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Street Eev-reet: fun, social way forYPs to learn Hebrew
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JERUSALEM (JTA) — It seemed that all of Israel breathed a sigh of relief when Gilad Shalit returned to Israel after being transferred from Hamas captivity in Gaza into Egyptian custody. After more than five years of campaigning for Shalit’s release, and seeing little of him other than the same images again and again, Israelis were eager for the fresh images of Shalit broadcast Tuesday in the hours after his release. The first interview with the released soldier was broadcast on Egyptian Nile Television even before he returned to Israel. In the interview, Shalit seemed overwhelmed, looking down at the table rather than making eye contact with the interviewer and taking deep breaths, apparently to calm himself. “I’m very emotional, I haven’t seen people in a long time,” Shalit told the female interviewer. “I look forward to meeting people, talking to people…and not doing the same things all day long.” Shalit, 25, said he was treated well, and that he knew that people were working to free him. He said he had access to media while in captivity and that he had feared he would be held “for many more years.” It was the first footage of Shalit since a short video released by his captors in 2009 proving he was alive. Soon after his return to Israel, the Israel Defense Forces released a photo showing Shalit dressed in an IDF uniform and looking thin and pale, walking slowly and slightly
Courtesy Avi Ohayon/GPO
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greets Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit at the Tel Nof Air Force base in Israel shortly after his release from captivity, Oct. 18, 2011.
hunched over. Soon after a preliminary medical check at an army base in southern Israel, he had a long tele-
phone conversation with his parents. A photo showed Shalit smiling as he held the receiver.
Video later in the day showed Shalit walking quicker and looking more at ease. An Israeli army spokesman said a physical showed that he was in good health. Shalit then was flown to Tel Nof Air Force base for an emotional reunion with his family and a short meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Shalit saluted the prime minister, who smiled and hugged him. “Hello Gilad, it’s so good to have you home,” Netanyahu told the freed soldier. “Sorry I am so weak,” Shalit told Netanyahu. At the Air Force base, Shalit underwent more extensive medical checks. He spent several hours there, longer than had originally been planned. Major Israeli TV networks reportedly have agreed to respect the Shalit family’s wishes for privacy by keeping a certain distance away from the family home in Mitzpe Hila, a town in northern Israel. As Shalit made his way home, Israel freed 477 Palestinian prisoners, including more than 200 who had been involved in attacks that killed dozens of Israelis. Some returned to their homes in the West Bank; others were deported to the Gaza Strip or Egypt. Tens of thousands of Palestinians attended a rally in Gaza celebrating the prisoners’ return. At the Beitunia crossing point into the West Bank, some newly freed prisoners called for kidnapping more Israeli soldiers to free the remaining Palestinian prisoners in jail. The SHALIT on page 20
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
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TOM BACHER Fos-4-s-cent Met-A-more-fik Paintings
‘Torah as a Guide to Enlightenment’ at Congregation BTZ/BC Just one day after Simchat Torah —a holiday of joyous affirmation of our love of Torah and its teachings — a special event will be hosted by the congregations B’nai Tzedek and Beit Chaverim that will allow the audience to deeply experience a spiritual approach to the Torah’s lessons with “Torah as a Guide to Enlightenment.” On Sunday, Oct. 23, at 2 p.m., Rabbi Gabriel Cousens, M.D., a renowned spiritual teacher, author and nutrition expert will lead a unique two-part session of a lecture and a guided meditation les-
son that promises to help us connect in fresh ways to the spiritual riches of Torah. An emphasis on the direct communion with the element of the divine in our lives will be explored. Rabbi Cousens, on his return visit to Cincinnati, will talk about his recently published book “Torah as a Guide to Enlightenment” — a book of multidimensional commentary on the 52 parshot of the Torah as a practical path to liberation. Rabbi Cousens’ previous books include “Spiritual Nutrition, Rainbow Green Live Food
Cuisine” and “Conscious Eating.” After the lecture and a Q&A session, Rabbi Cousens will facilitate Smicha m’Shefa meditation. Refreshments will be served, and there is a cover charge for the event. The link at the bottom of the BTZ/BC’s website’s home page can be used to purchase a ticket ahead of time. Tickets can also be purchased at a slightly higher price at the door the afternoon of the event. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the congregations.
The American Israelite website adds blog: Inside Israel with Ari Kirsh five years ago, a soldier named Gilad Shalit was patrolling Israel’s border with his unit (FYI, they were WELL within Israeli borders) when they were ambushed by Hamas terrorists. All of his fellow soldiers were killed, and he was taken hostage. Now, some background information: When it comes to captured soldiers it’s Israeli’s policy to NEVER leave a man behind under any circumstance. If an Israeli soldier is captured, the government does everything in its power to
Opening Friday, October 21st 5:00 to 8:00 pm Exhibition continues through November 25th This exhibition will feature a new grouping of phosphorescent cityscapes including views of Cincinnati and New York City. Tom Bacher’s paintings are made to be viewed in the dark, as well as in the light. They incorporate the manipulation of time with colors that appear or can be made to disappear, all while the viewer watches them. This unique experience is why Bacher’s work is represented throughout many collections in the United States, as well as throughout the world. These works can be viewed on our website at
www.cincyart.com Illustrated Verso: Columbia Parkway Lights, Phosphorescent Acrylic on Canvas, 54 x 82 inches
CONGREGATIONS B’NAI TZEDEK & BEIT CHAVERIM PRESENT
TORAH AS A GUIDE TO ENLIGHTENMENT WITH RABBI GABRIEL COUSENS, MD Talk followed by Q&A & Session of Smicha m’Shefa meditation
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2:00-4:30PM 2:00-3:00PM: LECTURE 3:00-3:30PM: Q&A 3:45-4:30PM: SMICHA M'SHEFA MEDITATION $10.00 AT THE DOOR | $9.00 VIA LINK AT www.btzbc.com REFRESHMENTS INCLUDED IN COVER PRICE
CONGREGATIONS B'NAI TZEDEK & BEIT CHAVERIM 6280 KUGLER MILL ROAD | CINCINNATI, OH 45236 (513) 984-3393 | www.bnaitzedek.us
KIRSH on page 19 Ari Kirsh
Last week The American Israelite added a new blog to the list of popular features on its website. Inside Israel with Ari Kirsh will be posted weekly and chronicle the experiences and adventures of Cincinnatian, Ari Kirsh who is living in Israel as part of Young Judaea’s Year Course, a gap-year program for high school graduates. “Ari is a prolific writer and observer who gets right to the heart of what many people back at home are probably thinking about and wondering when it comes to Israel,” explained Israelite publisher, Netanel (Ted) Deutsch. “His post Yom Kippur blog contrasted the absolute stillness of the highways which were closed to all motorized traffic, with the fun and festive mood as hundreds of children took a traditional bike ride through the streets, something very different from what goes on in the U.S. during Yom Kippur, and something most Americans probably didn’t even know,” he added. “Ari’s latest blog focuses on the many delicate issues surrounding the release of Gilad Shalit, among other things of interest. I thought our readers would enjoy following Ari and
seeing Israel through his eyes.” Ari is the son of Dr. Gary and Nora Kirsh. He was born and raised in Cincinnati and attended Rockwern Academy and then Seven Hills. After graduating high school this past June, he moved to Jerusalem and then after three months he will move to Bat Yam for three months, and then Arad for the final three months of the program. “I am excited to be able to provide a young adult’s perspective on all the issues and events, holidays and happenings that take place while I am in Israel, and happy that my blog will be made available to our whole Jewish community on the Israelite’s website,” said Kirsh. To read Ari’s blog go to the Inside Israel tab of the website, www.americanisraelite.com, where readers can also view his past entries. The following is a posting from week #6: Inside Israel Week #6 Wow, what a week it has been! Very busy and very exciting. So much has happened: On Tuesday night, I was a firsthand witness to history. For those of you who are not aware, over
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Rockdale volunteers treat RMH residents to breakfast Sunday morning breakfast out — who doesn’t love that? You head to the pancake house, bakery, or bagel place, or maybe a brunch spot, and you order breakfast treats made by someone other than yourself, served with an endless pot of good coffee. That’s not, however, the Sunday morning breakfast Craig Rozen has in mind for Sunday, Oct. 23. That’s when he, his family, and other volunteers he’s organizing from Rockdale Temple and beyond will serve homemade breakfast to about 130 residents of Ronald McDonald House, near Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Some Sunday morning breakfast pampering is what families at RMH, whose children are receiving lifesaving treatments at CCHMC, really need. Craig and his family know well what people in a family health cri-
sis crave. Craig’s wife Gitte Knudsen is a two-time survivor of brain cancer. So Craig has done his share of shuttling between hospital and home, all the while helping their son Magnus, and now his little brother Matias, deal with their mommy’s illness. Later, Matias was a preemie and needed several surgeries before he could thrive. After the ordeals this family is grateful for all their recoveries. Now Craig calls himself a father who’s “definitely a spiritual guy, maybe not such a religious guy.” How does that look in action, for a young Jewish family? A few years back, the family took part in their first volunteer meal event at Ronald McDonald House, one organized from within the Jewish community. At RMH, young Magnus was wowed by the toy room near the eating area. He
learned how RMH helps people who have a scary medical crisis happening to their family, something he knew a lot about. Suddenly, at age 5, Magnus decided he not only wanted, he needed to give his personal toys to RMH. He found out they couldn’t take his used toys. Magnus wasn’t frustrated for long. With his birthday coming up, he decided to ask his friends to make cash donations to RMH instead of giving him gifts at his party. It worked. He presented RMH a check for $288. For his simple, sincere gesture Magnus got local and national press coverage. Magnus said all he wanted to do was to help the people who can’t afford to stay in a hotel when their child is so sick. His family has served meals at RMH four times a year since then. Craig, Gitte, Magnus and
Matias will be serving breakfast Oct. 23 at RMH and invite Rockdale and community families, old friends and new, to join them in “giving back.” Contact Craig about all the ways to help, from cooking ahead, to serving, to cleaning up. Kids are absolutely welcome to help too, setting up, busing plates afterward, and even doing dishes alongside the grownups. Craig hopes to involve all sorts of people, all generations. “We let our boys invite a friend along, to introduce them to what it means to be a Jew. It’s what you do, not just where you worship or what you wear around your neck. Magnus has learned already that he can take care of people who need it most. For us, RMH epitomizes giving back.” To learn more about Rockdale Temple, visit their website, find them on Facebook or call.
‘Camp’ style family Shabbat service, dinner at Wise On Friday, Nov. 18, Isaac M. Wise Temple will host a very special Shabbat evening for families with camp-age children. At 6:15 p.m., participants will gather for a very relaxed and informal “camp” style Shabbat service. The service will be led by Rabbi Ilana Baden with Sam Pollak as the featured song leader
and Rabbi Mark Covitz as the featured storyteller. In addition to growing up at Wise Temple, Sam has been the head song leader for Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI) for the past several years, and is currently serving as Temple intern at Temple Beth Shalom near Columbus, Ohio. Rabbi Mark
Covitz just completed his first summer as the new director of GUCI, although he has spent decades of seasons at the camp. Following the service, there will be an opportunity to join Rabbi Covitz for a complimentary dinner, where he can talk more specifically about the GUCI experience, which has programs for
children entering 3rd through 10th grade. Please note, the service will be a family-friendly service open to any and all members and guests who wish to enjoy a different type of service. Reservations are needed in order to attend dinner. For more information, please contact Wise Temple’s office.
Northern Hills Young Adult’s group sees the stars The Cincinnati Observatory will be the place when the YAKS group of Northern Hills Synagogue – Congregation B’nai Avraham hosts an evening of star gazing (the celestial, not Hollywood, variety) on Saturday night, Oct. 29. All young adults in the community are invited to join. “YAKS” stands for Young
Adults, Kids Sometimes, explained Tracy Weisberger, Northern Hills’ director of Programming and Education. “The YAKS Group meets every other month for a social event,” Weisberger said. “Sometimes the occasion also involves our children, such as for a pool party, picnic, or zoo outing. Sometimes the event is adults only,
like the Observatory outing, game nights, and wine tasting. YAKS gives young adults the opportunity to meet other Jewish families and connect in a fun way,” Weisberger explained. The Cincinnati Observatory is the oldest professional observatory in the country, and features 11- and 16-inch refractor telescopes. The
highlight at the Observatory on that evening will be a special viewing of the planet Jupiter. The YAKS group will meet at the Observatory, located in Mount Lookout, at 8 p.m. Afterward, the group will go to the home of David and Lisa Crawford for dessert. For more information, please contact Northern Hills Synagogue.
‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ expert Sam Wasson at JCC “We will never see the likes of an Audrey Hepburn in a ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ ever again,” said author Sam Wasson. Hear why he thinks so, and learn the behind-the-scenes making of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” detailed in his newest book, “Fifth Avenue, 5 a.m.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman,” on Monday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Authors Out Loud JCC Speaker
Series, presented by the Wolf Center for Arts and Ideas at the Mayerson JCC. Wasson’s book is the first ever complete account of the making of the movie, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Wasson will give an inside look at the pre-production to on-set feuds and conflicts, as well as Hepburn’s impact on fashion (Givenchy’s little black dress), Hollywood glamour, sexual politics, and the new morality.
Wasson’s exquisite portrayal of Audrey Hepburn peels back her sweet facade to reveal a much more complicated and interesting woman. Guests will have the chance to interact with the renowned author in an informal setting followed by a question and answer session, and have him sign a copy of his book. A screening of the original “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” follows the presentation.
“Sam Wasson is a fabulous social historian because he finds meaning in situations and stories that would otherwise be forgotten if he didn’t sleuth them out, lovingly,” said Hilton Als, of The New Yorker. For information and tickets for Wasson’s Nov. 7 presentation or the entire Authors Out Loud series at the JCC, call Courtney Cummings, Cultural Arts coordinator, or visit the JCC website.
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VOL. 158 • NO. 13 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011 22 TISHREI 5772 SHABBAT BEGINS FRIDAY 6:34 PM SHABBAT ENDS SATURDAY 7:35 PM THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE CO., PUBLISHERS 18 WEST NINTH STREET, SUITE 2 CINCINNATI, OHIO 45202-2037 Phone: (513) 621-3145 Fax: (513) 621-3744 publisher@americanisraelite.com editor@americanisraelite.com production@americanisraelite.com RABBI ISSAC M. WISE Founder, Editor, Publisher, 1854-1900 LEO WISE Editor & Publisher, 1900-1928 RABBI JONAH B. WISE Editor & Publisher, 1928-1930 HENRY C. SEGAL Editor & Publisher, 1930-1985 PHYLLIS R. SINGER Editor & General Manager, 1985-1999 MILLARD H. MACK Publisher Emeritus NETANEL (TED) DEUTSCH Editor & Publisher BARBARA L. MORGENSTERN Senior Writer ELIJAH PLYMESSER NICOLE SIMON Assistant Editors ALEXIA KADISH Copy Editor JANET STEINBERG Travel Editor SONDRA KATKIN Dining Editor MARIANNA BETTMAN NATE BLOOM IRIS PASTOR RABBI A. JAMES RUDIN ZELL SCHULMAN RABBI AVI SHAFRAN PHYLLIS R. SINGER Contributing Columnists LEV LOKSHIN JANE KARLSBERG Staff Photographers JOSEPH D. STANGE Production Manager LYNN HILLER MICHAEL MAZER Sales ERIN WYENANDT Office Manager
Wise Temple Sisterhood partners with JFS Wise Temple’s Sisterhood is hosting a very important parenting program on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 9:30 a.m. In partnership with Jewish Family Service, the Sisterhood chose to sponsor a program on the topic, “Understanding Your Child’s Temperament,” because gaining a better understanding of how to com-
municate and interact with their children is something in which all parents share an interest. The program will help parents learn how particular traits that children are born with, affect how the children learn, and influence the way they interact with others. Additionally, parents will find out about techniques and advice
for the most effective way to help children of different temperaments. Ann Margolis, president of the Sisterhood commented, “the Sisterhood would like to encourage women of young children to get more involved and increase their participation in Sisterhood programming, so we believe this is a subject that would
be particularly appealing to these members of the congregation.” Parents can drop their kids off at Sunday school and then head to the Board Room for coffee, bagels and some stimulating discussion. This program is open to the community. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Ann Margolis.
THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE (USPS 019-320) is published weekly for $44 per year and $2.00 per single copy in Cincinnati and $49 per year and $3.00 per single copy elsewhere in U.S. by The American Israelite Co. 18 West Ninth Street, Suite 2, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-2037. Periodicals postage paid at Cincinnati, OH. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE, 18 West Ninth Street, Suite 2, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-2037. The views and opinions expressed by the columnists of The American Israelite do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the newspaper.
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UC Hillel’s new year, new look, new people Entering the fourth week of the school year, UC Hillel has already had innovative, fun and community building programs. The Hillel has undergone many new changes including a new look, new staff, and new Hillel students, and is looking forward to a busy and successful year. Hillel’s Welcome Week brought in over 150 Jewish students. Having a program almost every day from a Sundae bar, to tacos, and ending the week with a delicious catered Shabbat meal, Hillel did not disappoint. The Hillel interns are just as excited as the staff to have a successful year. All nine interns came to the kickoff meeting to discuss ways to get more students involved, how to plan meaningful and exciting programs, and to share ideas of their vision of Hillel. Students are involved in every step of programming at Hillel, gaining leadership experience and helping to shape the vision. A popular event among students, titled “Learn a little, Nosh a Lot” had its first class with Cincinnati’s new Shaliach, Yair Cohen. With so much buzz over the U.N. and Palestinian’s bid for Statehood, Hillel was receiving a lot of questions, and wanted to
UC Hillel student interns enjoying the “Schmooze and Cruise” event. (Back, L-R) Frank Busofsky, Brett Musick, Sam Fisher, Engagement Professional Sarah Ganson, Allison O’Connel, Alison Kaufman, Stephanie Hollander. (Front, L-R) Rabbi Elana Dellal, Eden Golan, Gabi Schneider, Judith Wertheim.
create an open forum for learning and dialogue. A productive and informative slideshow was created to help our students understand the U.N. and what a Palestinian state would mean for Israel. Hillel was a home away from home for the High Holidays, reaching around 180 students. There was much student participation in the services. Samantha Gerstein read the Torah for Rosh Hashanah—her first time chanting since her Bat Mitzvah. Alison Kaufman, CCM vocal performance student, sang Kol Nidre. One student reflected, “Hillel did a great job with the services, they were really beautiful and it was so great to see so many people up participating, that never have before.” The buzz around Hillel has been great with programs four to five times a week, including a community service visit to Ronald McDonald House, an off-campus event for freshmen and a screening of the film “Heneini: Coming out in a Jewish High School.” Additionally, Cincinnati Hillel had 17 students sign up for winter Birthright—three times as many as Cincinnati Hillel has sent in the past five years. Students, staff and board members are thrilled to see the renaissance of UC Hillel taking form.
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CBS correspondent Jim Axelrod speaks at JCC, Nov. 8 Jim Axelrod has lived a life that many only dream about. Among the most watched correspondents on network news and the first television reporter to broadcast from Saddam International Airport in 2003, he covered the final stages of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. A national correspondent for CBS News, he served as Chief White House correspondent. The community will have the
opportunity to meet Axelrod on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m., in an informal setting as he shares insights about his life, lessons learned, and his book. Axelrod’s presentation is part of the Authors Out Loud JCC Speaker Series, presented by the Wolf Center for Arts and Ideas at the Mayerson JCC. Author of “In the Long Run: A Father, a Son, and Unintentional Lessons in Happiness,” Axelrod will discuss life in the fast lane and how he set a
defining challenge for himself. Hear him tell how, at age 45, he was 30 pounds overweight, drinking too much, sleeping little and scarcely seeing his family. Out of the blue he discovered his late father’s decades-old New York Marathon finish times, and asked himself: Can I beat him? “The JCC is honored to host Jim Axelrod, CBS news correspondent, as he takes us through his journey of self-discovery and his attempt to
run the NYC Marathon in his latest book. We are proud to partner with Fleet Feet Sports, a local running store, for this event and encourage everyone in the community to attend,” said Courtney Cummings, JCC Cultural Arts coordinator. Authors Out Loud JCC Speaker Series celebrates Jewish Book Month and showcases nationally known authors from Sunday evening, Nov. 6 through Thursday evening, November 10. Everyone
is welcome to come together for intriguing presentations and interactions with the authors. Interested attendees should register in advance for the whole series or for a favorite author. A series pass allows access to all five presentations for the price of four. For information and tickets for Axelrod’s Nov. 8 presentation, or the entire Authors Out Loud series at the JCC, call Courtney Cummings or visit the JCC website.
HUC celebrates ‘A Century in Clifton,’ new leadership At its 28th Annual Tribute Dinner on Sunday, Nov. 6, the Cincinnati Associates of Hebrew Union College will introduce newly appointed Dean Dr. Jonathan Cohen, who will outline fresh initiatives that will lead the College-Institute—which is celebrating 100 years on the Clifton campus — into a new era of scholarship, community partnerships and innovation. “Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s Cincinnati campus is an historic and vibrant center for the education and training of Reform Judaism’s future
leaders and the education of scholars of all faiths,” said Dr. Cohen. “We will now build upon the richness of our past to raise the profile of this campus as a center of study and innovation; adding sustenance to the life of our greater academic community and transforming the religious and cultural experience of Jews and non-Jews in our region and beyond.” Rabbi David Ellenson, HUCJIR president, said, “Dr. Jonathan Cohen’s appointment represents a new era of vibrant leadership for our Cincinnati campus, the birthplace of Reform Judaism in
America and an internationally renowned center for academic study, scholarship, and educational and cultural outreach that actively engages the Cincinnati community and larger region. As the new Dean, he will continue to enhance the campus’ stellar academic programs, further develop HUC-JIR’s flourishing partnerships with the academic and religious institutions of Cincinnati, and implement his passionate commitment fully integrated this campus into larger Cincinnati community and the region.” An Israeli-born scholar and
emerging figure in the academic study of Jewish Law, Dr. Cohen’s interests include history of law, law and religion, and the evolution of Jewish law in Christian Europe. During the past academic year, Dr. Cohen spearheaded a revitalization of the campus’ community outreach with lectures, concerts, film programs and he also initiated the campus’ website and social media efforts to strengthen this outreach and build relationships with the larger community. During the event, Ralph S. (Mike) Michael, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank,
Cincinnati will be honored for his record of distinguished service to the Greater Cincinnati community. The event will also mark the formal celebration of the 100th anniversary of HUC-JIR Clifton campus. Dinner co-chairs are Andrew R. Berger and Karen M. Hoguet. Corporate Council Dinner co-chairs are James A. Miller and Joseph A. Pichler. The festivities—to be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Cincinanti—will benefit the Rabbinical and Graduate Schools on the Cincinnati campus. For more information, contact HUC.
Street Eev-reet: fun, social way forYPs to learn Hebrew “Ivrit” (eev-reet), is the Hebrew word for Hebrew and half of the name of a new program for young professionals (YPs) that combines contemporary words and phrases with the basics to bring a ‘new school’ spin to the old school kind of Hebrew School many remember from back in the day. It’s Street Eev-reet, a way to learn a little conversational Hebrew with other YPs in a fun setting with food, young Israeli instructors and a chance to learn about and discuss the hottest topics surrounding Israeli culture, politics, trends and traditions! Geared toward beginners who want to go to Israel someday, or who just want the chance to chat it up with some Hebrew speakers stateside, in just five sessions participants will learn some simple greetings, how to find the bathroom, order food and drinks, and impress that cute guy or girl in a café or club! The series will take place at the Mayerson JCC every Tuesday evening from 6:30-8 p.m., from Nov. 15 through Dec. 20. Each session will begin with a free dinner, compliments of Access, and include a 45 minute participatory Hebrew class as well as a 15 minute facilitated discussion at the end of each class. “Recently Access has been making even more of an effort to bring Israel-related opportunities to our constituents,” explained Rachel Plowden, Access event coordinator. “In addition to sponsoring a group of local YPs to attend JNF’s Futures Conference here in Cincinnati, I am
proud to say that this past September, we brought the largest delegation to the Israel Foreign Ministry’s Regional Young Adult Conference in St. Louis,” she added. “We decided the time was right to build on the excitement and momentum this has created, so we contacted Rabbi Shena Potter Jaffee at the JCC to help us design a special conversational Hebrew class just for YPs. After conducting focus groups and processing all the feedback, Street Eev-reet was born. There’s already a ton of interest in the program and we anticipate a very strong response.” Street Eev-reet is a partnership between Access, an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation, and the Mayerson JCC, and will be taught by two young, outgoing Israeli instructors, Ayala Sherman, from Jerusalem, and Yair Cohen, the community’s new Shaliach (emissary) who hails from a moshav just outside Jerusalem. Classes are designed to be fun and casual and each session will focus on words and phrases that relate to specific daily activities, such as meeting new people, eating, shopping, traveling and going out. The final session will be a Hebrew Hanukkah Party, in which fluent Hebrew speakers will also be in attendance to help students practice their newfound skills over latkes and beer. At the end of each session Ayala and Yair, and other guests with special expertise, will facilitate a conversation about day-to-day life,
Ayala Sherman is one of two young Israeli instructors who will teach the Hebrew language class.
issues in the news, and some history about the modern State of Israel to get participants thinking, talking and learning. “A large part of my job is to help bring out what’s Jewish about the
“‘J’CC,” said Rabbi Jaffee, director of Jewish Life and Learning at the Mayerson JCC. “When Access approached me with this idea I was delighted to help them custom design a program that was just right
for their constituency. We know how hard it is to put in an extra couple of hours into anything after a long day at work,” she continued. “That’s why we added a social component, complete with dinner and drinks before class begins and found instructors who are of the same demographic as the students and who will keep things fun and lively!” “The only Hebrew word I know is ‘Shalom’” admitted Access participant, Becca Goodman. “I’ve always been envious of my friends who learned Hebrew when they were kids. As an adult I’ve toyed with the idea of trying to learn on my own or take a class, but it seemed like such a big expense and time commitment that I never ended up doing it. Access’ new Street Eev-reet class is the perfect length of time. There are no tests, crazy-long lists of vocabulary to memorize and I’ll get to have dinner and hang out with friends and meet new ones,” she continued. “Plus, thanks to the title of the class, I’ve already learned my second Hebrew word, ‘eev-reet’, and it hasn’t even started yet!” The Street Eev-reet class is open to young professionals, Jewish and non-Jewish, ages 21-35 only. Space is limited to the first 25 to register. For more information, or to sign up for the class please contact Rachel Plowden, whose contact information can be found under Access in the Community Directory listing in this issue.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
NATIONAL • 7
Occupy Wall Street protests taking on a Jewish flavor THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE
By Dan Klein and Danielle Fleischman Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK (JTA) — Rachel Feldman originally had meant to attend a traditional synagogue Kol Nidre service. Aimee Weiss hadn’t found a place to daven but was looking for something more interesting than a “big box synagogue.” Come Yom Kippur eve, they and several hundred other Jews found themselves drawn to lower Manhattan, where under the gaze of curious onlookers, they held an open-air Kol Nidre service organized to support the Occupy Wall Street protesters near Zuccotti Park. “Kol Nidre reminds us that though we make commitments under duress, ultimately we are accountable only to the higher values of justice and righteousness,” the organizer of the service, Dan Sieradski, said at the event, reading from a labor leader’s Midrash. The service was the most salient but hardly the only sign of a growing attempt to infuse the economic protests with a Jewish flavor — at least, for the Jews involved. From progressive activists who seek to conflate the protesters’ aspirations with Jewish values to Chabadniks looking for opportunities to have Jews to perform mitzvahs such as sitting in a sukkah, the Occupy Wall Street protests are becoming a fulcrum of Jewish ferment. In Boston and Philadelphia, too, Jewish activists held Yom Kippur services at the site of the demonstrations. “For many of us, social justice is where we find our Judaism,” said Regina Weiss, the communications director for Jewish Funds for Justice. “For many there is no more important way to stand up and express Judaism on the holiest night of the year than to stand with people who are hurting and to stand up for greater equality in the country.” The person credited with the idea of holding the Kol Nidre services at the protests, Rabbi Arthur Waskow, director of the Shalom Center, told JTA that protesting is a key part of Judaism. “The reason there is a Jewish place in these protests is that there is a protest place in Judaism,” he said. “From the Exodus, from Isaiah, from Jeremiah and all the way down to rabbinic Judaism, there is a sense that Judaism is constantly struggling against top-down power of the Pharaoh. “Judaism calls for freedom, democracy and feeding the hungry,” he added. Some Jews involved with the protesters said they’re also trying to combat a minority strain of antiZionism and anti-Semitism running through the movement.
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Courtesy Danielle Fleischman
Some of the 700 people who attended a Kol Nidre service in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street protesters across from Zuccotti Park in downtown New York, Oct. 7, 2011.
“There was a guy with a sign ‘Zionists control the financial world,’” said Kobi Skolnick, an exChabadnik who once attended a yeshiva in the West Bank. “They have freedom of speech, but so do I. What we did is we wrote on a big, 10 times bigger, sign: ‘This sign sucks, and it is not representative here.’ ” Sieradski, too, said there are some anti-Zionist ideologues involved in the Occupy Wall Street protests who believe that Israel is central to U.S. economic issues. They “think that the issue of the Israeli occupation is inseparable from the economic situation. They think that Israel is an outpost of American imperialism, including economic imperialism,” he said. “There is a tendency on the left to make Jews who identify with Israel uncomfortable. I hope we can overcome that. There are plenty people against the Israel occupation, but that’s not what this is about.” For Yoni Reskin, a Chabadnik who owns the PopUp Sukkah company, the protests were about an opportunity to have Jews fulfill the mitzvahs of Sukkot. In the lead-up to the holiday, he made plans to build a sukkah at the site of the New York protests. “It’s not a political angle,” he told JTA. “I truly believe that on Sukkot everyone should be able to celebrate the holiday. When I found that this opportunity was available, I wanted to be able to help perform the mitzvah.” The Conservative movement’s Rabbinical Assembly donated 120 High Holidays prayer books for the
Yom Kippur service. “Wherever there is an opportunity to bring Torah and learning to Jews, wherever they are, we want to be there,” said Rabbi Julie Schonfeld, the organization’s executive vice president.
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Romney’s Jewish backers As one, D.C. insiders speaking up enjoying front-runner for ousted Israeli diplomat status, even as challenges continue from his right By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency
By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency WASHINGTON (JTA) — Mitt Romney is the whack-a-mole frontrunner: He consistently leads the Republican pack, but only by beating back one conservative challenger after another. First it was Michele Bachmann, then Rick Perry, and now a surging Herman Cain. His contradictory status — as a front-runner caught in a constant rearguard action against challengers to his right — both energizes and frustrates one of his most loyal constituencies, Republican Jews. Romney’s financial backers are a who’s who of the Republican Jewish establishment, and his foreign policy advisers are culled from some of the pro-Israel community’s best and brightest. Romney has cultivated Jewish Republicans since he launched his unsuccessful bid in 2007 for the ‘08 nod, said Fred Zeidman, a longtime backer. “Every major Jewish Republican fundraiser has been with Mitt” since then, said Zeidman, a Houston lawyer who was a major backer of George W. Bush. Romney’s relationship with leading Jewish givers, in turn, has brought more top-ranking GOP Jews into the fold, both as donors and advisers, Zeidman said. “He’s been able to pick and choose,” he said. “People have been signing up.” Yet the former Massachusetts governor continues to be dogged by his status as the moderate front-runner whom the conservative grass-roots longs to replace. Now he is being shadowed in the polls by Cain, a former pizza parlor executive. An invitation last month to a Romney fundraiser by NORPAC, one of the pre-eminent pro-Israel political action committees, underscored Romney’s precarious status. “Governor Romney is well known to our community and is one of two front-runners for the Republican Nomination,” the invitation said. “While things are certainly subject to change in an election, Governor Romney is currently the betting site favorite to win the Republican nomination.” Most galling for Jewish Republicans are the potshots that proxies for his rivals are taking at Romney’s Mormon faith. The latest salvo came over the weekend at the Value Voters Summit in Washington when Robert Jeffress, a pastor at a Dallas megachurch
Courtesy AP/Charlie Neibergall/Creative Commons
Republican Jews provide one of the most loyal constituencies for Mitt Romney, shown at the Iowa GOP/Fox News Debate in Ames, Iowa, Aug. 11, 2011.
who supports Perry, the Texas governor, called Mormonism a cult. “I can’t believe as a Jew that anyone is going to be involved in someone’s religion,” Mel Sembler, a shopping center magnate and leading Republican donor who is backing Romney, told JTA. “What’s that got to do with running the biggest enterprise in the world?” Sembler, a former ambassador to Australia and Italy who has served as the national finance chairman for the Republican National Committee, suggested that Romney was not out of the woods. “Everything has an impact; some people don’t like the way he combs his hair,” Sembler said. “I would hope people would not be focused on what his religion is but what his capabilities are.” Zeidman said that Romney’s strategy would remain as it has been: acting like a front-runner and focusing most of the fight on President Obama instead of his GOP rivals. “If you’re the front-runner and [Obama] is the only person between you and the presidency, focus on him and let the others look at your tuchas,” is how Zeidman described the strategy. Especially frustrating for Romney’s backers is that the Value Voters Summit kerfuffle overshadowed Romney’s first major foreign policy speech, on Friday at The Citadel military academy in South Carolina. Israel policy was a significant part of the speech. Romney said he would increase defense assistance to Israel, raise the U.S. military profile near Iran and recognize Israel as a Jewish state. ROMNEY on page 20
WASHINGTON (JTA) — Washington’s fractious Middle East policy community is speaking in one voice in support of Danny Arbell, an Israeli diplomat widely admired for his capacity for listening. Arbell made headlines in Israel last month when the Foreign Ministry removed him from his post as the Israeli embassy’s deputy chief of mission, allegedly for a leak to a reporter 2-1/2 years ago. The news took aback a community — left to right, Jewish and nonJewish, within the Israeli Embassy and within the Obama administration — that has valued Arbell for his soft-spoken openness. “He’s highly respected by people on the left and the right,” said Steve Rosen, the former foreign policy chief for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee who says he has known Arbell for decades. “He’s got credibility with all ideological camps, and he’s very discreet.” Israel’s Foreign Ministry would say only that “a senior official is being returned after his tenure was brought to an end,” Reuters reported Oct. 5, when the news first broke. Arbell’s job as deputy chief of mission, or DCM, made him the right-hand man to the U.S. ambassador, Michael Oren. It’s one of the most demanding behind-thescenes jobs for a diplomat. The DCM manages the embassy’s operations day to day and lays the groundwork in the diplomatic and political communities to make sure the ambassador’s dealings and appearances run smoothly. Arbell, 46, brought a wealth of experience in Israel’s most sensitive diplomatic sphere, its relations with the United States, when he assumed the post in August 2009, arriving in Washington with his wife and four children. He had served previously in Washington as chief of staff to two Israeli ambassadors, Itamar Rabinovitch and Eliahu BenElissar, during the 1990s. Prior to becoming DCM, Arbell ran the U.S. desk at the Foreign Ministry. It was in his most recent post that Arbell allegedly made the leak that got him into trouble in the spring of 2009. The content of the leak is not known, but those close to Arbell insist it was merely a confirmation of news that a reporter had from another source. It was a time when the nascent Obama and Netanyahu administrations were warily circling one another, and Haaretz reported that the leak had to do with Iran strategy — and that the Obama administration, outraged at the leak, pressed for consequences. Another diplomat, Alon Bar, reportedly was cleared recently in the case.
Arbell flew to Israel and acknowledged the leak. Now his career is in jeopardy “He would have been better off telling them to talk to his lawyers,” said Yitzhak Ben-Horin, a veteran Washington correspondent for Ynet, the online version of Yediot Achronot. “But because he is an honest diplomat and an honest man, he found himself in a situation challenging his integrity and coming back to Israel in the midst of the school year.” In fact, it is not yet clear whether Arbell will be required to return immediately to Israel; officials reportedly are considering allowing him to stay in Washington for the school year in another capacity. His children attend nondenominational Jewish schools.
Courtesy Natasha Mozgovaya
Dan Arbell, the former deputy chief of mission at Israel’s Embassy in Washington, attending a Chanukah party at the White House, Dec. 6, 2010.
Arbell’s Jewish sensibility endeared him to American Jewish religious leaders, a relationship that at times has been fraught for other diplomats who often are more rooted in Israeli secularism. Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt of Congregation B’nai Tzedek, a Conservative synagogue in suburban Potomac, Md., recalled that Arbell and his wife hosted a Chanukah celebration last year at their home for a number of DCMs of other embassies, and that Arbell asked Weinblatt to prepare a short Torah discussion geared toward non-Jewish listeners. “That’s a sensitivity and appreciation of the Jewish connection,” Weinblatt said. Those who know Arbell find the current affair baffling in light of his reputation for discretion. “When we were sitting and talking, he would listen mostly — and didn’t give me an inch!” BenHorin said. Natasha Mozgovoya, the Washington correspondent for Haaretz, said that Arbell might be the victim of an Israeli govern-
ment that is growing more insular and closed off. She alluded to the Foreign Ministry’s investigations of leaks and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s rough treatment of diplomats from countries that are in disputes with Israel. “Transparency is probably not one of the current Israeli government’s priorities, and some of the recent tactics dealing with diplomats — not only Israeli, I must mention — should be of concern for the public,” Mozgovoya said in an e-mail. Arbell’s interlocutors said that he smoothly traversed both sides of an Obama-Netanyahu relationship that otherwise has known tensions. “He has the respect of people he works with both at the embassy and in the administration,” said Jess Hordes, until recently the director of the Anti-Defamation League’s Washington office and still a consultant to the group. “He was a soft spoken but professional advocate, knowledgeable about Israel’s situation and able to in his own quiet way explain its position.” Steve Rabinowitz, a top publicist who represents a number of Jewish community organizations, including left-of-center groups such as J Street, said that Arbell’s talent was in making any interlocutor comfortable. “He is always at the table, he talks very comfortably and freely between Jerusalem and Washington,” Rabinowitz said. “He is liked and respected so much by both sides.” Arbell, who often observed Oren from the back of the room — and who greeted even the most anonymous of guests with a smile and a handshake — was modest except perhaps for his pride in being able to establish relationships with all comers. His office walls featured photos of him speaking amiably with Republicans and Democrats, as well as Likud, Labor and Kadima politicians. Arbell’s predicament earned on-the-record sympathy from the Israeli establishment. Defense Minister Ehud Barak told Israel Radio that he knew Arbell dating back to the mid1990s, when Barak was the foreign minister in the government of Shimon Peres. “I don’t know the details of this affair that Lieberman is dealing with, but I do know Dan Arbell,” he said. “I must say from my contacts with him, he is a talented man and an experienced diplomat.” Israeli insiders said Arbell was well liked at the embassy; he had an open-door policy and was always sensitive to personal issues. “Everyone who had the slightest interaction with him could see that this guy was a real mensch,” said one Israeli official.
INTERNATIONAL / ISRAEL • 9
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
What is it about Israel that wins Nobels? By Linda Gradstein Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Courtesy Faina Kukliansky
Lithuanian political and religious leaders commemorating the Holocaust this summer at a ceremony held in connection with the country’s Year of the Holocaust initiative.
Lithuania’s wartime remembrances send mixed messages, critics say By Alex Weisler Jewish Telegraphic Agency VILNIUS, Lithuania (JTA) — At first it seemed like a potential breakthrough in Lithuania’s efforts to come to terms with the Holocaust. In September of last year, Lithuania’s parliament declared 2011 to be the Year of Remembrance for the Victims of the Holocaust in Lithuania. Yet only a week later, the parliament passed another resolution — one that some critics charge has also made 2011 the year of the perpetrators. The Lithuanian parliament declared 2011 the Year of Commemoration of the Defense of Freedom and the Great Losses. That designation marks the events of 1991, when the Baltic state won its independence from the crumbling Soviet Union, and more controversially, 1941. It was in 1941 that the Nazis drove the Soviets out of Lithuania. Lithuanian fighters rose up against the year-old Soviet occupation, and Lithuanian nationalists formed a short-lived, Naziallied provisional government.
International Briefs Noam Shalit faces terrorist victims’ families outside courtroom (JTA) — Noam Shalit faced a bevy of protesters opposing the release of his son Gilad as he arrived at the Israeli Supreme Court in Jerusalem to urge the court to allow the prisoner exchange.
While the anti-Soviet fighters are seen as national heroes by many Lithuanians, they are remembered by Jews as having played a key role in the Nazi effort that wiped out some 90 percent of the country’s Jewish population, with some mounting deadly pogroms against Jews even before the Nazi killing squads arrived. It is a disconnect that continues to bedevil Lithuanian-Jewish relations. Efraim Zuroff, director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Jerusalem office, said the two resolutions “are inherently contradictory,” noting that while there is a desire “to honor Lithuanian heroes, among them are people who were involved in the mass murder of Jews.” Lithuanians have tended to focus on the brutality they faced at the hands of the Soviets rather than their wartime collaboration with the Nazis. In 2008, Lithuanian authorities outraged Jewish groups by investigating anti-Nazi, Soviet-aligned Jewish partisans for alleged complicity in war crimes against Lithuanians. LITHUANIA on page 22 Shalit was met with heckles from members of the families of those killed by some of the 1,027 Palestinian prisoners due to be released in exchange for his son. Shalit was at the court in order to oppose the petitions. “Nobody knows what the impact of any delay or any change, even the smallest, in the terms would be,” he wrote in a letter addressed to the court. Yossi Zur, who lost a son in a 2003 suicide bombing in Haifa, told Shalit, “You shouldn’t have come to BRIEFS on page 20
JERUSALEM (JTA) — Dan Shechtman remembers the day he was kicked out of a research group because of the theory that last week won him the Nobel Prize in chemistry. “Read this book. What you say is impossible,” the group leader at the National Bureau of Standards in Maryland, where Shechtman was doing his sabbatical in 1982, told him. “I told him, ‘I know this book, and I know I have something new,’ ” Shechtman replied. The response, recalls Shechtman: “You are a disgrace and I want you to leave my group.” Schechtman joined another group, but the paper he wrote was rejected and he was ridiculed by many colleagues. “My friends were nice to me, but kind of in the way that you’re nice to the retarded kid,” Shechtman recalled with a wry smile at a news conference this week. Nearly 30 years later, Shechtman received the Nobel Prize for his work in quasicrystals, also called Shechtmanite. Shechtman is the 10th Israeli to win a Nobel Prize, part of a chain that stretches back to S.Y. Agnon, who won the prize for literature in 1966. Of the 840 Nobel Prizes ever awarded, some 20 percent have gone to Jews. Israel, with its population of 7.5 million, has won the same number of Nobels as India, which
Courtesy Amos Ben Gershom/GPO/Flash 90
Israeli scientist Dan Shechtman explaining his Nobel Prize-winning theory to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Oct. 6, 2011.
was founded a year before Israel and has a population of 1.15 billion. What is it about Israel — and Jews — that wins Nobels? “Israeli universities, like my university, the Technion, are excellent,” Shechtman said of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa. “But there’s also an Israeli spirit of free thinking. Sometimes it leads to chaos because everyone has his own idea about everything, but free thinking encourages successful scientists.” Since 2002, Israeli scientists have received six Nobels — two in economics and four in chemistry. Some say Jews are uniquely suited to the study of science. “For thousands of years, Jews have been brought up to question and to try to bridge the gap between existing knowledge and the prevail-
ing reality,” Gidi Greenstein, the director of the Reut Institute think tank, told JTA. “You have the Torah and the Talmud, and then you have the reality, which keeps changing. The tension between what we know and what we experience is the secret of creativity.” Others say there is something unique about the Israeli character. “One of the things you need to do well in science and high tech is to think outside the box, and we as Israelis are not familiar with any boxes,” said Professor Dan Ben David, director of the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel. “We don’t understand lines, we don’t believe in lines and we always ask why when someone asks us to do something. That can be very aggravating, but it’s a great quality when it comes to doing research.”
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NBA lockout prompts a new motive for aliyah: Basketball By Jessica Steinberg Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Courtesy Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash 90
Palestinian prisoners who were freed from Israeli jails as part of the exchange deal for Gilad Shalit arriving at the Rafah crossing border in the Gaza Strip, Oct. 18, 2011.
Murderers’ Row: Who are the terrorists being freed in the Shalit deal? By JTA Staff Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) — In exchange for Gilad Shalit’s release, Israel is freeing 1,027 Palestinian security prisoners. The first 477, agreed upon with Hamas, were released Tuesday. Most had been serving life sentences for their roles in attacks against Israelis, and they included the organizers or perpetrators of many of the most infamous terrorist attacks against Israelis over the past several decades. The remaining 550 will be chosen by Israel and released in two months. The following are some of the more notorious terrorists being let out of prison as part of the deal: • Abd al-Hadi Ghanim: In July 1989, during the first Intifada, Gaza resident Abd al-Hadi Ghanim grabbed the steering wheel of a Tel Aviv-to-Jerusalem bus on Israel’s main highway and steered it into a ravine. Sixteen people were killed. • Yihia al-Sinwar: A founder of Hamas’ military wing, Yihia alSinwar was involved in the October 1994 kidnapping of Sgt. Nachshon Wachsman, an Israeli soldier who had American citizenship. Wachsman was killed by his captors during a rescue attempt several days later by Israeli commandos. Al-Sinwar’s brother is believed to have been an organizer of Gilad Shalit’s abduction. • Aziz Salha: In October 2000, Aziz Salha produced one of the most horrifying images of the second intifada. He was photographed proudly waving his bloodstained hands out of the window of a Ramallah police station after participating in a lynch mob that broke into the building and beat to death two Israeli reservists who had been taken into Palestinian custody there after making a wrong turn into the city. An Israeli court convicted him of the murder of
Cpl. Vadim Norzich. • Mona Awana: In January 2001, West Bank resident Mona Awana, pretending to be an American with a romantic interest in an Israeli high school student, used the Internet to lure 16-year-old Ofir Rahum to meet her in Jerusalem. They then drove Rahum to a prearranged location on Ramallah’s outskirts, where he was shot and killed by Palestinian gunmen. • Fuad Amrin: In May 1992, Gaza resident Fuad Amrin stabbed to death 15-year-old Helena Rapp on her way to school in the Israeli city of Bat Yam. • Husam Badran: As the leader of Hamas’ military wing in the northern West Bank, Husam Badran was the instigator of several of the deadliest suicide bombings of the second intifada, including the 2001 bombing attacks on a Sbarro pizzeria in Jerusalem (15 killed), the Dolphinarium discotheque bombing in Tel Aviv (21 killed), the 2002 suicide bombings of a Passover seder at the Park Hotel in Netanya (30 killed) and the bombing of the Matza restaurant in Haifa (15 killed). More than 100 people were killed in terrorist attacks directed by Badran. • Tamimi Ahlam: In August 2001, Tamimi Ahlam, a female university student and journalist originally from Jordan, led a suicide bomber to the downtown Jerusalem Sbarro pizzeria where he detonated himself, killing 15 people, including seven children. • Walid Anajas: Hamas operative Walid Anajas assisted with the 2002 suicide bombings at Jerusalem’s Cafe Moment (11 killed) and a gaming club in Rishon LeZion (16 killed), and the remotely detonated bombing of a cafeteria at the Mount Scopus campus of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which killed nine people, including four Americans.
JERUSALEM (JTA) — Call it circumstantial Zionism. There’s been a recent uptick in North American aliyah — of basketball players. More than a dozen North American players have become Israeli citizens and joined professional Israeli basketball teams and second division squads in the past few years. It’s not exactly a trend but the result of Israeli league rules, the NBA lockout and the dreams of one particular team owner. With an Israel Basketball Association rule requiring at least two Israelis on the court at all times and a limit of four nonIsraeli players per team — combined with a shortage of skilled local players — Israel long has turned to foreign shores for players. The United States has been an obvious source, with its share of talented Jewish American basketball players who can become Israeli on the court by immigrating under Israel’s Law of Return while keeping dual American citizenship. This year, Maccabi Tel Aviv signed former Duke University standout Jon Scheyer to a two-year contract, and the Chicago-born Scheyer became an Israeli with his move here in August. One of his new teammates, NBA point guard Jordan Farmar of the New Jersey Nets, signed a one-year contract with Tel Aviv in the wake of the continuing lockout. Farmar is eligible for aliyah but has yet to make a decision about immigrating.
Courtesy Sasson Tiram
Former Duke University basketball star Jon Scheyer, who will be playing pro ball for Maccabi Tel Aviv, at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel following his group aliyah flight, Aug. 30, 2011.
Then there’s Jeffrey Rosen, who purchased the Maccabi Haifa team in 2007 wanting to turn it into “Israel’s team for America.” With U.S. tryouts in Florida for the past four seasons, he has sent more than 15 Jewish American players to Israel on
aliyah, including this season’s Canadian guard Simon Farine, New Yorker Sylven Landesberg and former NCAA Division I guard Todd Lowenthal, who is playing for a second division team. BASKETBALL on page 22
Netanyau: Shalit deal was best Israel was going to get By Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) — If captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit is freed in the prisoner-exchange deal with Hamas that prompted an emergency Israeli Cabinet session, it will raise two immediate questions: Which side finally acceded to the other’s demands after years of fruitless negotiations since Shalit was captured in a June 2006 raid along the Israel-Gaza border, and what took so long to get here? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered some hints about the first issue in a hastily called news conference shortly before going into the Cabinet meeting late Tuesday night. This deal, he suggested, was the best Israel was going to get, so
if Israel was ever going to recover Shalit, it had to happen now. “With everything that is happening in Egypt and the region, I don’t know if the future would have allowed us to get a better deal — or any deal at all for that matter,” Netanyahu said on Israeli television. “The window appeared following fears that collapsing Mideast regimes and the rise of extremist forces would make Gilad Shalit’s return impossible.” The prime minister added, “If all goes according to plan, Gilad will be returning to Israel in the coming days.” The deal reportedly was signed by the two sides on Oct. 6 in Cairo following years of negotiations and mediation via the Egyptians. News of the deal was first reported by the satellite TV station Al
Arabiya. Its exact contours remain unknown. Shalit’s release would mark a remarkable end to a five-year saga that has transfixed the Israeli public, frustrated two successive Israeli governments and spanned two wars. Then a corporal in the Israeli army, Shalit was taken captive at age 19 on June 25, 2006, and almost immediately his family launched an incessant public campaign to free him. The crusade included vigils, marches, meetings, statements by world leaders, celebrity endorsements, bumper stickers, congressional resolutions, songs and a protest encampment opposite the prime minister’s official residence in Jerusalem. NETANYAHU on page 22
SOCIAL LIFE • 11
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MARTA HEWETT GALLERY finely crafted contemporary art
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Dr. Tina Renee Goldstein and Brian Hattenbach
MARRIAGE
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helley and Edward Hattenbach are pleased to announce the marriage of their son, Brian Joseph, to Dr. Tina Renee Goldstein, the daughter of Ina and Morton Goldstein of Silver Spring, Md. Brian is the grandson of Hannah and the late Arthur Hattenbach and the late Ann and Dr. Joseph Wallack. Brian received his master’s degree in environmental science from Indiana University and Tina received her doctorate from the University of Colorado. Brian and Tina are residents of Pittsburgh, Penn., where he is a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and Tina is a clinical psychologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The wedding was held August 7 at the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, Penn. Cantor Cheryl Klein officiated at the outdoor ceremony.
s of October 5, 2011 the award-winning documentary “True Gunner” is now part of the collection at the United States Library of Congress. Four years in the making, “True Gunner” was produced and directed by Hal Levine of Detroit, Mich., nephew of Bev and Pike Levine of Cincinnati. “True Gunner” was the recipient of “Best Historical Documentary” in 2010 at the Ferndale Film Festival in Ferndale, Mich., and shortly thereafter was accepted into The Internet Movie Data Base (IMDB). Every Hollywood film is listed there. Originally made for the family to pass on to future generations, the entire Levine family is honored and delighted that this film is now available at the United States Library of Congress to all present and future generations.
S
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12 • CINCINNATI SOCIAL LIFE
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SHA’AREI TORAH & OHR CHADASH PICNIC
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
CINCINNATI JEWISH LIFE • 13
14 • DINING OUT
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TV stardom for Izzy’s Reuben By Sondra Katkin Dining Editor Last Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011, Izzy’s famous 5-plus pound Reuben sandwich proved it was more powerful than a speeding train, able to leap tall buildings with a single bite and certainly too much for the earnest baseball coach Adam Turer. The Travel Channel aired its “Man V Food Nation” show with the challenger, Turer, attempting to down the enormous corned beef sandwich (his second try this year). After putting forth an admirable effort, it wasn’t failure that distinguished the “battle’s” conclusion. It was good sportsmanship and even heroism that won the day with Turer setting a valuable example for the baseball team he coaches. A valiant try and the willingness to do it again (and again) if necessary, to face down all who would jeer or criticize and even enjoy himself in a fulfilling activity. He “manned up.” John Geisen, Izzy’s president, described spending the day with Man V Food Nation host Adam Richman as a “tremendous honor. He was gracious, raved about our food and had a great sense of humor.” He joked that “the sandwich is larger than my own skull.” “It was our goal to get Adam and his show to come and we were blown away with all the local fans’ support,” Geisen said. “To film the show, Richman spent more than 12 hours at Izzy’s for the 12 minute segment. He is a perfectionist and must feel that the lighting, the script and all the details meet his exacting standards,” Geisen noted. Turer’s eating challenge was to down the huge sandwich, consisting of over a pound of sliced corned beef brisket, a colossal pile of sauerkraut, all enclosed in a gigantic oval loaf of freshly baked rye bread, in 30 minutes. In honor of the deli’s 110th anniversary, the sandwich is named the “110 World’s Greatest Rueben.” Geisen explains, the impressive feast begins with a super-sized potato pancake (fresh shredded Idaho potatoes mixed with onions and seasonings and fried to a perfect golden brown). The feast is completed with a jumbo order of Izzy’s own kosher sliced pickles. The question was not whether Turer could succeed, but whether he could survive the attempt. I suppose if you’re listing ways in which to die happily, corned beef fans would certainly understand and perhaps envy the intrepid competitor. Turer, 26, of Anderson Township, wears many hats: sportswriter, law school student and youth baseball coach. He was selected for the TV program after sending the Travel Channel his videos. His baseball team was part of the crowd of over 200 people sandwiched into Izzy’s for the televised segment. According to Geisen, Turer thought he could win
(Clockwise) Attractive landscaping and stonework welcome diners; Adam Richman, host of “Man V Food Nation” with Izzy’s president, John Geisen; One half of the 110 “mega” Reuben; Adam Turer makes his attempt at the 110 Reuben; “Skinny” turkey Reuben with “crunchalicious” potato pancake; T-shirt reward for conspicuous consumption.
with host Richman’s help and he came close to winning the coveted Izzy’s t-shirt. He did succeed at teaching his kids that “just because you fail doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try again. And even if you fail, you get filled after all.” Izzy’s has nine greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky locations and according to publicity director, Jacquie Bauereis, the secret of their enduring success “is rooted in offering superior quality along with the highest level of customer service — a blend of great food with attentive staff.” The restaurant has been consistently ranked as the best deli in Cincinnati. We ordered their fish trays for Sunday breakfast for our out-of-town relatives after my son’s bar mitzvah and were very pleased with the freshness, appetizing appearance and good quality. Noone had trouble fishing for what
they wanted. According to Bauereis, Izzy’s locations stayed open with extended hours so that guests could come and watch the show on their big screens. Special treats were available and the viewers were given the chance to take on the 110 Reuben prior to the show. Man V Food Nation competitor, Adam Turer, and Izzy’s president, John Geisen watched the show together at the Main Street location where the filming was held. Geisen said that as a result of the event, he hoped that local recognition would be increased and perhaps national interest was a good possibility. Are you watching Oprah? I visited Izzy’s Red Bank location on the day of the presentation and sure enough a young man was trying his luck. An announcement of 15 minutes came from the speaker system. Seeing the sandwich in
person was awesome. It takes up the whole dinner plate and towers about 10 inches high. When the time was up, only half the sandwich was gone. Another t-shirt attempt doomed. Hubby Steve and I shared the fellow’s appreciation of the sandwich although Steve, gluten averse as always, had his without the bread. I enjoyed the rye, relishing the tiny caraway seeds which make it authentically flavored. Steve’s the “nosherei” in the family, and when he declares corned beef good, I trust him. His history of eating at the great delis in Philadelphia was the best training. Another thing you can only get at a “real deli” is the supercharged sour taste in Izzy’s crisp pickles and sauerkraut. No jar in a supermarket can replicate that. I chose the turkey Reuben and enjoyed it. The manager told me it is 98 percent fat free. That
obviates my guilt for wolfing down the perfect potato pancake that accompanies the sandwich. Not only was it crisp, it was exactly as thick as I needed it to be. Many I’ve tasted are very crunchy because they are thin and you lose the wonderful onion- potato balance. That should never happen! Speaking of forbidden behavior, a microwave should never come in contact with a potato pancake. I have my standards and Izzy’s met them. They also feature many other variations of Reubens including a battered cod. The menu has salad sandwiches, wraps, homemade soups, salads and desserts. The deli is open seven days a week; Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Izzy’s See store listings on page 15.
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16 • OPINION
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I love the U.N.
In comes my daughter, bearing hot food and water; worry shrouds her face like a pall. She just stands there shaking And, her voice nearly breaking, says “Tattenyu, the sukkah’s going to fall!” Dear daughter, don’t fret. It hasn’t fallen yet. The sukkah’s fine; go banish your fright. There have been many such fears, for nigh two thousand years; yet the little sukkah still stands upright. It was reassuring that, before the General Assembly, Mr. Netanyahu was so polished and blunt with the wolverine delegates. And that President Obama spoke so strongly about Arab violence and about the Jewish connection to Eretz Yisrael. (And it was nice to find out shortly afterward that our government has quietly sold Israel “bunker-busting bombs,” which can really come in handy sometimes.) But we mustn’t forget that Klal Yisrael’s safety, in the end, doesn’t hinge on world leaders or world-class ordnance. The less-than-substantial schach symbolizes both our vulnerability and our true Source of protection: Hakodosh Boruch Hu Himself, in the merit of our avos, and of our own emulation of their dedication to the Divine. Let the wolves bay and the vultures circle. With our repentance, prayer and charity, the sukkeleh, as it has for millennia, will continue to stand. Rabbi Shafran is an editor at large and columnist for Ami Magazine
Dear Editor, While we genuinely appreciate your good intentions,we were embarrassed by the extraordinary prominence and front page position that the article announcing us as co-chairs of the Cedar Village Growth For Tomorrow capital campaign was given in last week’s edition of the Israelite. It was not your fault because the outside publicist engaged by Cedar Village to draft the news release did not state the aggregate dollar goal of the campaign. The front page position would have been appropriate had we been chairing a $25 million campaign but in fact the Cedar Village Growth For Tomorrow campaign, while very important to Cedar Village, its residents and the Jewish Community, is much more modest and is geared primarily to past and current trustees and special friends of Cedar Village. The publicist also failed to mention that we were working with 16 solicitor/partners who are entitled to as much kuvod as us. L’Shana Tova. Good health to you in 5772 and to you, the Israelite and the entire community, we wish fulfillment and joy. We know you share our prayer for peace in Israel next year but we fear that prayer alone will be insufficient. Sue and Jerry Teller Dear Editor, Attending the 2011 JNF
national conference in Cincinnati reawakened my spirit and dedication to Israel and the Jewish people. Learning about JNF’s exciting new programs, as well as being truly inspired by Speaker John Boehner and contemplating the provocative insights of journalist Bret Stephens were just a few of my highlights (whose commentary came at a pivotal time with the U.N. meeting later in the week). Before hearing John Boehner speak, I was aware that he is “good” for Israel but did not know that he is one of Israel’s “best friends,” as JNF President Stan Chesley described him. Listening to John Boehner’s speech was reassuring at a minimum. The bold, definitive language and rhetoric used to describe the United States’ relationship with Israel was excellent. Boehner characterized Israel as the “one true beacon of freedom and opportunity” in the Middle East. He affirmed that Israel is one of the U.S.’s closest allies and that the U.S. is committed to standing behind Israel. Boehner also mentioned his respect and admiration for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Wall Street Journal columnist Bret Stephens has some of the most profound opinions and observations I have ever been privileged to hear in person. I was truly captivated by his conclusions about the Arab Spring (and its subsequent “tidal wave” of populist Islamism) and Israel’s future. Some specifics
that caught my attention was his point about how the Palestinian “observer” status at the U.N. could give them increased international legal leverage against the Israelis in “violations” of land, airspace, etc. Also, I was interested in his stance regarding the U.S. and Israel’s apparent disagreements about West Bank settlements — Israel would pledge to retreat from the settlements, if the U.S. would take a strong stance on Iran. It was truly enlightening to attend the JNF national conference as a member of the Jewish community who didn’t know much about JNF, itself. Ignorantly, when someone mentions JNF, all that would come to mind was “trees, trees, trees”; but now, having attended the conference, it is clear that JNF’s mission is far more extensive and perhaps more meaningful. Whether it is the programs to bring life to the Negev, provide safe havens in Sderot, preserve and enhance the Israeli water supply, or fight the raging fires that recently devastated the North, JNF is certainly one of the most beneficial and inspirational organizations that currently serves the Jewish people and Israel. I was grateful to JNF for sponsoring such a meaningful event for students my age and wish the organization much success as it continues its important work. Zach Fisher Cincinnati, OH
T EST Y OUR T ORAH KNOWLEDGE THIS WEEK’S PORTION: BEREISHIS (GENESIS 1:1—6:8) 1.) When is the expression “It was very good” used? a.) In reference to the Garden of Eden b.) The creation of light c.) At the end of the sixth day of creation
4.) On what day were the fish created? a.) Fourth b.) Fifth c.) Sixth
2.) Which day did G-d bless? a.) First day b.) Sixth day c.) Sabbath
5.) Before what creation did Hashem “ask advice?” a.) Light b.) Moon c.) Man
3.) On what day were the trees created? a.) Third b.) Fourth c.) Fifth ished on the seventh day, Rashi explains that he finished before the Sabbath, at the last possible moment. It appeared like G-d had finished on the seventh day. Also, the seventh day represented another level of completion, because now the world rested.
A chill wind attacks, whistling through the cracks; the candles, they flicker and yearn. It’s so strange a thing that, as the Kiddush I sing, the flames, calmed, now quietly burn.
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d first “consulted” with His heavenly court as to whether to create man or not. From this we learn the trait of humility, not to rely only on one's understanding. E.C.) The sixth day. Even though Chapter 2, verse 2 says that G-d fin-
A sukkaleh, quite small, wooden planks for each wall, lovingly I stood them upright; laid thatch as a ceiling and now, filled with deep feeling, I sit in my sukkaleh at night.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Extra Credit On which day did G-d finish His work of creation? (which the Jews would later receive in the wilderness), meaning the double portion that fell on Friday because no manna fell on the Sabbath. 3.) A—Chapter 1, verses 5, 11, 12. 4.) B—Chapter 1, verses 20 – 21 5.) C—Chapter 1, verses 21 – 27. G-
I love the United Nations. Yes, I know, the General Assembly was well and memorably described by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as a “theater of the absurd.” Actually, a better metaphor might be a tribe of savages, or, perhaps, a zoo. But that leads to the reason for my affinity for the world body, namely, how wonderfully the menagerie brings to life the metaphor of the Jewish People being the lone sheep among 70 wolves — the State of Israel serving as the contemporary stand-in for Klal Yisrael. Particularly evocative was how, recently, one of the wolves, bedecked in ill-fitting sheep’s clothing (pleading victimization even while allied with a particularly bloodthirsty fellow beast), received thunderous applause for rejecting his Jewish neighbor’s offer of peace. Mr. Abbas, of course, should have lost all credibility when he embraced Hamas. (Not that he dares set foot in Gaza; even wolves fear bigger wolves.) Instead, he gets ovations from fellow predators and the various vultures that keep their company. Shortly before the Palestinian leader announced his opting for confrontation over negotiation, another creature — this one part loon — shared again his imaginative take on history, which lacks a Holocaust but includes the United States attacking itself in 2001. And, of course, Mr. Ahmadinejad reprised as well his view of Israel as the contemporary world’s resident evil. The perfect time for gaining perspective on such things is Sukkos; the perfect place, sitting in the sukkah, gazing up at the schach. Avraham Reisen, a Yiddish poet who died in 1953, left a voluminous body of short stories and poems. Only one, though, is regularly recited these days — and mostly by observant Jews. It’s sung to a plaintive, moving melody whose composer is unknown to me. The song is familiar to many from immigrant parents or grandparents. Remarkably, the strains of “A Sukkeleh,” no matter how often we may have heard them, still tend to choke us up. Based on Reisen’s “In Sukkeh,” the song concerns two sukkos, one literal, the other metaphorical. Several years ago, I translated it into English; it’s not a perfectly literal translation but I tried to remain faithful to the Yiddish original’s rhyme scheme and
meter. It has been published before, so my apologies to any Ami readers who may have already seen it. But I wanted to share it with those who may not have, since it’s really about, well, Klal Yisrael and the United Nations:
Written by Rabbi Dov Aaron Wise
ANSWERS 1.) C—Chapter 1, verse 31. Hashem saw that that the purpose of creation compared to its individual parts was very good. Sforno 2.) C—Chapter 2, verse 3. Rashi says that the blessing was for the manna
Rabbi Avi Shafran Contributing Columnist
JEWISH LIFE • 17
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Sedra of the Week
SHABBAT SHALOM: PARSHAT BERESHIT GENESIS 1:1-6:8
Perhaps it was these very different by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Efrat, Israel — Since we conclude the yearly reading of the Five Books of Moses at the conclusion of the Tishrei festivals (Shmini Atzeret—Simhat Torah), there is certainly a link according to the calendar between Genesis and the New Year festivals. I believe there is a remarkable conceptual connection as well. In this portion, we read of Cain/Kayin, which is derived from a Hebrew word meaning material acquisition (4:1), and Abel/Hevel, which means the vapor that appears when one exhales in cold air. We are informed that Abel was a shepherd and Cain a tiller. The 19th-century German scholars would suggest that a shepherd — who nurtures domestic animal life, and has plenty of time for meditation and the transmission of a tribal narrative, represents the development of culture, whereas Cain the tiller — who is engaged in the back-breaking work of tending the soil and garnering fruits and vegetables — fosters the development of the technological endeavor known as civilization. Perhaps it was these very different outlooks and lifestyles which defined these two brothers and led the one, Cain, to murder the other. The very name Hevel has come to mean a breath – attesting to the seemingly insignificant period in which this hapless twin celebrated the world. Nevertheless, seven generations later Cain has a direct descendant named Jabal/Yaval (born to Lemech and Adah), “the ancestor of those who dwell in tents and amidst herds of cattle;” (4:20) The names Yaval and Hevel are so similar that it would prompt the reader to think Javal must have been at least inspired by his greatgreat uncle in terms of lifestyle and occupation; and Jabal’s brother Jubal — another name related to Hevel — is described as “the ancestor of all who play the lyre and the organ (4:21)” — an even more striking example of a nonmaterial, aesthetic involvement
outlooks and lifestyles which defined these two brothers and led the one, Cain, to murder the other. The very name Hevel has come to mean a breath – attesting to the seemingly insignificant period in which this hapless twin celebrated the world.
with and attachment to “culture” rather than “civilization.” The sages of the Midrash expand on this idea when they link King David, progenitor of the Messiah, to Adam by suggesting that Adam, who lived to the age of 930, gave 70 years of the 1,000 years he had been granted to King David, who had been decreed to die at birth; and the Zohar, mystical commentary on the Bible, maintains that David was a reparation for — or a soul transmigration of — Abel. When we remember that David began his early years as a shepherd, that he was proficient in playing the lyre, and is credited by our sages with the composition of the Book of Psalms, and that he is described as having danced with ecstatic frenzy when the Holy Ark was returned from Philistia to Jerusalem, it is clear that David is a student of culture rather than civilization. As another example of the unity of the Five Books of Moses, Leviticus describes the 50th year following the seven Sabbatical years as a foretaste of Redemption (messianic times) when all debts are to be rescinded, everyone is to return to their ancestral homestead and all slaves are to be freed: “And you shall sanctify the fiftieth year, proclaiming freedom throughout the land for all its inhabitants; it is for you a Jubilee [Yovel]” (Leviticus 25:10) Now the declaration of this Jubilee Year is to be made by the blast of the
shofar (ram’s horn) on Yom Kippur of the 50th year. Rashi maintains that the very term “Yovel” means shofar, and most commentaries find the etymological root in the Arabic yovel, which means ram, or ram’s horn. I would rather suggest that the word Yovel is derived from hevel, or breath: referring to the breath of the Divine which inspirited a clod of earth to form man (Genesis 2:7), and the breath of the religious “musician,” who inspirits the “instrument” of the ram’s horn with the breath he received from G-d in order to extract from the animalistic aspect of the world a sound which will hopefully return humanity to the divine will of the King of the Universe. The connection is profound. The breath with which the human being is endowed by G-d to communicate to others is a gift unique to humanity, and must be used to pass over to the next generations a vital message of culture and ethical conduct. Hevel, then, has the capacity to transform a fleeting and insignificant mortal into an eternal link in the great chain of human and humane history. It is about such hevel that our sages teach: “The world exists only because of the hevel of the young students in the Torah study halls of their masters.” Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Chancellor Ohr Torah Stone Chief Rabbi — Efrat Israel
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By Nate Bloom Contributing Columnist LERMAN STARS “The Three Musketeers 3D” opens in theaters on Friday, Oct. 21. Based on a famous 19th century French novel, the oft-filmed story takes place in 17th century France. Its hero, D’Artagnan (LOGAN LERMAN, 19) goes to Paris to join the famous guards of the King, the Musketeers. He joins forces with three of them to stop the evil Cardinal Richelieu (Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz). Lerman’s “Hollywood stock” is now so high he didn’t even have to audition for the lead in this bigbudget film. He has the tools to become the biggest Jewish film heartthrob since TONY CURTIS. He is very good-looking and he has shown he can act effectively, and with some real style, in smaller budget comedies and dramas (like the underappreciated, but quite good 2009 film, “My One and Only”). More important to the film biz, he appears to be able to help “put over the top” a megabudget action picture with so/so reviews, like last year’s box-office hit “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” Lerman’s paternal greatgrandfather, a German Jew, along with his family, fled the Nazis and settled in Shanghai, China just before the war. There he and his son, Logan’s grandfather, founded an orthotics and prosthetics manufacturing company. They moved to the States in 1948, and successfully re-founded the company in Los Angeles. It is still run by Logan’s grandfather and father. His paternal grandfather married another European Jewish refugee. Logan’s mother’s father is a post-war Polish Jewish immigrant. His maternal grandmother was born in California, the daughter of Canadian-born Jews. Logan, and two older siblings, grew-up in Beverly Hills in what he calls a “very stable family.” My sense is that the family is moderately religious. YOM KIPPUR NOTES If I had to compare Lerman to a contemporary Jewish young (ish) actor, it would be JAKE GYLLENHAAL, 30. Both are good-looking, in a “regular guy” sort of way, and both started getting film and TV roles around age 10. Gyllenhaal, while not a superstar actor, is certainly now an “A” list actor by virtue of gradually, but steadily compiling a strong track record of good films. Gyllenhaal, who has really “buffed-up” in recent years, is now a bit more of a “macho-type” than Lerman. Lerman, of course, could also “buff-up,” but I suspect his strength may be that he has more facility for wise-guy
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comedic roles than Gyllenhaal. Gyllenhaal, like his sister, actress MAGGIE GYLLENHALL, 33, are the children of a non-Jewish father (director Stephen Gyllenhaal) and a Jewish mother (screenwriter NAOMI FONER). A few years back, Foner said that her own Jewish background was more grounded in liberal, social justice politics than formal religious observance and that her children were raised the same way. She said Jake’s 13th birthday was observed with a few prayers at home and by him volunteering for the day at a soup kitchen. However, in the last year, Maggie has, flat-out, called herself “Jewish,” and Jake was just spotted attending Yom Kippur services this year at a Manhattan synagogue. Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised by this last bit of news. Also spotted attending Yom Kippur services, at a Sydney, Australia synagogue, were comedic actor SACHA BARON COHEN, who turned 40 on Oct. 13, and his wife, ISLA FISHER, 33. (Fisher grew-up in Australia. The couple divide their time between Australia, Los Angeles and Cohen’s native Britain.) GAINSBOURG My impression is that only a native of France or a really long term resident of that country really understands the power and influence, within France, of the multitalented artist SERGE GAINSBOURG (1928-1991). I’ve been told to imagine the existence of a prominent American counter-cultural figure that combined certain personal and professional characteristics of BOB DYLAN, Jack Kerouac, poet Charles Bukowski and Warren Beatty. If America had such a figure, he would be comparable to Gainsbourg. Opening Friday, Oct. 21, at the Esquire Theater in Cincinnati, is the dramatic film, “Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life.” It is directed and written by French comic book artist JOANN SFAR, 40, and it’s based on Sfar’s graphic novel about Gainsbourg. It follows Gainsbourg, who was born Lucien Ginzburg, the son of Russian Jewish immigrant parents, as he survives, as a child, the Nazi occupation. After the war, he went from being a painter, to a jazz musician, to a pop superstar. Professional actors and actresses play Gainsbourg and some of the many women in his life, including Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin (who is the mother of Serge’s famous daughter, actress CHARLOTTE GAINSBOURG, 40). Sfar, a quite famous cartoon artist, is the son of a Sephardi father and an Ashkenazi mother. His graphic novels are often infused with Jewish themes and some Jewish-style humor.
FROM THE PAGES 100 Y EARS A GO Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Bloom will be at home on Sunday, October 22, in honor of the engagement of their daughter, Edith, to Dr. Louis A. Levinson, of Toledo. Isaac Libson and Miss Regine Zielonka, of 852 Rockdale Avenue, were married by Rev. Grossmann last Tuesday. Mr. Libson is the President and General Manager of the Libson Reality Company, which operates the Bijou and the Family moving picture theaters. Miss Zielonka is a sister of Attorney Saul Zielonka and Rabbi Martin Zielonka, of El Paso, Texas. The Young Women’s Progress Club, organized for Jewish saleswomen, held its second meeting at the Jewish Settlement clubrooms on Monday at 8 p.m. A young and prosperous assembly gathered and much earnest work is expected. Lectures and a course in salesmanship will be very attractive features, and there will also be social affairs. A constitution was adopted and the following officers elected: President, Miss Goldie Roth; First Vice President, Miss Ethel Weiner; Second Vice President, Miss Bertha Silverstein; Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Belle Kluber. All wishing to join will please notify the Secretary. Dr. Max Dreyfoos, of Burnet Avenue, had a very narrow escape Tuesday morning, when his horse took fright and ran away. Dr. Dreyfoos left the Jewish Hospital, where he was attending a patient, and just as he was about to step into his phaeton a passing automobile came along. The horse became frightened and started to run. The doctor held onto the reins and was dragged nearly a block before he let go. He was picked up and removed to the hospital, where it was found that he was severely bruised on the legs and body. Luckily no bones were broken, but he will be confined to his home in the Madrid for several days. — October 19, 1911
75 Y EARS A GO Europe will not have a war soon. Adolph Hitler is firmly in the hand of the German saddle. Russia is making great strides. The foregoing are highlights in impressions gained by Dr. Jacob R. Marcus, professor of Jewish History at the Hebrew Union College, during his recent travels in Europe. He returned to Cincinnati Monday, Oct. 12th, after a stay in Russia, Poland, Romania and Germany. “Hitler’s irrational attitude on Jews is no legend. When Jews are mentioned to him, he literally loses control of his feelings; he cannot discuss them without passion,” said Dr. Marcus.
Mr. Max Pollak, famous Australian etcher, and his wife, have returned from an extended visit to Mexico, and are at Vernon Manor, where they will be pleased to see their friends. Mrs. M. M. Singer and Mrs. S. L. Betagole, president and vice president, respectively, of the Avondale P.T.A. are in Toledo for the Ohio Congress of Parents and Teachers. Mr. Harry Hartman of WCPO is the nation’s most popular sports announcer, on the basis of final results in a contest by The Sporting News of St. Louis. He won the same honor in 1931. He lives at 501 Carplin Place. Mr. Vladimir Bakaleinikoff, associate conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, will also be musical director of the Louisville Civic Arts Association, and conductor of the new Louisville Symphony Orchestra. — October 22, 1936
50 Y EARS A GO Mr. and Mrs. Louis Nidich, 1537 Elizabeth Place, announce the forthcoming Bar Mitzvah of their son, Paul Arnold, Saturday, Oct. 28, at 9 a.m. at Beth Hamedrash Hagodol (Bond Hill Synagogue), 4906 Reading Road. A reception will be held in Paul’s honor that evening, from 8:30 p.m. to 12 midnight, at Ohav Shalom Synagogue, 1834 Section Road. Paul is a grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Nidich and Mrs. Sam Scheer. Dr. David I. Macht, Baltimore, passed away Saturday, Oct. 14. An internationally known pharmacologist, Dr. Macht had been consultant in pharmacology at Sinai Hospital, Baltimore. His contributions to his field include; the discovery of a drug for epilepsy made from cobra venom, establishing that a species of European bean is poisonous to those with certain mental illnesses and research on the effects of penicillin, digitalis, and streptomycin on mental ability and blood clotting. He is survived by a son, Dr. Martin B. Macht, assistant professor of physiology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Jack H. Mandeleil of Miami Beach, Florida, passed away Thursday, Oct. 12. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Minnie Neuer Mandeleil, a daughter, Mrs. Leon Cohen, a son, Sam Mandeleil, and a sister, Mrs. Mamie Golden of Miami Beach, Fla. — October 19, 1961
25 Y EARS A GO Beth Adam, the Cincinnati Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, held an installation service for new officers and members of its
board of directors last month. Warren Rothman is serving a second term as president of the six-yearold congregation, and Carolyn Gilbert is serving a second term as secretary of the board. Harriet Edwards was elected vice president, and Anita Baranovsky, treasurer. James Cummins and Harriet Edwards are new to the board this year. Anita Baranovsky, Kennet Kite, Richard Rosenberg, Kathy Sands and Robert Smith are continuing unexpired terms. Mrs. Blanche (Brant) Sharon passed away Oct. 17. A graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Mrs. Sharon was a first vice president of Matinee Musicale and was a member of that board for many years. She also belonged to the Clef Club and Des Chapelief. She was a member of Wise Temple, Brandeis University Women’s Committee and Hadassah. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Jack H. Sharon; a sister, Marion Brotman; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Lois and Robert Klein of Cincinnati and Linda and David Cerone of Cleveland; six grandchildren, Ellyn, Mark, Sharon and Julie Klein, Ora and John Cerone; and numerous nieces and nephews. — October 23, 1986
10 Y EARS A GO Floyd Berg, 89, a renowned Cincinnati artist whose atelier was located in the Valley Shopping Center, passed away October 3, 2001. Mr. Berg was born in Cincinnati, the son of the late Harry and Sally (Schwartz) Berg. He was predeceased by his wife, Celia Berg. He is survived by his children, Arlene and Edwin Goldstein of Cincinnati. Also surviving Mr. Berg are two brothers and their spouses, Phil and Jane Berg and Robert and Ruth Berg. Broadcasting pioneer Frederick W. Ziv, 96, passed away at his home in Hyde Park October 13, 2001. He was born in Cincinnati. His wife Dorothy M. Ziv, predeceased him. Mr. Ziv is survived by his children: Fredericha and Robert Yamin of Montecito, CA and William (Bill) and Elinor Ziv of Cincinnati. Mr. Ziv is also survived by eight grandchildren: Edward and Elise Ziv of Owings Mills, MD; Drs. Douglas and Francine Behrman of Cincinnati; Robert and Lisa Ziv of New York City; Andrea and Michael Lavine of Baltimore; Michael and Wendy Yamin of Palisades, NY; Nancy Yamin of Tarzana, CA; Linda and Jeff Glazer of Los Angeles; and Wendy and Kevin Enderley of Oxnard, CA. Mr. Ziv is also survived by 11 greatgrandchildren and a niece, Laura Blumenthal. — October 18, 2001
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
CLASSIFIEDS • 19
COMMUNITY DIRECTORY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Access (513) 373-0300 • www.jypaccess.org Big Brothers/Big Sisters Assoc. (513) 761-3200 • bigbrobigsis.org Camp Ashreinu (513) 702-1513 Camp at the J (513) 722-7226 • mayersonjcc.org Camp Livingston (513) 793-5554 • camplivingston.com Cedar Village (513) 754-3100 • cedarvillage.org Chevra Kadisha (513) 396-6426 Cincinnati Community Mikveh 513-351-0609 Fusion Family (513) 703-3343 • www.fusionnati.org Halom House (513) 791-2912 • halomhouse.com Hillel Jewish Student Center (513) 221-6728 • hillelcincinnati.org Jewish Community Center (513) 761-7500 • mayersonjcc.org Jewish Community Relations Council (513) 985-1501 Jewish Family Service (513) 469-1188 • jfscinti.org Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (513) 985-1500 • shalomcincy.org Jewish Foundation (513) 514-1200 Jewish Information Network (513) 985-1514 Jewish Vocational Service (513) 985-0515 • jvscinti.org Kesher (513) 766-3348 Plum Street Temple Historic Preservation Fund (513) 793-2556 Shalom Family (513) 703-3343 • www.myshalomfamily.org The Center for Holocaust & Humanity Education (513) 487-3055 • holocaustandhumanity.org Vaad Hoier (513) 731-4671 Workum Fund (513) 899-1836 • workum.org YPs at the JCC (513) 761-7500 • mayersonjcc.org
CONGREGATIONS Adath Israel Congregation (513) 793-1800 • adath-israel.org Beit Chaverim (513) 984-3393 Beth Israel Congregation (513) 868-2049 • bethisraelcongregation.net Congregation Beth Adam (513) 985-0400 • bethadam.org Congregation B’nai Tikvah (513) 759-5356 • bnai-tikvah.org Congregation B’nai Tzedek (513) 984-3393 • bnaitzedek.us Congregation Ohav Shalom (513) 489-3399 • ohavshalom.org
Congregation Ohr Chadash (513) 252-7267 • ohrchadashcincinnati.com Congregation Sha’arei Torah shaareitorahcincy.org Golf Manor Synagogue (513) 531-6654 • golfmanorsynagogue.org Isaac M. Wise Temple (513) 793-2556 • wisetemple.org Kehilas B’nai Israel (513) 761-0769 Northern Hills Synagogue (513) 931-6038 • nhs-cba.org Rockdale Temple (513) 891-9900 • rockdaletemple.org Temple Beth Shalom (513) 422-8313 • tbsohio.org Temple Sholom (513) 791-1330 • templesholom.net The Valley Temple (513) 761-3555 • valleytemple.com
EDUCATION Chai Tots Early Childhood Center (513) 234.0600 • chaitots.com Chabad Blue Ash (513) 793-5200 • chabadba.com Cincinnati Hebrew Day School (513) 351-7777 • chds.shul.net HUC-JIR (513) 221-1875 • huc.edu JCC Early Childhood School (513) 793-2122 • mayersonjcc.org Kehilla - School for Creative Jewish Education (513) 489-3399 • kehilla-cincy.com Mercaz High School (513) 792-5082 x104 • mercazhs.org Kulanu (Reform Jewish High School) 513-262-8849 • kulanucincy.org Regional Institute Torah & Secular Studies (513) 631-0083 Rockwern Academy (513) 984-3770 • rockwernacademy.org
ORGANIZATIONS American Jewish Committee (513) 621-4020 • ajc.org American Friends of Magen David Adom (513) 521-1197 • afmda.org B’nai B’rith (513) 984-1999 Hadassah (513) 821-6157 • cincinnati.hadassah.org Jewish Discovery Center (513) 234.0777 • jdiscovery.com Jewish National Fund (513) 794-1300 • jnf.org Jewish War Veterans (513) 204-5594 • jwv.org NA’AMAT (513) 984-3805 • naamat.org National Council of Jewish Women (513) 891-9583 • ncjw.org State of Israel Bonds (513) 793-4440 • israelbonds.com Women’s American ORT (513) 985-1512 • ortamerica.org.org
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KIRSH from page 3 procure the soldier through either diplomacy or rescue, even if it means trading hundreds of enemy detainees for a few soldiers. After Shalit’s capture at the hands of Hamas, he was detained, and against all Red Cross and Geneva Convention code, he has been allowed no contact at all with his family. The last time the government even received evidence that he was still alive was two years ago, when Hamas traded a video recording of him to the Israeli government for 20 female Palestinian detainees. Many trade deals have been talked over in the past few years, but all have fallen through, due to the demands made by Hamas. Meanwhile, Noam Shalit, Gilad’s father, has mounted a gigantic PR campaign to bring back his son, seeing dignitaries from all over the world and even visiting the UN to try to garner international support for the return of his son. He even set up a tent outside of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s house so that the Prime Minister would have to see it and think about the predicament every day. Through this exposure, Gilad Shalit has grown beyond a simple soldier to become a critical issue in the Middle East peace process. Last Tuesday, for the first time in two years, Hamas made another offer for the release of Gilad Shalit. I was at the Shalit Tent in Jerusalem when the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament) announced that Gilad Shalit was to be released in return for 1,027 Palestinian detainees. At the tent, the euphoria was everywhere, as hundreds of people (many people from my program included) began singing and dancing in the street. However, nationwide, the feeling is mixed. Everyone is ecstatic for the Shalit family, but many question the cost. Of the 1,027 detainees, several hundred are convicted mass-murderers, and all have at least some kind of involvement in terrorist action against Israel. Many fear these detainees will attack again, while others are infuriated that those who killed their loved ones were released. Actions of Jewish extremism have increased, including the defacing of the Yitzhak Rabin memorial in Tel Aviv by an Israeli
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(513) 531-9600 who lost his parents in a terror attack in 2001. But some people, including the Shalit family, are subdued because he is not back yet. Shalit is expected to be returned this upcoming Tuesday, and there are some who believe that Hamas will not follow through with the deal. Regardless, if Shalit is returned, it is a step forward in the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. Speaking of current events, I have chosen to attend the more advanced Israeli Update class. Two are offered, one for those who do not know much, and one for those who track Israeli news on a daily basis. Being in this class will greatly increase my knowledge about all things that affect Israel, from the peace process to the doctors’ strike to the upcoming elections in the Knesset. Sukkot began on Tuesday night! For those of you who do not know, Sukkot is a harvest holiday meant to commemorate the forty years that the Israelites travelled in the desert before arriving in the land of Israel. Later on, it became known as one of the Three Pilgrimages that Israelites would make to the Temple in ancient times. It is a big celebration, and many people build sukkahs (huts meant to be reminiscent of those built by the Israelites in the desert) and in synagogue, everyone carries what are known as the Four Species (each one symbolizing different virtues or traits- there are commentaries about them representing types of people, types of generosity, etc. I bought my own set at the Shuk (marketplace) in Machane Yehuda on Monday, and went to shul on Tuesday. In addition, I helped in the building of the Sukkah on my campus, and in one wing of Ben Yehuda Street, you can see a huge cluster of them. Sukkot is a very joyous holiday on the Jewish calendar, and the happy feeling is palpable everywhere in the form of festivals and celebrations. Sukkot lasts seven days, so it is likely that next week you will all be hearing some more about it. I wish you all a Happy Sukkot and a Shabbat Shalom (Peaceful Sabbath). Sincerely, Ari Kirsh
20 • NEWS SHALIT from page 1 released did not include Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Fatah activist who is seen as a possible replacement for Abbas. Hamas leader Mahmoud AlZahar also said that as part of the deal, Israel had agreed to lift the siege on Gaza that was imposed after Shalit was captured in June 2006 and deepened after Hamas took sole control of Gaza. An Israeli government spokesman would not comment on the report. The last obstacle to the prisoner exchange deal was removed late Monday after Israel’s Supreme Court ruled that it would not intervene to stop the release. Several families of victims killed in terror attacks had petitioned the court not to allow the deal to go forward. One of those was Yitzhak Ben Yishai, whose daughter Shoshi, 16, was killed 10 years ago in a drive-by shooting in the French Hill neighborhood of Jerusalem. The Palestinian who shot her was freed Tuesday. Unshaven, with white stubble on his cheeks, Ben Yishai, 55, said that his family has not recovered from Shoshi’s death. They are all U.S. citizens, and Shoshi was born ROMNEY from page 8 He cast Obama’s policies as contributing to Israel’s isolation. “I will bolster and repair our alliances,” Romney said. “Our friends should never fear that we will not stand by them in an hour of need. I will reaffirm as a vital national interest Israel’s existence as a Jewish state.” The Obama and Netanyahu governments have smoothed relations in recent months, and Israeli officials credit the administration with tightening defense ties and backing Israel at the United Nations. Obama also refers to Israel as a Jewish state. Sembler, who took Romney to Israel in 2007, said the former governor “gets it.” He recalled the BRIEFS from page 9 this discussion,” according to Ynet. Zur told reporters that Shalit’s attendance was like “stabbing someone in the back and twisting the knife.” “From our experience with past deals, and sadly we have a lot of experience, we know how many Israelis will be killed as a result of the release of these terrorists,” Zur told Channel 10 television. “I am here to protect my children who are still alive.” Schvuel Schijveschuurder, who lost his parents and three siblings in a 2001 bombing in Jerusalem, and who last week vandalized the Yitzhak Rabin memorial in Tel Aviv, yelled at Shalit, “Hang a black flag over your home in Mitzpe Hila, this is a day of mourning.” Schijveschuurder is among the
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in New York before moving to Israel at age 5. He said his five other children talk about Shoshi every day. “The man who killed Shoshi should be given the death penalty, not freed to go home to his family,” Ben Yishai told JTA with tears in his eyes. “This is giving in to terrorism.” But polls showed the majority of Israelis were in favor of the deal despite the heavy price. “Each of us shares Noam and Aviva Shalit’s joy with all his heart,” Yehuda Ben Meir, director of the National Security and Public Opinion Project of Tel Aviv University’s Institute for National Security Studies, wrote in Israel’s daily Haaretz. “The Shalits are noble people and it’s hard to imagine their suffering over the past five-and-a-half years. But the joy is mixed with great sorrow – sorrow over the release of hundreds of terrorist murderers, who by law and justice should have ended their lives behind bars.” In the West Bank, the released prisoners laid a wreath on the grave of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the prisoners back, saying,
“We thank G-d for your return and your safety. You are freedom fighters and holy warriors for the sake of the homeland.” Abbas is seen as being weakened by the prisoner exchange
deal, which Israel negotiated indirectly with Hamas. Just weeks after applying for Palestinian statehood at the United Nations, which gave him a boost in popularity, Abbas has been sidelined by the
swap. Hamas, by kidnapping an Israeli soldier, was able to get Israel to release more than 1,000 prisoners, including many who had actually killed Israelis. “The big winner is Hamas because the deal is so one-sided,” Brig.-Gen. Shlomo Brom, an expert on the Palestinians at the Tel Aviv University security institute, told JTA. “The loser is Mahmoud Abbas because he has become irrelevant, which is the worst thing for a politician.” Brom said he did not believe that Tuesday’s deal would lead to talks between Israel and Hamas or a resumption of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. In Shalit’s hometown, Mitzpe Hila residents prepared to greet Shalit with a human chain at the entrance to the community. His room has been repainted, and the family’s garden, which was not taken care of during the past 15 months while the family lived in a protest tent in Jerusalem opposite the prime minister’s residence, has been cleaned up. Shalit is expected to spend the next few weeks close to home. He will receive psychological assistance and spend time with his family.
overflight of the country, requisite for VIP guests, and a view of the security fence. “I remember us flying around with the two generals,” Sembler recalled. “The generals kept apologizing for the fence. Governor Romney said, ‘Are the people on the other side of the fence shooting, because I see bullet marks.’ The generals said yes, so Governor Romney said, ‘Don’t apologize.’ ” Romney in his speech suggested that Israel might become further isolated if Obama remains in office. “Will Iran be a fully activated nuclear weapons state, threatening its neighbors, dominating the world’s oil supply with a stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz?” he asked. “In the hands of the ayatol-
lahs, a nuclear Iran is nothing less than an existential threat to Israel. Iran’s suicidal fanatics could blackmail the world. “By 2015, will Israel be even more isolated by a hostile international community? Will those who seek Israel’s destruction feel emboldened by American ambivalence? Will Israel have been forced to fight yet another war to protect its citizens and its right to exist?” Romney said that as president he would “enhance our deterrent against the Iranian regime by ordering the regular presence of aircraft carrier task forces, one in the eastern Mediterranean and one in the Persian Gulf region. I will begin discussions with Israel to increase the level of our military assistance
and coordination. And I will again reiterate that Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon is unacceptable.” He also said he would centralize U.S. Middle East policy to ensure “that the Arab Spring does not fade into a long winter.” The speech came a day after Romney published a list of his foreign policy advisers, including many who have been active in or are close to the pro-Israel community, such as Norm Coleman, the former U.S. senator from Minnesota who is now active with the Republican Jewish Coalition; Dan Senor, the co-author of a book on Israeli technological innovation who often works with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee; and Dov Zakheim, a
former top Pentagon official in various Republican administrations who also is active with the American Jewish Committee. Zakheim said that Romney was approaching his foreign policy the same way he approached governance of Massachusetts, where he earned plaudits from Democrats for taxing corporations despite his closeness to business. “He seems to be the kind of guy who wants a range of opinions,” Zakheim said. “He chose a lot of folks from all over the spectrum.” Indeed, Zakheim and another adviser, Meghan O’Sullivan, have feet in the realist camp of GOP foreign policy, while Senor and Coleman are closer to neoconservatives.
petitioners asking the court to cancel the exchange deal. Gilad Shalit is expected to be released Tuesday; the release of Palestinian prisoners will begin the same day. Ze’ev Rapp, whose daughter was murdered in Bat Yam, shook Shalit’s hand and told him that the protesters had nothing against him or his son. Rapp added that he is considering returning his family’s identity cards and reserve force certificates in protest of the exchange. “I am not against Shalit’s return, I am against the release of my daughter’s murderer,” he said. “I have a written commitment from three prime ministers who promised me that he won’t be released. If this is the country I live in, I’ll draw my conclusions.” Ynet reported that Shalit listened to the demonstrators but did not respond.
Iran calls U.S. assassination charges ‘Nazi propaganda’ (JTA) — Iran’s foreign minister accused the United States of Nazistyle propaganda for charging that Tehran was linked to an assassination plot on American soil. Iran has denied being involved in the alleged plot, which would have paid organized crime groups in Mexico to carry out the killing of Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the U.S. using explosives. “These charges are like propaganda methods used during the Hitler era when they said make the lie big and loud and repeat it over and over again so that even you yourself would eventually believe it,” Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi was quoted by the website of the state television network IRIB as saying Monday. Hitler used the term the “big
lie” in his book “Mein Kampf” to refer to a lie so “colossal” that it would be widely believed. Hitler argued that Jews used the technique to blame Germany’s World War I loss on Erich Ludendorff, one of the nation’s top generals, and it was later used to describe Hitler’s own style of governance. Salehi said that Iran had asked the United States to provide information about the two Iranian men arrested in the plot and warned Saudi Arabia not to bring the case to the U.N. Security Council. Earlier Monday, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon referred correspondence from the United States, Iran and Saudi Arabia to the Security Council.
tion of student pro-Palestinian chapters gathered for its first national conference. The three-day conference at Columbia University ended Sunday. Titled “Students Confronting Apartheid,” the conference was restricted to members of Students for Justice in Palestine, one of the more active pro-Palestinian campus groups. “SJPs have decided to form their own national body to make sure students are at the forefront of deciding what the student movement is pursuing and how it pursues it rather than off-campus organizations,” Yaman Salahi, a student at Yale Law School and a member of the ad hoc national committee that organized the event, told the Forward. The media, including JTA, were not allowed to cover the event.
Courtesy Avi Ohayon/GPO
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks on as freed soldier Gilad Shalit is embraced by his father, Noam, at Israel’s Tel Nef Air Force base shortly after Shalit’s release from more than five years of captivity, Oct. 18, 2011.
Pro-Palestinian student group holds first national conference (JTA) — A loosely knit collec-
FIRST PERSON • 21
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Everyone needs a Jewish grandmother Incidentally Iris
by Iris Ruth Pastor If you were fortunate to know your grandmother(s) or if you are so blessed to be one, have I got a book for you: “The Smartest Woman I Know,” by Ilene Beckerman. I first met Ilene Beckerman face-to-face at the Grille at Palm Court in the Netherland Plaza about 15 years ago. It was her very first visit to Ohio and she was astounded by the art deco motif of the hotel and the fact that I wasn’t wearing overalls and carrying a hoe. “Why are you astonished?” I questioned her curiously. “Well,” she stammered, “you do live in Ohio and I just thought the whole state was farmland.” I forgave her. After all, having been born and bred in the bowels of New York City, what could she possibly know about the hinterlands?
In spite of the rocky start, our friendship flourished and endured. I would see her when I visited one of my sons, who was living/working in The City (New York City, of course). My newfound friend introduced me to the wonders of Zabar’s and Filene’s Basement and though I marveled at the retail finds, nothing compared to my exposure to her wit, humor and zany, but pragmatic, approach to life. Eagerly and over time, I gleaned the details of Beckerman’s life: after her mother died, her grandparents — not wanting her and her sister to live with their “no-good” father — took them in. Beckerman never saw her father again. At age 20, she married her 37 year-old Sociology professor (big surprise). They soon divorced (another big surprise). Beckerman then remarried, had six kids, losing one in infancy, and divorced again. Her 5” by 7” hardcover, profusely illustrated books reflect her tumultuous passage through life — her coming of age — with comic charm and poignancy. “Love, Loss and What I Wore” centers on our inclination to remember the pivotal, epiphany-laden events in our life by what we wore for the occasion. Besides her spunky writing and endearing, whimsical accompanying illustrations, this best-selling book inspired the offBroadway hit of the same name.
You gotta love this woman— who didn’t even write her first book until she was nearly 60. “I feel like Grandma Moses,” she quips. “She didn’t start until later in life either — but I try not to look like her.” In “What We Do For Love,” Beckerman examines our primal urge to keep trying to get it right and find Mr. Right. She eventually does....with Stanley, going on to marvel at “how two imperfect people could be so perfect for each other.” Ilene Beckerman’s books, crafted around the critical junctures in her life, repeatedly weave in her grandmother’s profound wisdom. In her just published book, “The Smartest Woman I Know,” she chronicles her grandmother’s advice “for everyone, about everything.” Beckerman’s Grandma Ettie, who only had a third grade education, was the smartest woman Ilene Beckerman ever knew. Here’s a sampling of her wit: On therapy: What you put in your stomach will make you feel better than what a man with a beard and an accent tells you about your mother. On perspective: If there was only one way of looking at something, G-d wouldn’t have given you two eyes. On belief: Everyone needs to believe in something. I have
always been able to count on my faith in the power of Vaseline, chicken soup and the Talmud. The Smartest Woman I Know proves why everyone profits from having a Jewish grandmother — an intensely loving, competent, opinionated woman endlessly offering advice, solicitude, protection and too much food. Her book, a tribute to the very insightful, wise and feisty woman who raised her, awakened in me wonderful recollections of my own larger-than-life grandmother and her whole generation—those indomitable women who met life head-on, with outsized confidence and no flinching. Where did they come from — literally and figuratively? One theory is that these spirited ladies came from a long line of Eastern European baleboostehs (praiseworthy homemakers/bossy women). While their husbands spent long hours in sparse surroundings studying Talmud, they managed the home, the kids and the household, scrimping by on their own meager earnings. When they fled to America, their husbands shed their payees (side earlocks/curls) and scholarly tracts and headed out to find employment. The women — by and large relegated to home and hearth — no longer had a viable outlet for their burning ambition and energy. Some turned their energies inward, overly focusing on their chil-
dren—giving birth to the stereotype of the Jewish mother as one of endless caretaking and continual self-sacrifice and pushy, aggressive, guilt-inducing neurotic behavior. Others, like Beckerman’s beloved Ettie Goldberg, worked right alongside their husbands in mom n’ pop storefronts dotting the Main Streets across America. My own grandmother, Lily Friedman, mirrored this model. At Friedman Flowers, my grandfather was the engaging dilettante who brought in the business and captivated the customers. She was chief bouquet/corsage maker, the toiler, the bill collector, the overseer and the task master. And, alas, she was also the soup maker — brewing up vast vats of vegetable soup and chicken soup and then dragging the homemade soup in huge cast iron pots down to “the store” so my grandfather would have nourishing food to eat. Many times I got to accompany her on her forays—witnessing her driving recklessly through intersections, yelling at the “momsers (bastards) and meshuggeners (crazy persons)” who dared to get in her way. Thanks Ilene — for the tears, the laughs and the recollection of all those long-buried, highly-cherished, never-forgotten memories.
to observe. Some members of the shul think it’s a pain because of all the security, but most members think it’s an honor or just accept it. On Tuesday, the police posted notices on all the buildings on our street that no parking would be allowed on the street on Friday, Erev Yom Kippur. The notice didn’t say why, but now we all know: The police would be erecting security barriers. On Thursday, the shul sent out an email notice to all members: Please arrive early for Kol Nidre (which was scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.) to allow time for security checks before the prime minister and president arrive. Candle lighting was at 4:40 p.m. Immediately after candle lighting, Allen and I left. The barrier extended halfway down the street and up to the corner past our building. The police opened the barrier for a woman in a wheelchair and also allowed Allen to go through that way since he is now partially handicapped and walks with two hiking poles. The security guards checked everyone as we entered the shul. Peres, Netanyahu and his sons sat in a front row near the rabbi, and Sara sat upstairs in a front row in the women’s section
in the balcony. Security guards were everywhere – in the front of the shul, in the back, on the sides, upstairs. Although during the year we do not have assigned seats in shul, for Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur we do. My seat is in the first row overlooking where Peres and Netanyahu sit, so I had a birds-eye view. It was very interesting and very revealing. It seems inconceivable, but Peres seemed to know nothing about the service or the siddur (prayerbook). He was always losing his place, and the rabbi frequently turned the pages for him. Netanyahu, on the other hand, seemed to follow the service. His younger son, Avner, is very knowledgeable, followed everything and was davening (praying) with the congregation. His brother, Yair, didn’t seem to know much about the service and was always asking Avner to find the place for him. (Interestingly, last year, Avner used to nudge Netanyahu when it was time to stand during the service, but this year it wasn’t necessary.) (I don’t know whether Avner is observant at all, but I do know that he is very knowledgeable – espe-
cially about the Bible. In 2010, he won the Jerusalem Bible Quiz and competed in the International Bible Quiz Competition on Yom Ha’atzmaut. It seems that knowledge has also transferred to holiday observance.) Peres did not stay for the entire evening service. Last year, he left shortly after Kol Nidre. This year, he stayed a little longer but left about halfway through the service. Netanyahu and his family, on the other hand, stayed for the entire evening service. One of the officers of the shul asked the congregation to remain in their seats until the prime minister and his family left. And everyone honored that request. Graciously, Netanyahu and Sara stopped to shake hands with many well-wishers on their way out of the synagogue. They don’t return the next day. I have no idea whether they attend services anywhere else. Late Saturday night, there was a lot of noise on our street. I said to Allen, “Do you think someone is making all that noise putting up a sukkah tonight?” “No,” Allen said, “it’s the police, taking down all the barriers.” And so it was until next year in Jerusalem!
Keep Coping, Iris Ruth Pastor
This Year in Jerusalem Singer Says
by Phyllis Singer This year we celebrated the Bar Mitzvah — the 13th year — of our High Holidays in Israel. And Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Peres came to our synagogue to celebrate with us! Well, not exactly to celebrate with us, but they were in our Beit Knesset (synagogue) for Kol Nidre. Actually, Netanyahu and Peres have been coming to our Beit Knesset for Kol Nidre for several years — beginning in 2009, the year Netanyahu was elected prime minister. Their official residences are in the neighborhood where we live. Our neighborhood is considered upscale, with a mixture of
luxury apartments, old-time apartment buildings built in the early years of the state, like the one where we live, and the official residences of the president and the prime minister. We live across the street from our synagogue. When we had to move from our previous apartment a little more than three years ago, we found this apartment. It’s smaller than what we wanted, but as they say in the real estate business – location, location, location! Allen was sick, and across from the shul was very convenient. And it still is. Two years ago, we couldn’t understand what was happening on our street Erev Yom Kippur. The police were everywhere, barriers were being erected, canvas drapes were put up in front of the lower entrance of the synagogue. And when it was time for Kol Nidre, we knew the reason: Netanyahu and Peres arrived with their security contingents. (Actually, Peres might have been there the year before; I don’t remember. If he was, the security arrangements were much lower.) This year was the third year that the two of them came to our shul. It’s a very interesting phenomenon
22 • OBITUARIES D EATH N OTICES SCHLOSS, Bert James, M.D., age 67, died on October 12, 2011; 14 Tishrei, 5772. SCHLOSSBERG, Alexander, age 98, died on October 13, 2011; 15 Tishrei, 5772. MILLMAN, Sid, age 81, died on October 17, 2011; 19 Tishrei, 5772. WEBER, Martha “Tillie,” age 85, died on October 17, 2011; 19 Tishrei, 5772. LITHUANIA from page 9 Milan Chersonskij, the former editor of Jerusalem of Lithuania, the country’s now-defunct Jewish newspaper, said he finds the juxtaposition of the two parliamentary resolutions troubling. He says the situation reflects an unwillingness to grapple with Lithuanian culpability in the Holocaust. “They want the European countries to forget and forgive BASKETBALL from page 10 “For the Jewish American players, playing professional basketball in Israel is a unique way to connect to their heritage,” said Rosen, who wants to make Maccabi Haifa into a viable option for top Jewish American players. The aliyah organization Nefesh B’Nefesh recently created a sports aliyah program to encourage athletes to move to Israel. “Aliyah is aliyah,” even if it’s primarily for professional reasons, said Nefesh spokeswoman Yael Katsman. “Look, Scheyer was stuck because of injuries and he wanted to give it a try here. The process of aliyah is so much easier now, and Israel is better known as a solid marketplace.”
WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM
them the Holocaust of the Jews. They’re doing all that they can,” he said. “The Holocaust, they say, was made not by Lithuanians but by Germans.” The text of the Holocaust remembrance resolution condemns “the genocide committed against Jews by Nazis and their collaborators in Lithuania during the occupation by Nazi Germany.” It also hails residents of Lithuania who fought against fascism and rescued Jews. The resolution was sponsored by Emmanuel Zingeris, a Lithuanian parliament member who is Jewish. He said the two initiatives simply honor different slices of the country’s history. A conversation and healthy dialogue between the two is important, he says. “In our parliament we have different political groups promoting different projects. We are a democracy, not a Belarus dictatorship,” Zingeris said. “We’ve struggled long enough for the right to live in a democratic society, where there’s no way one can block an initiative to mark and reflect on and evaluate history.”
Faina Kukliansky, a restitution lawyer who serves as the vice president of Lithuania’s approximately 3,500-member Jewish community, says it is important to remember that the country was under Soviet rule for 60 years and is only two decades into grappling with its role in the Holocaust. “You have to notice not only what is wrong but what is good,” she said. “Only to sit and criticize and not take part in all these events ... I don’t think it’s the best position.” Kukliansky said that funding from the Holocaust remembrance initiative has financed the commemoration of the old Jewish cemetery in Vilnius and facilitated the proper burial of 64 people killed during the Holocaust. She said the Jewish community has been involved every step of the way, and if she has concerns about the other parliamentary resolution, Kukliansky said she knows better than to bring them up now. The Jewish community has pushed for Jews to be included in events commemorating victims of Soviet oppression, with
some success, she said. “We try to use it as much as we can, to commemorate the events, to educate people, to use it in our favor,” she said. “We’re not openly fighting with the government about this issue.” The Holocaust commemorative year has brought tangible results, including 25 victim remembrance projects and the passage of a law that will allocate $53 million in compensation to Jewish communities. Zingeris noted that it also has spurred discussion about the construction of an upgraded memorial at Paneriai, near Vilnius, where some 70,000 Jews were murdered during the Holocaust, along with thousands of Poles and others. But Zuroff said the Holocaust commemoration year is a publicity stunt. “This is one big cover-up, and it’s part of a well-orchestrated and -financed campaign to fool world Jewry and help polish Lithuania’s image,” he said. “Everything that’s being done is being done for all the wrong reasons, and I haven’t seen any serious effort to honestly face the past.”
For Zingeris, the year represents a chance to increase tolerance in Lithuania and remind the country of its substantial Jewish heritage. “I just happen to be a secondgeneration Holocaust survivor and member of the parliament since 1990. If I would not introduce this resolution, perhaps there would be no Year of the Holocaust Remembrance,” he said. “We have to fight revisionist tendencies in our society. We have to honor the victims, the fighters and the rescuers.” Rabbi Sholem Ber Krinsky, who has served as the Chabad rabbi in Vilnius since 1994, said he has seen a noticeable thaw in Lithuania’s historic unwillingness to examine its past. “Everything here was frozen for 60 years. There’s new wounds,” he said. “You can’t change people’s psyche in a day and you can’t expect to.” Regarding the Holocaust initiative, Krinsky said, “They took a big step, so let’s applaud it. Why sift through the sand to find something negative?”
Scheyer had his initial NBA dreams dashed after an eye injury and a bout of mononucleosis. “I was out all last year and then played in the NBA D-League, which was definitely not what I’d planned,” he told JTA. “Maccabi had been talking to me since the end of college and I thought it was a really unique opportunity.” Certainly any basketball player wants to play in the NBA, says the former American-Israeli basketball star Tal “Mr. Basketball” Brody, who gave up his own NBA dreams 40 years ago when he played in the Maccabiah Games and decided to stay. But when circumstances prevail, Israel is considered a reasonable backup plan. “Players of the stature of Jon Scheyer or Jordan Farmar would say that their first desire is the NBA,” says Brody, who initially played for Maccabi Tel Aviv and is now Israel’s goodwill ambassador. “Look at [former Maccabi Tel
Aviv player] Anthony Parker, who’s now playing for [Cleveland] Cavaliers.” But Brody, a native of Trenton, N.J., and an Israel Prize laureate — says the athlete aliyah trend is about the globalization of basketball. “Anybody can play with anybody, so you have a Greek team with few Greeks, an Italian team with few Italians and Israeli teams with less Israelis,” he said. For other players, an Israeli team may offer an opportunity not available back home. Farine acknowledges that it was a professional decision for him to make aliyah because as a Canadian, he had less access to professional team opportunities than his American colleagues. And having an Israeli father, he can now make contact with an extensive network of relatives. “Making a living playing basketball in Israel is better than an
office job in Canada,” said Farine, who signed a two-year contract with Maccabi Haifa. “I hope to be living here and playing basketball for years to come.” Maccabi Haifa’s most highly touted player, the 21-year-old Landesberg, is in his second year with the team and thinks of Israel as a home away from home. Landesberg, the son of a Jewish father and a mother from Trinidad, says he sees the same reaction when people find out that the 6foot-6 guard with Trinidian features is Jewish. And now Israeli. “They all get the same facial expression,” he says with a chuckle. “Their eyes get wide open.” For an American Jew, playing basketball in Israel is about much more than the game, says Brody, considered Israel’s first modern sports hero. When he first came to Israel in 1965, Maccabi Tel Aviv had never made it past the first round of the
European championships. After successfully leading the U.S. team to a gold in the Maccabiah, Brody decided to give a year of his life to Maccabi Tel Aviv and help them advance past that crucial first round. Israel won its first Euroleague championship in 1977 and has won four more since, making it to the finals 14 times in all. “The conditions were primitive at the time,” Brody recalls of the early days. “We traveled around Israel, and I saw all that I had studied in Sunday religious school and saw people living it. I said OK, why not? “I’ve watched the progression of Israeli basketball for the past 45 years and seen the impact on the American players that have come here,” continues Brody, who served in both the U.S. and Israeli armies. “It’s very positive. People have come to play basketball here but have wound up staying.”
NETANYAHU from page 10
“Shalit is still alive.” Instead of getting arrested for the stunt on national television broadcast, he got an audience with Israeli opposition leader Tzipi Livni. But some analysts warned that all the public clamor to free Shalit only made a deal more difficult by increasing the price Hamas demanded for his release. Indeed, for years Israel insisted that the price was too high. On Tuesday, Time magazine reported that the exchange would include as many as 1,000 Palestinian prisoners – first the 450 named by Hamas, and then 550 named by Israel. The prisoners “will include as many as 315 men convicted of killing hundreds of Israelis in terror attacks,” Time
Foreign Editor Tony Karon wrote. Critics of prisoner-exchange swaps warn that such deal merely encourages Israel’s enemies to capture more Israelis. Such criticism followed thenPrime Minister Ehud Olmert’s decision in July 2008 to trade five Lebanese prisoners—including notorious murderer Samir Kuntar—and the bodies of 199 others in exchange for the bodies of Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, two Israeli soldiers captured in the border attack by Hezbollah that sparked the 2006 Lebanon War. Goldwasser and Regev were thought to have been killed in the attack or shortly thereafter, but until the coffins with their bodies
arrived on Israeli soil, Israeli officials said they could not know with certainty that they were dead. Shalit’s case has been a little different. In a video released by his captors in October 2009, a frail but otherwise healthy-looking Shalit held a current newspaper and read a message asking Israeli authorities to conclude an agreement for his release. In all his years in captivity, Shalit was allowed no international or Red Cross visitors. As Israel’s Cabinet debated the deal late Tuesday night, the heads of the Israel Defense Forces, the Mossad and the Shin Bet internal security service all reportedly expressed support for the deal.
Shalit’s plight struck a chord in the Jewish state and the Jewish world, and Israelis and Jews from all walks of life and political camps took part in activities calling for his release. It’s not clear whether this public campaign helped usher in the deal announced Tuesday or whether it hindered an agreement from being reached. Shalit’s family believed that it had to keep up the public pressure on the Israeli government to seal the deal. At the official state Independence Day ceremony last Yom Ha’atzmaut, in May, Shalit’s brother Yoel darted onstage with his girlfriend and a banner reading
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