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Volume XXI, Issue VI | www.thejewishvoice.org Serving Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts
22 Adar 5775 | March 13, 2015
Mapping Rhode Island Share your local memories in the gallery (401) exhibit BY IRINA MISSIURO imissiuro@jewishallianceri.org
What do you think of when you hear the word “map”? Are you transported to your high school geography class and countless hours of memorization using index cards? To the days before GPS? What if that same word were to stand for more than just a cartographic representation of a location? What if “map” meant intimate memories, dear moments or collections of “fi rsts”? The fi rst time you tried Del’s Lemonade, the fi rst time you saw a
giraffe at a zoo or the fi rst time you swam in the ocean? Capturing these memory maps is what Mapping Rhode Island is all about. You get a blank map of our state, wake up your creative side and get in touch with your inner artist. You know the ability is there; you just have to access it. So pour yourself a mug of hot tea or coffee, and get to work. Better yet, grab some colorful pens and drive to your favorite coffee shop, where you can enjoy the MAPPING |30
PHOTO | MARSHALL H. COHEN, BIG MARSH NEWS PHOTOS
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking before a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Feb. 3. House Speaker John Boehner (rear left) and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), who sat in Vice President Joe Biden’s absence, listened as Netanyahu explained his positions regarding the progress of Iran’s nuclear development. More on the speech on page 9.
Who’s who in Israel’s election? A guide to major blocs likely to enter Knesset BY BEN SALES TEL AVIV (JTA) – When Israelis head to the polls for the March 17 elections, 26 parties will be vying for the Knesset’s 120 seats – including such fringe groups as the Pirate Party, which supports total government transparency and freedom of information on the Internet, and the Green Leaf party, which advocates marijuana legalization. Fewer than a dozen, though, are likely to earn the 3.25 per-
cent of the popular vote necessary to enter Knesset. They fall broadly into five major blocs.
Right Wing
Major parties: Israel’s biggest political bloc, the right wing or its offshoots, has led Israel for the past 14 years. The flagship Likud favors a hawkish foreign policy, and most of its lawmakers oppose Palestinian statehood. On economic policy, the party tacks conservative, promoting free markets, privatization of
state industries and reduced regulation. Current polls show Likud running neck-and-neck atop the polls with the center-left Zionist Union, which stands the best chance of unseating current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. To Likud’s right is Jewish Home, a religious pro-settler party that also favors free market reform. Historically a sectoral party representing Israel’s religious Zionist community, Jewish Home has successfully
broadened its base in recent years by emphasizing its opposition to Palestinian statehood and its efforts to reduce Israel’s high cost of living. Jewish Home is predicted to come in fourth or fi fth in the balloting. Smaller right-wing parties include Yisrael Beiteinu, a faction originally founded to promote Russian immigrant interests that was hit with a major corruption scandal weeks after elections were called last year. Also competing is the far-right
Yachad party, a unification of hard-line Orthodox politicians and West Bank settlers. People to watch: Benjamin Netanyahu, 65, the Likud chairman and current prime minister, is vying for his fourth term. Netanyahu’s campaign has emphasized his strong stance on defense issues and the dangers of a nuclear Iran, but he has drawn intense criticism for his controversial speech to Congress on ELECTION | 12
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INSIDE Arts 25 Business 26-27, 29 Calendar 10 Classified 27 Community 2-7, 11, 24, 30, 32-33 D’Var Torah 7 Food 14-16 Home & Garden 17-23 Israel 12-13 Nation 29, 34 Obituaries 31
PHOTOS | JCDSRI
Fifth grade students act out the Purim story during festivities March 5 for the Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island.
Opinion 8-9 Seniors 28 World 29
PHOTOS | FRAN OSTENDORF
ECC children celebrate Purim at the Dwares JCC.
THIS ISSUE’S QUOTABLE QUOTE “Children need to know how to recognize bullying and they need to feel … prepared to deal with it.”
PHOTOS | FRAN OSTENDORF
Children from the David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center gather in the lobby of the Dwares JCC.
PHOTOS | JCDSRI
JCDS students enjoying the fifth grade Purim play and Megillah reading.
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Advocates meet on Capitol Hill for Jewish Disability Advocacy Day BY MARTY COOPER mcooper@jewishallianceri.org WASHINGTON, D.C. – “People with disabilities belong in the center of the room, not the back. This is especially so in our synagogues,” said Janet Livingston, co-chair of the Jewish Federations of North America Disability Committee. On Feb. 25, more than 80 people attended the Jewish Disability Advocacy Day in Washington to learn about issues important to people living with disabilities. Later, many visited congressional delegations to advocate on behalf of individual communities. February was Jewish Disability Awareness Month. Throughout the month the Jewish community, locally and nationally, focused on disabilities issues. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Prior to the passage of the act, a significant number of restaurants, movie theaters and other public places were not accessible to people with physical disabilities. Places of worship and other religious institutions were exempt from the ADA. “One person’s accessibility is not always another person’s accessibility, “said Katy Neas, executive vice president for public affairs for Easter Seals. The ADA did not solve all problems associated with disabilities both physical and behavioral. There is currently a need to au-
thorize additional funding for the Social Security Disabilities Insurance (SSDI) program. SSDI will become insolvent sometime in 2016. In the past SSDI and the Old Age and Survivors Insurance program (OASI) moved funds from one to another to keep the both programs solvent. During our meetings with elected officials we asked them to support legislation to once again borrow funds from OASI to keep SSDI solvent through and beyond 2016. A second issue of concern was the reauthorization of funds for transportation for people with disabilities. Access to public transportation is a key component to help assure independence and full community participation for people with disabilities. Without reauthorization, funding will run out on May 31. The United States still has a way to go toward understanding and accepting people with disabilities. Ari Ne’eman, president of Autistic Self Advocacy, said “our culture is still discriminatory in regard to people with disabilities.” Congresswomen Tammy Duckworth of Illinois perhaps summed up the need to do what it takes to assist people with disabilities when she said, “We are all only one misfortune away from being disabled. Falling is just one part of getting up.” MARTY COOPER is the Community Relations Director for the Jewish Alliance.
PHOTO | JEWISH ALLIANCE
Mordechi and Meyer Bielory with Rabbi Scheinerman and Jeffrey Savit.
School and community on the to-do list for PHDS students BY MORDECHAI AND MEYER BIELORY Tuesday (Feb. 24) we served as Dean for the Day and over the course of the day we really had lots of fun and learned more about the functioning of the school and community. We assisted Rabbi Scheinerman in making the weekly picture page, toured the classes, made
announcements and even offered some extra recess as the students were all working so hard. We met with Mrs. Schachter and learned all about what bookkeepers do and her many responsibilities. We then traveled to the Jewish Alliance, where we met with Mr. Jeffrey Savit, president and CEO, and he explained the workings of the Alliance to us and of all of the good that they
do for the community and how they impact Jewish education in Rhode Island. We also met with Mrs. Minna Ellison, senior vice president for community planning and programming, We helped prepare the cans that were donated to the food pantry to help fight poverty and then had a yummy lunch; thanks to Mrs. Scheinerman.
Spring into the Dwares JCC! Sign up for a NEW MEMBERSHIP by April 17 and get your choice of one free week of Summer J-Camp or 18% off your first year’s membership rate! ®
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ALREADY A MEMBER? We’ve got something special for you too... FREE Functional Fitness classes between March 20 - 31! It’s the perfect opportunity to mix up your fitness routine and get ready for spring. You’ll have access to our premium fitness classes featuring TRX, kettlebells, medicine balls, and battle ropes. Already bought a Functional Fitness package? No problem... We’ll extend the life of your package to accommodate this offer!
To learn more about a JCC membership and all it has to offer, contact our Member Services Office at 401.421.4111. New membership offer is valid through April 17, 2015 only and may not be combined with any other offers. Functional Fitness special valid through March 31; for current members only. Summer J-Camp is for children ages 2 - 15; subject to availability.
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Alan Metnick’s photos capture the essence of what happened in Poland BY LINDSAY CHANCELLOR There seems to be an invisible rope relentlessly tugging at our hearts and minds to question not only our rich past but the great horror that enveloped it. Like many Jews today, Alan Metnick, a Providence-based photographer and artist, felt the need to visit Auschwitz after promising himself as a young man that he would one day attest to the gruesome reality our ancestors faced. “I wanted to go to Poland to visit Auschwitz to, in some way, bear witness myself,” Metnick explains. “Although I believe there’s no way to get a true sense of the reality of what happened there as a mere visitor.” Metnick made the trip to Poland not once but 10 times in the past 10 years. His collection of images, titled “Silence and Stones/Captured by Memory” will be on display for visitors to contemplate at gallery (401) at the Dwares JCC between March 12 and April 16. Born in Chicago and shaped by the U.S. civil rights movement, Metnick took to photography as a means of capturing reality. He received his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Wisconsin and initially set out to advance in his academic studies, but over time, succumbed to his growing passion for the arts. Between work and raising a family, he began taking courses at the Art Institute of Chicago, studying photography under Ken Josephson. This led him to meet with renowned photographer, Aaron Siskind, at the Institute of Design in Chicago. It was this introduction that eventually led Metnick to enroll at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he would go on to earn his graduate degree in photography. According to reviews of his work, his photography has been described as penetrating, most likely as a result of his documentary-style approach and use of black and white film. His work in serigraphy – or screen printing – drawings, painting and stained glass, illustrates a more vivid and whimsical technique. In 1976, after a trip to Israel, Metnick began to include Jewish subject matter within his drawings and silkscreens.
Metnick has amassed a variety of images. Of these, approximately 30 have been chosen for the exhibit. While they vary vastly from matzevot, to the forests surrounding Belzec, to Wolfschanze, they all generate questions and demand thoughtful examination. “There are images in the exhibit that I hope produce some irritation,” Metnick explains. “There’s this rubbing up of the sacred with the profane there and you’ve got holiness and horror. I hope the images raise some questions.”
PHOTO | JOSHUA TOUSTER
Photographer Alan Metnick Since then he has created works including “From the Haggadot” and “David’s Landscape,” which showcase his ability to blend color and shapes as well as evoke a sincere understanding of the Jewish experience. It was his camera, however, that became the tool that helped him compose the stunning collection of images recounting his time spent in Poland. “You take a look at how many thousands of clicks of a shutter you make happen and how few results you actually get,” Metnick explains. “The ones I do are always a surprise.” In 2004, he set off to explore Poland for the first time; the trip unexpectedly turned into a total of 10, the most recent of which was in September. His itinerary included a visit to Krakow and Auschwitz, but after learning of his sister’s experience visiting the small village of Slawatycze, where Metnick’s maternal grandparents had lived, he too wanted to make his way to the town. According to Metnick, what his sister described and what he soon encountered was, like many others in Poland, an overgrown Jewish cemetery, long forgotten after being destroyed during the war. He explains
that all that was left were a few matzevot, or tombstones, and the remnants of a chain-link fence. This ignited something deep within him that subsequently led to his involvement with the Foundation for Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Poland, an organization that works to protect and commemorate Jewish monuments within the country. With their help, and after garnering the approval of village leaders and officials, Metnick, along with a group of former members and descendants of the Slawatycze Jewish community, restored the old cemetery and reinstated it as an important part of the village’s history. Throughout his trips, Metnick also came to work closely with the privately funded Nissenbaum Family Foundation, an organization that aspires to preserve traces of Jewish culture, and the Forum for Dialogue Among Nations, a Polish nonprofit that aims to eradicate anti-Semitism by engaging with young people. He says: “There’s a very deep moral imperative to say something was wrong there and something happened. There are still vestiges of that there now, and the best way to deal with it is to educate people while
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Tricia Stearly tstearly@jewishallianceri.org 401-421-4111, ext. 160 EDITOR Fran Ostendorf CONTRIBUTING WRITER Irina Missiuro EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS Irina Missiuro | Judith Romney Wegner DESIGN & LAYOUT Leah Camara
Karen Borger ksborger@gmail.com 401-529-2538 VOICE ADVISORY GROUP Elanah Chassen, Melanie Coon, Douglas Emanuel, Stacy Emanuel, Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser, John Landry, Toby London, Mindy Stone COLUMNISTS Michael Fink, Rabbi James Rosenberg and Daniel Stieglitz
they’re young. If you change enough minds, you can change a society.” During his visits to Poland,
THE JEWISH VOICE (ISSN number 15392104, USPS #465-710) is published bi-weekly, except in July, when it does not publish. PERIODICALS Postage paid at Providence, R.I. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: The Jewish Voice, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906. PUBLISHER The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, Chair Sharon Gaines, President/CEO Jeffrey K. Savit, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906. Phone: 401-421-4111 • Fax 401-331-7961 MEMBER of the Rhode Island Press Association
FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit AlanMetnick.com. To learn more about the exhibit, “Silence and Stones/Captured by Memory,” contact Erin Mosely, director of Arts & Culture at 401-421-1111, ext. 108 or emosely@jewishallianceri.org. gallery (401) is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays by appointment. LINDSAY CHANCELLOR is a freelance writer based in Riverside and is currently working in marketing and digital media.
PHOTO | ALAN METNICK
An image from the exhibit. COPY DEADLINES: All news releases, photographs, etc., must be received on the Wednesday two weeks prior to publication. Submissions may be sent to: editor@jewishallianceri.org. ADVERTISING: We do not accept advertisements for pork or shellfish. We do not attest to the kashrut of any product or the legitimacy of our advertisers’ claims. All submitted content becomes the property of The Voice. Announcements and opinions contained in these pages are published as a service to the community and do not necessarily represent the views of The Voice or its publisher, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.
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ECC honors heroes Judy Nagle and David C. Isenberg BY FRAN OSTENDORF fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org Judy Nagle is just one of the many caring, loving teachers helping to shape the lives of the children at the David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center. This year, there are 28 teachers at the ECC and each one – like Judy – is special. But Judy is distinct, not just because of what she does but also because of how long she has been doing it. Twenty-five years to be exact. “When you think of what an early childhood educator should be, Judy Nagle’s image comes to mind,” said Nicole Katzman, director of early childhood education. She’s kind, loving, nurturing and patient. She cares about the success of each of her students.” And the students respond. On a recent cold morning, they sat by the piano in Room 1, listening intently while she played. Enthusiastically, they took turns standing next to her during the songs. Nagle said she loves teaching preschool children. “Watching the enthusiasm and magic when a child learns something is special. Children can still experience that sense of wonder,” she said. “I want them to still think the world is wonderful.” Nagle, a native New Yorker, got a degree in education with a specialization in art education from Hofstra University. She
Judy Nagle and class in 1992. started teaching in 1966 in the public schools on Long Island and in New York City, first as an art teacher and then in elementary grades. Then, in 1975, she moved to Rhode Island. Four children later, she went back to teaching at Temple Torat Yisrael. In 1989, she started teaching at the ECC. The rest, as they say, is history. Thinking back, Nagle says she’s been in just about every classroom in the ECC from young preschool to Pre-K and Kindergarten. And she taught various art-based enrichment classes. Many will remember one of the more popular classes called Masks, Myths and Monsters. Despite her art background, Nagle considers herself an over-
all educator. She’s taught a wide swath of ages and, in addition to art, she loves music. The keys to her success? Giving the children the chance to explore. “You have to focus on the child’s ability to discover for themselves,” she said. “You can drop breadcrumbs along the way. But you have to give them a chance to pick them up or give them to the birds or even eat them.” On March 29, she will be honored as an ECC Hero along with David C. Isenberg at an event hosted by the parent committee. Isenberg is being recognized for his commitment, dedication and philanthropy. “David truly has been the
This year’s class. person who has transformed our school through his generosity and philanthropy,” said Katzman. “He’s not just a donor but an amazing friend to our school. He truly cares about the success of our school.” The ECC Heroes event was the idea of Randi and Doug Simon, according to Katzman. Randi is co-chair of the parent committee. The celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Dwares JCC. There will be dinner, dancing and an auction. Tickets are $54. The goal of the evening is to raise $18,000 to dedicate Nagle’s preschool classroom in her honor. One last bit of advice from Nagle: “We have to give children a chance to express themselves,” she said. And, “most definitely, color
Let them be the
reason
outside the lines!” EDITOR’S NOTE: Many children have been touched by Judy’s guidance and enthusiasm. If you recognize yourself in one of these photos, have messages to share with Judy would like to attend the Heroes event, please contact Nicole Katzman (nkatzman@jewishallianceri. org) at 401-421-4111, ext. 180. There is a Facebook page available for messages: facebook. come/groups/833907063335634 FRAN OSTENDORF is editor of The Jewish Voice.
Building community and making the world a better place is what we do everyday. But we need your help to do it for tomorrow. When you leave a bequest or a planned gift at the Jewish Federation Foundation, you touch each one of us. You leave your children and grandchildren a precious inheritance and a lasting testimony to your love and values.
For more information on establishing your Jewish legacy, please contact Trine Lustig, Vice President of Philanthropy at 401.421.4111 ext. 223 or tlustig@jewishallianceri.org.
There are many ways to create your legacy. Let us show you a few.
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New adult enrichment course about life and loss is open to community This multifaceted, seven-session course is a look through a Jewish lens at issues of aging, making meaningful choices for end of life, planning for one’s own “good death” and talking with loved ones about one’s end-of-life wishes. Panel discussions, videos, other resources and group participation are the tools to spark further discussion and conversation. Ellen Goodman’s The Conversation Project (theconversationproject.org) informs much of the content of this course. Nancy Kirsch, a former lawyer and an award-winning journalist, will facilitate the course.
“What we talk about when we talk about Life and Loss,” a seven-week session that Temple Emanu-El’s Koffler Bornstein Institute of Jewish Learning is offering for the fi rst time, represents a meaningful and sensitive introduction that all of us will face for our loved ones and for ourselves – issues of aging, illness, dying and death,”
said Rabbi Elan Babchuck, rabbi at Temple Emanu-El and director of the Institute of Jewish Learning in a statement. “The diverse array of panelists includes social workers, physicians, authors and the Temple’s own Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Alvan Kaunfer. My hope is that this rich, deep offering will help spark conversations throughout – and beyond – our community about these important issues.” Designed to be highly interactive, the course is appropriate for all generations. The sessions, which begin March 24 and run on consecutive Tuesdays from 7–9 p.m. until May 5 meet at Temple Emanu-El and will address the following: Practical tasks, which are meaningful as we – or our relatives – age, such as preparing or updating wills, trusts and other legal documents; downsizing; selecting a new living environment; and what to look for in an assisted living or nursing home facility. March 24 – Stuff and
Money: Part I Panelists: Harris (Hershey) Rosen, author of “Creating a Guide So Your Loved Ones Can Go On Living,” and Nancy Fisher Chudacoff, an estate planning attorney Panelists: Elizabeth Messier, relocation expert at Residential Properties; Jeff Padwa, author of “Be An Advocate: How to Keep Loved Ones Healthy & Safe When They Are Residents in Nursing Homes,” and president of Jewish Seniors Agency; and Rob Sherwin, senior vice president, wealth advisor, with Morgan Stanley Medical issues that accompany a loved one’s serious illness, including paperwork, family dynamics, accepting and disclosing a difficult medical prognosis, and decisions around the wide array of homebased and institution-based medical care choices April 7 – When Illness Strikes: Acute Care Panelists: Fred Schiffman, M.D., Sigal Family Professor of Humanistic Medicine and med-
Mapping Rhode Island a love (sometimes) story in maps
“Maps are more about their makers than the places they describe. Map who you are. Map where you are. Fill the map with a story, or paint your favorite cup of coffee. Map the invisible. Map the obvious. Map your memories.”
To learn more, and to download your map, visit jewishallianceri.org. To request a printed copy of the map, contact Erin Moseley at 401.421.4111 ext. 108 or emoseley@jewishallianceri.org.
Important Dates for Mapping Rhode Island Submission Deadline: April 13, 2015 Gallery Opening: April 23, 2015 @ 7:00pm The exhibit will be on display in gallery (401) through May 28, 2015
culture
401 ( y r e l gal
)
Submissions will be used to create the exhibit Mapping Rhode Island.
arts&
Inspired by the book Mapping Manhattan by Becky Cooper 401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI
ical director, Lifespan Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Tara Watkins, MSW, LICSW, Jewish Family Service social worker April 14 – When Illness Strikes: Long-term Care Panelists: Pam Kaitin Miller, MSW, LICSW, medical social worker for 35 years with a focus on caring for the elderly; and Jenny Miller, MSW, CMC (Certified Case Manager), founder and owner of Senior Care Concepts End-of-life issues that address how to talk about these
important values and choices; what are the issues, values and choices for end of life. Physicians, family members, social workers, a rabbi and others experienced in caring for people before, at and after death will address these powerful topics in a sensitive, yet honest, manner. The importance of family dialogue on these topics will be emphasized.
April 21 – Dying and Death: Communication Is Key Panelists: Margaret Wool, Ph.D., clinical associate professor of family medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, and behavioral and social sciences, Brown University School of Public Health; and her daughter Kyla Mor, special projects coordinator at Evergreen Health Co-op, and a MSPH candidate in Health Policy at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health April 28 – Dying and Death: Hospice, Difficult Family Dynamics Panelists: Edward Martin, M.D., medical director, Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island; and Kim Salloway Rickler, MSW, social worker now in private practice, formerly with Memorial Hospital May 5 – Death: Body and Soul Panelists: Rabbi Alvan Kaunfer, rabbi emeritus at Temple Emanu-El; and Elissa Felder, BSN, active member of Providence’s Chevrah Kadisha (a Jewish burial society) FEES AND REGISTRATION – The fee for the entire sevensession course is $25 for Temple members and $36 for nonmembers. Early registration is strongly encouraged! To reserve your space, contact Carol Gaultieri at cgaultieri@teprov. org, call 401-331-1616, or sign up at teprov.org/Life.
D’VAR TORAH | COMMUNITY
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March 13, 2015 |
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D’VAR TORAH
What can we learn from Ezekiel’s mandates? BY RABBI SARAH MACK
Alan Veingrad wears number 76 for the Dallas Cowboys.
Alan ‘Shlomo’ Veingrad, Super Bowl champ, shares his journey at Kollel’s annual celebration of Jewish learning BY JEWISH VOICE STAFF Alan “Shlomo” Veingrad, the only Jewish player on the Super Bowl XXVII Champion Dallas Cowboy team in 1993, will share his riveting story of self-discovery following his retirement from the NFL. In this presentation, Veingrad relates the discipline of being a professional athlete and leader of highperformance sales teams to the process of becoming an observant Jew. His story is one of Jewish pride in the least likely of places. He recounts his accomplishments during his five years as an offensive lineman with the Green Bay Packers and two years with the Dallas Cowboys playing for legendary coach Jimmy
Johnson alongside Hallof-Fame quarterback Troy Aikman and record-breaking running back Emmitt Smith. Veingrad discusses the intense training, ruthless competitive atmosphere and performance requirements of professional football life. Since his retirement, Veingrad has used his championship experience to score big in his business career. Veingrad presents a compelling account of finding himself and his religious identity following his NFL career. Feeling empty, he reacquainted himself with the teachings, values and practices of Jewish life and got a glimpse of what was missing. In this personal presentation, Veingrad shares the
steps that have led to his own spiritual journey, where he has found a deepening sense of contentment and purpose. Veingrad has been featured on NBC, NPR, JM in the AM and the Jewish Channel. He’s also been spotlighted in The New York Times, New York Post, The Dallas Morning News and The Miami Herald. His achievements include being inducted into his alma mater’s Athletic Hall of Fame and the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. He was invited to the White House to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month and being chosen as the 2012 “Person of the Year” for the New York City Police Department Shomrim Society.
JOIN US For This Opportunity to capture insightful and effective intervention strategies in dealing with dementia. Don’t miss author Elaine Periera’s heartwarming and humorous story of unwitting mistakes while navigating through her mother’s unpredictable disease. Saturday, March 28th, 2 pm RSVP 401-654-5259 by March 26 A
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In this week’s special Haftarah portion for Shabbat Parah, Ezekiel mandates rules for ideal behavior in the Temple. He regulates the sacrificial rites, assigns tasks among the priests and attempts to command orderly traffic patterns among worshippers. Among these ordinances, Ezekiel rules: “But when the common people come before the Lord, in the festive seasons, whoever enters by the north gate to bow low shall leave by the south gate, and whoever enters by the south gate shall leave by the north gate. They shall not go back by the gate from which they came in, but shall go out by the opposite one.” (Ezekiel 46:9) Rashi informs us of the rationale for this ordinance: “It is a mitzvah for [those who enter the Temple] to make a proper appearance in the Temple court.” Another commentator elaborates: “For he (someone who enters and exits from the same point) appears like one who turns [from God], for he turns his face and his back toward the holy precinct when he turns to leave, but when he exits in the opposite direction from which he came in, he turns and bows, turns sideways and leaves.” In other words, the worshiper must exhibit a reverence for the sacred space. The Temple was not like any other building, and a mission to the Temple should not reflect any ordinary errand. After the Temple was destroyed, the rabbis of the Mishnah elaborated on this practice. “One should not make of it (the Temple Mount) a kapandria” (Mishnah Megillah 9:5), namely, one should not use the Temple Mount as a throughway to get from one
place to another. Although the directions seem to contradict Ezekiel, the spirit is the same – do not treat sacred space as you would ordinary space. In another Mishnah, this same rule is applied to synagogues: “One should not make it (the ruins of a synagogue) into a kapandria (a throughway), as it is written: ‘I will … make your sanctuaries desolate’ (Lev. 26:31), synagogues even in their desolation retain their sanctity.” Finally, in the Shulhan Arukh, Rabbi Joseph Karo codifies this accommodation as the law: “In a synagogue which has two entrances, one should not enter one with the intention to exit the other in order to shorten one’s way, but if the synagogue was built over a short cut then one can enter it in order to shorten one’s way or if one entered in order to pray then one can enter one way to exit the other.” (Shulhan Arukh, Orah Hayyim 151:5) Our tradition wants us to see our visits to our congregations not as something we are seeking to avoid, but as an experience we are excited to fulfi ll. Synagogues should not serve as a “shortcut” but should be a special place that we enter mindfully. It can be easy to forget the sacred nature of our space when we spend much time coming and going for reasons other than to pray: for Hebrew school; bar or bat-mitzvah lessons; to drop something off in the front office; for a committee meeting. Perhaps what we can learn from these laws is that all our congregational work is sacred. SARAH MACK is rabbi of Temple Beth-El in Providence and president of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island.
8 | March 13, 2015
OPINION
Challenging subjects for discussion Like it or not, we are a people of the world. World events affect us. Sure, we live in a state with its share of newsmaking events. But this week I’m looking to national and international events that are – and should be – the subject of the disEDITOR cussions you have when you gather with FRAN others to talk OSTENDORF about important issues. Last week, the buzz surrounded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech before Congress. No matter how you feel about the speech, its content or even the fact that it occurred, there’s no denying that he is a powerful orator. But were his actions appropriate? Were they aimed at an American or Israeli audience? Will his move serve peace or undermine it? And what is his real agenda? These are not easy discussions, even among those of us already supporting Israel. And on March 17, Israelis will go to the polls to vote. The number and variety of political parties can be a little confusing to those in the U.S. accustomed to our two-party system. We hope today’s cover story will help you sort out the issues and the parties a bit. And help when you sit down to discuss the outcome and what it means. In the Feb. 27 paper, we ran a brief mention of the results of a survey by the Louis D. Brandeis Center and Trinity College that reported the fact that more than half of today’s American college students have witnessed or experienced an anti-Semitic incident. The survey was conducted in the spring of 2014. Certainly the subject of campus discrimination bears continuing thoughtful dialogue and ongoing education. Clearly, recent events make this survey relevant. Take the puzzling incident in California. A University of California at Los Angeles student – a Jewish woman – nominated for student office was questioned about her religion. Nobody seemed to bat an eye at the fact that she’s a woman. They
wanted to know only about her “Jewishness.” Rachel Beyda, an economics major nominated for the student council’s judicial board, was subject to a routine confirmation by the UCLA student council. That is until a member of the Undergraduate Students Association Council asked: “Given that you are a Jewish student and very active in the Jewish community, how do you see yourself being able to maintain an unbiased view?” Following much debate, the council rejected her nomination. After a faculty adviser said that belonging to Jewish organizations was not a conflict of interest, those who voted against her changed their minds. The incident has been reported in papers across the country including those in California as well as The New York Times and even The Brown Daily Herald. Take a look at the reports. I was shocked at how this kind of thing is still happening. It makes little difference that the students involved have apologized. I wonder how in this day and age they could think the question, let alone further discussion, was even relevant to a position on their judicial board. Was this antiSemitism, stupidity or youthful misjudgment? I’ll let you decide. And while these campus incidents targeting Jewish students continue and should be taken seriously, we can’t leave this column highlighting discussions you should or will be having without mentioning the latest case of discrimination – that of the fraternity at the University of Oklahoma. After video of fraternity members involved in a racist chant surfaced, the chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon has now been closed. The outrage was universal and appropriate, but reports also surfaced that this has been the long-term atmosphere at that fraternity and that the song had been sung many times before and no one objected or reported it. Another troubling case of discrimination at its worst and another example of how widespread it might be, even today. My hope is that your dinner table – or wherever you hold frank discussions – be a little richer for all these worthwhile dialogues.
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Questions raised by ‘The Finkler Question’ Howard Jacobson (b. 1942), the well-respected British author, begins his speech at the B’nai B’rith World Center in Jerusalem in the fall of 2013 with three succinct and depressing sentences: “The question rhetorical. IT SEEMS is When will TO ME Jews be forgiven the Holocaust? Never.” RABBI JIM He goes on to ROSENBERG quote the Roman historian Tacitus (56-117) to support the contention that victimizers have a deep-seated need to blame their victims: “It is part of human life to hate the man you have hurt.” The burden of Jacobson’s B’nai B’rith talk is to expose the almost invisible thread of connection between Holocaust denial – a perverse expression of blaming the victim – and disproportionate, unbalanced criticism of Israel: that is to say, a kind of unreflective, knee-jerk anti-Zionism. I came to read the printed version of Jacobson’s B’nai B’rith speech just a couple of weeks after my wife and I finished listening to a books-on-CD edition of his novel, “The Finkler Question,” winner of the prestigious Man Booker Award for 2010. While I find Jacobson’s speech challenging and provocative, his attempt to link Holocaust denial with anti-Zionism is for me unconvincing. Nevertheless, this 2013 talk does shed considerable light on the interminable arguments about Israel and the Palestinians that fill the pages of the novel he published three years earlier.
LETTER I objected to PM Netanyahu’s speech to Congress and supported the 60 lawmakers, including Senator Whitehouse, who boycotted the talk to express their support for their own president over a foreign leader. House Speaker John Boehner invited Netanyahu to give the speech without consulting the White House, with the express purpose of sabotaging the Iran talks. The Bibigate speech did clarify once again – as if we did not already know – that Netanyahu has no alternative plan for dealing with the Iran nuclear issue.
“The Finkler Question” derives its title from one of its few non-Jewish characters, Julian Treslove, who is portrayed as being caught in a decades-long love-hate relationship with his school-day buddy, Sam Finkler, a popular Jewish philosopher, writer and TV personality. Though not Jewish himself, Treslove becomes obsessed with the nature of Finkler’s Jewish identity as expressed in his words and deeds; over time, “Finkler” becomes Treslove’s code word for “Jew.” At the very core of “The Finkler Question,” then, is the question of what it means to be a diaspora Jew today – living still in the shadow of the Holocaust, grappling still with the triumph and tragedy of the State of Israel. Although “The Finkler Question” touches upon troubling and confusing issues of Jewish identity – and issues of human identity, more broadly speaking – many readers understand the book to be essentially a comedy. Janet Maslin, for example, in her Oct. 20, 2010, New York Times review writes: “This prize-winning book is a riotous morass of jokes and worries about Jewish identity...” Maslin goes so far as to compare Jacobson to Woody Allen. While I agree with Maslin that the book “has a particular sparkle to its dialogue,” I would suggest that although this dialogue is packed with wit, the principal characters speak more in sorrow than in joy. Let it be noted that in this novel there are no happy endings. “The Finkler Question” is the Jewish question – an eerie and disturbing echo of Hitler’s “Final solution of the Jewish question (Endloesung der Juden Frage).” Even when the novel is most comic, the humor is darkened
Re: Netanyahu’s speech Netanyahu says he wants us to walk away from the Iran talks and just place more sanctions on Iran. But this is both a fantasy and disingenuous. If there is no deal, the global sanctions regime will collapse. Russia, China and India, for example, will not maintain sanctions in the absence of an agreement, and Bibi knows this. What he really wants is for the U.S. to engage in a military strike. But this is not going to happen. The P5 – Russia, China, the U.S., Britain and France – are united in supporting a negotiated solution that
by its multi-voiced worries about the widespread vulnerability of Jews in today’s world. The issues of Holocaust denial and antiZionism, which Jacobson confronts head-on in his speech in Jerusalem, are given more varied and nuanced expression in the argumentative mouths of the leading characters – a comedy of words that is never far from tragedy. Jacobson’s satire cuts deep; his criticism of his fellow Jews can be razor sharp, even cruel. Do I laugh, or do I cry? In “The Finkler Question,” Jacobson holds up a mirror to the Jewish community of London, circa 2010. In this mirror, I also see our local Jewish community in the winter of 2014-2015. Listening to “The Finkler Question” in the wake of the third Gaza war in six years (Operation Protective Edge), I am struck by how much the debate in the London Jewish community following the first Gaza war (Operation Cast Lead, Dec. 27, 2008-Jan. 18, 2009) anticipates our current debate within the Jewish community of Greater Rhode Island: What does it mean to be a loyal Jew? What does it mean to be a loyal Zionist? Can we learn how to speak with respect to those with whom we profoundly disagree? Can we open our minds to ideas that call into question our most fundamental values? The final sentence of Jacobson’s novel reads: “There are no limits to Finkler’s mourning.” During these days of triumph and tragedy for our people, should we be asking: “Are there no limits to our collective mourning?” JAMES B. ROSENBERG is rabbi emeritus of Temple Habonim in Barrington. Contact him at rabbiemeritus@templehabonim.org.
imposes significant constraints on Iran’s nuclear program and an intrusive inspection regime. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, a moderate, also very much wants a deal. The agreement that is likely to emerge will make us all, including Israel, much safer than no deal. Netanyahu has consistently been wrong on Iran and Iraq over the last 12 years, and he is wrong now. Nina Tannenwald Director, International Relations Program Brown University Providence, R.I.
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OPINION
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March 13, 2015 |
9
Joint session speech was historic experience BY MARTY COOPER mcooper@jewishallianceri.org I had the distinct honor of being invited to attend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech before a joint session of Congress last week. I was invited by Sen. Jack Reed to represent the Rhode Island Jewish community. When I received the phone call, I first assumed it was to confirm or cancel my meeting with the senator. I was scheduled to meet with him as part of Jewish Disabilities Day sponsored by the Jewish Federations of North America. As director of the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, I thought it was extremely important for me to attend this speech before the joint session of Congress. However, I must say I was a bit conflicted. Don’t
get me wrong, speaking about Iran’s becoming a nuclear power is an important issue. However, was a joint session of Congress the proper forum for the Prime Minister’s speech? From the beginning, the event was troubling. The invitation for Prime Minister Netanyahu to speak to the joint session of Congress came not from the president, but from the speaker of the house, who is not a member of the president’s political party. During a time when the Jewish community is facing growing anti-Semitism here and abroad as well as the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, Israel needs all of the friends it can get and keep in the geo-political world. Upsetting the applecart does not help. And, perhaps equally important, the Jewish community became divided into two groups: those who believed the
Prime Minister should speak and those who did not think so. That said, however, I was thrilled to be going to what promised to be a historical moment. I felt a sense of pride to be the person chosen to represent the greater Rhode Island Jewish community. After picking up my ticket at Reed’s office, I noticed I was going to sit in the front row of the gallery. It turned out I was seated not too far from Elie Wiesel. When I arrived, there were only a handful of people in attendance. The lights in the House were dim. By 10 a.m., the gallery began to fill. It was more than likely 100 percent Jewish. By 11 a.m., the House floor was filled to capacity. A few moments later, the lights brightened and Israel’s Prime Minister was called to the floor to speak. When Netanyahu entered
the hall of Congress, yes, I, too, stood up and applauded for more than 10 minutes until my hands hurt. The atmosphere was infectious. In fact, I did so 39 more times during his speech. I did so for three reasons. First, to demonstrate my allegiance to and love for Israel. Second was to let Congress know that keeping Iran from becoming a nuclear entity was extremely important, and we must do everything possible to prevent it from becoming one. While it may seem a bit trite, I sincerely felt, as I believe the rest of those in the gallery did, that our applause was a statement to our elected officials of how crucial this issue was for us. Finally, the speech and delivery itself was a masterpiece. Prime Minister Netanyahu is a great orator. His use, and choice, of words, his inflections and tone as well as pauses,
helped to create an effective speech and presentation. This speech was one for the ages and the history books. After the speech, I went back to Reed’s office. I waited a couple of minutes, and met with the senator to thank him for the invitation. We then kibitzed for a few minutes and discussed the speech and the Iran negotiations. Suffice it to say, the issue is extremely complex and in the end, it was good to have Israel’s voice heard. So, how did I feel while I sat there in my first-row gallery seat hearing the Prime Minister of Israel speak? I was not alone in the gallery. With me was the greater Rhode Island Jewish community. MARTY COOPER is the Community Relations director for the Jewish Alliance.
Recalibrate your compass before the Israeli elections BY GILOR MESHULAM The compass is a tool known to us all. No navigator will go to any mission without it. It is a simple tool, yet far beyond our understanding. The needle always points toward the north – to the ISRAELI North Pole. SHALIACH T h e c o m pass always knows where GILOR its destinaMESHULAM tion is – and therefore, it’s the most helpful tool to the navigator. Doesn’t matter how, when or why – it would point to the same place. But there is one fault with the compass. If you held it at the North Pole itself,
LETTERS Thank you for the wonderful uplifting expose on the benefits of a Jewish summer camp experience. All of the vignettes from the parents, the counselors and the campers were very positive and encouraging. Camp can be a great experience for our children. I had a great experience at Camp Laurelwood in Connecticut as a kid, and all of my four children went to Camp JORI. So I know a Jewish summer camp experience has great value. But I also know that camp can be a traumatic experience if your kid is being bullied. We want our children to have a fun-filled, uplifting experience, but we also need to prepare them for the realities of camp life. Bullying can
the needle would be confused and spin, and wouldn’t know where to point. Where did the north go? While living outside of Israel for 2000 years, we knew exactly what we wanted. Our compass kept pointing east toward Israel. We knew where we would get security and hope. We still pray for the same things: “… next year in Jerusalem.” But something very peculiar happened when we arrived in Israel 120 years ago. Our compass started to get confused. Today, our brothers and sisters, the Jewish people in Israel, are dealing with a huge polarization among themselves. There are inner-conflicts, false accusations, baseless hatred and an emphasis on the insignificant. Getting lost is what’s really important – education, Jewish values, a better understanding of each other and cooperation. The upcoming elec-
Re: Camp issue (Feb. 27) happen anywhere. This is another opportunity to discuss the concept of bullying with your children. Children need to know how to recognize bullying, and they need to feel empowered and prepared to deal with it. The most important message for them is that if they feel threatened or uncomfortable they need to tell an adult at camp as well as their parents. And they need to keep looking for an adult who will help them until they get the help they need. Going to camp for the first time is exciting. But new campers need to know that being the new kid is a potential minefield, so they need to be prepared. Counselors at every level need to be vigilant
tions are the best example to see that. The campaigns – by all parties – deal mainly with intimidation and reasons not to choose the other. Some people aren’t even sure that Israel is what is best for the Jewish people. The compass simply is going crazy. About 120 years ago, Achad Ha’am wrote in his letters – “Emet From Eretz Israel” – in order for the Jewish people to thrive, we can’t focus all of our efforts on the land of Israel. We need to have a compass elsewhere, always guiding us. And where would that be? In America. Now, more than ever, American Jewry plays an important role in the survival and the future of worldwide Jewry – with an emphasis on Israel. Our sanctuary. Our homeland. Our family. We Israelis are very stubborn. It would be almost im-
possible for us to admit that we need help. Just like a navigator who insists he can do it on his own – until it’s too late for him. But nevertheless, we still have our amazing family here, in this great country of the United States of America. I call now to everyone who cares about our family in Israel – recalibrate your compasses. Israel is the Jewish home. Israel is the place that we were exiled from 2000 years ago, and still influences our everyday values. Israel is the place where people from our own shtetls in Europe decided to move 100 years ago. Israel is us. How do we recalibrate our compasses? We study. We learn. We act. Everything begins with education. We all want to be advocates for one cause or another, but we simply can’t, we won’t have a wide enough base of knowledge. The upcoming elections are
probably the result of the existing situation and might not reflect the best situation for our people: A lot of parties with no significant unity for one party or another. People in Israel are losing hope and confidence in the different governments and not only because of the politicians. It’s because we have forgotten what’s important. With some effort, we can make the dreams of the founding fathers of Zionism come true. We can help our brothers and sisters get back on their feet and have an even more amazing home than what we have and a more promising future for the next generations. And for that change, Israel needs you, our family in America. GILOR MESHULAM is the Israeli Shaliach (Emissary) for the Jewish Alliance.
Re: Savit’s Shabbat Shalom (March 6)
about camper interactions. I know camps are now more aware and sensitive to bullying, but bullying can happen very surreptitiously. Children also need to know that they should intervene if they witness bullying. Being a silent bystander is being complicit. Teach your children to support the victim. We also need to talk to our children about not being a bully. The message of being a blessing is important. Be positive about camp, but talk to your children about bullying. Marc Ladin West Kingston, R.I. Marc Ladin is the author of the children’s book “The Playground Bully Blues.”
In his latest “Shabbat Shalom” column, Jeffrey Savit, president and CEO of the Jewish Allinace, gave an enthusiastic report on the recent AIPAC convention that he attended in Washington. The column is worth reading for two reasons. First, it captures the devotion to Israel of the AIPAC members and their fervent political support of Netanyahu’s Iran policies. Second, it reports on the “incessant reminders” (at the AIPAC conference) “that we American Jews must curb our incivility.” Savit’s column encourages us “to stand together with Israel, no matter on which side of the political aisle we sit.” I couldn’t agree more. Here’s how: Jeffrey Savit and all lovers and supporters of Israel should go to the J Street 5th National Conference – March 21-24 in Washington, D.C. (conference.
jstreet.org). The long list of conference speakers includes members of the Knesset from a variety of political parties. Our professional leaders should go because they need to understand and communicate the diversity of opinion within our Rhode Island Jewish community and the American Jewish community at large. To sample the diversity of opinions, do check out both the New York Times lead editorial and Tom Friedman’s op-ed column on March 3. Their take on Netanyahu’s speech differs markedly from the AIPAC point of view and gives us all food for thought. “Standing together with Israel” doesn’t have to mean supporting all the policies advocated by the current Israeli government. Eleanor L. Lewis Providence, R.I
10 | March 13, 2015
Ongoing Alliance Kosher Senior Café. Kosher lunch and program every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Noon lunch; 1 p.m. program. $3 lunch donation from individuals 60+ or under 60 with disabilities. Neal or Elaine, 401421-4111, ext. 107. Am David Kosher Senior Café. Kosher lunch and program every weekday. Temple Am David, 40 Gardiner St., Warwick. 11:15 a.m. program; Noon lunch. $3 lunch donation from individuals 60+ or under 60 with disabilities. Elaine or Steve 401-732-0047.
Through | April 16
“Silence and Stones/Captured by Memory: Photographs and Thoughts from Poland” by Alan Metnick. gallery (401) | Dwares JCC. What began as a simple one-time visit to Auschwitz evolved into a complex and nuanced relationship with a haunting locale. For 45 years, Alan Metnick has expressed many of his thoughts and feelings through images including drawings, stained glass, quilts and photography. Some of the images in this exhibit are drawn from an upcoming book of photographs and texts to be published later this year. Wine and light snacks will be served. For more information, contact Erin Moseley, director of Arts & Culture, at 401-421-4111, ext. 108 or emoseley@jewishallianceri.org.
Through | April 30 Watercolors and Large Acrylics. Temple Habonim Gallery. Paula Visnoski and Shirley Koller exhibit their works. Visnoski works in watercolor, oil, graphic design and photography. Koller is a sculptor and painter. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and by appointment. For information, call 401-245-6536, or email gallery@ templehabonim.org.
Friday | March 13 Joint Reform Service. Temple Sinai, Cranston 7:30 p.m. The cantors from Temple Sinai, Temple Habonim (Barrington), and Temple Beth-El (Providence) will join to perform beautiful music during the Friday evening service. The theme of the service is how Reform Jewish liturgical music has changed over time. Shireinu, the chorus of Temple Sinai, will also participate in this event. This service is open to the public. For more information call 942-8350 or e-mail dottie@templesinairi.org.
Sunday | March 15 Jewish Meditation. 9:30 a.m. Judaism has a long tradition of meditation and contemplation. Course is geared for beginners looking to try something new. Sessions are 30 minutes and will consist of education, discussion and
CALENDAR 10-15 minutes of sitting as we build our practice together. Beth Sholom downstairs chapel. 275 Camp St., Providence. 401-621-9393. Film Festival. “Embracing Differences,” presented by the Sisterhood of Temple Beth-El. Temple Beth-El Meeting Hall, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. 2 p.m. Enjoy film, inspiring moderators and refreshments. Admission is free. “The Jewish Cardinal” (with subtitles). Discussion with Mike Fink, Professor of Film and Literature, Rhode Island School of Design. This drama depicts the true story of Jewish-born Jean-Marie Lustiger, who was raised by a French family, converted to Catholicism and later became a leader in the Catholic Church.
Tuesday | March 17 TNT! (Tuesday Night Talmud). 8-9 p.m. Open to men, women and teens of all levels and backgrounds. This is a collaborative group study of the first chapter of Masechet Berachot, tractate dealing with blessings. Meets weekly in the rabbi’s study at Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. For information, 401-621-9393.
Wednesday | March 18 Mothers Circle. 7-9 p.m. Dwares JCC. Join the Mothers Circle to learn about Jewish rituals, holidays, ethics and how to create Jewish family life at home. This free course began in Jan. and runs through May 13. Participants do not have to be affiliated with a Jewish institution. For more information, contact Sara Foster at 401-421-4111, ext. 184 or sfoster@jewishallianceri.org. Jewish Culture through Film. “When Jews Were Funny.” 7 p.m. Dwares JCC. Insightful and often hilarious, the latest from documentary filmmaker Alan Zweig surveys the history of Jewish comedy, from the early days of Borsht Belt to the present, ultimately exploring not just ethnicity in the entertainment industry but also the entire unruly question of what it means to be Jewish. The film features interviews with and/ or performance clips of a wide variety of Jewish comedy performers and writers, including Howie Mandel, Rodney Dangerfield, Alan King, Judy Gold, Jackie Mason and Henny Youngman. Admission $5 | Members $3. For more information or to RSVP, contact Erin Moseley at 401-421-4111, ext. 108 or emoseley@jewishallianceri.org.
Friday | March 20 Shabbat Hallelu. 7 p.m., followed by Scholar-in-Residence, Dr. Joel M. Hoffman “Three Answers to Good and Evil That Were Cut from the Bible.” Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. 401-331-6070, ext. 113. info@templebeth-el.org. Model Community Passover Seder. Celebration of Freedom at Temple Am
Calendar Submissions MARCH. 27 issue, PASSOVER – must be received by MARCH 18. APRIL. 10 issue, SENIORS – must be received by APRIL 1.
SEND ALL CALENDAR ITEMS TO: editor@jewishallianceri.org with the subject line “CALENDAR.” Calendar entries may be edited for content, length and relevance. Please submit two weeks prior to issue of publication.
The Jewish Voice David, 40 Gardiner St., Warwick, R.I., 11 a.m. -1 p.m. After many decades of slavery to the Egyptian Pharaohs, during which time the Israelites were subjected to backbreaking labor and unbearable horrors, G-d saw the people’s distress and sent Moses to Pharaoh with a message: “Send forth my people, so that they may serve me.” But despite numerous warnings, Pharaoh refused to heed G-d’s command. G-d then sent upon Egypt ten devastating plagues, afflicting them and destroying everything from their livestock to their crops. At the stroke of midnight of Nissan 15 of the year 2448 from creation (1313 BCE), G-d visited the last of the ten plagues on the Egyptians, killing all their firstborn. While doing so, G-d spared the Children of Israel, “passing over” their homes—hence the name of the holiday. Pharaoh’s resistance was broken, and he virtually chased his former slaves out of the land. The Israelites left in such a hurry, in fact, that the bread they baked as provisions for the way did not have time to rise. 600,000 adult males, plus many more women and children, left Egypt on that day, and began the trek to Mount Sinai and their birth as G-d’s chosen people. Please Call or Email Neal with a count 421-4111, ext. 107.
Saturday | March 21 Scholar-in-Residence. Dr. Joel M. Hoffman. “Reading Scripture through the Lens of our Shared Heritage” with an Alternative Service. 9 – 11:30 a.m., Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. 401-331-6070, ext. 113. info@temple-beth-el.org.
Sunday | March 22
Youth Improvisational Workshop with Providence Improv Guild. Ages 5-9, 1-2 p.m. Ages 10-13, 2-3 p.m. Ages 14-18, 3-4 p.m. Dwares JCC. Price per workshop: $10 | Members: $8. Participants will show what they have learned in the last 15 minutes of each workshop. For more information or to register, contact Seth Finkle at 401-421-4111, ext. 146 or sfinkle@ jewishallianceri.org. Jewish Meditation. 9:30 a.m. Judaism has a long tradition of meditation and contemplation. Course is geared for beginners looking to try something new. Sessions are 30 minutes and will consist of education, discussion and 10-15 minutes of sitting as we build our practice together. Beth Sholom downstairs chapel. 275 Camp St., Providence. 401-621-9393. Film Festival. “Embracing Differences,” presented by the Sisterhood of Temple Beth-El. Temple Beth-El Meeting Hall, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. 2 p.m. Enjoy film, inspiring moderators and refreshments. Admission is free.“Praying with Lior” Discussion with Peter Quattromani, Executive Director, United Cerebral Palsy of Rhode Island. This documentary follows Lior Liebling, a spiritually gifted boy with Down syndrome, as he prepares for his Bar Mitzvah. Winter Wonderland Walk 3. 1:30-3:15 p.m. The weather is moderating; walk off your late-winter blues in Warwick City Park with Am David Chavurah. The 2.8 mile paved trail winds through the woods and past coves, fields and a beach. Appropriate for all ages! Dress
for the weather and bring water. Meet directly at the Park entrance parking lot at 1:20 p.m. Walk is limited to 15 people. Contact Mark at 401 248-5010 to register, for more information and last minute cancellation.
gallery (401) | Dwares JCC. Ten days, one thousand miles, a camera and one hundred rolls of film. For more information, contact Erin Moseley, director of Arts & Culture, at 401-421-4111, ext. 108 or emoseley@jewishallianceri.org.
Tuesday | March 24
Friday | March 27
TNT! (Tuesday Night Talmud). 8-9 p.m. Open to men, women and teens of all levels and backgrounds. This is a collaborative group study of the first chapter of Masechet Berachot, tractate dealing with blessings. Meets weekly in the rabbi’s study at Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. For information, 401-621-9393.
PJ Library Passover Storytime. 10-11 a.m. Dwares JCC. Enjoy a PJ Library story, songs, movement, crafts and a holiday-themed snack. All children ages 5 and under are welcome. To RSVP or for more information, contact Michelle Cicchitelli at 401-421-4111, ext. 178 or mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org.
Temple Torat Yisrael’s Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Philmus. Each participant orders from the menu and we study Jewish sources addressing current issues. Everyone is welcome; bring a friend! Noon at T’s Restaurant, 5600 Post Rd., East Greenwich. Topic: “To Eat…Or Not to Eat Meat?” Roger Williams and Religious Freedom. 7-8:15 p.m. National Park Service Ranger John Mcniff will be offering a free and engaging talk at Congregation Am David on this timely topic. An expert and well-informed authority on Rhode Island history, Ranger McNiff will look at Roger Williams’ time here in 17th-century New England and the end result of the struggle to establish the first place in the New World with complete religious freedom! The talk will last about an hour, and there will be plenty of time for questions and answers. Please attend this event on a most relevant subject and join the conversation! Contact Mark at 401-248-5010 for more information. Tamarisk Talk. Jim Goldman, “Recognizing Elderly Fraud and Preventing Exploitation of the Elderly” 6:30 p.m. Tamarisk Community Room. The Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living, 3 Shalom Dr., Warwick, R.I. Free to the public. Please RSVP to dianneg@tamariskri.org or call at 401-732-0037.
Wednesday | March 25 Drop-in Crafting. 4-5 p.m. Parenting Center | Dwares JCC. Drop in at your leisure to create a special craft. Member price of $1 per child and nonmember price of $3 per child to help cover the cost of materials. RSVP to Michelle Cicchitelli at 401-421-4111, ext. 178 or mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org to ensure enough supplies. Mothers Circle. 7-9 p.m. Dwares JCC. Join the Mothers Circle to learn about Jewish rituals, holidays, ethics and how to create Jewish family life at home. This free course began in Jan. and runs through May 13. Participants do not have to be affiliated with a Jewish institution. For more information, contact Sara Foster at 401-421-4111 ext. 184 or sfoster@jewishallianceri.org. Temple Torat Yisrael Sisterhood Yoga Program. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Free introductory yoga class at Torat Yisrael. Class is open to men and women. Led by Instructor Jeannine Margolis. Bring a mat if you have one and wear comfortable clothing. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. 401-885-6600, www. toratyisrael.org.
Thursday | March 26 Some Thoughts about Poland. A conversation with artist Alan Metnick. 7-8pm.
KTantan Shabbat and Dinner. 5:30 p.m. All are welcome! Celebrate Shabbat with children age birth – 5. Songs, games and crafts to learn about Shabbat followed by dinner. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. 401-3316070, ext. 113. info@temple-beth-el. org.
Sunday | March 29
Early Childhood Center Heroes Dinner. 6 p.m. Dwares JCC. Join us as we honor our David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center Heroes, David. C. Isenberg for his philanthropy and Judy Nagle for her 25 years of dedication. Dinner, dancing and auction. Sponsored by the David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center Parent Committee. Admission $54. For more information, contact Nicole Katzman at 401-421-4111, ext. 180 or nkatzman@jewishallianceri.org. Jewish Meditation. 9:30 a.m. Judaism has a long tradition of meditation and contemplation. Course is geared for beginners looking to try something new. Sessions are 30 minutes and will consist of education, discussion and 10-15 minutes of sitting as we build our practice together. Beth Sholom downstairs chapel. 275 Camp St., Providence. 401-621-9393. Afternoon of music with singer-songwriter Craig Sonnenfeld. Congregation Am David. 2-4 p.m. Born and raised a block from the Atlantic Ocean on the South Jersey shore, Craig grew up during the folk-boom of the ‘60s and was influenced by such artists as Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Tom Paxton, Eric Andersen, Linda Ronstadt and others. Many have described Craig’s original songs as sounding like traditional folk songs: some influenced by old classic country music, and some influenced by old rural blues stylings. Craig tours throughout the East, and we are very fortunate to have him! Admission is $5, and is payable at the door! Contact Mark at 401 248-5010 for more information. Sprouts Preschool Program in Partnership with the PJ Library. 9 a.m.Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Rd., East Greenwich. 401-885-6600, toratyisrael.org. Our March Topic: Passover.
Saturday | April 4 Second night seder. 5:30 p.m. Social Hall. Temple Sinai. Complete kosher style seder dinner will be served. The cost is $30 for adults, $15 for children ages 6-12, and $5 for children age 5 and under. Open to the community. For more information call 401-942-8350 or e-mail dottie@templesinairi.org. Seating is limited.
March 13, 2015 |
COMMUNITY
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NEAT production wowed the crowd On March 21 and 22, the New England Academy of Torah students put on a production titled “Living the Good Life,” under the guidance of Debbie Raskin, Tichyeh Schochet and Janice Kaidan. Based on Marcus Lehmann’s book, “A Portrait of Two Families,” this story takes its audience through a transformative and turbulent time
in Jewish history, presenting timeless lessons and shining examples of strong faith in the face of difficult challenges. Through song, dance and drama, the talented cast moved their audience to laughter and tears, bringing the tale to life. Members of the audience were wowed by the students’ talents in so many areas. It
was evident to all who attended (from both near and far) that the girls had truly prepared in many ways (both on the stage and off) for this fantastic presentation. Special recognition must be given to the student heads, Rochel Golden and Tzipporah Kapilevich, who devoted many hours and much energy to this project, and to the many
Apply now for the Aaron and Rita Slom Scholarship Fund For Freedom And Diversity The Slom Scholarship Fund provides up to two college scholarships for high school seniors. Students must submit an interpretive work focusing on the George Washington letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, in con-
text with the present time. Application materials are available at tourosynagogue. org/Touro Synagogue Foundation. Only completed applications will be considered. Questions regarding the scholarship program can be di-
rected to: ritaslom@aol.com or by contacting the Touro Synagogue Foundation office at 401847-4794, ext. 207. Applications and interpretive works must be received by April 21, 2015.
other students who headed various aspects of the show. NEAT shines in many areas, offering its students a college preparatory program, an intense Judaic studies curriculum and opportunities to shine in creative arts and drama. The song, dance and drama production was enjoyed by alumni from New York, out-of-town
friends, and women from the Sharon, Massachusetts, and Boston communities. Alumni from NEAT often comment on the ahdut (unity) of the girls and on the middot and life skills that they gained at NEAT.
Hadassah program features IDF reservist Eldy Bar-Or is the featured speaker at a Hadassah program on March 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Community members are invited to hear Bar-Or, a resident of Massachusetts, speak. He is a reservist in the Israel Defense Forces. In July, his special Paratroopers Reconnaissance unit was called to serve in Operation
Protective Edge. “People must understand the kind of warfare in Gaza was the most surgical and precise, unlike anything in the world.,” explains Bar-Or. “There was more firepower in the 51-day campaign than in any other war in Israel’s history, in a civilian area with 2 million people.”
12 | March 13, 2015
ISRAEL
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FROM PAGE 1
lular phone market. Fourth on his list is Michael Oren, Israel’s former ambassador to Washington and Kulanu’s point man on foreign policy. Oren will likely be the next Knesset’s only American-born member.
ELECTION that topic earlier this month. He has also been blamed in recent weeks for using excessive public funds on personal expenses like ice cream and alcohol. After negotiating for eight months with the Palestinian Authority last year, he has vowed in this campaign not to withdraw from the West Bank. First elected prime minister in 1996, Netanyahu won again in 2009 and was reelected to a third term in 2013. Naftali Bennett, 42, Israel’s economy minister and chairman of Jewish Home, has touted his hawkish, free-market bona fides and recruited secular candidates to the party. A high-tech entrepreneur and past leader of the settlement movement, Bennett has starred in a range of goofy campaign ads. Eli Yishai, 52, the chairman of Yachad, previously led the Sephardi Orthodox Shas party, from which he broke last year. Yishai had pushed Shas rightward by opposing West Bank withdrawal and urging the prosecution of African asylum seekers. Avigdor Liberman, 56, Yisrael Beiteinu’s chairman, is Israel’s foreign minister but may see his influence recede as his party’s Knesset representation shrinks. Liberman campaigned this year on pledges to include Umm alFahm, an Arab-Israeli city, in a future Palestinian state and to sentence terrorists to death.
Left Wing
Major parties: Israel’s flagship left-wing party, Labor, is resurgent this year after joining lists with the center-left Hatnuah to form the Zionist Union. The combined slate has emerged as Likud’s main competition, leading in most polls by a razor-thin margin. Zionist Union has run a largely negative campaign against Netanyahu while pledging to return Israel to Labor’s
Haredi Orthodox
CREDIT: CHANNEL 2 NEWS.
Pictured at the Feb. 26 Israeli election debate hosted by Israel’s Channel 2 television network: Yisrael Beiteinu party leader Avigdor Liberman (bottom left); Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid (bottom, second from left); Yachad party leader Eli Yishai (bottom, second from right); Joint Arab List leader Ayman Odeh (bottom right); Meretz leader Zehava Gal-On (top right); Shas leader Aryeh Deri (top, second from left); Habayit Hayehudi leader Naftali Bennett (top, second from right); Kulanu leader Moshe Kahlon (top, center); and Channel 2 news anchor Yonit Levi (top left). social-democratic ethos, pushing for a two-state solution and promising to improve Israel’s relations with the United States and Europe. To the Zionist Union’s left is Meretz, which takes staunchly leftist positions on a range of issues, including Israeli-Palestinian peace, LGBT rights, separation of religion and state, and socialist economic policies. Meretz’s poll numbers have shrunk as Zionist Union’s have risen, but the party is still hovering above the electoral threshold. People to watch: If Netanyahu loses, Israel’s next prime minister will almost certainly be Isaac Herzog, the co-chairman of Zionist Union. Herzog, 54, is a soft-spoken politician whose supporters tout his ability to build consensus. The son of Israel’s sixth president, Herzog, known by his nickname, “Bougie,” is a 12-year Knesset veteran and has served in a range of ministerial positions. Tzipi Livni, 56, Herzog’s co-
Owned by Director Dr. Keith Perry MD
chairman, has shifted from right to center-left during a lengthy political career. Originally a senior official in Likud, Livni joined the centrist Kadima in 2005, where she served as foreign minister. She resigned from Kadima after losing its chairmanship, founding Hatnuah in 2012. In December, she merged Hatnuah with Labor and has continued her vocal advocacy of Israeli-Palestinian peace. A rising star in Zionist Union is Stav Shaffir, 29, a firebrand first elected to the Knesset in 2013 after taking a leading role in Israel’s 2011 social protests. As a lawmaker, Shaffir has been an outspoken advocate of fiscal transparency. To her left is Zehava Galon, 59, Meretz’s chairwoman, a Russian immigrant who has been a leading supporter of civil liberties since she entered the Knesset in 1999.
Center
Major parties: Israel’s most unpredictable political bloc, the center has two major parties. Yesh Atid, the current Knesset’s largest party, was founded ahead of the 2013 elections and passed landmark legislation mandating army service for some haredi Orthodox Israelis. The party has also pushed for a range of economic and religious reforms.
In this campaign, Yesh Atid has focused on fighting corruption, reforms to help the middle class and Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank. Current polls predict Yesh Atid will finish third or fourth. The fresh face in this election cycle is Kulanu, founded last year by former Likud minister Moshe Kachlon. The party has focused on economic reforms, pledging to increase competition in the housing and banking sectors. Despite the initial hype surrounding its creation, Kulanu has recently middled in the polls and is slated to receive about eight seats. People to watch: Yair Lapid, 51, a former TV journalist and the head of Yesh Atid, entered the Knesset as a charismatic political neophyte in 2013. After two roller-coaster years as finance minister under Netanyahu, Lapid’s message this campaign is that he is a responsible politician with staying power who will continue his spate of reforms. Kulanu Chairman Moshe Kachlon, 54, was formerly Netanyahu’s communications minister, but left Likud in 2013. As minister Kachlon, who grew up in a working-class home, engineered increased competition and lower prices in Israel’s cel-
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who served in Operation Protective Edge in 2014 Temple Sinai | 30 Hagen Ave. | Cranston
“People need to understand that the kind of warfare in Gaza was the most surgical and precise, unlike anything else in the world that goes on today. There was more firepower in the 51-day campaign than in any other war in Israel’s history………… This is unprecedented,” Bar-Or said.
This meeting is open to all friends and members of Hadassah. Everyone is welcome.
Major parties: The two main haredi parties are the Sephardic Shas and United Torah Judaism, a merger of several Ashkenazi haredi parties. Both parties have pledged to reinstate several policies benefiting haredim that were rolled back by Yesh Atid. United Torah Judaism’s main issues are government support for yeshivas (including stipends for full-time students), continued haredi control of the Chief Rabbinate, social services for lowincome haredim and the restoration of exemptions from military service for full-time yeshiva students. Shas advocates more moderate versions of those policies as well as increased social services for poor families, many of whom are of Middle Eastern descent and vote for Shas even though they are not themselves haredi. Shas has seen its poll numbers decline following Eli Yishai’s departure and the 2013 death of Ovadia Yosef, the movement’s spiritual leader. People to watch: Aryeh Deri, 56, Shas’ chairman, won 17 seats for the party in 1999 elections only to wind up in prison on bribery charges a year later. The charismatic Deri retook the helm of Shas following the 2013 elections and has focused his campaign on economic reforms to benefit poor families and fighting discrimination against Middle Eastern Jews.
Arab-Israelis
Major parties: The three small Arab parties – the secular Balad, Arab-Jewish Communist Hadash and religious Ra’am-Ta’al – united ahead of this election into Joint List, which favors increased efforts to combat antiArab discrimination, recognition of national rights for Israel’s Arab minority and creation of a Palestinian state in West Bank, Gaza and eastern Jerusalem. People to watch: The Joint List’s chairman is Ayman Odeh, 40, an attorney who previously represented the ArabJewish left-wing Hadash party on the Haifa City Council. Odeh has said that along with protesting discrimination, he wants to constructively influence Israel’s economic, social and cultural legislation. Two of the most outspoken Arab-Israeli members of Knesset have been lawmakers Ahmad Tibi, 56, a former adviser to Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat, and Hanin Zouabi, 45. Israel’s Central Elections Committee banned Zoabi from running in the elections due to accusations that she supports terrorism, but Israel’s Supreme Court overturned the ban. The party’s sole Jewish member is Dov Khenin, 57, a well-known leftist activist who in 2008 ran for mayor of Tel Aviv.
ISRAEL
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One American’s perspective: The Israeli elections and an evening with Tzipi Livni BY SARAH MARASCO TEL AVIV, ISRAEL – The first thing I learned in Israel is that there is no such thing as lines. Any form of order or organization is simply frowned upon in a society, comprised of a people that has been pushed around enough throughout history to ever accept the idea that their identity is only a shuk, no set prices, seats on the bus are on a first come, first shove basis. This concept of everyone having an equal opportunity to get what they want, and who ever wants it most is the winner, is reflected in all aspects of Israeli culture, including politics. To understand Israeli politics is to try to understand the order of which customers are handled at the shuk, it’s almost impossible. To an American, Israel seems familiar on the surface, with two major political orientations, the left and right, yet they are completely different from our system. The two orientations don’t organize into two general parties in Israel, but diverge on a scale between the extreme left of Meretz, to the right of Bennett, with many shades in between. Just as anyone has the right here to cut in front of you at the shuk, so does any citizen of Israel have the right to form a political party and gain serious ground among friends in this tiny society. In America, we often have limited options when we are forced to choose between two
main political courses. In Israel there are too many options politically, with each one seriously impacting Israel internally and internationally. The wide range of choices for political leaders in Israeli politics reflects the many issues and concerns Israelis face. The number of problems in this new, rapidly developing country is expected. What is surprising is that every Israeli feels entitled to voice their concerns, and each is heard and possesses the power to run for office. Each person is viewed as having an equal, legitimate voice with potential to change society. Israel, a country often condemned by many as an apartheid government, allows Palestinians and others who are against the basic tenets of the Jewish state to be included into the government to which they are fundamentally opposed. This culture of disorder where everyone is equally able to push for whatever he or she wants creates a diverse political system that’s uniquely Israeli. The political diversity keeps the political process personal. Instead of grand lecture halls and national committee meetings, the prime minister candidates often host intimate discussions at local cafes. This is a method I had never considered possible while living in America. Tel Aviv International, a social organization for new olim (citizens), began to offer evening
PHOTO | SARAH MARASCO
Sarah Marasco in Israel. events in local bars to host any candidate who wished to talk to the international community in Tel Aviv. The amazing part is that these small events are free and allow anyone to pose questions to the candidate completely in English. If the Israeli political system was not diverse and complicated enough, with many demographics to appeal to, candidates consider the international, English-speaking community influential enough to personally address them in
a language foreign to the candidates themselves. In the United States, a community of internationals would not be so intimately, informally approached by a presidential candidate, nor would the candidate agree to openly be asked uncensored questions, especially not in a different language. The event hosted prime minister hopeful, Tzipi Livni, who gave a brief introduction of herself, her values, and goals if elected, before opening it up
for questions from the audience. This was one of the most democratic events I’ve ever witnessed. This woman and all those who participate in these events embody the truest values of democracy. The ability for all to become politically involved, attend lectures and ask questions in a peaceful, relaxed setting, would be impressive to America’s founding fathers. In such a small country, every vote matters, and every individual has the potential to become elected and influence the nation’s politics. The diversity of people, opinions and beliefs so highly concentrated in this small country makes the democratic process full of various political parties and the value of the individual immense. I am amazed at the Israeli dedication to democracy, even though it is often depicted as an undemocratic state, I can say from personal experience, that Israel represents one of the most diverse, divided and truly democratic political systems in the world. SARAH MARASCO grew up in Narragansett, attended the Prout School and is currently majoring in modern Jewish and Israeli Studies at Tel Aviv University. Upon graduating in June 2016, Sarah looks forward to returning to the states to become an advocate for Israel.
For some Israelis abroad, cost and distance no barrier to the ballot BY HILLEL KUTTLER JTA – Much of what Alan Teitleman teaches in his political science classes at South Piedmont Community College in North Carolina is theoretical. But on March 17, Teitleman will undertake a political act that is anything but. Teitleman is canceling two days of classes to travel from suburban Charlotte to Israel next week to cast his ballot in Israeli elections. From the time
his plane lands at Ben Gurion Airport at 1 p.m. Monday until his return flight departs just after midnight Tuesday, Teitleman will have spent just 36 hours in Israel. The flights – three each way through New York and Moscow – are setting him back $570. But to Teitleman, the cost is worthwhile. “It’d be hypocritical not to vote,” said Teitleman, 29, who remains undecided whether he will support Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling Likud Party or one of the other center-right factions, like Kulanu or Jewish Home. “In order to have a strong state, you have to have participation from all sectors. I want to be able to have my say in the future of the government and of the state.” Teitleman is among a cadre of Israeli citizens living abroad who are scrambling their schedules to cast ballots next week. Israel provides only limited absentee balloting for its citizens
abroad, mainly for diplomats and other official emissaries. On March 5, employees of the embassy in Washington braved a severe snowstorm to reach the building in order to vote. An embassy official said Israel does not maintain data on how many citizens living in the Unit-
ed States are returning to Israel to vote or have done so previously. But among those who do make the trip, civic commitment appears to be a driving force. “This is a big opportunity to make change,” said Yael Shapira, BALLOT | 27
FOOD
14 | March 13, 2015
The Jewish Voice
Traditional fare and fresh takes for Passover Remember to include sweets and tasty beverages in your menu-planning – they sweeten everything (even the sting of going pizza-less!). Since Passover comes but once a year, don’t worry too much about calories and fats. And, besides, you’ll have room for a few extra calories because you’ll be skipping pasta and bread. Recipes for main dishes – both traditional and new – follow. In the March 27 Voice, we’ll round out your meals with tasty side dishes, desserts and beverages to complement the main dish. This traditional recipe is easy and kid-friendly.
BY CYNTHIA BENJAMIN (Part 1 of 2) Years ago, when my youngest son was 4, on the sixth or seventh night of Passover, he asked what was for dinner. “Please,” he begged, “don’t say the M word.” After I stopped laughing, and served up matzo pizza for dinner, it got me thinking. Food is such a wide and wonderful world – I have studied it for years, and don’t know the half of it – why should we have to endure eight days of bland meals and soggy matzo sandwiches just because we’re not eating leavened products? With the fresh produce and ethnic foods that are now flooding our markets, it should be easy to serve tempting Passover meals for eight days. By the time the next Passover came around, I had tweaked my menus. First, I sorted through my Passover recipes, saving the best and tossing the rest. I also made several other changes that I recommend for happier Passover meals:
Sweet and Sour Meatloaf
Recipes in “The New Passover Menu” include, clockwise from upper left, Peruvian Roasted Chicken with Salsa Verde; Asparagus, Zucchini, and Leek Kugel, Brisket Osso Buco, Sweet Potato Tzimmes, and Broccoli with Garlic. Take advantage of the improving weather to use as many fresh spring products as pos-
sible. After months of hearty winter fare, the new flavors are sure to please.
Prepare for Passover by helping those in need.
ALL DONATED FOOD PRODUCTS MUST BE CERTIFIED KOSHER*:
As a Jewish community, it is our responsibility to come to the aid of fellow Jews who struggle with life’s basic needs. Please support this mitzvah by participating in our Passover food drive.
3rd Annual Chametz Challenge Benefiting the Louis and Goldie Chester Full Plate Kosher Food Pantry
March 23 – 31, 2015 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. SUGARMAN SINAI MEMORIAL CHAPEL 458 Hope St., Providence
For every item donated, Sugarman Sinai Memorial Chapel will purchase another item for donation.
Applesauce (sugar free) Barley / Couscous Beans (vegetarian) Breakfast cereal Canned fruit (low sugar / sugar free) Canned salmon Canned soup (vegetarian / kosher) Canned vegetables Coffee / Juice Cooking oil Graham crackers Instant potatoes Jam / Sugar-free jam Jelly / Sugar-free jelly Kasha / Rice Milk / Powdered milk Pancake mix Parmalat Pasta / Pasta sauce Peanut butter Raisins Shabbat candles Shampoo / Toothpaste Soda / Sugar-free soda Toilet paper Tomato products Tuna fish *Non-perishables only.
Wishing the joy of the Passover holiday to you and your loved ones!
401-331-8094 SugarmanSinai.com
Check the plethora of “new Jewish cuisine” cookbooks for ideas and new recipes.
1 medium onion, diced 1 cup crushed matzos 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/2 cup water 2 eggs, beaten 12 ounces tomato sauce, divided 2 pounds ground beef 1/4 cup lemon juice, preferably fresh squeezed FOOD | 15
HEALTH TIP Begin and end a workout with good nutrition Good nutrition is extremely important before and after a workout. Our bodies need “gas in the tank” to fuel a workout as well as food to help our bodies recover after we’ve exercised. Before: About 90 minutes before exercise is a good time for a light snack. Carbohydrates are vital for energy to fuel a workout. After: Bodies need to replenish energy stores after a workout. Benefits of post workout nutrition include
increased ability to build muscle and improved ability to utilize body fat. You should eat within two hours of ending your workout. When choosing post workout food, focus on consuming carbohydrates and proteins. EDITOR’S NOTE: A health tip from the employee wellness team at the Jewish Alliance: Angela Sullivan, Andrew McKeon and Caroline Casey.
FOOD
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FOOD
1/2 cup brown sugar In a large bowl, mix first six ingredients and 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce until well-combined. Add the beef and mix with fork or hands until wellcombined. Pat into a greased baking dish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine remaining tomato sauce, lemon juice and sugar. Spread over top of meat, reserving about half. Bake for 1 hour, basting twice with remaining sauce. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serves 6 to 8. This recipe has a Mexican influence. Reduce the amount of serrano pepper for a milder version or add spices and/or other hot peppers to make it even hotter.
Spinach and Cheese Pie
5 matzo 1/2 cup peanut or olive oil 5 bags baby spinach, cooked until just wilted and squeezed dry, or 5 packages frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed as dry as possible 2 onions, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 serrano peppers, diced Salt and pepper to taste 4 eggs, well-beaten 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided Soak matzos in warm water for 30 seconds to a minute or until soft but not mushy. Gently press out excess water. Grease a lasagna pan and cover bottom with matzo. Chop spinach and set aside. Fry onions and garlic lightly in oil. Add spinach and cook over low heat so flavors meld. Cool, drain off excess liquid if necessary, add salt and pepper to taste, and spread evenly over matzo. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Mix eggs with 1 cup of shredded cheese and pour over spinach. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top. Bake for about 15 minutes or until cheese melts and dish is heated through.
degrees for 1/2 hour. Check a few times to make sure there is still liquid. If not, add more (if you run out of broth/wine, add water). Lower heat to 300 degrees, and cook for 2 1/2 hours. Check the liquid periodically. Add the carrots around 1 hour before taking brisket out. Add the potatoes 45 minutes before taking brisket out. Test the brisket with a fork to make sure it is tender. If not, continue to cook, checking every 10 minutes. When tender, take the cover off the pan and turn off the oven. Let the brisket brown in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. After removing from oven, let sit for 10 minutes before cutting perpendicular to the grain and serving with the vegetables. From “New Passover Menu” by Paula Shoyer (Sterling Epicure, 2015)
Brisket Osso Buco Brisket:
1/4 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (35g) matzo cake meal or potato starch (40g) 1 3-pound brisket 2 large onions, cut in half and sliced 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced into rounds 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced 1 bay leaf 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine 1 can (28 ounces/795g) whole peeled or diced tomatoes 2 tablespoons tomato paste or 1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato sauce Salt and pepper
Gremolata:
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley 4 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat the oil in a large frying pan with 2-inch sides or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the matzo cake meal or potato starch on both sides of meat, shaking off any excess, This traditional recipe is and brown both sides of meat from Fran Ostendorf, The Jew- until crispy parts develop. Reish Voice’s editor. The dish can move to a plate. Add the onions, be made the day before, or the carrots, celery and bay leaf to morning it is being served, and the pan and cook over medium then sliced and reheated in a heat, using a wooden spoon little liquid. or silicone spatula to scrape up any pieces of meat that are Mom’s Brisket stuck to the bottom of the pan. 3 1/2 pounds brisket Cook until onions are transluSeasonings (salt, pepper, cent, about 5 minutes. Italian seasoning blend, garlic Add the wine and cook unpowder) til most of it has boiled off and 2 cups beef broth or red wine only a little liquid is left around or a combination the vegetables. Add the canned 2 medium onions, sliced tomatoes, including their juicCarrots, sliced es, and tomato paste to the pan Potatoes, medium, quartered and bring to a boil. If you used a Dutch oven, return the meat Season brisket liberally on to the pan. If you used a fryboth sides. Place in pan, fat ing pan, transfer the vegetables side up, with onions. Pour liq- and sauce to a baking pan and uid over brisket. Cover the pan. place the meat on top. Add salt Cook in preheated oven at 350 FOOD | 16
Traditional Passover Menu 2015 Now accepting orders through Monday, March 30th, 2015 for pick up on Thursday, April 2nd and Friday, April 3rd Please note all items are only available at refrigerated temperatures
Gefilte Fish
$2.99 pc.
___________
House Horseradish
$7.99 lb.
Chopped Liver
$8.99 lb.
Chicken Soup with carrots
$3.49pt./$6.98 qt.
Matzoh Balls
$9.99 dz.
Roasted Brisket with Gravy
$17.99 lb.
Boneless Chicken Breast
$6.99 ea.
(Stuffed with Spinach, Roasted Red Peppers and Garlic)
Holiday Lasagna_______________________________$9.99 lb. Carrot Tzimmis
_$8.99 lb.
Traditional Charosis
_$6.99 lb. $7.99 lb.
Roasted Vegetable Medley
_
Potato Kugel
_____ $5.99 lb.
(Whole kugel approximately 5 lb.)
Sweet Potato Kugel
$6.99 lb.
(Whole kugel approximately 1.5 lb.)
Apple Kugel
$6.99 lb.
(Whole kugel approximately 5 lb.)
Vegan Chopped Liver
$9.99 lb.
Chef’s Suggestions to Complete Your Passover Meal-Whole Poached Salmon Side, Lemon Scented Asparagus, Green Beans Amandine, Stuffed Grape Leaves.
*All prepared foods are Jewish-style and are explicitly not Kosher/Kosher for Passover*
16 | March 13, 2015 FROM PAGE 15
FOOD
The Jewish Voice
FOOD
and a generous amount of pepper. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake 1 1/2 hours. Meanwhile, prepare the gremolata. Combine the parsley, garlic and lemon zest in a small bowl. Cover and place in fridge until ready to serve. Gremolata may be made 1 day in advance. Remove the pan from the oven, place meat on a cutting board and slice against the grain into 1/3-inch-thick slices. Return the slices to the pan, cover, and bake for 1 1/4 hours. Spread the gremolata over the meat in the pan, stirring some into sauce. Serves 10. Note: Brisket can be made up to three days in advance. This recipe, from Sandi Brenner, of Smithfield, is vegetarian.
Passover Lasagna
3 to 5 whole matzo, soaked in warm water for up to a minute to soften 2 cups tomato sauce Mozzarella cheese, both sliced and shredded Garlic powder and/or onion powder (optional) 1/2 bag frozen veggies, either Florentine style (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots) or Italian style (zucchini, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, lima beans, peppers) Cook veggies according to package directions. Cut any large chucks into bite-size pieces. Drain well.
until the eggplant pieces are fork-tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add two-thirds of the basil leaves, stir, and turn off the heat. When ready to serve, reheat the ratatouille and sprinkle remaining basil on top CYNTHIA BENJAMIN is a chef, an editor at The Providence Journal and freelance writer. She is a member of Temple B’nai Israel in Woonsocket.
Passover Lasagna Add onion/garlic powder to tomato sauce, if desired, and mix well. Layer ingredients in a 9 x 9-inch or larger pan in this order: Tomato sauce, enough matzo to form a layer, veggies, enough mozzarella slices to form a layer. Repeat layers until you run out of ingredients. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until cheese on top is brown and bubbly and lasagna is heated through. This recipe for ratatouille, from The New Passover Menu, is vegan and gluten-free.
Ratatouille
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 onion, chopped into 1/2-inch
pieces 1 large eggplant, not peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 medium zucchini, not peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 1 large fresh tomato, chopped into 1-inch pieces 1 tablespoon tomato sauce 1/4 cup water 6 fresh basil leaves, slivered (chiffonade), divided Salt and black pepper In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add the eggplant and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes. Add the zucchini and cook for another 3 minutes. Add the garlic, tomato, tomato sauce and water. Cover and cook for 10 minutes over low heat or
THE VOICE IS LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD RECIPES We want your treasured family recipes! Do you have a recipe that you’ve been preparing for years? Perhaps it’s a kugel that your mother taught you to make because her mother taught her to make it.
Or maybe you have always baked Aunt Hazel’s apple cake
for the holidays and everyone can’t get enough of it. When you have the family over for dinner, do they always ask for the same roast chicken? We hope you will share these and more with our readers. We are collecting these family gems for future food articles. Please send the recipe and any stories you might have to share with that recipe to editor@jewishallianceri.org. You can mail the information to The Jewish Voice, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906. Please make sure the ingredients and instructions are clearly written and include your name and phone number.
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HOME & GARDEN
thejewishvoice.org
March 13, 2015 |
17
The Sessions Street Community Garden in Providence awaits the spring thaw
After the winter of our discontent
BY IRINA MISSIURO imissiuro@jewishallianceri.org
To state the obvious, this winter took a toll on you. You had to postpone trips, reschedule appointments and schedule new ones (your poor back didn’t appreciate the strain of repeated shoveling). You have spent more money than you care to admit fixing broken furnaces, cleaning up the damage done by burst pipes and paying for particularly challenging snow removal. You have cooked all the soup you ever want to cook, watched all the reruns of “The Golden Girls” you ever want to watch and even caught up on your ironing. Now, you had the luxury of staying inside a warm house (unless you were the one with the furnace problem), and you’re still frustrated. Think about how your plants might feel. Find out just what you can do to help them get out of the winter rut. Andy Radin, who works at the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension, part of URI’s College of the Environment & Life Sciences which “helps people to improve their lives and communities by extending university-based research for the benefit of families, farms and the environment,” was happy to share some advice on gardening in the coming spring. First, he would
like to emphasize that plants are resilient and put you at ease by making you understand that “there’s nothing wrong with a good strong winter for garden soil.” Quite the opposite. He says that frost and snow melt work their way into the ground with alternate freezing and thawing, loosening and aerating the soil. This means that rain water infiltration and air movement are improved. Those who must worry about something despite the positive prognosis shouldn’t despair – not all is lost. They can still lose sleep over perennials, which will likely suffer some winter dieback, according to Radin. But knowing how diligent you are, you probably mulched your herbaceous perennials prior to the frost, so they should be resting comfortably under their covering. Still not satisfied with sitting still and want something to do to feel like you’re saving your garden? Consider the following tips.
What you should have done before the winter to reduce damage: • Selected plants that can withstand New England winters. • Placed burlap or plastic physical barriers on the windward side of recently planted trees. • Avoided fertilizing or prun-
Gardeners, heed these tips ing in late summer as late season growth is more fragile. • Soaked the soil two inches deep and allowed it to dry between waterings to encourage deeper rooting. • Refrained from frequent shallow sprinklings as surface roots are susceptible to injury. • Used mulch to conserve soil moisture, keep temperature steady and reduce premature budding.
What you can do now:
• Brush off accumulated snow from branches to prevent breakage. • Prune out any bare branches if blighted and if browned buds and leaves drop off and new ones fail to grow. • Avoid attempting to remove ice from shrubs out of fear of breaking the brittle branches.
nure. • A couple of weeks before planting, add lime and cover beds to prevent runoff during rain. • Clear drainage ditches and compost the carbon-rich refuse. • Repair raised beds, trellises and fences.
Think you’re ready for planting?
• First, plant lettuce, spinach, leeks and peas as they prefer the cold to the heat. • Next, plant onions, kale, radishes, potatoes and turnips. Include broccoli if you must. • Cover seedlings if frost is expected overnight. • If, along with your potatoes, you decided to plant cabbage, cover plantings to protect them from moths.
• Plant summer blooming bulbs: lilies, crocus, daffodils and gladioli.
Don’t forget about the details:
• Divide perennials; clear and mulch their beds. • Use stakes for sprouting perennials, steering clear of the roots. • Prune shrubs and fruit trees; apply horticultural oil sprays. • Remove stakes and relax tree wires from fall planting. • Transplant shrubs you’d like to move before they leaf out. Enjoy the wonders of spring. IRINA MISSIURO is a writer and editorial consultant for The Jewish Voice.
What to do in April:
• Pull out weeds and cover bare spots with plastic sheets or mulch that’s four inches high. • Reduce rot by keeping mulch a few inches away from stems and tree trunks. • Rake the garden beds before spring flowers start growing. • Compost whatever you raked out to keep your garden free of weeds and fertilized. • Turn over the soil in your vegetable garden and rake debris. • Cover garden beds with ma-
A 5-foot fence surrounds this local garden waiting for spring.
HOME & GARDEN
18 | March 13, 2015
The Jewish Voice
The Botanical Center is a welcome reprieve from the cold Visit the tropics in Rhode Island BY IRINA MISSIURO imissiuro@jewishallianceri.org
Visit the Botanical Center at Roger Williams Park
Come up to your window and take a look, please. Chances are you’ll see whiteness glaring back at you. Amid all that snow, wouldn’t it be nice to visit a tropical oasis? Not everyone can afford a trip to the Caribbean or a two-week vacation to lie on the beach in Florida. Why not enjoy a mini retreat on the beautiful Island of Rhode? Specifically, venture out to the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, the land of tropical plants and their habitat. Open since March 2007, the largest public indoor garden display in New England encompasses around 12,000 square feet of greenery. Rhode Island Monthly’s Editor’s Poll voted the center “Best Urban Oasis” during its inaugural year. Wondering what all the fuss is about? The greenhouses alone are worth a visit; The Conservatory and The Mediterranean Room boast more than 150 species and cultivars of plants. So, if Florida’s on your mind, you’ll appreciate the 17 varieties of palms this place has to offer. Not to worry, if you start missing the cold, you can walk outside to check out the center’s outdoor garden displays that include such gems as the Winter Garden, which is located along the main path to the center. Hardcore gardeners can take advantage of the center’s multiple educational opportunities. You can book a docent tour, an offering that’s available in partnership with the University of Rhode Island’s College of the Environment and Life Sciences Outreach Center. Call two weeks ahead, and let trained URI master gardener
1000 Elmwood Ave. Providence Hours: Tues. – Sun., 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed Mondays (except holidays). Admission: Free for Providence residents the 1st Saturday of each month. Adults: $3, children 6-12: $1, children under 6: free. Group rates: booked for 10 or more people. Call 401-785-9450, ext. 250 Email: RWBotanicalCenter@gmail.com.
PHOTOS | URI OUTREACH CENTER
volunteers guide you around the center. Because the tours are offered according to age and interest, you will be among equally curious individuals. The entertainment will consist of cultural and environmental information about the plants. You will learn not only about their uses, but also about their importance in our lives, their weird characteristics and their adaptation strategies. Who knows, maybe you’ll even pick up a tip or two about dealing with this weather we’ve had lately. If walking around in a herd is not your idea of a good time, you can always take the handson approach. In addition to im-
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Children enjoy their visit to the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center. proving community, volunteers at the center enhance their gardening skills and increase their circle of friends. Working side-by-side with similarly minded people, they bond over planting, weeding and pruning, not to mention deadheading. Yes, spring is all about renewal, getting rid of the old and bringing in the new. Now that your attention is at its peak, go fill out the volunteer placement application: providenceri.com/ efile/1236. Looking for a more formal way to learn? You can participate in one of the horticultural and environmental programs the center holds every spring. In agreement with the city, the URI CELS Outreach Center at the Roger Williams Botanical Center offers many fascinating classes. If you have a little one in your family who’s eager to know more about nature, why not talk to your child’s teacher about planning a Learning Landscapes field trip? Children love exploring plants and animals found in our neck of the woods;
the center’s website includes some quotes that reveal their fascination with the exhibits. Elementary schools introduce their students to the center to learn about mammals, seeds, birds, energy and ecosystems. The lessons are age-appropriate and absorbing. A clever component of the trip is the recycled pot bearing some seeds that the students bring back to their classrooms to continue the learning, which they document in their nature journals. Wondering what other interesting events the center has in store for the visitors this spring? Its March calendar includes a master gardener info booth, which is available every first Saturday of the month; master gardener kiosk, which offers free pH soil testing; Lunch ‘n Learn that focuses on leaf biology; and a plant management class that teaches you all you need to know about pruning and mulching. April’s lessons focus on pollinators and flower planting, as well as perennials. The most intriguing-sound-
ing event, however, has to be Fairy Garden Week, which starts on April 18. Its workshops beckon with names such as Succulent Magic, Ladybug Release and Build Your Own Gnome Home. Who doesn’t want to do that?! IRINA MISSIURO is a writer and editorial consultant for The Jewish Voice.
HOME & GARDEN
thejewishvoice.org
March 13, 2015 |
19
Ilan Davis: I love J-Camp because we get to play games! Ilan is in first grade
Students plant the garden.
PHOTOS | CATHERINE WALTERS
The arbor at Temple Sinai’s garden.
Sweet bay has medicinal qualities Notes from Temple Sinai’s Biblical Garden
BY CATHERINE WALTERS And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow every tree for food, whose leaf shall not wither, neither shall the fruit thereof fail; it shall bring forth new fruit every month … and the fruit thereof shall be for food, and the leaf thereof for healing. (Ezekiel 47:12) Plants played many roles in Biblical times, as they do today, for food, personal beauty, hygiene and ritual, and as aids to healing. Israeli botanical scholar Michael Zohary maintains that “Although healing by plants is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, herbal remedies were numerous and specific. The ultimate healer was God, and prayer was therefore the remedy most often prescribed. Because mentioning medicinal uses of plants would defy the belief in God’s exclusive healing power, they were rarely mentioned in scripture.”
And indigenous knowledge of medicinal attributes of herbs and their uses in healing belonged to the women. “Encyclopedia Judaica” notes that about 70 plants are mentioned in the Talmud as having medicinal properties, including olives, dates, pomegranates, quinces among fruit – garlic, beet, hyssop, cumin, and fennel-flower among vegetables and spices. In addition, wild plants are referenced as having remedial qualities. One such plant is the sweet bay or bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), a tall, conical evergreen tree that abounds on Mt. Carmel and in the stony soils around the Galilee. The leaves of the bay, when broken, emit a sweet scent and are used to flavor Mediterranean cuisine. In the ancient world, oil of bay was used externally in treating wounds and healing bruises and was also consumed in a tea for digestive ailments.
The garden in fall.
The Biblical Garden at Temple Sinai grows a potted specimen of bay laurel, and it spends the winter indoors. If you want your own evergreen supply for cooking, it is commonly available in any garden center in the spring, and is easily maintained in a sunny window. The fresh leaves are very mild and do not develop their full flavor until several weeks after picking and drying. The Biblical Garden at Temple Sinai in Cranston grows more than 70 specimens of plants and trees that provide a living testament to our connection with Torah and to the everyday lives of our ancestors in ancient Israel. Soon, students of the Religious School at Temple Sinai will be growing foodstuffs that were
staples of Israelite diet, including chickpeas, lentils and broad beans. When the soil is ready, they will sow wheat and barley, and plant annual herbs, tender vegetables and flowers. CATHERINE WALTERS is a passionate gardener and a longtime member of Temple Sinai. Much of this article originally appeared in their Biblical Garden Blog and is reprinted with permission. Volunteer gardeners of all ages are welcome to participate in the garden, now entering its fifth season. Contact Walters (margalit_rut@hotmail.com) for more information.
Religious school students help out in the garden.
HOME & GARDEN
20 | March 13, 2015
The Jewish Voice
A few improvements add to your home’s value Five tips to help spruce up your home for spring BY STEPHANIE ROSS
Tara Demyan, of Lila Delman Real Estate, said. “With international fl ights coming to T.F. Green, this summer will open Rhode Island to an entirely different market.” While the state continues to recover and build in the housing market, statewide home sales were up 6 percent with median sale price was up 8 per-
As Rhode Island, along with the rest of New England, digs itself out of a historic winter, the housing market is springing forward and entering the season of renewal. “In the coming year, Rhode Island will be one of the key growth areas in New England,”
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cent from fourth quarter 2013 to fourth quarter 2014. Most notably, single-family sales increased 15 percent in Newport with the average sale price up 94 percent over 2013. “Living and working in Providence, I have seen a renewed optimism from prospective buyers and sellers,” Andy Matt, mortgage adviser at Mortgage Master, said. “As the economy continues to improve, interest rates are at near-historic lows, and there are many well-qualified buyers out there that are eager to purchase a new home.” With the promise of warmth and sunshine ahead, homeowners are beginning their spring cleaning and updates, while others are looking to buy. “My clients are now looking for move-in ready homes with an open layout with big, bright rooms, natural light,” Demyan said. “For Rhode Island, homes on the water or with waterfront views are extremely desirable.” If you are looking to sell, here are the top five simple improvements to add to your home’s value, according to Tara Demyan.
Staging
“One of the biggest issues I run into is personal clutter,” Demyan said. “You want your potential buyer to be able to see themselves living in the house.” Whether you hire a home staging company, or attempt to do it yourself, staging your home for potential buyers can amp up value. Hiding clutter and scrubbing your house top
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to bottom, allowing all surfaces to shine are great ways to start. Rearranging your furniture and striking a balance between clean and a lived-in look are important. “Staging is incredibly valuable when selling your home,” Demyan said. “Most homes sell for more and in less time when staged.”
“In the coming year, Rhode Island will be one of the key growth areas in New England.” Kitchen and bathrooms
Updating bathroom vanities and kitchen countertops with a stone instantly raises value. If you are not looking to replace your cabinets, adding a fresh coat of paint can do the trick. Any kitchen and bathroom updates you make will increase the value of the home. “Nice, large functional kitchens with an island are really in style,” Demyan said. “Your typical buyers want a nice, big kitchen where they can cook a meal while entertaining friends and family in the same space.” However, don’t get rid of your glass or ceramic tiled backsplash or bathroom walls. Those subway tiles, known for their prominence in New York City subway stations, are a timeless accessory and can be seen in houses dating back to the 1920s. Making them clean and gleaming will instantly attract the eye.
Curb appeal
Sprucing up the outside of your home is what gets people
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through the door. Planting flower beds, ensuring clean cut grass, or even giving your front door a fresh coat of paint will help in that endeavor. Style a porch or balcony with seating and greenery, and play up any waterfront views.
Paint
“One of the simplest, most cost-effective improvements of all is paint,” Demyan said. “Freshly painted rooms look clean and updated.” Keep the master bedroom gender-neutral, and opt out of loud colors by choosing a more sophisticated, neutral palette such as “greige” (gray-beige) or mocha. New exterior paint goes a long way as well.
The basics
However, remember the basics when improving your home. Replace your roof if it needs it, install a new furnace or central air unit and make any repairs your home may need. Nothing scares a buyer more than if a home needs extensive, and expensive, home repairs.
The catch-all
Before making any drastic improvements to your home, remember to consult with a professional. “It’s important to speak with a reputable, knowledgeable real estate agent familiar with your city or town,” Matt said. “They are experts when it comes to home value, market conditions and what improvements should be made before they put their home on the market.” STEPHANIE ROSS is a freelance writer and marketing coordinator in Boston.
HOME & GARDEN
thejewishvoice.org
Gray trending as a home exterior color StatePoint – Giving your home’s exterior a fresh look starts with color. And this year, many home improvement trend-spotting experts say the leading color family is gray, with its neutral yet refi ned elegance. “Gray is an important home exterior color because it works equally well on all home styles, from historic to contemporary, and in every part of the country,” says Kate Smith, president and chief color maven of Sensational Color. “Quite versatile, gray tones can range from cool, clear bluish gray to a true neutral gray through a warm French gray or even taupe. With gray, it’s really hard to go wrong.” While you may know whether you like something once it’s in place, achieving a look you love before making a commitment is crucial. Smith offers tips for picking the perfect hues for your home: • The best gray for your home exterior is one that blends well with your roof and other fi xed features, such as brick, stone or permanent design elements. For a middle tone that will work on most homes, look for a classic gray that will never go out of style. • Light, clear gray is fresh and airy – just
be sure to look for any undertones. What appears as light gray on the swatch could seem light blue or lavender once applied. • If you’re going with dark gray as the main color, look for one that is rich but soft. Deeper shades with a harder edge are great as accents. • Gray comes alive with dramatic accent colors. Paint your door a bold color to create a strong focal point. Use other accent colors to play a secondary role. • A touch of brass, bronze or copper warms up gray; gold or orange adds a spark of color. • Both warm and cool greens look fresh against gray; from thyme to palm or forest, green naturally brings out the beauty of gray. • Tried and true blue – soft raindrop, bold blue paisley or admiral blue – keeps gray fresh and clean. • Go all neutral with gray on gray for a sophisticated scheme. For a home update that will signify stability, elegance and dependability, consider going gray.
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22 | March 13, 2015
HOME & GARDEN
The Jewish Voice
Are your spring cleaning products safe? StatePoint – Do you know what ingredients are in the cleaning products you buy? Probably not, as there are no federal government regulations requiring companies to disclose their contents. But harsh chemicals can take their toll on the indoor air quality of your home, are harmful to the environment and may irritate eyes and skin.
So how can you learn more about the cleaning products you plan to purchase? Luckily, certain retailers are making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions. For example, in 2011 Whole Foods Market introduced the Eco-Scale Rating System, which is the first household cleaner standards offered by a retailer.
This season, don’t just spring clean your home; take stock of your cleaners and clean up your entire act. By opting for green cleaning products, you can help make your home a safer, healthier place. Here’s how: Do an audit: Take a look at the cleaning products you currently own. Just because a brand or product is well-known does not make it a healthy option. A quick Internet search can reveal the safety attributes of a product’s ingredients – so long as the manufacturer has chosen to disclose ingredients. Toss anything problematic and make a shopping list of what you need to replace. Full disclosure: Avoid cleaning products that don’t disclose what ingredients they use. Look for brands that make it easy for you to know what ingredients are being used in the product you’re purchasing. Be informed: Know what ingredients to avoid entirely. Harsh ingredients such as formaldehyde and chlorine can still be found in cleaning products today. Don’t know where to start? Take a look at the list of more than 40 ingredients that aren’t allowed in Whole Foods
PHOTO | KONSTANTIN YUGANOV/FOTOLIA.COM
Market’s cleaning products, including chlorine, formaldehyde, phosphates, phthalates and triclosan. Lock-up: No matter the contents of your cleaners, it’s good practice to keep them stored in a safe place, such as a locked cabinet. Young children and pets should not be able to access your cleaning products supply. Do it yourself: A quick and easy way to know exactly what’s in your cleaning products is to make them yourself. Luckily, only a few inexpensive ingredients are needed to make
your own all-purpose cleaner. Simply mix one part water with one part vinegar, add a few drops of your favorite pure essential oil, and you have an allpurpose spray. Baking soda is another great cleaner that has a mild scrubbing power and helps combat odors. If you’re using conventional cleaning supplies, you may be exposing your family to harmful ingredients. By learning more about the products you use, you can green your spring cleaning, for a healthier home.
Common-sense upgrades to make your bathroom safer StatePoint – From burns to slips to trips, bathrooms can be hazardous. In fact, hundreds of thousands of injuries occur in the bathroom annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hot water can be a dangerous bathroom peril. More than half
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a million scald burns occur in the U.S. annually according to the CDC. Prevent “shower shock” by setting your water heater at a maximum of 120 degrees . One of the most potentially dangerous bathroom activities is getting in and out of the bathtub. Grab bars, hand grips or tub grips around your bathtub or shower can help you keep your balance. And these days, safety features don’t need to look drab or institutional.
Many brands are making such fixtures available in a variety of styles and finishes to complement bathroom décor. Lastly, women who shave in the shower need to be extra careful. Avoid slips with a shower seat. To make this a practical option, use a handheld showerhead to maneuver water easily from a seated position. With a few safety updates, you can make your bathroom a safer place to pamper and prep.
HOME & GARDEN
thejewishvoice.org
March 13, 2015 |
23
Time-saving spring cleaning tips for your home’s outdoor spaces StatePoint – It’s time to prep your home’s outdoor spaces for the season ahead. From the yard to the garage to the deck, getting these areas tidy is all part of a thorough spring clean. The following tips will make the process faster and easier.
De-clutter your workspace
Your shed, your garage, your toolbox – it’s time to take stock of what you’re storing in these key areas. Broken tools, piles of junk – these are items that will get in your way and slow you down all season long. So before you get to the nitty-gritty of your outdoor spring clean, take the time to organize your workspace. Throw out the junk, donate what you aren’t using and organize the rest into categories. Vertical storage can save crucial room, so install tall shelves and use walls and the ceiling to install organizational systems. Now is also a great opportunity to perform routine maintenance on your lawn equipment and tools to improve their efficiency.
StatePoint – Being a good neighbor means more than being friendly to the humans across the street; it also means being friendly to the animals in your yard. Making your yard a safe place for local wildlife should be a top lawn care priority. With that in mind, here are some tips for creating a healthy habitat for local critters.
Identify multitasking tools
Check out innovations on old tools that can make your versatile workload easier. For example, you can upgrade your conventional pressure washer for a newer model with more diverse functionality. Remember, different surfaces require different cleaning techniques. Whether you’re cleaning up tough mold and mildew stains from your deck or patio or washing the more delicate surface of your car, you can switch modes or apply soap directly from the nozzle. This feature eliminates the need for switching attachments or walking back to the pressure washer, making an afternoon of diverse to-dos manageable. Just be sure you’re using the proper mode for the task.
Do smart yard maintenance
If you have a large yard, consider a riding mower to save time and energy on lawn maintenance. Remember not to overmow your lawn. Not only is it not healthy for the grass, it can take up a lot of time and increase your carbon footprint needless-
will lose more water to evaporation, and your work will be for naught. By changing your lawn care habits, you can save time all season. While working outdoors can be fun, don’t spend more time
Is your yard wildlife-friendly?
vertently create a haven for unwanted species. In the warmer months when mosquitoes are most active, you should change the bird bath water even more often.
Be a valuable rest stop
Stock your garden with small native species of trees, shrubs and flowers to give wildlife needed nourishment, as well as cover from predators. A source of water can also be a great resource for visiting fauna. Whether it’s a pond or a birdbath, be sure it is wellmaintained so you don’t inad-
ly. Likewise, water your lawn and garden only when necessary. During periods of rain, you can ease up on this chore. The most efficient time of day to water your lawn is morning. When the sun is strongest, you
Promote safety
A bird feeder in your back-
yard, full of water and seeds, will be the perfect invitation for beautiful migrating and local birds to stop by. Just be sure your property is safe for birds. Unfortunately, birds don’t see clear glass. As a result, millions of birds die every year. Don’t let your sliding glass doors or other windows become a death trap for birds.
To protect birds, apply special decals that reflect ultraviolet sunlight. Find some that have the appearance of frosted glass, but glow like a stoplight for birds, so you don’t have to compromise your own view out your window. “Wildlife can beautify your garden and be a sign that your yard is healthy,” says Spencer
than you need to on your household spring-cleaning tasks. Finding simple ways to be more efficient will give you more time to enjoy your home’s outdoor spaces.
Schock, founder of WindowAlert. “But birds and other wildlife need food, shelter and safety.”
Get out the binoculars or camera!
With a few small actions, you can make your yard or garden a wildlife refuge.
COMMUNITY
24 | March 13, 2015
The Jewish Voice
HRCC offers services for survivors of sexual violence Community dollars support a network of social services BY JENNIFER ZWIRN jzwirn@jewishallianceri.org For the last several years, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s Annual Campaign and the Women’s Alliance Endowment Fund have supported the Haifa Rape Crisis Center (HRCC)’s Valley Communities Outreach and Support Project. HRCC is a nonprofit agency dedicated to ending sexual violence through community outreach and programming to the region in northern Israel from Hadera to the Upper Galilee, an area that includes more than one million people. In 2005, the Valley Communities Outreach and Support Project was created to focus on its peripheral, un-
derserved valley population, including the Afula-Gilboa region. Both the Jewish Alliance’s Annual Campaign and Women’s Alliance Endowment Fund help to support the goals of the project – to raise the awareness of sexual violence and to encourage survivors of sexual abuse to seek support and consultation to aid in healing. HRCC’s Valley Communities Outreach and Support Project facilitates a range of workshops and support groups for youth and adults, and commits its resources to supporting survivors of sexual violence; to raising the awareness of community members and professionals on the subject of sexual violence and survivors’ trauma; and to
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protecting survivors’ rights. HRCC operates a 24-hour hotline for survivors of rape, sexual assault, incest and sexual harassment. It also is involved in international advocacy efforts to influence legislation and advance the cause of eliminating sexual violence worldwide. The adult support group allows survivors to break their silence, isolation and the stigma often resulting from sexual abuse. It allows participants to foster exploration and resolution of their trauma and its aftermath. The support group approach aims to provide a safe and confidential environment in which women can share their expe-
group for me was family and home. A family of women that understand and love me. A family that I choose to call family. The center was for me a home, a place that was gentle and nice that no matter what happened to me I had this place as a support once a week. The group helped me to open my mouth and voice what I have to say which gave me the courage to believe in myself and to see a more optimistic future despite my having been abused,” said a participant of the support group. While statistics show that approximately one in three Israeli women will be sexually assaulted during her lifetime, HRCC reports that in Afula-
ering services in a sensitive and appropriate manner. As part of this empowerment process, HRCC uses the term “survivor” instead of “victim” in order to fully recognize the trauma a person who has been sexually abused has gone through and to value and appreciate the strength and courage it took to survive. The Jewish Alliance and the Women’s Alliance Endowment Fund are proud to contribute to the existence of this project and to support the strength of its survivors. “Funding for social services like these, both locally and overseas, is imperative. The Community Development Committee (CDC) allocations
riences and begin to address the impact that living with violence and abuse has had on their lives. The group meets weekly in two-hour sessions and is led by two therapists. The adolescent support group was created to focus on processing the abuse, rebuilding self-confidence and body image, and encouraging survivors to engage in mutually respectful relationships. The emphasis is on coping with past abuse and preventing future abuse. “The significance of the
Gilboa region, one in four women and one in eight men will be sexually abused during their lifetime. The longterm consequences of such abuse can include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, suicidal behavior, eating disorders, difficulty establishing healthy interpersonal relationships and withdrawn or violent behavior. HRCC takes a multifaceted approach to addressing sexual violence and works to empower survivors by deliv-
process allows our community to identify and target areas of need wherever they exist in our entire Jewish family,” said Faye Wisen, Jewish Peoplehood co-chair of the CDC. JENNIFER ZWIRN is in Grants and Philanthropy at the Jewish Alliance. Contact her for more information about programs supported by the Jewish Alliance.
A heartfelt thank you, to the entire greater Rhode Island Community!
THE FAMILY OF CANTOR DR. IVAN ELLIOT PERLMAN ז״ל wish to thank each and every member of our community for assisting our family during a very difficult time of need.
Let us open your child’s mind and doors to future opportunities!
You truly lived up to the words that you said to us as we entered Shiva. You said, FULL WEEK 9am-12pm
“Hamakom yinachem etchem b’toch sh’ar aveilei Tzion v’yerushalayim”
Ages 5-8 July 20-24 (M-F)
“May God comfort you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.”
Ages 8-11 July 27-31 (M-F)
REGISTER: please email to mathbound@squaredschool.com or call 401-339-6725 425 Angell St | Providence, RI 02906 | 401-339‐6725 | squaredschool.com
So many of you did awe inspiring acts of kindness and there is no way to thank each and every one of you personally. We are grateful, we were comforted, we are blessed!
Todah Rabah!
ARTS
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March 13, 2015 |
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With ‘Jewish Journey,’ PBS traces 350 years of migrations BY TOM TUGEND LOS ANGELES (JTA) – “You survive, you honor us by living,” said Martin Greenfield, now a New York master tailor, recalling his father’s words after he was liberated from the Buchenwald concentration camp. The quote could easily be taken as the theme of “The Jewish Journey: America,” a PBS documentary tracking the migrations over 350 years of Jews fleeing Latin America, czarist Russia, Nazi Germany and the Muslim world for these shores. The one-hour program, opening with a majestic rendition of “America the Beautiful,” will air on PBS stations nationwide in March and April. The show is produced, directed and written by Andrew Goldberg, who has become the semi-official Jewish chronicler for PBS with such productions as “The Yiddish World Remembered” (2002), “Anti-Semitism in the 21st Century” (2007) and “Jerusalem: Center of the World” (2009). While many Jews arrived in the United States seeking refuge from persecution, millions more came for economic reasons – to build better lives for themselves and their children in the New World. The first Jews to arrive in the future United States were 23 Sephardim who fled the Portuguese Inquisition in Brazil in
1654. They settled in New Amsterdam, later known as New York. They were followed by Jews fleeing failed revolutions in Europe in the 1840s and later by Gold Rush fortune seekers. But by the 1870s, Jews in the United States numbered no more than 200,000. By 1927, the American Jewish population had skyrocketed to more than 4 million, spurred by the massive influx of 1.5 million Jews from Eastern Europe, predominantly Russia, between 1880 and 1910. It speaks to the Jewish penchant for founding and then splitting into separate groups that there were some 17,500 Jewish organizations in the United States in 1927. The mass immigration from
the Pale of Settlement gives the film a chance to draw on various archives to illustrate the lives of poor Jews – the wealthy
“… the real miracle was that after so many generations in America, Jews have remained Jews.” ones mostly stayed put – both in the shtetl and then on New York’s crowded Lower East Side. Often overlooked in the triumphant rendition of the American Dream is the film’s
description of the emotional price paid by emigrants as they separated from families and traditions that had bound them together for generations. Though the new immigrants endured hard times in their adopted country, they usually wrote glowing letters of their success to the folks back home, which triggered even more immigration. With the post-World War I recession and fear of the communist revolution in Russia came growing xenophobia, culminating in the 1924 Immigration Act, which narrowed the once wide-open entrance to the United States, especially to applicants from Eastern and Southern Europe.
A small but steady trickle of Jews arrived after World War II from displaced persons camps. After the establishment of the State of Israel, more came fleeing hostility to Jews in Islamic countries in North Africa and the Middle East. Another wave arrived after the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, followed by Soviet Jews in the 1990s. Integration of the new immigrants was rarely easy. In an illuminating interview, New York Rabbi Marc Angel recalls the dual pressure from his grandfather to strive for success in the new country but still retain Jewish traditions. Yet, Angel concluded, the real miracle was that after so many generations in America, Jews have remained Jews. Producer-director Goldberg, who founded and heads Two Cats Productions, ascribes much of his interest in Jewishthemed films to his own heritage. But there are other reasons as well. “For one, PBS likes our work, and also there is a community that is willing to fund such documentaries,” he said. Only about one-third of Goldberg’s productions are on Jewish themes. Now in the pipeline are a documentary on animal cruelty and another on the interpretation of classical music.
26 | March 13, 2015
BUSINESS
The Jewish Voice
BUSINESS
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Jay Leno returning to Israel to host Genesis Prize ceremony JNS.org – Former “Tonight Show” host and comedian Jay Leno has said he will return to Israel in June to host the “Genesis Prize” award ceremony, after hosting the prize’s inaugural event last year. The $1 million prize, which has been dubbed “the Jewish Nobel Prize,” is being awarded this year to actor Michael Douglas for his “passion” for Israel and his Jewish heritage. “People [in Israel] seem to
FROM PAGE 13
BALLOT a Jerusalem native who works at George Washington University in Washington and will be returning to Israel to vote for the left-wing Meretz party. Amos Geva, a 28-year-old film student enrolled in a yearlong program in Europe, sought to charter an airplane to bring fellow Israelis home to vote. When that didn’t work out, Geva succeeded in procuring from El Al Israel Airlines a 20 percent across-the-board discount for anyone traveling around Election Day. In January, Geva booked a round-trip ticket from Berlin to Tel Aviv. Including train tickets to Berlin, the trip is costing about $250. For Geva, the money is well spent. “I grew up in England and in Israel, so I know what it’s like
be genuinely happy to see you,” Leno told the Associated Press. “There, you kind of get swarmed. People run over, and the grandmas pinch your cheeks. So that was kind of fun.” Given calls by Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement activists for celebrities not to travel to or perform in the Jewish state, “Israelis are thrilled when you actually show up,” Leno said. Douglas – the son of Jewish
actor Kirk Douglas – has said he will donate his Genesis Prize money to projects promoting Jewish inclusiveness. “Michael Douglas has chosen to invest the prize award into initiatives which will resonate with Jews like himself – those who come from parents of mixed heritage who wish to be part of the Jewish community,” said Stan Polovets, co-founder and chairman of the Genesis Prize Foundation.
to be connected to Israel and be outside [the country],” Geva said. David Mattan, an Israeli living in the northern English city of Leeds, has returned home to vote in each of the five elections held since he returned to England in 2002. “Going back to vote is an attempt to carry on living there vicariously,” said Mattan, a lawyer who will be voting for Meretz. “It is an extension of the sense that I should be back there.” Not all Israelis support the right of their compatriots to return home to cast their ballots. Shachar Loshinsky, who lives in Maale Adumim near Jerusalem, said it was wrong to allow those who live abroad to have a say on issues affecting her and other permanent residents. It’s a principle she applies in reverse as well: Despite having been born and raised in New York, she has never voted by absentee ballot in American elections in her more than three decades of
living in Israel. “I don’t think you have the right to an opinion that has farreaching implications for other people. It’s that simple,” said Loshinsky, who teaches at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. “I don’t think it’s a Zionist act to decide to leave the country but then come back just to vote.” Mattan admitted to being “a little uneasy” about voting while living abroad, but insisted that he cares passionately about Israel and works hard to sustain his Israeli identity in the Diaspora. While in Israel, he plans to take a drive to scout towns in the Negev region where he and his family might ultimately settle. “In any society, there are people who live there and are not politically engaged,” said Shapira, who will be returning to vote for the first time in the decade she has lived abroad. “I don’t see how they have any more right to vote than me, who’s very engaged.”
March 13, 2015 |
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TEACHER WANTED Temple Torat Yisrael, East Greenwich, RI is seeking Jewish educators for the 2015-16 school year for our growing K-7 Religious School. Successful candidates will be warm, vibrant, dynamic, and familiar with the latest teaching methodologies and innovative approaches to Jewish education. Sundays, 8:30 am-noon. Salary commensurate with experience: $25-45/hour. 4-5 hrs/week. Contact: Dori Adler, School Director at school@toratyisrael.org / 401-487-5780.
TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD:
Contact Tricia Stearly, tstearly@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 160.
28 | March 13, 2015
SENIORS
The Jewish Voice
REMEMBER THE PAST From the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association
The value of autographs
BY ANNE SHERMAN Did you have an autograph book in grade school? When you were a senior in high school, did you have a yearbook that you wanted everyone to sign? If you do not have the grade school autograph book, I am sure most of you still have your high school yearbook. I know I still have mine. These autographs, the signatures and comments, bring back memories. Some are from old friends we have lost touch with, and some bring back memories of events or experiences that will always be cherished. Many people collect the autographs of celebrities – sport figures, famous actors or famous people – as a hobby or perhaps for fi nancial gain. There is another kind of autograph that is of interest to historians and history buffs. These are handwritten letters by famous people. This personal touch is what makes them particularly valuable. The Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association is fortunate to have two autographs of this sort, personal letters written to residents of Rhode Island.
The fi rst letter was written to Alvin Rubin by Cecil Roth (1899-1970), a British Jewish historian and educator. Roth, a fellow of both the Royal Historical Society and the Royal Society of Literature, was editor-in-chief of the “Encyclopedia Judaica”
from 1965 until his death. Rubin corresponded with Roth while he was a Ford Foundation Fellow at Yeshiva University. In 1956, Rubin wrote a letter
to Roth and Roth replied. It is this reply that we have in our archives. Roth invited Rubin to a lecture he was giving at the Jewish Museum in New York. Rubin went to the lecture and described Roth’s appearance. “He was a slim, tall man with a shock of black hair. He talked with an upperclass British accent (no Yiddish here).” The second letter was written by David Ben Gurion, the fi rst prime minister of Israel, to Ida Silverman (1882-1973). This letter was found in an antique shop in Boston by Stanley Abrams. Silverman was an ardent advocate for Israel even before there was a state. She traveled extensively all over the world, logging more than 600,000 miles as the “Voice of Israel.” She was elected vice president of the Zionist Organization of America and vice president of American Jewish Congress, the only woman to hold these offices. She was also awarded the “Silver Medal” as the woman who had done the most for the building of Israel. The letter was written in 1970 to “My dear
Mrs. Archibald Silverman.” Ben Gurion promised to escort her personally to any place in Israel she wanted to visit and urged her to “come as soon as possible.” Some autographs have monetary value as do the above two letters, but most are valuable only to the person who received them. Hold on to those year-
books. Maybe someone in your class is famous. ANNE SHERMAN is the office manager of the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association. To comment about this or any Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association article, email info@rijha.org.
Rita Levi-Montalcini, 1986 Nobel Prize winner BY TOBY ROSSNER To date, the Nobel Prize in the area of Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to women only 11 times – the fi rst in 1947. Dr. Rita Levi-Montalcini became a Nobel Laureate along with her Washington University research partner Dr. Stanley Cohen in 1986 for their identification of nerve growth factor as a protein. This discovery (made between 1953 and 1959) has made a significant impact on later research in the areas of cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Levi-Montalcini was born in Turin, Italy, in 1909. “The four of us (brothers and sisters) enjoyed a most wonderful family atmosphere, fi lled with love and reciprocal devotion. Both parents were highly cultured and instilled in us their high appreciation of intellectual pursuit. It was, however, a typical Victorian style of life, all decisions being taken by the head of the family…. (Father) … had a great respect for women, but he believed that a professional career would interfere with the duties of a wife and mother. He therefore decided that the three (girls) would not engage in studies which open the way to a professional career and that we would not enroll in the university. At twenty, I realized that I could not possibly adjust to a feminine role and asked him permission to engage in a professional career.” In 1936, Levi-Montalcini graduated from medical school and enrolled in a three-year specialization in neurology and psychiatry. When Mussolini’s government barred academic and professional careers to non-Aryan Italian citizens, she fled to a neurological institute in Brussels, returning to Turin
Dr. Rita Levi-Montalcini just before the Nazis invaded Belgium. She built a small research unit in her bedroom at her family home. Inspired by the work of embryologist Viktor Hamburger, she began research on chick embryos that led her to hypothesize the existence of nerve growth factor. In 1943 her family fled to Florence where they were hidden and supported by the anti-fascist urban underground for the remainder of the war. In 1946, Viktor Hamburger invited LeviMontalcini to the United States, where her hypothesis on nerve growth factor was confi rmed experimentally, “offering scientific proof that there is a physical connection between a sound mind and a sound body.”
“Her hypothesis on nerve growth factor was confirmed experimentally, offering scientific proof that there is a physical connection between a sound mind and a sound body.”
Quote source: “Les Prix Nobel. The Nobel Prizes 1986,” edited by Wilhelm Odelberg. TOBY ROSSNER (tobyross@ cox.net) was the director of media services at the Bureau of Jewish Education from 1978 to 2002. This is one of a series on Jewish women scientists.
BUSINESS | NATION | WORLD
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March 13, 2015 |
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Asset protection for women: Beyond insurance As women continue to work and earn money, become the main breadwinners and run their own businesses, it’s important to take measures to protect your lives, businesses and simply the things you own. That’s why asset protection planning has become so vital for women. Asset protecBARBARA tion planning KENERSON is the process of arranging your financial affairs to prevent or at least minimize the risk of your assets being used to satisfy claims of future creditors or claimants. Asset protection is not intended to hide assets, defraud creditors or evade the payment of taxes. In fact, if a court finds that your asset protection plans were made with the intent to defraud, it will disregard those plans and make the assets available to creditors. Why is asset protection planning important for women? Women, now more than ever, need to consider asset protection planning because: • Women live longer than men and will likely need their money to last longer. • At some point in their lives, women may have to manage their own finances due to divorce, widowhood or remaining single. • Many women are successful business owners. • A good asset protection plan can help you achieve financial security and independence, and give you an opportunity to have enough money to provide for your comfortable support and that of your dependents.
Insurance as part of your asset protection plan
Often, the simplest way to protect assets is by shifting the risk to an insurance company. This should generally be your first line of defense. However, insurance may not provide all the protection you need, or it might not be available. Other asset protection strategies generally involve transferring legal ownership of assets to other persons or entities, such as corporations, limited partnerships and trusts. The logic behind shifting ownership of assets is fairly straightforward: your creditors can’t reach assets you don’t own. Here are some options.
Corporations
You might be a business owner, or thinking about starting a business. If so, choosing a business entity is an important decision. One option is a C corporation. The law views a C corporation as a separate legal entity. As such, business assets owned by a C corporation are considered separate from personal assets, which will generally not be at risk for the liabilities of the business. However, protection from liability may be lost if the business does not act like a business, such as when the business acts in bad faith, fails to observe corporate formalities (e.g., organizational meetings), has its assets drained (e.g., unreasonably high salaries paid to shareholder-employees), is inadequately funded or has its funds commingled with shareholders’ funds. Caution: A number of issues should be considered when selecting a form of business entity, including tax considerations. Consult an attorney and tax professional before shifting assets to a corporation or other business entity.
Limited liability company (LLC)
An LLC is a hybrid of a partnership and a C corporation. An LLC is generally taxed like a partnership with income and tax liabilities passing through to its members (and not doubletaxed as with a C corporation), but it is viewed as a separate legal entity and can be used to own business assets, protecting personal assets from business claims against the LLC. While the legal formalities are based on state law, the legal requirements to form and maintain an LLC are usually not as involved as those associated with a C corporation.
Professional corporation (PC), limited liability partnership (LLP)
Many professionals, such as lawyers, doctors, dentists and accountants, face liability for damages that result from the performance of their professional duties. While no business structure will protect you from personal liability for your own professional activities, states have enacted laws allowing professionals to join together to form professional corporations wherein all participating corporate members are of the same profession. An alternative form of business entity suitable for professionals is the LLP. Both an LLP and PC protect you from the professional mistakes of your partners. If one of your partners is sued for negligence, and the PC or LLP is also named in the lawsuit, the partner sued may be liable personally for any judgment, but the PC or LLP should protect your personal assets from the reach of any judgment creditor of the entity.
Family limited partnership (FLP)
An FLP is a limited partnership formed by family members only. Assets that you own, such as a closely held business or
Robert Malley, Camp David negotiator, to head NSC’s Middle East desk WASHINGTON (JTA) – The appointment of Robert Malley, a U.S. negotiator at the 2000 Camp David talks, to lead the Middle East desk at the National Security Council has drawn concerns from at least two pro-Israel groups. Malley, whose appointment by the White House was announced March 6, succeeds Philip Gordon, who has been Middle East coordinator since 2013. He assumes responsibility for Israel and the Palestinians as well as North Africa and the Persian Gulf. Since last year, Malley has handled the Iraq-Iran-SyriaGulf States desk. He already deals with Israel and has attended meetings on the Irannuclear issue between his boss, National Security Adviser Susan Rice, and her Israeli coun-
terpart, Yossi Cohen. Some pro-Israel groups criticized Malley for his 2001 published assessment of the Camp David talks in which he said that the prevailing narrative – that the Palestinians were at fault for the collapse of the talks – was misapprehension and ignored Palestinian concessions and Israeli failures. As the director of the Middle East Program at the International Crisis Group, a think tank, he also met multiple times with Hamas officials and said parties to the peace process must at some stage engage with the terrorist group, which controls the Gaza Strip. At least two pro-Israel groups expressed concerns about the appointment. One official told JTA that White House officials last year assured pro-Israel
groups after Malley’s hiring that he would not deal with Israel and the Palestinians. In 2008, Malley came under attack because he met with Hamas officials while informally advising then-Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. At the time, five once and future U.S. Middle East negotiators, some with pro-Israel ties out of government and all Jewish, decried the attacks as “vicious.” They said that while they had differences with Malley, they had “no doubt” he shares the view that “the U.S. should not and will not do anything to undermine Israel’s safety or the special relationship between our two nations.” In his new role, Malley assumes a more senior title, moving from senior director to special assistant.
any real estate (other than your residence), may be placed in the partnership. Generally, a creditor can only obtain a charging order against the FLP, which allows the creditor to receive any income distributed by the general partner (who is usually a family member). It does not allow the creditor access to the assets of the FLP. Thus, a charging order is not an attractive remedy to most creditors, and consequently, its limitations might convince a creditor to settle on more reasonable terms.
Protective trusts
Protective trusts are intended to protect your assets and/ or estate from creditor claims, lawsuits, an unwanted beneficiary or other threats. Generally, protective trusts work to pay income to the beneficiary you name in the trust. The trust also can be set up to pay out for a specific purpose, such as education expenses, or care for a beneficiary with special needs. In fact, you can name yourself as the beneficiary to ensure payment of income while protecting the trust assets from creditors and lawsuits. Your creditors are only able to reach assets in the trust to the extent of your beneficial interest in those assets. If you have no right to the assets of the trust, your creditors can’t reach them. On the other hand, if you’re entitled only to trust income, that’s all your creditors can seek to attach.
Irrevocable trusts
For an irrevocable trust to be effective as an asset protection tool, you must be unable to revoke or change the trust once you establish it. This means you can’t dissolve the trust, change beneficiaries, remove assets from the trust or change its terms. But because you re-
linquish control over the assets you place in the trust, they’re generally beyond the reach of your creditors as well. In addition, by adding special language to your trust through a spendthrift clause, you can further protect trust assets from your beneficiaries’ creditors. Caution: A revocable trust, unlike an irrevocable trust, generally does not protect trust assets from creditor claims since you have control over those trust assets.
Offshore (foreign) trusts
Many foreign countries have laws that make it difficult for creditors to reach trust assets held in that foreign country. In order for a creditor to reach assets held in a foreign or offshore trust, a court must have jurisdiction over the trustee or the trust assets. A trust that is properly established in a foreign country generally does not allow jurisdiction of a U.S. court over the trustee. A U.S. court will be unable to exert any of its powers over the offshore trustee. For a creditor to assert a claim against trust assets, the suit must commence in the foreign jurisdiction, with a lawyer licensed to practice in that foreign country. In addition, the creditor will probably have to post a bond with the foreign court. Taken as a whole, these obstacles have the general effect of deterring creditors from pursuing actions in the foreign court. Everyone is different. Always consult with a professional to establish what is best for your individual case and situation. BARBARA KENERSON is first vice president/Investments at Janney Montgomery Scott LLC and can be reached at BarbaraKenerson.com.
Chief Rabbinate removes ban on Christmas trees at Israeli hotels No more loss of license JNS.org – The Israeli Chief Rabbinate has removed a prohibition against the placement of Christmas trees in Israeli hotels. Prior to the change, hotels that offered “references to gentile holidays” could lose their kosher licenses, hurting the chances of religiously observant customers staying there. The removal of the Christmas tree restriction came in response to a petition from Hiddush - Freedom of Religion for Israel, a nongovernmental organization that filed a petition in protest of the ban with Israel’s
attorney general and the Ministry of Religious Services. “The importance of our victory is twofold,” said Rabbi Uri Regev, president and CEO of Hiddush, the Religion News Service reported. “First, it will finally give the numerous Jewish and non-Jewish groups that visit Israel the freedom and respect which has been denied them,” and second, “it is an important lesson in the development of the rule of law in Israel, which emphasizes that the Chief Rabbinate is bound by Israeli law and is not above it,” Regev said.
30 | March 13, 2015
COMMUNITY
The Jewish Voice
FROM PAGE 1
as Jewish Rhode Islanders than on Israel’s Independence Day? Moseley greatly values the arts and is excited to create a public forum for people to share their work in an accessible way. She recalls the enormous success of the show in 2014 that displayed six-word memoirs. “The people were moved to see their words on a wall in a gallery.” With Mapping Rhode Island, Moseley wanted to replicate the joy of that community exhibit. She contacted Becky Cooper, the New Yorker who came up with Map Your Memories, a project she started in 2009 by asking strangers to map Manhattan. In 2013, Cooper became the mastermind behind “Map-
MAPPING warmth and the recognition while drawing the latte you’re drinking with cautious sips. Or, if your skills are more suited to writing in cool block letters, go ahead, access that ability and print the name of the shop on the map. You brave ones are invited to attempt a logo. The point is – anything goes. If you’re stumped on what to include on your map, take a minute to jot down a list of thoughts that pop into your head when you think of Rhode Island. The guideline is – there’s no guideline. That’s the beauty of this project. You are an individual, so your map is going to be unique just as your fingerprints are. Your “art” can consist of something as random as song lyrics. This is what our anonymous interviewee included on her version. The young woman, who moved to R.I. in 2013, didn’t think she would meet anybody here, and yet she and her boyfriend are now “starting to talk long-term” and think about where they’d like to settle down. Naturally, in addition to Seasick Steve’s lyrics to “My Home,” her map reflects the breadth of her burgeoning relationship. Right above “My home is where your blue eyes are, and my town is where your brown hair falls, and my country is when I’m in your arms…” is a big heart that indicates the spot labeled “starting our lives here.” To her, our state repre-
ping Manhattan,” a collection of personal maps by average and notable New Yorkers, including Harvey Fierstein. After Moseley obtained the rights to carry out the project in Rhode Island, she got in touch with Jason Freedman, a local artist who drew the map, providing a blank slate to be filled with whatever inspires you about our state – be it words, colors or musical notes. Moseley sent invitations to various groups to participate in the initiative. These include past artists, synagogues, religious schools and politicians. But most of all, she wants to see your submissions. Map away, artists!
Guidelines:
sents budding romance. She treasures the event where she and her boyfriend met, the park where they go snowshoeing and hiking, the hole-in-the-wall restaurant where they had their first date and the place they now consider their summer home. A transplant from warmer climes, she sees the value of the project in its ability to illustrate different perspectives on the same location. She thinks it’s interesting that Rhode Islanders are attached to past
landmarks. Having never felt at home in her old state, she now loves having a connection to our Jewish community, where she has started to create ties. Her map reflects that sense of belonging, which is the main idea behind the initiative. Erin Moseley, director of Arts & NextGen Engagement, feels that the project serves a unifying purpose. The opening of the exhibit falls on Yom Ha’atzmaut. What better time to celebrate and come together
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HAVE YOU BEEN YET?
Celebrating more than 25 years of door-slamming hilarity, this comic gem will leave you in stitches.
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Exhibit:
Attend the opening reception of Mapping Rhode Island on April 23 at 7 p.m. This community art exhibit will be on display in gallery (401) at the Dwares JCC from April 23 – May 28.
Forbes’ billionaires list features new and old Jewish faces BY GABE FRIEDMAN
APRIL 1 – 19
For tickets, call 401.921.6800 or visit OceanStateTheatre.org
For display purposes in the gallery, please use the map provided (size: 8.5 x 11 inches) for the project. Submissions must be received by April 13, 2015 Please drop off or mail your map to: Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island c/o gallery (401) 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, R.I. 02906 Or scan and email your map to Erin Moseley at emoseley@ jewishallianceri.org To request a printed copy of the map, contact Erin Moseley at 401-421-4111, ext. 108.
JTA – The billionaires’ club isn’t as exclusive as it used to be. On March 2, Forbes released its 29th annual list of every billionaire on the planet, and it features a record 1,826 people, or 181 more than last year. As in previous years, Jews are disproportionately represented on the roster of the world’s wealthiest, with 10 Jews among the top 50. (The list, topped by Bill Gates, ranks from richest to slightly less rich.) Larry Ellison, the founder of the tech giant Oracle Corp. is the wealthiest Jew in the world and the fifth wealthiest person alive. At age 70, his net worth is $54.2 billion. With a net worth of $35.5 billion, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is the second wealthiest Jew on the list and 14th wealthiest person overall. Mark Zuckerberg, still one of the world’s youngest billionaires at age 30, climbed five spots on the list to number 16 overall. His net worth has grown to $33.4 billion. Other Jews in the top 50 include casino magnate Sheldon Adelson ($31.4 billion), Google
co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page ($29.2 and $29.7 billion), investors George Soros ($24.2 billion), Carl Icahn ($23.5 billion) and Len Blavatnik ($20.2 billion), and Dell Computer Founder Michael Dell ($19.2 billion). There are several Jews among the newcomers on the list as well, including Russ Weiner, the founder and CEO of Rockstar energy drinks; Jerry Reinsdorf, the owner of the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago White Sox sports franchises; and Ken Grossman, a co-founder of the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Weiner is the son of prominent conservative radio talk show host Michael Savage (born Michael Weiner). Seth Klarman, an investor in the Times of Israel, is also on the list, with a net worth of $1.5 billion. While men far outnumber women on the list, a few Jewish women are on it, including Shari Arison ($4.4 billion), Karen Pritzker ($4.3 billion), Lynn Schusterman ($3.7 billion) and Doris Fisher ($3.2 billion). With a net worth of $1 billion, Sheryl Sandberg, of Facebook and “Lean In” fame, just makes the cutoff for the list.
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Ruth Groh, 91 FALL RIVER, MASS. – Ruth (Sicherman) Groh died on Feb. 12 at the Fall River Jewish Home. Born on July 14, 1923, in Exeter, Pa., she was the youngest of four children of Harry and Minnie (Mark) Sicherman. She always had a great love for music and played the piano. She attended Wyoming Seminary (secretarial) but then set her heart on becoming a teacher – attending East Stroudsburg State Teachers’ College – and ultimately graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s in elementary education. She taught in Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Binghamton, N.Y. She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Robert H. Groh. She is also survived by two daughters, Ellen Fischer (Dov) of Irvine, Cal., and Sharon Groh-Mintz (Howard) of Providence. She leaves three grandchildren: Abigail Romirowsky (Shai) of Washington, D.C., Orli Mintz of Jerusalem and Michael Mintz of Tel Aviv. She recently became a great-grandmother of Ilan Romirowsky. She was a member of Beth David Synagogue, Binghamton, N.Y., and the JCC Friendship Club. She was an excellent teacher and deeply loved her family. During the last four years of her life, she received loving care at the Fall River Jewish Home. Contributions in her memory may be made to Beth David Synagogue and the Fall River Jewish Home.
Melba Kaplan, 99 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Melba Kaplan (Storti) died on March 7. She was the wife of the late James Kaplan. Born in Boston, a daughter of the late Angelo and Jenny (Hyman) Storti,
she was a longtime resident of Cranston and Pompano Beach, Fla. Along with her late husband, she was the founder and proprietor of the former James Kaplan Jewelers in Cranston, founded in 1954. Together, they were founding members of the Crestwood Country Club. She was a member of Temple BethEl, Hadassah and the Women’s Association of Miriam Hospital. She was an avid golfer and loved to play bridge. She was an amazing woman who was adored and loved by all. She is survived by her son, Richard A. Kaplan, and his wife Susan of Riverside; her grandchildren Mindy B. Lane and her husband Bruce, Ronald L. Kaplan and his wife Kim, Donna Figueroa and her husband Hector, and Lori Selsberg and her husband David; and her great-grandchildren Justin, Shari, Brandon, Devin, Jerald, Gianni, Allie, Maddy and Alisha. She was the mother of the late Gerald Kaplan and his wife Sheila and sister of the late Jack Storti and Norma Sondler. She loved all who entered her life. Contributions in her memory may be made to The American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, R.I. 02886.
Miriam Kramer, 97 COLUMBIA, MD. – Miriam Kramer died March 6 in Columbia, Md. She was the beloved wife of the late Louis I. Kramer. Born in Norwich, Conn., a daughter of the late Benjamin and Rose (Milner) Krieger, she had lived in Columbia, Md., since 2000. She was a special education teacher for many years. She remained a member of Temple Emanu-El in Providence after leaving the area in 1990. Devoted mother of Barbara Kramer Gumpert and her husband, Ralph, of Ellicott City, Md., and the late Richard S. Kramer. Dear sister of Robert Krieger and the late Julian, Ar-
thur and Janet Krieger. Loving grandmother of Lucy, Sarah and Richard and his wife Lauren. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Richard S. Kramer and Louis I. Kramer Endowment Fund. c/o Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, R.I. 02906 or Neighbor Ride, 5570 Sterrett Place, Suite 102, Columbia, Md. 21044.
Ivan E. Perlman, 89 WARWICK, R.I. – Cantor Dr. Ivan E. Perlman died Feb. 25 at Tamarisk. He was the beloved husband of Muriel (Herman) Perlman for 67 years. Born in Flushing, N.Y., a son of the late Henry and Katherine (Glantz) Perlman, he had lived in Providence and Boca Raton, Fla., before moving to Warwick eight years ago. He was a WWII Marine veteran, serving overseas, where he got a Bronze Star for Heroism on Iwo Jima. He was a cantor, serving throughout the years at Hebrew Center in Lyndhurst, N.J., Fairlawn Jewish Center, N.J., B’nai Emunah, Tulsa, Okla., Tifereth Israel, Des Moines, Iowa, and Temple Emanu-El in Providence, where he served for 23 years and was Cantor Emeritus. After his retirement, he was the cantor at Beth Kodesh in Boynton Beach, Fla. He was a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary, School of Jewish Studies, class of 1950. He was also an honorary Fellow of Cantors Institute and an honorary Doctor of Music. He was a founder of Friends of R.I. School for the Deaf and a life member of the Jewish War Veterans, where he was the first National Cantor and a Post Commander of several posts. He was a mohel, who ritually circumcised more than 2,000 Jewish boys throughout the world. Devoted father of Rabbi Eli Perlman and his wife Lynne of East Brunswick, N.J., Can-
tor Emanuel Perlman and his wife Janice of Baltimore, Md., Rabbi Richard Perlman and his wife Kit of Coventry and Cantor Josh Perlman and his wife Sherri of Germantown, Md. Dear brother of Annette Ziegelstein of Baltimore, Md. Loving grandfather of 13. Cherished great-grandfather of seven. Contributions in his memory may be made to Congregation Am David or Jewish War Veterans Post 23, c/o Carol Rotkin, 103 Trellis Dr., West Warwick, R.I. 02893 and your favorite charity.
Jill B. Sklaroff, 52
WARWICK, R.I. – Jill B. Sklaroff died Feb. 27 at Rhode Island Hospital. Born in Providence, a beloved daughter of the late Lewis and Susan (Schoenholtz) Sklaroff, she was a lifelong Warwick resident. Loving sister of Neil Sklaroff and his wife Denise of Charlestown. Contributions in her memory may be made to Tufts N.E.M.C., H.C.M.A., 800 Washington St.,
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#70, Boston, Mass. 02111.
Gloria Leviss Udis, 87
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Gloria Leviss (Soloff) Udis died March 8. She was the wife of the late Sanford Udis, M.D. and the late Merrill Leviss. Born in Bayonne, N.J., a daughter of the late Abraham and Evelyn (Barowitz) Soloff, she had been a long-time resident of Rhode Island, and previously Fall River, Mass. She was a member of Temple Beth El, Fall River. She is survived by her children, Evan Leviss and his wife Katherine of Portsmouth, Beth Leviss Charette and her husband Raymond of Paxton, Mass., and Karen Trinkle and her husband Bernard of Barrington; her brother Lawrence Soloff; and her grandchildren Merrill, Ethan, Hunter and Cole. Contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, Md. 21741.
Sam Simon, ‘Simpsons’ co-creator, dies at 59 LOS ANGELES (JTA) – Sam Simon, who co-created “The Simpsons,” one of the most successful shows in television history, has died. Simon died on March 9 of colorectal cancer. Simon only spent four years writing for “The Simpsons,” but many of the early writers credit him with shaping the show’s sensibility. The terms of his exit made him a wealthy man for the rest of his life, and he spent much of his later years focused on giving away his fortune. A Beverly Hills native, Simon’s father, Arthur, owned what Simon called “a shmatte factory in downtown Los Angeles,” making cheap clothing for department stores.
Simon wrote for several successful shows, including “Taxi” and “Cheers,” but he achieved his greatest fame for developing “The Simpsons” in 1989, along with James Brooks and Matt Groenig, who created the original characters. Simon often said at the time that he only expected to last one season, and he often expressed awe at the show’s success. Simon left “The Simpsons” in 1993 with a percentage of profits that in recent years, he said, amounted to “tens of millions” of dollars per year. He was an active philanthropist, donating to causes including wildlife conservation, shelters for stray animals and a program serving free vegan meals to the hungry.
COMMUNITY
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(401)j’s second annual SermonSlam a ‘slamming’ success A community that slams together stays together BY HILLARY SCHULMAN On Feb. 26, (401)j hosted its second largest community event – SermonSlam Providence. Community members from around the state gathered at the Salon on Eddy Street to share their thoughts and ideas about Purim. SermonSlam is a national phenomenon where community members gather to deliver and hear sermons and other Jewish-themed performance art. This event first came to Providence last April and was a huge success – securing a spot for this year’s Purimthemed “slam.” The Salon was packed with people, all gathered to listen to five performances from Ceceley Chambers, Corey Finkle, Rachel S., Rabbi Naftali Karp and Elana Kieffer. Many of the performances stemmed from personal stories and anecdotes; others were inspirational like a typical Shabbat sermon. The performers came from different backgrounds, but all had one thing in common – a connection to Judaism. Community member Aaron Guttin said, “It’s always nice to have people from many streams of Judaism sharing ideas in the same room.” There was also a special
musical performance by Pastrami on RI – Rhode Island’s post-collegiate, co-ed, Jewish a cappella group – who performed a parody on Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab.” Singer Seth Finkle said, “It was such a thrill to perform at the same event where we debuted as a group a year ago. This program is a blast, and I hope we can continue the tradition for years to come. Everyone is so inviting and encouraging.” (401)j’s continued success proves to solidify Rhode Island’s young Jewish community. With programs such as SermonSlam Providence, (401)j strives to bring young Jewish adults together to celebrate their love of Judaism and the uniqueness that is Rhode Island. The next community-wide (401)j event is a Shabbaton at Camp JORI June 12-14. If you are interested in becoming more involved in (401)j, or for more information about the upcoming Shabbaton, please contact Erin Moseley at emoseley@jewishallianceri. org or 401-421-4111, ext. 108.
Adam Cable, Maayan Harel, Sara Toso, Hillary Schulman, Seth Finkle, and Aaron Guttin enjoy SermonSlam performances
HILLARY SCHULMAN is an active member of (401)j and sings with Pastrami on RI . She also is a development associate in philanthropy at the Jewish Alliance.
Pastrami on RI gets ready to perform at the recent SermonSlam.
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Audience learns ABC’s OF ‘BDS’ BY HOWARD BROWN “Don’t panic, but don’t be complacent” was the opening and closing advice given by John Haber, a national authority on the BDS (Boycott, Divest, Sanction) movement. He was at the Dwares JCC on Feb. 25 at an event sponsored by StandWithUs/RI chapter and provided a thorough education regarding the history, strategy, the threat BDS poses and its successes and failures. Among the 60 people attending the session were Jewish community members and clergy as well as representatives of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), who have recently expressed genuine interest in working together with the StandWithUs/RI Chapter. His lecture was preceded by a brief ceremony led by Regina Schilds, thanking Stefanie Feld, outgoing chair, for her leadership over the past year. Feld and her husband Harry are moving to California. She received thanks, an engraved plaque and a specially decorated cake from the organization’s board. Haber placed the roots of the BDS movement in the UN Durban I “conference” on racism in 2001 which turned out to be an all-out attack on Israel. It was here that the “Apartheid Strategy” – an attempt to make Israel into an international pariah as was done to South Africa under unlike circumstances – was born. And the tactic chosen to implement the strategy was BDS.
Since then, as Haber explained, the BDS movement has had its ups and downs. By and large, its victories have been relatively few. However, he pointed out that the ongoing danger is the impact it has in undermining political support for the State of Israel among Jews and non-Jews. Ironically, while attempting to get mainstream institutions to adopt BDS tactics, the movement will push its agenda persistently, regardless of collateral damage. As an example, he said that the Presbyterian Church-USA, which the BDS movement has targeted, has weakened as a result to the point of near collapse. In effect, he explained, BDS will drag the Middle East into the civic arena in places where it simply doesn’t belong. And while it is a frail movement with few victories – Haber labels them “losers” – there is an ongoing threat that the tactics could “metastasize” into the body politic. Thus his viewpoint: Don’t panic, but don’t be complacent. As to the movement’s actual strength and effect, using charts, and graphs he suggested that the actual economic effect on Israel has been nil, and its adoption within the U.S. has also been practically zero. He said, while we see a great deal of propaganda about BDS on campuses, not one university has divested any investments whatsoever on the BDS blacklist. Further, when the American Studies Association passed a BDS resolution boycotting
Israel, 250 college presidents condemned the action, and the association backed down. More than anything, he explained, the movement is propaganda and thrives on propaganda. Haber concluded his talk with a repetition of the opening: “Don’t panic, but don’t be complacent.” A brief Q&A touched mainly on the possibility of stamping out the movement completely, which the speaker saw as unrealistic. Stefanie Feld, of Providence, chair of StandWithUs/RI, said “this was another incredibly informative session we are privileged to bring to the Rhode Island pro-Israel community.” StandWithUs/RI is part of an international, non-profit organization that believes that education is the road to peace. StandWithUs is dedicated to informing the public about Israel and to combating the extremism and anti-Semitism that often distorts the issues. It believes that knowledge of the facts will correct common prejudices about the Arab-Israeli confl ict and promote discussions and policies that can help promote peace in the region. Based in Los Angeles, StandWithUs has 16 offices across the U.S., Canada, Israel and in the UK. Information at standwithusri@gmail.com. HOWARD BROWN, is a North Kingstown resident and StandWithUs/RI volunteer organizer.
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NATION
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Kosher conundrum: If water doesn’t need certification, why have the symbol? BY MAAYAN JAFFE/JNS.ORG
A new brand of bottled water recently hit grocery store shelves, and its tagline is reminiscent of the 1965 catchphrase for Hebrew National hot dogs, “We answer to a higher authority.” Fifty years later, Clearly Kosher® says its water is, “Better than perfect.”™ What might not be so clear to Jewish consumers, however, is why water would need to brand itself as “kosher.” Naturally, Clearly Kosher owner Angela Frieders has an answer. “We are all God’s people, and we really just want to bring the health benefits and awareness of kosher to all people,” Frieders, who lives in the Chicago area, tells JNS.org. Frieders, who created the new brand with partner Dar Feldott during a lunchtime conversation in 2013, recalls that the business partners were eating pickles and drinking water when they noticed the kosher symbol. “We asked ourselves, ‘What makes this jar of pickles kosher, versus this bottle of water?’ ” says Frieders, who then embarked on a mission to understand the value of something being kosher. What she found
is that non-kosher items could contain unknown ingredients, such as carmine (also called crimson lake), which is made from the crushed bodies of cochineal beetles. “It was like, ‘Wow!’ ” Frieders says. “It was appalling to us that something like that would be allowed. … The brand name Clearly Kosher came to us. It will be evident to the consumer that it is kosher, and being kosher gives consumers confidence and peace of mind because of the kosher standard of quality and food safety.” Clearly Kosher is certified by the Orthodox Union (OU), whose circled-U symbol is a fi xture on kosher products. But for those seeking to observe Jewish dietary laws, does water require kosher certification (in Hebrew, a hechsher) to begin with? “It is all marketing,” says Dr. Avrom Pollak, president of the Star-K kosher certifier. Pollak explains, “Most people who buy kosher are not necessarily people who care about kosher or eat kosher all the time. There is a perception among consumers in general that when something is kosher certified, it is enhanced – that may or may not be true.”
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Rabbi Moshe Elefant, chief operating officer of the OU’s Kashrut Department, expressed a similar sentiment. He says that when his organization is approached by companies whose products would not inherently need a hechsher, the OU’s kosher certification team tells the companies that the certification is not necessary to pursue. But if a company still wants certification and the OU agrees to take on the project, the OU will visit its production plant on an unannounced and regular basis and provide oversight. “Many consumers like that the [company’s] plant is being seen by a separate set of eyes that doesn’t get paid by the company directly,” Elefant tells JNS.org. Elefant says that products sometimes request kosher certification because that will make Orthodox Jews more likely to buy them. Then, there are rare occasions when even products that are assumed to be kosher – without certification – can experience challenges if they are not rabbinically supervised. “Many years ago, one of our senior field people from Chicago went into a facility that bottles water and discovered that they pasteurize all the water before bottling it,” says Elefant. “They were pasteurizing it on the same machine they use for milk. That makes all the water dairy. It’s not the case that all water is or could be dairy, but if someone wants to be 100 percent sure, buy bottled water
with a hechsher.” When it comes to the kosher industry, nothing is as simple as it seems, says the Star-K’s Pollak. He says there are many unexpected products that need a hechsher, such as lubricants. “If lubricants have food contact, then they most likely need kosher certification,” says Pollak. Earlier this month, the VaadKC kosher certifier in Kansas City disseminated an email educating the community about locally distributed products that the average observant Jew might not know require kosher symbols. “The VaadKC supervises production by CK Enterprises of a number of cleaning products used in the food manufacturing industry,” reads the email. “While these are not products you would look for or fi nd on a grocery shelf, these specialty items play an important role in ensuring kosher… from beginning to end in the food-production process.” Star-K is actively involved in certifying electronic appliances, though this certification is less about kosher consumption and more about approving the appliances’ usage for observant families on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. “Appliances have become so complicated that they have become very unfriendly to Orthodox Jewish households,” Pollak says. Star-K engineers work with many major appliance manufacturers to ensure that these
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items remain user-friendly for observant homes, and Star-K offers its certification to appliances that do not break the rules of Shabbat. “If every time you open your oven a light goes on, that won’t work,” says Pollak. “We cannot have your oven shut off after 12 hours or not stop beeping if you don’t push a button. … If every time you open your refrigerator door a fan goes on or there is some kind of device counting how many times you open the door and at a certain number it activates a defrost cycle, that is also problematic.” Pollak notes that companies are generally accommodating on the issues because research indicates Jewish households buy more – and more expensive – appliances than the average household. Is there anything that the OU or Star-K won’t certify? Both organizations say yes. Pollak says Star-K is careful to only give certification to items that will come into contact with food. For example, the Star-K has turned down floor cleaner manufacturers, but will give certification to companies that make dish soap or spray cleaner for kitchen counters. The OU, meanwhile, says it will only give certification to foods that are meant for human consumption. MAAYAN JAFFE is a freelance writer in Overland Park, Kan. Reach her at jaffemaayan@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter, @MaayanJaffe.
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You have the power to make a difference in the world. Serve a hot meal to a poor child in a village in Ukraine. Deliver medicine to a fragile Holocaust survivor in Israel. Build a roof over the heads of a homeless family. Give a local teenager her first Israel experience. When you connect with the Jewish Alliance, you put the Jewish values of compassion, generosity, and responsibility into action. Contribute to the Annual Campaign and you’re helping to care for our entire Jewish community—at home, in Israel, and around the world. To learn more or to donate today, visit us at jewishallianceri.org or call 401.421.4111. Be part of our vibrant and thriving Jewish community by donating to the 2015 Annual Campaign.
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