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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011 19 KISLEV, 5772 CINCINNATI, OH Candle Lighting Times Shabbat begins Fri. 4:59p Shabbat ends Sat. 6:00p

VOL. 158 • NO. 21

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SINGLE ISSUE: $2.00 B E

Dina Francus, 11, Rockwern Academy — Winner of the 2011 Chanukah Cover Coloring Contest

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LOCAL • 3

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

Standing Together: An evening of Christian-Jewish support for Israel

By Yehoshua Mizrachi Assistant Editor It’s a very precarious time for Israel. The world, it seems, is turning against the Jewish state or at least turning a blind eye until blame needs to be assigned. As an Israeli, or even a Jew, you begin to feel that you are alone. An old saying comes to mind, “Trust no one but yourself.” While that statement has significance in times like these, you need a friend, a helping hand to be by your side and support you.

Thursday night, Dec. 8 at the JCC, the Jewish Community

Relations Council of the Federation of Cincinnati (JCRC), Friends of Israel—a group of Christians who support Israel, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (JFC) and the American Israel Public Affairs Commitee (AIPAC), met to discuss and reaffirm their love and support for the state of Israel and its people.

This event, “Standing Together: An Evening of Christian-Jewish support for Israel,” brought together over 120 people in one room, all with the same goal. It was an amazing event to witness.

Watching different sects of two religions gather together and dis-

cuss their love for Israel was interesting to say the least.

Three speakers in attendance included Raslan Abu Rukun, the Deputy Consul General of Israel to the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States; Reverend William Sutter, Executive Director of The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry; and Reverend Robert Johnessee, Church Ministries Representative from The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry.

When I asked one woman from the local Jewish community why she came, she responded, “I happened to hear Reverend Johnessee

Judaism in Star Trek beyond Mr. Spock Mercaz High School is offering their popular Star Trek Judaism class for adults this coming semester for the first time.

Many know that Leonard Nimoy—better known as Mr. Spock—created his famous Vulcan greeting from his childhood memories of the Kohanim priestly blessing. This just touches the surface on how Star Trek can be related to Judaism. “I was surprised that there was extensive curriculum available for this course that delves into important areas of Jewish theology and traditions,” said instructor Mitch Cohen. “I am a longtime fan of Star Trek, but I found it very interesting how many stories could be related to Jewish themes. I found that the Borg had great parallels to

the Holocaust, such as how Jewish people were numbered like the Star Trek character ‘7 of 9’.”

Cohen continued, “There are actually good books written on the subject, including ‘The Religions of Star Trek’, by Kraemer, Cassidy, and Schwartz, and ‘Jewish Themes in Star Trek’, by Rabbi Gershom.”

This course is being offered to adults for the first time. “I received a number of comments from parents whose teens were enrolled in this course at Mercaz who said they would like to come to a class like this. I am looking forward to adapting the curriculum to adults. Most of the teens I taught over the years had never seen Star Trek, so I might have to be on my toes more with adults if

they challenge me on my Star Trek trivia. But I think most will find the Jewish topics fascinating.

We cover adult topics, such as Jewish views of the afterlife, rules of war as outlined in the Torah, the origins of good and evil, and more,” said Cohen.

Class is held in a home theater setting at Mercaz, which is located in the school building of Adath Israel Congregation. The curriculum covers episodes from the Original Series with William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy when they were very young. Episodes from The Next Generation, Voyager, and several of the movies are also discussed. This course will be held on Sunday nights from 7:35–8:30 p.m. during Mercaz, starting on Jan. 8.

Cedar Village announces Eight Over Eighty nominations The fourth annual Eight Over Eighty event sponsored by Cedar Village will recognize eight senior adults, 80 years or older, who have dedicated their time, talents and lives to our Jewish community.

All honorees will be inducted into the Cedar Village Jewish Senior Hall of Fame on May 17, 2012.

Do you know someone over the age of 80 who is inspiring and remarkable? Do you know someone 80 or over who has been a lifelong volunteer in the Jewish community and is an example of strong Jewish values? If so, Cedar Village has a unique opportunity for you to honor those special individuals. “This gala celebration provides us with a way to honor the special gifts and blessings that our elders bring us. We are delighted to sponsor this event in the Cincinnati Jewish community during Older Americans Month,” said Carol Silver Elliott, CEO/president of Cedar Village.

At our inaugural Eight Over Eighty celebration, we honored

“This gala celebration provides us with a way to honor the special gifts and blessings that our elders bring us.”

Carol Silver Elliott eight wonderful seniors: Philip T. Cohen, Paula Gallop, Charlotte Hattenbach, Faye Horwitz, Ernst Kahn (of blessed memory), Gertie Kirzner (of blessed memory), Dr. Gordon Margolin, and Ted Schwartz.

In 2010 we honored Wilbur Cohen, Dave Jacobson, Robert Kanter, Florence Lieberman, Lou Nidich, Sue Ransohoff, Richard Weiland, and Florence Zaret. In 2011, Dr. Larry Essig, Benjamin Gettler, Murray Guttman, Eric Hattenbach (of blessed memory), Dr. Albert Miller, Barbara Rosenberg, Freda and Pearl Schwartz, and Sue and Jerry Teller

were honored.

Nominations are due by Jan. 18, 2012. To make a nomination, please submit a description of the individual’s qualifications for this recognition. Please include (as applicable): name and age of nominee; duration of volunteer service (years, decades); involvement in Jewish organizations and causes; leadership positions held; current accomplishments; and letters and newspaper articles supporting the nominee’s accomplishments.

Explain how the nominee’s longstanding activities exemplify a commitment to Jewish values and our Jewish community.

speak last year, he was amazing.

He really does care.”

This statement was intriguing.

Why would she say “he really does care?” It vexed my brain most of the night. Was she implying that some people just speak and don’t care?

As I listened to each of the speakers I began to understand what the woman meant. You could hear it in their voices. There was a fire, a passion, a real belief, as they spoke of their love for Israel and its people. It was completely genuine.

I had the fortune of also getting to speak with the Reverend Robert

Johnessee. I posed a question as to why he really is doing this. “I have a love for the people of Israel and the state itself. In the times we live in we can’t remain quiet. Israel needs our support as well as others.

I’m just doing my part to help.”

The purpose of this event was to bring awareness to people that Israel is not alone. I can say that if there were a few more people like Reverend Johnessee in this world it would be a better place. I’m proud to have him and the other speakers, and their followers, by Israel’s side.

You couldn’t ask for a better group to be standing together.

4 • LOCAL

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YPs raise their glasses to Russia’s tradition, culture

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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. 21 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011 19 KISLEV 5772 SHABBAT BEGINS FRIDAY 4:59 PM SHABBAT ENDS SATURDAY 6:00 PM THE AMERICAN ISRAELITE CO., PUBLISHERS 18 WEST NINTH STREET, SUITE 2 CINCINNATI, OHIO 45202-2037 Phone: (513) 621-3145 Fax: (513) 621-3744 publisher@americanisraelite.com editor@americanisraelite.com production@americanisraelite.com RABBI ISSAC M. WISE Founder, Editor, Publisher, 1854-1900 LEO WISE Editor & Publisher, 1900-1928

that were made available to my family and other families like mine by the Jewish Federation, Jewish Family Service, Camp Livingston and dozens more local and international Jewish agencies,” explained Yamson. “Access’ CelebRUSSIAN Shabbat is an amazing opportunity for young Jewish adults to experience the traditions and customs that I grew up with and many of their grandparents and great-grandparents grew up with. This is a very important part of Jewish history that

YPS on page 19

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

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The CelebRussians

itage, as well as the many other Access participants whose ancestors came to this country so that they could make a better life for future generations to come,” explained Rachel Plowden, Access event coordinator. “Whether they’re of Russian descent or not, we are pulling out all the stops to insure that everyone has a fun and meaningful experience at this event!”

Max Yamson is one of 20 Russian-born or first generation young professionals who are on

must be remembered and preserved.

My family and I are grateful that the Mayerson Foundation is taking the time and putting the resources into creating such a wonderful, one-of-akind experience!” he continued.“It’s really inspiring that Access is hosting a Shabbat that honors the cultures and traditions of not only the country in which I was born, but the traditions that we as Jews share the world over.”

Victoria Podolsky, another member of the host committee, invited a lot of her American friends to attend the event so they can learn more about her Russian culture. “I am so appreciative that Access and The Mayerson Foundation are organizing this Shabbat dinner to honor the Russian Jewish community. When I was asked to submit old family photos for a slideshow that will be playing at the event, I visited my grandmother’s apartment. As I searched through pictures of my family members who passed away before I had the chance to meet them, I was brought even closer to my Russian Jewish roots and my family, which reinforced the connection between my past and present,” she addeds. “I am really looking forward to this event and am proud that Access has chosen to showcase Russia at this event!”

Other members of the CelebRUSSIAN host committee include: Artem Barski, Sergey Chiripko, Alex Dal, George Fels, Irina and Jeremy Kanter, Vlad Leytus, Michael Loban, Gene and Jenny Masinovsky, Victoria Matsukevich, Irene Middendorf, Alex and Margarita Moksin, Jane Moksin, Jane Nemik, Eugene Pyatigorsky, Elaine Shapiro, Beatrice Terekhov and Jayne Yamson.

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the CelebRUSSIAN host committee. Thanks to the support of the Jewish community, Yamson was able to attend Camp Livingston, Cincinnati’s Jewish community overnight camp, which he credits with helping him, and many others like him, develop their Jewish identity.

“My family immigrated to America when I was 9-years-old.

The person I am today was not only influenced by the experiences I had growing up as a child in the former Soviet Union, but by the resources

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Mayerson JCC, combining Jewish tradition with Russian culture. The event is free to all Jewish young professionals (YPs), ages 21-35, and is being billed as “the biggest blowout since the Iron Curtain came down!”

Participants will be treated to an authentic Russian dinner, complete with stuffed cabbage, borschst, blinches, Olivier salad and much more, plus vodka and other Russian-inspired drinks and live Russian music and entertainment.

“This is our way of honoring all our young professionals of Russian her-

r in Am ape er sp i

Jewish Young Professionals

ewish N h-J ew lis

“Give me your tired your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…” When renowned Jewish poet, Emma Lazarus wrote those immortal words—inscribed on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty—she knew that even though they came under very different circumstances, and had many different beliefs, the main reason millions of immigrants fled to our shores was to seek a better life, a life of hope and opportunity. And for so many, a life free from the kind of persecution and pogroms, discrimination and economic hardship that forced millions of Russian Jews in the late 19th and 20th centuries to leave everything behind and come to America to start their lives all over again.

Thanks to their courage in facing the unknown, so many of the children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren of those who came over in one of the first waves of Russian immigration are living the American Dream right here in our own community—and across the country—as a result. But what about those who came to Cincinnati in the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s from what is now the former Soviet Union?

Those who came with their elderly parents and young children and received help from our Jewish community in securing a place to live, a car, a job, English language lessons and even Jewish Day School and camp tuition?

Whatever became of them?

“Thanks to the generosity of many individual donors, volunteers and local and national organizations, most of these families were able to get off to a great start, and went on to make wonderful lives for themselves. Their children are now successful young professionals, living and thriving in our community, many of whom are active participants in our Access events,” said Pam Saeks, director of Jewish Giving for The Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation.

“Many of us grew up during the time of Bar and Bat Mitzvah ‘twinnings’ and worked to raise money to help rescue and resettle fellow Jews from the Soviet Union. We wrote letters, signed petitions and attended rallies in which we chanted ‘Let My People Go!’” she added. “Their path to political and religious freedom was made possible through the support of communities all over the world, just like ours, yet so few of our Americanborn young people today are aware of this important piece of modern Jewish history,” she continued.“We wanted an opportunity to celebrate the rich culture and tradition of our Russian young professionals and shed light on the amazing journey that brought them here.”

With this in mind, Access created CelebRUSSIAN Shabbat, a unique event that will take place on Friday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. at the

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, DECEMBER 15, 2011

Wise Temple madrichim program The Wise Temple madrichim program continues to grow! We now have 97 high schoolers who dedicate their time and enthusiasm to working in our Religious School each week. Madrichim—Hebrew for guides—serve as teaching assistants and positive Jewish role models for younger students.

Madrichim work in every classroom, as well as the library, art room and office. This year, we

even have two madrichim assigned to assist with Gesher, one of our family education programs.

Our community of madrichim is so strong in part because we adhere to the “Three R’s” of working with youth: relationship, respect and relevance. Teens crave all three in all aspects of their lives.

Madrichim build safe, caring relationships with their cooperating teachers, madrichim coordinator,

and fellow madrichim. In fact, the feeling of community created by these relationships is so important, we have nicknamed the program “Team Madrichim.” In addition, work as a madrich(a) is treated as a real job with real responsibilities.

The high schoolers are respected as a part of our faculty.

Lastly, we hope that every teen gains real skills that can be applied to future work, whether or not they

continue in the field of Jewish education. This year, each madrich(a) has created their own Madrichim Development Plan, setting three goals per semester that they want to achieve. Goals vary based on the teen’s age and comfort level, and teachers provide the madrichim the opportunities and mentoring necessary to accomplish these goals. In this way, our teens continue to experience growth and challenge

even through their senior year.

We are very excited that the madrichim program continues to grow both in size and in quality.

Working with our teens is an adventure and a pleasure. Any member of Wise Temple entering 9th-12th grades is eligible to apply to the madrichim program.

Applications for the 2012-2013 school year will be available in the spring.

Kids, parents look forward to JCC Winter Break Camps Kids always look forward to winter break from school, but working parents may need a place where their children can spend vacation time in a safe, fun environment. The Mayerson JCC Winter Break Camps are the answer! Winter Break Camps are open to kids in grades K–6. You do not need to be a J Member to sign up, but make plans soon as reservations are limited.

JCC Winter Break Camps will be Monday through Friday, Dec. 19–30. The regular day is 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., but parents may

drop off the kids as early as 8 a.m. and pick up as late as 6 p.m. You may choose as many days as you would like. Kids get to take advantage of the many great facilities at the J where there is always so much to do.

Even if it’s cold outside, kids can splash and swim in the indoor waterpark, play games in the gym, create projects in the art studio, and have fun and exercise with interactive games, foosball and air hockey. There are also optional day trips—Winter Break “On the Road”—to fun places

where kids can play laser tag games and enjoy snow tubing (for an additional charge). Campers should bring a swimsuit, lunch and drink each day, and advance registration is required.

Elizabeth Stout enrolled her daughter last year in the J’s Winter Break Camp and said she will likely enroll her again this year. “She enjoyed it so much, especially because her friends were there. I am a single, working mom and it’s a great option for me, because I know she’s having a great time while I am at work.

It’s just action packed fun!”

Andrea Powers’ son, Harrison, went to the J’s Winter Break Camp last year and optional snow tubing field trip to Perfect North. “He said it was just awesome!” Andrea said. “He can’t wait to go snow tubing again. I am signing him up again this year!”

“Winter Break Camps are great both for kids and working parents, or parents who are looking for a safe, fun place for their children to be while school is out.

Winter Break Camps are some of

our most popular camps,” said Matt Miller, JCC Youth and Family Coordinator and Director of Camps. And remember to sign up for the New Year’s Eve Bash & Overnight, from 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31, to 8 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1. Kids in grades K–5 and grades 6–8 will have their own unique celebrations.

There will be special activities, fun games in the waterpark and gym, inflatables, a movie, and breakfast in the morning. At midnight the festivities include a bubbly toast and noisemakers.

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Kosher Chinese buffet at Chabad Jewish Center Kosher Chinese food is a oncea-year opportunity in Cincinnati, at Chabad Jewish Center’s annual Kosher Chinese Buffet on Dec. 25.

“On a night when the entire city shuts down, our Kosher Chinese Buffet is where to be in the Jewish community,” said Rabbi Berel Cohen, Youth and Family Program Director at Chabad Jewish Center. “We have delicious food and great family

The Maccabeats

Congregation Sha’arei Torah hosts the Maccabeats for Shabbat On Dec. 16 and 17, Congregation Sha’arei Torah will be spending Shabbat with the Maccabeats! The Maccabeats will lead services at RITSS High School, with Mincha beginning Friday at 4:55 p.m., and Shacharit beginning on Saturday at 9 a.m., followed by kiddush.

Babysitting and youth groups will be available for children of all ages on Shabbat morning.

In the fall of 2007, a few students at Yeshiva University came to a star-

tling realization: Jewish collegiate a cappella groups had been formed on almost every college campus with a substantial Jewish student community—every campus, that was, except for YU! This realization soon led to the formation of the Maccabeats, YU’s all-male a cappella group. At first, the Maccabeats sang mostly in the privacy of their own practice room, developing a repertoire.

Soon, though, their music began to spread and be performed all over

campus at a plethora of university events and at numerous concerts.

Strongly committed to the philosophy of Torah u-Madda, the integration of traditional and secular wisdom, the Maccabeats perform an eclectic array of Jewish, American and Israeli songs. Their breakthrough piece, Lecha Dodi, is the epitome of this synthesis, combining some of the most beloved words of Jewish liturgy with Leonard Cohen’s meaningful and melodic Hallelujah.

entertainment. This is a fun night out for the entire family!”

The event showcases an allyou-can-eat buffet with Chinese favorites such as Sweet and Sour Chicken, Beef with Vegetables, Egg Rolls, Vegetable Lo Mein, Fried Rice and more. A live game show will provide interactive entertainment for the whole family. Reservations are suggested to be made early.

Light it up with Northern Hills as they celebrate Hanukkah Northern Hills Synagogue Congregation B’nai Avraham invites the community to a Hanukkah party on Saturday, Dec. 24, beginning at 7 p.m. Sponsored by the congregation’s Men’s Club, the festivities will include dinner, a dreidel tournament, Hanukkah crafts, games and activities. A disc jockey will provide musical entertainment.

Participants are asked to bring a menorah to light, as well as gently used eyeglasses to donate.

Latkes and sufganiot (donuts) will highlight the dairy dinner.

“Very few places are open on the evening of December 24th, so we look forward to seeing people come to the Synagogue and enjoy an exciting evening with music, food and entertainment. In addition, this is a joint program involving the youth of the synagogue as well as the Men’s Club.It will be a very enjoyable evening,” observed Ron Richards, Men’s Club president.

of this and then tried to support it, accelerate it. That’s Reform Judaism at its best.

And camps. In the last 15 years we’ve added five camps and more than doubled our camping population.

Any regrets?

I have lots of regrets. I’m not one of those people who say I have no regrets.

Are all Reform Jews studying Torah? Celebrating Shabbat?

Performing mitzvot? Until such a time that that’s happening, we need to ask why not and what more could we have done.

Jews are a dissatisfied people; we cry out all the time. Jewish leaders have to be more dissatisfied than anyone else.

Among the elite, we have more observance and commitment than I would have imagined possible, but general levels aren’t what they ought to be.

Two years ago we started a youth engagement campaign for ages 13 to 18. In retrospect, we should have started that 15 years ago.

While individually I’ve been tremendously engaged and involved in Israel, the reality is that too many people don’t feel the

connection they should. I’m sorry I wasn’t more successful in creating those bridges.

The upcoming Reform biennial is slated to be the largest ever, with nearly 6,000 attendees.

What’s so special this year?

It’s a time of transition. There’s tremendous enthusiasm about Rick [Rabbi Richard Jacobs, the incoming president of the URJ].

People want to come. Most of these people aren’t rabbis but synagogue lay leaders who come at their own expense. That’s enormously encouraging.

What’s the role of the president of the URJ? It’s a mistake to exaggerate the influence of the president of the URJ, and for that matter most Jewish leaders. The most important Jewish work is done in local Jewish congregations.

We can help shape Jewish consciousness, give priority to important Jewish things, give concrete support, offer legitimacy in cases where there may be some resistance among leaders.

If organizations like yours only have a limited influence on Jewish life, who has a great influence?

Eric Yoffie: The exit interview

By Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Courtesy of Union for Reform Judaism

Rabbi Eric Yoffie says “an extraordinary worship revolution in the Reform movement of joyful, enthusiastic Jewish worship built around participatory Jewish music ... has dramatically changed the worship experience in the movement.”

NEW YORK (JTA) — At the end of this year, Rabbi Eric Yoffie, the president of Union for Reform Judaism, will be stepping down after 16 years at the movement’s helm. Last week, Yoffie sat down with JTA Managing Editor Uriel Heilman at the URJ’s offices in New York ahead of the Reform biennial, which will be held Dec. 14-18 outside Washington.

JTA: What are you proudest about your time leading the movement?

Yoffie: My first biennial I talked about Torah at the center. That was less of a programmatic initiative than it was a theological and cultural assertion. We had to operate with a consciousness of Torah being fundamental to all we do. It was an important cultural change.

Second, there has been an extraordinary worship revolution in the Reform movement of joyful, enthusiastic Jewish worship built around participatory Jewish music. It has dramatically changed the worship experience in the movement, and you really see it everywhere. I certainly didn’t create this, but we saw the sparks

YOFFIE on page 21

NATIONAL • 7

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

Philanthropist Jay Ruderman leads new push to help disabled

By Lisa Keys Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK (JTA) — A parent with a child who is deaf; a sister with a learning disabled brother.

The most outspoken advocates for people with special needs tend to be those who became active because of a personal connection to the issue.

That’s not the case for Jay Ruderman, who works tirelessly to improve the lives of those with disabilities. As president of the Boston-based Ruderman Family Foundation, he helps funnel his family’s considerable wealth toward programs that integrate the disabled into American Jewish life and Israeli society.

Special needs, Ruderman insists, is not an issue that concerns only those with a personal stake — a point he stressed at Advance: The Ruderman Jewish Special Needs Funding Conference, the secondever gathering of disability philanthropists.

“Focusing on disabilities and special needs as a special interest alone leaves us all the poorer,” Ruderman said during his remarks.

“This is a justice issue, it’s a Jewish issue and it’s all of our issue.”

The Dec. 6 event drew some 150 participants to the Baruch College Conference Center here with the goal of creating partnerships and raising the profile of special needs inclusion within the Jewish world. The room was a veritable cross-section of the Jewish

Courtesy of Marian Goldman/Jewish Funders Network

Jay Ruderman stresses that special needs is a ‘Jewish issue’ and not one that concerns only those with a personal stake.

community: young and old, observant and not, lay leaders and Jewish communal professionals.

The positive energy was palpable as colleagues from across America and Israel relished the opportunity to connect face to face.

Ruderman, 45 and somewhat boyish despite the flecks of salt in his close-cropped beard, exudes a pleasant calm amid the buzz.

Speaking to a reporter he is affable and on-message, clearly seasoned in dealing with the media. His demeanor is both passionate and genuine, even as he tells anecdotes he has shared before.

“It’s a good, good crowd,” said Ruderman, surveying the room.

When the Ruderman Family

Foundation — along with the Jewish Funders Network, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, the Jewish Federations of North America and the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston — convened the first Advance Conference last year, “I thought we’d have maybe 50 funders,” he said. But more than 100 showed up — a clear sign that Ruderman and his partners had tapped into an unmet need.

Approximately 18 percent of Israel’s population has some form of disability, and estimates indicate a similar percentage within the American Jewish community, Ruderman said. Ruderman’s nephew was diagnosed with autism.

Gingrich sticks by Palestinian comment, draws rebukes from GOP candidates

By JTA Staff Writer Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK (JTA) — Republican presidential front-runner Newt Gingrich stood by his assertion that the Palestinians are an “invented people,” drawing criticism from other GOP candidates.

“Is what I said factually correct? Yes. Is it historically true?

Yes,” Gingrich said during a GOP debate Saturday night in Iowa.

“We are in a situation where every day rockets are fired into Israel while the United States — the current administration — tries to pressure the Israelis into a peace process.”

“Somebody ought to have the courage to tell the truth,” he continued. “These people are terrorists, they teach terrorism in their schools.”

Gingrich added that “it’s fundamentally the time for somebody to have the guts to say enough lying about the Middle East.”

He first made the “invented people” comment in an exclusive interview with The Jewish Channel.

In response to Gingrich’s comments at the debate, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) said, “That’s just stirring up trouble.”

Many prominent Jewish Republicans view Paul as an isolationist whose opposition to tough anti-Iran actions and foreign aid, including for Israel, would be bad for the Jewish state. But Gingrich also drew criticism from GOP candidates with records of strong support for Israel.

Mitt Romney, who stands first or second in most polls, said he agreed with Gingrich’s comments about Palestinian terrorism, but said the former House speaker went too far in publicly questioning Palestinian peoplehood.

“I happen to agree with most of what the speaker said,” Romney responded. “Except by going and saying that the Palestinians are an invented people. That I think was a mistake on the speaker’s part.”

Romney warned against throwing “incendiary words into a place which is a boiling pot” — and that doing so could make things harder for Israel.

Another candidate with strong pro-Israel credentials, Rick Santorum, followed Romney’s comments with similar criticism of Gingrich.

In recent days, Gingrich’s campaign issued a statement stressing that despite his comments on Palestinian peoplehood, he still favors the eventual creation of a Palestinian state. The statement, released by spokesman R.C. Hammond, declares that “Newt Gingrich supports a negotiated peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians, which will necessarily include agreement between Israel and the Palestinians over the borders of a Palestinian state.”

Hammond added, “However, to understand what is being proposed and negotiated, you have to understand decades of complex history, which is exactly what Gingrich was referencing during the recent interview with The Jewish Channel.”

Gingrich’s comment has been criticized in even stronger terms by an assortment of Palestinian spokesmen and liberal commentators.

“It brought us emotionally closer to the issue,” he said. “It wasn’t theoretical; it was personal.”

Even with many people knowing someone who is disabled — and perhaps becoming disabled themselves at some point in their lives — conference attendees said the organized Jewish community doesn’t do enough to reach the disabled.

The Rudermans, however, are walking the walk. One successful project, launched seven years ago, allows special needs children access to Jewish day schools throughout Boston.

In a more recent endeavor, the foundation provided a $2.5 million grant to the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston that provides customized job training and ongoing support for young adults with disabilities. Known as Young Adult Transitions to Work and run

by Jewish Vocational Services, the

program places its participants in jobs at Hebrew SeniorLife.

The challenges facing the community are diverse, from making summer camps wheelchair accessible to offering sign language interpreters at synagogues. Finding common ground among funders was another theme of the conference, along with the notion that such collaboration takes time and patience.

Case in point: Last year’s conference led to the creation of the Disability Peer Network, a group of 16 funders committed to the cause that is being incubated at the Jewish Funders Network. It’s been a slow process, though a director was recently hired.

“We’re talking about funders who are diverse in size, geographic location and interest,” Ruderman said.

RUDERMAN on page 21

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At Reform biennial, changes at the The many hats of top, but focus on the grass roots Mayim Bialik

By Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency

By Dvora Meyers Jewish Telegraphic Agency

NEW YORK (JTA) — When more than 5,500 people gather at a massive hotel just outside Washington next week for what is slated to be the biggest-ever biennial convention of the Union for Reform Judaism, they will be taking part in a transformative moment for the organization.

The longtime head of the largest denomination of American Jewry, Rabbi Eric Yoffie, will be ceding the helm to Rabbi Richard Jacobs, a congregational rabbi from the Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, N.Y. Along with the Reform rabbis, congregational leaders and movement activists on hand will be a star-studded cast of speakers that will include the president of the United States, the House majority leader and the Israeli defense minister. Their attendance at the biennial is a sign of the strength and influence of Reform Jewry’s leaders.

But the real question facing Reform Judaism as Jacobs inaugurates the new era isn’t so much what happens at the top of the movement but what happens at the grass roots.

Can the movement’s more than 900 synagogues survive tough economic times and attract new members? Can parents be convinced to keep their children in Hebrew school beyond the bar/bat mitzvah? Can young, unaffiliated Jews in their 20s and 30s be engaged in Jewish life? Can this largely suburban, shul-based movement figure

NEW YORK (JTA) — Mayim Bialik’s career has gone through several phases since she burst onto the pop culture radar as the lead of the 1990s NBC-TV series “Blossom.”

After the show wrapped, she earned her doctorate in neuroscience at UCLA while marrying and becoming the mother to two sons. Now she has returned to the small screen as a regular on the CBS series “The Big Bang Theory.”

If the task of transitioning from child star to working adult actor wasn’t time consuming enough, she also blogs regularly at the Jewish parenting site Kveller.

And she’s added yet another title: social justice activist. On Dec. 19, Bialik will host a fundraiser for Rabbis for Human Rights of North America that will honor clergy members who have stood out for their devotion to justice. Rabbi Israel Dresner, the “most arrested rabbi in America,” is among the honorees.

Bialik acknowledges that she was unfamiliar with RHR until she was contacted by Executive Director Rabbi Jill Jacobs about emceeing the event. Yet after a little online investigation, she discovered that she was already connected to RHR. “I went to the website and saw that my rabbi from UCLA, Chaim Seidler-Feller, was there,” Bialik told JTA. That sealed the deal.

“We were looking for someone who is known for being deeply committed to Judaism and deeply committed to justice,” Jacobs said.

Bialik credits her Jewish upbringing with her lifelong devotion to performing good works.

“I was raised in a very vibrant Reform community in Los Angeles,” she said. Temple Israel, the synagogue she attended as a youth, was “very tikkun olam based.”

As an adult, Bialik has worked with the Jewish Free Loan Association, helping to found a branch of the organization aimed at encouraging young professionals in Los Angeles to become involved in philanthropy.

“It’s a cause close to my heart,” she said. Yet her involvement has shown her just how difficult it is to get that demographic to participate.

“People think, ‘When I’m older I will donate,’ ” she observed.

In addition to her work in social justice, Bialik also has become something of a spokeswoman for a more observant lifestyle. As a student at UCLA, she began moving toward greater Jewish ritual observance, includ-

Courtesy of Union for Reform Judaism

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, above, will be taking over the helm of the Union for Reform Judaism from Rabbi Eric Yoffie.

out a way to appeal to younger, urban Jews who aren’t interested in synagogue life?

“The big opportunity is to think about the challenges in Jewish life today, strategically and clearly,” said Jacobs, who takes over officially in January. “We’re also going to tell the truth about what’s not working.”

Jacobs sees the biggest challenge as engaging young people who aren’t coming to the synagogue from the moment of their bar/bat mitzvah until their mid-30s or later, if they come at all. He says his first act as president will be to launch a campaign for youth engagement.

“If we don’t start thinking differently about youth, it’s certainly not a bright and rosy future,” Jacobs told JTA. “We’re going to rethink everything we do for youth.

This is a tremendous area of experimentation and new creative think-

ing. How do we tie together camps, Israel trips and what happens in youth groups, and engage those students who became b’nai mitzvah?”

Outside the movement, Jacobs faces some challenges, too.

After he was picked last March to be Yoffie’s successor, critics zeroed in on his affiliations with J Street and the New Israel Fund to question his pro-Israel credentials.

A group calling itself Reform Jews Against Divisive Leadership took out an ad in Jewish newspapers declaring that Jacobs “does not represent the pro-Israel policies cherished by Reform Jews” and therefore “does not represent us.”

Three dozen members of American Reform congregations signed the ad, but much of the opposition to Jacobs appeared to come from outside the movement.

BIENNIAL on page 22

Baseball MVP Braun disputing positive result on drug test

By JTA Staff Writer Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK (JTA) — Ryan Braun, the first Jewish baseball player in nearly five decades to win a Most Valuable Player award, reportedly has tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug.

The Associated Press cited an unnamed source who said the case was under appeal to an arbitrator under Major League Baseball’s drug program.

Braun is disputing the results.

According to USA Today, he dismissed the reports as “B.S.” “There are highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan’s complete innocence and demonstrate there was absolutely no intentional violation of the program,” said a Braun spokesman in a statement published by ESPN. “While Ryan has impeccable character and no

previous history, unfortunately, because of the process we have to maintain confidentiality and are not able to discuss it any further, but we are confident he will ultimately be exonerated.”

Braun, the son of an Israeliborn Jewish father and a Catholic mother, was named the National League MVP last month. He received 20 of 32 first-place votes and 388 points in voting announced by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

Los Angeles center fielder Matt Kemp was second with 10 firstplace votes and 332 points.

Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1963 was the last Jewish player to win the award. Other Jewish players who have been named MVP are Hank Greenberg of the Detroit Tigers in 1940 and Al Rosen of the Cleveland Indians in 1953.

Braun batted .332 this season

with 33 home runs, 111 RBI and 33 steals to help lead the Brewers to the Central Division title.

Some have taken to calling the Los Angeles-reared Braun “The Hebrew Hammer.”

“I am Jewish,” Braun said last year. “It’s something I’m really proud of. But I don’t want to make it into something more than what it is. I didn’t have a bar mitzvah. I don’t want to pretend that I did. I didn’t celebrate the holidays.

“It’s a touchy subject because I don’t want to offend anybody, and I don’t want groups claiming me now because I’m having success.

But I do consider myself definitely Jewish. And I’m extremely proud to be a role model for young Jewish kids.”

Braun this year has been named twice to JTA’s weekly Friday Five list and also cracked the top five of the annual Forward 50 list.

Mayim Bialik will be hosting a fundraiser for Rabbis for Human Rights of North America honoring clergy members who have stood out for their devotion to justice.

ing an increased emphasis on kosher (not too hard for the mostly vegan actress), Sabbath and modest dress. She explores these topics and others with candor on her Kveller blog.

For religious reasons, Bialik primarily wears skirts, which hasn’t been hard to manage in her current role since her character wears loose-fitting skirts and layers.

“I could’ve been cast as many things in this incarnation of my career. I happen to play a character that producers like to dress modestly,” she said of the bookish Amy Farrah Fowler, who is the love interest of Emmy winner Jim Parsons’ Sheldon Cooper. “Thus far I have not been in a miniskirt.”

Yet despite hewing ever more closely to religious law in her personal life, Bialik refuses to identify fully with Orthodoxy. She has written forthrightly about having to work on Jewish holidays. And a future role might demand a more immodest wardrobe.

Yet when she can, Bialik goes to great lengths — quite literally — to observe. She agonized over her choice of Emmy dress — on her Kveller blog, she described her mission as “Operation Hot and Holy” — before settling on one that met most of her modesty requirements: covered arms and knees, with a hint of collarbone and cleavage.

She felt validated when she later saw Paris Hilton in the same dress in People magazine, with the suggestion that “you don’t have to show tons of skin to be sexy.”

Perhaps the editors at the celebrity magazine have been reading Bialik’s Kveller articles.

Or maybe, in addition to being a mom, actor, scientist and activist, she has discovered one more hat to wear: fashion trendsetter.

NATIONAL • 9

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

National Briefs Berkeley Hillel leaders urge students to reconsider J Street rejection (JTA) — Hillel leaders at the University of California, Berkeley, are urging the Jewish Student Union on campus to reconsider its rejection of J Street’s campus affiliate.

The Jewish Student Union, an umbrella body for UC Berkeley Jewish student groups, voted last month to deny membership to the school’s J Street U chapter.

“We respect the right of the Jewish Student Union, an organization sponsored by UC Berkeley student government, to make its own decisions, but we encourage JSU to reconsider its vote and include JStreetU as a member,” wrote Berkeley Hillel’s board president, Barbara Davis, and its executive director, Rabbi Adam Naftalin-Kelman, in a letter sent to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz and to j. weekly, the San Francisco Bay Area’s Jewish newspaper.

They also wrote that the J Street U chapter will receive support from Berkeley Hillel, explaining that the dovish student group adheres to Hillel International’s Israel guidelines.

The Jewish Student Union’s Nov. 16 vote to exclude J Street garnered media attention and spurred commentary around the world. There were 10 votes against admitting J Street U, nine in favor and two abstentions; admission requires a two-thirds majority, according to j. weekly.

“J Street is not pro-Israel but an anti-Israel organization that, as part of the mainstream Jewish community, I could not support,” Jacob Lewis, co-president of the campus Israel activist group Tikvah, told j. weekly, explaining his opposition to admitting J Street U. In an Op-Ed in the Forward newspaper, four leaders of UC Berkeley’s J Street U chapter wrote that the exclusion was “emblematic of a larger trend.”

“Even as pillars of the American Jewish establishment recognize the need to include J Street U and others like us in the broadening tent of pro-Israel advocacy, those on the right double their efforts to shut us out,” the four students wrote.

ADL, AJC reportedly suffering major drops in donations NEW YORK (JTA) – The Anti-Defamation League and the NATIONAL on page 19

Ad campaign flare-up obscures bigger challenge: Luring home Israeli expats

By Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK (JTA) — A few different sparks led to last week’s flare-up over a two-month-old Israeli ad campaign to lure home expatriates in the United States.

An ad suggesting that a child of Israelis living in America would mistake Chanukah for Christmas. The claim by an influential blogger that the Netanyahu government was trying to dissuade Israelis from marrying American Jews. Criticism of the ads by the Jewish Federations of North America and the head of the Anti-Defamation League.

Last Friday, it all came to a quick end: Michael Oren, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had ordered a halt to the campaign that had so offended American Jews.

But last week’s flare-up threatens to obscure a larger challenge for Israel: How to lure its citizens living overseas back home.

For many years, Israel viewed its emigrants with some distaste.

They were referred to as yordim, a derogatory term that means “those who go down.” Israeli embassies and consulates refused to provide solid numbers on how many there were, reflecting the sense that somehow Israelis who had left the fold were an embarrassment for the state.

In recent years, however, that attitude has shifted, and Israel both has made a more conscious effort to draw them back and started to look at its expats as more than just lost citizens.

“We have to rethink the definition of Israelis abroad — it’s a different world today,” Israel’s minister of public diplomacy and Diaspora affairs, Yuli Edelstein, told JTA this week. “Is someone who goes to the U.S. to get an M.A. a yored? A PhD? I don’t think this diminishes Zionism.”

Israel’s more aggressive effort to bring back expats has included not just ad campaigns overseas but changes at home. Israel helped create and fund new academic research centers to compete with universities abroad for Israeli minds. The Finance Ministry is trying to create incentives that would turn Israel into a technology research center for the financial services industry as a way of attracting Israeli expats who work in the field but cannot find jobs in Israel.

“We know there are people who would like to return or make aliyah,” Haim Shani, the director general of Israel’s Finance Ministry, told JTA last year. “It’s part of a larger strategy of bring-

Courtesy of JTA

Among the ads in Israel’s recently canceled campaign to lure expats home was this spot that one critic described as “Netanyahu Government Suggests Israelis Avoid Marrying American Jews.”

ing minds back to Israel.”

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, more than 140,000 Israelis are living in the United States; the Israeli Consulate in New York says the real figure exceeds 500,000. Whatever the number, it’s clear that more Israelis are moving to America than Americans are moving to Israel. From 2000 to 2010, the number of Israelis in the United States grew by more than 30,000, according to the U.S. Census. By comparison, 25,712 Americans moved to Israel in that period, according to figures from the Jewish Agency for Israel, which handles immigration to Israel.

America has long beckoned

immigrants from all over the world, Israel included. Israelis’ reasons for coming are varied, but experts say it’s mostly for economic and professional opportunities. Not only do doctors, lawyers, academics and other professionals make more money in America, but some fields, like hedge funds, hardly exist in Israel.

“The solution of returning to the Diaspora and living overseas always captivated us,” Israeli engineer Liad Magen wrote Monday in an Op-Ed piece in Ynet.

“Especially in my field, as a computer engineer, relocation is not a dirty word. Many of my friends are overseas, in Europe, Australia and the United States. Even friends

who served in the army with me and completed a full combat service left for the U.S. and opened successful companies there. All of them are doing well.”

The loss of Israeli citizens overseas is deeply troubling for Israel. For one thing, Israel’s determination to maintain a Jewish majority in the country means that the emigration of every Jewish citizen is a setback.

For another, a relatively high proportion of Israelis living overseas are professionals or those with advanced degrees. Israel doesn’t want to lose their expertise, wealth, spending and tax income.

In recent years Israel has recognized the value of having Israeli communities abroad. As potential wellsprings of overseas support for the Jewish state, the Israeli government is increasingly helping to cultivate them. But it would rather have them home.

Competing with places like the United States — where there is abundant opportunity and little discrimination against Jews — isn’t easy. So when officials at Israel’s Ministry of Immigrant Absorption came up with an ad campaign over the summer targeting Israelis living here, they tried to zero in on the one thing America cannot offer Israeli expats: Israeliness.

CAMPAIGN on page 22

10 • INTERNATIONAL / ISRAEL

International Briefs Austria donates $8 million to Holocaust fund (JTA) — Austria’s parliament agreed to contribute 6 million euros ($8 million) to help preserve a memorial to Holocaust victims at Auschwitz.

The donation is part of a 120 million euro effort, spearheaded by the Polish government, to preserve the Auschwitz camp where more than 1 million people, most of them Jews, died during World War II. Germany has already agreed to donate 60 million euros ($80 million), The Associated Press reported.

Hundreds mourn Sir Zelman Cowen, former Australian head of state SYDNEY, Australia (JTA) — More than 1,000 people, including Australia’s prime minister and three former prime ministers, attended the state funeral of former Governor-General Sir Zelman Cowen at a Melbourne synagogue.

Cowen, who died Dec. 8 at the age of 92 after suffering from Parkinson’s disease for at least 15 years, served as Australia’s head of state from 1977 to 1982. He was only the second Jew, after Sir Isaac Isaacs, to be appointed the Queen’s Australian representative.

Speaking at Tuesday’s service at Temple Beth Israel, one of his sons, Rabbi Dr. Shimon Cowen, said his father was proud of his Jewish heritage.

“He identified with the plight of the physical and spiritual entity of the Jewish people, unequivocally and in perfect tandem with his service of Australia and all humanity,” Shimon Cowen said.

Among those in the congregation were Prime Minister Julia Gillard and federal Opposition leader Tony Abbott, as well as former prime ministers Malcolm Fraser, Bob Hawke and John Howard, and current GovernorGeneral Quentin Bryce.

Born in Melbourne in 1919 to refugees who fled czarist Russia, Cowen became a Rhodes scholar at Oxford and went on to a prolific career as a jurist, constitutional lawyer and university vice-chancellor, as well as an ardent supporter of an Australian republic.

He also was a staunch Zionist involved with numerous Israeli organizations including the Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hebrew University, Tel Aviv University, the Weizmann Institute of Science and the Van Leer Institute in Jerusalem.

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

German neo-Nazi cell may be linked to rabbi’s murder

By JTA Staff Wrter Jewish Telegraphic Agency BERLIN (JTA) — Police in Germany and Switzerland are investigating possible links between the 2001 murder of a rabbi in Zurich and a killing spree by a terrorist neo-Nazi cell.

The Israeli-born rabbi, Abraham Grunbaum, 70, was killed instantly after being shot at point-blank range on June 7, 2001 in the Agudas Achim synagogue, according to the Swiss paper Tagesanzeiger. The crime was recorded on a security camera, but the image quality was low, the report said. Police found two bullet casings and cigarette butts at the site. The rabbi was not robbed, thus the motive was considered likely to be hate.

A rash of murders that followed shortly after the Orthodox rabbi’s killing now have been attributed to a German neo-Nazi gang, the National Socialist Underground. In all, the gang is suspected of involvement in at least 10 killings over a decade, and police are now investigating whether the gang was involved in Grunbaum’s death.

The main weapon, which has been found, was registered in Switzerland and reportedly also was used at Swiss shooting ranges.

The National Socialist Underground, based in Zwickau, is suspected to have had connections with Swiss right-wing extremists.

German security forces had tapped phone conversations between the two countries, and witnesses in Germany have said the group used

Israel Briefs

a vehicle with Swiss plates, according to the Swiss daily newspaper the Basler Zeitung.

Recent revelations about the National Socialist Underground have spurred calls for banning Germany’s largest right-wing extremist party, the National Democratic Party of Germany, which has some 7,000 members.

“But banning a party is not enough to rid our society of such groups,” said Burkhard Jungkamp, head of Brandenburg’s Ministry for Education, Youth and Sport at an update Tuesday on pro-democracy educational programs cosponsored by the American Jewish Committee in Berlin.

“Schools must be places where democracy is lived and learned,” he said, in order to uproot the seeds of hate.

In tiny Gibraltar, an outsized Jewish infrastructure

By Alex Weisler Jewish Telegraphic Agency GIBRALTAR (JTA) — Four synagogues, a mikvah, a kosher coffeehouse and separate boys and girls religious high schools.

Combined, they suggest a community far larger than just 750 Jews. But Gibraltar — the tiny British overseas territory of 30,000 that sits at the foot of Spain and at the gateway to North Africa and the Mediterranean — has spent centuries cultivating its individuality.

“We’ve got an infrastructure that could cope with a community of 2,000, and we’ve only got 700,” said Mark Benady, a native Gibraltarian and vice president of the territory’s Jewish community.

Gibraltar’s largely Orthodox and Sephardic Jewish community has grown substantially in the past decade, increasing its rolls by 25 percent in just the last three years.

The Jewish primary school now has a record 140 pupils and recently added a floor of modern classroom space with the help of government funding. Along the way, the community has become more religiously observant and, many say, more insular.

About 500 Israelis also live in Gibraltar, but they are largely unaffiliated with the official organs of the territory’s Jewish community.

Fueling the growth in part are soft loans of 10,000 pounds ($15,500) repayable over 15 years that were issued by the community to attract newcomers, who arrive mainly from England and Spain.

Many, like Jo Jacobs Abergel, who

Courtesy of Alex Weisler

Members of Gibraltar’s largely Sephardic, largely Orthodox community pick up children from the community’s primary school, which is seeing record enrollment.

moved here from Leicester, England, are married to native Gibraltarians. Now a mother of three, Abergel says she’s somewhat of an anomaly among Gibraltar’s Jewish women.

“I’m kind of a heathen because I wear trousers and I don’t cover my hair,” she said, laughing.

Jews have lived in Gibraltar since at least 1356. For more than 200 years, beginning with the expulsion of Jews from the Iberian peninsula in 1492, there was no Jewish life here. That changed in 1713 when Britain took control of the territory affectionately dubbed “Gib” or “the rock.”

In the centuries since, Jews have occupied major political positions. In 2008-09, the largely ceremonial post of mayor was occu-

pied by Solomon Levy. Still, some say the walls between Jew and non-Jew in Gibraltar have grown taller.

“There’s Jews here that have absolutely no contact with nonJews,” Abergel said. “They won’t send them to anything — swimming lessons, ballet, judo, etc., — if it’s not organized by the Jewish community.”

That wasn’t always the case. As a student, Benady attended a nonJewish comprehensive school and had many non-Jewish friends — that’s less common for young Jewish Gibraltarians today. But Benady says he appreciates the warmth and closeness brought by a sense of shared purpose.

GIBRALTAR on page 22

Shalit thanks supporters in video message JERUSALEM (JTA) — Gilad Shalit thanked those who campaigned for his release from Hamas captivity.

Shalit’s parents convened hundreds of supporters Saturday in Kibbutz Shfayim to celebrate the Israeli ex-conscript’s Oct. 18 release in a prisoner swap with the Palestinians.

Gilad Shalit did not attend the event, with representatives saying that after more than five years of isolation in Gaza, he was still not ready to face crowds.

But in a video address to the activists, Shalit, looking healthier and more composed than when he went free, thanked the activists for their demonstrations, vigils, petitions and media campaigns in Israel and abroad.

“While I was in captivity, I heard a lot about your enlistment for my release,” he said. “I know without a doubt that your long and continuous struggle for my release, each according to his ability, the diligence and support for my family over the long road, were one of the decisive factors in the decision to return me home.

“I am grateful to you all, and each individually, and will continue to be grateful for all the days of my life.”

Netanyahu, Peres deplore gender segregation JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel’s prime minister and president came out against efforts by some haredi Orthodox Jews to segregate women in public.

Civil liberties groups have complained about gender segregation in buses and public places frequented by haredim, and the shunning by some religious soldiers of female entertainment troupes in the conscript military.

Speaking Monday at a conference on human trafficking, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “The place of women in public spaces must be ensured and equal.

“The segregation of women clashes not just with the democratic principles that we know and cherish. It also clashes with Jewish tradition,” he said.

At the same event, President Shimon Peres said that men should be free to avoid the company of women to whom they are not related, “But no man has the right to force a woman to sit in a place that he decides on.”

SOCIAL LIFE • 11

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

2011 CHANUKAH COVER COLORING CONTEST HONORABLE MENTIONS

Sam Firestein, 11, Rockwern Academy

Quint Kaufman, 11, Rockwern Academy

Sarah Grove, 7, Rockwern Academy

Oliver Wittenbaum, 8, Rockwern Academy

Lucy Schneider, 8, Rockwern Academy

Elise Kravitz, 8, Rockwern Academy

Leah Goldstone, 8, Rockwern Academy

Jacob Kotzin, 12, Rockwern Academy

12 • CINCINNATI SOCIAL LIFE

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

2011 CHANUKAH COVER COLORING CONTEST HONORABLE MENTIONS

Shoshana Stern, 8, Rockwern Academy

Zack Berger, 12, Rockwern Academy

Tiffany Salzberg, 10, Rockwern Academy

Max Grove, 8, Rockwern Academy

Fiona Schaffzin, 7, Rockwern Academy

Molly Fisher, 8, Rockwern Academy

Chad Miller, 7, Rockwern Academy

Emma Firestein, 8, Rockwern Academy

Andrew Levin, 7, Rockwern Academy

Emma Balk, 12, Rockwern Academy

Alex Scheier, 11, Rockwern Academy

Jacob Peri, 8, Rockwern Academy

Ellie Torem, 8, Rockwern Academy

Sophie Rothstein, 8, Western Row Elementary

Ben Vigran, 6, Rockwern Academy

Leah Mossman, 11, Rockwern Academy

Eve Smiley, 7, Rockwern Academy

Zoe Garvin, 8, Rockwern Academy

Sofia Cohen, 6, Rockwern Academy

Madison Weeden, 8, Rockwern Academy

Rose Vigran, 6, Rockwern Academy

Marty Kahn, 9, Rockwern Academy

Asher Weinstein, 12, Rockwern Academy

Jacob Englander, 12, Rockwern Academy

Alisa Lang, 9, Rockwern Academy

Jacob Goodman, 8, Rockwern Academy

Elyse Kadish, 8, Rockwern Academy

Arielle Podberesky, 9, Rockwern Academy

Sarah Croog, 6, Rockwern Academy

Omie Turner, 8, Rockwern Academy

Madeline Croog, 8, Rockwern Academy

Will Schneider, 8, Rockwern Academy

Olivia Vigran, 8, Rockwern Academy

Jonah Podberesky, 6, Rockwern Academy

Noah Vigran, 12, Rockwern Academy

Hannah Pollack, 6, Rockwern Academy

14 • DINING OUT

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

Gabby’s Cafe deserves its many starred reviews

By Sondra Katkin Dining Editor Gabby’s Cafe, located on a picturesque corner in Old Wyoming, was warmly decorated with burgundy colored walls and comfortable tan booths. This is a family endeavor with owner Dino DiStasi, his wife Mary Ann, daughter Andrea and “adopted” chef Chris Singleton all participating. As they sat down to talk with me, I enjoyed their camaraderie and their pleasure in serving me an amazing potpourri of entrees. With many dishes to try, I began with the fire-grilled vegetable pizza. Strike while the pizza is hot! Many chefs have begun cooking with sweet/tart, creamy goat cheese. Chef Singleton’s addition of this cheese to the mozzarella, provolone and parmesan titillated my tongue with its temptingly tangy, robust flavor.

The grilled eggplant, zucchini, sweet peppers, onions and asparagus added a smoky moistness to the wheat crust that featured the elasticity characteristic of the great crusts of the East Coast.

DiStasi started in the food supply business working for a major distributor, a background which lent itself to discerning where to find the best quality ingredients. He emphasized, “we source the best we can find.” Truth is in the tasting, and as I began eating my second entree, the five cheese ravioli, I became a believer. The pasta layer had just the right amount of tender firmness surrounding the pillowed ricotta mixture topped with its juicy blanket of homemade marinara.

The sauce, chunky, flavorful and made from California tomatoes at their peak, became so popular that customers can now purchase jars at the restaurant, Jungle Jim’s, Country Fresh and Avril’s Meats. I couldn’t share these delightful dishes with Steve who must avoid wheat (no can eat), but DiStasi does have a separate gluten free menu for his gustatory pleasure.

Justly proud of his half pound angus beef burger, named one of Cincinnati’s best by “Cincinnati Magazine,” DiStasi also serves a turkey burger, a totally vegan burger (created by daughter Andrea) and a 12 ounce angus steak. With these selections, the diner must make a difficult decision between two types of excellent homemade potatoes, the parmesan french fries or the grand Saratoga chips. You can tell from the irregularity of the sizes, these chips came from real potatoes.

I loved their crunch. The barbecue sauce was different from any I’ve had, a perfect level of spice, sweetness and tangy taste; and thick enough to coat the chip without dripping or sliding off — very satisfying. Have it with homemade vegetable slaw which really kicks common cole slaw up a notch. Tiny fresh peas, sweet red peppers and

(Clockwise) Quaint exterior of Gabby’s Cafe in Old Wyoming; Delicious selections: fire grilled vegetable pizza, basa fish platter, vegan burger with saratoga chips and barbecue sauce; (L-R) Chef Chris Singleton, Mary Ann and Andrea DiStasi, manager Lesley Tchorz, and Dino DiStasi; Meltingly tender five cheese ravioli, terrific tiramisu, eggplant parmesan with “hidden treasures.”

bits of broccoli added to the cabbage combo make it a more flavorful, healthier choice. Something else distinguishes this award winning burger platter, the pesto mayo. It added the piquant taste of fresh herbs — parsley, basil, scallions— to the sandwich. There are a variety of toppings for the burgers (as well as for the pizzas).

And the feast goes on. The DiStasi family loves to take care of their guests. Since I interviewed

them at Incahootz, their Blue Ash restaurant, they treated me as an old friend and cooked all my favorites and some new delectables, such as the pizza. They are now featuring pizzas at the “Blue” location also. I had enjoyed the basa fish entree there and found Gabby’s basa sandwich, the sweet, lightly crumb coated white fish sandwich to be equally delicious. The generous portion comes with a marbled rye with the unmistakable taste of caraway

seeds complementing the strongly flavored bread. The tartar sauce, which I usually ignore, enhanced the sandwich. DiStasi explained that he loves mayonnaise and enjoys making high quality, terrific tasting mayo mixtures.

My last entree was the eggplant parmesan which Singleton gives a Greek twist by adding roasted vegetables, kalamata olives and (my precious) goat cheese between the layers. The hidden layer in

between the two thick slices of golden eggplant adds so much juiciness that the marinara almost seemed superfluous.

DiStasi’s wife, Mary Ann, used to be a dietitian and shares the love of cooking with the rest of the family. She produced the most heavenly chocolate tiramisu I’ve ever had.

I confess I don’t like lady fingers, an integral ingredient of this Italian confection. They seem a tasteless waste of calories, but Mary Ann has developed her own recipe that everyone loves. No wonder. It’s moist and light; you can’t taste any of those unfriendly fingers fiddling in your dessert because they are so well enveloped in mascarpone cheese, chocolate liquor, espresso and cream. Oh yes, a cream dream!

This excellent dessert conjurer is also known for her popular carrot cake. DiStasi’s sister, Donna shares the spotlight with her thick, chewy chocolate chip cookies.

Gabby’s has live music on Saturdays and Mondays. On the Monday I was there, the musicians were getting ready to set up and the kitchen was on overdrive, preparing among other Italian specialties, the lasagna recipe handed down in DiStasi’s “good cooking” family. I appreciated the time they could spend with me during the hustle and bustle of preparations. DiStasi told me that Wyoming has the best water in Ohio, and since he’s an iced tea fanatic, you can expect that beverage to be exceptional. Other drinks include a wide selection of craft beers on draft and by the bottle. There are also cocktails and wines and the prices are very reasonable for the drinks and the food.

This is a restaurant any community would be pleased to have not only for its good food and reasonable prices, but for the DiStasi family’s involvement in raising funds for local sports teams, schools and other area events. They will be participating in the best chicken soup contest at the JCC in the alternative category. DiStasi told me about the recipe and it sounds intriguing; I’m not allowed to reveal it, however I will be trying it at home.

Gabby’s also supports farmers’ markets and local organic farming. There are always seasonal specials and a revolving menu to keep everything fresh. They also cater with full staff and service.

The restaurant is open for Sunday brunch featuring a variety of omelettes—including a Greek selection that I wouldn’t miss— pancakes, a burrito and all the potato and protein accompaniments you could ask for. Hours: Monday - Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Friday - Saturday, 11 a.m. 11p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Gabby’s Cafe 515 Wyoming Avenue Wyoming, OH 45215 (513) 821-6040

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

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16 • OPINION

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‘Annoyance and Opportunity’

About that one in shul. I imagined her sent by the soton to prevent my concentration. She hovered before me and I shooed her away. She returned and I shooed some more. I would happily have dispatched her to the big standing water pool in the sky but it somehow felt wrong to deliver a fatal blow, even to a mere insect, in my tallis and tefillin.

I don’t claim to have the focus one is ideally supposed to have during prayer. My mind wanders and too much of what I recite evidences more rote than reflection.

But I do try to concentrate, especially on the parts of the service that require special attention: Kri’as Sh’ma, the Amida, or silent prayer (especially its first bracha), and Ashrei. The Talmud singles out one verse in Ashrei for special concentration: Pose’ach es yadecha…“You open your hands and provide the will (needs) of all living things.” I always pause there to feel gratitude for having food on the table and walls and a roof to keep the elements out.

That morning, as I said that verse, I thought of how Hashem provides even the most rudimentary level of the life-pyramid, the

Rabbi Shafran is an editor at large and columnist for Ami Magazine

Dear Editor, Last week’s full-page ad for donations to one family in need brings awareness to homelessness and hunger in our Jewish community in Cincinnati. Thank you for shining a light on these problems in such a dramatic way. Many readers of The American Israelite were no doubt stunned by a local family’s struggle to avoid foreclosure and meet basic needs. Sadly, this family is not alone.We’d like to shine an even brighter light on these problems to help your readers gain a greater understanding.

Every day Jewish Family Service (JFS), which is the social service agency for our Jewish community, helps families facing foreclosure, hunger, eviction, utility shut-off, and other dire circumstances. JFS is a professional, licensed agency with experienced case managers and social workers who are ready to respond to all families in times of need.

However, it is seldom enough to give people a box of pantry food or to pay the rent that is in arrears.The social safety net is a tangled web. Life itself is messy.

Most of the people who come to us work with a professional social worker over many weeks, months, and even years, to assure that they are making the most of the resources they have through good choices and plan-

ning, and to assure that they are receiving every benefit for which they qualify.

We don’t just give people a hand out for today—we give them a hand up toward attaining a self-sufficient future.

JFS prides itself on being the conduit between people experiencing struggles and our community which provides the financial resources to allow us to assist them. Through the community’s giving, either directly to Jewish Family Service or through The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, Jewish Family Service is entrusted to distribute these resources consistently and fairly to the many people who request our assistance. We consider this a sacred trust and we do our work with professionalism and deep respect for the dignity of every individual.

If you were to view our current budget you would see a gaping hole. We are on a course to spend three times more than allocated for emergency financial assistance this year because of sharply increased community need. For our most vulnerable citizens, the recession has not perceptibly lifted, and requests for assistance are still climbing as families have exhausted their savings.

Thank you, Beth Schwartz, Executive Director, JFS Cincinnati, OH

Dear Editor, A letter written to Secretary Leon Panneta: I write on behalf of AJC, the nation’s global Jewish advocacy organization, to urge the Administration’s support for the Menendez-Kirk Iran Sanctions Amendment (#1414), a bipartisan measure sponsored by Senators Robert Menendez (DNJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL), in the form in which it was passed by the Senate last week as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (S.1867).

As you know so well, Iran’s rogue regime continues to defy repeated UN Security Council resolutions on its nuclear program, and moves closer every day to achieving weapons capability—with profoundly destabilizing consequences in a vital and volatile region. In the face of the regime’s continued recalcitrance, it is critical that there be an ongoing enhancement of sanctions—and that these sanctions exert maximum pressure, consistent with U.S. policy. It is only through such measures that there is any chance of moving Iran from its present course.

The Menendez-Kirk Iran Sanctions Amendment would restrict U.S. financial institutions from doing business with any foreign financial institution that LETTERS on page 22

T EST Y OUR T ORAH KNOWLEDGE THIS WEEK’S PORTION: VAYEISHEV (GENESIS, CHAPTERS 37-40) 1. What does the word vayeishev mean? a.) To travel b.) To settle c.) To sell

b.) His brothers were jealous c.) He fasted that the dream would not come true 4. Who was Tamar? a.) Seamstress b.) Governor of Israel c.) Wife of Judah's sons

2. Who had two dreams in this week’s portion? a.) Jacob b.) Pharaoh c.) Joseph 3. What was the result of the dreams? a.) The butler was executed them. Therefore it was incumbent on Judah's third son, or on Judah himself, to perform a levirate marriage.

5. C—39:1 The story of Judah with Tamar chapter 38 and Joseph and Photiphar chapter 39 happened at the same time. Sforno

Count me among cold-weather aficionados; I’m averse to heat, humidity, and— especially— mosquitoes.

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

5. Which country was Joseph taken to? a.) Babylon b.) Greece c.) Egypt

2. C—37:5-9.

3. B—37:11 Joseph caused his brothers to be jealous of him because he built himself up before them. R. Bchai.

4. C—See chapter 38. She was widowed from Judah's two sons and did not have children from

The mosquitoes are gone, thank G-d.

Not only the determined one who pestered me one summer morning in shul during davening, but all of her friends and relatives too. Gone for the fall, winter and spring. And if they all decide to take a collective summer vacation somewhere far away next July, I’ll pay their airfare. Count me among cold-weather aficionados; I’m averse to heat, humidity, and — especially — mosquitoes. Not only are their bite-sites unsightly and itchy, but some of the species carry dangerous diseases. Okay, maybe not those in these parts, but still.

plant kingdom, with its needs.

Mere days earlier, on a hike with my wife in upstate New York, I had spied a truly strange plant. It was only two or three inches tall, and both its stem and the tuliplike flower at its head were entirely, strikingly white. How, I wondered when I stooped down to examine it, did it get the energy to fuel its little life? Plants generally rely on chlorophyll, which is green, to absorb energy from sunlight. Not this organism.

Intrigued, when we returned home, I did some research and discovered that I had come across the rare monotropa uniflora, also known as the Ghost Plant, a perennial native to parts of Asia, North America and northern South America.

It apparently generates energy in a complex way, by hosting certain fungi that are, in turn, symbiotic with trees — meaning that the little white plant gets its fuel second-hand and “refined,” from the fungi, which in turn received it from photosynthetic trees.

“Provide the needs of every living thing” indeed, I pondered that morning, marveling how fitting a niche-organism monotropa was to have in my mind when those words were on my lips.

But the soton wouldn’t have it.

While I tried to conjure the image of the strange white plant and think about the Divine blessing of its ability to absorb recycled sunlight, the posuk of Pose’ach was interrupted by the high pitched whine of the blood-sucker near my ear, heading west toward my nose. More shooing, more hovering, more shooing.

I realized that concentration in tefilla isn’t necessarily supposed to be easy. Why should it be any less subject to obstacles than any other valuable endeavor? Still, though, I wished that this bug would just stop bugging me already, and let me focus on important words.

Somehow, and with no small amount of embarrassment, it was only after davening that it occurred to me that my aerial adversary, trying her best to find a place on me to land, puncture my skin with her thin proboscis, and relieve me of some of my blood was only trying herself to partake of what G-d had provided in the world for her sustenance—or, more biologically precise, the sustenance of the young she carried.

She had in fact been the perfect boon for contemplating the verse of “You open Your hands…” In my annoyance, I had missed an opportunity.

Written by Rabbi Dov Aaron Wise

ANSWERS 1. B—37:1. Vayeishev means to settle. Jacob wanted to settle into a routine after his struggles with Lavan and Esau. However,Hashem gave him more struggles with the disappearance of Joseph, his beloved son, (Rashi, quoting Midrash)

By Rabbi Avi Shafran Contributing Columnist

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

JEWISH LIFE • 17

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

Sedra of the Week

by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Efrat, Israel — “And a man found him, when he was wandering in the field, and the man asked him ‘What are you seeking?’ And he said, ‘I am seeking my brothers.’” (Genesis 37:15) What is an angel, and what role do angels play in Jewish tradition? Perhaps we can find an explanation in part of the tale of Joseph and his brothers. The Bible has described Jacob’s favoritism toward Joseph, son of his beloved wife Rachel, and the jealous hatred the other brothers felt as a result. It has told us of Jacob’s request of Joseph that he make a journey to check on the welfare of the brothers who are herding sheep in Shechem.

Joseph accepts his father’s assignment, but he cannot find his brothers. An anonymous “man” finds Joseph wandering and, after ascertaining the nature of his mission, directs him to Dothan. When Joseph’s brothers see him there, they cast him into a pit and the drama of Joseph and his brothers begins in earnest.

Who is this anonymous individual who directs Joseph to his destiny? Rashi maintains that “this is the [angel] Gabriel” (literally, man of G-d). What kind of “man” was he? A winged creature moving between heaven and earth who managed to conceal his heavenly accessories? Or was he rather a Superman who appeared to Joseph as the harmless and mortal Clark Kent?

Nahmanides (the Ramban) completes the picture: “This story comes to further elucidate that ‘the decree of G-d is truth and human effort is false.’” He explains that G-d prepared a guide for Joseph without his knowledge to bring Joseph into the brothers’ hands. “And this is what our Sages mean when they say that these ‘men’ are angels, for it was not for naught that this tale was told, but only to inform us that the will of G-d will stand supreme.”

The Ramban is saying that while we are given freedom to act as we wish, G-d’s ultimate plan will ultimately come about. G-d

SHABBAT SHALOM: PARSHAT VAYESHEV GENESIS 37:1 - 40:23

What kind of “man” was he? A winged creature moving between heaven and earth who managed to conceal his heavenly accessories?

Or was he rather a Superman who appeared to Joseph as the harmless and mortal Clark Kent?

will utilize human beings – often without their knowledge – to bring about His design. In this instance, Joseph had to get to Egypt, rise to prominence and thereby rescue his family, starting the cycle which would lead to our servitude in Egypt, eventual redemption from there, and entry into the Promised Land.

Since this could never have occurred without Joseph meeting his brothers in Dothan, the individual who gave him the directions to get to his brothers – thereby facilitating G-d’s design is, in hindsight, seen as an angel, or divine messenger. I believe that G-d is constantly dispatching such mortal angels in order to help bring about His will in the world, and it is critical that those of us who come in contact with such agents take advantage of the opportunities they present.

Allow me to give one national and one personal example. An Israeli pilot recounted that three years after the Six Day War, Syria began dangerous provocations. He was ordered to fly a plane at supersonic speed extremely low over the main business section in Aleppo in order to send a warning to the Syrian government as well as the population. He carried out his mission successfully, and the provocation stopped.

Ten years later, this same pilot was driving from Haifa to Tel Aviv when he picked up a hitchhiker in IDF uniform. He discovered that his passenger was a Syrian Jew whose family had made aliya by walking all the way from Aleppo about 10 years previously. The soldier recounted the following story: “I was just bar mitzva when one night an Israeli plane flew over the business section in Aleppo right

near our home. The supersonic boom was deafening; it scared us all. Moreover, the glass frontage of the stores crashed to the floor, and although no one was physically hurt, the damage was considerable.

But it was a great miracle, since only the Syrian stores had their glass windows broken; nothing happened to the Jewish stores. As a result, my father decided it was time to leave Syria and come to our real homeland. Many other Jewish families did the same.”

Despite the fact that the pilot had certainly been an “angel,” the reason for the salvation of the Jewish stores was quite logical.

The Syrians didn’t allow Jewish businessmen to front their stores on the main street, but only on side streets. And since the jet flew parallel to the main street, the Jewish shops were not affected.

The personal story: A girl from an assimilated Jewish family visited Germany with her school and, having studied the Holocaust there, asked her parents if she could spend the following summer in Israel. Her mother, who had never entered a synagogue, inquired about trips to Israel at the local Conservative Center. “Is your daughter observant?” asked the executive director. The mother misunderstood the question, taking “observant” to mean alert and attentive rather than religiously observant. So she responded, “My daughter is very observant!” The director promptly signed the girl up for a Yeshiva University tour of Israel. The director was my angel because that young daughter became my wife!

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

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18 • JEWZ IN THE NEWZ

JEWZ

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By Nate Bloom Contributing Columnist JEWS ROCK THE HALL OF FAME OK, here’s the 411 on the Hebrews who will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland next April. First, the individuals, then the bands: (1) singer-songwriter LAURA NYRO (1947-97), was born Laura Nigro, the child of secular parents.

Her maternal grandparents were Russian Jewish, as was her father’s mother. Her paternal grandfather was Italian Catholic. Nyro wrote very well-crafted songs that others turned into big hits, including “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and “Eli’s Coming.”

Ovarian cancer claimed her. (2) DON KIRSHNER (1934-2011), inducted as a “non-performer,” he was the genius producer/executive who was critical to the creation of most of the best rock of the earlyto-mid ‘60s. His stable of “Brill Bldg.” songwriters included CAROLE KING, NEIL SEDAKA, BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL and NEIL DIAMOND. He created the Archies and the Monkees rock bands.

Bands: (1) The Red Hot Chili Peppers: the original band line-up (and Hall inductees) includes two Jewish members: JACK IRONS, 49, the original drummer, and HILLEL SLOVAK, (1962-1988), the original lead guitarist. Born in Israel, the son of Holocaust survivors, Slovak’s considerable talent was overwhelmed by drugs and he died of an overdose. (2) The Beastie Boys—the best “white” rap group of all-time—line-up has always been — Adam Yauch, 47; ADAM HOROVITZ, 45, and MIKE DIAMOND, 46. Although the band has sometimes touched on Jewish themes — the ‘two Adams’ come with asterisks: Yauch, born Jewish, has long practiced Buddhism and Horovitz’s late mother wasn’t Jewish. Famous playwright ISRAEL HOROVITZ, 72, said a few years ago that he regretted raising his son, Adam, secular. His children with his second wife were raised Jewish.

Odd footnote: Another inductee is Donovan, the famous Scottish ‘60s folk-rocker (“Catch the Wind,” “Mellow Yellow”). Donovan’s former wife is an American Jew and their daughter, actress IONE SKYE (“Say Anything”), 41, was once Adam Horovitz’s wife.

NEW FLICKS The following films open on Friday, Dec. 16: “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked,” is the third entry in the “Chipmunks” animated/live action films since 2007. This sequel finds the singing critters

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NEWZ

shipwrecked on a remote island.

Jason Lee returns as Dave Seville, the group’s manager/father figure, with DAVID CROSS, 47, again appearing as Ian Hawke, their record company head.

“Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” again finds Robert Downey, Jr. starring as the famous 19th century Brit detective (he first played Holmes in 2009). This film finds Holmes battling Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris), a criminal mastermind. Holmes is aided by Dr. Watson (Jude Law) and his brother, Mycroft Holmes (STEPHEN FRY, 54).

Holmes believes Moriarty is behind the death of the Austrian Crown Prince. He believes what looked like suicide was murder and that revelation helps unlock a larger puzzle which could change the course of history.

“Young Adult” stars Charlize Theron as Mavis Gary, a self-centered writer who returns to her hometown determined to snare her happily married high school sweetheart (Patrick Wilson). She forms a bond of sorts with a former classmate, who sometimes acts as her conscience (Patton Oswalt). The screenplay is by Diablo Cody (“Juno”), with “Juno” and “Up in the Air” director JASON REITMAN, 34, helming the film.

BEHIND THE SPRAY No doubt, you heard about the shocking incident at UC Davis on Nov. 18: a campus police officer heavily pepper sprayed peaceful “Occupy” demonstrators. On Nov. 28, JON STEWART (“The Daily Show”) had a report on the incident.

It ended with a clip of Davis’ chancellor, Linda Katehi, who speaks with a heavy accent, apologizing for the incident. Stewart then held a pen under his nose, mimicking a Hitler mustache, and said in a German accent: “The chancellor has spoken! An apology has been issued by the chancellor! Now you must return to your homes at once.

The chancellor has spoken!”

Stewart’s jibe led a “Sacramento Bee” newspaper columnist to note that Stewart has badly mis-stepped.

You see Katehi, 55, is Greek. Her mother isn’t Jewish. However, her father is a Greek Jew who survived the Holocaust in hiding (about 90 percent of Greek Jews were killed by the Nazis). Moreover, Katehi faced the thugs of the military Greek junta when they suppressed dissent on her college campus in the ’60s. Also, Katehi says that she had ordered the UC police not to use violence against demonstrators.

These facts don’t automatically absolve Katehi of ultimate responsibility for what happened. But they do show that nobody, including a famous comic, should assume the worst about someone’s character, let alone compare them to Hitler.

FROM THE PAGES 100 Y EARS A GO Israel Sive of Gilbert Avenue, who left for South Africa on Tuesday to regain his health, takes this means of saying good-bye to his friends.

The G. Henshaw & Sons Co., Elm and Canal Boulevard, have introduced a new and important factor into Cincinnati business methods by making out-of-town deliveries by auto-truck. Within a few days they have sent a truckload of their furniture to Winchester, Ky., in one of their automobile delivery trucks.

The Israelite regrets to see in its usual fair and well-advised local contemporary, “The Cincinnati Enquirer,” a tendency to become apologist for Russia. We are quite willing to admit the correctness of its argument that the abrogation of the treaty would, in a commercial way, injure us much more than Russia and that we might not gain our point by the abrogation of the treaty, but we do not agree with it at all when it says that “a bad treaty with peace is better for us than none at all with strife.” There are some things that no self-respecting man, or class of men, can be expected to submit to without protest, and one of these is the abridgment of their citizenship. All the Jews is asking for is to be put upon the same footing with their Christian fellow-citizens under the treaty as they are under the law. We are utterly at variance with a doctrine that “a bad treaty with peace is better for us than none at all with strife.” This is the Russian view. All Russia asks is to be left in peace to do what she pleases, and anyone who tries to prevent her following her bent when she chooses to do what is palpably wrong is a “stirrer up of strife.” — December 14, 1911

75 Y EARS A GO CHUR, SWITZERLND — David Frankfurter, 27, Jewish medical student of Vinkovtzi, YugoSlavia, was sentenced Monday, Dec. 14th, to 18 years in prison (less the eight months he has been in jail) for having slain the Swiss Nazi leader, Wilhelm Gustloff, Feb. 4th, at Davos, Switzerland.

The five judges who tried and convicted the youth ordered his expulsion from Switzerland at the end of his term. The trial opened Dec. 9th.

“My bullets should have struck Hitler himself but I did what was within my power to avenge the sufferings of my fellow-Jews in Germany,” the youth said when arrested, according to police.

Some Swiss newspapers called young Frankfurter the “Jewish William Tell” because he felt he had acted from motives of loyalty to his people.

Emil Ludwig, famed photographer, has written a book about the prisoner, called “The Murder at Davos.”

Mr. Philip Weintraub and Miss Jeanne Holsman were married Saturday, Dec. 12th, at the bride’s home in Chicago. Mr. Weintraub is a new member of the Cincinnati Reds’ baseball team.

Miss Maebelle Mandeleil, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Mandeleil, of Burton Woods Lane, is home from Goucher College, Baltimore, for the recess. — December 17, 1936

50 Y EARS A GO Mrs. Justin Friedman and Mrs. Melville J. Dunkelman are co-chairmen for Wise Temple’s congregation dinner and 120th annual meeting to be held Saturday evening, Jan. 20th, in the newly redecorated Dining Hall at Wise Center.

Robert Middletown (Cincinnati’s Sam Messer) will star in “The Kitchen Kabinet,” an original satire to be presented at the annual dinner meeting of Rockdale Temple Saurday evening, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m., in the Pavilion Caprice, Netherland Hilton.

Charles Messer, president, has appointed Philip T. Cohen chairman of this 138th congregational meeting.

Mrs. Frank Fox and Mrs. Val Friedman are co-chairmen of the dinner dance.

Mr. and Mrs. Morris Weintraub, 1015 Egan Hills Drive, announce the forthcoming Bar Mitzvah of their son, Mark, Saturday, Dec. 30, at 9 a.m., at Feinberg Synagogue, Reading Road and Lexington Avenue.

Mark is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Hyman L. Weintraub, of Newport.

Mrs. Kate Wolpa, 1820 Losantiville Avenue, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 5, in Southern Pines, N.C. Mrs. Wolpa was the wife of the late Henry Wolpa, former Cincinnati jeweler. She leaves a daughter, Mrs. Howard Revelson, and a sister, Mrs. Shiel Dunsker, wife of the assistant business manager of The Post & Times-Star. — December 14, 1961

25 Y EARS A GO The aufruf of Michael Joseph in honor of his marriage to Debbie Greenberg, daughter of Rabbi and Mrs. Sol Greenberg and Mr. and Mrs. David Frieder and granddaughter of Mrs. Estelle Wigser, will take place Friday, Dec. 19, at 8 p.m. at Valley Temple. An Oneg Shabbat in honor of the couple will follow services.

The congregation and friends are invited to share this joyous occasion with Michael, Debbie

and their families.

Martha (Fechheimer) Beerman of Los Angeles, formerly of Cincinnati, passed away Dec. 12.

She was 63.

Mrs. Beerman’s forebears were longtime prominent residents of Cincinnati. Her paternal grandfather, S. Marcus Fechheimer, was a founder of the Krohn-Fechheimer Shoe Company, now the U.S. Shoe Corporation. Her father, Marcus Fechheimer, was a senior partner in the investment firm of Benjamin D. Bartlett Company. Her mother, Caroline Freiberg Fechheimer Marcus passed away Nov. 18 in Cincinnati.

She is survived by her husband, Rabbi Leonard I. Beerman; three daughters, Elizabeth and Eve Beerman and Judith O’Hanlon, all of Los Angeles; a brother, Nathan S. Fechheimer of Columbus; two sisters, Ellin F. Isenberg of Brookline, Mass., and Margaret F. Heimann of New York City; and two grandchildren of Los Angeles.

— December 18, 1986

10 Y EARS A GO Betty W. Miller, 81, passed away December 1, 2001. Mrs. Miller was born in Cincinnati, the daughter of the late Moses and Sylvia (Frankel) Wilchins. Mrs. Miller is survived by her children: Steven and Sherry Miller of Larchmont, N.Y.; Michael Miller and Mary Lindermann of Syracuse, N.Y.; and Kathy and Ben Wachstein of Marietta, Ga. Mrs. Miller is also survived by her grandchildren: Steven and Tanya Wachstein, a senior at the University of Georgia in Athens; and Matt Wachstein of Marietta, Ga. She adored all her grandchildren, and was especially fond of her graddaughter-in-law, Tanya Wachstein, to whom she referred to as “a little Mensch.”

Richard Kerstine and Lawrence Kurtzman were appointed Dec. 3 to head the doctor’s division of he 2002 Jewish Federation Campaign.

“We think this will be an outstanding team to head this division. They both have a great deal of experience and both care deeply for the Jewish people,” said Steve Shifman.

“This is an opportunity for me to help many people in the community with one gift. Each person that contributes makes a real difference,” Kirstine said.

“I’m very pleased to be a part of the Jewish Federation Campaign this year,” Kirstine said. “It’s exciting to be able to do something so positive for others.” Kurtzman is active on the Yavneh Day School board of directors and is the medical director of Operation Smile, an organization that provides free plastic surgery in Third World countries. — December 13, 2001

CLASSIFIEDS • 19

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

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

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

ORGANIZATIONS American Jewish Committee (513) 621-4020 • ajc.org American Friends of Magen David Adom (513) 521-1197 • afmda.org B’nai B’rith (513) 984-1999 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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YPS from page 4 Access’ Got Shabbat dinner series give Jewish YPs a chance to wind down the work week together in a fun and casual atmosphere.

These dinners provide the perfect opportunity for young professionals to meet new people while participating in a Jewish activity without any strings attached, regardless of their level of experience or observance. “It’s less about knowing the prayers and more about just being together in a Jewish context,” explained Plowden.“The only expectation we have is fun!”

Past Got Shabbat events have included Indian Summer Shabbat at Mayerson Hall on the campus

NATIONAL from page 9 American Jewish Committee reportedly have suffered steep declines in contributions over the past five years.

According to the Forward, the two prominent American Jewish groups each lost more than $20 million in annual contributions from 2006 to 2010.

During that period, contributions to the ADL fell to $51 million in 2010 from $73 million in 2006. The AJC brought in $38 million in 2010 after having raised $62 million in 2006.

Also, IRS records show that the ADL has cut more than 100 employees between 2008 and 2010, from 528 to 427, the Forward reported. In the same period, National Director

• • • • •

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

(513) 531-9600 of Hebrew Union College, Israeli Wine and Dine Shabbat at the Art of Entertaining in Oakley, Down on the Farm Shabbat at an organic, free-range farm in Loveland, and Shabbat ShaBark at Lakeside Lodge in Sharon Woods.

Next up, Mexican Fiesta Shabbat, including a host committee made up of some Access participants from Mexico City, and featuring authentic Mexican food, a mariachi band and more.

Space for this event is limited to the first 200 people and is expected to fill up. Reservations are required and will be given on a first come, first served basis.

The event is open to Jewish young professionals, 21-35. Non-Jewish significant others are welcome.

Abraham Foxman’s salary has risen from $563,024 to $624,470.

The decline, according to the report, is based on the depressed economic climate coupled with a shift to support from young Jewish philanthropists for singleissue groups that have proliferated over the past decade.

Pro-Israel groups such as AIPAC, J Street, The Israel Project and StandWithUs, as well as charities such as the American Jewish World Service, have seen significant jumps in contributions.

“There are organizations that have been created to take single elements of what the American Jewish organizations have been doing all along,” Foxman told the Forward. “The pie hasn’t gotten bigger, but the slicing has increased.”

20 • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

In U.S., Israeli art isn’t just for the JCC anymore

By Dan Klein Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK (JTA) — Cleveland has gained an unlikely new patron of the arts: the local Jewish federation.

As part of a new project to help showcase Israeli artists, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland is helping to facilitate Israeli performances at some of the city’s major museums, concert halls and theaters. The program, launched earlier this fall, aims not just to boost Israel but the Israeli arts with the message that Israeli culture isn’t just for the JCC anymore.

“The mission is to project Israel as a source of world-class art and culture,” said Erica Hartman-Horovitz, an art appraiser who co-chairs the program, the Cleveland Israel Arts Connection.

“When most people think of Israel they’re thinking of the conflict, maybe the incredible efforts that Israel goes through to survive. We want to illustrate the Israel arts and culture world as something that is more than that for those who might not be interested in Israel for other reasons.”

Made up of volunteers from the Cleveland arts, performance, music and literary communities, the program’s committee has helped bring Ladino singer Yasmin Levy to the Cleveland Museum of Art; brought the Alon Yavnai jazz quintet to Severance Hall, the home of the Cleveland Orchestra; supported a sold-out performance of “My Name is Asher Lev” at the Cleveland Play House; and sponsored talks from Israeli novelist Amos Oz at Oberlin College and Case Western

Jewish Federation of Cleveland

The Israeli Inbal Pinto and Avshalom Dance Company, shown performing “Oyster,” will begin its next U.S. tour in Cleveland with help from the local Jewish federation.

Reserve University.

In March, the Cleveland International Film Festival will feature films from Israel.

The program to boost Israel is unusual both for its partnerships with non-Jewish institutions and its ambition to bring Israeli culture to a city with a relatively modest Jewish population of about 80,000 and few Israelis.

“You don’t need to do this in New York because New York — and probably L.A., Washington and Miami — has regular presentations, and because you have a

large Jewish and Israeli population and these things can play there successfully even competing against other cultural options,” said Stephen Hoffman, CEO of the Cleveland Jewish federation.

“But once you leave the largest Jewish population centers, you have to work at it. Some of these performers might come to Cleveland anyway, some might not, but some need more help.”

The help includes funding of $50,000 in corporate and private donations, as well as manpower help from the federation. Among

the components of the program is a part-time Israeli scout for talent who comes to Cleveland every couple of months to suggest collaborations with particular artists or groups.

Meanwhile, non-Jewish venues in Cleveland are turning to the committee for help.

Pam Young, the executive director of DANCECleveland, said she had wanted to bring the Israeli Inbal Pinto and Avshalom Pollak Dance Company to the city a few years ago to perform its new work at the time, “Oyster,” but to

do so would have been cost prohibitive.

When Young heard recently that the dance company would be reprising “Oyster” during a U.S. tour, she turned to the federation and the shidduch was made. In late January, the Israeli company will perform for two days at PlayhouseSquare, the country’s second-largest performing arts center after New York’s Lincoln Center.

“Federation leadership was essential,” Young told JTA. “It gave us confidence to move forward with the project.”

She said performances like these are a great way for non-Jews to learn about Israel.

“The arts transcend a lot of things: They transcend age, race, they transcend stereotypes,” Young said. “Israeli artists aren’t always making art about Israeli experiences or Jewish experiences, but they’re making work, interesting work.”

Attempts to bring Israeli culture to secular venues haven’t always gone smoothly. In 2009, the Toronto International Film Festival came under fire for including Israeli movies. But in Cleveland, organizers say they haven’t encountered such opposition.

Young said bringing Israeli artists to town may be heartwarming for Jews, but it also gives nonJews an opportunity to enjoy great art — it just happens to be from Israel.

“There are going to be nonJews in the audience,” she said of the upcoming dance performance.

“They’ll be the first ones on their feet.”

Kobe shoots with the Jews, Ben Still going south

By Six Degrees No Bacon Staff Writer Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK (Six Degrees No Bacon) — A few weeks ago it was LeBron James playing pick-up basketball at a Jewish community center, in Cleveland, trying to stay sharp during the NBA lockout. This week, with the lockout about to end, it was Kobe Bryant’s turn to show off his skills to the chosen people.

TMZ reported that the “Black Mamba” showed up at a JCC in Irvine, Calif., and asked to borrow the court for a private training session with a personal trainer.

According to TMZ, the people at the JCC said that Kobe “couldn’t have been nicer.”

Judging from the video, Kobe looks pretty good. His Los Angeles Lakers are expected to play James’ Miami Heat twice this year. Might Kobe and LeBron be exchanging

their Jewish basketball experiences?

Courtesy of Keith Allison via CC

NBA star Kobe Bryant practiced at the JCC in Irvine, Calif., on Nov. 28, 2011 as the league set to resume its season after a prolonged lockout.

PORTMAN ON A POSTAGE STAMP PETA strives to gain attention by showing how many famous people don’t eat animals or wear fur.

This time, the group chose a form of communication used daily: postage stamps.

A new campaign launched this week by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals features famous vegetarians throughout history, including da Vinci, Tolstoy, Paul McCartney, TV host Bob Barker and many others.

Among them is Natalie Portman, a well-known animal rights activist and vegan.

“Eating for me is how you proclaim your beliefs three times a day,” Portman said.

The stamps can be purchased throughout December at PETA’s website.

STILLER’S SOUTHERN SWING Yee-haw! Ben Stiller is heading south, and one of y’all might get a chance to meet him and act with him.

The Stiller Foundation is auctioning off a role in the film “Neighborhood Watch,” which stars Vince Vaughn and Jonah Hill and is shooting in and around Atlanta through Dec. 6. The current bidding is at $23,000, and bumps up in $1,000 increments.

The role is a walk-on, which means you probably won’t get to say a word and you’ll just be serving Ben or Vince a bagel at a restaurant or something. Also, you have to find your own way there. Still, the foundation has a record of good deeds. Its primary focus is on providing educational opportunities for children in Haiti through the construction of schools.

FIRST PERSON • 21

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

New ways to help those in troubled times Incidentally Iris

by Iris Ruth Pastor Suffering is universal and the older I get the more I see it. I work with young people, ages 21-45. I see the stresses of unemployment, under employment, and staggering college loan debt. I also see the ravages of spurned relationships. I hear the ticking of biological clocks. I see miscarriages in young women yearning for offspring. I see fiancés committing suicide. I socialize with aging baby boomers. I see my friends losing their financial security, their jobs and their homes. I see my friends losing their parents. I see my friends losing their spouses. I see my friends losing their children.

YOFFIE from page 6 The critical arena for the Jewish world is the synagogue. It’s the anchor. It’s the only place in the Jewish world where you’re valued as an individual Jew no matter who you are or how much money you have. It’s a democratic venue. It’s a place where you study Torah and you pray and you educate your children, where you create community, deal with people who are suffering, celebrate successes. Where else does that happen?

Does contemporary Reform have an ideology?

Heschel [Abraham Joshua Heschel, a major Conservative Jewish thinker who taught at RUDERMAN from page 7 Ultimately the goal is to work together on projects. For now, Ruderman says, “the idea is to get to know each other, network, advance the field.”

Indeed, the shared interests of the group is what sets it apart from many of the Jewish community’s most high-profile projects and philanthropists.

“In the interest of Jewish continuity, they run after what they consider the best and the brightest,” Ruderman said. “While doing that, they put aside the people in need who really want to be part of the community. That might be because it’s more expensive, or more complicated, but if we just focus on the best and the brightest, we’re not much of a Jewish community.”

How to mitigate the impact? I’m always at a loss as to what to say when misfortune or tragedy strikes.

Not trusting to my own invention, I often include, along with my condolence note, the famous stanza from Ode to Immortality – a poem by William Wordsworth: “Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower; We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind” However, when doing so, I’m always afraid the poem may conjure up a steamy recollection of the sizzling, but doomed romance between Warren Beatty and Natalie Wood in the movie of the same name. And that may not be an entirely appropriate way to phrase a note of sympathy for a recent loss. Plus, I always have a sneaking suspicion that by citing this poem I am furthering encouraging the person to dwell in the past.

So I continue to grapple with what will be a comfort and what is just better left unsaid, because sometimes I confuse the two.

Actually, my husband would add that I usually confuse the two.

I recently asked a young rabbi the following question, “What can you say to someone who is going through a dark time? Just vaguely offering help sounds kind of lame,” I add. “Besides keeping them in my thoughts and prayers, what would be of comfort to them when turbulence descends?”

“I think friends should just try to be around and be normal,” he writes back. “That’s what people experiencing trauma really need.”

Another rabbi urged me to gently try a little humor and gossip. I wouldn’t touch that with a 10 foot pole, given my affinity for sticking my foot in my mouth too many times already. Actually, my husband would add that I consistently, 100 percent of the time, stick my foot in my mouth.

So I continue on—looking for something to offer my friends in crisis. And to my delight, I find it in the Forward.

Linda Cohen, a woman from Portland, Ore., was looking for a better way to grieve for her father. In addition to sitting shiva (mourning) and saying kaddish (mourner’s prayer), she decided to perform 1,000 mitzvot (good deeds) to honor

her father’s past generous acts and his life in general. Her doing this led to her blogging about it. Her blogging led to more blogging. And more blogging led to her writing a book: 1,000 Mitzvahs: How Small Acts of Kindness Can Heal, Inspire and Change Your Life.

Thinking about her book led me to see that for people suffering a loss, re-focusing in a new and different way by performing benevolent acts in a compassionate manner can help dilute one’s personal suffering and soothe the soul.

“You start becoming more aware of your surroundings, the people around you and the way you can help. And then you also start noticing others doing good, too,” said Cohen in the Forward.

Taking seconds out of our day—to hold the door for an elderly person pushing their walker, to allow an adjacent driver to enter my lane, to smile with empathy at a harried mother toting a toddler – takes so little effort and not much energy. What’s a few seconds spent spreading goodwill in the scheme of things?

Consciously seeking small ways to be kinder to and/or more patient

with someone each day not only enhances the recipient’s experience, but suffuses us with a warm feeling of serenity, good will and peacefulness — all very necessary when our body is healing from a loss.

Attaching the motivation to perform random, sustained acts of kindness to an actual act of grieving is no small feat. But most significantly, it is always heartwarming to realize that when any of us makes a conscious effort to connect in a positive way to other human beings, we bring the presence of G-d into this world. And with the ever mounting troubles, stresses and dilemmas we seemed doom to face daily, that is a very comforting thought.

So now I have something concrete to offer those I know who are suffering. I can tell them about the book, cite examples from the book or if I really want to perform an act of kindness, I can buy them the book. And hopefully, it will help me keep my foot out of my mouth most of the time. Actually, my husband says he would settle for it helping just some of the time.

Reform’s Hebrew Union College for five years but spent most of his career at the Conservative movement’s Jewish Theological Seminary], talked about a threelegged stool of G-d, Torah and Israel. I would say Torah study, observance of mitzvot and faith in the G-d of Israel.

We understand you need a balanced Judaism; focusing on any one leg distorts the others.

Reform Judaism has become more expansive. What is certainly different is the word “mitzvah” [commandment]. That word had really disappeared from the Reform lexicon, even as late as the 1970s.

That began to change. I spoke a language of mitzvah. We now have a

Reform Judaism that is in a certain sense more traditional. We’re also more radical. We live with the contradiction.

We’re not a halachic movement and we don’t profess to be. In some ways, we clearly have adopted polices that by pre-modern standards are a departure: patrilineal descent, gay and lesbian partnerships.

If it’s not ethical, it’s not Jewish.

As much as we embrace tradition, we remain committed to this notion.

Reform Judaism long has struggled to gain a foothold in Israel. Will it ever catch on there?

If we’re not a part of Israel, we move to the margins of Jewish history. The key is Israeli Reform rab-

bis. When we have 100 Israeli-born and -educated rabbis, it’s going be a different country and a different movement. Now we have 40-plus rabbis. In 10 years we’ll have 100.

What’s next for Eric Yoffie?

I write for The Huffington Post, I blog for the Jerusalem Post, I have some other writing projects. I’m exploring. There’s a lot to do in the Jewish world, even outside of the Jewish world. I’ve thought of writing about Israel, I’ve thought about writing about Chabad. I’ve always thought about writing children’s books. I enjoy the blogging style. It fits my mentality.

What would you write about Chabad?

Their role in the community is

fascinating. I see the intense reactions they elicit, both positive and negative, from people outside of the Chabad world both in Reform and non-Reform circles. There are those who feel it’s undermining other institutions in the community and at the same time people who have been touched by a Chabad rabbi or have found a Chabad connection.

There are Reform rabbis who say they specifically target our wealthy members and they feel that that’s outrageous, and other Reform rabbis who say they’re out there offering Jewish services in the competitive, free market society in which we live, and we have to do what we’re doing and we have to do it better.

This sense of communal responsibility is a lesson Ruderman says he learned from his father, the late Morton Ruderman, founder of the health care technology firm Meditech.

He was a “very emotional, very caring person,” Ruderman said.

“My father was all about helping people in need.”

The elder Ruderman also impressed upon his son the importance of applying business principles to the family’s philanthropic efforts.

“The way you are going to be successful, to have the most impact, is to be able to partner and connect with others who have similar interests,” Ruderman recalls his father telling him.

It’s a lesson Ruderman has taken to heart: In 2009, in partnership with the JDC and the Israeli government,

he launched Israel Unlimited, a four-year, $6 million program aimed at integrating those with special needs into Israeli society.

As for business acumen, his father again was an invaluable teacher, as Ruderman’s professional background is in law and politics. Ruderman graduated from the Boston University School of Law and began his career as an assistant district attorney in Salem, Mass.

But he grew restless after five years in the position and in 2000, he took time off and enrolled in an ulpan in Israel.

It was a trip that changed the course of his life. There he met his wife, Shira, and upon returning to the U.S. he became the deputy director of AIPAC’s New England office.

The Rudermans moved to Israel in 2005, where he did a stint with

the Israeli army, serving as a liaison between the military and diaspora Jews. Ruderman then became the leadership director at AIPAC’s Jerusalem office before assuming the presidency of his family’s foundation three years ago.

In another “like father, like son” trait, Ruderman admits to being a workaholic, though he says his unique position working in both Israel and the U.S. is partially to blame. After saying Kaddish for his father, who passed away in October, his workday begins at 8 or 9 a.m., and he often makes site visits to the foundation’s projects throughout Israel.

“Then, around 3:30 or 4, I begin my work on the phone with our programs in the U.S.,” he says. “I used to be on the phone until midnight until my wife told me to stop that.”

With four children at home in

Rehovot — they range in age from 3 to 8 — quitting time is now around 7. Still, he confesses, “I consider myself addicted to e-mail.”

At the moment, however, Ruderman’s mobile device is tucked away and attention is concentrated on the conference, its goals and new ways to honor his father’s legacy.

Launching that day was the Ruderman Prize in Disability, a worldwide competition that will offer a total of $200,000 to up to 10 organizations that serve the disabled in the Jewish community.

“It’s gratifying, but I also want to remain cognizant that this is not about us,” he adds. “We’re providing some leadership, but we’re bringing together people who had not come together before. Together, if we can set aside our egos and find common ground, I think we can change the community.”

Keep Coping, Iris Ruth Pastor

22 • OBITUARIES D EATH N OTICES FRIES, Robert G. Jr., age 93, died December 6, 2011; 10 Kislev, 5772.

WINSTON, Judith Deutsch, died December 6, 2011; 10 Kislev, 5772.

FLECK, Elizabeth, age 99, died December 7, 2011; 11 Kislev, 5772.

GROSS, Marlene, age 78, died December 8, 2011; 2 Kislev, 5772.

SPRITZ, David H., age 88, died December 10, 2011; 15 Kislev, 5772.

FINKELSTEIN, Betty, age 88, died December 13, 2011; 17 Kislev, 5772.

CAMPAIGN from page 9 Critics, however, saw the ads as suggesting that America cannot offer something else: Jewishness.

In one ad, the young daughter of Israeli expats is video chatting with her grandparents in Israel, who have a lighted menorah in the background. When the grandparents ask the girl what holiday it is, she exclaims “Christmas!” The tagline: “They will always be Israeli. Their kids won’t.”

In another ad, a dozing Israeli expat father is deaf to his son’s calls of “Daddy!” until the kid finally says “Abba!” The tagline: “Before ‘Abba’ turns into ‘Daddy,’ it’s time to come back to Israel.”

In a third, the boyfriend of an Israeli expat mistakes her subdued mood and a candle-lit room for GIBRALTAR from page 10 “When it comes to chagim [holidays], it’s really lovely,” said Benady, who left to work in Manchester, England, for about a decade but returned because he preferred Gibraltar. “It’s very much a single community where we feel like one family, where we all join together for smachot [joyous occasions] and we all join together, unfortunately, for sad occasions as well.”

Gibraltar’s Jews, like the territory itself, straddle two worlds. The LETTERS from page 16 knowingly conducts significant financial transactions with Iran’s Central Bank, a critical conduit of international financial support for the regime. Iran derives 80 percent of its hard currency from its ability to sell its crude oil, which is dependent on transactions through the Central Bank. The amendment also freezes any Iranian assets in the United States, and requires the president

WWW.AMERICANISRAELITE.COM

The attacks prompted Reform leaders and the heads of some of the major mainstream Jewish organizations to line up behind Jacobs, and the controversy quickly died down.

The Union for Reform Judaism also made clear that as its president, Jacobs would be resigning his positions at J Street, which he served as a member of its Rabbinic Cabinet, and the New Israel Fund, where he was a board member.

For his part, Jacobs says North American Jews must stand up for Israel even when they have disagreements with it, but the Reform movement also needs to fight for progressive values in Israel.

“We want to make sure that Israel affirms our values of inclusivity and tolerance and democracy,” he said. “I have young people who make aliyah and they say,

‘Will I be able to live my Jewish life in the way I have become accustomed?’ We want to do a much better job of creating pluralism in Israel.”

In many ways, Jacobs and his predecessor are a study in contrasts. Jacobs, 56, is a towering figure with Hollywood good looks who used to be a dancer and regularly practices yoga. He wears a kipah in interviews and made a name for himself as the charismatic pulpit rabbi of a large suburban congregation.

Yoffie, 64, is a diminutive man with thinning hair known for speaking his mind even when he knows it may alienate many of his constituents. In his 16-year tenure as head of the movement, he spoke frequently about Palestinian recalcitrance as the reason for the failure of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and he urged Reform Jews

to embrace Shabbat, mitzvot, Jewish dietary observance of some kind and Torah study.

“When I came in, my first biennial I talked about Torah at the center,” Yoffie said. “That was less of a programmatic initiative than it was a theological and cultural assertion that we had to proceed with a consciousness of Torah being fundamental to all we do. It was an important cultural change.”

Despite their differing styles, both say they’re on the same page when it comes to the movement’s priorities: a commitment to Torah but without the restrictions of halachah, or Jewish law; social justice; and openness to Jews of all backgrounds.

Jacobs calls it the “big tent” movement.

“A lot of people don’t know what Reform is,” he said. “We offer a spiritual and religious prac-

tice that’s all about finding a deeper meaning and a larger purpose that resonates with people. We’re going to get those tent flaps wide open. We’re going to be the movement of welcome and inclusivity.”

As for Yoffie, he isn’t sure yet about his next step. He will continue to blog for The Huffington Post and The Jerusalem Post, and he’s toying with the idea of writing a book, possibly on Israel, possibly on Chabad, about which he has written admiringly.

“I’m exploring. There’s a lot to do in the Jewish world, even outside of the Jewish world,” he said.

Looking back at his time at the union, Yoffie says he has a lot of pride, and some regrets. Regrets, he says, are good.

“Jews are a dissatisfied people; we cry out all the time. Jewish leaders have to be more dissatisfied than anyone else,” Yoffie said.

romance when she actually is observing Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers.

The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg, after learning of the ads from a report on The Jewish Channel, wrote a blog post about the ad campaign headlined “Netanyahu Government Suggests Israelis Avoid Marrying American Jews.” He called the campaign a “demonstration of Israeli contempt for American Jews.”

That set off a cascade of reactions. ADL National Director Abraham Foxman told Haaretz that the ads were “heavy handed and even demeaning.” The Jewish Federations of North America called them “outrageous and insulting.”

Within about 48 hours, Netanyahu canceled the campaign,

which had included billboards in addition to the 30-second spots on Hebrew-language satellite channels and YouTube. So far, however, only the Christmas ad has been removed from YouTube.

“The Ministry of Immigrant Absorption’s campaign clearly did not take into account American Jewish sensibilities, and we regret any offense it caused,” Oren said in a statement. “The campaign, which aimed to encourage Israelis living abroad to return home, was a laudable one and it was not meant to cause insult.”

The Knesset Committee on Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs said it would discuss the campaign in a meeting Wednesday. For its part, the Absorption Ministry noted that the ads generated positive feedback

from Israelis living in the United States.

“It was aimed at the Israelis and it worked,” said Edelstein, the Diaspora minister. “The criticism got a little carried away. With all the anger, American Jewish leaders missed the point.”

The ad campaign was meant to show Israelis that their Israeliness will be diluted by living in the Diaspora — if not for them, then certainly for their children.

American Jewish critics, however, saw the ads as a swipe at them, seeing in the Christmas ad in particular a suggestion that American Jews don’t know how to be Jewish.

Edelstein said the opposite is true: Israelis don’t know as well as American Jews how to live as Jewish in the Diaspora.

“An Israeli, when the Hebrew is

taken away, the army service is taken away, the income tax is taken away, the friends are taken away, I’m not sure we know how to distinguish our identity and distinguish between Chanukah and Christmas,” he said.

One Israeli expat in New York, Sivan Noy, the program manager of Dor Chadash USA, a network of Israelis living in America and American Jews, said the ads failed to move her.

“I think they are highlighting situations that wouldn’t make me feel less of an Israeli,” Noy wrote in an email message to JTA. “I do have a little girl, and we are ‘celebrating’ Xmas with our friends (that celebrate Chanukah with us) and she does call me Mommy sometimes and I fail to see why it makes her less of an Israeli.”

territory’s border with Spain was closed in 1967 by dictator Francisco Franco following a referendum indicating that Gibraltarians overwhelmingly wished to remain British. The border, which is marked

by Gibraltar’s airport runway, didn’t reopen fully until 1985, on the eve of Spain’s accession to the European Economic Community.

Today the territory — its skyline dominated by the famous Upper Rock and its resident Barbary macaque monkeys — is a destination for bargain hunters, who take advantage of its tax-haven status to

purchase inexpensive cigarettes and perfumes, among other goods. As a British territory, English is the official language, the queen is head of state and the Gibraltar pound — pegged to its British equivalent — is the official currency. But the Spanish influence remains strong.

Many Spaniards cross the runway each day to work, and native Gibraltarians speak their own language, Llanito, a blend of English and Spanish with a sprinkling of Hebrew.

Idan Greenberg, an Israeli who moved to Gibraltar with his wife 3

1/2 years ago, runs the Verdi Verdi kosher coffeehouse on Casemates Square, an open-air plaza dotted with boutiques, cafes and pubs at the entrance to Main Street. Two of the thoroughfare’s biggest outlets — the S.M. Seruya perfume store and Cohen and Massias jewelers — are Jewish-owned.

With its chic brown-and-gold suede seating and vibrant orange chairs, Verdi Verdi wouldn’t be out of place on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. On a recent Friday afternoon, an American Jewish woman studying abroad in Spain

popped in to grab a soup and was shocked to discover a Jew running a kosher establishment, despite the mezuzah on the door.

“Kvetching about the price of soup?” Greenberg asked her.

“How do you know that word?” she responded in surprise.

Greenberg says he wants his restaurant to appeal broadly to Gibraltarians, but like Abergel he laments the insularity he associates with the community’s increasing piety. And according to Benady, the isolation is a concern even beyond the confines of the community.

to start a “multilateral diplomacy initiative” to convince other countries to cease oil imports from Iran.

We are aware of reports that the Administration is seeking to modify the Menendez-Kirk amendment so as to delay implementation of sanctions not related to oil purchases from 60 to 180 days, and in other ways to reduce the severity of the sanctions if and when they are put into effect.

We are immensely appreciative of

the Administration’s efforts to thwart Iran’s drive for nuclear weapons capability. It is against this background that we strongly urge reconsideration of any efforts by the Administration to dilute this amendment.

The Menendez-Kirk Amendment is intended to send a strong message to the Iranian regime: If it continues to violate treaty obligations and defy repeated UN Security Council sanctions in its pursuit of nuclear weapons

capability, its access to sensitive technologies, its economic horizons, and its interactions with global business will be sharply restricted. We hope that this initiative, as part of the range of economic and political sanctions that AJC firmly supports, will demonstrate to Iran the unsustainably high cost of its nuclear program.

The urgency of the Iranian nuclear threat, and the severe consequences of failing to end it, provide compelling reasons for

the Administration and Congress to join together in intensifying the existing sanctions regime, including support for, and—ultimately—vigorous implementation of, the Menendez-Kirk Amendment.

AJC thanks you for considering our views on this critical matter.

BIENNIAL from page 8

Respectfully, David Harris AJC Executive Director Cincinnati, OH

2011 CALENDAR Special Issues & Sections J ANUARY

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