Charleston Jewish Voice | Summer 2015 by Jewish Charleston

VOICE CHARLESTON JEWISH

SUMMER 2015

WE ARE ONE VOICE IN PRAYER AND LOVE

Charleston Jewish Federation 1645 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd. Charleston, SC 29407

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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

Wednesday, June 17 , 2015. Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Charleston, SC We Remember. th

Our hearts and prayers are with the families of the victims. We are all one family and when one house of worship is attacked, we all feel the sorrow. The Charleston Jewish community stands in solidarity with the Emanuel AME Church community, and the entire community, in prayer and in love. Please make your donation today. www.jfeds.org/prayforcharleston 100% of this donation will going directly to the Mother Emanuel Hope Fund.

www.JewishCharleston.org

CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S LETTER

and families move into their communities. This will ultimately benefit every Jewish organization in greater Charleston.

It is quite fitting that the theme for this issue of the Charleston Jewish Voice is “Vision for the Future.” Several major Federation initiatives certainly fit into that vision.

Mike is planning a Population and Demographic Study as part of our strategic planning efforts. This study will determine the current Jewish population of the greater Charleston area. It will also help all of us understand and anticipate geographic, age, and affiliation trends as they shape our community’s future.

By Harry Goldberg

The Federation Board has authorized a strategic planning initiative. Our goal is to develop a greater Charleston Jewish community vision and strategic plan, outlooking the next five to ten years. This is not just a Jewish Federation plan, but rather a plan facilitated by the Charleston Jewish Federation that will benefit all Jewish agencies, organizations, and synagogues in the greater Charleston area. Already, we are mobilizing the necessary resources. Mike Mills, Charleston Jewish Federation Board Vice President, is leading this effort. Mike is implementing a “block captain” concept, with leaders identified in each of the major communities that are served within the greater Charleston area. These block captains will be hosting a series of outreach sessions to understand and capture community requirements and views for our future. The block captains will also serve as a point of contact as Jewish singles

We also saw a “Vision for the Future” in the recent Lowcountry Giving Day. I know many of you followed the events of Tuesday, May 5th and this fabulous online giving opportunity run by the Coastal Community Foundation. We saw 179 organizations raise over $6,797,186.41 from 14,230 gifts in just 24 hours. We saw Charleston Jewish Family Services raise over $127,000 from 185 donors. We saw the generosity of The Pearlstine Family Fund and The Cohen Family Fund making it possible to double the impact for Jewish Family Services. And we saw the future of philanthropy in the Charleston Jewish community.

Harry Goldberg Charleston Jewish Federation President

CONTENTS President’s Letter & Contents ��02 CEO’s Letter ��03 JCRC-GC �� 04 Israel Engagement Initiative ��05 PJ Library �� 06 Charleston Jewish Family Services ��07 Kosher Food Pantry �� 08 2015 Annual Campaign �� 09-12 Community News ��13-17 Resource Guide ��18

CJF MISSION STATEMENT

To Build and Sustain Jewish Life in Charleston, Israel, and Around the World.

COVER IMAGE

Camp Baker 2015 by Lori Hoch Stiefel.

Happy 90th Birthday to Faye Olasov

Love, Your Children, Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren SUMMER 2015

CHARLESTON JEWISH FEDERATION OUR FAMILY STANDS WITH YOURS

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 Larry Freudenberg Marilyn Hoffman Larry Kobrovsky Edward Kronsberg Amanda Reeves Hilary Rieck Ilene Turbow

CHARLESTON JEWISH FEDERATION 1645 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd. Charleston, SC 29407-3507 PHONE: 843-614-6600 FAX: 843-556-6206

By Judi Corsaro

The tragedy at Emanuel AME Church on Wednesday, June 17 affected our entire Charleston community. A House of Worship must be a place of reverence, sanctity, and open to all in the community. This tragic incident has shaken the foundation of what it means to be secure. An attack on one House of Worship is an attack on us all. This tragedy left 9 people dead and a whole community affected, making it clear that as Jews we must stand united in solidarity with the community at large and take a stand on hate crimes. I am proud to say that the Charleston Jewish community united in solidarity. Every community organization issued statements of support; Rabbis spoke from the pulpit; Rabbi Stephanie Alexander played an active role in the Charleston-wide community vigil; and community members were proudly among the thousands of people amassed on the Ravenel Bridge in an awe-inspiring display of solidarity for the victims. Charleston Jewish Federation set up a fund that will go directly to help the families of the victims.

TOGETHER WE DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

CHARLESTON JEWISH VOICE

The Talmud in Berachot 5a teaches that when a tragedy occurs, we should look within ourselves and take an accounting of our deeds. This is especially true in terms of the mitzvot that we perform. The shooter is a barbarian; we are not. Fight the evil with humanity. Let us live more meaningful, more passionate, and more worthwhile lives in memory and in honor of Cynthia Hurd, 54, Rev Clementa Pinckney, 41, Rev Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, 45, Tywanza Sanders, 26, Ethel Lance, 70, Rev Depayne MiddletonDoctor, 49, Susie Jackson, 87, Rev Daniel Simmons Sr, 74, and Myra Thompson, 59. Our communal reflection on this tragedy will make us an even greater nation. Please consider making a donation to Charleston Jewish Federationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mother Emanuel Hope Fund, www.jfeds.org/prayforcharleston. 100% of your contribution will go directly to the fund.

Judi Corsaro CJF Chief Executive Officer

CHARLESTON JEWISH FEDERATION STAFF Full 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 Rebecca Leibowitz - Program Director 843-614-6484 | rebeccal@jewishcharleston.org Sara Sharnoff Chesley - Director of Charleston Jewish Family Services 843-614-6494 | saras@jewishcharleston.org Kelly Stellrecht - Development Director 843-614-6481 | kellys@jewishcharleston.org

Part Time

www.JewishCharleston.org

Donations have come in from far and wide, including South Carolina, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, California, Michigan, and Ohio (as of press time).

Joan Herrman - Administrative Assistant 843-614-6491 | joanh@jewishcharleston.org Vicki Schmidt - Accountant 843-614-6481 | vickis@jewishcharleston.org

JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL OF GREATER CHARLESTON MONITOR, DEFEND, EDUCATE, AN AMPLIFIED VOICE, POSITIVE COMMUNITY RELATIONS ANNOUNCING THE NEW JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL OF GREATER CHARLESTON It has been a very busy spring, and as the temperatures climb, a new organization has been heating up to serve JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL a critical purpose in a new of Greater Charleston world and energized with a An Arm of the Charleston Jewish Federation new mission. The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Charleston’s (JCRC-GC) Bylaws were approved by the Charleston Jewish Federation Executive Board to transform what was formerly the Jewish Community Relations Committee to a new and invigorated organization. Building on the foundation of those who have come before us, the JCRC-GC is energized to tackle the tough problems that we face as Jewish people, not just in Charleston but the Greater Charleston area. The Jewish community of Charleston is now located not only downtown and West Ashley but has expanded to many other areas, including Mount Pleasant, Kiawah, Seabrook, Sullivans Island, Isle of Palms, Summerville, and all areas of the Lowcountry that we are characterizing now as Greater Charleston. The purpose of the JCRC-GC is direct, clear, and concise - monitor and defend against anti-Semitism; educate the general public and media on our issues; serve as a voice of the

community by uniting our local synagogues and Jewish organizations, and to provide positive community relations through programming. The JCRC-GC is an arm of the Charleston Jewish Federation and operates with a Council composed of a Board of Directors and a Council comprised of the spiritual and lay leadership of the local constituent organizations. The Board has been selected and is busy developing consensus policy statements on issues like Iran, BDS, and the International Criminal Court. It is also working on programs and closely monitors the threats facing our Jewish community and beyond. We’re pleased to announce the Board of the new JCRC-GC: Larry Freudenberg, Council Chair Larry Kobrovsky, Council Chair Elect Brooks Fudenberg Ellen Hoffman Robert Rosen Stanley Chepenik

Eileen Chepenik Barbara Ellison, Life Member Judi Corsaro, CJF CEO Rebecca Leibowitz, CJF Program Director

We want to hear from you! To get involved and learn more about the programs and initiatives of the new JCRC-GC, please contact Rebecca Leibowitz at RebeccaL@jewishcharleston.org.

THE CHARLESTON JEWISH COMMUNITY TAKES ON NEW YORK, LEADS A PARADE When Ariela Davis of BSBI approached the Charleston Jewish Federation about coming together as a community to participate in the annual Celebrate Israel Parade in New York City, there were many questions about the feasibility. Among other logistical and financial considerations, New York is over 10 hours away by car. Yet we unified our efforts, and our community responded. Through a variety of methods, ranging from those who drove up Thursday and slept in Connecticut, to those who stayed in airport hotels, to those who flew up on Sunday morning, we were a group of 50 strong Charlestonians, united by a common love for Israel. The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, which organizes this annual parade, was so impressed by our commitment that we were the parade’s guests of honor, given the esteemed role of holding the opening banner and leading 40,000 participants down New York’s historic 5th Avenue along Central Park. The newly shlomi, maor and riki netanel, and marsha freudenberg invigorated Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Charleston was thrilled to be the organizers of our Charleston contingent, and was represented there by Larry Freudenberg and Rebecca Leibowitz. The JCRC-GC also provided yellow t-shirts for each of the Charleston participants so all of New York would know that we support Israel with our friends in New York. The parade started in 1965 as an impromptu walk for Israel. The theme this year was “Israel Imagines.” Israel is a light upon the world providing not only a haven for Jews from everywhere but the Jewish country provides so many positive technological and medical advancements that help everyone worldwide. Who could ever have imagined in 1948 when Israel’s first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel some accomplishments like these? Israel is ranked first in the world for total expenditure for research and development and business expenditures for research and development; second for information technology skills; and sixth for overall innovation. The cell phone was developed in Israel and Intel designs their cutting edge chip technology in Israel. Israel transformed a desert with scarce natural resources and under constant threats to a beautiful flower of hope for all Jews and non-Jews. Israel imagines and gives back so much to the world. A video of the entire parade can be seen at www.celebrateisraelny.org/parade-video/. SUMMER 2015

ISRAEL ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE VOICES OF ISRAEL: A COMMUNITY COLLABORATION According to Jewish tradition, “in the beginning, G-d created the heavens and the earth...and G-d said, ‘let there be light,’ and there was light.” Since that moment, voices have been the impetus for creation and change. Throughout history, we have learned the lesson of what a single voice can do to create intentional and positive change in society. Modern Israeli society is made up of a mosaic of people and ideas. Their different perspectives make Israel unique, and make its discourse informative and transformative. To examine any of the major issues or developments in Israel is interesting – indeed compelling for us as American Jews – to get a glimpse of the different components which together form the country’s uniquely Jewish social fabric. The Israel Engagement Initiative of Charleston Jewish Federation has developed the Voices of Israel series to help our community strengthen our own awareness and understanding of life in Israel today. We are so honored to partner with our community agencies to bring you this series of prominent voices that are making changes in modern Israeli society. In June, the series was launched at the JCC with Devorah Evron, Director of the Elga Stulman Women’s Institute of Jewish Studies at HaMidrasha, an award-winning beit midrash (study center) affiliated with Oranim Teachers College in the North of Israel. Devorah led a lively discussion about the complex situation regarding women in Israel today. One notable theme of the question-and-answer period was the

question of why the American Jewish community is such a valuable and critical partner in the voices that participate in Israel’s civic policies. We are grateful to Hadassah for their co-sponsorship of this event. Devorah’s presentation was just the beginning, as there will be several other dynamic voices in the Israel community, representing a spectrum of Jewish denominations, visiting Charleston in the coming months. So far, we will be co-sponsoring with Dor Tikvah, BSBI, Emanu-El, and KKBE. These collaborations represent a shift in how CJF approaches community programming; by focusing on partnerships around a greater theme, we will be reaching into many areas of our Jewish community and drawing on many different perspectives on issues affecting Israeli and Diaspora Jews. Our series continues in August, with the visit of Rabbi Uri Regev, President and CEO of Hiddush, speaking on “Promoting Pluralism in Israel,” on Friday and Saturday, August 28-29, at KKBE. For more information about the dynamic leaders that we are bringing to the Charleston Jewish community, please visit www.jewishcharleston.org or contact Rebecca Leibowitz at rebeccal@jewishcharleston.org.

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CHARLESTON JEWISH VOICE

PJ LIBRARY ENGAGING JEWISH FAMILIES, INVIGORATING JEWISH COMMUNITIES

PJ Library® is sparking Jewish life through books in the homes of young Jewish children and their families, who then are inspired to get involved in their Jewish community. The program, whose purpose is to secure a strong Jewish future, is made possible by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in partnership with other philanthropists and local Jewish communities, including Charleston. 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 260 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. Surveys show that PJ Library® inspires families to feel more Jewish and increase their Jewish traditions and practices. With their heightened Jewish identity, they are eager to connect with other young Jewish families. In Charleston, those connections are made during multiple PJ Library® programs offered each year in collaboration with the entire community. They include PJ Library® Books Alive, Pajama Havdalah, Tot Shabbat, Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration, and the Fall/Spring Fling; all foster relationships and help build community for families with young children. Through the simple gift of children’s books and music delivered to hundreds of thousands of families every month, PJ Library® has identified a new pathway to enhance Jewish identity, increase engagement in Jewish life, and contribute to a more vibrant North American Jewish community. Won’t you help us keep this transformative program alive in Charleston? By becoming a donor today, with your generous support, we can increase the number of families we reach and help inspire more Jewish connections. For more information, contact Lori Hoch Stiefel, Director of PJ Library® Charleston, at lorihs@jewishcharleston.org or 843-614-6497.

SUMMER 2015

CHARLESTON JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES WE DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO GIVE AND TIME TO GIVE BACK On Lowcountry Giving Day, donors gave over $6.7 million to 179 different non-profit organizations. This online event gave donors the opportunity to have double the impact thanks to matching funds provided by incentive donors. The Cohen family, Manuel (Manny) and Elinor and their grown children Harris and Kim, were one of those incentive donors. “We decided it was time for us to get involved,” Manny said. “We decided it was time to give and time to give back.” With the help of Steffanie Dohn and other staff at the Coastal Community Foundation, the Cohens chose organizations with missions they cared about to support with matching incentive funds on Giving Day. These organizations included Charleston Jewish Family Services, Addlestone Hebrew Academy, Chabad of Charleston and the Lowcountry, and approximately 20 other organizations.

We just thought it was the right thing to do, to step up to the plate. ~Manny Cohen

Manny hopes that his family’s contributions will help inspire others to give collectively, instead of relying only on a few individuals to lift the community. Harris added that the matching component of Giving Day was one of the reasons his family got involved, in order to help incentivize others to give, especially young people. Manny is inspired by the life of Simon Wiesenthal, a Jewish writer and architect who survived the Holocaust. Simon Wiesenthal dedicated

manny, elinor, and harris cohen

much of the rest of his life to gathering information about Nazi war criminals so that they could be brought to justice. Manny said knowing his story provides an inspiration to give generously to the community. Elinor explained that tzedakah and tikkun olam are important values that inspire the family to give and to help others. “When you give local, you see where your money goes,” she said. Elinor said they were initially surprised when they learned about the need for basic services offered by Charleston Jewish Family Services, like the Kosher Food Pantry and emergency financial assistance. “I had no idea that there is so much need in the Jewish community,” she said. We are so grateful for the support of the Cohens, who are helping to bring a stronger communal response to the growing need for help among the most vulnerable in our community. For more information about CJFS, please contact Director Sara Sharnoff Chesley at saras@jewishcharleston.org or 614-6494.

THANK YOU LOWCOUNTRY GIVING DAY Charleston Jewish Family Services (CJFS) was thrilled to be part of Lowcountry Giving Day on May 5th. Donations made to CJFS on Lowcountry Giving Day were matched, doubling the impact for Jewish families in need. CJFS is a program run by the Charleston Jewish Federation which provides free individual and family counseling, case management, direct emergency financial assistance, and runs the weekly Kosher Food Pantry.

Thank you to The Pearlstine Family Fund (Edwin, Susan, Jan and Larry) and The Cohen Family Fund (Manuel, Elinor, Kim and Harris) for making it possible for CJFS to participate.

The communal response on Lowcountry Giving Day shows our entire community’s commitment to helping all those in need. We are so proud that every synagogue and local Jewish organization had members who donated on Lowcountry Giving Day. Together we raised $125,325 from 185 donors (163 donors online and 22 donors prior to May 5th). On top of that, CJFS also received an additional incentive award of $2,500, sponsored by Palmetto Brewery, bringing our total to $127,825.

Linda chavis

CHARLESTON JEWISH VOICE

The money raised on Lowcountry Giving Day will not only support our existing initiatives, but we will also focus our efforts on eradicating homelessness for Jewish families in the lowcountry. While we have always provided short term relief for homeless Jewish families in the past, we hope to provide substantial resources for families that will enable long term housing security.

KOSHER FOOD PANTRY

BBYO

SYNAGOGUE EMANU-EL

THE KOSHER FOOD PANTRY’S FEED THE HUNGRY CAMPAIGN Since its creation in the Fall of 2011, the Charleston Jewish Community Kosher Food Pantry (KFP) has provided a Jewish communal response to hunger in our community and reflects our commitment to the Jewish values of tzedakah (justice) and tikkun olam (repair of the world) and to serving community members in need with kavod (respect). The KFP feeds an average of 40 families each week. The KFP is also the only food pantry in West Ashley. The KFP served 1,319 families in 2014, tripling the number served compared to the previous year. Food insecurity and need for assistance is escalating, and the Jewish community is responding. Our local synagogues, Jewish organizations, and community members rose to the challenge, and in the spring of 2015, the KFP launched the Feed the Hungry Campaign. The campaign matched ten local Jewish

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organizations with food banks and shelters across greater Charleston. By shopping on behalf of the KFP, the Jewish organizations were able to feed more families and educate the public about the Jewish community’s commitment to end hunger for all. Participating community organizations in the Kosher Food Pantry's Feed the Hungry Campaign: BBYO • Brith Sholom Beth Israel • Chabad of Charleston and the Lowcountry • Dor Tikvah • Hadassah • Jewish Student Union • Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim • National Council of Jewish Women • Synagogue Emanu-El • Young Adult Division Thank you to these volunteers for their commitment to tikkun olam and who helped feed those in need.

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SUMMER 2015

CAMPAIGN THE IMPACT OF YOUR DOLLARS: 2014 FUNDING FOR THE CHARLESTON JEWISH FEDERATION When you make a contribution to the Charleston Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign, your gift makes an impact locally, in Israel, and in dozens of countries around the world. If you participate in Jewish life, chances are that the Annual Campaign has helped fund your program. Your gift to the Annual Campaign is an investment in our community. The Annual Campaign supports Jewish life and Jewish education in Charleston, provides funding to Israel and our overseas partners, supports vulnerable populations through Charleston Jewish Family Services and the Kosher Food Pantry, and engages the next generation of our Jewish community.

18%

JEWISH LIFE* Coming Street Cemetery Community Strategic Plan & Demographic Study Congregation Dor Tikvah Connecting Jewish Women Jewish Community Center Jewish Endowment Fund Jewish Heritage Day at Riverdogs Kahol Kadosh Beth Elohim Shalom Baby

ENGAGEMENT BBYO Birthright Charleston Jews Hadassah – Camp Scholarships to Camp Judaea Holocaust Arts & Literature Competition Israel Education Fellowship PJ Library YAD

Shalom Charleston Synagogue Emanu-El The Charleston Jewish Voice

9.5%

ISRAEL & OVERSEAS** Israel Action Network Jewish Agency for Israel (JDC) Jewish Federations of North America Overseas Mission to Cuba Partnership2gether World ORT Yom Hazikaron Yom Ha’atzmaut

12%

JEWISH EDUCATION Addlestone Hebrew Academy – Tuition Assistance JELF (Jewish Education Loan Fund) Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Charleston Jewish Film Festival at the Terrace Movies with a Conscience Kristallnacht REMEMBER Program Yom HaShoah

6.5%

VULNERABLE POPULATIONS Charleston Jewish Family Services Case Management Counseling Emergency Financial Assistance (rent/ mortgage, heating, transportation, medical) Gleaning JCC Camp Baker Scholarships for Jewish Families Kosher Food Pantry Senior Transportation

16%

Building Support

10%

Administrative Costs

11%

FRD – Financial Resource Development

Campaign Shrinkage

Deficit Reduction

* All local Jewish organizations were invited to apply for grant funding. ** CJF raised $68,878.00 in addition to Annual Campaign funds through the Stop the Sirens Emergency Campaign for Israel and the Ukraine Emergency Assistance fund.

CHARLESTON JEWISH VOICE

CAMPAIGN 2015 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN Your generosity in 2014 helped build and strengthen our Jewish community. This year, we want to do more. Your generous contribution to the 2015 Annual Campaign will help us put our Jewish values of tzedakah and tikkun olam into action. Our goal is to raise $1 million before December 31, 2015. Will you join us? We are on our way â&#x20AC;&#x201C; over $762,000 has been raised through the Annual Campaign, tribute gifts, and targeted donations so far this year. Please join us and give generously! More funding raised in the Annual Campaign means CJF can allocate more money to community organizations and synagogues. More funding means we can feed more hungry families and provide more free counseling to those in need. More funding means we can provide more support to our Jewish family in Israel and dozens of other countries. Thank you to the 651 individuals who have already made their pledge for the 2015 Annual Campaign as of June 19, 2015. We hope you will take this opportunity to add your name to our list of donors.

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Joseph Fischbein Larry Freudenberg David Gilston William Golod Aaron Hyman Ram Kalus Bruce Kleinman Lawrence Kobrovsky Maurice Krawcheck Edward Kronsberg, II Jordan Lash Allan Lieberman Paul Lynch Bernard Mendelson Michael Mills Norman Nirenblatt Wilfred Novit David Pearlman Mark Pinosky Herbert Rosner Richard Silver Joseph Sokol A. Bernard Solomon Mark Yampolsky

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SUMMER 2015

COMMUNITY NEWS ADDLESTONE HEBREW ACADEMY Addlestone Hebrew Academy has always prided itself on its high standards and integrated curriculum. We are proud that our students have been given an educational grounding that has enabled them to excel in high school and college, and then in life. But when it comes to teaching, we are not willing just to rest on our laurels. We try to be on the forefront of new and exciting teaching philosophies. And with that in mind, we have agreed to adopt the new “STEAM” approach to integrated learning. We believe utilizing the STEAM approach will greatly enhance the educational opportunities available to your children at Addlestone. So, what exactly is STEAM? An acronym, STEAM signifies a new trend in education that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. STEAM is not a single teaching method. Rather, it is an overall approach to education that is quickly moving to the forefront as the most vibrant current education philosophy. Previously, schools like Addlestone that utilize progressive integrated learning have emphasized four of those five aspects: science, technology, engineering, and math, or “STEM.” And while the STEM approach has been successful, its focus was in building students’ skills requiring logical thinking in the scientific area. So as educators, we have been looking for something more. We wanted something that, in addition to exercising the left half of our students’ brains, also aided in the development of their entire brains. Much research and data has shown that activities in the arts, which use the right side of the brain, support and foster creativity. Creativity is essential to innovation. Obviously, applying art more broadly to education is not a new idea. However, presenting art and technology as equal is a new philosophy. Collaboration, trial and error, divergent thinking skills, dynamic problem solving, and perseverance are all skills that are fostered by the arts and can only enhance learning in the other areas. To this end, Addlestone Hebrew Academy will be partnering with the organization “Engaging Creative Minds” (ECM) for the next school year. Our purpose in forming the AHA/ECM

CHARLESTON JEWISH VOICE

partnership is to provide creative learning opportunities that encourage imagination and innovation to help students achieve academically, stay engaged in school, and succeed in life. ECM, in turn, will provide our students with access to outside persons and entities that will work with our students to enhance learning opportunities based on our curriculum standards. We believe that working with ECM will foster an even higher level of student engagement in learning, as well increase our capacity to engage with local organizations and individuals to deliver highly impactful learning opportunities to our students. Integrated learning and engagement is not new for Addlestone Hebrew Academy, but now our school will have even greater opportunities to engage with artists and scientists from the community at large. So, as we look forward to the new school year, we hope you join us in saying “Full STEAM Ahead.”

BBYO Charleston BBYO has had a very exciting and successful year! One highlight of the year was the pre-screening of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” for the international BBYO initiative, Hunger is Not a Game. Through this program, we collected 1,524 canned goods for the Kosher Food Pantry and we were able to bring together all of Jewish Charleston. Be on the lookout, because this event will be happening again this November with the release of the fourth and final movie, “Mockingjay Part 2”! Recently, CHAZA #143 and Iris Baker Ahava #1134 elected their new chapter boards. Congratulations to all of the new boards! Iris Baker’s new board members are Margo Schwartz as N’siah (president), Sophie Brams as S’ganit (programming vice president), Ellen Nirenblatt as Aym Ha-Chaverot (membership vice president), and Niki Berlinsky as Mazkirah/Gizborit (recording secretary and treasurer). CHAZA’s new board members are Alex Millman as Godol (president), Ben Berry as S’gan (programming vice president), and Zack Lutz as Mazkir/Gizbor (recording secretary and treasurer). Both of these boards have already been successful with multiple Charleston BBYO dinners, a MIT Kidnap, and a project with the Kosher Food Pantry

in which Iris Baker bought groceries and toiletries for a food bank in Varnville, SC. On May 9th, Charleston BBYO worked with NFTY to host a Dance Marathon, called PB & Jam, for the international BBYO initiative, Marathon Madness. Through this event we raised $160 for the American Lung Association and made peanut butter & jelly sandwiches for the homeless while taking a break from dancing. We had so much fun and are so grateful to OtherBrother Entertainment and Berry’s Wholesale for their generosity to help make this year’s JServe such a great event. We would like to thank our advisors, Greg Rothschild, Alexis Johns, and Sara Sharnoff Chesley for all of their support throughout this year. This coming year, we will focus on recruitment and programming. Both CHAZA and Iris Baker plan on having at least one event per month and we are actively recruiting new members. We hope to be very successful this year as we focus on growth and helping our community. As the oldest and largest pluralistic Jewish youth movement in the world, we are excited to welcome Jewish teens from all walks of Jewish life. Our biggest focus is to bring all of the Jewish teens of Charleston together for fun, meaningful experiences. Congratulations to the Charleston teens elected to Dixie Council’s 52nd Regional Board: Benjamin Berry, S’gan (Vice President) • Sophie Brams, Aym HaChaverot (Membership Vice President) • Zachary Lutz, Shaliach (Jewish Heritage Vice President) • Alex Millman, Godol (President) • Margo Schwartz, Mazkirah/ Gizborit (Secretary and Treasurer) For more information about BBYO, contact Tamar Sternfeld, Dixie Council Regional Director, at tsternfeld@bbyo.org.

BSBI

As the lazy summer days fast approach,

COMMUNITY NEWS nothing is slowing down at BSBI Synagogue. We have had the great fortune of a year filled with exciting programming, classes, and holiday parties, and this summer will set the stage for even bigger and better events at BSBI. We are in particular thankful to Rabbi Kivi and Emmy Attar,and Shlomi and Riki Netanel for spearheading much of our programming, and Rabbi Moshe and Ariela Davis and Larry and Joyce Haber, for their direction and leadership. One of the major themes of this year’s programs which will be carried into the coming year is Israel. Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people, and from ancient to modern times has acted like a glue to unite Jews of all walks of life. Continuing this theme into the summer, a group of women from across Charleston will be traveling to Israel in July with BSBI Rebbetzin Ariela Davis for an exhilarating 10 day trip sponsored by BSBI and the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project. They will be touring the country and engaging on a spiritual journey together. We are looking forward to the rejuvenation and inspiration that they will bring us upon their return to Charleston. Keep a look out for the next BSBI trip to Israel! As we look towards fall, we are hard at work planning our Holiday Programs. Due to popular demand, we will be returning to our explanatory Rosh Hashanah service this fall, with break-out classes by Rabbi Davis and Ariela and of course, an Appletini Kiddush following services. We hope to see everyone there – both those who join us every year, as well as those of you have never been to BSBI but are looking for an especially warm and meaningful way to start off the new year. Rosh Hashanah is also the time when we announce all of the programs and classes we plan to offer. If there’s a program or class you would like to see offered at BSBI this year, please e-mail Rabbi Davis at rabbidavis@bsbisynagogue.com to share your thoughts. Wishing you and your family a Happy and Healthy New Year from all of us at BSBI! Photo credit: Allen & Laney.

CHARLESTON JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

Welcome to summer from all of us at the JCC! Summer is an exciting time for our organization as our campus becomes a hub of activity, from the kids at Camp Baker to families joining us at the Pearlstine pool for the summer. The JCC enjoys being able to be a destination for families throughout the lowcountry looking for affordable safe summer fun! Camp Baker began on June 15th. Our theme this year is Around the Town! We have a lot of specialty camps available in addition to our daily curriculum. This year’s specialty camps include: Surf Camp from Charleston Surf Lessons, Lego Camp with Brick by Brick, Guitar Camp, Horseback Riding Camp, and Pottery Camp. We look forward to another year of Camp Baker and hope you can join us! The Pearlstine pool opened on May 25th. We are offering a summer membership package for families to come enjoy our pool for a very affordable price. The Starfish Swim team is currently practicing and began swimming meets in early June. Coach Brittany Fieldson has the team working hard and having fun! We are again offering private and group swim lessons led by our Aquatics manager Moshe Bielsky! We offer lessons for all ages and ability levels and have a teaching curriculum that can be tailored to those wanting to learn to swim or individuals wanting to learn advanced stroke swimming. Summer is an awesome time at the JCC. Our staff truly enjoys the opportunity to provide a fun and safe summer for all. We hope that you can join us for another successful summer!

DOR TIKVAH

On Sunday, April 26 Congregation Dor Tikvah, along with representatives from the leadership of BSBI Synagogue and Addlestone Hebrew Academy, had the tremendous opportunity to present the Orthodox Jewish Community of Charleston at the Orthodox Union’s Biennial Jewish Communities Home and Job Relocation Fair. We had been tirelessly working on preparing for this event for the last several months; work that included social media marketing, a promotional video, and visits to some of the major local companies offering employment opportunities. It was amazing to see over 50 Jewish communities from around the world sharing what they had to offer and why they felt that Jewish families should be relocating to their neck of the woods. There were cities from all across the US, and a handful of cities from Israel as well, who sent delegations to the fair, which took place at a tradeshow hall in midtown Manhattan. Around 2,000 people came through the doors of the Metropolitan West – it was quite an event. The most amazing piece of it all was that, for the six of us who travelled from Charleston, we recognized how great a community we have. We were awarded the number one spot on the floor, directly opposite the entry doors, which brought many of the participants straight to our booth. We must’ve collectively spoken to hundreds of individuals over the course of the day, but of all the people there, we walked away most affected by the experience. Charleston is a fantastic place to live, especially today. With the economic growth that is taking place, the great tourist industry that is continually voted number one in the country, and the number of people moving in daily – we have a great thing going. Add to it the friendly nature of our city, southern

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COMMUNITY NEWS hospitality, and the history and beauty of the lowcountry and you can’t go wrong. But that is all on the surface, and we go much deeper than that. Our Jewish community is such a special group where everyone can make a difference. We have so much to offer and this makes our future bright.

HADASSAH Hadassah has a new tagline... “Women who Do.” Hadassah believes in building a world where our Jewish values in action create a strong community and an enduring Israel. That’s why our entire focus is on connecting and empowering Jewish women to effect change. We’ve done this for over 100 years and we will do it for the next 100—advancing health and well-being, advocating for women, and building community in the US and Israel. We invite all Jewish women to join in—to put their values into action with us and through our programs. Hadassah women are smart, spirited, dynamic, effective, and committed to action. Hadassah women are not defined by age or occupation or geography. They are defined by a shared set of values that identify what is important to them, and guide the way they live their lives. Our research confirms that Hadassah women want to make a meaningful, handson difference in the world. They believe that ethics and values are an important expression of their Judaism. They care about women’s health, Israel, and social justice. Connecting with other Jewish women is a priority. Women join Hadassah for many reasons. They want a sense of community and shared purpose. They roll up their sleeves and make an impact. They are committed to Jewish continuity. They are concerned about the health and well-being of women young and old. They are passionate about Israel. For more information about Hadassah, go to www.Hadassah.org. There you can learn the latest that Hadassah is doing for women’s health and advocacy in Israel and the US, how we are keeping Hadassah medical center at the forefront of medicine in the Middle East and the world.

CHARLESTON JEWISH VOICE

If you are a member, be sure you are on the Charleston Chapter email list to get our monthly Byte-Size newsletter. Email HadassahCharleston@gmail.com to subscribe. To see a real story about how Hadassah touches lives, read about Gila Sibony—young, beautiful, deeply in love with her husband, and about to become a mother. Gila had everything to live for. One day, everything changed. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a bleed in her brain was threatening Gila’s life. She was rushed into surgery at Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem, Jerusalem. Please take a few minutes to watch her story. Go to www.Hadassah.org/ news-stories and search Gila Sibony. It will make you understand, more than any statistics could, just how much your support to Hadassah means, and just how vitally important it is to complete the Emergency Preparedness Unit, with its underground operating rooms and intensive care units, in the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower. Gila’s story has a happy ending, but it could have been otherwise. Thirteen state-of-the-art Operating Rooms stand ready to open in the Tower, but the surgical ICUs need to be completed first. Our extraordinary doctors, and patients like Gila, need the best equipment and resources we can give them. To speed the opening of the Emergency Preparedness Unit, please send a donation to Hadassah, either online at Hadassah.org or to our Chapter Treasurer, Ruth Oser at 4 Hobonny Lane, Charleston 29407.

YASCHIK/ARNOLD JEWISH STUDIES PROGRAM Yalchu mekhayil el khayil – they go from strength to strength (Psalms 84:8) Founded in 1984, the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program at the College of Charleston started from incredibly humble beginnings; the product of donors who wished to honor their parents’ commitment to philanthropy, Jewish values, and community involvement. From that point more than 30 years ago and with the unwavering support of the Charleston Jewish community, Jewish Studies has gone from strength to strength, with momentous milestones along the way. Today the Program encompasses academics,

with a Jewish Studies major and minor and more than a dozen courses offered each semester, Jewish student programming in the form of our JSU/Hillel, and robust community offerings, such as our Sunday morning lecture series, Chanukah in the Square, and A World of Jewish Culture at Piccolo Spoleto. Just as we take pride in the present, though, so too do we look to the future and challenge ourselves, asking “what’s next?” The most obvious answer is Jewish Studies’ forthcoming kosher/vegetarian dining hall, which was the focus of our spring 2015 Charleston Jewish Voice article. Our goal in creating a dining hall was above all to offer kosher options to our student body and community members, but also to create a space that recognizes the great power and importance of food in bringing people together and creating a true sense of place and community. The dining hall will offer meals which are healthy, sustainable, and kosher, and will be available on the student meal plan, as well as offered to community members a-la-carte. The future will also see the continued aggressive recruitment of Jewish students to the College, an effort led by Jewish Student Recruitment Counselor Helen Slucki. The Recruitment Counselor position was first filled three years ago, and since then the Program has taken giant steps to professionalize our recruitment efforts, foremost by partnering with the College’s Office of Admissions. The College is now on the map as a vibrant home for Jewish students, and happily many of those students leave their mark on the local Jewish community, or choose to make Charleston their home post-graduation. Finally, Jewish Studies’ diverse offerings would not exist at all were it not for our centers of academic excellence: the Zucker/Goldberg Center for Holocaust Studies and, notably, the Pearlstine/Lipov Center for Southern Jewish Culture, which will build upon Charleston’s rich Jewish history as well as the successes of the Jewish Heritage Collection and the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina to promote teaching, research, and publication about the culture and history of Southern Jews. Jewish Studies’ future is promising, and we invite each of you to join with us in creating and celebrating what is yet to come. Together, may

COMMUNITY NEWS we continue to go from strength to strength.

KAHAL KADOSH BETH ELOHIM With roots firmly planted in the past and eyes squarely focused on the future, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim looks forward to its 267th year of existence with anticipation. KKBE’s Congregation has nearly doubled in size in the last 12 years, and is now home to roughly 1,200 individual members. With that growth has come a need to reexamine our governance structures and financial model to insure the sustainability of our community for the next 266 years. On May 17, 2015, we installed a new Board of Trustees and new Executive Officers, and they have very exciting plans for our future. For the last two years we have engaged in a process of critical self-examination, and in 2015-16, we will begin implementing new ideas, both big and small, to build upon the successes of the past. We believe there are many opportunities for exciting outreach and collaboration with the larger Charleston community. Among the most exciting of these opportunities is a new event that will highlight the long history of KKBE and the Jewish community in Charleston. In honor of the 175th anniversary of our historic, Greek Revival style sanctuary building, KKBE will host the inaugural Charleston Jewish Food and Heritage Festival on October 11, 2015. Building on 66 years of successful KKBE Sisterhood Bazaars, we will be moving the party outside to our Temple grounds and adjacent Hasell Street, expanding the menu of fine Jewish delicacies available, and adding entertainment by various Jewish artists. We hope you will come explore our historic sanctuary, built in 1840 after our first synagogue building was lost in the great fire of 1838, and home to Reform Jewish practice since 1841. Come celebrate the birthplace of Reform Judaism in the United States, and learn about the history of Jews in Charleston – a history dating back to 1695 – and the important role Jews have played in the development and success of our historic city. Home to the largest Jewish population in the United States until about 1820, Charleston has always embraced the Jewish people, and on October 11, we want to return that embrace.

In what we hope will become an annual event, we invite you all to dance the Hora on Hasell. Nosh on the best pastrami and corned beef sandwiches you’ll find in town, and enjoy favorites like rolled cabbage, chopped liver, and matzo ball soup prepared by our congregants, along with delicacies imported from New York and elsewhere. Enjoy a beautiful fall day with friends and family, and share your love of all things Jewish with the larger Charleston community. I hope to see you there. Ben Glass, President

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN NCJW is a future driven organization. Its trademarked slogan reads: National Council of Jewish Women. A FAITH IN THE FUTURE. A BELIEF IN ACTION. This quote from their website further defines their purpose: “For over a century, NCJW has been at the forefront of social change. NCJW members and supporters are outspoken champions for progressive policies at the federal, state, and local levels. Over the years, NCJW’s collective voice has changed the world for the better—impacting the lives of women, children, and families in the US and Israel.” For the past ten years, Charleston Section of NCJW has focused its efforts on educating our community and on a larger scope, our state, about the signs of domestic violence. We were truly on the forefront of this issue, which now may see fruition with passage of a domestic violence law that will protect domestic violence victims in the state of South Carolina. We developed an award-winning poster that lists signs of an abuser and help numbers for victims to call. There are male and female versions of the poster, which is available in either English or Spanish. We were fortunate to receive a state grant that enabled us to produce a large quantity of posters for distribution. They are posted in businesses, churches, public buildings, and they are on the state education website for school guidance counselors to access. We plan to continue this effort. NCJW Charleston Section plans to continue fighting domestic violence in our community. We have proven our support by donating $30,000.00 to fund a room in the expansion of My Sister’s House,

the safe house for the tri-county area. Governor Haley has convened a task force on Criminal Domestic Violence to study the problem of domestic violence in South Carolina. Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Director Taylor, who is chair of the task force’s Community Division, is charged with gathering information on what training, if any, is available to each community in the state. We plan to tell him about our posters. The Post and Courier’s Pulitzer Prize winning series “Till Death Do Us Part” on domestic violence finally forced the South Carolina legislature to act rather than delay action on a domestic violence bill. South Carolina still ranks number one in deaths from domestic violence. We have lost over 343 women to domestic violence since 2005. Over one-third were age 50 or older, so it is not a youth phenomena. Twothirds of the women were killed by a gun. In February of 2015, we sponsored an education program on human trafficking. Over 250 persons attended. We were able to raise funds for Doors to Freedom, which is a rescue home for victims of human trafficking located in Summerville. We hope to continue to support this effort as well. Watch for future NCJW fundraising events that will help to support our concerns.

SYNAGOGUE EMANU-EL Looking to the future. We here at EmanuEl give an exuberant welcome to our new board! We thank the past, current, and new members of our board. We are excited about the energy and awesome ideas that our new members bring to the table! They come from various backgrounds and nationalities. We have IT experts, sales and marketing gurus, a physiologist, an attorney, grant writers, and much more! With the talents of our current board and these new newcomers, Emanu-El continues to strive to connect members of the Jewish and non-Jewish community to Judaism. Our various events have brought in over-thetop attendance numbers exceeding our goals! We continue to strive to inspire and educate Jews of all ages with our Purim event, various Friday Night Live programs, staggered times for Friday Night Shabbat services, Got and Tot Shabbat services, Sukkot Pot Luck Event,

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COMMUNITY NEWS and our sacred High Holiday Services! It is never a dull moment here at Emanu-El, the synagogue that is ever-evolving! The board and members of Emanu-El are extremely excited about where our Synagogue is headed. We continue to be an open, welcoming congregation that encourages new and refreshing ideas and incorporate these ideas into meaningful, inspiring conversations and events geared

toward building a stronger, more vibrant community. Come, wander no more, be a part of synagogue Emanu-El’s future, where there’s never a dull moment! “Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else’s hands, but not you.” ~Jim Rohn

Join us for our Summer Sale!

SUMMER 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

Sharon Hox | Ilene Turbow | Sandi Archambault hadassahcharleston@gmail.com www.hadassah.org

Hebrew Benevolent Society

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

Hebrew Orphan Society

Dr. Alan Nussbaum alan.nussbaum@gmail.com

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 Krawcheck lkrawcheck@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 | 843-614-6600 | 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 Library速

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

SUMMER 2015