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22 SHEVAT 5774 • JANUARY 23, 2014 • VOLUME XXXVIII, NUMBER 2 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Super Sunday is January 26 – answer the call

By Marianne Bazydlo The 2014 Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Central New York is now underway. The first communitywide event, Super Sunday, will be held from 9 am-3 pm on January 26 at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse. On this one day, volunteers will reach out to 2,000 members of the Jewish community to ask for their pledge.

Campaign Chair Philip Holstein said, “This year’s Campaign theme is ‘Touching People’s Lives in Central New York and Around the World.’ We believe that it is important for our donors to remember that their contributions travel from their hearts to other people’s hands – both in Central New York and where Jews are in need anywhere on the planet. For our campaign goal, we’ve decided to increase our participation rate by about 100 people over last year so that we reach 2,014 donors in 2014. Please join us on Super Sunday, our biggest campaign event of the year!”

Federation President/CEO Linda Alexander said, “Please stop by the JCC that Sunday and have breakfast with us.

Make your pledge, make a few phone

calls or stuff a few envelopes – and stay for lunch. We need your help! Bring your cell phone to make calls or we’ll provide one.”

Alexander added, “And please, answer the call when a volunteer phones to ask for your pledge. If we don’t reach you by phone that day, we will mail your pledge card. I invite you to stop by and help out. It really is a fun way to get together and support our entire Jewish community.”

There will be a collection of items for the food pantry at Temple Concord.

The Super Sunday teen co-chairs will collect items for students in the Syracuse school district alternative education program.

Donors who would like to make a secure online donation to the 2014 Annual Campaign before Super Sunday can visit www.jewishfederationcny.org and click on the tzedakah box on the home page.

To make a pledge before Super Sunday or to volunteer, contact Marianne Bazydlo at 445-2040, ext. 102, or mbazydlo@jewishfederationcny.org, or sign up on Federation’s website, www.jewishfederationcny.org.

Syracuse Hebrew Day School students showed off their t-shirts in anticipation of Super Sunday on January 26.

In 2013, 19,200 new immigrants arrived in Israel

Reprinted with the permission of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs online newsletter Sixty percent of immigrants to Israel in 2013 were under the age of 35 and included professionals and academics in the humanities, social sciences, life sciences and exact sciences, including more than 700 doctors and other healthcare professionals.

According to data compiled by The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Israel Ministry of Immigration and Absorption, some 19,200 immigrants arrived in Israel in 2013, a modest increase from the 18,940 who arrived in 2012.

This year saw an overall increase of 35 percent in aliyah from Western Europe, with the arrival of 4,390 immigrants, as opposed to 3,258 in 2012. The most dramatic increase was noted in aliyah from France, which saw the arrival of 3,120 immigrants, as opposed to 1,916 last year, due to Israel experience programs for French Jewish youth and aliyah encouragement efforts amongst the French Jewish community. This year also saw the arrival of some 3,000 immigrants from North America, and 1,240 immigrants from Latin America, a 34 percent increase over last year’s 926.

The largest group of immigrants to Israel in 2013 came from the former Soviet Union and numbered 7,520, as well as 270 immigrants came from Eastern Europe.

An increase in aliyah in 2013 was noted

elsewhere, as well: 265 immigrants came from Oceania (primarily Australia and New Zealand), a 46 percent increase over the 182 who came in 2012, and 204 immigrants came to Israel from South Africa, a 19 percent increase over last year’s 172.

There were 245 immigrants who came to Israel from Middle Eastern countries in 2013, a 4 percent increase over last year’s 236, and 74 came from Turkey, similar to the number in 2012.

Aliyah from Ethiopia was down 44 percent due to the conclusion of Operation Dove’s Wings, which brought the remainder of those who have been deemed eligible to immigrate to Israel and which saw the arrival of 1,360 immigrants this year, compared to 2,432 last year.

Another characteristic of this year’s aliyah is its youth: some 60 percent of immigrants to Israel in 2013 were under the age of 35, including 37 percent between the ages of 18-34. This year also saw an increase in the number of young immigrants who participated in Ministry of Immigration and Absorption and Jewish Agency programs aimed at easing their integration into Israeli society.

Like last year, a majority of the immigrants to Israel in 2013 were female (some 10,000, compared to 9,000 male immigrants). The oldest immigrant was a 103-year-old man See “Israel” on page 8

Jewish Community Foundation raised more than $2 million in 2013

By Linda Alexander The Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York has just completed its best year. By the end of December 2013, the fund balance had increased by more than $2.1 million in 2013 alone. This brings total assets under administration to more than $8 million.

The success of this year of fund-raising in 2013 is due to a combination of events, including investment performance gains of almost $860,000, new funds opened during the year totaling almost $900,000 and an-

other $340,000 added to existing funds.

Lynn Smith, chair of the Foundation board for the past six years, said, “Our Jewish community should be proud of the acceptance and growth of the Foundation – with its aims to promote and protect Jewish values and support our target population and institutions.

The Foundation’s rapid growth has achieved one of the fastest collections of assets in the country for similar institutions.”

The Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York began in 2001 under the chairmanship of Alexander Holstein.

He served as the chair of the Foundation board for the first seven years of its existence. He said, “This wonderful growth of assets illustrates to me that the Foundation is the place to go if one is interested in safeguarding their charitable dollars to support non-profit organizations.”

The Foundation currently administers more than 320 funds, including donoradvised, endowment, b’nai mitzvah and agency funds. In addition, the Foundation has already distributed more than $6 million in grants to non-profits in Central New York and around the country.

C A N D L E L I G H T I N G A N D P A R AS H A January 24................4:48 pm........................................................ Parasha-Mishpatim January 31................4:57 pm............................................................Parasha-Terumah February 7................5:06 pm............................................................ Parasha-Tetzaveh

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Two shuls merge

Scholarships

Purim carnival

Congregation Ner Tamid has Federation is now accepting Plans are under way for the Jewish merged with Congregation Beth applications for summer camp and Community Center’s annual Purim Sholom-Chevra Shas.

Israel scholarship programs. carnival on March 16.

Story on page 3 Story on page 3 Story on page 5

PLUS Health and Wellness................. 6 Calendar Highlights.................. 6 B’nai Mitzvah.............................. 6 Obituaries.................................... 7

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ january 23, 2014/22 SHEVAT 5774

By Nick Finlayson and Marci Erlebacher The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse served as a venue for the Fleet Feet “Winter Triathlon” training program from January 7-8. The JCC opened its doors to more than 30 athletes and coaches each night so participants could practice their athletic skills. Fleet Feet coach Brendan Jackson facilitated the program and, along with his crew, organized one and a half hours of specialized muscle and technique exercises each night to help prepare individuals to run a triathlon, which incorporates three physical activities: biking, running and swimming. The objective is to finish the circuit in the fastest time possible. Jackson said, “Anyone can train to participate in a triathlon” and the attendance

JCC welcomes Fleet Feet

featured a mixture of ages.

The event began with the participants splitting into two groups, with one group making use of the raised indoor track above the gymnasium and the other occupying one of the studio rooms in the JCC. Several checkpoints were set up around the track for unconventional forms of exercise, including “wall sits” and “walking planks,” with the athletes running between stations around the track.

Downstairs in the studio, stations were set up so participants could exercise with medicine balls, mats and resistance bands. Jackson began the evening, saying, “This is a great venue to host our training program. I like that the JCC has a lot of fitness toys to add to the already well-rounded exercise venue. It’s facilities like this that make our programs interesting.”

See “Fleet” on page 8

Fleet Feet coach Brendan Jackson (center) gave his group of athletes advice on how to best prepare at a recent Fleet Feet “Winter Triathlon” training program at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse.

a matter of opinion Why it is important for every member of our community to participate in Annual Campaign When I think back to my childhood, one of the memories burned into my mind is the blue and white metal tzedakah box that sat on our kitchen windowsill in our Brooklyn apartment. My parents would drop in coins now and then so it would often take months to fill. It was a mainstay in our kitchen.

Throughout the years, the curtains changed and new sets of dishes arrived, but the blue metal box remained.

I knew that the money in that box was off limits to me and my brother. It was for

from the desk of the federation president/ceo linda alexander others “less fortunate” than us. This was my first lesson in tzedakah. Here we were, living in the projects of New York City

ourselves, but it was important for us to participate by donating to the community Campaign. With as little as we had, it was

important to show that we, too, were a part of the community.

This is the essence of our Annual Campaign. Everyone can give something – some more than others – but each of us has a role as a member of the community to do our fair share. This is a basic tenet of an organized Jewish community.

Super Sunday is coming up – please answer your phone. Please answer the call to join our Campaign. Be a part of our community!

a matter of opinion Israel must develop Negev for benefit of all

By Theodore Bikel LOS ANGELES (JTA) – This past May, I made a YouTube video with the Israeli NGO Rabbis for Human Rights that drew a parallel between my role as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof,” in which the Jews in Sholem Aleichem’s tale faced expulsion from the Russian shtetl of Anatevka, and a Knesset proposal to forcibly displace up to 40,000 Bedouin-Arab citizens. The video included anguishing footage of the July 2010 demolition of the unrecognized Bedouin village of El-Araqib.

The proposal, known as the Prawer-Begin plan, has reportedly been withdrawn, but this is not certain. A Knesset committee debated the bill even after the supposed withdrawal.

There are also indications within the governing coalition that force may yet be used to expel thousands from their desert homes with a law shaped to be more punitive than Prawer-Begin.

The Bedouin have been living in the territory of the Negev Desert for many generations. After Israel’s War of Independence, during which some Bedouin actually fought for the emerging state, much of the population was uprooted and concentrated in a siyag, or enclosure, in a barren part of the Negev’s northeast.

Subsequently, the government maintained a policy of ambiguity. Villages that became home to roughly half of Israel’s Bedouin were not officially recognized and were denied state services, such as utilities and roads. But the government largely left these villages alone. During the 1970s, the government allowed the villagers to file legal claims for their land. These were contested over many years, with two-thirds eventually denied.

Six years ago, the government organized a commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge and a former state comptroller, Eliezer Goldberg, to prepare recommendations regarding Bedouin property rights and unregistered villages. In 2008, the commission proposed that the homes and villages be legalized, pursuant to a regional plan, and land claims resolved. The implementation

of these recommendations, however, was outside its purview.

The following year, the government organized a committee headed by the former deputy chairman of the National Security Council, Ehud Prawer, to draft an implementation program. The committee included no Bedouin and prepared its work without consulting the affected communities. The resulting plan called for expropriation of at least half the claimed land, at minimal cash compensation, and the forced relocation and destruction of at least 25 villages where 35,000 to 40,000 people reside. Even this proposal was too generous for one committee member, who called for the expropriation of all claimed land.

Benny Begin, recently retired from the Knesset and a former cabinet minister, was tasked with further shaping the Prawer Plan into legislation. He supplemented it with programs for urban development to address the historical neglect of Bedouin residing in seven poverty-stricken and crime-ridden urban townships. But with the details of relocation left vague and uncertain, most Bedouin in the 35 unrecognized villages understandably viewed Prawer-Begin as a scheme that threatened them with dispossession and forced urbanization. Those previously pushed into towns generally found inadequate employment opportunities and poor social conditions. Understandably, most Bedouin distrusted this kind of deal.

In addition, some Bedouin prefer agrarian lifestyles for cultural reasons and were deeply disturbed by the prospect of being forced out of their homes and lands.

Jewish groups both inside and outside Israel also spoke out against the proposal.

In the Knesset, a mix of left- and right-wing legislators opposed the government bill.

Those on the left objected to the prospect of forced relocation, while the right opposed Begin’s proposed package of inducements and compensation for the Bedouin.

Israel and its Bedouin citizens are at a crossroads. They could return to a hostile

policy that destroys homes and fields, and condemns thousands of Bedouin to displacement from their unrecognized villages and neglect in the townships. Or the government could implement provisions of the Goldberg Commission, resolving land claims and legalizing villages as part of a regional plan developed in consultation with the affected population. Bimkom, an Israeli planning group, has suggested an alternative master

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plan, to guide the integration of these villages into a broader regional framework.

Working in this way, Israel can move forward to restore trust between the state and its Bedouin citizens, and to establish a constructive program of developing the Negev for all.

Theodore Bikel is an internationally acclaimed singer and actor who serves as board chairman of Partners for Progressive Israel.

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JANUARY 23, 2014/22 SHEVAT 5774 ■

AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK CBS-CS and NT merger

By Peter Kugal A milestone was reached at the Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Board of Trustees meeting on November 20. For more than a year, a merger plan between Congregation Ner Tamid and Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas had been discussed, constructed and enacted. The active membership at Ner Tamid had been dwindling, which led its viability as an independent synagogue to be deemed “very difficult.” The remaining members decided the only feasible solution was a merger. Discussions between the leadership of the two congregations revealed a common approach to conducting congregation business, from services to social events to philosophy. Several more meetings were held to determine the merger’s details, which the memberships of both congregations then formally approved.

Congregation Ner Tamid was founded in the spring of 1955 by a small group of Jewish families in the northern suburbs of Syracuse. They saw the need for a Jewish presence in their area. The original name was the North Syracuse Jewish Family Group. In fall 1955, feeling a need to educate their children in the traditions of Judaism, they began a kindergarten religious school. Early in 1959, the group started to conduct Conservative Friday evening services in members’ homes. As they outgrew this arrangement, services were moved to the Hancock Air Base chapel and meetings were held in the chapel annex. The religious

JEWISH OBSERVER

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Host families needed for teenagers during USY convention

The final step of a merger between Congregation Beth SholomChevra Shas and Congregation Ner Tamid was completed when CBS-CS President Mickey Lebowitz (left) accepted a check representing the assets of Congregation Ner Tamid, from Peter Kugal (right), former Congregation Ner Tamid treasurer and board chair, now a CBS-CS board member. school, which had grown to about 50 students, moved to rented quarters. In 1960, they were incorporated as the See “Merger” on page 8

The two Syracuse chapters of United Synagogue Youth, Achla, of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, and Nefesh Tzafon, of Temple Adath Yeshurun, will host the “Sprinter” USY convention from Friday-Sunday, February 7-9. There will be between 75-100 teenagers from Rochester, Buffalo, Ithaca, Schenectady and Albany traveling to Syracuse to join local teenagers for a weekend programming shared between the two synagogues. The weekend will begin at TAY with icebreakers, Kabalat Shabbat services, Shabbat dinner and a sleepover at the synagogue.

After morning services on Saturday, February 8, as well as kiddush, studying, activities and Havdalah, the teenagers will visit local host homes at around 8 pm, where they will prepare for the remainder of the evening. They will then be dropped off at CBS-CS for the night program and picked up when it is finished. In the morning on February 9, participants will be brought to CBS-CS to finish the convention.

Host families do not have to have a teenager at home to host the USY participants and may host as many teenagers as they have seat belts in their cars.

For more information, contact Alicia Cafarchio at alicia@ adath.org or Mike Smith atyouth@cbscs.org.

Federation announces 2014 summer camp and Israel scholarship programs

By Judith Stander The Jewish Federation of Central New York recently announced that applications are available for overnight Jewish camping and summer Israel trips for high school students. Along with a scheduled Federation allocation, additional funds have been committed by the Pomeranz, Shankman and Martin Trust.

Organizers believe that summer trips to Israel for Jewish teenagers promote leadership and commitment in the Jewish community. These scholarships are meant to help students enrolled in a Central New York Jewish school participate in such trips. Funds are available for individuals who have

not yet gone on an organized trip to Israel. Preference will be given to youth who have a financial need, as well as those who have never visited Israel.

First-time Jewish overnight summer camp incentive program Federation and the international “One Happy Camper” program are offering a combined incentive of $1,000 for first-time Jewish overnight campers, for stays of 19 days or more, who reside in the local service delivery area.

Children currently attending day school are eligible for only the $500 first-time camper incentive provided by Federation. OHC does not provide an incentive for campers

Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior dining menu January 27-31 Monday – individual chicken pot pie Tuesday – hot pastrami sandwich on rye Wednesday – haddock French Thursday – Italian wedding soup and salad platter Friday – apricot chicken February 3-7 Monday – stuffed cabbage Tuesday – Mexican Day – chicken tortilla soup, soft shell taco Wednesday – manicotti Thursday – fried chicken Friday – baked haddock

who attend yeshiva or day school.

Overnight summer camp grant program To further assist families with the costs of Jewish overnight camping, Federation is also making funds available See “Camp” on page 8

S E N I L D A E D Deadlines for all articles and photos for the Jewish Observer are as follows. No exceptions will be made.

DEADLINE

ISSUE

Monday, Jan. 20, early..................... February 6 Wednesday, Feb. 5......................... February 20 Wednesday, Feb. 19............................. March 6 Wednesday, March 5.......................... March 20

The Bobbi Epstein Lewis JCC Senior Adult Dining Program, catered by Tiffany’s Catering Company at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center, offers 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 and United Way of Central New York. 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.

ÊVisit the JO online at http://jewishfederationcny.org and click on Jewish Observer

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ january 23, 2014/22 SHEVAT 5774

congregational notes Temple Adath Yeshurun HAVDALAH Happening Temple Adath Yeshurun will celebrate the end of Shabbat with Havdalah Happening on Saturday, January 25, starting at 5:30 pm, at the synagogue. There will be a short Havdalah service followed by a family sing-along and a snack. Children of all ages may attend with their families, and children may wear pajamas.

For more information, contact Alicia Cafarchio Gross, director of programming, at alicia@adath.org.

Learners’ minyan Temple Adath will hold the next in its series of learners’ minyanim, a part of the Shabbat morning service where a specific theme or set of prayers will be examined in-depth, on Saturday, February 1, at 10:30 am. These services are intended to help people gain a better understanding and more insight into the daily and Shabbat prayers.

The learning is set within the context of the service, so participants can experience the prayers, as well as learn about them.

The learners’ minyan is led by Ba’alat Tefilah Esa Jaffe.

The February 1 service will focus on the Amidah and will encompass learning about the prayer, its rituals and its choreography.

Two learners’ minyanim were held in the fall and winter, and more are planned for the spring. Each session will focus

At right: Teenagers of the Temple Adath Yeshurun chapter of United Synagogue Youth gathered during winter recess to prepare baked goods for an upcoming bake sale to raise funds for tikkun olam.

L-r: Rebecca Anbar, Simon Videnov, Joey Binder, Ari Jaffe, Matthew Hinshaw, Evan Spector, Molly Kantrowitz and Leah Kuppermann.

on a different prayer or section of the service. The minyan is open to the community.

Sisterhood Book Discussion

By Sonali Eaton The TAY Sisterhood will host a book discussion on

“The Last Jew” by Noah Gordon on Sunday, February 9, at 9:30 am, in the Muriel and Avron Spector Library.

Book discussions are open to men and women in the community, whether or not participants have read the book.

Temple Concord Honoring non-Jewish members During Shabbat services on Friday, January 24, at 6 pm, the synagogue will honor its non-Jewish congregants for everything they do in the community. The TC youth choir, Shirat Shalom Singers, will sing during the service.

This year, Jews around the world read parasha Yitro on the third Shabbat of January. The Torah portion is about Jethro (Yitro), Moses’ father-in-law, who was not Jewish, but rather, a Midianite priest. Even so, he supported everything that Moses and the Hebrews did. Jethro

helped Moses develop a leadership structure and made Moses aware that he could not do everything alone. While there are not any Midianite priests at Temple Concord, there are many non-Jewish family members that devote their time and energy to the synagogue, supporting Jewish family members, creating Jewish homes and helping raise Jewish children.

HAVDALAH in pajamas Members of Katan Con will meet at the synagogue for “Havdalah in pajamas” on Saturday, January 25, from

The Syracuse Jewish Cemeteries Association thanks everyone who contributed to our campaign!

Anonymous $18,051 Elaine Abrams $36 Esther Adelson $118 Mark Adler $360 Eric Alderman $36 Richard and Maxine Alderman $50 Ellen Andrews $25 Sidney and Shirley Ashkin $54 George and Miriam Barrows $118 Peter and Barbara Baum $54 Helene and Gary Becker $36 Stanley Becker $36 William and Phyllis Berinstein $500 Bruce and Gail Berlin $18 Hollis Berney $36 Christopher Skeval and Carrie Berse $36 Shirley Berson $18 Ivy Besdin $118 Bet Havarim $640.60 Birnbaum Funeral Service $250 Martin and Ethel Black $54 Miriam Bladen $35 Audrey Branse $18 Alan Braverman $40 Dr. and Mrs. James Brodsky $118 Steven and Lynn Bronstein $118 Suggie Brumberger $54 Robert Buck $10 Jeanette Buff $20 Toby Stove Cannon $36 Gary and Bonnie Carney $360 Jayne and Larry Charlamb $118 Lynn and Cecile Cohen $36 Jack and Marcia Cohen $118 Stuart Cohen $300 Loren Cohn $118 Judie Rice in memory of the Cynkus Family $54 Barbara and Leslie Davis $36 Gary and Arlene Davis $118 Arthur Diamond $54 Dolores Diamond $18 Jonathan and Aveeya Dinkin $360 Lewis and Elaine Dubroff $250 Kevin Dushay $200 Amy Eliezer $50 Jane Elkin $18 Lawrence Ellison $100 Margret Ksander and Richard Ellison $54 Robert Ellison $36 Mark and Marci Erlebacher $118 Richard Estrine $54 Iris Evans $36 Anita Evers $36 Betty Feinberg $36 Florence Feldman $54 Sarah Feldman $54 Melissa and Rabbi Daniel Fellman $100 Mark and Sue Field $54 Marjorie Fink $360 Robert Finkelstein $36 Harley and Nadzieja Finkelstein $118

Sandra Rappaport Fiske and Jordan Fiske $36 Roberta Flatlow $300 Evelyn Fox $18 Heidi and David Francey $118 Judith Franklin $360 Paul Franklin Howard Friedman $118 Pauline Friedman $36 Linda Fuhrman $36 Rita Geller $36 David and Deborah Gerber-Ianuzi $118 Boris and Yelena Geyfman $36 Lisa Gilels $54 Victor and Harlene Gilels $36 Rosalind Gingold $54 Sandra K. Gingold $360 Seymour and Anne Ginsburg $10 Victor and Carol Ginsky $118 Lois Goldberg $360 Norma Goldberg $118 Ellen Golden $36 Marvin Goldenberg $500 Andra Vlosky Goldman $100 Harry Goldman $54 Michael and Wendy Evers Gordon Dr. David Grass $54 Asher and Joanne Greenhouse $36 Hannah Groskin $36 Norma Groskin $54 Sylvia Groskin $20 Steven and Cindy Grossman $36 In memory of David and Irving Hammer $118 Inez Heal $18 Victor and Celaine Hershdorfer $300 Carol Davis Hershman $118 Yaacov and Sharon Glazier Hochstein $54 Alex and Chuckie Holstein $360 Nancy Holstein $18 Sanford and Marlene Holstein $36 Sara Isgur $18 Rene Isserlis $118 Harriet Jachles $54 Jewish Federation of CNY $11,500 Rhea and Rabbi Daniel Jezer $100 Lee and Lori, and Rose Kalin/Franklin $270 Sheldon and Mateele Kall $2,000 Leonard and Irwin Kamp Foundation $10,000 Gertrude Kamp $108 Judith and Phillip Kaplan $54 Mark and Robin Kasowitz $500 Ronnie Katzowitz $18 Ronald Kavanagh $36 Stephen and Theresa Kline $54 Alan and Myrna Koldin Louise Koppelman $36 Tess and Allen Kosoff $118 David and Betty Kravetz $18 Diane and Brett Kupperman $50 In memory of Paul Kussner $36 Judy Laffer $36 Bill and Lois Lakehomer $36

Gary Lavine Family $1,000 Donald Fitzgerald and Laura Lavine Adrienne LeBlang $118 Elliott Lessen $118 Gary Lessen $118 Benjamin and Susan Levine $360 In memory of Joseph and Sophie Levine $54 Mark and Jeannette Levinsohn $36 Marilyn Levy $54 Larry Liberman $25 Gabrielle and Keith Linzer $36 Marilyn Lipsy $36 Robin and Bud London $500 Ronald and Heidi Lowenstein $360 Jay Lurie $54 Elinor Lynne $36 Howard and Margo Lynne $36 Jack Lyon $118 Bobbi and Cliff Malzman $36 Arnold and Marilyn Manheim $118 Martin and Ruth Mann $100 Stan and Helen Marcum $36 David and Julia Hafftka Marshall $54 Emile Martin $118 Thelma Marx $18 Shush Martin $36 Peter and Nancy Matlow $100 Meryl Novor-Meadvin and

Michael Meadvin $118 Regina Meadvin $54 Michael and Sandra Meltzer $36 Stephen and Elaine Meltzer $118 Herb and Ilene Mendel $100 Judi and Larry Metzger $36 Beverly Miller $36 Daniel Miller $36 Robert and Lynn Miller $100 Robert and Carole Millstein $36 Randie Mosenthal $18 Michael and Joy Moss $118 Marlene Paikoff $54 Judith Palmer $118 Deborah Cooper Passer $36 Harvey and Dorothy Pearl $36 Rabbi Andrew and

Cantor Paula Pepperstone $100 Eileen Phillips $500 Todd and Sarah Pinsky $500 Marilyn Pinsky $118 Stephanie Pinsky $118 Lynn Raichelson $100 Lee and Sharlene Raymond $25 Joseph and Dale Roth $36 Sandra and Eli Roth $36 David and Susan Rothenberg $180 Larry Rothenberg $118 Ada Rothschild $36 Ellen Rothschild $118 Philip Rothschild $54 Mel and Madeline Rubenstein $54 Bobbie Rudolph $36

Richard Rudolph $36 Robert Sarason $100 Selma Schlessinger $54 Sharon Schloss $54 Irving and Cheryl Schotz $118 In memory of Elaine Schwartz $118 Sandra and Phillip Schwartz $54 Steven and Laurie Segal $54 Jean Seligman $36 Connie and Larry Semel $360 Bertram C. Serling $36 Seth Shapess $36 Barbara Shapiro $54 Marla and Steve Share $36 Michael and Amy Shaw $36 Leah and Rabbi Charles Sherman $100 Melvyn Shindler $360 Deborah and Rabbi Evan Shore $100 Bette and Don Siegel $36 David and Lisa Silverman $118 Robert and Harriet Silverman $54 Paul Silverstein $136 David and Barbara Simon $54 Shirley Sims 360 Steven and Robin Sisskind $500 Malcolm and Sandra Smith $36 Sally Sokolsky $54 Murray and Carole Solomon $25 Estate of Avron Spector $10,000 Andrew and Helen Spector $200 Seymour Spevak $54 Judith Stander $36 Arthur and Dorothy Steinberg $36 Carol Yaffe and Peter Steinberg $54 Richard and Pamela Strauss $36 Barbara Sutton $36 Jeffrey Swartz $118 Syracuse Jewish Children’s Foundation $1,000 Reva Tankle $118 Sandy and Delia Temes $108 Sydney Tenenbaum $54 Peter and Sandra Townsend $54 David Troeger $54 Sharon and David Turnbull $54 Louis Orbach and Anastasia Urtz $54 Geta Vogel $118 Steve and Fran Volinsky $100 Irving Wagner $54 Larry and Lynn Wallace $118 Mark J. Wallace $36 Ruth Wandner 36 Anita and Howard Weinberger $100 Allan Weinreb $54 Richard Wilkins $36 Roslyn Wilkins $36 Larry and Rosalie Young $36 Linda Vlosky Zack $75 Milton and Shir-Lee Ziegler $54 Sandra Ziegler $100 Marsha and Aaron Zimmerman $100

For more information or to make a donation, contact Bill Berinstein at 472-6341 or williamberinstein@hotmail.com

Yes, I want to support the SJCA and help preserve these sacred spaces by making a donation today.

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Please mail to: Syracuse Jewish Cemeteries Association, Inc., PO Box 741, DeWitt, NY 13214

5-7 pm. After saying good-bye to Shabbat, there will be storytelling and a bounce house.

Katan Con is Temple Concord’s group for families with children from toddlers-first grade. Younger and older siblings are always welcome to attend. The group meets several times throughout the year for social activities.

Another opportunity for young families is Tot Shabbat, a short Shabbat celebration with singing, dancing, music and stories. Tot Shabbat at Temple Concord is always held on the first Shabbat of the month, alternating monthly between 6 pm on Fridays and 10 am on Saturdays. The next Tot Shabbat will be held on Friday, February 7.

Mitzvahpalooza Temple Concord will hold its second “Mitzvahpalooza” following Shabbat morning services on Saturday, February 1, at noon. The goal of the program is to give participants the opportunity to “build community while helping others.”

This year, activities will include making chicken soup for the sick, pet beds and toys for Helping Hounds and the ASPCA, and scarves for needy children; reading stories to the blind; and making cards for hospitalized children. The event will be intended for families of all sizes and ages.

A light lunch will be provided. There will be a small fee to cover lunch and supplies. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Stephanie Marshall at 475-9952.

Cinemagogue presents “Driving Miss Daisy” Temple Concord will show the film “Driving Miss Daisy” on Saturday, February 8, at 7 pm, as part of its monthly Cinemagogue series.

A movie that encapsulates the life of Jews in the South in the 1950s, the 1989 film “Driving Miss Daisy” tells the story of an elderly Jewish woman in Atlanta and her African-American driver. Throughout a span of 20 years, as the friendship between the two characters changes and grows, the film depicts how each is changed by the relationship.

Among its stars are Jessica Tandy, Morgan Freeman, Dan Aykroyd, Patti LuPone and Esther Rolle.

The film was chosen to tie in with Rabbi Daniel Fellman’s year-long course on American Jewish communities, with the focus of this class shifting to Southern Jewish communities.

Plans are under way for a trip through the Jewish South.

Samaritan Center Christmas Day 2013

By Kathy Scott Approximately 90 volunteers from Temple Concord, Temple Adath Yeshurun and the local Jewish community met on Christmas day, December 25, at the Samaritan Center to prepare a holiday meal from scratch for needy community residents.

The tradition of preparing the meal started decades ago with a group of TC women. Lorraine Sher was the longtime coordinator of the event and is responsible for the transition to a fresh-baked dessert and bread stuffing, with bread provided by Price Chopper. Angela Glickstein has recently taken over preparations, with direction from Sher.

Samaritan Center manager Brenda Sims said, “The diners at the Samaritan Center really enjoy this fresh-cooked Christmas meal that you prepare for them. I think that approximately 158 people were served today.”

See “Concord” on page 5

JANUARY 23, 2014/22 SHEVAT 5774 ■

JCC Purim Carnival

By Nick Finlayson Planning is under way for the annual Purim carnival at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, to be held on Sunday, March 16, from noon-4 pm. The event will be open to the public.

Esther’s Café will open at 11:30 am in the JCC auditorium, where a variety of kosher food will be made available.

The annual event would not be possible without the support of community volunteers. Individuals can sign up to volunteer for one of the two shifts, 11:45 am-2 pm or 1:45-4 pm. The event is an opportunity for students seeking to fulfill volunteer credits at school. Upon completion of the student’s shift, the JCC will provide a letter showing proof of participation.

Director of Children and Teen Services Amy Bisnett said, “Volunteers are crucial

to the continued success of our carnival.

Our event would not be what it is today without the recurring support of the 100plus volunteers. Children look forward to our carnival every year.”

Among the family-friendly and recreational activities will be games, story-telling, inflatable bounce houses and raffles with prizes. There will also be the JCC’s annual used book sale. Children have been encouraged to dress in costumes, and those who do will receive a prize ticket at the door.

Bisnett added, “This annual event is a great way for the JCC to give back to the community for their continued support throughout the years.”

To learn more about Purim, or to sign up to volunteer, contact Leesa Paul at the JCC at 445-2360 or lpaul@jccsyr.org.

Community members attended the 2013 Purim Carnival held at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center. This year’s carnival will be held on Sunday, March 16, from noon-4 pm.

TC

Temple Concord member Kim Smolen and her family baked cookies and brought gifts for the children who have their holiday meal at the Samaritan Center. Participants agreed that this should become an annual tradition. Some of the younger volunteers used crayons to color place mats for dinner.

While at the Samaritan Center, partici-

By Bette Siegel The Jewish Federations of North America is supporting relief efforts by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and IsraAID for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

In the December 12 Jewish Observer, the Jewish Federation of Central New York requested donations from the local Jewish community for the Disaster Relief Fund for victims of the typhoon. As of January 2, more than $450,000 has been raised and all local contributions have

been forwarded to the JFNA. The typhoon – the strongest recorded storm, with winds of more than 150 miles per hour – devastated the central and southern Philippines, killing at least 4,000 and displacing more than four million people.

The Federation-supported JDC has led relief efforts for previous storms in the Philippines, and helped support the local Jewish community in a nation that sheltered 1,000 European Jews fleeing the Nazis during World War II.

“Shabbat in a Box” meals available at the JCC

By Nick Finlayson The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse recently announced an on-site “Shabbat in a Box” kosher meal program prepared by Tiffany’s Catering at the JCC. The three-course kosher meals will be made to order, and available for pick-up at the JCC or delivery to homes within a five-mile radius.

JCC Executive Director Marci Erlebacher said, “I have wanted to launch this concept for the past 14 years. There are so many people who can benefit from a program like this. Now, thanks to the JCC’s collaboration with Tiffany’s, Shabbat meals can be picked up at participant’s convenience on Fridays.” Erlebacher added, “The JCC’s collaboration with Tiffany’s will enable us to offer the community Va’ad-supervised catered events, such as

shiva and other lifecycle events, in our facility.” The “Shabbat in a Box” program was partly designed to provide service to individuals in the community who might have busy schedules during Shabbat or older individuals who are unable to cook for themselves.

Hot, kosher meals will be prepared every week. For a lighter meal, there will be a second option of only purchasing an entrée with two sides. There will be additional choices to purchase an à la carte meal. Menus are available at the JCC, and meals can be ordered on Wednesdays for Friday pickup by contacting Tiffany’s at 476-7630 or tiffanys@tiffanyscatering.com.

On Fridays, meals can be picked up at the JCC from 11-11:30 am, from 12:30-2 pm or from 4-6 pm.

our local community. We all need a support system to help us as we move through our grief journey.”

Paul continued, “Support groups can become a valuable resource to those who have experienced the death of a loved one.

In a support group, people can find new comrades also living life after death. Grief support groups generally exist to offer companionship and understanding from others who have experienced a similar loss, and might be experiencing the similar challenges that living with grief brings. These groups offer emotional and physical support in a safe and non-judgmental environment.”

Interested parties may contact Paul at 445-2360, ext. 104, or lpaul@jccsyr.org.

The program will be co-facilitated by Paul and JCC President Steven Sisskind.

Continued from page 4 pants learned of the need for gently-used men’s shoes and new socks, so they set up a collection box at Temple Concord.

Other synagogues that would like to collect these items should contact Kathy Scott at 857-6620. The shoes and socks will be delivered to the Samaritan Center on Friday, February 14.

Approximately 90 volunteers from Temple Concord, Temple Adath Yeshurun and the local Jewish community prepared a holiday meal from scratch for needy community residents at the Samaritan Center on Christmas day, December 25.

5

Federation support for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan

JCC Bereavement Support Group

By Nick Finlayson The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse will host its first bereavement support group meeting on Tuesday, February 11, at 9 am. Organizers understand that after the loss of a loved one, individuals can sometimes experience a variety of emotions. In its continuing efforts to help others, the JCC has created the support group to hopefully help those in the community seeking guidance during this personal transition period.

After the initial meeting, subsequent meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of every month. Experienced speakers in grief counseling will also participate in the group. JCC Senior Adult Program Director Leesa Paul said, “The JCC recognized that there was a need for a program like this in

JEWISH OBSERVER

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ january 23, 2014/22 SHEVAT 5774

d’var torah

Mishpatim

By Judy Stanton “What we hear, we forget; what we see, we remember; what we do, we understand.” – Confucius (Chinese philosopher, 551-479 BCE) “Since the Torah is truth, the purpose of knowing it is to do it.” – Maimonides, “Introduction to Perek Helek,” Chapter 10, Mishnah Sanhedrin

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.

Sunday, January 26 Federation Super Sunday Temple Concord presents Rogers Puppet Theater at 1 pm Monday, January 27 Syracuse Hebrew Day School Board meeting at 7:30 pm Tuesday, January 28 Menorah Park board meeting at 6 pm Wednesday, January 29 Jewish Federation of Central New York board meeting at 5:30 pm Saturday, February 1 Temple Concord Mitzvahpalooza at 11 am Sunday, February 2 Temple Adath Yeshurun Hazak trip to Syracuse Stage at 1 pm Wednesday, February 5 Deadline for the February 20 issue of the Jewish Observer TAY Hazak meeting at 8:45 am Yom Hashoah Committee meeting at 5 pm Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Executive Committee meeting at 7:30 pm Saturday, February 8 TC Cinemagogue at 7 pm Sunday, February 9 TC Brotherhood breakfast at 9:30 am Women of Reform Judaism meeting and Skype book at 10 am

“And Moses went up, and with him Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and 70 of the elders of Israel. And they saw the God of Israel, and beneath His feet was like a fashioning of sapphire pavement and like the very heavens for pureness. But against the elect of the Israelites He did not send forth His hand, and they beheld God and ate and drank.”

(Exodus 24:9-12, Robert Alter translation) Central to Jewish belief is the incorporeality of God. Yet, this passage clearly states that 73 individuals, along with Moses, not only saw God, they had a picnic with Him up on Mount Sinai and lived to tell the tale. What are we to make of this?

Mishpatim (“laws”) follows the revelation at Sinai where God appears to all the Israelites as thunder and lightning, smoke and cloud, and Moses receives the Ten Commandments. In Mishpatim, Moses receives 53 more commandments, 23 affirmative, prescriptive mitzvot and 30 prohibitions. These laws cover a wide range: the treatment of slaves; the care of widows and orphans; equal treatment before the law; letting the land rest every seventh year, etc.

These are commandments for a community, how to deal with everyday-life situations. God, through Moses, is teaching the Israelites how to become “a nation of priests.”

After Moses receives these 53 commandments from God, he comes back down to the people and recounts “all the Lord’s words and all the laws.” The people reply as one, “All the words that the Lord has spoken we will do.”

Moses proceeds to write everything down, and the next morning he builds an altar. Burnt offerings and sacrifices are made. Moses throws half of the slain bulls’ blood upon the altar; the other half he reserves in basins. He then reads

b’nai mitzvah Matthew Solomon Lynne

Matthew Lynne, son of Howard and Margo Lynne, of DeWitt, became bar mitzvah at Temple Adath Yeshurun on October 12. He is the grandson of Elinor Lynne and the late Solomon Lynne, of DeWitt, and Edward and Linda Lasher, of New Hartford, NY. He is a student at Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School and attends the Rabbi Jacob Epstein High School of Matthew Solomon Jewish Studies.

Lynne He enjoys baseball and basketball, has a black belt in karate, plays the saxophone and is in All-County Concert Band this year.

“the book of the covenant” to the people, and again they say, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do and we will heed.” Moses throws the reserved blood upon the people.

It is a “blood seal” between them and God. Verses 9-11 are a somewhat incongruous intrusion into the narrative. The passage certainly is a troublesome one.

Rashi reads it literally, saying, “They gazed and peered and [thus] were doomed to die, but the Holy One... did not want to disturb the rejoicing of [the giving of] the Torah. So He waited for Nadab and Abihu [i.e., to kill them,] until the day of the dedication of the Mishkan, and for [destroying] the elders until ...the people were as if seeking complaints... and a fire of the Lord broke out against them and devoured at the edge of the camp.” (Numbers 11:1) Conversely, Maimonides, in his “Guide for the Perplexed,” explains that the ascent made by the elders was not a physical one, but rather an intellectual one. The Rambam says, “These two words, alah, he went up, and yarad, he went down, are Hebrew terms used in the sense of ascending and descending... In holy matters men must ascend (ma’alin) and not descend (moridin)... when we reflect on something beneath ourselves we are said to go down, and when our attention is raised to a subject above us, we are said to rise.” Thus, what these 74 experienced was a heightened state of consciousness.

See “Mishpatim” on page 7

mazel tov Jonathan Dinkin’s “Adon Olam” in Shabbat anthology

Jonathan Dinkin’s recording of “Adon Olam” has been selected for Transcontinental Music Publication’s “Shabbat Anthology VII.” The ongoing series has been considered a success and through the various volumes has included songs written by Meir Finklestein, Uzi Hitman, Shirona, Robbie Solomon and Craig Taubman.

The bi-annual anthology includes a CD. Dinkin’s recording of “Adon Olam” features Cantor Robert Li- Jonathan Dinkin eberman on lead vocals, Aveeya Dinkin on backing vocals, Judy Cohen Stanton on violin, Mark Wolfe on percussion, Jonathan Dinkin on piano and Brett Hobin on bass.

The composition was introduced at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas several years ago as part of the Friday evening worship.

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Menorah Park video A video created to honor the centennial year of Menorah Park of Central New York has won an award at the 2013 Communicator Awards in New York City.

The video was co-produced for Menorah Park by Jancy Ball, a local producer, and Jim Stull, a videographer from

At left: Menorah Park recently received an award of distinction for a video honoring its centennial year. L-r: Menorah Park Foundation’s Victoria Kohl, Menorah Park CEO Mary Ellen Bloodgood, Jancy Ball and Jim Stull.

Mishpatim

obituaries Harvey Harris

Harvey Harris, 77, of Syracuse, died on January 13 at the Centers at St. Camillus.

A graduate of Syracuse University, he was involved in many local restaurants.

He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Harris; his cousin, Howard Hersh; and two grandsons.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Harris; his sons, Mark, Aaron and Scott Harris, all of the Syracuse area; his daughter, Ellen Harris; four grandchildren; brothers William Hershkowitz and Leo Harris; cousins Rosalyn Janis, Sidney Cominsky, of Syracuse, and Ingrid Cominsky, of Fayetteville; and an aunt.

Burial was in House of Israel Cemetery, Whitesboro, NY. Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements. 

Abraham Ibn Ezra (1089-c. 1164) teaches, “This was no vision of the eye, but rather by way of prophecy.” For him, the meal signified participation in a covenant. In the ancient Near East, it was traditional for a meal to “seal the deal.” Such meals occur often in the Torah. For example, in Genesis 26:28-30, Isaac makes a water-rights covenant with the Philistine King Abimelech. Immediately following this, he “made them a feast and they ate and drank.”

At Mount Sinai, the people heard the thunder and saw the smoke and clouds. They listened to Moses’ teaching.

The elders, however, were invited by God to ascend the mountain. They experienced the reality of God and the

JEWISH OBSERVER

Schenectady. It was narrated by Menorah Park CEO Mary Ellen Bloodgood, who provides a comprehensive tour of the entire Menorah Park campus.

The Communicator Awards is considered to be the leading international awards program honoring creative excellence for communication professionals. It hosts an annual competition honoring the best in advertising, corporate communications, public relations and identity work for print, video, interactive and audio. Among its more than 600 members are organizations such as Disney, Yahoo!, Monster.com, MTV and Condé Nast.

Continued from page 6 covenant. This strengthened their belief and helped them be more effective leaders.

When we listen to the chanting of the weekly Torah portion and haftarah, most of us follow along by reading the English translation in a Chumash. We hear and see the words. A d’var Torah can help us find the principles behind the words. Yet, their true meaning will elude us until we put those principles into action and we understand what we do.

Judy Stanton is a member of Congregation Beth SholomChevra Shas. She is the violinist for two musical groups, Jonathan Dinkin and Klezmercuse and Larry Hoyt and the Good Acoustics.

Ella Port

Ella Port, 97, died on January 6 at Crouse Hospital.

A life resident of Syracuse, she was an active volunteer in the Syracuse Jewish community.

She was predeceased by her husband, Irving, in 1993, and her grandson, Eric Gingold, in 2011.

She is survived by her children, Diane (Harlen) Gingold, of Fayetteville; Howard (Ann) Port, of Manlius; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Burial was private. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to the Eric R. Gingold Foundation, www.ericrgingold.org or the Foundation of Menorah Park, 4101 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13214. 

Paula Mondlick Silbert

Paula Mondlick Silbert, 69, died on December 27 in Pittsburgh, PA. She was a graduate of Boston State Teachers College.

Until recently moving to Pittsburgh, she was a resident of Boston, where she was an assistant librarian in Chelsea, and a dedicated reading volunteer in the Boston School System.

She is survived by her children, Miriam (Ariel) Shkedi, Yocheved (Yisroael) Gesin and Zalman (Nechama) Silbert; her brother, Marvin (Anne) Mondlick, of Fayetteville; and 13 grandchildren.

Burial was in Pittsburgh. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to Temple Adath Yeshurun, 450 Kimber Rd., Syracuse, NY 13224. 

Sherman Weiler

Sherman Weiler, 94, of DeWitt, died on January 9 at Crouse Hospital.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, he moved to Monticello, NY, as a child and graduated from Monticello High School in 1936. He enlisted in the Army in April 1942. Due to being fluent in French, he was placed in the Transportation Corps, where he served in North Africa, and later in Italy, until November 1945. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal and a European African Middle Eastern Service Medal.

He and his wife lived in Monticello for almost 65 years until 2008, when they moved to DeWitt. He was part owner of a tire sales business and gas station in Monticello and later worked as a sales manager for tire sales businesses in Orange and Duchess counties. He served as executive vice president of the Landfield Avenue Synagogue and for many years was an officer of the Knights of Pythias, a service organization in Sullivan County, NY. He was also active in Kiwanis and Jewish War Veterans.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lucille, of DeWitt; a son, Robert Weiler, and daughters Wendi Birnbaum, of Manlius, and Nanette (Paul) Weiler Lancey, of Dix Hills, NY; six grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

Services and burial were in Monticello, NY. Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204. 

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ january 23, 2014/22 SHEVAT 5774

Israel from the United States and the youngest was 5-weeks-old, also from the United States.

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JCC Marketing and Communications Director Nick Finlayson said he is pleased with the way the program turned out. He said, “Ever since I started working at the JCC more than four months ago, I have wanted to get the word out that our fitness center is top notch. I also wanted to make it known that anyone can belong to the JCC. Our fitness facility hosts a full-service weight room filled with life fitness equipment and several fitness studios. We hold more than 30 fitness classes every week. We also have personal training available to help individuals meet their unique fitness goals. I knew that teaming up with Fleet Feet would help reinforce these initiatives.”

Fitness is just one area of programming that the JCC offers. Finlayson added, “One of the JCC’s values is that we believe that everyone has the right to reach their highest

Merger

Suburban Jewish Center. The following year, the first High Holiday services were conducted at the air base chapel. The first bar mitzvah occurred in May 1962 at the air base.

In recognition of a need for a center of Jewish activities in the north suburban area, and with a view toward increasing membership, a building fund was started in November 1961.

The members acquired the present two-acre building site at 5061 West Taft Road in fall 1963, and an architect was commissioned early in 1965 to design a synagogue building. Ground was broken in July 1967, and the first Friday evening service in the new building was held in February 1968.

A formal dedication weekend was held the weekend of April 19-21, during which time a sefer Torah saved from the Holocaust and brought to this country by a Syracuse family was presented to the congregation.

In 1967-68, the religious school reached a peak of 57 students.

The members held a contest for a Hebrew name for the congregation, and in 1976 a student in the religious school entered the winning name, Ner Tamid. Since December 1976, the official name had been Congregation Ner Tamid of the Suburban Jewish Center.

There are some members who were

Camp in the form of needs-based grants. Families of first-time campers, as well as families of repeat campers, may apply for a needs-based grant. This includes families of students at the Syracuse Hebrew Day School, other day schools or yeshiva students who live in Central New York.

To ensure confidentiality and privacy of information, the camp – not the Federation – will make an initial recommendation regarding a needs-based grant amount. A Jewish Federation of Central New York summer camp committee will make the final decisions.

Camping families may apply for the incentive program, as well as the needsbased grants Program. Each program has its own form.

Israel Experience Program The Israel Experience Grant Program is a local program supported by the estate of the late Helen Millstein.

The Federation encourages teenagers to travel to Israel, believing that an organized group trip for youths 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.

Continued from page 1

professionals. Many have joined Ministry of Immigration and Absorption and Jewish Agency programs for university graduates.

Jerusalem saw the arrival of the largest group of immigrants in 2013, some 2,400 in total. Tel Aviv received some 1,650 immigrants, a 20 percent increase over last year’s 1,373.

Continued from page 2

living potential. I looked around the room and there were people of all different shapes, sizes and athletic abilities. Much like our fitness center, Fleet Feet strives to make their members shine in the area of fitness.

Really, our 58,000 square-foot campus aims to make itself available to the community ...through the many programs offered in the areas of early childhood, after school, seniors and more. I truly believe that everyone can benefit from something that the JCC offers. For those who have not visited the JCC before, I highly suggest coming down to take a tour of our entire campus.”

For more information about the JCC Fitness Center, contact Director of Fitness and Membership Paula Pacini at 234-4522. For more information about other programs and services at the JCC, contact the JCC main office at 445-2360.

Continued from page 3

with the congregation since its founding, and others who joined later. They all have memories of celebrating holidays and attending services. They remember weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, brit milah, seders, dinners and other events, such as the annual gift wrapping and garage sales. They functioned like an extended family.

Throughout the years, however, the congregation saw a decline in membership as members aged, retired or moved away, and it became increasingly difficult to hold services requiring a minyan. Efforts to attract new members and retain current members fell short. Other than those already involved, the congregation lacked younger members interested in assuming responsibilities who would have helped the synagogue flourish.

The religious school closed four years ago.

The weekly Torah study group functioned with four participants.

Therefore, after nearly 60 years, the community decided to merge Congregation Ner Tamid with Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, a decision that was said to not have come lightly.

As the merger transition occurred, CBSCS members were said to have “gone out of their way to warmly welcome” the Ner Tamid members.

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Students 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.

Isaiah Wolfson Scholarship Fund The Isaiah Wolfson Scholarship commemorates the life of an active member of the Syracuse Jewish community considered to be highly respected. Rosalind Gingold and her family continue to help send dozens of area youth on trips to Israel through their 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 and representatives of the Wolfson family and Federation. The fund functions primarily as a needs-based fund to help underwrite some of the expenses related to the planned group trip to Israel.

To receive an application for any of the programs or for any questions, contact Judith Stander at 445-2040, ext. 114, or jstander@ jewishfederationcny.org.