A Publication of the Greensboro Jewish Federation, Greensboro, North Carolina www.shalomgreensboro.org
VOL. 40, NO. 9 - MAY 2015, IYAR - SIVAN 5775
FOSTERING COMMITMENT AND RESOURCES WHICH STRENGTHEN AND ENRICH JEWISH LIFE LOCALLY, NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY
Tikkun Olam…The dollars that you give to Federation help us Repair the World…for you, for your family, for your community, for Israel and for the Jewish people.
Stop Hunger Now!
Beltsy Synagogue goers
Celebrating Israel
In Ethiopia
I have seen your dollars at work…
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tories in Shalom Greensboro, even when accompanied by photos, cannot come close to conveying the real impact of your dollars. As Director of Campaign and Community Relations for Greensboro Jewish Federation over the past 12 years, I have had the privilege to see how your donations touch, change and save the lives of so many. Continued on page 3
Inside:
Page 2 - Annual Meeting Pages 4 - Leonard Kaplan, z”l Page 7 - Passover at JFS
Federation
2 SHALOM GREENSBORO
May 2015
All members of the Greensboro Jewish community are invited to join us for the
2015 Annual Meeting
The Greensboro Jewish Federation Maimonides Society presents
Tuesday, June 9, 2015 7:00 p.m. Federation Building Update on the year’s events Special Desserts
Overseas Connections
North Carolina Health Care Providers share their experiences working in Beltsy, Moldova Sunday, May 3 at 7 p.m. Greensboro Jewish Federation Guest speakers: Dr. Bill Crouther, UNCG Dr. Daniel Hassell, Radiologist Dr. Claire Sanger, Plastic Surgeon Dr. Cheryl Siegel, Raleigh, NC Dr. Sigmund Tannenbaum with introductions by Dr. Steve Mackler The dessert event is free of charge, registration is required. Spouses and significant others are welcome. Register online at www.shalomgreensboro.org. For more information or to RSVP contact: dhines@shalomgreensboro.org or call Dianne Hines at 336-852-5433 x 233.
Please RSVP: Christina Shiffler: 336-862-5433 x238 or cshiffler@shalomgreensboro.org
The Maimonides Society, chaired by Dr. Gary Fischer, is open to all healthcare professionals, residents and healthcare students and is committed to providing social, educational and philanthropic networking opportunities for all allied healthcare professionals in the Triad Jewish community.
Honoring our 2015 Campaign Chairs, Outgoing Trustees, and staff.
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he board and staff of American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev mourn the passing of Leonard Kaplan, a great humanitarian and passionate philanthropist.
Leonard dedicated his life to encouraging global change through innovative philanthropy, bringing like-minded organizations together to do good more effectively. As founder of The Alliance for Global Good, he encouraged innovative solutions to poverty, health and environmental issues worldwide. Grants provided to Ben-Gurion University supported a unique collaboration between Jordan and Israel in emergency medicine training and in water desalination, as well as a deworming program in Ethiopia and more. Leonard whole-heartedly worked to make the world a better place for his children and grandchildren. He will be sorely missed. We extend our deepest condolences to his partner in love and philanthropy, his wife, Tobee; his children Lyn, Scott and Randall; his grandchildren; and all who mourn his loss. May they be comforted among the
In Memoriam
Leonard Kaplan
mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Lloyd Goldman, President Doron Krakow, Executive Vice President Keren Waranch, Regional Director
www.shalomgreensboro.org From the Campaign Trail
Federation
Victoria Milstein, 2015 Women’s Campaign Chair
and around the world. I would say that he led the way by example and that this example has made Greensboro one of the s we wrap up the most generous Jewish 75th Anniversary of the Greensboro Jewish communities in the country. Federation and the 2015 I moved here four years Campaign I would like ago and did not know him to talk to you about an well, but felt comforted amazing man. A man by Leonard and Tobee’s who was an active part and the Kaplan family's of the Federation and the conviction and commitment community for so many to Greensboro Jewish life. years, Leonard Kaplan Their leadership helped me was a shining star who realize that as campaign left a light for us all to chair, I was doing vitally follow. important work. Victoria Milstein, I sat in awe as Marilyn Leonard expected us 2015 Women’s Chandler and family and to rise to the occasion Campaign Chair friends of Leonard spoke at saying, “I'm doing this his recent memorial service and you must do the about all he brought our same.” He wasn't shy about community and the life of Federation. encouraging others to give or to let them How he created a culture of “Can And know that they should give generously. Must Do” actions to help those in need, He truly believed that together, we could engage our youth, support our educational make this world a better place. institutions, stand up for our seniors and I think that Leonard would have strengthen Jewish communities in Israel
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been proud of some of our new creative opportunities that Federation introduced this year to inspire donors. In honor of Federation’s 75 years, a new donor gift of $75 or more is being matched and current donor’s raising their gift by 7.5% are also matched. More than 350 people have taken advantage of this match and raised their gifts to the 2015 Campaign. As we say goodbye to Leonard Kaplan, we can all look back and learn from this very special man. His life epitomized the love of his Jewish community and his sense of Tikkun Olam: healing and repairing the world. I have learned through his example that I can make a difference. He knew that the Federation was an effective, meaningful and impactful Jewish organization that works to sustain Jewish life today and into the future. Together we will feel the warmth from his bright neshamah as we continue our good work. I want to thank those of you who have made your 2015 pledge and to those who have not, please help us finish this Campaign and reach our 75th Anniversary goal.
I have seen your dollars at work…
2003: At a time when IsraeliPalestinian relations were marked by hundreds of suicide bombings over a three year period, when tourists were avoiding Israel and the Israeli economy was suffering, I accompanied a Greensboro delegation to Israel and saw first-hand how the brave men, women, and children of Israel lived their day-today lives. We learned what we could do to help them feel as secure as possible and address their humanitarian needs during the current conflict. The last day of our visit, members of the Greensboro Federation along with thousands of North American Jews walked arm in arm in a public demonstration to show solidarity with the people of Israel. We marched from Binyenei HaUma Convention Center to the heart of Jerusalem and along the route we were joined by Israelis young and old. When we reached Zion Square, we celebrated together the spirit and vitality of Am Yisrael Chai. We were Jews together, committed to the future of Israel and the future of the Jewish people. This was your dollars at work. In 1999, Operation Solomon, a massive secret airlift brought thousands of Ethiopian Jews home to Israel in 36 hours. It was a moment in Jewish history that your dollars made happen. Years later, the remaining Falas Mura were brought home to Israel with your help. 2007: I sat with a young girl, Liat, in Ethiopia swatting flies from her face as she ate the simple meal provided by the Mother Theresa Clinic in Addis Ababa. Her father and the village elder sat with a social worker answering questions and preparing papers so she could make aliyah with her family to Israel. I later held her hand as Dr. Rick Hodes administered necessary
A home visit in Beltsy, Moldova
vaccinations. Together we watched her brother standing in front of a white sheet with a photographer taking his picture for his passport documents. A week later, I joined other members of Jewish Federations of North America and helped welcome Liat and her family as they arrived at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. I have seen your dollars at work. Interfaith Missions have been a long standing outreach effort by our Federation. Working with other faith communities here at home through a two year collaborative called the Faith Club allowed many of us to take a journey in our own back yard with our Muslim, Jewish, Quaker, Buddhist, Hindu and Christian neighbors. 2008-2010: It all began with a simple conversation following a Federation program where Noni Darwish had shared her insight into the world of Islamic radicalism and jihad. A member of St. Frances Episcopal Church approached me and asked if we could talk further about how Darwish had challenged us to look for the moderate voice in religions. The speech that night became a seed for a two year Interfaith partnership that resulted in relationship building with religious institutions across the Triad. Working with St. Frances, our committee planned an event featuring
SHALOM GREENSBORO 3 What Role Do You Play In Raising $1.6 M?
$1.6M $1,180, 970
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the authors of The Faith Club—A Muslim. A Christian. A Jew. Three Women Search for Understanding. Over 900 people attended and the desire for continued learning was evident. Over a two year period, our Triad Faith Club gathered in the homes of our partners representing the Hindu, Muslim, Quaker, Episcopal and Jewish faiths as well as the Piedmont Interfaith Council. We deepened our understanding of one another and the trust, laughter and joy we shared united us.
supplements that could vastly improve his condition. She had been unable to purchase them in Moldova. As I gave her the bag filled with a six month’s supply, her eyes fill with tears and she hugged and thanked me. In my heart, I thanked all of you, our donors in Greensboro, who made this moment possible.
In March 2010 at Beth David Synagogue, the Faith Club partnered with Stop Hunger NOW and together we packaged 50,000 meals to be sent to impoverished countries around the world. As the late afternoon approached and we were wrapping up the day's work, I will never forget our Muslim partners approaching Rabbi Havivi and asking if they could pray in the lobby of the synagogue. We all stopped, giving them time to pray and together we remembered God and the greater meaning of our lives. The Faith Club represented our Federation’s mutual understanding, respect and compassion for one another. This was your dollars at work.
Last week: A phone call from a newcomer: “Hello, I just moved to the area from Virginia and I didn’t know who to call. My move has been unexpected and difficult and I was lucky to receive counseling through my Federation where I lived. Is there someone, anyone, who I can speak with?” Because of your dollars, I could easily say yes.
Not only does our work breathe life back into Jewish communities in the Former Soviet Union…it saves lives. 2013: In Beltsy, Moldova, a young mother waited in the driveway to greet our delegation’s van as we pulled into the Beltsy Jewish Community Center that your dollars helped build. I had been communicating with Violeta for the past several months through the social workers on ground in Beltsy and working with our JDC partners in Kishinev. Her young son, Oleg, was suffering from cystic fibrosis and was in need of vitamin
Sometimes people find us, sometimes we find the people…but we try to always be there…a safety net for those in need in our community.
As Federation begins the difficult process of allocations, deciding with you, how and where your dollars will be spent. I ask you to take this opportunity to support Federation by making sure the dollars are there to answer the needs at home and in our global Jewish community. If you have not made your gift to the 2015 Campaign, please do so today. If you would like to learn more about your dollars at work, volunteer now to be a part of the 2015 Allocations committee. Thank you for your continued generosity…together we deliver hope, sustain life, and preserve dignity. Together we make a difference.
-Deborah Kintzing, Director of Campaign and Community Relations
4 SHALOM GREENSBORO Executive Director’s Column
Federation
May 2015
Leonard Kaplan, z”l
By Marilyn Forman Chandler Executive Director, Greensboro Jewish Federation
world. I believe we all here found that in him. When Eli Evans visited with us in 2008 to honor Leonard and Tobee, he shared many stories and observations. n behalf of the Federation I remember two of them very Board of Trustees and clearly: he said that Greensboro Staff Members, and the Boards was a remarkable place where and Staff of the Jewish Family the DNA of generosity is Services and Jewish Foundation of Greensboro, I offer my embedded in our community deepest condolences to the AND that “what we are given in family members of Leonard life is G-d given in order for us Kaplan, z”l. These are excerpts to pass it on to others.” from the eulogy I offered at his Twenty five years ago at funeral, April 15, 2015, held at Beth David Synagogue, I had Beth David Synagogue. the opportunity to hear Leonard Marilyn Forman inspire our community at the Chandler …What distinguished Greensboro Jewish Federation’s Leonard Kaplan from others?... Operation Exodus Rally for It was that every mitzvah and every act Soviet Jewry at Beth David Synagogue. Our of tzedakah, every good deed and every Federation raised over $1.7M that night to charitable contribution which Leonard help bring Soviet Jews to Israel. Below are performed, came from his Jewish Neshama excerpts from his speech: – his Jewish soul. He taught us through words and actions, that it was critical that …This week as I was introspecting and as Jews, it was also our responsibility to sorting out emotions for today’s Operation take care of the entire community. Exodus, I was struck by a new dimension Leonard Kaplan was my dear friend, of thought. Why, after 5700 years of Jewish my mentor, my confidante and my persecution, pogroms, and the horrible guardian angel. My own father died in Holocaust are we sitting here in such 1987 just a few months before our move to unbelievable freedom, comfort, and such Greensboro. great blessings of children and grandchildren In Leonard, one of the original – not to mention unbelievable wealth and Federation search committee members luxury? Why are we the fortunate ones which hired me, I found a wonderful whose parents or grandparents were so father figure who became a real partner in blessed to have made it to the United States? the work of tikkun olam, of repairing the Why are we blessed for ourselves and the generations we have produced not to have been included among the six million of our brethren who perished in the Holocaust? Why are we assembled here today in Greensboro discussing the enormous opportunity of helping to save three million of our brethren who are crying out to leave Russia while a door is still open for them the same way it was for my father and your beloved parents or grandparents? The answers Marilyn Chandler and Leonard Kaplan may perhaps be
O
This symbol shows what your annual campaign tzedakah accomplishes. Through the Greensboro Jewish Federation, your tzedakah touches Jewish lives in our own Jewish community, in Israel and throughout the diaspora.
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SHALOM GREENSBORO
that the Almighty is testing to see how we as one tiny group in the broad and long spectrum of Jewish history; and as the first or second generation of free Jews in America will respond to today’s plea. Or perhaps it is to determine if the luxuries of freedom have soiled us and destroyed our sense of direction and identity. Perhaps He is watching to see if we can pass on to our children and their children’s children the greater lesson of life which is not their monetary inheritance but the inherited lesson of Tzedakah. Perhaps my friends – What If, What If, He is granting us the ultimate honor and opportunity to rekindle hundreds of thousands of candles of life that were rendered to ashes in the ovens of Auschwitz and Buchenwald. Is He telling us that these potential candles are coming from Russia? What a chilling and humbling thought. For all these reasons, Heavenly Father, we dedicate and declare with a loud voice and an outstretched hand we will answer the pleas and prayers of our brethren in Russia. We will be committed in bringing Russian Jews into the protective arms of our Greensboro community when called upon – and WE WILL BE COMMITTED to aid the many thousands of others to reach the protective arms of Israel and the freedom they can find. May the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart be acceptable to Thee O Lord. Amen. Leonard has left his legacy with us all in order for us to pass it on to others. We, his community, his friends and certainly his children and grandchildren are the guarantors of his legacy and his inspiration. We have the awesome responsibility to share his teaching, his example, with others. We all carry the torch of Leonard’s life’s work. In this way, Leonard’s crown of a good name and his memory will always be for a blessing. Leonard and Tobee Kaplan generously funded the building of the Greensboro Jewish Federation facility and were instrumental in the creation of Jewish Family Services and the Jewish Foundation of Greensboro.
Toll Free 887-271-3004 Office 336-855-2622 1577 D New Garden Road 336-763-0380
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WWW.SHALOMGREENSBORO.ORG 2014-2015 FEDERATION OFFICERS President Keith Rosen President Elect Marc Isaacson Vice President Arthur Samet Vice President Jenny Kaiser Vice President Aaron Strasser Secretary John Cohen Treasurer Laurence Goldberg EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Marilyn Chandler Deborah Kintzing Rachel Wolf Dianne Hines Gabriel Fraire Anyone interested in helping shape Shalom Greensboro by participating in the editorial board should contact Gabriel Fraire at jfededitor@shalomgreensboro.org
FEDERATION STAFF 336-852-5433 MARILYN CHANDLER, ext. 236 Executive Director DEBORAH KINTZING, ext. 237 Director of Campaign & Community Relations RACHEL WOLF, ext. 229 Director of Outreach & Education MICHELE PERRELL, ext. 231 Director of Finance and Human Resources DIANNE HINES, ext. 233 Campaign and Program Associate EMPERATRIZ PEREZ, ext. 230 Accounting Asst. GABRIEL FRAIRE, 681-7227 Federation Editor/Graphic Designer CHRISTINA SHIFFLER, ext. 238 Administrative Assistant
JEWISH FOUNDATION OF GREENSBORO SUSAN R. GUTTERMAN, 852-0099 Endowment Director MELANIE VERGES, Stewardship, Program, and Communications Coordinator 294-0846 DEBORAH LINDLEY, 852-8462 Senior Financial and Technology Associate JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES MAIN NUMBER, 852-4829 BETSY GAMBURG, ext. 225 JFS Director DAVID FRAZIER, ext. 227 Volunteer Coordinator KATY CLAUSSEN, ext. 228 Chai Notes Facilitator MARCIA HERMELIN, ext. 222 Administrative Assistant BETH CHILDS, ext. 226 Clinical Social Worker
Shalom Greensboro is published ten times a year from September through May, and June/July, by the Greensboro Jewish Federation, 5509-C West Friendly Ave., Guilford Corporate Park, Greensboro, NC 274104211. Telephone: (336) 852-5433. Fax: (336) 852-4346. Its purpose is to provide informational and educational coverage of Jewish news, events and programs in the greater Greensboro and Guilford County areas. The opinions expressed on the Opinion page do not necessarily express the views of the Greensboro Jewish Federation. Delivery is on or before the first of the month. News of community-wide activities are welcome but must be submitted either on a disk or by email to: jfededitor@ shalomgreensboro.org. Photographs are accepted accompanied by captions. Please include the date, the contact person and a phone number with your articles and photographs.
Foundation
www.shalomgreensboro.org
Donor Spotlight: Joan and Arthur z”l Bluethenthal
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Joan Bluethenthal
hen Arthur and I got married in 1950, he had just gotten a job in the Triad. Our sources told us that Greensboro was much more welcoming to Jews than most small towns in the area, and when we moved here we discovered that was a very good lead. Our first friends here were active members of the Jewish community, and those people got us involved in both the Jewish and civic realms. It was an awfully nice group, albeit a small group---you had to be careful what you said because everyone was related to everyone else I grew up in Philadelphia, and we frequently visited my grandfather who lived in New Jersey. I remember holding his hand as I walked down the aisle of the synagogue across the street from his house and the excitement I felt because I knew that he had played a major role in building it. His understated generosity was an inspiration to me, and when he died we discovered that he had given to every Jew that ever came near him. Arthur was born and raised in Wilmington, NC, where the Jewish community was much smaller and more insular and opportunities to participate in the larger community were somewhat limited. His family went to services regularly and celebrated all the Jewish holidays, and his parents were active in their temple. Arthur's mother was a brilliant woman, proudly a Smith College graduate in an era when very few women received a secondary education. At one point she was concerned that her children were not getting a sufficient Jewish education, so she invited all of the kids in the community to the Bluethenthal house for a secondary Sunday school. We both came from backgrounds where involvement in the community was natural. Arthur was often preoccupied with his business, but he found plenty of time over the years to effectively put his marvelous fundraising skills to use as president of The United Way and Temple Emanuel and chairman of the Federation drive. He also volunteered to start a wrestling team at one of the high schools and later at Guilford College. I used to love when the guys would call and say, “Can I speak to Coach, please?” If every woman who is active in Greensboro had a husband as supportive
as Arthur was, we would have lots more good things going on than we have now. In addition to his own leadership roles, which he performed very modestly and very well, Arthur was always extremely supportive of my activism. I was very involved in the Civil Rights Movement in Greensboro. Desegregating the public schools was particularly important to me, and I was honored to have been appointed by the City Council to serve on the Guilford County Board of Education during that time. On nights when I would go out to visit with families in the AfricanAmerican community to talk about freedom of choice, Arthur took care of our three small children. Of all the things that I have done Jewishly, I think I am most proud of cochairing the committee that hired Marilyn Chandler. It was not easy to get her here, but she was absolutely worth the effort. When you are a religious minority living in a community as large as Greensboro, it is important to stand up and be proud of your differences. We believed in teaching others about Judaism, so every year we had a very large seder--so large that in recent years we have rented a room at the Painted Plate--and we have always included our non-Jewish friends so we can give them a sense of our traditions. Our grandchildren have led the seder recently, and they do a beautiful job. There is nothing like meeting people when you are struggling toward a goal that is really beyond your own personal benefit and has a bigger impact. We were just lucky to come into Greensboro at a time when there was great change taking place here. Both of us got to know people who became our lifetime friends--people we may not have known had we not become involved. We always had a rich Jewish life-probably more of a Jewish life here than in any community we could have gone into at the time. I always say that if you have a little energy and a little something upstairs, you do not have to be brilliant— you can be as much a part of the Greensboro community as you want to be. Though our city is growing, it is still that small town that enables people to use their talents creatively. I certainly hope it remains that way.
SHALOM GREENSBORO 5
The Jewish Foundation of Greensboro would like to thank MV Financial and President and CEO Masood Vojdani for hosting a donor and affiliate wine and cheese reception at the home of Cathy Levinson on April 27th. Masood spoke to Foundation donors about investment policies, returns, and the Foundation performance over the past eleven years.
6 SHALOM GREENSBORO
Jewish Family Services
May 2015
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About The JFS Food Pantry (But Where Afraid To Ask) Betsy Gamburg, MSW, LCSW For many years, Jewish Family Services has provided the Greensboro community with access to food from our food pantry. I frequently get questions about the pantry, however, and wanted to use this forum to share some information about how the pantry operates. Who is the pantry for? I have had some people tell me they understood it’s just for the Jewish community and others who say just the opposite. So here’s the truth: The pantry serves everyone. There are most definitely people in the Jewish community who use the pantry, but the majority of those who receive food are outside the Jewish community and represent a diverse group.
Todah Rabah We thank the following people for their contributions to Jewish Family Services. All contributions to JFS are used for client assistance unless otherwise specified by the donor.
Jewish Family Services Algine and James Coleman Steven J. Gamburg Aron Katz Natalie Mapou Dorothy Wasserman In Honor: Of: Rose Ackermann From: Eleanor Procton
How many people are using it? Looking just at the last ten months, we have 112 individuals representing 52 families using the pantry. Who is using the pantry? We recently had Rabbi Becky Joseph look at the information we had collected and do some analysis of it. Some interesting data emerged: 2/3 of those at the time they apply are unemployed. Of that number, almost half are on disability. The median household income in Greensboro is $41,000, and our recipients generally have incomes lower than that. 43% have minor children living with them but very few of those children are under 5. ¾ of those who come to the pantry are female. The need for the pantry is fairly steady yearround, with no significant spikes at any particular time. Can you just drop by? Because the volume is so great and we want to be as helpful as possible, there is a process for using the pantry. We keep it very simple so that there are not obstacles for people getting something so basic
Ethical Wills: Passing on our values to the next generation
Of: Kathy Kraus From: Eleanor Procton Of: Phyllis Shavitz From: Tobee and Leonard Kaplan Of: Victoria Milstein From: Tobee and Leonard Kaplan In Memory: Of: Ellis Berlin From: Tobee and Leonard Kaplan Of: Lillian Fleishman Kent From: Eleanor Procton Of: Albert Skirboll From: Eleanor Procton Of: Ernest Hanau From: Eleanor Procton Of: Stuart Newman From: Eleanor Procton Food Pantry Rabbi Rebecca Joseph Barbara Scheck Rabbi Miriam Spitzer
We apologize if we have missed anyone’s contribution. Please call Jewish Family Services at 852-4829, ext. 222 if we missed you, and we will include you in the next issue.
Thursdays for a three-week period May 7, May 14, and May 21 10:30 to 11:30 a .m. Friends Homes West An ethical will is a written or recorded document that shares your values, hopes, and blessings with your loved ones. An ethical will tells what has been important to you in your life and lets people who love you know how you want to be remembered. This threepart workshop is open to the Jewish community and residents at Friends Homes. There will be opportunities for writing as well as for making audio recordings.
Space is limited . Please reserve a space by contacting Katy Claussen , Chai Notes Facilitator. 852-4829, Ext. 228. *Chai Notes is funded in part by a grant from the
as food. Anyone interested who calls is directed to Beth Childs, the JFS Social worker, who completes a quick intake over the phone that asks just for the basics— name, address, and phone, number in the household, and the reason why the caller needs the food pantry. The most important reason for these questions is to enable Beth to do a brief assessment to see if there are other resources the individual and/or family might be eligible for. What happens when you walk in to JFS to get your food? You will be greeted by a JFS staff member and a trained volunteer. The volunteer will check you in (we do monitor usage) and will assist the client with getting a bag. Every visitor is treated with respect and dignity. Does anyone know who’s coming to the pantry? Who comes to the pantry is absolutely confidential. Any individual who is concerned about being seen in the pantry or worried about their privacy in this matter can call me directly. I will make provisions so the visit occurs with complete privacy. How often can you come to the pantry and how much do you get? We provide one grocery bag full of food, twice a month. All food pantries set some limit on this. For instance, Greensboro Urban Ministry’s rule is that you can come and receive food four times a year (not weekly as many people think). A family of four will receive 2 bags of food and families of 5-6 will receive 3 bags. The food is pre-packed. How do we keep the pantry stocked? We rely on donations, both the actual food and monetary contributions. Every year at the high holidays, Temple Emanuel and Beth David provide us with about 150 bags of food that starts the year off very well. Chabad makes contributions as well. Our community is very generous and this enables us to keep the shelves stocked. We use the financial contributions to re-stock
as needed. In addition, the JFS Board has been helpful in contacting food stores to solicit contributions. Most recently, Food Lion donated a pallet of food (about 80 cartons!) that was very appreciated. And finally, we ask the children in our community to participate in food drives at various times of the year which is preceded by a program I offer that teaches them about food insecurity here at home and our responsibility to do tikkun olam. We invite children in to help us sort and stock the shelves. Who chooses the food when someone comes to the pantry? Some pantries pre-pack the food. We do not. While this does give you better control of the inventory, so to speak, we prefer allowing individuals to choose what they like and what suits their family’s needs. How many other food pantries are there in Greensboro? Acceding to United Way, there are 9 other pantries in town. How can you help? You can volunteer to assist in the pantry, you can remember to bring food contributions, you can mail a check or a food gift card. Our community makes the food pantry possible so please remember the need and help in whatever way is best for you. It is greatly appreciated.
Whether help is needed just a few hours a week or around the clock, ComForcare is committed to provide the quality care you need so that your loved one can continue living at home independently.
Save the Date JFS Volunteer Luncheon “A Taste of Italy!” Thursday, June 11, 2015, at 12:00 noon Federation Building.
ComForcare Home Care Richard Bober, Owner/Operator 233 N Spring St., Greensboro, NC 27401 336-617-6001
Seating is limited, call today! For Lunch and/or van reservations, call Marcia at 852-4829 ext. 222 by Thursday, June 4, 2015. Sponsored by: Bravo! Cucina Italiana
ComForcare is proud to be honored as a 2012, 2013 and 2014 Best of Home Care Achiever by Home Care Pulse, a North American market research firm exclusively serving the home care industry. For survey results, visit www.ComForcare.com/NorthCarolina/the-Triad/HomeCarePulseSurvey.
www.shalomgreensboro.org
Jewish Family Services
SHALOM GREENSBORO 7
Passover at JFS
125 Guests Enjoy the Passover Senior Luncheon.
Sponsors from Abbotswood present their raffle prize to The room was full with guests and volunteers celebrating together. the lucky winner.
Hard workers taking a momentary break.
Volunteers prepare prior to the Seder.
Rabbis Guttman and Koren led a seder of song and tradition.
Our guests enjoyed wonderful food by Leah Strulson and the opportunity to be together.
Gift Bags
Family members together.
celebrating Claire Gesualdi enjoys the lunch and the Seder.
Teens and adults met on a Sunday to assemble Passover gift bags for seniors in our community. The bags were decorated by Jewish children, teens, and adults throughout our community and included a pillow, macaroons, and plastic frogs along with a card. Many thanks to Bea Mandel for the beautiful work in sewing the pillows.
The Family Dinner
Senior Volunteer Opportunities—Getting Started By David Frazier, Volunteer Coordinator
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s seniors enter that rewarding time of life that offers the gift and pleasure of being able to do whatever they wish, the thought of volunteering often comes to the forefront. As a volunteer, retirement can afford the chance to work on a project or issue that is important simply for the passion of it. Retirement is the time to make a positive difference in the world by the sharing of time, talents, and wisdom. In other words, do what you’ve always wanted to do and didn’t have time for before. Seniors have a unique set of skills and knowledge to offer which certainly impacts the individuals or organizations they are assisting. There are additional incentives to volunteering, however, that confer benefits to the volunteer as well. These include improvements in mental and physical health, positive social and family relationships, and contributing to a positive self-image as a healthy and vital part of our Jewish community. Bridging the generation gap, helping to change the perception of seniors as
volunteers, minimizing isolation and possible depression, and developing new friends and skills can all be an enriching part of the volunteer experience. A starting point to figure out what the next step is to be a senior volunteer is to consider such questions as “What will I do with my spare time?" and “How can I contribute to my community in a way that is productive and relevant?”. The answers to these questions will clarify individual goals and meaningful interests to determine in which direction one should move. Jewish Family Services has a host of projects from which to choose and can also connect you to over 200 local agencies and partnerships with many opportunities for volunteer service. JFS also runs a specific volunteer program for older adults called Volunteers Plus, facilitated by Gail Bretan, which, in addition to volunteering, provides the opportunity for individuals to gather once a month to discuss what they are doing and learn how it fits into the Jewish tradition. For more information on Volunteers Plus or to learn more about volunteer
opportunities, please contact David Frazier, Volunteer Coordinator at JFS, at 336-852-4829 ext. 227 or dfrazier@ shalomgreensboro.org.
JFS Volunteers Plus Join us at JFS 3rd Thursday of each month (upcoming dates May 21 and June 18) 7:00 p.m. Facilitated by Dr. Gail Bretan, this program offers older adult volunteers the opportunity to meet monthly to discuss their volunteer projects and to learn how their volunteering fits into the Jewish tradition. Come share and learn! Contact gbretan@shalomgreensboro.org or call 336-852-4829
"The Family Dinner," a JFS Children and Family program in April, highlighted three wonderful speakers (pictured left to right): Jodie Gisser, a Holistic Health Coach and Food for Life Instructor; Jen Bressler, a family therapist, and Rima Kleiner, Wellness Coach and Nutrition Expert. They brought new insights as to why dinner is such an important time and how to make healthy and tasty meals. (photo below) Guests sample the family friendly food items from appetizer to main course to dessert and enjoy good conversation on the topic.
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Donor Appreciation Luncheon The Greensboro Jewish Federation and the Jewish Foundation of Greensboro hosted a Women’s Philanthropy Donor Appreciation Luncheon on April 14 at Starmount Forest Country Club. The event featured guest speaker, Leslie Maitland, awardwinning journalist and author of CROSSING THE BORDERS OF TIME. Sixty five women attended the luncheon which honored women of all giving levels with special recognition of Lions of Judah, LOJE’s and Pomegranate donors.
Members of the Women’s Philanthropy Donor Luncheon committee: L to R: Deborah Kintzing, Director of Campaign and Community Relations; Victoria Milstein, Sara Lee Saperstein, Ellen Fischer, Debby Miller, Leslie Maitland (guest speaker), Irene Cohen, Ellen Samet, and Susan Gutterman, Endowment Director of the Jewish Foundation of Greensboro.
Leslie Maitland signing her book, CROSSING THE BORDERS OF TIME.
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he Greensboro Jewish Federation Men’s Campaign enjoyed a “Guy’s Night Out” learning about The Forge, a collaborative “maker’s space” in downtown Greensboro on March 25. A tour and demo of how hobbyists, entrepreneurs, experimenters come together and develop ideas and launch new businesseswas followed by deli and brews at Gibbs HunLenny Samet and Frank Brenner examine a machine at the FORGE dred Brewing Company. More during a tour at the Men’s Campaign event. than 35 men attended the event chaired by Leon Davidowitz and Lenny Samet.
Joel from the Forge leading a tour of his "maker's space."
John Masters, Norm Regal and Glenn Chrystal enjoy the latest IPA from Gibbs 100 Brewery.
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Marc Isaacson, Maimonides Chair, with Gerry Goulder and Victor Ackermann.
he Greensboro Jewish Federation Cardozo Society held a luncheon program, “Negotiating with Terror,� on April 22. Using examples from legal cases and the texts of the Talmud, Elon Law professor, Steve Friedland and Rabbi Yosef Plotkin of the Chabad Center of Greensboro led the discussion: Should we be paying heavy ransoms or release dangerous criminals in exchange for the life and freedom of innocent hostages.
(L-R) Jerry Pinsker, Albert Jacobson, Judge Larry Fine and David Hurwitz during a Cardozo society breakout session.
Rabbi Yosef Plotkin responds to a question from the Cardozo Society members.
Steve Friedland refers the class to an example in the student textbook, JUSTICE AND THE WAR ON TERROR.
(L-R) Lennie Gerber, Jack Kaplan, Tom Cone, Judge Robby Hassell, and Judge Richard Gottlieb (Winston-Salem).
Community Celebrates Israel Together at Academy
Mark Spielman, Director of Admissions, takes a group of Greensboro community members on a campus tour.
Ricki and Sidney Gray with AHA Director of Food Services and Mashgiach, Paul Lasovsky, who treated guests to a delicious cookout.
Over 100 Jewish community members came together with the American Hebrew Academy community to celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut on April 26. Despite the cold weather, a great time was had by all. Guests were invited to view the Science Academy, tour the campus, and enjoy a lovely dinner in the moadone (dining hall) with Academy students and staff. "I am so pleased that the Community Open House was such a success," states Hillary Zaken, Director of Communications at American Hebrew Academy. "Partnering with the the Greensboro Jewish Federation was a great opportunity to share our unique environment, innovative academics and state of the art campus with all of Jewish Greensboro, and celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut as a community." Learn more about American Hebrew Academy at www.americanhebrewacademy.org.
Rachel Ripps, Admissions Associate; AHA student Sarah Chernys, and Hillary Zaken, Director of Communications.
Greensboro guests "love" the artwork at American Hebrew Academy.
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www.shalomgreensboro.org Jerusalem Post Crossword Puzzle
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"Biblical Leaders" By Alan Olschwang Across 1 Deli delight 6 Joel Siegel was its film critic for over 25 yrs. 9 Bar mitzvah planners' fears 14 Zohar verse: "Whosoever sleepeth at night in his bed tasteth of death, for his soul leaveth him for the ___" 15 Abraham's sacrifice 16 Make like David and Jonathan 17 Where tzitzit are attached 18 Without wavering 20 A. J. Ayer's alma mater 21 Movie in which Stephen Lang played Colonel Miles Quaritch 22 Dayenu stanza starters 23 A chance for the big bucks 26 India's equivalent of Reb 27 Some pour them on their matzo brei 30 Fischer chess opponent, a number of times 33 Rends, as garments 37 Emulate A. M. Rosenthal 38 Tzimmes 39 Snobbish sort 42 With "out", a phrase equivalent to "scramble for" in the song "Tradition" 43 Hot stuff that helped create the Hexagon Pool in the Golan 45 Outbreak at a Women of the Wall service 46 Adam and Eve do it to fig leaves when they realize they are naked 47 What God does in the first sentence of Genesis 50 When Hanukkah begins, briefly 52 City in Michigan's Upper Peninsula 59 This is to be kept in check, according to Micah 6:8 61 Esau's birthright transaction, e.g. 62 Kosher ocean denizen 63 Yellow invader 65 2014 Lenny Kravitz album 66 Isaac Stern's son Michael recorded his Enigma Variations 67 Insect praised in Proverbs 6:6-9 68 Boothe Luce who had a love affair with Bernard Baruch 69 "All the fowls of heaven made their ___ in his boughs . . ." (Ezekiel 31:6) 70 Bandleader Brown who played "Leapfrog" in Jerry Lewis's "The Nutty Professor" 71 Spurrell who translated the Old Testament from the original Hebrew
Down 1 Some do this during Yom Kippur services 2 Acknowledge on Tisha B'Av, perhaps 3 Unit of a Franklin Mint late 1970's issuance with books of the Old Testament 4 Qualities created by anointing with oil 5 Like the namesakes of the twelve tribes 6 It's sometimes served atop kishke 7 Displeased, as with the child who wouldn't sit quietly during the rabbi's sermon 8 Instrument auctioned by Isaac Stern's estate in 2003 9 Anderson on whose team Richie Scheinblum played in the outfield in 1973 10 Photographer Goldin 11 Matter of interest to some 49D employees 12 ___ of Eilat 13 1974 Elliott Gould spoof 19 Rapper Miller and others 21 Statesman Sharon 24 Tree of Life menorah sculptor 25 Before as it might appear in an Isaac Rosenberg poem 28 Gefilte fish ingredient 29 What Esau received when he engaged in 61A 30 If it's pure, the OU says it can be used on Passover without certification 31 When Purim occurs 32 Some Billy Joel music 34 David's was perfect 35 The International Coastal Highway, for one: Abbr. 36 Part of an abbreviation appearing on a bar mitzvah invitation 40 Meal that includes a hunt 41 Be fruitful and multiply, and multiply? 44 Org. that can help you get from Zion to Mt. Carmel without ever leaving Utah 48 Latke ingredients 49 It's "skyward" in Hebrew 51 Kine, today 53 Dreyfus or Beilis 54 Execute, one way 55 Campers live in them in Colorado's Ramah Outdoor Adventure 56 Like many kibbutzim 57 Make someone less of a greenhorn 58 What Adam's apple was to be 59 Location of Adam's apple 60 Dorothy who sings Arlen and Harburg's "Over the Rainbow" 64 "Can't Help Lovin' ___ Man" (Kern/ Hammerstein song) 65 Weizmann Inst. of Sci., for one
THE GREENSBORO SYMPHONY PRESENTS: MASTERWORKS INTERNATIONAL VIOLIN COMPETITION OF INDIANAPOLIS WINNER
JINJOO CHO Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring plus Sibelius and Debussy May 14, 2015 7:30 PM Aycock Auditorium
May 16, 2015 8:00 PM Aycock Auditorium
Tickets: $34, $40, $46 Call: 336-335-5456 x224, Visit: GreensboroSymphony.org, email: boxoffice@greensborosymphony.org
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Community
12 SHALOM GREENSBORO Temple Emanuel Programs for Tots Friday, May 8, 6:00 p.m. – Tot Shabbat and Oneg Friday, May 22, 6:00 p.m. – Tot Shabbat and Oneg For more information about tot programs, contact Louise Van Schaack at 292-7899 ext. 302 or lvanschaack@ tegreensboro.org
Tikkun Leil Shavuot@ Beth David Friday, May 23, 7:00 p.m. Shavuot is a holiday that places a special emphasis on learning, traditionally dedicating an entire night to studying and learning Jewish texts and materials. Temple Emanuel and Beth David will be jointly hosting an evening-long study session, with
crossword answers
classes taught by the rabbis of both congregations and a variety of teachers. The evening will consist of education sessions with dairy snacks provided in between each one. More details, including session topics and teachers, to come…
Shavuot Yizkor at Temple Emanuel’s Greene Street campus Sunday, May 24, 5:45 p.m.
Schmooze with the Rabbi at Print Works Bistro Wednesday, May 27, 12:00 p.m. Enjoy a casual lunch with Rabbi Andy Koren along with other Temple friends at the Print Works Bistro. Join us as we talk about anything and everything – from local politics to Jewish issues. Your lunch is on you, while the conversation is on us. Reserve your spot with Noah at 292-7899 or ndomont@tegreenboro.org.
Conformation Shabbat Service
May 2015 Congregational Shabbat Dinner
Israel Scouts Friendship Caravan Performance and T-shirt Fundraiser Wednesday, June 3 Performance at 7:00 p.m. The Beth David Men’s Club will again sponsor the Scouts’ musical performance. In addition to an uplifting performance, these young Israelis will interact with the community through educational programs and foster friendships with host families and our broader community during their Greensboro visit. Show your Greensboro pride by wearing a “Shalom, Y’all!” t-shirt, from Created Just For You, to the show. A portion of sales will help fund the Scouts’ visit. T-shirts can be purchased online at www.bethdavidsynagogue. org/events/shalomyall/ until Friday, May 22.
Friday, May 1 Join us for services followed by a traditional home-cooked Shabbat dinner. The cost is $18 a person. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the synagogue at 294-0007.
Mother’s Day Brunch
Sunday, May 10 The Beth David Men’s Club invites you to celebrate Mother’s Day with a gourmet brunch and Community Theatre of Greensboro Musical Entertainment. Because attendance is usually heavy, reservations are helpful. To rsvp, contact Stuart Teichman at barb4stu3t@bellsouth. net.
Tikkun Leil Shavuot Saturday, May 23 7:00 p.m. – Midnight Join the rabbis and scholars of Beth David Synagogue and Temple Emanuel for our community Tikkun Leil Shavuot. Each hour will provide a number of sessions to choose from with breaks to nosh on delicious dairy goodies.
Chabad of Greensboro
Friday, May 29, 7:30 p.m. The community is invited to join us in celebrating those in our 12th grade confirmation class at this special Shabbat service.
Lag Bomer Community Celebration • Thursday, May 7, 4:30 p.m. • At Chabad Jewish Center 5203 w. Friendly Ave. • Cookout ~ Moon Bounce ~ Music ~ Cotton Candy & More • Fun for the whole family • $9 per person $36 per family $100 sponsor • To RSVP email lagbomer@ chabadgreensboro.com
Shavuot- 49 Ice Cream Toppings Join us for a delectable dairy lunch, complete with cheesecake, ice cream galore and 49 toppings. Sunday May 24, 11:00 a.m. Reading of the Ten Commandments Special Children’s Program 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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www.shalomgreensboro.org B’nai Shalom Day School
B’nai Shalom Day School is the Triad’s only dual-curriculum Jewish day school serving children from Preschool - 8th grade. To learn more about the benefits of a B’nai Shalom education, please visit www.bnai-shalom.org or contact Nikki Goldstein, Director of Admissions, at ngoldstein@bnai-shalom.org or (336)8555091 Ext. 7705 for more information or to schedule a tour.
B’nai Shalom Hosts Family Science Night
B’nai Shalom’s annual Family Science Night was held on March 19. Eighth grade students led many hands-on activities for younger students, including Firework Test Tubes, Harry Potter Pop Rocks, Galaxy Oobleck and Balloon Racing. Third through seventh grade students showcased their science fair projects and Bricks 4 Kidz offered hands-on LEGO activities. It was a fun-filled family night of science
Model Seders at B’nai Shalom
B’nai Shalom preschool through eighth grade students participate in model seders on April 1.
Graduation and Closing Ceremonies Thursday, June 4 Temple Emanuel 7:00 p.m.
PJ Library Monday Morning Playgroup at B'nai Shalom Enjoy an hour of music, stories and play with your little one. Children birth to four years and their parents/caregiver. When: Monday Mornings from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Where: B'nai Shalom Day School's Kids' Care Room Questions? Contact Nikki Goldstein, Director of Admissions, at ngoldstein@bnai-shalom.org
Check out our BRAND NEW second location! 603-D Milner Drive 663.7117
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American Hebrew Academy
From a leap of faith to a fulfillment of the American Dream: the story of Eva Moshkovich
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“Rima’s Recipes" Host a Shavuot Yogurt Bar
Think outside the cheese box this Shavuot and host a yogurt bar. Serve your favorite yogurt and toppings as breakfast, snack, dessert or a light lunch. Kids will love choosing their own mix-ins. Plain nonfat or low-fat yogurt (I use plain nonfat Greek yogurt) Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and/or sliced strawberries (sliced bananas and diced mango also work well) Granola and/or puff cereal Pumpkin and/or sunflower seeds Honey Cinnamon Shredded coconut (optional) Mini chocolate chips (optional) Divide yogurt into single-serving bowls. Let everyone scoop favorite toppings into bowls. Enjoy Rima Kleiner, MS, RD, LDN Registered Dietitian | Nutrition Consultant c 703.877.9339 | rima@kleinernutrition.com Find me at kleinernutrition.com or on Twitter @RimaKleinerMSRD
he American Dream is the story in which a penniless immigrant creates success, the ideal fairy tale in which the United States is the land of opportunity, a place where dreams can come true. For Eva Moshkovich, who grew up in Moldova, the poorest country in Europe, the American Dream is no myth. At the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro, N.C., foreign students are put on the fast track to achieving their dreams through the transformative power of education. The Academy, founded in 2001, is the only international Jewish college prep boarding school in the world, where intellectually adventurous teenagers from all over the country, and the world, come together in a unique environment on a 100-acre lakefront campus. Eva Moshkovich was born in 1992 and raised in Beltsy, Moldova, part of Eva at Mount Holyoke graduation, 2014 the town’s small Jewish community. Though the generosity of two Greensboro to him was to establish the Academy residents, Irene Cohen and Shelly Weiner, for young people to get this kind of Eva was able to attend high school at the education.” American Hebrew Academy, graduate on Cohen and Weiner were connected the honor roll, continue on to a college to Eva through the Greensboro Jewish education at Mt Holyoke and begin a Federation, which forged a relationship career as a computer scientist. with the town of Beltsy, Moldova in 2000. Eva shared: “Coming to the American The Federation, in cooperation with the Hebrew Academy changed my life JDC, runs an annual week-long summer significantly. Since coming to the Academy camp for Jewish youth, built and dedicated eight years ago, I went from not knowing a JCC complete with library and computer how to turn on a laptop to becoming a lab, and coordinates medical assistance for computer scientist with a great job that I Jewish citizens of Beltsy. love. – I will never forget the look on the The goal of the partnership, according face of the IT person when she gave me to Deborah Kintzing, who runs the the laptop and I examined it carefully and program on behalf of the Greensboro then asked how to turn in on.” Jewish Federation, is to rebuild Jewish These achievements would not have life through moral, material, professional been possible without Irene Cohen and and educational support to this region. Shelly Weiner, who, along with Frank and Kintzing met Eva as a young girl through Nancy Brenner, sponsored Eva’s education the summer camp program, and like at the American Hebrew Academy. Cohen Cohen and Weiner, speaks warmly of Eva and Weiner are Greensboro residents who and her journey. are both extremely active in both Jewish But Kintzing also spoke of the strength education and Jewish philanthropy, and of Eva’s parents, when they made the sponsoring Eva at the Academy was for choice to send Eva to the American them a high point in their commitment Hebrew Academy: “When a parent to support the needs of Jewish youth from chooses to let a child take advantage of an around the globe. opportunity like moving to the U.S. and Irene Cohen shared her thoughts: going to the American Hebrew Academy, “There is no greater sense of pride than they are letting go of their child. That child to see a young person come into her own, will not go back to a life in Beltsy, Moldova go out in the world, and succeed. The after they see the opportunities available students who come here are so lucky to to them. It is a very difficult choice for a receive this education, and Eva is a perfect parent to make.” example of a true life rags to riches story.” Eva knows that she was fortunate Shelly Weiner is committed to Jewish to be sponsored by Cohen and Weiner: education because of the confidence it “I think I was very lucky to get to go to imbues: “The more knowledge you have, AHA. I heard about it from a group of the more secure you are in who you are, in people from Greensboro, who traveled to yourself, your family, and how you want to Moldova and organized a summer camp. I live your life. The Academy is unusual in went to the camp several times, and heard that it encompasses all parts of Judaism in about AHA. Decided I wanted to go… its approach. It is not just another Jewish They knew my English was not nearly school, it is truly exceptional. And to have good enough, so it was a leap of faith that such a school in Greensboro is so unusual AHA administration had to take when and really amazing.” deciding whether to let me in or not. I Irene continued: “The Academy is am very thankful that they believed in me a dream, really, the manifestation of a and decided to give me a chance. And this dream. It was Chico’s dream, and it’s changed my life.” amazing that a man who lived a modest Eva does not remember facing blatant life, even though he could have lived in luxury, dedicated himself to founding Continued on page 15 this school, because what was important
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BBYO
he Gray family is pleased to announce that the 2015 Ricki G. Gray BBYO Spring Council Award recipients for the BBG is Jordanna Gisser and for the AZA is Andrew Eckstein. This award was established to honor Ricki Gray for her lifelong encouragement and involvement with the youth of Greensboro as a retired teacher, BBG advisor Andrew Eckstein ( AZA recipient ), Ricki Gray and and Greensboro BBYO Jordanna Gisser (BBG recipient). City Director. Andrew Eckstein B'rith Youth Organization." Jordanna and Jordanna Gisser "volunteered and and Andrew received this full tuition participated in the advancement of those grant to attend the recently held North principals and programs which reflect the Carolina Spring Council at Camp Weaver highest adherence to the values set forth in Greensboro. by the youth of Greensboro and the B'nai
Leap of Faith
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anti-Semitism during her childhood, but remembers the lack of options, and says she always knew that she was going to leave Moldova for a brighter future. When she was 12 years old, her family got their first computer, and an internet connection followed the next year. For Eva, this opened doors to what would become her vocation. In Moldova, Eva was not able to take advanced courses in school, and found herself bored in the classroom: “But at the American Hebrew Academy I learned how to learn. The ability to study is a very important skill, which will always be useful. AHA prepared me really well for college and beyond.” Cohen and Weiner spoke of Eva’s transition to life in the U.S. They purchased everything Eva needed, and taught her about American customs. They also encouraged her to try everything that was available to her at school, from challenging academic courses, to fulfilling Jewish life electives, and the wide range of athletic and art activities offered to students at the Academy. And so Eva was active in many things on campus: “At AHA, I was able to try a lot of things that I would not get to try in Moldova. Almost each trimester I would take some sport… I also got to participate in several plays, and even got an acting award my freshman year.” After graduating from the American Hebrew Academy, Eva attended Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, a top tier college. And it was her experience in computer programming in high school that allowed her to not only decide her major in Computer Science, but opened the doors to jobs and internships. Eva worked as a Web Design assistant at Mount Holyoke her sophomore year, and then spent a semester abroad in Budapest, Hungary, at the prestigious Aquincum Institute of Technology which led to a summer internship in Budapest afterwards at LogMeIn. After graduating from Mount Holyoke in 2014 with a degree in Computer Science and a math minor, she deferred graduate
Shelly Weiner (L) and Irene Cohen
school in favor of a position in Hartford, CT at Conning, a leading investment management company for the global insurance industry, which specializes in the field of programming economic scenario generators. Eva has achieved great success, earned through hard work and dedication. But she is also grateful for all the help she received along the way: “Irene Cohen and Shelly Weiner made it possible for me to go to American Hebrew Academy, which changed my life. The impact these amazing people had on me changed my life.” Shelly Weiner, herself a Holocaust survivor, has always believed in the impact that individuals can have on the lives of others. Her own life was saved when she was a child, and has always wanted to help others as a result. She told a story about taking Eva to see a play: “Eva turned around and asked me, ‘Why are you doing this for me? Nobody in Moldova does this for other people.’ And I told her, we do o it because we want to see you succeed, and this makes us happy of course, but we hope that one day you will have the opportunity to do this for someone else.” Cohen added: “Sponsoring Eva was one of the most rewarding things I have done in my life. There is no greater gift than helping a gifted young woman receive an amazing education at the American Hebrew Academy, and seeing where hard work and the opportunity to succeed has taken her.”
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