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8 TAMMUZ 5775 • JUNE 25, 2015 • VOLUME XXXIV, NUMBER 13 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Tzofim Friendship Caravan

By Melinda Greenman The Central New York Chapter of Friends of Israel Scouts has announced the local performances for the 2015 Tzofim Friendship Caravan. Since 1985, the Central New York Chapter of Friends of Israel Scouts has welcomed the Tzofim Friendship Caravan to the area.

The Caravan aims toward “a better society where there is a strong connection between the people of Israel and the U.S.” The Tzofim Friendship Caravan intends to “bring a piece of Israel” to the viewer through song, dance, conversation and activities.

The show will present sounds and images that represent Israel’s people, cultures, heritage and landmarks. The Caravan’s mission is to teach, learn and create friendships in the community.

Organizers said they are once again “delighted” to share this experience in the Central New York region.

The Caravan will have its first show at the Jewish Community Center in Binghamton on Tuesday, July 28, at 7 pm. The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center

The 2015 Tzofim Friendship Caravan will perform in the region from TuesdayThursday, July 28-30. of Syracuse will showcase the Tzofim Friendship Caravan on Wednesday, July 29, at 7 pm. The troupe will perform at

Menorah Park on Thursday, July 30, at 2 pm. The last performance will be held at Utica Jewish Community Federation of

Capturing Israel’s future, one drop at a time

By Leiba Chaya David JNS.org While water crises are becoming a part of life around the world, that trend is moving in the opposite direction in Israel.

Until recently, Israel experienced a perpetual water shortage that reached extreme proportions, primarily due to drought and over-consumption. But for the past several decades, Jewish National Fund has worked to alleviate and mitigate Israel’s chronic water shortage through a range of water collection and conservation initiatives.

For example, JNF’s construction of close to 250 water reservoirs, which store reused and treated wastewater for agriculture, in addition to collecting flood and runoff water, effectively free up fresh water for human consumption. Likewise, JNF’s research on water treatment and geothermal water sources increase Israel’s water supply.

Solutions in the schoolyard For the thousands of school children who participate annually in the Green Horizons-JNF Rainwater Harvesting

Project, solutions for water conservation can be found right outside on the playground.

The students are taking action to address a particular aspect of the water shortage, inadequate use of rainfall. Currently, only 20 percent of Israel’s rainfall is being used, with the other 80 percent lost to evaporation or runoff into sewers or to the sea. In urban areas, where roads and buildings almost completely prevent saturation into groundwater, 95 percent of rainwater is wasted.

Together, JNF and the Green Horizons youth leadership organization are raising awareness about the water crisis, promoting conservation and helping students develop skills to address environmental challenges. Green Horizons provides guidance in those areas in 24 schools throughout the country, and JNF water professionals teach students how to build and operate a rainwater harvesting system that collects and stores water in large barrels, then redirects it into school toilets and landscaping. The system not only reduces water consumption, but also See “Future” on page 2

the Mohawk Valley on Thursday, July 30, at 7 pm.

The shows are made possible with funds provided by the State and Local Partnership Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, through its decentralization initiative administrated locally by CNY Arts. The Jewish Federation of Central New York, the Pomeranz, Shankman and Martin Charitable Foundation and individual donors also make the programming possible.

This year, all three Caravans are named after birds. The Northeast Caravan that will visit Central New York is named Dror, or “sparrow.” The caravan leaders will be Reut Rozner and Kim Haimovich, both from Yehud. Rozner, a Scout since fourth grade, was an infantry instructor in the IDF, where she served as an officer for two years. She said, “I am very excited to get to know you and for this exciting summer with the Friendship Caravan.”

Haimovich has also participated in the Tzofim movement since fourth grade.

He served in the armored corps as a tank commander in the IDF. He said, “I can’t wait to spend my summer with all of you.”

To become a sponsor for a performance, make a donation or for more information, contact chairs Melinda and Bud Greenman at 457-7201.

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

We made it!

1,036,581

$

as of June 22, 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

A recent program had 1,000 students from 25 schools across Israel came to Be’er Sheva River Park to study water as part of the Green Horizons-JNF Rainwater Harvesting Project. (Photo by Jewish National Fund)

June 26......................8:30 pm....................................................... Parasha-Chukkat July 3.........................8:29 pm............................................................ Parasha-Balak July 10.......................8:27 pm.......................................................... Parasha-Pichas July 17.......................8:22 pm..............................................Parasha-Mattot-Masei July 24.......................8:17 pm...................................................... Parasha-Devarim July 31.......................8:09 pm................................................. Parasha-Vaetchanan

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Tisha B’Av

Did you know

Annual meetings

Local synagogues announce A look at the Kol Chai program of Communi ty member s were their Tisha B’Av services and Syracuse Jewish Family Service, honored at the Federation and a Federation beneficiary. programs.

JCC annual meetings.

Story on page 5 Story on page 2 Stories on pages 6-7

PLUS Home and Real Estate........... 9 D’Var Torah............................... 9 Calendar Highlights............. 10 Obituaries.......................... 10-11

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ JUNE 25, 2015/8 TAMMUZ 5775

Tisha B’Av around the community

Congregation Beth SholomChevra Shas Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas will hold Tisha B’Av observance on Saturday, July 25, at 9 pm, and Sunday, July 26, at 9 am.

Members of the congregation will come together as a community to remember and mourn the disasters that have befallen the Jewish people throughout the millennium, as participants will listen to the words and melody of the Book of Eichah/Lamentations. Participants will have the opportunity

to participate in either the Hebrew or the English recitation. The Torah, haftarah and the Book of Eichah will also be chanted on July 26 at 9 am. Both services will be open to the community.

For more information, contact the CBSCS office at 446-9570 or office@cbscs.org.

Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse Mincha will be held on Saturday, July 25, at 7:25 pm, followed by a seudah shlishit (the third informal Shabbat meal) at 7:55 pm. The traditional fast will begin

at 8:35 pm, with the Ma’ariv service and the Book of Eichah at 9:25 pm.

Morning services will be held on Sunday, July 26, at 8:30 am. Rabbi Evan Shore will present the 10th annual Tisha B’Av afternoon of learning at 3:15 pm.

He will lecture until 7:30 pm on topics such as the power of tears on Tisha B’Av; “comfort me, my people”; “Shalom Bayit: the antidote to our exile”; looking forward to the salvation; proper mourning practices; and understanding the Book of Eichah (Lamentations). The Mincha

service will be held at 8 pm and the fast will conclude at 9:20 pm.

Temple Adath Yeshurun Temple Adath Yeshurun will hold a traditional observance with the reading of the Book of Eichah (Lamentations) on Saturday, July 25, at 8:25 pm. Services on Sunday, July 26, will be held at 9 am, 1:30 pm and 8:45 pm.

Temple Concord Temple Concord will hold its traditional musical Tisha B’Av service on Saturday, July 25, at 8 pm.

Using early Zionists’ script, Jewish volunteers aim to empower West Bank Palestinians

By Ben Sales UMM EL-KHEIR, West Bank (JTA) – They dig their fingers into the dirt, their knees bearing into the ground as they embed sprigs of thyme in identical rows. The sun beats down on the small plot, and the work can be tedious, but these volunteers – most of them American, most of them Jewish – plant “with a purpose.”

They had met early Friday morning in Jerusalem and set off on an hour-long bus ride through the terraced, rocky hills south of the city. Upon arriving at their destination, a Palestinian village about 20 miles south of Hebron, residents welcomed them with coffee, tea and a short account of the community’s history that traced decades of war and resettlement.

Then the volunteers got to work.

Jews have long sought empowerment through working the land, but these volunteers did their work in Palestinian villages, rather than in Israeli. Their mission was one that both Palestinians and Jewish-Israelis have pursued for decades: to create “facts on the ground,” entrenching a community’s presence by “deepening its footprint.”

“We wanted to bring a large group of people to be a presence and do some actual physical work that will be helpful for the community,” said Daniel Roth, who was born in Toronto and immigrated three and a half years ago to Israel. “We’re connecting on this very hands-on, lifebringing level.”

Nearly 100 volunteers on the trip, most of them in their 20s, were part of the Israelbased organization All That’s Left, a nod to the left-wing politics of its members, who oppose Israel’s occupation of the West Bank. They recently helped plant gardens

Future increases schoolwide awareness about water conservation.

After a training period, the project is run by the students themselves, with older children teaching the younger children. Occasionally, the arrangement works the other way around. In the Acacia “open school” in Rehovot, for example, a second-grade student has reportedly taken over the instruction of the high school students.

The Green Horizons-JNF partnership has already generated 24 rain harvesting projects. By last December, students in one Jerusalem school had already collected 22,500 gallons of water. With some 4,500 schools in Israel, the potential to increase utilization of rainwater is considered “impossible to ignore.”

Celebrating the harvest Recently, a group of 1,000 school children from 25 schools throughout Israel gathered at the Be’er Sheva River Park to celebrate the culmination of another year of the rainwater harvesting project.

At the beginning of the event, each class received a map to help it navigate 15 educational stations throughout the park that were created by JNF, Green

Two of the nearly 100 volunteers, mostly Jewish-Americans in their 20s, who helped plant gardens and pave a road in the Palestinian villages of the South Hebron Hills. (Photo by Ben Sales) and pave a road in the Palestinian villages of the South Hebron Hills.

Early Zionists insisted that working the land could lead to self-determination in the land of Israel, and they inspired waves of kibbutzniks to establish farming communes.

Generations of tourists have made a point of planting a tree in one of the country’s national forests or sponsoring one through the Jewish National Fund’s blue tin charity boxes.

Adopting that ethos to support Palestinians drew criticism from Shmaaya Asolin, the spokesman for Israeli settlements in the South Hebron Hills. He called vol-

Continued from page 1

Horizons and the Weitzman Institute of Science. The stations required the students to complete water-related tasks, such as directing water from one place to another via channels in the dunes, or assembling a puzzle that reflected a lesson about water conservation.

The contest’s first-prize winner was a class from the Torah and Science School in Sderot, a school that combines religious and secular studies for a mostly haredi student body. Together with the other students, the winners signed a declaration of commitment to conserve and protect Israel’s water resources.

When the students return to school next year, the Green Horizons-JNF Rainwater Harvesting Project will seek to continue to empower them to take charge of their own water consumption and become environmental leaders in their schools and communities.

Ido Reichman Eisikovits, Green Horizons’ liaison to JNF, noted the diversity of the rainwater harvesting project.

“Because it looks at water from a lot of perspectives – science, geography, local and global issues – it appeals to all kinds of students,” he said.

unteers who work in the Palestinian villages “naive” and “anarchists,” and said Palestinians use these groups to provoke violence from the settlers.

“They make up fake stories and stain the reputation of settlers,” he said. “The camera is the weapon. They want to draw people out.”

of Central New York

Syracuse Office

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The South Hebron Hills, which are under full Israeli civil and military control, have become a flashpoint of conflict in the West Bank. Palestinians there complain of lack of access to basic resources like water and protest Israeli restrictions on building permanent structures in their villages.

“I don’t know where the law or the justice is in this situation,” Nasser Nawajah, a resident of the nearby Palestinian village of Susiya, told the volunteers through a translator. “Here, in this place, the law that’s used is might makes right.”

Susiya, home to some 350 villagers, is a collection of tents on a rocky hill overlooking an Israeli settlement also called Susiya.

The village lacks an electrical grid, running water and paved roads, and one of its only permanent structures is a small playground.

Palestinian flags flutter from many tents.

After working Friday, the volunteers held a Shabbat service and had a communal meal with the Palestinian residents of Susiya. Many slept over and spent the next day volunteering and attending workshops on local Palestinian crafts like honey-making and embroidery.

The conflict and its consequences dominated the conversation on Friday, but some volunteers hadn’t come to choose a side. Some joined the group to see a new part of the West Bank, while others were attracted to the physicality of the work.

See “Empower” on page 10

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AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK JCC SyraCruisin’ teen travel camp openings still available

By William Wallak Teenagers can still register for summer camp at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse. The JCC will begin another summer of its SyraCruisin’ Teen Travel Camp on Monday, July 6. The weekly day camp for

PJ Library® presents Popsicles in the Park The PJ Library® in Central New York will present “Popsicles in the Park” on Sunday, July 12, at 6 pm, at Canal Landing Park in Fayetteville. The event will be weather dependent. Participants will play in the park, have a cold snack and listen to a PJ story.

Reservations have been requested and can be made at pjcny@jccsyr.org.

teenagers entering grades seven-10 runs Monday-Friday, from 9 am-4 pm, with options to extend each camp day from 7:30 am-6 pm. SyraCruisin’ offers teenagers the opportunity to make new friends and embark on a new adventure each day. The camp’s local and regional field trips encourage social and cultural awareness, community service, team building and fun.

Every SyraCruisin’ session will feature different field trips, so each week will be different from the next.

Overnight trips around New York state will be held during four of the camp’s seven weeks. Except for the overnights, each camp day begins and ends at the JCC, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt.

Director of Children and Teen Services Mick Hagan said, “We’re excited to be hitting the road to some pretty cool places again this summer. While the teens will no doubt have lots of fun doing things like rock climbing, skateboarding, hiking and more, we’ll also be doing lots of productive activities designed

Na’amat welcomes veterans, new and prospective members at July 23 potluck The local chapter of Na’amat USA will hold its annual potluck dinner for current and new members on Thursday, July 23, at 5 pm, at the home of Pam Morris in Fayetteville. The event will be open to new and prospective members. In addition to the food and time for socializing, the group has also planned some activities as entertainment.

The potluck dinner is one of several cultural, educational, health and social programs held by the chapter each year. Na’amat’s larger purpose is to

provide support for the educational, legal, child care, resettlement and related needs of all Israeli women and children.

Reservations have been requested by Friday, July 17, and may be made by calling Morris at 637-9413 or 8822403. She is coordinating the menu of dairy and pareve dishes. New and prospective members will be welcome with or without a dish to share; veteran members not bringing a dish may opt to make a monetary contribution toward other event expenses.

Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein menu CenterThesenior dining

High School of Jewish Program atStudies the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community CenJune 29-July 3 ter offers Va’ad Ha’ir-supervised kosher lunches served Monday dinner – chicken with lemon and olives engaging, Tuesday-Friday at noon. Dinners are served on Mondays Tuesday – hot dog on a bun is hiring committed, at 5 pm throughout the summer. Reservations for dinner Wednesday – chicken fried rice and experienced ofWednesday before. Lunch reservaare teachers required by the Thursday – hamburger with sautéed onions tions are required by noon on the previous business day.

Friday – beef tongue with raisinJudaics sauce and Hebrew for the There is a suggested contribution per meal. The menu July 6-10 is subjectyear. to change. The program is funded by a grant Monday dinner – salmon with hoisin glaze 2015-2016 school 2x4 from the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Tuesday – spaghetti and meatballs For more information, Youth and the New York State Office for the Aging, with Wednesday – sliced turkey with stuffing additional funds provided by the JCC. To attend, one Thursday – “crab cakes” or to submitneed a resume not be Jewish or a member of the JCC. For more Friday – beef brisket information or to make a reservation, contact Leesa Paul July 13-17 and references, email Monday dinner – mustard and honey-roasted turkey at 445-2360, ext. 104, or lpaul@jccsyr.org. breast Cantor Pepperstone at Tuesday – chicken rollatini Wednesday – hot dog on a bun EpsteinCNY@gmail.com.

Thursday – meatloaf and gravy Friday – apricot-glazed chicken July 20-24 Monday dinner – Balsamic-glazed Cornish hen Tuesday – pasta primavera Wednesday – chicken salad Thursday – kielbasa with sauerkraut and knish Friday – sweet and sour meatballs The Bobbi Epstein Lewis JCC Senior Adult Dining

to build character and self-esteem.”

Each week, SyraCruisin’ campers will go on three local and/or regional field trips. No field trip will occur twice this summer. One day each week will be spent at the JCC and feature various activities, as well as games, swimming and organized sports. One community service day each week will allow the campers to “give back” to the community by volunteering at the JCC Camp Rishon’s school-age camps or other local nonprofit organizations.

Participants will earn certificates of completion for the service hours. All field trips and fees will be included in the price of camp.

Current JCC membership or program enrollment is not necessary for a teenager to attend SyraCruisin’.

However, JCC members receive a discount.

Other JCC summer camp teenage and pre-teen programs include camp aide, counselor-in-training and fitness training classes. Enrollment for these programs and classes is weekly. Both the camp aide and CIT programs require current JCC family membership to enroll.

For more information about SyraCruisin’ or other summer teenage programs, or to request the summer camp program guide, call 445-2360 or visit www.jccsyr.org.

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

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Wednesday, July 8............................... July 23 Wednesday, July 22.......................... August 6 Wednesday, August 5..................... August 20 Wednesday, August 19................September 3

Please join the Lourie family in remembering

Betty Lourie

on July 10th at 11:00 at Temple Concord, 910 Madison St., Syracuse.

A short reception at Temple Concord will follow the service.

The Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein High School of Jewish Studies is hiring committed, engaging, and experienced teachers of Judaics and Hebrew for the 2015-2016 school year. For more information, or to submit a resume and references, email Cantor Pepperstone at EpsteinCNY@gmail.com.

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ JUNE 25, 2015/8 TAMMUZ 5775

congregational notes Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas CBS-CS will hold “Sha-BBQ” on July 17 Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas will hold “Sha-BBQ,” a barbecue, on Friday, July 17, starting at 6 pm, with Shabbat services at 7 pm. The program will provide an opportunity for participants to come together for Shabbat

dinner and then welcome the Sabbath Queen together. The service will be the congregation’s monthly Shirat Shabbat, with Lisa Levens leading.

To make reservations for dinner, contact the CBS-CS office at 446-9570 or office@cbscs.org. Donations will be accepted at the door.

Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation Simply Tsfat “Simply Tsfat,” a trio of Breslev Chasidic Israeli string musicians, played to a large audience at Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse on June 1. The selections ranged from Klezmer to Irish jigs, and included the trio’s own rendition

Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas elected its Board of Trustees at its annual meeting on May 20.

of the Safed-born, Kabbalat Shabbat staple “L’chah Dodi.” They concluded with a signal Breslev song, “All the world is a very narrow bridge.” Now near the end of their multi-city, North American tour, the performance was described as “music with a message of optimism and faith.”

The Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Religious School celebrated with the brides and grooms who were married in a double wedding ceremony officiated

by Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone as the culmination of the students’ study of Jewish marriage customs on the last day of religious school in May.

Temple Adath Yeshurun The band Simply Tsfat played to a crowd at Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse on June 1. (Photo courtesy of Robert Shprintzen)

Rabbi Charles Sherman led Temple Adath Yeshurun’s 92nd annual confirmation service on May 9. The confirmands were Eric Antosh, son of Orit and Mark Antosh; Jacob Charlamb, son of Mara and Mark Charlamb; Jacob Moskow, son of Ilyssa and Eric Moskow; Sarah Schaeffer, daughter of Kelly and Dr. Martin Schaeffer; Liam Sherwood, son of Susan and William Sherwood; Annie Weiss, daughter of Lisa and Robert Weiss; and Eli Weiss, son of Lisa and Robert Weiss.

Temple Concord Temple Concord summer Shabbat-in-the park series Temple Concord will hold Shabbat services in local parks this summer, with dinners following services. Shabbat services will begin at 6 pm, and participants have been encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

The first service will be held on July 3 in the Thornden Park Amphitheatre in Syracuse. Participants can bring

their own picnic dinner.

The July 17 service will be held in Onondaga Lake Park at the Willow Bay Shelter in Liverpool. There will be a fried chicken dinner, for which there will be a fee. The July 31 service will be held in Millrun Park in Manlius. Dinner for those who choose it will be grilled hotdogs and hamburgers, and there will be a fee for the meal.

See “TC” on page 8

L-r: Rabbi Daniel Fellman, Alex Wulff, Noah Kotzin and Cantor Kari Eglash posed at the Temple Concord confirmation on May 23. (Photo by Mark Kotzin)

The Oaks at Menorah Park hosts free summer concerts

Do You Know?

Your Federation dollars at work – Kol Chai program of Syracuse Jewish Family Service

additional financial literacy and

By Jackie Miron coping skills in later life is said Community Program Fund to be increasingly necessary.

Grants are awarded annually Bringing the issue to the forein the fall by the Allocations front is considered critical.

Committee of the Jewish “$enior¢ents” incorporates Federation of Central New York.

SJFS’s educational programThe grants are available to all ming into materials and inforJewish organizations, agencies mation provided by other inand synagogues in the Central stitutions, such as the National New York community. The Jackie Miron Council on Aging, the MetLife funds come from Federation’s Annual Campaign and are given out in Mature Market Institute and the Attorney grants of $10,000, $5,000 or $2,500. The General’s office.

The four parts of the series can be Allocations Committee reviews the grant requests and makes recommendations offered consecutively, or as stand-alone to the board, which then votes on the sessions. Topics include budgeting and money management; financial vulnerabilrecommendations.

The Jewish Federation of Central ity; managing and safeguarding prepaid New York has awarded the Kol Chai benefit cards; and how and when to speak program of Syracuse Jewish Family out against abuse.

With changing technology, it is considService a Community Program Fund grant of $2,500 to offer the “$enior¢ents” ered difficult to remain current on areas of program throughout the community. The vulnerability in privacy, abuse, mishanpublic awareness and advocacy program dling and mismanagement of finances, is a film and workshop series designed and health. There is still some denial that to “educate and empower” older adults, this type of abuse exists; but there are also their family members and caregivers people who live in fear and shame. The to better manage personal finances and series is intended to help with both ends of the spectrum, provide real life examples, avoid scams and exploitation.

The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community answer questions, strengthen protective Center of Syracuse will show the film skills and attitudes, and make participants “Fleeced: Speaking Out Against Senior more alert and responsive.

The Jewish Federation of Central New Financial Abuse” on Friday, July 17, York has provided funds so organizations at 11:30 am. Presented by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, the can offer “$enior¢ents” to their members documentary presents real stories about and the public free of charge. Other bookwhat can happen to older adults when ings in the Jewish community are in prothey are targeted for scams, how people cess and will be publicized in synagogue can protect themselves, as well as how bulletins and the Jewish Observer.

The format of the Kol Chai program victims can stand up for themselves and learn to fight back as advocates against intends to provide an understanding of the issues and an opportunity to explore financial exploitation.

Syracuse Jewish Family Service personal reactions in a “safe and informed” delivers services to older adults in the manner, and enhance the message of the community, including care management Syracuse Jewish Family Service in proand management of developing needs and tecting the most vulnerable members of changing life situations. Acquiring new or the community.

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Jamal, with a dramatization that brings many of the key players to life, with original, historic dialogue in five languages.

From Albert Antébi, a Sephardic Jew known as the Jewish “pasha,” to Ruhi al-Khalidi, the scion of a Palestine family and Jerusalem’s elected representative to the Ottoman parliament, to Khalil Sakakini, a Christian schoolmaster and voice for Palestinian cultural autonomy; and Arthur Ruppin, a German Zionist who opens the Palestine Office to strategize the shape of a Jewish homeland to come, the film explores this moment in history when Arab and Jewish nationalism first collided and the conflict began to germinate.

The DVD features subtitles in English.

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WCNY-TV “Seeds of Conflict” WCNY-TV will air “1913: Seeds of Conflict” on Tuesday, June 30, at 9 pm.

The 60-minute documentary explores an “overlooked moment of transformation in Palestine,” long before the Balfour Declaration and British Mandate. The period was considered to be the “fuse” for today’s struggles.

The Ottoman Empire was disintegrating and the rise of Jewish and Palestinian nationalism emerged through the words of those who helped shape history. While most scholars have focused on the later British Mandate period as the focus of the Middle East conflict, the film focuses on the period before World War I. The film was shot on location in Beit

JEWISH OBSERVER

youth jazz ensemble that plays big band and swing music, will perform on Sunday, July 19. Local entertainer Jimmy Wachter will present “Color Me Barbra” on Sunday, August 16.

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

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The Oaks at Menorah Park will hold two additional free concerts this summer in its courtyard. The concerts start at 7 pm and are free and open to the public.

The city of Syracuse Parks and Recreation’s Stan Colella All-Star Band, a

JUNE 25, 2015/8 TAMMUZ 5775 ■

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ JUNE 25, 2015/8 TAMMUZ 5775

Strong show of support for JCC’s annual meeting and gala

By William Wallak More than 215 people visited Owera Vineyards in Cazenovia on June 7 to celebrate with the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, as it honored a select group of local men and women for their years of “selfless giving” to the JCC and the local community.

JCC Executive Director Marci Erlebacher said, “The show of support for this year’s honorees was outstanding. The service that our award recipients have provided is truly remarkable. We can all learn a lot from their unselfish acts, and we are all better off because of their kindness.”

Six awards were presented this year. All of the honorees received a plaque and will have their names displayed at the JCC for their respective awards.

The first award, the Kovod Award, which is said to signify “honor and importance,” was presented to the Teen Funders of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York. The group of local teenagers gave a portion of their b’nai mitzvah money for grants twice a year to Jewish and non-Jewish local, national and international nonprofit organizations.

The JCC’s Hall of Fame Award was presented to Herbert “Hecky” Alpert, Michael Moss and George Wladis.

The award is said to recognize and celebrate individuals who have dedicated themselves to the Syracuse Jewish community and the advancement of the JCC. These honorees are said to be “a testament” to a Sir Marvin Barry quote displayed on the JCC’s lobby wall, “To be a Jew is to belong to the past, be a part of the present and assume responsibility for the future.”

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The Teen Funders of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York attended the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse’s annual meeting and gala. They posed for a photo with their Kovod Award, and with Nancy Belkowitz (far left). (Photos courtesy of Jerry Klineberg) 15th Ward, Alpert and his wife, Ettarae, were one of the founding families of Congregation Beth Sholom in 1962, now named Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas.

Herbert served as its first president, held board positions and served on numerous committees.

Moss, a historian, provided historical accounts for the film “Stories from the Syracuse Jewish Community.”

He was president of Bern Furniture stores, has been an active member of Temple Concord in Syracuse and has also served on numerous local boards.

A philanthropist, longtime supporter of the JCC and founder of The Wladis Companies insurance brokerage, Wladis attended JCC summer day camp in Thornden Park as a child. Seventeen years ago, he donated 500 winter hats and pairs of gloves to the students at one of the Syracuse School District’s elementary schools, and in doing so, started the annual city of Syracuse schools’ hats and gloves drive. Wladis has served on the boards of the Jewish Federation of Central New York, Syracuse Symphony and Syracuse City Schools Education Foundation.

The awards ceremony also included the Kovod Gadol Awards, presented to Debbie Goldwein and Nancy Kasow. The award is considered the JCC’s highest honor and means “great honor.”

A JCC board member and the board secretary, Goldwein grew up connected to the JCC in Wilkes-Barre,

L-r: Marci Erlebacher, Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse executive director; Debbie Goldwein, a Kovod Gadol Award recipient and JCC board member and board secretary; and Steven Sisskind, JCC board president.

See “Gala” on page 12

L-r: Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse Hall of Fame award recipients Herbert “Hecky” Alpert and George Wladis.

Joy Moss attended the meeting with her husband, Michael, a Hall of Fame award recipient.

Kovod Gadol Award recipient Nancy Kasow, who recently retired as JCC executive assistant and office manager, posed with her husband Lloyd.

JUNE 25, 2015/8 TAMMUZ 5775 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

Federation holds annual meeting and presents Esther and Joseph Roth Award

By Bette Siegel The Federation’s annual meeting on June 10 was held jointly with the Syracuse Hebrew Day School and the Rabbi Jacob Epstein High School for Jewish Studies.

Federation Chair Ruth Stein said that it was a “symbol not only of togetherness, but also of the importance of Jewish education in the community.”

Stein opened the meeting by thanking First Niagara Bank for sponsoring the meeting, the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center for hosting it and the JCC’s chef, Donna Carullo, for catering the reception. She also thanked the students of the Syracuse Hebrew Day School for making the centerpieces for the tables.

The summer before her senior year of college, Stein was sent to Israel for six weeks through a Hillel-B’nai B’rith program. She was based in Jerusalem, traveled all across the country and even spent two weeks on Kibbutz Mayan Baruch. What struck her at the time and became embedded in her memory was her amazement that everyone was Jewish. It also made her realize that it is “very easy” to be Jewish in Israel, but that American Jews “have to work at it.” She pointed out that that was why belonging to a synagogue and supporting the Jewish Federation was important and why she was pleased that the day school and Epstein School were an “integral” part of Federation’s annual meeting.

She said, “We cannot take our Jewish community in Central New York for granted. We have to participate and support it, contribute to it, and above all... reach out to people in Central New York to help them feel welcome and needed as part of the Jewish community. We have to give our children a Jewish education and not let it stop after they become bar or bat mitzvah. That is one reason we’re so pleased that we are giving 26 camp scholarships to overnight Jewish camps for this summer.”

She said that the community had raised more than a million dollars and noted how the community has worked together to establish a Community Hebrew School to start in the fall. In addition, for the first time, the Epstein School took a group of students to Israel.

When she finished her remarks, Stein introduced Jewish Federation of Central New York President/CEO Linda Alexander, who gave the “State of The Federation.”

She said, “We are in a great place – better than ever – a healthier place on paper, with our finances, and in spirit, with the hand we reach out in friendship to our community.

“You’ve heard that we raised more money this year than we have for a number of years. Campaign already stands at $1,035,000. We’ve given out more money to the community, and our overseas partners, increasing our allocations to our largest beneficiary agencies and, through the Community Program Fund, making grants of more than $90,000 this past year.

These Community Program Fund grants

are available to all our Jewish organizations and synagogues.”

She said that, in addition, Federation has given out more Jewish camp scholarships – more than 25 – and more summer trip grants to Israel this year; and there is an active 18-member Young Leadership Class, which has completed its first year of programming, “and we look forward to their graduation at next year’s annual meeting – this is our future!”

She spoke about her experience working with a “wonderful Federation board headed by Ruth Stein,” who she called a “model board chair, leading by consensus and setting a tone of congeniality and respect, giving regard to all views and helping a group of 23 strong leaders come to agreement.”

She also mentioned the Federation staff: Don Cronin, Marianne Bazydlo, Kathie Piirak, Judith Stander and Bette Siegel. Alexander ended her talk saying, “What I want to leave you with tonight is hope. For years, we have suffered under the cloud of our changing demographics – all we heard is ‘woe is me.’ Our community is shrinking, but the truth is that not a week goes by when I don’t hear about someone’s child returning to our community, or new Jewish families moving to town. That’s why we have reinstituted our Shalom Syracuse program from years ago, with our ‘community concierge,’ a dedicated volunteer, Jacki Goldberg, who will make a home visit to all new families to our community and deliver this wonderful welcome basket full of goodies and information on all our agencies and synagogues in the community. This is all part of our efforts to not only support and strengthen the Jewish community we already have, but to welcome newcomers with a hand of friendship and Shalom!”

Chair of Community Relations Michael Balanoff presented the Esther and Joseph Roth Award for Outstanding Jewish Community Leadership to his good friend, Howard Port. He said, “Howard has been the major motivating force for the Judaic Heritage Center. He deeply and firmly believes that you can’t really know where you are going in life until you know where you have been. The knowledge of your history helps guide you into the future. Therefore, he is committed to helping preserve the past so that future generations of Jews will have a greater appreciation of their identity as Jews – a part of something very special and worth preserving and continuing. L’dor v’dor, passing our traditions from one generation to the next, is a primary guiding principle in Jewish life and has such great meaning in relation to Howard’s work.”

Balanoff also mentioned Port’s other accomplishments in his service to the Jewish community: a founding member of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York board, which he – along with many other like-minded members of the

The annual meeting of the Federation of Central New York’s meeting was sponsored

by First Niagara Bank. (L-r): Jack Lyon; Tim McLoughlin, vice president and relationship manager, First Niagara Bank; and Federation of CNY President/CEO Linda Alexander.

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Howard Port received the Esther and Joseph Roth Award for Outstanding Jewish Community Leadership. L-r: Andrew Port, Ann Port, Howard Port, and Jill and Stephen Port. community – has helped guide to “great success” in helping to secure the financial future of the Jewish community. Port has also served on the boards of Temple Adath Yeshurun and Menorah Park. Balanoff said that [Howard] brings “not only his

talent for success to his community volunteer work, but an abiding belief that we must give future generations more than what those who came before us gave to us. And he never asks for or expects anything in return.”

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ JUNE 25, 2015/8 TAMMUZ 5775

Rabbi Evan and Deborah Shore

By Richard D. Wilkins On May 17, Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse sponsored a 25th anniversary celebration dinner at Traditions, honoring Rabbi Evan and Rebbetzin Deborah Shore. Several speakers referenced Rabbi Shore’s “ability and devotion” to teaching to all levels and ages. He was extolled as “everyone’s rabbi,” a “master teacher” and a “beloved fixture” at the Syracuse Hebrew Day and Rabbi Jacob Epstein High schools. While upholding traditional religious standards, his approach to community interaction has been seen as “compassionate and cooperative,” with his leadership style being “one of example.” His impact on the spiritual lives of many was mentioned several times.

Rebbetzin Shore was also praised as an “enormous blessing to congregation and community.”

During a tribute, a former chavrusa (Talmud study partner), Rabbi Tsvi Kilstein, in addition to his own remarks, read a complimentary letter from his and Rabbi

Shore’s former teacher, Rabbi Dr. Moshe Tendler, professor of Talmud and microbiology at Yeshiva University.

There was also a video presentation introduced by SHDS Principal Lori Tenenbaum, and the Shores’ twin sons, Ari and Dov, spoke of their parents’ devotion to family, community and Torah study. As a concluding token of appreciation, Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center Executive Director Marci Erlebacher presented the Shores with a framed work of art.

In response, Rabbi Shore praised his wife and thanked the professionals with whom he has worked throughout the years at various local agencies. He also paid tribute to his former teachers, the recently deceased Rabbi Meir Belitsky and Rabbi Tendler.

More than 150 people attended the event, including Onondaga County Executive Joanne Mahoney, who, along with the DeWitt Town Board, issued proclamations on the event. State Senator John DeFrancisco also made unsolicited well wishes.

At left (l-r): Ari, Rabbi Evan, Rebbetzin Deborah, Dov and Jessica Shore posed at the Shaarei To r a h O r t h o d o x Congregation of Syracuse 25th anniversary celebration.

TC

L-r: Deborah and Rabbi Evan Shore, with their son Ari, showed a proclamation of congratulations from Onondaga County at the May 17 event celebrating the anniversary of their 25 years as rabbi and rebbetzin of Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse.

(Photos courtesy of JJS Photography)

NEWS IN bRIEF From JTA

Egypt sending envoy to Israel for first time in three years

Egypt has appointed an ambassador to Israel after recalling its envoy three years ago. Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on June 21 that there will be a new Egyptian minister. “The Foreign Ministry welcomes the appointment,” ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said in a statement. The new ambassador has been identified as Hazem Khairat, Egypt’s former permanent representative to the Arab League and the country’s former ambassador to Chile. The last Egyptian ambassador to Israel was recalled in the wake of Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense in Gaza in November 2012.

Continued from page 4

August services will begin on August 14 at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center on Thompson Road in DeWitt. There will be a barbecue chicken dinner and there will be a fee for the dinner, with a family maximum charge. Participants have been encouraged to bring a bathing suit, as the pool will be open. The last

service for the summer will be held on August 28 in the Temple Concord parking lot for a “Welcome Back SU” event. The dinner will feature hotdogs and hamburgers, and there will be a fee.

For more information, call the TC office at 4759952.

Two hundred people honored four “Menschen” at Temple Concord’s second annual Mensch of the Year Awards event. L-r: The honorees included Bill Berinstein, Bob Doucette, Wendy Myerson and Sean Kirst.

TC confirmation Temple Concord celebrated its 132nd confirmation service on Shavuot, May 23. The synagogue’s two confirmands, Noah Kotzin and Alex Wulff, completed a year of study with Rabbi Daniel Fellman and led the service. As part of the confirmation program, both young men participated in the synagogue’s Brotherhood’s essay competition. Their topic, “In an age of social media, how do antisemitic attacks around the world affect your Jewish identity,” was said to reflect many of the topics they had studied throughout the past year.

Kotzin and Wulff also explored the Ten Commandments and explained their understanding of the mitzvot.

They shared the “Best Confirmand” award, and the synagogue celebrated their accomplishments at an oneg following the service.

Temple Concord annual meeting New officers and trustees were elected, and service awards were given, at Temple Concord’s June 5 annual meeting. New officers include Joe Greenman, president; Stewart Koenig, first vice president; Mark Kotzin and Sally Cutler, vice presidents; Jeannette Myshrall, secretary; and Josh Waldman, treasurer.

The newly-elected trustees join those continuing on the board: Sandra Gingold, Mark Frank, Judy Papenfus, Megan Coleman, Larry Eschelbacher, Ellyn Roloff, Todd Salomon, Jan Clausen and Kim Smolen.

The meeting also honored Temple Concord members who have contributed their time and efforts throughout many years: Bruce Gentry, as Volunteer of the Year; Vicki Feldman, the President’s Award; and Angela and Barry Glickstein, the Margie Markson Johnson Heart and Soul Award.

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

Issue Date: July 23 • Ad Deadline: July 15

Outgoing Temple Concord President Irv Bodofsky (right) presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to Bruce Gentry (left).

JUNE 25, 2015/8 TAMMUZ 5775 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

d’var torah

mazel tov

Keeping life events in perspective

Ann Hootnick 100th birthday

By Ran Anbar One of this week’s Torah portions, “Balak,” is named after the King of the Moabites. Balak was frightened by the large number of children of Israel who were heading his way during their travels between Egypt and the Promised Land. Balak wanted to hire a sorcerer, Bil’am, to curse the Israelites so they could be defeated. However, it seems that Bil’am knew of God, and consulted with Him. God told him he should not agree to curse the Israelites since they are a blessed nation.

Upon hearing of Bil’am’s decision, Balak sent additional messengers to Bil’am and offered to greatly increase his pay if he agreed to curse the Israelites. Bil’am responded that even if Balak gave him everything that he owned, he would not be able to go against God’s word. Nonetheless, he agreed to consult with God a second time; and this time, God permitted him to go with Balak’s messengers if they approached him again, with the warning that Bil’am should only say what God told him to say.

Bil’am apparently was eager to earn a good pay, and rather than waiting for the messengers, he got up in the morning and prepared his donkey for the trip. Because Bil’am did not follow God’s instructions, he had to learn an important lesson. As Bil’am rode his donkey, a messenger of God (commonly translated as “angel”) appeared in front of them with his sword drawn. The donkey immediately tried to get out of the way by straying off the path, pressing Bil’am’s leg against the fence surrounding the path. Bil’am could not see the angel and became angry with his donkey, striking her three times.

As the donkey had nowhere to go without placing her master in peril, she lay down, making Bli’am even angrier. At that point, God let the donkey speak. The poor animal complained to Bil’am that he had been abusive, even though she had always served him to the best of her ability. Bil’am responded that he was so angry that if he had a sword, he would have slain her. Finally, God allowed Bil’am to see the threatening messenger blocking the path, and only then did Bil’am apologize.

The encounter with God’s invisible messenger taught Bil’am that there are many things he did not know, and so he should be very careful to follow God’s words exactly. Thus chastened, Bil’am stuck closely to God’s instructions, and rather than cursing the Israelites, as he had been hired to do, he ended up blessing them, saying, “How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, thy dwellings, O Israel!” (Numbers 24:5) Bil’am’s story reminds us that things sometimes are not as they seem, and we would benefit from asking ourselves how something negative may actually be a blessing in disguise. The story also illustrates that if we are open to being guided by God, such guidance will be available.

I believe that these lessons are applicable to all of us, even today. Some Jewish Observer readers know that my family came to Syracuse 21 years ago, becoming members of Temple Adath Yeshurun. Next month, we are moving to California, where we look forward to our next life adventures. For this last JO column that I am writing as a Syracuse resident, I would like to briefly share why we believe that many of our major life decisions and events have been affected by things that were not as they seemed, a belief that developed because certain events in our lives appeared too synchronous to have been simply “coincidental.”

The Anbar family archives start on the eve of Yom Kippur, 1989, when I was invited to dinner prior to Kol Nidre by a member of my synagogue in Philadelphia.

The gentleman who invited me to dinner knew that I read Torah at my new shul. I met my future wife, Hannah, the gentleman’s daughter, at that dinner.

On our second date, I told Hannah that I did not know whom I was going to marry, or what year, but I knew the date of the wedding – the first Tuesday of the Jewish month of Elul – because I had figured out the date throughout the years as I studied Judaism. Elul is an acronym in Hebrew for a verse from the Song of Songs, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.”

See “Life” on page 12

9

Ann Hootnick, of Newton, MA, will turn 100 on Sunday, July 5.

She has four sons, David (Sally), of Fayetteville, Kenneth (Linda), of Littleton, CO, Larry (Evelyn), of Palo Alto, CA, and Lewis (Judy), of Marblehead, MA; 13 grandchildren; and 12 greatgrandchildren, with the youngest born in San Francisco in May. She has lived in the Boston area her entire life and wintered in Ann Hootnick will Florida for 30 years until her hus- turn 100 in July. band of 74½ years, Jacob, died in 2011. She spent summers in Syracuse from 2000-10.

Aviva S. Habib earns Award of Merit

Aviva S. Habib was honored on May 15 by the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education at the centennial anniversary awards ceremony. She is the daughter of Moshe and Tina Habib, of Syracuse.

Aviva, who received her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oswego and her master’s degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania in 2010, received the Early Career Award of Merit and was recognized for “setting an inspirational example for future alumni.” This includes “significant contributions” by an individual in their field of endeavor.

Aviva founded an Alumni Volunteer Program, which encourages students to volunteer and regularly visit their former elementary school, engaging in community service and mentoring. She has also worked to bring Healthy Newsworks to the Philadelphia Montessori Charter School, a program through which student journalists are empowered to transform the health of their communities.

When accepting her award, Aviva spoke of her enthusiasm for teaching and the power and influence teachers have over their students and communities. She concluded by thanking the University of Pennsylvania and her family members who traveled to attend the ceremony.

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ JUNE 25, 2015/8 TAMMUZ 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.

Friday, June 26 Temple Concord Shabbat in the Garden at 4:45 pm Sunday, June 28 Forget-Me-Nots chorus concert at Menorah Park at 2:30 pm Sunday, June 25 Fast of 17th of Tammuz Wednesday, July 8 Deadline for the July 23 issue of the Jewish Observer Thursday, July 9 Lion of Judah event at 6 pm, location to be announced Sunday, July 12 PJ Library7 to host APopsicles in the Park@ with “Stories under the Stars” at Canal Landing Park in Fayetteville at 6 pm Friday, July 17 The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse will present the film “Fleeced: Speaking out against Senior Financial Abuse” at 11:30 am Sunday, July 19 Syracuse All-Star Band at The Oaks at 7 pm Tuesday, July 28 Tzofim Israel Scout Caravan to perform at the Jewish Community Center in Binghamton at 7 pm Wednesday, July 29 Tzofim Israel Scout Caravan to perform at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center in Syracuse at 7 pm Thursday, July 30 Tzofim Israel Scout Caravan to perform at Menorah Park at 2 pm Tzofim Israel Scout Caravan to perform at the Utica Jewish Community Center at 7 pm Friday, July 31 Temple Adath Yeshurun PJ pre-Shabbat program in the garden at 4:45 pm

NEWS IN bRIEF From JTA

Obama cites Israel in arguing for gun control

President Barack Obama compared Israel favorably to the United States in making a point about gun violence.

“Here are the stats: Per population, we kill each other with guns at a rate 297x more than Japan, 49x more than France, 33x more than Israel,” Obama said on June 21 on a Twitter account that the White House says he personally authors.

“Expressions of sympathy aren’t enough.” he said. “It’s time we do something about this.” Obama’s tweets referred to the June 17 shooting deaths of nine congregants in a historically black church in Charleston, SC.An alleged white supremacist is being held in the shootings. Obama has made efforts to strengthen gun control a hallmark of his presidency.

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obituaries Roslyn Feinberg Dropkin

Roslyn Feinberg Dropkin, 87, died on June 12 at Menorah Park.

Born in Syracuse, she was a graduate of Central High School. She married her husband, Sylvan “Skip,” in 1957 and moved to Brooklyn, where she lived for the next 53 years. She worked in Manhattan as an executive secretary and office manager for the Celanese Corporation, and retired in 1987.

She enjoyed travel, music, theater, the arts, learning and any type of discussion. After retirement, she continued to travel, volunteered for several organizations and also took many classes at Brooklyn College.

She was predeceased by her husband, Skip, in 1970; and her sister, Madeline Seigal.

She is survived locally by her nephew, Mark (Cathy) Seigal, of Camillus.

Burial was in New Montefiore Cemetery on Long Island. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to Menorah Park, Attn: Employee Fund, 4101 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13214. 

Norman Harold Goldstein

Norman Harold Goldstein, 77, died in his home overlooking Otisco Lake on June 13.

Born and raised in Syracuse, he had a passion for the wilderness and animals. He climbed Mount Marcy as a boy. As a result of that hike in the 1950s, he joined the Adirondack Mountain Club and remained a member until his death.

He graduated from Nottingham High School in 1956 and then earned a bachelor of science from Syracuse University and a master’s in chemistry from the New York State College of Forestry. His professional career began in 1966 after he completed his studies at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University.

He founded the Manlius Veterinary Hospital in 1972, a practice he owned through 2005. Until 2014, he was still offering relief services there, as well as volunteering as a wildlife rehabilitator. For 48 years, he was a member of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society.

In his five decades as a competitive canoe racer, he logged thousands of miles and participated in the Adirondack Canoe Classic from Old Forge to Saranac Lake 29 times. He competed in the 90-Miler in 2013 and in 2014 as a cancer patient. He was honored at the 2013 90-Miler with the Terry Healey Award for the person who best exemplifies the true spirit of the Adirondack Canoe Classic.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Georgia Stormes; his children, Gary(Amy), Jodi (Stefan), Krista (Matthew), Joshua and Matthew (Emily); five grandchildren; and his sisters, Harlene Smalkin, Merle (Kevin) Pranikoff and Elaine Lyon.

Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be sent to the Alive! Foundation (alivefound.org), 3382 County Line Rd., Skaneateles, NY 13152; or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Attn: April Maas, 633 3rd Ave., 28th Floor, New York, NY 10017. 

Kathleen Byrne Gramet

Kathleen Byrne Gramet, 66, of Syracuse and Pawleys Island, SC, died on June 3 at Upstate University Hospital.

She was a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent for instruction and superintendent of schools for the North Syracuse Central School District. Her commitment to the power of education was expressed throughout her life in a variety of community service activities. In retirement, her dedication to the Friends of the Waccamaw Library in Pawleys Island was instrumental in the building of a new library that opened in 2015.

She earned a bachelor of science in education from SUNYBrockport; a master’s of science in reading education from Niagara University; a certificate of advanced study in education administration from SUNY-Oswego; and a doctorate in education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

She was predeceased by her father, John Thomas (Tom) Byrne.

She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Alan; her daughter, Jennifer Zaborsky; a son, Sam (Lura) Gramet; three grandchildren; her mother, Mary Byrne, of Pittsburgh, PA, formerly of Lockport, NY; her siblings, Patricia B. Pereira (Lawrence), of Jacksonville, FL, Shawna E. Byrne, of Hyannisport, MA, Kevin T. Byrne (Valerie), of Livermore, CA, John G. Byrne (Sandra), of Pittsburgh, PA, and Mary Joan Frieden (Cary), of Austin, TX; a brother-inlaw, Steven Gramet (Pamela), of St. Augustine, FL; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Eaton-Tubbs Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to the Robert Blume Oncology Nurses Education Fund, Upstate Cancer Center, 750 E. Adams St., Syracuse, NY 13210. 

Shirley Ann Einhorn Kadushin

Shirley Ann Einhorn Kadushin, 90, of Syracuse, died on June 5 at Menorah Park.

Born in Fairview, NJ, she received her bachelor of arts from the Bellevue School of Nursing in 1947. She also graduated and received a bachelor of arts from Goddard College in 1965 as one of the first students to enroll in the college’s independent study bachelor degree program developed for working adults.

She was married to David Kadushin for 26 years. She worked for more than 35 years in Syracuse and Onondaga County as a volunteer nurse with the American Red Cross; as an administrative nurse with the Onondaga County Health Department; as a supervisor and teacher for Home Aides of Central New York; as a registered nurse at Menorah Park, then known as the Jewish Home; and as a site coordinator for Meals On Wheels.

She is survived by four children, Philip Kadushin (Shari Louis Kadushin), of Syracuse, Samuel Kadushin (Bernadette De Berry Kadushin), Celia Kadushin (David Stalheim) and Joseph Kadushin (Marrianne Osborne Kadushin); six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and her special neighborhood friends.

Arrangements were by Sisskind Funeral Service.

Contributions may be made to Menorah Park, 4101 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13214. 

Sylvia Lindenbaum

Sylvia Lindenbaum, 95, died on June 14 at her home in Ithaca.

Born in New York City, she settled in Ithaca and lived there for more than 50 years. She was an active part of her community, working and volunteering until her retirement.

She is survived by her sons, Gary, of Auburn, NY; Marc, of Brookline, MA; and Harvey, of Miami, FL. Burial was in Beit Olam Cemetery, Wayland, MA. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. 

Libby Maloff

Libby Maloff, 90, of DeWitt, NY, died June 10 in Marblehead, MA. Born in Mount Vernon, NY, she spent most of her life in Syracuse. She attended Syracuse University and enlisted in the Coast Guard during World War II. She was very active in her community and sat on multiple boards, including the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center, Temple Adath Yeshurun and the Everson Museum. She and her husband traveled all around the world and collected antiques and art. They spent many winters in Florida, where they enjoyed having family visits and playing golf. She became the ladies’ nine-hole golf champion at her club in 1995. She was also a piano player and gave her childhood piano to Temple Concord.

She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Morton Maloff.

She is survived by her children, Margie (Larry) Loeb, of Jamesville, Arnie (Polly) Maloff, Stephen Maloff, and Jeff (Joanne) Maloff, of Jamesville; and seven grandchildren.

Burial was in Temple Adath Yeshurun Cemetery.

Ginsberg-Maloff Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center, 5655 Thompson Rd., Syracuse, NY 13214. 

Debra Ann Rosen

Debra Ann Rosen, 60, died at home in Syracuse on June 3.

She was born in New York City and was a graduate of Syracuse University. She was formerly affiliated with SUNY Upstate Medical University.

She was predeceased by her parents, Sigmund and Elaine Rosen.

She is survived by her sister, Lisa (Alan) Engel, of Birmingham, AL. Burial was in Birmingham, AL. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. 

Empower

Continued from page 2

One participant, Ilona Gerbakher, 27, said the mission connected her to a community of left-wing Jews in Jerusalem.

“I’m glad that Israel exists,” said Gerbakher, a Jewish-American who is completing a doctorate in comparative Jewish and Islamic studies at Columbia University.

“I’m blessed that this country is here and that I get to be a part of it. But I also firmly believe in the right of Palestine to exist.”

JUNE 25, 2015/8 TAMMUZ 5775 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

11

obituaries Jay B. (Jack) Rudolph

Jay B. “Jack” Rudolph, 98, a longtime member of Temple Concord in Syracuse, died on May 23 in Sarasota, FL. Born in Syracuse, he graduated from Nottingham High School and the University of Pennsylvania. He was an accomplished golfer and captain of his high school basketball team. He served in the Army during World War II. He lived in Sarasota for more than 40 years.

In 1964, he founded Jay B. Rudolph Inc., operating fine jewelry departments in major department stores, including Bloomingdale’s, Dayton’s and Hudson’s.

Previously, he was president of Rudolph’s Jewelers retail jewelry chain with 40 stores throughout upstate New York.

He devoted much of his time to Jewish causes, including the establishment of a chair in Judaic studies at Syracuse University named in honor of his father, B. G. Rudolph, and a chair in Judaic studies at New College of Florida. He served as chair of the Syracuse Jewish Federation annual campaign, and started the endowment fund in 1984 for Temple Beth Israel in Sarasota. In his later years, he enjoyed photography, poetry, nature and gardening.

He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, the former Edith Besdin, and his sisters, Charlotte and Sara Lee. He is survived by his sons, Ronald (Ann), of Tampa, FL, and Richard, of Tampa, FL; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Contributions may be made to Temple Beth Israel Endowment Fund, 567 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key, FL 34228; the Jewish Studies Program at Syracuse University, 441 Hall of Languages, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244; or New College of Florida, 5800 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL 34243. 

business briefs JCC welcomes new director of adult and senior programming

By William Wallak Cindy Stein, MLSW, recently joined the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse as director of adult and senior programming. She is responsible for managing the adult and senior departments at the center, including the Bobbi Epstein Lewis Senior Adult Senior Dining Program, activities, special events and volunteers.

Marci Erlebacher, JCC executive director, said, “We’re delighted to have Cindy on board. Her fresh perspective and contagious enthusiasm are welcome additions. Although she’s new to the position, she’s not new to the JCC, as all of her children have attended programs here when they were younger. It’s great having her back in the fold in this way.”

Stein earned a master of social work degree from Temple University. She is a former JCC board member and volunteer. She recently re-entered the workforce after taking time out for her children and family.

She said, “I am so excited and privileged to have the opportunity to work and provide services to such a wonderful, kind and inspirational group of individuals. I thank everyone for their warm wishes so far.”

For more information, about the JCC’s adult and senior programs, call the JCC at 445-2360 or visit www. jccsyr.org.

R. Donald Schwartz

R. Donald Schwartz, 90, died on June 5 in Sandy, UT. He was born in Syracuse and lived most of his life there. He was the owner of The Wardrobe of DeWitt. He and his wife, Elaine, raised their family in Fayetteville until they retired to Erieville, NY, and then Boynton Beach, FL. They had recently moved to Sandy, UT. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran.

He was a former member of Temple Adath Yeshurun, where he chaired youth programming; a past president of DeWitt Rotary; a past secretary and board member of the American Formalwear Association; and a past president of the Erieville Lake Association. He was affiliated with the restoration of the Erie Canal Park and was an active volunteer at the JFK Hospital in Boynton Beach, FL. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elaine; their sons, Lee, of Sandy, UT, and Barry (Christine), of Boynton Beach, FL; four grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren.

Burial was in Adath Yeshurun Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to Temple Adath Yeshurun, 450 Kimber Rd., Syracuse, NY 13224. 

Robin M. Smith

Robin M. Smith, 69, died May 23 at Francis House in Syracuse.

Born in Syracuse, she was a graduate of Nottingham High School. She earned her bachelor of arts degree from Antioch College, her master of arts in teaching from the University of Chicago and a doctorate in special education from Syracuse University. Prior to being appointed as a professor of special education at SUNY New Paltz, she was a teacher and chair of foreign languages at the Chicago Public High School for Metropolitan Studies.

She was a nationally known activist for the rights of people with special needs. Her activism was built on a commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world) and she had a passion for justice for all people. Her actions were the impetus for great change on behalf of the disabled.

She was a frequent presenter at national and international conferences, and was widely published. She was also a re-evaluation counselor, running disability support groups and teaching workshops for many years.

She loved music, song writing, stories and poetry. She was a founding member of the Syracuse Community Choir, where she sang for many years.

She is survived by her brothers, Lynn (Corinne) of Fayetteville, and Malcolm (Sandy), of Jamesville; two nieces; two nephews; and seven great-nieces and nephews.

Burial was in the Adath Yeshurun Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to Syracuse Community Choir, Temple Concord, 910 Madison St., Syracuse, NY 13210 or Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music, P.O. Box 215, DeWitt, NY 13214. 

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

Philip Cary Stein

Philip Cary Stein, 65, died on May 27 in Pittsburgh, where he and his wife had recently moved.

Born in the Bronx, he graduated from the University of Buffalo, and in 1971 settled in Syracuse with his wife.

He was a partner with D’Arcangelo, certified public accountants (formerly Kruth, Stein, Squadrito, and Liberman). He was the treasurer of Lafayette Golf and Country Club; the Jewish Community Center, Temple Concord, Menorah Park, the Metropolitan School for the Arts and the Syracuse International Film Festival.

He was a past president of Lafayette Golf and Country Club and a member of the New York State Attorney Grievance Committee and the Cavalry Club.

He was active in his community and volunteered throughout his life, particularly as a volunteer with Junior Achievement and Canine Working Companions.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ellen; their sons, Aaron (Sasha) and Eli (Claire); their daughter, Leslie (Michael) Aronson, of Pittsburgh, PA; and five grandchildren.

Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B, 5150 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15232. 

Brook Lynn Tankle

Brook Lynn Tankle, 65, formerly of La Honda, CA, died on June 3 at the Parlin Hospice Residence in Wayland, MA, after a long illness.

Raised in Syracuse, NY, she graduated from Nottingham High School and the California College of Arts and Crafts with a degree in film. An accomplished artist, she expressed her talent through photography, filmmaking, jewelry and knitting. She was active in the northern California tango dance community.

She was predeceased by her parents, Mitzi and A. Robert Tankle.

She is survived by her sister, Reva Tankle (John McArthur), of Holliston, MA; her brother, Mark Tankle (Debbie), of Charlotte, NC; two nephews; and five first cousins.

Burial was in Adath Yeshurun Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements.

Contributions may be made to the Parlin Hospice Residence, c/o The Parmenter Foundation, 400 Boston Post Rd., Suite 1A, Sudbury, MA 01776; or a charity of one’s choice. 

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Cindy Stein (standing, right), the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse’s new director of adult and senior programming, posed with regulars from the center’s Senior Lunch Program. L-r: Pat Klein, Dorothy Schlein (standing), Lee Chalek, Stein and Al Heyman.

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

12

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ JUNE 25, 2015/8 TAMMUZ 5775

NEWS IN bRIEF From JTA

Jewish family appeals ruling in case of Nazi-looted art

The family of a Jewish woman who sold a valuable painting under duress while fleeing the Nazis has appealed a decision by a U.S. judge allowing a museum in Spain to maintain possession. The family of Lilly Cassirer on June 19 appealed the ruling handed down earlier this month in the case of the 1897 painting “Rue Saint-Honore, Apres-midi, Effet de Pluie,” a Paris street scene by Camille Pissarro, which is in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid. Judge John Walter of the Los Angeles District Court of California ruled on June 4 that Spanish law applied in the case and the law did not require the painting’s return. The ruling came after a decade-long dispute over ownership. In 2005, Cassirer’s grandson Claude sued for restitution of the painting, which his German-born grandmother sold in 1939 to an art dealer for the equivalent of $360 as she was fleeing her homeland from the Nazis. Cassirer’s father-in-law, Julius, had purchased the painting from the painter. The museum does not dispute that the painting was stolen, but is fighting the lawsuit on technicalities, including international jurisdiction issues and time limitation on restitution claims. Eventually the painting was acquired by Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza in 1976 and has been displayed in Madrid since the museum opened in late 1992. It was insured for more than $10 million.

The Jewish Federation of San Diego County has agreed to be a co-plaintiff on the appeals case with the Cassirer family, according to NBC San Diego.

Reports: Israel destroys its own drone in Lebanon

Israel reportedly destroyed a downed drone in eastern Lebanon with an airstrike. The attack on June 21 was first reported by Hezbollah’s al-Manar television, according to Reuters. The French news agency AFP also reported the strike on a downed Israeli drone, citing unnamed security sources in Beirut. Israel’s military did not comment on the reports, saying it does not respond to foreign news reports.

Israel fought a war with Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006.

Palestinian negotiator calls on PLO to retract recognition of Israel

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat urged his government to retract its recognition of Israel until the Jewish

Gala

PA. Soon after her daughter, Kylee, started attending the JCC’s Jerome and Phyllis Charney Early Childhood Development Program, Goldwein became a JCC volunteer.

She joined the board in 1991 and has served as board vice president and Program Development Committee chair, and has been serving as the board’s Nominating Committee chair for more than a decade.

Kasow, a former JCC executive assistant and office manager, retired in January after more than 33 years of service. She held the same position during her entire tenure, although she increasingly took on additional responsibilities throughout her career. Because of Kasow’s knowledge of and experience with the JCC, she was often relied upon as the office’s unofficial resident historian.

state recognizes a Palestinian nation. Erekat, a Palestinian lawmaker and former chief of the steering and monitoring committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, made the recommendation in a report he submitted to government officials on June 18 about Palestinian-Israeli relations, calling for a comprehensive review of the current status quo. Titled “Determining Palestinian-Israeli relations: Changing, not merely improving, the situation,” Erekat recommended that the Palestinian leadership “consider retracting its recognition of Israel until the Israeli government issues a reciprocal recognition of a Palestinian state,” the Maan news agency reported. The PLO’s recognition of Israel paved the way to the signing of the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, which form the basis for security cooperation between Ramallah and Jerusalem and various initiatives to reach a permanent agreement. The study recommended that Ramallah reject any international call for recognizing Israel as a Jewish state and oppose the deployment of Israeli forces along the Jordan Valley as part of any peace agreement. Israeli governments have conditioned a permanent agreement on the presence of Israeli troops in the valley.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called repeatedly for the Palestinian Authority to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. The PLO must also reject any concessions to its sovereignty over eastern Jerusalem, Erekat’s report added. Erekat also suggested that efforts be made for Hamas and Islamic Jihad to join the PLO’s Executive Committee and urged the PLO and Palestinian factions to support popular resistance and the boycott of Israeli settlement products, according to the Maan report.

U.N. hypocrisy has no limits, Netanyahu says after Ban Ki-moon rebuke

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the United Nations of limitless hypocrisy after its secretarygeneral singled out Israel at a meeting on children in war zones. “This is a black day for the UN,” Netanyahu said in a late-night statement on June 18 on the remarks by Ban Kimoon concerning last year’s war in Gaza. “The Hamas terror organization is awarded immunity by the United Nations, even though it has been proven beyond any doubt that it committed war crimes by firing from hospitals, mosques and from within U.N. facilities. It turns out there is no limit to hypocrisy.” Instead of focusing on how Hamas “made hostages of Gaza’s children when it fired at Israel from preschools and dug tunnels toward Israeli preschools, the United Nations Continued from page 6

The JCC’s annual meeting and gala is considered to be the JCC’s largest and most important annual fundraiser. This year’s event proceeds, as in the past, will provide funding for scholarships to individuals in the JCC’s early childhood, after school, summer camp and senior programs.

JCC Board President Steven Sisskind said, “On behalf of the Sam Pomeranz JCC Board of Directors, we thank everyone who attended and supported our gala this year.

The wonderful generosity of our sponsors and attendees clearly demonstrates what a valuable resource the JCC is for so many in our community.”

For more information about the JCC, call 445-2360 or visit www.jccsyr.org.

has again chosen to reproach Israel,” Netanyahu said. While Ban on June 18 mentioned war zones such as Iraq, Syria and South Sudan, Israel was the only country he called on to take action to protect children in war zones. “Last year was one of the worst in recent memory for children in countries affected by conflict,” the U.N. leader said, adding that he was “deeply alarmed at the suffering of so many children as a result of Israeli military operations in Gaza last year. ...I urge Israel to take concrete and immediate steps, including by reviewing existing policies and practices, to protect and prevent the killing and maiming of children, and to respect the special protections afforded to schools and hospitals.”

Earlier in June, Ban took both Israel and Hamas off of a blacklist submitted to him by U.N. investigators of violators of children’s rights in conflict zones. Still, Ban charged that Israel had used excessive force during its 2014 war with Hamas in Gaza. Last year, Ban also condemned Hamas’ use of at least three U.N. schools for storing weapons.

Life

Continued from page 9

Thus, it is the lovers’ month. On Tuesday, God created the heavens and the Earth, and said it was good twice; so this is considered a very good day for a wedding. And first Tuesday because, “Why wait?”

Hannah later told me that she thought I was arrogant for making such plans, but when we became engaged six months later, we found that, in 1990, the first Tuesday in Elul fell on August 28; so that became our wedding date.

Several months later, we were expecting our first son on Labor Day. All of Hannah’s mother’s children were born early, so it made sense that our son would be born early. I was convinced that he would be born on August 28, and even bet on it. Joshua became our first anniversary gift. To me, my first child being born on our first anniversary represented a divine affirmation of the choice of date for our marriage.

When we moved to Syracuse, we checked out some synagogues. At Adath, it became crystal clear that this was the synagogue for us because our rabbi’s son needed a pediatric pulmonologist, my field of medical expertise.

Of course, I believe this was a guided choice.

When Joshua turned 13, the Saturday of his bar mitzvah fell on August 28. Joshua began talking about the special nature of August 28 in his life, and always considered it to be a blessed day – until August 28, 2013, when he was driving his new car to meet the family for an anniversary and birthday celebration, and had his first traffic accident. His car was damaged and the air bags deployed. Fortunately, he was unharmed. He lamented to me later that night, “I always thought August 28 was a special day, and yet this is the day I got into an awful accident.” I answered, “Things are not always as they seem at first glance.” He was puzzled. I continued, “August 28 remains your lucky day. Today, your life may have been spared; or perhaps, now you will drive much more carefully, and a future accident will be avoided as a result of your experience.”

Several years ago, we decided that some day we would like to retire to a warm place, near an ocean. We picked San Diego because it is the nicest place I have ever lived (having gone there for college) and Hannah has some family members who live there. While on vacation in San Diego in 2013, we decided to look at possible neighborhoods in which to live. We ran into a realtor who knew of a house that was not even on the market and which met every one of our “dream” criteria for a retirement home.

The only reason the realtor knew about it was that he was a synagogue friend of the owner and they had chatted about the house a few days earlier. We just happened to arrive in San Diego that week. It seemed that we were guided to this house, especially as we were the only buyers to whom it was shown in a very competitive housing market. Now that we owned a house in an ideal location, it seemed that it was time to move, rather than in 10 years. As much as I worried about leaving my patients in Syracuse, I realized that there are patients waiting in San Diego who need my help.

My hope is that this review of Bil’am’s story and some of the highlights of my family’s life journey will inspire readers to examine their own lives and realize that guidance has been and is available to every one of us. Keeping life events in perspective allows us to better understand our roles and future paths. We just need to be brave enough to follow unexpected opportunities.

We wish all of you good health and a better understanding of our relationship with the world and God, which hopefully will lead to increased wisdom and happiness.

Ran D. Anbar, M.D., is a professor of pediatrics and medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University, and founder of Center Point Medicine, in La Jolla, CA. He has directed and been involved with the Torah reading program at Temple Adath Yeshurun for the past two decades.