Syr0930 by Jewish Federation of CNY

8 TISHREI 5775 • OCTOBER 2, 2014 • VOLUME XXXVIII, NUMBER 19 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY

Grant applications requested by teen funders By Nancy Belkowitz and Linda Alexander The Teen Funders Committee of the Jewish Community Foundation B’nai Mitzvah Program has requested grant applications from local charitable organizations. Grant recipients will be announced by the teen funders following their meeting on Sunday, October 26. All applicants must be legally recognized charitable organizations. Grant applications must be received no later than Thursday, October 23, by the Jewish

Community Foundation B’nai Mitzvah Program at 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 forwards the organization’s mission. The B’nai Mitzvah Program at the Jewish Community Foundation teaches the core 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 the bar or bat mitzvah. The donations are matched by the Pomeranz, Shankman and Martin Trusts for an opening balance of at least $500. The teenagers may advise which charities will receive funds from the Jewish Community Foundation and how the funds may be distributed. All b’nai mitzvah fund holders may attend Teen Funders Committee meetings, where the teenagers are asked to contribute

some of their fund money to a pooled fund to be distributed by the group. Last spring, the teenagers funded Syracuse Africa Bound, Enable and Transitional Living Services, From the Ground Up Therapeutic Horsemanship, Hand in Hand, Krembo Wings, Beit Tikvah, Menorah Park and Connecting Soul to Soul. For more information, contact Teen Fund Coordinator Nancy Belkowitz or Jewish Community Foundation Executive Director Linda Alexander at 445-2040, ext. 130.

Most Israelis favor greater religion-state separation, new study shows By Ben Sales TEL AVIV (JTA) – During the past 18 months, the governing coalition in Israel has passed legislation to extend the nation’s mandatory conscription to the haredi Orthodox – a group currently exempted from military service – and Knesset leaders have advanced bills that would allow for civil unions and ease restrictions on Jewish conversions. But a new study shows that the majority of the Israeli electorate remains unhappy with the amount of religious influence on Israeli life and law. The annual report, which was released on September 22 by Hiddush – a 5-year-old organization that lobbies the Knesset to promote religious freedom – revealed that 61 percent of Israelis support increased religion-state separation and 78 percent are dissatisfied with the government’s actions on religion-and-state issues. Specifically, two-thirds of Israelis back legalizing civil marriage, up from 61 percent in 2010. And 64 percent of Israelis support recognizing Conservative and Reform conversions, a slight rise from the 60 percent in 2010. On both issues, no less than 100 percent of haredim polled supported Israel’s longstanding policies in which the Orthodox Chief Rabbinate maintains control

over Jewish marriages and recognizes only Orthodox conversions. Still, onethird of haredi respondents joined the 71 percent of Israelis who disapproved of the Chief Rabbinate. “For haredim who think Israel should be a theocracy, it’s described as a government of destruction,” said Rabbi Uri Regev, the CEO of Hiddush. “On the other side, [those favoring religion-state separation feel] the government has never really been attentive,” said Regev, noting that successive governments have prioritized defense policy over religious liberalization. The Knesset’s largest party, the centrist Yesh Atid, pushed through a law this year to include haredim in Israel’s mandatory draft. The mandate doesn’t go into effect for another three years, and 61 percent of Israelis – including 98 percent of haredim themselves – don’t believe haredi Jews will ultimately be drafted. The passage of the draft law this year came amid rising haredi-secular tensions, which culminated with at least 300,000 haredim taking to the streets of Jerusalem in mass protest in March. According to the Hiddush poll, 68 percent of Israelis viewed haredi-secular tensions as one of the worst internal conflicts in Israel. “Last year was characterized by a lack

of communication between the sectors,” Aharon Kravitz, a haredi journalist and activist, told JTA. “People talked about the haredim. Nobody talked with the haredim. There’s a lack of understanding and that influences public opinion.” There was agreement with the haredim on at least one point: A majority of Israelis, including four-fifths of haredim, backed affirmative action to place haredim in government jobs. As in previous years, the poll also found that Israelis have bridged a once-stark religious-secular divide. Among the 800 total respondents, 49 percent identified

as secular, 17 percent as traditional-notso-religious, 13 percent as traditionalreligious, 12 percent as religious and 9 percent as haredi. According to the survey, 42 percent of Israelis observe the Sabbath in some way, whether according to traditional Jewish law or through customs such as lighting candles and blessing wine. “Simplistic divisions are really missing the point,” Regev said. “Respect for Shabbat is not only the domain of those who define themselves as religious. There are varying degrees of personal respect and observance that Israelis follow.”

Israel is Under Fire. Please Donate to Help

Stop the Sirens is a community-wide campaign responding to urgent needs in Israel. The fundraising effort is coordinated by the Jewish Federation of CNY in cooperation with the Jewish Federations of North America. We had originally hoped to raise $33,000, but thanks to the generosity of the community, we have received hundreds of gifts totaling over $60,000. Our goal was $33,000

To make your pledge, please contact Marianne at 445-2040 ext. 102 or mbazydlo@jewishfederationCNY.org.

thank you!

As of 9/29/14

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Secular Israelis outside the Cinema City theater in Jerusalem on February 25 demonstrated in favor of allowing movie theaters to open on Shabbat. (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

October 3.................6:24 pm................................................Parasha-Yom Kippur October 8.................6:16 pm............................................................... Erev Sukkot October 9.................after 7:14 pm...............................................................Sukkot October 10...............6:12 pm......................................................... Parasha-Sukkot October 15...............6:04 pm............................................... Erev Shemini Atzeret October 16...............after 7:03 pm......................................... Erev Simchat Torah October 17...............6:01 pm....................................................... Parasha-Bereshit

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Sukkot

Film screening

Congregational notes

Local synagogues announce The JCC will sponsor a screening Holiday celebrations, speakers their Sukkot holiday services and of Israeli filmmaker Dani Menkin’s and more are announced by local film “Is That You?” on October 12. synagogues. events. Story on page 3 Story on page 2 Stories on page 4

PLUS Home and Real Estate........... 6 B’nai Mitzvah........................... 6 Calendar Highlights............... 6 Obituaries................................. 7

JEWISH OBSERVER ■ OCTOBER 2, 2014/8 TISHREI 5775

Music, food and fun highlight 15th annual JMAC Festival

By William Wallak The 15th annual Jewish Music and Cultural Festival was held on September 14 at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse. More than 1,000 people attended throughout the afternoon for the Jewish music, the home-cooked kosher food, shopping at the vendors’ tables and participating in the many activities.

JMAC Festival Co-Chair Vicki Feldman said, “It was an awesome day! Great music, lots of Jewish food and a variety of eclectic vendors. People were smiling and having fun. It was great to see such positive energy everywhere.” The band Zetz! began the festival and the day’s music at noon. West of Odessa took the stage next as part of the festival’s lineup of bands that performed throughout the day.

The Keyna Hora Klezmer Band got the crowd dancing and warmed up for the Jon Nelson Band, which started its set by keeping the audience dancing for what has been called “Central New York’s largest horah.”

Participants were helped by the Open Hand Theater’s larger-than-life puppets. Sruli and Lisa’s Family Band followed and closed the festival with a performance by young musiSee “Festival” on page 8

Sukkot around the community

Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas (USCJ affiliated), 18 Patsy Ln., off Jamesville Rd., DeWitt, 446-9570. Call Julie Tornberg for youth programs at 701-2685. Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse (Orthodox, affiliated with the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America), 4313 E. Genesee St., DeWitt, 446-6194. Temple Adath Yeshurun (USCJ affiliated), 450 Kimber Rd., Syracuse, 445-0002. Temple Concord (Reform, affiliated with Union for Reform Judaism), 910 Madison St., Syracuse, 475-9952. Chabad House at Syracuse University, Chabad House, 825 Ostrom Ave. For service times and information, call 424-0363. Hillel, Winnick Hillel Center for Jewish Life at Syracuse University Campus, 102 Walnut Pl., Syracuse, 422-5082. All events are at Winnick Hillel.

Congregation Beth SholomChevra Shas

Services are open to the community. For more information, guests and visitors should contact the Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas office at 446-9570 or office@cbscs.org. Wednesday, October 8 Erev Sukkot Dinner in the Hut 6 pm Thursday, October 9 Shacharit 9:30 am Friday, October 10 Shacharit 9:30 am Saturday, October 11 Chol Hamoed Sukkot with Cantor Paula Pepperstone Family service 10:30 am Lunch and learn with Joan Burstyn after services Thursday, October 16 Shemini Atzeret Shacharit 9:30 am Yizkor will be recited Simchat Torah Maariv at 7 pm Friday, October 17 Shacharit 9:30 am

Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse

Services are open to the community. For more information, contact rabbi@ stocsyracuse.org. Wednesday, October 8 Erev Sukkot Services 6:45 am Erev Tavshilin Candle lighting 6:16 pm Mincha 6:20 pm Eat in sukkah after 7:22 pm Thursday, October 9 Sukkot day one Chumash class 8:15 am Morning services 9 am Mincha 6:20 pm Candle lighting 7:22 pm Earliest time to eat in the sukkah 7:22 pm Friday, October 10 Sukkot day two Morning services 9 am Mincha 6:15 pm Candle lighting 6:12 pm Saturday, October 11 Shabbat Chol Hamoed Morning services 9 am Mincha 6:05 pm Havdalah 7:18 pm

Wednesday, October 15 Erev Shemini Atzeret Candle lighting 6:04 pm Mincha 6:05 pm Thursday, October 16 Shemini Atzeret Chumash class 8:15 am Morning services 9 am Yizkor 10:30 am Mincha 6 pm Candle lighting 7:10 pm Hakafot 7:10 pm Friday, October 17 Simchat Torah Morning services 8:45 am Hakafot 9:30 am Mincha 6:05 pm Candle lighting 6:01 pm

The Jon Nelson Band performed its version of “Jewish rock and roll.”

Temple Adath Yeshurun Wednesday, October 8 Erev Sukkot Evening service 6:30 pm Candle lighting 6:16 pm Thursday, October 9 Sukkot day one Morning service 9:15 am Evening service 6 pm Candle lighting 7:14 pm Friday, October 10 Sukkot day two Morning service 9:15 am Evening service 6 pm Candle lighting 6:12 pm Saturday, October 11 Morning service 9:15 am Pizza in the Hut following services Evening service 6:15 pm Wednesday, October 15 Hoshanah Rabbah Service 7:15 am Shemini Atzeret evening service 6 pm Candle lighting 6:04 pm Thursday, October 16 Simchat Torah Morning service 9:15 am Yizkor 10:30 am Evening service 6 pm Family celebration 6:45 pm Candle lighting 7:02 pm Friday, October 17 Morning service 9:15 am Evening service 5:30 pm

Temple Concord

Services are open to the community. For more information, guests and visitors should contact the Temple Concord office at 475-9952 or office@templeconcord. org. Thursday, October 9 Morning service 11 am Thursday, October 16 Shemini Atzeret Yizkor service 11 am Simchat Torah service and consecration 7 pm

Hillel at Syracuse University

Sukkot is celebrated all week long with multiple events. The sukkah, located on the porch of the Winnick Hillel Center, will be open all week for anyone to come by and shake a lulav or have a snack. Simchat Torah will be celebrated with the traditional readings from the end and beginning of the Torah, as well as music and dancing. Participants frequently celebrate with the Reform community at Temple of Concord or at Chabad. For more information, contact Hillel at 422-5082.

Children played in the Ga-Ga pit at the festival’s children’s area.

The large Open Hand Theater puppets helped lead Central New York’s largest horah during the start of the Jon Nelson Band’s set.

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AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK JCC of Syracuse to present special screening of “Is That You?” By William Wallak The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse will sponsor a screening of award-winning Israeli filmmaker Dani Menkin’s film “Is That You?” on Sunday, October 12, at 1 pm, at the Landmark Theatre in downtown Syracuse. For this showing, a recent addition to the Syracuse International Film Festival, the JCC of Syracuse is giving away 100 tickets on a first-come, first-serve basis. The complimentary tickets, limited to four per person, are available in advance through Wednesday, October 8, at the JCC, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt, or online at www. jccsyr.org. There will be a charge for tickets at the door. “Is That You?” was filmed in Syracuse during a four-week period in 2012 using several local actors and production staffers. The romantic comedy, which has been called suitable for all ages, chronicles the road trip of Ronnie (Alon Aboutboul) as he tries to find Rachel (Suzanne Sadler), the college sweetheart he let slip away. “Is That You?” was nominated for the 2014 Israeli Ophir Award (Israeli Acad-

emy Awards) film of the year. The film was first screened at the Montreal World Film Festival in August. “We are very pleased to bring this special Syracuse Film Festival showing to the Landmark and make it more accessible to the community through our ticket giveaway,” said Marci Erlebacher, JCC of Syracuse executive director. “It will be great to preview Dani’s film after opening the JCC’s doors for its casting auditions and getting a glimpse of the production’s behind-the-scenes magic.” Menkin shot “Is That You?” in 2012 after completing a six-month artist-in-residency at Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts film program. He also directed “Dolphin Boy” (2011) and “Je T’aime I Love You Terminal” (2011), as well as “39 Pounds of Love” (2005), which won an Ophir Award. “Because of Dani’s ties to Syracuse and to the Jewish Community Center through his film, it’s wonderful that the JCC has partnered with the festival to make this special ‘Is That You?’ showing available,” said Owen

Symposium topic to be “Honoring Aging Parents” Sharon A. Brangman, M.D., and Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone will participate in the symposium “Squeezed and Squashed: Challenges of Honoring Our Aging Parents” on Wednesday, October 9, at 6 pm, at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse. Brangman, a professor of medicine and division chief of

geriatrics at SUNY Upstate Medical University, focuses on providing comprehensive care of elderly patients. Pepperstone is the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas. There will be a fee to attend and reservations are required. They may be made by contacting the CBS-CS office at 446-9570 or office@CBSCS.org.

Shapiro, artistic director of the Syracuse International Film Festival. “Great reviews have already come in from the Montreal festival and we want to make sure everyone in Syracuse gets to see this film.” The Syracuse International Film Festival will be held October 5-12 at venues throughout Syracuse. For more information, call 706-2147 or visit www.filminsyracuse.com.

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Marci Erlebacher to receive the 2014 Hannah Solomon Award

The Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse Executive Director Marci Erlebacher will receive the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Syracuse Section At-Large Hannah G. Solomon Award on Monday, October 20, at a luncheon at Justin’s Grill, 6400 Yorktown Circle, East Syracuse. Registration will start at 11:30 am, with the luncheon and program beginning at noon sharp and ending by 1:30 pm. Reservations will be required and there will be a cost to attend. The Hannah G. Solomon award is a national award presented by individual sections of NCJW. “The award is named for the founder of NCJW and is given to women 13. Publication Title

14. Issue Date for Circulation Data

JEWISH OBSERVER OF CENTRAL NEW YORK

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

Total Number of Copies (Net press run)

b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail)

3,257

3,222

Mailed Outside-Country Paid Subscriptions Stated on (1) PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies)

641

629

Mailed In-Country Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS (2) Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies)

2,376

2,368

3,017

2,997

Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales (3) Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS® (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail®)

Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3) and (4).

d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail)

(2)

Free or Nominal Rate In-Country Copies Included on PS Form 3541

(3)

Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail)

(4)

Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means)

150

135

Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4).

150

135

Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e)

3,167

3,132

Copies not Distributed (See instructions to Publishers #4

90 3,222

▲

Total (Sum of 15f and g)

▲

3,257

Percent Paid (15c. divided by 15f times 100)

▲

(page #3))

95.26%

Paid Electronic Copies

Total Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a)

Total Print Distribution (Line 15f) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a)

Percent Paid (Both Print & Electronic Copies) (16b divided by 16c x 100)

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No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

16. Electronic Copy Circulation

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0000475893-01

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(1)

Free or Nominal Rate Distribution OutsideCounty Copies included on PS Form 3541

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who have demonstrated exceptional service to both the Jewish community and the community-at-large,” said organizers of the event. Erlebacher is said to have made a commitment to improving the quality of life in Syracuse for many years. For more information, to make a reservation, or send a tribute card honoring Erlebacher, contact Marlene Holstein at 446-7648 by Wednesday, October 15.

September 18, 2014 Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ OCTOBER 2, 2014/8 TISHREI 5775

congregational notes Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Sukkot Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas will celebrate Sukkot in a variety of ways. The CBS-CS Men’s Club will build the congregational sukkah on Sunday, October 5, at 9:30 am, in the CBS-CS parking lot. After religious school, everyone will be invited to help decorate the sukkah. A family service will be held on Shabbat Chol Hamoed Sukkot, Saturday, October 11, at 10:30 am, in addition to the sanctuary service, which will begin at 9:30 am and which will be led by Cantor Paula Pepperstone. There will be a Kiddush Sukkot Spot following services, with a light lunch and a lunch and learn. Joan Burstyn will share her experience of Mussar practice in preparation for the congregation’s November scholar-in-residence weekend with Rabbi Ira Stone. During recent decades, Dr. Alan Morinis and Stone have revised Mussar practice to make it available to non-Orthodox Jews. They have also explored the power of Mussar’s links to modern psychology and Eastern spiritual practices. It was their work that attracted Burstyn to the practice. In addition to the lunch and learn, there will be games for children of all ages. The following week, CBS-CS will celebrate Simchat Torah, on Thursday, October 16, at 7 pm with the Keyna Hora Klezmer

band providing music and Cantor Paula Pepperstone leading the hakafot. There will be snacks appropriate to the holiday and the season during the evening. All services will be open to the community. For more information, contact the CBS-CS office at 446-9570 or office@ cbscs.org. Dinner in the sukkah Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas will hold its annual dinner in the sukkah on Wednesday, October 8, starting at 5:30 pm. This year, the dinner will be a “semi-potluck” dinner. The event will be called “Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts” because it has been said that “when people come together as a community, they are more than the sum of their parts.” CBS-CS will provide part of the meal and those attending will also provide a part. One Sukkot custom is to eat foods that are stuffed inside something else, as in how people “wrap” themselves in the sukkah, so a “make-your-own-wrap” buffet will be available. Reservations have been requested, along with signing up for a particular quantity of an ingredient (such as a jar of mild salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes or other foods). There will be a midrash that compares See “CBS-CS” on page 7

Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation IDF chief rabbi By Richard D. Wilkins At its September 13 Shabbat morning service, Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse hosted former Israel Defense Forces Chief Rabbi Israel Weiss. Following his studies at Mercaz HaRav in Jerusalem, he was inducted into the IDF rabbinate in 1976. He rose in the ranks – battalion, brigade, division, GOC army headquarters – and was chief rabbi from 2000-06. During his career, he was witness

to many events: engagements, disengagements and prisoner exchanges. Those experiences, with a general overview of the military rabbinate, were discussed in his 2010 book, “Bedam Libi” (“In the Blood of my Heart”). At the kiddush following services, he responded in Hebrew to questions from congregants with a simultaneous translation by Yechiel Reit. The first questions concerned how the IDF would be able to See “STOCS” on page 8

Temple Adath Yeshurun TAY MISHPACHA (family) Shabbat and Pizza in the Hut Temple Adath Yeshurun will hold its next monthly Mishpacha (family) Shabbat on Saturday, October 11, at 10:30 am. It will be followed by the annual “Pizza in the Hut” lunch to celebrate Sukkot. “Pizza in the Hut” has become a tradition at TAY as congregants gather for a pizza lunch in the sukkah. Mishpacha Shabbat is a monthly program when Shabbat morning services are held for each age group. Young children from infants-kindergarten and their parents may participate in Tot Shabbat at 10:30 am, children in first-fifth grade may participate in junior congregation at 10:30 See “TAY” on page 5

L-r: Parker Allman and Isaac DuChene made “shofars” out of recycled materials during Rothschild Early Childhood Center’s Jewish Enrichment program, which is held on Tuesdays from 10-10:45 am. The program is free and open to the public.

Temple Adath Yeshurun Religious School grades four-seven visited Meadowbrook Creek for tekes l’shanah tovah (ceremony for a good year).

Temple Concord Opera Resident Artists By Andrew Petro Temple Concord will feature Syracuse Opera resident artists in the program “Nine More Operas in Ninety Minutes” on Tuesday, October 7, at 7 pm, as part of its Goldenberg Cultural Series. Various performers will present scenes from some of opera’s “greatest hits.” Each scene will be fully staged and incorporate “a dynamic set and colorful costumes.” Goldenberg Series Chair Vicki Feldman said, “This is a performance that breaks traditional opera stereotypes and will leave the viewer feeling invigorated. Our resident artist opera performance has been wellreceived every year and everyone looks forward to it with great anticipation.” Now in its 13th year, the Regina F. Goldenberg Cultural Series is made possible by donations to the Regina F. Goldenberg Cultural Fund at Temple Concord. Most of the programs occur on Tuesday evenings. The program will be appropriate for all ages. Admission will be free and open to the public. Donations will be welcome. For more information, contact Temple Concord at 475-9952 or e-mail office@ templeconcord.org.

Scholar series to present Robert Spitzer on gun control By Andrew Petro Temple Concord will host political science Professor Robert J. Spitzer on Tuesday, October 14, at 7 pm, as part of its Scholar Series. A distinguished service professor and chair of the Political Science De- Prof. Robert Spitzer partment at SUNY Cortland, Spitzer will speak about gun control in America and its constitutionality. He has written 15 books, including five on gun policy. His book “Guns Across America” will be published by Oxford University Press early next year. The Temple Concord Scholar Series is celebrating six years of bringing university professors and other experts into the community to talk about a variety of topics. It is made possible through donations to the Temple Concord Learning Fund. The programs are held on Sundays at 11 am or Tuesdays at 7 pm. See “TC” on page 7

Temple Concord will once again host a Red Cross blood drive. Pictured are some of last year’s donors.

Audience turnout is said to be increasing for the annual Temple Concord Goldenberg Cultural Series. On September 16, the Syracuse City Ballet premiered a new ballet, “Bound Fragility,” among other works.

OCTOBER 2, 2014/8 TISHREI 5775 ■

Labor Day barbecue at Hillel at SU By Dan Silverman Hillel at Syracuse University held its annual Labor Day barbecue on September 1. The event featured free food and allowed friends who had not seen each other during the summer to socialize. Executive Director Brian Small said the Labor Day tradition has been going on for as long as he could remember, and that “it started as something for kids who didn’t do FreshFest.” Since then, the barbecue has grown and developed into an event for all Jewish students on campus. Hillel Jewish Student Union Board President Zach Goldberg, class of 2015, said that he expected about 150 students to attend. Instead, a record of more 200 were present. HJSUB Executive Vice President and Vice President

of Religious Life Dave Kimelman, class of 2016, said he was “happy so many people came out. It made it a great day.” “Judging by the number of people who attended the barbeque, nothing is better than spending the last day of a long holiday weekend enjoying some good food and

JEWISH OBSERVER

friends at Hillel. While the reasons for attending ranged from free food to seeing friends or anything in between, there was one thing that seemed quite clear: students of all ages and for many reasons had a good time kicking off another enjoyable year at Hillel at Syracuse University,” said organizers of the event.

Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center senior dining menu October 6-10 Monday – baked stuffed fish Tuesday – soup and salad bar Wednesday – meatloaf with gravy Thursday – closed for Sukkot Friday – closed for Sukkot October 13-17 Monday – apricot chicken Tuesday – beef lo mein Wednesday – fish sandwich Thursday – closed for Shemini Atzeret Friday – closed for Simchat Torah The Bobbi Epstein Lewis JCC Senior Adult Dining

Program, catered by Tiffany’s Catering Company at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center, offers Va’ad Ha’ir-supervised kosher lunches served Monday-Friday at noon. Reservations are required by noon on the previous business day and 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 and United Way of Central New York. To attend, one need not be Jewish or a member of the JCC. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Leesa Paul or Larry Crinnin at 445-2360, ext. 104, or lpaul@jccsyr.org.

TAY

Continued from page 4

am and sixth-12th grade students will help lead services in the main sanctuary. The program is free and open to the community. For more information, contact Alicia Cafarchio Gross at alicia@adath.org or 445-0002.

Oy Cappella sang for the students attending the Hillel at Syracuse University Labor Day barbecue on September 1.

At right: The Temple Adath Yeshurun chapter of Hazak harvested crops in the Syracuse Jewish Community Garden, housed at Temple Adath, on September 7. L-r: Ruth Borsky, JoAnn Grower, Marcia Mizruchi and Dee Bluman picked crops, which were then donated to a food pantry.

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ OCTOBER 2, 2014/8 TISHREI 5775

d’var torah

A chance each year to start afresh By Joan Burstyn The month of Elul and the High Holy Days that follow are a challenge to each of us. We may procrastinate, as I often do, but in the end, we have to take up the challenge: During the year now ending, how well have we done in our relations with other people and in our relations with God? I often think of a saying attributed to Rabbi Zusya, who wept as he approached death. His students asked him why he was so sad. “Are you afraid that you’ll be reproached that you weren’t Moses?” “No,” he replied. “That I was not the best Zusya I could be.” During Elul, we each have an opportunity to ponder

b’nai mitzvah Marc David Baum

Marc David Baum, son of Greg and Michelle Baum, of Jamesville, became bar mitzvah at TempleAdath Yeshurun on September 13. He is the grandson ofArnold and Estelle Baum, of West Palm Beach, FL, Robert and Kathy Wills, of Cape Coral, FL, and Paul Hagen, of New Hartford, NY. He attends the Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School and the TAY Religious School. He enjoys golfing, fishing and Marc David Baum playing video games.

that saying, using our own name in place of Zusya’s. Each of us is asked to take stock of how far we have come toward being the best that we can become. Martin Buber reminded us that the quality of our life is not destined at birth; each of us has the opportunity to improve our chance for happiness. One way to seize that opportunity is to differentiate between I-Thou and I-It relationships, and to resist the demands of institutions, such as the state, corporation or party, to reduce the significance of I-Thou relationships in one’s life. Throughout the years, I have taken to making a list of “hits” and “misses” in my relations with each family member, friend, colleague and acquaintance. Each year, I discuss this list with a close friend. Then, we find time to give an account to each other of our progress in making amends for our “misses” through apologies to those we have hurt. That process of teshuvah is often stressful, but I find it cathartic once completed. After re-reading Buber’s work recently, I realize that I have an additional obligation that I have ignored, but will now add to my lists of “hits” and “misses.” It is to account for my behavior on issues relating to the communityat-large, and to the Jewish community in particular. What does it mean to list one’s “hits” and “misses” in one’s relationship to God? As I write this d’var Torah, I keep glancing through the window behind my computer screen. There, I am drawn to the green trees and the sky with a slight cloud cover tinted orange and pink by the sun that has already slipped below the horizon. As I admire the scene, I realize that I spend too little time appreciating the world I live in. I rarely consider that I have the duty to bless what is wonderful in my life. Does that count as a “miss” in my relationship

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with God? I believe it does. I think that if I accepted more readily the obligation to bless, I would pay less attention to myself and more to the world around me – to my physical environment, my home, family and friends. The notion that I have a duty to bless is not an easy concept for me to accept because my notion of God is not anthropomorphic. On the other hand, I am moved to accept the following request made by the late Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi for us all to join him in blessing the planet. At this season, in this year, Zalman’s request seems especially urgent: “One of the greatest needs this planet has for healing is blessing. It is underblessed.” Underblessed reality is like empty calories. What a blessing achieves is the enlargement of possibilities for good. Like an enzyme for growth, like a catalyst in a chemical process, the blessing serves to offer the dynamic help that makes a process clear the barriers. I want to ask you to join with me in blessing the planet; the next generation; all species; all good intentions in people’s hearts; all those who face burn-out in their service to others; to the scientists and physicians who work on finding cures for cancer and AIDS; for prisoners in our penal systems who want to start a new and better life; for the prisoners of conscience to be freed; for warring nations to find the way to peace and cooperation; for those whose time has come to leave their body to be able to do so serenely and aware; for the children about to be born to become agents of blessing.” If we are brave, we will keep our lists of “hits” and “misses” from one year to the next. That way, each of us may keep track of whether we are coming closer to being the best person we can be. Joan N. Burstyn, professor emerita of education and history at Syracuse University, is a member of the Adult Education Committee at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas and the advisory board of Women Transcending Boundaries. She is also a published poet. Her fourth book of poems, “Treasures Stored for Winter,” was published earlier this year.

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.

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Monday, October 6 Temple Adath Yeshurun Hazak lunch at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse at noon Tuesday, October 7 Temple Concord Regina Goldenberg Series presents opera with resident artists Wednesday, October 8 Erev Sukkot Thursday, October 9 Sukkot - day one - JCC and Federation offices closed Friday, October 10 Sukkot - day two - JCC and Federation offices closed Sunday, October 12 Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas Hazak presentation of film “Orchestra of Exiles” at 2 pm Monday, October 13 EARLY deadline for the October 30 issue of the Jewish Observer Tuesday, October 14 TC presents Scholar Series with Dr. Robert Spitzer Thursday, October 16 Shemini Atzeret, Erev Simchat Torah in the evening Friday, October 17 Simchat Torah Sunday, October 19 Temple Concord blood drive 9 am-2 pm Monday, October 20 NCJW Hannah Solomon luncheon at noon at Justin’s Grill Syracuse Hebrew Day School Board of Directors meeting at 7:30 pm Tuesday, October 21 Jewish Community Center Executive Committee meeting at 6 pm, followed by Board of Directors meeting at 7 pm TC Cinemagogue - “No Place on Earth” at 7 pm Wednesday, October 22 CBS-CS Board of Trustees meeting at 7:15 pm

OCTOBER 2, 2014/8 TISHREI 5775 ■

JEWISH OBSERVER

CBS-CS

obituaries Charles Goldsmith

Charles Goldsmith, 80, died on September 12 at his home in Royal Palm Beach, FL. He was born in Syracuse on January 4, 1934, to Joseph and Frances Goldsmith. A former Chittenango resident, he spent the winters in Royal Palm Beach. He was a past president of the Chittenango Oz Foundation. He was a retired pharmacist and had worked for Wegmans in DeWitt.AU.S.ArmyAir Corps veteran, he was a member of Temple Adath Yeshurun. He was predeceased by his sisters, Shirley Raymond and Mimi Lipstein. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Sheila; his sister, Barbara Grossman, of Fayetteville; his sister-inlaw, Marlene Sallerson, of Royal Palm Beach, FL; his brother-law, Edward (Lucille) Sallerson; his children, Jeffrey, Jeanine and Vicki; his nieces and nephews, Steven (Patty) Grossman, of Ohio, Gary (Bonnie) Grossman, of Jamesville, Rick Raymond, of Syracuse, Gerald (Lori) Raymond, of Manlius, Peter (Catherine) Sallerson, Keith Sallerson, Janet (David) Mursky and Daniel (Judy) Sallerson; and two grandchildren. Burial was in Adath Yeshurun Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions may be made to the Joshua Ian Davis Memorial Fund, c/o the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York, 5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt, NY 13214; or the American Cancer Society, 6725 Lyons St., East Syracuse, NY 13057. 

business briefs Physical therapist opens office at JCC’s sports center By William Wallak Alexander S. Talev, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT, CSCS, owner of Home Stretch Physical Therapy, P.C., recently opened a physical therapy clinic at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse’s Neulander Family Sports and Fitness Center. A town of Onondaga resident, Talev specializes in treatment and management of Alexander S. Talev balance disorders and falls, orthopedic injuries (including post-surgical conditions such as joint replacement), spine care, neurological conditions, arthritis and pain management. Talev said, “I am excited to be practicing at the JCC and serving more patients in the eastern suburbs. The fitness center’s facilities, equipment and staff are top-notch, and having all of this available to patients is extremely beneficial for their physical recovery, conditioning and overall wellness.” While Talev has focused his practice on treating older adults, he has experience working with individuals of all ages. He takes a “highly personalized” approach to providing individualized care and identifying the root cause of patients’ conditions, which is intended to make treatment more effective and efficient. JCC of Syracuse Executive Director Marci Erlebacher said, “HavingAlex here at the JCC is a nice compliment to all that our sports and fitness center has to offer. It’s wonderful that we’re able to open our doors to even more people in the community and take part in helping with their health goals.” Talev is a doctor of physical therapy with 12 years of experience, and a graduate of SUNY Upstate Medical University. For more information, call the fitness center at 234-4522.

Doris A. Shapero

Doris A. Shapero, 85, died on September 15 at Loretto. She lived in Syracuse her entire life, but spent winters in Florida for the past 20 years. She and her husband worked together for many years in their family business, Dor-Ed Sales. She was a member of Temple Adath Yeshurun. She loved to bake, play Mah Jongg, garden and walk. She was predeceased by her husband, Edwin, in 2006. She is survived by her children, Rick (Gail) Shapero, of Manlius, Karen Shapero (Matt) Jones, Larry (Linda) Shapero and Laurie Shapero; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; her brother, Harvey (Fran) Albert, of Fayetteville; and her sister-in-law, Carole (Sid) Hoffman. Burial was in Frumah Packard Cemetery. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. Contributions may be made to Temple Adath Yeshurun, 450 Kimber Rd., Syracuse, NY 13224; or the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center, 5655 Thompson Rd., Syracuse, NY 13214; to benefit summer youth programs. 

Mayer Shevin

Mayer Shevin, 64, died on September 12 at Bridgewater Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Binghamton. He was a lifelong advocate for people with disabilities and worked hard to make sure everyone had a voice. He was a passionate and gentle man who worked and lived tirelessly for peace and justice. His humor and music will live on. He was predeceased by his parents, Nathan and Ella Shevin, of Rochester, NY; and his brother, David Avram Shevin. He is survived by his daughters, Leora and Dalia (Saturn Millner); his former wife, Mara, of DeWitt; his brother, Jonathan (Bina); two nieces; and six nephews. Sisskind Funeral Service had arrangements. 

Continued from page 4 the four species of the lulav (the palm branch, the myrtle, the willow and the etrog) to the four main categories of people. It is believed that each of them separately “is all right,” but when they are brought together, “they form a diverse unity that is far more than any of the parts.” Each person in attendance at the CBS-CS Sukkot dinner on October 8 will make a name tag and be part of a four-person team to engage in a relationship-building experience. For more information, contact the CBS-CS office at 446-9570 or office@cbscs.org.

Hazak The CBS-CS Hazak will present the documentary “Orchestra of Exiles” on Sunday, October 12, at 2 pm. The film features Bronislaw Huberman, a Jewish violinist who created the Israeli orchestra. Born in Poland in 1892, Huberman demonstrated skill playing the violin as a child. His musical education and early career were managed by his father, who presented Huberman around the world, including in Europe and North America. He had his first concert at the age of 7 and became known as the virtuoso violinist. He later performed on stages such as Carnegie Hall in New York, La Scala in Milan and others in Vienna and Berlin. As a young man, Huberman became involved in humanitarian causes. When antisemitism rose in the early 1930s, Jewish musicians were fired from European orchestras. With foresight, effort and allies, including Arturo Toscanini and Albert Einstein, Huberman rescued some Jewish musicians and their families from Europe and resettled them in Palestine. They formed the Palestine Symphony Orchestra, which became the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, in 1948. He saved the lives of approximately 1,000 Jews from the Nazis, created an orchestra and is said to have “had an impact” on cultural history.

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Continued from page 4 Admission will be free and open to the public. Donations will be welcome. For more information, contact Temple Concord at 475-9952 or office@templeconcord.org.

Blood bank By Daniella Kohan Temple Concord will host a community blood drive in conjunction with theAmerican Red Cross on Sunday, October 19, from 9 am-2 pm, in the social hall. Temple Concord’s blood drive coordinator, Mark Kotzin, said, “Past Temple Concord blood drives have been very successful and a fall drive will meet the increased demand for blood donors.” Appointments are available every 15 minutes from 9 am-2 pm. Donors have been encouraged to schedule their appointment. All blood types are needed and donors should plan on spending an hour completing the process, which includes pre-screening and the actual donation time. Rabbi Daniel Fellman said, “It is a really wonderful feeling to know you are saving lives by simply donating blood in an hour of your time. Temple Concord is always happy to host blood drives and expects the community to come together for this great and worthy cause.” For more information or to schedule a donation time, contact Kotzin at 288-0773 or concordvampire@verizon.net.

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JEWISH OBSERVER ■ OCTOBER 2, 2014/8 TISHREI 5775

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cians who had attended their instructional workshop earlier in the day. JMAC Festival Co-Chair Cantor Francine Berg said, “We couldn’t have asked for a better day or more festive mood. I’m so pleased with the turnout and community support brought together through the music, food and activities. Vicki [Feldman] and I are very thankful to our festival committee members, original festival organizers Sid Lipton and Mimi Weiner, volunteers, sponsors, the bands, vendors, the JCC of Syracuse, Tiffany’s Catering and everyone who helped make JMAC such a success this year.” The food again this year was considered “a huge draw” for festival attendees. A variety of Va’ad-supervised Jewish kosher food by Tiffany’s Catering was available throughout the day under the festival’s outdoor tent, opposite the stage. Seating under and just outside of the food tent helped attendees to not miss any of the afternoon’s music. “The outdoor food tent this year was a big hit,” said Marci Erlebacher, JCC executive director. “Tiffany’s Catering did a great job again this year with the quality and variety of food offered. The corned beef and beef brisket sandwiches – along with traditional side dishes such as knishes, kugel, stuffed cabbage and matzah ball soup – were definite crowd-pleasers.” The JMAC children’s area and Kids’ Tent offered arts and crafts, sand sculptures, face painting, an instrument petting zoo, games, puppet shows by Robert Rogers Puppet Theater and the Price Chopper “hopper.” The Ga-Ga pit was also considered “a hit,” as a steady stream of children played the “Israeli dodge ball” game. President/CEO of the Jewish Federation of Central New York Linda Alexander said, “I’m so pleased with the great variety of

Continued from page 2 activities we had available at this year’s festival. The community organizations and vendors that participated were spectacular. The assortment of items available – from jewelry, clothing and housewares to crafts – was fantastic. It’s so great to see everyone come together – and the sense of community created – at this event.” Another focal point of JMAC was the Jewish community’s representation by all of the local synagogues. Rabbi Yaakov Rapoport drew a crowd for his shofar making workshop near the children’s area. Rabbis Andrew Pepperstone, Evan Shore and Yaakov Rapoport led discussions during their respective Rabbis’ Corner sessions. Erlebacher said, “It was a great day and a great festival. Congratulations to the JMAC committee and everyone involved for creating such a successful event. Kudos, also, to all of the food tent volunteers and the JCC’s maintenance operations staff for all of their hard work in keeping everything running so smoothly.” This year’s event sponsors included Price Chopper; Jewish Federation of Central New York; CNYArts; M and T Charitable Foundation; SkyArmory; Paul and Georgina Roth Foundation; Birnbaum Funeral Service; Key Bank; Pomeranz, Shankman and Martin Trust; Raymour and Flanigan Furniture; the Jewish Observer; Eagle Newspapers; Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse; Senator John DeFrancisco; Barry Shulman; Lynn and Corinne Smith; Jerome and Phyllis Charney; Sisskind Funeral Service; Mimi Weiner; Cantor Francine Berg; Marc Safran; Northside Collision; Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas; Shaarei Torah Orthodox Congregation of Syracuse; Temple Adath Yeshurun; and Temple Concord.

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The first group of food tent volunteers posed for a photo at the end of their shift. More than 40 students from Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry volunteered to work in the food tent.

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accommodate the religious needs of newlydrafted haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews). He responded that the IDF had always tried its best to accommodate even extreme requirements, citing an example from his earliest days in the service, when an individual ate only the wheat he had grown and milled, and milk products from his goat. He was allowed to go home nightly to prepare his next day’s meals. Weiss was then asked if Torah scrolls were generally available at Army postings. He responded that they are, even at combat staging areas, but they are not carried into actual combat, for fear of damage or capture. During his time as IDF chief rabbi, he said he made a special effort to ensure such availability. Coming to the U.S., he arranged for many no-longer-used Torahs to be donated

Continued from page 4 to the IDF. Often, representatives of donor congregations would be present in Israel for dedication ceremonies. Asked how it happened that he had decided to pursue a career in the military rabbinate, Weiss responded that he hadn’t originally planned on doing so, but at the end of his initial term of service he was considering an offer from a religious school to serve as its principal. He consulted with Rabbi Meir Eliav, who advised him to stay in the IDF. He turned down the teaching offer and has said he never regretted the decision. The final question concerned the relationship between the IDF rabbinate and secular soldiers. Weiss emphasized that he was “firmly against” the “categorization” of anyone. His job was to respect and treat each soldier as an individual.