Syr0719 by Jewish Federation of CNY

15 TAMMUZ 5776 • JULY 21, 2016 • VOLUME XXXVII, NUMBER 14 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Neil M. Bronstein is the new chair at the Jewish Foundation of Central New York BY LINDA ALEXANDER At its annual meeting in August, the Jewish Community Foundation will be headed by a new leader, Neil M. Bronstein. He was a founding member of the Foundation 15 years ago, and has served as an active member of the board since then. His new role will take effect with his election at the Foundation’s annual meeting in August. Since its inception 15 years ago, there have only been two Foundation board chairs. Alexander E. Holstein was the founding chair and served in that position for the first seven years. Lynn H. Smith has led the organization for the past eight years. Both men remain active on the board.

Neil M. Bronstein Commenting about his upcoming role as chair, Bronstein said, “Winston Churchill once said, ‘We make a living by

what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ Our Foundation represents the best of what we have to give as it provides the means to financially sustain our future for generations to come. I am pleased and honored to assist in that endeavor.” Smith, who steps down as board chair, remains a Foundation vice president, and said, “Neil has been a catalyst for the success of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York. Our board is pleased that the growth of the Foundation in assets and support has come as rapidly as it has. The board is composed of people who have been longtime supporters of the local Jewish community and Neil exemplifies the best of us.” The board acknowledges that Bron-

stein has always been passionate about community involvement. As a native of Syracuse, he served as president of the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse and Menorah Park boards. He also served as Campaign chair of the Federation Annual Campaign and vice president of Families Against Cancer Terror. In addition, he served on the boards of the Crouse Hospital Foundation, Centerstate CEO Foundation, Menorah Park Foundation and Temple Adath Yeshurun. He also chaired the Syracuse Jewish Community Campus project. He and his wife, Jan, live in Fayetteville. They have two grown sons. The Foundation board is looking forward to continued growth under Bronstein’s leadership.

Menorah Park holds open golf tournament August 17 BY SUSIE DRAZEN An open golf tournament will be held on Wednesday, August 17, at Drumlins East. Organizers hope people will help assure that the community’s seniors are cared for by becoming a sponsor of or entering the tournament. The event will start with lunch at

11:30 am, followed by golf at 1 pm, with an awards dinner afterward. Once again, local sports and media celebrities will join the golfers. Broadcaster Doug Logan will give a preview of the upcoming Syracuse University football season and a silent auction will feature sports memorabilia provided by Grand-

Honeymoon Israel – a “Birthright” trip for married couples aged 25-40 BY BEN SALES JERUSALEM (JTA) – Jay and Mikelle sat next to each other on the bus as it ascended the road to Jerusalem. Later the same day, they accompanied each other on an emotional trip to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust museum. The next day, they planned to trek up to the desert fortress at Masada and swim together in the Dead Sea. During its week-and-a-half journey through Israel, their bus would stop so they could hike up north and relax at the beach in Tel Aviv. Some of the group had been here before; for others, it was their first time. Unlike the hundreds of Taglit-Birthright Israel buses that traverse Israel every year, there were no random hookups on this tour. The participants were couples, some with children. About a third of the participants weren’t Jewish. Called Honeymoon Israel, the trip is a “Birthright” for married couples aged 25-40. Like Birthright, the free, 10-day journeys to Israel for 18-26-year-old Jews, the couples’ excursion hopes to foster Jewish identity in its participants as they are settling down and having kids. Acknowledging the growing number of intermarried families, the trip mandates that only one of the two partners be Jewish.

“We plan on raising our household Jewish,” said Jay Belfore, a trip participant who was raised Catholic and whose wife, Mikelle, is Jewish. “In order for me to gain a better understanding of the culture, seeing Israel is important to us.” On their second date, Mikelle told Jay that she wanted to raise Jewish children. Jay said he appreciates Judaism’s emphasis on family and added the trip has given him a frame of reference for Jewish life, teaching him about the origins of holidays and customs. The couple has two children, aged 3 and 1. “My hope was that Jay would learn about Judaism on a deeper level and would feel more involved in our children’s upbringing,” Mikelle said. “Honeymoon Israel has created a safe place for couples in similar situations.” That safe place is the trip’s goal, said Honeymoon Israel co-CEO Avi Rubel, who launched the project with co-CEO Mike Wise. Families and Jewish communities at home can be judgmental of intermarried couples or those without much Jewish background, he said, and coming to Israel together allows them to have” an immersive and supportive” Jewish experience. See “Honeymoon” on page 9

stand Sports of New York City, as well as local items. Event Chair Stew Koenig said, “The 34th annual Menorah Park Open (formerly the Jewish Home Open), at Drumlins offers an excellent opportunity to contribute directly to programs, services and facilities that enrich the lives of our residents; and what a great way to help out – you can receive recognition by joining the many businesses, organizations and individuals that are sponsors; and, you can spend a great day with your friends on the course, and enjoy great food, drink and socializing.” Menorah Park of Central New York is said to be “committed to providing enjoyable, stimulating cultural and social opportunities for its residents.” However, the various services require funding. $1,000 provides a year’s worth of

Sunday resident entertainment. $750 brings Beit Tikvah residents to 10 local special events. $500 keeps the Menorah Park van running for 20 community activities. $250 covers the cost of weekly outdoor picnics at Adult Day Care. $100 serves monthly Kosher Meals on Wheels to one person. $50 provides the cost of “Happy Hour” for Menorah Park’s residents every day. Sponsorships are available at different levels. Foursomes and individual golfers will be welcome; donations of goods for door prizes and the auction have been encouraged; and everyone is welcome to attend the dinner. For details, visit www. MenorahParkofCNY.com or contact Susie Drazen, Menorah Park director of development, at sdrazen@menorahparkofcny. com or 446-9111, ext. 141.

Tzofim Friendship Caravan The Central New York Chapter of Friends of Israel Scouts announced the schedule of shows for this year’s Tzofim Friendship Caravan. The first show will be held at the Binghamton Jewish Community Center on Tuesday, July 26, at 7 pm. The second show will be held at the Utica Jewish Community Federation of the Mohawk Valley on Wednesday, July 27, at 7 pm. The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse will showcase the Tzofim Friendship Caravan on Thursday, July 28, at 7 pm. The Car-

avan’s last performance will be held at Menorah Park on Friday, July 29, at 2 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. Organizers would like to thank the Jewish Federation of Central New York, the Pomeranz, Shankman and Martin Charitable Foundation and individual donors for making the programming possible.

C A N D L E L I G H T I N G A N D P A R AS H A July 22.......................8:18 pm............................................................ Parasha-Balak July 29.......................8:11 pm........................................................ Parasha-Pinchas August 5...................8:02 pm..............................................Parasha-Mattot-Masei

INSIDE THIS ISSUE BDS and churches

The Oaks at 20

Hebrew U. is no.1

Israel supporters see challenges The Oaks at Menorah Park will Hebrew University is ranked as and successes in fighting BDS in mark its 20th anniversary with a the best university in the Middle Roaring Twenties party. Protestant churches. East by a Saudi-based center. Story on page 3 Story on page 2 Story on page 4

PLUS Bar & Bat Mitzvah Guide...6-8 Calendar Highlights............. 10 Mazel Tov................................ 10 Obituaries.......................... 10-11

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ JULY 21, 2016/15 TAMMUZ 5776

Israel supporters see successes and challenges with Protestant churches on BDS

BY SEAN SAVAGE JNS.org As support for Israel erodes in many Western countries, especially among liberals and the millennial generation, American-Christian backing for the Jewish state is considered one of the bulwarks against such trends. But not all Christians feel warmly about Israel. During the past several years, a number of leading mainline

Protestant churches – including the United Church of Christ, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., the Episcopal Church and most recently the United Methodist Church (or UMC) – have considered or voted on resolutions supporting the anti-Israel boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. In May, at the church’s quadrennial general conference in Portland, OR, UMC committees rejected four resolutions that

A MATTER OF OPINION Margot Friedlander, Holocaust survivor BY JO FRANCES (MELTZER) BROWN Jo Frances (Meltzer) Brown is the daughter of the late Benjamin and Goldye Meltzer. She lives in New York City with her husband, Arthur, and has been the director of the Himan Brown Senior Program at the 92nd Street Y since 1996. She wrote this article about Margot Friedlander, who is invited all around Germany to give readings in schools, organizations and other groups, as well as to participate in memorial services and other big events. She has received the most distinguished decoration from the German president for her work. In 2007, Margot Friedlander shared with me her intention to return permanently to Berlin. Born there in 1921, she survived 15 months in hiding, from 1943-44, living underground in Berlin after her family was exterminated in Auschwitz and Berlin was in ruins. (She was picked up and then survived the Holocaust in Theresienstadt.) At liberation, she married and began a new life with her new husband, Adolph (Eddie), in a displaced persons camp before moving to New York in 1946. Her husband subsequently became the controller of the 92nd Street Y, then assistant executive director for administration, and worked there for close to 30 years. After his death in 1997, Margot found a home in the 92nd Street Y senior center, where she was encouraged to take a writing class to tell her story and participate in Steven Spielberg’s “Shoah Project.” Many who knew her did not believe her plan to return to Berlin and were rather critical of her decision to do so. A pragmatist, she made repeated visits there between 2003-08, established a phenomenal network of supportive friends and ultimately made the move in 2009. Her prize-winning memoir, which had its origins in a writing class in the 92Y’s senior program, is now in its eighth printing, and was awarded the “Einhard-Preis zu Seligenstadt” for best biography or autobiography in 2008. At Margot’s farewell party, my husband, Arthur, and I promised that we would visit her in Germany. Our June 2012 journey was followed by a second trip in April 2016. In between, Margot made her last visit to New York City in

2014, where her memoir, “Versuche, dein Leben zu machen Als Judin versteckt” was published in Berlin. It has been newly translated as “Try to Make Your Life – a Jewish Girl in Hiding in Nazi Berlin” and was launched at a festive event at the 92nd Street Y where it all began. Margot first returned to Berlin in 2003, after 57 years in New York City, much as Linda and Steven Alexander and so many thousands of other natives have done at the invitation of the Berlin government. Her return was the subject of a documentary film, “Don’t Call it Heimweh” (roughly translated: “Don’t Call it Nostalgia”) by Thomas Halaczinsky in 2004, which people may have seen at one of the many Jewish film festivals. The takeaway, for those who cannot imagine visiting Germany, where the suffering and loss of humanity are impossible to fathom – let alone calculate – is to overcome your resistance and visit this amazing city with a conscience – a place where a rebirth of life and culture, and a willingness to confront its past and embrace our friend, whose mission is teaching this painful history so as it is never repeated. Visitors are encouraged to see the Stiftung Neue Synagoge Berlin, where 3,000 members prayed and where Jews once again daven, and notice the stolperstein (small brass Holocaust memorial plaques or tripping stones) lodged in the sidewalks where Jews once lived. This is a city where Friedlander’s odyssey continues and so many others have had a rebirth. Tourists should visit the House of the Wannsee Conference, the Memorial and Educational Site, opened in 2006 with its permanent exhibition. The chilling history includes the story of the Judischer Kulturbund, the Cultural Federation of German Jews, where both Friedlander and her husband worked in the 1930s – she in costume design and he as its administrator. Visitors should then follow up with a visit to the nearby Liebermann-Villa in Wannsee and take in some of the secular life of Berlin, attend an opera or concert, visit the Reichstag Building and lunch at the Kafer Restaurant. Take in the history and the panoramas from the roof. Don’t forget to shop the flea market, see Museum Island’s Neues Museum for the spectacular Nefertiti in all her glory and shop at KaDeWe, Berlin’s answer to Harrods.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letter of thanks to the Syracuse Jewish community To the community: Ever since we learned of the death of our beloved son, Jacob, in May, we have had such an incredible outpouring of support from the entire Jewish community. It feels like being enveloped in a blanket of

love, and that is very comforting. We are so grateful to everyone. Thank you, all, from the bottom of our hearts. Sincerely, Debbie and Herb Goldman Fayetteville, NY

called for divestment from companies doing business in Israel, such as Caterpillar, Motorola Solutions and Hewlett Packard. “What happened at the UMC’s general conference is a miracle,” Dexter Van Zile, a Christian media analyst for the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America, told JNS.org. Van Zile praised the Methodist delegates for going a step further in their decision by voting to encourage UMC institutions “to disaffiliate with the U.S. Committee to End the Occupation, a far-left anti-Israel agitprop organization that includes International Solidarity Movement groups that condone violence against Israel and others that agitate for Israel’s destruction. “These decisions place the UMC on a separate planet when it comes to dealing with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” Van Zile said. “On this planet, the adults are firmly in charge. These days, that’s pretty rare.” Ethan Felson, executive director of the Israel Action Network, a strategic initiative of the Jewish Federations of North America and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, said the UMC’s vote highlights the benefits of liberals and conservatives working together. “IAN applauds the strong stance of the United Methodist Church general convention in rejecting divestment by a sweeping margin both at the committee and plenary level. Liberals and conservatives came together to reject divestment and investment screens at the general convention,” Felson told JNS.org. While the Methodist Church’s rejection of BDS – and a similar rejection by the Episcopal Church at its general convention in 2015 – mark positive developments for pro-Israel advocates, there remains a broader challenge to win over more support from other mainline Protestant churches. Presbyterian Church U.S.A. and the United Church of Christ voted to divest from companies doing business in Israel in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Michael Gizzi, a professor of criminal justice at Illinois State University who serves as a ruling elder in PCUSA, told JNS.org that most Presbyterians were not well-informed about the church’s 2014 divestment vote.

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“I think the average Presbyterian in the pews has little understanding of the vote to divest from Caterpillar, HP or Motorola. In general, Presbyterians are driven by concern for social justice and the plight of Palestinians certainly appeals to them,” Gizzi said. “Yet I’d argue that the majority of Presbyterians are really uncertain as to what the church has done,” he said. “The church’s actions haven’t had any impact, which is for sure, except to shut it out of the ability to influence.” In June, PCUSA planned to another national gathering in Portland, where the church was to again vote on issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Among the resolutions the church was considering is a report on the viability of the two-state solution that was prepared by a group called the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy. “This report suggests that the two-state solution may no longer be a viable way to bring an end to Israel-Palestinian conflict, and that this reality is mostly Israel’s fault. The text, which is 56 pages in length, goes into great detail as to what Israel has allegedly done wrong without assessing in detail the misdeeds of Palestinian leaders,” CAMERA’s Van Zile said. Gizzi believes the Presbyterian church’s moves largely stem from its adherents’ lack of understanding about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, rather than from antisemitic views. “I firmly believe that there are a core group of supporters for BDS who have ideological blinders on. They see one issue, and one issue only – justice for Palestinians. Some of those folks are very much anti-Zionists, and some of them have said and done things which are antisemitic,” Gizzi said. “But the vast majority of people who follow them really do so for less nefarious reasons,” he said. “I truly believe many of the people who say, ‘Yes, let’s take a stance, and do something to try to help Palestinians,’are genuine, yet have very little understanding of the real underlying motivations of BDS.” Gizzi is a member of Presbyterians for Middle East Peace, a group that tries to See “BDS” on page 9

All articles, announcements and photographs must be received by noon Wednesday, 15 days prior to publication date. Articles must be typed, double spaced and include the name of a contact person and a daytime telephone number. E-mail submissions are encouraged and may be sent to JewishObserverCNY@gmail.com. The Jewish Observer reserves the right to edit any copy. Signed letters to the editor are welcomed: they should not exceed 250 words. Names will be withheld at the discretion of the editor. All material in this newspaper has been copyrighted and is exclusive property of the Jewish Observer and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Views and opinions expressed by our writers, columnists, advertisers and by our readers do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s and editors’ points of view, nor that of the Jewish Federation of Central New York. The newspaper reserves the right to cancel any advertisements at any time. This newspaper is not liable for the content of any errors appearing in the advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied. The advertiser assumes responsibility for errors in telephone orders. The Jewish Observer does not assume responsibility for the kashrut of any product or service advertised in this paper. THE JEWISH OBSERVER OF CENTRAL NEW YORK (USPS 000939) (ISSN 1079-9842) Publications Periodical postage paid at Syracuse, NY and other offices. Published 24 times per year by the Jewish Federation of Central New York Inc., a non-profit corporation, 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt, NY 13214. Subscriptions: $36/year; student $10/ year. POST MASTER: Send address change to JEWISH OBSERVER OF CENTRAL NEW YORK, 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt, NY 13214.

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AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK Rabbi Evan Shore received the Roth Award for Outstanding Community Leadership The Jewish Federation of Central New York held its 98th annual meeting jointly with the Syracuse Hebrew Day School and the Rabbi Jacob Epstein School of Jewish Studies on June 8 in the Anne and Hy Miller Auditorium at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse. Board Chair Ruth Stein presided

over the meeting and Federation’s Board of Directors was elected. The meeting’s sponsor was First Niagara Bank. The 2016 Esther and Joseph Roth Award for Outstanding Jewish Community Leadership was presented to Rabbi Evan S. Shore for his service to the Syracuse Jewish community.

The Oaks at Menorah Park will celebrate its 20th anniversary BY JUDY SCHMID The Oaks at Menorah Park will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a Roaring Twenties-themed fund-raising party on Wednesday, September 14, from 6:30-8:30 pm. Menorah Park Director of Development Susie Drazen said, “We’re asking community members who had loved ones reside at The Oaks at any time during its 20 years to contact us so we can include you in our official

invitation mailing. We’ll have cabaret-style jazz music from the 1920s, great hors d’oeuvres, a wine bar and decadent desserts. We’re also encouraging celebrants to dress in 1920s attire to add to the fun!” To receive an invitation, call Drazen at 446-9111, ext. 141, by July 28. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, and sponsors will be honored with a wall plaque.

L-r: Jewish Federation of Central New York President/ CEO Linda Alexander, JFCNY Board Chair Ruth Stein and Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse Rabbi Evan Shore. Rabbi Shore received the 2016 Esther and Joseph Roth Award for Outstanding Jewish Community Leadership.

JCC summer camp underway BY WILLIAM WALLAK The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse began its Camp Rishon summer day camp for hundreds of children on June 27. The camp offers programs for preschool students, school-age children and teenagers. Every day, the campers have opportunities to interact with peers, make new friends and participate in activities.

The campers go swimming and are kept active every day. The JCC’s Early Childhood Camp is open to children from 6 weeks-5 years old, while the school-age camp is for children entering first-sixth grade. The SyraCruisin’ Teen Travel Camp accommodates teenagers entering seventh-10th grade. Enrollment for the JCC’s camps is weekly, with the base camp day running from 9 am-4 pm. Early

At left: School-age campers assembled on the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse’s front lawn for the opening circle to kick off Camp Rishon on June 27.

Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior dining menu JULY 25-29 Monday – dinner at 5 pm– salmon with hoisin sauce Tuesday – baked ziti Wednesday – tuna wrap Thursday – honey glazed baked chicken Friday – brisket AUGUST 1-5 Monday-Friday – TBA The Bobbi Epstein Lewis JCC Senior Adult Dining Program at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse offers Va’ad Ha’ir-supervised kosher lunches served Tuesday-Friday at noon. Dinners are served on Monday at 5 pm throughout the

summer, thanks in part to the Dr. Morton and Mrs. Libby Maloff Summer Senior Dinner program. Reservations for dinner are required by the Wednesday before each dinner. Lunch reservations are required by noon on the previous business day. There is a suggested contribution per meal. The menu is subject to change. The program is funded by a grant from the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth and the New York State Office for the Aging, with additional funds provided by the JCC. To attend, one need not be Jewish or a member of the JCC. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Cindy Stein at 445-2360, ext. 104, or cstein@jccsyr.org.

and late care options are available for all campers, allowing each camp day to be extended from 7 am-6 pm for the Early Childhood Camp and the School-age children, and from 7:30 am-6 pm for SyraCruisin’ Camps. Summer camp at the JCC this year runs through Friday, August 19. There are still vacancies at the JCC’s summer camps and registration will continue throughout the summer. Current JCC membership is not necessary for enrollment in Camp Rishon; however, JCC members receive discounted camp rates. For more information about the JCC’s 2015 Camp Rishon, or to request the camp program guide, call 4452360 or visit www.jccsyr.org.

Oaks concert

The Oaks will host a free concert by the Rovit Trebicka Trio on Sunday, August 21, at 7 pm. Dessert and beverages will be served. For more information, contact The Oaks at 449-3309.

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THE JCC, CONG. BETH SHOLOM & TEMPLE CONCORD, GLADLY ACCEPT DONATED VEHICLES THRU C*A*R*S (a locally owned Manlius company) “giving to your own”

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With heads bowed, we sadly acknowledge the passing of our dear friend, former Trustee and Treasurer, Michael Walzer, z”l. As a member of the ICRF Board of Trustees for many, many years, Michael also served as Treasurer and was a generous champion of the fight against cancer being waged by brilliant Israeli scientists. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten by us. May his memory be for a blessing. Brad Goldhar, President Kenneth E. Goodman, Chairman Eric G. Heffler, National Executive Director Israel Cancer Research Fund

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ JULY 21, 2016/15 TAMMUZ 5776

CONGREGATIONAL NOTES Temple Concord TEMPLE CONCORD’S JULY CINEMAGOGUE Temple Concord will present the film “Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem” on Tuesday, July 26, at 7:30 pm. The showing will be free and open to the community. Each month, Temple Concord shows a film to help “broaden exposure to global Jewish culture, Jewish issues and Jewish comedy.” The film, starring Ronit Elkabetz, was released in 2015. In Israel there is neither civil marriage nor divorce: only rabbis can legalize a marriage or its dissolution, which is only possible with the husband’s full consent. The story is about VivianeAmsalem, who has been applying for a divorce for three

years. Her husband, Elisha (Simon Ebkarian, of “Casino Royale” and “Persepolis”), refuses to grant it. The resulting impasse shapes this tragedy tinged with absurdity. SHABBAT IN MILL RUN PARK Temple Concord will hold a Shabbatin-the-Park event on Friday, July 29, in the village of Manlius at Mill Run Park. The summer events are held every other week and are open to the community. Services start at 6 pm and are followed by a cookout picnic meal. Reservations are requested for the meal to assure there will be plenty of food for all. There is a cost to attend, with a family maximum. To make a reservation, call the TC office at 475-9952 or e-mail carrie@templeconcord.org.

Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation SIMPLY TSFAT Simply Tsfat, a trio of Breslev Chasidic Israeli string musicians, attracted a large audience drawn widely from the local Jewish community for their latest Syracuse appearance, held at Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse. As in

their previous appearances, their concert featured a variety of musical genres, from klezmer to bluegrass. It even included an Irish jig, as well as many of their own renditions of Chasidic and liturgical tunes. Audience members were reported to be dancing in the aisles.

The Simply Tsfat ensemble performed at Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse. It included Jonathan Lipschitz on violin, Yonatan Tzarum on flamenco guitar and Elayhu Reiter on guitar. (Picture courtesy of Robert Shprintzen)

Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas CBS-CS HONORS TWO HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS BY KAREN MORTON For the last 15 years, Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas has awarded qualifying high school seniors the Gus Pearlman Memorial Award, established in 2000 in his memory by his widow, Alice. This year, following Alice’s death on April 10, the award’s name was changed to the Dr. Gustave and Alice Pearlman Award. The newly-named award was given to Ian Beckman and Sarah Young during the congregation’s annual “Moving Up Shabbat,” held this year on June 18. The service honors all of the congregation’s graduating high school seniors. The fund exists to promote the values of Jewish education, synagogue involvement and leadership, all values the Pearlmans are said to have held. The award recognizes high school seniors who have reportedly made “outstanding contributions to Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas and Jewish community life, and whose character, commitment and love of Torah reflect the Pearlmans’ spirits and values.” As the CBS-CS ba’al koreh and Torah teacher for 25 years, Gus read Torah and he welcomed everyone to “approach, study, explore and love” Torah. It was considered “common knowledge” that even his young students felt his respect for their questions and points of view as he taught them. Alice is said to have “lived her faith” by participating in almost every aspect of synagogue and Jewish community life. Dedicated to education and young people, she was thought of as “modern in her own way: forward-looking, flexible and inclusive.” She was a role model and teacher,

Ian Beckman

Sarah Young

and supported students and families as Gus prepared them for ritual participation. In addition to demonstrating the award’s standards of character and commitment, both of this year’s awardees have met special award criteria: reading Torah and participating in services; United Synagogue Youth involvement and teaching Sunday school, and participating in advanced Jewish studies and community mitzvah activity. Each nominee for the award must detail his or her involvement in Jewish life and write a short essay about the importance of Judaism to them. Young reportedly demonstrated leadership in all areas celebrated by the award, and “actualized its principles within and beyond the Jewish community” by integrating Jewish thought and ethics into her passion for social activism. In her essay, she said, “Learning Jewish law and text with the other participants on my [Jewish summer] program [traveling around the country learning history, politics and social activism; meeting with leaders of many different political organizations], I have figured out how Judaism fits into my political and everyday beliefs; and I See “CBS-CS” on page 5

Temple Adath Yeshurun

Saudi-based center ranks Hebrew U. number one in Mideast, 26th in world

(JTA) – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem was ranked as the best university in the Middle East, according to the Center for World University Rankings based in Saudi Arabia. The center also ranked the university 26th among more than 25,000 degree-conferring universities from all around the world, it announced in a statement on July 11. Other Israeli universities to finish in the top 100 were the Weizmann Institute of Science at 41, and Tel Aviv University at 81, according to The Jerusalem Post. Among the factors considered in rating the world’s top 1,000 universities were quality of education and faculty; Hebrew University placed 16th and 15th, respectively. Other categories were alumni

employment, publications, influence, citations, broad impact and patents. The top 10 schools were all either from the United States or the United Kingdom, with Harvard ranked first, followed by Stanford, MIT, Cambridge, Oxford, Columbia, the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Chicago, Princeton and Yale. U.S. News and World Report ranked Hebrew University 159th in its 2015 world rankings, second in Israel behind the Weizmann Institute. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, founded in 1918, is said to produce onethird of all civilian research in Israel. Sponsored: “Why Be Jewish?” Edgar Bronfman’s clarion call to a generation of secular, disaffected and unaffiliated Jews.

L-r: Rabbi Paul S. Drazen, Rabbi Daniel Pressman and Temple Adath Yeshurun Co-Presidents Howard M. Weinstein and Chaim J. Jaffe led the congregational vows during the installation of Rabbi Drazen on June 26 at Temple Adath Yeshurun. (Photo by Sonali Y. Wijesuriya)

To advertise in our upcoming Senior Living special ad section, please contact Bonnie Rozen at 800-779-7896, ext. 244 or bonnie@thereportergroup.org. Issue Date: August 18 Ad Deadline: August 10 L-r: Phil and Joan Schuls, Dinah Losurdo, Iris Evans, Sue Gordon and Cindy Goldstein, and approximately 30 other members of TAY Hazak, attended a performance of “West Side Story” at the Cortland Repertory Theatre on July 6. For more information about Hazak, contact JoAnn Grower at hazak@adath.org.

JULY 21, 2016/15 TAMMUZ 5776 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

Epstein School graduates five students with siyyum (completion) A siyyum, or celebration, of learning was held for the completion of the school year at the Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein School of Jewish Studies. It was held on May 17 at this year’s host site for the school, Temple Concord. Five students graduated. As school director, Cantor Paula Pepperstone said, “I’m so proud to have been able to work with our new and not-so-new faculty and to watch our students grow.” Graduating seniors included Ian Beckman, an Epstein student for six years who graduated with Hebrew honors; Paul Cohen, who graduated with one year of attendance; Avery Dibble and Silas PearlFrank, who have each attended Epstein classes for three years; and Sarah Young, a five-year Epstein student. In addition, tribute was paid to Gaye

Mease, who has been with the school for 26 years. Local congregational rabbis shared the responsibility of teaching parasha hashavuah (the weekly Torah portion) to the ninth-grade class. Other classes included “The Answer is Really the Question,” which explored traditional Jewish texts, and was taught by Robert Tornberg; middot/Jewish values, taught by Maria Carson; and “Reaching Toward our Roots, Seeing Ourselves” taught by Ora Jezer. Elective classes included Hebrew; exploring “the unlikely heroes” of Esther, Jonah and Job; and experiencing and exploring a variety of Jewish art forms. Teachers included Cantor Kari Siegel Eglash, Sam Gruber, Ryan Howlett, Jezer, Beth MacCrindle, Cantor Robert

At left, l-r: Epstein graduates Ian Beckman, Silas Pearl-Frank and Avery Dibble. (Not pictured: Paul Cohen and Sarah Young)

Lieberman, Sarah Saulson and Tornberg. The Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein School of Jewish Studies is supported financially by the Jewish Federation of Central New York and four synagogues, Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse, Temple Adath Yeshurun and Temple Concord;

Jewish congregations; and tuition from each of the students’ families. The program also listed numerous donors and grantors who have provided funding and services throughout the school year. For more information about the school and its curriculum, contact Pepperstone at 766-0442, or at epsteincny@gmail.com.

Members of the seventh grade at the Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein School of Jewish Studies finished their presentations. L-r: Kara Meltzer, Ryan Hinshaw, Peri Lowenstein, Elise Beckman and Kyla Cooper.

Menorah Park’s Shining Star event a success

At right, l-r: Members of the ninth-grade class Ella Wilson, Emma Clardy and Shir Juran.

Thou Shalt Ride

Menorah Park’s annual Shining Stars event on May 26 was judged “a success” by organizers, with more than $35,000 raised to support its programs and activities. Standing (l-r): Co-chair Robin Sisskind, Joe Layou, Sid Lipton, Marva Reddock, Rabbi Evan Shore, Joe Vespi, Amy Correia, Shirley Jacobs, Beth Beach and Cochair Steven Sisskind. Seated: Sherwin Glazer and Shirley Klein.

Members of Thou Shalt Ride (Central New York) and Hillel’s Angels (New Jersey) met at the Roscoe Diner for lunch on June 26. Thou Shalt Ride is a fairly new Central New York motorcycle club affiliated with the Jewish Motorcycle Alliance. The club’s goals include fellowship, scenic rides and support for Holocaust education. For more club information, contact Joel Stein at airmail13220@gmail.com.

CBS-CS

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found that they influence my ideologies in a very profound way. These experiences, and many others I’ve been afforded as part of the Jewish community, have made me who I am today.” Her leadership of the School Gender and Sexuality Alliance and board seat on the New York Civil Liberties Union represent the expansion of Jewish values she exemplified through continuous participation in services, reading Torah, leading USY, continuing her Jewish education, teaching Sunday school and performing mitzvot. Beckman has participated in Jewish life fully since his bar mitzvah, including conducting services, reading Torah, participating in USY, teaching Sunday school, participating in advanced Jewish studies, volunteering for Jewish Federation of Central New York fund-raising and the Jewish

Community Foundation of Central New York teen funders program, and acting as student representative to the Rabbi Jacob Epstein School of Jewish Studies board. Beckman’s essay was said to convey “the connection he feels with Judaism based on shared lineage with Judaism’s ancestors.” He described how many “competing forces tug at adolescents” in today’s secular culture, and how his connection with Judaism grounds him. In his essay, he said, “This shared history allows me to do things I otherwise would not think to do. It leads me to places I might not have gone... I have teachers – sages... to teach me on my journey through life.” The CBS-CS community is said to be “committed to sustaining the fund that supports the award honoring Gus and Alice by perpetuating their values into the future.”

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ JULY 21, 2016/15 TAMMUZ 5776

How not to plan a bar mitzvah in 13 easy steps BY STEPHANIE LEWIS (Kveller via JTA) – By the time our fifth child was nearing the age for his bar mitzvah – Judaism’s traditional rite of passage – we decided to search for a more meaningful and less materialistic experience than our other four children had. You know, the synagogue ceremony (which many showed up late for or skipped altogether) followed by the huge dining/dancing affair (which put my large Jewish wedding to shame) in a social hall. If this alternate idea sounds intriguing and

you’re also looking to accomplish a similar goal, just follow these 13 simple steps. 1. Announce to your child that Israel is a great place to celebrate and begin to get the whole family excited about traveling there. Pour your energies into researching great tour guides and finding the rabbi to officiate at this faraway, exotic simcha (happy occasion). 2. Suddenly realize that many guests, close friends and family will not be able to attend, mainly due to travel costs, time constraints and health concerns. Imagine

your Grandma Ethel’s phone call. “What’s this? Just because I’m afraid to fly, I should miss out on my little Jakele’s big day? Not having a great-grandmother there? Whoever heard of such a thing?!” 3. Begin to brainstorm an additional uncomplicated, fun and affordable way to commemorate the actual day your child turns 13. Decide on a lovely (but free!) get-together in a local park because you won’t have much cash due to the upcoming Israel trip. See “Steps” on page 8

Guests dancing at a bar mitzvah party. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Planning timetable

AT BIRTH: When the child is born start saving! Only joking. But if you can, it’s not a bad idea to start a “bar/bat mitzvah club” savings account. If you don’t use it, put it toward college. 1-3 YEARS AHEAD: ❐ Set bar/bat mitzvah date ❐ Set a budget ❐ Reserve synagogue hall for kiddush ❐ Reserve hall for additional receptions ❐ Arrange for caterer/part y planner and band/music for occasion (if desired) ❐ Buy a loose-leaf binder with dividers, or start a filing system for keeping business cards, estimates, notes, lists, etc. 10-12 MONTHS AHEAD: ❐ Begin bar/bat mitzvah lessons ❐ Begin attending weekly Shabbat services ❐ Arrange for photographer and/or video ❐ Book hotel accommodations and investigate transportation for out-of-town guests 6 MONTHS AHEAD: ❐ Plan color scheme and/or theme ❐ Arrange for florist and/or decorations’ coordinator ❐ Make guest list 4-5 MONTHS AHEAD: ❐ Order invitations, thank you notes, imprinted napkins and personalized party favors ❐ Shop for clothing and shoes ❐ Purchase tallit, tefillin, etc. ❐ Choose a calligrapher, if desired 3 MONTHS AHEAD: ❐ Plan Sunday brunch (if applicable) ❐ Order printed yarmulkas, if desired

2 MONTHS AHEAD: ❐ Meet with photographer ❐ Meet with florist and/or decorations’ coordinator ❐ Mail out-of-town invitations 6 WEEKS AHEAD: ❐ Order tuxedos (if applicable) ❐ Take care of clothing alterations ❐ Order wine for kiddush ❐ Mail in-town invitations 4 WEEKS AHEAD: ❐ Prepare bar/bat mitzvah speech ❐ Finalize hotel reser vations and transportation ❐ Meet with caterer(s) ❐ Make up welcome gifts for out-of-town guests (if desired) ❐ Arrange aliyot ❐ Send honorary gift to synagogue ❐ Meet with rabbi ❐ Make up seating charts for reception 2 WEEKS AHEAD: ❐ Give final count to caterer ❐ Check with florist and/or decorations’ coordinator ❐ Meet with rabbi ❐ Order bar/bat mitzvah cake, cookies, pastries for Friday night oneg A few days ahead: ❐ Have bar/bat mitzvah rehearsal and take bima photographs ❐ Xerox copies of speeches, room and table layout, etc. and give them to a friend to hold or drop off at synagogue and reception hall, in case you forget to bring your copies that day. SPECIAL DAY: ❐ Prepare to enjoy your simcha!

JULY 21, 2016/15 TAMMUZ 5776 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

Jewish teens’ special day doesn’t need to clash with special needs BY MAAYAN JAFFE JNS.org “It was a day filled with light, joy and hope,” says Adina Levitan, recalling the bar mitzvah of one of her favorite Camp HASC students. The New York-based camp, which each summer serves more than 300 children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities, provides 13-yearold boys with summer birthdays the chance to study for and celebrate their bar mitzvahs on premises. Levitan worked with many of the students, including a young man with Down syndrome whose name she chose not to disclose. She says the man’s counselors helped him prepare for the big day by teaching him to put on tefillin and working with him to say several Jewish blessings. “It was a very special day… His simcha (happy occasion) was all of our simcha,” Levitan tells JNS.org. Levitan’s experience is becoming more common, as the Jewish community strives to welcome, include and serve anyone regardless of race, affiliation, ability or disability. Yet a recent poll by RespectAbility and Jerusalem University found that, time and again, the Jewish community still shuts its doors to people with disabilities. According to the study, people with disabilities are dramatically under-represented within the ranks of engaged Jews, with 20 percent of respondents indicating they are unable to participate in Jewish life because of their disability. “A person’s bar or bat mitzvah is one of the most important moments in their Jewish lives,” says Jay Ruderman, president of the Boston-based Ruderman Family Foundation, which promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities. “It is a rite of passage that should not be denied to any Jewish child, regardless of their abilities. I would like to see every synagogue in North America commit to providing a bar or bat mitzvah to any Jewish child who wants one. This would be a huge statement by the Jewish community that every Jewish child is valued equally in our society.” More often than not, according to Cantor Steven Stoehr, it’s not that synagogues don’t want to include individuals with disabilities, but rather that they aren’t aware of the need to do so or how to meet that need. Three years ago, Stoehr’s synagogue, Beth Shalom in Northbrook, IL, was approached about Rosh Hashanah programming for people with special needs. “We did some research. Nothing was going on at our synagogue or even in the area. So we created something,” Stoehr tells JNS.org. Stoehr reached out to national resources to pull the programming together. Ultimately, this process led to the creation of a Rosh Hashanah machzor (High Holidays prayer book) for people with disabilities, and subsequently Chanukah, Purim, Passover and Shabbat experiences. Finally, Beth Shalom founded Healthy Understanding and Growing Space (HUGS), a program that caters to children and teens at four Chicago

The Israeli Independence day (Yom Ha’atzmaut) program of Gesher LaTorah, a Baltimore-based organization that uses a multi-sensory approach to convey Jewish lessons to individuals with special needs. (Photo courtesy of Gesher LaTorah) synagogues. Stoehr says since his synagogue has by now hosted about half a dozen special needs bar or bat mitzvot. “We had one boy with cerebral palsy who could not stand or sit, but his cognitive self was intact. We had a very moving service,” Stoehr says. At that service, Beth Shalom moved the Torah scroll to a low table on the main floor and allowed the boy to read lying down. The congregation, recalls Stoehr, was brought to tears. In Boston, two organizations serving people with disabilities merged 10 years ago to form Gateways, with funding from the Ruderman Family Foundation. Gateways’ B’nei Mitzvah Program prepares students with special needs for their bar/bat mitzvah with a combination of individual tutoring, classroom activities and a weekly prayer service. Gateways’ executive director, Arlene Remz, tells JNS.org that the program uses a combination of new technologies and evidence-based practices to prepare teens with moderate to severe disabilities for their big day. Gateways developed a Hebrew reading program based on mnemonic devices, through which several youths have learned to read Hebrew and eventually decode their Torah portions. The system includes an adapted trope (cantillation marks). According to Remz, there are students who could not read English who have learned to read Hebrew through the program. A similar program to Gateways, Gesher LaTorah, exists in Baltimore through the Macks Center for Jewish

Education. Gesher LaTorah’s director, Rachel Turniansky, says she and her staff use a multi-sensory approach to convey Jewish lessons. The common thread between the organizations’ different programs is their role in creating a place in the Jewish community for these youths. “Judaism is not a solitary act,” says Remz. “But Judaism is not only about creating a Jewish community, it is to be part of a community of Jewish peers.” Remz explains that many families with children with disabilities feel isolated – or isolate themselves – from the Jewish community because they feel unwelcome or unaccommodated. “The first closed door may be the last door. If a family does not feel welcome in synagogue or doesn’t feel welcome in a Jewish school, it is possible they will never get engaged in the Jewish community,” Remz tells JNS.org. “By opening doors – and gates – we are able to bring families in so they can better celebrate their Judaism individually, as a family and as a part of the larger community.” Shara Gilbert lives in Efrat, Israel, and sends her son Yosef, who struggles with autism and several learning difficulties, to a special needs school in Gush Etzion. He marked his bar mitzvah in February 2015. Shara says her family opted for a Thursday-morning ceremony at a minyan Yosef has been attending with his father for many years, to make the experience less overwhelming for her son than a large Shabbat-morning bar mitzvah. Yosef only invited select friends and family members, which also made him more comfortable. “There was no party, just a small brunch with family and friends, some music – very chill,” Shara says, noting See “Day” on page 8

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ JULY 21, 2016/15 TAMMUZ 5776

Upcoming b’nai mitzvah, August 1, 2016-July 31, 2017 All dates were provided by local synagogues and are current as of publication date. They occur on the Saturday of Shabbat unless otherwise indicated. September 3, 2016 ..................................... Peri Lowenstein.........................................Lon and Joan Lowenstein....................................................................................................... TAY Alana Jacowitz Larry................................Jacowitz and Danielle Masursky...............................................................................................TC September 10, 2016..................................... Noah Adler................................................Jonathan and Kate Adler............................................................................................................TC September 17, 2016..................................... Seth Bailey.................................................Daniel and Dori Bailey..............................................................................................................TC October 15, 2016......................................... Pam Horowitz............................................Harold and Laurie Horowitz................................................................................................... TAY October 22, 2016......................................... Tobey Schulman.......................................Jeff Schulman and Melissa Romano..................................................................................... TAY October 29, 2016......................................... Ryan Hinshaw...........................................David Hinshaw and Mindy Epstein-Hinshaw..................................................................... TAY November 5, 2016....................................... Keenan Brodey..........................................Mitchell and Wyny Brodey.................................................................................................... TAY Ella Brodey.................................................Mitchell and Wyny Brodey.................................................................................................... TAY November 12, 2016..................................... Jack Wells...................................................Steven and Pamela Wells.................................................................................................. CBS-CS Hannah Goldberg....................................Robert and Dafna Goldberg.................................................................................................. TAY December 3, 2016....................................... Chloe Smeader..........................................Melissa Cohen......................................................................................................................... TAY Evelyn Fay..................................................Brian and Stephanie Fay............................................................................................................TC December 31, 2016..................................... Nora Wilson..............................................Patrick and Stevi Wilson............................................................................................................TC January 14, 2017.......................................... Matthew Malec.........................................John and Amy Malec............................................................................................................. TAY April 1, 2017................................................ Zachary Cordero.......................................Jeffrey and Lisa Joseph............................................................................................................ TAY Jack Satterlee..............................................David and Jennifer Satterlee......................................................................................................TC April 22, 2017.............................................. Madeleine David.......................................Jo David and Raam David.........................................................................................................TC April 29, 2017.............................................. Samuel Kruth.............................................Stacey and Karen Kruth.......................................................................................................... TAY Henia Zames.............................................Mark and Phyllis Zames............................................................................................................TC May 20, 2017............................................... Emma Kobasa............................................Elizabeth and Daniel Kobasa........................................................................................... CBS-CS Noah Coelho............................................Rick and Erin Coelho.............................................................................................................. TAY Max Newman...........................................Leonard Newman and Nancy Lipsitt........................................................................................TC May 27, 2017............................................... 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Day that her son managed to learn the four p’sukim (verses) of the Torah portion’s second aliyah for his big day. She says she and her husband asked several halachic (Jewish legal) questions as Yosef prepared to come of age, such as whether he will count for a minyan of 10 men and whether he will be required to stringently observe mitzvot. “They asked me, ‘Does he understand?’ If he understands, then he is required to do [the mitzvot],” Shara says. Isabel Sturman of Portland, OR – who harnessed a similar can-do attitude to ensure that her daughter, Hannah,

Continued from page 7

had a bat mitzvah service six years ago – tells JNS.org, “I don’t care what abilities or disabilities your child has, [he/ she] can do it.” Hannah, who suffers from an intellectual disability and is nonverbal, used a communication device to recite parts of that day’s liturgy. She also recruited several family members and friends to take part in the ceremony. “It was not only a gift they were giving to her by being part of her service… She gave a gift to them by allowing them to help her become a bat mitzvah,” Isabel recalls. “You need to allow yourself to think outside of the

box,” says Gesher LaTorah’s Turniansky, addressing her comments to congregational schools and synagogues. “Not everyone fits the model. If a school, the rabbi, the community are open to thinking creatively, it can work – for any student… And it can be not the end, but just the beginning, of the child’s Jewish journey.” Maayan Jaffe is senior writer/editor for Netsmart (ntst. com) and an Overland Park-based freelance writer. Reach her at maayanjaffe@icloud.com or follow her on Twitter, @MaayanJaffe.

Steps 4. Realize that the summer date will be hot and you’ll need to provide shade. Rent canopies. 5. Do you expect Grandma Ethel to sit on a swing or in the sandbox? What kind of person are you? Rent folding chairs. 6. Since this is a casual gathering, handwrite “please bring a dish to share” on your invitations. Become aware of how tacky this is after you hang up with Grandma Ethel. Change to “please bring a canned item to donate for homeless shelters, which is our child’s mitzvah project.” Hire a caterer. 7. Conclude that cellphones don’t take the best quality photos. Uncle Louie, the family photography buff, offers to take pictures for you, but honestly (according to Grandma Ethel) shouldn’t her son who works so hard all week be allowed to enjoy himself as a regular guest? Consider hiring a college student (earning a degree in filmography), but worry about her not being Jewish – she’ll overlook all the traditional shots. Hire a professional photographer who has done many bar mitzvahs and knows how to pose your child with the Torah.

Continued from page 6

8. A Torah! You need one. Your local rabbi states that under no circumstances will he bring the holy scroll to a park. Switch the entire simple gathering to your synagogue. 9. Synagogues are serious places and friends who thought they were coming to a park are anticipating their young children playing on slides and teeter-totters. Hire a magician to keep them occupied. 10. Why should all the bored teenagers be kvetching? Rent a wax hands booth and caricature artist. And then, because teen girls usually reveal lots of bare skin, rent a henna tattoo booth. 11. Remember how Grandma Ethel has been saying for years, “My biggest joy will be to live until I’m 90, so I can dance a hora at my grandson’s bar mitzvah.” Since you have no music, she insists Aunt Ida should sing. Hire a five-piece band. 12. Because your gathering will no longer be held outside, chocolate won’t melt. Therefore you don’t have any excuses for saying “no” to your child’s request for a “candy bar.” Order a half-pound per person (guidelines from the party

planner’s website) of sugar-laden confections to be set up buffet-style, with cute little boxes to take them home in. Make a mental note if Grandma Ethel complains about a lack of bar mitzvah cake (with traditional candle-lighting ceremony) to remind her that this is not a bar mitzvah, it’s just a get-together. 13. As the day gets closer, cross off the videographer, DJ, prizes, dresses, suit, hair appointment, party favors, centerpieces, seating cards and thank-you notes from your to-do list. Oh, and cross off the most important thing of all, “Planning a meaningful and non-materialistic bar mitzvah!” Stephanie D. Lewis is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post and numerous other sites. She is a single mother of six children, residing in San Diego where she pens her humor at OnceUponYourPrime.com. Kveller is a community of women and parents who convene online to share, celebrate and commiserate their experiences of raising kids through a Jewish lens. Visit Kveller.com.

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BDS

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Continued from page 2

provide an alternative to ACSWP and has argued that the best strategy on the Israeli-Palestinian track is to promote a two-state solution. PFMEP has offered its own report that calls for encouraging Israeli-Palestinian coexistence, investing in the Palestinian economy and a framework for a free market in the West Bank, and promoting Palestinian political leadership that is committed to change. “In many ways, the resolution the Methodists passed

NEWS IN BRIEF From JTA

Netanyahu video message to Abbas lists five steps toward peace

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a video message to MahmoudAbbas listing five steps the Palestinian Authority president can take to help bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The message was released on July 15 in English. “President Abbas, since over the past several years, you refused to meet me and sit down and negotiate peace, I hope you’ll hear this message,” the message began. Netanyahu called on Abbas to fire his adviser Sultan Abu al Einein, who recently called to slit the throat of every Israeli. He said the threat led to the stabbing murder of 13-year-old Hallel Yaffa Ariel as she slept in her bed in her Kiryat Arba home in the West Bank. He also called on Abbas to instruct his Fatah Party’s social media adviser to halt posting Facebook messages that praise Palestinian murderers. A third step Netanyahu suggested was not to dedicate a monument to Abu Sukar, who murdered 15 people by detonating a refrigerator filled with explosives on a busy Jerusalem street, and instead honor “a champion of co-existence.” Another step was to halt the monthly salary paid by the PLO to Palestinians who kill Jews. The fifth step, Netanyahu said, is to recognize that “every Israeli and Palestinian child deserves a life of hope, of tranquility and opportunity. ...I will continue to work tirelessly for peace. It’s time that you join this effort,” Netanyahu concluded.

Bill honoring life of Elie Wiesel approved by House committee

Honeymoon “What if they did feel welcome and not judged, and at home in the Jewish community?” said Rubel, formerly the founding North American director of Masa Israel Journey, which coordinates long-term Israel programs for young people. “Then at this time they’re looking for meaning, and they would find it in the Jewish community.” Honeymoon Israel’s two pilot trips, from Los Angeles and Phoenix, arrived in late May with 20 couples each. There was an outsize demand – 85 couples applied from Los Angeles and 51 from Phoenix – and interviews were part of the process. While the trip’s total expenses add up to about $10,000 per couple, the couples pay only $1,800. The Boston-based Jacobson Family Foundation is the primary funder. The trip is not linked to Taglit-Birthright Israel, which is paid for in part by the Israeli government. Rubel and Wise, the former CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo in New York, hope to run 50 Honeymoon Israel trips a year. Such initiatives, said Jewish sociologist Steven M. Cohen, are “crucial” in light of the results of the Pew Research Center’s 2013 “A Portrait of Jewish Americans,” which showed that 71 percent of non-Orthodox Jews were intermarrying. Showing intermarried couples a Jewish society, Cohen said, can give the non-Jewish spouse a larger context to connect personally to Judaism. “Being Jewish in yourself is connected with being Jewish in your family, in your community and in your people,” said Cohen, a research professor at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. “These circles of social identity are layered from top to bottom.” Honeymoon Israel is one of a few imitation Birthright

Evangelical Christians – 79 percent sympathize with Israel versus just 5 percent for the Palestinians, according to Pew. Given these factors, mainline Protestant churches have become a target for pro-BDS groups. “There is plenty of evidence that the BDS movement itself is targeting mainline protestant churches,” Gizzi said. “These are democratic churches, with bottom-up leadership structures, and a strong sense of social justice. They aren’t the Evangelical churches filled with Christian Zionists, for the most part. They become a natural target for BDS and the movement has had some success.” BDS has also gained traction by making church activists and leaders – particularly within the UCC and PCUSA – to feel influential and important, Van Zile argued. “These two churches in particular are dying, just dying. Losing members and churches, every year. Wading into the BDS movement guarantees they will get at least some – even negative – coverage in the media,” he said. IAN’s Felson said his group is tracking the potential divestment votes at every mainline Protestant church, but that there are limits to how much IAN can influence the churches’ actual decisions. “There are multiple factors guiding our analysis and actions,” said Felson. “Each [church] has a unique polity and personality. Each has a diverse complement of members and leaders. BDS groups have different levels of influence. The Jewish community at the grassroots level has close relationships with members of some denominations and scarce ties with others.” With mainline Protestant churches’ declining numbers and intensified focus on social justice, those churches promise to remain a target for pro-BDS groups, said Van Zile. “The Jewish state,” he said, “has become the scapegoat for all of the ills in the Middle East in the minds of the people who call the shots in these churches.”

Continued from page 1

programs to emerge in recent years. The Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project runs eight-day group trips to Israel for Jewish mothers. An organization called Covenant Journey plans to bring groups of Evangelical Christian youth to Israel for subsidized trips starting this year. Honeymoon Israel takes its participants across the country, but spends more time in Tel Aviv than most Birthright trips, aiming to show Israel’s modern culture as well as its historical and biblical sites. Participants on the Phoenix trip did Havdalah, the closing ceremony of Shabbat, with Beit Tefillah Israeli, a liberal prayer group that meets on the beach. And the group spent a day in northern Israel learning about coexistence efforts between Arabs and Jews. “This is not a Disney World trip,” Rubel said. “We want people to see Israel in all its complexity. We want people to have a positive experience in Israel. We think part of doing that is giving people a chance to see the whole picture.” The trips also aim to maintain connections among the couples after they return to their home city. Couples met at a Shabbat dinner before the trip, and monthly Shabbat dinners are planned for when they return.Atrip staff member will also be available to meet with the couples back home. “In this modern world where we have almost no boundaries, the new face of Jews is definitely an international one,” said Khai Ling Tan, who was born in Malaysia and whose husband, Jonathan Levine, is Jewish. “You don’t want to be exclusive because when you do that, your world becomes smaller and smaller and smaller.” Sponsored: “Why Be Jewish?” Edgar Bronfman’s clarion call to a generation of secular, disaffected and unaffiliated Jews.

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A bill to honor the life and work of Elie Wiesel was approved by the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The bill was introduced earlier in July by three congressional members of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council – Reps. Steve Israel (D-NY); Patrick Meehan (D-PA) and Ted Deutch (D-FL). Wiesel, who was well known internationally for his many books, essays and educational projects about the Holocaust, died on July 2 at 87. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. The bill, which had the bipartisan co-sponsorship of 158 Congress members, “memorializes the life and work of Elie Wiesel and reaffirms the Congress’ commitment to continuing his work of keeping the memory and lessons of the Holocaust alive and preventing similar atrocities from occurring in the future,” said a statement from Deutch’s office. “Elie Wiesel committed his entire life to ensuring that the memory of the victims of the Holocaust live on, both through education of the horrors of the Holocaust and through advocacy in preventing future atrocities,” Deutch said. “This resolution reflects our appreciation and deep respect, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest and most courageous and influential humanitarians of our lifetime.” Wiesel had been awarded numerous honors from the U.S., including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, the National Humanities Medal and the Medal of Liberty.

[in May] followed the same model. While they called for a two-state solution in two years – which I found a bit overly hopeful – they called for meaningful investment in Palestine, and for coexistence efforts,” Gizzi said. In August, the Lutheran Church is also scheduled to hold a national conference in Portland, but Van Zile does not expect there to be an Israel divestment vote at that gathering. “I don’t expect that divestment will be a force at the denomination’s general synod in Portland, in part because the denomination’s bishops don’t have the appetite for anti-Zionism that the folks in the UCC and the PCUSA do,” Van Zile said. Throughout most of American history, mainline Protestant churches played a role in the foundation and direction of the country. Most of the Founding Fathers were members of the mainline tradition, as were most U.S. presidents and other leaders. Additionally, Christian Zionism and Judeo-Christian heritage were a common theme throughout the early Protestant tradition. But the ongoing debate over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within mainline Protestant churches comes amid upheaval within these churches, which are grappling with rapidly declining membership as Americans become more secular. According to the Pew Research Center, only 14.7 percent of the U.S. adult population, or 36 million people, were affiliated with the mainline Protestant tradition in 2014. This was down from 18.1 percent of U.S. adults in 2007. Most troubling for the movement is that only 11 percent of millennial adults (those born after 1981) identify as mainline Protestants. Sixty-percent of white mainline Protestants say they sympathize with Israel, while only 14 percent sympathize with the Palestinians, the Pew recently found. But Protestants’ Israel support is not as strong as that of white

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ JULY 21, 2016/15 TAMMUZ 5776

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, July 22 Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Shabbat Dinner at 6 pm (Reservations required) followed by Shirat Shabbat with Lisa Levens Sunday, July 24 Fast of 17th of Tammuz Tuesday, July 26 Temple Concord Cinemagogue presents “GETT: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem” at 7:30 pm Wednesday, July 27 Tzofim - Israel Scout Caravan at the Caravan at Jewish Community Center of Utica at 7 pm Temple Adath Yeshurun “Chat and Challenge,” a discussion with a Jewish slant on current events, at 7:30 pm Thursday, July 28 Tzofim - Israel Scout Caravan at the Caravan at Jewish Community Center of Syracuse at 7 pm Friday, July 29 Tzofim - Israel Scout Caravan at the Caravan at Menorah Park of Central New York at 2 pm Sunday, July 31 Wiffle ball tournament at the Jewish Community Center of Syracuse at 9 am (check-in at 8:30 am) Wednesday, August 3 Deadline for the August 18 issue of the Jewish Observer Wednesday, August 10 Temple Adath Yeshurun “Chat and Challenge,” a discussion with a Jewish slant on current events, at 7:30 pm Sunday, August 14 Tisha B’Av

MAZEL TOV Sondra and Phillip Schwartz celebrate 50th anniversary

Phillip Schwartz and Sondra Schuls Schwartz, of Jamesville, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 25 at the Limestone Grill. They were married at Temple Beth El by Rabbi Jacob Epstein. Phillip is a retired research pharmacist at Bristol Meyers Squibb and Sondra worked part-time at Sears. Their family includes daughters Laurie (Harold) Horowitz, of Jamesville, and Michelle (Alan) Bach, of Liverpool; and three grandchildren. They belong to Temple Adath Yeshurun and enjoy traveling.

Women Business

If you are a woman who owns or manages a business, The Jewish Observer has a unique advertising opportunity for you! WOMEN IN BUSINESS, the highlight of our August 12 issue, will feature an advertising section of display ads in a variety of sizes to suit your copy. As a bonus, for all ads over 4 col. inches, we’ll include a FREE mini feature using the information you provide.

August 4 issue Ad Deadline: July 27 To advertise, please contact Bonnie Rozen at 800-779-7896, ext. 244 or bonnie@thereportergroup.org

D’VAR TORAH

Walk modestly with our God BY CARL ROSENZWEIG The weekly parasha, Balak, is one of the most dramatic, poetic and famous readings in the Torah. Equally famous is the section we read as the haftarah from the Prophet Micah. Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah after the destruction of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His message from more than 2,500 years ago is amazingly relevant to our contemporary situation. Micah warns Jerusalem of impending destruction and exile is predicted: “The remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples.” (All translations are from JPS Tanach translation.) Micah reminds the Jewish people of all God has done for them. This is both testament to their betrayal of God and a hint that God can, if they are worthy, do in the future what he did in the past. “I redeemed you from the house of bondage and I sent before you Moses, Aaron and Miriam. My people remember what Balak king of Moab plotted against you and how Bilaam son of Beor responded to him... recognize the gracious acts of the Lord.” God gave us three great leaders: Moses, the giver of the law and mitzvot; Aaron, the keeper of the temple ritual and the spreader of peace; and Miriam (co-equal with her brothers), the leader of the women and in whose merit a well accompanied Israel in the desert – three role models and teachers whose message of law, ritual and equality resonate still in Judaism. Balak and Bilaam are prototypes of modern antisemitism. Balak unleashes violence and war on the Jewish nation; Bilaam is more subtle and is seen to undermine Jews by insinuation and cultural denigration; but God saved us then and will do so again. We must become close to God and do what He requires. This admonition is the ringing conclusion of the haftarah, “He has told you, O, Man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you: only to do justice and to love goodness and to walk modestly with your God.” This exhortation “links ethics with piety, duty towards men with duty towards God” (P. Smith, Christian Hebraist) – not empty ritual, but just actions and laws and closeness to God. The Torah is full of legislation and laws, but they must be applied equally to rich and poor; lovingkindness to all mankind; 39 times the Torah reminds us that we were strangers (immigrants) in Egypt so that we should empathize with the outsider and the downtrodden; but Judaism is not secular humanism. It is a religion abundant in rituals, whose aim is to bring us to God and bring God into our lives and into the world so that the world will be a better place and we will be better people. It is a religion of ethics, the ethics of God,

NEWS IN BRIEF From JTA

Israel’s Patriot missiles turn away drone from Syria over Golan

Two Patriot missiles turned away a drone shot over the Golan Heights that is believed to have come from Syria, the Israeli military said. The unmanned aerial vehicle had breached Israel’s airspace in the North on July 17, the Israel Defense Forces said. The Patriot missiles failed to intercept the drone, the IDF said. The Israeli military is conducting a three-day drill in the northern Golan. Warning sirens sounded in the central Golan before the Patriots were launched. The Air Force sent jets to scan the area following the deployment of the Patriots.

Florida appeals judge’s decision mandating kosher prison meals

The state of Florida has asked a federal Court of Appeals to reverse the mandated kosher meals program, saying it drains the state’s budget. The state is appealing a 2015 decision by a Miami judge requiring kosher food for anyone who requests it, including Jews, Muslims, Seventh-day Adventists and people of other faiths, accounting for about 10,000 – or 10 percent – of all inmates. The kosher meals program is estimated to cost the Florida Department of Corrections $12.3 million a year, according to the attorney representing the state, the Associated Press reported. The state wants the flexibility to move money away from the kosher program, if necessary. Prison officials are concerned that if chronic budget problems worsen, the expense of the kosher meals could prohibit funding for critical issues such as prison security, deteriorating buildings, transportation and medical bills, state attorney Kuhlman Tieteg told the court on July 12. Justice Department attorney Christopher Wang countered that budgetary issues are not a compelling reason to drop a federally required kosher program that 35 other states implement without complaint.

not of man. And to achieve this vision we must “walk modestly with our God.” “Then (the next verse in the book of Micah, but not in our haftarah) will your name achieve wisdom.” Carl Rosenzweig is a professor of physics at Syracuse University and a member of Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse.

OBITUARIES JOHN BURWICK

John Burwick, 64, of Jamesville, died on July 2 at home. He was passionate about sailing, traveling and music. He spent three years sailing around the world, and chartered a sailboat with his family for vacations. He went to Grateful Dead concerts for more than 40 years and played in a band for several years. He was predeceased by his mother, Gertrude Artini; his father, Elias Burwick; and his sisters, Elisa Chapman and Jill Burwick. He is survived by his wife, Karen Burwick; and daughter, Emily Burwick. Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions can be made to a charity of choice. 

MARIAN FINER

Marian Finer, 96, of Hingham, MA, formerly of Syracuse, died on July 3. Born in Norwich, she was a 1937 graduate of Norwich High School. She was a former member of Temple Beth El and Temple Adath Yeshurun. She volunteered in St. Joseph’s Auxiliary, The Oaks gift shop, Hadassah, and was a past president of Percy Hughes PTA, where she was awarded a lifetime membership. She was predeceased by her husband, Seymour Finer, in 1994. She is survived by her son, Michael (Nancy) Finer; three daughters, Elaine (Richard) Landau, Marjorie Finer and Judith Finer; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was in Beth El Cemetery. Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions can be made to Hadassah. 

ERICH HARTH

Erich Harth died on June 27. Born in Kritzendorf, a town near Vienna, he was brought up in Vienna by his mother, a nurse. At the age of 9, he entered a prestigious gymnasium, where he graduated in 1937. He served in the Austrian Army and wanted to become a pilot in the newly-formed Austrian Air Force, but could not do so because of Hitler’s invasion and annexation of Austria. Shortly thereafter, he had to flee Austria because of his part-Jewish background. He first went to Portugal and then Brazil, where he worked on a coconut plantation. In 1940, he immigrated to the United States, arriving in New York. He soon left New York City to find a job and moved to Syracuse, thanks to a bus ticket provided by a Quaker organization in New York, together with a letter of introduction to the head of the Syracuse Peace Council. Within 24 hours of his arrival, he was taken to the Hotel Syracuse and given a job as a busboy, which supported him and studies at Syracuse University for the next two years. Because of advanced credit from his studies in Vienna, he was able to obtain a bachelor’s degree with a major in physics at the end of two years and began work toward a doctorate. His studies were interrupted in 1944 when he was drafted into the American army. He volunteered for service with the paratroopers and served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regimental Combat Team in the Philippines. He was awarded two battle stars and the Combat Medical Badge. Returning to Syracuse at the end of the war and after brief service in Japan during the Occupation, he continued his studies, receiving his doctorate in physics in 1951. From 1951-53, he was a research physicist at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC. He then took a post-doctoral position at Duke University, in high-energy and elementary particle physics. His later path-breaking research was in neuroscience. He wrote three books on the brain and consciousness. In 1957, he was offered a faculty position at Syracuse University until he retired in 1990. He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy, in 2015. He is survived by his sons, Peter (Julie), of Houston, TX, and Richard, of Arizona; and one grandson. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions can be made to Syracuse University, Department of Physics, Syracuse, NY 13244. 

JULY 21, 2016/15 TAMMUZ 5776 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

OBITUARIES MILDRED MARKS

Mildred Marks, 87, died on June 23 in Syracuse. Born in New York City, she loved bargaining, laughing and, most importantly, her family. She enjoyed drawing and collecting miniature shoes and jewelry. She was predeceased by her husband, Sam, and her son, Alan, an Air Force veteran. She is survived by her sons, Neison (Kathleen) and Howard (Debi); and five grandchildren. Burial was in Frumah Packard Cemetery. Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements. 

BEVERLY ANN MICHAELS

Beverly Ann Michaels, 86, died peacefully in her sleep at Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital on June 16. Born in Elizabeth, NJ, she was raised in Monticello. She practiced law for more than half a century at the Syracuse firm of Michaels and Michaels. Along with her late husband and partner, Martin, and her son and partner, Edward, she represented generations of families in civil and criminal matters in the state and federal courts. She was salutatorian of her class at Monticello High School and received undergraduate and law degrees from Syracuse University, completing her studies in 1953. She and Marty were married on September 8, 1951, and in the next 58 years raised three children, built a thriving law practice and traveled the world together. Family was the center of her life. She was eagerly awaiting the birth her first great-grandchild this summer. She was active in the legal community as a member of the Onondaga County Bar Association, serving on its Board of Directors and numerous committees. She was a member of the American Bar Association, the New York Trial Lawyers Association and the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. She was committed to a variety of civic, non-profit and service organizations, including Planned Parenthood, where she served as president. She was a longtime member of Temple Adath Yeshurun. She enjoyed politics and was very active in the Democratic party. She loved all aspects of the arts and enjoyed Broadway shows, as well as performances of Syracuse Stage and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, both of which she supported. She was predeceased by her husband, Martin. She is survived by her children, Steven (Anne Cohen), Edward and Julie (Lee) Gelman; five grandchildren; her brother-in-law, Sol (Charlotte) Muchnik; her sister-in-law, Muriel Bresloff; nine nephews and nieces; a grand-niece; and the Aquino, Nagle, Gelman, Cohen and Sivan families. Burial was in Adath Yeshurun Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions can be made to Planned Parenthood, the Everson Museum, Syracuse Stage or the Syracuse University School of Law, Syracuse, NY 13244. 

NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org

UNESCO postpones vote on resolution that ignores Jewish ties to Temple Mount

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization decided on July 17 to postpone a vote on a resolution that would have referred to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem as a site that is holy only for Muslims. UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee will now deliberate the matter when the forum reconvenes in October or later. The heritage committee’s 40th session was set to conclude July 20, but was suspended on July 16 due to the attempted coup in Turkey. On July 17, it reconvened to discuss several final items, but it left other matters for the next session in October. The draft resolution, which refers to the Temple Mount as Al-Haram al-Sharif (“The Noble Sanctuary”) while ignoring the Jewish ties to the site, had been expected to come up for a vote, but due to the shortened timetable and Israeli efforts, this did not occur by the time the session was over.

ALLEN SCHILLER

Allen Schiller, 72, died on July 2 at SUNY Upstate Medical University. He was born in Brooklyn. He had been a resident of the metropolitan New York area for many years until moving to Syracuse. He moved to McGraw about eight years ago. He was predeceased by his parents, Murray and Bess Schiller. He is survived by his sisters, Cynthia, of Connecticut, and Elaine, of California. Burial was in Beth El Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. 

BEVERLY G. SMITH

Beverly G. Smith, 87, of Marshfield, MA, died from leukemia on June 7. Born in Syracuse, she grew up there and attended Goodyear-Burlingame School. She later attended Chevy Chase Junior College and the University of Miami. She had a passion for design and led a successful career as a commercial and residential interior decorator in Manhattan and Boston, MA, where she formed her own firm, Design Concepts. She loved to entertain and cook for family and friends. She lived in Syracuse, Elmira, Hudson and Manhattan before moving to Massachusetts, where she lived in Wellesley, Boston, Brookline, Jamaica Plain and Marshfield. She is survived by her daughter, Ava Berinstein, of Brookline, MA; her son, Ronald Berinstein, of Los Angeles, CA; her brother, Elliot Smith; her sister-in-law, Rose Smith; one grandson; one nephew; and her friend, George (Chirp) McLeod, of Marshfield. Burial was in the Temple Concord section of Woodlawn Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions can be made to the Marshfield Council on Aging, 230 Webster St., Marshfield, MA 02050. 

GEORGE WLADIS

George Wladis, 77, died on July 6 at home. Born in Syracuse, he was a life resident, graduated from Nottingham High School and attended Syracuse University. He started the Wladis Companies Inc. in 1959. He was a member of the Syracuse Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the Million Dollar Roundtable, an international association of the world’s leading financial and insurance professionals. He served on the National Committee of Health Insurance Reform for the Association of Health Insurance Agents and the Advisory Committee of Insurance Agents of the Business Council of New York State. He was a member of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas and Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key, FL. He was active in the Jewish Federation of Central New York, and was a former member of the Board of Directors of the Syracuse Symphony and the Syracuse City Schools Education Foundation. He was honored as a “Citizen of the Year” by Temple Adath Yeshurun, and was also honored by the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center with the Kovod Gadol Award and as a member of the “Wall of Fame.” He started the “Hats and Gloves Program” in 1996. It provided hats and gloves to Syracuse school children who otherwise would not have had winter clothing. He personally bought 300 hats the first year; this past year, more than 11,000 were distributed. He loved people, being with people and helping people. He was predeceased by his brother, Bradley, in 2009. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Roberta; their sons, Mark (Diane), Alan (Shari), Steven (Lexi) and Edward “Ted” (Lianne); 10 grandchildren; and his sister, Sue Greenberg. Burial was in the Beth Sholom section of Oakwood Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions can be made to the Roberta and George Wladis Youth Scholarship Fund at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, P.O. Box 271, DeWitt, NY 13214. 

NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org

Israeli envoy suggests that U.N. adopt Knesset’s disability program

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon has suggested to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon that the Israeli Knesset’s decade-old initiative to hire more people with disabilities could be implemented at U.N. Headquarters in New York. “The United Nations should reflect the makeup of society as a whole,” Danon said. “The parliament of nations should be accessible to everyone. We should give every citizen of the world

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an equal opportunity to contribute to the organization’s goals, making us [the U.N.] an exemplary model for morals and values.” The Israeli legislature’s program has been run with the help of Israel Elwyn and SHEKEL, two organizations that cater to people with special needs.

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Conversion by American rabbi again ruled invalid in Israel

Israel’s Supreme Rabbinical Court has rejected a conversion made by American Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, reaffirming a lower court ruling. The case in question involved an American woman named Nicole, 31, who appealed an earlier decision not to recognize her conversion to Judaism in Israel. Nicole went through an Orthodox conversion in New York through Lookstein. The court denied her appeal despite a letter in support of Lookstein by Israeli Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau, and also despite the fact that Nicole agreed to a compromise through which she would undergo an expedited conversion, known as “giyur l’chumra,” so that she and her Jewish fiancee could get married.

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JEWISH OBSERVER â&#x2013; JULY 21, 2016/15 TAMMUZ 5776