Shalom New Haven March/April 13

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published by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven

Send a Kid to Camp Makes a Lasting Impression

non-profit org. U.S. postage paid permit #2134 New Haven, CT

SHALOM NEW HAVEN

march - april 2013 / adar - nisan - iyar 5773

About Noa, In Her Own Words enced greatly by the songwriters of the 60’s like Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen. I am very politically active like another hero of mine, Joan Baez, and also deeply connected to my family’s Yemenite roots, which influences my percussion playing and vocal style.

Valerie Volonté was six years old when her family moved from Uruguay to Connecticut in April 2004. The Spanishspeaking family began a new life in a new culture and faced new challenges: a language barrier, reestablishing careers, establishing new friendships, and learning the American way of life. Within a few weeks of starting a new job, Valerie’s mother, Adriana, met a woman who would change their lives. She told Adriana of a summer camp that offered a full-day schedule and had bus service. Adriana, who was working full-time, welcomed the idea. Two months later, Valerie was granted a scholarship to the JCC Day Camp on behalf of the Barry Vine Send a Kid to Camp Scholarship Fund. “I love JCC Day Camp – it was the first place I made friends. Everyone was so welcoming and accepting,” said Valerie. “We are like one huge family – I am still close to all the counselors and the campers. Every year I still get so excited to go to camp.” continued on page 5...

SNH: You grew up in both the USA and Israel. How has that affected your understanding of expression? And the kind of message you aim to convey? Noa: I was lucky to be raised in the Bronx, New York, and I studied in a religious Jewish school, lived in a non-religious Israeli Yemenite home and hung out with African Americans and Puerto Ricans in the ’hood. I was exposed to a lot of diversity from a young age and that has kept my mind wide open. Israeli singer-songwriter Noa, whose given name is Achinoam Nini, will perform in New Haven on April 24 at Battell Chapel as part of the year-long celebration of Israel at 65. Noa is Israel’s leading international concert and recording artist and her resume encompasses performances and collaborations with artists all over the world.

Noa: The people on stage will be Gil Dor, our musical director and guitarist, Gadi Seri on percussion, myself on percussion and voice, and a wonderful string quartet. The set will feature our originals in English and Hebrew, some traditional Yemenite songs and some features from our latest release, “The Israeli Songbook.”

Shalom New Haven spoke with Noa to learn more about her and her music.

SNH: For those that know you only by name rather than your musical style, how would you describe your art? And what influences you musically?

Shalom New Haven: Can you tell us a little about what to expect at your show?

Noa: I am a singer-songwriter, influ-

SNH: You have become sort of an informal ambassador for some Israelis who share a particular view of compassion and peace – and changes that need to take place in the world. What is that view? Noa: I can summarize it as this: Love your brother as you love yourself. And I mean brother and sister, in the widest and most inclusive sense of the word. SNH: How does that relate to what’s going on in Israel right now for the 65th anniversary? continued on page 8..

Renowned Judaica Artist David Moss Celebrates Israel at 65 in New Haven By Saskia Swenson Moss, Director of Youth and Family Education

See pages 8-9 for more about Israel at 65.

In November 1987, the White House purchased a copy of the facsimile for President Ronald Reagan to sign and present to President Chaim Herzog as the United States’ official gift for the first state visit of an Israeli president to the United States.

On May 14, 1958, at 4 p.m., David Ben-Gurion read the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel. Even before there was a State of Israel, the Greater New Haven community was helping the land to thrive and flourish. We are proud to support Israel and its extraordinary accomplishments. We are equally proud of the efforts and contributions that so many individuals have made on behalf of Israel. We dedicate this year of celebration to peace, freedom and Israel’s success.

known for the Moss Haggadah, a handmade manuscript created for a private collection. Copies of the original have been purchased by the rare book rooms at Princeton, Yale, Duke, Harvard, Stanford, and by the New York Public Library, the British Library, the Getty Museum, the Jewish Theological Seminary, just to name a few.

As part of Greater New Haven’s celebration of Israel at 65, world-renowned Israel-based artist David Moss is coming to New Haven for an Artist in Residency April 7-15. Moss is best

The role of an Artist in Residence is to convey Jewish ideas, texts and values through captivating artistic programming. While in New Haven, Moss will speak to the public and present his artwork at Yale University, meet with local artists to explore creative problem solving, and run an arts program for students from Ezra Academy and Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy.

A page of Moss Haggadah that reads “Next year in the rebuilt Jerusalem”

Saskia Swenson Moss, the JCC’s director of youth and family education, spoke with Moss about his art and his plans while in New Haven. Swenson Moss knows him well; he is her father-in- law. continued on page 9...


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A Taste of Honey – This Year and Next The 19th annual A Taste of Honey on Jan. 26 was an exciting and eclectic evening of community Jewish learning. More than 300 people took part in the evening’s activities, which included Havdallah led by Rabbi Michael Farbman of Temple Emanuel, a book sale run by Linda Leff, a dessert reception catered by Mike’s Café and Bakery, and, of course, 48 educational breakout sessions on Jewish culture and scholarship.

and whether hunting is permissible. • Stanley Dalnekoff and Steve Xue discussing the history of Harbin Province, China, where a thriving Jewish community flourished in the first half of the 20th century. • The Young Emissaries, Yuval Barkan and Assaf Ben Kish, presenting on 65 remarkable Israeli personalities who shaped the country.

Looking Ahead to Next Year: Limmud Connecticut

A Taste of Honey participants compare class schedules.

This year, event organizers included even more sessions featuring interactive content and hot-button issues affecting the Jewish community. Some of the most exciting classes, according to participant evaluations, included: • Rachel Gur, former Legislative Director in the Knesset, discussing the impact of the recent Israeli elections. Gur’s fascinating presentation covered the major parties and explained how they each fared in the race and what that might mean for the future of Israel. • The debut of JCC Theaterworks with the workshop presentation of Jew-ish, a series of one-page plays exploring Jewish identity and starring community actors. • Rabbi Yaakov Komisar of Ezra Academy speaking on the relevant issue of gun control and what Judaism has to say about it – including whether it’s okay to own guns, carrying them on Shabbat, the circumstances under which one is permitted to fire a gun,

Next year, a Taste of Honey will team up with Limmud International to transform the event into the first-ever Limmud Connecticut. The Limmud Conference began in the United Kingdom in 1980 as a small gathering for Jewish educators and has since exploded into a festival of more than 2,500 Jews from all walks of life coming together in England for five days of shared learning and teaching. Since its founding, Limmud has sparked more than 60 mini-conferences in communities all over the world.

Rayzl Feuer of Pnai Shore leads a session on Spiritual Direction: A Modern Practice in the Ancient Tradition of Caring for the Soul.

Communities across Connecticut are planning to come together in New Haven for a full day of exciting learning. How will this be different from A Taste of Honey? The new format will certainly keep the soul of A Taste of Honey, just change the body into a Limmud day of learning: • Instead of Saturday night, the new program will be on a Sunday, allowing for many more sessions. • The day of learning will also feature a Little Limmud program for children ages 3-12, a Teen Limmud for ages 13-17 and babysitting for children younger than 3.

A Taste of Honey participants browse books for sale at the event.

• More convenient: participants will be able to pay for the entire day or select courses a la carte.

to providing an amazing program and to bringing our community together for dynamic Jewish learning.

• Lunch will be available as part of the new program.

By joining Limmud, New Haven becomes part of an international, transdenominational Jewish learning com-

Why the change? The JCC is dedicated

munity. In addition, the longer format on Sunday allows more people to be involved, including older adults and families with young children. To get involved, contact DeDe JacobsKomisar, JCC Cultural Arts Manager, at

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 jfgnh@jewishnewhaven.org / jewishnewhaven.org Editorial Committee: Shelley Gans, Jennifer Gelband, Hilary Goldberg, Ruth Gross, Lauri Lowell, Tanya Weinberg. Design: Debbie Stach. Production: Alan Falk. 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 write to rgross@jewishnewhaven.org shalomnewhaven is printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Please recycle.

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Mostow Wins 2013 Wolf Prize in Mathematics

Yale professor emeritus and the Federation’s Department of Jewish Education board member G. Daniel Mostow has been awarded a 2013 Wolf Foundation Prize, one of the top international awards for mathematicians. Mostow is among the seven scientists and an architect to be honored with this year’s prizes, which are awarded annually in physics, mathematics, agriculture, chemistry, and in the arts in a rotation of disciplines. Mostow received the prize for mathematics for his fundamental and pioneering contribution to geometry and Lie group theory. He will share the $100,000 prize with Professor Michael Artin of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mostow will receive the award in May by Israeli President Shimon Peres during a special Knesset session. The Israel-based Wolf Foundation was established by the late German-born inventor, diplomat and philanthropist Dr. Ricardo Wolf, who served as the Cuban ambassador to Israel from 1961 to 1973.

Mark Garilli Named CEO of Tower One/Tower East Mark Garilli, formerly the interim CEO of Tower One/ Tower East was named President and CEO of the Towers. Garilli brings over 21 years of management experience, including managing entire operations and services of senior living communities. Garilli has worked in different capacities at Tower One/ Tower East for over a decade. He has proven himself to be a successful leader during his interim role as CEO, and demonstrates a commitment to helping seniors live more independent, active, and healthy lives through assisted services, community living, and enrichment programs. Garilli received his bachelor’s degree from Roger Williams University, is a graduate of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, and a graduate of the CALA (Connecticut Assisted Living Association) Executive Director’s course. He also was the winner of the 2012 Young Leadership Award given by CALA, for whom he currently holds the position of Treasurer.

ACES Honors JCC and Federation at Employer Recognition Dinner

Message from

Sydney A. Perry Chief Executive Officer

Comedien Jon Stewart has never been shy about his Jewish heritage, but particularly memorable was a rant last April that compared Passover with Easter. “Mishpoche, we’ve got to step up our game,” he said. “They’ve got chocolate bunnies – we’ve got horseradish. If you get the children, you win.” Mishpoche, he’s right. As Passover approaches, I would like to suggest that we put a little more emphasis on the educational brilliance that the Seder provides as a model for family-based, grass-roots learning. It’s not about the haroset or the brisket. It’s about curious learners and more confident Jews. The battle for the Jewish future will be fought in the arena of Jewish education. Parents and teachers, synagogues and day schools, camps and Israel trips need to partner if we hope to engage our children in the beauty of our tradition, meaningful seders and knowledge. I believe we have a sacred responsibility to strive to leave the Jewish people, our children and grandchildren, with better schools, better synagogues, better agencies, and a better world than that which we have. We have the duty and we have the capacity to do this. Judaism is a religion predicated on education. The Shema commands us: v’shinantem l’vanekha, “And you shall teach it to your children.” Moses teaches us to pass on our experience of slavery and redemption to generations yet unborn this way: “And when in time to come, your child asks you, saying, ‘What does this mean?’ You shall say to him...” We look to families and synagogues and schools, the triad upon which Jewish life has always rested, in which ideals are passed on from one generation to the next, and never lost or obscured. Jews became a people whose passion was education, whose citadels were schools and whose heroes are teachers. No other faith puts such a high premium on universal literacy and study; none has put a higher priority in the scale of communal priorities. We must do likewise. Judaism is the only religion in which human beings – Abraham, Moses, Jeremiah, Job – argue with G-d Himself. Socrates was sentenced to death by the people of Athens for doing what every Jewish parent regards as his or her responsibility: to teach the young to ask questions. What other civilization could have coined the phrase “argument for the sake of heaven”? Study, said the sages, is higher even than prayer. The seats of honor in the synagogue were reserved not for the rich or powerful but for the learned. The author Paul Johnson described rabbinic Judaism as “an ancient and highly efficient social machine for the production of intellectuals.” And starting with Joshua ben Gamla in the first century, the first universal system of compulsory education was established, paid by communal funds. This literacy and numeracy was a driving force behind Jewish history, according to the 2012 Jewish Book Award for scholarship, “The Chosen Few,” by Maristella Bollicini and Zvi Eckstein. That early commitment to educating our children has been a hallmark of Jewish communities for 2000 years. And we’re not stopping now. Because there is no better return on investment than supporting Jewish education. But as John Stewart said, we need to take it up a notch.

Chris Massaquai and Andy Hodes accept ACES awards for the JCC and the Jewish Cemetery Association, respectively.

The JCC and the Jewish Cemetery Association of Greater New Haven were among the 70 businesses and organizations honored at the Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) Business Advisory Council’s 13th Annual Employer Recognition Dinner on Oct. 17, 2012. Celebrating the theme of “Building Relationships that Last,” ACES honored businesses and organizations that provide employment and training opportunities to more than 300 students and adults with disabilities. The event was organized by ACES Business Advisory Council members, including co-chairs Marilyn Ferguson, TD Bank, and Mary Ann White, Coldwell Banker.

ACES Business Advisory Council was formed in 1997 to enhance employment opportunities for ACES student and adult special needs populations. Working with ACES staff, the Council helps to develop the best training programs possible by sharing labor needs, gathering information on labor market trends, issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other labor practice guidelines, and participating in job expos to promote career awareness. For additional information on ACES Business Advisory Council, contact Gene Crocco at gcrocco@aces.org. For additional information on ACES, go to aces.org or contact Evelyn RossettiRyan at erossetti-ryan@aces.org.

Jewish life has survived, despite many obstacles, for thousands of years because of our connection to our history our ancient and contemporary texts, and the commentators and philosophers who anchored us in a past and prepared us for the future. It survived because we understood both the value of education and the significance of Jewish community. It’s not about the horseradish, the persecutions, the pogroms, the inquisitions, and the tears. It’s about the sweetness of apples and honey, the songs around the Shabbat table. It’s Hanukkah and Purim but also the engagement of study, the pride of a bat mitzvah, the warmth of being part of a minyan and the ineffable joy of standing under a chuppah. Mishpoche, this isn’t the Daily Show. This is our community. We need to support Jewish education: “If you get the children, you win.” In honor of Dr. George Daniel Mostow, Henry Ford II Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at Yale University, member of Congregation B’nai Jacob, former member of the Board of the Federation’s Department of Jewish Education and consummate mensch, on winning the prestigious Wolf Prize in Mathematics, to be presented in Jerusalem this May.

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Health & Fitness

Small Goals Yield Big Results With New JCC Weight-Loss Program By Susan Donovan, Director of Fitness Services, JCC of Greater New Haven Spring and summer are on the way, and maybe you’re thinking about losing weight, exercising more or just improving your health. Your decision to change requires a realistic plan – one that begins by setting small goals. For example, instead of “I want to lose 30 lbs” or “I am going to exercise every day,” set a smaller goal: “I will lose 2 lbs this week” or “I will take three vigorous walks this week.” When it comes to losing weight, it’s important you follow a diet that works

Local “Loser” Represents Conn. at Disney Race

with your lifestyle and tastes, paired with behavioral changes that support weight loss maintenance. The JCC Fitness Center is launching a new program that will do just that. The Skinny on Weight Loss is modeled like the popular Weight Watchers program, offering weekly weigh-ins and meetings to educate on meal planning, nutrition and eating behaviors. The experienced and seasoned JCC staff can help you to find the right program and keep you motivated to get results.

Erin Spaulding (center), shares a victory hug with her spotter, Michael LoPresti (left), and her husband, Michael (right).

Erin Spaulding answered the phone one afternoon in late November 2012 and was presented with an opportunity of a lifetime – to represent the Connecticut Chapter of Achilles International at the Walt Disney Half Marathon on Jan. 12, 2013. Achilles International is a non-profit organization that supports disabled athletes. Preparing for a 13.1 mile run in less than 2 months is challenging enough for any athlete; however, this mother of three has overcome some of life’s greatest challenges. In 2008, after having three children, unable to lose baby weight and suffering from post partum complications and surgery, Erin Spaulding tried out for the JCC’s Largest Loser program. It was the first season of the JCC’s Largest Loser, a health and wellness program created by the Fitness Department to encourage participants to lose weight, learn about nutrition and modify behavior to promote living a healthier lifestyle. The Largest Loser program divides its participants into teams to compete against one another in fitness-focused competitions. “I needed to reclaim my inner athlete,” said Spaulding. “I remember Erin Spaulding with son Connor on Day 1 of running up the driveway hill each the Largest Loser. week. The first week, I walked most of it. The victory I felt the day when I ran the whole way was incredible.” Spaulding completed the Largest Loser program with a 27 pound weight loss. It was during an indoor triathlon challenge that a seed was planted. Spaulding went on to compete in several road races in 2008 and four triathlons in 2009 – her inner athlete was unleashed, and Spaulding was at her best. Spaulding’s life changed as she knew it in spring 2010. In a freak accident, a 300-pound wall cabinet detached from the wall and fell onto Spaulding. Though she tried to hold it off, she was pinned underneath and suffered from a traumatic head injury, neck injury, and torn shoulder cartilage. Spaulding spent the past two-and-a-half years regaining physical strength as well as undergoing cognitive rehabilitation – retraining her brain to learn to walk, regain coordination and balance, and restore skills in paying attention, remembering, organizing, reasoning and understanding, problem solving, decision making, and higher level cognitive abilities. “I was in such good shape to have the upper body strength to keep the cabinet off me as long as possible. I know that has a direct relationship to the Largest Loser program, let alone the emotional aspect of helping me hold onto hope,” said Spaulding. “It’s been a daunting uphill battle, starting all over from square one. It’s reminded me of looking up that hill during Largest Loser and holding onto the hope that one day I would be able to run to the top.” At the Walt Disney Half Marathon, Spaulding crossed the finish line with her two Michaels by her side – her husband Michael and a volunteer Achilles’ guide, Michael LoPresti – with a time of two hours and 43 minutes. Spaulding, the Connecticut Chapter representative of Achilles International, joined 26 other Cigna-sponsored disabled athletes achieve their goal.

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Camp Camp continued from page 1... Valerie, now age 14, is too old to be a camper, but she maintains an enduring relationship with camp. Last year Valerie was a CIT, and next year she will be a counselor. “When I was 10 years old, I told my mother I will be a counselor one day,” she said.

Every Friday we put on a talent show to celebrate the end of the week. Mitzvah Moe raced around camp and sang songs – we all had so much fun.”

“The schedule is never the same at camp – we are always occupied. I loved being able to pick electives – writing, pottery, and I swam three times a day!” she said. Valerie’s favorite memories? “Color wars! And Oneg.

tuition for children needing financial assistance so that they can, as Barry says, “have the time of their lives.”

To make a difference in the life of someone like Valerie, consider supporting the Barry Vine Send a Kid to Camp Scholarship Fund. Barry Vine’s JCC Day Camp was also the first place desire to give back to a comValerie learned to munity that helped his famswim. One of the “When I was 10 ily in times of need motiunique features vates him to quietly and of JCC Day Camps years old, I told steadily support many local is the high-level organizations. daily swim instruc- my mother I will tion every camper The JCC is grateful to be be a counselor receives. Now among them. Vine estabValerie is a memlished the Barry Vine Send one day.” ber of her school’s a Kid to Camp Scholarship varsity swim team, Fund in 2005, and in the and last November she qualified for ensuing years has almost single-handthe Connecticut Girls Open High School edly raised nearly half a million dollars. State Championships. These funds all go directly to camp

JCC Day Camps offers children entering Grades K-9 a fun and enriching

summer camp experience from June 24 to August 23. Camp features free transportation with centralized bus stops, before/after camp program, field trips, swim, sports, dance, electives, and much more!

To help send a child to camp this summer, contact Barbara Zalesch at barbaraz@ jccnh.org. For camp information, call Debra Kirschner at (203) 387-2522 x253.

Send a Kid to Camp changed Valerie Volonté’s life.

Laurelwood Opens Doors to Visitors Camp Laurelwood is Connecticut’s only Jewish overnight camp, located on 140 majestic acres in North Madison. The camp is known for its excellence in programming, dedicated counselors, great food, family atmosphere, and a picturesque campus. To prove it is the best choice for a high quality summer experience for any camper ages 7 to 15, Camp Laurelwood is holding several Open Houses – scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. on March 17, April 7, May 5, and June 2. Camp Laurelwood’s Open House features tours of the facility, showcases new and exciting programs such as Theater Camp and Pioneering Camp, and provides the perfect opportunity to meet and mingle with staff and campers while making s’mores over the campfire. Camp Laurelwood has been a summer destination for thousands of people for more than 75 years. “I learned how to do things I never did before,” said Tyler, 9, a camper from summer 2012. “I made great new friends and had awesome counselors. I can’t wait to go back next year!” For more information, contact Camp Laurelwood Director Ruth Ann Ornstein at (203) 421-3736 or visit camplaurelwood.org.

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Community Lauri Lowell Director, Jewish Community Relations Council

Look for the Good and the True

JCL’s Volunteer Appreciation Reception Planned for May 22 Volunteers are the cornerstone of the Jewish Coalition for Literacy (JCL). And the annual Volunteer Reading Partner Appreciation Reception, scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, is just one way the JCL can show thanks.

Congressman Jim Himes (D-Conn.) made a statement in February after hearing Sen. Marco Rubio’s (R-Fla.) commentary on President Barak Obama’s State of the Union Address. To paraphrase, Himes’s message was to “Look for the good and the true in your adversary’s words or positions.” Beyond this situation, his comment has universal application.

The program pairs volunteers and students to share the joy of reading and conversation with each other to form nurturing relationships. JCL is an award winning-project of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven.

If Congress and world leaders acted upon that principle, they might actually make progress toward solving domestic problems and resolving conflict around the globe. Instead, almost universally, they take an adversarial approach, as though that were the only responsible way to represent their constituencies. Through the din of mistrust, anger and preconception they barely hear the position of their opponent – members of a different political party, nation or religious group. So certain are they in their assumptions of what the other side will say that they barely listen. The result is further polarization and misunderstanding. Take the adversarial approach to its extreme. It is no wonder that in so many places in the world people are trying to resolve disputes using 21st century versions of sticks and stones. It’s a sad commentary on civilization that no matter how sophisticated the technology, warfare is still a primitive mode of conflict resolution – in which the stronger guy wins, period. Discussions about violent influences in American society following Sandy Hook focused on video games, the media, even sports. The violence of war wasn’t mentioned, at least not publicly. We have carved out a zone of human interaction where brutality is acceptable, even required. Should we be surprised if it doesn’t stay neatly within those prescribed borders? There is so much at stake. People’s lives, their well being, their livelihoods depend on decisions made in every area of public policy: gun control, immigration reform, climate change, jobs creation, international conflict, commerce, and on and on.

There are more than 165 JCL reading partners – a diverse group of volunteers from different faiths, educational backgrounds and experiences who commit one hour a week to read one-on-one with assigned students.

Author Mary Ann Hoberman

This year, the volunteer appreciation reception, which is open to everyone, not just volunteers, will feature keynote speaker Mary Ann Hoberman, Children’s Poet Laureate and the critically acclaimed author of more than forty books for children, including A House is a House for Me, winner of a National Book Award. Hoberman, who lives in Greenwich, Conn., is the 2003 recipient of the Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children, given by the National Council of Teachers of English.

Educators from JCL’s seven partner New Haven public schools and other local children’s literacy advocates are invited to attend the reception to honor JCL reading partners for donating their precious time and for sharing their love of reading and learning with students who, in turn, have the opportunity to practice expressing their opinion to a caring adult. JCL’s programs are open to the community without charge. The JCL Volunteer Reading Partner Appreciation Reception is Wednesday, May 22 at 9:30 a.m. at the JCC, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. For more information about becoming a JCL reading partner or about the reception, contact Brenda Brenner at bbrenner@jewishnewhaven.org or (203)387-2424x308.

Public officials take an oath of office to serve the common good. It is a misuse of their power and influence to allow debate in the public square to be framed and dominated by narrow, fossilized interests that leave no room for creativity and innovation, for an outcome based on new discoveries, new circumstances, new possibilities. As U.S. citizens, it is our responsibility to see that debate over policy does not become so polarized that the middle ground is lost. There may be good, workable centrist options that never make it to the table. Our task is to be informed and to get involved. We have the right – no, the obligation – to ask those who have taken an oath to serve and represent us to “look for the good and the true.” Some commonality, some shared understanding may be found upon which a better future can be built.

Tu B’Shevat Celebration

Preschoolers and their parents at Gan Hayeled Early Childhood Center celebrated Tu B’Shevat with a special seder.

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Message from

Rabbi Hesch Sommer

.

Director of the Jewish Wellness and Healing Center Jewish Family Service of New Haven

Putting the Broken Pieces Back Together In just a few weeks (Monday evening, March 25), many of us will gather with family and friends at our Seder tables to share in the festive Passover meal. A survey of Jewish ritual practices notes that the yearly seder celebrations are some of the most observed of our traditions. Perhaps it is the delicious seasonal delicacies, perhaps the warm remembrances of family members sharing in a joyous celebration, but whatever the motivation, this yearly observance is a pivotal moment in the ebb and flow of the Jewish calendar year. If asked, most would say that the reason for the Passover seder is a historical link to the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian enslavement. There is certainly a strong connection to the Exodus narrative described in the Torah. But there is much more than simply a chain of tradition to past events. Almost from the outset of the reading of the Haggadah, we are instructed to personalize these ritual practices:

“we were slaves in the land of Egypt and Adonai our God brought us out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. If the Holy One of Blessing, had not brought our ancestors out of Egypt, then we and our children and our children’s children, would still be in bondage…”

We, not just the Israelites, were, and perhaps still are, enslaved and plagued by the unresolved issues of our lives. And so the Passover seder is not only a reminder of what was but also what we still need to complete. There is no better image of the work still ahead then Yachatz, the breaking of the middle matzah. Usually, when we perform a ritual, it is accompanied by a prayer that sanctifies the moment: the Kiddush before the consumption of wine or grape juice, the Motzi before the eating of matzah but there is no blessing offered when the middle matzah is broken and no blessing later when the hunt for the afikomen is accomplished. Herein lies the tasks still before us. The broken matzah is perhaps a reminder of the brokenness of the world around us. The afikomen search is our attempt to send the youngest at our tables out to hunt for ways to put back together, to mend that which is broken. We realize that our generation has not found the ways yet to mend the brokenness of our lives and the world in which we live. Perhaps our children and their children will find the way to put the parts back together. Only then will we be able to sanctify the moment with a blessing. As we say, “may the time come speedily.”

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Community Jewish Family Service Adoption Home Study Group Forming

Jewish Family Service is planning its upcoming Spring 2013 Infant Adoption Homestudy Group. Interested families should contact JFS to express interest. Home study courses are offered by JFS periodically throughout the year for families interested in adopting infants and younger children. This group helps families prepare to be parents and to decide what types of adoption to pursue. As part of a homestudy group, participants must attend all sessions and prior registration is required. If you are interested in learning more about the infant adoption process, please contact Amy Rashba at (203) 389-5599 ext. 113 or arashba@jfsnh.org for a pregroup appointment. Families of all ethnic and religious backgrounds are welcome.

Bereavement: Finding Comfort in Our Time of Loss A bereavement group offers an opportunity to reflect with others who can understand our struggles in a way that individuals who have not suffered the loss of a loved one cannot. Like a way station on a long journey, a bereavement group of three sessions provides some time to reflect, offers us the comfort of fellow travelers, and gives us a chance to renew our inner strength as we travel on. You are welcome to attend any of the following: Mondays: April 15, 22 and 29 (7-8:30 p.m.) Congregation B’nai Jacob (75 Rimmon Road, Woodbridge) Tuesdays: May 21, 28 and June 4 (7-8:30 p.m.) Temple Beth Sholom (1809 Whitney Ave., Hamden)

Unemployment Support Groups Providing a supportive environment for individuals to speak about the emotional issues they are facing in coping with unemployment. Meets weekly on Wednesdays from 12-1 p.m. Facilitator: Rabbi Hesch Sommer March and May: Temple Beth Sholom (1809 Whitney Ave., Hamden) April: Congregation Mishkan Israel (892 Ridge Rd., Hamden)

Caregiver Support Group These groups are for individuals who are coping with the needs of elderly and frail loved ones. Monthly meetings take place at three locations: Thursdays – March 21 and April 18 from 7–8:30 p.m. Tower One/Tower East (18 Tower Ln., New Haven) Thursdays – March 28 and April 25 from 7–8:30 p.m. Temple Beth David (3 Main St., Cheshire) Wednesdays – April 3, from 7–8:30 p.m. Coachman Square, (21 Bradley Rd., Woodbridge) These groups are facilitated by Rabbi Hesch Sommer and are open to any individual in the Greater New Haven community. For more information, contact either Michelle O’Brien at the Towers (203) 7221816 ext. 170; Rabbi Josh Whinston (203) 272-0037; Lisa Costantini of Coachman (203) 397-7544 or Rabbi Sommer (203) 389-5599 ext. 117.

A Yearlong Study of Pirke Avot: Ethical Reflections on How We Live Our Lives Partnering with six congregations and their rabbis, there will be an opportunity to explore the ethical writings of the Talmudic teachers and how they speak to our lives. Chapter Five: April 10, 17 and 24 (7-8:30 p.m.) “Every controversy conducted for the sake of Heaven will in the end prove fruitful…” Beth Israel Synagogue, 22 North Orchard St., Wallingford Co-facilitator, first session: Rabbi Michael Farbman, Temple Emanuel, Orange Chapter Six: May 22, 29 and June 5 (7-8:30 p.m.) “If we learn from others one chapter, one halacha, one verse, one saying, or even one letter, we are obligated to show honor to them.” Congregation Sinai, 1000 New Haven Ave., Milford Co-facilitator, first session: Rabbi Bruce Alpert, Beth Israel Synagogue, Wallingford For details about each of these offerings, please check the Jewish Family Service Bulletin Board at www.jfsnh.org

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Missed the Cabaret? You Missed a Fun Time

The JCC Israeli Film Festival This year, in celebration of Israel’s 65th anniversary, the JCC is hosting an Israeli Film Festival – a program that aims to enrich the American vision of Israeli life and culture, to spotlight Israel’s thriving film industry and to promote cultural recognition of Israel. “It is No Dream: The Life of Theodor Herzl” Directed by Richard Trank The film explores the life and times of Theodor Herzl, a well-known journalist and playwright, an assimilated Budapest-born Jew. Horrified by the Dreyfus trial in Paris and the anti-Semitism spreading across Europe, Herzl took upon himself the task of creating a Jewish homeland in Palestine against all odds. April 15, 7:30 p.m., JCC Community Room, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge. FREE

Middle Eastern musical duo Aliza Gans and Yoni Battat, known as Miras Project, perform at the Israeli Cabaret.

More than 100 people gathered at the JCC on Feb. 2 to celebrate Israel at 65 and to honor the Young Emissary Program, a partnership in which Israeli high school graduates from the Afula Gilboa region choose to defer their army service to serve as young ambassadors of Israel to the communities in Southern New England. The mission of the Young Emissary program is to strengthen the ties between the two regions through people-to-people connections. The JCC Community Room was transformed into an Israeli Cabaret featuring a roster of performers, including Magevet, the Yale a cappella group; Miras Project, Brandeis-based Middle Eastern musical duo Yoni Battat and

Aliza Gans, originally from Woodbridge; and Careesah, a belly dance artist. The evening also featured a performance by guitarist Noah Kesselman and his band Funk You Up. Kesselman is a current host brother to one of the emissaries. The two current emissaries, Yuval Barkan and Assaf Ben Kish, also presented their “lip dub,” a musical video featuring students and staff of Ezra Academy. “The evening was magical with a positive energy,” said organizer Anat Levitah Weiner. “Those who attended enjoyed the wonderful talent on display in a Middle Eastern atmosphere. It was a heart-warming tribute to the state of Israel as it celebrates the 65th anniversary.

Noa continued from page 1... Noa: Israel has achieved much but still has a long way to go. Without peace, Israel will be unable to fulfill its true potential. SNH: How successful do you feel you’ve been in getting your message out?

“The Gatekeepers” Directed by Dror Moreh

Noa: I am not an easy performer to pigeonhole, but I promise a deep, meaningful, exciting and joyous experience to anyone who takes the time to come out and see me and the wonderful musicians on stage with me. For more information about Noa, visit noasmusic.com. Noa will perform April 24 at 8 p.m. at Battell Chapel, Yale University 300 College St., New Haven. For more information about the performance and to buy tickets, visit jccnh.org > Israel-at-65 > Noa.

The film follows Joseph who, while preparing to join the Israeli army, discovers that he was inadvertently switched at birth with the son of a Palestinian family from the West Bank. This revelation turns the lives of these two families upside down, forcing them to reassess their respective identities, their values and their beliefs. May 12, 7:30 p.m., Madison Art Cinemas, 761 Boston Post Rd., Madison. $10

“Israel: A Home Movie” A film by Eliav Lilti This Academy-Award nominee for Best Documentary features six former heads of the Shin Bet, Israel’s secret service, sharing their insights and reflecting on their actions and decisions. The film offers an exclusive account of the sum of their success and failures with overseeing Israel’s war on terror. “It is hard to imagine a movie about the Middle East that could be more timely, more painfully urgent, more challenging to conventional wisdom on all sides of the conflict.” – NY Times. April 18, Time: TBD, Criterion Cinemas, 86 Temple St., New Haven. $10

“Fill the Void” Directed by Rama Burshtein

Noa: In 2009, I represented Israel in the Eurovision song contest together with Mira Awad, a Palestinian-Israeli singer-songwriter. We sang in Hebrew, English and Arabic, a song I wrote called “There Must Be Another Way.” Millions viewed us. I got hundreds of letters from young people throughout the Arab world, saying we represented their hopes and dreams. It’s hard work, this peace business, and the results are not immediate but yes, every little act of love and good will makes a difference! SNH: Is there anything else you want people to know about you as a performer and an artist?

“The Other Son” Directed by Lorraine Levy

Lilti weaves together stunning home movie footage from the early years of Israel up until the late 70’s to offer a critical look at the history of the Jewish state, showing the birth of one nation and the exile of another from a complex Zionist perspective that reveals Israel’s tangled past. May 9, 7:30 p.m., Yale Univ. Whitney Humanities Center, 53 Wall St., New Haven. $10 Co-sponsored by the Joseph Slifka Center

This film explores the world of the Israeli Ultra-Orthodox community. When 18-year-old Shira’s sister dies in childbirth she is expected to marry her late sister’s husband. Shira will have to choose between her heart’s wish and her family duty. April 25, 7:30 p.m., Temple Beth David, 3 Main St., Cheshire. $10

Additional information will be available soon. Tickets will be available for purchase at jccnh.org or by calling (203) 387-2522 x300.


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Moss continued from page 1... Saskia Swenson Moss: You talk about your work as being based in tradition but at the same time being innovative and fresh. Some might see an inherent tension here. How do you achieve that balance?

ground in the work you do? I know when you work in a school you talk with everyone from maintenance staff to students to faculty, how do you help

Moss: The truth is that I work in a variety of medium, and much of that excitement comes in that diversity. I move from books to manuscripts to print to objects to architecture to gardens. I’ve covered a lot of things and I delight in each as I do them.

David Moss: Good Question. I am doing a print based on those themes right now. Let me give you a metaphor: You know what Tzitzit look like? Swenson Moss: Tzitzit, the specially knotted ritual strings worn by observant Jews?

Reviving the hand-done ketubah (Jewish marriage contract signed before the wedding) was an important part of my work. Because it involved hundreds of relationships with people at a joyous moment at their lives, I was able to glimpse into and create something special for each couple.

Moss: Right, so the idea of Tzitzit is that there are two parts to each fringe. Tied to the garment is the tightly knotted part. Its knots and loops are rigidly defined and fixed. That represents the fixed past, tradition. This solid inherited tradition is the foundation of religion, art, science, most any discipline. You need that firm basis in knowledge and structure to build on. Once you have that, the rest of the Tzitzit are free and flowing. After you pass the knotted part, the strings dance freely. What’s interesting is that that free part, which stands for creativity, ends up being at least twice as long as the bound part. That metaphor works in art as well. You have to put in work, build on the tradition, but eventually that structure is what allows you to be creative – and if you don’t first have that foundation in discipline, you will tend to have chaos. Swenson Moss: We are thrilled you will be spending a whole week in New Haven! We are a small but diverse community. What are some ways that you bridge differences or find common

sioned in 1980 by Richard Levy. Is the Haggadah your favorite creation or are there others that you feel more connected to?

The world of wood-working and furniture challenged me to create a unified, sculptural work. And the world of architecure has been extremely gratifying. To walk into a Jewish space that you have helped imagine and create from scratch is a totally different but wonderful experience. achieve a common vision? Moss: This has always amazed me about art, perhaps as opposed to other modalities. I have found, almost universally, that art bridges gaps in a really magical way. People get immersed in and excited by the artistic process and by art itself. It somehow brings them to a place where the differences don’t matter as much as the common goals. Swenson Moss: Your most notable work is the Moss Haggadah, commis-

Each aspect of my career, while different, is wonderful. The Haggadah was but one of these varied and wonderful opportunities. Swenson Moss: OK last question, this one might be the most important: Which daughter-in-law do you like the best? Moss: (Laughs) I’m going to have to get back to you on that one! For dates, times, locations, and other details of David Moss’ programs as well as all other Israel at 65 events, visit jccnh.org > Israel-at-65.

65 Years, 65 Visions Artwork of children in the Greater New Haven area will be featured in a project celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. “65 Years, 65 Visions” is a collaborative project that will unite different elements and observations by gathering students from several day and religious schools – including the Jewish High School, Yeladim Learning Center, Rosh Chodesh group, and Shabbat Friends programs – and presenting them with the opportunity to share their artistic impressions. Each participating group will be assigned to research a year in Israel’s history and creatively translate that year onto a blank canvas. The project is open to imagination and any materials can be used. The artwork will be displayed in the JCC Auditorium at the Israel Independence Day celebration on April 15, 2013. Family, friends and the greater community is welcome to see the beautiful interpretations of 65 years of Israeli life, culture and history.


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Foundation

Local Group Visits South America L’Dor v’Dor Senior Center,” said Lisa Stanger, Foundation Director. “Half of the residents receive financial assistance, the other half pay full fare. L’Dor V’Dor used to be a Jewish Both countries have multiple proorphanage, and today some of grams and instituthe donors are former orphans tions funded by The “it really from the original Jewish orphanAmerican Jewish Joint made us feel age. They were cared for by Distribution Committee strangers, now they give back (JDC) and World ORT part of the and support the center. It was overseas partners to global Jewish really a beautiful story.” the Jewish Federation. This past January, the Jewish Foundation led its first mission to the Jewish communities in Argentina and Uruguay.

community.” Twenty percent of the Jewish Members of the populations in Argentina and New Haven and Uruguay live below the poverty Hartford communities visited sites level and 93 percent of Jewish teens that included Asociación Mutual in Argentina attend an ORT school. Israelita Argentina (AMIA), the Jewish “It was important for our community Community Center in Buenos Aires that was bombed in 1994; L’Dor v’Dor to see first-hand how a Federation gift in New Haven helps Jews in Senior Center; the ORT School; and need, not just locally, but worldwide the Yavne Center, a community cen– it really made us feel part of the ter, in Montevideo. global Jewish community,” said a “One of the most memorable expemission participant. riences of the trip was visiting the

Got Story?

Mission participants visit the Holocaust memorial in Montevideo, Uruguay. Pictured: Lisa Stanger, Heni and Mark Schwartz, Barry and Hyla Vine, Susan and Jesse Samuels, Paulette Lehrer Bobrow and Sam Bobrow. Not pictured: Nanci and Craig Sklar.

Wanted: Ad Sales Rep!

Want to be the next Maureen Dowd, or Seymour Hersh? SNH’s needs you! We’re looking for talented, creative writers to join our fun and exciting team. Send writing samples and resumes to:

PRICE

Send resumes to:

shalomnh@jewishnewhaven.org

shalomnh@jewishnewhaven.org

PRODUCT

Are you energetic, enthusiastic, and a real go-getter? SNH is looking for an Ad Sales rep to join our fun and exciting team. Outside sales experience preferred.

TOTAL

PRODUCT

PRICE

TOTAL

Gefilte Fish — per piece Horseradish White – Red Chopped Liver Stuffed Cabbage (pkg of 3) Sweet & Sour Meatballs (dozen) Eggplant Marinara Gallon (serves 10–12) Chicken Soup Vegetable Soup Matzo Balls (large pkg of 6) Roast Glazed Chicken (large) Roast Prime Brisket w/Gravy Glazed Corned Beef First Cut Only Fresh Roast Turkey Breast w/Gravy Turkey Gravy Turkey – Large

2.75 3.00 1/2 pt 12.00 lb 18.00 pkg 15.00 pkg 40.00 8.00 qt 9.00 qt 9.00 pkg 16 20.00 lb 19.00 lb 18.00 lb 8.00 qt

Boneless Chicken Fingers Garlic & Herb Mashed Potatoes Potato Kugel Plum Kugel Apple Matzo Kugel Glazed Carrots Carrot Tzimmes Cole Slaw Oven Roasted Vegetables (serves 4) Seder Plate Horosis Large Passover Rolls (pkg of 6)

14.00 lb 7.00 pt 9.00 17.00 9.50 6.00 pt 8.50 pt 6.00 pt 15.00 10.00 6.00 1/2 pt 12.00

with matzo stuffing & gravy – 22–24# (serves 18)

130

1/4 Sheet Brownies (serves 12–14)

20

Turkey – Medium with matzo stuffing & gravy – 16–18# (serves 12)

Boneless Stuffed Chicken Breast (pkg of 2) Boneless Chicken Marsala (4 pieces)

105 20.00 pkg 18.00 pkg SUBTOTAL 1

Macaroons – Chocolate Dipped (14–16 pcs) Fresh Apple Cobbler w/Crumb Topping (serves 10) Chocolate Decadent Cake (serves 8–10) PLUS

See the Passover order form on the web at

www.abelcaterers.com page 10

16.00 lb 22 33 SUBTOTAL 2 SUBTOTAL 1 TOTAL 1&2 TAX TOTAL

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Programs

Westville Synagogue Community Brunch

Sunday, Mar. 3, 10-11:30 a.m. A community brunch sponsored by Westville Synagogue, Bikur Cholim, Yeshiva of New Haven Synagogue, and Young Israel to benefit YUTorah.org, Yeshiva University’s internet source for divrei Torah, and halachic and philosophical themes. Guest speaker: Rabbi Ozer Glickman, RIETS Rosh Yeshiva, and Professor at Y.U. Cardozo Law School.

Westville University

An educational initiative that offers dynamic high-level community programming reflecting our commitment to Jewish learning, history, culture, law, and the State of Israel. Sunday, Mar. 2, 7 p.m. The Irving and Shirley Kroopnick Memorial Lecture Dr. Moses Pava, Dean, Sy Sims School of Business Topic: Jewish Business Ethics: Halachic Standards in the 21st Century Co-sponsored by the Kroopnick Family and the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven

Tuesday, Mar. 19, 8 p.m. Rabbi Daniel Loew, Head of School, Hebrew High School of New England Topic: Ideas of 4’s and 5’s at the Seder Tuesday, Apr. 9, 8 p.m. Rabbi Marc Saperstein, George Washington University Topic: Medieval and Modern Jewish History: A Unique Approach Wednesday, Apr. 24, 8 p.m. Rabbi Fred Hyman, Westville Synagogue Topic: Complete Immersion in the Meaning of Mikvah Co-sponsored by the New Haven Mikvah All programs will be held at Westville Synagogue, 74 West Prospect St., New Haven. For more information, call 203 389-9513 or go to www.westvilleshul.org/

Westville Synagogue Recognizes Members with Community Service Awards The Westville Synagogue is proud of its many members who have made numerous contributions to the Greater New Haven community. Six of these individuals will be recognized at Westville’s annual spring gala on Sunday, May 5, 2013.

causes. Art is a past Chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council and a past President of Westville Synagogue. The Levys will be presented a Community Service Award.

Businessman/philanthropist Barry J. Vine will also receive a Community Service Award. A This year’s honorees lifelong resident of are Drs. Sharon and Greater New Haven, Joshua Hasbani. Barry’s generous philSharon, a psychiaanthropic efforts stem trist, served as the from his desire to give first female Board back to a community Chair for three years that helped his family and continues to in times of need. Barry head the Hospitality has touched hundreds Committee. Josh, a of lives with his work neurologist in practhrough Tower One/ tice with his father, Drs. Joshua and Sharon Hasbani Tower East and JCC Moshe, is currently Day Camps. serving as Shul President. Both Westville’s Young participate in many Leadership Award will activities while also be presented to Dr. parenting their four Tanya Fischer, a neuchildren. rologist who has reactivated the Sisterhood Dr. Arthur and Betty and serves on other Levy have also shul committees as made the most of well as the New Haven their many years Mikvah Society and in New Haven. Art Betty Levy and Dr. Arthur Levy the Chevra Kadisha. is an oncologist at A Tribute Book will be published in the Smilow Center of Yale-New Haven conjunction with the gala. To place Hospital, and Betty has a private law a greeting in the Tribute Book or to practice specializing in Social Security attend the dinner, contact Barbara disability benefits. Betty and Art have Zalesch at Barbzal918@aol.com. long been involved in social action

Beth Israel Synagogue “Sabbath Joy” with Folk Singer Rick Calvert

Co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven Friday, Apr. 19, 6:45 p.m. Beth Israel Synagogue in Wallingford welcomes back folk musician Rick Calvert for its annual “Sabbath Joy” program. Calvert is an award-winning singer/ songwriter and cantorial soloist/synagogue musician. His compositions and performances reflect his dual musical roots of acoustic folk and choral work. This event is open to the Jewish community. For more information, contact Beryl Bloch at (203) 949-0651 or BerylBloch@aol.com. Beth Israel Synagogue, 22 North Orchard St., Wallingford, CT.

Congregation B’nai Jacob Game Night

Saturday, Mar. 16, 8 p.m. Got Game? Test your wits in a battle of classic game shows. Compete in “The Price Is Right,” “Jeopardy,” “The Newlywed Game,” and “Card Sharks.” Games, raffles, auction and more! Snacks and signature drinks included. Cost is $54 per person. Register atbjgamenight.com by March 8. Cong. B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Rd., Woodbridge. For more information, call 203 389-2111 or log onto bnaijacob.org

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Temple Beth Sholom Community Second Passover Seder

Co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven Tuesday, Mar. 26, 5:45 p.m.

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Programs Westville Chabad Meaningful Community Seder Monday, Mar. 25

Temple Beth Sholom hosts a traditional seder consisting of a seven-course meal and a special Haggadah. For reservations, call (203) 288-7748 or tbsOffice@ tbsHamden.com

Enjoy our community seder featuring four cups of wine or grape juice, handmade round Shmura Matzah, delicious festive dinner and Hagadah readings in Hebrew and English with insights, stories and humor. RSVP to holidays@WestvilleChabad. com or (203) 389-8472.

6th Annual Ladies Night Out

Discount Matzah!

Thursday, Apr. 11, 7 p.m.

Join us for Temple Beth Sholom’s 6th annual Ladies Night Out featuring dozens of local vendors showcasing jewelry, artwork, handmade soaps, clothing, cosmetics, accessories, kitchen gadgets, home goods, stationery, children’s items, and much more! $10 admission includes refreshments, wine and a chance to win dozens of door prizes. Tickets at the door or in advance. For tickets and information, email ladiesnightout2013@gmail.com. Proceeds benefit Temple Beth Sholom’s K’Tanim Early Childhood Program. Temple Beth Sholom, 1809 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT.

Congregation Mishkan Israel Let’s Talk about Breast Cancer

Chabad of Westville is taking orders for either Israeli or American round, handmade Shmurah Matzah. It’s the closest you could get to what our ancestors ate when they left Egypt! Supply is limited. Order early. Email holidays@ WestvilleChabad.com or call (203) 389-8472.

Curious Tales of the Talmud: Finding Personal Meaning in the Legends of our Sages Tuesdays beginning Apr. 23, 7:30 – 9 p.m. (6 week program)

Everyone loves a good story. Knowing this, the sages of the Talmud used stories to encode messages about life that are far too deep and profound to communicate directly. This course decodes some of these extraordinary Talmudic mysteries. Davis Street Arts and Academic School, 35 Davis St., New Haven, CT. For more information, call (203) 606-9790 or visit MyJLI.com.

Sunday, Mar. 17, 10 a.m.

Congregation Mishkan Israel hosts a special program, “Let’s Talk about Breast Cancer.” Guest speakers Danielle Bonadies, MS, Dr. Nina Horowitz, Dr. Jeanne Steiner and Raffaella Zanuttini discuss the specific risks for some Jewish women, how decisions are made after diagnosis, and strategies to deal with emotional stress. The program is free and open to the community. For more information, call (203) 288-3877. Congregation Mishkan Israel, 785 Ridge Rd., Hamden.

Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont/ Chabad New Building Campaign Our congregation suffered a tremendous loss in October 2012 when a devastating fire destroyed our synagogue building, built in 1926. We have pledged to restore our historic structure to preserve the history and memories. We have architectural plans ready for restoration of our synagogue, a new lobby addition, and renovation of our social hall into a fully-functional, year-round Jewish center. A building campaign launch event was held in February to share plans for the new building with the wider community. We are grateful to all those through the Greater New Haven area who reached out to help after the fire. For more info on this project, please visit JewishMilford.com.

Lecture: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? Wednesday, Mar. 6, 7 p.m.

Where is G-d when tragedy strikes? Is there purpose in pain? In the aftermath of tragic events, we often find ourselves asking these questions. Especially in Connecticut, 2012 was a year marked with painful events. Renowned scholar and lecturer Rabbi Yosef Y. Jacobson will address these issues. Milford City Hall Auditorium, 110 River St., Milford, CT. Suggested donation: $15. Sponsor: $180.

Passover Seder Monday, Mar. 25

Enjoy delicious food, handmade Shmura Matzah, four cups of wine, Passover insights, and more. RSVP to Rabbi Schneur or Chanie Wilhelm at (203) 878-4569 or rabbi@JewishMilford.com or JewishMilford.com. Hyatt Place, 190 Old Gate Ln., Milford, CT. $36/Adult, $18/Child.

Rosh Chodesh Women’s Study Group Join the Rosh Chodesh study group each month for text-based study of the month’s kabbalistic energy. Women of all ages and backgrounds welcome. No membership necessary. For more info, contact Chanie at Chanie@JewishMilford. com or (203) 878-4569. Tuesday, Mar. 12, 7 p.m. Topic: A Jewish Approach to Effective Communication Tuesday, Apr. 9, 7 p.m. Topic: Bridging the Gap between Faith and Reason 163 Hillside Ave., Milford.

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Events

march Shabbat Friends Friday, Mar. 1| 11- 11:45 a.m.

A weekly interactive program for kids 6 years and younger and their parent/caregiver that features different educators from around the community. Location: JCC Family Room, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525 Contact: Saskia Swenson Moss, 203-387-2522, saskiasm@jccnh.org Jodi Picoult, “The Storyteller” Friday, Mar. 1| 11- 11:30 a.m. Jodi Picoult, author of NY Times bestsellers “Sing You Home” and “My Sister’s Keeper” talks about her newly-released “The Storyteller.” $35 Ticket price includes a copy of the book. Location: JCC Vine Auditorium, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525 Contact: DeDe Jacobs Komisar, 203-387-2522, dedek@jccnh.org Family Game Night Saturday, Mar. 2 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. Enjoy a night playing games with members. You bring the games, we provide the noshes. Location: Beth Israel Synagogue in Wallingford, 22 North Orchard St., Wallingford, CT 06492 Contact: Beryl Bloch, 203-949-0651, BerylBloch@aol.com Our Place Cafè Saturday, Mar. 2 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. Food and friendship at Our Place Cafè. Freshly made fries, falafel, donuts, local pizza (Cholav Yisroel) and cupcakes. Arts & crafts projects for kids. Location: Cong. Bikur Cholim Sheveth Achim, 112 Marvel Rd., New Haven, CT 06515 Contact: Susan Honeyman, 203-3874699, bikurcholim@comcast.net Jock Reynolds, “Sol LeWitt Drawings” Sunday, Mar. 3 | 1- 4 p.m. Co-sponsored by Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek and the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. Jock Reynolds, Director of the Yale University Art Gallery, will speak about the wall drawings of Sol LeWitt.

Women’s Network Event Dollars & Sense Tuesday, Mar. 12 | 5:30-8:30 p.m.

“Caberet at the Towers” – Jewish Family Service Annual Fundraiser Thursday, Mar. 28 | 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Gaylia Gichon to present insights on today’s financial climate and how women can take control of their money Location: JCC Library, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525

Featuring pianist Andrew Rubenoff, acclaimed singer Amber Edwards and more! A Kosher for Passover buffet dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. with entertainment to follow at 8 p.m.

Contact: Enid Groves, 203-387-2424, x267, egroves@jewishnewhaven.org

Location: Tower One Tower East, 18 Tower Ln., New Haven, CT 06519

The Outreach & Engagement Circle Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven Thursday, Mar. 14 | 7:30-8 p.m.

Contact: Rachel Dobin, (203) 389-5599 x109, rsdobin@jfsnh.org

Speaker Dr. Ralph Nurnberger. Contact: Stacey Trachten, 203-387-2424 x324, strachten@jewishnewhaven.org Shabbat Friends Friday, Mar. 15 | 11-11:45 a.m. Location: JCC Family Room, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525 Contact: Saskia Swenson Moss, 203-387-2522, saskiasm@jccnh.org Game Show Night at B’nai Jacob Saturday, Mar. 16 | 8- 11 p.m. An adult evening of great game show fun. Get a team and play and cheer.

Shabbat Friends Friday, Mar. 8 | 11- 11:45 a.m. Location: JCC Family Room, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525 Contact: Saskia Swenson Moss, 203-387-2522, saskiasm@jccnh.org

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Contact: Saskia Swenson Moss, 203-3872522, saskiasm@jccnh.org

april Jews and Broadway Thursday, Apr. 4 | 7:30-9 p.m.

Location: B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525 Contact: Adam Dworkin, 203-389-2111, adworkin@griffinhealth.org

Location: JCC Vine Auditorium, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525

The Jewish Genealogical Society of Connecticut Sunday, Mar. 17, 1:30 p.m. Biennial meeting. Also, West Hartford resident Ivan Backer details the escapes of his father, mother, older brother, and himself from Czechoslovakia in 1939. Ivan will read his mother’s dramatic description of her own journey that he recorded through an interview. For more see: www.jgsct-jewish-genealogy.org/programs.html Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield St., Middletown, CT. Shabbat Friends Friday, Mar. 22 | 11- 11:45 a.m. Location: JCC Family Room, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525 Contact: Saskia Swenson Moss, 203-387-2522, saskiasm@jccnh.org

Contact: DeDe Jacobs Komisar, 203-387-2522, dedek@jccnh.org Shabbat Friends Friday, Apr. 5| 11- 11:45 a.m. Location: JCC Family Room, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525 Contact: Saskia Swenson Moss, 203-387-2522, saskiasm@jccnh.org Yom Hashoah Commemoration Ceremony Sunday, Apr. 7| 4- 5:30 p.m.

Sabbath Joy with Folksinger Rick Calvert Friday, Apr. 19| 6:45-9:30 p.m. Beth Israel Synagogue welcomes folk musician Rick Calvert for its annual “Sabbath Joy” program. Event is open. Location: Beth Israel Synagogue, 22 North Orchard St., Wallingford, CT 06492 Contact: Beryl Bloch, 203-949-0651, BerylBloch@aol.com The Jewish Genealogical Society of Connecticut Sunday, Apr. 21, 1:30 p.m. Nolan Altman, Jewishgen Vice President of Data Acquisition, explains the many databases found on the Jewishgen website. These data sources include the Jewish Online World Burial Registry (JOWBR) and Holocaust databases. Other databases include those for historical vital records database for European, Middle Eastern, and Scandinavian countries. Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield St., Middletown, CT.

Gan Hayeled Children’s Fun Run & Fair

Sunday, Apr. 23| 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Gan Hayeled Early Childhood Center’s Fun Run & Fair featuring obstacle courses, Lag B’Omer activities, games and food. Location: Gan Hayeled Early Childhood Center, 75 Rimmon Rd., Woodbridge, CT Contact: Lana Gad, Director, 203-389-2111

Noa Wednesday, Apr. 24| 8- 8:30 p.m.

Contact: Anat Weiner, 203-387-2522, anatw@jccnh.org

Noa is one of Israel’s leading International concert and recording artist.

Shabbat Friends Friday, Apr. 12| 11- 11:45 a.m.

Location: Battell Chapel, Yale University, Corner of College and Elm Sts., New Haven, CT

Yom Hazikaron Israel’s Memorial Day Sunday, Apr. 14| 7- 8:30 p.m. Israel’s Memorial Day for the fallen soldiers and the victims of terror. Pesach Tuesday, Mar. 26 | 12 to 1:30 p.m.

Location: JCC Vine Auditorium, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525

6th Annual Second Night of Passover Tuesday, Mar. 26 | 6- 9:30 p.m.

Contact: Anat Weiner, 203-387-2522, anatw@jccnh.org

Beth Israel Synagogue will host the second night of Passover. Free. Open to the public, limited seating.

Yom Haatzmaut Celebration Monday, Apr. 15| 5:30 - 6 p.m.

Contact: Mimi Bloch, 203-949-0651, MimiBloch@aol.com

Contact: Saskia Swenson Moss, 203-387-2522, saskiasm@jccnh.org

Location: JCC Vine Auditorium, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525

Contact: Saskia Swenson Moss, 203-387-2522, saskiasm@jccnh.org

Location: Beth Israel Synagogue, 22 North Orchard St., Wallingford, CT 06492

Location: JCC Family Room, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525

Community-wide commemoration of the Holocaust.

Location: JCC Family Room, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525

Contact: Wendy, 860-526-8920, info@cbsrz.org

Location: Hebrew High School of New England, 300 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117

Location: JCC Family Room, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525

A talk with Michael Kantor, director of PBS documentary, exploring Jews on Broadway.

Location: Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St., New Haven, CT

Hebrew High School of New England Ladies’ Night Wednesday, Mar. 6 | 6- 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat Friends Friday, Mar. 29 | 11- 11:45 a.m.

Shabbat Friends Friday, Apr. 19| 11-11:45 a.m.

Community celebration of Israel 65th anniversary.

Contact: Anat Weiner, 203-387-2522, anatw@jccnh.org Shabbat Friends Friday, Apr. 26| 11- 11:45 a.m. Location: JCC Family Room, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525 Contact: Saskia Swenson Moss, 203-387-2522, saskiasm@jccnh.org Jewish High School of CT Annual Gala Sunday, Apr. 28 | 5- 9 p.m. Location: JHSC, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06896 Contact: Yonatan Yussman, 203-907-0055, info@jhsct.org

Location: JCC, 360 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525 Contact: Anat Weiner, 203-387-2522, anatw@jccnh.org

shalomnewhaven


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