SNH 2016 Hanukkah Edition

The Voice of the Greater New Haven Jewish Community

Hanukkah Section See inside for special articles

NEW HAVEN

WINTER 2016 • SHEVAT/ADAR 5777

MAY HIS MEMORY BE A BLESSING

“My greatest mistake was that I didn’t dream big enough.”

- Shimon Peres PAGE 3 RAIN PRYOR AT THE JCC

Growing up African American and Jewish Pryor developed a unique perspective. See her in “Fried Chicken and Latkes” PAGE 7

DRIBBLING THEIR WAY TO MENCHHOOD Discover why JCC hoops is one of the largest K-6 programs in the country.

PAGE 31

CT ANTI-SEMITISM RANKS 7TH Andy Friedland, ADL’s National Assistant Regional Director explains numbers and trends. PAGE 11

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 2

FROM THE DESK OF

JUDY ALPERIN DIAMONDSTEIN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER I jdiamondstein@jewishnewhaven.org

Change for the Better Shimon Peres was a man who inspired generations. I had the opportunity to visit him at home in the President’s Residence in Jerusalem while on a Jewish Federations of North America Campaign Chairs & Directors mission and then to hear him with my daughter when he spoke at Colgate University. Each time I heard him I was impressed by his grace, his warmth; the kindness that glimmered in his eyes and his optimistic words and tone about the future.

There are many things that he has said that have resonated for me.

Among them is this: “The Jews’ greatest contribution to history is dissatisfaction! We’re a nation born to be discontented. Whatever exists we believe can be changed for the better.”

We have a proud and dynamic Jewish community. But like Shimon Peres’s observation, we believe that we can change for the better. Over the past several months the Jewish Federation, Foundation and JCC has been looking inward to understand our history, our challenges and our opportunities as we strategize and begin to deliver improved services and programming. The new JCC Cultural Arts Series is a fine example of expanded quality programming delivered across our catchment area and we hope that our community will come to realize that the JCC is a cultural

arts powerhouse in the Greater New Haven area. And Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy just emerged from a summer of focus groups to better understand the interests and perceptions of constituents and have embarked on a re-imagined Women’s Philanthropy organization. Already we are hearing wonderful feedback and look forward to what is to come.

affecting this year’s allocable dollars but more importantly the recommendation that changes be made to the current process. Soliciting the input and measuring the consensus among Tier One agencies was critical to any attempt to move forward.

One of the most important roles that the Jewish Federation plays is that of fiduciary. The Planning & Allocations committee is charged with the awesome responsibility of vetting the agencies and programs requesting Federation funds so that they can be the trusted stewards of your philanthropic dollars. P&A committee members visit community institutions and pour over copious financial and narrative information so they can make informed decisions about where community dollars are spent.

And while our P&A committee has done an exceptional job of allocating resources, the planning function has been limited.

With the blessing of the Tier One agencies, the P&A process will be undergoing incremental change over the next few years to address the need for more community planning, as well as the need to address community priorities with financial resources. Adopting a hybrid model, the P&A committee will recommend core allocations and develop community priorities to be addressed by community impact grants. The P&A timeline will also be shifting from a fall allocations period to a late spring allocations period. Community priorities will be shared through the grants process but also with the community so that we can all understand the evolving needs and trends within our community and how we can each participate in solving community issues.

Recently a special meeting was held among the leadership of Tier One agencies and the Jewish Federation. (Tier One agencies include: Jewish Family Service, The Towers, Camp Laurelwood, Ezra Academy and Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy) On the table for discussion was the current financial position

Change is never easy. Sometimes we choose it and sometimes it is thrust upon us. But I believe that when we work together with a united focus on building a stronger future for our Jewish community that we will truly make a change for the better. For as Shimon Peres said, “the future belongs to those who dare.”

NEW HAVEN SHALOM New Haven is published six times per year and delivered free of charge to the Greater New Haven Jewish community by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven.

COPY DEADLINES Copy deadlines for the upcoming Shalom New Haven issues are: • Nov. 23 for Jan. /Feb. issue • Jan. 27 for March /April issue • March 28 for May/June issue • May 28 for July/August issue _________________________________ SUBMISSIONS To submit an article or photo, please email shalomnh@jewishnewhaven.org, Please include your contact information when submitting.

Space is limited and is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Submission does not guarantee publication. All articles are subject to approval by editorial committee.

SHALOM NEW HAVEN STAFF Nurit Kohl Director of Marketing & Communications Christina Cagliotti-Diglio Art Director Wendy Bowes Senior Graphic Designer Advertising Sales TEL: (203) 387-2424, x216 shalomnh@jewishnewhaven.org _________________________________ LEADERSHIP Dr. Norman Ravski President Judith Alperin Diamondstein Chief Executive Officer Scott Cohen JCC Executive Director

Happy Veteran’s Day THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

Today and Always.

Lisa Stanger, Esq. Foundation Executive Director _________________________________ Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT, 06525 (203) 387-2424, fax: (203) 387-1818 jfgnh@jewishnewhaven.org jewishnewhaven.org/SNH

The Jewish Community of Greater New Haven deeply mourns Shimon Peres, an inspirational leader, whose life was dedicated to serving his country. At 93 years old Peres was a statesman, the Ninth President of the State of Israel, the Prime Minister of Israel, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, a man of action, and a man of vision. Among his countless achievements: establishing the IDF, developing the nuclear reactor in Dimona to secure the country’s deterrent capability, and developing the Israeli defense industry. Furthermore, he had worked tirelessly for decades to promote peaceful relations within Israel and between Israel and its neighbors.

He served as the President, Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, Interior Minister, Immigration Minister, Transportation Minister, Communications Minister, Minister of Information, Minister of Regional Cooperation and Development of the Negev and Galilee, and as the Leader of the Opposition. Shimon Peres was the last of the ‘founding fathers’ of the State of Israel. He was in public service for seven decades and will be

missed by people of all cross sections of society in Israel and around the world. May his memory be a blessing.

In the following paragraphs three distinct voices from our community reminisce about Shimon Peres z”l and reflect on his optimism, vision, and inspiration.

Community Speaks of a Leader THE OPTIMIST

By Rabbi Herbert Brockman, Congregation Mishkan Israel In the writings of the rabbis, they ask, “Who is mighty (a hero)?” (Pirke Avot 4) and answers with the Proverb, “He who rules his spirit rather than captures a city” (Prov 16:32) Mighty warriors of Israel, real heroes, were ordinary human beings who strove for extraordinary things. None more so than peace.

This defines Shimon Peres, whose death we grieved just as the New Year was about to begin.

Mr Peres was, for all of his adult life, a politician. He ran for office, compromised, made deals with other politicians, and yet, he was a remarkable leader of Israel. A military general, decorated war hero, father of Israel’s military complex including the nuclear

facility in Dimona, yet he won the Nobel Peace Prize along with Yasser Arafat and Yitzchak Rabin for his efforts at resolving the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Unfortunately those efforts ended in tragic failure of the Oslo Accords. An intifada followed. His enemies called him an opportunist and worse. At home, he was criticized for being a dreamer. Peres himself once observed, “My greatest mistake was that I didn’t dream big enough.” Nevertheless, this soldier would continue to fight, even harder, for peace. His political legacy was mixed.

Over 70 years he served as president, prime minister and a host of cabinet posts as well as losing a number of elections. It was a complex legacy. But he was the true hero.....the ordinary human being who strove for the extraordinary.

The one consistent theme was, despite it all, an unflagging optimism. He spoke here in New Haven on a number of occasions. All agreed, his eloquence and his belief in the possibility for peace were contagious. He was an unapologetic patriot of the Jewish State whose moral compass pointed to the need and the right of living with their Palestinian neighbors. A decade ago he said, “It took Zionism 25 years to overcome its great error­—its attempt to ignore the existence of the Palestinians in this land—(despite its failure) CONTINUED ON PG. 50

Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016 • 7 p.m.

SAVE DATE NOV. 19 & 20 JCC of Greater New Haven • 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge

Register online: jccnh.org/rsvp

Havdallah led by Camp Laurelwood Keynote address by Dr. Steven M. Cohen Hebrew Union College Workshop Leaders: Rabbi Michael Farbman, Temple Emanuel Lauren Hass, Wexner Fellow Rabbi Yakov Lyons, Meor at Yale University Dr. Dan Oren, Yale University Rabbi Joshua Ratner, Yale Slifka Center and Jewish Community Relations Council Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic, Temple Beth Sholom with Sydney Perry Doris Zelinsky and Fay Sheppard, Greater New Haven Holocaust Memory, Inc

Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016 • 2 p.m.

From Russia with Soul Neighborhood Music School

Made possible by the Dr. Brigitte Prusoff Fund for the Taste of Honey Program through the Jewish Foundation.

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May His Memory Be a Blessing

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 4

Welcome to America Free to Celebrate the Jewish Еврейским Новым New Year Годом!

On Rosh Hashanah morning, the shaliach announced the arrival of New American Acculturation Coordinator the year Five Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Seven. There are some who wonder, “5777 years from what?” but keeping the Hebrew calendar is one of the most important traditions that we preserve. How well do we know traditions? One of the most significant rituals during Rosh Hashanah is the blowing of the Shofar, or ram’s horn. Can you imagine Jewish people in the former Soviet Union, where religion was prohibited for almost the entire 20th century, listening to Shofar? It was almost not possible. Those celebrating risked losing their jobs, and could even be imprisoned. They had to celebrate Jewish holidays in secrecy because they were afraid their neighbors would report their “anti-communist activities” to the authorities, or not celebrate it at all.

By Yelena Gerovich

Вот и наступил новый, 5777 год. Всегда найдётся кто-то, кто спросит: “А почему 5777?” Мы не будем вдаваться в споры на этот счёт, мы просто будем продолжать соблюдать традиции наших предков. Ветхий Завет рассказывает что мир был создан за 7 дней. Какой же из дней творения считается самым главным? От какого из них ведется летоисчисление уже много тысяч лет? Больше всего повезло шестому дню, именно в этот день был создан человек, именно в этот день полноценное существование мира было завершено и обрело смысл.

Thanks to American Jews who fought for European Jews and the American government, a lot of Jews from the Former Soviet Union could come to the US and get their freedom. The problem is that many of them were not able to keep Jewish traditions and may not know how. That is why they are so thankful for the tremendous help from all of you. Numerous educational programs have been recently offered by the New American Acculturation Program for all groups of immigrants including “Jewish Holidays and Jewish Spirit” thanks to the financial support of the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services, Women of Vision Society, Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut and the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. Jews from the Former Soviet Union are finally able to celebrate openly. Happy New Year! And as Golda Meir once said: “Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life.

Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”

Одним из главных элементов праздника является трубление в шофар. Могли ли евреи в бывшем СССР, где религия была под запретом почти на протяжении всего 20 века, слушать звуки шофара безбоязненно? Нет. Евреи в бывшем Советском Союзе многим рисковали соблюдая религиозные обряды, традиции, празднуя еврейские праздники. Благодаря образовательным программам для эмигрантов из бывшего Советского Союза мы собираемся вместе, веселимся и отмечаем праздники. Давайте воспользуемся возможностью чаще собираться вместе! Мы планируем праздновать еврейские и американские праздники, интересные лекции и программы! Звоните, приходите! Это так приятно встречаться по хорошим поводам! С Новым годом ! Голда Меир однажды сказала:” Верьте в себя. Попытайтесь сделать себя человеком, с которым вы будете счастливы всю жизнь. Старайтесь достигнуть как можно большего, превращая слабые искры возможностей в пламя свершений.” Меир ушла в отставку 10 апреля 1974 года после пяти бурных лет в качестве премьерминистра. Ей было почти семьдесят шесть. В Палестине было восемьдесят тысяч евреев, когда она приехала сюда в 1921 году, и три миллиона триста семьдесят семь тысяч, когда она покинула свой кабинет в 1974-м.

For more information about the New American Acculturation Program, including sponsorships of specific programs, please contact Yelena Gerovich at (203)387-2424, ext. 321, or e-mail ygerovich@jewishnewhaven.org.

С вопросами и предложениями обращайтесь к координатору культурнообразовательных программ Елене Герович по тел. 203-387-2424 доб.321 ygerovich@jewishnewhaven.org

Jewish Groups Mobilize to Help Victims of Hurricane Matthew as needs like shelter, food, water, medicine and medical services have dramatically increased,” said Mandie Winston, director of JDC’s International Development Program “Our response is especially crucial as concerns about the public health situation and fear of diseases like cholera continue to further underline the need for rapid care of the most vulnerable victims.”

(JNS.org) Jewish organizations across the United States have been working over the stormy weekend of October 8-9 to dispatch relief aid to victims of Hurricane Matthew, which has left at least 17 people dead in the southeastern U.S. and killed hundreds in the Caribbean.

The Jewish Federations of North America started a nationwide emergency relief campaign to support thousands left homeless.

Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries in communities in North Carolina and Florida prepared disaster plans as soon as evacuations were ordered on Thursday and Friday ahead of the storm.

Over the weekend, Chabad volunteers provided Shabbat meals to local residents, makeshift shelters for students, and offered use of a Chabad House generator for those who needed power for medical equipment.

The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee

(JDC) is helping hundreds of hurricane victims in Haiti by providing hygiene kits, water purification tablets and dispatched its veteran disaster relief experts and emergency field medics to help with emergency care.

“As the death toll in Haiti continues to rise, our efforts to aid the hardest-hit communities are vital

JDC has partnered with Heart to Heart International and UNICEF to ensure hygiene and water relief to the most impacted areas in the south of Haiti, now under threat of a cholera outbreak due to widespread flooding To make a donation towards the national hurricane relief efforts visit www.jewisnewhaven.org/matthew To make a donation toward the international hurricane relief efforts visitwww.jewishnewhaven.org/jdc

When many students first visit JHSC, they are struck by the number of round table discussions in classes. At many prior schools a large percentage of classes were lectures with rows of seats. Rabbi Elisha Paul, Head of School of the Jewish High School of Connecticut, is a huge proponent of round table discussions.

“There is a striking difference in learning when people sit together to discuss topics and issues,” said Rabbi Paul. “Students are more engaged, more willing to take risks with ideas, when their peers and instructor are sitting together with them around a table. Students are also more encouraged to continue their discussions after class. We have found that many good ideas for additional courses emerge as a result of inspiring conversations around a learning table.”

This method of learning called the Harkness method of teaching, developed at Phillips Exeter in the 1930s, is a teaching and learning method that involves students in a discussion facing each other around an oval table. While not all tables at JHSC are oval, the methodology of learning sitting around a table is strikingly prominent in almost every class at JHSC. What some people do not know is the model of facing each other when learning is actually found in the Talmud when discussing the ideal classroom design.

In Talmudic times students sometimes sat and sometimes stood, but whether sitting or standing, the students were traditionally organized in a “U” shape seating chart format to be able to see each other and their teacher simultaneously to maximize interactive learning. This was the same way the Jewish Supreme Court, the Sanhedrin, was designed as well.

Classroom setup at Jewish High School of Connecticut

“The student and teacher dialogue creates an intellectual energy that encourages students to express their ideas and get excited about subjects or issues,” commented Dr. Seth Reimer. “In fact, as a result of a hearty discussion in one of my Talmud classes a couple of years ago, I ended up teaching a course on Comparative Religion.” Other courses to emerge during discussions have included Power and Society, Scriptwriting and the Military and Jewish Law. “We are serious about foundational courses, but we give our students room to choose and share their ideas. The table is part of that philosophy - it is an intellectual incubator that motivates and inspires our students and faculty, and we want every student to have an equal seat at the learning table,” said Rabbi Paul.

TBD Helps Seasonal Farm Workers

INTERNATIONAL

FESTIVAL Free and open to the community

Sunday, Nov. 6 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Temple Beth David’s second annual Migrant Worker Drive was a major success. Working in conjunction with Dr. Bruce Gould of the UConn Medical Center, who has set up no charge health clinics at farms throughout Connecticut for seasonal workers, Temple Beth David Social Action Chair Arlene Mittenthal lead the effort to collect much-needed personal items for farm workers.

glasses, ice packs, and more. A local business donated 100 pairs of work gloves, and a ‘righteous woman’ in the community donated many things including multiple sets of new rain gear, Wellington boots, heavy duty work gloves, steel toe work shoes and water bottles. The UConn Medical Center was overwhelmed with the spirit and generosity of Temple Beth David.

Temple Beth David members and the Cheshire community responded with an abundance of donated items, including sunscreen, hats, sun-

We are proud of our Temple Beth David family and say a hearty toda raba for everyone’s help with this worthy effort.

360 Amity Road, Woodbridge

MUSIC • PERFORMANCES • CRAFTS

Tickets: jccnh.org/rsvp

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Everyone Has a Seat at the JHSC Learning Table…

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JCC’s New Cafe is Job Training for People with Disabilities

By Jennifer Gelband Special to Shalom New Haven Guests and members passing through the JCC have surely noticed a vibrant new tenant in the Living Room’s café area. The Marrakech Village Café took over the space most recently occupied

by Edge of the Woods, and the marriage of the two organizations is the perfect match.

Marrakech, founded in 1971, is one of the state’s largest nonprofit service organizations that helps people with disabilities find jobs, housing, support and advocacy, and other services they need, with the goal of self-sufficiency.

And yes, it was named for the Crosby, Stills & Nash song “Marrakech Express” about going to a better place.

Marrakech’s mission to embrace human potential and exercise their human rights as contributing members of society lines up well with the JCC’s commitment to provide a warm, friendly atmosphere for health, thought, learning, and values. The Café, in fact, serves as a job training program for people with disabilities. “You might see someone with acquired brain injury or someone from our young adult services program or someone from our workforce development program at the Café,” said Heather LaTorra, CEO of Marrakech Inc. “Someone who wants to work in food services, we provide them with an internship in our work service program.”

The Café is one of the organization’s two social enterprises (the other is East Street Arts) that, along with a long list of programs and services, support more than 1,300 people a year. The

Café’s ultimate goal is to make a profit to feed back into the organization for one of its many other programs that are under-or unfunded. “Everyone has a thought of what quality of life is – to develop friendships or be part of a theater group or be part of an arts and crafts group – everyone’s idea of quality of life is different, and that’s what makes Marrakech so different,” LaTorra said. “We aren’t a box program, we find out what their ideas of quality of life and self-sufficiency are and help them get to their goals. [By visiting the Café] you’re supporting people doing their internships at the Café, and you’re also supporting and embracing the mission.”

Known for its smoothies, the Village Café also serves salads with chooseyour-own toppings, many different kinds of sandwiches and panini, and desserts, including their secret recipe Way Hip Cookies. “They’re like Lays potato chips,” LaTorra said. “They’re so good, you can’t eat just one!” And they also cater parties of any size.

LaTorra, who was honored with the Chamber of Commerce’s Alumnus of the Leadership Center Award in September, is also hoping to connect with the teens at the JCC; they take volunteers at the café and elsewhere in their community efforts. “That’s how I started at Marrakech,” she said.

“In an internship in college 30 years ago.”

The Village Café menu and more information is posted on the Village Cafe Facebook Page.

SPEND $10 GET 2 COOKIES OR A BAG OF CHIPS FREE

One per customer. Not to be combined with other offers. Expires 12/31/16

Hours of Operation: M-Th 7:30a-7:00p • Friday 7:30a - 4:00p • Sunday 7:30a - 12:00p

Foundation Selected for Multigenerational Family Philanthropy Training Over the next 30 years, an estimated $30 trillion will be passed down from Baby Boomers and their parents to younger generations. There is tremendous potential impact for these funds on Jewish Federations, synagogues, the Jewish community, and the myriad programs and services that are supported.

In New Haven, to help manage and advise on the passing of assets, Lisa Stanger, Executive Director of the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven, was chosen to participate in a comprehensive national philanthropic training program made possible through a collaboration between the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and 21/64.

The program, funded in part by a grant from the JFNA Domestic Endowment Fund, will ensure that the professional staff of the Federation and Foundation is equipped to facilitate and promote open family dialogues regarding values, philanthropy, and family legacies.

The program has garnered high

praise from families living in the 41 communities that already have participated in this training.“I took part in the training program several months ago, and found it to be well worthwhile. I gained valuable insight about family dynamics when multiple generations are engaged in a family’s charitable giving, and brought back many tools that families in our Jewish community will find useful as they develop their family philanthropic goals and values. It is essential to build and strengthen relationships among families and their professional advisors and to open new paths for multigenerational philanthropic involvement,” said Stanger. “This initiative allows families to establish and maintain positive relationships with our Jewish community, allowing them, as a family unit, to invest in a mission that they believe in.”

To find out more and to make an appointment contact the Jewish Foundation, Lisa Stanger, Executive Director lstanger@jewishnewhaven. org., 203-387-2424, ext. 382 www. newhavenjewishfoundation.org

Jewish Business League Joins Federation The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven is very happy to announce our new relationship with the Jewish Business League of Connecticut (JBL).

Over the summer, JBL joined the Jewish Federation as an affinity group to engage Jewish business professionals in the Greater New Haven community.

“We value what JBL has achieved in four years since its inception. JBL is comprised of a strong group of committed leaders. They have worked hard to create it as a successful Jewish networking forum with a social-intellectual value add” said Josh Squire, Development Associate at Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. “We couldn’t be happier about becoming a part of the bigger picture by joining Federation and the opportunity to magnify our impact. We are all part of the same ecosystem, feeding each other and contributing to the overall growth and vibrancy of our Jewish Community” said Jonathan Snyder, JBL President and a board member of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven.

JBL’s first happy hour event as part of Federation will take place on Thursday, November 17, at 5:30 p.m. in New Haven’s Mory’s with food (kosher accommodation for dietary observance will be available), drinks, and good company. It will feature movie producer Jerry Davis who’ll give a talk entitled “Be a Movie Mogul –What Movie Producing Can Teach You About Running Your Business”. Limited seats available. Visit jewishnewhaven.org/rsvp for ticket information.

Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek- On De-

cember 16-18, CBSRZ will present Kutnick Scholarin-Residence Tina Wasserman, author of Entrée to Judaism: A Culinary Exploration of the Jewish Diaspora. Tina is not only a best-selling author, but a scholar, teacher and chef. Over the weekend, Tina will introduce us to the marvels of worldwide Jewish cooking and to the backgrounds and methodology of Jewish cookery, familiar and exotic, simple and complex.

Award winning actress, director, comedian, writer, musician, and proud mother, Rain Pryor, owns a list of talents and accolades that reach far beyond her famous father, comedian Richard Pryor.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Pryor’s entertainment career has spanned a multitude of venues and disciplines, including singing in jazz cabarets, acting on stage and screen, and performing stand up comedy all over the world. Her most notable tv roles include the rebellious T.J. Jones in ABC’s 1989 sitcom “Head of the Class” and Jackie Garcia in HBO’s “Rude Awakening” (1998-1999).

Frequently drawing from her upbringing as Black and Jewish, Pryor’s original works include the 2007 memoir “Jokes My Father Never Taught Me,” an honest and in-your-face look at the spectrum of childhood experiences that shaped her into adulthood; and her onewoman show: Fried Chicken and Latkes (2012), which

she will present at the JCC of Greater New Haven on Thursday, December 1st.

Lauded by the New York Times as a “robust, ebullient performer,” Pryor delivers authenticity and power through her performance of several primary characters, who include Pryor’s Jewish mother and grandmother, the elementary-school bully, and of course, her unmistakable impression of her father.

The JCC is thrilled to present this dynamic and engaging show to its Greater New Haven audience, with support from CT Humanities. Bringing to light topics that are relevant to multiple communities, through mediums that create meaningful and memorable experiences, “Fried Chicken and Latkes,” is the perfect show for the Center.

Tickets are on sale now through December 1; $18 for JCC members and $25 for the general public. To purchase tickets online: jccnh.org/rsvp.

The “B” Foundation Now accepting grant applications from Internal Revenue Service qualified 501(C)(3) organizations which seek assistance consistent with the goals of the “B” Foundation to help feed, care, or educate society. The grants will range from $1,000 to $10,000 and will be awarded by the end of the calendar year.

Please submit your written request by November 15, 2016 to: The “B” Foundation

P.O. Box 3709, Woodbridge, CT 06525

Here’s a “taste” of what to expect: We’ll learn about Jewish food, its history and significance at Lunch & Learn; we’ll have a hands-on cooking workshop (by RSVP); there will be a program for Kivvun students on Sunday and, of course, there will be plenty of opportunities for sampling.

If you would like to lend your cooking chops to the weekend, please contact Jackie McKown, jackiebowin@gmail.com or Ellen Nodelman, ellennodelman@gmail.com. We would love for you to be part of this-and can use all the help we can get! Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek, 55 East Kings Highway, Chester CT, 860.526.8920, office@cbsrz. org, www.cbsrz.org

Temple Beth Tikvah- The 2016 Temple Beth Tikvah SCHOLAR- IN- RESIDENCE weekend is scheduled for November 11-13. The featured Scholar is Rabbi Amy Scheinerman, an expert in Talmud, an energetic teacher and an engaging speaker. Her style of teaching is interactive in the spirit of Jewish tradition. For more on Rabbi Scheinerman, visit http:// scheiner­man.net/judaism.

RSVP: office@tbtshoreline.org or 203-245-2078.

All events take place at Temple Beth Tikvah, 196 Durham Rd., Madison, CT. This lecture is free and open to the public through a gift by Jimmy Shure.

FRIDAY TALK: 7:15 p.m. SHABBAT SERVICE Ancient Wisdom for Modern Relationships: Building a Better Us- We will dive headlong into the talmudic well of ancient-yet-modern wisdom for becoming the best version of our­selves we can become.

SATURDAY EVENING PROGRAM: (RSVP requested) 6:30 p.m. start Light dinner / Appetizers 7:45 – 8:00 p.m. Havdalah 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. Rabbi Amy Scheinerman 9:00 – 9:45 p.m. Dessert Jews and Power- Do Jews have power? Do we want power? Do we deserve power? The Jewish ambivalence about power runs throughout our history and culture. It is a pressing issue to explore.

SUNDAY MORNING: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Siblings: Competitors? Companions? Confidantes?

When you think of sibling rivalry, perhaps Cain and Abel come to mind, but Rachel and Leah had it tougher: they shared a husband. The fertile imagination of the Rabbis delivers a powerful lesson in managing jealousy and competition.

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JCC OF GREATER NEW HAVEN PRESENTS: Scholar-In-Residence “Fried Chicken and Latkes” by Rain Pryor Weekend Events

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 8

Check that Box and Say Shehechianu!

Although they were mostly all members of the same synagogue, Temple Beth Tikvah, they did not really know each other until they went on the two weeks long trip to Israel together. They went out as congregants and came back as an extended family. On Saturday of October 29 they had their reunion. Here Jill Lesage looks back and shares her experiences from the summer trip which grew her appreciation for her Jewish homeland and filled her heart with love.

By Jill Lesage Communications Director, Temple Beth Tikvah Have you ever marveled at the wonder in a child’s eyes the first time they see snow? That’s not unlike the excitement I felt as I deplaned from my first El Al flight to Israel.

John and Sam of TBT in the Old City of Jerusalem

The crowd in Ben Gurion airport captivated me with singing and dancing.

The air was filled with electricity. I was standing in a sea of strangers feeling comforted and engaged. Israel is magical and we took a moment to chant the Shehechianu. In short order, our Ayelet tour guide grabbed our Temple Beth Tikvah group of 17, assisted us through customs and loaded us into our travelling ‘home’ bound for Jerusalem.

The next 10 days were a whirlwind of activity. Every sight, flavor and sound brought me closer to understanding my Jewish culture, Zionism, the history of Israel and religion. We woke early to a sumptuous buffet breakfast every morning. Delicious Middle Eastern food was around every corner and I indulged in every bite of hummus and falafel. While in the City of Gold, we moved quickly from breaking bread at Haas Promenade to Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, through Mt. Herzl’s military cemetery to the 9-11 Memorial to pay tribute to those who perished in New York City.

After our Friday evening Shabbat service, we enjoyed home hospitality with five different Israeli families. Our host was the musicologist who developed the music archive for the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. She and her 16-year-old daughter shared colorful stories about their unique Jewish lifestyle in Jerusalem. After a delightful Saturday morning Shabbat service at Hebrew Union College, our tour guide took us on a walking tour of Montefiores’ Windmill in Yemin Moshe, Jerusalem’s Old City from the rampart rooftops to the underground Western wall tunnels, the Jewish Quarter, Cardo market and the Christian Quarter.

On the Fourth of July, our group attended the egalitarian service that called for pluralistic prayer at the Western Wall with Reform Rabbi Rick Jacobs. The next day we met with Anat Hoffman, of the Israel Religious Action Center and Women of the Wall, to learn firsthand about progressive political advocacy.

More Shehechianu moments! Day trips took us to the Dead Sea, Masada, and the hidden waterfalls in the desert oasis of Ein Gedi and Yad L’Kashish and Lifeline for the Aged, a brilliant non-profit workshop that employs 300 seniors who create quality gift items.

At Hadassah Medical Center, we had a special tour of the Chagall Windows.

I was awestruck…Shehechianu! We toured the Israeli Museum, including the Shrine of the Book which houses the Dead Sea scrolls, the Knesset and the Supreme Court. We drove north to Ramle for an ethnic tasting tour in their local market and stopped at Gan Hashlosha, for a dip in the sparkling waters of a spring at the foot of Gilboa Mountain. We spent the night in Galilee at Kibbutz Hagoshrim and woke to hike through the Tel Dan Nature Reserve, source of the Jordan River and ancient archaeological finds. We traveled to the center of

Children’s Memorial at Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum

Kabbalah study in Tsfat and continued to Galil Winery for a tasting. At several points in the north, we viewed Syria and Lebanon. In the Golan, we stopped at Kibbutz El Rom to view a powerful documentary film about the tank battles of the 1973 war at Oz 77 Memorial.

We had no ideawe’d be schooled in American politics from the guy who ran the film, the market and owned a company that subtitles international films. We drove to Haifa via Mt. Carmel to view the Ba’Hai Temple and Persian Gardens before continuing to Hof HaCarmel cemetery to visit the grave of a dear Israeli friend and Temple Beth Tikvah congregant who died in Connecticut six months prior. It was an emotional and important moment for our group that will stay with me forever. We continued to Tel Aviv, making a stop at the paramilitary Palmach Museum. Our Tel Aviv hotel was right on the boardwalk, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea -- spectacular view, gorgeous, aqua-blue, warm water CONTINUED ON PG. 50

A Woman’s Journey To Israel February 5-9, 2017

LEAVE YOUR HIGH HEELS AT HOME

and join our intrepid group of smart, motivated women from across North America and Israel on a unique journey that will feed your soul and engage your mind.

Spend 5 brilliant days traveling Israel and meeting with women who are making their world a better place. Participate in hands-on programs that are changing the face of Israeli society and helping those most at risk.

Return home invigorated and empowered, ready to put it all into action in your community.

Every journey begins with a single step. Take the first one right now.

Visit jewishnewhaven.org/h2h for more information.

Seabury At Home is a comprehensive home-based life care program designed to allow members to plan for their future.

This affordable future care option was modeled after Seabury, a leading not-forprofit, interfaith, active life plan community established in 1992 in the Hartford area.

Seabury At Home is the first home-based life care program for adults 50 and over in Connecticut, and was previously only available in and around Hartford County.

We’re happy to announce that Seabury At Home is now available in New Haven County**, allowing us to expand Seabury’s mission and offer services to individuals in the southern part of the state.

Please join us at one of our complimentary luncheons to learn more about how you can plan for the future and take advantage of what a home-based life care program has to offer. **within

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Call (860) 243-6018 for information about upcoming Seabury At Home info sessions in your area.

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Page 9, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777

Seabury At Home: The Independent Spirit.

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 10

1,300 Lions Roar at ILOJC 2016, Washington, D.C. Jennifer Bayer Assistant Director, Development, Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven This September, while Washington D.C. was a buzz in advance of the presidential election, there was another buzz in town. 1,300 Lions of Judah from across the United States, Israel, Mexico, Canada, and other international locations gathered together and devoted two and a half days to philanthropy and positive change. Lions stand more than 17,500 strong and have raised billions of dollars for those in need, and for their Jewish communities at home and around the globe.

Lions from the New Haven community in attendance included, Jen Bayer, Judy Alperin Diamondstein, Betsy Hoos, Marcia Reiter, Judy Skolnick, Lisa Stanger, Robyn Teplitzky, Stacey Trachten, and Leslie Zackin. Our Lions had an opportunity to attend plenaries and breakout sessions on a wide variety of topics from 15 Years After 9/11: The Global Landscape and Advocacy in Action to the Power of Women Making a Difference. Speakers included, Madeleine Albright, Former Secretary of State, Tom Ridge, First Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Rabbi Elka Abramson, President, Wexner Foundation, Paul Begala, Political Analyst and Commentator, Nicolle Wallace, Political Analyst and Dr. Erica Brown, Educator, just to name a few.

Our Lions felt a great sense of pride honoring our own Robyn Teplitzky, who received the KipnisWilson Award at the conference. Reflecting on the experience as a whole, Marcia Reiter shared, “This was the best Lion Conference and it was due to the cohesiveness of the group and the dedication we all felt for our Jewish roots and heritage. We were truly a team with our professionals and lay leaders.

Everyone. Come and join us on any level and help

our Federation grow.” Betsy Hoos, who sits on the National Advisory Council also mentioned that this conference was unlike any other, she explained, “For me, what made this conference different from all of the other conferences was that we were together as lay people and professionals. We experienced the speakers and the celebrations together.

We laughed and cried together. We honored Robyn, together. It’s always so powerful to be in a room with like-minded women, women who value community, women who understand that our family will always come first, but strong families need strong communities, women who want to make the world better, who want to be counted & who want to set an example for their children and grandchildren.

It’s hard to convey to those who have never been.... but I hope that our group can attract and inspire others to join us in 2018!”

For more information about Women’s Philanthropy, the Lion of Judah Program, The Pomegranate Program, and our Sabra Society, contact Jennifer Bayer, Assistant Director, Development at 203-387-2424, ext. 320 or at jbayer@jewishnewhaven.org.

Lion of Judah Luncheon Senior Day at the JCC

Thursday, November 17 | 12:30-2 p.m.

The JCC invites all senior citizens to join us for lunch and an afternoon program.

These events are free and open to the community.

Senior Day is made possible by the generous support of the Pamela & Ronald Reis Family Fund.

RSVP: Grace Koo, gracek@jccnh.org, (203) 387-2522 x228

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(The Judys) Judy Skolnick, Judi Hahn, Judy Alperin Diamondstein, Judy Sklarz

regional offices or that make the news, so we can safely assume that the real number of incidents is larger, since not all cases are reported.

By Cindy Papish Gerber Special to Shalom New Haven

Do these attitudes span across cultural, demographic and class divides?

ANTI-SEMITIC INCIDENTS

States with Large Jewish Populations had the highest number of Anti-Semitic Incidents in 2015

{

NEW YORK

198

CALIFORNIA

175

NEW JERSEY

137

FLORIDA

91

MASSACHUSETTS PENNSYLVANIA

50 43

TEXAS

29

CONNECTICUT

26

Last year, the Connecticut Regional Office of the Anti-Defamation League ranked our state seventh in the nation for anti-Semitic incidents. ADL’s 2015 audit reported a 50% rise in anti-Semitic assaults, the most violent anti-Semitic category, and a rise of 100% on college campuses. In late July this year the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Stamford Police Department apprehended and indicted a Hamden man, Kendall Sullivab, who allegedly made anti-Semitic threatening communications online. Connecticut native Andy Friedland is ADL’s Assistant Regional Director. In a conversation with SNH, he addressed local, national and global anti-Semitism.

Anti-Semitism is not new. Why are we seeing an increase?

Anti-Semitism is the oldest form of hatred there is; present in every society in the world to some extent. The truth is that it exists at a smaller level than it did 50 or 100 years ago, but yes, the election has definitely fueled these fires.

(ADL is a 501C-3 organization and does not take any stances with regard to political candidates.) We set up a task force to deal specifically with the anti-Semitism that Jewish reporters were facing while covering the Trump campaign. On the other side of the political aisle, voices were trying to de-legitimize Israel on the Left. Our office’s Twitter account has also been harassed by users espousing Nazi ideology. Internet trolls also brought the (((echoes))) symbol, which was meant to point out Jews on social media and co-opted the “Pepe the Frog” meme, both of which we have added to our database of hate symbols.

There are cultural groups that have higher rates of anti-Semitic attitudes. That’s one of the many reasons we do interfaith and intergroup work… to help dispel myths about Jews and make it harder for people to believe hateful things.

Why are college campuses a hotbed for these sentiments?

Many students are given a very black and white version of the conflict in Israel, and they’re ‘taking a principled stand’ based on human rights. Some come from a place of hatred and want to wipe Israel off the map; others are wellintentioned and under-informed. We must explain the grey inherent in this conflict without painting all anti-Israel students with the same brush.

What can be done to address anti-Semitism in general?

Outreach to other communities. The main reason for anti-Semitism, like any kind of hatred, is ignorance. When we work together with others, our struggles are connected and our gains are felt together. ADL’s National Center on Extremism tracks the ‘bad guys’ and makes sure that they don’t hurt anyone.

This kind of dangerous extremism is why we value our great relationships with law enforcement. Regionally, the Stamford Police and FBI apprehended suspect Kendall Sullivan, who recently made allegedly CONTINUED ON PG. 51

Get a FREE month* at the JCC! *With the purchase of two months.

THROUGH DECEMBER ONLY

Is there a reported change in anti-Semitic attitudes?

Attitudes are a hard thing to measure, the most accurate and scientific answer we have about is our “ADL 100,” which measures anti-Semitism over the world.

The percentage in America is a small, but still frighteningly significant: 9% of the population harbors anti-Semitic attitudes.

The number of Connecticut incidents (mid 20’s) stayed stable and is projected to be similar in 2016. We measure anti-Semitic incidents reported to our 26

Valid until 12/31/16. New members only. Not an active member since 11/1/15.

JCC of Greater New Haven • 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge • 203.387.2424 • jccnh.org

Page 11, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777

Connecticut Ranks 7th in the Nation for Anti-Semitic Incidents

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 12

COMMUNI

JFS Receives Organic Produce The JFS Food Pantry and Nutritional Health Center enjoyed a summer filled with fresh produce for Pantry clients.

Thanks to the green thumbs at GentleGiant CSA in Bethany; Bethany Community Garden; and synagogue gardens at Mishkan Israel, Temple Beth David, and B’nai Jacob, clients were able to choose from an array of fresh produce.

Visit the JFS of Greater New Haven face book page to find out how you can help raise awareness and help to alleviate hunger in our local community.

TBD Mitzvah Garden is a community garden geared for social action

JFS Pantry Director Sandra Hagan and volunteer Betsy Flashert

Ezra Academy’s 10th annual

“Bagel Breakfast”

Students first create a menu and order form – including prices – that they hand out to all Ezra students, parents, and faculty. The menu includes options for a bagel, a topping, and a drink (bagels are donated by Meredith Abel at ACI Catering) .

Students encourage their peers and families to participate because the proceeds help Jewish Family Service. Once all the orders are collected, students participate in the ordering and serving of the breakfast on the day before Thanksgiving.

2015 Bagel Breakfast where the Ezra Academy students raised over $550 and 500 pounds of food for Jewish Family Service.

This project teaches students good nutrition, the value of a dollar and the importance of helping those less fortunate. Students typically raise $550 each year and donate about 500 pounds of food to JFS. The Ezra Academy community always looks forward to this fundraiser because it gives the students valuable hands-on experience in tzedakah and in math!

raises money for Jewish Family Service

After the breakfast is done, the real work takes place. Students count their earnings and make a plan for spending the money. Students look at weekly ads and coupons in order to find the best deals for non-perishable goods for the JFS Food Pantry. The goal is to donate the most amount of food with their proceeds to feed as many people as possible. Once they have decided on the items, the students make a list and start shopping. Students purchase the goods and immediately go to the JFS Food Pantry. They a greeted by the Director of the Food Pantry who explains the importance of having a food pantry, who uses it, and the need it fulfills in our community. Students then weigh the food, so they know how many families they can feed, then stock the shelves before winter begins.

New Women of Vision and Honorees

The Women of Vision Society was created in 1996 by area Jewish women eager to join together to enhance and improve the lives of fellow women and girls in our community.

New Women of Vision:

Judy Alperin Diamondstein Linda Cedarbaum Jill Epstein, by her grandmother, Nancy Cohen Danielle Epstein, by her grandmother, Nancy Cohen Lisa Kapp Judy Kleinstein Nurit Kohl Elaine Lawson Marilyn Margolis Samara Rozen, by her grandmother Nancy Cohen Betsy Savelle

The Women of Vision Society is a permanent, restricted endowment with the goal to make philanthropy accessible to all women in our area through a manageable one-time gift given in perpetuity. The result has been tremendous. The Society now has over 200 members. Since its founding, Women of Vision has distributed $150,000 in grant money to organizations across our community and addressed issues Ana White from literacy and acculturation to health and domestic violence.

Organizations that have benefitted from the endowment include, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Coalition for Literacy, Ezra Academy, Jewish Women’s Circle, Food4Kids, Tower One/Tower East, local synagogues, organizations in Israel, and many others. Women who join make a one-time gift of $1,000 that can be payable over 3 years.

For additional information please contact Jennifer Bayer, Assistant Director of Development at jbayer@jewishnewhaven.org or (203) 387-2424 x320

In August, the Women of Vision Society of the Jewish Foundation honored their grants committee featured from left to right, Jennifer Bayer, Assistant Director of Development, Jewish Federation and Foundation; Shirley Scholder, Cis Serling, Rebecca Tishkoff, Judith Hahn; Judy Alperin Diamondstein, Jewish Federation of GNH CEO, Nancy Cohen, Grants Committee Chair, Barbara Greenberg, Women of Vision Chair; Betsy Hoos, Marlene Schweitzer, Lisa Stanger, Foundation Executive Director. Not pictured: Evelyn Krevolin, Jodi Seidner, Gail Brekke Vlock, Marcia Reiter, Enid Scheps

Weather Happens.

Be prepared.

School closed due to Hurricanes, Power Outages, Snow Storms etc?

The JCC has you covered with All Weather Insurance.

For more information, contact, Afterschool/Kids Club Director: Kari McInerney, karim@jccnh.org or (203) 387-2424 x236 Limited space available. Reserve your space for only $250 (JCC Members) or $300 (Community Members). Fee per snow day $35. All weather days end at 6:00 p.m.

First snow day free with pre-registration.

Page 13, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777

TY FUN(D)

Every year, second and third graders at Ezra Academy learn about the importance of tzedakah through their “Bagel Breakfast” project. The project has been a huge success for the past ten years under the leadership of Jacqui Schulefand, who uses it to teach several lessons. “This project is one of the most meaningful to the students because they get to see the act of tzedakah from the origins of the idea to its completion. Students learn there is more to tzedakah than just donating money to a cause” says Schulefand.

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 14

Falk Enriches Lives with Art at BEKI When Alan Falk offers an artist’s talk at Beth El Keser Israel [BEKI] on Saturday, December 3, his audience anticipates more than just a little background about the pieces on display. “They ask really good questions,” BEKI member Cynthia Rubin explains. “The BEKI community is impressive in the general understanding and respect that our members bring to discussions with the artists. Their questions reflect an appreciation for the conceptual as well as the technical challenges facing artists.”

Art exhibitions at BEKI began in April 2010 with an exhibit of four Jewish women artists from the New Haven area. Since then, lighting and hanging systems have been improved, and exhibits now change quarterly. Falk will exhibit a selection of his work from November 16 through January 17. His talk on December 3, following Shabbat services and Kiddush lunch, will start around 12:45 pm and is open to the community.

Falk’s presentation is part of BEKI’s series of schmoozes after weekly Shabbat services and lunch.

“The schmooze allows community

U.K., Europe, and the U.S., as well as in numerous solo exhibitions at private galleries and public museums in London, New York City, and other locations in the tri-state region.

members to meet the artist and learn more about the work”, BEKI member Helen Rosenberg explains.

Committee members who selected Falk’s work for exhibition note his intense use of color. “Through the skillful use of vivid colors and a variety of brushstrokes, Falk activates the deep space of our imaginations, making the works both mythical and modern,” Rubin says.

“I am impressed with how his colorful and vivid images convey the emotional depth of Biblical stories, Midrashim and the Jewish experience,” Rosenberg adds. “His figures are dynamic, reaching beyond the words of familiar stories and bringing them to life. Although his style is direct and features bright, often primary colors, complexity is found in composition and subtlety in the facial expressions of the figures.”

“Falk creates deep spaces for contemplation of the struggles of human existence,” Rubin says. “His research into stories such as Elijah and the Ravens or the Honi narratives brings the viewer into a personal dialogue, challenging each of us to return to the layers of meaning in the original telling.”

Rubin explains that having the schmooze mid-way through Falk’s exhibition time is ideal. By then, she says, BEKI people will be familiar with his work. When in January they will find a new collection in the building, she says, they will be excited by something new to start the cycle again.

The Apprentice (A Hard rain is gonna fall)

The jumping off points for his paintings, Falk says, are universal metaphors and messages of good and evil, questions and commentaries on integrity and moral/ethical choice, parables on mortality and the quest for spiritual connection. His work offers a wide-ranging exploration of the contemporary human condition, inevitably shaped by his Jewish heritage.

Falk’s artwork has been included in many international exhibitions in the

“One of the great developments of our time is that art is moving out of the exclusive world of galleries and into the public arena,” Rubin says. “It is wonderful that BEKI is participating in this effort by embracing the concept of turning our walls into rotating gallery space.” The presence of the artwork, she says, “adds depth to our discussions among ourselves, as we explore together the ideas behind the works.”

Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel is located at 85 Harrison Street, New Haven. The artist’s talk on December 3 is free of charge and open to the public.

New Alliance Bank Foundation Grants $5,000 to Federation’s JCL The Jewish Coalition for Literacy (JCL), serving approximately 350 children this year, is funded through annual campaign contributions made to the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven as well as a $5,000 grant by the New Alliance Bank Foundation.

JCL’s reading partner volunteers share the pleasures of reading and provide public elementary school students with much needed oneon-one attention. “In the lives of the children we serve, having an adult read to them, discuss with them, and solicit their opinions is something which may happen only rarely,” says Beth Kaufman, JCL Chairperson.

Volunteers help engage students with words, enriching foundations for thought and imagination.

“Jews are the People of the Book.

Literacy, self-esteem, and the life-long benefits that are driven by these early-stage investments represent one of the highest forms of Tikkun Olam,” says Judy Alperin Diamondstein, CEO of the Jewish Federation, Foundation, and JCC of Greater New Haven.

JCL volunteers may impact a child’s life in as little as just one hour a week. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact Brenda Brenner atbrenner@ jewishnewhaven.org or (330) 3872424 x308 JCL is a project of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven.

JCL volunteers browsing supporting materials at the JCL information session in September, where 125 new and established reading partners attended to hear speakers Margie Gillis, President and founder of Literacy How and Dr. Abie Benitez, Director of Instruction, New Haven Public Schools. Left to right: Sue Levinson, Hyla chasnoff – JCL team leader for Brennan Rogers, Ruth Sachs – JCL team leader for Davis Street School, Jo-Ann Maynard – JCL team leader for Nathan Hale.

By Cindy Papish Gerber Special to Shalom New Haven Dr. Barry L. Zaret is the Robert W. Berliner Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Professor of Diagnostic Radiology and Senior Research Scientist at Yale University.

He has been a faculty member of Yale University School of Medicine since 1973, served as chief of cardiology for 27 years and is internationally recognized for his nuclear cardiology research.

This father and grandfather, a Queens, New York, native who currently resides in Woodbridge, Connecticut, and Otis, Massachusetts, is also an accomplished painter and author. Zaret’s first volume of poetry, “Journeys,” was published in 2012.

Here, he discusses his creative process, his inspirations and his newest nonfiction book project: How did you come to write poetry, and write in general?

I’ve been writing poetry since I was an adolescent. In my 1958 Far Rockaway High School Yearbook, I had two poems in there with my illustrations. I’ve never had formal training. “Journeys” was my first non-medical book. After several of my poems were published, I realized that I accumulated enough poetry for a possible book. Fortunately, the first publisher I approached took it.

Were you surprised by the response to “Journeys”?

I’ve been very pleased — receiving communications from as far away as North Dakota, from Jews and non-Jews alike. People relate emotionally to my experiences. At local readings, other hospitals and universities, the response has been positive. Now, I’m about one-third of a way through my second poetry volume.

How is your Jewish identity linked to the poems and books you write as well as your artwork?

It is intrinsic to what I’ve written. My poetry and prose are linked to people, medicine and Judaism. These poems deal with my life, painted in words. My artwork is different. I love to express my bond with nature, creating mostly landscapes. I have painted since I was a kid. One of my sons is a very talented painter. Some of my grandchildren write poetry.

What have you learned after publishing your first book?

It provided me with lots of confidence. I’m also encouraged to see ‘real’ book sales making a comeback.

Your second book will be a departure from poetry?

Yes. The manuscript (still untitled) is currently being revised. It deals with the last seven months of a patient’s life and the intense personal interaction we had during this period. This person… much older than me… was also a friend.

I will address issues of physician-assisted death, which I am not in favor of except in limited instances. I approach the intensity of these relationships, the toll it takes on the caregivers, physicians and families...how we can deal with this last stage of life. Although my experiences are based upon a specific story, the principles apply widely.

CONTINUED ON PG. 51

PAINT BY NUMBERS: HUC Museum Exhibition The new exhibit at Hebrew Union College Museum, in New York, Paint by Numbers, curated by Laura Kruger, features several works by Hamden based artist (and photographer) Judy Sirota Rosenthal. The exhibit highlights the work of nearly fifty artists including Uri Shulevitz, Leonard Everett Fisher, Arthur Szyk, Donald Woodman, Freeman Dyson, Tetsua Noda, and others.

At the opening of the exhibition,in early September, Ms.Kruger spoke about the concept behind this exhibition..the significance of numbers in Judaism in halacha, kabbalah, texts, dates, holiday traditions, well as in our current lives we are numbers: social security, telephone, addresses, birthdate, even our height and weight.

Four of Sirota Rosenthal’s pieces, including two from the Museum’s permanent collection, are on view.

The Tribes of Israel fills one wall of

the museum.. Sirota Rosenthal raises questions with 15 rods of a wild bamboo she collected in the woods.

Rather than counting only twelve, she presents to us fifteen: one for each of the original sons of Jacob, one for his daughter Dina, who is named in the text, as well as Ephriam and Manasseh. The names of the 12 tribes who receive land include Ephriam and Manasseh, sons of Joseph, as he and and Levi did not receive land, thus fifteen., Each of distinctive rods, 4-6 feet tall, are wrapped with colorful silken cord and objects that tell the tribes’ individual stories - through visual midrash. Easily recognizable are the cut delicately cut copper crown of Judah, and pomegranates of Levi, and wrappings that are Joseph’s coat of many colors.

A second work, “Teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom “, a lithograph of

a phrase in both Hebrew and English from Psalm 90, ” combines text with a vibrant block printed conceptual monthly calendar - a poignant reminder of this season of the year.

This work is part of a limited edition series of what Sirota Rosenthal calls “worded pieces”: prayers and blessings that she said “called to me”from liturgy and other texts, brought me deep resonance with and connection to the divine. A folio of fifteen of these prints is in the permanent collection of Yale’s Art of the Book.

Sirota Rosenthal is versatile in many media. She often uses natural materials in her sculptural installations to express the ideas and the questions she explores. From the permanent collection, HUC is featuring, her Miriam’s Cup, and Bisamim, (spice box) which was a finalist for the Spertus Prize. Both are constructed of actual pomegranates, decorated with gold , bells, and beads.

Sirota Rosenthal is known as a photographer for many organizations and families in the greater New haven area. More of her work can be seen at www.sirotarosenthalart.com HUC has produced a lovely catalog for the exhibition, which s on view until June 30, 2017, at HUC/JIR’s Brookdale Center, 1 West 4th street, NYC.

Page 15, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777

Up Close & Personal with Dr. Barry Zaret

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 16

Your Campaign Dollars at Work

Your contribution in support of the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign help Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven to assist individuals and families who are vulnerable, at-risk, and in desperate need of emergency services The following three stories reveal the breadth and depth of the need in our community. They each show how fragile life can become when a sole bread-winner looses their job, when an elder’s dietary restrictions renders grocery shopping unaffordable, and when lower income and unstable jobs threaten to drive a family with young children into homelessness. Meet the Lawrences, Mrs. Gutman, and the Ellisons.

MRS. LAWRENCE is a 52-year old disabled, married mother of three children ranging in age from 13 to 16. Mr. Lawrence, 51, was laid off from his sales job over a year ago. The family had been living exclusively on the couples’ disability and unemployment payments, having long ago expended all of their savings. Mrs. Lawrence first arrived at the JFS Food Pantry four months ago at the recommendation of a friend and former Pantry client.

She was immediately provided with an emergency food package containing 35 lbs. of food items and given a supplemental Food Pantry appointment for the following week. She has been a steady client of the Pantry ever since. As with all of their clients, JFS did a comprehensive evaluation of the family’s strengths, needs, and challenges beyond the presenting problem of severe food insecurity. As a

result, Mr. Lawrence is working closely with a JFS vocational counselor, one of the children is seeing a JFS mental health professional, and Mrs. Lawrence meets with a JFS case manager on a weekly basis. Her social worker at JFS helped her to apply for SNAP/Food Stamps, which she now receives, helped her and the family move into a more affordable apartment, and referred her to a pro bono attorney who is helping her with a disputed legal claim relating to an accident suffered several years ago. JFS is committed to continue working closely with the Lawrences until they are able to move out of poverty and food insecurity, and return to stability and self-sufficiency.

MRS. GUTMAN is a 84 year-old widow living alone, a Holocaust survivor with two adult daughters, both of whom live out of state. She receives Social

Security and Medicare, and she has severe dietary restrictions as a result of her diabetes, high blood pressure and her recently diagnosed celiac disease. A long-time client of JFS’ Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program, Mrs. Gutman was recently referred internally by her social worker for several other agency services, including emergency food assistance as her physical condition worsened notably and she experienced a precipitous decline in weight. In part through Federation allocation monies, JFS, in collaboration with her physician, has been able to put her on a gluten-free, low sodium, low sugar diet. Many of the food items she needs to maintain her health are beyond her financial means to purchase independently, but the Federation assistance has helped to ensure that she can acquire these specialty items on a regular basis.

Page 17, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777

All photos and names in this article are for illustration purposes only, and are used to protect the privacy of the actual people writing the stories.

THE ELLISONS are a young family (parents Al and Kathy are both 34, Kyle is 9 and Gaby 6) who were in crisis when they went to the JFS Food Pantry in June of 2015, telling a JFS social worker that they were out of food and out of options as they were evicted from their apartment a month earlier and were given until the end of the current week to vacate the family home of Kathy’s sister and brother-in-law, who had promised them only a short-term stay.

Al lost his plumbing job in October of 2014 and remained out of work for seven months. Although he was now working 30 hours per week as a landscaper at the time of his arrival at JFS and Kathy had received extra hours during the last few months in her part-time job as a CNA, they had not yet found an apartment that they felt they could afford. They had

accumulated a great deal of debt over the preceding months and were unable to pay many of their bills, including their outstanding utilities, their car payments, and credit cards. After providing them with a 30 lbs. package of emergency food, the JFS social worker met with Al and Kathy to map out a plan to prevent the family from becoming homeless. JFS Emergency funds were used to stabilize their shortterm living arrangements until a longer-term housing solution could be implemented. The social worker was able to convince the relatives to allow them to stay an extra week in their house, and JFS promised to provide them with an additional week in a New Haven motel with the help of agency emergency funds.

This plan bought JFS the time that was needed to establish a longer-term sustainable plan, including finding them an affordable two bedroom apartment in a safe neighborhood. Simultaneously, an

aggressive, proactive case management approach helped them to procure SNAP/Food Stamp benefits, financial assistance through Operation Fuel, and some moderate help with their car expenses, school expenses, and other basic needs.

The Ellisons recently moved into a new apartment, where they have been able to stay current with the $850/month rent payments every month to date.

They continue to come to the JFS Food Pantry for supplemental food once per month, and the children have been receiving counseling at JFS on a weekly basis. Al and Kathy continue to work with their case manager to make sure that they are following their financial plan and utilizing of all of the community resources and governmental benefits programs available to them.

The Jewish Federation of Greater New haven is your philanthropic partner in doing good here, in Israel, and in 70 countries around the world. Help renew the hopes and dreams of people who are struggling to make ends meet. One gift, your gift, helps feed the hungry, care for the elderly, educate our youth, support Israel, and ensures a Jewish future.

Make your 2017 Campaign contribution at www. jewishnewhaven.org/give or call (203) 387-2424

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 18

60 Days: Young Emissaries Junior Maccabi Games

It’s been 60 days since we arrived to Connecticut; 60 days of meeting new people and experiencing a new culture; 60 days of understanding the importance of the connection between Jews around the world and Israel; 60 days spent with our amazing host families that help us feel so much at home; 60 days of having the best time of our lives doing something meaningful. Thank you for the opportunity to make a difference! We look forward to what’s to come.

Junior Maccabi Games are coming to CT this May! Hosted by the Mandell JCC of West Hartford CT, the Games will bring kids from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York to celebrate the two things they all have in common: Being Jewish and enjoying sports!

Hundreds of boys and girls (must be 10-12 year-old by May 1) are expected to attend the sporting event which will include basketball, soccer, tennis, and swimming. JCC membership is no required but children must have a Jewish parent or a grandparent. Jr. Maccabi was first established in Philadelphia in 1997, nearly 20 years ago. 300 young athletes from 8 JCCs in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware were involved. Since then the Tri-State Games have expanded into Maryland and Virginia and become the Mid Atlantic Games, encompassing 16 JCCs and 700 athletes. The Junior Maccabi Games in Hartford this year are geared towards younger athletes in a more concentrated environment. The Jr. Maccabi Games are Sunday, May 21 but families can opt to arrive Saturday night and stay at a local hotel. There will be an optional Saturday night party at the Mandell JCC, with basketball, gaga, swimming and a service project. But don’t stay up too late, because Opening Ceremonies start at 8:30 a.m. the next day.

Round robin tournament and playoffs will take place 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and the closing ceremonies (with Kosher BBQ!) will take place 5-7 p.m. at the JCC Swim & Tennis Club.

Practice for the games starts in January so stay tuned for additional information and contact Nicole Camara, Associate Director of Physical Education at the JCC of Greater New Haven (203) 387-2424 x237 nicollec@jccnh.org for additional information.

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JTE teens caught on camera enjoying each other’s company in the JCC’s Sukkah. Jewish Teen Education is a program developed by teens for teens with the aim to engage them Jewishly in ways that interest them.

The Towers gave me life again. I came here after I lost my second wife to Alzheimer’s. This place is a great, safe, friendly, hamish place with wonderful staff. I taught my children tikkun olam because I was taught by my parents.

Synagogue has always been important to my family and both of my children were presidents of their synagogues. When I saw that the Towers did not have a cover for one of the torahs, I made sure to get them one. I left a legacy because Judaism has to go on, it is our life. They tried to destroy us three times, but we survived because there was always a spark that remained and continued.

~ Isidor Juda, Towers’ resident Isidor Juda featured with the torah cover he donated to the Towers.

Izzy, 95, is a resident of the Towers. Izzy escaped from Vienna at age 16 by jumping off a transport train. He immigrated to the United States and served in World War II in the Pacific Theater and is a recipient of a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

Create a Jewish Legacy New Haven is a program of the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven and is funded in part by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation of Western Massachusetts.

For more information about Create A Jewish Legacy, contact Lisa Stanger, (203) 387-2424 x382, lstanger@jewishnewhaven.org.

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What will your Jewish legacy be?

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 20

Temple Beth David Merges the Past into the Present

By Cindy Papish Gerber Special to Shalom New Haven Thanks in part to a major Community Grant from The Jewish Foundation, Temple Beth David in Cheshire has been able to restore and redesign their historic sanctuary.

Founded in 1968, Temple Beth David (TBD) is a reform congregation of 200- plus families. Originally constructed in 1834 as a Methodist Church, services were held inside this red brick building situated at the corner of Spring and South Main Streets in Cheshire, CT. During the 1980s, a white post-modern addition was constructed to house offices, lobby and a social hall.

“TBD prides itself on the community we have created and the relationships we form,” says current Board President Kim Math. Present-day community members realized that celebrating important lifecycle events while seated in “forward-facing, straightbacked chairs”, in a space without a center aisle or handicapped facilities posed challenges.

About three years ago, a committee was created to raise funds and set design goals. Math recalls one key question guiding the committee’s process:” What did we want out of our prayer experience?”

Fundraising efforts began as collaboration between philanthropic congregants, who spearheaded a matching High Holiday donation drive and the Jew-

Temple Beth David, after renovations.

Photo credit: Marty Cobern

Temple Beth David, during the renovation process. Photo credit: Marty Cobern

ish Foundation Community Grant. This was representative of the impressive $2.4 million Foundation dollars that went towards local Jewish organizations and synagogues in 2015.

Math credits TBD’s former Rabbi, Josh Whinston with starting the “grant conversation” and Deb Gaudette as,”instrumental in securing the grant and putting together the original committee. “Because of the scope of the project” Math explains, “and the determination to fund this project solely with donations, the Community Grant enabled us to get a good jumpstart. Without it, I don’t think there would have been a push forward.”

“The total grant amount was $50K; $100K raised through our fundraiser and we’re actively raising the last $70-80K by our end goal of 2017”, shares Josh Kamp, TBD’s 1st Vice President who,” took over as committee chair around 1/3 a way through”. Kamp heaps praise upon the “seriously great team effort” of his fellow committee members. “Everybody gave a lot a time and energy. It was an exciting to witness the transformation. The

end result has been great.”

Improvements to the sanctuary include technological upgrades (smart lighting, security features, live streaming), increased seating capacity, addition of a center aisle and a handicapped accessible bimah.

“As you cross the threshold,” Math describes,” our curved pews allow us to better see those we are praying with and to feel more like a community in our worship.” Many historical elements were preserved (wood floor boards), relocated (original pew to the lobby), repurposed and donated (Austin Organ).

“TBD now has a breathtaking, spiritual space that welcomes long-time members and newcomers” Math concludes. “We have already seen the sanctuary used for weddings, and look forward to celebrating many more life cycle and worship events in the years to come. We take ownership in the project by funding it solely through donations and the Community Grant.”

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SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 22

Shir Magic Honors Brieger at Temple Emanuel

On 4 Av 5776, 8 August 2016, Temple Emanuel congregants, family, friends and colleagues said goodbye to the beloved Rabbi Emeritus Gerald ‘Jerry’ Brieger, who was fondly known as “the man with the guitar”.

Rabbi Brieger was one of the original song leaders in the iconic URJ Camp Eisner. When he came to TE in 1977 and for the next 32 years, his love of Judaism and his love of music have inspired generations of kids and adults. “The strongest memories I have of Jerry are of his leading worship services at Torah Corps—making the entire Shabbat evening service a continuous musical event in which everyone participated. I have never been as inspired by the worship experience as I was when he was the sheli’ach tsibbur.” Said Marc Saperstein, a colleague and a friend.

On Sunday, November 6 at 6:30, Temple Emanuel will inaugurate an annual musical celebration to honor the memory of the late Rabbi Emeritus Jerry Brieger, z”l. The legendary duo Kol B’seder will headline the concert, Shir Magic: Remembering Rabbi Jerry Brieger. Cantor Jeff Klepper and Rabbi Dan Freelander, the members of Kol B’Seder have

been singing and composing music together for 45 years. Many of their songs have become part of the worship service in synagogues around the world.

Cantor Jeff Klepper has been the cantor of Temple Sinai of Sharon, MA since 2003. He is co-founder of the Hava Nashira workshop for song-leaders, and teaches at the School of Jewish Music at Hebrew College in Newton, MA. Rabbi Daniel Freelander is President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. He is a co-founder of the North American Jewish Choral Festival, and was honored with the Debbie Friedman Award by the Union for Reform Judaism in 2015.

Members of Temple Emanuel’s music groups - the TE Band and the TE Children Choir - will also be involved in the celebration.

For more information about Shir Magic, TE’s music groups and all events, celebrations and services at Temple Emanuel, please go to the TE website: www.templeemanuel@gnh.org, or call the temple office at 203-397-3000. Temple Emanuel is located at 150 Derby Ave. in Orange.

Mishkan Isreal Hosts Annual Mitzvah Mall On Sunday, December 11, from 10 a.m. – noon, the community is invited to participate in Congregation Mishkan Israel’s annual Mitzvah Mall. The Mitzvah Mall, which is co-sponsored by the synagogue’s Religious Education and Social Action Committees, provides an opportunity to give the gift of charity (tzedakah) for the holidays. Children and adults visit tables that are set-up by a variety of local, national and international agencies. Instead of purchasing a gift, children and adults make donations to the agencies of their choice. Donations are made in the name of a friend or relative, who receives a card from the agency informing them of the contribution made in their honor.

Agencies that have participated in the past include: Bawa Health Initiative, Columbus House, Connecticut Food Bank, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Heart to Heart, Jewish Family Services, Juvenile Diabetes, LEAP, The Diaper Bank, Remedy, Ronald McDonald House, Friends of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.

Congregation Mishkan Israel is located at 785 Ridge Road in Hamden. For more information, call the synagogue office at 203-288-3877.

Finding Connection

By Josh Squire Campaign Associate I have been involved with Jewish organizations my entire life, but the Jewish Federation was not one of them, at least not in a way that I was aware of. About a year ago, when I joined the team at Federation, I felt stressed: How was I going to be successful in my new job if I did not have a genuine connection to the organization I was going to represent?

Active community members would tell me their Federation stories: a mission trip to Cuba or Morocco, developing a closeness to peers through Eder Leadership, seeing the smiling faces as food was delivered from Food 4 Kids. Not having a story, I felt self conscious about it. I knew I had to have a connection somehow. I thought about my Jewish experiences that led to my passion for the Jewish community. I remember going to Camp Laurelwood, developing strong friendships, becoming a captain for the Big O (and winning!), which I know gave me my first taste of confidence and leadership. I remember being excited to attend the Jewish education program, Makom, where I debated hot topics with my peers, took lessons in Yiddish so I could understand some of the words that my Grandparents would sometimes say, and taking a Jewish meditation class, lessons of which still are a large part of my regular life. I remember the experiences and mentorship in the UConn Hillel, where I solidified my passion for Jewish life and leadership. I also fondly remember my experience on Birthright Israel, where I strengthened my love for the Jewish state and further developed my unique Jewish identity.

It all struck me at once. I do not have a Jewish Federation story; I am a Jewish Federation story.

The organizations I mentioned are all agencies that are supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven’s annual campaign. I am a proud, active, and happy Jewish young man and every one that has donated to the annual campaign can take credit for it. It is clear to me that there isn’t a better way to have such a wide impact on so many young Jews that are searching for a community that is meaningful to them.

By knowing that so many people have impacted me personally in my life, it is easy to walk into my office each day and think about young Jews in Jewish Teen Education, Hillels across Connecticut, visiting Israel on Birthright, and camping in the summer knowing my community, Greater New Haven, provides countless blessings.

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HAPPY HANUKKAH Your official guide to the Greater New Haven area observances.

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 24

Let There Be (or doorway), to share the story with others. What story are we sharing? Besides for the obvious—the miracles of Hanukkah—I believe there is another story we share. It is the story that has allowed our people to exist through insurmountable odds up until the present day. It is the story of the light within.

Rabbi Schneur Wilhelm

By Rabbi Schneur Wilhelm Spiritual leader at Chabad of Milford-Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont If there’s one word that encapsulates Hanukkah, it’s “light.” So many things about the holiday focus on overcoming darkness, not just the physical darkness and gloom of the winter nights of the Hebrew month of Kislev in which Hanukkah is celebrated, but also the spiritual darkness, brought on by the Syrian-Greeks and the Hellenists, over which the Maccabees prevailed. If we think about it, “light” is essential in Judaism as well. The Friday night Shabbat lights, the light of the Havdallah flame, the memorial candles lit to commemorate yahrtzeits...and of course the ever-present enjoinder to be the “Or LaGoyim,” light unto the nations. So what is the message of the Menorah’s lights?

It’s interesting to note that the Talmud discusses how one should kindle the Menorah during times of persecution; already then it seemed that Jewish suffering and subjugation were to be part of our fate. And yet, part of our tradition to this day is to publicize the miracle. That is why we light at a window

The Maccabees were the quintessential spreaders of light.

Consider their story: They were a small group of inexperienced fighters, up against a much larger, stronger enemy. On top of this, there was an internal struggle. A large number of Jews had assimilated into the SyrianGreek culture, rejecting their Jewish traditions and rituals as irrelevant for an “enlightened” people. Yet despite the impossible odds, the Maccabees were not deterred from their mission of preserving their Jewish identity, their ancestors’ covenant with G-d. After a series of battles, this ragtag band of Jewish fighters was victorious. Now a Temple in ruins faced them. After fighting for months, how could they not have felt discouraged when they saw their holiest site desecrated by pagan altars? Yet their hope never faltered, and they forged on, clearing the Temple. In their wish to reinstate the daily Menorah lighting, their search for oil came up short, as all of the oil had been defiled, but then they found one small jug. At this point, no one would fault them for giving up and waiting for a new supply of oil with which to light, yet they persisted, kindling the Menorah for at least one day. Perhaps it was their steadfast clinging to the light of their ancestors’ traditions, their resolve to carry the torch of their faith even during the darkest times, which resulted in G-d reciprocating with the now-famous “miracle of the lights.” The lights they kindled that day in the Temple have been rekindled in Menorahs of countless Jewish homes for centuries. How many Hanukkah candles have been lit over the 8 nights since the holiday was instituted over 2,000 years ago?

Hundreds of millions, probably more. Talk about spreading the light!

The same oil that fueled the light of the Maccabees exists in us today. Kabbalah teaches that our souls—the spark of G-dliness present in each of us—are pure, just like the Hanukkah jug and can never be tainted.

We may make mistakes, but knowing we have this light gives us instant reason to hope. This is the part of us that mourns when we hear of a tragedy in Israel. The part of us that makes us feel connected to our heritage when we do something “Jewish.” The part of us that feels an instant bond when we meet another Jew while traveling in a far-off place. That holy oil is our essence and it’s un-defileable.

So let’s use our oil. Let’s use it to enhance our life with spirituality, the Torah and its Mitzvot. Kindling our inner flame is just as important as lighting the Menorah on Hanukkah. As we light the candles this Hanukkah, we must ask ourselves: Are we nurturing the spark within us? How are we bringing light to those around us? The story of the Maccabees continues…So let our light shine.

For generations, the Jewish community of Greater New Haven has celebrated Chanuka. Evidence for that is on display at the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven.

Check out the archives, located at 270 Fitch Street in New Haven on the campus of Southern Connecticut State University. You will find hundreds of photographs and thousands of original documents relating to Jewish institutions, synagogues, and organizations; Jewish education, businesses, and even the resettlement of Jews from Russia in the late19th century.

For further information or to arrange a visit, please call the Jewish Historical Society at (203)392-6125 8 a.m. to noon Tues. through Friday.

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Light

L’dor va’dor

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 26

Oil or Heroism?

By Rabbi Marci Bellows, Congregation CBSR2 Are you jumping up and down inside with excitement as Hanukkah approaches? I know that I am. I close my eyes, and I can see my family’s dining room table covered by multiple menorahs. There was one for each of the six of us – some were family heirlooms, some were Sunday School art projects made from egg containers. We dimmed the lights, struck matches, and lit each shamash. We began to sing, Baruch atah Adonai…” Our harmonies mixed together and created a beautiful start to the holy, special day. It was so magical each year, and it still is (even if I don’t get eight brandnew Atari 2600 games anymore).

Hanukkah, as one of our tradition’s newer holidays (new being a relative term), has a conflicted place in our lives. For many modern families, it is just the Jewish answer to Christmas. I’m reminded of Kyle on South Park singing “I’m a Jew, a lonely Jew, on Christmas…” There are certainly lots of similarities: we all have a chance to buy presents, decorate our homes, and celebrate together. It’s a time that we can publicly declare that we are Jews, and we can feel a sense of pride in our heritage. But there’s so much more to Hanukkah than just something for us to do when the rest of the country is celebrating Christmas. It is an inspiring, meaningful holiday that has much to teach us about our past, as well as our future.

First, there’s the story about the oil. Spoiler alert: I’m about to tell you the truth about the oil story, but I don’t want to ruin your conceptualization of the holiday if you don’t want it changed. The miracle of the oil is a beautiful tale.

As you might recall, the heroes of the tale, the Maccabees, around 200 BCE, had fought long and hard to reclaim the Temple in Jerusalem as our own (it had been captured by the Syrian armies and was defiled). Once the Temple was back in Jewish hands, they cleaned it up, and wanted to relight the menorah. Unfortunately, they only found enough oil to burn it for one day. But, lo and behold, a miracle occurred, and the tiny bit of oil lasted, somehow, for

Researched and written by Samantha Hass, Ezra Academy 8th Grader In my Social Studies class taught by Rabbi Amanda Brodie we were challenged to research a topic related to the Greeks and the Jews. I chose to research the historical accuracy of the miracle of oil from the Hanukkah story. This topic interested me because we celebrate this holiday without knowing the true story.

The purpose of my research is to prove that Jews do not have a wide span of knowledge about the history of Hanukkah. To study this, I sent out a survey of Hanukkah-related questions to the middle school students, parents, and faculty of Ezra Academy. Since a young age, I have been taught about Hanukkah, and my teachers have mostly focused on the miracle of the oil. This year, I did an assigned project in social studies directed towards the conflict between the Jews and the Greeks in the second century B.C.E.

eight crazy nights. And, thus, the miracle of Hanukkah. This would all be fine and good, and a perfectly meaningful reason to celebrate a festival, if it was the whole story. But, oh, there is so much more to it! The story of the oil doesn’t appear in Jewish texts until nearly 700 years later!

We first learn of the oil miracle in the Babylonian Talmud (BT Shabbat 21b) in 500 CE. The tale of the Maccabees is recorded in an apocryphal book of the Bible, 2nd Maccabees, and it relays a different miracle altogether.

There’s no mention of the oil. Rather, we learn of the miraculous victory of the small army of Maccabees over the enormous Syrian army. So, you might wonder why Hanukkah is eight days. It turns out that, during the time that the Syrians held the Temple, our Jewish ancestors were unable to bring their Sukkot harvest to Jerusalem. Thus, Hanukkah is, in a way, a belated Second Sukkot – they brought their harvest later, and thus it lasted for the days of the holiday of Sukkot.

So, why create the story of the oil? Why not just celebrate the Maccabean victory? Think of the moral of each tale, and who the hero is in each story. In the military victory, we have human beings who challenge authority and fight for justice. Their success is incredible, and God probably helped them in their efforts, but it is still a tale of human heroism. It inspires us to take on our own oppressors, and gives us hope that we might win. In the oil story, humans are absent. Instead, God is the hero, and God makes the whole miracle happen.

As Rabbi Manuel Gold writes in a Reform Judaism Magazine article called, “In Search of a Miracle,” The Jews of Palestine, by and large,

How Much Do You Know Ab Within this assignment, I learned that the historically accurate Hanukkah story is really about Hellenism and the Maccabees’ participation in a Civil War, between pro and anti-Hellenists. The oil is actually a story made up by the rabbis because they did not like the Hasmonean Dynasty, so they didn’t want to give the credit for the rededication of the Temple to the Maccabees, the founders of the Hasmonean Dynasty.

THE HISTORICALLY ACCURATE STORY In 323 B.C.E., Alexander the Great conquered Judea, where the Jews resided. This began the Hellenistic Age in Judea, a period of time where Eastern and Greek cultures blended, forming Hellenism, the culture modeled after Greek customs. While some

Jews wanted to be Hellenized immediately, others believed that it would take away from Judaism.

Slowly, Greek influence became a; columns were made, Jews started to use coins with Greek heads on them, and people began going to the Olympics. This began the larger conflict. Hellenized Jews began to turn into Greeks. The Jewish High Priest even used a Greek name! Then Mattityahu, an old priest, was asked to step forward to the altar and sacrifice a pig.

He killed all the Greek advisors and ran away with his sons. He asked his older son to lead the fight against the Greeks. The two groups fought for seven years, and after many hard fought battles[1] , the Jews won.

That’s the Hanukkah story in its purest form.

Hanukkah is steeped with beautiful traditions - from the dreidel game to the fried latkes and sufganiot; the chocolate-made coins (gelt) and the many beautiful Hanukkah songs. At the core of the holidays’ traditions is that of lighting the menorah and it’s the only tradition that’s also considered a mitzvah. So for those of us who were never quite sure how or for those of us who forgot, here’s a simple guide.

The candles are added to the menorah from right to left. Each day of the 8 days of Hanukkah ads another candle. Light the shammash candle first, then recite the blessings while holding the candle. Do not light the other candles until the blessings are done.

BLESSING OVER THE CANDLES Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe asher kidishanu b’mitz’votav v’tzivanu Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us l’had’lik neir shel Hanukkah. (Amein) to light the lights of Hanukkah. (Amen)

continued to favor activism, which often took the form of subtle literary derogation of the oppressor. In contrast, and perhaps because the ruling authorities typically gave them the right to self government, the Jews of Babylonia tended to favor accommodation, declaring, “The law of the government is the law” (“dina de’malchuta, dina”), a dictum that occurs nine times in the Talmud.So, do we sit back and accept the law of the land, even if it is oppressive or discriminatory to us? Or do we rise up and stand up for who we are and what we believe in? In the end, it is up to each one of us which story is more compelling. My point is not that the Oil Miracle is not important – it has been part of our heritage for 1500 years!

she’asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim haheim baziman hazeh. (Amein) Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time

SHEHECHEYANU (WHO HAS KEPT US ALIVE) (This blessing is recited only on the first night of Hanukkah) Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe shehecheyanu v’kiyimanu v’higi’anu laz’man hazeh.

(Amein) who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season (Amen) After reciting the blessings, use the shamash to light the candles from left to right (newest to oldest).

Candles should be left burning until they go out on their own. They must burn for more than half an hour.

Happy Hanukkah!

Rabbi Marci Bellows is the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek in Chester, CT. You can learn more about her at https://www.cbsrz.org/ about/our-clergy/

So, do Jews really know about the history of Hanukkah? Sadly, the answer to this query is no.

I asked eight different questions to over twenty Jews, inquiring of volunteers to identify protagonists and antagonists in the story, as well as several questions about the time period, what the war was about, and the assumed miracle of the oil.

While the multiple choice questions had a high correct rate, other short answer questions having to do with the war and the oil weren’t as successful.

To take the quiz and see the results of my study please visit www.jewishnewhaven.org/hanukkah

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe

– but, rather, that it is not the whole story. We have an opportunity to teach our children that Jews are NOT always the victims, and we are NOT always persecuted. We have stories in our tradition that demonstrate Jewish strength, faith, and courage.We can be heroes, we can stand proud as Jews, and we can share our hope, light, and optimism with others. As we approach Hanukkah this year, may we all place faith in God when we most need it, and faith in ourselves whenever we can. And may we be blessed with light, joy, and peace.

bout the Hanukkah Story?

You might be wondering about the miracle of the oil; here it is. It happened that the rabbis didn’t like the Hasmoneans because they were direct descendants of the Maccabees. Finally, the Maccabees were the leaders of the Jews in the war. Since the rabbis didn’t like the Hasmoneans, they decided to ignore the story of the war, and instead make up a story about oil and how it lasted for eight nights. Since they were respected leaders in their communities, everyone believed their story. While it’s possible that this could have happened, it is highly unlikely.

BLESSING FOR THE HANUKKAH MIRACLE

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Hanukkah 101

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 28

KIDS’ CORNER

8 Ideas for 8 Days

By Lynn Bullard, Director Yeladim Early Learning Center at the JCC

1

There are many activities that we, as educators and parents, can introduce to our children to enhance their pleasure and knowledge of Hanukkah in areas of language, science, math, music, movement and art. Here are a few ideas I hope you will enjoy:

Let the kids dig in the closet and find props with which they can dress-up and act out the story of Hanukkah. This is a spectacular way to experience the holiday and expand their knowledge while developing their imagination and language skills. Favorite moments in the story include standing for one’s principles, fighting against the Greeks, purifying (cleaning, tiding up) the Temple, looking for the pure olive oil, and lighting the menorah with a small amount of oil, hoping for a miracle.

2

Watching the candles burn children will often verbally express questions and observations on what they are seeing, hearing and feeling. This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage their inquisitive mind and critical thinking, which are so fundamental to Jewish tradition.

3

Whether you are making latkes, sufganiot, or another oily, powdery, holiday treat; spending time in the kitchen together is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your children to concepts in math and science. Counting, measuring, multiplying and problem-solving these are all important life-skills that you can reinforce with them. Making these holiday treats is also a wonderful opportunity to bring their attention to the oil and discuss the story behind it.

4

Ready to get a little messy? Many children get very excited when introduced to special art-projects opportunities. Using hands and fingers, they can trace/draw a menorah. Placing dreidels in paint in a box with paper and rolling them around, they can make special holiday designs. Hanukkah symbols can be cut out of sponges and used for painting along with holiday stencils. These activities present a great opportunity to develop fine motor skills, which are the basis for writing, as well as the opportunity to develop hand-eye coordination, composition and artistic expression.

5

Take it a step further with building threedimensional menorah models. Use playdough, styrofoam or recyclables. What a great opportunity not only to focus on the main holiday symbol, but also develop spatial awareness, awareness for the basic laws of physics, developing those fine-motor skills, as well as creative problem solving. Use small birthday candlesticks to illustrate the functionality of the menorah. They will stick beautifully to almost any surface!

6

There are so many things that you can do with candles. Make a drip painting (don’t forget to think about safety first!), count them, sort them, lay them out to create patterns on the kitchen table, or use them as a measuring tool. These are all wonderful opportunities to develop creativity, problem solving, and mathematical skills.

7

There are a great deal of Hanukkah music and songs available, that are based on tunes that children are already familiar with, where Hanukkah words are added to replace the original language. Music and movement blend beautifully together in allowing the children to move, dance and be totally creative and free spirited. Here are couple of fun examples (at right):

8

Last but not least are the many beautifullywritten and wonderfully-illustrated books and DVD’s forchildren. Some of our favorite books at Yeladim include:

Hanukkah Books we enjoy:

Hanukkah Lights Everywhere By: Michael J Rosen

A Family Hanukkah By: Bobbi Katz

Latkes and Applesauce A Hanukkah Story By: Fran Manushkin

The Magic Dreidles A Hanukkah Story By: Eric A Kimmel

The Night Before Hanuka By: Natasha Wing

Page 29, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777

of HANUKKAH To the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” Twinkle twinkle Hanukkah lights Shining brightly for 8 nights Shamash stands up straight and tall Lights the others one and all Twinkle twinkle Hanukkah lights Shining brightly for 8 nights.

Hanukkah DVD’s we enjoy:

Hanukkah Tales and Tunes/Miracles and wonder

By: Debbie Friedman

Sammy Spiders First Taste of Hanukkah

Lights The Miracle of Hanukkah

Shalom Sesame

To the tune of “Did you ever see a Lassie” Did you ever light the candles, the candles, the candles?

Did you ever light the candles on Hanukkah night?

The Shamash lights others 8 sisters and brothers That’s how you light the candles each Hanukkah night.

Did you ever play dreidle, play driedle, play dreidle?

Did you ever play dreidle, a Hanukkah game?

It drops when you spin it On gimmel you win it.

That’s how you play dreidle, a Hanukkah game.

Did you ever make a latke, a latke, a latke?

Did you ever make a latke, a Hanukkah treat?

Potatoes you buy them Then grate them and fry them That’s the way you make a latke, a Hanukkah treat.

Did you ever give a present, a present, a present?

Did you ever give a present at Hanukkah time?

You buy one or make one They smile when they take one That’s how you give a present at Hanukkah time.

For younger children, each verse can be sung as a separate song and appropriate hand motions added.

“

My daughter and I always light the Menorah and I leave out gifts for her along with sweets.

I make latkes using a family recipe, and we play with the dreidel.

”

Rain Pryor, Award winning actress, director, comedian, writer, musician, and proud mother

from The Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 30

How Should We Celebrate Hanukkah on December 25?

By Rabbi Josh Ratner, JCRC Director As the calendar flips to December, nightfall comes ever earlier, and many of us don our winter coats for the first time, many American Jews will once again will encounter the “December Dilemma”: a challenging cultural/religious question about how to celebrate Hanukkah in a Christian country during the “Holiday” season. But this year, the question is even more acute, especially for interfaith families, because the first night of Hanukkah falls on Christmas, something that has only happened four times over the past 100 years!

Christmas asserts a powerful gravitational pull on American culture from late October through New Year’s. Whether or not one is Christian, one cannot miss the ubiquity— in malls, on the radio, in elevators, and on and on — of Christmas music, decorations, and other symbols. It is incredibly hard to shelter Jewish Americans from this influence; merely suggesting that we turn a blind eye to this cultural monolith is perhaps a tad naive. This is especially true for parents of young kids who see and hear about Santa and want to have the same fun experiences of their non-Jewish friends. Plus, it is far from clear how Christian Christmas actually is. As far back as 1984, the Supreme Court ruled (in Lynch v. Donnelly) that a town’s display of a Santa Claus house, a Christmas tree, a banner reading “Season’s Greetings,” and a crèche were not Christian symbols violating the First Amendment. How much less

so are offering gifts or having alcohol-fueled evening parties?

If Christmas is both omnipresent this time of year and not that Christian, how, then, should we celebrate Hanukkah? To what extent should Hanukkah mimic or emulate Christmas celebrations?

Sure, there will be candle-lighting and latkes, but what else? Lavish presents?

Contemporary, catchy songs? Vodka and latke parties? Secret Hanukkah Harrys?

I would like to suggest that this year affords Jewish Americans a rare opportunity: to make Hanukkah special in its own right. Since Christmas and Hanukkah fall on the same night, any attempt to make Hanukkah like Christmas will ring hollow. Imitation is never as good as the real thing. So why not use this year as a chance to celebrate what makes Hanukkah unique?

The smell of latkes frying in the oven; the glee of children spinning dreydles; the dignity and potency of candles glowing in the windowsill. Or we can take an intellectual approach and study the challenging—and yet incredibly timely— origins of Hanukkah as a struggle between particularism and assimilation.

We can ask ourselves whether we are comfortable with the militant approach taken by the Hasmoneans or whether we, like the rabbis of the Talmud, would downplay the historical dimensions of the holiday and instead focus on the miracle about oil (Babylonian Talmud Tractate Shabbat 21b).

In short, let’s make Hanukkah about Hanukkah, and not a Jewish proxy for Christmas. This will enable those Jews who also celebrate Christmas, whether for interfaith or other reasons, to make clear distinctions between their celebrations. And it will enable all Jews to have something to feel proud of this December 25. Hag Sameah!

HANUKKAH RECIPE Courtesy of Tower One/Tower East

Towers Recipe for Braised Brisket with Camelized Onions Recipe contributed by Tower One/Tower East’s At the Heart of It All, the longest kosher-dining facility in Connecticut. Operating under the fulltime supervision of a mashgiach, the kitchen serves 200 dinners every night, as well as Shabbat dinners, Kiddush, and special holiday meals. Guests are welcome for a nominal fee.

INGREDIENTS: 3 cups of Vegetable Stock 2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic 1 ¼ tablespoons of paprika 2 ¾ teaspoon of dry ground mustard 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper 6 ¼ lb. Brisket 4 or 5 cloves whole fresh garlic 1 ½ lbs. fresh yellow onion slices ¼” thick (approx. 4 medium onions) 2 oz. Canola Oil 1 ½ lbs. fresh yellow onion slices ¼” thick (approx. 4 medium onions) 6 carrots, peeled and halved 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour 2 ½ ounces kosher white wine 2 ½ ounces canned, tomato paste

and ¾ lbs. of the sliced onions over the bottom of a roasting pan. Place meat on top. Top with remaining whole garlic cloves (sliced), carrots and ¾ lbs. of onions. Pour 1 ½ cups of the vegetable stock into the pan (do not pour over meat). Reserve remaining stock for sauce. Tightly cover pan with tin foil.

4. Bake at 375 for 3 to 4 hours or until fork tender.

5. Remove roast from oven and remove foil. (reserve garlic and onions for sauce) Let roast stand in warm place for 30 minutes before carving.

6. Cut brisket into ¼” thick slices and set aside.

7. Strain pan juice from garlic and onion. Chill and skim fat.

8. Sauté the remaining 1 ½ lbs. of sliced onion in oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is caramelized, but not brown.

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 375 degrees, set oven rack in the 9. In a food processor combine reserved garlic and middle position. onion and flour. Process until smooth.

1. Combine minced fresh garlic, paprika, mustard, 10. Add reserved pan juice, wine and tomato paste. and black pepper and blend to make a paste.

Blend. Transfer to sauce pan. Add remaining stock 2. Trim excess fat from brisket. Rub the seasoned and heat over high heat. Stir until slightly thickened. paste onto both sides of the brisket.

11. Stir in caramelized onions and heat through.

3. Arrange 2 of the whole cloves of garlic (sliced) Pour over sliced brisket. Enjoy!

Michael C. Bingham Special to Shalom New Haven Air Jordan’s squeak shrilly on the hardwood floor. Defenders trying to foil a pick and-roll bark “Switch!”

There’s the sweet swish of a jumper kissing the net, or (more frequently) the clang of a “brick” (a humiliating miss bounding off the rim). Just most like any basketball court in any gym.

What you probably won’t see here: rim-rattling dunks. Now-you-see-it-nowyou-don’t behind-the back passes.

Stephen Curry clones draining 30-foot threes like it’s, well, nothing.

No, the basketball courts at the JCC of Greater New Haven are different because they’re not just for prodigies or especially gifted players. They’re special because they’re for everyone.

No, really — everyone. You don’t have to be a JCC member to play (day pass is required). You don’t have to be Jewish. You don’t even have to be a good basketball player (although that certainly doesn’t hurt). And everyone plays. The sky walkers share the court with the earthbound. At the youth levels there are strict rules enforcing

Page 31, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777

JCC Hoops, Court is in Session

equal playing time for all players.

The face of JCC basketball, to say nothing of its heart and soul, is Allan Greenberg.He has been with the program for 42 years, dating back to the days when the JCC was on Chapel Street in downtown New Haven.

For decades, “New Haven has been a “crazy basketball city,” said Greenberg. And JCC hoops has been a nexus of that “craziness” dating back to the 1950s.

JCC basketball is for everyone from Biddys (grades K-6) to (at least in basketball terms) veteran players (35 and up). With 140 kids, the JCC K-6 program is one of the largest for that age group in the U.S. Next there’s a middle-school division and a highschool league, the only qualification for which is that players can’t be on an existing high-school varsity roster.

Players’ families need not belong to the JCC (the cost of the high school league is $80 for members; $120 for non-members). The seventh- and eighth-grade teams are coached

by David Teitelman, a 55-year-old volunteer who started playing at the old CONTINUED ON PG. 51

From Kuwait to Jerusalem

On December 11, Chabad of Milford-HCW will host Guest Speaker Mark (Mordechai) Halawa for “Grandma Rowaida’s Dark Secret: From Kuwait to Jerusalem. Hear the story of Mark’s fascinating journey.

Born and raised in Kuwait to mixed ArabMuslim and Jewish parents, Mark lived in several places in the Middle East before traveling abroad to study in Canada.

It was there that he learned of his matrilineal Jewish roots, and subsequently moved to Israel. Mark has appeared on TV and his story has been shared by many media outlets. Currently, Mark is involved in various business projects in the Middle East, acting as a liaison for Israeli companies in the region as well as promoting shared values between Israel and Arabia, where favorable media about Israel is strictly forbidden.

Lecture will take place on Sunday, December 11, at 7:00 pm at Chabad-HCW, 15 Edgefield Ave., Milford. Couvert: $18 in advance/ $22 at the door/ $150 sponsor. RSVP online www.jewishmilford.com.

JCC 13TH ANNUAL

Sunday, Dec. 4 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• • • • • • •

New and Returning Vendors Israeli Art and Judaica Free Coffee Free Kid’s Craft Station Free Kid’s Face Painting PJ Library Program - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Funday Activities

Free admission. Open to the community.

360 Amity Road, Woodbridge

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 32

Major Gifts Event Launches 2017 Annual Campaign On Sunday, October 9, 2016, our major gifts donors gathered at Guilford Yacht Club to hear Sam Stein, Senior Politics Editor at The Huffington Post (and native of Greater New Haven) and launch the Federation’s 2017 Annual Campaign.

Fine, Stephen Stein, Sam Stein, Laura Kaplan, Norman Kaplan

Robyn Teplitzky & Jennifer Bayer

Lisa Stanger & Judith Hahn

Dena Schulman Green & Jennifer Bayer

Judy Alperin Diamondstein, Sam Stein, Norman Ravski

Betsy Hoos & Arlene Elovich

Joan Wallach & Deborah Fried

Judy Diamondstein, Betsy Hoos, Dena Schulman Green

Shoulder & Civianne Bloch

Iny & Joel Karp

Take Care of Yourself this Holiday Season The holiday season can be exhausting as much as it can be exiting. Family gatherings, office parties, shopping, cooking, and the inevitable stress that comes from jumping all those ropes at the same time. Before you let the stress get to you, here are a few tips on how to stay beautiful and preserve your skin this holiday season.

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1. Use a moisturizing cream, and pay a special attention to the ingredients, as they all work in subtly different ways: Occlusives preserve moisture levels by slowing transepidermal water loss. Humectants attract water to the skin. Emollients maintain soft, pliable skin, reduce flaking & moisture loss. For the day, use moisturizers that contain SPF ratings, as the snow reflect about 80% of the sun’s rays.

2. Use exfoliate. A good product removes dull cells while improving penetration of ingredients to smooth skin, stimulate collagen production & increase skin’s natural protective barrier.

3. Apply topical vitamins to improve the health of the skin.

Vitamin A inhibits collagen breakdown while stimulating collagen production. Vitamin B5 aids in wound healing.

Vitamin E provides barrier protection.

4. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and your skin.

Try to keep your surrounding temperature moderate.

5. Consume at least 8 glasses of water daily.

6. Avoid excessive intake of alcoholic beverages, caffeine, or salt, as they can contribute to dehydration resulting in a darkened, blotchy skin tone & under eye circles.

7. Avoid diet sodas & fat-free foods. These lack vital, skinfriendly essential fatty acids & fat soluble vitamins. Fat-free foods often substitute sugar with artificial sweeteners that

can cause skin sensitivities.

8. Sleep 8 hours. Inadequate amounts of sleep tend to show up around the eye area leaving you looking tired.

9. If you are smoking, consider the impact on your skin – not to mention the other health problem associated: Smoking inhibits the body’s ability to provide oxygen & nutrients to the skin and it drains the body of vitamins A, C & restricts blood vessels.

Most importantly, take time for yourself. Find a moment in your day to take a deep breath and relax your face muscles.

Treat yourself to activities you enjoy and that contribute to your overall sense of wellness.

One or Three 45 Minute Luminous Facials from Integrated Aesthetics* DEAL: $42.00 CHOOSE BETWEEN: 3 $42 for 45 Minute Luminous Facial ($85 value) 3 $122 for Three 45 Minute Luminous Facials ($255 value) (*Up to 52% Off) Appointment required. Limit 1 per person, Limit 1 per visit. Must use promotional value in 1 visit. Valid only for option purchased. All goods or services must be used by the same person. Valid through 1/31/17.

INTEGRATED AESTHETICS 1 BRADLEY ROAD, SUITE 702, WOODBRIDGE, CT (203) 687-7923

Page 33, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777

Madison Author Offers Advice to Small Investors in New Book

By Liz Rubin Special to Shalom New Haven What happens to your savings after you invest? This is the very question that local author Stephen Davis, along with co-authors Jon Lukomnik and David Pitt-Watson, examine in their new book, “What They Do With Your Money: How the Financial System Fails Us and How to Fix It.”Davis discussed his new book recently at R.J. Julia Booksellers in Madison, the town where he grew up and now resides in with his wife Clo. An earlier book, “Apartheid’s Rebels: Inside South Africa’s Hidden War,” was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and was based on his dissertation about guerrilla warfare in South Africa.

Davis graduated from Tufts University earning a PhD in Security Studies from the The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He has worked for the Investor Responsibility Research Center in Washington, D.C., ran the Millstein Center at the Yale School of Management and created an international corporate governance consulting firm. He also ran the Connecticut State Senate Democratic Caucus for four years and is currently a senior fellow at Harvard Law School’s Program on Corporate Governance.

Davis’ book begins with the story of triplet sisters who begin their jobs at the same time with the exact same salary, hoping to retire at a like age, with the same income in retirement. The authors write, “You would think that they each have to set aside the same amount of savings every year. Wrong. Beth, who chose Atlanta, and Cathy, in London, will most likely pay 50 percent or more beyond what Amsterdam-based Sarah will have to spend to secure exactly the same retirement benefits at exactly the same age.”

Davis explains that small differences in annual charges that compound over the years are the culprit in the different financial outcomes. This cautionary tale illustrates what really happens to the individual saver’s money after it’s invested.

The authors conclude that while there has been enormous progress and innovation in finance, most of these gains have gone to the industry rather than to the consumer.

“Most people, if they’re lucky enough to have a retirement savings nest egg, save through things like a 401k, and what we find, unbeknownst to most people who are saving this way, is that financial institutions are able to treat our savings as a kind of serial ATM over the years, and we’ve allowed the finance industry to operate with a lot of secrecy.” said Davis. When asked why the average investor would find this book helpful, Davis said, “The only way the financial system can work on behalf of citizens is if they are conscious and active and not just taken for a ride. The genius of capitalism is a very simple concept: When you own something, you should be able to control it. Right now, we own our own nest egg, but we don’t control it. We let it out of our hands and think that the professionals will act in our best interests, when very often, they may not.”

The book proposes a small series of fixes for the individual investor. Davis encourages savers to ask tough questions of their agents. “Ask your financial adviser, ‘Are they covered by fiduciary duty? Are they putting your interests first?’

Very often they may, without your knowledge, be offering products that really are to the benefit of the person’s known company rather than to the client’s best interest.” explained Davis.

When asked what inspired him to write the book, Davis shared, “My parents were big influences in instilling a sense of Tikkun Olam. If one has been granted privilege in this world, your obligation is to give back as much as you can.”Davis just completed a two-year term as President of Temple Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek in Chester during which time the synagogue celebrated its 100th anniversary. In conjunction with this important milestone, Davis proposed the idea of a visual history of this beloved house of worship realized in the film, “We Built This House” which premiered at the Madison Art Cinemas last year and was created by fellow congregant Jon Joslow. Davis said, “The building is important in the international art world because it’s the only public CONTINUED ON PG. 51

Discover the difference.

• Play-based curriculum • Specialties in music, library & swim • Powered by Jewish values

Schedule a tour today..

jccnh.org/yeladim

Lynn Bullard, lynnb@jccnh.org, (203) 397-7415 x278

8 K s e d Gra

Sign up l o rScho

Aftdiescover the fun!

today!

jccnh.org/afterschool

Care 4 Kids Accepted • State Licensed • Transportation Provided School Dismissal Until 6 pm • Snow Program • Vacation Days Minimum Dismissal Days • Swimming • Enrichment Classes

Kari McInerney,karim@jccnh.org, (203) 387-2522 x236

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 34

Ten Holiday Survival Tips to Keep You Healthy

By Pam Hutchinson JCC Health Coach With tempting Thanksgiving treats and trimmings, Hanukkah latkes and soufgunyiot and the many holiday parties hosted through the new year, it’s challenging to our waistlines.

Family gatherings, office parties, drinks with friends. Your social schedule will be busy! Is it possible to enjoy without gaining those pounds?

Check out the following tips on how to survive the holiday season.

 EAT A SMALL FIBER AND

Are you ready to get serious?

PHASE l: LET’S LOSE WEIGHT! 10% of your body weight is the goal!

January 8 – February 11 PHASE ll: LET’S GET STRONG! Effective exercise for fitness and fat loss!

February 12 – March 18 PHASE lll: NOW LET’S COMPETE! Take the top 10 challenge!

March 19 – April 30

PROTEIN RICH SNACK BEFORE A PARTY. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to register you’re full. By eating a snack before you leave the house, your stomach starts sending the message that food is on its way.

 FOCUS ON CONVERSATION, NOT

EATING. Holiday parties are festive!

People to talk to AND lots of food. It’s easy to lose focus and mindlessly eat while you’re catching up with friends and family. Try to focus on one thing at a time. You’re either conversing, or eating, not both!

 SURVEY YOUR FOOD OPTIONS

BEFORE DIGGING IN. It all looks so good! We eat with our eyes so it’s only natural to heap our plates with more than we need. Press pause and survey the table before loading up.

If you can delay the impulse by 10 seconds, you’ll often realize there is enough on your plate already.

 DRINK ONE GLASS OF WATER

TO EVERY ALCOHOLIC DRINK CONSUMED. Not only do alcohol calories add up, but that alcohol turns to acetate which inhibits fat burning.

By alternating your drinks between water and alcohol, you’ll be taking in less calories and doing your waistline a favor!

 LIMIT LEFTOVERS SO YOUR

Applications, details and pricing will be available in December at jccnh.org or contact: Susan Donovan, susand@jccnh.org.

HOUSE IS A PLACE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. Many of us feel that throwing out food is wasteful. It’s easy to continue eating too many calories when those yummy holiday foods are still in around days after the party.

Keep the healthiest foods, chuck the cookies!

 SUBSTITUTE LOWER CALORIE

INGREDIENTS INTO RECIPES. Saving 200 calories a day can be the difference between gaining or maintaining during the holidays.

Unsweetened applesauce can be used in place of sugar in oatmeal cookies. Try a cauliflower mash instead of mashed potatoes. Cut sugar in half by adding a teaspoon of vanilla as a replacement. You’ll get just as much flavor with significantly fewer calories.

 KEEP EXERCISING EVEN IF IT’S

SHORTER DURATION. The holidays are full of additional obligations, which means exercise goes to the bottom of the priority list. Exercise is a powerful tool to manage emotions and reduce stress hormones. Even if you can only do 15-30 minutes, your mind will function better.

 HIRE A TRAINER - FIND A

WORKOUT BUDDY! We often lose accountability to ourselves during the holidays. So many other priorities take precedent. If you just can’t get yourself to go for a walk or lift weights, make an appointment to meet someone! Just knowing another person is counting on you may be all you need to stay on track.

 EAT REGULARLY. Keeping a

regular eating schedule maintains blood sugar levels, which reduces cravings and impulse eating.

Skipping breakfast just because you’re going to a dinner party doesn’t mean you’ll take in less calories that day. If anything, you’ll be so hungry from NOT eating, you will eat with abandon!

 SET TIME ASIDE FOR YOURSELF

EVERY DAY. Everyone is excited for the holidays. But while some of that excitement is due to memories of happy times gone past, some of us get overwhelmed with the details of the present. We have a tendency to forget to pay attention to our own needs. And when we feel depleted, food is often used to fill us up. Sitting quietly, taking a yoga class, or doing a favorite hobby can be restorative.

So remind yourself you’re worth taking care of and take a little time to do what you enjoy most.

Children running u cle cour se waitin p the hill towar ds the o g for the grounds b m on th . e JCC ca stamp’s

Presented by:

use, great ca a 's it ause ren."

Run bec my grandchild l e g a B h he "I love t d I can run wit n a , it's fun

Committed to the Jewish Com munity, represe tives of Epsilon ntaUpsilon (Yale) Chapter of the Epsilon Pi Frat Alpha ernity, came to the Bagel Run raise money fo “to r the Israeli Ch ildren Cancer Fo tion and help a undagreat cause.”

men’s 30-

e Wo place in th rd 3 s e k ta r de Rachel Len . ry 39 catego

Sponsored by:

Robin Companies

e 5K in ars old, finished th ye 91 n, ei ht rs Be Herman runner of our lar supporter and 58:32 and is a regu event every year!

Laticrete • Precision Aerospace • Mark & Judith Sklarz • John Lichman family • Eder Brothers • CIT • A1 Toyota Fresh Concepts • People's United Bank • Berdon, Young & Margolis, PC • Trachten Law Firm • CDIC • Woodbridge Social Blueprint Benefit Advisors • David Pinkert, DMD • Nelson and Votto • Levey, Miller & Maretz

Page 35, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777

The 6th Annual Murray Lender 5K Bagel Run and Kids Run was held on a beautiful September morning with 212 runners and walkers and with 30 children participating. Thank you to all the sponsors, the committee members and the volunteers who contributed to the event's success and helped raise more than $20,000 for fitness programs at the JCC. The 7th Annual Bagel Run is scheduled for Sunday, September 17, 2017. See you there!

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 36

Annual Interfaith Service in Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from January 16, 2015.

CMI Progressive Legacy

By Tomer Canaan CMI Summer Intern The recent spate of violence across the United States has produced a modern iteration of the African American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. Across the nation protestors have clashed with police and demanded social reforms much akin to the calls of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders more than half a century ago. Historically, strong ties have existed between American Jewry and the African American community as both groups faced similar societal discrimination. It should be of no surprise that the well established Jewish community of Greater New Haven played a significant role in the historical civil rights movement; look no farther than Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden.

In 1948, members of Congregation Mishkan Israel appointed Rabbi Robert E. Goldburg as the Rabbi of the congregation. Rabbi Goldburg was a strong believer in progressive ideals and was an outspoken supporter of a number of the progressive causes of his time, especially the civil rights movement. Rabbi Goldburg emphasized the union between progressivism and Judaism, urging his congregants to stand with justice and democratic values. Rabbi Goldburg quickly became a wellknown figure within the American progressive movement as he connected with religious progressive leaders around the United States including Martin Luther King Jr. and Rev. William Sloane Coffin. Using his position as both a Jewish leader and civil rights activist, Rabbi Goldburg married his passions and in 1961 he welcomed Dr. King to sermonize under his roof in Hamden, Connecticut.

Mishkan Israel was the only venue in Greater New

Cantor Sebran, President Paul Press, The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rabbi Goldburg. October 20, 1961 Haven in which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached.

After the assassination of Dr. King the congregation established an annual observance service on the weekend of his birthday commemorating his role as a civil rights leader.

The progressive legacy of Rabbi Robert Goldburg lives on through the current Rabbi of Congregation Mishkan Israel, Rabbi Herbert Brockman. Rabbi Brockman has made significant steps toward creating interfaith experiences between his congregants and other religious communities in the Greater New Haven area. In September, Congregation Mishkan Israel hosted a Unity Concert featuring musical talents from various genres including Salsa, Klezmer, Classical, Rap, Arabic and African Drumming, and Jazz. On January 13, 2017, the congregation will be hosting its annual Martin Luther King Interfaith Service. Last year, nineteen different religious communities participated in this service. The Congregation hosted David Goodman, brother of the slain civil rights worker Andrew Goodman who was killed in Mississippi in 1964. Congregation Mishkan Israel serves as a reminder of the important role that the Jewish people play in promoting social action and justice within our communities.

November 19-20, 2016 the Greater New Haven Jewish community will gather for the 21st Annual “A Taste of Honey” program. This celebration of Jewish learning has become a favorite tradition for learners of all backgrounds over the last two decades, and the JCC and Jewish Federation are excited to continue building its legacy. Traditionally held in January, the event’s organizers listened to audience feedback from previous years, and now offer the program in coordination with the Global Day of Jewish Learning, making the initiative both communitywide and global.

Saturday, November 19 features keynote speaker, Dr. Steven M. Cohen from Hebrew Union College, speaking on “Challenges to Family, Community, Piety, and Pro-Israelism as Pillars of Jewish Identity Today.” Workshops and panels will follow the keynote address, facilitated by community leaders Rabbi Michael Farbman (Temple Emanuel); Lauren Hass (Wexner Fellow); Rabbi Yakov Lyons (Yale); Dr. Dan Oren (Yale); Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic (Temple Beth Sholom) and Sydney Perry (JFGNH); Rabbi Joshua Ratner (Slifka Center and JFGNH); and Doris Zelinsky and Fay Sheppard (Greater New Haven Holocaust Memory, Inc). With past years featuring as many as 20 speakers from Greater New Haven and beyond, this year’s program will offer hearty audiences and rich discussions among participants at the JCC of Greater New Haven, located at 360 Amity Road in Woodbridge. A Taste of Honey’s founder, and former Jewish Federation CEO, Sydney Perry is excited for the new format. “I’m thrilled to see A Taste of Honey evolving in its 21st year. Our community leaders have so much wisdom to offer, and this event allows participants to explore diverse and relevant topics together.”

Sunday November 20, at 2 p.m., a duo from the Neighborhood Music School will continue the weekend with, “From Russia with Soul,” a musical exploration of the Russian song, shaped by Jewish and Gypsy influences, and the African-American spiritual. This unexpected kinship references the parallel historical experiences of Russian serfdom and African-American slavery, followed by years of economic deprivation, political repression, and war. The JCC and Jewish Federation are delighted to bring a musical component to the weekend of Jewish learning. “We are excited to partner with our friends at the JCC to present this unlikely, but richly moving, partnership of musical genres,” says Dan Gurvich, Executive Director of the Neighborhood Music School.

Tickets at jccnh.org/rsvp. Saturday night tickets are $12 students, seniors, JCC members or $18 for the general public. Sunday afternoon tickets are $5 for students, seniors, and JCC members, and $10 for the general public. Weekend passes available for $18/$25. All events are FREE for Cultural Arts Season Subscribers; jccnh.org/cultural-arts/subscription.

Get tickets at jccnh.org/rsvp

Reprinted with the permission of the Connecticut Jewish Ledger

Fried Chicken and Latkes

Boy Scout Alex Wyner of Troop 41 in Woodbridge was about to submit his Eagle Scout project plan to a local hiking organization when he changed his mind.

by Rain Pryor

“I was going to be creating some signs and maps and doing general cleaning for a local trailhead, but I wanted to do something more meaningful,” says the 17-year-old Woodbridge resident.

Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 Pre-Show Reception at 6 p.m.

Doors open at 7 p.m. • Show at 8 p.m.

JCC of Greater New Haven

Eagle Scout Alex Wyner with Aspiring Eagle Scouts must plan and John Nolan. supervise a community service project that benefits a local not-for-profit organization. Wyner and his father, Troop 41 Scoutmaster Evan Wyner, inquired with Andy Hodes, executive director of the Jewish Cemetery Association of Greater New Haven. The non-profit organization was created in 2004 to address the neglect and abandonment of area Jewish cemeteries, a consequence of synagogues and Jewish organizations shutting down or experiencing financial insolvency. The association oversees the maintenance of 27 cemeteries and has taken title to 12 of them.

FREE for Cultural Arts patrons and subscribers JCC Members $18 General Public $25 Reception $15 Reception is free to Cultural Arts subscribers and includes cocktails, fried chicken, latkes, and more.

Hodes had just the project: raising and resetting sunken headstones and footstones at the Mt. Sinai Memorial Park on Jewell Street in New Haven. Hodes discussed logistics with the aspiring Eagle Scout, who then recruited friends from school and from Troops 41 and 59 (Bethany). Troop 41 Scoutmaster Evan Wyner and Assistant Scoutmaster Peter Zackin also signed on, along with Larry Hyatt, a fellow congregant of the Wyners from Temple Beth Sholom in Hamden.

On two consecutive Sundays in May, Wyner oversaw volunteers as they lifted up nearly 100 submerged gravestones with shovels and prybars, placed a layer of crushed stone donated by Nolan Monuments in Hamden, and reset the gravestones onto the new base. In all, 10 to 12 Boy Scouts participated each day, for a total of 100 work-hours. John Nolan of Nolan Monument helped guide the volunteers and took up a shovel himself.

Posted at and sponsored by Congregation B’nai Jacob for about 80 years (first in New Haven, now in Woodbridge), Troop 41 has been in continuous operation except during World War II. Although half of its members are not Jewish, the troop is a member of the Boy Scouts of America’s National Jewish Committee on Scouting, observing kashrut at all activities and organizing its calendar around the Jewish holidays.

“I enjoyed being able to give back to the community, especially in an area that is so often neglected and underfunded and understaffed,” says Wyner, a rising senior at Amity High School who plans to stay involved in the troop until he graduates next May. For Hodes, the volunteers provided an invaluable service to the Jewish community. Not only is cemetery maintenance expensive, but “this is a special project: taking care of the final resting place for our loved ones is really a mitzvah of the highest level,” he says. “There’s no quid pro quo. You’re doing something to be of service and to be kind to the deceased and there’s nothing they can do in return.”

Wyner is the first Boy Scout to perform his Eagle Scout project with the Jewish Cemetery Association of Greater New Haven, according to Hodes, who is hopeful that future Troop 41 Eagle Scout candidates will continue the work.

This story originally ran in the August 19th issue of the Connecticut Jewish Ledger. It is reprinted with permission. See also www.jewishledger.com

Storytelling with Matthew Dicks

Thirdsdays Thur

Thursday, December 15 JCC of Greater New Haven

FREE for Cultural Arts patrons and subscribers JCC Members $12 General Public $18 Includes cocktails and kosher food

Tickets: jccnh.org/RSVP

Page 37, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777

Scouting Out a Meaningful Mitzvah in New Haven

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 38

PJ Library Book Review: Chik-Chak Shabbat

By Stacey Battat PJ Library Professional Chik-Chak Shabbat is a PJ Library book that touches our modern lives.

Written by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker, this beautiful book is a multicultural look at sharing food with those we love and supporting our neighbors when sick, the Jewish value of Bikkur Cholim. The book revolves around Cholent a slow cooked stew that is a cornerstone of Jewish Cuisine. It is customary to prepare and eat it as one of the main meals on Shabbat, particularly for observant Jews who do not light a flame on Shabbat. This flavorful dish of beans, barley, vegetables and spices (and sometimes meat) makes the home, and in this case the entire multicultural apartment building, smell warm and inviting.

In this story, Goldie Simcha describes how her grandmother’s family used to prepare for Shabbat when she was a little girl – ‘busy, hurry-hurry, do it right away (in Hebrew ‘chik-chak’).

Shabbat is the time to put aside pressure of the week and allow the family and friends to turn their attention to one another, sharing good food, singing songs, leisurely walks and ‘down time’. Over the years, my husband and I have come to understand why ‘the Jews didn’t keep the Shabbat, Shabbat kept the Jews,’ because it provided my family with invaluable down-time whereby our children could count on our full attention and celebration of ‘just being’ with our close friends and family.

Allowing children to be part of the preparation is also a true joy, and as in Chik Chak Shabbat when the neighbors from different lands become a part of the ritual, a lovely story of enlarging the circle of our family emerges! Join us for this story reading as well as a chance to sample flavors of the world through the International Challah-baking program on Friday, 11/4, at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday, 11/6, at 2:30 p.m., as part of the International Festival for Families at the JCC.

PJ LIBRARY EVENTS:

JCC OF GREATER NEW HAVEN 360 AMITY ROAD, WOODBRIDGE FRIDAY, 11/4 10:30-NOON International Challah Baking with PJ Library at the JCC Bake Challot with flavors and spices from around the world (and the many Jewish cultures) $5 materials cost SUNDAY, 11/6 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Around the World with PJ Library International story, song and challan-baking with PJ Library at the International Festival for Families. $5 materials cost SUNDAY, 12/4 10:30–11:30 a.m.

PJ Library Pajama Party at the JCC Craft Fair.

Join PJ Library IN YOUR PAJAMAS to create a bedtime craft and hear a bedtime story come alive! FREE SUNDAY, 12/20 1 p.m.

Joyfully Jewish – PJ Library Hanukkah story, songs and YOGA with Kidding Around Yoga $10 per child – caregivers must be present.

BARNES & NOBLE 375 POST ROAD, MILFORD WED, 12/21 10 a.m.

Sing-a-Long with the Rabbi and PJ Hanukkah story time! FREE In collaboration with Temple Emanuel of Orange.

WED, 12/21 4 p.m.

Sing-a-Long with the Rabbi and PJ Library Hanukkah story time! FREE. In collaboration with Congregation B’nai Jacob of Woodbridge.

THURSDAY, 12/22 6 p.m.

Sing-a-Long with the Rabbi and PJ Library Hanukkah story time. FREE. In collaboration with Congregation Or Shalom of Orange.

MITCHELL LIBRARY 37 HARRISON STREET, WESTVILLE THURSDAY, 12/22 4 p.m.

Hanukkah Story & Song with PJ Library. FREE GUILFORD FREE LIBRARY, 67 PARK ST, GUILFORD TUESDAY, 12/27, 4-5 P.M. Hanukkah enacted PJ Library story with Rabbi Sommers. In collaboration with Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven. FREE

Story Time at Westfield Mall during the week of Hanukkah (check New Haven PJ Library website/ facebook for details)

Connecticut's Premiere Jewish Overnight Camp!

“We have been receiving PJ Library books for our family since our twins were born.

They are now 4 years old and we have a wonderful and rich library of Jewish books that we take out quite often because the kids enjoy them so much.

We are so grateful to this organization for bringing these books into our family free of charge. We particularly like that some books teach about the holidays, while other books teach Hebrew words or about some of the morals and values of Judaism.”

- Rachel Suchoff PJ Library Parent

Camp Laurelwood isn't just a "summer thing". Come join us for "S'mores and Tours" to see for yourself!

Come meet with friendly staff and see our newly renovated campus during one of our open houses on the following Sundays:

OCTOBER 23 NOVEMBER 13 1:00 - 3:00 Can't make it on these days?

Contact Evelyn Cohen to schedule a private tour: evelyn@camplaurelwood.org.

WE CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU! To enroll/inquire about PJ Library, contact: Stacey Battat, PJ Library Professional, sbattat@jewishnewhaven.org, (203) 387-2424, x317

463 Summer Hill Rd. Madison, CT 06443 • 203.421.3736 • www.laurelwood.org

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Look out for the ‘Special Camp Section’ in the next issue of Shalom New Haven!

Page 39, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777

P M A C R E M M U S T A K C A A LObrOingKSumBmer back, but these photos will warm your heart.

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 40

The New Haven Jewish Community: Create a Jewish Legacy — Making its Mark On Sunday, September 25, over 80 community members representing 15 synagogues and Jewish agencies gathered at the Omni Hotel to celebrate Create a Jewish Legacy New Haven’s success. 3 years into the 4 year program, over 310 households have made legacy commitments and/ or current endowment gifts with an estimated total of $7 million. More than 490 legacy conversations and 50 group presentations occurred.

The purpose of the Create a Jewish Legacy initiative, funded by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven, is to assist local synagogues and agencies to launch successful endowment and bequest campaigns.

The program provides funding, professional resources, training and mentoring to the participating organizations. In addition, over the four year program, the participating agencies receive incentive grants totaling over $270,000. By building the current

stable and able to meet current and emerging needs, by securing current and after-lifetime commitments that will grow endowments. Additionally, the program provides an opportunity for our Jewish organizations to work cooperatively on behalf of the entire Jewish community and for their most loyal and committed donors to support these valued institutions at a level many never thought possible.”

Past Foundation Chairs David Trachten and Jeff Hoos with current foundation Chair Steve Fleishman

and future endowments for our community organizations, this program will help sustain vital programs, services and institutions that advance Jewish life in New Haven.

Arlene Schiff, National Director of Life & Legacy at the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, commented, “Maintaining the vibrancy and strength of Jew-

ish communities across the country continues to be a concern for those of us involved, whether professionally or as lay leaders.

We are addressing this issue and transforming Jewish communities, by ensuring that the variety of Jewish organizations that make up the fabric of our communities are financially

The evening at the Omni featured Keynote speaker, Barbara Greenspan Shaiman who spoke on the importance of legacy and addressed how one can live their legacy during their lifetime by sharing values, stories, life lessons, family traditions, as well as ones hopes and vision for the future.

For more information on the Create a Jewish Legacy program see www. jewishlegacynewhaven.org or contact Lisa Stanger, Esq., Director, Jewish Foundation of GNH, 203-387-2424, ext. 382, lstanger@jewishnewhaven. org

Portnoff Named Wiesel Professor of Judaic Studies at CT College Reprinted with permission of the Connecticut Jewish Ledger

NEW LONDON – Sharon J. Portnoff, associate professor of religious studies at Connecticut College, has been named the Elie Wiesel Professor of Judaic Studies.

Portnoff is the second faculty member named to the Wiesel Chair, an endowed position established in 1990 by a generous gift from alumna JoAnn Hess Morrison, ’67, in honor of the late Nobel laureate, author and international human rights advocate Elie Wiesel.

The senior appointment in the Department of Religious Studies is reserved for a distinguished scholar committed to advancing Judaic Studies within the liberal arts.

“Sharon is an ideal choice for this position. She will be vital in expanding programming and furthering the growth of Judaic studies on campus,” said Abigail A. Van Slyck, dean of the faculty and Dayton Professor of Art History.

“She has worked diligently over the past eight years as a scholar, as a teacher, and as a citizen of the campus community. We look forward to the vibrant and multidimensional approach she will bring to the position.”

With the recent opening of Zachs Hillel House, the college’s Jewish presence has experienced significant growth. In her new role, Portnoff will work closely with Rabbi Susan Schein to provide students with access to the richness of the Jewish experience, including both cultural and religious events.

“I look forward to working with colleagues campus-wide to deliver speakers who

can stimulate meaningful conversations about Jewish philosophy, culture and history,” said Portnoff. “These kinds of events provide important perspectives for the campus, expanding views on what constitutes Judaism and Judaic thought.”

Portnoff will also continue coordinating the Miriam Melrod Lecture series, an ongoing initiative made possible by the Miriam Kraemer Melrod Endowment for Judaic Studies, which supports an annual symposium on Jewish identity.

As the Wiesel Chair, Portnoff will build on the efforts of her predecessor Roger Brooks, former dean of the faculty, who was instrumental in bringing the Zachs Hillel House to campus and helping to establish the college’s innovative Global Islamic Studies program, which embraces Judaic Studies as part of its interdisciplinary mandate.

Portnoff holds a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s College (Annapolis), a master’s in education from Harvard University and a master’s and Ph.D. from the Jewish Theological Seminary. She specializes in modern Jewish thought and Holocaust theology and teaches courses in the Holocaust, Israel, post-Holocaust responses, religious ethics and Jewish traditions.

CALENDAR EVENTS ON THE SHORELINE “Harvesting Stones”: The Jewish Farmers of Eastern CT, Nov. 6,

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 | 9:30 A.M.

Temple Beth Tikvah,Social Hall, 196 Durham Road, Madison Suggested donation - $5 RSVP: www.jewishnewhaven.org/harvesting-stones or jwlesage@jewishnewhaven.org or call (203) 738-0033 Synopsis: “Harvesting Stones,” a historical documentary produced and directed by the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut, Jerry Fischer. The film explores the history of the Baron de Hirsch-financed Jewish farms scattered throughout Eastern Connecticut. It is an account of stories of these Jewish farmers: the transition from dairy farms to raising chickens, the resorts that some of the farms evolved into, and the challenges of rocky soils and local antiSemitism. The film highlights the farms created by refugees from the pogroms of Russia in the late 19th century, as well as the re-population of the farming region by survivors.

Breakfast reception, followed by the film screening and a talk-back discussion.

Sponsored by Temple Beth Tikvah, Shoreline Hadassah, Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, and Jewish Federation of Eastern CT.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15 | 7:00 P.M.

Shoreline Federation Office, Lighthouse Square, 705 Boston Post Rd, Guilford Space is limited. RSVP encouraged.

RSVP: Jill Lesage, jwlesage@jewishnewhaven.org, (203) 738-0033 Explore the regions of Israel through their culinary identity with local chefs Sahar Yahav and Lara Thomas from The MILLA Project. Students will learn cooking techniques and engage in region-specific dialogue for a full cultural experience. Each evening will close with a community dining experience for class members. Series includes 5 classes for $80 or $20 for each individual class. This series historically sells out at the JCC. Class dates/region: Dec. 15- Galilee, Jan. 19 - Tel Aviv, Feb. 16 Jerusalem, Mar. 16 - Haifa, Apr. 20 – Nazareth

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Pay at the door. Suggested donation - $5, Temple Beth Tikvah, 196 Durham Rd., Madison. Contact Jill Lesage, (203) 738-0033, jwlesage@jewishnewhaven.org, jewishnewhaven.org.

Shoreline Adult Ed.: The Healing Power of Psalms-A Spiritual Journey, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Dec. 22, 10:00 - 11:00 AM, Jewish Federation Shoreline Office - Lighthouse Square, 705 Boston Post Road, Guilford.

Contact Rabbi Hesch Sommer D.Min., (203) 389-5599, hsommer@jfsnh.org, jfsnh.org.

Shoreline Adult Ed.: Pirke AvotReflections on How We Live Our Lives, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, 11:15 - 12:15 PM, Jewish Federation Shoreline Office - Lighthouse Square, 705 Boston Post Road, Guilford. Contact Rabbi Hesch Sommer D.Min., (203) 389-5599, hsommer@jfsnh. org, jfsnh.org.

Temple Beth Tikvah Scholar-inResidence weekend-Rabbi Amy Scheinerman, Nov. 11, 7:15 9:15 PM, Nov. 12, 6:30 - 9:45 PM, Nov. 13, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, Temple Beth Tikvah, 196 Durham Rd., Madison. Contact Bonnie Mahon, (203) 2457028, office@tbtshoreline.org, tbtshoreline.org.

S’mores and Tours at Camp Laurelwood!

Nov. 13, 1:00 - 3:00 PM, Camp

Laurelwood, 463 Summer Hill Road, Madison. Contact Evelyn Cohen, (413) 519-7178, evelyn@camplaurelwood.org, laurelwood.org.

“The Two-Family House” with Author Lynda Cohen Loigman, Nov. 17, 7:00 - 9:00 PM, FREE, R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Road, Madison. RSVP: rjjulia.com/event.

Shoreline Jewish Heritage Program, Nov. 21, 2:30 - 3:30 PM, Evergreen Woods Vibrant Living Center, 88 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford. Contact Jill Lesage, (203) 738-0033, jwlesage@jewishnewhaven.org.

Taste of Israeli Cuisine Cooking Classes, Dec. 15 , Jan. 19, Feb. 16, Mar. 16, Apr. 20, 7:00 8:30 PM, Fve classes for $80 or $20 each, Jewish Federation Shoreline Office - Lighthouse Square, 705 Boston Post Road, Guilford. Space is limited, RSVP: Jill Lesage, (203) 738-0033, jwlesage@ jewishnewhaven.org.

12th Annual Shoreline Hanukkah Celebration: ‘Hershel & the Hanukkah Goblin’, Dec. 27 - , 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St., Guilford. Contact Angelina Carnevale, (203) 453-8282, acarnevale@guilfordfreelibrary. org, guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Page 41, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777

xshoreline happenings

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 42

Towers’ Annual Meeting

JCC Excited to Host Second Annual First Night Woodbridge A New Year’s Eve Event for Children and Families

The Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven is starting off the New Year with a bang! The center, located at 360 Amity Road, will host its second annual family New Year’s Eve event, complete with face painting, craft-making, a DJ dance party, games, and a “new year’s toast” from 5PM to 9PM on Saturday, December 31st. With Hanukkah arriving later than usual, potato latkes, candle lighting, and festival games will be an added bonus this year. Families will have an opportunity to make noise and throw confetti before heading home ahead of the masses. The schedule will run as follows: 5 – 6 p.m.: Free swim in the pool 6 p.m.: DJ, dancing, food, games, and more!

6:30 p.m.: Hanukkah candle lighting 6:45 p.m: PJ Library Hanukkah story in the living room (optional) 7 p.m.: Dreidel tournament Towers Board of Directors

At the Towers’ Annual Meeting, congratulations went out to both the retired and newly nominated members of the Towers’ Board of Directors. Addressing the audience were, Towers’ Board Chair, Alan Siegal,MD; Jewish Federation, Foundation, and JCC of Greater New Haven, CEO, Judy Alperin Diamondstein; and Towers’ President/CEO, Mark Garilli. In addition, a special recognition was given to Don Dimenstein for his 20 plus years as a member of the Resident Services Committee.

8 p.m.: Ice cream sundae bar 8:45 p.m.: Ball drop/New Year’s toast All children must be accompanied by an adult.

First Night Woodbridge at the JCC will provide families with a fun and safe place to spend their evening together, without breaking the bank, or having to be on the roads late at night. As a large community space, the JCC is eager to offer this opportunity for families in the Greater New Haven area. Registration includes entry, food, and soft drinks, as well as fun NYE giveaways.

Prices: Adults and Children 13+ $10 in advance/$15 at the door Children 12 and under $5; Children 2 and under free Family max $30 in advance/$40 at the door. Tickets at jccnh.org/rsvp beginning December 1st “First Night” events happen in more than 50 US cities, including three in Connecticut: Hartford, Westport/Weston, and Danbury. What’s unique about First Night Woodbridge at the JCC is that families will be able to come inside to experience a variety of activities without having to brave the cold or worry about parking.

For additional information, please contact Eliana Sugarman, Youth Programs and Family Events Coordinator at the JCC: elianas@jccnh.org; (203) 387-2424 x306, jccnh.org/rsvp.

Have You Noticed?

Saturday, Dec. 31 | 5-9 p.m.

Tickets: jccnh.org/rsvp, beginning December 1

Have you noticed the recent improvements in the 360 Amity Rd. parking lot?

We listened to your feedback and made improvements including new paint and additional handicap spaces in the front of the building. While we had the legal amount of spaces necessary, our members asked for additional ones. We now have 16 spaces in the front, most of which are occupied in the mornings. The new handicap spaces are available from 8 am -2 pm during all other hours they can be used by any cars. Keep letting us know what you need. We at the JCC will keep listening to your feedback

The IRA Charitable Rollover creates an opportunity for donors to establish an endowment or make an outright charitable gift to a charitable organization. Your rollover can be directed for current needs or restricted for endowment purposes.

Your gift can be earmarked for your synagogue, a local Jewish agency, Jewish education, or any program or organization that is important to you.

EXAMPLE: Mr. Cohn distributes $18,000 from his IRA to his synagogue and/or to establish an endowment fund for his synagogue (Mr. Cohn names the fund after his grandchildren).

Without the IRA Charitable Rollover: Mr. Cohn would be subject to federal and Connecticut income tax on the amount of the distribution (even if it went straight to charity) -- although he could claim a charitable income tax deduction on his federal return for the donation, he would not be able to do that on a Connecticut income tax return and would have Connecticut income tax liability for the distribution—even if it was given directly to charity.

With the IRA Charitable Rollover: The $18,000 distribution is not taxable income for federal and Connecticut income tax purposes (even if it is being used toward his required minimum distribution)—

it is tax neutral. Mr. Cohn has created a wonderful Jewish legacy for his family and community, reduced his Connecticut income tax liability, and reduced his taxable estate!

Ten things to know about the IRA Charitable Rollover: 1. The distribution from your IRA must be made directly to the charitable organization.

What is the advantage? If you already have enough income and your IRA minimum distribution requirement only increases your tax liability, this allows you to donate your distribution directly to charity without realizing federal or Connecticut income tax liability on the amount of the distribution (you will not have to pay Connecticut or Federal income tax on that amount). In addition, if you have a taxable estate, your IRA, will be subject to income and estate taxes (once both spouses are deceased and the IRA is left to your children, grandchildren or other individuals). In fact, in a taxable estate, your nonspouse beneficiaries could

2. You must be 70 ½ or older at the time that the distribution is made (note, this differs from the required minimum distribution where you only need to turn 70 ½ during the year).

end up with 25 cents on the dollar for your IRA assets! The rollover allows you to remove some of those tax-plagued assets from your estate while also providing you with the opportunity to make a significant charitable gift.

8. Only distributions from traditional and Roth IRAs qualify.

In addition, if you have a secondary smaller IRA, which is not a necessary income source, this is an opportunity to donate that IRA to our community and make a significant and much needed impact.

3. The IRA Charitable Rollover is permanent; you can do it this year and every year.

4. The maximum that can qualify is $100,000.

5. The IRA Charitable Rollover will satisfy your required minimum distribution.

6. You can rollover more than your required minimum distribution and in addition to your required minimum distribution (up to $100,000 to charity).

7. The amount of the IRA Charitable Rollover does not need to be reported as income on your federal or Connecticut income tax return.

9. To qualify, the distribution can only be for charitable purposes and cannot be designated for a donor advised fund, supporting organization, private foundation or life-income gift (charitable trust or annuity). No goods or services can be received in exchange for the distribution (i.e. tickets or dinner).

10. In most cases, you will need to contact your IRA plan administrator/ financial institution.

Please consult your professional advisor concerning your tax plans.

Tips For End of Year Charitable Giving For All Ages How Do Gifts Cashabout and Securities Compare?

Ten things toof know the IRA Charitable Rollover:

INITIAL COST BASIS OF SECURITIES/APPRECIATION CAPITAL GAINS TAX SAVED OR PAID, ASSUMING 20% RATE

GIFT OF $10,000 CASH

GIFT OF $10,000 STOCK

NOT APPLICABLE

$2,000/$8,000

NOT APPLICABLE

$1,600

ORDINARY INCOME TAX SAVINGS (35% TAX BRACKET $3,500 $3,500 x VALUE OF GIFT) NET TAX SAVINGS

$3,500

$5,100

Please note: A different tax rate may apply to you and, accordingly, the charitable benefit you receive may vary. **Gifts of securities may be deductible up to 30% of your adjusted gross income, however, excess deductible amounts may be carried forward for five years. Please consult with your professional advisor to determine your specific situation.For more information contact Lisa Stanger, Jewish *Foundation Executive Director, lstanger@jewishnewhaven.org, 203387-2424, ext.382. or visit us at www.newhavenjewishfoundation.org or www. jewishlegacynewhaven.org.

What to do in order to ensure you can claim a charitable deduction for 2016: • When you donate long-term appreciated securities, you can claim a charitable income tax deduction for the fair market value of the securities on the date of transfer, no matter what you originally paid for them.

• You pay no capital gains tax on the transfer.

For example, if the securities originally cost $2,000 and now have a fair market value of $10,000, you do not pay tax on the $8,000 gain and you may claim a charitable income tax deduction for $10,000.

Donating Long-Term Appeciated Securities Can Provide Additional Tax Benefits • When you donate long-term appreciated securities, you can claim a charitable income tax deduction for the fair market value of the securities on the date of transfer, no matter what you originally paid for them.

• You pay no capital gains tax on the transfer.

For example, if the securities originally cost $2,000 and now have a fair market value of $10,000, you do not pay tax on the $8,000 gain and you may claim a charitable income tax deduction for $10,000.

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Charitable End of Year Giving for 70½ and Older

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 44

Congregation B’nai Jacob Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Ken Sperling December 3 marks the one year anniversary of Ken Sperling’s untimely passing, whose love of theatre, music, and community, engaged hundreds and gave birth to B’nai Jacob Players.

Throughout 25 years, Ken Sperling took on various roles in BJ Players-- as director, musical director, conductor, actor, teacher, mentor and caring leader in 16 shows for B’nai Jacob Players: 10 musicals, 3 Cabarets/Comedy nights, 2 plays, and 1 United Synagogue Solomon Schechter Award-winning original production.

In that quarter-century, he brought more than 600 men, women, teens, children and seniors from B’nai Jacob, Ezra Academy and Greater New Haven together to act, sing, dance, become orchestra members, stagehands, producers, ticket takers, ushers, costumers, set designers, and more--all for the sheer joy of creating ruach and entertainment upon the B’nai Jacob stage. While doing so, he helped raise over $100,000 for his congregation.

“Ken was a mentor and visionary”, shares Yoram Lirtzman who worked “backstage, building sets, doing lights and sound” on countless plays. “He had the ability to marry the physical environment with the cast and music to achieve a harmonious stage setting that brought life to the entire production. When dealing with a cast of 120, he managed to remain kind, relaxed and supportive of everyone… even when we were in tech rehearsals and things were far from polished.

Ken was a great director, actor, musician and most of all, a very dear friend.”

David Mindell, whose first role with BJ Players was in 1999, recalls: “I auditioned for the Barbershop Quartet tenor role in “The Music Man”, got that part and so much more as a result”, he says. “That first show turned into 17 years of synagogue membership and 10 productions with The BJ Players. I couldn’t have asked for more from that first audition”.

“My time with B’nai Jacob Players included some of my fondest memories of growing up”, says Daniel Sperling, 29. “I particularly enjoyed watching my Dad direct. His leadership was truly an inspiration.” Daniel’s brother, Ben Sperling, 26, says, “My father loved being on stage and growing B’nai Jacob Players, not for recognition, or ‘fame’, but because it entertained others and brought people together…he was an amazingly influential man, not just to his family and friends, but to the larger community” On Saturday, December 3, at 7:00 p.m., Congregation B’nai Jacob will present, “Theater + Community + Ken: A Celebration”, an entertaining evening with food, drinks, music, laughter, friends and memories that will honor the legacy of the late Ken Sperling (z’l).

The creative team for the evening is helmed by Susan Jacobs and Cindy Gerber.

They are incorporating video clips, live music, skits, photos, plus a few surprises into the show. The producers are Amy Mindell, Carol Shanbrom, Miriam Sivkin, Ros Sperling and Judy Taylor. Past and present BJ Players will be able to relive BJ Players’ glorious era; an era which was born from Ken’s dream, brought to life through the efforts of a dedicated group, and enjoyed by our entire community.

Tickets for the evening, which includes dinner, show and live auction, are $72 per person. There are also several sponsorship opportunities which include tickets and commemorative pages in a tribute book.

To purchase tickets, visit www.bnaijacob.org Email: bjplayersct@gmail.com Or call the B’nai Jacob office at: 203-389-2111

Bob Dylan Awarded Nobel Prize The Swedish Academy said the 75-year-old iconic songwriter was chosen for “having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition,” comparing his lifetime work to ancient Greek poets. Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman, took his stage name from the poet Dylan Thomas. He was born and raised in a Jewish family in Minnesota, converted to Christianity in the late 1970s and later returned to his Jewish roots though claiming no religious affiliation.

In a biographical note with the announcement, the Swedish Academy emphasized Dylan’s versatility as an artist and that he “recorded a large number of albums revolving around topics such as the social conditions of man, religion, politics and love.”Songs including “Blowin’ in the wind,” “The times they are a-changin,” and “Like a rolling stone” are just a few of Dylan’s legendary tunes that were largely influential on popular music and

American culture, especially during

Bob Dylan receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

periods of social unrest.“Dylan has the status of an icon,” the Swedish Academy said. “His influence on contemporary music is profound, and he is the object of a steady stream of secondary literature.”The Nobel Prize comes with an award of $927,740.

Dylan is the first American to win the prize since the novelist, Toni Morrison, did in 1993.

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER In memory of RUTH ROTH

David and Kathy Barkin

Stephen and Susan Delin

Liberty Mah Jong Group

Daniel and Ruth Wolinsky In honor of JEWISH TEEN EDUCATION (JTE) PROGRAM

Jay Kroopnick

Norman and Karyn Ravski

Steven and Sherri Sosensky In honor of STEVE MILLER

Eric and Jessica Goldstein In honor of JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

Scott and Jocelyn Hurwitz

Alex Walker In honor of HAHN SHELLING PLAYGROUND

Sarah and Robert Lightfoot In honor of MATT PERKINS’ MARRIAGE

Lenny and Susan Skope JEWISH FEDERATION In memory of ERNEST BERSTEIN

Elliott Kerzner In honor of HOWARD BERNSTEIN

Elliott Kerzner In honor of CAROL ROBBINS SON’S ENGAGEMENT

Judy Alperin Diamonstein In honor of REBECCA RAVSKI’S MARRIAGE TO MITCHELL BREKOWITZ

Cathy Gaetano In honor of JUDY DIAMONDSTEIN’S SON’S ENGAGEMENT

Amy Holtz In honor of ROBYN TEPLITZKY’S KIPNIS-WILSON FRIEDLAND AWARD

Amy Holtz In honor of INY AND JOEL KARP’S 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Lynette Bletchman In honor of DR. STANLEY REITER’S 90TH BIRTHDAY

Joan Gelbert In honor of JAY VLOCK’S 90TH BIRTHDAY

Helen Cooper

JEWISH FOUNDATION Beckerman Family Supporting Foundation Perpetual

Annual Campaign Fund In memory of JERRY BENJAMIN

Ruthann & David A. Beckerman Beckerman Family Supporting Foundation, Inc.

Endowment & Education Fund for New

Haven Hebrew Day School In memory of DR. BARRY HERMAN

Ruthann & David A. Beckerman

Hap & Stacey Perkins PACE Fund In honor of HAP AND STACEY PERKIN’S ANNIVERSARY

Robyn & Jeffrey Teplitzky Jenna Goldberg Tzedakah Fund In honor of NETTA AND ERNIE WOLF’S 55TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Brenda & Howard Coleman

Marcia & Stanley F. Reiter Philanthropic Fund for Beckerman Family Supporting

Jewish Education Foundation, Inc. Jewish In honor of Community Center MARCIA & STANLEY REITER

Endowment Fund In memory of WISHING YOU A HEARTY MAZEL TOV ON YOUR MR. PAUL SOLOMON TRIFECTA HAPPY 90TH, HAPPY 80TH, AND HAPPY

Ruthann & David A. Beckerman 60TH Marcia & Stanley F. Reiter Philanthropic Fund for

Joel & Iny Karp

Jewish Education In memory of ANDY TESTA Marcia & Stanley F. Reiter Philanthropic Fund for

Marcia & Dr. Stanley Reiter

Jewish Education In honor of Julie Kovar Fund In memory of STANLEY REITER’S 90TH BIRTHDAY AUDREY BLOCH

David & Merle Silver

Stuart & Ellen Kovar Daughters of 1853 Nursing Scholarship Fund Marcia & Stanley F. Reiter PACE Fund In memory of In honor of WALTER AND FLORANCE BRESLAV, JONATHAN STAN’S BIRTHDAY, THEIR ANNIVERSARY, AND BRESLAV, WALTER BRESLAV JR., AND LILYAN & MAURICE ULLMAN, DOROTHY & WALTER PARIS, MARCIA’S BIRTHDAY WILLIAM COHEN

Gary & Patricia Ginsburg

Diana P. Breslav Arthur Spiegel Israel Scholarship Fund Julie Kovar Fund In memory of In honor of MERLE SPIEGEL

Robert Forbes & Joanne Foodim PAUL & KATHI BARNETT 45TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Beckerman Family Supporting Foundation Perpetual

Phyllis C. Kaufer

Annual Campaign Fund In honor of STANLEY REITER’S 90TH BIRTHDAY Sidney & Betsy Savelle Endowment Fund

Ruthann & David A. Beckerman In honor of Dale & Robert Felice Family SID’S BIRTHDAY. MAY YOU LIVE TO BE 120

PACE Fund

Bunny & Ken Matloff In honor of ROBYN TEPLITZKY’S 2016 KIPNIS-WILSON FRIEDLAND AWARD Camp Laurelwood Endowment Fund

Dale & Robert Felice In honor of DEBBIE AND IRWIN’S BIRTHDAY Dale & Robert Felice Family

PACE Fund

Brenda & Robert Brenner, Eddie & Jerry In honor of

Milaver, Carol & Jay Charkow, Laurie & SHELLEY GANS’ SERVICE AT THE JCC

Dale & Robert Felice

Alan Fox

Page 45, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777

Tributes & Remembrances

To purchase a tribute card: jccnh.org, jewishnewhaven.org, newhavenjewishfoundation.org

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 46

Community Calendar

november

Bricks4Kidz LEGO Experience, Nov. 2,

Nov. 9, Nov. 16, 4:15 - 5:15 PM, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Kari McInerney, (203) 387-2424 x236, karim@jccnh. org.

Federation Executive Committee Meeting, Nov. 2 , 6:00 - 7:15 PM, JCC

of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Keilah Bisbee, (203) 387-2424 x225, kbisbee@jewishnewhaven.org, .

Temple Beth Sholom Bible Study with Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic, Nov. 2, 7:00 8:00 PM, Temple Beth Sholom, 1809 Whitney Avenue, Hamden.Contact Debbie Braun, (203) 288-7748, dbraun3@comcast.net.

Federation Board of Directors Meeting,

Nov. 2, 7:30 - 9:00 PM, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Keilah Bisbee, (203) 387-2424 x225, kbisbee@jewishnewhaven.org.

Kidding Around Yoga at the JCC, Nov.

3, Nov. 10, Nov. 17, 4:30 - 5:30 PM, $60/$75 JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2424 x228, gracek@jccnh.org.

Food4Kids Celebration, Nov. 3, 6:00 -

9:00 PM, FREE, Jewish Family Service, 1440 Whalley Ave., New Haven.

Contact Rachel Dobin, (203) 3895599, rsdobin@jfsnh.org, jfsnh.org.

“The Inventor’s Dilemma” with Author David Gerber, Nov. 3, 7:00 - 9:00 PM,

$5/$10, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2424 x228, gracek@jccnh.org.

International Challah Baking with PJ Library, Nov. 4, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, $5, JCC kitchen or living room, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Contact Stacey Battat, (203) 387-2424 ext 317, sbattat@jewishnewhaven.org.

Leave ‘em Laughing! with MODI the Comedian, Nov. 5, 6:30 - 7:15 PM,

$36, Congregation Or Shalom, 205 Old Grassy Hill Road, Orange. Contact Rachel Steigleder, (203) 799-2341, congregationorshalom.rachel@gmail. com, orshalomct.org.

“Harvesting Stones”: The Jewish Farmers of Eastern CT, Nov. 6, 9:30

AM - 12:00 PM, Pay at the door.

Suggested donation - $5, Temple Beth Tikvah, 196 Durham Rd., Madison.

Contact Jill Lesage, (203) 738-0033, jwlesage@jewishnewhaven.org, jewishnewhaven.org.

No Stone Left Unturned: Women of the Wall Change the Reality of the Kotel, Nov. 6, 10:00 - 11:30 AM,

Congregation B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Road, Woodbridge. Contact Rosalind Atkins, (203) 389-2111, rozatkins@ optonline.net.

International Festival for Families at the JCC, Nov. 6, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM,

FREE, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2424 x228, gracek@jccnh.org, .

Around the World with PJ Library,

Nov. 6, 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Stacey Battat, (203) 387-2424 x317, jccfamily@ jccnh.org.

‘Shir Magic’: Kol B’seder Concert at TE in memory of Rabbi Jerry Brieger,

Nov. 6, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, $18, Temple Emanuel, 150 Derby Avenue, Orange.

Contact Ruth Gross, (203) 397-3000, office@templeemanuel-gnh.org, templeemanuel-gnh.org.

Yogi & You with Kidding Around Yoga,

Nov. 7, Nov. 14, Nov. 21, Nov. 28, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, $30/$40, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2424 x228, gracek@jccnh.org.

Bricks4Kidz Junior Robotics, Nov. 7,

Nov. 14, Nov. 21, Nov. 28, 4:15 - 5:45 PM, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Kari McInerney, (203) 387-2424 x236, karim@jccnh.org.

An Introduction to Kabbalah, Nov. 7,

Nov. 14, Nov. 28, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Congregation B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Road, Woodbridge. Contact Rosalind Atkins, (203) 389-2111, rozatkins@ optonline.net.

Election Day School Vacation Program, Nov. 8, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Contact Kari McInerney, (203) 387-2424 x236, karim@jccnh. org, jccnh.org/after-out-of-school.

Event details subject to change. Please visit jccnh.org/events.

Ezra Academy Board of Directors Meeting, Nov. 9, 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM,

Ezra Academy Youth Lounge, Contact Leslie Zackin, (203) 393-0616, president@ezraacademyct.org.

Tower One/Tower East Board of Directors Meeting, Nov. 9, 6:30 - 8:00 PM, Tower One/Tower East, 18 Tower Lane, New Haven. Contact Nicole Merritt, (203) 772-1816, nicole@towerone.org, towerone.org.

Parenting Pointers: Routines and Consistency for Building Independence,

Nov. 9, 7:00 - 8:00 PM, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Contact Mara Balk, (203) 387-2424 x300, marab@jccnh.org.

Temple Beth Sholom Bible Study with Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic, Nov. 9, Nov.

16, Nov. 23, Nov. 30, 7:00 - 8:00 PM, Temple Beth Sholom, 1809 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. Contact Debbie Braun, (203) 288-7748, dbraun3@ comcast.net.

Shoreline Adult Ed.: The Healing Power of Psalms-A Spiritual Journey, Nov. 10, 10:00 - 11:00 AM, Jewish Federation Shoreline Office - Lighthouse Square, 705 Boston Post Road, Guilford.

Contact Rabbi Hesch Sommer D.Min., (203) 389-5599, hsommer@jfsnh.org, jfsnh.org.

Shoreline Adult Ed.: Pirke AvotReflections on How We Live Our Lives, Nov. 10, 11:15 - 12:15 PM,

Jewish Federation Shoreline Office Lighthouse Square, 705 Boston Post Road, Guilford. Contact Rabbi Hesch Sommer D.Min., (203) 389-5599, hsommer@jfsnh.org, jfsnh.org.

New Haven School Vacation Program, Nov. 11, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Contact Kari McInerney, (203) 387-2424 x236, karim@jccnh. org, jccnh.org/after-out-of-school.

Temple Beth Tikvah Scholar-inResidence weekend-Rabbi Amy Scheinerman, Nov. 11, 7:15 - 9:15

PM, Nov. 12, 6:30 - 9:45 PM, Nov. 13, 9:30 - 10:30 AM, Temple Beth Tikvah, 196 Durham Rd., Madison. Contact Bonnie Mahon, (203) 245-7028, office@tbtshoreline.org, tbtshoreline. org.

S’mores and Tours at Camp Laurelwood!, Nov. 13, 1:00 - 3:00 PM,

Camp Laurelwood, 463 Summer Hill Road, Madison. Contact Evelyn Cohen, (413) 519-7178, evelyn@camplaurelwood.org, laurelwood.org.

General Assembly 2016, Nov. 13 - Nov. 15, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington. Contact Keilah Bisbee, (203) 387-2424 x225, kbisbee@jewishnewhaven.org.

“The Borscht Belt” with Author Marisa Scheinfeld, Nov. 13, 2:00 - 4:00 PM,

JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2424 x228, gracek@jccnh. org.

Senior Day at the JCC, Nov. 17, 12:30 - 2:00 PM, FREE, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge.

Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2424 x228, gracek@jccnh.org.

JCC’s Third Thursdays: Hummus and “Hummus! The Movie”, Nov. 17, 6:00 -

9:00 PM, $5/$10, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge.

Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2424 x228, gracek@jccnh.org, jccnh.org/ rsvp

“The Two-Family House” with Author Lynda Cohen Loigman, Nov. 17, 7:00 -

9:00 PM, FREE, R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Road, Madison.

RSVP: rjjulia.com/event.

My Life Among the Stars, Nov. 19,

12:30 - 2:00 PM, Congregation B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Road, Woodbridge.

Contact Rosalind Atkins, (203) 3892111, rozatkins@optonline.net.

21st Annual A Taste of Honey, Nov. 19,

7:00 PM, Nov. 20, 2:00 PM, $15/$25, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Contact Mara Balk, (203) 387-2424 x300, marab@jccnh. org, jccnh.org/rsvp

Neighborhood Music School’s “From Russia With Soul”, Nov. 20 , 2:00 -

4:00 PM, $5/$10, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge.

Contact Mara Balk, (203) 387-2424 x300, marab@jccnh.org, jccnh.org/rsvp

Joyfully Jewish with PJ Library & Kidding Around Yoga, Nov. 20, 1:00 - 2:00

PM, $10 per child, Caregiver must be present, JCC of Greater New Haven Studio II, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge.

Contact Stacey Battat, (203) 3872424 x317, jccfamily@jccnh.org.

Shoreline Jewish Heritage Program, Nov. 21, 2:30 - 3:30 PM, Evergreen Woods Vibrant Living Center, 88 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford. Contact Jill Lesage, (203) 738-0033, jwlesage@ jewishnewhaven.org.

Beecher School Vacation Program,

Nov. 23, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Contact Kari McInerney, (203) 387-2424 x236, karim@jccnh. org, jccnh.org/after-out-of-school.

JCC Board of Directors Meeting, Nov. 29, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2424 x228, gracek@jccnh.org.

CT ADL Annual Regional Board Meeting, Nov. 30, 6:00 - 9:00 PM, William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, 2319 Whitney Avenue, Suite 2B, Hamden. Contact Linda Cardillo, (203) 780-0201, lcardillo@adl.org.

december

Kidding Around Yoga at the JCC, Dec.

1, 10:30 - 11:15 AM, $30/$40, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2424 x228, gracek@jccnh.org.

Rain Pryor’s “Fried Chicken and Latkes”, Dec. 1, 7:00 - 9:00 PM,

$18/$25, Reception $15, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2424 x228, gracek@jccnh.org.

BJ Players Presents: A Celebration of Community & Theatre, Dec. 3,

6:00 - 10:00 PM, Congregation B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Road, Woodbridge.

Contact Amy Rubin Mindell, (203) 5304098, amindell@optonline.net, bnaijacob.org.

13th Annual JCC Holiday Craft & Gift Fair, Dec. 4, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Free Admission, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Debbie Brander, (203) 387-2424 x276, debbieb@jccnh.org.

PJ Library Pajama Party at the JCC Craft Fair, Dec. 4, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, JCC of

Greater New Haven, Community Room, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Stacey Battat, (203) 387-2424 x317, jccfamily@jccnh.org.

Yogi & You with Kidding Around Yoga, Dec. 5, Dec. 12, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, $30/$40, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2424 x228, gracek@jccnh.org.

Bricks4Kidz Junior Robotics, Dec. 5, Dec.12, Dec. 19, 4:15 - 5:45 PM, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Kari McInerney, (203) 387-2424 x236, karim@jccnh. org.

Foundation Board Meeting, Dec. 5,

6:30 - 9:30 PM, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge.

Contact Danielle Vitelli, (203) 3872424 x307, dvitelli@jewishnewhaven. org.

An Introduction to Kabbalah, Dec. 5,

7:30 - 9:00 PM, Congregation B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Road, Woodbridge.

Contact Rosalind Atkins, (203) 3892111, rozatkins@optonline.net.

Federation Executive Committee Meeting, Dec. 6, 6:00 - 7:15 PM. JCC

of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Keilah Bisbee, (203) 387-2424 x225, kbisbee@jewishnewhaven.org.

Federation Board of Directors Meeting, Dec. 6, 7:30 - 9:00 PM, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Keilah Bisbee, (203) 387-2424 x225, kbisbee@jewishnewhaven.org.

Ezra Academy Board of Directors Meeting, Dec. 7, 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM,

B’nai Jacob Library. Contact Leslie Zackin, (203) 393-0616, president@ ezraacademyct.org.

Temple Beth Sholom Bible Study with Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic, Dec. 7, Dec.

14, Dec. 21, 7:00 - 8:00 PM, Temple Beth Sholom, 1809 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. Contact Debbie Braun, (203) 288-7748, dbraun3@comcast.net.

HHNE Gala, Dec. 8, 5:30 AM - 9:30 PM, FREE, Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford. Contact Mena Fiore, fiore@hhne.org.

Kidding Around Yoga at the JCC, Dec. 8, Dec. 15, 4:30 - 5:30 PM, $30/$40, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2424 x228, gracek@jccnh. org.

Shoreline Adult Ed.: The Healing Power of Psalms-A Spiritual Journey,

Dec. 8, Dec. 22, 10:00 - 11:00 AM, Jewish Federation Shoreline Office Lighthouse Square, 705 Boston Post Road, Guilford. Contact Rabbi Hesch Sommer D.Min., (203) 389-5599, hsommer@jfsnh.org, jfsnh.org.

Shoreline Adult Ed.: Pirke AvotReflections on How We Live Our Lives, Dec. 8, 11:15 - 12:15 PM,

Jewish Federation Shoreline Office Lighthouse Square, 705 Boston Post Road, Guilford. Contact Rabbi Hesch Sommer D.Min., (203) 389-5599, hsommer@jfsnh.org, jfsnh.org.

Event details subject to change. Please visit jccnh.org/events.

B’nai Jacob and BEKI Friends Travel to Poland and Reclaim Jewish History,

Dec. 11, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Congregation B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Road, Woodbridge. Contact Rosalind Atkins, (203) 389-2111, rozatkins@ optonline.net.

Joyfully Jewish with PJ Library & Kidding Around Yoga, Dec. 11, 10:30 - 11:15 AM, $10 per child, Caregiver must be present, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Stacey Battat, (203) 387-2424 x317, jccfamily@jccnh.org.

“Grandma Rowaida’s Dark Secret: FROM KUWAIT TO JERUSALEM”Dec.

11 - Dec. 12, 7:00 - 2:00 PM, Chabad of Milford/HCW, 15 Edgefield Ave., milford. Contact Schneur Wilhelm, (203) 772-8868, Rabbi@jewishmilford.com, Jewishmilford.com.

An Introduction to Kabbalah, Dec. 12,

Dec. 19, 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Congregation B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Road, Woodbridge. Contact Rosalind Atkins, (203) 389-2111, rozatkins@optonline. net.

Tower One/Tower East Board of Directors Meeting, Dec. 14, 6:30 - 8:00 PM, Tower One/Tower East, 18 Tower Lane, New Haven. Contact Nicole Merritt, (203) 772-1816, nicole@towerone.org, towerone.org.

JCC’s Third Thursdays: Speak Up Storytelling, Dec. 15, 6:00 - 9:00 PM,

$12/$18, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2424 x228, gracek@jccnh.org, jccnh.org/rsvp.

Happy Hour with Jerry Davis, Dec. 17,

5:30 - 7:30 PM, The Mory Association, 306 York St., New Haven. Contact Josh Squire, (203) 387-2424 x324, jsquire@jewishnewhaven.org.

Hanukkah Story time with PJ Library,

Dec. 22, 4:00 - 5:00 PM, 37 Harrison Street, New Haven. Contact Stacey Battat, (203) 387-2424 x317, sbattat@jewishnewhaven.org.

Winter Break School Vacation Program, Dec. 26, Dec. 27, Dec. 28, Dec. 29, Dec. 30, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Contact Kari McInerney, (203) 387-2424 x236, karim@jccnh. org, jccnh.org/after-out-of-school.

Hanukkah on the Milford Green, Dec. 26 - Dec. 27, 5:30 - 7:00 PM, The Milford Green (center), Milford.

Contact Schneur Wilhelm, (203) 772-8818, rabbi@jewishmilford.com, JewishMilford.com.

12th Annual Shoreline Hanukkah Celebration: ‘Hershel & the Hanukkah Goblin’, Dec. 27 - , 4:00 PM - 5:00

PM, Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St., Guilford. Contact Angelina Carnevale, (203) 453-8282, acarnevale@guilfordfreelibrary.org, guilfordfreelibrary.org.

Hanukkah at the Mall, Dec. 27 - Dec.

28, 5:30 - 12:30 PM, CT Post Mall, 1201 Boston Post Rd., Milford.

Contact Schneur Wilhelm, (203) 887-7603, rabbi@jewishmilford.com, JewishMilford.com.

Temple Beth Sholom Bible Study with Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic, Dec.

28 - , 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Temple Beth Sholom, 1809 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. Contact Debbie Braun, (203) 288-7748, dbraun3@comcast.net.

First Night Woodbridge at the JCC, Dec.

31, 6:00 - 9:00 PM, Price TBD, JCC of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge. Contact Grace Koo, (203) 387-2424 x228, gracek@jccnh.org.

Ezra Academy’s Hanukkah Production,

Dec. 20, 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Congregation B’nai Jacob - Auditorium, 75 Rimmon Road, Woodbridge. Contact Jackie Bogdanoff, (203) 389-5500, jbogdanoff@ezraacademyct.org.

Hanukkah Story and Sing-A-Long with The Rabbi, Dec. 21, 4:00 - 5:00 PM

& Dec. 22, 6:00 - 7:00 PM, Barnes & Noble, 1375 Post Road, Milford.

Contact Stacey Battat, (203) 3872424 x317, sbattat@jewishnewhaven. org.

STAY IN THE

KNOW! Text follow jccnhalerts to 40404 for JCC facility updates, cancellations and closings.

Page 47, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777

Community Calendar

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 48

Women’s Philanthropy Gears Up for Action

Under the leadership of current president Dr. Dena Schulman-Green and Assistant Director of Development Jennifer Bayer, Women’s Philanthropy has evolved and developed a functional leadership structure, designed to cater and better outreach to niche groups within the women’s division. Meet our new Lion Chair, Dr. Dana Schwartz, Pomegranate Chair, Nancy Cohen, and our Sabra Society Co-chairs, Emily Sandberg and Lauren Miller.

Jennifer Bayer Assistant Director, Development

Dr. Dena Schulman-Green Women’s Philanthropy President

Emily Sandberg Women’s Philanthropy Sabra Society Co-chair ($365-$1,799 giving level) Emily Sandberg joins Women’s Philanthropy leadership with an extensive leadership background in higher education and Jewish communal work. Emily served as an Assistant Dean and Director at MIT’s Undergraduate Education and Student Affairs Office. Emily also served as the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine for a number of years, where she ran annual campaign and fundraising initiatives. Emily now serves as the Administrative Manager at Wellspring Consulting. She manages the operations of a 17 person office in Woodbridge, Boston and New York.

Sandberg has served as the Vice President, Board of Directors, JCC of Greater New Haven from 2009-2011 and she staffed the Eder Leadership Institute at the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. She served as Co-President, Amity Middle School PTO from 2009-2014. She is the recipient of the Dick Aronson Young Leadership Award.

Lauren Miller Women’s Philanthropy Sabra Society Co-chair ($365-$1,799 giving level) Lauren also makes an impact on her town through volunteerism. She has served on the Beecher Road School PTO Executive Board as Treasurer. Lauren serves as the Woodbridge Town Committee Secretary and the Associate Chair and Liaison to CUPOP for the Woodbridge Conservation Commission.

At the Jewish Federation, Lauren has been an active member of Women’s Philanthropy and served on the Planning and Allocation Committee. Lauren is a graduate of the Eder Leadership Institute.

Lauren lives in Woodbridge with her husband Scott and children, Breezie, Forrest and Jacqueline.

Nancy Cohen Women’s Philanthropy, Pomegranate Chair ($1,800-$4,999 giving level) Nancy has been a long time Chair of the grants committee of the Jewish Foundation’s Women of Vision Society. She has been involved in the Federation for over 30 years, and a Pomegranate for 16 years. She is a past Women’s Philanthropy board member, a Past President of World Ort, and a Past President of the Amity chapter of ORT. Nancy Has served as Past President of the Daughters of 1853 and is a longtime Hadassah member. She’s been a longtime member of Temple Emanuel as well.

Dr. Dana Schwartz Women’s Philanthropy Lion of Judah Chair ($5,000+ giving level) Dana Schwartz has been a longtime resident of New Haven, since moving here in 1986 to train at Yale where she trained in pediatrics, radiology and completed a fellowship in pediatric radiology. After her tenure at Yale, Dana joined Advanced Radiology in Fairfield County where she specializes in pediatric radiology and mammography.

Dana has extensive leadership in our Jewish community having participated in Young Leadership, serving as the chair of the B’nai Jacob Ritual Committee, and serving as a member of the B’nai Jacob Executive Board from 2003 on. She served as President of the Board at B’nai Jacob from 2009-2011. Dana also serves as frequent Torah reader at B’nai Jacob. Her other interests include tennis, reading, knitting, cooking and traveling.

Dana is married to Dr. Harry Schwartz, a gastroenterologist at Griffin Hospital.

Her sons Corey and Jonathan both attended Gan Hayeled and Ezra Academy.

Honorable Elaine Albom Braffman and Overseas Affairs Chair Honorable Elaine Albom Braffman has extensive professional and volunteer experience in the Greater New Haven Community. She serves as a magistrate in Superior Court and has served the Jewish Community in diverse roles. The immediate past President of Women’s Philanthropy and board member of the Jewish Federation; she Chaired the Department of Jewish Education, Chaired the Israel Advocacy Committee, served as Ezra Academy’s President of PTA, the Vice President of Hadassah, she is a past Board member of Congregation Or Shalom and Secretary of Primer. She is the mother of three Ezra graduates, and the grandmother of four.

While Stronger Together may have been the tagline of Campaign allocations in percentages on allocations but has not had the necessary time or ability to by objectives FY 2014-2015 one candidate for president’s campaign, the spirit of make planning a priority. Across Jewish communities, funds that message has direct application to building Jewish are allocated across a continuum from 100% unrestricted community. Historically, the Jewish Federation has been agency support (the current model) to a hybrid model that is the central address of the Jewish community and has a combination of operating support and program funding diligently pursued its responsibility to raise funds and then tied to mission, priorities and impacts to a programmatic allocate them to local and overseas needs to the best model that is based on 100% program funding tied to of its ability. The Federation would determine the promission, priorities and impacts. After much discuscess and then go about its business of completing sion and input from the agency leadership and with the task. full consensus, it was determined that a new hyToday, the staff and leadership of the Jewish Fedbrid structure be created to maintain the health of eration recognize that changes must be made to agency operations while providing the opportunity our current planning and allocations process to to determine community priorities that can be adaddress issues of calendar, budget, and fiscal dressed through community impact grants. management. But they also recognize that strong Judy Alperin Diamondstein, CEO of Jewish Federacommunities are ones where there is transparention, Foundation, and JCC of Greater New Haven cy and two-way communication so that any change said, “The Jewish Federation takes its responsibilis undertaken after careful consideration of the opity to the community seriously and strives to raise tions and impact to all. the necessary funds to support a wide array of needs In October, a meeting was convened with Greater New here in the Greater New Haven Jewish community, in IsHaven’s Tier One agency leadership. Seated around the rael and throughout the world. Our community is changing table were representatives from Jewish Family Service, The and funding priorities are changing too. We must open our Towers, Ezra Academy, Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy minds to new ways of strengthening community and that includes and Camp Laurelwood. Participants were provided an overview inopportunities to fund initiatives directly that are in line with emerging cluding the history of the planning and allocations process (P&A), the current priorities.” She went on to say that “I believe that we are stronger when we are state of the funding available and an update on current trends occurring in Jewish working together. This experience of rolling up our sleeves as a working group to communities across North America. In the trends discussion it was shared that listen to one another and find the best path forward confirms that our future is communities today are increasing focus on community planning and responding bright. I commend our colleagues and partners for their willingness to come to to community priorities. P&A committee co-chairs, Gerry Barker and David Hass shared that given the current timeframe the committee has done excellent work the table to work together.”

ADL Honors Community Leaders with Torch of Liberty Award More than 350 leading citizens and government officials joined the Anti-Defamation League in June at Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden to honor exceptional community leaders in Greater New Haven.

ADL presented its Torch of Liberty Award to the President of Gateway Community College, Dr. Dorsey Kendrick, AT&T President John Emra, and Rabbi Hebert Brockman of Congregation Mishkan Israel.

The Torch of Liberty Award is presented annually to outstanding citizens and corporations whose extraordinary work has helped to strengthen the Greater New Haven community.

“It truly was an unforgettable evening,” said ADL Connecticut Director Steve Ginsburg. “We had

three tremendous honorees.

Dr. Kendrick, Rabbi Brockman and John Emra are true pillars of the Greater New Haven community.

To hear them express how ADL connects with them from a business, education and religious perspective speaks to the diversity of ADL and its work here in Connecticut.”

“The sense of community we all experienced last night is something to be cherished, and it makes me feel lucky that we have the Connecticut ADL offices in Greater New Haven,”Ginsburg said in June.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is devoted to fighting anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of bigotry, building bridges of understanding and safeguarding our liberties.

Photo (from left): ADL Regional Board Chair Robyn Teplitzky, John Emra, Dr. Dorsey Kendrick, Rabbi Herbert Brockman and ADL Connecticut Director Steve Ginsburg.

Page 49, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777

Jewish Federation Planning & Allocations Committee Changes with the Times

SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777, Page 50

Shimon Peres FROM PAGE 3

Oslo was proof that we can live in this land another way.” There is so much these days that suggest cynicism. With all the tragedies around the globe and in our own back yards, it is easy to despair. On the eve of this new year, the legacy of Shimon Peres is most instructive. “Optimists and pessimists die the same way.

They just live differently.” May he rest in peace.

Dream Big

By Raz Lachmi, Israeli Shlichia (emissary).

The first time that I met Shimon Peres I was a high school student, about three years ago. The President arrived to my home town of Afula to speak to the teens at a central location in town. Peres was a widely known and admired figure, even to younger teens, so we learned about his upcoming visit, my classmates and I were beyond excited.

Peres spoke about dreams and about purpose. Most kids in high school don’t necessarily have a clear view of what their life purpose needs to be, and that’s normal. At the end of the meeting, though, I think we all knew a little bit more about what it means to have a dream, a purpose and serve our country.

Shimon Peres shared with us his personal story and his biggest dream- peace in the Middle East.

The most interesting thing to me was that Peres, even as he was such an iconic and revered figure, did not try to make it sound all easy and like his life was a path of uninterrupted success. He spoke at length about his failures and how he dealt with them. Listening to him sharing this from his experience was very empowering.

After sharing his path in the pursuit of peace, Shimon Peres said he has

another dream to share, a dream which we are all a part of. “The teenagers of this country”, he said, “they need to realize that anything is possible if they only dare to pursue it.” He said he wants to see us teenagers standing up for our dreams and sticking up to our decisions no matter what other people say. He said that he wanted us to contribute to our country, take risks and never give up on the things we want to do in life.

The meeting with this man of vision, courage, and imagination left me inspired.

I learned a lot about him but most of all I learned about myself thanks to him.

It was seeded in me that my call is to make a difference by sharing the story of Israel, its history, its culture, and its people with others who may have not had the chance to experience Israel first hand and who may never will.

As young emissary representing Israel I am proud talking about Shimon Peres as a leader and of all the things he did to create a better world for all of us. He definitely won the hearts and minds of people from cross sections of Israeli society and beyond. I will always remember him and his big smile May he rest in peace. ‫יהי זכרו ברוך‬

A Man of Vision Rabbi Rona Shapiro, Congregation B’nai Jacob Shimon Peres’ death marks the passing of a generation. He was Israel’s elder statesman, and even at the age of 93, he had not grown weary of new dreams and bold plans. More than anyone else, I believe, he represented optimism and hope — that reality is not what you see, but what you make it. At a time when we feel bereft of leaders, he exemplified leadership — holding up a vision of what kind of people we could be and what kind of world we will live in. Although peace was not achieved in his lifetime, I pray that his legacy will inspire us to redouble our efforts to make his dream a reality.

JCC Journeys: Eliana Sugarman Say Shehechianu!

FROM PAGE 8

and big surf. Tours of Independence Hall, the Rabin Center, the Bauhaus style buildings in the White City, the Carmel market and Nachalat Binyamin brought the streets of this modern, more secular city to life. Our Friday evening in Tel Aviv began with a Kabbalat Shabbat service at the Port. It was a unique outdoor experience that deserves my final shout out and Shehechianu. As the sun set over the Mediterranean, the service ended. Breathtaking!

Our last walking tour took us to Old Jaffa, where Arabs and Israeli’s live in harmony. Shabbat in Tel Aviv was different from Jerusalem. There were cars on the road and we boarded our travelling ‘home’ to complete our day’s history lesson at the amazing Roman ruins, in seaside Caesarea and high atop a mountain at a Druze Village.We hit all of the highlights and enjoyed every minute. My memories will last forever, but the magic really happened between the lines of our itinerary.

"Being able to do the job I do, which is the Youth and Family program Coordinator, has been a really meaningful experience for me. Helping kids and families come together, experience a sense of community, and have a good time is what draws me to the JCC.”

The people we met and the families we traveled with personalized my Israeli experience. I am blessed. My mind is a catalogue of color photographs. I see boxes overflowing with dates, olives, candy, fruits and vegetables; Sam dressed in tefillin at the Western Wall; seven-year-old Nathaniel being carried home from dinner with a damaged ankle; minnows giving my toes a pedicure in the Gilboa spring; Cynthia’s fabulous shoes; Sandi’s soft, curly hair; Ziva holding two dozen roses; the Greif family’s smiling eyes, Elaine and Shirley in hats; John holding the grocery list prayer; Indira and Hannah giggling; Dave’s quiet good nature and Rabbi Offner and Nancy co-piloting our journey. I left the U.S. feeling excited and came home with an extended family, appreciation for my Jewish homeland and a heart overflowing with love.

FROM PAGE 31 downtown New Haven JCC in 1967 as a kindergartner. He played through high school and in 1979 his team won the national championship for Jewish centers.

Teitelman was co-captain of that team. Teitelman returned to greater New Haven after law school. After the Teitelmans’ first son was born, Greenberg asked him to coach JCC ball. The young lawyer said he would consider it when his son was old enough to play in the middle-school league. Greenberg didn’t forget the promise — and in 2004 Teitelman was back at the JCC. He’s been there ever since.Today there are two middle-school JCC squads. Both are “travel” teams, which means they play other teams throughout the region (Jewish centers, town travel teams, the occasional private school). Teitelman coaches them both through a 25- to 30-game season — and has done so with singular success. “I love basketball,” Teitelman said. “I try to stress teamwork. Some kids are a little bit better than others and I try to get them to understand that they need their [lesser-skilled] teammates to be successful. A successful season to me [one in which] the kids learn the game of basketball, and the kids learn to be good teammates with one another.”

One of Teitelman’s players is Liam Nork of Bethany, 14, a rangy eighth-grader who attends Amity Middle School-Bethany and is in his fourth year playing JCC hoops. He’s on the Amity Road court at least three days a week. Compared to his (highly competitive) school team, at the JCC “I learned how to work with a team more here, and they had us doing drills [by position]. People are so welcoming here. I love playing basketball; it’s so stress-relieving,” he said. Then there are two adult divisions: 18-to-35 (with 12 teams in the most competitive league of the bunch including some former college players), and over-35 (six to eight teams). Few rim-rattlers in that group. (From Biddys to age 69, indeed.) All in all, during the busiest season (winter) some 400 “ballers” young and old play in the JCC’s Beckerman Gym. One of them is William Douglas, who is sitting on the maple floor taking a blow following a “run” (a full-court, five-on-five pickup game in which the play tends toward the fast and loose. Douglas, 25, lives in nearby Westville and works at Yale-New Hospital. He has been playing ball on Amity

Dr. Barry Zaret FROM PAGE 15

Please describe your writing process.

I am still working full time at Yale, seeing patients and teaching. My writing and art are done “after hours.” Several days a week, I split my time, writing prose and poetry. Since last October, I’ve become a regular blogger with the “Huffington Post”—contributing essays on the humanity of healthcare.

Presently, my personal and professional life is very full!

Where do you derive your inspiration?

It comes from anywhere—from something I see, my patients, and nature, emotions - but always very visceral. When something inspires me, I write it down and keep those scraps in a folder.

As a person of both the arts and sciences, do you believe that there is a place for the humanities within the medical school curriculum?

It’s critical! The two are interactive. In fact, I created a seminar series for Fellows called “Humanities in Cardiology,” which includes writing workshops.

We need physicians who are caring, empathic and creative. Writing and the arts inform medicine, just as medicine may be an important source of inspiration.

The goal of integrating humanities into medicine curricula is to put the patient back in medicine, to train physicians who treat patients with a disease, not just a disease.

Journeys is available on Amazon and from publisher, Antrim House.

Road for seven years. He describes the level of play among the 18-to-35ers as “decent.” In a recent season, “I was paired with a group of random guys, and we were underdogs [most] every game,” he said. “But we came out, made it to the playoffs and went to the championship game, where we lost by five [points].

I was very upset.” “It just shows that even if you don’t have all the players that you’re used to playing with [on your team] or all the talent, if you stick together and play hard, you can win games and have fun,” Douglas added — a life lesson that extends well beyond the gym. What’s different about basketball on Amity Road? “A lot of programs today are built on skill,” said Greenberg. “If you’re good at something — academics, music, whatever — there are tons of opportunities.

[Here] we have kids of all levels. And every kid plays. “The values of the program are sportsmanship, fair play, everybody plays” instead of languishing on the bench. “The emphasis with kids is to make them better people,” Greenberg added, “fair play, camaraderie, friendship. Make them better citizens; make them better people.”

Seldom silent in the gym that businessman and JCC benefactor David Beckerman built for the “new” JCC (it opened in 1993. There are two full-length (94-foot) courts plus side baskets on each allowing four games to be played simultaneously. Beckerman was a highly successful coach of JCC hoops for many years. You may have heard of him: In his spare time he coached the Hamden Hall boys team, which in January earned him his 500th win. In the remainder of his spare time he founded Starter Sportswear, which he built from a scrappy Elm City start-up maker of high-school sports uniforms to an international brand whose sales reached $356 million in the 1990s. (The Starter brand name was sold in 1999 and Beckerman sold his ownership interest.)

On the Beckerman courts, the values are clear: teamwork, sportsmanship, everyone plays, regardless of skill level — and everyone plays together. The JCC celebrated their 100 year anniversary a few years back. We had a basketball reunion of former varsity (high school age) players. This program was rich in history and tradition. At a Sunday morning brunch 104 players came as far as California, Texas, Florida and Maine to honor four long time volunteer coaches Author “Red” Kleinberg, Jim Wolfe, Dave Beckerman, and Mark Sklarz . Player and coaches renewed friendships and relived wonderful memories. This is the essence of JCC basketball.

Madison Author FROM PAGE 33

building artist and temple member Sol LeWitt ever designed.” In looking toward the future, Davis is optimistic. In this unpredictable election year, he finds it very interesting that both Republicans and Democrats were equally angry at Wall Street during the primary season. “It gives me some hope, come January, with a new Congress, that it may be possible for progress to be made and restoring rights to citizen investors.”

7th Rank FROM PAGE 11

threatening online anti-Semitic communications. In addition to sending the Stamford Police Chief to train in Israel, we brought the Commander from Jerusalem’s Old City Unit to New Haven to train with the FBI. Can negative attitudes and prejudices be turned around?

They can! As much as the internet has amplified hateful voices, it has also led to some amount of productive conversation across ideologies. One great example is the New Yorker story of Megan and Grace Phelps-Roper, who was raised in the hate group Westboro Baptist Church. After Megan started a Twitter conversation with a Jewish blogger in Israel, he poked holes in her ideology.

This led to her and sister leaving the church and speaking out against hatred.

We had them speak in schools and synagogues in Connecticut earlier this year.

And can we address this HERE on our home turf?

Call our office! If you see something, say something. We are here to help. Get to know your local law enforcement. Use our website foreducational resources.

For more info, go to-- http://connecticut.adl.org.

Page 51, SHALOM NEW HAVEN, 2016/5777

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