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JNF’s Annual Tree of Life™ Award Dinner
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011 20 CHESHVAN, 5772 CINCINNATI, OH Candle Lighting Times Shabbat begins Fri. 5:04p Shabbat ends Sat. 6:05p
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BBYO’s regional headquarters comes back to Cincinnati
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Cedar Village presents Battle of the Bands
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Argentine Jewish boxer to defend title in Buenos Aires
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KT’s Barbecue offers star quality barbecue, star stories
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‘Ha-Borer’ is the Israeli ‘Sopranos’
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Is Jerusalem in Israel? Supreme Court takes up passport case
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With haredi population growing, can Israel put them to work?
JFC approves allocations for fiscal year 2012 Each year, the Planning and Allocations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati makes a recommendation to the Board of the Federation utilizing a very thorough process that determines how community campaign contributions are allocated locally and to Israel and overseas. The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati Board of Trustees approved the recommendations of the Planning and Allocations Committee for 2012 at its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 27. The allocations will take effect on Jan. 1, 2012. Where Does Your Money Go? Since 2009, the economy’s effect on the Federation’s annual campaign has left the allocations committee with more and more challenging decisions to make. The committee approached the allocations process “knowing that the community expected strategic decisions with limited resources,” said Barbara Miller, director of Planning and Allocations. Under the strong and capable leadership of Suzette Fisher’s third year as vice-president of Planning and Allocations, Billy Bie and Susan Brenner, co-chairs of the Youth and Family Council; Kathie Kaplan and Dr. Sidney Cohen, co-chairs of the Senior Adult Council; and Sandy Kaltman and Tamar Smith, cochairs of the Council of Jewish Life and Learning, led the Planning and Allocations process. Members of the Planning and Allocations umbrella committee and the three local councils were charged with making recommendations for distributing the available dollars from the Federation’s 2012 community campaign, which at $5.1 million remained about even with the 2011 campaign. “Our Federation continued its tradition of outstanding service to the community again this year. With clear vision, strong leadership, and dedicated volunteers and staff, we overcame many obstacles to achieve our goal. That said we also recognized that community needs and program costs are rising therefore making this year’s campaign even more critical to our future success,” said Bie, co-chair of Youth and Family.
The allocations process has evolved over many years, but in its current state it has been greatly influenced by Suzette Fisher and her prior experiences with other nonprofit organizations such as United Way and the YWCA. The process involves 77 dedicated volunteers responsible for thoroughly evaluating and assessing the agency programs and budgets that are funded through allocations. Approximately 44 individual site visits were made this year to 39 local agencies’ programs. These visits included several one-on-one meet-
ing by assessing how many people were being served and how much need or demand was required for the service. In some cases council members recognized where improvements or enhancements to a program could be made. However, in most cases, council members witnessed the top-notch, dedicated work of the agency professionals who, on a daily basis, are providing meaningful services and programs to those in need. “It was an honor and a privilege to be involved in this important endeavor. Analyzing and evaluating so many incredible community pro-
Meanwhile, the local senior population, which is growing exponentially, created more demands on the Federation’s partner agencies addressing senior needs—the JCC and JFS—both offering such services as transportation, case management, adult socialization opportunities, hot congregate meals and meals on wheels to homebound seniors. “Serving as co-chair of the Senior Adult Council was a mixture of satisfaction and frustration,” said Cohen, co-chair of the Senior Adult Council.“The wonderful enthusiasm of all the committee members and
ings and interviews by individual council members with agency personnel, executives, board presidents and clients served. Site visit reports were prepared by each of the volunteers and program evaluations and assessments utilizing a standardized rating process instrument were presented at all the council meetings. Once agreement and consensus was achieved about funding a program, a final funding recommendation was made. Council members carefully evaluated each program by measuring the impact, quality and cost effectiveness of the program. Council members determined how efficiently the programs were operat-
grams that will help determine the future of Cincinnati’s Jewish community is a sacred task,” said Smith, co-chair of CJLL. With no clear path to economic recovery, the Federation saw an increase in the number of community members facing hardship. Requests for financial support services offered by our partner agency Jewish Family Service (JFS) grew to unprecedented levels. Last year, in 2011, for instance, the JFS Chaver Emergency Assistance Fund, which is supported largely by community campaign contributions, ran out of money in July, although the funding was expected to last through this coming December.
the interest and compassion that they displayed in conscientiously evaluating the various programs was an example of true philanthropic behavior. The detailed evaluations that each council member prepared demonstrated the important work and services of the various agencies. I can honestly say that I was extremely proud to be part of the ongoing effort to make our community a better place to live, not only as a bright and cultured environment for our young but as a wonderful caring shelter and protective environment for our elderly. ALLOCATIONS on page 20
To: Advertisers who want to reach the enormous potential of the Jewish Community this holiday gift giving season. From: The American Israelite
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LOCAL • 3
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011
BBYO’s regional headquarters comes back to Cincinnati Even though most bar/bat mitzvah speeches profess that “this day marks the beginning of my Jewish journey,” according to researchers and sociologists who study American Jews, the reality is that for the majority of Jewish teens, their bar/bat mitzvah actually marks the end of their engagement in Jewish life. So what is that “thing” that can keep them on a Jewish path, not just now, but well into the future when factors such as increased social and academic pressures and secular influences have made it more difficult than ever to compete for their limited time and interest? According to The Mayerson Foundation and the Mayerson JCC, that “thing” is BBYO. “We have always been interested in creating and/or strengthening programs that fill unmet needs in our community, especially as it relates to helping those who are more weakly engaged make connections to other Jewish people and the Jewish community,” remarked Pam Saeks, Director of Jewish Giving for The Mayerson Foundation.“Recently we saw an opportunity to play a catalytic role in this area by partnering with BBYO, the leading pluralistic Jewish youth organization in the world, to help build an even stronger foundation for teen engagement in our own community and in the region,” she continued.“On the local level, BBYO has been a program of the Mayerson JCC for many years, and with Matt Steinberg at the helm as the new City Director, and a commitment from the J to take BBYO in Cincinnati to the next level, we felt it was the optimal time to throw our hat into the ring,” she added.“By bringing the BBYO regional office back to Cincinnati with the new Regional Director on our staff, and by applying the model that has helped us achieve success with other demographics through our Access, Shalom Family, Fusion and YPs at the JCC programs, we think we can help make a significant difference in the lives of Jewish teens in Cincinnati and in the entire KentuckyIndiana-Ohio (KIO) region.” Last week, the partnership between BBYO and The Mayerson Foundation became official with the appointment of Josh Rothstein, the Mayerson Foundation’s Manager of Program Development and Engagement, who will now also serve as the new KIO BBYO Regional Director.The Mayerson Foundation’s interest in helping to fund and supervise this position was instrumental in convincing BBYO to relocate its KIO regional head-
quarters back to Cincinnati where it resided for many decades before being moved to Columbus and then Louisville about eight years ago. Typically BBYO regional directors also work for their local JCCs and can only devote about 10 hours a week to the job of running the region. However, thanks to the generosity of The Mayerson Foundation, Rothstein will be able to contribute twice that amount of time to the position and will have the support of an entire department of experienced Mayerson Foundation program and marketing professionals to further enhance his efforts.While it’s not BBYO’s traditional model, this move was seen as an opportunity to significantly elevate the organization’s efforts in the region.
BBYO Regional Director, Josh Rothstein
“I am humbled and proud to be the new KIO BBYO Regional Director,” said Rothstein.“My involvement with BBYO started when I became a volunteer advisor for the boys’AZA chapter here in Cincinnati. I was immediately impressed by the great job BBYO does of turning typical teenagers into confident and effective leaders. With the many opportunities this organization gives them to develop and implement programs from the ground up, combined with just the right amount of adult supervision, it’s a winning formula that has been working for nearly 90 years. I am thrilled to have the chance to play a small part in helping to shape the next generation of great Jewish leaders,” he added.“I am especially fortunate to be working with such a high quality team of City Directors and advisors to help strengthen the BBYO brand in our region, and look forward to all the great things I know we are going to accomplish together!” Rothstein is already hard at work planning KIO’s first ever
Regional Staff/Advisor Retreat which will take place in Cincinnati in early December to help them get to know one another better outside the context of busy regional conventions and to provide some training, as well as strategic planning and programming support. In addition, Josh is overseeing the teen committee in planning the 2011 Regional Convention, and will be coordinating a Regional Teen Board retreat for early January. He is also committed to creating a more effective and streamlined communication and marketing system to keep the staff, teens, parents and alumni more engaged and in the loop than ever before. “BBYO has been a central part of our teen programming for many years,” said Jeff Baden, Executive Director of the JCC. We are excited for this opportunity to expand our partnership into new areas with the Mayerson Foundation and appreciate their efforts in bringing KIO’s regional headquarters back to Cincinnati. Having Josh Rothstein working closely with us will certainly enhance the experience of our teens, and will put our community in a position to host more leadership trainings, conferences and regional activities,” he explained. “The Mayerson Foundation’s programming model has been applied throughout our community with great success, including the YPs at the JCC initiative, started under the leadership of Josh and his team to help build a young professional presence at the J. We believe this model will translate equally as well to BBYO and look forward to working together to take BBYO to new heights!” “The title of Regional Director comes with many responsibilities including supervising the staff and regional board, dealing with logistics, and connecting on an emotional level with teens within the region,” explained Jason DuBro, a member of the Regional Board from Dayton.“Although BBYO is a teen-led organization, it always needs the support of a strong director. I believe that Josh will provide that backbone. He is able to connect with the teens easily, he has a good understanding of his role and he is ecstatic about working with us.Thanks to his job at The Mayerson Foundation working to engage young professionals in Jewish life, he brings a new perspective to the region and to the organization in general.We are all very happy to welcome Josh to our BBYO family.” BBYO on page 19
RABBI
Traditional mixed seating congregation of 180 families in Dayton, OH is looking for a full-time Rabbi. Individual would be responsiblle for Shabbos Services, High Holydays, and Lifey Cycle Events. Torah reading required. Smicha required. PLEASE SUBMIT RESUME TO: Beth Jacob Congregation, c/o Barry Serotkin, Executive Director, 7020 N. Main St., Dayton, OH 45415 or by e-mail to barrybethjacob1@aol.com. Questions can be directed to Barry Serotkin at (937) 274-2149.
4 • LOCAL
WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM
CHHE celebrates gift from the Gary and Loretta Rabiner Family at its annual meeting
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The American Israelite “LET THERE BE LIGHT” THE OLDEST ENGLISH-JEWISH WEEKLY IN AMERICA - EST. JULY 15, 1854
VOL. 158 • NO. 17 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011 20 CHESHVAN 5772 SHABBAT BEGINS FRIDAY 5:04 PM SHABBAT ENDS SATURDAY 6:05 PM
JFS Festi-Bowl reaps a bowlful of fun and fundraising with immediate and extended family.“We all enjoyed bowling together, loved the competition, good food and good times being all together with family and friends! My granddaughter really enjoyed the kids’ activities—face painting, stilt walkers and loved the balloon animals!! Looking forward to the next one.” Andi Lerner Levenson was the chair of the Festi-Bowl planning committee; other members were Marcy Bachrach, Susan Shorr, Sandee Golden (Jewish Family Service event coordinator), Sherry Kaplan (Jewish Family Service director of marketing) and Beth Schwartz. Several JFS staff and their family members volunteered during the afternoon to help the event run smoothly. More photos are available online. “Thank you to the committee members, staff and of course all the sponsors for their support. We had fun; but what is important in the end is that their support raised money to help strengthen the lives of kids and families who depend on Jewish Family Service during times of need,” said Schwartz.
LEO WISE Editor & Publisher, 1900-1928 RABBI JONAH B. WISE Editor & Publisher, 1928-1930 HENRY C. SEGAL Editor & Publisher, 1930-1985 PHYLLIS R. SINGER Editor & General Manager, 1985-1999 MILLARD H. MACK Publisher Emeritus NETANEL (TED) DEUTSCH Editor & Publisher BARBARA L. MORGENSTERN Senior Writer YEHOSHUA MIZRACHI RITA TONGPITUK Assistant Editors ALEXIA KADISH Copy Editor JANET STEINBERG Travel Editor SONDRA KATKIN Dining Editor MARIANNA BETTMAN NATE BLOOM IRIS PASTOR RABBI A. JAMES RUDIN ZELL SCHULMAN RABBI AVI SHAFRAN PHYLLIS R. SINGER Contributing Columnists LEV LOKSHIN JANE KARLSBERG Staff Photographers JOSEPH D. STANGE Production Manager MICHAEL MAZER Sales ERIN WYENANDT Office Manager e Oldest Eng Th
ewish N h-J ew lis
The sounds of clinking bowling pins, laughter, and “hoorays” filled the lanes at Colerain Bowl when Jewish Family Service held its first annual Festi-Bowl fundraising party on Nov. 6. “This was a win-win-win event,” said Beth Schwartz, executive director of Jewish Family Service. “Everyone from toddlers to grandparents had a fantastic time, it was a family-themed event which fit right in with Jewish Family Service, and the agency exceeded its fundraising goal.” Glow Bowl provided the fun atmosphere as stilt walkers danced to the background party music while juggling and creating balloon animals, NFL football was broadcast on every lane’s TV, children had their faces painted like wild animals between taking turns at bumper bowl, and bowlers won prizes for wacky games such as knocking down the most pins while bowling facing backwards. All attendees received a FestiBowl t-shirt, donated by Associated Premium Corporation. “Our family had so much fun,” said Meryl Juran who attended
RABBI ISSAC M. WISE Founder, Editor, Publisher, 1854-1900
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Holocaust to want to see it not happen again and to want to extinguish all vestiges of the fear and hatred that allowed it to happen. In the world I want to live in, we are all interconnected and a threat to one of us is a threat to all of us.” The meeting also recognized past board members and outgoing President Mark Weisser, and celebrated the accomplishments of the organization in the 2010-2011 academic year.
Est. 1854
Rabiner family’s gift, the annual meeting also installed new President John Neyer. Upon accepting the Board’s nomination for presidency, Mr. Neyer spoke: “Lots of times when I tell somebody of my involvement, they exclaim, ‘But you’re not Jewish!’ I usually reply by saying ‘But I am human!’ I’m opposed to global warming but I’m not an iceberg. You don’t have to have been personally, directly imperiled by the
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individual choices and actions had in allowing the Holocaust to occur, and the actions they can take to build strong communities and prevent this from happening again. The Rabiner family’s generous gift will subsidize field trip costs for disadvantaged schools, provide outreach to educators and school districts, ensure exhibit technology remains up to date, and create new materials for schools before and after their visits. In her announcement of the gift, Sarah L. Weiss, CHHE’s executive director, said, “This experience will impact young people for generations to come. Mr. Rabiner, to me, our board, students, and teachers, you are a legend in your own time.” In addition to celebrating the
r in Am ape er sp i
The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education (CHHE) announced a transformational gift from the Gary and Loretta Rabiner Family at its annual meeting on Sept.r 151. The significant annual and ongoing commitment establishes the Mapping Our Tears: Tours for Tolerance program, providing students from economically disadvantaged schools with the opportunity to tour the Mapping Our Tears exhibit. Thousands of students tour the exhibit each year. Visiting groups learn about the Holocaust, its victims, and its lessons through rare artifacts, and filmed testimony of Holocaust survivors, eyewitnesses, and U.S. WWII veterans with connections to Cincinnati. Students are exposed to the role
THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE (USPS 019-320) is published weekly for $44 per year and $2.00 per single copy in Cincinnati and $49 per year and $3.00 per single copy elsewhere in U.S. by The American Israelite Co. 18 West Ninth Street, Suite 2, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-2037. Periodicals postage paid at Cincinnati, OH. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE, 18 West Ninth Street, Suite 2, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-2037. The views and opinions expressed by the columnists of The American Israelite do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the newspaper.
LOCAL • 5
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011
Cedar Village presents Battle of the Bands When John Fox speaks about rock ‘n’ roll, he speaks with pride. That’s because Fox, a member of the Greater Cincinnati Jewish community, has found dozens of Jewish connections to 1950s and ‘60s rock. “Jews were associated with the best rock music in history,” he boasts. On Sunday, Dec. 4, Fox will be performing with his all-Jewish rock band, The 4 Hubcaps, at a benefit event for Cedar Village Retirement Community. For only the second time, the band will perform its Jewish repertoire—a show featuring songs made famous by Jewish singers, songwriters, managers and producers. The audience can expect to hear music from singers who are well-known for their Jewish roots, including Bob Dylan (born Robert Zimmerman); Carole King (born Carole Klein); and Neil Diamond (born Neil Leslie Diamond). But when The 4 Hubcaps start playing The Beatles, Elvis Presley and James Brown, some in the audience might scratch their heads. Fox, however, has documented the Jewish connections: The Beatles had a Jewish manager, Brian Epstein; Presley’s best songs were written by Jews, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller; and Brown recorded at King Records in Cincinnati,
The 4 Hubcaps perform at the 2009 Battle of the Bands, a benefit event for Cedar Village Retirement Community. (L-R) Dave Goodman, David Stonehill, Oscar Jarnicki, Rod Kaplan and John Fox.
owned by a Jew, Syd Nathan. The 4 Hubcaps, who met at Walnut Hills High School, have been together since the late 1960s. The band features Dave Goodman on lead guitar and sax, David Stonehill on bass and keyboards, Rod Kaplan on drums and Fox on guitar and lead vocals. Oscar Jarnicki will serve as MC for the band, explaining the Jewish connections.
Fox is an authority on rock music from the 1950s to early 1970s, especially the Jewish connections. For a decade, he has given presentations in the Jewish community about the Jewish influence in rock, called the “History of Rock Music a Jewish Perspective.” He doubts that The Beatles, who once dressed poorly and had no stage presence, would have been known
outside Liverpool without Epstein “cleaning up The Beatles’ act.” And he concludes that Presley’s career would not have skyrocketed had it not been for the writing and production talents of Lieber and Stoller. The 4 Hubcaps are performing because of their special fondness for Cedar Village. The mothers of Goodman and Stonehill live there. Fox’s mother-in-law lived there
until her death this year. The event will be held at the 20th Century Theater in Oakley, from 5 to 9 p.m.,Dec. 4. It also will feature two other Cincinnati area bands: Stoopid Rooster, a four-piece band that plays a variety of music, including jazz standards, blues, country & western and 1960s rock. And The Mike Heile Band, a three-piece band that plays mostly classic rock. Even though the event is called Battle of the Bands, the bands will not be competing. Instead, the event is a party, a lively evening of entertainment, featuring food and drinks. Downstairs, the crowd will be able to dance on the theater’s large dance floor or sit at tables. Upstairs will feature auditorium-style seating. Harry Stephens of WDJOAM, Oldies 1480, Cincinnati, will be the master of ceremony. Proceeds will benefit Cedar Village’s programming activities, which enrich the lives of the residents with concerts and shows at Cedar Village, music therapy, an exercise program, jewelry making, manicures and massages, and more. Tickets are available on the Cedar Village website. The theater will provide valet parking, which is included in the ticket price.
6 • LOCAL / NATIONAL
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Thanksgiving is a great time to play at the J As Thanksgiving approaches, think of the J! The Mayerson JCC is a great deal for adults and children all year long, but especially at Thanksgiving, with special activities and advantages to make the holiday more exciting. If you need something fun for the kids to do when they are out of school, enroll them in the JCC Thanksgiving School Break Camp. On Wednesday, Nov. 23, kids in grades K-6 will have an
awesome time while you shop, relax or spend some time at the office. What do your children enjoy: crafts, swimming, games? They can do it all at the J while they snack on their favorite kidfriendly foods. Basic camp hours are 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Before and after care, beginning at 8 a.m. and staying as late as 6 p.m., is available for an additional charge. Andrea Powers has enrolled her son in the JCC Thanksgiving
Break Camp for the past few years and is thrilled it is being offered again. “I am so glad that the J offers the Thanksgiving Break Camp! The staff is so nice and I have confidence they will take good care of my son. He is never bored there with all the fun activities and he loves participating.” “We have lots of games and projects so everyone is sure to have a great experience. This is a wonderful opportunity for children and
adults to make the holiday extra special,” said Matt Miller, JCC Youth and Family Coordinator and Director of Camps. J Member families will also want to take advantage of a special J Member Day on Thanksgiving Thursday, Nov. 24. Bring the kids to bounce and play on inflatables from 2 – 5 p.m. in the gym, or see a movie from 3 – 5 p.m. in the auditorium. J Members may bring guests (at no charge) to enjoy the holiday
fun with them. It’s a great way for J Members to entertain family and friends, while also working off some of that turkey and stuffing! Everyone is welcome at JCC School Break Camps. Membership at the J is not necessary, although J Members pay a discounted fee. For more information about JCC Thanksgiving Break Camp, or about special activities for J Members, call the J or visit the JCC website.
Author Loren Long talks about creativity to Rockwern students New York Times #1 best-selling author and illustrator Loren Long visited Rockwern Academy on Thursday, Nov. 10, to talk with students of all ages, from preschoolers to sixth graders, about story-telling, painting and the creative process. Long, a Madeira resident, opened his presentation by telling the students about some of the books he has written and illustrated himself or for others, drawing gasps of recognition from the students: the critically acclaimed Otis the Tractor picture books (17 weeks on the New York Times Best-Seller list), the Sluggers chapter books, and the illustrations for two #1 best-sellers by famous authors: Mr. Peabody’s Apples by Madonna and the patriotic picture book, Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to my Daughters, by President Barack Obama, which
Loren Long speaking about the book, “Of Thee I Sing”
spent more than 30 weeks at the top of the best-seller list. Every student at Rockwern, from preschool through sixth grade, read Of Thee I Sing this fall, and the
older students did extensive research projects in their Language Arts and Fine Arts classes relating to the book. When Long saw these projects, he was
thrilled, and commented, “This is an amazing school. You really get it.” Long began his presentation by talking about the creative process. He asked the children what was the scariest thing in the world. After a few suggestions, he said “no,” and held up a blank sheet of paper: “This is the scariest thing in the world, because no matter how good your idea is, you have to figure out how to put it on here.” Long demonstrated by beginning to draw an original illustration for the children as he described how he comes up with his ideas. “I always think of a book or an illustration as a movie. What do the characters look like? What’s the mood of the story? What are the best moments in the plot? I even put in sound effects.” When he finished drawing, Long took questions from the chil-
National Briefs Giffords appears in first interview (JTA) — U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords appeared in her first television interview since she was shot in the head in January. Giffords (D-Ariz.) told ABC interviewer Diane Sawyer that she would return to Congress when she was “better.” She spoke in short, halting phrases and repeated words for emphasis during the television special aired Monday night. She sat nestled beside her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, during the interview; he often clarified her phrases or answered the questions for her. Giffords called her husband “brave.” The interview was interspersed with video taken by Kelly throughout Giffords’ recovery, including video of her in her hospital bed on the day after she was shot. The couple have just released a book that they wrote together with journalist Jeffrey Zaslow titled “Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope.”
dren. Asked why he likes creating picture books, he answered, “Even though my sons are teenagers now, we still sometimes sit and read old picture books aloud. Sharing a story together is magical. Games and computers don’t have that magic.” When another student asked what was the hardest thing of being a writer and illustrator, Long answered, “Trying to reach perfection. Every time I start a painting, I know I’m going to create the best picture ever painted. Maybe it doesn’t end up that way, but it’s always a better painting because I tried to make it the greatest ever. It’s not about the results. It’s making the effort that matters.” Then Loren Long signed his original drawing and dedicated it to the students of Rockwern Academy. ADL calls Sarkozy-Obama exchange ‘unpresidential’ (JTA) — The Anti-Defamation League called a reported exchange between French President Nicolas Sarkozy and President Obama disparaging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “decidedly unpresidential.” According to reports of their conversation at the Nov. 3 G20 summit in Cannes, which was overheard by reporters via an open microphone, the French president said, “I cannot bear Netanyahu, he’s a liar.” Obama reportedly replied, “You’re fed up with him, but I have to deal with him every day.” “President Obama’s response to Mr. Sarkozy implies that he agrees with the French leader,” ADL National Director Abraham Foxman said in a statement issued Tuesday. “In light of the revelations here, we hope that the Obama Administration will do everything it can to reassure Israel that the relationship remains on a sure footing and to reinvigorate the trust between President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu, which clearly is not what it should be. BRIEFS on page 21
NATIONAL • 7
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011
Dennis Ross legacy: Iran isolated, but peace still missing By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency WASHINGTON (JTA) — Dennis Ross got back in the driver’s seat, yet three years later the peace is still missing. Ross, a veteran of four failed presidential pushes for Middle East peace, announced Nov. 10 that he would be leaving his post as President Obama’s top Middle East strategist by the end of the year and rejoining the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Ross leaves with a mixed record in the two areas in which he was most focused: Iran’s nuclear program and advancing Israeli-Arab peace. The Israeli-Palestinian peace process is stalled, if not sliding backward with the Palestinian statehood campaign and the absence of negotiations. At the same time, the Obama administration has persuaded reluctant nations to sign on to enhanced Iran sanctions. Ross’ return to the Middle East fray, when candidate Obama tapped him to be a top campaign adviser in the summer of 2008, seemed extraordinary for a man whose comprehensive 2004 tome on his earlier efforts, “The Missing Peace,” focused mainly on his disappointments with a peace process beset by seemingly intractable challenges. Yet by 2009, Ross was guiding not only the latest iteration of Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, he was helping to shape the Obama administration’s policy of building international support for isolating Iran. Ross “has played a critical role in our efforts to apply unprecedented pressure on the Iranian government, support democratic transitions in the region, and deepen our security relationship with Israel while pursuing Israeli-Palestinian peace,” the White House press secretary, Jay Carney, said in a statement on Ross’ planned departure. Both Ross and the White House cited his desire to spend more time with his family as the reason. “When Dennis originally joined the Administration, he made it clear that given commitments to his family, he would remain for only two years,” Carney said. “In light of the developments in the broader Middle East, the President appreciates his extending that by nearly a year and looks forward to being able to draw on his council periodically going forward.” Ross in his own statement said his return to “private life” came with mixed feelings. “Obviously there is still work to do, but I promised my wife I would return to government for only two years and we both agreed it is time to act on my promise,” he said. The twin challenges of Iran and
Arab-Israeli peace finally took their toll, say those who know Ross, but the bromides about family appear to be true. Weeks before the announcement, acquaintances say, Ross was displaying an unusual curiosity about other people’s grandchildren as a pretext for describing the joys of his own recent assumption of the title “grandfather.”
Courtesy the Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Dennis Ross, shown speaking at a Washington Institute for Near East Policy conference, and the White House cited his desire to spend more time with his family as the reason for stepping down as President Obama’s top Middle East strategist.
“What you see is what you get,” said Aaron David Miller, a public policy scholar at Washington’s Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, who for years worked alongside Ross as a Middle East negotiator. “After two and a half years and an enormous amount of work, with all kinds of family considerations to boot, Dennis probably reached the conclusion that enough is enough.” Abraham Foxman, the AntiDefamation League’s national director who was at the luncheon at which Ross announced his departure, said that above all Ross was tired. “It was wear and tear,” he said. The likelihood that Ross, 62, quit simply because he was exhausted didn’t stop the cries of speculative vindication emerging from commentators on the left and the right. The narrative on the right has been that Ross has served as Obama’s “beard,” making policies that conservatives have deemed hostile to Israel more palatable for the president’s Jewish supporters. “Now that facade will be removed, or perhaps it is more accurate to say that Ross tired of that role and tired of defending a president whose feelings about Israel were as cold as Ross’s are warm,” Elliott Abrams, who served as a deputy national security adviser in the administration of George W. Bush,
told a Washington Post blogger. “This is going to hurt the White House in the Jewish community because they have no substitute for Ross and no one with his credibility with most Jewish organizations.” In fact, Ross chafed at the notion that he was fronting for Obama and has been known to snap — publicly and privately — at anyone who suggested it. He has defended the president as genuinely committed to achieving a peace that guarantees Israel’s security and to containing Iran. “For President Obama, our commitment to Israel’s security is not an empty slogan,” Ross told the ADL in May 2010. “It is real, it serves the cause of peace and stability in the region, and it is something that is unshakable.” On the left, a common complaint has been that Ross, who out of government has not been shy about his pro-Israel proclivities, was a force who frustrated what might otherwise have been Obama’s evenhandedness. “From my own experiences in the West Bank, talking to Palestinian leaders and negotiators, he has the trust of many in the Israeli leadership, but it’s the inverse with Palestinians, with Arabs and with” Middle East policy analysts in Washington, said Matthew Duss, who directs the Middle East program at the Center for American Progress.
8 • NATIONAL
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At GA, new federation plan for overseas Is Jerusalem in Israel? seen as blow to Jewish Agency Supreme Court takes
up passport case
By Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency
DENVER (JTA) — After a decades-long partnership that saw the Jewish Agency for Israel serve as the official, exclusive Zionist arm of North America’s Jewish community federations, the federation system is getting ready to date other partners. But Jewish Agency officials say it feels more like the beginning of a divorce. On Tuesday afternoon, at the conclusion of its General Assembly in Denver, the Jewish Federations of North America board is expected to approve a plan that will dramatically transform the historic commitment of the federations to fund the agency. JFNA maintains that the change is part of a grand strategy to reestablish the collective power of the federations at a time when collective action by Diaspora Jewry is harder and harder to muster. Under the new model, representatives of North America’s 157 federations on a so-called Global Planning Table will make spending decisions for overseas allocations, deciding together how the money they raise will be doled out to various organizations and programs. For decades, the federations’ overseas allocations had gone automatically to the Jewish Agency and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee in a 75-25 percent split. Under the new
By Richard Greenberg Washington Jewish Week
Courtey of Eric Stephenson for JFNA
Opening day of the General Assembly of The Jewish Federations of North America in Denver, Nov. 6, 2011.
arrangement, the Jewish Agency and JDC still will get a share, but they will have to compete for it with other groups. They also will have less discretion than they do now about how to spend their allocations; the federations will be dictating more of the spending program to them. “We will set the meta priorities,” said Jerry Silverman, JFNA’s CEO. “The people who raise the money get to be part of the discussion of allocating the money.” In recent years, federations increasingly have been opting out of the historic overseas funding arrangement, cutting funding to the Jewish Agency or giving directly to causes in Israel and elsewhere around the world. Backers of the plan hope that the new arrangement
will keep federations doing things together by offering collective decision-making and more options for overseas spending. “Our goal is to keep our federations a collective to continue to change Jewish history,” Silverman said. “We’re thinking about the community as a whole.” From the perspective of the Jewish Agency, however, which gets approximately 50 percent of its $270 million annual budget from the federations and has no real fundraising apparatus of its own, the change is seen as the beginning of a shift that could deal a significant blow to the agency. Some federation executives suggest that’s not such a bad thing. GA on page 22
Seeking Kin: Holocaust Museum wants to know if you recognize these children By Hillel Kuttler Jewish Telegraphic Agency BALTIMORE (JTA) — Stare at the boy’s picture and be utterly charmed by that winning smirk. What a handsome child he is, so nattily dressed in a pinstriped suit, striking a perfect bar mitzvah portrait pose. Such dark eyes, such perfectly combed straight-back locks. His thumb tilts against his chest as he holds a rectangle with handpainted white letters proclaiming his name: Natan Rolnik. Here’s Chaim Swinik. What an endearing, pursed smile. And that pointy, triangular hat askew atop his head — he must have just left a birthday party, lucky kid. Or maybe Chaim, who seems about 5 years old, has been playing Robin Hood with his chums. This boy is a photographer’s dream, exhibiting pride in self down to the fingertips, pressing life into the large paper that identifies him. Consider little Anita Baur, moccasin-like booties on her feet,
propped on a white bedsheet like an angelic porcelain doll staring left. So tiny is the toddler that unlike Natan and Chaim, someone must perform Anita’s task for her: the task of attesting to her identity, the task for which she, too, is being photographed. That explains a man’s hand extending into the frame, grasping a cardboard plank bearing Anita’s name. The images’ backdrop, if not the subjects themselves, begs for mercy. Mug shots are what they are — perverse mug shots, given that in the Shoah’s upside-down reality, these children were punished first, photographed second. With Natan, Chaim and Anita presumably having aged into senior citizens, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum now seeks to fill in the blanks of their lives — and the lives of the other 1,183 youthful visages appearing on the website of its Remember Me initiative. Many Remember Me subjects were photographed at displaced per-
sons’ camps and orphanages between 1945 and 1948 by such organizations as the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration that sought to reunite them with surviving parents. Others were photographed for programs twinning children with Jews living in the United States and South America who provided financial assistance and other support. Beyond the children’s names, so little is known about the vast majority of them that the website solicits visitors’ input. About 230 people from 11 countries have been identified since the program’s launch in March. For some families, a photograph represents a treasure, the only image of their loved one’s youth. Museum officials hope that after identifying a relative, friend or neighbor, visitors to the website will share the narrative of the child’s preShoah life, survival of the horrors (many were hidden by Christian families) and what the intervening CHILDREN on page 21
WASHINGTON (Washington Jewish Week) — The U.S. Supreme Court convened Monday to ponder the implications of a single word that is conspicuously missing from the passport of a nine year old boy who was born in Jerusalem. His name is Menachem Binyamin Zivotofsky, the son of Ari and Naomi Siegman Zivotofsky, Americans who made aliyah in 2000. Menachem was born at Shaare Zedek Hospital in western Jerusalem, but due to a controversial State Department policy, his U.S. passport does not designate “Israel” as his place of birth — despite a federal statute enacted in October 2002 that says Americans born in Jerusalem are entitled to have Israel listed on their official papers as their birth country. The Zivotofskys want that law enforced so their son can claim what they feel is his birthright — the inclusion of the word “Israel” on his passport, a statement “that the land of Israel has centrality for the Jewish people,” the boy’s father, Ari Zivotofsky, told reporters after Monday’s court session. “It’s a very personal issue,” he said. A decision on the case is not expected for several months. The arguments and counterarguments presented Monday before the high court focused on several key issues, including which branch of government has the authority to conduct foreign policy and whether or not the appearance of the word “Israel” on a passport is in fact tantamount to an expression of foreign policy. It is not, argued attorney Nathan Lewin, representing the Zivotofskys. “It is purely a means of identification,” he explained in response to a question from Justice Elena Kagan. The petitioners maintain that Menachem Zivotofsky is one of an estimated 50,000 Jerusalemborn American citizens who have been unfairly barred from listing their place of birth as “Jerusalem, Israel,” rather than simply “Jerusalem.” The federal statute that grants those passport holders the right to essentially identify their place of birth as they see fit has been ignored by the administrations of both George W. Bush and Barack Obama, with Bush claiming that it infringes on the president’s
authority to formulate foreign policy positions, such as the administration’s stance on the status of Jerusalem. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, the named respondent in the Zivotofskys’ litigation, heads the chief foreign policy arm of the executive branch. She has argued that the State Department’s regulations governing the passport designation of Jerusalem-born American citizens have rightly served to maintain U.S. neutrality on the sensitive issue of sovereignty over Jerusalem. The Zivotofskys contend that the policy is biased against Israel and against Jews who have a religious attachment to the land. “Congress recognized that with regard to the 50,000 people who have a passport that says ‘Jerusalem,’ they are being denied a certain sense of self-respect that they feel they should be able to have in terms of their own identification,” Lewin told the court in reponse to a question from Justice Samuel Alito. “This is not a statute that is designed to create some political brouhaha or make a foreign policy statement.” Arguing on behalf of Clinton, Solicitor General Donald Verrilli acknowledged that the position of the administration is that the status of Jerusalem is disputed, and he added: “A passport is not a communication by the passport holder. It’s an official United States document that communicates the position of the United States.” In response to a challenge from Chief Justice John Roberts, Verrilli added: “I do think that this is an area in which the executive’s got to make the judgment because it’s of paramount importance that the nation speak with one voice.” The executive’s handling of the Jerusalem issue, Verrilli told the justices, “is a very sensitive and delicate matter. This position was arrived at after very careful thought and it is enforced very carefully.” The State Department has contended, according to the petitioners, that if American citizens who are natives of Jerusalem are permitted to self-identify as being born in “Israel,” that would create the misperception among Arab states that official U.S. policy on the sovereignty of Jerusalem had changed, which in turn could have serious foreign policy repercussions. The Zivotofskys, however, maintain there is no evidence that would happen.
NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL • 9
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011
IAEA report makes case for tightened Iran sanctions By Ron Kampeas Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) — The international nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has spoken on Iran, and although its report does not have the smoking gun some had anticipated, it makes a cumulative case damning enough for the Obama administration to ask for increased sanctions. JTA canvassed Washington Iran-watchers on Tuesday afternoon in the hours after leaked copies of the International Atomic Energy Agency report — 10 pages, with a 14-page annex accumulating the evidence — plunked down on desks across the U.S. capital. “It’s a pretty impressive layout of the IAEA case based on the info they have that there is a coherent clandestine program dedicated to developing a weapon,” said Michael Adler, a journalist with the French news agency AFP who for years covered Iran’s nuclear program and now is a scholar in residence at the Wilson Center, a congressionally mandated foreign affairs think tank here run by the Smithsonian Institution. “But it’s not a document you can take to the president and say, ‘This is a serious threat, we’ve got to do something.’ It’s not enough for military action — it’s not enough of an incremental increase.” The report, officially released only to the 35 nations that make up the IAEA, appeared late Tuesday on the website of the Institute for Science and International Security, which is headed by former U.N. arms inspector David Albright. The report describes as “credible” the information suggesting military dimensions of a nuclear program that Iran has insisted is peaceful, and it says some activities are specific to the manufacture of nuclear weapons.
International Briefs Sarkozy calls Netanyahu “a liar” in private exchange with Obama PARIS (JTA) — French President Nicolas Sarkozy called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “a liar” in a private conversation with President Obama. “I can’t stand him anymore, he’s a liar,” Sarkozy said in French, in comments first reported by the website Arret sur Images. The comment came during an exchange between the two world leaders on Nov. 3 at the G20 conference in Cannes. Obama then responded by saying, “You may be sick of him, but
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A new report from the International Atomic Energy Agency found that there is “credible” information suggesting that Iran’s nuclear program has military dimensions. Pictured here is a heavy water nuclear reactor near Arak, Iran.
“Credible,” Adler noted, was well short of “very likely,” the language used earlier this year by the IAEA to describe Syria’s intentions before Israel destroyed an under-construction Syrian reactor in a 2007 airstrike. Some reports in advance of the new IAEA report’s publication suggested that it would have new and damning evidence of an Iranian bomb in the making. Nonetheless, Obama administration officials have said that they intend to use the report to make the case for intensified sanctions on Iran to other nations that until now have proven reluctant to ratchet up pressure, most significantly Russia and China. “I can safely say the pressure is going to increase,” Dan Shapiro, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, told JTA in an exclusive interview the day before the report’s release. “The IAEA report will provide information and will provide impe-
tus that will lead the United States and a number of our partners to tighten the pressure.” Shapiro would not outline the nature of the pressure, but lawmakers in the Congress and proIsrael groups already were citing the report Tuesday afternoon to tout legislation aimed at tightening sanctions. U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (RIll.) said the report should trigger the sanctioning of Iran’s central bank, an action that would severely limit Iran’s trade opportunities by cutting it off from any interactions involving the United States. “Action in the Senate and in the executive branch should occur on collapsing the Central Bank of Iran,” he said in a statement. The American Jewish Committee agreed, issuing a statement urging “significantly toughened worldwide sanctions on Iran, focusing centrally on the regime’s Achilles’ heel — its banking and energy sectors.”
me, I have to deal with him every day,” according to a translation by the French news agency AFP. Several journalists overheard the exchange, which was captured by a live microphone unbeknownest to the two leaders, but it was not immediately reported. The Arret sur Images website said Sarkozy was responding to Obama’s concern that the French leader had not warned him about France’s surprise vote in favor of Palestinian UNESCO membership. The website also reported that Obama asked Sarkozy to try to “convince” the Palestinians to slow down their bid for U.N. membership. “You have to pass the message along to the Palestinians that they must stop this immediately,” Obama said of the membership bid, according to Reuters. Sarkozy confirmed that France
would not take any unilateral decisions during the forthcoming Security Council debate on the subject. “I am with you on that,” Obama replied, according to Reuters. AFP and Reuters both confirmed the initial Arret sur Images report, and AFP reported that it interviewed several journalists who said they heard the private conversation right before a joint news conference by the two leaders. According to Arret sur Images, Obama and Sarkozy were speaking in a room equipped with microphones normally used to facilitate translation during public speaking. An event organizer did not distribute the headphones typically used to connect to the translation boxes, but several journalists plugged in their own earphones and could hear some three minutes at the end of the conversation.
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10 • INTERNATIONAL / ISRAEL
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Argentine Jewish boxer to defend title in Buenos Aires By Diego Melamed Jewish Telegraphic Agency BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (JTA) — In many ways, Carolina Raquel Duer is a typical middleclass Jewish kid from Buenos Aires. She attended a Jewish day school, spent time working and traveling in Israel and celebrated her bat mitzvah at a Conservative synagogue. But when she stepped into the ring Nov. 12 at Club Atletico Lanus, she showcased a set of talents not commonly associated with the Jewish women of Buenos Aires. Duer, 33, is the World Boxing Organization’s super flyweight champion. Making the third defense of her title, Duer defeated Maria Jose Nunez by a technical knockout in the third round. Duer knocked down her Uruguyan opponent with a left cross, Nunez scrambled to her feet before her cornerman — also her husband — threw in the towel to stop the fight. A crowd of 2,400 was on hand to watch the bout, including the vice governor of the Buenos Aires province and world middleweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez. National Public
Courtesy of Facebook
Carolina Duer, known as The Turk, will defend her boxing title tonight in Beunos Aires.
Television aired the fight live. Known by her nickname, “The Turk,” Duer is the daughter of Syrian immigrants to Argentina. She attended the capital’s Jaim Najman Bialik Primary School and spent more than a month in Israel in her younger years working on a kibbutz and touring the country. On weekends she went to the local Maccabi club and attended Jewish summer camp. It was there that her
feisty personality was first evident. “I liked the social activities of the Jewish community, but sometimes I got in trouble because I stood up for some disadvantaged kid,” Duer told JTA. “Injustice has always bothered me.” Last year, Duer hit a thief who tried to steal her purse on the street. “The ambulance came,” she recalled. “I don’t think that guy would dare steal from a girl again.” Her bat mitzvah was celebrated at the Iona Hebrew Center. “It moves me when I go to the temple,” Duer said. “Last time I went for a tragic situation, and I was there with my family. It’s very touching for me. I’m very Jewish in many ways.” One of those ways is through food. Duer was the producer of a television show about Sephardic food, and she worked as a waitress and bartender in her family´s restaurant. “Hummus, lajmashin, kibbeh, falafel — I love them, and I know how to cook them, but usually I can eat very little because of my profession,” Duer said. “I’m always training and trying to reach the right weight for the fights.”
With haredi population growing, can Israel put them to work? By Dina Kraft Jewish Telegraphic Agency JERUSALEM (JTA) — At Israel’s first college for the haredi Orthodox, lectures on social work and computer programming are conducted just down the hall from a pair of classrooms transformed into a nursery for the students’ babies. The average female student here — women comprise a majority of the 1,100 student body at the Jerusalem Haredi College — will have two babies in the course of her four years of study. It’s one of many indications of Israel’s large and rapidly growing haredi population. Now comprising nearly 10 percent of Israel’s residents, the community is expected to double its numbers in the next decade. “I want to do something I love and go into the world with it,” says Brachi Nir, 23, a psychology student and mother to a baby girl. “And here I don’t have to be a trailblazer. I can simply study.” The unique circumstances and growth of Israel’s haredim pose a significant challenge for the country — one this college is attempting to answer. There are a few factors keeping haredim out of the workforce: haredi values, including wariness of the secular world;
Courtesy of JDC
A haredi Orthodox woman taking part in one of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee's technical training programs.
government subsidies for yeshiva study; and the rules of the Israeli army draft, which mandate yeshiva study for those seeking to avoid military conscription. Some 65 percent of Israeli haredi men do not work. As their numbers continue to swell, so does a growing sense of alarm that the rest of the Israeli population won’t be able to shoulder the country’s economic or defense burdens if the status quo of state-subsidized, fulltime Torah study continues. “If we continue to give benefits that the government gives and don’t give the haredim a proper
education, then why would other Israelis stick around?” asks Dan Ben-David, a Tel Aviv University economist and executive director of the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel. “There will be wide-scale secular flight, which we have already seen in some professions like doctors and professors.” Ben-David argues that the absence both of many haredi and Arab Israelis from the workforce is perhaps the greatest threat to the country’s survival. HAREDI on page 22
Courtesy of Yossi Zamir/Flash90
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomes hundreds of Palestinians released as part of the prisoner swap for Gilad Shalit in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Oct. 18.
As U.N. push fizzles, Abbas faces unclear path ahead By Ruth Eglash Jewish Telegraphic Agency JERUSALEM (JTA) — Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ statehood push at the United Nations may be fizzling, but his supporters insist that he can find a way out of the impasse. “Abu Mazen is a powerful leader and is very persuasive,” said Ahmad Tibi, an Arab member of Israel’s Knesset, using Abbas’ nom de guerre. “He has managed to convince the majority of the Palestinian people that the way to reach statehood is through nonviolent means. “The problem is that Abu Mazen does not see this Israeli government as a partner to peace. He believes they are anti-peace.” Some in the Israeli government have no great love for the Palestinian leader either, particularly since he took the Palestinians’ case to the United Nations. Israel’s Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said last month that Abbas is the main impediment to peace. “If there is one obstacle that should be removed immediately, it is [Abbas],” he told reporters. “If he were to return the keys and resign, it would not be a threat but a blessing.” Israeli President Shimon Peres, however, responded the next day that Abbas and Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad “are serious leaders that want peace and are working to prevent violence and extremism in our region.” Abbas now faces a daunting set of challenges, including strained relations with Israel and the United States, which are angry over the U.N. bid., and a Hamas movement waiting in the wings to seize on his stumbles. Abbas has insisted that he will not resume negotiations with Israel in the absence of a set-
tlement freeze, so the way forward remains uncertain. “The Palestinian leadership is now in the process of discussing the future and where it wants to go, what options there are on the table and the current status quo with Israel,” said Tibi, who was a special guest of Abbas during his September trip to New York for the opening of the U.N. General Assembly. With the peace process in a stalemate, Tibi said, “It is possible we could see some dramatic developments [from Abbas] in the near future.” Since Abbas’ Sept. 23 address at the U.N. General Assembly, when the PA leader told the world that it was time for a “Palestinian Spring” and to see an end to “63 years of suffering,” the Palestinians have faced serious setbacks. It is becoming increasingly clear that the Palestinians will not be able to line up the hoped-for nine Security Council member states — the number needed to give a green light for U.N. membership, though the U.S. has vowed a veto in any case. In addition, Abbas’ Fatah party took a hit last month as a result of the prisoner swap that won captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit his freedom. Its rival, Hamas, managed to negotiate the release of 1,027 Palestinian security prisoners from Israel. On the day of the prisoner exchange, there were reports describing green Hamas flags flying high over the West Bank. In response to recent developments, and with statehood looking increasingly unlikely in the near future, Abbas has threatened to disband the Palestinian Authority. “Of course Abbas is continuing on with his U.N. bid, but if it fails, he could decide to return the keys to Bibi and go back to occupation,” said Tibi, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by his nickname.
SOCIAL LIFE • 11
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011
™
JNF’S ANNUAL TREE OF LIFE AWARD DINNER For the first time, Jewish National Fund held its annual National Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. We broke records – attendance was the highest ever. The conference boasted 70 teens, 26 college students, and 40 JNFuture members (22 to 40 years old)— proof that JNF is relevant and engaging future leaders. We heard from a toplevel array of speakers who provided thought-provoking and important content – starting with a keynote address at the opening plenary by U.S. Speaker of the House, John Boehner, followed by Consul General of NY Ido Aharoni, Wall Street Journal columnist Bret Stephens, and remarks by Israel's Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Oren. Sessions bringing people up to date on how JNF’s work is bettering the lives of Israel’s residents and building the land of Israel were most informative and engaging. Also for the first time, Cincinnati combined its annual Tree of Life™ Award Dinner during the conference. Over 800 people came out to support and honor Nina and Edward Paul and TV personality Larry King. Cincinnati’s Mayor Mark Mallory and Senator Rob Portman, along with many other local and international dignitaries, were in attendance and the evening was emceed by JNF National Spokesperson Hal Linden. The well known Hooshir A Cappella group from Indiana University’s Hillel performed. JNF 2011 CONFERENCE SERIES (PART 2) - PHOTOS
CONTINUED ON PAGE
12
Sharon & Jeff Casper
Morry (past Board president) and Michele Wiener
MARTA HEWETT GALLERY finely crafted contemporary art
1310 Pendleton Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 281-2780 Tue–Fri: 10–5, Sat: 11–3 Free Parking Available
Join us Edward & Nina Paul (Jewish National Fund Tree of Life™ Honorees, JNF National Board Members)
Final Friday November 25th 6 pm - 10 pm For the opening of Devotion to Detail works by newly represented artists Lyndsey Fryman, Raymond Papka, and Eric Standley See this exhibit online at
www.martahewett.com Shep Englander and Zell Schulman
Larry & Carol Neuman
Lyndsey Fryman, All's Not Lost, 34”h x 12”w x 8”d, ceramic
12 • CINCINNATI SOCIAL LIFE
Noah and Brett Stern
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Raymond and Patti Schneider
Gilah and Michael Naveh
Julie and Barry Brook
Randy Miller (3rd Annual Board Member of the Year) and Pam Barnett
Brian Jaffee (Executive Director, Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati) and Rabbi Shena Jaffee
Sidney & Janice Goldstein
Jeff & Frida Zipkin
CINCINNATI JEWISH LIFE • 13
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011
Carol Ann and Michael Schwartz, and Shirley Gershuny Korelitz
Bill and Elinor Ziv, and Alan Wolf
Rabbi Gerry and Caren Walter
Arna & Bobby Fisher
Eddie Paul (Jewish National Fund Tree of Life™ Honoree, JNF National Board Member) and Oscar Robertson (past Tree of Life™ award recipient)
14 • DINING OUT
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KT’s Barbecue offers star quality barbecue, star stories By Sondra Katkin Dining Editor “Wanna” meet someone whose personality has as much flavor as his food? Stop in and talk to Kenny Tessel while you enjoy his sumptuous chicken, corned beef, pastrami or brisket at KT’s Barbecue. His demeanor may seem gruff at times, but it was a facade to hide his generous nature. Since his mother and grandmother both died of breast cancer, he has worked hard to support fundraisers for that disease. As a two timer (survivor), I could identify. His kindness and cooking skills were both evident. At KT’s you will get barbecue from a master with all the sides you won’t set aside. Tessel told me that people come for his barbecue and his stories about the celebrities. He is a wonderful raconteur with tales of his adventures in Hollywood both as an aspiring actor and then later, following his other natural talent, a chef to several stars. He was the chef at parties that included Rosemarie Clooney, Kevin Spacey and Carrie Fisher. He has cooked for Roseanne Barr, Dean Martin’s family, Gina Davis, Don Rickles and Bob Newhart. The walls are lined with pictures of people he knew or cooked for in “Tinseltown.” He inherited his culinary talent from his family, who owned Stanley’s Deli. “My mom and grandma Jean were wonderful cooks so I learned from the best,” said Tessel. In high school and college, he gave dinner parties to vary the junk food habits of his friends. He knows how to find good recipes and then experiment with them until they satisfy his taste quest. His black bean soup recipe — the best I’ve ever
Kessel’s specials: wonderful black bean soup, gargantuan, “gobbleworthy” smoked half chicken and delicious sides.
tasted — came from a girlfriend’s Cuban mother. It was the perfect combination of beans and broth so you knew you were eating a soup. I loved hearing the “chefy” details. He described mashing garlic and kosher salt till it forms a paste, fire roasting green peppers, using fresh oregano from his local herb garden source then adding wine vinegar. “Most of my soups
Garrulous and gratifying Kenny Tessel and resident star, BarBe Q.
are made with vegetarian stock for those picky vegetarians,” he informed me. I also tasted a chicken soup he was working on. It was delicious but he wasn’t satisfied — it was too salty. A chef who thought something was too salty, how rare. Tessel served me a smoked half chicken so large it resembled a small turkey. The enticing aroma had me before I had even tasted it. His special dry rub, smoky, grilled flavor and moistness made it most memorable. I wanted so badly to gobble that faux turkey but I exercised extreme self discipline and reminded myself that I was going to bring some home to my husband Steve for his opinion (and of course I wouldn’t have to cook dinner). Two mouths are better than one to discern “delishability.” To increase his visibility and possibly stir things up, Tessel placed a buxom mannequin, “BarBe Q,” outside his restaurant in the conservative Reading community. He commented that “she” had generated a considerable amount of publicity after the sheriff and the Reading City Council objected. The furor attracted the
attention of local TV news (WCPO), then CNN, then world wide coverage. A headline from the Los Angeles Times read, “BarBe Q Lacks Taste, Some Say.” That’s certainly not true of Tessel’s signature dishes. Customer’s were constantly volunteering positive comments as
they ordered. Curt Marshall, a regular customer told me, “I love the chicken; it’s so smoky and tasty.” According to Chris Miday, who stopped in for barbecue, “I really like his sauce; good amount of acidity, good balance.” Steve also enjoyed the sauce. “It didn’t have the sweetness that overwhelms the
Happy customer, Chris Miday and Tessel’s assistant, Jen Reed
other flavors,” critiqued my sagacious spouse. Another customer, Alan Fischoff, a lawyer, comes for carryout once or twice a week. “I’m just following orders — from my wife. This is really the best barbecue in town and the corn bread is great,” he commented. The corn bread was requested by every customer that day. I enjoyed a rather hefty slice —Tessel is generous. It was thick with great body (it could compete with Ms. BarBe). With its mellow corn flavor enhanced by a touch of marmalade and honey, it gives you something very satisfying to chew on; no butter needed. In 2006 Cincinnati Magazine named KT’s “Best in City,” perhaps because he believes in serving his customers the best. “I spend time and money to buy a quality product and I don’t mix my sauces with the meat so you can taste the meat. My corned beef is cooked until it reduces from 14 pounds to seven. I lose 50 percent but the quality is excellent,” Tessel explained with the enthusiasm of someone who must create food that will meet his exacting standards. When you cut into it, the juices start to run immediately and your first bite will explain why people come from all over the city to this unpretentious, little carryout. His cole slaw and potato salad were very tasty without the usual “gloppy,” “mayonnaissey” texture. Tessel would never do that! Steve is especially enamored of baked beans and he reported that KT’s vegetarian version was delightful. To take the chill off our coming winter weather, Tessel plans to have a wider variety of soups such as muligatawny, lentil and beef barley. He advises customers to call ahead to be sure that your favorites will be available. Another menu item, his desserts include the very popular and frequently requested apple crisp and the flourless chocolate cake which will make the gluten intolerant grateful to have a sweet finish to their meals. Well known for his catering, he has done office parties, bar mitzvahs, weddings, etc. An excellent cook, Tessel will do any request, not just barbecue. He reports that he has done salmon, prime rib, fresh game. “We’ll work with you; if you want us to serve it or if you prefer to pick it up. We’ll make your recipes if you wish. I can prepare for two or 2,000,” he added. KT’s Barbecue is open Monday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday from 3 – 8 p.m. He is closed on Sunday except for preorders or catering. KT’s Barbecue 8501 Reading Road Cincinnati, OH 45215 513-761-0200
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Dear Editor, I am a longtime member of Ohav Shalom. It was a pleasant surprise to read your 11/10 front page article on the fusion of Ohav and Ohr Chadash. As Rabbi Landis mentioned in one of his kiddish D’var Torahs, miracles do happen every
day. They are just so frequent that they are taken for granted. We appreciate them, but we don’t see them as being miraculous. For instance, every day waking up is a miracle; having families, or even functioning well physically. All are miracles. Now we can add one more blessed event to the “miraculous
list”: The fusion of Ohr Chadash and Ohav Shalom congregations. Ohav was on its knees and about to roll over. Thank you Rabbi Landis, Rabbi Rosenthal, Steve Segerman, and everyone who worked to bring to fruition this small—but Grand—miracle. Bryan Taplits
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T EST Y OUR T ORAH KNOWLEDGE THIS WEEK’S PORTION: CHAYEI SARAH (GENESIS 23:1—25:18) 1. Where did Sarah pass away? a) Beer Sheva b) Chevron c) Bait Lechemr 2. How did Abraham acquire the Cave of Machpela? a) Gift b) Purchase c) War 3. Where is the Cave of Machpela? a) Chevron 4.) C—24:3-4 5.) A—24:50-51
Rabbi Shafran is an editor at large and columnist for Ami Magazine
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
b) Beer Sheba c) Jerusalem 4. On what mission did Abraham send his servant, Eliezer? a) To spy on Lot b) To buy the future Tomb of the Patriarchs c) To find a wife for Isaac 5. Was Eliezer successful? a) Yes b) no 2.) B—23:16 3.) A—23:19
The latest Nobel Prize for chemistry was awarded last month to Israeli scientist Daniel Shechtman for his discovery of “quasicrystals.” In the 1980s, the Israeli chemist noticed something peculiar as he examined a glowing hot metal he had cooled. The diffraction pattern that formed in the metal, unexpectedly, indicated atomic order, as in a crystal. And yet the symmetry seemed different from that of any known crystal. When Professor Shechtman brought his observation to the head of his research lab, he was directed to a basic textbook on crystallography and told to read up on the subject. When he insisted that he had seen something new, he was asked to leave his research group. Undaunted, he submitted a paper on the topic to the Journal of Applied Physics. It was rejected. Celebrated chemist Linus Pauling said that Shechtman was “talking nonsense” and that “there is no such thing as quasicrystals, only quasi-scientists.” What became apparent with time, though, was that the professor had indeed discovered a new type of crystal, one that forms regular patterns, but whose patterns, unlike in all other crystals then known, never repeat. Now the stubborn scientist has a Nobel to help assuage any residual bad feelings. Even more stubborn than Professor Schechtman, though — and to considerably less happy ends — are scientific orthodoxies, like the one he challenged. A world that progressed beyond idols of stone and wood has naturally sought new objects of veneration. Some have been political systems, the various “isms” — nationalism, Nazism, Communism — that have plagued societies in recent centuries; others are isms of a different ilk, like atheism or scientism, here defined as an unyielding reverence for currently regnant scientific dogmas. Among the “Ani Ma’amins” of scientism today are big beliefs like “human-caused global warming” and “the evolution of all species from a single ancestor” and “the existence of extraterrestrial life”; and smaller ones like the inherent value of all medical screenings. Actually, scratch that one. Last month also brought the news that The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the federally mandated independent panel of medical experts, had concluded that PSA
testing, which screens for prostate cancer and whose importance has been an article of medical faith for years, does not in fact prolong life for the average American man; and that it “is associated with harms related to subsequent evaluation and treatments, some of which may be unnecessary.” In 2009, the same respected group stunned the nation by recommending against routine mammography screening for women under 50. A Journal of the American Medical Association article that year pointed out that a successful screening program should result in an increase in the number of early cancers, followed by a decrease in the number of latestage cancers. That has not happened, however, in the case of mammography screening. Even some big isms have taken some big hits. The widely embraced notion of an impending “population explosion,” for instance, sensationalized by German scientist Paul Ehrlich in his 1968 book “The Population Bomb,” predicted worldwide famine within 20 years as a result of rising birth rates and limited resources. Hundreds of thousands, Dr. Ehrlich prophesied, would starve to death by 1988. (He advocated spiking the world water supply with sterilizing chemicals.) Now, it may indeed turn out that the earth is warming dangerously as a result of human activity, that life thrives on other planets, and even, as Rav Shamshon Rafael Hirsch considers possible, that G-d created species through a process that began with a single cell. And it is undeniable that science, in its pure, objective form, is a revelation of Divine wisdom, a most valuable means for understanding, appreciating and exploiting nature. But it is always worthwhile to remember that scientific orthodoxies have been toppled by new discoveries, that the endeavor of science progresses by replacing theories with better ones — in turn, subject to future revision. To realize, in other words, that skepticism of accepted notions is the very core of the scientific method. Professor Shechtman himself put it well. “The main lesson I have learned over time,” he said, “is that a good scientist is a humble and listening scientist and not one that is sure 100 percent in what he reads in the textbooks.”
Written by Rabbi Dov Aaron Wise
ANSWERS 1.) B—23:2
Rabbi Avi Shafran Contributing Columnist
JEWISH LIFE • 17
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011
Sedra of the Week
SHABBAT SHALOM: PARSHAT HAYEI SARAH GENESIS 23:1 - 25:18
Hebrew progeny depends upon finding a proper mate and life-partner by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Efrat, Israel — “And this is the life of Sarah” (Genesis 23: 1). This week’s portion of Hayei Sarah — literally “The Life of Sarah” — is spread across two and a half chapters of the Bible. Chapter 23 of the Book of Genesis deals with Sarah’s death and Abraham’s protracted negotiations for the purchase of a grave for his beloved wife, chapter 24 details the painstaking search by Abraham’s trusted servant Eliezer, for a suitable wife for Isaac, and the first half of chapter 25 describes the death and burial of Abraham himself, concluding with the death of his son Ishmael. Is it not strange that a portion which is largely dedicated to the death of our major protagonists is named “The Life of Sarah?” Moreover, is there an overarching connecting thread which unites the two major pursuits in our portions: the acquisition of a burial plot and the “acquisition” of Rebekah? Let us begin with our second question, mindful of the fact that Sarah’s burial plot, the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron is the first Hebrew land acquisition in the Promised Land of Israel. We read in last week’s portion about the Covenant Between the Pieces, the unique covenantal partnership between G-d and Abraham in which the patriarch is promised, nay guaranteed, two things: progeny and land. Abraham will have progeny more numerous than the stars and his children will inherit a land whose borders will extend from the Nile to the Euphrates (Gen. 15: 18). If indeed the land belonged to Abraham, why did he go to such lengths to convince the Hittites to sell it to him referring to them as his “masters,” bowing down to them (Gen. 23: 12) and eventually paying them the exorbitant price of 400 shekels of silver? Is this the way G-d bestows His gifts? Apparently, a covenantal promise must be seen as a mutual endeavor in which G-d gives guarantees, but only after the recipient earns that Divine gift. We must be morally worthy of the gift: The covenant is predicated upon our
from the “family” of the covenantal people, either by birth or through conversion. It means marrying an individual with the right values, deeply committed to the Abrahamic vision of ethical monotheism and living a Jewish life in practice. Generally speaking, one can only acquire a proper mate if one is — himself or herself — a proper mate.
compassionate righteousness and moral justice (Gen. 18:18, 19) and we must be willing to make financial and even the ultimate sacrifice for the land. From this perspective, it is prophetic that our first acquisition in the land of Israel is a grave. How many graves have been filled with the remains of our best and brightest who sacrificed their lives in order for us to acquire a secure resting-place in our promised homeland? And the same prerequisite is necessary for the fulfillment of the second promise of the Covenant: progeny or seed. Hebrew progeny depends upon finding a proper mate and life-partner from the “family” of the covenantal people, either by birth or through conversion. It means marrying an individual with the right values, deeply committed to the Abrahamic vision of ethical monotheism and living a Jewish life in practice. Generally speaking, one can only acquire a proper mate if one is — himself or herself — a proper mate. This is why Abraham makes Eliezer swear that the woman will live in his land, and why Eliezer’s “fitness” test is based upon compassionate righteousness — for a servant as well as for a beast. Seeing to it that our children will be — and will seek — proper mates with whom to build a family dedicated to the continuity of the Jewish narrative is first and foremost our responsi-
bility; only then can G-d’s covenantal promise of progeny “more numerous than the stars” be fulfilled. Why is our portion called Hayei Sarah, the life of Sarah, if it chronicles her death and even Abraham’s death? The answer is that the death of the older generation is the way of the world, and it is not tragic as long as that generation gives rise to a subsequent generation which follows in its footsteps. That is what breeds an “eternal building,” eternal life. And so toward the end of this week’s portion we find, “And Isaac brought [Rebekah] into his mother Sarah’s tent and he loved her… and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s [death].” And Rashi (Gen. 24:67 ad loc) cites a most apt midrashic comment: “Rebekah became modeled after Sarah. As long as Sarah lived, a light remained kindled from Shabbat eve to Shabbat eve, there was a special [hospitality] blessing in the dough, and the Divine cloud rested upon Abraham’s familial tent. When Sarah died, these expressions of love and light; Shabbat lights, halla and family purity ceased: but when Rebekah arrived, they returned.” And Sarah lived again! Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Chancellor Ohr Torah Stone Chief Rabbi — Efrat Israel
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18 • JEWZ IN THE NEWZ
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By Nate Bloom Contributing Columnist ANOTHER BITE “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part I,” is the fourth installment in the “Twilight” series of movies about a family of vampires (opens Friday, Nov. 18). The film opens with Bella, the lead human character (Kristen Stewart), finally wed to Edward Cullen, a vampire (Robert Pattison). But the birth of their daughter sets the stage for a major battle, pitting Edward and his family against the fearsome vampire council. NIKKI REED, 23, returns as Rosalie Hale, an important member of the Cullen family. The adapted (from the novel) screenplay is by MELISSA ROSENBERG, 49, who wrote the screenplays for the other “Twilight” films. Reed and Rosenberg, who both identify as Jewish, are the children of Jewish fathers/non-Jewish mothers. Rosenberg has long been married to LEV SPIRO, a TV director. BELAFONTE’S SURPRISE I’ve long known of the many “Jewish connections” in the family life of singer/actor Harry Belafonte, 84. His second wife, dancer JULIE ROBINSON, to whom he was married from 19582004, is Jewish. They had a daughter (GINA, 50) and a son (DAVID, 54) together. Gina, a former actress, produced the recent HBO documentary, “Sing Your Song,” about her father’s role in the Civil Rights movement. Harry is currently married to Pamela Frankel, whom I presume is Jewish (but I haven’t confirmed this). Shari Belafonte, 57, the actress, is Harry’s daughter with his first (black) wife. Her husband, since 1989, is soap opera actor SAM BEHRENS, 61. Harry Belafonte’s autobiography, “My Song: A Memoir,” has just come out. In it, he discloses, for the first time, that both his parents are of mixed race and that he is “one quarter” Jewish, himself. His mother was born in Jamaica, the child of a white, Scottish mother and a black father. His father was also born in Jamaica, the child of a black mother and Dutch Jewish father. This is all Harry says about his Jewish grandfather, whom he never met: “a white Dutch Jew who drifted over to the islands after chasing gold and diamonds, with no luck at all.” SIX-PACK LIPNICKI Remember JONATHAN LIPNICKI, the incredibly cute little boy who co-starred in “Jerry
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McGuire” (1996) and the “Stuart Little” movies? I knew that Lipnicki had been bar mitzvah and had recently started acting again after a hiatus of about a decade. But I had no idea that he had grown-up to be a “hunk.” Last week, a set of publicity photos of Lipnicki, now 21, appeared which showed him shirtless and working out. A serious martial arts student, he is incredibly “ripped” with six-pack plus abs. He has one of those bodies that are usually only seen in CALVIN KLEIN underwear ads. He has one tattoo — a large Star-of-David to the side of his stomach. While he is no longer “cute,” he is unquestionably handsome. I could imagine Lipnicki working out shirtless at a Jewish community center gym and walking over to a girl and saying: “Shalom, want to go out with me?” I imagine her response might be:”You didn’t have to ask. You had me at shalom.” JORDAN IN ISRAEL The NBA lockout has seen some players scrambling for other paying jobs. As you might have heard, New Jersey Nets guard JORDAN FARMAR, 24, one of two active Jewish NBA players, traveled to Israel in August to play with the top Israeli team, Maccabi Tel Aviv. Farmar was just profiled (Nov. 8) by the excellent Public Radio International program, “The World.” The son of an AfricanAmerican father and a Jewish mother, Farmar was raised by his Israeli stepfather, a Tel Aviv native. He has recently applied for Israeli citizenship. As “The World” profile began, Farmar had been something of a disappointment to the notoriously demanding Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and he was still getting used to the somewhat different style of play in the “Euroleague.” But the same fans who were kvetching were singing his praises when he came out smoking in a big home game (Nov. 6) against Real Madrid, a top Spanish team, and scored three quick baskets. He had a brilliant game overall. After the game, Farmar said with a chuckle, “Gotta make some more free throws. But other than that, it was really a good performance all the way around.” The World reporter then said: “Farmar’s coach at Maccabi is a fellow American, DAVID BLATT. At one point, Blatt vowed not to sign any NBA players during the lock-out, fearing it would be too disruptive for teambuilding. But now that his starting point guard is coming into his own, Blatt is glowing.”
FROM THE PAGES 100 Y EARS A GO Judge and Mrs. Frederick S. Spiegel have announced the engagement of their daughter Olga to Mr. Alexander Landesco. Dr. and Mrs. Julian Morgenstern, of 3449 Highland Place, Avondale, have as their guest their sister, Miss Evelyn Thorner of Macon, Ga. Dr. Louis Levinson, of Toledo, Oh., and Miss Edith, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Bloom, were married at the mansion Wednesday evening, Dr. Phillipson officiating. Marcus Cronbach, aged 87 years, the venerable father of Rabbi Abraham Cronbach of South Bend, Ind., died on November 13, at his home on East Rockdale Avenue, Avondale. The remains of Mrs. Edith Troy Feibel, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Troy, whose sudden and unexpected death at Columbus, Oh., last week shocked a large circle of loving friends, were brought to this city. Services were conducted in the chapel of the Cincinnati Crematory Friday morning, Dr. Phillipson officiating. The Avondale Improvement Association’s nominating committee recommends the election of the following for the ensuing year; president, B.H. Kroger; first vice president, Frank H. Shafer; second vice president, Samuel Wolfstein; secretary, Ralph E. Clark; treasurer, Max Hirsch; directors, Fred Herstenstein, Jos E. Bloch, Dr. J. C. Kunz, Geo. Keohler and Thos H. Fenton. The election will take place on December 12. — November 16, 1911
75 Y EARS A GO Mr. and Mrs. Edward Grusd motored to Columbus Monday, Nov. 9th, where Mr. Grusd addressed the Columbus B’nai B’rith Lodge on “The Underground Movement in Germany.” Mr. Grusd is editor of The B’nai B’rith Magazine. Announcement is made of the engagement of Miss Ruth Young to Mr. Hyman Strikman. Miss Young is widely known in Center activities. “Her fiancé is a graduate of the College of Pharmacy and is engaged in that work in the city.” Mr. Lee S. Rosenberg, son of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Rosenberg, 701 Betula Avenue, is one of 13 recipients of honorary John Harvard scholarships, awarded yearly to Harvard upperclassmen who are in the highest scholastic rank but who do not receive scholarships with stipends. He also received one of the Detur prizes in the “highest distinction” group.
Leo J. Lowman, 76, of 3590 Alaska Avenue, passed away at Jewish Hospital Monday, Nov. 16th. He was a native of Cincinnati and had retired recently from the vice presidency of the John Muelier Licorice Co. For many years, Mr. Lowman was president of the Home for the Jewish Aged and Infirm. He was a member of the Cincinnati Club and a charter member of Losantiville Country Club. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Bertha Stix Lowman, and two daughters, Mrs. Walter H. Prtiz and Mrs. Walter J. Feder, all of Cincinnati, and a sister, Mrs. Addie L. Wyler. — November 19, 1936
50 Y EARS A GO Dr. Gerald Nader, head of the department and professor of the industrial engineering at Washington University, St. Louis will address the regional A.I.I.E. today (Thursday, Nov. 16) at 3 p.m., at the Hotel Sinton on “Good Design.” He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Nadler, of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Sam Cornell, 5030 Paddock Road, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Sunday, Nov. 19 at the Mermaid Room, Hotel Alms, from 2 to 5 p.m. Friends and relatives are invited. Mrs. Mary A. Kurland Grant, 1638 Crest Hill Ave., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 8. She is survived by three sons, Leonard and Gilbert Grant, of Baltimore, Albert Grant, Cincinnati; three daughters, Dora Grant, Mrs. Irving Levine, Mrs. Julian Loshin, a brother, Max Kurland, of New York City; and nine grandchildren. She was the wife of the late David Grant. Mrs. Bertha Berkowitz, Louisville, passed away Sunday, Nov. 12. Wife of the late Hyman Berkowitz, Mrs. Berkowitz is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Sonia Bergman, California; two sons, Dr. Bernard Barron, Louisville; and Morris Barron, Cincinnati; two sisters, Mrs. Frank Chesley, Cincinnati, and Mrs. Max Kinsburg, California; and five grandchildren. — November 16, 1961
25 Y EARS A GO Winifred Barrows and Ellen Greenberger will serve as hostess committee co-chairmen for the Israel Bonds Man-of-the Year Dinner on Sunday evening, Dec. 7, at the Omni Netherland Plaza Hotel, honoring Oliver W. Birckhead; president, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Central Trust. Special guest of the evening
will be Gen, Alexander M. Haig, Jr. The announcement was made by Ronnie and John Shore, cochairmen for the dinner. Evelyn Besen, of 4426 Chesswick Drive, passed away Oct. 21. She is survived by her mother, Rose Goldberg; two sons, Jon and Steven Besen; a brother and sisterin-law, Bro and Davalle Goldberg; and two nieces and a nephew. She was the wife of the late Billy Besen and the daughter of the late Ben Goldberg. A native of Cincinnati, Mrs. Besen was a life member of Wise Temple and worked in the real estate business for more than 20 years. Rose Weiler passed away Nov. 9. She was 97. She is survived by a son, Dr. James Weiler of Galesburg, Ill; a daughter-in-law, Anne Rudolph; six grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren. She was the wife of the late Leo Weiler, Sr. and the mother of the late Leo Weiler, Jr. Graveside services were on Nov. 13 at United Jewish Cemetery, Walnut Hills. Rabbi Victor Reichert officiated. Weil Funeral Home was in charge. — November 20, 1986
10 Y EARS A GO Following a brief illness, complicated by pneumonia, Rabbi Murray Blackman, 80, passed away in New Orleans on October 30, 2001. Rabbi Blackman was born in New York City, the son of the late Maxwell and Sarah (Levy) Blackman. He is survived by his wife, Martha D. Mecklenburger Blackman, and three children, Michael and Peggy Blackman of New Orleans and Barbara Blackman of Durham, N.C. Rabbi Blackman is also survived by a sister, Lynette B. Berkowitz of Clearwater, Fla. Naftali Frankel died November 3, 2001, three days after his 71st birthday. Mr. Frankel lived his life with bounce and enthusiasm, good humor and impeccable aesthetic taste, and he was a compassionate and generous person. He was also a man of many talents. He was a realtor for 48 years, a cantor during Jewish High Holidays at Beth Israel Synagogue in Hamilton for 44 years and an accomplished musician all his life. Mr. Frankel was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. Besides his wife and best friend Penina, he leaves his grandchildren, Ben and Terry Frankel of Scottsdale, Ariz., Steven and Lisa Frankel of Cincinnati and Deena and Ray Frewen of Chicago. — November 15, 2001
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011
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) 722-7226 • mayersonjcc.org Camp Livingston (513) 793-5554 • camplivingston.com Cedar Village (513) 754-3100 • cedarvillage.org Chevra Kadisha (513) 396-6426 Cincinnati Community Mikveh 513-351-0609 • cincinnatimikveh.org Fusion Family (513) 703-3343 • fusionnati.org Halom House (513) 791-2912 • halomhouse.com Hillel Jewish Student Center (513) 221-6728 • hillelcincinnati.org Jewish Community Center (513) 761-7500 • mayersonjcc.org Jewish Community Relations Council (513) 985-1501 Jewish Family Service (513) 469-1188 • jfscinti.org Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (513) 985-1500 • shalomcincy.org Jewish Foundation (513) 514-1200 Jewish Information Network (513) 985-1514 Jewish Vocational Service (513) 985-0515 • jvscinti.org Kesher (513) 766-3348 Plum Street Temple Historic Preservation Fund (513) 793-2556 Shalom Family (513) 703-3343 • myshalomfamily.org The Center for Holocaust & Humanity Education (513) 487-3055 • holocaustandhumanity.org Vaad Hoier (513) 731-4671 Workum Fund (513) 899-1836 • workum.org YPs at the JCC (513) 761-7500 • mayersonjcc.org
CONGREGATIONS Adath Israel Congregation (513) 793-1800 • adath-israel.org Beit Chaverim (513) 984-3393 Beth Israel Congregation (513) 868-2049 • bethisraelcongregation.net Congregation Beth Adam (513) 985-0400 • bethadam.org Congregation B’nai Tikvah (513) 759-5356 • bnai-tikvah.org Congregation B’nai Tzedek (513) 984-3393 • bnaitzedek.us Congregation Ohav Shalom (513) 489-3399 • ohavshalom.org
Congregation Ohr Chadash (513) 252-7267 • ohrchadashcincinnati.com Congregation Sha’arei Torah shaareitorahcincy.org Golf Manor Synagogue (513) 531-6654 • golfmanorsynagogue.org Isaac M. Wise Temple (513) 793-2556 • wisetemple.org Kehilas B’nai Israel (513) 761-0769 Northern Hills Synagogue (513) 931-6038 • nhs-cba.org Rockdale Temple (513) 891-9900 • rockdaletemple.org Temple Beth Shalom (513) 422-8313 • tbsohio.org Temple Sholom (513) 791-1330 • templesholom.net The Valley Temple (513) 761-3555 • valleytemple.com
EDUCATION Chai Tots Early Childhood Center (513) 234.0600 • chaitots.com Chabad Blue Ash (513) 793-5200 • chabadba.com Cincinnati Hebrew Day School (513) 351-7777 • chds.shul.net HUC-JIR (513) 221-1875 • huc.edu JCC Early Childhood School (513) 793-2122 • mayersonjcc.org Kehilla - School for Creative Jewish Education (513) 489-3399 • kehilla-cincy.com Mercaz High School (513) 792-5082 x104 • mercazhs.org Kulanu (Reform Jewish High School) 513-262-8849 • kulanucincy.org Regional Institute Torah & Secular Studies (513) 631-0083 Rockwern Academy (513) 984-3770 • rockwernacademy.org
ORGANIZATIONS American Jewish Committee (513) 621-4020 • ajc.org American Friends of Magen David Adom (513) 521-1197 • afmda.org B’nai B’rith (513) 984-1999 Hadassah (513) 821-6157 • cincinnati.hadassah.org Jewish Discovery Center (513) 234.0777 • jdiscovery.com Jewish National Fund (513) 794-1300 • jnf.org Jewish War Veterans (513) 204-5594 • jwv.org NA’AMAT (513) 984-3805 • naamat.org National Council of Jewish Women (513) 891-9583 • ncjw.org State of Israel Bonds (513) 793-4440 • israelbonds.com Women’s American ORT (513) 985-1512 • ortamerica.org.org
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BBYO from page 3 As the only non-denominational youth organization in the community, BBYO is uniquely positioned to attract both affiliated and unaffiliated teens, one of the most at-risk populations for falling off the Jewish path early on. Each Monday evening, Jewish teenagers from all over Greater Cincinnati, from a variety of high schools and representing an array of backgrounds and streams of Judaism, convene at the JCC for a business meeting and social activities. In addition to Shabbat dinners, special events and parties, BBYO offers a number of opportunities throughout the year to attend regional and even national and international conventions, summer camp and trips to Israel. “From getting more involved in the Jewish community to becoming a stronger leader, BBYO has done so much for me,” said Zach Samuelson, Cincinnati’s Mishpacha AZA (the boys’ chapter of BBYO) President and Sycamore High School sophomore. “I love that no matter who you are, if you are in BBYO you are going to make so many Jewish friends. From Miami, Fla., to Los Angeles, Calif., I have Jewish friends who will help me with anything I need. I am really happy that the Mayerson Foundation and the JCC are so interested in helping BBYO grow here and am glad that Josh is now our Regional Director. He is fun to be around and a pleasure to work with. He is always bringing so many innovative ideas to the chapter. I can’t wait to see what he’ll bring to our region!” “No one would ever believe that before I joined BBYO, I was known as a shy and quiet kid,” said DuBro.“From the beginning of my journey with BBYO, I took the leadership route. I grasped every opportunity that came my way, and today I am the Regional Vice President of Membership. Imagine you are the star player for a baseball team.You step up to the plate, and you look all around the stadium. Thousands of fans are chanting your name.They all want
SENIOR SERVICES
• • • • •
Up to 24 hour care Meal Preparation Errands/Shopping Hygiene Assistance Light Housekeeping
(513) 531-9600 you to succeed. That is BBYO for me,” he continued.“Everyone in BBYO cheers each other on, no matter what route you take.With my friends by my side I have experienced the greatest four years of my life. I have been fortunate enough to meet hundreds of high school teens across the nation through local, regional and international events.Through BBYO, I have gained life skills such as leadership, responsibility and a willingness to learn. In BBYO, it is up to you what you want to do, and where you want to go. Although my time in the organization is coming to an end, I know the skills I have attained, and friendships I have made will last forever.” From offering fun, meaningful and affordable experiences to Jewish teenagers, BBYO has been providing leadership programs and identity-enriching experiences, shaping the lives of 250,000 alumni who are among the most prominent figures in business, politics, academia, the arts and Jewish communal life in the country and around the world. BBYO’s broad program menu enables teens to explore areas of leadership, service and civic engagement, Israel education, and Jewish values with the expectation that they will exhibit positive attitudes and behaviors about being Jewish while maintaining the values and relationships that strengthen the Jewish people. According to a recent BBYO Impact Study, commissioned by the Schusterman Foundation, across several measures, BBYO alumni demonstrate a strong sense of Jewish pride and peoplehood, a willingness to play leadership roles and a connection to the State of Israel. They support Jewish organizations with their checkbooks and volunteer time. Alumni also participate actively in Jewish social networks and exhibit a desire and commitment to raising Jewish families. For more information about BBYO in Cincinnati, or to learn more about becoming a teen advisor contact Matt Steinberg at the Mayerson JCC.
20 • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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ALLOCATIONS from page 1
Courtesy of HOT
The family of “Ha-Borer,” an Israeli TV show that takes an Orthodox mobster’s view of the Jewish state’s moral landscape.
‘Ha-Borer’ is the Israeli ‘Sopranos’ By Nathaniel Rabkin Tablet Magazine (Tablet) — For the last four years, Israeli television viewers have been captivated by an unconventional crime show called “HaBorer,” or “The Arbitrator.” An action-packed comedy drama, the series tells the story of an Orthodox mobster, his fractious Sephardic family and his long-lost illegitimate son. In some ways it’s an Israeli version of “The Sopranos.” But the makers of the series gave this genre a distinctive, Israeli-Jewish bent. “Ha-Borer” uses the world of organized crime as a backdrop to explore timeless Jewish questions about morality, community and belonging. It also deals with many of the most pressing issues facing Israeli society in the 21st century, from rising wealth and inequality to the ethical dilemmas of war. Immensely popular in Israel, the show deserves to be seen by anyone who wants to understand how contemporary Israelis see themselves and the world around them. If you speak Hebrew, go to the website of Israel’s HOT cable network and watch it now. If you need English subtitles, wait until your next El Al flight to Israel and watch the show on in-flight entertainment. In the meantime, here’s what you’re missing: The show follows the family of Baruch Asulin, an aging mafia boss known as “HaBorer” for his role as a mediator of underworld disputes. The Borer is a ruthless killer, but he is also a traditionally observant Sephardic Jew. He frequents the neighborhood synagogue and often is shown settling mobsters’ disputes by referring to Torah law, which he quotes extensively, always from memory. In the first season, the Borer is contacted by a long-lost illegitimate son who was given up for adoption
at birth. The son, Nadav, was raised by the middle-class Feldman family and is studying to become a social worker. As the two men bond, Nadav finds himself drawn unwillingly into the Borer’s criminal milieu. Revealing a surprising acumen for ruthless strategizing, Nadav becomes the Borer’s trusted confidant in a war against hated rival Yigal Mizrahi, a mobster so cruel that he is nicknamed “Yigal the Nazi.” Together, the aging Sephardic gangster and the young Ashkenazi social worker dodge bullets and plot their next moves. Along the way they debate philosophical questions of right and wrong, the meaning of family and the significance of traditional Jewish values for contemporary life. Religious pragmatism meets secular idealism head-on again and again. In one scene, Nadav appeals to conscience, only to have the Borer cut him off in mid-sentence. “In Judaism, there is no conscience,” the Borer says. “There are only mitzvot.” In another episode, the Borer turns down a business proposal from his old friend Faruki, who plans to make it big smuggling drugs into Israel from Lebanon. In an Israeli twist on a classic scene from “The Godfather,” the Borer expresses his objection to the drug trade in terms of Jewish solidarity. “I love you very much, just as I love every Jew,” he tells his wouldbe partner in crime. “But you are going down the wrong path.” Using a crime-show script to explore questions of philosophy and religion is a dangerous move. Done wrong, such a combination could seem forced, even absurd. But “Ha-Borer” pulls it off smoothly, with believable dialogue and top-notch acting.
“On the other hand, when we had to face the actual allocation process and attempt to put a dollar value on each of these essential services, it became highly frustrating to be faced with a significant shortfall in dollars to be distributed. The idea that we would have to take funds away from some programs in order to make even sub-optimal allocations to other programs became a terrible moral dilemma,” said Cohen. For 2012, the following programs directly impacting the quality of life of local children, families and vulnerable populations including seniors, the mentally and physically challenged and the poor, will receive increases; while most other programs will experience either a flat or decreased allocation. Local and national allocations total $2,291,296. Local programs receiving increases in 2012 are presented on the chart. Four of Federation’s six partner agencies (Jewish Vocational Service, Jewish Family Service, Cincinnati Hebrew Day School and Mayerson JCC) received overall increases; while Rockwern Academy and UC Hillel remained flat.
...35 percent of all the allocable dollars goes to Israel and overseas programs or approximately $1,785,000. As has been historically the case in our community, 35 percent of all the allocable dollars goes to Israel and overseas programs or approximately $1,785,000. The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), the umbrella organization of the Jewish Federation system, funds programs in partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). While the community campaign struggled to reach last year’s level, the Jewish Federation responded by working with individual donors who wished to make a personal impact in addition to supporting the annual campaign. Through these efforts the Federation raised $1.6 million on behalf of critical community programs, more than triple the average raised in previous years. These supplemental contributions helped either to support local programs that otherwise would have received fewer dollars or to create new programs that would enhance the local community or the work of various agencies.
FIRST PERSON • 21
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011
Mothers of Sons Incidentally Iris
by Iris Ruth Pastor I once took a personality assessment test featured in a women’s magazine. It drew certain conclusions about you from your choices of what brands you found appealing. Starbucks and Nike were my top brand choices. Not surprising. One of my biggest highs comes from the caffeine energy surge, thus my addictive urge to visit any and all Starbucks I pass. And Nike – what overachieving, A-type creature like me can resist the allure of the phrase “Just Do It!”? And the fact that it was coined by a graphic design student in Portland who was paid $35 for her idea further underscores the great impact a lone creative person can wield given the right circumstances and timing. BRIEFS from page 6 “What is sad is that we now have to worry to what extent these private views inform foreign policy decisions of the U.S. and France — two singularly important players in the peace process,” he said. Several journalists overheard the exchange, which was captured by a live microphone unbeknownest to the two leaders, but it was not immediately reported. Ros-Lehtinen releases security funds, holds humanitarian money WASHINGTON (JTA) — U.S. CHILDREN from page 8 decades have wrought. Already, 55 of the 230 people have had the meat of biography restored to the bones of their bare identities through follow-up interviews conducted by museum staff. The interviews have yielded such gems as the fact that all 10 siblings in Rome’s Di Cori family survived the Holocaust. A cousin in Canada recognized photographs of five of the children — Alberto, Franco, Isacco, Luciano and Maria — when poking around the Remember Me site. Before visiting the website and seeing the photograph of Luciano at age 10, his daughter Ester had never seen what her late father looked like as a child. She shared rich material with the museum
So fueled, not fooled, by a steady drip of caffeine into my system and buoyed by the idea that sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and “Just Do It!” – even if the timing may not be ideal and not all the variables are perfectly lined up – I am giving birth a sixth and final time. I’m not birthing a baby this time, however, but an endeavor. It all started from an experience my husband and I had over a decade ago. It was Thanksgiving weekend and Thanksgiving was the one holiday that we could count on all of us being together – my husband, our five sons, our parents and various extended family members. That particular year, our youngest son was still in high school. The rest of the brood was either in college, law school or the work force. I remember it well. It was about 11 p.m. and my husband and I were sitting in the family room with our entire brood of boys. The conversation was lively. Debates were raging and their good natured bantering was increasing in volume and intensity. There was only one problem: though we were following their repartee closely, my husband and I seemed to be left out of the loop. We interrupted the flow to say goodnight and realized as we slipped away that the conversation
went on quite well without us. With startling clarity, we understood that our presence no longer was seen as the hub of the wheel. We were just one of the spokes. That was over 10 years ago. This feeling of being outside the inner sanctum has remained through the years, but our reaction to it has changed as we are learning how to graciously accept our altered roles within our ever-expanding family. My husband and I have learned to modify our expectations for connection and for control. We have learned to take pride in our sons’ independence, accomplishments and movement into the adult world. We have learned to parent them not as boys, but as men – with respect and a perspective that has kept up with their own development. My husband and I have learned to depend on each other for support and happiness. We have broadened our interests and widened our circle of friends and acquaintances. We have learned to welcome new experiences, pursue hobbies and read/walk voraciously. And I have learned not to try and emulate the parenting model of mothers of adult daughters. My friends who have grown daughters seem to have ongoing contact throughout the day with their girls. They are privy to the minutiae of
their daughters’ lives – the highs and lows. The struggles and triumphs. The big details. The little details. And all the details in between. When it comes to my sons’ professional and family/social lives, I usually get the big picture, but seldom all the juicy details that go into the build-up to a big event. As my oldest son says, “Mom you will always have the cake, but you won’t get the icing.” Too bad for me that the icing has always been and still is my favorite part. My husband and I have also recognized and accepted that underneath the exhilaration of freedom from child-centered demands can lurk feelings of sadness and isolation from real or perceived emotional distance from our offspring. Life, though, is too short to let counterproductive feelings mark and mar our days. We strive to find ways to stay relevant and connected to our grown sons and their families. And to do so in ways that are healthy, mindful of appropriate boundaries, but still spontaneous, joyful and engaging. And sometimes we even succeed! One effective way is to make a conscious effort to continue to grow and expand our horizons. My husband has a new career in a corporate setting as a wellness director.
I’m busy with work. And I’m busy with organizing a women’s group comprised of inquisitive ladies who like to laugh, learn and bond. And I’m busy expanding our social circle. And decorating our house. And hosting brunches and dinners. And of course, visiting my darling, wonderful, perfect grandchildren any time I can. However, even after giving birth five times and staying insanely busy, the urge to procreate is still robust. I’m pleased to announce that my next biggest venture has just passed the conceptual hurdle. We are now entering the gestational phase, so I feel comfortable in sharing a few tidbits. Remember my book, “Slices, Bites and Other Facts of Life,” published with my mother as co-author in 1996? Well, my mom and I have just “conceived” of the idea to publish it as an e-book. Who knows? It may be so successful, we’ll decide to “give birth” to a few more offspring—whoops, I mean sequels. For now, keep in mind that this “baby” has a lot of growing to do before the water breaks, the labor pains begin in earnest and we push this little sucker out into the world. I’ll keep you posted.
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen released a hold on nearly $200 million in security funds for the Palestinians but is keeping back a similar amount in humanitarian aid. A spokesman for Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), the chairwoman of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, on Monday confirmed to JTA that Ros-Lehtinen had informed the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development that she would release $197 million in assistance designated for the Palestinian Authority’s security apparatus, including $50 million to pay
salaries and $147 million in nonlethal assistance. The spokesman, Brad Goehner, noted that Ros-Lehtinen decided to release the funds only after receiving a “wide range of specific assurances” and more a thousand pages of documents from the Obama administration. Among the reassurances RosLehtinen sought were President Obama’s certification that releasing the money was in the national security interest of the United States; that Israel had no objection to releasing the funds; and that Salam Fayyad, the PA prime minister who is trusted by
Western leaders, would retain control of the funds. Goehner said that RosLehtinen, who imposed the hold in the wake of PA unity negotiations with Hamas and the Palestinian bid to seek statehood recognition in the United Nations in the absence of negotiations with Israel, is keeping her hold on $192 million in humanitarian and infrastructure aid for nongovernmental groups. All funds held by Ros-Lehtinen were part of the 2011 budget. On Tuesday, 44 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives signed a letter
urging House appropriators not to cut funding to the Palestinians in the 2012 budget. The letter, co-authored by Reps. David Price (D-N.C.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), cited Israeli security officials who have said that cutting such funds would pose a risk to Israel. The liberal Israel advocacy group J Street lobbied for the letter. “We believe that a suspension or termination of assistance would be a serious mistake that would put near-term diplomatic disputes ahead of our long-term interests in the region, as well as the interests of our ally Israel,” the letter said.
interviewer, like about the legendary apartment superintendent making the on-the-spot, impossible decision to point a policeman inquiring about the family toward a Di Cori clan of three, thus saving the skins of the 11-member household sharing the identical surname. Nearly all the Remember Me photographs emerged from the Cincinnati-based American Jewish Archives, with some pictures coming from New York’s Museum of Jewish Heritage and from the collection of Greta Fischer, a Czech Jew who worked in the Kloster Indersdorf displaced children’s camp in Bavaria, Germany. In May, Rachelle Salamon of Belgium called her sister, Zvia Nizard of Bat Yam, Israel, to say that a friend had just seen Nizard on the Remember Me site. Then
named Celine Jelen, Nizard was photographed at age seven in 1946. Nizard told JTA that her mother took her to a photography studio in Brussels shortly after the war. Six passport-sized pictures were made, probably for a twinning program run by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Nizard recalls wearing a brown, sweatsuit-like outfit in the picture. She also remembers that an American family mailed packages containing cheese and sugar to the Jelens. “When I saw the photo, I was in shock. I didn’t understand. It took a few days to figure it out,” Nizard, 72, said by telephone from Israel, where she has lived since 1959. “I remember the situation, where the photo was taken, yet I had no idea how it got to the museum. Then, I
sent the museum an e-mail, and they called to ask for details.” Nizard returned the favor. She searched the site time and again: a half-hour daily for several days. She peered closely even at baby pictures. Nizard recognized the photographs of a cousin, Leon Sad, who also lives in Israel; a French friend she knew many years ago on Kibbutz Hasolelim; and a boy she met when visiting her uncle in Valenncienes, France, at age 10, shortly after the war. Seeing their childhood images was “fantastic,” Nizard said. The searches and relating of personal narratives are music to the ears of Jude Richter, the museum historian who oversees Remember Me. “Children’s voices usually are not heard when Holocaust and
genocide are discussed,” he said. “I’m finding that this is really important for the children and their families. The survivors and the children of survivors are really grateful to us for this project.” “Some of them had never seen a photo of their parent as a child,” Richter added. “Someone is acknowledging that their parents’ history is important and should be remembered.” Please send a message to JTA on Seeking Kin if you have information on a child whose photograph you recognize on the museum’s Remember Me website, or if would like our help in searching for your own long-lost friends or family. Please include the principal facts in a brief e-mail (up to one paragraph) and your contact information.
Keep Coping, Iris Ruth Pastor
22 • OBITUARIES D EATH N OTICES PLOTNICK, Dorothy, age 91, died on November 9, 2011; 12 Cheshvan, 5772. MILSTEIN, Elaine, age 64, died on November 10, 2011;13 Cheshvan, 5772. KAPLAN, Dr. Stanley M., age 89, died on November 10, 2011; 13 Cheshvan, 5772. BRENNER, Gary J., age 65, died on November 11, 2011; 14 Cheshvan, 5772. SOLOMON, Lana, age 69, died on November 11, 2011; 14 Cheshvan, 5772. LIPSON, Sam W., age 94, died on November 15, 2011; 18 Cheshvan, 5772.
O BITUARIES BRENNER, Laura Laura Brenner, age 89, passed away peacefully Friday, September 9, 2011 at her home in Newton, Mass. She was born on GA from page 8 “Have you ever heard an Israeli say, ‘Give more money to the Jewish Agency?’ ” asked Barry Shrage, president of the Boston federation, Combined Jewish Philanthropies. “They’re stuck in bureaucracies. We’re on the ground working with our local Israeli partners directly. If the Jewish Agency had something compelling, we’d invest in them, too.” Officials at the Jewish Agency, whose mission is to settle immigrants in Israel and promote Zionism around the world, declined to comment for this story except to express concern about jeopardizing the collective commitment of Diaspora Jewry to the Zionist enterprise. “There is maybe a problem of divorce from the collective, and you can’t guarantee the future of the Jewish people without a collective,” Natan Sharansky, chairman of the Jewish Agency, told JTA. “There is a danger people will choose to opt out of the collective, and then to restore it will be impossible.” Federation officials say the reality is that’s already happening; federations like the one in Boston already are doing overseas allocations on their own. The Global Planning Table represents an effort to revive collective action, they say. By empowering the federations to make spending decisions without the encumbrances of exclusive partnerships with the JDC and the Jewish Agency, JFNA officials say they
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December 23, 1921 in Cincinnati. Mrs. Brenner was the daughter of the late Sarah and Morris Becker, and sister of the late Dorothy Fradkin, Bertha Becker, and Joseph Becker. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Carole Meisel Solomon and by her loving husband of 57 years, Saul Brenner. Mrs. Brenner is survived by her sons Gary (Leslie) Brenner of Cincinnati, and Michael (Karen) Brenner of Newton, Mass., brothers Ralph (Evelyn) Becker and Albert (Libby) Becker of Cincinnati, grandchildren Michele (Jeff) Rzepka of Cleveland, Shari (Jay) Schulhoff of Cincinnati, Susan (Josh) Ackerman of Sherman Oaks, Calif., Juliana Brenner of Newton, Mass., Margo (Morris) Porter of Boston, Susan (Jeff) Levin of Miami, Fla., and Marc Meisel, and by her great-grandchildren Nicole, Jaclyn, and Jordan Rzepka, Molly and Whitney Schulhoff, Oliver Ackerman, Abigail, Gabriel, and Hannah Levin, and Carolyn and Samantha Porter. Mrs. Brenner graduated from Hughes High School and was a
member of Temple Sholom in Cincinnati. She lived on Lakeland Avenue in Roselawn for most of her life, then on Lynnehaven Drive in Amberley Village for 10 years, then in Boca Raton, Fla. for 21 years before moving to Newton, Mass. Special thanks to her many friends and caring staff at The Falls at Cordingly Dam. Messages of condolence can be sent to the family via Marc@PrimeVenturesInc.com
believe overseas giving ultimately will rise. “It’s really about engaging more Jews, creating a new, dynamic venue to elevate the profile of and get new support for global Jewish needs,” said Joe Berkofsky, a spokesman for JFNA. For its part, the JDC welcomes the change. Unlike the Jewish Agency, whose governing board is controlled in large part by the federations, the JDC has an independent board, a robust fundraising apparatus and a strong reputation in the federation world. The JDC, which has a $300 million annual budget, has not been happy with its 25 percent share of the federation system’s overseas dollars, and JDC officials think they can do better with the open field that the Global Planning Table represents. “Competition isn’t evil; it’s healthy,” said Steve Schwager, CEO of the JDC. “The JDC doesn’t mind competing for designated dollars. The JDC delivers high-quality, important programs that benefit the Jewish people. I believe that when I get to make that case, we will at least maintain if not increase the level of funding.” A few separate factors are converging to drive this major change in the federations’ philanthropy. One is the economic downturn, which has hurt federation campaigns and overseas giving. Another is dismay with operations at the Jewish Agency. In recent years, the agency has
reshuffled its priorities away from immigration to Israel, which it still handles, and toward Zionist education in the Diaspora. Some critics question why the federations should send money to Israel just so the Jewish Agency can use it to ship Zionist emissaries back to Diaspora Jewish communities. Jewish Agency officials counter that they have not abandoned aliyah at all and are merely more focused on making Israel central to the vast majority of Diaspora Jews who do not plan on making aliyah. Another factor is the growing influence of foundations in the Jewish philanthropic landscape. Birthright Israel, the big Jewish idea of the last decade, came from the foundation world, not from the federations. Under the new Global Planning Table, there could be closer collaborations between federation and philanthropic foundations, and by absolving itself of its exclusive commitments to the Jewish Agency and the JDC, the federation system will have more discretion to funnel money to the right ideas. “It’s an opportunity for us to partner with foundations in ways we haven’t previously,” said Joanne Moore, senior vice president of global planning at JFNA. “Any effort to try to make individual federations more empowered and more engaged to follow needs is good in principle,” said Andres Spokoiny, president of the Jewish Funders Network. “Whether the Global Planning Table does that or not I don’t know.”
HAREDI from page 10
Laura Brenner
“But when you put it into perspective, it’s not all doom and gloom because if we are able to capitalize on it, we have a brighter future than most Western countries, which are growing old,” he says. “We have tons of children. The problem is what will we do with them?” Sitting in the audience during a lecture by Ben-David on the subject several years ago was Adina Bar Shalom, daughter of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the spiritual leader of the Sephardic Orthodox Shas party. The lecture helped spark her idea to launch Israel’s first-ever haredi college. It wasn’t easy to get support from the haredi community — or her father — for the idea. Haredi Orthodox Jews long have viewed higher education as suspect, something that since the Enlightenment period has been viewed by haredim as a potentially dangerous road that could lead to assimilation and secularism. “But I thought that academia gives a person confidence, it opens doors for work, and we need it most for our society,” Bar Shalom told JTA. Efforts like the college Bar Shalom founded are part of a new wave of private, public and government initiatives to move more haredi Israelis into the workforce. The Finance Ministry says it has invested some $88 million in the effort. Some of that money is being spent to increase the small number of haredim who serve in the army; 400 were recruited in 2010. Some are assigned to units in which they are trained to provide technological assistance, which can give them skills for civilian jobs later in life. The Air Force, for example, trains haredi recruits in computer programming and electrical work while providing an all-male environment with strictly kosher food and time for prayer and even some Jewish studies. With 14,000 haredim turning 18 each year and only 1,500 students per class of specialized haredi academic programs and colleges annually, plus approximately 1,000 in the army, the challenge is how to make a significant and transformative change, according to Shahar Ilan of Hiddush, an organization that promotes religious pluralism and diversity in Israel. Tevet, a partnership between the government and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, is working on several major initiatives to help haredim transition to the workforce. The organization, which is focused on setting haredim on career paths, not simply getting them low-level jobs, claims to have made 16,000 job placements. The idea is to develop career programs so people can promote
themselves within the labor market, says Yossi Tamir, Tevet’s director general. “We are not doing this just for the sake of the ultra-Orthodox,” he says, “but to increase the resilience of society in Israel.” Within the haredi world, Torah study is considered sacrosanct, and rabbis and communal leaders have been reluctant to speak publicly about the problem of growing poverty in the community. Rabbi Moshe Grylak, editor in chief of the leading haredi newspaper Mishpacha, says the problem has been overstated. “Not everyone studies at kollel,” he said, using the Yiddish term for subsidized Torah study. “Today there is an understanding that some men need to find other professions, and the haredi community understands it needs to help them do that. People are trying to stir up panic because they hate the haredim.” Jack Schuldenfrei, one of the founders of Kemach, an organization to train and place haredi men, said there is growing openness within the haredi world to the idea of working for a living. But, he says, it’s difficult for community leaders to publicly endorse the idea because the notion of working for a living is still frowned upon. Since it launched in 2007, nearly 10,000 men have applied to Kemach for help finding work. Kemach has matched haredi men with jobs as locksmiths, plumbers, engineers and physicians’ assistants. One man from a strict haredi sect dreamed of becoming a commercial pilot, and Kemach is now funding his studies, according to Schuldenfrei. “We see this as an evolution, not a revolution,” he says. “Because we have kept a low profile and never made any noise, rabbis don’t feel threatened by us.” Menachem Friedman, a sociologist and one of Israel’s pre-eminent authorities on haredim, says the situation is too dire for anything but a heavy-handed approach. “Things cannot continue this way,” he told JTA. “I hear people saying we need to proceed slowly, gently, to understand them, but each year their numbers go up and the math just does not add up.” Friedman says a large percentage who do venture into the workforce don’t succeed because they lack the necessary education. Recently there has been a public backlash against the haredi school system over officials’ refusal to teach boys (most of them in Ashkenazi yeshivas) a core curriculum that includes science, math, English and civics. Haredi figures say they don’t want outsiders interfering in the “purity of Torah learning,” which many of the haredim fear could pave the way toward a secular lifestyle.
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