Volume XXI, Issue XVII | www.thejewishvoice.org Serving Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts
5 Tishri 5776 | September 18, 2015
Dwares JCC benefits from Bornsteins’ roots BY FRAN OSTENDORF fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org
said in a midsummer interview. Richard agreed. “Since before it was in the building; when it In Rhode Island, the Jewish was right around the corner. community has many fami- It’s always been central to our lies with deep roots and those lives.” families often believe in helping Richard’s family owned Millpreserve the communal insti- er’s Deli on Hope Street on the tutions for future generations. East Side for many years. Richard and Sandy Bornstein Sandy’s family, the Kofflers, certainly fit that profi le. founded American Tourister “The JCC has been part of our Luggage Co. and then the Koffler lives since we were kids,” Sandy Group where Richard is now president and CEO. Married 40 years, they often fi nished each other’s sentences during the interview. Their fathers knew each other. Providence is that kind of community, tight knit and supportive. Four generations of Bornsteins have used the JCC. And each generation did its share to support this critical institution. “My aunt was one of the fi rst people to get involved in the JCC,” he says. “The delicatessen always sponsored a team.” Richard used to play basketball COURTESY | BORNSTEIN FAMILY there. And some of their six Richard and Sandy Bornstein grandchildren played there.
FALL HOME AND GARDEN
Dazzling displays
The Kofflers’, roots are there too. Sandy describes how her mother “always had a phone to her ear” as she was active in fundraising for the Federation (now the Jewish Alliance). Her father believed in education. Other community institutions like Temple Emanu-El have benefited greatly from both families’ generosity. This family history of philanthropy, as well as the example of Donald and Bonnie Dwares, spurred the Bornsteins to make a gift toward the ongoing renovations of the Dwares JCC. Their gift will be used to rebuild the front entrance to the building. “We’re philanthropic,” says Richard. “We give to a lot of different causes in Florida, in Rhode Island. We were inspired by the Dwares. “We need to make it [the JCC] more open and attractive,” he said. Like others who have donated to the renovation project,
PHOTO | DAVID SCHWARTZ, SCHWARTZ TREE CARE INC.
Summer is winding down and fall is on the horizon. Soon we’ll be enjoying the season’s beautiful colors such as those of this sugar maple (Acer saccharum). For more on fall home and garden, see page 17. BORNSTEINS | 12
Looking back at 5775 BY URIEL HEILMAN Part two of two NEW YORK (JTA) – Here’s a look back at the highs and lows (and everything in between) of the second half of 5775.
March 2015
Prime Minister Netanyahu addresses a joint session of Congress, amid lingering controversy, to warn of the emerging Iran nuclear deal. Several Jewish lawmakers skip the ad-
dress. Obama says the speech offers “nothing new,” and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., calls it an “insult to the intelligence of the United States.” The Reform movement’s rabbinic group, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, installs Denise Eger as its fi rst openly gay president. The Swarthmore Hillel votes to disaffi liate from Hillel International to protest the Jewish campus group’s rules on Israel programming.
In 2013, the Pennsylvania college’s Hillel ignited a national debate on Hillel International’s Israel policies, which restrict programs with speakers who support boycotting the Jewish state. Netanyahu wins a fourth term, his third in a row, as Israel’s prime minister, roundly defeating his main challenger, Isaac Herzog of the Zionist Union. Netanyahu’s remarks LOOKING BACK | 10 Prime Minister Netanyahu addresses a joint session of Congress.
Somerset Auto Group Closer than you think…… Only 15 minutes from Providence
The Jagolinzer Family
Quality Automobiles for 3 Generations
195 East • Exit 4, Somerset, MA somersetautogroup.com 800-495-5337
FREE pick-up and delivery available
COMMUNITY
2 | September 18, 2015
The Jewish Voice
INSIDE Business 23-25 Calendar 11 Classified 25 Community 2, 4-6, 12, 14, 22 D’Var Torah 7 Food 14-15 Health 16 Home & Garden 17-21 Israel 29-30 Obituaries 28 Opinion 8-9 Seniors 26-27 Simchas | We Are Read 31 World 3, 10-11
THIS ISSUE’S QUOTABLE QUOTE “We should all give something to the community.”
Three artists open fall season at Temple Habonim gallery
BUNNY FAIN, “The Studio,” Solar Intaglio, Japanese Rice Paper on Mylar, Chine Colle
BARRINGTON – The fall season at the Gallery at Temple Habonim opens with an exhibit of the work of three artists. Bunny Fain uses a variety of techniques and approaches that stretch the boundaries of skill and perception in his printmaking. The effect is simplicity, but the steps to achieve that are extremely complex. Alice Miles is a painter, conservator and restorer as well as an educator. She works with a limited palette that demonstrates her mastery of technique, concentrating on shapes and colors, which the viewer will see as a landscape.
Marion Wilner works in watercolor, acrylics and monoprints among other media. The medium does not limit her creativity, which pushes the viewer to see beyond the expected. Her gift as an artist and teacher opens our eyes to an expanded world. The exhibit is on view from Aug. 21 through Oct. 29, with an artists’ reception Sunday, Sept. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. The Gallery at Temple Habonim is at 165 New Meadow Road. Gallery hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 pm and by appointment. For information, call 401-245-6536 or email gallery@templehabonim.org.
MARION WILNER, “Roots #1,” Acrylic Ink
ALICE MILES, “Twilight #7,” Monotype
Tap. Snap. Deposit! 1000
211372048
00000000
01000
Introducing Mobile Deposit with Mobile Banking Going to the bank is as easy as tap, snap, deposit. 1-888-MECHANICS (632-4264) Mechanics-Coop.com
S
WORLD
thejewishvoice.org
Abraham Foxman
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Natalie Portman
Bernie Sanders
September 18, 2015 |
3
Wendy Sherman
The top Jewish newsmakers of 5775 BY JULIE WIENER JTA – Whether you love them or hate them – or your feelings are purely pareve — these 13 Jews repeatedly made the news in 5775.
David Blatt
American-Israeli coach David Blatt, in his first season as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ head coach, guided the club to the NBA Finals and put the Midwestern city on the radar of Israelis – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu among them. Blatt, 56, had come to Cleveland after coaching Maccabi Tel Aviv to an unlikely Euroleague title. The Boston-area native had played
professionally in Israel, after making aliyah in 1979, and in college at Princeton.
Jewish — or reunite with his parents — until after the war.
Abraham Foxman
Long one of America’s most prominent modern Orthodox rabbis, Barry Freundel, 63, shocked the Jewish community when he was arrested on charges of voyeurism. In May, he was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison for secretly videotaping dozens of women in the mikveh affiliated with his Washington, D.C., congregation, Kesher Israel. Freundel had encouraged women studying for conversion to take “practice dunks” in the mikveh, and as the case against him unfolded, numerous leaders called for checks
Few Jewish names are as well known worldwide as Abraham Foxman, who retired from the Anti-Defamation League after nearly three decades at its helm (and five decades on its staff). In addition to being the world’s most outspoken critic of all things anti-Semitic, the 75-year-old Foxman has a personal story worthy of a film: born in Poland one year after Germany’s invasion, Foxman was left in the care of his Catholic nanny during the Holocaust and did not discover he was
Rabbi Barry Freundel
on rabbinic power and a more transparent system for Orthodox conversion to Judaism.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
How many 82-year-olds not only continue to work full time but also have a hipster fan blog on Tumblr, T-shirts and tattoos celebrating them, and get to be played by Natalie Portman in a movie about their lives? In recent years, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, one of the U.S. Supreme Court’s most reliably liberal votes, has morphed from merely being a prominent public figure to “the Notorious RBG” and the subject of a forthcoming book and the aforementioned film. Though
some critics think it’s high time Ginsburg retired, the Brooklyn-born justice and feminist icon is still going strong.
Alan Gross
In December, 65-year-old American Jewish contractor Alan Gross got the best Hanukkah present ever: release from a Cuban prison, where he had been languishing for five years. Gross’ freedom was negotiated as part of a historic thaw in relations between the United States and Cuba. Since returning home, Gross has credited the Jewish community for helping to secure his freedom and NEWSMAKERS | 11
What is JWV? Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America is America’s oldest active Veterans organization, established in 1896. We want you to be part of us. Today the Jewish War Veterans of the USA combats anti-semitism in all its forms; it is committed to upholding America’s democratic traditions and fights bigotry, prejudice and discrimination of all kinds. We represent the Jewish Veterans community on both a local and national level. JWV funds and operates the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, JWV provides access to group health and life insurance products and USAA banking products. We need your participation to continue our long history. For information contact:
Jewish War Veterans Department of Rhode Island PO Box 100064 | Cranston, RI 02910 by email to: JWV.RI.DEPARTMENT@gmail.com
COMMUNITY
4 | September 18, 2015
The Jewish Voice
Poland: Where young Jews celebrate their heritage BY LARRY KATZ lkatz@jewishallianceri.org During a recent trip to Poland, my group toured Holocaust sites and the remains of synagogues – and wondered what life is like now for Polish Jews. For an answer, I turned to MiNYanim, a leadership-building project that the Jewish Alliance funds in Poland, which directed me to three Warsaw Jews: Arek Dybel, 35, Kamil Marczak, 27, and Natalia Czarkowska, 27. They said being Jewish in Poland is perceived differently by different generations. Holocaust survivors still suffer trauma and their children have a form of post-traumatic stress disorder passed on from their parents. Many in these generations have hidden their Jewish identity. During the 1968 political crisis in Poland, nearly all Jews were expelled or left on their own. The remaining Jews were fearful of being identified as Jews, and many today still carry scars from both the Holocaust and the 1968 suppression. Marczak said his grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, insisted that he not be given a name that would identify him as a Jew. The grandchildren of the survivors do not suffer from the trauma of their elders. Dybel mentioned that, as a teen, he became curious about Judaism and eventually realized that he spent most of his time with friends who had Jewish origins. However, he only became involved in the Jewish community when the multimedia fi rm where he was employed contracted to work on the new Museum of Jewish History in Warsaw. No one protested the opening of the new museum; there is no anti-Semitic graffiti and very few people rallied against Israel during last summer’s
Gaza confl ict. The only antiSemitism this generation of Polish Jews experiences is on the Internet and what they hear about in places such as France and Spain. Jews in Poland do not experience any violence, the trio said, while they admit that the situation might be different outside the cities. Marczak remembers his mother made “weird cookies” at Purim. As a teen, he realized that others did not have these cookies, or the Bible that was in his home, so he became curious. Czarkowska explained that her family background was unusual. Her grandmother spent World War II in Birobidzhan, a Soviet-Jewish state in eastern Siberia, so she did not suffer the trauma of the Holocaust. Czarkowska did not notice her grandmother’s mezuzah and hanukkiah until she was a teen, and her nonJewish father gave her books about Israel when she became curious. Many in their generation had similar experiences, becoming curious as teens or later, and then learning about Birthright/Taglit trips to Israel and exploring what it means to be Jewish. However, most want to be ethnically Jewish, not religious. Non-Jews, at least in the larger cities, are also curious about Jews, and many wonder if they have Jewish roots. On our trip, we met a 20-year-old who went by the name of Peninah. When informed that this was a Hebrew name, the woman replied that she had adopted that name since she is trying to fi nd out if she has any Jewish roots. Dybel, Marczak and Czarkowska were not surprised by her interest in Polish Jews. They said many young Poles are curious to know if they have Jewish roots. The Polish education system, they said, encourages gentiles to learn
about Jewish history and customs, and the Jewish quarter of Krakow is full of Jewish music and food (usually not Kosher). That area is the entertainment hotspot for all. MiNYanim is a two-year program for young Jewish adults from Central and Eastern Europe that builds on the connection to Israel and Jewish identity, allowing them to continue Jewish and Israeli studies and increase their participation in Jewish life and tikkun olam. Groups of Polish students and young adults gather regularly to engage in rigorous study of Jewish themes, leadership training and project management/development. They come together three times each year in Europe and Israel to meet peers, learn together and develop innovative projects that revitalize Jewish communities and secure a vibrant Jewish future. Since the existing Jewish infrastructure often does not offer rigorous leadership training for those interested in making a change within the Jewish community, MiNYanim offers young Jewish adults the chance
ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Tricia Stearly tstearly@jewishallianceri.org 401-421-4111, ext. 160 EDITOR Fran Ostendorf CONTRIBUTING WRITER Irina Missiuro EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS Irina Missiuro | Judith Romney Wegner DESIGN & LAYOUT Leah Camara
Karen Borger ksborger@gmail.com 401-529-2538 VOICE ADVISORY GROUP Melanie Coon, Douglas Emanuel, Stacy Emanuel, Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser, John Landry, Toby London, Mindy Stone COLUMNISTS Michael Fink, Rabbi James Rosenberg and Daniel Stieglitz
to become Jewish leaders and to reinvigorate their entire community in the process. The Jewish Agency for Israel
“Many young Poles are curious to know if they have Jewish roots. The Polish education system encourages gentiles to learn about Jewish history and customs, and the Jewish quarter of Krakow is full of Jewish music and food .” (JAFI) conducts the MiNYanim program; The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island funds the program in Poland. JAFI selects 10 to 12 potential leaders (a “minyan”) from each year’s Birthright/Taglit
participants for leadership training and further exploration of their Jewish roots. Each minyan must create a project to involve other Jews. Dybel, Marczak and Czarkowska are among those who reorganized Warsaw’s Makabi club, which had been dissolved by the Nazis. The members participate in soccer, volleyball, yoga, Hebrew lessons and running. Makabi conducts very popular Shabbat dinners, and the Purim party is especially trendy. These programs also attract many curious non-Jews. EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information about the Makabi Sports Club in Warsaw, go to facebook.com/ MakabiWarszawa?fref=ts or contact Larry Katz for a copy of their English-language newsletter. LARRY KATZ is director of Jewish Life and Learning at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Rhode Island area schools seek part-time Hebrew and/or Judaica teachers, as well as music specialists for the 2015/16 school year. For more information contact Larry Katz at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island at 401.421.4111 ext. 179 or lkatz@jewishallianceri.org.
THE JEWISH VOICE (ISSN number 15392104, USPS #465-710) is published bi-weekly, except in July, when it does not publish. PERIODICALS Postage paid at Providence, R.I. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: The Jewish Voice, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906. PUBLISHER The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, Chair Sharon Gaines, President/CEO Jeffrey K. Savit, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906. Phone: 401-421-4111 • Fax 401-331-7961 MEMBER of the Rhode Island Press Association
COPY DEADLINES: All news releases, photographs, etc., must be received on the Wednesday two weeks prior to publication. Submissions may be sent to: editor@jewishallianceri.org. ADVERTISING: We do not accept advertisements for pork or shellfish. We do not attest to the kashrut of any product or the legitimacy of our advertisers’ claims. All submitted content becomes the property of The Voice. Announcements and opinions contained in these pages are published as a service to the community and do not necessarily represent the views of The Voice or its publisher, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.
COMMUNITY
thejewishvoice.org
September 18, 2015 |
5
Estelle Klemer - a leader for four generations BY HILLARY SCHULMAN hschulman@jewishallianceri.org
There is a word in the Yiddish language that has become commonplace in the secular world – kvell. What does it mean? Kvell means to feel immense pride for something. For Estelle Klemer, her pride is in her family. Her children and grandchildren are all successful businesspeople, with higher education degrees. They are having huge impacts on the business and technology world. She has the blessing of knowing her two great-grandchildren. At 90 years old and a leader in the Rhode Island community, her family has something to kvell about as well. Born in Quincy, Massachusetts, Klemer grew up in an Orthodox household. She watched as her mother would invite the very observant people who came around into her home, offer them a cup of tea, and then give them a donation. She remarked that her family was not the richest, but they always gave what they could. “[My mother] felt that God was good to us, that we have to return in the same way.” Klemer decided to emulate the philanthropic example that her mother modeled for her, and at 19 years old became secretary of New England Hadassah. After she married and moved to Rhode Island, Klemer continued her philanthropic mission. “Name every Jewish organization in this city, and I’ve been an officer at some point or another,” she said, only halfjoking. She quickly became involved with Providence’s Temple Emanu-El and became the fi rst woman on the membership committee. She remarked that she was the only woman who the men
OCT 1-31
PHOTO | ESTELLE KLEMER
Estelle and her two daughters, Lisa Schouler, left, and Carol Sacerdote, right. on the committee would allow on board, because she ran her late husband’s hardware business by herself after he died. Klemer also helped found the Jewish Seniors Agency and Tamarisk, and was chairwoman of the board of Shalom Apartments. She even became a life officer at The Miriam Hospital and a president of their Women’s Association. “I always felt that we should all give something to the community,” she said. After being active in many Jewish groups, Klemer decided to give additional time and effort to the Jewish Alliance (then the Jewish Federation). For at least 20 years, the Alliance has been able to count on Klemer to solicit community
Sale THE WHOLE MONTH of OCTOBER
members. “It’s not the easiest thing to do,” she said with a laugh. “I had reached a point when I called and I said ‘this is Estelle Klemer,’ and they would say ‘how much?’ ” This did not bother Klemer, and even when her schedule became too full, she stayed with the Alliance. “I always participated in the Annual Appeal … because the money has to come from somewhere, and we all know that,” she said.
Klemer, who lives in Pawtucket, feels strongly about the idea of community. She wants the Rhode Island Jewish community to stay strong and has many ideas about how to accomplish that. “Invite them for a Shabbat dinner,” said Klemer. “How do you come into a community, and walk through a street and say, ‘Who are you?’ Nobody does that. But when you’re invited to somebody’s home, that’s a real connection.” “You can understand why
I’m a very happy lady. Because God has truly blessed me. So that’s the way life goes on,” Klemer remarked. Estelle Klemer - role model, Jewish philanthropist, and a reason for her family to kvell. EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second of three articles about women who are longtime annual campaign volunteers. HILLARY SCHULMAN is a development associate at the Jewish Alliance.
Trusted advice never gets old.
LOWEST PRICES OF THE SEASON
Can we afford to retire? Buy a second home? Travel and see the world?
Design Center & Hardware
For more than two centuries, Washington Trust has helped Rhode Islanders answer life’s big questions. We welcome the opportunity to do the same for you. Visit www.washtrust.com or call 401-348-1200 or 800-475-2265. Member FDIC.
Since 1919
LARGE & UNUSUAL SELECTION OF DECORATIVE HARDWARE
PREMIUM INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTS
Wealth Management ~ Personal Banking Commercial Banking
WINDOW & WALL TREATMENTS & FABRICS
www.adlersri.com | 401-421-5157 | 173 Wickenden | PVD
f
T r u s t e d
A d v i s o r s
S i n c e
1 8 0 0
6 | September 18, 2015
COMMUNITY
The Jewish Voice
Blowing the shofar to welcome in the new school year at JCDS
PHOTOS | JCDSRI
Head of School Adam Tilove leads the school community in a few songs, while students show their excitement to be back at JCDSRI!
FUN AND FACTS FOR KIDS Sponsored by the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association | info@rijha.com | Written by Ruth L. Breindel
Did you know: SUKKAH The sukkah (plural: sukkot) is a temporary building with a roof of branches and leaves so that you can see the stars at night through the gaps. This picture is of a sukkah, with an open side and fruit hanging down from the roof. The figure on the far left is holding a lulov (a group of four leaves, one each from the date palm, myrtle, willow and citron/citrus tree) bound together. The man in the blue jacket is holding the etrog, which is the fruit of the citron tree. The artist is from Georgia, between Russia, Armenia and Turkey. In this picture he shows what a “traditional” sukkah would have looked like in the late 1800s. Because of its geography, there are many non-European elements in this celebration: some men are wearing conical hats, more like those of Turkey; the woman is holding a pitcher that is Near Eastern in design. There are other cultural differences, too, but diversity is what makes Judaism so universal.
Make and decorate your own small Sukkah:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ab/Shalom_Koboshvili._ Feast_of_Sukkot_prayers._gouache_on_paper._30.5%C3%9741_cm._1938.jpg Question:
Look closely at the picture above: Can you find four other non-European things in the picture?
1. Take a small cardboard box – a shoebox works very well, and cut off one long side, so that when placed on the other long side, there is a bottom, two end sides and a back. Remember that one side of the Sukkah and the top must be open. 2. You can decorate the three sides of the box with colorful paper, crayons or markers. 3. Use some plastic leaves, or find some small branches with leaves, and place them over the open top of the box. You can use twist ties, thread or even tape to hold them in place. 4. Cut out the pictures of fruit, color them and put them in your Sukkah.
Answers:
fruit courtesy of hhttp://cliparts.co
The pants and shoes on the man on the right. The low table for people to eat at. The long vests the men wear. The roof on the house visible through the door.
D’VAR TORAH
thejewishvoice.org
Vayeilech (Deuteronomy 31) Shabbat Shuvah This week has begun a new year for us, we are now observing Aseret Yemei Teshuvah – the 10 days of Teshuvah – and the Torah teaches us to remember the lesson of life. God commands us to “choose life.” RABBI (Deuteronomy RICHARD E. 30:19) So what exactly is the PERLMAN nature of this choice? People often think that free will is a choice between good and evil. When you think about it, though, no one makes decisions that way. Even the most contemptible person does not wake up in the morning and say, “Let me see what evil I can do today.” Such people are as much deranged as they are
September 18, 2015 |
7
This year, choose life evil. We human beings mostly choose to do good. The problem is that often we rationalize what “good” really is, and we end up doing bad. Exactly what are we choosing? We are choosing between that which we know to make sense and that which we know to be more comfortable. “I know I should apologize, but it’s much easier not to. I know I shouldn’t talk badly about someone, but it’s so tempting to do so. I know that I should spend some time with my wife after a long hard day at work, but I’d much rather put my feet up and watch TV.” In each case, the former choice will bring one a more long-term sense of fulfillment. The latter choice is more comfortable, but in the long term, it will leave one feeling empty. In the context of this Shabbat of Shuvah (of return) and the time of year, we have to ask ourselves why God was telling B’nai Yisrael what had to be obvious. The answer I can come up with is that, what God was trying to say, was probably not that obvious. I say this because nobody had ever witnessed anything like that before. God was,
after all, talking about a moment when His covenant with B’nai Yisrael was being reintroduced, reinforced and redefined. It was a time when B’nai Yisrael, the children of Israel, was becoming Am Yisrael, the people Israel, by way of being given the greatest gift, the Torah at Sinai. What we should not miss is that this was such a transformational moment that God wanted to make sure that all of Am Yisrael, both then, today and tomorrow, L’dor v’dor, would understand that He will forever stand by this covenant. More importantly, by highlighting His presence to everyone, God is telling all of us that this covenant, this choice is not only for the leaders, the officials, the priests, the prophets, the kings, the rabbis, the cantors, other Jewish professionals or even synagogue board members; this covenant, this choice is for all of us. I truly believe that God wants all of Am Yisrael, both then and now, to understand that this choice, this covenant is being given anew to every one of us every day. It is being given anew
to the chieftains, “the woodcutters and water carriers,” even the “strangers” who choose to witness this covenant and support it. If we learn anything from God’s message today, from now until the long Shofar blast at Yom Kippur’s end, anyone who serves as a rabbi or a cantor or a Jewish leader, must try to blend minds and hearts with the community in order to properly connect the dots between them and our God. The choice is simple. Choose life, choose the covenant. Rabbis, cantors and other Jewish leaders should all know that there are others like them standing in pulpits throughout the world, serving countless Jewish people who are packed into many different congregations: Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, Orthodox, Ultra-Orthodox and other types and styles. Even though all Jews want to come together at this time of year in solidarity and unity, the rabbis and cantors and other Jewish Leaders know that the notion of a unified Jewish People will always be elusive unless we choose God, and ultimately we choose life!
This year, this rabbi, will add a personal prayer that all Jews everywhere will learn to stand together as did those amazingly brave souls at Sinai who were searching out the bonds and commitments that can and must link us all one to another. I will pray that, despite all of the profound differences that exist between us, somehow we will recapture that amazing sense of wholeness and oneness that the “Holy Day” demands so that all Jews can be “at-onement” with our God and with each other. Remember what God said to us, the Jewish people: “You stand this day, all of you, before the Lord your God...” “Choose life.” Or, as I like to say – L’chayim Tovim Ul’Shalom, “for good and a joyous life, and especially for peace.” Choose life, choose Shalom, choose God! From our house to yours, G’mar Hatimah Tovah, “May We All Be Sealed for a Good Year (in the Book of Life).” RICHARD E. PERLMAN is rabbi of West Bay Community Jewish Center (WBCJC) in Rhode Island.
On Yom Kippur, must we ask forgiveness for communal wrongs? BY EDMON J. RODMAN LOS ANGELES (JTA) – On Yom Kippur, as we focus on our personal faults, how do we acknowledge those shortcomings that are more communal? In synagogue, reciting line by line the Al Chet prayer, seeking atonement for the areas of our lives where in the past year we have fallen short, events in the news, even those that may have touched our lives, seem far away and better off resolved by the talking heads of cable news. Beating our chests for each chet, we ask God in page after painful page to forgive us for “rashly judging others,” “scorning parents and teachers,” even engaging in “idle chatter” and “forbidden trysts.” Isn’t that enough? Yet in an “Alternative Confessional” found in the Mahzor Lev Shalem, the High Holy Days prayer book published by the Rabbinical Assembly of the Conservative movement, we find the additional shortcomings of “refusing to hear,” “hesitating,” “complacency” and “not using our power,” which suggest we look outside the usual range of things for which we are accustomed to taking responsibility. Reading this new litany last year, I couldn’t help but think, “Do I have to own up to this stuff, too?” Seeking advice on how to approach the added failings, I had lunch with Rabbi Jonathan Klein, executive director of CLUE-LA (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice), a Los Angeles-based organization that is “committed to worker justice,” according to Klein. Before our lunch orders even arrived, I realized that chet-wise, I was not going to get off easy. Referring to the language in the High Holy Days confessional prayers, Klein pointed out that “the prayers are in the plural, not just to prevent embarrassment of the individual” but “because there is an understanding of collective responsibility.” “If we don’t contemplate our culpability for communal wrongs at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, when are we supposed to do it?” asked Klein, a former rabbinic director at the University of Southern California Hillel who was ordained from the Reform movement’s Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1997.
It was a question for which I had no answer. “Some are guilty; all are responsible,” he added, looking at me from across the table, quoting Abraham Joshua Heschel. Waiting for our lunch, we talked over events in the news. The rabbi noted the stabbing of six marchers at the Jerusalem gay pride parade by a repeat offender, a haredi Orthodox man – a 16-year-old girl died from her injuries. There was also the firebombing of a Palestinian home on the West Bank that killed an 18-month-old boy and injured three other family members. His father later succumbed to the injuries from this attack allegedly perpetrated by Jewish extremists. “We should be pondering as individuals, as part of a larger collective, how such evils can pervade our society,” said Klein, who noticed that the smoothie I had ordered suddenly was not going down so easily. “All the chets are very real and easily done,” said the rabbi, who wanted me to understand that “chet” means “missing the mark” and not “sin,” per se. Since in the confession “they are alphabetical,” they represent “encyclopedic options for making mistakes,” he added. “There is also a recognition that there are other dimensions to a chet.” One of those chets was the way we do business. In Los Angeles (where the County Board of Supervisors recently voted to raise the minimum wage from $9 to $15 by 2020) as well in other areas of the country, the issue of a “living wage” had earned its share of headlines, forcing us to look at the way we literally have fallen short. “The people who work in our stores, who we may employ, were made in God’s image, too,” said Klein, whose organization has made raising the minimum wage a key goal. Though Klein said he was proud of the “Jewish community’s commitment to the public sphere,” he added, “People forget just how hard it is to be on the other end.” Klein reminded me that the haftarah from Isaiah chanted Yom Kippur morning “teaches you to think beyond the individual.” Since I had brought along a mahzor, we looked over the lines describing the fast desired by God that directs Jews to “let the oppressed
go free” and “share your bread with the hungry.” “The whole point of the holidays is to re-center ourselves around our commitment to the highest ideals of Judaism,” he said, leading me to ask, “How do I begin?” On Yom Kippur, he said, “We say the Al Chet over and over. Maybe one reading should be through the lens of your individual faults.” For the second, he suggested, “make it through the lens of communal thoughts.” The third time would be “as fellow human travelers on this planet,” said Klein, noting the universality of a holiday period that begins with celebrating the birthday of the world. The bill came, and we agreed to split it, with Klein insisting to cover the tip. Rising from the table, and still digesting our conversation, I noticed that he was a good tipper. EDMON J. RODMAN is a JTA columnist who writes on Jewish life from Los Angeles. Contact him at edmojace@gmail.com.
Candle Lighting Times Greater Rhode Island
8 | September 18, 2015
OPINION
The Jewish Voice
Whew! It’s done! There’s a hefty insert in today’s paper. We’re welcoming 5776 at The Voice with our popular Guide to Jewish Living. When you picked up your paper, you probably noticed the annual guide to all things Jewish in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, tucked in the middle of the paper. This is the guide that readers tell us they keep and use throughEDITOR out the year. It’s given to FRAN new community members OSTENDORF who contact the membership folks at the Dwares JCC, and you often see it when the Alliance has a table at area fairs and festivals. Give us a call and we’ll get you one if you didn’t receive yours, or if you inadvertently threw it away. Soon, you’ll be able to access it online, too! We think it’s a great reference tool. There’s plenty of information about our community’s Jewish institutions. Our advertising team, Tricia and Karen, and our summer intern, Israel, worked throughout the summer to bring you the latest contact information and phone numbers of more than 100 businesses and institutions that are connected to our Jewish community. Of course, there will be mistakes, and omissions, and I hope you’ll let us know about them. But we do our best to give you the very latest information that we can find. It’s also a showcase for the 93 advertisers who support our community newspaper. Please, please, please take a look at the ads and contact those advertisers when they have what you’re looking for. I can’t emphasize enough how important adver-
tisers are to helping bring you a newspaper that covers what’s happening in the Jewish community like no other publication can or will. And when an advertiser knows that The Voice readers are seeing their ads that will make them want to advertise next time! When you patronize one of our advertisers, make sure you tell them that you saw their ad in The Voice’s Guide to Jewish Living or in The Voice itself. As I mentioned at the beginning of August, we are always working on new features for the paper. We started with Ten Questions, which will return soon. Today, you’ll see a new, half-page feature aimed at children: “Fun and Facts for Kids.” Take a look at the bottom of page 6 for a little history of Sukkot and an activity from the folks at the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association. We hope to bring this feature to you once each month. And we hope you will use it to enjoy some educational fun with your kids or grandchildren. You may also have noticed that the website for the Alliance, jewishallianceri.org, has a new, interactive community calendar. That calendar will soon appear on our website as well. Between The Jewish Voice, the Alliance, partner agencies and the community, we hope it grows into a much more complete calendar of everything Jewish in the area. Already, you can see community activities listed as well as a complete calendar of Jewish holidays and another calendar of candle lighting times. It’s easy to use and you can choose from a half-dozen ways to view the calendar, including daily, weekly, monthly and a “wall” view that displays like Pinterest. You can also sort the calendar by topic or by interest group. And there is more to come. It should help add to a happy, more well-informed and successful New Year!
Do you have a story to tell? We like hearing from you. Would you like to share your opinion, family stories, recipes, wedding or phylanthropy stories? Funny. Sweet. Old. New. Are you willing to be a voice in the newspaper?
We look forward to hearing from you. Email editor@jewishallianceri.org. If a computer doesn’t suit you, send your article to Editor, The Jewish Voice, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, R.I. 02906.
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.
Giving the Arab his name “Mother died today. Or, maybe, yesterday; I can’t be sure. The telegram from the Home says: YOUR MOTHER PASSED AWAY. F U N ER A L TOMORR OW. D E E P S Y M PA T H Y. Which leaves the matter doubtful; it could have been yesterday.” I was a senior at a prep school in New Jersey when I first met Meursault, speaker of IT SEEMS the these words. TO ME They open Albert Camus’ 1942 novel, RABBI JIM “ L’et r a n ger ” ROSENBERG – translated from the French by Stuart Gilbert as “The Stranger” (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1946), one of the most celebrated works of fiction in the 20th Century. Meursault, a French colonial Algierian, is an unremarkable young man, an anti-hero, who earns a modest salary at a routine desk job in the coastal city of Algiers. One torrid summer afternoon on a nearly deserted beach, Meursault kills a nameless Arab in his late teens with a single bullet and then fires “four more shots into the inert body on which they left no visible trace.” Meursault is tried, convicted and sentenced to death by guillotine, not so much for the crime of killing the Arab as for the “crimes” of showing “great callousness” at his mother’s funeral and of choosing to initiate a liaison with a young woman the very next day. A primary purpose of Kamal Daoud’s recent novel, “The Meursault Investigation” – translated from the French by John Cullen (New York: Other Press, 2015) – is to give a name to the unnamed Arab who Meursault has shot dead. It is the slain brother’s younger brother, Harun, who tells the tale. Daoud’s very first sentence
– “Mama’s still alive today.” – is an ironic echo of the first words of Camus’ “The Stranger.” Again and again, Daoud pays tribute to Camus by quoting almost directly from “The Stranger.” At times Daoud reverses Camus’ intention. For example, Harun as narrator, observes: “I recently saw a group of French tourists standing in front of a tobacco shop at the airport. Like discreet, mute spectators, they watched us – us Arabs – in silence, as if we were nothing but stones or dead trees.” In Camus’ novel, Meursault makes the exact opposite observation regarding the way the Arab and the Frenchman view each other: “I saw some Arabs lounging against the tobacconist’s window. They were staring at us silently, in the special way these people have – as if we were blocks of stone and dead trees.” Were they to have met, the two narrators would have been mortal enemies, since Meursault had murdered Harun’s older brother. Nevertheless, the two of them possess similar personalities and worldviews. Both are emotionally remote – strangers to themselves and to others. Both hold to the notion that life is inevitably bleak, unfair and absurd. Both are fiercely anti-religious. As Harun puts it, “... I abhor religions. All of them! Because they falsify the weight of the world.” Meursault and Harun especially despise the self-satisfied certainty of those religious leaders who claim to know the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth – be they Catholic priests or Muslim imams. Both men assert that a single hair of the women they have loved is worth more than all of these socalled certainties. Though “The Meursalt Connection” overflows with existential drama, I am most moved by the social and political dimensions of the novel, which focus upon Harun’s need to proclaim to the entire world his
brother’s name: Musa. Musa, not insignificantly, is the Arabic form of the Hebrew, Moshe, and the English, Moses. It is so much harder to hate “the Arab” when you know his name, especially when his name is Musa. Reading Daoud’s novel suggests to me that the role of Arabs in certain areas of the Middle East has some similarities to the role that the blacks play here in America. Indeed, Daoud makes this connection explicit when he has Harun declare: “Arab. I never felt Arab, you know. Arab-ness is like Negroness, which only exist in the white man’s eyes ... And so my brother had to be seen through your hero’s (Meursault’s) eyes in order to become an “Arab” and consequently die.” That is to say, “Arab-ness” and “Negroness” are artificial social constructs designed by white men to keep these “others” in their place at the very bottom of the social pyramid. We are now in the midst of the Yamim Noraim, the Days of Awe – awesome because they demand that we ask ourselves the most difficult questions as we engage in our heshbon hanefesh, our spiritual accounting, our searching of our soul. In a previous column on Ta-Nehisi’s new book, “Between the World and Me,” I asked myself as an American Jew: “Am I just one more child of the American Dream, one of the millions of fellow citizens corrupted by the false and dangerous belief that I am white?” In a similar vein, I dare to ask: Could it be that for some of my co-religionists in Israel “the Arabs” function as the bottom rung, the lowest of the low, just as “the blacks” function as the bottom rung, the lowest of the low, for so many of us Americans who think that we are white? JAMES B. ROSENBERG is Rabbi Emeritus at Temple Habonim in Barrington. Contact him at rabbiemeritus@templehabonim.org.
LETTER Re: Fun and Facts for Kids (Aug. 21) In the Aug. 21 issue, I saw a photo of Jenny Klein. We had the good fortune of meeting Jenny Klein when we moved to Rhode Island. Jenny invited us to her classes and that was a
treat. The passion and Judaic ing for a synagogue , Jenny and knowledge flowed from her Rabbi Zaiman invited us to join and learning was joy. Jenny Temple Emanu-El. became a friend of our family. Jenny was an extraordinary Miriam R. Plitt woman. When we were searchPawtucket
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, represent the views of the authors; they do not represent the views of The Jewish Voice or the Alliance.
Send letters and op-eds to: The Jewish Voice, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906 or editor@ jewishallianceri.org. Include name, city of residence and a contact phone number or email (not for publication).
thejewishvoice.org
OPINION
September 18, 2015 |
9
Beautiful synagogues: Bold and reverent BY GEORGE M. GOODWIN Architecture should do far more than buttress physical needs. At its best, it dignifies, empowers, and ennobles, becoming a spiritual force or reckoning. Throughout the ages, however, Jews have become far more dependent upon other art forms. Literature comes first and music second, but dance and drama do not linger far behind. Eating and arguing may be additional genres! We may at times be sinful people, but we are seldom sullen or lachrymose. Our hearts sing and our spirits soar because of our divine creation. Having been privileged to belong to three congregations with remarkable buildings, I may think too much about what makes them shimmer and glow. But during the approaching holiday season, these subtle structures remind me how much more I must do to become a better Jew. I do not believe that older synagogues are better than newer ones, but keep in mind how age is measured. Europe’s oldest extant synagogue, Prague’s Altneuschul, was built about seven centuries ago. The oldest extant synagogue in the Americas, Curaçao’s Mikvé Israel, dates from 1701. Rhode Islanders can take everlasting pride in Newport’s Touro, North America’s oldest, completed 252 years ago. While concerned primarily about newer American synagogues – those built within my lifetime – I do not favor urban over suburban, large over small, magnificent over spare. Although their architectural needs may differ, I do not favor one Jewish denomination over any other. My fundamental task, if possible, is to account for architectural quality – or its absence. What, like us, needs to
be improved? When compared to many other ecclesiastical structures, synagogues are in fact a quite confounding idiom. On the one hand, they symbolize faith, hope, continuity and renewal. On the other hand, Jewish life is no more sanctified within their walls than beyond. Indeed, we replenish ourselves within synagogues in order to live more righteously everywhere. In this sense, synagogues become bridges not asylums. Remarkably, a specially designed structure is not required for Jewish prayer, study or assembly. Homes and commercial buildings have often sufficed before a young congregation can erect its own dwelling. Summer camps’ outdoor synagogues may be the best of all. An argument can be made, moreover, that a Jewish community’s most fundamental communal institution is not a building at all but lowlying land – a burial place. Nevertheless, synagogues are extremely complicated buildings. In addition to providing large sanctuaries and small chapels (some with organ and choir lofts), they often include a labyrinth of auxiliary spaces – inside and out – such as classrooms, libraries, museums, computer labs, meeting rooms, lounges, offices, kitchens, gift shops, lavatories, storage areas, patios, playgrounds, and parking – all of which should be fully accessible, user friendly, highly secure, environmentally sensitive, technologically sophisticated, and cost effective. Indeed, while building for immediate occupancy, synagogues must simultaneously embrace the tangible and intangible, the past as well as the future. In this sense they mirror God’s presence.
PHOTO | GEORGE GOODWIN
Beth Elohim in Charleston, South Carolina, was designed by Cyrus Warner and built in 1841. Sadly, however, the life cycle of synagogues is usually quite short. Our congregations, ever searching for new promised lands, grow, splinter, merge, move, disappear and return. As we continually reinvent ourselves, we do the same with our buildings. Despite their lofty yearnings, most American congregations have limited financial resources. This was even true of Touro, which searched widely for assistance and still does. American synagogues may also suffer some architectural weaknesses because of congregational governance. While as-
piring to be democratic, many boards of trustees are beholden to their most generous or vocal donors. When differences of opinion arise between lay leaders and clergy, boards usually prevail. But many rabbis and cantors, never having benefited from formal art or architectural studies, may also be forced to rely upon steadfast points of view. Although Jews and gentiles have designed synagogues, few have developed a synagogue specialty. Percival Goodman, the architect of Providence’s Beth-El, built more than 60, thereby becoming the most
prolific in all of Jewish history. But vast experience can also result in formulaic solutions. Unfortunately, some boards of trustees may find it expedient to hire a congregant, especially if he or she is willing to donate or heavily discount his or her professional services. But dedication or loyalty may not be a sufficient qualification. Indeed, a prospective architect must exhibit more than a talent for verbalizing a compelling vision. He or she must have a demonstrable gift for creating an abstract language that is both bold and reverent – restless and restful. Thus, in order to reinvigorate or redefine tradition, a conservative architect must take risks, but a daring one must not take too many. In some ideal sense – I’m not quite sure where – fusion must supersede equilibrium. Given my concerns about architectural history and quality, I am occasionally asked if I’m an architect. No, I’m not, and I have never had such aspirations. If I have building blocks, they may be words, ideas and intuitions. Yes, I’d love to be involved with an extraordinary synagogue project. But as a perfectionist, I’d never be satisfied. Do synagogues demand perfection? No, our creator seeks only the best in us. So I’ll lower my expectations and settle for architectural brilliance. I am in fact grateful for many beautiful synagogues that nurture, sustain and inspire us. No pattern book exists for such magical, mysterious, and mystical creations. If you find one, please let me know. GEORGE M. GOODWIN, a member of Temple Beth-El in Providence has edited the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Notes for more than 10 years.
Survey shows broad dissatisfaction with Israeli religious policy BY BEN SALES TEL AVIV (JTA) – Secular and haredi Orthodox Israelis differ on many things, but there’s one thing both sides agree on: When it comes to religious affairs, the government is failing. That’s one of the findings of an annual survey of Israeli religious identification and attitudes toward religious policy released Sept. 11 by Hiddush, a 6-year-old organization that promotes religious freedom in Israel. The survey found that 95 percent of secular respondents are dissatisfied with the government’s handling of religious issues, with large majorities favoring civil marriage or civil unions and official recognition of non-Orthodox conversions. But the survey also reported dissatisfaction with religious policy among 81 percent of haredi Orthodox Israelis, despite the fact that haredi parties regained control over the
Religious Affairs Ministry and the powerful Knesset Finance Committee following the March elections. Since then, the parties have set about rolling back several reforms adopted by the previous government by removing the teeth from a law drafting haredi men into the military and repealing a conversion reform passed last year. “When the haredim are unhappy, they’re unhappy about something different than why the secular [Israelis] are unhappy,” Rabbi Uri Regev, the Hiddush CEO, told JTA. “To many of them, Israel is not giving them enough, not enforcing their prerogatives enough, not enforcing Shabbat observance.” Covering a broad spectrum of questions on religious policy and identification, the Hiddush survey reported large majorities of Israelis supporting religious policy change, as it has every year since the poll
began in 2009. Sixty-four percent of Jewish Israelis support recognizing Conservative and Reform conversions – not just Orthodox, as is currently the case. Nearly three-quarters of Israelis want public transit on Shabbat. And 86 percent of respondents support haredi men performing military or civilian national service. Sixty-four percent of Jewish Israelis want Israel to enact civil marriage or civil unions, though 63 percent said they would still choose an Orthodox ceremony for themselves – including three-quarters of Conservative Jews. “There is clearly a growing, solid, overwhelming majority of Israelis who are unhappy about the way religion and state are linked and impacting the lives of individuals and the state,” Regev said. “The public clearly does not like what the Israeli government has provided it with.”
The survey also found a rise in support for same-sex marriage – with 64 percent in support, compared with 56 percent last year. The jump follows national legalization of gay marriage in the United States and a stabbing attack at the Jerusalem gay pride parade in July that killed a 16-year-old girl. But a substantial portion of Israel’s governing coalition opposes same-sex marriage, making its passage unlikely. Israelis’ long-held desire for religious reform hasn’t led to corresponding government action. According to Regev, that’s because Israelis, when voting, place less of a priority on religion than security or economics. That was especially true ahead of this year’s election following a war in Gaza and much public discussion about skyrocketing housing prices. Religious issues didn’t even register in a March pre-election
poll that asked about the country’s most pressing concerns. Nor have issues like marriage and conversion been subjects of major public protest. In 2013, religious policy briefly rose in prominence as Yesh Atid became the Knesset’s second-largest party, promising to draft haredim and push for civil unions. But those issues faded as Israel entered last summer’s war in Gaza. In this year’s elections, the new kingmaker was Kulanu, a party largely focused on economics. Yesh Atid, meanwhile, lost eight seats and joined the parliamentary opposition. “Yes, the majority of Israelis don’t like the way things are. Yes, they want religious freedom and equality,” Regev said. “But should that be the condition for sitting in the government? No. The challenge is how do you translate passive support and understanding of the issues into mobilization.”
10 | September 18, 2015
WORLD
The Jewish Voice
FROM PAGE 1
LOOKING BACK in the days before the election prove highly controversial, as he says a Palestinian state will not be established under his watch and warns on Election Day about Arab-Israelis turning out to vote “in droves.” The comments are condemned in the United States by the Reform and Conservative movements and by President Obama. Netanyahu later apologizes to Israel’s Arabs and insists he still backs a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Seven children, ages 5 to 16, are killed in a Brooklyn house fire reportedly caused by a malfunctioning Sabbath hot plate. The children’s mother, Gayle Sassoon, and her daughter, Tziporah, sustain injuries in the blaze but survive; the father was out of town at a religious conference. The children are buried in Israel. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is found guilty of fraud under aggravating circumstances and breach of trust for accepting cash-filled envelopes from U.S. Jewish businessman Morris Talansky and using it for personal gain. Olmert’s lawyers later appeal the verdict in what is known as the “Talansky Affair.”
April 2015
Negotiators for the United States, five other world powers and Iran reach a framework accord for a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear program and set June 30 as the deadline for a final, comprehensive deal. Women of the Wall, a group that promotes women’s religious rights at the Western Wall, for the first time reads from a fullsize Torah scroll during its monthly prayer service at the Kotel, contravening regulations there. The Torah was passed across the barrier between the men’s and women’s sections by male supporters. The following month, police block and arrest a man who attempts to repeat the effort. Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, a leader of the national religious movement in Israel, a head of the Har Etzion Yeshiva in the West Bank and a prominent modern Orthodox scholar, dies at 81. The White House acknowledges that a U.S. drone strike in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border area in January accidentally killed Warren Weinstein, the Jewish-American government contractor who had been held hostage by al-Qaida since 2011. An Italian hostage, Giovanni Lo Porto, who was held captive since 2012, also was killed in the strike on an al-Qaidalinked compound. The American Jewish Reconstructionist movement is roiled by debate about whether
For the first time, a member of Women of the Wall, reads from a full-size Torah scroll during its monthly prayer service at the Kotel. to drop its longstanding ban against intermarried rabbinical school students. Some synagogues threaten to quit the movement if the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College becomes the first of America’s four major Jewish religious denominations to ordain intermarried rabbis; the debate continues. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont Independent, announces that he intends to run for the U.S. presidency. A selfdescribed “Democratic socialist,” Sanders, who is running as a Democrat, is considered a long shot to defeat the party’s front-runner, Hillary Rodham Clinton. Ethiopian-Israeli protesters clash with police during demonstrations throughout Jerusalem over two attacks against Ethiopian-Israelis by Israeli law enforcement, one of which is captured on video. The attacks spark a national debate about racism in Israel.
May 2015
Ed Miliband, the first Jewish leader of Britain’s Labor Party, fails to become his country’s first Jewish prime minister as the incumbent, David Cameron of the Conservative Party, handily wins reelection and secures 331 of the 650 seats in Parliament. Miliband resigns immediately after the defeat. Rabbi Freundel is sentenced to nearly 6 1/2 years in prison – 45 days for each of the 52 counts of misdemeanor voyeurism. Additional court documents show Freundel also engaged in extramarital sexual encounters. The U.S. Congress overwhelmingly passes a bill providing for its approval of any Iran nuclear deal. Shlomo Riskin, rabbi of the West Bank city of Efrat, is summoned to a hearing by the Chief Rabbinate’s governing body on the future of his position. An Orthodox progressive on women’s issues and conversion, Riskin vows not to go, suspecting the Chief Rabbinate is looking for a pretext to dismiss him. The Rabbinate later backs down and renews Riskin’s position. Rochelle Shoretz, who
founded the national cancer group Sharsheret after being diagnosed with breast cancer at 28, dies of the disease at 42.
June 2015
After a lengthy story in The New York Times detailing his habit of inviting young males to join him for naked heart-to-heart talks in the sauna, Rabbi Jonathan Rosenblatt of the Riverdale Jewish Center in New York asserts he is innocent of any crime but says he regrets if his conduct offended anyone. Congregants at his Orthodox synagogue are divided over whether or not to dismiss him. Rosenblatt eventually rebuffs offers to buy out the remainder of his contract, vowing he will stay on as leader of the shul. The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down a 2002 law allowing U.S. citizens to list Jerusalem as their place of birth. The case was brought by the parents of 12-year-old Menachem Zivotofsky, whose parents sought the passport listing not long after his birth. Spain’s lower house of parliament passes a law offering citizenship to descendants of Sephardic Jews, the result of a 2012 government decision that described the law as compensation for the expulsion of Jews during the Spanish Inquisition. David Blatt, the first Israeli to serve as head coach of an NBA team, guides the Cleveland Cavaliers to the league finals. Blatt’s club loses to the Golden State Warriors in six games after taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The U.N. Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza conflict finds that Israel’s military and Palestinian armed groups committed “serious violations” of international human rights law during their 2014 summer war. While the report accuses both sides of possible war crimes, its findings focus more on what it considers Israeli wrongdoing. Israel, which refused to cooperate with the investigation, slams the outcome. Jews Offering New Alternatives for Healing, an Orthodox Jewish nonprofit that purports to help gay men be-
come heterosexual, is found guilty of violating New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act and is ordered to pay $72,000 in damages to three former clients. The plaintiffs said JONAH claimed a success rate it could not prove and used scientifically questionable therapy methods. Days before the U.S. Supreme Court endorses the right to same-sex marriage, the Public Religion Research Institute finds that American Jews are among the country’s most supportive religious groups of same-sex marriage. The Pine Bush Central School District in upstate New York agrees to pay nearly $4.5 million to settle a lawsuit alleging widespread anti-Semitic harassment. The 2012 suit by five former and current students was due to go to trial in July. Israeli parliamentarian Michael Oren, Israel’s former ambassador to the United States and before that a respected American-Israeli historian, causes a stir with a new book, “Ally,” suggesting that President Obama purposely damaged U.S.-Israeli relations.
July 2015
Iran and six world powers led by the United States reach a historic agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the easing of sanctions. President Obama says the deal cuts off all of Iran’s pathways to a nuclear bomb. Prime Minister Netanyahu calls the deal a “stunning historic mistake.” AIPAC quickly launches an all-out effort to have Congress scuttle the deal. A 94-year-old former Auschwitz guard, Oskar Groening, is sentenced by a German court to four years in prison for his role in the murder of 300,000 Hungarian Jews in the concentration camp. Theodore Bikel, the actor and folk singer who won fame playing Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof,” dies at 91. The apparent suicide of an ex-Hasid, Faigy Mayer, 30, who jumped to her death from a rooftop bar in Manhattan, prompts intense discussion in the Jewish community about how the Hasidic community treats those who leave it. A federal parole panel unanimously grants parole to Jonathan Pollard, the civilian U.S. Navy analyst sentenced to life in prison for spying for Israel. Pollard is to be freed Nov. 20 after serving 30 years of a life sentence. It’s not clear whether Pollard, who became an Israeli citizen during his incarceration, will be able to travel to Israel. Yishai Schlissel, a haredi Orthodox Israeli recently released from prison for an attack at Jerusalem’s 2005 gay pride march, strikes again, stabbing six people at this year’s parade. One victim, 16-year-old Shira
Banki, later dies of her wounds. An arson attack in the West Bank village of Duma kills an 18-month-old Palestinian baby, Ali Saad Dawabsha, and leaves his parents and brother critically injured. Jewish extremists are suspected, prompting handwringing in Israeli circles about Israel’s failure to rein in extremist Jews. Police arrest no suspects in the attack, and several days later the baby’s father dies.
August 2015
Hebrew National runs an ad campaign suggesting that consumers grill up their hot dogs along with bacon, clams and other non-kosher foods. After a JTA report on the subject, the iconic kosher hot dog company pulls the ads, saying, “Our consumers who adhere to a kosher diet are very important to us.” In the raucous first debate of the Republican presidential race, primary rivals, including front-runner Donald Trump, agree on opposing the Iran nuclear deal. Meanwhile, the Senate’s third-ranking Democrat and the most influential Jewish voice in the body, Charles Schumer of New York, comes out against the deal favored by President Obama. American Jewish reggae star Matisyahu is disinvited from a Spanish music festival after rebuffing a demand that he endorse Palestinian statehood. Matisyahu calls the cancellation appalling and offensive, commentators say the conflation of Jews and Israel is anti-Semitic, and festival organizers eventually backtrack, apologize and reinvite Matisyahu to perform, which he does. J Street U, the campus arm of the left-wing “pro-Israel, pro-peace” lobby group J Street, elects a Muslim student, University of Maryland senior Amna Farooqi, as president. American Airlines announces it is canceling its flights to Israel, saying its Philadelphia-Israel route has lost $20 million over the last year. In June, El Al inaugurated a new route between Boston and Israel. Frazier Glenn Miller, the white supremacist who killed three people outside two Jewish facilities in a Kansas City suburb in April 2014, is found guilty of capital murder after less than two hours of jury deliberations. Miller, who had admitted to the killings but pleaded not guilty, represented himself at trial.
September 2015
Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., becomes the 34th voice in the U.S. Senate to endorse the Iran nuclear deal, effectively ensuring that Congress cannot overturn it and handing President Obama a major victory.
thejewishvoice.org
WORLD | COMMUNITY
September 18, 2015 |
11
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Ongoing Alliance Kosher Senior Café. Kosher lunch and program every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Noon lunch; 1 p.m. program. $3 lunch donation from individuals 60+ or under 60 with disabilities. Neal or Elaine, 401421-4111, ext. 107. West Bay Kosher Senior Café. Kosher lunch and program every weekday. Note new location: Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. 11:15 a.m. program; Noon lunch. $3 lunch donation from individuals 60+ or under 60 with disabilities. Steve, 401-743-0009.
Through | October 29 Three Artists at Temple Habonim. Bunny Fain, Alice Miles and Marion Wilner exhibit their works at the gallery. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Gallery hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and by appointment. For information, call 401-245-6536 or email gallery@templehabonim.org.
Sunday | September 20 March of the Living 2016 Open House. 5 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Come hear about a two-week trip to Poland and Israel in May 2016 for high school juniors and seniors. Parents also invited to learn about this transformative, educational experience that strengthens Jewish identity and builds leadership skills. Thousands of students from all over the world take
this journey every year. Join the New England region and March With Us. For more information contact Jana Brenman at Jbrenman@jewishAllianceri.org.
JCC Members: $15. For more information, please contact Erin Moseley at 401-421-4111, ext. 108 or emoseley@jewishallianceri.org..
family will surely love. In addition, you will receive recommendations about how to find healthy recipes, how to shop for healthy products and how to transition your family into a healthier lifestyle. This workshop will provide you with practical tips that you can incorporate into your daily habits easily and quickly. Ages: 18+. Price: $10 | Dwares JCC Members: Free. For more information, please contact Michelle Cicchitelli at 401-421-4111, ext. 178 or mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org.
Saturday | September 26
Saturday | October 10
Kids’ Night Out. 5-10 p.m. Dwares JCC. Rock and Roll. Kids’ Night Out is a chance for children to spend the evening with their friends in a fun and safe environment. Each month children will be entertained with a variety of themed activities ranging from sports to crafts, swimming and more. A pizza dinner and snacks will be served, and the evening will end with a movie. This is also a great opportunity for parents to have a night out “kid free!” Ages 5-12. Price: $35 | Members: $25 | Siblings: $15. For more information or to register, contact Shannon Boucher at 401-421-4111, ext. 147.
(401)j Night Out: Sky Zone Trampoline Park. 10 p.m.-midnight. 70 Pawtucket Ave., East Providence. Sky Zone is the world’s first indoor trampoline park, where you can experience the weightlessness of bouncing, flipping and landing in a pit filled with 10,000 foam cubes. The trampolines provide the pure joy that comes from flying through the sky. Join fellow (401)j-ers for the Saturday Night SkyJam experience, an evening filled with unparalleled, unmatched and out-of-this-world FUN exclusively for adults featuring open-jump, Ultimate Dodgeball, two slices of pizza and a drink. These events often sell out, so sign up early! Ages: 18+. Price: $15, but preregister by Sept. 26 for a special $2 discount! For more information or to register, please contact Erin Moseley at 401-421-4111, ext. 108 or emoseley@jewishallianceri.org.
PJ Library Story and Play Time. 10-11 a.m. Dwares JCC. Come spend some time in the Alliance Family Room Parenting Center to hear stories, play games and make new friends. We will read various PJ Library books and sing songs about different Jewish holidays throughout the year. Children will also be able to make a craft. Ages: 5 and under. Free. To RSVP or for more information, contact Michelle Cicchitelli at 401-421-4111, ext. 178 or mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org.
Thursday | October 15
Saturday | October 17
Food for Families (Session 2). 7-9 p.m. Dwares JCC. Andrea Wool, a functional wellness practitioner specializing in fitness and nutrition, is giving a two-part educational series aimed at helping families answer the age-old question: How can I cook quick, healthy meals that the whole family will enjoy? Session two focuses on healthy snack and meal ideas that your
Kids’ Night Out: Under the Sea. 5-10 p.m. Dwares JCC. Kids’ Night Out is a chance for children to spend the evening with their friends in a fun and safe environment. Kids’ Night Out runs once a month on Saturday evenings. Each month, children will be entertained with a variety of themed activities ranging from sports to crafts, swimming and more. A pizza dinner and snacks will be
the larger discussion about race in America.
2011. In a statement published in The New York Times, President Obama praised Sherman’s “unique combination of intellect, toughness and persistence, which have made her one of the most effective diplomats of her generation.”
Wednesday | October 7 Exploring the World of Food: University Whole Foods. 6-7:30 p.m. 601 North Main St., Providence. Take a behind-thescenes tour of Whole Foods and explore each of the departments and the quality standards they uphold. The tour will feature foods that are free of artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners and hydrogenated fats. At the end of the tour, there will be a cooking demo featuring a fall harvest couscous recipe and a gift bag to take home with all of the ingredients necessary to make your own meal. Pre-registration is required and enrollment is limited, so sign up early! Ages: 18+. Price: $20 | Dwares
Friday | October 16
served, and the evening will end with a movie. This is also a great opportunity for parents to have a night out “kid free!” Ages: 5-12. Price: $35 | Dwares JCC Members: $25 | Siblings: $15. For more information or to register, contact Shannon Boucher at 401-421-4111, ext. 147.
Sunday | October 25 West Bay Chavurah and West Bay Community Jewish Center (WBCJC) Present W S Monroe. 2-3:30 p.m. Theatre 82 & Café, 82 Rolfe Sq., Cranston. A New England favorite, folk musician W S Monroe usually performs solo. Performances with others have included his wife, Rebecca Leuchak; as part of a duo with Matteo Casini; and with some larger ensembles, The Providence Wholebellies, and the Quahog Quire. He performs eclectic folk music, mainly in song but he also plays the guitar, mandolin, concertina and mountain dulcimer. Appropriate for all ages. Tickets $10 through Artists’ Exchange Box Office at 50 Rolfe Sq. and artists-exchange.org. Temple Beth-El World Series of Treasured Jewish Family Recipes. 4-5:30 p.m. Temple members enter favored family recipes and vie for title of Best Recipe; attendees vote for People’s Choice Award. Open to public. Admission is $10, adults; $5, children over 5; $30 maximum per family. Fundraiser to benefit Religious School Scholarship Fund. For more information, contact Ruby Shalansky at 401-331-6070 or templebeth-el.org.
FROM PAGE 3
NEWSMAKERS has lobbied for easing U.S. travel and trade restrictions with Cuba.
Natalie Portman
Israel-born Natalie Portman, 34, was among the most talkedabout stars at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, which premiered her directorial debut, an adaptation (in Hebrew) of a memoir by the Israeli writer Amos Oz. A Harvard grad and Oscar winner who will star in upcoming films about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Portman sounded off in a recent Hollywood Reporter interview on various Jewish topics, including her dislike of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and what it’s like to be a Jew living in Paris.
Bernie Sanders
Since announcing in April that he would challenge presumptive favorite Hillary Rodham Clinton for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, the Vermont senator and selfdescribed socialist (he’s officially an independent) Bernie Sanders has been a left-wing darling, appealing to those who see Clin-
ton as too establishment. The only Jewish candidate in the race, the 73-year-old, Brooklynraised Sanders bristled recently when radio host Diane Rehm incorrectly said he had dual Israeli citizenship. That’s not to say he isn’t proud of his Jewish background, which he says sparked his interest in politics.
Lacey Schwartz
Lacey Schwartz, 38, grew up believing she was a white Ashkenazi Jew, only to discover that her biological father was an African-American man with whom her mother had an affair. In “Little White Lie,” a documentary that screened in major U.S. cities and aired on PBS in March, Schwartz explored her shifting racial identity and what it means to be black – and Jewish – in America. Designated a New York Times Critics’ Pick, the film received favorable reviews overall. Plus, in a year in which high-profile police brutality cases involving black youth and a massacre at a black church have captured the public’s attention, “Little White Lie” has contributed to
Ayelet Shaked
Israel’s Justice Minister, 39-year-old Ayelet Shaked, came into the public eye this spring as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struggled to cement his right-wing coalition following the March 17 elections. Although she is secular and lives in Tel Aviv, Shaked is a member of Jewish Home, a pro-settler party. Her calls to deport African immigrants, limit the powers of Israel’s High Court and enact the controversial “Jewish state” law have alarmed many on the left.
Wendy Sherman
Wendy Sherman, who is in her mid-60s, was the chief U.S. negotiator in the nuclear deal with Iran and one of the few women participating in the negotiations. In May, Sherman announced that once the Iran deal concluded, she would step down from the Obama administration, where she has served as Under Secretary of State for Policy – the No. 3 position in the department – since
Michael Oren
U.S.-born Michael Oren, 60, is the former Israeli ambassador to the United States – but his new book, “Ally,” has been anything but diplomatic and has inflamed many with his harsh (and some say unfair) criticism of the Obama administration. Although Oren is a Knesset member for Kulanu, the center-right party’s leadership recently distanced itself from his contention that President Barack Obama betrayed Israel. Oren, who was raised in New Jersey and has a doctorate in Near Eastern studies from Princeton, made aliyah in 1979.
Jill Soloway
Inspired by her own father’s coming out as transgender in 2011, TV producer-writer Jill
Soloway, 49, created “Transparent,” one of the most acclaimed shows of the past year. Described by the Forward as “the Jewiest show ever,” the Golden Globe Award-winning comedy follows the very Jewish Pfefferman family in the wake of its patriarch’s announcing that he is becoming a woman. The series – which features a female rabbi character – has been at the forefront of a larger transgender awareness zeitgeist this year (thanks, in large part, to one Caitlyn Jenner).
Jon Stewart
The announcement this year that “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, 52, was stepping down devastated his fans – particularly when news surfaced that his South African replacement, Trevor Noah, has made anti-Israel remarks on Twitter. Nominated in July for an Emmy, the unabashedly liberal Stewart (nee Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz) presided over Comedy Central’s fake news program for 16 years, during which time there have been countless Jewy moments.
12 | September 18, 2015
FROM PAGE 1
BORNSTEINS Richard and Sandy cite the need to make the space more welcoming to the community and to future generations. “Our community is so fortunate to have Sandy and Rich-
COMMUNITY
ard Bornstein support us in all of our endeavors,” said Jeffrey Savit, president and CEO of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. “Their caring and philanthropy is boundless. When people enter our new front entrance at the Dwares JCC, they will know that the Bornsteins were responsible for
The Jewish Voice
providing such a lovely portal to our facility that will be welcoming and accessible to one and all.” The Dwares JCC renovation project is a long-term strategic initiative. It involves everything from updating the heating and cooling system in the building to rearranging
COURTESY | N|E|M|D ARCHITECTS
the diverse functions and services offered and making the entire facility handicapped accessible. While some elements of the redesign, such as updating the David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center and the health clubs and locker rooms, are well underway, the bulk of the ren-
The new front entrance to the Dwares JCC from a rendering by the architects. ovations are scheduled to begin in March 2016. FRAN OSTENDORF is editor of The Jewish Voice.
get healthy stay fit live better Experience it here.
Coming soon to J-Fitness: Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy!
At J-Fitness, you have access to: ® w! Specialty Group Training: TRX, ne• Kettlebells, Battle Ropes & Medicine Balls • Personal Training by Body Soul • Indoor Heated Pool • Group Ex • Indoor Cycling • Zumba™ • Yoga ™ • Pilates Mat Classes • Cardio Machines • Free-weight Area • Fit Forever Classes for Seniors • Water Fitness Classes • TigerSharks Swim Club and much more!
J-FITNESS
at the Dwares JCC
Now offering Personal Training by
INSPIRED
PERSONAL
TRAINING
Voted Best of Rhode Island 2 years in a row by the readers of Rhode Island Monthly!
To learn more about Personal Training, Specialty Group Training or any of our fitness programs, contact Dori Venditti at 401.421.4111 ext. 210 or dvenditti@jewishallianceri.org.
Dwares 401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI | jewishallianceri.org
Rhode Island
September 18, 2015 |
thejewishvoice.org
Housing & Shelter: Find resources for support in housing, shelter, and assisted living.
Help is only a click or call away. “How do I find out about loans for a first-time home buyer?” “What are my options when facing foreclosure or eviction?” “Where can I learn more about resources for heating assistance?”
Let us help you unlock the answers to these questions and more.
A Living on the Edge Initiative • Providing a Safety Net • Promoting Self-sufficiency • Increasing Access to Jewish Life
}
Welcome to AccessJewishRI.org—an Information & Referral website that brings people and services together, combined with personalized, confidential phone assistance. It is a single point of contact to access the multitude of services, activities, and resources provided by the Jewish community as well as social services, health care, and government agencies in greater Rhode Island. We are the friendly voice at the end of the phone, a loving embrace, and a helping hand.
401.421.4111 ext. 411
AccessJewishRI.org
Employment Assistance & Vocation:
Health & Wellness Services:
Jewish Life:
Nutrition & Food Assistance:
Other Needs:
Find help with job and workrelated needs, including resumes and networking.
Find resources related to health and wellness, including insurance, counseling, and more.
Find resources that connect you to the Jewish community, education, fitness, and more.
Find resources to put food on the table for your family.
Find resources to meet your basic needs such as transportation, childcare, tax assistance, and more.
An initiative of your Jewish community:
13
14 | September 18, 2015
FOOD | COMMUNITY
The Jewish Voice
Bring a taste of autumn to the sukkah this year BY SHANNON SARNA NEW YORK (JTA) – Sukkot is such a beautiful holiday: eating outdoors, decorating the sukkah and enjoying the flavors of fall with family and friends. The fasting is over, and the craziness of the New Year rush has passed. You can leisurely enjoy long holiday meals outside. Even though the holidays fall a bit early this year, I still enjoy bringing autumn flavors into my menu. These recipes are beautiful and crowd pleasers, sure to further liven up your sukkah. Butternut Squash and Sage Challah Yield: 2 large loaves If butternut squash challah sounds a bit bizarre, it’s actually quite similar to a pumpkin or sweet potato challah, which may be more common. The texture of this dough is smooth, slightly sweet and pairs perfectly with savory sage. It is equally delicious slathered in butter for breakfast or dipped in a hearty bowl of soup or stew for lunch or dinner. INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup vegetable oil 5-6 fresh sage leaves 1 1/2 tablespoons dry yeast 1 teaspoon sugar 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water 5 1/2-6 cups all-purpose unbleached flour (I prefer to use King Arthur) 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 tablespoon salt 1/2 cup butternut squash puree (fresh or frozen) 2 eggs 2 egg yolks plus 1 teaspoon water Additional fresh sage leaves for garnish Thick sea salt DIRECTIONS Place vegetable oil and fresh sage leaves in a small saucepan over low-medium heat. Heat through until sage becomes fragrant, around 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to sit 25-30 minutes. Strain sage leaves but do not discard. Finely chop leaves. In a small bowl, place yeast, 1
teaspoon sugar and lukewarm water. Allow to sit around 10 minutes, until it becomes foamy on top. In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, butternut squash and sugar. After the water-yeast mixture has become foamy, add to flour mixture along with oil and chopped sage leaves. Mix thoroughly. Add another 1 cup of flour and eggs and mix until smooth. Switch to the dough hook attachment if you are using a stand mixer. Add an additional 3 cups of flour, 1 cup at a time, until dough is smooth and elastic. You can do this in a bowl with a wooden spoon, in a stand mixer with the dough attachment or, once the dough becomes pliable enough, on a floured work surface with the heels of your hands. Dough will be done when it bounces back to the touch, is smooth without clumps and is almost shiny. Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with damp towel. Allow to rise at least around 3 hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Braid challah into desired shape. Allow challah to rise another 45-60 minutes, or until you can see the size has grown and challah seems light. This step is very important to ensure a light and fluffy challah. In a small bowl beat 2 egg yolks with 1 teaspoon water. Brush egg wash liberally over challah. Sprinkle with chopped fresh sage and thick sea salt. If making one large challah, bake around 27-28 minutes; if making 2 smaller challahs, bake 24-26 minutes. Jeweled Veggie Orzo with Wheatberries Yield: 6-8 servings This easy side dish screams autumn, and is my way to feel like I am eating a nice bowl of pasta while also getting in a serving of whole grains and veggies. Add any combination of colorful fall vegetables that you
like. The sweetness of the dried cranberries and the crunch of the pepita seeds is delicious outdoors in the sukkah on a crisp, sunny day. INGREDIENTS 1 cup dry orzo pasta 1/2 cup wheatberries 1/2 medium butternut squash 2 purple carrots or 1 large beet 1/4 cup cooked peas (fresh or frozen) 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup homemade or storebought pepitas (you can also use slivered almonds or sunflower seeds) Olive oil salt and pepper DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Peel butternut squash and carrots. Dice each into 1/2-inch cubes. Place butternut squash and carrots, separately, on a baking sheet, drizzle with salt and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes, tossing once, until carmelized. Note: If replacing the carrot with beet, wash the beet gently and place in tin foil. Roast in oven at 400 degrees for around 45 minutes or until soft. Allow to cool and remove skin. Once beet has cooled, dice into 1/2-inch cubes. While vegetables are roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo around 11 minutes and drain. Drizzle with olive oil and place in a large bowl. Cook wheatberries according to directions on package. (For 1/2 cup wheatberries, you will need around 1 cup of water. Bring water to a boil and then simmer covered for around 15 minutes). In the large bowl with orzo, add cooked butternut squash, carrots (or beets), peas, wheatberries, cranberries, pepitas and another 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix thoroughly. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve room temperature or warm. Paprika Roasted Chicken and Potatoes Yield: 4 servings This recipe is so easy I don’t even think it should count as an actual recipe. If you are serving
a crowd, just double the amount. You don’t have to cut the potatoes into slices if you don’t want, you could just cut them into quarters and toss with paprika, salt, pepper and olive oil. But for me, there is something about chicken fat dripping onto potatoes while they roast that gets me a little excited. INGREDIENTS 4-5 medium Yukon gold potatoes 4 chicken thighs and/or drumsticks 2 tablespoons smoky paprika 1/2 tablespoon hot paprika 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest 4 garlic cloves 1/4 cup olive oil Salt and pepper DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice potatoes into 1/2 inch slices. Grease the bottom of a Pyrex dish. Lay potatoes on bottom of pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Whisk together spices, lemon juice, zest and olive oil. Spread all over the chicken including underneath the skin. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes if you have time, though not necessary. Place chicken and whole garlic cloves on top of potatoes. Roast for 50-55 minutes, or until juices run clear and a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees. Remove chicken and set aside. If you want your potatoes crispier, you can place back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes or until desired doneness. Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate and Dried Cherries Yield: 1 dozen cookies I love chewy oatmeal raisin cookies. But when you combine tart, dried cherries with dark chocolate chips, you get a truly unique cookie that your guests will rave about. These cookies are great pareve or dairy and can me made a few days ahead of time.
Tip: To bring out the sweetness of cookies, don’t forget the salt! Combine 1/2 tablespoon thick sea salt with 1/2 tablespoon sanding sugar and sprinkle just a pinch on each cookie. The sanding sugar makes the cookies look beautiful and the salt will really add a depth of flavor and bring out the cookie’s sweetness. INGREDIENTS 1 3/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 3/4 cup flour 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/4 sticks unsalted butter or margarine, softened 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup dried cherries 1/2 tablespoon thick sea salt (optional) 1/2 tablespoon sanding sugar (optional) DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine oats, flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Beat butter or margarine with sugars with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and cherries (or other add-ins). Don’t overmix. In a small bowl combine sanding sugar and sea salt. Using a cookie scoop, drop cookies on a baking sheet 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten cookies with moistened fingers. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and sugar on top of each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Let cool for 2 or 3 minutes on baking sheet and then transfer to cooling racks. SHANNON SARNA is the editor of The Nosher, a 70 Faces Media company.
Authors coming to Temple Beth-El event On Oct. 25, Katja Goldman, Lisa Rotmil and Judy Bernstein Bunzl will join Deb Norman, owner of the former Rue de L’Espoir, and Gail Solomon as judges of the “Temple Beth-El World Series of Treasured Jewish Family Recipes” from 4-5:30 p.m. at 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. More than 25 temple members will enter favored family recipes and vie for the distinguished title of “Best Recipe,” with attendees voting for the winner of the “People’s Choice Award.” At the conclusion of the event, the authors will sign
copies of the “The Community Table,” which will be for sale for $25. The event is a fundraiser for the Temple Beth-El Religious School Scholarship Fund. It is the fifth in a series that has included the “World Series of Brisket,” “World Series of Kugel,” “World Series of Jewish Desserts” and “World Series of Noshes,” raising more than $25,000 to assist member families with school tuition costs. Admission for the event is $10/adults; $5/children over 5; children under 5 are free and a maximum of $30/family.
thejewishvoice.org
FOOD
September 18, 2015 |
15
New cookbook reflects all the diversity in JCCs BY FRAN OSTENDORF fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org There are many reasons to like “The Community Table: Recipes & Stories from the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan & Beyond” (Grand Central Publishing, 2015). It’s an attractive cookbook filled with photos and recipes from across the Diaspora. Authors Katya Goldman, Judy Bernstein Bunzl and Lisa Rotmil have developed recipes that are accessible to the home cook. For those who like a dose of story with their cookbook, there are photos and tales from the Manhattan JCC and JCCs around the country. And there’s even a local connection: the creative director for the project was Gail Solomon, of Providence, and the food photographer was John Tavares, of East Providence. In the introduction to the book, the authors call it “a celebration of the remarkable community built at the JCC Manhattan.” All three are longtime JCC members. All are wives, mothers and cooks; one is an art historian, one a chef and one an organic gardener. They come from different backgrounds and represent traditional, Conservative and Reform Judaism. They write that they chose the recipes to reflect the diversity of the JCC and the inspiration of Jewish communities past and present. “It is a cookbook that reflects how we cook today: conscientiously, healthily, creatively, locally and internationally inspired,” they write. You can certainly see that. There are recipes for chicken soup, matzah balls, latkes and honey cake. But there are also recipes for Thai Grilled Beef Salad, Truffle Popcorn and Zucchini Eggplant Mina. The notes on how to use the book, the little stories about the JCC and the commentaries before each recipe all make this book useful as well as a fun read. In the back of the book are three helpful appendices: one identifies whether a recipe is meat, dairy or pareve, another offers menus for holidays, using recipes from the book, and the third identifies recipes that are appropriate for Passover. Here are a few recipes to try.
Summer Corn, Cucumber, and Tomato Salad Serves 8 to 10 as a side INGREDIENTS Dressing 2 to 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar 1 tablespoon safflower oil 2 teaspoons coarse-grain mustard Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Salad 6 ears fresh corn 4 small seedless cucumbers, cut into small dice 1 pound tomatoes, assorted types and sizes, roughly cut into slices and medium wedges 1/2 Vidalia or other sweet on-
ion, sliced paper thin 1 bunch watercress, mache or purslane 12 fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish (optional) DIRECTIONS To make the dressing, whisk together the vinegar (to taste), oil and mustard in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Slice the kernels from the cob and transfer to a large bowl. Add the cucumber, tomatoes, onion and watercress. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss. Snip the basil leaves into ribbons and mix in gently. Garnish with additional basil leaves (if desired) and serve.
PHOTOS | JOHN TAVARES
Roasted Tzimmes Serves 6 to 8 INGREDIENTS 8 dried figs, cut into eighths, or 3/4 cup golden raisins 1/4 cup orange juice 3/4 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes or 1 1/2-inch-long sticks 3/4 pound sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes or 1 1/2-inchlong sticks 1/2 pound parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes or 1
1/2-inch-long sticks 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon molasses 2 teasoons za’atar 1 teaspoon kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS In a small bowl, combine the figs or raisins and orange juice and let soak for at least 20 minutes and up to one hour. Drain and reserve the orange juice. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the figs or raisins, carrots, sweet potatoes and parsnips. Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, molasses, za’atar, salt and pepper to taste. Toss to coat. Spread the mixture on the baking sheet. Roast, tossing occasionally, until the vegetables begin to caramelize, 30 to 40 minutes. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of the reserved orange juice over the vegetables and toss again. Add more salt to taste and serve.
Pumpkin Rugelach Makes about 64 2-inch rugelach INGREDIENTS Dough 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 1/2 pound plus 2 tablespoons cream cheese 1 tablespoon sour cream 2 tablespoons sugar Filling 15 ounces canned or fresh pumpkin puree 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon allspice 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest (optional) Pinch of kosher salt 1/2 cup dried currants (optional) 1 cup hot water (optional) Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting DIRECTIONS To make the dough, place the flour, butter, cream cheese and sour cream in a food processor fitted with a metal blade or the bowl of a stand mixer. Pulse or blend on medium speed to combine. Sprinkle the sugar over the dough and pulse or blend until the ingredients are well distributed. Transfer the dough to a board. It will be very sticky. Divide the dough into 4 equal balls and flatten with your hands. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. The longer you wait the easier the dough will be to handle. To make the filling, mix the pumpkin puree and cider in a saucepan over medium-low
heat. Add the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon zest, if using, and salt, and stir until combined. The mixture will be a dark caramel color. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the temperature and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the mix from burning on the edges. The filling should be thick yet spreadable. If using currants, soak them in the hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking pan with lightly floured parchment paper. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it soften for 5 to 10 minutes, until it is soft enough to roll. Roll out one ball of the dough to a 9-inch circle between two pieces of parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Remove the top piece of parchment paper. Spread 1/4 cup of the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border without filling. If using currants, sprinkle them around the edge of the filling. Slice the circle into 16 wedges. Pull the first wedge out of the circle and roll from the widest part to the narrowest. Place on the prepared baking tray. Repeat with the rest of the wedges, placing the rugelach about 1 inch apart. Continue with the remaining dough portions and filling. Bake until the rugelach are golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool and dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving. FRAN OSTENDORF is editor of The Jewish Voice.
16 | September 18, 2015
HEALTH
Play: It’s not just fun and games Family Features – As children head back to school, the time set aside for play seems to disappear. According to a survey conducted by Dr. Pepper Snapple Group’s Let’s Play initiative, 56 percent of parents say busy schedules are a major barrier to play. Play is an important part of a child’s physical, emotional and social development. In fact, kids who play are found to be healthier, happier and better performers in school. As children’s schedules become packed with activities during the school year, it is important to make sure they are getting enough active playtime each day to help them grow into happy, healthy adults. Here are some reasons to keep kids active during the school year: Play promotes social skills. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just more than a quarter of students surveyed participated in daily physical education classes. Kids have fewer opportunities to be active during the school day, so it is important to supplement their schedules with after-school activities or sports throughout the year. Team sports are a great opportunity for children to foster friendships and connect with kids from different backgrounds. Keeping your
connections with others through the process of sharing, negotiating and resolving conflicts. Such skills are vital for a child to learn and can be easily taught through active play. Play enhances motor skills. Playgrounds serve as a great space for kids to explore and have fun in a safe environment while challenging and refining their motor skills. Interacting with play equipment helps build motor skills and improves self-control and coordination. Play relieves stress. As kids get older, schoolwork becomes increasingly difficult and stress levels about the workload begin to rise. In fact, 46 percent of parents polled in the Let’s Play survey said that a focus on academics was one of their kids’ biggest barriers to play. While academics PHOTO | GETTY IMAGES should always be a priorchildren active through sports ity, giving kids the opportunity gives them the opportunity to and time to play can relieve the maintain a physically active stress associated with school lifestyle while also making new and allow them to simply have friends. fun. Play heightens intellectual You can learn more about the development. Education in importance of play and get tips the classroom allows children and advice on how to incorpoto learn and grow; however, rate active play in your child’s physical activity outside of the everyday life at LetsPlay.com, classroom is also important for where you can also nominate a child’s development. Stud- a community group, nonprofit ies show that physical play has or school to receive a new playbeen linked to helping kids ground or sports equipment think creatively and create grant courtesy of Let’s Play.
The Jewish Voice
Beginning a personal fitness journey at J-Fitness I have never worked out with a trainer, so when Lisa Mongeau, consultant to J-Fitness and founder of Body Soul Inspired Personal Training, the fitness center’s partner, offered me the opportunity, I jumped at IRINA it. I’d seen trainMISSIURO ers guiding their clients at J-Fitness at the Dwares JCC and was thrilled that I would learn from one too. And learn I did.
me pain, tingling and numbness, Mattera quickly devised a substitute that didn’t bother the nerve. Instead of being frustrated, he seemed fascinated by the challenge of creating a program that I could follow painlessly. We started the first routine with dumbbell exercises on an incline bench. Lying on my back, I worked from my biggest muscle groups to the smallest using 10-pound weights. Bringing my arms upward, I did two sets of 12 repetitions. Next, I learned the dumbbell row: With one knee on the bench and the other leg extended to the side, I brought a
J-Fitness at the Dwares JCC Andrew Mattera greeted me with an enthusiastic, “So, you’re the famous Irina!” Right away, I knew that I’d want to learn from a man who thinks I’m famous! I was right. Mattera’s philosophy contrasts strikingly with the exercise advice I have heard on television and read in magazines. He doesn’t believe in big movements or fatigue. Instead, Mattera is all about feeling great after the workout. He instructed me to move slower, thinking about my movements, rather than going fast and hard. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the best practice to push your body to the limit, Mattera explained, adding that his goal is to build a foundation for when I get older, not to make me feel sore. I usually work out with weight machines, but Mattera told me that dumbbells are much more effective because they engage tiny muscles to keep the weights level and steady. Using these accessory muscles makes you stronger and aids in definition and toning, he said. When we started with free weights, we ran into a slight problem – I was feeling a lot of numbness and tingling due to a damaged nerve in my neck. I had been concerned that it might bother me, but my physical therapist assured me it would be fine to exercise as long as I avoided certain routines that would irritate my C7 nerve. When an exercise caused my symptoms to flare up, Mattera brought out a weight-lifting strap, which almost nullified the symptoms. During our second workout, a week later, he changed the routine. When a plank exercise caused
15-pound dumbbell to my chest, repeating 12 times. Then I did the same exercise with my other arm. Following that, I did goblet squats with a 20-pound dumbbell under my chin, my knees bent and my hips back. Next, lying on the bench, I did curls with an 8-pound weight, working my biceps. Midline static holds, an exercise that tones abs, followed. The last routine used the rowing machine – I sprinted 100 meters, rested, and then repeated the sprinting a couple of times. The next week, Mattera had me start by warming up on the rowing machine. This time, I was able to do a longer, more strenuous routine, benefitting from Mattera’s advice to concentrate on my legs rather than my arms. Also, when he noticed that my thumbs were wrapped around the handlebars, he pointed out that I shouldn’t do that because it focuses attention in the wrong direction, impeding progress. Next, I did some exercises with a ball to tone my abdominal muscles and worked with kettlebells to correct my posture, among other benefits. In addition to physical training, Mattera also provided nutrition advice. Throughout the week, I logged every morsel I ate. During my second workout, he reviewed my food log. Apparently, I was doing well eating healthy, but he did suggest that I add more vegetables and eat bigger breakfasts. Oatmeal, here I come! IRINA MISSIURO is a writer and editor who lives in Providence. She will contribute monthly fitness columns about her JFitness journey.
thejewishvoice.org
FALL HOME & GARDEN
September 18, 2015 |
17
PHOTOS | CATHERINE WALTERS
Religious school students from Temple Sinai help out in the garden.
Harvest in the Biblical Garden BY CATHERINE WALTERS As the daylight hours grow short, summer gives way to fading flowers and leaves begin to turn in the Biblical Garden at Temple Sinai, a Reform congregation in Cranston. It’s been a summer of lush growth and abundance. Stalks of ancestral emmer (wheat) and barley are heavy with grain, and dyers’ madder and tansy run riot in the dye garden. The resident rabbits dine on bolted lettuce and baby toads have made themselves at home in the raised vegetable beds, to the delight of visiting children. The papyrus will soon come indoors for the winter, along with other frost-tender specimens. Chamomile, thyme, coriander and black cumin will continue to naturalize wherever their seeds fall. One of the primary purposes of Temple Sinai’s Biblical Garden is to give religious-
school students an opportunity to connect with the Land of Israel and Jewish tradition in a hands-on way, instilling stewardship of the plants and engagement in the ancient Israelite agricultural cycle of planting and harvest.
discover the results of last spring’s efforts: the herbs, tender vegetables and flowers they planted in May. They will harvest chickpeas, lentils and broad beans for the seed supply to be planted next spring, and they will help put the garden “to bed” for the winter. And at this time of year, they especially enjoy planting bulbs of allium, grape hyacinth and narcissus, and look forward to watching them emerge and bloom in the spring. It’s been a good year, and as the Yamim Noraim draw to a close, it will be time for the ingathering of Sukkot. “And ye shall take you on the first day [of Sukkot] the fruit of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook, and ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days.” (Lev. 23:40). The Biblical Garden is home to all four species of plants
“One of the primary purposes of Temple Sinai’s Biblical Garden is to give religious school students an opportunity to connect with the Land of Israel and Jewish tradition … ” The design of the garden provides opportunities for demonstrating interactions between plants and people in biblical times – as foodstuffs and fodder, as textiles, and in sacred text and ritual. As a teacher resource, it encourages hands-on activities that enhance the religious-school curriculum. And for all who visit, the garden offers a seasonal display of shoshanim, wildflowers that flourished in ancient times – and still today – in Israel. This fall, students will
(palm, willow, myrtle and etrog) that comprise the lulav and etrog of Sukkot. Last year, after Sukkot, the fifthgrade religious school class, taught by Cantor Wendy Siegel, opened an etrog, examined the fruit and enjoyed its wonderful scent. They planted the seeds and germinated over a dozen little seedlings that were distributed to congregants on Tu b’Shevat, the
“new year” for trees. One of those seedlings is now a specimen of the garden’s “goodly trees,” along with fig, pomegranate, almond and olive. CATHERINE WALTERS is the coordinator of the Biblical Garden at Temple Sinai. Visitors are welcome. For more information, contact her at 401419-7698.
Unite through challah Introducing an evening of Jewish unity... Bringing people from all different Jewish affiliations and alliances into one room to make and learn about challah. Everyone will be given the ingredients and the tools to make at least two challahs which can be taken home and baked. We are scheduled to have an inspiring presenter/ speaker who promises to be dynamic, educational and fun. We will learn about the
mystical aspects of challah among other things. An evening to be enjoyed by all… come with your children! Last year it was a full, vibrant and joyous event. RSVP to t h e g r e at r ic h a l l a hb a ke @ gmail.com Cost is $10 per person. Looking forward to seeing you all on Thursday night, Oct. 22 from 7-9 p.m. For more information, contact The Great RI Challah Bake at 401-241-9631.
18 | September 18, 2015
FALL HOME & GARDEN
The Jewish Voice
How Sukkot helped me de-clutter my life BY JAMIE RUBIN (Kveller via JTA) – Last year I performed a magic trick: I made most of my “stuff ” disappear. I never considered myself a hoarder, at least not the kind worthy of a feature on late night cable TV, but I held on to things, lots and lots of things, because I was sentimental. I thought getting rid of them meant giving up a memory. I was also convinced I would need all these things later on. And lots of my stuff was around simply because I had spent so much money on it that I thought I hadn’t realized each item’s value yet. Surely I would need this stuff, use this stuff, wear this stuff and amortize the cost of this stuff … one day. My relationship to my stuff changed last year. In September, my husband, two young daughters and I celebrated Sukkot, the festive Jewish holiday commemorating the years the Jews were believed to be wandering in the desert and protected from the elements by God. For the fi rst time, we erected a sukkah (a temporary dwelling) in our tiny backyard and invited friends over for customary meals inside the wood and bamboo structure. Many were familiar with Sukkot, but I had to explain to others why I had invited them to eat off paper plates in a crude tent decorated with my chil-
dren’s art and fake fruit. I took to the Internet in search of something more than the clunky Wikipedia defi nition and found a rabbi’s simple yet beautiful interpretation of this harvest holiday that changed the way I viewed space in my home. She suggested the acts of eating, sleeping and celebrating in such a simple dwelling should be a reminder to us of how little we need to be happy and how freeing it is to just be with so much less stuff. The metaphor stirred something within me. Days later, when we took down the sukkah and started eating inside again, all I could see was stuff – much of which I never would have moved into my sukkah if we actually lived in it for seven days as Jews are commanded to do, and most of it I knew I wouldn’t have missed. I was determined to live simply, no matter how difficult that seemed. In an instant, no closet or shelf or drawer in my home was safe. I gave up sleep to organize and get rid of hundreds of pens, hair ties, shampoo samples, business suits, kitchen utensils and old magazines. I read de-cluttering books and got advice from friends. One told me to look at everything I owned and ask myself with each item if there was somebody who needed it more than I did or could make better use of it, or could even give it more attention and ad-
miration than I could. If the answer was yes, I was supposed to pass it along, donate it or simply throw it away. Another friend gave me the idea to take everything out of a cabinet, closet or even an entire room, and only put back in what I really used or needed, letting go of the rest. Apparently if you try to do it the other way around and just pick through your items looking for things to take out, you are much less successful. That was
certainly true for me, and it’s how I ended up with so much stuff in the fi rst place – just because it fits in the drawer doesn’t mean you need it. To my shock, I learned I really don’t need much. This was quite revolutionary for me. I
CELEBRATIN
G OUR 41 st Y
EAR
Don’t Just Talk About Crime. Be Sure You Have All It Takes to Fight It. Owned and operated by the Cicchitelli family since 1974, Mt. Pleasant Alarms knows the security business. Let our family protect yours. If you want state-of-the art, quality products and exceptional customer service, including people (not automated phone systems) answering your calls 24/7, call for a free estimate on installing or upgrading your system with the latest technology, including video recording with remote access). “Dennis and his staff have watched over me and my house since 1989. They personally answer the phone, my questions and concerns. Thanks to their system upgrade recommendations, a sophisticated burglary attempt was thwarted and another just two months ago! I tell anybody who will listen that companies like Mt. Pleasant are few and far between. I will always entrust them with my home….and life.” – East Side Resident and Jewish Voice reader
am someone who has always appreciated the comforts of “stuff,” especially if I can have one in every color. I used to be able to rationalize owning at least five different pairs of black boots: one for the office, one for evenings, one for achieving the equestrian look, one for pulling off motorcycle chic, and a funky pair for the always looming threat of pulling together a last-minute Halloween costume. This year I made it through the winter
with just one pair of black boots. It actually made getting dressed much easier; I always knew which boots I was going to wear. It does feel good to splurge and enjoy having more than just one’s needs met from time to time, but I found that when that was my standard for everything, I had no room for reflection or appreciation or, frankly, places to put everything. I assumed the hardest part of my downsizing rampage would
be missing all of my stuff when it was gone. But months later I keep fi nding new spaces to sort through and de-clutter, and delight in giving things to others who can make better use of them. I’m not yet moved to write that elegy for my old camp T-shirts or the George Foreman grill I rarely used. With one or two exceptions, I really don’t miss anything I gave up. I’ve even conveniently forgotten most of it, so I can’t even feel guilty if the day comes when I need something I probably once had. I’m certain that if the day ever comes when I don’t have what I need, I will fi nd a way to get it or simply fi nd a way to get along without it. As we head into the High Holy Days season in September, I’m looking forward to sharing my enthusiasm for the new meaning I’ve found in Sukkot with others. On Rosh Hashanah, it is written, on Yom Kippur, it is sealed, and on Sukkot, it’s time to call the Council thrift shops to schedule a pickup. Hag sameach. JAMIE RUBIN is a freelance writer, business owner and mother. After years of producing breaking news and exclusive interviews for both Yahoo! News and MSNBC, she switched things up a bit and launched Milkstars, a clothing line she developed for pregnant and nursing women. Milkstars is made in the USA and sold around the world. Jamie lives with her husband and two daughters in Los Angeles. This piece fi rst appeared on Kveller, a 70 Faces Media company.
Make sure your AC Protect YourforOil Price Now! is ready summer!
20 OFF
Make sure your AC
sure your AC ready $isisMake ready for for summer! summer! $100 OFF
20 OFF
$Your our Sure Startfirst 10-point AC tune-up* delivery SM SM
our our Sure Sure Start Start 10-point 10-point AC AC tune-up tune-up** SM SM
25 OFF
$
25 OFF
$ $ first fill of propane** your your ** your first first fill fill of of propane propane **
200 OFF 200 OFF
$
200 OFF
$ $ a whole house generator † † a a whole whole house house generator generator †
401.621.5149 Call now! 1.877.459.0492 Call Call now! now! 1.877.459.0492 1.877.459.0492
petro.com petro.com
petro.com petro.com
petro petro mobile mobile
petro mobile petro mobile
connect connect on on
connect on connect on
Oil | Propane | Heating | Cooling | Plumbing Oil | Propane | Heating | Cooling | Plumbing Generators Oil | Propane | Heating | | Chimney Cooling | Plumbing
85 Academy Avenue | Providence, RI 02908 | mtpleasantalarms.com | 401-274-7676
Generators | Chimney Generators | Chimney
*Offer *Offer expires expires on on 6/20/14. 6/20/14. Additional Additional terms terms and and conditions conditions apply. apply. Additional Additional charge charge applies applies to to work work scheduled scheduled on on weekends, weekends, holidays holidays or or after after 5pm. **Offer valid new be with any offer. Additional terms and apply. †Need *Offer expires 6/20/14. Additionalonly. termsCannot and conditions apply. Additional applies to work scheduled on weekends, holidays or after 5pm. **Offer validonfor for new customers customers only. Cannot be combined combined with other othercharge any other other offer. Additional terms and conditions conditions apply. †Need disclaimer information from field. Nassau Lic.and No.conditions H3600630000. Suffolk Lic. Nos. 3134-P, 2901-RE. ©2014 Petro. P_14202 *Offer expires on 6/20/14. Additional terms apply. Additional charge applies to 2901-RE. work scheduled weekends, holidays after 5pm. **Offer valid for newfield. customers only. Cannot be combined with other any other offer. Additional termson and conditions apply. or †Need disclaimer information from Nassau Lic. No. H3600630000. Suffolk Lic. Nos. 3134-P, ©2014 Petro. P_14202 5pm. **Offer valid for new only. Cannot be combined with other other offer.2901-RE. Additional termsPetro. and conditions disclaimer information fromcustomers field. Nassau Lic. No. H3600630000. Suffolk Lic.any Nos. 3134-P, ©2014 P_14202 apply. †Need disclaimer information from field. Nassau Lic. No. H3600630000. Suffolk Lic. Nos. 3134-P, 2901-RE. ©2014 Petro. P_14202
FALL HOME & GARDEN
thejewishvoice.org
September 18, 2015 |
Beware contractor scams this fall BY PAULA FLEMING
BBB is warning consumers to beware of scammers going door-to-door and offering seasonal services, such as leaf raking, chimney sweeping or window installations. These con artists may just take your money without ever delivering the service.
How the scam works
You answer the door, and it’s a handyman. He says that he’s been hired by the neighbors to clean the chimney, install storm windows, rake the leaves or perform another seasonal service. He claims that he can give you a discount price because he is already working in the neighborhood. You need the work done, so you take him up on the offer. He asks for a partial payment upfront, and he will return the next day after he fi nishes the neighbor’s job. However, he takes the money and doesn’t return to do the job. In another version of the scam, the contractor will arrive and perform the service. But in doing so, he fi nds a “major problem,” one that needs an urgent repair. Legitimate contractors will supply photo and/or video evidence if there is a serious repair needed. The local BBB recommends doing research before taking a business up on an offer. Check out reviews, complaints, and business details. The cheapest bid may not be the best deal in the long run.
How to protect yourself from contractor scams
Contractor scams appear when homeowners have the most work to do: after major storms and during the change of seasons. Follow these tips when hiring someone to work on your home. • Work with local businesses: Make sure the contractor has appropriate identification that tells you it’s a legitimate business versus a fly-by-night oper-
ator. Things like permanent lettering on trucks, uniforms, printed invoices and estimate sheets, business cards, physical addresses, land line phones, etc. are all signs of an established business. • Check references: Get references from several past customers. Get both older references (at least a year old) so you can check on the quality of the work and newer references so you can make sure current employees are up to the task. • Check with BBB: Be sure to search for businesses at bbb.org where you can read reviews and complaints from customers, fi nd out about licensing and government actions, and more. BBB’s Accredited Business Directory offers lists of reputable businesses to help avoid contractor scams. • Get it in writing: And always be sure to get a written contract with the price, materials and timeline. The more detail, the better. Say no to cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics and on-site inspections. Don’t allow someone in your home or on your roof until you have had a chance to thoroughly check them out. ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people fi nd businesses and brands they can trust. In 2014, consumers turned to BBB more than 165 million times for BBB Business Reviews on more than 4.7 million businesses, all available at no coast at bbb.org. BBB Serving Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont, founded in 1912, is one of 112 local, independent BBBs across North America. PAULA FLEMING is VP of Communications & Marketing for Better Business Bureau, serving Eastern MA, ME, RI & VT.
Watch your back: Leaf and snow removal tips Family Features – Some people loathe the task of raking leaves and removing snow in the fall and winter months, with perfectly good reason. A bad back or lack of time can be a hindrance when it comes to keeping up with your yard chores. Fortunately, there are numerous alternatives to help keep your pastures green and concrete jungle clear.
Ergonomic options
Recognizing the strain that the repetitive motion of raking or shoveling can put on the body, manufacturers have designed a wide range of ergonomic shovels and rakes that are less taxing on muscles and joints. Test-drive your options for a comfortable fit; look for a secure grip and a height that is comfortable (although bear in mind that the longer the handle, the more energy you’ll need to put into hefting a load of snow).
Put some power to it
There is no gold medal for completing all your yard work by hand. There are an array of leaf and snow blowers available that make the chores easier. With many electric and gas models to choose from, and a wide range of power to handle jobs big and small. Similarly, many riding lawnmowers offer the versatility to tackle projects like mulching, or even snow removal with the proper attachments, while atop a comfortable seat.
Where your custom handwoven rug is monitored every inch of the way.
Mulching made easy
If raking and bagging leaves puts too much strain on your back, mulching with your mower is an ideal alternative. A zero-turn radius mower allows you to switch from side discharge or bagging to mulching mode with a mulching kit attachment. Be sure to mulch leaves only when they are dry. With regular upkeep, a thin layer of mulched leaves adds nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for fertilizing your grass.
Say goodbye to snow
Many riding mowers offer attachments that easily transition to year-round workhorses. Some mowers are compatible with a front blade attachment to push snow out of the way, or a snow blower that is more powerful than the standard single-stage walk-behind throwers.
you'd like like to to learn learn more more about about custom custom rugs and IfIfyou’d rugs and to to see see our entire collection of rugs, at One Governor our entire collection of rugs, visitvisit us atusOne Governor Street Street in Providence or give call at (401) 751-5100. in Providence or give us aus calla at (401) 751-5100. OpenMon-Fri Mon-Fri 10-5:30, 10-5:30, Sat Sat 10-5 www.rustigianrugs.com Open 10-5 www.rustigianrugs.com
Rustigian Rugs Because, quite simply, we know rugs.
Hire out the work
As temperatures begin to drop, it’s the perfect time to research the cost of hiring someone to rake or shovel. Be aware that you may pay a premium for an initial visit to get things in order, and rates are generally lower when you commit to an ongoing maintenance plan. Also, kids – whether yours or a neighbor’s – are usually eager to earn some extra pocket cash, so put that youthful energy to work.
established 1930
19
20 | September 18, 2015
FALL HOME & GARDEN
The Jewish Voice
5 Tips for tackling a home improvement project Family Features – Whether you’ve just bought a new home or you’re looking to refresh your familiar abode, chances are good you have a laundry list of home-improvement projects to accomplish. From aesthetic upgrades (like replacing the laminate floors in the kitchen with patterned tile) to practical necessities (like removing the tree roots from the sewage pipes), there is no shortage of fall projects for homeowners to tackle. With so much to do, home-improvement projects can feel overwhelming. Rely on research tools such as YP.com and these five tips from home blogger and author Justina Blakeney to help you get started. 1. Timing is everything. Prioritize projects by needs, not wants. Blakeney advises making sure important projects like functioning air-conditioning are set before tackling less crucial ones like popcorn ceilings. Create a list of all of the things on your wish list. Then start with the most timely matters and work your way down the list. Be realistic with your goals and always factor in 20 percent more money and time than you think the project will take. This way you leave some leeway for any unexpected issues that may arise. 2. DIY or hire an expert? Some projects are simple enough to DIY, like swapping out the greenery in the yard. But other projects, like installing solar panels or getting a
new water heater, may be outside your wheelhouse and better handled by experts. Honestly assess your own level of expertise, permit requirements and local regulations, your budget, your timeline and ultimate goals before deciding whether to DIY or hire an expert. Whether you need a personal organizer or a painter, a foundation specialist or a handyman, if you decide an expert is the way to go, ask friends for referrals and then head online to check business information and dig a little deeper before getting a project bid. 3. Get organized. Doing your homework before starting out on a project can help speed things up later on. Create a collection on a website such as YP.com of professionals you will be working with and all the stores you will source materials from. You’ll have all of the info in one place for follow-ups, and it’s easy to share the info with friends once they start asking for reco m m e n d at io n s . Also get a clear breakdown of all elements involved in each project, how much each step will cost and deadlines for each step along the way. A clear plan
of action will help keep the budget and timeline in check. 4. Get savvy. One of the best ways to save time and money is to fi nd things second hand. Thrift shops, salvage shops and flea markets are great places to fi nd furniture, appliances and hardware on the cheap. Or, repurpose items you already own by moving them to a different room or by painting them different colors. Explore all of your options and resources before going out and spending that hard-earned cash. 5. Just get started. It’s OK to start small. Swap out the old hardware on your kitchen cabinets or fi x the broken brick on your patio. Just start somewhere and build your way up to the larger stuff. If you’re feeling paralyzed, try setting and accomplishing one small homeimprovement goal every week.
Join the Arbor Day Foundation in September and receive 10 free trees Rhode Islanders who join the Arbor Day Foundation in September will receive 10 free trees as part of the Foundation’s Trees for America program. Through Trees for America, everyone is encouraged to plant trees, which benefits the environment and improves quality of life. With nearly 1 million members and supporters, the Arbor Day Foundation is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees. Those joining this month will receive an eastern redbud, white pine, sugar maple, white flowering dogwood, pin oak, red maple, river birch, silver maple, northern red oak, and Colorado blue spruce. “This group of trees was carefully selected to yield yearround benefits in Rhode Island, including beautiful spring flowers, cool summer shade, spectacular autumn colors, winter berries, and nesting sites for songbirds,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.
“These trees will also add to the proud heritage of Rhode Island’s 10 Tree City USA communities,” Harris continued. “For the past 39 years, Tree City USA has supported effective urban forestry management across Rhode Island, and planting these trees will enhance the state’s tree-planting tradition.” The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting between Oct. 15 and Dec. 10. The 6- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge. Easy-to-follow planting instructions are enclosed with each shipment of trees. New members of the Arbor Day Foundation will also receive The Tree Book, which includes information about tree planting and care. To receive the 10 free trees, send a $10 membership contribution to Ten Trees, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, Neb. 68410, by Sept. 30, or join online at arborday. org/september.
Owned by Director Dr. Keith Perry MD BOARD CERTIFIED PAIN SPECIALIST
"We're here to provide efficient, optimal therapy by tailoring to each individual's needs."
Focusing on chronic back pain, chronic post-surgical pain, joint pain and other musculoskeletal pain, and pain from injuries. It's easy to schedule a visit, and many times a procedure is performed on the day of the assessment. Call now to schedule a consultation 401-231-0060 All major insurances accepted. For more information please visit our website at www.PrecisionPainRI.com
FALL HOME & GARDEN
thejewishvoice.org
September 18, 2015 |
21
How to conduct a DIY home energy audit StatePoint – This fall, why not consider making needed improvements in your home to help increase energy efficiency and save big in the long run? Here is a short checklist for a DIY home energy audit. Seal air leaks According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing air leaks around the house can save up to 30 percent of energy costs annually. To fi nd leaks, conduct a thorough visual inspection for gaps and cracks by baseboards, where the walls and ceiling meet, around door frames and near cable and phone line wall plates. Spot a gap? Caulk it. Use painter’s tape for a cleaner job. Hold the caulking gun at an angle for best results, and apply in a continuous stream. Improve insulation around windows and doors with weather-stripping. Measure the gap you need to fi ll to identify the width of weather-stripping needed and determine whether you should apply it from the inside or outside. Before starting, read the package instructions to ensure you’re using the right materials. Cut to size and install. Lastly, check to see if your fi replace flue is open. If so, close it when not in use for additional savings. Make smart upgrades One quick way to check your windows for inefficiencies is to look for condensation, frost and other moisture. The Department of Energy also recommends closing your windows on a dollar bill. If you can eas-
Don’t let energy inefficiencies affect your home’s comfort or your utility usage.
ily pull the bill out, the window might be losing substantial energy and may require repair or replacement. Additionally, ENERGY STAR reports that homeowners who choose windows that have earned the ENERGY STAR save an average $101-$538 a year
when replacing single-pane windows. If it’s time for an upgrade, look for ENERGY STAR-qualified windows that offer innovative technologies and improve energy efficiency. Change behavior Do an audit of not only your
N E W P ORT
home’s features, but of the occupants as well. Are lights left on in empty rooms? Is the television on when no one is watching it? From switching to cold water laundry cycles to taking advantage of sunlight for warmth and light – modifications of energy and cost-saving resources don’t
NARRAGANSETT
PROVIDENCE
J A M E S TO W N
need to be a sacrifice. To save energy, improve the comfort of your home and do your part to be more environmentally conscientious, conduct a do-it-yourself energy audit. You’ll likely discover many areas in your home that should be improved.
WATC H H I L L
B LO C K I S L A N D
CRANSTON Grand waterfront estate above the head of Narragansett Bay. Featuring 5 bedrooms, large eat-in kitchen, wraparound porch, huge dock, boat house and pool situated on a 27,000+ lot. First time offered in over 50 years. Simply the Best!
$1,750,000 | 401.274.1644
http://liladel.re/42BluffAv
PROVIDENCE An amazing opportunity to own the most impressive unit at Waterplace. Fantastic open floor plan totally updated with top of the line appliances and finishes throughout. Unreal sweeping city views from your private 832 sq ft terrace! 3 car parking. $1,295,000 | 401.274.1644
http://liladel.re/200ExchangeSt
PROVIDENCE
369 SOUTH MAIN ST
401.274.1644 Best Real Estate and Social Media
22 | September 18, 2015
COMMUNITY
The Jewish Voice
Back to school at Providence Hebrew Day School
PHOTOS | PHDS
PHOTOS | PHDS
PHDS families and friends enjoying the face painting station at the PHDS PTF Back to School Bash on Labor Day.
Dina Zimmerman brings her children Rafael and Moshe to Providence Hebrew Day School on the first day of school. Younger sister Chaya Bracha, a future PHSA student, is along for the ride.
Experience. Integrity. Results.
#1 Agent at Residential Properties Ltd. Since 1996 CALL Gerri Schiffman (401) 474-3733 gerri@residentialproperties.com gerrischiffman.com residentialproperties.com
Your Only Rhode Island Online Jewish Newspaper
jvhri.org
BUSINESS
thejewishvoice.org
September 18, 2015 |
23
Couples face complicated Social Security decisions BY BARBARA KENERSON Deciding when to begin receiving Social Security benefits is a major fi nancial decision because the age at which you apply for benefits will affect the amount you’ll receive. I f you’re married, this decision can BARBARA be especially KENERSON compl ic ate d because you and your spouse will need to plan together, taking into account your individual benefits. For example, married couples may qualify for retirement benefits based on their own earnings records and/or for spousal benefits based on their spouse’s earnings record. In addition, a surviving spouse may qualify for widow or widower’s benefits based on what his/her spouse was receiving. Fortunately, there are a couple of planning opportunities available that may help you boost both your Social Security retirement income and income for your surviving spouse. Both can be used in a variety of scenarios, but here’s how they generally work:
File and suspend
Generally, a husband or wife is entitled to receive the higher of his or her own Social Security retirement benefit (a worker’s benefit) or as much as 50 percent of what his/her spouse is entitled to at full retirement age (a spousal benefit). But there’s a catch: Under Social Security rules, a husband or wife who is eligible to fi le for spousal benefits based on his/her spouse’s record cannot do so until his/ her spouse begins collecting retirement benefits. There is also an exception: Someone who has reached full retirement age but doesn’t want to begin collecting retirement benefits right away may fi le an application for retirement benefits then immediately request that those benefits be suspended, so his/her eligible spouse can fi le for spousal benefits. The fi le-and-suspend strategy is most commonly used when one spouse has much lower lifetime earnings, and thus will receive a higher retirement benefit based on his/her spouse’s earnings than on his/her own earnings record. Using this strategy can potentially boost retirement income in three ways: • The spouse with higher earnings who has suspended
benefits can accrue delayed retirement credits at a rate of 8 percent per year (the rate for anyone born in 1943 or later) up until age 70, thereby increasing his/her retirement benefit by as much as 32 percent. • The spouse with lower earnings can immediately claim a higher (spousal) benefit. • Any survivor’s benefit available to the lower-earning spouse will also increase because a surviving spouse generally receives a benefit equal to 100 percent of the monthly retirement benefit the other spouse was receiving (or was entitled to receive) at the time of his/her death. Here’s a hypothetical example. Leslie is about to reach her full retirement age of 66, but she
wants to postpone fi ling for Social Security benefits so she can increase her monthly retirement benefit from $2,000 at full retirement age to $2,640 at age 70 (32 percent more). However, her husband Lou, who has had substantially lower lifetime earnings, wants to retire in a few months at his full retirement age (also 66). He will be eligible for a higher monthly spousal benefit based on Leslie’s work record than on his own – $1,000 versus $700. So Lou can receive the higher spousal benefit as soon as he retires, Leslie fi les an application for benefits, but then immediately suspends it. Leslie can then earn delayed retirement credits, resulting in a higher retirement benefit for her at age 70 and a higher widower’s benefit for Lou in the event of her death.
File for one benefit, then the other
Another strategy that can increase household income for retirees is to have one spouse fi le for spousal benefits fi rst, then switch to his/her own higher retirement benefit later. Once a spouse reaches full retirement age and is eligible for a spousal benefit based on his/her spouse’s earnings record and a retirement benefit based on his/her own earnings record, he or she can choose to fi le a restricted application for spousal benefits, then delay applying for retirement benefits on his/her own earnings record
(up until age 70) to earn delayed retirement credits. This may help maximize the survivor’s income, as well as retirement income, because the surviving spouse will be eligible for the greater of his/her own benefit or 100 percent of the spouse’s benefit. This strategy can be used in a variety of scenarios, but here’s one hypothetical example that illustrates how it might be used when both spouses have substantial earnings and don’t want to postpone applying for benefits altogether. Liz fi les for her Social Security retirement benefit of $2,400 per month at age 66, based on her own earnings record, but her husband Tim chooses to wait until age 70 to fi le. At age 66 (his full retirement age), Tim applies for spousal benefits based on Liz’s earnings record and receives 50 percent of Liz’s benefit amount ($1,200 per month). He then delays applying for benefits based on his own earnings record ($2,100 per month at full retirement age) so he can earn delayed retirement credits. At age 70, Tim switches from collecting a spousal benefit to his own, larger, worker’s retirement benefit of $2,772 per month (32 percent higher than at age 66). This not only increases Liz and Tim’s household income but also enables Liz to receive a larger survivor’s benefit in the event of Tim’s death.
Things to keep in mind
• Deciding when to begin receiving Social Security benefits is a complicated decision. You’ll need to consider a number of scenarios and take into account factors such as both spouses’ ages, estimated benefit entitlements, and life expectancies. A Social Security representative can’t give you advice, but can help explain your options. • Using the fi le-and-suspend strategy may not be advantageous when one spouse is in poor health or when Social Security income is needed as soon as possible. • Delaying Social Security income may have tax consequences – consult a tax professional. • Spousal or survivor’s benefits are generally reduced by a certain percentage if received before full retirement age. BARBARA KENERSON is fi rst vice president/investments at Janney Montgomery Scott LLC and can be reached at BarbaraKenerson.com.
Do You Need Help Managing the Details of Your Move? Hands On Relocation Assistance
call Valerie Achorn
FREE NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION
SIMPLIFIED LIVE S 401- 480 -1532 SimplifiedLives.com
Insured & Bonded
MEMBER: National Association of Senior Move Managers
24 | September 18, 2015
BUSINESS
The Jewish Voice
Business and Professional Directory Bar/Bat Mitzvah/Photography
Attorney
Assisting with Real Estate
Howard L. Feldman, Esq. Law Office of Stephen J. Dennis SUPER AGENTS, SUPER SERVICE, SUPER RESULTS!
Residential & Commercial
Diane Lazarus, MBA, GRI
127 Dorrance Street, 3rd Fl., Suite 7A Providence, RI 02903
P: (401) 453-1355
F: (401) 453-6670
CPA
Camera Services MST
Group Leader | Broker Associate
P F S
C P A MBA
Thinking outside the box
Cell: 401.640.1658 | Email: lazawoman@cox.net
Full service financial firm providing Business/Individual Consulting Tax Preparation Financial Planning
Always available! ROCHELLE ELLEN ZIEGLER REALTOR®
401-454-0900 • parnessl@ix.netcom.com 128 Dorrance St. • Suite 520 • Providence, RI 02903 You’ve known me for your taxes... Now see us for the rest of your financial story.
(401) 474-0735 CELL (401) 739-9500 OFFICE (401) 732-6312 FAX rochelle.ziegler12@gmail.com
ABR, CNAS, ASP, CRS Licensed in RI and MA Owned And Operated By NRT LLC.
831 Bald Hill Road | Warwick, RI 02886 www.NewEnglandMoves.com
Reba Golden REALTOR®
Cell: 401.263.8749 Office: 401.785.1700 Fax: 401.785.3850 rebagolden@gmail.com www.rebatherealtor.info
Larry B. Parness Nikki M. Parness, CFP®
Coins
WE BUY COINS & JEWELRY WE BUY & SELL RARE COINS, GOLD JEWELRY & BULLION NOW AVAILABLE
• GOLD COINS • RARE COINS • CURRENCY • STAMPS • GOLD JEWELRY & WATCHES • ANTIQUES, STERLING SILVER • COINS & BARS • US AND FOREIGN • PCGS-NGC authorized
BEST PRICES
PODRAT COIN EXCHANGE, INC. 769 Hope St., Providence SAME LOCATION SINCE 1969 • LC 8041
Eagle Silver Dollars, Gold Coin, & Estate Jewelry and Silver, Proof Sets, Coin & Stamp Albums
Serving banks, attorneys, estates and the public for over 40 years.
401-861-7640
Home Improvement
Flooring
1170 Pontiac Avenue Cranston, RI 02920 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
Who does the Florida Gulf Coast Jewish community rely on for the most trusted service in real estate?
V
Deep
Carol Bienenfeld Mitchell REALTOR® Contact me if you are thinking of buying a winter get away or making the move to sunny Florida. I feature luxury, second and vacation homes from the Gulf Coast to the Golf Course. Sarasota, Bradenton & Venice are my specialty areas, but I can help you purchase your own piece of paradise anywhere in Florida.
Call or Email me in Sarasota for free information with no obligation! Owned and operated by NRT LLC.
941.877.1275 | carol.mitchell@floridamoves.com
Tricia Stearly: 401-421-4111, ext. 160 | tstearly@jewishallianceri.org Karen Borger: 401-529-2538 | ksborger@gmail.com
RUGGIERI Buddy Trinkle
Design and Flooring Expert btrinkle@ruggieriflooring.com 401.864.4460
1191 Pontiac Avenue Cranston, RI 02920 401.942.1700 x101 Fax 401.463.5945
ADVERTISE in The Jewish Voice. You’ll be glad you did.
BUSINESS
thejewishvoice.org
Gemilath Chesed – Hebrew Free Loan Association of Providence BY GERALD SHERMAN After many years on Burlington Street in Providence, the Hebrew Free Loan Association of Providence has moved to a new location at 467-469 Roosevelt Ave., Central Falls. Their phone number is 401-305-5258. Founded in 1903, Hebrew Free Loan’s mission from the beginning has been to grant interest-free loans to all responsible members in good standing. Its helping hand has provided many the means to overcome fi nancial difficulties. Loans have been used for education, personal needs, auto and home repairs, camp fees and Temple dues, to name a few. These loans have a two-year payback period and require co-signers. Bess Lindenbaum, in her written memoir, tells the story of how the Hebrew Free Loan Association helped her father upon his arrival in Rhode Island early
in the 20th century. He wanted to fulfill his dream and go into business for himself. Bess Lindenbaum has maintained her loyalty to the Hebrew Free Loan. The following excerpt was used with her permission: “…. He decided that being a peddler might be a more lucrative and healthier option than working in a flour mill. He went to the Hebrew Free Loan to apply for a loan in order to buy merchandise which he could sell…. He received the loan. “…. Most immigrants like my father had great ambition and were highly skilled workers, but they lacked the one thing they needed the most – capital. Bankers would not make loans to immigrants who had no collateral. For immigrants like my father at
September 18, 2015 |
25
The Voice Classifieds
the low end of the economic ladder, free loan societies were their only source of capital.” Lindenbaum became an extremely successful and prominent businessman in Rhode Island. This story illustrates what Hebrew Free Loan was, is and will continue to be. Times have changed; however, people’s needs have not. Current members are reminded that it is time to renew your commitment to the organization by sending membership dues today. Nonmembers are invited to join the association in its quest. Yearly dues are a modest $10; lifetime membership is $180. Please contact Hebrew Free Loan by phone or mail for more information. Remember Gemilath Chesed … A Helping Hand. GERALD SHERMAN is a board member and the treasurer of Hebrew Free Loan of Providence.
CEMETERY PLOTS Two plots at Sinai Memorial Park valued at $1200 each. Best price. Send name and phone number to jgsjb34@cox.net
CONDO WANTED To rent in Boca Del Ray area month of February 2016. 401-944-3489.
TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD: Contact Tricia Stearly, tstearly@jewishallianceri.org
401-421-4111, ext. 160.
Business and Professional Directory Insurance Are you approaching age 65? Need help choosing a Medicare health plan? - CONTACT -
Jeffrey G. Brier, CLU, ChFC, CASL Brier & Brier 245 Waterman Street, #505 Providence, RI 02906 401-751-2990, jbrier@brier-brier.com
Paving Bob Knych
Discover “The Starkweather Difference”
Call for information on fees, and scheduling. 401-751-9656.
WE ARE THE BIGGEST IN RI BECAUSE WE ARE THE BEST
You’ll be glad you did.
650 Oaklawn Avenue, Unit G | Cranston, RI 02920
· Certified watch service center in business for 34 years · Specializes in restoration and repair of modern and antique timepieces 3 GENERATIONS SERVICING THE USA SINCE 1940
Factory Authorized Service Center for: Glycine, Luminox, Victorinox Swiss Army, Mondaine, Torgoen, Swarovski and more... OVER 1 MILLION WATCHES REPAIRED FREE ESTIMATES WHILE YOU WAIT
ADVERTISE in The Jewish Voice.
Free Estimates Fully Insured Lic# 20547
Watch Repair & Sales
by Retired Professor of Engineering Does your high school or university son or daughter need help with Physics, Chemistry (inorganic), Calculus, Mathematics, Engineering, or Study Skills? One on one tutoring may be the solution. Daytime, evening, and weekend sessions are available.
Gem Paving and Seal Coating Bus. (401) 725-6705 (401) 475-1010 Pawtucket, RI 02860
Tutoring Tutoring at Richmond Square
...an Assurex Global Partner
1024 Reservoir Ave Cranston, RI, 02910 401-946-0930
117 Swinburne Row Brick Market Place Newport, RI, 02840 401-841-0011
www.saltzmans-watches.com
· Services high-end brands including: Tag Heuer, Cartier, Rolex, Brietling, Movado, Ebel, and Raymond Weil
401.946.5158 | www.delmanwatch.com
Better Than a Billboard
FOR LESS THAN $29 PER ISSUE, YOUR BUSINESS CARD CAN BE HERE! PREPAID AT $675 FOR 24 ISSUES/ONE YEAR.
Tricia Stearly: 401-421-4111, ext. 160 tstearly@jewishallianceri.org Karen Borger: 401-529-2538 ksborger@gmail.com
26 | September 18, 2015
SENIORS
The Jewish Voice
In old trinkets, faded photos and my thoughts, I see my father richly radio set that likewise dates my dad’s early life to the gadgets of SKETCHBOOK his era, the early and promising 20th century into which he was MIKE FINK born. He even collected early American coins, notably Indian-head pennies and nickels, and stone arrowheads. Yes, I know the basic facts of My father was born in London the life of Moe (nee Moses) Fink – in Whitechapel, the Jewish (nee Finkelstein) and the dates quarter. He was a first-born – of the chapters of his life. He a son! – so I have a fine framed was not a chatty person, so his oval portrait of him, dressed stories are like blurred snaprather royally as a toddler, shots for me. standing proudly and with We drove by the blocks in New poise for the camera. York City where he lived as a His family was on the move, foster nephew. We once stopped en route to Canada ... where in Montreal to glimpse his his mother died, shortly after mother’s tombstone. giving birth to his younger In our living room, with its brother. Moe was sent to New beige wallpaper ridged rather York City to be raised by an like corduroy, there was a phoaunt, in Harlem, at that time a tograph of his mother plus a Jewish neighborhood. I have framed editorial letter he had a sepia photograph of him written, during World War I, dressed in a cowboy outfit and advising ways to use thrift as sitting, unsmiling, on a tricycle. a contribution to The War to He attended public schools, End All Wars. The essay was served as editor of the Spanish published, and actually somescholarly magazine, and earned how read to Congress. This a diploma and a pennant la- item confers a yellowed honor beled “Commerce,” which is upon his boyhood. Moe was pinned to the walls of my of- too young to serve in the Great fice. I also store in the bookcase War, and too old to join the miliin my parlor an anthology of tary ranks in World War II. American verse, a slim volume A few times, sitting before with a rather elegant leather the fire in our front room, I met cover. The book, a graduation one of the friends from his earpresent from the school librar- lier life, his brief bachelorhood ian, is signed, “Jessie Wing.” beyond the border of ProviI valued my father’s ancient dence. One chum brought us a camera, with its crystal jewel dagger from visits to the Holy of a lens and its leather-bound Land. I thought the rust on case, and used it during my the blade was a bloodstain! It youthful travels. I cherish the was a thing of fascination and
Moe and Betty C. Fink at their wedding reception in 1926. style. There was another, closer companion, whose high-school image lingers as one of two buddies arm in arm, encased in a fancy folder to guard it. So you see that I, a third son,
have been faithful to my father in terms of keeping the flame of memory flickering through the decades – at least via such objects and two-dimensional documents. I enjoy this display of mute testimony to his progress. There are other ways to commemorate, or contemplate, the life of a parent. My father and I were not close throughout my boyhood – at least not by today’s standards. His times were pressured times: he opened a store and ran it without any helpful employees. He sold furniture, delivered the merchandise and collected the payments. He had to learn the various skills of an American homeowner: how to mow and shovel, patch and repair, keep up with the mortgage payments and save enough to feel secure about future family expenses. Moe did not live for pleasures private or sociable beyond the nuclear family, and his personal habits were quite frugal. He loved Camel cigarettes, unfiltered and certainly never mentholated. He enjoyed a shot of whiskey once it was legal to purchase alcohol in a proper bottle. He got great satisfaction from a well-filled saltshaker, which he hoarded at table, close to his plate so he could sprinkle a pile of NaCl over everything, rather like ketchup. After my mother went to work to keep the store open while he did errands – she did not have a driver’s license – he would stop by the house to prepare lunch for us between our morning and afternoon grammar-school classes. He would be furious if I did not eat what he put on the table. My brother claims he re-
calls that Dad threw me against the refrigerator when I complained that a boiled egg was too soft. I have no memory of that temper tantrum. I remember no physical punishment at all, only cross looks. There was a set of cat-o’-nine-tails in a bin in the basement, threatening whips that he never used but which still terrified, or at least briefly worried, me. He purchased three sets of boxing gloves to teach the manly arts to his trio of bookish boys: A miniature Providence version of the New York model of how to succeed in the 20th century in the U.S.A. I liked my dad nevertheless and invented or projected my own ideals upon him and the symbolic suggestions of the things and words that stood as objective correlatives for his character. His contempt for decaffeinated and iced coffee pleased me, like his scorn for social climbing in any form. His thrift struck me as a kind of modesty, even humility: a noble and self-effacing stance in a world of self-indulgences. His jokes amused and refreshed me. What distanced me from Moe was that he welcomed the friends of my older siblings, but not my schoolmates. He found them distasteful. Did that mean he found me distasteful as well? Did I resemble him too much for comfort? He was not poetic, but he did relish good writing and clear words. His Yiddish was excellent, articulate. He would not allow me to help with the lifting of the heavy tables and chairs he sold, and went so far as to have me fired from my first paid job, for fear it would keep me from my books! He discouraged my travels and also my preference for a fine college away from my hometown. Was that because of the higher cost or because he wanted to keep an eye on my wandering ways, both in the realm of ideas and also of associations? And yet, if I gave a talk anywhere, he would show up, in the back row of the auditorium. I keep a nice pale beige attaché case he gave me for a birthday, and recall with wonder a case of French wine! There were major battles before us, however. I had a friend who was married and had a newborn baby. The young couple and their infant came to visit, expecting to stay overnight. My father would not allow them in the house, and I had to ask a neighbor to take them in. I stopped speaking to my father after that and moved into a small apartment. I made a down payment on a houseboat. My mother made a strange phone call to me. “I feel like a woman who has been asked for a divorce,” she said. “You must come back.” A few seasons later, my mother was stricken with a fatal illness. Before she passed away, FINK | 27
SENIORS | COMMUNITY
thejewishvoice.org
September 18, 2015 |
27
Obstacles can become opportunities
A fine framed oval portrait of my father, dressed rather royally as a toddler, standing proudly and with poise for the camera.
In our living room, with its beige wallpaper ridged rather like corduroy, there was a photograph of his mother …
pick up glass or shells to enjoy the graceful shapes they take on under the sculpting effect of the endless waves of the tides. Maybe there is an element FROM PAGE 26 of romantic exaggeration, but I now see his virtues richly. The matter-of-fact tone of his life, the simplicity of his moods, the she wrote a love letter to my laughter and the tears, the refather, thanking him for his grets and the low-key tastes, the care. She also instructed me on anger and the subdued sighs of how to care for him, to cook and pain, they were admirably honclean and run the household. I est declarations of who he was immediately forgave my father, and who he is within me. resolved our differences and A parent never passes from stayed with him until I married. present to past for a child – we I arranged the wedding in are never done with each other. the house we had shared. He I believe there is no such thing cleaned and polished every inch as a completely successful famof our house, and his smiles of ily. But we create our mothers welcome are the highlights of and fathers, just as they design our photo album. And I was able us. And the flotsam and jetsam to invite him to a weekly dinner of their trinkets bring them in my new world. He held my back with the charm and poifi rst child in his arms. gnancy of beach moonstones. Since his death, I have explored his lifetime within my MIKE FINK (mfi nk33@aol. thoughts, perhaps especially com) teaches at the Rhode Iswhen I stroll the shoreline and land School of Design.
This is one of my favorite stories told to me by my late father and included in my book “Pathfi nding.” I don’t know its origin, but my father PATRICIA told me there was a similar RASKIN story told by a rabbi with different names. This story speaks to turning obstacles into opportunities and how without the obstacle, the opportunity may never present itself. One day the owner of a building tells his caretaker that he must go out of town for a day but that he expects a most important letter. He informs the caretaker that he must make sure he gets the registered letter himself because it is a very important letter. The owner leaves
the next morning. That afternoon the letter is delivered, but requires a signature. The caretaker tells the postman that he doesn’t know how to write. The postman explains that he must obtain an actual signature, no marks or Xs. Since the caretaker can’t write, the postman refuses to leave the letter. When the owner returns and learns what happened, he becomes furious and fi res the caretaker on the spot. The caretaker fi nds himself without a job and without an income. To support his meager existence, he starts peddling whatever goods and services he can to survive. His business begins to grow and improves to the point that he is able to open a little store. By the time his sons are old enough to help him, he has become well established. The sons inherit the business and when the caretaker retires,
they decide to build a larger store. They ask their father, the former caretaker, to help them borrow the money to fi nance their ambitious undertaking. The father asks the banker for the loan and the banker says, “No problem. You can have whatever you need. Just sign on the dotted line.” The father looks at the banker and replies, “I can’t sign. I never learned how to write.” In astonishment, the banker asks, “How is it possible that a man who can’t write could be as successful as you are?” “Ah,” says the father, “If I could write, I’d still be a caretaker.” PATRICIA RASKIN is an award-winner radio producer and talk-show host. The Patricia Raskin Show airs on WPRO. She is a board member of Temple Emanu-El. She can be reached at patriciaraskin.com.
FINK
Cranston Seniors to meet The Cranston Senior Guild will meet Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. at Tamarisk Assisted Living, 3 Shalom Drive, Warwick. The versatile Vini Ames will entertain the group with songs and instrumental music. Following the entertainment, there will be
a meeting, raffle and refreshments. All men and women age 55 years plus are welcome to join the group. Cranston residency is not required. Come meet other seniors and enjoy this organization that was founded in the 1970s.
Rheumatology and orthopedic specialists needed at the RI Free Clinic One doesn’t have to travel to another country to help PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Free Clinic, a primary care medical home for Rhode Islanders who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford health insurance, is in need of volunteer physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners who are specialists in rheumatology and orthopedics. Hours could be during the day or evening, depending on the volunteers’ availability. Morning shift hours are 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday, afternoon hours are 1-4 p.m.
Monday-Thursday, and evening hours are 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays plus the second Wednesday and fourth Monday of each month. “Spending time at the Clinic reminds me of why I became a doctor,” says Dr. Caroline Troise, an internal medicine specialist with Anchor Medical Associates, who is also RI Free Clinic’s Volunteer Medical Director. “One doesn’t have to travel to another country to care for the needy. Your help is needed, and gratefully re-
ceived, right here.” Physicians, PAs and NPs – active or retired – who would like to volunteer must be credentialed and able to practice medicine in the United States. For those physicians who are retired, malpractice insurance through HRSA is available at no cost. Most practitioners volunteer on a weekly or monthly basis. Founded in 1999, the RI Free Clinic is located at 655 Broad Street in Providence. For more information call Tomas Morales at 401-274-6347, ext. 327.
Looking for ways to support your loved ones? We work closely with Spouses, Families & Seniors
to help them plan life’s transitions.
401.921.6100
SeniorCareConceptsInc.com
28 | September 18, 2015 Bob Bomes SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – “I Died.” Bob Bomes, of San Diego, formerly of Rhode Island, died on Aug. 17 of ALS. He donated his brain and his spine to the University of California-ALS Research. Contributions may be sent to UCSD Gift Processing, UCSD Foundation ALS Research (in Memory of Bob Bomes), 9500 Gilman Drive #0940, La Jolla, Calif. 920930940, or Mission Hospice (In Memory of Bob Bomes), 2365 Northside Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, Calif. 92198.
Ruth L. Jacobson, 90 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Ruth L. Jacobson died Sept. 10 at Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center, Providence. She was the beloved wife of the late Harold Jacobson. Born in Boston, Mass., a daughter of the late Harry and Gertrude (Tesler) Lipsky, she had lived in Providence for more than 60 years, previously living in Fall River, Mass. She was a salesperson for Tilden-Thurber Jewelers until retirement. Devoted mother of Susan Shapiro and her husband, James Caroll, of Warwick, and the late Lonnie Jacobson and his surviving wife, Dianne, of Brooklyn, N.Y. Dear sister of the late Joseph Linden. Loving grandmother of Gregory, Micah and Yossie. Cherished great-grandmother of Benjamin, Paige, Taylor and Lola. Contributions in her memory may be made to Jewish Family Service, 959 North Main St., Providence, R.I. 02904 or St. Elizabeth Court, 109 Melrose St., Providence, R.I. 02907.
Lois Elaine Lewis, 76 NEWPORT, R.I. – Lois Elaine Lewis died peacefully on Sept.
OBITUARIES 8 after a life filled with family, friends and love. She was born on April 5, 1937, in Providence, to Mary Beatrice (Lubin) and Leo Andelman. She was an incredibly bright student and graduated at the age of 16 from Hope High School in 1954. She attended Boston University before she met the love of her life on the beach in Narragansett. William Lewis swept her off her feet, and they married in 1955. The two then moved to Cranston to start their life together. They had three children: Debra, Michael and Steven. She worked as a receptionist at the Cranston Tennis Club and was an avid player. She was also a successful part-time fashion consultant for more than 15 years at Mel and Me in Garden City and always dressed to the height of style. She lived in Cranston for 30 years before she and her husband designed and built their dream home in Warwick. They also spent summers at their beautiful summer home, Bonniecrest, in Newport. When Lois and Bill retired, they spent their winters at their home in Naples, Fla., but always returned to Newport each summer to spend time with family. They were partners in everything they did for their 60 years of marriage: traveling the world, going to the ballet and theater, golfing and more. She always loved animals, including her Bichon Frisés, Sassy and Lily. She was a voracious reader and kept up with every new movie and TV show. She enjoyed baking, cooking, and entertaining friends and family. She was also very active in her community, serving on various committees and boards, as well as fundraising for charitable organizations.
The Jewish Voice
When she was diagnosed with cancer, doctors told her she only had a few years to live, but she proved them wrong for more than 13 years. She was always beautifully dressed with a smile on her face, even through the toughest times. Her poise, strength and grace are an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She is survived by her husband William Lewis, her sister Marcia (Andelman) Halpern and her husband Robert of Naples, Fla., and Newport, her children Debra Lewis Hogan and her husband Lawrence of Boxford, Mass., Michael Lewis and his wife Brenda of East Greenwich, and Steven Lewis and his wife Kathryn of East Greenwich, as well as her five grandchildren, Cara, Elana, John, Rachel and Cory. Contributions in her memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, Mass. 02215, Care Dimensions (Hospice), 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, Mass. 01923 or your favorite charity.
Donald Salmanson, 91
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Donald Salmanson, president of the Adams Drug Co. from 1975 to 1984 and a major contributor to philanthropic causes, died Sept. 7. At the time of his death, he was an independent investor and director of Salmanson Properties, Inc. He was a member of the Board of Advisors at R.I. Hospital Trust Bank. He was a trustee of Miriam Hospital, the Jewish Federation of R.I. and the Jewish Home for the Aged, as well as many other charitable organizations, including local hospitals and educational institutions. Floors at the Brown University Medical Building and the Miriam Hospital, a caf-
eteria at Bryant College and a building at the Jewish Home for the Aged were dedicated in honor of his family. Throughout much of his adult life, he was associated with Adams Drug Co., one of the most successful drug store chains in America. The company started as a drugstore in Woonsocket in 1932 and was founded by his father Barnett and his brothers Leonard, Samuel and Charles. Upon graduation from college, he joined the family business in 1946. Adams, which was headquartered in Pawtucket, expanded rapidly after World War II. Stock in the company was eventually offered on the New York Stock Exchange in 1972. When the 435-store Adams Drug Co. was sold in 1984 to Pantry Pride, a supermarket chain based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the company had 4,500 employees and stores in 10 states including 33 in Rhode Island. The company also operated drugstores under the Brooks Drug name. From 1975 to the time of the acquisition, he was president of Adams and, following the sale, remained with the company as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition. He also was actively involved in family real estate investment businesses. He was the son of the late Barnett and Elizabeth (Salk) Salmanson. His brothers Leonard, Samuel and Charles, and his sister, Martha Corin, predeceased him. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. Lisle Whiteley was his companion for many years. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
June M. Stein, 90
WARWICK, R.I. – June M. Stein, of Warwick, passed
away on the morning of Sept. 15 with her loving family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Harold Stein, married for close to 68 years. Born in Providence, June 12, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Helena (Saltzman) Shore. A graduate of Pawtucket West High School and Bryant College, she met her future husband, a dashing First Lieutenant in the Army Air Force who was on leave, in July, 1945. Immediate attraction and the war being the war, they were married within two weeks. After hostilities, they ran a spa in Providence before settling in Warwick. She always had a proper, refined demeanor with excellent taste. Harold worked in life insurance while she raised their three sons Paul, Robert and the late David. Music filled their home. The couple were founding members of Temple Sinai in Cranston, and she sang in the choir for 13 years. She later worked as a bookkeeper and office manager, primarily in the jewelry business, to help put all three sons through college. She traveled extensively overseas and toured North America with Harold in their Winnebago. She was a shrewd investor, very strong willed and highly opinionated, never failing to make an impression. She enjoyed her three dogs, gin, daily Sudoku, slots and reading, and was an incredible knitter and a gifted bridge player. She was also a life member of Hadassah. As the Stein family matriarch, besides her two loving sons, she leaves two adoring daughters-in-law, Kathy and Denise, and four devoted grandchildren, Michael, David, Zachary and Cameron.
ISRAEL
thejewishvoice.org
September 18, 2015 |
29
A sweet new year for Israel’s bees BY MARA FRIEDMAN JNS.org Bees have suddenly become the buzzword of doom, as their population internationally has plummeted and the effects on commercial agriculture has become a serious concern. In just one year, American beekeepers lost an estimated 42 percent of their colonies, a staggering amount in an agricultural system already struggling to meet demand. With bee activities having an impact on the American economy of roughly $15 billion annually, scientists and politicians alike have started to take notice. Together with the drought in California threatening almond orchards (local bees’ main source of food), the increasing trend toward using cloned plants that provide very little nutrition to bees, and the continued use of strong pesticides, the U.S. and the rest of the Western world seem to be standing on the precipice of a full-blown bee crisis, which could lead to low-quality produce and food shortages. Israel, on the other hand, anticipated these consequences years ago. “We understand the danger, we understand all the implications, that this affects the quality of food,” says Yuval Lin,
KR A Z
the Western world frets about a looming agricultural crisis as a consequence of their loss of bees over the last few years. While other countries’ bees suffer from a lack of horticultural diversity, which shortens the amount of time that food is available to them, Israel’s wide variety of eucalyptus species – which flower in different seasons – offers bees a continuous and rich source of food yearround. Israel is a small country, so when it comes to protecting agricultural endeavors, the story is one of collaboration, not competition. With roughly 500 beekeepers caring for about 100,000 beehives, the Israeli beekeeping community is small and dedicated to supporting each other. In Kfar Bilu alone, there are three beekeepers, and they have worked together to encourage residents to plant nectar-producing species, especially eucalyptus, around their homes and the open areas, improving the neighborhood’s aesthetics and the bees’ ability to fi nd food year-round. The Israeli program of strategically introducing nectar-producing plants is garnering international attention. JNF has produced a free guidebook for Israeli beekeepers and farmers on nectarous plants, with pic-
Y !
G
ET
owner of Lin’s Bee Farm in Kfar Bilu in central Israel. Fifteen years ago, Israel was quickly urbanizing at the expense of the diverse trees and plants that provided their bees with food and helped them produce high-quality honey. Lin and other beekeepers recognized that a process was beginning that could cause significant damage to their bee colonies. In the hopes of minimizing potential damage, they approached Jewish National Fund (JNF) to ask for help with acquiring nectar-producing plants that could sustain bee populations around the country year-round. Sitting in front of a window that is stacked with hives and swarming with bees, Lin recalls, “I started beekeeping as a hobby when I was 16; now it’s a family farm.” Today, on the cusp of Rosh Hashanah, a holiday in which honey is a traditional staple that represents hope for a sweet new year, he is not worried about being able to meet peak demands. By introducing hearty nectar-producing plants and trees across Israel, especially eucalyptus trees imported from Australia, JNF and the beekeepers it works with have been able to keep Israel’s bee population in good health, even as the rest of
Yuval Lin, owner of Lin’s Bee Farm in central Israel. BEES | 30
Parent Tot Program Stroke Development
Coming to the Dwares JCC October 2015!
Group Lessons Private Lessons
Save the date: Sunday, October 25, 2015
Meet four-time Olympic Gold Medalist Lenny Krayzelburg!
For more information contact London Blake at 401.421.4111 ext. 153 or lblake@jewishallianceri.org.
Dwares Rhode Island
30 | September 18, 2015
ISRAEL
The Jewish Voice FROM PAGE 29
How to submit articles to
The Jewish Voice
The Jewish Voice is your community newspaper, your link to the Jewish community and everything Jewish happening around you. We welcome your valuable input and love to hear your VOICE added to ours. Our staff is small and cannot cover everything happening in the community. So, we ask that you send us information that you would like to share with readers of The Jewish Voice. Photos are always welcome.
BEES tures and short descriptions of the hundreds of species. Due to requests from farmers around the world, this guidebook will soon be translated into English. JNF even recently received a phone call from a farmer in India requesting seven species to try out himself. Nudging the Israeli government to see eucalyptus trees as a solution and not as a nuisance or invasive species has required considerable effort and education. The first and most common species that was introduced to Israel, even before the founding of the state in 1948, propagated too fast and encroached on wetlands. Its large size also meant that it damaged passing trains and often fell onto train tracks, thereby forcing the national railway to spend a significant amount of time and money trying to keep the trees under control. But efforts have paid off, and today when the national railway builds a new line, or when the highway infrastructure is expanded, JNF is consulted about planting smaller varieties of eucalyptus species along
the route to beautify the view for commuters and counteract some of the de-forestation that takes place to allow such developments. Fifteen years ago, beekeepers globally struggled to get anybody to care about the impending crisis. Suddenly, in the last couple of years, colony depletion has been splashed across the headlines, and the world has started to worry that the future of humanity could be in jeopardy. In Israel, the positive impact of long-term vision and creative ecological solutions has been felt for years. “Ten years ago I spoke with a beekeeper and he told me, ‘You revolutionized things for us,’” says Aviv Eisenband, director of JNF’s Forestry and Professional Department. Today, an average of 200,000 eucalyptus trees, in addition to other nectar-producing plants, is planted each year, according to Eisenband. “We do it so that farmers like Yuval will be able to support themselves,” he says. “With this program, JNF will grow and enrich the environment and increase the amount of open land.” Sweet news indeed for Israelis and their local bees.
Content you may want to contribute:
• Your OPINION about world, national, Israeli or community news • Letters to the editor • Arts • Business – news, awards, honors • Schools, education news • Local sports featuring Jewish athletes • Schmooze & News — things from synagogues and Jewish organizations • News on the Jewish Scene • Simchas – weddings, engagements, births, bar|bat mitzvah • Obituaries, for relatives, friends out of state with a connection to Jewish Rhode Island or southeastern Mass. • We are Read – share your travel adventures with us • Bucket List completions — have you done something on your “bucket list” we would all love to hear about it
Where and how to send it:
Fran Ostendorf
Send information and photos to: Fran Ostendorf: editor@jewishallianceri.org or Mail to: The Jewish Voice ATTN: Jewish Community News 401 Elmgrove Ave. Providence, RI 02906
For advertising information: Karen Borger, ksborger@gmail.com | 401-529-2538 or Tricia Stearly, tstearly@jewishallianceri.org | 401-421-4111, Ext. 160. The Jewish Voice reserves the right to edit and/or not publish any article that may be considered offensive or against publishing policy. Please send photos in JPEG format at high resolution (300 DPI). For questions contact: Fran Ostendorf, editor, fostendorf@ jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 168.
A eucalyptus plant in Kfar Bilu, Israel.
Sandstorm is Israel’s worst since before ’48 JTA — Israel’s ongoing sandstorm is the worst since before the founding of the state in 1948, according to the Israeli Environmental Protection Ministry. The sandstorm blanketing the region, which began Sept. 8 and was expected to continue through Sept. 13, has released the highest concentration of dust particles in more than 65 years, the Times of Israel reported Sept. 11. The sandstorm has affected large swaths of Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and Cyprus, and in Israel has led to record electricity consumption and air pollution highs. The previous electricity consumption record was set in August during a heatwave.
Scientists are uncertain what caused the storm, with some saying it is related to agricultural disruptions caused by the Syrian civil war and others suggesting it stems from global warming, i24news reported. On Sept. 8, air pollution in Jerusalem was 173 times higher than average; in the Negev, 51 times higher than average; and in the Galilee, 32 times higher than average, according to the Times of Israel. The Environmental Ministry has warned Israelis not to stay outside for extended periods. The storm has caused several respiratory-related deaths and hospitalized more than 2,500 in Lebanon, according to the Washington Post.
thejewishvoice.org SIMCHAS
A LITTLE HISTORY – Before embarking on an American Cruise Line tour down the coast of Maine to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 29, Ann and Edward Grossman of Narragansett paid a visit to the Maine Jewish Museum at Ety Chaim Synagogue in Portland. Saved from near ruin and still a working synagogue, it was given new life as the Jewish Museum in 2009. The synagogue was established in 1921 by a group of worshippers who broke away from a nearby synagogue wanting to hear sermons in English rather than the customary Yiddish. This was considered radical by some.
| WE ARE READ
September 18, 2015 |
31
GERMANY – Fran (Feldman) Walsh and Jack Walsh visited Dachau, Germany in August.
Your life is rooted in Jewish experiences
your legacy can be too.
When you leave a bequest or planned gift, you ensure that the traditions and institutions that mean so much to you today will be there for future generations tomorrow.You leave your children, grandchildren, and the community a precious inheritance and a lasting testimony to your love and values.
Honor Build
your Jewish past. your future.
Create
your legacy.
For more information on ways to create your Jewish legacy, contact Trine Lustig, Vice President of Philanthropy, at 401.421.4111 ext. 223 or tlustig@jewishallianceri.org.
32 | September 18, 2015
The Jewish Voice
Everyone has the power to make a difference.
50%
Half of all households in communities served by the Alliance face economic difficulties.
e v a h You THE POWER TO MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
Young, jobless parents who need help putting food on the table. Grandparents who deserve to live out their lives with dignity. People with disabilities who face barriers to living full lives. When an individual or family needs help, they can turn to the Alliance or one of our partner agencies. Through food banks, cash grants, job training, legal services and crisis intervention, we give a hand to anyone who needs it—including many who never imagined they’d need help, until they faced unemployment, illness, or aging. When you connect with the Jewish Alliance, you put the Jewish values of tzedakah, compassion, and responsibility into action. Contribute to the Annual Campaign and you’re helping to care for our entire Jewish community—at home, in Israel, and around the world. To learn more or to donate today, visit us at jewishallianceri.org or call 401.421.4111. Be part of our vibrant and thriving Jewish community by donating to the 2016 Annual Campaign.
2016 Annual Campaign