February 28, 2014

Volume XX, Issue XXVI | thejewishvoice.org Serving Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts

PETS and CAMPING

28 Adar I 5774 | February 28, 2014

MARTY cOOPER

Congressional Delegation Breakfast a resounding success By iriNa missiuro

CAMP 101 Prepare your child for an exceptional summer

By iriNa missiuro

imissiuro@jewishallianceri.org

While camp may seem like an indulgence, it is as important as day school attendance when it comes to forming your child’s identity. Summer camp is a worthy investment as it allows children to acquire vital social skills, which will prove useful when they’re older. In addition, children develop a

sense of self-respect – they’re away from home, so whatever a c c o m p l i s h m e nt s t h e y ’ v e achieved during the summer are all theirs. Also, by trying new activities and experiences at camp, they are not so wary when it comes to adventure.

Furthering their sense of the quest and their readiness to explore is crucial to raising a well-rounded child. camp 101 | 27

imissiuro@jewishallianceri.org

PROVIDENCE – On Sunday, February 23, roughly 215 people attended the Congressional Breakfast at the Dwares JCC. They arrived to enjoy some Jewish delicacies and to listen to the members of the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation speak. The event was made possible through the generous contributions from community leaders. The program started off with the Star Spangled Banner and Hatikvah, both beautifully performed by Yohji Braude. Yehuda Yaakov, the new Consul General of Israel to New England, offered some greetings.

Jeffrey Savit, CEO and President of the Jewish Alliance, welcomed everyone to what he hoped would become an annual breakfast to talk about topics important to the community. He shared that the event was a longtime dream of Marty Cooper, Community Relations Director.

Savit encouraged everyone to take photos and post them to social media sites using the #RIcongbfastCRC. He thanked the state policy leaders, the breakfast delegation committee and the CRC, recognizing the latter as “one of the most impactful communities at the Alliance.”

Savit then turned the mic over to Jeffrey Padwa, City Solicitor and the Chairman of the Board

of the Jewish Seniors Agency, who carried out the duties of the moderator.

Senator Jack Reed opened up the forum by discussing the effort of John Kerry, the Secretary of State, to move the peace process forward. Acknowledging that these difficult decisions will ultimately have to be made

by Israel and the Palestinians, Reed emphasized the importance of U.S. interference. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse praised Kerry for reviving the peace negotiations at a time when many condemned the effort as pointless. Congressman Jim Langevin also wished that Kerry would continue to play a strong BreakFasT | 33

Alice Herz-Sommer, oldest Holocaust survivor dies at 110 The subject of a nominated Academy Award documentary

JTA – Alice Herz-Sommer, the 110-yearold Holocaust survivor and concert pianist whose life was the subject of an Oscar-nominated documentary, has died.

Herz-Sommer, who was believed to be the oldest Holocaust survivor and was still playing the piano, died Feb. 22 in London.

“The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life,” the 38-minute fi lm about her life, is up for best short documentary at the Academy Awards to be handed out

next month.

The fi lm showed her indomitable optimism, cheerfulness and vitality despite all the upheavals and horrors she faced in life.

“I know there is bad in the world, but I look for the good,” she told JTA in a brief telephone interview recently, and “music is my life, music is God.” Trained as a pianist from childhood, Herz-Sommer made her concert debut as a teenager, then married and had a son. surViVor | 15

bING.cOM

2 | February 14, 2014

INSIDE Arts 14 Books 14, 42 Business 34-35 Calendar 8-9 Camping 24-32 Community 2-3, 5-6, 8-9, 13, 15-16, 33, 34, 37, 39, 41 D’var Torah 7 Food 17 Obituaries 38 Opinion 10-12 Pets 18-23 Purim 4, 33 Seniors 36 Technology 40 We Are Read 43

THIS ISSUE’S QUOTABLE QUOTE “A night under the stars opens the heart to the awe and majesty of the universe…”

COMMUNITY

The Jewish Voice

Temple Am David lives Hiddur Mitzvah

By Naomi Geller Lipsky

“Hiddur mitzvah” is defined as taking an ordinary object used for ritual or worship, and beautifying it, thereby creating something more than utilitarian. For example, one can make Kiddush with a drinking glass; but to create instead an ornate silver cup, is to practice hiddur mitzvah.

“And let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8) and the verse from which hiddur mitzvah derives, “This is my God and I shall glorify him” (Exodus 15:2) are commandments that the members of Temple Am David have taken to heart since the congregation was founded in 1954. From its beginning as Temple Beth Am to its present identity as Temple Am David, the generations of this Warwick congregation have been uniquely involved in the building and ornamentation of their house of worship, exemplifying the performance of hiddur mitzvah.

Almost all of the interior decorations and ritual objects were either fashioned by, or donated by, different congregants over the years since the building was completed in 1960. The late Ben Wiatrak, a past president of

PHOTOS | NAOMI GELLER LIPSKY

Ner Tamid and Arc letters in main sanctuary

by Joseph Schwartz the Congregation and an architect, offered his help in advising the firm that had been hired to do the work. Joseph Schwartz, a jeweler and silversmith, designed, fabricated, and donated the Ner Tamid (Eternal Light) that still hangs in the sanctuary, as well as the Hebrew letters that grace the ark, the menorah, and two of the Torah breastplates. Norma Sherman created and donated the Tree of Life in the lobby, where each donation is marked by an engraved leaf. When the congregation later merged with Beth

David, an addition was built and remodeling took place, resulting in what is now the small chapel, the large sanctuary, and the social hall. The ark in the chapel was handmade by the late Sam Stayman. As member Lee Lerner, who became a Bar Mitzvah and was married there said of those early years “When people needed something, they put out a request, and God bless them, they [the original members] made things happen.”

That spirit continues with the present generation of congregants. Albert Resnick, a wood-

“Shin” by Sena Yamuder worker, created Hebrew letters spelling out “Am David” over the main sanctuary entrance. hiddur |15

COMMUNITY

thejewishvoice.org

February 14, 2014 |

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HIgHLIgHTS OF TAgLIT-BIRTHRIgHT By elaNah chasseN echassen@jewishallianceri.org Julia Leavitt is the head life guard at the Dwares JCC pool and works in the fitness department. She grew up in Pawtucket, R.I., and is a recent graduate from William Smith College in Geneva, NY. Julia will be attending graduate school in the fall for Social Justice Education.

Julia returned from her Taglit-Birthright trip in the beginning of January. She expressed her thoughts and feelings of this free ten-day trip. “I was surprised how metropolitan Tel Aviv was and how much it looks like Santa Monica, California.

It wasn’t until we arrived in Tzafat when I really felt like I was in Israel. It was the architecture and the music; I was absorbed in it.”

“When I was walking through the old city of Jerusalem, I felt like I was going back in time, like I was walking through the Torah.” Julia spent the fi rst Shabbos in the old city.

She compared her experience in Jerusalem to her childhood where she grew up with few Jewish friends. “Being at the Kotel (Western Wall) with so many Jews was empowering. I was part of something bigger.

It was smaller than I thought,

but there was so much dancing and joy. I’ve also never seen so many different types of Jewish people. There were people with different kinds of hats and colored peyos [sidelocks].”

Julia decided to go on Birthright because she wanted to gain more knowledge and appreciation for the religion, culture, and history. Her expectations were fulfi lled. Julia is interested in returning to Israel to study about the diversity and the various communities that structure Israel.

Have you heard? Birthright has revised their eligibility rules! If you are a Jewish young adult who has previously visited Israel on a high school program before your 18th birthday, you are still eligible for Birthright. The Jewish Daily Forward wrote an editorial titled, “Birthright’s SecondTime Shift.” In their editorial, they explained why this change came to be. “Those who ran high school programs had complained for years that parents were opting out of paying thousands of dollars because they hoped that their children would be able to go to Israel for free once they turned 18. Problem is, experts believe the longer high school programs are far more effective in creating lasting attachments to Israel and Jewish

cOuRTESY | JuLIA LEAVITT

Julia Leavitt hiking Masada life.” The Diaspora Affairs Ministry said in a statement, “Taglit has proven itself as a leader in strengthening Jewish identify among young people in the Diaspora and building ties with

the State of Israel. Expanding the participation criteria will add to Taglit’s positive influence in the Jewish world.” iNTeresTed

iN

GoiNG

on your own Taglit-Birthright trip? Registration opened February 19. For more information, contact Elanah Chassen at 401-421-4111, ext. 140, or echassen@jewishallianceri.org.

Program Spotlight: where you can learn more about exciting programs the Jewish Alliance offers the Greater Rhode Island community.

Are you raising Jewish children...

But you’re not Jewish?

Don’t do it alone!

The Mothers Circle is a free education and support program for women of other religious backgrounds seeking to raise Jewish children within the context of an interfaith marriage or a committed relationship. The Mothers Circle provides a warm and welcoming environment that encourages non-Jewish moms to talk with one another and navigate life as a mother in a Jewish family.

Save the Date! 3rd Annual Passover Seder Survival Guide | Thursday, April 3 | 7pm A free holiday preparation workshop to help you celebrate Passover in an enjoyable, meaningful way.

For more information visit jewishallianceri.org, or contact Kit Haspel at khaspel@jewishallianceri.org or 401.421.4111 ext. 184.

401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence RI 02906

4 | February 14, 2014

The Jewish Voice

PURIM

THE PURIM PLAYERS

Setting: Shushan, Persia, roughly 2,500 years ago

The story of Purim revolves around the actions of four key characters who we read about in the Book of Esther, a.k.a. Megillat Esther.

Mordechai, an advisor to King Achashverosh, counsels his niece Esther to hide her Judaism and use her beauty to become the next queen. While Esther cleverly conceals her Judaism to win the king’s favor, Mordechai

upsets the power-hungry Prime Minister Haman by standing up for his Judaism and refusing to bow down to him. Haman continues his plot to destroy the Jews since they, like Mordechai, won’t obey his orders. Ultimately, Esther reveals her true identity to the king, bravely saving her people. If not for his love for Esther, King Achashverosh might have followed

his advisor Haman’s evil plan.

At the end of the Purim tale, Mordechai and Esther send letters throughout the land instructing the Jews to celebrate this day every year.

As part of this Purim celebration, we send care packages to friends and strangers in need.

Cheesy Matzah Pie

By Tamar Ansh

Let’s get to it!

6–7 square matzahs 5 eggs 1 cup milk 2 cups cottage cheese 1/3 cup sugar 3/4 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1 teaspoon cinnamon

And here’s how you do it!

1. Beat the eggs and milk together in a bowl.

2. Add the cottage cheese, sugar, salt and melted butter.

Mix again.

3. Grease a 2-quart casserole or baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

4. Break the matzahs into medium-sized pieces. Arrange part of them in one flat layer on the bottom of the baking dish.

5. Pour some of the cottage cheese mixture over the matzah. Place the rest of the matzah pieces on top and then pour the rest of the cottage cheese mix over the matzah. Depending on the size of your baking dish, you may have enough matzah pieces and cheese mix for either two or three layers. The top layer should be the cheese mixture.

6. Sprinkle cinnamon all over the top of the “pie.”

7. Slide your matzah pie into the hot oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes, until it is set.

Serve as is, or topped with sliced peaches or your favorite jam. Serves 6.

TAMAR ANSH is the author of Let My Children Cook! A Passover Cookbook for Kids, Judaica Press. She lives in Jerusalem with her family and their pet rabbit Fluffy.

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COMMUNITY

February 14, 2014 |

5

On your mark, get set, Maccabi

By Kara Marziali kmarziali@jewishallianceri.org When talking about the Maccabi games, United States Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin once said, “Being Jewish did not make us better athletes, but the bonds we formed during the games we played did help make us better Jews.”

Created to promote community service, sportsmanship, and religious pride, the JCC Maccabi Games are a week-long Olympic-style event for young athletes aged 13-16. Held in different locations throughout the United States every summer, the games generate enthusiasm and excitement for everyone involved, from young athletes and volunteers to coaches and host families.

This summer, the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit will host the 2014 JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest for the fifth time – the only city that has ever held the event that many times. From August 1722, the Motor City will welcome more than 1,500 visiting Jewish teens from across the globe and involve thousands of members from their own community, including 800 host families, 1,000 volunteers and 350 teen athletes and artists.

But it’s much more than just a week of sports and the arts. Participation is also cultural and social, intended to strengthen one’s personal connection to his or her own Judaism. Teen athletes/artists partake in competitions, community service projects, rousing social events, and best of all — everyone is Jewish!

Last summer, 15 teenage delegates from greater Rhode Island joined other Jewish teenagers from around the globe in Orange County, Calif. to participate in the 2013 JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest. Although R.I. does not garner as large a number of representatives as more populous states, participants are quick to point out that the R.I. community spirit is like no other.

“The greater Rhode Island

courtesy | shannon boucher

team may be one of the smallest,” said Providence resident Julia Keizler, age 14, “but we [have] a strong bond. We work hard all year fundraising and training. By the time August hits, we have grown into a real team.”

Each year Shannon Boucher, Director of Children’s Programs for the Alliance JCC, recruits additional delegates. “We are still looking for more teens to join our team traveling to Detroit and registration is open now through April.”

The JCC Macabbi games is an experience like no other,” said Keizler. “It is something every Jewish teen should get to do at least once. Not only do you get to use your competitive spirit to bond with other Jewish teenagers from around the country, you get to build a stronger relationship with other teens in your community by traveling

and competing.”

Natalie Westrick, age 14 of Lincoln agrees. “I was very excited to meet and compete against other Jewish swimmers my age. Not only did I meet a lot of new people and friends from around the world, I also built very strong relationships and friendships with the people in my delegation who are from the Rhode Island Jewish community.”

The intention of the Maccabi Games & ArtsFest is to help each athlete or artist improve his/her skills and become the best he/she can be. Although Westrick did not win any medals, she beat many of her personal-best swim times. “In addition, I had the amazing opportunity to meet Jason Lezak who is a four-time Olympic gold medalist [swimmer], who happens to be Jewish and from the Orange County area.”

DESIGN & LAYOUT Leah M. Camara

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Kara Marziali, Alliance Director of Communications Brian Sullivan, Alliance Director of Marketing Advertising DEPARTMENT Tricia Stearly tstearly@jewishallianceri.org 401-421-4111, ext. 160 Karen Borger • ksborger@gmail.com 401-529-2538

COLUMNISTS Dr. Stanley Aronson, Michael Fink, Rabbi James Rosenberg and Daniel Stieglitz CONTRIBUTING WRITER Irina Missiuro Editorial ConsultantS Irina Missiuro | Judith Romney Wegner CALENDAR COORDINATOR Toby London MEMBER of the Rhode Island Press Association

Maccabi Games & ArtsFest is also is about camaraderie, making friends and building community. “After going to the JCC Maccabi Games last year, I realized what a strong group

“Being Jewish did not make us better athletes, but the bonds we formed during the games we played helped make us better Jews.” of Jews we have in Providence and all around the country,” said Keizler.

Westrick adds, “I am very excited to see the friends I made last year. I have talked to many of them and the majority of

them are going back this year.

I also can’t wait to meet more new people and build even stronger friendships. Hopefully I will swim additional best times and win some medals.”

When asked what message she’d want to give other Jewish teens in the greater Rhode Island Jewish community, Keizler summed it up well, “So, I ask you to come and join us.

Learn for yourself how powerful our Jewish culture is. Join our team and learn and grow as I did through Maccabi.”

KARA MARZIALI is the Director of Communications at the Jewish Alliance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest, contact Shannon Boucher, Director of Children’s Programing at 401-421-4111, ext.

147 or sboucher@jewishallianceri.org.

Copy Deadlines All news releases, THE JEWISH VOICE (ISSN number 1539- photographs, etc., must be received 2104, USPS #465-710) is published bi-week- on the Wednesday two weeks prior to ly, except in July, when it does not publish. publication. Submissions may be sent to: editor@jewishallianceri.org.

PERIODICALS Postage paid at Providence, R.I. Advertising We do not accept advertisements for pork or shellfish. We do POSTMASTER Send address changes to: not attest to the kashrut of any product The Jewish Voice, 401 Elmgrove Ave., or the legitimacy of our advertisers’ Providence, RI 02906. claims.

PUBLISHER The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, Chair Sharon Gaines, President/CEO Jeffrey K. Savit, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

Phone: 401-421-4111 • Fax 401-331-7961

All submitted content becomes the property of The Voice. Announcements and opinions contained in these pages are published as a service to the community and do not necessarily represent the views of The Voice or its publisher, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

6 | February 14, 2014

COMMUNITY

The Jewish Voice

RAbbI PERETz ScHEINERMAN

cOuRTESY | cuRT AbbOTT

Shabbat services in the Temple of the Ten Commandments at Camp Yawgoog

Boy Scouts and camping always get a “thumbs up” The Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America serves the state of Rhode Island and some of Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Its several camps include Camp Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rockville, RI and Camp Cachalot

located in the Myles Standish State Forest near Plymouth, Massachusetts.

For more iNFormaTioN, visit narragansettbsa.org.

Celebrate Purim

Saturday Night, March 15, 2014 • 7:45 p.m.

Chabad House • 360 Hope Street • Providence

Saturday night, March 15, 7:45 p.m.

Megillah

to stir your soul…

Music & Dancing to stir your heart…

Drinks & Hamentashen

to stir your kishkes!

Yankel & thePurim Shpielers Sunday, March 16,

Magillah Reading & Hamentashen at Chabad House 8:30 a.m., also at Alliance Board Room 12:00 p.m.

401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI

Sunday, March 16, 2014 – Purim is the time to…

LISTEN to the reading of the SEND a gift of at least two kinds of GIVE charity to two or more people.

Megilla (Book of Esther) this year prepared food (pastry, fruit, beverage, If you cannot find poor people, place Saturday eve, March. 15, 2014 and etc.) to at least one friend. (Each item at least two coins in a charity box. In again on Sunday, March 16 2014, of food should be at least one ounce the Megillah this is called “Matonos EAT the festive Purim meal and thereby recounting and reliving in or more. 3-1/2 oz. for liquids.

L’Evyonim”. rejoice in the Purim spirit. our own day, the great miracle of Purim.

The above Mitzvos should be done on the day of Purim

More Purim information FAST OF ESTHER Because Purim is on Sunday, we therefore fast on the Thursday before (this year, March 13) This commemorates the day of prayer when Jews fasted before victorious battle. It is customary before the Mincha prayers on this day to give 3 half-dollars to charity. This commemorates the yearly contribution by all Jews to the Temple in the Hebrew month of Adar.

AL HANISSIM Remember to add in the Amidah prayer and in Grace After Meals, the special part for Purim, beginning “Al Hanissim.

PURIM ON SUNDAY So as not to desecrate the Shabbos, all Purim activities should begin only after the conclusion of Shabbos Saturday, March 15 at 7:45 p.m. if in Providence.

INVOLVE THE CHILDREN As in all Mitzvot, encourage young children to fulfill the Purim Mitzvot.

Boys and girls past Bar/Bat Mitzvah are obligated, as are adults to do all Purim Mitzvot.

The Purim Mitzvos (Precepts) demonstrate the unity and togetherness of the Jewish people. The more charity and Purim presents one gives the better. There is no greater joy than to gladden the heart of the poor, the orphans and the widows.

Courtesy of: Chabad R.I. • 360 Hope Street, Providence Telephone: (401) 273-7238

www.virtualpurim.com for everything about Purim Fun and Educational

Providence Hebrew Day School first grade students pictured with Dean, Rabbi Peretz Scheinerman, and Judaic Studies Teacher, Rabbi Avrohom Jakubowicz, and their new siddurim.

First graders celebrate Siddur party By miriam esTher weiNer On Wednesday, Feb. 19, all of the Providence Hebrew Day School fi rst graders received their siddurim [prayer books] and chumashim [Torah in printed form vs. scrolls] at a program coordinated by their Judaic Studies teacher, Rabbi Avrohom Jakubowicz.

Parents, grandparents, siblings, and the students in Grades 2-5 gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Rabbi Jakubowicz began this special event by welcoming everyone and thanking all those who made this day possible, including Mrs. Miriam Peromsik (mother of fi rst grader Tehila), who made the covers for the siddurim, and Rabbi Shmuel Taitelbaum (father of fi rst grader Esther), who wrote the students’ names, using his skills as a scribe.

The students then did a great job reciting their parts and singing songs about using their siddurim to pray and learn Torah.

They also demonstrated the accomplishments of their Torah learning by reading and translating the fi rst verse of Parshas Lech Lecha, which they had just mastered.

After all of the students received their siddurim

Rabbi Scheinerman, dean of the school, spoke to the students about the importance of their learning. He told the gathered guests that Rabbi Joshua Levy, an educational consultant who visited the school the past week, was so impressed by the methods used to teach the students their beginning Chumash skills that he wants to return and video Rabbi Jakubowicz and the children so other educators may benefit from seeing this special learning.

Of course, the program ended with delicious refreshments for the guests.

miriam esTher weiNer is Principal of the Providence Hebrew Day School.

The Ziskind School of Judaism is looking for a new Education Director.

Candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree in Jewish studies or equivalent, experience in program/curriculum development, as well as an established background in school administration. The new director will be responsible for complete oversight of the Religious School two day-a-week program, including staff and enrichment activities. For further information, please contact Missy Zeitz at melissazeitz@gmail.com

Tifereth Israel Congregation ∙ New Bedford, MA

D’VAR TORAH

thejewishvoice.org

February 14, 2014 |

7

We are all campers By raBBi sol GoodmaN Special to The Jewish Voice As we approach the fi nal chapters of the Book of Exodus, we read of the concluding stages of the construction of the Mishkan, the Sanctuary which our people carried with them through their desert wanderings.

With exquisite care and almost infi nite detail, the Torah describes and measures each piece of material and each stretch of fabric. The result was a masterpiece of construction: a portable sacred space which embraced an entire nation. No less remarkable is the fact that the entire structure was constructed of materials that they had with them. There were no textile manufacturers, precious metal purveyors, or lumber yards. Yet our wandering ancestors somehow found—and gave—all that was needed to produce the very fi rst Israelite House of Worship: a Holy Place where they could fi nd and express their relationship with God. Since this is the time of year when parents begin to think of “camp” for their children, it seems only fitting that we stop and consider what the Mishkan and its construction can teach us about camping—and about ourselves. “Camping” is not merely an activity, something we or our children do. Camping is about who we are. Some of us camp, and some of us do not. A younger relative of mine attended an excellent Jewish camp in California. Her summer was fi lled with wonderful Jewish community, activities and learning. But judging from the accommodations, one might think it was a resort for Jewish teenagers. Not much by way of the more “rustic” settings those of us from another generation might recall.

I have had the pleasure of being the Rabbi/Chaplain of the Yawgoog Scout Reservation for the past 13 years. Yawgoog is much more than a place where people have camped; it is, for those who have been there, a state of mind. At Yawgoog, children and adults of all backgrounds learn about each other—and more importantly themselves.

A hike becomes more than a walk in the woods on a trail with colored markers. It is a place to experience the wonders of Creation, and to feel the presence of the Creator of All Things. A night under the stars opens the heart to the awe and majesty of the universe, and the One Whose Word brought it into being. At Yawgoog, a Jewish boy can study, pray, read Torah, prepare for and celebrate becoming Bar Mitzvah in the Camp Synagogue—the Temple of the Ten Commandments. At Yawgoog, perhaps more than

during “real life” one can experience the sacredness with which creation has been endowed. To “camp” at Yawgoog is to make a brief but indelible stop on one’s spiritual journey.

No one leaves unmoved or unchanged.

At Yawgoog, too, the “accommodations” have changed from the time when troops slept in pup tents on bare ground, cooked over open fi res, hiked, “dwelt” in the woods for a few days, supplied only with what they could carry in their knapsacks and whatever else they could haul in. It is still “roughhewn,” but the lessons of camping remain, teaching us much about who we are as people, and as A People.

We Jews are quintessential campers. Camping is in our history. It is written on the pages of the stories we transmit to our children, and the histories we pass down to future generations. We have “camped” from Ur of the Chaldees to the desert floor of Jacob’s night dream, from Egypt to Exile. We have “camped” in countless places, always awaiting the moment when we would return home.

Camping is not about the permanent. It is about the temporary. It is about exchanging the comforts we know for a brief sojourn in the unknown, the uncomfortable, the spiritual—the Sacred. It is about shifting the complacency of who we are sure we are to the discovery of what we never knew about ourselves and what we can accomplish.

We are quintessential campers. From the days of the Mishkan, we have come to understand that our history would be one of many peregrinations.

We were destined to “camp” in many places. Some hospitable and friendly. Some angry and hate-fi lled. Some were nurturing and inviting. And some caused us unimaginable harm.

Throughout all of them, we knew, somehow—or we came to

know despite ourselves—that we were always only “campers.” Looking into our sacred texts, we can see how the Mishkan simply taught us some of the lessons we would need to know as sojourners and “campers” in this world.

Lesson 1: Carry what you need.

But only what you need. You will need everything you carry.

But you cannot take more than you can carry. Remember, you

Divine handiwork. Take the moment to comprehend how fi lled with wonder is the place where you stand.

Lesson 4: Wherever you are, God can be.

Wherever you rest your head-on a down pillow or a desert rock--there is a gateway to Heaven. You have the ability to carry and build your own sacred space wherever you are.

The Mishkan came down and

GOOGLE IMAGES

will only have what you take.

Lesson 2: You will be tested, challenged, and sometimes tormented.

You will be cold, hot, hungry, wet. You may need to pack up and go on a moment’s notice.

You will have to take it all down and transport all that you have and all that you are in the blink of an eye. So only take what is sacred and special with you.

Wherever you are, wherever you land, will shape you, mold you, and teach you about what you are capable of

Lesson 3: Wherever you are— God is.

Look around at your surroundings. Take them in. How can you not be awed by what you see and feel? Know that wherever you are--wilderness or palace—is a small piece of

WEST BAY PURIM CARNIVAL

Sunday, March 16 | 10am-12pm Temple Am David | 40 Gardiner St, Warwick exciting games, fantastic prizes, arts & crafts, Red Sox tickets raffle, Kosher wine sale, food for purchase, and more!

only $5 per child

www.templeamdavid.org

went up in short order. It has taught us that wherever we “camp,” there we can build our sanctuary. There we can fi nd time and space for the sacred, to experience the numinous, and the Divine. The Jewish people survived because they learned to carry their Mishkan with them—in all of its many forms.

Lesson 5: Know, that wherever you are, whatever you have, you can build that sacred space— your own Mishkan—out of whatever is at hand.

The precious metals of your thoughts, the fabric of your

dreams, the boards built out of the work of your own hands are the tools you will have.

Camping is a state of mind.

The Mishkan is a state of being.

It is the repository of the spiritual memories of our people and their wanderings. We read of the human generosity, devotion, and design which brought it into our lives. But beyond all of that, beyond the gold, tapestries, and the marvelous engineering, the Mishkan directs us to eternal truths about ourselves: that our real needs are few, that wherever we stand we are in the presence of the Holy, that out of whatever is at hand we can build our sanctuary— our sacred space, and there, as always, we will be in the presence of God. raBBi sol GoodmaN (rabbisol1@aol.com) is the long standing Rabbi of Sister Congregations Temple Beth Shalom of Milford and Congregation Ael Chunon of Millis, Mass., Chaplain at the Norfolk County Sherriff ’s Office and Correctional Facility, Mass. and Senior Chaplain of Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rockville, RI.

Candle Lighting Times greater Rhode Island Feb. 28 ......................5:16 March 7 ....................6:32 March 21 ..................6:40 Daylight saving time resumes March 9, 2014

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interest per year for life

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hEBREW DAY SChOOL 450 Elmgrove Ave. | www.PhDSchool.org

8 | February 14, 2014

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The Jewish Voice

Oy, Mama!

CALENDAR Ongoing Alliance Kosher Senior Café. Kosher lunch and program every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. 12:00 p.m. lunch; 12:45 p.m. program. $3 lunch donation from individuals 60+ or under 60 with disabilities. Neal or Elaine, 401-421-4111, ext. 107.

Am David Kosher Senior Café. Kosher lunch and program every weekday.

Temple Am David, 40 Gardiner St., Warwick. 11:15 a.m. program; 12:00 p.m. lunch. $3 lunch donation from individuals 60+ or under 60 with disabilities.

Elaine or Steve 401-732-0047.

Continuing through March 10 Suitcase Biography. Collection of objects that depict Holocaust experiences displayed in a suitcase accompanied by a written description of why each object was included and its significance. This project will be on display in gallery(401) at the Dwares JCC from March 3.

Scituate High School Students will be presenting their projects on Monday, March 3.

Continuing Through April 1

Getting Started, Alzheimer’s Education Series. Four parts, 6:30 p.m. each week. Memory Loss & Dementia: March 11. Understanding Challenging Behaviors and Communication Skills: March 18. Caregiver Wellness Program: March 25. Legal and Financial Considerations: April 1. Series to be held at Tamarisk Assisted Living, 3 Shalom Dr., Warwick, RI. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required. Call Donna Gilroy at 800-272-3900 to reserve a seat. RSVP by March 4.

Continuing through April 11

Lung Cancer Support Group. For patients and families affected by lung cancer. Fridays starting March 7, 1:00 p.m. to 2 p.m. Fain Building, 3rd Floor Conference Room. Free and open to the public. Register in advance to Cynthia Barry, LICSW at (401) 793-2078.

Saturday | March 1 Drash & Dessert. An evening of eclectic Jewish learning. Join the members of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island. 7:30 p.m. Havdalah and Niggunim (singing for all); 8:15 p.m. Study Sessions; 9:00 p.m. Dessert Reception.

Jewish Community Day School, 85 Taft Avenue, Providence. rabbisofgreaterrhodeisland.org.

Family First Shabbat Morning Service.

Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, 10:30 a.m. teprov.org/Shabbat_ Family_First, ebabchuck@teprov.org.

Sunday | March 2

Oils and Watercolors. Armstrong and Masten. Featured in March/April Show at the Gallery at Temple Habonim, 165 New Meadow Rd., Barrington, RI, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., office@templehabonim.org.

Purim Mitzvah Day. The Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence, 3 Shalom Dr., Warwick, RI, 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m., Michelle Cicchitelli, mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org.

Honoring Jewish Identity. Joanne Forman Film Festival. Temple Beth-El Meeting Hall, 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence. Enjoy our films, moderators and refreshments. Admission is free, 2 p.m., “The Orchestra of Exiles.”

In the 1930s, Polish violinist, Bronislav Huberman, rescues hundreds of Jewish musicians, brings them to Palestine and forms a symphony that evolves into the Israel Philharmonic. Discussion with Mike Fink of RISD. 100 Days Til Summer Celebration.

Grades K through 8 are invited. DJ and a free pizza dinner. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, 4:00 p.m.

- 6:00 p.m., Rachel Mersky Woda at rachel@campjori.com.

Klezmer & Italian Melodies. Fishel Bresler and Cory Pesaturo, international accordion champion, perform 5:30 – 8: p.m, as part of the PHDS annual Extravaganza. Providence Marriot, One Orms St. $20 Admission (includes a $10 free ticket in prize raffle).

Tuesday | March 4 HERCRI Executive Committee Meeting.

Holocaust Education & Resource Center of RI, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., infohercri@gmail.com.

Wednesday | March 5 Cranston Senior Guild Meeting.

Tamarisk Assisted Living, 3 Shalom Dr., Warwick, 1 p.m. Author Carol Desforges will read humorous excerpts from her first novel “The Pinning.” She will also give a preview of the soon-to-bereleased second novel “Behind Closed Doors.” Mrs. Desforges will be available to answer questions and sign books.

Thursday | March 6 Healthcare Questions Answered. Join the Temple Am David Kesher Program at 11a.m. for a presentation by Linda Amore, RN, about healthcare and a discussion afterwards led by Andrea Epstein, LICSW. Your questions about preventative care, healthcare, hospital care, home care and caregiver concerns will be addressed. Send questions in advance; we will be sure to cover them. RSVP by Monday, March 3, to andrea@jfsri.org or 401-331-1244, ext. 317. calendar | 9

Calendar Submissions March 14 issue, SPRING HOME & GARDEN – must be received by March 5.

March 28 issue, PASSOVER PLANNING – must be received by March 12 April 11 issue, PASSOVER GREETINGS – must be received by March 19.

Send all calendar items to: editor@jewishallianceri.org with the subject line “CALENDAR.”

A children’s concert for RI’s Jewish families

By Sam Shamoon On Sunday March 9 at 4:30, young children, young families—in fact, anyone with a youthful spirit—will have a chance to sing and dance with the award-winning Mama Doni and the Mama Doni Band as they celebrate Jewish culture through a contagious blend of contemporary American bluegrass, reggae, rock, disco, Latin, and klezmer music.

Mama Doni’s hour-long show will be a “first” for Providence.

For the first time, Boston’s immensely successful Boston Jewish Music Festival is collaborating with Providence’s Temple Emanu-El to bring one of its exciting concerts to Providence. The festival’s five weeks of Jewish music performances, given at concert sites scattered throughout Eastern New England, feature top-flight soloists and groups. Mama Doni’s show for youngsters and their parents, as well as for their bubbes and zaydes, promises to be the most interactive and engaging of them all.

Quirky, offbeat, and unpredictable, Mama Doni’s concerts are filled with sing-alongs, impromptu dancing, catchy pop tunes, and lots of ruach (spirit).

As the Boston Globe says: “Who can resist ‘Latke Man,’ ‘La Vida Dreidel,’ ‘Dear Hanukah Harry,’ and other oy so catchy

COURTESY | mama doni band

titles? New Jersey’s Mama Doni makes a zany musical chicken soup of reggae, rock, disco, Latin, klezmer, and other styles.”

While sometimes labeled ‘offbeat,’ Mama Doni is very clear about her intentions. “The thing about me is I’m a spiritual Jewish person. Everything is Judaically correct in my songs — I love and respect the tradition,” she told New York Times reporter Tammy La Gorce. “I’m not trying to mock it. I’m trying to show how cool it is.”

Doni Zasloff Thomas – aka Mama Doni, is a mother of two, a music teacher, and a songwriter, as well as lead singer

for The Mama Doni Band. They have twice won the Parents’ Choice Foundation’s awards for quality audio media, once in 2011 for the CD, “Shabbat Shaboom” and again in 2013 for the CD “Emunah,” which Zasloff Thomas describes as, “a collection of songs of life, love and hope.”

Tickets to Mama Doni’s concert on Sunday March 9 at 4:30 p.m. in Temple Emanu-El’s Main Sanctuary are available through the 2014 Boston Jewish Music Festival, bostonjewishmusicfestival.org. Adults: $10; Children $5.

thejewishvoice.org

From paGe 8

CALENDAR | COMMUNITY

February 14, 2014 |

9

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Am David Lunch & Learn. Join Rabbi Perlman for a kosher deli lunch and discussion of the weekly Torah portion.

Temple Am David, 40 Gardiner Street, Warwick. 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. $10.

Rabbi Perlman 401-463-7944 or rabbiperlman@cox.net.

Theological Exchange between Catholics and Jews. Lecture featuring Sr. Dianne bergant, cSA and Rabbi David Sandmel who will dialogue on the topic: Images of God in the Hebrew bible. 7:00 p.m., Providence college, Aquinas Lounge.

friday | March 7 Shabbat Chai Shabbat Alive. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, 5:45 p.m. teprov.org/shabbat_alive, Temple Emanu-El, bjmayer@teprov.org.

Shabbat Across America. Friday, March 7, 6:00pm, Temple Am David. Family friendly dinner followed by a special “String Shabbat” service and ice cream sundaes. $12 for adults; $6 for children. RSVP by 2/28. Leave a message at 401-463-7944 ext 0.

Saturday | March 8 Dueling Artists. The paint will fly … right before your eyes. Original works of art to bid on before they are dry!

Watch works of art take shape before your eyes while enjoying an evening of great company, food and fun. 7:30 p.m.

Torat Yisrael. 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich, RI, toratyisrael.org . 401885-6600. Live and Silent Auctions.

Guest emcee and auctioneer, channel 10’s barbara Morse-Silva. $30.00 per person. Reservations required.

Sunday | March 9 Honoring Jewish Identity. Joanne Forman Film Festival. Temple beth-El Meeting Hall, 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence. Enjoy our films, moderators and refreshments. Admission is free, 2:00 p.m., “Jews and baseball.” This documentary highlights the courage and contributions of popular Jewish baseball players throughout the history of our national pastime. Discussion with Art Solomon, owner of two minor league baseball teams.

Wednesday | March 12 Mah Jongg night. Tamarisk, 3 Shalom Dr., Warwick, RI, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

All levels of players welcome. Free; donations for the Kosher pantry are welcome. contact wajsari@gmail.com or 410-369-0045 for more details.

Saturday | March 15 Purim Fun at Temple Sinai. 7:00 p.m.

Special and fun evening to celebrate the holiday of Purim. Fun for all ages. Wine tasting, chocolate tasting, adult and child costume contests and the Purim story.

RSVP to dottie@templesinairi.org.

Purim Rock-n-Roll Dance Party.

Starring Led Shleppelin. Dance and sing with the band. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks can be purchased with a drink coupon. 9:00 p.m. in the Alperin Meeting House Arena after 7:30 Megillah reading. Free admission, free food.

Drink tickets $4. Tour T-shirts $25. contact Gershon Levine at 401-3311616 or at glevine@teprov.org.

Sunday | March 16

Temple Am David Purim Carnival.

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Join Temple Sinai and congregation beth David and other community members for games, prizes, face painting, food, and fun. If you would like to donate new toys and games, contact Jeanine Silversmith at jeaninesilversmith@gmail.com.

To volunteer, contact Meredith Daniels at mjd222@verizon.net.

Annual Purim Seudah (Dinner), congregation beth Sholom , 275 camp St., Providence, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., bethsholom-ri.org, congregation beth Sholom, officebethsholom@yahoo.com Splash Purim Feast. 5:15 p.m. Megillah reading next to zale’s at the center of the Warwick Mall. 6:00 p.m. elegant buffet dinner and desserts. bubble Mania Show, live music, dancing, prizes and more. $20 Adult, $10 child. RSVP to chabad of West bay. 401-884-7888 or rabbi@rabbiwarwick.com

Wednesday | March 19 PJ Library Storytime. Early childhood center @ Temple Habonim, 165 New Meadow Rd., barrington, RI, 10:30 a.m.

- 11:30 a.m., Sara Foster, sfoster@ jewishallianceri.org

Thursday | March 20

Adoption Options’ Free Informational Session. Licensed adoption workers will be available to answer questions. 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 959 North Main St., Providence. For more information, please contact Peg boyle at 401-3315437 or visit AdoptionOptions.org.

friday | March 21 Family First Friday night. Early Kabbalat Shabbat Service, Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, 5:45 p.m., ebabchuck@teprov.org.

Sunday | March 23 Free Food Tasting. under the strict Orthodox rabbinic supervision of Rabbi barry Dolinger. congregation beth Sholom. 275 camp St., Providence, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy the afternoon with good food, good friends, a DJ and a photo booth. Lisa Davis of community bread and Eric Taylor of bottles will both provide samples. contact Sandy 401-524-5928 or sandy@cateringtotradition.com.

Monday | March 24

Jewish Alliance Ice Cream Social Phone-a-thon, Dwares Jcc, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, 6:30 p.m.

– 8:30 p.m., Michele Gallagher, mgallagher@jewishallianceri.org.

Thursday | March 27 JSA Board Meeting. Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence, 3 Shalom Dr., Warwick , RI, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Diane Dowiot, ddowiot@jsari.org.

friday | March 28 Tikvah Family Shabbaton. camp Ramah in New England is hosting its first-ever three-day Tikvah Family Shabbaton for families with kids with disabilities. contact Tali cohen, Director of Tikvah Vocational Services at talic@campramahne.org or 781-702-5290, ext. 108.

cOuRTESY | EzRA STIEGLITz

Ezra Stieglitz and Iris Amit (both center) with Tech-Career students

Computer training for Ethiopian Israelis By ezra l. sTieGliTz aNd iris amiT During a recent trip to Israel, I had the opportunity to visit the Tech-Career Technology Center for Ethiopian Israelis located in Kibbutz Nachshon.

I was invited by Iris Amit, the Vice President for Operations and Education at the Technology Training Center for Ethiopian Israelis. The aim of this program is to provide an opportunity for Ethiopian young adults aged 21-30 to develop sustainable careers in the high tech industry. Since its establishment in 2002 by Asher Eliyas, a member of the Israeli Ethiopian community, TechCareer (TC) has provided a comprehensive technological training program for over 400 young adults in more than 20 courses in software development, software quality assurance, and networking. Because so few Ethiopians have careers in Israeli high tech companies, the key to integrating Ethiopians into Israeli society lies in good jobs. The successful completion of the Tech-Career program serves as a springboard to this successful integration into the high-tech industry and ultimately into Israeli society.

I learned that programs of this type are necessary if Ethiopian Israelis are to break out of the harsh socio-economic reality in which they live and integrate into Israeli society.

An estimated 130,000 Ethiopian Jews live in Israel. Most of this community made aliyah from Ethiopia to Israel in two waves of mass immigration in 1984 and 1991. While they are supposed to be full citizens with equal rights, their community has continued to face widespread discrimination and socio-economic difficulties. Statistics published in 2012 indicate that over 52% of Ethiopian Israeli families are living below the poverty line in comparison to 15% of the general Jewish population. A study published in the same year found that members of this community earn 30%-40% less than Arab citizens in Israel.

Once accepted into TechCareer, students benefit from ideal learning conditions that

include residential status at Kibbutz Nachshon. This is fundamental for the success of the students in the very intensive technological programs TC offers during 8 to 12 months of training. Participants attend six to eight hours of computer classes per day, five days per week. The rigorousness of the courses obligates students to practice daily after class hours students are offered 24-hour access to computer labs. After class hours, students undergo training sessions with volunteers and TC graduates for reinforcement.

A residence at Kibbutz Nachshon permits TC students to concentrate on their studies.

Living at home during their studies at TC would have forced them to go out and work in the evenings to support their large families. This would have impaired their chances to succeed in their studies. The secure residence at Tech-Career safeguards from unnecessary temptations and distractions which can stand as obstacles in the completion of TC’s intensive programs. The students described residence at Kibbutz Nachshon as a communal, supportive and nurturing learning environment which empowers them, preserves their motivation, and keeps them afloat during the challenges and hardships they face in this demanding period. Residence at Tech-Career according to them is indispensable.

Every few of weeks, TechCareer organizes cultural activities for its students. During their studies, students are in need of leisure time and the cultural activities are an excellent opportunity for them take a break and enjoy a moment of recreation. It is also an opportunity for bonding with the TC staff. Enrichment activities are organized around Ethiopian festivities and holidays such as the Sigd, where students have an opportunity to be exposed to the rich culture, tastes and sounds of Ethiopia. Guest speakers are invited which also helps expose the students to their life experiences which empowers and strengthens them in their experiences at Tech-Career.

Tech-Career strives for the successful employment of each of its graduates. Therefore, Tech-Career’s personal development workshops and job placement activities, prepare students psychologically and practically for working in high tech, and are an essential part of the training. Workshops include resume writing, job interview training, time management, teamwork, interpersonal communication, and confl ict management. To date, about 70% of all Tech-Career graduates are placed in high tech positions.

High-tech seniors and experts volunteer to personally mentor and accompany students one-on-one in order to familiarize them with the high-tech work culture, introduce them to their professional social network, help them prepare for job interviews, and facilitate their integration into the high tech work force.

The best part of this visit was to hear what students had to say about the value of participating in the Tech-Career program. Their comments and reactions were very positive.

For example, Avraham Ayelin, when asked about his career goal, commented that he would eventually like to start his own software development company. I hope that someday he will have the opportunity to accomplish his goal. Finally, I was touched by what Michal Aimelak told me about what this program meant to her. She said, “It has meant the future for me and a better life for me and my family.” The hope is that the graduates will be the future leaders and social activists of the Ethiopian Israeli community. ezra l. sTieGliTz, ph.d. (estieglitz@ric.edu) is a Professor of Elementary Education at Rhode Island College where he serves as Coordinator of Overseas Programs for the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development. iris amiT (iris@tech-career. org) is Vice President for Operations and Education at the Technology Training Center for Ethiopian Israelis located in Kibbutz Nachshon.

10 | February 14, 2014

opinion

The Jewish Voice

from Publisher | EDITOR

What I did during my summer vacation and other musings

By Kara Marziali As I sat down to compose the Editor’s Column for this Pets/ Camping issue, I initially felt inadequate to write about either topic. Then a flood of tender memories filled my mind.

While many of my friends growing up experienced Jewish Camping, I did not. My mother never sent my sister Dayna and me to camp, in part, because she wasn’t certain about why her children would benefit from being away from her. But Dayna and I never felt like we missed anything while we enjoyed two glorious weeks with my extended family in the rented house on Miles Street in Harwich Port.

Like my friends heading off to camp, we’d begin the preparations several weeks before, and Mom would make a list of all the things I’d need to pack: flipflops, sunscreen, a new bathing suit, activity books for the car ride, a Walkman (complete with a medley tape made by my best friend Ellen), stationery and stamps, my diary, my teddy bear Casey, a sundress appropriate for formal dining, plenty of T-shirts and shorts, and the latest Judy Blume novel.

Beginning Fourth of July weekend, my family—all nine of us—would pile into two cars and drive to Cape Cod, sometimes stuck in bumper-to-bumper, holiday traffic for hours.

Dayna and I sat contently in the rear cargo area of my parents’ Ford Country Squire, played the license plate game, waved to other motorists and sang show tunes.

The house we rented each year (which I always referred to as “our” house) was comfortable and grand. It boasted five bedrooms, a sunny kitchen with a breakfast nook, a dining room complete with built-in cabinetry, a parlor, a sunroom, a screened porch and a large backyard that abutted Harwich Port Golf Course.

Most mornings Papa woke up early and went to Bonatt’s bakery. There he’d pick up piping hot meltaways, sugary pastries that would be only the beginning of the gastronomic indulgences throughout my twoweek stay.

Our house was walking distance to everything in town including the seashore. Daddy, Papa, Uncle Ben, Uncle Jack, Dayna and I would tote beach chairs, towels, sunscreen, snacks and sandwiches (lovingly made by Mom, Nana and Aunty Vina) to the beach. On the way, Dayna and I would stop at the penny candy store where, for a few cents, we’d buy salt water taffy, Swedish fish, Mary Janes and Pixy Stix. Inevitably we’d get sand in the sticky confections, but we would eat them

anyway. Once we sufficiently sunned ourselves, rode the gentle waves, buried each other in the sand and grew tired of the salty air, we’d all trudge back to the house.

The only thing that separated our yard from the nine-hole course was a trail of orange tiger lilies. Nana would often pick some at the beginning of the week to adorn the dining room table. With golf clubs in tow, many mornings Daddy, Papa and Uncle Ben would leave the yard via a path through the lilies to play a round of golf. They’d always find some other fellow looking to complete a foursome.

They’d be home in time for lunch and we’d all walk to the Mason Jar Delicatessen.

The Mason Jar is where I’d first tried Cape Cod Potato Chips, and I and fell in love with the crispy, kettle-cooked flavor. More than 30 years ago, when the newly formed chip

“While many of my friends growing up experienced Jewish summer camp, I did not.” company was still a small operation, you could take a tour of the store front. We made a field trip to Hyannis for the day, saw how the potatoes were cooked in shallow kettles and stirred with a rake, producing a delicious, crunchier chip. We bought about a dozen bags to take home with us since kettlecooked chips were still a novelty and distribution was only local.

Sometimes we’d go to Thompson’s Clam Bar for lunch. (The radio jingle still haunts me “Were going to Thompsons Clam Bar, cause that’s where the very best clams are!”) Although less than a mile away, we’d all pile in Papa’s station wagon and drive to the restaurant located right on Wychmere Harbor. Several goodlooking, teen-aged boys with tanned complexions worked as valets for the summer, and Papa would always slip them a few extra bucks to park the car close by. Inside, patrons could sit at a sea-side table, which is always what we preferred.

We’d take pleasure watching the boats glide in and out of the harbor, gulls making rhythmic circles overhead. Dayna and I would always order a cheeseburger and fries off the children’s menu, while the adults gorged themselves on little necks, clam cakes, calamari and other fruits de mer.

My favorite restaurant however was Christopher Ryder Opera House, a dinner theatre named for the sea captain who was the original owner of the property located in Chatham.

Patrons appreciated a scrumptious meal but the post-dinner music review was the reason for the restaurant’s distinction. After dinner we’d enjoy two different cabaret-style shows called the Ryder Review. My parents would allow me and Dayna to stay up well past our bedtimes for both the 8:45 and 10:45 p.m. shows.

Not every dining establishment was serious and stuffy, however. One night was always set aside for something kidfriendly. Ordering hot dogs and root beer floats at the A&W was usually followed by a trip to the go-cart track or the trampoline park.

When we weren’t eating or at the beach, and if the men were golfing, Dayna and I would accompany the matriarchs of our family on a shopping trip. Mom would habitually use that ex-

cursion as an excuse for backto-school shopping. I’d get new sneakers and a supply of fallweather attire. At the time, the “Official Preppy Handbook,” co-authored by Lisa Birnbach, was a bestseller. I began 7th grade wearing a monogramed cardigan casually draped over my shoulders, a pink polo (with the collar turned up, of course) and embroidered whales on my navy chinos.

One summer, early in our stay, Papa found a turtle between the tiger lilies and golf course. He brought it back to the house and I immediately cared for this little creature. I called her Crispen (I don’t remember how I settled upon that name), and she became my first pet. At the end of our vacation, I insisted that we take Crispen home with us. She became a beloved part of our family and I learned to take responsibility for her well-being. I now believe every child should have the privilege of such a task.

After Labor day, when school was back in session, and we

letterS Re: Senior Living (Feb. 14)

Temple Beth-El was started in 1854, making it the second oldest congregation in R.I. I was surprised that the editorial content in the article about the United Brothers Synagogue wasn’t checked for accuracy. Those of us who have been long time members are proud that this year will mark 160 years for our beloved congregation.

Phyllis G. Goldberg West Palm Beach, Fla.

Response:

Phyllis, you are correct in noting that Temple Beth-El is the second oldest synagogue in R.I., and we apologize for the error. However, according to The Temple Beth-El Website: “The roots of our congregation date to 1849 when a small group who called themselves ‘Sons of Israel’ gathered for daily services in Providence.

Though Orthodox in origin, Sons of Israel affiliated in 1877 with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (later named the Union for Reform Judaism), the national body of Reform Judaism.”

We congratulate Temple Beth-El on their 165th anniversary.

were asked to write about our summer vacations, I enjoyed listening to my school chums share about their camp experiences—roasting marshmallows and singing songs by a campfire, banging loudly on a table after birkat hamazon (grace or blessing), taking a canoe out on a crystal clear lake at daybreak, panicked cabin clean-ups before inspection, popsicle stick and macaroni crafts, whispered secrets after lights out, and getting dressed up for erev Shabbat. In turn, they appreciated my anecdotes about shucking clams with Papa, caddying for my dad, painting pictures of flowers with Nana or searching for colorful shells on the shore with Dayna.

In both experiences—my friends’ Jewish Camp and my family vacations—tradition and a sense of belonging were at the heart. Whatever camp or family customs are dear to you, remember them fondly. I know I do.

Re: A Winter Love Affair

After the last snow storm, I realized I am having a love affair with my boots. Each snowy day, I choose which pair I can wear; my boots come in all colors and styles. Yes, you might say I am fickle—not staying with the same pair of boots.

Around Passover, I put my boots away and not until Hanukkah do I greet my boots again. I must say each pair keeps my feet dry, warm and snuggly.

Yes I love them all, but I can’t wait to say “Hello Spring.”

Miriam R. Plitt Pawtucket, R.I.

opinion

thejewishvoice.org

February 14, 2014 |

11

Time to reengage?

When my father and I would drive “down the shore” on New Jersey’s Garden State Parkway, heading for a boat that would take us to where the bluefish were running, occasionally we would go far enough south to pass the exit for Double Trouble IT SEEMS Picnic Area.

Whenever he TO ME happened to see that sign, my Rabbi Jim f at h e r wo u l d Rosenberg make the same ironic comment: “Double trouble … a Negro Jew.” That was decades ago. “Negro” – not “Black,” not “African American” – was the correct and proper term. In those days I was too young to have developed much of a political or social consciousness, but even then I had the not so vague sense that we Jews and Negroes were somehow bound together by our histories of persecution.

By the time I entered college in the fall of 1962, it seemed that American Jews and Blacks had become natural allies; motivat-

ed by our bitter experiences of discrimination, we felt called upon to walk hand and hand to build a nation that would one day be free of bigotry, a land of justice and equality for all.

As we moved together into the ’60s, we Jews and Blacks shared moments of deepest darkness: consider the murders of the young civil rights activists, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner on June 21, 1964, in Philadelphia, Miss. – their bodies found 44 days later in a nearby earthen dam.

On the other hand, there were shared moments in the sun: consider the iconic photograph of the bearded, white-haired Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and the much younger Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Hawaiian leis draped festively about their necks, standing in the very front line at the start of the 1965 Voting Rights March in Selma. As Heschel put it upon returning home, “I felt my legs were praying.”

Nevertheless, by the end of the 1960s, one would have had to be blind not to see the widening fissures between Jewish and African-American communities. The Ocean Hill-Browns-

ville teachers’ strike in 1968 pitted Jewish teachers and administrators against the Black residents seeking more community control. By the time of the Bakke affirmative action case in 1978, it had become clear that on many issues Jews and Blacks held diametrically opposite positions. Back then, Blacks over-

“I felt my legs were praying.” whelmingly supported affirmative action as a just method for overcoming centuries of racial discrimination, while most Jews eschewed affirmative action as a program which undermined the very meritocracy which enabled them to climb the ladder of success.

Why did the Black-Jewish alliance, which seemed so strong, almost inevitable in the 1960s, unravel so quickly? Prof. Cheryl Greenberg of Trinity College in Hartford provided an answer to this question when she spoke at Temple Habonim in Barrington on a Sunday afternoon Feb. 9. In her challenging talk, titled “Black-Jewish Relations: Why Should We Care?,” Green-

berg, contrary to popular opinion, argued that there has never been a “natural alliance” between Jews and African-Americans.

Despite our political cooperation which continues to this day – both communities are overwhelmingly Democratic – and despite the fact that we Jews had been disproportionately represented in the Civil Rights Movement of the ’60s, deep structural issues of race, of religion, and especially of class have divided Jews and Blacks in significant ways.

In her talk, Greenberg pointed out that, since the Civil Rights era, Jews and Blacks have gradually ceased working together on issues of common concern and have turned inward, pursuing our own parochial interests. For example, while American Jews began to focus more and more upon their involvement with the State of Israel, African-Americans turned their attention to the widespread poverty in their community. Moving further and further apart, we ceased to trust each other and began to accuse each other of outright betrayal. From the perspective of some Blacks, Jews were no better than other white people;

from the perspective of some Jews, Blacks were no better than other anti-Semites.

Despite her somber assessment of the rise and fall of Black-Jewish relations, Greenberg ended her presentation on an encouraging note, noting that, though our relationship has been strained, it has never been severed.

She went on to suggest that now would be a propitious time for African-Americans and Jews to reengage, to recommit to our common interest in fighting bigotry anywhere and everywhere; for both of our communities well understand that the burning of a single black church is a threat to every church, to every synagogue, to every mosque throughout our land. Our common task as Jews, as Blacks, as Americans is to make real the vision of the Biblical prophet Amos, who more than 2,700 years ago yearned for the day when “justice rolls down like the waters and righteousness like an everflowing stream.” (Amos 5.24) Rabbi James Rosenberg (r abbie me r it u s @ t e mpleh a bonim.org) is rabbi emeritus at Temple Habonim in Barrington.

Breaking News: Ultra-religious man helps wife prepare incredible meal

By Daniel Stieglitz Many people are quick to post articles that depict the negative aspects of a particular group.

It is apparently 100% factual, newsworthy information or, as I like to call it, juicy gossip. This is why one never sees headlines such as the one I wrote above.

What group doesn’t have members that make a lot of noise and give it a bad name?

Should every American be judged by the fact that LETTERS a few dozen members of HOME its 300 million+ citizens DANIEL make America STIEGLITZ the leader in school shootings?

I refer in specifically now to the Haredi movement – those whose members are considered to be the most ultra-observant Jews in the world. Stereotypical stories abound about how they disrespect women and incite violence towards those that are different than they are.

How many of the people that are quick to proliferate such information have taken time to interact directly with these people and hear their side of the story?

I spent Shabbat with a friend

I haven’t seen in over twelve years, who is now Haredi. I met his wife, who never wiped a warm, welcoming smile off of her face, and their four beautiful children. They live in the all-Haredi city known as Modi’in Illit.

In the local synagogue, I was the only adult male in the room without a beard, payot (long sideburns), big black hat, tie and suit jacket. Was I greeted with disdainful looks for clearly not being one of their own? No! Every person I passed welcomed me with a warm greeting.

Far too many outsiders believe that they, as well as other Orthodox Jews, treat their women as second-class citizens.

The common assumption is that these women are brainwashed into believing that this is their lot in life. I’ve asked so many of these women for their opinions on this. For the record, most of them were either not raised in a religious home, or at one point experimented with a non-religious lifestyle. All of them are intelligent, educated women who, on their own, eventually chose this observant way of life.

It’s not their role in Judaism that bothers them – they understand that a chair is a chair and a table is a table (neither one is more important than the other but each serves a different purpose). What bothers them is that people influenced by Western culture, from which Juda-

ism does not originate from, try to convince them that their role is not as important as their husbands’. This, and not the loving, caring men in their lives, diminishes their roles in their own society.

Throughout Shabbat, my friend told me about what an exhausting week he had. After lunch, his wife asked which of them should watch the children first. Without hesitation, my friend volunteered. His priority was that his wife be happy and

“Different doesn’t mean worse – its just a matter of finding the common denominators that you share.” comfortable.

I saw many other examples of this warmth, kindness and respect throughout Shabbat.

My hosts made it clear that they enhanced the quality of the Shabbat food in my honor. I was practically forbidden from getting up from the table to help clean up. I went to visit another friend in the same neighborhood who had a newborn son.

Neighbors, some of whom were only acquaintances, came over to bring them food and help out around the house.

Yes, there were cultural differences that I was unaccustomed to. Newsflash: That’s what happens anytime you step out of your own society, culture or religion. It’s naïve to think that your own beliefs are 100% accurate and without flaws.

Different doesn’t mean worse – it’s just a matter of finding the common denominators that you share.

These days, one of the most commonly reported clashes between the Haredi and other groups is between them and the Women of the Wall – a group advocating for women’s prayer services at the Western Wall.

The media makes it sound as if all Haredi viciously oppose such a change; to the point where they incite violence against this group and others like it. I asked my friend his thoughts on groups such as this.

His reply – he’s never heard about this group, which has been around for several years, until a few weeks ago when he saw a sign requesting people attend a peaceful, non-violent

protest. He didn’t attend since this topic, which only recently came to his attention, really didn’t bother him that much.

Before believing that the negative sides of a culture are the predominant ones, take some time to get to know the people associated with that group first.

If you spread information that propagates a certain stereotype, then you’re not part of the solution – you’re part of the problem. Whether you are male or female, there are many Haredi families that would welcome you into their home with open arms and show you the wonderful values that guide their true way of life.

DANIEL STIEGLITZ (dstieglitz@gmail.com), a Providence native, made aliyah in 2007. He holds a master’s degree in creative writing from Bar Ilan University and lives and works in Jerusalem. His short story “Haven” was recently published in FictionMagazines.com’s online magazine, eFiction.

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Send us your, comments, criticisms online comments, letters to the editor and op-ed submissions.

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Op-ed essays: 500 – 800 words and must be signed. Send to editor@jewishallianceri.org, subject line: OPINIONS. Questions? Call 421-4111.

12 | February 14, 2014

OPIINION

The Jewish Voice

Jews don’t hunt

For most Jews in the United States, hunting laws are not a concern

By Pauline Dubkin Yearwood/JNS.org That’s a comforting statement to one who, like me, opposes hunting, even if it’s not strictly true. I understand that Allyson Schwartz, a Jewish congresswoman running for governor of Pennsylvania, is involved in an effort to end a ban on Sunday hunting, and that there are a few Jews joining the effort.

That surprises me.

Conventional wisdom has it that Jews in the United States have never been part of the hunter population because they live primarily in urban areas where a “hunting culture” is lacking. I think it goes far beyond that.

Jews are specifically instructed not to cause pain to any animal in many places in the Torah, from “The righteous person regards the life of his

letterS Re: Soup first, then dessert (Jan. 3) I’m glad to see that Anita Solomon has shared some of her favorite recipes with The Voice. I’ve been craving her Apricot Chicken and have tried to recreate it on my own, without much success. Do you think she’d share the recipe with us?

Lloyd’s was very special, the food was always good and it was fun seeing friends unexpectedly.

Bobbie Friedman

Response:

Clearly, Lloyd’s and its recipes resonate with our community. Thanks to Anita Solomon for submitting the recipe for Apricot chicken, as I am sure there are many other readers who will enjoy it.

Apricot Chicken

By Anita Solomon 1 package dry onion soup 1 bottle Wishbone Russian dressing (only this will do) 1 8 ounce jar of apricot preserves 2 ounces peach liqueur 2 ounces brandy 2 ounces triple sec Cook all together being careful not to burn. We very often used this on Cornish hens that were stuffed with cooked wild or brown rice. Partially bake the stuffed Cornish hens at 350, and remove from oven. Pour cooked sauce over each hen and returned to oven until brown and crunchy.

animal” (Proverbs 12:10) to stories of Moses’s and King David’s compassionate treatment of animals, treatment that led to God deeming them suitable for leadership.

Judaism teaches that God is compassionate toward all creatures and that we are to emulate this compassion. Jews are called rachamanim b’nei rechamanim— compassionate children of compassionate ancestors.

Richard Schwartz, former president of Jewish Vegetarians of North America and one of the country’s leading experts on Judaism’s teachings toward animals, writes in his book “Who Stole My Religion?” that “throughout the ages, the rabbis have strongly disapproved of hunting as a sport.

A Jew is permitted to capture animals only for purposes of human food or for what is considered an essential human need. But to destroy an animal for ‘sport’ constitutes wanton destruction and is to be condemned.”

Was there a time when humans needed to hunt animals in order to stay alive? Of course.

But that’s no longer true. The vast majority of hunters do what they do for sport, not subsistence. And sport hunting goes against Jewish teachings in many ways, especially considering that many animals endure prolonged, painful deaths when they are injured but not killed by hunters.

There are humane alternatives to overpopulation, a rationale hunters often use for why they hunt. Sterilization and resource management techniques accomplish the goal without cruelty.

Of course, animals killed by hunting would not be considered kosher since they are not slaughtered according to kosher laws, which were designed to be more humane than traditional methods of killing animals.

Pauline Dubkin Yearwood Doesn’t sound too compassionate, does it? In fact, as reported by PETA and others, recent studies show that 10 percent of foxes shot by hunters are wounded but manage to escape; 11 percent of deer killed by hunters died only after being shot two or more times, and some wounded deer suffered for more than 15 minutes before dying. Another study found that more than three million ducks are wounded but go unretrieved every year.

Hunting disrupts migration and hibernation patterns and puts ecosystems out of balance.

If overpopulation in a location occurs, nature takes care of the problem through natural predation, ensuring that only healthy, strong animals survive. Hunters often kill these strong animals, destroying natural ecosystems.

“Judaism teaches that God is compassionate toward all creatures and that we are to emulate this compassion.”

I can’t say I feel sorry for an Orthodox Jew in Pennsylvania who, because he observes Shabbat and because his state has a Sunday hunting ban, has to go all weekend without firing a shot.

That must be a bit of good news for the animals in his vicinity.

Let’s hope that “Jews don’t hunt” continues to be true, on Sunday or any other day.

Pauline Dubkin Yearwood is Managing Editor of the Chicago Jewish News.

Re: Lawrence Grossman (Feb. 13)

Lawrence Grossman (Feb. 13, 2014) argues that boycotting Israeli companies on the West Bank is anti-Israel. I have a different view.

Boycotting settlement products is anti-Israeli settlements. I oppose academic boycotts of any kind but I support an economic boycott of the West Bank, as do increasing numbers of liberal Jews and Israelis, including Zahava Gal-On, a member of the Israeli Knesset. The continued construction of settlements is undermining the prospect of a Jewish and democratic future for Israel. It also suggests that the Israeli government is insincere about a twostate solution.

Boycotts are an important non-violent tool to pressure an intransigeant government to change its policies. Boycott movements take their playbook from Caesar Chavez, Martin Luther King, and the movement to divest from South Africa. Jews clearly appreciate the usefulness of the boycott tool when it comes to sanctions on Iran (what boycotts are called when they are applied by states).

It is sad that Israeli companies have become the target of boycotts. Companies on the West Bank are complicit in the occupation, however. It is even sadder that the Israeli government continues to pursue an immoral occupation policy that is squandering Israel’s many achievements and its future as a Jewish and democratic state.

Nina Tannenwald Nina Tannenwald teaches international relations at Brown

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.

Errata: Re: A Tale of Two Synegogues (Feb. 14) We apologize for an inaccurate caption printed on page 14 in the Feb. 14 issue. Remembering the Past: A Tale of Two Synagogues was erroneously captioned as the Eldridge Street Synagogue. The photo actually depicts Congregation Shaare Zedek-Sons of Abraham, on Broad Street in Providence. The building was the original Temple Beth-El, built in 1911 before the congregation moved to the East Side.

columns | letters policy The Jewish Voice publishes thoughtful and informative contributors’ columns (op-eds of 500 – 800 words) and letters to the editor (250 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, repre-

sent 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).

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Theological exchange between Catholics and Jews

By Dr. Arthur Urbano On March 6 and 7, Providence College will host a pair of events as part of its series, Theological Exchange Between Catholics and Jews. Inaugurated in 2009, the program has created a forum for learning and dialogue about issues of mutual interest to Judaism and Catholicism.

This year the college welcomes Sr. Dianne Bergant, CSA, a Catholic nun and scholar of the Hebrew Bible, and Rabbi Dr. David Fox Sandmel, a professor of Jewish Studies. Colleagues at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, the nation’s largest Roman Catholic graduate school of theology, they have both been involved in interfaith dialogue for many years.

The two will participate in a public dialogue on the topic “Images of God: Jewish and Catholic Perspectives” and will lead a colloquium workshop for Providence College faculty and students, as well as for local Jewish and Christian clergy.

Sr. Bergant has been an active member of the Chicago Catholic/Jewish Scholars Dialogue for the past twenty years. She is the author of many books on the Hebrew Bible, including “Genesis: In the Beginning” (Liturgical Press, 2013) and “People of the Covenant: An Invitation to the Old Testament” (Sheed & Ward, 2001).

Dr. Sandmel is active in Jewish-Christian-Muslim dialogue.

He co-edited a volume of essays entitled “Christianity in Jewish Terms” (Westview, 2000) and

Rabbi Dr. David Fox Sandmel

Sr. Dianne Bergant, CSA

has contributed to the recently published “Jewish Annotated New Testament” (Oxford, 2011), a commentary on the Christian Scriptures by Jewish scholars.

At this spring’s event, Sr. Bergant and Rabbi Sandmel will dialogue about the ways in which Jews and Catholics have imagined God. The Jewish and Christian traditions both teach that God created the world, that God sustains the world and that God will ultimately redeem the world and humanity. Nevertheless, at the core of the difference between Judaism and Christianity are fundamentally opposed views of who God is and what God has done. This difference has, in the past, been a source of bitter and tragic conflict. Sr. Bergant and Rabbi Sandmel will dialogue about how both the commonalities

and differences can contribute to a rich relationship between the two communities today. The hope is that all who attend and participate depart having deepened their own understanding of God by discovering that of another.

The series seeks to promote interreligious understanding and dialogue in the spirit of Vatican II, the 1960s council of the Catholic Church which, among other internal reforms, radically redefined and redirected the Church’s relationship with Jews. The events also continue the tradition of dialogue and friendship between Jews and Catholics that has been part of Providence College’s history.

Since its founding in 1917, Prov-

idence College has been a place where Christians and Jews have learned with and from one another. Today, the College boasts many distinguished Jewish alumni and faculty.

As a dialogue of “exchange” between Catholics and Jews, the program stands in the spirit of Vatican II’s ground-breaking declaration Nostra Aetate (Latin for “in our time”) which encouraged Catholics to create forums for “mutual understanding and respect” through “fraternal dialogues” so as to unlock together the “spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews.” Not debates which seek to convert, these are exchanges where Jews and Catholics can learn about the other and themselves through collaborative effort. These efforts were vigorously promoted throughout the Church by Popes John Paul II and Bene-

“Images of God: Jewish and Catholic perspectives.” dict XVI. Following his predecessors, Pope Francis recently wrote, “Dialogue and friendship with the children of Israel are part of the life of Jesus’ disciples.”

As such, the goals of this program are several: (1) to promote

understanding and appreciation of the commonalities and differences between Jews and Christians; (2) to educate the next generation of socially conscious and faith-oriented individuals to appreciate and promote the common concerns for social change and transformation intrinsic to the common spiritual heritage of Judaism and Christianity; and (3) to create a hospitable forum for the local community that models dialogue in a constructive and honest way.

The program has featured both international and local speakers, including Rabbi Peter Stein (Temple Sinai, Cranston), Rabbi Wayne Franklin (Temple Emanu-El, Providence) and Prof. Shaye Cohen (formerly of Brown University, now at Harvard), as well as a number of prominent Catholic speakers.

The dialogue-lecture on March 6 is free and open to the public. It will be held at 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in Aquinas Lounge on the Providence College campus. The colloquium workshop on March 7 is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. – noon. It is limited to 40 participants. To reserve a space or to be added to the email list, contact Dr. Arthur Urbano, theology professor at Providence College, at aurbano@providence.edu.

DR. ARTHUR URBANO (aurbano@providence.edu )is an associate professor of theology at Providence College.

14 | February 14, 2014

BOOKS | ARTS`

The Jewish Voice

Historical thriller by celebrated author By shelley a. sackeTT Special to the Voice The foul fi ngers of World War II are everywhere these days, including in Leonard Rosen’s “The Tenth Witness,” a prequel to his wildly successful fi rst novel, “All Cry Chaos.”

This book introduces us to Henri Poincare, brilliant engineer and sensitive humanist. He and his partner have landed a contract from Lloyd’s of London to build a platform in the Dutch Wadden Sea, from which they hope to recover the 18th century goldladen shipwreck, the Lutine.

He meets a girl, Liesel Kraus, an heiress with her brother, Anselm, to Kraus Steel. They unsurprisingly fall in love.

Henri learns that her father, Otto Kraus, made steel for Hitler using Drutte concentration camp slave labor. By improbable coincidence, Henri’s honorary Uncle Isaac had been one of those Drutte slaves. Moreover, he was one of 10 witnesses who signed an affidavit attesting to Otto’s Schindler-esque benevolence.

As his relationship with Liesel becomes more serious, Henri learns more about the Kraus family and their questionable business practices in developing countries. The affidavit doesn’t add up. Then, suddenly, the witnesses start dying. Henri is determined to get to the bottom of it.

The action takes off at this

point, and not a moment too soon. There are globetrotting clandestine meetings, Nazi archives, murders, romance and technology — all this against the backdrop of a quest for sunken treasure. While many twists and turns are foreseeable, just as many are not.

Artistically, the book is uneven but Rosen shows flashes of exceptional craftsmanship. His turns of phrases and descriptions bring his characters to life, and those characters are the life of this book. We bask in the warmth of Henri’s genuine heart as he marvels over a Christmas gift basket of fruit.

Likewise, we shiver at Anselm’s

dinner table comment, “business is war conducted by other means.”

It is a challenge to incorporate Nazi horrors into a novel and not have their toxicity overwhelm the plot. Rosen has passed this test by wisely focusing his storyline on out-of-theordinary topics. He treats us to the fruits of his research about the broad tidal mudflats of the Dutch Wadden Sea, the dangerous practices of ship-breaking and precious metal stripping, and the engineering feat of recovering an 18th century goldladen sunken ship. We even learn about South African Boerboels, 175 lb. dogs bred to defend the homestead against such predators as hyenas and lions (and, as it turns out, against nosy, amateur French sleuths).

Rosen’s fi rst novel garnered universal praise and five coveted prizes. “The Tenth Witness” is not of that caliber.

The advantage, however, of having read the sequel (albeit a prequel) fi rst is that that debut gem still lies ahead. shelley a. sackeTT (shelleya.sackett@gmail.com) is a Providence native residing on Boston’s North Shore. This article originally appeared in the Jewish Journal, Massachusetts, and is reprinted with permission.

The Tenth witness by Leonard Rosen, The Permanent Press, 2013

Sam Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature Canadian-Israeli journalist wins $100,000 By kiyara leis Special to The Jewish Voice The Jewish Book Council has been awarding the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature to an emerging writer since 2007.

The winner of the Sami Rohr Prize is awarded with $100,000 the largest sum given as a literary prize. It recognizes the distinct role modern writers play in describing and examining Jewish life both in the present and past. It is given to fiction and non-fiction writers in alternating years. The Prize derived its name from noted philanthropist and businessman Sami Rohr, who died in July of 2012 at the age of 86. Rohr felt that his philanthropy was an investment in the future of the Jewish people and he was dedicated to Jewish education, culture and community.

The 2014 winner of the Sami Rohr Prize is the Canadian-Israeli journalist Matti Friedman, author of the nonfiction book, “The Aleppo Codex: A True Story of Obsession, Faith, and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible” (Algonquin Books). The Aleppo Codex was written in 930 C.E. and is the oldest surviving manuscript of the Bible and considered the most accurate version of the Hebrew Bible. The Codex is located in a hidden vault at the Israel Museum. Although it is considered to be in good condition given its age, it is also missing several hundred pages, or about forty percent of its entire context. When Friedman happened to encounter the Codex in Jerusalem, he felt that he had a duty to investigate what had happened to missing pages and, if possible, bring the criminals responsible to justice. In The Aleppo Codex, Friedman describes how he is able to solve the mystery from bits and pieces of information.

The Codex, declared the most accurate holy text by the great rabbi, teacher and philosopher Maimonides, was brought to Aleppo by Maimonides’ great-great-greatgrandson in the 14th century.

For 600 years, it was kept in a crypt beneath Aleppo’s great

synagogue until anti-Jewish rioting during the War of Independence destroyed the synagogue. Fortunately, the Codex survived and, in 1948, found its way into the hands of rabbis who kept it hidden while spreading the rumor that it had burned. In 1958, it was smuggled to Turkey and then brought to Israel with the help of the State of Israel and President Yitzhak BenZvi. It was quickly discovered that the approximately 200 pages of The Five Books of Moses – the Torah itself – were missing.

In fi nding out what had really happened to the Codex, Friedman discovered “a tragedy of human weakness.”

Friedman came to the conclusion that the Codex hadn’t actually been saved from the burned synagogue but had been looted by representatives of the Ben-Zvi Institute.

Furthermore, the missing pages of the Codex are the result of negligence on the part of the Ben-Zvi Institute, which did not take proper care of the manuscript.

The Jewish Book Council chose to award the Sami Rohr Prize to Friedman because they feel that he will continue to make significant contributions to Jewish literature. The runner-up for the prize was Sarah Bunin Benor, author of “Becoming Frum” (Rutgers University Press), a book about how one’s speech patterns are influenced by their community. Both Friedman and Benor will be honored in a ceremony in Jerusalem on January 21, 2014. All the finalists will be inducted into the Sami Rohr Jewish Literary Institute during an annual gathering of Sami Rohr winners, fi nalists, judges and advisors. Every winner of the prize has followed his or her achievement with a successful literary career in both fiction and non-fictions. Other authors include Austin Ratner, Gal Beckerman, and Lucette Lagnado. kiyara leis (kiyaraleis@ gmail.com), a Providence resident, is a graduate of Hampshire College.

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PHOTOS | naomi geller lipsky

Wooden letters over sanctuary doors created by Albert Resnick from page 2

hiddur

More recently, a portable ark was built by current member Barry Forman, with a parokhet (curtain) made by Paula Goldberg. Covers for the Reader’s Table and the other tables on the bimah were fabricated by an anonymous congregant in honor of Rabbi Perlman’s installation in 2012, and matching Torah binders were later made by the same hands. Still other congregants contribute to hiddur mitzvah by landscaping the grounds around the Temple and mowing the grass.

Members have also participated vicariously in hiddur mitzvah, by hiring someone else to create an object, and then donating it to the temple. The first Torah scroll was donated by the families of Haskell Wallik and Melvin Blazer, and others followed over the years. Dr. Sid Goldstein, a long time member,

donated a pair of rimmonim in memory of his mother, Bella.

Needlework and photography by members such as Myra Blank and Mary Zisserson grace the walls, along with other originals donated by grateful artists.

Hiddur mitzvah not only includes adorning ritual objects, but in its wider meaning can include enhancing the observance of holidays and nontangible religious acts. For example, Sena Yamuder and her husband Izzy, of Izzy’s Catering, provided many congregational break fasts. As President Arnie Moses remembers, they donated everything – “food, linens, they just made it happen.”

Mrs. Yamuder also created the dramatic “Shin” sculpture in the lobby, which memorializes the late Steven Shatz.

Lerner has made his own con-

tribution to the hiddur mitzvah, by building children’s carnival games that help enhance the mitzvah of rejoicing at Purim.

Paintings of Esther and Haman were added by congregant Maude Weiser.

Finally, if hiddur mitzvah is expanded to also include acts of “tikkun olam,” rebuilding the world, temple members contribute on a large scale. Rabbi Richard Perlman speaks fondly of his congregation, “I am always moved to pride when I am attending a community meeting and I am told of how many Am David members answer the call – any call, be it at the Chester Full Plate, or other food distribution locations – and many, many more projects that our membership takes part in to do tikkun olam. Temple Am David members ‘get it’ and understand what they need to do to help others.”

From ornamenting a ritual

Ark in chapel created by Sam Stayman object, to repairing the world, hiddur mitzvah beautifies our lives, and Temple Am David’s active participation in all forms of this mitzvah is evident and enduring.

NAOMI GELLER LIPSKY is a member of Temple Am David, and a Judaic artist and President of the Society of Gilders.

Contact her via www.lipskyart. com.

from page 1

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is part of a series about Hiddur Mitzvah (enhancement or beautification of the divine commandment). In appreciation of Hiddur Mitzvah, The Jewish Voice will highlight Judaica collections and treasures in our synagogues and museums throughout the state.

SURVIVOR

In 1943, however, Herz-Sommer and her husband, Leopold, and their 6-year old son Raphael (Rafi), were transported to the Nazi model concentration camp Theresienstadt. Her husband died in the Nazi camp, but Herz-Sommer became a member of the camp orchestra and gave more than 100 recitals while protecting her son.

Liberated in 1945, Herz-Sommer and her son returned to

BING.COM

Prague but four years later left for Israel. There she taught at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and performed in concerts frequently attended by Golda Meir, while her son became a concert cellist.

After 37 years in Israel she followed her son to London in 1986. She remained in London even after her son died 15 years later at the age of 65.

16 | February 14, 2014

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PHOTOS | RAbbI PERETz ScHEINERMAN

Coming Home ABOVE: On Feb. 8 and 9, New England Academy of Torah (NEAT) students, led by production heads Chayala Schwartz and Adena Malka Yudkowsky, performed “Coming Home.”

This inspirational and entertaining show portrays the effect that Dovid Mayer, an orphan from Jerusalem, has on the Kalman family of London. Combining touching drama and hilarious comedy, the production included dancing and music.

NEAT Science girls LEFT: A window was broken and was blood left behind, but this is not an episode of “CSI.” Malka Yudowsky, Goldie Taitelbaum and Shifra Schectman, seniors at the New England Academy of Torah (NEAT), are studying forensics by performing a scientific analysis of a made-up “crime scene.”

The students used simulated blood and antibodies to determine the blood types of the victim and two suspects. Blood typing classifies blood based on the absence or presence of specific antigenic proteins on mature erythrocytes (red blood cells) and is routinely used in police investigations. The students enjoyed a laboratory exercise which tied in with their mock trial experiences.

Temple Emanu-El Celebrates Purim!

Megillah Reading – Come in Costume!

Saturday March 15 - 7:30 PM Sunday March 16 – 8:00AM

Purim Rock n Roll Dance party with our live band Led Schleppelin Saturday March 15 9:00PM – Free admission, Free Food, $4 drink coupons Temple Emanu-El Purim Carnival. Fun, games, prizes! Barbecue lunch!

10:15 - 11:00 AM – Games for preschool and kindergarteners 11:00 - 1:00pm – All ages BBQ Open until Spiel starts!

1:15 PM Temple Purim Spiel Performance "A Nightmare of Chelm Street”

Temple Emanu-El 99 Taft Ave | Providence, RI 02906 (401) 331-1616 | www.teprov.org

FOOD

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February 14, 2014 |

17

Fido’s Favorite Fare In recent years, homemade food for dogs has become a popular alternative to commercial canned or dry varieties. Nonetheless, it is crucial that your canine’s diet is a balanced one.

Dogs require protein, based on their age, size and breed. Fiber and carbohydrates are other key components to a balanced meal plan for your pooch.

Always make sure you use the freshest, high-quality ingredients available. Primary protein sources are dark chicken, turkey, lamb, beef or eggs, while carbohydrates might consist of pasta, white or brown rice, sweet potato, barley, peas, corn or oatmeal. Grains and meat should be cooked. Fiber comes from cooked or uncooked vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, green beans, baby spinach, squash or broccoli.

Never, ever feed your dog chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol (sugar substitute), garlic, onions, chives or macadamia nuts. However, feel free to spice up Rover’s vittles with parsley, cayenne pepper, ginger, sage or

Recipes to delight your doggie’s dinner

3 to 5 teaspoons vegetable oil Cayenne pepper to taste

Banana Nutters (Dog Biscuits)

1 banana, peeled and mashed 1 cup oat flour 2/3 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup dried parsley 3 tablespoons peanut butter 1 egg, beaten

Preheat oven to 300°F. In large bowl, mix banana, oat flour,

peanut butter.

For the safety of your fourlegged friend, before starting any new food program with your pet, please consult your veterinarian.

Fifi’s Favorite Fritatta

for 15-pound dogs 3 ounces cooked eggs 1 1/3 cups oats 1 tablespoon of spinach 1 to 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

oats, parsley, peanut butter and egg. Roll mixture into 24 balls, using about 1 tablespoon dough for each and flatten. Bake on parchment paper-lined baking sheet for 40 to 45 minutes and until golden brown on bottom.

Set aside to let cool completely.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Canine Chicken Casserole

for 30-pound dogs 4 1/2 ounces dark meat cooked chicken 2 cups cooked brown rice 1 1/2 tablespoons squash 2 to 3 teaspoons vegetable oil Rosemary to taste

Beef Stew for Bruiser

for 60 pound dogs 8 ounces cooked beef 3 1/2 cups potatoes 3 tablespoons carrots

Coconut Camp Clusters (Macaroons) If you went to Jewish camp, you might remember the thrill at mail time when you received a care package from your bubbe.

Fast forward a few decades and now it’s your child (or grandchild) on the receiving end.

You want his/her care package to include something more substantial than squirt cheese and gummy bears. Homemade macaroons for your camper to share will be a huge hit! Just be sure to check with the camp to see if it’s acceptable to send food.

INGREDIENTS

2 1/4 cups of shredded/flaked coconut (sweet) 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk 1/3 cup flour

1/8 tsp salt 1 tbs vanilla extract

METHOD Mix together all ingredients and roll into balls.

Cook on a pan on the top rack for 11-15 min at 350 degrees or until golden brown.

Let cool. Package them in a foil- or These cookies are for campers parchment- lined not canines. box surrounded by air popped corn. Now your camper can enjoy two tasty treats!

Announcing a new Glatt Kosher Caterer

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18 | February 14, 2014

The Jewish Voice

PETS

The advantages and disadvantages of having a pet By roGer reardoN Pets have become a common sight in many households. In fact, one would be hard pressed to fi nd a household without pets such as fish, dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, hamsters and even turtles. In France, dogs and cats are the most common pets.

There are many advantages and disadvantages of owning a pet. The pet plays an important role as companion to its owner. Dogs and cats, in particular, are considered very close to humans and have been domesticated for thousands of years. They no longer live in the wild but amidst human habitats. These animals can

form very close bond with their human owners and, in fact, dogs are even known as men’s best friend. Dog owners would tell you how their best friend would snuggle up close to them for comfort and follow them everywhere and know well their routines such as feeding time and the time when their owners return from work. Experts say that pets are very therapeutic and can even prolong the lives of human beings, especially elderly folk or those widowed and living alone. Even young children and recluses often respond better to animals rather than to their human companions.

Walking a dog keeps one in shape. Since these four-legged

ROGER REARDON

creatures need lots of exercise to keep fit and healthy, most dog owners have to allocate time to walk or jog with them daily.

This not only provides the opportunity for pet owners to establish close contact with their dogs, but also forces them to exercise and keep themselves fit in the process.

Apart from being a source of comfort and constant companion, a dog in particular would lay down its life for its master or mistress. There are countless stories of how dogs have warned their owners of an impending disaster such as fi re, accidents, break-ins and eventually saved their lives. Dogs are also kept to provide security for the home front against intruders and robbers. Service dogs and sniffer

dogs are used to extensively in the west such as America, United Kingdom and Netherlands, among others. Service dogs, such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers, are trained to assist the blind and elderly to help

“young children and recluse adults respond better to animals than to their human companions.” with basic tasks such as crossing the street, answering the phone and collecting the mail.

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The disadvantages of having pets relate mostly to responsibility of caring for them. Pet owners must discharge their duties responsibly by feeding these animals under their care with proper food, exercising them and ensuring they get medical treatment, as well as the required yearly vaccination. There are many irresponsible pet owners who do not feed their dogs and cats, in particular, on time and don’t ensure that these animals are taken for walks, bathed regularly and taken to the vet when they require medical treatment. We see, read and hear many sad stories of dogs and cats being abandoned as soon as the owner feels the animals have outlived their usefulness. Many are abused and ill-treated.

Pet owners must ensure the surroundings are kept clean by collecting and disposing of animal waste properly. There are many complaints we read in the newspapers of how neighbors are exposed to the stench from animal waste as well as dogs being chained up for long hours and hence, bark incessantly, creating nuisance and discomfort in the neighborhood.

I believe that there are more advantages than disadvantages of owning a pet. Our pets play a very important role in providing companionship and comfort to us. Please love them like they you love you. roGer reardoN is a veteran law enforcement officer with 25 years’ experience training police canines. He is also the owner of Rhode Island K-9 Academy, Inc., which provides training for all types of dogs and families.

PETS

thejewishvoice.org

February 14, 2014 |

19

All the president’s dogs: A walk through history By sTephaNie BuTNick | TaBleT maG In honor of President’s Day, we’d like to take a moment and honor those most important members of the White House team: the president’s pets. Specifically, their dogs. Because if dog’s are man’s best friend, that means they’re probably presidents’ best best friend, and it’s about time our presidential pooches got some love.

While the recent trend of bark mitzvahs and rabbis blessing animals may suggest otherwise, Jews have long been believed to have a rocky relationship with domestic animals, and dogs in particular. According to Moment Magazine, “Literature is fi lled with references that underscore this ambivalent relationship.”

In The Merchant of Venice, Shylock is anguished at being considered as lowly as a dog: “You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog, And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine,” cries the moneylender. Much later, S.Y. Agnon, the towering figure of 20th-century Hebrew literature, wrote about a stray dog in his 1945 novel Only Yesterday. By the end of the story, the animal turns into a monstrous creature, biting the book’s protagonist to death. And Yiddish sayings—one metric of popular sentiment—invoked a distaste for dogs, including an epithet for an immoral person: a hunt mit di oyern, or “a dog with ears.”

White House canine companions from Bo Obama to Tipsy Washington “Dogs are the new people.”

MARTIN H. SIMON-POOL/GETTY IMAGES

President Obama greets his dog Bo outside the Oval Office of the White House March 15, 2012.

Fortunately, I think we’re pretty much over those Yiddish-inflected hangups by now, a theory confi rmed by the amount of Jewish families I knew growing up who had dogs. If anything, we’ve swung to the complete opposite end of the spectrum, with dogs now being loved and treated as if they were human members of many Jewish families. (I speak from personal experience, with no shame whatsoever. Dogs are the new people.)

In that pet-loving spirit then, let us celebrate the First Dogs, those beloved, loyal creatures who play an understatedly important role in the White House ecosystem: they humanize, and

make relatable, the most powerful man in America. And they look damn cute while doing it.

There are believed to be 32 presidents who had dogs. Here are some of the highlights: Our nation’s fi rst president, George Washington, had hounds named Drunkard, Tipler and Tipsy, followed by John Adam’s somewhat more intimidatingly named Juno and Satan.

James Buchanan had a Newfoundland named Lara, while Abraham Lincoln, who would have turned 204 last week, left his Fido back in Illinois when he moved into the White House.

Ulysses S. Grant also had a Newfoundland, his named

Faithful (perhaps named before that whole expelling the Jews thing).

James A. Garfield, the nation’s 20th president, went for something more akin to humor, naming his dog Veto.

Three presidents in a row had Airedale Terriers, that most noble king of the terriers, to which I am completely biased.

Woodrow Wilson had an Airedale named Davie; Warren G. Harding’s was named Laddie Boy; and Calvin Coolidge’s was called Paul Pry. FDR had several Scottish Terriers, as well as a German Shepherd and a Great Dane at one point. Dwight D. Eisenhower had a Weimaraner named

Heidi; while John F. Kennedy requested that his dogs—two of them mutts, a presidential fi rst—greet his helicopter when he returned to the White House.

Kennedy with Charlie—yes, an Airedale Terrier.

In 2009, President Obama delighted the dog-loving public— though not animal rescue advocates—when it was announced that Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, would become the First Dog of the U.S. Obama himself called the dog, a gift from late Senator Ted Kennedy, “a star;” Malia deemed him “perfect;” while younger sister Sasha wasn’t as impressed: “Sasha pointed out that Bo didn’t yet know how to swim.”

The Obama family added another Portuguese Water Dog, this one named Sunny, to the mix in the summer of 2013.

Still, the presidential street cred wasn’t enough to get Matisse, a fellow Portuguese Water Dog and one of the favorites to win last week’s Westminster dog show, anointed Best in Show. That honor went to Sky, a Wire Fox Terrier—a breed that might just be a presidential contender in the future. sTephaNie BuTNick, an associate editor, runs Tablet’s news blog, the Scroll. This article is reprinted from Tablet Magazine, at tabletmag.com, the online magazine of Jewish news, ideas and culture.

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20 | February 14, 2014

The Jewish Voice

Woman Woman Year Year ar of of the the of the

Who inspires you?

Who inspires you?

Who inspires you? re?

What do you admire?

What do you admire?

What do you admire?

Our Our community community is is filled filled with with remarkable remarkable women! women!

Our community is filled with remarkable women! men!

n.

Nominate a special woman in your life Nominate a special in your life or friend— —your wife, mother, daughter, sister,woman partner, colleague —your wife, mother, sister, partner, colleague Nominate a special woman in your life or friend— for Thedaughter, Jewish Voice Woman of the Year. for Thedaughter, Jewish Voice Woman of the Year. or friend— —your wife, mother, sister, partner, colleague fortell TheusJewish Voice Womanisof the Year.of the recognition.

In 300 words or less why your nominee deserving In 300 words or less tell us why your nominee is deserving of the recognition.

The lucky winner will win wonderful prizes from these fabulous sponsors In 300 words or less us why your is deserving of the recognition.

Thetell lucky winner willnominee win a myriad of prizes.

The lucky winner will win a myriad of prizes. ’ The lucky winner will win a myriad of prizes.

Deadline for submissions is April 10, 2014.

Deadline for submissions is April 10, 2014. for submissions is April 10,announced 2014.

The JewishDeadline Voice Woman of the Year will be in the The Jewish Voice April Woman of the Year will be announced in the 25, Mother’s Day issue.

25,ofMother’s The Jewish Voice April Woman the YearDay willissue. be announced in the nominations to:issue.

April Mail 25, Mother’s Day Mail nominations to: Woman of the Year Woman of the Year Mail to: Thenominations Jewish Voice The Jewish Voice Woman of theAvenue Year 401 Elmgrove 401 Elmgrove Avenue The JewishRIVoice Providence, 02906 Providence, RI 02906 401 Elmgrove Avenue

Providence, RI 02906 Or email editor@jewishallianceri.org; subject line should read: Or email editor@jewishallianceri.org; subject line should read: Woman of the Year Woman of the Year Or email editor@jewishallianceri.org; subject line should read: Woman of the Year

Look for The Jewish Voice Man of the Year call for nominees in a future issue.

Look for The Jewish Voice Man of the Year call for nominees in a future issue.

Look for The Jewish Voice Man of the Year call for nominees in a future issue.

PETS and camping

thejewishvoice.org

February 14, 2014 |

21

Tikkun olam one animal at a time

By Laurelin Sitterly

In collaboration with RISPCA, J-Space/J-Camp children help repair the world

When you think of things that go together, children and animals are an obvious pairing.

For the past four years, that pairing has been turned into a mutually beneficial partnership between the students in J-Space/J-Camp and the homeless animals of Rhode Island Since the fall of 2010, J-Space has hosted weekly visits from the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA). This has been an avenue to expose the children to tikkun olam, a Jewish value that means “repair the world,” which is done through education, and improving the lives of our animal friends.

With each visit, students have the opportunity to meet, learn about and bond with an animal from the shelter.

More than that, however, they work together on a project – anything from hand-made catnip toys to colorful messages detailing the dangers of leaving pets in cars – to help benefit animals in R.I. This partnership grew during the summer of 2011 and Animal Camp was created as a specialty camp. It continues to be very popular camp option for children each summer.

During these weeks of camp, adoptable pets such as kittens, rabbits and guinea pigs call the Dwares JCC home and help campers learn about pet care and issues surrounding animals in our state. Often times, during camp you would find

certainly benefit the animals, for the children it also inspires caring and empathy, increases their confidence, encourages teamwork and develops a variety of other useful skills.

They learn to be passionate about “repairing the world” for our animal friends. Be on the lookout for even more animal themed programs from the Alliance and its shelter partners, because when it comes to children and animals, everyone wins!

Shannon Boucher

Yishai Alon (left), Jonah Venditto (top right), Max Schwartz (bottom right) with Thumper helping to promote bunny adoption. kittens smuggled into offices or a rabbit in the lobby greeting staff and visitors as the entire community got caught up in the spirit of these pairings. Additionally, many of the animals participating in these programs found their forever homes with staff, J-Campers, and visitors to the Alliance.

This commitment to animalbased education has grown to include partnerships with other area shelters such as Providence Animal Rescue League, Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue and Handsome Dan’s Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs. The partnership between J-Space/J-Camp

and the RISPCA has flourished as well, with animals and RISPCA staff visiting the Dwares JCC. Each month animal themes and activities are created in the hopes of benefiting area animals.

For example, during the month of February, campers learned about feral cats and how to keep them warm in the winter. The children built shelters that were donated Paws Watch, a non-profit organization that helps the feral cat population. In March, the children will make bird feeders for native R.I. wild birds.

While all of these actions

SEEKING EDUCATION DIRECTOR Temple Habonim, a vibrant Reform congregation in the East Bay with 200 families is seeking a part-time Director to oversee the Jewish education of about 115 students, ages 5-16. Our program includes Religious School (Grades K – 7), Chai School (Grades 8 – 10, including Confirmation), and Hebrew School (Grades 3 – 7).

Our ideal candidate is committed to and experienced in: • Making Jewish education fun, relevant, experiential and accessible to students.

• Inspiring teachers to build a community of learners together.

• Developing and maintaining an inclusive atmosphere respectful of and responsive to the needs of diverse learners.

• Engaging students and parents together in a love of Judaism.

In addition, the scope of this position may be expanded to include leading camp-style singing at services should the candidate have musical/cantorial skills.

Optimal qualifications include: a degree in general education or specialized training in Jewish Education, knowledge and experience with Reform Jewish education and curriculum development for pre-K – 10th grades, experience in youth and family Jewish programming, supervisory experience, excellent communication and organizational skills, knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.

Please send resume to: Education Director Search Committee, Temple Habonim, 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington RI 02806 or by email to: employment@templehabonim.org.

LAURELIN SITTERLY was the Director of Humane Education at RISPCA, where she led animal-based education programs. She now spends her time with students in J-Space and J-Camp, as well as working as a zoo educator and a freelance artist.

22 | February 14, 2014

The Jewish Voice

Second annual “Cu

I just love winter… mommy makes me wear a coat but I love my scarf it’s soooo cozy !

Lilly Brian Nihill Bristol, R.I.

One cat....two heads??

Bella/Jedie, Gina M. DeVecchis Cranston, R

Peek-a-boo!

Remington the turtle We call her Remi.

She is a great pet.

Edward Mercure

I go everywhere with mommy, but NO… I won’t share my ball.

Elsie Karen Borger Providence

He was born to run!

The Boss Jacob Katz Providence

“Wow, snow is beautiful! “ Zachery Sheldon, Debby & Meyer Gilden Sharon, MA

February 14, 2014 |

thejewishvoice.org

utest Pet Contest” Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/jvhri.org and vote for your favorite.

Due to the overwhelming response to our Cutest Pets Contest, voting on our facebook page has been extended to March 10. Vote now, vote often! The winner will be announced in the March 15th edition of The jewish Voice.

How much is that doggie in the slipper?

Brady Joe & Deb Shapiro West Warwick, RI

Our Yorkie loves posing for the camera.

Alfie was a rescue.

Alfie Joe & Deb Shapiro West Warwick RI

Mom lets me go outside in the summer. I don’t like the birdbath though.

Molly Yellow Nape Amazon Leah Camara Tiverton

I love sharing my space Teddy mixed breed Nancy Shulman Pittsfield, MA

Seymour our handsome sheltie Cindy Feinstein Providence

I’ll make you feel much better Abby A certified therapy dog, and is terrific company.

Amy (Levine) in Cranston, RI.

23

CAMPING

24 | February 14, 2014

The Jewish Voice

At Camp JORI, we take care of each other TaCEO notes are a special camp ritual

By Rachel Mersky Woda When you ask most JORI campers what comes to mind when they think about camp, they will most likely answer “TaCEO.” To understand what that means requires a brief walk down memory lane.

In 1909, the Jewish Orphanage of Rhode Island (JORI) was established in Providence. To offer a summer of fun for the residents, a camp was built in Narragansett.

When the Orphanage closed its doors, Camp JORI as we know it today was established.

Because of our history of serving those in need and providing an equal experience for all, regardless of economic or family status, the soul of Camp JORI is infused with notion that we must take care of each other or TaCEO. The idea of TaCEO can be found throughout camp on a daily basis…during activities, in the cabins, etc. Every day in the dining hall sits a box of “TaCEO Notes.” Campers and Staff are asked to fill out a note when they notice some-

COURTESY CAMP JORI

one doing something that demonstrates “TaCEO.” On Saturday night at our Havdalah Campfire, our Director, Ronni Saltzman Guttin reads these notes out loud.

Every person who has a note written about them receives a bead that they can add to their TaCEO bracelet – a silver bracelet with their initials on it. Campers also receive beads every time they achieve a camp milestone – catch-

ing their first fish, getting a bulls eye in archery, losing a

During a recent Shabbat, the pile of notes Ronni had to

“The soul of Camp JORI is infused with the notion that we must take care of each other.”

tooth…we mark these events in the same way as catching them doing something to add to our community.

read out loud was rather large, so she stopped after reading about half of them telling everyone that she didn’t want

to take up too much of their time with all of them. The community responded with a resounding “read them all!”

Clearly, this ritual has become such an important part of our camp culture!

RACHEL MERSKY WODA (rachel@campjori.com) is the Assistant Director at Camp JORI.

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CAMPING

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February 14, 2014 |

25

Foundation for Jewish Camp launches affordability initiative campers.”

BunkConnect is already set to pilot this month in the Northeast, New England, and Mid-Atlantic regions with 35 participating camps, representing various movements and denominations. The program is for first-time campers only and bases eligibility on a family’s adjusted gross income, number of dependent children, and place of legal residency. For example, through BunkCon-

BunkConnect: New affordability initiative to help offset Jewish camp costs

By Rabbi Jason Miller Ask any Jewish family that sends their children to both a private Jewish day school and a Jewish summer camp about the affordability of such endeavors and they’ll use words such as “sacrifice,” “hardship” and “priorities.” With the cost of Jewish day school tuition for one child varying from $10,000 all the way up to $40,000 per year, more Jewish families who desire a day school Jewish education for their children are finding it cost prohibitive even with financial aid.

Add to those rising costs, the additional expense of a month or two at a Jewish summer camp and families are having to just say “no” to their kids.

In the new economy, the Jewish middle class has virtually vanished. Many families who once would be considered upper middle class are forking over their tax returns hoping for subsidies to make day school and camp tuition affordable.

New organizations like the Affordable Jewish Education Project (AJEP) are sprouting up seeking to imagine alternative solutions to the economic crisis.

Plain and simple it’s becoming cost prohibitive to raise a Jewish family according to the values of day school and summer camp.

While Jewish day schools continue to solicit large endowment gifts to offset the tuition costs, the Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) has announced a new affordability initiative.

In an effort to put a Jewish summer camp experience in financial reach for most families, FJC has launched BunkConnect, a new program that matches eligible families with high-quality nonprofit Jewish summer camps at a more affordable price. This philanthropic business venture has been developed in collaboration with forward-thinking business executives and leading philanthropists.

What Sheldon Adelson, founder of the Las Vegas Sands Corp., has done for Birthright Israel with his largesse, the president and COO of the same corporation is now doing for Jewish camping. A former camper and counselor himself, Michael Leven, president and COO of the Las Vegas Sands Corp., is the program’s key funder.

“BunkConnect marries best practices from the business

By Rabbi Jason Miller world, new technologies and learnings from the hospitality industry, and takes a fresh approach to addressing affordability in Jewish life,” said Leven. “I am excited for what this can achieve in getting more kids to have an experience that was so meaningful to me many years ago.”

Studies have shown that Jewish overnight camp offers Jewish children the opportunity to build connections to the Jewish future. The Jewish summer camp experience is widely viewed as an essential part of fostering Jewish identity in children and creating a stronger Jewish community in the Diaspora of North America.

The program’s process is simple. After income-eligible families of all Jewish backgrounds supply some basic, confidential information into the new online tool, BunkConnect matches them with available camp sessions at low introductory rates.

This initiative is modeled after the success of FJC’s One Happy Camper program – a need-blind grant initiative for first-time campers.

“Families want to send their children to Jewish camp. By matching their desire with available summer experiences, we are opening new avenues of access,” said Jeremy J. Fingerman, CEO of FJC. “BunkConnect has the power to change how we look at scholarship, affordability, and capacity for Jewish camp and beyond.”

Len Leader, former president of the Venture Group of AOL Time Warner Investments and BunkConnect funder, said, “By using sound economic principles and leveraging market dynamics, we are seeing in BunkConnect an exciting new philanthropic business form.

This is a model designed to be ‘the gift that keeps giving’ to all parties involved, especially the

“In the new economy, the Jewish middle class has virtually vanished.”

nect, a family with two children living in Pennsylvania with a maximum adjusted gross income of $142,000 can realize the dream of Jewish camp. Jewish day school families are welcome.

BunkConnect is a collaborative program between the Foundation for Jewish Camp with

The Center for Entrepreneurial Jewish Philanthropy (CEJP). In addition to the Michael and Andrea Leven Family Foundation, significant gifts were made by The AVI CHAI Foundation, The Leader Family Foundation and The Jack and Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund. What’s unique about this new project is the business approach that was used, which is a new philanthropic giving model.

“The philanthropists we ad-

vise challenged us to create an outcome-driven business approach that capitalizes on the enormous impact of Jewish camping,” said Joseph Hyman, president and founder, CEJP. “BunkConnect is potentially a game-changing initiative that sets a standard for other philanthropists and orga-

nizations to follow.”

Many Jewish families who spend close to six figures a year on the combination of Jewish day school education and a summer camp experience for their children may begin to see that burden ease a bit with this new initiative. While there will still be sacrifice (less vacations and waiting another year to remodel the kitchen), fewer families will have to forgo a meaningful summer experience for their children.

RABBI JASON MILLER served in several capacities for the Ramah Camping Movement and was the year-round rabbi of Tamarack Camps in Michigan.

He is an entrepreneurial rabbi and technologist, who serves as president of Access Computer Technology in Detroit, Michigan.

This article first appeared on ejewishphilanthropy. com and is reprinted with permission.

26 | February 14, 2014

CAMPINg

The Jewish Voice

Jewish camp indoctrination = immersion

By JordaNa horN Jewish camp is everywhere, Terry Gross confirmed on NPR the other day. While interviewing filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen, she noted that she’d recently discovered that the Coen Brothers had attended the same Jewish camp – Herzl Camp, in Wisconsin – as folk icon Bob Dylan, albeit not at the same time. An excerpt from the interview follows: Gross: So I have to know, is this the kind of summer camp where you sing songs with lyrics about how great the camp is, and then there’s team songs with how great the team is? coeN: No. Gross: Aw, shucks. I wanted to think of [Dylan] as singing those songs. coeN: No, you sang – it was Zionist summer camp, and you sang Zionist songs in Hebrew.

Those of us who attended similar camps recall similar activities. Personally, I can’t even read these lines of the interview without involuntarily breaking into ‘Mi anachnu? Anachnu tziirim! Sharim doo wa diddy diddy dum diddy doo!’ Sad, but true.

“The world of each camp is carefully curated in order to convey a particular messae and meaning.”

That overnight camp comes with a form of indoctrination shouldn’t surprise anyone – but in my experience, both as a Jewish camp camper and a Jewish camp parent, I’ve found that it’s

less “indoctrination” and more “immersion.”

Camp is a time for children to be separated from their parents – let’s call them the Indoctrinators-in-Chief – and to be submerged in a world unto themselves for the first time.

This is an inherently heady experience. For many children, it’s their first substantial time away from ‘home’ in a place that is not a family member’s home.

Campers find themselves in a new place, where things are done differently. And without their parents at hand, they look to other sources – counselors, fellow campers, and the camp itself – as guideposts of authority, and as compasses to provide direction.

The world of each camp is carefully curated in order to convey a particular message and meaning. Some sports camps are

known as fostering a spirit of camaraderie and teamwork; others are notorious for being intensely competitive. Performing arts camps fairly vibrate with the sense that there is nowhere more worthwhile than the stage.

More general arts camps convey the worthiness of aggressive individuality with their free-to-beyou-and-me, anything-goes wild sense of creativity.

which made me reevaluate who I was in relation to the Jewish people. Questions, whether about kashrut or Israel, were not only tolerated, but welcomed.

I learned from camp that I was pro-Israel. But I also learned that ‘Israel’ means ‘to struggle.’

Immersion in a Jewish environment fundamentally differs from indoctrination: Jewish camp, whether through teach-

THEY SEE YOU SEE LAUGHTER. LEADERSHIP. WE SEE ONE HAPPY CAMPER.

Start your child’s “summer of a lifetime” at Jewish overnight camp. From ziplines to waterskiing to Shabbat under the stars, at camp your child can discover who they are while having a total blast.

Find your perfect Jewish camp today and you might be eligible for $1,00o off when you enroll.

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And yes, Jewish camps focus on being Jewish. Whether that is being Jewish as manifested by davening (praying) three times a day, by performing “Ata Ish Tov, Charlie Brown” in Hebrew or by learning about Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people, a Jewish camp has as its baseline assumption the validity and continuation of the Jewish people.

So yes, Jewish camps are Zionistic and pro-Israel. Jewish camp teaches different ways of seeing the world – but those ways are through Jewish lenses and perspectives. I attended camps

ing text or history, teaches kids that being Jewish is a struggle, and one to which they should devote their entire lives.

JordaNa horN is a writer, a contributing editor for the Jewish parenting websiteKveller. com, a columnist for The Jewish Daily Forward, and in her spare time parents five children.

This arTicle FirsT appeared in The Canteen and is reprinted with permission To learn more about Jewish life and sign up for their free daily newsletters, visit www.MyJewishLearning.com.

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CAMPING

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from page 1

February 14, 2014 |

27

CAMP 101

Is your child ready for camp?

If your child hasn’t expressed any interest in camp, it might be either because he/she is not ready or because the idea hasn’t occurred to him/her yet.

Have a conversation, trying to determine exactly how your child feels about the concept of camp. Talya Kalender, Director of Camper Care at Camp Ramah in New England, suggests contacting the camp staff who can help figure out if your child is ready. She says, “If one is not sure if a child is ready for camp, it’s always a good idea to discuss this with the camp that interests you. At Camp Ramah in New England, part of our process is that I speak with families to better understand the child and the concerns the family may have. We believe that camp is a long-term experience and sending a child too early will ultimately not be the right answer. It is much better to wait another year than come and be turned off forever. Every child is unique which is why a personal conversation is important when making the decision.”

“Top-notch counceling will make the camp experience come alive for children.”

If, on the other hand, you know that your child is ready, but you’re having doubts that either one of you can handle the separation, be assured that you can. After all, it was probably your child who put the idea of a sleep-away camp into your head, at some point expressing interest. Maybe he/she has been discussing summer options with friends and found out that they love their summer camp?

Maybe you have trusted your child more this year and he/she wants to show independence, proving that you didn’t make a mistake by leaving them home alone or by letting them make lunch for the family? Whatever the reason may be, if the child is curious about camp, you should encourage the discussion.

The thought of sleeping away from home might seem exciting, but can also be daunting.

Why not replicate the experience by arranging a sleepover at a friend’s house or at the grandparents’ place? Granted, it would only be for one night, but it would give your child a clearer understanding of what camp involves – namely, a new place, new rules and new authority figures. If the overnight doesn’t go as planned, don’t give up – continue fitting these sleepover experiences into your child’s schedule until they feel normal and casual.

bing.com

You can start the transition slowly, signing your child up for an introductory program, which many camps recommend. Isaac Mamaysky, Director of Camp Zeke says, “We offer a six-day option at the end of the summer for second through fifth graders. All the other kids go home, and the little guys pretty much own camp and have the time of their lives. It’s an easy introduction to being away from home, and it makes most kids comfortable to come back for a full session next year.”

What camp criteria are important to your family?

You’ve established that your child is ready for camp, but you’re not certain what kind of camp is best. In addition to traditional camps, parents can now take advantage of specialty camps. Usually, because of the variety of activities they offer, traditional camps are better for first-time campers. However, that doesn’t mean that your child won’t thrive in a soccer camp or an art camp, if that’s the activity they love to do.

Rabbi Ami Hersh, Assistant Director of Camp Ramah Day Camp in Nyack, N.Y., suggests that parents should focus on the background of the counselors and directors when choosing a camp. He says, “While many things should go into a parents’ decision about where to send their children to camp, the most important questions they should be asking are about the staff. Quality camps have high-caliber counselors who can serve as dynamic, exciting and cool Jewish role models for campers. Eighteen to twentytwo-year-old counselors are the coolest people in the world to young children. Beautiful facilities, healthy food options, great sports and good communication with families all mat-

ter, but top-notch counselors will make the camp experience come alive for children.”

Bob Stone, Head of New Camper Recruiting at Camp Avoda, also suggests being very particular about the administration and staff – finding out what their experience and training entail, learning how well they relate to children. He says, “In this day of technology, I would be more concerned with camper to counselor ratio, supervision, amount of down time, programming, and waterfront qualifications.” Stone suggests that other questions parents should ask include camper/parent communication, the staff’s way to resolve potential bullying, and dealing with a child who does not fit in.

Rachel Mersky Woda, Assistant Director of Camp JORI, believes that families should feel comfortable with what the camp has to offer their children while they are away from home. She says, “Families should research and choose a camp that reflects their values in terms of community, Jewish engagement and activity.” In addition to typical camp activities, Jewish camps offer kids an opportunity to learn about their heritage, welcoming questions about life in Israel and traditions, such as keeping kosher and davening [praying].

Jewish camp is a great place for kids to celebrate their culture because of the sense of belonging it offers.

Children explore Judaism in an environment where everyone is like them – the atmosphere is safe. Campers sing Jewish songs, dance Israeli dances, eat Jewish foods; they are connecting to their traditions, immersed in cultural education.

JORI is one such camp; Mersky Woda says, “We hope families will choose a place like Camp JORI where we seek to provide

a nurturing environment that encourages children to live, play and grow as a part of a Jewish community.”

Previously, families had to choose between sending their children to specialty camps or Jewish camps. Now, because of Foundation for Jewish Camp Specialty Camps Incubator, families can choose Jewish camps offering specialized interests. Since the initiative was started in 2008 with a 10 million investment from the Jim Joseph Foundation, its 2013 evaluation report is able to offer some statistics on how successful the specialty camp incubator has proven so far.

According to New Jewish Specialty Camps: From Idea to Reality, “One in three campers report that they are making Jewish activities a more regular part of their lives. A third of campers report that they are becoming more active in their synagogue and local Jewish community because of their camp experiences. Furthermore, nearly half report that they are making decisions based on the camps’ Jewish values, which campers and their parents attribute to camp.”

This year, the Foundation for Jewish Camp is launching its second cohort of the specialty camps incubator. They include URJ Six Points Sci-Tech Academy, a science and technology camp in the Boston area, and Camp Zeke, an east-coast based health and wellness camp. Mamaysky sees the newness of the camps as an advantage for first-time campers. He says, “The camp leadership teams have years of experience and tremendous support from the foundations, but the camps themselves are brand new. That means all the kids are coming for the first time and there are no established cliques or friend groups, which makes for a very

easy first-time camp experience.”

Can your family afford the camp you’ve chosen?

To help you pay for the experience, most camps have sizable scholarship budgets for qualified families. Make sure you inquire about the application process. Also, this year, The Foundation for Jewish Camp is introducing a new referral program for first-time Jewish campers. BunkConnect helps you find your ideal camp by offering introductory rates, which range from 40% to 80% off the listed rates, to income-eligible families. So far, more than 35 camps across the Northeast, New England and Mid-Atlantic are participating.

You can choose to receive financial assistance either through BunkConnect or through One Happy Camper $1,000 incentive grant, which is not needbased. Unlike BunkConnect, which matches eligible families with participating camps, One Happy Camper allows parents to choose the camp and the session. Use the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s handy search tool as a starting point: jewishcamp.org/find-camp

Does your idea of the camp correctly reflect the experience your child will have?

This might come as a shock, but current camp is not what it used to be when you, the parents, were a campers. Yes, the basic idea is still the same – communal living, sharing, daily schedules and socializing in a natural setting. Yet, there’s now more emphasis on safety (children are under constant supervision), on individuality (kids are encouraged to be true to themselves) and on novelty (campers now engage in activities such as go-carting and ropes courses).

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The Jewish Voice

PREPARE

For Hersh, a successful day at Camp Ramah is one that ends with the children being dirty and tired, while feeling great about themselves. He elaborates, “Dirty and tired because an active day outside playing sports, swimming, dancing, running, learning and playing with friends will do that to you.

Feeling great about themselves because everything we encourage in our immersive Jewish communities will lead towards just that.”

The best way to gage the true feel of the camp is by visiting it. Ideally, you’d start thinking about the prospect the summer before the actual stay. Schedule a tour and walk around the grounds, seeing campers and counselors in action. Ask many questions – don’t be afraid to sound ignorant – you are there to gain as much information as possible. After all, your child will be spending at least a month there – you should feel comfortable about the institution to which you’re entrusting your child. While at the camp grounds, ask a counselor if your child might have an informal conversation with one of the campers, providing your son or daughter is open to the idea. You both may learn something that is not in the brochure and that the counselors haven’t mentioned – what’s important to kids is often overlooked by adults.

Mamaysky also encourages parents to take the initiative to learn as much about their

child’s prospective camp as possible. He says, “While some families just sign up for camp, many others call me to ask questions, schedule a home visit, or actually come see the camp. When parents take a tour, I don’t just show them various buildings on the site – I tell them a story about what happens in those buildings and how each day looks at camp. After having a conversation with me by phone, meeting me in person or seeing the camp, families have a much better sense of what to expect.”

How do you deal with homesickness?

It’s inevitable that your child will feel homesick at camp and important to prepare him/her for the emotion. Have a plan of attack ready – tell your child to engage in a specific activity whenever the feeling strikes.

Maybe s/he could spend some time writing you a detailed letter or playing with a toy/object brought from home? Anything that could temporarily satisfy the craving for home is helpful.

Usually, children feel that way when they’re undergoing adversity – maybe they had a fight with a friend or didn’t get to engage in a desired activity? If that’s the case, encourage them to seek help from a counselor, who’d be able to guide them to feeling better by temporarily filling a parent’s shoes.

Mamaysky shares, “One of my mentors recently observed that homesickness might be something different than what we

COURTESY | ONE HAPPY CAMPER

think. At first glance, it appears that a camper misses their parents. When you dig deeper, homesickness might mean that a camper isn’t having all their needs met in the camp community. Sometimes kids just need a little help connecting with their bunkmates and, suddenly, the homesickness goes away. The key is to find a camp with staff you connect with and trust to address these types of issues right away.”

One solution to stay away from is offering to pick them up whenever they feel homesick.

That will only teach them that they can’t get past a hard time without your help. Allow your child to show you and him/ herself that he/she can rely on his/her own self to battle a bad mood and win. This way, the child will grow in confidence, an important quality to nurture.

What concrete steps can you take to prepare your child for camp?

• It’s important for your child to feel that he/she has a say about what clothes and belongings to take to camp. This way, the child doesn’t feel that he/ she has to relinquish all control.

• If you usually make the child’s bed and fold the child’s pajamas, encourage him/her to take on these tasks because that’s what will happen at camp.

• If your child gets help with personal hygiene routines, such as hair washing and styling, supervise him/her performing these routines on his/ her own, offering pointers and advice rather than physical assistance. Resist the urge to step in and get the job done yourself – instruct them until they catch on.

• To get into the habit of being neat, ask your child to start keeping track of his/her belongings and toys – putting them away after use, keeping them tidy.

• Teach time management to your child – at camp, he/ she will not have as long to get ready as at home.

• Make sure your child practices good table manners so he/ she doesn’t have to be embarrassed in the dining hall.

• Address any possible concerns your child might have calmly and rationally. Talk about anything that’s bothering them, explaining why they shouldn’t worry. If your authority is insufficient in the matter, offer to get in touch with a staff member at camp to alleviate any fears your child might have.

• Mark all of your child’s belongings with his/her first and last name – either in magic marker or by sewing on a label.

• Stick to the packing list the camp provides to avoid forgetting useful items and packing possibly forbidden ones, such as gum, pocket knives and pricy valuables.

• If your child wears glasses, it might be a good idea to have him/her bring an extra pair, in case one break.

• Tell your child to have a blast!

For more information on choosing the right Jewish camp for your child, please consult the Jewish Alliance Camp Guide, jewishallianceri.org/ wp-content/uploads/2013/07/ OHC_ParentsCampGuide.pdf

In Hebrew immersion day camps, summer fun augmented with learning

By Talia Lavin

JTA – It used to be that parents who wanted to expose their children to conversational Hebrew over the summer had to travel to Israel. Now a growing number of American Jewish day camps are offering Hebrewimmersion programs, where kids do the standard day camp activities – swimming, arts and crafts, music, zip-lining and field trips – but “hakol b’ivrit” [all in Hebrew].

The growth of Hebrew-language programs comes amid growing American interest in exposing children to foreign languages at earlier ages. Over the past decade, dual-language programs in the United States have grown tenfold, with an estimated 2,000 now operating.

At the new day camps, the idea is to make Hebrew-learning enjoyable, a contrast to the traditional classroom approach of students seated at desks being drilled in the aleph-bet.

“We see Hebrew as a builder of Jewish community,” said Yehudit Feinstein-Mentesh, whose HaGimnasia Hebrew day camp is launching in Brooklyn this summer.

The seven-week camp will offer two tracks: total language immersion and a dual-language model for Hebrew beginners that incorporates Hebrew and English. Counselors will be a mix of summer transplants from Israel provided by the Jewish Agency and local expat Israeli teachers who teach Hebrew year-round.

“We are interested in bringing families that come from Israel and speak Hebrew at home together with Jewish-American families who are far from that,” Feinstein-Mentesh told JTA. “We want to bring these kids together to enrich and support each other in that process. We want to create a feeling of one people.”

“Hebrew immersion camps are a powerful way for Americans to feel empowered in Hebrew language and Israeli culture,” Rabbi David Gedzelman, executive vice president of the Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life, told JTA. “Hebrew creates a real connector for people to Jewish civilization in general,” Gedzelman said.

In addition to a foothold in

Campers presenting their names in Hebrew at the Sha’ar program piloted at Camp Ramah in Nyack, N.Y. modern Israeli culture, he said comfort with Hebrew provides a foundation for young Jews to become comfortable with Jewish texts.

“I believe, and there is research to prove it, that a foundation of oral proficiency in a language leads to written proficiency much more effectively than vice versa,” Gedzelman said. “If people are fully able to speak a language, they are much more fully able to under-

stand and appreciate that language in all respects.”

For Amy Fechter, who taught in Jewish day schools for more than 10 years and now runs Strategic Hebrew, a Manhattan program she founded that offers Hebrew-immersion experiences for children and adults, a desire to feel connected to traditional Jewish texts inspired her journey into Hebrew education.

“The prayers are beautiful on a melodic level, but being able

Camp Ramah

to read and understand their meaning for yourself gives you another level of connection. It makes the language come alive, and the religion comes alive, when you have that capability for yourself.”

TALIA LAVIN is the editorial assistant at JTA. This article has been excerpted and reprinted with permission.

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Have the best summer ever with J-Camp

By Shannon Boucher sboucher@jewishallianceri.org Summer vacation will be here before we know it so now is the time to start thinking about your plans. J-Camp has experienced a major restructuring this winter and we are gearing up for the best summer yet!

This year, camp will consist of one base camp, with specialties incorporated into everyday schedules. Each week, campers will participate in activities run by their favorite specialist such as gymnastics with Aim High Academy, theater with Wensday Greenbaum (known as “Miss Wensday”), animal fun with RISPCA, tennis, pottery and more. In addition, each week will focus on a specific

theme which will become the basis for cooking and art projects, sports and games, and the weekly field trip. Campers will be split into appropriate age groups with electives offered daily to give campers a chance to spend more time doing the things they love. Children will also have daily swim lessons with the opportunity to choose free swim as one of their free elective periods.

The warm weather is one of the greatest benefits of summer, and this year, we intend to spend much time in the great outdoors, starting with morning arrival in the back fields.

Our morning circle will mimic those found at larger day and sleep-away camps, providing a feeling of cohesion and com-

RISPCA and will have visits from community helpers like the police and fire department.

Week 4: Ocean Commotion/ Acts of Loving Kindness – We are going to Breezy Acres and will do a special activity Friday with Save the Bay. Week 5: It’s a Jungle Out There (or is it a Rainforest)/ Caring for the Earth and Environment – We are going to Camp JORI and will do a special Rainforest activity Friday with the Zoo Mobile.

Week 6: Fun and Games/ Maintaining a Positive Attitude – We are going to a Paw Sox Game and campers will have an opportunity to climb a rock wall on Friday.

Week 7: Space/Connection to Other Cultures – We are going to the Zoo and Planetarium.

Week 8: Up, Up and Away to Israel – We are going to Douglas State Park for activities related to flying, like a paper airplane contest. We will also swim, and there will be a Mad Science Show Friday called “Up, Up, and Away.” munity. Also new this year, campers will be able to purchase lunch daily with a cold or hot option. We are so excited about all the wonderful things we have planned, and hope you will be too.

Weekly Themes, Field Trips and Special Events Week 1: Wild Wild West/Wel-

COURTESY | tikvah

Jewish camps welcoming more children with disabilities

By Julie Wiener (JTA) – In the late 1960s, when husband-and-wife team Barbara and Herb Greenberg first decided to create a Jewish overnight summer camp program for developmentally disabled children, it was hard to find a camp willing to host it.

Camp directors thought such a program would make other campers and staff uncomfortable, and that parents of non-disabled children would see the presence of disabled children as a potential danger.

But in 1970, the director of the Conservative movement’s Camp Ramah of New England agreed to try it, and the Tikvah program was born. Now Tikvah serves 250 children in

nine Ramah camps throughout North America and offers family-camp and vocationaltraining programs.

While Ramah was a pioneer in the field of inclusion – serving disabled children at regular camps rather than segregating them at separate facilities – today more than 50 Jewish overnight camps, including all Ramah and Union for Reform Judaism camps, accommodate some children with disabilities, mostly serving kids with cognitive impairments and autism.

A Foundation for Jewish Camp study last year found that approximately 2,500 children with disabilities attend Jewish overnight camps. welcoming | 31

coming of All Guests – We are going to the Southwick Zoo and there will be pony rides on Friday.

Week 2: Stars and Stripes/ Honor and Respect – We are going to Camp JORI and will have a visit from US Army officer.

Week 3: Heroes/Repairing the World – We are going to the

Week 9: Olympics/JCC Maccabi/Sportsmanship and Teamwork – We are going to the new RI Rock Gym in South County and One on One will be doing Olympics activities all week.

SHANNON BOUCHER is the Director of Children’s Programs at the Alliance.

30 | February 14, 2014

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The value of Jewish camp Jewish camps foster lifetime friendships and a bond to Israel By isaac mamaysky I’ve been dreaming about launching a camp for more years than I can remember.

After a not-so-brief digression into corporate law, a year-long grant application process, and some incredibly generous funding from four major foundations, it’s been amazing to see the dream become a reality. Along with my wife and a team of passionate and dedicated employees, I’m one of the founders of Camp Zeke, a new Jewish camp where seven to 17-year-olds celebrate healthy, active living.

I’m always intrigued to see a person’s reaction when they hear that I left law to start a camp. Those who attended Jewish camp tend to respond with some variation of: “Whoa, Most amazing thing ever!” In stark contrast, the questioning look on the faces of those who never attended camp belies their feigned enthusiasm. Their eyes seem to ask, “What’s the point?”

After attending a Jewish overnight camp as a camper and staff member for 14 summers, many of my closest friendships and most transformative experiences are a result of camp. Most former campers can relate, which explains their reaction to my new job.

Camp is where we learned how to sail, play baseball, and dive. It’s where we hiked up our fi rst mountain, attended our fi rst dance, and maybe even led a team to victory during Olympics. In the process, we learned how to live inde-

pendently and form the types of lifelong bonds that make us think of our camp friends as brothers and sisters.

For those of us who attended non-Jewish schools, camp was also our strongest connection to the Jewish world. We might have occasionally attended synagogue with our parents, or spent a few years at Hebrew school to prepare for a bar or bat mitzvah, but many of us felt at-best neutral about those experiences. Camp was completely different – we counted the days until we could go back.

Many of us didn’t realize it at the time, but Judaism and Israel were (and remain) the thread that weaves Jewish camp together. Our camps brought in counselors and campers from Israel every summer. We learned about their life and culture and, to this day, have a place to stay when we visit. On Friday nights, our camps had special meals in a dining hall decorated with art that campers made during the prior week. With everyone dressed in white and blue, campers and counselors shared personal reflections and poems at a beautiful songfi lled Shabbat service.

It’s no wonder research shows that kids who attend Jewish camp grow up with more ties to the Jewish world, a greater sense of their Jewish identity, and a stronger emotional attachment to Israel.

When the New York Times recently reported on the Pew study, which found that Jewish identity is fading fast in the United States, the Foundation for Jewish Camp put it best: “We know 157 sleep away camps that are well on their way to solving that problem!”

This is why organizations such

as the Foundation for Jewish Camp, Jim Joseph Foundation, Avi Chai Foundation, and UJAFederation of New York are dedicating millions of dollars to launching and strengthening Jewish camps, including Camp Zeke.

The summer of 2014 will be my fi rst time back at camp in many years, and I couldn’t be more excited. In some respects,

“Many of us didn’t realize it at the time, but Judaism and Israel were (and remain) the thread that weaves Jewish camp together.” it will be completely different from my last camp experience – we didn’t have air-conditioned cabins, a heated pool, or indoor showers – but just like the camp where I grew up, Judaism will be the thread that weaves it all together, even if the campers don’t realize it until years later. Our goal at Camp Zeke is to create a fitter, healthier, and stronger Jewish community, so that when we’re surveyed in another ten years, the results look a little brighter. isaac mamaysky (isaac@ campzeke.org ) grew up in R.I. and is the founder and executive director of Camp Zeke, the only Jewish camp where kids celebrate healthy, active living. Campers can put on an apron and cook with a real chef, and they can choose from electives like strength training, running, krav maga, dance, and sports.

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Incubating Jewish experiences

By Jeremy J. FiNGermaN At the Foundation for Jewish Camp, we observed a growing trend several years ago: families were choosing non-Jewish summer camps so their children could pursue specialty experiences. We asked ourselves, “Why should families have to choose one over the other?” They shouldn’t! So the FJC Specialty Camps Incubator was born.

The goal of this program is to efficiently create and launch camps with a concentrated focus on specific activities, and to couple that focus with a mission to weave Jewish culture, values and learning throughout the camp program. The fi rst cohort of five camps was carefully selected to cover a variety of specialties in specific geographical locations.

After two years of workshops, coaching and guidance for their camp directors, the new specialty camps opened their doors

From paGe 29

in the summer of 2010. 92Y Passport NYC, Adamah Adventures, Eden Village Camp, Ramah Outdoor Adventures, and URJ 6 Points Academy were wildly successful and continue to surpass their enrollment and retention goals, proving the demand for Jewish specialty options in the summer camp marketplace. The success of these camps prompted the Specialty Camps Incubator II, jointly funded by the Jim Joseph Foundation and AVI CHAI Foundation, which will launch four new camps in the summer of 2014.

As we watch these camps go through the “incubation” process with anticipation, we are excited over this new cohort of Jewish summer camp innovations. We look forward to giving more children the opportunity to experience joyous Judaism this summer and for many summers to come. We encourage you to fi nd out more about Jewish camp and the Specialty

welcomiNG

The foundation recently hired a full-time professional, Lisa Tobin, to focus on special needs and is hoping to increase significantly the numbers of children with disabilities served over the next decade. While the 2013 survey found more campers with disabilities attending camp than the foundation had anticipated, the disabled population – an estimated 15 percent of children – is still considerably underrepresented among the 75,000 North American children attending Jewish overnight camp each summer.

The study also found that 93 percent of parents of specialneeds campers were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their child’s Jewish camp experience, but that most camps do a poor job of marketing and publicizing their programs for children with disabilities.

“Even if you say that a nice proportion of the camps are offering opportunities for kids with disabilities, it’s a handful of kids each session,” said Abby Knopp, vice president of program and strategy at the Foundation for Jewish Camp.

“People’s hearts are in the right places, but we’re not do-

ing enough as a field. We know from parents that there are not enough opportunities.”

The foundation is working to raise $31 million to implement a multi-pronged initiative focusing on staffi ng and training; making more facilities physically accessible and supporting the development of more camp-based vocational education and life-skills training programs for young adults with disabilities, such as one offered at several Ramah camps.

Knopp said the foundation would like to double the number of children with disabilities attending Jewish camps over the next five years and ultimately have children with disabilities make up 10 percent of the total campers.

To reach that goal, the foundation plans to provide grants enabling more camps to hire senior professionals with expertise in special needs, while also helping them train their entire staff s in best practices in working with children with disabilities.

“Some models are, you have one expert at the camp who

Camps Incubator at www.JewishCamp.org.

New Camps for 2014

Camp Inc. will provide a business and entrepreneurial summer camp experience rooted in Jewish values on the campus of the University of Colorado in Boulder. Campers will learn how to build a company in an industry of their choice and gain the skills necessary to become innovators and social leaders in business, philanthropy and the Jewish community.

Camp Zeke will be a Poconos-area camp that will help children become healthier, fitter, happier, and more spiritually engaged Jews. It is founded on the time-honored Jewish lesson that physical and spiritual well-being go hand-in-hand.

Focusing on pure foods, energizing fitness activities and culinary arts, Camp Zeke will immerse campers in traditional teachings of shmirat haguf (taking care of the body) and

deals with all issues related to disabilities, and that’s not a good situation,” Knopp said.

“The whole staff needs to be well trained.”

The foundation also wants to provide funding for accessibility-related capital improvements and equipment at 15 camps and to create 10 new camp-based vocational training/life-skills programs.

“ W h a t we’re hearing from camps and families is that children are aging out of the programs that do exist, and the big question on the minds of a lot of camps is what to do now for them,” Knopp said.

“Other teens are moving on to leadership training and Israel trips, and there are no oppor-

the latest developments in exercise science and nutrition.

JCC Maccabi Sports Camp will be for young Jewish athletes who are passionate about sports and desire to advance their skill levels. Based in the San Francisco area, this camp’s focus will be less on the individual’s current skill level than on the athlete’s capacity to be coached and a commitment to competitive sports with Jewish values and traditions weaved into the every day.

URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy will provide quality educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for campers in Byfield, Massachusetts, just

outside of Boston.

It will not only engage campers’ curiosity about the world through hands-on exploration, experimentation and reflection; it will immerse them in a vibrant Jewish community.

Jewish values, ethics and tradition will be woven together with the spirit and excitement of open scientific inquiry.

tunities for their peers with disabilities.”

Rabbi Mitchell Cohen, director of the National Ramah Commission, whose Tikvah program has vocational training programs at several camps, said participants perform a variety of camp jobs depending on their abilities, ranging from setting tables in the dining hall to helping in the office to assisting in babysitting programs for the children of camp staff.

At the Ramah camps in California and Wisconsin, participants are placed in jobs in nearby towns, giving them training and experience that will help them fi nd year-round jobs.

“It’s extraordinary to watch them interact with their employers,” Cohen said. “They’re thrilled to do jobs other people see as drudge work but that make them feel productive.”

Asked about the Foundation for Jewish Camp initiative, Cohen said, “It’s fantastic that the foundation has dived into this area.”

For many children with disabilities, camp is one of the few places where they are able to receive a Jewish education and feel part of the Jewish community, he said.

Tikvah parents, he said, fre-

quently tell him, “I sent my child to your camp so they’d have fun and make friends. I didn’t realize you’d be nurturing his soul and sending him back as a committed Jew.” But the children with disabilities and their families are not the only beneficiaries of inclusion programs, he said.

“It has a sensitizing effect on people and makes an important statement about the community you serve,” Cohen said, noting that tutoring a Tikvah girl for her bat mitzvah inspired his daughter to pursue a career in special education.

“Once you’ve run a program like this, you realize you don’t have an alternative,” he said.

“You must. It’s just a responsibility.”

Jeremy J. FiNGermaN is the CEO of the Foundation for Jewish Camp.

This arTicle was fi rst published in CJ Voices – Conservative/Masorti Judaism Magazine and is reprinted with permission.

Julie wieNer is a features writer for JTA. Previously, she was the associate editor of The New York Jewish Week, where she wrote about education, food and assorted other topics along with intermarriage. a dV erTisem eN T: Think Jewish Summer Camp is Out of Reach? Think Again. BunkConnect.org is the newest way to fi nd camp experiences at introductory rates. We match 1st time campers with available sessions at over 35 camps, at 40-80% off.

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The Jewish Voice

PHOTOS/Ronni Saltzman Guttin

LIT Show Summer of 2013

A day in the life of a Camp JORI LIT, or, “how Ben Maiden got the camp director to sock wrestle!”

By Ronni Saltzman Guttin

Camp JORI Day 1, Summer 2013 Every camp director approaches the beginning of summer with many emotions.

Concern that the summer will be safe and fulfilling for campers and staff, anticipation of the moments that create camp community, and even a hope for great campfire weather!

Opening Day: Favorite part of the summer is greeting campers.

Upon arrival to camp for his ninth summer at Camp JORI, Ben Maiden greeted me with a big hug, and the following request: “Ronni, Ronni, I have waited my entire camp career for the moment when you and I could get into the ring and sock wrestle, this is it, my last camper year…pleeeeeaaaassssse!”

Sock wrestling is Camp JORI’s signature evening activity on the second night of camp. So popular, we repeat it each session and it is the subject of many skits, jokes, and competitive conversations around camp. So popular that one camper invited Bob, our program director to run a sock wrestling 10th birthday party. (Which, of course, he did – complete with his super Bob cape)! The entire camp

sits in a giant circle around the edges of the soccer field while campers and staff link arms when their group is called and try to remove one another’s socks while seated.

I did sock wrestle with Ben last summer. I still think about it and smile all day long. Ben won, but his socks were longer!

As Ben prepares to go to Israel and become a CIT at Camp JORI in the summer of 2014, I took the opportunity to ask him about his Leader in Training (LIT) summer at JORI.

What are the first three words that come to mind when you think of Camp JORI? Fun, family, community.

What is special specifically about being an LIT?

Interview with Ben Maiden

So many things…working with younger kids, being a “big brother”, leading activities, late night chats and games, really getting to know my counselors, field trips, even waiting tables.

How long have you been at JORI? This year when I go to Israel on the JORI trip, it will be my 10th summer as part of the JORI family. My mom lied about my age the first year so I could get comfortable at camp while my brothers were still there.

What was your high moment of your LIT summer?

The high moment of my LIT summer had to be a high and a low. It was the last night of my camper experience. Banquet night, we were all dressed up, had loads of activities planned, and I was looking back at my nine years, eyes full of tears, appreciating the friends I made who aren’t really friends, really my family.

“Most importantly, I have made a new family, family that accepts me as I am.”

How has the camp experience changed you? What is different about you because of Camp JORI? Camp JORI has changed my life in so many ways. I learned how to sail, one of my new favorite hobbies. Most importantly, I have made a new family. Family that accepts me as I am and who I drive hours to see. Not a lie, I do not feel as comfortable and open and care-free at school or at home as I do with my LIT’S. Something that is different about me is I feel I always have

Ben with counselor Jamie Ron on the last day of camp. someone to talk to if I need it, not my home friends not my family but my JORI family.

Why do you think other kids should come to camp?

I think other kids should go to camp because it’s a life changer.

If you go to camp, you, too, will get to experience the love of 200 or more people at the same time! It doesn’t happen that way anyplace else.

What else would you like the entire world and especially the people who read this blog to know?

That Camp JORI is the best out there and will be a part of me until the day I die.

RONNI SALTZMAN GUTTIN (ronni@campjori.com) is the Director of Camp JORI.

PURIM | COMMUNITY

thejewishvoice.org

Educating students about Purim By dori adler The Temple Am David Louis and Goldie Chester Religious School teachers love to teach our students the history, traditions, morals and values of being Jewish. We embrace the opportunity to educate them and encourage them to be caring, productive, and well respected people in our community.

Each teacher, as part of a team, creates a hands-on approach to every holiday that we celebrate. For Purim, each one of us will create a lesson that helps our students be able to love being a part of the Jewish community.

As the Holidays, Bible and Holocaust teacher, my Purim lesson for the lower grades always includes making Mishloah Manot baskets to deliver to family and friends, Jewish and non-Jewish, for the custom of sending gifts that include at least two edible items.

For my older students in the Holocaust class, my Purim lesson will focus on how the Jews continued to perform mitzvot and Jewish traditions despite the antisemitic conditions in which they were living during the Holocaust. Their desire as Jews to perform mitzvot with true dedication, regardless of the danger, is inspiring. From reading the Megillah in concentration camps to sharing small amounts of precious foods as “portions” to each other, their will to not only live but to continue observing Purim is inspiring.

From paGe 1

Barbara Dwares, our Israel and Life Cycle teacher also has an interesting approach to Purim. As our “resident” Mitzvah Leader, her lesson revolves around another Purim observance called Matanot L’evyonim, the giving of money to the poor.

While her classes donate food and items throughout the year, on Purim it is another time for us to share our possessions with the needy. This school year our students have participated in a toys and clothing drive for West End Community Center (pre-

school/daycare) in Providence.

They have participated in several “Max’s Lunch Bunch Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich” sessions for Crossroads R.I., a homeless shelter in Providence.

This Purim they are collecting snacks (raisins, crackers, granola bars, fruit roll ups, etc.) and childrens’ socks and gloves, small toiletries, adult gloves and socks, chapsticks and a variety of other items to be assembled into packages and donated to Crossroads. Mrs. Dwares’ classroom goal is to help others through mitzvah projects and to learn that doing

BreakFasT

role. Cicilline admitted that the process does feel different this time, “We have a right to being cautious and optimistic.”

Whitehouse led the conversation about preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. He acknowledged that the international agreement on economic sanctions on Iran has crippled their economy. Langevin thought that there is reason to be hopeful since the Iranians are living up to the expectations of the temporary agreement.

Cicilline stressed that we must be prepared to enact additional sanctions.

Reed explained that we could derail discussions by bringing Iran’s sanction legislation to a vote now. If the negotiations fail, we will move aggressively. Reed said, “We have to be able to assure ourselves and the world that we can monitor their overt nuclear activities so that we have sufficient time to mount an operation if necessary. And we have to make sure that they have no covert operations.” One way to achieve this is through non-restricted inspections of Iranian facilities without prior permission or notice.

Langevin said that, despite President Obama’s shifting focus, we will not abandon our allies in the Middle East. Their crisis has an impact on world energy prices and their terrorism poses a threat to the U.S., to our allies and to the security of Israel. Cicilline continued by saying that the relationship between the U.S. and Israel grows out of a shared set of values. He stated that we are responsible to do all we can to support the countries that are aspiring to be democracies.

Reed described our strategic interests worldwide as efforts to preempt any terrorist threats to the U.S. or to any of our allies and to control the weapons of mass destruction. He called for being supportive to those countries that share our ideals.

Whitehouse recognized past dictators’ faulty strategy for what it was – using Israeli-Palestinian disputes as a distraction to make their people forget about the corruption. Now, leaders are realizing they need to accomplish stability.

Cicilline addressed Obama’s talks in Israel about entering another ten-year agreement,

these mitzvah projects is not difficult to do if everyone works as a team.

Susan Sugerman, Religious School Assistant Director and Hebrew Teacher, is the “brain” behind our wonderful Megillah reading shpiels. During the Megillah service, she has created fantastic Purim shpiels to keep the students excited and enjoying a positive, fun-fi lled temple experience. Most of our shpiels are based on television game shows like “Wheel of Fortune,” “Deal or no Deal,” “Match Game” and “Are You Smarter Than a Temple Am David Student?” Each game highlights excerpts from the Megillah and students use their knowledge of Purim and other holidays to answer questions and play the game. Last year the students performed dance routines and played musical instruments in our talent show. This show took the place of The King’s Beauty Pageant. Each student is involved to the degree they want to be. This provides a wonderful interaction between the students, families and congregants, while having a fun time on Purim.

Chag Purim Sameach from all of us at Temple Am David Louis and Goldie Chester Religious School. dori adler (doriadler@verizon.net) has been a religious educator for nearly 20 years.

She lives in Warwick with her husband and two children.

starting in 2018, to offer military aid to Israel. He believes the extension of foreign aid will be welcomed by most on the committee. Cicilline allowed that continued support has led to important elements, such as the Iron Dome [mobile system is designed to intercept rocket fire].

Whitehouse pointed out that it’s important to consider other countries in the area that need help, calling for aid to Egypt, Libya and Jordan. He stated, “It would be nearly as damaging to Israel to cut off foreign aid in the Middle East and protect Israel as it would be to cut off aid to Israel.”

The panelists named responsible gun safety legislation, growing the economy, raising the minimum wage, providing job training and extending unemployment benefits as some of their top domestic priorities.

At the end, they received tokens of appreciation, presented by students. In closing, Padwa announced CRC’s trip to Washington, D.C. on April 30 through May 1. Those interested should contact Mary Cooper at 401-4214111, ext. 171, or mcooper@jewishallianceri.org.

February 14, 2014 |

33

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February 14, 2014 |

35

Are you the next Temple Habonim Education Director?

Read on to find out.

By Irina Missiuro imissiuro@jewishallianceri.org Robert Frost has said, “I am not a teacher, but an awakener.”

Temple Habonim’s past Education Director, Linda Silverman Levine, had a saying of her own. She liked the quote, “Every teacher is a learner, and every learner is a teacher.” The Search Committee members don’t know yet who the new director at Habonim will be.

They do know they are looking for someone who is a representation of the two statements above. The Jewish Voice sat down with Nicole Jellinek and Craig Gordon, co-chairs of the committee, to find out exactly what qualities the candidate for the position must possess to be “practically perfect in every way.”

The idea to hire a professional education director emerged with Rabbi James Rosenberg’s retirement. Seven and a half years ago, Silverman Levine was hired to take on the role and merged seamlessly with it.

Now, the committee members can’t fathom how they ever managed without an education director – the person is so vital to the community. Jellinek explains, “Linda’s leaving was a loss for us. She was innovative, she was creative, she was the first education director. We are trying to fill some shoes.”

Brenda Gross-Stahl is filling them in the interim. However, the temple expects a new education director to start in June.

Temple Habonim is a relatively small congregation in Barrington of about 200 families and 125 students. The new director will join a staff that

consists of the rabbi and the temple administrator. The director will lead the 11 teachers, helping them instill the values of Jewish heritage in the program’s three schools – Religious School (Kindergarten through seventh grade), Chai School (grades eight through ten) and Hebrew School (grades three through seven).

Gordon elaborates on the crucial role the temple plays in forming the students’ sense of self, “They are coming to our temple because they all identify as Jewish and we want to enhance that sense every time they come through our building. It’s an important community center for families to come together, celebrate Judaism and engage.” Rabbi Andrew (Andy) Klein, whom Gordon describes as “wonderfully supportive,” will work together with the education director to encourage the learning of the students and their families.

“We are trying to fill some shoes.”

The school boasts a diverse student body. Because the children bring different abilities and backgrounds, the education director will be tasked with maintaining, developing and enhancing a sense of inclusion, welcome and belonging.

Hence, the committee is looking for someone who offers not only stellar professional skills, but also appropriate personal traits.

Overseeing various learning needs, which range from those of interfaith families to those of differently abled

COURTESY | temple habonim

students, is at the core of the role. The congregation’s openness and inclusivity requires the education director to work within the scope of tremendous diversity of Jewish knowledge.

Jellinek describes the type of candidate they are looking for as “someone who has some experience in curriculum development and somebody who is aware of the current trends in religious education and interested in experiential learning and teaching to the needs of differential learners.” In addition to searching for a wonderful instructor who has taught Jewish education classes in the past, the committee would like to consider someone with musical abilities because the congregation, along with the current teachers, has determined music to be a great way to involve students and their families.

As of now, the salaried position is a part-time one – between 20 and 25 hours per week.

However, the co-chairs stress that they’re able to expand the

scope and the compensation for the position by including song leading at Shabbat (three or four times a month) and at B’nai Mitzvah services and some holidays. While Habonim has a long-standing relationship with Dr. Daniel Marwil, “a well-established cantor,” Gordon shares that hiring a director possessing musical abilities would be a great bonus.

If you lack such talent, don’t despair – not all is lost. As long as you are a creative person, you have the opportunity to bring your enthusiasm, ideas and innovations to effect a change.

Emphasizing the strong foundation the new director will be able to use as a guidepost, Gordon says, “Our very first leader did a wonderful job and we are hoping that the new person we hire will take it from that level and bring it to an even higher level.” One of the duties pertaining to the position will be to lead the faculty, most of whom lack the training and prior teaching experience. These

teachers are avocational– they are people who want to be involved with a religious school.

Only a few of them are certified as teachers; most hold day jobs, employed in fields such as business and social work.

The goal for the education director will be not only to mentor, support and assist the faculty, but also to inspire them, enhancing their love of Jewish culture and an overall sense of Jewish community. It’s advantageous that the position is starting in the summer when religious school is not in session. The director will be able to use this time to focus on collaborating with the teachers and developing the curriculum.

Jellinek and Gordon feel proud about the process they are using to select the candidates. A committee consisting of twelve congregants – parents, students, teachers, youth group members – will review the qualifications of the applicants together. Gordon says, “As much as we are absolutely looking for an innovative, creative person, we are following a very deliberate process that involves all the congregation as a community.

We have held a series of forums and done an online survey to get the community feedback.”

If you think you have the core values required by the role and can handle the responsibilities of an imaginative and stimulating leader, get a jump on the competition and get in touch with the Education Search Committee of Temple Habonim by emailing them at employment@templehabonim.org or calling at 401-245-6536.

36 | February 14, 2014

SENIORS

Joan Rivers tells her audiences that a Jewish mother doesn’t consider her child to have reached maturity until he or she receives the M.D. degree.

The claim is either a gross exaggeration or, at the least, a modest stretching of the truth. Back in the 1930s, in the midst of a world gone awry, Jewish mothers would pray that Roosevelt would be reelected, that Hitler would die of cancer and that their oldest child would Of Science be accepted to medical & Society school.

It is not as though Stanley m. those mothAronson, M.D. ers were pr ay i n g that their child would enter a life of ease. The M.D. degree is granted only after four years of rigorous study punctuated by intervals of self-doubt, despair and insistent feelings of inadequacy. Only after years of addi-

tional hospital training do their inner emotions allow them to feel simultaneously ennobled and humbled, powerless yet cautiously capable and gradually aware of the immense resources available to the wellprepared physician.

The newly documented doctor now becomes aware of an immense personal transformation – to some, the experience is vaguely akin to ordination – while not forgetting Voltaire’s comment: “The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while Nature cures the disease.”

Society has always recognized the need to confer special titles upon those assuming great responsibility. Over the centuries, there have been many ways of addressing members of the medical profession, most in terms of respect but some in derision. Amongst these many titles, in English, there are: physician, doctor, clinician, practitioner, and colloquially, medic, doc and leech.

The word doctor, for example, is derived from the Latin docere, meaning to teach. And thus, the word has been applied to schol-

The Jewish Voice

Is there a doctor in the house? ars in many fields, both healing and otherwise. Learned doctrinal authorities, such as Gregory and Augustine, have been called doctors of the church. A doctorate degree now distinguishes those in non-medical callings from those who have not endured the rigors of graduate study. And so, society is now blessed with D.M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., Ph.D., J.D., and D.Div.

“Society has always recognized the need to confer special titles upon those assuming great responsibility.” degrees. Is there a doctor in the house? In our advanced society, the answer is – many.

The word physician is derived from a Greek word defining those scholars interested in the natural sciences, including botany, zoology and geology. By the 13th century, the word had been narrowed to the healing arts and its practitioners, the

title now spelled physick. And by the 16th Century the word physick had evolved further into the word, physician. (Lady Macbeth’s doctor declares, in sorrow: “More needs she the divine than the physician.”)

During the 17th century, the word physick assumed a somewhat deviant meaning, describing chemicals with medicinal properties, often purgative or, at least, laxative; and in other academic corners of the Renaissance, physick was now applied to the study of the dynamics of matter and energy. This expanding branch of the natural sciences was given the title of physics. The first sentence of the ancient Hippocratic Oath, however, still bears testimony that “physician” was an ancient name for the healer (“I swear by Apollo, the physician…”).

What about practitioner? It is derived from the word practice, doing something habitually. A variant meaning to the word – seeking improvement, perhaps by repetitive exercise – has provided many comic routines about young physicians. “Illness,” said Marcel Proust, “is the doctor to whom we pay most

heed; to kindness, to knowledge, we make promise only; pain we obey.”

Medico seems to be a somewhat pejorative word, much like the word doc. But these names, in the military, define field physicians (or corpsmen) fulfilling a much needed healing role. Their Latin ancestor is medere, to heal.

And, finally, the word leech. It is the name given to the aquatic worm that had been used, over the many centuries, by physicians for blood-letting purposes. The word (now describing a physician) stems from a Gothic term, lekeis, meaning a magician or an exorcist. This mutated into the Old English word laece, meaning a practitioner of medicine.

And so, under a variety of names, and governed by uncompromising regulations, there are now 812,019 licensed physicians with an M.D. degree, in these United States.

STANLEY M. ARONSON, M.D. (smamd@cox.net), a weekly contributor, is dean of medicine emeritus at Brown University.

Not your grandkids’ Jewish camp

By The Jewish Voice StafF Campers at Camp Isabella Freedman participate in arts and crafts, swimming, hiking, campfires and more. The difference is that these campers are in their 70s and 80s.

The Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, Located in Falls Village – the northwest corner of Connecticut--has been offering camp experiences for seniors since 1956. The camp rests on 400 acres in the foothills of the southern Berkshires, has miles of forest trails and two lakes.

For two weeks each July, active seniors take over the campgrounds. In addition to traditional camp activities such as nature walks, crafts and swimming, participants can take part in yoga, water aerobics, cheese-making workshops, folk dancing, discussion groups, games and local field trips. To reinforce Jewish ideals, campers can enjoy delicious homemade kosher meals and attend Shabbat services in a glass-walled synagogue with breathtaking lake and mountain views.

“Can you imagine, the oldies coming to camp?” said Olga Leisman, age 86 during an interview with Gianna Palmer of the Jewish Daily Forward. “I demanded a care package from my grandkids.”

The American Camp Association noted that in 2012 one million adults went off to camp,

COURTESY | CAMP isabella freedman

and it is estimated that for the past decade camps for adults have grown by 10% each year.

More often than not, adults

are looking for specialty camps.

Many seniors see the experience as an opportunity to travel and discover a latent hobby.

After all, if they have the money, time and health, why not?

In a 2013 Wall Street Journal interview, Nancy Diamond, a marketing consultant to camps said, “It appeals to the inner child in all of us….These programs remind us of summer camp. We participate in activities, develop new skills, and cultivate new friendships.”

Camp Isabella Freedman participant Ida Lewis may have said it best, “I love the friendships I made, the information I learned, the beauty, and the peace and quiet.”

COMMUNITY

thejewishvoice.org

February 14, 2014 |

37

ey, it’s Rabbi Yaakov Marcus

By Rabbi Naftali L. Karp On January 31, Project Shoresh of RI was honored to welcome Rabbi Yaakov Marcus of Jerusalem to Providence for what was to be an incredible weekend revolving around a series of inspiring lectures.

Rabbi Marcus was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He has been involved in Jewish education professionally for many years. In 1995, he and his family moved to Israel, where he became a member of the rabbinical faculty of the Neve Yerushalayim College for Women in Har Nof. Rabbi Marcus is also a guest lecturer for Heritage House and Hebrew University. He has served as a lecturer-in-residence for Rosh Hashanah\Yom Kippur programs in the Old City.

To quote Elanah Chassen, a member of the host committee, “Since Rabbi Marcus was one of my previous teachers in Israel, I was ecstatic to learn he was coming to Providence. Rabbi Marcus has such a unique way of exploring, diving into and teaching topics such as the letter ‘hey.’ His enthusiasm is contagious and keeps me wanting to learn more.”

At a well-attended Friday night dinner for young pro-

A discourse on the mysticism of Hebrew letters, relationships and more

fessionals, Rabbi Marcus discussed the topic of relationships. The enthusiasm of the guests, who crossed the spectrum of the Jewish community, created a warm and enjoyable environment.

“Rabbi Marcus seemed to speak in a way in which everyone was able to relate.”

Later in the evening, Rabbi Marcus addressed a group of Brown University students, expounding on “Why Bad Things Have Happened to Good People.” On Shabbat morning, Rabbi Marcus treated a group of approximately 75 to a mystical interpretation of the Tabernacle with a very timely message. At a Shabbat luncheon, Rabbi Marcus presented an understanding of “The Different Types of Pleasure.”

This incredible weekend culminated in an evening of learning and unity, as the Providence community celebrated Project Shoresh’s flagship “Partners in Torah Night” (PITN). PITN provides educational opportunities for teens, young adults, adults and seasoned citizens.

COURTESY | RABBI NAFTALI KARP

As with all Project Shoresh programs, it is open to all Rhode Island Jewish individuals, across all denominations, as well as the unaffiliated. PITN offers a cost-free learning opportunity to discover Judaism – its culture, history and traditions – at an individualized pace and

schedule. The program aims to foster unity among Jews of all backgrounds.

At the PITN celebration, Rabbi Marcus shared deep and practical insights on the question, “Who Are You?” As one participant said, “Rabbi Marcus’ presentation on the rela-

tionship between the three lower spheres of a person and how that drives our behavior was fascinating, clearly defining where the realm of free choice actually lies.”

Rabbi Dovid Schwartz commented, “The many different speeches seemed to be wellreceived by the diverse audience. Rabbi Marcus seemed to speak in a way in which everyone was able to relate.”

Project Shoresh of RI would like to thank the host committee of the Shabbat dinner: David Brandman, Meital Cafri, Elanah Chassen, Seth Finkle, Shana Newman and Jacob Sydney. Much gratitude, as well, to all those who helped, sponsored and attended the various functions. And last but not least, thank you, Rabbi Marcus!

God willing, this special Shabbat of inspiration and education will be a catalyst for continued growth in the Providence Jewish community.

RABBI NAFTALI L. KARP (nkarp@projectshoresh.com) is the organizational, managerial and financial mastermind of Project Shoresh, which encourages, enables and facilitates Jews to connect to their roots, to their source, regardless of their current or past connection to Judaism.

38 | February 14, 2014 George Brenner, 78 NEWPORT, R.I. – George Brenner, 78, a prominent area realtor since 1967, died Feb. 20.

He was the husband of Diane M. (Daigle) Brenner. Born in Cambr idge, Mass., he was the son of the late Ernest and Elinor (S chwa r t z) Brenner and step-son of the late Marsha Brenner.

A graduate of Somerville High School and the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., Class of 1958, he served in both the Marine Corps and the Navy during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was the owner of Brenner Realtors in Westport, Mass. and Newport, R.I. and was formerly employed

by Larry Nunes Real Estate in Middletown, R.I. He was a member of the Jewish War Veterans, the VFW, the American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans of Westport. He was a trustee of the Fall River Five Cents Savings Bank, a director of the USS Massachusetts Battleship Memorial Committee, former director of the Greater Fall River United Way, former board member of the Moby Dick Council of the Boy Scouts, member of the Westport Lions Club, past president of the Fall River Lions Club and a member of the Fall River Lodge of Elks for 43 years. He was past president of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors and the Greater Fall River Association of Realtors, and past vice president of the New England Region of the National Association of Realtors.

He was a former member of the US Small Business Administra-

OBITUARIES tion Advisory Board of Greater Boston Council, and the Single Family Advisory Board, Mass.

Housing Finance Agency. He was the former tax assessor for the Town of Portsmouth, R.I. and was a past chairman of the Westport Master Plan Updating Committee.

Along with his beloved wife, he is survived by his children, Linda Alexson and her husband Andrew of Ipswich, Mass., Karen Brenner Leslie and her husband Matthew of Westwood, Mass., Robert Brenner and his wife Dara of Atlanta, Ga., Judith Uphold of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Jeffrey Brenner and his wife Melissa of Wakefield, Mass.; his sisters Nancy DeAngelo and her husband Floyd of Greenwood Lake, N.Y., Barbara Brenner-Morris and her husband Edward of Bellingham, Wash., Patricia Mostert and her husband Christopher of Malibu, Calif., and Susan Brenner of Manhattan Beach, Calif.; and his grandchildren William, Holly, Jeffrey, Kyle, Jared, Noah, Samuel, Jaron, Grace and Abbey. He was also the father of the late Eric Brenner.

The family requests no flowers, but donations in his memory may be made to United Way of R.I., 50 Valley St., Providence, RI 02909 or Make-A-Wish, 20 Hemingway Dr., East Providence, RI 02915.

Martin Dronzek, 82 EAST GREENWICH, R.I. – Martin Dronzek, 82, died Feb. 23 at Miriam Hospital. He was the husband of Marcia (Wintner) Dronzek for 49 years. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, a son of the late Joseph and Esther (Lansky) Dronzek, he had lived in East Greenwichfor 35 years. He spent his career as a tax attorney. He was also a

The Jewish Voice Navy veteran. He was a member of Temple Sinai. Father of Ellen Orkin and her husband Jonathan of Canton, Mass. and Jeff Dronzek and his wife Jennifer of East Greenwich, R.I. Brother of Donald Dronzek of Calif. and Eileen Turoff of Ohio. Grandfather of Emily, Abigail, Amanda and Danielle. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Temple Sinai or Miriam Hospital Oncology Unit.

David Finger, 66 NEW BEDFORD, MASS. – David Finger passed away Feb. 17 after a long and courageous battle with diabetes and related illnesses. Although seriously ill for the past few years, he never gave up and always kept his sense of humor.

He was the son of the late Louis and Rubye Finger, and he resided in Dartmouth for most of his life. He was a graduate of Dartmouth High School and Roger Williams University.

He was the husband of Dianne and father of Daniel Finger and Lisabeth Foley. He is also survived by his stepdaughter, Lisa Ann Davis, and two loving granddaughters, Avrah Claire Foley and Maggie Leigh Sullivan. Other family members who loved and supported him include Linda and Ernie Ross, Nancy Labrecque and Chad Bonville, and Tracey and Richard Ramos.

According to his wishes, funeral arrangements were private. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Humane Society, 31 Ventura Dr., No. Dartmouth, MA 02747

Richard W. Germain, 75 WARWICK, R.I. – Richard W. Germain, 75, died Feb. 21 at R.I. Hospital. He was the husband of Karen (Gleckman) Germain for 34 years. Born in Woonsocket, a son of the late William E. and Beatrice (Caplette) Germain,

he had lived in Warwick for 45 years, previously residing in Providence. He was a maintenance supervisor for several years. Step-father of Susan Twardowski and her husband, Robert, and Rayna Breitenbecker and her husband, Erick, all of Johnston, and father of Linda Stabile and her husband, Michael, of North Smithfield and Greggory Germain and his wife, Jessica, of Sandwich, Mass. Brother of Lorraine Falls of Smithfield. Grandfather of Robert, Mandy and Eli. Contributions in his memory may be made to American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601 or Yankee Golden Retriever Club, 140 Ridge Road, Wakefield, RI 02879.

Sidney Lipsky, 95

CANTON, MASS. - Sidney Lipsky, of Canton, Mass. (formerly of Swampscott, Mass. and Fla.), died on Feb. 25, at the age of 95.

Husband of Beatrice (Sandler) Lipsky of 64 years. Son of the late Harry and Dora (Robotnick) Lipsky. Brother of the late Jacob Lipsky and Rose Lipsky.

Father of Reggie and Michael Oldak, Joanne and Ed Smith, Andi and Doug Shaw. Grandfather of Lauren and Brad Rosenberg, Victoria Oldak, Sam Oldak, Justin Shaw, Stephanie Shaw, Abby Smith and many nieces and nephews.

He was a graduate of Lynn Classical High School, Bentley University and attended Boston University. During World War II, he was a Naval Chief Petty Officer on a supply ship based in Trinidad, Guam and Okinawa.

After the war, he enlisted in the Army Reserve where he served for 22 years, retiring as a Major.

He was owner and treasurer of Lipsky Moving & Storage Corp. of Lynn, Mass. He was a member of both Temple Israel and Congregation Shirat Hayam in Swampscott.

In lieu of flowers, expressions

of sympathy may be made to Hebrew SeniorLife Hospice Care, 1200 Centre Street, Boston, MA 02131 or Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

Norma (Feibish) Shorin, 91 NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. – Norma Shorin, 91 of Scalabrini Villa Nursing Home, died Feb. 22. Born in Memphis, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Max and Ada Feibish. She spent her childhood in Memphis and the Bronx, N.Y. She lived in Great Neck, N.Y., Providence, R.I., and Baca Raton, Fla. She was a woman of many talents.

She was a graduate with honors of Hunter College and Columbia Law School. Just after passing the bar exam, she was offered a judgeship. She was a practicing attorney who argued before the Supreme Court of the United States of America. She also worked as an Assistant District Attorney in New York City, Trade Practice Lawyer for Sears Roebuck, and a lawyer for the indigent. She was a concert level pianist and was adept at financial planning and investments as well as crossword puzzles.

She is survived by her two daughters Carol Desforges (John) and Loraine Schwartz (Marty), her two grandchildren Leo and Mary Ann Desforges, and her brother Martin Feibish (Gloria). She will be buried in New York beside her parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations to her former residences at Scalabrini Villa, 860 N Quidnessett Rd, North Kingstown, RI 02852 or Tamarisk Assisted Living, 3 Shalom Drive, Warwick, RI 02886 will be appreciated.

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An update on human trafficking in Rhode Island Renown URI professor discusses exploitation at upcoming event By kara marziali kmarziali@jewishalianceri.org Human Trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, most commonly intended to exploit women and children, and Rhode Island is not immune to the epidemic. Shockingly, the Ocean State has become a destination for under-age, commercial sex in New England.

For nearly 30 years there were no R.I. laws in place against indoor prostitution or sex trafficking. This made massage parlors and strip clubs prime real estate for human trafficking. From 1980 to 2009, understaffed law enforcement frequently viewed prostitution as a vice crime and focused primarily on violent crime. With the police ignoring the local sex-slave trade, traffickers from other states begin to do “business” in R.I. Dr. Donna M. Hughes, an in-

February 14, 2014 |

39

The Voice Classified HOUSECLEANING

cOuRTESY | DONNA HuGHES

ternationally recognized scholar on trafficking, co-founder of Citizens Against Trafficking (CAT) and a women’s studies professor at the University of Rhode Island, told a Providence Journal reporter last December, “Victims are hiding in plain

sight — advertised in newspapers, on the streets, in strip clubs.”

According to the State of R.I. Commission on Women, human trafficking is big business, yielding an estimated $32 billion in profits each year. After drug trafficking, it is thought to be the most profitable because human traffickers can continue to exploit their victims after the initial point of sale.

“Rhode Island is a small state with a huge problem,” said Community Relations Director Marty Cooper. “Many victims are young, under-age girls, forced against their will into a life of prostitution.”

In 2009, advocates against human trafficking, including CAT, campaigned for legislation.

Eventually the General Assembly passed three laws: one that banned minors working in adult entertainment businesses; one that prohibited prostitution; and another that criminalized human trafficking.

The National Council of Jew-

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ish Women/Rhode Island Section (NCJW/RI) and the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island Community Relations Council (CRC) have long been unfailing supporters of social justice. Seeking to raise greater awareness about sexual exploitation, the NCJW/RI and the

“Rhode Island is a small state with a huge problem.”

CRC invite the community to a discussion led by Hughes who will give an update on human trafficking in Rhode Island.

The event, open to the community at no charge, will take place on wednesday, march 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the dwares Jcc (401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence), and all are welcome. For more information, call 401-2723647. kara marziali is the Director of Communications at the Jewish Alliance.

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Saturday evening, March 1, 2014 7:30 pm - Havdalah and Niggunim (singing for all!)

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At J-Fitness, you have access to: • Certified Personal Trainers • Indoor heated pool • Water Fitness Classes • TigerSharks Swim Club • Cardio machines • Free-weight area • Fit Forever classes for Seniors • American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program • Spinning™ • Zumba™ • Yoga • Pilates mat classes, and much more!

Visit jewishallianceri.org for membership information.

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Contact our Membership Office for details.

The Alliance JCC is a division of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI 401.421.4111 | jewishallianceri.org

40 | February 14, 2014

The Jewish Voice

TECHNOLOgY

Zuckerberg’s Facebook buys WhatsApp for $19 billion JTA – Facebook will buy the mobile messaging service WhatsApp for $19 billion in cash and stock, the company announced.

“No one in the history of the world has ever done something like this,” Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said during a conference call on Feb. 19, Reuters reported.

WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum, 38, grew up a Jewish and “a rebellious little kid” in a poor village outside of Kiev, Wired reported. Koum and his mother immigrated to the United States when he was 16 to escape the “troubling political and antiSemitic environment,” Forbes

YOuTubE

The Israeli start-up SlickLogin was purchased by Google.

google purchases fifth Israeli company, SlickLogin israel hayom Exclusive to JNS.org Google has purchased its fi fth Israeli company, the Tel Aviv-based start-up SlickLogin, whose technology verifies and authenticates user identity (when logging onto a website) by using an audio signal sent through a smartphone app.

Sl ick L og i n founders Or Zelig, Eran Galili, and Ori Kabeli began developing their program in August 2013. In September, they presented it at San Francisco’s

technology start-up conference TechCrunch Disrupt, and in December registered as an official company.

The three-man company— which has not yet registered a patent or recruited investors, and has no customers—joined Google’s global team operating out of Tel Aviv.

SlickLog in said Google “shares our core beliefs that logging in should be easy instead of frustrating, and authentication should be effective without getting in the way.”

both share the vision of making the world more open and connected,” Zuckerberg, who also is Jewish, wrote on his Facebook page.

The purchase in $4 billion in cash, $12 billion in stock and $3 billion in restricted stock, is the

company’s largest acquisition ever, and bigger than any acquisitions ever made by Google, Microsoft or Apple, according to the Associated Press. It is equal to about 11 percent of Facebook’s market value.

WhatsApp, a free mobile messaging service similar to texting, currently has 450 million users, with an additional million joining every day, according to reports. Users pay a $1 yearly fee to use the WhatsApp app; the first year is free.

Facebook said that WhatsApp will continue to operate independently after the purchase.

Internet Safety: Parenting in today’s electronic world By aNdrea epsTeiN, licsw The world of cyber safety can be mysterious and confusing to many parents who struggle to stay abreast of the ever-growing choices their children have online. This article offers a brief look at what parents can look for and do regarding cyber-bullying.

Cyber-bullying is defi ned as online social cruelty that involves sending or posting harmful or cruel texts or images using the internet, interactive and digital technologies

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“I’ve also known Jan for a long time, and I know that we

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or mobile phones. The intent is to hurt, harass, embarrass, humiliate. The National Association of School Psychologists estimates that 160,000 children miss school every day for fear of being picked on; that 1.6 million children are bullied each week; and that 40 – 50 % of students in grades four through eight have been bullied online.

Even children who are not actively involved in cyberbullying (as either bully or victim) may play a role as supporter, onlooker or defender. It is important for parents to ask their children directly about online bullying and not assume children will bring concerns to parents.

Sexting is sending sexually explicit photos or texts through one’s mobile phone.

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy reports one in five teens have either sent or posted electronically nude or seminude images of themselves.

Adults and teens have been prosecuted under child pornography laws for sexting. It is not only a crime to originate sexually explicit photos or texts but also to forward something one receives on their phone.

If your child is bullied they should:

• tell an adult • leave the online area • block messages from harassing senders • save copies of any text or image they get • in some cases, notify police.

Parents should:

• know who their children’s online “friends” are • not let children have a computer in their bedroom; instead put one in a common area • set limits on concerning behavior • teach children to guard their contact info and not share passwords • encourage children to talk about their concerns and to express their feelings validate the child’s feelings • recognize behavior that may indicate their child is concerned about going to school If you have concerns that your child is engaged in questionable behavior with computers or mobile phones and need resources or to talk, please contact Jewish Family Service 401-331-1244, ext. 317. aNdrea epsTeiN, licsw (andrea@jfsri.org.) is a Kesher social worker for Jewish Family Service of R.I.

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February 14, 2014 |

41

Jewish women entrepreneurs

By ToBy rossNer In 2002, the National Heritage Museum in Lexington, Massachusetts opened a new exhibit, Enterprising Women: 250 Years of American Business, which celebrated the accomplishments of female entrepreneurs.

Inspired by this exhibit, Gail Reimer, Director of the Jewish Women’s Archive (JWA) invited me to write a series of articles on Jewish Women Entrepreneurs. The mission of the (JWA) is to uncover, chronicle, and transmit to a broad public the rich history of American Jewish women; therefore, Gail is pleased to share these articles with the readers of the Jewish Voice, in celebration of Jewish Women’s History Month.

Background: 1800-1880

Soon after the United States gained its independence, American businesswomen began to lose theirs. Elizabeth Anthony Dexter wrote: “It seems certain that a larger proportion of women worked outside their homes in the years after 1776 than earlier, and that a number of new opportunities were gradually opened to them, but that new restrictions and handicaps developed also. A working woman of—say—1760 was considered simply on her

March is Jewish Women’s History Month

own merits. After 1800 such a woman was self-conscious, and her neighbors critical. She was no longer just an individual trying to earn a living; she was a female who had stepped out of the “graceful and dignified retirement” which so well became her sex. Her emergence might be praised or blamed; it could not be taken as a matter of course.”* German Jewish immigrants arriving between1840 and 1880 adopted the attitudes that were currently in fashion in midcentury middle-class America. Those attitudes did not encourage female success in the marketplace. The vast majority seemed as conscious as their husbands of the demands of upward mobility and were only too eager to imitate their native American sisters, fi rst in staying at home to care for their children, then in enjoying the leisure that came more and more to characterize the lives of middle-class women.** *Elizabeth Anthony Dexter, Career Women of America, 1776-1856 (Francestown, NH, Marhshall Jones, 1950). **Irene D. Neu, “The Jewish Businesswoman”, American Jewish Historical Quarterly, Volune LXVI, No. 1, September, 1976 .

cOuRTESY/ MINIS HOuSE / MuSEuM OF SOuTHERN JEWISH-AMERIcAN HISTORY

A view of Savannah in 1734, not long after the arrival of the first Jews in the colony. The plot of land marked number 3 was owned and operated by prominent Jewish settlers Abraham and Abigail Minis.

Abigail Minis, 1701-1794

While a significant proportion of Colonial Jewish women engaged in occupations that were later to be regarded as “men’s work,” those who are documented were most often spinsters or widows. The contributions of those women who shared their husbands’ businesses were little noted. Women sometimes managed sizable properties, especially in the

South, where white female supervision of black men was more socially acceptable than their supervision of white men.

Savannah’s Abigail Minis is a well-known example.

During her husband’s fi nal illness and after his death in 1757, Abigail not only presided over the family’s mercantile business, but the Widow Minis also ran a plantation, owned at least seventeen slaves, and add-

ed more than a thousand acres to the family estate. Known for her elegant hospitality, Abigail applied for a permit to operate a tavern in 1763, which became the site of “elegant entertainments” for members of the colony’s elite. An ardent supporter of the Revolution, she also supplied provisions for the Continental soldiers, the Georgia militia, and the French forces in the area. When Savannah fell to the British in 1778 the Loyalists attempted to confiscate Abigail’s property, but she successfully petitioned the Governor for safe passage to Charleston and for protection of her property. She returned to Savannah after the war, remaining active in her family’s business affairs until her death at age ninetythree.

ToBy rossNer (tobyross@ cox.net) was the Director of Media Services at the Bureau of Jewish Education from 1978 to 2002. ediTor’s NoTe: This is the fi rst article in a series on the history of Jewish Women Entrepreneurs.

A Rich Inheritance Our community keeps reinventing itself, finding new ways to engage young people and adults, families and singles, in the rich fabric of Jewish life.

But some things never change. Like the way each generation plans and builds for the next, making sure the foundations of Jewish life are strong and can respond to evolving needs. When you leave a Jewish legacy, you join this chain of builders. You leave your children and grandchildren a precious inheritance, and a lasting testimony to your values.

To learn more about making a legacy gift, contact Edward Bruckner at 401.421.4111 ext. 174 or ebruckner@jewishallianceri.org

Milton Stanzler circa 1961 Archival image courtesy of Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association.

401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI

42 | February 14, 2014

BOOK REVIEW

The Jewish Voice

Religion and magic at Jewish camp Review of The Path of Names

By JohN laNdry As the father of boys who love to read fantasy, I was delighted to hear about The Path of Names, a new book in that genre from a Jewish perspective. Thanks to the PJ Library and our temple library, we’ve been able to give them many wonderful Jewish stories when they were younger.

Now that our twin ten-year olds are reading on their own, there seems little from a Jewish perspective to capture their attention. Most popular fantasy is

either entirely secular (Harry Potter), or reflects pagan (Percy Jackson) or Christian (Narnia) themes.

How well does The Path of Names work? As someone more inclined to science fiction, I can’t judge the book’s intrinsic appeal to fantasy lovers. But I do think it artfully captures a distinct and vital Jewish message within an engaging and suspenseful narrative.

Imagine the Harry Porter stories told from Hermione Grang-

er’s perspective, absent Harry himself. She’s smart and fascinated with magic, but doesn’t get on well with other kids. Voldemort tries to seduce her into sacrificing her classmates and gaining the power of the dark arts. But then she fights him off, and realizes along the way that love is the greatest magic of all.

Not to spoil the story, but that’s roughly what happens to thirteen-year-old Dahlia, the heroine of The Path of Names – with a key addition. All magic stems

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from renderings of the name of God. Dahlia learns an especially powerful version of the name, and has to decide whether to embrace the mystical path of divine knowledge, or to return to the material world. She chooses life, even though this means going back to the mean girls who’ve been teasing her, and to her parents who don’t understand her – because human fellowship is what really matters.

All of this takes place at a Jewish summer camp in Penn., similar to Camp JORI where our boys go. Her parents sent her there because they worried she was caught up in her math puzzles, videogames, and slei g ht- of-h a nd magic tricks. Forget Hogwarts – this camp is an ordinary magicfree place, except for an abandoned maze on the edge of the property.

The maze turns out to be guarded by the camp’s anti-social custodian.

Dahlia sits through a talk on Kabbalah by the camp’s hippie counselor, which eventually leads her to the secret name and the maze. The plot darkens and centers around two girls murdered decades ago. But everything turns ok with a satisfyingly intricate ending.

The book is advertised for kids 10-14, but I haven’t given it to our boys just yet. Think the later, bleaker Harry Potter stories, with less humor. The ghosts here are no laughing matter.

The story invites a sequel, so we can see whether Dahlia has actually changed her outlook on other people. If so, maybe it will dig deeper into its opening epigram, “Religion is just magic, but with more words.”

Path of Names focuses on Kabbalah, the mystical study of higher planes of reality, connecting almost all the way to God. But unlike other mystical systems, which encourage practitioners to free themselves from the ordinary world, Kabbalah

grounds itself in our world. By performing acts of kindness and respect, we heal not just our own world but also these higher planes of reality. Our deeds here and now determine what happens above, not the other way around.

What words, what incantations/prayers, would Dahlia have to learn to change her actions? What can she do to move past the petty insults and snubs common at this camp and the rest of teenage life? Let’s hope the author tells us in another book.

JohN laNdry (jtlandry@ verizon.net) lives in Providence and has reviewed a number of PJ Library books for The Jewish Voice.

Everyone has a story to tell…

We asked you to become part of the Jewish storytelling tradition by submitting the short, sharp story of your life. Now’s your chance to see how people responded — in just six words.

T hu r s d ay, March 13 at 7:00 p.m. is the opening reception for a unique exhibit created by YOU, our community. View dozens of creative expressions conveyed in brevity. Here are three samples of Six-Word Memoirs that will be included: • Still light-hearted, still

laughing, still learning • Simple soul, lost in modern society • Life, Moments, Memories, Children, Prayer, Israel This event will be held gallery(401) housed at the Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Avenue, Provicence and is open to the community. Wine and light snacks will be served.

For more iNFormaTioN contact Erin Moseley at emoseley@jewishallianceri.org or 401.421.4111 ext. 108.

WE ARE READ

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INDIA – Paula Bodo during a recent three-week trip to India.

Temple is the Magen David Synagogue.

February 14, 2014 |

43

NOA NIRNbERG

cOuRTESY | bRucE WOLPERT

CHINA – Bruce A. Wolpert, Esq. and his wife Marlene Fishman Wolpert, during a two-week trip to China in November, standing in front of Shanghai at a synagogue (Ohel Moishe Synagogue) which is adjacent to the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum.

SAVE the DATE Monday, June 9, 2014

&

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PHOTOS | SHAI AFSAI

ABUJA, NIgERIA – Elder Ovadia Agbai reads a copy of The Jewish Voice containing several articles and photographs about his twelve day visit to Rhode Island in September 2013.

29th Annual Alliance

GOLF

TENNiS

Classic

For sponsorship information contact Edward Bruckner at ebruckner@jewishallianceri.org or 401.421.4111 ext. 174.

Igbo Jews reading a recent copy of The Jewish Voice by flashlight in Abuja, Nigeria.

To learn more about the event contact Carlene Barth at cbarth@jewishallianceri.org or 401.421.4111 ext. 210.

44 | February 14, 2014

The Jewish Voice

Jewish Life & Learning: Experiencing Judaism for Life

with your help, we can do more.

Camp JORI Summer 2013

Our children are growing up in a world in which Jewish values compete with millions of other influences.

Our Jewish Life & Learning initiative offers scores of programs that help people of all ages to explore and celebrate their Jewish identity and find their place in our community.

Through the Annual Campaign, the Jewish Alliance supports early childhood education, summer camp, teen engagement, adult programming and more.

These are just some of the many ways in which the Alliance fosters community and Jewish continuity within the next generation.

Please support our 2014 Annual Campaign.

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. 401 Elmgrove Avenue Providence, RI 02906 401.421.4111 jewishallianceri.org

Last year’s Annual Campaign $1,065,056 donor dollars helped support experiencing Judaism including Capacity-building programs for 200 educators in 16 schools 25 Incentive grants for first-time campers

fostering a long-term connection to Jewish life more than 1,500 Brown RISD Hillel & URI Hillel students experienced Shabbat programs, arts & culture, and community

with your help, we can do more.