Jewish Observer of CNY February 13, 2020 by Jewish Federation of CNY

18 SHEVAT 5780 • FEBRUARY 13, 2020 • VOLUME XXXXI, NUMBER 4 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Remembering the Holocaust For many Jews, to forget would be impossible, but the memory of the Holocaust grows more distant for each new generation. Only by remembering can the repetition of history be prevented. On Sunday, April 19, at Temple Adath

Yeshurun, hundreds of names will be read and remembered during the Annual Yom Hashoah Memorial Observance. Federation’s Community Book of Remembrance holds pages of names of those who were lost during the Shoah,

submitted by their families and friends in Central New York. These names will be read by the community’s rabbis during the program. Anyone in the Central New York community with the names of family members

lost during the Holocaust which they want recorded in the Federation Book of Remembrance and read and remembered each year at the annual Yom Hashoah Memorial Observance should send them to bdavis@jewishfederationcny.org.

JCC to host Jammin’ Klezmer Sunday on Feb. 16 BY WILLIAM WALLAK The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center will host a Jammin’ Klezmer Sunday musical event on Sunday, February 16, from 2-4 pm. The free performance is open to the public and anyone wishing to join in the musical jam is welcome. The local Keyna Hora Klezmer Band will be the program’s host band. Individual members of the community and independent Jewish musical groups are invited to be a part of the performance. Organizers hope that this will be an opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones. They say come for the music and stay for the schmooze. Copies of the music will be available for anyone wishing to join in this

upcoming jammin’ Klezmer Sunday and play with the host band. However, musicians are advised to bring their own music stand. Any singer who would like the band to accompany them should bring copies of their music. Anyone wishing to perform solo or with their own group or accompanist is also welcome. People of all ages, including pre-teens, may participate. The Keyna Hora Klezmer Band’s repertoire includes traditional Jewish and Yiddish music. There will be dancers and instructors on hand to teach and lead the dancing. For more information, contact Sid Lipton at 315-682-8489 or liptonsl@ windstream.net.

The Keyna Hora Klezmer Band played during the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center’s Chanukah senior kosher luncheon on December 20. The band will be the host band at the Jammin’ Klezmer Sunday musical event on Sunday, February 16.

U.S. professors visit Israel for bridge-building mission with Israeli universities BY ELIANA RUDEE (JNS) – In a move to foster academic exchange between Israeli and American universities, 28 professors from universities and colleges across the United States recently traveled to Israel for Jewish National Fund USA’s Faculty Fellowship Program. To date, the program has brought 300 full-time U.S.-based academics for the fully paid intensive program in Israel, seeking to link the scholars with Israeli professors from their respective disciplines with the goal of developing collaborations, research projects, co-authoring articles and establishing exchange programs between faculty and students. Participants of diverse disciplines met Israelis from all walks of life and heard from a variety of speakers, where they were exposed to contemporary Israeli society, culture, historical sites, the people and the way of life in Israel. The academics met with professionals and experts involved in government, industry, education, media and other sectors to understand the many facets of Israel’s evolving national and international policies. As JNF is considered the leading philanthropic organization for Israel that supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in the north and south, participants saw new communities in the Galilee and Negev, as well as projects of the “startup nation” that include successes in water innovation,

and how the country addresses regional and global challenges. “We showed them the authentic Israel and future in its periphery – diverse aspects of Israeli society so they could be exposed to Israel’s complexities and realize that Israel is not a headline,” said JNF Chairperson Vivian Grossman. “We wanted to show them that Israel is a young country going through its adolescent time – still growing, moving, making mistakes and figuring it out,” she explained to JNS. In addition to the program’s central goal of fostering academic collaborations, Grossman voiced her hope that the participants “go back and share their personal stories, inspire people, speak to groups and share their experiences.” The trip took place from December 26 to January 8, while college educators are typically on winter break. While the BDS movement poses a challenge to Jewish and pro-Israel students alike at various academic institutions in North America, with faculty members in some cases leading the anti-Israel cause, the Faculty Fellowship Program acts as an antidote to such efforts. Michael Dutch, professor of business management at Guilford College in North Carolina, was most struck by Israel’s “innovation, resilience, friendliness of the people and the sheer history of the nation. “The world hasn’t given Israel any favors; they haven’t treated the Jewish See “Professors” on page 5

Faculty Fellowship participants visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem. (Photo by Vivian Grossman)

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Science news

Shining Stars sought

News in brief...

A new approach can slow and even Menor ah Park is seeking MLB stops sharing ads of Waters reverse cognitive decline; creating nominees for its annual Shining concert tickets; Madrid to open Stars awards. a decoy for viruses. Jewish museum; and more. Story on page 3 Stories on page 2 Stories on page 8

PLUS Small Business Profiles.....4-6 Calendar Highlights............... 7 Obituaries................................. 7 Classifieds................................ 8

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ FEBRUARY 13, 2020/18 SHEVAT 5780

Scientific Breakthroughs New drug, diagnostic techniques slow and even reverse cognitive decline from aging

BY JNS STAFF (JNS) – A groundbreaking clinical approach has been developed combining new diagnostic techniques to detect a leaking blood-brain barrier with a new anti-inflammatory drug that for the first time slows or reverses age-related cognitive decline. In two related studies published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the University of California, Berkeley, report that when given the new drug to reduce inflammation, senile mice had fewer signs of dysfunctional brain electrical activity and were better able to learn new tasks, becoming almost cognitively adept as mice half their age. Other findings indicate two practical pathways – measuring the leakiness of the blood-brain barrier via MRI and abnormal electrical brain activity via EEG – that can be used to screen people for a leaky BBB. “These findings represent real hope that we can stop, and even reverse, the deterioration that until now we considered an inevitable part of aging,” said the senior author of the study, BGU Professor Dr. Alon Friedman, and his research partner, Professor Daniela Kaufer at UC Berkeley

At right: In mice and humans, the blood brain barrier becomes leaky with age. Researchers at BenGurion University of the Negev and the University of California, Berkeley, have found new diagnostic ways to measure leaking and are developing a drug that can reverse the effects, and enhance cognitive ability with age. (Photo courtesy of JNS) Department of Integrative Biology. “It is the first diagnostic, coupled with personalized drug intervention, targeting the BBB.” “We tend to think about the aged brain in the same way we think about neurodegeneration: Age involves loss of function and dead cells,” said Kaufer. “But our new data tell a different story about why the aged brain is not functioning well; it is because of this ‘fog’ of inflammatory

load. But when you remove that inflammatory fog, within days the aged brain acts like a young brain. It is an extremely optimistic finding in terms of the capacity for plasticity that exists in the brain and indicates that we can reverse brain aging.” The BBB is a semi-permeable interface that separates circulating blood from the brain. It also prevents the transfer of unwanted molecules or infectious

Israeli researchers create decoy to prevent viruses from spreading in humans

ment of Structural Biology BY JNS STAFF and his team discovered that (JNS) – Researchers based on a rodent receptor, the led by scientists at Isracreation of decoys, also called el’s Weizmann Institute “sticky” molecules, could of Science have created a effectively attract to virus decoy for disease-causing proteins and prevent them viruses that may keep from spreading in the body. them from spreading in the Dr. Hadas Cohen-Dvashi, human body, the Institute a member of the Diskin lab, announced on January 7. Two disease-causing A view of an arenaviruses “surgically removed” the arenaviruses called Junín called Junín. (Photo by tip of the rodent receptor and Machupo, found in ro- Centers for Disease Control to which the virus binds and engineered it onto part dent populations mainly in and Prevention) of an antibody, explained South America, can infect humans that come in contact with affected Weizmann. The newly resulting molecule rodents. These diseases can cause the body was called “Arenacept.” The group tested this molecule in colto “bleed out,” similar to Ebola, and the only treatments available are risky and laboration with labs at Tel Aviv University, complex since they are taken from the the University of Texas and the Institut Pasteur in Lyon, France. They found Areblood of survivors. Dr. Ron Diskin of Weizmann’s Depart- nacept to be “highly effective at sticking

Head of School Opening (part time, 10-12 hours per week)

The Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein School of Jewish Studies Syracuse, NY • www.epsteincny.org

The Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein School of Jewish Studies is seeking a Head of School beginning in Fall, 2020. The Epstein School provides continuing education one evening a week for teens in grades 7-12. It is community based and enrolls students from all area synagogues. The Head of School is the chief professional for the school and will be responsible for student enrollment, supervision of faculty and staff, curriculum and program development, grant submission, community and family relations and communication. The Head of School reports to the Board of Directors and collaborates in fundraising, financial planning and marketing. The Head of School also plans and accompanies a Teen Trip to Israel every other year. A full job description is available on request. Other youth engagement positions are available within the community. Candidates should have a strong Jewish background with experience in Hebrew/ Jewish education. The salary range is $15,000-$20,000, depending upon candidate qualifications. Interested applicants should submit cover letter, resume and 3 references to: Fran Ciardullo, Board President, at search.epsteincny@gmail.com. The Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein School of Jewish Studies, Inc. admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin in all the rights and programs, and activities at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship programs, and other school administered programs.

strongly” to the viruses before the latter could bind to the human receptors and saw activation of the immune response. “It might even be effective against viruses from the same family that have not yet been discovered or newly emergent ones,” said Diskin. “All signs suggest Arenacept is non-toxic, and that it is also heat-resistant and stable, meaning it could be delivered to the remote areas where these diseases are endemic. And the idea of creating decoys from mammal receptors might be applied to all sorts of other diseases that cross to humans from animals.” Yeda Research and Development, Weizmann’s technology transfer arm, has a patent for Arenacept and is working with Diskin to advance clinical research.

of Central New York

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organisms from the blood to the brain. Increasing evidence shows that breaching the integrity of this barrier causes many brain diseases and neurodegeneration as a result of aging. In analyzing brain tissue from humans, Kaufer found evidence of albumin in aged brains, as well as increased neuroinflammation and production of TGF- , a protein that controls cell growth. Because albumin is typically synthesized only outside the BBB, increased albumin within the brain indicates BBB damage leading to inflammation. Kaufer and Friedman also showed that introducing albumin into the brain can, within a week, make the brains of young mice look like those of old mice in terms of neuronal functions and their susceptibility to seizures. These albumin-treated mice also navigated a maze as poorly as aged mice. The Friedman group in the BGU Brain Imaging Center developed an MRI imaging protocol – dynamic contrast-enhanced (or DCE) imaging – and mathematical algorithms that quantify leakage in the BBB. “When we infuse albumin into the brains of young mice, we recapitulate aging of the brain: the gene expression, the inflammatory response, resilience to induced seizures, mortality after seizures, and performance in a maze. And when we record their brain activity, we find these paroxysmal slow wave events,” said Kaufer. “And all is See “Reverse” on page 8 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.

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AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK Undefeated wins the 2020 JCC Battle of the Bands BY WILLIAM WALLAK After having to skip the Battle of the Bands last year due to a snowstorm, this year’s show returned with a bang despite another snowy evening. Six high school bands

The JCC’s 2020 Battle of the Bands winner, Undefeated, from Lowville rocked out its winning set on January 18. L-r: Christian Dunckel on drums, Ian Birk on bass guitar and Meredith Dunckel, vocalist and guitar.

rocked the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center for three hours on January 18. Because of the snow, the 2020 Battle of the Bands concert drew a lighter crowd than the usual of just over 100 to the JCC Neulander Family Sports and Fitness Center’s Schayes Family Gymnasium. However, there was no loss of enthusiasm among the musicians and those in attendance. The bands “rocked and grooved,” and the fans ate it all up. In the end, rock band, Undefeated from Lowville Academy and Central School, walked away the winner. Along with bragging rights, Undefeated received $200 cash, nine hours of studio time at More Sound Recording Studio in Syracuse and $200 to perform at Winter Fair 2020 on February 9. “It was so great to come back so strong this year,” said Amy Bisnett, JCC associate director of children’s programming. “All of the bands were excellent. They played really well and it was such a fun evening. Many thanks to all of the bands, judges and everyone who came and rocked out with us.” This year’s lineup of bands was unique in that most

Menorah Park seeks 2020 Shining Stars

Menorah Park is seeking nominees for its 2020 Shining Stars event to be held on Thursday, May 21, “under the big tent.” Anyone who knows someone who exemplifies what a Shining Star should be – be it resident, volunteer, or employee of the Menorah Park facilities – should

send the nomination to Susie Drazen at Menorah Park, 4101 E Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13214, or sdrazen@ menorahparkofcny.com. Nominations are due no later than Friday, March 6. For more information, call 315446-9111, ext.141.

Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior dining menu FEBRUARY 17-21 Monday – tomato basil soup, grilled cheese Tuesday – stuffed cabbage Wednesday – hot pastrami on rye Thursday – pita bread veggie pizza Friday – chicken rollatini FEBRUARY 24-28 Monday – teriyaki crispy baked chicken wings Tuesday – Thanksgiving sandwich Wednesday – mac ‘n cheese Thursday – oven-roasted herb chicken Friday – Saratoga trout MARCH 2-6 Monday – cheese quiche Tuesday – sweet and sour meatballs Wednesday - hot pastrami on rye Thursday – mac n’ cheese Friday – Purim celebration – hoisin salmon 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 through Friday at noon. Lunch reservations are

required by noon on the previous business day. 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 further information or to make a reservation, contact Cindy Stein at 315-4452360, ext. 104, or cstein@jccsyr.org.

The JCC’s Amy Bisnett (second from left), associate director of children’s programming, presented the $200 cash prize to members of the winning band, Undefeated. L-r: Christian Dunckel, Bisnett, Meredith Dunckel and Ian Birk. were from outside the immediate Syracuse suburbs. Undefeated left Lowville very early because of the long drive and falling snow – only to arrive at the JCC extremely early as the roads weren’t all that bad. The three members of the winning band describe their musical style as their “own brand of rock mixed with metal, and a lil’ bit o’ glitter.” Audience members said they were certainly shining as they “got their groove on” playing some very hard-hitting, melodic tunes. The trio opened with “Warrior” by Ledger and followed with three of their originals, “Ghost,” “Where Are You” and “Shadows with Ending.” See “Bands” on page 8

Hebrew InterestFree Loan

The Jewish Federation of Central New York has instituted the Hebrew Interest-Free Loan program to help Jewish people get past a temporary financial need. To learn more about the program or to see if you qualify, visit the Federation’s website, www. jewishfederationcny.org.

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CONGREGATIONAL NOTES Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas CBS-CS CONCLUDES ISRAELI MOVIE SERIES On Wednesday, February 26, at 7 pm, the third of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas’ films, “Fill the Void,” from the Israel Film Series will be shown. A 2012 Venice Film Festival winner for Best Actress, the film was selected as the Israeli entry for Best Foreign Language Oscar at the 85th Academy Awards. It tells the story of Shira, the youngest daughter of a Chasidic family who is about to be married in an arranged marriage to a young man. When her 28-year-old sister dies during childbirth, Shira’s brother-in-law is left to care for the newborn and Shira’s promised marriage is postponed. As the film unfolds, we learn that the families decide that Shira should

marry her widowed brother-in-law instead. Rama Burshtein, the first Orthodox Jewish woman to direct a film intended to be viewed outside the Orthodox community, said she hoped to create a greater understanding of the Orthodox community, in part, by dispelling misconceptions that women are often forced into arranged marriages. INTERGENERATIONAL SHABBAT Ruach HaShabbat (the Spirit of the Sabbath), a new intergenerational service, will be held at CBS-CS on Saturday, February 29, at 11 am. Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone and Executive Director Melissa Harkavy hope participants will reconnect with family, friends and God while exploring the meaning of Shabbat and its rituals in a ruach-filled service.

Temple Concord TC PARTICIPATING IN WORLD ZIONIST CONGRESS ELECTIONS Temple Concord, along with Reform congregations all over the world, encourages everyone to participate in the World Zionist Congress elections. Every four years, the World Zionist Congress convenes as a “parliament of the Jewish people” to make decisions, set policies and allocate nearly $1 billion annually to Jews and Jewish causes all over the world. The United States elects

152 delegates, and the Reform Movement has been the largest delegation from the United States for some time. Temple Concord encourages people to stop by the TC office and vote, or go online to zionistelection.org. A small fee applies. Participating in the World Zionist Congress allows all Jews the opportunity to make their voices heard and move world Jewry closer to the ideal of klal Yisrael, with every person accepting responsibility for each other.

Barks & Rec

Specialty: Doggie daycare, hotel and self-service washand-go Location: 8098 Brewerton Rd. Cicero NY, 13039 Name: Maria Phone: 315-214-8122 E-mail: barksandrec@ymail.com Website: http://www.barksandrec.biz/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/BarksRec Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6:30 am-6:30 pm, Sat.-Sun 9 am-2 pm; 24/7 dog hotel “Here at Barks & Rec, whether your four-legged friend is here for daycare, boarding, grooming, or the Do-it-Yourself wash, we make it our priority to ensure that every one of our guests are as comfortable as possible during their stay,” says owner Maria. “Between the fenced-in woof-less Puppy-PlayPlace and the indoor Leash-Free-Lounge, our veterinarian recommended facility includes a multitude of amenities so that we can accommodate guests of all shapes and sizes. It can be real ruff staying home alone all day, waiting for your best friend to come home from work, so bring your furry friend down to Barks & Rec and we’ll turn that sad howl into a smile from the jowl!”

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Temple Adath Yeshurun SE’UDAH SHELISHIT BY SONALI MCINTYRE The next se’udah shelishit at TAY will be held on Saturday, February 15. Traditionally, Shabbat is celebrated with three festive meals: one on Friday night when Shabbat begins, another following morning services and a third meal (se’udah shelishit) in between Mincha (afternoon) and Ma’ariv (evening) services, just before Shabbat departs. The afternoon will begin with a Mincha service at 4:15 pm. Congregants can have a warm meal together, which will include time for singing, study and family activities. The program will conclude with a Ma’ariv service at 6:05 pm, followed by Havdalah. Temple Adath Yeshurun encourages the TAY family to come and “warm their minds, bodies and souls with a festive Shabbat meal.” For more information, contact the TAY office at 315-445-0002 or info@adath.org, or visit www.adath.org.

BOOK DISCUSSION AT TAY On Sunday, February 23, at 9:30 am, there will be a book discussion at Temple Adath Yeshurun on “The Last Watchman of Old Cairo” by Michael David Lukas. The book is the winner of the American Library Association’s Sophie Brody Award, the National Jewish Book Award in Fiction and the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature. It is the story of Joseph, a literature student at Berkeley, and the son of a Jewish mother and Muslim father. He receives a package that pulls him into an adventure to uncover the centuries-old history that binds the two sides of his family. In a 2018 review of the book, Esther Nussbaum of the Jewish Book Council said, “Joining the considerable list of books and articles inspired by the ‘discovery’ of the documents of the geniza in the Ben Ezra Synagogue of Fustat (Old See “TAY” on page 7

At right: Sonali McIntyre, the TAY media and PR coordinator, posed with Cookie from Helping Hounds Dog Rescue and several donations collected at Temple Adath Yeshurun and the Rothschild Early Childhood Center. This collection project was part of a Day of Service program with the SUNY Cobleskill Alumni Association. McIntyre is a 2009 graduate of SUNY Cobleskill and serves as secretary on the Executive Board of the Alumni Association.

Cheryl E. Schotz – Howard Hanna R.E. Services

Specialty: Real estate in the Manlius/Syracuse area Location: 102 W. Seneca St. #110 Manlius, NY 13104 Name: Cheryl E. Schotz Phones: 315-682-9500, ext. 329 315-447-4062 E-mail: cherylschotz@howardhanna.com Website: cherylschotz.howardhanna.com No one knows more about the opportunities in Syracuse and the surrounding areas than Cheryl E. Schotz, “The Manlius Specialist – Making All the Best Things Happen!” Cheryl is a licensed associate real estate broker with Howard Hanna R.E. Services. She has been a full-time agent since 1981, focusing on Fayetteville-Manlius, Pompey, Jamesville, DeWitt, Syracuse East, Cazenovia and Skaneateles. She specializes in several areas of real estate – listing agent, buyer broker, new construction, relocation, first-time buyer and senior residential specialist. Cheryl continues to upgrade her education, people skills and computer skills, giving her a competitive edge among real estate professionals. She is on the Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Foundation of CNY and the Greater Manlius Chamber of Commerce boards, and was the recipient of the 2018 Hanna G. Solomon Award. Cheryl is always available to assist you at 315-447-4062 or cherylschotz@howardhanna.com.

LARRY METZGER Owner

Fashion Exchange Consignment Clothing

Specialty: Women’s consignment clothier Location: Lyndon Corners 6903 E. Genesee St. Fayetteville, NY 13066 Name: Jean Daily Phone: 315-251-0414 E-mail: Feconsignment@gmail.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 am-6 pm, Sat. 10 am-5 am Fashion Exchange Consignment Clothing is located at Lyndon Corners in DeWitt. The shop offers gently used as well as new upscale boutique women’s clothing sized 0-24. Labels include Bryn Walker, Lilith, Gucci, Carlisle and Chico’s. Fashion Exchange provides a large selection of clothing, handbags, jewelry and more. New items arrive daily and consignors provide goods from all over the world! Come in for a truly a unique shopping experience. Fashion Exchange accepts consignments by appointment only and is always looking for designer clothing and handbags. Stop in and see what’s new! Gift certificates are available.

Did you know? (NAPSA) – The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (or EARN) offers free information to help employers of all sizes and industries tap the benefits of employing people with disabilities. It’s funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. Learn more at AskEARN.org. (NAPSA) – A University of Phoenix survey found the majority of hiring managers have employed military veterans and recognize them as possessing superior experience, including the ability to work both under pressure and with a team set them apart. To learn more, visit www. uschamberfoundation.org/hiring-our-heroes.

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FEBRUARY 13, 2020/18 SHEVAT 5780 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

Donations of gently used books sought for fund-raiser BY WILLIAM WALLAK Have any unwanted books lying around taking up space? Give them a new lease on life so that they’re useful to someone else. The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center is seeking donations of gently-used

Professors

books for its upcoming book sale fund-raiser. Books suitable for all ages and in generally good condition may be dropped off during regular business hours through Wednesday, March 4, at the JCC of Syracuse, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. No reference books

or textbooks will be accepted. The JCC’s used book sale will kick off during the Center’s upcoming Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 8, from noon-4 pm. The sale will continue Monday, March 9-Friday, March 27, during the JCC’s

regular business hours. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the JCC’s children’s and senior’s programs. For more information, contact Josh Van Alstyne at 315-445-2040, ext. 133, or jvanalstyne@jccsyr.org. Continued from page 1

population well, but Israel is a thriving country nevertheless. I don’t know how you could come to Israel and not be impressed,” he told JNS. After visiting minority populations in Israel, Dutch reported that they “pointed out how things could be improved in Israel, but they are proud Israelis nevertheless, which was eye-opening to us.” He continued, saying, “We met Druze people who served in the military, volunteering to be drafted. We visited Arab communities

where they work with Israeli women for female empowerment – something we could do better at in the U.S.” Dutch voiced his hope that he will return to Israel next year on a teaching assignment and bring students back to some of the research facilities he saw. “There are wonderful opportunities to interact academically; you need to come here and see it,” he said. Beth Choate, professor of environmental science from Allegheny College in

Faculty Fellowship participants met with Professor Daniel A. Chamovitz, president of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. (Photo by Vivian Grossman)

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

Specialty: Residential real estate Location: 102 W. Seneca St. Suite 110 Manlius, NY 13104 Name: Beth R. MacCrindle, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Phones: 315-682-9500, ext. 354 315-299-7794 (cell) E-mail: bethmaccrindle@howardhanna.com Website: howardhanna.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm, also available nights and weekends “My priority is completely satisfied clients who want to refer me,” says Beth R. MacCrindle, an Associate RE Broker at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. “My clients work directly with me throughout the entire process. I encourage them to contact me anytime, even after their house has closed. I want to thank community members for entrusting me with their real estate needs for over five years.” Beth’s strengths include understanding color, space and design, as she taught art for many years. “My creative abilities extend into marketing and negotiating the best deal for you,” says Beth. “I will work hard for you in every detail and step of the way. I also have sophisticated photographic equipment to help show off the features of your property! Consider ‘interviewing’ me if you’re thinking of buying or selling your home.”

Pennsylvania, left the trip feeling “inspired on a professional level” by the “Israeli grit, industriousness and spirit of pride in Israel, which is rooted in a respect for the people who came before them. “This is something that was lost in the U.S.,” she told JNS. “Israelis view failure as a step forward, while in the U.S., failure is a bad thing.” Professor Ugochukwu Anieto, who teaches biological sciences at Texas A&M University, came away “impressed by the

determination and hard-working people of Israel trying to change the world. Israelis can squeeze water from stone; they have made the desert bloom,” he told JNS. He also said, “I intend to come to Israel as much as I can. I want to make it every year.” In his work back on campus, added Anieto, “I’ve appointed myself a representative for the state of Israel, and my goal is to encourage students to seek research options in Israel.”

At right: Faculty Fellowship participants met with Lt. Col. (Res.) Tiran Attia, director of Jewish National FundUSA affiliate Special in Uniform, on top of Mount Bental in northern Israel. (Photo b y Vi v i a n Grossman)

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ FEBRUARY 13, 2020/18 SHEVAT 5780

D’VAR TORAH

Action or belief: Which is first? BY ROBERT TORNBERG Parashat Mishpatim begins with the words, “These are the rules (mishpatim) that you shall set before them.” It continues with a detailed list of mitzvot, including laws about the treatment of slaves; the consequences of murder, kidnapping, or cursing one’s parents; the responsibilities of one person to another in cases of damage or neglect; and some of the rules about Shabbat and holidays. All together this parasha contains 53 of the 613 mitzvot in the Torah. Close to the end of this portion, our ancestors (and we, since tradition says we and all Jews who would ever live were there) stood at the base of Sinai:”Then he [Moses] took the Book of the Covenant and read it aloud to the people. And they said ‘na’aseh v’nishma.’” (Ex. 24:7). The word “na’aseh” is fairly straightforward and means, “We will do/act upon [the mitzvot].” Nishma is a bit more complicated. It can mean “We will hear/listen/ understand/obey.” These are not all exactly the same and commentary on its actual meaning could be the focus of this d’var Torah. However, I am pretty sure you can get the idea – at least you are probably in the ball park – of its meaning from this brief “translation” – we will act

upon the mitzvot and we will understand/hear/listen/obey. There is – at least to me – a more interesting problem. As people living in the Western world, and particularly in the United States, I believe when we are asked to buy something, do something or follow a new rule or regulation, we want to understand everything about the product, action or law before we agree to anything. We tend to rush to the Internet and read reviews, opinions and research prior to eating in a restaurant, buying a product or even voting. “Google” has actually become a verb! Which brings me to our verse, na’aseh v’nishma– “we will act upon the mitzvot and we will understand/hear/ listen/obey.” How could our ancestors agree to follow the commandments before they understood them as implied by the order of the words in the verse? Now, you could simply dismiss this question by saying that the word order doesn’t matter, but there is a principle in Torah study that indicates that anything that seems out of place or slightly “off” needs an explanation. Which is exactly what some of our commentators attempted to do. Rashbam (1085-1158, France) explained our phrase to mean “we will carry out what God has said already,

and we are prepared to listen [obey] to what God will command from here on [in the future].” S’forno (1475-1550, Italy) suggested that this is a reference to action designed to ensure that they could obey God directives without thought of any reward that might be in store for by doing this.” In Mechilta DeRabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (a midrash on Exodus attributed to Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, second century, Judea) we learn, “Since they had initially prioritized doing, Moses said to them, ‘Is doing possible without hearing? Hearing brings one to doing.’ They responded, ‘We will do and we will hear,’ meaning ‘We will do what we hear.’” While these comments do not make it crystal clear what “nishma” in our phrase actually means or why the text seems to be in reverse logical order, they do confirm that there are nuanced perspectives on this. But is that enough to help us? Personally, I must admit that, while I find these explanations creative and interesting, I don’t find them very satisfying. Instead, the phrase “na’aseh v’nishma” has a different, but very clear, meaning for me. See “Belief” on page 8

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Specialty: Ophthalmology Location: 4000 Medical Center Dr. Ste. 207 Fayetteville, NY 13066 Name: William M. Tucker, M.D. Phone: 315-637-1010 Fax: 315-315-2010 E-mail: office@tuckereyecare.com Website: www.tuckereyecare.com Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 7:30 am-5 pm, Fri. 7:30 am-12 pm Dr. William Tucker, born and raised in Syracuse, graduated from Nottingham High School, Swarthmore College, University of Virginia Medical School, University of Rochester (Strong Memorial Hospital) Residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, and University of Washington Residency and Research Fellowship in Ophthalmology. He achieved board certification in Ophthalmology as well as Internal Medicine, a rare combination. Dr. Tucker has practiced ophthalmology in the Syracuse area since 1988, treating patients with many eye diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye and macular degeneration. He specializes in dry eye care, running an accredited dry eye center. He provides eye care to patients of all ages, especially patients with emergency eye problems. Dr. Tucker’s family taught him the importance of helping others. Carrying on his family tradition, he supports numerous community charities and the Dalai Lama.

FEBRUARY 13, 2020/18 SHEVAT 5780 ■

OBITUARIES HILLARY G. BILFORD

Hillary G. Bilford, 63, of East Syracuse, NY, died on February 4 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She was a 1974 graduate of Nottingham High School. She graduated from SUNY Oswego in 1978 and received her master of arts in gerontology from the University of South Florida in 1982. She also received her master’s in social work from Syracuse University in 2006 and was a social worker at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She loved to travel around the world, and especially enjoyed her trip to Egypt with her mother. She was predeceased by her father, Herbert, in 1993 and her mother, Roslyn, in 2018. She is survived by her brother, Howard Bilford, of Miami, FL; as well as several close friends. Burial was with her parents in the Congregation Kneses Tifereth Israel Cemetery in Glenville, CT. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions may be made to the Hillary G. Bilford Fund at the Central New York Community Foundation, 431 E. Fayette St., Syracuse, NY 13202. 

Calendar Highlights

To see a full calendar of community events, visit the Federation's community calendar online at www.jewishfederationcny.org. NOTE CONTACT CHANGE: Notify kpiirak@jewishfederationcny.org of any calendar changes.

Wednesday, February 12 Deadline for February 27 Jewish Observer Monday, February 3 Deadline for March 1 Jewish Observer March 2 Monday, Deadline for April 1 Jewish Observer Saturday, February 15 CBS-CS Lunch and Learn: “How Do Our Texts Explain Evil in the World?” at 12:15 pm Temple Adath Yeshurun se’udah shelishit at 4:15 pm Sunday, February 16 Temple Adath Yeshurun “Foundations for Jewish Life” class at 10:45 am Sunday, February 23 TAY “Foundations for Jewish Life” class at 10:45 am TAY Sisterhood book discussion of “The Last Watchman of Old Cairo” by Michael David Lukas at 9:30 am Monday, February 24 CBS-CS advanced beginner Hebrew class at 6 pm Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse presents Ya’akov Frohlich speaking on Israeli Ethiopian Jews at 7 pm TC “Joseph/Yusuf – Where Torah and Qu’ran Meet” with Maggid Jim Brulé from 7-8 pm Tuesday, February 25 TC Talmud with Rabbi Daniel Fellman at 12:30 pm Rabbi Jacob Epstein School of Jewish Studies at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas at 6:30 pm Wednesday, February 26 Syracuse Community Hebrew School at Temple Concord from 4-6 pm CBS-CS Israeli Film Series: “Fill the Void” at 7 pm Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse “Taking the Mystery out of the Chevra Kadisha” with a short film at 7 pm Thursday, February 27 TAY “How Did We Get Here? Emergence of the Modern Jewish Movements” class with Rabbi Yehoshua Zehavi at 7 pm Friday, February 28 TAY Tot Shabbat and dinner at 5:30 pm Saturday, February 29 CBS-CS intergenerational Ruach HaShabbat at 11 am CBS-CS USY pizza making at 7 pm TAY explanatory services at 9:15 am Sunday, March 1 CBS-CS Lost in the Library at 10:30 am TC Gan program on Purim at 10:30 am TAY “Foundations for Jewish Life” class at 10:45 am TAY American Red Cross blood drive 9 am-2 pm TAY InterFaith Family Forum at noon Tuesday, March 3 Rabbi Jacob Epstein School of Jewish Studies at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas at 6:30 pm Wednesday, March 4 Syracuse Community Hebrew School at Temple Concord from 4-6 pm

JEWISH OBSERVER

New nature reserves to open in Judea and Samaria

BY JNS STAFF (JNS) – Israel’s Defense Minister Naftali Bennett approved on January 15 the creation of seven new nature reserves in Judea and Samaria. This is the first time that new nature reserves have been declared in the disputed territories since Israel signed the Oslo Accords with the Palestinian Authority in 1993. Bennett’s office said in a statement that the plan was put off for years because the government previously refused to authorize it. The locations for the seven new nature reserves – all located in Area C, areas of Judea and Samaria fully controlled by Israel – are the Ariel Cave, Wadi Og, Wadi Malha, the Southern Jordan River, Bitronot Creek, Nahal View of Wadi Malha in the Jordan Valley on March 9, 2019. (Photo by Tirza and Rotem-Maskiot in the Arvot Yossi Zamir/Flash90) Hayarden area. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority will oversee and continuing to develop Jewish settlement in Area C the opening of the new sites, as well as the expansion of through actions, not words,” said Bennett. 12 existing reserves. Bennett’s office said the Palestinian “There are nature sites with stunning landscapes in Authority will be notified about the changes. It is unclear Judea and Samaria,” he added. “We’ll expand the existing whether the nature reserves would be open to Palestinian ones and also develop new sites. I invite all Israelis to get residents as well. up and roam through the land, come to Judea and Samaria, “Today, we’re giving a great boost to the land of Israel hike, discover and continue the Zionist enterprise.”

TAY

Continued from page 4

Cairo) in the late 19 century, ‘The Last Watchman of Old Cairo’ plots a contemporary tale with flourishes of mystery, and current societal concerns.” Lukas is a graduate of Brown University and the University of Maryland. He received several scholarships for writing and was a Fulbright Scholar in Turkey. He has taught creative writing at 826 Valencia, The Writers’ th

Studio at Stanford University and the University of the Pacific. Lukas is best known for his novel “The Oracle of Stamboul.” His writing has been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and the San Francisco Chronicle. Book discussions are an initiative of the TAY Sisterhood and are open to the public.

At right, l-r: Isabella Weinberg, Lev Juni and Jillian Juni worked together to make a snuffle mat during TAY’s Family Havdalah program. Snuffle mats are toys that provide dogs with an opportunity to sniff and search for hidden treats. These mats, along with several other donations from families at Temple Adath Yeshurun and the Rothschild Early Childhood Center, were delivered to Helping Hounds Dog Rescue as part of a Day of Service program in collaboration with SUNY Cobleskill. At right, l-r: Among the Temple Adath Yeshurun Hazak members who attended lunch at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse on January 17 were Arlee Baskin, Sandra Townsend, and Sybil and Jack Schultz.

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

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ FEBRUARY 13, 2020/18 SHEVAT 5780

NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org

MLB to stop advertisements for Roger Waters after backlash from Jewish groups

Following backlash from Jewish groups, Major League Baseball said it will no longer run advertisements promoting anti-Israel activist and BDS supporter Roger Waters’ upcoming North American tour. MLB.com had been among the organizations sponsoring ticket presales for Waters’ “This Is Not a Drill” tour. MLB e-mailed baseball fans an advertisement featuring its logo, along with the logo of Waters’ tour, and offered fans an opportunity to purchase presale tickets. The promotion was part of an ad buy by AEG/Concerts West for multiple concert tours, according to The Associated Press. In a Jan. 29 letter sent to MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred, B’nai B’rith President Charles Kaufman and CEO Daniel Mariaschin expressed “deep dismay” at MLB.com’s advertisement. “Waters is an avowed antisemite whose views on Jews and Israel far exceed the boundaries of civil discourse,” they wrote, adding that they were “saddened and outraged that baseball … would use its online resources to publicize an individual with an alarming history of antisemitic hatred. We call on MLB to cease providing Roger Waters a platform.” The Zionist Organization of America said it was “horrified” by the MLB’s involvement in selling tickets for Waters’ tour, “especially in an era when attacks against American Jews have become an epidemic.” B’nai B’rith said on Feb. 7 that MLB replied that it will no longer run the ads and that the league stated it had no antisemitic intent in running the ads.

Madrid to open its first Jewish museum

Madrid will open a Jewish museum in a building that

Bands

Continued from page 3 “The JCC’s Battle of the Bands is an awesome event!” said Undefeated’s guitarist and lead vocalist Meredith Dunckel. “So much fun! Seeing other bands our age rockin’ out inspired us to keep moving forward. So much talent. Judges were so encouraging. Sound guys were top notch – and they were young, too! One of the friendliest events we’ve been to. Winning the battle was exciting, especially because the competition was fierce. Each band was completely different from the next and each unique in their brand of talent.” The other members of Undefeated are Christian Dunckel (Meredith’s brother), drums, and Ian Birk, bass guitar. They’ve been playing together for just over two years. Their three-year “bandiversary” is coming up on August 5. “Syracuse has some great venues for young musicians,” added Meredith. “I’d love to see it travel to the outlying areas as well, through central and upstate New York. Our band has had the opportunity to travel a bit around the northeastern states. Meeting other bands is great and we’d love to see more networking!” The other bands that battled it out with Undefeated this year were MK Ultra from Syracuse Academy of Science and Paul V. Moore High School (Central Square); Hypothermia from Paul V. Moore High School; Rogue Sound from Cortland High School and Homer Central High School; Filled to the Brim from New Hartford Senior High School, Perry Junior High (New Hartford), Vernon Verona Sherrill Middle School and Whitesboro Middle School; and Decent from Lafayette Junior-Senior High School. Judges for the 2020 JCC Battle of the Bands were Lorenzo Maldonado and Joe Morgan from More Sound Recording Studio and Karley Harmon from Family Times Magazine. This year’s Battle of the Bands was sponsored by More Sound Recording Studio. For every high school student admission, the JCC donated $1 to his or her school district’s music department. For more information about the Battle of the Bands, contact Amy Bisnett at 315-445-2040, ext. 122, or abisnett@jccsyr.org.

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had been illegally occupied by members of the anti-capitalist Occupy network, the city’s mayor said on Feb. 6. “This is the only major capital in Western Europe without a museum, yet it has deep Jewish ties to countless Jews who continue to nurture the Sephardic culture since the expulsion of 1492 and their affection to Spain,” Mayor Jose Luis Martínez-Almeida said while announcing the decision. The museum is set to open within two years in a building nicknamed “The Ungovernable.” In November 2019, the mayor’s municipality won a legal battle to evict the squatters from the building, who had been living there since 2017. The museum will be leased for free for 50 years and Fundacion Hispano-Judia, a Madrid nonprofit that promotes Jewish heritage, will be responsible for providing funding for the museum, according to JTA. The publication Libertad Digital reported that a Jewish museum may help advance Madrid’s bid for UNESCO recognition of the central Cortes area, which is where the museum will be located. A Jewish museum was scheduled to open in 2017 in Lisbon, Portugal but has been stalled due to opposition by residents and some local politicians.

Israel upset at Belgium for inviting “terror supporters” to U.N. Security Council

Israel is furious at Belgium for continuing to act against Israel at the United Nations Security Council, including inviting a “one-sided, radical” pro-Palestinian activist to address council members. Belgium, which currently holds the rotating presidency for the UNSC, has invited Brad Parker, a senior official for a nonprofit called Defense for Children International – Palestine (or DCI-P), to speak at the council’s session. DCI-P accuses Israel of committing war crimes, supports the BDS movement and has ties to the U.S.-designated terrorist organization Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. “Belgium has positioned itself as one of the Security Council member states most hostile toward Israel,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lior Haiat told The Times of Israel. “Inviting a one-sided radical activist such as Mr. Parker to brief the Security Council is yet another negative record.” Israel’s Ambassador to Belgium Emmanuel Nahshon called out Belgium on Twitter for inviting “terror supporters” to the Security Council,

Belief

Continued from page 6

As Jews we focus primarily – although not solely – on real life living in this world. We are most concerned to partner with God in completing creation by making the world whole – shalaym (from which the word shalom, meaning “wholeness,” comes). We do this by doing mitzvot. Some other faith groups view the world differently. They begin with faith/belief. In fact, you can’t actually be considered a member in some groups if you don’t profess a belief. For them, a reason to do “good acts” is because you believe. We are, in some sense, just the opposite. We do mitzvot, and the assumption we make as Jews is that these actions to make the world better (yes, we assume that all mitzvot can improve the world), will help lead us to faith and belief. And the good news is that even if this doesn’t happen, we have made our life and the lives of those around us and the planet better by enacting mitzvot! In the words of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (former chief rabbi of United Hebrew Congregations, Great Britain, teacher, scholar and philosopher), “‘We will do and we will understand.’ From this they derive the conclusion that we can only understand Judaism by doing it, by performing the commands and living a Jewish life. In the beginning is the deed. Only then comes the grasp, the insight, the comprehension... The only way to understand a way of life is to take the risk of living it... We will do and eventually, through extended practice and long exposure, we will understand.” So, I challenge us to take a chance. Try a few mitzvot you don’t do now – not once or twice, but make a commitment to a longer period of time. You may be surprised at the insight or understanding you gain from this. You may even believe something different as a result. But, as I said before, in any case, you will have made the world a better place. Robert Tornberg, Ph.D., is a member of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas and its vice president for adult learning. Following a 40-year career as a Jewish educator in which he led both congregational and Jewish day schools, he is currently working as an evaluation consultant at the Office of Professional Research and Development in the School of Education at Syracuse University. He is a past president of the National Association of Temple Educators, a past vice-president of the Jewish Educators Assembly, and the author of books and articles on Jewish education. He and his wife, Julie, moved to Syracuse several years ago to be near their children and grandchildren.

and said, “This is extremely disappointing and we will express our outrage in the strongest possible terms.” Additionally, Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon wrote a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres saying DCI-P is “an arm of the PFLP in order to enact diplomatic terror against Israel…A place that promotes peace and security in the world has no room for people like Parker.”

Netanyahu: Israel is mapping lands for annexation

Israel has begun to map the Judea and Samaria lands that Israel will annex, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at an election campaign rally in Ma’ale Adumim on Feb. 8. “We are already at the height of the process of mapping the area that, according to the Trump plan, will become part of the state of Israel. It won’t take too long,” he said. With Israeli election campaigns under way, the Likud, and Blue and White parties have repeatedly made statements in favor of annexing parts of Judea and Samaria, including the Jordan Valley, eliciting many reactions both for and against. Netanyahu’s statements occur less than two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled his Middle East peace plan, which gave American approval for annexation, paving the way for the next Israeli government to actualize its campaign promises.

Kushner: it’s up to P.A. to make peace

U.S. President Donald Trump’s senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner blamed Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas on Feb. 6 for the increase in tensions and violence in the West Bank in response to the release of the Mideast peace plan on Jan. 28. He said that those who want a state “don’t call for days of rage and encourage their people to pursue violence if they’re not getting what they want,” and that Abbas “was surprised with how good the plan was for the Palestinian people, but he locked himself into a position.” Kushner warned that the plan, which he played a role in creating, “might be the last chance” for the Palestinians to have a state. After briefing the U.N. Security Council at a private lunch at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, Kushner told a small group of reporters that the window for a Palestinian state is close to being shut, considering the rate of expansion of Israeli neighborhoods, which may prevent the formation of a state for the Palestinians. Abbas was scheduled to address the U.N. Security Council on Feb. 11, followed by a planned news conference with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who objected to the proposal, which was accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Kushner labeled Olmert’s participation “almost pathetic.”

Reverse

Continued from page 2

specific to the site we infuse, so doing this is sufficient to get an aged phenotype of this very young brain. Our new data tell a different story about why the aged brain is not functioning well; it is because of this ‘fog’of inflammatory load. But when you remove that inflammatory fog, within days the aged brain acts like a young brain.” Administering a new anti-inflammatory drug that specifically targets TGF- signaling decreased the PSWE occurrences in BBB leakiness. The drug, a small molecule called IPW, not only helps to alleviate the effects of a leaky BBB, but seems to also heal the barrier. “These PSWEs may explain some of the symptoms we see in Alzheimer’s disease patients; therefore, lowering the PSWE burden may help those patients,” said Dr. Dan Milikovsky who led the project in Friedman’s laboratory. “Together, the evidence points to a dysfunction in the brain’s vasculature as one of the earliest triggers of neurological aging,” said Friedman. “This combination of two biomarkers and a drug gives us the innovative ability to diagnose and treat patients with blood-brain barrier leakiness, and cease treatment once the BBB closes and danger decreases.” Kaufer added, “We got here through this back door, starting with questions about plasticity having to do with the blood-brain barrier, traumatic brain injury and how epilepsy develops. But after we’d learned a lot about the mechanisms, we started thinking that maybe in aging it is the same story. This is new biology, a completely new angle on why neurological function deteriorates as the brain ages.” The researchers have started a company to develop IPW and other therapeutics with the goal of reducing brain inflammation, and thus permanent damage after stroke, concussion or traumatic brain injury. The drug may eventually help older adults suffering from early dementia or Alzheimer’s disease with demonstrated BBB leakage. This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01NS066005, R56NS066005), Bakar and Archer Foundations, European Union’s Seventh Framework Program, Israel Science Foundation, and the Binational Israel-USA Science Foundation.