SNH Nov Dec 2013

snh

published by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven

Jewish People Leave Tracks in the World of Skiing Through fashion, business, and sport, the Jewish people have made their mark on the world of skiing.

Have you ever heard of “skijorking”?

Picture water skiing on snow, and replace the boat with a horse. Harold Hirsch, born in 1907, specialized in skijoring on the Dartmouth College ski team. When the Great Depression hit, Hirsch returned and started a clothing business in his hometown of Portland, Oregon. He began producing ski pants and jackets. For more than 40 years, Hirsch’s company, White Stag, were leaders in ski and outdoor apparel design. They produced the distinctive red waterproof parka for the National Ski, Winter Olympics jackets, and high-fashion skiwear created by Italian designer Emilio Pucci.

Such winter fashions adorned the ski trails of Mount Snow in southern Vermont. Mark Fleischman and Robert Millman ran Mount Snow in 1973, dubbed at the time “the biggest ski area in the world.” Some other Jewish owned ski resorts include American Skiing Company, Vail Resorts, and Aspen Skiing Company.

With ski resorts, come skiers. The Olympian representation of Jewish skiers, then, is no wonder.

Three prominent Jewish Olympian skiers are Carrie Sheinberg, Laura Spector, and Jeremy Bloom. Carrie Sheinberg graced the scene as a slalom skier and, in 1989, was named to the US Ski Team. At age 21, she skied in the slalom at the 1994 Winter Olympics and was the top US finisher. Sheinberg won the US Alpine 1995 combined title, 1997 slalom titles, and the 1997 giant slalom at the US Alpine Championships in Sugarloaf, Maine.

In 2010, Laura Spector, a Jewish American woman made her Olympic debut in Vancouver, competing in the women’s biathlon. The biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Jeremy Bloom is a three-time World Champion, two-time Olympian, eleven-time World Cup gold medalist and the youngest male snow skier to ever be inducted into the United States Skiing Hall of Fame. In 2005, he won a Ski ...continued on page 7

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SHALOM NEW HAVEN

november - december 2013 / cheshvan - kislev - tevet 5774

Thanksgiving and Chanukah Together At Last

It has been a difficult on and off rela-

tionship. Their schedules never matched up, but their values were the same.

Finally, in 2013, Thanksgiving and Chanukah overlap. And very few of us will ever see it happen again. Some are marking the special occurrence with a latke and turkey dinner, others are marking it with the whimsical name Thanksgivukah.

Three years ago, Eli Lansey got curious about the history of the two holidays.

A lot of math and a little research later, he came up with a historically accurate list of past and future dates when the two holidays will occur simultaneously.

According to Wikipedia, from 18631938, Thanksgiving was traditionally celebrated on the last Thursday of November; from 1939-1941, it was on the fourth, third and third Thursdays for some of the country (“Democratic Thanksgiving”), and on the last Thursdays for other parts (“Republican Thanksgiving”); and from 1942 through now, it is generally celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The Jewish calendar drifts around 4.3 days later every 1000 years, but Lansey found these results:

2013 – Thanksgiving falls on the first day of Chanukah

1888 – Thanksgiving fell on the first day of Chanukah

In 1863, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens,” however, thanksgivings were common since the “First Thanksgiving” in 1621 and have taken

1899 – Thanksgiving fell on the fourth day of Chanukah 1918 – Thanksgiving fell on the first night of Chanukah

2070 – Thanksgiving falls on the first night of Chanukah 2165 – Thanksgiving falls on the first night of Chanukah At some point the Jewish calendar will need to be corrected in order to keep Passover in the spring, but until then (or until they change the day we celebrate Thanksgiving), these dates are firm.

To celebrate, here are eight reasons why Thanksgivukah is a great once-in-alifetime holiday for Jewish families in the United States: 1. Let us celebrate this union of values between country and religion that all families can be thankful for

Together at Last ...continued on page 2

He Who Laughs is New Haven Bound What if Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac lived in contemporary Manhattan and God called on Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son? He Who Laughs, a new play by Ian Cohen, grapples with this scenario. Abraham becomes Alfred Wells, a passionately devout businessman with a personal relationship with the Almighty. His wife, Sheila, will stop at nothing to save their conflicted, video-game obsessed 17-year-old son, Zach (short for Isaac, meaning “he who laughs”). The play will receive a fully-staged workshop production by JCC Theaterworks Dec. 14-16, directed by Reuven Russell.

“I felt that by putting Abraham, Isaac, and Sarah in my world, by creating real people, and by writing honestly and fearlessly, along with copious research, I would stumble onto the secret of The Akeda,” explains Cohen. “I knew that one

day I’d write this play, not because I had an opinion about The Sacrifice of Isaac, but because I knew there had to be more to it.” Director Reuven Russell agrees, “Who doesn’t have questions about this event today? To simply say ‘it was a test’, or even ‘the ultimate test’ doesn’t seem like a complete answer. This was an epic event, with many levels of meaning. It’s exciting to explore the levels with this particular play.”

JCC Cultural Arts Manager DeDe Jacobs-Komisar selected He Who Laughs as JCC Theaterwork’s first show because it “exemplifies the company’s mission of exploring what Jewish theater is and can be. Plays like He Who Laughs go deep He Who Laughs ...continued on page 2

Busy Start to the JCC Program Year

Michael Bolton, pictured here with JCC receptionist Marge Bonito, returned to his JCC to treat fans to childhood memories featured in his memoir The Soul of it All on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.

Kid’s Run participants chased Benny the Bagel through obstacle courses on the JCC soccer fields before the annual Murray Lender 5K Bagel Run on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013.

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He Who Laughs ... continued from page 1

Together at Last ... continued from page 1 on a meaning for Americans regardless of faith or religion. President Washington stated it was a time to give thanks for “civil and religious liberty,” “useful knowledge,” and “G-d’s kind care and Providence.”

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is also a holiday in memory of national liberation, religious freedom, and general gratitude for the lives we are given.

into Jewish tradition to make us question who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re going as a community.”

With the help of the Connecticut Humanities Fund, Jacobs-Komisar is presenting interfaith panels following two of the performances, delving into the theological and sociological themes of the play.

Performances run Dec. 14-16 at the Off-Broadway Theater, 41 Broadway, New Haven. Tickets are $25. Contact Dede Jacobs-Komisar for more information: dedek@jccnh.org.

Dec. 14, 7:30 pm, followed by an interfaith panel on the spiritual legacy of the sacrifice of Isaac/Ishmael in the Abrahamic traditions. Panelists: Omer Bajwa, Coordinator for Muslim Life at the Yale Chaplain’s Office; Jennifer Herdt, Professor of Christian Ethics at the Yale Divinity School; and Steven Fraade, Mark Taper Professor of the History of Judaism at Yale University.

Dec. 15, 2 pm, followed by an interfaith panel, What We Talk About When We Don’t Talk About God, on discussing faith in families. Panelists: Aida Mansoor, President of the Muslim Coalition of Connecticut, and Rabbi Herbert Brockman of Congregation Mishkan Israel.

Dec. 15, 7 pm, followed by talkback with the creative team.

Dec. 16, 7:30 pm, followed by talkback with the creative team.

Connecticut Humanities (CTH) is a non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities that funds, creates and collaborates on hundreds of cultural programs across Connecticut each year. Connecticut Humanities brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to express, share and explore ideas in thoughtful and productive ways. From local discussion groups to major exhibitions on important historical events, CTH programs engage, enlighten and educate. Learn more by visiting www.cthumanities.org.

2. Turkey Menorahs Nine-year-old Anthony Weintraub’s invention became a marketable reality thanks to Kickstarter. You can now purchase a Menurkey to celebrate this unique moment in time.

3. New music Rabbi David Paskin, the Rock’n’Roll Rabbi has started the ball rolling with The Ballad of Thanksgivukkah. This verse should get you in the spirit: Like applesauce with cranberries, turkey stuffed with fried latkes It’s clear that this is one heck of a mitzvah Let’s celebrate this great country, religious minorities Everybody loves Thanksgivukkah I had a little turkey, I named him Macabee I tried and tried to spin him but I was not lucky 4. New recipes Thanksgivukkah.blogspot.com is a source of recipes just for the rare occasion – try their Rum Raisin Cranberry Kugel, sweet potato and apple latkes with cranberry sauce, and gingered carrot latkes.

5. Finally, an excuse to deep-fry your turkey How else to better praise the miracle of the oil than to deep-fry the traditional centerpiece, once almost the national bird, to share with your family.

6. New merchandise Have you seen the comical and clever T-shirts, note cards, posters, and more items available at ModernTribes.com?

7. Sales Amazon is now offering a Thanksgivukkah Special on 5-inch clear dreidels filled with Kosher candy corn.

8. Betting on football AND dreidels… … with gelt, of course.

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Pew Report: Birthright-Israel Has Impact On Oct.1, the Pew Center released a major report called, “A Portrait of American Jews.” The researchers found that “most [69 percent] American Jews feel at least some emotional attachment to Israel, and many [43 percent] have visited the Jewish state.” Additionally, the study found that among American Jews under age 30 who have visited Israel, 48 percent participated in a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip.

Taglit-Birthright Israel has been providing free trips to Israel for Jewish young adults between the ages 18-26 since 1999. Hundreds of young adults from the New Haven area have been on one of these trips. The program began, and continues, as a partnership between major Jewish philanthropists (Lynn Schusterman, Michael Steinhardt, Charles Bronfman, and

Sheldon Adelson), the government of Israel and local federations – including New Haven, where both the federation and foundation have contributed funds.

Participants call it a trip of a lifetime.

Studies have shown that the 10-day program has strong effects on feelings of attachment to Israel and belonging to the Jewish people and some effect on Jewish communal involvement. The program includes sightseeing, meeting new people and, for more than a few, partying. Each bus usually includes several Israeli soldiers – there not for security but to help the participants see that Israeli young adults are the same as they are, usually with one major difference: Israelis know their 18-year-old rite of passage is not going to college but rather service to their country.

Local artist Sharon Zirkin-Dagan showcases her work Sacred Expression as part of Global Day of Jewish Learning.

Sharon Zirkin-Dagon will be discussing her exhibit Sacred Expression at its reception on Sunday, Nov. 17, 4-6 pm at the JCC, as part of Global Day of Jewish Learning. Rabbi Hesch Sommer of Jewish Family Services will provide insight into the psalms represented in her artwork.

Upon graduating with a Masters’ degree in Speech and Language Pathology from New York University, Zirkin-Dagon moved with her husband to Israel. Living and working as a speech and language pathologist in Israel for 7 years gave her the opportunity to learn Hebrew. A few years ago, she began painting the Psalms, first in oil and then in acrylics. The acrylics, she says, work well and the colors can be pure.

When Zirkin-Dagan paints, she listens to Jewish sacred music, which enhances her creative flow. Sharon states that she loves noticing the way the letters move through the paintings, which become outward expressions of her inner spirit.

She feels blessed to be a vehicle for this sacred expression.

Zirkin-Dagon’s work will be on display and for sale Oct. 31 through Dec. in the JCC lobby at the Beckerman Lender Building, 360 Amity Road in Woodbridge.

Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven Donald S. Hendel - President Sydney A. Perry - Chief Executive Officer Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge, CT 06525, 203 387-2424 - fax: 203 387-1818 ShalomNH@jewishnewhaven.org / jewishnewhaven.org Editor: Jennifer Gelband Editorial Committee: Shelley Gans, Jennifer Gelband, Hilary Goldberg, Ruth Gross, Tanya Weinberg. Design: Debbie Stach. shalomnewhaven is delivered free of charge to every home on the Jewish Federation’s mailing list. To add your name to the mailing list, please phone (203) 387-2424 x307 or e-mail ShalomNH@jewishnewhaven.org For advertising information, log on to jewishnewhaven.org and click on “advertising” in the left navigation. snh reserves the right to decline advertising that conflicts with the mission of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven or does not meet our design standards. Publication of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of kashrut. For advertising information, phone (203) 387-2522 or email Tanya Weinberg at shalomnh@jewishnewhaven.org shalomnewhaven is printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Please recycle.

Message from

Sydney A. Perry Chief Executive Officer The newly released Pew Report, an independent national survey, details the size, belief, practices and attributes of the U.S. Jewish population. Among the questions asked was what does it mean to be Jewish: 73% said remembering the Holocaust, 69% said leading an ethical/moral life, 56% declared working for justice and equality, 49% thought being intellectually curious was critical to their identity, 43% care about Israel and 42% said having a good sense of humor.

So here’s an antiquated Jewish joke: Shmuel sends a telegram (I told you it was an old joke) to Dovid: “Start worrying. Details to follow.” We have the data now and it’s no laughing matter: should we worry?

I am a constant, even obsessive observer of the Jewish community so I was not shocked with the findings of the Pew Report. It was clear from the New York Times Sunday Style section that more Jews are intermarrying. We can see by membership in our synagogues that only one third of Jews belong to organized Jewish houses of worship. Jews are less observant and there are more who describe themselves as “nones”, Jews of no religion. Apparently, there are fewer Jews in the pews!

beneficence of American society.

We must create Jewish pathways for every Jew, bold initiatives in which they will be partners. The phenomenon of the unaffiliated Jew is not the problem; they must be part of the solution. In February, we will be bringing Dr. Ron Wolfson to New Haven as a community scholar. He has written a recent book which enjoins us to develop Jewish encounters that are based on relationships and not transactions. If we are to engage young people, we need to move away from “pay-to-play” Judaism. With your help, that of visionary leaders, committed laity, creative professionals, and generous philanthropists, the generation of “vanishing” Jews will be succeeded by another and another generation.

Remember the folk tale of Chicken Little who often predicted the sky was falling?

For some, the Pew Report is described as a death knell, unremittingly grim, with little to celebrate besides Birthright Israel, PJ Library and that we are better educated and wealthier than most Americans. Funnier too, it would seem.

Many Jewish leaders are “cutting kri’ah”, bemoaning and mourning the terminal condition of American Jewry.

The study will spur debate on the questions, issues and tensions that confront us. It should challenge our complacency as we face two contradicting trends simultaneously: assimilation and revitalization.

Our history suggests that today, as so often before, we will find creative ways to maintain and revitalize. We will need to address these issues as a nation, as a community, in our organizations, agencies and synagogues as well as in the new independent groups that are developing. Jew by Jew. It will come as no surprise to you that I love Judaism, I love the Jewish people, and I love the State of Israel. I am a practicing Jew and I believe that for me, for my family, and, in a grand way, for the world, being Jewish adds immeasurable value. But I do not see Pew Report as only gloom and doom. I see it as an opportunity, a wake-up call.

We have always faced existential threat.

American Jewry is only different because we, who have lived at the margins in the Diaspora, often despised and reviled, have learned to feel so completely at home in the warm embrace of the

“A nation dying for thousands of year”, observed the great Jewish philosopher Simon Rawidowicz, means a living nation. Our incessant dying means uninterrupted living, rising, standing up, and beginning anew. If we are the last - let us be the last as our fathers and forefathers were. Let us prepare the ground for the Jews who come after us, and for the last Jews who will rise after them, and so on until the end of days.”

Our generation must begin anew, to transform our community, a community in atrophy, into a community of Judaic energy and creativity.

If our lengthy experience taught us anything, it is that by recognizing and re-engaging the “nones”, those who think to be a Jew doesn’t need community, and shared culture, we can listen and learn how to provide an explosion of new connections, services, and programs resulting in a Judaism which not only survives but thrives.

Let’s keep the faith.

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Foundation Young Donors Establish their Own Tzedakah Funds Good grades. Check.

Friends. Check.

Activities and extra-curriculars. Check. Check.

A great Jewish education. Check.

Young people can add the most important check mark to their list of accomplishments with the Build-ATzedakah program, through which they become lifelong philanthropists, expanding their commitment to giving and to their Jewish experience.

Sophia Colodner

Sophia Colodner, twelve, and Josh Feuerstein, ten, did just that. You would never guess their ages based on their talents, interests and accomplishments. These two impressive young people are articulate and driven. More importantly, they care about the world and making it a better place. They don’t just aspire to help; they act.

The Build-a-Tzedakah program allows young adults to engage in ongoing charitable giving when they set aside $600 from their Bar or Bat Mitzvah gifts, with a match of $400 from a community donor. This gives each participant a $1000 charitable fund of their own at the Jewish Foundation. Anyone can add to the fund, at any time, in honor of special occasions and in memory of loved ones. Young people in this program have the responsibility of researching and selecting the charities that will receive distributions from their funds.

Many agencies in our community have benefited from these funds, from local synagogues, schools, local soup kitchens, and camps, to causes like juvenile diabetes and environmental protection.

Josh Feuerstein established his fund at age 10—years before his Bar Mitzvah. Josh’s interests include piano and math. He was inspired by his parents’ generosity in establishing their charity, Little Wonder, and by his older brother’s tzedakah fund.

He was also influenced by his school, Ezra Academy, and Camp Eisner.

Though not yet sure what he wants to be when he grows up, it’s clear Josh already knows who he is. His mother Sharon explained, “Josh realized there are people in need but

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also recognized it costs money to get a fund going. So he sacrificed birthday and Hanukah gifts and requested seed money for his fund instead.”

Josh has chosen the Jewish Family Service Food Pantry, Ezra Academy and Camp Eisner among his designated charities.

A graduate of Ezra Academy now attending Hopkins, Sophia Colodner is another example of the promise of the next generation. Accomplished and artsy, Sophia plays violin and trumpet and loves theater and music. She is drawn to the sciences, aspiring to become a marine biologist, one day. Currently, however, Sophia’s passion is the fund she started through the Build-a-Tzedakah program. “When I was at summer camp at Habonim-Camp Na’aleh, I saw a documentary about very needy children overseas and just knew I had to do something. I felt so bad for them.” Her goal was to help with basic necessities. She met with the Aids for Orphans Relief Foundation, a local organization helping orphans and children at risk in Africa, Poland and the U.S., and selected them as her designated charity. Sophia even took it a step further, recruiting her friends to get involved. “My friends thought there was nothing they could do to help, but I told them you don’t have to fly a helicopter and go over there- you can help from right here.”

Ira Charitable Rollover Reinstated, Creates Charitable Opportunity The IRA Charitable Rollover creates an opportunity for donors to establish an endowment or make an outright charitable gift before Dec. 31, 2013.

Consider taking advantage by making a non-taxable distribution from your IRA to the Jewish Foundation, Jewish Federation Annual Campaign, synagogues, local agencies, or any charitable program or organization. You can designate the distribution for current needs or endowment purposes.

The gift can be earmarked for scholarships, capital projects, or any of the many vital programs and projects that impact our community.

remove some of those tax-plagued assets from your estate while also providing you with the opportunity to make a significant charitable gift.

Here’s a hypothetical situation: Mr. Cohn distributes eighteen thousand dollars from his IRA to his synagogue to establish a permanent endowment, providing annual funding for synagogue school scholarships. Mr. Cohn names the fund after his grandchildren.

2. You must be 70 ½, or older, at the time that the distribution is made.

Note that this differs from the minimum distribution requirement where you only need to turn 70 ½ during the year the distribution was made.

Without the IRA Charitable Rollover, Mr. Cohn’s donation would be subject to federal and Connecticut income tax regardless of whether it was distributed directly to charity. Although he could claim a corresponding “charitable income tax deduction” on his federal income tax return, he could not claim any deduction on his Connecticut income tax return. The State of Connecticut would tax the distribution.

With the IRA Charitable Rollover, the eighteen thousand dollar distribution is non-taxable for both federal and Connecticut income tax purposes, even if it is used toward Mr. Cohn’s “minimum distribution requirement.”

Therefore, it is tax neutral. Mr. Cohn will have created a wonderful Jewish legacy for his family and community, reduced his Connecticut income tax liability, and reduced his “taxable estate.”

What are the advantages?

Particularly, if your income is sufficient to sustain you, and your IRA minimum distribution requirement only increases your tax liability, then this allows you to donate your distribution directly to charity without it being taxed.

Josh Feuerstein

Sophia’s belief that every little bit helps couldn’t be truer. Over the past eight years, Build-A- Tzedakah funds have distributed over $35,000 to more than sixty organizations. That’s a huge accomplishment for the young people in our area, perhaps the one they should be the most proud of.

In addition, if you have a taxable estate, then your IRA will be subject to income and estate taxes once both you and your spouse are deceased.

The result being that your non-spouse beneficiaries could receive 25 cents on the dollar for your IRA assets.

The rollover, however, allows you to

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.

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

3. The distribution must be completed

by Dec. 31, 2013.

4. The maximum amount that can qualify is one hundred thousand dollars.

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

6. You can distribute to charity more than your minimum distribution requirement; you may also distribute the minimum distribution amount to yourself and distribute an additional amount 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.

8. Only distributions from traditional and Roth IRAs qualify.

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 directly.

Please consult your professional advisor concerning your tax plans. For more information please contact, Lisa A. Stanger, Esq., Director of the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven, at lstanger@jewishnewhaven.org or 387-2424, ext. 382.

For more information about the Build a Tzedakah program, contact Jennifer Bayer, Jewish Foundation Associate, at jbayer@jewishnewhaven.org or 203-387-2424.

shalomnewhaven

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Kids Can’t Wait – Children Seeking Reading Partners JCL’s 165 plus reading partners, a diverse group of volunteers from different faiths, educational backgrounds and experiences, commit one hour a week to read one on one with assigned students. They introduce the enjoyment of reading and conversation, while forming nurturing relationships. JCL (Jewish Coalition for Literacy) is an award winning project of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. Children learn the pleasures of reading and learning from caring adults, and volunteers experience the thrill of instilling a love for learning in young students.

Contact Brenda Brenner at bbrenner@jewishnewhaven.org or 203 387-2424 x 308 for further information and make a difference for an elementary school child.

Sam Farbman’s Bar Mitzvah Benefits Food4Kids Samuel Farbman, son of Rabbi Michael Farbman and Olga Markus, considers Temple Emanuel his second home, so he was not particularly anxious about his bar mitzvah this past August. As a student of Ezra Academy and the son of a rabbi, Sam was well prepared to read Torah; he didn’t feel pressured at all leading the service, Haftorah and Torah readings. A poised and mature young man, Sam is the first Farbman in three generations to become a bar mitzvah. The Farbmans were originally from Belarus in the former Soviet Union, where ritual observance for Jews was not allowed. His grandparents were quite emotional and the whole congregation of Temple Emanuel kvelled.

What mitzvah project would Sam choose to mark this momentous occasion? At Camp Eisner, Sam and his unit, Oferim, spent three days with an educator from MAZON, a national organization that deals with the prevalent issue of food insecurity. Sam’s natural empathy and inclination to provide help was sparked.

Joyce Saltman, guest speaker for JCL’s kick off event, second from left, taught us, inspired us and made us laugh, energizing the 130 volunteer reading partners in attendance to begin their weekly reading sessions with their students. Kim Johnsky, Director of Instruction for the New Haven Public Schools, also attended expressing appreciation to JCL volunteers. Shown with Joyce is the event planning committee: Nina Goodless-Sanchez, Hyla Chasnoff, planning chairperson, and Debbie Fernbach.

His parents suggested that he could make a difference locally through the Food4Kids initiative. Launched by Debbie and Emily Epstein and facilitated by Robyn Teplitzky, Food4Kids is a collaborative effort by Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy with funding provided in part by the Women of Vision Society and Jewish Family Service (JFS).

Thanks to generous donors, students

at the East Rock Community Magnet School will receive a backpack each Friday filled with nutritious food for the weekend at a cost of $200 per child for the school year.

Sam set a goal of raising $1800 for Food4Kids. “I had fun going to the JFS Food pantry with my friends and packing the food,” he shared recently. “I gave some of the money I received from my bar mitzvah too. I have everything I need, but these kids don’t.”

Sam more than met his goal. Through his fundraising efforts and his tzedekah, he presented Food4Kids with a check for more than $1900. Sam’s gift means that 10 children will receive food for the school year each weekend, and he has only just begun to serve our community. Food4Kids is grateful for Sam’s commitment.

If you wish to assist Food4Kids, contact Enid Groves at (203) 387-2424.

Women’s Philanthropy Event

Expert panelists discussed women’s health and clinic care at the event Angelina Jolie Effect – What Every Woman Should Know About Her Genetics at the JCC on Oct. 3.

Pictured (left to right) Erin Wysong Hofstatter M.D., Beverly Levy (co-chair), Karen Berges, Elena Ratner M.D., and Ellen T. Matloff, M.S., C.G.C.

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JFS Selected as Assister Organization for Access Health CT JFS will be one of approximately 300 local organizations acting as an authorized Assister for Access Health CT. Access Health CT is Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace that’s mission is to increase the number of Connecticut residents who are insured, lower their costs, promote health and eliminate health disparities. Kate Gervais, Manager of the Navigator and Assister Outreach Program, said the goal is “to have community-based organizations with existing relationships help the uninsured and underinsured members of their communities with these very personal decisions about their health coverage.”

The Assister program is a federally-funded grant program established through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and plays a key role in Access Health CT’s community outreach efforts and brings the ACA directly to the people. Assisters will be facilitating enrollment one-on-one with clients during the initial Open Enrollment period of October 1, 2013-March 31, 2014. To make an appointment and learn about your insurance options, please call JFS at (203) 389-5599 x 132.

Jewish Family Service Bereavement: Finding Comfort in Our Time of Loss

A bereavement group offers an opportunity to reflect with others who can understand our struggles.

Mondays: Nov. 11, 18 and 25, 7 - 8:30 pm Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel, 85 Harrison Street, New Haven Tuesdays: Nov. 19 and Dec. 20, 12 - 1 pm Coping in the Shadow of Losing a Life Long Partner is a support group for those who have lost a loved one after 40 or more years of marriage.

JFS, 1440 Whalley Avenue, New Haven

Caregiver Support Group

For individuals who are coping with the needs of elderly and frail loved ones.

Nov. 14, Dec. 12, 7-8:30 p.m. Tower One/Tower East, 18 Tower Ln., New Haven Nov. 21, Dec. 26, 7-8:30 p.m. Temple Beth David, 3 Main St., Cheshire

Towers’ Residents Perform Monologues Webster’s Dictionary defines the word snapshot as “a quick view or a small amount of information that tells you a little about what someone or something is like.”

Or as Tower One/Tower East resident Bertha Kahn said, “Life passes us by so quickly that sometimes all that remains of a moment is a snapshot.”

On Sept. 16, ten residents of Tower One/Tower East, in collaboration with Long Wharf Theatre and the Elder Play Project, performed their own monologues at Long Wharf Theatre in a program called “Snapshots.” This was the fourth year Towers residents participated in the project, which was made possible by a generous grant from the Seedlings Foundation.

Towers residents attended the 2102/2013 Long Wharf Theatre season and wrote monologues inspired by the performances. “Snapshots” also included performances of stories written by former Towers’ resident Leah Wallach, performed in memory of her and in celebration of her life.

Residents will perform an encore of “Snapshots” at the Towers on Dec. 11.

Bertha Kahn performs a monologue during Snapshots.

Towers resident Carole Weinstein performs a monologue at Long Wharf Theatre.

JFS Offering Every Day Is Cancer Survivor Day Even though there are designated months that raise awareness of the different types of cancer, Jewish Family Service of New Haven realizes that survivors and their families need support regularly and not just during one particular month.

Shalom Group - The Jewish Students Group at Chapel Haven

“September and October brought much awareness to ovarian, prostate and breast cancer,” said Amy Rashba, JFS social worker. “It was great and we want to expand on that.” JFS offers individual and group support opportunities for all survivors and their families, regardless of where they are in their journeys. If you would like more information about individual counseling, a survivor/caregiver support group, or other upcoming events, please contact Amy Rashba at (203) 389-5599 x 113 or arashba@jfsnh.org.

Chanukah program at JFS on Monday, Dec. 2 5:30 – 6:30 pm. More: Rachel Scolnic Dobin at (203) 389-5599 x 109, or Rabbi Hesch Sommer at (203) 389-5599 x 117.

Ezra Academy Asks, “How are you celebrating Thanksgivukah?”

Facilitated by Rabbi Hesch Sommer. Open to the public. Contact Michelle O’Brien at the Towers (203) 722-1816 x170, Rabbi Josh Whinston (203) 272-0037, or Rabbi Sommer (203) 389-5599 x117.

Bi-monthly learning opportunities in the library at Chapel Haven.

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 4 p.m. with Amy Rashba Wednesdays, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11, 4 p.m. with Rabbi Hesch Sommer

Stars of David Annual Chanukah Pot Luck Dinner

Open to all Jewish families created through adoption. New members are always welcome, including those who did not adopt through JFS Tuesday Dec. 3, 6:30–8 pm Please RSVP to Amy Rashba, (203) 389-5599 x 113..

Life Stages: Song of Songs, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes – Wisdom from the Sacred Texts Ascribed to King Solomon Nov. 6, 13 and 20, 7–8:30 pm In the first series Song of Songs Rabbi Sommer and guest Dr. Stanley Possick will explore the psychodynamic and spiritual aspects of the first life stage looking at the themes of intimacy, isolation and how the development of loving relationships counteracts loneliness within the text. More: Rabbi Hesch Sommer (203) 389-5599 x 117.

The Healing Power of Psalms Thursdays, Nov. 14, 21, Dec. 12, 26, 10–11 a.m.

JFGNH Shoreline, 705 Boston Post Rd., Guilford Examine each Psalm for the message it offers about life’s emotional journey.

Facilitated by Rabbi Hesch Sommer. For more information, please call Jill Lesage at (203) 387-2424 x 375, or Rabbi Hesch Sommer at (203) 389-5599 x 117.

Pirke Avot: Reflections on How We Live Our Lives Thurs. Nov. 14, Dec. 12, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

JFGNH Shoreline, 705 Boston Post Rd, Guilford A class exploring the ethical insights of the Chapters of Our Ancestors is the section on the Mishnah. These discussions offer a moral compass for our modern life. Contact: Jill Lesage, (203) 387-2424 x 375, or Rabbi Hesch Sommer, (203) 389-5599 x 117.

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by Aviva Luria It has its own Facebook page. You can purchase a t-shirt at moderntribe.com.

Thanksgivukah is real, folks. How will you commemorate it?

According to some math whizzes (those with a “Yiddishe kop”), this conjunction of the American turkey fest and the first day of Chanukah will occur in 2070 and 2165, and then never again, unless humankind manages to make it to the Gregorian year 79811. (Check out The Lansey Brothers’ blog, for one source.) Very few of us will ever experience Thanksgivukah more than once, if ever.

So go ahead and order a “Menurkey,” the hilarious creation of a rather enterprising nine-year-old boy. (See www.menurkey.com.) But don’t expect to use it again anytime soon.

No doubt this limited-edition holiday will be a topic of lively discussion in many Ezra classrooms. After all, takes on the experience can differ wildly, within the same family. Two of the three Hass children, for instance, have very different perspectives. Ethan (second grade) predicts happily that the convergence will “double the amount of fun,” and Samantha (fifth grade) takes a more cautious approach: “I think that it’s going to be a little strange because we’re going to have Thanksgiving dinner, but then we’ll celebrate Chanukah and light candles.” Eighth grader Jennifer Ball is not at all a fan. “They are two very different holidays and should be celebrated separately,” she says.

Ezra’s annual Thanksgiving and Chanukah plays will remain separate, with the fourth-grade Thanksgiving play planned as a puppet show. But one can easily imagine they’ll incorporate many similar themes: triumph over adversity, the celebration of religious freedom, giving thanks, enjoying the company of beloved family and dear friends. So, however you choose to mark (or intentionally disregard) Thanksgivukah this year, if your holidays incorporate the above, you’ll most certainly be doing it up right.

For more information about Ezra Academy, call (203) 389-5500 or e-mail info@ezraacademy.net. Ezra Academy is a K-8 Solomon Schecter day school in Woodbridge that embraces academic excellence and Jewish values. Aviva Luria is an Ezra parent who blogs at oldmomyoungchild.com.

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Summer Was Great at Laurelwood From high-level programming to exciting trip day destinations, all campers had fun in the sun.

It is almost impossible to believe that the 2013 is already behind us. The Laurelwood trees still echo with the laughter of children at play and one may still find a stray lanyard in the grass here and there, a poignant reminder of the campers who have now joined the ranks of Camp Laurelwood alumni.

2013 was another banner year for Camp Laurelwood, its 76th, in fact.

Super Early Bird enrollment numbers for the summer of 2014 have already surpassed those of prior years, and there are even divisions that have reached capacity. Staff at Laurelwood took advantage of nice fall weather and has been busy scraping and painting cabins and buildings, resurfacing tennis courts and winterizing the campus.

Camp Laurelwood is Connecticut’s only Jewish overnight co-ed summer camp, committed to friends, family and community and proud to provide a superior experience. Those interested in finding out more are invited to attend fall or spring open house events (dates at laurelwood.org).

Laurelwood “Bonim” Donate to Towers Philanthropy at its best is certainly a lifelong endeavor. One is never too young to begin, and it is something you never age out of. At Camp Laurelwood, during the summer of 2013, the Bonim group (oldest campers) demonstrated exactly how it should be done.

Thanks to the Jewish Teen Funder’s Network and the Women of Vision of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, the teens had $1,500 to donate to a cause of their choosing. After spending three weeks meeting with various nonprofit agencies, they presented the funds, earmarked for 30 prayer books, to Tower One/Tower East, a retirement community for independent and assisted living. The teens determined that the community seemed to align with the values and spirit of the Laurelwood community.

Ski ... continued from page 1 record six straight World Cup events, the most in a single season in the sport’s history. Today the trend continues as even the synagogues take to the slopes. In a society with a decreased synagogue membership and attendance, Adventure Rabbi meets people where they are. The program invites people to participate in activities such as “Shabbat on Skis” to show them how Judaism can enhance their lives.

On the East Coast, Rabbi Joshua Segal offers the course, Skiing Using

Terminology of Jewish Mysticism, and was featured in US Ski magazine as one of the “10 great ski instructors to bring out your best.”

Rick Flanders, a 25-year skier who took Rabbi Segal’s course recalls the instructor’s words, “As we live our lives, we leave behind accomplishments and deeds that are etched into history like our tracks in the snow.” Many a Jewish person has left their tracks in slopes around the world, and accomplishments in the world of skiing.

Israel Advocacy Confronting Media Bias Concerned about media bias against Israel but not sure how to identify bias or how to respond? On Nov. 17, Promoting Responsibility In Middle East Reporting – Connecticut (PRIMER-CT), will sponsor an informative program and brunch at the JCC from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

event. “We cannot permit Israel’s enemies to control policy by their manipulation of social media and traditional news sources. PRIMER and CAMERA urge you to attend this workshop and to join them in responding to unfair media tactics.”

Sarit Catz of Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting (CAMERA) will conduct a workshop on media bias – both traditional bias, as is seen in newspapers, magazines, TV, and radio, and newer digital dangers including online blogs and social media – and the evolving means and tools to respond to bias.

The purposes of both of these organizations are to promote accurate and balanced news coverage on issues dealing with Israel and the Middle East and to foster rigorous reporting while educating news consumers. CAMERA has been instrumental for many years in calling to task inaccuracies and bias in such diverse media outlets as NPR, The New York Times, and campus radio stations.

PRIMER-CT has filled a similar role for more than 20 years throughout the state of Connecticut.

“It is crucial that supporters of Israel learn to identify media bias and respond strongly to flagrant distortions of Israel’s positions and actions,” said Elaine Braffman, PRIMER vice-president and co-chair of the

on view through march 2 An in-depth look at the struggles and triumphs of Jewish immigrants and their descendants in the Pioneer Valley during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

with generous support from Temple Beth El, Jewish Endowment Foundation, Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Chez Josef, Dave’s Soda and Pet City, and Jewish Geriatric Services.

Media Partner: The Jewish Ledger

21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA 01103 • 800.625.7738 • springfieldmuseums.org

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21 BRADLEY ROAD • WOODBRIDGE • 203-433-7013

Experience Lifelong Learning AT COACHMAN SQUARE May 12th May 14th May 26th

12:00pm 5:00-7:00pm 1:00-3:00pm JOIN US IN NOVEMBER & DECEMBER TO LEARN, SHARE, AND CELEBRATE!

Celebrate Mother’s Coachman Trips to Yale Programs Programs Day BrunchHappiness Club Shavuot!

Dessert Party

Time listed indicates departure time from Coachman Square at Woodbridge.M E N U

Music by Tom Sansone MENU • Smoked salmon with Tuesday, November 5, 6pm

Friday, Nov. 8 & 22, Dec. 13, 1:30pm

MENU • Enjoy all of your barbecue Meet Me at favorites, hot off the grill!

• Chilled corn & crab soup

Guests are invited to join•us for apancakes Potato with crème fraîche complementary meal before the concert.

Frittata & salad Seating is limited. Please• RSVP.

Memorial Tai Chi for Health & Balance Day Barbecue Master David Chandler, PhD the Museum

chives and crème fraîche MOMA’s Interactive Program Dr. Bernie Siegel’s • Ricotta and braised tomato Sunday, November 10, 1:30pm blintzesSupport Group Care Giving Featuring a guest chef • Monte Cristo sandwiches Seasonal&vegetables Mind, •Heart Health Matters performance Sunday, December 15, 1:30pm Yale Philharmonic Concert • Sgroppino sorbet • Apple, cinnamon, banana, This group is for all caregivers, Veteran’s Benefit Presentation Guest Conductor Krystsztof Penderecki and Nutella® crepes families, healthcare professionals, Harvey Weinstein Informs Veterans Featuring a performance Friday, November 1, 6:45pm • Personal cheesecakes

Fall Opera Scenes

and those who need care who are a guestand chefinspiration. lookingFeaturing for support performance & a Dessert to Wednesday, November 6,Sale 6:30pm benefit the One Company Fund, Wednesday, December 4, 6:30pm

by our guest chef

Doris Yarick Cross, Artistic Director Sunday, November 3, 1pm

supporting our associates in need

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Lunchtime Chamber Music

about the Aid & Attendance Benefit Tuesday, November 12, 1:30pm

Current Events from a Jewish Perspective

Rabbi Hesch Sommer of f you’ve been thinking about assisted living or memory care for someone you love, you’ll Wendy Sharp, Director Jewish Family Services, New Haven love our May tasting events. Be our guest as we treat you and your family to a taste of our Wednesday, November 6, 11:30am Wednesday, November 13, 2pm award-winning dini Enjoy a live cooking demo by our guest chef, then tour and see what’s Wednesday, December 11, 2pm happening at Coachman Square this season!

Yale Concert Band Music by Mozart, Ticheli, Mackey Coachman Square at Woodbridge is proud to set the BenchmarkSedgewick Sisters Concert Friday, November 15, 6:15pm in senior living, through: Saturday, November 30, 1:30pm • Assistance with the daily routine • A caring team, making lifeThe more Healing Power of Psalms Jewish Family Services, New Haven wonderful 24 hours a day

Award-winning dining Yale-Harvard Joint Glee•• Club Care plans based on personal

Jeffrey Douma & Andrew Clark needs rather than time Friday, November 22, 6:45pm

Wednesday, November 27, 2pm Monday, December 23, 2pm

Yale Opera: Master Class Alan Held Monday, December 9, 6pm

Gary Lynes Concerts

Lunchtime Chamber Music

A SSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

Wendy Sharp, Director Wednesday, December 11, 11:30am

Famous Composer Plays Requests Friday, November 29, 1:30pm

Veterans’ Coffee & Talk

21 Bradley Road • Woodbridge

203-433-7013

W W W. B E N C H M A R K S E N I O R L I V I N G . C O M

Friday, December 6, 1:30pm

Yale Art Gallery: JFKCall in the fortour. the New Year early60’s to reserve your seats! Can’t make it? Call 203-433-7013 to reserveHealthy a personal Wednesday, November 20, 11:15am Job#:

CSW130404

Size:

9.98”w X 20”t

Yale Art Gallery Talk: 1970’s Photorealistic Painting

Publication: Client:

Wednesday, December 4, 11:15am

Seating is limited.

Call today to RSVP 203.433.7013.

Coachman Square Woodbridge

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1017 TURNPIKE STREET, CANTON, MA 02021 • (P) 781.828.9290 • (F) 781.828.9419 • WWW.TRIADADVERTISING.COM

Michelle Lakin, OT, Speaks Tuesday, December 24, 1:30pm

New Year’s Dinner & Dancing!

Tuesday, December 31, 5 – 7:30pm

Come, Celebrate the First & Last Night of Hannukah with Us!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 5PM & DECEMBER 4, 5PM Potato Latke • Beef Brisket & Root Vegetables • Traditional Donuts

Please email Lisa Costantini at lcostantini@benchmarkquality.com or call 203.397.7544 to reserve your seat at our events.

ASSISTED LIVING ¥ MEMORY CARE page 8

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Children’s Event

Sunday, Nov. 3 • 2-3 pm

Peter and the Wolf

New Haven Symphony Orchestra presents Peter and the Wolf, a timeless classic for families and kids. JCC Vine Auditorium. FREE. Sponsored by the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven.

Thursday, Nov. 7 • 7:30 pm

Joshua Henkin

The World Without You The author will discuss his moving, mesmerizing new novel about love, loss and the aftermath of a family tragedy. Book signing to follow. JCC Vine Auditorium. FREE. Community Read Event – Learn how to get your book club involved at jccnh.org!

Sunday, Nov. 10 • 10:30 am

The Life and Legacy of Sholem Aleichem A literary/musical program exploring the impact of one of Judaism’s greatest cultural icons. Featuring author Jeremy Dauber, author Alisa Solomon, with musical accompaniment by Andrew Rubenoff. JCC Vine Auditorium. $10 Co-sponsored by the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven.

Off-Site: Temple Beth David, 3 Main St., Cheshire

Sunday, Nov. 10 • 4:30 pm

Tuesday, Nov. 19 • 8 pm

Daniel Bergner

What Do Women Want?

Adventures in the Science of Female Desire Are women actually the less monogamous gender? Bergner explores the latest scientific research and paints an unprecedented portrait of women’s sexuality. Book signing to follow reading/discussion. JCC Vine Auditorium. FREE. Off-Site: JFGNH Shoreline Office, 705 Boston Post Rd., Guilford.

Wednesday, Nov. 20 • 7:30 pm

Lynn Povich

The Good Girls Revolt:

How the Women of Newsweek Sued Their Bosses and Changed the Workplace

Newsweek’s first female senior editor tells the story of how the women writers sued the magazine for sexual discrimination in hiring and promotion.

Suggested donation $5.

Children’s Event

Thursday, Dec. 5 • 6 pm

And it Burns...

The students of “Theater with LJ” perform a series of short plays inspired by the Festival of Lights. Children $5. Adults and children under 5 Free.

Ronald Balson

Once We Were Brothers

A Holocaust survivor sues a famous philanthropist for war crimes, accusing him of being a Nazi in disguise. It is revealed that the survivor and the alleged Nazi grew up as brothers in the same household. A contemporary legal thriller and poignant look back into the lives of small town Poland during World War II. FREE. Sponsored by Temple Beth David.

Tuesday, Nov. 12 • 11 am

Judy L. Mandel

Replacement Child: A Memoir

Mandel will read from her memior of being the “replacement child” her parents brought into the world to provide “a salve for the burns.”

A memoir of love and lies, family and hope.

Book signing to follow. JCC Vine Auditorium. Suggested donation $6.

Co-sponsored by Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven.

Sunday, Nov. 17 • 4-6 pm

Global Day of Jewish Learning

Artist Reception

“Sacred Expression” by Sharon Zirkin-Dagan. The artist will discuss her paintings and Rabbi Hesch Sommer of Jewish Family Service will provide insight into the psalms represented in her artwork.

For more information about the Arts and Culture Festival at the JCC, contact shelleyg@jccnh.org or (203) 387-2522 x206

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JCC Offers All-Weather Insurance for Child Care When school is cancelled due to hurricanes, power outages and snow storms, the JCC’s new All-Weather Insurance is the perfect program for working parents.

In the event that school will be closed for inclement weather, parents who pay the insurance up front are covered with a full-day program, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., filled with indoor and outdoor activities including swimming, cooking, arts and crafts, and more. Plus a kosher snack.

The program is offered for children in kindergarten through eighth grade in the following school systems: Ezra Academy, Woodbridge, Bethany, Orange, and New Haven Public Schools. There is limited space available. The insurance fee of $250 for JCC members and $300 for non-members holds the spot November through February. The fee per snow day is $35.

Early Bird Special: register before November and receive $50 off the insurance and the first snow day free.

Rabbi Hesch Sommer teaches children the mitzvah of shaking the lulav and etrog on Sept. 24 at the Shoreline Federation office in Guilford. The shoreline community came together for Pizza in the Hut, celebrating the Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot, and helped to create and hang colorful Sukkah decorations.

Celebrate Chanukah on the Shoreline On the last night of Chanukah, Dec. 4, at 4p.m., families are invited to the 9th Annual Shoreline Chanukah Celebration in the Children’s Department of the Guilford Free Library. The celebration will include craft activities, a dramatic reading of Eric Kimmel’s book Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, candle lighting, and yummy Chanukah treats. The event is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven and Jewish Family Service. Registration Preferred.

For more information, contact Suellen Heinrich, sheinrich@guilfordfreelibrary.org or (203) 453-8282 or Jill Lesage, jwlesage@jewishnewhaven.org, (203)738-0033.

For more information, contact Kari, (203) 387-2522 x236 or karim@jccnh.org

Nitzanim Kindergarten reopens at JCC “Young Fives” may be old enough for kindergarten, but are they developmentally ready? Parents often have to make the difficult choice of whether to hold their child back or enter him before he’s ready.

The JCC’s Nitzanim program is a rare resource that eliminates this decision, and is re-opening for the 2014-15 school year. It’s a “transitional kindergarten,” specifically designed to respond to the needs of young fives.

The Nitzanim Kindergarten program is staffed by Laura Prestash. A child educator for over thirty years, with both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education, Prestash was honored in 2006 as the Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children’s “Teacher of the Year.”

Nitzanim is designed to fulfill the needs of all children four and a half to six years of age, depending on

individual assessments and teachers’ discretion. The Nitzanim Kindergarten program offers all the advantages of a small class size. Our developmentally based philosophy as well as our low teacher/child ratio allows for children of varying abilities to progress at their own rates. The Nitzanim program excels as either a pre-K or primary kindergarten experience. Nitzanim children can successfully progress directly to first grade.

Our primary goal is to inspire a love of learning. We encourage children to explore, question and think independently in an environment that supports each child in their own individual process of learning.

Yeladim is fully licensed by the State of CT. Children and families of all religious and cultural backgrounds are welcome in our programs. Open House: Jan. 5, contact Director Lynn Bullard at 203-397-7415 x 278 or lynnb@jccnh.org for more.

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, 2013 to:

The “B” Foundation, P.O. Box 3756, Woodbridge, CT 06525

Plan your family early-season get-away in the scenic mountains of Vermont.

Book three days and get the fourth night free at Sugarbush Resort, and choose from a variety of activities which include skiing and snowboarding, rock climbing, kid’s Adventure Zone, indoor pool and hot tubs, and spa services. Or tour the scenic Mad River Valley, visiting historic covered bridges, quaint art studios and shops, and an array of fine restaurants. Accommodations include luxury to affordable suites and condominiums with full kitchens.

Skiing and riding scheduled to open Nov. 23rd, weather dependent.

800.53.SUGAR | sugarbush.com

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Celebrating Chanukah at the JCC

By Laura “LJ” Ross, Special to Shalom New Haven Sitting cross-legged and concentrated, a group of children gather. Each takes their turn as a simple twist of the wrist spins a four-sided toy in a furious, dizzy frenzy of abstract color and shape. Nun, gimel, hei, shin, nun, gimel, hei, shin… then stop.

The week before the Chanukah Craft fair, families are invited to participate in Global Day of Jewish Learning on Nov. 17 at 12:30 p.m. at Jewish Family Services to help stock the shelves of the food pantry and learn more about “The Festival of Lights.”

You may have played the beloved holiday game dreydl as a child, and you very well may have passed down the tradition to your children.

On Nov. 24, shop the JCC’s Chanukah craft fair. And kids and families are invited to stop by the Pom for a special candle-making demonstration, an additional lesson of the holiday, to hear a PJ Library story, to participate in a craft activity that honors both holidays, and facepainting.

This holiday season, the JCC has created meaningful activities to engage your family. Here in this communal place is the rare opportunity of combining two traditions celebrated by American Jews – both laden with important contemporary lessons to pass on to children.

With Thanksgiving and Chanukah occurring simultaneously this year, American Jews are in funny position of figuring out how to celebrate both holidays. Oy, the work!

This season the JCC has prepared several activities full of Gemilut Hasadim – the giving of lovingkindness – and will shed light on the contemporary and the historical importance of these holidays.

Join the Zumba Party at the JCC Working out can be healthy, rewarding and beneficial to the body, and with Zumba® it can also be fun and exhilarating.

The Zumba program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program in one exciting hour of calorie-burning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements.

In addition to regular Zumba, the JCC also offers Zumba Toning and Zumba for Kids. For the class schedule, visit jccnh.org or contact Susan, (203) 387-2522 x265.

Are You The Next Largest Loser?

The community will come together in the JCC lobby for lighting the candles on all nights of Chanukah – Monday, Dec. 2 to Thursday, Dec. 5 at 4:15 p.m.

The JCC Fitness Center is holding its tenth Largest Loser competition in February 2014. The JCC’s program differs from other variations on TV’s Biggest Loser in its focus on an entire lifestyle change. Participants work with personal trainers, a registered dietician and fat loss coach.

The program also includes educational lectures on various aspects of wellness.

From generation to generation we pass down knowledge and whimsical tales spun from our parents to our children with the hope of it touching their children and so on.

We at the JCC look forward to these Chanukah celebrations, and we hope you will join us in the glow of community.

For information, visit jccnh.org or contact Susan, (203)387-2522 x265.

Applications will be available online or at the JCC in January.

Local Businesses Giving JCC Members the Advantage

Sarah Fisher, last year’s female winner, lost more than 100 pounds since the contest and has become an avid runner.

In 2014, the JCC Advantage program will re-launch with new businesses and new discounts for our members. JCC Members gain access to discounts of 6-25 percent off services and goods at dozens of businesses in the Greater New Haven area. Local businesses can still sign on to the program and offer featured discounts to more than 7,200 JCC members.

Why become a JCC Advantage Vendor?

Being a JCC Advantage vendor advertises your business year-round at no cost. The JCC publicizes participating vendors to members in print and through social media, and provides a recognizable decal to post in your business. The JCC encourages our members to thank you for your support by patronizing your business.

AN ADVISOR WHO KNOWS YOUR PHILANTHROPIC

PASSION.

How does the program work?

YOUR COMMUNITY. AND YOUR COMMITMENT TO BOTH.

• Contact the JCC to fill out a vendor application and choose a discount offer, and the JCC provides a window decal for your business and lists your business as a participating vendor.

MERRILL LYNCH IS PROUD TO SALUTE THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER NEW HAVEN.

• Customers show their membership ID card/keychain when making purchases to receive unique discounts.

Merrill Lynch Financial Advisors are committed to helping those individuals and organizations who are making a difference in our community.

Turn thousands of members into your valuable customers today by signing up for the JCC Advantage program. Special advertising rates may be available for JCC Advantage vendors. For an application and more information, email marketing@ jewishnewhaven.org or call (203)387-2JCC x202.

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Synagogues

Congregation Or Shalom Congregation Or Shalom will hold its annual Kristallnacht Commemoration on Sunday, Nov.3. This program is made possible by a generous donation from the Men’s Club Yellow Candle Fund. The Adult Education Committee of Congregation Or Shalom and the Wepawaug-CT Valley West Rock Chapter of Hadassah are cohosting this event. The event will honor Ruth Gruber, an American journalist, photographer, writer, humanitarian, and a former U.S. government official.

In the summer of 1944, Dr. Ruth Gruber, a 32 year-old journalist and special assistant to the Secretary of the Interior, secretly crossed the U-boat infested waters of the Atlantic and returned to New York with 982 traumatized survivors of the Holocaust. Gruber spent two years devoted to their mental and physical recuperation. Following the war, she insisted that the refugees be permitted to begin their lives anew in America rather than face an unquestionably bleak future in Europe. President Harry Truman was so moved by Dr. Gruber’s plea, that he found a way to permit the 982 men, women and children to apply for US citizenship. Her photographs of Holocaust refugees aboard the SS Exodus shocked the world and galvanized the UN to vote for the creation of the modern State of Israel.

Showing of documentary film Ahead of Time: The Extraordinary Journey of Ruth Gruber at 9 a.m. All are welcome. Free and open to the public.

Temple Beth Sholom Think you know a lot about all things Jewish? Come to a fun night of Jewish trivia.

Those participating may form teams of two to five people. To participate, submit a team name (a fun name would be preferred) and the names of team members plus a check for $10 per person made out to “Adult Education Fund.” Jewish Trivia Contest Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per person with refreshments and prizes.

Checks to Temple Beth Sholom, 1809 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT 06517, Attention: Trivia.

For more information, contact Al Harary at (203) 288-1347 or albertharary@hotmail.com.

Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel (BEKI) Enriching adult study groups in November and December are free and open to the public. Classes meet in the BEKI Library/Chapel (except as noted).

Principles of Judaism: Torah on One Foot BEKI concludes its six-part series Principles of Judaism: Torah on One Foot on Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 from 6:15 pm to 7:20 pm, immediately following the 5:45 pm minha and maariv services. Led by BEKI’s spiritual leader, Rabbi Jon-Jay Tilsen, these classes offer an overview of Jewish thought and life. They are ideal for people new to Judaism, considering conversion, or wishing to undertake a systematic study and practice of Judaism. No preparation is needed.

Shabbat Shalom Torah Study This group meets every other Saturday at 10:45 a.m. in the BEKI office (Nov. 2, 16, 30, Dec. 14, 28) and is appropriate for veteran and novice shul-goers to explore the scriptural readings and liturgy of the day in a supportive setting. Led by Steven Fraade, Rabbi Alan Lovins, Nadav Sela, David Kuperstock, Isaiah Cooper, Rabbi Eric Silver, and others.

Rashi Study Group: Shemuel Each Monday in November and December from 7:45-8:30 a.m. adults meet to read Rashi’s commentary on the Tanakh. The group is beginning the Book of Shemuel (Samuel). Participants are welcome to join for a single meeting or begin at any time. Knowledge of Hebrew is not necessary.

Sanhedrin Talmud Study Group This group meets Thursdays noon-1 p.m. in November and December (except Thanksgiving) and focuses on issues raised in the Talmud, with less attention to the technical aspects of the text. Knowledge of Hebrew or Aramaic is helpful but not required. One can begin study at any point; now is the best time.

Shabbat Shmooze with Shula Chernoff: Contemporary Poets Reveal their Jewish Roots (a reading and presentation), Nov. 2, 1 p.m.

Following Shabbat services, poet Shulamith Chernoff will discuss contemporary poets whose Jewish roots have influenced their poetry. Her first book of poetry was published in 2006, and her second in 2008. She is working on a new poetry collection.

For information, contact BEKI at (203)389-2108, office@beki.org or beki.org.

Congregation Kol Ami Kol Ami Religious School first assembly in Cheshire met on Sunday, Sept. 9. Rabbi Joshua Ratner introduced students and families to returning and new teaching staff at the school.

For more information, contact Rabbi Ratner at jdratner613@gmail.com

Kol Ami primary teacher Linda Shub, school director Limor Shefer and Rabbi Joshua Ratner discuss Kol Ami’s new beginnings, new curriculums and new staff .

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Congregation B’nai Jacob Grand Gala for Rabbi Shapiro On Nov. 23, CBJ will celebrate and welcome new Rabbi Rona Shapiro with a grand Saturday Night Gala. This event, which is open to the entire community, will include cocktails, dinner, dancing, and music by Eight to the Bar. To purchase tickets or ads, contact the synagogue office.

Innovation at CBJ’s Religious School New for the 2013-2014 school year, members and non-members can enroll in religious school kindergarten entirely free of charge. Non-members may enroll and pay for other grades for this school year (excluding the bar/bat mitzvah candidates) without joining the congregation. The following year, these families will need to join CBJ to continue their child’s enrollment. This new program will allow prospective members to experience our award-winning religious school and learn more about B’nai Jacob’s offerings.

New and Familiar Cantorial Voices Over the High Holidays, CBJ was proud to host Cantor Ken Cohen, who journeyed all the way from Honolulu, HI. This year, three cantors will be sharing their unique voices at Shabbat services and holidays: CBJ’s very own Tzvi Rapaport will act as Shaleah Tzibor for the coming years’ B’nai Mitzvah class; Malachi Kanfer, a first year Cantorial student at JTS and a graduate of Oberlin College; and Cantor Rachael Littman will share the bima with Rabbi Shapiro on holidays and shabbatot throughout the year. The entire community is welcome.

For information, contact B’nai Jacob at (203) 389-2111 or bnaijacob.org.

Westville Synagogue

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Synagogues Temple Emanuel

Saturdays at 10:30 a.m in the TE library: Torah Study – discussion of the weekly parashah with Rabbi Michael Farbman.

Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. “My Sister’s Still a Hippie,” a poignant musical memoir written and produced by Burt and Myra Saxon, starring Debra Alt and Tedra Schneider.

When Sarah, a folk singer, arrives at the University of Michigan in the fall of 1967, she is greeted by her sister, Naomi, a dedicated sorority member. Sarah has no intention of joining a sorority – all she wants to do is sing about love and peace.

Please join us for this nostalgic evening of music from the 60’s and 70’s. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door.

Nov. 22 following Kabbalat Shabbat Service: Terri Fried, MD, Professor of Medicine (Geriatrics) at Yale and a TE member, will discuss Coping with Aging Parents. A traditional tasty TE oneg will follow.

Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. TE participates in the annual Orange Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. This year the service is hosted by Holy Infant Church.

Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Magavet, Yale University’s first, best and only Jewish a cappella group, presents a concert of traditional and modern arrangements of Jewish, Hebrew and Israeli songs. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and include a dessert reception.

For information, contact the office at (203)397-3000 templeemanuel-gnh.org

Congregation Mishkan Israel Festival of Lights

Westville University

Congregation Mishkan Israel will celebrate Chanukah with a Dinner & Service on Friday, Nov. 22. This fun, family celebration is open to the community and will begin at 5:45 p.m. with a Shabbat dinner that features traditional Friday night foods as well as latkes and other favorite Chanukah treats. The evening will conclude with a Shabbat Family Service at 7 p.m. There is a fee for dinner. To RSVP and for more information, contact the synagogue office at (203) 288-3877.

Nov. 6, 8 p.m. Confessing Incest to a Rabbi: The Babylonian Talmud in its Persian context, Dr. Yishai Kiel, Research Fellow, Yale Univeristy.

Community Shabbat Chanukah Dinner and Services at Kol Ami

Westville Synagogue Hanukkah Party, Dec. 1

Crafts, driedels, prizes, good eats. Bring your own wine and enjoy the evening An educational initiative that offers dynamic high-level programming to the community reflecting a commitment to Jewish learning, history, culture, law, and the State of Israel.

Nov. 13, 8 p.m. The Changing Image of Moses Mendelssohn: A Case Study in the Evolution of Orthodoxy from the Enlightenment to the Present, Prof. Michael Silber, Hebrew University.

Nov. 20, 8 p.m. Jewish Languages and Their Hebrew Component, Prof. Aharon Maman, Dept. of Hebrew and Jewish Languages, Hebrew University.

Dec. 6, Dinner: 5:30 pm, Services: 6:30 pm Dinner, potato latkes with all the trimmings. $12/adults; $5/children.

Children under 6 are free, $36 family max. Children’s Rainbow Loom bracelet gift exchange. Reserve by Thursday, Dec. 5, contact sales@darterpress.com, Congregation Kol Ami (203) 272-0006 or kolamischool@gmail.com

Dec. 11, 8 p.m. The Torah was Given in 70 Languages, Prof. Steven Fraade, Yale University.

Dec, 18, 8 p.m. Is There a G-d Gene? Spirituality and the Brain, Rabbi Fred Hyman, Westville Synagogue Dec. 21, 8p.m. Film: The Little Traitor, Led by Stanley Dalnekoff

Happy Chanukah!

Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont/Chabad Rebuilding Update The first phase of construction of the new building, after a devastating fire nearly a year ago, was completed before Rosh Hashanah, and we are proud of our record attendance over the holidays. Shabbat services are held every week at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Kiddush lunch at 15 Edgefield Ave. in Milford. Our synagogue has no membership fees and welcomes Jews of all backgrounds.

To Catch an Anti-Semite: An Evening with David Nesenoff Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. The viral video of White House correspondent Helen Thomas proclaiming that Jews should “get the hell out of Palestine” and “go home to Poland and Germany,” forced Thomas to resign and catapulted her interviewer, David Nesenoff, into the limelight. Nesenoff will tell his intriguing story of humor, danger, media bias, cyber hatred, spirituality, and the hand of G-d. Tickets at JewishMilford.com/DavidNesenoff.

New Women’s Study Course: A Reason to Celebrate Join us for a new seven-part series on the Jewish holidays. Classes are monthly from Nov. to May. The first class, The Enlightened Maccabee: The Message of Chanukah in a Modern World, will be Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. By deepening our understanding of the lesser-known history and mystical meaning of Chanukah, this lesson will shed light on what it means to be Jewish in today’s enlightened age.

Visit the website for complete course schedule and topics and to register.

Chanukah Events

Join us for the annual Menorah Lightings on the Milford Green and at the Westfield CT Post Mall. Dates and times online.

For more information, contact (203) 878-4569, rabbi@JewishMilford.com or JewishMilford.com.

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nov.

My First Book Club Friday, Nov. 01 | 11 am A book club for PJ Library members that helps increase vocabulary, improve language skills and more.

Location: JCC Contact: Laura Ross, (203)387-2JCC, laurar@jccnh.org An Island in Time - A Women’s Shabbat Retreat Friday, Nov. 01 - Sunday, Nov. 03 Relax, rejoice, Rejuvenate at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Danbury with guest speaker Shimonah Tzukerrnik.

Contact: Bluma Hecht, (203)795-7095, jwc@chabadow.org Ezra Academy Comedy Night Saturday, Nov. 02 | 8:15 pm Contact: Marni Smith Katz, (203) 8689330, smithkatz@optonline.net Affordable Care Act Panel Discussion Sunday, Nov. 03 | 10 am Location: JCC Contact: Gary Geller, (203) 387-2424, ggeller@jewishnewhaven.org Arts and Culture Festival: Peter and the Wolf Sunday, Nov. 03 | 2 pm New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s Peter and the Wolf, a timeless classic for families and kids .

Location: JCC Vine Auditorium Contact: Shelley Gans, (203) 387-2JCC, shelleyg@jccnh.org Towers Lunch & Learn Series Tuesday, Nov. 05 | 11:30 am Ending the Cold War-Inside the Reagan Plan, presented by Allan Myer.

Location: Tower One/Tower East, 18 Tower Lane, New Haven Contact: Lisa Ferguson, (203)772-1816, (203)785-8280 lisaf@towerone.org Arts and Culture Festival: Joshua Henkin, The World Without You Thursday, Nov. 07 | 7:30 pm Author Joshua Henkin reads from his new book, about love, loss, and the aftermath of a family tragedy.

Location: JCC Vine Auditorium Contact: Shelley Gans, (203)387-2JCC, shelleyg@jccnh.org Shabbat Friends Friday, Nov. 08 | 11 am Story time and craft.

Location: JCC Family Center Contact: Laura Ross, (203)387-2JCC, laurar@jccnh.org Arts and Culture Festival: The Life and Legacy of Sholem Aleichem Sunday, Nov. 10 | 10:30 am A literary/musical program exploring the impact of one of Judaism’s greatest cultural icons, featuring authors Jeremy Dauber, Alisa Solomon, and musical accompaniment by Andrew Rubenoff.

Location: JCC Vine Auditorium Contact: Shelley Gans, (203)387-2JCC, shelleyg@jccnh.org

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Arts and Culture Festival: Ronald Balson, Once We Were Brothers Sunday, Nov. 10 | 4:30 pm A contemporary legal thriller about two boys raised in the same house who found themselves on opposite sides of the Nazi occupation.

Location: JCC Vine Auditorium Contact: Shelley Gans, (203)387-2JCC, shelleyg@jccnh.org

Arts and Culture Festival: Lynn Povich, The Good Girls Revolt Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 7:30 pm Author Lynn Povich tells the story of women writers who sued Newsweek for sexual discrimination.

Location: JFGNH Shoreline office, 705 Boston Post Rd., Guilford Contact: Jill Lesage, (203)738-0033, jwlesage@jewishnewhaven.org

Arts and Culture Festival: Judy L. Mandel, Replacement Child Tuesday, Nov. 12 | 11 am Mandel tells her story of being the “replacement child” her parents brought into the world as “a salve for the burns.”

Location: JCC Vine Auditorium Contact: Shelley Gans, (203)387-2JCC, shelleyg@jccnh.org

Shabbat Friends Friday, Nov. 22 | 11 am Location: JCC Family Center Contact: Laura Ross, (203)387-2JCC, laurar@jccnh.org

Global Day of Jewish Learning: Responding to Media Bias Sunday, Nov. 17 | 10 am A brunch and program: Identifying Media Bias and Learning How to Respond, led by CAMERA. Location: JCC Contact: Elaine Braffman, (203) 389-6119, eabraffman@yahoo.com Jewish Family Service Sunday, Nov. 17 | 12:30 pm JCC and JFS do a service project in honor of the holiday season.

Location: JFS, 1440 Whalley Ave., New Haven Contact: Laura Ross, (203) 387-2JCC, laurar@jccnh.org Sacred Expressions Exhibit Reception and Lecture Sunday, Nov. 17 | 4 pm Arts for the Center exhibit by Sharon Zirkin-Dagan. The artist will discuss her paintings, and Rabbi Hesch Sommer will provide insight.

Location: JCC Dr. Leon Chameides: Strangers in Many Lands and Edge of the Abyss Sunday, Nov. 17 | 1:30 pm The Jewish Genealogical Society of Connecticut presents a discussion of Dr. Chameides’ two recently published books. In Strangers in Many Lands and The Edge of the Abyss.

Location: Godfrey Memorial Library, 124 Newfield St., Middletown

10th Annual Arts and Crafts Fair Sunday, Nov. 24 | 10 am Gifts, accessories, home décor, pottery, jewelry, and much more.

Location: JCC Vine Auditorium Contact: Tanya Weinberg, (203) 387-2JCC, tanyaw@jccnh.org

dec.

Towers Lunch & Learn Series Tuesday, Dec. 03 | 11:30 am Michelle Cheng, Director of Education at the New Haven Museum, covers The Neighborhoods of New Haven.

Location: Tower One/Tower East, 18 Tower Lane, New Haven Contact: Lisa Ferguson, (203)772-1816, (203)785-8280 lisaf@towerone.org 9th Annual Shoreline Chanukah Celebration: Don’t Let the Light Go Out! Wednesday, Dec. 04 | 4 pm Celebrate Chanukah with craft activities, candle lighting, and treats and more.

Location: Guilford Free Library, 166 Janeway Dr., Guilford Contact: Jill Lesage, (203)738-0033, jwlesage@jewishnewhaven.org Children’s Chanukah Event Thursday, Dec. 05 | 5:30 pm Location: JCC Auditorium Contact: Laura Ross, (203)387-2JCC, laurar@jccnh.org My First Book Club Friday, Dec. 06 | 11 am Location: JCC Contact: Laura Ross, (203)387-2JCC, laurar@jccnh.org

JHSC Cocktail Party Saturday, Dec. 07 | 6:30 pm Location: Jewish High School of Connecticut at JCC Contact: Taylor Blume, tblume@jhsct.org UJA Federation Super Sunday Phone-a-thon Sunday, Dec. 08 | 10 am Campaign Phone-a-thon Location: JCC Contact: Andy Sarkany, (203)387-2424, esarkany@jewishnewhaven.org Create a Jewish Legacy Training Session Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 7 pm A best practices training session required for all Create a Jewish Legacy participants.

Contact: Lisa Stanger, lstanger@jewishnewhaven.org Towers’ Encore Performance of the Play Snapshots Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 7 pm Residents of Tower One/Tower East in collaboration with Long Wharf Theatre and the Elder Play Project hold an encore performance of their play.

Location: Tower One/Tower East, 18 Tower Lane, New Haven Contact: Lisa Ferguson, (203)772-1816, (203)785-8280, lisaf@towerone.org Shabbat Friends Friday, Dec. 13 | 11 am Location: JCC Family Center Contact: Laura Ross, (203)387-2JCC, laurar@jccnh.org Jewish Genealogy Assisted Research Sunday, Dec. 15 | 1:30 pm Jewish Genealogical Society of Connecticut offers personal research time for anyone researching Jewish ancestors. Free Location: Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield St., Middletown Look Who’s Talking!

Wednesday, Dec. 18 | 7 pm Location: JCC Auditorium Contact: Laura Ross, (203)387-2JCC, laurar@jccnh.org Sifriyat Pijama B’America Friday, Dec. 27 | 11 am Hebrew story time and more, featuring community members.

Location: JCC Contact: Laura Ross, (203)387-2JCC, laurar@jccnh.org

Arts and Culture Festival: Daniel Bergner, What Do Women Want?

Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 7:30 pm Bergner explores the latest scientific research of women’s sexuality.

Location: JCC Vine Auditorium Contact: Shelley Gans, (203)387-2JCC, shelleyg@jccnh.org Look Who’s Talking!

Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 7 pm A monthly forum to discuss parenting inspired by Jewish values with parenting experts.

Location: JCC Auditorium Contact: Laura Ross, (203)387-2JCC, laurar@jccnh.org

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