6 NISAN 5779 • APRIL 11, 2019 • VOLUME XXXX, NUMBER 8 • PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID, SYRACUSE, NY
Campaign highlights
Federation – strengthening our Jewish future BY COLLEEN BAKER As winter slowly gives way to spring, transformation seems inevitable. While we embrace this change in the weather, it can be difficult to appreciate change in
other facets of our lives. Yet change for the better is how organizations such as the Jewish Federation of Central New York find success. Federation works tirelessly so we
Yom Ha’atzmaut – Israel’s Independence Day On Thursday, May 9, the Syracuse Jewish community will celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, which commemorates the Israeli Declaration of Independence in 1948. This year’s celebration will be held at Temple Adath Yeshurun from 5:45-8 pm. It is a collaboration of the Jewish Federation of Central New York; the Pomeranz, Shankman and Martin Charitable Foundation; the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center; all the local synagogues; the Rabbinical
Council of Syracuse; Chabad Lubavitch of Central New York; Syracuse Hebrew Day School; Syracuse Community Hebrew School; Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein School of Jewish Studies; PJ Library®; Beit Tikvah; Hillel; Menorah Park; The Oaks and Natur-Tyme. Organizers hope that this widespread participation will make this “a truly phenomenal community event.” This year’s theme is “A Taste of Israel.” See “Day” on page 9
Remembering… BY JUDITH L. STANDER How do you remember names? The Jewish Federation of Central New York invites the community to hear names that they may never have heard before. On Sunday, May 5, at Temple Concord, hundreds of names will be read and remembered during the Annual Yom Hashoah Memorial Observance. The
program will be held from 3-4 pm. A book of remembrance, created several years ago by the Jewish Federation of Central New York, has pages of names submitted by families and friends. Each page can contain a single name but often holds the names of many from the same family or village who were lost during the years of the Shoah. See “Remembering” on page 2
can ensure that our community is truly “stronger together.” The work is strategic, impactful and inspiring. Long before the attack on the “Tree of Life” synagogue in Pittsburgh, this community made security a high priority. As such, we have become a model community across North America, and our individual and collective planning with federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement organizations has allowed us to develop and maintain a strong, functional and respectful relationship at all levels of law enforcement. We are looking toward our Jewish future and considering how to strengthen it. One of the core initiatives of the Federation’s Mission Statement is encouraging “Jewish Identity.” Federation funds support local Jewish institutions as we partner with them
to help them fulfill their mission. Federation is a dynamic organization. “As we change and grow, we will always be guided by our mission to serve our community,” said Federation President/ CEO Michael Balanoff. “We are able to do this because of the generosity of donors, supporters, volunteers, board members and families that make up the fabric of our campaign. We rely on you for our success, and we thank you for your generosity and participation.” If you have not yet made your pledge, please do so today. We need your help in reaching a record $1.3 million. E-mail cbaker@jewishfederationcny.org or go to www.jewishfederationcny.org and click the tzedakah box. Again, our thanks for all you do for the community.
Lions of Judah present Pam Sherman BY COLLEEN BAKER The Federation’s Lions of Judah will present nationally-syndicated columnist, actor, recovering lawyer and leadership consultant Pam Sherman in Syracuse. The Lions of Judah invite all women in the Pam Sherman community to hear Sherman speak free of charge, at Menorah Park on Tuesday, May 7, at 6:45 pm. Led by coordinator Robin Goldberg, the local Lion of Judah group has women of all ages who “care deeply” about the Jewish future. Each woman demonstrates her dedication to the community by committing to the Jewish Federation of Central New York’s annual Campaign an individual or family gift of $5,000 or more. Sherman conducts programs and coaches leaders all over the world in leadership communications, and how to present themselves and their stories with passion. Her nationally-syndicated column, “The Suburban Outlaw,” can be read in Gannett publications, including the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle and USA TODAY Network. Her best-selling book, “The Suburban Outlaw: Tales from the Edge,” is sold onAmazon. Sherman recently returned
to the stage in Geva Theatre’s production of “Erma Bombeck at Wit’s End.” Sherman was profiled in People Magazine about her career transition from attorney to actor. Reservations are preferred for this event and may be made by contacting Colleen Baker at cbaker@jewishfederationcny.org.
2019 Federation Campaign Annual Pay it forward and donate to the 2019 Jewish Federation of CNY Annual Campaign
Goal: $1,300,000
$826,324 as of April 8, 2019
Thank you for your support!
For more information, please contact Colleen Baker at 315-445-2040, ext. 102, or Cbaker@jewishfederationcny.org
C A N D L E L I G H T I N G A N D P A R AS H A
April 12............................ 7:25 pm..................................................Parashat Metzora April 19............................ 7:33 pm................................................. Parashat Passover April 20................... after 8:38 pm.................................................................Passover April 25............................ 7:40 pm.................................................................Passover April 26............................ 7:42 pm................................................. Parashat Passover
INSIDE THIS ISSUE SJFS initiative
Passover
Clean water for kids
SJFS launches a needs assessment Passover services and events Israeli technology is providing as part of “Building a Dementia are announced; holiday dessert schoolchildren in Sierra Leone recipes; and more. Friendly Jewish Community.” with clean drinking water. Story on page 5 Stories on pages 7, 9, 10 and 14 Story on page 13
PLUS Healthcare Greetings........ 9-11 Personal Greetings..........12-13 Classifieds.............................. 14 Obituaries............................... 15