Jewish Journal, Vol. 20, Issue 16, March 17, 2011

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Vol 35, No 16

march 17, 2011 – 11 adar II, 5771

Rubbing Elbows With the Senator

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Dignitaries Meet in Israel

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LOCAL NEWS

J-Street Takes Heat Boston delegates attend controversial conference

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Buy Israel Day

To counteract a planned boycott, purchase Israeli-made products 2 on March 30 Courtesy of Jewish War Veterans

Jewish War Veterans Past National Commander Ira Novoselsky of Revere (left) and JWV North Shore Post 220 Commander Barry Lischinsky of Beverly (right) recently met with Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown in Washington, D.C. to discuss veterans’ issues. In the mid1980’s, Novoselsky and Lischinsky served with Sen. Brown in the 26th (YANKEE) Infantry Division. After the meeting, they presented Brown with a copy of the Journal. For more “Globetrotting with the Journal” photos, see page 6.

POLITICS Photo courtesty of Mark Naiman, Israeli Government Press Office

Governor Deval Patrick meets with Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Amy Sessler Powell Jewish Journal Staff

massachusetts — Governor Deval Patrick and members of his delegation met with Israeli President Shimon Peres on March

10 and discussed a range of issues, including the role of the Jewish community in the Diaspora and Israeli innovation.

Mitchell Barak, foreign media coordinator for Peres, said the

Jewish Journal Staff

N E W BU RY P O RT — After a strategic planning process and far-reaching rabbinical search, Congregation Ahavas Achim has hired Rabbi Avi Poupko, who is currently working in Israel but has roots in the region.

A third generation rabbi who hails from Montreal, Rabbi Avi begins his post on August 1, said Ronald Pressler, Congregation president.

“We are very excited. He is warm and genuine, and obviously grew up in a family full of love.

His energy just percolates to the surface,” Pressler said.

Now working as a rabbi for an egalitarian minyan in Jerusalem, Rabbi Avi also spent three years

Susan Jacobs

Kate Luchini (left) and Jansi Chandler have launched the Legacies of Lynn exhibit at the Lynn Museum.

Jewish Families Figure Prominently in Lynn Museum Exhibit Susan Jacobs Jewish Journal Staff

LYNN — Saul Gilberg, Bernie Berk, Martin Goldman, Roger Volk and the Zimman family are some of the many local Jewish entrepreneurs immortalized in a permanent exhibit at the Lynn Museum. The fascinating display in the first floor gallery is entitled

4 merrimack valley

“Legacies of Lynn.”

The exhibit honors 59 individuals, families and businesses that have made a significant contribution to the city’s history. The project came to fruition through the efforts of Jansi Chandler of Grant Communications.

“The museum had a challenge grant of $283,000 to be used for continued on page 33

6 travel

11 opinion

26 calendar

between 2005 and 2007 as the rabbi at Harvard University’s Hillel. Though he grew up in an Orthodox home, he embraces a broader view of Judaism.

“I was looking for a synagogue that transcends denominational labeling, and one that reflects the full diversity of the American Jewish community,” said Rabbi Avi in an interview conducted via email.

“I fell in love with the sophistication and openness of the Massachusetts Jewish way of life while serving as the Harvard Hillel rabbi, and I am thrilled to have been given this opportunity to return to these blessed shores,” he said.

Rabbi Avi’s wife, Shifra Valvo, grew up in Haverhill. They are continued on page 33

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Budget battles on the Hill

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INTERFAITH

continued on page 33

Congregation Ahavas Achim Welcomes Rabbi Avi Poupko Amy Sessler Powell

On the Record

A Shared Visit to the Holy Land

Members of Marblehead temple and church travel 8 together to Israel

BAR/BAT MITZVAH SUPPLEMENT

A bar mitzvah boy gives it all away, a dozen adult women come of age, ceremonies in Israel and Italy, and where to find a 13-24 great dress

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J-Street Activists From Boston Converge on Washington, D.C. for National Conference

jewishjournal.org Publisher

Barbara Schneider

Tucker Lieberman

publisher@jewishjournal.org

Special to the Journal

Editor

A delegation of more than 120 Boston-area J Street activists converged on Washington in early March to attend J Street’s national conference, “Giving Voice to Our Values.”

The conference featured inspiring plenum sessions, panel discussions and workshops, capped by a dedicated lobbying day during which Boston activists met with Senators Scott Brown and John Kerry, Representatives Michael Capuano, Barney Frank, Stephen Lynch, Ed Markey and Niki Tsongas, and staffers of Representatives John Tierney and Bill Keating.

The lobbyists presented the case for continuing funding to Israel and to the Palestinian Authority during this critical time when both parties may be asked to make some tough decisions.

Speaker after speaker celebrated the Jewish emphasis on social justice. “The Jewish tradition is a tradition of justice and human dignity,” said the New Israel Fund’s President Naomi Chazan.

“Loving someone means telling the truth to that person,” she continued, explaining why it is

Susan Jacobs

susan@jewishjournal.org Associate Editor

Amy Sessler Powell

amy@jewishjournal.org Russian Chronicle Editor

Yulia Zhorov

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Chester Baker

business1@jewishjournal.org Graphics/Web

Courtesy photo

The Boston delegation of J-Street met with Senator Scott Brown, among others, while in Washington.

sometimes necessary to criticize Israeli policy, particularly with regard to the treatment of the Palestinians.

Knesset member Orit Zuaretz said she was heartened by the participation of so many young people in J-Street. On panels such as “Can Young Jews Reclaim (or Redefine) a Robust Connection to Israel?” advocates for a pro-Israel, pro-peace solution shared their organizations’ successes and challenges.

With students representing 128 colleges, the J-Street conference showed the wide appeal that the message has for young Jews. Leah Steinberg,

a Needham resident and student at University of Michigan, said, “The conference was a great wake-up call to me about what active involvement can mean… Israel is so important to me, which is why I hope to see J-Street’s views about a twostate solution and the United States working as Israel’s friend become more known within the Jewish community.”

A featured address by top Obama administration Middle East advisor Ambassador Dennis Ross expressed the need for a peace plan that will move past an “unsustainable status quo,” and be viable in the long term.

“We want these new leaders,” said Ambassador Ross, referring to Israel’s youth, “to believe in coexistence and to have a stake in coexistence.”

The wave of demonstrations sweeping Arab countries was at the forefront of everyone’s minds. While many speakers emphasized that the Arab awakening is fundamentally about Arabs’ dignity and freedom in their own countries and isn’t directly related to Israel, others pointed out that Palestinian sovereignty will quickly become a rallying point, and that a similar nonviolent Palestinian uprising may likely be coming soon.

The J-Street Conference: Where’s the Outrage?

P. David Hornik Special to the Journal

S

umming up last week’s J Street conference, Uriel Heilman of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency wrote “by any measure, the massing of 2,400 people for a conference by a three-year-old Jewish organization is a sign of notable success and an indication that in the future, this pro-Israel, propeace lobby may have greater influence over U.S.-Israeli issues.”

If so, J-Street and its director, Jeremy Ben-Ami, are worth continued scrutiny. Heilman conveyed some of the flavor of the conference. He quoted an “activist” who said J-Street is “too kind to the Israelis,” and noted that “many audience members applauded when a questioner on one panel asked why the United States doesn’t impose economic sanctions on Israel.”

Ben-Ami said J-Street is committed to having an open conversation, including parties with which it disagrees. That’s why he invited Jewish Voice for Peace — an organization classified by the Anti-Defamation League as one

of the top 10 anti-Israel groups in the United States, to participate in the conference. Jewish Voice for Peace promotes the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement targeting Israel — even though Ben-Ami says he and J-Street are against the BDS campaign.

JVP calls for an end to U.S. aid to Israel and accuses Israel of “apartheid” policies. Like other Jewish anti-Zionist groups, JVP uses its Jewish identity to shield the anti-Israel movement from allegations of anti-Semitism, and provide a greater degree of credibility to the anti-Israel movement.

Ben-Ami claims he and

J-Street “disagree” with them — but he invited them to the conference as a full participant.

There could be no clearer conferral of legitimacy. What’s most striking, though, is how many appear to agree with him.

Members of Knesset from Israel’s opposition Kadima and Labor parties attended the conference and spoke at it. So did Dennis Ross, chief Middle East adviser of the Obama administration. So did Rabbi David Saperstein of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. So did journalist Peter Beinart. So did Ron Pundak, director of the Peres Center for Peace in Israel.

All these supposedly mainstream, left-of-center Israeli and Jewish figures were willing to share the podium with Rebecca Vilkomerson of Jewish Voice for Peace. And for that matter with Edina Lekovic of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, who — in the words of Noah Pollak in a letter to Ross before the conference — was a managing editor of a magazine that praised

Osama bin Laden as a “freedom fighter”; or James Zogby of the Arab-American Institute, who “has compared Israelis to Nazis and accused the IDF of ‘genocide’ and a ‘Holocaust’”; or Michael Sfard, a lawyer who “is best known as a leading advocate of ‘lawfare’ — prosecuting Israeli soldiers and officials in European war-crimes trials”; or about a dozen others of that ilk.

Something was on display at last week’s J-Street conference in Washington, and it was not pretty. Is opposition to Israel’s worst slanderers and foes now a “right-wing” position? Those concerned about Israel, the U.S.-Israel relationship, and U.S. Middle East policy can look at this spectacle and draw their own conclusions.

P. David Hornik is a freelance writer and translator who grew up in New York, but moved to Israel 26 years ago. He blogs at http://pdavidhornik.typepad. com/

Foil Planned Boycott by Buying Israeli Goods on March 30 Amy Sessler Powell Jewish Journal Staff

StandWithUS is urging individuals to celebrate Israel by designating March 30 as a day to buy Israeli goods at local stores.

The date was chosen because there is a planned global boycott of Israeli products for the same day. Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) plans to stand outside stores, asking shoppers not to buy Israeli products.

“We need to show the boycotters that their efforts are doomed. Let the boycotters know that when they call for boy-

Andrew Fleischer, Yulia Zhorov

cotts of even one or two stores or products, they will face a much larger movement to buy Israeli goods,” said StandWithUs cofounder and CEO Roz Rothstein in a news release.

“We are anything but supportive of an effort that singles out Israel, and we ask if other people who would support BDS, are they applying the same standards to all countries or singling out just Israel?” asked Derrek Shulman, regional director of ADL-New England.

StandWithUs, in partnership with the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce, success-

fully countered a similar boycott movement on November 30, 2010. They mobilized Israel supporters in every store that the boycotters had targeted worldwide. Shoppers bypassed the protesters and bought out entire Israeli product lines. Delighted store owners promised to keep their shelves stocked with the targeted products.

Coming a few weeks before Passover, March 30 is an opportune day to shop for Israeli products, said Rothstein. Israel’s country prefix on a bar code is 729.

Here is a list of companies

that support Israel: Starbucks The Limited, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works Timberland Home Depot Disney AOL/Time Warner Coca Cola Estee Lauder Sarah Lee (including Hanes, Leggs, Playtex and Champion) Fox Television, Fox Network Nestlé IBM Kimberly-Clark For a more complete list, visit buyisraelgoods.org.

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Budget Battles on the Hill and Gabrielle Giffords Recovers Jack Zietman

On the RecORd

Special to the Journal

Right now on Capitol Hill, it’s all about the money. Republicans and Democrats in both chambers are struggling to pass a federal budget for fiscal year 2011, which began last October and ends September 30 of this year.

On March 1, the House voted 335-91 and the Senate voted 91-9 in favor of a two-week budget to prevent a government shutdown until March 18, by which time the Senate would need to have a full budget for the year. The bill cut $4 billion in federal spending. All Massachusetts representatives except Bill Keating and Niki Tsongas voted against the bill’s passage.

This stopgap budget follows House passage on February 15 of H.R. 1, a budget for fiscal year 2011 which cut $61 billion in federal spending. The New York Times reported that the cuts “would touch virtually every corner of the government.”

The White House said that the bill would “sharply undermine core government functions and investments key to economic growth and job creation,” and Massachusetts Representative Jim McGovern called the bill “reckless, thoughtless and heartless.” Republicans, however, have said the cuts are necessary

for America’s economic stability.

The $61 billion budget cuts would affect many “popular programs,” including Planned Parenthood and other community health programs, home heating aid for low-income Americans in the Northeast and Midwest, and Pell grants for millions of college students.

H.R. 1 also proposed significant cuts to environmental regulation. Several amendments would order the Environmental Protection Agency to cease regulation of greenhouse gases.

Congress had previously mandated such regulation, and the Supreme Court upheld the law.

Beyond greenhouse gases, neurotoxic pollution in cement plants would not be limited, saving the industry hundreds of millions of dollars per year.

However, according to the National Resources Defense Council Staff Blog, such regulation would annually prevent 2,500 premature births, 1,500 heart attacks, and 17,000 cases

of asthma, saving $6.5 to 17 billion dollars in health care costs per year. Furthermore, H.R. 1 prohibits the EPA from updating its regulations on soot pollution, a significant factor in global temperature increases.

According to Americans United for Change, the bill would cut some 17,000 jobs in Massachusetts. However if some jobs are lost, House Speaker John Boehner said of the bill, “so be it. We’re broke. The government simply cannot afford to pay for such programs.” Republicans insisted that the $61 billion cuts would help stabilize the economy.

Democrats said that the budget cuts would likely have little effect on the federal deficit, which is mostly the result of huge programs such as Medicare as well as the Defense budget and our wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Nevertheless, the Republicancontrolled House passed the bill 235-189 (all Massachusetts representatives voted against the bill).

H.R. 1, however, is currently stalled in the Senate. On March 9, neither the Republicansupported budget nor a more modest Democratic alternative received even a 50-vote majority vote. Massachusetts Senator John Kerry voted against the Republican bill, while Scott

Brandeis Hillel Rejects Jewish Voice for Peace

NSCC’s 27th Forum on Tolerance March 31

JTA — The Brandeis University Hillel voted to reject Jewish Voice for Peace as a member group.

Andrea Wexler, student president of the Hillel chapter at the suburban Boston school, explained in a letter to Jewish Voice for Peace, a Jewish organization that champions Palestinian rights, that its vote March 8 followed the international guidelines of the student organization.

“Our policy, consistent with our international guidelines, states that ‘Hillel is pro-Israel; steadfastly committed to the support of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure and recognized borders as a member of the family of nations,’” Wexler wrote. “While, based on your presentation, we understand that JVP at Brandeis considers itself a pro-Israel club, based on positions and programming JVP has sponsored, we do not believe that JVP can be included under Hillel’s umbrella.”

Wexler cited the fact that Jewish Voice for Peace supports a boycott of Israeli goods produced in the West Bank as an example.

In response to the decision, Brandeis senior and Jewish Voice for Peace activist Jon Sussman said in a statement that “Brandeis students have lost an opportunity to learn from one another.

Jewish students must demand the national Hillel organization change its condescending guidelines which marginalize progressive Jewish opinion on campus.”

LYNN — What can you do to recognize and prevent bullying? Find out at North Shore Community College’s 27th Forum on Tolerance.

The subject will be “Bullying: See It For What it Is,” and will take place on Thursday, March 31, from 6:45-9 p.m, in NSCC’s Lynn gym. The event is free and open to the public.

Featured speakers include Derrek Shulman, director of the Anti-Defamation League, New England region, who was instrumental in getting the anti-bullying bill passed in Massachusetts. The anti-bullying bill calls for bullying prevention to be incorporated into curriculum, and for each school to develop intervention and prevention plans. Sharing the platform will be two authors who have written books on the subject of bullying.

NSCC academic counselor Jacqui DeLorenzo, author of “A Thread of Hope,” will speak about her own personal experiences with bullying.

Brigitte Berman, a 16-year-old activist and author of “Dorie Witt’s Guide to Surviving Bullies,” will share her ideas on what can and should be done about bullying.

The Forum will conclude with a panel discussion encouraging audience participation. Light refreshments will be served and resource tables will be available. This event is PACE card eligible. For more information, contact Dr. Sheldon Brown at 781-593-6722 x6294.

Brown voted in its favor.

Conversely, Mr. Kerry supported the Democratic bill, while Mr. Brown opposed it.

The House and Senate either have to pass a full budget for fiscal year 2011, or pass another temporary stopgap measure to avoid a government shutdown on March 19.

There has been some bipartisan movement on the Hill this month: on March 8 the Senate overwhelmingly approved a

landmark patent reform bill, the S. 23 Patent Reform Act, also known as the America Invents Act, by 95-5. Both Senators Kerry and Brown voted in favor of this reform of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

One of the major changes to the current patent system include a shift from “first-to-invent” patent rights to “first-to-file,” such that the patent would go to the first inventor to file for a patcontinued on page 33

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Real estate transactions can be very complex, and difficulties can arise. If you are buying your home with the help of a professional Realtor, your agent will know how to make sure that any minor upsets do not turn into major problems. A realtor’s expertise is based on formal training and experience in many real estate transactions. Their reputation is on the line with each sale, so they are highly motivated to make your purchase or sale go as smoothly as possible. When you are dealing with a professional Realtor, you can be sure they will work hard to make everything work out just right!

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Sports Equipment Wanted

A Taste of Judaism

ANDOVER — The Sisterhood of Temple Emanuel is sponsoring a sports equipment drive on Sunday, March 27. Items needed include football, baseball, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and basketball equipment, cleats, shin guards, kick balls, ice skates, etc. Items can be dropped off in the Temple lobby at 7 Haggetts Pond Rd., Andover, between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and again between 5-7 p.m.

The sports equipment will be donated to Family to Family, an Andover organization dedicated to providing all Andover youth with the opportunity to participate in sports programs.

For information, call 978470-1356 or email Beverly Birnbach at b.birnbach@verizon.net.

LOWELL — “A Taste of Judaism: Are You Curious?” is the title of a free, three-session class being offered for adults who would like to explore Reform Judaism’s relevance in today’s world. Students are invited to learn about Jewish perspectives on topics of spirituality, ethics and community.

The class will be offered Tuesday evenings, April 5, 12 and 26, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Temple Emanuel of the Merrimack Valley in Lowell. It will be taught by Rabbi Dawn Rose, Ph.D. There is no enrollment fee, but pre-registration is required and space is limited. For finformation, call Joyce Schwartz at 617-928-0012 or jschwartz@urj. org, or visit reformjewishoutreachboston.org.

Merrimack Valley

Merrimack Valley Hosts Miriam’s Seder April 3 ANDOVER — Miriam’s Seder is an annual intergeneration event that celebrates women in Jewish history. Mothers, aunts, grandmothers and girls over age eight are welcome to participate.

This year, the 11th annual event will be held on Sunday, April 3, from 3:30-8 p.m., at Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Rd., Andover.

It will begin with Kasbahstyle shopping and appetizers, followed by the seder and dinner.

Courtesy photo The Miriam’s Leadership Sherry Comerchero Award is presented to a Jewish woman who has made Coalition for Literacy, a contribution and differ“I am honored to be recence in the Merrimack Valley. ognized at the upcoming The Merrimack Valley Jewish women’s seder associated with Federation will honor Sherry Miriam and her leadership of Comerchero, coordinator for the women and community. the Merrimack Valley Jewish She helped people overcome their fears, have faith, and take steps towards a new life of freedom,” Comerchero said.

The MVJCL is an affiliate of the National Jewish Coalition for Literacy — the Jewish community’s vehicle for mobilizing reading partners for at-risk students. Comerchero initiated the local affiliate in 2002, and has 100 volunteers in public, private and after-school programs in Lawrence, Haverhill and Andover.

A speech and language spe-

cialist for the Haverhill public schools, Comerchero said she sees firsthand the children who read below their grade level. She also pointed to alarming statistics from the Jewish Council of Public Affairs that stated, “37% of 4th graders cannot read at a basic level. For low-income students, the numbers are even more jarring, with 70% of 4th graders below a basic comprehension.”

The literacy coalition is also associated with “First Books,” a program that provides economically disadvantaged students with free, high quality books that are first read with volunteers, then are taken home and added to a home library.

“When we give the gift of literacy, we are all following in Miriam’s footsteps. Perhaps this is the time to spread the word about the literacy needs of our children and opportunities to make a difference in the life of a child by becoming a literacy volunteer,” she said.

Tickets for Miriam’s Seder are $36, or $25 for children 8-12 and seniors over 70.

For more information about the event or about becoming a literacy volunteer, contact the Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation at 978-688-0466 or visit the website at mvjf.org.

Congregation Beth Israel Invites Community to Mitzvah Day on April 3

Photo courtesy of Congregation Beth Israel

Religious school students at Congregation Beth Israel created 85 cards for children at Lawrence General Hospital. Projects like this one will contiue on April 3.

ANDOVER — Congregation Beth Israel is organizing a Mitzvah Day on Sunday, April 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will bring members of the community together for a day of service that will include preparing meals for residents of the Lowell Transitional Living Center, assembling crafts kits for children at Horizons for Homeless Children in Law­ rence, and collecting canned goods and other non-perishables for Somebody Cares New England in Haverhill. Weather permitting, Mitzvah Day will also include the cleanup of a local conservation area.

CBI’s Mitzvah Day is part of International Good Deeds Day, which originated in Israel in 2007.

Anne Schwartz, co-chair of CBI’s Social Action Committee and the lead organizer for the event, noted, “We’ve organized Mitzvah Day around a range of projects that will reach people in need throughout the Merrimack Valley. We’ve included several kid-friendly projects, and all are welcome to join us.”

Mitzvah Day will begin with a continental breakfast at 9 a.m. at Congregation Beth Israel, 501 South Main St., Andover.

The event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is greatly appreciated. To sign up, email SocialAction@ BethIsraelMV.org. State how many will be attending, and the ages of any children under the age of 15. For more information, call 978-474-0540.

The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

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Remembering Smadar Avrech The Avrech family would like donations in Smadar’s memory to be used to purchase sports equipment for the kibbutz gymnasium, which they hope will help to promote good health at the kibbutz.

The Jewish Federation of the North Shore is in the process of establishing a Smadar Avrech Memorial Fund. Donations may be sent to the “Smadar Avrech Memorial Fund” c/o JFNS, 4 Community Rd., Marblehead, MA 01945. For more information, email karen.madorsky@ gmail.com.

their four spouses, and five grandchildren.

The community is invited to a memorial service on Wednesday, March 23 at 7 p.m., at Temple Sinai, 1 Community Rd., Marblehead. This service will be part of the synagogue’s regular minyan service.

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a

PEABODY — Friends of Aviv will open its meeting to the public and host an evening with author Phyllis Karas on Tuesday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m. at Woodbridge Assisted Living, 240 Lynnfield St. in Peabody.

Karas will discuss “How Did a Nice Jewish Girl from the North Shore Get to Hang Around with Jackie Kennedy’s Private Secretary, Whitey Bulger Gangsters and Academy Award Winners?”

Karas, who teaches at Boston University, is an awardwinning journalist. Her latest book, “Where’s Whitey?” is due out this June.

Doors will open at 7 p.m.

Refreshments will be served.

The cost is $7 per person and reservations are recommend-

Sports Talk is free and open to all. Visit jccns.org or call 781631-8330.

Me

Author Phyllis Karas to Speak at Woodbridge

principal sports anchor at WCVB-TV Channel 5 since 1985.

Bob Lobel was a popular sportscaster for WBZ-TV Channel 4 for nearly 30 years.

s Te lu

MARBLEHEAD — She’s America’s favorite hostess, and fans can hear the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, at the JCC in Marblehead on Wednesday, March 23, at 8 p.m. It’s the latest in the JCC’s Manhattan in Marblehead series. Garten will speak in NYC and be simulcast live at the J. It’s an interactive evening — the audience in Marblehead can ask the Contessa questions, and she’ll answer them from New York.

Come a little early and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres (Ina

Garten’s recipe, of course!) prepared by Henry’s Market in Beverly. The Spirit of ’76 Bookstore will be selling her cookbooks.

Garten will dish about her successful ventures in retail, television and publishing, as well as her life as a wife and home cook.

She worked in the White House Office of Management and Budget until, on a whim, she bought a specialty food store on Long Island. She’s since sold the store, written several books, and now stars in a cooking show on the Food Network.

The event is open to all. The cost is $10 for JCC members; $12 for non-members. Visit jccns.org or call 781-631-8330.

The Manhattan in Marble­ head series continues on Wednesday, May 18, with Satire King Andy Borowitz and an A-list panel of journalists and comedians looking at the 2012 elections. Save the date!

This program is supported in part by a grant from The Paul Taylor and Adeline Gertrude Magrane Rothwell Philanthropic Fund and the Marblehead Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Bob Lobel (left) and Mike Lynch

ld

Smadar Avrech

MARBLEHEAD — Love sports and celebrities? Meet legendary Boston sportscasters Bob Lobel and Mike Lynch at Sports Talk at the JCCNS on Monday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. Sports Huddle host Billy Fairweather will moderate the evening.

Do the Red Sox have what it takes to go all the way this year?

What about the Celtics and Bruins? Get the inside scoop on the Boston sports scene from the experts! Come at 7 p.m. and enjoy stadium snacks, including warm pretzels and beer.

Mike Lynch has been the

or

Special to the Journal

Smadar Avrech from Kibbutz Yagur in Israel passed away on March 9, 2011. Smadar was the wife of Yonathan Avrech, who was our community shaliach from 1980 to 1983.

The Avrech family had a powerful impact on the North Shore, as they delivered the spirit of Israel to all of us. It was impossible not to love Smadar, who constantly and warmly opened her home to the entire community.

Filled with love and laughter, spirit and generosity, Smadar, with her long, thick, black hair and easy open smile, was the quintessential Israeli. She shared her love of her country with the North Shore as she plied us with her hummus, falafels and fabulous cakes. She inspired so many of us not just to visit and support Israel, but also to consider it our second home.

Smadar is survived by her husband Yonathan, her children Ariel, Igar, Meirov and Maayan,

Boston Sports Legends at the JCCNS

Mi

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Karen Madorsky

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Join Us As We Honor Our HealtHcare Heroes Who Perform Medical Mitzvahs

Sunday, June 12, 2011 Courtesy photo

5

Peabody Marriott

Phyllis Karas

8A Centennial Drive

ed. For more information, call Nicole at 781-953-1591.

7:00PM – Dessert Reception

The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

travel

6 The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

Snakes, Flowers and Avatars Charm in Taipei, Taiwan Masada Siegel Special to the Journal

T

he yellow snake slithered towards me and hissed.

This was not my imagination in overdrive reading a Harry Potter book, but the real deal.

Snake Alley in Taipei, Taiwan is filled with snakes in cages.

But these aren’t pet shops — they are restaurants. Patrons can choose a snake to be served up as a delicacy on their dinner plate. The blood is often mixed with liquor and sold as a drink.

While snake blood isn’t my cup of tea, the markets in Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, are filled with unique shops ranging from outdoor pedicure salons to pachinko parlors. Vendors also sell interesting trinkets, and the endless food stalls are filled with

delectable delicacies.

The Lungshan Temple, located within a few blocks of Snake Alley, has an entirely different energy. Over the centuries the temple has been destroyed by numerous earthquakes, fires and wars; however Taipei residents have consistently rebuilt and renovated it.

I stepped inside and thought I fell into a fairytale. The Pagodas are ornately decorated and filled with intricate works of art. Lines of people wait to walk through to make silent prayers.

The scent of burning incense mixed with flowers and fruit was itself a spiritual experience. The smoke rose amidst the many trees and orchid plants bursting with color. The atmosphere was mesmerizing. While there were throngs of people wandering

Courtesy photos

Visitors to Tapei in Taiwan can enjoy the Lungshan Temple (right), or a meal made from a live snake.

around, many were also meditating. It was an odd mixture — the hustle and bustle of tourists continued on page 9

Globetrotting With the Journal

K

eep the photos of your travels coming! Send all submissions to editor@jewishjournal.org.

Larry Constantine of Gloucester will be in Portugal until Pesach. The author/educator is pictured at right in downtown Funchal, Madeira, under a statue of João Gonçalves Zarco, a famous Jewish Portuguese navigator.

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Lynn Torgove, Aaron Block and Avery Block of Temple Emanu-El in Marblehead got mud on everything except their Journal while visiting the Dead Sea in Israel.

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In Florida during school break, Ruby Jacobs of Swampscott, above, discovered Disney World was all it is quacked up to be.

¡Hola amigos! Yelena, Svetlana and Michael Ravvin of North Andover toured the ruins of Coba on the Mexican Riviera last month.

The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

business

The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

Annual Tax Filing Deadline Looms Jason Alderman

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obody likes being nagged, but I’m going to risk reader displeasure by reminding everyone that there are hefty financial consequences if you owe income taxes and do not file a return on time — or at least request a filing extension.

Ordinarily, the federal income tax deadline is April 15; but this year the IRS has granted a reprieve until April 18. Nevertheless, here’s why procrastinating is a bad idea: If your 2010 federal tax return (or extension request) isn’t postmarked or electronically filed by April 18, the penalty on any taxes you owe increases dramatically. Generally, you’ll have to pay an additional 5 percent for each full or partial month you’re late, plus interest, up to a maximum penalty of 25 percent. However, if you file your return or request an extension on time, the penalty drops to 0.5 percent per month, plus interest.

Here’s how it can add up: Say you owe $2,000 in federal income tax. If you haven’t requested an extension, you would be charged an additional $100 (5 percent) for each month you’re late. Had you filed for an extension, the penalty would drop to only $10 a month (0.5 percent).

Contact the IRS early if you won’t be able to pay on time. They may even waive the penalty, depending on your circumstances. Call 800-8291040 or visit irs.gov for more information.

Another way to avoid a penalty: The IRS accepts payment by credit or debit card, with a small convenience fee that is tax deductible if you itemize expenses. Just be sure to pay off your card balance within a few months, or the interest accrued might exceed the penalty.

A few additional tax-filing tips: Find out what’s new. Because the tax code changes every year, scan the IRS Tax Information for Individuals website for updates before diving

in. Many of your questions are likely answered in its Frequently Asked Questions section.

Make sure your return is accurate. Common tax-filing errors include: • Omitting or filling in incorrect/illegible taxpayer ID numbers, filing status, dependent names and Social Security numbers • Documentation not attached (W-2s, supplemental forms, etc.)

• Omitting income items • Tax return not signed and dated • Information entered on the wrong lines • Child tax credit incorrectly calculated • Math errors. (Tax software does the math, but you’re still responsible for entering correct numbers initially.)

Ask for help. If calculating your own taxes is too confusing or time-consuming, consider using taxcompletion software like Turbo Tax, or hire a tax professional. A sharp preparer could save you a bundle by finding hidden credits or deductions.

If cost is an issue, several free options are available to seniors, military and low- and middleincome taxpayers: • The IRS sponsors the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). Read Free Tax Preparation on the IRS website for information.

• AARP Tax-Aide volunteers, who are trained by the IRS, provide free tax preparation to low- and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to people over age 60. Go to aarp.org/taxaide for information.

• Military personnel and their families worldwide can get free assistance through a program offered through VITA. Check with your base for details.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To participate in a free, online Financial Literacy and Education Summit on April 4, go to practicalmoneyskills.com/summit2011.

Steer Clear of Identity Theft At Tax-Filing Time Many consumers look forward to income tax season in anticipation of a hefty return, but imagine this scenario: You’ve prepared all your tax documents online and are expecting a $3,500 refund. After e-filing, you find out that your return has been rejected — someone else has already filed using your name and Social Security number.

Thousands of Americans will go through a similar experience this year, as income tax season is a prime time for identity thieves to file fraudulent tax returns and receive your refund before you even file. According to the Federal Trade Commission, stolen tax return related identity theft has increased over 200 percent in four years, from 11,010 complaints in 2005, to 33,774 in 2009.

“We understand the various income tax return related threats that this time of year poses to consumers, and we believe that taking a few simple steps to reduce vulnerabilities can provide a more secure environment,” said Mike Prusinski, senior vice president of cor-

porate communications with LifeLock, a proactive identity theft protection company.

Here are some tips: Stop Sharing. Consumers that have downloaded peerto-peer file sharing networks onto their computers are at risk for identity theft if they keep tax documents on the same computers. Examples of peerto-peer file sharing networks include programs such as LimeWire, FrostWire, BearShare and KaZaa. These types of file sharing networks allow users to share music and photos, as well as all other documents on their computers. While parents may not have downloaded these free programs onto home computers, be sure to check that no one else in the home has added these programs to the family computer. To help secure personal tax documents, peerto-peer file sharing networks should be fully removed from personal computers.

Search for the “s.” When using online tax preparation software, be sure that the website is secure and that you see

The community can help the North Shore Hebrew School by bidding for items at its online auction site, Bidding for Good.

The auction will be open through March 23. Some of the items available in the current auction include: • One dedicated parking space at Marblehead’s Temple Sinai for one year, beginning June 1.

• A traditional Shabbat dinner for six from Levine’s Kosher Market.

• A $100 gift certificate towards tuition at Camp Menorah for a new camper.

• An autographed photo of Red Sox pitcher Hideki Okajima.

•Two tickets to the Huntington Theater’s production of “Sons of the Prophet.”

• One weekend night at the Liberty Hotel in Boston.

Online Auction Supports NSHS

For more information, visit biddingforgood.com.

“https://” in the URL. The “s” in the URL indicates that the server is secure and personal information is encrypted and can be transmitted safely from your computer to the end point.

Take a Trip. When filing income taxes by mail, help protect your personal information by taking your sealed IRS envelope to the post office instead of your personal mailbox, which can be tampered with.

Shred. Shred non-tax related documents that contain personal information (name, birth date, address, Social Security Number) instead of placing them in the trash/recycling. Keep hard copies of W-2 forms and tax returns in a locked drawer or safe.

Be Aware. The IRS never initiates communications with taxpayers through email. Do not respond if you should receive an email claiming to be from the IRS. Instead, forward it to phishing@irs.gov.

For additional tips on how to keep your personal information safe, visit lifelock.com.

Free Tax Preparation Volunteers from the AARP’s Tax Aide Program will be at Swampscott Public Library at 61 Burrill St. on Tuesday afternoons, through April 12, to help people fill out their state and federal income tax forms. Appointments are required. Call the library at 781-596-8867 to schedule an appointment. Bring the completed tax forms from last year, along with any pertinent forms or statements.

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luoride treatments during regular professional cleanings make sense for adults because they still get cavities. This is especially true at the root surfaces and under crowns, which become exposed as adult gums recede. Particularly susceptible to cavities are root surfaces because they lose mineral faster than enamel does. With this in mind, higher concentrations of fluoride provided by topical treatments may be needed for adequate protection. It should also be noted that many adults take certain medications and have medical conditions that cause dry mouth, which is a condition that increases the risk of cavities in adults. Fluoride makes teeth more resistant to acids produced by bacteria and helps remineralize tooth surfaces that are under attack.

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water. Could you benefit from additional fluoride? At PARADISE DENTAL ASSOCIATES, LLC, we will make suggestions to help you maintain good oral health. With proper homecare and professional supervision, there is no reason why a person can’t enjoy the comforts of good dental health well into later life. We’re located at 990 Paradise Road, Swampscott, where we take the time to be gentle and provide the best possible dental care in a friendly and comfortable environment. Please call 781-598-3700 to schedule an appointment.

Dental research is helping prevent root decay in adults. A new ingredient — recaldent — can actually stop the decay process. As the root or enamel decalcifies at the start of the decay process, the recaldent can stop that demineralization and allow the tooth to remineralize and be as good as new. Recaldent is available in toothpastes, mouth washes and sugarless gum.

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Chag Sameach!

Watch for our upcoming Passover issues, publishing March 31, April 7 & April 14.

Ad space deadlines March 24, March 31 & April 7.

The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

interfaith

8 The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

Marblehead Temple and Church Share Adventure to Israel Ina-Lee Block Special to the Journal

T

he long-term covenant between the Marblehead congregations of Temple Emanu-El and Old North Church was celebrated by 36 people who enjoyed an interfaith trip to Israel February 13-25, 2011.

Rabbi David Meyer of Temple FIRST PERSOn Emanu-El and Reverend Dennis Calhoun of Old North Church are old friends, and our congregations have been interconnected for more than five decades. Old North Church housed Temple EmanuEl before the completion of our building. We have provided babysitting services to Old North Church members on Christmas Eve; they have reciprocated on Yom Kippur. We share a secular Thanksgiving service yearly. But last month’s trip to Israel has deepened our relationship and guaranteed that it will flourish for decades to come.

Together we explored the Holy Land, and learned graphically how our heritages share more similarities than differences. We viewed the landscapes with open eyes, recognizing the

Courtesy photos

Left, Rabbi Meyer and Lynn Torgove conduct Shabbat morning services in the courtyard of Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem, where the rabbi began his rabbinical studies. Right, Reverend Calhoun and several congregants of Old North Church are pictured at Yardenit, believed to be the actual site where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.

historical interrelationships of our respective faiths. At every turn we saw the intersection of our religions, regularly tracing the roots of Christian ceremonies to their Jewish origins. The countryside continuously spoke to us as we began to understand the parallel stories that place the Garden of Gethsemene at the foot of the Mount of Olives.

We lit Shabbat candles outside the Western Wall as the Muslim call to worship echoed behind our joyous songs. We worshipped in a courtyard of Hebrew Union College with the

city of Jerusalem as a backdrop.

We shared Sunday services in the birthing center of the Moshav Beit Lechem HaGlili (Bethlehem of the Galilee) — a place some archeologists posit is the actual birthplace of Jesus. And at the site where the Jordan River flows out of the Sea of Galilee, we experienced a special time with Reverend Dennis Calhoun as he confirmed the baptism of sev-

eral of our new friends.

We explored local efforts to harness faith and transform religion’s role from a force of division to a source of reconciliation and understanding through the efforts of the Interreligious Coordinating Council of Israel and Ein Shemer Ecological Greenhouse programs.

We chose to be part of an extraordinary trip that rein-

forced our long-standing relationship with Old North Church.

But perhaps more importantly, it informed us all of the rich history of multiple religions in Israel, while simultaneously showing us the vibrant homeland it has become.

Ina-Lee Block, a member of Temple Emanu-El, participated in the trip.

Lessons From Our Interfaith Journey to Israel Rabbi David J. Meyer Special to the Journal

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eflecting back on two weeks that were more than two years in the making, there’s little doubt that the interfaith trip to Israel shared by members of my congregation, Temple Emanu-El, and members of Marblehead’s Old North Church, will leave many enduring spiritual, intellectual and emotional impressions.

From the first beginning, our person goal and hope was to enrich and deepen the longstanding bonds of covenant shared between our two communities of faith. Yet even while designing a trip to the land that is held sacred in both of our religious traditions, it was impossible to know precisely where and when the most powerful experiences would take place, and how our most lasting memories would be shaped.

I was certain, for example, that the lovely gardens inside the walls of Notre Dame de Sion monastery in southern Jerusalem would provide a tranquil and fitting location for contemplation and reflection immediately following our visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial and museum only a hilltop away.

But later, welcoming the Jewish Sabbath with candle lighting and songs at the Western Wall was an even more beautiful end to the day than I would have imagined.

I was confident we would experience each other’s worship with joy and humility, sharing what we could and stepping back when appropriate. But I hadn’t expected how easily our voices could join together during our Saturday morning services overlooking the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, and equally during our Sunday worship at Bethlehem of the Galilee.

I knew we would be going places where Christian groups rarely visit, such as tunnels beneath the Jewish Quarter that lead to the original stones of

Courtesy photo

Reverend Dennis Calhoun of Old North Church in Marblehead (on left) and Rabbi David J. Meyer, senior rabbi of Temple Emanu-El in Marblehead.

Solomon’s Temple. Likewise, we visited sites that Jewish groups generally choose to omit, such as the beautiful church on the Mount of Beatitudes. But the ancient synagogue at K’far Nachum (Capernum), where Jesus of Nazareth preached to a Jewish congregation, held great meaning for those of either faith.

And likewise, enjoying lunch and tastings beneath the vines at a picturesque winery on the slopes of the Carmel Mountains certainly bridged any and all theological distinctions.

Throughout our journey, one theme seemed to recur like a leitmotif or refrain that spoke to our group in a manner that I had not anticipated: • As we walked in the very footsteps of the earliest Israelites, who came to their Promised Land poised to bring to the world an entirely new and radical idea of Ethical Monotheism; • As we explored the remains of the community in Qumran, home to the authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls, who forsook the comforts of an urban lifestyle so as to create in the Judean Desert a community of believers in the coming of the Divine Kingdom; • As we sailed the Sea of Galilee and stood upon the very places where Jesus and his followers sought to spread a renewed message of hope, love and faith; • As we sat in the first Kibbutz

courtyard, where Zionist pioneers brought to life their vision of a social utopia, and realized their dreams of an arid desert blossoming into life after some 2,000 years of neglect; • And even right now, as Israeli and Palestinian teenagers are working together at an “Ecological Greenhouse” project, not only to solve the environmental challenges facing the region, but to help bridge the political and social chasm between peoples; This optimistic and hopeful theme has been sounded — and lived — over and over again: that here, in this land, we can create a new vision for human society. Beginning here, we can change the world for the better.

And so it was for us, members of our two Marblehead communities of faith. We came away from our adventure inspired and determined to do our part, working on our own and in partnership, to help bring to our world a greater measure of hope, love and peace.

Repairing the world, even to the smallest extent, is a daunting task at best. But in the words of Theodore Herzl, father of the modern Zionist movement: “If you will it, it is not simply a dream.”

Rabbi David J. Meyer is senior rabbi of Temple EmanuEl, Marblehead.

The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

travel

The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

Vacation With a Soul Mission 2011 Carol Denbo

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his is my third time participating in the Doppelt Vacation With a Soul Mission. Each year I ask myself how it can get any better than the previous year, and without question, FIRST it always does.

PERSON Spending four and a half weeks with our wonderful Haifaim “mishpachot” and “chaverim” and a group of volunteers whose energy and dedication know no bounds is an experience well worth repeating.

There were so many memorable moments to recall, including a very special one at the Bosmat Carol Denbo is pictured with some Beit Sefer (a technical school with at Gavrielli School in Haifa. where many of the children go on to study at the Technion). there.

A young man actually rememFor many of us, this mission bered me from five years ago truly gave back so much more when I had worked with him than we could possibly give. The at the Leo Beck Elementary unique trips, the touring, the School. As a group, we were dinner invitations to our host never sure that we were making families’ homes, were just the a difference, but seeing the smil- tip of the iceberg. The sharing of ing faces of the young children stories with our fellow volunteers at the Gavrielli School in Haifa added to the beauty of this jourwhen we arrived (and their very ney. There were many special sad faces when we left) some- “connections.” One was when how assured us that maybe, in one of our group was taken by some small way, we did. her host family to visit Kibbutz This is a mission of “con- Menara near the Lebanon bornection” between people -— it der, the Kibbutz she left when is all about relationships, love she was 14 years old. The elders and caring. This was beautifully of the Kibbutz remembered expressed to us when we met her — they were able to archive with Yona Yohav, the mayor of old photos of her and her famHaifa, who thanked us for being ily before they left the kibbutz

Snakes, Flowers and Avatars from page 6

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Children under two stay free, and there are Children’s Club activities for youths ages four and up. Airport transfers, taxes and gratuities are included in this special Passover package.

Call 877-452-8744 for further information.

Courtesy photo

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I personally want to say “todah rabah” to Carol and Steve Doppelt for organizing this annual mission. They have helped enrich my soul by allowing me to participate in their “Vacation With a Soul” mitzvah.

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Courtesy photo

A group of cyclists dressed as avatars entertained tourists at Taipei 101, the world’s second tallest building.

with cameras, next to pockets of people in prayer.

From prayers to Prada, the city is filled with treasures. We hopped on the MTR, Taipei’s simple-to-navigate metro system, and headed towards the Taipei 101. Near the world’s second tallest building, we found interesting street food, fantastic shopping and cultural treasures. Adding to the colorful atmosphere, a group of cyclists appeared dressed as avatars.

They dismounted and started posing and dancing among the shoppers.

After lunch, we made our way over to the jade and flower markets, housed in two enormous buildings under a highway. Even at the entrance of the jade market, the greens and golds of the jewelry and semiprecious stones shone from

9

the stalls. The market was filled with endless rows of vendors selling everything from jewelry to swords and even teapots. In areas where the sunlight shone on the merchandise, the colors gleamed.

Across the street was the flower market, filled with hundreds of startling pink orchids, petite Bonsai trees and a myriad of potted plants. Strangely, in a building by a highway, nature’s wonders were all around. The vibrant pinks and yellows of the flowers were spellbinding, and the air was perfumed with their scents While the snakes might have scared me, Taipei certainly charmed me.

Masada Siegel can be reached at Fungirlcorrespondent@gmail. com.

The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

Editorial

10 The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

Are You Happy Now? “When Adar comes, joy is increased” — Talmud

I

n Jewish tradition, Adar is the month to reflect on happiness. Adar is the time to celebrate Purim, to reach for loftier goals, to love your family and friends, to do good works and to enjoy life. Results of a recent Gallup-Healthways survey provide a serendipitous opportunity to jump-start your meditation on all things merry.

On March 6, Catherine Rampell of the New York Times reported the discovery of “The Happiest Man in America.” The threeyear survey of the well-being of over a million Americans revealed this composite picture: “…a tall, Asian-American, observant Jew, who is at least 65 and married, has children, lives in Hawaii, runs his own business and has a household income of more than $120,000 a year…”

With the help of a synagogue, the Times tracked down this man: Alvin Wong of Honolulu. Wong, who thought the inquiry was a practical joke, does indeed keep

Hate Speech at Boston University I am quite dismayed at what went on March 1 at Boston University in front of the famous statue of Dr. Martin Luther King.

I am sure that Dr. King would have been, as well.

I saw students intimidating other students with slurs and obscenities. I myself was called an “anti-Semite” and a “terrorist.”

Many of the absurdities are being espoused by the BU – Students for Justice in Palestine.

Truth be told, the wall (which is really a fence in most parts) that they are denouncing is responsible for reducing casualties and fatalities by over 90%.

Taking it down would release those with murderous intentions and would inevitably lead to the deaths of many. Would Israel rather never have built it?

Yes, of course, but the results speak volumes, and it is necessary to protect the citizens of Israel — all of them — Jews, Christians, Muslims and the

Kosher and attend shul. He said that perhaps he manages to be the happiest man in America because “my life philosophy is, if you can’t laugh at yourself, life is going to be pretty terrible for you.”

The Times doesn’t tell us much more about Wong, and we know almost nothing about his particular Jewish journey. But we can’t help but notice the role authentic connection to faith plays in his state of mind.

Chasidic Judaism teaches that service to G-d increases spiritual happiness. If so, we might find bliss by performing mitzvot and renewing commitment to Jewish life.

Worship, being part of a faith community, good works, tzedakah — it all counts. And it wouldn’t hurt to embrace other “happiness” indicators either — frequent smiling leads the list.

So whatever aspect of Jewish practice you make time for, make time for one: Embrace the message of Adar, consider the possibilities, and get out there and pursue some happiness. A trip to Hawaii might help, too.

letters to the editor North Shore’s Got Mitzvah!

millions of tourists from every walk of life.

I have always been impressed with BU’s diversity, and the Jewish students I have encountered over the years working with issues in Jewish continuity in Boston have always been top-notch.

Today I witnessed the underbelly of BU, and am shocked to see the aggressive and threatening posture of these students. There is no place for this anywhere, let alone at Boston University.

I urge the school to issue a community-wide statement that clearly expresses that it is against these messages and tactics. The Jewish students specifically (and every student generally) need strong leadership at this moment. I am calling on the president and deans of the university to provide it.

Rabbi Chananel Weiner Brighton

Indict the Issue, Not the Individual For the past two or so years that I have written about my observations of this Jewish venue, I have been impressed.

It is great to see such a dedicated and passionate number of folks who donate both time and money to make our community a better place. Any effort, no matter how Herculean or miniscule, that improves things and ties us closer to our heritage can’t be condemned.

What is very, very disturbing, however, is the frequency and intensity with which opposing views are expressed against not just one another, but against institutional philosophy. If a specific synagogue opts not to engage in merger or to support a specific cause, that is its right.

If an individual wishes not to support a specific agency, not support a specific cause, or disagrees with another or an agency’s performance or philosophy,

it is their G-d given right. Who says that because I, or anyone, might not like what operative agency performance we read about and speak out against, is wrong? Who says that because I, or anyone, publicly and vehemently disagree with agency leadership, we are wrong?

Let’s clear it up once and for all: nobody, regardless of how much money or time each donates, of their lot in life or communal position, is better than another. Each of us was created the same way. Each of us has the same fundamental rights. If you dislike or disagree with something, so be it.

Nobody — religious leaders, philanthropists or agency officers/directors — is more important than another. Lesson to be learned? Indict our politics, not each other!

Russell S. Grand Salem

The North Shore certainly showed that we “Got Mitzvah!”

The second Got Mitzvah program, a collaboration of Cohen Hillel Academy, Jewish Community Center of the North Shore and North Shore Teen Initiative was a huge success.

The program was generously funded by a Jewish Federation of the North Shore Community Innovation grant.

Over 1,000 people participated in this wonderful day. The JCC in Marblehead was filled with excitement and energy, as hundreds visited 50 local, national and international social service

organizations and learned how they could volunteer.

Many were involved in hands-on activities such as registering with the Gift of Life, or knitting caps and making blankets for babies in shelters.

People wrote letters to American and Israeli soldiers expressing gratitude. Others made matzah covers and filled Passover baskets for needy North Shore families. Over 300 children and their families attended a carnival at Ford School run by students from Cohen Hillel Academy. Volunteers at Shirat Hayam and Temple Sinai cooked

Not a Fan of Krauthammer I am very unhappy that the Jewish Journal continues to print articles with an extreme right wing bias by Charles Krauthammer, without having an equal representative from the progressive side. I have enjoyed some of the wonderful responses by progressive think-

ers on the North Shore, but still think the Journal should have a well-known Jewish pundit who represents the other side of the issues. People like Paul Krugman, Howard Fineman and Jonathan Alter come to mind. If there is some reason that the Journal can’t find peo-

Let Us Never Forget Malcolm Miller’s letter to the editor (“He’s Tired of Holocaust Stories,” Journal, February 17) falls within the rubric of denial history: “If we do not talk about it, we will not think about it, and it will never occur — or maybe it never did happen?”

While not accusing Miller of being a Holocaust denier, his approach can have the same effect. Since about half of Miller’s fellow Jews were murdered in the Holocaust, we, at least minimally, owe it to their memory to inform and educate future generations what fear, prejudice, projection and hate can produce. We did not talk

about the Armenian genocide, and this was said to be a contributor to Hitler’s license for “the final solution.”

I was raised during WWII and we were told not to talk about “terrible things” because then they could happen to you.

The Holocaust and cancer were those forbidden topics. It was not until many years later that I became more fully informed about the Holocaust.

Let us never forget and never stop talking, no matter how unpleasant and upsetting it might be.

Herbert P. Golub, Ph.D. Boxford

meals, while Cohen Hillel was the pie-baking and cookie-making center. All of the food was delivered to local community shelters. Rooms were painted at Plummer House and the Cape Ann Art Haven. All of the proceeds from snacks sold will be donated to Yemin Orde in Israel.

A dedicated committee worked hard for months to make this day a reality, and generous donors supplied necessary materials and services. Many thanks to everyone who helped and participated.

Karen Madorsky, Cindy Leong Co-chairs, Got Mitzvah?2011 ple like this to print in their paper, I would like to know it.

Otherwise, I guess the Journal has either become a wholly owned subsidiary of Fox News, or the powers that be at the newspaper happen to support Krauthammer’s views.

Alan Sidman Salem

He’s (Still) Tired of the Holocaust Not long ago I wrote a letter (to the Journal) that perhaps more Holocaust tales need not be told.

In your March 3, 2011 issue, K. Goldschmidt writes how wrong I am and (that) one day I can become the “Jewish founder of Holocaust deniers.”

He has found me out. I am seeking 16 hours each day to take away from survivors their cherished memories.

Jews, don’t enjoy life without remembering the suffering of 60-70 years ago.

Malcolm Miller Salem

Editorial Policy

A letter (250 words or less) must be signed and include your name, address and telephone number for verification purposes. While we value robust debate, letters must be respectful, civil in tone and contain no personal insults. Letters can be mailed to The Jewish Journal, 201 Washington St., Suite 14, Salem, MA 01970, or emailed to editor@jewishjournal.org.

The Journal may post letters online prior to print publication.

The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

opinion

The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

11

Unexpected Encounters Back to the Shores of Tripoli?

Rabbi David Wolpe

A

charming story about the late, beloved Conservative Rabbi Mordecai Waxman: Once while visiting Greece, he was invited out to dinner. On the way, he stopped to buy flowers for his host from a vendor in the street.

He asked the price. The vendor said “26 drachmas.”

When Rabbi Waxman reached into his wallet to pay him, the vendor said: “That’s not how it works. I’m supposed to say ‘26 drachmas,’ and you’re supposed to say, ‘My dear sir, they are only worth eight.’ Then I am supposed to say ‘You are taking the bread from my children but since you are a guest, I will go down to 21.’ And then you are supposed to say ‘Honored friend, the most they could be worth is ten.’ Eventually after the back and forth, we settle on 13. That’s how it works here.”

So Rabbi Waxman reached into his wallet again and pulled out 13 drachmas. But the vendor said, “From my students, I don’t take money” and gave him the flowers.

Incidental, unexpected encounters can be wonderful. Don’t ignore the bag boy, the checker, the parking attendant, the merchant, the maintenance man. Every soul has sweetness; each hides treasures.

This article first appeared in the New York Jewish Week.

Fuel for the Bigots Richard Cohen

U

nlike Moses Herzog, the eponymous character of Saul Bellow’s novel “Herzog,” I do not feverishly compose mad letters to public figures and sinister government agencies.

But I often yell back at the TV set. This happened recently when Candy Crowley on CNN asked Rep. Peter King what his hearings into Muslim radicalism are really about.

“Good luck, Candy,” I yelled. Here, I am sure, is the answer: The hearings are about Pete King.

King is the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. He has inaugurated hearings with the official title, “The Extent of Radicalization in the American Muslim Community and That Community’s Response.” The last part —”That Community’s Response” — is already clear when it comes to King. The Muslim American community has taken umbrage and has demonstrated its outrage in King’s district on Long Island. King thinks they are being overly sensitive.

It happens to be an awkward fact that just last month, a University of North Carolina terrorism expert, Charles Kurzman, reported a drop in attempted or actual terrorist activity by American Muslims — 47 perpetrators and suspects in 2009, 20 in 2010. This does not mean that there is no threat, but, when measured against ordinary violent crime, it is slight. In fact, the threat from non-Muslims is much greater, encompassing not only your run-of-themill murderers, but about 20 domestic terrorist plots.

The findings of the Kurzman study just get more and more awkward. It turns out that in exposing alleged terrorist plots, “the largest single source of initial information (48 of 120 cases) involved tips from the Muslim American community.” Not only does this contradict King’s implicit charge that the American Muslim community is one vast terrorism enabler, but it suggests that an outcome of his hearings will be the further alienation of this community — and less cooperation with the authorities.

King is setting a dangerous precedent. The government has no business examining any peaceful religious group because a handful of adherents have broken the law..

In the case of the Muslim American community, there is no evidence of any centralized conspiracy involving terrorism or that Muslims are any less appalled and opposed to terrorism than non-Muslims. Not a single government official has suggested otherwise and whatever (insignificant) information is produced by these hearings will be hugely offset by the comfort they provide anti-Muslim bigots.

This is the real damage King does. Inherent in his rhetoric and his insistence on holding his hearings is the insinuation that Islam is not itself American. This, of course, is what some people once thought of Roman Catholicism. The aptly named Know Nothing movement of the mid-19th century was organized around such sentiment.

Terrorism remains a threat and there is such a thing as Islamic terrorism — or, to put it another way, terrorism conducted in the name of Islam. In this country, much of Continued on page 28

Daniel Pipes

T

he official hymn of the U.S. Marine Corps begins with “From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, we fight our country’s battles on the land as on the sea.” The reference to Tripoli alludes to the Battle of Derna of 1805, the first overseas land combat fought by U.S. troops and a decisive American victory.

Recent fighting in Libya prompts a question: Should the marines be sent anew to the shores of Tripoli, this time to protect not the high seas but the rebellious peoples of Libya rising against their government and calling for assistance as they are strafed from the air by troops loyal to Mu’ammar al-Qaddafi?

My first instinct is readily to agree to a no-fly zone, thereby improving the odds for the valiant opposition. Several factors encourage this instinct: Libya’s easy accessibility from U.S. and NATO air bases, the country’s flat and sparse geography, the near-universal condemnation of Qaddafi’s actions, the urgency to fully restore Libyan oil to the export market, and the likelihood that such intervention will end the wretched 42-year rule of an outlandish and repulsive figure.

But instinct does not make for sound policy. An act of war requires context, guidelines and consistency.

However easy the operation might look, Qaddafi could have unexpected reserves of power that could lead to a long and messy engagement. If he survives, he could become all the more virulent. However repulsive he may be, his opponents could be yet more threaten-

ing to U.S. interests.

Further, airpower has not yet proven decisive in Libya. Imposing a no-fly zone in Libya sets a precedent in situations where circumstances are less favorable (e.g., North Korea). And who will follow Qaddafi’s example and give up making nuclear weapons if this eases his own loss of power?

Behind the Libya debate looms the specter of Iraq and George W. Bush’s “freedom agenda.” Bush’s partisans see this as payback time while skeptics worry about unintended consequences. Were Barack Obama to use force in Libya, it would be tantamount to his conceding he was wrong to savage Bush’s Middle East policies. It would also, following Iraq and Afghanistan, involve American troops fighting the forces of yet another majority-Muslim country, something that Obama, with his emphasis on “mutual respect” with Muslims, must be loathe to undertake.

More fundamental is the imperative not to put American troops in harm’s way on behalf of humanitarian goals for other peoples.

That the U.S. military, as personified by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, shies away from taking on this duty, emphasizing its costs and dangers, serves as a salutary caution, especially given lapses in U.S. intelligence. That Libyans are starting to turn to Islamists for leadership, which could turn Libya into another Somalia.

The American arsenal permits a president to ignore other states and deploy unilaterally; but is this wise?

Iraqi precedents (1991, 2003) suggest it is politically worth the inconvenience to win endorsement from Continued on page 28

From the Triangle Fire through Madison, WI Stuart Appelbaum

T

he Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire that took place in New York City a century ago is now being memorialized in programs across the country. It took that fire on March 25, 1911, and the deaths of 146 innocent garment workers — mostly women, mostly Jewish, mostly immigrants — to bring about meaningful safety regulations, and to respect the call of workers struggling to secure the benefits of union membership. Many of our grandparents and great-grandparents played a critical role in building a strong and vibrant labor movement with the hope that it would endure and remain a permanent feature of American life. Through their actions and their struggle, our lives and the lives of most Americans were made better. Today, those hard-fought

gains are under threat in communities across the United States.

What has emerged in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana and across America is an attack against working men and women in both the public and private sector. The targets are the public employees now, but their intention is to come after all unionized workers.

The federal government, using taxpayer money, bailed out the banks and saved Wall Street. Now, corporate leaders and the elected officials they support are saying thank you by demanding tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and budgets balanced on the backs of working people — including many in the Jewish community. It’s a perverse form of gratitude.

The budget deficits cited to rationalize the attacks on public service workers’ collective bargaining rights are nothing more than a diversion: the real aim is to debilitate the labor movement state by state, for political, not economic, ends, and in doing so, curtail fundamental rights

for all working people. That is why all of us need to speak up, now.

Fortunately, the latest opinion polls show that a vast majority of Americans continue to support the legal right of working people to be represented by the union of their choice, and to engage in collective bargaining. But as caring Jews, as thoughtful Americans, we must not become complacent — we must continue to speak out against the governor of Wisconsin and others of his ilk trying to dismantle the unions and the workplace protections.

Many Jewish texts, from the Torah through the Talmud, deal specifically with the treatment of workers. The Torah urges “justice, justice, shall you pursue.” There is, then, a deeply moral, historical and theological basis for our efforts to close the widening gap between the rich and poor, and to prevent growing economic instability that will be detrimental for all Americans. This Continued on page 28

Frack You, Fukushima You! Rabbi Arthur Waskow

W

hat is just happening in Japan and what is on the verge of happening in Pennsylvania have a deep connection. In the one, it might seem that disaster flowed from a small-scale decision: that it was “impossible” for a tsunami to get higher than x feet. That decision led to placement of emergency generators for the nuclear power plants in ways that made them vulnerable to being knocked out when a monster tsunami did in fact sweep across northern Japan.

The result is that radiation is venting onto nearby regions of Japan, carrying the seeds of cancer and death. There may be a full melt-down of one or more of the damaged plants, rendering large areas of Japan as uninhabitable as the Chernobyl melt-down rendered parts of Ukraine, while increasing the rate of cancer deaths in a larger swathe of Europe.

A small mistake, yes? — misgauging the power of a possible earthquake and tsunami. As minor as the small mistake that turned the BP oil well in the Gulf of Mexico into an ecological and economic disaster. But neither one was exactly a “mistake.” The whole nuclear

energy system, and the whole system of deep-sea oil drilling, and the whole system of ”fracking” for natural gas that endangers the drinking water of millions of Americans — all are the result of a far more profound transgression.

That transgression is the pursuit of power to control the earth and other human beings that has run amok, has become subjugation, not just control. And is bringing plagues upon the earth and humankind as the tyrannical Pharaoh brought plagues upon ancient Egypt.

All life on Earth is the result of a dance between control and community. But modernity has become an adventure in over-reaching, over-powering, far beyond any previous imperial power. One result was General Electric’s convincing Japanese governments that its expertise could overpower earthquakes and tsunamis, that nuclear energy was more “profitable” than wind or solar energy could ever be, that the “cost” of a billion dollars each for these brittle power plants was better spending than conserving energy in the first place.

And the spending WAS better — for General Electric.

And for BP. And for Massey Coal. But not better for the Earth or human earthlings.

And now let’s look at the other obscene word — Continued on page 28

The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

food

12 The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

The Original

A Purim Menu With the Luck of the Irish

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very time there’s a Jewish leap year, as is the case in 2011, Purim falls during the same week as St. Patrick’s Day. While St. Patrick’s Day is always on March 17, Purim this year begins on March 19.

It has become customary for Jews everywhere to raise a glass on Purim, a holiday that encourages revelry. The Jews of Ireland are no exception. Small in number, they are a cohesive community with a proud history.

Among famed Irish Jews is Robert Briscoe, who in 1956 not only became the first Jewish mayor of Dublin, but also led the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade down Fifth Avenue in New York City.

Briscoe, however, was not the first Jewish mayor in Ireland: William Annyas was elected mayor of Youghal, County Cork, in 1555.

Although the Jewish presence in Ireland stretches back nearly 1,000 years, they are an admittedly limited population in an overwhelmingly Catholic country. Today there are more Irish Jews living in Israel than in Ireland, and the dead in Ireland’s Jewish cemeteries far exceeds living Jews — who today number fewer than 1,000.

Yet a unique way to celebrate Purim on this Jewish leap year would be to host a brunch and serve typical Irish fare. Here are some recipes.

Irish Soda Bread (Dairy) Parchment paper 2 pounds all-purpose flour 1 t. salt 1 t. baking soda 2 T. dark brown sugar 1 /3 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated 2½ cups buttermilk 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix flour, salt, baking soda and brown sugar. Add the cheese and while mixing, gradually pour in buttermilk until dough clumps together. (You may not need all of the milk.)

3. Dust your kitchen counter with flour. Shape dough into a ball, and roll in the flour. Press into a round, flat loaf, and place on the parchment paper. Bake 30-40 minutes.

Irish Smoked Salmon with Horseradish Cream (Dairy) Irish smoked salmon has a drier texture and is smoked longer than Gaspe and Scotch salmon, which are more popular in America. Because of its deep smoky flavor, it may not appeal to some served on a bagel with cream cheese, but it’s a great appetizer presented with capers, chopped dill and the following sauce.

1 cup reduced fat sour cream 1 t. (or more) prepared horseradish 1 t. fresh dill, minced

Place ingredients in a medium sized bowl and stir until well blended. Sprinkle dill on top.

Oatmeal Raisin Scones (Dairy) /3 cup raisins ½ cup buttermilk 7 T. unsalted butter 1½ cups flour, plus 4 T. ½ cup quick 1-minute oats (uncooked) 4 t. baking powder ½ t. salt 2 T. sugar, plus 1 T. ¼ t. vanilla 2 eggs, beaten Marmalade, optional 1

1. Soak the raisins in 1/3 cup water. Cut butter into pea-sized pieces. Place parchment paper on two cookie sheets. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. In a large mixing bowl, place 1½ cups flour, oats, baking powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar, and blend. Add the butter and vanilla and beat on a low speed until mixture is crumbly.

3. Add the eggs and slowly pour in the buttermilk, beating until dough turns soft and sticky.

Strain the raisins and blend into dough on low speed.

4. Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of flour on your kitchen counter.

Knead the dough briefly while in the bowl. Place the dough on the floured counter. With your hands, flatten dough to ¼-inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter, dipping its edge into flour before each cutting, punch out circles of dough and place them on prepared cookie sheets.

Gather up the dough remaining between circles and flatten again. Cut out scones until there’s no dough left. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of sugar over each scone.

5. Bake for 15 minutes, switching the upper cookie sheet with the lower one after 8 minutes. Remove from oven when scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes clean. Serve warm or at room temperature, with marmalade if desired.

Yield: 24 scones

Irish Coffee (Dairy) 8 cups of coffee, freshly brewed ½ pint heavy whipping cream 1 cup Irish cream liqueur, such as Bailey’s 1 cup Irish whiskey 1. While coffee is brewing, place heavy cream in a mixing bowl and whip with electric beaters until cream forms peaks. Pulse beaters on and off as cream thickens into whipped cream to avoid turning it into butter. Reserve.

2. Into 8 coffee mugs, place 1 ounce of Irish cream liqueur and 1 ounce of Irish whiskey.

3. Pour 1 cup of coffee into each mug and stir until combined. Top with spoonfuls of whipped cream and serve immediately.

Yield: 8 servings

The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

local news

The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

13

Bar & Bat

Mitzvahs

Collage by photographer Linda Jennings

bar/bat mitzvahs

14 The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

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hen Maritza and Jeff Weiss of San Antonio, Texas, started to plan their son Warren’s bar mitzvah, they considered the traditional format: a temple ceremony, followed by a celebration near home.

But because Warren is shy and was so stressed about having to ‘perform’ his parts of the service before a large crowd, the Weisses chose another option: a cruise bar mitzvah.

They heard about Ellen Paderson, founder of Bar & Bat Mitzvah Vacations and one of the originators of the concept over five years ago as part of her Smiles & Miles Travel agency, based near Boston.

The Weisses told Paderson there would be 15 family members and close friends. Paderson arranged a Sunday departure from Galveston, Texas on the Carnival Conquest, with the ceremony scheduled on Monday.

She arranged for a cantor, who helped prepare Warren via Skype, to participate and officiate at the service. She coordinated all onboard arrangements, including the menu and a private function room.

Jeff Weiss said, “This 21st century option for a 3,000 yearold tradition enabled Warren to prepare for a service that suited him, where he became a bar mitzvah in front of those that love him the most, without the pressures of a traditional event.

We were able to create a service

Courtesy photo

Warren Weiss celebrated his bar mitzvah at sea, aboard the Carnival Conquest. The boy (with tefillin) is pictured with his father, Jeff, and his grandfather, Robert.

highlighting Warren’s strengths, with the prayers that meant the most to him.”

After the service, family members commented on how cool and calm Warren was. One guest said, “The entire experience was intimate, personal and amazing. Never before had we been to a bar mitzvah where everyone was brought to tears with emotion.”

The guests also enjoyed the rest of the seven-day cruise with stops in Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Maritza Weiss said, “Ellen’s experience really showed. She was so organized and knowledgeable, presenting all our options. She coordinated all

travel and onboard arrangements, and helped us remember everything we could have forgotten. She left us with nothing to worry about except our son’s bar mitzvah preparation.”

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Vacations offers an optional private event coordinator to ensure a smooth service and reception. Also available are welcome baskets, kippot, ground transportation, shore excursions, tours, photographers, videographers, flowers, etc.

For more information, contact Ellen Paderson at 508-2384088, email ellenp1@comcast. net, or visit barmitzvahvacations.com.

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Events For Rent..................16 Carolyn Perlow/Eventmakers..23 Table Sensations.................18 The Party Gallery................18 The Party Specialist/ Bruce Silverlieb................15 PHOTOGRAPHERS/ VIDEOGRAPHERS Dasha Kazakova..................20 Photography by Linda........14 Photography by Sue...........17 Stone Digital Productions.....18 RECEPTION FACILITIES Andover Country Club.......14 Gourmet Garden..................4 Marian Court/Catering By The Party Specialist.........23

The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

Salem Waterfront Hotel.....15 Su Chang’s..........................21 RESTAURANTS Burton’s Grill ......................24 Caffe Italia...........................24 Fortune Palace....................24 Gourmet Garden................24 Greenland Café..................24 Hawthorne Hotel................24 Hungry Betty’s....................24 Salem Waterfront Hotel/ Regatta Pub.....................15 Su Chang’s..........................21 TRANSPORTATION & TRAVEL Bler Travel...........................22 Private Driver . ...................14

bar/bat Mitzvahs

The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

Party Expo in Peabody

About Photographer Linda Jennings

The 10th annual Jewish Party Expo will take place on Sunday, April 3, from noon to 3:30 p.m.

More than 30 different vendors, including florists, bands, disc jockeys, balloon decorators, party planners and supply rental companies, will be available to discuss your next simchah.

Admission to the event is just $2 for adults, and free for children under 18.

The Jewish Party Expo provides an opportunity for those planning weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, naming ceremonies or other events to meet and compare different types of vendors, all under one roof. The event will be held at Temple Ner Tamid, 368 Lowell St., Peabody.

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The collage on page 13 was created by Linda Jennings, an artistic photographer with a keen eye for detail.

Working in both black and white and color, she photographs with a unique style and genuine passion. Her images are modern, fashionable and filled with emotion.

Her studio is located at the Andover Bridal Center.

She specializes in weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, portraits and boudoir photography.

For further information, visit Photography by Linda, 1 Main Street, Suite 3-D, Andover. 1-800-730-3686 or photographybylinda.com.

15

bar/bat mitzvahs

16 The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

Better Late Than Never: Twelve Women Prepare for B’not Mitzvah Amy Sessler Powell Jewish Journal Staff

SWAMPSCOTT — Natalie White calls it the culmination of 56 years of procrastination.

Devorah Feinbloom calls it a bat mitzvah on her terms. And Elaine Merken refers to it as a way to prevent Alzheimer’s.

To the 12 women in the b’not mitzvah class at Congregation Shirat Hayam, it is a journey, a sisterhood, a healing, a spiritual awakening and yes, a struggle.

Merken, the senior member of the class who waited until her 70’s to have a bat mitzvah, experienced a triumph this month when she read Torah for the first time at the Sunday Rosh Chodesh minyan for the new month of Adar II. “The first thing I said when I finished was that I didn’t die, because I always said I would read Torah if it killed me,”

Merken said.

There are times when she and others wanted to quit, but they all stayed with it — prodded along by each other and their teacher, Cantor Emil Berkovits.

Feinbloom, who had a bat mitzvah many years ago on a Friday night, before women could be called to the Torah on Saturday morning, said, “the Cantor has a funny way of pushing you when you are not ready.”

During their weekly class they study and practice, line by line, just like young children.

The difference is that these women come voluntarily, and they derive much meaning from it.

“Reading Torah is sort of like floating on air. You go into another dimension. Even though you know the words and have practiced hundreds of times, something takes over and

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Cantor Emil Berkovits works with eight of the 12 women in his adult b’not mitzvah class at Congregation Shirat Hayam.

happens magically,” Feinbloom said.

Diane Levin feels the presence of history when she reads from the sacred scroll. “When I stand at the bimah, I have a sense that my Jewish ancestors are standing behind me, with hands on my shoulders, as I read Torah,” she said.

Though Levin’s father is Jewish, her mother is not, and she was raised in a secular home. As she pondered “the second half of my life,” after a “big birthday,” Levin began her Jewish journey and converted to Judaism last November.

“To have this incredible group of strong women with this wonderful commitment to strong Jewish values is an incredible sisterhood. We help each other over the humps,” Levin said.

Michele Tamaren describes her experience as one of healing. After being told for many

years as a child that she was tone deaf, she started to believe it. Even as a regular at Shabbat services, she barely sang, to avoid offending others.

“Cantor Emil is not only a teacher, but a healer. All I have carried with me all these years fell away,” said Tamaren as she learned trope and prepared to read from the Torah for the first time on Rosh Chodesh Nisan.

“That I am no longer worried about voice freed me in many venues to appreciate vocal expression. This opportunity is helping me understand the deep sense of connection

Catch

a

Glimpse

View video footage of Elaine Merken, Sandy Hirshberg and Devorah Feinbloom reading Torah at Congregation Shirat Hayam online at jewishjournal.org.

we have to God and each other, and to our own spirit through Torah,” Tamaren said.

She visited the Jewish Diaspora Museum in Israel in November on an interfaith pilgrimage, and saw photos of people from Eastern Europe reading from Torah.

“I realized that it is such a sacred gift and blessing for me to have this opportunity to read Torah, when so many lives have been lost because of devotion to these sacred books. This is the right time to be having my bat mitzvah,” said Tamaren, noting that it comes approximately 50 years after her 13th birthday.

Many of the women believe the discipline needed to learn something entirely new at their ages provides important reflection. Bette Shoreman works with children who have trouble learning to read. “Now I am putting myself out there where I am struggling to read,” Shoreman said.

Although many of the women in the group have already read Torah on the bimah, their formal b’not mitzvah is tentatively scheduled for March 31.

All of the women admit that the sisterhood that has developed is one of the most special parts of their journey. They hope to remain connected and possibly travel to Israel together.

“One of the most magical things is the relationship developing among the 12 of us. We have a deep respect for struggles and an appreciation for each other’s progress and successes.

Our class is filled with not only sound of trope, but of laughter and joy,” Tamaren said.

Contact Lois at 978-764-1049 or lr9395@gmail.com

The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

bar/bat mitzvahs

The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

17

Couple With a ‘Passion for Fashion’ Poised to Open Superstore

Susan Jacobs

Chris and Steve Kalman show off some of the beautiful dresses available at Cristina’s Bridal in Andover.

Susan Jacobs Jewish Journal Staff

W

hen it’s time to buy a dress for a special occasion, many women in the North Shore turn to Cristina’s.

The bustling store is an Andover institution that has been servicing customers for nearly 27 years.

Whether it’s a short and sexy sequined dress, or an elegant evening gown with a matching jacket, customers will find what they are looking for at Cristina’s.

The store boasts an outstanding collection of cocktail, couture or ready-to-wear fashions for women.

For those unable to find the

perfect outfit among the racks of choices, a member of the experienced sales team can special order an item, and one of the four seamstresses on staff will size it to fit.

Cristina’s has hundreds of beautiful dresses and wedding gowns in stock, but its enviable inventory will expand even further when the full-service boutique relocates across the street next month.

Owners Christine and Stephen Kalman, an energetic pair who have been married for 28 years, are ecstatic about the expansion.

The store will nearly double in size from its current 4,000 square feet to 7,500 square feet.

“This will allow us to better

showcase our merchandise,” explained Steve, who has spent months overseeing every detail at the signature store — from selecting chandeliers and furnishings, to ordering iPads for the sales staff.

The new facility, to be located at 1 Main Street in downtown Andover, will be state-of-theart. The luxurious salon will be bathed in shades of gray and purple, with mahogany wood trim and marble floors.

Behind the scenes, the Kalmans will have plenty of space to house the 150+ wedding gowns they store for customers, who purchase them up to a year in advance.

The store will be the anchor of an entire building devoted to the bridal industry. In addition to Cristina’s, the building will house a photographer, tuxedo store and band manager.

“It is very exciting. There is certainly no other concept like this in the area,” Steve said.

Becoming the nucleus of a multi-million dollar, three-floor enterprise is a testament to how far the couple has come in 27 years. They launched their business out of their North Reading home after the birth of their first child, Taryn.

“I was a teacher and Steve had a business background, but we both loved fashion. It was a natural choice for us,” said Chris, who handles the sales while Steve tends to the books. The couple, who now live in Boston, often

Limited only by your

bring their designer dog, Coco Chanel, to work with them.

On their first buying trip to New York City, the Kalmans purchased some inventory and hung it on three racks in their home. People clamored to buy the merchandise.

They opened their first retail establishment, a 1,000 square foot store, in 1984 in the Park Street Village Mall in Andover.

They moved to Main Street in 1995.

Bridal wear is 65 percent of their business. “We carry 18 bridal lines and 14 bridesmaid lines,” said Chris, adding “we have 400 bridal gown samples and 650 bridesmaid dress samples. All of our bridal veils are custommade-to-order, and each brides-

maid dress is available in up to 25 colors, in sizes 0-28.” The store also sells hair accessories, shoes and jewelry.

Although high-end department stores such as Saks and Neiman Marcus carry some of the same lines, Cristina’s also features some exclusive designer labels. Loyal customers insist that what sets the store apart is its personalized service.

“We have a lot of repeat business. Girls who brought their prom dresses from us come back and buy their bridal gowns,” notes Chris.

Cristina’s Bridal is currently located on 10-12 Main St. in Andover. Call 978-470-3956 or visit cristinasbridal.com.

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bar/bat mitzvahs

18 The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

Marblehead Family Makes Meaningful Bar Mitzvah in Israel

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ay and Lainie (Goodman) Okon of Marblehead began thinking about the bar mitzvah of their elder son, Joshua, the moment he was born.

“The first thing my mother said — before even asking me how I was — was that Josh’s bar mitzvah would take place in January, 2011,” recalled Lainie.

From the get-go, the unpretentious couple knew that a large, ostentatious affair was not for them. For years they batted about ideas about how to make the milestone event as meaningful as possible. After much careful deliberation, they decided to have it in Israel.

Lainie and Jay had both spent time in the Holy Land, but it would be the first trip for their sons, Josh, 13, and Rafi, 10. They wanted it to be very special.

“I didn’t want us to go to Israel as tourists, and I knew exactly what I wanted the kids to see,” said Lainie, who had lived there for a year as a young adult.

With Oranim Tours handling the logistics, she spent months designing a custom, two-week tour that would culminate in the celebration of Josh’s bar mitzvah on 1/1/11. The family mailed out unique invitations resembling airplane tickets, inviting their family, friends and the entire congregation of Temple Sinai (of which they are members) to join them on the adventure.

Unfortunately, Lainie’s mother, Taube, died unexpectedly shortly before departure, and her father, Al, was too distraught to go. But Jay’s 70-year-old mother, Myrna, came from Brooklyn, as did several cousins from Connecticut. Two local friends from Lainie’s Israeli folk dancing class also joined the entourage.

The bar mitzvah itself took place at a small, Conservative kibbutz outside of Haifa.

“It’s hard to find a Conservative synagogue in Israel, but it was very important to me that both males and females could participate equally in the Shabbat service,” said Lainie, who was delighted to discover that the kibbutz used the same siddur to which she was accustomed.

Josh, who attends Marblehead Charter School and takes classes at Prozdor in Newton, prepared for his Israeli bar mitzvah with

Courtesy photos

Above, the Okon family at the bar mitzvah of their son, Josh. Below, creative invitations that resembled airline tickets were sent to friends and family members.

Cantor David Aronson of Temple Sinai.

“It was a lot of work,” he admitted, noting that he did a Haftorah, in addition to two long Torah readings.

“He practiced a lot, but the one thing we didn’t practice was holding the Torah — which turned out to be bigger than he was,” said Lainie.

On New Year’s Day (which is no big deal in Israel), Josh led the congregation in worship wearing a special tallis the family had purchased earlier in Jerusalem.

Afterwards he celebrated with members of the kibbutz, some Israeli cousins that the family had never met, and some old Israeli friends of Lainie’s.

“The service was the most Hamish, spiritual, lively and endearing one we’ve ever been to,” Lainie said.

“Some young adult cousins of mine from Connecticut told me: ‘If services at home were more like this, then maybe we would go more often,’” Jay remarked.

“It was more than just a bar mitzvah. It was like a large family meet-and-greet. And being in Israel together was a nice way to bond with relatives you don’t see often,” Jay added.

Although there are companies that specialize in bar/bat mitzvah tours, Lainie preferred to do the organizing herself.

“It’s different from planning a traditional bar mitzvah — where you think about the caterer or floral arrangements — but it’s

still a lot of work,” she admitted.

It wound up costing the family about $2,500 per person, not including airfare.

“That’s the same amount of money you might spend on a small bar mitzvah, but at least it lasts longer than one day,” Jay said.

The Okon’s younger son, Rafi, attends North Shore Hebrew School. His classmates gave him $135 of tzedakah money to donate while in Israel. The family used the funds to buy games for underprivileged immigrant children living in Or Akivah, near Caesarea.

While the bar mitzvah was the main event, the family enjoyed other highlights such as exploring the narrow tunnels near the Dead Sea, a camel ride in the desert, and a Jeep ride in the Golan Heights.

And before they even got back to the states, Rafi informed his parents that he, too, wants to have his bar mitzvah in Israel.

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The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

bar/bat mitzvahs

The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

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19

20 The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

bar/bat mitzvahs

Areyvut Contest Winners Share Their Mitzvah Project Ideas Areyvut, a non-profit established in 2002, strives to infuse the lives of Jewish youth with the core Jewish values of chesed (kindness), tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (social action).

Since 2004, the organization has sponsored an essay contest where Jewish teens describe their mitzvah projects, and share the positive results of their efforts with others.

Two years ago, Areyvut began allowing teens to submit their essays in video format. In 2010, it received a record number of entries. A panel of judges recently announced the winners of the 2010 B’nai Mitzvah Video Essay Contest.

The grand prize winner was Eric Greenberg Goldy of New York, N.Y., a ninth grader who to date has raised $80,000 for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, and is actively sharing his idea with others around the country. His video is entitled, “PCF

Strike Out Pediatric Cancer Bowlathon.”

Second place went to Samuel Kalnitz of Atlanta, Ga., whose entry “Mitzvah Bars Project” showcased how he raised over $3,000 for two organizations by selling chocolate bars.

The third place prize went to Joshua Pattiz of Agoura, Calif., who is striving to raise $5,000 for Heifer International, an organization that provides animals to people in Third World countries to help the individuals become self-sufficient.

An honorable mention was awarded to Mike Sabath of Katonah, N.Y., who wrote the song “Hand in Hand,” is selling copies of it on iTunes, and donating the profits to help individuals with special needs.

A second honorable mention went to Jordana Wise of Hollis Hills, N.Y., who has done a wide variety of different mitzvah projects.

To see the videos and learn more, visit areyvut.org/bnai_ mitzvah/essay_contest/.

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The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

bar/bat mitzvahs

The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

21

Say ‘Ciao’ to a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Italy Stanley Hurwitz Special to the Journal

T

he words ‘auguri’ and ‘mazel tov’ (Italian and Hebrew for ‘congratulations’) will both come in handy during unique trips being planned by a travel agent and a rabbi.

Travel agent Ellen Paderson, who 16 years ago helped pioneer the concept of destination weddings, honeymoons and bar/bat mitzvahs, has teamed up with an Italian-American rabbi to plan unique celebrations in Italy.

Paderson’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah Vacations is a subsidiary of her Smiles & Miles Travel, Inc. While the Jewish community of Italy dates back more than 2,000 years, their fate changed based on the whims of emperors, popes, kings and dictators.

The rabbi, a first-generation Italian-speaking American, is the first woman rabbi in Italy.

She is the spiritual leader of Ner Tamid del Sud (Hebrew and Italian for ‘Eternal Light of the South’) in Calabria. Her father was raised in Calabria, which is south of Naples.

“There’s a market for this niche,” said Paderson. “For some, there may be a mixed Italian-Jewish marriage. Others will enjoy learning of the history of Jews in Italy since Roman times, whether or not they have roots there. For others who may

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A girl celebrates her bat mitzvah in the synagogue courtyard in Calabria, Italy.

have been to Israel, here’s another ancient venue that makes for wonderful memories.”

The 400-year-old synagogue, renovated by a Calabrian family that recently discovered its Jewish roots, offers a memorable backdrop.

Paderson added.

The 400-year-old synagogue, renovated by a Calabrian family that recently discovered its Jewish roots, offers a memorable backdrop. The entrance features an iron gate with two large Stars of David. Members and guests from all over Italy attend Sabbath study gatherings and festival celebrations.

The first American bar mitzvah was held there in June of 2007.

Yours could be next.

“The rabbi discovered her own roots in Calabria, and says it’s an honor and joy to serve people of all backgrounds and offer them a pluralistic approach to our heritage and traditions,”

For further information, contact Ellen Paderson at 508-2384088, email ellenp1@comcast. net, or visit smilesandmilestravel.com.

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The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

22 The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

Youth Gives Back to KIPP Academy Amy Sessler Powell

tribute. Because he enjoyed the yo-yo and was skilled at it, he decided to teach a yo-yo elective there. Once he got to know the community, he decided to help financially as well.

Jewish Journal Staff

MARBLEHEAD — Max Pastan recently made a large contribution to KIPP Academy in Lynn — donating all of the money he received for his bar mitzvah on October 9, 2010.

“I did my mitzvah project at KIPP and through that I saw what a great school it is and the opportunities it gives kids in the Lynn community,” said Pastan, a seventh grader at Cohen Hillel Academy.

Pastan learned about KIPP Academy a few years ago when his parents, Christina and Phil Pastan, hosted an open house for the school.

Phil Pastan’s closest childhood friend was involved in KIPP in its early development in Houston, Texas. When KIPP

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came to Lynn, he encouraged them to get involved, said Christina. After learning about it, Max wanted to do his mitzvah project there.

Inspired by the KIPP students who visited his home, Max searched for ways he could con-

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“During the process of becoming a bar mitzvah and through my mitzvah project, I learned that it is very important to always give back. It is also a lesson my parents have always taught me,” he said.

His bar mitzvah took place at Temple Emanu-El and his Torah portion was about the Tower of Babel.

“My interpretation of the story is that those who choose to put others before themselves can truly reach God and make Him proud,” Max said.

“I have everything I need, and I am fortunate and blessed to have the family I have, and a school that gives me a solid education. I want every kid to have the gifts I have. I hope that through continuing to give back to society, I am helping to build a better world,” Max said.

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bar/bat mitzvahs

The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

A Celebration of Faith for All

Beautiful Seaside Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

Lisa Kosan Special to the Journal

P

lanning our son Max’s bar mitzvah entailed all of the usual tasks: driving him to his lessons with the rabbi, hiring a caterer, ordering a tallit and distributing the aliyot. We also had special FIRST considerations.

PERSON Because my husband and his family are not Jewish, we needed to design a service that would adhere to my Conservative faith, and embrace our extended family’s various beliefs.

Nearly two years later, and in the midst of planning for our second son’s turn to read Torah, I’m happy to report that an interfaith celebration is possible — and truly joyous. A bar mitzvah, after all, celebrates faith and family. At its core it honors traditions of love, education and inclusiveness.

My husband wanted to participate in the preparation and service as much as possible. He signed up for Hebrew lessons so he could help Max study, and follow along with the prayer service. He also helped Max find a connection with his reading and his d’var torah. And though he could not physically pass the Torah scroll to Max, l’dor va dor, he stood with my family and our son on the bimah, conveying the strength in tradition and learning that we all hope Max will embrace throughout his life.

To share more of the service, we asked our non-Jewish relatives to read poems or English prayers, and invited my father-in-law to choose a reading he was comfortable with.

He selected an Old Testament passage that had relevance to his own life, upbringing and strong faith, and one that would impart his personal wishes for Max. Our nieces distributed the small spice sachets prior to the

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Amy Sweeney

Max Petersen stands at the bimah in Temple B’nai Abraham, as Rabbi Steven Rubenstein looks on.

Havdallah service, and the jelly candy projectiles that would find their mark in the vicinity of Max’s head.

With Simon, whose bar mitzvah will be held this fall, my husband helps him read his Torah portion and make sense of the English translation of his reading from Va Yetzei in the book of Genesis. Yes, even the English can confound.

memorable events.

Lisa Kosan lives in Beverly with her husband, Scot Petersen, and sons, Max and Simon.

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We asked our non-Jewish relatives to read poems or English prayers.

So what really is the difference between services for children of Jewish families and interfaith families? Very little. There is a role for everyone.

By focusing on family, we helped demystify a Jewish tradition and demonstrated our shared love of Max and, soon, Simon. My Jewish religion provides the impetus for these gatherings, but the strength and participation of family — of all faiths — make them

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Jewish world

The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

25

Soviet Dictator Stalin’s Deadly Plan Foiled on Purim Yulia Zhorov Jewish Journal Staff

A

lthough Purim is a festive holiday, it also has a serious side — reminding us of the presence of evil and “modern-day Hamans.”

Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin died on Purim, March 5, 1953.

His sudden demise saved millions of Soviet Jews from what could easily have been a postwar Holocaust of its own — as he was about to launch a mass deportation and, consequently a mass-murder of his Jewish countrymen.

Many Russian-speaking Jews remember the atmosphere of total fear and uncertainty that was felt in Jewish households in the late 1940s/early 1950s, during the so-called “The Black Years.” That dark period began soon after World War II, on the heels of Nazi genocide. Joseph Stalin embarked on a mission of annihilation of Jewish culture and Jewish organizations, using systematic anti-Jewish propaganda to turn public opinion against Jews.

During those years, many important Jewish organizations and institutions were dissolved.

It began in 1948, when renowned actor-director Solomon Michoels was murdered and the Yiddish theater was closed. Mass arrests of Yiddish writers followed, Yiddish newspapers and journals were closed, the Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee was dis-

mantled, and many of its leaders were imprisoned. About 30 Yiddish writers were executed in Lubyanka prison basement in Moscow on August 12, 1952. Jews were targeted by media as anti-Soviet nationalists and “rootless cosmopolitans.”

Stalin carefully prepared and choreographed a program inventing crimes supposedly committed by Jews — crimes so atrocious that they could only be punished by death. This created a mass-hysteria that culminated in January of 1953 with an infamous article known as the “Doctors’ Plot,” where Jewish doctors were accused of planning to kill and poison top Communist leaders.

The Soviet people were stunned by this fabricated conspiracy, which included the lie that the United States had given secret directions to Jews to kill Stalin and ultimately destroy the Soviet Union. Jewish doctors were arrested and prosecuted.

The plot “was not the haphazard product of a vindictive, paranoid mind. It had a shape forged in a conspiratorial system by a highly calculating, masterful intellect,” wrote Jonathan Brent and Vladimir P. Naumov in their

book, “Stalin’s Last Crime.”

Boris Kellerman of Brighton, who immigrated to America in 1989, was a teenager in 1953, but remembers the time well.

He lived with his family in Leningrad, where his mother was a pediatrician in a clinic.

“After the publication of that ugly article about ‘killer-doctors,’ our phone stopped ringing, we were treated with silence by our friends, and there were stones thrown into our windows.

Someone wrote an incriminating letter to the clinic’s manager that my mother injected newborns with gasoline. The

manager was a decent man who did not fire my mother, but she lost a lot of patients in a short period of time, and had to quit her job. At least she wasn’t arrested,” Kellerman said.

A letter was prepared and signed by Soviet Jews loyal to Stalin condemning the “treacherous doctors,” and appealing to Stalin to save the Jews from the rage of the people. They pleaded with him to protect Jews by shipping them to the temporary safety of Siberian camps.

The order was given to construct giant prison camps in Kazakhstan and Siberia to receive millions of deported Jews. The property of Jews scheduled for deportation was tagged for confiscation.

“During that time, we lived in Moscow in a communalstyle apartment, where five to ten families occupied one or two rooms and shared a kitchen and bathroom. We were the only Jewish family in such an apartment, and we had genuinely nice relations with our neighbors. But when the ‘doctors plot’ was unleashed, other people in this apartment began to openly discuss what pieces of furniture or clothing they would take when we would be sent

to Siberia. It was so casual and matter-of-fact that it was even scarier than the actual physical threats,” recalled a Russianspeaking Jew from Lynn.

Some historians suggest that Stalin had a hidden purpose to his anti-Semitic actions.

Disappointed at his failure to bring a “Socialist” Israel into the Communist fold, he was looking for a final showdown with the West by drastically shifting his political objectives in supporting Arab ambitions, and severing diplomatic relations with the Jewish state.

Thankfully, the anticipated purges never fully unfolded. A few days before the scheduled trial and consequent execution of the “doctors-killers,” Stalin attended his usual late-night drinking party with comrades in a Moscow suburb. He collapsed in the morning hours of March 1, 1953 and died. That year, the day corresponded with the festival of Purim.

Although the exact cause of Stalin’s death remains a mystery, a theory supported by Dr. Alexander Rashin, author of the book “Why Stalin Didn’t Murder All the Jews,” exists that he may have been poisoned by his closest political associates.

Whatever the cause of death, Soviet Jews could celebrate the fact that a modern day Haman met his fate before he had the opportunity to launch a postwar holocaust.

ROBERT I. LAPPIN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Helping to Keep Our Children Jewish

Y2I, FORtY YeARS And COuntIng!

T

he Robert I. Lappin Youth to Israel Adventure (Y2I) kicked off its fifth decade at the first pre trip meeting of Y2I 2011 on Sunday, February 13. Israeli Consul General Shai Bazak spoke to the group of more than 200 teens, parents and community members, thanking our community for its dedication to our Jewish youth and to Israel.

This year’s Honorees for the Y2I Tribute Book are Howard and Sharon Rich, two highly respected and dedicated leaders of our Jewish community.

Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks to ensure a successful Y2I campaign. Contact Susan Feinstein at 978-740-4431 or email sfeinstein@rilcf.org to volunteer to help keep Y2I going strong.

C

Eighty Jewish teens from 16 cities and towns across our community will depart for their life-changing adventure on July 10. The Foundation raised $451,007 from 705 donors, including $100,000 from Robert Israel Lappin and $70,000 from the Jewish Federation of the North Shore, for Y2I 2011. “Thanks to the ongoing financial support of our Jewish community, Y2I continues to be the most successful Jewish program for our community’s teens. We look forward to celebrating Y2I’s Golden Anniversary in ten years,” remarked Robert I. Lappin, Foundation Trustee.

T

YOuth tO ISRAeL AnnuAL CAMPAIgn

he Foundation’s Annual Campaign for the 2012 Robert I. Lappin Youth to Israel Adventure (Y2I) will run from March through August. Y2I, the most successful community teen Israel experience in the county, provides the opportunity for teens across our community to participate in a life-changing adventure. Y2I’s continued success depends on a successful fundraising campaign.

Fun FRIdAYS At ChA

hildren of The PJ Library and their parents are invited to a fun afternoon of Jewish stories and crafts on Friday, April 8, 3:15-4 p.m. at Cohen Hillel Academy, 6 Community Rd., Marblehead. The program is free. Please RSVP by March 1 to Phyllis Osher at 978-740-4404 or email posher@rilcf.org.

T

Be hAPPY! It’S AdAR!

emple Ner Tamid of Peabody and the Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation invite families of The PJ Library to a free Purim celebration on Saturday, March 19, beginning with a pizza dinner at 6:30 p.m. followed by a Purim service and Megillah reading at 7:30 pm. No solicitation for temple membership will take place. There will be family activities, ice cream sundaes and hamantashens. Come in costume! Please RSVP to templenertamid@verizon.net or call Beth at 978-532-1293.

T

the SuRPRISIng POweR OF FAMILY MeALS

emple Ahavat Achim of Gloucester and the Robert I. Lappin Foundation invite parents, grandparents of The PJ Library and the community to a free lecture featuring author Miriam Weinstein, who will speak about how eating together makes us smarter, stronger,

healthier and happier. The program will take place on Wednesday, March 23, 7:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 210 Andover St., Peabody. Foods highlighted in books of The PJ Library will be discussed as a vehicle for teaching about Judaism. Books will be available for purchase during a book signing following author’s talk.

Register online at www.rilcf.org or contact Phyllis Osher, Program Associate, at 978-740-4404 or email posher@ rilcf.org. Reservations are requested by March 16.

COnveRSAtIOnS ~ A unIque BOOk gROuP FOR wOMen

T

he Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation is pleased to serve as the organizer for the North Shore site of Hadassah Brandeis Institute’s Conversations Book Group for women. Authors of the books lead the book group discussions, adding personal insights to the stories and providing inspirational discussions.

Registration is open for the 2011 season of Conversations. Meetings will take place on Monday evenings, from 7-9 p.m. at a location in the greater Peabody area, on the following dates: March 28 (Stations West by Allison Amend), June 27 (Muriel’s War

by Sheila Isenberg, and September 19 (confirmation of author and book pending). The cost of $180 includes the books. To register, please contact Susan Feinstein at 978-740-4431 or email sfeinstein@rilcf.org.

Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation | 29 Congress St., PO Box 986, Salem, MA 01970 | 978-740-4428 | www.rilcf.org The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

calendar

26 The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

For more extensive calendar listings and daily updates, visit jewishjournal.org.

Fri, March 18 Honoring Hebrew Scholars

7 p.m. Congregants who have completed Rabbi Koronow’s course, “Learn Hebrew in Less Than a Week,” will be honored at a family Shabbat service. Temple Emanu-El, 514 Main St., Haverhill. 978-373-3861 or Nancy@TempleEmanu-El.org.

Sat, March 19 Purim at Cong.

Ahabat Sholom

7:30 p.m. Megillah reading, hamantashen, carnival with ice cream, popcorn and cotton candy.

151 Ocean St., Lynn. 781-593-9255 or email AhabatSholom@gmail.com.

Purim at Temple Ner Tamid

6:30 p.m. family pizza dinner; 7:30 p.m. service, followed by ice cream sundaes and hamantashen. Adult martini party at 8:15 p.m. All welcome. 368 Lowell St., Peabody. templenertamid@verizon.net or 978-532-1293.

Zumba Purim at Temple Tifereth Israel

7 p.m. Aerobic workout with the Queen of Zumba Shushan. 539 Salem St., Malden. templetiferethisrael.org or 781-332-2794.

Haman Hoe Down

7 p.m. Old West Purim features square dancing.

Temple Emmanuel, 60 Tudor St., Chelsea. Call Molly Devonick at 617-889-1736.

Adult Purim Celebration

8 p.m. Megillah masquerade, martinis, music and dessert. $10. Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Rd., Andover. templeemanuel.net or 978-470-1356.

Purim at CSH

5:30 p.m. Zumba, supper and rock ‘n roll spiel and megillah reading. Congregation Shirat Hayam, 55 Atlantic Ave., Swampscott. csh@shirathayam.org or 781-599-8005.

Sun, March 20 Purim Celebration at Cong. Beth Israel

3:30 p.m. Free Kids Zone, followed by a Purim Se’udah. $18/adults; $9/ children; $54/family max. 10 Dexter St., Malden. Email director@bethisraelmalden.org.

Community Purim Carnival

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Games, entertainment, prizes, lunch and costume contest. JCCNS, 4 Community Rd., Marblehead. jccns. org or 781-631-8330.

Breakfast Purim Celebration

9 a.m. Breakfast with Rabbi Berman, followed by a Purim celebration. $5/members; $6 nonmembers. Temple B’nai Israel, 1 Wave St., Revere. 781-284-8388.

Musical Purim Party

3:30 p.m. Chabad of Peabody presents a live band, karaoke for the kids, buffet dinner featuring salads and wraps, and open bar for adults. $10/children; $15/adult; $54/family. Holiday Inn Peabody, Rt. 1 N., Peabody. Email raizel@jewishpeabody.com or 978977-9111.

‘Soulfarm’ Purim

3 p.m. megillah reading; 5 p.m. Dinner and open martini bar for adults, plus live musical performance by Jewish rock/folk band. Chabad Community Shul, 44 Burrill St., Swampscott. Email dinathan@gmail.com or 781-775-7981.

Funnier Then a Pie in Your Face

3 p.m. Purim spiel with puppeteer Anna Sobel of Talking Hands Theatre. $5/family donation appreciated. Avery Crossing Assisted Living Center, 110 West St., Needham. bnaior.org.

Purim Celebration at Cong. Tifereth Israel

9 a.m. service, followed by gourmet brunch at 10:30. Costumes optional. $10. 34 Malden St., Everett. 617-3870200.

Purim Pizza Potluck

5 p.m. Dinner and Purim spiel. Andover Newton Theological School, 210 Herrick Rd., Newton Centre. bnaior.org.

Purim Carnival in Andover

Family service at 10:30 a.m., carnival at 1 p.m. Games, face painting, food, prizes. Bring a box of macaroni and cheese as a grogger to be donated to the Merrimack Valley Foodbank. Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Rd., Andover. templeemanuel.net or 978-470-1356.

Camp Menorah Open House

Noon to 2 p.m. Learn about summer options. Temple B’nai Abraham, 200 East Lothrop St., Beverly. Email admin@campmenorah.com or 781631-8081.

Open House

10 a.m to 3 p.m. Woodbridge Assisted Living, 240 Lynnfield St., Peabody. Contact Marta Strum at 978-532-4411.

Mon, March 21 CSH Book Group

7:30 p.m. Read and discuss “Shanghai Girls” by Lisa See. Cong.

Shirat Hayam, 55 Atlantic Ave., Swampscott. csh@shirathayam.org or 781-599-8005.

Nutritional Cooking for One or Two

6:30 p.m. Whole Foods dishes up healthy tips. Free. Swampscott Public Library, 61 Burrill St., Swampscott. 781-596-8867.

Commerce holds a night of networking with wine and appetizers. $25. Red Rock Bistro, 141 Humphrey St., Swampscott. 781-592-2900.

‘Nora’s Will’

Mexican comedy/drama plays through 3/24. Contact theatre for show times. Cabot Theatre, 286 Cabot St., Beverly. cabotcinemamovies.com or 978-927-3677.

Wed, March 23 best bet Barefoot Contessa Live

8 p.m. Ina Garten, America’s favorite hostess, is simulcast live from New York. $10/members; $12/non-members. JCCNS, 4 Community Rd., Marblehead. jccns.org or 781-631-8330.

The Surprising Power of Family Meals

7:30 p.m. Author Miriam Weinstein discusses how eating together benefits families. Free. Barnes and Noble, 210 Andover St., Peabody.

Email posher@rilcf.org or call 978740-4404.

Service Learning with NSTI

3-4:45 p.m. Students in grades 8-12 will assist primary school students at the Ford School in Lynn with homework and projects. Transportation provided to and from Cohen Hillel Academy. Also 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/27 and 5/4. nsteeninitiative.org or call 781-244-5544.

CHA Open House

Tues, March 22

7 p.m. Learn more about this independent Jewish day school.

1 Community Rd., Marblehead. cberger@cohenhillel.org or 781639-2880.

‘Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story’

Holistic Approaches to Weight Management

7:30 p.m. Presented by BJFF. $15. West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington St., W. Newton. bjff.org or 617-244-9899.

College Admissions Information Night

6:30 p.m. Free. Chyten, 950 Cummings Center, Beverly. Email beverly@chyten.com or 978-9225540.

Spring Wine & Win

6 p.m. The Lynn Area Chamber of

5 p.m. Presentation by Barry Taylor, ND. Essex Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 265 Essex St., Beverly. 978-927-3260.

Thur, March 24 Teen Art Class

6 p.m. Mixed media illustration and cartooning taught by Darren Goldman. Registration required, Space limited. Swampscott Public Library, 61 Burrill St. 781-596-8867.

Fri, March 25 Gay Men’s Jewish Retreat

Weekend of community and spirituality. $250-500; financial aid available. Isabella Freedman Jewish

Retreat Center, Falls Village, Conn. nehirim.org.

Hawthorne String Quartet

The Terezin Music Foundation presents a concert at Symphony Hall at 1:30 p.m. Also March 27 at Somerville High School at 3 p.m., and April 3 at Tuckerman Hall, Worcester, at 3 p.m. Email info@terezinmusic.org or 857-222-8262.

‘Cheaper by the Dozen’

The North Shore Players Community Theatre presents the comedy, through March 27. $15/adult; $12/ student/senior. Hogan Auditorium, 6 Hathorne Circle, Danvers. northshoreplayers.org or 978-750-4842.

Joseph Ribkoff Trunk Show

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spring and summer collections. Also March 26.

Infinity Boutique, 427 Paradise Rd., Swampscott. 781-599-8829.

Sat, March 26 Southern Rail Bluegrass Concert

8 p.m. $10-$18. Temple Emmanuel, 120 Chestnut St., Wakefield. 781246-2836.

‘Upon the Wind Your Music Floats’

8 p.m. The Chameleon Arts Ensemble presents a concert. Also March 27 at 3 p.m. $20-$40. GoetheInstitut Boston, 170 Beacon St., Boston. info@chameleonarts.org or 617-427-8200.

Sokolow Now!

8 p.m. Annual spring performance. $22. Boston University Dance Theatre, 915 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. 617-358-2500.

Saxophone Baroque et Romantic

8 p.m. Performed by Boston Classical Orchestra. Also March 27 at 3 p.m.

Faneuil Hall, Boston. bostonclassicalorchestra.org or 617-423-3883.

Family Fun Day

Noon to 4 p.m. The Lynn Museum and Historical Society unveils its new exhibition “Into the Woods” with family-friendly activities, including live animals native to Lynn Woods. $5; children free. Lynn Museum, 590 Washington St., Lynn.

781-581-6200.

Sun, March 27 Yours, Mine & Ours

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Support/discussion group for interfaith couples, led by professional facilitators. Also April 3. $150/couple. Scholarships avail-

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calendar

27

The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

able. Temple Tifereth Israel, 539 Salem St., Malden. jschwartz@urj. org or 617-928-0012.

Jewish War Veterans

10 a.m. Members of JWV North Shore Post 220 and Ladies Auxiliary meet. Maxwell Titelbaum will discuss Afghanistan. Cong. Sons of Israel, Park and Spring Sts., Peabody.

978-236-8435.

Jewish World Music Cafe

7:30 p.m. Klezmer, jazz, Ladino, Yiddish and Israeli music. $18/ adults; $6/youth. Temple Israel, 44 North Ave., Natick. office@tiofnatick.org or 508-650-3521 x100.

best bet ‘Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story’

5 p.m. The Men’s Club hosts a movie night with hot dogs, sausages, chips, potato salad, coleslaw and beverages. $10.

Temple Ner Tamid, 368 Lowell St., Peabody. bsfcp@verizon. net.

Mon, March 28 best bet Boston Sports Legends

7:30 p.m. Sportscasters Bob Lobel and Mike Lynch talk sports, moderated by Billy Fairweather.

Free. JCCNS, 4 Community Rd., Marblehead. jccns.org or 781631-8330.

Tues, March 29 7 p.m. Friends of Aviv hosts an evening with the author, who will discuss how a nice Jewish girl from the North Shore got to hang around with Jackie Kennedy’s private secretary, Whitey Bulger and Academy Award winners. $7. Woodbridge Assisted Living, 240 Lynnfield St., Peabody. 781-953-1591.

7 p.m. Sisterhood prepares Chinese dishes together. $10. Temple Sinai, 1 Community Rd., Marblehead. rachaelkummins@comcast.net.

8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 5-7 p.m.

Sisterhood collects gently used equipment to donate. Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Rd., Andover. b.birnbach@verizon.net or 978-470-1356.

Family Bingo

5 p.m. Fun, friends, food and prizes. $5/Sisterhood members, $6/ non-members. Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Rd., Andover. templeemanuel.net or 978-470-1356.

Securing Israel’s Jewish and Democratic Future

7 p.m. Jon Grabelle Herrmann of J-Street speaks. Temple Sinai, 50 Sewall Ave., Brookline. 617-3325433.

Fri, April 1

Jew Crew Takes Manhattan

‘Sons of the Prophet’

Shabbaton through April 3.

Explore the city, celebrate Shabbat. northofbostonjewcrew@gmail.com or 781-775-7981.

Dough Raiser

11:30 a.m. to closing. Fundraiser for Essex Heritage. Pizzeria Uno Chicago Grill, 970 Paradise Rd., Swampscott. essexheritage.org or 978-740-0444.

‘Car Talk: The Musical’

An Evening With Phyllis Karas

A Night in Chinatown

Sports Equipment Drive

Thur, March 31

Runs through April 3. Suffolk University, 521 Washington St., Boston. moderntheatre.com or 617557-6537.

‘Book of Days’

Dark comedy/mystery runs through April 10. $15/online; $20/ at the door. Cambridge YMCA, 820 Massachusetts Ave. badhabitproductions.org or 857-342-2518.

27th Forum on Tolerance

6:45 p.m. Bullying: see it for what it is. Free. Lynn Campus Gymnasium, 300 Broad St., Lynn. 978-762-4000 x6294.

Wed, March 30

Huntington Theatre Company presents the play, through May 1. $25$65. 527 Tremont St., Boston. huntingtontheatre.org or 617-266-0800.

Sat, April 2

Ladies Night at Indra Salon

5 p.m. Free style consultation and fashion show. Learn new make-up and hair trends. Music, raffles and food. Proceeds benefit Lazarus House. $50. Indra Salon, 8 Main St., Andover. indrasalon.com or 978470-8800.

‘A Letter to Mother’ and ‘Mamadrama’

8:45 p.m. Films about mothers screen. Also April 3 at 7 p.m. $10.

Emerson College, 559 Washington St., Boston. bjff.org.

Jewish Film Fest

7 p.m. View “The Outside Chance of Maximilian Glick’ followed by discussion. Donations appreciated.

Temple Emanuel, 101 West Forest St., Lowell. temv.org or 978-454-1372.

Cafe Jazz

8 p.m. Joe Mulholland and Donna

Labor Seder

5 p.m. New England Labor Committee’s 11th annual event.

All welcome, pay what you can.

Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, 256 Freeport St., Dorchester. bostonjlc@aol.com or 617-227-0888.

Genocide and Slavery in Sudan — A Personal Perspective

6 p.m. Author Francis Bok discusses his experiences about being forced into slavery. Free. Gordon College, 255 Grapevine Rd., Wenham. 978927-2300.

McElroy perform. $20. Temple Beth Shalom, 21 E. Foster St., Melrose. robzrob@aol.com or 781-665-3766.

Sun, April 3 Jewish Party Expo

Noon-3:30 p.m. Meet vendors. $2; under 18 free. Temple Ner Tamid, 368 Lowell St., Peabody. 978-532-1293 or templenertamid@verizon.net.

best bet Community Mitzvah Day

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Day of service.

Prepare meals, assemble craft kits, do a clean-up. Free. Cong.

Beth Israel, 501 S. Main St., Andover. office@BethIsraelMV. org or 978-474-0540.

‘Making Trouble’

4 p.m. Film about Jewish female comics. $8. JCC of Greater Boston, 333 Nahanton St., Newton. jccgb. org or 617-558-6410.

Rabbi Steven Wernick

7:30 p.m. CEO of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism speaks. Free. Temple Emunah, 9 Piper Rd., Lexington. 617-244-6506 x19.

From Sex to Seafood: Classes for Seniors BOSTON — Hebrew SeniorLife has launched Retirement University for seniors. The inaugural semester opens March 30 with a class taught by celebrity sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer at NewBridge on the Charles, 5000 Great Meadow Rd. in Dedham.

The program continues April 11 with a class on “The Future of Aging: Technologies and

Innovations on the Horizon,” led by Dr. Joseph P. Coughlin, director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Age Lab. This class will be held at Orchard Cove Independent Living Community at One Del Pond Drive in Canton.

The third class will be a presentation from Legal Sea Food Chefs Rich Vellante and Peter Doire on the nutritional benefits of seafood. The class will

take place at NewBridge on April 27.

The semester culminates at Orchard Cove on May 11 with a class about maintaining brain fitness. The program will be led

by Dr. Rob Schreiber, a leading geriatrician.

All classes begin at 2 p.m.

The cost is $50 for the semester, and space is limited. Contact Lisa Lee at 781-234-9029 or lisalee@hsl.harvard.edu.

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opinion

28 The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

Frack You! from page 11

“fracking” — in the same light.

It’s slang for “hydrofracturing” — that is, pouring tons of chemicalized and pressurized water into shale rock that has within it natural gas that can only be accessed by fracturing the rock. But this means that the water table is poisoned.

Obviously, such processes that poison the drinking water of millions of people are forbidden by the Clean Water Act. But Vice-President Cheney and the Big Oil conglomerates he worked for persuaded Congress to exempt oil and gas companies from the provisions of the Clean Water Act. How did they pull this off? With money, of course. This money was not wasted. It was an investment, mere millions paying off in multibillions of profit. And what did the exemption mean? That the fracking companies don’t even report what the chemicals are they are putting in the water.

Independent researchers have isolated some of them: cancerproducers among them.

In Pennsylvania, not only is there no regulation of fracking but not even taxes on the

Bigots

from page 11

the internal threat comes from a very small number of addled young men whose incompetence is often just plain aweinspiring. They no more repre-

fracking profits. The companies plan tens of thousands of fracking wells in the Marcellus Shale region. In the shale region itself, some wells that have watered farm families for generations are already poisoned. It may take a generation for Philadelphians to start dying of the cancercausing chemicals that seep into their drinking water. Just as it took the Fukushima nukes a generation to start poisoning the Japanese people.

“Frack you!” say the oil companies. “Fukushima you!” says General Electric.

What we need is the birthing of a new kind of community, just as ancient wandering Hebrews responded to Pharaoh with Sinai, as Biblical Israel responded to Rome with both Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity, as the Arabian tribes responded to the tyrants of Mecca with Islam. A planetary community. Blessings of shalom, salaam, of a deeper, fuller freedom for the Earth and all Humanity.

Rabbi Arthur Waskow is director of the Shalom Center in Philadelphia, Penn. Visit theshalomcenter.org.

sent the American Muslim community than some randy priest does Peter King. As low as the standard is, Congress has better things to do.

Contact Richard Cohen at cohenr@washpost.com.

From the Triangle Fire through Madison, WI from page 11

demands that we strengthen, not weaken, private and public sector unions to ensure that current and aspiring middle class Americans attain a decent standard of living and greater economic security.

The history of the American Jewish community is one of upward mobility and expanding economic opportunity. But upward mobility and shared prosperity cannot be achieved by lowering job standards and pitting workers against each other — which is what some would like to do. The artificial divisions that are part of the attack against organized labor must be challenged — by unions and their community allies as well. The Jewish Labor Committee is proud of our work

to bring the Jewish community and the labor movement together in common cause — and we invite you to join us. If not now, when?

We know from our own experience that the middle class was built not by making jobs worse but making jobs better: unions fought hard to raise standards across industries and occupations, and we were all better off for it.

Remembering what Jews once did and continue to do for working people and for a strong American economy should make us hopeful about our ability to safeguard a society that promotes justice, and ensures equality and fairness for all.

It took that terrible fire a century ago to shock many into

finally accepting the need for reform, and to defend the interests of workers. Solidarity with garment workers, and among workers of diverse kinds, became a daily bond that fortified our own communities. We must remember this today as we remember those who perished in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire 100 years ago, and now honor the courageous men and women of Wisconsin, and all working people whose basic rights are under attack.

Stuart Appelbaum is president of the Jewish Labor Committee, and president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, UFCW.

Back to the Shores of Tripoli? from page 11

international organizations such as the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Arab League, the African Union, or even the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

As Jeffrey White of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy notes, although a no-fly zone is what the opposition requests, it is just one of many options available to Washington. Others include, from least to most ambitious: providing opposition forces with

intelligence, logistical support, communications hardware, and training; sending them weapons; helping defend liberated areas; rendering Libyan airfields inoperable; or actively fighting regime forces.

Taking these considerations into account, what advice to give the Obama administration?

Help the Libyan opposition with aid and escalate as needed.

Humanitarian, political and economic reasons converge in Libya to overcome legitimate

781-593-6111 781-631-6111

hesitations. Working with international authorization, the U.S. government should fulfill its accustomed role of leadership and help Libya’s opposition.

However risky that course, doing nothing is yet riskier.

Daniel Pipes (DanielPipes. org), director of the Middle East Forum and Taube distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution, taught strategy and policy at U.S. Naval War College.

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The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

obituaries

The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

Ernest Haas of Swampscott

Harold Levy, 78, of Revere

David R. Nuñez, 38, of Salem

Ernest Haas of Swampscott died on March 3, 2011, after a lengthy illness, at the Kaplan Family Hospice in Danvers.

Born in Berlin, Germany, his family left on Kristallnacht in 1938, immigrating to Palestine.

Ernest came to the United States in 1947. He attended City College of New York and received a graduate degree from Columbia University.

Ernest had been a Swamp­ scott resident for 50 years. He was employed for 35 years as a mechanical engineer at the West Lynn General Electric Aircraft Division in Lynn.

He was a past president and treasurer of Cohen Hillel Academy in Marblehead. Also, he was recently on the Budget & Finance, Tuition and School Committees, and on the Board of Directors and Trustees. He was the treasurer of Congregation Ahabat Sholom in Lynn, and was active in the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

Ernest was the beloved hus­ band of Phyllis Ponty Haas and the late Frieda Haas. He was the devoted father of William and his wife Ruth Haas of Brighton, and Gordon and his wife Monique Haas of Hoboken, N.J. He is also survived by his stepchil­

Harold Levy of Revere died on March 12, 2011 at the age of 78.

Harold was born in Worcester and attended schools in Revere and Chelsea. He continued his education at Suffolk University, receiving his bachelor of science degree in business administra­ tion.

Harold was a loan operations manager for Bank of Boston, retiring in 1990. He was a Korean War veteran and a member of the Jewish War Veterans, American Legion Post #61 and Temple Israel of Revere. He was a sports enthu­ siast, coaching in the Revere Babe Ruth Baseball League for 30 years.

Harold was the beloved hus­ band of the late Sylvia (Silver­ man). He was the devoted father of Roberta Levy and Mark Levy and his wife Marla. He was the dear brother of Jason Levy. Harold was the loving grandfather of Dylan and Rachel Kidd.

Graveside services were held at the Poali Zedeck Cemetery in Everett on March 15.

Contributions in Harold’s mem­ ory may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, Mass. Chapter, 29 Crafts St., Suite 450, Newton, MA 02458. For an online guestbook visit the funeral home website, torffuneralservice.com.

David R. Nuñez of Salem died of a sudden heart attack on March 3, 2011. He was 38 years old and the husband of Judith A. (Schneider) Nuñez.

He was born in New York City, the son of the late Aliro Nuñez and Felicia Gutierrez.

He was raised in New York and Lawrence. He was a graduate of Greater Lawrence Vocational Technical High School and University of Massachusetts in Amherst. While at UMass, David was president of the Student Government Association and chairperson for the Third World Caucus.

David loved and was devoted to his family and his friends.

He had an infectious laugh, and enjoyed history, politics, music, comic books and movies. A big bear of a man, David had a wide smile and a keen intellect. On the occasion of his son Adam’s

Bloom, Helen Zenis, 99 — late of Lynn. Died March 6, 2011. Wife of the late Louis Bloom. Daughter of the late Israel and Sara (Galis) Zenis. Aunt of eight nieces and nephews, greataunt of 20 and great-great-aunt of 29.

(Stanetsky-Hymanson) Blotner, Rosalie E., 78 — late of Swampscott. Died March 6, 2011. Daughter of the late Moses and Mary (Donovan) Blotner. Aunt of Sheila Schwab and her husband William of Boston; two great-nieces, Hillary Schwab and her husband Scott Jacobson of Brookline, and Melissa Wright and her husband James Wright III of Brookline; and four great-greatnieces and -nephews, Zadie, Aviv, James IV and Asher. Sister of the late Elizabeth Salinsky. (StanetskyHymanson) Hecht, Martin E. — late of Stuart, Fla., and Gloucester. Died March 7, 2011. Husband of Nancy Hecht. Father of Heather and her husband Adam Liptak of Ipswich, and Kate Hecht of Medford. Grandfather of Benjamin Hecht. Brother of Sharon Blake of Miami, Fla. (Stanetsky-Hymanson) Merrifield, Henry “Buddy,” 60 — late of Saugus. Died February 16, 2011.

Longtime companion of Randy-Sue Abber. Brother of Janet M. Merrifield of Saugus. Cousin of Robert Blakeley of Saugus. (Bisbee-Porcella)

dren: Caren Ponty and her hus­ band Ira Moskowitz of Carlisle, Ronna and her husband Clifford Markell of Andover, and Katie and her husband Andy Cutler of Lexington. Ernest was the loving brother of Margot Neuburger of N.Y.C., and the late Louis Haas.

He was the cherished grandfa­ ther of Yitzchak, Sholom, Joshua, Leah, Sabastian, Griffen and five step-great-grandchildren.

Services were held at Congregation Ahabat Sholom in Lynn on March 4. Interment followed in the Congregation Ahabat Sholom Cemetery in Danvers. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Ernest’s memory may be donat­ ed to Cohen Hillel Academy.

Arrangements were handled by the Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapels in Salem. and Daniel and his wife Sandy Pransky.

Grandfather of Jackie, Lena, Natalie and Hannah. Brother of the late Esther Eisenstadt, Rose Rosenthal, Freyda Siegel, Nathan Pransky and Abram Pransky. (Goldman) Reuben, Eleanor (Wallis), 80 — late of Lynn. Died March 6, 2011. Wife of the late Murray Reuben. Daughter of the late Emanuel and Rose (Segal) Wallis. Mother of Joni Dion of Lynn and Paul Reuben of N.H. Grandmother of Robyn and Jillian Dion. Sister of Estelle Silverman of Fla. (StanetskyHymanson) Rimer, John — late of Palm Beach, Fla., and Marblehead. Died February 27, 2011. Husband of Anita (Rafey) Rimer. Father of Robert and his wife Paula Rimer and the late Donald and Richard Rimer. Grandfather of five.

(Stanetsky-Hymanson) Smith, Minna (Siegel) — late of Salem, formerly of Chelsea, Nahant and Marblehead. Died February 2, 2011. Wife of the late Nathan J. Smith. Companion of Charles Katsoulakos of Marblehead. Sisterin-law of Libby Ruby of Boston and the late Dr. Norman Ruby. Aunt of Dr. Stephen Ruby and Atty. Mark Ruby.

(Stanetsky-Hymanson)

Trachman, Sheri — late of Peabody, formerly of Millburn and Monroe Township, N.J. Died March 2, 2011.

Wife of S. Irving Trachman. Mother of Randi and her husband Zac Zlatkus of Redmond, Ore., Leslie Trachman of San Francisco, Calif., Robert and his wife Sue Trachman of Potomac, Md., and Rae and her husband Bruce Perry of Andover. Grandmother of Jason Zlatkus, Samantha Wotring, Benjamin Trachman, Emma Trachman, Alexandra Perry and Zachary Perry; great-grandmother of Casey and Victor Zlatkus.

(Stanetsky-Hymanson) Walk, Lillian (Dobrow), 96 — late of Lauderhill, Fla., formerly of Malden.

Died February 18, 2011. Wife of the late Jacob “Red” Walk. Mother of Cheryl and her husband Robert Werlin, and Rabbi David Walk. Sister of the late Rose Adelman and Minnie Dobrow. Grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of 12. (Goldman) Wortman, Barbara Ruth, 75 — Died March 7, 2011. Mother of Lee Paris (David Greenberg), Marc Wortman (Zoe Nickolas), and Adam Lee (Steph). Grandmother of Jake and Luc Wortman. Sister of Judy Feigenson (David). Aunt of Michael Feigenson and Deborah Feigenson.

(Stanetsky-Hymanson)

Brit Milah, David committed to raising his children as Jews.

David was employed as a computer systems manager for American Student Assistance in Boston.

In addition to his wife, with whom he shared 10 years of marriage, he was the loving father of Adam A. and Lilliana G. Nuñez; beloved grandson of Maria Mercedes Nuñez of Newburgh, N.Y.; beloved sonin-law of Barbara and Dr. David Schneider of Marblehead; and beloved nephew of Genara and Roque Garcia of Orlando. He is also survived by six brothers and sisters and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

His memorial service was held on March 7 at the Solimine, Landergan and Richardson Funeral Home in Lynn.

Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Donations Made to the Journal In Memory of David Nuñez Roz and Sandy Levy Margie and Jerry Somers Sondy and Harvey Burg Chet and Gail Baker Robert and Marion Lappin

Debra Ankeles and Robert Freedman Stephanie and Andrew Katz Virginia Dodge Suzy and Tom Cheatham

Cemetery Temple Emmanuel of Chelsea is now offering plots in its peaceful, suburban cemetery. Our reasonably priced cemetery is conveniently located on Rt. 114 in Danvers, easily accessible from Boston and the North Shore and situated among the cemeteries of many other synagogues.

The same caretaker family has meticulously maintained it for decades.

We offer interfaith and Russian-Jewish sections.

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Please call the Temple Emmanuel office at 617-889-1736 to make arrangements, or David McKenna at 978-774-1039.

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Pransky, John, 95 — late of Charlotte, N.C., formerly of Winthrop.

Died February 18, 2011. Husband of Baila (Richmond) for 58 years. Father of Glenn and his wife Terry Pransky,

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Obituary Policy Brief obituaries are printed for free.

Biographical sketches up to 250 words, “In Memoriam,” cost $50; longer submissions will be charged accordingly. Photographs may be added for $25 each. Due to space limitations, obituaries may be edited; complete obituaries appear on our website, jewishjournal.org.

Submissions are subject to editing for style. Obituaries can be mailed, faxed, emailed or hand-delivered to our office. For further information, contact your local funeral home; call Andrew at the Jewish Journal at 978-745-4111 x174; or email andrew@jewishjournal.org.

29

STANETSKY HYMANSON The Jewish Journal Staff and The Board of Overseers extend their deepest symphathies to the family of David Nuñez, beloved husband of Judith Schneider Nuñez, loving father of Adam and Lila, dear son-in-law of David and Barbara Schneider

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The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

youth

30 The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

1 Volunteer Expo & Action Day Attracts 1,000 Peop 1 0 2 ? h a v z t i M le Got Amy Sessler Powell Jewish Journal Staff

The North Shore showed that they “Got Mitzvah” March 13 when more than 1,000 people attended various events, all designed to make the world a better place.

“What an incredible day,” said co-organizer Karen Madorsky of Marblehead. “People rolled up their sleeves and made a difference. They learned about good projects happening around the world and they got involved.”

The second Got Mitzvah program, a collaboration of Cohen Hillel Academy, Jewish Community Center of the North Shore, and North Shore Teen Initiative, was generously funded by a Jewish Federation of the North Shore Community Innovation grant. The JCC in Marblehead was filled with excitement and energy as hundreds of people visited 50 local, national and international social service organizations, and learned how they could volunteer.

Others got involved in hands-on activities such running a spring carnival for Ford School families. Volunteers renovated rooms at the Plummer Home for Boys in Salem and the Cape Ann Art Haven in Gloucester. At area temples, families cooked dinners for local shelters. At Cohen Hillel Academy, volunteers baked 600 cookies and 20 pies for shelters. Students at the Acorn Gallery in Marblehead and Marblehead High School are painting a mural for Lifebridge in Salem.

Congressman John Tierney stopped by to chat with volunteers and families.

Dozens of social service agencies packed the JCC, offering information on how to get involved. Families heard from The Heifer Project, Play it Forward, Cradles to Crayons, Greyhound Rescue, Partners in Health, Gift of Life and many more. Also at the JCC, teens collected boxes of Beanie Babies and Webkinz for American soldiers to hand out to kids in war-torn countries.

Volunteers registered with the Gift of Life, knitted caps and made blankets for babies in shelters and wrote letters to American and Israeli soldiers expressing gratitude. Others made matzah covers and filled Passover baskets for North Shore needy families.

Co-chair Cindy Leong said, “Find a cause that is special to you and get involved. You really can make a big difference.”

Photos courtesy of Got Mitzvah? 2011

Shalom Families Welcomes 50th Baby PEABODY — Shalom Families, a program funded in part by a grant from the Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund and the North Suburban Jewish Community Center, is pleased to welcome its 50th baby to the program.

Annabelle Joy Weiss, daughter of Tammy and Ben Weiss of Peabody, was born February 11, 2011.

Shalom Families welcomes newborns to infants under age one into the North Shore Jewish community with a “Welcome Baby” bag, and an accompanying community resource guide. For many young families, the program is their first encounter within the Jewish community.

Shalom Families also offers playgroups (J Babies for infants, and Boppin Tots for toddlers ages 15 months to 2-1/2 years) as well as social events for families.

Less than one month old, Tammy and Ben Weisss have already begun bringing Annabelle to J Babies, a free, drop-in program where they can ask questions, share concerns, celebrate milestones and establish friendships. J Babies also features guest speakers on topics such as infant massage, child development and baby sign language.

Ellie Gilead-Tiagai of Swampscott, a regular J Babies attendee, said the group offers her the opportunity ”to escape loneliness, meet new friends, share the challenges and difficulties of having a young baby, and get some advice or feedback from experienced moms.”

J Babies, facilitated by Miriam Berkowitz Blue, meets Friday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m.

Tammy, Ben and Annabelle Weiss.

Courtesy photo

at the NSJCC, 83 Pine St., in West Peabody.

Boppin Tots, a weekly parent/ toddler program also facilitated by Blue, meets Tuesday mornings. “We love coming to Boppin Tots,” said Brooke Rogers of North Reading, who brings her daughter Megan, age 20 months. “After J Babies, it was only natural that we would also take advantage of Boppin Tots once Megan was old enough,” she said.

The spring session of Boppin Tots begins March 29. The fee for eight sessions is $80 for NSJCC members, and $100 for the community. People can also pay $15 per drop-in class.

NSJCC membership is not required.

For more information visit nsjcc.org or call 978-535-2968.

The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

Youth

The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

31

Local Teens Return From Building Homes with Habitat

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Betti Bucco (Wenham), Shane Skikne (Middleton), Gillian Cowen (Lynnfield), and Robbie Mindel (Marblehead) prepare wood for reuse in Habitat for Humanity houses.

A group of 19 teens recently returned from a successful trip sponsored by The North Shore Teen Initiative to work with the Habitat for Humanity of Wake County in North Carolina. They spent their February break helping to build frames, put up siding, paint interiors, prepare wood for reuse, and much more.

Habitat volunteers were on hand at every site to teach the skills needed for each day. Teens also learned how Habitat makes home ownership possible for people in low income areas.

Jacob Cline of Hamilton said the trip was so much more than learning to frame walls. “I learned how to work as a team to meet and exceed a common goal, and I learned about the importance of giving back to the community, and the effect that

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Shane Skikne said so much community service involves raising money and making phone calls. This project was different.

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Who would have thought I could vinyl side the walls of a house or build the foundations of walls?

You start in the morning with some uncut wood, a handful of nails and a hammer, and end the day with that intense feeling of pride when you see what your own hands have done.”

NSTI’s hope for the next Habitat project is to find a site that can accommodate more teens, and make this excellent experience available to as many volunteers as possible,” said Adam Smith, director of NSTI.

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32 The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

Jews Scramble to Help in Wake of Japan Disaster and Itamar Killings Uriel Heilman Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Almost as soon as the catastrophe in Japan began unfolding, Jewish groups scrambled to figure out how to get help to the area. In Israel, search-andrescue organizations like ZAKA readied teams to head to the Japanese devastation zone. In Tokyo, the Chabad center took an accounting of local Jews, and began organizing a shipment of aid to stricken cities to the north. In the United States, international and local agencies launched campaigns to collect money.

But then news that a suspected Palestinian terrorist had brutally murdered five family members in the Jewish West Bank settlement of Itamar, and the focus of the Jewish community seemed to shift.

The Orthodox Union, which sent out a message last Friday

calling on supporters to donate to the organization’s newly established earthquake emergency fund, sent out another urgent message two days later calling on donors to give money to the OU’s victims of terrorism fund.

As of March 15, the totals collected by each fund were running neck and neck, the OU’s chief operating officer, David Frankel, told JTA. “We have an obligation to care for our own,” Frankel said, “but the enormity of the tragedy that happened in Japan is so extraordinary that for the Jewish community not to have an outpouring of support would not only be a denial of one of our primary obligations to care for everyone in their time of need,” he said, but also a missed opportunity to honor the memory of Chiune Sugihara — the Japanese consul general to Lithuania who in 1940 helped save at least 6,000

White House Slams 15-year Sentence for Alan Gross JTA — The Obama administration condemned the 15-year sentence handed down by a Cuban court to Alan Gross.

Gross, 61, of Maryland, was sentenced March 12 for crimes against the state. The State Department has described Gross as a U.S. contractor assisting Cuba’s Jewish community.

“Today’s sentencing adds another injustice to Alan Gross’s ordeal,” Tommy Vietor, the U.S. National Security Council spokesman, said in a statement. “He has already spent too many days in detention and should not spend one more. We urge the immediate release of Mr. Gross so that he can return home to his wife and family.”

Gross, 61, was detained in December 2009 as he prepared to return to the United States from Cuba.

The U.S. Agency for International Development says Gross was a contractor who was

bringing Internet access to the island’s small Jewish community. Gross had conducted similar projects in other developing countries, but the main Jewish groups in Cuba have denied any contact with or knowledge of Gross or the program.

Jewish groups and public figures, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, have appealed for his release on humanitarian grounds. Gross, who suffers from gout, is ailing, and both his mother and daughter are being treated for cancer.

“Having already served a 15-month sentence in a Cuban prison, Alan and his family have paid an enormous personal price in the long-standing political feud between Cuba and the United States,” Gross’ U.S. lawyer, Peter Kahn, said in a statement. “We will continue to work with Alan’s Cuban attorney in exploring any and all options available to him, including the possibility of an appeal.”

Lithuanian Jews from the hands of the Nazis by getting them transit visas to Japan.

“The Japanese community helped us in our time of need; this is our way to help them in their time of need,” Frankel said. “We can never repay the debt, but this is the right thing to do.”

In the United States, Jewish humanitarian organizations reported that the money was coming in fast for Japanese disaster relief. The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, the main overseas partner for the Jewish Federations, said it had collected more than $400,000 by midday on March 15.

To donate to a Jewish earthquake relief fund, visit blogs.jta.org/telegraph/article/2011/03/15/3086433/japan.

To help victims of terror, visit ou.org/terrorfund.

Rock Hall of Fame Welcomes Neil Diamond JTA — The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, located in Cleveland, inducted Jewish singer/songwriter Neil Diamond at a ceremony in New York.

Diamond, 69, launched his career in the 1960s, penning hits for groups like The Monkees.

He went on to have a successful solo career. His rich baritone, coupled with his lively onstage presence, earned him the sobriquet “the Jewish Elvis.” His many hits include “Sweet Caroline,” “Solitary Man” and “Cherry, Cherry.”

Diamond addressed his Jewish roots and the conundrum of assimilation when he starred in the 1980 remake of “The Jazz Singer.”

Diamond was introduced by another Jewish singersongwriter, Paul Simon, who already is a member of the Hall of Fame.

Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters Joins Boycott Movement JTA — Former Pink Floyd front man Roger Waters has officially joined the campaign of BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) against Israel, and is urging fellow artists to do the same.

In a letter posted on the website of the Alternative information Center, Waters said he would continue to wage a boycott campaign against Israel until it ends its occupation of the West Bank and dismantles the security fence, grants full equality to Arab citizens of Israel and allows all Palestinian refugees to return to their homes in Israel.

“Where governments refuse to act, people must, with whatever peaceful means are at their disposal,” Waters, a cofounder of the Pink Floyd rock band, wrote in the letter dated February 25. “For me it means declaring my intention to stand in solidarity, not only with the people of Palestine, but also with the many thousands of Israelis who disagree with their government’s racist and colonial policies, by joining a campaign of BDS against Israel.

“My conviction is born in the idea that all people deserve basic human rights. My position is not anti-Semitic. This is not an attack on the people of Israel.”

Waters last performed in Israel in 2006. After visiting Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and viewing the security fence — on which he

Roger Waters

spray-painted “we don’t need no thought control,” a lyric from the Pink Floyd song “Another Brick in the Wall” — he canceled his concert at a sports stadium in Tel Aviv and moved it to Neve Shalom, a village in which Jews and Arabs live together in a planned community.

Waters’ announcement comes on the heels of reports that folk music icon Pete Seeger had officially joined the boycott movement, though in a recent interview with JTA, Seeger said he is still learning about the issue.

Artists including Elvis Costello and the Pixies have canceled concerts in Israel in recent months, citing political reasons.

Actress Helps Hadassah

Courtesy photo

Natalie Portman

Hadassah Hospital received a $50 million donation last week from famed actress Natalie Portman. Portman’s donation is earmarked for an improved and expanded emergency trauma center. The expansion will enable three times as many victims to be treated at once.

At a recent ceremony at the

Jerusalem Theater, Dr. Kobi Assaf, Hadassah Hospital’s director of surgery and shock trauma, said the expansion of the trauma center will save many lives.

Portman, whose family name is Hershlag, was born in Jerusalem, where her father worked as a doctor and her mother as an artist. The family left Israel for Washington when she was still very young, ultimately ending up in New York, where she lived until her graduation from high school.

She graduated with honors, and her academic achievements allowed her to attend Harvard. Natalie spent last summer studying Jewish history at Hebrew University.

While studying at Harvard, Portman wrote an open letter defending Israeli security policies after a pro-PLO student attacked Israel in the campus newspaper. She frequently paid visits to Israeli victims of terrorism in hospitals.

Justin Bieber to Perform in Israel JERUSALEM, JTA — Teen pop star Justin Bieber will perform a concert in Tel Aviv April 14 in Yarkon Park, Yediot Achronot reported.

The concert, part of Bieber’s “My World Tour,” was booked following negotiations with seven Israeli producers.

Producer Marcel Avraham, who brought Elton John, Rod Stewart, Metallica and Leonard Cohen to Israel, has been chosen to handle the concert, the newspaper reported.

Some 60,000 fans are expect-

ed to attend the Canadian teen idol’s concert. The cost to produce the show has been placed at more than $1.5 million.

The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

Justin Bieber

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Dignitaries Meet from page 1

president gave the delegation a diplomatic overview of the situation in Israel and the region.

Peres noted technology’s role in giving a “voice and face” to the events unfolding in the Middle East, and in uniting those who are suffering.

When asked by members of the Mass. delegation how Israel was so successful technologically, Peres answered that the lack of natural resources led them to “use their brains,” according to Barak.

“Our delegation from Massachusetts brings with it a message of collaboration, friendship and steadfast support of the State of Israel. Our shared values of innovation, entrepreneurship and generational responsibility bind us closely,” said Gov. Patrick, in a statement issued by his press office.

The Mass. delegation included government officials from the offices of Housing and Economic Development, Energy and Environmental Affairs, and Labor and Workforce Development, higher education officials from UMass and Brandeis, as well as the Director of the Massachusetts International Trade Office and

On the Record from page 3

ent, rather than the first person to actually invent the product.

This measure should reduce the burden of patent infringement charges on companies, especially in the technology sector, lowering the costs and contentions of patent disputes.

Finally, we would like to provide our readers with an update on the condition of

The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

the New England-Israel Business Council.

A number of CEOs from the fields of software, high-tech, bio-tech and clean energy were represented and were in Israel to promote trade and commerce with Israeli companies. Robert Kraft, the Jewish owner of the New England Patriots, attended the meeting.

Gov. Patrick signed a memorandum of understanding with Israel that will allow for further collaboration in research and development programs between Massachusetts and Israeli companies.

During a meeting with Israeli Chief Scientist Avi Hasson at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor in Tel Aviv on March 10, Patrick and Hasson discussed Israel and Massachusetts’ mutual commitment to life sciences and clean and alternative energy research.

“Today, we take a new step that will ensure our mutual prosperity and leverage the talents of our uniquely skilled workforces.

The agreement will strengthen our ties to our partners in Israel and help support job growth in both Massachusetts and Israel’s innovation industries,” said Patrick.

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head in Tuscon on January 8 and suffered severe brain damage. On March 8, her doctors reported that she was making “leaps and bounds” in her recovery. She will probably attend the final launch of Space Shuttle Discovery next month.

Her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, is part of the crew.

Though her skull will not be rebuilt until May (much of it

Lynn Museum from page 1

capital improvements. I was approached by the museum to help identify ways to raise the money. I began to think about who would have an affinity for the museum to help match the grant,” said Chandler, an experienced fundraiser.

“My father, Herb Chandler, co-founded New Angle Glass Company in Lynn 60 years ago.

The business is still thriving today. I realized that others like him have contributed to creating a legacy in Lynn in the 1900s.

What if we told their stories and memorialized them? Perhaps they would financially contribute,” she reasoned.

It was a brilliant and creative way for the institution to successfully meet its challenge match. According to Lynn Museum Director Kate Luchini, 38 individuals and/or institutions were honored last May, but soon afterwards, according to Luchini, “people were telling us that we forgot this person or that. We decided to do a second round of legacies, featuring 21 more stories. This enabled us to raise even more money, which we used to replenish our endowment.” was removed to relieve pressure on her brain), Ms. Giffords’ memory is good. She does not, however, remember the shooting. Her speech is improving and she has begun to walk with assistance. Despite her left eye socket being shattered in the shooting and surgically repaired, her vision appears normal. She can now breathe on her own, without a respirator. Ms. Giffords laughs frequently. Thank God.

Bed bugs are challenging pests to control.

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Thus, visiting guests unknowingly may take the bed bugs home with them.

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underside of the box spring – the most common hiding place for bed bugs. Remember, that fine mesh lining the bottom of your box spring is no match for bed bugs wanting to hide inside.

4. Check the top and underside of the frame carefully. This is a particularly favorite place for bed bugs as it is close to its blood meal (you) and is an undisturbed and well-hidden location on the bed.

5. Look in all the cracks and crevices near the bed. This means on the floor, walls and ceiling. Check under chair cushions, behind hanging pictures, around and inside electrical outlets, behind and under dressers, mirrors, along floorboards, etc.

6. Clutter on the floors, closets, bookshelves, etc, are all good hiding places. Inspect these areas methodically and carefully.

7. Inspect yourself and your family. Bed bugs typically, but not always, bite in a straight line. The bites appear red and swollen and may have a small dip in the middle, much like a mosquito bite. Be aware it is difficult, even for professionals, to diagnose that a bite is indeed from a bed bug. And remember, not all family members will show signs of bed bug bites, even though they are being fed upon.

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The second group of inductees was installed in December, 2010. The women are not discounting the possibility of a third round of inductees.

Chandler conducted interviews to create the profiles.

“Many of the families featured are Jewish families I grew up with. It was fun to tell their stories, all of which were different,” said Chandler, who grew up in Marblehead and now lives in Boston.

“Bernie Berk owned Standard of Lynn, a plumbing supplies company that was sold to Ferguson and is still on the Lynnway. He added a personal touch to his business, dropping off orders at customers’ homes,” she said.

“Saul Gilberg was an extremely generous man who owned a realty company. When people couldn’t pay their rent, he would help them make it through rough patches. Zimman’s is a family-owned, Lynn institution founded three generations ago that has become a landmark destination. And Mickey Solomon, of Solomon Metals, is in his 80s and still goes into work each day,” she added.

The museum has earmarked the money it raised to improve lighting and make indoor and outdoor structural improvements. Although the legacy stories are currently printed on large poster boards and hang from the gallery walls, the eventual plan is to build an interactive, multi-media installation designed to appeal to the many schoolchildren who visit the museum.

33

“If kids are interested in flowers, they will be able to press a button and learn how Salvy Migliaccio, Sr. came to America on a boat, didn’t speak the language, but was able to open a flower shop in Lynn that grew into a successful business,” said Chandler, who hopes the installation will inspire Lynn’s new immigrants to develop their own legacy stories.

She also hopes the exhibit will encourage people to think a little differently about Lynn, which often receives negative press.

Director Kate Luchini, who previously worked at Peabody Essex Museum, hopes that the legacy project will help educate people about the rich history of Lynn.

“The city, which was founded in 1629, was at one time wealthy.

Lynn’s history, which includes industrialization, immigration and labor, is the history of the United States,” she said.

“The museum is a tremendous resource in the community. My mission is to instill pride in the city through this institution,” she added.

Luchini points out that museums must constantly re-invent themselves in order to stay relevant. “Although we have a massive collection of historical artifacts, including textiles and artwork, museums are not about collecting stuff. They are about educating people,” she said.

The Lynn Museum is located at 590 Washington St. in Lynn.

Call 781-581-6200 or visit lynnmuseum.org.

Congregation Welcomes Rabbi from page 1

expecting their second child in May, just before they arrive.

The search committee, led by Dr. Barrie Paster, sorted through many candidates, interviewing several and bringing a few to the congregation for live interviews and to lead services.

Though Rabbi Avi is working in Israel, he traveled to the U.S. and Canada to interview in several communities, and spent a weekend at Ahavas Achim, leading services and working with the religious school.

“He made a marvelous impression across the spectrum of the congregation, from the liberals with no serious Jewish education, to those who are traditional. He is comfortable in his own skin and a real mensch,” Pressler said.

As an undergraduate at McGill University, Rabbi Avi was one of the founders of the “Ghetto

Shul,” a Jewish community for students in downtown Montreal.

It drew hundreds of students for services, Shabbat dinners and jam sessions.

Ultimately, Rabbi Avi earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bar Ilan University in Tel Aviv. He also studied at the Yeshiva University’s Gruss Institute in Jerusalem, and received his rabbinic ordination from the high court in Jerusalem.

“The community struck me as one eager to learn and grow in our amazing tradition.

Newburyport is a fantastic little town with a lot of interesting things going on. There are many young couples in the area, and I look forward to playing a central role in the growth of a vibrant and strong Jewish community,” Rabbi Avi said.

The Search Continues While Newburyport has hired Rabbi Avi Poupko, several other North Shore synagogues are deep into the interview process.

Temple Ner Tamid in Peabody participated in “interview week” sponsored by United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and selected several recent graduates of rabbinical school to invite for interviews with the congregation.

“We are interested in new graduates as well as experienced rabbis. We are not limiting ourselves at all,” said Scott Feinstein, president.

Temple B’nai Abraham in Beverly is also approaching the

at

Other Temples

field with an open mind. Their preference is for a full-time person, but they are looking at cantors and rabbis. They are currently hosting several candidates for interviews.

Temple Ahavat Achim in Gloucester is still honing the criteria for their search. They recently conducted focus groups with the congregation to get a sense of their needs and priorities.

“We are excited to take the pulse of the community so we can make an informed decision based on who we are today,” said Bo Abrams, co-chair of search committee.

— Amy Sessler Powell

The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

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Маргарита Шварцман: Когда выступают дети, хочется их слушать и слушать. Особенно мне понравилось игра на скрипке Лизы Драбкин. Хочется пожелать всем успехов. Зоя Энтель: Мне очень понравилась скрипачка Лиза Драбкин. Ее виртуозная игра меня просто изумила. Спасибо вам за те минуты радости, которые вы нам доставили.

Jewish Journal/Boston North 201 Washington St., Suite 14, Salem, MA 01970

Рашель Гуревич: Дети, несомненно, очень талантливые. Особенно меня поразила игра Лизы Драбкин и Якова Назаренко. Хочется поблагодарить музыкального руководителя Елену Драбкин. Ведь без ее помощи, умения, педагогического мастерства не было бы таких чудесных детей. Интервью подготовила сотрудник Линн-Забота Вера Кондратева.

Наши дети Фотографии Леонида Белобородова Аня Назаренко; Яков Назаренко; Лиза Жорова выступают в оздоровительном центре Линн-Забота. часто готовит мой любиВ один из субботОт Редакции мый пирог с яблоками. них дней в оздоровительном центре “Линн12-летний Яков Назаренко, ученик 6 класса Анечка тоже очень споЗабота” прошел кон- Swamрscott Middle School, занял 3 место в своей собная девочка. Леонид Белобородов: церт с участием учени- возрастной подгруппе на недавно проходившем в ков Marblehead Piano штате Коннектикут Международном Фортепианном Концерт произвел на Studio под руководством Конкурсе им. Шопена. Яков также был приглашен меня и моих товарищей Елены Драбкин. Это и принял участие в концерте победителей конкурса, огромное впечатление. не первый концерт в проходившем в the Polish National Home в Hartford, Яша, можно сказать, вырос на моих глазах, и нашем центре с учас- СТ. тием детей. Пожилые Яков — большой поклонник оперы и не пропус- я воспринимал его как люди тепло встречали кает ни одной трансляции из Metropoliten Opera. Он ребенка. Но за роялем молодых исполните- занимается в Marblehead Piano Studio под руководс- он был совсем другой человек — серьезный, лей: Якова Назаренко, твом Елены Драбкин с 6-летнего возраста. Лизу Драбкин, Аню Яков играет на саксофоне в школьном оркестре и целеустремленный и, Назаренко и Лизу выступает в составе школьной футбольной команды. конечно, талантливый. Его игра, исполнение, Жорову. Прекрасный Бася Ротфогель не могла манера держаться на репертуар, любовь к музыке, артистическое исполне- скрыть гордость: Этот концерт сцене поразили нас всех. Для ние — казалось, что это не дети всколыхнул мою душу. Ведь это Анечки и Лизы это было первое играют, а профессионалы. В гла- мои правнуки, Анечка и Яша. большое публичное выступление. зах наших посетителей светилась Яша очень трудолюбивый маль- Благодарные зрители наградили радость и гордость за наше под- чик, играет по три часа в день. их бурными аплодисментами. Он также любит кулинарию и растающее поколение.

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В прошлом месяце при New England Piano Teachers Association (NEPTA) проводился фортепианный конкурс среди учеников 8-х классов. Конкурсная комиссия единодушно присудила приз Wanda Paik Award студентам Валерии Хенкиной из Swampscott Piano School — Евгении Осипенко и

Весенняя Фантазия В эту пятницу, 18 марта, в 6:30 вечера по адресу Johnson Elementary School, 290 Castle Rd. в Nahant состоится ежегодное танцевально-гимнастическое шоу

Cталин умер на Пурим. Что это — совпадение, символ, возмездие, историческая притча? Этими вопросами задаются все прошедшие с того дня годы, но очевидно одно — кровавый маньяк, готовивший – а скорее всего, подготовивший — “окончательное решение еврейского вопроса” на одной

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В Braintree уже больше года работает прекрасный реабилитационный центр Royal Rehabilitation Center, в котором есть Специализированное Отделение для русскоговорящих пациентов “Солнышко”. Приглашаются все, кто нуждается в восстановлении после сложной операции или длительной болезни, все, кому нужен круглосуточный медицинский уход и контроль. Уютные комнаты, прекрасное питание по индивидуальным диетам, хорошо организованный досуг. С пациентами работает русскоговорящий персонал. Центр расположен рядом с общественным транспортом.

“Весенняя фантазия”, подготовленное учениками Школы Юных Талантов. Вход свободный. Приглашаются все желающие.

Размышления на Пурим

SAlEM – loring Hills Condominiums With some TLC and some basic cosmetic changes and updates, this 6 room 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath townhouse condo could become your masterpiece. In-unit laundry, an abundance of closet space and storage, slider to a large deck off the dining room plus a 1 car garage makes this an unbelievable opportunity at this newly reduced price. Beautiful landscaped grounds with pool. Walk to popular “Vinnin Square” shopping and restaurants.

Кевину Шерману. В письме, направленном в адрес Хенкиной организаторами конкурса, говорится, что оба студента продемонстрировали грациозность игры, полное владение сложным материалом выбранных произведений, большое трудолюбие и целеустремленность.

Никогда больше не плати за услуги банкомата (АТМ) Мы возмещаем оплату за пользование банкоматами (АТМ) других банков с помощью

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шестой Земного шара, умер в дни самого веселого и победительного праздника евреев. Обыватели уже делили скудные еврейские метры в коммуналках, есть свидетельства и свидетели подготовленного “кремлевскими евреями“ письма к вождю с просьбой уберечь советских евреев от справедливого возмездия и переселить их в пустые земли Сибири и Азии, где благодарные спасенные своим трудом смогли бы искупить свою “вину перед Родиной,” и уже подготовлены эшелоны и лагеря. Говорили - и тому тоже же есть основания верить – что готовилась принародная казнь еврейских “врачей – отравителей” на Лобном месте в Москве через повешение, после чего по всей стране должна была прокатиться волна как бы спонтанных погромов... Много чего говорилось - практически в открытую в те времена. Все это стало достоянием Истории и зыбким полем исследования историков и будет таким зыбким, даже если откроются самые тайные архивы тех страшных лет. А философы и психологи будут биться над неразрешимой загадкой – почему многим советским евреям, жившим под гнетом неприкрытого многолетнего всепроникающего государственного антисемитизма, инициированного Сталиным, его смерть в первые дни воспринялась как крушение всех надежд на спасение от уничтожения, как падение последней стены, защищающей от нового Холокоста? Но, как вспоминают свидетели того времени, отрезвление пришло быстро, как и ощущение неслучайности сведения в единое, навечно ставшим символическим, мгновение истории ХХ века — жизнь вычеркнула Сталина из списка людей Земли в дни веселого Пурима.

English Summary In today’s issue of the Russian Chronicle we have a letter to the editor thanking young piano players for their recent recital at the adult day care facility in Lynn.

We invite our readers to attend a Spring Fantasy Show prepared by the students of the Youth Talent School.

We also have an editorial column about Stalin, who died on Purim almost 60 years ago.

The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

arts & culture

The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

35

Meticulously Researched Biography Sheds Light on Simon Wiesenthal Eric Shoag Special to the Journal

H

olocaust survivor: the very term itself tests the limits of comprehension.

To have lived through that nightmare and come out the other side BOOK — how can one face the expanse of days suddenly stretching ahead like some silent miracle?

Survivors have grappled with their unique lot in many ways, from excessive overachieving to the rediscovered basic pleasures of a family life and simple anonymity.

But perhaps no survivor’s path is as remarkable as that taken by the man known as “the Nazihunter” — Simon Wiesenthal, the subject of a meticulously researched and riveting biography (“Simon Wiesenthal: The Life and Legends”) by Israeli journalist Tom Segev.

A native of Galicia (now Ukraine), and a student of architecture first in Prague, and then Lvov, Austria, Wiesenthal was witness to much of the antiSemitic frenzy that presaged Nazi rule, and eventually spent much of his twenties in labor and concentration camps, escaping death time and again through a succession of fortu-

itous circumstances, until his liberation from the Mauthausen camp in 1945. It was then that his life began again, in a whole new direction.

Only a handful of days removed from the camps, Wiesenthal was already taking an active role in tracking down Nazi criminals. Armed with only his determination and a list of names culled mostly from his own memory, Wiesenthal talked his way into working with Allied soldiers and finding some of the perpetrators of the horror he had so recently endured, those already disappearing quickly in the post-war chaos.

There is a story that on one of his first such missions, Wiesenthal was still so weak that he became winded walking up the stairs to one suspect’s apartment, and had to be helped back down by the very man he came to question.

For the remainder of his long life (he died at 96 in 2005), Wiesenthal operated out of a small office filled with paperwork — newspaper articles, index cards, various correspondence — and conducted his research in the painstakingly old fashioned manner: by telephone and by mail. Segev, in researching his biography, had unprecedented access not only to Wiesenthal’s

Simon Wiesenthal: The Life and Legends Tom Segev Knopf Doubleday Publishing, 2010

personal documents, but also to various government records that shed additional light on the man’s activities and importance.

Segev overcomes his book’s weak opening section, in which he details contradictory stories about Wiesenthal’s role in the capture of Adolf Eichmann, and settles into a narrative flow that lets the incredible facts of Wiesenthal’s life speak for themselves. The cumulative effect is staggering: that a single man,

Local Author Melds Russian, Gypsy History Susie Davidson Special to the Journal

F

leeing the Nazis at the age of two. Learning how to throw hand grenades in the woods. Rushing from abandoned houses to barns, fields and forests — always one step ahead of the Germans and later, Russian soldiers. Living among Gypsy children and learning how to forage for sustenance.

Declared mathematically gifted by the German school system, Book and forced to attend classes with former enemies. Finally, escaping to America, marrying a Harvard professor and fellow survivor of Nazi persecution, and living among the world of purebred horses while researching the Roma. The question is not how Sonia Meyer could have rectified such a life into words, but why it took her over 70 years to do so.

Meyer’s semi-autobiographical novel “Dosha, Flight of the Russian Gypsies” follows the remarkable journey of Dosha (known in the Soviet Union as Ana Dalova) — an equestrian riding star and a Gypsy in disguise. Drafted into the Soviet Dressage Team in Leningrad, she longs to defect. The novel follows her on her perilous journey toward freedom in the West.

A forbidden love, the Russian Ballet, the KGB, and high intrigue, action and suspense all characterize Dosha’s odyssey.

During World War II, Russian Gypsies aided Stalin’s mission to sabotage the advancing German army. Yet after the war, they returned to a climate of ill will and hostility. During the Holocaust, the Gypsies suffered the greatest losses of any group,

save the Jews. While historic prejudice against many ethnic groups has lessened in our time, ostracization of the Gypsies remains in force.

Meyer’s own life closely parallels the struggles of the nomadic Gypsies. Born in 1938 in Cologne, Germany, her mother and aunts very vocally defied the ominously rising Nazi party.

The one-year-old Sonia, her parents, an aunt and two uncles fled during the night into the German and later, Polish hinterlands and woods. They were aided by peasants and by her intermittently-appearing father.

The group hopped on trains in a roundabout, circuitous path through the German forests,

subsisting mainly on potatoes, berries and wild boar, taking refuge in abandoned or burned buildings or remote inns. As they walked eastward, they encountered partisans, some of whom were Gypsies.

Meyer married at 17 and lived in Finland before divorcing and embarking on varied careers that included modeling, translating, acting and assisting refugees through the American Joint Distribution Committee in Geneva. She came to the States, settled in Cambridge and married a now-retired professor.

Her book is a product of her years of research about Gypsies, and her empathy for the people who helped save her as a child.

working in such a primitive and haphazard way, could have such an enormous impact on the world’s consciousness is almost beyond belief.

Wiesenthal had a knack for promotion; he gained the ears of many governments as well as the Israeli secret service, wrote a number of books, and persuaded the novelist Frederick Forsyth to take up his cause in writing “The Odessa File,” about fugitive Nazis, on the heels of his blockbuster success “The Day of the Jackal.” With single-minded persistence, Wiesenthal pursued his chosen profession with equanimity and level-headedness.

Wiesenthal’s goal was justice rather than revenge, and he never sullied his reputation with that baser desire. In the 1980s, when controversy surrounded Kurt Waldheim, the former United Nations secretary general who was then running for the presidency of Austria, because of his hidden Nazi past, Wiesenthal, pressed for a comment by a frenzied public, said only that he was interested in going after killers, not “merely liars.”

Wiesenthal was one of the first to call attention to other genocides perpetuated in other parts of the world, and disagreed strongly with fellow sur-

vivor Elie Wiesel about enlarging Holocaust dialogue to include other groups singled out for destruction by the Nazis (including gypsies, homosexuals and intellectuals.) Wiesel felt that diluting the Holocaust’s definition would only detract from its seriousness.

In spite of the seriousness of the Nazi crimes, one sobering truth of Segev’s book is the lack of consistent interest worldwide in bringing the criminals to justice. Wiesenthal stood as a heroic figure, never wavering from his chosen course, while the currents of fashion and politics throughout the world swirled and flowed to other destinations. A low point was in the early 1970s, when Wiesenthal couldn’t find the support needed to put Nazis on trial, and the few trials that did take place were shabby miscarriages of justice.

Of course, the tide turned back in Wiesenthal’s favor later, and now Holocaust studies and museums are accepted and necessary responses. Through it all, Wiesenthal was a singular focused force who lived most of his life in the shadow of the horror he lived through, in Vienna, where he was pleased to be, as he put it, “a constant irritant” to those who wanted to forget.

The Zamir Chorale of Boston and Northeastern University Present

Middle East Harmonies A musical dialogue between Arab and Israeli cultures.

Sun April 10, 2011 2PM Sanders Theatre Cambridge, MA

Joshua Jacobson Artistic Director

Concert featuring The Zamir Chorale of Boston and a unique reunion of original members of the pioneering Arab-Jewish Israeli ensemble, Bustan Abraham

www.chorus.neu.edu/meh Co-sponsors include: The Consulate General of Israel to New England and Combined Jewish Philanthropies (made possible in part by a grant from CJP's Innovative Grants Committee)

Week of Friday, March 18, 2011 through Thursday, March 24, 2011

Battle: los angeles (PG-13) Fri: (5:00), 7:30, 10:00 • Sat: (12:00), (2:30), (5:00), 7:30, 10:00 Sun: (12:00), (2:30), (5:00), 7:30 • Mon - Thu: (5:00), 7:30 Rango (PG) Fri: (4:30), 7:00, 9:30 • Sat: (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:30), 7:00, 9:30 Sun: (11:30 AM), (2:00), (4:30), 7:00 • Mon - Thu: (4:30), 7:00 PoetRy (shi) (NR) Fri & Sat: (4:45 PM) • Sun: (12:15), (4:45) • Mon - Thu: 4:45 PM the King’s sPeech (R) Fri: (4:45), 7:15, 9:45 • Sat: (11:45 AM), (2:15), (4:45), 7:15, 9:45 Sun: (11:45 AM), (2:15), (4:45), 7:15 • Mon - Thu: (4:45), 7:15 Dogtooth (KynoDontas) (NR) Fri: 7:15, 9:45 • Sat: (12:15), 7:15, 9:45 Sun: (2:50), 7:15 • Mon - Thu: 7:15 PM

One East India Square • Salem, MA • 978-744-1400 • www.CinemaSalem.com

The Jewish Journal is a not-for-profit newspaper, supported by generous readers, advertisers and the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.

People

36 The Jewish Journal – jewishjournal.org – march 17, 2011

Engagement Groipen - Jasilli Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Groipen of Swampscott are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Jennifer Lauren Groipen, to Nicholas Jasilli of Brooklyn, N.Y. Jennifer, a graduate of Swampscott High School class of 2006, received her B.S. from Bentley University. She is currently working for CSN Stores LLC in Boston as an accounting analyst. Mr. Jasilli, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Jasilli, holds a B.S. in finance from Bentley University. He is employed in sales for UniFirst Corporation. The couple plans a November 2011 wedding.

CSH Welcomes New Cantor Cantor Elana Rozenfeld has agreed to join Swampscott’s Congregation Shirat Hayam this summer, bringing a diverse musical background, heart-felt ruach, and a passion for her profession.

Originally from New York, Rozenfeld now holds a position at the Park Avenue Synagogue in Manhattan.

She has a BFA from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts and a Masters in Sacred Music from the H. L. Miller Cantorial School at the Jewish Theological Seminary, where she was invested as a cantor and received the Richard W. Briskin Cantor in Residence Award.

“I am confident that Cantor Rozenfeld will be a wonderful addition to our clergy and will work in partnership with Rabbi Baruch HaLevi and Cantor Emil Berkovits. I am also excited that the Board has committed to keep Cantor Emil for another three years,” said Bob Biletch, CSH president.

Purim Masks

It’s

a

Boy!

Young Pianists

at

Adult Day Center

Ken and Nicole Shuman of Oakland, Calif., welcome the arrival of Eli Ray Shuman on February 15. Eli Ray weighed 7 lbs., 13 oz. and was 19 3/4 inches long. Grandparents are Larry and Merle Shuman of Georgetown and Don Daley of San Rafael, Calif. Great-grandmothers are Martha Epstein and Marcia Shuman of Swampscott.

First

for

Fearer

Myrna Fearer of Danvers, who retired in January as community editor of the Danvers Herald, won first place for “History Reporting” in the 2010 New England Newspaper & Press Association Better Newspaper Competition.

The award was for a series on The Meadow, a favorite ice skating area in Danvers which provided much enjoyment for generations of Danvers residents until temperature changes and lack of attention by the town made it almost unusable. Though officially retired, Fearer still writes her signature weekly column, “Circling the Square.”

Students of Elena Drabkin of Marblehead Piano Studio recently visited the Adult Day Care Center for Russian-speaking elders, ‘Zabota’, where they entertained the residents with a piano recital. In the photo, first row (l-r): Anna Nazarenko, Jacob Nazarenko, Elizabeth Zhorov; second row (l-r): Julia Mazepa, Olga Mazepa, Basya Rotfogel (Center resident and greatgrandmother of Anna and Jacob). Missing from the photo are Elizabeth Drabkin and Elena Drabkin, who also performed.

Happy Birthday!

Piano Prodigy Jacob Nazarenko of Swampscott placed third in Category A, up to age 12, at the International Chopin Piano Competition in Hartford, Conn. in early March. The son of Julia Mazepa and Konstantin Nazarenko, he was invited to play at the winner’s recital at the Polish National Home.

Jacob, 12, started studying piano when he was four years old, and regularly participates in recitals at Elena Drabkin’s Marblehead Piano Studio. Last year Jacob participated in the MMTA Bay State piano contest where he was recognized with an “Honorable Mention” award. He is a sixth grade student at Swampscott Middle School, where he also plays saxophone.

Former long-time Marblehead resident Izabelle Sobelman recently celebrated her 94th birthday with a special surprise, a four-day cruise of the Caribbean Islands. The four-day party was a gift from her son, Fred, (standing) and daughter-in-law, Karin (left).

Titelbaum Completes Military Tour

Send Us Your Simchas Children at Temple Sinai got together to make Purim cards to send to the young adult members of the Marblehead synagogue who are away at college.

They also made masks to celebrate the coming holiday.

The Jewish Journal is happy to print news of your engagements, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, awards, promotions, etc. at no charge. Information can be mailed or emailed. Text may be edited for style or length. Photos will be used as space permits. For further information, call Amy at 978-745-4111 x160.

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Jewish War Veterans Department Commander David Westerman of Malden congratulates PFC. Maxwell Titelbaum of Peabody as a life member of JWV North Shore Post 220, Peabody. Titelbaum recently completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army. His grandmother, Arlene Titelbaum, surprised him with the life membership to the JWV when he returned.

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