The American Israelite, October 25, 2012

AI

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012 9 CHESHVAN, 5773

Access Volunteers make a splash in Overthe-Rhine p.11

CINCINNATI, OH Candle Lighting Times Shabbat begins Fri 6:26p Shabbat ends Sat 7:27p

VOL. 159 • NO. 14

The American Israelite T H E

O L D E S T

06

E N G L I S H

Retirement communities are taking the hopes and dreams of...

LOCAL

p.3

SINGLE ISSUE: $1.00 J E W I S H

07

W E E K L Y

I N

A M E R I C A

George McGovern, a pacifist who wanted to bomb Auschwitz

|

09

E S T .

1 8 5 4

|

“ L E T

Shining a light on the Holocaust saga of Bronislaw Huberman

T H E R E

10

B E

L I G H T ”

Preparing for war, Israel’s north looks to lessons from 2006

Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati hosts 16th annual meeting

Nothing black and white at JCRC’s Presidential...

DINING OUT

p.14

Tandoor Cuisine of India—at the cultural crossroads

BUSINESS

p.20

Jerome S. Teller receives the Lifetime Achievement in Law...

AUTOS

p.21

2013 Jaguar XF—as alive as you are

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!

The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati will host its 16th annual meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m., at the Mayerson JCC on The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati Campus. The Foundation will report on its activity and investments from the past year, and the program will be followed by a Community Dessert Reception.

The program, which will be open to the public, will include a presentation by Jewish Foundation President Michael R. Oestreicher, who will brief the community on the Foundation’s new philanthropic approach, highlight some of its most significant early investments, and preview the priorities that the Foundation will address in the year ahead.

Foundation Chairman Gary Heiman will provide an update on the organizational growth of the Foundation, and will also make a special presen-

tation to Benjamin Gettler, a Founding Trustee and the Foundation’s first president, who retired from the Board of Trustees in March.

“We are eager to report to the community on the progress we have made since presenting our strategic plan at the Foundation’s 2011 Annual Meeting,” said Oestreicher. “During the past year, our Trustees and professional staff have worked hard to assess community needs, and to develop new principles and grant-making practices intended to establish The Jewish Foundation as the trusted, high-impact investor that our community deserves. Although we are still at the beginning of this new epoch in the history of the Foundation, we are proud of the outcomes that already have been achieved with several community partners.”

The Foundation’s strategic plan calls for

investing its resources in five priority funding areas: Unmet Basic Needs, Jewish Educational Opportunities, Leadership Development, Continuous Jewish Involvement, and Israel Connection. The Annual Meeting reports will describe the progress made in each of those categories, with a particular focus on the ethic of partnering and collaboration that the Foundation has helped to develop among several different institutions through projects addressing multiple funding areas. This will include telling the story of the Foundation’s investment in Cedar Village — the first installment in its broader investment in senior services — as well as the groundbreaking initiatives created in partnership with Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institution of Religion, Jewish Family Service, the Jewish Federation and generous individual philanthropists.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012

LOCAL • 3

Nothing black and white at JCRC’s Presidential Candidates Forum

FOR WHAT’S NEW...

AI

The American Israelite

By Michael Sawan and Joshua Mizrachi Assistant Editors For anyone who has become tired of the endless rhetoric, attack ads, and good guy/bad guy politics of the 2012 presidential election, the JCRC’s Presidential Candidates Forum last Thursday was a strong move toward facts and accountability. The forum, moderated by Hagit Limor of WCPO-TV, featured Robert Wexler, a former Representative from Florida, defending President Barack Obama, and Noah Pollak the Executive Director of the Emergency Committee for Israel since 2010, defending Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. The evening also included a local candidates meet and greet, though for the purposes of this article there will be a focus on the information presented by the presidential representatives.

First and foremost, the evening was designed to be an “information session,” not a debate. Both representatives were there to explain the stances of their candidates. This would have entailed little or no argument between the two representatives, but rather an opportunity for each man to speak and better inform his audience.

This format was maintained through most of the evening, though often times debate-style arguments took place between the two representatives. The format was broken further when audience members would shout from the crowd, as they did several times while former Representative Wexler spoke.

Wexler spoke first, spending 10 minutes defending President Obama’s record on Israel. Wexler made repeated references to “certain facts that are not debatable,” though upon turning to Romney’s stance on women’s rights made a misstep into a factually obscured area: “If you believe that women are entitled to equal pay for equal work, President Obama believes very deeply in that position, Governor Romney did not make a commitment, and has not.” This comment elicited the first audience outburst, with several individuals calling out “not true” from the audience. Wexler directly addressed the group: “Not true?

We can debate that.” This flare up was brief, but was followed immediately by Wexler talking about the pre-existing illness clause of “Obamacare,” which caused yet more argument from certain members of the audience.

At one point moderator Limor had to remind the outspoken audience members that they were at an information session, not a debate.

STICK WITH THE OLDEST

LOCAL NEWS • A&E • TRAVEL • LEGAL SOCIAL NEWS • CALENDAR EVENTS INTERNATIONAL NEWS • OPINIONS BUSINESS • RECIPES • DINING OUT ANNOUNCEMENTS • AUTOS • Q&A

PLUS MUCH MORE! AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

MATH HELP IS HERE!!!

LEVEY TUTORIAL GARY LEVEY, INSTRUCTOR Over 30 years of Teaching and Tutoring, 9 years at Seven Hills Upper School

Noah Pollak speaks at last Thursday’s candidates forum while WCPO’s Hagit Limor and former Rep. Robert Wexler watch.

In Pollak’s opening remarks he initially criticized President Obama’s relationship with Israel, then added additional comments explaining why Romney would make a good alternative. He continually hammered on the idea that Obama maintains a policy of “condemning Israel without explicitly condemning Israel,” i.e., adopting policies that implicitly leave Israel alone in the international community. For example, after the Turkey-Israel flotilla debacle a year ago, Obama did not stop Turkey’s demand for a UN investigation into the event.

Pollak also addressed what he described as Obama’s unfair pressure against Israel, an “unprecedented” antipathy that Pollak at one point described as “beating the dog in public.” In relation to the dispute over settlements in Jerusalem, Pollak explained that “[the Obama Administration] organized a quartet statement condemning Israel, Hillary Clinton gave that famous 45 minute phone call where she cursed out and harangued the Prime Minister, various senior administration officials went on TV for two straight weeks questioning whether Israel was committed to peace, questioning whether Israel was really a U.S. ally and was committed to the relationship.”

This remained the tenure of the evening, with both representatives supplying anecdotes and figures to assess Obama’s time in office.

Often times the representatives would both talk about the same issue, but from different perspectives. For instance, Wexler praised the Obama administration for requesting that congress supply $205 million in aid for the further development of Israel’s Iron Dome system. Pollak took another angle, claiming that what Israel really needed was an unwavering ally

against Iran’s potentially nuclear threat, which the Iron Dome would be incapable of suppressing.

This complexity, the grayness that can come with complicated issues, was heavily emphasized throughout the night. Rabbi Eric Slaton, an audience member at the event, made clear just how involving the night had been: “It provided a lot of information. Both of them were very well informed on a lot of issues that I hadn’t heard. I need to sit down and think through what I heard to kind of come up with a balanced view.”

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN BLUE ASH IN THE SAME BUILDING AS JEFF’S DRIVING SCHOOL

10921 Reed Hartman Hwy, Ste 324 (513) 489-1551 or gary.levey@yahoo.com

TROUBLE IN MATH CLASS? EXAM HELP? SAT & ACT PREPARATION?

Please join us at Weil Funeral Home for refreshments and help us celebrate a tradition of caring for over 100 Years!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:30–9:00 PM Please join us for a lively and compelling discussion about Cremation or Burial: A Jewish View Doron Kornbluth is a renowned speaker, the best-selling author of Raising Kids to Love being Jewish and Why Be Jewish? and appears frequently in Jewish Media around the world. He will speak about this sensitive subject, discuss both sides of the question, and share his conclusions after three years of intensive research into the philosophies and practicalities of end-of-life choices.

Doron has developed a very positive way of discussing this controversial issue .

His book Cremation or Burial: A Jewish View is now available. He is a wonderful educator and this book is full of thought-provoking insights on this topic .

Book signing to follow lecture .

100 Years in Business Founded 1912

8350 Cornell Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45249 513-469-9345 www.weilfuneralhome.com

4 • LOCAL

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

Wise Temple hosts art exhibit “The collection is really unique, and we know that our members will learn a lot from this presentation from the Art Museum.”

“Outside the Ordinary” will take place at Wise Center in Amberley Village on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 1:30 p.m. This program is open to the community, and there is no charge.

Talking Torah at Wise Temple families about Torah. The highlight will be the moment when Rabbi Kamrass takes the Torah scroll and unrolls it for the participants to see up close. He will show the group what makes the Torah scroll so special, and will point out various fun and interesting facts regarding this sacred text in an age-appropriate fashion.

“It is always a joy to see the reaction on a child’s face when he or she experiences Torah in such a personal and tangible way,” reflected Rabbi Kamrass. “We hope that through this evening the kids and

their parents will gain a better sense regarding Torah’s role in Judaism, and that they will be inspired to learn more about our religion and participate in Jewish life.”

Following the presentation, Rabbi Kamrass will lead the families in the Shabbat blessings, and then the participants will enjoy an Italian Fare Dinner with a nut-free dessert.

There is a charge for the dinner, and reservations are required.

Wise Temple introduced YoFI several years ago as a way to address the social, spiritual, and religious needs of families with young

Temple members and declared a new era for the Brotherhood. With the assistance of Phyllis Tobias, who was serving as Wise Temple’s Program Director at the time, and Rabbi Ilana Baden, who soon after became the staff liaison, the group set goals for themselves to increase membership and activity.

“We tried to identify programs, events, and activities that would engage our men and provide a real service to Wise Temple,” expounded Brotherhood past president, Billy Bie. “One of our first ongoing successes was our relationship with the Lighthouse Youth Services,” shared Brotherhood past president, Lew Ebstein. In addition to the special

activities, such as canoeing and bicycle outings, the men of Wise Temple visit Lighthouse on a quarterly basis to share a meal with the boys. Ebstein reflected, “Imagine life as a teen and not seeing a family member or a caring adult other than a staff member for days, weeks, or maybe longer. The Wise Temple Brothers listen, play games, shoot hoops, and most importantly, bring a caring presence.”

Another pet project that the Brotherhood initiated is its annual Sukkot activities. The Brotherhood has fashioned sukkah kits that the group makes available to families, and will even assemble and disassemble for those who need the extra help. In addition, the Brothers host

children. While the events are designed for children from birth to age 5, all of YoFI’s programs are geared for the family. Therefore, older siblings, parents, grandparents, and friends are more than welcome to participate. The Wise Temple Sisterhood has graciously underwritten this initiative with the understanding of how important this endeavor is to the congregation.

For more information on “Talking Torah with Rabbi Kamrass”, or on YoFI in general, please contact the Wise Temple office.

an annual Sukkot Cook-Out and Camp-Out for the congregation. Past Brotherhood president, Scott Joseph commented, “It is always wonderful to share this joyous holiday with our community in such a social way.”

Of course, the Brotherhood’s signature event has become its annual Chicken Soup Cook-Off. Dr. Andy Markiewitz expressed, “This is definitely the highlight of our year’s activities, and we are grateful to Dr. Jay Rissover and Rick Seelig who have spearheaded this wonderful event year after year.”

According to Snyder, the key to the Wise Temple Brotherhood’s success is its unofficial motto: Come to what you want, as much or as little—just get involved.

Wise Temple offers array of adult learning sessions ation. What does Jewish tradition have to say about this seeming conflict? Rabbi Kamrass will consider Jewish teachings on creation and evolution, and will lead us in exploring the question of whether, and how, we can integrate both into our understanding of the world.

The Tuesday with Torah series continues on Nov. 27 and Dec. 4, as Rabbi Ariel Boxman, education intern at Wise Temple, will offer a course entitled, Jewish “Ethics and Morality–Timeless Wisdom for Timely Issues.” Participants in this two-session course will have the opportunity to explore a variety of ethical issues through a Jewish lens, surveying biblical, rabbinic and modern views.

Adult learners will also find many Sunday morning opportunities at Wise Temple in the weeks ahead. On Nov. 4, at 9:30 a.m., all parents in the community are invit-

ed to a program sponsored by the Wise Temple Sisterhood, entitled “Focus on Parenting–Building Emotional Intelligence.” Led by staff members of Jewish Family Service, this program will help parents learn how to foster emotional health and resilience in children, and encourage emotional awareness, sensitivity and cooperation.

On Nov. 11, from 10-11:30 a.m., Rabbi Ken Kanter will present a program called “We Jews on Broadway.” In a song and story-filled format, Kanter will trace the history of the contribution to the Broadway musical by American Jews.

Finally, Wise Temple presents two different programs with national experts that will examine the election’s impact on Jewish concern for Israel, and a post-election analysis of the Jewish vote. Co-sponsored by Wise Temple and The Cincinnati Chapter of the American Jewish

Committee, Herb Keinon, Diplomatic Correspondent for the Jerusalem Post will present a program on Nov. 12, from 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Wise Center on the topic of “Will the U.S. Election Change Israeli Policy?” Examining the results of the November election, and assessing their significance for Israel and U.S. policy toward Iran, diplomacy with the Palestinians, and attitudes toward the settlements, he will review the impact of the election on American policy in Israel.

Then, on Nov. 16, at 6:15 p.m. at Wise Center, we will welcome back Dr. Steven Windmueller to address the outcome of the elections and to assess patterns and development in Jewish voting. His topic will be “Is the Jewish vote changing?” His presentation during services and during a Shabbat dinner that follows SESSIONS on page 19

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012 9 CHESHVAN 5773 SHABBAT BEGINS FRIDAY 6:26 PM SHABBAT ENDS SATURDAY 7:27 PM THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE CO., PUBLISHERS 18 WEST NINTH STREET, SUITE 2 CINCINNATI, OHIO 45202-2037 Phone: (513) 621-3145 Fax: (513) 621-3744 publisher@americanisraelite.com editor@americanisraelite.com production@americanisraelite.com RABBI ISAAC M. WISE Founder, Editor, Publisher, 1854-1900 LEO WISE Editor & Publisher, 1900-1928 RABBI JONAH B. WISE Editor & Publisher, 1928-1930 HENRY C. SEGAL Editor & Publisher, 1930-1985 PHYLLIS R. SINGER Editor & General Manager, 1985-1999 MILLARD H. MACK Publisher Emeritus NETANEL (TED) DEUTSCH Editor & Publisher YEHOSHUA MIZRACHI MICHAEL SAWAN Assistant Editors ALEXIA KADISH Copy Editor JANET STEINBERG Travel Editor MARIANNA BETTMAN NATE BLOOM IRIS PASTOR RABBI A. JAMES RUDIN ZELL SCHULMAN RABBI AVI SHAFRAN PHYLLIS R. SINGER Contributing Columnists JOSEPH D. STANGE Production Manager ERIN WYENANDT Office Manager e Oldest Eng Th

ewish N h-J ew lis

In the ongoing array of adult lifelong opportunities at Wise Temple, Eitz Chayim (The Tree of Life) Lifelong Learning presents several possibilities, including two weekday noontime series and two Sunday morning programs that are open to the community. In addition, on the heels of the election that will prominently spotlight Ohio, we will offer two separate opportunities to hear from experts on Jewish views and influence on the election.

The weekday series, Tuesday with Torah, continues in November with two multi-session courses offered by Wise Temple rabbis.

Each Tuesday from noon until 1 p.m. the community is invited to bring lunch and to learn together.

On Nov. 6, 13 and 20, Rabbi Lewis Kamrass will offer a look at “Creation vs. Evolution.” The scientific theory of evolution seems to contradict the biblical view of cre-

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

VOL. 159 • NO. 14

Wise Temple Brotherhood celebrates a decade of success On Thursday, Nov. 8, the members of the Wise Temple Brotherhood will enjoy a very special monthly dinner meeting that will honor the last 10 years of the group’s success with special guest speaker Rabbi Sam Joseph.

“Just about 10 years ago, our congregation realized that the Brotherhood was alive, but was not kicking so much,” explained current Brotherhood president, David Snyder. “It was time to figure out how we could forge a new path that would allow the Brothers to operate with more vitality and enthusiasm.”

With this in mind, several men came together to brainstorm ideas to reinvigorate the Brotherhood.

They reached out to other Wise

The American Israelite

•

Isaac M. Wise Temple’s YoFI (Young Family Involvement) group will host “Talking Torah with Rabbi Kamrass: A Shabbat Celebration” on Friday, Nov. 2.

“We are looking forward to this interactive evening,” commented YoFI co-chair Alison Moss. “It is a great way to come together as families to share Shabbat and expose our children to the concept of Torah.”

The evening will begin at 6:15 p.m. with a song session by YoFI’s lead song leader, Steve Pollak.

Then, Rabbi Lewis Kamrass will speak to the children and their

AI

Est. 1854

assembly of art. In addition, this collection provides an opportunity for understanding the history, growth, and future of the contemporary craft movement.

“We are very excited to be able to share this program with our congregation,” commented the program’s co-chairs, Joyce Alpiner, Shirley Behr, and Gloria Wolfson.

• ca

picked to be documented and photographed in full color. Master artists such as Howard Ben Tré, Dale Chihuly, William Morris, Wendell Castle, David Ellsworth, Virginia Dotson, Michael Lucero, Michelle Holzapfel, Theman Statom, Ginny Ruffner, Akio Takamori, and Betty Woodman are featured in this incredible

r in Am ape er sp i

The Wise Temple Senior Adults are proud to host the Cincinnati Art Museum’s presentation “Outside the Ordinary: Contemporary Art in Glass, Wood, and Ceramics from the Wolf Collection” on Tuesday, Nov. 13.

This collection includes 67 masterworks that were hand-

THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE (USPS 019-320) is published weekly for $44 per year and $1.00 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.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012

LOCAL • 5

Rabbi Michael Hattin visits Cincinnati Former Cincinnatian, Rabbi Michael Hattin, will visit Cincinnati on Shabbat, Nov. 3, to serve as scholar-in-residence at the Golf Manor Synagogue. Rabbi Hattin, who got his start at Golf Manor as Outreach Director, is a master Tanakh teacher at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem and the Director of the Beit Midrash for the Pardes Center for Jewish Educators. He studied

for rabbinic ordination at Yeshivat Har Etzion and holds a professional degree in architecture from the University of Toronto. He has served as scholar-in-residence in many communities in North America and Europe and now lives in Alon Shevut with his wife Rivka and their five children.

Services begin at 9 a.m. where Hattin will deliver the sermon on Shabbat morning at 10:45 a.m. enti-

tled: “Leveraging All of the ‘Lech Lechas’ for Success—A Close Look at Lot’s Portfolio.” At 5 p.m. he will deliver a lecture entitled “Akedat Yishmael—Exploring the Limits of Trust,” followed by mincha at 5:45 p.m. and a family shalosh-seudos at 6:15 p.m., where he will conclude at 6:30 p.m. with a discussion of his new book.

The entire community is invited to attend.

Cincinnati Playhouse performs at the J Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s production of Accidental Friends performs at the Mayerson JCC at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 28.

This performance is free and open to the entire community.

Accidental Friends is a hilarious comedy geared for kids ages 7 and up, and their families. It is a story about Jonathan, Hilda and their unique friendship. Jonathan loves sports and hanging out with his close circle of friends. When he is sidelined by an injury that leaves him temporarily blinded, the only classmate brave enough

to visit him in the hospital is Hilda, a quirky loner. Her amusing letters and relentless encouragement help him heal, while teaching him valuable lessons about the importance of looking beyond appearances. When Jonathan returns to school and turns his back on Hilda, they both learn about true friendship in this funny and moving production.

This heartfelt comedy, presented by the Wolf Center for Arts and Ideas at the Mayerson JCC, touches on issues of friendship, selfconfidence and body image.

“At the Mayerson JCC, we strive to present meaningful, family-friendly performances by reputable local theater groups to give our youngest arts patrons easy access to great works of art,” said Courtney Cummings, JCC Cultural Arts Manager. “This is such a wonderful opportunity for children and their families to enjoy an age-appropriate, quality production.”

For more information about this free Playhouse production, call Courtney Cummings, JCC Cultural Arts Manager.

Local Jewish organizations seeking interns? Seek Workum

By Brett Pelchovitz Stern Guest Writer The Therese M. Workum Fund has been in existence for 95 years.

For the past 26 years, the Workum Fund has been providing quality summer interns to Cincinnati’s Jewish agencies. The focus of our program is preparing interns to play a valuable role in the Jewish community after college, either professionally or as a volunteer.

Through their summer internships, Jewish college students from the Cincinnati area obtain valuable job skills, gain exposure to the organized Jewish world, and benefit from the mentoring of a supervisor at their agency. In return, participating Jewish agencies get a hardworking, dedicated summer intern, specifically chosen for each agency through a highly competitive selection process.

We invite organizations to apply for a Workum intern for the summer of 2013. If you would like to have an intern this coming summer, please prepare a job description. This description should be fairly specific in order to provide the applicants with a clear understanding of the position. The proj-

ect(s) you select for your intern should be challenging, informative and helpful to your agency and the Jewish community. If you wish, you may provide two or more projects from which the intern can choose. In preparing your job description, please keep in mind that interns work 30 hours per week for a total of eight weeks and will be out of your building on Wednesday mornings for group meetings.

Also, interns must have a specific supervisor. This supervisor, or a designated representative, must be in the building on each day the intern reports for work. This supervisor will be required to attend a meeting in May to discuss job specifications and mentoring methods. Please indicate the name and title of this supervisor on your job description.

Finally, projects assigned should be meaningful and not simply time-consuming. While interns may make copies or phone calls for your agency, this should not be the main thrust of their work.

The salaries for the interns are funded as a partnership between Workum and the hosting agency.

Participating agencies are asked to

contribute a specified amount toward the intern’s salary. Workum will match this amount for each intern granted. The Workum program itself is partially funded by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.

WORKUM on page 19

Vote for Steve

BLACK JUDGE for

Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas • Fresh Perspective: 37 yrs of practicing law and courtroom experience trying cases in commercial, real estate, probate and environmental law • Wealth of Experience: Harvard JD, Vice Chair WCET Board Of Trustees, Past President Cincinnati Children’s Home, Former Mayor of Indian Hill, Trustee Cincinnati Law Library Assoc., School Brd. President • Fiscally Responsible: As Mayor of Indian Hill reduced city income taxes. Aims to reduce court costs and time for litigants and taxpayers.

www.BlackforJudge2012.com *Court of Common Pleas Field Race, 2012 Cincinnati Bar Association Judicial Poll, http://www.cincybar.org/news-resources/news.php/2012/38-2012-judicial-poll-results/ Paid for by Steve Black for Judge Committee, Michael Miller, Treasurer, 5700 Drake Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45243

6 • LOCAL

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

Retirement communities are taking Cedar Village honored the hopes and dreams of Ohioans for abuse prevention to Western Wall Cedar Village, Otterbein prepare for groundbreaking interfaith mission to Israel Residents from two Greater Cincinnati retirement communities will be taking handwritten notes to Jerusalem—with the hopes and dreams of hundreds of people—and placing them in the Western Wall.

It’s a sacred act to be carrying the prayers—part of a groundbreaking interfaith mission by Cedar Village Retirement Community and Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Community.

The nonprofit retirement communities will be taking the 6,000mile journey to better understand each other’s faiths. Cedar Village in Mason is affiliated with the Jewish community; Otterbein in Lebanon is connected to the United Methodist Church.

The mission, called Building Bridges at Any Age, will arrive in Israel on Thursday, Oct. 25 and return on Sunday, Nov. 4. Thirty people will be traveling, including eight Cedar Village residents and five Otterbein residents. Some are in their late 80s.

It’s customary for Jews visiting the Western Wall to place prayer notes between the huge blocks of stones. Some people bring a few

Cedar Village resident Susan Levin, along with Rabbi Gerry Walter, is placing a prayer note in a replica of the Western Wall, which was built by Cedar Village residents and staff. It stands in the Cedar Village lobby.

notes from friends and relatives. But it’s extraordinary to bring hundreds of prayers.

Carol Silver Elliott, president and CEO of Cedar Village, said the Western Wall project connects the retirement communities to each other—and to the general community—in a tangible and spiritual way.

“These notes are among the most important things we’re taking to Israel,” she said. “There’s a sacred nature to being responsible

for them—for ensuring that they are thoughtfully and carefully placed.”

To prepare for the journey, residents of both retirement communities built replicas of the Western Wall at the retirement communities, using more than 100 cardboard boxes for each replica. With beige paint and Spanish moss, the replicas bear a strong resemblance to the real wall, but on a much smaller scale.

COMMUNITIES on page 22

Cedar Village Retirement Community was honored last month with the Social Commitment Award from LeadingAge Ohio, in recognition of their Shalom Center for Elder Abuse Prevention. The award was presented during the LeadingAge Ohio Awards Celebration as part of the 2012 Annual Conference and Trade Show that celebrated the association’s 75 years as the advocate of not-for-profit services for older Ohioans.

This award is presented for achievement of an individual, program or organization that has made a significant contribution to social justice, cultural diversity, equal opportunity and harmonious ethnic relations through programs, services, advocacy or leadership.

To combat the growing issue of elder abuse, Cedar Village opened the Shalom Center for Elder Abuse Prevention, providing a safe haven for older victims of abuse by offering lodging that includes coordinated health care and supportive services. The Shalom Center, the

only Elder Abuse shelter in Ohio and one of only six nationally, has helped to bring light to this often overlooked issue through its services, outreach efforts and symposiums on the issue of elder abuse.

“With an aging population in our state, including an increasing numbers of residents with dementia-related issues, the opportunity for any form of abuse of vulnerable elderly citizens is increasing,” said LeadingAge Ohio Professional Recognition Committee Chair Adrienne Walsh of Bayley Place in Cincinnati. “With the Shalom Center, Cedar Village has provided a safe haven for victims of elder abuse while providing a model for the state and nation to address this growing and unacceptable issue.”

Next month, Carol Silver Elliott, the CEO of Cedar Village, will be one of three executives that will sit on a panel at The White House. The focus will be elder abuse shelters.

Currently, 50 percent of the elder abuse shelters in the nation are managed by Jewish senior communities.

YPs connect and work out at the J Young professionals (YPs) age 21- 35 are joining the JCC left and right making it more than just a place to work out, but also a place to connect and enjoy great YP events. The YPs at the JCC program is an innovative partnership between the Mayerson Foundation and the J with the goal of providing fun, social and health conscious events for the younger Jewish community.

The next free YP event at the J is a pumpkin carving social on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. YPs will get into the fall spirit with drinks and dinner at the J Café followed by pumpkin carving, pumpkin style beer and pumpkin inspired desserts. There will be prizes for the scariest, funniest and most original pumpkin. The YP program will supply dinner, drinks, dessert and everything you need to carve the perfect pumpkin.

Please RSVP to Josh Rothstein— JCC young professionals outreach coordinator—at the J to reserve a spot at this great event.

In addition to great YP events, the JCC has created special group exercise programs to appeal to this demographic including Tabata, R.I.P.P.E.D. and Knock Out. All are high energy classes that focus on resistance, power, strength and flexibility. The most recent supersized high impact yoga class was attended by over 40 YPs who were treated to a great workout and snacks, drinks and fun in the beautiful JCC courtyard.

“The Cincinnati JCC is a great community facility! I love having a place where I can run into other Jews from all over the Cincinnati area. The staff, amenities and convenience are additional compliments, which all contribute to the JCC feeling like home,” said YP Josh Weprin.

Two more great upcoming events for YPs are Trim the Turkey Fat on Monday, Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m. and Scooba Doobie Doo on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m.

At Trim the Turkey Fat, YPs will experience a healthy cooking demo and learn from Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Peachy Seiden about how to make more health conscious decisions and turn Thanksgiving leftovers into simple, yet nutritious snacks.

Ever wanted to learn how to scuba dive? At Scooba Doobie Doo, here is your chance! No experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided. YPs will have the chance to scuba in small groups in 30 minute increments with a certified instructor. Before and after lessons, the pool, hot tub and lazy river will be open for enjoyment. Both events are free and require an RSVP. YP events at the J are typically free for J Members, ages 21 – 35.

Non-member YPs who would like to check out the programs are encouraged to contact Rothstein to get a free guest pass. For more information about fitness programs and membership at the J, visit their website.

NATIONAL • 7

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012

George McGovern, a pacifist who wanted to bomb Auschwitz

By Rafael Medoff Jewish Telegraph Agency WASHINGTON – George McGovern is widely remembered for advocating immediate American withdrawal from Vietnam and sharp reductions in defense spending. Yet despite his reputation as a pacifist, the former U.S. senator and 1972 presidential candidate, who died Sunday at 90, did believe there were times when America should use military force abroad.

Case in point: the Allies’ failure to bomb Auschwitz, an episode with which McGovern had a littleknown personal connection.

In June 1944, the Roosevelt administration received a detailed report about Auschwitz from two escapees who described the massmurder process and drew diagrams pinpointing the gas chambers and crematoria. Jewish organizations repeatedly asked U.S. officials to order the bombing of Auschwitz and the railroad lines leading to the camp. The proposal was rejected on the grounds that it would require “considerable diversion” of planes that were needed elsewhere for the war effort. One U.S. official claimed that bombing Auschwitz “might provoke even more vindictive action by the Germans.”

Enter McGovern. In World War II, the 22-year-old son of a South Dakota pastor piloted a B-24 “Liberator” bomber. Among his targets: German synthetic oil factories in occupied Poland – some of them less than five miles from the Auschwitz gas chambers.

In 2004, McGovern spoke on camera for the first time about those

Courtesy of Warren K Leffler via Lib. of Congress

Sen. George McGovern speaking during his presidential campaign, June 1972.

experiences in a meeting organized by the David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies with Holocaust survivor and philanthropist Sigmund Rolat and filmmakers Stuart Erdheim and Chaim Hecht.

McGovern dismissed the Roosevelt administration’s claims about the diversion of planes. The argument was just “a rationalization,” he said, noting that no diversions would have been needed when he and other U.S pilots already were flying over that area.

Ironically, the Allies did divert military resources for other reasons.

For example, FDR in 1943 ordered the Army to divert money and manpower to rescue artwork and historic monuments in Europe’s battle zones. The British provided ships to bring 20,000 Muslims on a religious pilgrimage from Egypt to Mecca in the middle of the war. Gen. George Patton even diverted U.S. troops in

Could Russia’s crackdown against foreign NGOs imperil Jewish groups working there?

By Neil Rubin Jewish Telegraph Agency WASHINGTON – Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, it didn’t take long for international Jewish groups to rush into Russia and begin rebuilding institutions of Jewish life that had been destroyed under generations of communist repression.

In the two decades since, Russian Jewry has undergone a remarkable revival, and Diaspora Jewish institutions from the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee to the Jewish Agency for Israel to the Chabad–Lubavitch movement have been there every step of the way.

But with the environment in President Vladimir Putin’s Russia growing increasingly hostile toward foreign nongovernmental organizations, could the opera-

tions of international Jewish groups be in jeopardy?

“We’re in a very reactionary phase,” said James Brooke, the Moscow correspondent for the Voice of America. “The current leadership doesn’t favor civil society and prefers vertical power, which is an authoritarian, dictatorial concept from the top of salute and shut up.”

On Oct. 1, in a sign of rising tensions between Washington and Moscow, Russia announced that it was ending all U.S. Agency for International Development operations in the country, ending a program that has invested more than $2.7 billion in Russia since 1991 to promote “a more open and innovative society and a strengthened partnership between Russia and the United States.”

CRACKDOWN on page 22

Austria to save 150 of the famous Lipizzaner dancing horses.

“There is no question we should have attempted ... to go after Auschwitz,” McGovern said in the interview. “There was a pretty good chance we could have blasted those rail lines off the face of the earth, which would have interrupted the flow of people to those death chambers, and we had a pretty good chance of knocking out those gas ovens.”

Even if there was a danger of accidentally harming some of the prisoners, “it was certainly worth the effort, despite all the risks,” McGovern said, because the prisoners were already “doomed to death” and an Allied bombing attack might have slowed down the mass-murder process, thus saving

many more lives.

At the time, 16-year-old Elie Wiesel was part of a slave labor battalion stationed just outside the main camp of Auschwitz. Many years later, in his best-selling book “Night,” Wiesel described a U.S. bombing raid on the oil factories that he witnessed. “[I]f a bomb had fallen on the blocks [the prisoners’ barracks], it alone would have claimed hundreds of victims on the spot. But we were no longer afraid of death; at any rate, not of that death,” Wiesel wrote. “Every bomb that exploded filled us with joy and gave us new confidence in life. The raid lasted over an hour. If it could only have lasted ten times ten hours!”

At the time, McGovern and his fellow pilots had no idea what was happening in Auschwitz.

“I attended every briefing that the air force gave to us,” he said. “I heard everyone, from generals on down. I never heard once mentioned the possibility that the United States air force might interdict against the gas chambers.”

Ironically, in one raid, several stray bombs from McGovern’s squadron missed the oil factory they were targeting and accidentally struck an SS sick bay, killing five SS men.

McGovern said that if his commanders had asked for volunteers to bomb the death camp, “whole crews would have volunteered.” Most soldiers understood that the war against the Nazis was not just a military struggle but a moral one, as well. In Introducing:

The United States of Shabbat An all-American celebration with a traditional Jewish twist

Greetings from

his view they would have recognized the importance of trying to interrupt the mass-murder process, even if it meant endangering their own lives in a risky bombing raid.

Indeed, the Allies’ air drops of supplies to the Polish Home Army rebels in Warsaw in August 1944 were carried out by volunteers, who agreed to undertake the missions despite the hazards of flying their planes to areas outside their normal range.

McGovern noted that he remained an ardent admirer of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

“Franklin Roosevelt was a great man and he was my political hero,” he said in the interview. “But I think he made two great mistakes in World War II.” One was the internment of Japanese Americans; the other was the decision “not to go after Auschwitz. ... God forgive us for that tragic miscalculation.”

In contrast with his pacifist image, McGovern emphasized that for him, the central lesson of the U.S. failure to bomb Auschwitz was the need for “a determination that never again will we fail to exercise the full capacity of our strength in that direction.”

He added, “We should have gone all out [against Auschwitz], and we must never again permit genocide.”

Rafael Medoff is founding director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies and the author or editor of 15 books about the Holocaust and American Jewish history.

Join Access for a

Cincinnati-Style Shabbat Showcasing the best culture and cuisine our city has to offer

Friday, November 9th At the Historic Plum Street Temple Optional Service: 6:15pm Shabbat Dinner: 7:15pm

FREE

Enjoy a Cincinnati sit-down Shabbat Dinner:

with advance RSVP by November 6th Information about discount hotels and accomodations available Open to Jewish YPs 21-35 Non-Jewish significant others always welcome

j Montgomery Inn chicken and brisket (Vegetarian options available)

j Busken Bakery treats j Complimentary drinks But first, join us for an optional and engaging service just for Access with a performance by the Shir Chadash Band.

www.jypaccess.org Access is an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation

8 • NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

Leaving State Department’s anti-Semitism post, International Hannah Rosenthal reflects on accomplishments Briefs

By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraph Agency WASHINGTON – AntiSemitism overseas is being noted with increasing frequency by U.S. State Department human rights reports, and Hannah Rosenthal says that’s a good thing.

Rosenthal, the State Department’s second antiSemitism monitor, says increased reporting reflects burgeoning awareness of the problem among U.S. diplomats.

“The not-so-sexy part of what I’ve done has been what I’ve done inside the building,” she said Oct. 5 in a phone interview from the State Department. It was her last day on the job before she assumes a new position – president and CEO of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.

Rosenthal and her staff of six within the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor cleared bureaucratic hurdles, she said, to establish a required 90-minute course on anti-Semitism at the Foreign Service Institute, the training school for diplomats, as well as a 341-word definition of antiSemitism.

“Our reporting has improved many times over – 300 percent in the three years I’ve been here,” said Rosenthal, 61, who took up

Courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Baku

Hannah Rosenthal, center, the anti-Semitism monitor for the U.S., meeting with English language micro-scholarship students in Azerbaijan, March 2011.

her State Department post in November 2009. “That doesn’t mean anti-Semitism was increasing in all those countries.”

Rosenthal, who attracted headlines for high-profile encounters overseas with foreign officials, says the intradepartmental achievements were no small matter.

“That definition? It had to be cleared by a gazillion people,” she said. “But we were able to get a comprehensive definition that

included not only traditional forms – blood libel, stereotypes – but newer forms like Holocaust denial and Holocaust relativism, and we were able to get included in there where legitimate criticism of Israel crosses into anti-Semitism.”

Much of the definition straddles the delicate balance between legitimate criticism of Israel and anti-Jewish bias.

It incorporates the three D’s first outlined by Natan Sharansky,

the one-time prisoner of the Soviet gulag who now chairs the Jewish Agency for Israel, as the marks of Israel criticism that crosses over into anti-Jewish bias: demonizing, double standards and delegitimizing. The definition, which does not credit Sharansky, adds an italicized caveat: “However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as anti-Semitic.”

Rosenthal describes the definition as a breakthrough.

“We have now a definition we can train people on, and we’ve been very aggressive in training foreign service officers,” she said.

The result: Whereas antiSemitism received passing mentions in previous reports or was addressed separately, in recent years it has received extensive attention. In the most recent report on Ukraine, for instance, antiSemitism earned its own chapter heading and 550 words among 15,000.

Jewish community professionals say the definition, training course and attention paid in the reports translate into a stakehold for the community in a department that historically has suffered from a reputation of inattentiveness to anti-Jewish bias.

ROSENTHAL on page 22

Weaponization vs. ‘capability’: Defining the candidates’ differences on Iran

By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraph Agency WASHINGTON – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made headlines last month with this question: What are the U.S. red lines when it comes to Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons program?

The two presidential campaigns are offering two different answers.

“Recently, President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden have talked about weaponization and Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan talk about nuclear weapons capability,” said Michael Makovsky, a Bush administration Pentagon official who now directs the National Security Project at the Bipartisan Policy Center.

So what do the terms weaponization and capability mean as red lines?

The issue of red lines was lent urgency on Sept. 11, when at a blistering news conference, Netanyahu seemed to warn that a failure to set red lines for Iran could trigger a strike by Israel – an action the Obama administration

has tried mightily to prevent.

“Those in the international community who refuse to put red lines before Iran don’t have a moral right to place a red light before Israel,” Netanyahu said at the time. The term “red lines” refers to actions that could trigger military action to stop Iran from progressing further.

In the Oct. 11 vice-presidential debate, the differences between the two U.S. presidential tickets on the Iranian nuclear issue were apparent.

Ryan, Romney’s running mate on the Republican Party ticket, cast the Iranian threat as one predicated on the degree of its enrichment.

“We cannot allow Iran to gain a nuclear weapons capability,” Ryan said, using a threshold that Romney has embraced. The Netanyahu government has long employed the term “capability” to define a bridge too far in Iran’s nuclear program, and the term has been picked up in a number of recent bipartisan congressional measures.

“Now let’s take a look at where we’ve gone – come from. When Barack Obama was elected, they

had enough fissile material – nuclear material to make one bomb,” the Wisconsin congressman continued. “Now they have enough for five. They’re racing toward a nuclear weapon. They’re four years closer toward a nuclear weapons capability.”

Biden pushed back, seeming to suggest that the proper measure should be how close Iran is to achieving a weapon.

“When my friend talks about fissile material, they have to take this highly enriched uranium, get it from 20 percent up, then they have to be able to have something to put it in,” Biden said. “There is no weapon that the Iranians have at this point. Both the Israelis and we know – we’ll know if they start the process of building a weapon.”

But Israeli officials repeatedly have expressed the concern that Western intelligence agencies have failed to detect weaponization in time in the cases of Pakistan, India and North Korea.

Makovsky said the problem was especially acute in Iran because the regime there, which denies an interest in building a nuclear weapon, has denied access

to inspectors at key sites.

“It’s a very hard thing to know, and we haven’t been able to detect it before,” he said.

The question is whether enrichment defines “capability,” and if so, at what level of enrichment is a country nuclear-capable.

The Iranians, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. nuclear watchdog, already have achieved enrichment up to 20 percent – the level cited by Biden. Israel’s concern, outlined last month by Netanyahu in his speech to the U.N. General Assembly, is when they will get to the “and up” mentioned by the U.S. vice president.

Uranium is weapons-capable when it is enriched to above 90 percent.

“By next spring, next summer at most,” Iran will have finished the “medium enrichment” stage, Netanyahu said. “From there it’s less than a few months, possibly a few weeks, until they get enough uranium for an enriched bomb.

The relevant question is not when will Iran get the bomb; the question is at what stage can we stop Iran?”

Swedish court upholds religious freedom in Chabad case (JNS) – A Swedish appellate court has upheld the right for Chabad-Lubavitch representatives to homeschool their children in accordance with their religious faith, overturning a previous Swedish law that prohibits religion as a motive for homeschooling.

The case originated last year when Gothenburg city authorities began fining the Namdar family until they enrolled their children in Swedish public schools.

In a nine-page unanimous verdict, the court ruled that the “government is deciding that the recent change to the law [that religion is not regarded as a valid reason] cannot stand in contravention to Sweden’s international obligation.”

“I’m grateful to G-d for the insight and sensitivity of the judges,” said Rabbi Alexander Namdar.

In a statement responding to the ruling, Chabad-Lubavitch Executive Director Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky also praised the decision: “The court’s decision, confirming that Sweden will uphold the fundamental values of religious freedom and human rights of citizens, could have far-reaching ramifications. It is a manifestation of the responsibility of government to protect and cherish these values so vital to life and society.”

According to a Swedish politician behind the original law, the law was created to protect immigrant children who were being denied an education by their family for religious reason.

Emir of Qatar to visit Gaza, raising geopolitical concerns (JNS) – The emir of proWestern Qatar is set to become the first head of state to visit Gaza Strip, raising serious geopolitical concerns over the future direction of the Hamas-dominated Palestinian enclave.

According to Israel Hayom, Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa alThani is officially visiting the Palestinian enclave to inaugurate reconstruction projects worth over $250 million.

Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh issued a statement confirming the visit and urging “our people to express their good hospitality in welcoming the great visitor of Gaza.”

Israel and the West consider Hamas to be a terrorist organization. Hamas has largely remained isolated by the international community over its refusal to recognize Israel and renounce violence.

INTERNATIONAL • 9

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012

In France, Marseille Jews Shining a light on the Holocaust look to Paris and worry that saga of Bronislaw Huberman their calm may be fleeting

Courtesy of Cnaan Liphshiz

Elie Berrebi, director of the Jewish Consistory of Marseille, at the city’s Great Synagogue, Oct. 14, 2012.

By Cnaan Liphshiz Jewish Telegraph Agency MARSEILLE, France – At a time when Jewish institutions across France resemble military fortresses for their security, entering the great synagogue and main Jewish center of this picturesque city on the Mediterranean coast is as easy as pushing open the front door.

The only obstacles on a recent Sunday were 20 children scampering around on their break from Hebrew school.

That same day in Paris, prosecutors announced that they may never catch all the known 10 members of a domestic, jihadist network described by French authorities as “very dangerous” and responsible for detonating a grenade in a kosher store near Paris last month.

Days earlier, French Jewry’s security unit, the SPCJ, reported a 45 percent rise in anti-Semitic attacks this year, mostly by Muslims – part of an “explosion” of incidents after the March 19 killings of three children and a rabbi in Toulouse by a French-born Muslim extremist.

Terrorists may try to infiltrate synagogues on reconnaissance missions, SPCJ also warned recently.

Yet while the 350,000 Jews in and around Paris – more than any other city in Europe – have seen violent convulsions with increasing frequency, Jews here in France’s second-largest Jewish community have enjoyed relative calm.

But many of the 80,000 or so Jews who live in relative peace next to an estimated 250,000 Arabs in this seaside city of 800,000 worry that things could get worse.

In Marseille, Jewish leaders and laymen say they wear their

kipahs without fear of attack, offering varying explanations for how the peace is maintained: Some cite interfaith dialogue, others point to geographic segregation and a few make mention of the deterrent threat of Jewish gangsters.

From 2009 to 2011, there were twice as many anti-Semitic attacks per capita in Paris proper than in Marseille, according to an analysis of 1,397 incidents recorded by SPCJ. Only 59 attacks were registered here in those years, compared to 340 in Paris proper.

Michele Teboul, the regional representative of the CRIF umbrella group of French Jewish communities, says these relatively low figures are part of “the miracle of Marseille.” She credits mainly the work of an interfaith dialogue group that the municipality established in 1991.

But Teboul, a businesswoman and mother of three, is worried that this effect is wearing off as “mosques continue to preach hatred” and the city’s Jewish and Muslim communities drift apart physically and mentally.

Elie Berrebi, director of Marseille’s Central Jewish Consistory – the institution responsible for administering religious services for French Jews – describes the presence of “a small but well-positioned” Jewish mafia as a deterrent to would-be Muslim aggressors, saying that attacking Jews here carries special risks.

“It’s a well-known secret that this community has its own gangsters,” he said. “Not many, but in powerful positions in that world.

They speak the language of the other side’s criminals.”

Approximately 50 Jewish gangsters from Marseille are currently in jail, where the Jewish community offers them what services it can, according to Berrebi. One of them, identified only as Daniel S., was the subject of a feature published in August by the French weekly Marianne titled the “The revival of the Jewish Mafia.”

Bruno Benjamin, president of the Marseille Jewish community, dismisses the Jewish gangster theory.

“The Arabs have many more gangsters,” he said.

In 2002, Marseille saw the first synagogue arson attributed to anti-Semitism since World War II when the northern Or Aviv shul was burnt to the ground.

“Since the early 2000s, we’ve been seeing long periods of calm interrupted by eruptions of antiSemitism,” Berrebi said. Jews in Marseille’s northern parts “have been hit pretty hard,” he said, since the early 2000s, when antiSemitic attacks spiked in France.

By Elisa Spungen Bildner Jewish Telegraph Agency

This is the Holocaust story you don’t know. Almost guaranteed.

Bronislaw Huberman, a PolishJewish violin prodigy from the late 19th into the 20th century, is the protagonist, joined by familiar names such as Albert Einstein and the acclaimed (non-Jewish) conductor Arturo Toscanini. It is the tale of the founding in 1936 of what would become the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and how Huberman, its founder, saved more than 1,000 Jews in the process.

“Orchestra of Exiles,” a new documentary produced, written and directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Josh Aronson, tells the saga, which is almost unknown outside of Israel.

No book in English chronicles the story, which Aronson assembled primarily from the violinist’s archives in Tel Aviv.

Even Aronson, a concert pianist himself and married to a professional violinist, had never heard of Huberman when he was approached by a musician friend who said she had a terrific idea for a movie.

“As a documentary filmmaker who has made more than one film, this happens often. Usually, it’s someone telling you about a family drama, or a dull little story ... You are always very polite,” Aronson

Courtesy of the Felicja Music Center Library/Huberman Archive

Arturo Toscanini, left, and Bronislaw Huberman on stage after the first Palestine Symphony concert in 1936.

said in an August interview with WAMC Northeast Public Radio.

“Bronislaw WHO? I have no idea what you are talking about,” Aronson recalls telling the friend, Dorit Grunschlag Straus, when she broached the topic of a documentary about Huberman’s pre-World War II heroics.

Yet because of Huberman, Straus’ father, the Viennese violinist David Grunschlag, survived the Holocaust along with his parents and two sisters, when Huberman guaranteed him passage out of Europe to play in a world-class orchestra of exiles he was assembling in Palestine.

“In a cultural aha moment that would change the course of history,

Huberman saw the opportunity to both save Jews and to found the orchestra that would become the great Israel Philharmonic,” Aronson said.

Huberman, who had launched his European career at the age of 12 by playing the Brahms Violin Concerto before the composer himself, had played before heads of government, kings, princes – in those days, says Aronson, top society lionized classical musicians.

Through this privileged access he learned of the threat that Hitler’s rise posed to Germany, as well as the reticence of other nations to intervene diplomatically.

HUBERMAN on page 20

10 • ISRAEL

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

Preparing for war, Israel’s north looks to lessons from 2006

By Ben Sales Jewish Telegraph Agency HAIFA – When missiles rained down on northern Israel from Lebanon six years ago, surgeons at Rambam Hospital in Haifa worked, terrified, on the building’s eighth floor.

That summer, missiles had struck fewer than 20 yards away, endangering the staff and patients of northern Israel’s largest hospital and the central facility for treating soldiers injured in the fighting.

“There wasn’t even a bomb shelter because we thought they’d never bomb a hospital,” said David Ratner, Rambam’s spokesman. “We weren’t ready. The message we got was that we needed to become a hospital that could treat people under attack.”

The experience has pushed Rambam’s wartime operating room a dozen stories down, to the third level of an underground parking garage that will become, should bombs fall again, one of the world’s largest emergency hospitals. At 645,000 square feet, the three stories will house 2,000 medical stations – enough to care not only for those wounded physically or psychologically from the war zone, but also for the most critically ill inpatients and outpatients needing regular treatments like dialysis.

“This changes us from a laidback hospital to a machine,” Ratner told JTA. “People aren’t going to stop having babies” during a war.

As tensions between Iran and Israel heat up, and amid fears that Syria’s civil war could spill over into Israel (in a first since the war began, Syrian shells landed in Israel’s Golan Heights last month), Israeli cities and institutions like Rambam are planning for a potential repeat of the missile fire seen during Israel’s

Courtesy of Rambam Hospital, Haifa

A projection of what Rambam Hospital’s underground hospital will look like once it is completed.

2006 war with Hezbollah.

Any war with Iran is expected to prompt retaliatory strikes by Hezbollah, the Iranian proxy militia in Lebanon, and possibly by Hamas, which controls Gaza and has received funding and weaponry from the Islamic Republic.

In 2006, northern Israel was caught largely unprepared for war.

For six years before that, following Israel’s 2000 withdrawal from Southern Lebanon, the region enjoyed relative quiet. But more than 4,000 missiles were fired at Israel during the 34-day 2006 war, prompting massive numbers of residents to flee their homes and leaving 163 Israeli soldiers and civilians dead. On the Lebanese side, there were more than 1,000 dead.

In the six years of quiet that have followed the war, area residents say they have remained on guard.

Nahariyah, a city of more than 50,000 on Israel’s northern coast situated less than 10 miles from the

Lebanese border, suffered hundreds of rockets and two deaths in the 2006 war.

Since then, the city has improved its emergency services by renovating its bomb shelters and implementing its part of a national attack alert system. Nahariyah’s hospital, like Rambam, has an emergency underground wing. But Izik Moreli, manager of Nahariyah’s security division, said the unpredictable nature of a terrorist threat means that the city may never be fully prepared for war.

“I think we’re much more prepared,” Moreli said. “But I hope we don’t encounter things we don’t expect, like we did in 2006.”

Security officials in the North credit Israel’s streamlined Home Front Defense Ministry, part of the Defense Ministry, for spearheading the improvements, including the national alert system, drills to prepare for crises, and improved oversight and evaluation of emergency

preparedness.

In mid-September, the Israel Defense Forces conducted a surprise drill in the Golan Heights simulating a response to an attack there.

The Home Front Command, created in 1992 after Scud missiles hit Israel during the 1991 Gulf War, reflects the IDF’s view that “the home front is no less a battlefront than any other location,” Eytan Buchman, an IDF spokesman, told JTA. The National Emergency Authority, a division of the Home Front ministry, will run a national disaster simulation drill on Oct. 21 that will cover interruptions in communication and mobilization of forces that also would activate during wartime.

American Jewish communities have supported the National Emergency Authority’s efforts through the Jewish Federations of North America. Since 2006, U.S. Jewish federations have raised $350 million for the North, much of which has gone to renovating bomb shelters – for air conditioning, light fixtures, water coolers, toilets and television sets in the underground spaces. The funding also has provided for social, economic and educational programs according to Lee Perlman, JFNA’s managing director of program and planning for Israel and overseas.

The Gulf War also brought widespread distribution of gas masks to Israel amid fears that Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein would launch biological or chemical attacks against Israel. This summer, gas mask distribution accelerated again as Syria’s government indicated it would consider using its stockpile of chemical and biological weapons in the event of a foreign attack.

Some Israeli politicians still

worry that the country is unprepared for war, and they’ve been critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for seeming to move the country closer to an attack while Israeli cities are left exposed. Bomb shelters in northern Israel can hold only 60 percent of the local population, and almost half of Israelis do not own gas masks.

“Israel has failed to learn from the Second Lebanon War,” said Ze’ev Bielski, chairman of the Knesset’s Subcommittee for the Examination of Home Front Readiness, according to the Times of Israel. “The bomb shelter situation is still dire for millions of Israelis.”

But according to Meir Elran, director of the Homeland Security Program at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies, the statistics are not cause for grave concern.

He said that while the number of bomb shelters is not ideal, the situation is manageable because people will be safe as long as they remain inside a building. Building bomb shelters for every citizen would cost too much money and take too much time, he said.

“It doesn’t make sense that there would be a bomb shelter for everyone,” he said. “It’s a question of cost and benefit. No one on the world has this, and it doesn’t make sense for here.”

Elran added that providing gas masks to the entire population also is cost inefficient, especially given that “the other side understands very well that if it uses chemical weapons, our reaction will be very severe.”

Sometimes, Elran suggested, the best defense is a good offense.

“The shorter the war is and the more severely the other side will be hurt,” he said, “the better it will be for Israel.”

After two decades of quiet skies, Tel Aviv girds for potential missiles

By Ben Sales Jewish Telegraph Agency TEL AVIV – On the seventh day of the Gulf War in January 1991, a Scud missile eluded American defenses and struck between two apartment buildings on Abba Hillel Street in Ramat Gan, a city that abuts Tel Aviv.

The missile, part of Saddam Hussein’s revenge for U.S. Operation Desert Storm, killed one woman and was one of many Scuds to hit Israel during the war.

Although Tel Aviv was a prime target for Palestinian suicide bombers in the 1990s and during the second intifada a decade ago, 1991 was the last time the city experienced missile attacks. Since 2006 it has gone through far less fighting than Israel’s northern and southern regions, which are adjacent, respectively, to the Lebanon and Gaza borders.

But Tel Aviv’s tranquility is not

expected to last should war break out with Iran.

Iran and its proxy terrorist group, Hezbollah, now have missiles – Shababs and Fatah-110s – that can hit Israel’s largest metropolis. In a sign of Hezbollah strength, the group managed to fly a drone, financed by Iran, 35 miles into Israel on Oct. 6 before Israeli forces shot it down.

To prepare for the possibility of war, Tel Aviv has outfitted several mass underground parking lots to serve as bomb shelters. The city has about 350 shelters totaling more than 10 million square feet – enough to shelter about a million people. More than 400,000 people live in Tel Aviv, according to 2010 figures, with more than 3 million in its metropolitan area.

Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital, like Rambam Hospital in Haifa, can mobilize an underground facility with 1,000 beds in the event of a war.

David Aharony, director of Tel Aviv’s emergency and security

department, touts his city’s “daily preparedness all year.” Residents can look up bomb shelters on an interactive map provided by the municipality, and a recent citywide mailing advised residents about the shelter closest to their home.

Some could require more than 10 minutes of walking, but Aharony says that’s good enough.

“In instances of war, in some situations you need to go to the safest place possible and then in later situations go to safer places,” he said. “In later stages, if someone wants to go to a bomb shelter, he will be able to find it.”

Israel also has been preparing for a potential attack since April by distributing gas masks to its citizens, with 40,000 new gas mask kits going out every month. Israelis first received gas masks to guard against chemical attacks during the ‘91 Gulf War. Now the state has renewed distribution to guard against potential chemical attacks by Hezbollah,

Courtesy of Flash90/JTA

American soldiers setting up the Patriot anti-missile weapon system to protect from potential Iraqi Scuds sent toward Tel Aviv and Israel during the second Gulf War, July 23, 2003.

which could acquire the bombs from an unstable Syria or Iran. According to the Israeli military, slightly more than half of Israelis own gas masks.

Otherwise, Aharony said, the city will try to operate on its normal routine even during war.

Public transit is planned to continue as usual, excluding the immediate areas around missile explosions. Service may be less frequent than on a normal day, as the Israel Defense Forces will use some public buses to transport soldiers, but Transportation Ministry adviser Michal Kala predicts that fewer people will be traveling because “people aren’t going to wait at a bus stop when a missile could hit them.”

While Aharony said the municipality would wait until war’s end to repair any major damage to the electrical grid, the municipality will set up 30 spots around Tel Aviv where residents can access running water from reservoirs should the city’s plumbing system be damaged.

SOCIAL LIFE • 11

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012

ANNOUNCEMENTS BIR THS rian Hattenbach and Dr. Tina Goldstein of

B

Pittsburgh, Penn. are proud to announce the

birth of their son Leo Martin Hattenbach on September 3, 2012. Paternal grandparents are Shelley and Edward Hattenbach of Cincinnati.

Maternal grandparents are Ina and Mort Goldstein of Silver Springs, Md. Great-grandparents are Hannah Hattenbach and the late Arthur Hattenbach, and the late Dr. Joseph and Ann Wallack. r. Ron and Laurel Abrams proudly announce the

D

birth of their grandson, Cole Maxwell-Samuel

Kaplan, born October 2, 2012. Cole’s parents are Ben and Marnie (Abrams) Kaplan of Atlanta, Ga. and his sister is Lauren Olivia Kaplan.

Leo Martin Hattenbach

Access Volunteers make a splash in Over-the-Rhine On Sunday, August 5th, more than 60 ACTout volunteers took over the Lincoln Community Center in the West End to bring neighborhood children some much needed relief from the heat. This event was hosted by Access and The Mayerson Foundation in partnership with the Cincinnati Police and Fire Departments and the Cincinnati Recreation Commission. It featured a 33 ft. inflatable waterslide and a smaller slide for younger participants, as well as fire hoses, carnival games and prizes, face painting, the Fire Department’s Fire Safety Smoke House, mounted Police and a SWAT team and lots of food and drinks provided at no cost by local companies. Plus guests got their choice of a free frozen treat from a real ice cream truck! Access staff and participants created the event from the ground up in an effort to provide an impactful volunteer opportunity that enabled a large group to work together. It’s all part of Access’ broader strategy to build relationships with the OTR community allowing ACTout volunteers to interact with the recipients one-on-one and see the cumulative effects of their work in the area over time. Access is an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation. Photos continued on page 12.

Cole Maxwell-Samuel Kaplan

12 • CINCINNATI SOCIAL LIFE

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

LHDE )(.")' ,6 ) @ $( $(( /9 HIFGJ @ >IEG? MLH GKKD @ 444; ) %4 ,( '6;),"

FDEG FDEH * ( )2- - # . $- ) %4 ,(8

) %4 ,( '6 ), $ &&6 $(3$. - *,)-* /3 FDEG FDEH

$( ," ,. ( L.# , '$&$ - .) )( ) )2, * ( )2- -;

)2 ' 6 #))- .) 1 ( )( )( ) .# )&&)4$(" . - ( /' -:

$( $(( /<- *&2, &$-/ 4$-# )''2($.6 6 - #))& > ,&6 #$& = #2,- 69 )3 ' , E9 FDEF ,)' L:GD ;'; ED:DD ;';

#)) 2 /)( (. , .#,)2"# L.# ", ?; )( 69 )3 ' , I9 FDEF ,)' E:GD *;'; G:DD *;';

) %4 ,( $- )''2($.6 .# . & , . - .# &$ ) .# '$( 6 *,)3$ $(" ,$"),)2- ( $(. ", . 2,,$ 2&2' .# . *,)'). - #$"#

& 3 &- ) -.2 (. ),. ( '$ #$ 3 ' (.;

) %4 ,( $- &-) )''2($.6 .# . . # - 4$-# # ,$. " 9 4$-# 3 &2 -9 , 4 ( -.,)(" )( .)

-, &;

2 - 69 )3 ' , EG9 FDEF ,)' K:DD *;'; L:GD *;';

)2( $( EMIF - 3( # 6 #))&9 ) %4 ,( '6 # - JD 6 , #$-.),6 ) *,)3$ $(" ( 5 && (. 4$-# ( " ( , & 2 = /)( $( 4 ,' ( (2,.2,$(" (3$,)(' (.;

) %4 ,( *,)3$ - '2&/ . *,)", ' 4$.# '2-$ 9 ,.9 ! , - #))& /3$/ -9 ( -*),.-9 - 4 && - -.,)(" '$ -;

( & ! ! # " ' ! & " $ ! ! $ $ # $' & & " & $ !& # ! " ! & $ * # ! # ' # " & # $ " & ! ! $ & # " # ! " ! ! " $ # ! # $') & -++, - ,3 /)(- , , +2$, ; & - )(. . 5 ), .#6 $( .# ) %4 ,( '6 ) . IEG MLH GKKD 4$.# .# ( ' - ) .#)- 4#) 4)2& &$% .) 1 ( ;

;

), $( ),' /)( )2. ) %4 ,( '6<- ,&6 #$& #)) 2 /)( (. , > " - F9 G9 A H?9 *& - && -; ( 6 ( &-)(9 $, .),9 . >IEG?KJJ GEEF

President Obama has shown that HE SHARES OUR VALUES. PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU , ADDRESSING PRESIDENT OBAMA ON 9/22/11 :

“I think that standing your ground, taking this position of principle…

I think this is a badge of honor and I want to thank you for wearing that badge of honor.”

September 22, 2011, after President Obama rebuked the Palestinian unilateral declaration of independence at the United Nations

DEFENSE MINISTER AND FORMER PRIME MINISTER EHUD BARAK :

“I should tell you honestly that this Administration under President Obama is doing in regard to our security more than anything that I can remember in the past.”

July 30, 2012

PRESIDENT SHIMON PERES :

“Mr. President, I know your commitment to Israel is deep and profound. Under your leadership, security cooperation between the U.S. and Israel has reached its highest level. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a friend in the White House.”

March 4, 2012

MITT ROMNEY JUST DOESN’T SHARE OUR VALUES. ROMNEY IS ANTI-CHOICE AND BEHOLDEN TO A REPUBLICAN PLATFORM THAT IS SO EXTREME, it would force rape victims to bear their attackers’ children.

ROMNEY SUPPORTS THE RYAN BUDGET WHICH WOULD END MEDICARE AS WE KNOW IT,

increasing premiums by $6,400 dollars and turning decisions about seniors’ healthcare over to private insurance companies.

ROMNEY REFUSES TO SUPPORT THE LILLY LEDBETTER ACT GUARANTEEING EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN, legislation that his Republican Party opposes. When asked directly about the issue during a presidential debate,

ROMNEY AVOIDED THE QUESTION WITH HIS NOW-FAMOUS “BINDERS FULL OF WOMEN” COMMENT — further demonstrating how out of touch he is with women today.

ROMNEY OPPOSES ENSURING THAT MILLIONAIRES PAY THE SAME TAX RATE AS THEIR SECRETARIES,

known as the Buffet Rule.

ROMNEY HAS REPEATEDLY PLEDGED TO REPEAL THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT, which would

allow insurance companies to deny coverage for preexisting conditions and drop those who get sick.

GET THE FACTS AT WWW . NJDC . ORG Paid for by the National Jewish Democratic Council and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

14 • DINING OUT

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

Tandoor Cuisine of India—at the cultural crossroads

By Michael Sawan Assistant Editor The all-you-can-eat Indian buffet is where east truly meets west.

The eastern side is all too clear, for what is more representative of a culture than its food? Sure, some people claim that they would die without the arts, but they don’t mean it literally. It is food that is consumed every day, by necessity, whether you want it or not, and so the most sincere representation of a culture.

And the west? All you have to know is that we invented this thing called the “all-you-can-eat buffet.”

This east-west balance has been struck in more ways than one, with the physical space that Tandoor fills being a fine demonstration: The place has a strong Indian flavor, with walls covered in Indian art, the culture’s sculptures placed strategically throughout the restaurant, and of course, Bollywood-style music unobtrusively playing from the ceiling. The west is represented because Tandoor is, in fact, located in Montgomery. It’s been there for 26 years, which makes it one of the older restaurants in the area. The building itself is located within a development of restaurants and other service providers, and throughout my experience at the restaurant rang that familiar American ideal of freedom. The ability to make a decision and experience its outcome without hindrance.

Naren Patel, the owner of Tandoor, expressed a similar sense of freedom. His business has been good the past 26 years, a feat he explains in this way: “I’m the oldest [Indian restaurant in Cincinnati]. I set up my business in a way so that I do a majority of the caterings.” He explained to me that he is pulled on by the entire region, doing weddings, graduations, parties, sometimes for up to 1,500 people. “Next month,” he added, “I have one event for 900 and one for 1,200.”

The dine-in clients, too, come from all over the region. “I have clients all over the city,” Patel explained. “I established my own business, and so I receive lots of support.”

I’ve just realized: Tandoor doesn’t JUST do buffet. In the evening they serve the whole cannon of Indian dishes, including a few notable options such as the Raab Special. But at lunchtime, when I visited, Tandoor was all about the buffet.

There was, of course, a ton of food in the buffet, so I will only tell you about what I was able to eat.

My first course began with lemon turmeric rice, spinach saag, mixed vegetables, curried chicken, baked naan, and a veggie samosa. Anyone who has read my previous reviews knows that I am a big sucker for getting a bunch of stuff and mixing it all together, so you can imagine that this meal ended up getting

(Clockwise) Outside shot of the restaurant, located in Montgomery; The buffet just before lunch time; The bar at Tandoor featuring many popular liquors; The entryway into Tandoor; The first course, featuring (clockwise from 12 o’clock): spinach saag, chicken curry, baked naan, vegetable samosa, mixed vegetables, and lemon turmeric rice; The second course, featuring fried naan, Aloo Gobi, and Tandoori chicken; One of several dining areas at Tandoor; Art and accolades decorate the entry hallway of Tandoor.

quite messy and all the more delicious because of it. By the time I was clearing off my place, everything had blended into this surprisingly cohesive, powerful pop of a taste that ended the meal with a bang.

But before all of that I tried each dish piecemeal. I began with the spinach saag, which exhibited that characteristic creamy smoothness that has made the dish so popular in this country. What struck me most, however, was how mild the dish was. I tend to hover on the low side of the heat scale when I go to Indian restaurants, but even this was a bit timid for my tastes. Varsha Patel, Naren’s wife, stepped in to show me the mistake I had made. The buffet featured a whole slew of sauces, one of which was specifically for heat, meaning that any patron of the buffet could increase the potency of their dish however much they wanted. This attitude of letting the customer determine the

nature of his or her own food permeated the rest of the restaurant, with Mrs. Patel telling me that all sorts of off-the-menu options are available for those who ask for it.

Vegan, vegetarian, even those who just plain old don’t like this or that can order a dish specifically to their liking, even during buffet hours.

I moved onto the mixed vegetables, which featured string beans, corn, tomatoes, and peas in a semispicy tomato sauce. It struck me as an Indian take on both vegetable and tomato soup, featuring cumin front and center. The vegetables were quite crisp, they had been cooked perfectly, retaining their texture and snap, yet being soft enough to feel fully cooked.

The curried chicken was tailor made for some sort of sandwich. I sit here now and can imagine it in some sort of wrap, with a side of something crispy. For the chicken was just a bit tangy, having that flash of excitement that can so easily bright-

en up a meal. When combined with the lemon turmeric rice and the baked naan all parts worked toward a wonderful cohesive whole. The rice added a nice midrange, sustaining my taste buds after the initial shock of the curried chicken set in.

The naan was the base, offering that deliciously doughy support that tied the treat together entirely.

Round two consisted of Aloo Gobi—a mix of cauliflower and potatoes in curry—fried naan, and a piece of Tandoori Chicken. Take as a sign of how intrigued I was by the Aloo Gobi that I tried it first, a cauliflower/potato dish of all things, before trying the fried dough. I was not at all disappointed by what turned out to be an Indian take on french fries. It was slightly crispy on the outside, cooked just enough to secure a light shell, while the inside was still hot and savory. The curry had been blended perfectly with salt and pepper, creating an “I-couldeat-a-ton-of-this” style dish that

showed no signs of quitting by the time I finished it. The course stayed strong as I moved onto the Tandoori Chicken, which was cooked just how any good poultry should be: juicy on the inside, seared on the outside. With a bit of raw onion the dish really popped, making a very pleasing compliment to the Aloo Gobi. Then the fried naan, you can imagine, it was delicious. If ever I were to eat a healthy doughnut, I imagine it would taste like that.

For all you can eat freedom, Indian style, this 26 year old powerhouse is a tried and true hand.

Their hours for the lunch buffet are Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Their dinner hours are Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Tandoor Cuisine of India 8702 Market Place Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 (513) 793-7484

DINING OUT • 15

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012

Glendale’s Best Kept Secret!

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY THAI SUSHI PASTA 20 Brix 101 Main St Historic Milford 831-Brix (2749)

Gabby’s Cafe 515 Wyoming Ave Wyoming 821-6040

Padrino 111 Main St Milford 965-0100

Ambar India Restaurant 350 Ludlow Ave Cincinnati 281-7000

Incahoots 4110 Hunt Rd Blue Ash 793-2600

Parkers Blue Ash Tavern 4200 Cooper Rd Blue Ash 891-8300

Andy’s Mediterranean Grille At Gilbert & Nassau 2 blocks North of Eden Park 281-9791

Izzy’s 800 Elm St • 721-4241 612 Main St • 241-6246 5098B Glencrossing Way 347-9699 1198 Smiley Ave • 825-3888 300 Madison Ave Covington • 859-292-0065

Pomodori’s 121West McMillan • 861-0080 7880 Remington Rd Montgomery • 794-0080

Asian Paradise 9521 Fields Ertel Rd Loveland 239-8881 Baba India Restaurant 3120 Madison Rd Cincinnati 321-1600 Bangkok Terrace 4858 Hunt Rd Blue Ash 891-8900 • 834-8012 (fx) Bella Luna Café 4632 Eastern Ave Cincinnati 871-5862 Blue Elephant 2912 Wasson Rd Cincinnati 351-0123 Cafe Mediterranean 9525 Kenwood Rd Cincinnati 745-9386 Carlo & Johnny 9769 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati 936-8600 Ferrari’s Little Italy & Bakery 7677 Goff Terrace Madeira 272-2220

Johnny Chan 2 11296 Montgomery Rd The Shops at Harper’s Point 489-2388 • 489-3616 (fx) K.T.’s Barbecue & Deli 8501 Reading Rd Reading 761-0200 Kanak India Restaurant 10040B Montgomery Rd Montgomery 793-6800 Marx Hot Bagels 9701 Kenwood Rd Blue Ash 891-5542 Mecklenburg Gardens 302 E. University Ave Clifton 221-5353 Meritage Restaurant 1140 Congress Ave Glendale 376-8134 Oriental Wok 2444 Madison Rd Hyde Park 871-6888

AI

The American Israelite

Slatt’s Pub 4858 Cooper Rd Blue Ash 791-2223 • 791-1381 (fax)

Dine-In | Carry-Out | Delivery 513.351.0123 / 513.351.0913 BlueElephantThaiSushi.com Visit our website + order online

Reservations 513-376-8134

2912 Wasson Road, Cincinnati

1140 Congress Ave., Glendale, OH

(2 mins from Hyde Park square)

MeritageCincy.com

CAFE MEDITERRANEAN FRESH, HEALTHY,

Authentic Cuisine LOCATED IN THE CROSSINGS OF BLUE ASH

9525 KENWOOD ROAD (513) 745-9386

cafe-mediterranean.com

PRIVA PRIVATE DINING | CARRY CARRY-OUT LUNCH/DINNER | ITALIAN BAKERY SUN: KIDS EAT FREE TUE & WED: 1/2 PRICE WINE SUN & MON: $5 MARTINIS 7677 GOFF TERRACE | MADEIRA, OH

272.2220 | ferrarilittleitaly.com

Stone Creek Dining Co. 9386 Montgomery Rd Montgomery • 489-1444 6200 Muhlhauser Rd West Chester • 942-2100

Cincinnati's first and only true wine, restaurant and wine retail store.

Come in and enjoy an appetizer or entrée paired with one of the 100 wines we pour daily.

Sukhothai Thai Cuisine 8102 Market Place Ln Montgomery 794-0057

101 Main St • Historic Milford

831-Brix • www.20brix.com

Tandoor 8702 Market Place Ln Montgomery 793-7484 Tony’s 12110 Montgomery Rd Montgomery 677-1993 VIEW Cucina 2200 Victory Pkwy Cincinnati 751-8439 Wertheim’s Restaurant 514 W 6th St Covington, KY (859) 261-1233

Sushi • Steaks • Raw Bar Live Music Every Tues thru Sat! (513) 936-8600 9769 MONTGOMERY RD. www.jeffruby.com

• Hyde Park (513) 871-6888 • Ft. Mitchell (859) 331-8822 LUNCH, DINNER, COCKTAILS, CARRY-OUT Elegant Banquets & Catering Available

9386 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati, OH 45242 (513) 489-1444

orientalwok.com AVAILABLE AT THESE FINE LOCATIONS:

bigg’s

Marx Hot Bagels

Ridge & Highland

9701 Kenwood Rd. Blue Ash

AMBAR

BABA

KANAK

350 LUDLOW AVE. CINCINNATI, OH 45220 (513) 281-7000

3120 MADISON RD. CINCINNATI, OH 45209 (513) 321-1600

10040B MONTGOMERY RD. CINCINNATI, OH 45242 (513) 793-6800

Izzy’s 612 Main St. 800 Elm St.

Kroger Hunt Rd. – Blue Ash

Rascals’ Deli 9525 Kenwood Rd. Blue Ash

CINCINNATI’S BEST INDIAN RESTAURANTS

16 • OPINION

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

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

Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

For some time now, I have been reading letters to the editor which are filled with vitriol and vicious attacks on politicians or individuals who have opinions differing from their own. The letters are filled with scorn and contempt, and they do not enlighten.

Several of these writers are repeat offenders.

I have a question: Does the Israelite have ANY standards at all for letters to the editor?

Frankly, these letters diminish the newspaper. I’d like to see some judgement by the editors.

Clearly, there are no standards used by the AI when choosing to publish readers’ letters, other than to take up enough blank column space in your “news” paper. Your continued publication of Paul Glassman’s letters where he uses name-calling as a weapon against anyone whose opinion differs from his own leads me to believe that you share his beliefs. Additionally, it is reprehensible (as well as extremely unprofessional — especially in a Jewish publication) to publish what amounts to lashon hara in regards to our country’s and community’s leaders. Name calling is obviously permitted and encouraged in your publication.

I’m ashamed that you refer to yourself as a “Jewish” newspaper.

I call out Paul Glassman because he is a prime offender, but there are others whose letters are regularly published and who think that by resorting to name-calling they are somehow being persuasive. Let me tell you—it doesn’t work, and nor is it good for your bottom line.

I ask you AI, to use your skill as an editor, to do your job and EDIT.

Sincerely, David Dukart, Cincinnati, OH Dear Editor, I found the article “A president of values and vision” by Rabbis Steven Bob, Sam Gordon and Burt Visotsky and their thesis “...there is no contest: President Obama is the candidate who best represents our Jewish values,” upsetting. Don’t get me wrong, rabbis in accordance with the teachings of Torah need to speak out on Jewish values and political issues—education, environment, health, taxes and welfare.

However, rabbis should not be partisan and tell me or anybody who to vote for. Few of us would want to live in a country like Egypt, Iran or Pakistan, where people vote according to their clerics.

Sincerely, Bob Schneider, Cincinnati, OH

Sincerely, Natalie Wolf, Cincinnati, OH via facebook I agree and please accept me to add to Natalie Wolf’s comment, AI should suggest to the political ad organization staff to not use individuals and their quotes as if they are sacrificial lambs. In other words, let’s hear from those politically motivated organizations themselves.

Brad Berman, Cincinnati, OH via facebook

Dear Editor, Do you feel obliged to print EVERY letter that comes in?

Everyone is entitled to his or her political opinion, but when a letter is nothing more than ad hominem name calling, it does not deserve to see the light of day. I was angry and disappointed to see today’s letter from Paul Glassman, but not surprised, because you have printed this sort of trash before.

My subscription has another year left to run, unfortunately, and you may continue to print everything that comes across your desk, but I do not have to read your paper just because it comes in the mail.

Sincerely, Claire Lee, Cincinnati, OH

ty, supporters of many Jewish causes including Israel, for many years. They were subsequently criticized by these letter writers as, in effect, being traitors to Israel.

They were not good Jews like them.

There were two more letters in the Oct. 18 publication of the AI making fun of the president and the V.P. in the recent debates, equating them with communist leaders of the past.

One letter said “if you support Barack HUSSEIN Obama, you do not support Israel.”

Ironically, those letters were alongside of a column written by several rabbis supporting the president.

We live in a free country where there are questions and differences of opinion. The letter writer said that he listened to the debate with an open mind. How can you believe that? I’ve been over the long road of experience (almost 91 years). I’ve had more than an eighth grade education. I know many questions. How come I don’t know as much as these letter writers do? How come that they are so sure that they are right and I have so many questions?

Dear Editor, In the past year and a half, I’ve been exposed to letters to the editor in the AI by a handful of people. Every week they are almost the exclusive “letter to the Editor” writers. They give the impression that a majority of the Jewish community in Cincinnati thinks like they do. I’d guess that they are about 20 percent of the Jewish community but they make the most noise.

The other 80 percent have been fairly quiet until recently, when probably about 100-plus persons took out a full page ad in the AI supporting the president. These people, many of whose names it recognized, were active members of the Cincinnati Jewish communi-

Sincerely, Maurice Murray Abramowitz Cincinnati, Ohio Dear Editor, How Access Can Give “Access” to All Jewish Young Adults. I am a young adult Jew who has been living in Cincinnati on and off for the past two years.

Throughout my time here, I have felt truly blessed for having so many numerous opportunities to meet and socialize with other Jews in my peer group through exceptional programming put on by Access, the Jewish young adult program funded by the Mayerson Family Foundations. From rafting trips and dance parties to social action projects and Shabbat dinners, I am very appreciative that Access has been able to bring so many Jewish young adults, both Cincinnati natives and transplants from other cities, into the fold of the Jewish community.

However, despite all the good that Access does, there are policies that the organization carries out through its programming that I believe cause those with more traditional leanings to feel enormously uncomfortable and, in some cases, entirely excluded. By this, I am NOT pointing to the “Bootleggers Ball” dance party from July 2011, the “Saturday

Night Fever” disco night from November 2011, or even the “Saturday Night Pre-Game Party” from July 2012. I personally enjoyed all of these programs.

The main area where Access should exercise greater sensitivity is with regards to the Friday night Shabbat dinners and other Jewishthemed events that it periodically sponsors. Every Access Shabbat dinner I have ever attended has featured live musical entertainment and been catered by non-kosher local restaurants serving both meat and dairy items right next to each other. This is punctuated by the upcoming “Cincinnati-style Shabbat” dinner being held at Plum Street Temple in November, which will feature Montgomery Inn brisket and chicken as the main course and Graeter’s ice cream for dessert.

I find this deeply offensive on multiple levels. While standards of kashrut vary widely between all denominations of Jews, there has always been an implicit understanding in the Cincinnati Jewish community that community meals should allow everyone to feel included and accepted. By so blatantly violating the most basic tenets of traditional Shabbat observance, Access alienates every Jewish young adult who has the slightest appreciation for what a traditional Shabbat dinner looks and feels like.

It seems from its current policy that Access is either ignoring or is totally unaware that there is a rapidly growing population of Jewish young adults who are not completely religiously observant or entirely religiously un-affiliated.

They fall somewhere in between.

This demographic does not include yeshiva students, but doesn’t include cheeseburger-eaters either.

Would attendees from unaffiliated Jewish backgrounds be offended or turned off if Access hired a kosher caterer for its Shabbat dinners, and pulled the plug on the Mariachi band? I highly doubt it. But, I guarantee that all Jewish young adults who are inclined to one day become active members of synagogues, observe kashrut to some degree, and/or teach their future children that Jewish faith and tradition stands for something, feel uncomfortable watching Indian Bhangra dancers and Russian singers perform near tables of non-kosher food at Access Friday night Shabbat dinners.

I know, I know. Access acknowledges that upon request, a vegetarian option will be provided.

One could also argue that, for people who share my perspective, it is our choice to attend these Shabbat dinners to begin with. No one is dragging us to them. Why should we complain?

Because we want to be there!

Because we want to be included!

Because we want to meet other Jewish young adults! By requiring people to specifically ask for a

vegetarian option (and not automatically providing kosher food), Access puts up barriers that make people feel unwelcome. It is accepted that Access is the most effective Jewish young adult organization in town with the resources and ability to provide meaningful programming that gets people back into the Jewish fold.

Is it really so wrong to want to be a part of it, all of it? Would Access all of a sudden be seen as totally “un-cool” if it automatically provided kosher options at all of its events, or at least the ones on Shabbat, so that more traditional Jews could feel more welcome? I don’t think so. And if I’m wrong, then I think that says something very sad and disheartening about my generation of Jews.

Access really has done wonderful things for Jewish young adults in Cincinnati and I am always happy to participate in their many dynamic and engaging programs. I just hope it can continue to grow and prosper into an organization that enables every Jewish young adult to find something to be a part of.

Sincerely, Michael Bassin, Cincinnati, OH Dear Editor, Remembering Dr. Fred Goldman. This letter to the editor is in remembrance of Dr. Fred Goldman, known to many readers of the Israelite, I am sure. Dr. Goldman died October 11 at age 100.

When I would tell people I’d had the same family doctor since I was 16 years old, they would look at me in astonished disbelief. And even greater disbelief when I told them the doctor was 100 years old.

The only folks who understood were his other patients, who gathered knowingly together, nodding in mutual understanding and unique appreciation at the 100th surprise birthday party his wonderful assistant Patty, with the help of son Tom, pulled off in the halls of the old Jewish Hospital Professional Building last December. And that office was a step up as a concession to having to leave the Doctors’ Building, with its rotary dial telephone, and a coverlet crocheted by Miss Uckotter for various and sundry tests.

Fred Goldman practiced the art of medicine, not just the science.

He could diagnose illnesses just by observing, listening and thinking.

Even really strange ones, like when I was a teenager and he took one look at me and told me I had Coxsackie virus. And he always had a list of low tech remedies you could buy at the drug store without a prescription, like Vince’s mouth rinse. And the stuff worked.

LETTERS on page 19

JEWISH LIFE • 17

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012

Tosefta of Tractate Sotah, (chapter 5), on the verse spoken by Sarah in this weeks Torah portion: “...I was slighted in her (Hagar) eyes. Let Gd judge between men and you” (Genesis 16:5). Our Sages in the Tosefta provide the following dialogue between Sarah and Abraham: “I see Yishmael building an altar, capturing grasshoppers, and sacrificing them to idols. If he teaches this idolatry to my son Yitzchak, the name of heaven will be desecrated, says Sarah. Abraham said to her: ‘After I gave her such advantages, how can I demote her? Now that we have made her a mistress (of our house), how can we send her away?

What will the other people say about us?’” (‘habriyot mah omrot alainu?’).

Sarah’s position is indubitably clear. She is more than willing to work together with Abraham to save the world – but not at the expense of her own son and family. There is room to be concerned about the world – but not at the price of losing one’s son and future identity. Our identity as a unique people must first be forged and secured – and then the dialogue with and the redemption of the nations will follow in due course.

G-d teaches Abraham that Sarah is right: “Whatever Sarah says to you, listen to her voice, for through Isaac shall your seed be called” (Genesis 21:12). Indeed, it is even possible that the subsequent trial of the binding of Isaac comes in no small measure to teach Abraham to properly appreciate – be truly committed to – his only son and heir Isaac.

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

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT YOUR SYNAGOGUE?

STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH A SUBSCRIPTION TO THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE NAME ADDRESS CITY

STATE

CHECK TYPE OF SUBSCRIPTION

1 YEAR, IN-TOWN

CHECK TYPE OF PAYMENT

CHECK

ZIP 1 YEAR, OUT-OF-TOWN

VISA

MASTERCARD

LIFETIME

DISCOVER

1-Year Subscription: $44 In-town, $49 Out-of-town Send completed form with payment to: The American Israelite 18 W. 9th St. Ste. 2 • Cincinnati, OH 45202-2037

T EST Y OUR T ORAH KNOWLEDGE THIS WEEK’S PORTION: LECH LECHA (BRAISHITH 12:1—17:27) 1. What was Avram's first test in the Parsha? a) Leaving his home and going to a land that Hashem would show him b) Leaving Canaan to go to Egypt c) Calling out Hashem's name to the residents of Canaan

Lot after they split? a) Yes b) No

2. Was Avrom correct to split ties with Lot? a) Yes b) No

5. When did Hashem command Avrom to look and count the stars? a) After defeating the four kings b) After his circumcision c) During the covenant of the parts

3. Did Avrom still show good feelings to 4. A 13:17 Avrom was not obligated to walk the length and breadth of Canaan. It was an optional mitzvah that he did later. In Chapter 13 he was near Sodom and later he lived by the Philistines. Chapter 20

Ramban.

5. A 15:1-5 Avrom went to war but did not have an heir. At that time , Hashem promised him his descendants will be as numerous as the stars of the heavens. Rashi

“Go out of your land, and from your kindred, and your birthplace and your father's house, to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1).

Our Biblical tradition seems to live in a paradox between the universal and the particular, our obligations to the world at large and our obligations to our own nation and family. Is there a final resolution to the tension between these two polarities?

With Abraham, the paradox takes on an especially poignant human and familial dimension. At first G-d instructs Abraham, “Go out of your land, and from your kindred, and your birthplace and your father’s house, to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). No introductions, no apologies, straight to the point: Abraham is to found a new family-nation in the specific location of the Land of Israel.

However, in the next verse the nationalistic fervor of going up to one’s own land is somewhat muted by the more universalistic message of G-d’s next charge: “....And in you shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). From this moment on, both of these elements – a particular nation guaranteed by G-d and the broader vision of world peace and redemption will vie for center stage in the soul of Abraham’s descendants.

In the case of Abraham himself, it is the universalistic aspect of his spirit which seems the most dominant. He quickly emerges as a World War hero who rescues the five regional nations – including Sodom – from the stranglehold of four terrorizing kings. Abraham is likewise desirous of continuing his relationship with Lot – even after this nephew and adopted son rejects the Abrahamic teachings and the Land of Israel in favor of Sodom – and even remonstrates with G-d to save the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham is even initially against banishing Hagar and Ishmael, wishing everyone to find shelter under the Abrahamic umbrella.

The Midrash magnificently captures Abraham’s concern with the world and world opinion in a trenchant elucidation of the opening verse in the portion Vayera, where the Torah records the moment of G-d’s appearance to Abraham after his circumcision in the fields of the oak trees of Mamre (Genesis 18:1). Why stress this particular location, including the owner of the parcel of trees

of Mamre? The Midrash explains that when G-d commanded Abraham to circumcise himself he went to seek the advice of his three allies, Aner, Eshkol and Mamre.

“Now Aner said to him, ‘You mean to say that you are 100 years old and you want to maim yourself in such a way?’ Eshkol said to him, ‘How can you do this? You will be making yourself unique and identifiable, different from the other nations of the world.’ Mamre, however, said to Abraham, ‘How can you refuse to do what G-d asks you? After all G-d saved all of your 248 limbs when you were in the fiery furnace of Nimrod. If G-d asks you to sacrifice a small portion of just one of your limbs, how can you refuse!’ Because Mamre was the only person who gave him positive advice, G-d chose to appear to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre.” (Bereshit Rabbah 42) What I believe is truly remarkable about this midrash is that it pictures Abraham as “checking out” the advisability of circumcision with his three Gentile friends and allies, in order to discover just how upset they would be by his unique and nationalistic sign on his flesh.

The paradox of the universal – inclusivistic versus the national – exclusivistic takes on the most serious threat to Abraham’s equanimity in terms of his relationship to Sarah. We must remember that theirs is a union of love and genuine cooperation. Commenting on the verse, “And Abram took his wife Sarai...and all their substance that they had gathered and the souls that they had gathered in Haran...” (Genesis 12:5), Rashi explains what it means to “gather souls”: “Abraham converted the men, and Sarah converted the women.” They truly worked together as consecrated partners to accomplish the work of the Lord.

Indeed, Abraham is not only committed to Sarah, but seems to be aware of her higher gift of prophecy. When she, tragically barren after many years of marriage, suggests to her husband that he father a child with her maidservant Hagar, the text records “And Abraham hearkened to the voice of Sarah” – (Genesis 15:2) – suggesting that Abraham’s role in this matter is entirely subject to the will of Sarah.

Yet despite Abraham’s total devotion to Sarah in one area they differed strongly. Hagar may have been brought into the picture by Sarah, but when Sarah realizes that the behavior of her son Ishmael constitutes a serious threat to her family, Sarah is not willing to compromise: Hagar and her son must be banished.

Now since Abraham’s vision wants to embrace all of humanity, how could he see his own flesh and blood exiled to the desert? An expansion of this theme and a quintessential expression of the dual world view held by Abraham and Sarah respectively, is found in the

4. Did Avrom walk thru all of Canaan? a) Yes b) No

grazed their cattle in other people's fields thinking that the land of Canaan would belong to Lot because Avrom did not have an heir. Rashi 3. A 3:9 and chapter 14. Avrom saved Lot from captivity. Rashi

by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin

SHABBAT SHALOM: LECH LECHA GENESIS 12:1-17:27

Written by Rabbi Dov Aaron Wise

ANSWERS 1. A 12:1,2 Avrom had already left Ur Kasdim, but here he was distancing himself even further from his family. Rashi.

2. A 13:5-12 Lot's shepherds

Sedra of the Week

18 • JEWZ IN THE NEWZ

JEWZ

IN THE

By Nate Bloom Contributing Columnist NEW FLICKS The following movies open on Friday, October 26.

“Fun Size” is the first feature film directed by JOSH SCHWARTZ, 36. When he was 26, he was the youngest person to create a network TV series (“The O.C.”, a hit for the CW TV network). Schwartz is also the creator of “Gossip Girl.” “Fun Size” is a comedy whose lead character is Wren (Victoria Justice), a nice teen girl who’s stuck at home on Halloween, babysitting her little brother, while her mother (CHELSEA HANDLER, 37) goes out to party. While trick-ortreating with her brother, Wren stops in at a Halloween party and loses her brother in the crowd.

Frantic to locate him before her mom finds out he’s missing, Wren enlists an unlikely teen foursome (nerd, sassy friend, etc.) to aid her.

“Cloud Atlas,” co-directed by Andy Wachowski of “Matrix” film fame, is described as a film which: “Explores how the actions and consequences of individual lives impact one another throughout the past, the present and the future…Each member of the ensemble appears in multiple roles as the stories move through time.” This almost 3-hour movie co-stars Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon and Halle Berry. In one “incarnation,” Berry (in heavy make-up) appears as a white Jewish woman who lived in the 1930s.

MIDLER ON GLEE AND MORE The Divine Miss “M”, better known as Bette Midler, will guest star on the hit Fox series, “Glee.”

On Oct. 15, while appearing at a charity awards show, “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy told the crowd that he asked Midler to be on “Glee” and then exclaimed, “I hope she says yes!” Not long after, Midler tweeted her agreement to appear on “Glee.”

In a follow-up tweet, Midler seemed open to the idea of playing the grandmother of lead character Rachel Berry (Lea Michele). When I saw that, I wondered if Midler was old enough to credibly play the mother of actress IDINA MENZEL, who has guest starred on “Glee” several times, playing Shelby Corcoran, the coach of a rival glee club. Corcoran is also supposed to be the biological mother of Rachel and if Midler played Rachel’s biological grandmother, she would also have to be Corcoran’s mother.

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

NEWZ

Well, Midler is now 66.

Menzel is now 41. So, Midler certainly could be her mother. I guess this proves that despite her “divinity,” Midler, like us mere mortals, is getting older. When celebs, divine or not, get to a “certain age” they often get featured in AARP magazine. The Sept./Oct. issue of the magazine features an interview with Midler.

She offers nuggets of wisdom that age has brought her. Here’s the most lighthearted one – about “beauty”: “You should stop beating your hair into submission, even if you don’t like it.

Everyone should exfoliate, every day, even guys. More than two drinks a day will ruin your skin.

And if you don’t have a fulllength mirror, you’re going to get fat. Period.”

SHORT TAKES: MONICA & VIDAL You knew it had to happen eventually and, oddly enough, the timing is pretty perfect now. I refer to credible reports that MONICA LEWINSKY, 39, is writing a tell-all book about her affair with President Clinton.

Lewinsky is no longer old news now that the former President is soaring in opinion polls and Hillary has the inside lane for the 2016 Demo nomination (should she run).

On Oct. 12, a number of British celebrities gathered at a memorial service for VIDAL SASSOON, who died last May, age 84. While the famous hairstylist’s Jewish funeral was held in Los Angeles where he died, the London memorial was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, where Prince Charles wed Princess Diana.

Among those attending were Sir Michael Caine, Jeremy Irons, and famous hairdresser JOHN FRIEDA, 61 (whose father was Jewish).

Baroness Rabbi JULIA NEUBERGER, 62, recited kaddish in the Cathedral and called Sassoon, “a proud Jew who had left a great legacy.” (He fought in the Israeli War of Independence and he founded an international center for the study of anti-Semitism.)

Neuberger is, by the way, the second woman ordained a rabbi in the UK and the first with her own synagogue. She was made a “life member” of the House of Lords in 2004. (I guess she has to be extra nice to avoid complaints about “lording it over” her congregants.)

Her husband, ANTHONY, is a business professor, and one of his brothers, DAVID NEUBERGER, AKA Baron Neuberger, was just made (Oct. 1), the President of the Supreme Court of the UK.

FROM THE PAGES

Friday last we were called upon to perform the sad ceremonies at the coffin of a young man, the son of one of the members of K.K. Bene Yeshurun, Mr. Reitler.

Louis Reitler volunteered as a private in the 32d regiment of New York volunteers, company D. He was soon advanced to the rank of sergeant, and after the battle of West Point he was brevetted lieutenant and soon after received his commission. Being only 20 years old his conduct and intelligence provided him the hope of a splendid career, which he undoubtedly would have made, had it not pleased Providence to decree otherwise. September 14, in the battle of South Mountain, Md., Lieutenant Reitler fell. His superior officers, in a letter to his bereft parents, testify to the immaculate bravery of their son to the last moments of his life. – October 31, 1862

Those who braved last Tuesday’s evening storm to attend the recital given by Madame Gluck at the Emery Auditorium were amply repaid for the effort.

Mad. Gluck is possessed not only of an exceptionally clear soprano voice of fine timbre and great range, but also of an unusually pleasing appearance and personality. Her selections were most varied and included both old and modern composers and gave her the opportunity to display not only her abilities as a singer but also as a linguist, as the words of the various numbers were English, German, French, Italian, Russian and there was even a charming little encore in Scotch dialect which was delightfully rendered. Mad. Gluck’s debut here was a most successful one, and there is no reason to doubt that when she comes again she will be greeted by large audiences, who could not possibly be more enthusiastic than was that of last Tuesday evening.

– October 24, 1912

125 Y EARS A GO

75 Y EARS A GO

A private dispatch from Vicksburg, Miss., gives the sad intelligence of the probably fatal injury of Will Shields, traveling salesman for the liquor house of J. Shields and Co., of this city. Mr. Shields attempted to board a moving freight train, but missed his footing and fell between the cars, breaking two of his ribs. He was otherwise badly injured, and his recovery is doubtful.

Miss Edith Loewenstein, of West Seventh Street, has returned from her summer vacation at Detroit, Mich., and is “at home” again at No. 469 West Seventh Street.

A number of young ladies on Walnut Hills have formed a reading circle, which assembles every Friday night. Among the list of members may be found the names of Misses Rosa Mayer, Rosa Bloom, Ella Reis, Hilda Metzger, Luthies Fechheimer, Julia Eisfelder and Miss Coleman. The young ladies intend to accomplish much during the coming season, and they have the best wishes of their friends that success may attend their efforts. – October 21, 1887

Miss Shirley Eichenbaum, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Eichenbaum, Chicago, was married to Mr. Charles Messer, Rose Hill Avenue, Sunday, Oct. 17th, at Evanston, Ill. Miss Virginia Quitman, daughter of Mr. Harry W. Quitman, 302 Rockdale Avenue, won first prize in a city-wide contest sponsored by the Odd Fellows Association at the Paramount Theater Sunday, Oct. 17. Virginia was selected as the best imitator of Lula Belle, famous radio Hill Billy entertainer. Miss Quitman will broadcast over WSAI at 12 noon, Sunday, Oct. 24, and also will appear in the four performances of the WLS National Barn Dance at Taft Theater on Oct. 24.

– October 21, 1937

150 Y EARS A GO

100 Y EARS A GO Madam Alma Gluck, whose song recital last Tuesday evening was the musical event of the week, was the guest at a reception given last Monday in her honor by the Women’s Musical Club at the home of Mrs. Theodore Workum, in Avondale.

50 Y EARS A GO Dr. Steven J. Cohen enlisted recently in the U.S. Air Force and has been in training during the past month at Gunter Air Force Base, Ala. Capt. and Mrs. Cohen (Sandra Levy) will be stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, after Nov. 1. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell H. Cohen. Mrs. Cohen is the daughter of Dr. William Levy of Dayton.

Mrs. Berenice Levine, 4098 Rose Hill Avenue, passed away Thursday, Oct. 18.

Mrs. Levine was a member of the national board of the Women’s Division of the United Jewish Appeal; immediate past president

of the Women’s Brandeis Chapter; a former president of the Wise Temple sisterhood and Ruth 18.

She was former chairman of the Women’s Division of the Jewish Welfare Fund and she was an officer of the Ohio Valley Federation of Temple Sisterhoods.

Mrs. Levine is survived by her husband, Nathan Levine; their daughter, Mrs. Clarence Gall; and granddaughter, Nancy Ellen Gall.

– October 25, 1962

25 Y EARS A GO The marriage of Margaret Ann Weingartner and Lester Jay Burgin took place Oct. 17 at Losantiville Country Club. Rabbi Alan D. Fuchs officiated.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Weingartner and the granddaughter of Mrs. George Hausman. The bridegroom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Leonard. A. Burgin and the grandson of Mrs. Lester A. Jaffe and Mrs. Samuel Burgin.

Chris Herrmann, sister of the bride, was matron of honor. Seth L. Burgin, brother of the bridegroom, was best man.

Margie and Lester are graduates of the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Margie is an associate for the law firm of Graydon, Head and Ritchey. Lester is a partner in the law firm of Harris and Katz.

The couple resides in Cincinnati. – October 29, 1987

10 Y EARS A GO The 23rd day of Cheshvan this year (Tuesday, October 29) marks the third Yahrzeit of Mac Warshauer (z”l). Mac and Miriam Warshauer relocated to Cincinnati from New Orleans and affiliated with Adath Israel. They became active in the congregation and took advantage of many educational opportunities.

It was when Mr. Warshauer became ill that the existing Caring Havurah program entered their lives. The work of the program impressed them. Shortly before his death, the Warshauers decided to create an endowment fund that would ensure that the work of this program would be perpetuated.

Their act of tzedakah was a gesture of thanks to the congregation and community for all of the caring and love that they received.

The congregation in turn formally named the program the Miriam and Mac Warshauer Caring Havurah Program in honor and in memory of the fund’s creators.

The Caring Havurah has delivered more than 400 packages to members of the congregation and their families. – October 24, 2002

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS • 19

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

(513) 761-3200 • bigbrobigsis.org Camp Ashreinu (513) 702-1513 Camp at the J (513) 722-7258 • mayersonjcc.org Camp Chabad (513) 731-5111 • campchabad.org Camp Livingston (513) 793-5554 • camplivingston.com Cedar Village (513) 754-3100 • cedarvillage.org Chevra Kadisha (513) 396-6426 Cincinnati Community Kollel (513) 631-1118 • kollel.shul.net Cincinnati Community Mikveh (513) 351-0609 • cincinnatimikveh.org Eruv Hotline (513) 351-3788 Fusion Family (513) 703-3343 • fusionnati.org Halom House (513) 791-2912 • halomhouse.com Hillel Jewish Student Center (Miami) (513) 523-5190 • muhillel.org Hillel Jewish Student Center (UC) (513) 221-6728 • hillelcincinnati.org Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati 513-961-0178 • jcemcin.org Jewish Community Center (513) 761-7500 • mayersonjcc.org Jewish Community Relations Council (513) 985-1501 Jewish Family Service (513) 469-1188 • jfscinti.org Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (513) 985-1500 • shalomcincy.org Jewish Foundation (513) 214-1200 Jewish Information Network (513) 985-1514 Jewish Vocational Service (513) 985-0515 • jvscinti.org Kesher (513) 766-3348 Plum Street Temple Historic Preservation Fund (513) 793-2556 Shalom Family (513) 703-3343 • myshalomfamily.org The Center for Holocaust & Humanity Education (513) 487-3055 • holocaustandhumanity.org Vaad Hoier (513) 731-4671 Workum Fund (513) 899-1836 • workum.org YPs at the JCC (513) 761-7500 • mayersonjcc.org

CONGREGATIONS Adath Israel Congregation (513) 793-1800 • adath-israel.org Beit Chaverim (513) 984-3393 • btzbc.com 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 • btzbc.com

Congregation Ohav Shalom (513) 489-3399 • ohavshalom.org Congregation Ohr Chadash (513) 252-7267 • ohrchadashcincinnati.com Congregation Sha’arei Torah shaareitorahcincy.org Congregation Zichron Eliezer 513-631-4900 • czecincinnati.org Golf Manor Synagogue (513) 531-6654 • golfmanorsynagogue.org Isaac M. Wise Temple (513) 793-2556 • wisetemple.org Kehilas B’nai Israel (513) 761-0769 Northern Hills Synagogue (513) 931-6038 • nhs-cba.org Rockdale Temple (513) 891-9900 • rockdaletemple.org Temple Beth Shalom (513) 422-8313 • tbsohio.org Temple Sholom (513) 791-1330 • templesholom.net The Valley Temple (513) 761-3555 • valleytemple.com

DO YOU WANT TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED? Send an e-mail including what you would like in your classified & your contact information to

business@ americanisraelite.com or call Erin at 621-3145

SESSIONS from page 4 will help us to investigate American Jewish political behavior as a result of the Nov. 6 presidential election.

Dr. Windmeueller is a national expert on Jewish public affairs and will provide a historical and political context for framing what he describes as the “Jewish Contract with America.” For further inforWORKUM from page 5

EDUCATION Chai Tots Early Childhood Center (513) 234.0600 • chaitots.com Chabad Blue Ash (513) 793-5200 • chabadba.com Cincinnati Hebrew Day School (513) 351-7777 • chds.shul.net HUC-JIR (513) 221-1875 • huc.edu JCC Early Childhood School (513) 793-2122 • mayersonjcc.org Kehilla - School for Creative Jewish Education (513) 489-3399 • kehilla-cincy.com Mercaz High School (513) 792-5082 x104 • mercazhs.org Kulanu (Reform Jewish High School) 513-262-8849 • kulanucincy.org Regional Institute Torah & Secular Studies (513) 631-0083 Rockwern Academy (513) 984-3770 • rockwernacademy.org Sarah’s Place (513) 531-3151 • sarahsplacecincy.com

ORGANIZATIONS American Jewish Committee (513) 621-4020 • ajc.org American Friends of Magen David Adom (513) 521-1197 • afmda.org B’nai B’rith (513) 984-1999 BBYO (513) 722-7244 Hadassah (513) 821-6157 • cincinnati.hadassah.org Jewish Discovery Center (513) 234.0777 • jdiscovery.com Jewish National Fund (513) 794-1300 • jnf.org Jewish War Veterans (513) 204-5594 • jwv.org NA’AMAT (513) 984-3805 • naamat.org National Council of Jewish Women (513) 891-9583 • ncjw.org State of Israel Bonds (513) 793-4440 • israelbonds.com Women’s American ORT (513) 985-1512 • ortamerica.org.org

Applications from prospective interns will be solicited this fall, and interviews will take place over winter break. Final selections will be made in February or March.

The eight week summer session will run from June 5 through July 31. If we can find a suitable match for your agency, you will be notiLETTERS from page 16 Fred was just brilliant at diagnosis. And yet, he would often modestly tell people that it was his brother Leon who was the true medical genius in the family.

I owe Fred my wedding day.

Gilbert’s mother Iphigene died two days before we were to marry. The rabbis were split over whether we should postpone or go forward. I was beside myself.

Fortunately, Iphigene was Fred’s patient, so Gilbert decided to seek Fred’s counsel. Fred retorted that if Iphigene had thought Gil would postpone his wedding because of her death, she’d be very upset with him. That settled it, then.

And Gilbert came to be Fred’s patient as well.

Fred was truly our family doctor when I was growing up—he took care of all of us Browns. My mother chose him for us because her friends whose husbands then worked for the Public Health Service recommended him. And Fred saw me through the most difficult times of my life—the deaths of both parents, and my beloved Gilbert. He was a rock throughout—kind, compassionate, caring—all those words that aren’t clichés when they really mean something.

Of the many things I loved about Fred were his convictions and eccentricities. He adored the environment, and went on many a trip with the Cincinnati Nature Center back in the day. He hated

SENIOR SERVICES

• • • • •

Up to 24 hour care Meal Preparation Errands/Shopping Hygiene Assistance Light Housekeeping

(513) 531-9600 mation about the Shabbat dinner program that follows services and that includes Dr. Windmueller’s presentation, or to make reservations, contact Margie Burgin at Wise Temple.

The community is invited to attend this wide array of adult learning opportunities in November in the Wise Temple Eitz Chayim Program. fied in February.

Please send all job descriptions

by Nov. 1. Examples of past job descriptions can be found on the Workum website.

You can help us by spreading the word about our quality program. Our best publicity comes from those who have had positive experiences with Workum summer interns. it when he had to give up flying into the Alaskan wilderness.

During his last years there, when he wasn’t able to walk so well, he told me he just gathered up a year’s worth of New Yorker magazines and read them all while his kinfolks hiked.

And then there was his office waiting area. I venture it is fair to say that there aren’t many doctors whose waiting rooms contained Obama for President literature. He was feisty about politics, and an unapologetic liberal. He loved talking with me about the Bill of Rights. I was, of course, his patient when I decided to go to law school. He approved, thoroughly, even though at 30 I worried that I might be too old to start.

What also will always stay with me was Fred’s love of music.

There he was, with those divine seats in the middle of the main floor of Music Hall, relishing the music every Saturday night. And always a line of people waiting to say hello.

And now, an era is truly at an end. If you were Fred’s patient, you could always get ahold of him. No intermediaries, no boundaries, no one else taking week-end call. Fred always told Gilbert and me he wanted to die in the office taking care of his patients. He came pretty close to that, even at five score.

Sincerely, Marianna Brown Bettman, Cincinnati, OH

20 • BUSINESS

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

Jerome S. Teller receives the Lifetime Achievement in Law Award The Cincinnati Bar Foundation will present the 12th Lifetime Achievement in Law Award— named to honor John L. Muething—to Jerome S. Teller at the CBA-CBF Senior Counselors’ Luncheon.

Teller was born in Toledo, Ohio and moved to Kansas City shortly thereafter. He moved to Cincinnati just before his senior year in high school.

Inspired by his uncle and late brother’s study of law,Teller took to law school naturally. He graduated from the University of Cincinati Law school in 1953, clerked for both Lindhorst & Dreidame and the Federated Department Stores before practicing with Samuel Chalfee.

Throughout his career, Teller was recognized as a distinguished business and real estate lawyer,

Jerry and Sue Teller

providing counsel to some of the area’s largest business and real estate companies. He also became a specialist in complex family law.

He was extremely skilled at han-

dling complex divorces, drawing upon his vast business law experience. So skilled, in fact, that he was instrumental in creating new law on the treatment of complex assets.

In 1980, Teller started his own firm with long-time friends Reuven Katz, Joe Brandt and Guy Hild. “Building a fine firm is one of the things I’m most proud of.

It’s been very satisfying for me personally,” said Teller.

More important to him than his career, Teller has been passionately involved with a number of Cincinnati and national charities.

He was president of the national organization of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society for which he traveled the world to further their mission to rescue people of all faiths who are being deprived.

Locally, he was also president of the Jewish Federation and Cedar

Village. Humanitarian activities are very important to him. “All people should take the time to give back to causes that are important to them. To really lead a fulfilling life, it’s important to take on other tasks and put good into the world,” said Teller.

Since his retirement in 2010, after 30 years with Katz, Teller, Brandt & Hild, Teller has continued his dedication to charitable volunteer work by fundraising for causes that are dear to him.

When a 3-year-old girl from Israel was coming to Cincinnati Shriners Hospitals for Children, for treatment of burns to 95 percent of her body, Teller raised more than $100,000 to cover the cost of her family’s stay while she was being treated.

For young associates just getting started and looking for a long

and rewarding career, Teller offers this advice: “Always be concerned for the client and the outcome first.

You really need to ache for your client. Everything will fall into place if you can do that well.”

Teller and his wife, Suzanne, have been married for 60 years.

They have six children and 12 grandchildren.

Teller’s other honors and associations include: Hebrew Union College, Governor Emeritus, Freelander Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to the Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati, Community Service Award of the National Conference for Christians and Jews (now Bridges for a Just Community), Hebrew Union College Distinguished Service Award, and the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s Robert V. Goldstein Volunteer of the Year Award.

Weil Funeral Home hosts centennial speaker

By Michael Sawan Assistant Editor Very rarely is it appropriate to throw a 100-year anniversary party with a book titled “Cremation or Burial: A Jewish View.” Except, that is, for Tuessday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. when Weil Funeral Home commemorates its 100th year in business by discussing Doron Kornbluth’s aforementioned book with the author himself.

Robert Weil, the fourth-generation owner of Weil Funeral Home, explained to The American Israelite that Kornbluth is “a very engaging speaker,” having given a similar presentation to a funeral home in Denver. Weil admits nonetheless that this is an unorthodox sort of party.

“I have no idea how many people will be coming,” Weil says in good humor. “Could be four, could be 400. I guess we’ll see.”

But what else is a funeral home to do? Weil explained that a tradiHUBERMAN from page 9 Influenced by his own brushes with Polish pogroms in the 1880s and the Zionistic inklings of Einstein, a fellow violinist who later helped him raise funds for the orchestra, Huberman acted when musicians were fired in Germany after Hitler came to power in 1933.

Canceling all of his engagements in Germany – he never returned – Huberman dedicated himself to convincing the most accomplished Jewish musicians in Europe to relocate to create an orchestra in the Tel Aviv desert.

“One has to build a fist against anti-Semitism,” Huberman says in the film. “A first-class orchestra would be that fist.”

From 1934 to 1936, he auditioned, he accepted, he turned

tional celebration would be unsettling: “Who would want to go to a party at a funeral home?” he asked with a laugh.

Weil exudes this good humor, leading one to believe that he’d be best suited to run a toy shop, or maybe a candy store. But no, the funerary arts have been Weil’s profession for 31 years – and have been in his family for over three times longer than that.

“There is no exact day I can point to that Weil Funeral Home began,” Weil explains. He then began a story concerning his great grandfather, Isaac, who happened upon the funeral business almost by accident sometime in the early 1900s. Only in March 1912 was the business officially incorporated, and so Weil uses that date to gauge the business’ age.

At the time of the company’s founding there was a good amount of funerary competition in Cincinnati, but only Weil’s business exists to the present day. Even

further, Weil explained that “up until 20 years back all funeral homes were family run,” referencing the current prevalence of corporate funeral homes. These details are connected in Weil’s mind, but he doesn’t claim they are the reason for his success. Rather, “We treat the public right. We don’t take them for granted, we respect them.” To illustrate the point, Weil explains that “I like to run [the business] like I have five competitors down the street.”

Weil also understands the lurid nature of his business, and so avoids being more visible than need be. “I like to think I do a first class job, and otherwise stay out of [the public’s] hair,” he explains.

This is the reason that Weil has planned the anniversary celebration as he has: imagine a garish full page advertisement in The American Israelite about a raucous Halloween party at a funeral home. That clashing feeling you may have experienced is what

Weil seeks to avoid year round. “I hope that the public looks at us as being helpful when they need it the most. That we try to support the community in all the ways we can.” But otherwise, a Weil-style funeral home will stay mostly under the radar.

Business has stayed solid because of these factors, allowing for the relocation of the Weil Funeral Home from Avondale to Symmes Township in 2001. This proved to be a difficult time to move, however, as the national number of deaths dropped soon afterward. In Weil's case, it went from 300 “calls”—jobs relating to an individual who has died—to around 220.

“It was a trying time,” Weil said. “We had to tighten up on expenses. Those were tough years, business-wise.”

But the funeral home has persevered and is again investing into better services for the community.

Weil explained that the company

has recently invested in a new phone system, a new sound system, and even a new computer system.

“We try to stay abreast of the technology,” said Weil of the investments. “The website is next.

It’s just old, time to renew.”

Weil himself is feeling a bit warn down after over 30 years in the business. “I’d like to slow down a bit,” he said with a tinge of weariness. “Though I’m not going to just STOP.” Weil explained that he’d begin balancing his work with his family, especially the grandkids.

If you’d like to take part in commemorating the funeral home’s centennial, the get together will be on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. The event will feature Doron Kornbluth discussing his book, as well as refreshments.

Not to ruin the surprise, but Weil did add just one more thing: “Of course, [Kornbluth] comes down on the side of burial.”

down musicians. In his homeland of Poland, Huberman conducted blind tryouts to assure himself that his choices would be based solely on musicianship.

“It would be a misnomer, though,” cautions Aronson, “to say he was in a godlike position.”

One can’t look at history in hindsight, he says; no one, including Huberman, foresaw concentration camps, and Jews were used to the vicissitudes of anti-Semitism.

Toscanini entered the story after he refused to honor a gig in Germany that he had accepted before Hitler’s ascension. When Huberman learned of the maestro’s principled resistance to fascism, he immediately asked him to conduct the opening concerts in Palestine, which he did.

The de facto leader of the Jewish community in 1930s

Palestine, David Ben-Gurion, also played a supporting role – actually, non-supporting – in the drama.

In 1936, Huberman balked at bringing over the 70 musicians and their families because BenGurion would only extend temporary entry documents to them rather than the precious permanent ones desperately needed. BenGurion believed that only workers would build Israel, not urbane performers who would get off the boat, take one look at the camels and sand, and make a beeline back.

World Zionist leader Chaim Weizmann intervened and the Palestine Symphony held its first concerts in December 1936.

For Aronson, who calls himself a classic twice-a-year Jew, the project offered the opportunity to immerse himself in Holocaust his-

tory, something he had never done. It’s not that he grew up in a family that was unaware. His father, Aronson says, would never set foot in Germany and didn’t like the fact that his son owned a Volkswagen.

But for the year he researched Huberman and the Israel Philharmonic, Aronson read books he had never read, explored Yad Vashem and the Holocaust museum in Washington.

“I gave myself the education on this painful topic that I was too intimidated to go after years ago,” Aronson said.

Aronson says that in producing the documentary, he was fortunate to meet the aristocracy of Israel – the octogenarians who saw Zionism at its beginnings – as well as musicians who create music today at the highest levels. Among

those interviewed for the film were artists such as Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell, Pinchas Zukerman and Zubin Mehta. (I won’t spoil a final anecdote: Good story embedded in the movie about Bell, whose violin teacher worshiped Huberman.)

In the end, how many Jews did Huberman save? Aronson suggests about 1,000, but notes that some Israelis claim it was closer to 3,000 after tallying players, parents, wives and others swept along.

There are no records, he says, since Huberman didn’t need or want accolades.

“He was doing this because he saw intolerance and, unlike so many who did nothing, felt compelled to act,” Aronson said.

“Maybe because he had such a big heart.”

FOOD / AUTOS • 21

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012

This high tech world Zell’s Bites

by Zell Schulman Our world of conversation has gone “High Tech.” The day of personal correspondence has been taken over by email, texting and Facebook. Oh yes, I still get invitations for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Wedding showers and Weddings but the cards and notes that come just to say “I’m thinking of you” are few and far between.

A flyer from the Wise Temple Sisterhood inviting me to a program called “Latkes N’ Lunch” arrived in the mail today. I just returned home from Chicago this past Sunday, where my cousin’s son became a Bar Mitzvah.

Traveling isn’t what it used to be and neither is accomplishing what you want or need to especially when you’re in the senior stage of your life. I haven’t even begun to think about what’s happening in December, let alone November.

The flyer awakened me to the fact I needed to start making Latkes and getting them in the freezer. I used to prepare dozens in one day. (My one grandson would eat a dozen himself.) I thank God for my daughter and daughter-in-law who have taken over this part of our Hanukkah family dinner. I still make a dozen to share and celebrate with friends and neighbors when they come for lunch or dinner. After all, Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights.

This year, I’ll probably be responsible for the brisket or the tzimmes. Several weeks ago a friend of mine asked me for a good brisket recipe, a tradition in most Jewish homes for Hanukkah.

I’m happy to share my favorite brisket recipe with my readers.

ZELL’S BRISKET OF BEEF Serves 8 to 10 I usually buy a whole brisket, but you can buy just the first cut in one piece, if you wish.

Ingredients One 4 – 4 1/2 pound beef brisket One 8-ounce can tomato sauce

1 large onion 1 cup dry red wine 1/4 cup fresh parsley 1/2 tablespoon salt 4 whole cloves garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 2 ribs celery with leaves 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 large carrots, peeled 1 cube beef consommé, crushed 1 whole bay leaf 1 tablespoon potato starch Method 1. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Rinse the brisket in cold water.

Dry it with paper towels. Place the brisket on a rack in a large roasting pan.

2. Chop the onion, garlic and parsley together. Cut the celery and carrots into medium pieces.

Distribute these over and around the brisket. Add the bay leaf.

3. Mix the tomato sauce, red wine, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and consommé cube together. Mix, blend or process together well. Pour this over the brisket.

4. Cover the roasting pan with a lid or heavy foil. Roast 45 to 60 minutes per pound. Don’t undercook the brisket. Check for doneness by sticking with a fork. The brisket should be tender but not real soft. Remove the brisket from the oven. Separate the brisket from the liquid and vegetables. If serving immediately, allow the brisket to cool 30 minutes before slicing. Otherwise, refrigerate the brisket, well covered.

GRAVY In two batches, use your food processor or blender, to make the gravy. Pour the remaining liquid and vegetables plus the potato starch into the bowl of the processor or blender. Pulse several times. Process or blend l0 seconds until smooth. Empty the gravy into a 4-cup container and refrigerate. When ready to serve, slice the brisket, place the slices in an oven proof casserole. Remove any solidified fat from the gravy and pour the gravy over the brisket.

Warm, covered, in a 300°F oven about 30 minutes.

Zell’s Tip If you ask, your butcher will separate the second cut from the first cut of the brisket. After roasting the entire brisket, the second cut may be used for barbecue, ground for meat fillings or frozen for later use. Any brisket that isn’t eaten freezes great! I like preparing the brisket a day or two ahead of serving it.

2013 Jaguar XF

2013 Jaguar XF—as alive as you are This Jaguar XF is not a machine but an extension of your fingertips.

The leather steering wheel incorporates switches for cruise control and the InteractiveVoice™ feature. It can also be used to control the audio output—adjusting sound level and changing between CD tracks, radio stations or selections on an iPod® or MP3 digital music player. In addition, a heated steering-wheel rim is standard on XF Supercharged and XFR, and optional on other models.

With InteractiveVoice™ fitted on all models, you need only press the “voice” button on the steering wheel and use spoken commands to control the audio and navigation systems, as well as the Touchscreen and Bluetooth® connection. The system incorporates the latest “say what you see” technol-

ogy, allowing you to respond to on-screen prompts.

Needing comfort? The feel of your cat curling up in your lap? Well the XF will let you curl up in it. The dual-zone automatic climate control system provides individual temperature controls for the driver and front passenger. The system also features air particle and odor filtration, as well as humidity control and automatic window demisting.

The XF is a leader in safety innovation making it your new guardian as well.

The vehicle’s reinforced body shell incorporates high-strength steels to create a virtual safety ring around the cabin. The XF has twostage airbag Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) for the driver and front passenger, as well as side and curtain airbags (SRS)—

all controlled by a sensing system that ensures they will only deploy if the seats are occupied. The Blind Spot Monitor, optional on XF and XF Portfolio and standard on XF Supercharged and XFR, uses radar to take much of the uncertainty out of changing lanes. An amber warning icon will appear in the exterior mirror when the system detects vehicles alongside that may not be visible in the mirror. All XF models incorporate a host of safety systems designed to improve stability and control: Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic brake-force distribution, Anti-lock brakes, Traction control, Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering brake control and Engine drag torque control.

Depending on which model you wish to purchase the starting MSRP is from $46,975 to $82,000.

22 • OBITUARIES D EATH N OTICES SHAPIRO, Herbert, age 83 died on October 17, 2012; 1 Cheshvan, 5773.

EHRLICH, Robert, age 81, died on October 17, 2012; 2 Cheshvan, 5773.

GLUECK, Hillel, age 97, died on October 18, 2012; 2 Cheshvan, 5773.

GOLDMAN, Leonard, age 77, died on October 19, 2012; 3 Cheshvan, 5773.

MANDELL, Yetta, age 83, died on October 20, 2012; 4 Cheshvan, 5773.

FARBER, Doris Berman, age 100, died on October 20, 2012;4 Cheshvan, 5773.

BERMAN, Bernice K., age 94, died on October 22, 2012; 6 Cheshvan, 5773.

ROSENTHAL from page 8 “We’ve always tried to ensure that those foreign service officers who have the human rights portfolio were well briefed and had connections to our local communities,” said Mark Levin, who directs NCSJ, the community body that deals with Jewish communities in the former communist world.

“What Hannah was trying to do and was beginning to succeed at was to make this a formal part of State Department protocol. She’s institutionalized the fight against global anti-Semitism.”

Jewish officials also struck a note of pride in how one of their own – Rosenthal in the 1990s and COMMUNITIES from page 6 Residents, volunteers and employees at the retirement com-

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

Then there’s the crackdown on dissent that has seen everything from the jailing of opposition leaders to the prison terms handed down to three women from the punk band Pussy Riot for their “blasphemous” performance in a church. The rockers, one of whom has been released from prison, were convicted of “hooliganism.”

Fortunately for the Jews of Russia, Judaism is one of four recognized religions in the country.

The Russian parliament is now considering a blasphemy law that would criminalize acts of “sacrilege” against any of the recognized religions.

Finally, a new law requires groups that acquire funds from overseas to declare themselves “foreign agents” – a category that on its face would seem to include international Jewish aid groups.

Publicly, Jewish organizations say they are not concerned and emphasize that their work is

humanitarian, not political.

“There’s nothing here that Jewish organizations that operate in the former Soviet Union from the United States or Israel that support activities in the FSU have to be concerned about,” said Misha Galperin, president and CEO of Jewish Agency International Development. “We provide assistance for humanitarian, education and community building programs that have nothing at all to do with any political processes and situations in Russia.”

Privately, however, Jewish organizations are toeing very carefully to make sure they do not run afoul of a regime that in recent months has severely restricted the operation of foreign NGOs in Russia.

The key, says Ben Cohen, a former director of European affairs for the Anti–Defamation League, is to steer clear of any criticism of the regime.

“The organized Jewish com-

munity has traditionally been very careful not to alienate the Russian government,” he said. “Firstly it would hinder their operations there, and secondly, I think they’re aware that there is a very strong undercurrent of anti–Semitism in Russia and they’re very nervous about provoking that.”

As things stand now, Putin has good ties with the Jewish community. He has developed personal relationships with some Jewish leaders – notably Rabbi Berel Lazar, one of Russia’s two chief rabbis – and Jewish schools, synagogues and community centers have flourished in Russia since Putin came to power in 2000.

“Putin is a despicable man, but he’s very shrewd,” Cohen said.

“He understands that getting into a needless confrontation with Jewish organizations isn’t going to serve his interests.”

ORT, the educational agency, cited its close work with the government in running schools and educational programs in Russia.

Moscow ORT Technology College, which opened in 1996, has 4,000 students, and the ORT de Gunzburg Jewish School No. 550 in St. Petersburg has received the President’s Prize – Russia’s highest award for innovation and excellence in education.

“We’re in these countries” in the former Soviet Union “because we’ve been invited by the government and the ministries of education, which we partner with,” said Alan Klugman, executive director of ORT America.

Likewise, Jewish groups including the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society and the JDC told JTA that they have not experienced problems with the government and do not expect U.S.– Russia tensions to affect their operations.

The unspoken tradeoff, Cohen said, is that Jewish organizations cannot criticize the regime for anything. U.S. – Russian tensions will not impact Jewish groups, Cohen said, “unless they challenge the government.”

the early 2000s directed the Jewish Council for Public Affairs – was speaking for the U.S. government.

“She brings candor and authenticity to the job,” said Daniel Mariaschin, the executive vice president of B’nai B’rith International. “Coming from the community had made her an effective advocate.”

If Rosenthal’s intradepartmental achievements involved delicate bureaucratic dances, her job overseas was characterized by making clear that anti-Semitism was a U.S. government priority – a job that required a degree of showmanship.

In some instances that meant taking her complaints directly to offenders. In April she met with

Ilmar Reepalu, the mayor of Malmo in Sweden, who would not back down from his calls on the city’s Jews to reject Zionism as a strategy for repelling violent attacks on the community. So Rosenthal took her case to the country’s minister of integration, who issued a rare rebuke of a fellow public official.

“Not only were we able to get people to publicly criticize him, there have been regular kipah walks,” she said, referring to recent events in which the city’s Jews and others have defiantly donned the head coverings on outings.

In 2011, Rosenthal confronted Saudi officials about anti-Semitism

in their schoolbooks and asked Jordanian officials to introduce Holocaust studies into the curriculum.

The actions threw the weight of the U.S. government behind what for years have been efforts by Jewish groups to have governments confront anti-Semitism, Mariaschin said.

“The position has profile,” Mariaschin said. “In particular, B’nai B’rith was pleased when she visited Latin America.”

Mariaschin noted Rosenthal’s attention to Venezuela, where President Hugo Chavez has forged ties with Iran, attacked Israel and insinuated the existence of Jewish conspiracies.

The work of Rosenthal and her predecessor from 2006 to 2009, Gregg Rickman, who was the first to hold the congressionally mandated post, has cleared the way for more effective Jewish advocacy work, said Abraham Foxman, the national director of the AntiDefamation League.

“From our perspective, the fact that the U.S. government takes it seriously makes it easier for us to use our advocacy,” Foxman said.

If her confrontations with government officials overseas have drawn Jewish community plaudits, the other leg of Rosenthal’s overseas outreach – promoting reconciliation between Muslims and Jews – has received more mixed

munities as well as their relatives and friends and members of the public from have been placing the private notes in the replicas.

Leaders of the mission will bring the notes to Israel and distribute them to each of the travelers to place in the Wall.

The 2,000-year-old Wall— known in Hebrew as the Kotel—is Judaism’s holiest site. It is a rem-

nant of Jerusalem’s Second Temple. Jews from around the world gather there to pray.

Cedar Village and Otterbein based the Western Wall project on a similar project done at KobernickAnchin Pavillion, a Jewish retirement community in Sarasota, Fla. Although the Western Wall project and other aspects of the trip involve learning about each

other’s faiths, there is much more to the journey. “The trip demonstrates that open mindedness and willingness to learn can happen at any age,” Elliott said. “It is about learning to accept and embrace those that are different from us. It is about recognizing that our elders can achieve remarkable things.

And it sets an example — if our elders can get along, grow, learn and cooperate, we all ought to be able to do that.”

Meanwhile, as part of their interfaith education, the travelers worshipped together. First, on Saturday, Oct. 13, they participated in a Shabbat service at the Cedar Village chapel, led by Rabbi Gerry Walter of Cedar Village. Then, on Sunday, Oct. 14, they participated in a service at Otterbein, led by Rev. Barbara Schnecker of Otterbein. Rabbi Walter and Rev. Schnecker, who have led a series of religious education sessions for the travelers, will be going on the trip.

During the Cedar Village service, Rabbi Walter asked all the travelers to gather around the Torah.

Then, he blessed them in Hebrew

and English, praying that they have an “extraordinary journey.”

The next day at Otterbein, a candle was lit for each traveler as their names were read aloud. Rev. Schnecker anointed each traveler by placing a drop of oil on their foreheads, praying that they have a safe, spiritual journey. She called them “ambassadors of our communities.”

“May God’s hand be upon them,” she said, “and may our prayers and God’s blessing go with them as they continue to build bridges of peace, love, and gratitude while traveling to the Holy Land of Israel.”

An interfaith mission to Israel of older adults has never been done before by American retirement communities. In Israel, they will visit sites significant to Judaism and Christianity, including some that are only hundreds of feet apart in the Old City of Jerusalem. They also will attend services at Jewish and Christian places of worship while continuing to have discussions about Christianity and Judaism throughout the trip.

CRACKDOWN from page 7

YOU’RE INVITED! The Jewish Foundation’s Annual Meeting Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Dessert Reception to follow) Mayerson JCC on The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati Campus, Amberley Room Please RSVP by October 26 to info@thejewishfoundation.org or call (513) 214-1200.

Check out our new website: www.thejewishfoundation.org