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The Blue Elephant picks Thai Basil from it’s own gardens
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This year in Jerusalem
Jewish Family Service holds annual meeting By Gabrielle Cohen Assistant Editor
Israeli Scouts experience Cincinnati
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Jewish Family Service used to be seen as the best kept secret until they launched their We Give A... campaign in 2012. At their annual meeting on June 25, they showed their successful campaign and highlights from the past year. But the We Give A... campaign is just the start on their successful journey. Michael Schwartz, immediate past president, started off the meeting by recognizing past presidents and board members in attendance after the dessert reception. He spoke with confidence as he turned over his presidency to Mark Miller. He said, “I’m passing this gavel with confidence, with excitement for what’s to come and with pride to Mark. I know he’ll really push Jewish Family Service to all they can be.” As the meeting continued, Bruce Baker, past president, gave the nominating report and installation of officers. He and seven other people make up the new board members that will serve a three-year term. Those people are Melanie Blumental, Joni Burton, Alyce Ellison,Dale Horne, Mark Knue, Tom Smith and Michael Sutter. The officers are as follows: Mark Miller, president; Andi Levenson, vice president; Larry Juran, treasurer; Susan Shorr, secretary; and Michael Schwartz, immediate past president. Lauren Scharf was appointed by the board president for a one-year term. Suzy Marcus Goldberg, Elaine Kaplan and Max Yamson were re-elected for a second 3-year term. Members remaining on
Beth Schwartz, Jewish Family Service Executive Director, addresses the crowd during the annual meeting.
the board are Stephen Goldberg, Steve Holman, Daniel Kerbel, Danny Lipson, Leslie Miller, Daniel Phillips, Pam Sacherman, Scott Slovin and Sarita Zilch. John Youkilis and Gary Smith are rotating off the board.
Youkilis and Smith received special recognition as their time on board draws to a close by Mark Miller. Miller also specially recognized the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati for their support of Jewish Family Service over the years. Shep
Englander, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, accepted a plaque on behalf of the Federation. As Miller gave his remarks as incoming Jewish Family Service president, he talked about the history of Jewish Family Service and the success they’ve had over the years. With many ups and downs, Jewish Family Service has been very successful over the past year. Jewish Family Service is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and plans to have a year-long celebration, kicking it off with the annual meeting. The award presentation was held as Miller concluded his remarks. The Miriam Dettelbach Awards went to Danny Lipson and Larry Juran for their exceptional volunteer work with the agency. This award is in honor of the first executive director of Jewish Family Service. The Betty R. Goldberg Community Service Award was established in honor of the many years of service that Goldberg gave to the organization and recognizes a Little from the Bigs and Littles program who helps others by performing good deeds and acts of kindness. This year, the award went to Tianna Woodford for her various community service work. The Staff Longevity Awards for Five-Year and Ten-Year milestone were given out. The FiveYear Staff Longevity Award recipients were Angie Bowling, Erin McNew and Sue Warm. The TenYear Staff Longevity Awards went to Dora Baehner, Edie Dine, Fran Gafvert and Ruth Moeddel. Jewish Family Service Executive ANNUAL on page 19
Local teen struck by lightning at camp GUCI By Gabrielle Cohen Assistant Editor LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!
At Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI) in Zionsville, Ind., a lightning strike in an open field injured three campers Saturday afternoon. It left Ethan Kadish of Loveland in critical
condition. Kadish and the two other campers were playing Ultimate Frisbee when lightning suddenly struck them. According to some reports, there was no storm and not even rain at the time the lightning struck. Camp counselors had begun lifesaving efforts before
medics arrived at the camp. All three were rushed to local hospitals to be treated for their injuries. One of the injured campers was discharged from the hospital and went home with his family. Kadish is the son of Scott and Alexia Kadish. Scott is a Procter
& Gamble employee. Alexia is a substitute teacher at Rockwern Academy and the American Israelite’s copy editor. For more information regarding Ethan’s condition, please visit Ethan’s CaringBridge site online.
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Amberley Green Update By Gabrielle Cohen Assistant Editor Plans to develop Amberley Green have been put on hold. The
Walnut Group has dropped out of the developing agreement. As more information comes about from Amberley Village, we will update you on the progression of
the Amberley Green project. There are 1,388 households in Amberley Village.
JFS's Pat Rosenberg wins Community Caregiver Award
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Luda Gikhman, Beth Schwartz, Rich Rosenberg, Fran Gafvert, Pat Rosenberg, Bralynda Watkins, Linda Kean, June Ridgway, Lilly Narusevich, Terri Brockman, Ann Sutton Burke
Compassion, dedication and trustworthiness are vital characteristics of any caregiver. Jewish Family Service Bikur Cholim Coordinator Patricia Rosenberg was recognized as having these attributes and impacting many lives in the Jewish community when the Caring Like Karen Fund presented her with the Community Caregiver Award. Pat and five other caregivers were honored at a luncheon June 14 at the Marriott at Union
Centre. Rosenberg began her long Jewish Family Service career in 1989 as a case worker who helped resettle refugees from the former Soviet Union and then became the Director of the Resettlement department. She tutored, developed curricula, taught English to people with limited English proficiency, and helped find them necessary resources. To effectively build stronger relationships with her
clients, she was enrolled in Russian language classes. Today, one family in particular is still connected with her as she provides weekly English tutoring to the mother. She also has served many French-speaking refugee families from African nations. Rosenberg was the coordinator for a program that worked with Burundi immigrants, teaching them the ROSENBERG on page 20
Israeli scouts experience Cincinnati On June 20, ten 14-year-old scouts from Netanya, Israel (six boys and four girls) arrived in Cincinnati to take part in an exchange program facilitated by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. The scouts are attending two one-week sessions at Camp Friedlander, an overnight Boy Scout camp. Partnership 2GETHER (P2G), the Cincinnati-Netanya partnership platform, is funded by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. As one of the P2G initiatives, the Israeli Scouts program, now in its 11th year, brings ten Israeli boy and girl scouts as well as a scout leader from Netanya, Israel, Cincinnati’s partnership city. SCOUTS on page 22
Jewish Life in Exotic Places Mix Judaism and Nature on a Memorable Journey to: The Galapagos, Ecuador, Machu Picchu and Peru January 5-17, 2014 See the amazing wildlife of the Galapagos, the wonders of Machu Picchu, The Presidential Palace of Quito, Visit synagogues, meet with members of the Jewish communities in Lima and Quito For more information call Rabbi Daniel Roberts or Elaine Rembrandt 216-831-1353 or email erembrandt@aol.com
Executive Director Shaw Jewish Community Center of Akron OH seeking Executive Director. • Candidate must have proven leadership success in community based organizations with emphasis on strong interpersonal communication. • Demonstrated record leading strategically and managing staff, operations and fund raising. • Bachelor’s degree required. • Consideration to candidate’s with Master’s Degree. • A knowledge and understanding of Jewish customs and traditions required. Send cover letter, resume and salary requirements by July 19, 2013 to akron@jcca.org. Affek is writing the blog.
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Wise Temple provides unique opportunities to meet their new rabbis Three new rabbis join the Wise Temple family this month and Wise Temple has planned some unique ways to meet them. Rabbi Karen R. Thomashow is Wise Temple’s new Associate Rabbi and Rabbi Sydney F. Henning and Rabbi Rachel M. Maimin have joined Wise Temple as Assistant Rabbis. Throughout the summer, the community can
get to know them over wine, cheese and kid-friendly snacks. These Shabbat Schmoozes will be offered at 5:15 p.m., before services, on the following Fridays: July 5, 12 and 26, and August 2, 9 and 23. Come to share a story, ask a question, give a smile, and begin building your relationship. In addition, Wise Temple will
host a Blue Jeans Shabbat and BBQ on two dates this summer: July 19 and August 16. Wear your jeans to these casual services beginning at 6:15 p.m. Stay after the service concludes for the BBQ with delicious food cooked up by the Wise Temple Brotherhood. Enjoy awesome activities for kids and adults sponsored by the Wise Temple
Sisterhood. These casual services and informal BBQ gatherings are great opportunities to build community among one another and with Wise Temple’s new rabbis. Shabbat celebrating, Brotherhood cooking, rabbi welcoming, Gaga playing, and community building – what a great combination! For more information or to RSVP, call Wise Temple.
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used when planting next year’s crop. Volunteers from the JCC Senior Center have also pitched in by watering and tending to the garden. The children present JCC seniors with their bounty during Tu B’Shevat and Passover. The Shalom Garden and greenhouse was donated by Louis Katz in memory of his parents, Adele and Alfred Katz, who both shared a love of gardening and nature. For more information about the JCC Early Childhood School and its Shalom garden, contact Denise Schnur, JCC Early Childhood School director.
Wise Temple welcomes two new assistant rabbis doing research on the contemporary Jewish community with the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies. She then moved to Jerusalem to study at Hebrew Union College. While at HUC in New York, Rabbi Maimin was active in student life, especially in the weekly Soup Kitchen, where she served as an educator for volunteer groups of students from local synagogues. As a rabbinical student, she served congregations in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Brampton, Ontario. She was the rabbinic intern at Woodlands Community Temple and at Congregation Kol Ami, both in White Plains, New York where she did work in community organizing as well as worked with family Shabbat services. Rabbi Maimin was also privileged to work as a Teaching Assistant to Dr. Eugene Borowitz, as well as a Rabbinic Intern for the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and as a Chaplaincy Intern at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. She is honored to have spent three years as a Bonnie and Daniel Tisch Rabbinical Fellow. Rabbi Sydney Henning was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico and graduated with honors from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Political Science and Journalism. After graduating, she spent three months in Israel studying at a Hebrew Ulpan in Haifa. After returning to the United States, she became pro-
fessionally involved in national politics and, shortly thereafter, became a nationwide community organizer. In 2006, she decided that she would like to continue community organizing, but within a Jewish context. She moved to New York to become the Director of National Initiatives for Birthright Israel’s Alumni Association. She worked with unaffiliated young adults who were looking to deepen their connection to their Jewish roots. The experience she had with these young adults through Birthright Israel was what inspired her to apply to rabbinical school at Hebrew Union College. During her time at HUC, Rabbi Henning interned at a variety of synagogues and Jewish organizations across the United States, from Temple Shaaray Tefila in New York, to Congregation Albert in New Mexico and Hillel at UCLA in Los Angeles. As a student, Rabbi Henning was the recipient of the Schusterman Rabbinical Fellowship. Bruce J. Baker, chair of the rabbinical search committee at Wise Temple and now its President noted that the search committee was most impressed by the quality of candidates who demonstrated their interest in the position of Assistant Rabbi at Wise Temple. He remarked, “They seemed attracted to our congregation’s capacity to balance a rich heritage with the deeply held value of innovation and change. When we saw
the quality of the candidates, and as we reflected on our many plans for change and innovation, our board decided to create two positions rather than one. We believe this reflects our commitment to working in new ways and with expanded energy.” “We have big plans,” commented Rabbi Lewis H. Kamrass, Senior Rabbi at Wise Temple. “We saw the great interest of so many outstanding candidates, and we were fortunate to attract the very best in Rabbis Sydney Henning and Rachel Maimin. Professors, mentors and congregants with whom they worked in their various internships all reflected to us what we saw in meeting them: a genuine enthusiasm and love for Jewish life and for the synagogue and the capacity to communicate that with warmth and with earnestness. This rabbinical team of Rabbis Maimin, Henning, and Thomashow, as our new rabbis, joins me and our involved leadership in shaping the future at Wise Temple; this represents an exciting and vibrant new chapter in the life of our congregation. I am eager for the congregation and community to come to know our new rabbis and greet them with the warmth and sense of promise that I feel about them.” Wise Temple hopes people take the time to welcome Rabbis Henning and Maimin to the community. There are many opportunities to meet them and get to know them.
RABBI ISAAC M. WISE Founder, Editor, Publisher, 1854-1900 LEO WISE Editor & Publisher, 1900-1928 RABBI JONAH B. WISE Editor & Publisher, 1928-1930 HENRY C. SEGAL Editor & Publisher, 1930-1985 PHYLLIS R. SINGER Editor & General Manager, 1985-1999 MILLARD H. MACK Publisher Emeritus NETANEL (TED) DEUTSCH Editor & Publisher GABRIELLE COHEN JORY EDLIN Assistant Editors ALEXIA KADISH YOSEFF FRANCUS Copy Editors JANET STEINBERG Travel Editor MARIANNA BETTMAN NATE BLOOM IRIS PASTOR RABBI A. JAMES RUDIN ZELL SCHULMAN RABBI AVI SHAFRAN PHYLLIS R. SINGER Contributing Columnists BONNIE ULLNER Advertising Sales Manager JENNIFER CARROLL Production Manager ERIN WYENANDT Office Manager e Oldest Eng Th
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It’s an exciting time at Wise Temple! This week Rabbi Sydney F. Henning and Rabbi Rachel R. Maimin, two new assistant rabbis, joined the Wise Temple community. They come with different backgrounds, experiences and personalities that contribute to the active, diverse and welcoming congregational family at Wise Temple. Rabbi Maimin grew up in a household with a strong and active Jewish involvement. She was influenced by family members who are Jewish educators and who played a significant role in developing her path to the rabbinate. By contrast, Rabbi Henning started out as a part of the growing number of unaffiliated and uninvolved interfaith youth, a newer trend among the wider Jewish world. But all that changed with a poignant event which led to her love of Judaism and subsequently, to her passion for the rabbinate and for synagogue life. Take some time to learn more about their stories and to share your stories with them at some of the many opportunities Wise Temple has planned for you to meet the new rabbis. Rabbi Rachel Maimin grew up in Lenox, Massachusetts. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and French from the University of Pennsylvania, where she was involved in Hillel and served on the board of the Reform Jewish Community at Penn. After graduating, she lived in Boston and worked at Brandeis University
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The garden curriculum incorporates environmental themes based on Judaic values: Bal Taschit (Do Not Destroy); L’ovda U’l’shomra (To Work and Keep the Land); Shomrei Adamah (Guardian of the Earth); and Tikkun Olam (Repair the World). Children also learn about gardening, bugs, vegetables and fruits through story books and art projects. The Shalom Garden is intergenerational and involves many other JCC programs. Students in the JCC After-School Program created a compost mound and charted the temperature. The compost is
Est. 1854
learning how to care for and grow vegetables in the Shalom Garden, JCC Early Childhood School students learn the valuable lesson of giving to less fortunate families by donating the crops they grow to the food pantries run by Jewish Family Service and Kennedy Heights. “I am happy that the JCC Early Childhood School is teaching my son about gardening and the importance of healthy food,” said Amy Zemberi, JCC Early Childhood School parent. “He loves seeing the fruits of his hard work and I love that he is participating in a program with the goal of feeding the less fortunate.”
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Children at the JCC Early Childhood School learn Jewish values through their educational garden. Shalom Garden was founded in 2009, and provides a variety of hands-on learning experiences for children to participate in ageappropriate activities that teach how their actions directly impact the earth. Through their own planting, nurturing and harvesting activities, children learn about the cycles of nature and experience the rewards of caring for their plants from seedling, to flower, to fruit and learn to save seeds for the next planting season. In addition to
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JCC Early Childhood School plants Shalom Garden
THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013 26 TAMMUZ 5773 SHABBAT BEGINS FRIDAY 8:49 PM SHABBAT ENDS SATURDAY 9:50 PM
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Camp Livingston holds first alumni Shabbat
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The Reis family has a history with Camp Livingston when Marla Reis (second from the right) went to this sleep away camp until 1975 then sent her kids Jenna (center) and Liam (second from the left) for the past five years and seven years, respectively, with their cousin Rapheal Goldfarb (far right). Scott Reis (far left) didn’t go to Camp Livingston, but he always sent his kids.
By Gabrielle Cohen Assistant Editor Camp Livingston has many traditions its campers and staff observe every Shabbat like walking arm-in-arm to the dining hall, clearing the dinner tables so everyone can enjoy a song session and Israeli dancing, all before services. They added a new tradition this past Friday: Camp Livingston hosted over 50 alumni for an alumni Shabbat. To welcome the alumni, Camp Livingston staff set out photo albums from previous summers to go along with the schmoozing. It was a night to reminisce and be reminded of the good times. Ben Davis, Executive Director of Camp Livingston, said, “We wanted to reach out to our alumni and remind them why they loved coming here as campers.” The Camp Livingston staff recruited alumni for this Shabbat through the Facebook connections of the assistant director, Aaron Slovin. Slovin has been at Camp Livingston for 13 summers as a camper, a unit head twice and now the
assistant director. He reached out to his camp friends and urged them to join them for this event. Davis hopes this will be the first of many alumni Shabbatot to come. He sees it as preparation for Camp Livingston’s centennial in 2020. Camp Livingston is a residential camp program for kids entering 3rd grade until 12th grade. The goal of Camp Livingston is to enrich the lives of its campers and staff with a fun, unique, communal Jewish camping experience. They encourage the development of Jewish identity, enable the formation of lifelong friendships, and provide the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of challenging recreational and creative programming within a safe and inclusive environment.
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American Jewish student fatally stabbed as protests rock Egypt By Kristen Mott and Sean Savage JointMedia News Service / Cleveland Jewish News Andrew Driscoll Pochter, a Jewish student at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, was fatally stabbed June 28 in Alexandria during clashes between government supporters and protesters trying to oust Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi. Pochter, a 21-year-old from Chevy Chase, Md., was observing the Egyptian demonstrations, according to a statement from the U.S. State Department. He had a special talent for making others feel welcome – especially when inviting them into the Hillel House on the campus of Kenyon, a private liberal arts college two hours south of Cleveland, said Marc Bragin, Kenyon’s Hillel director and Jewish chaplain. “Andrew was one of those rare college students that had a purpose and a vision that everyone should have a voice and everyone should be included and have a chance to share their point of view, whether he agreed with them or not,” Bragin told the Cleveland Jewish News.
Pochter traveled to Egypt at the end of the academic year as an intern for AMIDEAST, an American nonprofit organization engaged in international education, training and development activities in the Middle East and North Africa. He taught English to Egyptian children and lived in an Egyptian home. He planned to return to Kenyon in the fall to begin his junior year and wanted to spend next spring’s semester in Amman, Jordan to attain fluency in Arabic and develop a better understanding of the political and religious dimensions of the Middle East. Bragin said Pochter took an interest in other people and different cultures, especially the Middle East. “His passion was peace in the Middle East,” Bragin said. “I believe he truly was working toward that. He wanted to share his voice and understanding that that could happen and wanted to do his part to make sure the process could continue.” Pochter spent the last academic year as co-manager of the Hillel House at Kenyon. He became a resident of the house and was responsible for all Jewish life pro-
Courtesy of The U.S. State Department
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry meets with Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi as the two attend the 50th anniversary African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 25, 2013. Egyptian protesters from the country's Christian and secular minorities have accused the U.S. administration of supporting Morsi's Islamist government at their expense.
gramming that took place on campus. He was often the first person students came in contact with upon entering the Hillel House. “He really made Hillel House an all-inclusive place that people felt comfortable entering no matter their background,” Bragin said. Pochter was also a member of the college’s rugby club and the Middle Eastern Students Association, and served as philan-
Acknowledging failure on sex allegations, Norman Lamm steps down from Y.U. By Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK – In his letter announcing he was stepping down as Yeshiva University’s chancellor and rosh yeshiva, Rabbi Norman Lamm acknowledged his failure to respond adequately to allegations of sexual abuse against Y.U. rabbis in the 1980s. Lamm, now 85, became the school’s third president and head of its rabbinic school, the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, in 1976. He stepped down as president in 2003, becoming chancellor, but stayed on as the head of RIETS. His resignation Monday from his two posts at the school were attributed to an agreement reached three years ago. It comes several months after a report in the Forward newspaper that detailed allegations of abuse dating back to the 1970s and ‘80s against two rabbis at Y.U.’s high school for boys, principal George Finkelstein and Talmud teacher Macy Gordon. “Rabbi Lamm’s decision to retire is based on an agreement that was reached three years ago,” the university said in a statement. “His contract expired June 30.” Last December, Lamm
thropy chair for his fraternity, Alpha Delta Phi. He was a religious studies major. Dean of Students Henry P. Toutain said in a statement on the college’s website that a memorial service for Pochter will be held in the fall. “Andrew’s voice and spirit will be missed on campus,” Bragin said. “When one shining light gets extinguished it’s up to us
Advocacy effort has Jewish schools reaping hundreds of millions in gov’t money By Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Courtesy of Yeshiva University
Norman Lamm
acknowledged to the Forward that he knew about some of the allegations but chose to deal with them privately; law enforcement authorities were never informed. “My question was not whether to report to police but to ask the person to leave the job,” Lamm said. On Monday, Lamm issued a mea culpa for failing to pursue the allegations. “At the time that inappropriate actions by individuals at Yeshiva were brought to my attention, I acted in a way that I thought was correct, but which now seems ill
conceived,” Lamm wrote in a letter emailed to faculty, students and alumni in which he discussed his retirement. “And when that happens – one must do teshuvah. So, I too must do teshuvah [repentance]. “We must never be so committed to justifying our past that we thereby threaten to destroy our future. It is not an easy task. On the contrary, it is one of the greatest trials of all, for it means sacrificing our very egos, our reputations, even our identities,” he LAMM on page 22
to continue his vision of peace, inclusiveness and fairness for everybody.” Protesters accuse U.S. government of supporting Islamists While protests against Morsi rocked Egypt, members of the country’s secular and Christian opposition factions accused the U.S. government of supporting Mohamed Morsi’s Islamist government at their expense, AlAhram reported. Comments made earlier in June by U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Anne Patterson sparked an atypical anti-American reaction from the Egyptian opposition. “Some say that street action will produce better results than elections,” Patterson said, according to the Wall Street Journal. “To be honest, my government and I are deeply skeptical. More violence on the streets will do little more than add new names to the lists of martyrs. Instead, I recommend Egyptians get organized.” “She is an evil lady who is creating divisions. How is this any of her business?” George Ishaq, a prominent Egyptian Christian activist, said of Patterson on a popular talk show following her comments.
NEW YORK – Each year, when Frank Halper is faced with the state tax bill for his accounting business in Providence, R.I., he has a choice. He can write a check for the amount owed by his company or, as part of a state tax credit program, he can send a check to a foundation that provides tuition scholarships to students at Providence’s two Jewish day schools. His tax bill will be credited for 90 percent of the contribution. For the last five years or so, his firm has opted for the latter. “We’re in favor of supporting these schools,” Halper said. “We feel Jewish education is the future of the Jewish people.” Tax credit programs are among the growing number of ways that private Jewish day schools and yeshivas nationwide are corralling hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer dollars annually. The money is helping to defray operating costs, provide teacher training, assist students with tuition bills and enhance educational offerings. A decade ago, few Jewish schools were aggressive about pursuing federal and state funding. But
as day school tuition rates have climbed, outpacing inflation and the ability of recession-weary parents to pay, schools have become much more effective not only at accessing government money but in lobbying state government for more. “The financial crisis of 2008 had a huge effect on tuition and affordability – I think that was really the game changer,” said Darcy Hirsh, director of day school advocacy at UJA-Federation of New York, which in October 2011 became the first federation in the country to create a position for day school advocacy. “Families that were able to afford day school are no longer able, and schools’ financial aid has grown tremendously over the last five years.” The haredi Orthodox Agudath Israel of America long has taken the lead in lobbying for government aid for Jewish schools. Two years ago it was joined by the Orthodox Union, which began hiring political directors in a half-dozen states to organize Jewish schools and lobby legislators. In New York, the state with the largest day school population, Agudath Israel and the O.U. have ADVOCACY on page 22
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Seeking Kin: Unlocking the mystery of a childhood friend By Hillel Kuttler Jewish Telegraphic Agency BALTIMORE – In their Tel Aviv boarding school a half-century ago, Moshe Zarchi and Zvi Halevy spent time together doing homework, playing hide-and-seek and enjoying Chamisha Avanim, a jacks-like game involving five gold cubes. Halevy, 62 and a resident of Netanya, Israel, fondly recalls their friendship. It may have meant even more to Zarchi, whose parents gave him up for adoption. Halevy learned only recently that Zarchi died in the United States more than 30 years ago – a taxi driver who was murdered. But he didn’t know where Zarchi had lived or where he was buried. He had hoped to stop by the cemetery during his next visit to his daughter and grandchildren, who live in Brooklyn, N.Y. “Seeking Kin” learned recently that Zarchi is buried much closer to home: in the Eretz HaChaim Cemetery in Beit Shemesh, approximately 50 miles from Netanya. “I’ll visit. The circle will be closed. I accept the situation, that these are the facts,” Halevy said. “It’s a shame that I didn’t meet him [later] in life, but the fact he’s buried in Israel is extraordinary.” From 1959 to 1965 – Halevy gave the years as 5719 to 5724, from the Jewish calendar – the two boys attended the Belz Talmud Torah, an all-male, haredi Orthodox elementary school still operating at
National Briefs Vandalism strikes Portland Jewish institutions (JTA) – Two Jewish institutions in Portland, Ore. – a synagogue and a community center – were defaced with racist graffiti. “White power” was written in red spray-paint on promotional banners at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center and Neveh Shalom, a Conservative synagogue, on June 27, police said, according to The Oregonian. Both institutions are located in southwest Portland. Jewish vets urge action against sexual abuse in U.S. military WASHINGTON (JTA) – Jewish war veterans are calling for meaningful action to be taken to combat sexual abuse in the U.S. military. “The Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) condemns the continued prevalence of reported
Courtesy Malka Teichman
Moshe Zarchi, shown during his wedding in the United States, was the Israeli classmate whom Zvi Halevy had hoped to find.
63 Ahad Ha’am St. in Tel Aviv. They were roommates for at least three years, and lived with one or two other students. Each morning, the children said Shacharit prayers, ate breakfast, attended Judaic classes and had recess. After lunch they had more classes, evening and nighttime prayers, dinner and secular studies. “It was a very busy schedule,” Halevy said in an understatement. Halevy liked spending time with Zarchi because of his intelligence and creativity. Halevy remembers him as someone who did “very sophisticated crafts,” like carving wood and making colored-sand designs in bottles. “He had the hands of a craftsman. I liked studying with him because he had a sharp mind. I don’t and unreported male and female sexual misconduct in the military and calls for an independent process to review and prosecute these cases,” according to the Spring 2013 Jewish Veteran magazine. Major League Baseball’s Bud Selig honored by B’nai B’rith (JNS) B’nai B’rith International honored Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig with the Distinguished Humanitarian Award Thursday in New York. The award recognizes efforts to help a local community or the world in a person’s personal or professional life. The Jewish group presented Selig with a tzedakah box and a jersey with “B’nai B’rith” emblazoned on the front. World War Z with Brad Pitt strikes a nerve with proPalestinians (JNS) Palestinian supporters accuse Brad Pitt’s latest apocalyptic movie “World War Z” of proIsrael bias by depicting Israel as the one of the few countries in the world not immediately destroyed by zombies.
know what his IQ was, but I’d have to think it was 120,” said Halevy, who would know such things from having spent 40 years as a teacher and principal of Judaic and secular subjects in Netanya’s haredi Horev School. Wanting to know what became of his classmate, Halevy was interviewed on the Israeli radio program “Hamador L’chipus Krovim” (Searching for Relatives Bureau) in October. Last month, the show’s host, Izi Mann, received a telephone call from someone who connected Halevy to the family of Simcha Bunim Sonnenschein, a widower who had adopted Zarchi. Although Sonnenschein died in 1998, his brother, Yosef Elimelech Sonnenschein, is now in his 90s and lives on Moshav Komemiyut, near
Ashkelon. Halevy drove there in May to visit him and Yosef Elimelech’s daughter, Nechama Hoffman. He learned that Zarchi often visited the moshav on vacations from school. Halevy recognized a photograph of Simcha Bunim as the man who occasionally visited Zarchi at the Belz school. At the moshav, Halevy learned that Zarchi had moved to the United States, married and had two children. But his hosts did not know their names, where Zarchi settled, when or how he had died, and where he was buried. Malka Teichman, the daughter of Simcha Bunim and his second wife, Rachel, told “Seeking Kin” that she does not remember much about Zarchi because he had left home to serve in the military while she was young. Zarchi’s biological parents were poor and planned to hand him over to a Christian family or even a cult when her father, then living in Kfar Hasidim, near Haifa, intervened and adopted him. Teichman did not know his profession in America, but remembered her father saying that Zarchi had been murdered. Zarchi apparently received little attention in the Sonnenschein home. Rachel was a Holocaust survivor from Czechoslovakia who entered the marriage with five children of her own. Her first husband, Zvi Adler, was killed by terrorists while on guard duty near Jerusalem, Teichman said. Shortly after marrying Rachel, Simcha Bunim changed
their surname back to Sonnenschein because she disliked the name Zarchi. Halevy remembered his friend having entered the Belz school under a different pre-adoption surname, which later was changed to Zarchi. Halevy also recalled the boy being a Haifa native. The search for Zarchi’s family and burial place apparently would remain open. But “Seeking Kin” contacted Teichman again, and she reported that her stepbrother, Aharon Adler, while visiting the previous Shabbat had mentioned Zarchi’s burial in the Beit Shemesh cemetery.
8 • NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL
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Jewish groups ride roller-coaster week of Supreme Court rulings By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency WASHINGTON – A slight bump up on affirmative action, a plunge on voting rights, and on gay marriage, the mountaintop: federal legitimacy. It’s been a week of roller-coaster highs and lows at the Supreme Court for liberal Jewish groups. Their collective pledge: Stick it out. “These are critical decisions and it’s going to be a fight” on voting rights, said Sammie Moshenberg, the director of the National Council of Jewish Women, one of several groups that had weighed in on the recent cases with friend-of-the-court briefs. The same tone – vigilance on voting rights, gratitude on affirmative action and gay marriage – informed statements from other groups. On Monday, the court ordered lower courts to more stringently scrutinize the University of Texas’ affirmative action practices but did not otherwise reverse its earlier decision upholding the right of universities to make race a factor in accepting students. Jewish groups praised the decision, with the Reform movement’s Religious Action Center celebrating it for upholding “the use of affirmative action, the principle of diversity, and the understanding that race conscious remedies may be necessary to ensure diversity, even as we are aware that the decision’s wording indicates the Court may welcome future opportunities to review and potentially restrict affirmative action.” Tuesday’s decision on voting
Courtesy of Win McNamee/Getty Images
Supporters of the Voting Rights Act waiting outside the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington after the court struck down a section aimed at protecting minority voters, June 25, 2013.
rights, a 5-4 call that split the court along its conservative-liberal lines, shocked Jewish groups. The decision kept in place the shell of the 1965 Voting Rights Act but gutted its key provision, which had mandated federal review of any changes in voting laws in areas and states – mostly in the South – where racial discrimination had been pervasive. All three Jewish justices dissented from the majority opinion, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, which found that the 1965 rules were outdated. In a withering dissent, Ruth Bader Ginsburg noted that Congress had overwhelmingly reaffirmed the
1965 rules as recently as 2006 and said the court was overstepping its bounds. The decision drew strong condemnation from Jewish groups and vows to bring the case to Congress, although the likelihood is that current political realities – a Republican House of Representatives and a Democratic Senate – will preclude a review of the 1965 law anytime soon. On Wednesday morning, the court issued two rulings on gay rights. One overturned a key part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, which mandated that federal laws abide by a definition of marriage as
between a man and woman. In the second ruling, the court said that individuals who sought to overturn a California Supreme Court decision recognizing same-sex marriage had no standing to sue. The first case stemmed from a lawsuit brought by a Jewish woman, Edith Windsor, who was forced to pay federal taxes on the estate of her late wife, Thea Spyer, who also was Jewish, although their Canadian marriage was recognized as legal by the State of New York, where they resided. “DOMA singles out a class of persons deemed by a State entitled to
recognition and protection to enhance their own liberty,” Kennedy wrote in an opinion joined by the four liberal judges, including the three Jewish justices: Ginsburg, Elena Kagan and Stephen Breyer, as well as Sonia Sotomayor. “It imposes a disability on the class by refusing to acknowledge a status the State finds to be dignified and proper.” The marriage equality cases had Jewish groups filing friend-of-thecourt briefs on both sides, with liberal groups defending the rights of gay couples and Orthodox groups seeking to push back against the California Supreme Court decision. “Society’s mores may shift and crumble but eternal verities exist,” the haredi Orthodox Agudath Israel of America said in a statement. “One is marriage, the union of a man and a woman. Its sanctity may have been grievously insulted by the High Court today, but that sanctity remains untouched.” Liberal Jewish groups were elated. “Having faced prejudice and bigotry throughout our history, the Jewish community does not tolerate unjust discrimination against others,” Alan van Capelle, the director of Bend the Arc, a Jewish group that advocates on social issues and that had joined friend-of-the-court briefs in both cases, said in a statement. “Personally, as a gay Jewish man who has long been fighting for LGBT rights, it means so much to see our highest court rule that my family has as much right to happiness and protection under the law as any other.”
Emigration Museum to open in Antwerp By Phyllis Steinberg Contributing Columnist More than two million people from 1873 to 1934 sailed from Europe to the United States and Canada in search of a better life. The stories of those brave adventurers, some who packed up all of their belongings in just a few trunks, will be told at the Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp, Belgium, opening Sept. 27. Antwerp was a popular port of emigration among the Jews of Central and Eastern Europe. For many Jews, life in the United States began in a warehouse at the port of Antwerp. “More than half of the emigrants were Jewish,” said Liliane Opsomer, deputy director of Tourist Office of FlandersBrussels. “Golda Meir, Albert Einstein, and Irving Berlin were among those emigrating on the Red Star Line from Antwerp.” The voyage from Antwerp to America lasted approximately 10 days carrying as many as 2,800
passengers on a sailing. “The Belgenland II was the Red Star Line’s flagship,” said Luc Verheyenm, project coordinator of the Red Star Line Museum. “It was docked in Antwerp for the first time in 1923. The ship carried 800 passengers in first class and 2,000 migrants in steerage.” On board, the passenger facilities differed greatly. First class passengers on the Belgenland II had lounges, swimming-pools, dancing rooms and fitness centers. The ship also had a beach with real sand. Third class emigrants had far fewer facilities. They were housed in small quarters and had a separate dining room. The new museum is located in the same three historic port warehouses that the emigrants passed through and were subjected to a medical and administrative checkup and where their luggage was disinfected. Before departure, emigrants were thoroughly checked for eye diseases. “The emigrants were checked very carefully in these buildings
Courtesy of Red Star Line Museum
Red Star Line Museum
because if they arrived at Ellis Island in New York with an illness, they were refused entry into the United States and were sent back to Antwerp at the expense of the Red Star Line,” said Toon Livens, Antwerp tour guide. “If a member of a family had an illness, that member was not allowed to emigrate, and families often had to make difficult decisions, whether
not to emigrate, or to emigrate and leave the ill person behind.” The exhibits guide visitors to follow in the footsteps of people who might have been their ancestors. An interactive knowledge corner gives visitors the opportunity to search for information about their own family’s migration history. All visitors can contribute their personal or their family’s stories.
“If you want to know more about your grandfather who brought his wife over to New York on the S.S. Kroonland in 1913, you will get not just a summary of the particulars on both grandparents, but information about life on board,” Verheyen said. “You will be able to see the ship’s interior, luncheon and dinner menus and concert programs aboard the ship.” Oral and written histories and personal testimonials of Red Star Line passengers describe the atmosphere of the voyage. The Museum also examines the issue of migration today. At the conclusion of the exhibition, visitors are invited to walk up to the top of the viewing tower overlooking Antwerp’s Rhine Quay and the Scheldt River where emigrants boarded the ocean liners, one of the last images passengers saw from the European continent. The exhibits are in Dutch with English translations. There is an admission charge.
INTERNATIONAL / ISRAEL • 9
THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013
France’s soaring anti-Semitism lures Jewish Defense League vigilantes out of shadows By Cnaan Liphshiz Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Courtesy of Ligue de Defense Juive
Protesters rallying in Paris for the outlawing of the French Jewish Defense League, 2009.
PARIS – With scooter helmets in hand, a man called Yohan and six buddies stroll around Paris’ 20th arrondissement. The seven look much like a typical group of French students – until they locate a group of Arab men they suspect of perpetrating an anti-Semitic attack the previous day. Using their helmets as bludgeons, members of France’s Jewish Defense League, or LDJ, set upon the Arabs and beat them. Several of the Arabs attempt to escape in a blue sedan, but the LDJ members pursue the vehicle, causing it to crash into a stone wall.
The attack last August, filmed by a television crew shooting a documentary on LDJ, was one of at least 115 violent incidents that critics attribute to the group since its registration in France in 2001 – a year after the eruption of the second intifada in Israel and the sevenfold increase in anti-Semitic incidents in the 12 years that followed. “Now they know the price of Jewish blood,” said Yohan, the nom de guerre of Joseph Ayache, one of LDJ’s young bosses. An offshoot of the American Jewish Defense League, which was founded in New York by the ultranationalist Rabbi Meir Kahane in 1968 and which the FBI considers a domestic terrorist group, LDJ stages
violent reprisals to anti-Semitic attacks. The group, which numbers about 300 members, is now on a collision course with France’s Jewish establishment, which has condemned its activities and threatened a lawsuit. French authorities have ignored calls to ban LDJ, though in Israel the Kach movement, also founded by Kahane, has been outlawed. The French government’s apparent acquiescence may have inspired LDJ to ratchet up its deterrent potential by showcasing its activities following the murder of four Jews in Toulouse last year by a Muslim extremist. FRANCE on page 20
Why aren’t Irish eyes smiling on Israel? By Sean Savage JointMedia News Service The Irish and Jewish people share a common history of both suffering cruel persecution and achieving national redemption against immeasurable odds. But today, Ireland is one of Europe’s fiercest critics of Israel. The Irish government and prominent Irish NGOs frequently condemn Israel for its treatment of Palestinians, and they are pushing a boycott of the Jewish state. Countering this trend is a small, yet passionate, contingent of pro-
Israel Irish groups seeking to create more positive relations between these similar nations. “On a national level, since the late 1950s, Ireland has considered a solution to the conflict in general, and a solution of the Palestinian refugee issue in particular, as one of its top foreign policy priorities in the Middle East,” Irish-born Professor Rory Miller, who is director of the Middle East and Mediterranean Studies Program at King’s College in London and author of Ireland and the Palestine Question 1948-2004, told JNS.
Irish-Jewish relations haven’t always been this sour. In the early 20th century, many Irish leaders were sympathetic to the Jewish people, with the Irish drawing heavily on historical parallels with Jews, including their suffering, the large-scale migration of Irish in the 19th century, and their upward struggle for national self-determination against the British. But following Israel’s independence in 1948, Irish sympathies inexplicably shifted. The Irish no longer IRISH on page 22
Archbishop of Canterbury affirms Israel’s ‘right to exist in security and peace’ By Rachel Marder JointMedia News Service JERUSALEM – The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, affirmed Israel’s “right to exist in security and peace” during his visit to the Jewish state on Thursday. Welby, on a five-day tour of Egypt, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories this week, met with members of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem, visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum, and prayed at the Western Wall. “The clear policy of the Church of England, [and] my own very clear and very fluent feeling, is that the State of Israel is a legitimate state like every other state in the world and has a right to exist in security and peace within internationally agreed boundaries,” he told a press conference at the Israeli Chief Rabbinate. British Jewish groups criticized Welby last year for abstaining from a vote in the General Synod that endorsed the
Courtesy of Rachel Marde
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, at a press conference at the Israeli Chief Rabbinate in Jerusalem during his visit to Israel on Thursday.
Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI), an organization of Christians who monitor human rights abuses in the Palestinian territories. The Board of Deputies of British Jews said the program lacks an understanding of the conflict. EAPPI’s “ecumenical
accompaniers” have “almost no grasp of the suffering of normal Israelis,” it said. In May, Welby said he regretted not voting against the motion, saying it did not accurately reflect the complexity of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. In Jerusalem on Thursday, Welby called on all people in the region to live in peace. “All the people of the region without exception from whatever background they come, whether it’s Israeli or Palestinian or any other, also have the right to exist in peace and security within properly agreed frontiers,” he said. “And those who support the legitimate right of people to exist in peace, justice and security are wonderful people and it’s a very important thing that they are there and that they keep us on task.” With U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arriving on Thursday for his fifth visit to Israel since he began his term, Welby said he hopes Kerry will succeed in reaching a peace deal. ARCHBISHOP on page 22
Courtesy of Sliman Khader/FLASH90
Irish Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore gestures while talking with Palestinian demonstrators at the weekly gathering in the mostly Arab neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah in eastern Jerusalem on Jan 27, 2012. Within an Irish government that frequently condemns Israel for its treatment of the Palestinians, Gilmore is one of the most outspoken critics of the Jewish state.
International Briefs Italy wants to learn ‘how to build a start-up nation’ from Israel (JNS) Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta, making his first trip outside Europe since taking office in April, expressed admiration for Israel’s culture of innovation by saying Monday in Jerusalem that he wanted to learn “how to build a startup nation” from Israel. It was a “very important signal” that Letta’s first trip as prime minister outside Europe was to Israel, he said, Israel Hayom reported. Gruesome video reveals fate of Syrian Catholic priest (JNS) A new video has emerged that possibly reveals the fate of Syrian Catholic Priest Francois Murad, who was reportedly killed last week by Islamic terrorists. Last week, the Vatican’s official news agency reported that Syrian Priest Francois Murad, 49, was killed in Gassanieh in northern Syria on June 23. On June 28, Catholic Online post-
ed an extremely graphic and gruesome video from Livelink showing Syrian terrorists beheading Father Murad in field surrounded by onlookers who were chanting “Allahu akbar.” Egyptians protesting Morsi accuse U.S. government of supporting Islamists (JNS) While protests against President Mohamed Morsi rock Egypt, members of the country’s secular and Christian opposition factions are accusing the U.S. government of supporting Mohamed Morsi’s Islamist government at their expense, AlAhram reported. Coptic Christian leaders in the U.S. also criticized the Obama administration’s handling of Egypt. Politician with anti-Semitic past appointed Greek health minister ATHENS, Greece (JTA) – A right-wing Greek politician who has made anti-Semitic statements was appointed health minister of Greece. The naming of Adonis Georgiadis came as part of a Cabinet reshuffle last week after one of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’ junior coalition partners walked out over attempts to reform the struggling economy in Greece.
10 • ISRAEL
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With American talent and ownership, Haifa team dethrones Israeli basketball dynasty By Hillel Kuttler Jewish Telegraphic Agency Ido Kozikaro stepped from his car and was engulfed by a delirious mob in Haifa who grabbed him, hoisted him onto its shoulders and paraded him to a Japanese restaurant. Kozikaro was holding the championship trophy of the Basketball Super League, Israel’s highest division, that he and his Maccabi Haifa teammates had wrested an hour earlier from Maccabi Tel Aviv with their stunning upset of the dynastic squad. The celebration that started shortly after midnight would continue at a nearby nightclub until the early morning. Haifa’s 86-79 victory over Tel Aviv, winner of 50 of the previous 58 titles, on June 13 came just one year after Haifa had finished last with a 5-21 won-loss record, including a 15-game losing streak. “It is just an unbelievable feeling,” said Kozikaro, a 16-year veteran. “We made history in Israeli basketball, Haifa basketball and also in my career because I’d never won a title.” Following the dismal 2011-12
season, a Haifa housecleaning yielded an overhauled roster featuring three American players with NBA experience and a head coach, Brad Greenberg, who served as an assistant for two NBA teams and an executive for two others. “This year was as special a year as I’ve had in basketball, without a doubt – maybe the most special,” Greenberg, 59, told JTA. Greenberg, a Jewish Long Islander, had never visited Israel before arriving last year to lead Maccabi Haifa to a 17-10 record and its first championship. Tel Aviv had finished first with a 22-5 record and defeated Haifa in their five meetings this season. The championship game’s turning point, in Greenberg’s assessment, occurred early in the third quarter when Haifa hit consecutive three-point baskets that shaved a seven-point deficit to one. Soon after, Haifa grabbed the lead. “Instead of us stumbling, we didn’t stumble and we countered them,” Greenberg said. “I didn’t know it was over until the game was over, trust me,” he added. “When the [final] buzzer went off, that’s when I knew we won.”
Courtesy of Maccabi Haifa and Omri Shtain
Maccabi Haifa players Ido Kozikaro and Cory Carr holding the Israeli basketball championship trophy after defeating Maccabi Tel Aviv in the finals, June 13, 2013.
Maccabi Haifa’s owner, Jeffrey Rosen, was watching the game on a live Internet feed from his Manhattan apartment in what he called “stunned disbelief.” He was wearing his lucky green shirt, evoking the team’s uniform color. “It’s been an amazing ride,” Rosen said. “It still takes your breath away to scratch and claw your way against the New York Yankees of basketball, Tel Aviv. There’s no way those guys didn’t expect to win that game; they beat us five times this year. But [we] pushed them over in
From schools to bomb shelters, Israel lagging on promise to disabled
the last few minutes and won.” Rosen, who owns a Miami investment company and bought Maccabi Haifa in 2007, oversaw the team’s return to Israel’s top league and then several competitive seasons before falling to ninth place in the 12-team league in 2010-11 and then rock bottom the year after. But after last season, Rosen said he went about assembling a cast of players who blended experience and youth, came from winning backgrounds and were committed to team defense and accepting their
Israel Briefs
By Ben Sales Jewish Telegraphic Agency SDEROT, Israel – A thick concrete bomb shelter sits by the side of a central street in this embattled southern Israeli town, but Naomi Moravia can’t get inside. Shelters like this one are crucial in Sderot, which is located about a mile from the Gaza Strip and is the frequent target of cross-border missile attacks that send residents running for cover. But Moravia can’t run. She can’t even get up on the sidewalk. Pushing a lever on her wheelchair, she rolls down the street looking for a ramp or a dip in the curb that she can ascend without tipping backward. If she can manage to reach a shelter in time, she often won’t fit inside, stymied by tight corners impossible to negotiate in a wheelchair. Of five shelters in Sderot’s central district that Moravia tried to enter recently, only one was accessible. “If there’s a siren and I’m not in a protected room, all I can do is sit in my wheelchair and pucker my butt,” said Moravia, the chairwoman of the Israeli activist group Struggle for the Disabled. The dearth of wheelchairaccessible shelters in Sderot, officials and activists say, is emblematic of Israel’s sorry record in providing for a disabled population estimated
Bnei Brak resident arrested for ‘price tag’ attack on monastery JERUSALEM (JTA) – A Bnei Brak resident was arrested in connection with the arson and vandalism attack on a Christian monastery that drew international condemnation. The incident was labeled a “price tag” attack in response to the evacuation last summer of Migron, a West Bank outpost.
Courtesy of Ben Sales
Naomi Moravia, chairwoman of the Israeli nonprofit Struggle for the Disabled, in front of a locked gate that leads to a bomb shelter in Sderot. Many shelters throughout Israel's embattled South are not wheelchair accessible.
by the government to be 1.5 million. For disabled Israelis, the challenges can begin early. Elad Cohen, now 10, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome as a toddler. As a result, his Tel Aviv public school refused to readmit him in 2006. “The state wants to do two things: not tell you what your rights are, and if you know what your rights are, find any way to deny them from you,” said Revital, who consults privately for parents of disabled children. A series of recommendations endorsed by the Education Ministry in 2009 would have afforded nearly
all disabled children the right to integrate into general classrooms at public expense. But the government has applied those recommendations in only three school districts. Some activists hope that Israel’s adoption last year of the nonbinding U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will lead to further legislation. But many are skeptical. “It’s like a yahrtzeit,” Gilon said of the convention. “They talk about it one day and 364 days they forget about it. It doesn’t matter to most people.”
Netanyahu rival Danon elected head of Likud Central Committee JERUSALEM (JTA) – Danny Danon, who said the Likud Party and Israel’s governing coalition are opposed to a two-state solution, was elected chairman of the party’s Central Committee. ‘Price tag’ attackers put on same legal ground as terrorists JERUSALEM (JTA) – Planning and carrying out “price tag” attacks in Israel will now be defined as “illegal organizing,” which puts the acts on the same level as Islamic terror groups. The new designation
roles. Key recent additions included Kozikaro; former NBA players Donta Smith, Cory Carr and James Thomas; American Pat Calathes; and Gal Mekel, a Tel Aviv native and this year’s league MVP. The mix, Rosen said, recalled the selfless New York Knicks teams he long ago cheered on to two NBA championships in the early 1970s. Carr, Haifa’s elder statesman and a former Chicago Bull, played a limited role but believes he contributed leadership and experience gained from playing for nine Israeli teams. “Obviously the championship is very gratifying,” said Carr, an Arkansas native married to an Israeli woman from Buffalo, N.Y. “It’s all about winning. And at 37, it’s all about helping the next generation.” Rosen will meet with team management this week in Manhattan to chart a course for next season. Several players have become free agents and, Rosen said, “sober” decisions must be made. He hopes Haifa’s championship spurs outside investors to seek partnership roles, which could help increase the team’s nearly $3 million annual budget and enable him to continue signing strong players. announced Monday by Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon means that the Jewish perpetrators of such violence would face the same legal repercussions as Palestinian terrorists. The designation was approved last month by Israel’s Cabinet. Netanyahu on anniversary of Herzl death: peace ‘founded on security, not goodwill’ (JNS) On the day U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was set to arrive in Israel for his latest attempt to revive IsraeliPalestinian peace talks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said peace “is founded on security, not goodwill.” “Without security we will not be able to defend ourselves, and any peace we have will unravel,” Netanyahu said Thursday at a ceremony in Jerusalem commemorating the 109th anniversary of the death of the father of Zionism, Theodor Herzl, Israel Hayom reported. “We remain faithful to Herzl’s vision: to establish here an exemplary state, a modern state, a state that is rooted in our land, the Land of Israel, but also a state that above all is able to give the Jews what was lost to them in their years of exile – the ability to defend themselves, by themselves, against any threat,” Netanyahu added.
SOCIAL LIFE • 11
THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013
ALL-SCHOOL READ PROGRAM As part of Rockwern Academy’s innovative All-School Read program, students in preschool through seventh grade share one common assignment. This year’s book selection for everyone is "The Hungry Clothes, and other Jewish folktales", retold by award-winning author Peninnah Schram. One exciting aspect of this program is that older students are able to teach younger ones. After professional storyteller Kathy Wise performed a folktale from the collection for the entire student body, sixth and seventh graders enjoyed a workshop with her. In this workshop, students learned storytelling techniques such as the use of puppetry, props, backgrounds, and different voices. Children in preschool through fourth grade very much enjoyed visits from these traveling storytellers, and now they are looking forward to a play written and performed by the fifth grade.
ANNOUNCEMENTS WEDDING r. and Mrs. Jeffrey Lazarow announce the marriage of their son Jonathan Michael Lazarow to Dr. Frances Barbara Samolowicz on Sunday May 26. Rabbi Ari Moffic and Deacon Dan Moore co-officiated the evening ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. Jonathan is the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. Irvin Silverstein, the late Marvin B. Steinberg, and the late Ted and Myrna Lazarow. Frances is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Joseph Samolowicz of Chicago and the granddaughter of James Simpson, the late Barbara Simpson, and the late Frances and Henry Samolowicz. The couple met at Dartmouth College when Frances was a freshman and Jonathan a senior. She graduated from Dartmouth with an A.B. in Neuroscience and received her medical degree from the University of Illinois. Dr. Lazarow is a member of AOA Medical
M
Jeffrey and Frances Lazarow
Honor Society. She is a Clinical Research Associate in Otolaryngology at the University of California Irvine. Mr. Lazarow is a managing director and founder of J. Lazarow and Company an investment, advisory, and business development firm. He graduated from Dartmouth College with an A.B. in Government and holds a Masters Degree in Management Studies from Oxford University. He serves on the board of the Dartmouth College Fund Committee and the Chicago Concussion Coalition. The couple currently resides in Corona Del Mar, California.
12 • CINCINNATI JEWISH LIFE
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MAJOR GIFTS DINNER Over 200 community leaders gathered on October 24 to kick off the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s 2013 Community Campaign. Dr. Stephen and Sandra Joffe looked after every detail to make sure that all in attendance enjoyed every minute of the event. Their generosity, hospitality and personal warmth touched everyone. The beautiful weather, the fall colors and the spectacular venue only magnified the magic of the night. As speaker Rabbi Wolpe said, it felt as warm as a family occasion. The Rabbi offered deep and funny insights and reminded us about the priorities of caring for our families, Jewish communities and our neighbors and friends.
Rabbi David Wolpe
Bobby Fisher, Tamar Smith, Arna Poupko Fisher
Pam and Bernie Barbash
Ben and Ronna Schneider, Anita and Hank Schneider
Betsy Shapiro, Fran and Craig Coleman
CINCINNATI JEWISH LIFE • 13
THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013
Kay Geiger and Stephen Joffe
Tamar Smith, Ed Kuresman, Ben Schneider
Robert, Lois and Ed Kuresman
Stephen Joffe, Rabbi Wolpe, Andy Berger
Sandra Joffe, Stephen Joffe, Andy Berger, Shep Englander
14 • DINING OUT
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The Blue Elephant picks Thai Basil from its own gardens By Bob Wilhelmy Dining Editor Did you know that Thai Basil features a stronger, more assertive flavor and aroma than regular basil grown commercially here in America? It’s true, according to Danny Wongtouwan, owner of the Blue Elephant. “Thai basil, it has more flavor and gives Thai dishes the taste you would have if you were in Thailand,” he said. Because the Thai variety is both less available here in Cincinnati, and expensive as well, the Blue Elephant grows its own during months when weather permits. The “kitchen” garden maintained by Blue Elephant also produces other plants used in Thai cuisine, such as the chili peppers used to season dishes. That gardening effort adds to the overall cachet of the Blue Elephant for me, since those actions tend to show commitment to quality. The menu at this restaurant is lengthy. There is a sushi and nigiri section as well as the regular menu, for instance, and the list of items rivals any you are likely to find in the Greater Cincinnati area. There are gourmet items, such as the rainbow roll and cin cin maki roll, the former including avocado and raw fish, and the latter spicy tuna, tuna and roe. Also, there are chef specials; one is the Blue Elephant roll, featuring spicy tuna, cream cheese, asparagus and white tuna wrapped in wanton and topped with special sauce. On the regular Thai entrée menu, there is “something for everybody,” according to host/server Trace Young. “People come and eat and you can tell when they like the food and the service. I hear that a lot, that the dish was really good. People just like the atmosphere here and the food and the service. We hear that all the time. It’s a nice place to eat, the food is top quality,” he said. Asked what patrons order most, Young said there are lots of popular dishes. One that stands out is the Bangkok noodle bowl “special,” meaning it’s not on the menu proper, but has been appearing on the specials sheet recently. The dish features noodles, of course,
along with bean sprouts and peanuts, and the bowl is topped with crispy chicken. “That dish is delicious and I get lots of people who love it,” Young said. Those who want to try a classic Thai dish that features Thai basil may want to select the Thai-style basil chicken. The entrée is billed as “the most popular classic Thai dish.” The entrée features ground chicken that is stir-fried with basil, green beans, onions and bell peppers, and seasoned with the kitchen’s own chili garlic sauce. Blue Elephant also features Thai curry dishes made with traditional Thai creamed coconut milk. The curries can be vegetarian or come with a choice of chicken, beef and other add-ins. Many of the dishes at the Blue Elephant are typical of Thai restaurants. Pad Thai is one of those, and is among the most ordered dishes on the menu. But there are other dishes that stand out as different. One is the Thai sweet and sour chicken, which Young stated is a favorite of his and of many diners he serves. Another is the dancing duck entrée, featuring a crispy roasted duck with vegetables on a crispy noodle bed, topped with orange sauce. Third and fourth dishes of note are the paradise salmon and the teriyaki salmon. Paradise is found in the former by steaming the salmon filet Thai-style with fresh ginger, onions, garlic and bell peppers. The teriyaki salmon features the vegetables, and a special teriyaki blend for a tasty combination. Blue Elephant’s menu includes appetizers, soups and salads, a pasta section, vegetarian offerings, house specials, seafood entrees, curry dishes, stir fry selections, noodle dishes and rice entrée selections, along with the sushi and nigiri selections mentioned earlier. The restaurant offers alfresco dining, and beer and wine is available. Blue Elephant is two minutes from Hyde Park Plaza and Oakley Square, offering dine-in, carry-out and delivery. Blue Elephant 2912 Wasson Rd. Cincinnati 513-351-0123
Trace Young, server/host holds a “boat” of sushi, ready to be served.
The alfresco area.
The sign of the Blue Elephant.
DINING OUT • 15
THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013
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891-8300
Ambar India Restaurant
Izzy’s
Pomodori’s
350 Ludlow Ave
800 Elm St • 721-4241
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Cincinnati
612 Main St • 241-6246
7880 Remington Rd
281-7000
1198 Smiley Ave • 825-3888
Montgomery • 794-0080
7625 Beechmont Ave • 231-5550 Andy’s Mediterranean Grille
4766 Red Bank Expy • 376-6008
Slatt’s Pub
At Gilbert & Nassau
5098B Glencrossing Way • 347-9699
4858 Cooper Rd
2 blocks North of Eden Park
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Stone Creek Dining Co.
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9386 Montgomery Rd
Loveland
11296 Montgomery Rd
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6200 Muhlhauser Rd
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10040B Montgomery Rd
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9701 Kenwood Rd
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Mecklenburg Gardens
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302 E. University Ave
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16 • OPINION
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July 4th: Land of ‘herut,’ home of the brave By Simon Klarfeld JointMedia News Service This Thursday, July 4, Jewish families all over the United States will join the rest of the country and stare up in wonderment as the sky lights up in an explosion of colors during Independence Day firework displays. But fireworks – like so many things in life – are transient and will inevitably dissipate. Yet for those fleeting moments in which they light up our world, they also shed light on that which is wrong with it. America’s Declaration of Independence sought to rectify those wrongs. It sought to create a country in which all men are created equal, in which every person has the freedom to pursue his or her inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. For its own part, Israel’s Declaration of Independence just more than a century and a half later articulated many of the same aspirations. Israel promised to “uphold the full social and political equality of all its citizens” and “guarantee full freedom of conscience.” It is perhaps no coincidence, then, that the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pa., the iconic symbol of American independence, is engraved with the biblical passage from Leviticus that introduces the concept of freedom: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” Both nations champion freedom. In the modern body politic, freedom became the guiding principle of democracy that is so cherished by both nations. In Hebrew, freedom is translated in one of two ways – either as hofesh or herut. The first definition, hofesh, denotes freedom from external restraints, or the freedom that a slave acquires when he is released from bondage. The second definition, herut, is liberty’s higher register. As Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, posits, “Freedom in the sense [of Hofesh] can never be the basis for a free society, for an obvious reason. Sooner or later, my freedom will conflict with yours.” Rabbi Sacks goes on to explain that only with the acquisition of herut – a “constitution of liberty” in which the rule of law is operational – can a society enjoy true freedom. Herut is what the signatories of
both America’s and Israel’s Declarations of Independence had in mind for their respective nations. Herut makes it possible for my freedom to respect yours. Yet for all their similarities, there is one startling discrepancy between the two declarations. America set out to define its vision of independence for all its citizens. Israel, on the other hand, included even those who are not its citizens – namely, the rest of the Jewish people. Israel makes an impassioned plea to Jews from all over the world to “rally to our side in the task of development and to stand by us in the great struggle for the fulfillment of the dream of generations – the redemption of Israel.” As Americans, Independence Day marks the freedom we gained to pursue our inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But as American Jews, we feel a sense of freedom not only because we are American, but because a Jewish state exists. In this sense, then, it is possible for both the American dream and the Zionist dream to work in tandem. It is a covenant that Diaspora Jews and Israelis entered into on the 5th of Iyar, 1948, and one that we are still bound by today. It is up to those Jews in America and elsewhere to assist Israel in meeting the impossibly high standards that it set upon itself in its declaration – namely, to ensure that the dream of redeeming Israel is fulfilled. The redemption of Israel is a shared expression that is not based on where someone happens to live. Israel’s Declaration of Independence proclaimed to the world that its dream concerned far more than just a physical location. Even in the United Nations, Israel reiterates time and time again that its responsibility lies not just with Israelis, but to the Jewish nation as a whole. And just as Israel will preserve the liberation, wellbeing and security of a Jew whether he sits in Texas or Tel Aviv, that same Jew shoulders the responsibility to help Israel realize its dream of redemption. Americans may not have a Diaspora to take care of, but they assume responsibility in other avenues – one being the responsibility towards children. As future JULY 4 on page 22
Correction In the “RITTS High School has closed” article of the June 27, 2013 issue of the Israelite, we omitted information. Although Rabbi Nechemiah Kibel was a wonderful principal and grew the school when he was
alive, there were other community members that helped Rabbi Kibel to make RITSS High School a reality. It's a very sad loss to the community. We regret omitting this information.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Do you have something to say? E-mail your letter to editor@americanisraelite.com
Dear Editor, Full recognition of marriage equality—the right to marry the person one loves regardless of gender—is a right whose recognition is long overdue. The Supreme Court decisions are a large, but, unfortunately, incomplete, step in that direction. One of the self-evident truths of the American experiment is that all persons are created equal. The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments incorporate that aspiration into fundamental law: they guarantee all Americans the equal protection of the laws as a right. That promised equality is surely denied when literally thousands of laws treat some Americans differently because of whom they love. It has taken far too long to achieve recognition of the right to marriage equality, but given the invalidation of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, and the Court’s decision leaving intact a District Court decision invalidating California’s Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriage, such recognition is inevitable. AJC is proud to have filed a brief in the cases decided on June 26 calling for the immediate recognition of same-sex marriage by both the federal government and the states. It also called attention to the need for careful consideration
of the impact of that recognition on other constitutionally protected interests, including religious liberty. In the wake of the decision, AJC will continue to seek full legal recognition of same-sex marriages. Indeed, we will shortly join in one such brief in Illinois. Sincerely, Marc Stern AJC General Counsel, New York Dear Editor, I read with amazement that so many Jews try to forget Tisha B'Av. To disregard the warnings of God is to accept the consequences which surely will follow. I once talked with a man who claimed to be an atheist. He was never out of reach of his iPad, so I asked him if he believed what he read on its screen? All of the facts and information that are at our fingertips have to either be accepted as true or one must continue to search for the truth. I asked him to look up the date of the writing of the Book of Isaiah. He saw that it was written 714 BCE. I asked him to look at chapter 44, verses 23-28. Verse 28 tells of Cyrus giving the word to build Jerusalem and lay the foundation of the temple. Jerusalem and the temple were still standing when Isaiah
penned those words, and Cyrus had not yet been born. Then I asked the man to look up the date of the writing of the book of Ezra. He saw that it was written in 535 BCE, nearly 200 years after Isaiah recorded what Cyrus would do. Ezra, chapter 1, is a fulfillment of what Isaiah prophesied. Those who don't heed warnings suffer the consequences of their decision. You may like to look these things up yourself. It is information that is either true or false. You decide. Fortunately, God always remembers His covenant that He made with Abraham in Genesis 15:18. The man who claimed to be an atheist can either believe what he read or reject it. Some say, "Why should I believe something written so long ago?" Some oppose NSA trying to recognize danger before it claims more lives. Petty Officer Johnathan Pollard is still in prison for trying to warn Israel because of the information he believed would save Israel of something which could cause harm. Life is all about choices. The information is out there. The consequences are too. Forewarned is forearmed. Sincerely, Frank Whitson
Hezbollah: From terrorism to war crimes By Ben Cohen JointMedia News Service An unexpected obstacle to efforts within the European Union (EU) to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization emerged last week when the new Bulgarian foreign minister, Kristian Vigenin, stated in a radio interview that evidence connecting the Lebanese Shi’a organization with last year’s murderous assault on a busload of Israeli tourists in the resort town of Burgas was “not conclusive.” Vigenin produced no new evidence to counter the conclusion, shared by American, Israeli and British intelligence agencies, that Hezbollah was behind the attack. Yet by casting doubt on Hezbollah’s role, Vigenin – who in a subsequent interview with Bulgaria’s Standart newspaper clarified his comments, saying “regardless of some speculations of the media, Bulgaria has not reconsidered its stand on Hezbollah” – opened the possibility that the bitter political divides within this comparatively marginal member of the EU could impact the bloc’s Middle East
policy as a whole. For several years, Europe has been out of step with the United States and Israel over Hezbollah. Not applying the terrorist designation to Hezbollah has meant that the organization’s supporters in Europe have been able to raise funds for it with impunity. The Burgas attack provided new momentum for British efforts to secure a reversal of this ghastly policy, especially as Bulgaria’s previous, pro-western government was in no doubt over who was responsible. Only a fortnight ago, France and Germany, two countries that had long been resistant to the terrorist designation, were signaling a major change of position. Enter the new Bulgarian government, a coalition of technocrats and ex-Communists elected on the basis of public anger with the perceived corruption and incompetence of the prior administration. Those who detect the hand of Russia in this bizarre twist over Burgas are probably not wrong. In eastern Europe these days, governments who distance themselves from America and western Europe are bound to veer
towards Moscow. And Moscow doesn’t want anyone to touch Hezbollah, given the military support these terrorists and war criminals have given to the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad, which President Vladimir Putin and his cohorts energetically support. This messy political context may, ironically, yield a positive result, in that it’s unlikely that the rest of the EU, and particularly the British, will feel obliged to take Bulgaria’s clumsy change of heart seriously. Moreover, the Burgas attack is not the only reason to apply the terrorist designation. For one thing, the British government has repeatedly cited the conviction of a Hezbollah operative in Cyprus, Hossam Taleb Yaacoub, for conspiring to launch a Burgas-style attack against Israeli tourists visiting the island – a plan which one terrorism analyst described as “a rare lifting of the veil on how [Hezbollah terrorists] operate.” For another – and this is certainly of even greater importance – HEZBOLLAH on page 19
JEWISH LIFE • 17
THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013
bride must leave her nuptial canopy in order to protect our land and its citizenry” (Maimonides’ Laws of Kings 7:4). The great hassidic authority, Rabbi Isaac of Karlin, writes in his Talmudic commentary Keren Orah that, “In an obligatory war everyone goes to battle, and so even Torah scholars must be freed from their studies” (Commentary to Sotah). The ultra-Orthodox decisors base their insistence upon exemption on two major sources. They cite the Sifrei (Numbers, Parshat Matot, 157), which comments on the biblical text enjoining universal military conscription: “With the exclusion of the Tribe of Levi” – implying that the tribe of Levi was exempted from serving in the army! However, there is an alternative manuscript of this midrash which reads, “with the inclusion of the tribe of Levi”. This reading is preferred by Rashi, who insists that the tribe of Levi went out to battle against Midian – even though that battle was not an obligatory war in the classical sense (Numbers 31:4). The second text they cite is the Talmudic ruling that the righteous deeds of Torah scholars guard them against attack, and thereby exempt them from sharing in the cost of defensive city walls (Baba Batra 7b). But the Tosafot (ad loc.) and the Hazon Ish (on Bava Batra 5:18) limit this exemption to defenses against robberies – monetary protection. If the wall is to be erected for the protection of human lives, even Torah scholars would be expected to contribute! After all, we dare not rely upon miracles when life is at stake. Even within our Talmudic passage (Bava Batra 7b), there is a fascinating difference of opinion between Rabbi Yohanan and Resh Lakish as to whether it is the Torah study or the righteous deeds which bring this protection. This question was seemingly resolved in an earlier generation in favor of righteous deeds. The discussion took place between two rabbis imprisoned during the Hadrianic persecutions. Rabbi Hananya ben Tradion noted that while he stood accused of only one crime, he would receive the death penalty while his colleague Rabbi Elazar ben Parta would survive despite having five accusations against him. Rabbi Hananyah ben
Tradion attributed his colleague’s special good fortune to his performance of good deeds, “Because you occupied yourself with the study of Torah as well as the performance of good deeds, whereas I occupied myself exclusively with the study of Torah. And it has been taught: He who only studies Torah is compared to someone who has no God” (Avoda Zara 17b). In the present Israeli climate, when businessmen – if they work alone – must simply close their shops and somehow absorb the loss of clientele for 30-90 days per year of reserve duty and young husbands must leave wives and fledgling families for the same period, what greater “good deed” could there be than lessening this pressure and sharing in this national obligation? What better way can there be to remove the resentment against the Ultra-Orthodox and pave the way towards a united Jewish nation than by a united sharing of the burden as well as the merit of protecting our future? Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Chancellor Ohr Torah Stone Chief Rabbi – Efrat Israel
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T EST Y OUR T ORAH KNOWLEDGE THIS WEEK’S PORTION: MATOS-MAASEI (BAMIDBAR 30:2A / 36:13) 1. Where did the tribes of Reuven and Gad want to settle? a.) East of the Jordan River b.) Both sides of the Jordan River c.) Anywhere there was land fit to graze cattle 2. What was Moshe's reaction? a.) Maybe, need to consult with Hashem b.) Mildly negative, could agree with the right conditions c.) Very negative 3. How did the tribes of Reuven and Gad respond?
4. C 32:20-23 Moshe made a deal to force them to live up to their word. Verse 24 they also made a vow to fulfill their word. Rashi 5. B 32:41 He captured cities in the Gilaad.
EFRAT, Israel – “Shall your brethren go to war, while you settle here” (Numbers 32:6)? The tribes of Gad and Reuven are so taken with the grazing potential of the land east of the Jordan River that they request permission to remain right there and establish their settlement. Moses rebukes them, insisting that they must first join the other tribes in battle, and only once the entire land is conquered, “may you return, so that you come out pure in the eyes of God and of Israel” (Numbers 32: 22). Rabbi Shaul Robinson (who is my successor as rabbi of Lincoln Square Synagogue, and a very beloved student) was once surprised on entering a Satmar bakery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn to see a large Hebrew sign which read, “Shall your brethren go to war while you settle here?” He immediately asked the owners, “Can this be true? Are you encouraging young haredi men to join the I.D.F? Have you really joined the ranks of the Religious Zionists?” The owner of the bakery pointed out that this verse was actually being cited by the Satmar Hassidim to encourage participation in demonstrations in favor of Sabbath observance. Unfortunately, the Hassidim did not understand the irony in the verse whose meaning they were distorting for their purposes. The Israeli Haredi world is currently going through a cataclysmic shakeup. Until now, virtually all of their young men lived a life of exclusive Torah study. This is a result of Ben Gurion’s agreement with the Hazon Ish to fill the ranks of Torah scholarship, which had been so decimated by the Shoah. There is now a strong likelihood that a great many, if not all, haredi young men will be called up for several years of national service. Interestingly enough, even before the present political constellation enabled the possibility of a haredi draft, many haredi young men were showing interest in joining the IDF, sharing the burden of military service and integrating themselves into the workforce. There was never a halakhic justification for military exemptions for those studying Torah. Our sages declared that if Israel is under threat of attack, “Even a groom must leave his bridal chamber and even a
“In an obligatory war everyone goes to battle, and so even Torah scholars must be freed from their studies”
a.) They would do whatever Moshe said b.) Offered to help to conquer and settle Canaan c.) Bring the matter to Hashem 4. How did Moshe settle with them? a.) He took their word b.) Made them swear c.) Made their receiving of land east of the Jordan River on condition they fight for Canaan 5. Who was Yair ben Menashe? a.) Prince b.) Soldier c.) Fought against Moshe like Korach
the incident of the spies which led to spending forty years in the desert. 3. B 32:16-19 They offered to fight to conquer and settle Canaan before they returned to receive their portion east of the Jordan River.
by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin
SHABBAT SHALOM: PARSHAT MATOT MASEI Numbers 30:2–36:13
Written by Rabbi Dov Aaron Wise
ANSWERS 1. A 32:5 2. C 32:6-15 Moshe felt that that they would dissuade the tribes from crossing the Jordan River to conquer the land of Canaan. He reminded them of
Sedra of the Week
18 • JEWZ IN THE NEWZ
JEWZ
IN THE
By Nate Bloom Contributing Columnist Goodwin Re-Discovers Her Faith GINNIFER GOODWIN, 35, has compiled quite a list of credits in the last decade: she has been the co-star of two hit TV series (“Big Love” and the stillairing “Once Upon a Time”) and she has co-starred in several hit films, including “Walk the Line” and “He’s Just Not that Into You.” Next November, she will co-star as Jackie Kennedy in a National Geographic original film about the last years of JFK and Jackie. Born and raised in Memphis, TN, Goodwin was active in BBYO and took her bat mitzvah seriously enough that she delayed it until her 15th birthday, when she felt she had really studied enough for the ceremony. On May 17th, she stood before the congregation of her hometown synagogue, with her family in the audience, and sadly noted that she had long fallen away Judaism. She said, “For 10 years, there was nothing. No ritual. No tradition. No community. I was this new alone thing, a nomad in the world. I was homeless.” However, as the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports, “In recent months, Goodwin has been reclaiming old patches of ritual, tradition and community, and receiving new ones. She wants to live in a Jewish home with a mezuza in every doorway. She wants to raise her “completely hypothetical future children” to be Jewish. She hosted a Hanukkah party. She’s made brisket and matzo ball soup. She realized that a lot of her friends are Jewish. “We’ve been shul shopping [in Los Angeles]... I am a Jew,” she said, beaming on the bimah. “It took me 10 years to come back around to that selfdefinition. I was a Jew by birth, and now I’m a Jew by choice.” Post-script: Just after I finished this item, I happened to discover that Goodwin’s whole speech was posted on Youtube by the rabbi who mentored her and still leads her Memphis congregation. In short, Goodwin’s speech is a far more profound and moving exploration of Judaism and Jewish identity than the newspaper account lead me to believe. The rabbi’s preface to her speech and his memories of the young Goodwin are part of the video. Book a little time: the whole video is 25 minutes and its worth watching it all. You’ll find it as Ginny Goodwin Speaks at Temple Israel.
WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM
NEWZ
Super Jews on the Web and Elsewhere A couple of years ago, JESSIE KAHNWEILER, 28, a self-described “nice Jewish girl,” was a struggling Los Angeles filmmaker. Then, as she puts it, “I was blessed with a fellowship endowing me with funds to make a film about anything I wanted: Anything, of course, as long as it was Jewish.” The fellowship resulted in her web series, “Dude Where’s My Chutzpah?” The premise is that her bubbe has died and left her quite bit of money, under one condition: that she must “live Jewish” for a year. At first, she just flounders in cultural asides, like buying hummus. But then she gets a mentor in the form of a guy dressed in a “Super Jew” costume who teaches her real tenets of Judaism. There is a lot of humor in the series. You can find the videos online. Forbes Magazine list of the world’s most powerful entertainers came out last week. Here are the tribe members on the list, with their ranking: (3) STEVEN SPIELBERG; (40) ADAM SANDLER; (50) producer JERRY BRUCKHEIMER; (60) JERRY SEINFELD; (61) producer/director MICHAEL BAY; (71) GWYNETH PALTROW; and (89) MILA KUNIS. On the Tube LIEV SCHREIBER, 45, has the title role in the new Showtime series “Ray Donovan” (started Sunday, June 30. Many encore showings). Donovan is the best professional “fixer” in Los Angeles: when a celebrity or business mogul gets in trouble, he makes the trouble “go away.” Donovan’s life is shaken when his father, played by “friend-of-the-tribe” Jon Voight, is unexpectedly released from prison. The annual PBS special, “A Capitol Fourth,” features many performers, including BARRY MANILOW, 70, the cast of the “Motown: the Musical,” the hit Broadway show, and NEIL DIAMOND, 72. (Airs July 4, 8PM). Diamond will sing “Freedom Song (They’ll Never Take Us Down),” a tune he recently wrote that was inspired by the courage he saw when he visited Boston days after the April 15 Marathon bombings and sang at Fenway Park. The new song will be available for download via Amazon and iTunes on July 2. All proceeds will aid bombing victims and disabled veterans.
FROM THE PAGES 150 Y EARS A GO ROCHESTER, N.Y. WANTED–IMMEDIATELY. By the Hebrew Board of Education of Rochester N.Y. a Teacher well qualified to instruct in the various branches of the Hebrew and German Language, to translate the same into the english Language, and to teach Jewish History in English as well as in German. Applicants are required to furnish good Reference, Diplomas &c, submit to an examination and to bear their own expenses for coming here. Salary $1000.00 per annum. Communications to be addressed to. J RICE, Secretary, of the Hebrew Board of Education WANTED In a private Jewish family, a room and board, by a lady. Please answer at this office, Address Mrs. M – July 17, 1863
125 Y EARS A GO The Standard, always to the fore with select and novel entertainments, will regale its members and a limited number of invited friends with a moonlight excursion on the pleasure-barge, “Cincinnatus,” next Saturday evening, July 7th. Boat leaves at 10 o’clock, sharp, and returns at early dawn. The dance and promenades, with refreshments intervening, will make this affair enjoyable in every respect. Among the many new devices for making show-windows attractive there is none more efficient than the electric turn-table, which gives room for an unusually large quantity of goods and an opportunity to display fine taste in arranging them. The best, cheapest and most reliable turn-table in the market is that of Messrs. Pearce & Jones, of No. 79 John Street, New York. Among the advantages it offers are the following: Cost of running, six months, three dollars; it needs no winding up of clockwork; no expensive springs to renew; it will carry fifty pounds by the use of more battery; runs steady and uniform; no necessity of support from the top, and can be made any height. Write to them for information and price-list. – July 6, 1888
100 Y EARS A GO Henry Hurwitz, president of the Intercollegiate Menorah Association, has announced that during the next academic year he will devote all of his time to the interests of the association. He hopes to visit all existing Menorah Associations, to assist in the establishment of new ones and bring the
work and the objects of the association to the notice of all academic and public spirited Jews throughout the country. The Menorah Association claims to be neither a social nor a sectarian organization. It is stated to be a purely cultural organization, with the object of making its members better acquainted with the history, literature and present-day problems of the Jewish people and with the further object of promoting Jewish culture and idealism among college Jews. At the election of members of the Prussian Parliament, seven Liberal and one Socialist Jew were elected. – July 3, 1913
75 Y EARS A GO The name of the youngest grandchild of President Roosevelt will be inscribed in the Sefer Hayeled of the J.N.F. as a result of a motion made by Mrs. Sol (Henrietta) Kinsburg of Cincinnati at the 13th national convention of Young Judaea in Cleveland July 4th weekend. Cincinnatians at the convention are Jacob Polish, Mr. and Mrs. Sol Kinsburg, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Goodman, Natalie and Phyllis Tennenbaum, Leah Kasfir, and Ben Dwoskin. Natalie Tennenbaum and Ben Dwoskin represented Cincinnati in the national finals of a debate tournament for senior clubs. Israel Light is the new representative to Young Judaea from the Cincinnati Zionist District Irvin Dunsky will assist. Young Judaea extends sympathy to Natalie and Phyllis Tennenbaum on the loss of their uncle. The public is urged to attend a picnic and bazaar Sunday, July 24th, from 12 noon until 12 midnight at the home of Louis Friedmanm, 1088 Omena Place, Price Hill. Proceeds will go to the ORT, association for promotion of vocational training and development of agriculture among Jews. Supper may be obtained on the grounds. – July 14. 1938
50 Y EARS A GO Charles N. Stix is the new chairman of the Leadership Council of the Associated Jewish Agencies and Jewish Welfare Fund, an organization of younger men already holding responsible positions in Cincinnati Jewish communal affairs. At its regular meetings during the year the Council discusses current community problems. It also is responsible for success of the Leadership Division of the Jewish Welfare Fund campaign.
Mr. Stix succeeds Richard A. Weiland as council chairman. Both Mr. Stix and Mr. Weiland, as well as Bernard L. Dave, first chairman, were active in establishing the group three years ago. A native Cincinnatian, Mr. Stix attended the University of Rochester and graduated from the University of Cincinnnati in 1949, following three years’ service in the U.S. Marine Corps. – July 4, 1963
25 Y EARS A GO Stagecrafters was awarded top honors for their excerpt from “Three Men on a Horse” at the Southwest Regional OCTAfest ‘88 competition. OCTA awards were also presented to Mike Gavin for excellence in directing and to the entire cast of the show for excellence in ensemble acting. Moses Levinstein and Jocelynne Jason were recognized with honorable mention in acting awards. The competition was held at Northern Kentucky University on June 17-18. It included excerpts from 10 local community theaters. As a result of their first place standing, Stagecrafters will repeat their award-winning excerpt in September at the Ohio OCTAfest competition to be held in North Randell, Ohio. For the 1987-88 season, Stagecrafters received the following awards (known as orchids) from ACT/Cincinnati; Jonathan Baron, acting in “Brighton Beach Memoirs;” Jocelynne Jason, acting in “Angel Street;” Joe Zureick, Bill Hartnett and Jocelynne Jasonm, acting in “Three Men on a Horse.” – July 7, 1988
10 Y EARS A GO The Jewish Information Network of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati announces a new program. Shalom Baby will welcome new babies and introduce parents to the resources offered by the Cincinnati Jewish community. “Shalom Baby is a great opportunity for families in Cincinnati to connect to their Jewish community,” said Jan Evans, new parent and Shalom Baby committee member. “Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth... there are always questions and doubts. With Shalom Baby, there’s a new place in Cincinnati for Jewish parents to turn for advice and answers.” Parents of new babies will be sent a packet full of useful information, resources and gifts. Among the items included in this packets is a hardbound copy of Jewish Family and Life: Traditions, Holidays, and Values for Today’s Parents and Children by Yosef I. Abromowtiz and Susan Silverman along with a baby board book. – July 10, 2003
COMMUNITY CALENDAR / CLASSIFIEDS • 19
THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013
COMMUNITY CALENDAR July 8 7 p.m. - Cincinnati Israel Bonds Dessert Reception Nina & Edward Paul’s Home (800) 752 - 5667
July 28 5 p.m. - Ben-Gurion Society Thank You Event (513) 985 1513
July 8 7 p.m. - Tzofim Friendship Caravan Concert Mayerson JCC (513) 985 - 1535
September 17 Peter Sagal Mayerson JCC 8485 Ridge Rd. (513) 722-7226
July 11 6 p.m. - Access' No Boyz Allowed - Underground Brewery Tunnel Tour Cincy Haus, 1218 Vine Street (513) 373 - 0300
If you have an upcoming event
July 11 7 p.m. - The Frank Simon Band Concert Mayerson JCC (513) 985 - 1535
that you would like to have listed
July 25 10:30 a.m. - JCC Senior Center Technology Fair and Celebration Mayerson JCC Amberley Room and Gallery (513) 722 - 7255
please drop us an e-mail at
Access (513) 373-0300 • jypaccess.org Big Brothers/Big Sisters Assoc. (513) 761-3200 • bigbrobigsis.org Camp Ashreinu (513) 702-1513 Camp at the J (513) 722-7258 • mayersonjcc.org Camp Chabad (513) 731-5111 • campchabad.org Camp Livingston (513) 793-5554 • camplivingston.com Cedar Village (513) 754-3100 • cedarvillage.org Chevra Kadisha (513) 396-6426 Cincinnati Community Kollel (513) 631-1118 • kollel.shul.net Cincinnati Community Mikveh (513) 351-0609 • cincinnatimikveh.org Eruv Hotline (513) 351-3788 Fusion Family (513) 703-3343 • fusionnati.org Halom House (513) 791-2912 • halomhouse.com Hillel Jewish Student Center (Miami) (513) 523-5190 • muhillel.org Hillel Jewish Student Center (UC) (513) 221-6728 • hillelcincinnati.org Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati 513-961-0178 • jcemcin.org Jewish Community Center (513) 761-7500 • mayersonjcc.org Jewish Community Relations Council (513) 985-1501 Jewish Family Service (513) 469-1188 • jfscinti.org Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (513) 985-1500 • shalomcincy.org Jewish Foundation (513) 214-1200 Jewish Information Network (513) 985-1514 JVS Career Services (513) 936-WORK (9675) • cincinnaticareer.net Kesher (513) 766-3348 Plum Street Temple Historic Preservation Fund (513) 793-2556
Send an e-mail including what you would like in your classified & your contact information to
business@ americanisraelite.com or call Erin at 621-3145
in our Community Calendar
editor@americanisraelite.com
COMMUNITY DIRECTORY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATIONS
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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 • btzbc.com Beth Israel Congregation (513) 868-2049 • bethisraelcongregation.net Congregation Beth Adam (513) 985-0400 • bethadam.org Congregation B’nai Tzedek (513) 984-3393 • btzbc.com Congregation Ohav Shalom (513) 489-3399 • ohavshalom.org Congregation Ohr Chadash (513) 252-7267 • ohrchadashcincinnati.com Congregation Sha’arei Torah 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 EDUCA EDUCATION Chai Tots Early Childhood Center (513) 234.0600 • chaitots.com
Chabad Blue Ash (513) 793-5200 • chabadba.com Cincinnati Hebrew Day School (513) 351-7777 • chds.shul.net HUC-JIR (513) 221-1875 • huc.edu JCC Early Childhood School (513) 793-2122 • mayersonjcc.org Kehilla - School for Creative Jewish Education (513) 489-3399 • kehilla-cincy.com Mercaz High School (513) 792-5082 x104 • mercazhs.org Kulanu (Reform Jewish High School) 513-262-8849 • kulanucincy.org Regional Institute Torah & Secular Studies (513) 631-0083 Rockwern Academy (513) 984-3770 • rockwernacademy.org Sarah’s Place (513) 531-3151 • sarahsplacecincy.com Yeshivas Lubavitch High School of Cincinnati 513-631-2452 • ylcincinnati.com ORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATIONS American Jewish Committee (513) 621-4020 • ajc.org American Friends of Magen David Adom (513) 521-1197 • afmda.org B’nai B’rith (513) 984-1999 BBYO (513) 722-7244 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 (937) 886-9566 • 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
ANNUAL from page 1 Director Beth Schwartz gave her report, along with a blessing. She told a story of a visit she and Richard Behrman went on to a very large community church. They wanted to see how they engaged the community so they met with the outreach pastor. Before they left, the pastor blessed the work Jewish Family Service does. Schwartz thought about that and decided to have a blessing of her own for the staff, board members and community of Jewish Family Service. Throughout her report, Schwartz expressed her gratitude for everything Jewish Family Service has accomplished over the past year. HEZBOLLAH from page 16 Hezbollah has become an active element in Assad’s murderous war on his own people, which has claimed 80,000 lives. Without the support of Hezbollah units, it is unlikely that Assad’s regime could have conquered rebel forces in the western town of Qusair, an outcome that further boosted Assad’s morale in a week when his Russian allies announced that they would be providing his regime with S-300 air defense missiles. Indeed, the French have already suggested that policy towards Hezbollah will be determined by events in Syria, rather than the Burgas attack. “Given the decisions taken by Hezbollah and the fact that it has fought very hard against the Syrian population, I confirm that France will propose to inscribe the military wing of Hezbollah on the list of terrorist organizations,” the French foreign minister, Laurent Fabius, recently declared. This reference to a Hezbollah “military wing” will without a doubt draw impatient sighs from the Israelis, who correctly point out that since Hezbollah doesn’t distinguish between its “political” and “military” wings, neither should anyone else. But if the designation measures are robust enough to override any sly attempts to raise funds for Hezbollah as a political organization, that shouldn’t really matter. Additionally, if the EU doesn’t act decisively against Hezbollah, it will face the accusation of complicity not just with terrorism, but with war crimes and crimes against humanity as well. By mobilizing in support of Assad,
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(513) 531-9600 The We Give A.. campaign was to capture people’s attention and to tell a story through the videos they produced of four of their program areas, which are adoption, Aging & Caregiver Services, Vital Services and Family Life Education. Her report concluded with her blessing the staff and asking everyone to draw themselves with Jewish Family Service to help them succeed. Schwartz said, “We can’t do it alone. We must do it together as a community and show everyone how we give a....” The We Give A... campaign helped Jewish Family Service strengthen the lives of 4,707 in 2012 and they are still helping lives every day. Hezbollah, as a Lebanese organization, has both crossed an international border for the sole purpose of carrying out military aggression, and participated in some of the ugliest atrocities against civilians witnessed since the Darfur conflict in Sudan. France has said that it has no doubt that the “regime and its accomplices” have used chemical weapons in their offensive. Even the Israel-obsessed UN Human Rights Council has described “murder, torture, rape, and other inhumane acts” as proof that the Syrian conflict has reached “new levels of brutality.” It’s a far cry from the shameful scenes in European cities in 2006, when left-wing celebrities led demonstrations against Israel's decision to strike against Hezbollah after the terrorists launched missiles at northern Israel, clad in T-shirts bearing the legend, “We Are All Hezbollah.” Now, only the most fanatically minded will hold to the conviction that Hezbollah is a legitimate “resistance” organization. Consequently, if the Europeans want to show that they are serious about taking on Hezbollah, they can go one step further than a terrorism designation. They can tell Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, that he, along with his key officers, will be held personally responsible for the abysmal crimes committed by their forces in Syria. Since Assad’s atrocities have reached the unspeakable depths visited by other, similar conflicts in recent years – I think in particular of Bosnia, Congo and Rwanda – a war crimes tribunal is an absolute necessity. And the butchers of Hezbollah should be among the first in the dock.
20 • LEGAL
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Imposing life without parole on a juvenile homicide offender? Legally Speaking
by Marianna Bettman Just before it adjourned until August, the Supreme Court of Ohio heard a very interesting case involving a juvenile involved in a murder. In State v. Long, the Ohio high court considered whether it is constitutional to impose a sentence of life without the possibility of parole on a juvenile homicide offender. Some case law background would be useful in understanding this issue. In a series of recent cases, the U.S. Supreme Court has made it clear that juveniles are different from adult offenders when it comes to sentencing, and less deserving of the harshest penalties even when they commit terrible crimes. In 2005, in Roper v. Simmons, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the death penalty could not be imposed for a crime committed as a juvenile. The high court underscored three distinct differences between juveniles and adults that make juveniles less culpable. These differences are “a lack of maturity and an underdeveloped sense of responsibility, increased vulnerability and susceptibly to negative influences and outside pressures, including peer pressure,” and character that simply is not yet formed. In 2010, in Graham v. Florida, the U.S. Supreme Court held that it was a violation of the Eighth Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment to impose a sentence of life without the possibility of parole on a juvenile offender in a non-homicide case. Again writing for the majority as he had done in Roper, Justice ROSENBERG from page 3 dynamics of healthy relationships. By taking the time to learn their culture, she was able to build positive and reciprocal relationships with refugee families. Currently, in her position as the coordinator for the Bikur Cholim Project: A Jewish Visiting Initiative, Rosenberg has a role in organizing, visiting and programming for isolated elders and people living in care facilities. She matches volunteer visitors with Jewish clients who are sick, lonely, chronically disabled and/or isolated.
Anthony Kennedy noted that it remains true that “[f]rom a moral standpoint it would be misguided to equate the failings of a minor with those of an adult, for a greater possibility exists that a minor’s character deficiencies will be reformed.” Kennedy noted that none of the legitimate goals of penal sanctions – retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation, provides an adequate justification for such a sentence for a juvenile. A juvenile in this circumstance must be given a meaningful chance to obtain release, based on “demonstrated maturity and rehabilitation.” Then at the end of last year’s term, in Miller v. Alabama and a companion case from Arkansas, Jackson v. Hobbs, the U.S. Supreme Court held that it is an Eighth Amendment violation to impose a mandatory sentence of life without the possibility of parole on any juvenile offender. For the majority in this case Justice Elena Kagan wrote, “this mandatory punishment disregards the possibility of rehabilitation even when the circumstances most suggest it.” But keep your eye on the word “mandatory.” Eric Long, seventeen at the time, along with two adults, was involved in two different shootings in Hamilton County. In the first, the three of them shot into a house multiple times using assault rifles and a 9-millimeter handgun after an altercation at a bar. As a result of the shooting, two individuals were injured. In the second incident, which occurred about two weeks later, the three were involved in a highway shooting on I-75. Long and the others shot and killed two passengers in another vehicle, which subsequently hit a guardrail and rolled over several times. When Long was arrested, he was in possession of the 9-millimeter handgun. Long was convicted of a number of felonies, including two counts of aggravated murder. Long and his adult accomplices were sentenced at the same time to life in prison without parole. The Ohio Supreme Court agreed to hear his case. Long argued that his sentence
violated the Eighth amendment because the trial court did not properly consider his age, contrary to recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Long also argued that Ohio’s Constitution prohibits sentencing a child to life without parole for any offense, and provides greater protection for juvenile offenders than that provided under the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The state argued that Ohio’s statutory scheme is entirely different from those invalidated in Miller and Jackson. In Ohio, the imposition of life without parole on a juvenile offender is discretionary, not mandatory. The state argued that the trial judge did consider Long’s youth in the sentencing process, but found the sentence justified when balanced against the indiscriminate violence involved, and Long’s extensive criminal history. At sentencing, the judge, commenting on the lack of remorse of all three defendants, said, “ It’s chilling to see you three standing here, and I have no doubt in my mind that if you walked out the door of this courtroom, you would kill again, and it wouldn’t bother you.” A majority of the justices on the Supreme Court of Ohio, particularly Justice Paul Pfeifer and Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, have been very sympathetic to the rights of juvenile offenders. Last year, for example, in an opinion written by Justice Pfeifer, the Court invalidated a statute imposing automatic lifelong registration and notification requirements on certain juvenile sex offenders. And yet, when I watched the oral argument in Long’s case, I didn’t feel that either one, or any of the other justices, was particularly sympathetic to Long’s position. The juveniles involved in Miller and Jackson were both fourteen at the time of the crimes. The fact that Long was seventeen may make a difference here, although at that age the law still considers him a child. Time will tell. The fact that Ohio’s statutory scheme gives judges discretion in imposing a sentence of life without parole on a juvenile offender undoubtedly will make a difference.
Because of her passion for caring for others she has helped create a Chaplaincy program to provide rabbinic support for individuals who are not affiliated with a congregation. The program, Pastoral Care, is a free service Jewish Family Service provides in partnership with Hebrew Union College. “Pat advocates for the needs of the people she serves. She is a true motivator and has brought joy to so many lives,” Jewish Family Service Executive Director Beth Schwartz said. “She has changed their lives for the better through her support.”
The Caring Like Karen Fund was established in memory of Karen Mason, a dedicated caregiver who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2012. Karen was unsurpassed in the level of care she provided, and the Caring Like Karen Award seeks to honor those caregivers who emulate Karen’s love and patience for those in their care. Because caregivers focus so much on others and so little on themselves, it was Karen’s wish that these awards provide something special for the recipients. The luncheon was sponsored by the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty.
A Legal Look DEFEND YOURSELF
by Michael Ganson Dispute Rersolution by Mediation Mediation is an alternative to resolve disputes out of court. Generally, they are less costly and will bring disputes to an end a great deal quicker than fighting it out in court. A mediation is where the dueling parties, their representatives, and a mediator (usually an unbiased and disinterested attorney or a former judge whose fee is generally split equally among the parties) are present. Each side presents their respective positions and the amount they think the claim is worth. Thereafter, the sides are generally separated and the mediator shuttles between the different sides sharing his/her view of each position as presented – pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of the respective positions – and soliciting settlement figures from the different sides until either the case is settled or an impasse is reached. If an impasse is reached, then the parties can still proceed with litigation. The mediator has no authority to force any party to settle for any particular amount. The mediation is completely confidential and neither side may reveal that which is discussed during the mediation if the case is unable to be settled. Car Crash Tips for the Glove Box Never give a recorded statement in connection with a car crash; even if you do not think you have been hurt. On the other hand, you should take as many written statements as possible, along with the names and contact information, from all witnesses and the other involved drivers and their passengers before they leave the scene of the accident. We recommend professional legal representation be sought immediately after an accident to pre-
FRANCE from page 9 LDJ traditionally had shied away from media attention. But in the weeks after the killings, which was followed by a 58 percent increase in attacks on Jews in France over the year before, LDJ for the first time allowed a television crew to tag along on a number of guerrilla operations. In addition to the helmet assault, Ayache was filmed calling for revenge killings in posters he and his group posted around central Paris. When a police car neared, Ayache told officers that he and his friends were working on an art project. The police officers wished him
vent anything from being used against you. What to do if Your Purse or Wallet is Stolen We have all heard horror stories about fraud that is committed in your name, address, Social Security number, etc. Within days, the thief can order an expensive monthly cell phone package, apply for credit cards, have a credit line approved to buy expensive items, receive a personal identification number from the Department of Motor Vehicles to change driving record information online and more. Here is some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know. As everyone always advises, cancel your credit cards immediately, but the key is having the toll-free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep this information where you can easily find them. Also, file a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent and is a first step towards an investigation (if there ever is one). But here is what is perhaps most important: Call the three national credit reporting organizations and the Social Security Administration fraud line immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thief’s purchases. After notifying the agencies, no additional damage should been done, and the thief will find having your wallet is worthless. It should stop them in their tracks. The three credit agencies are: Equifax, Experian (formerly TRW) and Trans Union. The information contained in this article is intended to provide only general legal information and is not intended to be relied upon for specific legal issues or any particular legal matters. For specific legal issues or any particular legal matters, readers are advised to consult with and secure the legal advice of an attorney of their choice. a pleasant evening and drove away. Ayache also was filmed attempting to storm a performance of the antiSemitic comedian Dieudonne. “Since when is it illegal to run?” a brazen Ayache told the police after they detained him. Another sequence shows Ayache firing a pistol at a shooting range. “We’ve noticed the Muslim community believes LDJ is some vast machine that operates with impunity and help from Mossad,” said an LDJ spokesman who goes by the alias Amnon Cohen. “It’s not true, but it’s not a bad thing if they are scared. It’ll make them think twice.”
FIRST PERSON • 21
THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013
Live from Israel Live from Israel
by Lainey Paul Well hello there, long time no talk! I apologize for being out of the loop for so long, but I did warn you all that my entries would be sparse. I think the last time I wrote I was just coming back from America, which was nearly two months ago. Crazy! Since I've been back, life's been exciting (and secretive ) as usual. The army is still challenging and demanding and life outside is still non- existent. I just closed my second three full weeks in the army (no time off), which actually went by much faster than expected. It brought me back to the last time I closed 21...I remember coming home and being so mentally and emotionally spent that I cried all Shabbat. Luckily, this time we got out Wednesday night instead of Friday morning so I had a little more time to recuperate and have a much needed break. That's the one thing that drives me crazy — I move all the way to a different continent so I can live and serve the country I care so much about, and here I am serving yet not living at all (outside of the army). I have absolutely no life. My weeks are comprised of army duties. I get out Fridays with just enough time to make the long trip up to kibbutz and maybe have a couple hours to do laundry, shower and get dressed for Shabbat. Is that really considered living in Israel? Oh well, I guess that's kind of what I signed up for. Anywhos, what exciting army stories can I share this time around? Let's think... Well, the last week, of my three straight weeks, was an educational seminar which was actually amazing. The theme was Israeli identity and Zionism. We started by camping out for Shabbat just outside of Jerusalem, which was super cool. They actually made it a real Shabbat where we had Kabbalat Shabbat and learned Parshat Hashavuah and sang beautiful Shabbat songs. This was unusual as I am the only “observant” Jew in my unit! Everyone was assigned a topic and were required to discuss it with the group throughout the seminar. It was very interesting to hear everyone's take on certain subjects. One discussion was about Zionism. Now for me, Zionism was always one of the easiest words to define and explain how I felt it meant to me: love for Israel and the desire to live here. Obviously I express my Zionism by being an American living and serv-
This year in Jerusalem
ing in the Jewish homeland. However, I never stopped to think how Israelis define Zionism or how I see myself continuing to be Zionistic after having done the physical act of making Aliyah and serving in the IDF. What does Zionism even mean for someone already living within the state of Israel? Is unconditional love for Israel enough to be considered Zionistic? Do I need to be physically doing something to support Israel to be considered a Zionist? I'm still trying to uncover the answer so I'll keep you posted. But that's some food for thought. Long story short, the seminar definitely made me think and reconfirm my connection to Israel and why I'm doing what I'm doing. What was even more powerful was when we were asked if we would have all enlisted even if there wasn't a law making it mandatory. Every single person raised their hand to say, “yes!” That's true Zionism right there. That's what I love about my unit. Everyone has such pure motivation to have the most meaningful service possible. This definitely creates a stronger bond between us that's rare to find anywhere else. I am blessed! On a lighter note, I got out on a Wednesday instead of Friday this week and I was actually able to go out and have some fun! Thursday night was “Lila lavan” in Tel Aviv which literally translated means “white night”, but in Hebrew it's an army term meaning “allnighter.”. So basically it's a night where the entire city of Tel Aviv stays up all night and throws one giant party. You better bet I was there! It wasn't as crazy as I was expecting but it definitely did the job of allowing me a night of fun that wasn't in the army or Shabbat ! Earlier that day was my friend's “Tekes Kumta” which means he finally got his beret, a very big deal in the Israeli army. I can't believe there are people in my Garin that have been in the army eight whole months! I'm coming up on six. Craziness!! Friday I made my way back to kibbutz for Shabbat with one of my close friends Lenny Bressler from Cincinnati who's studying Hebrew for the summer at Hebrew University. It was amazing spending time with him, yet strange having the collision again of both worlds. I guess it's a feeling that will only change with time (or not). Well, I am heading back to the army for another two weeks, but on a good note, my mom and brother will be here by the time I get out again with my dad following a few days later. In case you all don't know, my brother Jake is on the Men's Open USA Gymnastics Team competing this July in the 19th Maccabiah in Israel!! I am so proud of him!! I've told everyone I know to come and watch. My mom and dad are throwing a big party following the competition! Thank G-d. It couldn't all come soon enough. Until next time, Lainey
This Year in Jerusalem
by Phyllis Singer The fifth Israeli Presidential Conference—“Facing Tomorrow”— took place June 18-20 in Jerusalem. This year’s conference—especially the opening—was an extravaganza, a love-fest for Israeli President Shimon Peres, who is celebrating his 90th birthday this year. Although Peres’ birthday does not take place until Aug. 2, the international celebration took place at this conference with hundreds of delegates and worldwide celebrities paying tribute to Israel’s indefatigable president. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Quartet envoy to the Middle East and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and superstar Barbra Streisand headlined the opening gala, which was attended by more than 2,500 guests but was closed to international media. (I am considered part of international media, since I receive press credentials as a member of the American Jewish Press Association. Therefore, I had to watch the gala on the conference’s website.) In addition to the numerous presentations and musical and dance performances, video birthday greetings were sent by U.S. President Barack Obama, Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki Moon, NobelPrize winning writer Elie Wiesel, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, King of Spain Juan Carlos, former President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Blair praised Peres as “one of the greatest global statesmen of our age,” adding that “we do not celebrate the president’s age, we celebrate his character. His dreams are continuously leading us forward to tomorrow.” He delighted the audience by noting that Peres “is the youngest 90-yearold I know,” quipping that “we in Britain have our queen, and you have your Shimon.” Not to be outdone by Blair’s humor, Clinton also delighted the crowd with his comment that “tonight we pay tribute to the last living Israeli who knew King David.” On a serious note, Clinton praised Peres for “never stop[ping to remind] us that what we have in common is more important than our differences. Every one of us who has been blessed to know you has been made a little bigger, a little stronger and a little more optimistic that someday your theory will come to
fruition in this holy land and all of the world. On your 90th birthday what we really celebrate is your great gift to all of us.” Prime Minister Netanyahu noted that “in general, when a man gets older and looks at his life he looks at the past; however, you look to the future…you don’t stop dreaming.” “Peace favors the strong,” Netanyahu continued. “Nobody makes peace with the weak. We have learned this, and Shimon Peres has devoted his life to build Israel and to build peace. A strong Israel creates a possibility for peace. We extend our hand in peace to our neighbors, all of them, but we are always ready to defend ourselves. This is what I’ve learned from Shimon—look to the future, remember the past, be prepared for peace and be prepared to defend yourself.” The program was highlighted by Streisand’s performance of “Avinu Malkeinu,” Peres’ personal request, and her well-known classic “People.” “I admire Shimon for who he is,” she said. “Always willing to challenge the status quo, always willing to risk his all for what is right. He knows that the key to a better tomorrow is the fact that we are more alike than different, and that we share a common bond that links us all.” Peres responded to the tributes by saying, “I have learned that a dream is only the beginning of a better tomorrow. And this is the spirit of the gathering which we open tonight. Making the dream of tomorrows—today's agenda.” “The biggest agenda of my life is what will happen tomorrow.” Conference sessions began the following morning with a plenary session focusing on “Leadership That Makes a Difference,” featuring Blair and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Highlight of the plenary was Peres’ presentation of Israel’s President’s Award to Clinton. Peres praised Clinton for his “unwavering commitment to the Jewish people and your moving support for the State of Israel.” “The first step of building a new tomorrow is to get rid of the things that divide us, including seeing ourselves as victims,” Clinton emphasized in his acceptance remarks. “There are no final victories. There are no perfect warriors for peace. There are no flawless leaders. There is no perfect answer to any of this. “Every one of us—each in our own way—will face challenges in our lives, and we will not meet them all. The lesson of Shimon Peres is not to give up and give in, but to get up and keep going.” The opening plenary focused on principles of leadership, with both Blair and Emanuel drawing upon their personal experiences to communicate that true leadership is not effective unless expectation of mistakes and changing realities are part of the context. (Gorbachev was originally scheduled to participate in this session, but
illness prevented him from attending the conference.) “The skill set that takes you to leadership is not necessarily the skill set that makes you a great leader,” said Blair. “As a leader, there is only one course, which is to do what you think is right.” Blair also issued a warning about the importance of leaders making difficult decisions. “Leaders are judged by their actions,” he emphasized. They must take responsibility, step out and be prepared. “Stick with what you believe and lead with wisdom….Leaders have to think creatively today to make decisions.” “The first thing I always think about, when it comes to leadership,” said Emanuel, “is failure. Every person in leadership fails. And the important thing is for them to learn from their failures.” Emanuel, who was President Obama’s chief of staff and also worked for President Clinton, emphasized that leaders “have to look for the challenge in every crisis. You have to make something of that crisis.” Although he worked for two presidents, Emanuel maintained that being mayor of Chicago is the best job he has ever had. “Cities are where the action is,” he said. The conference featured numerous other sessions—plenaries, panel discussions, one-on-one interviews and master classes. The closing session on Thursday featured remarks by Netanyahu, Peres and Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky. Netanyahu emphasized that “we have to work today for the future. When we speak about tomorrow, I want to talk about tomorrow of security, freedom and peace.” Sharansky spoke about the challenges facing Jews today. He noted that 41 percent of the world’s Jews live in the United States. “But we don’t know how many will be Jewish tomorrow,” he said. And 43 percent of the world’s Jews live in Israel, he continued. But in Israel, “we have to worry about delegitimization.” For Sharansky, the answer to both problems is the same: “strengthen the bond between Jews in the Diaspora and Jews in Israel.” Peres ended the conference by thanking the dignitaries and delegates who attended. “New thought has taken place here focusing on creating a better tomorrow. “Our path to tomorrow will be sown with obstacles, but those obstacles will not stop the fruitful minds that were here.… [We] are an ancient people whose feet are planted deeply in the past and whose eyes are toward the future….Our strength lies in our moral values and our vision for the future….We pray that those who are not our friends today will be our friends tomorrow.” Approximately 5,000 people attended the Presidential Conference, 2,000 from outside Israel. The conference was organized in cooperation with Hebrew University. Videos of many sessions are available on the Presidential Conference website.
22 • OBITUARIES
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Gordon was placed on a leave of absence in 1984, according to the Forward. Both rabbis now live in Israel. Lamm’s comments about the sexual abuse allegations represented four paragraphs of a six-page resignation letter that otherwise was a reflection on his tenure at Y.U. Lamm also made an oblique reference to his failing health, noting, “Conditions have caused me to rely on help from my family in writing this letter.” Richard Joel, the president of Y.U., declined to discuss Lamm’s remarks on the sexual allegations or be interviewed for this story. He released a statement to JTA through a spokesman. “I would like to express my
appreciation to Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm for his half-century of service to Yeshiva University. During his tenure he helped guide the University with steadfastness and vision,” Joel said in the statement. “Dr. Lamm’s contributions to the Jewish world as a distinguished rabbi, philosopher and scholar are unparalleled.” In its report last fall, the Forward cited three former students who said Finkelstein invited students into his home or office to wrestle with them, that they could feel his erect penis against them during the tussling, and that Finkelstein told the students he loved them and tried to kiss some of them. Everyone at the school knew of Finkelstein’s penchant for wrestling
with boys, the former students said. Finkelstein denied to the Forward that there was anything sexual about his contact with students, though he said the wrestling, in retrospect, was wrong. Gordon was accused of sodomizing a former student with a toothbrush when the student was 16. The former student and his father both told the Forward that they reported the incident to Y.U.’s leadership but not to the police because they did not want to damage the school’s reputation or further harm the boy. Gordon told the Forward he had “no recollection” of the toothbrush incident and said he had not conducted himself inappropriately.
been joined in their lobbying efforts by an unusual coalition that includes UJA, the Sephardic Community Federation, the Jewish Education Project and Catholic groups. While media attention has focused on the alleged abuse of government funding programs by Jewish schools, suspect allocations represent just a trickle of the government funding flowing to Jewish schools. The methods used by private schools to get government money differ from state to state and range from the complex to the Byzantine. In Rhode Island, the tuition scholarship tax credit, which is available to families with incomes of less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level, is capped at $1 million statewide and open only to corporate donors. The credit is calculated at 75 percent for a single year and 90 percent if they donate for two, up to a maximum of $100,000 annually. The statewide cap is usually reached annually on July 1, the first day applications may be submitted. In Florida, a similar program last
year was capped at $229 million. In New York, a lobbying effort two years ago resulted in legislation extending an exemption from a transportation payroll tax of 0.34 percent to private and religious schools – a seemingly small change, but one that saved an estimated $8 million per year. “Figuring out how to do better at this is going to be one of the big keys to the whole tuition crisis,” said Rabbi Binyamin Krauss, principal of SAR Academy, a large Jewish day school in Riverdale, N.Y., where tuition and fees can run as high as $46,000 a year. “We’re looking to provide a quality education, Jewish and secular, and I think the solution will have to be to increase revenues. Government funding is going to need to be a major piece.” Like many Jewish schools, SAR has dedicated staffers whose job is to garner the government funds. They range from reimbursement for administering state exams and taking students’ attendance – state-mandated tasks for which New York Jewish schools received $42 million last year – to funds for security programs,
textbooks, busing, health services, computer software, teacher training and small-group tutoring in various subjects. Jewish schools in New York also have been able to secure some $300 million per year in therapy and counseling services for students with special needs, according to Martin Schloss, director of government relations at the Jewish Education Project. The money goes directly to pay for the services, not to the school’s bottom line: Outside professionals come to the school and work with students who have been deemed eligible by the Board of Education. “Our schools are aggressive in terms of utilizing opportunities,” said Schloss, whose organization helps 300 day schools in New York secure government money. “We’re not asking for a penny more than we ought to be getting, but not a penny less either.” Underlying the new advocacy effort is a shift in attitude among some mainstream Jewish organizations. Jewish federations, which once opposed government funding for parochial schools, are now trying to
secure government support for them. Both the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and the American Jewish Committee are reconsidering their long-held opposition to such funding. “Overall, the Jewish community has moved much closer to our side on this issue over the last few years,” said Rabbi A.D. Motzen, national director of state relations for Agudath Israel, which has been lobbying for government money for parochial schools since the 1960s. In addition to financial pressures, a few other factors have fueled the day school advocacy effort. The growing momentum of the so-called school choice movement, which aims to give parents more control over where and how their kids are educated on the government’s dime, has helped create more favorable conditions for private school funding. A landmark Supreme Court decision in 2002 upholding parental rights to use government tuition vouchers at private religious schools helped pave the way for voucher and tuition tax credit programs in 23 states.
JULY 4 from page 16
SCOUTS from page 3
IRISH from page 9
inheritors of this planet, Israel shares America’s core values regarding the education of its children. We share the commitment to imbibing our children with the knowledge and capacity to improve that inheritance. Educators from both sides of the ocean must “rally by each other’s side” to realize the vision that was defined by the founding fathers and forefathers, respectively – helping the generations that follow us leave the world a better place. So come Thursday, when we hold our children in our arms as they gaze up at the dazzling lights of the fireworks, let’s be sure to instill in them that as free Jews and free Americans it is up to them to take an active role in making that fleeting light last. Simon Klarfeld, formerly a lecturer at Brandeis University with a course on Jewish concepts of freedom and liberty, is the executive director for Young Judaea, the oldest Zionist youth movement in the United States.
This year’s leader, Ziv Hershko, was a member of the second group of Israeli scouts to participate in the program, in 2004. In addition to their stay at Camp Friedlander, the scouts will also stay with host families from Congregation Beth Adam, spend a day at Kings Island, take a walking tour of Cincinnati and more. Cincinnati’s Community Shaliach (Emissary from Israel) Yair Cohen said, “The best way for us to build connections between Israel and Cincinnati is to engage through “people to people” connections. The result will be better understanding of each other and life time friendships.” For the next few weeks, a member of the delegation, Affek, will share his story; from the first scouts interview in Netanya, to impressions of day-to-day life in Cincinnati and at Camp Friedlander. Stay tuned to the Israelite, and visit his blog online for more experiences and photos. JUNE 26: “I enter the interview”
This story begins three months ago in Netanya, Israel. I’m standing next to Ynon’s room, our senior advisor at the Israeli scouts Bazak troop’s meeting place. I’m looking at my scout’s uniform and checking. Tie, check. Collar straight, check. Belt, oh no! I forgot it. Well, never mind - they didn’t tell us to bring one. I enter the interview. It goes great and I leave with a very good feeling. Two weeks later, they tell us who made it to the delegation. My name is inside. YES!! I nearly shout out loud! But I hold back and smile a hidden smile. Immediately, we are thrown into a five meeting where we learn about the history of the land of Israel, about America, cultural differences and polite co-eds. In the middle of the course, Alan, the coordinator of the group from the United States, sends us the details of our host families from Cincinnati. The Oeters send me a warm email. I read it and smile. They seem very nice, and I know we are giong to have a lot of fun together, but will that truly happen? Well, only time will reveal that…
D EATH N OTICES
LAMM from page 6
BROH, Robert A. age 75, died June 25, 2013; 17 Tammuz, 5773.
wrote. “But we can and must do it. I must do it, and having done so, contribute to the creation of a future that is safer for innocents, and more ethically and halakhically correct. “True character requires of me the courage to admit that, despite my best intentions then, I now recognize that I was wrong,” Lamm wrote. “This is what I am modeh [acknowledge] as I reflect on my tenure.” Finkelstein was forced out of the school in 1995 after being accused of inappropriate contact with students by wrestling with them. He went to work as a dean at the Hillel Community Day School in North Miami Beach, Fla.
BRON, Tatyana age 86, died June 25, 2013; 17 Tammuz, 5773. LEHRNER, Edith age 89, died June 26, 2013; 18 Tammuz, 5773. FINE, Ruth age 92, died June 26, 2013; 18 Tammuz, 5773. LIPSON, Ronald Douglas age 71, died June 29, 2013; 21 Tammuz, 5773. MAXWELL, Myron H. age 82, died June 29, 2013; 21 Tammuz, 5773. EVANS, Lori L. age 52, died June 30, 2013; 23 Tammuz, 5773. ARCHBISHOP from page 9 “Obviously anyone who is seeking to put together a settlement in this area, we must all wish them God speed and every blessing in what they’re doing,” Welby said. “He is clearly personally deeply committed and I don’t think anyone in this area has any illusions about the complexity about the task he’s undertaking.” But Welby said the rich religious heritage of the region inspired his trip, not the conflict. “This is the cradle of three great world faiths. It’s the cradle of our own faith, of the Christian faith. It’s where Jesus lived and walked and died and rose again, and it is in so many ways the center of the world, in so many extraordinary ways. What possible reason could there be to delay?” he said.
ADVOCACY from page 6
viewed Israel as the underdog struggling for its national rights, but instead as a foreign occupier on someone else’s land – the Palestinians – similar to the Irish experience with British control over Northern Ireland. Ireland did not extend recognition to Israel until 1963 and did not establish an embassy in Tel Aviv until 1996. Furthermore, Ireland was one of the first European countries to call for a Palestinian state in 1980 and has insistently focused on the Palestinian refugee issue. Today, despite its subordinate position within the European Union behind such larger powers as the U.K., France and Germany, Ireland has played an outsized role as a voice on matters concerning Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict.
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