The Jewish Light Election and Fall Bridal Guide by The Jewish Light

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Volume 9, Number 10 Election/Bridal 2019

Serving the Local New Orleans, Northshore, and Baton Rouge Jewish Communities

Shabbat Project Aims To Unite World’s Jews In Spirit Of Sabbath

Participants dance at The Shabbat Project challah bake event in Tel Aviv. (Courtesy of The Shabbat Project)

Children from Melbourne participate in a challah bake organized by The Shabbat Project. (Courtesy of The Shabbat Project)

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Gwen Collins

GREENUP SECRETARY OF STATE

Election Day November 16 Vote Early Nov 2-Nov 9 A Secretary of State for a Better Louisiana “I’ll protect our right to vote and secure our elections, so every Louisiana voice is heard!”  Increase voter participation Louisiana has almost 3 million registered voters with low voter turnout rates that leave about 450,000 people making decisions for 4.6 million Louisianans. Gwen wants to increase voter participation through voter education, community outreach, and social media.

 Support small businesses Businesses provide the jobs that fuel our economies, the paychecks that help us feed our families, the tax dollars that fund our schools, and the resources our communities need to thrive. Gwen wants to support small businesses and entrepreneurs with resources that make it easier for people to start businesses and stay compliant.

 Protect voting rights and elections We can't afford to leave our voting rights and elections unprotected because of outdated technology and policies that make it easier to attack our elections, but harder for people to vote. Gwen wants to protect voting rights and elections with better cyber security, voter protection, and uniform election training.

 Empower the next generation Success begins with a vision but turning a vision into reality requires leaders like you working together to move Louisiana forward. Gwen wants to empower the next generation to lead, vote, start businesses, and make a difference.

For more information visit: WWW.GWENSOS.COM Paid for by Gwen Collins-Greenup Campaign Fund, LLC

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EXPERIENCE COUNTS!

Early Voting Sept. 28th - Oct. 5th, 2019

ELECTION 2019 ELECTIONDAY DAYNOVEMBER OCTOBER 12,16, 2019 PAID FOR BY THE JOHN H. BAGNERIS CAMPAIGN FUND

Table of Contents Community News

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Education

Bookshelf

Sports

Health

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The Nosher

Focus on Issues

USA

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Jewniverse (Jewish Culture & History)

Israel Under Radar

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November 19, 2019

New Orleans JCC November 14, 2019

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information on the Council's Aging and Disability Resource Center along with services Medicare Open Enrollment offered through SenioRx. She’ll and JFS Senior Services Join us for a delicious, catered also talk about Medicare Open luncheon sponsored by the New Enrollment which started Oct. Orleans Council on Aging 15th and runs through Dec.7th. Following Carmelita, we will (NOCOA) and the opportunity to learn about the many services have Kim Nonemacher from Jewoffered in our area for the senior ish Family Service, discuss their population. Carmelita Williams senior programs including Lifefrom the NOCOA will provide line, Senior Care Planning, and Catch a Cab. RSVP by Monday,

November 11 to Rachel Ruth at 897-0143 x161 or rachel@nojcc. org. No charge members and nonmembers 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Location: New Orleans JCC Uptown 5342 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70115 Contact: Rachel Ruth Phone: 504-897-0143 B rachel@nojcc.org 

Shuk, Einat Admony In Conversation With Alon Shaya “Fascinating. . . . This energetic and exciting volume serves as an edifying deep dive into Israeli food market culture and cuisine.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review With Shuk, home cooks everywhere can now inhale the fragrances and taste the flavors of the vivacious culinary mash-up that is today’s Israel. The book takes you deeper into this trending cuisine, through the combined expertise of the authors, Chef Einat Admony of Balaboosta and food writer Janna Gur. Admony’s long-simmered stews, herb-dominant rice pilafs, toasted-nut-studded grain salads, and of course loads of vegetable dishes—from snappy, fresh, and raw to roasted every way you can think of—will open your eyes and your palate to the complex nuances of Jewish food and culture. The book also includes authoritative primers on the well-loved pillars of the cuisine, including chopped salad, hummus, tabboulehs, rich and inventive shakshukas, and even hand-rolled couscous with festive partners such as tangy quick pickles, rich pepper compotes, and deeply flavored condiments. Through gorgeous photo essays of nine celebrated shuks, you’ll feel the vibrancy and centrality of the local markets, which are so much more than simply shopping venues— they’re the beating heart of the country. With more than 140 recipes, Shuk presents Jewish dishes with roots in Persia, Yemen, Libya, the Balkans, the Levant, and all the regions that contribute to the evolving food scene in Israel. The ingredients are familiar, but the combinations and techniques are surprising. With Shuk in your kitchen, you’ll soon be cooking with the warmth and passion of an Israeli, creating the treasures of this multicultural table in your own home. 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Location: New Orleans JCC - Uptown 5342 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70115 Contact: Judy Yaillen Phone: 504-897-0143 Email: judy@nojcc.org 

November 20, 2019

NOMA: An Ideal Unity: The Bauhaus & Beyond And Inventing Acadia: Painting And Place In Louisiana We will visit two exhibits starting with An Ideal Unity, which is rescheduled from October. Celebrating the centennial of the Bauhaus (1919–1933), An Ideal Unity will explore the artistic breadth and reach of the innovative school that integrated fine arts and design. In response to the rise of industrial production and the movement away from individually made objects, architect Walter Gropius founded the school in WeiSee JCC on Page 4

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Community News

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If your group has an event that you would like for us to include on the Community Calendar please e-mail the information to jewishnews@bellsouth.net. All submissions are subject to acceptance by the Editor. ì JCC Continued from Page 4 mar, Germany, aspiring to unify the arts through craft. The goals of the institution grew to include creating an aesthetic that served the modern industrial society, designing for mass production, and incorporating technology to improve quality of life. The second exhibit, Inventing Acadia: Painting and Place in Louisiana is the first major exhibition featuring Louisiana landscape painting in more than forty years. Exploring the rise of landscape painting in Louisiana during the nineteenth century, Inventing Acadia reveals Louisiana’s role in creating—and exporting—a new vision for American landscape painting that was vastly different

from that found in the rest of the United States. Join your friends for lunch at Cafe' NOMA in the museum at noon, then enjoy these new exhibits with the guidance of Jillian Richman, our favorite museum docent. Museum entrance is free for Louisiana residents on Wednesday. Lunch is on you. RSVP by Monday, November 18 to Rachel Ruth at 8970143 x161 or rachel@nojcc.org. No charge members and nonmembers 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Location: New Orleans JCC Uptown 5342 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70115 Contact: Rachel Ruth Phone: 504-897-0143 Email: rachel@nojcc.org 

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Registration is now open for LimmudFest 2020 happening March 20 - 22, 2020. Take advantage of great early bird prices by registering today! LimmudFest’s celebration of arts, culture, community and learning includes a Shabbaton at Congregation Gates of Prayer on Friday and Saturday, with more learning and cultural programs at the Uptown JCC on Sunday.

Ego & Leadership: A Crash Course in the Prophets

Can't wait for Limmudfest in March? Join Limmud NOLA, the Greater New Orleans Jewish Clergy Council and 929 North America for a crash course on the prophets.

David: The Warrior, Creative, Morally Flawed King

with Rabbi Marc Gitler, Rabbi Todd Silverman, Rachel van Voorhees and Merissa Gerson

Thursday, 11/14 at 7:00 PM, Touro Synagogue

Solomon: The Heir to the Kinship

with Rabbi Joshua Pernick, Bill Hess and More Thursday, 11/21 at 7:00 PM, Beth Israel GET INVOLVED VOLUNTEER WITH LIMMUDFEST! We are currently recruiting volunteers! There are many ways to get involved depending on your interests, skills and capacity and we're excited to help you find the right fit. Some areas include: • Marketing Team • Programming Team • Logistics Team • Participant Care Team • Volunteer Development Team To learn more about volunteer opportunities email: info@limmudnola.org And don't forget to Like us on Facebook! 

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Shabbat Project Aims To Unite World’s Jews In Spirit Of Sabbath By Larry Luxner

It’s all about keeping Shabbat. For a 25-hour period beginning at sundown Nov. 15, as many as 1 million Jews from Nashville to Nairobi — and more than 1,500 other cities around the world — will turn off their cellphones and set aside a day of rest, some of them for the first time in their lives, as part of The Shabbat Project. The goal is simple: getting as many Jews as possible to observe one Shabbat together with the hope that their shared experience will lead to a spiritual awakening and a more meaningful, rewarding Jewish life. It’s an experiment that has led to Jews celebrating Shabbat atop Tanzania’s Mount Kiliminjaro, organizing a “Shabbat shuk” in Arizona and holding a Shabbassanah yoga retreat in New York’s Rockland County. Jewish activists have even organized a “cross-border challah bake” on the U.S.-Mexico border and enjoyed a mass Shabbat dinner

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in a Tel Aviv shipping hangar. A global grassroots effort that began in 2013, the annual project is headed by Rabbi Warren Goldstein, South Africa’s chief rabbi. Within a year of its founding, The Shabbat Project had expanded to 460 cities in 64 countries, and by this year to 1,509 cities in 105 countries. “I am very excited that Goldstein and his team have taken the initiative on the road,” said former Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, also a onetime vice presidential candidate. “I think the world needs The Shabbat Project at this moment in our history.” The undertaking now includes isolated Jews living in Papua New Guinea and Kigali, Rwanda, in addition to Jewish soldiers stationed at U.S. military bases in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait — none of which have Jewish communities of their own. “Here on the Coalition Military Base in northern Iraq, nobody is going to be joining us who we don’t already know,” the chaplain, Maj. Shlomo Shulman, said in a video sent to Shabbat Project headquarters in Johannesburg just before last year’s big event. The festivities in Iraq featured kosher wine, matzahs

and cans of gefilte fish sent from New York, and Jewish men and women in uniform singing traditional Shabbat songs and discussing the weekly Torah portion. Goldstein said he has witnessed “a great outpouring of joy and excitement” since having a chance conversation in 2013 with the renowned behavioral economist Dan Ariely that launched the project. “Over the past few years, it has been thrilling and deeply inspiring to witness Jews come together across every conceivable divide — language, culture, ethnicity, geography and observance,” Goldstein said. “Such a visceral reaction demonstrates that the ideas of Jewish unity and Shabbat are compelling to Jews from all walks of life.” Given the dramatic uptick in attacks against Jews worldwide — this year’s Shabbat Project coincides with the first yahrzeit of the Tree of Life massacre, in which a gunman killed 11 worshippers in Pittsburgh — Goldstein warned that anti-Semitism must not define the Jewish people. “Our strongest and most powerful response to the darkness of Halle, Pittsburgh, Poway and other recent inhuman attacks is to boldly spread light in the world — to redouble our humanity and inspire a more uplifting Jewish identity,” he said, evoking shooting attacks at synagogues in Germany, Pennsylvania and California. “We cannot be intimidated or paralyzed by the darkness. We mourn and we pray, but we are not defeated or afraid.” Goldstein’s vision is “the most ambitious Jewish identity project ever undertaken,” The Jerusalem Post has reported. The Washington Post called it “a global movement,” and Mishpacha magazine said it is “an experiment that has no precedent in modern Jewish history.” Pop singer and “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul — her father was a Syrian Jew from Aleppo and her mother was raised in an Ashkenazi family in the Canadian province of Manitoba — says The Shabbat Project is “a phenomenal initiative that brings everyone back to their inner happiness, brings Jews together and preserves our traditions, our families and our sanity.” More than 19,000 people joined in Shabbat festivities in San Diego in 2015. The following year, 8,057 Argentine Jews in the Buenos Aires suburb of Palermo created the world’s biggest challah bake. In

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2014, 10,612 people in Melbourne’s Caulfield Park set the world record for the biggest Havdalah concert. Last year’s Shabbat Project encompassed more than 350 towns and cities throughout Israel. At the other extreme is Shabbat Project participant Faisel “Fischel” Benkhald, the only known Jew in Pakistan. Benkhald’s mother is Jewish, but he’s officially registered as a Muslim because of his father’s religion. The Karachi political activist, who brazenly tweets under the handle @Jew_Pakistani, is trying to change that even though under Pakistani law, apostasy is punishable by death. In the eastern Ugandan mountain village of Putti, 250 souls banding together as Kahal Kadosh She’erit Yisrael also have taken part in The Shabbat Project. Rabbi Kamya Tarphon said many in the community, which was banned by Uganda’s longtime dictator, Idi Amin, are either converts or descendants of people who converted a century ago. In Central America last year, more than 200 people — some two-thirds of the entire Jewish population of El Salvador — gathered at Congregación Beit Yisrael for the most memorable Shabbat in Salvadoran history. About 60 women attended a challah bake the day before, some of them arriving in the capital, San Salvador, from the outlying towns of San Miguel and Sonsonate, and others from as far as Honduras. “People came for the full Shabbat experience — praying, eating, learning, enjoying, resting — really living Shabbat,” local organizer Beverly Cartagena said. Officiating was Rabbi Yitzchak Aboud of Mexico City, who spends 12 days each month in El Salvador teaching Torah and basic Jewish law to a community that otherwise relies on the internet for guidance. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to bring together the community and deepen our connection to Shabbat,” Cartagena said. “The fact that this was a Shabbat being shared among all Jews around the world was a big motivation for us.” This article was sponsored by and produced in partnership with The Shabbat Project, a global grassroots movement that brings Jews of all backgrounds together once a year to celebrate and keep a Shabbat. Find an event near you and join in the project this November 15-16. This article was produced by JTA’s native content team.  THE

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Life CYCLE

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If you have a condolence that you would like for us to include in Life Cycle please e-mail the information to jewishnews@bellsouth.net. All submissions are subject to acceptance of the Editor. 

Gates of Prayer CONDOLENCES

..To Dean Yellin on the death of his mother, Bryna Winer Yellin ..To Zina Gutkovich on the death of her mother, Tsipaleia Glotser ..To Janet Krane on the death of her sister, Linda Gunter

Temple Sinai MAZEL TOV to...

Gates of Prayer IN MEMORIUM Elaine Rabin

Marianne, the sister of Dick Winter, grandmother of Allison IN MEMORIUM Miller, Jake Miller and Larry Nguyen. She was the great grandSidney V. Opotowsky mother to Teagan Marianne Sidney, the husband of Lillian Opotowsky, father of Lynn Murack-Miller and Alexander Opotowsky Gutentag and Leann Phillip Murack-Miller Opotowsky Moses and grandfather Sam Corenswet, Jr. of Jordan, Sam, and Max Moses Sam, the husband of Janie and Liza Gutentag Bories and the father of Jay Corenswet  Marianne Cohn

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ChaiLights features announcements of births, B'nai Mitzvahs, engagements, weddings, and honors. To request your special event be published in The Jewish Light send your material to United Media Corp., P.O. Box 3270, Covington, LA 70435 or e-mail jewishnews@bellsouth.net. Events are published on a ﬁrst come, ﬁrst served basis, as space permits. Photographs are welcom; professional ones preferred. The must be clear and in focus. 

Nathan Patron on becoming a Bar Mitzvah in October Evan Jacobs for being named to the Forbes Best-In-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisors List Congratulations to Sue and Herbert Barton on the birth of their 12th Great Grandchild, Rebecca Lee Silver, daughter of Jennifer and David Silver, and granddaughter of Sherry Mayer. Happy Birthday, Rebecca- October 16, 2019 

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5 Female Jewish Superheroes Everyone Should Know By Cali Halperin This story originally appeared on Alma.

(Collage by Alma)

Over the past decade, comic books and superheroes have become a staple for mainstream pop culture. But did you know that they are super Jewish? The industry was created by Jews who were prevented from working at American newspapers in the 1930s by anti-Semitic quotas. And these creators did not shy away from their Jewishness, taking on Jewish issues like the Holocaust and domestic anti-Semitism through their art. With the rising popularity of the industry, more and more Jewish superheroes were created, and some pretty cool Jewish women emerged

as some of the most recognizable characters on the planet. So here’s a list, in no particular order, of badass Jewish superheroines that everyone can look up to: Batwoman (aka Kate Kane) Kate Kane was introduced to DC Comics in July 1956. In the early 1950s, a psychiatrist claimed that Batman was gay due to his relationship with Robin. DC was just a bit homophobic and scared of tarnishing Batman’s reputation. So Robin was removed from the spotlight and Batwoman started to appear. Little did that psychiatrist know that in 50 years, in 52 Issue #7, Batwoman would be reintroduced as a Jewish lesbian woman. Yes, really! In every iteration and alternate universe since her reintroduction in 2006, Kane has been a proud lesbian Jew. In one, she lived during World War II and spent her time taking down Nazis with other amazing Justice League women. In others, she has celebrated Hanukkah with her girlfriend and Shabbat with a young

Jewish girl in 1940s Berlin. Batwoman recently became a part of DC’s Arrowverse on the CW. She has her own show, played by Ruby Rose. The best part? The producers have confirmed that she will still be Jewish on the show. Get ready for a Hanukkah episode! Masada (aka Deborah Konigsberg) This one is a little weird, but I still find her pretty badass. Masada is a member of Team Youngblood, a super-powered squad overseen by the U.S. government. The Israeli-born warrior, who was first published in 1992 by Image Comics, can turn into a giant and acquires her powers from — here’s the weird part — the souls of the Jews who sacrificed themselves at Masada and anyone else who sacrificed themselves for Judaism. Yikes? I choose to think of her superpowers in a positive way, however. To me, she’s kind of like a superhero whose powers are being on the receiving end of extreme Jewish guilt.

Masada was first introduced as a supporting character in another hero’s comic book series, but was reintroduced as a member of Team Youngblood in 1993. The original Team Youngblood comic series included about a dozen issues over the course of four years. But Rob Liefeld (the creator of both Masada and Team Youngblood) ended up leaving Image Comics, ending the original run of Team Youngblood. Liefeld – not Jewish – tried to reboot the comic a few times over the years and Masada appeared in all of the reboots until the fourth one in 2004, where a few new heroes were introduced. Scarlet Witch (aka Wanda Maximoff) Wanda and her twin brother, Pietro, are Jewish and Romani. Their Romani mother raised them and hid them from their villainous Jewish mutant father, Magneto, out

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• Mental Health • Criminal Justice Reform • Skilled Job Training • Early Childhood Education

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You Can Be a Part of The Fastest Growing Jewish Adult Education Program have me on the phone with my children or mom, to share the insights that we discussed, and how it can help me to live the life that was offered to me at Sinai." To launch the upcoming course, titled Worrier to Warrior, Chabad of Metairie is offering a free stand alone class (RSVP required) on When Rabbi Yossie Nemes Tuesday, November 12 at 7:15pm. launched the local chapter of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) 20 years ago, there were 31 chapters worldwide. JLI is now the world's preeminent provider of adult Jewish learning with over 960 chapters around the globe, and an average of 75,000 participants every year! Locally, over 60 courses have A Chinese dinner will be served. been offered through the years, with The course will continue for an a steady increase in attendance and additional 5 weeks, with a morning interest in the wider New Orleans option at 10:30 am and an evening community. Many courses also option at 7:30 pm at Chabad Jewish offer CE credits for medical profes- Center (Metairie). The course is sionals, lawyers and social workers. also accredited for up to 15 credits Crime and Consequence, a recent for medical doctors, psychologists course which was co-presented by & social workers. Rabbi Mendel Ceitlin and Attorney For more info and to RSVP, visit Michael Fawer, had over 60 partici- www.jewishlouisiana.com/JLI or pants. Now a second JLI chapter in contact Rabbi Mendel Ceitlin menNew Orleans is set to open at delc@jewishlouisiana.com or 504Chabad Uptown! 534-8685. On October 4th, Rabbi Mendel Rivkin announced that Chabad Uptown is a new affiliate of JLI. He will be offering this fall’s 6 part course beginning Wednesday, November 6. For information on registering for the Uptown course please go to www.chabadneworleans.com/jli.  Brand New Cteen Lounge Inaugurated JLI offers three courses per year on On Sunday, August 25th the an array of Jewish topics such as eth- members of Cteen Nola, the local ics, mysticism, philosophy and his- branch of a worldwide network for tory,. The courses have been endorsed high schoolers gathered together to by some of the brightest minds in the inaugurate the brand new Cteen Jewish world, including Prof. Alan Lounge. Dershowitz, Prof. Jonathan Sarna, During the week prior, the youngNatan Sharansky and others. sters gathered together to transform JLI's mission is to make Jewish a garage into a comfortable inviting learning accessible and personally lounge complete with couches, a meaningful. This dynamic learning game center and a refrigerator for experience merges age old wisdom refreshments. with cutting edge curricula to “We hope to create an environengage, educate, and inspire all ment for Jewish teens to have fun,” kinds of minds. says Ethan Taylor of Country Day, “What I like about attending the newly appointed Cteen leader classes at Chabad” Says Randy Pik, together with his fellow 10th grader a regular JLI attendee, “is that as a Shimmy Lang of Ridgewood High reform Jew, I find them 100% incluSee EDUCATION 20 sive. The stimulating discussions on Page THE

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SUPERHEROES Continued from Page 8 of fear. The twins didn’t find out Magneto was their father was until they were adults, so they never practiced Judaism. Scarlet Witch is among the most powerful characters ever introduced to her universe. She uses chaos magic and telekinesis, has brought a couple of people back from the dead, and can take away other people’s powers. Initially she follows her father and joins the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, but eventually ditches them for the Avengers. Despite not being raised Jewish, Jewishness still influences her character. After all, her parents met in Auschwitz. The trauma of the Holocaust is still fresh for both sides of her family — first appearing in Marvel Comics in 1964 as an adult — and her storylines center on how she is targeted for being a mutant. So even after joining the good side, she struggles to cope with intergenerational trauma and the persecution of mutants. In one series, she also goes as far as creating a utopia where superhumans and mutants are not feared but admired. (It didn’t end well, though, because she ended up taking away most of the mutants’ powers by accident.) Scarlet Witch is particularly well-known for her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but, sadly, both her Jewish and Romani identities were ignored when bringing this character to the big screen. She even volunteers for a Hydra (a Nazi subgroup) experiment, which erases her cultural background. While it would have been amazing to see such a unique background in such an impactful series of movies, Marvel Studios just wasn’t ready to take on such a task. Sabra (aka Ruth Bat-Seraph) Sabra, true to her name, was born in Jerusalem and grew up on a kibbutz for people with superhuman abilities following her first appearance in 1980. Sadly, her powers have nothing to do with hummus. In the Marvel universe, Sabra was the first human with superhuman abilities to work in the Mossad. With her enhanced strength, stamina, speed and agility, she is a force to be reckoned with. And in true Israeli fashion, she uses special cuttingedge technology to help her fly, even proudly displaying the Star of David on her blue and white costume. Sabra spent most of her early superhero career defending Israel. Once she held up the Western Wall in www.thejewishlight.org

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Jerusalem because earthquakes threatened to destroy it. However, when an anti-mutant campaign called Operation: Zero Tolerance gained traction globally, Sabra left Israel and teamed with the X-Men. Yes, this badass teamed up with the Hulk, Spiderman, Iron Man and the X-Men to help fight some of their signature villains. She may not appear in comics much anymore, but she is still seen occasionally defending Israel. Shadow Cat (aka Kitty Pryde) First appearing in the Uncanny X-Men comics in 1980, Kitty Pryde was just 13 years old when she arrived at Charles Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. She was recruited for the school because of her ability to phase through objects. Shadow Cat started training as a superhero immediately and soon became a vital part of the X-Men. However, before moving to the school, she was raised in a Jewish household in Deerfield, Illinois. Like her name would suggest, Kitty Pryde has a ton of pride in her Judaism. She usually wears a large Star of David necklace and regularly stands against anti-Semitism. She even visited the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., with Magneto (a Holocaust survivor and a foe of the X-Men). In one speech, Kitty proclaimed, “I am Jewish. I am a Mutant. And I want people to know who and what I am. I tell people because, hey, if we’re going to have a problem with it … I’d like to know.” Pryde doesn’t compromise any part of her identity and has become a symbol of pride for many young Jewish women — like me. Bonus! Harley Quinn (aka Dr. Harleen Fraces Quinzel) Sure, she may be a villain, but Harley Quinn is one of the most recognizable characters to come from the comic industry. When Quinn debuted in September 1992, she was The Joker’s sidekick and love interest, but she was so popular that DC Comics created a series just about her. Harley Quinn still is one of DC’s most popular comic book series, and in 2020 she will lead in the DC Extended Universe’s “Birds of Prey” movie. Before adopting the identity of Harley Quinn, Dr. Harleen Quinzel was a psychologist at Arkham Asylum who fell in love with her patient, The Joker, and broke him out of the insane asylum (fun fact: Her origin story is award-winning). See SUPERHEROES on Page THE

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A New Book Takes Readers On A Journey Through Jewish Latin America By Alan Grabinsky

Ilan Stavans and his new book, "Seventh Heaven" (Courtesy of Stavans/JTA Montage)

MEXICO CITY (JTA) —More than 10 years ago, Ilan Stavans scandalized language purists of the Spanish-speaking world by translating a chapter of “Don Quixote” — into Spanglish. Since then, the so-called czar of Latino culture has become one of the most important interlocutors for Hispanics in the United States. In his latest book, “The Seventh Heaven,” published earlier this month, the Mexico-born Stavans shares a travelogue of a trip through Jewish Latin America, a topic on which he has emerged as a leading expert in recent decades. “Very few people know about Latin American Jews, including Jews in Latin America, who know about their own communities but not necessarily about those in other Latin American countries,” he said. Stavans spoke to the Jewish Tele-

graphic Agency on some challenges facing Latin American Jews today and his efforts to represent them to a global readership. JTA: Tell me about how this book was conceived. Stavans: This book is an attempt to explore the complexities of Jewish Latin Americans during a relatively peaceful and productive period, but in the midst of possible rapid and frightening changes. It was inspired by a book by S. Ansky, the author of “The Dybbuk.” Ansky was an ethnographer who traveled around the Pale of Settlement at the very beginning of the 20th century. He left an astonishing document on the Jewish communities that lived in shtetls of Eastern Europe before they were wiped out by history. With my insider’s knowledge as a Mexican Jew and an outsider’s view as a Latino living in the United States, I wanted to create a literary, ethno-anthropological artifact — a travel book of this community. The book is written in English on purpose: I wanted to create a book that was coming from the inside to the outside, with a choice of language connected with the global

BooKsHelF

vision of Jewishness. Yiddish used to be the lingua franca of Ashkenazi Jews, and there has been a suggestion that English is the Yiddish of the 21st century. What are some of the tangible challenges that Latin American Jews are facing today? The answer depends on the country. The small Jewish community in Venezuela has been the direct target of state-sponsored anti-Semitism since Hugo Chavez came to power. Synagogues have been desecrated. Cuban Jews under communism benefit from the goodwill of Americans and other foreigners. The left in many countries is attached to the Palestinian cause, in some cases to extremist views and anti-Zionism runs rampant, often metastasizing into anti-Jewish sentiment. Synagogues and cultural institutions require high security. Various economies, such as that of Argentina, are in disarray.

Emigration to Israel, the United States and Europe decimate Jewish communities all across the continent, as does assimilation. Kidnappings, although dramatically less than a couple of decades ago, are still worrisome. Self-defense groups are well organized. On the other hand, there is a growth of Orthodox communities. Jewish education continues in a solid way among the young, as do cultural organizations. Latin American Jews are polyglots who travel the world and have increasing political, economic and cultural influence everywhere. Do you think Latin American Jews are at a similar turning point as the communities that S. Ansky documented? The book doesn’t really try to establish the fact that what happened in the Pale of Settlement is See NEW BOOK on Page

Compare the Candidates and the Risks in the Run-Off for Parish Council, District 3.

Dr. John J. Martin Martha Cazaubon Retired Veterinarian No Political Connections, fifteen years working with State and Parish Officials and citizens to solve our problems of flooding, drainage, sewerage and traffic Endorsed by the Alliance for Good Government Mostly self-funded, grassroots funding from people who want commonsense development #117

PA R I S H C O U N C I L • D I S T R I C T 3 Dr. Martin for Council

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Nearly 20 years as Commissioner on the St. Tammany Planning and Zoning Commission overseeing development As Commissioner, approved development that increased the flooding, drainage, sewerage and traffic problems that threaten our quality of life. During her time as Commissioner over 1,000 homes flooded. Endorsed by ??? Numerous checks from developers and their attorneys

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Bookshelf

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NEW BOOK Continued from Page 11

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exactly what is happening for Latin American Jews now. The conditions of the Pale of Settlement one century ago are very different from those of Latin American Jews today. Latin American Jews are modern, 21st-century Jews. Many of us are assimilated, and religion doesn’t play the role it played a century ago. Also, each of the countries — Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Cuba — has its own metabolism and responds to its own forces. It would be a sweeping statement to say that it is the very same landscape. As a Latin American Jew who has been living in the United States for more than half of your life, what do you think is the common misconception of Americans and American Jews about Latin American Jews? American Jews living in the United States have a very limited view of anything that’s not about themselves. The fact that there are Mexican Jews, or Colombian Jews, is totally exotic for them — it is as if we are coming from Mars. For Americans in general, there’s an impression that Latin America is a homogeneous — Catholic and mestizo (mix of Spanish and indigenous) — country. But Latin America has been a land of immigrants since the beginning with the arrival of the Spaniards and Portuguese. There are Jews, Japanese, Russians and Scandinavians and many other minorities living in Latin America right now. American Jews have been very successful in the United States. But the tragic and dramatic aspect of this is the high rates of assimilation. In Latin America, because of the ethnic and religious dynamics, there’s less assimilation. The loss of members to the tribe is smaller; Jews have a more devoted sense of tradition, culture and identity. This, in many cases, turns the initial curiosity (“Are there Mexican Jews?”) into envy: Crypto-Jews like Luis de Carvajal are seen as heroes for sticking to their faith. How much do the categories of “Latino” and “Hispanic” — as conceived in the U.S. — influence the way people look at Latin America and Latin American Jews? Given the astronomical amount of immigration of Latinos to the U.S. (there are 60 million Latinos in the United States, more than most Latin American countries), the desire to have a common ground and common elements pushes people to understand certain characteristics as unifying. Latinos look to each other and feel

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JEWISH LIGHT

connected to certain historical heritages and common language. Once they come together, they create a sense that everybody is like them. Most Latinos in the United States are from Catholic, Protestant or nondenominational backgrounds. The portion of Jews within the Latino group is minuscule, and because that portion is well-off and well-educated — and connected to the Jewish community at large — it has a relevance and a power that is very noticeable. What is happening right now in the United States is a fascinating connection between the Latino community and the Jewish community, and the bridge between them is the Latino Jews. How does Latin American Jewish history fit in larger Jewish history? I think American Jews are exhausted with certain topics, like Israel and the Holocaust, and Jewish Latin America offers an alternative way to look at history and politics as well. Though we have been considered a non-important chapter in the history of modern Jewish civilization, I think that with the growth of Latin America and Latinos in the United States, the role of the Jewish community in Latin America will be increasingly crucial to understanding Jewish history. My book is part of the effort to expand the narrative of Jewish history. There’s a simplistic Zionist narrative which turns us Latin American Jews into “ethnic Jews,” and in which everything needs to end in Israel. But the fact is that Latin America has been, in many ways, the Jewish promised land. Argentina competed with Jerusalem and the Britishprotected Palestine as a place where the Jewish state could have been established. Jewish communities in Colombia, Argentina and Mexico are thriving. What are the challenges of writing about Latin American Jews in the United States? At this point in my life, I can’t tell you anymore if I’m Mexican or American — if English or Spanish is “my language.” But I think that this is the experience of thousands of Jews in the Diaspora. I think that being out of context is a Jewish condition, not quite in and not quite out, always dislocated. I wanted the book to create that impression. In my perspective we are translated and travelers by definition. If my book can create this empathy with dislocation, I would be happy. This interview has been edited and condensed for brevity and clarity.  THE

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Israel’s National Baseball Team Is Going To The 2020 Olympics

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Israel's national baseball team at the European Championships in Germany. (Israel Association of Baseball Facebook page)

JTA) — In a first, Israel’s national baseball team has qualified for a spot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The squad of mostly JewishAmerican college players and some pros team defeated South Africa on Sunday in the Europe/Africa Qualifier tournament in Italy and finished the tournament with a record of 5-1. Israel is the first team to qualify for the games. It had advanced to the qualifier a week ago after finishing fourth in the European Championships. The host Japan gets an automatic bid to its Olympics, where baseball will be a featured for the first time since 2008. There is no guarantee it will return in 2024. Six national teams will compete at the games. Three more qualify-

ing events are scheduled before the opening ceremony. The Israeli team had the country’s best showing in the last World Baseball Classic in 2017, surprising many by making the main tournament, where it finished sixth. While the World Baseball Classic only requires that players be eligible for citizenship of the country they represent, for Olympic qualifying tournaments and for the actual Olympics players must be citizens of the country they represent. The majority of the national team players are Jewish Americans who received citizenship in order to play or Israelis who live in the United States. The Israel Association of Baseball runs five leagues throughout the country for players aged 6 to adult. Its Israel Baseball Academy is recognized by Major League Baseball as the elite program for 14- to 21-year-old players in Israel, and its Baseball Le’Kulam (For Everyone) program brings together Jewish- and Arab-Israeli sixthgraders three times a year to learn the game and get acquainted. 

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SUPERHEROES Continued from Page 10 Along with The Joker, Quinn has had a few romances, including Batman and Poison Ivy. She has been confirmed as halfJewish and half-Christian. Quinn is known for her thick New York accent and use of Yiddish, so cross your fingers for a few “oys” thrown into the script. Honorable Mention These superheroes may not actually be canonically Jewish, but the actresses who have brought them to life very much are. Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman has become a role model to young Jewish (and non-Jewish) girls across the globe. Gadot served in the Israeli army for two years and became Miss Israel in 2004. She is best known for playing Wonder Woman from the DC Extended Universe and Gisele from the “Fast and the Furious” franchise. Gadot also will play Hedy Lamarr, an actress of Jewish THE

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descent whose inventions led to WiFi and GPS technology. About a month ago, Natalie Portman was added to the list of awesome Jewish women who are playing onscreen superheroes. Marvel Studios recently announced that Portman’s Jane Foster will hold the title of Mighty Thor — that’s right, Mighty Thor, not Female Thor — within the next few years. This hammer-wielding doctor (Jane Foster is a Ph.D. and MD) will definitely be a sight to see in the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Rounding out the list? Zoe Kravitz was just cast as Catwoman in the new version of Batman, “The Batman,” in possibly the best casting decision ever made. We can’t wait. "Published by Alma, a 70 Faces Media brand" 

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Health

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Israeli Researchers At Forefront Of Fight Against Breast Cancer By Larry Luxner

The five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 99 percent if caught in an early stage, but just 14 percent for patients diagnosed with Stage 4 of the disease. (Syknesher/Getty Images)

TEL AVIV — About 2.1 million women worldwide developed breast cancer in 2018, according to the World Health Organization. Last year also saw some 627,000 fatalities due to breast cancer — nearly all because their cancer had spread to distant organs. Israeli researcher Neta Erez is trying to find out how the cancer spreads in a bid to stop it. “Most studies are still done on the primary tumor, but that’s not what kills the patient,” Erez said. “If we can intervene at an early stage, we may be able to prevent

metastasis.” If successful, this could lead to significant improvements in cancer treatment and survivability. Erez, the chairwoman of the Department of Pathology at Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine, is one of many Israeli cancer specialists studying breast cancer, which strikes Ashkenazi Jewish women at three times the rate of the general population. That’s because Ashkenazi women are much more likely to carry mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that lead to extremely high rates of developing cancer. Even so, 99 percent of breast cancer patients whose tumors are diagnosed and removed at an early stage are still alive after five years. That five-year survival rate drops to 92 percent if the tumor reaches Stage 1 classification, and drops to just 14 percent for patients who have the Stage 4 disease. The key to improved outcomes, Erez says, is to stop the disease

from spreading. “We no longer look at tumors as a bunch of cancer cells, but as multicellular organs. They actually recruit and hijack lots of so-called normal cells that then become part of the tumor,” she said. “We’re trying to understand the interactions and relationships between those tumor cells and the normal cells that get hijacked.” October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In the United States, where breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, there will be countless fundraising events, marches for cures and other efforts to raise money for research to fight the disease. The Israel Cancer Research Fund, which raises money in the United States for cancer research at Israeli universities, hospitals and other institutions, has long been a funder of breast cancer research. Erez is one of the organization’s grant recipients. So is Dr. Gad Rennert, director

of the Clalit National Israeli Cancer Control Center in Haifa, who is studying why breast cancer is so prevalent among pre-menopausal women under the age of 45. “Most cancers develop over a pretty long period, maybe 10 to 15 years,” said Rennert, whose lab is the recipient of a $420,000, threeyear ICRF grant split evenly between the City of Hope Cancer Center in Los Angeles and his agency. “So when a woman develops cancer at 35, you’ve got to wonder what happened to her at age 25.” Rennert’s project is analyzing the DNA of newly diagnosed young women with breast cancer — Stage 1 patients up to 35 years old and Stage 2 patients up to 45 — and testing their DNA for changes in about 130 genes known to be involved in the development of breast cancer. See RESEARCHERS on Page

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NOSHER

Sephardic Chicken Soup With Lemon And Egg: A Balkan Twist On The Ultimate Comfort Food

(food)

By Emily Paster This recipe originally appeared on The Nosher.

Sephardic chicken soup with lemon and egg, or sopa de huevos y limon, is a traditional first course for breaking the Yom Kippur fast among Jews from Turkey, the Balkan states and the Greek port city of Thessaloniki (known as Salonika in Ladino). This gently seasoned and comforting soup owes its velvety texture to tempered eggs rather than dairy, which makes it suitable for a meat meal under the kosher dietary laws.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 1 yellow onion, diced • 8 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup orzo • 4 eggs • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice • 2 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken, such as from a rotisserie chicken • fresh dill • salt and pepper to taste

5. Once the orzo is cooked through, 6. Add the cooked chicken to the soup and simmer until heated reduce the heat until the soup is through. Do not allow soup to at a gentle simmer. Temper the boil at any point after adding the eggs by slowly adding 1 cup of eggs, which could cause the soup hot broth to the egg-and-lemon to break or curdle. mixture while whisking. Then slowly add the tempered egg 7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve mixture back to the Dutch oven. hot, garnished with fresh dill. (This will prevent the eggs from Serves 4-6. curdling in the hot liquid.) Note: Published by The Nosher, a 70 It is important not to rush this Faces Media brand"  process and whisk throughout, to ensure the eggs emulsify.

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Directions: 1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 2. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. 3. Add orzo to boiling broth and cook until tender, 8-10 minutes. 4. While the orzo is cooking, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice in a large, heatproof bowl.

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“I envision a district where both businesses and families are prosperous.”

Rachel Weisz Will Portray Elizabeth Taylor In New Film By Marcy Oster

Rachel Weisz attends the Nespresso British Academy Film Awards nominees party at Kensington Palace in London, Feb. 9, 2019. (Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

(JTA) — Jewish actress Rachel Weisz has been tapped to play Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor in a new film. THE

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“A Special Relationship” chronicles Taylor’s personal journey from Hollywood actress to activist through the lens of her friendship with her Roger Wall, a gay man who grew up in poverty in the Deep South, Deadline Hollywood reported. Taylor, who was married eight times to seven men, had two Jewish husbands and converted to Judaism in 1959. She became an active supporter of Israel and Jewish causes. A social activist, Taylor became one of the first major celebrities to publicly join the fight against HIV/ AIDS in the 1980s. Weisz, like Taylor, is British American.  Election/Bridal 2019

the nosheR

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How to Make Pumpkin Challah Cinnamon Rolls These gooey rolls are a sinful combination of flavors and smells. By Shannon Sarna

The smell of ooey gooey cinnamon rolls is likely one of the most intoxicating smells on earth. Butter, cinnamon, sugar and dough make a sinful combination of flavors and smells. But at The Nosher you know we like to put on our own Jewish spin even on classics, which is why we are here to share your new favorite autumn brunch recipe: pumpkin challah cinnamon rolls. This recipe is as simple as making a great chal“THE MOST WELL TRAVELED VEHICLES ON EARTH”

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lah dough, adding pumpkin puree and spice and then rolling it into some decadent, butter and sugar filled rolls. Top it all off with a simple glaze, and you have spiced heaven on a plate. Serve it for brunch, serve it on lazy holiday and Sunday mornings. And don’t expect too many leftovers. Note; this recipe makes around 16 rolls. If you want to freeze half, hold off on the glaze. Freeze after the rolls have cooled and then add glaze to the second batch only after defrosted and warmed through slightly. INGREDIENTS For the dough: • 1 ½ Tbsp yeast • 1 tsp sugar • 1 1/4 cup lukewarm water • 4 ½- 5 cups unbleached allpurpose flour (I prefer King Arthur brand) • ¾ cup sugar • ¼ cup vegetable oil • ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• ½ Tbsp salt • 1 heaping tsp pumpkin pie spice • ¼ tsp ground cloves • 1 tsp vanilla • 2 large eggs • For filling: • 1 ½ cups brown sugar • 1 Tbsp cinnamon • 1/8 tsp ground cloves • ¼ tsp salt • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature For glaze: 2 cups powdered sugar ¼-1/3 cup milk 1 tsp vanilla Pinch salt DIRECTIONS 1. In a small bowl place yeast, 1 tsp sugar and lukewarm water. Allow to sit around 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy on top. 2. In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, sugar, pumpkin pie spice and cloves. After the wateryeast mixture has become

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foamy, add to flour mixture along with oil, vanilla and pumpkin puree. Mix thoroughly. 3. Add another cup of flour and the eggs until smooth. Switch to the dough hook attachment if you are using a stand mixer. 4. Add another 1-1 ½ cups flour and then remove from bowl and place on a floured surface. Knead remaining flour into dough, continuing to knead for around 5 minutes. Don’t add more flour then the dough needs – the less flour, the lighter the dough. 5. Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with damp towel. Allow to rise 3-4 hours. 6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl mix together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves and salt for filling. 7. Grease two 8- or 9-inch round pans (you could also use one large rectangle pyrex dish if preferred). 8. Split dough evenly into two balls. I like using a kitchen scale to be as precise as possible, though this isn’t necessary. 9. Roll out each ball of dough into a large rectangle about ½ inch thick. Spread half the softened butter-sugar mixture all over. Roll up on the longer side, working quickly. Pinch dough together and pinch ends. 10. Cut dough into roughly 2-inch pieces. Place in greased baking dish. Repeat with other half of dough. 11. Allow the cinnamon rolls to rise another 30 minutes. Place a damp towel over rolls while rising. 12. Bake around 25 minutes, or until rolls appear puffy. slightly brown and no longer raw or too doughy in the middle. 13. While rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and pinch of salt in a small bowl. If the glaze seems too thick/too thin add milk or powdered sugar until desired consistency. Using a spoon, drizzle glaze on top of challah rolls while the rolls are still warm so the glaze melts slightly.  THE

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Focus Issues

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How Non-Jews Can Help Jews Feel Safe Amid AntiSemitism

TOP RESIDENTIAL PRODUCER

By Margot Mitchell-Nockowitz

CAROLYN TALBERT

This story originally appeared on Alma.

Eaton Hall at Tufts University, which has experienced anti-Semitic hate crimes. (Wikimedia Commons)r

“Did you see the email?” My Jewish friend was typing her response. I was checking my heart rate. “Not surprising. Also, like, not really something you want to see on your lunch break,” she texted back. We were talking about the latest anti-Semitic hate crime that occurred on campus: A Jewish freshman found a swastika tacked onto their dorm room door. By this point, students at Tufts University are as familiar with anti-Semitic hate crimes as we are with the subsequent letters from our president, Tony Monaco, about how much he disapproves of anti-Semitic hate crimes. In this one, he wrote: It is with great disappointment that I inform you of an incident of antiSemitism at our university … Reading it over for the third time, I checked my heart rate again. No lower. … I condemn this cowardly act of hatred and ignorance. It is a direct attack on our Jewish community and an affront to our values as an institution. I checked the clock in the printmaking studio where I was. It was only lunch time, and I was already tired. Yeah, it sucks, I was about to type back. I deleted, retyping, “Yeah, I’m scared.” My drunk friend, not Jewish, coddled her tequila and coke at a party I wanted to leave 30 minutes prior. “I just don’t think, like …” She brushed her hair aside, trying to find the words. “I don’t think that anti-Semitism is really a big thing. Like, I’m not even really sure what it is.” She took another swig of her drink. “Can you explain it to me?” If I weren’t drunk, too, I could THE

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see myself quickly reading her a parable from the Hebrew Bible or forwarding her one of President Monaco’s emails. See, it says it right here, I would have said, eagerly noting Tony’s careful language, anti-Semitism is a cowardly act of hatred and violence. Does that clear it up for you? Instead, I resigned, smiling into my cup. “It’s a pretty easy Google search.” To me, these two instances — one a hate crime and the other a microaggression — are indefinitely bound. That’s not to say one was the reason for the other, but it’s also not to say that there is no effect at all from my friend’s comment at the boring party. If anti-Semitism is a concept so abstract that it has to be explained and justified to be real — if the prejudice against us does not exist in the minds of people who aren’t Jewish — and the moments of clear anti-Semitism are viewed as oneoff tragedies that can be fixed with a pat on the back, then the need to protect us Jewish students is often seen as nonexistent. And it’s true: There is no protection at all. There are light lunches. There are scheduled community conversations hosted by the interchangeable presidents of every university. There is that sucks, I’m sorry, do you need anything? Friends and non-Jewish loved ones will ask questions or come to synagogue with you a couple times after the latest incident, but soon enough everything goes back to “normal.” That’s not to say these attempts go unnoticed. It’s also not to say that Jewish people don’t like light lunches. It is admittedly harder to be an ally to a community than you aren’t frequently immersed in, and the Jewish population being so small (I wonder why?) can’t help that fact. The question then becomes, what can people do to be an ally to the Jewish community? The everyday hardships of modern Jewish life, from the lunch-hour hate crimes to the microaggressive chats with friends, are ultimately not mendable by the well-meaning pleas that if only See SAFE on Page

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America’s 7.5 Million Jews Are Older, Whiter And More Liberal Than The Country As A Whole By Ben Sales

Those aged 65 and older make up more than a quarter of the U.S. Jewish population. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (JTA) — In the past seven years, the American Jewish population has grown 10 percent. It remains a population that is mostly liberal, college educated and overwhelmingly white. And it’s not getting any younger. This is all according to a new American Jewish population estimate of the 48 contiguous U.S. states put out by Brandeis University’s Steinhardt Social Research Institute. The center published similar studies in 2012 and 2015. “The cynicism about American

Judaism, and this belief that we are a shrinking population, we are a vanishing population, is incorrect,” said Leonard Saxe, director of the Steinhardt Center. “The prophecy of the vanishing Jew has not come to fruition.” The study is based on data collected from approximately 150 independent surveys that sampled about 234,000 adults, including 5,300 Jews. The authors provided no margin of error for their findings, though each estimate has a range. For example, the study estimates the total Jewish population at 7.5 million, but it could be as low as 7.1 million or as high as 7.8 million. The study also broke down the number of Jews by age, racial background, education level and geographic location, among other factors. Here are five key things to know about the Jews of the United States

in 2019. There are 7.5 million Jews in the United States. The study found that as of 2018, there are approximately 7.5 million Jews in the contiguous United States (and, to be honest, there likely aren’t a ton more in Alaska and Hawaii). That’s only about 2 percent of the U.S. population, but it’s enough to make the United States home to the largest Jewish community in the world. According to recent government statistics, Israel has 6.7 million Jews. People who say their religion is Jewish account for some 1.8 percent of all U.S. adults, or 4.4 million people, according to the study. There are an additional 1.5 million or so adults who “consider themselves Jewish by background and other criteria.” And there are 1.6 million children being raised Jewish in the U.S.

Those numbers are up from the 2012 survey, which found 6.8 million total Jews in the United States. And the number of Jews who do not define themselves by religion soared — to about 1.5 million from approximately 1 million. Saxe said part of that major increase was the overall growth of all Americans of no religion. “It’s more acceptable now to say, if you’re not a religious Jew, that you’re a Jew of no religion,” Saxe said. “More people, especially young people who don’t engage in the religious practice their parents have, are of no religion, but that doesn’t mean they’re not involved or that they don’t become more involved as adults.” More than one in 10 Jews is not white. While the United States is growSee AMERICA'S 7.5 on Page

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Adam Sandler’s Most Jewish Role To Date Could Earn Him An Oscar

This has been a month for Jewish comedians (and dads!) playing dramatic roles — and we are here for it. Just weeks after Sacha Baron Cohen amazed us with his portrayal of Eli Cohen — the real-life Israeli spy in Netflix’s The Spy — we now get a trailer for Adam Sandler’s latest movie, Uncut Gems. And, honestly? We’re into it! n the crime thriller, directed by

the Syrian-Jewish Safdie brothers, Sandler plays Howard Ratner, a Jewish diamond dealer in New York City’s Diamond District, who gets in trouble after he acquires a mysterious gem, which leads him to gambling, serious debt, and altercations with local gangsters — oh, and with singer-songwriter The Weeknd. Sandler’s not the only Jewish star in this movie — there’s also Idina Menzel (yes, of Frozen fame), who plays Dinah (such a Jewish name!), Howard’s wife and the mother of his children, who tries her best to deal with her husband’s recklessness (though, judging by the trailer, she is very pissed, and for good reason).

A Hilarious, Forgotten Jewish Comedian Named Stanley

KVelleR This isn’t Sandler’s first foray into dramatic roles — the excellent Punch-Drunk Love and the pretty good Funny People spring to mind — but this looks like it could be his best and most critically-acclaimed one yet. So far, the movie has 95% fresh rating on RottenTomatoes, and got incredible reviews at every festival it has played. Seriously, some are even saying that Sandler is looking at a 2020 Oscar nomination for this role! (Others are calling Uncut Gems “the greatest fashion film of 2019,” thanks to Sandler’s gangster zayde look.) And that’s not all, Kvellers. While the 53-year-old father of two is known for singing Hanukkah songs, talking about Israel, throwing his daughter a lavish bat mitzvah, and being a fan of bagels, this may be

JeWNIVeRse “Your Helpful Hardware Man”

Rockery Ace Hardware

By Abby Sher

Which great Jewish comedian had oversized glasses, a nebbishy smile and a hilarious way of trying to get a date? The late, great Stanley Myron Handelman. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, Handelman cracked up audiences on the most popular TV variety shows: The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Ed Sullivan Show and The Flip Wilson Show, among others. He opened for Frank Sinatra. He was such good friends with comedian Rodney “I don’t get no respect” Dangerfield that not only did he write material for him for many years, but when Dangerfield died, he left ongoing payments to Handelman in his will. Born in Brooklyn in 1929, Handelman was voted “class wit” in high school. He went on to work in the Catskills as an entertainment THE

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director before trying his own hand on stage. Throughout the 1950s, Handelman could be found trying out new material and honing his craft at comedy clubs around New York, with his thick Brooklyn accent and trademark pageboy cap. He was especially endearing when he talked about kids’ fairy tales and the harsh reality of talking frogs. Jewniverse features extraordinary, inspirational, forgotten, and just-plainstrange dispatches from Jewish culture, tradition, and history. Look for your next email in a week! © 2019 Jewish T e l e graphic Agency All Rights Reserved. 

Sandler’s Jewiest role to date. The trailer begins with Howard walking through a Diamond District alleyway, where someone wishes him a “good Pesach” (that’s Passover in Hebrew, BTW ), to which Sandler’s character replies, “Alright, Larry. You’re a Jew again? Welcome back.” Clearly, in some way, Howard’s Jewishness is central to his identity; the trailer also ends with someone calling him “a crazy-ass Jew.” What to make of all this? We don’t know yet but we will keep you informed. This seemingly excellent and very Jewish movie is coming to theaters on December 13. Looks like this may be an early Hanukkah gift for all of us! © 2019 Kveller All Rights Reserved. 

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Election/Bridal 2019

Israel Under Radar

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5,000-Year-Old Metropolis Discovered In Northern Israel By Marcy Oster

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Excavations at the site of a 5,000-year-old Bronze Age metropolis in northern Israel (Yoli Schwartz/Israel Antiquities Authority)

JERUSALEM (JTA) — Archaeological excavations in northern Israel in preparation to build a highway off-ramp uncovered a 5,000-year-old city that was home to as many as 6,000 residents. It is one of the first and largest early Bronze Age settlements excavated in Israel, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority, which announced the discovery on Sunday. “This is the Early Bronze Age New York of our region; a cosmopolitan and planned city where thousands of inhabitants lived,” Itai Elad, Yitzhak Paz and Dina Shalem, directors of the excavation, said in a statement.

The antiquities were discovered during massive excavations, initiated by Netivei Israel-the National Transport Infrastructure Company, which was carrying out groundwork for construction of an interchange road to the new Israeli city of Harish. The excavations have been in progress for 2 1/2 years. Deeper excavations found that the ancient city was built over an even more ancient 7,000-year-old settlement. The attraction for both settlements appears to be two abundant springs originating in the area in antiquity, according to the IAA. About 5,000 teenagers and volunteers participated in the excavations as part of the authority’s Sharing Heritage Project. “There is no doubt that this site dramatically changes what we know about the character of the period and the beginning of urbanization in Israel,” the excavation directors said. The new interchange will be built high above the ruins, preserving it for future generations.  EDUCATION Continued from Page 9

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20 Election/Bridal 2019

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School. “As we’ve grown and gotten to know each other, we have become like a big family,” Shimmy added. The teens meet up twice a month to express their Jewish pride, discuss their responsibilities as a Jew and have a great time with friends over delicious kosher food. Last year, Cteen Nola sent representatives to the International Cteen Shabbaton for the first time. They spent Shabbat in New York together with over 2000 Jewish teens from 36 countries. Cteen NOLA hopes to bring an even larger group to New York this coming year. To find out more please email zalman@jewishlouisiana.com or call 704-648-7966.  THE

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THE

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Election/Bridal 2019

isRAel unDeR RADAR

THE

All Of Israel’s Embassies Around The World Are On Strike By Ben Sales Israelis living abroad. Why has Israel’s entire foreign service shut down? In a word: taxes. Israeli diplomats get lump-sum expense stipends meant to cover a range of personal and official expenses. The Finance Ministry now A police car sits outside the shuttered says it wants the diplomats to submit embassy of Israel in Moscow, Oct. 30, individual receipts for those expens2019. (Gavriil Grigorov/Getty Images) es and pay sales tax on the personal (JTA) — As of Wednesday morn- ones. The taxes would be applied ing, Israel’s embassies and consul- retroactively, which would force the ates across the globe are on strike. diplomats to pay back from previous “No consular services will be years. Sales tax in Israel, which is provided and no one will be MESSAGE allowed knownFROM as a valued-added tax, or AN IMPORTANT to enter,” one ambassador posted VAT, is currently 17 percent. ORLEANS ASSESSOR ERROLL G. WILLIAMS on Twitter. Those services include The Foreign Ministry is none too passport renewal and assistance to pleased.

Did you know that your property taxes cannot AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM increase UNLESS the assessment and the ORLEANS ASSESSOR ERROLL increases G. WILLIAMS TAX RATE (millage) increases? Did you know that your property taxes cannot This year, the propertythe tax assessment rate MUST BE REDUCED by the amount increase UNLESS increases and the of the increase of the propertyincreases? assessment so that the taxing agencies do not TAX RATE (millage)

get any more revenues due to inflation. This year, the property tax rate MUST BE REDUCED by the amount of the the property so that is the do Theincrease only wayofyour property assessment taxes will increase if taxing any of agencies the taxing not get any which more revenues due totaxes inflation. authorities levy property (millages) raise their tax rates before end of this calendar taxing CANNOT The onlythe way your property taxesyear. will The increase is ifauthorities any of the taxing raise your property unless they hold a public hearing and pass an authorities which levytaxes property taxes (millages) raise their tax rates before thewith endaof2/3 thismajority calendarvote. year.Some The taxing authorities CANNOT have increase of these taxing authorities raise your propertypublic taxes unless theytohold a public andbut pass already scheduled meetings consider thishearing increase have not an increase with a 2/3 majority vote. Some of these taxing authorities specified how they will use these additional funds. have already scheduled public meetings to consider this increase but Be aware: ALL these agencies must lawadditional advertise funds. the dates, times have not specified how they will use by these andaware: placesALL of meetings to consider a proposed property tax increase Be these agencies must by law advertise the dates, times (or millage roll forward). and places of meetings to consider a proposed property tax increase (or

millage roll forward). Once scheduled, you will find these meetings listed at Once scheduled, you will find these meetings at www. www.nolaassessor.com. Participate in their listed publicized process. I have nolaassessor.com. Participate in their publicized process. I have voices heard too. heard your voices. Now, let these taxing agencies hear your your voices. Now, let these taxing agencies hear your voices too. HERE ARE THE AGENCIES YOU SHOULD CONTACT IF YOU WANT TO PROTEST ANY CONSIDERED TAX INCREASES: 2019 Taxing Authority

Their Share of Property Tax/Mills

City of New Orleans

48.65

School Board

45.31

Sheriff

2.80

Board of Liquidation

22.50

Sewerage & Water Board

16.23

Audubon Park Zoo

0.32

Aquarium

2.99

Levee Board West

12.28

Levee Board East

12.56

Special Taxing Districts

31.26

22 Election/Bridal 2019

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“Israel’s representatives abroad strive to promote the country’s international standing and strength daily,” a ministry statement published Wednesday said. “The Ministry of Finance is impairing essential tools of the State of Israel and has unfortunately left us with no option other than the closing of all diplomatic missions.” Here’s a shocker: The Finance Ministry sees thing differently. In a statement to JTA, the ministry said the diplomats are shutting down Israel’s international relations so they can maintain their comfortable lifestyles. “Foreign Ministry employees are required to pay taxes like every other citizen of the state of Israel,” the ministry said. “It’s a shame that, in an attempt to improve their circumstances, Foreign Ministry employees are refusing to pay taxes and are hindering essential services. Foreign Ministry employees are not above the law.” This is the latest in a string of grievances from Israeli diplomats, who have long complained of low pay and poor working conditions. Earlier this year, diplomats protested budget cuts to the ministry and, in September, briefly went on strike over another financial dispute. Earlier in September, Foreign Ministry spending was frozen briefly before an emergency cash infusion from the Finance Ministry. In May, a State Comptroller report found that some Israeli diplomats live in dilapidated conditions. This week, individual Israeli diplomats from Boston to Ukraine to Ghana posted nearly identical statements on their Twitter feeds. Due to the decision of the Ministry of Finance to breach understandings and to alter a protocol that has been in place for several decades, we are forced to close our Embassy. No consular services will be provided and no one will be allowed to enter. “We had to close our embassies all over the world, because we are denied basic financial instruments to do our job properly,” wrote Joel Lion, Israel’s ambassador to Ukraine. “Israeli Diplomacy is an essential aspect of our national security; we are dedicated civil servants and hope that this crisis will promptly be solved.” 

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JEWISH LIGHT

SAFE Continued from Page 17 we had a little more love in our hearts, a little more humanity, maybe it would be easier to feel less other. I can only offer so many small solutions to prospective allies before the answer dwindles down to one simple fact: Jewish people cannot keep ourselves safe alone. We cannot be our only true allies. We cannot constantly be the ones woodworking our own seats at the metaphoric table, awkwardly nudging ourselves in to ensure we get a place setting, and we can’t be the only ones validating our right to be there in the first place. In order for us to feel safe, to achieve our right to communal peace, those seats need to be there already not just out of solidarity from others, but out of respect for our historical and contemporary culture, including everything from collective traumas to ethnic and religious traditions. For Jews to move forward through atrocities and feel supported, really supported, Jewish people and our efforts in social activism need to be seen as a legitimate branch of the current American struggle for liberation and cultural freedom. Jews are often on the streets with other social collectives fighting for other stigmatized people’s right to peaceful existence, like the IfNotNow organization’s frontline fight for American immigration reform, and therefore already are an integral part of socially active communities that deserves equal support. Social progression is about solidarity that is formed by sharing lived experience. For people to have a clear picture of the importance of Jewish inclusion, it is crucial that they talk to the Jewish people in their lives in order to understand who we are, where we come from and what we are facing now as a people. So, for the sake of your Jewish friend that’s explaining anti-Semitism to a drunk person at a party they’d rather not be attending, or your Jewish classmate who fears coming home to hate symbols, try to be that ally, the one that approaches Jewish oppression with a willingness to learn and listen — to be there when we need it in a vital time in history for Jewish Americans. 

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AMERICA'S 7.5 Continued from Page 18 ing more diverse, the Jewish community does not appear to be following suit. In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau found that 63 percent of the country was non-Hispanic white. By 2019, that number was hovering around 60 percent. And by 2045, whites are projected to be a minority in the country. Meanwhile, the numbers in the Jewish community have remained level. In 2019 and the previous two surveys, the percentage of Jewish Americans who are white has remained at approximately 89 percent, though the percentage is higher among younger Jews. Among Jews aged 18 to 24, the study found that 14 percent identified as nonwhite or Hispanic. Among the 11 percent of American Jews who are not white, 2 percent are black, 5 percent are Hispanic and 4 percent are another ethnicity. The area with the largest number of nonwhite Jews (as well as Jews in general) is New York City, which is home to nearly 140,000 Jews of color. Los Angeles County is home to nearly 100,000, while Miami’s 33,000 Jews of color account for half the Florida city’s Jewish population. Jewish Americans are disproportionately elderly. Younger Jews may be more diverse, but they still make up a smaller percentage of the overall Jewish population. In the United States, 20.6 percent of the population is 65 or older. Among Jews, the number is 26 percent. And while 45.8 percent of all Americans are aged 18 to 44, among Jews the figure is 41 percent. Within that group, 10.5 percent of Jews are 18 to 24. Among the states with large Jewish populations, Florida (perhaps unsurprisingly) had the largest share of seniors — one-third of its Jews are 65 and older. Conversely, the state with the highest share of 18- to 24-year-olds is Utah, where 15 percent of Jews fell into that age cohort. Notably, the study found that even as the Jewish population has grown overall, the number of children being raised Jewish has held steady since 2012 at 1.6 million. Saxe said that determining the precise number of Jewish children is difficult because it’s hard to say what exactly counts as being raised THE

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Jewish. Jews across the country are liberal and vote for Democrats. Ahead of 2020, politicians may do well to keep in mind that across America’s tapestry of red and blue states, Jews are reliably liberal and mostly support the Democratic Party. Fifty-one percent of Jews nationwide identify as Democrats, compared to 34 percent of all Americans. And 17 percent of Jews are Republicans, compared to a quarter of Americans overall. There are more than twice as many Jewish liberals (42 percent) as Jewish conservatives (20 percent). Moderates comprise 37 percent of Jews. As a whole, 38 percent of Americans identify as conservative and 24 percent as liberal. There is no state where there are more Jewish Republicans than Jewish Democrats, though Mississippi comes closest. Some 33.4 percent of Mississippi Jews identify as Republican, while 35.8 percent identify as Democrat. Nearly 32 percent of Wyoming Jews also identify as Republican. Washington, D.C., has the highest percentage of Jewish Democrats (70 percent), followed by the states of Maryland (57 percent), California (55 percent) and Oregon (54 percent). New York remains America’s Jewish capital. Wyoming, not so much. The state with the largest Jewish population, by far, remains New York, with 1.5 million — or one in five Jewish Americans. Wyoming has the fewest Jews among the states with 2,200. New York City also dominates Jewish population figures as a metropolitan area. Including the New Jersey suburbs, there are 1.8 million Jews in and around the Big Apple. Within New York City, Jews are concentrated in Brooklyn and Manhattan, which together have 678,000 Jews among a total population of 4.2 million — a proportion of 16 percent. Across the country, 91 percent of American Jews live in the largest 40 metropolitan areas. Behind New York, the areas with the largest Jewish populations are Los Angeles (570,000), Southeast Florida (500,000), Chicago (340,000) and Boston (265,000). 

RESEARCHERS Continued from Page 14 “I don’t have Phase 2 results yet, but in Phase 1 we identified another 10 percent of women with mutations in other genes or rare mutations in BRCA,” he said. “We’re trying to see if there are other genetic events or unspecified mutations.” The next phase of Rennert’s study involves evaluating the immune system of women who had been excluded from the previous phase of research based on BRCA1, BRCA2 or other gene mutations. “Our project is not meant to look for environmental factors, but rather genetics and immunological response,” he said. “We want to see if these women have a weakened immune response to a cancer attack.” The effort to arrest the spread of breast cancer involves more than cancer experts. Gilad Bachrach teaches at Hebrew University-Hadassah’s Institute of Dental Science in Jerusalem. A microbiologist who specializes in clinical diseases like tuberculosis and Malta fever, Bachrach has taken a particular interest in Fusobacterium nucleatum — a specific bacterium that was found recently within malignant colon tumors. Now in the second year of a $50,000-per-year ICRF grant, Bachrach runs one of only five labs worldwide that can genetically manipulate F. nucleatum. Since that particular bacterium in colon cancer originates from the mouth, he speculated that it might reach tumors via blood. Specifically, a fusobacterial surface protein, Fap2, binds and activates a receptor on immune cells known as TIGIT, thereby suppressing the ability of immune cells to

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destroy the tumor. Fusobacterium can travel to the colon not only through the gut but also through the blood, meaning it can reach other cancers as well, protecting them from the immune system. “When you have gum disease, you bleed, and bacteria could enter,” said Bachrach, a former Israeli army tank commander who has done postdoctoral work at the National Institute of Medical Research in London and the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. “We found that they specifically colonized the tumor because they find sugar exposed on cancer cells. Then we looked for other cancers where this sugar is exposed, and one of them is breast cancer.” To stop the spread of cancer, Bachrach says, clinicians should consider anti-spreading agents, not just typical cancer treatments. It is possible fighting this bacteria will have implications for breast cancer patients. “Antibiotics are drugs that can kill bacteria,” he said. “At some point, physicians should think about using antibiotics when they’re treating people with cancers.” Ultimately, Bachrach wants to re-engineer the fusobacterium to turn it into a cancer killer rather than a cancer protector. “Our long-term goal,” he said, “is to engineer the fusobacteria in order to colonize the cancer and kill it.” This article was sponsored by and produced in partnership with the Israel Cancer Research Fund, whose ongoing support of these and other Israeli scientists’ work goes a long way toward ensuring that their efforts will have important and lasting impact in the global fight against cancer. This article was produced by JTA’s native content team. 

Election/Bridal 2019

2019 Bridal Guide

Oscar Rajo Photography

Stop Saying Women Convert To Judaism Just For Marriage

When you assume a woman only converted to get married, you are forsaking the mitzvah of welcoming the stranger, writes a Jewish Orthodox convert. (Olga Efimova/ EyeEm) LOS ANGELES (JTA) — Whenever a celebrity decides to convert to Judaism, headlines like this abound: “Karlie Kloss confirms conversion to Judaism to marry Joshua Kushner.” “Zooey Deschanel joins these other stars who changed their religion for love.” “Converting for Love (Like Natalie Portman’s Husband)? The Talmud Forbids It.” Written in this way, these headlines — and the articles that follow — perpetuate the idea that people, especially women, convert to Judaism in order to get married. This framing puts conversion on the same level as, say, a prenup, or, in a more cynical light, an ultimatum. There are some people who convert to Judaism for marriage — maybe at the demand of an in-law or even a partner — but I’ve never met a convert like this. Converting to Judaism is complicated. It requires a complete over24 Election/Bridal 2019

haul of your belief system, along with rigorous study, the giving up of familiar rituals and sometimes familial relationships, and an acknowledgment of the fact that you are joining a people who have been hated, for no logical reason, ever since they came into existence. I would know because I am a convert. And, like most converts, I didn’t convert for marriage. I converted for myself. My now-husband Daniel introduced me to traditional Judaism when we met nine years ago. He took me to a Chabad house for a Friday night dinner, and from there, I was so intrigued that I ended up going to Jewish classes and decided to convert through an Orthodox beit din. For the next five years, I kept learning, took on a kosher diet, started celebrating Shabbat and the holidays, and slowly increased my observance. I was an atheist with absolutely no religious background prior to this, so it wasn’t an easy adjustment at times. But I kept on pushing through, because when I went to Friday night dinners, I felt a part of the Jewish people. When I read the Torah, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. When I learned the laws, they made sense. When I saw other observant married couples, I knew this was the life I wanted. Throughout my process, people would ask me, “Are you converting for Daniel?” I’d say, “No. Are you kidding?

I’m doing this for me.” The beit din assesses your sincerity when you’re converting. I had to meet with my rabbi several times, over the course of several years, before he determined I was ready to go to the mikvah, or Jewish ritual bath. When I was at the mikvah, he asked me if I was prepared to take on all the mitzvot (commandments) to the best of my ability. He asked me if I was aware that the Jewish people are so widely hated. “What would you do if there was another Holocaust?” he said. I told him, “I’d go with my people.” Even though it is offensive, I can understand why some would question converts. The history of the Jewish people is so rife with tragedy that it can lead people to be pessimistic or skeptical. However, those who convert for disingenuous reasons are not truly converts. If you are not sincere when you go to the mikvah, your conversion is automatically invalid. This was a famous ruling from Rabbi Yitzchak Schmelkes, who wrote in 1876, “If he undergoes conversion and accepts upon himself the yoke of the commandments, while in his heart he does not intend to perform them — it is the heart that God wants and [therefore] he has not become a proselyte.” The Torah clearly tells us to love converts and to not make them feel like they are strangers, like we were in Egypt. When you accuse someone of converting for somebody or for marriage, you are diminishing

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their devotion and labeling them as an “other.” You are not welcoming them in with open arms. If you look at what Karlie Kloss has said about converting, it’s beautiful, and I could not have said it better myself: “It wasn’t enough to just love Josh and make this decision for him … This is my life and I am an independent, strong woman. It was only after many years of studying and talking with my family and friends and soul searching that I made the decision to fully embrace Judaism in my life and start planning for a future with the man I chose to marry.” While falling in love can be the catalyst for this lifestyle, ultimately, it is up to the convert to continue on with it. And while they’re taking the steps, and certainly once they have taken them, it is up to us to make them feel welcome and at home. I am very open about being a convert, and thankfully, most of the people I’ve encountered in my community have been not only welcoming to me, but have treated me like I’m part of their families. There are times when I do feel like the other, like when I go to a wedding and I don’t know any of the Israeli songs people are singing along to, or I can’t find an English siddur in a shul. But I just stop and remind myself how little time I’ve been a Jew in comparison to everyone else. I still have a long way to See JUDAISM on Page THE

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2019 Bridal Guide

JEWISH LIGHT

Planning My Southern Jewish Wedding By Alachua Nazarenko

Planning a wedding is quite a feat. A fun, exciting, thrilling, crazy feat…but a feat nonetheless! Especially when you’re planning a Jewish wedding — and most especially when you’re planning a Southern Jewish wedding! Over the past year, as I get closer and closer to my own April wedding date, I’ve learned about this firsthand. Between flowers, hotel blocks, invitations, and all the other details spinning in my head, I am up to my ears in decisions. In addition to the decisions every bride must make before the big day, I have discovered a whole new side of planning a wedding: the Jewish side. I have always known that I would have a Jewish wedding, but the extra details that go into its planning have become apparent only this year. Below are my top 5 Jewish wedding details, with some Southern twists

thrown in for good measure: 1. Sunrise, sunset. Never in my life have I been more obsessed with sunset than I am right now. When does it go down? When can we do Havdalah? When will the more observant guests be able to drive again and participate in activities? How hot is it going to be in the Deep South in April? Time and temperature require a lot of thought… 2. The John Hancocks. Everyone knows that there are certain honors to give to people at a wedding, but even more so in a Jewish wedding. One of the most important honors to give to someone is choosing them to be a witness and sing your ketubah. This process is a tough, but important piece of the planning puzzle – their name will be displayed on your wedding contract forever! 3. #Blessed. In addition to the important task of choosing who will sign the ketubah, there is also to honor of choosing someone (or many someones) to recite the seven blessings at the wedding. Friends? Family? One language? Multiple languages? Oy vey! This decision is quite an important one in plan-

ning a Jewish wedding. 4. To kippot or not to kippot, that is the question. There are certain customary pieces of any traditional wedding attire: white dress, veil, and tux. But what about for a Jewish wedding? How should we dress? Are kippot and tallit required, or maybe a full kittel?! For us, the kittel was pretty easy to rule out, but we are still working on the rest of the accessorizing. 5. Let them eat non-dairy cake. Last, but certainly not least, planning food for a Jewish wedding is quite the process. For me, it’s all about balancing the food I love with the food I know my kosher-observant guests can eat. I am asking myself these essential questions: Do I have enough vegetarian options? Are at least some of my meat options without dairy? Do I have enough food without shellfish (like I said… it’s a Jewish wedding, but it’s also a Southern wedding)? Do I have vegetarian meals without dairy so that folks can eat those with the meat dishes? Hopefully….YES! Planning a Jewish wedding has required me to go above and beyond

when it comes to organizational skills. Those are my top 5 essential pieces. For all you other Jewish brides or brides-to-be out there, what are yours? 

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Election/Bridal 2019

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How To Make Your Wedding Both Authentically Jewish And Personally Meaningful By Anita Diamant And MJL Admin

According to Jewish law, the requirements for a kosher (proper/ legitimate) wedding can be summed up in a few words: a bride accepts an object worth more than a dime from a groom; the groom recites a ritual formula to consecrate the transaction; these actions must be witnessed by two people who are not related to either bride or groom. That’s it. The traditions associated with Jewish weddings — the canopy, the breaking of a glass, the presence of a rabbi, even the seven wedding blessings — are customs. Custom — in Hebrew, minhag — changes over time and differs among cultures, nations and generations; customs can vary wildly from one synagogue or neighborhood to the next. Customs are not trivial; they are the heart and soul of rituals, and while some have been discarded

and forgotten, others persist and carry even more symbolic and emotional weight than some religious requirements. Customs are not set in stone. Over the centuries Jewish weddings have been celebrated with variations in ritual and custom that reflected the needs and values of different times and places. The nostalgic fallacy that there was once a standard, universal and correct way to do a Jewish wedding ignores differences in everything from clothes to the fact that for centuries some Jews practiced polygamy. Throughout history, Judaism has been a living tradition, examined, debated and reinvented, generation after generation. Jewish weddings are grounded in the past, but they have always been the stuff of the irrepressible present. Today, communities are scattered, culturally diverse and even virtual. We don’t share a common ritual language, and many of us have never been to a Jewish wedding. Our celebrations are mounted by professionals, whose main focus is on the recep-

tion, not what goes on under the huppah (also spelled chuppah ). There is a lot of hand-wringing and breastbeating about how this represents a terrible loss. But the truth is, Jews of the 21st century cannot marry the same way their parents did, much less their great-grandparents. The world has changed too much; our expectations of marriage are not the same. To be emotionally and spiritually authentic, our weddings need to synthesize the sum total of our experience, which includes the reality of our daily lives. To make a wedding that is both authentically Jewish and personally meaningful requires a level of conscious decision making that would have mystified previous generations: Should we use Hebrew words in the wedding invitation? How do we arrange the processional with two sets of divorced parents in the mix? What do we want our ketubah (wedding contract) to say? How are we going to make our wedding Jewish? How Jewish are we going to make our wedding? The more numerous the choices,

the greater the likelihood of disagreements. The Yiddish proverb “No ketubah was ever signed without an argument” was addressed to family squabbles (still a reality), but it also applies to the friction between tradition and personal style, between a 4,000-year-old system of laws and contemporary values about, among other things, women’s roles. Transforming that heat into light is the challenge of making Jewish tradition your own. In planning your wedding, I encourage you and your partner to learn, choose and even argue. As rites of passage, weddings clarify and express a lot about the people under the huppah. A wedding is a public announcement and demonstration of who you are as a couple. When you draw on Jewish tradition — borrowing, revising, even rejecting — the tradition becomes yours. And it lives. Adapted with permission from The Jewish Wedding Now (Simon & Schuster) 

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Tips For Choosing A Wedding Reception Menu Weddings are memorable for a host of reasons. While couples remember their weddings because they mark the day they officially tied the knot, guests may remember weddings for other reasons, including the food served at the reception. Some wedding venues are known for their stunning landscapes, while others build their reputations on unique interiors that provide unforgettable ambiance. But regardless of where weddings take place, guests are liable to discuss the food served at the reception. Guests might rave about the escargot or complain that the fish was flaky, but couples who choose reception menus wisely can go a long way toward ensuring there are more compliments than complaints once the dinner bell rings. · Don't zero in on specialties. According to The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, a survey of nearly 13,000 brides and grooms who tied the knot in 2017, the average wedding hosted 136 guests. While couples might be tempted by specialty dishes when choosing their wedding menus, couples who are hosting dozens, if not hundreds, of guests should keep things simple.

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· Consider potential allergies. In regard to entrées, make sure guests with food allergies can choose something that won't make them sick. According to Food Allergy Research & Education®, an organization devoted to improving the quality of life of individuals with food allergies, some common foods cause the majority of allergic reactions. Peanuts, soy, sesame, and shellfish are among the most common food allergies, according to FARE®, who also notes that allergies to wheat, milk and eggs are common in children. While such foods can still be served at wedding receptions, make sure to also include foods that are unlikely to trigger allergic reactions. Couples can even ask guests to inform them of any food allergies. · Don't hesitate to offer a favorite food. While specialty entrées might not be a great choice, especially at large receptions where lots of mouths must be fed, a couple who has a favorite food that's symbolic of their relationship should not hesitate to offer it during the cocktail hour. For example, a couple who met in Thailand may want

to offer a favorite Thai dish. · Offer an elaborate dessert. The last bite guests will take is dessert, so couples who want their guests to go home raving about the food may want to offer something special after the entrées have been taken away. Some guests may not indulge, but those who do might end their nights thinking about the

delicious dessert they enjoyed as the festivities drew to a close. If the dessert is especially unique, offer something more traditional alongside it for more hesitant guests. Choosing a wedding menu should be fun, and the catering professionals at Generations Hall are able to help guests consider many options. Reach out to them at 504-568-1700. 

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Choosing A Hotel For Wedding Guests As engaged couples compile their guest lists, many might realize their friends and family are spread out across the country, if not the world. Technology has made it easier than ever before to stay connected to faraway loved ones, and engaged couples no doubt have a handful of guests on their lists that will need lodging when the wedding weekend arrives. · Location: Location is arguably the most important consideration when choosing a wedding hotel. Hotels that are close to transportation hubs such as airports or train stations will be a welcome relief to guests who traveled far and wide to make it to your wedding. But hotels located in close proximity to your ceremony and reception sites will also be appreciated, especially come the end of the reception when guests who danced the night away will want to return to the hotel as quickly as possible. If the wedding reception is far from the nearest airport or train station, try to find a hotel close to the reception site so guests don't feel like they have been traveling all weekend long. · Attractions: Attractions are another important factor to consider when choosing a hotel for your wedding guests. Brides- and grooms-to-be will be busy throughout the weekend, but wedding guests who arrive in town on Friday for a Saturday ceremony will have lots of free time on their hands. Unless your wedding weekend is intended to be a weekend retreat for

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7 Wedding Tricks To Make The Big Day Easier

you and your guests, try to find a hotel in a lively neighborhood with plenty of nearby attractions so guests have something to do in the days and hours before the wedding. · Cost: Many hotels offer discounted rates to wedding guests, so couples should expect to do some negotiating before making a final decision regarding their wedding hotels. Travel is expensive, so if your list includes a lot of out-of-town guests, try to find the most affordable rate without settling for unsightly accommodations. Guests will appreciate the cost savings, and some might be more inclined to attend the wedding if the lodging is a bargain. · Transportation: Another thing to consider when arranging lodging for out-of-town guests is transportation to and from the wedding. Many hotels offer shuttle service for wedding guests, which can save guests the added expense of renting cars to get around on the day of the wedding. Couples may need to foot the bill for hotel shuttle service, though some hotels include the service if enough guests book under a certain wedding party. Some hotels even offer airport shuttle service, which can save guests even more money. Couples hosting many out-oftown guests for their weddings should do their best to find a hotel that's affordable, accommodating and close to their wedding venues. Contact The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans at 504-670-2855. They have a team ready to accommodate your guests. 

Wedding planning is no small task. From sending out engagement announcements to gifting guests with take-home favors, a couple will pour over scores of details as they plan their weddings. As if selecting a photographer or choosing the right passed appetizers isn't challenging enough, some unknown variables are sure to pop up on the big day as well. Couples can take their cues from others who have walked the aisle before them with these tricks of the trade, which may help couples' wedding days go smoothly. 1. Host everything at a single location. Couples who want to simplify their wedding day can select a site that can host the ceremony and reception and also house guests. The cost of such facilities may be more affordable than couples think, as transportation costs will be minimal and the venue may offer discounts on group packages. 2. Think about a day coordinator. Couples who cannot afford a wedding planner to handle all of the details often find that a day-of-service provider is within their budget. This person can handle all of the details of the wedding day so brides and grooms can fully immerse themselves in the festivities. 3. Bring extra cash. Unexpected expenses may pop up. Couples may have to feed an extra member of the band or a guest who was not able to

get a babysitter at the last minute. Brides and grooms may want to offer a bigger tip than anticipated to the wait staff or deejay that went above and beyond. 4. Learn how to bustle. Walking around with a free-flowing train all day can become tiring for brides. Brides should make sure that one person practices how to bustle the train and will step in to do so for the reception. Also, it may not be the height of fashion, but be sure to have a garbage bag on hand that can keep the train clean during inclement weather, or if the bride has to trek across grass or soil for photo opportunities. 5. Give an outgoing person a job. Enlist a boisterous friend or family member to wrangle guests for photo opportunities. He or she can be the photographer's helper and give the happy couple one less thing to do. 6. Stock the bathroom. Some venues will have courtesy items for their guests, but couples also should bring their own necessities, such as breath mints, toothpaste, extra pantyhose, hairspray, lip gloss, and/ or sanitary pads. 7. Be all smiles. Couples can't predict everything that will happen on their wedding day, but they can help create the mood. Smiling couples can make things better for everyone, even when zippers break or someone gets the chicken instead of the salmon. 

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6 Essential Financial Tips For Newlyweds By: Bill Byron So you just got married and are starting to build a life together with your partner. Here are 6 Essential Financial Tips that will set you up for success for years to come. Change the Beneficiaries on your Insurance Policies, RRSPs, TFSAs, Company Pension and Benefits Plan Why? At the end of the day if you were to pass away, you would likely want your assets to transition smoothly to your surviving spouse. Before you were married you likely put your parents or a sibling as beneficiaries to your assets. Now that you are married change them to your spouse. The Income Tax Act allows for spousal rollovers for registered plans, which means your surviving spouse can assume your assets, avoiding tax and probate – which you would be subject to if you had anyone other than your spouse as a beneficiary. Create your Will and Power of Attorneys Why? Let’s say you get seriously injured or ill. The Power of Attorney will give your spouse or another person you elect, the power to sign documents and make decisions on your behalf, if you become incapacitated to do so. Your Will on the hand will indicate how you would like your assets to be distributed on your death. It also provides for you to indicate how you would like your assets to be distributed in various scenarios, for example if you and your spouse happen to pass away together. Without a Will, a court appointed Trustee will step in to administer your Estate and will determine how your assets are distributed. Your surviving beneficiaries could step in to execute your estate but they would first have to apply to the courts to get appointed as executor of the estate. Save them the hassle and get one done. Buy Life Insurance Why? Your company life insurance isn’t nearly close enough to be adequate coverage. Life Insurance will be paid to your beneficiary on your passing. It will help your surviving beneficiaries with paying for THE

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taxes, debts, funeral expenses and cover on-going living expenses. Life Insurance is cheap when you are young, buy it before you need it and can’t get it. Set goals and keep track of your expenditures Why? Managing money with your partner can be a challenge, especially if you both have different spending habits. Sit down and set short and long term goals: i.e. buying a house. Create a budget and track your expenditures. Identify areas where you can cut costs and increase your savings. Invest when you are young Why? By investing when you are young, your money will have more time to compound and grow, helping you reach your goals faster. Be sure to take advantage of government registered plans such RRSP’s and TFSA’s to help you meet your goals. Work with a Financial Advisor Why? Financial Advisors will assist you on the early stage planning of your new life together. Not only will they provide you more indepth advice for each of these earlier points, but will also be able structure your financial situation, to ensure you are taking advantage of all opportunities available to you. They will also guide you to making smart decisions which will yield results for years to come. 

Wedding Insurance Can Ease Nerves Couples spend thousands of dollars on their wedding ceremony and celebrations. The cost of a wedding varies depending on geographic location, but according to the business and financial resource Business Insider and The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding in the United States costs $31,391. Insurance policies can help couples protect their wedding investment. Special event insurance provides coverage for various scenarios, including extreme weather, damaged gifts, lost jewelry, vendor cancellations or noshows, venues closing before the wedding, and canceled weddings, according to Travelers Insurance. Insurance also may cover other unforeseen scenarios, such as unexpected expenses from injuries during the wedding or spoiled food. Policies will pay directly for any damage or injuries that occur, or reimburse the couple if the wedding is postponed or canceled. If wed-

dings occur at home, some people's home insurance or umbrella policies may cover certain wedding liabilities. Most wedding venues carry their own liability insurance, so couples may not have to overlap there. However, for those who desire extra protection for vendor mishaps, it is wise to speak with an insurance professional about special wedding coverage. Prices for wedding insurance policies can start at around $100 to $200 for minimum coverage and reach $1,000 for more expensive ceremonies, according to the financial advisement website Nerd Wallet. Speak with an insurance agent and read policies carefully before purchasing one. Non-covered issues typically include theft or loss of an engagement ring; rainy days that do not classify as extreme weather; switching vendors after a deposit is made; and risky entertainment, such as fireworks or live animals. 

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Factors To Consider Before Choosing A Honeymoon Destination

Engaged couples spend lots of time and money planning their weddings. The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study found that the average couple who married in 2017 spent more than $33,000 on their weddings. If that figure raises eyebrows, couples may be even more surprised to learn it does not include the cost of a honeymoon. Honeymoons often mark couples' first trip together after tying the knot. The 2017 Real Weddings Study found that the average engagement length in 2017 was 14 months, and many couples are no doubt ready for a getaway after spending more than a year planning their weddings. Whether couples are working with shoestring budgets or have some financial flexibility, it's wise to consider various factors before choosing a honeyCall Our Trained Experts & Experience the Difference

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moon destination. Distance A remote, exotic island might sound like the perfect place for couples to visit on their honeymoons. However, couples who spent more than a year planning their weddings may prefer somewhere less remote than an exotic isle that requires multiple flight transfers and possibly even days of travel to get to. Couples should discuss how much travel they're willing to endure during their honeymoons, and then find somewhere that both partners are excited about. Amenities Many resorts offer honeymoon packages that include a host of amenities, including all-inclusive food and beverage, spa access, access to water sports, and even airport pickup and drop-off. Such packages can save couples substantial amounts of money, which can help those who might have spent more on their weddings than they initially intended. Recreation Couples also may want to consider the accessibility of local recreational activities before choosing a honeymoon destination. Some couples may just want to spend the duration of their honeymoons unwinding on a beach, while others may want to mix relaxation with exploration. All-inclusive resort packages may or may not include off-site resort activities. Couples who want to do some exploring away from their resorts should investigate both the accessibility and safety of doing so. Budget If budgets were stretched for the wedding, couples should not discount the benefits of planning a post-wedding weekend getaway and then saving some money for a more traditional honeymoon down the road. This option still affords couples a chance to spend a few postwedding days away f r o m home and can help them save for a honeymoon trip they will never forget. 

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How Getting Premarital Counseling Can Help Your Relationship By: Tina Hanson It is a sad fact in society that numerous couples end up divorcing or breaking up due to the challenges which come with married life. Many couples haven't gone to premarital counseling to get ready for marriage and sharing their life with their new partner. This sort of guidance requires the involvement of the man and woman presently engaged to become married. It is an excellent opportunity to explore each other's views and differences in a constructive way, get to know one another better and helps them to determine if they are ready to get married or should put it on hold. Some partners have concluded through their counseling consultations that they are not prepared for marriage yet, and have chosen to delay it. Premarital counseling may be given in different ways and does not always adhere to a standard. Prospective partners can participate in a seminar where a counselor is speaking in front of many aspiring

couples, or they could work with a psychologist and get in-person sessions (45 minutes to 1 hour per appointment). When preparing for marriage, the guidance will concentrate on important life areas that are essential to talk over and plan before marriage to be able to create a relationship that is filled with understanding and love. Counseling helps the couple assess their personal goals as well as the differences between them. Many partnerships don't succeed because couples haven't taken the time to speak about their goals and beliefs ahead of marriage, so that they have no idea of primary differences about what they want to get out of their marriage. How does the counseling work? The therapist will ask the prospective couple a number of questions related to their partnership and the problems taking place. This can be See COUNSELING on Page

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Jewish Marriage Jewish marriage is not merely a secular legal partnership, but a union sanctified by God. By MJL

Genesis tells us that God recognized “it is not good for man to be alone” and created the first human couple, Adam and Eve. Their “marriage” ensured the propagation and survival of humanity, and the joy of this archetypal couple is reflected in one of the Jewish wedding blessings: “Make these beloved companions as happy as were the first human couple in the Garden of Eden.” Jewish marriage is not merely a secular legal partnership, but a union sanctified by God. Marital obligations, therefore, are not merely personal, but have implications for universal harmony. The existence of God as a “silent partner” in Jewish marriage endows a relation-

ship with sanctity and solemn commitment. Judaism views marriage as the basis of human companionship and the cornerstone of Jewish community. As the venue for fulfillment of the biblical commandment of p’ru u’rvu, be fruitful and multiply, Jewish marriage is also the basis of Jewish survival. Desirable times for a Jewish wedding have been set by both custom and law, but Jewish weddings traditionally are not held on the Sabbath; on the holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover, Shavuot, and the first and last days of Sukkot; and around certain fast days. How Has Jewish Marriage Evolved? Over time Jewish marriage has evolved from a property transaction to a more spiritual commitment. In biblical times the fathers arranged marriages. Because the father of the bride would be losing a valuable

household worker, he received from the groom’s father a bride price, called mohar, in exchange for his daughter. The groom would also give gifts to the bride, called mattan. Over time, the mohar evolved into a gift to the bride’s father, a portion of which he passed on to his daughter. During late-biblical and postbiblical times the economic situation worsened. Because men were afraid to marry and take on extra financial responsibilities, fathers began to offer dowries to attract eligible men. To relieve the groom’s financial burden at the time of marriage, the mohar was transformed again, this time into a lien to be paid by the husband to the wife in case of divorce. This change also gave the bride some protection against an arbitrary divorce. Eventually a minimum for this obligatory lien was specified in the marriage contract, known as a ketubah: 200 dinars for an unmar-

ried girl and 100 for a widow. The groom could also provide an “additional ketubah,” a gift corresponding to the ancient mattan. What Were the Rituals of Marriage? Until the late Middle Ages, marriage consisted of two ceremonies separated in time: the betrothal and the actual wedding. The betrothal was a legal marriage and could only be dissolved by a formal divorce, yet the woman remained in her father’s house. The betrothal constituted the actual “purchase” of the bride, and her later move to the groom’s house, the “delivery” of the purchased “property.” By talmudic times, a betrothal celebration followed the signing of the ketubah. The groom gave the bride an object valued at less than a prutah (small coin) and declared in See JEWISH MARRIAGE on Page

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Planning The Right Jewish Wedding For You How to make your wedding both authentically Jewish and personally meaningful By Anita Diamant and Mjl Admin

transaction; these actions must be witnessed by two people who are not related to either bride or groom. That’s it. The traditions associated with Jewish weddings — the canopy, the breaking of a glass, the presence of a rabbi, even the seven wedding blessings — are customs. Custom — in Hebrew, minhag — changes over time and differs among cultures, nations and generations; customs can vary wildly from one synagogue or neighborhood to the next. Customs are not trivial; they are the heart and soul of rituals, and while some have been discarded and forgotten, others persist and carry even more symbolic and emotional weight than some religious requirements. Customs are not set in stone. Over the centuries Jewish weddings have been celebrated with variations in ritual and custom that reflected the needs and values of different times and places.

The nostalgic fallacy that there was once a standard, universal and correct way to do a Jewish wedding ignores differences in everything from clothes to the fact that for centuries some Jews practiced polygamy. Throughout history, Judaism has been a living tradition, examined, debated and reinvented, generation after generation. Jewish weddings are grounded in the past, but they have always been the stuff of the irrepressible present. Today, communities are scattered, culturally diverse and even virtual. We don’t share a common ritual language, and many of us have never been to a Jewish wedding. Our celebrations are mounted by professionals, whose main focus is on the reception, not what goes on under the huppah (also spelled chuppah ). There is a lot of handwringing and breast-beating about how this represents a terrible loss. But the truth is, Jews of the 21st century cannot marry the same way their parents did, much less their great-grandparents. The world has changed too much; our expectations of marriage are not the same. To be emotionally and spiritually authentic, our weddings need to synthesize the sum total of our experience, which includes the reality of our daily lives. To make a wedding that is both authentically Jewish and personally meaningful requires a level of conscious decision making that would have mystified previous generations:

Should we use Hebrew words in the wedding invitation? How do we arrange the processional with two sets of divorced parents in the mix? What do we want our ketubah (wedding contract) to say? How are we going to make our wedding Jewish? How Jewish are we going to make our wedding? The more numerous the choices, the greater will be the likelihood of disagreements. The Yiddish proverb “No ketubah was ever signed without an argument” was addressed to family squabbles (still a reality), but it also applies to the friction between tradition and personal style, between a 4,000-year-old system of laws and contemporary values about, among other things, women’s roles. Transforming that heat into light is the challenge of making Jewish tradition your own. In planning your wedding, I encourage you and your partner to learn, choose and even argue. As rites of passage, weddings clarify and express a lot about the people under the huppah. A wedding is a public announcement and demonstration of who you are as a couple. When you draw on Jewish tradition — borrowing, revising, even rejecting — the tradition becomes yours. And it lives. Adapted with permission from The Jewish Wedding Now (Simon & Schuster)

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5 Tips For Perfect Wedding Photos (NewsUSA) - Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion -something to be celebrated and cherished. Planning it, on the other hand, can feel as if you're preparing for war -- between ensuring that Uncle Sal isn't sitting next to his brother, who owes him money, to budgeting for everything you want and need. The one thing you don't want to skimp on is the memories. Which is why choosing your photographer is one of the biggest decisions you will make. To help ensure that you get the most romantic photos of your fairytale day, Professional Photographers of America, a 29,000-plus-member association, offers these suggestions: * Express yourself. What kind of photos do you like? Do they tend toward the journalistic or is your style more whimsical, classical, or romantic? Whatever your style, be clear with your photographer so that he or she can capture your personality. * Say yes to the dress. It starts and ends with this iconic garment. What will make you feel like the bride you've always dreamed of

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being? Is it a flowing sundress, a formal gown complete with train and veil? Or maybe your idea is more modern and it's a strapless dress, in a color other than white. Whatever it is, dare to wear your dream dress. * Buy the shoes or not. Carrie Bradshaw knows shoes. And you should too. Will you walk down the aisle in stilettos or kitten heels? Maybe cowboy boots are more your style? Can't decide? Then leave the shoes at home, and feel free to walk barefoot. * Rejoice in style. Your wedding day isn't just a ceremony, it's a celebration that brings all your family and friends together (for better or worse), and pictures of this memorable party are a great way to inject your own sense of style. Be it a backyard BBQ, a tailgate at your favorite stadium, or a formal dinner, pictures of this event are a must-have. * Decide on your ride. Some people prefer to be whisked away by horse and carriage as if they were Cinderella herself. Others prefer luxury limos and cars as their modern equivalent. For the unique

free-spirits of the world, maybe a motorcycle is more your thing. Either way, a great photo opp awaits as you leave your wedding. Discuss your wedding photo ideas and concerns with someone who has extensive wedding photography experience, such as Oscar Rajo Photography at 504-605-8931.  The

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For couples, a happy sex life has long been known to strengthen the bond and the longevity of a relationship. But are there other benefits of sex? Let's leave off the two most common answers for this discussion (Those being pleasure and procreation.) So, what benefit is it? Why bother? A healthy sex life is good for both body and brain. But how? It is a stress reliever, releasing pent-up tensions and relaxing. It can help ward off colds and flu and is known to raise immunoglobulin A as well as benefiting the overall immune system. It reduces inflammation, which is considered to be the most probable model of aging. Tied in with these immune benefits is the fact that sex helps prepare a woman's body for pregnancy and enhances fertility. It reduces anxiety possibly through the release of the hormone oxytocin. Sex improves sleep quality combating insomnia and deepening the stages of sleep. Sex boosts mood. Sex helps your heart and overall fitness: it is and should be an aero-

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bic exercise with all the benefits thereof. Conversely even short bursts of exercise have been shown to improve sexual desire. It lowers blood pressure. Sex in men can ward off prostate carcinoma. The more instances of sex per month, the less risk of prostate cancer; this is particularly true and beneficial in aging men. Sex acts as a natural pain reliever. Sex is calming for many people. It makes one feel calmer, happier and more at ease. All human touch naturally quiets down the signaling of pain within nerve circuits. Orgasms cause a great release of natural endorphins which can lower perception of pain. For women who are comfortable with it, having sex during their period can seriously alleviate menstrual cramps. Sex help strengthen the pelvic muscles and reduce incontinence with advancing age. Then again…there is always pleasure! Contact Dr. Alan Arrington to discuss your questions regarding sexual health at 504-662-9584.  THE

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2019 Bridal Guide

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JEWISH MARRIAGE Continued from Page 31 the presence of two witnesses: “Be thou consecrated to me, be thou betrothed to me, be thou my wife.” The betrothal itself was renamed as kiddushin, implying sanctification or setting apart and suggesting a spiritualization of the original property transaction. A betrothal blessing prohibited forbidden unions and permitted only unions sanctified by Jewish marriage. The actual wedding, approximately a year later, was preceded by a lively procession escorting the bride to the home of the groom. The chuppah (today, the marriage cano-

py) was originally a decorated pavilion in the house of the groom or his father, where the sheva berakhot, or seven blessings, were recited over a cup of wine. Contributing in any way to the joy of the bride and groom was deemed a mitzvah (a religious obligation). Today, the betrothal and wedding generally both take place under the chuppah. As is still the custom today in traditional communities, the celebration continued for seven days at festive meals where the sheva berakhot were repeated following the grace after meals. 

COUNSELING Continued from Page 30 done through verbal interactions or via detailed surveys which may be used to evaluate and assess the relationship. Enrolling in premarital counseling is also a great possibility to get ready for marital life by gaining knowledge from many of the most common issues and conflicts that have led to divorce for lots of other couples. Those issues include intimacy, in-law relationships, sharing of household tasks, financial issues, bringing up kids, career pressures and individual differences. All of these life aspects should be discussed with your

therapist to learn more about each other's thoughts, desires and beliefs, and so that you can make strategies for how to deal with equivalent issues later on. By talking about these areas in greater detail, you will get a better understanding of one another as well as yourself. Going to counseling before you get married will help you build a happy and healthy partnership and be better prepared to tackle any arguments. There are lots of counselors out there that offer premarriage advice to help you get your marriage off to an excellent start. 

JUDAISM Continued from Page 24 go and a lot to learn. When it comes to how we talk about converts, we have a long way to go as well. Instead of talking about conversions in the context of marriage, and instead of judging, let’s be openhearted. Converts strengthen the Jewish people. They love us. And we should love them, too. Kylie Ora LobelL is a copywriter, editor, marketer and publicist who has writTHE

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ten for New York magazine, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Time Out NY/LA, The Jewish Journal of Los Angeles, Aish, Chabad and Tablet magazine. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media. 

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Election/Bridal 2019

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