Syr0913 by Jewish Federation of CNY

12 ELUL 5776 • SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 • VOLUME XXXVII, NUMBER 18 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Expert on American-Israel relations Dov Waxman to speak October 9 The Jewish Federation of Central New York will host a talk by Dov Waxman, an expert on Israeli foreign policy and American Jewry’s relationship with Israel, on Sunday, October 9, at 7:45 pm. He will speak at Temple Adath Yeshurun, 450 Kimber Rd., Syracuse, about his new book, “Trouble in the Tribe: The American Jewish Conflict over Israel.” The community is invited to attend. Waxman will be the guest at the Federation’s Major Gifts dinner earlier that evening. Mark Wladis will serve for a second year as the Annual Campaign chair and will preside over the event.

Waxman is professor of political science, international affairs and Israel studies, and the Stotsky Professor of Jewish Historical and Cultural Studies at Northeastern University. He is also the co-director of the university’s Middle East Center. Waxman is the author of “The Pursuit of Peace and the Crisis of Israeli Identity: Defending/Defining the Nation” and “Israel’s Palestinians: The Conflict Within” (with Ilan Peleg).

Originally from London, England, he received his bachelor of arts degree in politics, philosophy and economics from Oxford University. He moved to the United States for his graduate studies at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, where he received his master’s and doctoral degrees. He has held fellowships and visiting Dov Waxman appointments at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and

African Studies at Tel Aviv University, the Middle East Technical University, the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies at Bar-Ilan University, the Avraham Harman Institute for Contemporary Jewry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies and St. John’s College at the University of Oxford. Attendees of the talk will have the opportunity to purchase and have signed a copy of “Trouble in the Tribe.” For more information, call the Federation at 445-2040, ext. 106.

First person

Jewish pride on campus is under siege – here’s what your kids can do to fight back BY ARNOLD M. EISEN NEW YORK (JTA) – More than 300,000 Jewish college students have arrived or will arrive shortly on American campuses – and what they experience there is likely not only to broaden their minds and uproot long-held assumptions, but shake their Jewish selves to the core. They will contend with powerful faculty and student voices accusing them of complicity in a regime of privilege and oppression here in America and of colonialism, genocide and apartheid in Israel. The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement and its campus allies have had little impact thus far either on the investments made by universities or the policies of the governments of Israel or the United States. They are, however, diverting enormous time and resources from important work of Jewish education and community building. No less important, they are causing untold numbers of students to keep their heads down where Israel – and Judaism – are concerned, and to feel ashamed when they have every reason to be proud. I am not afraid that Jews or other college students will fall for the “Big Lie” about Israel. The world is a dangerous mess right now, nowhere more so than in the Middle East. Simplistic narratives of good and evil like those propounded by the BDS movement are unlikely to prove persuasive to anyone who reads up on the matter or exercises their minds. But I do fear growing doubt among some Jewish undergraduates that the Jewish community and tradition are worthy of their involvement and commit-

ment. I worry about increased suspicion – thanks in part to language endorsing BDS positions in the platform released by a coalition affiliated with the Black Lives Matter movement – that students can stand up for justice as Jews, and can fight mass incarceration and racism as supporters of Israel. I want all to know that they can and should maintain deep ties to the Jewish community and tradition at the same time as they claim membership in larger communities and work alongside others for universal causes of justice and peace. My message to students, this fall in particular, is this: Have pride in your Judaism. Learn about its history and Israel’s. Keep your minds and hearts open. Maintain the moral courage to reject claims that Israel practices apartheid and genocide – because they are unequivocally false. Work to create spaces on campus where one can openly, and lovingly, question choices and actions made by Israel’s leadership, and America’s, without giving up attachment to either. As Jews, we must stand beside those fighting against inequality and injustice, and should do so regardless of the incorrect views that others hold of Judaism and Israel. As a committed Jew, I am commanded to have unceasing concern for both Jewish learning and the struggle for justice. That same passion attracts me to the state of Israel, which I view as an attempt to translate age-old Jewish values into policy. This attempt, which will always fall far short of perfection, deserves our enduring support – and, when necessary, our critique. Like any nation, Israel requires such challenge

and correction if it is to remain true to its founding ideals. Israel has a lot to figure out, many wrongs to make right, incredible achievements on which to build, deep-seated currents of bigotry to overcome, a proud tradition of democracy (the only one in the Middle East) to develop, and the hopes of many millions and many centuries that it dare not betray. But history shows that whenever people say that Jews (or any other group) are largely to blame for significant portions of the world’s ills, or that things would be perfect if only Jews stopped insisting that we, too, have a right to live in the world, or that the Jewish state, or the Jewish community, has no right to exist unless it conforms to allegedly “universal” ideals demanded of no other people as a condition of legitimate survival – something is dangerously wrong. That point of view, which sadly has a long history behind it, must be resisted. Though they will hear its rhetoric and see its demonstrations, few students will ever visit the BDS website, where one learns that the movement is avowedly part of the Palestinian national struggle against the very existence of the state of Israel. BDS materials say nary a word about the partial responsibility of the corrupt Palestinian government in the West Bank or the

murderous Hamas regime in Gaza for the failure of the peace process thus far. One hears a great deal from BDS and affiliated groups like Jewish Voice for Peace about Jewish and Israeli culpability – but nothing about mistakes made on the Palestinian side, oppression committed by it, the blatant antisemitism built into its policies and publications. BDS is silent about the many countries that are guilty of abuses far worse than those charged to Israel. Much of the Middle East is in flames. The Syrian death toll has passed 400,000. And not a single Middle Eastern society guarantees equality and justice for all its citizens – women and men, Christian and Muslim – to anything like the degree that Israel does, however imperfectly. As we approach Rosh Hashanah, my hope for the new year is that no Jewish students leave Judaism behind in the name of universal ideals – or leave Israel behind in the name of Judaism. The world desperately needs the skills and knowledge they will acquire on campus. Judaism needs their passion, perspectives and engagement. Israel needs their voices, proud and strong. Arnold M. Eisen is the chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary. Sponsored: “Why Be Jewish?” Edgar Bronfman’s clarion call to a generation of secular, disaffected and unaffiliated Jews. Get it now!

C A N D L E L I G H T I N G A N D P A R AS H A September 16...........6:54 pm....................................................... Parasha-Ki Tetze September 23...........6:41 pm......................................... Parasha-Ki Tavo-Selichot September 30...........6:29 pm......................................................Parasha-Nitzavim

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Teen funders grants

Selichot

SJFS fall programs

The Teen Funders Committee is Local synagogues announce Syracuse Jewish Family Service accepting grant applications from their programs and services for has planned a series of fall events for all ages. local charitable organizations. Selichot. Story on page 5 Story on page 2 Story on page 3

PLUS Classifieds................................ 6 Calendar Highlights............... 6 Mazel Tov.................................. 6 Obituaries................................. 7

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ SEPTEMBR 15, 2016/12 ELUL 5776

Grant applications requested by Teen Funders

BY JEFFREY SCHEER AND LINDA ALEXANDER The Teen Funders Committee of the Jewish Community Foundation B’nai Mitzvah Program is accepting grant applications from local charitable organizations. Grant recipients will be announced by the teen funders following their meeting

on Sunday, October 16, from 3-4:30 pm. All applicants must be a legally recognized charitable organizations. Grant applications must be received no later than Monday, October 10, by the Jewish Community Foundation B’nai Mitzvah Program, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt, NY 13214. Grant requests may be for funding up to

$1,000 and applicants must provide details of the proposed project and explain how it advances the organization’s mission. For grant application information, contact Kathie Piirak at 445-2040, ext. 106, or kpiirak@jewishfederationcny.org. The Jewish Community Foundation B’nai Mitzvah Program teaches the Jewish

value of tzedakah through hands-on participation. More than 100 b’nai mitzvah funds have been established throughout the past 10 years. A b’nai mitzvah fund requires a minimum $250 donation from the teenager at the time of his or her bar or bat mitzvah. The donations are matched by the See “Teen” on page 7

A MATTER OF OPINION Opposing political viewpoints should be welcomed at SU BY THE DAILY ORANGE EDITORIAL BOARD This editorial appeared in The Daily Orange on September 6 and is reprinted with their permission. The DO is the independent campus newspaper of Syracuse University. The editorial content of the paper, which originated in 1903 and went independent in 1971, is entirely student-run. This editorial was written in response to the controversy surrounding Syracuse University’s screening of Shimon Dotan’s documentary on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, “The Settlers,” at an SU-sponsored conference on the role of religion in film. Dotan was originally invited to the conference and was then disinvited. Syracuse University’s March 2017 conference, “The Place of Religion in Film,” received negative attention last week for all the right reasons. Shedding light on the behind-the-scenes controversy within the festival planning, an article in The Atlantic on the change to the conference’s line-up sparked national and campus conversations about the true nature of free speech. Invited by Journal of Religion and Film founder and University of Nebraska Professor William Blizek, filmmaker and New York University Professor Shimon

Dotan was slated to screen his film at SU’s conference. Dotan’s film “The Settlers” dives into the history of Israeli settlements on the West Bank. There was a shakeup in festival planning when M. Gail Hamner, a Syracuse University religion professor, rescinded Dotan’s invitation to the conference. In her June e-mail to Dotan, Hamner explained how colleagues on campus warned her that supporters of the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement would “make matters unpleasant” for Dotan if he attended. She also said a colleague told her she would “lose credibility” with peers in the film and screen studies, as well as women’s and gender studies departments, since she had not seen the film and could not vouch for it. Dotan wrote back, according to The Atlantic, that he empathized with “the tough political spot” that Hamner felt she was in, and that “the forces that chill speech and action on college campuses are real” and not of Hamner’s making. Dotan’s statement touches on the important issue at hand: not so much administrative restrictions on free speech, but on a campus culture that discourages it. Since the story had been picked up swiftly by outlets like The Huffington Post and The

Chronicle of Higher Education, SU as an administration reacted almost immediately. By Friday, September 2, the university made the decision to reinvite Dotan. In her e-mail announcement, SU Vice Chancellor and Provost Michele Wheatly said Hamner’s decision was not in line with SU’s “policies, ideals and practices.” With the question of supporting or not supporting Israel in particular, SU has visited this issue in the past. In 2014, then-Interim Chancellor and Provost Eric Spina offered an official statement on theAmerican Studies Association’s decision to boycott Israeli academic institutions. Spina acknowledged that stances on Israel varied across the SU community and that he supported “the right of individual faculty members and others to express their thoughts and opinions on both sides of this issue.” Spina went on to say that SU does not support the boycott of Israeli academic institutions and that moves such as this are “counter to the free and open exchange of knowledge, ideas and perspectives.” Wheatly’s e-mail sets the record straight again as to SU’s goals to be an institution of higher learning that protects and promotes free speech instead of stifles it. The “chilling” effect that Dotan mentioned is not the fault of the school’s administrative members, but the result of Hamner’s decision and the pressure

she said she received from fellow faculty. The fact that Hamner felt compelled to disinvite Dotan speaks to underlying factors: that there is a climate at SU where bringing a supposedly controversial speaker or piece of art to campus would end badly for all parties involved. That feeling of unease should be addressed by reaffirming that exploring different takes on conflict can only help SU’s students, faculty and staff grow intellectually. With this specific instance of hindered speech, within the greater systemic issue at hand, the Dotan issue could have been partially resolved with SU conference organizers investigating the film before jumping to a decision. Dotan mentioned that he was puzzled as to why Hamner never asked for a copy of the film, as organizers checking out a piece before showing it is a common film festival practice. Hamner could have assuaged her colleagues’ fears the issue of vouching by pre-screening Dotan’s film and giving the respective departments her feedback or stamp of approval. As the story continues to unfold, it should not be forgotten that colleges and universities should be environments where the expression of ideas should be welcomed. In this vein, the prospect of political dialogue and activism thereafter should be encouraged at SU, not shut down before it can start.

CORRECTION In the September 1 issue of the Jewish Observer, a JNS news brief on a report of a Conservative synagogue in Louisville, KY, resettling Jewish refugees was incorrect. JNS was notified on August 30 by the Jewish Federation of Louisville that the news brief, titled “Jewish families from Syria resettled in Louisville, KY,” is incorrect. The Federation said it helped settle one family, not three, and the family is Muslim, not Jewish. JNS apologizes for the error.

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AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK Selichot around the community CONGREGATION BETH SHOLOMCHEVRA SHAS Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas has invited the Jewish community to a musical event on Saturday, September 24, at 8:30 pm, when critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter Sharon Goldman will perform songs from her latest album, “Kol Isha (A Woman’s Voice).” Goldman is said to have “dug deep” into her Orthodox Jewish roots and written songs about her personal journey to “find her voice as a woman and questioner.” Through her memories of prayers and rituals, “of choices and unheard voices,” she explores stories of biblical and mythical women, including Lilith, the Sabbath Queen and the lovers in the Song of Songs. Following the performance, refreshments will be served and attendees will have an opportunity to meet Goldman. At 10 pm, Cantor Paula Pepperstone will lead the Selichot service. The performance and the Selichot service will be open to the community and is made possible by the Arnold and Mimi Weiner Yiddish Culture Fund. For more information, contact the CBS-CS office at 446-9570 or visit www.cbscs.org. SHAAREI TORAH ORTHODOX CONGREGATION OF SYRACUSE Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse will present a video on “The Journey of Uri Zohar” on Saturday, September 24, at 11 pm. The film tells the story of a former Israeli film director, actor and comedian

who left the entertainment world to become a rabbi. The Selichot service will follow the presentation at 12:15 am. For more information, contact the STOCS office at 446-6194 or visit www.stocsyracuse.org. TEMPLE ADATH YESHURUN BY SONALI WIJESURIYA AND BARBARA S. SIMON Temple Adath Yeshurun will premier “Rosenwald,” a documentary by Aviva Kempner, on Saturday, September 24, at 8 pm. Kempner’s other films include “The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg” and “Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg.” “Rosenwald” follows the story of an immigrant peddler’s son, Julius Rosenwald, who never finished high school, but who rose to become the president of Sears. He was influenced by the teachings of his rabbi, Emil Hirsch, of Chicago Sinai Congregation. Inspired by the ideals of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world), and concern over racial inequality in America, he used his wealth to become considered “one of America’s most effective philanthropists.” Rosenwald utilized matching grants as a vehicle for change, joining forces with African-American communities during the Jim Crow South to build more than 5,300 schools during the early part of the 20th century. He also established the Rosenwald Fund, which awarded grants to African-American intellectuals and artists of his day. Among the recipients were Marian Anderson, Ralph Ellison, Langston Hughes and Jacob Lawrence. In

Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse senior dining menu SEPTEMBER 19-23 Monday – chicken fried rice Tuesday – spaghetti and meatballs Wednesday – spinach quiche Thursday – hot corned beef sandwich Friday – salmon with dill sauce SEPTEMBER 26-30 Monday – stuffed cabbage Tuesday – baked ziti Wednesday – chicken rollatini Thursday – seafood strudel Friday – Rosh Hashanah celebration – brisket 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 Monday-Friday at noon. Lunch reservations are required by noon on the previous business day. There is

Interested in Jewish Youth Work? TZAFON Region, United Synagogue Youth (USY), is looking for a Regional Director. For more information please see the full job description at https://jewishjobs.com/jobs/view/40236. All resumes should be sent to careers@uscj.org.

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.

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his lifetime, he gave away $62 million, which in today’s dollar is closer to $1 billion. Because of his modesty, Rosenwald’s philanthropy and social activism are considered not well known today. Rabbi Paul Drazen of Temple Adath Yeshurun said, “Rosenwald’s philanthropy and forward vision truly changed the face of America.” The film has been screened at the White House in celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month and was shown at the NAACP National Convention in Philadelphia in July. It has been shown at numerous Jewish film festivals throughout the country, including festivals at the Manhattan Jewish Community Center, the Washington Jewish Film Festival, the Toronto Jewish Film Festival and the Rutgers Jewish Film Festival. Following the film, there will be a dessert reception sponsored by the TAY Sisterhood. Selichot services, led by Rabbi Paul Drazen, will begin at 10:30 pm, and will include the dedication of memorial plaques on the See “Selichot” on page 7

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Congregation Ahavath Achim will observe its annual Cemetery Memorial Service Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. rain or shine. Rabbi Evan Shore will officiate.

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ SEPTEMBR 15, 2016/12 ELUL 5776

CONGREGATIONAL NOTES Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas NEW ACTS INITIATIVE ON RACE, POVERTY AND POWER Those who feel that social justice work is an important part of the Jewish experience or who want to “move beyond compassion” toward systemic change in addressing social justice issues, especially those related to racism, poverty and power, has been encouraged to attend a program on Thursday, September 29, from 6-9 pm, at Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church, 5299 Jamesville Rd., DeWitt, for a new outreach effort of the Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse. The organization will introduce members of the community to its new initiative on “Race, Poverty and Power.” CBS-CS members will join members of Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church for a session that hopes to challenge participants to consider “what Judaism calls them to do” in addressing racism, poverty and power, and how they can respond to that call beyond simply expressing compassion. Other members of the Jewish community are invited to participate. Organizers would like for participants to meet new people, build relationships and “experience solidarity in a just cause.” The session is said to be “highly interactive,” beginning with a short presentation and then moving into small group breakouts and large group dialogue. A light dinner of cheese pizza, salad and drinks will be served. To make a reservation for the event, for questions or for more information, contact Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone at rabbi@cbscs.org or 446-5125. LUNCH AND LEARN Joan Burstyn, professor emerita of the Syracuse University School of Education and an award-winning poet, will facilitate a lunch and learn on Saturday, September 17, at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas following services,

L ’ Sh a nah Tova h

approximately at noon. The program will be “Unpacking the 23rd Psalm.” Participants will share accounts of the first time they heard or read an English (or Hebrew) version of the psalm. They will then examine James L. Kugel’s critique of the King James’ Bible version of the psalm, and will follow that by examining two other English versions: one by the late Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and the other by Norman Fischer, a Buddhist of Jewish descent. In addition, the day will be the first of this year’s newly-formatted CBS-CS Shabbat Spots. An enhanced kiddush is held monthly to allow participants to stay longer following services for learning, playing and talking. This year, there will be a monthly Shabbat Spot quiz bowl. Participants and their teams will have the opportunity to answer questions about upcoming Jewish holidays and other areas of Jewish knowledge. There will be prizes. The theme for September’s quiz bowl will be the High Holidays. CBS-CS services begin at 9:30 am and are open to the community. For more information, contact CBS-CS at 446-9570 or office@cbscs.org. CAMPER SHABBAT There will be a camper Shabbat on Friday, September 23. Services will be held at 6 pm and will be led by youth who attended a Jewish summer camp this past summer. Following services, there will be a Shabbat dinner, a breakfast for dinner, when tables will be set aside for nine-12th grade students and another for fifth-eighth grade students. There will also be time for campers to share their favorite camp songs. Campers, their families and the entire congregation have been invited. There will be a cost for the dinner and reservations will be required for dinner. For reservations or more information, contact the CBS-CS office at 446-9570.

Temple Adath Yeshurun CONCERT BY SONALI WIJESURIYA Temple Adath Yeshurun will host musicians Fred Willard, Sarah Bennett and Leigh Bergman on Sunday, September 18, at 3 pm. With Willard on piano, Bennett on clarinet and Bergman playing violin and viola, the music will consist of works by Bach, Mozart and Brahms, with a few surprises. Light refreshments will be served. There will be no charge for admission and the community has been invited to attend. For more information, call the TAY office 445-0002 or visit www.adath.org. Ba’alat Tefillah Esa Jaffe said, “Fred and Sarah often play for us at Shabbat in the Round and other musical services. We

are so lucky to hear their talent on a regular basis. It will be very special to hear them play a different musical genre and share that with us. We are also really excited to have Leigh Bergman join Fred and Sarah for this special concert.” SISTERHOOD BOOK DISCUSSION On Sunday, September 18, at 10:30 am, the TAY Sisterhood will present a book discussion on “Me Before You” by JoJo Moyes in the Muriel and Avron Spector Library. It is the story of “an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life” who has barely been away from her tiny village. She takes a job working for ex-Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair bound after an accident.

Temple Adath Yeshurun Hazak held its officer and board installation dinner on August 24. Entertainment was provided by guitarist and singer Mark Zane. Seated (l-r): Hazak officers Marcia Mizruchi, corresponding secretary; Joanne Greenhouse, vice president of programming; JoAnn Grower, president; Elaine Meltzer, vice president of membership; and Rita Shapiro, recording secretary. Standing: Board members Lynn Cohen, Cecile Cohen, Susan Miller, Dolores Bluman, Stephen Meltzer, Cindy Goldstein and Ruth Borsky.

L-r: Syd Tenenbaum, Stephen Halpern, Steven Bronstein, Jeffrey Joseph and Brad Ozinsky helped grill burgers and hot dogs for approximately 200 people from Temple Adath Yeshurun and Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas during the TAY annual Hava Nagrilla barbecue. Before the program, Tot Shabbat was held in the Syracuse Jewish Community Garden. After dinner, participants gathered in the courtyard for the Shabbat in the Round service led by Rabbis Paul Drazen and Andrew Pepperstone, with music by Ba’alat Tefillah Esa Jaffe, Fred Willard and Sarah Bennett.

Temple Concord RABBI FELLMAN JOINS ONONDAGA COUNTY/SYRACUSE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS BY STEWART KOENIG Temple Concord’s Rabbi Daniel J. Fellman has joined the Onondaga County/Syracuse Commission on Human Rights. He was nominated by County Executive Joanie Mahoney and approved by the county legislature to serve a threeyear term. The commission’s mission is to promote understanding and acceptance of diversity; facilitate intergroup communication; identify and address sources of intergroup tension and conflict; reduce conditions that can lead to discrimination and restrict opportunity; and provide related education, information and referral. Rabbi Fellman said, “Human rights are at the core of our Jewish identities. I believe that all of us are holy and each one of us deserves equal rights. I am honored

to serve and look forward to engaging in this important work for our community.” TEMPLE CONCORD ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN IN FULL SWING Generations: The Campaign for Temple Concord is halfway toward reaching its goal of raising $3.25 million. The campaign is trying to increase the synagogue’s endowment. A portion of the funds raised will be used to make improvements to Temple Concord’s historic building. Organizers hope that the campaign will strengthen the Temple Concord community and help secure its future. Efforts thus far have included reaching out to early donors, who have made commitments; holding small-group gatherings to discuss the campaign in synagogue members’ homes; and ongoing communications with the entire congregation. Shortly after the High Holidays, organizers have planned events leading to the culmination of the campaign later this year.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2016/12 ELUL 5776 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

JFS fall Sunday series offers drumming, yoga and painting experiences

September 18: Drum up health and wellness BY DEBORAH ELLIS Picking up from previous wellness events, Syracuse Jewish Family Service has planned a series of fall events, including drumming circles, family-style yoga and painting. The events have been pitched to individuals and families, as well as to people of all ages. Community members have been encouraged to come alone, with a friend or with the entire family. According to SJFS Director Judith Huober, “It doesn’t have to be therapy to be therapeutic!” This thought is said to be the underlying theme of SJFS’s Family Time with the Family Service series, which seeks to support individual and family wellness. Ten Sunday events have been planned and will be held at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, 5655 Thompson Rd., according to JCC Executive Director Marci Erlebacher, a partner in offering this health-promoting programming series. The events will be geared to individuals ages 6 and older, as well as families and any number of friends. Lunch boxes by Catering at The Oaks, as well as snacks and drinks, will be available to purchase at 12:15 pm,

DrumQuest’s Jimbo Talbot recently facilitated a drumming circle at the Cooperstown Village Library. Talbot will facilitate drumming circles at Syracuse Jewish Family Service’s Family Time with the Family Service series. and programs will begin at 12:45 pm. Drumming circles on September 18, October 23 and November 13 will be facilitated by Jimbo Talbot, owner of DrumQuest Adventures in Rhythm. His motto is, “Feel happy and healthy, one beat at a time!” He said that drumming “helps people look inside and find their internal

Jewish Community Foundation celebrates 15th anniversary

BY LINDA ALEXANDER The Jewish Community Foundation celebrated its 15th anniversary at its annual meeting on August 11 at the home of Neil and Jan Bronstein. Among the 100 attendees were Foundation trustees, donors and community leaders. Rabbi Paul Drazen gave an invocation to start the business meeting, after which there was a buffet dinner. Sheldon Kruth gave the treasurer’s report; Mark Field reported on the progress of the Centennial Fund, an effort to raise $5 million in an unrestricted endowment; and Victor Hershdorfer presented the progress report of the Investment Committee. The next order of business was the Nominating Committee’s report, given by Debrah Shulman. Neil Bronstein was elected as the new Foundation chair. He accepted

the position, saying, “It was a pleasure for Jan and me to host this wonderful event. Alex and Lynn accomplished a lot the last 15 years and I hope, with the help of others, to build upon that.” All of the speakers thanked and praised the efforts of Lynn Smith, who chaired the Foundation board for the past eight years. His comments included his gratitude to Alex Holstein for his founding of the Foundation and his service as chair for the first seven years. The event ended with a report by Executive Director Linda Alexander on the progress of the Foundation throughout the past 15 years. It currently has assets of more than $10 million and has distributed more than $11 million to charities throughout Central New York and around the world.

rhythms and then listen – and connect – to the heartbeats of others, with the result being a wordless conversation that transcends age, gender and all possible ‘isms.’” Family yoga on October 9 and 30, and November 20, will be facilitated by JCC yoga instructor Linda Santanam. Yoga has been shown to offer benefits to bodies and minds of all ages, including gains in flexibility, balance and strength, as well as emotional equilibration, stress reduction and even cognitive health. “But these are not benefits we need to seek in isolation, in sole communion with ourselves,” commented Huober. “Like all of our Family Time with the Family Service events, these yoga experiences are intended to build and be enjoyed in community – whether the family community you bring with you or the one you find waiting for you.” Barbara Baum, a lifetime painter and educator, is facilitating painting workshops on October 16, November 6 and December 4. “Have you wanted to paint and didn’t quite know how to begin?” she asked. These “guided but unstructured” experiences are meant to allow both creativity and confidence, “leading the way for the expressive arts experience to sharpen the brain, lower stress and bring joy.” The final event, scheduled for December 11, has been planned as a free, “celebratory melding of the three forms of self- and community-building,” said Huober. The drumming experience will add Jewish cultural elements to the “rhythmic movement.” Paintings created in the earlier workshops will be on display. Talbot is still working out exactly what he’ll offer for the finale, but suggested he will want to include “The Shema” with Sufi drumming, a bit of Kirtan (Sanskrit) chant and some Native American drumming. “I’ll bring the big pow-wow drum and there’ll definitely be some movement/dance for the final celebration!” he promised. Pre-registration has been encouraged and pre-paid tickets and meals cost less than admission and lunch purchased on the day of the event. There will be a modest charge, with a reduction for children and pre-payment. There are donor levels and all sponsors will receive recognition. For more information or to prepay for admission or lunches, contact Deborah Ellis at 446-9111, ext. 256, or EllisD@sjfs.org. For developing news about the Family Time with the Family Service Fall series, visit Syracuse Jewish Family Service on Facebook.

DO YOU KNOW? A refresher on what Federation is... and what it does for our community’s youth BY JACKIE MIRON It is back to school time and just as people need a refresher at the beginning of the academic year, this is a refresher on the Jewish Federation of Central New York. As part of its mission statement, the JFCNY is a “comprehensive communal organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing JewJackie Miron ish life throughout Central New York.” In addition, Federation strives to “build a thriving Jewish community and enrich the educational, cultural and social life of the Jewish community.” At this time of returning to school, let’s focus on the myriad educational ways the Federation enhances the knowledge of students of all ages who are returning to school. If you have or have had a student at the Syracuse Hebrew Day School, Federation has provided a large portion of funding to run the school. The K-6 enriched program of general and Judaic studies offers small classes and highly individualized instruction. It is likely you have or know a student attending the newly-organized Syracuse Community Hebrew School, a Federation-supported after-school Hebrew program with more than 100 participants. SCHS provides high quality Hebrew education to prepare students for Jewish life in synagogues and at home. Students of all abilities and levels in third-seventh grades can attend the creative learning environment that the SCHS offers. The agency receiving the largest benefit from Federation is the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center. The JCC offers the most comprehensive and diverse programming for toddlers-teenagers. The JCC’s youngest learners, from toddlers-preschool, develop social, emotional, physical and intellectual well-being, which allows

them to grow and flourish as productive members of the community. Afterschool and vacation camp programs provide safe and reliable care whenever schools and closed. Teen programming develops values and leadership skills and offers social, athletic and volunteer opportunities. Federation also provides financial support to the Rabbi Epstein School of Jewish Studies. This evening school allows teenagers to enrich and enhance their Jewish experience in small group environments. The school educates students in Judaic studies and Hebrew

SAT Sept 10 - SUN Sept 25

See “Youth” on page 7

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D’VAR TORAH Everything I needed to know I learned from parashat Ki Tetze BY RABBI ANDREW PEPPERSTONE One of my favorite books growing up was “Everything I Needed To Know I Learned in Kindergarten” by Robert Fulghum. It was a short reminiscence on the valuable truth and lessons learned in the kindergarten

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.

Saturday, September 17 STOCS scholar-in-residence, Lahav Harkov, speaks at noon and at 6:15 pm Temple Adath Yeshurun Mishpaca Shabbat at 10:30 am Sunday, September 18 Temple Concord scholar series hosts Andrew Cohen at 11 am TAY presents concert featuring Fred Willard on piano and Sarah Bennett on clarinet at 3 pm Monday, September 19 TC Goldenberg Series presents “An Evening of Broadway Jazz” at 7 pm Tuesday, September 20 Sisterhood Symposium at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse at 6:30 pm Rabbi Jacob Epstein School of Jewish Studies meets at Congregation Beth Sholom Chevra Shas at 6:30 pm Wednesday, September 21 CBS-CS Board meeting at 7:30 pm Thursday, September 22 Council of Jewish Organizations meeting at 6:30 pm Epstein School at Wegmans Café at 7 pm Saturday, September 24 TAY presents ARosenwald: an Aviva Kempner Film@ at 8 pm Sunday, September 25 Jewish Music and Cultural Festival from noon to 6 pm at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse Wednesday, September 27 National Council of Jewish Women, Syracuse Section At-Large, honors Orit Antosh at 11:30 am at Justin’s Grill in East Syracuse Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse Executive Committee meeting at 6 pm, followed by JCC board meeting at 7 pm Epstein School meets at CBS-CS at 6:30 pm Wednesday, September 28 Deadline for the October 13 issue of the Jewish Observer Thursday, September 29 Menorah Park Board meeting at 6 pm Epstein School meets at Wegmans Café at 7 pm Sunday, October 2 Erev Rosh Hashanah Monday, October 3 Rosh Hashanah, day 1 Federation and JCC offices closed Tuesday, October 4 Rosh Hashanah, day 2 Federation and JCC offices closed Wednesday, October 5 Fast of Gedaliah Thursday, October 6 Epstein School meets at Wegmans Café at 7 pm Monday, October 10 EARLY deadline for October 27 issue of the Jewish Observer

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classroom. I was so taken with this book in high school that I had a poster of its main points on the wall in my room. Fulghum’s way of interpreting what might be seen as the “unremarkable” experience of kindergarten revealed the depths of its wisdom. One question one can ask of any experience in order to reveal its hidden wisdom is, “What is really going on here?” This way of interpreting an experience inspired me to look at the Torah in a similar way, in particular, the sections of the Torah that are primarily codes of biblical law, which might cause the eyes to glaze over. In parashat Ki Tetze we find one of the largest collections of law in the entire Torah, with 74 mitzvot contained within its verses, some of which we might find morally or ethically challenging. When I encounter a difficult verse or text, I always remind myself that we are rabbinic Jews and not biblical Jews. This means that we do not read the Torah alone without context. We always read the Torah and interpret it within the guidance and framework of classic and modern commentaries, which always ask, “What is really going on here?” Taking a cue from Fulghum’s work, here is some of the wisdom that I find revealed in and around the verses of this Torah portion. See if you can look into the verses themselves, find the roots of these and then find more wisdom as well. You can find Ki Tetze in the book of Deuteronomy 21:10-26-19. How we treat the most vulnerable people in our society says a lot about us. Boundaries are important to maintain and also need

MAZEL TOV Sheldon H. Savitz marries Stephen J. Simon

Sheldon H. Savitz, formerly of DeWitt, and Stephen J. Simon of West Orange, NJ, and Miami Beach, FL, were married on September 4 by L-r: Sheldon H. Savitz and Stephen J. Rabbi David Simon Dunn Bauer at The Grove in Cedar Grove, NJ. Savitz, 62, is the owner and principal of OnPoint Event Communications, an event production and communications firm, and was a former vice president of conference communications and creative services with MetLife in New York City. He did course work at Syracuse University and received a bachelor of science degree from SUNY College at Buffalo. He is the son of the late Harry and Gertrude Savitz, of DeWitt. His father was self-employed and his mother was a homemaker. Simon, 60, is retired. He formerly was a director of finance with Carter-Wallace, a consumer products and pharmaceutical firm in Cranbury, NJ. Most recently, he worked with special needs students at West Orange High School in New Jersey, and was a founding advisor of the Gay Straight Alliance there. He graduated magna cum laude with an accounting concentration from Boston University and is a certified public accountant. He is the son of Lillian Simon, of Union, NJ, and the late Fred Simon, a mechanical engineer. The couple met 34 years ago at a Friday night Shabbat service at Congregation Adas Israel in Washington, DC.

to have ways to be crossed.

No family is perfect. Every family has challenges. Every human being deserves a dignified burial. Treat your neighbor’s property as dearly as your own. It is our duty to help lift up someone who has fallen. Be mindful of how you dress and present yourself to

the outside world. Compassion for the living should extend to animals, no matter how small. Make your home a safe place, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Never take clothing for granted. Putting on clothing is a holy act. Healthy relationships are built upon honesty. Memories live longer than you expect. Strive to make your living spaces holy spaces. Be a refuge for those who are vulnerable. Be careful what promises and pledges cross your lips. It is good that Jewish law contains divorce; not all marriages last. A newly married couple needs one year free of extra responsibilities. When someone owes you money or depends on you, you do not have the right to embarrass them. Honest and integrity in one’s business are also divine commandments. Some wrongs can never be forgotten. Whether you are sitting at home, in a classroom, or in a synagogue, and reading the Torah, and one of its verses or chapters leaps out at you, perhaps because it speaks, challenges, disturbs or seems irrelevant to you, remember to ask this question first, “What is really going on here?” Dig into the verse. Discover the wisdom lurking beneath the surface of the words. This is what the Jewish people have been doing with the Torah for centuries. Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone is the rabbi at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas. He is currently the co-chair of the ACTS Clergy Caucus, a member of the InterFaith Works Round Table of Faith Leaders and the chair of the Syracuse Rabbinical Council.

Fall tap dance classes return to the JCC BY WILLIAM WALLAK The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse started its fall adult tap dance classes on September 13. The weekly classes will run through Tuesday, December 13, except for Tuesdays, October 4 and 11, due to the Jewish holidays. Four class levels will be offered each night: remedial, starting at 6:30 pm; beginner, at 7 pm; intermediate, at 8 pm; and advanced, at 9 pm. The tap classes are open to anyone age 12 and older, and no prior dance experience is necessary. There will be a modest cost per person each night. No reservations are necessary and there is free parking. Local attorney and choreographer Barry Shulman will once again lead the classes. Shulman, who has held the tap classes the past several years at the JCC, teaches “New York City” style. Students do not need to commit to every class and can attend as much as they prefer. “If you’re new to tap dancing, these classes are a great way for both men and women to experience it and try it out,” said Patrick Scott, JCC sports and fitness director. “The remedial and beginner classes are for students new to tap and teach the basics. Barry does a great job of getting both newcomers and experienced dancers alike moving and having fun each night.” Shulman, an attorney with Mackenzie Hughes LLP, has taught many principal dancers on Broadway and with national tours. He keeps the cost of the tap classes to a minimum and donates the proceeds to the JCC. He received the JCC’s Kovod Gadol award in 2013 for his “extraordinary commitment, energy and loyalty to the Center.” For more information about the adult tap dance classes, contact the JCC’s Sports and Fitness Center at 234-4522 or visit www.jccsyr.org.

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Barry Shulman (far right) taught a tap dance class at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse last fall.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2016/12 ELUL 5776 ■

OBITUARIES AURENE HART NAISTADT

Aurene Hart Naistadt, 86, a lifelong resident of Syracuse until 2014, when she moved to West Palm Beach, FL, to be closer to her family, died on August 26. She graduated from Nottingham High School, then from the Syracuse University School of Education cum laude, and was a member of Pi Lambda Theta, an educational honorary society. She was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority, Hadassah, J.A.Y. Sisterhood and both the New York and Syracuse Teachers Associations. She worked in the Syracuse City School District. She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, L. Lawrence. She is survived by her son, Eric (Robin) Naistadt, of Boston; her daughter, Rebecca (Howard) Shapiro; three grandchildren; a great-grandson; cousins, Marlene Blumin, Marilyn (Garret) Wiggers, Harry (Irma) Cohn and Earl Lewin; several nieces; and a nephew. Burial was in the Adath Yeshurun Cemetery. Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions can be made to the Joanne Blumin Endowed Scholarship Fund, c/o Dr. Diane Call, QCC Fund, Queensborough Community College, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside, NY 11364; or the TAY Youth Fund for Education, 450 Kimber Rd., Syracuse, NY 13224. 

CLAIRE SIEGEL NOVAK

Claire Siegel Novak, of Syracuse, died one month shy of 92 at Menorah Park. She was a lifetime resident of Syracuse and a graduate of the former Vocational High School. She worked first as a receptionist and secretary at Le Moyne College and then as an administrative assistant at Fairmont Children’s Center. After raising her four children, she and her husband enjoyed themselves camping in New York state parks, traveling together, nurturing their granddaughters and visiting and volunteering in Israel. She was a member of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas and a former member of Temple Beth El. She was also an active member of Pioneer Women and Na’amat. She enjoyed sports, and welcomed visitors like family in her home and at her dinner table. She took great pleasure in gathering together and cooking for her family to celebrate Jewish holidays. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Myer (Mike), in 2008. She is survived by her sons, Larry (Shirley), of Syracuse, and Wesley (Julie); her daughters, Marsha (Howard) Blackman and Terri Novak (Henry Kozlowski), of Syracuse; her sister-in-law, Gloria Novak, of Lake Worth, FL; three granddaughters; and four great-grandchildren. Burial was in the Beth Sholom section of Oakwood Cemetery. Birnbaum Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions can be made to the Foundation at Menorah Park, 4101 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13214; or Doctors for Global Health, P.O. Box 1761, Decatur, GA 30031. 

Youth

Continued from page 5 language after b’nai mitzvah in a caring environment that promotes positive Jewish identity and an opportunity to socialize with other teenagers. The local Federation financially supports Hillel on the Syracuse University campus. Each Jewish community funds its own local Hillel so students all across the country can enjoy a Jewish environment on campus. Hillel creates a diverse, dynamic and welcoming Jewish community, offering programming and experiences to enhance Jewish life for college students. This year, 2016, has been the largest and most successful year for the Jewish Federation of Central New York’s Annual Campaign. Many beneficiary agencies will benefit from the rewards of our generous community. Back-to-school time is an occasion to remember all that Federation does for every learning environment in our Jewish community.

Teen

JCC fitness center kicks off fall with new state-of-the-art equipment BY EVAN BLOOM The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse’s Neulander Family Sports and Fitness Center reopened on September 2 after a two-week cosmetic facelift and other improvements. Various renovation specials have also been made available. New and current members can now use the newly installed state-of-the-art cardio machines and strength training equipment, as well as upgrades to some of the existing equipment. A new floor was also installed in the JCC Fitness Center’s adult fitness room. “As greater Syracuse’s boutique gym, we wanted to enhance our members’ fitness experience with new equipment in time for fall for both our serious fitness fanatics and those who simply enjoy their weekly exercise,” said Patrick Scott, the JCC’s sports and fitness director. “Our members have access to a phenomenal facility that is family-friendly and literally has something for everyone regardless of age or fitness level. Add our range of special membership deals for new members to the mix and we really make our gym highly competitive with anything the region has to offer.” The fitness center is open seven days a week. Its equipment includes more than 25 cardio machines, Keiser M3 bikes and one of the region’s largest banked indoor running/walking tracks. Members who prefer classes

The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse’s Neulander Family Sports and Fitness Center’s adult fitness room now features new equipment. can choose from more than 50 group exercise classes offered per week, including TRX suspension training. The fitness center has a collegiate-size gymnasium and a comprehensive free-weight area and strength-training machines. Personal training services, nutritional counseling and massages are also available. After a workout, all fitness members have access to showers and locker rooms with towel service provided. In the summer months, a large outdoor pool adds additional fitness variety and opportunities. Prospective members have been invited to contact the fitness center at 234-4522 for a tour. For additional information, visit www.jccsyr.org.

Syracuse Community Selichot Hebrew School Temple Adath Wall of Remembrance.

Continued from page 3

The Syracuse Community Hebrew School held its welcome back event on August 28 at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse in anticipation of the school’s second year of classes staring on Wednesday, September 14. L-r: Cantor Kari Siegel Eglash, Cantor Paula Pepperstone, SCHS Education Director Shannon Small and Ba’alat Tefillah Esa Jaffe.

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The film and Selichot services will be open to the community. Mincha will be held at 6:50 pm, with the film at 8 pm. For more information, visit www.adath.org or contact the synagogue at 445-0002 or info@adath.org. TEMPLE CONCORD Temple Concord will present the film “East Jerusalem/ West Jerusalem” and discuss the movie’s themes for an early Selichot program on Saturday, September 17, at 8 pm. It will be followed by an oneg and then Selichot services in the sanctuary. During this service, the Torah mantels will be changed from blue to white in preparation of the High Holidays. For more information, call the TC office at 475-9952 or visit www.templeconcord.org.

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Pomeranz, Shankman and Martin Charitable Foundation for an opening balance of at least $500. The teenagers may advise as to which charities their funds are distributed. All b’nai mitzvah fund holders are invited to join the Teen Funders Committee meeting. At these meetings, the teenagers are asked to contribute some of their fund to a pooled fund to be distributed by the group. In 2015, 12 organizations received funds totaling $5,800. Since spring 2009, the teenagers have distributed $34,850 to 58 non-profits, Jewish and non-Jewish. For more information, contact Piirak at 445-2040, ext. 106, or kpiirak@jewishfederationcny.org.

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