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14 SIVAN 5774 • JUNE 12, 2014 • VOLUME XXXVIII, NUMBER 12 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Combined Federation-Day School-Epstein School annual meeting on June 16 The Jewish Federation of Central New York will hold a combined 2014 annual meeting with the Syracuse Hebrew Day School and the Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein High School of Jewish Studies on Monday, June 16, in the Anne and Hy Miller

Auditorium at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, beginning with refreshments at 6:30 pm and the meeting at 7 pm. A dessert reception will be catered by Tiffany’s under the supervision of the Va’ad Ha’ir. First

Niagara Bank is this year’s annual meeting sponsor.

There will be elections of Federation’s Board of Directors, and the 2014 Esther and Joseph Roth Award for Outstanding Jewish Community Leadership will be

presented to Ellen S. Weinstein.

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

Jewish Community Foundation helps sponsor Safe Haven 70th reunion weekend

By Nick Finlayson The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, one of the only teen programs in the Syracuse area, is designed to be a well-rounded program by featuring recreation, entertainment, education and volunteerism.

SyraCrusin’, a travel camp for seventh10 grade students, offers eight separate week-long sessions throughout the summer.

Campers can choose to sign up for one or all of the sessions, with a discount available for anyone signing up for all eight weeks.

Every other week the camp features an th

Community Garden

To date, we have 1,857 donors.

Federation's 2014 Campaign now stands at $989,520 lives in CNY an da le’s p r eo

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At left: Tiferet SimmernKahan watched while Morrisa Golden-Sieradski worked in the Syracuse Jewish Community Garden.

(Photo by Ely Margolis)

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Library® in Central New York and Temple Concord to host six Kabbalat Shabbat in the Garden events for children and families.

The events will be held on Fridays, June 13, July 11 and August 22, from 4:45-5:30 pm, at Temple Concord, and Fridays, June 27, July 25 and August 8, at the SJCG at Temple Adath Yeshurun.

Additionally, the Onondaga Master Gardener Program will co-lead an event on Wednesday, June 25, from 6-7:30 pm, at the community garden on “Attracting Beneficial Insects to Your Garden.” The program, which will be taught by an expert gardener, will be open to the community.

Light refreshments will be served.

The 2014 Campaign is closing soon!

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By Morrisa Golden-Sieradski The Syracuse Jewish Community Garden has begun its second season. Volunteers have prepared the garden’s raised beds and planted the spring crops, which include beans, peas, assorted radishes, beets, kale, carrots, onions, garlic, lettuce and spinach.

The garden was made possible by a Community Program Fund grant from the Jewish Federation of Central New York.

In the coming months, the SJCG will resume its partnerships with People’s Equal Action and Community Effort Inc., as well as the Temple Concord Food Pantry, to provide fresh, local produce to those in need.

The SJCG will also partner with PJ

overnight program, with this year’s destinations including Highland Forest and the Old Forge Camping Resort in the Adirondacks, among others. There will also be one volunteer day per week at a local nonprofit, which in the past has included the Ronald McDonald House of Central New York, the Veterans Administration Hospital and Menorah Park, giving participants volunteer credit for school.

The JCC’s Children’s, Teens and Camps Assistant Director Katie Sutliff said, “Our teen center offers teens the ability to be among peers their own age, while participating in activities they enjoy. Along with this, they can give back to the local community while gaining great social skills and responsibilities that will last a lifetime.”

The JCC’s Teen Center, The SPOT, in the Sears wing of ShoppingTown Mall, offers ping-pong, pool, foosball, air hockey, darts, Nintendo Wii and board games.

For more information, contact Sutliff at the JCC at 445-2360 or ksutliff@jccsyr. org.

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SyraCruisin’ Teen Travel Camp at the JCC

Community Foundation of Central New York, said, “It is important for all generations that we always remember the stories and experiences of those who bore witness to the evils of the Holocaust. The 982 individuals who were fortunate enough to arrive at Fort Ontario in 1944 have provided proof for future generations to enable us to ‘always remember’ so we are not destined to repeat the past.”

All food served at scheduled events throughout the weekend will be kosher and supervised by Rabbi Yossi Madvig, co-director of Chabad of Oswego. To register and pay for meals online, visit www.safehavenmuseum.com and click on “events.” People can make reservations for the barbecue dinner on Thursday, June 19; the breakfast, boxed lunch and buffet dinner on June 21; and the chicken and ribs dinner on June 21.

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Haven Museum and Education Center, stays in contact with surviving refugees and their families. She oversees the archives at the museum and at State University of New York at Oswego. She and her husband, Eli, worked to raise funds to establish the museum in 2001. She is coordinating the weekend’s events with other Central New York organizations.

The 10th annual “Ride 2 Remember” by the Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance will be held on Friday, June 20. The JMA plans an annual ride to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust and raise funds for organizations that support and promote Holocaust education and awareness.

In choosing to become a sponsor of the 70th reunion weekend event, Linda Alexander, executive director of the Jewish

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come to Fort Ontario. She will attend the reunion with her sons and their families.

Another attendee will be Rolf Kuznitzki Manfred, who graduated from Oswego High School. He ultimately obtained his master’s of science degree and was considered “instrumental” in developing the Polaris and other missile systems. Irving Schild and his family traveled from Brussels, Belgium, through several countries until becoming one of the guests of the U.S. at Fort Ontario.

He served in the Marine Corps as a photographer and has worked as a graphic designer and photographer, with his work appearing in Life, Esquire and Mad Magazine. He is now retired, after having served as chair of the Photography Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Judy Coe Rapaport, president of Safe

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By Judith Stander The Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York, along with singer Neil Diamond, is one of the co-sponsors of the Safe Haven 70th reunion weekend from Thursday-Sunday, June 19-22. They will co-sponsor Friday’s box lunch.

The Safe Haven Museum and Education Center at Fort Ontario in Oswego is the site where almost 1,000 refugees were housed during World War II from 1944-46. It is the only place in the United States that received refugees during the war, and they were only “guests” approved

by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for a temporary “visit.”

Margareta Spitzer Fisse was born in Yugoslavia and deported with her family to northern Italy until finally being selected to

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To make your pledge, 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 June 13......................8:26 pm...................................................Parasha-Shelach Lecha June 20......................8:29 pm...............................................................Parasha-Korach June 27......................8:30 pm.............................................................Parasha-Chukkat

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Shining Stars

PLUS

Menorah Park honored nine individuals at its annual Shining Stars celebration.

Story on page 3

Congregational Notes............... 2 Calendar Highlights.................. 3 Obituaries.................................... 4 Community Guide............. Insert

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ june 12, 2014/14 SIVAN 5774

congregational notes Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas

Continuing a tradition started in 1983, Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas will hold its 10th adult b’nai mitzvah ceremony on Saturday, June 21. Seven men and women, including two couples, have been studying with Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone for the last two years. Members of the class will participate in services that day, leading parts of it and giving d’vrei Torah.

Those in the class who will participate

in services in celebration of this milestone are Jonathan and Aveeya Dinkin, Karen Lawitts, Anne Ruffer, Judy and Jeff Stanton, and Phyllis Turtle.

In reflecting on the class and anticipation of the upcoming ceremony, Turtle said, “The past two years of classes have been absolutely inspiring. Learning, sometimes re-learning about Jewish observance, our tradition [and] our cultural traditions as

Chabad

Chabad Syracuse will join the Israeli Knesset and Jews the from around the world in marking the 20th anniversary of the death of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Schneerson on the third day of Tammuz 5754, which coincides with Tuesday, July 1.

Two recent biographies include “My Rebbe” by Rabbi Adin Even Yisroel Steinsaltz, released a month ago, and “ Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History” by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin.

In Syracuse, Chabad will offer the mini-series course “Paradigm Shift: Transformational Life Teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe” on Wednesday, June 18, and Thursday, June 26, at 7:30 pm, at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center. The first part, “Seeing a Beautiful Garden,” will discuss whether “it is possible to see goodness in everything, and if so, if this is a naive or unrealistic approach to life.” The second part, “Realizing Your Potential,” will allow participants to examine

self-exploration, which is said to help uncover “unseemly deficiencies in oneself. To ignore those deficiencies is disingenuous; to know about them is disquieting.” Participants will discuss how people can “unconditionally love themselves, but not fall victim to inertia and complacency that impede them from realizing their potential.”

There will be a modest fee for the course, which includes the textbook. For more information or to register, call Chabad at 424-0363 or e-mail Rabbi Yaakov Rapoport at rabbirap@gmail.com.

Chabad of Binghamton will present a program on Thursday, June 19, at 7:30 pm, “The Rebbe Up Close and Personal.” Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, a member of the rebbe’s secretariat for 40 years, will share his experiences with and insights into Schneerson.

Reservations will be required and can be made online at www.chabadofbinghamton. com/TheRebbe or by calling Chabad of Binghamton at 607-797-0015.

Temple Concord Temple Concord celebrated the end of the school year with a school showcase and step-up ceremony on May 11. Each class set up a display in the social hall, demonstrating some of what the students had learned during the year.

The kindergarten and first grade class used building blocks to show the foundations of Judaism, including different parts of the community and the Jewish leaders in the community. Second grade students shared the alef bet books they had created as they learned different Jewish values, one for each letter. The third grade class display included “famous Israeli projects” and facts about Israel. The fourth grade spent part of the year learning about the erev Shabbat service and the kavannah of prayer. The class led an erev Shabbat service in April and shared evidence of their learning and the siddur they had created. Each fifth grade student created a luach (calendar) as they learned about the Jewish holidays and the Jewish year, as well as a scrapbook of the Jewish life cycle. These were on display, along with posters of famous Jews that each student presented. The sixth grade students spent part of the year learning Jewish history and places from which Jews have immigrated, with each student creating a display of immigration from a different country. The seventh grade students wrapped up the year with a book of everything they

had learned so far, including some of their favorite memories.

Also on display were the school yearbooks, put together from the yearbook chug, artwork and personal writings interpreting different prayers from the Hebrew classes and the micro-calligraphy projects from the art chug.

Parents and students examined the showcase, after which participants assembled in the sanctuary for tefillah and the “step-up” ceremony. Beginning with seventh grade, each grade was called up to the bima and was ushered into the next grade. Earlier in the morning, Rabbi Jacob Epstein High School of Jewish Studies Director Cantor Paula Pepperstone met with the parents and sixth and seventh grade students to talk about the Epstein School. Incoming kindergarten students were invited to the event and they “stepped up” as well. Following the ceremony, parents and students met with the new teacher to learn about the upcoming year.

The celebration continued on May 16 with education Shabbat. Each student was called up to the bima to receive a certificate of accomplishment, with each grade’s certificate bearing different images of the stained glass windows in the Berinstein Chapel. Teachers and madrichim were also honored, and the service featured the singing of Shirat Shalom singers, Temple Concord’s youth choir. Additionally, See “TC” on page 3

an adult bring deeper understanding and sometimes more thought-provoking questions than I had expected. Coming together for the b’nai mitzvot Shabbat service makes the lovely bonds that we formed as a group even more significant.”

The first CBS-CS adult b’nai mitzvah occurred in 1983, with five women. Then CBSCS Rabbi Daniel Jezer shepherded seven more classes through the process, resulting in more than 40 individuals completing the class. From the beginning, participants with busy family and professional lives committed themselves to spend numerous hours in

At right: Several members of this year’s and next year’s Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas United Synagogue Youth board performed at the Annual USY Talent Show. L-r: Aliyah MacCrindle, Sarah Young, USY advisor Michael Smith, Leah Eve Jezer-Nelson, Avi Young and Hadar Pepperstone.

Temple Adath Yeshurun

Temple Adath Yeshurun’s chapter of Hazak will host “Abraham and Mary Lincoln” on Sunday, June 22, at 1 pm. Actors will portray the Lincolns’ life stories, politics, speeches and the White House and Civil War years. Refreshments will be served. The free program will be open to the community.

SaveAround coupon books will be sold again, starting at the end of August, with the profits from the sale benefitting Hazak programs. For more information about the program or coupon books, call the TAY office at 445-0002.

At right: Molly Wilcox went down the slide behind Michael Lorenzo on the new playground structure in the toddler area at the TAY Rothschild Early Childhood Center. The RECC upgraded the infant and toddler playgrounds this year with the support of two anonymous donors.

of Central New York

Syracuse Office

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Temple Concord school held a “step-up” ceremony. David Fixler held a tallit while students passed under it, symbolically “stepping up” to the next grade.

correction Due to a printer’s error, the page 12 from the May 15 issue of the Jewish Observer was inadvertently reprinted in the May 29 issue, rather than the page 12 that was supposed to be printed. The printer has extended its apologies for any confusion this error caused, and put in place measures to ensure such an error does not happen again.

class and study. Many of the women and men who participated throughout the years went on to take ritual and other leadership roles within the synagogue. For most, the experience is thought to be “the beginning of a more active Jewish and synagogue life.” Rabbi Rachel Ain continued the tradition during her seven-year tenure as CBS-CS’s rabbi, including a 23-member class in 2008.

The June 21 celebration will conclude following services with a kiddush prepared by the CBS-CS Sisterhood in honor of this year’s seven adult b’nai mitzvah.

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AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK JCC art camps

By Nick Finlayson The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse will once again host artist Mark Raush to teach art camps this summer. A New York state certified art teacher with more than 30 years of experience, he has taught kindergarten-12th grade, as well as college students, using various techniques and styles while combining learning, imagination and nature.

Returning due to popular demand will be the “3D art camp,” which uses materials such as clay, wood and paper for sculpting. The acrylic painting camp will allow participants to experiment with different kinds of paints, gels and media, and students will have the opportunity to draw

and paint outdoors, using nature for inspiration. “Fantastic figures and superheroes” camp will be for those who want to learn how to draw the human body. Campers will also have the opportunity to create a comic book.

At the JCC’s painting camp, participants can familiarize themselves with different kinds of paint, including tempura, watercolor and acrylics on a variety of different materials. The camp will include a field trip to the Everson Museum in Syracuse, where campers can see artwork first-hand. Those interested in animals can sign up for “Wild about art camp,” where campers can use different media to create animals. The “Outdoor inspiration camp” will permit campers to use watercolors to recreate

the outdoors. The camp will also include a trip to Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville, so participants can learn how to make nature sketches.

For more information, contact Children’s, Teens and Camps Assistant Director Katie Sutliff at the JCC at 4452360, ext. 133, or ksutliff@jccsyr.org.

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.

Shining Stars

Sunday, June 15 Menorah Park of Central New York is a non-profit

By Judy Schmid Forget-Me-Nots chorus at Menorah Park from organization that offers services that enhance residents’ The ninth Shining Stars celebration, which was held 3-4:30 pm potential for wellness and independence and provides a on May 22 at Menorah Park, hosted more than 220 variety of senior independent living and caring options in Tuesday, June 17 people, clearing $20,000 for programs to benefit seniors Temple Concord Cinemagogue at 7 pm at Menorah Park. The celebration coincided with Older a relaxed, comfortable community setting.

Wednesday, June 18 Americans’ Month.

Event Co-Chair Steven Sisskind said, “We Jewish Community Center Early Childhood were thrilled at the turnout this year. My wife, Development Program moving up event at Robin, and I believe that it’s the caliber of the 10:30 am • ABSOLUTE REAL ESTATE AUCTION • • ABSOLUTE REAL ESTATE AUCTION • honorees that draw such terrific attendance.”

Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas board iving in Mint Con The 2014 honorees included Shamil FazliL n 7:30 iving iat Minpm e k a ake L t Condi L meeting L s s dition iou ciou at c tion yev, a dining services employee at G The a raOaks r Thursday, June 19 G Luxurious 5 Bedroom Home Luxurious 5 Bedroom Home Menorah Park; Sarah Feldman, a resident at The Jewish Foundation meeting on Oquaga on Oquaga Lake 52 Home Hanson Rd, Deposit, NYat 5:30 pm Inn at Menorah Park; Sylvia and Morris Gilman, Lake 52 Hanson Rd, Deposit, NY Havenand kosher barbecue at 6 pm residents and volunteers at The OaksThe at Menorah Home of Richard and Barbara Simon The Home ofSafe Richard Barbara Simon Friday, June 20 Park; William Hicks, a dining services employee Auction: Saturday, July 12 at 12 pm Auction: Saturday, July 12 Alliance at 12 pm Jewish Motorcyclists Ride 2 Remember at the Jewish Health and Rehabilitation Center; Inspection: 2-hr prior to auction or by appointment Sells to the Highest Bidder Regardless of Price OPEN HOUSE: June 27, 11am-1pm in Oswego to benefit Safe Haven Ricky Lee, a housekeeping employee at the Inspection: 2-hr prior to auction or by appointment Sells to the Highest Bidder Regardless of Price Sunday, June 22 Jewish Health and Rehabilitation Center; Shush Martin, a benefactor and volunteer at Menorah JCC gala and annual meeting at Owera Park; Hope Murphy, a dining services employee A Shining Stars celebration was held at Menorah Park. Standing (l-r): Vineyards at 1 pm at The Oaks at Menorah Park; and Terry Ritchie, Ricky Lee, Hope Murphy, Terry Ritchie, William Hicks, Shush Martin, Temple Adath Yeshurun Hazak dramatic CAN, a nursing employee at the Jewish Health Shamil Fazliyev and Sylvia and Morris Gilman. Seated: Co-Chair presentation of “The Lincolns” at 1 pm and Rehabilitation Center.

Robin Sisskind, Sarah Feldman and Co-Chair Steve Sisskind.

Forget-Me-Nots chorus at Menorah Park from Only 2+ hours from the GW Bridge and NYC Only 2+ hours from the GW Bridge and NYC 3-4:30 pm 5 Bedrooms • 2 Full Baths, 2 Half Baths • 2.342 Sq Ft • Built in 1987 5 Bedrooms • 2 Full Baths, 2 Half Baths • 2.342 Sq Ft • Built in 1987 Tuesday, June 24 & Stainless Steel Appliances Roof 2Yrs Old • New Granite Countertops Roof 2Yrs Old • New Granite Countertops & Stainless Steel Appliances New Cherry Hardwood Floors • 60’ Level Lake Frontage Large Deck w/Gazebo

Menorah Park annual• meeting at 6 pm New Cherry Hardwood Floors • 60’ Level Lake Frontage • Large Deck w/Gazebo Total House Foam Insulated • Anderson Windows • Cantilevered & Floating Docks Total House Foam Insulated • Anderson Windows • Cantilevered & Floating Docks Wednesday, June 25 Central Vacuum • Security System Central Vacuum • Security System JCC pre-kindergarten graduation at 11:30 am For complete information, visit www.benjaminauctions.com For complete information, visit www.benjaminauctions.com or call Alan J. Benjamin at 607-343-5300 or call Alan J. Benjamin at 607-343-5300 Syracuse Hebrew Day School graduation at 7 pm Catering Company at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish ComThursday, June 26 June 16-20 munity Center, offers Va’ad Ha’ir-supervised kosher TAY annual meeting at 7 pm Monday – stuffed cabbage lunches served Tuesday-Friday at noon. On Mondays, Tuesday – beef with Chinese veggies Sunday, June 29 from June 23 through early September, dinner will Wednesday – vegetable lasagna Forget-Me-Nots chorus at Menorah Park from be served at 5 pm.

Reservations are required by noon Thursday – vegetable pasta salad 3-4:30 pm AUCTION • • ABSOLUTE REAL ESTATE AUCTION • • ABSOLUTE REAL ESTATE on the previous business day and there is a suggested Friday – roast beef with gravy *Wednesday, 9* in in Mint Cper in M ke Living July t ondiof the The menu is subject to change. ondmeal. s Lake Livingcontribution s L aDeadline June 23-27 u u o o i i for the July 24Cissue i c c t tion i a a o r r n The program is funded by a grant from the Onondaga G G Monday dinner – oven-fried chicken Luxurious 5 Bedroom Home Luxurious 5 Bedroom Jewish ObserverHome County Department of Aging and Youth and the New Tuesday – Algerian beef on Oquaga Lake 52 Hanson Rd, Deposit, NY on Oquaga Lake 52 Hanson Rd, Deposit, NY Wednesday – American picnic dinner – grilled barbecue York State Office for the Aging, with additional funds New Auction: Saturday, provided July 12 byatthe12JCC pmand United Way of Central Auction: Saturday, July 12 at 12 pm chicken York.

To attend, one need not be Jewish or a member Inspection: 2-hrof prior to auction or by appointment Sells to the Highest Bidder Regardless of Price Thursday – fish sandwich OPEN HOUSE: June 27, 11am-1pm the JCC. For more information or to make a reservation, Friday – grilled London broil Inspection: 2-hr prior to auction or by appointment Sells to the Highest Bidder Regardless of Price The Bobbi Epstein Lewis Jewish Community Cen- contact Leesa Paul or Larry Crinnin at 445-2360, ext.

Deadlines for all articles and photos for the Jewish ter Senior Adult Dining Program, catered by Tiffany’s 104, or lpaul@jccsyr.org.

Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior dining menu

S E N I L D A E D

Observer are as follows. No exceptions will be made.

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Continued from page 2

Kathy Scott was recognized for her time as the junior youth group advisor. Stephanie Marshall Only 2+ hours from the GW Bridge and NYC was also honored for her time as 5the director• 2of Bedrooms Full Baths, 2 Half Baths • 2.342 Sq Ft • Built in 1987 congregational learning.

Roof 2Yrs Old • New Granite Countertops & Stainless Steel Appliances New Cherry Hardwood At right: The Lag B’Omer celebration was held Floors • 60’ Level Lake Frontage • Large Deck w/Gazebo Total House Foam Insulated • Anderson Windows • Cantilevered & Floating Docks at Highland Forest’s Valley Camp on May 17. Central Vacuum • Security System The event included socializing; For playing withinformation, visit www.benjaminauctions.com complete frisbees and balls; and the annual kickball game. or call Alan J. Benjamin at 607-343-5300 This year the game ended in a draw when the ball was impaled on a branch, thus becoming the game’s trophy. The program concluded with an open fire and a musical Havdalah.

DEADLINE

Wednesday, June 11...............................June 26 July 9.................................

July 24 Only Wednesday, 2+ hours from the GW Bridge and NYC 5 Bedrooms • 2 Full Baths, 2 Half Baths Sq Ft • Built in 1987 Wednesday, July• 2.342 23.............................

August 7 Roof 2Yrs Old • New Granite Countertops & Stainless Steel Appliances Wednesday, 6........................

New Cherry Hardwood Floors • 60’ LevelAugust Lake Frontage • Large Deck w/Gazebo August 21 Total House Foam Insulated • Anderson Windows • Cantilevered & Floating Docks Central Vacuum • Security System

For complete information, visit www.benjaminauctions.com or call Alan J. Benjamin at 607-343-5300

• ABSOLUTE REAL ESTATE AUCTION •

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

Gracious Lake Living in Mint Condition

Luxurious 5 Bedroom Home on Oquaga Lake 52 Hanson Rd, Deposit, NY

Auction: Saturday, July 12 at 12 pm OPEN HOUSE: June 27, 11am-1pm

Inspection: 2-hr prior to auction or by appointment Sells to the Highest Bidder Regardless of Price

Only 2+ hours from the GW Bridge and NYC 5 Bedrooms • 2 Full Baths, 2 Half Baths • 2.342 Sq Ft • Built in 1987

Roof 2Yrs Old • New Granite Countertops & Stainless Steel Appliances • New Cherry Hardwood Floors 60’ Level Lake Frontage • Large Deck w/Gazebo Total House Foam Insulated Anderson Windows • Cantilevered & Floating Docks Central Vacuum • Security System

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For complete information, visit www.benjaminauctions.com or call Alan J. Benjamin at 607-343-5300

Visit the JO online at jewishfederationcny.org and click on Jewish Observer • ABSOLUTE REAL ESTATE AUCTION •

Gracious Lake Living in Mint Condition

ISSUE

Luxurious 5 Bedroom Home on Oquaga Lake 52 Hanson Rd, Deposit, NY

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ june 12, 2014/14 SIVAN 5774

d’var torah

It’s all about faith

By Alan Sukert This week’s sedrah, Shelach, is the story of the 12 spies sent into the land of Canaan to scout out the land and determine if it was ready to be inhabited by the Hebrew people. As we know, the spies came back with two completely different reports; 10 of the spies said the land was full of “men of great stature” and the Hebrews were like grasshoppers in their sight; while Joshua and Caleb provided a completely opposite report that “We should go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” The people believed the report of the 10 spies and cried out to Moses to return them to the safety of Egypt. God becomes so angry with the people that He condemns that entire generation to wander the desert for 40 years and eventually die off, after causing those who gave the bad report and those who murmured against Moses to die by a plague, which left the conquest of Canaan to the next generation of Hebrews who would be more ready spiritually for the task at hand.

The one question that this story leaves us with is that the Torah does not explicitly address the question of “why.” Why were the two reports so diametrically opposed to each other? What did Caleb and Joshua see that the other 10 spies didn’t, or vice versa?

I believe this question was deliberately left unanswered in the Torah so we could try to answer it ourselves.

Our sages have made many attempts to answer this question. Some have suggested that the motivation of the 10 spies for the bad report was power and self-interest. Keep in mind that the spies were all princes of their respective tribes; so they had much to lose once the Hebrew people entered the land of Canaan – in-

obituaries Carl “Bucky” Koldin

Carl “Bucky” Koldin, 89, died on May 27 at Menorah Park.

A life resident of Syracuse, he graduated from Central High School and then served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a partner with his sister, Sylvia, and brother, Sam, in their fabric store, Sylvia’s Fabrics. He was then the manager of Empire Skates and also the manager of Jet Cleaners for almost 50 years. He volunteered at Helping Hounds.

He was predeceased by his brother, “Big Sam,” and his sisters, Sylvia Burdick, Norma Zahn and Ruth Zuckerman.

He is survived by his twin sister, Shirley “Shush” Martin; and a large and loving family.

Burial was in Poiley Tzedek Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to Helping Hounds, 6606 Kinne Rd., Syracuse, NY 13214; or the Employee Fund at Menorah Park, 4101 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13214 in appreciation of the care he was given by the staff there. 

Judith Rosenbloom

Judith Rosenbloom, 69, died on June 1 in Memphis, TN, where she had lived for the past 14 years.

An L.P.N., she had been an office manager for two physicians.

She is survived by her partner, Joseph Fortunato; her daughter, Jackie Rosenbloom; two granddaughters; a great-grandson; her sister, Libby (Arnie) Rubenstein; her brother, Harvey Rosenbloom; a nephew; and a niece.

Services were in Memphis. Sisskind Funeral Service had local arrangements.

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718; or the American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Dr., Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601. 

cluding their positions and power – to newer and possibly younger leaders of their tribes. Consequently, it was in their own self-interest to give a bad report so the people would not want to enter the land of Canaan and these 10 princes could keep their power. On the other side, Joshua and Caleb had no such self-interests; their motivations were to only perform God’s will under the leadership of Moses and do what was truly best for the entire people, not just what was best for themselves.

Other commentators have suggested that it wasn’t self-interest that blinded the 10 spies who gave the bad report, but fear of the unknown. It’s a very human response we have all had at some point in our lives. Even Joshua and Caleb admitted that the people in Canaan were large, but they didn’t fear that. Rather, they embraced the challenge in front of them instead of running from it, as the other 10 spies had.

Personally, I don’t think it was either of these two reasons. Instead, as Billy Joel said, “It’s all about faith.” In fact, I think the Torah is telling us this because one of the most well-known passages in the Torah, something we say twice a day, every day, at the morning Shacharit and evening Maariv services, appears at the end of this sedrah.

God commands Moses and the children of Israel to put tzitzit in the corners of their garments so that “ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments” of God and “do them.” Keeping in mind that the Torah is not always chronological, the question can be asked why this particular commandment was put here. It would seem to be something that would be better suited for the Book of Leviticus we just finished reading. However, it is here; so you have to ask yourself why.

I think it was put here to make the point that there is a connection between the incident of the 12 spies and faith in God and His commandments. The connection is that the 10 spies who gave the bad report, in spite of all God had done, didn’t have complete faith in God that everything would turn out all right as long as they followed God’s will and God’s commandments. It was that doubt and lack of complete faith that dictated their actions and their report to the people.

On the other hand, Joshua and Caleb did have complete faith in God, which is why Caleb was able to say that in spite of the size of the people of Canaan, the Hebrews would be able to overcome them.

We know that life always hands us curves and tragedies along the way; things are not always good. It’s easy to have faith when times are good and only somewhat easy when tragedy strikes, because, in times of tragedy, we come to realize it is when we need that faith in God to get through the tough times. But it’s the times in between when I think we need faith in God the most – the times when we have doubt, when we are facing the unknown, when we don’t know how things are going to turn out or if they will turn out at all. It is at these times more than ever that we need to have the faith that if we just do the right thing and believe in God and His commandments, things will turn out all right.

I know that bad things happen to good people and that sometimes even when you do the right thing it may not turn out all right, but at the end of the day, we all have to face ourselves in the mirror. If we have the faith to believe in God and to always do the right thing, we can look at ourselves and like what we see in the mirror, and more importantly, we can live with whatever happens. Judaism is all about life, so we should choose to live with faith rather than die in a sea of self-doubt and fear. As for me, I choose life.

Alan Sukert is an engineer with Xerox Corporation in Rochester and a member of Temple Adath Yeshurun.