Jewish Observer Newspaper

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7 ADAR II 5779 • MARCH 14, 2019 • VOLUME XXXX, NUMBER 6 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Federation Campaign 2019 updates BY COLLEEN BAKER The 2019 Campaign for the Jewish Federation of Central New York is well on its way to its goal of raising $1.3 million. Those funds help the Federation implement its mission by: Maintaining links with and supporting the national Jewish community, Israel and every part of the world Building a thriving Jewish community and enriching its educational, cultural and social life Raising funds for the support of over-

seas, national and local Jewish philanthropic agencies Providing for central planning, coordination, administration and leadership development for local Jewish communal services Safeguarding and defending the civic, economic and religious rights of the Jewish people Representing the Jewish community in inter-religious and inter-group activities Ascertaining the will of the Jewish community on matters affecting the total

community and acting as its spokesperson in such matters. “Gifts and pledges to the Campaign from more than 608 donors passed the $736,000 mark at the end of February,” said CEO Michael Balanoff. Eighty-nine donors have increased their gifts by $100 or more, taking advantage of the Hootnick book incentive, and 44 donors have made Campaign commitments of $5,000 or more. Campaign Chair Neil Rube said, “In my role as Federation’s 2019 Campaign chair,

I’ve engaged with many in our community. It is clear to me from the generosity shown by donors – some of whom are stepping up to the plate for the first time – that there is widespread recognition of the critical need for a strong Jewish Federation presence here. Whether one is giving or receiving Campaign funds, the Jewish community of Central New York is united in the reality that everyone counts.” To contribute to this year’s Campaign, visit www.jewishfederationcny.org or call Colleen Baker at 315-445-2040, ext. 102.

Save the date: JCC of Syracuse annual meeting and award recipients BY WILLIAM WALLAK A celebration of community service and selfless giving will highlight the upcoming Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse’s 156th annual meeting and gala presented by naming sponsor The Wladis Companies. The event will be held on Sunday, June 2, from 11 am-2 pm, at Owera Vineyards in Cazenovia. Five awards will be presented this year in recognition of outstanding service given to the JCC and the local community. The theme – repeated from last year – will be a “New York Kosher Deli Experience,” catered once again by Essen New York Deli of Brooklyn.

The gala is considered the JCC’s biggest and most important annual fund-raiser. It has been called a celebration unlike any other in the Central New York Jewish community, when friends and families come together to benefit the JCC of Syracuse and pay tribute to those who have acted selflessly. A cocktail hour will kick off the event, followed by a deli brunch. A brief business meeting will then give way to the community service awards ceremony. As in previous years, the gala’s proceeds will provide funding for scholarships to individuals in the JCC’s early childhood, after school, summer camp and senior programs.

First person

A musical family Shabbat BY SETH GOLDBERG The “Friday Night Live! A Musical Family Shabbat” dinner held on March 1 at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse was special. It was a collaborative effort that brought together families from across the local community to enjoy a musical Shabbat celebration.

Nearly 50 Jewish children had fun dancing and singing with musician Jacob “Spike” Kraus, leading Shabbat prayers, eating fish sticks and mac and cheese (delicious for the adults, too), and exuding Jewish ruach. Adults, not just the parents, kvelled while the children enjoyed themselves. It See “Shabbat” on page 3

This year’s honorees represent a wide range of dedication and support. The Kovod Award, which signifies honor and importance, will be presented to JCC board member and Vice President Phil Rubenstein. He also currently serves as chair of the board’s Security Committee. Rubenstein is president of East Syracuse-based United Radio. The Kovod Gadol Award, the JCC’s highest honor, which in Hebrew translates to “great honor,” will be presented this year to Rabbi Evan Shore. He has been called a true community rabbi, who has served as spiritual leader of Sha’arei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse for the past 29 years. Two JCC Hall of Fame awards will be presented this year to individuals who have given much to the community. They are Robin and Neil Goldberg and Barbara Davis. Neil Goldberg is president/CEO of the locally-based company Raymour and Flanigan Furniture. The Goldbergs are longtime community supporters. Davis is a Jewish educator, former co-head and head of school of the Syracuse Hebrew Day School, retired Onondaga Community College professor and author. This year’s Leslie Award, the fourth to be given since being introduced in 2016, will be presented to Jessica Malzman, JCC board member and a member of the board’s gala committee. Malzman is a

director and the chief operating officer at Whitney Partners in New York City. “The Leslie” recognizes outstanding commitment and service to the JCC and local See “JCC” on page 3

2019 Federation Campaign Annual Pay it forward and donate to the 2019 Jewish Federation of CNY Annual Campaign

Goal: $1,300,000

$748,788 as of March 7, 2019

Thank you for your support!

For more information, please contact Colleen Baker at 315-445-2040, ext. 102, or Cbaker@jewishfederationcny.org

Follow the Jewish Federation of Central New York for the latest updates! @Jewish-Federation-Of-Central-New-York @JewishFederationOfCNY There was a large turnout of families and children at the “Friday Night Live! A Musical Family Shabbat” dinner on March 1 at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse.

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

March 15......................... 6:53 pm................................................... Parashat Vayikra March 22......................... 7:01 pm........................................................ Parashat Tzav March 29......................... 7:09 pm..................................................Parashat Shemini

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Purim

JMAC fund-raiser

Cyber-security

Area synagogues announce A Jewish Music and Cultural Israel views global partnerships Purim celebrations; hamantashen Festival fund-raiser will feature as the key to thwarting cyberrecipes; a look at Purim’s heroes. the Sam Asher Trio. security threats. Story on page 3 Stories on pages 2 and 6 Story on page 5

PLUS Classifieds................................ 6 Calendar Highlights............... 6 Obituaries................................. 7 Spring Home & Garden......... 8


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