DAVID

www.davidlv.com DECEMBER 2012

Let’s Get Oiled It’s A Miracle! It Will Last Eight Nights

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SPIN SPIN SPIN

CANFIELD’S NUTCRACKER

BLANCHE MEISEL 11/19/12 11:54 AM

VOCALESE featuring The Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices and special guest Jon Hendricks – 1/17

Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2012 – 12/18

Drumline Live – 1/18 & 1/19

The Joffrey Ballet co-presented by Nevada Ballet Theatre and The Smith Center – 1/22 & 1/23

Natalie Merchant - In Concert with Orchestra – 1/29

A TRIBUTE TO ELLA, JOE AND BASIE featuring Janis Siegel, Kevin Mahogany and the Count Basie Orchestra with special guests Nikki Yanofsky and Nicole Henry – 2/3

Circus Oz – 2/21 - 2/23

Itzhak Perlman – 2/13

Ray Kurzweil – 1/27

KODO – 2/1

BBC Concert Orchestra – 2/11

Paddy Moloney and The Chieftains – 2/18

B U Y F I V E S H OWS FO R TH E P R I C E O F FO U R

The more you see, the more you save. Now when you purchase five or more shows together, you’ll save 10% on each ticket price and you won’t have to pay any single ticket fees. It’s like getting a show for free.

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TheSmithCenter.com | 702.749.2000 | TTY: 800.326.6868 or dial 711 | 361 Symphony Park Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89106 Certain restrictions apply.

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Las Vegas Design Center is home to the city’s most comprehensive selection of home furnishings and interior design resources.

LOCATED AT WORLD MARKET CENTER LAS VEGAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 10AM TO 5PM AND SATURDAY, 10AM TO 3PM COMPLIMENTARY VALET PARKING · LVDESIGNCENTER.COM

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Happy Hanukkah

From All of Us at

In Addition to our Regular Offerings, We Will Be Serving Gefilte Fish Herring in Sour Cream Potato Pancakes Noodle Kugel Potato Knish Tzimmes Potato Latkes Roast Brisket of Beef Roast Chicken Challah Bread Jelly Filled Donut Holes And Much More!

Sunday-Thursday 4:30pm-8pm Friday & Saturday 4:30pm-9pm

Alta & Rampart

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December

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pulse

live

think

grill

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explore The month’s event listings to help plan your day or your stay

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Let’s Get Oiled Candles and cocktails for all eight nights

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devour Where to find some of the best eats, drinks and foodie happenings in the Valley

sense Las Vegas teens visit the Nazi death camps and then take the short plane ride to Israel.

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know James Canfield and the Nevada Ballet Theatre present their new Smith Center production of The Nutcracker.

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What The Frack!

For Jews, dealing with a limited oil supply is nothing new.

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Spin, Spin, Spin From ancient dreidelspiel to the roulette tables of the Las Vegas strip, Jews have loved their games.

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desire Sin City abounds in world-class shopping ... these are a few of our favorite things

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discover Places to go, cool things to do, hip people to see in the most exciting city in the World

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mingle Snapshots of the latest, greatest events

Blanche Meisel, Giver The month’s spotlight on a person of interest

on the cover Andrew Pollard, Beverage Development Specialist at Wirtz Beverage Nevada mixes up a fresh batch Hanukkah heaven. Photography by Steven Wilson.

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Copyright 2012 by JewishINK LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. DAVID MAGAZINE is protected as a trademark in the United States. Subscribers: If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we are under no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.

The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited or contributed manuscripts, photographs, artwork or advertisements. Submissions will not be returned unless arranged for in writing. DAVID MAGAZINE is a monthly publication. All information regarding editorial content or property for sale is deemed reliable. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to errors and omissions.

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This season, the greatest gift is ours to give.

Join us for an exclusive holiday Festival only at The VenetianŽ. Enjoy skating on the Las Vegas Strip, festive food, musical performances by Mannheim Steamroller, sensational shopping and spectacular sights throughout Winter in Venice – where new traditions begin.

Visit Venetian.com for special suite packages.

Take a peek at our gifts to you.

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Publisher/Editor Associate Publisher

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Max Friedland

max@davidlv.com editor@davidlv.com

Joanne Friedland joanne@davidlv.com

EDITORIALllllllll

Editorial Assistant

Brianna Soloski

Copy Editor

Pat Teague

Jeremy Leopold a

Contributing Writers

brianna@davidlv.com

Marisa Finetti Jaq Greenspon Marilyn LaRocque Christina Parmelee Brian Sodoma Lynn Wexler-Margolies

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

Art Director/ Photographer

Steven Wilson

Contributing Photographers

Tonya Harvey

steve@davidlv.com

Norm Blinder

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Advertising Director

Joanne Friedland joanne@davidlv.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS 702-254-2223 | subscribe@davidlv.com

Volume 03 Number 08 www.davidlv.com DAVID Magazine is published 12 times a year.

Copyright 2012 by JewishINK LLC. 1930 Village Center Circle, No. 3-459 Las Vegas, NV 89134 (p) 702-254-2223 (f) 702-664-2633

To advertise in DAVID Magazine, call 702-254-2223 or email ads@davidlv.com To subscribe to DAVID Magazine, call 702.254-2223 or email subscibe@davidlv.com

DAVID Magazine sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. This copy of DAVID Magazine was printed by American Web in Denver, Colo., on paper from well-managed forests which meet EPA guidelines that recommend use of recovered fibers for coated papers. Inks used contain a blend of soy base. Our printer meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards and is a certified member of both the Forest Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. When you are done with this issue, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it.

8 DAVID KISLEV / TEVET 5773

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H&M Banana Republic GUESS Whole Foods Market A|X Armani Exchange bebe Juicy Couture Victoria’s Secret Aldo

shop dine unwind

GAP Abercrombie & Fitch The Container Store Yard House Texas de Brazil Brio Tuscan Grille Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar Blue Martini Ranch House Kitchen i v burgers

NOW OPEN Charming Charlie Stoney’s Rockin’ Country Meatball Spot Aveda

www.mytownsquarelasvegas.com

OVER 100 STORES | 15 RESTAURANTS | 18-SCREEN THEATER | INTERACTIVE CHILDREN’S PARK

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contributors

Marisa Finetti is a local writer, marketing professional and blogger. The Tokyoborn Finetti has called Las Vegas home since 2005.

She has written for such publications as Spirit and Las Vegas and Nevada magazines and has a healthy-living blog at bestbewell.com.

When she’s not writing, Finetti enjoys family time with her husband and two boys.

Jaq Greenspon is a noted local journalist, screenwriter and author with credits on The New Adventures of Robin Hood and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

He also is a literary and movie critic, has taught and written about fi lmmaking but is most proud of his role in the fi lm, Lotto Love. A Vegas resident for most of his life, his native language is Hebrew, but he doesn’t speak it anymore.

Marilyn LaRocque is Contributing Editor for Gastronomique en Vogue and former Senior Food and Wine Editor for LUXURY Las Vegas.

She’s traveled extensively around the world, visiting great wine regions and enjoying fantastic food. She’s also Vice Chargée de Presse Nationale des Etats Unis for Chaîne des Rôtisseurs USA.

Christina Parmelee originally aspired to be a physical therapist, needing to graduate from college, she changed her major to English. In 2005, after writing jobs in numerous publications and ad agencies in Metro Detroit, she moved to Sin City. The frigid Michigan winters gave way to the Vegas climate she now adores. She has held copywriting positions on the Strip and is presently a freelance writer moonlighting in outside sales. Her hobbies include travel, watching football and trying to get through “Fifty Shades of Grey.”

Brian Sodoma has been writing professionally since 1998. He has called Las Vegas home since 2002, and enjoys covering the city’s business issues, real estate, health, sports ... anything that isn’t fashion. Sodoma currently is working on a feature-length screenplay about Las Vegas real estate meltdown with local fi lm director Roger Tinch. When he’s not hunting for new story ideas, Sodoma dabbles in real estate, coaches youth soccer and plays ice hockey.

Lynn WexlerMargolies has been a feature writer and contributor for magazines and newspapers, locally and nationally, for over 20 years. She writes a monthly online column entitled Manners in the News, which comments on the behavior of politicians, celebrities and others thrust in the public arena.

She is the Founder and President of Perfectly Poised, a school of manners that teaches social, personal and business etiquette to young people.

She is a former TV Reporter and News Anchor. Of her many accomplishments, she is most proud of her three outstanding teenaged children.

10 DAVID KISLEV / TEVET 5773

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Page 1

feedback Dear Mr. Friedland, As a mother of a Jewish police officer of seven years with NLVPD, I want to thank you for your very thoughtful tribute to our officers who put their lives on the line every day for our safety and are often disrespected by the media.

Being college-educated, from an upscale neighborhood in New York and Jewish never seemed a likely formula for becoming a police officer in Las Vegas. I can tell you with certainty, all these years later, the desire to make a difference in one’s community began with our son at a very early age and was reinforced because of his Jewish upbringing, not in spite of it.

We are proud of him (Adam) and his brotherhood of soldiers on our home soil. You did a mitzvah by recognizing our Jewish officers so respectfully.

And we thank you for that.

Sincerely, Judi Rosenthal

Endorsed by the entire Rabbinic community, meeting the needs of every denomination with tradition and compassion.

Jay Poster Funeral Director, Manager & Founder

Irv Weinberger Counselor, Family Services

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Bobbie Sgrillo Counselor, Family Services

To the editor: Great article, “Metro Mensches,” on Jewish Metro police officers.

It’s a long overdue recognition and commendation of their commitment, concern and dedication to Las Vegas, Clark County and the safety of “We the People.” They are Shomrims in the best of Jewish history and tradition. In particular the featured Jewish officers — Officer Darren Schwartz, Sgt. Alan Schlossberg, Sgt. Harry Fagel and Detective Dori Koren — are to be praised for doing an excellent job!

And David Magazine deserves kudos for bringing the officers together for the first time and doing its part in the founding of the Jewish Police Association (JPA) — the first in the history of Las Vegas, Clark County and our great state of Nevada. Mazel Tov! Clyde Dinkins Las Vegas

A Dignity Memorial® Provider

2697 East Eldorado Lane Las Vegas, NV 89120 702-464-8570 www.kingdavidlv.com

We want to hear from you!

Compliments and complaints are welcome, but only if we get them. Send them to the editor at editor@davidlv.com with “Letter to Editor” in the subject line or mail them to DAVID, 1930 Village Center Circle, No. 3-459, Las Vegas, NV 89134

12 DAVID KISLEV / TEVET 5773

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from the publisher We have spent the last few weeks surrounded by the trappings of the 2012 Hanukkah and Christmas seasons; the real holidays will feel a little like double dipping. The fact is, as you read this, we are invested in next month along with all that it heralds. We are already returning gifts, recovering from our hangovers and sweating off the extra pounds.

Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah we light the menorah, Zayde sleeps in the outside because he’s a snorer.

As a child I would love to light the candles even though the strife over candle lighting honors evolved into a sibling death match. The Hunger Games was loosely based on the strange happenings in the Friedland family compound around this time of year. It is now my adult (maybe) opinion that kids juiced up on their chocolate gelt highs need to be locked up under 24-hour supervision and only allowed out for brief bathroom breaks.

As I rub my childhood scars, I sentimentally long for more mayhem. As candle lighting and dreidelspiel is inappropriate for us gray hairs, I am charged to seek out a more mature ritual for these holidays. I have been polling friends and family and the best that they could offer leaves me uninspired. Filling the gas tanks of the family fleet in honor of the temple flame, while practical, can be done at a less august time. Polishing the ancestral silver in honor of bubbe’s menorah, “we’ll get to that next year.” A non-Jewish colleague at work even suggested Jewish French fries.

Notwithstanding my being somewhat north of 60, I had to confess that I had never heard of yiddisher potatoes. He clarified, saying they are those darned things called latchkeys. Oh, latkes!

How wonderful that the goy had to be the one to put me on the righteous path. Savory or sweet, my take on a Wolfgang Puck rosti has won accolades from Sydney to Cape Town and from Ramat Hanegev to Ramat Summerlin. Spuds, be warned: It’s going to be latkes this year, BIGTIME. Now what goes great with those deep fried mats of crispy heaven?

This is where this month’s DAVID comes in. It will serve as your libation bible for this month and much longer. With special thanks to the wonderful folks at Wirtz Beverage Nevada, especially to the good-looking chap on our cover, (beverage development specialist Andrew Pollard) we present for your drinking pleasure the eight cocktails of Hanukkah.

My family and the staff at DAVID join me in wishing you a magical holiday season, mistletoe or menorahs or both. Be of good cheer, we will see you in the new year.

Now, lets all get oiled.

*

Max Friedland max@davidlv.com

DECEMBER 2012 DAVID

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L O W E S T P R I C E S • I N C R E D I B L E S E L E C T I O N • G R E AT S E R V I C E

Celebrate Hanukkah

With the Largest Selection of Kosher Wines in the Area!

W I N E S AV I N G S C O U P O N | E x p i r e s 1 2 / 2 / 2 0 1 2

Ben Ami Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot 750ml

EVERY

$12.99

or Case Discount. Coupon valid in NV only. Not valid on previous purchases. Offer valid thru 12/2/2012. Must present

coupon at time of purchase. Valid in store only.

$17.99

Yarden-Chardonnay.......................22.99 Yarden-Merlot ...............................26.99

KOSHER SWEET 750ml

Manischewitz-Blackberry.................4.99 Manischewitz-Cherry.......................4.99 Manischewitz-Concord Grape ..........4.49

KOSHER ALTERNATIVE 750ml KOSHER AMERICAN 750ml

Manischewitz-Crm White Concord....4.99 Manischewitz-Elderberry .................4.99 Mogen David-Concord.....................4.29 Rashi-Light Red ..............................5.99

Baron Herzog-Jeunesse Cabernet ..13.99 Bartenura-Malvasia .......................15.99 Bartenura-Pinot Grigio ...................13.99 Herzog-Merlot Pays d’Oc ...............10.99 Teal Lake-Shiraz ...........................12.99

WINE FAVORITES Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet

6

1

$ 97

7

7

$ 47

$ 97

Ravenswood Vintner’s Zinfandel

Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio

7

750ml

750ml

9

$

$ 97 750ml

750ml

BEER Superstore Budweiser

$

20 99 $13 99 $99 99 36-12oz cans

20-12oz btls

1/2 Keg

750ml

$

22

49

$

1.75L

Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum

16 99

$

1.75L

17 99

1.75L

17 97

750ml

$

22 49

24-11.2oz loose btls 12-11.2oz btls $12.99

Corona Extra, Corona Light

$

Heineken, Heineken Light, Amstel Light

21 99

24-12oz loose btls 12-12oz btls $11.99

Dos Equis Amber, Special Lager

Jack Daniel’s Black

$

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$

$

10 99

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HOURS: Mon-Sun 8am-11pm

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37

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1.75L

Dewar’s

$

26

SUMMERLIN

515

W

Prices and coupon good thru 12/2/2012. Not responsible for typographical errors, human error or supplier price increases.

Same Price Cash or Credit. Products while supplies last. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Total Wine & More is a registered trademark of Retail Services & Systems, Inc. © 2012 Retail Services & Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Please drink responsibly. Use a designated driver.

From 515, take exit 64 (Sunset Rd.).

Head West on Sunset Rd., take left on N. Stephanie St. Store will be on your right at the intersection of W. Warm Springs Rd. and Stephanie St.

28 99

Crown Royal

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Jose Cuervo Tanqueray Gin Gold 99 $ 99 1.75L $ 1.75L 1.75L

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12-12oz btls

Stephanie St. Power Center 501 N. Stephanie Street Henderson, NV 89014 (702) 433-2709

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Stella Artois

TotalWineAndMore

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Bacardi Gold

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Absolut

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Domestic, Import & Microbrew

Miller Lite, Coors Light, Bud Light,

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Menage a Trois Rouge

Grey Goose

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Near Cheesecake Factory, next to R.E.I.

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F

NEV-12-1126Kosher-TAB

Pacific Peak Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot

Smirnoff

OVER 3,000

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OVER 8,000 SPIRITS Superstore SELECTIONS

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KOSHER 1.5L

Baron Herzog-Cabernet .................13.99 Baron Herzog-Chardonnay .............13.99 Baron Herzog-Chenin Blanc .............8.99 Baron Herzog-Merlot .....................13.99 Baron Herzog-White Zinfandel .........7.99

o rt

Barkan-Cabernet ..........................10.99 Barkan-Merlot ..............................10.99 Ben Ami-Chardonnay ....................12.99 Ben Ami-Merlot.............................12.99 Golan-Moscato Galilee ..................15.99

Excludes items with prices ending in 7. Cannot be combined with any other Total Wine & More WINE Coupon

Bartenura Asti 750ml

$16.99

KOSHER ISRAEL 750ml

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Yogev Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay, 750ml

Take $15 off every $100 you spend on 750ml and/or 1.5L WINE.

11/21/12 9:45 AM

pulse

explore @ 16

devour @ 21

JFSA LIGHT OF LIFE MENORAH @ MAGICAL FOREST 12.9 pg. 18

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desire @ 22

discover @ 24

DECEMBER 2012 DAVID

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eXplore L A S

V E G A S

LATE NITE CATECHISM: Through Dec. 2, times vary, $29-$39. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-7492000. thesmithcenter.com FALL DANCE CONCERT: WISDOM: 2 & 7 p.m., $8-10. CSN Cheyenne, 3200 East Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-651-5483. csn.edu/pac NAMASTE: FACES OF INDIA & NEPAL: Through Jan. 5, Weds.-Sat. 12-5 p.m., $3.

Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Art, 450 Fremont Street, Las Vegas. 702-382-2926. snmfa.com DONATE A TURKEY WITH WINDER FARMS: Through Dec. 31. Donate a turkey to a family in need with Winder Farms. winderfarms.com “MOUNTAINS AND VALLEYS WITHOUT END“ BY ARTIST DANIEL GOTTSEGEN: Through Dec. 8, free, Weds.-Fri. 12:30-9 p.m. & Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Charleston Heights Art Center, 800 S. Brush Street. 702-229-6383. artslasvegas.org “ARLEE CELEBRATION: A MONTANA POWWOW” PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANITA GETZLER: Through Dec. 13, free, Mon.-Thurs.

7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Las Vegas City Hall Chamber Gallery, 495 S. Main Street, Second floor. 702229-1012. artslasvegas.org

THE KILLERS: Through Dec. 29, 9 p.m., $86. The Chelsea at Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

December 1

COWBOY SANTA @ SAM'S TOWN: Through Dec. 25, times vary, free. Sam's Town, 5111 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas. samstownlv.com

MARY ANNE KLUTH: Through Dec. 22, times vary, free. Contemporary Arts Center, 107 East Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-3823886. lasvegascac.org

SANTA @ TOWN SQUARE: Through Dec. 24, times vary, free. Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-269-5000. mytownsquarelasvegas.com

ETHEL M HOLIDAY CACTUS GARDEN: Through Jan. 1, times vary, free. Ethel M, 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson. 702-4352655. ethelm.com

SNOW IN THE SQUARE PRESENTED BY MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER: Through Dec. 23, times vary, free. Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-2695000. mytownsquarelasvegas.com

SHANIA TWAIN: Through Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m., $55-$250. The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-7317208. caesarspalace.com

CLAUS & PAWS PET PHOTOS: Through Dec. 19, times vary, free. Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-2695000. mytownsquarelasvegas.com

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS €“ VEGAS BY CHIP DAVIS: Through Dec. 30, times vary, $64-$124. Palazzo Las Vegas, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd., S., Las Vegas. 702-607-7777. palazzo.com

BELLAGIO WINTER CONSERVATORY: Through Jan. 5, free. Bellagio, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd., S., Las Vegas. 702-693-7111. bellagio.com

THE TIERNEY SUTTON BAND: 7 & 9:30 p.m., $39-$49. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2000. thesmithcenter.com

“GNOT THE PROPER GNOMENCLATURE”: Through Jan. 17, free, Mon.-Thurs. 7 a.m.5:30 p.m. Las Vegas City Hall, 495 S. Main Street, second-floor outside patio. 702-2294631. artslasvegas.org “SECOND WIND” EXHIBITION BY ARTIST ROBIN STARK: Through Feb. 14, free, Mon.Thurs. 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Las Vegas City Hall Grand Gallery, 495 S. Main Street, First floor.

702-229-1012. artslasvegas.org RESTLESS HEART: Through Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., $15.95. Suncoast Hotel & Casino, 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas. 702-636-7075. suncoastcasino.com MAGICAL FOREST AT OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE: Through Jan. 6, times vary, $7.75$17.50. Opportunity Village, 6300 West Oakey Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-259-3700. opportunityvillage.org GLITTERING LIGHTS AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY: Through Jan. 6, times vary, $15$20. Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 7000 Las Vegas Blvd. N., Las Vegas. 702-644-4444. lvms.com CELEBRITY BENEFIT SHOW TO SUPPORT TOYS FOR TOTS: 8 p.m., $19. LVH,3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. 702-732-5111. thelvh.com OAKLAND RAIDERS/CLEVELAND BROWNS FOOTBALL TRIP: Through Dec. 2, $275. For

16 DAVID KISLEV / TEVET 5773

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WOMENS LEAGUE FOR CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM JUDAICA FESTIVAL: Through Dec. 5, time and costs vary. J.W. Marriot, 221 North Rampart Blvd., Las Vegas. wlcj.org

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TAYLOR HICKS: Through Dec. 16, 7 p.m., $39.99-$69.99. Bally's Hotel, 3645 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-967-4111. ballyslasvegas.com CSN ORCHESTRA: 7:30 p.m., $5-$8. CSN Cheyenne, 3200 East Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-651-5483. csn.edu/pac

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5 Tierney Sutton Band, 12.1

more information or to register, call 702-4794433. jewishlasvegas.com WINTER IN VENICE: Through January 6, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., age 5+. $14-$19. Venetian Hotel and Casino, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-414-1000. Venetian.com/winterin-venice

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CSN BIG BAND: 7:30 p.m., $5-$8. CSN Cheyenne, 3200 East Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-651-5483. csn.edu/pac JEWISH SENIOR SINGLES: 6:30 p.m., free. JCC of Southern Nevada, 9001 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas. 702-7940090. jccsn.org

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA: 3 & 7:30 p.m., $33. Orleans Arena, 4500 West Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-284-7777. orleansarena.com

ADL NEVADA 1000 COCKTAIL RECEPTION: 5:30 p.m., $1000. For more information, call Sarah Small at 702-862-8600. adl.org

CSN JAZZ COMBOS & JAZZ SINGERS: 2 p.m., $5-$8. CSN Cheyenne, 3200 East Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-651-5483. csn.edu/pac

ZAPPOS.COM ROCK 'N' ROLL LAS VEGAS MARATHON & 1/2 MARATHON: 3 p.m., $175-$185. Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. stripatnight.com SHALOM BABY HANUKKAH: 3 p.m., free. JCC of Southern Nevada, 9001 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas. 702-732-0556. jewishlasvegas.com

ELLEN HARVEY: THE GOOD LUCK EXCHANGE: Through Jan. 6, 2013, times vary, free. Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com THE COMPOSERS SHOWCASE OF LAS VEGAS: 10:30 p.m., $20. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702749-2000. thesmithcenter.com

DANNY WRIGHT: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: 2 p.m., $18+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702749-2000. thesmithcenter.com

MARK AND MERCEDES NOT SO SILENT NIGHT FEATURING TRAIN: 7 p.m., $39.50. The Joint at Hard Rock,4455 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. 702-693-5000. hardrockhotel.com

CSN CONCERT BAND: 7:30 p.m., $5-$8. CSN Cheyenne, 3200 East Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-651-5483. csn.edu/pac

MAHJONG TOURNAMENT: 8:30 a.m., $50-$60. JCC of Southern Nevada, 9001 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas. 702-794-0090. jccsn.org

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WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO: Through Dec. 15, times and costs vary. nfr. boydgaming.com

HAPPY Chanukah

Come in for Holiday Favorites Jelly Donuts Potato Pancakes 301 N. Buffalo Drive 255-3444

HOLIDAY NIGHTS & LIGHTS COMMUNITY CONCERTS: Thurs. through Dec. 20, times vary, free. Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-269-5000. mytownsquarelasvegas.com

www.thebagelcafelv.com

RODNEY CARRINGTON: Through Dec. 15, 10 p.m., $89.99. MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd.

S., Las Vegas. 702-891-7800. mgmgrand.com

WhereTheLocalsEat.com

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YOUNG ISRAEL AISH YEAR END COCKTAIL PARTY: 7 p.m., $180. Palms Place Penthouse, 4381 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702360-8909. yiaishlv.com LAS VEGAS LEGENDS SOCCER: Through Dec. 9, times vary, $10-$32. Orleans Arena, 4500 West Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-2847777. orleansarena.com HENRI BENDEL FASION SHOW: 6 p.m., cost to be announced. Henri Bendel at Fashion Show, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. jewishlasvegas.com

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BILL ENGVALL: 9 p.m., $54.95. Treasure Island, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-894-7722. treasureisland.com JOURNEY: 8 p.m., $59.50-$149.50. Planet Hollywood, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-785-5555. planethollywoodresort.com CLINT HOLMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Through Dec. 9, times vary, $35+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2000. thesmithcenter.com LONESTAR: Through Dec. 8, 8 p.m., $39.95. Orleans Showroom, 4500 West Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-365-7075. orleanscasino.com RON WHITE: Through Dec. 8, 10 p.m., $59.99$79.99. The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-792-7777. mirage.com HONK!: Through Dec. 16, times vary, 2 & 7 p.m. Charleston Heights Art Center, 800 South Brush Street, Las Vegas. 702-229-6383. artslasvegas.org

Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2000. thesmithcenter.com

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LIGHT OF LIFE MENORAH & WINE: 5:30 p.m., free. Opportunity Village Magical Forest, 6300 West Oakey Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-7320304. jfsalv.org LINDA EDER: 5 p.m., free. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702749-2000. thesmithcenter.com JEWISH STORYTELLING WITH MARK NOVAK & RENEE BRACHFELD: 1 p.m., $10.

JCC of Southern Nevada, 9001 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas. 702-794-0090. jccsn.org

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ART & WINE: A PERFECT PAIRING: 5 p.m., $30$38. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-693-7871. bellagio.com

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WOMEN'S LEAGUE OF TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM LUNCHEON: 11 a.m., $100. Pierro's Italian Cuisine, 355 Convention Center Drive, Las Vegas. 702-804-1333. bethsholomlv.org VODKA LATKE: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., $180+$65.

Hyde at Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. jewishlasvegas.com

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BILL ENGVALL: 9 p.m., $54.95. Treasure Island, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-894-7722. treasureisland.com

CHRISTMAS IS A-COMIN': CITY OF LIGHTS BARBERSHOP CHORUS: 7 p.m., $24. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2000. thesmithcenter.com MADRIGAL DINNER: Through Dec. 8, 7 p.m., Cost TBD. CSN Cheyenne, 3200 East Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-651-5483. csn.edu/pac FARM TO STRIP DINNERS: Through Dec. 8, 6 p.m., $48. First Food & Bar, 3327 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-607-3478. firstfoodandbar.com FIRST FRIDAY: 6 p.m., various downtown locations. firstfridaylasvegas.org A LITTLE THEATRE CHRISTMAS: Through Dec. 9, times vary, $5-$15. Las Vegas Little Theatre, 3920 Schiff Drive, Las Vegas. 702-362-7996. lvlt.org

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LAS VEGAS PHILHARMONIC: A VERY VEGAS HOLIDAY: 2 & 8 p.m., $46-$94. The

Dave Koz12.18

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Members Wanted

Your Family. Your Home.

Moody Blues 12.15

RON WHITE: Through Dec. 15, 10 p.m., $59.99-$79.99. The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-792-7777. mirage.com THE DEANA MARTIN CHRISTMAS SHOW: Through Dec. 15, times vary, $37$59. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2000. thesmithcenter.com

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THE NUTCRACKER: Dec. 16, 21-23, $45$158, times vary. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-7492000. thesmithcenter.com THE MOODY BLUES: 8 p.m., $49. Pearl at the Palms, 4321 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas.

702-944-3200. palms.com

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"ON THE 8TH DAY OF CHANUKAH MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME" DANCE: 6:30 p.m., $10-$15.

Congregation Ner Tamid, 55 North Valle Verde Drive, Henderson. 702-706-7522. jccsn.org KLEZMER HANUKKAH CONCERT BY MESHUGGINA KLEZMORIM: 2 p.m., $10$12. Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive, Las Vegas. 702-455-7340. clarkcounty.gov

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DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS 15TH ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS TOUR: 7:30 p.m., $29-$89. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-7492000. thesmithcenter.com

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“CELEBRATIONS”: Through Jan. 31, free, Mon.-Thurs. 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Las Vegas City Hall Chamber Gallery, 495 S. Main Street, Second floor. 702-229-1012. artslasvegas.org WORLD OF ART SHOWCASE: Through Dec. 22, times vary, $55-$500. Wynn Las Vegas, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-7707000. wynnlasvegas.com

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DOWNTOWN CULTURAL SERIES — MARIANO GONZALEZ PRESENTS “SILVER STRINGS”: 12 p.m., free. Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room, 333 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-2293515. artslasvegas.org THE POETS’ CORNER: 7 p.m., free. West Las Vegas Arts Center Community Gallery, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. 702-229-4800. artslasvegas.org

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HOLIDAZE IN HICKSVILLE: DAN HICKS AND THE HOT LICKS: 7 p.m., $10-$15.

Historic Fifth Street School, 401 South Fourth Street, Las Vegas. 702-229-3515. artslasvegas.org 2012 MAACO BOWL LAS VEGAS: 12:30 p.m., $25-$100. Sam Boyd Stadium, 7000 East Russell Road, Las Vegas. 702-895-3761. samboydstadium.com CONTINENTAL TIRE LAS VEGAS CLASSIC 2012 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: Through Dec. 23, times vary, $44-$115.

Orleans Arena, 4500 West Tropicana

Cantor Mariana Gindlin

Rabbi Malcolm Cohen

Celebrate your Wedding, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs

We offer Adult Education and Spiritual Worship with the Rabbi For our complete Calendar www.TempleSinaiLV.org Shabbat Worship

Friday evenings at 7:30pm Saturday mornings at 10:00am Got Kids?

1st Friday Tot Shabbat 6:15pm 3rd Friday Family Shabbat 6:15pm

Interfaith Marriage?

Looking to get Involved?

Seeking Adult Education?

LGBT?

Temple Sinai is Your Family - Your Home!

Call Temple Sinai Office and ask Debra for membership information.

9001 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas, NV 89134

702-254-5110 www.TempleSinaiLV.org Temple Sinai a Reform Congregation in Summerlin Member

DECEMBER 2012 DAVID

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Candlelighting KISLEV / TEVET 5773 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, KISLEV 17 Shabbat ends at 5:08 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, KISLEV 23 Light candles at 4:08 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, KISLEV 24 Shabbat ends at 5:08 p.m.

Blessing of the New Month 1st Candle of Chanukah SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, KISLEV 25 2nd Candle of Chanukah MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, KISLEV 26 3rd Candle of Chanukah TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, KISLEV 27 4th Candle of Hanukah WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, KISLEV 28 5th Candle of Chanukah THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, KISLEV 29 6th Candle of Chanukah FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, TEVET 1 Light candles at 4:09 p.m.

Rosh Chodesh Tevet 7th Candle of Chanukah SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, TEVET 2 Shabbat ends at 5:10 p.m.

8th Candle of Chanukah SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, TEVET 3 8th Day of Chanukah FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, TEVET 8 Light candles at 4:12 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, TEVET 9 Shabbat ends at 5:13 p.m.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, TEVET 10 Fast of Tevet Fast begins at 5:12 a.m.

Fast ends at 5:05 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, TEVET 15 Light candles at 4:16 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, TEVET 16 Shabbat ends at 5:17 p.m.

Red Hot Chilli Peppers 12.31

Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-284-7777. orleansarena.com

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RITA RUDNER: 8:30 p.m., $59+. Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-4141000. venetian.com BAGEL BALL: 10 p.m., cost to be determined. Marquee at Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702794-0090. jccsn.org

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JERRY SEINFELD: Through Dec. 27, $75$150, 7:30 p.m. Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-731-7110. caesarspalace.com JCC WINTER CAMP: Through Dec. 28, Jan. 2-4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., costs vary. JCC of Southern Nevada, 9001 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas.

702-794-0090. jccsn.org

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THE KILLERS: Through Dec. 29, 9 p.m., $86.

The Chelsea at Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com PITBULL: Through Dec. 29, 8 p.m., $85. Pearl at the Palms, 4321 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-944-3200. palms.com

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KELLY ROWLAND: 10 p.m., costs vary. RAIN

Nightclub at Palms, 4321 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-942-7777. palms.com QUESTLOVE & DJ JAZZY JEFF: 10 p.m., costs vary. Moon Nightclub at Palms, 4321 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-942-7777. palms.com

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THE BLACK KEYS: Through Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m., $99. The Joint at Hard Rock, 4455 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. 702-693-5000. hardrockhotel.com

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RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS: 11 p.m., $150.

The Chelsea at Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com TRAVIS BARKER & YELAWOLF: 10 p.m., costs vary. RAIN Nightclub at Palms, 4321 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-942-7777. palms.com FIREWORKS VIEWING PARTY WITH KID CONRAD: 8 p.m., costs vary. ghostbar at Palms, 4321 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas.

702-942-7777. palms.com

To submit your event information, email calendar@ davidlv.com by the 15th of the month prior to the month in which the event is being held.

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devour It’s That Donut Time of Year

Sufganiyot or donuts as they are better known, are synonymous with the Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah. These deep-fried, jellyfilled, powder sugar or chocolate covered treats will be enjoyed at celebrations all over town. If traditional isn’t your vibe, there are dozens of other options to choose from, including apple fritters, glazed, cake, and so on. There are hundreds of recipes online for home-made donuts, this is true for both the deep-fried and baked varieties. Google Donut Shops in Las Vegas and an impressive selection pops up. One can easily get lost in the reviews on Yelp and UrbanSpoon, read them all and make your own choices. DAVID Magazine recommends Krispy Kreme Doughnuts now available at multiple locations. Grab a coffee and enjoy a box of these kosher treats, better still bring a box or two to work or to your next candle lighting, they are guaranteed to be the hit of the evening.

Chocolates by Ethel M. With the holiday season comes the delight of giving and receiving and the joy of parties to attend. Ethel M allows you to get your chocolate gelt on as well as offering a range of sweet hostess gifts for your boss, your mom, family members, and even your best friend. Notable amongst their many options is the adults only collection featuring crème liqueur filled chocolates. Try the Rum, the Amaretto or the Irish Crème. As always, on offer for the holidays is their famous peppermint bark: creamy white chocolate and peppermint pieces enrobed in dark chocolate. New this year are the gift baskets which can be mixed and matched to create that perfect chocolate concerto. For more information or to purchase, visit ethelm.com.

Kosher Caviar by Marky’s Caviar isn’t Kosher... or is it? It’s true that most people don’t think of it as being Kosher, or even Kosher-style, but after doing some research, DAVID Magazine has found several varieties of yes...Kosher caviar. Marky’s Caviar of Miami Florida, owned by two guys called Mark, offers caviar made from whitefish and salmon. The Golden Whitefish Caviar and the Black Whitefish Caviar have a mild sweet and tangy flavor, both have small crisp glossy grains. The fresh Salmon Caviar Kosher - Ikura has a strong honey flavor with large firm eggs of a golden orange color. They also have Kosher French Bottarga Caviar made from dried mullet roe. Shave thin slices over pasta, fish or salads, yummy! Each variety is certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union and comes with the rabbinical seal of approval. $46.94-$72.80.

For more information or to purchase call 800-522-8427 or visit Marky’s at markys.com.

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desire

This opulent and stately ring presents a large Baroque-cut Erinite crystal and is delicately embellished with a miniature crystal gradation of green tones. $240.

Swarovski at Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-269-9508.

On The Rocks From the Miss Havisham Collection, a luminous doublet of mother of pearl and white quartz, float within a radiant setting of Swarovski crystals – sure to draw some eyes to this Alexis Bittar gem. $195. Intermix at Forum Shops, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-731-1922.

Faceted clear quartz complements the hammered sterling silver on this glowing statement ring that can be worn with jeans or with agown. $425. Neiman Marcus at Fashion Show, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd.

S., Las Vegas. 702-731-3636.

Dazzling green, blue and violet gems make this sparkly statement ring add pop to any ensemble. The Tutti Frutti emerald-cut crystal cocktail ring by Lanvin exemplifies “more is more.” $495. Barneys New York at The Shoppes at Palazzo, 3327 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-629-4200.

Understated elegance won’t go unnoticed with a deep-hued rough emerald stone ring by Meira T, surrounded by diamonds and set in yellow gold. $1450. www.iceinthegrove.com, 561-455-4037 22 DAVID KISLEV / TEVET 5773

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The perfect right-handed ring to top any attire, this Oscar de la Renta domeshaped crystal cluster ring is crowned with stones that sparkles next to the New Year’s bubbly. $250. Saks Fifth Avenue at Fashion Show, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-733-8300.

With a multicultural inspiration, this rhodium-plated ring is adorned with sparkling Pointiage® in a gradation of dazzling monochromes. $243.

Swarovski at Forum Shops, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas. 702-836-3257.

Make a simple and classic statement with the ultimate cocktail ring in amethyst, yellow quartz or citrine, set in 18k gold. $1,700.

Tiffany & Co. at Crystals, 3720 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-545-9090.

Add a little twist with a checker-cut amethyst ring, accented with gleaming diamond by Metalsmiths. $325. Jeff White Jewelry at Tivoli Village, 410 S. Rampart Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-220-9099.

Inspired by art deco and old Hollywood glamour, the linear aesthetic roared during the 1920s, like Rachel Zoe’s domed crystal ring, which features bold geometric shapes, a mix of gleaming gold plate and light-catching Swarovski crystals. $195. Neiman Marcus at Fashion Show, 3200 S. Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-731-3636.

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discover Winter in Venice @ Venetian Once again, the Venetian Hotel will be magically transformed into a winter wonderland when Winter in Venice debuts for its second season. Hundreds of skaters, including some skating gondoliers, will take to the ice each day for thirty minute sessions. Decorated with over 2,000 lights and thirty larger-than-life snowflakes, the rink is the largest to ever grace the Las Vegas Strip. Besides skating, there will be a variety of homemade treats available, including hot chocolate and sugar cookies. New this year will be a light show and, for hotel guests, the chance to have an elf tuck sleepy young visitors into bed. Through January 6, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., age 5+. $14-$19.

Venetian Hotel and Casino, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702414-1000. Venetian.com/winter-in-venice

Opportunity Village Magical Forest A long-time Las Vegas tradition, the Opportunity Village Magical Forest will once again be taking place this year from November 21 through January 6, 2013. As always there will be hundreds of beautifully decorated trees, light displays and live entertainment.

Visitors will have a chance to ride one of three passenger trains throughout the Forest, take a trip back in time on the carousel, or try their hand at the six-hole mini golf course. The Jewish Family Service Agency will also be lighting their menorah at the beginning of December. The Magical Forest will be open Sunday through Thursday from 5:30-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 5:30-10 p.m. $9-$17.50. Opportunity Village Magical Forest, 6300 West Oakey Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-259-3700. opportunityvillage.org

No more Chinese Food And Movies!

When Mazel Tov is not enough, when the same old same old just will not do, the poker table is the place to be. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the first annual Jewish Poker Championship will be held at the Venetian Hotel & Casino inside the Sands poker room.

This newly renovated 14,000 sq. ft. poker room, will allow participants to witness the crowning of the “World’s Best Jewish Poker Player.” The organizers have designed a fun-filled Jewish-themed tournament that is open to players of all skill levels and religious affiliations. This two-day event has peaked tremendous interest globally, at time of publishing, players from seven different countries have registered. A unique mix of professionals, novices and celebrity players guarantees all a once in a lifetime opportunity to play with the big boys and girls. The tournament will kick off with the ceremonial breaking of a glass, plus Jewish-themed giveaways throughout the event will add to the excitement. December 24 & 25, (702) 7063031, twitter:@JewishPoker, playjewishpoker.com 24 DAVID KISLEV / TEVET 5773

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mingle

Marjorie and Alex Fatalevich

Ken and Diane Epstein

(left to right) Bob Sabes, Leonard Stone and Janet Sabes

Emily and Mike Novick

(left to right) Elliot B. Karp, Dr. Hugh Bassewitz, Lisa Bassewitz and David Fisher

JEWISH FEDERATION OF LAS VEGAS SPONSORS THE ISRAEL PHILHARMONIC CONCERT IN HONOR OF BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL’S 13TH ANNIVERSARY THE SMITH CENTER MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 Gloria and Mark Fine

Norm Blinder

Toni and Victor Chaltiel

Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson

Dr. Leon and Faye Steinberg

DECEMBER 2012 DAVID

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(left to right) Susana McCurdy, Assist. Sheriff Greg McCurdy, Officer Braden Schrag, Det. Dori Koren and Chase McCurdy

(left to right) Eileen Annes, Shevy Shalev and Linda Sklar

(left to right) Debra Cohen, Ken Bercuson and Rabbi Yocheved Mintz

(left to right) Katie Werner, Helen Feldman and Dana Werner

(left to right) Annette Werner, Seth Werner, Deborah Richman and Keith Richmon

FRIENDS OF THE ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES GALA CAESARS PALACE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25 Mr & Mrs Robert Beyer

(left to right) June Smith, Judith Perez, Hana Zucker, Bonnie Saunders and Valdean Kouretas

(left to right) Sheila Hollo, Damien Guilot and Sara Kay

Tonya Harvey

Israel Airforce Brigadier General Ronen Simchi and FIDF President Julian Josephson

26 DAVID KISLEV / TEVET 5773

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Southwe

W

e Have fully furnished vacation and short-term homes, condos & townhouses. The units are upscale and contemporary at affordable prices. We offer home away from home for the Las Vegas visitor or for families relocating here with availability across the Las Vegas Valley.

SOUTHWEST

Management Group, Inc. VACATION RENTALS & SHORT TERM HOUSING 7560 W. SAHARA AVENUE #107, LAS VEGAS NEVADA, 89117, 702-596-9604

email: michele@swmglv.com

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Dr. Goesel Anson & Lisa Gollard

Caline Schwartz and Yonata Rubin

(left to right) Tammy Ofek, Jaquie Frye and Heidi Glassman

Lisa Bassewitz and Judy Stone

(left to right) Cece Ventura, Melanie Kushnir, Cheryn Serenco and Andrea Behrens

JEWISH FEDERATION OF LAS VEGAS WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY FALL OUTREACH EVENT THE MARKET LV WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24 (left to right) Jessica Poole, Eve Breier and Heidi Rosen

(left to right) Ronda Machlovitz, Debbie Strimling, Heidi Rosen, Alexandra Silver, Karin Sporn and Erin Bendavid

(left to right) Vanessa Yerushalmi, Galit Rozen and Hagar Tripieddi

Tonya Harvey

Jillian Potashnick and Melanie Howard

28 DAVID KISLEV / TEVET 5773

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Mike and Cheryn Serenco

Barbecued Brisket

(left to right) Robert Marcus Greg Abbott and Mike Kroll

(left to right) Sarah Heck , Ken Heck, Ben Heck and Kitty Lam

Grand Champions, Nathan Sigal and Samantha Bann of AEPi

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF SOUTHERN NEVADA BBQ COOK-OFF & HEALTH FAIR JCC SUMMERLIN CAMPUS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 BBQ Judges: Tim Hanson, Head Chef, Rollin’ Smoke BBQ and Yvonne Maatouk, Executive Chef, PBR Rock Bar

(left to right) Dawn Blinder, Molly Blinder and Steven Blinder

Brisketeers Booth: Traci Fradkin and JodySidranski

Tonya Harvey

(left to right) Bree Serenco, Emily Jensch and Hannah Sidranski

30 DAVID KISLEV / TEVET 5773

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This Year Have a

HAPPIER HANUKKAH a e your holiday arrangement a little sweeter with FREE chocolate dipped apple wedges on orders pic up or delivered by ecember 15th

LOCATIONS as Vegas

est 702 25

as Vegas East 702 t. eorge

35

3331

33 2

1

27 0882

STAR OF DAVID CELEBRATION® - Hanukkah With Star of David-shaped pineapple

Make life a little sweeter.

™

8 FREE dipped apple wedges with purchase of any arrangement. Valid at above locations only. Certain delivery restrictions apply. Offer expires 12/15/12 Code: hanu0317

DECEMBER 2012 DAVID

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HADASSAH SOUTHERN NEVADA CHAPTER HOSTS THE DESERT MOUNTAIN REGION FALL MEETING. KEYNOTE SPEAKER, AUTHOR STACEY BATTAT.

Tonya Harvey

EMBASSY SUITES SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10

32 DAVID KISLEV / TEVET 5773

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live INSIDE believe @ 35 know @ 38

THE NUTCRACKER pg. 38

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THE 18TH ANNUAL KOMEN SOUTHERN NEVADA RACE FOR THE CURE速 Saturday, May 4, 2013 | Fremont Street Experience Register Online at www.komensouthernnevada.org 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Be Aware. Get Screened.

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702.822.2324

11/21/12 10:36 AM

March of the Living

sense

Traintracks Through Hell to the Promised Land

I

t’s perhaps one of the most profound journeys into the past. Its mission is to enable Jewish teens to bear witness to a human atrocity in modern history, ensuring that they will never forget and will always remain vigilant against it happening again. It’s called The March of the Living, which had its first pilgrimage in 1988, and it is a tribute to victims of the Holocaust.

A 2-mile walk in silence, from the concentration camp Auschwitz to another called Birkenau, marks the trip. It’s also serves as a hopeful counterpoint to the horrific experiences of hundreds of thousands of Jews, and others, the Nazis forced to march across vast expanses to the death camps. Many perished along the way.

2012 marks the 25th anniversary of MOTL, a procession that takes place each April, corresponding to Yom HaShoah or Holocaust Remembrance Day. Auschwitz More than 11,000 Jewish teens, adults and Holocaust survivors from around the world come together for a week in Poland, a gathering that culminates with the march. Participants from diverse faiths and backgrounds, including some who experienced contemporary persecutions in Rwanda and elsewhere, also join in.

In the days before the march, this massive group of people visit other sites of Nazi persecution in Poland – Treblinka, Majdanek and the Warsaw ghetto – as well as former communities of once-thriving Jewish life and culture in Krakow and Galicia, home of the famous Yeshiva of Lublin.

“The gut-wrenching experience by the end of the week finds relief only when marchers link arms and become one voice as they sing the Hatikvah (Israel’s national anthem and the Hebrew word for hope), and reaffirm Am Yisrael Chai (Hebrew for The Jewish People Live),” said Joel Katz, a 16-year MOTL volunteer and chaperone from New Jersey.

Liz Goodman, a chaperone from Temple Beth Sholom, accompanied 11 Jewish teens from Las Vegas on the trip a few years ago.

“The joy begins after we board a plane in the dark of night back in Warsaw, and land in Tel Aviv (Israel) in the morning sun,” she said.

“There we were greeted by a celebratory welcome breakfast on the

beach. It was so amazing and uplifting!”

A weeklong tour that corresponds to Yom Hazikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day) follows the commemorative arrival.

Participants journey to such places as Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, tracing the founding of modern Israel in 1948 and 3,000 years of Jewish history, while joining millions of Israelis in festivities celebrating their independence.

“We literally were dancing in the streets,” said Las Vegas teen Remy Schlossberg, who went on the trip this year as a high school sophomore.

“In Poland I was so angry,” she recalled. “I was overwhelmed by feelings of revenge for what Hitler did. But once in Israel, as I stood on a rooftop in Tsfat, overlooking what seemed like all of Israel, I realized that the Jewish people were the victors in the end by thriving in this beautiful country that they built from scratch, and that gives so much to the world.”

Remy maintains this sentiment through her involvement with BBYO, and Tzofim – an Israeli scout troop with a chapter in Las Vegas, where she is a counselor.

“Even though this was my second trip to Israel, this time was different,” said Joshua Wexler, a college sophomore whose first pilgrimage was as a high school junior. “I was never so proud to be a Jew … and to feel so committed to never letting this happen again to the Jewish people, or to any people. At school I’m an AIPAC student activist; I’m involved with our campus Hillel; I go often to Friday night services; and I’m a brother in a Jewish fraternity.”

Sandy Mallin and Shirley Chaplin, both congregants at Temple Beth Sholom Las Vegas, were aware of the life-changing impact that MOTL has on Jewish teens. Shirley’s grandchild in New York and Sandy’s nephew in Florida had both been on the trip. Six years ago, when their good friend and fellow congregant, Audrey Merkin, passed away, they wanted to honor her by creating a scholarship fund in her name.

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Joshua Wexler second from right. A sad moment along the march

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“Shirley suggested MOTL as the beneficiary of the fund,” Sandy said. Freddie Glusman, owner of the iconic Piero’s Italian restaurant just off the Strip, offered to underwrite the MOTL fundraising luncheon that Sandy and Shirley chair each year. “At that point we were off and running,” Sandy said.

“One hundred percent of the proceeds from the luncheon go to the Audrey Merkin March of the Living Scholarship Fund. The fund gives money to teens to help make it possible for them to go on the trip,” Sandy continued. “The effort grew substantially, however, when the Las Vegas Jewish Federation stepped in with considerable support.”

Federation President and CEO Elliot Karp views his organization’s contribution to MOTL as an important investment in the future.

“The Federation initially gave $1,000 to each teen who wanted to go on the trip. In its initial years, that translated to between two and seven teens. As MOTL awareness grows throughout the greater Las Vegas Jewish community, more teens are wanting to go. It’s a fairly expensive trip and the Federation is committed to making it possible for all interested teens to participate,” Karp said.

The Federation’s allocation committee approved a $25,000 award

Carly Saxe outside the death bunks at Auschwitz

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Remy Schlossberg far left carrying March of the Living Banner

to MOTL, or essentially $2,000 per teen.

“Truth to tell,” Karp said, “the Federation will increase that amount if necessary to send as many students as possible who wish to go. The Federation feels strongly that this trip not only teaches teens, first hand, about the lessons of the Holocaust and the birth of the State of Israel, it best ensures that they will become living legacies to this critical chapter in our history, especially as we lose more and more survivors each year.”

One of the trip’s hallmarks is to have a Holocaust survivor accompany teens on the journey. Las Vegas survivor Ben Lesser, 83, made the trip in 2010.

“MOTL was one of the most important events I have ever participated in,” he said. After telling his charges about his own experiences, Lesser offered this wisdom: “Remembering the past is the greatest method we have of preventing history from repeating itself.

We have taught, shared and shown you all that we can. It is now up to you.”

Las Vegas teen Carly Saxe went on the trip, and agrees. “It’s every Jewish teen’s responsibility to attend this life-changing journey. We must pass on the stories of the Holocaust survivors to our children and our children’s children for generations to come, so we can ensure that the horrors NEVER happen again.”

MOTL International is the first trip of its kind and it’s geared toward Jewish youth. But it has spawned similar sojourns for varying demographics, including Germans who make the Poland trek to confront horrors perpetrated in some cases by their own parents or grandparents.

Tenth-grader Julia Vogt made the pilgrimage. “It’s something we always have to deal with, that our country did something like that,” she said. “I feel proud to be German, but we can’t say it that way because of what happened.”

MOTL organizers view the trip as having several goals, the loftiest of which is to “inspire participants to commit to building a world free of oppression and intolerance; and a world of freedom, democracy and justice, for all members of the human family.”

For more information or to sign up for the trip, call the Jewish Federation at 702-732-0556; or email Sandy Mallin at SMallin685@aol.com.

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know

Canfield’s Nutcracker Nevada Ballet Theatre Presents a Brand-New Production of ‘The Nutcracker’

C

ommunity. It’s probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you conjure images of the traditional holiday ballet “The Nutcracker.” But community is exactly what’s at the heart of this new tour de force the Nevada Ballet Theatre is staging this December, only at the Smith Center.

At the helm is James Canfield, artistic director, who debuts his first full-length story ballet and NBT’s third production at the Smith Center, Dec. 15-23.

“The Nutcracker is a way of life for every company, large or small,” Canfield says. “There is no other work in the ballet repertoire that embraces the community it serves by extending to all cultures

and diverse populations – where for two hours, everyone has the opportunity to experience something unique and beautiful.” The transplanted Easterner, who has been in Las Vegas for four years, quickly discovered the amazing history here and wanted to be a part of it. “I see art as a magnet to bring Las Vegas together. It does exist and the cultural community is growing,” he says.

This reimagined production introduces new sets, new choreography, new costumes and a fresh perspective on the classic tale of “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” Canfield invites audiences to experience the performance through the eyes of a child. With an exaggerated and wondrous perspective, the classic

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characters of Clara, Drosselmeyer, Mother Ginger and the Sugar Plum Fairy come to life within the walls of a life-sized Victorian dollhouse. Canfield also takes some creative license, introducing fairies based on the four passing seasons. The consistent thread of the production is time. “I took special care to ensure the familial generations of the storyline are celebrated, from childhood to elderly years. Clocks and time are a large part of the cohesion. The available technology also makes an old classic look fresh. We use black surround to create the illusion of sets coming out of a void.”

With special attention paid to inspiration and innovation, DECEMBER 2012 DAVID

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Canfield works with a dynamic design team, including local artists and craftsmen, to bring this production to life so beautifully. Scenery and properties designer Patricia Ruel has previously added her set-design genius to Cirque du Soleil’s “The Beatles LOVE” and “Ka,” as well as to movies, television, award shows and countless stage productions. Acclaimed costume designer Sandra Woodall has designed costumes for many ballet companies around the world, including San Francisco, Norwegian National and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, setting herself apart as THE renowned costume designer in the art of ballet. “Both Patricia and Sandra come from an art history background, which lends itself perfectly to exemplary theater design and costume,” Canfield says.

As a universal language, dance can push aside the differences and struggles we may have in our day-to-day lives and transport us to a world full of wonder. It can bring a diverse community together amid the common ground of appreciation for beauty and support for its local artists.

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Children, parents, professionals and anyone in need can come to the altar of dance and take away memories that last a lifetime.

“The Nutcracker” producers also offer special performances for underserved communities, as well as sponsorship opportunities for local businesses, large and small.

Student dancers are at the heart of “The Nutcracker,” with a 150-member cast that includes children from the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre and NBT’s education and outreach programs, Future Dance and Dance Discovery. “This level of exposure and commitment prepares these young people for what lies ahead in their performance careers, and, therefore, is probably the most important aspect of their training,” Canfield says. Families come together during rehearsals and performances to encourage and celebrate the achievements of their special students. With so many nonstudent roles in the cast, it also gives retired dancers a chance to return to the stage as well. Local celebrities are being invited to decorate their own nutcrackers and pose with

Celebrate Chanukah with a Kosher Krispy Kreme available Valley-Wide.

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them on the red carpet on opening night. “Like no other production in Las Vegas, there are countless facets that allow the community to get involved,” Canfield says.

Musicians, production crew, ushers, box office and concession personnel, along with volunteers and parents of students, also come together in a production that embraces, engages and involves the community. With the addition of the Smith Center and the integration of Nevada Ballet Theatre in its inaugural season there, Las Vegas is making strides to become a community every inhabitant should be proud to call home. And “The Nutcracker” fits into this mold with grace and ease.

“The Nutcracker” runs Dec. 15-23 at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave. Ticket prices range from $45-$158 (plus fees). To order, call the Smith Center box office, (702) 749-2000, or visit www.nevadaballet.org.

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think INSIDE Lets Get Oiled @ 44 Spin Spin Spin @ 50 What The Frack! @ 54

WHAT THE FRACK! pg. 54

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think

Let’s

Get Oiled

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It’s A Miracle! It Will Last Eight Nights

By Marilyn LaRocque • Photographs by Steven Wilson

W

hy should Hanukkah be just for the kids? “Gambling” with dreidels, noshing on their gilt-wrapped chocolate gelt gains and receiving gifts and treats! Don’t adults deserve equal enjoyment? What better accompaniment to a crispy golden brown, potato latke than a well mixed tipple. Depending on your poison savory or dessert toppings are a must.

So we phoned Drew Levinson, manager of beverage development at Wirtz Beverage Nevada, for inspiration. If ever there was a guy who knows how to shake a tasty libation, it is he. For twice the pleasure, he doubled down and involved his colleague, Andrew Pollard, beverage development specialist for the company. Since Hanukkah flows through eight days, so do the drinks. Kick back with your family; relax with friends; savor the seasonal camaraderie.

Although a health-conscious diet is not paramount in any holiday celebration, Drew and Andrew have delved into spice cabinets for dill and cinnamon, sought sweets (agave, honey) and selected fruits (lemons, blood oranges) as counterpoint to what, hands-down, has to rank as the most super-saturated, cholesterol-laden holiday on the Jewish, or any other, calendar. The caveat is that you don’t get “fried” soaking up these refreshments.

Local liquor sources should have the liquid ingredients, and supermarkets can add the frills. (Total Wine has assured us they stock all the bottled necessities.)

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To launch your celebration, mix up a batch of Mazel Tov Cocktails, guaranteed to make any party a blast. The season is synonymous with bubbles, and Asti Spumante kicks up the froth. You’ll mine your share of gelt from the edible gold flakes scattered on top. Cocktail cognoscenti will recognize this as a knockoff of a French 75.

Stock up with corned beef on rye and Kosher pickles from the deli to pair with Kosher and Dill, a Bloody Mary spiked with pickle-infused Ketel One vodka. If you have a problem breaking the ice, The Schmoozer will quickly have you working the room. The Templeton Rye Whiskey, Al Capone’s favorite, will blow you away.

It’s easy to execute. It’s like a “Manhattan” punch, and you can make a batch the day before and let guests ladle their own.

You won’t have to trek to the Catskills for a Dirty Shtick, although this spinoff of a classic Irish coffee, featuring Jack Daniel’s Honey Whiskey, may cause people not to take each other seriously and could even motivate them to cozy up to an electric fireplace. Sip Sloe Nosh slowly with your favorite nibbles. Glenfiddich 15 Solera Reserve Whisky, aged in three different barrels before it’s bottled, deserves to be savored. It has Scottish chutzpah.

If childhood memories warm your heart at Hanukkah, Gelty Pleasure made with hot chocolate and Smirnoff’s new “Whipped Vodka” is your money drink. If Hanukkah has you running at full tilt, you have a lot in common with Pancho Villa’s horse, Siete Leguas (Seven Leagues). He reportedly could run seven leagues (a league equals about three miles) — at full gallop — without tiring. You’ll be ready for the seventh cocktail, Day of Rest, a ringer for a blood orange margarita, made with Siete Leguas Blanco Tequila.

Finally, collapse in your favorite recliner at the end of the eighth day with Oy Vey and a plate full of sufganiyot to comfort you. With 360 Vodka’s latest flavor addition, “Glazed Doughnut,” vodka and hard maltbased lemonade in your glass, you’ll soon change your tune to L’ Chaim!

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Mazel Tov Cocktail 1.5 oz. Damrak Gin 0.5 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur 1 oz. fresh lemon juice 0.5 oz. simple syrup Top Martini Sparkling Asti Garnish: Edible Gold Flakes Glass: Cocktail Method: Pour Asti into a chilled glass. Combine all ingredients (sans Asti) in a mixing glass with ice; shake vigorously and strain over poured Asti. Garnish.

Kosher & Dill 2 oz. roasted garlic – pickle-infused Ketel One Vodka* 4 oz. Powell & Mahoney Bloody Mary Mix top with cracked black pepper/Kosher salt Garnish: Matzo cracker/dill sprig Glass: Bucket Method: Combine vodka & mix into a mixing glass with ice, roll gently and dump into a bucket glass. (It is imperative NOT to shake a Bloody Mary to avoid over-dilution). * INFUSION METHOD: Begin infusing by pouring one 750ml bottle of Ketel One Vodka into a batching vessel with whole roasted garlic bulb and two whole dill pickles sliced lengthwise. Refrigerate for 24-48 hours until desired flavor is reached. Strain out mixture and store in fridge again.

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The Schmoozer

Dirty Shtick

1.5 oz. cranberry-infused Templeton Rye Whiskey* 0.5 oz. Cherry Heering liqueur 1 oz. Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth 2-3 dash Angostura aromatic bitters

1.5 oz. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey 1 oz. Ginger-SNAP liqueur Double shot fresh brewed espresso 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters

Garnish: Marasca cherry Glass: Bucket and Large Format Ice

Top: Whipped Cream and Fresh Grated Nutmeg Garnish: Cinnamon Stick Glass: Hot Toddy Mug

Method: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir gently and strain over a 2-inch ice cube and garnish.

Method: Combine all ingredients in a warm mug, stir and top with vanilla cream. Garnish.

* INFUSION METHOD: Begin infusion by adding 1cup of dried cranberries with a 1/4 cup of sugar with 750 ml of Templeton Rye Whiskey in a batching vessel. Stir gently. Proceed to infuse for 24-48 hours until desired flavor is achieved. Strain infusion and refrigerate.

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Sloe Nosh 1 oz. Glenfiddich 15 Solera Reserve Whisky 1 oz. Plymouth Sloe Gin 1 oz. fresh lemon juice 0.5 oz. Monin pomegranate syrup (aka Grenadine) Dash Pasteurized egg white Top: Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple Cider Garnish: Rosemary Picked Cherry Glass: Cocktail Method: Pour cider into a chilled glass. Combine all ingredients (sans cider) in a mixing glass with ice, shake vigorously and strain over poured cider. Garnish.

Gelty Pleasure

yo

1.5 oz. Smirnoff Whipped Vodka 1 oz. Crave Chocolate Mint Liqueur 3 oz. prepared hot chocolate 2–3 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters

z z z.

z z

Top: Hand-Whipped Cream Garnish: Shaved Chocolate and Mint sprig Glass: Irish Coffee Mug

arn lass eth

Method: Combine all ingredients in warm mug and stir. Top with hand-whipped cream and garnish.

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Day of Rest 1.5 oz. Siete Leguas Blanco Tequila 0.5 oz. Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur 1 oz. fresh lime juice 0.5 oz. fresh blood orange juice 1.5 oz. agave syrup (1:1 dilution agave nectar-hot water) Garnish: Orange & Lime Wheels Glass: Lowball/Bucket Method: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, shake and strain over fresh ice. Garnish.

Oy Vey! 1.5 oz. 360 Glazed Doughnut Vodka 0.5 oz. Chambord raspberry liqueur 1 oz. coconut cream (1:1 Coco Real-Half & Half ) Top: Mike’s Hard Raspberry Lemonade Garnish: Mini Doughnut Glass: Collins Method: Combine all ingredients (sans Mike’s) in a mixing glass with ice, shake and strain over Mike’s. Garnish.

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think

Spin,

Spin,

Spin

A Short History of the Prayers and the Players

By Jaq Greenspon

I

n Vegas, we know something about letting it all ride on a single twist of fate. We know how to place our bets and watch the spin for early signs of whether we’re going to be successful. And I’m not talking about the desperate folks gathered around the roulette wheel at 3 in the morning. No, the die-hards here risking their hard won gelt are the kids in your family, the under-12s sitting cross-legged on the floor spinning a dreidel in hopes the four-sided top comes up gimel and not shin so they can take the whole pot and not have to put three of their own into the evergrowing kitty.

If you grew up Jewish, this scene is not unfamiliar to you.

There is something enticingly decadent about the little yellow plastic net bags filled with gold foil-covered chocolate treats. The possibility of getting more than your original share by simply

spinning a dreidel often was worth the risk of losing it all to your younger siblings, cousins or neighborhood friends.

But where did this little game come from, and why does it intrigue us so? And what’s the Vegas connection?

Oh dreidel dreidel dreidel, I made it out of clay, and when it’s dry and ready, oh dreidel I will play This is a traditional Hanukkah song, with lyrics in English and Yiddish about making and playing the game of dreidel (the primary difference in meaning is that in English the singer is playing the game while in Yiddish the singer has personified things and actually is the dreidel). The traditional dreidel has four sides, each with a singular Hebrew letter – ‫( נ‬nun), ‫( ג‬gimel), ‫ה‬

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(hay), and (shin). If you’ve spent any time at all around Jewish children during this time of year, you’ll have been told these four letters are, in fact, an abbreviation for Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, which loosely translates as “A great miracle happened there.” This alludes to the miracle of Hanukkah itself, the oil that was only supposed to burn for one night (but miraculously lasted the eight nights) needed to replenish the oil supply and keep the eternal flame burning over the altar in the Holy Temple (The Second Temple, now the site of The Dome of the Rock). Of course, if you happen to be playing in Jerusalem, home to that particular historic structure, it makes sense the letters and abbreviation changes from (shin - Sham) to (pie - Poh), indicating a great miracle happened here. In the first (and granted, more popular) case, the four letters also serve as a reminder of the rules of the

game: In Yiddish, nun represents niche or nothing, hay equals had, half, gimel is gants or all while the dreaded shin is shtel meaning put in (in Israel the poh fills in and stands for pay).

Additionally, all good Jewish children are taught the dreidel’s history. It was at one point a way for devoted members of the faith to fool their oppressors, (pick one, you have several throughout history) who had forbidden Jewish study, by pulling it out whenever the authorities would come around as the Torah was being studied. Also, as Rabbi David Golinkin points out in an article on MyJewishLearning.com, if you look at it through the lens of gematroit, which is “numerological explanations based on the fact that every Hebrew letter has a numerical equivalent,” the four letters add up to 358, which, coincidentally, is the numerical equivalent of the Messiah.

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Rabbi Golinkin goes even one step further by explaining the four letters “are supposed to represent the four kingdoms which tried to destroy us [in ancient times]: N = Nebuchadnezzar = Babylon; H = Haman = Persia = Madai; G = Gog = Greece; and S = Seir = Rome.”

That’s a lot of symbolism to put on one little top, but then again, we Jews, we’re story tellers. We’re good at understanding symbolism and using it to enrich and enhance our faith. There’s only one problem: None of these stories are factual for its time - they are all abbreviations – invented after the fact.

Truth be told, the game’s origins have nothing to do with Judaism. It’s been around for hundreds of years and played in variations by many different cultures and people. Specifically, there are references to the game teetotum, which, according to Rabbi Golinkin, “is first mentioned as “totum” ca. 1500-1520. The name comes from the Latin “totum,” which means “all.” By 1720, the game was called T- totum or teetotum, and by 1801 the four letters already represented four words in English: T = Take all; H = Half; P = Put down; and N = Nothing.”

There are representations of the top that would become the dreidel in the painting “Children’s Games (1560)” by the Elder.

But taking over a 16th century English game is nothing for the resilient dreidel.

Rachel Solomon, in a column on JewishBoston.com, has discovered modern variations that take their cues from card games, including No Limit Texas Dreidel and Strip Dreidel, as well as a Drinking Dreidel game (which has the same rules as regular dreidel, just replacing gelt with your alcohol of choice — see our article in this issue about new holiday drinks for suggestions). In the end, though, playing dreidel really comes down to one thing: risking something on the spin of a foursided top.

Then again, that’s not an original idea, either, although I’m not sure we can lay responsibility at the feet of the 16th century English. This is a human idea; the idea of risk versus reward is all over Wall Street.

We all want to benefit from an action (that is get a reward) for as little personal involvement as possible, i.e., the risk of losing what we already have.

All of a sudden, Vegas starts to make a little more sense. We are a town built on the long odds and the short haul, something we, as Jews, have been doing with the dreidel for a while, so it makes sense that we see the opportunity inherent in Nevada, a state founded on speculation. See, Jews have been in Nevada since there was a Nevada. According to the Online Nevada Encyclopedia, the first Jews in the state were responsible for creating the “mercantile infrastructure” for the miners coming to seek their fortune in the silver and gold quarries. Back then, we were still spinning the dreidel ourselves, risking the comfort and security of our East Coast businesses in hopes of grabbing a small piece of the precious metals coming out of the ground. It follows the pattern: Small risk (we know the miners need stuff) for big reward (they’re going to have a fair bit of disposable income).

In 1931, when Nevada took the drastic measure of re-legalizing gambling in an effort to stave off the Depression (it had been legal up until 1911), there were already Jews in the business. “Jew Nick” Abelman was operating saloons and gambling halls in Goldfield, about three (of today’s) hours north of Vegas, since 1906. By ’31 Abelman was up in Reno with Abe Zetooney and the Bulasky brothers, all of whom were operating casinos when they became legal again.

Reno had nothing on its southern cousin, though. In the mid40s, Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel (born Siegelbaum) was convinced to take over the construction of the Flamingo Hotel for the East Coast Mob and thereby ushered in the modern Vegas we know and love.

He courted celebrities by building luxury suites and put in lounges

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and showrooms for high-end entertainment, but was counting on the urge of the commoners to want to run the risk/reward system he knew quite well, having experienced it himself growing up as a minor hoodlum in a large Jewish family in Brooklyn. He knew that gambling was the big draw and the rest of the accoutrements were there to please the spouses.

Siegel only opened the floodgates, though. As The Strip began to grow, places like Caesars Palace, The Dunes, Desert Inn, Sahara, Aladdin, Tropicana, Riviera and the Sands were all, according to the ONE, built or owned by members of the Tribe. Today, the Sands, which has been rebuilt and rechristened as the Venetian/Palazzo, is one of the few mega-resorts still owned or guided by a single Jewish vision. In the ‘60s, Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, who grew up a poor Jewish kid on the West Side of Chicago, took Siegel’s vision of what a Vegas casino could be and made it a reality. He introduced female blackjack dealers, as well as a certain sense of style and class to every casino he ran. At the height of his power, it was four houses – the Stardust, Fremont, Hacienda and Marina. But what Rosenthal did to change Vegas most of all was create a place for those who didn’t believe in the randomness of the games – the lucky spin of the top – and instead preferred to place their risk in their own hands, on the idea that their own knowledge could factor in the outcome. He instituted the sports book.

And he was successful. His patrons now had a choice of how they wanted to risk their money. It was either chance or an investment.

Either way the outcome wasn’t in doubt. Dr. Frank Murtha, quoted in NuWire Investor, explains: “Investing is a form of gambling; it’s just that the odds aren’t against you. When it comes to risk perception, certainly some people have a much greater appetite for it than others. It’s going to have a lot to do with what their

goals are ... as well as their personalities.” Sometimes, it’s not even their personalities but a genetic trait that can get people involved with these games of chance. Several Israeli researchers, led by professor Richard Ebstein, discovered a gene, DRD4, which is linked particularly to thrill-seeking and, by extension, gambling.

It seems there are a number of reasons we enter the casinos, then – by choice, by genetic predisposition or by cultural memory (personally, my fingers get twitchy and I can taste the specific flatness of gold-foil covered chocolate every time I pass by a roulette wheel) – but the one consistency you will hear around every gaming table or in every sports book when one team or another scores is the invocation of the great deity. Where does the Big Guy come down on this risk/reward question? Well, as Jews we’re OK … mostly.

Rabbi Louis Jacobs, in his book The Jewish Religion: A Companion, equates gambling, which is never explicitly mentioned in the Bible, with the casting of lots, which is mentioned numerous times, although lots are mentioned more in reference to divination. Jacobs quotes German halakhist Jair Hayyim Bacharach (1639-1702), who allows for “divine providence to operate in favor of the winner” using Proverbs 16:33 as support: “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.” As for spinning the dreidel during Hanukkah, Rabbi R. Berel Wein points out that “while not necessarily condoning the practice, (rabbinical response) does not expressly forbid it either.”

At the end of the day, we, as Jews, have come not only to accept gambling, especially around the winter holiday, but to expect it as well. We are ready, willing and able to fulfill our part of the heritage, especially here in Las Vegas, to risk what we have for the possibility of something more. And no matter what the result, we will look up and thank God for the privilege of just being allowed to play.

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WTF! (What The Frack!)

For the Tribe, Dealing With a Limited Oil Supply is Nothing New

By Brian Sodoma

A

t its core, Hanukkah is the celebration of oil. This can often go overlooked thanks to dreidels, latkes, gift giving and the festivities of the holiday season. But olive oil in the Hanukkah story brings significance beyond its use to purify the holy temple reclaimed from Greek aggressors. While the Hanukkah miracle of getting eight days of light from one day’s supply of olive oil serves to inspire, our nation also seems to be trying to shape its own miracle story by hoping for policies that lead to oil independence. Unfortunately, with today’s realities, progress is slow and patience a requirement.

Some statistics indicate America’s current oil policy is heading in the right direction. That, however, does not point to relief

at the pump anytime soon, if ever. The U.S. has spent the past seven years cutting its oil consumption while increasing its own production. That’s a good thing.

In 2005, America’s reliance on imported oil hit its peak at about 13 million barrels a day. Production was at its lowest in 2005 as well, hovering between 7 and 8 million barrels a day, according to the Energy Information Administration. These were economic boom years. Fuel-efficient cars and conservation were definitely on the backburner as topics. Not surprisingly, U.S. oil consumption hit its peak in 2005 as well, at a little more than 20 million barrels a day.

The good news is we are now consuming about 10 percent

54 DAVID KISLEV / TEVET 5773

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less oil than during those peak years, largely from consumers making different spending decisions, better vehicle fuel efficiency and the increased use of domestic biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. America’s oil production also has climbed to roughly 10 million barrels a day.

Pricing sticking points With the U.S. producing more oil and consuming less, one would expect at least some short-term drops in price.

Stephen Brown, head of UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research, a member of the EIA’s advisory board,

believes much of the recent gas price escalation can be tied to increased demand from India and China. Growing economies in those areas of the world have created more wealth and the ability to buy cars. Even though the cars being bought in China and India are small by American standards, there are enough of them to create an interesting irony.

“Essentially, their desire to drive little cars is pushing us out of big cars in the U.S. toward little cars,” Brown says.

Oil price volatility is unlikely to stop in the near future, and for a variety of reasons, says Hillard Huntington, executive director of the Energy Modeling

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Forum at Stanford University. Oil’s exposure to price shocks can be tied to a few factors, one of which is disruptions. Even if America could produce all of its own oil, a disruptive natural disaster somewhere in the world or a political crisis in the Middle East could destabilize prices.

“Drilling (for) more oil is not the best insurance policy against that,” Huntington says. “In the case of a disruption, if you produce oil, you have someone coming to you saying they are willing to pay more for your oil, and there’s no way to stop it.”

Using North American oil also brings its own set of processing problems. Much of today’s oil is heavier and found in shale deposits along the U.S.-Canada divide. It requires more processing, with bigger environmental impacts, Brown explains.

“There doesn’t seem to really be a problem with getting liquids.

It’s just that it’s going to be a liquid that requires more effort to produce than the oil produced in Texas in the 1950s,” Brown adds.

Fracking technology — fluid injected into rock creates large cracks to allow oil to flow from the ground — has evolved greatly in the past decade. But it still costs more to extract fracked oil, even though it’s closer to home, and that means upward pressure on the price, Huntington says. Oil prices below $70 or $80 a barrel, he says, make this type of production unsustainable now.

The prospect of continued higher gasoline prices threatens the local economy, according to Jeremy Aguero of Applied Analysis, a Southern Nevada economic research firm. He worries less about the impact on tourism than the slow, steady climb in the price of food and durable goods, which can suck the life out of a consumption-based economy.

“The bigger long-term concern,” he says, “is whether sustained higher gas prices are going to not just make a tank more expensive, but actually extract a significant amount of revenue from the broader economy.”

The supply question Anyone who has taken a college science course in the past few decades has doubtlessly encountered frightening predictions about a depleted worldwide oil supply. Some environmental and economic experts expect the pools to dry up by 2100 or a little later. No wonder plenty of voices warn that the world must wean itself from oil sooner rather than later.

Jorgen Randers is a professor of climate strategy at the Norwegian Business School and author of “2052 – A Global Forecast for The Next Forty Years.” He expects 40 percent of the world energy supply to be renewable by 2050, and a fossil fuel-free world by 2100.

“We already know there is enough solar energy and technology to run the world 10,000 times over,” he says. “The only reason it is not implemented on a large scale is that it is more expensive than fossil energy at this time.”

Regardless of whether his timeline is accurate there is plenty of debate over how quickly the shift to alternatives should occur. Huntington says some experts make dire predictions about oil depletion without factoring in price fluctuations and their impacts on consumption and technological advances. He envisions oil supplies lasting about 100 years or a little more.

Brown avoids the extreme predictions, but says: “Between 2050 and 2100, with what people can see out there, it becomes more difficult to argue that we won’t run out of oil.”

Bigger changes As solar, geothermal and wind technologies slowly evolve, vehicle technologies will likely do the same, experts say. An all-electric motor fleet won’t necessarily mitigate the need to rethink our view of transportation as a whole. No battery will ever power a plane, says Richard Heinberg, author of “The End of Growth” and a senior fellow at the Post Carbon Institute, a California-based group committed to helping relocalize economies, meaning bring them closer to the consumer. Because of environmental impacts, he argues, many of today’s gasoline substitutes, such as biodiesel and ethanol, are not long-term solutions. The planet must shift, he says, its “expectations of high mobility.”

“The best solution to our transportation situation is finding ways to do less of it,” he says. “We had a much less mobile society 50 or 100 years ago. But transition is the trick. We have to plan for less mobility, relocalize a lot of production. And if we do that I think that we can make the adjustment. But if we just hang up on finding direct substitutes for gasoline and jet fuel, I think we’ll probably not be very successful.”

Huntington sees a gradual evolution toward different forms of energy, not unlike the shift from coal to oil in the 19th and 20th centuries. But placing target dates on when the shift must occur is unrealistic, he says.

“I don’t think we have to spend and push the process along quicker than it’s going,” Huntington says. “If you push technology too hard, you may lose some great opportunities along the way. You don’t want to just say ‘move to electric vehicles.’ There may be a development in gas vehicles that makes a lot more sense. You want to keep that option open and, ultimately, that’s the transition that’s happening now.”

But prosperity, locally and abroad, may get in the way. More money in people’s pockets and temporary gas price declines could rob car manufacturers and consumers of the initiative to conserve.

“This is an expansion (fuel efficiency and reduced consumption) that really is definitely a product of the higher prices,” he says, “and that’s important to remember.”

56 DAVID KISLEV / TEVET 5773

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Blanche Meisel, Giver Community Leader, Art Lover and Philanthropist Blanche Meisel is an eshet hayil (Hebrew for a woman of valor and wisdom) by all standards.

Married to Phil Meisel for 63 years, she raised four sons and has 10 grandchildren; she has been a pillar of strength, generosity and contribution for 57 years to her family and in the communities she’s served. She and Phil retired to Las Vegas from New Jersey 14 years ago, but Blanche has continued to give her time, leadership and financial support to such organizations as AIPAC, Temple Beth Sholom, Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, Solomon Schechter Day School, Jewish Family Service Agency, Adelson Educational Campus, Florence Melton School for Adult Jewish Learning, Hadassah, Jewish Community Center, Las Vegas Art Museum, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival. Blanche is honorary chair for the 2012 Women’s League (WL) for Conservative Judaism’s biennial convention (held this year in Las Vegas). She has been a WL board member since 1978, including a stint as president of the former Northern New Jersey Branch, including vice president and Torah Fund patron chair supporting the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS).

Unfazed by her numerous recognitions, she prefers to focus on the needs and deeds of others.

MEISEL: No. Prior to the Temple, a neighbor suggested I go to a Hadassah meeting. I loved it! One night a week I got to leave my darling children at home to attend meetings.

It was a nice break! I eventually became a vice president. But Sisterhood is where I contributed and held leadership roles at the local branch (now called regional) and national levels all these years.

DAVID: What’s the driving force behind your years of dedicated giving?

MEISEL: Soviet Jewry introduced me to broader social action issues. We don’t live solely in our own small or large communities.

Helping our fellow goes beyond our backyards.

MEISEL: I would have to say gratitude. I was raised by loving immigrant parents in a beautiful, historic neighborhood of Chicago, and (I am) grateful for the opportunities they gave me. Gratitude fuels giving. I’m also blessed with a caring and responsible husband, who’s made it possible for me to do what I do.

DAVID: How did you and Phil meet?

MEISEL: At college at the University of Illinois. We got married in 1949 and for a while moved around either for Phil’s education or work. I worked … as a nutritionist, social worker and teacher … and our boys were born. Eventually, we settled in Springfield, N.J. We joined Temple Beth Am, a Conservative congregation. Our children attended Hebrew School there and I joined the Sisterhood, which is what it was called back then … now it’s Women’s League.

DAVID: Your volunteer resume reads more like a Ph.D in Tikkun Olam (Hebrew for “repairing the world”). Did your career begin with the Sisterhood?

DAVID: Any eye-openers along the way?

MEISEL: Our WL branch was involved with a division of the Jewish Federation that was helping Soviet Jewry. We learned of their plight from speakers, including Avital Sharansky, who was fighting for her husband Natan’s freedom from imprisonment in Siberia. A few years later, I traveled to the Soviet Union with a dieticians group. Of course, I ventured beyond and met with Jews in Moscow and other cities, bringing back information and smuggled out their notes and letters. Locally, I later helped to resettle those who came here.

DAVID: Did this have an impact on your sense of social justice?

DAVID: Much of what you support involves Jewish education.

MEISEL: Education at all levels defines our moral and ethical behavior and thus how we choose to live our lives. That’s why I also supported The Las Vegas Art Museum as a docent and board member for 10 years before it closed. The best part was taking the schoolchildren around, many of whom had never been to a museum, and for whom this was a revelation. I was also thrilled to have brought the Prate Hagaddah from the JTS Library to the museum for a very successful exhibit.

DAVID: You and Phil continue to stay involved with so many worthy causes. How do you manage it?

MEISEL: Sometimes I feel like Barbra Streisand’s character in The Way We Were — one project after another. But, then again, isn’t that what life’s all about?

58 DAVID KISLEV / TEVET 5773

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