19 TEVET 5780 • JANUARY 16, 2020 • VOLUME XXXXI, NUMBER 2 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY
Sometimes opportunity doesn’t knock, it rings! BY COLLEEN BAKER The Jewish Federation of Central New York will kick off the 2020 Annual Campaign with Super Sunday on January 26, from 9 am-3 pm, at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. Throughout the day, volunteers will contact approximately 1,800 members of the Jewish community to ask for their pledge. This year, SOUP-er Sunday volunteers will be able to sit down for a warm bowl of soup, breakfast or a Mediterranean salad bar throughout the day. Organizers hope community members will consider joining for part of their Sunday to make a few phone calls or stuff a few envelopes and spread the word about the things to be accomplished with Federation. The Syracuse Mets have provided a four pack of tickets to a game this summer for one Super Sunday volunteer to win. Volunteers may bring their own cell phone to make calls, or use one provided by Federation.
People can become involved by donating soup cans at one of the collection boxes located at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, Menorah Park, the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center, Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse, the Syracuse Hebrew Day School, Temple Adath Yeshurun or Temple Concord for donation to the food pantry at Temple Concord and InterFaith Works. PJ Library® of Central New York will be on hand hosting a soup jar event for the community’s smallest citizens, as well. All children are invited to participate by assembling various dry ingredients into jars to make homemade soup, which will then be passed along to members of the community. Federation President/CEO Michael Balanoff said, “Please answer the phone when a volunteer calls to ask for your support. If we don’t reach you by phone that day, we will send you an e-mail or mail you your pledge card.” The Jewish Federation of Central
March against hate and fear in New York BY KAREN SCHWARTZ (JNS) – Thousands of marchers assembled in Manhattan on January 4, taking to the streets and flooding the Brooklyn Bridge for hours as they crossed into the borough of Brooklyn amid chants of the theme of the assembly, “No Hate. No Fear.” An estimated 25,000 people converged on Manhattan’s Foley Square and made their way to Brooklyn’s Cadman Plaza, where they heard from community leaders and organizations that urged Jewish pride and unity in the face of escalating antisemitism. Sponsors included the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, the Anti-Defamation League,
the Board of Rabbis of New York, the American Jewish Committee and the UJA-Federation of New York. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) each spoke in Manhattan on streets packed with people holding signs and spontaneously breaking into song. “While we’re here today in the spirit of solidarity and love, government must do more than just offer thoughts and prayers – government must act,” said Cuomo, adding that he would be proposing a new law for the state of New York that categorizes hate crimes as domestic terrorism. See “March” on page 5
New York has had a busy year. In addition to the community vigil in response to the Pittsburgh Tree of Life tragedy, the Federation instituted the Tuition Incentive Program to benefit the Syracuse Hebrew Day School and co-sponsored the 75th anniversary celebration of the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter in Oswego. In October, Owen Pell, president of the Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities, spoke to the community about his ongoing global efforts to prevent genocide. In December, the community came together to celebrate at the annual Chanukah party and March 2020 will bring a revamped Jewish Observer. The global rise of antisemitism has brought about increased efforts to keep
the community safe, with Federation committing more than $100,000 for security for various institutions in the community. Strengthening relationships with government officials, law enforcement, clergy and Syracuse University leadership have also contributed to these efforts. Federation was invited to speak with the Syracuse University chancellor about community concerns and the response to antisemitic acts. To make a secure online donation to the 2020 Annual Campaign, visit www. jewishfederationcny.org and click on the tzedakah box on the home page. To volunteer, contact Colleen Baker at 315-445-2040, ext. 102, or cbaker@ jewishfederationcny.org. Training will be provided.
Federation creates Pomegranate Society will be invited to membership BY BARBARA SHEKLIN in the Pomegranate Society. DAVIS Being part of the PomegranIn announcing the formation ate Society is a declaration of of a local new women’s philpersonal commitment to honor anthropic group, Federation traditional Jewish values of Board Chair Ellen Weinstein tzedakah, justice and gemilut hasaid, “Women philanthropists sadim, acts of loving kindness. are the change-makers and comWeinstein said, “The 613 seeds munity-shapers of the world. of the pomegranate remind us of We are sisters and daughters, Judaism’s 613 mitzvot and of the mothers and friends, compaswork yet to be done to help Jews sionate and committed women at every stage of life and career. Federation Board throughout the world to live in dignity and peace.” Chair Ellen The Pomegranate Society is a Invitations to a celebratory Weinstein national recognition society membership dinner will be sent established to encourage and recognize women who support the Fed- in March. Organizers hope that all women eration’s annual Community Campaign.” who qualify will accept membership in The pomegranate is one of the oldest the Pomegranate Society as recognition symbols in Jewish art and ritual, and re- of their generosity and Federation’s apminds people of the lives already renewed preciation. Federation’s women’s philanby the commitments that have been made. thropy seeks to engage Jewish women in Each woman who makes an annual dona- the fulfilling work of making the world tion of $1,800 in her own name or as part a better place. Women’s giving will help of a family gift to the Jewish Federation build and support Jewish life for today of Central New York’s Annual Campaign and for generations.
Follow the Jewish Federation of Central New York for the latest updates! @Jewish-Federation-Of-Central-New-York @JewishFederationOfCNY
An estimated 25,000 people converged on Manhattan’s Foley Square, crossed the Brooklyn Bridge and and made their way to Cadman Plaza as part of a “No Hate. No Fear.” rally on January 5. (Photo by Rivka Segal)
C A N D L E L I G H T I N G A N D P A R AS H A
January 17........................ 4:39 pm................................................... Parashat Shemot January 24........................ 4:48 pm...................................................... Parashat Vaera January 31........................ 4:57 pm........................................................... Parashat Bo
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Chanukah celebrated
Congregational notes
“Super wine”
Community members celebrated Local congregations announce film Israeli researchers are working the recent holiday of Chanukah showings, the World Wide Wrap, an to produce the first “super wine” interfaith event and more. at the JCC . with enhanced health benefits. Stories on page 4 Stories on page 2 Story on page 7
PLUS Classifieds................................ 5 Health and Wellness...........6-7 Calendar Highlights............... 8 Federation Campaign.....Insert