May 4, 2018 by Jewish Rhode Island

Volume XXIV, Issue IX | www.jvhri.org Serving Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts

Mother’s Day

19 Iyar 5778 | May 4, 2018

PHOTOS | CLIFFORD CRITTENDEN OF ARLINGTON MEDIA, COURTESY OF THE LUSTIG FAMILY PHOTO | COURTESY OF MAGNOLIA PICTURES

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Filmmakers hope to inspire RBG’s millennial fans BY JOSEFIN DOLSTEN NEW YORK (JTA) – One of the first scenes in a new documentary about Ruth Bader Ginsburg features the Supreme Court associate justice, then 84, vigorously lifting weights, doing leg exercises and holding herself in a plank position. The much buzzed-about workout routine has only added to her status as a cultural icon among young progressives. Though Ginsburg joined the Supreme Court in 1993, becoming the second female justice on the high court, she attained

pop culture icon status in the last decade as her dissenting opinions made her a loud liberal voice on an increasingly right-leaning court. Fans have given Ginsburg, now 85, the nickname “Notorious R.B.G.” (a riff on the late rapper Notorious B.I.G.), memes of her have gone viral and “Saturday Night Live” has done sketches about her. “RBG” producers Julie Cohen, 54, and Betsy West, 66, decided to make a documentary about the Jewish jurist’s life for RBG FANS | 23

The caisson with the casket of Lt. Col. Jack Lustig heads to the burial site at Arlington National Cemetery on Jan. 23. Steve Lustig, center, walks with his mother Phyllis and his brothers Gary and Brian in the background.

A final goodbye

Father’s funeral has unusual twist

BY LARRY KESSLER

One of the most difficult things for an adult to do is bury a parent, but for an Attleboro man, the experience of saying a final goodbye to his father, whose service in the Army included stints in Korea and Vietnam, was both poignant and unforgettable. That’s because the funeral of Steve Lustig’s father, Jack, was the second of three held on consecutive days in January at Arlington National Cemetery: his father’s good friend and West

PHOTO | MARTY COOPER

surrounding the burials made Lustig’s experience extremely rare. Not only did the three men, who died within a month of each other last summer, ask to be buried at Arlington, but the trio – whom Lustig described as “golfing buddies” – were buried in adjoining plots. The Arlington tributes required patience from the families, as the burials had to wait until they could be scheduled. His father, Jack Lustig, died GOODBYE | 19

The Arlington experience is deeply moving and impressive BY LARRY KESSLER

Sen. Gayle Golden (D) asks Rhode Island senators to support a resolution to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day and Israel’s 70th anniversary. The resolution was introduced April 24.

Point roommate was buried on the day before and his uncle was buried on the following day. Lustig said he attended the services of both his father and his uncle. The three men, two of whom were Jewish and one Catholic, received burials with full military honors and religious rites. And, while Jewish funerals at Arlington aren’t unusual – more than 2,000 Jewish military service members have been buried there since the Civil War – the circumstances

Steve Lustig’s experience at Arlington National Cemetery, as he buried his father on the same week as his dad’s West Point roommate, and brother, were laid to rest, was a compelling, deeply moving and inspiring experience. Lustig, 57, of Attleboro, a selfdescribed “Army brat” who lived in 18 places in 16 years across the United States, agreed to elaborate on that experience for The Jewish Voice. We asked him what was going through his mind on the day of his father’s funeral, and what the experience meant to him. Here’s his response:

“I felt fairly normal from the time I drove to Arlington National Cemetery to the time I stepped off the shuttle where the Old Guard and caisson were waiting for us. “Once the Old Guard started the ceremony, I felt my mind in suspension as I could do nothing but watch in awe the soldiers and horses move in a perfectly-synchronized orchestration. All soldiers were motionless until given specific commands, all soldier motions happened in perfect unison and constant rhythm. “The soldiers were highly accomplished and well-trained. ARLINGTON | 19

Steve Lustig speaks at the graveside service for his father, Lt. Col. Jack Lustig, at Arlington National Cemetery

2 | May 4, 2018

COMMUNITY

The Jewish Voice

INSIDE Business 20-21 Calendar 10-11 Community 2, 4,7, 18-19, 25-26 D’var Torah 7 Food 13 Mother’s Day 14-17 Nation 23 Obituaries 22-23 Opinion 8-9 Seniors 24 Simchas | We Are Read 27

PHOTOS | FRAN OSTENDORF

PHDS

THIS ISSUE’S QUOTABLE QUOTE “Never be any more attached to compliments than you are to criticism.”

Yom ha-Atzmaut Fun

About 150 kids of all ages enjoyed the music of Jewish rock singer Rick Recht on Yom haAtzmaut at the Alliance’s Jewish Community Center in Providence. Before the show, there were craft activities in the lobby (right) and Israeli food for sale

in the Baxt Social Hall, where the concert took place. Recht was joined onstage by Temple Habonim’s David Perolman (top right) and Temple-Beth-El’s Cantor Judy Seplowin as well as audience members. For more photos, go to jvhri. org.

BIG MISSION FOR A REALLY BIG BIRTHDAY A REALLY

RHODE ISLAND GOES TO ISRAEL

OCTOBER 15 - 23, 2018

70 ISRAEL AT

EXPERIENCE THE HISTORY, ART, CULTURE, AND FLAVOR OF THE COUNTRY WITH YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND OTHER RHODE ISLANDERS.

Learn more at jewishallianceri.org/mission

401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI 02906 | 401.421.4111

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COMMUNITY

May 4, 2018 |

Rabbi Dolinger strives to build stronger communities, deeper connections BY SAM SERBY Barry Dolinger, rabbi and spiritual leader at Congregation Beth Sholom, hails from North Bellmore, New York. Dolinger graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in political science and then earned a degree from Fordham Law School. He was ordained at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary at Yeshiva University, in New York City, in 2011. Dolinger has been the rabbi at Beth Sholom, a Modern Orthodox synagogue on the East Side of Providence, since 2011. He is an active member of both the Rabbinical Council of America and the International Rabbinic Fellowship, and is vice president of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island. Dolinger is also a member of Rabbis Without Borders and participates in the Institute for Jewish Spirituality’s Hevraya network. Additionally, he is the head of Lighthouse Kosher, which supervises several vegetarian and vegan restaurants and chains in Providence. Together with his colleagues Rabbi Elan Babchuck and Nicole Jellinek, Rabbi Dolinger is a co-founder and instructor at Thrive RI, which strives to build stronger communities and deeper connections. Dolinger lives in Pawtucket with his wife, Naomi.

lee] that is calming, and it is a beautiful city on the water, near the northern hills.

Q: Favorite Jewish food? A: Herring in cream sauce. Q: Favorite Jewish holiday? Why? A: Passover. Because it is based in the home and not in the synagogue. I like that [Jewish families] do not get to rely on the rabbi to make a great seder. They have to do it themselves. I like that Passover involves passing on tradition, as well as how current the themes always are. You’re passing on the traditions with discussion, so it’s automatically relevant. I like that the structure of the seder involves some formal texts, giving the seder just enough structure to take off on your own – to discuss, to agree, to argue. Also, the food. I think that food is very powerful and to use food in such a strong ritual way, imbued with meaning, is such an exciting thing. Q: Favorite Jewish song? A: “Hallelujah,” by Leonard Cohen. Q: Favorite Jewish movie? A: “The Prince of Egypt.” Q: Favorite Jewish celebrity? A: Amar’e Stoudemire, a former NBA player and a member of team Hapoel Jerusalem. He has embraced a Jewish identity. Israel has become a very important place to him – he started a line of Kosher wine recently and has embraced a spiritual

Q: Favorite Israeli city to live? Why? A: Undecided. I am not a city dweller and I would much prefer to go on a hike and be in nature.

Rabbi Barry Dolinger

journey. He hasn’t let being a celebrity embarrass him out of having an inner spiritual life. Q: Favorite Israeli city to visit? Why? A: Jerusalem and Tiberias. Jerusalem – there’s something incredibly profound about seeing this place that was our capital forever, bustling and alive, as well as the mix of the ancient and the modern. For me, the thing that is particularly exciting about Jerusalem is that there are a lot of great places to pray. I like a good, inspired prayer service. Tiberias – there is something about the Kinneret [Sea of Gali-

Q: Favorite Hebrew word and why? A: Emet, the word for truth. It is special because, according to the mystics, it is comprised of the first, middle and last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. I think what is so nice about it is the surprising nature of the word. We’re used to truth being a zero-sum kind of thing, where someone is right and someone is wrong. With this word, the meaning is just the opposite. Q: Favorite Yiddish word and why? A: Schlep. I sometimes like having difficult tasks to struggle through. Q: Best part of keeping Kosher/most difficult part of keeping Kosher? A: Best part: I didn’t always keep Kosher. I decided to begin keeping Kosher sometime after my Bar Mitzvah, my family was supportive and gradually came along to doing it with me. One of my favorite parts of keeping Kosher is the sense of discipline and humility it creates. Eating is such an impor-

tant part of life, so you are always conscious of this. It also encourages us to understand where our food comes from. We live in a society that is so disconnected from the sources of our food and the consequences of consumption. Being Kosher makes you think, “Where did this food come from? Where was it made? How was it produced?” I think critical thinking about food is part of the awakening of consciousness that needs to happen in our society. The worst part of keeping Kosher is that, as a rabbi, I have a lot of theories [on] Kosher law, opinions on Kosher law, which I am very sure are absolutely correct “on the book,” but are considered controversial and not widely accepted. I write about them on my blog and I run a Kosher agency named Lighthouse Kosher. One of the worst parts is that it pushes us apart more than it brings us together. Also, because of many of the stringent rules and a lack of transparency, some people have become cynical toward Kosher, which is upsetting. Q: Favorite part of being a rabbi? A: My favorite part of being a rabbi is the work I do has direct meaning. When I wake up RABBI DOLINGER | 7

Mother's Day is May 13 Featuring salads, carving stations, entrees, sides, desserts galore and more. Reservations Required: 401-553-0400 Adults: $40 - Children: $20

Pop up Flower Shop with pick your own bouquets for just $20

Providence Marriott Downtown One Orms Street Reservations Required Complimentary Parking

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4 | May 4, 2018

The Jewish Voice

Temple Habonim Religious School, “Mural 5778”

Diversity is key to the May/June show in the Bunny Fain Gallery at Temple Habonim. Three very different creative approaches are featured. The show opens with a wine and cheese reception on Sunday, May 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. and it continue through June 28. Artist Nickerson B. Miles ex-

Karen Murtha, “A Restful Moment”

Habonim gallery features diverse show

hibits his photography and encaustics. His excellent eye captures color and form, making the viewer aware of a new perspective. His recent show at the Providence Art Club received excellent reviews. The work of Karen Murtha shows her expertise in technique, medium and style. Her

mastery of brush and paint delights the viewer. She captures the movement of her figures, their relationship to one another and a unique story is conveyed. She is also a Providence Art Club member. Mural 5778 is a creation of the religious school classes of Temple Habonim under the

guidance of Education Director David Perolman. This year’s mural represents our Religious School theme of Bal Tashchit, “Do Not Destroy.” Students collected and used bottle caps to create a tree, reminding the viewer to take care of the planet for the next generation. The Bunny Fain Gallery at

Temple Habonim is at 165 New Meadow Road in Barrington. Gallery hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and by appointment. For information, call 401-245-6536 or email gallery@templehabonim.org. Submitted by Temple Habonim

Spring Mitzvah Day involves congregants, neighbors at Temple Habonim On April 8, congregants and neighbors came together and shared in acts of tikkun olam, healing the world. More than 100 volunteers worked to maintain trails at a land preservation park, prepared meals for the homeless and cooked to raise money for textbooks being donated to South Sudan. Postcards were sent to state representatives, food was donated to a local food pantry, and congregants were educated about food insecurity. Cards were made for victims of gun violence, and bookmarks were made for nursing homes.

The learning that comes from sharing personal stories was also part of Temple Habonim’s Mitzvah Day. Alex Muller, a seventh-grader from Barrington, was part of a large group of people who listened to a presentation as newly arrived high school-age immigrants describe life in the East Bay. Alex said, “The student told us that in his old country, if his mom wasn’t home, he would just go to a neighbor’s house and stay there, even for dinner. It was hard for him when he came to Rhode Island because it was so different here. I had

never thought about that before.” “I like how Mitzvah Day is inclusive of all ages,” reports another Mitzvah Day participant. “It’s a learning experience where we can do something that is interesting and out of the ordinary,” says another. Temple Habonim’s next scheduled Mitzvah Day is Oct. 8, when the congregation will join forces with other local houses of worship for “Beyond Our Walls,” an interfaith, intergenerational volunteer experience. Submitted by Temple Habonim

Sam Weiser makes cookies to raise money for textbooks for students in Africa.

EDITOR Fran Ostendorf DESIGN & LAYOUT Leah Camara ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Chris Westerkamp cwesterkamp@jewishallianceri.org 401-421-4111, ext. 160 Karen Borger ksborger@gmail.com 401-529-2538

CONTRIBUTORS Cynthia Benjamin Seth Chitwood Stephanie Ross Sam Serby COLUMNISTS Michael Fink Rabbi James Rosenberg Daniel Stieglitz THE JEWISH VOICE (ISSN number 1539-2104, USPS #465-710) is published biweekly, except in July, when it does not publish.

PERIODICALS Postage paid at Providence, R.I. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: The Jewish Voice, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906. PUBLISHER The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, President/CEO Adam Greenman, Chair Mitzi Berkelhammer, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906. Phone: 401-421-4111 • Fax 401-331-7961

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6 |â&#x20AC;&#x201A;May 4, 2018

The Jewish Voice

ANNUAL MEETING Wednesday, June 13 | 7:00pm Dwares JCC | 401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence Board Installations: Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island Jewish Federation Foundation Alliance Realty, Inc. Presentation of Leadership Awards Reception to follow

2018 - 2019 Proposed Slate of Officers and Board Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island Chair Mitzi Berkelhammer Vice Chairs Rabbi Barry Dolinger, Governance Janet Goldman, Community Development James Pious, Philanthropy (Chair Elect) Oswald Schwartz, Jewish Life & Learning Richard Silverman, Communications Treasurer Harris Chorney Board of Directors Jason Bazarsky Adam Cable Susan Leach DeBlasio Michael Eides Donna Evans Ryan Forman Susan Odessa Froehlich, Leadership Development Marisa Garber Marc Gertsacov Richard Glucksman, Community Relations Council Robert Landau Shoshana Lew Sara Miller, Chair Appointee Cara Mitnick Vincent Mor Mara Ostro

Judy Rosenstein Cheryl Greenfeld Teverow, Chair Appointee Miriam Esther Weiner Faye Wisen Rabbi Rachel Zerin, Rabbinical Representative Honorary Directors Melvin G. Alperin Alan G. Hassenfeld Sharon Gaines, Immediate Past Chair Adam Greenman, President and CEO

2018 - 2019 Proposed Jewish Federation Foundation of Greater Rhode Island Board Sharon Gaines, Chair Robert Sherwin, Vice Chair Melvin Alperin Robin Engle H. Jack Feibelman Mark Feinstein David Hirsch Marilyn Kaplan Scott Libman Richard Licht Michael Nulman Ralph Posner Jay Rosenstein Steven Shalansky, Treasurer Mathew Shuster Herbert Stern Cheryl Greenfeld Teverow, Secretary Mindy Wachtenheim

2018 - 2019 Proposed Alliance Realty, Inc. Board Ronald C. Markoff, Chair Robert Stolzman, Vice Chair Sharon Gaines, Secretary/Treasurer Adam Greenman, President and CEO

jvhri.org D’VAR

TORAH | COMMUNITY

May 4, 2018 |

Jewish wisdom on attaining work-life balance So many of us lead very busy lives. Between work, volunteering, self-care, care of family members, nurturing friendships, and all the other things that pull us in a million directions, it can be hard to feel like we actually have time to breathe, l e t a l o n e RABBI successfu l ly RACHEL juggle these v a r i o u s ZERIN demands on our time. How, then, can we even begin to live centered and balanced lives? A few months ago, members of the Jewish group (401)j asked me to lead a “D’var in the Bar” program about Jewish perspectives on work-life balance. When they asked me, and I agreed, I had no idea what I was going to say. But, always a firm believer that the Jewish tradition contains wisdom on just about everything, I began delving into Jewish perspectives on this important subject. Of course, a few weeks later, I had enough material to teach a year-long class on this topic, but there were a few gems that I felt were especially important. And they all happen to be conFROM PAGE 3

nected to the Torah readings for the next two weeks. The first important piece of wisdom Jewish tradition has to offer is that “work-life balance” is not a helpful term. It implies that there are only two parts to our lives: “work” (which is usually portrayed as bad), and everything else (usually portrayed as good), and that these parts act in opposition to each other. Ideally, they balance each other out, but often one weighs down the other, and they certainly never mutually enhance each other. In contrast to this, Jewish tradition urges us to consider work as only one aspect of a well-balanced life, alongside our intellectual and spiritual growth, family relationships and relationship to the broader world. More importantly, we are encouraged to view work not as something that detracts from everything else, but rather as something holy that supports everything else we do. This week’s parashah, Emor, contains a verse similar to many others throughout the Torah: “For six days you shall perform your work, and the seventh day shall be a Shabbat of complete rest, a sacred occasion” (Leviticus 23:3). Often, we assume the focus of this verse (and others like it) is the

seventh day. However, the day of rest is always dependent on there being six days of work before it. Those days of work are just as important and just as holy as the day of rest. Perhaps, then, one key to attaining work-life balance is to stop thinking of work as something that needs to be balanced out by everything else, but rather to think of work as one of the many holy things we do that can add a sense of fulfillment to our lives. Second, Judaism recognizes the importance of designating certain times for certain things. Parashat Emor includes a list of the biblical holidays, prefaced by the statement: “These are the set times of the Lord, the sacred occasions that you shall designate at their set times” (Leviticus 23:4). The wording of this verse seems to underscore the importance of having set times that are dedicated to specific activities. Designated times can enable us to be more intentional with our time, and encourage living in the moment, rather than always thinking about what should be done next. Just as it can be helpful to

distinguish holidays – when we focus on God, family, tradition and gratitude – from other days of the year, so too can it be helpful for us to designate time for work, time for being with family, time for taking care of our health and wellness, and so on. This designation can be crucial to feeling that every aspect of our lives is getting the attention it deserves. The third piece of wisdom Judaism offers us when it comes to work-life balance is the importance of looking for balance at different intervals. Parashat B’har-B’khukotai, which we read next week, discusses the sh’mitah year, the year of agricultural and economic rest that took place once every seven years. These seven-year cycles were closely connected to the seven-day cycles of the week, and were also organized into seven seven-year cycles that would conclude with a communal celebration every 50 years. Why do we need all these different periods of rest? Maybe it is because we are supposed to strive for balance between work and rest in different amounts at different times. To end each and every day feeling as if you gave

the perfect amount of time and attention to each area of your life seems almost impossible. But what if our goal was to have a certain amount of balance every day, a certain amount every week, and a certain amount every year, or decade, or lifetime? That goal seems much more attainable – and much more helpful in our search for a healthy balance. Unfortunately, none of these is a magic cure that will suddenly make all worries about work-life balance disappear. However, these three lessons provide valuable insights into some of the ways that work-life balance can be achieved. May we all be able to view our work as holy, to designate time for specific activities and use that time with intentionality, and to remember that though balance may not be achieved in a given day or week, it may yet be possible to achieve over a year or a decade. And may these lessons help us all to lead lives of balance, in which we feel that each aspect of our lives receives the attention it deserves. RACHEL ZERIN is a rabbi at Temple Emanu-El, in Providence.

| RABBI DOLINGER

every day, I can make an impact in the lives of people and the community in ways that are obvious to me. Another of my favorite parts are the weekly sermons. I enjoy developing an idea, getting up there, and telling people what I think. At first, I was afraid to be honest with people and to open up, but I’m getting more comfortable in my own skin as the years go on. The opportunity to talk with people – cutting out the chatter and creating moments of meaning for large numbers of people with words – feels like painting. With words, I am trying to evoke a certain image and share the experience as we look at it together. I find that to be a holy moment. Q: Favorite Jewish memory? A: Seders with my grandparents. There’s not much I remember, but what I do remember was it being late, being tired, colored glasses and festive food on the table, and songs with family. Q: Greatest piece of advice you ever received? A: “Never be any more attached to compliments [than] you are to criticism.” From Cantor Richard Cohen and Rabbi Jonathan Slater of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, in New York City.

Q: If you could have three dinner guests, living or from history, who would they be and why? A: Thich Nhat Hanh [a Vietnamese monk]. He has written a lot of books on mindfulness, meditation and other things. I listened to some of his speeches, and when he is saying something very simple, to me it is calming, inspiring and special. There is a lot that I gain every time I listen to what he says. Rabbi Levi Yitzhak of Berditchev. I’m very interested in Hasidism, and I admire the work he did. He would be a great dinner guest because he was very colorful and lively. You want people for dinner who would make for good conversation. Emma Lazarus [poet and writer whose words are inscribed on the Statue of Liberty]. She was an incredibly active Jew whose family had fled the Spanish Inquisition. She presents a fascinating model of a woman who was a little ahead of her time, [in the] vanguard, super-educated and great with words. She served as a model for how American Jews would live in this country as part of the diaspora. SAM SERBY is a freelance writer who lives in East Greenwich. He previously worked at the Peres Center for Peace in Tel Aviv.

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OPINION

8 | May 4, 2018

A taste of what’s to come Last week, we finally had a couple of warm days. On the day this paper comes out, it’s predicted to be near 80 degrees. Today, as I write this, the heat keeps going on in my house. What is going on here? EDITOR It’s May! Our miserFRAN able March and OSTENDORF April both felt like extensions of winter. I sure hope that doesn’t continue into May, one of my favorite months, despite my allergic reaction to pollen right about this time of year. I’ve written my fair share of weather-related columns. Usually I’m writing about winter, and by the time the paper comes out, the weather has completely turned around and the column sounds a little ridiculous. Some readers have joked that my columns were responsible for that turnaround. Spring weather is particularly fickle. But we all know that good comes from the ups and downs. It is true that April showers bring May flowers. Did you look around over the past few days? The white trees are in full bloom and the pink trees are starting to pop. Daffodils are in bloom everywhere. Can the flowering shrubs be far behind? I wish I could say that days of cold drenching rain also helped my lawn, which currently is water-logged and kind of dead looking. In fact, everyone is still talking about

how chilly it’s been this spring. Children’s ball games canceled, Major League Baseball games postponed due to snow! This year proved that starting the baseball season in March is a really bad idea! So, when will we start complaining about the heat? Apparently soon, since nobody can resist whining when it comes to the weather. But I’ll take a few nice warm days before the house heats up. And I’ll get outside a bit before my allergies kick in. Here’s to some fine spring weather! And please don’t blame me if you see a few flakes of snow after this column appears. On another note, this is your final reminder to send us your pet photos. On May 25, we will feature your favorite furry friends in the pages of The Jewish Voice. This is an annual issue that readers tell us they don’t want to miss. Email your photos to editor@ jewishallianceri.org. And remember to include your name, town of residence, your pet’s name, and a phone number or email address (which will not be published) in case we have questions. Also, remember that we have just three papers remaining before our summer vacation. Hard to believe with all the chilly weather that summer is coming. But it is, and The Voice takes a vacation every year. So send in that news! We publish on May 25, June 8 and June 22. Then we’ll say “see ya” until Aug. 10. And while you’re thinking about it, we’d love to hear what you’re doing this summer, as our summer issue is June 22.

Update: 11 Tony nominations for ‘The Band’s Visit’ JTA – “The Band’s Visit,” about a troupe of Egyptian musicians that winds up in a tiny Israeli village, garnered 11 Tony nominations, including for best musical. The musical, based on a popular 2007 film of the same name directed by Israel’s Eran Kolirin, also scooped up nominations for best original score, best book of a musical, best performance by a lead actor (Tony Shalhoub) and lead actress (Katrina Lenk) in a musical, best performance by an actor in a featured role (Ari’el Stachel) and several other technical categories when the full slate was announced Tuesday.

The show has received glowing reviews since its Broadway debut last fall. Like the film it is based on, it is the story of the small human encounters that occur between Arabs and Jews when an Egyptian police brass band is forced to spend the night in a fictional backwater in the Negev desert. Composer and lyricist David Yazbek, whose mother is Jewish and father is Lebanese, said he wrote the musical to fuse his cultural backgrounds. A revival of Tony Kushner’s seminal play “Angels in America” also received 11 nominations.

OUR MISSION The mission of The Jewish Voice 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.

The Jewish Voice

‘The Jazz Singer’ existed in an either-or world But there is a brief spoken exchange between two characters, anticipating the advent of “talkies.” In addition, both the minstrel songs and “Kol Nidre” break the silence with the sound of music. Before my eyes and my ears, a new genre of movie-making was replacing the old silent movies. The story told in “The Jazz Singer” strikes a theme that remains central to the American Jewish community: the struggle between tradition and change, between wanting to preserve Jewish identity in some way and striving to become fully American. More specifically, the movie puts a spotlight on the antagonism between father and son; the authoritarian cantor, an avatar of the old ways, locks horns with his son, who sees in his singing career a path of liberation from the yoke of the past. What I find somewhat unsettling is that the movie seems to side almost entirely with Jack’s push for freedom from the reactionary forces represented by his inflexible father – a father who bitterly condemns “Jack Robin” for abandoning his old self, Jakie Rabinowitz. Before their final reconciliation – if, indeed, father and son are ever truly reconciled – what should be a difficult but healthy tension between the generations degenerates into hurtful name-calling, during which neither father nor son can hear the other. As the movie’s plot developed, I was both shocked and revolted to see Al Jolson, the cantor’s son, put on blackface. As Rogin comments in his essay, “Blackface emancipated

A striking irony in the 1927 movie “The Jazz Singer” is that Al Jolson, who plays Jakie Rabinowitz, a cantor’s son who wants to move into the world of mainstream popular music, IT SEEMS doesn’t sing jazz. Rather, TO ME Jakie becomes a star perRABBI JIM former who ROSENBERG goes by the name of Jack Robin and sings a form of minstrel music. Though the story unfolds in the so-called Jazz Age, not a single note of jazz is played or sung. In his stimulating and provocative essay, “Blackface, White Noise: The Jewish Jazz Singer Finds His Voice” (in the journal Critical Inquiry, spring 1992, University of Chicago Press), Michael Rogin writes: “ ‘The Jazz Singer’ retains its magic because, like no picture before or since, it is a liminal movie. It goes back and forth not only between sound and silence, music and intertitle, blackface and white, but also between ‘Kol Nidre’ and ‘The Robert E. Lee,’ Jew and Gentile, street and stage, male and female.” Some weeks ago I ordered “The Jazz Singer” from Netflix. Upon watching the beginning of the film, I had the satisfying feeling of witnessing cinematic history. Much of the movie is silent; written messages on “caption cards” move the narrative forward and supply almost all the dialogue.

LETTER

the jazz singer from both Jews and blacks.” I would replace the word “emancipated” with the word “abandoned.” When the cantor’s son put on blackface, he was abandoning his Jewish identity, and he was abandoning his solidarity with another minority persecuted in the America of the 1920s – the Negroes, as African-Americans were called at that time. In the paragraph following his comment on blackface, Rogin adds, “Blackface condensed two meanings … heightened authenticity and American acceptance for the (Jewish) individual, subordination for the anonymous (black) mass.” When Jack Robin’s mother sees him for the first time in blackface, as he is getting ready for a performance, she tells him, “This is not you.” When viewers of “The Jazz Singer” see Al Jolson in blackface, they are forced to ask themselves: “Who is this man?” Unlike Jack Robin, who sees his identity as either-or – either Jewish or American – I view my identity as both-and: both Jewish and American. Indeed, I celebrate the opportunity to live a hyphenated existence, shifting my emphasis as the calendar calls on me to stress one aspect of my identity or the other; on Thanksgiving I am an American Jew, and on Yom Kippur, I am a Jewish American. JAMES B. ROSENBERG is rabbi emeritus at Temple Habonim in Barrington. Contact him at rabbiemeritus@templehabonim.org.

Re: Ask the Director (April 20)

In the last issue of the Jewish Voice, a question was asked of Mr. Smith of Shalom Memorial Chapel about the process of tahara. As a member of the Rhode Island chevra kadisha (holy burial society dedicated to providing everyone who wants a Kosher Jewish burial), I would like to add to his answer. Our tradition teaches that death is the beginning of the separation of the soul from its body. The soul stays close to the body, which has housed it for the duration of its life in this world. We consider both the body and soul as holy. The

chevra kadisha works tirelessly to help the soul transition to the next world and for the body to be prepared for burial. In Jewish wisdom, the body must be returned to the ground from which it came. When preparing a person for burial we follow an ancient and holy procedure. Every person in our care is treated equally, with dignity and respect. The chevra kadisha wash and dress the deceased. Everyone is dressed in the same white linen clothing, which resembles that which the high priest wore on Yom Kippur in Temple times. Prayers and Psalms are recited throughout

the process. Finally we make sure the person in our care is transferred to the casket ready for burial, usually the next day. Since we believe the soul stays close to its body until burial we are careful to always act respectfully while in their presence. If you or your community/friends would like to know more about this beautiful and life affirming practice please do not hesitate to be in touch. Elissa Felder Providence, RI Elissafelder@aol.com

COLUMNS | LETTERS POLICY

The Jewish Voice 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 The Jewish Voice or the Alliance.

Send letters and op-eds to: The Jewish Voice, 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).

OPINION

jvhri.org

May 4, 2018 |

OPINION BY RUSSELL D. RASKIN It is wonderful to be well-liked and considered fair-minded. Fair mindedness, however, is not an excuse for refraining from espousing hard truths. Such is my take on the April 20 column by Rabbi James Rosenberg, “The boycott crowd,” which took on some of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) rhetoric lampooned by celebrated Israeli cartoonist Yaakov Kirschen. In an effort to appear impartial, the author criticizes Kirschen for lumping together objectively false claims like “Israel = Nazism” with “objectively true” claims such as “Israel occupies Palestinian lands.” However, this last claim is objectively not true. The lands and territories adjacent to Israel are at most disputed, not occupied.

Time to face hard truths

The U.S. State Department fully recognizes this objective fact. There are no Arab lands in Israel to occupy because there is no sovereign over them except Israel. No “Palestinian” sovereign has ever existed. These lands, all former territories of the defunct Ottoman Empire, were administered by Great Britain under the mandate of the League of Nations after World War I and earmarked for the re-establishment of the Jewish Homeland. Some of these lands (including Jordan) were allotted to the nascent state of the Jews under the U.N. partition plan, and all became part of Israel after defensive wars with neighboring Arab states bent on its annihilation. In light of the fact that the Jews only received 22 percent

of the original land promised in the Balfour declaration (78 percent went to create Jordan), and the Arabs still occupy numerous acknowledged Jewish holy sites (such as Hebron, Joseph’s Tomb and the Temple Mount), one could just as capably say the reverse – that Arabs occupy Jewish lands. The Jewish claim of being the indigenous population is rather obvious: Only the Jews have a continuous history of three millennia in these lands, and only the Jews pray for Jerusalem – and facing Jerusalem – three times every day. The point is, and it is worth repeating, that it is not objectively true that Israel occupies Arab lands. It is understandable why Jew and Israelhating people might employ a fake argument to make their

LETTERS Converting the tapes to a more high-tech format would be a wonderful project for the right person. What a great gift it would be to share the upgraded versions with a friend or family member, or to pass along the gift of music to a Jewish agency or facility. If you’re interested, please contact the Editor of The Jewish Voice who will put me in touch with you!

Todah Rabah! Charlotte Sheer Foxboro, MA

Re: The boycott crowd (April 20)

Rabbi Rosenberg states, “To set the record straight, J Street – the pro-Israel, pro-peace national Jewish organization to which I have belonged since its inception in November 2007 – does not currently support BDS, nor has it ever supported the BDS movement.” This statement invites analysis. What is “support”? In 2014 Prof. Alan Dershowitz wrote, “J Street invites BDS supporters and those who oppose Israel’s right to exist as the nation-state of the Jewish people to speak at its events”. It was arguably the platform provided by J Street that catapulted BDS into the national Jewish consciousness. At the time, that was explained by J Street as not “support”, but “open-mindedness.” According to many contemporary sources, including the Zionist Organization of America, J Street’s relationship with BDS was one of the key reasons the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations rejected J Street’s application for

Kirschen is quite correct to label these statements for what they are: poisonous falsehoods used by proponents of BDS to demonize Israel. Let us join with him to firmly rebuke those who espouse them, even at the expense of making us look as if we are not impartial. And let us be proactive in emphasizing Israel’s miraculous and life-affirming contributions to the world in the areas of science, medicine, technology and moral warfare. If we abdicate this responsibility, even well-intentioned people may fall prey to such falsehoods, and unwittingly allow BDS to do Israel great harm. RUSSELL D. RASKIN Esq. is a member of Rhode Island Lawyers and Judges for Israel.

OPINION

Jewish music looking for a good home!

FREE to good home: an eclectic, “old school” collection of Jewish music in cassette tape format. The two dozen titles include songs presented by Debbie Friedman, Doug Cotler, Jon Simon, Kol B’Seder (Cantor Jeff Klepper and Rabbi Danny Freelander), NFTY/ Eisner Camp collections, Israeli folk music, Jewish wedding melodies, “The Lion King” in Hebrew, Safam … and more. The case in which they’re stored goes with the music!

point. It is not as understandable why some Jews avoid, perhaps out of desire to appear impartial, condemning it. The author also condemns Kirschen’s labeling of the epithet “Jesus was a Palestinian” as cut from the same anti-Jewish cloth. But this is another hard truth that must be faced. This is not an innocent statement. It is intended to persuade Christians that Israel’s approach to the Palestinians is actually an affront to the Christian religion. Some Christian groups are ardent friends and admirers of Israel and the Jewish people. But there are other denominations that have taken an active role in promoting BDS, some with millions of followers. Do we really need yet another religion to enlist in the war against Israel?

membership in 2014. Rabbi Rosenberg also states, ”As for the statement that Jesus was a Palestinian, I have no idea what this assertion, ripped out of historical context, is supposed to mean. When Jesus was alive, he lived and taught as a Jew in what is today both the state of Israel and the West Bank. Such an observation casts a negative light on neither Israel nor its critics among the boycott crowd.” Contrariwise, the fact of the matter is that the statement in question is the foundational tenet of Replacement Theology, which has been put forth by Palestinians to suggest that Palestinians have replaced the Jews as the inheritors of Israel. This dangerous theology is also widely accepted by liberal Protestant denominations, which support the BDS movement. It is by no means a benign assertion. Howard Brown North Kingstown, RI hbrown@jamestownr.com

Reflections on Israel’s 70th anniversary

BY ALAN ELSNER

The 70th anniversary of the founding of the modern state of Israel prompts complex feelings in me – and I suspect in many of us in the Jewish community. The very fact that Israel came into being, just three years after the greatest disaster ever to befall the Jewish people, could be described as a modern miracle – and still fills me with joy. The creation of a Jewish homeland remains one of the most important and unprecedented events of modern times, the culmination of our people’s centuries of yearning for selfdetermination and security in a land of our own. There is so much that Israel has accomplished. In just the first three years of its existence, Israel absorbed over 600,000 Holocaust survivors. Many of these traumatized people arrived with virtually nothing to their names, yet most were successfully absorbed. Israel also opened its gates to hundreds of thousands of Jews fleeing Arab countries. Later, waves of immigration followed from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia and elsewhere. Even as we feel this tremen-

dous pride in and appreciation for Israel, we also feel compelled to speak out about the aspects of its current reality and its government’s current policies that we find worrisome and disturbing. The occupation of almost 3 million Palestinians in the West Bank has dragged on for more than 50 years. Palestinians live under Israeli military control, which too often crosses the line into harsh repression and sometimes brutality. A succession of Israeli leaders, including presidents and prime ministers, have been implicated in personal scandals and crimes. And Israel’s own vibrant democracy now seems under siege from a government that appears intent on stifling the free media, politicizing the independent judiciary, strictly controlling what is read and learned in schools and intimidating opposition voices and independent civil organizations. The Israeli government seems to have forgotten the very foundational Jewish commandment to welcome the stranger because we were strangers in the land of Egypt. Have we already forgotten our own history as

victims of oppression, mass deportation, victimization and genocide? How else can one explain the government’s heartless attitude toward some 40,000 African migrants targeted for mass deportation without concern for their fate? It has become clear to many of us that the administrations of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu in many ways feed off each other. Both are intent on undermining core democratic principles. Both need to be defeated. That is our challenge as US citizens and as American Jews deeply invested in the success of our Jewish homeland. On this 70th anniversary, a growing number of Israelis realize that the country we all love so much must find a way to change direction before it is too late. Israel has won war after war but all these victories will be in vain if it loses its soul. As we mark this birthday, it’s important to let ourselves celebrate. But tomorrow, we need to get back to work – because there is still so much left to do. ALAN ELSNER is special advisor to the president of J Street.

Trump declares May Jewish Heritage Month

JTA – President Donald Trump proclaimed May Jewish Heritage Month. In a statement issued Monday by the White House, Trump said that “Jewish Americans have helped guide the moral character of our nation.” President George W. Bush first proclaimed May Jewish Heritage Month in 2006, and his successors have followed suit. The statement also said: “They

have maintained a strong commitment to engage deeply in American society while also preserving their historic values and traditions. Their passion for social justice and showing kindness to strangers is rooted in the beliefs that God created all people in his image and that we all deserve dignity and peace. These beliefs have inspired Jewish Americans to build mutualsupport societies, hospitals, and

educational institutions that have enabled them and their fellow Americans to advance American society.” He added: “Through their actions, they have made the world a better place.” Trump also wrote that the “contributions of the Jewish people to American society are innumerable, strengthening our Nation and making it more prosperous.”

10 | May 4, 2018

Ongoing Alliance Kosher Senior Café. Kosher lunch and program every weekday. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Noon lunch; 1 p.m. program. $3 lunch donation from individuals 60+ or under 60 with disabilities. Neal or Elaine, 401-421-4111, ext. 107. West Bay Kosher Senior Café. Kosher lunch and program every weekday. Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. 11:15 a.m. program; noon lunch. $3 lunch donation from individuals 60+ or under 60 with disabilities. Steve, 401743-0009. Duplicate Bridge. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Mondays noon-2 p.m.: 0-20 masterpoint game. For less-experienced players. $5 per day. Mondays and Wednesdays noon-3 p.m.: Open stratified game for experienced players at all levels. $7 per day. Tuesdays and Fridays 11 a.m.-2 p.m: Open stratified game for players at all levels. $7 per day. Thursdays 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Guided play. Beginners and those seeking to hone skills play under the guidance of nationally known instructor Bart Buffington. $6 per day. Information, Bart Buffington at abarton295@ aol.com or 401-390-9244.

Friday | May 4 Temple Beth-El Family Shabbat Dinner and Service. 6 p.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Shabbat dinner followed by 7 p.m. service led by pre-K-Grade 1 and Grades 8-12 for teacher appreciation. Kabbalat Shabbat Service. 7:30-9 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Service followed by Oneg. Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600.

Saturday | May 5 Classic Shabbat Service and Bat Mitzvah. 9 a.m.-noon. Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Service and Bat Mitzvah followed by Kiddush luncheon. Information, stephanie@ toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600. Children’s Shabbat Program and Jr. Kiddush Club. 9:30-11:15 a.m. Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. Weekly program for children. Activities include prayer, parashah, play time and a special Kiddush. Three age groups: Tots, Pre-K thru 1st grade and 2nd grade and up. Located in Kids Room, Social Hall and Chapel on the lower level. Information, office@ bethsholom-ri.org.

Sunday | May 6 Torah Sprouts. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Children ages 3-5 sing songs, hear stories, create arts and crafts, and enjoy snacks. A parent must attend. Cost: $10. Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600. Religious School Graduation. 10 a.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Information, Temple BethEl office at 401-331-6070. Hadassah – A Cause for Applause. 2-4:30 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. A showing of “Funny Girl.” Event is in memory of Dr. Merry Drench. Money raised benefits the Leslie and Michael Gaffin Molecular Neuro-Oncology Lab at Hadassah Hospital. Cost: $36. Information, Sue Mayes at sue_mayes@cox.net

CALENDAR or 401-463-3636. Ice Cream and Climb with Kollel/Project Shoresh. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Rock Spot Climbing, 100 Higginson Ave., Lincoln. Get ready for Shavuot with holidaythemed climbing games, make your own ice cream sundae, and activities for the whole family. Parents are encouraged to climb, socialize and discuss the connection between ice cream and the holiday. Cost: $12 per person | $36 family max. Specify food allergies or needs. Information, Noach Karp at rnoachkarp@gmail.com or 401-4298244. Judah Touro Lecture Series: Esther. 4-5 p.m. Touro Synagogue, 72 Touro St., Newport. Salve Regina University Professor Dr. Emily Colbert Cairns explores the story of Queen Esther as a heroine for Jews during the the Spanish Inquisition. Cost: $8. Ticket may be used later to tour Touro Synagogue and Loeb Visitors Center. Information, Meryle Cawley at tours@tourosynagogue.org or 401-847-4794, ext. 207. Happy 70th Anniversary, Israel! Let’s Sing the Songs of Our People. 7 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Concert and singalong with Shir Emanu-El and HaZamir Providence, featuring Iraqi Cantor George Mordecai and Professor Hankus Netsky. Desert reception follows. Cost: $15 in advance | $20 at the door. Information, Cantor Brian Mayer at bjmayer@teprov.org or 401-331-1616.

Monday | May 7 Monday Night Meditation. 7:45-8:30 p.m. Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. Classic and modern Jewish meditation techniques for all levels. Future date: 5/14. Free. Advance registration required. Information, rabbi@bethsholom-ri.org.

Tuesday | May 8 Health Fair. 9 a.m.-noon. The Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence, 3 Shalom Drive, Warwick. Annual event. Information, Susan Adler at susana@tamariskri.org or 401-7320037, ext. 104. Yoga. 6-7 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Cost: $30 for 3 sessions paid in advance; $12 per session at the door. Bring a mat. Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600. Art Workshop: Mosaics. 7-9 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Learn basic mosaic techniques and create a set of coasters. Ages: 16+. Price: $20 | Members: $15. Information, Shannon Kochanek at skochanek@ jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 178. The Biblical Creation Stories: Jewish and Catholic Interpretations. 7:30-9 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Jews and Catholics through the centuries have derived similar and different lessons from the stories of creation in the Hebrew Bible. Discussions led by Rabbi Wayne M. Franklin of Temple Emanu-El and Professor Arthur Urbano of Providence College. Cost: $36 for adults | $25 for seniors and students. Upcoming dates: 5/15, 5/22. Register at teprov.org/ institute or 401-331-1616. Tuesday Night Talmud. 7:45-8:30 p.m. Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. Study the 4th Chapter

The Jewish Voice of Berachot, “The Timing of Prayer,” with Rabbi Barry Dolinger. Free. Future date: 5/15. Information, office@ bethsholom-ri.org.

Wednesday | May 9 Interfaith Poverty Conference. 7:45 a.m.12:30 p.m. Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Ave., Providence. Learn about poverty issues in Rhode Island and how to make a difference. Keynote speaker is Rev. Traci Blackmon, executive minister of Justice & Local Church Ministries for The United Church of Christ and senior pastor of Christ The King United Church of Christ in Florissant, Missouri. Four workshops: Housing is a Human Right, Caring for our Children, Race and Poverty, and Fair Pay/Equal Pay. Breakfast served from 8-8:30 a.m. Reduced rate for groups of 3+. Tiered ticket pricing based on economic need. Sponsored by Helen Hudson Foundation, Neighborhood Health Plan of RI and the RI Foundation. Information, Victoria Strang at riinterfaithcoalition@gmail.com or 401-421-4111, ext. 161. Game Night: Mah Jongg, Canasta and Table Tennis. 7-9 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Free. Information, stephanie@ toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600. “Bridging the Gap” with Rabbi Raphie. 8-8:45 p.m. Kollel Center for Jewish Studies, 450 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Explore the development and refinement of personality through the eyes of the Mussar movement. Text is “Bridging the Gap.” Free. Thru 1/30/19. Information, rabbiraphie@gmail.com or 401-383-2786.

Thursday | May 10 Delve Deeper: A Program of Intensive Jewish Study. 7-9 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, Bohnen Vestry, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Last class of third semester: “The Rabbis and Their Legacy: An Introduction to Rabbinic Judaism” with Professor Michael Satlow. Registration is required, Information, including a link to register, at teprov.org/institute/ delvedeeper.

Friday | May 11 K’Tantan. 5:30 p.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Celebrate Shabbat and holidays with children ages newborn to 5. Everyone gathers for singing and community dinner. Funded by The Frances & David Friedman Family Fund. Information, Temple Beth-El office at 401-331-6070. Friday Night Live Celebrates Israel. 6-9 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Friday Night Live followed by dinner. Cost: Adults and children over 12 $20 | 12 years & younger free | Family max. $60. Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600. Sisterhood Shabbat. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. Members of the Temple Sinai Sisterhood lead services. Information, dottie@templesinairi.org or 401-9428350.

Saturday | May 12 Taste of Shabbat. 9-11 a.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. 9 a.m. Torah discussion and 9:45 a.m. service followed by light Kiddush. Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600.

Children’s Shabbat Program and Jr. Kiddush Club. 9:30-11:15 a.m. Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. Weekly program for children. Activities include prayer, parashah, play time and a special Kiddush. Three age groups: Tots, Pre-K thru 1st grade and 2nd grade and up. Located in Kids Room, Social Hall and Chapel on the lower level. Information, office@ bethsholom-ri.org. Kids’ Night Out: Harry Potter. Ages 5-12: 5-10 p.m. Ages 2-5: 5-8:30 p.m. (extended times available). Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Themed activities include sports, crafts, swimming and more. Pizza dinner and snacks served. For ages 2-5, make sure to send your child with PJs as each evening ends with a movie. Price: $35 | Members: $25 | Siblings: $15. Information and registration for ages 2-5, Erin Barry at ebarry@jewishalliance.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 130. Information and registration for ages 5-12, Shannon Kochanek at skochanek@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 147. Lindenbaum Person of the Year Award Presentation. 7 p.m. Silverstein Meeting Hall, Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Mel Blake receives Brotherhood Award. 5:45 p.m. minyan, 6 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner. Cost: $40 per person, Brotherhood members & guests | $45 per person. Information, Temple Beth-El office at 401-331-6070. Youth Group End of Year Party. 7-10 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Snacks, games and karaoke. Free.Information or to RSVP, Torat Yisrael office at 401-885-6600.

Monday | May 14 Monday Night Meditation. 7:45-8:30 p.m. Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. Classic and modern Jewish meditation techniques for all levels. Free. Advance registration required. Information, rabbi@ bethsholom-ri.org.

Tuesday | May 15 5th Grade Graduation. 10 a.m. Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island, 85 Taft Ave., Providence. Information, nstein@jcdsri.com or 401-751-2470. Shavuot Celebration. 4-6 p.m. Wright’s Dairy Farm, 200 Woonsocket Hill Road, North Smithfield. It is customary to eat dairy during Shavuot. Learn about where dairy products come from and explore a real working dairy farm. Outdoor event, dress appropriately and wear shoes that may get dirty. Bring a picnic dinner or purchase goodies in the bakery, and join the group at the picnic tables to hear PJ Library stories about Shavuot. Space limited; Registration required. Information or to register, mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org or at 401-421-4111, ext. 178. Yoga. 6-7 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Cost: $30 for 3 sessions paid in advance; $12 per session at the door. Bring a mat. Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600. The Biblical Creation Stories: Jewish and Catholic Interpretations. 7:30-9 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Jews and Catholics through the centuries have derived similar and different lessons from the stories of creation in the Hebrew Bible. Discussions led by Rabbi Wayne M. Franklin of Temple Emanu-El and

Professor Arthur Urbano of Providence College. Cost: $36 for adults | $25 for seniors and students. Upcoming date: 5/22. Register at teprov.org/institute or 401-331-1616. Tuesday Night Talmud. 7:45-8:30 p.m. Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. Study the 4th Chapter of Berachot, “The Timing of Prayer,” with Rabbi Barry Dolinger. Free. Last in a series. Information, office@ bethsholom-ri.org.

Wednesday | May 16 “The Last Laugh” Film Screening and “Talkback.” 7-9 p.m. Woodman Center, Moses Brown School, 250 Lloyd Ave., Providence. Hosted by Moses Brown School in partnership with Temple Torat Yisrael of East Greenwich. See story on page 18. Screening followed by a video Q-&-A with the director and award-winning cinematographer Ferne Pearlstein. Free. Information, Moses Brown School office at 401-831-7350. Game Night: Mah Jongg, Canasta and Table Tennis. 7-9 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Free. Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600. “Bridging the Gap” with Rabbi Raphie. 8-8:45 p.m. Kollel Center for Jewish Studies, 450 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Explore the development and refinement of personality through the eyes of the Mussar movement. Text is “Bridging the Gap.” Free. Thru 1/30/19. Information, rabbiraphie@gmail.com or 401-383-2786.

Friday | May 18 Shababa Friday/PJ Library Story Time. 10-11 a.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Welcome Shabbat with singing, dancing, jumping and celebrating as a community. Children ages 5 and under and their caregivers listen to music, gather for stories, play games, create a craft, eat a snack and make new friends. All are welcome. Free. Information or to RSVP, Dayna Bailen at dbailen@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 108. T.G.I.F. – Thank G-D It’s Friday. 5:45-7 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Shabbat songs and story with Rabbi Aaron Philmus followed by a free kid-friendly Shabbat dinner. Donations welcome. Information or to RSVP, Torat Yisrael at 401-8856600.

Saturday | May 19 Classic Shabbat Service. 9-11 a.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Shabbat service followed by Kiddush luncheon. Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600. Children’s Shabbat Program and Jr. Kiddush Club. 9:30-11:15 a.m. Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. Weekly program for children. Activities include prayer, parashah, play time and a special Kiddush. Three age groups: Tots, Pre-K thru 1st grade and 2nd grade and up. Located in Kids Room, Social Hall and Chapel on the lower level. Information, office@ bethsholom-ri.org. Temple Beth-El Confirmation. 6 p.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Information, Temple BethEl office at 401-331-6070. CALENDAR | 11

CALENDAR

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Friday | May 25

CALENDAR

Sunday | May 20 Shavuot and Yizkor Service. 9 a.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600. Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center Art and Writing Contest Awards. 5-6:30 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Recognition of winners of contest. Information, MayRonny Zeidman at May@BornsteinHolocaustCenter.org or 401-453-7860.

Tuesday | May 22 Women’s Alliance Rosh Hodesh “Jewish Meditation.” Noon-1:15 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Featuring Rabbi Barry Dolinger of Congregation Beth Sholom. Cost: $10 (includes lunch). Information or to register (by May 15), Danielle Germanowski at dgermanowski@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 109. Yoga. 6-7 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Cost: $30 for 3 sessions paid in advance; $12 per session at the door. Bring a mat. Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600. The Biblical Creation Stories: Jewish and Catholic Interpretations. 7:30-9 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Jews and Catholics through the centuries have derived similar and different lessons from the stories of creation in the Hebrew Bible. Discussions led by Rabbi Wayne M. Franklin of Temple Emanu-El and

Professor Arthur Urbano of Providence College. Cost: $36 for adults | $25 for seniors and students. Register at www. teprov.org/institute or 401-331-1616.

Wednesday | May 23 163rd Rosalea E. and Newton B. Cohn Annual Meeting. 7 p.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Celebration honoring Cantor Judy Seplowin as she celebrates her chai (18th) year as cantor. Vocal selections from the Beth-El professional and volunteer choirs, and instrumental music played by the Hallelu musicians. Information, Ruby Shalansky at 401-331-6070 or rshalansky@temple-beth-el.org. Game Night: Mah Jongg, Canasta and Table Tennis. 7-9 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Free. Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600. “Bridging the Gap” with Rabbi Raphie. 8-8:45 p.m. Kollel Center for Jewish Studies, 450 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Explore the development and refinement of personality through the eyes of the Mussar movement. Text is “Bridging the Gap.” Free. Thru 1/30/19. Information, rabbiraphie@gmail.com or 401-383-2786.

Thursday | May 24 JCDSRI Zimriyah. 6-8 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Jewish Community Day School of RI students hold their annual Hebrew songfest. Information, nstein@jcdsri.com or 401751-2470.

Highlights of what we offer: • Functional-Style Classes including TRX, Kettlebells, Battle Ropes & Medicine Balls • Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy • Certified Personal Trainers • Indoor Heated Pool • Group Ex • Indoor Cycling • Basketball Gymnasium • Sports Leagues • Pilates Mat Classes • Cardio Machines • Free-weight Area • Teen Fitness Certification • Fit Forever Classes for Seniors • TigerSharks Swim Club and much more!

Special Visitors Day. 8:30-11 a.m. Jewish Community Day School of RI, 85 Taft Ave., Providence. Grandparents and special visitors have breakfast and spend time with children and teachers in their classrooms participating in hands-on activities and seeing student work. Information, awalter@jcdsri.com or 401-751-2470. Kabbalat Shabbat Service. 7:30-9 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road,

East Greenwich. Kabbalat Shabbat service followed by an Oneg. Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600.

Saturday | May 26 Taste of Shabbat. 9-11 a.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. 9 a.m. Torah discussion and 9:45 a.m. Service followed by light Kiddush. Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600.

May 4, 2018 |

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The Jewish Voice

jvhri.org

FOOD

May 4, 2018 |

Mother’s Day brunch for our favorite moms BY SUSAN ADLER RECIPES BY DEB BLAZER

other’s Day elicits such special memories for many of us. Reminders of the woman who helped to shape us. A woman who can be described by innumerable adjectives – strong, wise, gentle, firm, supportive, truthful – and who is as protective as a lioness with love that has no boundaries. There is a Jewish proverb that says “God could not be ev-

erywhere so he created mothers.” Whether yours was a chef, homemaker, business executive or all of the above, we can all agree with this proverb that depicts endless and tireless maternal responsibility. At Tamarisk we are so fortunate to be surrounded by our “resident moms.” They watch over staff and fellow residents with the same care and concern as they do with their own family. Our annual Mother’s Day Brunch is the event we set aside

to honor these accomplished and compassionate women. We are inspired by them every day, and it is indeed our honor and our pleasure to care for them. Following, you will find recipes that we include in our brunch. We hope you enjoy them. If you would like any information about Tamarisk or would like to join us for lunch or dinner, please contact Susan Adler, director of marketing and outreach at 401-732-0037 or Susana@tamariskri.org

Blintz Souffle Ingredients

4 eggs 1 1/2 cups sour cream 1/4 cup orange juice 1/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 stick butter, melted Milk (if mixture is too thick) 2 packages frozen blintzes

Directions

Mix together eggs, sour cream, orange juice, sugar, vanilla and melted butter. Add a little milk if mixture seems too thick. In a single layer, place two packages of frozen blintzes in 9 X 13-inch pan. Pour the egg mixture over the blintzes and bakeat 350 degrees for 1 hour. Serves 10-12 people.

Blintz Souffle

Simple Scones

Makes 12-16

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut up 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2/3 cup milk

Directions

Put flour, salt and baking powder into a large bowl and stir to mix well. Add butter,

rub with your fingers until the mixture looks like fine crumbs. Add sugar, toss to mix. Add milk and stir with a wooden spoon until dough starts to come together. Place on floured counter and knead gently until it forms a ball. Roll out to 1 1/2 inches thick. Cut out with whatever shape you desire. Place on a greased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake in preheated 425 degree oven for about 12 minutes.

A delightful assortment of bagels is also included in the Mother’s Day brunch.

This Cheese Souffle can’t be beat Ingredients

1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup milk 1 1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese 4 egg whites, room temperature 1/2 teaspoon cream or tartar 4 egg yolks

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. MIX flour and salt in medium saucepan; gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Reduce heat to low. Add cheese; stir until melted. Remove from heat. Beat egg whites and cream of

tartar in mixer bowl with whisk attachment on high speed to stiff peaks but not dry, just until whites no longer slip when bowl is tilted. Stir egg yolks into reserved sauce until blended. Gently but thoroughly fold yolk mixture into whites until no streaks of white remain. Carefully pour into ungreased 1-1/2 to 2-quart soufflé dish. Bake in 350 degree F oven until soufflé is puffy, delicately browned and shakes slightly when oven rack is moved gently back and forth, 30 to 40 minutes. Serve immediately. Follow the age-old rule – the soufflé doesn’t wait for the guests, the guests wait for the

soufflé. Be ready to whisk the soufflé to the table as soon as it’s out of the oven. Serve the savory soufflé by gently breaking the top crust into portions with two forks held back-to-back. Then lightly spoon soufflé onto plates, including some center and some crust in each serving. Recipe from the American Egg Board (incredibleegg.org)

MOTHER’S DAY

14 | May 4, 2018

The Jewish Voice

A Mother’s Day tribute to my grandmother I had a special relationship with my paternal grandmother, and her loving and nurturing nature stays with me tod a y. I s t i l l h a v e f o n d memories of watching her make teiglach every Rosh Hashanah PATRICIA – which my RASKIN family then devou red. I also remember my nana making gefilte fish by hand, using a fish grinder. In my book “Pathfinding,” I wrote, “One of my most memorable moments as a child was listening to my grandmother tell Russian folk tales as we sat nestled on the bed. I vividly remember her story about a poor, hungry woman who knocked on the door of a stranger’s home to ask for a piece of bread and some water. When she was turned away, the person who refused to offer her food was plagued with frogs or snakes which jumped out of his mouth whenever he tried to speak. However, if the poor woman

had been welcomed by the host when she knocked on his door, gold and pearls would come out of the host’s mouth whenever he spoke. “My grandmother’s message was clear: Perform kind deeds whenever you can. Be loving and kindhearted. Treat people kindly so you will be treated kindly. Speak pearls of wisdom. Respect people. Be compassionate because the pattern of the human race goes from individual to family to group to community to city to state to nation to the world. What is passed from one is passed to all. What is done to one affects everyone. I cherish the times I spent at her side soaking up the stories and heritage she passed on to me.” In the article “Jewish Mother’s Day,” at Chabad.org, Yitzchak Ginsburgh writes: “The mother defines and guards the uniqueness of the Jewish people, both physically and spiritually: physically, because one’s nationality as a Jew passes through one’s mother; and, spiritually, because the culture, atmosphere, and nature of being Jewish are nurtured by the Jewish mother.”

BY MARCIA SLOBIN

Esther Raskin Here’s to all the mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers, right back to our roots with our matriarch Rachel, who paved the way for all of us. PATRICIA RASKIN, president of Raskin Resources Productions Inc., is an awardwinning radio producer and Rhode Island business owner. She is the host of “The Patricia Raskin” show, a radio and podcast coach, and a board member of Temple Emanu-El, in Providence.

Join us for Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 13 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. OPENING TIMES Lunch Wed-Sun Dinner Mon-Thurs Fri-Sat Sunday Sunday Brunch

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In honor of Mother’s Day, I would like to remember my mom, Ada R. Slobin. My mother is deceased as of 2005. Mother’s Day for the last 13 years has been both a sad day and a spiritual day for me. I remember my mom as a mentor in my life and a woman of valor. When I was growing up, my dad worked a 16hour day. My mom would stay up until 1 a.m. waiting for my dad to come home. Then she would get up at 6 a.m. to drive me to high school. I remember when I was little, my mom cooking dinner for her parents, who came every Sunday from Everett, Massachusetts, to see their three grandchildren. My mother was very frugal. She never bought anything new for herself. Mom wanted us kids to have everything we possibly could. Mom was vibrant, outgoing, dedicated, active in our school, and motivated to live life on life’s terms. My mother never complained. She had health problems and fought them like a trooper. Mom was my rock. In 1988, Mom was diagnosed with kidney cancer and had her kidney removed. Due to her struggles with multiple sclerosis, her good kidney did not kick in and Mom had to go on kidney dialysis. She went three times a week for approximately three to four hours at a time. Mom fought several infections and several hospitalizations. She went to dialysis for over eight years; Mom wanted to see her grandchildren and children grow up. Mother’s Day is a day when I like to honor my mother’s memory and all her mitzvot. Since her passing, I try to help other women in my life. For example, I visit a cousin in a nursing home and play cards with her when I can. On Mother’s Day, my new tradition is to go to the cemetery, although this is very difficult for me. Peach roses were Mom’s favorite flowers, so I put peach roses on her grave. My mother taught me to do charity work Today I am proud to say that I am the chairperson of the Caring

Community of Temple Torat Yisrael. We visit elders in our community who are homebound and/or in assisted living communities. We bring them companionship and special programs celebrating Jewish life-cycle events. Joy is very important in life. No one should be lonely or alone. We all need some kind of companionship for our sanity. If your mom is still alive, love her even if she has faults. You only have one mom. I wish I had my mom longer – she was my best friend. While I took care of my mom, we became closer. She shared her feelings and fears with me. Mom went so far as to ask me to take care of my dad if anything happened to her. I took care of my dad proudly, although it was not always easy. Some days I miss my mom so much that I break down. Other days I think of the fun things we did, like taking Mom to see Tony Bennett at the Warwick Musical Theatre or going for a long ride so she could get out of the house for a few hours. Thanks to Mom, I have learned to take life on life’s terms. I have learned to forgive people who wronged me. Life is short, and none of us know how many days we have to enjoy. I have learned to be positive after watching Mom struggle with her health. I thank Mom for the lessons I have learned in life. I thank her for being a role model for me. Today, if Mom were alive, she’d see that two of her grandchildren are now married, with children of their own. Mom would really enjoy her two young great-grandchildren. Mom would be proud of her children and grandchildren. We all made our way, thanks to her and my dad. Although we do not choose our mother, I feel blessed to have my mom as my mother. I will never forget her or her legacy. MARCIA SLOBIN is a board member of Temple Torat Yisrael, in East Greenwich, and works at Pace, in Providence, as a life enrichment assistant.

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MOTHER’S DAY

jvhri.org

May 4, 2018 |

Think out of the box when it comes to Mother’s Day gifts for seniors BY NAOMI FINK COTRONE Every year on Mother’s Day, I’m struck by how difficult it is to find a fresh approach to a holiday that I’ve been celebrating annually since I was old enough to glue macaroni to a piece of construction paper. And the challenge only grows if you’re shopping for a senior and want to honor decades of motherhood while presenting something that will delight her today. I know from my experience arranging in-home care for a loved one how complicated the dynamics can be between aging mothers and their adult children. Which is why, as Mother’s Day approaches, I’ve put some thought into new ideas that will charm your aging mom. But it’s up to you to remember to choose – or write – a thoughtful card! Bragging rights: If your mom is quick on the draw with photos of the grandkids, look no further than an embossed personalized leather keychain envelope with a metal-printed photo inside. It’s a snazzy and functional keepsake she’ll be delighted with every time she reaches into her purse. etsy. com/ca/shop/CreateGiftLove ($37). Peace of mind: If your mom gets agita from managing that pile of bills every month, skip the flowers and instead sign her up with a company that will handle this dreaded task. Silver Bills is a secure service geared towards seniors that “relieves the burden of paying bills” by handing all payments and paperwork. They scrutinize each bill to ensure its accuracy, and provide one neat summary at the end of every month. A

Bragging rights one-year subscription to this snappy service is a great way to say “Mom, it’s my turn to make your life easier and better.” visit silverbills.com Ladies’ lunch: The Senior Cafe at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, in Providence, hosts a lovely Mother’s Day lunch every year, even handing out flowers to moms. So if you and your mom would like to skip cooking a holiday meal in favor of dining out among friendly faces, plan your day around it. But remember, reservations are required at least two days in advance. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Neal or Elaine at 401-421-4111. Go green: If your mother has a green thumb – or she aspires to one – she’ll love this self-watering herb garden. Suitable for either planted or cut herbs, it’ll be the perfect addition to her windowsill. Houzz.com, Cole & Mason Planter ($23).

Go green chic marble magnifying glass. Reading the mail never looked so good. Wayfair.com, Emily Quinn Fraga Marble Magnifying Glass ($47). The game is on: Whatever your mom’s game of choice is – mah jong? canasta? bridge? dominoes? – splurge on a deluxe version … and a promise to play. And if she’s feeling generous, too, maybe she’ll even let you win! ofakind.com, Hitchcock Domino Set ($68). The heat: For those suffering from arthritis or other health conditions, heat can be incredibly soothing. What’s cozier than snuggling up on the couch with a pair of warm mittens while you watch TV? This pair is one-size-fits-all, washable, and specifically designed to soothe aches and warm up extremities

The heat that are cold due to blood pressure medications. Go ahead and make your mom comfortable – because that old adage “cold hands, warm heart” doesn’t mean anything anyhow. Amazon.com, Warmables ($32). Dine like a king: Rhode Island native Joan Nathan’s newest cookbook, “King Solomon’s Table,” stays true to her ethos of no-nonsense instructions, foolproof recipes and relatable storytelling. The book is as gorgeous as it is functional, and whether or not your mother likes to cook, chances are she’ll love flipping through its pages and tabbing favorites to talk about. If you’re feeling ambitious, pick a recipe to cook together. Or pick several. Not feeling it? Watch “Julie & Julia” together for inspiration! Amazon.com ($23). NAOMI

FINK

COTRONE

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16 | May 4, 2018

MOTHER’S DAY

The Jewish Voice

All the Mom tears I’ve cried, and where and why I cried them BY JORDANA HORN (Kveller via JTA) – I’m going to start with a confession: I am generally not a crier. I am a yeller whose operatic yawp can be heard for suburban blocks However, parenthood has made me a crier. And by crying, I don’t necessarily mean with tears, even though that’s the most popular variety. When I say “crying,” I mean that feeling of your face crumpling up into unnatural shapes as you let down your proverbial hair. I mean when you feel that your emotions are collapsing one after the other, like a row of dominoes. I mean the sense that even though you are standing up, you have wrapped yourself up in a ball, wanting to find someone’s arms around you who can tell you with 100 percent, absolute certainty that Everything Is Going To Be OK. But, alas, no one can really ever tell you that Everything Is Going To Be OK. So that’s why I prefer a different platitude: It’s All Right To Cry. And I’m not alone in my belief: There have been a spate of recent pieces

about how its OK to cry at work. I’d like to up the ante and say, as a parent, it’s also OK to cry at life. It’s OK to acknowledge that being a parent has entirely redefined your sense of self and the world. It’s very much all right to say that even though it may seem like you have your act together, there are moments – however frequent or infrequent – when you really, really do not. I realize that crying makes us vulnerable. But I think it’s important. We cry – and cry in public – because it makes us more empathetic, more understanding and more human. As Rosey Grier famously sang on the “Free To Be You And Me” soundtrack: “It’s all right to cry – it might make you feel better.” With that in mind, here’s a non-exhaustive list of the times and places I’ve shed tears since becoming a mom. 1. In my kitchen. I am not such a great cook, so the kitchen has been the scene of many disasters (and at least two visits from firefighters). But the time

I allude to here is when my first son was not even 4 months old and I was in the kitchen “nook” of my 575-square-foot New York City apartment at 2:45 in the morning. I had just put the baby down. I was breastfeeding relentlessly because I had no idea what I was doing, and I assumed that anytime he cried he was probably hungry because, of course, I hadn’t talked to a lactation anyone, and of course I was convinced that I wasn’t producing enough milk, even though my kid weighed like 18 pounds. And did I mention I was feeding him all the time? So I was crying as I stood in my kitchen, staring at an old potholder. I was thinking about stabbing the potholder with a knife and whether that would make me feel better, or whether I was just supposed to accept that my life had now become nothing more than endlessly feeding a never-satisfied kid. Then he started crying again, so we went off to cry together. 2. In the supermarket. We moved to the suburbs when I was pregnant with my second

kid. It was winter, and I didn’t have friends, so I made constant trips to the supermarket. I cried as I put food in the cart because I was wondering why the reality of being married with a kid was so different from what I had imagined it would look like. As I perused the selection of frozen organic peas, I began to suspect that the reason it was so different from what I imagined was because I married the wrong person (years later, after I married the right person, I can now confirm this was the case). I bought endless groceries hoping I could make a dinner that would make us happy. (It didn’t work – see above.) 3. In the parking lot. Bringing us to the present day, this is a very convenient place to cry because you can stress out about almost anything – tuition, grades, how your child is losing friends because they’re doing drugs and he isn’t – all while you are waiting to schlep the kid. It is so efficient and convenient! It’s easy to make this a part of your routine – especially if you have a suburban teenager, in which case you may simply be crying over the fact that you’ve become less “firsttier confidant” and more “unpaid Uber driver.” Bonus: Your kids will likely not even notice you’ve been crying because they will be consumed by their own New Problems Of The Day. So easy. 4. In the ER. (This also includes On The Way To The ER, In The Waiting Room Of The ER, and finally/hopefully, On The Way Home From The ER.) These tears come from a sense of terror and helplessness that this child – the most important person in the world – is hurt or sick and you do not have the superpowers to heal them. You are desperate and scared, and it’s particularly challenging because this is supposed to be Invisible Crying, so as to not let the kid know how upset

you are at seeing blood all over her face/how pale he looks/how hard it is for him to breathe. Sidewalk crying: My sidewalk crying mostly consists of tears of rage. These are usually prompted by straw-that-brokethe-camel’s-back moments, like when the older sibling gratuitously drops the younger kid’s lollipop down a sewer grate. Or when, after walking through at least 10 blocks worth of wind and snow, you look down and realize your stroller passenger is only wearing one shoe. Or that moment when the 96th person in a single hour tells you, “Your baby should be wearing a hat.” 6. In the bathroom. Many varieties here. There’s the cathartic Shower Cry, where your self-pity echoes off the grungy tiles. There is the Take Deep Breaths And Collect Yourself Before You Go Back Out There To Screaming Children Cry. And, of course, there is the ultimate release of the Toilet Cry, where you marvel that, even here, you are multitasking. 7. In front of hundreds of people. These are tears of happiness, as this cry occurs at a graduation, a Bar or Bat mitzvah, a wedding or a performance. This generally means that you are overcome by how much you love the kid up on the stage or bimah – but it’s messy, nonetheless. JORDANA HORN is a contributing editor to Kveller. She has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, the Forward and Tablet. She has appeared as a parenting expert on the “Today” show and “Fox and Friends.” Kveller is a thriving community of women and parents who convene online to share, celebrate and commiserate their experiences of raising kids through a Jewish lens. Visit Kveller.com.

A tribute to a quiet hero – my mémé Barbara Pierce Bush, our beloved former first lady, passed away last month. Like millions of other people, I was riveted by her funeral. The solemnity, regal tone and endearing stories moved me to tears. Her SUSAN n e a r e s t a n d BAZAR dearest spoke lovingly about a strong, enviable marriage of 73 years and her role as mother, granny and enforcer. They spoke of her keen wit, passion for literacy and strength of character. The funeral struck me deeply as I remembered my own mom and the likenesses between her and Barbara Bush. My mom was the matriarch of our family. She led by example and, in her dignified way, saw life through a prism of what was just and fair. Her deep passion for family permeated every facet of her being. Family gatherings were my parents’ signature event. Mom valued education and moral fortitude, and lived life with grace. As an only child, she embraced raising a family of four, and she reveled in her roles as a stay-at-home mom and later as a mémé. Along the way, she was a passionate vol-

unteer for many organizations and enjoyed an enviable roster of hobbies. Along with my dad, Mom supported us through life’s twists and turns. Their steadfast commitment to honoring family resonated above all else. It was the glue and magic in both good and trying times. And their example fostered a close bond between their children, which continues to this day. As Jeb Bush stated, his mother was “the enforcer” of family rules, such as stand up straight, look people in the eye, shake hands firmly. Over the years, he said, those rules became habits for the Bush children. Jeb Bush went on to call his mother’s style of parenting “a benevolent dictatorship.” Our mom had a lot of rules too. Mom was forthright about living life ethically and with a moral compass. She stood for goodness and kindness. With each passing day and perhaps most particularly on Mother’s Day, my family is grateful to my mom – a daughter, a wife, a mother, a mémé, a friend, an enforcer, a quiet hero. With each passing year, we understand and appreciate her rich legacy more fully. SUSAN BAZAR (sbazar@jsari.org) is executive director of the Jewish Seniors Agency of Rhode Island.

May 4, 2018 |

MOTHER’S DAY

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18 | May 4, 2018

COMMUNITY

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The Jewish Voice

The director of ‘The Last Laugh’ speaks about the Holocaust and humor BY DAVID WASSER On May 16, the Moses Brown School and Temple Torat Yisrael will host a free screening of the 2016 documentary “The Last Laugh,” directed by Ferne Pearlstein. The film, which premiered nationally on PBS’s “Independent Lens” in April 2017, poses a provocative question: “Are we allowed to joke about the Holocaust?” I recently spoke with Pearlstein about the film and what it contributes to Holocaust education. Q: What led you to this project? A: In 1990, I was working for a newspaper that sent me to a conference in Miami aimed at rehabilitating that city’s image as a center for drug trafficking. It was the year Miami’s Holocaust memorial opened, and a few weeks after the publication of Art Spiegelman’s “Maus” as a graphic novel. A friend and I took a tour of the memorial, and our guide was a survivor. In the course of our conversations, I asked what she thought of “Maus.” She got upset and told us “You cannot tell this story through the funny pages! There was nothing funny about the Holocaust!” We politely told her that we didn’t think “Maus” was funny at all, except in the darkest sense, that it just used the comic form to tell a very poignant story. But our guide wasn’t moved. She was understandably furious at the whole idea. The moment stuck with us, and my friend went on to write his Ph.D. thesis on the question. His paper was titled, “The Last Laugh: Humor and the Holocaust.” A few years later, while I was in the midst of my studies at Stanford, he handed me the paper and said, “Make this into a film.” Q: How hard was it to recruit people for the film? A: When we first started sending out our funding proposal, we got a lot of feedback like, “Fantastic idea! Let us know if someone else says ‘yes’ first.” No one wanted to be the first to sign on. It was pretty much the same story trying to find people to do the film. Every comedian said, “Great idea! If you get someone to do it, call me.” Finally, we went to our agent and asked if he had any connections with the comedians we had been trying to enlist. He called back saying, “Rob Reiner will do it a week from Wednesday.” That opened so many doors! [Reiner] spans three generations, and had so many connections. That started things moving.

Ferne Pearlstein. Q: How did you find Renee Firestone [the survivor whose personal story is one of the three intertwined threads of the film]? A: I knew I needed some noncomedians for the film, and one of the people I contacted was a child of survivors who had written a book called, “My Parents Went Through the Holocaust, and All I Got Was This Lousy TShirt.” I told her I needed a survivor who thought it was OK to laugh, and one who didn’t. I also wanted to tap into this whole dark humor among the children of survivors that no one really knows or talks about. She said, “I have the perfect motherdaughter pair for you.” When I met Renee and her daughter, Klara, I knew I had my film! Q: In what way does “The Last Laugh” contribute to Holocaust education? A: We’ve found that young people love the film. A lot of students who are otherwise a little disconnected from the topic appreciate coming at it from a different angle. They end up learning about it almost accidentally as they watch the film. I’ve been to Jewish schools where the students thanked me for giving them a portrayal of the Holocaust that is not overwhelming. There are very serious moments in the film, but something about the humor allows young people to open up and take it in. Q: What has been the reaction to your film among survivors? A: Well, Renee, who was initially a bit taken aback by the concept, talks about the fact that the film shows that people were still human, even in the horror of the camps. She says, “If you’re human, you laugh at something if it’s funny, no matter the circumstances.” Humor, and wanting to hold on to what is good in life, is what helped her survive the camps. The free screening of “The Last Laugh” takes place on May 16 at 7 p.m at the Woodman Center at the Moses Brown School, 250 Lloyd Ave., Providence. DAVID WASSER is a technology teacher and technology integration specialist at the Moses Brown School. He is a member of Temple Torat Yisrael, in East Greenwich.

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GOODBYE Aug. 25 at 82; his dad’s roommate, Walter “Walt” Rabe, died July 23 at 83; and his uncle, Shelly Lustig, died Aug. 30 at 86. “All three were victims of diseases associated with Agent Orange,” Lustig said. “It’s just so unusual that the three were so close in life and all died so close to each other that they landed in the burial queue sequentially,” Lustig, 57, said. “Here are three guys who knew each other very well, but they also got to be buried next to each other,” he said. “Not only did they get buried on consecutive days, but they got assigned consecutive spaces.” The burial locations were particularly fitting for Jack Lustig and Walt Rabe, who as West Point roommates for 3½ years were always there for each other. “They both had a great sense of humor,” said Lustig’s widow, Phyllis, who lives in Springfield, Virginia. Steve Lustig said that all three veterans made it clear that they wanted to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Their wishes were finally fulfilled from Jan. 22 to Jan. 24, as follows: • His father’s roommate and friend, Walt Rabe, a Catholic,

was buried Jan. 22. A priest officiated at the service and he received full Catholic rites, according to his widow, Jan, who lives in Fairfax County, Virginia. Rabe, a colonel in the Air Force, was a fighter pilot from 1967-68, during the Vietnam War, and an Air Force Academy instructor from 1969-72, teaching aeronautical engineering, Jan Rabe said. He also found himself training in Florida during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, his daughter Kimberly Rabe said. He subsequently worked in Washington, D.C., retiring in 1984. While working in D.C., he was assigned to the Pentagon, where he reunited with his West Point roommate, Phyllis Lustig said. • Jack Lustig, a lieutenant colonel who served in Korea and in Vietnam, was buried Jan. 23. He graduated from West Point in 1957. He served from 1967-68 in Korea, Steve Lustig said, and he commanded what Lustig described as the largest surfaceair missile battalion worldwide. He was also involved with the Pueblo incident in 1968, when North Korea captured the American environmental research ship the USS Pueblo on Jan. 23, 1968. His father later served in Vietnam from 1970-71. His son said his father “found

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ARLINGTON I was very impressed. I felt every move was calculated and perfectly executed to express respect for my dad, the flag and the Army. Even though I knew the Old Guard had performed this ceremony countless times and the same for every soldier of every rank, I felt this was done specifically to honor and thank my dad and his family. “The memorial was a very formal military ceremony, the soldiers’ faces remained intensely solemn and respectful, yet they were taking care of us and my father. The experience felt so much like my childhood. Ever since I could remember, the Army took care of my father and family. Only now I felt like this was closing a long life chapter.” We also asked Lustig to discuss the logistics of the burials. Here’s his description of the day, Tuesday, Jan. 23, that his father, 82, was buried at Arlington. (His father’s West Point roommate, Walter “Walt” Rabe, 83, was buried the day before and his uncle, Shelly Lustig, 86, was buried the next day.) “The memorials were held on consecutive days with identical, precise schedules on each of the three days. My immediate family and I arrived at the administration building at 9:30 a.m., spent some time greeting family and friends until 10 a.m., boarded a large shuttle bus to form a procession with the hearse and the cars of our family and friends, drove to meet the Old Guard and caisson (and) gathered near the hearse and caisson. “There were four main parts to the memorial service: the Old Guard transferred the casket to the caisson, we formed a cavalcade to the gravesite, we

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May 4, 2018 |

The classmates of Lt. Col. Jack Lustig from the West Point Class of 1957 sing the West Point alma mater near the end of the funeral service. it too painful ever to visit the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.” While stationed at the Pentagon, “he was instrumental in the research and development of what is now known as the Patriot missile system,” Lustig said. “He was fortunate to retire from the Army well before 9/11 as his Pentagon office was hit by the plane,” Steve Lustig said. Rabbi David Kalender of the Lustigs’ hometown conservative synagogue in Fairfax, Va.,

held a graveside service, and we experienced the firing party and ‘Taps.’ “The cavalcade included dozens of the Old Guard soldiers marching to a single drum, the caisson with the rider-less horses, and the family and friends who followed behind. Once we all arrived at the gravesite, Rabbi David Kalender and Rabbi Evan Ravski led a traditional Jewish service. My two brothers and I spoke briefly about our father, his dedication to our country and our family memories. “I remember remarking how fortunate we have been to experience my father’s life in the Army, how grateful I am to the Army, and that he is resting at Arlington in sight of the Pentagon where he worked, and beside both his close friend on one side and his brother on the other. My final words remarked that I was so very proud of him. “At the end of the religious service, my immediate family members were allowed to cover the casket symbolically (with dirt). The Army provided a metal pail of dirt and a hand shovel. We took turns sprinkling the casket top. The rabbi closed the religious service, and the Old Guard executed the 21-gun salute (three rounds fired by each of seven soldiers) and the playing of ‘Taps.’ “During the entire service, eight soldiers of the Old Guard held the American flag over the grave; finally they ceremoniously folded the flag into a tightly wrapped triangle. The soldier who presented the flag knelt where my mom was sitting, looked her straight in the eyes, and expressed the gratitude of the president and the country for my father’s service. “A member of the Army Arlington Ladies also gave condolences to my mom. As the last Old Guard soldier saluted my father and marched away, my father’s

Temple Olam Tikvah, officiated at the funeral, along with that synagogue’s assistant rabbi, Evan Ravski. • Lustig’s uncle Shelly was buried Jan. 24 in a service led by a Jewish chaplain. He served in the Air Force in Turkey, Germany, England and Vietnam, and was promoted to brigadier general (1 star) before going to Germany, Lustig said. “It was a very special relationship,” Jan Rabe said of the two roommates, adding she and Phyllis remain close.

The widows’ friendship is both heartfelt and genuine. “We put stones on Walt’s (grave), too,” she said, referring to the Jewish graveside custom. And, Phyllis, Shelly’s widow, Marjorie, and Jan honor each other’s religions, Jan said. “I pray my Catholic prayers over all three, and they pray their Jewish prayers over all three,” Jan said. “We all love each other.” LARRY KESSLER is a freelance writer who can be reached at lkessler1@comcast.net.

As is the custom at Jewish funerals, dirt is sprinkled on the casket of Lt. Col. Jack Lustig during his funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery. 1957 West Point classmates sang the West Point alma mater. We left the gravesite and convened at a brunch held at Spate Hall in Fort Myer, Arlington, Va. “My father’s gravesite is 574 in section 8A. It’s on the southern end of Arlington National Cemetery near the intersection of Eisenhower Drive and Patton Drive, where you can easily see the U.S. Air Force Memorial, the Pentagon, the Washington Monument, and rolling hills of soldier graves.” Lustig is the oldest of three brothers; Gary, the middle one, and Brian, the youngest, live in northern Virginia and Seattle, respectively. He’s an associate professor of chemical engineering at Northeastern University in Boston and moved to Attleboro last

July with his wife, Nancy, a doctor at the Women’s Medicine Collaborative in Providence. They’ve been married 25 years and the now- empty-nesters have two daughters, Shoshanna and Rebecca. Before moving to Attleboro, they lived in Landenberg, Pa., which is outside of Philadelphia, and worked in Delaware.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

For more about Old Guard: www. oldguard.mdw.army.mil/specialty-platoons/caisson For more about the Arlington Ladies: www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/ About-Funerals/Arlington-Ladies To view more photos, check out the Lustig family website made available by Arlington Media at http://my.anc. media/2H1GWvS.

Turn to page 23 for related stories including facts about Arlington National Cemetery and the Jewish War Veterans, Department of Rhode Island. For more photos related to these stories, go to jvhri.org/goodbye.

20 | May 4, 2018

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You can receive Social Security benefits while still working If you’re thinking about working as long as possible to increase your retirement s a v i n g s , you may be wondering whether you can receive Social Security retirement BARBARA benefits while KENERSON you’re still employed. The answer is yes. But depending on your age, earnings from work may affect the amount of your benefits. If you begin taking your benefits when you are younger than full retirement age, and you make more than the an-

nual earnings limit ($17,040 in 2018), part of your benefits will be withheld, reducing the amount you receive from Social Security. If you’re under full retirement age for the entire year, $1 is deducted from your benefits for every $2 you earn above the annual limit. In the year you reach full retirement age, $1 is deducted from your benefits for every $3 you earn above a different limit ($45,360 in 2018). Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, your benefits won’t be reduced, no matter how much you earn. Earnings that count toward these limits are wages from a job or net earnings from selfemployment. Pensions, an-

nuities, investment income, interest and veterans or other government benefits do not count. Employee contributions to a pension or a retirement plan do count if the amount is included in your gross wages. The Social Security Administration (SSA) may begin to withhold the required amount, up to your whole monthly benefit, as soon as it determines that you are on track to surpass the annual limit. However, even if your benefits are reduced, you’ll receive a higher monthly benefit at full retirement age, because the SSA will recalculate your benefits and give you credit for any earnings withheld earlier. So the effect that working has

on your benefits is only temporary, and your earnings may actually increase your benefits later. These are just the basics, and other rules may apply. The Retirement Earnings Test Calculator, available at the Social Security website, ssa.gov, can help you estimate how earnings before full retirement age might affect your benefits. BARBARA KENERSON is first vice president/Investments at Janney Montgomery Scott LLC and can be reached at BarbaraKenerson.com.

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OBITUARIES

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The Jewish Voice

Michael Getler

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Michael Getler died March 15 from complications of cancer. Michael honorably served as a US Naval Officer from 1956 to 1960. From 1961 to 1970 he was a reporter and editor of specialized magazines. He joined the Washington Post in 1970. Michael was a journalist and editor at the Washington Post until 1996. He was the executive editor at the International Herald Tribune from 1996 to 2000 in Paris, France. From 2000 to 2005 he was the ombudsman at the Washington Post. From 2005 to 2017 he became the first ombudsman for PBS. From 2008 to 2014, he was also an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Graduate Studies. Michael is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra Getler, of Washington, D.C. (the former Sandra Curhan of Irving Ave, Providence); his two children, Belinda Getler of San Francisco, California and Warren Getler of Washington, D.C.; grandchildren Amanda, Marshall, Max, and Miles and sister, Mae Maidman of Boca Raton, Florida.

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EAST GREENWICH, R.I. – Mildred Heimannn died April 18. She was the wife of the late Hans Heimann. She was born in Providence, a daughter of the late Harry and Emma (Schnur) Bromberg. She was a lifelong resident of Rhode Island. She was a foster grandparent at Child, Inc. and enjoyed reading. Mildred is survived by her daughter Rienette Wasserman; grandchildren Adam Wasserman, Lindsay Omin, and Tori Verow; and great-grandchildren Sadie, Austin, Charlotte, Sophie and Avery. She was predeceased by her first husband, William Kopel and her sister, Shirley Sherman. Contributions in her memory may be made to the St. Elizabeth’s Home, 1 St. Elizabeth Way, East Greenwich, RI 02818.

Carol Idlis, 84

CRANSTON, R.I. – Carol A. Idlis died April 21 at St. Elizabeth Home. She was the wife of the late George Idlis for 50 years and best friend of Marshall I. Silverman, of Worcester, Massachusetts. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late Bennett and Frances (Berkowitz) Siegal, she had lived in Cranston for 48 years, previously living in Massachusetts. She taught preschool at the Cranston YMCA for almost 30 years. Carol was a life member of Hadassah and Jewish Healthcare of Worcester. She was the mother of Michael Idlis of Jupiter, Florida, Bonnie Arky and her husband, Steve, of Acton, Massachusetts, and Amy Misbin and her husband, Barry, of Cranston. She was the sister of Sylvia Kahn of Midlothian, Virginia, and grandmother of Ben and his wife, Zehava, Matthew and his wife, Kelly, Jesse, Aaron, and Sophie. She was the great-grandmother of Mendel. Contributions in her memory may be made to Spondylitis Association of America, 16360 Roscoe Blvd. Suite 100, Van Nuys, California, 91406 or the charity of your choice.

Sloan Myles Jaffa, 44

CRANSTON, R.I. – Sloan Myles Jaffa died April 20 at Rhode Island Hospital. Born in Providence, a son of Farrel Jaffa and Linda Diacumski, he was a lifelong resident of Cranston. Sloan was a graduate of Cranston East High School, Class of ‘91, where he was a soccer star. He worked as an automotive sales manager for 15 years, most recently at Speedcraft Acura in Warwick. Sloan rescued dogs and had an affinity for all animals. He was the brother of Raquel Jaffa-Kumes and her husband Thomas, of Cranston. He was the uncle of Tatum and Dylan Kumes. He was the nephew of

Robert and Lesley Haberman of New York. He was the cousin of Keith, Howard, Harley, Ally, Jack and Charlotte. Contributions in his memory may be made to Cranston Animal Shelter, 920 Phenix Ave., Cranston, RI.

Harriett M. Koslow, 94

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Harriett M. Koslow died April 20 at Village at Waterman Lake. She was the wife of the late Harold Koslow for 70 years. Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Israel and Bessie (Millman) Wiesel, she had lived in Greenville for 5 years, previously living in Cranston, for more than 60 years. Harriett was a life member and former president of Hadassah and a member of the League of Women Voters. She was a graduate of Hope High School, and attended Boston University. She loved mah-jongg and bridge. She was the mother of Franklin Koslow and his wife, Kathleen, of Foster and Linda Gershon and her husband, Dr. Michael Gershon of Warwick. She was the sister of the late Harold Wiesel. She was the grandmother of Jonathan (Melissa) Gershon, David (Lisa) Gershon, Jesse (Meghan) Koslow, and Evan Koslow. She was the great-grandmother of Mia, Ava, Josh and Jake. Contributions in her memory may be made to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main St., Providence, R.I. 02904.

Carole Olshansky, 76

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Carole S. Olshansky, 76, passed away April 25. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Sally (Davis) Olshansky. She lived most of her life on the East Side of Providence. She attended Hope High School and the Community College of Rhode Island Nursing Program. OBITUARIES | 23

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FROM PAGE 22

| OBITUARIES

Carole was a member of Temple Beth-El’s Sisterhood and a library board member and volunteer. She was a founder and chairwoman of the Greater Providence Epilepsy Association Inc., where she received the National Epilepsy Achievement Award for outstanding community leadership. She also received the Rhode Island State Woman of the Year Award for Top Woman in Social and Civic Affairs for Volunteerism. She was a Red Grey Lady and Miriam Hospital volunteer. She taught arts and crafts at the Jewish Community Center and was a former camp counselor at Camp Centerland. She is survived by her nephew Capt. Victor Shane Olshansky and his wife, Orit; great-niece April Olshansky; great-nephew Alex Olshansky; and her sisterin-law Myra Olshansky. She was the sister of the late Irwin Olshanksy and Sondra Olshansky. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Library

FROM PAGE 1

RBG FANS that very reason, they told JTA in a phone interview earlier this month. “We felt that Justice Ginsburg had a lot of fans, many younger millennial fans, and many of them really didn’t know her extraordinary story and the role she played in winning rights for women,” West said. The film, which opens Friday [May 4] in theaters, shows both the Brooklyn native’s professional accomplishments and provides insight into her personal life, such as her twiceweekly workout. Shooting that scene presented its challenges, Cohen said. “There is all this equipment around, and there are mirrors all around,” she recalled. “Really for the logistics of the shoot it probably would have been better for us not to be in the room, but there was no way that Betsy and I were going to miss being in that room.” The New York-based pair had filmed Ginsburg previously – West for a project called MAKERS that spotlighted important American women, and Cohen for “The Sturgeon Queens,” a documentary about the iconic New York deli Russ and Daughters, a favorite of Ginsburg’s. Still, Ginsburg was not sold on the idea. “Her initial answer essentially was not yes,” Cohen said. But they persevered and came back to Ginsburg with a plan of action detailing who they would interview for the film. A few months later she agreed to do an interview – in two years. In 2016, with the participation

Fund of Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence, RI 02906; Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence, RI 02906; The Highlands on the East Side, 101 Highland Ave., Providence, RI 02906; the American Diabetes Association, 260 Cochituate Road, #200, Framingham, MA 01701; the Mental Health Association of RI, 345 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI 02906; or the charity of your choice.

Elaine Robin, 92

HARTFORD, CONN. – Elaine (Mark) Robin of Bloomfield, Connecticut, died at Hartford Hospital on April 19. E l a i n e was born and raised in New York City, graduating from the High School of Music & Art and Hunter College, where she majored in Home Economics. At age 20, she married William Robin with whom she lived in of CNN Films and Storyville Films, Cohen and West started interviewing friends, relatives and others who know her, including former President Bill Clinton, who nominated her to the Supreme Court, and feminist icon Gloria Steinem. The documentary chronicles Ginsburg’s journey to the Supreme Court, from enrolling in Harvard Law School in 1956 – one of only nine women in a class of over 500 – to not being able to get a job at a New York law firm due to her gender. It shows how she became a trailblazer in the fight for women’s equality as co-founder of the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union, arguing cases to end gender discrimination, including six in front of the Supreme Court. Interspersed with her career milestones are interviews that shed light on other aspects of her life. “Our main goal in the film was trying to connect elements of her personal life with elements of her career life,” Cohen said. The film does not focus on Ginsburg’s Jewish background, though it does not shy away from it. It includes the story of Ginsburg’s Odessa-born grandfather, who faced anti-Semitism in his native Ukraine, and features her granddaughter, Clara Spera, explaining the meaning of “bubbe,” the Yiddish term for grandmother. Judaism “seems to be an undercurrent in her life, [but it’s] something that we didn’t deal with overtly” in the film, West said. Cohen said that one challenge facing the filmmakers was getting Ginsburg to open up.

OBITUARIES | NATION

May 4, 2018 |

Providence, Easton, Pennsylvania, and Centerville, Massachusetts, before their final move to Bloomfield, Connecticut in 2007. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Mollie (Weissbloom) Mark, and sister of Sidney, Manny and Bernie Mark, Felice Lippert and Ann Tannenbaum, all of whom predeceased her. In the early 1960s, while preparing for certification as an elementary school teacher in Providence, Elaine took the train to New York City every other week to participate in one of the first Weight Watchers classes with Jean Nidetch, founder of Weight Watchers International. After shedding 42 pounds over the course of a year, Elaine accepted the challenge to lead her own Weight Watchers classes in Providence, becoming the first owner of a regional Weight Watchers franchise. Elaine was the president and director of Weight Watchers of Rhode Island and Eastern Massachusetts from 1965-1981, when she and Will retired to Cape Cod.

Elaine had an adventurous, mischievous and optimistic spirit with which she embraced life and enriched the lives of others. She was constantly creating and nurturing beautiful things, including indoor and outdoor gardens grown “from seed,” elaborate sewing, knitting, quilting, carpentry and ceramics projects, and beautiful meals, all prepared with love. She was an early technology buff, beginning in the 1960s with her CB radio, on through the latest computer technology for the visually impaired. She was a natural teacher and beloved friend who loved tackling challenges of all kinds, including those that weren’t her own. In addition to her husband, Elaine leaves daughters Susan Bookbinder (Steve), of Newton, Massachusetts, Ellen Robin (Michael Katz) of Sebastopol, California, Beth Robin (Peter Manuel) of Leonia, New Jersey, Deborah Robin (Jack Horak), of West Hartford, Connecticut, and former son-in-law Sandy Isenstadt of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Progeny include

grandchildren Sarah Bookbinder (Harold Park), Rachel Bookbinder, Maya Bookbinder; Ivan Katz (Zoe Unruh), Asher Katz, and Jonah Katz; Sophie and Lili Manuel, Aaron and Anna Isenstadt, and great-grandchildren Eve and Seth Park. Her memory will be cherished by many friends who considered her their second mom, beloved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and lifelong friends who found their way to her home, table, and heart. Most recently at Duncaster in Bloomfield, Connecticut, Elaine befriended residents and staff alike. The family especially thanks Duncaster staff members Lou Desario, Sara Janowski-Therion, Laurie Wikiera, and Peter and Cathy Petillo for their friendship and talents, as well as Jacqueline Harrison, who provided companionship and assistance to Elaine during the last months of her life. Contributions may be made to the Duncaster Staff Education Fund, 40 Loeffler Road, Bloomfield, CT, 06002.

“Put her in front of crowd of a thousand people and she’s quite an amazing public speaker,” she said, “but in a quieter situation you have to draw her out.” Though the pair worried about what Ginsburg would think of the final product, the ! them after a screenjustice told ing at the Sundance Festival that she was happy with how it turned out.

“She said that it exceeded all expectations and she thought it was a beautiful rendering of her life,” Cohen said. West said that Ginsburg’s career, fighting for women’s equality at a time when that was considered rebellious, is especially relevant today. “At a time of #MeToo and Time’s Up and a new consideration of discrimination that

women continue to face,” she said, “it is inspiring and perhaps instructive to take a look at the way Justice Ginsburg faced even tougher battles.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: “Notorious RBG” shows at The Cable Car Cinema in Providence, beginning May 11. It is reported to be the last film at the now-closing theater.

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The Jewish Voice

REMEMBER THE PAST From the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association

A tale of two tailors BY GERALDINE S. FOSTER Advertisements, dictionaries tell us, are paid communications promoting products or services in print media, radio or television, on billboards or social media, via the internet, and any and all other ways to reach an audience. To attract attention, they cajole, inform or annoy in ways that can border on the absurd or play off captivating news stories. Several of the Jewish settlers in 19th-century Providence were involved in the clothing trade. Since wealthier residents preferred shopping at Gladdings or Taylor, Symonds & Co., the Jewish merchants and tailors moved their businesses frequently and vied vigorously through advertisements for the trade of sailors along the waterfront, and of the less affluent. Two Jewish merchants were particularly savvy and flamboyant practitioners of the art of persuasion. Although limited to newsprint, they made the most of this medium and, in the process, overturned many of the prevailing norms of genteel advertising. Newspapers at that time bore little resemblance to those of today. Most of Page 1 was given

over not to news, but to advertisements. The ads were generally the size of business cards and contained two or three lines with the name of the tradesman, merchant or professional and the wares or services offered. Imagine, then, the raised eyebrows when a double-sized, densely-worded notice appeared in the Providence Daily Journal on Aug. 18, 1843, touting the “extraordinary invention,” expert workmanship and ability of John Nathan, “from London, Tailor, Dyer, and Coat Cleaner” who could renew old clothes and make them as good as new. No clue was given as to the nature of this “extraordinary invention.” The ad ran for several weeks and then disappeared, as did Nathan. When he returned, in an enlarged ad he offered for sale new ready-made clothing. His ads were no longer densely worded; he simply enumerated the prices and the large inventory of sartorial items he now stocked. Perhaps Nathan had learned a thing or two from a competitor, Lewis Lewisson, who, in his oversized ads, replete with large print, indentations and capital letters, let the populace know

that his “FAMOUS CLOTHING BAZAAR” had “$30,000 WORTH” of the finest and bestselected stock of clothing for men and boys. In addition to the newspaper ads, the Clothing Bazaar was featured on the inside cover of the first issue of the Providence City Tax Book, in 1852, as a three-story building topped with pennants. On Nov. 21, 1853, Lewisson placed this remarkable “Proclamation” in the Journal: “Whereas I have been supported by extraordinary good luck, for which I am thankful to Almighty God, and the whole people who have backed me in the same, it behooves me to dispense some of my income to the Poor of Providence ....” He continued by inviting all (“indiscriminate of Religions”) to come to his “PROSPEROUS BAZAAR” on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, to receive a substantial Thanksgiving dinner. For those unable to come, he promised to deliver a dinner. Immediately following this proclamation another appeared, this one by John Nathan. Nathan echoed the word in Lewisson’s opening statement and in-

vited the poor to visit his “FAR FAMED CLOTHING STORE” during Thanksgiving Day for “A GOOD SUBSTANTIAL BARGAIN IN READY MADE CLOTHING” that would leave them with enough money to get a meal without resorting to charity. Those who could not afford even a bargain were told to come anyway and receive something useful for the winter. He added: “I do not shave the public all year to make myself magnanimous on Thanksgiving.” The dueling ads continued, and Lewisson proved more flamboyant and skilled in the use of hyperbole, but Nathan scored when he took advantage of the news of the day. The Crimean War, between Russia and the allied forces of France, England, Sardinia and Turkey, raged from 1853 to 1856. At one point, the strategic city of Sevastopol was under siege. News of the battle, which was on the minds of many, took weeks to arrive. Sevastopol fell on Sept. 11, 1855, but it was not reported in the Journal until Sept. 28. As late as Oct. 5, Nathan’s ad was headed “Sevastopol not taken but Howard Block is.” Nathan

had recently returned from New York with new stock and opened a “spacious” store in a stylish location – the Howard Block. The next day, Nathan changed the heading in his ad. “SEVASTOPOL IS TAKEN! But the excitement at Sevastopol is not as great as is offered in READY MADE CLOTHING” in his model clothing store. Lewisson was eventually forced out of business by fierce competition from newer companies. After a 30-day final sale that lasted five months, he left Providence, but he returned 20 years later. He was no longer in the clothing trade but became, by all accounts, highly regarded and successful in another sort of business. Of John Nathan, we only know that he was no longer listed in the Providence City Directory after 1858. This account of the tailors’ ad war is based on articles by Beryl Segal in Rhode Island Jewish Historical Notes. 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.

In appreciation: Arthur Poulten, a Touro Fraternal Association legend BY LARRY BERMAN rthur Poulten, a true giant in A Touro Fraternal Association history, left a lasting legacy as the former chairman of the board of directors for 12 years. Poulten, who passed away on April 1 at the age of 82, is remembered fondly as the board chairman who oversaw a period of great transition for the Jewish men’s fraternal organization. He was elected chairman in 1989 at a time when Touro was acquiring its present home on Rolfe Street in Cranston, and he remained chair until 2001. As chairman emeritus, he retained a voting seat on the Touro board of directors and con-

Arthur Poulten tinued to provide guidance and wisdom to his fellow directors. He was particularly proud that Touro celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017-18. Although he was unable to attend

the Centennial Gala in September 2017, he penned a letter that was read by Jed Brandes, current board chairman. “Arthur was the ultimate ambassador for Touro,” recalled Brandes. “He recruited many of the current brothers as members, and several officers and board members served in those positions at Arthur’s insistence.” Brandes had kept in close contact with Poulten, even after he relocated from Cranston to Burlington, Mass. in 2011. Arthur and his wife, Beverly, had moved in order to be nearer to their son David, daughter-inlaw Winnie and granddaughter Sabrina. After decades in leadership positions at Touro,

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as well as other area organizations, being away from the action left a void in his life. But Arthur did his best to remain involved, reviewing meeting minutes, crafting press releases and offering insights. “He was always available by telephone with a kind word of encouragement,” Brandes continued. “He offered me timely advice borne of many years of service at the helm. I will miss his friendship.” He also served as a mentor to Robert Miller, who succeeded him as chairman of the board. “Arthur was the consummate organizational professional who contributed so much to Touro’s success,” said Miller, who served as the board vice chairman throughout most of Poulten’s tenure as chairman. “He understood the necessities of a men’s fraternal association and what it took to make it function. Quite simply, he knew how to get things done.” Poulten worked closely with Miller, who chaired the Building Committee, in spearheading the effort to obtain the former U.S. Post Office as Touro’s home. In Touro’s Centennial publication, Poulten reminisced about the importance of obtaining Touro’s home. “Finding a permanent home

changed everything for us,” he said. “We were a vagabond organization, but now we had a home. This allowed us to become much more of a professional organization. Without a true home, we were more of a social organization. Now we were able to host events like having monthly speakers, and we focused on being much more community-minded and charitable.” As he looked back at his 55 years as a member, Poulten recalled that he served as president of the association for the 50th anniversary commemoration and was the chairman of the board for the 75th anniversary. “Although he was unable to attend the 100th celebration, I’m thrilled that Arthur lived to see Touro reach such a significant milestone,” added Miller, the former board chairman. “He was an integral part of many of those 100 years, and left Touro in a much better place. Arthur will be tremendously missed.” For more information about Touro Fraternal Association visit www.tourofraternal.org, email to info@tourofraternal. org or call 401-785-0066. LARRY BERMAN is a member of Touro Fraternal Association.

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Jewish war vets see decline in posts BY LARRY KESSLER The number of veterans who belong to organizations has declined sharply across the nation and Rhode Island, and it’s the same story for Jewish war veteran groups. While Ira Fleischer, 70, of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, the senior vice commander of the Jewish War Veterans, Department of R.I., couldn’t provide precise numbers of Jewish war veterans, he did say that within the last few years, the number of posts statewide in R.I. has been halved, from six to three. Those numbers are in line with decreases in membership in veterans’ groups such as the Veterans of Foreign War, Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion. “There is no veterans’ organization in the country that’s actually grown in size,” Fleischer said. There were 62,890 veterans in Rhode Island, as of 2016, he said, with about half of those unaffiliated. The R.I. Department of Veterans Affairs confirmed that figure, putting the current number of veterans in the state at between 62,000 and 67,000. For 2016, Fleischer said there were 340,288 veterans in Massachusetts, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website map puts the current number of veterans in Massachusetts at between 310,000 and 515,000. Membership in veterans’ groups is down because World War II veterans, who traditionally were more apt to join groups, are dying off at a rate of hundreds a day (as opposed to 2,000 a day a decade or more ago), Fleischer said. Federal statistics back that up, putting the number of World War II veterans at only 624,000.

The Old Guard plays “Taps” in honor of Lt. Col. Jack Lustig.

PHOTOS | CLIFFORD CRITTENDEN OF ARLINGTON MEDIA, COURTESY OF THE LUSTIG FAMILY

Soldiers salute Lt. Col. Jack Lustig during the funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery. Those same statistics list Gulf War veterans as the biggest group (7,271,000), followed by Vietnam veterans (6,651,000) and Korean War veterans (1,475,000). Fleischer said another factor in the declining membership of veterans’ groups is that those who served in Vietnam, or who were in the service at that time, tend not to join groups because they were snubbed when they returned home from the battlefield. “There were no parades for Vietnam veterans, whether you were wearing a uniform or not,” said Fleischer, who served in 1967-68 in Korea attached to the Army’s ICorp Headquarters. His tour of duty, which included the capture of the USS Pueblo, the U.S. environmental research ship, by the North Koreans on Jan. 23, 1968, ended in 1969, when he left the service with a rank of SP5. When he returned home, he

said his treatment – even though he didn’t fight in Vietnam – mirrored that faced by veterans who had seen combat. “I was called a baby killer,” he said. Fleischer also suggested that the end of the active draft, and the start of the all-volunteer army, may have contributed to the decline of veterans joining groups. “Fewer people serving means fewer veterans,” he said. There may be something to that, as U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs statistics project that the total number of United States veterans will decline from 20 million in 2017 to just 13.6 million in 2037.

Did you know? Some facts about Jewish veterans buried at Arlington National Cemetery: • There are more than 2,000 Jewish veterans buried there. • Jewish veterans have been buried there since the Civil War. Five Union soldiers are buried in Section 13. The remains of Confederate soldier Moses Ezekiel were returned to Arlington after his death in 1917, and he’s buried under the sculpture he created in Section 16 to honor his fellow Confederate soldiers. Many prominent Jews are buried there, including: • Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg, who was a colonel in the Air Force. In civilian life, he was secretary of Labor for John F. Kennedy and ambas-

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sador to the United Nations. • Admiral Hyman Rickover, who is regarded as the father of the nuclear Navy. • Astronaut Judith A. Resnik, who was among the seven Challenger astronauts who were killed when the space shuttle exploded 73 seconds after liftoff on Jan. 28, 1986. • Two rabbis who served as chaplains – Capt. Joshua Goldberg and Rear Admiral Bertram W. Korn, the highest-ranking Jewish chaplain to serve in the U.S. military. • Lt. Col. Rae Landry, who served in World Wars I and II and who, in 1913 as a young nurse, started Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. Information from the jewishvirtuallibrary.org

THE LAST LAUGH dares to ask: “Are we allowed to joke about the Holocaust?” This outrageously funny and thought-provoking ½PQ TYXW XLI UYIWXMSR XS PIKIRHW ERH critical thinkers including Mel Brooks, Sarah 7MPZIVQER +MPFIVX +SXXJVMIH ERH QER] SXLIVW (including survivors), offering fresh insights into the Holocaust and what else—9/11, AIDS, VEGMWQ°MW SV MWR´X SJJ PMQMXW MR E WSGMIX] XLEX TVM^IW JVIIHSQ SJ WTIIGL %JXIV WGVIIRMRK EX over 100 festivals (including Tribeca, HotDocs, 8VEZIVWI 'MX] &*- 0SRHSR 6SQI -(*% ERH 'IVXM½IH *VIWL EX SR 6SXXIR 8SQEXSIW 8,) 0%78 0%9+, [EW VIPIEWIH XLIEXVMGEPP] in March 2017 and broadcast in April 2017 (Independent Lens/PBS) where it was runnerYT JSV XLMW WIEWSR´W %YHMIRGI %[EVH

26 | May 4, 2018

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Pictured during J Street’s National Advocacy Day (left to right) are Susan Sklar, Rep. David Cicilline and Judy Kaye.

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J Street held its 10th Anniversary Conference in Washington, D.C., from April 14-17th. Judy Kaye and I, co-chairs of J Street Rhode Island, joined over 3,000 conference attendees, including 1,200 U.S. college students, rabbis, peace activists, members of Congress and the Israeli Knesset, Palestinian officials and temple congregants. The dozens of workshops covered topics such as countering the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement; Middle East policy in the era of Trump; the growth of West Bank settlements; the status of the Iran nuclear agreement; the need for new Palestinian economic and political initiatives; Israel-Diaspora relations; and the growth of anti-Semitism. Throughout the conference, keynote speakers addressed the troubling political situation in the U.S., Israel and the world. Speakers cast both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump as deeply dangerous and problematic leaders. “All across the globe liberal democracy is in retreat,” J Street president Jeremy Ben Ami declared in his opening address. “J Street proudly opposes these trends, and we couldn’t be clearer about the threat that President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu pose.” Other presentations emphasized how both leaders undercut democratic norms by marginalizing dissent, delegitimizing media and demonizing immigrants and minorities. In a speech at one of the conference’s plenary sessions, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) expressed concern over the on-

going violence and suffering on Israel’s border with Gaza: “I have condemned Hamas’ use of terrorist violence and will continue to do so. But that violence cannot excuse shooting unarmed protesters.” In an effort to help alleviate the major humanitarian crisis destabilizing Gaza, Sanders has circulated a letter among his Senate colleagues which urges the Trump administration to take immediate action. The letter asks the administration to unfreeze U.S. funding of the UN Relief & Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees and to support other measures that could help improve the lives of Gaza residents. Other prominent speakers at the three-day conference included Sens. Dick Durbin (DIL.), Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Brian Schatz (D-HI); former National Security Advisor Susan Rice; former U.S. Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell; Ambassador Dr. Husam Zomlot (chief representative of the Palestinian delegation to the US), and Members of Knesset Tzipi Livni, Merav Michaeli and Tamar Zandberg. On J Street’s National Advocacy Day following the conference, we joined in meetings with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Rep. David Cicilline to discuss advocacy priorities. J Street advocates for a safe, secure and democratic homeland for the Jewish people in Israel, while working toward a two-state peace agreement that would ensure self-determination for the Palestinian people in a state of their own. SUSAN SKLAR is co-chair of J Street Rhode Island.

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| WE ARE READ

May 4, 2018 |

MAZAL TOV – Aaron and Hillary Guttin announce the birth of a son, William Ross Guttin on April 3. He is the grandson of Ronni Guttin and the late William Guttin, of Johnston, and Ben and Cyndi Schulman of Cooper City, Florida. Will is named for his grandfather, William Guttin, and his middle name, Ross, is for his great uncle Bob Jaffe. His Hebrew name is Zev David. Zev is for Aaron’s father, William, and David is for Hillary’s grandfather, David Schulman. MAZAL TOV – Yehudah and Marcia Selinger of Barrington announce the engagement of their son, Ethan Asher Selinger to Shayna Joy Sage. Ethan is the grandson of the late Harold and Lois Winkleman of Cranston and the late Zelig and Ronya Selinger of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Shayna is the daughter of William and Marci Sage of Newton, Massachusetts. Ethan and Shayna are both graduates of the University of Rhode Island and both have Master of Education degrees from Merrimack College. Ethan is an assistant co-op coordinator at Northeastern University. Shayna is an academic advisor at Suffolk University. An October 2019 wedding is planned.

WE ARE READ IN ISRAEL – Jeff Sock and Dennis Morrell were in Jaffa April 19 for Yom ha-Atzmaut.

ESTABLISH YOUR LEGACY TODAY.

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Creating your legacy shows the ones you love most just how important they are to you because you are committing to their future. A legacy gift—such as an endowment—promises that your generosity and vision will have an impact far beyond your lifetime. With a Jewish Foundation Federation legacy, you guarantee that the most vulnerable among us know they are not alone. You support community programs and services that welcome everyone. You show your children and grandchildren how precious they are to you. Through your Jewish Federation Foundation legacy, you have the power to ensure Jewish families will not just survive—they will thrive. And that is timeless.

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Let’s grow together.

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