March 2020 by Jewish Rhode Island

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PHOTO | MICHAEL SCHEMAILLE.

Making plans for spring The lessons and meaning of Purim

The little valise has many secrets

Matzah with a special mission

   ATTEND

Touro’s Annual Open House featuring...

 Fullback, New England Patriots

Hosted by Jim Shorts on Sports (Steve McDonald from the Paul and Al Show)

  At Touro Hall 45 Rolfe Street – Cranston, RI 02910 New Regular Members (up to Age 53*) who sign up that night and pay the application fee will receive a $25 Panera Gift Card upon initiation. It’s like we’re paying you to join! For additional information or to RSVP call 401-785-0066 Sponsors of New Regular Members* will receive a $25 Panera Gift Card plus $15 Bagel Bucks upon their Candidate’s Initiation.

MARCH 2020

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JEWISH RHODE ISL AND

EDITOR Fran Ostendorf DESIGN & LAYOUT Leah Camara ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Peter Zeldin pzeldin@jewishallianceri.org 401-421-4111, ext. 160 Karen Borger ksborger@gmail.com 401-529-2538 CONTRIBUTORS Cynthia Benjamin, Larry Kessler, Michael Schemaille COLUMNISTS Michael Fink, Geraldine Foster, Patricia Raskin, Rabbi James Rosenberg, Daniel Stieglitz

VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE III JEWISH RHODE ISLAND

(ISSN number 1539-2104, USPS #465-710) is published monthly. PERIODICALS Postage paid at Providence, R.I. POSTMASTER Send address changes to:

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The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, President/CEO Adam Greenman, Chair James Pious, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906. 401-421-4111; Fax 401-331-7961 MEMBER of the Rhode

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Will spring be the same this year? IT’S THE BEGINNING OF MARCH and here in southern New England we are all looking forward to spring. This is our annual Home & Garden issue, because it’s around now that we’re usually ready to put the snow and freezing temperatures behind us. Purim looms, too. It’s the happy month of Adar. But this year is different. Our bulbs are already sprouting. In Washington, D.C., the cherry blossoms are set to bloom way ahead of schedule. Both are certain harbingers of spring, but they’re early. What happened to winter? I haven’t even had time to write my ON THE COVER: annual column Flower and friend about how bad on the East Side of the weather has Providence. been! As I write this in early March, a look at the longrange forecast shows predictions of temperatures in the 40s and 50s – continuing a trend of well-above-normal temperatures and little snow. Only rain is in the forecast. It’s been that way all winter. Yes, we’ve had a few days of temperatures in the teens and 20s, but what hap-

pened to the negative temperatures and the snow? Where has our winter gone? I never thought I’d be writing about how I miss snow. But I do. Will spring be the same if winter never comes? Now, I know I could travel to northern New England, where there has been some cold and snow. But that’s not the point. We usually have considerable snow here. Not this year. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, January temperatures were well above average and precipitation was roughly 50% of average. In fact, the Northeast had its 10th-warmest January since 1895. We all know that February 2020 was nothing like normal. A quick check of local numbers showed just a trace of snow in February. The last time that happened was 1984. Many of us are relieved that we haven’t had to shovel snow, or slog through sleet and slush. There was no ice on the sidewalk to impede our walking. Many who take to indoor treadmills in January and February have continued their outdoor routines. But there is a downside to this warm winter. The bugs that usually die in the winter, especially after a hard frost, are still around. My guess is that they will swarm in large numbers as the weather warms. Plants and flowers are confused. Buds are out now, long before they

Island Press Association and the American Jewish Press Association

should be, and shoots are up. If we get a few cold days, it could hurt all those tender young plants. More importantly, it’s just not right. And it takes some of the joy out of that first 50-degree day of spring when we have routinely hit that temperature for most of the winter. While one warm winter here is no climate indicator, there is clear evidence that our climate is warming globally. Whether you subscribe to the science of climate change or not, perhaps now is the time to think about what you can do to lessen your impact on our environment and to help preserve Earth for future generations. It’s not that difficult to take such steps as cutting plastics from your daily routine and switching to reusable cups, utensils, dishes and bags. For the most part, our family has done that, and it feels good to add less waste to the land and water. Reducing our carbon waste further, with more efficient lighting, cars and travel, is something else we’re working on in my household. Will that bring back the snow? Maybe not. But it’s the right thing to do anyway. In the meantime, let’s look forward to all that spring has to offer. It might not be the same after a winter with so many warmish days, but it’s still the time of renewal and regrowth and celebration. And it’s still time to start sprucing up your yard and getting your garden ready for those even warmer summer days ahead.

Fran Ostendorf, Editor

Israeli elections THE MISSION OF JEWISH RHODE ISLAND is to communicate Jewish news, ideas and ideals by connecting and giving voice to the diverse views of the Jewish community in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, while adhering to Jewish values and the professional standards of journalism. ALL SUBMITTED CONTENT becomes the property of Jewish Rhode Island. Announcements and opinions contained in these pages are published as a service to the community and do not necessarily represent the views of Jewish Rhode Island or its publisher, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. We reserve the right to refuse publication and edit submitted content. COPY DEADLINES: All news releases,

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Netanyahu’s Likud gains strength, but right-wing bloc again falls short BY MARCY OSTER JERUSALEM (JTA) – MOST OF THE VOTES in Israel have been counted from Monday’s election [March 2], and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party has the most seats in the parliament, gaining four from the balloting in September to regain the top spot. But the right-wing bloc, while also picking up four seats from the earlier election, falls just shy of a majority needed to form a coalition government. With 90 percent of the votes counted on Tuesday afternoon [March 3], Likud has 36 seats in the Knesset, or 29 percent of the vote, in Israel’s unprecedented third election in less than a year. That moves the party past

September’s winner, the centrist Blue and White, which now has 32 seats, or 26.3 percent. The Joint List of mostly Arab parties is third with 15 seats. The right-wing bloc, however, has 59 seats and needs two more for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. The bloc also includes the Sephardic Orthodox Shas party at 10 seats and the haredi Orthodox United Torah Judaism party with seven. Yamina has six seats. The seats could still shift slightly after the counting of the so-called “double envelope” ballots, which include soldiers, hospitalized patients, prisoners and, this year, citizens quarantined over possible exposure to the coronavirus. Those ballots will not be counted until Tuesday night and Wednesday morning [March 4]. Following the September election, neither Blue and White leader Benny

Gantz, whose party won the most seats with 33 to 32 for Likud, nor Netanyahu were able to assemble a coalition government. If the right-wing bloc still comes up short now, Likud reportedly has not ruled out forming a minority coalition, or trying to convince individual lawmakers from the center and left parties to join a government. On Tuesday afternoon, Netanyahu met with the heads of the right-wing and religious parties. The parties reportedly agreed not to rule out anyone that recognizes Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, which would include Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beitenu and its seven seats. Liberman, however, has said he will not join a government with religious parties, nor a government supported by Arab parties.

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UP FRONT On his background

PHOTO | GLENN OSMUNDSON

Rabbi Joshua Bolton: Growing Jewish life through Hillel BY FRAN OSTENDORF

abbi Joshua Bolton, executive director of Brown RISD Hillel, oversees the vital connection between students and Judaism on the campuses of Brown University and the Rhode Island School

of Design. Brown and RISD students are an active part of the East Side and College Hill neighborhoods of Providence. Hillel is housed in the Glenn and Darcy Weiner Center on Brown Street in Providence. “Jewish growth is our focus,” Rabbi Bolton said in a recent interview in his office. “Enabling students to grow as Jews over their four years of college is important. We assume they are growing in other areas. We want to

make sure folks understand that. There has never really been a better time to be a Jewish college student.” Here are Rabbi Bolton’s comments during his conversation with Jewish Rhode Island:

I came of age as a professional in Hillel. I had a number of internships as a rabbinical student in small Hillels in the Philadelphia area. I started at Penn [the University of Pennsylvania] as a rabbi and educator. I was like the Pied Piper at Penn. I was outside of the building, creating relationships with Jewish students. I was prompted to be as far from the institutional structure as possible, getting to know students. I was challenging students to grow Jewishly. I ran an engagement project there called the Jewish Renaissance Project. My background is very reflective of the American Jewish moment in all its diversity and complexity. I’m from the suburbs of Washington, D.C., and I had friends of all sorts. I’m culturally diverse – Jewish and American. My influences were art and punk rock music. I was always drawn to the Jewish spiritual tradition. I had a few formative experiences in Israel. I took on practices and I abandoned practices. I studied poetry in graduate school. I went to rabbinical school as a pragmatic decision; I needed a job. My Jewish journey remains dynamic. I’ve collected many sources of influence and inspiration from the American context and from the Israeli context. I represent a rich mix of all these elements.

On his work with Hillel

After 10 years of working for Hillel, if people ask me what type of rabbi I am, I say I’m a Hillel rabbi. In college, there’s so much discovery, that’s the type of Judaism that speaks to me. I’m much more a Jew of questions than a Jew of answers. It’s a privilege to do this work on campus. I’m inspired by students. Being someone who is inspired by good questions rather than good answers, on campus I’m assured of 360 good questions each year brought to us by students.

On social media

I started to write for the internet [at Penn]. I realized it wasn’t enough to meet students face to face. I began to experiment with broadcasting my work, broadcasting Torah [via blog and Facebook]. I began to tell the story of my inner Jewish journey, and I got responses to that. It became a way to invite others to share their own growth. Then I realized I had a book’s worth of material. I meet a lot of students here who say, ‘We haven’t met, but we are friends on Facebook.’

On Brown RISD Hillel

We have a lot of spiritual leadership at Brown RISD Hillel. It’s collaborative. Each rabbi has his or her projects. As a team, we are collaborating to map out a vision for spiritual life and the role that Hillel is going to play for students and the CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

RABBI JOSHUA BOLTON came to Providence at the start of the 2019-2020 school year to serve as executive director of Brown RISD Hillel. Previously, he spent eight years at the University of Pennsylvania Hillel, where he was the director and the senior educator for the Jewish Renaissance Project, which seeks to engage students not previously involved in organized Jewish campus life. Rabbi Bolton, who grew up in the Washington, D.C., area, received his ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Pennsylvania and has an MFA in creative writing from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His book, “One Hundred Suggestions for Seekers & Spiritual Activists,” was published in 2018. Bolton and his wife, Natalie Lyalin, a poet, live in Pawtucket. They met at UMass and have two sons, Oren, 8, and Boaz, 5, who both attend the Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island, in Providence.

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Givat HaTurmusim THIS TIME IN MARCH is the best time to see the colorful flowers around Israel. If you wish to catch a blue and purple field March is the place and time What? Givat HaTurmusim, OR COHEN or “Hill of the Lupines.” In late March, the entire hill is covered with wild blue mountain lupines (Lupinus pilosus) and becomes a

I AVEL

MY ISR

popular destination for Israeli families. The hill is surrounded by precipitous slopes on its north side, making it almost impassable. Trails ascend the mountain on its northwestern and southeastern sides. When? The best time is March-April. Where? Located in the Elah Valley in the Judea area. What else? Givat HaTurmusim is known also as Tel Sokho. There are archeological excavations going on here as it is a place that was mentioned in the Bible. Why? My grandmother lives in this area. As a kid, I remember that every Shab-

Givat HaTurmusim, – “Hill of the Lupines.” bat when we went to visit my grandmother we hiked after kiddush with a flower

book, trying to count as many flowers as we could. For me, this place symbolizes the real

nature in Israel. Real and close to home.

cats. I’m down to two, but I’ve always had three.

Three people you would invite to dinner? Rebbe Nachman, Franz Kafka and Else Lasker-Schuler [German Jewish poet and playwright]. These are people who have had poetic and spiritual influ-

ences in my life. I think they’d make great dinner companions.

FROM PREVIOUS PAGE entire College Hill community. We meet to think about the potential for Hillel. I feel like I’m holding some of that vision, and some of that vision is going to be articulated collaboratively by students and staff. We want Hillel to grow its capacity to engage every Jewish student on campus. We want Hillel’s brand to be increasingly inspirational and compelling on campus, and for students to see Hillel as a desirable platform for their creativity and innovation and a really cool place to hang out and have fun. Hillel is really there in many places.

On dealing with tough issues on campus

It’s not easy. We are staying focused on Jewish students and their growth. Hillel has demonstrated its capacity to be a place where no question is off limits, where tough conversations are welcomed on all subjects. We presume tough conversations are sources of growth and clarity. We are ensuring that Hillel is a place where students stay engaged in learning across differences, and Hillel is going to be an advocate for the values of dialogue and engagement. Hillel is an organization that is interested in the American Jewish experience and the global Jewish experience. Israel is the center of global Jewry and has tremendous significance to us. We are going to create opportunities

for students to connect positively and critically with the unfolding story of the state of Israel, the people of Israel and the land of Israel. That’s a value of ours.

Kugel or knish? Kugel. A good Yerushalmi [Kosher Jerusalem] kugel. Any day. Breakfast, lunch or dinner.

FRAN OSTENDORF is the editor of Jewish Rhode Island.

Brown RISD Hillel by the numbers

We think there are about 1,200-1,300 Jews [who are students] on College Hill. We reached over 800 this year. We’ve connected with over 70%. Over 20% engage six or more times or engaged in an immersive experience. Our goal is 70% depth and 30% breadth. So we’ve reached our depth targets. In a time of constriction and challenges, Hillel has demonstrated a capacity of vitality, innovation and impact. The story is about Jewish vitality and innovation. As I said before, there really has never been a better time to be a Jewish student on campus. There is an entire staff to welcome, connect, inspire and support Jewish students. We have a talented staff and a powerful mission. I’m not interested in students remaining static. I’m interested in growing Jewish life. Growing as a Jew. Asking Jewish questions they haven’t asked before. Making Jewish discoveries and Jewish innovation that hasn’t been done before. Hillel is there to support.

SECURING OUR COMMUNITIES with Brad Orsini

The Jewish Alliance is proud to welcome Brad Orsini, senior national security advisor for the Secure Community Network (SCN) — the national homeland security initiative of The Jewish Federations of North America. Brad was the Director of Security for The Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh during the Tree of Life tragedy. He speaks around the country and offers lessons learned and best practices for securing a community. Two opportunities to attend: Tuesday, March 17, 2:00 - 4:00pm or Wednesday, March 18, 7:00 - 9:00pm Dwares JCC 401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence There is no cost to attend. To RSVP, please visit jewishallianceri.org/SCN For more information, contact Wendy Joering at 401.421.4111 ext. 169 or wjoering@jewishallianceri.org.

Questions we ask all Upfront interviewees

Cat or dog? Cats, definitely cats. I’ve always had many

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COMMUNITY VOICES

Gone but not forgotten: Jewish delis, bakeries and Benny’s BY GERALDINE S. FOSTER THE CONVERSATION BEGAN with the red sticker on the box containing a hand mixer. Printed on the sticker was the price and the name of the store – Benny’s. Seeing the familiar sticker led to a lament for our favorite store from days gone by, where you could always find what you needed (and sometimes did not even know you needed until you found it there). The conversation then shifted to some of the many conveniences once taken for granted, but now gone from our lives: sending your child to the nearby A&P for a few items, shopping for children’s clothes at Susan’s and shoes at Lad & Lassie on Hope Street, buying meat at a Kosher butcher shop, knowing that sissel bread was always available at a nearby Jewish bakery. Sadly, today we can no longer buy a rolled beef sandwich on sissel and a bottle of Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray tonic to go

PHOTO | RHODE ISLAND JEWISH HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Outside Harry’s Deli in Pie Alley. Harry Mincoff is at far left. with it. Ah, rolled beef! In my youth, that epicurean delight had a place in just about every Jewish deli. Although akin to pastrami, it differed in important ways. The cut of beef was usually the same, as were the basic spices, but after

it was cured and spiced, it was rolled and smoked – and each deli’s chef had his own secret addition. (Rolled beef also differed from Montreal smoked meat. The Montreal delicacy uses a different cut of meat and can be heated. Rolled beef is never served hot.) All the delis made wonderful sandwiches for takeout. But if you wanted to sit at a table and leisurely enjoy your choice, perhaps with a side of potato salad or a knish and a pickle from the barrel in the backroom, you went to a deli/ restaurant like Cohen’s, a popular, pleasant gathering place in Providence’s North End, or Harry’s in “Pie Alley,” as Clemence Street was known at the time, perhaps because of its many restaurants. Harry’s, at 90 Clemence St., though lacking in curb appeal, attracted business people and shoppers. It was also a place to go at night, after a movie or a sports event, since it was open late. The décor was best described as utilitarian, with nondescript white tables and wooden chairs. If I were just writing about

food and ambience, this article would end here, but my research assistants (my daughter Judith and Jaime Walden at the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association) found this related bit of World War II history, an individual’s war effort and a bygone era. During the war years, Harry’s became a “downcity” mecca for soldiers and sailors on leave. What made Harry’s special for them was not Kosher deli, whose delicacies were unknown to most of them. The attraction was the proprietor, Harry Mincoff, whose generosity extended far beyond a free meal. From his own service in the Navy during World War I, Mincoff knew what it meant to be lonely and without funds in a strange city. Mincoff was a colorful character. He had a round ruddy face, with a cigar usually in the corner of his mouth. He was “A balding Mr. Five-by-Five … with a cluster of three big diamonds on one hand [and], say Dallas ex-servicemen, gold in his heart,” according to an article printed in The Dallas News and reprinted in The Jewish Herald in March 1946. None of the servicepeople who came to Harry’s ever went away hungry or broke if Mincoff could help it. If he noticed a soldier or a sailor who seemed lonely or troubled, Mincoff sidled over, eased into a chair and began to chat. An avid sports fan, Mincoff could speak knowledgeably about a whole range of sports topics. He engaged his companion in seemingly casual conversation. Once he knew the nature of the problem, Mincoff would open his wallet or find a way to ease the loneliness or other problem. Mincoff invited his patrons to put their spare change or a donation of any amount into

a special jar near the cash register. He also added large sums of his own. The money was then made available as loans to servicepeople in need of emergency funds – no questions asked nor repayment requested; it was all on the honor system, with no records kept. The news about Harry Mincoff and his jar soon spread among the soldiers and sailors stationed nearby. Mincoff would later say, with pride, that almost all the loans were repaid. After the war’s end, Mincoff went on a coast-to-coast trip to reconnect with the many service members he had hosted at his restaurant. Texas was one of the many places welcoming him. Now, what about that wonderful sissel bread of yesteryear? In Rhode Island, our sissel story began in 1891, when Samuel Schechter opened the first Jewish bakery in our state, in the North End of Providence. From that date until 2000, 21 Jewish bakeries were established in Rhode Island, mostly in Providence, but also in Woonsocket, Central Falls and Cranston. In the early years of the previous century, many bakers, after they had finished their own baking for Shabbat, allowed neighborhood women to use the big ovens to bake their own challah, and to even sell any extra loaves. This was a carry-over from a European tradition. Only one Jewish bakery is left to make the delicious Jewish rye breads we remember, the Rainbow Bakery in Cranston. On my behalf, Gerald Sherman asked Murray Kaplan about the bakery’s unusual name. In 1954, Murray Kaplan’s father and his partner, Al Brody, purchased the bakery. They could not decide which family would get to name the shop. Since the movie “The Wizard of Oz” was very popular then, they compromised by choosing the name Rainbow. GERALDINE S. FOSTER is a past president of the R.I. Jewish Historical Association. To comment about this or any RIJHA article, contact the RIJHA office at info@rijha.org or 401-331-1360.

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D’VAR TORAH

The hidden meaning of Purim One thing that binds these commandments together is the Book of Esther itself. ON MONDAY NIGHT, March 9, Toward the end of the meand Tuesday, March 10, we gillah, we read that Mordewill celebrate Purim – a holichai wrote a letter to all the day we often think of as a day Jews, explaining what had for kids, when we dress happened and telling them in costume, go to to “make days of feastPurim caring and gladness, and nivals, and sending portions to eat more one another, and givhamaning gifts to the poor” taschen (Esther 9:22). These than we commandments, then, probably are about re-creating should. the original Purim. However, I RABBI Contained in this have come to RACHEL ZERIN same verse from realize that Purim the megillah is has a much deeper another theme of Purim that meaning than all the merriunites these commandments: ment would make it seem. Mordechai tells the Jews to Purim has many traditions, mark “the month in which but only five commandments: things switched from sorrow joy, reading the megillah to joy and from mourning to in the evening; reading the celebration.” We bring joy to megillah in the morning; ourselves and others by feastenjoying a festive meal; ing, sharing food with our mishloach manot, giving gifts friends and the poor, and by of at least two different types retelling the story of Purim, of food to at least one person; knowing our happy ending and mat’not la-evyonim, from the very beginning. giving money to the poor – But these verses containing traditionally, enough money Mordechai’s commands and for two people to each buy a the theme of joy are not the meal. And so, the question is: Why did the rabbis decide that only things that unite these five commandments. There is these five commandments one other theme that unites are a necessary part of them: revealing the hidden. celebrating The Book of Esther is Purim? What is the comunique in that it is the only mon theme that ties these book in the Bible that does not acts to the central message of mention God’s name a single Purim?

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r . ou l 8 ut Apri o b ll a er on ca se Sed a Ple unity m m Co

time. This was so strange that there is a discussion in the Talmud about whether the Book of Esther should even be included in the Bible. And the rabbis were not the only ones who found this troubling – in Christian versions of the Old Testament, there are several verses added to the Book of Esther simply to include God’s name in the story. As we all know, Esther was included in our Bible in the end, and without God’s name. But that doesn’t mean that God isn’t there. The rabbis saw a connection between the name Esther and the Hebrew word hester, or hidden. They saw the meaning of Esther’s name, combined with the absence of any explicit mention of God, and took this as an indication that the Book of Esther is about that which is hidden. Although we don’t find God’s name explicitly mentioned, Jews have always understood the story to be one in which God acts in hidden,

subtle ways. It is because of the hidden presence of God that Esther becomes queen, that she is able to gain favor with King Ahasuerus and that she is ultimately able to have the king overturn Haman’s evil decree. God may not be explicitly there, but God is present. It is as if God is a stagehand, dressed in black, working behind the scenes to make sure that everything goes as it should. Esther herself is also hidden – she hides her identity as a Jew from the king and most of his court. It is only because of this that she is able to get Haman and Ahasuerus to attend the feasts she has prepared, and to ultimately overturn Haman’s plan. And it is both because she hid her identity and because she ultimately revealed it that she was able to save her people. The story of Esther, then, is about the hidden and the revealed. But what does this have to do with the commandments of Purim?

The connection to reading the megillah should be somewhat obvious. If the megillah is about the hidden presence of God, then reading it through our interpretive lens is about reading and experiencing God’s hidden presence and the way God acts behind the scenes. The blessings we recite both before and after reading the megillah explicitly bless God for being the one who saves us, revealing God’s hidden presence in the megillah through the blessings that bracket it. The three other commandments are a little less obvious. At first glance, it may seem that giving gifts to the poor has little to do with the hidden and the revealed. However, there is actually a strong connection between the two. Although giving tzedakah is always a mitzvah, in reality, the poor are often ignored and marginalized to the extent that we no longer see them. CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Chace Ruttenberg & Freedman, LLP We mourn the sudden passing of

Robert B. Berkelhammer, Esq. Bob was our partner, colleague and dear friend.

Celebrate Shabbat at historic Touro Synagogue in Newport, RI. All are welcome to our weekly Friday evening and Saturday morning services. Check our web site for details. www.tourosynagogue.org

CJI@TOUROSYNAGOGUE.ORG 401.847.4794 X201 85 TOURO STREET NEWPORT, RI 02840

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Double standard? West Bank controversy continued

THOSE OF YOU who have found yourselves in the main lobby of Providence’s Temple Beth-El have probably noticed a striking art installation just to the left of the doors leading into the synagogue’s meeting hall: a pale green glass disc about 5 feet in diameter and an inch and a half thick. A narrow, shallow trough about 2 feet long runs vertically through the center of the otherwise perfectly smooth and polished surface. The artist, Dan Clayman, has created a work that embodies the power and the depth of unadorned simplicity. Above the glass disc are three Hebrew words: patuach, sagur, patuach. An English translation – “open, closed, open” – is nowhere to be found. Nor is it noted that “Patuach Sagur Patuach” is the title of the last collection of poems by Yehuda Amichai (1924-2000), Israel’s best-known contemporary poet, whose work has been translated into 37 languages. It is not until the 16th poem, out of a total of 23, that Amichai addresses the title of his final work. In section 4 of “I Was Not One of the Six Million. And What is the Course of My Life? Open Closed Open,” Amichai writes: “Open closed open. Before you are born/Everything is open in the world without you. While you are living, everything is closed/ Within your life. And when you die, everything is again open./Open closed open. This is all you are.” (All translations of Amichai are my own.) At first glance, Amichai seems to have it backwards: Doesn’t it make more sense to say that it is only when we are alive that the world is open to us? And before we are born and after we die, isn’t the world closed to us? Upon reflection, however, Amichai seems to be suggesting that death destroys our need for limits; everything is once again open.

It is during our lifetime that we must impose limits upon the world around us; to preserve our very sanity, we need to close out most of the infinity of stimuli that is continually bombarding us. We can only make our subjective experience manageable by choosing where to focus, where to place our finite energy, what to embrace, what to ignore. Indeed, it is by choosing what to see, what not to see, what to hear, what not to hear, what to learn, what not to learn, that we can shape the “I” at the core of our personalities. Open closed open. Patuach sagur patuach. Amichai points to a central paradox: We can only be RABBI JAMES open to the fullness of ROSENBERG life when we voluntarily choose to close the door on the overabundance of experience and learn to live within our human limitations. In wrestling with this paradox, Amichai devoted much of his poetic energy in the final years of his life to an exploration of the subtle interplay between forgetting and remembering, which he sees as analogous to the processes of opening and closing. To forget everything is to obliterate our identities. To remember everything is to drown in the ocean of undifferentiated time; if we permit all our memories to be equally significant, if we view our past experience as holding no mountains and no valleys, then our past is a flat line, a living death. Forgotten … remembered …forgotten. … All is balance. The last poem in Amichai’s final collection, “Pitsitsat Hazman Ha-Yehudi,” (“The Jewish Time Bomb”), begins with his musings about the “Amen stone” on his desk, the stone to which he refers in four other poems in this same volume: “On my desk there is a stone upon which is engraved the word ‘Amen,’ a

S TO M M E

With respect to the most recent letters regarding the “West Bank Controversy,” I would respectfully add the following. Dr. Tannenwald has a history in writings and podcasts of giving great weight to the Israeli settlements being the impetus for historical violence and the lack of a peace process. Please recall, three wars were waged against the fledgling Israeli state BEFORE there was even a hint of settlements. The PLO (PALESTINE Liberation Organization) was formed before the 1967 war (which pre-dated the settlements). BDS, which the professor evidently supports, stands for the proposition that Israel “ethnically cleansed” half of the indigenous people of Palestine since its “violent establishment in 1948” and as a result there are “7.25 million Palestinian refugees.” (BDS website). Doesn’t it logically follow that the professor supports a right of return for those 7.25 million refugees? Are the professor and her cohorts equally concerned about the thousands and thousands of Jews who were uprooted from their homes after the 1948 war? Is there a right of return for Jews to Iraq, Yemen or Libya? Will Jews receive reparations for all their assets being wiped out? I am assuming not because I have not seen the same passion in their writings and speeches about this Jewish historical catastrophe. Many Jews find BDS and the application of the Geneva Convention anti-Semitic because the target is ONLY Israel. And by the way, when did Israel ACTIVELY transfer any of its residents to the West Bank per Article 49 of the Geneva Convention? Though one can look around the world and see many bad actors out there, the college campuses and their leadership are in an uproar solely over the most liberal democracy in the Middle East. No professorial gymnastics can cover up this reality. Bruce Lipsey Sharon MA

An examination of Yehuda Amichai’s ‘Jewish Time Bomb’

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fragment/rescued from thousands upon thousands of fragments of broken tombstones/in Jewish cemeteries. …” The poet goes on to say that these fragments and pieces of shrapnel have filled up what he calls “the great Jewish time bomb.” In addition to these broken bits from Jewish graves, the Jewish time bomb is stuffed with fragments from the two tablets of the Ten Commandments, broken altars and crosses, rusty nails from the Crucifixion, shards of houseware, shattered sacred vessels, pieces of bone, eyeglasses, shoes, artificial limbs, discarded dentures, empty canisters of Zyklon B – a time bomb filled with the explosive memories of defamation, degradation, annihilation. Despite this burden of memory, which Amichai says “will fill the Jewish time bomb till the end of days,” the poet affirms that the “Amen stone” on his desk offers him shalvah, tranquility, peace. It is “a stone of witness to all the things that have ever been/and all the things that will ever be, a stone of Amen and love./ Amen, Amen, and so may it be God’s will.” “The Jewish Time Bomb” testifies to Amichai’s ongoing struggle between the duty to remember and the need to forget, the need to be closed in order to be open and the need to be open in order to be closed. The last words of “And Who Will Remember the Rememberers?,” the poem that immediately precedes “The Jewish Time Bomb,” form in Hebrew a rhyming couplet: “Shachuach, zachur, shachuach/Patuach, sagur, patuach.” “Forgotten, remembered, forgotten. Open, closed, open.” JAMES B. ROSENBERG is rabbi emeritus at Temple Habonim, in Barrington. Contact him at rabbimeritus@templehabonim. org.

Trump to speak at Republican Jewish Coalition conference for second straight year BY RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) — President Donald Trump will speak at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual conference for the second consecutive year.

The venue for the March 14 appearance, the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas, is owned by Sheldon Adelson, a major benefactor of the RJC and Republican campaigns, including Trump’s. Unlike his predecessors, Trump rarely enters into neutral or hostile

political territory and thus mostly speaks to groups that favor him. That preference extends to pro-Israel groups. Trump has not attended an American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s annual conference since 2016, when the group

rebuked him for disparaging then-sitting President Barack Obama from its stage. In the last year, however, he has spoken to two groups that are favored by Adelson: the RJC and the Israeli American Council.

Jewish Rhode Island publishes thoughtful and informative contributors’ columns (op-eds of 500 – 800 words) and letters to the editor (300 words,

maximum) on issues of interest to our Jewish community. At our discretion, we may edit pieces for publication or refuse publication. Letters and columns, whether from our regular contributors or from guest columnists, represent the views of the authors; they do not represent the views of Jewish Rhode Island or the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. Send letters and op-eds to: Jewish Rhode Island, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906 or editor@jewishallianceri.org. Include name, city of residence and a contact phone number or email (not for publication).

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Passover in the time of coronavirus: Cancellations mount at Kosher resorts BY BEN HARRIS NEW YORK (JTA) – FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS, Esther Possick has avoided the hassle of hosting Passover at her Long Island home by traveling to Kosher hotels in foreign locales. In 2017, she spent the holiday at a resort in Stresa, a resort town on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy not far from the Swiss border. The following year she tried out Rimini, a coastal city on the Adriatic. Last year she opted for a program in Spain. This year, she was planning to spend the holiday at a seafront hotel in Milano Marittima, a resort area three hours southeast of Milan, capped off by a weekend in Rome. But in late February, as Milan became the epicenter of the coronavirus crisis in Europe, bringing life in Italy’s second most populous city to a halt, Possick started having second thoughts. On Monday [March 2], when Possick’s air carrier announced it was

suspending flights to Milan, Possick couldn’t hold out any longer. “I kept saying, OK, this is going to pass. Something is going to change,” Possick told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “But it doesn’t seem to be changing for the better.” As the coronavirus spreads across the globe, the effects are being felt not only in the public health arena but in business, education and tourism – and a small but significant subset of the Jewish world: Passover vacations. The eight-day holiday, with its extensive home cleaning preparations and succession of major meals, has emerged as a popular time for getaways. The Passover travel industry has ballooned into a major business, with over 170 programs this year offering Kosher meals in nearly every corner of the planet. Jews from Israel, the United States, Europe and elsewhere are willing to pay an often hefty fee to avoid the drudgery and inconvenience of holiday prep. As of early March, at least three pro-

THE CONVERSATION THE RESPONSE THE CONVERSATION PROVIDES a bimonthly opportunity for discussion on topics of interest to the entire greater Rhode Island Jewish community. Last month, we asked several community members to answer the question “Have you ever felt judged for how you celebrate Judaism?” And we challenged readers to give us their viewpoints. We encourage you to continue this conversation by responding with an Op-Ed of 500-700 words, a comment on the original article, a letter to the editor or a comment on Facebook. Find us at Jewishrhody.org, email us at editor@jewishallianceri.org or send us a letter to Jewish Rhode Island, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906. We hope you will join the conversation.

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grams – two in Italy and one in Thailand – have been canceled because of the virus. Others are keeping a wary eye on the situation. “The buzz from consumers has been that they’ve been nervous,” said Doni Schwartz, who runs the website PassoverListings.com, an advertising and review platform for the holiday’s programs. “They’ve put down a lot of money. A lot of them are scrambling for new programs in the U.S.” Leisure Time Tours, an American operator based in New York, had to cancel its Rome program due to concerns about the coronavirus. The company, which also runs programs in Prague, Florida and New York, was able to transfer some customers to its other hotels while offering full refunds to the rest, managing director Robert Frucher told JTA. The Israeli operator Gem Kosher canceled its sole Passover program, in Pattaya, Thailand, offering partial refunds to the hundreds of guests who had booked rooms at the Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa, 100 miles south of Bangkok. Owner Aharon Lipner said the cancellation was a big financial hit for his company, but he had no choice. “I don’t want to put any of my guests at even 0.0 percent, at any risk,” Lipner said. “This virus, it is, let’s say, it’s more than just what people know about. It’s much worse.” In Italy, the European country worst hit so far by the virus, more than a dozen programs are planned for 2020. Several operators said they remain committed to holding their programs and are keeping a close watch on the situation, but others have been forced to throw in the towel. One is Belinda Netzer, who owns My Kosher Hotel in the Dolomite Mountains of northeastern Italy. The hotel was fully booked throughout the winter ski season through Passover, which begins this year on the evening of April 8. But the vast majority of Netzer’s clients are Israelis, and after Israel’s national air carrier, El Al, announced in late February that it was halting all flights to Italy, the cancellations started rolling in. That forced Netzer to nix the program. However, she is not canceling another program she is hosting in Rimini, Italy. “I feel I’m living in wartime,” Netzer said. “It’s like a tsunami mixed with an – I don’t know. It’s like a catastrophe. It’s a really terrible feeling.” Tour operators that decide to cancel programs typically offer full refunds to their patrons. And industry insiders say that even those that have not canceled are often inclined to return what they can, if only to preserve goodwill among their clientele. Possick said her operator, Koltuv

Events, offered a 50% refund and two years to put the remaining money toward a future program. Koltuv owner Itzhak Sakav told JTA that only about 20 people had canceled this year and over 400 people were still planning to attend the company’s two Italy programs. Toby Schwartz was planning to attend a Koltuv program in Italy, but she has asthma and her mother is elderly, and they decided not to take the risk. The two decided in February to switch to a Passover program in South Carolina. “Normally if I was planning a vacation, I’d wait a little to see what would happen,” Schwartz said. “But because it’s Passover, you don’t want to get stuck with no plans.” For operators like Koltuv that run just one or two programs annually, a single bad year can spell disaster. They typically spend the entire year planning for Passover, which between the logistics of delivering Kosher food to exotic locales and the multiple requirements of traditionally observant Jewish traveler is both complicated and pricey. Profits are often made only on the last 10% to 15% of rooms booked, meaning even a small drop in participation can make a world of difference. “Often in this industry, those final rooms can be the difference between a loss and a profit,” said Raphi Bloom, the co-owner of TotallyJewishTravel. com, which claims to be the largest Jewish travel site on the internet. “Running a Pesach program is not cheap for the operator. If people are hesitant at this stage, that’s where it could have an effect.”

Candle lighting times Greater Rhode Island March, 2020 Daylight saving time begins March 8.

March 6

5:23 p.m.

March 13

6:31 p.m.

March 20

6:38 p.m.

March 27

6:46 p.m.

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COMMUNITY VOICES

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Accidental wonders in our own backyard MY NEIGHBOR AMY, who two decades ago purchased the house where my grandparents and aunts and uncles had dwelt, is a great hostess in all seasons, even mid-winter. She has a tree, a Norway maple, that provides branches like logs. She puts it into a MIKE FINK very wide pot to create a warm center where neighbors can gather in winter, or under its cool shadow during the hotter months. Well, who planted that immense, but friendly, amiable, giant? Nobody! I asked Amy if it had been her idea two decades ago. “No, I think it’s just a weed!” she replied with good humor. I have a little signpost that reads “weed sanctuary” – half whimsically, but half quite sincerely. It’s almost my faith, my credo ... always was, since grammar school days. I go in for surprises rather than purposeful designs. I sip my daily coffee as a break between classes. I am welcomed by a couple who put out a small cup in a color that matches the hat or jacket I happen to be wearing. The

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cup comes with a saucer, so I can place it with a pleasant clink upon the window table beside the fire and underneath a painting done by “Jens,” who is the proprietor, along with his wife Marie. In this Swedish theme café, Jens hung this painting of the American flag, with its stars and stripes. A Jewish customer who frequents this charming spot at the corner of Steeple, Thomas and Main streets in Providence told Jens that the stars were six-pointed, not five. She explained that the six-pointed star of David was a symbol of Hebrew history, not that of the U.S.A. So, he claimed he could, and would, change the design. “No,” I urged. “There is such a thing as accidental poetry. Maybe most art holds surprises, accidents that hold some sort of sacred meaning.” I went on to explain that America was a haven for diverse groups of Jewish immigrants, from Christopher Columbus’ crew escaping from the Spanish Inquisition all the way to European Jews fleeing the Nazi purge and mass murder – although for others it was simply the common dream of opportunity. So I snapped a shot of this unusual depiction of our national banner. And I also snapped the picture of the tree in Amy’s hospitable backyard. We don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, but we do salute Tu

PHOTO | MIKE FINK

The flag with the six-pointed stars. B’Shevat in this month of Shevat to thank our lucky stars for freedom, and for the forest, whatever’s left of it, and for the continent and hemisphere of our liberties, for which we must be collectively grateful and cognizant. Off the coast of Bristol, there is a group of islands named for spiritual and moral virtues, or at least states of mind. You see “Patience” and then “Prudence,” and from there you may paddle your raft across to the isle of green

trees labeled “Hope.” Be careful of its smaller neighbor, “Despair,” which houses gulls and cormorants and perhaps some moss or a few weeds. If the moon is full and the tide is high, it will vanish, posing problems, serious dangers, for your dinghy or kayak. “Hatikvah” means hope. Despair says, “Oy vey iz mir!” while hope spells the aliyah and the anthem of the Promised Land. The explorers who crossed the oceans to get here actually

believed that these colonies were Canaan and its towns were Jerusalem, at first perhaps literally and later metaphorically. I’m beginning to think that travel to escape the ills and chills of our climate isn’t as marvelous as merely exploring our Bay and our byways … especially in the month of Tu B’Shevat. MIKE FINK (mfink33@aol.com) teaches at the Rhode Island School of Design.

My digital Shabbat: Creating meaningful separation BY MARC RUSSMAN SHABBAT FOR ME has never been about whether I turned the lights on or off, drove a car or refrained from caring for my vegetable garden. I love the many rituals and trappings of our Ashkenormative Shabbat – especially challah – but the 39 prohibitions, not so much. I believe Shabbat is about creating separation from daily routine. Separation can be as simple as eating different foods or wearing different clothing. For me, separation doesn’t have to mean unplugging from your devices; it can mean engaging with the digital world from a Jewish vantage point. And the abundance of creative, thoughtful and provocative digital Jewish content at our fingertips makes this part of the meaningful separation that I’m seeking. My digital Shabbat isn’t a substitute for sharing the day with my temple community, family and friends. It’s a complement that helps me observe tradition, study Torah and feel connected with the worldwide Jewish community. That’s especially important these days, when

distances from loved ones are often great, affiliation is in decline, and sharing the day with others isn’t always possible. In the United Kingdom, a “minister of loneliness” has been appointed to counter the isolation that many people experience today. Judaism has long had a solution for this problem: Shabbat is a call for community. Even if you are alone on Shabbat, it doesn’t have to be lonely – you can be richly supported by digital Jewish content from livestreams, podcasts, audiobooks, internet radio stations, websites, etc. We are fortunate to live in a day when there is unlimited content for making Shabbat a treasure. Shabbat is a gorgeous opportunity for discovery, learning and reconnecting. Here are some online resources:

Observing Shabbat is central

I welcome my digital Shabbat with Kabbalat Shabbat services (6 p.m.) from Central Synagogue, in New York City, where the welcome to livestreamers is warm and genuine. “Central Synagogue has what we believe to be the

largest Jewish livestream in the world, reaching thousands of people each week in more than 108 countries,” said Chief Rabbi Angela Buchdahl. “We feel there is no greater mitzvah than sharing the messages from our bimah this way.” The large and talented team of rabbis and cantors never disappoints and frequently awes with amazing musical moments that you might expect to hear on Broadway, just a few avenues away. Life-cycle events, such as baby namings, are so well conducted, they might leave you verklempt (choked up). Services are available online or through the Jewish Broadcasting Service (JBS) on cable TV. Many congregations livestream Kabbalat Shabbat services across the U.S. A simple search will find a listing of services. Conservative Shabbat morning services are also livestreamed. Two of my favorites are from Park Avenue Synagogue and B’nai Jeshurun (BJs). Both services are livestreamed from New York City congregations, beginning at 9:30 a.m., but they have CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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COMMUNITY VOICES

Purim holds many lessons for these troubled times

FROM PAGE 7 Generally, tzedakah can be given either directly, straight into the hands of the person who needs it, or indirectly, through an organization or an individual appointed to distribute funds to the needy. On Purim, however, we are asked to give as directly as possible, and are even encouraged to go out of our way to encounter people to whom we can give. Commanding us to give money to the poor in the midst of one of our most joyous holidays forces us to see those whom we may have been ignoring, to reveal the hidden in our community. There is also sensitivity to the fact that those who are poor might be so well hidden that we do not know who they are. And so, in case there are people in our community whose needs have not been revealed to us, we give gifts of food to everyone. We also partake in festive meals, in which we feast with others in our community. These meals are a mitzvah, a commandment, so that the community is obligated to provide these meals and no one can remain hidden from the joy that permeates Purim. Perhaps the main message of Purim,

and worldwide, indicate that the unfortunate outbreak of the coronavirus in China has sparked a new wave of anti-Chinese and anti-Asian sentiment. All of that is terribly upsetting, but while the possibility of eradicating hatred seems bleak, there are a few things that we as individuals can do to try to counter the hatred currently dominating our national conversation. None of these suggestions is a panacea for what ails us as a society, but they can make our daily existence a little more bearable. We can start by trying to bring back what has become an oxymoron these days: common courtesy. To try to reach that goal, we can strive to be better huLARRY man beings by: KESSLER

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PURIM, which this year will be celebrated on March 10, with the megillah reading the evening before, is a festive holiday. But underneath its celebratory aspects lurks an egregious example of hatred and its consequences – one that is as relevant in the 21st century as it was when the events took place in the 4th century B.C.E. Hatred for the sake of hating was certainly no stranger in biblical times, but Purim’s backstory continues to show just how irrational and damaging rampant and arbitrary animosity can be. The holiday’s central tale, as related in the megillah, revolves around Queen Esther, the Jewish wife of Persian ruler King Ahasuerus, telling her husband that his prime minister, Haman, had organized a plot to exterminate the Jews on the 13th day of Adar. (Haman picked that day by lottery, and that’s how Purim got its name – the Persian word for “lots” is “pur.”) Thankfully, Purim has a happy ending, one that you’re probably quite familiar with, whether you’re a Hebrew School student or a young-at-heart lover of hamantaschen. Esther, as we know, convinced the king to allow the Jews in Persia to defend themselves, and the king later named Esther’s cousin Mordechai his new prime minister and ordered the hanging of Haman, Purim’s super-villain. All of that added up to a reprieve for Persia’s Jews – but, unfortunately, humanity hasn’t yet learned that hatred doesn’t pay. Anti-Semitism, for instance, is dramatically on the rise in the United States, and across the world. In addition, it’s no secret that people – especially in this social media era, when it’s easy to hide behind anonymity – are more emboldened than ever to spout unbridled hatred. And it’s not just hatred of Jews, either; immigrants and many minorities have been increasingly targeted, and lately, reports, both from the region

• NOT JUDGING people by who we think they are, but instead trying to get to know who they really are. Instead of calling all members of one political viewpoint, party, religion or ethnicity names designed to demonize them, we should be attempting to establish a dialogue. • EDUCATING PEOPLE by talking about yourself and your traditions. Years ago, while writing a column for a daily newspaper, I’d write about Passover and Hanukkah, for example, in an attempt to let people know the origins and meaning of these holidays. HOLDING DOORS FOR PEOPLE who are behind you. Once upon a time, this simple courtesy was taken for granted, but it hasn’t been a regular practice for a long while.

•

VOLUNTEERING FOR COMMUNITY ENDEAVORS such as spring cleanups in your town or city, or perhaps pitching in at food pantries, schools or nonprofits. Giving of yourself will not only make you feel better about yourself and others, but it will also give you a chance to open up to strangers.

•

LEARNING TO TALK SPORTS. Although not every-

is that we must reveal that which is hidden in our midst. We must make sure that we do not overlook those in want in our communities. We must seek out and include everyone in our feasting and our gift giving, so that, for at least one day a year, no one will be hidden from our community. In this way, too, do we help to reveal the hidden presence of God by recognizing the spark of the divine that exists in all of us, by affirming the sanctity of each and every person. This Purim, I encourage you to pay attention to those who have been hidden from you. Who is in need that you haven’t noticed – in your immediate community, in the greater Jewish community, in the global community? How can you reveal those who are hidden to yourself, and to others? How can you make their needs known, and draw in those who are marginalized? May we all fulfill the specific commandments of Purim – listening to the megillah, feasting, giving mishloach manot, and giving gifts to the poor, and may we do so in a way that also fulfills the spirit of revealing that which is hidden. RACHEL ZERIN is a rabbi at Temple Emanu-El, in Providence.

one is a sports fan, I’ve always loved the idea of sports giving you an excuse to chat up a stranger, something I do regularly at Pawtucket and Boston Red Sox games. A reader and I recently had an email chat that illustrates the benefit of talking sports. Rick Sasse, of Providence, emailed me for the first time in response to my February column about Tom Brady and aging athletes in general. He wrote, in part, “Good evening. You are right about this. Your example of Willie Mays is always the first example I think of. Then there was Johnny U [Baltimore Colts legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas] finishing up in San Diego. It makes you almost feel sorry that they are the last to realize it is over.” I responded by thanking him for his comments, and adding: “Enjoy spring training, which I am determined to enjoy despite the Mookie [Betts] trade, salary dumping, cheating allegations [in professional baseball], etc.” Rick continued our email conversation by writing back: “I have had the best of both worlds over the last 24 years living in Providence as a life-long Yankee fan, and also watching pretty good Red Sox teams. My mother-in-law lived with us here and in Cooperstown, New York. [She was] a big Red Sox fan from Connecticut … what a fantastic way to live out her final 16 years here, catching every Red Sox game. It’s a wonderful game in spite of your stated laundry list above.” Thank you, Rick, for your kind comments – and for showing that if a lifelong Red Sox fan can find common ground with a lifelong Yankees fan, then there’s at least a smidgen of hope for humanity. LARRY KESSLER (larrythek65@gmail.com) is a freelance writer based in North Attleboro who has been married for 31-plus years to a lifelong Yankees fan.

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Ongoing

Alliance Kosher Senior Café. Weekdays (except holidays) noon-2 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Kosher lunch followed by program. Information or RSVP, 401-421-4111, ext. 107. West Bay Kosher Senior Café. Fridays 11:15 a.m. Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Program followed by Kosher lunch. Information or RSVP, 401-421-4111, ext. 107. Duplicate Bridge. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Mondays noon-2 p.m.: 0-20 masterpoint game for less-experienced players. $5. Tuesdays 10:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. and Fridays 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: open stratified game, all levels. $7. Thursdays 1-3 p.m.: Guided play. $6. Information, abarton295@aol. com or 401-390-9244. Mahjong. Mondays 1:30-4 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Lessons available. Free. Information, Torat Yisrael office at 401-885-6600. Adult Education: Women in the Bible. Tuesdays 10 a.m.-noon. thru 3/17. Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Look at how women like Deborah, Esther, Ruth and Hannah took action to redefine the role of women and to redefine Judaism. Led by Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser. Information, Dottie@templesinairi. org or 401-942-8350. Prayer Study with Cantor Brian Mayer. Wednesdays 6:15-7:15 p.m. thru 5/20. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Roundtable discussion focuses on sections of the siddur. Class members are invited to offer their own interpretations of the prayers while studying classical and contemporary commentaries. Come every week or when you can. Information, Rachel Zerin at rzerin@ teprov.org or 401-331-1616. Delve Deeper: “Sacred Space in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.” Thursdays 7-9 p.m. thru 4/2. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Led by Joan Branham. Look at how Jews make their buildings holy. Examine the role of gender, sacrifice, blood and pilgrimage in constructing the sacred. $250; financial assistance available. Information, Temple Emanu-El office at 401-331-1616. Teen Beit Midrash: You Be the Judge. Thursdays 6:15-8 p.m. thru 4/2. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Debate some of today’s most pressing issues through the lens of ancient Jewish teachings. For 8th-12th graders. (Includes dinner): $40 for Temple Emanu-El members | $60 for nonmembers. Financial assistance available. Information, Rabbi Rachel Zerin at rzerin@teprov. org or 401-331-1616.

Re/Introduction to Judaism. Thursdays 7:30-9:30 p.m. thru 8/20. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. For potential converts and Jews wishing to learn more. Led by Rabbis Michael Fel and Rachel Zerin and Cantor Brian Mayer. No class dates: 4/9, 4/16, 5/28, 7/2, 7/9, 7/30. $50 (Adult Education program); $360 (Conversion program). Information, Rabbi Michael Fel at mfel@teprov.org or 401-331-1616. Project Shoresh Jewish Young Professionals Parsha Pathways Powwow. Thursdays 7:45-9:15 p.m. thru 3/19. Providence Hebrew Day School, 450 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Each stand-alone session includes dinner, weekly Torah portion discussion and chance to socialize. Information or RSVP, Naftali Karp at naftalikarp@gmail. com or 401-632-3165. Parashat Hashavua. Fridays 7:45-8:35 a.m. thru 6/5. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Breakfast-study session highlights the weekly Torah portion. Led by Rabbi Alvan Kaunfer. Participants invited to Shaharit service in the Fishbein Chapel at 7 a.m. Information, Rachel Zerin at rzerin@teprov. org or 401-331-1616. Shabbat Evening Services. Times vary. Congregation Jeshuat Israel, Touro Synagogue, 85 Touro St., Newport. Services with brief pre-service lecture. Information, www.tourosynagogue.org or 401847-4794. Shabbat Morning Services. 8:45 a.m. Congregation Jeshuat Israel, Touro Synagogue, 85 Touro St., Newport. Kiddush and lecture following services. Information and Junior Congregation Children’s Service schedule, www.tourosynagogue.org or 401-847-4794. Torah Study. Saturdays 9-10 a.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Information, Jenn Thomas at jthomas@temple-beth-el. org or 401-331-6070. Minyan Breakfast and Torah Study. Saturdays 9:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Breakfast 9:30 a.m., Torah study 10-11 a.m., Shabbat services follow. Information, Dottie@ templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350. Tot Shabbat. Saturdays 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Sing, dance, learn, listen to PJ Library stories, craft, play and pray. No RSVP. Challah and juice served. Free. Information or to advise of allergies, Shoshana Jacob at shosh@teprov.org.

Friday | March 6

Nice and Easy Shabbat. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Temple Habonim, 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. 5:30 p.m. tot Shabbat; 6 p.m. pizza dinner

(sign up on Temple website); 6:30 p.m. service. Information, office@ templehabonim.org or 401-2456536. Friday Night Live. 5:45-8 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Cocktails and appetizers with musical Shabbat service followed by dinner. Free. Information, Temple Torat Yisrael office at 401-885-6600 or events@ toratyisrael.org. Pizza Shabbat. 6 p.m. Congregation Beth David, 102 Kingstown Road, Narragansett. Family-oriented services followed by pizza. Information, Jerry Kasten at 401-885-1296. Shabbat Service. 7-8 p.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Information, Temple office at 401-331-6070.

Saturday | March 7

Shabbat Service. 9 a.m. Congregation Beth David, 102 Kingstown Road, Narragansett. Luncheon sponsored by a congregant follows services. Information, Jerry Kasten at 401-885-1296. Kids’ Night Out. Ages 5-11: 5-10 p.m. Ages 2-4: 5-8 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Sports, crafts and movie. Pizza and snacks served. Older kids enjoy free swim. $40 | Dwares JCC Members: $30 | Siblings: $20. Information and registration, Frank Petrie at fpetrie@ jewishallianceri.org. Lots of Purim: Trivia Night. 8-10 p.m. Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. Dress to party, sing karaoke and answer trivia. Information, Jessica Berndt at office@bethsholom-ri.org.

Sunday | March 8

Sprouts. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. For preschoolers includes stories, songs, crafts and a snack. $12 per session. Information, Torat Yisrael office at 401-8856600. Purim Carnival. 10 a.m.-noon. Narragansett Community Center, 53 Mumford Road, Narragansett. Games, food, live music and crafts. Congregation Beth David. Information, Jerry Kasten at 401-885-1296. Purim Carnival. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Games, prizes, bouncy house and more. 10-10:30 a.m. for kids 5 and under only. Information, Shoshana Jacob at shosh@teprov. org or 401-331-1616. Purim Carnival. Noon-2 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Games, prizes, crafts, costumes, face painting and balloons. Open to all. Donation: $5 for food (hot dogs, chips and hamantaschen) and $5 for carnival. Information, Torat Yisrael

office at 401-885-6600. Foreign Policy Lecture Series: “China in the Middle East.” 3-5 p.m. Temple Shalom, 223 Valley Road, Middletown. Presented by Dr. Isaac Kardon, assistant professor at the Naval War College’s China Maritime Studies Institute. Free. Information, templeshalomrhodeisland@gmail.com.

Monday | March 9

Dinner and Purim Megillah Reading. 5:30 p.m. Congregation Beth David, 102 Kingstown Road, Narragansett. Dairy and pizza dinner followed by Megillah reading at 6:30 p.m. Bring boxes of pasta to shake and drown out Haman’s name. We’ll donate them to the kosher food pantry. Information, Jerry Kasten at 401-885-1296. K’tantan Purim Party, Parade & Spiel. 5:30-8 p.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. 5:30 p.m. K’tantan Purim party; 6:30 p.m. Community-wide costume parade; 6:45 p.m. Megillah reading followed by family-friendly Purim Spiel “I Guess That’s Why They Call it a Spiel” featuring the music of Elton John. Information, Temple office at 401-331-6070. Purim Punch Party and Megillah Reading. 6-8 p.m. Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Prizes for best costumes, lots of hamantaschen and both grown-up and children’s punch. For children and adults. Information or RSVP, Temple office at 401-942-8350. Purim Megillah Reading and More. 6:45-9 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Interactive reading of the Book of Esther, selfie spiel slide show, Matanot La-Evyonim tzedakah drive, costume parade, singing, refreshments, Queen Esther’s Palace, sensory-relief room, glitter tattoos, mask-making, coloring…. Come in costume. 6:45 p.m. services; 7:15 p.m. Megillah reading. Information, Rabbi Rachel Zerin at rzerin@teprov.org or 401331-1616.

Tuesday | March 10

Text Study with St. Peter’s by-the-Sea. 7-8 p.m. Congregation Beth David, 102 Kingstown Road, Narragansett. Rabbi Ethan Adler and Father Craig Swain will co-lead discussions comparing selections from the Torah and the New Testament. Also on 3/17 and 3/31. Information, Rabbi Ethan Adler at eadler3@cox. net.

Wednesday | March 11

“Production and Reproduction in Israelite Family Religion.” Noon12:50 p.m. Hirschfeld House, 163 George St., Providence. Lecture by Kerry Sonia, Harvard Divinity School. In descriptions of childbirth

in the Hebrew Bible, the formation of humans and bearing of children is often compared to ceramic production. Sponsored by Brown University’s Program in Judaic Studies. Free. Open to all. Information, judaic@brown.edu.

Friday | March 13

Beth-Elders Dinner with Artist Anthony Tomaselli. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Owner of T’s Restaurants and one of the most respected painters in Rhode Island, Anthony Tomaselli will speak about the life experiences that led to his art career. $20. RSVP (by March 8) or information, Temple office at 401331-6070 or www.temple-beth-el. org. T.G.I.F. – Thank G-D It’s Friday. 5:45-8 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Shabbat songs and story with Rabbi Aaron Philmus followed by kid-friendly dinner and services. Information or RSVP, Torat Yisrael office at 401-885-6600. Family Shabbat with Pizza Dinner. 6-8 p.m. Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Pizza dinner followed by 6:45 p.m. child-friendly service with music from Jewish summer camps and youth groups. Dinner: $5. RSVP or information, Temple office at 401-942-8350. Shabbat Chai. 6-8 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Led by Cantor Brian Mayer and the Shabbat Chai Band. Contemporary and traditional melodies. The Rabbi gives a brief d’var Torah between Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv. Services followed by dinner at no cost to service attendees. Information, bjmayer@teprov.org or 401-3311616. Kabbalat Shabbat Service. 8 p.m. Congregation Beth David, 102 Kingstown Road, Narragansett. Information, Jerry Kasten at 401-885-1296.

Sunday | March 15

Men’s Club Breakfast. 9-10:30 a.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Breakfast followed by program at 9:30 a.m. Seth Finkle, who works in development for the Alliance, will speak about his trip to Poland, where he took part in the March of the Living and visited concentration camps. Free. Information, Torat Yisrael office at 401-885-6600. Blood Drive. 9 a.m.-noon. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Refreshments served. Quick health screening prior to blood donation. Information, Torat Yisrael office at 401-885-6600. Sisterhood Wine Sale. 9 a.m.-noon. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Also on 3/22.

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CALENDAR Information, Torat Yisrael office at 401-885-6600. Cooking with Chef Valerie Philmus. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Class based on the Hadassah Cookbook “Modern Jewish Cooking.” $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers. Information, Torat Yisrael office at 401-8856600.

Tuesday | March 17

Securing Our Communities with Brad Orsini. 2-4 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Director of security for the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh at the time of the Tree of Life Synagogue tragedy, Brad Orsini will offer lessons and best practices for securing communities. Register (by 3/13) at jewishallianceri.org/scn/. Also on 3/18. Information, Wendy Joering at wjoering@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 169. Text Study with St. Peter’s by-theSea. 7-8 p.m. Congregation Beth David, 102 Kingstown Road, Narragansett. See March 10. Second of three sessions. Last session is 3/31. Information, Rabbi Ethan Adler at eadler3@cox.net. Pre-Passover Workshop. 7:30-9 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Learn about various ways to prepare for Passover with Rabbis Michael Fel and Rachel Zerin. Weekly thru 3/31. $36; $25 for students and seniors. Information, Rachel Zerin at rzerin@teprov.org or 401-331-1616.

Wednesday | March 18

Core Connects RI Book Group: “Einstein and the Rabbi.” 6-8 p.m. Location TBD. Rabbi Naomi Levy leads us on a journey of wisdom, empathy and humor while helping us reclaim our souls and glimpse the oneness that has been eluding us, live up to our gifts and understand why we are here. For Jewish women. Information or RSVP, Elissa Felder at CoreConnectsRI.com or 401-241-9631. Israeli Culture Series: Women of the IDF. 7-9 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. See story page 17.Information, Or Cohen at ocohen@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 121. Securing Our Communities with Brad Orsini. 7-9 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. See March 17. Information, Wendy Joering at wjoering@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 169.

Thursday | March 19

“Life Begins Where Fear Ends” with Israeli Transgender Activist Michael Alroy. 6-8 p.m. URI Gender and Sexuality Center, 19 Upper College Road, Kingston. Dinner followed

by presentation at 7 p.m. Michael will discuss his transgender journey. Co-hosted by URI Hillel, URI Gender and Sexuality Center, and Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. Free. Open to all.

Friday | March 20

Shabbat Hallelu. 6:30 p.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Experience Shabbat with Cantor Judy Seplowin and the Hallelu Band. Light refreshments and sangria served at 6:30 p.m. Services at 7 p.m. Free. Information, Temple Beth-El office at 401-331-6070. Shabbat Service with guest speaker Rabbi Reuven Firestone. 7-8:30 p.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. “If Religions Call for Peace, Why Do They Practice War?” Reuven Firestone is the Regenstein Professor in Medieval Judaism and Islam at Hebrew Union College, Los Angeles, and affiliate professor of religion at the University of Southern California. Information, Jenn Thomas at jthomas@temple-beth-el.org. Women Composers’ Shabbat. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Cantor Deborah Johnson and Shireinu, the Temple Sinai community chorus, will perform songs composed and arranged by women composers in honor of Women’s History Month. Information, Dottie@templesinairi. org or 401-942-8350.

Saturday | March 21

Torah Study with guest speaker Rabbi Ruth H. Sohn. 9-10:30 a.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Rabbi Sohn will share her personal story of living in Egypt with her family in 2006 and will explore the question of what it means to listen to the “other’s” narrative and examine one’s own. Free. Information, Jenn Thomas at jthomas@temple-beth-el.org. Spoken Story Saturday: “Springtime/Homecoming.” 2-5 p.m. The Parlour Pub, 1119 North Main St., Providence. With Providence-based author and storyteller Mark Binder. Two shows: Family Fare at 2 p.m. 14+ at 3ish. $10, $5 students, seniors, underemployed. Food and drink available. Craft beer on tap. Information, Beth Hellman at beth@ transmitjoy.com or 401-484-0228. Kids’ Night Out. Ages 5-11: 5-10 p.m. Ages 2-4: 5-8 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Sports, crafts and movie. Pizza and snacks served. Older kids enjoy free swim. $40 | Dwares JCC Members: $30 | Siblings: $20. Information and registration, Frank Petrie at fpetrie@ jewishallianceri.org.

Sunday | March 22

Sisterhood Wine Sale. 9 a.m.-noon.

Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Information, Torat Yisrael office at 401-8856600. “Becoming More of the Person You Wish to Be.” 10:30 a.m.-noon. Brown RISD Hillel, 80 Brown St., Providence. Dr. Caroline Stanley, associate professor of psychology at Bridgewater State University, will integrate psychology with Mussar (Jewish spiritual practice) and the idea that internalizing new behaviors involves a commitment to action. Donations welcome. Information or RSVP, Elissa Felder at CoreConnectsRI.com or 401-241-9631. The Doctors of Music. 2-4 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Advance tickets: $18, Seniors $15, Children under 12 free; $20 at the door. Information, May-Ronny Zeidman at May@ BornsteinHolocaustCenter.org or 401-453-7860. Israel Folkdance Festival. 3 p.m. MIT’s Kresge Auditorium, 48 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Mass. Dancers of all ages join in an afternoon of exuberant dance. Sponsored by the Campus Activities Complex at M.I.T. Tickets: $18 in advance; $20 at the door. Group discounts in advance. Rush tickets: $5 college students with ID at the door, as available. Information and tickets, www.bostonfestival.org. Kol Isha: Women Cantors Sing Jewish Songs, Then and Now. 4-6 p.m. Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. See story page 33. Information, Dottie@templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Tuesday | March 24

Food Tech Futures: Accelerating innovation through global exchange. 1-7:30 p.m. Hope & Main, 691 Main St., Warren. 1-5 p.m. Conference; 5-5:30 p.m. Wine Tasting; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Food Tasting. Tickets: $125. Organized by The Rhode Island-Israel Collaborative and Hope & Main. Information, Avi Nevel at info@theriic.org or 401-486-1152. Pre-Passover Workshop. 7:30-9 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Learn about various ways to prepare for Passover with Rabbis Michael Fel and Rachel Zerin. Weekly thru 3/31. $36; $25 for students and seniors. Information, Rachel Zerin at rzerin@teprov.org or 401-331-1616.

Wednesday | March 25

Mothers and Daughters Rosh Hodesh Series: Miriam’s Cup Art with Amy Cohen. 7-9 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Explore the mother-daughter relationship through shared experiences, conversation and a look at famous mother-daughter pairs throughout Jewish text and

history. For women ages 13 to 103. $10. Information, Sharon Sock at sharon@teprov.org or 401-331-1616.

Friday | March 27

“Masada: Last Stronghold of the Jewish Resistance Against Rome.” 5:45-6:45 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence Professor Jodi Magness speaks. For more see page 24. Free. RSVPs (requested), teprov. org/form/edweekend20. Information, Rabbi Rachel Zerin at rzerin@ teprov.org or 401-331-1616. Rhode Island Joint Reform Service. 7-8 p.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Annual service with Temple Beth-El, Temple Habonim, The Newport Havurah and Temple Sinai. Guest Cantor Jeff Klepper, one of a handful of contemporary Jewish musicians responsible for changing the sound of American synagogue music, will perform. Free. Information, Jenn Thomas at jthomas@temple-beth-el. org.

Saturday | March 28

“What Makes Jerusalem Special.” 12:45-1:45 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Professor Jodi Magness speaks. For more see page 24. Free. RSVPs (requested), teprov.org/form/edweekend20. Information, Rabbi Rachel Zerin at rzerin@teprov.org or 401-331-1616. “More Than Just Mosaics: the Ancient Synagogue at Huqoq.” 7:45 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Wine and dessert reception followed lecture with Professor Jodi Magness, For more see page 24. RSVPs (requested), teprov.org/form/edweekend20. Information, www.huqoq.org or Rabbi Rachel Zerin at rzerin@teprov. org or 401-331-1616.

Sunday | March 29

Israeli Life from Comedy to Drama: “Walk on Water.” 1-3 p.m. Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Action-thriller film about an Israeli intelligence agent who, following the suicide of his wife, is assigned to befriend the grandchildren of a Nazi war criminal. Free. Snacks provided. Information, Dottie@templesinairi.org or 401942-8350. Good Deeds Day-at-the-J! Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Join the Youth and Family department, and participate in a variety of community service projects. including J-Camp/PJ Library Book Swap, Blanket Making and more. Information, Carissa Hill at chill@jewishallianceri.org or 401421-4111, ext. 110. J-Camp/PJ Library Book Swap. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Bring books to swap or donate. Learn

about PJ programs and scholarships. Information or RSVP, Aaron Guttin at aguttin@jewishallianceri. org or 401-421-4111, ext. 140.

Tuesday | March 31

Sisterhood Women’s Community Passover Seder. 6-9 p.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Catered Kosher-style vegetarian dinner, singing and dancing. Women of all faiths, 8 years and older welcome. Portion of proceeds go to Resources for Human Development-RI. $36 open seat | $360 reserved table for 8. RSVP (by 3/16), Temple office at 401-3316070. Information, Debbie Gordon at dxgordon@gmail.com. Text Study with St. Peter’s by-theSea. 7-8 p.m. Congregation Beth David, 102 Kingstown Road, Narragansett. Last of three sessions. See March 10. Information, Rabbi Ethan Adler at eadler3@cox.net. Pre-Passover Workshop. 7:30-9 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Learn about various ways to prepare for Passover with Rabbis Michael Fel and Rachel Zerin. $36; $25 for students and seniors. Information, Rachel Zerin at rzerin@ teprov.org or 401-331-1616.

Wednesday | April 1

Cranston Senior Guild. 1-3 p.m. Tamarisk Assisted Living, 3 Shalom Drive, Warwick. After a short meeting, Susie Adler, program coordinator of Jewish Eldercare of Rhode Island, will speak about programs offered by Jewish Collaborative Services. Men and women age 55 years plus are welcome to join. Annual membership is $12. Cranston residency not required. Information, Lois Cohen at loisteach@verizon.net or 401-944-2761. Benjamin Franklin’s Influence on Jewish Thought and Practice. 5:30-7 p.m. Redwood Library & Athenæum, 50 Bellevue Ave., Newport. Author Shai Afsai will discuss Benjamin Franklin’s self-improvement method and its incorporation into the Jewish ethical tradition of Mussar. Members free; Nonmembers $10. Information, Shai Afsai at shaiafsai.com or shai.afsai@ppsd. org.

Thursday | April 2

“Anti-Democratic Politics and Antisemitism: The Mainstreaming of Left and Right Wing Populism.” 2:30-3:20 p.m. BioMed 202, 171 Meeting St., Providence. Lecture by Professor David Hirsh, Goldsmith College. Part of the lecture series “Antisemitism: A History.” Sponsored by Brown University’s Program in Judaic Studies. Free. Open to all. Information, judaic@brown.edu.

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COMMUNITY

Temple Habonim travelers find Judaism alive in Cuba BY RABBI ANDREW KLEIN IN JANUARY, 30 members of Temple Habonim in Barrington embarked on a Jewish mission trip to Cuba. In addition to cultural experiences (including museum visits, concerts, dance performances, a cigar factory tour, a visit to Ernest Hemingway’s home, and so much more), our primary goal was to visit five different Jewish communities on the island. From a community worship space in a private living room to a large synagogue visited by the likes of Fidel Castro and Steven Speilberg, we prayed together, learned the community histories, listened to stories and distributed needed medical supplies and other gifts we brought with us. The Jewish communities we visited dispense the donated items to all people in need, whether Jewish or not. In Cuba, many people are in great need. The communities were gracious and grateful – making us feel at home and even feeding us lavishly when it was clear that they were of modest means. Despite the

poverty of so many Cubans, we encountered a very strong Cuban identity, great joy among the people, and a very strong and proud Jewish identity among our host communities. At one of the Jewish communities we visited, the lay leader told us that he does not worry about the future of the Jewish communities in Cuba. Instead, he is grateful every day for the Jewish community he has and for the Jewish visitors who come and offer support. He is also grateful for the young people who are leading worship and carrying on our sacred Jewish traditions in Cuba. He led us in singing the Shehecheyanu, leaving us all feeling deeply connected as Jews, despite being in new and unfamiliar surroundings. Judaism is alive in Cuba, and the Jewish neshuma thrives in this tiny island nation. Our Temple Habonim community felt blessed to have this meaningful opportunity. RABBI ANDREW KLEIN is the rabbi at Temple Habonim in Barrington.

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Temple Emanu-El celebrates the installation of Rabbi Michael Fel

Family photo (left to right): Susana Fel, Rabbi Michael Fel, Shayna Fel, and Isaac Fel. Susana and Isaac are Rabbi Fel’s parents. BY RACHEL ALEXANDER LEVY MORE THAN 400 CONGREGANTS and community members celebrated the installation of Michael Fel as Temple Emanu-El’s fifth rabbi in its 95year history. The celebration, during the weekend of Feb. 21-23, included a proclamation from U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, story-telling by Temple Emanu-El congregants both past and present, and a special gift from Robert Landau that bound the wisdom of past presidents into a beautiful piece of art. Rabbi Fel shared the history of the synagogue, which began in 1924 when the executive director of the United Synagogue sent a letter

to Philip C. Joslin, then the speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. He wrote: “The United Synagogue of America has been interested for some time in the Jewish situation at Providence.” Within months, five parcels, about 36,725 square feet of land that housed Brown University’s botanical garden, were purchased. The cost was $30,000, which was raised from about 50 donors. Today Emanu-El, in Providence, is a congregation of just over 775 households. Rabbi Fel shared that the temple community has grown by nearly 100 households over the last year and a half. The weekend celebration was titled L’khu V’nelhak (Let

Congregants with Rabbi Fel (seated).

Us Journey Together) because Rabbi Fel has already begun to inspire the congregation to learn together, to pray

together, to redeem the world together, and to create a transformational, vibrant Jewish community together.

RACHEL ALEXANDER LEVY is a member of Temple Emanu-El.

the

ODEUM COMEDY SERIES PRESENTS

TODD BARRY MARCH 6

LUCY KAPLANSKY AND RICHARD SHINDELL MARCH 15

GREG PROOPS MARCH 20

LOUIE ANDERSON MARCH 27

STEVE HOFSTETTER APRIL 11

VIEW OUR FULL PERFORMANCE CALENDAR ONLINE AT GREENWICHODEUM .COM

16 | MARCH 2020

Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

UP FRONT | FOOD & DINING

PHOTO | LEANNE SHOR

Zucchini, potato and Manchego pashtida

You are going to crave this easy Israeli quiche BY LEANNE SHOR This recipe originally appeared on The Nosher. AMERICANS don’t have nearly the appreciation that Israelis do for quiche. In the States,

it’s an unimaginative brunch addition that never really shines. But in Israel, it’s the star of many lunch tables and an incredible dairy dinner. Not to mention Shavuot, which could literally be called the “quiche holiday.” So, what makes this Israeli-style quiche,

It’s official! The Rhode Island Kosher Chili Cook-Off is back!

KOSHER RHODE ISLAND

CHILI

COOK-OFF June 7, 2020

Who will be crowned the Chili Champs of 2020? There’s only one way to find out! Join us on Sunday, June 7, from 11:00am – 4:00pm at the JCC: 401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence. Enjoy a day filled with Kosher chili, music and entertainment, a beer garden, and activities for the whole family. Attendees will vote for their favorite recipe. It’s going to be a great “thyme!” Volunteer with us! Learn more at jewishallianceri.org/chili

known as a pashtida, so different from what you find elsewhere? First, the filling is far more creamy than eggy. A combination of three different cheeses, milk and a touch of cream make this pashtida luxurious and rich. Second, most traditional quiches have a pie crust bottom and are open on the top. In Israel, you can find many types of quiche – with crispy layers of phyllo dough, flaky puff pastry or even thinly sliced potatoes. The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily switch up the vegetables in the filling depending on your taste and what you have. As long as you keep the cheese and milk ratios the same, you can be creative. Other combinations I love are sauteed mushrooms and onion, and leek and goat cheese.

Pashtida INGREDIENTS 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but cold 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, partially steamed and thinly sliced 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 eggs 1 zucchini 1 onion 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup whole milk 1/2 cup shredded Manchego 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan 3-4 tablespoons Boursin

cheese 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Beaten egg for egg wash Sesame seeds DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Saute the onion and zucchini in 2 tablespoons olive oil until tender and slightly caramelized. Set aside in a bowl to cool slightly. Spray a 9- or 10-inch pie pan with nonstick cooking spray, then drizzle the remaining tablespoons olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Spread the thinly sliced potatoes over the bottom of the pan in a circular pattern, each piece overlapping slightly. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the 3 eggs, cream, milk, Parmesan, Manchego and Boursin to combine. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add the sauteed vegetables to the egg and milk mixture, stir to combine. Pour the mixture over the potatoes in the pan. Cut a large 11-inch circle out of the puff pastry. Place the pastry on top of the filling in the pan. Gently fold the edges under and crimp. Brush the beaten egg on top and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is a deep golden brown. Serve with a big leafy salad and fried eggplant.

Temple Habonim to hold refugee Shabbat on March 20 BY ELIZABETH BAKST CONGREGATIONS around the country will hold Shabbat events that support refugees and asylum seekers as part of National Refugee Shabbat 5780, March 20-21. This is the second annual National Refugee Shabbat organized by HIAS, the 139-year-old Jewish Refugee Aid agency. Many of the more than 400 HIAS “Welcome Campaign” congregations, including Temple Habonim, in Barrington, will have special prayers and speakers. The March 20 evening service at Habonim will feature guest speaker Tatyana Tsangarakis-Almeida, the director of Dorcas International’s Citizenship & Immigration Services Program. Tsangarakis-Almeida will discuss how Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization that helps settle refu-

gees in the state, also assists thousands of individuals annually with a wide variety of immigration matters. In 2019, Dorcas International welcomed 96 new refugees and continued to help 970 refugees from years past. Dorcas’ Citizenship & Immigration Services Program provides more free and low-cost immigration legal services than any other organization in Rhode Island. It serves over 6,000 economically disadvantaged foreign-born residents each year and is responsible for outreach to immigrant and refugee communities throughout the state. Temple Habonim, 165 New Meadow Rd., Barrington, invites the public to attend its Refugee Shabbat service, at 7:30 p.m. on March 20. ELIZABETH BAKST is a member of Temple Habonim.

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Israel emissary discusses women in IDF BY JEWISH RHODE ISLAND STAFF ON MARCH 18, shortly after people around the world have focused on the feminist themes of Purim and International Women’s Day, Or Cohen, Rhode Island shlichah (Israeli emissary) will share stories of her own challenges and achievements as the first female commander of a naval combat vessel in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Her story has helped motivate women to be pioneers and push their limits. Cohen said that one of the customs in the IDF is to wear a T-shirt with your unit logo. “At the basic training of the Israel Naval Academy, we received this T-shirt. My friends (female cadets) and I were so proud to wear it. The problem was that most people thought we were wearing a T-shirt that belonged to our boyfriends. Therefore, we soon printed another T-shirt just for female cadets and added a line to it: ‘This is not my boyfriend’s T-shirt.’ ” Israel is one of few countries around the world with a mandatory military service requirement for women. Before the establishment of the state, women served in combat roles in the militias that would become the IDF. During the years before the establishment of the IDF, military service for women existed in the front lines of the Hashomer and Haganah organizations. The Haganah stated in its charter that its units were open to: “Every

Jewish male or female who is prepared and trained to fulfill the obligation of national defense.” Most women served as medics, communications specialists and weapons specialists. During World War II approximately 4,000 women volunteered for service in the British forces, including Alice Hatzor-Hirsch (a driver) and Hannah Szenes and Haviva Reik (paratroopers). During the Independence War women participated in combat units, making up 15% of those units. The war for independence was a war for survival, conducted by a population without an institutionalized army, and the efforts of the entire Jewish population in Israel were necessary. The need for women’s participation may have contributed to women’s equality in the military today. Soon after the establishment of the IDF, the removal of all women from front-line positions was decreed. Influencing this decision was the very real possibility of falling into enemy hands as prisoners of war. A separate women’s unit was established. The majority of women serving in the IDF then filled administrative jobs. The rest served primarily as instructors, nurses, clerks and telephone operators. A few women flew transport missions in the 1950s, and a few women were accepted into flight training in the 1970s, but they did not complete the program before it was closed to women. In 1995, Alice Miller successfully petitioned the High

Or Cohen Court of Justice to take the Israeli Air Force pilot training exams, after being rejected on grounds of gender. The court ruled that women were entitled to both formal and substantive equality in their military service – opening up combat positions to women, first as pilots and then as combat soldiers in various prestigious units. The possibility of expanding the integration of women into additional combat roles is currently being examined. Today 85% of the jobs in IDF are available for women. There are female pilots, naval officers, an infantry combat battalion for both males and females and more. For the last 10 years, a woman has commanded a squadron

in the Israeli Air force, and there are women commanding a combat battalion and a combat vessel. Hear Cohen’s story on Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. at the Dwares Jewish Community Center in Providence.

The presentation, which is free and open to the public, is part of this year’s Israeli Culture Series from the Israel Desk of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. For more information, contact Or Cohen at OCohen@ jewishallianceri.org.

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Baking for a good cause BY FRAN OSTENDORF PAWTUCKET – SEVERAL TIMES a week, in the lead-up to Passover, volunteers gather in the kitchen at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to bake matzah. Most are members of the Jewish community, but there are other volunteers who simply want to support the group’s mission. This is the second year of baking for Mitzvah Matzos, a nonprofit started by Rabbi Barry Dolinger of Temple Beth Sholom in Providence, and his wife, Naomi Baine. All the profits from sales of the matzah go to fight slavery in the form of human trafficking, and to educate the community about modern-day slavery. These are shmura matzot, prepared in exactly 18 minutes from the time the water hits the flour to the moment they are pulled from the oven. Unlike what many people are accustomed to, these matzot are soft. Thicker, softer matzah is considered closer to the matzah that was baked thousands of years ago. Some also consider it Sephardic matzah.

Soft matzah also has a short shelf life. On the day these photos were taken, the team prepared more than 90 matzot, setting a new baking-day record. The matzot are baked six to a tray in two 500-degree ovens. Last year, the teams averaged 60-70 per day. This year, the average is 80. While the ingredients and methods are standard, each matzah is as unique as its baker, according to one of the bakers. This year, the matzah is available for $20 per package of three at the Mitzvah Matzos website, mitzvahmatzos.org. Pickup is in person at various buying clubs in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The matzah is certified Kosher by Lighthouse Kosher. Baking will continue for a couple of weeks, and Rabbi Dolinger said he expects the matzah to sell out.For more information and to order, visit mitzvahmatzos.org. FRAN OSTENDORF is the editor of Jewish Rhode Island.

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PHOTOS | GLENN OSMUNDSON

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HOME & GARDEN Gardening provides many more benefits than just tasty tomatoes Y L I VI

HEA

nity benefits. Community gardens help seniors feel connected and teach children valuable life lessons about nature. Also, studies of after-school gardening programs suggest that kids who garden are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables. Horticulture therapy, a professional practice that uses plants and gardening improve mental and PATRICIA to physical health, can proRASKIN vide a heightened mood, improved social skills, better memory and cognition, socialization and stress reduction. Anna Hackman, editor of Green Talk talks, refers to her garden as “my little Garden of Eden.” In an article at Forward.com, “Gardening

I DID SOME RESEARCH on the benefits of gardening, and it turns out that there are many. Gardening can improve your mood by increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine, hormones that make us feel good. Gardening can also help lower the risk of dementia. And spending even a short amount of time gardening on a regular basis can help maintain motor skills and improve endurance, strength and sensory awareness. It has also been reported that just 3040 minutes of gardening each day will lower your blood pressure. Furthermore, working side by side with others in a community garden has social, emotional and commu-

Strengthened My Jewish Awareness,” she writes, “God’s handprint on my garden is so beautiful that the garden becomes my refuge from stress. In the garden I connect with God, who gives me my daily pep talk and sends me back to the real world. Each passing year, as I continue to add plants to the garden, the triumphs more than outweigh the failures ….” She goes on to describe the taste of garden-fresh cherry tomatoes, blueberries, kale, strawberries and green beans, and she vividly describes visits from bumblebees, birds and butterflies. Hackman continues, “I am deeply honored … and deeply humbled … as I expand the garden, I connect the dots of my Judaic and environmental responsibility.

“Food is a blessing. For every flower or herb I planted, some creature benefited from its seeds or prospered due to the plant’s shelter. Every time I make a meal from my harvested vegetables, my food miles decrease and I reduce my carbon emissions in the world. Gardening organically reduces my family’s exposure to harmful pesticides and provides them with wholesome real food. “I never felt more connected to Judaism. Healing the Earth never tasted so good.” PATRICIA RASKIN, owner of Raskin Resources Productions, is a media host, coach and award-winning radio producer and business owner. She has served on the board of directors of Temple Emanu-El, in Providence.

Help protect wild birds in your yard (STATEPOINT) – YOU MAY NOT THINK ABOUT IT OFTEN, but wild birds use your lawn as a rest stop and place to call home. As you spruce up your lawn and garden, there are simple steps you can take to protect them and help them thrive. According to Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert, makers of bird-friendly products for homes, the following changes are easy to implement in order to create a safe harbor for wild birds: PLANT NATIVE SPECIES: Planting native species on your property is one of the most impactful ways you can improve your local environment, as well as make your lawn and garden a healthy habitat for wild birds. Native plant species provide birds with food and places to rest and nest. In turn, birds spread pollen and seeds, while acting as a natural pesticide. Also, gardening organically will go a long way to protecting the health and safety of feeding birds.

MAKE WINDOWS VISIBLE: Up to 1 billion birds die annually from striking windows in the U.S., according to the American Bird Conservancy. It’s relatively easy and affordable to prevent your home from being part of the problem. Special window decals that reflect ultraviolet sunlight, a wavelength of light noticeable to birds, have been proven to substantially reduce the likelihood of bird strikes. Giving the appearance of slightly frosted translucent glass but glowing like a stoplight for birds, those from WindowAlert feature a range of decorative patterns. To boost protection for birds, you can also apply a high-tech liquid called WindowAlert UV Liquid in between decals. More information, can be found by visiting windowalert.com. MONITOR CATS: Monitor your cats’ time outdoors to ensure they are not terrorizing or hunting birds. An enclosed play area for your cat is the most effective way to keep birds in

PHOTO | MIRCEAX / ISTOCK VIA GETTY IMAGES PLUS

your yard safe from your furry companion’s natural instincts. Good deeds start at home. This

season, do your part to help migrating bird populations reach their destinations safely.

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HOME & GARDEN

Temple Sinai’s biblical garden grows again CRANSTON – FOR MANY years, Temple Sinai has had a biblical garden, featuring plants, trees vegetables and flowers mentioned in the Bible. Started by Catherine Walter, the plantings were extensive and included a fig tree, grape vine, Egyptian onions, herbs and spices such as sage, marjoram and coriander. Unfortunately, Walter died several years ago and the garden lay fallow until last year when Michael Schlesinger, a new member of the congregation, took over. Reaching out for assistance to Carolyn Winter, Temple Beth-El biblical gardener, and other biblical gardeners in the United States, he has created a biblical garden which reflects the 7 species in Deuteronomy – fig, grape, pomegranate, wheat, barley, olive and honey (Mike’s neighbor is donating a beehive). Besides these plant-

ings, he has added horseradish to produce bitter herbs for Passover, and flax. This year, the grape vine produced 13.2 ounces. Using these grapes along with purchasing three boxes of Merlot grapes, he and some members of the congregation produced 70 half-bottles of red table wine and 40 half-bottles of Merlot. The seventh-grade class at the Hebrew school planted garlic and flowers in the fall and shoots of the garlic and flowers are starting to emerge. The produce from the garden will be used primarily for Torah Study breakfasts and the Kosher kitchen on Fridays. The wine is available for tasting; just say the word. For more information, call the temple at 401-942-8350 Submitted by Temple Sinai

The grape vine in Temple Sinai’s biblical garden.

3 Smart ways to boost home curb appeal (STATEPOINT) – TAKING STEPS TO BOOST curb appeal makes good sense for any homeowner. Not only does it help make a great first impression on guests and neighbors, but certain updates can actually increase your home’s resale value when it comes time to put your property on the market. To maximize the time, money and effort you expend, consider the following remodeling projects, which were all ranked highly by Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value Report:

Manufactured Stone

According to Remodeling Magazine’s findings, manufactured stone has the largest return on investment of all home remodeling projects with an average of 95.6% of the cost of the project recouped. There’s a good reason for this. High-quality manufactured stone is an eye-catching way to add beauty and elegance to interiors and exteriors. When seeking out manufactured stone products, look for long-lasting products that mimic the look of natural stone, such as those from ProVia, which combine deep shadow lines with authentic coloring to produce dramatic effects. The manufacturer has achieved an authentic look by selecting natural stones from unique geographic regions for every master mold and by using only raw pigments and oxides to attain a rich color that lasts for years. To use tools that can help you visualize stone and

grout style and color combinations, view instructional videos or learn more, visit ProVia. com/stone.

Garage Door Replacement

If you are like many homeowners, you typically enter your home through the garage. Give yourself a treat to come home to each day with a garage door replacement, which provides the second largest return on investment, according to the report. Not only does this upgrade present an opportunity to boost your home’s aesthetic appeal, it also has the potential to beef up your home security and lower energy bills. Whether you want the garage doors to make a bold statement or blend into the woodwork, there are many ways to customize, including panel design, colors, hardware fixtures and window placement.

Siding Replacement

With a return on investment of over 70%, there’s a strong case for replacing your siding with something new. Vinyl siding is an especially good choice of material for those who value easy installation, good value, durability and minimal maintenance. Many homeowners choose to even mix siding and manufactured stone on their home exterior. By selecting home exterior projects that offer the greatest return on investment, you can be sure your renovations go far beyond what meets the eye.

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OBITUARIES 27 | BUSINESS 26 | SIMCHAS & WE ARE READ 35

Unlocking the many secrets of the ‘Little Valise’ BY LEV POPLOW IMAGINE THAT YOU BOUGHT a new home for your family. Moving day comes, with all of its attendant excitement and anxiety. You bring in and set up all of your things to make this house yours. Then one day, after settling in, you decide to go up to the attic and poke around. Much to your surprise, you find things that belonged to a prior owner and have been there for who knows how long. And so begins the story of “The Little Valise,” which is now on permanent display at the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, in Providence. The small suitcase, which belonged to the Schafranik family, was discovered in a newly purchased old house on the East Side of Providence. Knowing that the former owner was a Holocaust survivor, the new homeowners donated the suitcase and its contents to the SBHEC for preservation for future generations. The SBHEC added it to its collection of artifacts and, later, using a Library Services Archive Grant, Elliott Caldwell, an archives and special collections consultant at the University of Rhode Island library, discovered that it held 300 artifacts, photographs and documents. Knowing they had something of historic value, but, because the documents were in German, not knowing how valuable, the SBHEC began the process of translating the documents to unlock the mysteries of the little valise. Holocaust survivor Alice Goldstein and former SBHEC president Judith Jameson headed up the team of volunteer translators. According to SBHEC’s Executive Director May-Ronny Zeidman, what they found “might be one of the top 10 historical archival finds in Rhode Island.” What the translation efforts yielded was the fantastic survival story of the Schafraniks. After Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, on Nov. 9-10, 1938, Heinrich and Leontine “Lola” Schafranik decided to leave Germany. They were trying to get to Rhode Island to reunite with their son, and in May of 1939, they managed to secure transport on the MS St. Louis. That ship’s journey came to be known as the “Voyage of the Damned.” Due to isolationist sentiment at the time, the St. Louis was turned away from Cuba, and the United States, and

The Little Valise is on display outside the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center. returned to Germany, where most of generations, the SBHEC secured fundthe passengers perished in the Holoing to digitize the collection. This led caust. But, what many people do not to the idea that an interactive display know is that some passengers were would be the best way to share the able to disemdocuments with bark in England. the public. Knowing that the former Heinrich and The SBHEC Lola Schafranik brought in The were among those owner was a Holocaust Digital Ark to lucky few. digitize the colUpon arrival in survivor, the new lection and build England, Heinan interactive rich was sent to a homeowners donated the museum-quality detention center display with a on the Isle of Man. suitcase and its contents to searchable dataThe time spent in base. It tells two the center took its the SBHEC for preservation stories concurtoll on him, and he rently: What was died shortly after for future generations. happening with reuniting with the Schafranik Lola. Lola was family and what able to make her way to Rhode Island, was happening at the same time in the where she lived for the rest of her life. world. In this way, the display brings In order to preserve the Schafranik history alive for those who interact Collection and share it with future with it.

After eight years of painstaking work, The Little Valise is now on permanent display at the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center for all to see and learn from. The “Secrets of the Little Valise” project was also funded through the generosity of anonymous donors and grants from the Bernhardt Foundation. The SBHEC invites everyone to stop by to view this interactive historical presentation. The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center is located at 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, inside the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and admission is free. For more information, call 401-453-7860. LEV POPLOW is a communications consultant writing on behalf of the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Center.

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MARCH 2020

In Guatemala, Rabbi Mack gets first-hand look at how human-rights advocates can make a difference BY FRAN OSTENDORF AT THE END OF JANUARY, Rabbi Sarah Mack of Temple Beth-El, in Providence, traveled to Guatemala as part of the Global Justice Fellowship run by American Jewish World Service (AJWS). There, she and 14 other Jewish leaders met with leaders of nonprofit groups working to advance human rights in Guatemala, one of the Central American countries whose residents are fleeing to seek asylum in the United States. “This journey has been eye-opening on a number of levels and reflective of our power to enact justice in the world based upon Jewish values that inspire us daily,” Rabbi Mack said in an interview upon her return. “This was a wonderful cohort of colleagues from across the Jewish world,” she said. “We learned that the Jewish vision of repairing the world expands beyond our borders. “Part of the program is to reflect on systems of inequality. That gave an extra layer of importance to immigration issues. Often, I feel like I’m not doing enough – and I don’t know what enough is.” At the end of the trip, she said she had a better understanding, through the stories of people she met, of how her voice and the voices of others can make a difference. The fellows arrived as Guatemala faced widespread condemnation for clamping down on the human rights of indigenous people and rural farmers. During a week in the country, the fellows met with advocates fighting for legal protections for human-rights activists who are at risk of violence, forensic anthropologists working to identify remains from decades of internal armed conflict, a council of indigenous elders, and an artists’ collective that uses street performance to reintegrate indigenous cultures into public spaces and help communities heal from decades of trauma. The fellows learned from local Guatemalan human-rights advocates about working to improve life in Guatemala and how American Jews and others can support this work. They were joined on the trip by AJWS Global Ambassador Ruth Messinger, and also met with top leadership at the U.S. Embassy. In addition to traveling to Guatemala, each participant in AJWS’s Global Justice Fellowship engages in six months of human-rights education and action, including training with AJWS staff in the United States. The fellows will be in Washington, D.C., March 30-April 1 to educate members of Congress and other government officials about pressing international human-rights issues. As Guatemala’s new president negotiates with President Donald Trump’s administration over its demand that Guatemala accept asylum seekers who were deported from the U.S., these fellows will play a key role in educating the public and elected officials about the importance of U.S. leadership on the global stage in standing up for human rights and ending poverty. AJWS is a U.S.-based nongovernmental organization that works to fight poverty and pursues justice in developing countries around the world. With reports from the American Jewish World Service. FRAN OSTENDORF ( fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org) is the editor of Jewish Rhode Island.

Rabbi Sarah Mack (third from left) in Antigua, Guatemala with Global Justice Fellows and AJWS Global Ambassador, Ruth Messinger (center, red top).

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Leading archaeologist coming to Temple Emanu-El to discuss ‘Uncovering the Holy Land’ BY JOHN LANDRY SACRED WRITINGS have always been central to Judaism. They’ve given us a rich and powerful tradition that has sustained us over many centuries. But as historical records, they often leave us with a fairly narrow impression of the past. Scribes and rabbis weren’t concerned with history as we know it. This is especially a problem for ancient times, when the paper trail is exceedingly thin. To fill that gap, we can turn to archaeologists. They’ve worked painstakingly with the long-buried remains at ancient sites, and have come up with some remarkable findings. One of the leading archaeologists of the ancient Jewish world is Jodi Magness, a professor at the University of North Carolina. She’s coming to Temple Emanu-El, in Providence, for its annual educational weekend, March 27-28, this year titled: “Uncovering the Holy Land: The Archaeology of Jerusalem, Masada and Huqoq.” Magness’ first talk is on Masada, on Friday, March 27, at 5:45 p.m., before sundown. She knows the ancient

fortress well, having led digs in the Roman siege works and camps, and recently published “Masada: From Jewish Revolt to Modern Myth.” She’ll talk about what archaeology adds to the account given by first-century Romano-Jewish historian Flavius Josephus in “The Jewish War.” On Shabbat afternoon, at 12:45, Magness will discuss “What Makes Jerusalem Special,” going beyond the descriptions of King David’s city in the TANAKH and elsewhere. She was a consultant on the National Geographic IMAX movie “Jerusalem,” and she’ll describe how this remote hill town became a center of religious life. On Saturday evening at 8, Magness will talk about an ongoing dig at Huqoq, a village in the Galilee. The 5th century C.E. synagogue there flourished soon after the rabbinic academies compiled the Talmud. The site includes mosaics that expand our sense of Judaism in the era between Temple-based Judaism and what we now know as Rabbinic Judaism. Along with the talks, there’s a Shabbat dinner and discussion starting at 7:30 on Friday, March 27, and a wine and

Jodi Magness dessert reception on Saturday evening at 7:45. The reception and talks are free; the dinner costs $22 per adult, $10 for children ages 3-12, or $50 per household. All events take place at Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. For more information, call 401-331-1616. Register at www. teprov.org/form/edweekend20. JOHN LANDRY lives in Providence and serves on Temple Emanu-El’s adult education committee.

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Last call for the names of Holocaust survivors in R.I. The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center and the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island are asking the public to provide the names of Holocaust survivors as they prepare for the second round of inscriptions on the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial. Both SBHEC and the Alliance are committed to ensuring that the memorial, on the Providence River Walk between the World War I and World War II memorials, represents all of the survivors who came to Rhode Island. Time is running out to gather names and this is the final notice before engraving begins. They ask that you help them by reaching out to family and friends for names of survivors who settled in Rhode Island but were not included in the first inscription. If you, or anyone you know, can help, please contact SBHEC Executive Director May-Ronny Zeidman at 401-453-7860 or may@bornsteinholocaustcenter.org. LEV POPLOW

New rabbi at Temple Habonim THE TEMPLE HABONIM Board of Trustees recently announced that Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman has been selected to serve as the Barrington congregation’s next rabbi, starting July 1. Rabbi Voss-Altman, of Providence, comes to Temple Habonim with a wealth of experience, a warm compassionate demeanor, a passion for education, and a strong history of social justice work, according to information supplied by the board. He has been a member of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island, serves on

the Board of the Rhode Island Coalition to Reduce Poverty, and has been an advocate for legislation on behalf of public health and safety, fair wages, and fair housing, among other issues. In a statement, members of the board said, “We look forward to a partnership in spirituality, in Jewish education for all ages, in social justice advocacy, and in nurturing the connection that helps define Temple Habonim. We extend a warm welcome to Rabbi Howard, his wife Annie and their three children Emilie, Judah, and Adi.”

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COMMUNITY

Speaker details ways to cope with some of the challenges of aging BY BARBARA BROWN “THE CHALLENGES and Joys of Aging: How Older Adults Can Thrive in Difficult Times” was the topic of a talk given by Prof. Deborah Carr as part of The Miriam Hospital Women’s Association’s February meeting. Carr, a sociologist and social gerontologist, is chairwoman of the Department of Sociology at Boston University. She is the author of several books, including “Worried Sick: How Stress Hurts Us and How to Bounce Back.” She has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and on ABC and NBC news. Carr noted that stress is a common problem for older adults. She highlighted some common stressors for the elderly:

• LIFE EVENTS, such as the death of a spouse, job loss, falls, health issues • CHRONIC STRAINS, such as caregiving, financial worries, marital troubles • PERSONAL NETWORK EVENTS, such as a brother’s unemployment or a friend’s illness • DAILY, OR “QUOTIDIAN,” strains, such as traffic or being on hold on the telephone. So what is stress? It is any environ-

mental, social, biological or psychological demand that requires a person to adjust his or her usual patterns of behavior, Carr said. Stress increases the risk of depression, anxiety, early death, heart disease, diabetes, abdominal adiposity (belly fat), accidents, sleeping issues and many other problems and symptoms. Stress can also reduce our sense of competence and security, and lead to unhealthy reactions such as substance abuse and sleep problems. But, fortunately, Carr said, each of us has distinct coping resources to help deal with stress. In general, she said, the most helpful strategies include active coping, use of support, positive thinking, planning and humor. The most unproductive strategies include denial, substance abuse, disengagement and self-blame. Our personality traits play a role in our reaction to stress. The good news is that as we grow older, we develop a greater capacity to regulate our emotions. Older adults report less extreme levels of both positive and negative moods, and shorter-lived mood dips when a major stressor strikes. This is due to several factors:

• THE EXPERIENCE, wisdom and equanimity that come from years of coping • ADEPTNESS at aligning expecta-

Prof. Deborah Carr tions with reality

• A GREATER TENDENCY to see the positive and minimize the negative, especially in social relationships • BIOLOGICAL AND COGNITIVE changes, including a decrease in autonomic arousal. Ageism is universal, but it can be worse for those who look old. This is frequently the case for disadvantaged

older adults, who often suffer from an earlier onset of age-related health conditions and have less means to pay for gym memberships and enhancers like hair coloring and the like. We may experience cognitive and/or behavioral changes as we age. These can be best coped with by marshalling social support, “paying it forward,” seeking professional help (especially if there are underlying mental-health issues), medications in limited circumstances, and engaging in productive and generative activity. Public and private support exists for community engagement and integration, including the Senior Corps, Meals on Wheels, co-housing and villages programs, AmeriCorps, the AARP Experience Corps, Social Security, Medicare, family leave and caregiver benefits (Rhode Island is among the states that offer a paid family leave public insurance program). Membership in The Miriam Hospital Women’s Association is open to anyone in the community. The group holds several informative programs each year, and helps raise money for The Miriam Hospital, in Providence. For more information, contact Vickie Scott at 401-793-2520 or Vickie.Scott@ lifespan.org. BARBARA BROWN is a member of The Miriam Hospital Women’s Association.

Start your day March 25 with Network Nation BUSINESS PEOPLE and professionals are invited to meet at Sprout CoWorking on Wednesday morning, March 25, for the first in a series called Network Nation, using our community connections and collective wisdom to help each other maximize opportunities. Sponsored by the Providence Kollel and the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, this will be an opportunity to network and

to learn prior to the start of the workday. The program is limited to 30 participants. Zachary Weinberger, a co-owner of Sprout CoWorking, and Stacey Kaplan, the business manager, will make a presentation about the co-working phenomenon and show participants around their Providence location. Rabbi Raphie Schochet will share some insights from Jewish tradition about business

ethics, and there will be an opportunity to socialize and network over a light breakfast. The program will take place from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. There is no cost to attend. Rabbi Schochet’s topic will be “Truth be told! – Utilizing honesty as a core value for all of our interactions.” Coworking is a business services provision model that involves individuals working independently or collabora-

tively in shared office or flexible workspace. Often, rooms are also available for regular and/or one-time business and community events. Coworking spaces are popular all across the country and a number of new spaces are opening in the Ocean State. Sprout CoWorking has locations in Providence and Warren and includes a gallery. Parking is available just outside the door and around

the buildings that make up 166 Valley St., Providence. Sprout CoWorking is located in Bldg. 6M, Suite 103, on the first floor. This will be the first of a series of such programs with area business leaders and innovators. For more information, contact Rabbi Raphie Schochet at info@providencekollel.org or Larry Katz at lkatz@jewishallianceri.org or call 401-421-4111.

Temple Shalom highlights foreign policy in new lecture series “CHINA IN THE MIDDLE EAST” is the first in a series of three foreign policy lectures at Temple Shalom in Middletown. The lecture is Sunday, March 8, at 3 p.m. and features Dr. Isaac Kardon, an assistant professor at the Naval War College’s China Maritime Studies Institute in Newport. Kardon researches, writes and teaches on China’s foreign

policy, focusing on China’s maritime disputes, the law of the sea, and PRC firms’ overseas port development. He received a Ph.D. in government from Cornell University, an M.Phil. in modern Chinese studies from Oxford University, and a B.A. in history from Dartmouth College. He studied Mandarin Chinese at Peking University, Tsing-

hua University, and Taiwan Normal University. The other two lectures are scheduled for Sunday March 29, at 3 p.m. and Sunday, May 17, at 3 p.m. ON MARCH 29, Evan Shallcross will speak on “Beyond Imperialism, Exploring the Strategic Significance of Crimea to Russian Security.” Shallcross is a lieutenant in

the U.S. Navy currently assigned to the Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport where he teaches ship driving, navigation, war gaming and other subjects. ON MAY 17, Ken Sandler will speak on “Frameworks, Actors and Factors to Explain Foreign Policy Decision Making.” Sandler is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine

Corps currently assigned as a military professor at the Naval War College where he teaches national security affairs. RSVP is preferred but not required. Contact Temple Shalom, 223 Valley Road, Middletown, by email, TempleShalomRhodeIsland@gmail. com.

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COMMUNITY | OBITUARIES Shirley Arbor, 92 PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Shirley S. Arbor passed away Feb. 6. She was the wife of the late Gerald Arbor. Born in Pawtucket, she was a daughter of the late David and Minnie (Hazen) Schuster. She is survived by her grandchildren Mitchell Arbor, Eric Arbor and his wife, Sara, Ashley Slattery and her husband, Kevin, and Austin Arbor; and sister Pearl Tippe. She was the mother of the late Neil and Paul Arbor. Contributions may be made to The Continuum Care Hospice Foundation, 5401 Old Redwood Hwy, Suite 110, Petaluma, CA 94954.

Robert Berkelhammer, 70 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Robert Bruce Berkelhammer of Providence died Feb. 16. He was the husband of Miriam (Mitzi) Berkelhammer. Bob was a native of Providence. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester and a law degree from Boston University. He practiced law in Rhode Island for 42 years, and was a partner at Chace, Ruttenberg

and Freedman. He was an avid hiker and cyclist. He loved the outdoors, was an Eagle Scout, and enjoyed years at summer camp. He instilled his love of outdoor sports in his children and spent many vacations sharing this love with his family. He was a past president of the former Jewish Family Service of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association, a member of Temple Beth-El and served on the boards of many local organizations. In addition to his wife of almost 45 years, he is survived by his children: Jessi Berkelhammer and her husband, Abraham Flaxman, of Seattle; Max Berkelhammer and his wife, E. Toba Pearlman, of Chicago; and Abby Berkelhammer and her husband, Scott Raker, of Providence. He was the grandfather of Sidney and Ida, Maya and Louisa, and Aurora. He also is survived by Larry Berkelhammer and his wife, Irma Botvin, the Honorable Robert Krause and his wife, Marjorie, and Marcia Finkelstein. Contributions may be made to Jewish Collaborative Ser-

vices of Rhode Island.

David Chernov, 89 CANTON, MASS. – Paissy David Chernov died Feb. 8 at Orchard Cove Hebrew Senior Life in Canton. He was the husband of Leah Belle (Korn) Chernov for 66 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Paul and Rose Chernov, he had previously lived in Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., and Sarasota, Florida. Dave attended Brown University and Harvard Law School. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army, and upon discharge earned a master’s degree in tax law at New York University School of Law. He was a partner in national tax at EY, formerly Ernst and Young, and retired in 1990. He was the father of Claudia Chernov and her husband, Joshua Hanft, of New York, New York, Joel Chernov and his wife, Deborah Skakel, of New York, New York, and Carrie Chernov of Jackson, Wyoming; and the grandfather of Paul, Gideon, and Eli Hanft; Allison, Liz, and Evan Chernov. He was the brother

of the late Brina Deutsch, and of Nathan Chernov of Saunderstown. Contributions may be made to Congregation Ansche Chesed, 251 West 100th St., New York, NY 10025.

Alan Goldsmith, 74 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Alan L. Goldsmith, of Providence, passed away on Feb. 16. He was born in Providence to the late Howard and Louise (Allen) Goldsmith on Feb. 16, 1946. Alan was a graduate of Bryant University and earned a master’s degree from University of Rhode Island. For more than 35 years, Alan served as a teacher, working in Rhode Island and Massachusetts schools, ultimately retiring from Central High School in Providence. Alan loved hockey. He enjoyed playing it, was an avid fan of the Rhode Island Reds and Bruins and he also served as a coach for Hope High School hockey.

Alan loved animals, especially the dogs that were his companions. Alan’s memory will be cherished by his sister Ann Bazar; his brothers Steven Goldsmith and Brian Goldsmith; nephews Todd Bazar and his wife Barbara; and Evan Goldsmith; nieces Kerri Brennan and her husband, Michael, Heather Audette, Amber Elder and her husband, Brian; great-nephew Aiden Elder; great-nieces Cecilia DeRosa, Erin Gavin, Dayna Gavin, and Savannah Audette. Alan was the brother-in-law of the late Joseph Bazar and uncle of the late Dayna Bazar. Remembrances may be made to HopeHealth Hospice, 1085 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

Diane Goodman, 63 CASA GRANDE, ARIZ. – Diane L. Goodman, late of Casa Grande, Arizona, formerly of Providence, passed away on Feb. 17. She is survived by her husband, Robert Goodman of Casa Grande, her son Steven Goodman and daughter-inlaw Megan Goodman of Casa Grande and her daughter,

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COMMUNITY | OBITUARIES Sandra Goodman of Phoenix, Arizona. She is survived by her sister, Judith Golias and brother-in-law Donald Golias of Crossville, Tennessee. She is survived by her father William Honig of Warwick and by her stepfather, Edwin Gozonsky of Providence. She will be missed by her granddaughter, Abbigail Goodman of Casa Grande, her aunt, Paula Izeman of Bristol, as well as by many family members and dear friends. Diane was predeceased by her mother, Dorothy Gozonsky, and by her grandparents, Ruth and Joseph Adelson, of Providence. Born and raised in Providence, she was a graduate of the Wheeler School and Boston University. She had been living in Casa Grande for the last 30 years, and was employed at the Arizona Training Center as a Behavioral Health manager where she was recognized as a caring and passionate advocate who devoted herself to supporting those who could not care for themselves due to their disabilities. She was known for her kind, caring nature, and will be remembered by family and friends as someone who put the needs of others before her own, who was loving and generous with her time and

attention, and who could be counted on to help those in need. Intelligent and refined, she loved music and playing the chimes, had a keen interest in fashion and made her own jewelry, which displayed her good taste and eye for color and design. She found joy in spontaneously giving unexpected gifts. Although she was a private person, she enjoyed social events, was a sensitive and thoughtful observer of life and was open to adventure and new experiences. Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Phyllis Homonoff, 94 WARWICK, R.I. – Phyllis Shirley Homonoff passed away on Feb. 7. Phyllis was the daughter of the late Maurice and Rose (Muffs) Markoff. She is survived by her brother, Edward Markoff, and his wife, Leona; Aunt Jan McKernan-Markoff; son, Marvin Homonoff, and his wife, Linda; daughter, Susan Florence, and her husband, Mark; and son, Burt Homonoff, and his wife, Robin. She is also survived by grandchildren, Matthew Homonoff, and his wife, Sophie; Heather Woodley, and her husband, RaShawn; David Homonoff and Emily Homonoff; great-grandchildren, Hailey, Lester, Xavier

and Phoenix; niece Melanie Margolies, and her husband, Mitch; and niece Marcy Markoff. She was predeceased by her husband, Harold H. Homonoff, and best friend and sister, Helene S. Markoff. Born in Providence in 1925, Phyllis lived through changing times but adapting to them was never a struggle. After attending Hope High School and Pembroke College and working at Jewish Family Services, Phyllis met her husband of 65 years, Harold H. Homonoff. Together, they founded and ran Harold’s Furniture, a fixture in Rhode Island for nearly 50 years. Their vast commitment and support to Rhode Island civic organizations, charities and causes were unending. Upon retirement, Phyllis and Harold became active in Boca Raton Fire Rescue, making a positive difference in their community and great lifelong friends. Whether known as Phyllis, Mom or Nana, Phyllis was truly beloved by everyone who knew her. You couldn’t not love Phyllis. A generous woman who was grateful for everything she had, her greatest sources of joy were her family and ice cream. Ice cream, preferably coffee, and Phyllis are synonymous – just ask anyone who knew her. With a genuine warmth and kindness, Phyllis made everyone feel loved and special. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Susan I. Kahn passed away Feb. 24 after an almost two-year battle with cancer. She was the wife of Charles (Bud) Kahn, M.D.; they were married for almost

54 years. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Sara (Cohen) Segal. Sue grew up in Lynn and Swampscott, Massachusetts, and received a BA from Boston University. She was an elementary school teacher as a young adult and then a devoted homemaker. Sue had been a president of the Parent’s Association and a member of the board at the Wheeler School. She was very active in life at Temple Emanu-El in Providence, leading a number of beautification projects, studying with the woman’s Torah study group, and contributing a number of art and religious items. She also served as a board member for the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, and the Women’s Association of The Miriam Hospital. With her husband, she volunteered four times for month-long intervals at a pediatric clinic in Eldorat, Kenya. She and Bud loved to travel and visited all seven continents. She was also a duplicate bridge player, an avid knitter and enjoyed doing needlepoint at the handicraft club. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son Maxwell Kahn and his wife, Deborah Weinswig; daughter Sheri Kahn; brother Jacob Segal; and grandchildren Ezra, Zahava and Madeleine (Maddy). Contributions may be made to Friends of Dana-Farber, Attn: Geoffrey Oxnard Research Dept., 450 Brookline Ave., SW120, Boston, MA 02215 or to Temple Emanu-El.

Lincoln Park Cemetery Grave for Sale One grave site in the new land section 61 plot 24 grave 19 The cemetery allows individual flat markers on the grave – no other headstone allowed. Price $1,100.00 with perpetual care included. Map showing exact location provided upon request. Matt: 281-330-6515 or matthewdweintstein@yahoo.com

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Maxwell Mann, 30 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Maxwell S. Mann passed away unexpectedly in late February while on a ski trip to Japan. Born in Providence, Max was a son of Judy (Samdperil) and Robert Mann. In addition to his parents, Max is survived by his brother, Zachary Mann, and his maternal grandparents, Sandra (Chaiken) and Alan Samdperil. He was a grandson of the late Leon Mann, the late Inga (Freudenberg) Mann, and the late Muriel (Hassenfeld) Mann. He leaves behind several beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends from many parts of his life. Max grew up in Providence and graduated from The Gordon School and Moses Brown School. At Moses Brown, Max played football on the defensive line throughout high school despite his small physical stature and being a Type 1 diabetic. He graduated from the University of Miami in 2012. Max spent his childhood summers in Narragansett and at Camp Takajo in Maine and learned to love skiing during winter weekends at Loon Mountain in New Hampshire. After college, Max lived in New York City for several years, working predominantly in the wine industry. During his six-year tenure at Skurnik Wines he acted as director of Reporting and Analysis and spent time as portfolio manager for the firm’s Spain, Greece and Portugal winery relationships. Max relocated to Denver in 2019 and expected to begin business school this spring. Max enjoyed his new life in Denver where he was close to his brother and cousins and a few hours away from his parents in Aspen. He enjoyed the closeness of nearby ski areas and learning to fly fish. Max loved to spend time with his friends and family, especially his brother, Zack, with whom he had a remarkably close relationship. His passions were snowboarding, emoting over everything sports especially his beloved Patriots and Bruins, going to concerts (Phish in particular), wine, and just being there for those who mattered to him. His sense of adventure led him to travel all over the world, whether it be running with the bulls in Pamplona, watching World Cup in the host country of Spain while

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COMMUNITY | OBITUARIES studying abroad, doing community service work in India and Argentina, or attending a friend’s wedding in Thailand. His family and vast array of friends will remember him most for his quick sarcastic wit, sincerity, and kind heart and taking forever to order a bottle of fine wine. Contributions may be made to the Max Mann Memorial Fund at Moses Brown School, 250 Lloyd Ave., Providence, RI 02906 or to the Mountain Rescue Aspen, 37925 HWY 82, Aspen, CO 81611 (www.mountainrescueaspen.org).

Lorraine Olstein, 98 CRANSTON, R.I. – Lorraine C. Olstein died Feb. 24 at home. She was the wife of the late Sumner Olstein. Born in East Boston, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late Benjamin and Edith (Block) Dorn, she had lived in Cranston for 45 years, previously living in Dorchester area for 33 years. Lorraine was a member of the Air Force Historical Society with her husband. She loved genealogy and wrote her five-generation family history. She was the mother of David Olstein (Patrick Madden) of Cranston and Barbara Tenenbaum (Joel) of Brockton, Massachusetts. She was the sister of the late William, Robert and Richard Dorn, Sylvia Eyges, Evelyn Orenstein and Ruth Kostlan. She was the grandmother of Beth-Lori and Seth-Adam. She was the great-grandmother of Jaden, Kya and Luke. Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd, Ste. 3004, Warwick, RI 02886.

Sanford Shaw, 78 CRANSTON, R.I. – Sanford H. Shaw died Feb. 27 at Respiratory and Rehab Center of RI. He was the husband of Ellen (Bernstein) Shaw for 29 years, and the late Brenda (Sarat) Shaw. Born in Providence, a son of the late Louis and Dorothy (Tolchinsky) Shaw, he had lived in Cranston for 29 years. He was the founder of the former Typesetters II & Printing for 12 years and owner of Pro-Type, Inc. in Warwick for 7 years, retiring in 1994. Sanford was a member of Temple EmanuEl and former member and board member of the former Temple Am David. He was

also a member of Touro Fraternal Association. He was the father of Diane Shaw of Riverside. He was the brother of Barry Shaw of Warwick. He was the grandfather of Anthony, Jason and Matthew. He was the great-grandfather of Victoria. Contributions may be made to Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, RI 02906

Joan Smith, 88 WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. – Joan Gertsacov Smith died Feb. 20 at Holy Cross Hospital, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Agnes (Garfinkle) Gertsacov and Edward Gertsacov, Joan had lived in West Palm Beach since 2005. She previously lived in Moorestown, New Jersey, and owned a private law practice until her retirement over 20 years ago. Joan graduated from Rutgers Law School. She was a former member of Temple Emanu-El, in Willingboro, New Jersey. Joan was president of the local League of Women Voters and was a strong advocate for civil rights. She cared deeply about the welfare of those with less. Joan was an avid reader and passionate gardener. Her family was the highlight of her life. She was the mother of Naomi Smith Duerr and her husband, Herb Duerr, of Reno, Nevada, Jeffrey Orleck Smith and his wife, Barbara Goldblatt Smith, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, David Garfield Smith and his wife, Pamela Gardner-Smith, of Eagleville, Pennsylvania, Andrew Harrison Smith and his wife, Maria Valencia Smith, of Coral Springs, Florida. She was the sister of Charles Cove of Weston, Florida, and the

late Alan Avram Gertsacov of Providence. She was the grandmother of Joshua, Jeremy, Lisa, Carla, Zachary, Nicole, Erica and Michelle. She was the great-grandmother of William, Elizabeth, Cole and Finn. Contributions may be made to the Joint Distribution Committee at www.jdc.org, or Doctors Without Borders at www.doctorswithoutborders. org.

Anita Solomon, 87 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Anita E. (Kestenman) Solomon passed away Feb. 20 with her three daughters by her side. She was the wife of the late Eliot Solomon. Born in Providence, she was a daughter of the late Abraham and Shirley (Cohn) Kestenman. She was a graduate of Hope High School. Following her parents, and with her husband Eliot, she had been the owner of Lloyds, one of the most popular restaurants on the East Side of Providence. Anita was a lifelong member of Temple Beth-El, an active participant in its Sisterhood and Garden Club, and a determined organizer of its kitchen. She proudly volunteered, and was later an employee, at Women & Infants Hospital. Anita’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by three daughters, Gail Solomon (Michael), Jamie Goldstein (Peter Glaude) and Judith Grant (Al); two sisters, Joan Solomon and Janet Neitlich; four grandchildren, Joshua (Nicole), Dana (Louis), Alexander (Noha), and Kady; one great-grandson, Ryder, and her beloved grand dog Oliver. Contributions may be made to Temple Beth-El.

Tina Warren, 67

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. – Albertina “Tina” Warren, a long-time resident of East Greenwich, passed away at home on Feb. 10. She was the wife of Jerald Warren for 39 years. Tina, daughter of the late Richard and Esther (Hakim) Lansberg, was born in Sarafan, Israel and moved to Boston as a young child. She graduated with a teaching degree from Framingham State College and worked as a preschool teacher for more than 13 years. She was the mother of Rachel Teti and her husband, John. She was the sister of

Sonia Lansberg of Fullerton, California, and Helene Rudowsky of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Tina, a poetry author, truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures, especially traveling and spending time with her husband and family. Tina had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. She will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all who knew her. Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

ASK THE DIRECTOR BY MICHAEL D. SMITH F.D./R.E. Shalom Memorial Chapel

QUESTION: Why do we stand for the mourner’s Kaddish? B. K., Providence Dear B.K., In traditional congregations, only the mourners stand during the Mourner’s Kaddish as a way of alerting the community to those who are grieving and perhaps are in need of an extra measure of caring. Those who are observing the Yahrzeit (anniversary) of a loved one also stand and recite the Kaddish. In most Reform congregations, the entire congregation rises as a symbol of respect to the memory of the departed, to recite Kaddish for those who have no one to say it for them, and for the victims of the Holocaust. Questions are welcomed and encouraged. Please send questions to: ShalomChapel@aol.com or by mail to Ask the Director, c/o Shalom Memorial Chapel, 1100 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920

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COMMUNITY VOICES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 different approaches. Park Avenue Synagogue services have higher “production values” and a fabulous cantor, Azi Schwartz. By comparison, BJs is like a smooth jazz concert that soothes and relaxes with a clergy ensemble that follows the traditional liturgy.

Contemporary Torah study and commentary

A simple search for “Torah podcasts” reveals more than 180 options for gathering Torah insights in one, two, five, 10 minutes or more. Torah podcasts come from diverse sources, including distinguished rabbis, scholars and every sect and movement imaginable. I listen to the following podcasts because of their application of Torah to today’s issues: The weekly podcast from Orthodox Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, the chief rabbi of the U.K. from 1991 to 2013, delivers deep insights about one or two themes from the

weekly Torah portion. Rabbi Sacks is the author of more than 30 books. He grounds his commentaries in historical Jewish thought and theology. Commenting on his podcast exclusively for Jewish Rhode Island, Rabbi Sacks said, “We have been humbled by the wonderful feedback on the podcast. Sharing Torah commentaries is a rich part of our oral tradition. The podcast makes my thoughts and reflections on the parashah available to people of all ages on the go anywhere in the world.” Ten Minutes of Torah, a podcast by Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, is a good starting point for a glimpse into the weekly Torah portion. Rabbi Jacobs’ messages focus on applying lessons of Torah to contemporary life. When Jewish Rhode Island asked about his reasons for doing the podcast, Jacobs said, “A

podcast is the perfect format terpoint program. This for telling unique, lively and every-other-week podcast inengaging stories from and terprets a biblical story from about our most sacred text, the perspectives of a Reform the Torah.” Rabbi Jacobs went Jewish author and an Orthoon to say, “Everyone can feel dox rabbi and Yeshiva head. at home in Jewish experiencExpect lively and respectful es.” conversations The Pardes about bible perfrom Jerusa- The talented team of sonalities and lem podcast the choices they rabbis and cantors made. offers more traditional Cultural enrichcontent. A dif- never disappoints ment and free ferent faculty expression and frequently member from Jews have a the Pardes rich tradition awes with amazing Institute of of storytelling, Jewish Stud- musical moments … sermonizing and ies, a Yeshiva entertaining focusing on – perfect sublifelong learning, delivers a ject matter for podcasts and scholarly interpretation of audiobooks. the Torah portion each week. Unorthodox, presented by This is the best podcast I’ve Tablet Magazine, which calls encountered for understandit “the world’s leading Jewish ing the weekly parashah. podcast,” features hosts Mark In Parsha in Progress, Oppenheimer, Liel Leibovitz Abigail Pogrebin and Rabbi and Stephanie Butnick chatDov Linzer host a point-counting about Jewish news, and an interview with a Jew and a non-Jew. Guests are sometimes provocative figures – and always entertaining. But be aware that Unorthodox is irreverent at times and the hosts are quick to unleash f-bombs. Stories We Tell is a sweet way to usher in Shabbat, with short, heartwarming stories narrated by Reform clergy from across the country. Each story delivers a meaningful, but not overly weighty, message. The content is inclusive and family-oriented. The Park Avenue Synagogue (Conservative) Weekly podcast usually consists of a recording of the previous Shabbat’s sermon by Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, but some episodes come from the congregation’s vast archives of greatest sermons, which are superb. Occasionally, episodes are lectures from notable guests or musicians. Rabbi Cosgrove’s sermons are some of the best I’ve ever had the privilege to hear. Most sermons end with a round of applause. How unusual is that? His sermons are also available online; search using his name.

Audiobooks

Saturday afternoons feel like the perfect time for listening to audiobooks. My Shabbat reading list supports my objective of separation; I gravitate toward books by Jewish authors. Some of my recent favorites include: “My Jewish Year, 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew,” by

Abigail Pogrebin. A personal and revealing examination of the holidays from living through all the rituals associated with strict observance. “Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned about Life,” by Rabbi Harold Kushner. Perhaps best known for his international bestseller, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People,” Rabbi Kushner in “Nine Essential Things” explores questions he has contemplated over five decades in the rabbinate. He seeks to answer the age-old question of what it takes to live a good life. “Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality and a Deeper Connection to Life – in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There),” by New England native Sarah Hurwitz. A former speechwriter for Michelle Obama, Hurwitz deeply investigates Judaism as an adult, finally understanding what she missed growing up.

A Jewish community without borders

Jews around the world share some of the same concerns. In the digital Jewish community, distance is not a barrier. If you enjoy “This American Life,” you will probably enjoy the Israel Story podcast, from PRX and Tablet Magazine. Hosted by Mishy Harman, Israel Story explores true stories about the lives and struggles of Israelis, regardless of faith, tradition or origin. You won’t find these people in the news, but they might leave an imprint on your consciousness and a greater appreciation for Israel’s diversity. From heartwarming to gobsmacking, profiles are marvelously crafted. Be prepared to not always recognize the Israel you thought you knew. The Jewish Views – The Jewish News is a monthly podcast with marvelous accents from across the pond, along with insights into Jewish life in the U.K., news, events, politics and opinions from the Jewish community. This podcast is a reminder that we are a community across oceans and without borders. Finally, from Melbourne, Australia, 87.8 FM J-AIR Internet Radio delivers the latest Israeli music and Jewish news from around the world. MARC RUSSMAN (marc. russman@gmail.com) is a freelance writer on topics of Jewish interest.

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Printmaking showcase at Bunny Fain Gallery THE BUNNY FAIN GALLERY at Temple Habonim is celebrating the art of printmaking with its newest show. From March 8 to April 30, the gallery will feature a number of accomplished artists who work out of the print shop at the Providence Art Club. In addition, a mural created by the religious school students of Temple Habonim, under the guidance of Seymour Glantz and Education Director David Perolman, will be on display. The print artists have created a beautiful assortment of work using varied printmaking techniques. Among the types of prints on display will be monotypes, which are created when the artist uses a combination of painting and printmaking to make a one-of-a-kind image, and collagraphs, in which prints are made from a collage. Materials, color and texture all contribute into making the collagraph unique and effective. Some of the other printing techniques involve the enhancement of additional mediums and with collage. Two instructors at the print shop who introduce new techniques to the artists are Betsy Zimmerman and Abba Cudney. The mural represents the artwork and reflections of the students from kindergarten through grade 10. Working with the concept of “love your neighbor as yourself,” the theme is about inclusivity and uses the rainbow image as a symbol of that theme. The show will have an artists’ reception on Sunday, March 22 from 1-3 p.m. The Bunny Fain Gallery at Temple Habonim is at 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Thursday from 1-4 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

“Unoccupied” Paula Most, monotype with photo transfer

“Hot, hot, hot,” Roberta Segal, monotype

“Exploration” Marjorie Ball, monotype

“Abstraction,” Jane Roberts, monotype

Authors’ brunch features Delinsky ON SUNDAY, MARCH 29, the associates of the Claire T. Carney Library at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth will host their 14th annual authors’ brunch. Among the authors scheduled to appear is romance-novel writer

Barbara Delinsky (nee Greenberg), whose books include more than 20 New York Times bestsellers. Delinsky’s latest book, “A Week at the Shore,” published by St. Martin’s Press, will be released in May. Authors Jacquleyn

Mitchard and Steven Manchester will also be in attendance. This fundraiser will take place at noon at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 151 Martine St., Fall River, Massachusetts. Tickets are $45 each, with a 10% discount when reserving

a table of eight. For more information regarding tickets and sponsorships, please contact Maria Sanguinetti at msanguinetti@ umassd.edu or 508-9915096.

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Jewish Rhode Island | jewishrhody.org

COMMUNITY

The passion of hummus: Learn about it in a film presented by the Israeli Culture Series BY LARRY KATZ I NEVER HEARD OF HUMMUS when I was growing up in Virginia. If asked, I would have thought you were talking about humus, the decaying plant and leaf litter part of dirt. Now, sales of hummus in grocery stores are approaching a billion dollars a year, and nearly a third of Americans eat the chickpea-based spread. According to news articles, hummus is so popular that it can now be found as a condiment in high-end Korean-American noodle houses, and it’s the official dip of the NFL. So now is the time for “Hummus! The Movie.” This is not a joke it’s the April 1 program in the monthly Israel Culture Series. In “Hummus! The Movie,” we meet three main characters – a hard-working Muslim woman, an ever-smiling Jew and a young Christian Arab on a restless quest for meaning. Despite their historical and cultural differences, they have one thing in common – a passionate love of hummus! The documentary also spotlights “The World’s Largest Serving of Hummus” – the fiercely fought Guinness World Record title at the center of the “Hummus war” between Lebanon and Israel. The movie also explores what a Benedictine monk and a hip-hop musician think about the geopolitical power of chickpeas. You will also discover that Israel takes hummus to new heights with eateries called hummusias, which serve only hummus and its various possible accompaniments: onions, fava beans, hard-boiled eggs, and so on. In these places, hummus is treated as an entrée, not as a dip, as seems to be common in America. You’ll also discover how a simple food can unite the entire Middle East – how mashed chickpeas and sesame-seed paste can break down barriers and borders. This film will make you hungry, so fresh-

Doctors of Music at JCC on March 22

Hummus from the movie. ly made hummus will be served at the film screening. The film begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. “Hummus! The Movie,” is presented by the Israel Desk of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. RSVP or for more information, contact Or Cohen, community shlichah (Israel emissary), at ocohen@jewishallianceri.org or 401-4214111, ext. 121. LARRY KATZ (lkatz@jewishallianceri.org) is the director of Jewish life and learning at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

JEWISH R H O DE I S L A ND

THE SANDRA BORNSTEIN Holocaust Education Center welcomes the Doctors of Music to the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center Social Hall on Sunday, March 22, at 2 p.m. for a fun, family-friendly concert in support of SBHEC’s work. The Doctors of Music – Fishel Bresler and Phil Edmonds – perform original and traditional Jewish and Irish melodies interspersed with comedy. They are known for passionate,

yet sensitive, playing. As Bresler says, “This is inspirational music. You have to play it from your kishkes (guts) and from your heart.” Tickets to the March 22 concert at the JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, are $18 in advance; $20 at the door; $15 for seniors; and free for children under 12, and may be purchased at https://www.accelevents.com/e/TheDoctorsofMusic. Lev Poplow

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MARCH 2020

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COMMUNITY

Temple Sinai to honor the voices of women with concert on March 22 BY DEBORAH JOHNSON IN A RECENT EDITION of Reform Judaism magazine, an article about the first ordained woman rabbi movingly stated: “I can’t imagine what it must have been like for Regina Jonas to choose this path [the rabbinate] in the 1930s in Berlin, having never seen anyone who looked like her on the pulpit.” For congregants, as well as clergy, it is often astonishing to realize that the phenomenon of women on the bimah is still fairly recent – especially since today, almost 65% of students at the major non-Orthodox rabbinic seminaries are women. Even in Orthodoxy, change is afoot. In 2015, Lila Kagedan was ordained at Yeshivat Maharat, a New York City seminary providing “an official path for gaining the skills, training, and certification needed to become spiritual leaders within the Modern Orthodox community.” Kagedan is no longer the only Orthodox woman rabbi – today, there are 33. On our home turf, Temple Beth Sholom, in Providence, recently contracted Avital Engelberg, another Yeshivat Maharat alumna, as director of spiritual engagement. Unlike Kagedan, Engelbert will not take the pulpit, but will assist with pastoral care and education. She has also elected to use the feminized title “rabbanit,” as opposed to Kagedan’s gender-neutral “rabbi.” No Jewish law explicitly bars women from the rabbinate. In contrast, ironically, there has been a clear prohibition against women cantors. According to biblical or rabbinic law, kol isha (the voice of a woman) is considered ervah (erotic) and men are absolutely forbidden from listening lest they be seduced into unclean thoughts. It was only in the 1970s that Barbara Ostfeld

integrated the male-only School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College, and was ordained as a cantor in 1975. “Worship will never again idle in bass clef,” she said. “Not that there’s anything wrong with bass clef, it’s just that there’s a whole world of human voice above it.” Today, one is more likely to encounter a woman cantor than a male cantor, as illustrated by a joke often repeated by female cantors: A child is visiting a new temple, where the service is being led by a male cantor. He tugs at his mother’s sleeve and says in disbelief: “Ima, boys can be cantors, too?” In fact, 60% of all American Reform cantors are women, while the Conservative movement, which ordained its first women cantors in 1987, is also increasing its numbers. March is Women’s History month, making it the perfect time to honor and remember the contributions of women thinkers, doers, scientists and artists of all types. Over the weekend of March 20-22, that is exactly what Temple Sinai, at 30 Hagen Ave., in Cranston, is doing. Our Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m. on March 20 will feature the work of women composers, sung by the cantor and community chorus, Shireinu, and on March 22 at 4 p.m., we will present “Kol Isha: Women Cantors Sing Jewish Music, Then to Now.” Presenting music from the bimah to Broadway, the concert will feature the voices of Cantors Judy Seplowin (Beth-El, Providence), Debbie Katchko-Gray (Shir Shalom, Ridgefield, Connecticut), Tami Cherdack (Kol Haverim, Glastonbury, Connecticut) and Sinai’s own Deborah Johnson. Both events are free and the public is welcome. DEBORAH JOHNSON is the cantor at Temple Sinai, in Cranston.

Judy Seplowin

Debbie Katchko-Gray

Tami Cherdack Sherman

Deborah Johnson

From Providence to Israel EACH JANUARY, Ken Schneider from Rumford, travels to Israel to volunteer on a military base as part of Volunteers for Israel, an organization that places people from all over the world at Israel Defense Forces bases. This year, a piece of Providence went with him. He carried 70 cards from students at the Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island (JCDSRI) and the Temple Emanu-El Hebrew School to distribute to soldiers at the base where he served. “Sometimes, these soldiers feel like they are on an island and nobody cares,” said Schneider.

PHOTOS | KEN SCHNEIDER

The soldiers were thrilled to receive the cards. They were especially excited to receive some of the cards that were written in Hebrew. Schneider said he saw a fellow volunteer distribute cards last year and decided to try the project himself. Next year, he hopes to return with even more cards. FRAN OSTENDORF

IDF soldiers display the cards from Providence.

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Celebrations

Jewish Rhode I slandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to al l of y our special events.

COMING IN MAY!

JEWISH RHODE ISLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Celebrations Guide Celebrations is a robust editorial and advertising resource for your wedding, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, anniversary, graduation or other festive occasion. This four-color, glossy magazine is a sophisticated showcase for your business and service. Get in on the first-ever Celebrations Guide!

TO ADVERTISE, CONTACT:

Karen Borger | 401-529-2538 Ksborger@gmail.com

Peter Zeldin | 401-421-4111 pzeldin@jewishallianceri.org

MARCH 2020

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COMMUNITY | SIMCHAS & WE ARE READ

WE ARE READ IN MOROCCO – Having said kaddish for her mother earlier during the morning service, Karen Borger (second from right) is joined at Synagogue Lazama (built in 1492) by her college roommate Ellen Wellins (far right) from Pittsburgh, college roommates (left to right) Chris Webb and Anne German of Narragansett and Marrakesh guide Noura.

‘Politics is for Power,’ author to speak at Bryant ON MARCH 26, Bryant University Hillel and Bryant University Council on Jewish Life and Culture will host a visit from Eitan D. Hersh, Ph.D., author of “Politics is for Power” and “Hacking the Electorate: How Campaigns Perceive Voters.” Hersh, a professor of political science at Tufts University, will speak on civic participation, voting rights and the relationship between election rules, strategies and voter behavior. Hersh’s lecture will be held at the Ronald K. and Kati C. Machtley Interfaith Center at the Bryant Campus, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m.; it will be followed by a book signing. The lecture is part of an ongoing commitment to a

vibrant Jewish life and culture on the Bryant campus; additional co-hosts and supporting organizations include the Bryant Honors Program, Student Alumni Association, Council for Jewish Life and Culture, and the departments of Communications, History, Social Science and Analytics. To register, please contact the Bryant events staff at ccoronad@bryant.edu or 401232-6139. The event is open to the public.

WE ARE READ IN ISRAEL – Barry, Ellen, Mitchell and Eddye Golden of East Greenwich were in Jerusalem for the new year.

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 35th ANNUAL DWARES JCC GOLF CLASSIC!

Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s

Classic

35th Annual Dwares JCC

GOLF

Monday, June 15, 2020 Ledgemont Country Club 131 Brown Avenue | Seekonk, MA

More information coming soon at jewishallianceri.org

Children learn about the world around them through the stories they hear. PJ Library sends free high-quality books to children every month bringing Jewish ideas and inspiration into homes for families to share together. Thanks to the support of donors like you, and through our partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, we are able to share the gift of PJ Library with 656 Jewish families across greater Rhode Island.

pj library

2020 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN At the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island we play many different roles for our diverse community: we nurture, partner, educate, enrich, serve, and convene. Through the generosity of donors to the Alliance Annual Campaign, we are able to enrich the lives of thousands of people locally and around the world through programs, services, and partnerships. We care for the most at-risk in our community, energize Jewish life, respond to critical needs, and inspire future generations. Together, with your support, we translate Jewish values into wide-reaching impact. To make your meaningful gift, please visit jewishallianceri.org or call 401.421.4111 ext. 165. 401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI | 401.421.4111 | jewishallianceri.org