Jewish Observer - January 22, 2015 by Jewish Federation of CNY

2 SHEVAT 5775 • JANUARY 22, 2015 • VOLUME XXXIV, NUMBER 2 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Super Sunday is this Sunday By Marianne Bazydlo The Jewish Federation of Central New York Super Sunday phone-a-thon to benefit the Jewish community will be held on January 25, from 9 am-3 pm, at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center. Members of the community have been encouraged to volunteer for an hour or two to make phone calls or stuff envelopes, as well as to make their pledges to the 2015 Annual Campaign. Volunteer shifts will be from 9-11 am for callers, and 11 am-1 pm and 1-3 pm for callers and clerical workers. Training will be provided. There is no need to sign up ahead of time and volunteer jobs can be assigned that day. Federation President/CEO Linda Alexander said, “This year we’ve added something new... thanks to the suggestion of our teen leaders... ‘Ice Cream Sundaes on Super Sunday!’ The teens thought it would be a nice way to thank our supporters. And the young people in our community are invited to come to Super Sunday and be a part of this family day, bring in their pushkas or donate loose change to the Annual Campaign, and get an ice cream sundae as a thank you.” A bagel breakfast will begin at 9 am,

The Super Sunday Committee and teen co-chairs have been planning the communitywide kick-off of the 2015 Annual Campaign. Super Sunday will be held on January 25, from 9 am-3 pm, at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse. This year, the teenagers suggested something new for the event, ice cream sundaes for Super Sunday. L-r: Diane Kuppermann, Cindy Stein, Mara Charlamb, Orit Antosh, Joel Friedman (standing), Karen Beckman, Nitzah Santiago-McRae, Leah Kuppermann, Brian Charlamb (in back), Eric Antosh, Jacob Charlamb and Ian Beckman. Not pictured: Super Sunday Co-Chair Liza Rochelson and Teen CoChairs Rachel Beckman, Adena Rochelson and Corey and Emma Stein. followed by a short training session at 9:30 am. Calling will begin at 10 am. Lunch at 11:30 am will be grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Teenagers can volunteer on Super Sunday and join the Super Sunday Teen

Co-Chairs, Eric Antosh, Ian Beckman, Rachel Beckman, Brian Charlamb, Jake Charlamb, Leah Kuppermann, Adena Rochelson and Corey and Emma Stein. The Super Sunday co-chairs are Orit Antosh, Karen Beckman, Mara Charlamb,

Joel Friedman, Diane Kuppermann, Liza Rochelson, Nitzah Santiago-McRae and Cindy Stein. During Super Sunday, the teen co-chairs will collect gift items for students at McCarthy @ Beard, the Syracuse school district alternative education program. Items can be brought to the JCC on Super Sunday or to the Federation offices after the event. Items requested are hair accessories; bottles of body wash, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, hand and body lotion, children’s toothbrushes or toothpaste, hair brushes and combs, coloring books, crayons, colored pencils and colored chalk, cards and card games, craft kits, board games and puzzles, gift cards, footballs, basketballs and T-shirts or sweatshirts, in youth large-adult XXL size. There will also be a collection of items for the food pantry at Temple Concord. Volunteers can bring their cell phones to make calls, or the Federation will provide one. To volunteer or for more information, contact Marianne Bazydlo at 445-2040, ext. 102, or mbazydlo@jewishfederationcny.org, or visit www.jewishfederationcny.org. Visit the “Super Sunday” page under “About Us.”

Federation funds available for children and teens for Israel trips and summer camping By Judith L. Stander The Jewish Federation of Central New York has available incentive and/or scholarship funding for children and teenagers planning trips to Israel or overnight camps this summer. Application forms may be requested for incentive and/or scholarship funding as soon as possible by contacting Judith Stander at 445-0161, ext. 114, or jstander@jewishfederationcny.org. Federation and the One Happy Camper organization have a contract that can provide up to $1,000/$700 as an incentive for first-time overnight campers who attend a non-parochial school. There is a Federation-only incentive eligibility for campers who attend a day school of $500/$350. Scholarship funds are available to help defray some of the costs of overnight summer camp expenses. In addition, special funds from the Pomeranz, Shankman and Martin Charitable Foundation have been made available to help stretch Federation dollars. Israel trip funding comes from the estate of the late Helen Millstein and the Isaiah Wolfson Scholarship Fund. These funds assist youths who have not yet gone on an organized trip to Israel and also those with a financial need to make the trip. Israel Experience Program The Israel Experience grant program is a local program supported by the estate of the late Helen Millstein. Federation supports and encourages

teenagers to travel to Israel. Federation leadership feels that an organized youth group trip can “establish a strong experience base for growth and involvement with one’s own Jewish identity.” The trips are typically sponsored by national or international Jewish youth organizations and must be approved by the Federation. Participants must be current high school students and have completed at least the 10th grade of a Jewish education program or expect to complete it by this spring. This can be done through the Federation-supported Rabbi Jacob Epstein High School of Jewish Studies or an equivalent institution. The deadline for the submission of all paperwork is Monday, March 30, by noon. To receive an application, community members should contact their congregational rabbi or education director, or Stander at 445-0161, ext. 114, or jstander@jewishfederationcny.org. Isaiah Wolfson Scholarship Fund The Isaiah Wolfson Scholarship celebrates the life of an “active and respected” member of the Syracuse Jewish community. Rosalind Gingold and her family help send dozens of area youths on trips to Israel through ongoing support of the Wolfson scholarships, which are administered by the Jewish Federation of Central New York. The application process includes a

scheduled interview between the teenager, a representative of the Wolfson family and Federation. The fund primarily is needs-based

and helps underwrite some of the expenses related to a planned group trip to Israel.

See “Trips” on page 2

Jewish Federation of Central New York to help raise funds for French Jews

As part of the Jewish Federations of North America, the Jewish Federation of Central New York is joining the JFNA effort to raise funds for the Jews of France. The Jewish Federations of North America has been tracking and responding to events in Paris as they occur. In coordination with the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and the Service de Protection de la Communauté Juive in France, JFNA is working to ensure that local Jewish institutions, schools and synagogues, as well as French Jewish citizens, are protected from further attacks. Recent events have increased the security concerns of French Jewry and also led to a dramatic rise in immigration of French Jews to Israel. JFNA is asking for donations to the “France Fund” to help French Jews meet their increased security needs and to aid victims’ families. As part of the effort to raise funds to help French Jews, contributions may be mailed to the Jewish Federation of Central New York, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt, NY 13214, with “France Fund” in the memo line.

C A N D L E L I G H T I N G A N D P A R AS H A

January 23................4:47 pm.................................................................Parasha-Bo January 30................4:56 pm.................................................... Parasha-Beshalach February 6................5:05 pm.............................................................Parasha-Yitro

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Menorah Park grants Congregational notes

SHDS BUDS

Menorah Park now has a financial Area synagogues announce The Syr ac use Hebrew Day assistance program for eligible upcoming Shabbat and youth School’s new BUDS program is programs. older adults to live in The Inn. aimed at preschoolers. Stories on page 4 Story on page 2 Story on page 5

PLUS Health and Wellness.............. 5 Calendar Highlights............... 6 Mazel Tov.................................. 6 Obituaries................................. 7

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ january 22, 2015/2 SHEVAT 5775

Menorah Park of CNY offers grants for assisted living facility

By Stewart Koenig Menorah Park of Central New York has established a $110,000 financial assistance program to provide financial aid for eligible older adults to live in its assisted-living facility, The Inn. Menorah Park CEO Mary Ellen Bloodgood said, “We’re so pleased to establish this fund that makes The Inn at Menorah Park uniquely responsive

to those in the community wishing to move into our assisted-living residence. These funds are available to adults who need the care The Inn can provide, but who require financial help. This financial aid will make assisted living available to more residents in our community and is in keeping with the mission at Menorah Park to assure maximum independence and dignity

to those in need of the broad range of services we provide.” A fully-licensed assisted living facility, The Inn offers a “home-like” setting with 51 apartments for older adults needing some personalized care. Resident care aides are on-site 24 hours every day, and each resident has a personalized care plan to meet medical, comfort and social needs. “Our residents at The Inn know

The Oaks

Jan Edwards posed with Beth Beach, rental agent at The Oaks, at the retirement party for Edwards on December 29.

Jan Edwards retires from The Oaks By Stewart Koenig Residents of The Oaks, as well as Menorah Park staff, honored longtime Oaks administrator Jan Edwards on December 29 at a retirement party. Edwards has been at The Oaks for the last seven years. Menorah Park CEO Mary Ellen Bloodgood said, “Jan Edwards steered The Oaks to success, and just as important, she is beloved by the residents. We’ll miss her.” Mary Kimberly, R.N., has moved from

Mary Ellen Bloodgood, CEO of Menorah Park, asked the party attendees to join her in a toast to Jan Edwards at the retirement party held in her honor on December 29. L-r: Edwards, Tom Reitano at the piano, Bloodgood, Shush Martin and Therese Mahar. At left: Jules Blank was surrounded by his friends from Menorah Park rehab at his 100th birthday party. L-r: Ann Whitaker, Blank, Danielle Gunther and Sue Valerino.

Trips

The deadline for submission of all paperwork is Monday, March 30, by noon. To receive an application, community members should contact their congregational rabbi or education director, or Stander at 445-0161, ext. 114, or jstander@jewishfederationcny.org. First-time Jewish Overnight Summer Camp Incentive Programs Federation and the international One Happy Camper program are offering two separate incentive programs for first-time Jewish campers this year. This is the fifth year of a five-year contract between the One Happy Camper program and the Jewish Federation of Central New York. If a camper is determined eligible by the OHC Program, a $1,000 incentive of $665 from Federation and $335 from OHC can be awarded for first-time Jewish overnight campers who plan to stay at least 19 days at overnight camp and who currently reside in Federation’s service delivery area. Similarly, an eligible first-time camper who plans to attend camp for 12 days may be awarded a $700 first-time incentive of $466 from Federation and $234 from OHC. This can be awarded for first-time Jewish overnight campers who currently reside in Federation’s service delivery area. OHC does not provide any incentives for campers who attend a yeshiva or day school. Federation, however, has determined that local children currently attending day school will be eligible for half the face value of either first-time camping incentive. These funds will be provided exclusively by Federation. This

Continued from page 1 translates as a $500 incentive for a Jewish first-time camper who is registered for a 19-day camping session or $350 for a Jewish first time camper who is registered for a 12-day camping session. Deadline for the submission of all paperwork is Monday, March 30, by noon. To receive an application, community members should contact their congregational rabbi or education director, or Stander at 445-0161, ext. 114, or jstander@jewishfederationcny.org.

Needs-Based Overnight Summer Camp Grant Program To further assist families with the costs of Jewish overnight camping, Federation is also making funds available in the form of needs-based grants. Families of first-time campers, as well as families of repeat campers, may apply for a needsbased grant. This includes families of Syracuse Hebrew Day School and other day school or yeshiva students who live in Central New York. To assure confidentiality and privacy of information, the camp, and not the Federation, will make an initial recommendation regarding a needs-based grant amount. A JFCNY Summer Camp Committee will make the final decisions. Families with eligible campers may apply for the incentive program, as well as the needs-based grants program. The deadline for the submission of all paperwork is Monday, March 30, by noon. To receive an application, contact your congregational rabbi or education director, or Judith Stander at 445-0161, ext. 114, or jstander@jewishfederationcny.org.

Menorah Park’s Home Care Agency to be the new Oaks administrator. Jules Blank Celebrates 100 at The Oaks The Oaks at Menorah Park celebrated the 100th birthday of resident Jules Blank

that help is always available when needed, while having all the comforts of home,” Bloodgood concluded. For information on The Inn at Menorah Park, contact Katie Hughes, 446-9111, ext. 180, or khughes@menorahparkcny.com. Menorah Park of Central New York was established in 1912 as the Jewish Home for the Aged. For more information, visit www.menorahparkcny.com.

on December 30, a few days prior to his actual birthday. Blank left soon after on a road trip to visit his sons in Florida and California. A longtime Syracuse resident, Blank spent many years in the insurance business.

Do you BOSU? By William Wallak The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center Syracuse’s Neulander Family Sports and Fitness Center is now offering training in BOSU. Taking group exercise classes incorporating the BOSU Balance Trainer can demonstrate the benefits of using this dome-shaped piece of fitness equipment. Invented by David Weck in 2000, BOSU was originally an abbreviation for “both sides up.” This means that the equipment can be used with either the dome or platform side up. Today, the term “BOSU” has evolved from an abbreviation to also stand for the “both sides utilized” approach to exercise. “BOSU exercises are appropriate to a variety of fitness levels and physical abilities,” said Exercise Coordinator Paula Pacini. “It represents an approach that is more mindful than traditional training. BOSU training can help improve physical balance using integrated movement challenges that impact the brain, muscle and nerve connections. As a result, enhanced performance is possible in a wide range of activities such as sports, recreation and daily tasks.” The fitness staff feel that using the BOSU offers “an effective way” to work out muscles that people may not always use in traditional exercises. The BOSU

of Central New York

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The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center Syracuse offers BOSU training in its Neulander Family Sports and Fitness Center. L-r: Exercise instructor Karen Billings worked on strength and balance exercises with Kathy Thompson using the BOSU Balance Trainer. can be used as an upper body workout, lower body workout, total body workout, core workout and as an athletic circuit workout. The BOSU Balance Trainer can also be incorporated into yoga, Pilates and stretching. For more information about BOSU training or for group exercise classes that utilize the BOSU Balance Trainer, contact the Sports and Fitness Center at 234-4522. All articles, announcements and photographs must be received by noon Wednesday, 15 days prior to publication date. Articles must be typed, double spaced and include the name of a contact person and a daytime telephone number. E-mail submissions are encouraged and may be sent to JewishObserverCNY@gmail.com. The Jewish Observer reserves the right to edit any copy. Signed letters to the editor are welcomed: they should not exceed 250 words. Names will be withheld at the discretion of the editor. All material in this newspaper has been copyrighted and is exclusive property of the Jewish Observer and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Views and opinions expressed by our writers, columnists, advertisers and by our readers do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s and editors’ points of view, nor that of the Jewish Federation of Central New York. The newspaper reserves the right to cancel any advertisements at any time. This newspaper is not liable for the content of any errors appearing in the advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied. The advertiser assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. The Jewish Observer does not assume responsibility for the kashrut of any product or service advertised in this paper. THE JEWISH OBSERVER OF CENTRAL NEW YORK (USPS 000939) (ISSN 1079-9842) Publications Periodical postage paid at Syracuse, NY and other offices. Published 24 times per year by the Jewish Federation of Central New York Inc., a non-profit corporation, 5655 Thompson Road, Dewitt, NY 13214. Subscriptions: $36/year; student $10/ year. POST MASTER: Send address change to JEWISH OBSERVER OF CENTRAL NEW YORK, 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt, NY 13214.

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JANUARY 22, 2015/2 SHEVAT 5775 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK Reminder: Hawthorne Quartet to perform this weekend The Hawthorne String Quartet of Boston will join Symphoria, led by guest conductor Michael Lankester, in the Masterworks concert “The Promise of Hope” on Saturday, January 24, at 7:30 pm, at the Crouse-Hinds Theatre in the Civic Center, Syracuse. The performance will feature “music of hope and promise,” including pieces heard by prisoners in the concentration camps, Beethoven’s opera about liberation from oppression and celebrations of Nelson Mandela and Abraham Lincoln. The show will present Erwin Schulhoff’s “Concerto for Quartet,” Beethoven’s “Leonore Overture No. 3,” Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait” and a newly-commissioned piece by Dan God-

frey about Nelson Mandela titled “Towards the Sun,” to be narrated by Syracuse Common Council President Van Robinson. Painter Jim Schantz and the Hawthorne String Quartet will present a musical piece composed by Hans Krása before he was deported to the Terezin Concentration Camp at Syracuse University’s Newhouse 3 Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium on Sunday, January 25, at 1 pm. Admission will be free and open to the public, and free parking is available at the Waverly lot. The concert will present a combining of two distinct art forms, painting and music, and there will be a drawing to win Schantz’s painting. A piece by another composer

sent to German concentration camps, Victor Ullmann, will also be performed. Donations are being accepted to Syracuse University’s Holocaust Education Project at the School of Education. To make a donation, or for information on the drawing, call Heather Waters, assistant dean of advancement at the School of Education, at 443-7773. The Hawthorne String Quartet will also present a free concert at Temple Concord on Thursday, January 22, at 7 pm, as part of the Goldenberg Cultural Series; and on Saturday, January 24, at 7:30 pm, with Symphoria at the Civic Center. For ticket information, visit http://experiencesymphoria.org.

JCC of Syracuse to hold February break vacation camp By William Wallak The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse will offer a February break vacation camp for school-age children, kindergarten-sixth grade, from Monday-Friday, February 16-20, from 9 am-4 pm, at the Center, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. Children may attend just one day or all five. Half-day programs and extended child-care are also available. Full-day campers are asked to bring a non-meat lunch. An afternoon snack will be provided. The JCC’s Assistant Director of Children and Teen Services Erin Hart said, “We have a great line-up of fun and entertaining activities planned for the kids. Each day

will be filled with a variety of age-appropriate arts and crafts, games, sports and more. We’re also excited to offer field trips to the zoo and swimming at the Skaneateles Community Center.” The camp will feature various indoor and outdoor activities, along with special theme days such as “Wild, Wild West,” “Bounce-a-palooza” and game show day. All campers should bring winter clothing for daily outdoor activities, weather permitting, including waterproof pants, coats, hats and gloves. Sneakers are required to play in the gym. The camp’s half-day options, when available, will be held from 9 am-noon and 1-4 pm. Extended childcare will be available starting at 7:30 am and will run until

The Fifth Annual World Interfaith Harmony Assembly Women Transcending Boundaries will join InterFaith Works of Central New York in spreading the message of “harmony and tolerance” by showcasing and celebrating the various faith traditions in Central New York. “Commonalities WithIn Our Diversity” will be held on Sunday, February 8, from 3-5 pm, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 220 E. Fayette St., Syracuse. A reception will follow. World Interfaith Harmony Week has been celebrated

since 2010, when it was first proposed at the United Nations General Assembly by King Abdullah II of Jordan. It provides a platform for all interfaith and goodwill organizations to demonstrate their “impact and necessity.” The movement is said to be “strengthened” by building ties among world religions, educating people about each other and helping the community appreciate the “beauty and diversity” of its faith traditions.

6 pm. There is a discount for early registration through Monday, February 9, with a discount offered for siblings. Current JCC membership or program enrollment is not required for a child to attend the camp. For more information and to obtain a registration form, call 445-2360 or visit www.jccsyr.org.

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Deadlines for all articles and photos for the Jewish Observer are as follows. No exceptions will be made.

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Wednesday, January 21................. February 5 Wednesday, February 4............... February 19 Wednesday, February 18................... March 5 Wednesday, March 4....................... March 19

See “Harmony” on page 6

Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior dining menu January 26-30 Monday – spaghetti and meatballs Tuesday – chicken fried rice Wednesday – kielbasa Thursday – Salisbury steak Friday – honey-glazed chicken February 2-6 Monday – baked ziti Tuesday – chicken piccata Wednesday – macaroni and cheese Thursday – sliced turkey with gravy Friday – roast beef

The Bobbi Epstein Lewis JCC Senior Adult Dining Program at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center offers Va’ad Ha’ir-supervised kosher lunches served Monday-Friday at noon. Reservations are required by noon on the previous business day and there is a suggested contribution per meal. The menu is subject to change. The program is funded by a grant from the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth and the New York State Office for the Aging, with additional funds provided by the JCC. To attend, one need not be Jewish or a member of the JCC. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Leesa Paul at 445-2360, ext. 104, or lpaul@jccsyr.org.

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ january 22, 2015/2 SHEVAT 5775

congregational notes Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Sisterhood Shabbat The Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas will hold its annual Shabbat service on Saturday, January 24. CBS-CS women of all ages will lead the service, read Torah and be called upon for various honors. Services will be followed by a kiddush luncheon prepared in advance by Sisterhood, with last-minute preparations and serving by members of the Men’s Club. Sisterhood Shabbat is being organized by Deb Sikora. At the CBS-CS Sisterhood, women can connect with new and old friends, socialize, learn about Jewish heritage, share ideas and develop new interests and skills. It is dedicated to “keeping alive the ideals of Conservative Judaism” through a variety of educational, cultural, religious and social programs. It is affiliated with the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism and supports the cornerstones of commitment and observance, consistent with the halachah of the Conservative Movement: Shabbat and yom tov, Jewish study, kashrut, tzedakah, synagogue and Israel. This year, the CBS-CS Sisterhood has scheduled numerous programs, from twicemonthly study sessions with Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone to a yoga retreat, Chanukah card-making, estate planning, weekly brunches at the Eggplant and bi-weekly walks around Green Lakes. Other events include movies nights and Sisterhood’s annual programs, such as its fall symposium, co-sponsored with the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse; baking thousands of hamantashen for the synagogue’s mishloach manot fundraiser; catering congregational simchot; and holding rummage sales to raise money for Jewish camp scholarships for congregational children. Sisterhood also runs the synagogue’s Judaica shop. For more information about Sisterhood Shabbat, contact the CBS-CS office at 446-9570 or office@cbscs.org. Youth programming There will be a variety of programs for youth of all ages at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas in the coming weeks. Congregational children from 2-yearsold-second grade may come celebrate Havdalah, do a craft project, have a snack and play games while their parents have a night out on Saturday, January 24, from 6:158:15 pm. The synagogue’s Achla United Synagogue Youth group for ninth-12th-grade students will help with the evening. Members of Achla USY will also help at the Jewish Federation of Central New York’s annual Super Sunday event on January 25. Later that day, the CBS-CS Kadima chapter, students in fifth-eighth grade, will go bowling. CBS-CS youth from third-seventh grade will lead Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday, January 30, at 6 pm, in the first

Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation STOCS Chanukah Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse held its annual Chanukah dinner on December 21. In addition to Rabbi Evan Shore’s d’var Torah, there was a raffle and face-painting by Melody, the “Face Painting Lady of Syracuse.” Children as well as adults participated, with their faces painted with images of menorahs, floral displays and superhero characters. Attendees seemed to enjoy themselves, with some claiming it be “the best food and entertainment ever.”

Shir Juran, Sarah Kuss and Sivan Juran ice skated at the Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas intergenerational ice skating event on January 2 during winter break. of three such services planned during the year. A post-b’nai mitzvah student will lead the Ma’ariv service that evening. The service is intended to help the congregation’s youth feel comfortable participating in services. For more information on these or other CBS-CS youth activities, contact Julie Tornberg, director of youth and education, at director@cbscs.org or 701-2685. SAMED Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas will welcome four members of Syracuse Area Middle East Dialogue group on Sunday, January 25, at 4 pm, when they will present their perspectives on the current situation in the Middle East and efforts to forge a lasting peace. The four participants will be Paul Welch, Mohamed Khater, Louis Kriesberg and Mark Field. Welch, the coordinator of SAMED, is the director of social action ministry of the Catholic Diocese in Syracuse. He has written many articles about youth in Central America and helped to create a health clinic in South Sudan. Khater was born in Egypt. He earned his engineering degree and master’s from Syracuse University. He is the president of the Islamic Society of Central New York and the Rahama Health Clinic of Syracuse. He is an eight-year member of SAMED. Kriesberg is professor emeritus of the Maxwell School of Social Conflict Studies. He was a founding director of the program on analysis and resolution conflict. His forthcoming book, “Realizing Peace,” is published by Oxford Press and will be released in February. Field, a member of SAMED for two years and a CBS-CS member, will moderate the panel. For more information, contact the CBS-CS office at 446-9570 or office@ cbscs.org.

At right: Rachel Elman was one of the many people at Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse Chanukah party who had her face painted by Melody, the “Face Painting Lady of Syracuse.” Joan Poltenson stood behind Elman.

Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse party attendees presented their painted faces. Front row (l-r): Norman Poltenson, Sam Elman, Julie Benaroch and Remy and Milo Sinclair. Back row: Joan Poltenson, Dina, David and Eric Benaroch, Rachel Elman and Rachel Vaknine.

Temple Adath Yeshurun MISHPACHA (Family) Shabbat Temple Adath Yeshurun will hold its next Mishpacha (family) Shabbat on Saturday, January 31, at 10:30 am, followed by a kiddush lunch. Mishpacha Shabbat is a monthly program with Shabbat morning services for various age groups. This month there will also be a Saturday school for children in the TAY Religious School starting at 9 am. The Religious School children will participate in learning and activities before junior congregation for an interactive Saturday morning service. Children from birth-kindergarten and their parents can participate in Tot Shabbat at 10:30 am; children in first-fifth grade can

attend junior congregation at 10:30 am, and children in sixth-12th grade will help lead services in the main sanctuary. For more information, contact Alicia Cafarchio Gross at alicia@adath.org or 445-0002. Shabbat programming Special Shabbat programs will be held for two consecutive weeks on Saturday morning. Shabbat Shirah, or the Shabbat of Song, named for the Torah portion featuring the Song of the Sea, will be Saturday, January 31. After the Jews crossed the Red Sea, they sang a song of praise to God for their good fortune. In honor of Shabbat See “TAY” on page 8

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Temple Adath Yeshurun second grade students made Star of David necklaces and Chanukah signs at the Temple Adath Yeshurun Religious School Chanukah program in December. Front row (l-r): Andrew Wladis, Alex Kruth, Nathan Snell, Iris Horowitz and Maytal Downie. Back row: Nathaniel Gale, Samantha Shapiro, Lauren Malec, Annabel Wells, Danielle Alpert, Olivia Clark, Matthew Packard and Dylan Friedman.

JANUARY 22, 2015/2 SHEVAT 5775 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

The Syracuse Hebrew Day School BUDS By Melissa Neri The Syracuse Hebrew Day School Bringing Up Day Schoolers program held its first event on December 7 for preschool-aged children and their families. The “Festival of Lights Extravaganza” gave children the opportunity to meet and play with other preschool

students within the community. Those unable to attend the December event are welcome to attend future events, starting with the “Super Sledding Sunday” on February 8, from 2-3 pm, at the Syracuse Hebrew Day School. In addition to the sledding, there will be crafts, stories and snacks. Reservations

have been requested and can be made by contacting the school at shds@twcny.rr.com or 446-1900. BUDS will host a “Passover Planting Party” on Sunday, March 29, from 2-3 pm. Families have been invited to help plant and dig horseradish, as well as listen to stories and have snacks.

PJ Library® Chanukah playdate The December PJ Library® events featured Chanukah activities, including songs, playing with a giant dreidel, making Chanukah-themed decorations, Chanukah snacks and “chasing some latkes” by imitating the story “The Runaway Latkes” by Leslie Kimmelman. During December, in addition to the monthly CD and book, all PJ members received their own tzedakah box and card game, courtesy of PJ Library founder Harold Grinspoon, in order to teach children about sharing and See “PJ” on page 7

Syracuse Hebrew Day School kindergarten teacher Jessie Kerr-Whitt read a Chanukah story to a group of “Bringing Up Day Schoolers” members and their parents on December 7. BUDS is a program that gives children the opportunity to play with other preschool students.

At right: PJ Library families listened and participated in an interactive version of “The Runaway Latkes” by Leslie Kimmelman.

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ january 22, 2015/2 SHEVAT 5775

Calendar Highlights

To see a full calendar of community events, visit the Federation's community calendar online at www.jewishfederationcny.org. Please notify jstander@jewishfederationcny.org of any calendar changes.

Saturday, January 24 Hawthorne String Quartet joins Symphoria for a Masterworks Concert, “The Promise of Hope,” at the Crouse Hinds Theater, John Mulroy Civic Center, at 7:30 pm Sunday, January 25 Federation of Central New York Super Sunday at the JCC, from 9 am-3 pm Hawthorne Quarter presents free public concert at Syracuse University’s Newhouse 3 building at 1 pm Sunday, February 1 Temple Concord Scholar Series at 11 am Monday, February 9 EARLY Deadline for the February 19 issue of the Jewish Observer

NEWS IN bRIEF From JTA

French PM: Keep troops at Jewish sites for as long as possible

Prime Minister Manuel Valls of France asked his country’s defense minister to keep soldiers deployed outside Jewish institutions for as long as possible. Valls informed members of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish American Organizations, an umbrella group that represents 50 national Jewish organizations in the U.S., of the request on Jan. 15 during a conference call. “Today, I asked the minister of defense to prolong for as long as possible the deployment of armed forces around Jewish institutions,” Valls said in reference to the measure, which was taken the week of Jan. 9 following the slaying of four at a kosher shop near Paris – one in a series of terrorist attacks that left 17 dead. Valls added that the protection by 10,000 troops “will remain necessary for many months, as long as there is a fear that not all of the accomplices of the assailants are in custody, and as long as the threat remains.” Valls, whose wife is Jewish, has earned plaudits among French Jews for his pro-Israel statements and those against antisemitism.

Harmony

Continued from page 3

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d’var torah

The parting of the waters By Jeffrey Stanton With one look in the sefer Torah on Shabbat Shirah, the Shabbat of Song, one can tell that something important is happening. Shirat Hayam, the Song of the Sea, occupies most of its own column and, within that column, pairs of lines are arranged in small segments, under the previous, with the middle of the next line. This arrangement of the text signifies the parting of the waters and recalls the iconic escape of the Israelites from the Egyptians across the Sea of Reeds. Shirat Hayam, which is also Exodus 15 and the fourth aliyah in parasha Beshalach, memorializes the destruction of the pharaoh’s army and forms the lyrics for the song that is such a well-known part of our liturgy. Exodus 15 contains many dualities that represent some of the most powerful tensions in Jewish history: life and death, male and female, slavery and freedom, civilization and wilderness. Shirat Hayam depicts the death of the pharaoh’s army and the preservation of the lives of the Israelites. Men and women each have opportunities to sing about it. In a traditional translation of verse 1, Moses and the sons of Israel “sing to the Lord, for exalted is He, a horse and its rider He cast into the sea.” Then, in verses 20 and 21, Miriam leads the women in song with the identical phrase. The crossing of the Sea of Reeds represents the transition from slavery to freedom, as well as the passage of the Israelites from the ordered civilization of Egypt to the “Wilderness of Shur” mentioned in verse 22. Yet some of the most powerful dualities in this chapter of Exodus – and some of the most relevant to contemporary matters – appear in how the text represents water. The parting of the waters to create a corridor of dry land is, of course, the central plot device. In our modern world, with the threat of rising sea levels due to global climate change, we are sensitized to the power of the sea and the challenges of maintaining our modest holdings of dry land. But there is another highly relevant and watery duality, right after the end of Shirat Hayam in verses 23-25: “They came to Marah, but they could not drink water from Marah because it was bitter; therefore, it was named Marah. The people complained against Moses, saying, what shall we drink?” God responds by showing Moses a piece of wood which, when cast into the water, removes the bitterness from the water and allows the Israelites to survive this first challenge after their escape from the Egyptians. God’s assistance in turning bitter water into sweet water becomes a turning point in their journey. A parallel to modern Israel reveals itself here. Of course, it is no news that Israel is a desert country in a region of the world known for aridity. What is less wellknown is that Israel has dedicated a greater percentage of its gross national product to water desalinization research than any other country on the planet. Y. Dreizin, A. Tenne and D. Hoffman, who published a 2007 article in a journal aptly called Desalinization, described how Israel’s early leaders recognized the importance of “sweet” water to the success of their nation. The pattern of investment that was started in the 1950s culminated in March 2014 with the opening of the Hadera desalinization plant. This plant, halfway between Tel Aviv and Haifa, is the fourth largest desalinization plant in Israel and is part of an overall water management strategy that makes it possible for a significant fraction of water usage in Israel to

mazel tov Aaron Flack to wed Kathryn Friedman

Robert Friedman and Elissa Gretz Friedman, of New York, NY, and Irwin and Julie Flack, of Manlius, NY, have announced the engagement of their children, Kathryn B. Friedman and Aaron J. Flack. Aaron Flack and Kathryn, a gradKathryn Friedman uate of The Chapin School in New York City, and Aaron, a graduate of Fayetteville-Manlius High School in Manlius, received their bachelor of arts degrees from Williams College, where they first met. The couple resides in New York City, where she is a medical student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and he is a co-founder of Gravy, a corporate gifting platform. A wedding is planned for September.

come from desalinated sea water. Where Moses cast in a divinely designated piece of wood to sweeten the waters of Marah, Israelis use a “miracle membrane” to remove the salt from the waters of the Mediterranean through reverse osmosis. In ancient days and modern, turning bitter water into sweet sustains the life of the nation. Chapter 15 of Exodus ends with the arrival of the Israelites at Elim, where there were 12 springs of fresh water and 70 date palms. Alert Torah readers will naturally see the symbolic parallel to the 12 tribes of Israel and the 70 elders who accompanied Moses to Mount Sinai. Most translations of the final line of chapter 15 end with the statement, “they encamped there by the water,” signaling a safe moment in the harrowing journey away from Egypt. In modern Israel, some experts estimate that, by 2050, a dozen new desalination plants will come online, making it possible for Israel to draw more than 70 percent of its fresh water from this process. This remarkable level of water independence may even result in water surpluses that could facilitate peace with Israel’s neighbors. Once again, the presence of an abundance of fresh water might represent a safe moment in a harrowing journey of life, freedom and civilization. Jeffrey Stanton has a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Connecticut and has been an educator since 1992. He has written three books, a number of book chapters and many journal articles on topics related to the workplace and technology. He is a member of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas.

Do You Know? Have you seen?

If you didn’t see the newest column by Jackie Miron titled “Do You Know?” view it on the Jewish Federation of Central New York website, http:// jewishfederationcny.org, under the “Jewish Observer” heading. Look for future columns on people in our community you Jackie Miron should get to know through our pages. In addition, content will include features about programs, events and items of local interest. “Nicky’s Family,” a 2011 documentary, was shown December 13 at Temple Concord as part of its Cinemagogue series. If you have not seen it, put it on your list of “must see” films. The film tells the story of Nicholas Winton’s efforts to save 669 children, almost all Jewish, before the start of World War II from certain death in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, by securing their transfer to Britain. Nicholas Winton is now 105-years-old, and the featurelength film tells of the stockbroker giving up his skiing holiday in 1938 to answer the plea of his friend in Prague to help these children in the war-torn country. Some have criticized poor cinematography and dull delivery of the information. However, the story is so compelling it touches everyone who sees it, even if the story is already familiar. Nicholas Winton’s efforts to save the children in what is called his own “Kindertransport” were nothing but heroic, and highlights the ripple effect of the children he saved and the descendants, as they have gone on to lead fulfilling lives and touch others with philanthropy, volunteering, successful careers and the “pebble in the pond” result of the continuing good from one worthy deed. The weaving of historical facts with present day interviews is fascinating, moving and inspiring. Nicholas Winton has been referred to as Britain’s “Schindler,” and his efforts as unselfish, moving and restoring faith in humanity. Winton recorded and documented his efforts in a scrapbook hidden away until his wife found it in 1988. He had not sought recognition or celebration; but the story needed to be told. He is one of the most humble people you will encounter, and whether you see the film or hear of his story in another manner, it is truly uplifting, exemplifying the goodness coming out of the darkness. Not to be lost is the low-key reference to the numerous countries that denied entry to the children he saved, including the United States. Queen Elizabeth knighted Winton, and efforts are nearly worldwide to award him the Nobel Peace Prize. In the next article, you will meet a locally raised Jewish 20-something and her experiences in Israel and at home.

JANUARY 22, 2015/2 SHEVAT 5775 ■

obituaries Martin M. Black

Martin M. Black, 90, died on January 5 at home. A life resident of Syracuse, he was a 1947 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Syracuse University and a 1951 Alpha Omega Alpha graduate of Upstate Medical University. He served his internship and residency at Upstate and, in 1955, he joined his brother, Asher, in private practice, specializing in cardiology. A World War II veteran, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force. He was a former medical director at Community General Hospital and was also in private practice. He was a member of many professional organizations and served in executive positions. He was a member of Temple Adath Yeshurun and was active in the Jewish Federation of Central New York. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ethel; their children, Gerald (Barbara) of Fayetteville, Debbie Black, of Fayetteville, Michael (Rosemary), of Irvine, CA, and Robert (Regina), of Fayetteville; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law, Cyril (Ellie) Freeman, of Fayetteville; and two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Goldstein and Lily Black, both of Boca Raton, FL. Burial was in the Adath Yeshurun Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049 or Hospice of Central New York, 990 7th North St., Liverpool, NY 13088. 

JEWISH OBSERVER

Meeting of upstate New York kosher Vaadim The kosher supervision agencies, the Vaadim of upstate New York, met with Rabbi Aaron Metzger, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, on December 11. Attending were Rabbis Shaya and Avi Kilimnick and Rabbi A. Hochhauser, of Rochester; Rabbi Moshe Taub, of Buffalo; Rabbi Evan Shore, of

Syracuse; and Rabbi Moshe Bomzer, of the Capital District. The presentation provided the Vaadim with New York state’s requirements for all establishments offering kosher food to be registered with the State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The See “Vaadim” on page 8

At right, l-r: Rabbi Shaya Kilimnick, Rabbi Aaron Metzger and Rabbi Moshe Bomzer attended a recent meeting of the upstate New York kosher Vaadim.

Christopher P. Kissel

Christopher P. Kissel, 49, of Fayetteville, died on December 30. Born in Syracuse, he graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, Buffalo State University and Syracuse University Law School. He served the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for 22 years, first at the Board of Appeals in Washington, DC, where he was an attorney, and later at the Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where he was the compliance officer and intermittent acting associate director. He enjoyed taking his children to Syracuse University lacrosse and football games, and read extensively on U.S. and European military history. He is survived by his wife of 20 years,Audrey Van Voolen Kissel; daughters,Anna and Kate; son, Charles; mother, Catherine Kissel; brothers, Tom and Jeff; a nephew; and three nieces. Contributions may be made to “Anna, Kate, and Charles Kissel” to benefit the children’s college fund, 7 Knoll Tree Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850. Fairchild and Meech DeWitt Chapel had arrangements. 

Karoline Ment

Karoline Ment, 92, died on January 13 at Menorah Park. Born in Germany, she met her husband, Willi, in 1945 after he was liberated from a concentration camp and was living near Munich. She was the nurse in charge of the Red Cross office and cared for him. They were married a year later. In 1951, amid tensions from the Russian blockade of Germany, they fled Germany for a better life in America and settled in Syracuse. They worked hard, learned a new language, bought a home, raised a son and became a part of the American dream as they also became American citizens. She earned her nursing license in 1954 and became a part of the nursing staff at what was then known as the Jewish Home, now Menorah Park. She dedicated her life to caring for others and participated in several choral groups. She was a member of Temple Beth El, the Choraleers, the German Club of Syracuse and many craft groups. She is survived by a son, Bernie; and many friends. Burial was in Beth El Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. 

Joan Savon Rudd

giving to others. The group will share each other’s tzedakah stories and plans in the coming months. The January PJ event planned to focus on Tu B’Shevat and the environment, to be followed by Purim preparations and activities in February. The PJ Library is a nationally-acclaimed literacy program started by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. The program gives free Jewish bedtime stories, CDs and DVDs to families raising Jewish children. The PJ Library Central New York chapter is a program of the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse

Continued from page 5 and is supported by the Sam Pomeranz Trust, Jewish Federation of Central New York, Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York Teen Funders, Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse, Syracuse Hebrew Day School, Temple Adath Yeshurun and Temple Concord. The PJ Library in Central New York serves children from 6-months-8-yearsold in Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties. For more information or to sign up, visit www.pjlibrary.org or e-mail pjcny@jccsyr.org.

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Joan S. Rudd, 84, passed away at Longview, in Ithaca, on January 5. Born in Bethlehem, PA, she graduated from Moravian College. She and her late husband had lived in Manlius, Utica, Bridgeport, CT, Smithfield, VA, and Indianapolis, IN. She enjoyed painting throughout her life and was a member of garden clubs in many of the locations where she had lived. She was predeceased by her husband, David Dalton Rudd Sr.; and her daughter, Teresa Ann Rudd-Bell. She is survived by her sons, David D. Rudd Jr. (Debra Goldwein), of Fayetteville, and John B. Rudd (Beverly Chin), of Ithaca; three grandchildren; and her brother, Donald (Phyllis) Savon. Contributions may be made to the Cayuga Medical Center Foundation, 101 Dates Dr., Ithaca, NY 14850; to Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850; or to Longview, 1 Bella Vista Dr., Ithaca, NY 14850. 

Herbert Norman Slotnick

Herbert Norman Slotnick, 89, of Boca Raton, FL, formerly of Syracuse, died on January 13 at home. He spent his childhood visiting his father’s theaters. He graduated from Haverford College in Philadelphia prior to enlisting in the Army. He went to war in 1944, fought in the Battle of the Bulge and earned an honorable discharge at the war’s end. He attended school part-time while working in his father’s theaters. He and his wife, Joan Emilia Porter Pence, expanded Slotnick Enterprises by building drive-ins and, later, multiple cinemas, known at first as Drive In Management, then Carrols Cinemas and finally Cinema National. His wife encouraged him to expand still further into fast food restaurants. Purchasing the franchise rights for Carrols, his first two locations were Erie Boulevard and North Syracuse. Eventually, he bought the entire Carrols chain. At its peak, Carrols maintained 167 restaurants. He was instrumental in transitioning Carrols to a franchisee of Burger King, which was listed on the New York Stock Exchange for a time. He had a heart attack in 1985 and retired in 1986. The sale of the theater division and the acquisition of the candy and nut company did not proceed as planned. His wife, a cancer victim, survived just five years following his retirement. Today, Carrols trades on the NASDAQ as the world’s largest Burger King franchisee with more than 500 units. Carrols company headquarters are in Syracuse. He was predeceased by his wife, Joan Porter Pence Slotnick, in 1991. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, David Mark (Carol Ann Zarrow) Slotnick, of Ellicott City, MD; a granddaughter; his brother, Melvin Slotnick, of Hilton Head, SC; two nieces; and his longtime companion, Carol Levinson Gerstein, of Miami Beach, FL. Burial was in Adath Yeshurun Cemetery. Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions may be made to the Fund for Blood and Cancer Research, 407 E. 70 St., New York, NY 10021.

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ january 22, 2015/2 SHEVAT 5775

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Jewish summer camp fair in Ithaca

Ithaca Area United Jewish Community’s Camp Initiative will hold a Jewish summer camp fair on Sunday, January 25, from 2-4 pm, at the Community School of Music and Art, third floor, 330 E. State St., Ithaca. Attendees will be able to explore programs for sports, nature and the environment, dance, art, leadership and Israel, history and science. There will be an emphasis on presenting a “welcoming and safe” place where campers can “be themselves and be part of a community experiencing being Jewish with others their age.” The fair will provide information on overnight camps, as well as possibilities for financing a summer camp program. Refreshments will be served. Attendees have been encouraged to bring their children. Dozens of representatives from camps across the Judaic spectrum have been invited and will provide camp-like programs. Participants can meet them to learn about the options for camp, including the availability of camp scholarships and financial help. In case of very inclement weather, the fair will be postponed to the next day, Monday, January 26, from 3:30-5:30 pm, at the Tompkins County Public Library.

Vaadim

requirements include a need for a Notice of Kosher Certification and the presence of a kosher log whenever visits to establishments are made. Discussed were details of the strength of the department to levy fines for negligence in non-compliance and the partnership between local kosher supervision agencies and the state office. Metzger stated that he has trained approximately 100 food inspectors and has worked with the Department of Health in Sullivan and Ulster counties to report issues as they are seen by the office for evaluation. Legal issues where non-kosher (as determined by laboratory analysis)

TAY

Shirah, the Temple Adath choir will participate in the service. The choir doubled in size this fall and the larger group will sing during the service. Temple Adath will also celebrate Tu B’Shevat on that Shabbat with a display of bonsai trees provided by local grower Iris Cohen. Temple Adath will also highlight the teenagers of the congregation on February 7, as they help lead Shabbat morning services in prayer and read from the Torah. They will also have aliyot during the service. The TAY chapter of United Synagogue Youth has been growing throughout the past two years. The group meets twice a month for social and educational activities. Local Jewish science educator Tiferet Zimmern-Kahan will also speak at the February 7 services about the relationship between Judaism and the agricultural cycle in the program “The Fallow Fruit: The Value of Trees in the Shmita Year.” The talk will explore the role that trees play during the seventh year of the Jewish agricultural cycle. Tu B’Shevat gives people the opportunity to reflect on the qualities of life under shmita. Zimmern-Kahan has been involved in the Jewish environmental movement since 2005, when she participated in her first Hazon bike ride for environmental awareness. She has worked as an educator for the Teva Learning Alliance and continued as an agricultural educator at Kayam Farms in Baltimore. She is the co-founder of the Syracuse Jewish community garden that is hosted at Temple Adath Yeshurun. The community garden grows food for the needy in the Syracuse community and educates Jewish students

For more information, visit the IAUJC website at www.IAUJC.org. “The IAUJC Jewish Summer Camp and Teen Experience Initiative can make a big difference in our young peoples’ lives immediately, and will have an impact in the community throughout the long term,” said an IAUJC representative. “We look forward to partnering with Jewish communities in the region, including the Jewish Center and Federation of the Twin Tiers in Elmira/Corning, and invite the Jewish communities of Cortland, King Ferry/Aurora, Binghamton, Geneva and Syracuse.” The IAUJC has encouraged the Jewish communities around the region to support the effort by attending the Jewish Summer Camp Fair and speaking to youth about the summer opportunities available. For a list of options, visit http://iaujc.yolasite. com and click on the link to the Foundation for Jewish Camp. Community members can also donate to the Jewish Camp Initiative on the site. To discuss new ideas and learn how to connect people to help make the launch successful, contact Vally Kovary at 607257-5181, or Naomi Wilensky at 607-2561471 or CampInitiative@IAUJC.org.

Continued from page 7 foods were being served while under supervision were also discussed. This was the first meeting of the group and participants are said to be “looking forward” to ongoing connection with Metzger and “strengthening the bonds of kosher supervision” throughout upstate New York Vaadim for the sake of sharing information and developing protocols and policies for all of the mentioned cities. The rabbis hope to include Ulster County and Binghamton at the next meeting of the group sometime in January. For more information, contact Metzger at Aaron.Metzger@agriculture.ny.gov.

Continued from page 4 and volunteers about the agricultural roots of Judaism. Both services will be open to the entire community. For more information, call 445-0002.

Tu B’Shevat celebrations By Sonali Eaton Tu B’Shevat, the New Year of Trees, falls on Wednesday, February 4, this year. In celebration of the holiday, Temple Adath Yeshurun will host two Shabbat programs, one on Saturday, January 31, and the other on Saturday, February 7. On January 31, adult education chavurah will sponsor local grower Iris Cohen, who will present a bonsai display in conjunction with Shabbat services, which will be followed by a kiddush lunch. Cohen will be available during lunch to answer questions and explain more about the exhibit. She said, “At first, it is hard to see a connection between bonsai, which was originally an art from the Far East, and the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shevat. However, bonsai is the art of growing miniature trees in pots, and Tu B’Shevat is the holiday to celebrate trees, Jewish Arbor Day. What better way to enjoy trees in Central New York than to bring them indoors at eye level when it is too cold to go outdoors and appreciate them? Nowadays, bonsai is used to express the cultures of growers around the world. For some Jewish enthusiasts, this means growing trees native to Israel or bonsai that represent Jewish themes.” These programs are both open to the community. For more information, call the Temple Adath office at 445-0002 or e-mail info@adath.org.