18 IYAR 5776 • MAY 26, 2016 • VOLUME XXXVII, NUMBER 11 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY
Combined Federation, Day School, Epstein School annual meeting BY KATHIE PIIRAK The Jewish Federation of Central New York announced a combined 2016 annual meeting with the Syracuse Hebrew Day School and the Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein School of Jewish Studies, which will be held on Wednesday, June 8, in the Anne and Hy Miller Auditorium at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, beginning with refreshments at 6:30 pm and the meeting at 7 pm. Presiding over the 98th annual meeting will be Board Chair Ruth Stein. A dessert reception will be catered by JCC chef Donna Carullo under the supervision of the Va’ad Ha’ir. There will be a sheet cake from the new BJ’s kosher bakery. First Niagara Bank is this year’s annual meeting sponsor.
in 2017 are Adam Alweis, Sidney Cominsky, Miriam Elman, Joel Friedman, Elliott Meltzer, Todd Pinsky, Neil Rosenbaum, Carl Rosenzweig, Neil Rube, Cheryl Schotz, Rabbi Evan Shore, Jef Sneider and David Temes. Stein will remain the board chair. The 2016 Esther and Joseph Roth Award for Outstanding Jewish ComMara Charlamb Adam Fumarola Steven Goldberg Mickey Lebowitz munity Leadership will be presented to Rabbi Evan S. Shore. The Syracuse Hebrew Day School There will be an election for Feder- Ellen Weinstein. New trustees for a Chorus will perform. ation’s Board of Directors. This year’s two-year term ending in 2018 are Mara The combined annual meeting is open nominations include trustees returning Charlamb, Adam Fumarola and Mickey to the community. Reservations are refor a two-year term ending in 2018: Lebowitz. Steven Goldberg will be Michael Balanoff, Marc Beckman, joining the board for a one-year term quested and may be made by contacting Mark Field, Alan Goldberg, Philip ending in 2017. Returning trustees on Kathie Piirak at 445-2040, ext. 106, or Holstein, Stein, Steven Volinsky and the board to complete their term ending kpiirak@jewishfederationcny.org.
Former child refugees, rescued from Nazis, Urge U.K. to take Syrian kids This report was heard on “All Things Considered” on National Public Radio on May 9. The reporter was Lauren Frayer and is reprinted with their permission. In her suburban London row house, Margit Goodman, 94, sits wrapped in blankets in her favorite recliner. She was a girl of 17 when she first came to Britain, escaping from her native Prague just before the Germans invaded. She remembers the exact date: June 5, 1939. “When I left, [Czechoslovakia] was still a free country,” she recalls. “But we soon became occupied by the Germans.” In the late 1930s, as Nazi persecution of Jews intensified, the British government and Jewish aid groups arranged for the transport of nearly 10,000 children to the U.K. from Europe, through a program that became known as the “Kindertransport.” Goodman was one of the children rescued by the program. “I wouldn’t be here now. They saved our lives, didn’t they?” she says. Her mother, father and brother were left behind in Prague. From there, they were deported to concentration camps – where they were gassed to death. Goodman arrived in London alone. No other close relatives survived. “I’ve never seen a photo of my grandparents,” says Karen Goodman, Margit’s daughter. Margit Goodman ended up working as a house maid in Scotland. Her experience as a teenage refugee shaped her whole family. She eventually became a social worker, and so did her daughter.
Now both women have become advocates for today’s child refugees from Syria. In November 1938, the British Parliament passed emergency legislation to admit Jewish child refugees from Europe without visas. The Goodmans and a number of former evacuees, now elderly, are lobbying the U.K. to do the same for unaccompanied Syrian children who are in Europe. Karen Goodman recently briefed members of Britain’s Parliament on how the U.K. social services system might absorb 3,000 Syrian youngsters through programs like the one to which her mother says she owes her life. But Prime Minister David Cameron has said he doesn’t want his government to grant asylum to any Syrian refugees who’ve already traveled to Europe on their own. “We shouldn’t be encouraging people to make this dangerous journey,” Cameron told Parliament last week. “I think it’s right to stick to the idea we keep investing in the refugee camps and in the neighboring countries.” Cameron’s ruling conservatives voted against an immigration bill amendment last month that would have forced his government to bring in 3,000 Syrian child refugees already in Europe. The amendment was authored by Alfred Dubs, a Labour Party member of the House of Lords who, like Margit Goodman, was born in Prague and came to Britain as a child refugee via Kindertransport. Dozens of his fellow evacuees have asked Cameron to change his mind. The prime minister has since said he’s willing
to reconsider and admit some Syrian children, but he wouldn’t give a number. “My survival is entirely due to the extreme generosity of the British government in 1938,” says Leslie Brent, 90. “And the contrast with the present government is quite pathetic.” Brent says he’s worried Cameron is caving into pressure from right-wing, anti-immigrant groups. His Conservative Party is already split over a possible British exit from the European Union, on which Britons will vote in a national referendum in June. Immigration – or fear of it – is a big part of that debate. Brent recalls how in the 1930s, anti-Jewish sentiment got so bad in his hometown in northern Germany that he could no longer go to school. So his parents sent him to an orphanage in Berlin. That decision helped save his life. “The director of the orphanage nominated me to leave on the first Kindertransport, which left Berlin on the first of December 1938 – only a few weeks after Kristallnacht, the night of the broken glass, when Jewish shops and homes and synagogues were ransacked,” he says. “My parents had until then really believed that things would change for the better.”
They did not. Brent’s parents and older sister were shot by the Nazis. Brent See “Syrian” on page 7
2016 Federation Annual Campaign Goal: $1,200,000
1,051,867
$
as of May 23, 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 May 27......................8:15 pm............................................................Parasha-Behar June 3........................8:21 pm.................................................. Parasha-Bechukotai June 10......................8:25 pm.....................................................Parasha-Bamidbar June 11......................after 9:37 pm.................................................... Erev Shavuot June 12......................after 9:38 pm.............................................................Shavuot June 17......................8:28 pm............................................................ Parasha-Naso
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Shavuot
Senior kosher dinners
Federation grant
Local synagogues announce The JCC will host weekly kosher Federation has given the Epstein their Shavuot celebrations and dinners for seniors over the School a grant for its “Packing for summer, starting on June 20. services. College” program. Story on page 3 Story on page 2 Story on page 5
PLUS Gifts for Dads and Grads...... 6 Calendar Highlights............... 6 Obituaries................................. 7 Summer Fun....................1A-4A
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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ MAY 26, 2016/18 IYAR 5776
A MATTER OF OPINION Thank you for 68th birthday bash
strength to continue this tradition as we BY LINDA ALEXANDER The Jewish Federation of Central New recognize the effort and hard work that York extends a huge thank you and todah was put into doing this and doing it well. Our community is truly honored to rabah to the hardworking and dedicated have these three women in our commutriple co-chairs of this year’s Yom Ha’atzmaut comFROM THE DESK OF THE munity celebraFEDERATION PRESIDENT/CEO tion in honor of LINDA ALEXANDER Israel’s 68th anniversary. Specifinity. They are truly dedicated to creating cally, we want to an annual Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Incongratulate (in alphabetical order) Orit Antosh, Linda dependence Day) celebration that brings the entire community together for such Chait Davis and Nurit Nussbaum. We also want to offer a yasher koach as a happy event. On both a professional we recognize that you have all performed and a personal note, I want to thank Orit, a mitzvah on behalf of the entire Central Linda and Nurit for their outstanding New York community. We wish you the achievements.
Yom Hashoah at the Syracuse Community Hebrew School led by Spector Warren Fellow BY DIANE WLADIS The Syracuse Community Hebrew School held special programming on May 4 to commemorate Yom Hashoah Vehagevurkah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Ryan Howlett, who completed the Spector Warren Fellowship for Future Educators from Syracuse University’s graduate program, shared stories from Holocaust survivors with the fifth-, sixth- and seventh-graders. He explained to the students, “When you meet with someone and hear their stories, you are compelled to do everything to continue to share these stories. As these survivors get older and their stories get older, it’s up to you, the young people to carry these stories forward.” As a Spector Warren Fellow, Howlett took part in a six-day institute at the Holocaust Museum Houston with nationally recognized Holocaust scholars and Holocaust survivors. The program
is designed to help future teachers bring the lessons of the Holocaust into the classroom. Howlett has found that the question he is asked most often in his Holocaust presentation to students is, “How could this happen?” He illustrated the gradual evolution of Hitler’s propaganda into racial laws institutionalized by the Nazis. He passed out several cards to every student. The cards represented a small fraction of the hundreds of actual laws that the Nazis enacted. Groups of students rose to recite the assigned laws. Howlett called out each year from 1933 to 1942. Laws ranged from “Jews expelled from sports clubs” to “Jews must turn in radios” to “Jews no longer allowed to emigrate.” Students’ reactions became progressively more disgusted as the laws grew harsher. Max Oppedisano said, “They (the racial laws) are subtly
Shavuot around the community CONGREGATION BETH SHOLOM-CHEVRA SHAS This Shavuot at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas will present “Exploring God’s Top Ten List – The Ten Commandments.” On Saturday, June 11, participants will look at the Ten Commandments from a variety of perspectives. At 5 pm, there will be an “everyone-friendly” “Iron Chef: Shavuot Edition,” where teams will be put to a culinary test as they take their ingredients, including a mystery ingredient, and create a set of Ten Commandments-themed treats. At 6 pm, the CBS-CS Sisterhood will have a dairy dinner (reservations requested to office@cbscs.org). At the end of dinner, CBS-CS will honor its Service Stars, those members who have taken a leadership role in the religious services over the past year. The annual Tikkun Leil Shavuot (evening of Jewish learning) will begin at 7 pm with a multi-generational session that will aspire to have everyone thinking more deeply about the Ten Commandments. Starting at 8 pm, the Tikkun Leil Shavuot will continue with multiple interactive learning sessions going until after midnight, each with a different take on the Ten Commandments. At 9 pm, there will be a break from the learning and those in attendance will have an evening service. There will be coffee, tea and snacks out for the duration of the Tikkun Leil Shavuot. Shavuot services will be held on the first and second days of the festival, Sunday, June 12, and Monday, June 13, at 9:30 am. On Monday, services, including a Yizkor service, will be led by Cantor Paula Pepperstone, who led Pesach services. All events and services are open to the community. For more information, contact the CBS-CS office at 446-9570 or cbscs@ yahoo.com. SHAAREI TORAH ORTHODOX CONGREGATION OF SYRACUSE Saturday, June 11, is erev Shavuot. There will be a Chumash class at 8 am, followed by morning services at 9 am. The afternoon class will be at 7:20 pm,
See “Fellow” on page 7
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Spector/Warren Fellow Ryan Howlett taught fifth grade students at the Syracuse Community Hebrew School about the Nuremberg Laws.
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Spector/Warren Fellow Ryan Howlett taught sixth- and seventh-graders, as well.
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followed by Mincha at 8:20 pm, candle lighting at 9:32 pm and then a Tikkun Leil Shavuot. On the first day of Shavuot, Sunday, June 12, the morning services will be at 9:30 am. Mincha will be at 8:25 pm, with candle lighting from a pre-existing flame at 9:32 pm. On the second day of Shavuot, Monday, June 13, there will be a Chumash class at 8 am, followed by morning services at 9 am. Services will include Yizkor. Following services, there will be a Shavuot lunch. Mincha will be at 8:25 pm, followed by Havdalah at 9:33 pm. TEMPLE ADATH YESHURUN On Saturday, June 11, there will be Tikkun Ad Hatzot, with services at 8:45 pm, and snacks and study to follow. The topic will be “Tip-Toe Through Tanach,” when participants will have the opportunity to join the congregation for a backto-basics evening of Shavuot Eve study, a trip through the entire Bible, but done before midnight. On Sunday, June 12, the first day of Shavuot, there will be services at 9:15 am, “Roll Out the Torah.” Participants will learn about what the Torah covers – about 150 feet – and the basics of Jewish living. The entire Torah scroll will be unrolled and participants can review highlights and hear portions read, as they celebrate the giving of the Torah at Sinai. On Sunday, June 12, services will be at 5:30 pm. Monday services will be at 9:15 am and will include Yizkor. The evening services will be at 8:55 pm. TEMPLE CONCORD Temple Concord’s 2016 confirmation class – Jeffrey Eckhardt, Molly Kotzin, Caleb Jacowitz and Emily Newman – will lead Shavuot services on Saturday, June 11, at 7 pm, as the synagogue celebrates its dedication to continued Jewish learning as part of the 133rd confirmation. Those in attendance are invited to stay for the traditional study session and enjoy some dairy treats. On Sunday, June 12, there will be a festival and Yizkor service at 11 am. 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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MAY 26, 2016/18 IYAR 5776 ■
JEWISH OBSERVER
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AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK Ruth Stein PACE Fund at the Foundation
BY LINDA ALEXANDER When Ruth Stein decided to set up a PACE Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation, in her and her mother’s names, the Gerda Friedeman/Ruth Stein PACE Fund to perpetuate a gift to the Jewish Federation’s annual Campaign, she said that it was an easy decision: “My mother always appreciated the range of Jewish institutions in Syracuse, and our family has benefitted in numerous ways from programs that were developed by those who came before us. I feel a responsibility to continue to invest in our Jewish community to help ensure that vital programs are available to families in the future, just as they were available to our family. I see the PACE Endowment Fund as an important step to help in that effort, and I am pleased to be able to participate. I am establishing this fund now because it is the one year anniversary of my mother’s passing. I think she would have been pleased.” Stein’s PACE Fund can continue to grow under the Foundation’s administration. Each year, the Foundation will
send a portion of the gain in this fund to the Federation’s annual Campaign. This gift will continue into perpetuity, so Stein’s gift will continue to impact the local community. Stein has been an active member of the Syracuse Jewish community for many years, giving generously to many charitable institutions for decades. She served as president of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas and president of its Sisterhood. She is currently a board member of the Syracuse Hebrew Day School and chair of the board of the Jewish Federation of Central New York. She also served on the Board of Education for the Syracuse City School District for more than eight years. In 2014, she was inducted into the Zanesville, OH, City Schools Hall of Fame, and this year was recognized as a Woman of Achievement by Na’amat. Foundation Executive Director Linda Alexander said, “The PACE Fund at the Foundation is a lasting tribute that will perpetuate Ruth’s family’s values and represents their strong roots in a community that is grateful for their generosity.”
At right: Ruth Stein (standing) set up the Gerda Friedeman/Ruth Stein PACE Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation in honor of her m o t h e r, w h o passed away last year.
JCC’s senior kosher dinners starting up again June 20 BY WILLIAM WALLAK At the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, seniors can enjoy a hot, nutritious and well-balanced kosher meal on Monday evenings all summer long. The JCC’s Dr. Morton and Mrs. Libby Maloff Summer Senior Dinner program will kick off on June 20. The weekly dinners will be held on Mondays at 5 pm at the JCC of Syracuse, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. A variety of live entertainment will be included each week as part
of the dinner program. This JCC summertime tradition will run through August. The JCC’s summer dinners, open to seniors age 60 and older, are offered for a suggested modest per person contribution. Reservations are required by the Wednesday before each dinner and may be made by calling 445-2360. Marci Erlebacher, JCC of Syracuse executive director, said, “We’re very excited to be starting up our senior dinner program again this summer. This wonderful
The Oaks at Menorah Park hosts the third in a dietary lecture series The Oaks at Menorah Park has initiated a free dietary lecture series to help residents and their families better understand the power of healthy eating. The final lecture in the series, which will be on “Preand Pro-biotics,” will be held on Wednesday, June 18, at 2:30 pm, in the social center of The Oaks at 18 Arbor Lane, Syracuse. Cristine Hansen, R.D.N., C.S.G., R.Y.T, will give the lecture. Cristine Hansen Hansen, the clinical nutrition manager at Menorah Park for more than 13 years, graduated summa cum laude from Marywood University. She was also one of New York state’s first board-certified specialists
in gerontological nutrition. The first lecture of the series, held on April 20, was on spring vegetables. The second lecture, on May 18, was on antioxidants. Hansen alternated lectures with registered dietician nutritionist Chaya Lee Charles, M.S., R.D.N., C.S.G., C.D.N., whose work at Menorah Park includes nutritional assessment and counseling for the residents of Chaya Lee Charles The Inn, the assisted living facility, as well as wellness program planning. The lectures are free and open to the public. For more information, call 449-3309 or visit www. MenorahParkofCNY.com.
gathering allows seniors to get together and socialize over a delicious kosher meal.” The JCC’s weekly summer dinners are an additional component to its successful Bobbi Epstein Lewis Senior Adult Dining Program. The dinner program was recently renamed after the late Dr. Morton and Mrs. Libby Maloff, thanks to a gift from their surviving family members. The weekday senior lunches at the JCC will continue at noon Tuesdays through Fridays during those weeks the summer dinners are held. The lunch program offers seniors age 60 and over a nutritious and well-balanced kosher meal for a modest suggested contribution. The JCC Senior Adult Dining Program is the only senior nutrition program available outside of New York City serving 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 See “Dinners” on page 6
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Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior dining menu MAY 30-JUNE 10 TBA The Bobbi Epstein Lewis JCC Senior Adult Dining Program at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center offers Va’ad Ha’ir-supervised kosher lunches served Monday through Friday at noon. Lunch reservations are required by noon 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 further information or to make a reservation, contact Cindy Stein at 445-2360 ext. 104 or cstein@ jccsyr.org. THE JCC, CONG. BETH SHOLOM & TEMPLE CONCORD, GLADLY ACCEPT DONATED VEHICLES THRU C*A*R*S (a locally owned Manlius company) “giving to your own”
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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ MAY 26, 2016/18 IYAR 5776
CONGREGATIONAL NOTES Temple Adath Yeshurun AWARDS DAY AT TEMPLE ADATH YESHURUN On Saturday, June 4, Temple Adath Yeshurun will present the Samuel and Jeannette Yellin Schola r s h i p Aw a r d during Shabbat morning services. The recipient of this year’s award is Brooke Meltzer, Brooke Meltzer daughter of David Meltzer of Syracuse and Dianne Meltzer of DeWitt. She is a 10th-grader at Jamesville-DeWitt High School, where she is an honor student taking advanced placement courses in science and mathematics, and is the treasurer of the high school’s Science Club. She attends the Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein School of Jewish Studies and, in February 2015, she participated in a 10-day trip to Israel with her class. At Temple Adath, she comes every Sunday to tutor the b’nai mitzvah students. In her free time, she enjoys playing piano, rowing with the Syracuse Chargers Rowing team, caring for her dog and other animals, and creating art. The Yellin Award is presented to a young person from Temple Adath Yeshurun who attends the Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein School of Jewish Studies and demonstrates Jewish values such as compassion, menschlekeit and responsibility. Sam Yellin, a pharmacist from Eastern Europe, believed in Temple Adath and Jewish education, both for children and adults. He was an active member of the Temple Adath Men’s Club and Adath Seniors group, and a member of the Board of Directors. Jeanette Yellin distinguished herself for many years volunteering on behalf of Sisterhood. As a couple, the Yellins were “shul-goers” and for them, the synagogue was the central institution in their lives. On June 4, Temple Adath will also present the Alan Small Volunteer Award to recipients who demonstrate outstanding service to the congregation. The award is named after Alan Small, one of the congregation’s young men. He died prematurely and demonstrated the meaning of volunteerism. He was known as a man who was not afraid to roll up his sleeves
and do whatever was necessary to help the synagogue. The award is given to keep both his name and the spirit of his work alive in the TAY congregation. The recipients are considered to have done the same for the synagogue, helping to make it a vibrant and active community. The community is invited to attend Shabbat morning services and the presentation of the awards. Services will begin at 9:15 am. For more information, contact the synagogue at 445-0002 or info@adath.org. CAMP ROTHSCHILD From June 27 to September 2, the Rothschild Early Childhood Center at Temple Adath Yeshurun will host a ten-week summer camp. The camp is for children aged 5-12. Also offered will be a Counselor in Training (or CIT) Program for children ages 12-15 years old. All children will have the opportunity to partake in daily swim lessons in a heated, in-ground pool, and are provided two kosher snacks and a kosher lunch. Each week, children will take a field trip to places such as local beaches, the MOST (Museum of Science and Technology), the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Ronald McDonald House, and other destinations. New this year, they will visit Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center to learn about Native Americans in Central New York, as part of Camp Rothschild’s “America, The Beautiful” week. Every day, campers will have the opportunity to participate in art, drama, music, nature/science, physical activities and crafts. In the afternoon, they have specialty choices, which vary from week to week and include cooking, clay sculpture, photography, gardening, engineering, American Sign Language, acts of kindness, watercolor painting and free swim. Camp Rothschild also offers two overnight stays during the summer. Every week, there are daily specials: Music Mondays, Target Tuesdays (archery), Walking or Wheels Wednesdays, Thirty-Minute Thursdays (cooking) and Fitness Fridays. Camp Rothschild uses the sports fields at the neighboring Christian Brothers Academy High School on a regular basis for morning and afternoon programming, games and physical activity. For more information, or to sign up, visit camprothschild.org, e-mail recc@ adath.org, or call 445-0049.
Alisandra Bertram teaches yoga to the children of Rothschild Early Childhood Center at Temple Adath Yeshurun each week. In this photo, a toddler class practicedthe Sun Salutation Pose.
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Temple Concord 133 CONFIRMATION Temple Concord’s 2016 confirmation class will lead Shavuot services on Saturday, June 11, starting at 7 pm. This is traditionally the time when the confirmands celebrate their dedication to continued Jewish learning. Celebrating their achievements will be Jeffrey Eckhardt, Molly Kotzin, Caleb Jacowitz and Emily Newman. They have studied together throughout the year and, together, they will lead services for the congregation that evening. Following the service, everyone is invited to remain for a traditional study session for adults and young adults. Traditional dairy treats will be served throughout the study session. FREE SYMPHORIA PROGRAM MAY 31 The Temple Concord Regina F. Goldenberg Cultural Series will wrap up its 2015-2016 series of cultural events on Tuesday, May 31, at 7 pm. This final program of the season will feature the principal winds of Symphoria Syracuse. Featured performers for this unique event include Deborah Coble, principal flute; Jillian Honn, principal oboist; Julia Bridge, principal horn; Jessica King, bassoon and contrabassoon; and principal clarinet, Allan Kolsky. The program, designed specifically for this performance, will include pieces by Eugene Bozza, Denes Agay, Malcolm RD
Arnold and Carl Nielsen. The goal of the Goldenberg Cultural Series is to bring programs to Central New York through the generosity of this family fund. Every event is planned to provide access to music and musicians from around the world, as well as in Central New York. All programs are free and open to the public. CINEMAGOGUE PRESENTS “ABOVE AND BEYOND”’ This showing of the film “Above and Beyond,” on Tuesday, June 7, at 7:30 pm, is part of the Temple Concord Cinemagogue Series. All Cinemagogue film events are free and open to the public. In 1948, a group of Jewish American pilots answered a call for help in secret and at great personal risk to fly for Israel in its War of Independence. This is their story. The film contains new interviews with the pilots, as well as unseen aerial footage. More than a retelling of the ‘48 Arab-Israeli War, “Above and Beyond” examines the motivations of the foreign volunteers – Jews and non-Jews alike. The film recounts the personal stories of the young pilots, who’ve said that their experiences in Israel altered their lives. Through their stories, the film reveals how under-equipped and isolated the Israelis were; how desperately they needed planes and pilots; and how critical the actions of these young American men were for the country’s survival.
The Symphoria Wind Quintet will perform as part of the Goldenberg Series on May 31. L-r: Deborah Coble, principal flute; Jillian Honn, principal oboist; Jessica King, bassoon and contrabassoon; Allan Kolsky, principal clarinet; and Julia Bridge, principal horn.
Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas CBS-CS CONTINUES GESHER SERIES Once a month, a leader of another faith community or of another Jewish or non-Jewish organization has the opportunity to speak to the Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Shabbat community during Shabbat services, helping the congregation build a bridge (gesher) to those in the larger community. On Saturday, June 4, Shinge Roko Sherry Chayat Roshi will be the speaker. She received lay ordination from Maurine Stuart at the Cambridge Buddhist Association in 1985 and full ordination from Eido Roshi at Dai Bosatsu Zendo in 1991. She was installed as abbot of the Zen Center of Syracuse on October 18, 1996. On January 1, 2011, Shinge Roshi was installed as abbot of Dai Bosatsu Zendo Monastery, located in the Catskill Mountains outside of Roscoe, NY. She travels widely to give Zen talks, workshops and retreats, and has written many articles and reviews for journals, such as Buddhadharma, Shambhala Sun, Tricycle, Sculpture Magazine, ARTnews, American Ceramics, Present Tense and Lilith. She is a member of the Round Table of Faith Leaders of InterFaith Works and a member of the
American Zen Teachers Association. Other gesher speakers have included Judith Huober of Jewish Family Service, Brian Small of Syracuse University Hillel, The Reverend Bill Redfield of Wisdom House, Mohamed Khater, president of the Islamic Society of CNY, and Randi Bregman of Vera House. Services will begin at 9:30 am and are open to the community. For more information, contact the CBS-CS office at 446-9570 or office@cbscs.org. RUMMAGE SALE The CBS-CS Sisterhood will hold its semi-annual rummage sale on Sunday, June 5, from 10 am-4 pm, with a bag sale from 3-4 pm. The bag sale will continue on Monday, June 6, from 10 am-4 pm. Proceeds from the sale help support scholarships for Jewish summer camping experiences, gifts for b’nai mitzvah students and synagogue needs not in the regular budget. Items for sale may be dropped off between 9 am and 4 pm Tuesday through Friday from May 31-June 3. CBS-CS also collects toiletries for Operation Soap Dish, which collects toiletries and household products for those on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly food stamps) See “CBS-CS” on page 6
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May 2016
Cortland Repertory Theatre announces 45th annual season Cortland Repertory Theatre announces its 45th season, with all shows held at the Little York Pavilion, 6799 Little York Lake Rd., Preble. From June 8-18 is Ken Ludwig’s “A Fox on the Fairway.” The gang at the Quail Valley Country Club prepares to take on their archrivals in the Annual Inter-Club Golf Tournament amidst romantic shenanigans, mistaken identities, a disappearing diamond and more. From June 22-July 9 is “West Side Stor y,” with book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Two gangs struggle for control of their New York Cit y neighborhood, with star-crossed lovers caught in the middle. “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “I Feel Prett y” and “Maria” are in the American Songbook.
From July 13-30 comes “A Chorus Line,” conceived, originally directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett, with book by James Kirkwood, music by Marvin Hamlisch and Nicholas Dante, and lyrics by Edward Kleban. The musical tells the story of Broadway’s unsung heroes – the chorus dancers – and features the songs “What I Did For Love,” “I Hope I Get It” and “One!” The show contains adult language and situations. From August 3-13 comes Agatha Christie’s “Cards on the Table,” adapted by Leslie Darbon. Mr. Shaitana, a collector of various kinds of art, invites Superintendent Battle of Scotland Yard and crime novelist Adriane Oliver to a dinner party to view his latest “collection”: four people who have committed murder and gotten away with it. During a game of bridge with the group,
Shaitana himself is murdered. From August 17-27 is the comedy “The Kitchen Witches,” by Caroline Smith. Isobel Lomax and Dolly Biddle are cooking show hostesses who have hated each other ever since Larry Biddle dated one and married the other. When they’re both on “The Kitchen Witches” show, insults fly. From August 31-September 10, “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” written and created by Roger Bean, features hits of the ‘50s and ‘60s. At the 1958 Springfield High School prom, four girls with hopes and dreams sing”Lollipop,” “Dream Lover” and more. The girls reunite to perform at their 10-year reunion, singing “current” hits “Leader of the Pack,” “Rescue Me” and more. For the annual children’s show, CRT presents “Pinocchio,” adapted by local playwright
Kim L. Hubbard. The new stage-adaptation tells the story of the wooden puppet who wants to be a real boy – if only he could stop telling fibs and getting himself in trouble. Performance dates are July 14, 16, 22 and 23, at 10 am. The CRT will hold its annual day camps for young thespians. “Stars of Tomorrow,” for students in grades five-12, is available for daily, weekly or monthly sessions, running from June 27-July 22. “Showstoppers and Superstars,” for students in kindergarten-fifth grade, is only available the week of July 25-30. For further information on CRT and its shows and children’s programs, visit www. cortlandrep.org or call 800-427-6160. Subscriptions orders, sales for groups of 10-plus and gift certificates are available. Individual tickets will go on sale starting May 23.
Syracuse JCC’s Camp Rishon brews up some awesome adventures Is your child or teen ready to have a blast at camp this summer? The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center’s Camp Rishon summer day camp will be held weekdays for eight weeks from June 27 through August 19. There’s sure to be plenty of non-stop excitement, fun and adventure for children and teens to experience. Each week, campers will have many opportunities to interact with peers, make new friends and broaden their horizons. There’s nothing boring about summer camp at the JCC of Syracuse as campers go swimming and are kept active every day. JCC summer camp caters to three distinct age groups. The early childhood camp is for children 6-weeks old through entering kindergarten, school-age camp is open to children entering grades one-six and the SyraCruisin’ teen travel camp is for young teens entering grades seven-10. Each camp day begins and ends at the JCC at 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. Depending on the camp, some campers may go off-site for scheduled field trips
L-r: Mairem Murphy, Claire Zerillo, Cam Moynihan, Simon Rothman and Olivia Clark had some fun with a cool concoction created during the JCC’s 2015 Camp Rishon Kitchen Science camp. and activities. Early and late care options are available for all campers. The early childhood camp offers developmentally appropriate, interactive, indoor/ outdoor activities geared toward fun-filled days with friends. Toddlers 18 months and older participate in daily Red Cross swim lessons. Enrollment for the infant camp, ages 6-18 months, is on a monthly basis,
while toddlers and preschoolers can enroll in camps on a weekly basis with options for flexible days and times. School-age campers can take in the traditional summer camp experience with Nitzanim or attend a specialty camp focused on a specific interest area, such as art, sports, rocketr y, gymnastics, fishing and more. Optional overnight events and after-camp clinics are also available.
SyraCruisin’ offers teens the opportunity to embark on a new adventure each day. The weekly camp’s local and regional field trips encourage social and cultural awareness, community service, team building and fun – of course! Each session will feature different field trips so each day is completely different from the next. Optional overnight trips are also available. See “Camp” on page 4A
Arts and Wine Festival celebrating 10th year August 6 marks the 10th Annual Arts and Wine Festival. The Cultural Council of Cortland County started the festival in Courthouse Park in downtown Cortland as a small Arts in the Park event. After a few years, board member David Blatchley had the ingenious idea of asking wineries to participate. That was 10 years ago, and now the popular annual festival combines local wine, art, food and music. Plan to visit Cortland and make your way to Courthouse Park between 10 am and 5 pm to enjoy this year’s event. The park, with its historic courthouse, fountain and towering trees, provides the perfect setting in which to view juried works of talented artists from around the region, to hear sounds of instrumental and vocal musicians from near and far, to feast on a wide variety of local foods, and to become acquainted with fine wines from upstate wineries. There is also plenty of free parking. Around 40 artists will set up on the lawn throughout the park for the 2016 show. More than $1,000 in prizes will be distributed, including $100 for Best of Show. The artists this year include painters, photographer, jewelers, fiber artists, potters and sculptors. New this year – wine tent ticket holders will receive a $5 refund for a minimum purchase of $20 from an artist vendor. There is no charge to enjoy art and music at the festival. Visitors can interact with the artists/artisans displaying and demonstrating their techniques throughout the day. “It’s
always amazing to have such great variety of high quality juried works for sale from which to choose for a special gift or a personal possession,” note organizers. The public, especially children and young people, is invited to participate in the sidewalk chalk drawing event at Courthouse Park. Each registered participant will be assigned a sidewalk square along the south side of the park. Visitors will enjoy the music that continues throughout the day, whether they sit close up or meander through the artists’ booths. A line-up of talented musicians come from around the region to entertain with sounds of classical music, bluegrass, Celtic and jazz. JazzHappensBand, Craobh Dugan and Merryland Times are a few of the acts that will perform on the two stages. Entrance to the wine tent starts at noon and includes a souvenir tasting glass. A $20 admission is 21 and over only. Tickets can be purchased in advance at a discount online at cortlandartsandwine.org or at the wine tent at regular price the day of the festival. In addition to about 16 wineries, Three Brothers Winery returns to the festival as last year’s People’s Choice winner. Invite family and friends from out of town and come out to enjoy this community arts tradition. Consider biking or walking. If driving, there is plenty of free parking near the park. If you have never attended, don’t miss the 2016 festival and see why many local residents and out of town visitors return each year! Explore the festival at cortlandartsandwine.org.
May 2016
Page 3A - Summer Fun
Luzerne County – the perfect getaway for your family and friends Luzerne County is the perfect getaway for your family and friends. Whitewater Challengers, in White Haven, has been guiding rafters down the Lehigh River for more than 30 years. Another experienced guide company is Pocono Whitewater, guiding trips on the Lehigh. If you like to bike, take a scenic ride along the Lehigh River. Rentals are available at Whitewater Challengers and Pocono Whitewater. Luzerne County has kayaking, too. Several outfitters in the area offer guided tours where you can see herons, beavers and even bald eagles. Springtime is tee time. Northeastern Pennsylvania offers golfers challenging, uncrowded courses. Call for the “Golf and Stay” brochure which offers various hotel/golf packages. Shoppers can go to the Arena Hub Shopping Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, which offers outlet shopping, such as Eddie Bauer Outlet and Barnes and Noble for a latte, reading material and more. History abounds in the region. Late in the 17th century, Native American Indians settled
in the meadows of the Wyoming Valley along the shores of the Susquehanna River. Innovations during the Industrial Revolution here set the standard for a growing nation and a foundation for American prosperity. Eckley Miner’s Village depicts life among the coal families with an authentic patchtown village, which was the film set for the movie “The Molly McGuires” starring Sean Connery. The Steamtown National Historic Site presents the history of steam railroading and the people who made it possible. At the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, a coal miner will take you 300 feet below the earth’s surface to give you an overview of the life of miners. Take the kids to the Houdini Museum and watch the eccentric John Bravo the Great make rabbits appear and people disappear. Knoebels Amusement Park, the #1 family-owned amusement park in the U.S., is just minutes away from Wilkes-Barre. Luzerne County hosts the Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton Penguins, the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, at the state-of-the-art Mohegan Sun Arena. Mohegan Sun at
Experience! The Finger Lakes with full-service guided tours Experience! The Finger Lakes is a full-service, experiential, family-owned touring and events company based out of Ithaca, NY. It specializes in wine tours, gorge and waterfall tours, and sightseeing tours of the Finger Lakes region. It also provides itinerary development services and receptive services to the motor coach industry, as well as excursion planning for conferences and corporations. Laura and Alan Falk, the owners of the company, have lived and experienced the Finger Lakes for more than 30 years. Their mission is to provide guests with the best experiential touring in the region. As Laura explains, “We focus on experiences that lead our guests to understand why those of us who live here stay here, and those who visit come back again and again.” Experience! The Finger Lakes customers visit the area to enjoy the best the region has to offer. The company guides its guests toward attractions, accommodations and dining experiences that will perfectly complement a vacation weekend, a special event, or a corporate outing. Laura and Alan focus on the best by developing partnerships with wineries, attractions, restaurants and inns that will enrich guests’ experiences while also supporting local business and bringing national attention to the area’s cultural treasures. The company’s specialty is high-end wine and culinary tours where knowledgeable guides take guests behind the scenes for an up-close, intimate experience like no other in the region. Enjoy owner-led vineyard/winery tours, custom wine tastings, barrel sampling in the wine cellars, and food-wine pairings featuring local cheeses and chocolates. Both full-day and half-day wine tour experiences are offered to meet your time frame and budget. Full-day tours include custom wine-pairing lunches designed to show off the wonderful seasonal bistros and eateries along the wine trails. Also offered are special monthly farm-
An Experience! The Finger Lakes van took guests to view the Buttermilk Falls. to-table cooking class tours throughout the growing season featuring a regional chef cooking up seasonal delights right at a local farm. Regular public tours are offered seven days a week that explore the Cayuga, Seneca and Keuka Lake Wine Trails that depart out of Ithaca, Watkins Glen and Corning. Public tours are never larger than 13 guests in order to ensure a personalized, intimate experience for each and every guest. Laura and Alan also provide private tours for groups of any size that can be customized to meet their specific needs. “The Finger Lakes is rich in natural beauty that we love to show off to visitors,” Laura and Alan note. “We offer sightseeing tours of the waterfalls in and around Ithaca, and guided natural history hikes through our beautiful gorge trails in the State Parks. Intimate boat cruises on Cayuga Lake also round out the opportunities to truly experience the wonders of our region.” So whether you are looking for a summer getaway for two, the perfect family day trip, or that overdue ladies’ road trip, look no further than Experience! The Finger Lakes, and experience the region at a whole new level. Visit ExperienceFingerLakes.com or phone 607-233-4818 for more information or to book a tour.
Pocono Downs Casino is now open for business. The casino boasts 1,500 slots and table games, a beautiful view of the mountains, live harness racing and several restaurants. Fairs, parades and festivals, which represent the rich ethnic diversity and civic pride, abound here. Experience an Art Deco-style theater at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. Awesome Chocolates is located in Dallas, PA, and has a lovely café and gift shop for unique chocolate concoctions. The Victorian-era Luzerne County Courthouse is considered one of the most beautiful courthouses in Pennsylvania. Lastly, for another taste of Victoriana, visit The Lands at Hillside Farms, where you can tour the dairy barns, bring carrots for the Clydesdales, goats, donkeys and whatnots, and treat yourself to homemade ice-cream. The farm store offers an array of country items, as well as organic milk, cheese, eggs and more.
The Lands at Hillside Farms is a Victorianera working dairy farm with a gift shop, greenhouses, antiques and ice-cream. “Luzerne Count y – You’ll Find it All Right Here!” Call 1-888-905-2872 for a free Visitors Guide and Calendar of Events, or visit www.tournepa.com.
May 2016
Page 4A - Summer Fun
Syracuse Jewish Music and Cultural Festival set for Sept. 25 The 17th Syracuse Jewish Music and Cultural Festival has been set for Sunday, September 25, from noon- 6 pm, at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. “As always, the music is the main draw,” said Vicki Feldman, co-chair of the event. “But we have terrific kosher foods that reflect Middle Eastern as well as Eastern European
favorites, great beer and wine, and artisans with jewelry and apparel. There’s plenty for kids, too – and there’s free parking near the JCC.” The music schedule is as follows: ee noon-12:45 pm – Ken Frieden and the Wandering Klezmorim ee 1-2 pm – Farah
2:30 pm – Community Hora 2:30-4 pm – Robin Seletsky and the Big Galut(e) Ensemble ee 4:15-5:15 pm – Sy Kushner’s Jewish Music Ensemble ee 5:30-6 pm – Community Open Jam For more information, visit the festival’s website at www. SyracuseJewishFestival.org. ee ee
Summer concerts at the Anderson Center Two exciting shows are on tap at Binghamton University’s Anderson Center this summer. The Grammy award-winning Bela Fleck and the Flecktones make a return on Tuesday, June 7, at 8 pm, as part of a limited two-week tour. The original line-up includes Bela Fleck (banjo), Victor Wooten (bass guitar and double bass), Roy “Futureman” Wooten (drumitar, electronic drums and percussion) and Howard Levy (piano, harmonica and keyboards). Fleck first brought the group together for a one-time PBS special, but the musicians had such a chemistry that they wanted to continue to play together and so the group was
formed. Mostly instrumental, the group brings an eclectic mix of jazz, fusion, bluegrass, classical and world music to the stage with a sound that is uniquely their own. Collectively, the group has six Grammys; Fleck has been nominated in more categories than any other musician in Grammy history. Tickets for the Bela Fleck and the Flecktones concert cost $45 for inside reserved seats and $23 for the lawn. Then dust off those dancing shoes because “The Australian Bee Gees Show – A Tribute to the Bee Gees” is coming on Friday, July 22, at 8 pm. The Australian Bee Gees Show has captivated audiences for nearly 20 years with an uncanny
Bee Gees resemblance in sound and mannerisms. You’ll relive your favorite Bee Gees moments with a multimedia theatrical concert experience that celebrates four decades of the infectious music written by the Gibb brothers. You’ll be on your feet, singing and dancing along with hits like “To Love Somebody,” “You Should Be Dancin’” and “Stayin’ Alive.” Tickets for the Australian Bee Gees Show cost $35 for inside reserved seats and $20 for the lawn. For tickets or further information, call 607-777-ARTS (2787) or visit anderson.binghamton.edu.
Binghamton Zoo celebrating its 141st year The Binghamton Zoo, located in Broome County, NY, has been providing learning resources and family fun for 141 years. Home to animals from all across the globe, zoo staff take pride in providing quality care and enrichment to the zoo’s collection 365 days a year. The zoo participates in the growth and sustainability of nine endangered species, allowing it to work with facilities all across the United States to maintain and aid in the species’ survival. The main focus at the Binghamton Zoo is to help animal conservation and to educate the community. Through programs such as Zoo School, Wild Encounters, guided tours and special events, zoo staff are able to spread the zoo’s mission and teach guests the importance of the zoo’s work. The Binghamton Zoo holds multiple fund-raisers
Snake Creek Marine Snake Creek Marine is a third generation, family-run business located in Montrose, PA. It has been a Mercury dealer since 1972 and Starcraft dealer since 1974. Stop in and check out the inventory of Starcraft fiberglass runabouts, Arima fishing boats, aluminum fishing boats and pontoons. Snake Creek Marine also sells boat lifts and boating accessories. Accessories help to make your boat unique to your needs. Items such as global positioning systems (or GPS), extra seating, rod storage, draw plugs and bikini tops, just to name a few accessories, are among the many products displayed in the vast showroom. Snake Creek Marine’s helpful staff can get you on the water and keep you there. For further information, visit Snake Creek Marine’s Web site at www.snakecreekmarine.net or call 570-967-2109 or 1-800-453-3820.
throughout the season that allow braries and more. Facilitators discuss it to raise money for animal diets, a wide range of topics appropriate for enrichment, exhibit maintenance your group with an array of reptiles, and veterinar y care. Feast with the mammals and birds. These programs Beasts, the largest event, showcases are interactive and a fun way to learn food and drinks from local restauabout animals. Another interactive program rants and wineries. Paired with a that the Binghamton Zoo provides dinner at the zoo are a large silent is Wild Encounters. Wild Encounauction and basket raffle, live music and animal spotlights throughout ters are education-based programs the evening. Other family-friendly with up-close and personal animal events include Ice Cream Safari, experiences. All packages include Howloween at the Zoo, movie nights an introduction and animal talk at the amphitheater and Boo at the with a zookeeper, and photo to Zoo. For older guests, the annual commemorate your visit. Visit the Zoo Brew provides beer and cider Kalinika, a critically endangered Amur leopard, Binghamton Zoo website for an tastings along with a night of ani- is a part of the Species Survival Plan and calls updated list of programs. For more information on vismals, lawn games and live music. the Binghamton Zoo home. These fund-raising opportunities iting the Binghamton Zoo, visit allow the Binghamton Zoo to provide fun and entertaining rossparkzoo.com or call 607-724-5461. ways to support wildlife and conservation efforts. As mentioned above, the zoo’s main focus is animal Continued from page 2A conservation and participating in events and programs that highlight the importance of protecting wildlife and endanOther JCC summer camp weekly options for teens and gered species. The Binghamton Zoo is a proud partner and pre-teens include the new junior camp aide program as well participant of Earth Fest, World Oceans Day, Endangered as the camp aide and counselor-in-training (or CIT) programs. Species Day and several species awareness days, like World Both the camp aide and CIT programs require current JCC Penguin Day and International Red Panda Day. By offering family membership to enroll. educational tables, activities and crafts, zoo staff make learning Camp Rishon registration is currently in full swing, and fun and enjoyable for all who visit. Binghamton Zoo staff will continue right up until the start of camp on June 27 and feel it is important that they continue being a part of these throughout the summer. But don’t delay. Spots go quickly events and programs for the community to learn about our and some camp sessions closeout early. Except for the camp planet and all who inhabit it. aide and CIT teen programs, current JCC membership is The ZooMobile programs offer an off-site educational not necessary for Camp Rishon registration. However, JCC experience with animals. Formal and informal programs are members receive discounted camp rates. A discount for available for schools, community events, nursing homes, li- siblings is also available. For more information about the JCC of Syracuse’s 2016 Camp Rishon, and to request a camp program guide, call 315-445-2360 or visit www.jccsyr.org.
Camp
MAY 26, 2016/18 IYAR 5776 ■
JEWISH OBSERVER
JCC receives Dr. Morton and Mrs. Libby Maloff naming gift BY WILLIAM WALLAK The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center’s Bobbi Epstein Lewis Senior Adult Dining Program has received a naming gift from the Maloff family for two of its programs. The Maloff family recently made a donation to the JCC in memory of the late Dr. Morton and Mrs. Libby Maloff. The JCC’s summer senior dinners, held on Monday evenings each summer, will now be called the Dr. Morton and Mrs. Libby Maloff Summer Senior Dinner Program. The JCC’s senior lunch and learn series, held periodically throughout the year, will now be called the Dr. Morton and Mrs. Libby Maloff Senior Lunch Series. Marci Erlebacher, JCC of Syracuse executive director, said, “We are extremely appreciative of the Maloff family’s very kind gift to benefit two of our popular senior dining programs. The new namings will help keep these programs viable for the hundreds of seniors they serve each year. They also represent a fantastic tribute to Dr. and Mrs. Maloff’s legacy and commitment to our community.” Dr. Maloff practiced general dentistry for 40 years in Syracuse and Chittenango. His family said he was well-liked by his patients and respected by his peers. He often provided free dentistry to families who could not otherwise afford it. Mrs. Maloff served on numerous local boards, including the JCC of Syracuse, Temple Adath Yeshurun and the Everson Museum. She also volunteered for years at local hospitals. They were philanthropic throughout their lives, contributing to many local charities and causes. The Maloffs raised four children in Syracuse: Margie (Loeb), Arnie, Stephen and Jeffrey. They also had eight grandchildren: Casi and Scott Loeb; Michelle, Juliet and Sophia Maloff; and Martine
Wayne and Nikko Dominaitis. “After raising my siblings and me, my parents started spending winters in Florida and very much enjoyed the family visits there,” said Jeffrey Maloff. “They oftentimes attended the JCC’s senior functions and would be very pleased to know these programs will now be named after them.” The JCC Lunch and Learns, launched in March 2015, are held during the senior kosher lunch program and offer timely information on a range of issues facing seniors. The free meetings feature local professionals covering topics on health, wellness, finances, legal matters and caregiving.
The JCC’s summer senior dinners are held weekly on Mondays and feature a hot, nutritious and well-balanced kosher meal, followed up by live entertainment. This year’s dinners will begin on June 20. The Bobbi Epstein Lewis Senior Adult Dining Program is the only senior nutrition program available outside of New York City serving 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 lunch or dinner, call 445-2360.
JCC now accepts SilverSneakers gym membership program BY WILLIAM WALLAK The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center is now offering many local seniors another venue to work out at for little or no cost. The JCC’s Neulander Family Sports and Fitness Center recently became a Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness participating gym. SilverSneakers is an insurance benefit included in more than 65 Medicare health plans. Through SilverSneakers, health plans such as Humana, Aetna, MVP, UnitedHealthcare and others, as well as group retirement plans, sometimes provide gym memberships to their insured, usually at no additional cost. “We’re delighted to be part of the SilverSneakers network of participating gyms,” said Marci Erlebacher, JCC of Syracuse executive director. “It’s a good fit for us and extends our philosophy of helping seniors stay active and independent in the
DO YOU KNOW? Your Federation dollars at work campus, representing different BY JACKIE MIRON movements and views and The Allocations Committee learn how to answer blunt and of the Jewish Federation of challenging questions about Central New York awards religion. Community Program Fund Families may discuss which Grants each year in addition rituals and practices are imto the annual allocations portant to teens and parents as made in the spring. Based on they engage in a new schedule the success of the last year’s and routine of holidays and annual Campaign, Community Jackie Miron important family events. MakProgram Fund grants are available to all Jewish organizations, ing participants aware of challenges, and agencies, and synagogues in the Central providing the tools to navigate them, will New York community. The funds are be empowering to all involved. The course was adapted from a Union given out in amounts of $10,000, $5,000, or $2,500. The Allocations Committee for Reform Judaism curricula for Epstein’s reviews the grant requests and makes course last year by Robert Tornberg and recommendations to the board, which Judith Huober. The course will be updated and adjusted from feedback to better fit votes on the recommendations. The Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein School of current needs. Instructors are also developJewish Studies has been given a grant of ing more effective criteria for participant $2,500 for a program entitled, “Packing evaluation so they can continue to improve for College: Where does Judaism Fit?” The and meet the needs of the students and program was designed for high school ju- changing times. Funds will enable the program to niors and seniors and their parents to make navigating the college experience from continue with a high level of profesa Jewish perspective more manageable. sionalism, and reach the greater teen Participants will explore the new Jewish community. The mission of the challenges and responsibilities they will school is “a community center of Jewish face, and learn how Judaism can help learning” and community resources must them make good decisions – from the teach Jewish teens how to make choices knowledge they already have – to finding on campus using Jewish values; prepare Jewish resources on campus. For example, them for adversities that Jews on campus younger teens may discuss and define encounter; and help them become aware priorities in choosing a college and realize of Jewish resources that are available to how Judaism influences their decision them on campus, and those at home. Your Federation funds are supporting of which college to attend. Older teens may explore how they will interact with and expanding a program to foster deeper other students – Jews and non-Jews – on bonds for all involved.
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Dr. Morton and Mrs. Libby Maloff
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community. It also nicely compliments the JCC’s other senior outreach programs such as our senior kosher meal program and Neighborhood Advisor program.” SilverSneakers is a comprehensive program designed to improve seniors’ overall well-being, strength and social aspects. The program is for all levels and abilities, and provides access to fitness centers, social networking, online education and a sense of community.
The JCC Sports and Fitness Center is also a participating gym in Silver&Fit, a program for seniors that’s similar to SilverSneakers, but which is offered through insurers including Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and Aetna. Anyone interested in more information about SilverSneakers or to check their eligibility should visit www.silversneakers. com or call the JCC’s Nick Finlayson, membership director, at 445-2040, ext. 140.
JCC pool season and swimming lessons start May 28 BY WILLIAM WALLAK Warmer weather and longer days are signs that Central New York’s outdoor swimming season has arrived. The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse will kick off this summertime tradition with the opening of its pool and swimming lessons program on Saturday, May 28, 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 are welcome. 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; however, members receive a discount. “We’re excited to be opening up the pool and offering another form of summertime recreation,” said Mick Hagan, director of Children and Teen Services. “The pool is such a focal point here over the summer for children attending camp, families spending time together and people taking swim lessons. I think everyone is looking forward to getting out in the sun and making a splash.” See “Pool” on page 7
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Visit the JO online at jewishfederationcny.org and click on Jewish Observer
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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ MAY 26, 2016/18 IYAR 5776
D’VAR TORAH
Your money and your life BY RABBI URI C. COHEN The last chapter of Vayikra (Leviticus) is all about erkhin (evaluations). If you make a pledge to the Beit Hamikdash (Temple) and announce that you’re donating a sheep, can you keep the sheep and give its value instead? And if so, how does that work? In the Talmud, the rules for evaluating take up an entire tractate (whose name is officially pronounced arakhin, but is commonly pronounced erkhin).
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, May 27 Syracuse Hebrew Day School hosts grandparents and friends at 9:30 am for coffee, with musical entertainment at 11 am Monday, May 30 Federation and JCC offices closed Tuesday, May 31 Goldenberg Series presents Symphoria Wind Quartet at 7 pm at Temple Concord Wednesday, June 1 Temple Adath Yeshurun Hazak genealogy program at 1 pm Thursday, June 2 SHDS fifth grade trip Friday, June 3 TAY Shabbat and dinner for children from birth to 5 years old (and their caregivers) at 5:30 pm Saturday, June 4 CBS-CS Gesher Speaker Sherry Chayat during services Yellin and Alan Small awards at TAY during Shabbat morning services Sunday, June 5 Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas rummage sale from 10 am to 4 pm Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse gala at 11 am at Owera Vineyards in Cazenovia Monday, June 6 CBS-CS Rummage bag sale at 10 am Tuesday, June 7 Temple Concord Cinemagogue Series presents “Above and Beyond” at 7:30 pm Wednesday, June 8 Deadline for the June 23 issue of the Jewish Observer Federation, SHDS, Epstein School annual meeting at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center at 6:30 pm SHDS Board of Directors at 8 pm Thursday, June 9 CBS-CS Sisterhood study session with Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone on biomedical ethics at 10:30 am JCC annual car wash from 3-6 pm Lion of Judah event at 5:15 pm Saturday, June 11 TAY installation of new Sisterhood president during Shabbat morning services Erev Shavuot Sunday, June 12 Shavuot, Day 1 Monday, June 13 Shavuot, Day 2 - JCC and Federation offices closed
However, before the Torah gets to the erkhin of animals and fields, it mentions something that should make us sit up and take notice – the erkhin of people! It starts like this: “When a person makes a vow (yafli neder) of the value of a life (erkekha nefashot) for God, the value (erkekha) of a male from 20 to 60 years old should be...” (Vayikra 27:2-3). The Torah proceeds to prescribe an erekh for each of eight categories of people whose value has been pledged – males and females of four different age groups. But it doesn’t answer a basic question about the erkhin of people: is it a positive or a negative thing to pledge people’s value? Let’s examine both approaches. A BAD IDEA The Netziv (Rabbi Naftali Zvi Yehudah Berlin, 18171893) picks up on the unusual verb that introduces the erkhin of people. The word “yafli,” while usually translated as “make a vow,” is related to the word “pele,” which means amazing or astonishing. According to the Netziv, the Torah means it is absolutely astonishing that people would obligate themselves in something that God doesn’t want! If you want to donate, skip the vow and just donate. Abarbanel (1437-1508) raises a second objection. Had the Torah followed the logical implication of a person’s erekh and instructed the Kohanim (priests) to appraise each person individually, that would lead to jealousy and resentment. If one person were evaluated high based on her intelligence, and another person were evaluated low based on his age, the first person would pride herself unjustifiably at the second one’s expense. It’s not hard to see how easily relationships could be poisoned over such comparisons. A third problem with people’s erkhin is that since human beings were created in the image of God, evaluating us is degrading. The Biur (an early 19th century commentary) elaborates that if people want to pledge to the Beit Hamikdash, they can pledge silver or gold. God does not want pledges of people, because it is simply impossible to put a monetary value on an individual human being. For this reason, if someone insists on doing this astonishing thing and says “erko alai” (his value is on me), the Torah refuses to treat the case as one of damin, actual monetary value. Rather, according to the Ra’avad (1120-1197), an erekh falls into the halachic category of kenas (a fine). This is a subtle way of telling us that God is not happy with putting a value on a human being. Alternatively, according to Rabbi Elchanan Samet (a contemporary Tanach teacher at Michlelet Herzog), the reason that the Torah assigns an official erekh based on nothing but the actuarial criteria of age and gender is to convey the message that a donation cannot correspond to an individual’s true value – the true value of a human life is infinite. All the above explanations assume that pledging the erkhin of people is a bad idea. A GOOD IDEA Alternatively, two contemporary rabbis suggest that there is something good about human erkhin. They focus on the psychological motivations for donating someone’s value. Rabbi Phil Chernofsky, associate director of the OU Israel Center in Jerusalem, suggests: If donating the value of a male child between 5 and 20 years of age, for example, is equivalent to a pledge of 20 shekels, then why not just donate 20 shekels? What is the significance of labeling certain amounts as the “value” of a person? Part of the answer seems quite obvious. We psychologically relate much more strongly to our giving the value of a person to the Beit Hamikdash than we would with a mere sum of money. This would be especially so if the person were ourselves or a loved one. Modern
fund-raising psychology borrows this idea. Compare the emotional connection of contributing, let’s say, $100 to a charitable cause, compared with the same $100 to “foster a child” for a certain period of time. The money is the same, but the emotional response is quite different (“Torah Tidbits” #420, May 26-27, 2000). Along the same lines, Rabbi Dr. David Mescheloff (professor emeritus in Bar-Ilan University’s Talmud department) suggests that the Torah’s system, with eight categories of people for erkhin, has an advantage over our current practice of donating in someone’s honor: The use [in Vayikra 27:23] of the term with the definite article suggests that the Torah is dealing with a known concept. I suggested that it was, indeed, a standard way of announcing a sum one wanted to donate, much as “chai” (18) has been used in recent centuries. On the one hand, the use of such symbolic indications of a sum is convenient because one can donate various multiples (like “twice chai” or “half chai,” etc.), and while donating, thinking of the symbolism of the meaning of the word “life.” The Torah’s system for allowing “fixed-sum donations” (as opposed to “variable sum donations” of “damim”) is far richer than the pale system we have been using in recent centuries. Multiples of 18 cannot compare to a system with multiples of 3, 5, 20, 30, 50, etc. Furthermore, our system, which has only one symbolic value – “life” for all – cannot compare to a system which has more personalized fixed sums for different age and gender groups. With the Torah’s system, a person can give a fixed donation with his son or daughter (or a friend’s son or daughter), of various ages, or his wife or parents, etc., in mind with a fixed sum that is personal to the one for whose recovery, gratitude, memory, etc. he is donating (e-mail from Dr. Mescheloff to Uri Cohen on May 15, 2003). To sum up, we have seen two types of approaches to the subject of pledging people’s value to the Beit Hamikdash. Perhaps the two do not need to contradict each other. The negative approach focuses on the danger of thinking that one can place a value on a human being. On an objective level, every individual is priceless. The positive approach focuses on the possibility of personalizing one’s donation through different symbolic amounts, without implying anything about the true value of a human being. On a subjective level, giving a donation with a personal connection can be very meaningful. As long as we keep both approaches in mind, we can make sure that our donations are both infinitely valuable and personally meaningful. Rabbi Uri and Dr. Yocheved Engelberg Cohen, the first couple of the Syracuse Kollel, now live in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel. Uri teaches in Midreshet HaRova and Midreshet Moriah in Jerusalem.
Dinners
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Aging and Administration for Community Living. For more information, and to make a reservation for lunch or dinner, call 445-2360. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE JCC’S SENIOR DINNERS The JCC of Syracuse is seeking volunteers to help serve its Monday evening senior kosher dinners starting on June 20. Volunteers age 13 and older are welcome and should be available starting at 4:45 pm. Flexible weeks are available. Students seeking to fulfill community service requirements will receive confirmation of volunteer hours served. For more information, and to sign up to help with this worthwhile community program, call 445-2360.
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L-r: Jessica Subedi and Myah Pettiford read a book together at the Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas InterFaith Works book fair for recent immigrants.
MAY 26, 2016/18 IYAR 5776 ■
New hard-line defense minister said to join Israeli gov’t, marking surprise turn to right BY BEN SALES TEL AVIV (JTA) – The unity government was about to form: Likud and Labor, right and left, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Isaac Herzog. Then, according to media reports, Netanyahu swung to the right and instead embraced an old partner: Avigdor Liberman, head of the hard-line nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party. Liberman, formerly the foreign minister, now will reportedly replace Moshe Yaalon as defense minister. “If we receive a response on the issues we’ve discussed, there’s something to talk about,” Liberman said in a news conference on May 18. “If it’s true that we’ve been offered the defense portfolio, a death penalty for terrorists, pension reform and more, as I’ve heard, that’s a serious offer we can discuss.” The addition of Yisrael Beiteinu to the government would be a boon to Netanyahu, as well as a return to the ideologically coherent right-wing coalition he headed until 2013. Before Netanyahu and Liberman reportedly came to a tentative agreement on May 18, Israel’s coalition held the narrowest of majorities – 61 of the Knesset’s 120 seats. The two-seat advantage meant, practically, that the coalition was beholden to the whims of each of its members. The new coalition would boast 67 seats, providing an added measure of stability. With Liberman serving again as a minister, Netanyahu has reunited with a man once seen as his possible successor. Liberman served as Netanyahu’s foreign minister from 2009-15, and the two ran on a victorious joint slate in the 2013 elections. Netanyahu “needs an integrated government, a stable one,” said Bar-Ilan University political science professor Shmuel Sandler, who added that a union with Herzog could create discord, dooming the government. See “Right” on page 8
Fellow
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getting worse, and it happens slowly so you might not realize how bad it is until it is too late.” Howlett confirmed the statement and said, “By the time you wanted to get out, you couldn’t.” He then called out 1943. Silence. 1944. Silence. 1945. Silence. He challenged the students to ponder why there were no more laws passed after 1942. The students said they felt the reality of the Jews’ fate in concentration camps. Wanting to leave the students with a positive message, he shared a video of a Holocaust survivor who recalled his experience as a young boy on a bike riding through city streets of broken glass just after Kristallnacht. He observed a Jewish business owner being forced by Nazis to clean up the broken glass from his smashed shop windows. He saw German citizens watching and doing nothing to help. He knew he had to do something so he began to pick up the broken shards alongside with the shop owner. Howlett used this story to relay his message to the students, “Don’t be a bystander in the face of things you know are wrong.”
Pool
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The JCC of Syracuse pool is a members-only benefit featuring open free-swim and lap-swim times. Guests are welcome to purchase a pool pass and swim when accompanied by a member. The JCC pool also may be booked by members and non-members for pool parties celebrating birthdays and other special occasions. For more information about the JCC of Syracuse pool, including swimming lesson and other schedules, call 445-2360 or visit www.jccsyr.org.
Certified swimming instructor Jeff Hust taught Shayna Nellis the back float during a swimming lesson as part of the JCC’s Camp Rishon school-age camp last summer. All JCC summer camp participants from 18 months through sixth grade take part in daily Red Cross swim lessons and free swim time in the JCC’s outdoor heated pool.
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JEWISH OBSERVER
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OBITUARIES RUTH EHRENREICH
Ruth Ehrenreich, 93, died on May 14 at Crouse Hospital. Born in Philadelphia, she moved to The Nottingham in 2011 to be closer to family. Prior to retiring, she was a bookkeeper in the finance industry. She was a competitive bridge player, an avid reader and an active volunteer in The Nottingham community organizing the book club, giving bridge lessons and knitting for pleasure and charity. She was predeceased by her husbands, Herbert Ehrenreich and Eddie Klein. She is survived by her son Ron (Sondra Roth) Ehrenreich of Syracuse; two grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and her sisters, Anita, Shirley, Selma, Charlotte, and Harriet; and many nieces and nephews. Burial was in the Beth Sholom section of Oakwood Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions may be made to the Syracuse Center for Peace and Justice, 2013 E. Genesee St., Syracuse 13210 or the Jowonio School, 3049 E. Genesee St., Syracuse 13224.
DOROTHY PESKIN
Dorothy Peskin, 93, died on May 11 in Atlanta, where she had lived for the past 10 years. Born in Syracuse, she was a life resident of Syracuse until moving to New Jersey and then retiring to Delray Beach, FL. While in Syracuse, she worked for Brown, Light and Chapin and then Syracuse Ladder and Scaffolding. She was a former member of Temple Adath Yeshurun and B’nai B’rith, and was an active volunteer delivering kosher meals on wheels. She was predeceased by her first husband, Harry Katz; her second husband, Milton Peskin; her sister, Pauline Sacks; and her brother, Jack Mellnick. She is survived by her children, Diane Katz, Susan (Maurice) Silverstein, Billy Peskin, Joseph Peskin, Michael (Chris) Peskin and Stuart (Phyllis) Peskin; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was in Adath Yeshurun Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements.
YVES JEAN REBOUX
Yves Jean Reboux, 85, died on May 5 from cancer. Born in France, he had been a resident of Syracuse since 1975 and had been employed by United Van Lines for many years prior to his retirement. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Danielle, and their son, Philippe. Burial was in Adath Yeshurun Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions may be made to Temple Adath Yeshurun, 450 Kimber Rd., Syracuse 13224.
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ESTA SEBELL
Esta Sebell, 98, died at home on April 23. Born in Brockton, MA, she was the youngest of five children. She was a member of Temple Concord, The Cavalry Club, the Brockway Farms Garden Club and Lafayette Country Club. A passionate bridge player, she had achieved the Master level. She loved her family and was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Adolph Sebell, in 1993. She is survived by her children, Debbe (Rick Gladstone), Bonnie (Don Gerber) and Jane (Michael Fragola); seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Central New York, : 990 7th N St., Liverpool, NY 13088.
GAY S. USHKOW
Gay S. Ushkow, 83, of DeWitt, died on May 6 at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse. She was born in Brooklyn; she graduated New York University in 1953 with a degree in biology. She was predeceased by her husband, Martin Ushkow, in 1995. She is survived by her daughter, Beth (Peter) Caplan; son, Bruce (Charmaine) Ushkow; and four grandchildren. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery. Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions may be made to a charity of choice.
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attended a Jewish boarding school in Kent and then served in the British army during World War II. He later won a grant to go to university, earned a Ph.D. and became a professor of immunology – contributing to work that won a Nobel Prize in 1960. “I don’t know anyone who came over on one of the Kindertransports who hasn’t more than repaid the generosity of Britain in one way or another,” he says. “And I have little doubt that these modern refugee children would act in the same way. Everyone thinks of them as a nuisance and a burden.” Brent says he is living proof of how mistaken that belief can be. ©2016 National Public Radio Inc. NPR news report titled “Former Child Refugees, Rescued From Nazis, Urge U.K. To Take Syrian Kids” by Lauren Frayer was originally published on NPR.org on May 9, 2016, and is used with the permission of NPR. Any unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited.
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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
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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ MAY 26, 2016/18 IYAR 5776
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Members of Thou Shalt Ride, the new Central New York motorcycle club affiliated with the Jewish Motorcycle Alliance, enjoyed a ride around Cayuga Lake. L-r: Beth and Peter Caplan, Pat and Dan Gordon, and Joel Stein. For more club information, contact Stein at airmail13220@gmail.com.
In pro-Israel victory, Methodists to withdraw from BDS coalition (JTA) – Just days after rejecting four resolutions calling for divestment from companies that profit from Israel’s control of the West Bank, the United Methodist Church recommended withdrawing from the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation. In a nonbinding vote of 478-318 at its general conference in Portland, OR, on May 17, the church accepted a petition requesting its withdrawal from the group, Religion News Service reported. It was not clear if the church would act on the recommendation. The U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation is a national coalition that “works to end U.S. support for Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem,” according to its website. The Methodist petition called the group a “one-sided political coalition” that seeks to isolate Israel” while overlooking anti-Israel aggression.” The U.S. Campaign promotes the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel and seeks to end U.S. aid to that nation. “Blaming only one side while ignoring
Right
Netanyahu had sought Liberman as a partner since after the most recent elections in March 2015. But Liberman had criticized Netanyahu over what he saw as his tepid conduct of the 2014 Gaza War. As coalition negotiations ended last year, Liberman chose to sit in the Knesset opposition, claiming the new government would not abide his hawkish principles. “We refused to join the 34th Netanyahu government because of the same issues of principle we’d talked about,” Liberman said in a news conference ahead of the May 18 deal. Netanyahu had engaged in increasingly serious talks recently with the rival Labor Party. Labor chairman Isaac Herzog, whose poll numbers have only fallen since the 2015 elections, appeared eager to join the government. He hoped to serve as foreign minister and push Israel toward renewed negotiations with the Palestinian Authority. Herzog’s peace process ambitions were boosted when President Abdel Fatah el-Sissi of Egypt said on May 17 that his country would “make every effort” to help the Israelis and Palestinians reach peace. But Herzog faced vocal opposition within his own party to joining the coalition. About half of his 24-member Knesset delegation criticized the move, accusing him of selling out the party and bolstering a rival. He will likely face a challenge in Labor’s leadership primaries, which are expected to be scheduled soon. Now it seems Herzog is left in the cold while Israel’s government, rather than tacking to the center, becomes even more right-wing. Liberman’s appointment would mean the ouster of the current defense minister, Moshe Yaalon, who had
the wrongdoing of Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran will not advance the cause of peace,” the petition added. Not everyone was pleased with the vote. The Rev. Armando Arellano, a delegate from Ohio, told RNS the U.S. Campaign is “neither pro-Palestinian nor pro-Israel, but pro-equal rights for all. By withdrawing from the coalition,” he said, “we are withdrawing our commitment to be an agent of peace and justice.” Over the May 15 weekend, a church committee rejected four resolutions calling for the church to divest from companies that profit from Israel’s control of the West Bank. The resolutions called for divesting from three companies that pro-Palestinian activists have accused of working with Israeli security forces to sustain Israel’s West Bank settlement enterprise. They are Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard and Motorola. Similar boycott, divestment and sanctions petitions failed at general conferences in 2008 and 2012. Continued from page 7
attempted to be a voice for moderation against critics to the government’s right. “Today is the day he gave up on the chance to lead a great change in our future,” Herzog said of Netanyahu during a May 18 news conference. “We will not give the crazy government of Liberman and [Education Minister Naftali] Bennett a day of silence. I will unite all the forces to turn their lives into a nightmare until we replace them.” Yaalon drew verbal fire from far-right activists after criticizing the soldier who killed an immobilized terrorist in Hebron in March. He and Netanyahu clashed after Yaalon defended Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Yair Golan, who in a Holocaust Remembrance Day speech compared aspects of Israeli society to trends that occurred in 1930s Germany. Liberman would be the first defense minister who has not served as an IDF chief of staff since Amir Peretz, whose tenure from 2006-07 is widely considered a failure. Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak followed Peretz, and Yaalon, who also served in the IDF’s top post from 2002-06, succeeded Barak. But though Liberman lacks Yaalon’s experience, the pro-settler Jewish Home party, another coalition member, cheered Yaalon’s exit, calling the imminent government “the most right-wing ever in Israel.” “Bogie is leaving, and that’s good,” Jewish Home said in a statement on May 18, using Yaalon’s nickname, according to Israeli media reports. “This was a year of tremendous damage to the IDF. A year of abandoning soldiers, a year of a horrible culture in the army. Bogie needs to go home and he’s going.”