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10 SIVAN 5775 • MAY 28, 2015 • VOLUME XXXIV, NUMBER 11 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Combined Federation-Day School-Epstein School annual meeting is June 10 The Jewish Federation of Central New York will celebrate its 97th anniversary on Wednesday, June 10, starting with refreshments at 6:30 pm, at a combined 2015 annual meeting with the Syracuse Hebrew Day School and the Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein High School of Jewish Studies.

The meeting will begin in the Anne and Hy Miller Auditorium of the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center at 7 pm.

Presiding over the meeting will be the chair of the board, Ruth Stein. There will

be a dessert reception catered by JCC chef Donna Carullo, under the supervision of the Va’ad Ha’ir. The meeting’s sponsor is First Niagara Bank.

There will be an election of Federation’s Board of Directors and officers.

The nominating committee has put forth for election new members Miriam Elman and Todd Pinsky. Returning to the board with a new two-year term, ending in 2017, will be: Adam Alweis, Sidney Cominsky, Joel Friedman, Elliott Meltzer,

Neil Rosenbaum, Carl Rosenzweig, Neil Rube, Cheryl Schotz, Rabbi Evan Shore, Jef Sneider and David Temes. Remaining on the board to complete their terms ending in 2016 will be: Michael Balanoff, Marc Beckman, Cantor Francine Berg, Mark Field, Alan Goldberg, Philip Holstein, David Horowitch, Gary Lavine, Bruce Smith, Ruth Stein, Steven Volinsky and Ellen Weinstein.

The 2015 Esther and Joseph Roth Award for Outstanding Jewish Community Leader-

ship will be presented to Howard A. Port.

There will be a performance by the Syracuse Hebrew Day School Chorus and a state of the school address by SHDS Head of School Lori Tenenbaum.

Epstein High School students will make brief presentations.

The meeting will be open to the Jewish community. Reservations have been requested and can be made by contacting Kathie Piirak at 445-2040, ext. 106, or kpiirak@jewishfederationcny.org.

Shannon Small appointed education director of Syracuse Community Hebrew School

By Bette Siegel Shannon Small has been hired as the first education director for the Syracuse Community Hebrew School. She has been education director for Temple Adath Yeshurun for the last three years, and was also the school counselor at the Syracuse Hebrew Day School for the 2011-12 school year. She holds a bachelor of arts in psychology, a master’s of science in community counseling and a

certificate of advanced study in school counseling.

Small said, “I am looking forward to starting this new journey with all of our families. The Syracuse Community Hebrew School is an opportunity for all of our students to receive a highquality Jewish education that meets the individual needs of

Shannon Small

each student. The school will have an engaging curriculum with experienced teachers that will provide a positive learning environment. Please feel free to contact me at schs. syracuse@gmail.com if you have any questions.”

For more information, or to become involved with the SCHS, contact the syna-

How should pro-Israel voices tackle the war of ideas on college campuses?

By Jeffrey F. Barken JNS.org Recent ordeals for Jews on college campuses include being probed on their religious identity in student government hearings, seeing swastikas sprayed on fraternity houses and the presence of a student-initiated course accused of antisemitism. Pro-Israel voices are fighting back, but who is winning this war of ideas?

An episode at Columbia University, a historic hotbed of anti-Zionism, illustrates the complex dynamics at play.

In April, Christians United for Israel, America’s largest pro-Israel organization, with more than two million members, planned a lecture at Columbia concerning the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., and his support for Israel. CUFI says that the school administration meddled with the event in a way that unfairly singled out the pro-Israel group. The university imposed an “unprecedented level of bureaucratic scrutiny in an effort to intimidate,” said David Walker, CUFI’s national campus coordinator.

Walker told JNS.org that the university moved the lecture to a much smaller venue at the last minute, demanded to know the names of all off-campus individuals

expected to attend and denied the general public entry as evidence of “bureaucratic bullying.” Some organizations partnering with CUFI on the event proceeded to withdraw their support in the aftermath of the administration’s actions.

Despite the obstacles, CUFI’s diversity outreach coordinator, Pastor Dumisani Washington, was permitted to speak at Columbia during the April 30 event. He began by refuting a statement issued by the Columbia Black Students Organization in which the group condemned Aryeh, a proIsrael student organization at Columbia, for using “the image and words” of King to promote Zionist views and co-opting “the black liberation struggle for the purposes of genocide and oppression.”

“When I see black students saying these things, I know there is a great deal of confusion,” Washington said. His lecture offered a history of the civil rights movement in the U.S., demonstrating how King and his closest followers were always aligned with Israel, both spiritually and politically. By citing the shared experience of slavery as epochs uniting Jews and blacks, recalling songs about Moses and highlighting excerpts from New Testament and Old Testament psalms that figure prominently

in King’s speeches, Washington defended Christian Zionism and King’s legacy as a pro-Israel voice.

In his presentation, Washington also included a short video that illustrates BSO’s “confusion.” The video recalls the 1975 United Nations General Assembly resolution that declared Zionism as racism.

Noting the maxim “follow the money,” the video connects the dots of a complicated political strategy devised by the former Soviet Union. At the height of the Cold War, the U.S.S.R. sought to manipulate and intimidate poorer member states (mostly African) into passing anti-Israel resolutions. The real target of this strategy was not Israel, but rather America, the Soviets’ chief rival.

Since the U.S. and Israel are close allies, the Soviets reasoned, any discrediting of Israel’s reputation as a humane democracy reflected negatively on the U.S., creating ideological conflicts of interest.

See “Campuses” on page 4

gogues’ SCHS board member or the rabbis or presidents of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas at 446-9570, Temple Adath Yeshurun at 445-0002 or Temple Concord at 475-9952.

Community leaders hope the school will be a “major force in continuing to build the Jewish community in Syracuse for years to come.”

The school will rotate among the three participating synagogues and will open its doors in September at Temple Adath Yeshurun.

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

We made it!

1,029,635

$

as of May 26, 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 29......................8:16 pm............................................................ Parasha-Naso June 5........................8:22 pm...............................................Parasha-BeHa’alotcha June 12......................8:26 pm.............................................Parasha-Shelach Lecha

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Aliyah

Jews and food

Fuel-up nation

Aliyah is on the rise among North An Israeli-American chef in the Big Israeli companies attend the American single young adults as Easy; the College of Charleston is Offshore Technology Conference well as older empty-nesters. building a kosher dining hall. for the oil and gas industry.

Story on page 2 Stories on pages 8-9 Story on page 12

PLUS Congregational Notes............ 4 Calendar Highlights............. 10 Obituaries................................11 Summer Fun....................Insert

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ may 28, 2015/10 SIVAN 5775

Vatican: Pope Francis meant no offense with Abbas “angel of peace” remark

By JNS staff JNS.org Vatican spokesman Father Frederico Lombardi said that Pope Francis meant no offense in his purported description of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas as an “angel of peace.”

“It is clear that there was no intention

to offend anyone,” Lombardi told Reuters on May 19.

Pope Francis, who canonized two 19th-century nuns from what was then Ottoman-ruled Palestine, met with Abbas on May 16 at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, where he presented the Palestinian leader with a bronze

medallion. There have been different accounts of what exactly Pope Francis said in Italian during an exchange with Abbas, with initial reports suggesting the pontiff called Abbas an “angel of peace.” Other reporters present said the statement could be translated as “you are a bit an angel of peace.”

Pope Francis’ comments angered many pro-Israel observers who have questioned Abbas’ commitment to peace and his links to terrorism. That same week, the Vatican also came under fire for referring to the “state of Palestine” in a bilateral treaty between the Vatican and the Palestinians.

Israel taps interior minister as chief peace negotiator

By JTA staff JERUSALEM (JTA) – Silvan Shalom, Israel’s new interior minister, has been appointed the country’s chief peace negotiator for any future peace talks with the Palestinians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Shalom, a senior member of Netanyahu’s Likud Party and a former foreign minister, on May 18, according to Israeli media reports. Tzipi Livni, now a co-leader of the opposition’s left-

leaning Zionist Union party, previously headed up the negotiations.

Shalom is also tasked with strategic dialogue with the United States, according to Israel Radio.

“The appointment indicates the desire of the prime minister and Israel to have negotiations with the Palestinians, in contrast to the accusations that Israel refuses peace, and in contrast to the Palestinian claims that they cannot avoid unilateral actions in order to advance the

establishment of a Palestinian state,” Shalom said in private conversations, the Hebrew language NRG news website reported.

Shalom also reportedly said that he was “ready to discuss any topic and in any area, from the weighty issues of the United Nations to smaller issues such as joint management of daily life.” He was foreign minister from 2003-06, during the second Palestinian intifada and Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini was scheduled to visit the area and meet with Israel and Palestinian Authority officials later the week of May 22 in an effort to “jump-start” the peace process. U.S.led indirect peace talks ended in April without progress, after which the Palestinians began to press their case in international forums. Many nations and the Vatican have recognized the state of Palestine.

Aliyah trending: immigration to Israel rises among boomers, young adults

By Maayan Jaffe JNS.org “I want to be a part of something greater than myself,” says 24-year-old Ron Nahshon of New York City’s Washington Heights neighborhood, who is preparing to move to Israel this summer with his wife, Sara. Born in Israel, Nahshon’s parents (who made aliyah themselves) left Israel when he was only 1. Raised in the Conservative movement, he describes his upbringing as “Zionist” and says his parents infused “a love of the land” into their home. Later, Nahshon became Orthodox and attended Yeshiva University. Over the past several years, he has been investing and saving to prepare for aliyah.

“I grew up learning how my grandfather trekked to [Mandatory] Palestine on a camel. Now, I just have to get on a plane and fly there. It’s easy to get comfortable elsewhere. By moving to Israel, I am able to live a part of history and tradition in a way that people two, three, and more generations back didn’t have the opportunity to do,” Nahshon tells JNS.org.

Nahshon was among the more than 1,200 people who attended the Nefesh B’Nefesh aliyah agency’s mega event in New York City in March. He says the event turned his vision of aliyah into a reality.

NBN has served as what Nahshon calls a “friendly middleman,” assisting his family with the extensive paperwork needed to make aliyah. At the event, the Nahshons visited the booth for Haifa (where they will be living), spoke with shipping companies, and learned how Sara will be able to transfer her nursing license from the U.S. to Israel so that she can work in her field.

Overall, some 2,000 people participated in NBN aliyah events across North America from March 8-15, a 10-percent increase over last year and a 300-percent increase over the past five years. According to the organization, about one-fifth of all the participants in last year’s mega events made aliyah within one year of their attendance.

Nearly 4,000 people made aliyah from North America last year. Marc Rosenberg, director of pre-aliyah for NBN, says aliyah is “trending.”

“The Israeli government was always open to receiving new immigrants – about 1.3 million people made aliyah in the first three years since the founding of the state,” Rosenberg tells JNS.org. Many of those people were refugees fleeing to

At right: A couple made aliyah as part of El Al Flight LY 3004 on July 22, 2014, during the summer war between Israel and Hamas.

(Photo by Sasson Tiram)

the Jewish state to escape persecution or other challenges in their native countries.

Even today, crises such as antisemitism in France and political upheaval in Ukraine have spurred increased aliyah from those countries. But North American Jews “have a choice,” says Rosenberg.

“They are choosing to come to Israel. So we have to treat them differently,” he says.

This was the catalyst behind the founding of NBN by philanthropist Tony Gelbart and Executive Director Rabbi Yehoshua Fass. The agency facilities aliyah exclusively from North America and the United Kingdom. “It is a response to people choosing to leave wonderful opportunities in America to explore wonderful opportunities in Israel,” Rosenberg says.

According to Rosenberg, whereas initially the average immigrants to Israel via NBN were entire Orthodox families, today the organization is seeing a steep rise in single young adults and boomers. Boomers tend to be retirees or empty nesters, people who sold their businesses or are consulting and want to live in Israel. Some of them have children – and therefore grandchildren – living in the Jewish state, and they want to be close to them.

“The healthcare is wonderful. There are nine months of wonderful weather,” Rosenberg explains, adding that for young adults, there is a correlation between aliyah and those who participated in Taglit-Birthright Israel trips and the Jewish Agency for Israel’s MASA (Israel Journey) programming. “More young people are visiting Israel and they want to come back,” he says.

There is also a tie to the flailing American economy. Rosenberg says that with the rising costs of American education and the unpredictability of the job market, many young adults are attracted to the free degree they receive through

making aliyah and the ability to readily enter the job market based on skills and not degrees, as is often the case in Israel.

“They are seeing this as a stepping stone to their future,” Rosenberg says. With the global economy growing and the world

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feeling smaller and more connected all the time, Israel makes more sense as a long-term option for laying down roots.

Last year, between 1,400 and 1,500 young adults were among North American immigrants to Israel.

Boomers and young adults were certainly among the crowds at March’s aliyah events, says Yael Katsman, NBN’s director of communications and marketing. There was also a diverse mix of religious affiliations in attendance. Among the participating young adults, 65 percent defined themselves as non-Orthodox, and among families with young children, 70-75 percent identified as Orthodox.

Katsman says that “success breeds success.” Families who make to Israel it tell their friends, who then want to come as well. During last summer’s war between See “Aliyah” on page 8 All articles, announcements and photographs must be received by noon Wednesday, 15 days prior to publication date.

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3

AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK Dr. Ron Wolfson is coming to Central New York

held after services. Following dinner, Wolfson

By Mickey Lebowitz will expand upon his d’var Torah theme. ReserRon Wolfson, author of the book “Relational vations are required by Friday, June 5, and there Judaism: Using the Power of Relationships to will be a modest cost per person, with a family Transform the Jewish Community,” will visit maximum cost. Babysitting will be available Central New York from Friday-Sunday, June and participants must indicate whether it will 12-14. His trip is a product of the collaborabe needed when making reservations. tive relationship between Congregation Beth The weekend’s activities will move to CBSSholom-Chevra Shas and Temple Concord.

CS on Saturday, June 13, at 9:30 am, where Most of the events throughout the course of the Wolfson will give the d’var Torah during serweekend will be open to the community.

Ron Wolfson Wolfson is Fingerhut Professor of Educa(Photo court- vices. There will be a light luncheon following tion for the Graduate Center for Education at esy of American services, after which Wolfson will speak on “The Seven Questions You are asked in Heaven.”

American Jewish University in Los Angeles.

Jewish Reservations will be required and babysitting He joined the AJU faculty in 1975 as an actUniversity) will also be available. ing professor. He is described as a “visionary An informal gathering will be held on June 13, at educator and inspirational speaker,” with a focus on how 7:30 pm, at the home of Mickey Lebowitz and Anne to make Jewish communities “stronger and better.”

Wolfson will help participants welcome the “Shabbat Ruffer, with Wolfson leading informal discussions Queen” on June 12, at 6 pm, at TC, with a d’var Torah, related to themes from the weekend. Reservations will “God’s To Do List.” A sit-down catered dinner will be be required.

The TC and CBS-CS boards will also meet with Wolfson, who will lead a “Relational Judaism” workshop with the synagogues’ leadership teams.

Reservations may be made by visiting http://tinyurl. com/WolfsonSyr, or by contacting the TC office at 475-9952 or april@templeconcord.org, or CBS-CS at 446-9570 or office@cbscs.org. Checks for the dinner should be made out to “Temple Concord” and mailed to Temple Concord, Attn. April, 910 Madison St., Syracuse, NY, 13210.

Organizers hope the weekend will provide an opportunity for people to meet and learn about ways they can “improve and build upon relationships with each other, with synagogues, the community and God in the belief that these relationships are the key to keeping the Jewish community strong well into the future.”

The weekend is made possible by TC and the CBS-CS Fund for The Future.

For additional information, contact CBS-CS at 4469570 or TC at 475-9952.

Annual Jewish Home Open Golf Tournament August 19

By Stewart Koenig The Jewish Home Open Golf Tournament will be held on Wednesday, August 19, at Drumlins East. The full day of activities will begin with lunch at 11:30 am, followed by the tournament, which will be played in the Captain and Crew format. A cocktail reception, dinner and an awards program, including door prizes and a silent auction, will be held after the tournament.

Foursomes and individual golfers can register. Sponsorships are available, and donations of goods for door prizes and an auction have been encouraged. All are welcome to attend the dinner.

“A day of golf is fun, but you can’t beat the feeling of knowing that our seniors continue to receive excellent, state-of-the-art care at Menorah Park of CNY. And that’s why you should sponsor or participate in the Jewish Home Open,” said Victoria Kohl, Foundation at Menorah Park of Central New York vice president.

According to Kohl, there are always “vital updates” to equipment and technology needed, and continuous maintenance to perform at Menorah Park. “It takes fund-raisers like the Jewish Home Open to, for example, replace hospital beds and carpeting, and refresh dining facilities and medical stations,” she said. “The Jewish

Clarinetist Robin Seletsky will perform at the JMAC fund-raiser on June 14 An hors d’oeuvres and dessert reception fund-raiser for the 2015 Jewish Music and Cultural Festival will be held on Sunday, June 14, at 4 pm, at the home of Neva and Richard Pilgrim, 438 Brookford Rd., Syracuse.

Clarinetist (not a violinist, as previously reported) Robin Seletsky will be the performer. The 2015 JMAC will be held on Sunday, August 30, at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish

Community Center of 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 at 445-2040, ext.

114, or jstander@jewishfederationcny.org.

For more information, visit www.SyracuseJewishFestival.org.

Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior dining menu June 1-5 Monday dinner – roasted chicken with Middle Eastern spices, garlic and mint Tuesday – pasta primavera Wednesday – meatloaf Thursday –chicken salad with cabbage slaw Friday – sweet and sour meatballs June 8-12 Monday dinner – brisket with mango barbecue sauce Tuesday – tuna salad plate Wednesday – sliced turkey with gravy Thursday – homestyle kielbasa Friday – apricot-glazed chicken The Bobbi Epstein Lewis JCC Senior Adult Dining Program at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse offers Va’ad Ha’ir-supervised kosher lunches served Tuesday-Friday at noon. Dinners are served on Monday at 5 pm throughout the summer.

Reservations for dinner are required by the Wednes-

Home Open is a great opportunity to spend a great day with friends, golf on a great course and enjoy tasty food and drink, while supporting a great cause.”

For a second year, local media and sports celebrities will join the golfers on each hole to lend a hand.

Last year’s field included football star Ger Schwedes, “Voice of the Orange” Matt Park, basketball star Matt Roe and others. Broadcaster Doug Logan will again be at the dinner to give a preview of the upcoming SU football season.

Jeffrey Scheer, president of Menorah Park’s Board of Directors said, “Interacting with the many celebrities last year distinguished the Jewish Home Open from any golf outing I ever attended. I can’t wait to do it again this year.”

For golf registration, donations and dinner reservations, visit www.MenorahParkofCNY.com or contact Bill Motto at bill@mottolaguardia.com or 657-3718.

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day before. Lunch reservations are required by noon on the previous business day. There is a suggested contribution per meal. The menu is subject to change.

The program is funded by a grant from the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth and the New York State Office for the Aging, with additional funds provided by the JCC. To attend, one need not be Jewish or a member of the JCC. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Cindy Stein at 445-2360, ext. 104, or cstein@jccsyr.org.

The Syracuse Community Hebrew School is opening its doors in September 2015 and is looking for creative and enthusiastic lead and assistant teachers to teach grades 3-7. School hours are Wednesdays from 4-6pm.

We offer a competitive hourly pay rate for all positions.

Please send a resume, cover letter, and 2-3 references to Shannon Small, Education Director at schs.syracuse@gmail.com by Friday, June 5th.

THE JCC, CONG. BETH SHOLOM, and now TEMPLE CONCORD, GLADLY ACCEPT DONATED VEHICLES THRU C*A*R*S (a locally owned Manlins company) “giving to your own” (it’s what you do best)

CALL

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C h a r i t a b l e Au to R e s o u rce S e r v i ce

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ may 28, 2015/10 SIVAN 5775

congregational notes Temple Concord Temple Concord annual meeting and board installation The 2015-16 Temple Concord Board of Trustees will be elected and installed at the synagogue’s annual meeting, which will be held on Friday, June 5, at 7 pm. Prior to the meeting, there will be a Chinese buffet meal at 5:30 pm and a congregational meeting at 6:30 pm. Trustees will be installed during Shabbat services.

Awards for “exceptional service” to Temple Concord will be awarded during the meeting. The President’s Award will go to Vicki Feldman. Bruce Gentry will be named Volunteer of the Year and the winner of the Margie Markson Johnson Heart and Soul Award will be named at the meeting.

Reservations for the buffet dinner can be made by calling temple administrator Cheri Lass at 475-9952, ext. 309, by

Campus With CUFI’s event going on as planned, the pro-Israel side at Columbia University managed to have its voice and narrative heard – at least for that day. Columbia, as it turns out, sits atop a recently published list of 10 American college campuses where antisemitism is most rampant. The list was compiled by JewHatredOnCampus. org, an initiative launched earlier this year whose mission is to engage directly with students at institutions of higher learning where pro-Palestinian student groups are using school funding to launch aggressive anti-Israel and anti-Jewish propaganda campaigns. The new website publishes a regular newsletter and provides a portal for reporting antisemitic incidents.

“Fifty-four percent of Jewish students on college campuses feel they’ve witnessed antisemitism,” said conservative writer David Horowitz, the founder of JewHatredOnCampus.org. “The problem is that Jews aren’t fighting back.”

But how should they fight back? A 2010 incident involving Horowitz sheds light on the activist’s strategy of choice. In a post-lecture question-and-answer session hosted by the University of California, San Diego, Horowitz asked a UCSD Muslim student, Jumanah Imad Albahri, to condemn Hamas and Hezbollah as genocidal terrorist organizations. Albarhi’s answer shocked the audience and the video of their heated exchange quickly went viral.

In the video, Albarhi asks Horowitz “to explain the purported connection” between UCSD’s Muslim Student Association chapter and “jihadist terrorist networks.”

Horowitz doesn’t answer directly. Instead, he counters by pressing Albarhi to refute the documented statement by the head of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, expressing his desire for Jews to gather in Israel so that “it will save us the trouble of going after them worldwide.” Albarhi appears rattled. She worries that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will label her a terrorist if she sides with Hezbollah, but denies that pro-Palestinian organizations are aligned with doctrines of hate.

“For it or against it?” Horowitz persists, demanding an answer regarding Albarhi’s opinion on Hezbollah’s rhetoric. Finally, Albarhi leans toward the microphone and says decisively, “For it.” Albarhi later denied supporting Nasrallah’s comments.

Indeed, similar YouTube clips and social media debates reveal the intensity of student opinions regarding Israel, as well as the animosity directed at Jewish students and professors. Horowitz believes that one common Israeli public relations strategy – the spotlighting of “all the wonderful things Israel has accomplished, from medical inventions and agricultural advances to being tolerant of gays” – falls short as a proper defense of the Jewish state’s policies. From his perspective,

Wednesday, June 3.

Cinemagogue presents “The Flat” The Cinemagogue Series will screen “The Flat” on Tuesday, June 9, at 7:30 pm. The documentary will be the final film in this season’s series. There will be free parking available in the synagogue parking lot.

In the film, director Arnon Goldfinger clears out his grandparents’ apartment in Tel Aviv after his grandmother dies at age 98. His grandparents had fled to Palestine in the 1930s from Berlin, and during the cleaning, objects are found that raise questions about their past.

While admission will be free and open to the public, donations will be welcome.

For more information, contact the TC office at 475-9952 or office@templeconcord.org.

Continued from page 1

Pastor Dumisani Washington, Christians United for Israel’s diversity outreach coordinator. Washington spoke at an April 30 event at Columbia University (not the speech pictured here) concerning the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and his support for Israel. (Photo courtesy of CUFI. history is what provides a legitimate justification for Israel to exist under its present borders.

He cites the original Palestinian Liberation Organization slogan declaring a fundamental intention to “push [the Jews] into the sea” as clear-cut evidence that Israel does not have a partner for peace.

“You have to call it what it is,” Horowitz told JNS.org. “You cannot make peace with people who want to kill you. These are literally Nazis... planning another Holocaust openly.”

Against the backdrop of that sense of urgency, Horowitz advocates what has been called “a robust and unapologetic” public relations campaign on the part of pro-Israel advocates as the only way to repair the damage done to Israel’s image by its enemies. The press release that launched his JewHatredOnCampus.org initiative lists anti-Jewish acts such as “Israeli Apartheid Week” (the annual anti-Israel showcase on campuses around the world), the interruption of university activities by staging mock “checkpoints” on campus, the hosting of speakers on campus that call for the destruction of the Jewish state and harassment and violence against Jewish and pro-Israel students.

Horowitz’s efforts to counter anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric are said to have sparked many contentious debates at the more than 400 college campus visits he said he has made. CUFI speakers are similarly accustomed to meeting opposition. On the same day as the recent Columbia event, CUFI Outreach Coordinator Kasim Hafeez, a British Muslim of Pakistani origin and a jihadist-turned-Zionist, had Students for Justice in Palestine activists walk out on a speech he gave at the University of Toledo.

Horowitz conceded that the current debate over Israel on campus is a shallow shouting match to which he contributes his own propaganda. He expresses his desire for an “informed scholarly debate,” but said of pro-Palestinian advocates, “I don’t believe there is an honest way for them to argue their cause... [when their] side wants to annihilate the other.”

Temple Adath Yeshurun Hazak The Temple Adath Yeshurun chapter of Hazak attended the Syracuse University Drama Department’s production of “Avenue Q” at Syracuse Stage on May 3. Almost 30 members attended the production.

Tot Shabbat and dinner Temple Adath Yeshurun will hold a Tot Shabbat and dinner on Friday, May 29,

from 5:30-7 pm, in the TAY library. There will be Shabbat-appropriate activities, dinner and a short, child-friendly service to welcome Shabbat.

The program will be free and open to families with young children in the community.

For more information, contact Alicia Gross at alicia@adath.org.

Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Sisterhood rummage sale Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Sisterhood will hold its semi-annual rummage sale on Sunday, May 31, from 10 am-3 pm, with a bag sale from 3-4 pm. New this sale will be a day-long bag sale on Monday, June 1, from 10 am-4 pm. Proceeds from the sale will 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 from Thursday-Friday, May 28-29, from 9 am-4 pm, on Thursday from 79 pm, and on Saturday, May 30, after Shabbat, approximately 9:45 pm.

CBS-CS will accept clean fall and winter clothing, accessories, shoes, clean household items, electronics, records, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, tools, appliances, furniture, clean children’s clothing, novels, cookbooks, children’s books, games, toys, bikes, sports equipment and more, if it can be sold and is in decent condition.

Community members have been asked not to bring textbooks; encyclopedias; National Geographic magazines; other magazines; medical books; old travel books; old Jewish content books; torn or stained clothing, which includes a ring-around-the-collar; broken or dirty items; cribs, highchairs or car seats that no longer meet standards; TVs that are not cable-ready; or tires.

CBS-CS also collects toiletries for Vera House and Operation Soap Dish, which collects toiletries and household products for those on food stamps. These items may be dropped off at CBS-CS as well.

For more information, contact Steffi Bergman at 632-4905, 243-4009 or steffibergman@gmail.com.

Hazak The Congregation Beth SholomChevra Shas chapter of Hazak will present Robert Shprintzen in the program “Jewish Genetic Disease and Jewish Genetics: Two Sides of the Coin” on Sunday, June 7, at 10 am.

Shprintzen’s lecture will address why so many Ashkenazi Jews carry the recessive gene for Tay Sachs Disease and why so many Sephardic Jews carry the recessive gene for beta thalassemia. He will discuss the reasons for these quandaries, which relate to geography and history, and their effects on the human genome.

The lecture will explore the question nature versus nurture and why it is not

valid, as nature and nurture are said to work together to bring special features to all racial and ethnic subgroups, including the Jewish people. Participants will explore these issues in relation to Jewish genetic diseases.

Shprintzen is currently president and chair of the board of the Virtual Center for Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome and Related Disorders, an open-source website that provides information for children with craniofacial disorders and genetic diseases. Shprintzen has been internationally recognized for his contributions to the field of genetic diseases and has identified four new genetic disorders, all of which bear his name in medical literature. He has published hundreds of scholarly works, including seven books and more than 200 peer-reviewed articles.

He has lectured at more than 200 hospitals and universities around the world, and has been the president of multiple professional societies. He was recently awarded the honors of the association from the American Speech-LanguageHearing Association, the highest award given by the organization, which has more than 200,000 members. Shprintzen also serves as treasurer and webmaster for Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse.

Kadima and USY chapters progressive dinner As a concluding activity to the program year, the CBS-CS ACHLA United Synagogue Youth chapter is organizing a progressive dinner for the congregation’s USY (ninth-12th grade) and Kadima (fiftheighth grade) students on Friday, June 5, at 6 pm. Parents and other family members will participate in a potluck dinner at the synagogue at the same time.

The program will begin for everyone with services, a kiddush and Motzi, after which the students will visit the homes of congregants who live within walking distance from the synagogue. Six CBS-CS families will open their homes to the students. At the end of the event, everyone will return to CBS-CS for singing and dessert.

USY board members Leah Eve JezerNelson, Aliyah MacCrindle, Hadar Pepperstone, Michale Schueler and Sarah Young are planning the event, with assistance from Ora Jezer and CBS-CS Director of Youth and Education Julie Tornberg.

For more information, contact Tornberg at director@cbscs.org or 701-2685.

NEWS IN bRIEF From JNS.org

IDF to disband Druze-only unit after 41 years

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot on May 18 decided to disband the IDF’s Druze-only unit, the Sword Battalion, 41 years after its inception. The IDF said the decision followed lengthy deliberations, extensive preparatory work and consultations with heads of the Druze community. Recent data indicates that the majority of Druze military recruits explicitly ask to serve in other combat units, with only 5 percent of Druze recruits expressing a preference for the Sword Battalion.

The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse will host a defensive driving course on Tuesday, June 2, and Wednesday, June 3, from 9 am-noon, at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt. There will be a fee for the class and it will be open to licensed drivers of all ages. Attendees must come both days and bring their driver’s license.

The National Safety Council course focuses on practical defensive driv-

ing knowledge and techniques to help participants avoid collisions and traffic violations. The interactive class will include learning activities, discussions and videos with real-life driver simulations. The program offers participants a 10 percent discount on the liability portion of auto insurance for three years and a reduction of points for recent traffic infractions.

To register for the class, call the JCC at 445-2360 or visit the JCC front desk.

Oaks summer concerts

The Oaks at Menorah Park will begin its summer concert series on Sunday, June 14, at 7 pm, with the “No Excuse” a cappella group, which performs a variety of musical styles.

There will be a barbecue at 5 pm prior to the concert. There will be a fee for

the barbecue, but the concert is free and open to the public.

There will be two additional summer concerts and the schedule will be announced soon.

For more information, contact The Oaks at 449-3309.

Menorah Park Auxiliary brunch event on June 14 open to all

By Stewart Koenig The Menorah Park Auxiliary will hold a brunch on Sunday, June 14, from 11 am-1 pm, at the Menorah Park Café, located past the main lobby. The brunch will be open to the community. The goal of the brunch will be to inform people of the auxiliary’s latest projects and how to become involved as a volunteer. For decades, the auxiliary has helped the residents at Menorah Park.

Menorah Park Foundation Vice Presi-

dent Victoria Kohl said, “We’re trying to build up our ranks and the more, the merrier. Volunteers are always needed and, besides the benefit to the residents, which is significant, there is the camaraderie and the great feeling you get from knowing that you’re helping our senior citizens.”

The event will be free and open to women and men. Reservations have been requested and can be made by contacting Janis Martin at 446-9111, ext. 118, or jmmartin@twcny.rr.com.

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JEWISH OBSERVER

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institutionalized, through direct

By Jackie Miron service and educational proThe Jewish Federation of grams.” The center has helped Central New York has given a settle more than 600 refugees $10,000 community program from 15 countries. grant to InterFaith Works of Specific activities include Central New York to support the constructive community ennew home of the organization gagement; a monthly faithon James Street. leaders roundtable, for which The new location of Interthe Federation is represented Faith Works seeks to improve Jackie Miron

by Linda Alexander, with Rabbi services to clients by providing a centralized location from which to Daniel Fellman leading the group; interoperate, as well as increased efficiency group dialogue, study circles on current and decreased fixed overhead. A $1.8 community issues; building bridges in million capital campaign includes more strained relationships; providing companthan $1 million in donations from mul- ions for the elderly; and bringing chaptiple faith-based organizations and indi- laincy services to confined individuals.

There are also additional ways Interviduals. Federation will be prominently recognized on the donor wall in the lobby Faith Works provides for people’s needs while seeking to maintain “the dignity of of the new location.

InterFaith Works began as the InterRe- and respect for” others. Its reach is conligious Council in 1976. Syracuse Jewish sidered “wide and life-changing” by those Federation Executive Director Barry Sil- it helps. As cultural diversity increases, verberg and Temple Concord Rabbi Theo- InterFaith Works expects the community dore Levy were two of the driving forces will continue to benefit from the work it behind the initiative. The initial purpose does to foster cooperation among different of “advancing interracial understanding populations.

InterFaith Works is a beneficiary and dialog among Jews, Protestants and Catholics” has since expanded to include agency of Federation, but the recent $10,000 grant was additional funding more than 20 faith-based groups.

Its grant application to Federation and was specific toward funding a new, stated, “InterFaith Works social service centralized location. Federation donations programs address the needs of and have helped establish a new location where empower people who are vulnerable, InterFaith Works hopes to have “greater low-income and targets of oppression, productivity, reduced costs and increased including refugees, the elderly and the programming.”

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MAY 28, 2015/10 SIVAN 5775 ■

Prices effective Sunday, May 31 thru Saturday, May June 27, 2015.

Jew 5 x

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ may 28, 2015/10 SIVAN 5775

Temple Beth El membership meeting

Temple Beth El will hold a meeting of the general membership on Friday, June 12, at 7:30 pm, in the Temple Beth El Room at Menorah Park.

In addition to the election of officers and a discussion on the future of the TBE Room, there will be a Shabbat service, refreshments and an opportunity to socialize with TBE members. Although only TBE members can vote, the community and guests have been invited to attend.

For more information, contact Marcy Waldauer, the TBE secretary, at 445-1927 or waldauer@gmail.com.

NEWS IN bRIEF From JNS.org

Israeli ambassador’s infant dies day after birth in quake-ravaged Nepal

(Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) – An Israeli ambassador’s infant born to a surrogate mother in Nepal died on May 21 in a hospital in Kathmandu.

According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, the infant had been kept in a sealed tent on the grounds of a hospital massively damaged by the recent massive earthquakes that hit the area. The tent, which housed a total of nine babies, was meant to stave off infections. The baby’s death, coming less than a day after he was born, came nine days after the most recent earthquake in Nepal, which measured 7.3 on the Richter scale. The newborn’s twin, also kept in the tent, has survived. The parents, Israeli Ambassador to Serbia Yossi Levy and his same-sex partner, have an older child who was also born via surrogate. The cause of death is still under investigation. One possibility is that he died of dehydration and another is that he suffered from a congenital heart defect. But even if the death was caused by an existing condition, detection and treatment might have been better in a more suitable hospital setting. Magen David Adom emergency services agency CEO Eli Bin, who is currently in Nepal, said, “I spoke with Yossi’s partner. They are having a very hard time. It is very sad. When you go through a process like this – so long – it can break you. But this is the reality now and they are thinking ahead.”

Inside the bookcase in the Temple Beth El Room at Menorah Park are two Torahs, several candlesticks and books.

Preserved in the Temple Beth El Room at Menorah Park are a candelabra and some of the stained glass windows that used to adorn the sanctuary.

SHDS/JWV flags

Syracuse Hebrew Day School fifth and sixth grade students recently placed more than 500 flags on the graves of Jewish war veterans in all of the Jewish cemeteries in Syracuse. The flags were donated by Sisskind Funeral Service. Under Rabbi Evan Shore’s direction, the students learned about “respect and honor for those who served their country to ensure a future of freedom.” The school thanked Jewish War Veterans member Steve Nathan, who placed the flags on the veterans’ graves in Temple Concord’s section at Woodlawn Cemetery.

“Tikkun Olam Makers” turn technology into solutions for people with disabilities

By Maayan Jaffe JNS.org From cyber-security to medicine to agriculture, Israeli innovators are coming up with ideas that make life safer, easier and more efficient. These creations, in turn, simultaneously fund the Jewish state and yield profits for their overseas investors. A new organization is taking this entrepreneurial ecosystem to a new level, merging technological savvy with tikkun olam (the Jewish value of repairing the world) to solve societal needs.

LARRY METZGER Owner

L-M PAINTING

Tikkun Olam Makers (or TOM), a project of the Reut Institute and ROI Community, is bringing together strategic thinkers, engineers, designers, and project managers to solve unmet social challenges in disadvantaged communities. TOM is built on six core values: scalability, community integration, collaborative competition, affordability, smart development and innovation.

In March, TOM held its second “make-a-thon” in Tel Aviv (an event dubbed TOM: TLV), partnering with the Ruderman Family Foundation to harness cutting-edge technology to design affordable aids for people with disabilities. The goal was to create solutions that increase integration and inclusion. “The event was a direct meeting ground for people with special needs and the people with the ability to help solve [their challenges],” TOM Founding Director Arnon Zamir says of the 72-hour program, which produced 25 technological prototypes.

Zamir explains that for-profit companies are often able only to invest in projects with strong demand that are marketable to the masses. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities often have unique needs.

The solutions must be tailored to the individual, which

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The prototype developed at a Tikkun Olam Makers “make-a-thon” turns physical therapy into a game, allowing users to play while making “significant progress” in their rehabilitation. (Photo courtesy of ZOA Productions)

The system developed at a Tikkun Olam Makers “makea-thon” allows people who are paralyzed from the neck down to turn pages in a book. (Photo courtesy of ZOA Productions) takes time and money. “We are not a technology company and we do not aim to be one. We are connectors,” Zamir tells JNS.org.

Eran Tamir, an employee at IBM Israel whose son Guy has cerebral palsy, took part in the recent make-a-thon and describes TOM as “a miracle.” When Tamir arrived at TOM: TLV, he was swept away by the powerful teams that stayed and worked until midnight, or even dawn.

The next day, which happened to be Israeli Election Day, he brought Guy. The makers took time to get to know Guy and to understand him. One group, led by industrial designer Nurit Greenberg, invented a prototype specifically for Guy. They call it “GidiGuy.” Greenberg says her team was charged with developing a game for children with special needs to be able to play and interact on an equal level with mainstream youths. Guy, for example, cannot use his hands, so the solution centered on his most easily-moved body part: his head.

Greenberg’s team, which consisted of a mechanical engineer, economic consultant, architect and others, designed a game similar to “Simon Says,” using sensors and colored lights. The system recognizes the direction in See “Solutions” on page 10

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ may 28, 2015/10 SIVAN 5775

Jews and food

Israeli-American chef brings hummus and shakshuka to the city of gumbo and crawfish years, where I met Octavio Mantilla, who is now

By Shannon Sarna my business partner. He convinced me to come (JTA) – New Orleans is an unlikely locale check out New Orleans with him. I met John for an Israeli restaurant. After all, The Big Besh and the stars were aligned – we discussed Easy is famous for its decadent shellfish-andme coming to work for him, and two weeks later pork-heavy cuisine, whereas the Jewish state I had my bags packed and I moved. is known for its use of fresh vegetables and JTA: It’s been 10 years since Katrina, and mostly kosher or kosher-style fare.

New Orleans has experienced quite a revival.

But Israeli-American chef Alon Shaya’s How has its food scene changed? Have you newly opened Shaya, which offers an Israeliseen a change Jewishly in the city? inspired menu using local New Orleans ingreShaya: I only lived in New Orleans for two dients, has been drawing crowds every night.

Chef Alon Shaya years before Katrina, but it has completely (For those wondering, it is not kosher.)

A James Beard Award winner who has recently opened changed, I think for the better. More young been named by Esquire magazine as a “chef Shaya, an Israeli- chefs are opening their own businesses, pushto watch” and been featured in Food and Wine style restaurant in ing the envelope.

I think Katrina really impacted the Jewmagazine, Shaya, 37, has become an estab- New Orleans. (Photo lished part of the New Orleans food scene. by Besh Restaurant ish community here. A lot of young Jewish families never came back – they found jobs Domenica, a restaurant he opened in 2009 with Group) in other places and stayed. But now I see more younger John Besh, has garnered rave reviews and awards.

Shaya recently spoke with JTA by phone. The inter- Jewish families putting down roots and the city is so vibrant right now: The film industry has grown, as well view has been condensed and edited. as the medical industry and even start-ups. The economy JTA: Why did you decide to become a chef?

Shaya: I always loved to cook. Even when I was 7 years has diversified.

JTA: How has Shaya been received? old, I was preheating the oven and making hamantashen.

Shaya: We have been booked pretty much since we We moved from Israel to Philadelphia when I was 4, and food was just always a part of our household. My opened, and you always have to make a reservation at grandparents would come from Israel every year, and least a month in advance if you want to come on the each time they would come, food was everywhere. Then weekend. No one else is interpreting Israeli food in New when I was in high school, my home economics teacher, Orleans. Another reason we have been popular is because Donna Barnett, grabbed me by the ear and said you our food is vegetarian-friendly and healthy, which is not have a passion for this, stick with it! She set me on this so easy to find in New Orleans.

JTA: What’s your secret for making great hummus? professional path. In fact, she was here last week and ate Shaya: It’s about getting the skins off of the chickat both my new restaurants (Shaya and Domenica). We have remained very close over the years and are taking peas. We soak them first in water and baking soda, and as they cook we are constantly stirring to remove the a trip to Israel together in June! skins. We spend one or two hours every morning just JTA: What kind of trip?

Shaya: I am going with three other chefs – Michael stirring and skimming chickpeas in order to create a Solomonov, John Currence and Ashley Christenson smooth hummus.

JTA: What’s your favorite Israeli food? What’s your – for a culinary tour with 16 other people. We will be traveling, eating, cooking, visiting the best of the best in favorite American food?

Shaya: My favorite American food is fried chicken. I Israel: wineries, restaurants, farms and this biodynamic resort where they make their own bread, cheese, honey, mean, I live in the South. It’s addictively good.

My favorite Israeli food is this Bulgarian spread soap – everything.

JTA: It seems like Israeli food is having a moment in called Lutenitsa that my grandmother made. It’s on the menu at Shaya, and I would say it is the dish that America right now. Do you agree?

Shaya: If you would have told me five years ago I inspired me to become a chef. When my mom came to was going to open an Israeli restaurant in New Orleans, the restaurant and tasted it she said, “Savta [grandma] would be so proud.”

I would have told you that you were crazy.

Cast Iron Seared Lamb Shakshuka But Israeli food is finally coming across as something Serves 6 that people are excited about. I think social media has For the lamb: played a big role in this, along with chefs like [Yotam] 6 pounds lamb shoulder on the bone Ottolenghi who produce beautiful cookbooks.

1 Tbsp. ground paprika This is not trendy food; it’s food that people are 1 Tbsp. ground cumin discovering for the first time but that has been cooked ½ Tbsp. ground coriander the same way for generations. But it’s also new as the 1 tsp. ground black pepper population in Israel grows and Greeks start cooking for 2 tsp. ground cinnamon Yemenites, and Europeans cook for Moroccans, and so 8 cups yellow onions, sliced the food takes on a life of its own. The food in Israel 4 cloves garlic, sliced thin makes up a diverse mosaic: Bulgarian, Turkish, Moroc2 large carrots, peeled and sliced can, Greek. You can’t boil it down to just one thing. It 1 large sprig rosemary is diverse and it has evolved.

Zest and juice of 3 oranges JTA: How did you end up in New Orleans?

1½ cups canola oil (set half aside to brown the Shaya: I attended the Culinary Institute of America in New York and then moved to Las Vegas, working primarily lamb) Kosher salt as needed in Italian restaurants. I then lived in St. Louis for a few

Coming soon...

2015 Community Guide

For the shakshuka: 8 to 10 cups chicken stock 1 cup diced onions 1 clove garlic crushed 1 tsp. crushed red chili flakes 3 cups tomato sauce 6 whole eggs 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced Salt to taste The night before, season the lamb shoulder generously with kosher salt and all of the ground spices. Place in the refrigerator. The next day when you are ready to cook, place a large cast-iron Dutch oven that is large enough to hold the lamb shoulder on medium heat. Add in ¾ cup of the canola oil and begin to sear the shoulder on all sides until completely golden brown.

Preheat the oven to 275°F. Remove pot from heat and set the shoulder aside. Pour out the dirty oil and replace with the remaining canola oil.

Reduce heat to low and add the onions, carrots and garlic.

Cook until all are golden brown and tender. Return the shoulder to the pot and pour the chicken stock over it until shoulder is just submerged. Add the rosemary sprig, orange zest and orange juice. Bring to a simmer and place the lid on the Dutch oven. Place in the oven and cook for 4 hours.

The meat should be falling off the bone when it’s removed.

Let rest for 15 minutes out of the braising liquid.

Heat a large cast-iron skillet with ½ cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the braised lamb shoulder to the oil and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. While the lamb shoulder is searing, add the diced onions, crushed garlic and crushed chili flakes to the pan to slowly caramelize. Flip the shoulder so the golden See “Chef” on page 11

Aliyah

Continued from page 2 Israel and Hamas, NBN saw no aliyah cancellations – the planes were full, Katsman says. Additionally, she says that while NBN sees European Jews choosing aliyah because of increased antisemitism, that does not seem to factor heavily into most North American Jews’ decisions to move to Israel.

To accommodate this growth in aliyah, NBN has evolved its events. In 2002, they were dozens of smallerscale meetings, which the organization still offers. But today, NBN also hosts five “mega events” with aliyahrelated seminars and workshops and an Israeli vendor marketplace in Los Angeles, Toronto, Montreal, Miami and New York. Israeli professionals from a variety of aliyah-related fields – including shippers, accountants, financial planners, insurance, healthcare, real estate, universities and more – help prospective immigrants to Israel advance their aliyah plans. To date, more than 50,000 North American and British Jews have attended NBN pre-aliyah information seminars. Since its founding in 2002, NBN has assisted more than 42,000 newcomers to Israel.

“In the 1980s, there was a 50/50 chance that someone who made aliyah would still be living in Israel three or 10 years later,” says Rosenberg. “Today, three years later, more than 90 percent of the people who made aliyah with Nefesh B’Nefesh are still living here.”

Nahshon says he is hopeful about life in Israel. “Many people say that going to Israel is ‘a dream of mine,’” he says. “Then they get a job, have a family, and they look back with regret. It is easy to say you’ll do it in the future. It says in Ethics of the Fathers, ‘If not now, when?’

Sometimes you just have to seize the moment.”

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Pictured in New York City’s Times Square were participants of the Nefesh B’Nefesh mega event in March “vote” for aliyah. L-r: Yossi Cohen of Los Angeles, Rosalie Soussan of New York, Abby Soussan of New York, Jesse Bass of New York, Saul Daiell of New York, Michael Brenner of New York and Yaakov Hatanian of New York. (Photo by Shahar Azran, courtesy of Nefesh B’Nefesh)

MAY 28, 2015/10 SIVAN 5775 ■

Jews and food

JEWISH OBSERVER

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In South Carolina, kosher-vegetarian dining hall seeks to bring diverse populations to the table

By Ruth Ellen Gruber CHARLESTON, SC (JTA) – Renowned for its gracious architecture and signature Southern charm, Charleston is increasingly celebrated as a foodie heaven.

The trouble is, in a city whose culinary specialties embrace (and glorify) oysters, she-crab soup, and shrimp and grits, the burgeoning restaurant scene is nearly off limits to those who keep kosher.

But things are set to improve for the kosher-observant later this year, when the College of Charleston opens a $1 million kosher vegetarian dining hall in a new wing of its Sylvia Vlosky Yaschik Jewish Studies Center, home to the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program.

The dining hall, funded by several private donors, is an integral part of the college’s comprehensive $10 million fund-raising campaign for the Jewish studies program. The three-story brick wing will double the size of the Jewish studies center, which is in the city’s historic peninsula district. The dining hall, set to begin operations around Chanukah, will occupy the ground floor, with an open-plan design featuring curved ceiling details, cool pastel colors, an entry wall of Jerusalem stone and seating options for up to 75 people.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the dining hall will be run by the college’s dining services and cater to students on the school’s dining plans. But it will also be open to the public for a la carte meals, with an eclectic menu using organic and local ingredients. One of the aims, according to the dining hall’s vision statement, will be to attract “an eager and emergent audience of student and community members by sourcing ethical, sustainable and local food in an energized, hip facility that will utilize recycled and local materials.”

All the food will be kosher and vegetarian, and some will be vegan (containing no eggs or dairy). Mark Swick, the Jewish Studies Program’s community liaison, said the food will be certified by Charleston’s Kosher Commission, which is comprised of local Orthodox rabbis.

Construction for the expanded Jewish studies center, which will house the new dining hall at the College of Charleston. (Photo by Ruth Ellen Gruber)

Some 800 Jewish students attend the 12,000-student school, and the college is using the new dining facility as a recruiting tool to attract more. “A lot of students are looking for kosher possibilities,” Jewish student recruitment counselor Helen Slucki said. “For some it is a need – they keep kosher and couldn’t come here without it. But for a lot of them it is a symbol. They don’t keep kosher, but like the Jewish studies program, it is a symbol that the college is welcoming to Jews.”

Dara Rosenblatt, the college’s Jewish student life program coordinator, said the new dining hall is “already making waves” among students. Buzz has also begun to build outside the college – Charleston’s City Paper placed the dining hall on its list of 20 new eateries set to open in town this year.

But Paige Lincenberg, a Jewish studies major from Atlanta, said she wasn’t sure yet what impact the new facility would have on her eating experience. She already eats “kosher style,” separating meat and dairy, and avoiding pork and shellfish. For the strictly kosher observant, she said, finding kosher meat tends to be more of a challenge than finding vegetarian food. “It’s possible to buy vegetables and cook them,” she said.

Jewish history in Charleston dates back more than 300 years, and the city, which in 1800 had more Jewish residents than New York, was a cradle of Reform Judaism in the United States. Charleston’s first organized congregation, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, was founded in 1749, and its current synagogue, a graceful Greek revival building dedicated in 1841, is the second-oldest synagogue building in the United States. Today, approximately 6,500 Jews live in the Charleston area.

The college’s Jewish Studies Program, established in 1984, offers majors and minors in Jewish studies, but outreach to the Jewish community at large is also a priority.

The program hosts numerous events open to both students and the public, including film screenings and lectures.

Many local senior citizens audit academic courses.

Swick said that in designing the new dining facility, “We paid close attention to what other colleges across the country have done in offering kosher and vegetarian options.” (It is not known how many Charleston students are vegetarians, but the school hosts a vegan student group.) A model, Swick said, is Grins Vegetarian Cafe at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. Opened more than a decade ago in the Shulman Center for Jewish Life, Grins offers kosher vegetarian meals both on student dining plans and to the community at large, and is consistently ranked as one of Nashville’s top vegetarian restaurants.

The intention in Charleston, according to the dining hall’s vision statement, is to “help create an environment in which diversity is represented, not only by appealing to the observant Jewish (Muslim and Hindu) students, but reaching out to a constituency that sees eating choices as a manifestation of deeply held ethical and environmental values.”

Ghazi Abuhakema, director of the Asian studies and

The College of Charleston’s new dining hall is modeled after Grins Vegetarian Cafe, a kosher eatery at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. (Photo courtesy of Grins Vegetarian Cafe) Arabic programs at the college, said the dining hall, which would meet the standards of most halal-observant Muslims, is “a very good project,” and that the local Muslim community is likely to patronize the facility if it is advertised “properly and adequately.”

The new dining hall will be named in honor of philosophy Professor Martin Perlmutter, who has been director of the Jewish Studies Program since 1991 and who helped develop the idea for the dining hall. His championing the dining hall as a way to promote ethical eating and “coming together through food” led the city’s Charlie Magazine to name Perlmutter last year one of Charleston’s “50 most progressive people.”

“A vegan diet is a statement about values and lifestyle, whether it is because of concern for the environment, interest in one’s health or caring about the well-being of animals,” Perlmutter said. “So, too, keeping kosher or observing halal requirements is a commitment to traditions of religion and culture. Representing that diversity in a vegan/vegetarian kosher/halal dining hall is a physical way for the College of Charleston to become more diverse and progressive.”

Ruth Ellen Gruber, JTA’s senior European correspondent, was the Spring 2015 Arnold Distinguished Visiting Chair in Jewish Studies at the College of Charleston.

An architectural rendering of the College of Charleston’s new dining hall, which is scheduled to open in December. (Photo courtesy of the College of Charleston)

How to celebrate dads and grads (StatePoint) – There are always several reasons to celebrate the start of summer! Beyond the kick-off to a season of outdoor sun and fun, it’s the perfect time to honor dads and grads.

Whether thanking Dad on Father’s Day or applauding the accomplishments of a new graduate, there are many ways to do so without over-taxing your wallet. Here are some helpful tips from the experts at Dollar General to celebrate these special occasions easily and affordably.

Tech Gifts – If you’re looking for something practical to give Dad or your recent graduate, think about a tech gift.

A new pair of headphones, a tablet or portable speakers will be appreciated in today’s on-the-go world, and these gifts can help your loved one navigate a busy schedule.

Throw a Summer Party – Consider gifting Dad new grilling accessories so he can show off his skills, or throwing

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Gift Cards – If you’re shopping for a picky Dad or graduate, or looking for an easy or last-minute gift, gift

cards are a convenient way to give something that will be appreciated and used. Consider gift cards for technology, restaurants and other retailers.

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ may 28, 2015/10 SIVAN 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.

Sunday, May 31 Temple Concord annual MENSCH event at 5:30 pm Sunday, June 1 Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse presents Simply Tsfat at 8pm Friday, June 5 Temple Concord Chinese dinner buffet at 5:30 pm, followed by a congregational meeting at 6:30 pm and annual meeting at 7 pm Sunday, June 7 Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Hazak presents Robert Shprintzen at 10 am Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center gala and annual meeting from 11 am-2 pm at Owera Vineyards in Cazenovia Tuesday, June 9 Temple Concord Cinemagogue presents “The Flat” at 7 pm Wednesday, June 10 Deadline for the June 25 issue of the Jewish Observer Friday, June 12 CBS-CS and TC host scholar-in-residence Ron Wolfson Saturday, June 13 CBS-CS and TC host scholar-in-residence Ron Wolfson Sunday, June 14 CBS-CS and TC host scholar-in-residence Ron Wolfson Wednesday, June 17 Temple Adath Yeshurun Hazak trip to Corning, leaves Syracuse at 7:30 am CBS-CS Board of Trustees meeting at 7:15 pm Wednesday, June 24 Syracuse Hebrew Day School graduation Thursday, June 25 TAY congregational meeting at 7 pm Friday, June 25 PJ Library pre-Shabbat at 4:45 pm

Solutions

which Player 1 turns his head. If the player moves right, a red light turns on, while a yellow light is activated by a move to the left, and so on. Player 2 must mimic Player 1. As the players engage, the color sequences get longer and more difficult. Now, Greenberg is in touch with one of Israel’s major hospitals for youths with disabilities to determine if this is something that could be further developed and brought to market.

Tomer Daniel works in the Wi-Fi division at Intel Israel. At night, “I build stuff,” Daniel says.

Daniel got involved in the maker community a few years ago, entering make-a-thon/hack-a-thon contests on weekends and evenings. He says he created several gimmicks, including a PAC-MAN® helmet that players

NEWS IN bRIEF From JTA

Palestinians reject Israeli soccer proposal, pushing ahead with suspension vote

The Palestinian Football Association rejected an Israeli proposal to address its grievances and will move forward with a motion to expel Israel from international soccer play. The Palestinian group plans to introduce a motion to expel Israel from international competition at the May 29 yearly congress of FIFA, the body that governs international soccer. According to the PFA, Israel unjustly restricts Palestinian players’ travel and is breaking international law by fielding five teams in West Bank settlements. Israel has cited security concerns as the basis for the movement restrictions. FIFA President Sepp Blatter arrived in Israel on May 19, aiming to solve the dispute and prevent the motion from coming to the table. To pass, the motion requires the approval of three-quarters of FIFA’s 209 member states. On May 20, Israel proposed giving Palestinian soccer players special identification cards, and said it would provide an escort for them between the West Bank and Gaza, according to Reuters. Israel would also place special officials at border checkpoints to help ease their crossing. The Israeli proposal did not address the settlement teams. The Israel Football Association’s director of communications, Shlomi Barzel, told JTA that the teams will continue to play as long as Israel considers the settlements part of its territory. But the PFA rejected the Israeli proposal and said it would introduce the motion at the FIFA Congress as planned.

d’var torah

The power and danger of lashon hara

By Jeanette Powell Parasha BeHa’alotcha comes at a good time. These days we are exposed to a vast amount of lashon hara as we read the daily news or look at TV. Sometimes the bad news seems overwhelming. If we look a little deeper and reflect on what is happening, we see that hurtful and hate-filled words seem to instigate so much violence, despondency, anger and bitterness. Bigoted, hate-filled words are seen and heard in newspaper cartoons, political statements, speeches, demonstrations against certain groups, bullying, the taunting and harassing of people considered different – or outright racist outbursts. The results are riots, burning of parts of entire cities, often suicides of persons who have been taunted, as well as murders and the spread of bitterness and hatred. The frightful thing about it is that it seems to beget even more of the same. These attitudes are then passed to the next generations.

What is going on and what can we do to address this issue? This time of mass media gives us the opportunity to learn more about others and, if used to understand others, it could be a good thing. The sad piece is that it seems we are escalating in our misjudgments instead of trying to understand each other. We need to step back and ask ourselves why we tend to criticize people who are different from us. Is it that we do not know them? Do we fear what we do not know? We certainly do not understand them. Much of the time lashon hara is used when there is no real provocation, only the lack of knowledge of the other person or letting ourselves buy into news or press reports and stopping there without looking deeper into the question.

There is a lesson to be learned from parasha BeHa’alotcha, when God teaches Miriam and Aaron a lesson about recognizing the beauty in people different from them. Moses is undergoing challenges to his leadership amidst grumbling and complaining on the part of the Israelites. Miriam and Aaron feel that they are prophets as well as Moses and deserve a more

Continued from page 6 wear to direct the joystick, using their heads. “You nod left, down, up, right, and the PAC-MAN moves,” Daniel says. “It is so funny, it only moves when you open and close your mouth, too. But this is something that is smart, but useless.” But TOM, says Daniel, is “smart and useful. It is helping people.”

Daniel and his team created another helmet during the TOM competition. This one assists a blind person in navigating his home. Using sensors like the ones in a cell phone, it gauges the distance between a person and walls or other objects, keeping the blind person safer from harm. “We tested it on ourselves. That was really neat,” Daniel tells JNS.org.

Daniel says that when it comes to using technology for tikkun olam, expertise is not a barrier to entry.

“You don’t have to be an engineer, you don’t have to build stuff,” he says. “Some people are good with their hands, some with their minds. The greatest teams are those composed of people with golden hands, golden minds, and golden eyes.”

TOM’s Zamir notes that the organization has already held a competition in Brazil, and that he is in contact with 11 other countries about running these programs.

TOM: NY is planned for New York in March 2016.

Even Kosovo has expressed interest in the initiative. In this way, says Zamir, TOM can help Israel be “a light unto the nations.”

Zamir says he sees the TOM model, much like the TEDxTalks, as something that can be replicated elsewhere without the direct involvement of TOM’s Israel-based team. TOM is in the process of building a website, which will house information about the organizational concept, but also images and assembly directions for the prototypes the competitions have produced. This way, companies might see solutions they want to explore taking from prototype to market. Alternatively, a visitor to the website might consider replicating one of the innovations for a family member or friend in need.

TOM is considering focusing its next make-a-thon on solutions for the elderly, according to Zamir. “I always say that if each person could give one minute to another person, our world would be a better place,” says IBM’s Tamir. “I don’t think this is something that could have started in any other country, but Israel.”

Maayan Jaffe is former editor-in-chief of the Baltimore Jewish Times and a Kansas-based freelance writer.

Reach her at jaffemaayan@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter, @MaayanJaffe.

prominent role in leadership. In their frustration, Miriam and Aaron speak out against Moses because of the “Cushite woman he had married” They gossiped, “He married a Cushite woman!” (Numbers, chapter 12:1) This brief passage from the verse is significant and can be interpreted in many ways. First of all, Miriam does not call Moses’ wife by her name, but instead refers to her as a “Cushite woman.”

We might think, then, that Miriam does not know her as an individual, but only as a woman with a different exterior and culture from the Israelites. The rabbis say that Cushite could mean Ethiopian or African, and that she would therefore be a woman with darker skin. She would stand out because everyone else was light-skinned. If Miriam notices only the Cushite’s color and different origins, she fails to see her beauty and other attributes. She stops learning and welcoming her brother’s wife. Rashi states that Miriam and Aaron do not look beneath the surface to see her qualities. According to Rashi, the fact that Moses’ marriage to a Cushite woman is repeated twice in the Torah means that Moses’ wife was beautiful in two ways: she was “becoming in deeds and in physical beauty.”

In a dramatic scene, God rushes down from the heavens in a pillar of cloud, making it known to Miriam, Aaron and the entire Israelite community that, no matter how seemingly unimportant, gossip will not be tolerated, particularly when it comes to leaders.

God sees the hostility and pettiness in Miriam and Aaron, as well as their blindness to this woman’s good qualities. They judge on appearance alone. God then punishes Miriam for initiating this criticism. She is struck with leprosy and needs to be isolated from the camp for seven days. I wonder if this caused Miriam to have the experience of being out of the group and feeling set aside.

As we look at antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate and racist violence, can we learn from BeHa’alotcha and look for the true beauty in persons different from ourselves?

Let us not be blinded by differences. Let us learn about each other’s goodness and each other’s pain. Let us move away from stereotypes. As Jews, we have been unfairly judged and hurt. Let us learn from that and not pass that behavior on to others.

As Rabbi Melissa Meyers Buyer, director of lifelong learning, Temple Israel of the City of New York, wrote in “Wounding Words: The Dangers of Gossip” for The Huffington Post, “There are no less than 31 commandments that relate to it in the Hebrew Bible.

For example, Proverbs teaches us that life and death are ‘in the hand of the tongue’ (18:21); the Psalmist implores us to guard our lips from evil and our tongues from ‘speaking guile’ (34:13); and the Talmud cautions us that the tongue is such a powerful weapon that it should be locked away, kept hidden from view beyond the protective walls of the mouth and teeth, lest it be misused (Babylonian Talmud, Arakhin 15b).

We all know how hard it is to refrain from gossip, particularly in moments of anger, pain, frustration or exhaustion. But our Torah reading reminds us that we need to be vigilant in monitoring our own speech and helping others do the same. If we are created in God’s image, as our tradition insists, then we must dedicate ourselves to formulating an appropriate communal ethic of speech.”

The uplifting part of the parasha is shown when Moses cries out to God to heal Miriam. He does this immediately, in spite of Miriam and Aaron’s behavior.

Both Miriam and Aaron are quite sorry for what they have done and want their relationship restored. God makes clear to them what they must do. In his cry to God to heal Miriam, Moses gives the gift of forgiveness and hope of healing. Can we do the same if others slander us? Can we cry out to God to help them, or do we respond in kind? The Israelites also supported Miriam and refused to move until she was well. When our loved ones or friends or others are guilty of lashon hara, can we reach out in gentle, yet courageous, ways to confront them and help them see the destructiveness of this behavior? Can we work toward rebuilding and stopping the behavior?

We can use the time we say the Shema, the sacred prayer of unity, to remind us of the oneness of God and the human family. When we cover our eyes, we cannot see our physical and superficial differences. We can concentrate on the oneness of all people and we need to carry this through the rest of our lives.

Jeanette Powell, holds a master’s in religious studies from Canisius College. She is the retired executive director Mental Health Clinical Services and a member of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas.

MAY 28, 2015/10 SIVAN 5775 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

11

obituaries Dorothy (Feldmann) Harth

Dorothy Harth, 89, died on May 15 at Menorah Park.

Born in New York City, she received her early academic training at Queens College, where she first encountered and developed a life-long passion for Latin-American literature. She continued these studies at Colombia University, where she received a master’s degree in Latin-American studies. She was offered an instructorship in the department of modern languages at Syracuse University around 1947, where she received a doctorate and also met her future husband, Erich Harth.

She continued her academic interests and became interested in the Farm Workers Movement led by Cesar Chavez, and there discovered a source of original, native writing that became known as Chicano literature.

She is the author of an anthology of Chicano literature “Voices of Aztlan.”

She was invited to join the faculty of the newly-formed Onondaga Community College, attaining the rank of professor of modern languages and founding a women’s studies program that she directed for many years.

She enjoyed traveling, especially to Italy. She became a gourmet cook, specializing in the dishes of northern Italy, and enjoyed gardening.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Erich; her sons, Peter (Julie), of Houston, TX, and Richard, of Phoenix, AZ; and one grandson.

Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to PETA, 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510 or the ASPCA, www.aspca.org. 

NEWS digest From JTA

U.S. approves sale of $1.8 billion in advanced munitions to Israel

The Obama administration approved the sale of $1.8 billion worth of munitions to Israel, including precision guidance devices and bunker-busting bombs. The sale announced on May 20 by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency includes 14,500 JDAMs – GPS-guided precision kits that attach to bombs. Also included are 50 BLU-113 bunker-busting bombs, which are capable of penetrating 20 feet of concrete. President Barack Obama first authorized the sale of the bombs in 2009, when Israeli concerns about Iran’s nuclear capability began to intensify.

The package also includes 3,000 Hellfire missiles. The Obama administration suspended the sale of the missiles last summer during Israel’s operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, reportedly out of concern for the mounting civilian casualties in the war. Obama has sought to assuage regional concerns about an emerging nuclear deal with Iran. In mid-May, he said he would enhance U.S. defense cooperation with a number of Persian Gulf Arab states.

German antisemitism panel adds Jewish members after outcry

Two Jewish experts have been appointed belatedly to a government panel in Germany on antisemitism following protests by Jewish groups. On May 20, Germany’s Interior Ministry announced that it had named psychologist Marina Chernivsky and historian Andreas Nachama to the panel, whose mandate is to report regularly on antisemitism and efforts to combat it in Germany. It will also make recommendations based on best practices and consultations with other experts. The panel was established in 2009, with rotating membership. Chernivsky is the director of Change Your Outlook, an educational initiative against intolerance and antisemitism for the Frankfurt-based Central Welfare Council of Jews in Germany. Nachama, an ordained rabbi, is the director of Topography of Terror, a museum and archive about the Gestapo in Berlin, and is frequently asked to comment on current issues regarding antisemitism.

Chef

Alan Lipton

Alan Lipton, of New Hyde Park, NY, died on May 17.

Born in Brooklyn in 1927, he was the son of immigrant parents. He served in the U.S. armed forces during World War II and later graduated from Adelphi University with a degree in aeronautical engineering. He worked for Grumman Aerospace for many years. While there, he assisted with designing the Apollo 11 and the Lunar Excursion Module that landed the first man on the moon in 1969. He also designed aircraft used by and for the military. He collected coins and collected and restored antique cars.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Carole Lipton Weiner.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Pearl; his daughters, Joanne Maloff (Jeffrey), of Jamesville, and Susan Goldberg (Norman), of East Brunswick, NJ; a son, David (Lori), of Atlanta, GA; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Contributions may be made to Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018 or fidf.org/donate. 

Diane Meyer

Diane Meyer, 84, died on May 12 at Menorah Park.

Born in Brooklyn, she earned her master’s degree in library science from Syracuse University and was a librarian in the East Syracuse school district for many years.

She was predeceased by her husband, William, in 2014.

She is survived by her children, David (Nancy), of Maine, Beth (Jay) Donohoe, of Maine, and Eric (P.J.), of Florida; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one niece.

Burial was in the Temple Concord section of Woodlawn Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to Temple Concord, 910 Madison St., Syracuse, NY 13210 or Menorah Park, 4101 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13214. 

NEWS IN bRIEF From JTA

Ancient Jerusalem aqueduct discovered

A section of Jerusalem’s lower aqueduct, which brought water to the city more than 2,000 years ago, was uncovered during sewer work. The aqueduct, which was excavated by the Israel Antiquities Authority, was found in the Umm Tuba neighborhood, near Har Homa.

It begins near Solomon’s Pools south of Bethlehem and continues for about 13 miles, running through several Jerusalem neighborhoods. In a statement released on May 21, the antiquities authority said the aqueduct operated intermittently until 100 years ago.

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Melvin Rivkin

Melvin Rivkin, 89, died on May 17 at SUNY Upstate Medical Hospital.

A lifelong resident of Syracuse, he graduated from Nottingham High School and Columbia University, served in World War II and received the Purple Heart, before graduating from Columbia University School of Pharmacy. As a pharmacist, he co-owned Bee Drug Company of Baldwinsville with his uncle, Charles Sable, for many years, closing the store after his retirement.

He was a member of Temple Adath Yeshurun and Jewish War Veterans, Onondaga Post 131. He was an avid photographer and sportsman – skiing, golfing, hunting, fishing and skin diving. In retirement, he dedicated his time and expertise to Syracuse Opera and the Talent Company, with photography, set building and ushering.

This resulted in his receiving the annual Sandra C. Haase award from Syracuse Area Live Theater.

The rental property on Euclid Avenue that he formerly owned has a plaque mounted on the building in his honor.

He had resided at The Inn at Menorah Park since 2010.

He is survived by his children, Eric Rivkin, of Costa Rica, Diann Rivkin, of Cincinnati, OH, and Les Rivkin, of Minneapolis, MN; two grandchildren; a brother, Larry Rivkin, of Ithaca, NY; and his caregiver, Lori Davis.

Burial was in the Onondaga County Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery. Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to Menorah Park Employee Fund, 4101 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13214, or Temple Adath Yeshurun, 450 Kimber Rd., Syracuse, NY 13224. 

Ann Fromer Roberts

Ann Fromer Roberts, 97, died on May 12 at the Jewish Home of Central New York.

A life resident of Syracuse, she belonged to a large family and always enjoyed the special times she spent with them. Her involvement and interest in the family provided her happiness throughout her life. She was a former member of Temple Beth El and its Sisterhood, and Pompey Golf Club.

She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Carl Roberts; her brothers Sam and Arthur Fromer; and her sisters, Dorothy Shub and Selma Freedman.

She is survived by her daughter, Marsha (Robert) Glatter, of Manlius; her brother Morton (Anne) Fromer; and three grandchildren.

Burial was in Frumah Packard Cemetery. Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, P.O. Box 271, DeWitt, NY 13214. 

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Continued from page 8

brown and crispy side is up and add the tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer and season with salt.

Move the shoulder to the far side of the pan and crack the eggs into the other side. Once the egg whites have set, pull from the heat and sprinkle all of the sliced green onions on top. Serve with sliced rustic style bread.

Shannon Sarna is editor of The Nosher blog on MyJewishLearning.

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Alon Shaya’s castiron seared lamb shakshuka. (Photo by Graham Blackall)

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12

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ may 28, 2015/10 SIVAN 5775

Fuel-up nation: Israel has robust presence at major oil and gas trade show

By Jacob Kamaras JNS.org Given Israel’s well-documented penchant for innovation, it was only a matter of time before the “start-up nation” established a robust presence at the Offshore Technology Conference, one of the world’s largest annual trade shows for the oil and gas industry.

“The people in Israel are entrepreneurs in their souls, so as soon as they see an opportunity, they take it,” said Michal Niddam-Wachsman, head of the Israeli government’s Economic Mission in the U.S. Southern Region. “When we discovered the natural gas [in the Tamar and Leviathan fields off Israel’s coast], they immediately saw the opportunity of developing the technology that would be related to the natural gas and the oil market. We have today over 100 Israeli companies working on unique technologies that can give solutions to the oil and gas industry.”

Fourteen of those companies were on display in Houston from May 4-7 at the OTC, which was attended by 94,700 people from 130 countries. It was the Israeli Ministry of Economy’s third year

Haim Greenberg of Harbo Technologies demonstrated the Israeli company’s oilspill response technology at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston.

(Photo by Jacob Kamaras) with a pavilion at the trade show. U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) – who represents a district with five ports, more than any other district in Congress – visited with the Israeli companies.

“Energy is huge in our area,” Weber told JNS.org. “It’s what drives America, it’s what makes America great. It’s what’s going to help drive Israel. It not only will make Israel stronger and more prosperous,

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but safer… Israel is under attack from all around, and they need that energy. As I tell people, ‘It’s hard to power a tank with a solar panel.’ So oil and gas are huge for Israel, for America. We have the technology over here. Israel is arguably our best, strongest ally, anywhere – especially in the Middle East. We want them to be safe, secure, prosperous… To do anything less, in my opinion, is unfathomable.”

Niddam-Wachsman explained that before having a presence at the OTC, Israel was already “a significant player” in areas of technology, including water (such as desalination and purification), telecommunication and security. Israel eventually saw that its existing technological expertise had “a very strong connection” to the oil and gas industry, she said, making the OTC a natural fit for the Jewish state – especially given Israel’s discovery of offshore gas fields in 2009 and 2010.

“Eventually, we saw that the interests of the American companies in the Israeli technology was very high, as well as the satisfaction of the Israeli companies to be able to reach those companies and penetrate this huge market,” NiddamWachsman told JNS.org.

“Here, you can find the connections between the needs of the American companies and what Israel can provide,” she added.

Eric Peterson, director of industrial/ municipal sales for Amiad Water Systems – which is based in Israel, but has 10 subsidiary offices around the world – said the company took a few years off from attending the OTC before returning last year as part of the Israeli delegation. He said that exhibiting with the Israeli Economic Mission’s group is no small benefit, considering that the waiting list for companies seeking to present at the OTC is seven years long for those trying to enter on their own, without being part of a delegation.

Haim Greenberg, vice president for product and co-founder of Harbo Technologies, which works to prevent the hazardous consequences of oil spills, said the company’s goal at the OTC was “to raise funds for the next stage of our business plan,” and to look for “distributors from around the world” as well as “seasoned experts to join our advisory board.”

At the trade show, Greenberg said Harbo received interest from companies in Holland, Norway, Spain, Nigeria, Brazil, Mexico, America, Canada, Singapore, India – and even Saudi Arabia. “The truth is, a lot of business is being done between Israel and Saudi Arabia or other Arab countries, but it’s under the radar,” Greenberg told JNS.org.

Asked if the Saudi interest in doing business with Israeli companies signaled a general thawing of relations between those two countries, Greenberg said, “I’m not too sure about that, but business is busi-

ness, that’s the truth. And because of our uniqueness, because we have the only and the first immediate oil-spill response solution, everybody’s interested in this.”

Roni Levy, marketing manager for Tel Aviv-based Hop Engineering Ltd., said his company has existing export relationships in Asia, South Africa and Europe, and is now trying to break into the U.S. market.

“We think that if we can get contact with some small or medium American companies, it can be a very good platform for us…

We have installed oil fields in Indonesia and Azerbaijan, but we think if we could make good contacts here [in the U.S.] and do a good job, it will help us a lot in the local market as well as the international market,” Levy told JNS.org.

Gilad Norman, marketing and sales manager for Egmo, an Israeli producer of stainless steel fittings and flow products, called the American oil and gas industry “a huge market, a very sophisticated market, dealing with end-users, engineering companies, equipment manufacturers, and the supply chains… and all of them are here [at the OTC].

“It’s quite nice to see all these players in the market, in one location,” Norman said.

Bill Hardy – sales manager of government accounts for Texas-based Thrustmaster, a producer of marine propulsion thruster machines – was impressed by what he saw at the Israeli pavilion. “It was interesting to see that you had a host of individuals that are both in the [oil and gas] industry and manufacture different products,” Hardy told JNS.org. “We were able to see that, it was well-presented and [the companies] were forthcoming with all kinds of good publications. I took all of them and I plan to sit down once I’m done with the show here and go over it, and see how we would meld with the potential of doing business with the Israeli oil and gas community.”

The casual observer of the U.S.-Israel energy relationship might know that Noble Energy, which is based in Houston, operates both of Israel’s offshore gas fields.

But Noble is currently the only foreign company that drills in the Jewish state and “there is a need for more oil and gas companies to come and work in Israel,” said the Ministry of Economy’s NiddamWachsman. The OTC should help solve that need, as Israeli companies had more than 400 meetings with major oil and gas companies at and around the trade show last year, Niddam-Wachsman said.

Recalling that he has been through two oil crises in his lifetime, in 1973 and 1981-82, Weber described the OTC as an indispensable networking opportunity for the companies in attendance. “The fact that these companies are here and focused on this is huge,” Weber said. “These are the innovators, these are the job-creators.

They’re committed for the long-haul.”

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U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX, on right) addressed Israeli companies at the Offshore Technology Conference on May 6 in Houston. At center is Michal Niddam-Wachsman, head of the Israeli government’s Economic Mission in the U.S. Southern Region. Behind them is a list of the 14 Israeli companies that had a presence at the conference. (Photo by Jacob Kamaras)