, including an Israeli Wine and Dine Shabbat, Indian Summer Shabbat and most recently, CelebRUSSIAN Shabbat. “Whenever we would conduct a focus group the idea of a multicultural party would inevitably come up,” explained Rachel Plowden, Access program manager. “We decided that instead of a one-time event, it would be way more fun to focus on a different country every few months, and use it as a really cool backdrop for a Shabbat dinner! Not only does it give our guests a chance to expand their horizons in a meaningful way, it allows us to pay tribute to the special traditions of some of our Access constituents who have moved here from other countries!” Mark and Natalie Gilbert are from Mexico City and moved to Cincinnati eight months ago. As active Access participants, they were one of two couples from Mexico who helped plan the upcoming event. “The Jewish community in Mexico is much larger than most people in the United States think it is, and we are, for the most part, more traditional since there is no Reform Movement there,” explained Mark. “However, our Shabbat dinners definitely have a Latin influence with tortillas, salsa and other Mexican goodies always at the table! Access’ upcoming Mexican-themed Shabbat is very exciting for us because we will be able to share the incredible culture and food of our country, and in an authentic way that most Americans in the Midwest don’t get to experience,” he continued. “Combining Mexican and Jewish traditions comes naturally to us, and we are happy to have others join in on the fun too.” His wife, Natalie added, “We
THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE (USPS 019-320) is published weekly for $44 per year and $2.00 per single copy in Cincinnati and $49 per year and $3.00 per single copy elsewhere in U.S. by The American Israelite Co. 18 West Ninth Street, Suite 2, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-2037. Periodicals postage paid at Cincinnati, OH. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE, 18 West Ninth Street, Suite 2, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-2037. The views and opinions expressed by the columnists of The American Israelite do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the newspaper.
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Louise Roselle (Waite, Schneider, Bayless, & Chesley Co. LPA), Al Gerhardstein (Gerhardstein & Branch), Marianna Brown Bettman (University of Cincinnati College of Law), Judge Nathaniel R. Jones (2011-2012 JNF/Judge Carl B. Rubin Legal Society Attorney of the Year; Blank Rome LLP), and Todd Bailey (2009-2010 Judge Carl B. Rubin Legal Society Attorney of the Year; Frost Brown Todd LLC).0
The Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones Close to 40 local attorneys and Jewish National Fund representatives gathered on February 26 to honor Judge Nathaniel R. Jones with the fifth Annual JNF/Judge Carl B. Rubin Legal Society Attorney of the Year award. Judge Jones has had an illustrious career devoted to public service and social justice. He is an authority on civil rights litigation and is an
internationally renowned civil rights activist. Currently, Judge Jones serves as Of Counsel with Blank Rome LLP. JNF’s Southern Ohio regional president, Ron Solomon, welcomed the distinguished guests for the evening while Todd Bailey, vice president of Legal Society and past Attorney of the Year award recipient added some per-
Spring into fitness at JCC Triathlon, March 25 CINCINNATI, OH – Fitness really can be fun, and there’s no better way to make good on that resolution to get fit than at the Mayerson JCC adult Indoor Triathlon on Sunday morning, March 25. This exciting challenge begins at 10 a.m. for ages 16 and older. See if you can go the distance in this test of endurance as you swim 200 yards, bike 10 miles and run three miles. Advance registration is required, and there are 18 racers in each wave. Athletes set their own pace as they race against the clock. All fitness levels are welcome to compete, and all triathletes receive a race shirt. Be sure to stay after the triathlon for the JCC “Fit-Fun Day at the J,” where the whole family
can enjoy activities, demonstrations, classes and food. “Fit-Fun Day at the J” is packed with fun for all age groups, all day. Kids ages 6 – 12 can enjoy free inflatables, an Amberley Village fire truck in the Early Childhood School parking lot and a DJ party. For ages 6 and younger, come watch PJ Library’s Shalom Sesame movie, “It’s Passover, Grover.” There’s even a kids’ “TRY-athlon” in the JCC gym. Adults can watch exercise demonstrations, join in a Tabata class, play in a men’s 3-on-3 basketball tournament and enjoy free mini Spa services. Registration in advance is required for the adult Triathlon, men’s basketball tournament and kids’ “TRY-athlon” (ages 6 – 12).
sonal comments regarding the Judge and introduced the keynote speaker, Gil Tamary, Washington bureau chief for Israel’s Channel 10 News. Immediate past Attorney of the Year award recipient, Marianna Brown Bettman (University of Cincinnati College of Law), introduced and presented the award to Judge Jones.
Synagogue Seeks Dynamic Director of Education and Programming Join a small, vibrant, Conservative synagogue in Cincinnati, Ohio that highly values participation by all. The congregation has received national recognition for its innovative programming. Your creative ideas, resourcefulness and enthusiasm will make you a top candidate to be the Director of Education for an after school program (conducted jointly with another congregation) for 50% of your time and Director of Programming for congregants of all ages for the other 50%. Excellent salary. Please email cover letter and resume to Northern Hills Synagogue/Congregation B’nai Avraham: pgshubs@fuse.net
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Donations help JFS deliver Passover food to families in need You can help over 400 lowincome individuals celebrate Passover this year. Donations of food, money and time are needed for the 14th annual Dr. Samuel S. Rockwern Passover Delivery of Jewish Family Service. With the help of over 120 volunteers, boxes filled with Passover food will be hand-delivered Sunday, April 1, to approximately 425 Jewish community friends and neighbors who would otherwise be unable to afford to celebrate the holiday. This project was started by a group of dedi-
cated volunteers in 1998. “The high cost of kosher for Passover food makes observing the weeklong holiday of Passover difficult for many low-income individuals and families,” said Beth Schwartz, executive director of Jewish Family Service. “The costs of medical care along with unemployment force many to choose between buying food and paying for other necessities such as utilities or medicine.” Each Passover box contains matzah, matzah ball soup mix,
macaroons, gefilte fish, Passover candy, grape juice, nuts, apples, and a chicken dinner. Cincinnati Hebrew Day School donated the storage and set-up facilities. Barrels have been set up throughout the community in congregations, Jewish schools and Jewish agency lobbies to collect non-perishable foods such as matzah, matzah ball soup mix and macaroons. A lead sponsorship cash gift from The Rockwern Charitable Foundation, together with donations by individual community members,
help purchase fresh produce, chicken meals and additional packaged food to make the Passover meal complete. Remke bigg’s at Highland and Ridge is also accepting cash donations for this cause. Displays with tear-off slips in denominations of $5, $10 and $20 will be available in the kosher food department and at check-out counters. Customers can present the slip to the cashier who will add the donation to their purchase. “We are determined that our Jewish friends and neighbors
enjoy the Passover holiday—and every day—free from hunger,” said Schwartz. “Unfortunately, the needs continue beyond the holiday throughout the year at Jewish Family Service Food Pantry.” The food pantry, currently located in space donated by Golf Manor Synagogue, is the only kosher food pantry in the region. To donate your time, money or food, contact Sandee at Jewish Family Service. Monetary donations can also be made online at the JFS website.
Searching for the spiritual through art On five Wednesdays in March and April, experts will explore ways in which the sacred finds expression in Jewish, Christian, Islamic and Hindu music and art. The series offers the opportunity to view profound artistic expressions at some of the region’s most important museums and places of worship. Each evening offers self-guided or formal tours of each venue’s collection either before or after the program. There is an entrance fee as well as a need for reservations, so call ahead. Wednesday, March 14 at the Cincinnati Art Museum 5 p.m. Self Guided tour of relevant collections 7 p.m. Discussion: The Intersection of Music, Worship and Spirituality in Religions Around the World 8:15 p.m. Reception An introductory discussion led by Dr. James Buchanan of Xavier University and Dr. Richard Sarason of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) will examine the intersections among music, worship and spirituality in religions around the world, setting the stage for the following four programs. Wednesday, March 21 at the
Skirball Museum, Cincinnati Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. 5 p.m. Self-guided tour of relevant collections 7 p.m. Klezmer Music: The Story of the Jewish People Klezmer musician Michael Alpert will address the topic “Klezmer Music: The Story of the Jewish People.” He will speak about the formative period in eastern Europe that shaped the early Klezmer—Klei-Zemer translates to “instruments” in Yiddish/Hebrew. Alpert will explore the cultural and musical context in Eastern Europe and its fusion with Jewish sacred texts and music, Jewish wedding celebrations and life cycle needs, and music as both a spiritual dimension and a communal imperative. He will also address the communal role of the Klezmer musician and the export of Klezmer music to its new home in America. The program will be an annotated lecture, including music clips. The speaker is likely to perform a piece or two to punctuate the presentation. Wednesday, March 28, at the Hindu Temple of Greater Cincinnati. 6:30 p.m. The Spiritual Basis of Indian Music
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7:45 p.m. Formal tour of the Temple Sangeet (music) enjoys an exalted place in Indian society and is regarded literally as the fifth veda or body of knowledge. This multimedia presentation by Kanniks Kannikewaran examines the Indian approach to music and the manner in which holism has been encoded into the performing arts through ragas associated with the season and with various times of day. It provides a comparative analysis of the order inherent in various contemporary classical music forms such as Karnatic music, dhrupad, and dance music and highlights their shared origins and philosophy. This presentation also illustrates the manner in which music has sustained itself through millennia—primarily through an aural pedagogy in a manner similar to the Vedic learning traditions. Wednesday, April 11, at the Taft Museum of Art. 1 p.m. Tour relevant collections 2 p.m. Stabat Mater: Sacred Hymns 5 p.m. Tour relevant collections 7 p.m. Stabat Mater: Sacred Hymns Seventeenth-century music is filled with passion centered on the figures of Mary and Christ. Discover the colors and languid textures of this little-known music with Catacoustic Consort. Music will be performed by a soprano, along with period instruments including the lirone, viola da gamba, and theorbo.
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Based in Cincinnati, the Catacoustic Consort unifies the arts and humanities through educational musical events. Founder and artistic director of Catacoustic Consort, Annalisa Pappano, will perform as well as provide an informed humanities presentation to accompany the program. She will be accompanied by harpist Elizabeth Motter, soprano Youngmi Aria Kim, and lutenist and guitarist David Walker. Wednesday, April 18, at the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati. 6:30 p.m. Screening of Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World 8 p.m. Discussion with executive producer, Alex Kronemer 8:30 p.m. Formal tour of the Mosque The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati is proud to host one of about 20 premiers across the United States and Canada of this new Unity Productions Foundation (UPF) documentary film, which had its world premier on Dec. 1 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The film will be broadcast on PBS following the American and Canadian screenings. Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World takes audiences on an epic journey across nine countries and over 1,400 years of history. It explores themes such as the Word, Space, Ornament, Color and Water and presents the stories behind many great masterworks of Islamic art and architecture. Music in Islam is a subject of some controversy because of injunctions against it in the Qur’an
and by the Hadith. However, many modern Muslim interpretations allow music and singing under certain conditions. Before and after the screening of the film, executive producer Alex Kronemer will explore this controversy, and will discuss the musical choices that accompany the film, as well as give a behind-thescenes view of the making of the documentary. The Search for the Spiritual Through Art lecture series originated in 1995 under the title Artistic Expressions of Faith in Judaism, Christianity and Islam to enhance interfaith relations by examining the connections between spirituality and art. The Hindu community joined the steering committee in 2010. Offered every other year, previous series have explored how religious beliefs and traditions are manifested through devotional art, architectural motifs, ceremonial objects, sacred spaces, illuminated manuscripts, images of women and religious symbolism. This is the first year that music has been selected as a theme for the series. The lecture series is presented by the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Edward B. Brueggeman Center for Dialogue at Xavier University, the Hindu Temple of Greater Cincinnati, the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, the Office of Interfaith Community Engagement at Xavier University, the Skirball Museum Cincinnati at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and the Taft Museum of Art.
ANNOUNCEMENTS BIRTHS BIRTHS lizabeth (Sirkin) and Jeremy Mason joyfully announce the birth of their son, Zachary Koufax Mason, born on February 18, 2012. The maternal grandparents are Mary Lee and Louie Sirkin. The paternal grandparents are Marilyn and Jon Mason. Great-grandparents, of blessed memory, are Bess and Mike Shavzin, Belle and Albert Sirkin, and Ethel and David Segel.
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mi and Joshua Ackerman of Chicago are proud to announce
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the birth of their daughter, Evelyn Beth, on January 29, 2012. Grandparents are Charlene and Michael Glassman of Cincinnati and the late Beth and Wayne Ackerman of Oakland, N.J.
Edward Alpert and the late Claire Alpert Cohen. She is also the great-granddaughter of Evelyn Feldman and the late Max Feldman and Justin and Marilyn Brafman.
obert and Merle Alpert and Martin and Judy Brafman are very pleased to announce the birth of their granddaughter, Natalie Elaine, daughter of Andrew and Betsy Alpert, on February 7, 2012 in Atlanta, Ga. Natalie is the great-granddaughter of the late Oscar and Eva Golde and the late
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e are delighted to announce the birth of Kaleb Cyril Sarembock on January 10, 2012 to Anna and Craig Sarembock and big sister Eva, of Chicago, Ill. Grandparents are Ghita and Ian Sarembock and Ella and Jacob Moskovich.
NATIONAL • 7
THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012
At Obama-Netanyahu summit, assurances exchanged but differences remain By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Courtesy of Uriel Heilman
The team behind Israeli skeleton competitor Bradley Chalupski — left to right, marketing director Tamar Simon, CFO Philip Nathan, fundraiser David Greaves and coach Andy Teig — at the track in Lake Placid, N.Y., on opening day of the men’s skeleton world championships, Feb. 24, 2012.
On skeleton, N.J.’s Bradley Chalupski hopes to sled for Israel at Olympics By Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (JTA) — Meet Bradley Chalupski, Israel’s best hope for a medal on the bobsled track at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, in 2014. Chalupski is an unlikely Israeli athlete. For one thing, he competes in skeleton, a sport that’s virtually unknown in Israel — not to mention the rest of the world. For another, technically he’s not Israeli. His only visit to Israel came last year on a Birthright trip. And the Israeli Olympic Committee isn’t even aware of Chalupski’s existence. But come summer, the law school graduate from Marlboro, N.J., with a Catholic father, is planning on making the move to Israel with his girlfriend, Chana Anolick, whose parents already live in Kochav Yaakov, a settlement in the West Bank. And Chalupski, 25, is hoping that he can improve his racing times to qualify for the 2014 Winter Games. “Israel is allowing us in good faith to represent the good name of Israel to the world,” Chalupski told JTA. “We’re thankful that they’re letting us be out here.” In skeleton, racers slide headfirst down icy bobsled tracks on steeland-plastic sleds weighing 70 pounds without steering or breaking mechanisms at speeds reaching up to 80 mph. A single run takes about a minute, and races typically are won by several hundredths of a second. Aside from slight shifts in weight to help steer, the key factor in a race is the quality of one’s running start. Chalupski describes it as like riding a “flying cookie sheet.” Last weekend, Chalupski fin-
0Ken Childs
Skeleton competitor Bradley Chalupski, representing Israel, starts down the track at the men’s world championships in Lake Placid, N.Y., Feb. 24, 2012.
ished 29th among the 31 racers in the skeleton world championships at Lake Placid, N.Y., the site of one of just two bobsled tracks in the United States (the other is in Park City, Utah). The fact that an athlete representing Israel had qualified at all had organizers scrambling before the competition to find an Israeli flag to post at the track. They eventually borrowed one from a nearby church when the flag they had ordered from a company in Arizona was late in coming. “We’re legitimately competing; we’re not just showing up,” Chalupski said in an interview the night before the race. Last year he also qualified for the world championships, which were held near Berchtesgaden, Germany, the site of Hitler’s alpine retreat, Eagle’s Nest. The symbolism of competing in the shadow of Hitler’s mountain estate wasn’t lost on Chalupski’s team. CHALUPSKI on page 19
WASHINGTON (JTA)— President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may not have bridged their differences on how to deal with Iran, but each managed to give the other a measure of reassurance. In his speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Obama held his ground, declining to articulate new American red lines on the Iranian nuclear issue and strongly advising against “loose talk of war.” Yet he earned the praise of the prime minister and the pro-Israel lobby with his acknowledgement that Israel needs to be able to defend itself, and his vow that America has Israel’s back. While Obama stressed diplomacy as a continued option in public and private comments, Netanyahu indicated in the two leaders’ private meeting that he believes sanctions have been exhausted. Yet even if the prime minister does not share the president’s patience, he also told Obama that there is not yet any Israeli decision to attack Iran, according to Israeli press reports. “We do believe that there is still a window that allows for a diplomatic resolution to this issue, but ultimately the Iranians’ regime has to make a decision to move in that direction, a decision that they have not made thus far,” Obama said in an Oval Office photo-op Monday
Moshe Milner/Government Press Office
U.S. President Barack Obama and Israeli President Shimon Peres meet in Washington on March 4, 2012.
morning ahead of the leaders’ twohour meeting, which was followed by what aides described as an “expansive” lunch. He added, looking at Netanyahu, “I know that both the
prime minister and I prefer to resolve this diplomatically. We understand the costs of any military action.” SUMMIT on page 21
8 • NATIONAL
WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM
In Ohio, GOP pins Senate hopes on young Jewish Iraq vet By Zach Silberman Jewish Telegraphic Agency WASHINGTON (JTA) — As the 2012 campaign heats up in Ohio, Republicans are pinning their hopes on a young Jewish military veteran to unseat Democratic incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown. Josh Mandel, a 34-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran and the current state treasurer, has faced a number of challenges but he is doing well in the polls. A recent Rasmussen Reports poll showed Mandel only four points behind Brown — a favorite of organized labor and liberals — in a hypothetical match-up. With Ohio seen as a key presidential swing state and control of the U.S. Senate potentially in play, the race is the focus of national attention from Democrats and Republicans. “The stakes are really high,” said Joe Hallett, political editor of The Columbus Dispatch. “A lot of what happens in this race will depend on the national climate. The Democrats have twice as many seats to defend in the Senate than the Republicans, and this seat really could determine control of the Senate.” Mandel, facing five lesserknown candidates in the March 6 Republican primary, is considered the front-runner for the nomination. After serving three years as a
Pro-Israel voices joining bid to get Iranian dissident group off U.S. terror list By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Courtesy of Citizens for Josh Mandel
Courtesy of Friends of Sherrod Brown
State Treasurer Josh Mandel, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Ohio, is shown during his service as a Marine in Iraq.
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), pictured here, is facing a likely general election challenge from Republican State Treasurer Josh Mandel.
city councilman in the Cleveland suburb of Lyndhurst and two terms as a state representative, Mandel was elected in 2010 as state treasurer. He is seen as a GOP rising star. “I know Josh was actively recruited by top party leaders and insiders to run for this seat,” said Matthew Brooks, the Republican Jewish Coalition’s executive director. “It was a process that unfolded over several months, with Josh initially not considering the idea. As the support grew and the calls for him became louder,
Josh agreed and then fully committed himself to the race and doing what it took to be the next senator from Ohio come November.” During Mandel’s tenure as a city councilman and state representative, he served in the Marine Corps Reserve and was called into active duty for two tours in the Anbar Province of Iraq. Mandel told JTA that he was inspired to serve by his grandfathers. VET on page 21
WASHINGTON (JTA) — Famed attorney Alan Dershowitz, former Canadian Justice Minister Irwin Cotler, Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel — three prominent Jewish activists who have joined with other prominent people in a bid to remove a group with a blood-soaked history from the State Department’s list of foreign terrorist organizations. The names on the growing list of influential American advocates to de-list the Mujahedin-e Khalq, or MEK — known in English as the National Council of Resistance of Iran — suggest an effort to give the bid a pro-Israel imprimatur. On the record, the people involved insist there is no Israel element to what they say is a humanitarian endeavor to remove the movement’s followers from danger. “I don’t see any Israel issue at all,” Dershowitz told JTA in an interview, instead casting it in terms of Hillel’s dictum, “If I am only for myself, who am I?” Off the record, however, figures close to the campaign use another ancient Middle Eastern dictum to describe the involvement of supporters of Israel: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” A source close to the effort to
bring pro-Israel voices into the initiative cited reports that Israel has allied with the MEK, which reportedly maintains agents in Iran and in the past has published details of Iran’s nuclear weapons program. The organized pro-Israel community, however, has been reluctant to sign on. One official at a proIsrael group said pushing to de-list MEK without a full review could undercut efforts to keep groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah on the list. “They’re listed as a terrorist group, and until the U.S. government says otherwise, we’re not going to deal with them,” said the official, whose group otherwise counsels a tough posture against the Iranian regime. The MEK, an Iranian exile group that some accuse of being a cult, has maintained a presence in Iraq since 1986, when Saddam Hussein welcomed it as a useful thorn in the side of his deadly enemy. From its border encampment, Camp Ashraf, it conducted operations against the theocracy in Iran. The MEK claims to have ended military activities in 2001. Subsequent to the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that removed Saddam, Camp Ashraf disarmed as a condition of maintaining its presence in the country. PRO-ISRAEL on page 22
On the issues: GOP hopefuls on Israel, Orthodox school falls Iran, abortion, Social Security and more short in Texas tournament By JTA Staff Writer Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK (JTA) — In advance of Super Tuesday, JTA takes a look at the stances of the four Republican presidential candidates on some issues of Jewish interest. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Abortion Newt Gingrich: Has said that abortion should not be legal, though he makes exceptions in cases of rape, incest and danger to a mother’s life. He signed a pledge promising to sign a federal law that would “protect unborn children who are capable of feeling pain from abortion.” Ron Paul: Opposes abortion rights but argues the issue should be left up to the states. But he signed the pledge supporting a federal law banning abortion when the fetus is “capable of feeling pain.” He advocates repealing Roe v. Wade and defining in federal law that life begins at conception. Mitt Romney: Says Roe v. Wade should be overturned but until then
opposes federal laws that clash with it. He says that abortion should be a state issue. Romney has said that he would support state laws defining conception as the moment life begins. He has repudiated his past support for abortion rights. Rick Santorum: Favors a constitutional ban on abortion. He believes abortion should be illegal with no exceptions for rape or incest. Santorum wants doctors who perform abortions to face criminal charges. Foreign aid Gingrich: Endorsed Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s proposal to start each country’s foreign aid allocation at zero every year before deciding how much it should receive. Gingrich believes, however, that the existing multi-year aid commitment to Israel should be honored. Paul: Opposes all foreign aid, including to Israel. He says U.S. aid undermines Israeli sovereignty. Romney: Endorsed Perry’s startat-zero aid proposal and has said that the U.S. should not be borrowing money from China to pay for
humanitarian aid for other countries. Romney supports increasing military aid to Israel. Santorum: Defends foreign aid as a cost-effective means of promoting American interests abroad. “America is that shining city on the hill,” he said. “It is the city that comes to the aid of those in trouble in the world.” Iranian Nuclear Program Gingrich: Advocates assassinating Iran’s nuclear scientists and sabotaging its gasoline supply. He says he would give logistical support to Israel if it attacks Iran. Gingrich has questioned whether a bombing campaign could take out Iran’s nuclear sites, calling the notion “a fantasy.” He calls for regime change. Paul: Argues that the Iranian nuclear threat is “blown out of proportion.” Instead of imposing sanctions on Iran, he suggests the U.S. should be “maybe offering friendship to them.” Paul says he would not object if Israel decides to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities. ISSUES on page 22
By JTA Staffer Jewish Telegraphic Agency FORT WORTH, Texas (JTA)—The Robert M. Beren Academy of Houston lost, 46-42, to Abilene Christian in the 2A private and parochial boys basketball state championship game. Down by 11 points early in the fourth quarter, Beren closed the deficit to three with two minutes to play but could not cap the comeback effort. Co-captain Isaac Mirwis and junior sensation Zach Yoshor each had 15 points to lead Beren. After a slow start, Yoshor hit a threepoint shot to tie the game 19-19 at halftime. Beren, which finished its season with a school record 25-6 mark, had grabbed national headlines with its push for a preShabbat starting time for its semifinal game Friday. The Stars defeated Dallas Covenant, 58-46, to secure a spot in the title game on Saturday night after the
Jewish Sabbath. The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools, known as TAPPS, originally ruled that the semifinal game would be played at its original 9 p.m. Friday start time—after the start of the Sabbath. Beren, a Modern Orthodox school, would have opted to forfeit without a change in the schedule. But TAPPS reversed itself just hours after the announcement that Beren’s team captain, along with teammates and parents, had enlisted the support of prominent Washington attorney Nathan Lewin and filed a lawsuit against the association; the lawsuit also named the Mansfield Independent School District, whose facilities were hosting the semifinals and finals of the 2A tournament. The 2A category includes schools with enrollments of 55 to 120. The championship game was originally set for 2 p.m. Saturday, which also conflicted with the Sabbath.
INTERNATIONAL / ISRAEL • 9
THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012
In face of desperate African poverty, Jewish woman provides a beacon of hope By Suzanne Belling Jewish Telegraphic Agency JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (JTA) — Two years after moving to Zimbabwe from South Africa 20 years ago, Ruth Feigenbaum noticed that her gardener, James Phiri, was losing weight and looking ill. With the help of a physician friend, Phiri was diagnosed: Like nearly one in seven Zimbabweans, he was infected with HIV. Feigenbaum and her husband, Alan, were about to leave for a trip, but they left Phiri with money and food. It wasn’t enough. Three days later he was dead. “It upset me beyond belief,” Feigenbaum told JTA. “Who would support his family and so many of the relatives and orphans of those who died from AIDSrelated illnesses?” A veteran of the fight against apartheid in South Africa — Feigenbaum was an active member of Black Sash, an advocacy organization that Nelson Mandela once called “the conscience of white SA” — she responded to Phiri’s death by founding a support group for families affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In the years since, Feigenbaum has become a major player in helping care for Zimbabweans affected by the disease, working her international Jewish connections for financial and other support she uses to alleviate suffering in a country that the United Nations considers the poorest in the world. Life expectancy there is just 47 years, and one in four children are AIDS orphans. With assistance from World Jewish Relief in London, Feigenbaum launched the Support Group of Families of the Terminally Ill, or SGOFOTI, an apolitical, nongovernmental organization that provides emotional and psychological support to the families of HIV/AIDS victims in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city, where Feigenbaum lives. Along with partner Patricia Tshabalala, a woman Feigenbaum calls Zimbabwe’s Mother Theresa, Feigenbaum has built SGOFOTI into an organization encompassing seven constituent groups serving a cross-generational spectrum, from children orphaned by the disease to grandmothers struggling to support families who have lost their breadwinner — all this in a country with weak civic institutions and a culture of fear cultivated by the iron fist of strongman President Robert Mugabe. “I don’t play bridge or go to
Courtesy of SGOFOT
Ruth Feigenbaum, founder of the Support Group of Families of the Terminally Ill in Zimbabwe, with AIDS orphan Ruth Thabini Dube.
tea parties, so this gives me something to do in Bulawayo,” said Feigenbaum, who visits each group on a weekly basis. “But I get just as much out of it as the people. It has also taught them that not all whites are racist, and they have learned something about Jews and Judaism from me.” One of the SGOFOTI’s member groups is Vulindlela Guardians, located in the Bulawayo suburb of Mpopoma. The group provides orphaned children with school fees, clothing and a place of refuge. In 2009, Feigenbaum helped provide the group with a library through her connections to several Jewish South African expatriates living in Australia. Two women — one a former student of Feigenbaum’s from Johannesburg — had been distributing recycled books to African children through the Union of Jewish Women of South Africa. Feigenbaum persuaded them to donate a shipment to establish a library for the children at Vulindlela Guardians. The books were delivered personally by South Africa’s “Traveling Rabbi,” Moshe Silberhaft, for whom the library was named. At the dedication last year, a South African television crew shot footage for a documentary titled “Shalom the Beloved Country.” “The library will help inculcate a culture of reading for the children,” Bulawayo Mayor Thaba Moyo said during the ceremony, according to text of the mayor’s remarks provided by Silberhaft. “You have equipped our city with great ammunition, which is education. We note that education is vital in spearheading development in our society.”
No surprises in Putin victory, but question for Russian Jews is what comes next By Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)—With Vladimir Putin’s re-election as president of Russia pretty much a foregone conclusion, the question facing Russia was never what would result from last weekend’s election but what would happen after the vote. Thousands of protesters turned out Monday in a Moscow saturated with police and soldiers to protest an election that European observers criticized as unfair due to the Kremlin’s domination of Russian media outlets and voter intimidation. The demonstration was yet another sign that Putin, who took 64 percent of Sunday’s vote, is returning to the helm of a different Russia than the one he left in the hands of his handpicked successor, Dmitry Medvedev, in 2008. The two swapped roles in what essentially amounted to a power-sharing arrangement between the president and prime minister. The key turn came in December, when protests against Russian parliamentary elections that month coalesced into a mass movement. Unlike previous attempts at challenging the regime, these protests were not snuffed out immediately
Freedom House via CC
Demonstrators in Moscow protest Vladimir Putin’s re-election, including one carrying a sign reading “We are not an opposition, we are your employers!” with the word “fired” over a drawing of Putin’s face, March 5, 2012.
by the Kremlin, and their staying power has captured international attention. They also have divided Russian Jews. “On the one hand, I have young people coming to me and asking me why aren’t you taking part,” Moscow Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt told JTA. “On the other hand, I have older-generation Russian Jews coming to me and saying, ‘Speak to our children that
they should not join the demonstrations.’ ” The divide is generational and demographic—between younger, more liberal, freedom-hungry urban Jews who came of age after the fall of the Soviet Union, and older, more conservative Jews from smaller cities and towns who are wary of trading the stability that Putin has brought for a more uncertain future. VICTORY on page 22
Is the Israeli home front ready for war with Iran? By: Eetta Prince-Gibson Jewish Telegraphic Agency JERUSALEM (JTA)—Shira Morgenstein, a 38-year-old secretary, rushed from her exercise class at the Hebrew University swimming pool to pick up her daughter from preschool. “Who has time to think about war with Iran?” she laughed as she tossed her wet bathing suit into her bag. “I don’t even have a shelter to run to, but too much else is going on.” With the drumbeat to war intensifying from Washington to Jerusalem, security analysts seem to agree on what Iran’s response to an Israeli attack might look like: concentrated and prolonged missile attacks on Israel from the Islamic Republic and its proxies, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and a campaign of terrorist attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets overseas. Iran might even use chemical and biological weapons. With such a dire scenario,
Israel is facing an urgent question: Is the home front ready for war? Zeev Bielski, chairman of the Knesset subcommittee on Israel’s home defense, says the answer is an unequivocal no. “The home front is not ready,” Bielski told JTA. “We have made improvements over the situation since the Second Lebanon War in 2006, when the home front was completely unprepared, but the situation is not good.” The first layer of defense is likely to be Israel’s missile defense systems. But one system, David’s Sling, which is meant to destroy incoming medium-range rockets, probably won’t be operational at least until 2013. Another, the Arrow, which was developed in conjunction with the United States at a cost of more than $1 billion and was specifically designed with Iran’s Shehab missiles in mind, has never been tested in real-life combat. A third, Iron Dome, has intercepted short-range rockets from Gaza, but Israel only has three
Iron Dome installations while experts say the country needs at least 12. “The systems we have will cut down on the damage that the missiles can cause, but they cannot completely prevent it,” Yiftah Shapir, director of the military balance project at Tel Aviv University’s Institute for National Security Studies, told JTA. “Some of those missiles will make it to Israeli population centers. Israel should be ready for a long period of attacks, perhaps even months, and this may bring commerce and other aspects of civilian life to a halt.” Iran has hundreds of Shehab-3 missiles, and Hezbollah is said to have at least 40,000 missiles and rockets, many of which are sophisticated, long-range weapons that can reach almost any part of Israel. “Israel’s major cities have never come under attack,” Shapir said. “This will be a very different and difficult experience for Israeli civilians.” WAR on page 22
VOL. 35252 • NO. 31
THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012 / 14 ADAR II, 5772
NOT FREE
The Jewish Bachelor (Season 2) By Razi Razzamatazz Israelite Staffer We are midway through Season 2 of The Jewish Bachelor and things are really starting to heat up. To recap, Cincinnati’s own Netanel (Ted) Deutsch was selected last season to be the Bachelor. After a long, grueling process, Netanel chose to give no one a ring. Let’s be honest folks, we all felt for Netanel. The girls were not right for him. This year, though, the producers have done an extra special job at grabbing some lovely, single women to catch Netanel’s eye. So far it seems that four of them are far ahead of the pack. There is the Country Girl, Mariana Czekov, whose father is a Russian immigrant and owns 25 slaughterhouses across the United States. She’s been groomed to take over the business. She and Ted share a love for red meat, cigars and Scotch. Her country upbringing the left her with an overabundance of manners. Sometimes we see the clash of the Titans between her and Ted in regards to his manners. “I was watching the show the other night and I saw Netanel was actually nice to someone! I think Mariana is having a positive effect on him, I hope he chooses her,” said Rugelach Tsimmes, late-night show host for PBS. That brings us to lady number two. No one, including I, Razi Razzamtazz, is sure why she is still in the competition. Her name is Star Rainbow Flower. The name should tell you all. She is a genuine Hippy, into the Karma, peace and love thing. She doesn’t eat red meat and she tries to reduce her carbon footprint wherever possible. As we saw from last season, Netanel doesn’t seem to be that kind of person. Though, as noted by recent paparazzi photos, Ted has purchased a Prius. So maybe there is something there. “Her kind nature and even temper balances Ted out I think. I almost died of laughter when Ted took her to a Scotch distillery. What was he thinking? Twelve taste testing shots of Scotch with this poor Hippy girl,” tweeted a concerned watcher. Next we have the Waitress/Actress named Crystal
(Clockwise) The Country Girl, Mariana Czekov; The Hippy, Star Rainbow Flower; The Waitress/Actress, Crystal Ridenour; The Surgeon, Dr. Tonita Harding.
Ridenour. She is young and looking to be a star. She is flighty as they come but maybe it’s all an act? She works at a local Honky Tonk by day and aspires to be an actress at night. She even has her own agent. She seems to have become the pity girl on the show. The other girls love to take care of her. She is not the brightest apple in the bushel, but she is stunning. and she listens to everything Netanel says, mooning over his every breath. Just recently they went on a solo date fishing. She was quiet, just like Netanel likes, the whole time. She even caught a few fish and was not squeamish about it at all. “I feel sorry for Crystal, to tell you the truth. I think it’s wrong that Netanel’s kept her around so long. My daughter thinks that maybe Netanel is perfect for her. His gruff but loveable personality will keep others from taking advantage of her,” said fashion designer and icon, Glitzy Kvetcher. That brings us to the final and most hated girl on the show, the Surgeon, Dr. Tonita Harding. She is cold and calculating, and she is out to land Cincinnati’s most eligible bachelor by any means necessary. We fear for the other three with Dr. Harding on the show. All the other girls hate her and for good reason. Two other girls that Netanel favored are now gone because of the words that Dr. Harding spoke to Netanel. He is captivated by her independence and ability to command a situation. It also doesn’t hurt that she loves to golf. Just recently they went on a solo date and she lost to Netanel by a stroke. “My wife makes me watch the show, but I think Netanel needs to get rid of Dr. Harding. She might be fun to golf with, but that is one celebrity couple where the words ‘prenup’ come to mind,” said two time Academy Award winner, Yosef Strangel. It seems we’ve got a mid-season perfect storm brewing. Personally, I’m rooting for Mariana. I think she is just what Netanel needs. We all have our favorites, but who knows what goes on in the mind of Netanel (Ted) Deutsch. Guess we will all have to stay tuned for the rest of the season to find out who gets the ring, and who goes home.
THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE
PURIM • 2
Congregation Chaelek V’Pisgot founded Congregation Chaelek V’Pisgot is a new Modern Orthodox synagogue in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded by Netanel (Ted) Deutsch on March 1, 2012, the synagogue aims to give congregants who are not satisfied with their current venue a place to truly worship G-d. “I wasn’t happy with the current choices of synagogues in the area,” said president and founder, Netanel. “With the current situation of Orthodox synagogues in our community, I decided to start a new synagogue. I found the other choices out there were too liberal for my tastes. I saw an opportunity to provide the community with something it’s lacking. Just like with The American Israelite, my plan for this new congregation is to be a beacon of hope in these hard times. “The first thing I’ve done is to set up a series of events to address key issues our synagogue needs to address in order to thrive.” The first event is a carnival set for March 8, at the Amberley police station. President Deutsch has put all the money forward for this event. The event is to help raise money to acquire the land on the corner of Section and Ridge in order to build the new synagogue for Congregation Chaelek V’Pisgot. “The carnival will include signature rides such as the spinning tea cups, tornado twister, and a ferris wheel, as well as a dunking booth where I will be seated for
all to dunk,” smiled Netanel. “This carnival, as well as our other events, are to help create awareness of the new synagogue, and to raise money to purchase the land at the corner of Section and Ridge.” The second event planned is a dinner on Monday, March 19, at 6 p.m., to be held at the French House in French Park. The dinner will be catered and all dietary laws will be observed. This is where the first membership forms will be handed out. “The dinner is for people who are interested in becoming members, as well as for members who would like to serve on the board to get their first glimpse at my plans for our congregation.” President Deutsch has been generous in setting up a temporary location for the synagogue downtown using the upper floor of The American Israelite office building. It will be used for daily minyanim as the congregants strive to be closer to Hashem. Schedule of minyanim will be in our next issue. If you’d like to be a member, serve on the board, or if you’d like to make a building fund donation, please send donations to Congregation Chaelek V’Pisgot c/o Netanel (Ted) Deutsch, president, c/o The American Israelite, 18 West 9th Street, Suite #2 Cincinnati, OH 45202 or call him at 513-621-3145. All donations for this Tzedekah will be tax deductible.
EXECUTIVE POSITION OPENING
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The doors at several of Cincinnati’s finer Jewish places of employment are revolving these days. Word on the street is that a new executive position is being advertised for here in town. The coveted position is for the assistant executive director to the executive director for shoe shiner of a prominent Jewish organization. This community has seen plenty of turnover in recent months, with no end in sight. Luckily, the publisher of The American Israelite, Netanel (Ted) Deutsch, feels fine about the future of his position. “The American Israelite is an independent business,” said Deutsch. “I thank my lucky stars daily because, let’s face it, I’d have been fired years ago. Hey, I’m a newspaper man,” he continued as he chomped down on his fifth unlit cigar of the day. “Many in the community feel that my discomfited style leaves much to be desired. I would say to them that’s part of my job description.” The moral of this story is that no matter how secure you are feeling in your job, you should always be looking over your shoulder.
This advertisement sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s annual campaign.
And don’t let the door hit you on your way out. Yes, this is our annual lame attempt at humor — Purim 2012.
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B’nai Tzedek/Beit Chaverim’s sanctuary — a spiritual space for Jewish events B’nai Tzedek synagogue — designed by Jose Garcia, provides a beautiful and spiritually uplifting space for Jewish events, especially weddings. Consider it when you plan your celebrations. Though visible through a glass curtain wall, the sanctuary is enclosed by a freestanding stone
wall raised above ground by concrete pillars. Light pours in from all four sides of the simple rectangular hall and the sunshine amplifies a sense of lifting you upward. The light gently touches the wooden pillars and guides your eyes toward the ceiling. The beautiful place is still radi-
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FRAMEWORKS PRESERVES MEMORIES For Ketubas, wedding photos and even invitations, Frameworks offers assistance in layout and framing. Located in downtown Blue Ash, Frameworks has served the Cincinnati community for more than 33 years. Specializing in distinctive quality custom framing, with friendly, personal service, in a relaxed atmosphere, Frameworks emphasizes creative design consultation, featuring a unique collection of frame styles, matting and glazing options. Their goal is to create the per-
HILTON CINCINNATI NETHERLAND PLAZA Looking for a truly grand place for your wedding or reception? The Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza is a National Historic Landmark and French art deco masterpiece. Completely restored to its 1930s grandeur, the hotel features three breathtaking ballrooms, including the Hall of Mirrors. The hotel features AAA FourDiamond service and was rated the #1 Hilton Hotel in U.S. for Food & Beverage in both 2010 and 2011. In addition, the hotel has a dedicated kosher kitchen. Along with
WONDERFUL WEDDINGS • 13
THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012
weddings and receptions, the hotel can do rehearsal dinners, showers/luncheons, afternoon tea and celebration brunches. Group rates are available for blocks of 10 or more rooms. Complimentary upgrade for bridal couple and no obligation room blocks. JEFF THOMAS CATERING This prize-winning Northern Kentucky-based caterer offers custom menus for upscale gourmet dining for weddings and other events. Jeff Thomas works closely with the clients to design a menu specifically suited to their needs and tastes. Buffet and seated dinners are available with a wide selection of custom options. From small and intimate parties to large receptions, Jeff’s experience and professionalism shows through at any location. Their reputation has been built upon a courteous and efficient service staff. Jeff and his entire staff will help you relax and enjoy your event as one of the guests. They have the ability to combine efforts with the venues by coordinating tables, china and linens. We look forward to serving you. THE ALLEEN COMPANY The Alleen Company is Cincinnati’s original event rental company, providing tents, tables,
chairs, stages, dance floors, china and linens, as well as serving equipment, concession machines and supplies, and Monte Carlo games and dealers, for events of all sizes since 1951. Recognizing that every customer is unique, their planning process is individually customized to meet your goals within your budget. For over 60 years, The Alleen Company has been installing tents at the Tri-State’s largest public events. Alleen is also the name behind the tenting found at Greater Cincinnati’s elegant weddings, private parties, festivals and corporate events. Alleen has the perfect tent size for you. COWAN’S AUCTIONS Every person is unique and so is the gift you wish to get them, especially on their wedding day. Cowan’s Auctions can help you provide that special gift that will leave a lasting memory for that special someone. Cowan’s Auctions major auctions are broadcast live on the Internet, and attract bidders from around the globe. Typically, more than 1,000 potential buyers from North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia participate in each of our major auctions. Cowan’s provides complete insurance and free storage for your consigned items. Our service
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includes all photography, advertising and catalog preparation of the items consigned to us. CASTLE HOUSE The Castle House was founded 55 years ago and is located in Hyde Park Square in Cincinnati. They specialize in designer clothing and shoes for girls, boys and infants. You can get that perfect tuxedo or dress for the baby. Carrying 100-150 different designers each season, they can fit any special occasion’s needs. Some of these designers are Florence Eisman, Lili Gaufrette, Jean Bourget, Florianne, Lilly Pulitzer, Whitlow & Hawkins, Perry Ellis, Calvin Clothing and Imp originals, to name a few. Special occasions are a specialty for them with dresses from US Angels, Susan Lively, Frances Johnson and others. MOTOR TOYS Their professional staff is happy to assist you with your selection from the most exceptional fleet of high-end Limousines and Party Buses. Located in the Reading Bridal District, and in Blue Ash near I-71 and Pfeiffer Road. They are a home-town specialist ready to assist you. LISTINGS on page 14
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14 • WONDERFUL WEDDINGS LISTINGS from page 13 They’ve provided services for almost 1,500 weddings. People getting married are easily the pickiest people who rent limousines, so being able to boast 1,500 is a mark of their customers’ satisfaction. Some companies only do one or two weddings every couple of weeks or so, while Motor Toys are often the limousine company of choice for over a dozen weddings a weekend. They also have a proven system in place to make sure they know where you want to go and what your plans are for your special day. They work with you to make sure you get the exact experience and style you want for your special day. LANE’S CATERING Lane’s Catering has been serving the Jewish community of Cincinnati for over 25 years. They cater to all types of special events. They can do a custom menu geared specifically toward your wedding theme. They can set up and work at any location of your choosing. They’ve worked with all major synagogues as well as under
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the Vaad of Cincinnati. They have also catered for the Prime Minister of Israel while he was in town and presidents of the United States. They’ve even catered an event for over 4,000 people in Israel. Lane’s Catering has the experience, service, quality and creativity to work with you and make your wedding unforgettable. ADATH ISRAEL LERNER. FISHER HALL Planning a wedding? Why spend on a big name hotel when you can get married in synagogue and have a beautiful reception there? The place is Adath Israel’s Lerner.Fisher Hall, where comfort, convenience and abundant amenities define the experience. Equipped to handle PowerPoint, video or film presentation, you can enjoy flexible seating for up to 1,000. The hall can be subdivided to create more intimate meeting or break-out spaces. The beautiful stage also features theatre quality sound and lighting. A state-of-theart dance floor is party ready! It’s handicap accessible and ADA compliant, and wireless internet is always included.
THE PHOENIX The Phoenix was built in 1893 and provides an elegant and incomparable turn-of-the-century ambiance. They also have wedding specialists to help you plan the perfect wedding. From traditional to Star Wars Lightsabers, The Phoenix works for you. Stunning 19th century elegance, a dazzling marble staircase, Tiffany stained glass windows, majestic 35-foot ceilings and heavenly cuisine all combine to help capture the magic. There is no place like the Phoenix to get married. OASIS FLORIST Oasis Florist proudly serves the Cincinnati area. They are a family owned and operated business. You couldn’t ask for a more committed florist. They offer only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. They have a dedicated staff of professionals who are there to help you. At Oasis Florist they know that the customers’ needs are the most important. They will always go the extra mile to make your floral gift perfect.
DINING OUT • 15
THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012
Wertheim’s enticing and authentic German dishes
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By Sondra Katkin Dining Editor Crispy, sweet veal schnitzel, succulent red cabbage and other tempting, authentic German food has been Wertheim’s specialty for over 22 years. Located in Main Strasse Village on a picturesque boulevard with buildings that reflect turn of the century New Orleans inspired architecture — graceful iron grillwork, balconies, porches and a park at the end of the block. A perfect place to celebrate “Maifest” (May 18 and 19). Stroll the area while window shopping the quaint stores including a magic shop next to the restaurant. Then sit on Wertheim’s awning covered porch and enjoy a wonderful German dining experience. If you decide to eat indoors, you will have a choice of several warm, inviting dining areas all with large windows brightening the interior. Recently, the chairs have been updated to give more of a bistro or casual feel. My hips approved of the roomy padded seats. As a young man, Sal Wertheim (everyone calls him Sal) came up from Argentina to take advantage of the opportunities this country offered. He is the son of German Jews who immigrated to Argentina (one of only three countries accepting Jews at the time) to escape the Holocaust. Not only did he grow up eating the traditional dishes of his parents’ homeland, he worked in the restaurant industry as an area supervisor for Frisch’s restaurants for 21 years before opening his own place. He enjoys the party atmosphere of a restaurant and gets great pleasure from pleasing his customers. I could see his eyes light up when I was served my dinner. I began with the schnitzel a la Holstein which I shared with him. He liked it and so did I. It was companionable to taste and talk. The flavors of the nicely browned veal covered by a sunny side up egg are a pleasant mixture of the substantial and the soft. The tender meat was easy to cut and between the two of us, disappeared quickly. Considered a mundane pleasure, the “lowly” sausage/hot dog is deliciously prepared at Wertheim’s. But perhaps those derogatory adjectives are incorrect. A famous French chef, Yannick Alleno, is now serving his “chien chaud,” a hot dog with the ambience of Paris in his upscale French restaurant. Furthermore, a favorite gustatory escape for Parisian chefs to unwind and talk is a restaurant that specializes in these mini logs of lusciousness. Wertheim’s special recipe for mustard heightens the “gourmet” experience with a formula so bold and savory, I found myself licking my spoon. Sal mentioned that that was-
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n’t unusual since his mustard is such a favorite with his customers. When I shared the beef sausages with my husband Steve, his mustard intake rivaled mine (marriage can be competitive). The generous amount of sauerkraut that accompanies the “dog” was enough for both of us fast forked, dexterous diners. I may lose my Cincinnati citizenship when I admit that I don’t know a mett from a bratt, but I do know I was knocked out by the knockwurst. I tasted it without the mustard to be sure I wouldn’t be swayed by its exceptional flavor. This fat, brown, smoky dog of delight was so good that I let Steve eat the other two, which he said he preferred. What a dear. They also have a special way with their sauerkraut. It’s tender, tangy and has a nice crunch with the right balance of tartness. Sal referred to one of his cooks as Bubby. Naturally I expected a sweet Jewish Grandma to appear. Wrong — Bubby and his mother have been cooking for Sal for many years. Restaurants have a way of fostering families of unrelated people who are loyal and hardworking. Bubby brought me a sample of their sauerbraten. Usually this is sweet tasting in spite of its name. Not this time. The thin slices of marinated top round beef were fall-apart tender and quite tart — a more authentic flavor. The intense vinegar and pickling spice marinade will make your tongue pop. The accompanying potato pancakes were thick and crusty with just the right oniony flavor and a mild peppery finish. Sal explained that they are fried at the last minute to retain their fresh crust. According to Sal, “If you don’t have quality, you have nothing. I’m passionate about the restaurant business. I’ve been in it for 42 years. Sometimes it’s more like fun than work.” This is the type of devotion most successful restaurant owners espouse. Jewell, his head server/dining room manager added,
“He wants people to have a good time. He requires a lot from himself, putting in huge hours that people never see. The art is making it look simple, like magic.” Is it a coincidence that he’s located next to a magic shop? Diners’ reviews corroborate these comments. A visitor from Chicago noted, “The smells coming from this place were like a siren luring forlorn sailors.” Another guest was “hooked by the Huhner schnitzel, grilled chicken with a thick tomato pepper sauce and a touch of German flavor.” In addition to the traditional German selections, including seven schnitzels, sauerkraut balls, Reuben rolls and goulash, there is a wide variety of American food. Strip steak, hamburgers, pastas, baked or blackened white fish, vegetarian selections, salads and homemade soups will offer the non traditional diner a plethora of choices. They also have authentic Kentucky desserts which have won “Best of Cincinnati.” Their Silk pie and Derby pie are made from the original recipes. They have homemade strudel that I sampled and after eating the wonderful wedge, wanted more. I enjoyed the flaky crust and baked apple, raisin, nut mixture — a big favorite of mine. The bar features liquors, wines, Warsteiner—the best-selling German beer— on tap, along with light, dark, wheat and India pale ale. Wertheim’s features frequent specials and early bird dinners before 6 p.m. Sal says, “It’s the same dinner only cheaper.” There is a private party room and carry out is available. The restaurant also caters parties. Wertheim’s is open seven days a week, Monday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wertheim’s 514 West 6th Street Covington, KY 41011 859-261-1233
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16 • OPINION
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‘The times, it ain’t a-changing’
In the last issue of The American Israelite, we published the Cincinnati Jewish Yellow pages (CJYP). There were several mistakes. The information in the CJYP is in the process of being updated and will be fixed for the next edition, as well as on the website. We apologize for any inconvenience the misinformation may have caused. Also if you’d like to particpate in the CJYP contact The American Israelite and ask for Ted.
Dear Editor, I read Feb. 9 with utmost dismay of the “management restructuring of the JCC” which involved the replacement of Jeff Baden as executive director. I have worked with Jeff in numerous capacities: as a colleague working in another program at the JCC, as a parent of children who attended and prospered in the day and overnight camps he later came to direct and supervise; as a member of the Jewish Federation committees he staffed and served so conscientiously and capably; as the warm, imaginative and creative leader of the institution of which we are all now the fortunate and grateful members and beneficiaries. In my opinion, one of the great decisions of our Jewish community was the appointment of Jeff as the first executive director of the new JCC. Even in the Feb. 9 article, I was thrilled to learn that membership has grown under his leadership by over 20 percent to more than 8,000 members. I enjoyed reading of his “many accomplishments” and of his “commitment and dedication to the organization’s mission”— all of which, of course, many of us know from personal experience. All I can say is “this does not compute.” Jeff has given his life to our community institutions, has taught its volunteers and participants to learn and grow even as they are contributing to their
respective agencies. If it is about money, and it almost certainly is, I think the JCC board should convey that fact and that problem to the Jewish community, not necessarily in its “official” details, but in a way that does not shadow Jeff’s career and qualifications with doubt and ambiguity. I also think it behooves the JCC board to communicate more clearly what it is looking for in the proposed CEO “with extensive business experience,” and what we will be sacrificing in exchange. If there is any way that our JCC or community leaders can identify a role for Jeff in the Jewish or in the general community, perhaps we can all be invited to give thought to this issue so as not to lose the contribution of this experienced and talented individual. All of us who respect and admire Jeff are bitterly disappointed, and feel that we, as well as he, have been treated in a cavalier and unfeeling fashion. Nancy Klein Cincinnati, OH Dear Editor, Israel, Iran and the U.S. Question President Obama’s on againoff again tense relationship with Israel is veering toward the “on button.” This time it’s over the Iranian nuclear issue. During his administration, Obama has often spoken of the iron clad relation-
ship with Israel. This has usually been in the context of military support, which is certainly very important. From a political perspective, however, Obama has been lukewarm. Take his rebuke of Israeli apartment building in Jerusalem, his failure to move the U.S. Embassy to West Jerusalem, his insistence that U.S. Jews born in Jerusalem cannot have their place of birth listed as Jerusalem in their passport, his religious mentors (we won’t go there again). Indeed, while Israel finds itself isolated in a sea of anti-Semitism unlike what we have seen in 60 years, Obama is generally quiet. Indeed, during the late spring months of 2011 it wasn’t clear what the U.S. position would be with regard to endorsing a Palestinian state in the U.N. Security Council. It was at this time, during a special election in a solidly Democratic and Jewish Congressional district in New York City, that this special election became a referendum for Obama’s Israeli political positions. A Roman Catholic Republican soundly defeated an Orthodox Jew, running on the Democratic ticket! It was now apparent that Obama risked his Jewish base of financial support. In reaction, Obama put the weight of U.S. diplomacy behind Israel and a non-negotiated Palestinian settlement-statehood was thwarted, at least temporarily. LETTERS on page 22
T EST Y OUR T ORAH KNOWLEDGE THIS WEEK’S PORTION: KI TISA (SHMOT 30:11—34:35) 1. Who ordered the building of the golden calf? a) Aaron b) Korach c) Dathan 2. Did Hashem punish Moshe for destroying the tablets? a) Yes b) No 3. For which mitzvah is the reward protection in the land of Israel? a) Tzizit 4. C 5:6 The Bait Hamikdash (The Holy Temple) was in the middle of the kingdom. Rashi 5. A 9:31,32 Esther requested from the Sanhedrin to put the Megillah with the other books of the Holy Scripture.
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b) Learning Torah c) Going to the Holy Temple on the three festivals 4. What did Achashvarosh promise Esther during the party with Haman? a) To destroy her enemies b) Up to half the kingdom c) To make her family wealthy 5. Is the holiday of Purim brought up in the Megillah? a) Yes b) No
he built it. Rashi. 2. B. 32:19-20. Moshe broke the tablets using one of the methods of deciding laws of the Torah. Rashi 3. C. 34:24. The Talmud learns from here that a person is not hurt on the way to a mitzvah
I can’t pride myself on having a good long-term memory (as my wife can attest, that’s an understatement), but a Feb. 1 New York Times article did spur my sluggish hippocampus. The Times article was about Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood and it noted that “an undercurrent of unease, suspicion and resentment from some longtime residents” remains from the 1991 “riots that exploded between blacks and Hasidic Jews” — as if marauding gangs of Jews and blacks had spent four days attacking one another, when, in fact, the besieged Jewish residents of Crown Heights cowered and prayed as their nonJewish neighbors attacked them and their property. My flashback (well, slow dawning) was of correspondence I initiated, as Agudath Israel of America’s director of public affairs, with editors and a reporter at the Old Gray Lady in 2002. That year, in the context of a court reversal of the federal civil rights conviction of Lemrick Nelson, Jr. for the killing of Yankel Rosenbaum during the Crown Heights riots, the Times similarly characterized the disturbances in two different articles as “violence between blacks and Orthodox Jews.” I telephoned the reporter whose byline appeared on the reports and asked him whether he felt his characterization really reflected what had happened on those terrible days in 1991. He admitted that his choice of phrase had “not been the wisest.” I responded that I appreciated his honesty and was satisfied that a better description of the events would be used in future reports. Well, he said, he didn’t know about that. The phrase, in the end, he insisted, was “not really inaccurate.” “How so?” I asked. He suggested that some might consider the car accident in which a Jewish driver had hit and killed a black child — the tragic mishap that set off the rioting—to constitute violence. And then, he continued, there was the matter of the interaction “between” Mr. Rosenbaum and Mr. Nelson. The reporter thought he remembered reports of the former in some way attempting to hurt the latter. Letting honesty get the better of
diplomacy, I called such justifications “outrageous” and, insulted, he abruptly ended the call. I immediately typed up the details of our conversation while they were still fresh in my short-term memory (which still functions fairly well), and then consulted the United States Court of Appeals’ “findings of fact” regarding the events that led to Mr. Rosenbaum’s murder. At the scene of the accident, the court found, while some members of an African American crowd attempted to aid the injured, others “began to attack the driver of the car.” “In the meantime, a crowd of several hundred people” gathered, some of whom “complained about Jews… At about eleven o’clock, a bald, African-American man” addressed the crowd; his “angry and aggressive” speech reportedly included the exhortation “Let’s get the Jews,” a chant taken up by the crowd as it proceeded to riot. In the ensuing violence, “a group of 10 and 15 people, including Mr. Nelson, then began beating [Mr. Rosenbaum], knocking him to the ground and striking him repeatedly. “Rosenbaum grabbed hold of Nelson’s T-shirt and prevented him from making good his escape… [Nelson] stabbed Rosenbaum and fled.” I faxed the reporter those findings and, when he didn’t respond, I sent a copy of the correspondence to the Times’ then-executive editor, Howell Raines. A few days later, I received a written reply from then-senior editor, Bill Borders, who offered a new justification of his own, citing an Aug. 21, 1991 report in his paper describing “blacks and Hasidim throwing bottles and rocks at each other” on Aug. 20. So it “seems clear,” he wrote, that the violence “involved both sides.” Yankel Rosenbaum, however, was murdered on the 19th, before any bottle or rock throwing by any of the area’s Jews. And so, I wrote Mr. Borders, the phrase “…he killed a Hasidic scholar… during violence between blacks and Orthodox Jews” was clearly misleading. More to the point, though, I suggested he consider the case of a man who assaulted a woman and was scratched by his victim during the attack. Would the Times really think to describe such a crime as “violence between Mr. Smith and Ms. Jones”? I received no response — until, that is, the indirect one on Feb. 1.
Written by Rabbi Dov Aaron Wise
ANSWERS 1. A 32:1-2. Aaron had several reasons for this. He thought he could delay building the golden calf until Moshe returned. Also, his nephew Chur was killed for protesting against building it. Also, he would take the blame from Hashem, if
Rabbi Avi Shafran Contributing Columnist
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
JEWISH LIFE • 17
THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012
Sedra of the Week
by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Efrat, Israel — “Do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land to which you are going, lest they be a snare in your midst. . . lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and stray after their gods, you take of their daughters for your sons, and their daughters go astray after their gods, and entice your sons to stray after their gods” (Exodus 34:12-16). Last year, a widely publicized letter signed by 40 prominent Israeli Religious-Zionist rabbis stated that, “It is Biblically forbidden to sell or rent houses or fields in Israel to a Gentile (nakhri, Hebrew), as it is written, ‘You shall not give them a resting place on our land’ (Deut. 7:2).” The Bible warns against this several times, maintaining that it causes evil occurrences and the sinfulness of the multitudes regarding religious intermarriages, as it is written, “Because (the idolaters) will take away your sons from Me’ (Deut. 7:4) and: ‘They shall not dwell in your land , lest they cause you to sin against Me’ (Ex 23:33).’ And the sin of such sales to Gentiles and the evil that follows from them redounds to the shoulders of the seller…” The letter goes on to speak of the “great dangers” that such sales to Gentiles bring upon the Jewish neighbors, since “the lifestyles (of the Gentiles) are different from the lifestyles of the Jews, the real estate value of the Jewish homes will go down and some of these Gentiles may cause damage even to the point of endangering lives.” I must admit that upon reading these last arguments, I thought of Haman’s complaint against the Jews “whose customs are different from those of all other nations” and of the anti-Semitic signs on “exclusively” WASP-oriented dwelling areas of yesteryear America, “Dogs and Jews Not Welcome Here”—precisely because it was thought that the Jews would lower the value of the houses. A careful reading of the sources would hardly justify a blanket prohibition of selling or renting homes in Israel to Gentiles. The Talmudic Tractate Gerim (Proselytes) begins its third
SHABBAT SHALOM: PARSHAT KI TISA EXODUS 30:11 - 34:35
The letter goes on to speak of the “great dangers” that such sales to Gentiles bring upon the Jewish neighbors, since “the lifestyles (of the Gentiles) are different from the lifestyles of the Jews, the real estate value of the Jewish homes will go down and some of these Gentiles may cause damage even to the point of endangering lives.”
chapter with defining a Ger Toshav or a resident alien. According to most authorities including Maimonides, Nahmanides and the Shulhan Arukh—this is an individual who accepts the Seven Noahide laws of morality: not murdering, not stealing, not committing rape or adultery, not serving idols, not blaspheming G-d, not eating the limb of a living animal, and establishing law courts to bring transgressors of these six offenses to justice. The tractate obligates Jews to fair business practices—no undue pressure, no charging of interest and no withholding payment for hire beyond the day of labor— when dealing with resident aliens. It also stipulates that Jews may not intermarry with Gentiles who have not fully converted to Judaism. Nevertheless, despite the prohibition against intermarriage with these resident aliens, they must have the option of acquiring good homes in the midst of the land of Israel where they have good business opportunities. (See Deut. 23: 16, BT Gerim 1-4). Indeed, Maimonides explains that the very term “resident alien” (Ger Toshav) is derived from the fact that we may “allow them to reside anywhere they wish in the Land of Israel” (Laws of Prohibited Sexual relationships 14:7). Only those Gentiles who do not keep the Seven Laws of Morality may not rent or purchase land or homes in Israel (Laws of Idolatry Chapter 10). It is important to note that Islam is considered to be a Monotheistic religion by just about all the decisors and most normative authorities do not con-
sider Christianity to be idolatrous for Christians (Rabbenu Tam the Shakh and Rav Yaakov Emden to name a few). While Maimonides, at the end of the 10th chapter of his Laws of Idolatry, limits the acceptance of a Ger Toshav to the period when the Jubilee Year is in force, no less eminent an authority than Rav Yosef Karo insists that this only refers to the automatic transmission of the status of Ger Toshav and his residency rights to his descendants. However, every individual who accepts the seven Noachide laws is permitted (on a case by case basis) to live and purchase land in Israel. This view is accepted both by Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook (Mishpat Kohen Laws of Sabbatical and Jubilee) as well as by Rabbi Isaac Halevi Herzog (Thukah LeYisrael, Part 1 pages 14-16). All of this is an expression of “You shall love stranger, for you were strangers in the Land of Egypt;” we dare not oppress the minorities in our midst. Just one caveat. If the Arabs who wish to purchase the land are not doing so in order to better their living conditions, but in order to remove the Jewish majority and turn Israel into an Arab majority state, then to protect our self-interest and to maintain our Jewish State, we must not sell them land. There are such real estate corporations largely funded by Saudi Arabia who are in this category. They are totally transparent and we ought not to do business with them. Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Chancellor Ohr Torah Stone Chief Rabbi — Efrat Israel
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18 • JEWZ IN THE NEWZ
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By Nate Bloom Contributing Columnist STRONG LANGUAGE, GOOD CAUSE On Feb. 28, “The Hollywood Reporter” reported that more than 75,000 people had already signed an online petition protesting the Motion Picture Association’s decision to give an “R” rating to the documentary, “Bully,” because of language. The petition was created by high school student Katy Butler, herself the victim of bullying. She said, “I’m speaking out for all those students who suffer everyday because of bullying. The MPAA needs to give Bully a PG13 rating so the students being bullied, and the bullies themselves, can see this film and schools can show it as well.” (The film is set to open in just a couple of cities on March 19.) “Bully” is the work of documentarian LEE HIRSCH, 39, and his film follows the lives of several families, from different backgrounds, who have experienced a tragedy as a result of bullying. Hirsch, himself the victim of childhood bullying, was briefly interviewed by the Twin Cites Jewfolk website last year. He said: “I’m Jewish…Yes, I hope that this film is a catalyst for social justice… Absolutely for me, the Tikkun Olam aspect of Judaism is not a joke. It’s the part I most connect to. When I’m engaging in this sort of work, I feel the most Jewish.” COUPLES, KIDS, CONFEDERATES JESSICA WESTFELDT, 42, is best known for writing and starring in the comedy/dramas “Kissing Jessica Stein” and “Ira and Abby.” Both were about young singles seeking true love. Westfeldt moves up the age of her characters with “Friends with Kids,” a film about the toll that having kids has on the friendships of “30-something” couples. Westfeldt adds another “hat” with this film: she directed it, as well as wrote and starred in it. The plot: Jason (Adam Scott) and Julie (Westfeldt) are single best friends who want to have kids, but don’t want to become a “couple” with hardly anyone in their life but their kids. They resolve to have a child together, but continue to date other people. MAYA RUDOLPH, 39, and Chris O’Dowd play a couple who are friends of Jason and Julie, as do Kristen Wiig and Jon Hamm (Westfeldt’s real-life romantic partner since 1997 and the star of TV’s “Mad Men”). Edward Burns
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co-stars as a guy who begins dating Julie, with Megan Fox playing a woman who begins dating Jason (opens Friday, March 9). “John Carter” is a sci-fi film based on the 1912 stories of Edgar Rice Burroughs (“Tarzan”). The screenplay is co-written by famous novelist MICHAEL CHABON, 48. Carter is a former Confederate officer who is mysteriously transported to Mars. The planet is dying for lack of oxygen and water and Carter reluctantly steps-in to try and resolve the inhabitants’ conflicts and save Mars. Taylor Kitsch (“Friday Night Lights”) has the title role, with DARYL SABARA, 19, appearing as a young Burroughs. He is supposed to be Carter’s reallife nephew and chronicler. If this film is easy to follow, I’ll have to salute Chabon. I read the Carter stories in a sci-fi literature college class and, as I recall, they were pretty jumbled plot-wise, with tons of “just plain loopy” details (opens March 9). UNSUNG HERO OF ISRAELI CINEMA The Israeli film and TV industry has really come into its own. We are no longer surprised about the high quality of Israeli feature films (which includes several Oscar nominees, like “Footnote”). A few American TV shows have recently aired that were based on an original Israeli TV show (including “Homeland”), and more such adaptations are on the way. Back in the 1960s and ‘70s, RICHARD BOONE (1917-81), traveled to Israel at least eight times to help the members of the infant Israeli film industry. He also starred in the first film (1970) made in Israel that was set in a location other than Israel (“Madron,” a Western). When he was in the States, Boone was a stalwart of Israel bond campaigns and, in 1979, ITZHAK RABIN presented an award to nine Americans who made a unique contribution to the rebirth of a Jewish state. Boone’s award was for “cinema.” Yes, this Richard Boone was the same actor who starred in the huge 1950s hit Western show, “Have Gun Will Travel” AKA “Paladin.” Born into an affluent family, Boone was the son of a non-Jewish father (who was a descendant of pioneer Daniel Boone’s brother) and a Jewish mother. A classically trained actor, and a decorated WWII veteran, Boone was never religious and never really talked about his “Jewish side.” But his deeds showed where his heart was.
FROM THE PAGES 100 Y EARS A GO Morris Oppenheimer, a longtime citizen of Cincinnati, aged 82 years, died on Feb. 28. Mr. Oppenheimer, who was one of the charter members of Miami Lodge No. 3, I.O.O.F., and active in Masonic circles for more than half a century, was born in Essingen, Germany, Dec. 17, 1830. When 14 years old, he came to this country with his parents, who settled in New Orleans. At the outbreak of the Civil War, while residing at Trenton, Tenn., Mr. Oppenheimer, with five brothers, was conscripted into the Confederate Army. Shortly after his conscription he escaped and succeeded in reaching the lines of General George W. Morgan’s brigade. He enlisted as a private and served with honor and distinction throughout the conflict. Mr. Oppenheimer is survived by his widow and the following children: Louis J. Samuel and Benton S. Oppenheimer, Cincinnati; Isaac Oppenheimer, Logansport, Ind.; Mrs. Lewis D. Phillips and Miss Jeanette Oppenheimer of this city. Two brothers, Samuel Oppenheimer of Birmingham, Ala., and Benedict Oppenheimer, Memphis, Tenn., and one sister, Mrs. Hannah Nahm, Milwaukee, also survived. Burial was in the Walnut Hills Cemetery, Dr. Phillipson officiating. Mrs. Alexander Weiss of Rose Hill, has as her guest Misses May and Tillie Feuerstein of Chicago, Ill. — March 7, 1912
75 Y EARS A GO Books of Cincinnati authors of 1936, which are on display at the Public Library, include those by Dr. Zevi Diesendruck, Dr. Azriel Eisenberg, Dr. Emanuel Gamoran, Dr. James G. Heller, Mr. Louis Kronenberger, Miss Dorothy F. Zeligs. Master Herbert Ostrov, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Ostrov, Lehman Drive, was host Sunday afternoon to a group of young friends at a 5 o’clock supper, the occasion being his sixth birthday. Assisting him was his sister, Estelle Fern. The children participating on this occasion were George Wise, Joanie Mandel, Donald Pollack, Beverly Eckstein, Herschel L. Ostrov, Marilyn Ellman, Marvin Goldberg, Betty Isaacs, Rollo Heyman, Cecilia E. Ostrov, Harry O. Ingberg, Elaine R. Ostrov, Fred Fishman and Allen Schaengold. NEW YORK CITY — Some 90,000 Jews have left Germany during Hitler’s four years, leaving
409,000 avowed Jews there, says the annual report of the Jewish Central Committee for Aid and Reconstruction in Germany. Some 24,000 left in 1936 alone. Of those, 10,000 went overseas, 9,000 went to Palestine, 1,500 stayed in Europe and 3,500 were non-Germans who returned to their own countries. About 9,500 have come to the U.S. since 1933, the report said — March 11, 1937
50 Y EARS A GO Mr. and Mrs. Aaron A. Bamberger announce the engagement of their daughter, Carol, to Mr. Theodore W. Striker, son of Dr. and Mrs. Cecil Striker. Miss Bamberger is a graduate of the University of Michigan. Mr. Striker received his degree from Dartmouth College and is completing his final year at the College of the University of Cincinnati. A June wedding is planned. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Harris announce the engagement of their daughter, Patsy Ann, to Mr. Alan Siff, son of Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Siff, of Akron. Miss Harris graduated from Northwestern University where she was a member of Shi-Ai, honorary society. She teaches in the Wyoming (Ohio) public schools. Mr. Siff is a graduate of Culver Military Academy and Harvard University, where he was elected to Hasty Pudding — Institute of 1770 and Pi Eta Club. He is associated with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith and attends the UC College of Law, where he is a member of Phi Alpha Delta, legal fraternity. David Hollander, widely known resident of Indianapolis, passed away Wednesday evening, Feb. 14, in that city. His age was 67. He was the father of Mrs. Allan J. Sanker, 1288 Paddock Hills. Mr. Hollander is survived by his wife, Regina; two daughters, Mrs. Allan J. Sanker of Cincinnati and Mrs. Morris Bitner of Peoria; two sons, Rabbi Arthur Hollander of Haddonfield, N.J. and Robert of Indianapolis; a brother, William, of Los Angeles; a sister, Miss Helen Hollander; and eight grandchildren. — March 8, 1962
25 Y EARS A GO Phyllis Shapiro Sewell has been elected a director of Pitney Bowes, Inc., George B. Harvey, chairman and president,
announced recently. She is a senior vice president of Federated Department Stores, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio. She is responsible for their corporate research and analysis. Sewell has been with Federated since her graduation from college in 1952 and has held positions of increasing responsibility. She was named to her present position in October 1979. She also serves as a director of Huffy Corporation in Dayton, Ohio, and Lee Enterprises, Inc. of Davenport, Iowa. Dr. Thomas G. Kreindler, of 6781 Elbrook Avenue, passed away March 2. In practice in dermatology in Cincinnati since 1978, Dr. Kreindler graduated from the University of Cincinnati Medical School. He had his internship at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, N.Y., served two years in the Navy, followed by residency in dermatology at the University of Colorado in Denver. He was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, medical honorary society. He was instrumental in establishing a research center in Anderson Township as well as his dermatology practice. — March 12, 1987
10 Y EARS A GO Dr. and Mrs. Bruce (Peggy) Greenberg of Indian Hill announce the engagement of their daughter, Patti A. Krantz, to Philip L. Rogers. Patti is also a daughter of the late Peter Krantz. She graduated from Indian Hill High School and Miami University with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. She is presently working for the Design Consortium in O’Bryonville where she is in charge of the art gallery. Philip is the son of Paul and Andrea Rogers of Clifton. He is a graduate of the Cincinnati Country Day School and Xavier University, where he earned a degree in marketing. He is now employed at SGH Golf in Blue Ash. Sylvia Weintrub, 75, passed away Feb. 19. Mrs. Weintrub was born in Cincinnati. She was the daughter of the late Benjamin Solomon and Fanny (Hauser) Solomon. She was the wife of Norbert Weintrub, who predeceased her. Mrs. Weintrub is survived by her children Lynn Weintrub and Drs. Jeffrey and Jean Weintrub. Also surviving Mrs. Weintrub are her grandchildren, Lindsey and Brent Weintrub, and her sisters, Annette Schieber of Maryland and Sandra Ostrow. — March 7, 2002
THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012
CLASSIFIEDS • 19
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 BBYO (513) 722-7244 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 CHALUPSKI from page 7 “That’s when I realized that what we’re doing here is much more than just sliding on a track,” said David Greaves, chairman of the Israeli Bobsled and Skeleton Federation, which is run out of North America and receives no funding from the Israeli government or Olympic Committee. “The Israeli flag was flying on the track with all the other nations’ flags, and seeing Eagle’s Nest looking down on the track was emotional for all of us.” Greaves, a Canadian whose day job is as director of development and marketing at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, was a brakeman on an Israeli bobsled team that came together in 2002, competed in two world championships and disbanded after failing to qualify for the Torino Olympics in 2006. Another member of that team, Andy Teig, a paramedic who lives in Lake Placid, is Chalupski’s coach. Chalupski didn’t start out racing for Israel. He began in the U.S. program, cutting classes during law school at Seton Hall University to train at Lake Placid, the site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. But after falling just short of making the U.S. national team trials in 2010, Chalupski was set to quit riding skeleton and go work for a law firm in France. Then he got call from Teig, who had one question: Was Chalupski interested in racing for Israel? The thought had never occurred to Chalupski, who was raised in a thoroughly secular home, didn’t have a bar mitzvah and had never given Israel — or his Jewish identity — much thought. He knew one thing: He didn’t want to switch flags simply to qualify more easily for races, he said. As Chalupski began talking over the decision with family and friends, a journey of Jewish exploration began. “Responses ranged from people who said, ‘Why haven’t you said yes already?’ to people who said, ‘You’re not Israeli, you’ve never been there, you don’t speak Hebrew, why would you do that?’” Chalupski recalled. But the responses of his Jewish friends stood out. “They all said, ‘You’re Jewish. Of course you can represent Israel.’ I honestly had never thought about it that way. And I began to start to ask myself what it
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(513) 531-9600 means to be Jewish.” The clincher came from his girlfriend, whose father is an Orthodox rabbi. “She expressed the sentiment that I had an obligation to do it because as a Jewish man, somebody was asking me to represent Israel to the world in a way only I currently am capable of doing,” he said. After 10 weeks mulling over the decision, Chalupski put his law career on hold — much to his mother’s chagrin — and moved north to Lake Placid to begin training fulltime. In the two years since he has enjoyed some triumphs — Chalupski won a medal in a lowercircuit race — and faced a host of challenges, from getting enough practice time to scraping together the money required to compete around the world. For help, Chalupski and his support team have been relying on the goodwill of Jewish communities around the world. When Chalupski goes to competitions, he often flies on donated frequent flyer miles and stays at the homes of local Jews. He has received support through a Facebook page and website. His support team — coach from Lake Placid, fundraiser from Manitoba, marketing director from Manhattan and accountant from Washington — is made up of volunteers who had never met in person until last weekend’s world championships. “No matter what country you’re from, when you see that Israeli guy at the start line, you’re cheering for him,” Greaves said. “He’s sliding for a nation of people all over the world: Am Yisrael.” The team also has gotten help from the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation, known as the FIBT; practice time courtesy of the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority, which manages Lake Placid’s facilities; and sponsorship from a Canadian clothing company, Mondetta. From Israel, the team says it is thankful just for recognition — recognition premised upon a decade-old letter from the Israeli Olympic Commitee to the FIBT affirming the affiliation of the thennewly created Israeli Bobsled Federation. Today, Greaves is listed as the contact for the Israeli team on the FIBT’s website. However, when contacted by JTA, Israeli Olympic Committee officials said they knew nothing about Chalupski or the Israeli bobsled team.
20 • TRAVEL
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Hearts at play are always young Wandering Jew
by Janet Steinberg
Seabourn’s Caribbean: ‘Isle’ be seeing you PART 2 OF A SERIES I don’t walk on water. I work on water! I work…under the guise of cruising! I work…to see everything there is to see in a port. I work…to taste every ethnic food there is in a port. I work…to know every local product there is in a port. I work…to know every local shop there is in a port. Most importantly, I work to enjoy all of the above while I am cruising. And enjoy I did, as I recently visited an eclectic mix of ports in the Caribbean. I can’t remember when I ever felt so relaxed, so pampered, so young at heart as I did on the fantastic Seabourn Quest, the newest member of Seabourn’s fleet of six award-winning, yacht-like ships. How could one not be young at heart when splashing around in a blue, blue ocean that melds into a cloudless blue, blue sky? When a handsome young crew member leans across a surfboard, knee-deep in the Caribbean, and plies you with a treat from one of the 4,000 bottles of champagne and 80 pounds of Ossietra caviar consumed on my Seabourn Quest’s two week voyage? When, straight out of a James Bond movie (weather permitting), the ship’s 007-style marina opens up and drops a steel-mesh swimming pool into the Caribbean? Seabourn’s Caribbean Quest was my own personal fairy tale. It can also be yours if you keep in mind the legendary words of Frank Sinatra: “Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you, if you’re young at heart…” However, let’s start at the beginning. Before boarding the Seabourn Quest, or any ship departing Ft. Lauderdale, I always check into the Embassy Suites Ft. Lauderdale for my pre-cruise stay. My time at Embassy Suites not only allows me to unwind from a day of travel, but it also gives the peace of mind that comes from not worrying
about unforeseen plane or weather delays that could cause me to miss the ship. Seabourn Quest is one ship you certainly would not want to miss for any reason. The all-suite Embassy Suites is located on the 17th Street Causeway, six blocks from Port Everglades. Included in its affordable room rates are cooked-toorder breakfasts; Manager’s Cocktail Receptions; business center and fitness center. All are complimentary. You can’t do much better than that. Time to set sail! The first two glorious days aboard Seabourn Quest were at sea, giving us time to enjoy all that the Quest had to offer: luxurious accommodations and public rooms; divine dining; interesting lectures; and a crash course in Hedonism 101. San Juan, Puerto Rico was our first port of call. San Juan—where palm-fringed beaches of the Atlantic meet aquamarine waters of the Caribbean—is a city teeming with vitality, history and culture. A safari into Old San Juan takes the visitor through almost 500 years of history in a single day’s time. Through narrow streets paved with blue adoquines (cobblestones), and dating back to 1521, you can explore historic fortresses and browse through charming courtyards framed by gems of colonial architecture and pastel-tinted shops. Once within the solid limestone walls that surround the old city, major sightseeing attractions are encompassed within a seven square block radius. If you’re into walking, wear comfortable shoes for the uphill-downhill jaunt that will take you to El Morro Fortress, San Cristobal Castle, La Fortaleza, Dominican Convent and the Pablo Casals Museum. A short drive from Old San Juan is Sha’are Zedeck Synagogue, whose Czech architect Antonin Nechodoma was strongly influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. It is one of three synagogues in San Juan. Puerto Rico is home to approximately 3000 Jews and is one of the largest and richest Jewish communities in the Caribbean. Basseterre, St. Kitts is an eclectic mix of West Indian cottages and traditional French and Victorian architecture. Seabourn Quest’s “Best of St. Kitts” shore excursion took passengers to the 300-yearold Brimstone Hill Fortress, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999; to Romney Manor with its 12-acre Botanic Garden where Caribelle Batik is located on the premises; and to Timothy Hill, where they could enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the vast expanse of Frigate Bay Resort. Seabourn Quest’s “Scenic Rail Tour” was a second option on a narrow gauge, century-old railroad that circumnavigated St. Kitts.
(Clockwise) Mermaid greets Seabourn Quest passengers on Mayreau in the Grenadines; Local dancers at beach party on Isla Catalina in the Dominican Republic; For a price, you can get a monkey on your back (or your head) in St. Kitts.
Bridgetown, Barbados is a magical mélange of hustle, bustle, charm and class. Beneath a turquoise sky, and surrounded by aquamarine waters, this idyllic island is a solace for relaxation and a virtual mecca for active lifestyles and cultural pursuits. It is endless sun-washed, sugary sand beaches, and craggy underground caves. It is green monkeys and flying fish; reggae and karaoke; booze cruises and rum tours; beachfront hair braiders and spa-tacular hot stone massages. Though tourists flock to Barbados for its sandy beaches, coral reefs and rum swizzles, it is the frequency of names like Trafalgar Square and Yorkshire, along with left-hand driving and roundabouts, that are constant reminders of the island’s British heritage. Cricket is the favorite sport; Trafalgar is the square of squares; and Lord Nelson is the pigeon’s favorite. You can lunch on fish and chips at an open-air café, wash it down with a warm beer, or
have a spot of tea and scones at a stately country house. On St. Barts, Seabourn Quest’s shore excursions offered something for everyone: an Island Overview Tour; Blue Cat Snorkeling; a Leeward Catamaran Adventure; Fast ‘n Fun Seafari Boat Tour; and a Yellow Semi-Sub Exploration. Or you could just stroll the streets of the very French port city of Gustavia where 200-foot yachts, with crews of 15 or more, line the shore of the city’s main street. If you plan to shop, take along a bulging wallet. Shops like Hermes, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Chopard and Bulgari overflow with luxurious goodies that cost more than my first car. Shell Beach is within walking distance from the pier where we disembarked from the Quest’s tenders. It is a public (pronounced “poobleek”) beach and fine for cruise passengers on a limited budget. On the smaller islands of Mayreau in the Grenadines, and Isla Catalina in the Dominican
Republic, the world became a more sybaritic and enchanting place. On both of these islands, hidden corners of the globe rarely visited by larger ships, Seabourn threw magnificent “Caviar in the Surf” beach parties. White sand beaches were set up with reclining lounges, towels, beach umbrellas and open bars. There were spectacular beach barbecues and every sort of watersport equipment was there for the asking. On Mayreau, we were even greeted by a real live mermaid. Seabourn’s Caribbean Quest was hour after hour, day after day, of pure pleasurable playtime. For me, it was l’essence de la vie (the essence of life). As Ol’ Blue Eyes crooned: “Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you, if you’re young at heart…” Janet Steinberg is an award-winning Travel Writer, International Travel Consultant, and winner of 38 national Travel Writing Awards.
FIRST PERSON / FOOD • 21
THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012
Those triangle treats — Hamentashen! Zell’s Bites
section, this recipe will please them all! HAMENTASHEN Makes 3 dozen
by Zell Schulman Pull out your processor or your electric mixer and portion out your goodies! Whether your family and friends like apricot, prune or poppy-seed filling, which can be purchased in cans at your supermarket in the kosher
Ingredients Cookie Dough 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon orange juice 1/2 cup sugar 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup margarine or butter 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1-1/2 tablespoon honey Pinch of salt Processor or electric mixer 1. Sift the dry ingredients. Add to the bowl of your mixer or processor. Process or beat on low until well mixed. Add the eggs, sugar, butter or margarine cut into
eight pieces, honey, and orange juice in bowl of processor or electric mixer. Pulse several times or mix for 2 minutes. Scrape the bowl and process 60 seconds or mix until a soft ball forms. 2. Remove from the bowl onto a floured board. Form a nice ball. Allow the dough to rest at least 15 minutes.
1/4 cup toasted coconut PRUNE 1/2 cup chopped pine nuts l tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 cup dark raisins
Hamentashen Filling A variety of canned fruit fillings are available in the kosher food or baking section of your supermarket or specialty store. The additional suggested ingredients to the prepared fillings provide a personal touch.
Place the filling of your choice from the can into the processor bowl fitted with the steel blade or in the blender. Add the suggested additional ingredients Process or blend 30 seconds. Scrape the bowl and process 30 more seconds. Fill the Hamentashen.
APRICOT 1/2 teaspoon ginger 3 drops almond flavoring
Baking the Hamentashen 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or cover a cookie sheet
POPPY SEED l teaspoon cocoa 1/2 cup white raisins 1/2 cup chopped pecans
with parchment paper. Set aside. 2. Divide dough into three portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Using a pint lid from a cottage cheese container, cut the dough into circles. Repeat, until all the dough has been cut into circles. 3. Place one tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle. Form a three cornered triangle by pressing the dough together on each corner with your thumb and forefinger, leaving a bit of filling visible in the center. Pinch to seal. 4. Place on the prepared cookie sheet. Brush the tops with egg white or milk if desired. Bake 2030 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven, cool 5-10 minutes. These freeze very well, if they’re not eaten up first!
This year in Jerusalem the snow did show! This Year in Jerusalem
by Phyllis Singer I made a mistake in my article SUMMIT from page 7 Netanyahu did not acknowledge the president’s plea for diplomacy to play itself out, instead emphasizing Israel’s sovereign right to act—and noting that Obama had made the same point in his speech the day before to AIPAC’s annual policy forum. “I think that above and beyond that there are two principles, longstanding principles of American policy that you reiterated yesterday in your speech—that Israel must have the ability always to defend itself by itself against any threat; VET from page 8 “I’m the grandson of a Holocaust survivor who was liberated by Allied troops, and I’m the grandson of a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, and these hard-working, gutsy men instilled in me a duty to community and a duty to country,” Mandel said. While he has served in uniform in the Middle East, he is cautious about making predictions about the region. Asked whether the Iraq war was
in last week’s edition: I wrote that snow was a “no-show” this year in Jerusalem! And I also said that although winter is not quite over here, there is little chance of a winter storm in March, so Jerusalem residents will have to wait another year for a winter wonderland. Shortly after The American Israelite appeared online and in print the meteorologist proved me wrong! The weather here last week was horrendous—great for the country, which has experienced drought conditions and a lack of
precipitation the past few winters, but not so great for people who had to go outside! It was unseasonably cold, windy, with heavy downpours almost every day. By Wednesday, the weather bureau was predicting temperatures of 1 or 0 Celsius for Friday (that’s 34 or 32 Fahrenheit—cold enough to snow) and snow in areas above 700 meters throughout the country, including Jerusalem. It rained hard all day Wednesday and Thursday with temperatures hovering around 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. But when we woke up about 8 a.m. Friday, the
rain had turned to thick wet snow. The snow continued to fall off and on throughout the morning, then turned to sleet and finally back to rain in the afternoon as the temperature rose one or two degrees. According to The Jerusalem Post, several centimeters fell in Jerusalem, schools were closed, buses temporarily had to halt several lines and approximately 50 snow plows and salt spreaders were out working to keep the main streets open. Children—and their parents— quickly donned heavy clothing and raced outside to build snow-
men and slide around in the white stuff! TV newscasts were filled with images of families enjoying the snow throughout the country! Jerusalem, the Upper Galilee, Tzfat, the Golan Heights, Mt. Hermon and Gush Etzion were blanketed, and wintery conditions extended as far south as Ashdod and the Northern Negev. In the northern areas, snow continued throughout the weekend. I won’t venture another weather forecast this week, but my guess is that was the only snow for Jerusalem this year. Maybe next year.
and that when it comes to Israel’s security, Israel has the right, the sovereign right to make its own decisions,” Netanyahu said. “I believe that’s why you appreciate, Mr. President, that Israel must reserve the right to defend itself. And after all, that’s the very purpose of the Jewish state—to restore to the Jewish people control over our destiny,” he continued. “And that’s why my supreme responsibility as prime minister of Israel is to ensure that Israel remains the master of its fate.” That acknowledgement—that Israel has the right to strike in its
own perceived self-defense—was the element that AIPAC’s leaders were seeking, and Obama earned the most extended standing ovation of the day when he told the conference: “Israel must always have the ability to defend itself, by itself, against any threat.” Another crowd pleaser was the president’s pledge that “the United States will always have Israel’s back when it comes to Israel’s security.” How to deal with Iran dominated much of the meeting between the leaders. As if to underscore Netanyahu’s message of his deter-
mination to confront the Iranian regime, his gift to Obama was a copy of the Megillah, the tale of the Persian Jews’ bloody triumph over Haman. An Israeli source said the meeting underscored agreement between the Netanyahu and Obama governments in four areas: a determination to prevent an Iranian nuclear weapon; that all options are on the table; that containment is not an option; that Israel is a sovereign state that has a right to defend itself by itself. In his own address to the conference on Monday morning—
delivered as Obama and Netanyahu were meeting— Howard Kohr, AIPAC’s executive director, made it clear that the fourth message was the one AIPAC had been seeking. “This is the context in which Israel must decide her course of action,” he said. “If she can put her fate in the hands of anyone—even her closest ally, America—or if she must conduct a strike to postpone Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb. Israel was created to ensure that the Jewish people would never have to put their fate in the hands of others.”
a success, he responds, “Time will tell.” He also said the Arab Spring is “negatively impacting Israel.” “When terrorist groups are running the countries bordering Israel, it’s not a good situation,” he said. “Time will tell on whether it’s better that Assad will fall.” Mandel said the United States and its allies face “a common enemy in radical Islam, and it’s an enemy that must be taken seriously.” One issue on which Mandel differs with Brown is labor policy.
Considered a union champion, Brown is outspoken on labor issues. With Republicans pushing to limit the powers of unions, labor issues have been the subject of acrimonious fights in Ohio and other Midwestern states over the past couple years. In Ohio, the issue heated up in 2011 when Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, sought unsuccessfully to pass a law weakening the bargaining rights of public employees. Another labor battleground has been so-called right-to-work laws,
which prohibit requiring workers to join a union as a condition of employment at a unionized workplace. Neighboring Indiana’s Republican-controlled state legislature recently adopted such a law, and a recent Quinnipiac University poll found that 54 percent of Ohio voters would support a similar law, with 40 percent opposed. “I believe American citizens should have the right to join a union if they’d like to do that, but they should not be coerced and forced to
join. It should be up to the individual,” Mandel said. On the economic front, Mandel points to his short tenure in the treasurer’s office. “I think we’re running the most efficient and effective state treasurer’s office in America,” he said. Mandel highlighted the AAA rating that Standard and Poor’s awarded the state’s $4 billion local governments investment fund that he runs at a time when S&P downgraded 14 similar funds across the country.
22 • OBITUARIES D EATH N OTICES SNOW, Shirley, age 97, died on February 26, 2012; 3 Adar, 5772. IMMERMAN, Harvey A., age 86, died on February 26, 2012; 3 Adar, 5772. ISSUES from page 8 Romney: Calls a nuclear Iran “the greatest threat the world faces.” He says he supports “crippling sanctions” but would order a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities “if all else fails.” “Ultimately, regime change is what’s going to be necessary,” he said. Santorum: Says that if sanctions do not stop the Iranian nuclear program, he would support tactical strikes against its nuclear sites. He PRO-ISRAEL from page 8 Now, in the wake of the U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq, Ashraf’s 3,400 residents feel vulnerable to a hostile regime seen as closely allied with Iran. According to the Associated Press, an Iraqi army raid last year left 34 camp residents dead. The United Nations wants to move the residents to a former U.S. Army base, Camp Liberty, but the MEK and its advocates say the site is equally insecure — and in severe VICTORY from page 9 In the 12 years since Putin first ascended to power, public antiSemitism has been all but silenced in Russia, Jews have not found themselves special targets of the regime and the Jewish community has built strong ties to the Kremlin. While many Jews remain concerned about Putin’s Middle East policies—Russia has been more of a hindrance than a help on Iran sanctions and has
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proposes that the U.S. should give Iran an ultimatum to open up and dismantle its nuclear facilities or face military action. Israeli-Palestinian relations Gingrich: Says the Palestinians are an “invented” people but clarified that he supports a negotiated Palestinian state. He says he would move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Paul: Says the U.S. should not be dictating terms of a peace agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians. During Operation Cast Lead, he said Gaza was “like a concentration camp” and suggested that the Palestinians were being wrongly labeled the aggressors. Romney: Says President Obama “threw Israel under the bus” and suggests there should not be “an inch of difference” between the U.S.
and Israel. His website says he “will reject any measure that would frustrate direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.” Santorum: Said on the campaign trail that “all the people that live in the West Bank are Israelis, they’re not Palestinians. There is no ‘Palestinian.’ This is Israeli land.” He says that Israel has a right to build in the West Bank. Religion and state Gingrich: Says that the “secular left” wants “a totally neutral government without meaning.” Argues that the left’s “stand for a separation of church and state” has “perverted Thomas Jefferson’s words beyond belief.” Paul: Has argued that there is no constitutional basis for “a rigid separation between church and state.” Says that while the Constitution
prohibits theocracy, the First Amendment means “Congress should never prohibit the expression of your Christian faith in a public place.” Romney: Praised the separation of church and state in his 2008 speech on religion but said that some have taken it “well beyond its original meaning.” He warned against efforts to exclude religion from public life in the name of “the religion of secularism.” Santorum: Warns against America becoming a place where “only people of non-faith can come into the public square and make their case,” saying that the idea “makes me throw up.” He said that “I don’t believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute.” Social Security
Gingrich: Proposes allowing younger workers to invest in personal retirement accounts instead of Social Security while still requiring employers to pay into the current Social Security system. Paul: Says that Social Security is unconstitutional. Rather than scrapping the system immediately, he proposes allowing workers under the age of 25 to opt out. Romney: Supports raising the eligibility age and slowing increases for inflation for higher-income retirees. He would leave benefits the same for people currently over 55. Santorum: Supports raising the eligibility age, trimming benefits for wealthy retirees and other cost-saving adjustments. Previously supported shifting Social Security to personal retirement accounts but says this would be too expensive under current economic circumstances.
disrepair and uninhabitable. Four hundred members of the group already have been relocated to Camp Liberty. “The main issue is 3,400 civilians, without regard what they may have done in the past,” Dershowitz said. “The United States made a promise to them.” The effort is backed by an ideologically diverse group of prominent former government officials that includes U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, Democratic National Committee
chairman Howard Dean, New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Attorney General Michael Mukasey and Homeland Security secretary Tom Ridge. In a column this week for the Huffington Post, Allan Gerson, a Washington attorney who served in various posts in the Reagan administration, cited Reinhold Niebuhr, the anti-totalitarian theologian, in asserting that the State Department has “lost its sense of humanity” in resisting moves to de-list the group. This week Gerson and a number
of other lawyers filed a request to a federal appeals court in Washington on behalf of the MEK asking for the group to be removed from the terrorist list. In 2010 the court had ruled that the State Department must respond to the arguments in the MEK’s petition to be de-listed. “Our focus is on reviewing the MEK’s FTO designation in accordance with the D.C. Circuit’s decision and applicable law,” Rhonda Shore, a State Department spokeswoman, said in a prepared statement. “At the conclusion of the
Department’s review, the decision will be made whether or not to grant the MEK’s petition to revoke the FTO designation.” Advocates of de-listing the MEK say it would facilitate the removal of the Ashraf residents to other countries, including the United States. At a conference on Saturday at Washington’s venerable Willard Hotel, speaker after speaker made the case for de-listing. Giuliani noted that a number of European nations already had removed the group from terrorist lists.
been supportive of a Syrian regime that has used deadly force to put down protests—they are generally satisfied with how Putin has treated the Jewish community at home. “Jews lived in Russia by czar, by Stalin, by all situations,” said Yuri Kanner, head of the Russian Jewish Congress. “This situation that we have today is the best situation today in Russia in the past 200 to 300 years.” Of course, public criticism of
the Kremlin is ill advised in Putin’s Russia, and no Jewish community leader interviewed by JTA was willing to go on the record criticizing the regime. But many young Jews are among those turning out in Moscow to protest Putin’s re-election. “We deal with a number of young people who were actually participating in the demonstrations,” said Mark Levin, the executive director of NCSJ, a Washington-based organization
that advocates for the welfare of Jews in the former Soviet Union. “They want a different future. They want a more open and free society. They want greater opportunities. They’re much like their counterparts in other countries.” Jewish opposition to Putin is centered more on what his re-election means for Russia than what it might mean for Israel or Jews in particular. “Every voter has Jewish interests and Russian interests,” said
Michael Chlenov, secretary general of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress. “For the Russian interests, there are many complaints, not specifically Jewish: eradication of democracy, antiAmericanism, etc.” The question for Russia going forward is whether Putin will crack down on the demonstrations or whether this newly empowered opposition will be able to wring some concessions from their oldnew president.
WAR from page 9
the government’s internal watchdog agency, criticized local authorities for failing to conduct home-front emergency drills. According to a 1992 law, all new residential buildings in Israel must be built with a reinforced room that can withstand rocket and missile attacks. The rooms were meant to phase out
public bomb shelters that date back to the 1950s. But some 1.7 million Israelis still have no access to any type of physical protection, according to Bielsky. In addition, some 40 percent of Israelis do not have gas masks, which are considered crucial in the event of a chemical or biological attack.
Bielsky says Israel has an additional 1 million masks in storage—to be released if a state of emergency is declared—but that would leave 2 million people without masks. The $330 million it would cost to get masks and other provisions to everyone is not in the government’s budget, according to Bielsky.
since 1967 has Israel faced an existential threat to its existence. At that time, Israel’s principal military supplier, DeGaul’s France, insisted that Israel take a direct military attack before retaliating. At that time, Israel was surrounded with armed belligerents that had closed off Israel’s southern waterway and threatened Israel with its very existence. Her isolation was deafening by the virtual silence of the World (talk is cheap). While Iran remains a menace to the West, by virtue of its oil and threat at the Strait of
Hormuz, it is Israel that faces physical annihilation. To be clear, American interests and Israel’s interests may possibly be divergent. The risk averse chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, with the tacit approval of Obama, called on Israel to refrain from attacking Iran. Obama is most interested in bringing U.S. troops home form Iraq and Afghanistan (the legacy of Bush’s follies). As Shi’ia Iraq looks to Teheran and its Ayatollahs for religious direction, an Iranian conflict may put U.S.
troops at increased risk. Three years ago, Secretary of State Clinton called for a Mideast nuclear umbrella of protection against Iran. This would include the Saudis, Kuwait and Israel, among others. Can Israel trust Obama and diplomatic sanctions? If they work, sanctions take a long time to be effective. Can Israel trust any country for its very existence? History has proven—NO.
A little more than a year ago, the Defense Ministry established the Civil Defense Ministry to take responsibility for home-front defense. But the office has no budget, staffing or authority. A report in December by the state comptroller, LETTERS from page 16 The military AND political questions are now back on the table. A nuclear tipped Iran is before us. Nothing new here, other than very soon Iran will have secured a veil of immunity from physical attack of its weapons grade nuclear generating facilities. Given this fascist regime’s hell bent goal of annihilating Israel and triangulating Israel by arming Hizbollah, Syria and Hamas, does Israel wait to try and destroy Iran’s facilities? Not
Ray Warren Cincinnati, OH
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