Syr0315 by Jewish Federation of CNY

7 ADAR II 5776 • MARCH 17, 2016 • VOLUME XXXVII, NUMBER 6 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Save the date – Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse annual meeting and award recipients BY WILLIAM WALLAK A celebration of community service and giving will be held at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse’s 153rd annual meeting and gala on Sunday, June 5, from 11 am-2 pm, at Owera Vineyards in Cazenovia. The JCC will present five awards recognizing “outstanding service” to the JCC and the local community. In addition to the awards, this year will be the inaugural presentation of the Leslie Award (see the Leslie Award sidebar below), which honors the spirit of the late Leslie London Neulander. The event will be held at Owera Vineyards in Cazenovia and will feature an American country brunch. The gala is considered the JCC’s “biggest and most important” annual

fund-raiser. At the celebration, friends and families of the Central New York Jewish community are invited to come together to benefit the JCC and pay tribute to those who are said to have “acted so generously.” A cocktail hour will start the event and lead into the brunch. This will be followed by a brief business meeting and then 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. This year’s honorees are said to represent “a wide spectrum of dedication and support.” The new Leslie Award, which recognizes “outstanding commitment and service” to the JCC and the local communi-

ty – features considered to be “embodied” by London Neulander – will be presented to JCC board member and treasurer Sara Temes. An attorney with Bond, Schoeneck and King, and a 2015 Syracuse 40 Under 40 honoree, Temes is considered “a rising star” among local young Jewish women who hold leadership positions. The Kovod Award, which signifies “honor and importance,” will be presented to JCC board member Joanne Maloff. She is said to have been “very involved” with the JCC for years, providing “exemplary service” to the organization, including serving as co-chair of the gala committee. The Kovod Gadol Award, meaning “great honor” and regarded as the JCC’s highest honor, will be presented to the team of Steven and Robin Sisskind. In ad-

JCC introduces the Leslie Award The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse has invited the community to attend the launch of a new award at the JCC’s annual meeting and gala on Sunday, June 5, from 11 am-2 pm, at Owera Vineyards in Cazenovia. The award is named “The Leslie,” in honor of the late Leslie London Neulander, a JCC and community volunteer. It will be presented for the first time to JCC board member and treasurer Sara Temes, an attorney with Bond, Schoeneck and King. The Leslie Award recognizes “outstanding commitment and service” to the JCC and to the local community, as these qualities were said to be

“personified” by London Neulander throughout her volunteer pursuits. The award is said to be “very special” and has “strict criteria” for choosing the honoree, so “The Leslie” may not be presented every year. “Leslie was extremely committed to the community and would oftentimes go above and beyond in extraordinary ways,” said Marci Erlebacher, JCC executive director. “She was not only committed to the Jewish community; but she crossed boundaries and reached out to many other areas of the community. From helping to build houses in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, to serving lunch to our Early Childhood Development Program

teachers, Leslie would roll up her sleeves and pitch in where needed. By recognizing others in Leslie’s name with this award, Leslie’s legacy will continue through each honoree’s good works and the marks that they leave on our community. “It’s fitting that we will present the first Leslie Award to Sara Temes. She has demonstrated that same ‘take charge’ drive that Leslie embodied to cross boundaries and help others here at the JCC and around the community. In awarding this distinction for the first time, I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving to honor and carry on all that Leslie stood for.” For more information about the JCC’s 2016 gala, call 445-2360.

Federation seeking Holocaust survivors BY JUDITH STANDER The Yom Hashoah Planning Committee of the Jewish Federation of Central New York is planning for the community Yom Hashoah memorial observance to be held on Sunday, May 1, at 3 pm. Temple Concord, located at 910 Madison St., Syracuse, will be this year’s host congregation. The organizers are seeking survivors and those who helped save Jews residing in the local community, especially individuals who may not yet have participated in Yom Hashoah events in Central New York. Anyone who was rescued by the kindertransport, survived any of the concentration camps, left Europe to escape the Holocaust, helped liberate any of the camps or hid Jews during this time can contact Judith Stander at 445-0161, ext. 114, or at jstander@jewishfederationcny.org. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum defines a survivor as a person who was displaced, persecuted and/

or discriminated against by the racial, religious, ethnic and political policies of the Nazis and their allies. In addition to former inmates of concentration camps and ghettos, this includes refugees and people in hiding, among others. This year’s program will focus on “rescue.” The featured speaker will be Stanlee Stahl, executive vice president of the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous. The organization holds programs throughout the year to pay tribute to and preserve the legacy of non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. FEDERATION BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE The Jewish Federation of Central New York recognizes the importance of memorializing the names of as many individuals and families as possible who perished throughout the years known as the Shoah. To this end, Federation maintains a

leather-bound “Book of Remembrance” in its archives. This book contains the names of many individuals and families who were lost during the Holocaust. Federation has also created portable pillars that display each of the names. The pillars will be on display before and after the program. Each year, at the annual community Yom Hashoah memorial observance, these names are also read aloud at the beginning of the program to assure that they will be remembered. To submit the names of family members or friends lost in the Holocaust to the Federation’s Book of Remembrance, contact Judith Stander at 445-0161, ext. 114, or at jstander@jewishfederationcny.org.

dition to being longtime JCC members and supporters, the Sisskinds are said to have been “very involved” with the local Jewish community. Steven is the JCC’s board president and an Executive Board member of Temple Adath Yeshurun and Menorah Park. Robin is the corresponding secretary of the Women of Temple Adath and has been an award-winning Weight Watchers leader for more than 32 years. The two of them have also co-chaired Menorah Park’s Shining Stars event for the past 12 years. Two individuals who are said to have “generously given much to the community and the JCC” will receive the Hall of Fame Award. Phil Stein, who died last spring, was a partner with D’Arcangelo and Co. LLP. He was also the JCC’s accountant for many years and was said to be “always willing to serve the center.” A congregant of Temple Concord, he was active in the community with Temple Concord, Menorah Park and Junior Achievement. This year’s other Hall of Fame Award recipient, Helen Marcum, is a former JCC board member. She helped to further “chip away” at the JCC Board of Directors’ glass ceiling more than three decades ago by becoming the Center’s second female board president. In doing so, she also helped pave the way for future female leaders on the JCC board. Marcum See “Meeting” on page 5

2016 Federation Annual Campaign Goal: $1,200,000

805,812

as of March 14, 2016

To make a pledge, contact Marianne Bazydlo at 445-2040 ext. 102 or mbazydlo@jewishfederationcny.org.

C A N D L E L I G H T I N G A N D P A R AS H A March 18..................6:57 pm.........................................................Parasha-Vayikra March 25..................7:05 pm..............................................................Parasha-Tsav April 1.......................7:13 pm....................................................... Parasha-Shemini

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Safe Haven

Pre-college program

Congregational notes

The Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee The Jewish Federation, Hillel and Tot Shabbat, Shirat Shabbat, Shelter Museum unveils plans for the Epstein School will host a pre- Mitzvahpalooza and more are college program on campus issues. announced by area synagogues. the Safe Haven Institute. Story on page 3 Story on page 2 Stories on page 4

PLUS Summer Camps....................... 2 Calendar Highlights............... 6 Spring Home and Garden...... 6 Obituaries................................. 7

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ MARCH 17, 2016/7 ADAR II 5776

Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum to unveil plans for the Safe Haven Institute

BY JOHN BENTZ Volunteers from the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum, considered a “treasured regional cultural organization,” were at the museum on March 13 to unveil plans for the new Safe Haven Institute, which will be located in a 5,000-square-foot addition connected to the current museum. It will expand the organization’s mission from document-

ing the lives of the 982 refugees from the Holocaust in Europe who were offered sanctuary at the Fort Ontario Emergency Relief Shelter, to include promoting the study, debate, dissemination and education on issues such as the Holocaust, the effects of discrimination and the plight of refugees past and present. Reverend George DeMass, president of the museum’s Board of Directors,

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said, “This new direction is essential to the museum’s future. We have been quietly working on putting things into place, and I think that people will be genuinely excited when they see what we have in store.” He added that this unveiling comes at “an important time,” noting that the current refugee crisis overseas has become an international episode that could have a significant impact on the United States. He said, “What we are seeing today in places like Syria – people fleeing their homes and seeking shelter in other countries – is not unlike what took place nearly 75 years ago. This means that the story of the 982 refugees who came to Oswego is still very relevant today and we want to create a place where it can serve an important purpose for current and future generations.” The museum is in the very early stages of fund-raising for the new Institute, but the plan’s unveiling was “not about raising money.” Nola Heidlebaugh, a recently retired professor at SUNY Oswego and now a museum board member and active volunteer, was said to be a “driving force behind

the vision.” She said, “The museum has been serving our area for almost 15 years. We have come a long way since then, but we have always felt that this place had a higher calling. We believe the Safe Haven Institute will be transformative. It is that meaningful.” DeMass agreed, saying that the institute’s programs would have ancillary benefits as well. “It will make our community a destination for people from throughout the United States and beyond,” he concluded. “The resulting economic impact could be quite significant.” The proposed floor plan and a conceptual rendering of the exterior were on display. When the refugees arrived in 1944, what is now the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum was located in the Emergency Refugee Shelter’s administration building. Organizers say that the museum’s success since opening in 2002 is attributed to “the hard work of its all-volunteer leadership.” Hundreds of hours have been invested in creating displays, exhibits and stories. Research has been conducted and is ongoing in order to ensure accuracy of interpretation.

Chabad megillah readings around the community Chabad Lubavitch of Central New York will offer members of the Jewish community a number of opportunities to hear the megillah read throughout Purim. A megillah reading will be held on Purim eve, Wednesday, March 23, at 8 pm, at the Chabad House, 825 Ostrom Ave., in the Syracuse University neighborhood. There will be a megillah reading and Purim blast at Chabad House beginning at 8:30 pm, with readings every hour throughout the night beginning at 9 pm. A megillah reading will be held on Purim day, Thursday, March 24, at 8:30 am, at Chabad House, and hourly

of Central New York

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Bette Siegel Syracuse Editor Publisher Jewish Federation of Central New York Inc. Ruth Stein Chair of the Board Linda Alexander Federation President/CEO Mark Field Vice President for Communications Editorial 5655 Thompson Rd. DeWitt, NY 13214

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from 11 am-3 pm. A megillah reading will be held at The Oaks at Menorah Park on March 24 at 2:15 pm. The final megillah reading will be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel Convention Center before the Purim dinner on March 24 at 5:30 pm. Chabad will also offer megillah readings at area hospitals and nursing homes, as well as other megillah readings throughout the day. Anyone who cannot make one of the listed readings should contact Chabad at 424-0363 or rabbirap@gmail.com for “Have megillah will travel.” 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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AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK

Federation, SU Hillel and Epstein host pre-college program BY JUDITH L. STANDER Local Jewish high school juniors and seniors, as well as their parents, have been invited attend a free pre-college program to learn about antisemitism and anti-Israel issues on many college campuses. The event will be held on Sunday, April 10, and will include a kosher deli lunch at 12:30 pm, which will be followed by the program. Reservations will be required by Monday, April 4, and

can be made by contacting Judith Stander at 445-0161, ext. 114, or jstander@jewishfederationcny.org. The program is being co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Central New York, Hillel at Syracuse University and the Rabbi Jacob Epstein High School of Jewish Studies, and will be held at the Winnick Hillel Center for Jewish Life, 102 Walnut Pl., Syracuse. Brian Small, executive director of Hillel at SU, will be the

Yom Hashoah essay and art competitions BY JUDITH STANDER The Jewish Federation of Central New York is accepting entries for the 2016 Yom Hashoah essay contest at three levels: middle school, high school and adult. Entries at all three levels are also encouraged for the Yom Hashoah art competition. The deadline for entries for both categories is Thursday, April 14, at noon. Submissions after this date will not be considered. This year’s theme will be “Why people rescue other people: What is our obligation to rescuing others?”

Organizers have pointed out that the Holocaust demonstrates “one of the strongest lessons about individual responsibility,” that each person has the choice to act or not, and that there are consequences for each person’s decision. “It reminds people of the fragility of democracy and the need for citizens to be well-informed and vigilant about the preservation of democratic ideals,” they noted. The 2016 community Yom Hashoah memorial observance will be held on Sunday, May 1, when the

moderator of this year’s event, along with student representatives from Hillel. He said, “We are honored to assist local students with their transition to colleges across the country. The college landscape, especially when it comes to Israel See “Pre-college” on page 6

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

DEADLINE

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Wednesday, Nov. 4............................. Nov. 19 Wednesday, Nov. 18............................. Dec. 3 Wedneday, Dec. 2............................... Dec. 17 Wednesday, Dec. 16........................... Dec. 31

See “Essay” on page 7

Ruth Federman Stein is Na’amat’s 2016 Woman of Achievement

BY KAREN MORTON Ruth Federman Stein will be honored as Na’amat’s 2016 Woman of Achievement at Na’amat USA Avodah Chapter’s annual donor luncheon on Sunday, April 17, at 10:30 am, at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas. Musical entertainment will be provided by Cantor Marvin Moskowitz. There will be a cost to attend and reservations have been requested to be sent to Co-President Karen Roberts at 446-2306 or karher5757@aol.com.

Ruth Stein

The local chapter selected Ruth Stein as its honoree this year based on her sustained involvement in the Jewish and secular communities. Now an educational consultant, she has been an English teacher; a Project Advance instructor; a board member and later president of the Syracuse City School District’s Board of Education, as well as its education commissioner; an adjunct Syracuse University instructor; a parttime LeMoyne College instructor; interim See “Stein” on page 6

Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior dining menu The Bobbi Epstein Lewis JCC Senior Adult Dining Program at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse offers Va’ad Ha’ir-supervised kosher lunches served Monday-Friday at noon. Lunch reservations are required by noon of 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 more information or to make a reservation, contact Cindy Stein at 445-2360, ext. 104, or cstein@jccsyr.org.

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ MARCH 17, 2016/7 ADAR II 5776

CONGREGATIONAL NOTES Temple Concord MITZVAHPALOOZA AT CONCORD Temple Concord’s Shabbat and Shabbaton on Saturday, March 19, has been called a “grand slam” for all ages. Starting at 11 am, there will be a Shabbat service led by Rabbi Daniel Fellman, Cantor Kari Siegel Eglash and members of the kindergarten, first and second grades. The annual event is designed to have some of the youngest members of the congregation participate. This particular Shabbat experience is considered to be “a good opportunity” for toddlers to come and see how they will be able to be a part of Shabbat in the sanctuary when they are old enough. Starting at noon, there will be a family Mitzvahpalooza event that will start with

lunch. Multiple projects are being planned to encourage everyone to work together to complete mitzvot for others in the community. Assisting with projects will be members of the Temple Youth of Concord and Junior Youth Group. Some of the projects are likely to be packing lunches for delivery to the Samaritan Center; making and packing mishloach manot to be distributed in the community; and working on making blankets for the Linus Project. Mitzvahpalooza is open to community members. Reservations have been requested to ensure sufficient lunch and project materials. There will be a fee with a family maximum. To make a reservation, contact the TC office at 475-9952 or office@ templeconcord.org as soon as possible.

Temple Adath Yeshurun TOT SHABBAT AND DINNER Temple Adath Yeshurun will hold the next Tot Shabbat and dinner for children under 5-years-old and their families on Friday, April 1, starting at 5:30 pm, at the synagogue. There will be a family Shabbat dinner and an interactive, musical Kabalat Shabbat service for young children. The program will be free and funded by the Edward and Marilyn Steinberg Family Fund for Tiny Tots and Preschool Children’s Programming. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Alicia Gross at alicia@adath.org or 445-0002. CORNELL UNIVERSITY’S A CAPPELLA GROUP THE CHAI NOTES TO PERFORM AT TAY BY SONALI WIJESURIYA Temple Adath Yeshurun has invited the community to a performance by Cornell University’s Jewish a cappella singing group, the Chai Notes, on Sunday, April 10, at 11 am, at TAY, 450 Kimber Rd., Syra-

Cantor Seth Warner, Temple Concord Cantor Kari Siegel Eglash, Cantor Lisa Doob and Cantor Brad Hyman posed together at the February 28 cantors’concert, which featured Jewish and secular music of many styles, from traditional to Broadway and more. Cantor Siegel Eglash, along with Cantors Doob, Hyman and Warner, were joined by Mary Sugar on the piano and Joe Eglash on guitar and bass. Four-year-old Isaac Duchene made “no-bake hamantashen” after reading “Better Than Best Purim” at Storah Time, the TAYRothschild Early Childhood Center’s Jewish enrichment program held Tuesday mornings at TAY. For more information, contact Alicia Gross at 445-0002 or alicia@adath.org.

Syracuse University professor, congressional candidate and Temple Concord congregant Eric Kingson was the featured speaker at the February 28 Brotherhood meeting at Temple Concord. The discussion focused on Social Security, as Kingson is a policy analyst and co-author of “Social Security Works!”

cuse. The performance will be presented by Temple Adath Yeshurun’s adult education chavurah group and will be funded by Ariel and Adam DuChene. There will be no charge to attend the performance. Ariel is a Cornell University graduate and former member of the Chai Notes. She said, “I am extremely excited about bringing the Cornell University Chai Notes to Syracuse. As an alumna of the group, I have been seeking an opportunity to have them perform here for our community. I know that we will all have a great time together and be thoroughly entertained.” The Chai Notes was founded in 1996. See “TAY” on page 7

Scarlett Davis jumped on a trampoline during the TAY Rothschild Early Childhood Center’s open gym on February 21. Approximately 30 families attended the program, which allowed children to play in a large indoor play space with a variety of activities while providing community building among the RECC families. The program was the first one organized by the Parent Advisory Council and administration of RECC. Future events have been planned. For more information about the RECC, contact the RECC at 445-0049 or recc@adath.org.

At right: The Cornell University Jewish a cappella group, the Chai Notes, will perform at Temple Adath Yeshurun on Sunday, April 10.

Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas SHIRAT SHABBAT WITH LISA LEVENS Lisa Levens will lead services on Friday, March 25, at 6 pm, at Congregation

Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas. A former member of the Zamir Chorale of Boston, Levens leads Kabalat Shabbat services once a month.

L-r:Yolanda Febles, Kelvin Porter, Linda Santanam, Pam Morris and Rachael Porter (mostly hidden) participated in the CBS-CSSisterhood project of making 3,000 hamantashen for the CBS-CS Purim baskets in the synagogue kitchen.

NEW HAFTARAH CHANTERS TO PARTICIPATE IN CBS-CS SERVICES For the last several months, Hanita Blair has been teaching the skills to chant haftarah to a group of Congregation Beth

Sholom-Chevra Shas adult congregants on Sunday mornings. The students will have an opportunity to use their new skills during Shabbat services on Saturday, March 26. Services begin at 9:30 am.

Members of the Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas “Oys and Joys” parenting group listened to child development expert Alice Honig speak about raising confident children.

MARCH 17, 2016/7 ADAR II 5776 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

JCC to hold March 25 The Day School Players vacation day camp for children present “Hansel and Gretel”

BY WILLIAM WALLAK The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse will offer a vacation day camp for school-age children in kindergarten-sixth grade on Friday, March 25, from 9 am-4 pm, at the JCC, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. There will be age-appropriate activities planned for the children during their day off from school. Half-day programs, as well as early and late care, extending the day from 7 am-6 pm, are also available. The camp’s half-day options run from 9 am-noon and 1-4 pm. Full-day campers have been asked to bring a non-meat lunch. An afternoon snack will be provided. Among the activities planned for the

day will be arts and crafts, computer games and sports. Morning activities will include planting seeds, fusing plastic bead creations together and basketball in the gym. The afternoon schedule will include spring-themed crafts, activities in the gym and a movie on the big screen. Early registration pricing and a discount for siblings are available through Monday, March 21. Registration is discounted for JCC members, but membership or JCC program enrollment is not required for a child to attend the March vacation day camp. For more information or to obtain a registration form, call 445-2360 or visit www.jccsyr.org.

DO YOU KNOW? Your Federation dollars at work – Syracuse Jewish Family Service The Federation funds will help BY JACKIE MIRON ensure the viability of SJFS The Allocations Committee throughout the remainder of the Jewish Federation of of the fiscal year so that the Central New York awards agency can respond to unanticcommunity program fund ipated needs – or even a crisis grants annually in addition to situation – while continuing the the annual allocations made in day-to-day services familiar to the spring. Based on the success the community. of the 2015 annual campaign, Federation funds will be community program grants Jackie Miron used to offset the financial imare available to all Jewish organizations, agencies and synagogues pact of some recent unavoidable staffing in the Central New York community. The instability the agency has experienced. funds are given out in amounts of $10,000, SJFS has made long-overdue investments $5,000 or $2,500. The Allocations in new software and training to upgrade Committee reviews the grant requests clinical record keeping and clinical billing and makes recommendations to the board, services. Lastly, some funds will extend the services of professional staff and the which votes on the recommendations. Syracuse Jewish Family Service has material assistance provided, to help received a $10,000 grant to protect the several Jewish families who have found operating standards of the organization. themselves in crisis beyond the financial SJFS provides family education, care scope of the current budget. The grant from the Federation will management and crisis and ongoing counseling support to individuals and families help SJFS achieve overall sustainability, of all ages, specializing in issues relating providing “breathing room” for SJFS’s strategic plan to take effect. SJFS is furto older adults and their families. Jewish families pay very little toward ther integrating services into Menorah the expense of the services SJFS provides, Park operations, increasing charitable which also include Kosher Meals on fund-raising and outreach, and pursuing Wheels and transportation, information expansions in grant projects and governand referral, and psycho-educational ment subcontracting. The Jewish Federation of Central New services, including new programs in the area of brain health. SJFS serves more York understands the unique and quality than 100 Jewish individuals and families services provided by SJFS are essential annually, drawing in and connecting Jews to communications and a healthy Jewish of all ages, demographics and affiliations. community. They are behind the efforts However, SJFS faces a financial to help SJFS achieve long-term goals of crisis to cover its direct and overhead meeting the needs of the entire Jewish expenses due to unusual circumstances. community.

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The Syracuse Hebrew Day School drama program will present “Hansel and Gretel,” its 25th full-scale dramatic production, on Thursday, March 17, and Friday, March 18. Directed by Bethani Rahrle-White, with musical direction by Jim KerrWhitt, the show will be an adaption of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale. The cast features (front row, l-r) Hana Kang as Gretel, Eli Goldberg as Hansel, Eli Goldstein as the troll, (back row) Mali Lamanna as the witch, Kiru Morrissette as Mother and Max Fagelman as Father. The cast and crew features more than 20 other students in second-sixth grade. The show is intended to entertain the whole family. Tickets are available from the SHDS office at 446-1900. Not pictured: Henia Zames as the Dew Fairy.

Meeting

Continued from page 1

continues to keep close ties with the JCC as a member and regular attendee of the senior kosher meal program. “We are delighted to recognize another wonderful group of honorees this year,” said Marci Erlebacher, JCC executive director. “The outstanding service and

The

Epstein

School

support that these individuals have given to the JCC and local Jewish community is quite remarkable and humbling.” For more information about the JCC’s 2016 gala, including event tickets and sponsorship opportunities, call 445-2360.

Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein School of Jewish Studies

E t i S Epstein School h Open House for Prospective Students and their Families (8th-12th grade in the Fall) See what makes us special and what we have to offer CNY's Jewish teens. Visit classes and electives, meet other students, get to know our faculty.

Tuesday, March 29 from 6:30pm-8:30pm at Temple Concord Ask questions or RSVP to Cantor Pepperstone, Director, at EpsteinCNY@gmail.com

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ MARCH 17, 2016/7 ADAR II 5776

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.

Friday, March 18 Syracuse Hebrew Day School Musical at 2 pm Temple Adath Yeshurun Shabbat in the Round at 5:45 pm Saturday, March 19 Temple Concord Mitzvahpalooza at noon Sunday, March 20 Community Purim Carnival at Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse from noon-4 pm Syracuse Hebrew Day School open house from 1-3 pm, during JCC Purim Carnival Monday, March 21 SHDS board of directors meeting at 7 pm Tuesday, March 22 JCC Executive Committee meeting at 6 pm, followed by board meeting at 7 pm Rabbi Epstein High School for Jewish Studies at TC at 6:30 pm Wednesday, March 23 - Erev Purim Fast of Esther Joint Purim celebration by Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, TAY and TC at TAY, with dinner at 5:30 (reservations required) and service and megillah reading from 6:30-8 pm Syracuse Community Hebrew School at 4 pm at TAY Thursday, March 24 Purim SHDS Purim carnival during school hours Epstein School at Wegmans Café at 7 pm Tuesday, March 29 Epstein School at TC at 6:30 pm Wednesday, March 30 Deadline for the April 14 issue of the Jewish Observer SCHS at TAY at 4 pm Thursday, March 31 Epstein School at Wegmans Café at 7 pm Sunday, April 3 History of Jewish cooking lecture at TC at 10:30 am Tuesday, April 5 Epstein School at TC at 6:30 pm Wednesday, April 6 SCHS at TAY at 4 pm UNICEF Program at Hillel at 6:30 pm

D’VAR TORAH

MAZEL TOV

Remember!

Adam Goldberg and Amira Kipnis engagement

BY RABBI EVAN SHORE Throughout the year we read the Torah in the shul on many occasions. However, there is one Torah reading that is mandated by the Torah to be read once a year. This Torah reading is called parasha Zachor, the “parasha of remembering.” The obvious question is: what are we being commanded to remember? The Torah tells us, “Remember what Amalek did to you on the way, when you came forth from Egypt.” The Sefer Hachinukh explains the rationale for remembering. There are certain events that will place us into great peril should the Jewish people forget. The unwarranted, vicious attack by the tribe of Amalek on the Jews is an episode in Jewish history we dare not forget. Amalek chose its victims carefully – the weak, the elderly and the defenseless. Today Amalek continues to rear its head. Not a week goes by without more horrifying news about senseless attacks perpetrated against innocent Jews in Israel. Amalek embodies the saying “history repeats itself.” In the Passover haggadah we read, “In every generation, they will rise up to destroy us.” We are well aware that Jews around the world are facing danger. Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchek taught the mitzvah that parasha Zachor is not limited to remembering. Rather, “we must be ever vigilant and wary of Amalek, so that when it arises, we will respond and defend ourselves immediately.” The issue we face today is that Amalek manifests itself in different people, forms and permutations. Regardless of the form, Amalek is the embodiment of evil. To this Rabbi Soloveitchek teaches that the antidote to evil is not by violence, but rather, by “proving to the world the truth and beauty of the Torah.” We are entering the months of Adar and Nissan, marked by two holidays defined by geulah or “redemption.” Please God, let our observance of the holidays of Purim and Passover lead to greater observance of the commandments and be the catalyst to the full eradication of all evil from our midst. Rabbi Evan Shore is the rabbi at Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse. He is an instructor at the Syracuse Hebrew Day School and Rabbi Jacob Epstein High School of Jewish Studies. He is also the chaplain at Menorah Park.

Pre-college

issues, is complicated. Hillel can be a guide and advisor for our students before and while they are on campus.” The Rabbi Jacob Epstein School of Jewish Studies

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Robin and Neil Goldberg, of Cazenovia, have announced the engagement of their son, Adam, to Amira Kipnis, daughter of Patricia and Issy Kipnis, of Berkeley, CA, on January 8, in Philadelphia, PA. The fiancé’s grandparents are Joan Shapiro and the late Bernard Shapiro, of Boynton Beach, FL, and Norma Adam Goldberg and Goldberg and the late Amira Kipnis Bernard Goldberg, of Fayetteville. The fiancée’s grandparents are Enrique Chelminsky and the late Goldie Chelminsky, of Mexico City, Mexico, and Sima and Yoshua Kipnis, also of Mexico City, Mexico. A summer wedding is planned in Philadelphia.

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director of SU’s Office of Academic Integrity; and co-author of two books in her academic field. Stein shares her expertise in teamwork, collaboration, problem-solving and effective communication with the Jewish community. Current chair of the board of the Jewish Federation of Central New York, Stein has also held positions of vice chair, Communications Committee chair and board member since 2007. She is a past president of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, past president of its Sisterhood and continues to teach prayer Hebrew in its adult education program. People have said that “her presence often helps shape the direction of any project where she becomes involved.”

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will be providing information from its “Packing for College – Where does Judaism fit?” syllabus. The school has conducted classes for its current students and will be sharing some of that information at the event. A core program has been created and will be facilitated by representatives of the Anti-Defamation League. It will focus on how to “clearly and safely” respond to possible issues of anti-Israel and antisemitism on a college campus. Information, materials and training activities have been developed by the ADL to help incoming college freshmen assess the political environment on their campus. A portion of the workshop includes how to respond to words and actions from students, faculty or groups that can be identified as antisemitic or anti-Israel. As students begin college careers at various college and university campuses around the world, organizers feel they are “likely to discover that people in other parts of the world are not necessarily the same as they are.” Organizers hope the forum will provide information and materials to help students “survive the culture shock, and learn creatively at a variety of options to enable them to react in a safe mode while responding to potentially frustrating moments on and off their new campus.” Parents have been encouraged to join the discussion and learn how to support their college students best during their first year of college.

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The Oaks at Menorah Park welcomes pastry chef Michael Brais BY STEWART KOENIG Syracuse native Michael Brais is returning to Syracuse as the new pastry chef for The Oaks at Menorah Park. Brais graduated from the New England Culinary Institute, where he turned his passion for desserts into his profession. He previously worked at various resorts in Vermont. Jarod Charsky, Menorah Park’s director of dining services, said, “Michael’s pastries and baked goods are not only delicious; they are beautifully garnished and plated. Whether it’s crafting a pillowy-soft mile-high cake or embellishing a delicate cream-topped dessert with a fresh mint leaf adornment,

Michael Brais

Mike’s pastries and baked goods show his passion for sharing his talent and producing the highest quality product for our residents and customers. Mike is also committed to creating authentic traditional desserts from scratch, including rich challah and tender hamantashen.” In addition to Brais’ desserts being available to residents at The Oaks, they can also be purchased by the public, along with The Oaks’ full catering menu. For more information, or to order, call Lisa Stuttard at 446-9111, ext. 255. To view full menus, visit http://menorahparkofcny. com or on Facebook.

Fourteen Jewish projects included for first time in latest Slingshot innovation guide NEW YORK (JTA) – Subsidized tours of the West Bank for young Jews, synagogue gardens to grow food for the needy, and linking 20- and 30-something Jews to Shabbat experiences are among the 14 initiatives recognized for the first time in the annual Slingshot guide to innovative projects. The 2016 guide features 50 North American Jewish projects that, according to its editors, “represent the most groundbreaking programs in Jewish life.” Two supplemental guides, a Chicago edition and a “women and girls” edition, highlight additional initiatives, including some that also appear in the main guide. The nearly annual guide – the last one was published in late 2014 – was launched in 2005 by a group of donors in their 20s and 30s. Leaders of included groups have

described the guide as “a stamp of recognition, akin to being listed favorably in a Zagat restaurant guide.” According to Slingshot, the newly incorporated New York-based nonprofit that produces the guide, this year’s projects were selected from more than 230 applications that were reviewed by 97 evaluators on the basis of their “innovation, impact, strong leadership and organizational effectiveness.” Newcomers to this year’s guide are Art Kibbutz; Atlanta Jewish Music Festival; 2239; The Contemporary Jewish Museum (San Francisco); Extend; Custom&Craft; JCC Charm City Tribe; ImmerseNYC; Keshet: A Rainbow of Hope for Individuals with Special Needs; Lookstein Virtual Jewish Academy; Netiya; OneTable; Svarya: A Traditionally Radical Yeshiva; and YidLife Crisis.

NEWS IN BRIEF From JTA

Iran conducts tests of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles

The Revolutionary Guard in Iran conducted tests of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, the government’s semi-official news agency said. The missiles were launched in recent days from underground silos throughout the country, the Fars News Agency reported on March 8. The final stages of the drills took place on March 8, the official Iranian IRNA news agency reported. Among the missiles tested were the Shahab 1 and Shahab 2, as well as Qadr F and Qadr H, with ranges of 185 miles to 1,250 miles, according to IRNA. Iran says none of the missiles are capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, according to the Associated Press. The drills

Essay

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competition winners will be announced. This year’s guest speaker will be Stanlee Stahl, executive vice president of the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous. This year’s event will be hosted by Temple Concord, 910 Madison St., Syracuse. The program will begin promptly at 3 pm. The essays or short stories should be about a factual or fictional experience of an individual or family affected by the Holocaust and a lesson learned by the characters or by those reading the essay or story. Authors are encouraged to be as factually accurate as possible. An art project should be representative of the impact of the Holocaust. Cash prizes will be given to each of the first and second place winners in the middle school, high school and adult essay divisions. There will be first and second place cash awards in each level of the art competition as well. Sponsors of this year’s awards include Birnbaum Funeral Services and Charney’s Men’s Clothing Stores. To become a sponsor of the essay contest or art competition, contact Judith Stander at the Federation office, 445-0161, ext. 114. Essays should be no longer than 500 words. Art pieces should be under 10 pounds and generally no bigger than 36x48 inches. Essays can be sent electronically to Stander at jstander@jewishfederationcny.org. They can also be mailed or hand-delivered to Judith Stander, Jewish Federation Central New York, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt, NY 13214. Art pieces must be hand-delivered by the deadline. To receive a copy of the guidelines for each contest, contact Stander at 445-0161, ext. 114.

“aimed to show Iran’s deterrent power and readiness to thwart any threat against the Islamic Revolution and Iran’s territorial integrity,” according to IRNA. The United States reportedly will raise the issue of the tests with the United Nations Security Council if confirmed, Reuters reported, citing an unnamed source. In October, Iran tested a new guided long-range ballistic missile, which may have violated the nuclear deal agreed upon in July with the world powers, as well as a Security Council resolution that bars Iran from developing missiles “designed to carry nuclear warheads.”

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JEWISH OBSERVER

OBITUARIES SHEVA HOROWITZ TANNENBAUM

Sheva Horowitz Tannenbaum, 83, of Syracuse, died at home on February 2. Born in the Bronx, she graduated from New York’s Music and Art High School and later studied at McGill School of Music in Montreal. After moving to Syracuse in 1960, she taught music from home, then received a master’s in education from Syracuse University. She was a teacher in the Syracuse school district, at Charles Andrews and then Webster elementary schools from 1972-2000, where she taught kindergarten and was honored in numerous encounters with former students in the area. She enjoyed traveling to visit family in New Hampshire, Philadelphia, Australia and China, and vacationed in Chatham, MA, and Nauset Beach on Cape Cod. A constant in the Jewish community, she was a member of Temple Beth El and later Temple Adath Yeshurun. She collected handmade dolls, local pottery and Syracuse china. She had a large circle of friends and had many cultural interests, including the Syracuse Symphony and Syracuse Stage. She also played Mah Jongg weekly. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Jordan; her sons, Marc (Jennifer Finn-Tannenbaum) and Daniel (Annie Mundie); and her daughter, Esther Bostic; her brother, Paul (Dawn) Horowitz; and her sister-in-law, Felice Bray. Burial was in Adath Yeshurun Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions can be made to Hospice of Central New York, 990 7th N. St., Liverpool, NY 13088; the Foundation of Menorah Park, 4101 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13214; or the Yiddish Book Center of Amherst at www.yiddishbookcenter.org or 1021 West St., Amherst, MA 01002. 

TAY

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Chai Notes member Batya Zamansky said they are “Cornell University’s best and only Jewish-themed, co-ed a capella group. We sing both Hebrew and English songs, including current popular hits.” Zamansky described the Chai Notes as “a tight-knit group,” who love to sing and perform together. Most recently, the Chai Notes sang at the White House and performed for President Barak and Michelle Obama during the White House Chanukah party. The group will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Saturday, March 19, at 8:30 pm, at Call Auditorium at Cornell, with a concert featuring alumni from around the country. For more information, contact the synagogue at info@ adath.org or 445-0002, or visit www.adath.org.

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ MARCH 17, 2016/7 ADAR II 5776

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Pew study: Israeli Jews united on land, divided on religion

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(Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) – Israeli Jews are united in the opinion that the land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people, but are divided on the matter of religion, according to a comprehensive survey on religion, state, and society in Israel that was conducted by America’s Pew Research Center. The survey found that while more Israeli Jews are traditional or religious than secular, most still think halachah (Jewish law) should be separate from the laws of the state. The study also found that most of the Israeli Jewish population votes for the center-right, and most object to the lack of public transportation on Shabbat. “Nearly 70 years after the establishment of the modern state of Israel, its Jewish population remains united behind the idea that Israel is a homeland for the Jewish people and a necessary refuge from rising antisemitism around the globe,” Pew researchers said. According to the findings, 40 percent of Jews in Israel are secular, 23 percent are traditional, 10 percent are religious and 8 percent are haredi. Most Israeli Jews (63 percent) said halachah should not be made into state law. The vast majority (94 percent) of secular Israeli Jews support public transportation on the Shabbat, most of the country’s Jews (72 percent) support conscripting haredi men to serve in the military. Almost half of Israeli Jews (45 percent) said they were in favor of letting women pray out loud at the Western Wall. Meanwhile, the majority of secular Israeli Jews said they observe cultural aspects of religion. For example, 87 percent said they had participated in Passover seders and 53 percent said they light Shabbat candles at least occasionally. On the other hand, 62 percent said they drive vehicles on Shabbat. Forty-eight percent of Jewish Israelis support the transfer or expulsion of Arabs from Israel, while 46 percent said they oppose such measures. Pew conducted the survey through face-to-face interviews in Hebrew, Arabic and Russian among 5,601 Israeli adults aged 18 and older from October 2014-May 2015, before the current wave of terror.

Lebanese PM urges Hezbollah not to attack Saudi Arabia

Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam has urged the Hezbollah terror group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, to refrain from attacking Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. In an interview with the Saudi-based Al-Arabiya television network, Salam criticized Hezbollah’s involvement in Syria, saying that it reflected negatively on Lebanon. Salam also noted Lebanon’s traditional warm relations with the Arab Gulf states. The week of March 4, the Saudi-dominated Gulf Cooperation Council declared Hezbollah a terrorist organization. Lebanon-based Hezbollah criticized Saudi Arabia for being responsible for the decision. “The decision by the GCC is reckless and hostile and is condemned. The Saudi regime bears responsibility for its issuing and for the consequences,” Hezbollah said. The six-nation GCC’s move came on the heels of a Saudi decision to freeze $3 billion in military aid to the Lebanese Army. Saudi Arabia, which considers Iran its top regional threat and rival, has suggested that it might enact further sanctions against Hezbollah. Foreign ministers from the GCC countries were scheduled to meet shortly to discuss the terror threat posed by Hezbollah and its funder, Iran.

Danish girl charged with planning attack on Jewish school

A 16-year-old Danish girl was charged with possessing explosives with the intention of bombing a Jewish private school in Copenhagen and another Danish public school, police said on March 8. The girl, who was arrested in January, was a recent convert to Islam. Denmark’s TV2 network reported that her Facebook page revealed she had joined a Facebook group for Danish members of Hizb ut-Tahrir, an Islamic organization that seeks to establish a caliphate. A 24-year-old man described as the teenage girl’s “friend” was arrested in January and has been charged as her accomplice. The man, who was formerly a fighter with extremists in Syria, allegedly provided the girl with bomb-making manuals. The suspects, who pleaded not guilty, had obtained chemicals and tried to make explosives for the planned terror attack on the schools. “Due to security concerns, PET (Denmark’s Politiets Efterretningstjeneste security service) cannot say what security measures the case has given rise to,” noted a joint statement released by local police and the Danish Security and Intelligence Service.

Israel to U.N.: revise report blaming Jewish state for Palestinian domestic abuse

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon has demanded that the United Nations revise a report that blames Israel for domestic abuse against Palestinian women. Against the backdrop of International Women’s Day, marked on March 8, the U.N. Commission on the Status for Women issued the report for its March 14-24 session. The document states that “overcrowded living conditions and a lack of privacy” in Palestinian refugee camps causes “psychological distress among camp residents.” Combine this with “the unstable political and security situation and discriminatory gender stereotypes and norms,” and the end result is domestic violence, the report claims. “This report is a distortion of the truth and it should be amended immediately,” Danon wrote in a letter to the U.N. A similar resolution, in which Israel is the only U.N. member state singled out for its treatment of women, was approved last year by the U.N. Commission on the Status for Women.