Jewish Observer 5/14/15 by Jewish Federation of CNY

25 IYAR 5775 • MAY 14, 2015 • VOLUME XXXIV, NUMBER 10 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Howard A. Port to receive the 2015 Roth Award

By Bette Siegel The Jewish Federation of Central New York has announced that the 2015 Esther and Joseph Roth Award in recognition of outstanding Jewish community leadership will be presented to Howard A. Port at the Federation’s 97th annual meeting on Wednesday, June 10, at 6:30 pm. The award was established in May 1979 by the friends and family of Esther and Joseph Roth. It is a permanent award, housed and displayed in the Federation’s office, and is awarded in honor and recognition of individuals who are said to have demonstrated “outstanding Jewish community leadership.” It is considered by many to be the major community service award presented by the Syracuse Jewish community.

Port lived in the 15th Ward The Roths’ son, Paul, said, “No community functions of Syracuse, where many of well at their organizational the Jewish families lived at that and administrative base unless time, until he was 8-years-old. highly capable individuals He graduated magna cum laude consistently step forward and from Syracuse University with volunteer to ensure that the a bachelor of science in business minutest of details are scrutiadministration and a major in nized so any purposeful goal accounting in 1964. He received set forth has the most complete a master’s of business adminisset of pertinent facts. In this re- Howard A. Port tration from City University of gard, Howard Port has not only New York Bernard M. Baruch been one of those exemplary volunteers School of Business and Public Adminiswhose efforts for decades have allowed tration in 1967. He then went on to earn the Syracuse Jewish community to move his juris doctor from Syracuse University forward confidently into a somewhat College of Law in 1971, where he was a vague and uncertain future, but he has member of the Justinian Honorary Law naturally epitomized what community Society. He became a certified public responsibility is all about.” accountant in the state of New York in

1968 and was admitted to the New York State Bar Association in 1971. He became a CPA in Florida in 1989 and has been a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants since June 1968; the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants since May 1968; and the American, New York State and Onondaga County Bar Associations since 1971. Port has been the senior partner at Port and Company, Certified Public Accountants, in Syracuse, since August 1968, and a partner in Port, Kashdin and McSherry, Certified Public Accountants, in Cortland, since May 1972. He was a visiting tax lecturer at Cornell University, Graduate School See “Port” on page 6

Temple Adath Yeshurun Rabbi Charles Sherman to retire By Sonali Eaton After nearly 40 years of service to Temple Adath Yeshurun and the Syracuse Jewish community, Rabbi Charles Sherman will retire at the end of June. Among his legacy to the synagogue are his leadership and the creation of many programs. Established almost 25 years ago, the Rothschild Early Childhood Center and its summer camp program were his brainchild. Rabbi Sherman is said to have been “the driving force” behind the Temple Adath Yeshurun Citizen of the Year dinner, which brings together a national honoree and local honorees to share a podium. To what many considered the synagogue’s “long, distinguished, musi-

Under his tenure, Temple Adath cal tradition,” Rabbi Sherman Yeshurun received many Soloadded Shabbat in the Round, a mon Schechter awards from the participatory, musical Shabbat United Synagogue for Conserwith a klezmer-style band. vative Judaism. His Yom Kippur MartyrolTemple Adath President ogy service told the story of Howard Weinstein said, “Many a congregational member or consider his approach to Judafamily member who survived ism in the modern world to be the Shoah. He felt that that perof equal importance – how to sonal connection made the story be observant and yet fully in“more meaningful and relevant” Rabbi Charles tegrated into the secular world. across the generations in the Sherman For this, he was a role model congregation. Rabbi Sherman was a student of American Jewish his- to the congregation. Rabbi Sherman and tory, and his knowledge was shared with his wife Leah, parents of five children, TAY members and the wider community epitomize ‘Jewish family living.’” Weinstein continued, “A true measure through his adult Jewish learning classes.

Jacki Goldberg is Federation’s new community concierge

Jacki Goldberg is the new community concierge in the Shalom Syracuse program to introduce newcomers to the Syracuse Jewish community. The program is being sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Central New York.

By Jackie Miron The Jewish Federation of Central New York has appointed Jacki Goldberg the new community concierge. It has funded a program to welcome Jewish people new to Syracuse and the surrounding area with local information and a gift basket, which will be delivered by Goldberg. In her official position as community concierge, Goldberg’s first responsibility will be to deliver these baskets to newcomers as part of a Shalom Syracuse program.” Each basket bears the logo of the Jewish Federation of Central New York and offers Jewish community information, including brochures from Jewish organizations and synagogues. Also featured will be information about area arts and culture. The Federation provides a fresh-baked challah, kosher wine, a tzedakah box, a mezuzah for the new home and “a warm welcome” from Goldberg. She will provide information and answer questions about the Jewish community at the initial drop-off and address

follow-up questions and concerns. Anyone who has moved to Syracuse in the past year can request the new service. If people know someone moving into the area, they may contact Goldberg or the Federation. Local real estate offices and Jewish organizations will soon be made aware of the program and can refer clients or potential members for a personal visit. For more information or to suggest someone who would benefit from this service, contact Kathie Piirak at Federation at 445-2040, ext. 106, or Goldberg at JGoldber@twcny.rr.com. Goldberg has been an active member of See “Goldberg” on page 4

of a man is, perhaps, his family legacy; and in his case, two children [have been] ordained as Conservative rabbis, following in their father’s footsteps. “His most significant contribution to Temple Adath and the Syracuse Jewish community has been his guidance and advice to TAY members and others during times of need. To those experiencing loss and difficult times, many find his daily participation at morning and evening See “Sherman” on page 6

2015 Federation paign Update Cam Goal: $1,000,000

We made it!

1,023,753

as of May 11, 2015

You can still make a donation to the 2015 Annual Campaign and make this our best year ever!

To make your pledge, please contact Marianne 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 May 15......................8:03 pm....................................... Parasha-Behar-Bechukotai May 22......................8:10 pm.....................................................Parasha-Bamidbar May 23......................after 9:20 pm.................................................... Erev Shavuot May 24......................after 9:21 pm.............................................................Shavuot May 29......................8:16 pm............................................................ Parasha-Naso

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Aid for Nepal

Shavuot

IMPARA

The Jewish Federation has opened Local synagogues announce Representatives of Menorah Park’s a fund for relief efforts for victims their Shavuot ser vices and IMPARA gave presentations at a celebrations. of the Nepal earthquake. national conference on aging. Story on page 4 Story on page 3 Story on page 5

PLUS A Matter of Opinion............... 2 Calendar Highlights............... 6 Mazel Tov.................................. 6 Obituaries................................. 7

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ may 14, 2015/25 IYAR 5775

Kari Siegel Eglash installed as fourth cantor in Temple Concord history

By Mark Frank and Stewart Koenig Cantor Kari Siegel Eglash has been cantor and director of education at Temple Concord since last July, but on April 24 it became official.

Cantor Kari Siegel Eglash received various gifts, including a tallit and a Kiddush cup in the colors of the Green Bay Packers. (Photo by Mark Kotzin)

Temple Concord’s sanctuary witnessed the installation of Cantor Siegel Eglash, only the fourth cantor in the synagogue’s 175-year history. She was joined on the bima by her mentors, friends and Rabbi Daniel Fellman for what participants found to be “a truly moving service.” After the service, about 200 congregants and friends celebrated Cantor Siegel Eglash’s installation with dinner, socializing and presentations. Participating in the ceremony was Cantor Lisa Doob of Temple Isaiah, Lexington, MA, one of Cantor Siegel Eglash’s childhood friends. The two brought the service to what congregants felt to be “a beautiful level of spirituality” on a number of liturgical selections. Rabbi Emeritus Charles Sherman, of Temple Israel, Tulsa, OK, where Cantor Siegel Eglash served for 10 years, spoke from the bima about Cantor Siegel Eglash’s commitment and spirituality, and urged the congregants to be “partners in the nurturing of the Temple Concord community.” With “Cantor Kari,” as she is called, directing, the combined adult volunteer and children’s choir sang “Hak’hal Shelanu” (“Adonai, Bless Our Gathering”), an original song composed by Cantor Siegel Eglash’s husband, Joe

Back row (l-r): Cantor Lisa Doob, of Lexington, MA; Rabbi Daniel Fellman; and Rabbi Charles Sherman, of Tulsa, OK; installed Cantor Kari Siegel Eglash (front) at Temple Concord. (Photo by Mark Kotzin) Eglash, with lyrics by Rabbi Fellman. During the dinner reception and celebration, numerous gifts were given by Temple Concord’s Board of Trustees, Brotherhood, Sisterhood, religious school students and adult choir. As Cantor Siegel Eglash is a native of Milwaukee, WI, she received a tallit and a Kiddush cup in the colors of the Green Bay Packers, as well as a custom Packers jersey. Rabbi Fellman said, “This was truly a

memorable evening and a great one for Temple Concord and the entire Jewish community. Cantor Kari’s joy, her strong work ethic and her commitment to our temple are unmatched.” Ordained in 2001 from the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Cantor Siegel Eglash served two congregations before coming to See “Cantor” on page 4

a matter of opinion letter to the editor Israel benefits the world To the Editor: Israel is celebrating its 67th anniversary of independence, having reclaimed, after nearly 2,000 years, its rightful place among the nations. Born into unwanted war, existentially threatened ever since by far more numerous enemies, latterly facing mounting international scorn, it has managed not only to survive, but to thrive. Though its ongoing struggles continue to make headlines, they are far from being Israel’s total story. Its prosperity has been a boon to all its citizens, Jews and non-Jews, a source of great pride for Jews throughout the world and an enduring inspiration for other mid-20th century emergent nations. However, it has done much more than that. Israel is always among the first to offer humanitarian aid, to friend and foe alike, in the aftermath of major natural disasters. Throughout more than half a century, IsraAID, an umbrella organization of more than 35 governmental and non-governmental agencies, has delivered aid to more than 140 countries. After Haiti’s 2010 massive earthquake, a 200-strong relief team arrived first on the scene to set up a badly needed field hospital. Similar assistance was sent to Japan after its 2011 earthquake/tsunami, and to 2005 tsunami-stricken Southeast Asian countries. Aid was even sent to the U.S. after Hurricane Katrina. As Ebola rapidly spread last year, Israel sent three mobile emergency treatment units to the West African epicenter of the epidemic. Israeli medical researchers are among the leaders in the search for a vaccine against that dreaded disease. Less dramatic, but hardly inconsequential, is non-emergency, ongoing medical assistance. Israel has set up “eye camps” to treat ocular diseases throughout the developing world. For two decades, its “Save a Child’s Heart” program has provided free, life-saving heart operations, almost half of them on children from the Palestinian Authority, Jordan and Iraq. Israel maintains extensive assistance programs in sub-Saharan Africa in such areas as public health, disease eradication and prevention, sanitation, food security, water management, agriculture, educa-

tion, energy and economic development. These aim at local empowerment, often employing sustainable Israeli, countrysuitable, technologies. The broad scope and worldwide impact of Israeli technological innovations is absolutely remarkable. This tiny “start-up nation” has, after only the U.S., the largest number of start-ups annually of any country in the world, nearly comparable to all of Europe. Its world leadership in agricultural and medical scientific development has long been recognized: Israel introduced drip irrigation and has significantly advanced desalinization methodology. It has done ground-breaking work in the development of disease-resistant food crops, resource enhancement and conservation, as well as solar and other alternative energies. Forbes magazine dubbed Israel the “Healing Nation” due to its introduction of a dazzling array of seemingly miraculous medical devices for dramatically enabling the disabled: the immobile; the partially paralyzed; and the speech, visually and hearing impaired. Best known is the ReWalk robotic exoskeleton, which enables paraplegics to walk. Israeli patient monitoring, diagnostic and treatment inventions are in very wide use. Other innovations include the pill cam, for non-invasive capsule endoscopy, and a revolutionary elasticized bandage for rapidly staunching life-threatening traumatic wounds. Israeli technological fingerprints are all over advanced computer chips, smart phones, other electronic devices and many marvels of the Internet. Israeli engineers developed the first practical Internet phone software, introduced the first Internet chat program and pioneered in online streaming video. New research and development activities are regularly highlighted on www.israel21c.org. A question, though, remains. How could a nation that does so many wonderful things be, at the same time, a country capable, as falsely charged by detractors, of doing all sorts of horrible things? The short answer is that it obviously can’t be and isn’t. Sincerely yours, Richard D. Wilkins

Children from Temple Concord’s religious school, along with educator Mike Fixler, presented a congratulations banner. (Photo by Mark Kotzin)

of Central New York

Syracuse Office

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

Binghamton Office

Rabbi Rachel Esserman Executive Editor Diana Sochor Layout Editor Michael Nassberg Assistant Editor Jenn DePersis Production Coordinator Alaina Cardarelli Graphic Artist Bonnie Rozen Advertising Representative Kathy Brown Bookkeeper Production and Management The Reporter 500 Clubhouse Rd. Vestal, NY 13850

Billing Office 500 Clubhouse Rd., Vestal, NY 13850 1-800-779-7896

Jewish Federation of Central New York Inc. Web site: www.jewishfederationcny.org

Call for... Address Changes........... 315-445-2040, ext. 116 Local Articles and Announcements ......................................315-445-2040, ext. 116 ..... or e-mail JewishObserverCNY@gmail.com Advertising:.....Bonnie 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 ...........or e-mail bonnie@thereportergroup.org Advertising Billing only............1-800-779-7896

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.

The Jewish Observer is a member of the American Jewish Press Association.

MAY 14, 2015/25 IYAR 5775 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK Federation opens STOCS – Simply Tsfat Nepal relief fund By Judith L. Stander The Jewish Federation of Central New York announced on April 28 the opening of the Nepal Relief Fund. This is in direct response to humanitarian needs arising from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated Kathmandu, Nepal and surrounding areas of the country on April 25. As of publication, more than 8,000 people are known to have died, with tens of thousands injured and unknown thousands still unaccounted for. All funds donated through the Federation will go directly to relief efforts in Nepal. They will be combined with funds collected across North America by the Jewish Federations of North America Organization. This includes 151 Federations and more than 300 independent communities that are said to “have assumed responsibility for each other according to Jewish principles.” As of May 12, a total of $1,923 has been raised for the relief fund. Aid groups are only now beginning to comprehend the destruction that has occurred across Nepal’s remote villages. Rescue teams are struggling to reach those requiring aid and are hampered by the conditions of the roads and by landslides. Once people can be reached, the known needs of the remote communities are expected to rise, as they are likely to have run out of clean water, food, fuel and energy. According to the tenet of tikkun olam, Jews are supposed to help heal the world. To make a donation, contact the Federation at 445-0161, ext. 106; mail a check to Jewish Federation of Central New York, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt, NY 13214, with the check made out to Jewish Federation of Central New York and “Nepal” in the memo line; or visit www.jewishfederationcny.org and click on the tzedakah box.

Simply Tsfat, a trio of Chasidic Israeli musicians, will appear on Monday, June 1, at 8 pm, at Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse, 4313 E. Genesee Street, DeWitt. This event will be free and open to the public. No reservations are required. Called “purveyors of music with a message,” the group has performed in venues around the world, and their six CDs have resulted in a “rapidly” growing following. Two of the performers are American-born and university educated: Elyahu Reiter, an acoustic guitarist, vocalist and storyteller, who also writes modern music and lyrics for the group; and Yehonasan Lipshutz, a classically trained violinist, who performed with a number of symphony and chamber orchestras prior to moving to Israel, and who now performs classically influenced interpretations of ancient and modern Hebrew music. The third player, Yonatan Tzarum, is a native Israeli who studied technique with his professional flamenco guitarist father, and plays Chasidic music on an acoustic flamenco guitar. All three were attracted to Tsfat (Safed), which is considered a once great center of Jewish mysticism, known also for its mountain setting and artist colony, and to its Breslev Chasidic community. Its members adhere to the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslev, the 18 th-19th century Chasidic master, who emphasized the importance of music for spiritual development and religious practice. He is thought to have exemplified the Psalmist’s admonition, “Serve God in gladness.” The concerts of Simply Tsfat offer an interpenetration of Chasidic life and music. Stories, personal anecdotes and Chasidic teachings are woven into lyrics and music passed from generation to generation in oral tradition. Simply Tsfat’s performances combine Hebrew, English, dance, instrumental and song.

Jewish Music and Cultural Festival fund-raiser on June 14

An hors d’oeuvres and dessert reception, coupled with a performance by violinist Robin Seletsky, has been announced as a fund-raiser for this year’s Jewish Music and Cultural Festival. The event has been scheduled for Sunday, June 14, at 4 pm, at the home of Neva and Dr. Richard Pilgrim, 438 Brookford Rd., Syracuse.

Reservations will be accepted until Monday, June 1, and can be made by contacting Judith Stander at the Jewish Federation of Central New York, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt, 13214. For more information, visit www.SyracuseJewishFestival.org or contact Stander at 445-2040, ext. 114, or jstander@jewishfederationcny.org.

Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior dining menu The

May 18-22 Monday – tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich Tuesday – chicken salad plate Wednesday – spaghetti and meatballs Thursday – Moroccan chicken stew Friday – herb-encrusted chicken May 25-29 Monday – macaroni and cheese Tuesday – stuffed cabbage Wednesday – kielbasa and sauerkraut Thursday – pulled barbecue chicken on a bun Friday – honey-glazed chicken

The Bobbi Epstein Lewis JCC Senior Adult Dining Program at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center offers Va’ad Ha’ir-supervised kosher lunches served Monday-Friday at noon. Reservations are required by noon on the previous business day and there is a suggested contribution per meal. The menu is subject to change. The program is funded by a grant from the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth and the New York State Office for the Aging, with additional funds provided by the JCC. To attend, one need not be Jewish or a member of the JCC. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Leesa Paul at 445-2360, ext. 104, or lpaul@jccsyr.org.

Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse will present Simply Tsfat, a trio of Chasidic Israeli musicians, in a free concert on Monday, June 1. L-r: Violinist Yehonasan Lipshutz, vocalist and storyteller Elyahu Reiter and native Israeli and acoustic flamenco guitarist Yonatan Tzarum.

DEADLINE

Deadlines for all articles and photos for the Jewish Observer are as follows. No exceptions will be made.

DEADLINE

Wednesday, May 13............................May 28 Wednesday, May 27............................June 11 Wednesday, June 10............................June 25 Wednesday, July 8............................... July 23

Please support our advertisers and tell them you saw their ad here in

Temple Concord seeks to hire an Administrative Assistant. The ideal candidate would be warm and welcoming, an outstanding multitasker, and one who is able to communicate efficiently, both in writing and interpersonally, and must fully understand the confidential nature of this position. Resumes may be forwarded to administrator@templeconcord.org

The Jcc and CONg. Beth SholoM Graciously accept Donated Vehicles. “imagine benefiting our schools”

CALL

Tax de

“mike the car guy”

ductio

Mike Lessen-256-6167 donatecars@twcny.rr.com

ISSUE

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

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ may 14, 2015/25 IYAR 5775

congregational notes Temple Adath Yeshurun Benjamin Catania, recipient of Yellin Award By Sonali Eaton Benjamin J. Catania, son of Eva and Joseph Catania, of Fayetteville, will receive the Samuel and Jeanette Yellin Scholarship award on Saturday, May 16, during morning Shabbat services, at Temple Adath Benjamin J. Yeshurun. Catania Benjamin is an eighth grade student at Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School. After his bar mitzvah, he continued his Hebrew studies at the Rabbi Jacob Epstein Hebrew High School. He has spent the past eight summers at Shibley Day Camp in Roslyn, NY, and this year has been selected to participate in the camp’s leadership training. He will be a leader in training and help with the younger boys of the camp. Shannon Small, the TAY director of education, said, “Ben Catania’s compassion, giving nature and sense of tikkun olam are what made him an ideal candidate for this award. His concern for the homeless is impressive and noteworthy.” Benjamin’s bar mitzvah project was

Cantor

Temple Concord. Most recently, she was at Temple Israel in Tulsa, OK, for 10 years and, prior to that, Temple Chaverim in Plainview, NY. She has a master’s degree in sacred music from Hebrew Union College. While studying for her master’s thesis, she enrolled in the Weinreich Summer Yiddish Program at Columbia University,

to help the homeless, and he has donated money and food to the Samaritan Center in Syracuse. Eva said, “Ben’s commitment continues and, I do believe, that this cause is dear to his heart. I am confident that this cause will be a life-long commitment.” The Samuel and Jeannette Yellin Scholarship Award is presented to a young person from Temple Adath Yeshurun who attends the Rabbi Epstein Hebrew High School and demonstrates Jewish values such as compassion, menschlekeit and responsibility. Sam Yellin, a pharmacist from Eastern Europe, is said to have believed very strongly in Temple Adath Yeshurun and Jewish education, for children and adults. He was considered a very active member of the TAY Men’s Club and seniors group, and a highly regarded member of the Board of Directors. Jeanette Yellin volunteered in the TAY Judaica shop for many years. As a couple, the Yellins were “shul-goers,” as the synagogue was a central institution in their lives. Benjamin is thought to exemplify all of the qualities important to the Yellins. Religious School The siyyum hashanah, the Temple Adath Yeshurun religious school end-ofyear program, will be held on Sunday, May 17, at 10:45 am. There will be a slideshow, award presentations, class presentations and seventh grade graduation.

Continued from page 2 where she is said to have “indulged in her love for all things Yiddish.” Cantor Siegel Eglash’s journey to the cantorate took her from Beloit College, where she earned her bachelor’s in history, to Tata, Hungary, where she taught English to high school students, to five years in the business world, working with investment and finance.

Goldberg the Syracuse Jewish community for almost 25 years. She has served on the boards of Menorah Park, the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, the Syracuse Hebrew Day School and Temple Adath Yeshurun for many years. Goldberg has also served in numerous organizations in the Fayetteville-Manlius schools. She and her husband, Michael, have two daughters. A Syracuse sports fan, she is also in-

Continued from page 1

volved in Make-A-Wish® Central New York’s Ms. Orange Fan luncheon and Syracuse Stage Guild. She co-chaired Federation’s Super Sunday phone-a-thon, working alongside her daughter, Laurin, who was a teen co-chair of the event. Federation President/CEO Linda Alexander said, “The Syracuse Jewish community is lucky to be represented by Jacki as we strive to make a difference in our community.”

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

We HAve the perfect spot for your ad! To advertise, contact Bonnie Rozen at 800-779-7896, ext. 244 or bonnie@thereportergroup.org

Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Wedding in the religious school Two Congregation Beth SholomChevra Shas couples who were originally married in a non-Jewish ceremony will stand under the chuppah on Sunday, May 17, the last day of religious school. The couples will participate in all of the rituals of a Conservative Jewish wedding. In preparation, the CBS-CS religious school students have been learning about Jewish weddings, including how they differ from other weddings they attend or see on screen. The age-appropriate study included information on what a ketubah, wedding contract, is and why the couple signs it. They also learned about kabbalat panim, when the bride receives the wedding guests; the tish, when the

groom and bride share words of Torah and refreshments; and ways to rejoice with the bride and groom through song, dance and a schtick, when wedding guests entertain the bride and groom through dancing, costumes, juggling and silliness. CBS-CS students will participate in the wedding preparations, creating Kiddush cups; decorating chairs for the tish and bedeken, blessings and lowering the bride’s veil; producing the flowers for the day; and learning songs and dances. They will then see the order of a wedding and the celebratory parts of the ritual as they celebrate with the brides and grooms. For more information, contact CBS-CS Director of Youth and Education Julie Tornberg at 701-2685.

Temple Concord MENSCH event reminder Tickets are still available for the second Mensch of the Year Event, hosted by Temple Concord on Sunday, May 31, at 5:30 pm, at the University Sheraton, 801 University Ave., near the Syracuse University campus. This year’s event will honor four community “menschen”: William “Bill” Berinstein, Wendy Meyerson, Robert Doucette and Sean Kirst. CNY Central news anchor Megan Coleman will emcee the event, and national comedian Johnny Lampert will provide entertainment. To purchase tickets or for more information on sponsoring the Mensch of the Year awards dinner, contact the TC office at 4759952 or office@templeconcord.org.

Syracuse Pops Chorus The Regina F. Goldenberg series will finish its season at Temple Concord of Syracuse with a free concert on Tuesday, May 19, at 7 pm, from the Syracuse Pops Chorus, formerly the Syracuse Symphony Pops Chorus. The chorus has been singing under the direction of Lou Lemos since 2004. Its repertoire consists largely of new choral arrangements of old standards, such as patriotic anthems, Broadway and the American Songbook. There will be free parking in the synagogue’s lot. Although the concert will be free, donations will be welcome. For more information, contact the TC office at 475-9952.

Shavuot around the community CBS-CS and TC Shavuot BEIT Café and Torah unscrolled By Joan Bordett Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas and Temple Concord will jointly celebrate Shavuot on Sunday, May 24, at 9:30 am, at Congregation Beth SholomChevra Shas. Rabbis Daniel Fellman and Andrew Pepperstone, Cantors Kari Siegel Eglash and Paula Pepperstone, and lay leaders from each congregation will lead a jointly planned service, including a Yizkor service and a dramatic reading of the Ten Commandments. Following services, there will be a dairy buffet lunch. The two congregations will “unscroll” the Torah with artistic interpretations of each of the 54 Torah portions. The forms of interpretations can be visual, dance, written word, spoken word, musical, textile, fabric, poetic, dramatic and culinary. Members and clergy of both congregations have been selecting, studying and interpreting a chosen portion. There will be a gallery showing and performances of the “unscrolled” Torah portions. Asked why the congregations are doing this, Rabbi Pepperstone said, “We are doing it because what makes the Torah Jewish is not the Torah itself, but how we wrestle with it and interpret it. Opening up the Torah to artistic interpretation calls for a close reading of the Torah and allows for a full, personal expression of what that part of the Torah means to the individual. Both congregations thank Ora Jezer, who has helped plan and implement this unique approach to Shavuot.” Reservations for lunch have been requested and may be made by contacting

CBS-CS at 446-9570 by Monday, May 18. Services, lunch and the unscrolling of the Torah will be free and open to the community. For more information, contact CBS-CS office at 446-9570. Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas will also hold Shavuot services on Monday, May 25, at 9:30 am. Services will be led by Cantor Paula Pepperstone and Yizkor will be recited again. Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse Erev Shavuot is Saturday, May 23. There will be a Chumash class at 8 am, followed by morning services at 9 am, at Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse. The afternoon class will be held at 7 pm and Mincha will be at 8 pm, with candle lighting at 9:16 pm. Sunday, May 24, is the first day of Shavuot. Morning services will be held at 9:30 am. Mincha will be at 8:10 pm. Candle lighting will be at 9:17 pm and may be done from a pre-existing flame. Monday, May 25, is the second day of Shavuot. There will be a Chumash class at 8 am, followed by morning services at 9 am. Yizkor will be recited during the morning services. A Shavuot luncheon will follow services and there will be a discussion on “Confidentiality and Jewish Law.” Mincha will be at 8:10 pm, with Havdalah at 9:17 pm. For more information, contact the STOCS office at 446-6194. Temple Adath Yeshurun Temple Adath Yeshurun will hold a congregational dairy dinner featuring a

See “Shavuot” on page 6

MAY 14, 2015/25 IYAR 5775 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

JCC of Syracuse announces slate of officers and directors By Mariette DeWolf The Nominating Committee of the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center’s Board of Directors recently announced its slate of officers and directors for election at this year’s JCC annual meeting and gala, which will be held on Sunday, June 7, at 11 am, at Owera Vineyards in Cazenovia. Nominated are Steven Sisskind, president; Steven Wladis, Roy Gutterman and Howard Weinstein, vice presidents; Sara Temes, treasurer; and Debbie Goldwein, secretary. Directors nominated for terms ending in 2016 include Jayne Charlamb, Ben Gnacik and Joanne Maloff. Rebecca Cohen has been nominated a director for a term ending

in 2017. Directors nominated for terms ending in 2018 are Mary Anne Gillson, Ann Goldstein, Mindy Lorenz, Philip Rothschild, Phillip Rubenstein, Amy Sumida, Olivia Kronhaus, Laurence Segal and Diane Wladis. The JCC board’s Nominating Committee is chaired by Goldwein and includes Gillson, Gutterman, Michael Klein, Mark Levy, Alan Lipsy, Ilene Mendel, Sarah Pinsky, Rubenstein, Sisskind, Temes and Weinstein. The JCC has thanked the committee’s members for their hard work in helping to put together this year’s slate. In addition to electing board officers and directors, the JCC’s gala will feature a presentation of six awards recognizing “outstanding service” given to the JCC and the local community. The Hall of Fame Award,

which honors those who have dedicated themselves to the Syracuse Jewish community and to advancing the JCC, will be given to Herbert (Hecky) Alpert, Michael Moss and George Wladis. The Kovod Gadol Award, which in Hebrew translates to “great honor” and is considered the JCC’s highest honor, will be presented to Goldwein and Nancy Kasow. Receiving the Kovod Award, which signifies honor and importance, will be the teen funders of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York. For more information about the JCC’s annual meeting and gala, including purchasing tickets and supporting the event, contact Mariette DeWolf at 445-2360, ext. 112, or mdewolf@jccsyr.org.

JCC to hold “Ask the Pharmacist” program for seniors May 22 By William Wallak The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse’s “Ask the Pharmacist” senior lunch and learn program will be held on Friday, May 22, from noon-2 pm, at the JCC, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. Guest speaker Jeremiah Vincent, supervising pharmacist with Kinney Drugs, will give a presentation on medication safety and tips for seniors, followed by a question and answer session. Attendees may also bring in expired medications for proper disposal. The program will begin with a hot kosher lunch, followed by Vincent’s presentation. There will be a modest

suggested contribution for the lunch portion. There will be no cost to attend only the guest speaker’s portion of the program, which will start at 12:30 pm. Registration will be required and can be made by calling 445-2360 by noon on Thursday, May 21. The JCC’s lunch and learn series was launched in March and offers information on a range of issues facing seniors. The free monthly meetings feature local professionals covering topics such as health, wellness, finances, legal matters and caregiving. The new JCC program is funded by a grant from the Green Family Foundation. The JCC’s lunch and learns are a monthly component

added to its Bobbi Epstein Lewis senior adult dining program, which offers seniors age 60 and older kosher meals on weekdays at noon for a modest suggested contribution. The JCC’s Senior Adult Dining Program is the only senior nutrition program available in New York state outside of the New York City area that serves kosher meals five days per week. The program is funded in part by the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth and the New York State Office for the Aging and Administration for Community Living. For more information or to make a reservation for a lunch, call 445-2360.

Menorah Park’s IMPARA presents nationally, convenes locally to help solve unmet needs among the aging By Drew Lovejoy Representatives of the Rodney and Marjorie Fink Institute at Menorah Park for Applied Research on Aging recently gave two presentations at a national conference and held a local event, both related to unmet needs among the aging relating to mental health services. IMPARA’s director, Judith Huober, gave two presentations at the Aging in America Conference in Chicago on March 24 and 26. The presentations showcased IMPARA’s work to benefit older adults and those who help and support them in the Central New York community. Huober’s first presentation, together with Dr. Kim Armani of SUNY Oswego, discussed the Central New York Geriatric Mental Health Initiative, which IMPARA has helped organize. The presentation detailed ways that Central New York is engaging stakeholders to identify and find solutions to “critical, unmet” needs related to mental health, and services targeted to older adults. The second presentation, with Dr. Danielle Masursky, former research coordinator for IMPARA, discussed one of IMPARA’s research projects, Project upBEAT:

Building Empathy and Teamwork in the long-term care setting. Now in its third year, Project upBEAT is a program designed to foster teamwork and empathy among professional and family caregivers. According to Huober, stress and burnout and a lower standard of geriatric care arise when communication between different caregivers breaks down. Project upBEAT aims to create “a structured opportunity for learning and sharing experiences that are easy, convenient and rewarding for caregivers to use.” Huober said, “The turnout and reception for our presentations was really heartening. What we found is that there is a national audience for practical, organized approaches to these long-deferred, but crucial, issues: mental health for older adults and their families, and stress relief for caregivers.” On February 23, there was a local conference, “Aging in Focus: Strategies for Improving Geriatric Mental Health in Central New York.” With keynote speaker and mentor Dr. Stephen Bartels, from Dartmouth University Medical School, 100 professionals from across the region and New York City came together for a full day to focus

on the role mental health and mental illness play in the lives of older people; the costs the region and its citizens are paying because of untreated or undertreated mental health conditions and a lack of prevention; therapeutic and preventive services; barriers to service and the challenges of accessibility, quality and capacity; and new forms of effective assessment and intervention that can be developed regionally for positive change. The conference was presented by a partnership of IMPARA, SUNY Oswego and SUNY Upstate-Hutchings Psychiatric Center. IMPARA promotes the study of aging, in partnership with other institutions, agencies and health and spiritual care providers in the Central New York region. Huober, who also serves as director of Syracuse Jewish Family Service at Menorah Park, has led IMPARA since its inception in 2008. For information on IMPARA, contact Huober at 4469111, ext. 236, or jhuober@menorahparkofcny.com.

In Chicago to present two workshops at the annual Aging in America conference, Syracuse Jewish Family Service Director Judith Huober met with other members from across the country of the Association of Jewish Family and Children’s Agencies.

Bowdoin students reject boycott of Israel The Bowdoin College student body voted recently to reject a proposed boycott of Israeli educational and cultural institutions. The margin was more than five to one in opposition to the proposal. The final vote listed 1,144 students against the proposed boycott, 228 in favor, and 247 abstentions. The proposal was put to a vote after students associated with Students for Justice in Palestine followed student government procedures and collected the minimum number of signatures required to put the question before the entire student body. Eighty-five percent of Bowdoin’s student body of 1,915, including students studying away, voted electroni-

cally throughout a period of four days, concluding on May 6. The turnout was the largest for any student vote in recent memory. “There was never any question about Bowdoin College joining this movement,” said Bowdoin President Barry Mills, who issued a public statement in December 2013 “strongly opposing” any boycott of Israeli institutions. “That said, it is gratifying to see this resounding and unambiguous statement by our students who clearly understand the vital importance of open discourse between scholars and educational institutions and the free exchange of ideas and knowledge.”

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

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ may 14, 2015/25 IYAR 5775

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.

Saturday, May 16 Temple Concord Cinemagogue presents “The Other Son” at 7 pm Sunday, May 17 Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse honors Rabbi Evan and Deborah Shore at 5:30 pm Monday, May 18 Syracuse Hebrew Day School Kabalat Hasiddur at 7 pm SHDS board of directors meeting at 7:30 pm Tuesday, May 19 Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center Executive Committee meeting at 6 pm, followed by board meeting at 7 pm Temple Concord Goldenberg series presents Syracuse Pops Chorus at 7 pm Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas board meeting at 6:45 pm, followed by annual congregational meeting at 7:30 pm Thursday, May 21 Menorah Park Shining Stars event at 5:30 pm Saturday, May 23 Erev Shavuot Sunday, May 24 Shavuot, day 1 Monday, May 25 Shavuot, day 2 Wednesday, May 27 Deadline for the June 11 issue of the Jewish Observer Thursday, May 28 JCC car wash at 2:45 pm TAY board meeting at 7 pm Sunday, May 31 Temple Concord annual Mensch event at 5:30 pm Sunday, June 1 STOCS presents Simply Tsfat at 8 pm

Port

of Business and Public Administration, as well as at various continuing education courses and seminars on tax and accounting subjects for the Foundation of Continuing Education of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, Syracuse University Continuing Education Program, the American Association of Attorney Certified Public Accountants and the Central New York Estate Planning Council. His professional accomplishments, however, are not the reason why he is receiving the Roth Award. The organization that is said to be “nearest and dearest to his heart” is the Judaic Heritage Center, chartered in 2004 by the Board of Regents of the state of New York to operate as a historical society and a nonprofit educational corporation. Its mission is to preserve and disseminate the heritage of the Jewish community of Central New York, with a goal of “fostering intergenerational awareness”

LARRY METZGER Owner

L-M PAINTING Residential/Commercial

6340 Danbury Drive Jamesville, NY 13078-9729 (315) 446-0966 Fax (315) 446-1555 Email:LMPainting@aol.com

mazel tov Charlotte (Chuckie) Holstein to receive honorary degree from Syracuse University

Charlotte (Chuckie) Holstein will be among advisory boards for Syracuse University’s five people receiving honorary degrees at SyraSchool of Social Work and the College for cuse University’s 161st commencement. Human Development. On the state and national level, Holstein Called “a civic leader on a local, state, has served on the New York State Board of national and global level” and “a commuSocial Welfare, as a member of the New York nity-minded citizen,” Holstein has sought State Division for Youth and on the Advisory to better the world by collaborating with Committee for the White House Conference social, educational, government and faithon Families for President Jimmy Carter. based organizations. Holstein is an honorary vice president for She is the founder and executive director the American Jewish Committee, and has of F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse, a “citizenCharlotte held several leadership positions, including driven” organization that fosters “citizen creativity to impact change” in Central New (Chuckie) Holstein chair of the AJC National Committee on the Role of Women. She has also participated in York. Initiated in 1997, F.O.C.U.S., “Forging Our Community’s United Strength,” seeks to help the AJC-sponsored Women’s Interreligious Mission to citizens, organizations and government work together Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Israel. She has spoken on issues internationally, delivering to enhance the quality of life for all citizens. Holstein is also a founder of Leadership Greater Syracuse and Youth a paper on elderly women at the 1985 U.N. NGO ConLeadership Greater Syracuse, the Syracuse Commission ference for Women in Nairobi, Kenya, and led an AJC for Women, Meals on Wheels and the City/County Of- delegation to the 1995 U.N. World Conference in China. She also met with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican to fice on Aging. Holstein has been involved in the local Jewish com- discuss human rights. Her work has been recognized with numerous munity as well. Along with her husband, Alex, she was an honorary co-chair of the Jewish Federation of Central awards, including the F.O.C.U.S. Wisdom Keeper New York Annual Campaign. She is a “Lion of Judah,” Award, the Syracuse Post-Standard’s All Time a donor who commits a major gift in her own name to Woman of Achievement Award and the National Federation’s Annual Campaign. Jewish Federation of Leadership Award from the American Jewish ComCentral New York President/CEO Linda Alexander said, mittee, among others. The other honorees include journalist and broadcaster “We are so proud of our Chuckie and thrilled to see her recognized as the leader she is. Chuckie is my personal Bob Costas, class of 1974; author and the Jesse Truesdell role model and I value her guidance and friendship every Peck Professor of Literature at Syracuse University Mary day. Both she and her husband, Alex, are among our best Karr, who will also deliver the commencement address; Sonia Nieto, professor emerita of language, literacy and and brightest in Central New York.” For Syracuse University, Holstein has been a long- culture at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, time partner of continuing education and University and past lecturer for the Douglas P. Biklen Landscape College. One such partnership is the Citizens Academy, of Urban Education Lectures Series at Syracuse Univera program jointly sponsored by University College, sity; and Richard L. Thompson, graduate class of 1967, F.O.C.U.S Greater Syracuse, Onondaga County and who dedicated years of service and energy to Syracuse the city of Syracuse to increase citizens’ understand- University, including as chair of the Syracuse University ing of effective government. She has also chaired the Board of Trustees.

and knowledge of the heritage of the Central New York Jewish community, and “making that history come alive” through publications, lectures and exhibits. Port became involved with the JHC because of former Syracuse resident Bob Zucker’s commitment to it, and also because of the sale of Abe Altman’s house on Cazenovia Lake. Altman’s home office was still intact, with all of his awards and pictures in recognition of his lifelong involvement in the Jewish community, including an extensive Judaic book collection. They were being sold for 50 cents apiece. Port said, “Fortunately, those books didn’t sell. I contacted Abe’s son in Albany and got him to agree to donate the book collection to the library at The Oaks. As families downsize or liquidate their household, their involvement in the Jewish community is being lost. That experience with Abe Altman’s house sale was a wake-up call that we need to preserve our past for future generations. When I was approached by Bob Zucker to join the group that was starting the Judaic Heritage Center, I didn’t hesitate to become involved.” In addition to his positions as treasurer and president of the Judaic Heritage Center of Central New York, he has also been treasurer and board member at Temple Adath Yeshurun, Menorah Park, the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York and the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center. He has also served on various Federation Annual Campaign committees. Federation’s President/CEO Linda Alexander said, “Howard is an exemplary volunteer in our community. In addition to his leadership with the Judaic Heritage Center, he was a founding member of the Jewish Foundation board, and I have personally relied on his guidance and counsel over the years. Howard has a way of getting directly to the crux of the point with little fanfare. He is a trusted advisor.” Of the award, Port said, “I am deeply honored to have been selected for the Roth Award. The Roth family leadership in supporting the Jewish community and state of Israel sets a very high standard. I am also humbled to be in the company of the past honorees.” He added, “Being involved in the various Jewish community organizations has been a rewarding experience. The key to being a volunteer is to give back to the community. Each of us has benefited from the work done by those who came before us. We have an obligation to continue their work so that our children and those who come after us have a community that is in as good or better condition than the one we inherited. The importance of the Judaic Heritage Center is to collect and preserve

Continued from page 1 the story of our predecessors so our children and future generations are made aware of their past. We all benefit from the sacrifices of our immigrant ancestors who gave up everything for us to be here. We need never to forget their sacrifice.” Port and his wife, Ann, are life-long members of Temple Adath Yeshurun. They have two children, Andrew and Stephen, a daughter-in-law, Jill, and a grandson, Logan. For more information on Federation’s meeting, contact Kathie Piirak at 445-2040, ext. 106, or kpiirak@ jewishfederationcny.org.

Sherman

Continued from page 1 minyan a comfort. When others think of him, they envision him on the pulpit, officiating at innumerable weddings, b’nai mitzvah [and] confirmation services, as well as other occasions.” Rabbi Sherman has declined any special recognition for his years of service and his advancement to rabbi emeritus of Temple Adath Yeshurun. Anyone who would like to share a memory, anecdote or reminiscence, or wish him well as he begins a new chapter in his life, should send their message to info@adath.org or Temple Adath Yeshurun, 450 Kimber Rd., Syracuse, NY 13224. The messages will be collected and presented to him.

Shavuot

Continued from page 4 dairy dessert on Saturday, May 23, at 6:15 pm. The dinner will be open to the community and there will be a modest charge, with a family maximum. Reservations have been requested in the synagogue office by Friday, May 15. There will be family Shavuot activities for preschool and school-age children at 7 pm. Attendees will have an opportunity to see the Torah close-up and participate in interactive Shavuot activities that celebrate the holiday, which commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Shavuot services will be held at 8 pm. At 9 pm, there will be a Tikkun Leil Shavuot, “A Journey Through the 613 Commandments.” Shavuot services will be held on Saturday, May 23, at 8 pm; on Sunday, May 24, at 9:15 am and 8:15 pm; and on Monday, May 25, at 9:15 am and 8:15 pm. For more information, contact the TAY office at 445-0002.

MAY 14, 2015/25 IYAR 5775 ■

JCC pool season and swimming lessons start May 23

obituaries Lisa Burdick Yoder

Lisa Burdick Yoder, 55, died on April 14 in St. Petersburg, FL, from cancer. Most recently of Treasure Island, FL, and previously of Washington, DC, she grew up in Syracuse, NY. A graduate of Clark University, she received a master’s in international affairs and Soviet studies from Columbia University and a master’s in national security strategy from the National War College. Following positions at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and a presidential management internship at the Department of the Army, she had a career with the Department of Defense, including working on national security issues and U.S.-NATO security policy, in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Most recently, she served as manager of Tampa Operations for Northrop Grumman Corporation. In recognition of her many accomplishments, she was honored with two Secretary of Defense Medals for Meritorious Civilian Service, the Secretary of Defense Civilian Career Service Award and was a finalist for the Paul H. Nitze Award for Excellence in International Security Affairs. She was also active with numerous professional organizations related to international trade, foreign relations and international security. She was predeceased by her parents, Daniel and Billie Burdick. She is survived by her husband, Albert Yoder, of Treasure Island, FL; a stepdaughter, Jessica Yoder, of Crofton, MD; and her siblings, Amy Burdick, of Chestnut Hill, MA, Janet Rosen, of Newton, MA, Joseph Burdick, of Lakewood, CO, and David Burdick, of Edwardsville, IL. A memorial service will be held in Syracuse later this spring. Contributions may be made to the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Attn: Kathleen Sullivan, 10 Brookline Pl. W., 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02445, or online at www. myjimmyfundpage.org/give/lisayoder. 

Holly Koenig

Holly Koenig, 85, of Jamesville, died on April 30 at the Nottingham Retirement Community. Born in New York City, she was raised in Far Rockaway, Queens, NY. After raising her family in Levittown, she moved to East Meadow, where she lived until 2012, when she moved to Central New York to be closer to family. She was a registered nurse. Her interests included tennis, kayaking, dogs, biking, world traveling, healing and dancing. She was predeceased by her husband, Murray. She is survived by her three children, Fran (Richard) Cean, of Barnes Corners, NY, Dan (Leigh) Chakin, of Fayetteville, and Mark Chakin, of Black Mountain, NC; and two grandchildren. Services and burial were conducted on Long Island. Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions may be made to a local animal shelter. 

Frieda Kuflik

Frieda Kuflik, 90, died on April 26. Born in Szydlowiec, Poland, she was the oldest child of Herschel and Shaindel Kurlender, who, along with her two younger brothers, died in the Holocaust. She survived the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, from which she was liberated by the English Army on April 15, 1945. In December 1946, she arrived in New York City with her sole surviving brother, Yachov (Jack). Penniless, she worked in a garment factory sewing piece goods to earn a living. In 1948, sitting at the “singles table” at a friend’s wedding, she met a fellow Holocaust survivor, Seymour Kuflik, from Korczyna, Poland. They married that year and raised their family in the Bronx and Queens, NY, with many summers spent at bungalow colonies in the Catskill Mountains. She was predeceased by her brothers, David and Avraham, who died in the Holocaust; and her husband, Seymour, who died in 2005. She is survived by her son, Sidney (Madeline) Kuflik; her daughter, Sheila (Stuart) Ben, of Manlius; five grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. Burial was in Sharon Gardens, Valhalla, NY. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions may be made to the U.S. Holocaust Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW, Washington, DC 20024, or any charitable organization where the memory of those lost during the Holocaust is remembered and sanctified. 

JEWISH OBSERVER

By William Wallak The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse will open its pool and swimming lessons program on Saturday, May 23, at 10 am. The JCC will offer group, semi-private and private swimming lessons for children and adults seven days a week through August. Taught by Red Cross-certified instructors in the JCC’s outdoor, heated pool, swimmers of all skill levels can participate. Infants as young as 6-months, older children and adults can get started on learning to swim. There are also lessons geared toward advanced swimmers. JCC membership is not required to take swimming lessons, but there is a fee. JCC members will receive a discount. Mick Hagan, director of children and teen services, said, “It’s great that we’ll soon be opening up the pool and offering our members another form of recreation after the long, cold winter we’ve had. The pool is such a focal point here during the summer for children attending camp, families spending time together and people taking exercise classes. I think everyone is looking forward to getting out in the sun and making a splash.” The JCC pool is a members-only benefit that features open free-swim and lap-swim times. Guests are welcome to purchase a pool pass and swim when accompanied by a member. Other aquatics programs also are offered

Red Cross-certified swimming instructor Julen Bascaran worked with Sasha Fagelman on her swimming skills in the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse’s outdoor, heated pool during summer camp last year. throughout the summer. Aqua aerobics classes will be offered through the JCC’s Family Sports and Fitness Center weekday mornings starting in June. In addition, pool parties celebrating birthdays and other occasions may be booked by members as well as non-members. For more information about the pool, including swimming lessons and other schedules, call 445-2360 or visit www.jccsyr.org.

NEWS IN bRIEF From JTA

Vandalism destroys monument to Polish Jewish community killed in Holocaust

An act of vandalism destroyed a monument commemorating a Polish Jewish community. Police are investigating the recent incident at the Jewish cemetery in Rajgrod, a town of some 1,7000 in northeastern Poland. The cemetery does not have security monitoring. The monument was unveiled last September by the Foundation for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland and Israeli Avi Tzur, whose ancestors came from Rajgrod. The town’s Jewish population was liquidated in 1942. “This type of damage is seen as a despicable attack on Holocaust victims and their families involved in a project of commemoration,” said Monika Krawczyk, director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland. “The Foundation calls on the Polish authorities to immediately take measures to repair the damage, arrest the perpetrators and provide care for other such sites throughout Poland.” Polish Jewish activist Piotr Kadlcik said it was hard to call this an ordinary act of vandalism. “The destruction of a massive monument located away from the city requires careful planning,” he told JTA. Jews lived in

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

Rajgrod from the 16th century through World War II. In 1857, some 1,569 Jews lived in Rajgrod, making up 90 percent of the town’s entire population.

Israel closes field hospital in Nepal

Israel closed its field hospital in Kathmandu at a joint ceremony with its Nepali counterparts. The 60-bed field hospital, which treated more than 1,400 patients during its 10 days of operation, was closed on May 10, Reuters reported. The hospital performed 90 life-saving surgeries and delivered eight babies, six by Caesarean section, according to the Times of Israel. Some 150 Israelis staffed the hospital, the largest ever erected by the Israel Defense Forces. “Let me express our sincere gratitude to the government of Israel and to the people of Israel for helping us in times of very critical hours for Nepal,” the country’s urban development minister, Narayan Khadka, said at the ceremony. The death toll from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake on April 25 and the resulting avalanches centered near Kathmandu rose above 8,000 over the weekend of May 10, with more than 16,000 injured. Also on May 10, three new temblors struck the area, at 4.0, 4.2 and 4.4 magnitudes. No new damage was reported, though they sparked panic among the Nepalese living in the open in the quakes’ areas.

Proudly serving Syracuse for 81 years, with

dignity, integrity and honesty

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

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

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

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ may 14, 2015/25 IYAR 5775

Jewish Observer Central New York 5JCC’s x 15 7/8 during those weeks the summer dinners are senior kosher dinners

JCC’s senior kosher dinners

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Grocery b

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Where Available –––––––– –––––––– ––––––––

Including a large selection of Kosher Dairy & Frozen items.

12 oz. Fine, Medium, Wide, Extra Wide or Yolk Free or 7 oz.•Large Bow Ties

Manischewitz Egg Noodles

22 oz.

Kedem Concord Grape Juice

5 3 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2/$

In Our Kosher Freezer Dept. 22 oz.•Chicago Style

47th Street Deep Dish Pizza

2/$

In Our Kosher Freezer Dept. 10.6 oz.•All Varieties

Golden Gourmet Pancakes

2/$

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 4.25-4.37 oz.•Skinless And 4.2 oz.•Vanilla, Boneless in Oil or Water

Chocolate, Orange or Plain

Season’s Sardines

Kedem Tea Biscuits

4/$

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Meat b

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Kosher•Fresh –––––––– ––––––––

Including a selection of Glatt Kosher Fresh and Frozen Beef, Chicken & Turkey.

Empire Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Kosher•Fresh

Empire Chicken Party Wings

starting up again June 1 By William Wallak The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse’s Monday evening senior kosher dinners will begin for the summer on June 1. The weekly hot kosher dinners will be held at 5 pm. Live entertainment by musicians and other performers will be included as part of each dinner program. The dinners, which will run through August, will be open to seniors age 60 and older, and offered for a modest suggested contribution. Reservations are required by the Wednesday before each dinner and can be made by calling 445-2360. Marci Erlebacher, JCC executive director, said, “We are very pleased that our summer dinner program for seniors will soon be starting up again. The dinners are very popular and provide a wonderful outlet for seniors to socialize while enjoying a delicious kosher meal.” The summer dinner program is an additional component to the JCC’s Bobbi Epstein Lewis Senior Adult Dining Program. The program’s weekday senior lunches will continue at noon on Tuesdays-Fridays

held. The lunch program offers seniors age 60 and older a kosher meal for a modest suggested contribution. The JCC’s Senior Adult Dining Program is the only senior nutrition program available in New York state outside of the New York City area that serves kosher meals five days per week. The program is funded in part by the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth and the New York State Office for the Aging and Administration for Community Living. For more information or to make a reservation, call 445-2360. Volunteers needed for the JCC’s senior dinners The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse is seeking volunteers to help serve its Monday evening senior kosher dinners starting on June 1. Volunteers ages 13 and older are welcome and would need to be available starting at 4:45 pm. Flexible weeks and times are available. Students seeking to fulfill community service requirements will receive confirmation of volunteer hours served. For more information or to sign up to help, call 445-2360.

PJ Library® visits Israel!

PJ Library® participants pretended to take a trip to Israel at a Yom Ha’atzmaut festival on April 23. The children created a personal “passport” and then “flew” to Israel. Upon “arrival,” the children stamped their “passports” at “customs” before “visiting the sights” in Israel. Among the locations were the Kotel, where children wrote wishes or thank you notes to place in the wall. They also had the opportunity to visit the PJ kibbutz and pretend to pick oranges from the trees. Finally, they “cooled off” in the Dead Sea. Upcoming PJ Library events include a Shavuot dairy event on Sunday, May 17, from 10 am-noon, at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse; a PJ Scavenger Hunt at the Burnet Park Zoo on Sunday, June 14, at 10 am; and Popsicles in the Park/Stories under the Stars on Sunday, July 12, at 6 pm, at Canal Landing Park, Fayetteville.

Started by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, the PJ Library is a nationally acclaimed literacy program that gives free Jewish bedtime stories, CDs and DVDs to families raising Jewish children. The PJ Library Central New York chapter is a program of the JCC and is supported by the Pomeranz, Shankman and Martin Charitable Foundation, Jewish Federation of Central New York, Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York Teen Funders, Congregation Beth SholomChevra Shas, Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse, Syracuse Hebrew Day School, Temple Adath Yeshurun and Temple Concord. The PJ Library in Central New York serves children from 6-months-8-years-old in Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties. For more information and to sign up, visit www.pjlibrary.org or e-mail pjcny@ jccsyr.org.

Back to front: Rachel Pettiford and Lilah Temes pretended to pick oranges from the PJ kibbutz trees, while Makayla Seidman placed a note in the PJ Kotel.

L-r: Rose Scheer, Joseph Seidman and Jacklyne Ghalchi pretended to fly to Israel, while Gabriel Weinberg (partially shown) waited for his turn.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 12 oz.•Frozen lb.

11 oz.

Meal Mart Beef Patties

lb.

Meal Mart Breaded Boneless Chicken Tenders

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Fish b

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Including a selection of Salmon Fillets & Steaks. 19 oz.

––––––––

Gold’s Cocktail Sauce

3 oz.

Nathan’s Smoked Salmon

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Exclusively at the DeWitt Super Center 2515 Erie Boulevard • 449-2314

Coming soon...

2015 Community Guide the largest issue of the year, a keepsake edition with special advertising and community sections! Issue date: June 11 • Ad Deadline: June 3 To advertise, please contact Bonnie Rozen at 800-779-7896, ext. 244 or bonnie@thereportergroup.org

Prices effective Sunday, May 3 thru Saturday, May 30, 2015.