Jewish Observer - February 5, 2015 by Jewish Federation of CNY

16 SHEVAT 5775 • FEBRUARY 5, 2015 • VOLUME XXXIV, NUMBER 3 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Syracuse Community Hebrew School will open this fall By Tony Kenneson-Adams, project manager Jewish Federation of Central New York President /CEO Linda Alexander said, “For decades, many in the local community have been saying that there should be a Syracuse Community Hebrew School. Just over a year ago, a dedicated band of rabbis, educators and interested members of the community joined together to turn the dream into a reality.” The Syracuse Community Hebrew School Planning Committee included 24 “committed and energized” individuals from area congregations and the Federation who looked at the practicalities of this venture and asked questions such as: What would be the school’s mission? Where would it be held? How would it be funded? What should it teach? How can we make it exciting and relevant for the students of 2015 and beyond?

At right: The presidents of the three congregations participating in the Syracuse Community Hebrew School: Mickey Lebowitz, of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas; Howard Weinstein, of Temple Adath Yeshurun; and Irv Bodowsky, of Temple Concord. After these and other questions had been asked and mostly answered, a plan was put together and presented to the three main collaborating synagogues, Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, Temple Adath Yeshurun and Temple Concord, for their agreement in principle to move forward. Once the three synagogues approved the concept, the committee moved into

the phase of building a detailed budget, determining potential sources of funding, visiting the synagogues to look at the facilities, building a curriculum and understanding the best teacher to pupil ratios. In addition, steps were begun to create a nonprofit – 501(c)(3) – identity for the new school to be held jointly by all three congregations. A key goal in moving forward was to

assure that the standard of education would be equal to – or better than – what can be provided by each individual synagogue, while being cost-neutral to parents, as well as the congregations. Importantly, class sizes would improve the education experience, where current classes of one or two children, in some cases, could not. It was determined from the beginning that the children would maintain their relationship and identify with each home congregation by continuing to attend religious school there. The SCHS would assume the communitywide responsibility of Hebrew education for third-seventh grades. The plan is to continue to have Hebrew taught on Wednesdays at SCHS, with Sunday religious schools continuing to be held at each home congregation. Creating a budget for the joint venture that would be cost-neutral to parents and congregations resulted in many, many hours of research and deliberation by a See “Community” on page 2

Save the date: JCC of Syracuse announces 2015 annual meeting and award recipients By William Wallak The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse’s 152nd annual meeting and gala, called “a celebration of selfless giving and community,” will be held on Sunday, June 7. The JCC will present six awards recognizing outstanding service given to the JCC and to the local community. The event will feature a country French brunch at a new venue to be announced.

The event is predicted to be the JCC’s “biggest and most important” annual fundraiser. The gala’s relatively new format has been judged “a success” by the organizers since the JCC‘s 150th annual meeting and anniversary celebration in 2013, which combined a brief business meeting with a community service awards ceremony. As in previous years, the event’s proceeds will provide funding for scholarships to individuals

in the JCC’s early childhood, after school, summer camp and senior programs. The 2015 award honorees are said to represent “a wide spectrum of dedication and support.” The Kovod Award, which signifies “honor and importance,” will be presented to the Teen Funders of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York, a group of local teenagers who put money into a fund following their b’nai

mitzvahs and then contributed more than $2,000 last fall to various charities and causes, including the PJ Library® Central New York chapter. The JCC’s highest honor, the Kovod Gadol Award, which in Hebrew translates as “great honor,” will be presented to two individuals this year. Board member and secretary Debbie Goldwein will be See “JCC” on page 2

Foundation fund provides free Israel trip to Epstein teens By Cantor Paula Pepperstone and Fran Ciardullo The Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein High School of Jewish Studies, with the support of an endowment fund at the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York, will hold the all-expenses paid educational program “A Teen Taste of Israel” from February 12-22. This program will be a 10-day touring trip to Israel with Epstein’s class of 11 ninth-grade students and three chaperones for a “hands-on” Jewish educational experience. Linda Alexander, executive director of the Foundation, said, “We are very grateful to a local family, that prefers to remain anonymous, for their foresight in establishing this fund for teen trips to Israel. We hope that others will Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein High School of Jewish Studies will hold an educational trip to Israel from February 12-22. Front row (l-r): Molly Kotzin, Hadar Pepperstone, Michale Schueler and Brooke Meltzer. Back row: Matthew Lynne, Caleb Jacowitz, Javier Levens, chaperone Cantor Paula Pepperstone, chaperone Joel Frank and Avery Pearl-Frank. Not pictured: Chaperone Jody Cooper, Zachary Cooper, Kelvin Porter and Rebecca Teitelbaum.

contribute to this fund so that this will be just the first of many upcoming trips to Israel for our community teens over the years.” Students who attend the program will be expected to make “a serious commitment” of their time and focus. The trip itinerary includes visits to sites of biblical, medieval and modern history. The participants will also learn about absorption and immigration, as well as technological and agricultural innovation. They will be exposed to a new language and culture by meeting with Israeli peers who will share first-hand details about what life is like for teenagers growing up in a democracy in the Middle East. In addition, the students, who had already made a commitment to attend See “Epstein” on page 7

C A N D L E L I G H T I N G A N D P A R AS H A February 6................5:05 pm.............................................................Parasha-Yitro February 13..............5:15 pm.................................................. Parasha-Mishpatim February 20..............5:24 pm......................................................Parasha-Terumah

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Soldier to speak

Religious violence

Congregational notes

A former IDF soldier, wounded in “Violence in the Name of Religion” “Waltz with Bashir” at TC; TAY Operation Cast Lead, will discuss panelists will discuss how to RECC offers February school his experiences at Chabad House. respond to religious killings. break activities; and more. Story on page 3 Story on page 2 Stories on page 4

PLUS Simchas..................................4-5 Calendar Highlights............... 6 D’Var Torah............................... 6 Obituaries................................. 7

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ february 5, 2015/16 SHEVAT 5775

Chabad presents wounded former IDF soldier Izzy Ezagui Izzy Ezagui is a soldier who lost his arm in Operation Cast Lead and returned to combat despite his new disability. He will be the guest speaker at a brunch on Sunday, February 15, at Chabad House, 825 Ostrom Ave., Syracuse. The brunch will be held from 10:30-11:30 am and Ezagui will speak at 11:30 am. The event will be free and open to the public. His journey is expected to be of interest to students, educators and others. His story and attitude is said to have helped many discover that “a positive approach mixed with passion will help lead to a meaningful life.” Ezagui was born in the United States and was raised in Miami, where he grew up in the Chabad community after his parents became religious. In 2006, when he was 18-years-old, he visited Israel on a Birthright Israel trip. Though he went “in search of fun,” it led to him making aliyah and joining the Israel Defense Forces when his family moved to Israel in 2007. Soon after he finished his training, war broke out in the Gaza Strip and Operation Cast Lead began. He was deployed to the

Gaza border and, two weeks later, lost his left and dominant arm when it was ripped off by a mortar shell. He underwent emergency surgery at Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba to stop the bleeding and close the wound. Many young men would have ended their combat careers then, but Ezagui wanted to return to combat. He met General Yoav Galant, the head of Israel’s Southern Command, who visited Ezagui in rehab, listened to him and decided to give him a chance. Through his work in rehab, Ezagui became capable of one-armed pushups, climbing rope, shooting assault rifles and pulling out grenade pins with his teeth. A year and a half after his injury, in 2010, he returned to active duty. After retraining, he went on to serve in Hebron, and later progressed to command school. He was later discharged with the rank of first sergeant and returned to civilian life. Now focused on helping others, he gives speeches for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces and other organizations. The program is being co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Central New

JCC offers defensive driving course By William Wallak The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse will host a defensive driving course on Wednesday, February 25, and Thursday, February 26, from 9 am-noon both days, at the JCC, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. The class will be open to licensed drivers of all ages and there will be a cost to participate. Attendees must attend both days and bring their drivers licenses. This National Safety Council course focuses on practical defensive driv-

Community

finance subcommittee. Eventually, a budget was prepared that could be presented to all three congregations. This budget would not have been possible without the support of the Jewish Federation of Central New York, which provided a grant from the Community Program Fund, and the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation to help with capital start-up costs, along with operating support for the first six years from the Pomeranz, Shankman and Martin Charitable Foundation. Additional funding will come directly from each of the synagogues from the tuition that parents currently pay for their children’s religious school education. The detailed plan and budget were provided to each of the three individual synagogue boards. All three congregations received a presentation in December and were asked to vote to support the plan. All three synagogues had lively debates and all three voted to positively support the motion. Thus, the Syracuse Community Hebrew School now plans to open its doors under the leadership of its new Board of Directors in September. There will be a community drive to raise the balance of the funds needed through personal donations from individuals and families who wish to support the new educational venture in Central New York. The new SCHS Board of Directors will begin working immediately to raise the remaining funds needed by applying

correction

ing knowledge and techniques to help participants avoid collisions and traffic violations. The interactive class will include learning activities, discussions and videos with real-life driver simulations. The program offers participants a 10 percent discount on the liability portion of auto insurance for three years and a reduction of points for recent traffic infractions. To register for the class, contact Leesa Paul at 445-2040, ext. 104, or lpaul@ jccsyr.org, or visit the JCC front desk.

Continued from page 1 for grants and to foundations willing to support this initiative. Anyone wishing to donate to the Syracuse Community Hebrew School should contact his or her synagogue board, education director or the Jewish Federation of Central New York. The SCHS will rotate among the three synagogues, spending two years at each location, starting with Temple Adath Yeshurun. All three congregation presidents, Mickey Lebowitz, Howard Weinstein and Irv Bodowsky, agreed that “the focus will be on excellence in Hebrew education and building a greater sense of a combined Jewish community among the student body.” The school will be open to all Jewish children whether they are members of the three organizing synagogues or not. Alexander added, “The project could not have become a reality without the vision of the initial group of clergy, lay members and educators, and the energy and dedication of almost 30 individuals on the start-up committees who have selflessly given their time and expertise. On behalf of the current and future children in our community, thank you.” For more information, or to become involved with the SCHS, contact the synagogues’ SCHS board member or the rabbis or presidents of CBS-CS at 4469570, TAY at 445-0002 or TC at 475-9952 and support what will be a major force in continuing to build the Jewish community in Syracuse for years to come.

In the picture on page 2 of the January 22 Jewish Observer, the people in the picture were incorrectly identified. It should have read, “L-r: Sue Valerino, Danielle Gunther, Jules Blank and Ann Whitaker at Blank’s 100th birthday party at The Oaks. The women were his friends from the Menorah Park rehab unit.”

Israel Defense Forces soldier Izzy Ezagui as seen at IDF Command School. Ezagui will speak at a brunch at Chabad House on Sunday, February 15. (Photo courtesy of Izzy Ezagui) York, the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York, the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse and the Pomeranz, Shankman and Martin Charitable Foundation. Donations and reservations will be appreciated. For more information, contact Chabad at 424-0363 or chabad@syr.edu, or visit www.chabadsyracuse.com.

JCC

recognized for her years of work for the JCC. She has been serving as the board’s nominating committee chair for more than a decade, and as an executive committee member for the past 12 years. Nancy Kasow, executive assistant and office manager, who recently retired from the JCC, will be honored for her more than 33 years of service. Three individuals who have given to the community will receive the JCC’s Hall of Fame Award. Two of them, Herbert (Hecky) Alpert and Michael Moss, have been called “integral in shaping and maintaining the local community’s Jewish history.” An accountant, Alpert grew up in Syracuse’s 15th Ward. He and his wife, Ettarae, were one of the founding families of Congregation Beth SholomChevra Shas. Moss, a businessman and historian, was a founding board member of the Syracuse Jewish Cemeteries Association and provided historical accounts

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In May 2011, Israeli President Shimon Peres (left) awarded First Sergeant Izzy Ezagui (right) a citation of excellence, the highest accolade a soldier outside of the battlefield can receive, for returning to service, completing commander training and leading a class of soldiers through advanced training as their non-commissioned officer. Peres shook the hand of Ezagui, while former IDF chief Lt. General Benny Gantz (center) looked on. (Photo courtesy of Izzy Ezagui) Continued from page 1 for the film “Stories from the Syracuse Jewish Community.” The third Hall of Fame Award recipient, George Wladis, is a local businessman, philanthropist and longtime supporter of the JCC and the Jewish community. A 2011 JCC Kovod Gadol Award recipient, Wladis has given to causes that help children. He and his wife, Roberta, also started a scholarship fund that enables children to attend JCC summer camps. “We are excited to present such a fine lineup of honorees this year,” said Marci Erlebacher, JCC executive director. “With each having demonstrated such solid service to the JCC and local Jewish community, the caliber of award recipients is outstanding and they are most deserving of our praise and accolades.” For more information about the JCC’s 2015 annual gala, contact Mariette DeWolf at 445-2360, ext. 112, or mdewolf@ jccsyr.org. 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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JEWISH OBSERVER

AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK Panel discussion on violence in the name of religion By Bette Siegel Miriam F. Elman will be the featured speaker on Tuesday, February 10, at 5:30 pm, at InterFaith Works, 1010 James St., Syracuse, on an interfaith panel discussion hosted by Abraham’s Table, an interfaith dialogue initiative sponsored by InterFaith Works of Central New York, the Turkish Cultural Center of Syracuse and the Peace Islands Institute. Elman is associate professor of

political science at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, and research director in its Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict and Collaboration. In the presentation, “Violence in the Name of Religion,” panelists will discuss what a multi-faith response to religious killing should be. Participants have also been invited to speak on the crisis of ISIS and a religious

person’s relationship with violence. Other panelists will include Father Linus DeSantis of the Alibrandi Catholic Center and Tanwer Haq, Islamic chaplain of Hendricks Chapel of Syracuse University. Refreshments will be served and free parking will be available. For more information, contact Keith O’Brien at InterFaith Works at 449-3552, ext. 114, or kobrien@ interfaithworkscny.org.

York Foundation awards grant to JCC of Syracuse By Will Wallak The York Children’s Foundation has given a $750 grant to the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse to benefit the JCC’s children’s and teen programs. The funding is a result of JCC Board President Steven Sisskind’s continued efforts to sponsor the JCC and its York grant application. “The York Foundation’s support of the JCC’s many programs for children and teens has been outstanding,” said Sisskind. “We are extremely thankful for their continued generosity and belief in what we’re doing to help support local families.” The JCC will use this latest grant toward purchasing an

additional interactive audiovisual SMART Board for its Jerome and Phyllis Charney Early Childhood Development Program preschool. The York Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations that support children. To date, it has contributed more than $2.2 million to such charities. “This grant award is very gratifying because it’s recognition that our children’s and teen programs are providing valuable services and merit continued support,” said Marci Erlebacher, JCC executive director. “I truly appreciate the York Foundation’s generous funding, as well as Steven’s ongoing efforts to represent the JCC with York and the many other organizations that help us to better serve our community.”

For more information about the JCC of Syracuse and supporting its programs that serve infants through seniors, contact Mariette DeWolf at 445-2040, ext. 112, or mdewolf@jccsyr.org.

PJ Library Tu B’Shevat play date By Carolyn Weinberg In preparation for Tu B’Shevat, the PJ Library® January play date focused on recycling by turning empty cereal boxes into book holders for PJ books. Many families attended the play date on January 18, celebrating the birthday of the trees. They read stories about Tu B’Shevat and ended with time in the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse family gym. The PJ Library is a nationally acclaimed literacy program started by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation that 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 JCC and is supported by the Sam Pomeranz Trust, Jewish Federation of Central New York, Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York Teen Funders, See “PJ” on page 7

L-r: Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse Board President Steven Sisskind presented the York Children’s Foundation grant check to JCC Executive Director Marci Erlebacher in front of the center’s Early Childhood Development Program entrance. Sisskind has sponsored the JCC’s York grant application for the past several years. PJ Library families presented their projects for Tu B’Shevat. They converted empty cereal boxes into book holders for their PJ Library book collection.

Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior dining menu February 9-13 Monday – chicken Marsala Tuesday – Swedish meatballs Wednesday – salmon with dill sauce Thursday – beef stew with biscuit Friday – apricot-glazed chicken February 16-20 Monday – pulled barbecue chicken on a bun Tuesday – chicken Parmesan Wednesday – grilled cheese and tomato soup Thursday – tilapia Friday – beef tips over noodles

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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congregational notes Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Tu B’Shevat seder Rabbi Daniel and Rhea Jezer will once again lead the annual Tu B’Shevat seder on Saturday, February 7, following services, at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas. The seder will include songs and readings, four courses of nuts, fruits and wine or juice. There will be Hebrew and English songs, more than 20 varieties of foods, a dessert from biblical times and See “CBS-CS” on page 6

At right: More than 95 people attended a concert on January 18 at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas. Sponsored by Hazak, the concert was called “Ruach and Reggae.” Sue Jacobs was the facilitator and the Seneca String Quartet played. Also participating was guest percussionist Michael Bull. L-r: Jacobs, Fred Klemperer, Bull, Walden Bass and Heather Fais.

Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation STOCS holds memorial service for Parisian victims of Islamic terrorists Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse held a memorial service for the 17 Paris Islamist terrorism victims on January 11 between the Mincha and Maariv services. The four Jews – Yoav Hattab, Philippe Braham, Yohan Cohen and Francois Michel Saada – who were at the Hyper Cacher supermarket in Paris were focused on in particular. Two Jews, cartoonist George

Wilkowski and the only woman killed, Elsa Capet, “because she was Jewish,” were among those slain at the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine. Participants expressed their grief, as well as gratitude to the Muslim employee, Lassana Bathily, who hid 15 customers in the supermarket’s freezer. Psalms 91, 20 and 2 were recited, along with some additional readings. Cantor Marvin Moskowitz intoned the traditional “Kael Maaleh” memorial prayer. See “STOCS” on page 6

Temple Adath Yeshurun February Break at RECC The Temple Adath Yeshurun Rothschild Early Childhood Center will

offer childcare during the school-age February break from Monday-Friday, See “TAY” on page 8

On January 11, the TAY Hazak group hosted a viewing of the documentary “Stories from the Syracuse Jewish Community” presented by the Judaic Heritage Center of Central New York. Approximately 40 people watched the film, which was also available for purchase.

Members of Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse held a memorial service for the 17 people in Paris murdered by Islamist terrorists.

Temple Concord Cinemagogue presents “Waltz with Bashir” By Drew Lovejoy Temple Concord will present the film “Waltz With Bashir” as part of its Cinemagogue series on Tuesday, February 10, at 7 pm. The movie is an autobiographical animated film by Ari Folman in which he seeks to discover what he was doing in Beirut during the Sabra and Shatila massacre of 1982. Admission will be free and open to the public. In September 1982, Christian militia members slaughtered more than 3,000 Palestinian refugees in the Sabra neighborhood and Shatila camp. As one of the

Israeli soldiers surrounding the area, Folman tried to remember what happened that night, but his recollections were difficult to retrieve. To recover his memories and the truth of that night, he met with friends and fellow soldiers. What he found has been called “a haunting reminder of human nature.” Temple Concord’s Cinemagogue film series offers a variety of films featuring Jewish themes, Israeli filmmakers and Jewish-American stars. Donations are welcome. For more information, contact Temple Concord at 475-9952 or office@templeconcord.org. See “TC” on page 7

Wedding trends (SPM Wire) – Here are three developments in the world of wedding planning that have taken hold in the past few years: Personal training: Many fitness clubs offer personal training packages for engaged couples. Working out together is a great way to get in shape for your big day, de-stress and See “Trends” on page 5

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Super Sunday

JEWISH OBSERVER

Several of the Super Sunday co-chairs and teen co-chairs who volunteered at the event posed for a group photo. At right: Rachel Beckman updated the “Super Sundae” tote board.

Brett Kuppermann, Michael Goldberg and Mike Kalet spent much of the day on January 25 calling donors to ask for their support of the Jewish community.

Trends

start your marriage off on a healthful foot. Wedding websites: Want to communicate information about accommodations, your registry and more to your guests? The best way to give your friends and family all the details they need to help you celebrate is through a wedding website. User-friendly hosting sites make creating your site easy,

Ryan Hinshaw, Elise Beckman, Shaynah Sikora and Rebecca Blumenthal, members of the Syracuse Hebrew Day School’s Club 56, helped as “runners” during Super Sunday.

L-r: Ian Beckman, Leah Kuppermann, Jacob Charlamb, Emma Stein and Rachel Beckman stood in front of their “Super Sundae” tote board. The cherry on top of the sundae signified reaching the Super Sunday goal of $50,000.

About 100 volunteers turned out for the day on January 25 of calling community members about their pledges to the 2015 Annual Campaign.

Continued from page 4 no matter the extent of your design skills. Photojournalism: While posed photography likely will never go out of style, many couples are opting for a more photojournalistic feel to their wedding album. Whether sepiatoned, black and white, or full color, wedding photos are taking on a more kinetic feel that can truly showcase a couple’s personality.

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JCC Purim Carnival seeking volunteers

By William Wallak The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse is seeking volunteers for its annual Purim Carnival scheduled for Sunday, March 1, from noon-4 pm, at the JCC, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. Shifts are

available from 11:45 am-2 pm and from 1:45-4 pm. The event will be free and open to the public. The JCC holds the Purim Carnival solely with the help of volunteers. Among the many tasks in which the volunteers will assist is overseeing games, serving

food and helping out in the prize room. Volunteering can help students seeking to fulfill community service requirements, as they can earn credit hours, aid the JCC and enjoy the carnival. See “Purim” on page 8

d’var torah

Hard of hearing or hard of listening? By Jeanette Powell Parasha Yitro contains two major stories or themes. First, there is the experience of Yitro (Jethro), Moses’ father-in-law, a Gentile, who hears of great things happening to the Israelites and comes to the Israelite camp. Secondly, there is the momentous giving of the Decalogue or the revelation at Sinai, the pivotal event in the history of the

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.

Monday, February 9 EARLY Deadline for the February 19 issue of the Jewish Observer Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Board of Trustees meeting at 7:15 pm 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, February 8 Syracuse Hebrew Day School Super Sledding Sunday at 2 pm Monday, February 9 SHDS Board of Directors m Meeting at 7:30 pm Temple Adath Yeshurun joins the seniors at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse for lunch Tuesday, February 10 Temple Concord Cinemagogue presents the film “Waltz with Bashir” at 7 pm Wednesday, February 7 CBS-CS Board of Trustees meeting at 7:15 pm Sunday, February 15 Chabad presents IDF soldier Izzy Ezagui at a brunch from 10:30-11:30 am, with Ezagui speaking at 11:30 am Tuesday, February 17 Temple Concord’s Goldenberg Series presents performers in “Postcards Around the World” at 7 pm Sunday, February 22 CBS-CS Hazak presents the Keyna Hora klezmer band at 2 pm

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Jewish people. Jewish tradition places great emphasis on the way we hear and how we interpret the messages we receive. Each of these passages of scripture refers to the issue of listening and hearing, and poses challenges to the way we think about how we hear and how we listen. This week’s Torah portion begins with the words, “And Yitro heard... all that God did for Moses and His nation Israel...” (Exodus 18:1), but the Torah does not tell us which of the wonders impressed Yitro the most. The Talmud (Tractate Zevachim, 116a) quotes three opinions of what Yitro heard that impressed him so much. The first claims that it was the Jewish people’s victory over the nation of Amalek. The second argues that Yitro was impressed by the miracles and wonders that God performed for the children of Israel at the splitting of the Red Sea. Finally, the third states that Yitro was attracted by the true greatness of the Torah. Yitro’s greatness lies in his taking immediate action upon receiving inspiration. Even though he had a highly respectable position in the Midianite society, he allowed what he heard to affect him personally. Yitro approached life with an openness and a searching attitude. He not only heard; he listened and he set an example as a Righteous Gentile in terms of wonder and awe at the God of Israel. He said to Moses, “Now listen to me and I will give you counsel.” Moses listened and by integrating what Yitro suggested, he helped Moses set up a judiciary system to relieve Moses of the many legal decisions he had to make, as well as involve more capable persons in the governance of the people. A truth seeker, Yitro had tried every type of spiritual path, ultimately rejecting one after another. He was honest with himself and committed to

CBS-CS

Continued from page 4 an exploration of the natural world. Tu B’Shevat is one of the four new years enumerated in the Mishnah. It is the official birthday of the trees. For the past several hundred years, but especially recently due to raised ecological consciences, it has been celebrated worldwide with similar Tu B’Shevat programs. In Israel, school children and others plant trees to reforest the land. Hazak concert Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Hazak will present a concert, “Muzic for Hazak,” featuring the Keyna Hora Klezmer Band, under the leadership of Mimi Weiner, on Sunday, February 22, at 2 pm, in the social hall of CBS-CS. The performance will include klezmer, Ladino, liturgical and Hebrew music, as well as folk songs and show tunes. In addition, the band will invite the audience to sing and dance along with the music of Harry Sommer and Linda d’Imperio. Guest performer Cantor Marvin Moskowitz will include a song he created from an English song transposed into a Jewish theme. Singer Kathleen Roland-Silverstein will also perform. Other CBS-CS participants will include Joe Bearman, Carrie Berse, Alice Honig, Tony Kenneson-Adams, Lois Weiner, Cheryl Wolfe and Mark Wolfe. The program will be open to the public. Admission will be free and refreshments will be available. CBS-CS to bake thousands of hamantashen Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas is preparing for the Purim tradition of sending out mishloach manot, Purim baskets full of sweets and homemade hamantashen from the CBS-CS Sisterhood that are sent to the entire congregation, including college students and clients of Jewish Family Service. In addition to helping congregants fulfill the mitzvah of giving three types of food as gifts to family and friends, it is the synagogue’s largest annual fund-raiser. The baking marathon, when several thousand hamantashen will be made, will be held on Sunday, February 15, from 9:30 am until the baking is done. No prior hamantashen experience will be necessary to join in the community-building day, which will be open to women, men and older children. Volunteers will gather on Sunday, March 1, at 10 am, in the CBS-CS social hall to pack all of the baskets and put them into bags for delivery. Other volunteers will spend the next few days delivering the baskets throughout Syracuse to each congregational family.

the truth. Did others hear about the Exodus? Of course! But only Yitro listened and was open to its message. It was this act of greatness that brought Yitro to become part of the Jewish people – and for that, the parasha of the Ten Commandments bears his name. We then come to the Revelation at Sinai, which, according to the notes in the Chumash, is the defining moment in the Torah. Through the revelation at Sinai, Israel is transformed from a band of freed slaves to a people covenanted to God. The parashat describes the moment when God reached down to reveal the Torah to humanity, or more specifically, to the Israelites that they might live by the Torah and reveal it to the rest of the world. We see more references to hearing and listening and what might be required to really hear and listen. And the Lord said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud in order that the people may hear when I speak with you and so trust you ever after.” The Lord called for a time of preparation and purification before listening to God’s message. Moses followed God’s instructions and carefully prepared the Israelites. The text then describes this historic and unprecedented encounter with a detailed description of the environment in which this occurred. From fire and smoke and thunder, as well as the blaring of a shofar; from the encircling of the darkest of clouds at the foot of a smoldering Mount Sinai to the thunder, the text talks about the participant’s ability to not only hear the thunder and noise, but see the sounds as well. Tradition has much to say about the way in which the ancient Israelites heard the experience of Sinai. According to one account, each word of the Revelation was heard as if they were all uttered simultaneously. According to another account, each Israelite heard the words of the Revelation differently, depending on his or her ability to comprehend the Divine message. Immediately after the Revelation, God declares, “You yourselves saw that I spoke to you from the very heavens: Alongside Me, therefore, you shall not make any gods of silver, nor shall you make for yourselves any gods of gold. Make for me an altar of earth and sacrifice on it.” What happened at Mount Sinai? How do we understand the nature of Torah? What do we mean when we speak of the word of God? Did God speak to Moses and the children of Israel; or is revelation less literal and more figurative? What is the connection between the events that occurred at Mount Sinai and the words of the Torah that we read on Shabbat? Regardless of what each of you believes about the revelation at Sinai, there is a message that we as a community and we as individuals need to be open to hearing and perceiving with all of our senses. We heard words of God’s love, of what it takes to live in a covenantal relationship with God. “You shall be my treasured possession among all people.” “Indeed all the earth is mine, but you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Israel responded by saying “all that the Lord has spoken we will do.” We need to continually prove ourselves worthy of the appellation applied to us, a treasured possession, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. How important listening skills must have been to our own oral tradition. The immense amount of information handed down through the generations had to be quite accurate. It had to be heard and listened to as well as spoken. How do we incorporate these skills into our daily lives, not only to be of service to those in our immediate circles? More importantly, how do we also continue to listen to the revelation at Sinai? How do we make it a part of our living? Abraham Joshua Heschel says that we do not make gods or icons of silver and gold because we ourselves are the image of God. That is a huge responsibility. God gave us a conscience, which we need to form and strengthen. That is where the Torah comes in. First, there is preparation. We need to slow down. We need to consciously intend to receive a See “Hard” on page 7

STOCS

Continued from page 4

STOCS Rabbi Evan Shore’s concluding remarks noted the large number of attacks on Jews in France in 2014, and also addressed the need “to show fortitude in the face of adversity,” amid continued commitment toward pressing Israel’s case with media and elected officials.

FEBRUARY 5, 2015/16 SHEVAT 5775 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

obituaries Ruth Levine Abramson

Ruth Levine Abramson, 93, died on January 18 in Evanston, IL. Born in Binghamton, NY, she was a longtime resident of Binghamton. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin, with a bachelor of arts degree in social work in 1943. She was a teacher and an active leader and volunteer at Temple Israel and the Jewish Community Center, both in Vestal, NY. She is survived by her children, Stephen (Sandra), Hal and Judith (Ron Hershow); six grandchildren; and five nieces, including Karen (Zahir) Alimi, of Syracuse. Burial was in West Lawn Cemetery, Johnson City, NY. Parsons Funeral Home had arrangements. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 731231718. 

Elijah Allan Pearson

Elijah Allan Pearson, 88, died on January 21 in Upstate University Hospital. Born in Baranowich, Russia, now Poland, his parents brought him to the United States when he was 4-yearsold, and they settled for a short time in Cazenovia before moving to Monroe Street in the University neighborhood of Syracuse. As a boy, he worked in his father’s kosher meat market. He graduated from Central High School in 1944. Twelve days after graduating, he reported for military duty at Fort Dix, NJ. He did basic training in heavy field artillery and was in combat overseas in Europe. He was honorably discharged in 1946. After the army, he received a bachelor’s degree in history from Syracuse University. He then attended law school at George Washington University for one year before transferring back to SU. He opened a law practice and practiced law in downtown Syracuse for 50 years. He retired at the age of 70. In his retirement, he enjoyed being with his extended family, all in Syracuse; baking bread; bicycling; and participating in the life of his synagogue, Temple Concord. He is survived by his close friend 23 years, Roberta Braen; his sons, Abraham of Michigan, and Richard, of Syracuse; three grandchildren and their mother, Elyse; his sister, Gertrude Radin, of Fayetteville; two nephews; one niece; many grand-nephews and grand-nieces; two great-grandnieces; and one great-grandnephew. Entombment was in the Temple Concord Mausoleum at Woodlawn Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions may be made to Temple Concord, 910 Madison St., Syracuse, NY 13210. 

Anna Roth

Anna Roth, 101, died on January 23 at Menorah Park. She was a member of Temple Adath Yeshurun and spent many years volunteering her time to help in the office and with the Sisterhood and bingo events. She also volunteered for more than 30 years in the gift shop at Crouse Hospital. She was predeceased by her husband, Ruben Roth, in 1988; and her brothers, Harry Treinin and Isadore Treinin. She is survived by her son, Joseph (Dale) Roth, of Fayetteville, her daughter, Beth Cohen; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Burial was in Adath Yeshurun Cemetery. Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions may be made to Temple Adath Yeshurun, 450 Kimber Rd., Syracuse, NY 13224 or Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, P.O. Box 271, DeWitt, NY 13214. 

Faith April Seidenberg

Faith April Seidenberg, 91, died on January 16 at home in Fayetteville, NY. Born in New York City, she attended the Calhoun School. She had been a national vice president of the National Organization for Women, when, in spring 1970, she walked into the Manhattan bar McSorley’s and was not only refused service, but ushered out into the street. Eventually, she changed the public accommodations law after taking McSorley’s Old Ale House to Federal District Court. She took on many unpopular causes and cases, suing successfully on behalf of a women’s field hockey team at Colgate University in Cook vs. Colgate, a landmark Title IX case, and earlier defended Bruce Dancis, a draft card burner at Cornell University, during the Vietnam War. Her activities on the national stage earned her a position on the executive board of the American Civil Liberties Union, establishing the Women’s Legal Defense Fund of the ACLU, where she met future Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who initially disagreed about the importance of the McSorley’s case, but came around many years later to Seidenberg’s point of view. An early pioneer, Seidenberg was one of only two women in her Syracuse University Law School class of 1954. She began a law career as a public defender and fought successfully for the rights of juveniles held without representation in the early 1960s in Syracuse. In 1963, she received a phone call from William Kunstler asking her to join a brigade of volunteer lawyers in the south who were defending civil rights workers campaigning for voter registration in what became known as “Freedom Summer.” She spent the next two summers in Mississippi and Louisiana, which led to her becoming an attorney for the Congress of Racial Equality, where she worked closely with George Wiley, who later founded the National Welfare Rights Union. In her 60s, she acquired a private pilot’s license and flew her own plane over Central New York and, eventually, solo to Alaska and back.

She is listed in the anthology “Feminists Who Changed America,” along with her late psychoanalyst husband, Robert.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert, in 2010. She is survived by three daughters, Dana Seidenberg, of Nairobi, Kenya, Laurie Seidenberg, of Charlottesville, VA, and Lisa Seidenberg, of Westport, CT; and two granddaughters. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. 

Continued from page 3

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-years-old in Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties. For more information and to sign up, visit www.pjlibrary.org or e-mail pjcny@jccsyr.org.

To advertise, please contact Bonnie Rozen at 800-779-7896, ext. 244 or bonnie@ thereportergroup.org

Carole Lipton Weiner

Carole Lipton Weiner, 59, died on January 11. She is survived by her parents, Alan and Pearl Lipton; her husband, Paul Weiner; daughters, Sima (Jarret) Slepian and Molly (Scott) Honig; sisters, Joanne (Jeffrey) Maloff, of Jamesville, NY, and Susan (Norman) Goldberg; a brother, David Lipton; five nieces; and a nephew. Local arrangements were by Ginsburg Maloff Funeral Home. Contributions may be made to Valley Chabad, 100 Overlook Dr., Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677. 

Hard

Continued from page 6 message. We need to give ourselves time. Perhaps we need to shove some of our prejudices out of the way. We need to open our minds and hearts and be ready to receive from all peoples the way the Israelites, Moses and Yitro really listened. We need to make space for listening and time for listening. God did not make this revelation right after the Exodus. He waited until the Israelites were healed from the experience of slavery and could make a conscious decision. He gave them time to prepare, to leave the past behind. God spoke to the Israelites in the midst of great sensory elements. Did he do this to make sure he was being heard? Can we learn to listen even beyond words – to nature that is screaming at us – to the world that needs repair? How can we hear what creation in its totality is saying to us as we advance scientifically? Finally, in the midst of all of the distractions and pressures of modern life, how do we find time and space and quiet and opportunity to refine our hearing and listening skills. God took care of that. The answer comes from the revelation at Sinai. We were given the gift of the Sabbath. We have a most precious gift of time and space if we choose to use it and observe. By truly keeping the Sabbath through rest, the study of the Torah and prayer, we can give ourselves the time and the space we need to learn to hear and listen and we continue to stand together at Sinai. Shabbat Shalom. Jeanette Powell is a member of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas and is a retired mental health services executive director with a master’s degree in religious studies from Canisius College in Buffalo.

Epstein

Continued from page 1 the Epstein School for the past two years, have made a commitment to attend the Epstein School through their senior year. In preparation for the trip, they are taking a course taught by chaperone Jody Cooper about Israel, focusing on its history, successes, challenges and the sites the tour will visit. For more information on the trip, or on the Epstein School, contact the school’s director, Cantor Paula Pepperstone, at epsteincny@gmail.com.

Thank you for your trust and loyalty, since 1934 When that difficult time arises, you can rely upon our experience.

1909 East Fayette St., Syracuse, NY 13210 • 315.472.5291 • 1.800.472.5182 Martin J. Birnbaum* Elaine R. Birnbaum* Joel M. Friedman * Also Licensed in Florida

Continued from page 4

Regina F. Goldenberg Cultural Series to host “Postcards from Around the World” Martha Grener and Ida Tili-Trebicka will perform music from around the world at Temple Concord on Tuesday, February 17, at 7 pm. Admission will be free and open to the public. Grener is a Syracuse Area Music Award-winning flutist. Tili-Trebicka is a professor of piano at Syracuse University. Together, they will perform works from Europe to China to America. Both artists are considered “highly sought-after” collaborators in the music world. Temple Concord’s Regina F. Goldenberg Cultural Series is in its 13th year of bringing music and the performing arts to Syracuse. The program will be appropriate for all ages. Donations will be welcome. For more information, contact Temple Concord at 475-9952 or office@templeconcord.org.

Visit the JO online at jewishfederationcny.org and click on Jewish Observer

email: birnbaumfs@cnymail.com www.birnbaumfuneralserviceinc.com

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ february 5, 2015/16 SHEVAT 5775

TAY Observer Central New York Continued from page 4 Jewish February 16-20. The week’s theme will others. Participants be able to 5be “Random x 15 Acts 7/8of Kindness.” Each day, experiment with ice,willgoalso sledding and the children will participate in activities that promote helping and being kind to

Purim

Featuring the largest kosher selection of fresh meat, poultry, dairy, frozen & grocery in the Central New York area.

Cont. from page 6 The Purim Carnival has become a tradition for many local families to spend a day at the JCC. The carnival features preschool and school-age games, large inflatable toys and bounce houses, prizes, food, raffles and more. For more information about Purim Carnival volunteer opportunities, contact Leesa Paul at 445-2040, ext. 104, or lpaul@jccsyr.org.

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Community members attended the 2014 JCC of Syracuse Purim Carnival in the Schayes Family Gymnasium.

compete in a snowman-building contest, weather permitting. Families can sign up for as many days as they prefer. There will be two kosher snacks and lunch each day, the cost of which will be included in the week’s price. For more information or to register, contact the RECC at 445-0049 or recc@adath.org.

L-r: Gabriel Weinberg and Abigail Hinshaw decorated Kiddush cups during Temple Adath Yeshurun’s Havdalah Happening on January 17. Children decorated cups with stickers and glowin-the-dark paints, warmed and rolled wax to make Havdalah candles, and made spice boxes with cinnamon sticks and cloves. Each child was able to take home his or her Havdalah set after they sang songs and had a taco bar dinner. Approximately 60 people attended.