Charleston Jewish Voice | Summer 2015 by Jewish Charleston

VOICE CHARLESTON JEWISH

WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR

PRSRT STD Charleston Jewish Federation U.S. POSTAGE PAID Albemarle Pointe Center JACKSONVILLE, FL 176 Croghan Spur Road, Suite 100 PERMIT NO. 2840 Charleston, SC 29407

FALL 2015

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID CALLAHAN, FL PERMIT NO. 4

W W W. J E W I S H C H A R L E S T O N . O R G A PUBLICATION OF THE CHARLESTON JEWISH FEDERATION

Join Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE) for Jewish culture, cuisine, entertainment and more as we celebrate the 175th Anniversary of our Historic Sanctuary at the Inaugural LOWCOUNTRY NOSH.

Sunday, October 11 â&#x20AC;¢ Noon - 4 pm 90 Hasell St., Charleston, SC

www.kkbe.org

CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S LETTER

•

This September marks the beginning of a new era as the Charleston Jewish Federation (CJF) moves to a new office space, precipitated by sale of the Jewish Community Center building. The JCC campus has been home to CJF for many years.

•

To begin this exciting transition, a Building Taskforce was formed to search for, select, and negotiate new space for the CJF. The taskforce consisted of a Charleston entrepreneur (Jan Lipov), three real estate professionals (Amanda Reeves, Ed Kronsberg, and Ellen Hoffman) and a real estate attorney (my wife, Ruth Goldberg). Working with Federation staff, the taskforce created a list of criteria for the new space. The Albemarle Point Center at 176 Croghan Spur Road, Suite 100, Charleston, SC 29407 met all the requirements. This 1st floor location, providing us with 1,956 square feet of office space, was previously the Piggly Wiggly Corporate Center. The list of criteria included: • Location easily accessible from all greater Charleston areas • Easy access for constituents, volunteers, and community partners • Offices for four full-time CJF employees • Confidential counseling space for the Charleston Jewish Family Services Director (CJFS) and space for the Kosher Food Pantry • Safe and secure building

Meeting space for the various programs, meetings, and training sessions Community space that can be used by the entire Jewish community

CJF was very fortunate that Amanda and Ruth donated their time and professional services. Amanda donated her commission, which means we will not be paying any rent through the end of 2015. Ruth did all the legal work pro bono so that we did not have to pay thousands of dollars in legal fees. The space needed only minor renovations, most of which are being paid for by the landlord. Moving forward, our rent and expenses will be funded through a combination of cost efficiencies, grant income, and through the Jewish community allocation process. Additionally, the new space will reduce Federation’s monthly overhead by 45% versus our current Jewish community allocation at the JCC building. The Federation staff and board are very excited about our new office and location. We look forward to welcoming you into our new home, our new Jewish community space! L’shana tova,

Harry Goldberg Charleston Jewish Federation President

CONTENTS President’s Letter & Contents ��02 CEO’s Letter ��03 High Holiday Greetings ��04 Charleston Jewish Family Services ��05 Kosher Food Pantry & JCRC-GC ��06 M. Kirshstein Award & Israel Education Fellowship ��07 Partnership2Gether ��08 The REMEMBER Program ��10 Allocations & Jewish Endowment Fund �� 11 2015 Annual Campaign �� 12 PJ Library �� 13 NAGID 360° ��14 Community News ��13-18 High Holiday Resource Guide ��20 Resource Guide �� 21

CJF MISSION STATEMENT To Build and Sustain Jewish Life in Charleston, Israel, and Around the World. FALL 2015

CHARLESTON JEWISH FEDERATION

FEDERATION 2015 BOARD MEMBERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chief Executive Officer Judi Corsaro CJF President Harry Goldberg CJF President Elect Stuart Tessler CJF Vice President Ellen Hoffman CJF Vice President Ava Kleinman CJF Vice President Michael Mills CJF Treasurer Suzanne Lynch CJF Secretary Eileen Chepenik Jewish Endowment Fund President Jan Pearlstine Lipov CJF Immediate Past President Spencer Lynch

BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE Aaron Engel Harold Fox Marilyn Hoffman Larry Kobrovsky

OUR NEW HOME IS YOUR NEW HOME

we have made Charleston our home.

By the time you read this article, the Charleston Jewish Federation will have left the JCC building, the place we have called home for the past 50+ years, and we’ll have already settled in to our new home at Ashley Pointe Center.

Our story, while special and unique to us, is an anecdote that has been shared by many here in Charleston. I have personally watched and experienced many Jewish journeys begin or be enriched at 1645 Raoul Wallenberg Boulevard.

While I am eager to get the Charleston Jewish Federation and Charleston Jewish Family Services established in their new home, I must say goodbye to a place that holds some of my most cherished memories. Addlestone Hebrew Academy and the JCC were my family’s first introduction into Jewish life in Charleston. My daughter Jessica had just turned five when we moved to Charleston, and her first Jewish experience was at Camp Baker. A few months later, I remember crying as I dropped her off for her first day of Kindergarten at AHA and watched her thrive over the next six years. That same year, at 18 months, my youngest daughter Alex started at AHA, where she spent the next ten years. We met all our closest lifelong friends through the JCC, AHA, and the Charleston Jewish Federation and so did our children. We were welcomed and embraced by our community, and our family’s level of involvement in the Jewish community increased and has continued throughout the 26 years

This is an exciting new chapter in Charleston’s Jewish history. Jewish Family Services and the Kosher Food Pantry will have the opportunity to expand their services and reach more in need from our new location. The Charleston Jewish Federation is excited to focus on our mission to build and sustain Jewish life here in Charleston, in Israel, and around the world and will continue to serve as a portal into Jewish life here in Charleston. Our space is available to the entire Jewish community for meetings, programs, and professional development opportunities. We look forward to working on behalf of Jewish Charleston and want you to know that OUR NEW HOME is YOUR NEW HOME. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy New Year.

Judi Corsaro CJF Chief Executive Officer

Edward Kronsberg Amanda Reeves Hilary Rieck Ilene Turbow

CHARLESTON JEWISH FEDERATION STAFF * Denotes Part-Time Judi Corsaro - Chief Executive Officer 843-614-6600 | judic@jewishcharleston.org Lori Hoch Stiefel - Senior Director of Communications & Community Engagement 843-614-6497 | lorihs@jewishcharleston.org

CHARLESTON JEWISH FEDERATION

Albemarle Pointe Center 176 Croghan Spur Road, Suite 100 Charleston, SC 29407 PHONE: 843-614-6600

Rebecca Leibowitz - Director of Strategic Initiatives 843-614-6484 | rebeccal@jewishcharleston.org Kelly Stellrecht - Development Director 843-614-6481 | kellys@jewishcharleston.org Vicki Schmidt - Accountant * 843-614-6481 | vickis@jewishcharleston.org

CHARLESTON JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES STAFF * Denotes Part-Time www.JewishCharleston.org TOGETHER WE DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

CHARLESTON JEWISH VOICE

Sara Sharnoff Chesley - Director of Charleston Jewish Family Services 843-614-6494 | saras@jewishcharleston.org Joan Herrman - Kosher Food Pantry Assistant * 843-614-6491 | joanh@jewishcharleston.org

HIGH HOLIDAY GREETINGS

rosh Hashanah Greetings

Rosh Hashanah is more than just a celebration. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about reflecting on our past year and resolving to be kinder and more generous in the New Year. As we approach Rosh Hashanah this year, we are asked to look inside ourselves, to review our actions from the past year, to ask what we can accomplish in the next. How can we make a difference in the world? What is important to me? Through the Charleston Jewish Federation, you are making an impact in our Jewish community here in Charleston and around the world by showing your commitment to tikkun olam. As we celebrate the Jewish New Year of 5776 together, we thank you for supporting our Jewish family and helping us live our Jewish values.

Tikkun Olam, repair the world ($500+)

Chesed, compassion and caring for others ($36+)

Harry & Ruth Goldberg Josh & Amanda Reeves

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Backer Robyn & Stephen Bagg David & Linda Cohen Judith Dandridge David & Julie Ellison Firetag Family Sally & Mickey Fischbein Harold Fox Leonard Goldberg Marion Goodman Sybil Kalinsky Lee & Allen Kaplan Charlot Karesh Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kronick & Family Rebecca Leibowitz & Aaron Engel Jan & Larry Lipov & Family Sandra Lipton Liz & Spencer Lynch Ellen & Harry Nadler Evelyn Needle Sandra & Howard Peskin Robin Rosen Mr. & Mrs. A. Arthur Rosenblum Sandra Lee Rosenblum Rabbi & Mrs. Robert Seigel Gina & Sam Shapiro David & Marlene Shulman Marcia & Harvey Spar

Shleimut, pursuit of wholeness through honorable actions ($250+) Joe Engel Rochelle Rutledge

Nedivot, generosity ($100+) Roger & Deane Ackerman Rabbis Stephanie Alexander & Aaron Sherman Jaclyn Berlinsky Leah Chase Judi & Ted Corsaro Janice & Ellis Kahn Ava & Bruce Kleinman Linda & Maurice Krawcheck Freida & Joe Sokol Sunny & Samuel Steinberg Stuart & Elaine Tessler

Paul & Patricia Sykes Stanley & Ijo Toporek Nathaniel Wallace

Tzedakah, charity ($18+) Sandi & Sandy Archambault Stephen Baumrind Carol Berlin H. Sandra Bregman Eileen & Stanley Chepenik Evelyn Engel Ann Epstein Sean Glassberg Sandy & Norma Goldberg Cynthia Greene Sandy & Gerry Katz Arthur & Rita Kurtz Martin & Adel Lazarus Carol Manheim Rosalyn Monat-Haller Courtney Toporek Miriam Wilchanovsky

FALL 2015

CHARLESTON JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES ENDING HOMELESSNESS FOR JEWISH FAMILIES As the New Year approaches, Charleston Jewish Family Services (CJFS) takes a look at what we have accomplished in the past year. One of our main initiatives in 2015 is to end homelessness for Jewish families in Charleston. Although we want to believe that this could not happen to a family in our community, the reality is that homelessness can affect anyone. When I was alerted to a Jewish mother and son who were living in an unsafe motel room in North Charleston, I called out to the community to help. I received dozens of emails and phone calls from people across the Lowcountry who were eager to assist me. Day after day people dropped off linens, kitchenware, electronics, and art to donate to the family. We even had large furniture donations to ensure the family had everything they needed for a peaceful home. Today this family lives in a beautiful apartment furnished by our community’s generous donations. For this family, Rosh Hashanah is bringing a renewed sense of comfort and peace, something that I wish for all our families. This story is one of many. While each case is unique, the solution is always the same: togetherness. I rely on the community’s support and donations to provide the best possible outcomes for Jewish families who may be facing the most challenging times of their lives. The best part of working for CJFS is knowing that when a family needs us, I have the entire Jewish community behind me to help. For this, I am forever grateful.

Are you: ÎÎ The main caregiver for an elderly parent? ÎÎ Stressed about juggling a household and children? ÎÎ Having conflict with a partner or other family members? ÎÎ A teen struggling with social anxiety or making friends in school? CJFS provides individual and family counseling to those in need of support and is guided by the Jewish values of tzedakah (justice) and tikkun olam (repairing the world.)

Connect With Us Today. To set up an appointment and learn more about our services, please contact Sara Sharnoff Chesley at 843-614-6494 or SaraS@JewishCharleston.org.

CHARLESTON JEWISH VOICE

The Charleston Jewish community is small but mighty, and together we do extraordinary things. L’Shana Tova, Sara Sharnoff Chesley, Director of CJFS

You may be eligible for an interest-free, needbased loan for your “last dollars” to attend undergrad, grad school, profressional and/or vocational school.

For more information, contact Sara Sharnoff Chesley at 843-614-6494 or saras@jewishcharleston.org

WWW.JELF.ORG

Charleston Jewish Family Services

We’ve Got Your Back

KOSHER FOOD PANTRY & JCRC-GC FROM FARM TO FOOD PANTRY By Sarah and David Myer

Providing for the needy is an essential part of Jewish teachings, and of the mission of the Jewish Federations of North America. So when the Charleston Jewish Federation opened the Kosher Food Pantry (KFP) in Charleston, we jumped at the opportunity to connect the pantry to local farms. It’s so easy to purchase extra groceries from the store and donate at one of the many drop-sites around the community, but we wanted to be involved at a deeper level. We knew that we could donate financially or tangibly, but we feel the connection is so much stronger when we’re the ones harvesting the food ourselves for others to enjoy.

Gleaning can be intergenerational; it brings together people across denominations and it speaks to two longstanding Jewish traditions – feeding others and helping those who are less fortunate. Please consider joining us in the fields in the coming months or supporting the Kosher Food Pantry in any way you are able to do so.

The biblical roots of gleaning stem from when farmers would leave the corners of the fields unharvested so that people in need could come and take what they needed. Now, when farmers have an overabundance they can’t pick, they allow volunteers to come in and harvest it to give to people in need. We have picked everything from heirloom tomatoes, cabbage, corn, beans, and some of the largest radishes we’ve ever seen! The fresh produce that KFP volunteers glean feeds the needy at the Federation pantry and others throughout the community. Gleaning for the KFP has been such a rewarding experience not only because of the harvest results, but because we’ve been able to meet people from across the Charleston Jewish community.

david and sarah myer

JEWISH CHARLESTON MAYORAL SUMMIT Monday, October 19th | 5:30 - 8:30 pm All candidates invited. Free and open to public. Event at the College of Charleston. Meet Charleston's mayoral candidates as they explore issues of relevance to Charleston residents and the Charleston Jewish community. GINNY DEERIN • WILLIAM DUDLEY GREGORIE • TOBY SMITH • LEON STAVRINAKIS • JOHN TECKLENBURG • PAUL TINKLER • MAURICE WASHINGTON Space is limited. To register, please visit www.jewishcharleston.org by Friday, October 9th. For more info, e-mail Rebecca Leibowitz at rebeccal@jewishcharleston.org Co-sponsored by the Charleston Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Charleston, and the Yaschik/ Arnold Jewish Studies Program at the College of Charleston.

FALL 2015

MAX KIRSHSTEIN AWARD & ISRAEL EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP $1,000 AVAILABLE FOR A CHARLESTON JEWISH TEEN! The annual “Max Kirshstein Community Youth Endowment Award” recognizes Charleston Jewish teenagers for outstanding community service. Now in its 6th year, the Kirshstein family honors their father Max through this annual award, whose own life exemplified extraordinary dedication to others. We honor our previous recipients: Sean Lynch, Jordan Kalik, and Shani Browdy, 2010; Blake Barnett, 2011; Ben Gilbert, 2012; Melanie Weintraub, 2013; and Alec Robinovitz, 2014. All Charleston area teens in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply to receive this $1,000 award. The process includes an application that shares with us how they serve the community in the same unselfish manner as Max Kirshstein did for so many years. All applications and recommendation letters should be submitted no later than Tuesday, November 20, 2015. The application requires written references from two or more teachers, advisors, or other supervisors who can attest to the student’s impact on the Charleston community. For more information, please contact Rebecca Leibowitz at rebeccal@jewishcharleston.org.

THE ISRAEL EDUCATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM HELPS LOCAL FAMILIES SEND THEIR CHILDREN ON MEANINGFUL TRIPS TO ISRAEL IEF is a community initiative jointly sponsored by BSBI Synagogue, the Charleston Jewish Federation, Congregation Dor Tikvah, KKBE, and Synagogue Emanu-El. Enrollment eligibility begins in the 3rd grade. • Parents put $200 into each child’s IEF fund for the first year of participation • The family’s synagogue matches the funds • CJF doubles the match 2-to-1 • Parents continue to put $100-$200 into their child’s IEF fund each year for up to seven years – a family’s contribution of up to $1,400 grows to matching funds of $5,600 • Funds can then be used toward an eligible Israel program, i.e. Young Judaea, BBYO, the Addlestone Hebrew Academy 8th grade trip, etc... Notes: Families must be in “good standing” at their participating synagogue in order to receive the synagogue match. Families must contribute a minimum of $100 to CJF’s Annual Campaign each year to be eligible for the 2-to-1 CJF match. Children must complete at least 20 hours of Judaic study each year in order to qualify for the program and submit academic forms each year. A family does not need to have synagogue membership to participate. To sign up, or if you have any questions about the initiative, please contact Kelly Stellrecht at KellyS@jewishcharleston.org or 843-614-6481. New applicants must sign up by October 30, 2015.

WORLD OF PEACE, WORLD OF LOVE By Zachary Hunter Gilbert

zach gilbert in nahal jilaboun

I’m home from three weeks of traveling and long plane rides, and I write to you, my friends, a changed man. With many thanks to the Israel Education Fund, I have seen Jerusalem, I have washed my feet in the Sea of Galilee, and I have been to the holy land of my religion. While in Israel, I discovered probably the most important lesson that I can. Arabs, Jews, Christians...we can all coexist together. We’re one in the same. It’s scary to believe, that we Americans, afraid of what the terrorists might do to us can’t do one simple job... Have you ever thought that maybe because of one crackpot group, we’re too scared to coexist?

This fear is something I confronted head on when I was praying Kabbalat Shabbat in Akko, where I heard the Muslim call to worship. I was startled. But then, I was told that this is beautiful because we have these neighbors, and five times daily, these neighbors say their prayers. This isn’t some war cry, as we Americans most likely see it. But rather... they are thanking their G-d, as best they can, for the life they were given, and the life that they live. This is important because, in a state where people are 25% non-Jewish, we see these people for who they are.

now, because they’re in the holy land.

What I also confronted on this trip, is G-d’s greatness. While entering the Kotel (Western Wall), I was approached by Chabad to put on T’fillin. I did, and when I put the Shin Dalet Yud on the wall, I was “thrown” into another world. A world of peace, a world of love. A world where Yitzhak Rabin’s goal was realized, and there was no war, no conflict... Just me, and a wall. I leaned forward, and kissed the wall. What a feeling. Connecting to THOUSANDS of people, all at different stages of life, but okay

I know that my BBYO trip to Israel was a once in a lifetime experience. I wish each of you could have this experience, and I hope to go there again one day. But, for now, I write this, and dwell on the experience I had and how wonderful it was. With that, I’ll say “until next time, Israel.”

I did realize the brotherhood of man and woman alike as we went to the Western Wall for Shabbat. I was praying alone, and then a group of men, dressed in white, ushered me into the group. We jumped, danced, and prayed to our hearts content. They hugged me, and called me brother. It was in this moment I was most thankful for the life I have been given by my parents, by my G-d. To be in the holy land and to experience such joy was amazing.

FALL 2015

PARTNERSHIP2GETHER CHARLESTON JEWISH FEDERATION OPENS DOORS BETWEEN ISRAEL AND THE CHARLESTON JEWISH COMMUNITY By Newt Klements and Eric Oser

summer helping out. It was quite moving. For the last part of our day, we were treated to a driving tour which included stops at critical locations and vantage points with commentary by our “guides” about the geopolitical situation facing Israel. The entire experience was truly special and reflected the essence of the P2G program – developing personal relationships between Israelis and Americans. HaMidrasha at Oranim is located on the campus of Oranim Teachers College in Tivon, Israel. Since its establishment 25 years ago, HaMidrasha seeks to promote the renewal of Jewish life in Israel. eric oser, newt klements

& the crew in hadera

Recently, as part of a larger Israel trip, we visited with two Israeli enterprises - the Hadera-Eiron Regional (H-E R) Council’s “Parnership2GETHER” (P2G) with which Charleston Jewish Federation (CJF) is actively involved, and “HaMidrasha” (meaning the “place of study”) which promotes Jewish renewal for Israelis and is also connected to Jewish Federations. The commonality of these two organizations and their programs is that they both bring together Israelis and Diaspora Jews, like us, to bond and support each other. As “Israelophiles” who have been to Israel many times, we were looking for a different Israel experience. Our visits with the P2G group and with the HaMidrasha folks met the bill and were highlights of our trip. Thanks to CJF and, in particular, to Ava Kleinman, for introducing us to these two organizations. Partnership2GETHER (P2G) is a program of the Jewish Agency for Israel. It provides a platform for building interpersonal bridges between Diaspora Jews and Israelis, based upon our shared Jewish identity. CJF recently re-joined nine other communities across the Southeastern United States to bond with the people of the Hadera-Eiron Region of Israel (H-E R) of Israel. Among the many opportunities, CJF is taking the lead in developing a young adult leadership program for joint study, leadership learning, and travel between Israel and the US, which will launch in fall 2015. The H-E R is situated about 25 miles north of Tel Aviv along the Mediterranean coast. It is a vibrant, growing, multi-cultural area. We spent a terrific day with Charleston’s P2G Israeli partners. Our principal Israeli hosts, Doron and Elisha, were hosted by us in Charleston, with great pleasure, this past March. During our day, we met several young Israelis who were part of an H-E R leadership development program. Some of these young people had participated in exchange visits where the Israelis and Americans hosted each other in their respective homes in the US and in Israel. The others we met were looking forward to their future turns to exchange visits with American teens. We were quite impressed with these young people. With Doron and Elisha, we also visited a unique institution, Neve Michael, where abused children, who have been removed by the courts from their homes, reside, are educated, receive counseling, and are otherwise cared for. It’s the only one of its kind in Israel. The director introduced us to Israeli young adults who are doing their national service and North Americans who volunteered to spend part of their

While surely connected to Israel - the state, and the land - many Israelis apparently do not feel similarly connected to their religion, but want to become more so. Through a number of interesting programs, HaMidrasha is addressing that desire. We met two very impressive young Israelis who were or had been participants in a “gap year” program, called “mechina” or “preparatory course,” for Israeli youth between their high school graduation and military or national service. Another exciting HaMidrasha program involves an annual hiking event, called “Encounters on the Israel Trail,” which brings together participants from across Israeli and Jewish society to experience nature, history, and dialogue. This program recently was honored with the prestigious Jerusalem Award for Israeli Unity. Raya and Yossi Ofner, founders of “Encounters on the Israel Trail,” were among those we met at HaMidrasha. Hiking the Israel Trail (similar to our Appalachian trail), which would be fun by itself, is enhanced by having the option of participating in learning and discussing texts along the way. While the entire hike is two months in duration (February to Passover), participants may join the hike at any point along the trail and spend as much or as little time as they choose. Participants, Israeli and others, range from children to seniors. This seems a great way to see Israel, to meet and spend quality time with the people of Israel, to learn from them and to bring them a Jewish prospective from the Diaspora. Our visits with H-E R and HaMidrasha were extremely worthwhile. They allowed us to further our connection to our warm and interesting Israeli hosts. They provided the “off the beaten path” experience we sought and insightful perspective on Israeli life today. Based on our experience, we strongly recommend that anyone from the Charleston Jewish community planning a visit to Israel, or who are otherwise interested, consider pursuing unique experiences such as these. For more information about these programs, or to start planning a visit to Israel that meet your specific interests, please contact Rebecca Leibowitz at RebeccaL@jewishcharleston.org.

FALL 2015

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FALL 2015

THE REMEMBER PROGRAM SAVE THE DATE: KRISTALLNACHT COMMEMORATION Of the 11 million innocent lives destroyed by the Holocaust, six million were Jewish and 1.5 million of those victims were children. Of the six million murdered Polish citizens, three million were Polish Jews and another three million were Polish Christians. Most of the remaining victims were from other countries including Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Ukraine, Russia, Holland, France, and even Germany. As a stone thrown into a pool creates unending ripples, the horror of the Holocaust continues to be felt beyond the survivors, their children, and their families. This year, the REMEMBER Program will uncover the many different voices and experiences through proclamations in city hall meetings, school presentations, the annual Creative Arts and Literature Competition, and two dynamic presentations with stories you have likely never heard. At our annual Kristallnacht commemoration, you’ll discover IBM’s involvement, directly and through its subsidiaries, in the Holocaust with award-winning, New York Times bestselling international investigative author, Edwin Black (www.edwinblack.com). Co-sponsored with JCC’s Jewish Bookfest, Edwin will discuss his book on Sunday, November 8th at 7pm at Synagogue Emanu-El, 5 Windsor Drive. At our annual Yom Hashoah ceremony, we will hear from Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger who will describe his struggle growing up in Germany in the shadow of his father, a highly-decorated WWII tank commander and Nazi officer. He eventually converted to Judaism, emigrated to Israel, and served in the Israel Defense Forces as a Medical Officer. He will share his unusual story on Wednesday, May 4th, 2016. You can learn more about him at www.bwollschlaeger.com. Charleston Jewish Federation’s REMEMBER Program is dedicated to educating about the horrors of the Holocaust, promoting the concept of mutual respect for all peoples, creating goodwill, and building community amongst all ethnicities in Charleston. Our hardworking committee is committed to inspiring people to take a stand for what is right, and we hope you will join us at all events this year. To get more involved in our programming or learn more, please contact Rebecca Leibowitz at rebeccal@jewishcharleston.org.

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FALL 2015

ALLOCATIONS & JEWISH ENDOWMENT FUND THE CHARLESTON JEWISH FEDERATION ANNOUNCES 2016 GRANTS The mission of the Charleston Jewish Federation (CJF) is to build and sustain Jewish life in Charleston, Israel, and around the world. CJF fulfills this mission by helping those in need, facilitating Jewish initiatives and events, and connecting the community. Local Jewish organizations are invited to apply for grant funding from the 2015 Annual Campaign cycle. Since 1950, CJF has been the trusted allocator of financial resources in Jewish Charleston. Requests for funding are for initiatives (existing or new) that benefit our local Jewish community. All requests must demonstrate NEED and COMMUNITY IMPACT. Requests for funding for general operational support will not be considered.

NEED: To be considered for a need-based grant, an organization must demonstrate a funding gap between what it costs to run the program and expected revenue to run the program. IMPACT: The committee will look for opportunities for collaborations among organizations along with programs that have a significant impact in the community. Organizations that received funding from the 2014 Annual Campaign are required to submit a grant follow up form so that we can ensure your Annual Campaign dollars were used effectively. For additional information or to request an application for your organization, e-mail Kelly Stellrecht, CJF Development Director, at kellys@jewishcharleston.org. Applications are due by 5:00pm on Monday, October 12th.

JEF HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO AWARD MORE THAN $80,000 IN 2016 Leaving a gift to charity in your estate is a common way for donors to build their legacy and support the non-profits they are most passionate about in one fell swoop. Thanks to their generosity, many organizations in our community benefit from permanent sources of support. However, the Stanley Farbstein Endowment has a different story to tell. Rather than fund a specific organization, Mr. Farbstein left an unrestricted gift of $1,988,457 to the Jewish Endowment Fund that will forever change the landscape of Jewish philanthropy in Charleston.

Jan thanks Mr. Farbstein for being a visionary in Jewish philanthropy as the inaugural grant cycle of the Stanley B. Farbstein Endowment kicks off this fall. “To have the vision that this group of people will honor his memory and make really educated decisions that forever impact our Jewish community – that takes trust.” We all join Jan in thanking Mr. Farbstein for that trust.

The Jewish Endowment Fund (JEF) is an affiliate foundation of both Coastal Community Foundation and Charleston Jewish Federation. Jointly managed by both institutions, JEF encourages donors to endow their support of Jewish causes, the Jewish community, and the Charleston Jewish Federation. In 2011, JEF founded a competitive grant program dedicated to funding Jewish causes, but a lack of funds led to a grant making hiatus from 2013-2014. Mr. Farbstein’s gift changed that completely – by pooling his gift with the existing program’s funds, JEF has the opportunity to award more than $80,000 this year alone. “By creating his legacy through this endowment, he will help preserve Jewish culture in the Lowcountry for generations to come,” explained Judi Corsaro, CEO of the Charleston Jewish Federation. The standout piece for Jan Pearlstine Lipov, Board Chair of JEF, is that it’s unrestricted. From her perspective, donors don’t always consider how new organizations will change the face of their most passionate causes decades from now. Leaving an unrestricted gift means that the funds will always be directed to the organizations best addressing those causes.

CHARLESTON JEWISH VOICE

stanley farbstein

CAMPAIGN 2015 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN The Annual Campaign of the Charleston Jewish Federation embodies the values and traditions of our Jewish community more than anything else we do. It says we will address a broad array of critical issues to see that no Jew in need is ever turned away. It is the focal point of giving which provides the unrestricted funding needed to answer the diverse Jewish needs in Charleston, Israel, and overseas. The Campaign supports a wealth of programs that strengthen Jewish identity and guarantee Jewish continuity by pumping much-needed dollars into our local and overseas partner agencies. Giving to the Annual Campaign provides YOU with the opportunity to touch – and improve – more Jewish lives than any individual donation can do alone. No other organization has the partnerships and the breadth to help more Jews here and around the world. No other organization has the deep expertise to work with its partner organizations on programming that creates the greatest impact in the community – whether that community is in West Ashley or in Ukraine. No other organization has the worldwide resources to bring to Charleston voices, opinions, and people that shape our Jewish world. No other organization responds to crises around the world to help Jews and non-Jews in life-threatening situations. Examples abound of the spirit of tikkun olam and Jewish responsibility that the Campaign kindles here and around the world. YOUR gift to the Campaign allows us to do more with a greater impact. When our resources are pooled together, we can accomplish more than any of us can do on our own. Consider these specific areas of funding, all supported by the Annual Campaign:

1 ESSENTIAL INITIATIVES RUN BY THE CHARLESTON JEWISH FEDERATION From PJ Library (ages 6 months to 8 years) to Nagid 360 (young professionals) to the Kosher Food Pantry (80% of clients are 65 or over), CJF fosters local initiatives for the Jewish community in Charleston at all stages of life.

2 LOCAL SYNAGOGUES AND JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH THE ALLOCATIONS PROCESS

The Annual Campaign allocates substantial funding to local synagogues and Jewish organizations in the Lowcountry. For the past 65 years, CJF has been the trusted allocator of financial resources in Jewish Charleston. CJF leverages our campaign dollars for specific initiatives at synagogues and local Jewish organizations.

3 INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS THROUGH OVERSEAS FUNDING CJF’s partner international organizations work around the world to support Jews in crisis, including during Israel’s Operation Protective Edge last summer, and currently in eastern Ukraine, where we are caring for Jewish refugees in Europe for the first time since World War II. Our partner organizations include the Jewish Agency for Israel, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, and World ORT. JUST LOOK AT WHAT YOUR DOLLARS CAN DO. TOGETHER WE CAN DO GREAT THINGS! THANK YOU TO OUR 712 DONORS (and counting) who have already made a pledge for the 2015 Annual Campaign! There’s still time to add your name to this list by making your pledge! Please call Kelly Stellrecht at 843-614-6481 to make your pledge or make a payment online at www.jewishcharleston.org. A list of donors will be printed in our next issue of the Voice.

FALL 2015

PJ LIBRARY PJ LIBRARY IN CHARLESTON IS EXPANDING IN TWO FABULOUS WAYS! PJ Library is growing to 8! The Charleston Jewish Federation is excited to announce that PJ Library® in Charleston is expanding and will now be available through children up to 8 years old. “We are so excited to expand the program,” says Lori Hoch Stiefel, Charleston PJ Library® Director. “The books for older kids are even more interesting and spark deeper conversations between parents and children.” When the program originally launched in 2007, it was only available through 7 years old. Children who have previously “aged out” of PJ Library after age 7 but have not yet reached their 9th birthday can re-enroll to enjoy their free monthly gift. Each month throughout North America, PJ Library® books are mailed as a gift of the local Jewish community to the homes of more than 130,000 children, ages six months through 8 years. Sending this gift offers a unique opportunity to identify and reach families otherwise unconnected to Jewish organizational life. In Charleston, PJ Library® goes into the homes of more than 280 children, thanks to the partnership of the Charleston Jewish Federation and local donors. The PJ books celebrate Jewish culture, values, and tradition, but their special power is drawn by how they are shared during a cherished family bedtime ritual (PJ, of course, comes from the pajamas worn at this tender time of day). Any time a PJ Library® book is read to a child, Jewish connections are being made. Parents and grandparents introduce children to the joys of Judaism while, in many cases, being reminded of their own heritage. “There’s no catch, no hidden agenda; the books are free and fun,” says Judi Corsaro, Federation’s CEO. “These are beautiful books that will enhance the Jewish life of any family with young children.” To enroll in the program, please visit www.pjlibrary.org.

We’re growing too! PJ Library in Charleston is now available for kids through age 8.

What is PJ Our Way? PJ Our Way is the newest chapter of PJ Library for kids ages 9-11. The pilot program launched in September 2014 in 10 communities and expanded to include nine summer camps in June 2015. Charleston has been selected to participate in the second cohort of this exclusive pilot program. The pilot is funded by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) in partnership with partner funders. How is PJ Our Way different from PJ Library? PJ Our Way is designed to meet the developmental needs of 9-11 year-olds by offering choice and creative outlets. Every month kids visit the website, www.pjourway.org, to choose one book from a selection of four high-quality titles with Jewish themes. Books are then mailed to kids’ homes. Kids can also post comments and reviews onto the website. Who is eligible for PJ Our Way? All 9-11 year-olds living in one of the pilot communities are eligible to sign up for PJ Our Way. Kids can sign up beginning on their 9th birthday until the day before their 12th birthday. All kids’ subscriptions remain active for at least one year. Each child, including siblings, enrolls separately. Geographic coverage areas are determined by each community’s PJ Library zip code list. How do kids sign up for PJ Our Way? Eligible kids can start enrolling for PJ Our Way in fall 2015 (an e-mail will be sent out announcing the enrollment date). Kids must sign up for PJ Our Way with a parent or guardian at www.pjourway.org. Enrollments are approved by PJ Our Way staff at HGF within 2-3 business days and then kids then receive a PJ Our Way book in the mail welcoming them to the program. In addition to receiving free books, are there other ways kids can get involved with PJ Our Way? PJ Our Way is more than just a book program! All members are encouraged to post reviews and comments directly to the website, and send video trailers and blog posts to us at info@pjourway.org. Kids can also apply to be on the national Design Team, which is a select group of PJ Our Way members who meet on a monthly basis via video conference to create content for the website under the supervision of National PJ Our Way Content and Program Coordinator, Saskia Swenson Moss, and supported by Teen Leader, Zachary Charlick (Design Team 2014). Charleston’s local design team will be launching soon, so please stay tuned for more details! For more information, please contact Lori Hoch Stiefel at lorihs@jewishcharleston.org. www.PJOurWay.org

CHARLESTON JEWISH VOICE

NAGID 360° NAGID 360°: THE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE OF THE CHARLESTON JEWISH COMMUNITY

NAGID 36 ˚

It is truly an exciting time for the future of the Charleston Jewish community. In the past few months alone, the Jewish Community Center has transitioned to a “Without Walls” model, Addlestone Hebrew Academy started the school year in a brand new building, and the Center for Jewish Life held a groundbreaking ceremony in Mount Pleasant. With so much transformation afoot, the time is optimal for reflection and strategic planning on how to engage the next generation of leaders. What are we going to need in our future leaders in order to be able to meet new challenges? What skills will be required to truly lead change in the Charleston Jewish community in the years to come? Earlier this year, a taskforce of passionate leaders gathered to grapple with the same question that every Jewish community across North America is asking themselves: how do we identify, enroll, and prepare the next generation of community leaders to direct the future of our Jewish community?

rebecca leibowitz

& ross appel

rachel turbow, ami abramson, natanya miller

& dan greenstein

The taskforce, which includes Michael Mills, Amanda Reeves, Debbie Rothschild, and Spencer Lynch, met with local Jewish organizations, including the synagogues, day and congregational schools, the Jewish Community Center, and local chapters of international Jewish agencies to begin to answer this question. As a result, NAGID 360°: The Leadership Institute of the Charleston Jewish Community, was born. Nagid is a Hebrew term meaning “prince” or “leader,” and true leadership and innovation can only happen when we take a 360° view of what’s going on around us. The vision of NAGID 360° is to create the space for the next generation to listen to the mosaic of experiences of members of the Charleston community, and ask themselves, “what do we want our legacy to be?” Eligible candidates in this inaugural class of NAGID 360° include young professionals who are seeking opportunities to grow from a leadership perspective, business perspective, Jewish communal perspective, and gain exposure to important role models and leaders in the community. Participants will also get a better sense of all of the Jewish institutions and become more articulate in how the Charleston Jewish community collaborates. The expectation is that upon graduation, the alumni will step up as leaders, addressing the challenges they uncover, and support communal leaders in ensuring a vibrant Jewish future.

michael shemtov

& rebecca leibowitz

jeff yurfest

& jason cofar

On Tuesday, August 11th, many young professionals gathered at Butcher & Bee to get a taste of what NAGID 360° will offer. They had a deep conversation with Michael Shemtov, the passionate entrepreneur and founder of Butcher & Bee, where they conversed about the challenges facing the Charleston Jewish community. This informational session about NAGID 360°, which officially begins in October 2015, provided the participants with a taste of they type of access they will receive, should they be selected to participate in the program’s first cohort. Over the duration of nine months, the first class of NAGID 360° will meet monthly with communal leaders. To learn more about the program, please visit www.nagid360.org.

melissa cofar

& judi corsaro

Thank you to the Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation for their critical funding support for this initiative. spencer lynch, jon steinberg

& mike mills FALL 2015

COMMUNITY NEWS ADDLESTONE HEBREW ACADEMY Addlestone Hebrew Academy begins a new era. For the first time in the history of the school, Addlestone Hebrew Academy will stand alone in its own home, in its own building. We are thrilled, excited, and humbled to be able to provide our excellent school program in a new building that will allow us to have technological tools that will connect our students globally in a space that promotes growth and learning. We invite you to visit Addlestone Hebrew Academy and learn about our school. Here are some thoughts to consider when thinking about our Jewish Day School. We offer small class sizes, nurturing environments, and positive peer groups, as well as an early second-language program. We pride ourselves on an academic experience steeped in the Jewish tradition of critical thinking and ethical behavior. From superior college preparatory programs to a variety of extra-curricular activities, there is truly something for everyone. Finding the “right fit” for your child takes time and thought. Choosing the right school for your child can be an overwhelming process. It is important to find a kind and nurturing environment that provides a strong academic setting. Making the choice requires investigating what truly matters to you and your family. Come and visit us at Addlestone Hebrew Academy and spend some time in our school to get to know us. Speak to current school parents and imagine your child and your family in our school. For older students: It is never too late. Day schools have increasingly found that their unique caring communities and educational opportunities resonate with families who might not have considered day school when their child first began school. Addlestone Hebrew Academy provides excellent programs to help new students acclimate to the immersive experience of day school. Year after year elementary and middle school students seamlessly make the transition from secular academic settings to Addlestone. In recent years it has been well documented that the largest influx of transfer students

CHARLESTON JEWISH VOICE

to Jewish day school occurs during the middle school years when families are seeking a more enriching and values-based academic experience for their emerging teens. The rigor of our school academic experience prepares our graduates to go on to successful high school careers at exclusive secular private schools, Jewish high schools, and public schools. Unique role models with lasting impact. What sets Addlestone Hebrew Academy apart are the role models—teachers and older students—who demonstrate how to be good people, able leaders, ambitious students, and strongly identified Jews. Students learn how Judaism can be a thread which weaves meaning and joy into the tapestry of their lives. With this strong foundation, day school students are given life-long tools to engage in the broader world with the confidence of knowing who they are and from where they have come. On behalf of Addlestone Hebrew Academy, have a happy and healthy new year. We look forward to your visit soon!

BBYO

At this time of year, the Jewish community is focused on reflection and renewal. For teens in BBYO, this is no different. This year, BBYO in Charleston is off to a great start! Since last year, BBYO celebrated its 90th anniversary and as we move into the 9th decade of our organization, our focus on serving our community couldn’t be stronger. This past year, we worked with teens from CHARLEY, USY, NCSY, and students from the College of Charleston to collect over 1,500 pounds of food for the Kosher Food Pantry, danced in a dance marathon where we collected jars of peanut butter and jelly and raised money for the American Lung Association, and went shopping for the Kosher Food Pantry, to just name a few events that we did where we gave back to our community. This year, we also added a new advisor to our BBYO team. Alexis Johns has joined on as Iris Baker BBG’s advisor. If you haven’t met her yet, she’s a wonderful addition and we are so excited to have her on board. For the 2015-2016 school year, five of our

Charleston teens have been elected to Council Board and are working to continue to grow Dixie Council BBYO. Congratulations to Alex Millman, Dixie Council Godol (President); Ben Berry, Dixie Council S’gan (Vice President); Zack Lutz, Dixie Council Shaliach (Jewish Heritage Vice President); Sophie Brams, Dixie Council Aym HaChaverot (Membership Vice President); and Margo Schwartz, Dixie Council Mazkirah (Membership Vice President). Our Council is partnering with Eastern Region to broaden the reach of our programming. This year, we will be having three conventions with Eastern Region and two conventions with Atlanta, one of which will include Cotton States Region and teens from a total of six states! Mark your calendars for our upcoming events: • October 16-18: New Member Weekend with Eastern Region • November 6-8: Southern Region Convention with Atlanta Council • Thursday, November 19th at 7pm: A SUPER SECRET, AMAZING EVENT (contact Tamar Sternfeld at tsternfeld@bbyo.org for more information) • November 20-22: Junior/Senior Weekend with Eastern Region All teens in grades 9-12 are invited to join and 8th graders are invited to join as early as January 1st of their 8th grade year. If you are interested in joining or for more information about BBG, contact Sara Sharnoff Chesley or Alexis Johns, Iris Baker Co-Advisors at alexisjohns819@ gmail.com and for more information about AZA, contact Greg Rothschild, CHAZA advisor at grothschild@tcfnmail.com.

BRITH SHOLOM BETH ISRAEL

As the summer slowly creeps to an end, BSBI is getting ready for an action packed fall with programming for the whole family. The past few months provided an opportunity for reflection and recreation, with changes to both

COMMUNITY NEWS our professional staff and lay leadership, and the energy is in the air at BSBI as we embark on a new year. The 10 women who journeyed to Israel in July on the JWRP trip have brought back with them a sense of renewal, which we hope will permeate the halls of BSBI as well as our greater community. The yeshiva students who joined us for two weeks inspired us and taught us, and the children of our congregation, a lot. Our new members have challenged us to set ever higher goals for our shul and aspirations for our community. This fall’s programs at BSBI focus on a simple message: The ancient wisdom of Judaism is timely, relevant, and adds value to our daily lives. Judaism has been around for a very long time, not because of Jewish guilt. Judaism lasts because it is real. It provides insight into every day life, strength in times of need and a sense of connection and belonging. We hope to both express and develop this theme in the coming months at BSBI. To that end, we will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah with explanatory learning sessions intertwined with our traditional services, as well as an Appletini Kiddush following services. After a long day of sitting in shul, you deserve an appletini! And yes, there will be apples and honey for the kids too. During the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah we will have Tashlich and Shofar at Brittlebank Park, and we will once again be joined by guest Chazzan Rabbi Elasar Admon. Sukkot is a time to be happy, and therefore on Thursday, October 1 join us for Pizza in the Hut at the home sukkah of Rabbi Moshe and Ariela Davis in downtown Charleston. Pizza, music, and entertainment for all. Join us for an evening under the stars with family, friends, and a retro outdoor movie. We look forward to seeing you soon!

CONGREGATION DOR TIKVAH

From the beginning, Congregation Dor Tikvah has prided itself on its focus on the future of the community – our youth. From weekly events such as the children joining together to lead the close of Shabbat services and our ever-popular Tot Shabbat program, to annual events such as Challah Baking for Rosh Hashanah, dancing and singing with the Torah at the end of Sukkot, and our family trip to the Columbia Zoo – we always have something going on for the kids.

that Shimon will be introducing to our already rich youth calendar. Some of the upcoming plans include enhanced Shabbat morning programs led by our teen youth leaders, teen leadership training, and increased holiday and social-educations activities. We especially look forward to your meeting the Hirschs and getting to gain from their presence here in Charleston. Make sure to check our website and announcements for youth events coming soon.

HADASSAH

And this year we’re taking it to a whole new level. We are excited to welcome Shimon Hirsch – together with his wife Meira and their daughters Tal and Tamar – to Charleston and the Congregation Dor Tikvah community! Shimon will be taking on the position of Youth Education and Programming Coordinator at Dor Tikvah. In this new role he will work to further enhance our existing youth program infrastructure and look to professionalize our efforts with the next generation of leaders in the community. Shimon and Meira are also joining the Judaic staff at Addlestone Hebrew Academy, another wonderful opportunity for them both to interact with our children on a regular basis. An easygoing and friendly educator, Shimon is experienced in planning and executing educational programs and activities that elevate the learner’s spiritual world. Shimon instills Jewish values in both formal and informal frameworks, strengthening his students’ connection to their Jewish identity. This past year Shimon and Meira taught at Yeshivat Noam, a Jewish day school in Northern New Jersey, and oversaw the Bnei Akiva youth program in Teaneck, New Jersey – one of the largest Modern Orthodox communities in the country. We look forward to the exciting programs

Hadassah has an outstanding reputation for our groundbreaking medical research. We were nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for treating patients of all ethnicities at our hospitals. We created and continue to sustain youth villages in Israel and support Young Judaea as a bridge to Jewish continuity. That may all read as “old news.” What’s new is how Hadassah is moving advocacy higher in our overall agenda. As we look towards this new year, we hope that our members, and not-yet-members, will join us in supporting these important platforms. With over 300,000 American women, our voices make a difference. Join us in advocating for the health and well-being of women. Put your Jewish values into action and help us build a healthier, safer, and more equitable world. Learn more about Hadassah’s domestic advocate agenda, and take action on a wide range of women’s health, reproductive rights, and economic security issues. What are these key issues? Gender Equity in Medical Research: A multitude of diseases are often misdiagnosed, or overlooked entirely, FALL 2015

COMMUNITY NEWS

in women because medical research, diagnostic tools, and treatments are frequently based on male physiology. Even animal and cellular research subjects are overwhelmingly more male than female. Women’s Preventative Health: Preventive health promotes wellness, disease prevention, and early detection – empowering women and men with knowledge to make appropriate and informed medical decisions for themselves and their families. Urge your Representatives to co-sponsor the Women’s Preventive Health Awareness Campaign. Learn more about how Hadassah promotes healthy living and be your best advocate! Human Trafficking: Tragically, slavery remains a modern day reality for an estimated 27 million people worldwide – including an epidemic of human trafficking within the United States. Urge your legislators to take action and contact your local chapter about local opportunities to help change these heartbreaking statistics. Affordable Child Care: Lack of access to quality, affordable child care is a major barrier to work-life balance and financial stability for women and families. In poorer families, child care can cost up to 55% of the family income. Tell your legislators that quality, affordable child care is a necessity.

YASCHIK/ARNOLD JEWISH STUDIES PROGRAM

The Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program is succeeding at becoming an integral component of the College of Charleston. Roughly 10% of this year’s non-resident incoming class (class of ‘19) identify themselves as Jewish; that is a very important demographic since out-of-state students provide a disproportionate share of the College’s tuition revenue. Additionally, many students decline the opportunity to provide a religious affiliation, so the 10% figure underestimates the out-of-state Jewish presence in the entering class. Of course, the happy reality of more Jews attending the

CHARLESTON JEWISH VOICE

College is that many of them will choose to make Charleston their home post-graduation, or will opt to move back here later in life.

KAHAL KADOSH BETH ELOHIM

The Program has also been successful in

institutionalizing staff positions that are unique to Jewish Studies: the College of Charleston has supported the creation of regular staff positions for Mark Swick as the Program’s Jewish Community Liaison, and for Helen Slucki as the Jewish Student Recruitment Counselor. Jewish Studies will still bear some of the expenses of their positions, but their positions with benefits are now an ongoing commitment of the College to the Program. Many thanks to the Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation for encouraging Jewish Studies to create these positions, and for funding them for many years. Jewish Studies would not be where it is without the Yaschik Foundation’s consistent and generous annual support. Jewish Studies is also moving forward in further strengthening our centers of academic excellence: Assistant Professor Shari Rabin will join with Dale Rosengarten to form the leadership team for the Pearlstine/Lipov Center for Southern Jewish Culture. That bodes well for the Center, as it has ambitious initiatives already under way. The kosher vegan/ vegetarian dining hall will be completed by November 2015, and is scheduled to open in the beginning of January 2016, in time for the second semester. That will be a real visible statement of the College’s investment in its Jewish Studies Program. It will be open to the public, so it will provide a new opportunity for town-gown interaction. Jewish Studies now has the faculty, staff, and physical space in place to propel the Program forward. As we approach the High Holidays we are afforded a time to reflect on what has made the Jewish Studies Program successful, and a chance to renew our efforts towards furthering that success. We will do so by emulating programming and academic offerings that have worked well, and aided by long-serving faculty and staff, as well as many new faces. Please join us as we continue to make Jewish Studies a fundamental program at the College. Best wishes from our family to yours for a sweet and healthy New Year.

Honoring our past and building for the future This year marks the 175th Anniversary of KKBE’s historic sanctuary, one of the finest examples of Greek revival architecture in Charleston. But our historic sanctuary does not mark our beginning. KKBE’s roots can be traced back to 1749. In those early years congregants met in private homes for worship. In 1792, construction of the largest and most impressive synagogue in the United States was commenced. It was dedicated two years later. This handsome, cupolated Georgian synagogue was destroyed in the great Charleston fire of 1838 and replaced in 1840 on the same Hasell Street site by the structure in use today. At its dedication, KKBE’s Reverend Gustavus Poznanski was moved to say, “this synagogue is our Temple, this city our Jerusalem, and this happy land our Palestine.” Shortly after the dedication of the new sanctuary, reforms began to be implemented, cementing KKBE as the first Reform Jewish congregation in the United States. How do we celebrate all of this history; 175 years in our sanctuary, 223 years at our current location, 1st Reform synagogue in the United States? By honoring our past and building for the future. We don’t take our history for granted and we are proud to show it off to the world, welcoming over 8,000 visitors a year. This year, we’d like to welcome a few more. To commemorate the 175th anniversary of our sanctuary, we will host the 1st Annual Lowcountry Nosh: Charleston’s Jewish Food and Heritage Festival on Sunday, October 11th from noon – 4:00pm on Hasell Street, adjacent to our Temple grounds. Please plan to join us for your favorite Jewish foods, entertainment, and activities. When we reflect on our history and its place in the American Jewish landscape, we are honored. We know that our history is not the only story we tell. Each day, through our

COMMUNITY NEWS members and our congregation’s relationships in the greater Charleston community, we are creating the next narrative for the history books. We plan on being a central location in Charleston for centuries to come, and we hope to see many members of the greater Charleston community join us as we take the next steps on our historic journey at Lowcountry Nosh!

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN In reflecting back on 2015, our section has begun to support NCJW’s latest initiative, which is human trafficking. In February, we had a very successful program, which informed our community about this issue. The presenters highlighted the fact that human trafficking is not primarily from abroad, but it is very much present in the Charleston area. CNN, as part of their Freedom Project Ending Modern Day Slavery, broadcasted a program about the human trafficking that takes place via the Atlanta airport which is a major hub for the south. Jada Pinkett Smith, who hosted the program, has taken on this issue. She actually learned about it from her daughter. Rescuing victims of human trafficking is a difficult process, but it does enable them to renew their lives and reflect upon how they can make changes. On November 22nd, 2015, NCJW Charleston Section will be sponsoring a fashion show to raise funds to support our causes. It will be held at Synagogue Emanu-el from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Lunch will be included in the $18.00

admission and there will be raffles galore. Affordables will be providing the fashions, plus there will be additional vendors. A percentage of the sales will go to NCJW, so ladies, come prepared to “shop till you drop.” In December, NCJW will be gift wrapping at Barnes & Noble in West Ashley. Our dates for this event are December 18th and December 24th. Donations from this event will be used to support our causes. Also in December, we will participate in Chaunkah in the Square. On February 22nd, 2016, we will have a community education program—topic and place are to be announced. May is the month for our annual meeting and paid up members’ event. This year, we plan to have a brunch at the Swamp Fox restaurant in the Francis Marion Hotel on Sunday, May 18th, 2016. As part of the program, we will reflect upon the accomplishments for the year, which for NCJW is July 1st through June 30th.

SYNAGOGUE EMANU-EL “Back to the Future” trilogy is my all-time favorite movie. The first trip took Marty, played by Michael J. Fox, back in time to see his parents at his current age. The sequel thrust us into the future, where Marty saw himself at his parents’ current age. The finale propelled us back into the 1800’s where Marty utilized all the lessons he learned in the earlier movies and a few new ones in the finale, which finally made him a better person with better decision-making skills. If we could go back in time and meet our former selves, what advice would we give ourselves? What changes would we have made back then, that would have a profound effect on us now? Obviously, we can’t go

back in time, but let’s take life’s lessons of old, so that we are all the better for it. “Reflection” is just like going back in time reviewing what you’ve done or didn’t do; anything that you’d change if you had the chance, people you would have been nicer to and some you would have gotten out of your lives. In hindsight is a phrase we use frequently. It means, “if I had known or had the knowledge.” I say take away hindsight and never use it again. Do we need hindsight to do the right thing, to make a difference in someone’s life, to treat people as we want to be treated, to exercise tikkun olam every day, to leave a person in a better state than the way we found them in? If you haven’t started already, let’s start now! Carpe Diem, seize the day! “Renewal” has a few definitions, but I like the “act of starting over again.” How wonderful it is to start anew, to hit the “reset” buttons of our lives, to make up for what was done incorrectly. Each new day brings this opportunity to reflect and renew. We are approaching the High Holidays. This brings an opportunity to reflect and make right what was done wrong and offer apologies if warranted. It is also a time to ring in the New Hebrew Year 5776 and offer penitential prayers! In reflecting and remembering Mother Emanu-El’s, and now all of the world’s, nine that were taken earlier in the year by a vicious act of violence, Synagogue Emanu-El continues to reflect and renew. A phenomenal example of reflecting, renewing, and making a positive change is being performed by COSY (Charleston Organized Synagogue Youth). Please join them in their goal to log 9,000 acts of kindness in memory of the nine lives taken in the Emanuel AME church shooting in Charleston. Each act is dedicated to one of the victims and you are encouraged to post your act to Facebook using #kindforthe9 to track the number of acts completed. Please consider posting your act of kindness and help us as we strive to use love to drive out hate and better our world.

FALL 2015

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FALL 2015

HIGH HOLIDAY RESOURCE GUIDE KAHAL KADOSH BETH ELOHIM (KKBE) www.kkbe.org ROSH HASHANAH SERVICES Sunday, September 13 Erev Rosh Hashanah | 8 pm Monday, September 14 Rosh Hashanah Service | 10:30 am* | At Memminger Auditorium, 56 Beaufain St. Family Service | 2:30 pm Shabbat Shuva, September 18 Tashlich Service | 7 pm | Location TBA. YOM KIPPUR SERVICES Tuesday, September 22 Kol Nidrei | 5:45 pm and 8:15 pm Wednesday, September 23 Yom Kippur Service | 10:30 am* | Memminger Auditorium, 56 Beaufain St. CHARLEY-led Yom Kippur for youth in grades 6—12 | Service 10:30am | Freudenberg Board Room Yom Kippur Panel Discussion | 1:45 pm | Freudenberg Board Room Family Service | 2:30 pm Afternoon Healing Service| 3:30 pm Yizkor and Ne’ilah Services| 4:30 pm | Break-the-Fast • Immediately Following *CHARLEY members will participate in our congregational services at 10:30 am CHABAD OF CHARLESTON AND THE LOWCOUNTRY www.southernspirit.org For service times and schedule and holiday programming please email info@ southernspirit.org or call 843-884-2323 BRITH SHOLOM BETH ISRAEL (BSBI) www.bsbisynagogue.com ROSH HASHANAH SERVICES Sunday, September 13 Mincha/Ma’ariv | 7:05 pm Monday, September 14 Shacharit | 7:45 am Sermon/Shofar | 10 am Appletini Kiddush | 1 pm Tashlich/Shofar | 5 pm | Brittlebank Park

Mincha/Ma’ariv | 7:05 pm

YOM KIPPUR SERVICES

Tuesday, September 15 Shacharit | 7:45 am Sermon/Shofar | 10 am Appletini Kiddush | 1 pm Mincha/Ma’ariv | 7:05 pm

Tuesday, September 22 Mincha | 4:00 pm Fast Begins | 6:56 pm Candle Lighting | 6:58 pm Kol Nidre* | 7 pm

Shabbat Shuva, September 19 Shacharit | 9 am Mincha/Ma’ariv | 6:40 pm

All Services Are Free Of Charge. All mid-day start times are approximate * Childcare available SYNAGOGUE EMANU-EL www.emanu-el.com ROSH HASHANAH SERVICES Sunday, September 13 Mincha/Maariv 7 pm Monday, September 14 Shacharit | 9 am Tashlich | 6 pm Mincha/Maariv 7 pm

Tuesday, September 15 Shacharit | 9 am Mincha/Maariv 7:15 pm

Tuesday, September 22 Mincha | 6:30 pm Kol Nidre | 6:45 pm

Shabbat Shuva, September 19 Danish and D’rash | 9 am Shacharit | 9:30 am YOM KIPPUR SERVICES

Wednesday, September 23 Shacharit | 9 am Mincha | 5:15 pm Neilah | 6:45 pm Break the Fast | 8 pm

FALL 2015

RESOURCE GUIDE Addlestone Hebrew Academy

Abby Levine info@addlestone.org | 843-571-1105 www.addlestone.org

BBYO

Tamar Sternfeld tsternfeld@bbyo.org | 843-619-3613 www.bbyo.org

Brith Sholom Beth Israel (BSBI, Orthodox) Rabbi Moshe Davis info@bsbisynagogue.org | 843-577-6599 www.bsbisynagogue.com

Chabad of Charleston and the Lowcountry Rabbi Yossi Refson info@southernspirit.org | 843-884-2323 www.southernspirit.org

Charleston Jewish Community Center (JCC) Daniel Stern daniels@charlestonjcc.org | 843-614-6482 www.charlestonjcc.org

Congregation Dor Tikvah (Orthodox) Rabbi Michael Davies info@dortikvah.org | 843-410-3230 www.dortikvah.org

Hadassah

Gail Snow | Ilene Turbow hadassahcharleston@gmail.com www.hadassah.org

Hebrew Benevolent Society

Norman Berlinsky normanb1e@knology.net | 843-556-3903

Hebrew Orphan Society Billy Olasov wolasov@bellsouth.net

Jewish Heritage Collection, College of Charleston Dale Rosengarten rosengartend@cofc.edu | 843-953-8028 | jhc.cofc.edu

Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina Marty Perlmutter jhssc@cofc.edu | 843-953-3918 www.jhssc.org

Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE, Reform) Rabbi Stephanie Alexander info@kkbe.org | 843-723-1090 www.kkbe.org

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Linda Chavis, lindachavis96@yahoo.com | Marsha Greenhill, mgbiblio@yahoo.com www.ncjwcharleston.org

Synagogue Emanu-El (Conservative)

Rabbi Adam Rosenbaum emanu-el@emanu-el.com | 843-571-3264 www.emanu-el.com

Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program, College of Charleston Marty Perlmutter jwst@cofc.edu | 843.953.5682 jewish.cofc.edu

Charleston Jewish Federation | Judi Corsaro | judic@jewishcharleston.org | 843-614-6480 | www.jewishcharleston.org Charleston Jewish Family Services

Sara Sharnoff Chesley saras@jewishcharleston.org | 843-614-6494 www.charlestonjfs.org

Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Charleston (JCRC-GC) Rebecca Leibowitz rebeccal@jewishcharleston.org | 843-614-6484

Kosher Food Pantry

PJ LibraryÂŽ

Charleston Jewish Voice

The REMEMBER Program

Israel Education Fellowship (IEF)

Shalom Baby

Israel Engagement Initiative

Young Adult Division (YAD)

Joan Herrman joanh@jewishcharleston.org | 843-614-6491 www.charlestonjfs.org Lori Hoch Stiefel lorihs@jewishcharleston.org | 843-614-6497 Kelly Stellrecht kellys@jewishcharleston.org | 843-614-6481 Rebecca Leibowitz rebeccal@jewishcharleston.org | 843-614-6484

Lori Hoch Stiefel lorihs@jewishcharleston.org | 843-614-6497 www.facebook.com/PJLibraryCharleston Rebecca Leibowitz rebeccal@jewishcharleston.org | 843-614-6484 Lori Hoch Stiefel lorihs@jewishcharleston.org | 843-614-6497 Rebecca Leibowitz rebeccal@jewishcharleston.org | 843-614-6484 FALL 2015

FALL 2015

Have a sweet year. And share what Rosh Hashanah means to you. #RoshHashanahPublix