November 7, 2014

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

14 Heshvan 5775 | November 7, 2014

Thanksgiving and Veterans

Rabbi Barry Dolinger, Erin Moseley, Rabbi Elan Babchuck and Rabbi Sarah Mack.

‘Fedovation’ highlights innovation (401)j on the program

BY FRAN OSTENDORF fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org (401)j is going to the General Assembly.

Jewish Rhode Island’s flagship NextGen program is one of a number of nationwide initiatives chosen to be showcased at the Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly Nov. 9-11, in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside

Washington, D.C. The General Assembly is the most significant gathering of thousands of Jewish communal and Federation leaders and volunteers from the U.S. and around the world. Speakers this year include Vice President Joe Biden.

The (401)j team – Erin Moseley of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, Rabbi (401)j | 24

There’s more to the Thanksgiving weekend than shopping Ten activities to do instead

BY IRINA MISSIURO imissiuro@jewishallianceri.org

When you gather around the holiday table, sitting next to your loved ones, you will be celebrating all the blessings you have experienced throughout the year. Have you thought about the particular fortunes you will be feeling grateful for? Maybe you will

offer thanks for the good health you’ve had, for the accomplishments you’ve achieved, for the friendships you’ve formed.

Consider asking the guests to go around the table and take turns sharing one happy memory from the past year. Everyone might enjoy hearing about THANKSGIVING | 16

PHOTO | MARTY COOPER

Rev. Dr. Don Anderson, Rabbi James Rosenberg and Sandy Rosenberg.

RABBI ROSENBERG HONORED BY R.I. STATE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

BY FRAN OSTENDORF fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org CRANSTON – Rabbi James Rosenberg was honored with the Hebert W. Bolles Life Achievement Award, given by the R.I. State Council of Churches at the fi fth annual Heroes of Faith breakfast Oct. 30.

Rosenberg, a columnist for The Voice and rabbi emeritus of Temple Habonim in Barrington, received the award for his deep involvement in state and local interfaith activities.

He received the award along with five other Heroes of Faith and 18 Partners in Faith at a breakfast at Rhodes on the Paw-

tuxet in Cranston. About 300 leaders of religious and volunteer groups were present at the event.

In his remarks, Rosenberg said that he’d reflected on what it means to receive such an honor and, “I have come to the conclusion that the R.I. State Council of Churches has most graciously acknowledged the fact that, as of now, I am an old man.”

“Let’s face it,” he said. “Young men and women, though far more accomplished than I will ever be, cannot be recognized for life achievement by virtue of the fact that they have not yet lived long enough.”

Rosenberg went on to discuss

what he considers to be his full life, having just celebrated his 70th birthday. He and his wife Sandy have been married for 47 years; they have two children and five grandchildren.

He discussed his maturing understanding of interfaith matters with his characteristic good humor. “As rabbi of Temple Habonim in Barrington for 33 years, I made interfaith work a top priority on both a local and statewide level,” he told the crowd. He said he would like to think that he has been learning and growing in his understanding of interfaith matters from the beginning.

Those gathered at the early HONORED | 19

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2 | November 7, 2014

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INSIDE

Dancing in Jaffa – dancing at Emanu-El: A four-star season opener

The Jewish Voice

Business 22-23 Calendar 8 Classified 23 Community 2-6, 9, 13, 18-19, 24-25, 28, 30 D’var Torah 7 Food 14-15 Obituaries 27 Opinion 10-12 Seniors 26 Simcha 29 Thanksgiving 16-17 Veterans 20-21 We Are Read 30 World 7, 21

THIS ISSUE’S QUOTABLE QUOTE “Variety is the spice of life, but the spices by themselves are not sufficient.”

BY LINDA SHAMOON A four-star documentary film, a dessert buffet and dancing are all the exciting features of Arts Emanu-El’s season opener. The community is invited to celebrate this first event in Arts Emanu-El’s 2014-15 series of six arts and cultural events offered at Temple Emanu-El, Providence; each is open to the public. On Nov. 15 at 7 p.m., the series begins with the irresistible “Dancing in Jaffa” plus other delicious treats.

Arts Emanu-El’s mission is to bring quality Jewish arts and cultural events to Temple Emanu-El and to the community.

“Dancing in Jaffa” was chosen as an excellent vehicle to start the season of film, concerts, and talks. The film takes place in Jaffa, bringing its beach, streets, sounds, neighborhoods and diverse communities to Providence. The film focuses on a remarkable international program of ballroom dancing involving children in difficult cultural settings.

In “Dancing in Jaffa,” Pierre Dulaine, an internationally renowned ballroom dancer, fulfills a lifelong dream when he takes his program, Dancing Classrooms, back to his city of birth, Jaffa. Over a 10week period, Dulaine teaches 10-year-old Palestinian-Israeli and Jewish-Israeli children to

Event Co-Chairs Mayer & Judy Levitt and Edward & Susan Odessa invite you to

a ‘scandalous’ campaign finale

Scenes from the film “Dancing in Jaffa.” dance together and to compete peacefully together.

“Dancing in Jaffa” explores the complex stories of three children who are forced to confront issues of identity, segregation and racial prejudice as they dance with their enemies.

The classroom becomes a microcosm of the Middle East’s struggle to work together harmoniously while still caught

DANCING | 4

“You’ll be blown away by how passionately Josh speaks about his commitment to leading a Jewish life!”

Sunday, December 7, 2014 Temple Emanu-El 99 Taft Avenue, Providence 7:00pm Community-Wide Event featuring Joshua Malina star of “Scandal” and “The West Wing” followed by a dessert reception $18 couvert per person plus a donation of any amount to the 2015 Annual Campaign

5:00 - 6:45pm

an evening with

joshua malina

star of television’s “Scandal” & “The West Wing”

Pacesetter Reception Co-Chaired by Ralph Posner & Ron Markoff with a special guest appearance by Joshua Malina The Pacesetter level of giving begins at $10,000

5:45 - 6:45pm Young Professional Networking Reception Co-Chaired by Steven & Emily Shalansky with a special guest appearance by Joshua Malina For more information and to RSVP, contact Michele Gallagher at 401.421.4111ext. 165 or mgallagher@jewishallianceri.org. Kindly RSVP by November 19, 2014.

2015 Annual Campaign Community-Wide Event

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ALL TOGETHER NOW ‌ Approximately 150 women, men and children participated in the Great Rhode Island Challah Bake Oct. 23 at the Dwares JCC in Providence. Held worldwide on the same day, the event was part of the Shabbos Project, which took place Oct. 24-25. At the Challah Bake, Charline Rubenstein from New York led the participants

through the preparation of the dough and loaves. Her commentary included lessons on the spirituality behind baking challah. At the end of the evening, everyone took home two braided loaves to bake.

Below are scenes from the evening. Photos by Fran Ostendorf and Meital Cafri.

November 7, 2014 |

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COMMUNITY

The Jewish Voice FROM PAGE 2

DANCING

A scene from “Dancing in Jaffa.”

The Miriam Hospital exists thanks to generous Jewish donors; you, too, can continue that tradition.

I

n 1902, a handful of visionary women went door-to-door, collecting coins to raise $1,000 for the down payment on “a place to care for the indigent sick of the Jewish faith.” Hundreds of local women – the founders of The Miriam’s Women’s Association – along with many men – joined the cause, and The Miriam Hospital opened its doors in 1926 as a gift to all in need.

Today, The Miriam is a private, 247-bed, notfor-profit, acute care hospital. A major teaching hospital of the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, The Miriam has dedicated, distinguished professionals working in a broad array of medical specialties. For the past three years, U.S. News & World Report has named The Miriam the top regional hospital in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.

Jewish tradition holds that tzedakah – giving to those in need – is an act of justice and righteousness. You can fulfill your commitment to tzedakah with a planned gift to The Miriam, which will help sustain our mission of providing excellent healthcare to our community.

For more information, please contact Noreen Mitchell, Planned Giving Officer at (401) 444-6311 or nmitchell@lifespan.org.

in the politics of the region and race. The film offers an up close and personal perspective of how the future might unfold if the art of movement and dance could triumph over the politics of history and geography.

Patrons who attend the Arts Emanu-El’s season opener can see the movie, enjoy a delicious dessert buffet and learn to tango with Steven Spura, ownerdirector of Providence Tango, and a passionate teacher of Argentine tango. Experts from Providence Tango will give tango demonstrations and help teach this very elegant and dramatic form of ballroom dance.

Other events in the Arts Emanu-El season include the young soprano Maayan Harel in concert, on Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., and a series of four spring events titled “The Tangled Legacy: Being a Jew in France,” focusing on the Jews in France, their history, their struggles and triumphs, and their music.

The series includes a documentary film, a book discussion, a lecture and a major concert. For more information, go to teprov.org/arts_emanu-el.

Reservation deadline for the Nov. 15 event is Nov. 10. Ticket price is $15 and includes the film and a delicious dessert buffet, plus tango lessons and dancing with a professional ballroom dance instructor.

To purchase tickets, please go to: http://www.teprov.org/ dancing_in_jaffa_reservation_ form Or, send a check to: Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, R.I. 02906. Note: “Dancing in Jaffa.”

LINDA SHAMOON, is cochair, Arts Emanu-El at Temple Emanu-El in Providence.

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Karen Borger and Paula Bodo with their award.

November 7, 2014 |

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PHOTO | IRINA MISSIURO

Temple Beth-El foodie fundraiser Nibbling noshes raises funds for education

BY IRINA MISSIURO imissiuro@jewishallianceri.org PROVIDENCE – To nosh means to eat food enthusiastically. That definition certainly proved true on Oct. 26, at Temple Beth-El’s “World Series of Jewish Noshes” event.

Held for the fourth consecutive year with a different theme each time, the “World Series” event raised $7,500 for the synagogue’s Religious School Scholarship Fund. Deb Norman, owner of Rue de L’Espoir, Anita Solomon, lifelong member of Temple Beth-El, and Josh Willey, owner of The Pizza Gourmet, comprised the panel of judges. While they were able to taste many delicious dishes, selecting the champions of the evening was no easy task as the 20 or so candidates for the title outdid themselves, according to the attendees.

The predominant theme was tradition. The choices illustrated that we, as a people, really do define ourselves by our food. So, who are we, then? In short, we’re hungry, and we

like no-nonsense nibbles. No fancy hors d’oeuvres here.

Just hearty fare, some options healthier than others.

Laura Levinson decided to go with an oldie but a goodie. Her Salmon Party Log appetizer had been in the family for nearly 30 years. Levinson vouches for the success of the recipe, which was passed down to her from her late sister, Marcia, “We bring it to parties, gatherings, staff appreciation lunches.”

Similarly, Mark Schneider went with a mishpachah favorite – his grandmother’s chopped liver made in her bowl using his great-grandmother’s chopper.

Unlike Levinson, who modified the original recipe by adding almond scales to the fish-shaped nosh, Schneider eschewed garnishes and stuck with the triedbut-true version that included such ingredients as chicken fat.

Many of the offerings were so traditional that they looked like they came from an oldfashioned Jewish deli. Brendan Weiner, the youngest contestant (at 10 years old), prepared two kinds of Home Run Pickles

– Classic Dill and Bread and Butter. A student at Rocky Hill School in East Greenwich, he said he’ll probably become a chef. Considering the fact that Weiner was the people’s choice Second Runner Up, he has a solid chance of making that plan come true.

The attendees must have been longing for comfort foods because Ruby Shalansky’s Gravlax and Bob Sandy’s Poppy Seed Bagels with Corned Beef and Chopped Liver were popular, grabbing the judges’ First Runner Up and Second Runner Up prizes, respectively. Sandy explained that his wife Elaine’s trips to New York City’s delis, along with his experience working in various bakeries as a teenager, inspired the dish.

Some contestants felt altogether daring. John Catania and David Yopak, longtime friends, offered a spinoff on a standard recipe. They decided to use the Mohn Hamantaschen Poppy Seed Mix in bars instead.

The result proved the risk paid

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Tricia Stearly tstearly@jewishallianceri.org 401-421-4111, ext. 160 EDITOR Fran Ostendorf CONTRIBUTING WRITER Irina Missiuro

Karen Borger ksborger@gmail.com 401-529-2538

EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS Irina Missiuro | Judith Romney Wegner

COLUMNISTS Dr. Stanley Aronson, Michael Fink, Rabbi James Rosenberg and Daniel Stieglitz

DESIGN & LAYOUT Leah Camara

MEMBER of the Rhode Island Press Association

NOSH | 14

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.

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

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

6 | November 7, 2014

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The Jewish Voice

Educators benefit from Elizabeth Green’s knowledge

BY LARRY KATZ Why do many students think that 49 x 5 = 405 rather than 245?

That was the opening question for teachers who attended the Sanford z”l and Elaine Kroll Educators Conference on Oct. 26 at the Dwares JCC. You may wonder what it has to do with teaching Judaism, but it is an easy example of the type of specialized subject knowledge that a teacher must acquire.

Everyone agrees that a great teacher can have an enormous impact, yet what, precisely, makes a teacher great? Is it a matter of natural-born charisma? Or does great teaching require something more? Elizabeth Green, co-founder, CEO and editor-in-chief of ChalkBeat.com, presented her observations on what makes great teachers. Some of these observations appeared in Parade Magazine last August, and in other publications, but her original reporting on teacher quality was for the New York Times Magazine, an assignment that changed her views.

Pulling together observations and interviews with teachers from across America and Japan, as well as much research, Green concluded that teachers are not born. Even a natural teacher must learn a body of knowledge, but this body of knowledge can be mastered by anyone. Studies show that great teachers are not defi ned by particular characteristics. They can be extroverts or introverts,

serious or humorous, topic specialists or generalists, but they must master particular teaching techniques and subjectspecific knowledge, samples of which she discussed at the conference.

Green is a former Spencer Fellow at the Columbia School of Journalism, and wrote “Building a Better Teacher,” which details her several years of exploring this area. Great teachers clued her into mistakes such as that posed in the opening sentence. Have you figured out the answer? Many students correctly multiply 9 by 5 and write down the 5. When they carry the 4, they mistakenly add it to the 4 in 49 and then multiply the total (8) by 5. They do this on other, similar problems, as well. A great teacher should be able to recognize such subjectcontent mistakes in his/her own field.

The Kroll Conference was attended by educators from local public schools, Jewish schools and a university education school. A program of the Educational Services Department of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, the conference is held every other year and alternates with the Joseph & Leba Zelniker Educators Conference. Each is funded by an endowment set up by the respective families.

Usher in Shabbat at the Dwares JCC

BY MICHELLE CICCHITELLI mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org People have many different ways of celebrating Shabbat. Some attend synagogue with their families, and some attend services alone. Some people have a festive family meal together, and others make ha-motzi as a group, but then eat at their leisure. Some choose to make Shabbat all about family, which could include something as simple as watching a movie together. There are some people who will argue that there are right and wrong ways to celebrate Shabbat, but many would agree that the important thing about observing Shabbat is that you are doing something different from all the other days in the week, making it a little extra special and recognizing it as a sacred time.

At the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, we would also like to make Shabbat a little extra special and recognize it as a sacred time by providing a place for community members to congregate for a wonderful meal and a variety of activities. The fi rst-ever “Shabbat Shabbang” will take place on Nov. 21 at the Dwares JCC. The festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. with tasty appetizers in our lobby and a musical welcome from Pastrami on RI, Rhode Island’s only co-ed a cappella group.

A family-style kosher dinner will be served, beginning at 6 p.m., and will include challah,

salad, roasted chicken, red bliss potatoes, seasonal vegetables and dessert. Chicken fi ngers and french fries will also be available for children. Shabbat blessings and songs will be sung throughout dinner led by Pastrami on RI and Camp JORI. After-dinner activities will include: A cappella/sing-along workshop for children and adults: Learn the science behind a cappella singing and join Pastrami on RI, Rhode Island’s co-ed Jewish a cappella group, for a family friendly sing-along.

Gaga Challenge: Join the fun in the gym as both children and adults participate in the game that has been called Israeli dodgeball. There will be a separate gaga pit for adults and children.

Crafting: Create Shabbat-friendly crafts using a variety of materials.

Gaming: Test your skills at various games, including Bananagrams, Settlers of Catan, Apples to Apples, Life-sized Jenga and more.

The price for this event is $15 for adults, and $7 for children with a $36 maximum per family.

Contact Michelle Cicchitelli to register, mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext 178.

MICHELLE CICCHITELLI is the director of Jewish Life at the Jewish Alliance.

LARRY KATZ is director of Jewish Learning at the Jewish Alliance.

Gabriel A. Cooney

PHOTO | AMY OLSON

See our NEW Center for the Arts!

open house

saturday, november 22, 9 a.m. - noon 216 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906 ‒2246 phone: 401.421.8100 web: www.wheelerschool.org in the heart of college hill since 1889 Nursery - Gr. 12 | Coeducational | College-preparatory | Independent NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: The Wheeler School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability in the administration of its educational, admissions, and financial aid policies, faculty and staff recruitment and hiring policies, athletics or other programs or activities administered by the School.

Strides Against Breast Cancer Students, alumni and staff from URI Hillel fielded a team in the American Red Cross Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in downtown Providence on Oct. 19.

Pictured, left to right, (front row) Shayna Sage, Hannah Pearl, Jess Cohen, Naama Malomet, Ellie Rosen, Lauren Hadef, (back row) Ben Nachtigal, Ethan Selinger, Aaron Guttin, Kayla Nitzberg.

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Genesis chapter 18 and mindfulness practice

BY RABBI ALAN FLAM In a recent interview in Reform Judaism magazine about renewing Jewish prayer, Rabbi Nancy Flam (no relation) one of the founders of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, says, “we must move away from ‘attending services’ to ‘engaging in prayer practice.’”

What does she mean by “prayer practice?” Chapter 18 in the book of Genesis gives a hint about a prayer practice – mindfulness meditation that we might consider cultivating. “Lifting the eyes” features prominently in this story about Abraham. At key moments, we are told that Abraham looks up and sees something that changes his destiny (which is, after all, our history). Unpacking the Hebrew carefully yields an interesting lesson for practitioners of mindfulness. A careful reading of the biblical text shows us how three things happen in quick succession: there is first a lifting of the eyes, followed by seeing, and finally, beholding.

As chapter 18 begins, Abraham is sitting at the entrance to his tent during the hottest part of the day, when “he lifted his eyes, and he saw, and behold: three men, standing right near him” (Gen 18:2). The Midrash connects Abraham’s sitting with his recent circumcision, and understand God’s appearance (in the guise of the three men) as an act of bikkur holim, visiting the sick.

Perhaps there is another way

to interpret the story. Maybe Abraham was sitting because he was “sitting in meditation.”

Imagine Abraham in his comfortable chair (or maybe he’s on a cushion). Imagine him getting settled, hands resting in his lap, torso rising out of his pelvis, head not too far forward, not too far back, focusing on his breath, quieting his mind as he sits … and sits.

It is out of the sitting that the eye-lifting, seeing and beholding arise; then everything else follows. Abraham welcomes the stranger, hears momentous news about an impending family addition, accompanies his guests on their way, stands up for the innocent people of Sodom and Gomorrah, all in the wake of the eye-lifting/seeing/ beholding, which came about as he allowed his mind to quiet in meditation.

The text goes on to report that God set out to do as he had told Abraham, raining destruction on the Cities of the Plain. And Abraham went home, too. Interestingly, the syntax suggests not a one-time returning, part of the narrative flow, but rather a habitual action. V’avraham shav limkomo, “now Abraham would return to his place.”

Sometimes “place” isn’t just any place. In our tradition, when the word makom appears our rabbis hear an echo of Hamakom, “the Omnipresent One,” one of their favorite designations for God. And just why is God Hamakom? “God is the place of the world, but the world

is not God’s place” Our teacher Arthur Green reminds us that “the phrase, and even the word makom (place) as a name for God, has long been used to provide justification for a Jewish panentheism, the world included or ‘located’ within the Divine” (“Seek My Face,” p. 193).

V’avraham shav limkomo, now Abraham would return, again and again, to an awareness that the world was nothing more than a manifestation of the One in whom it is located.

And as long as we’ve come this far, is it too much of a stretch to hear the whisper of a yud in that sentence? V’Avraham (ya) shav limkomo, “now Abraham would sit with an awareness of divine omnipresence.”

Read this way, Genesis chapter 18 becomes a meditation on the benefits of mindfulness practice. We see Abraham engaging in his practice (sitting by the tent), awakening to awareness (the eye-lifting, seeing, beholding), acting with skill and compassion in the world ... and finally, returning to his place, and to his Place.

RABBI ALAN FLAM is director of Advising and Community Collaborations at the Swearer Center for Public Service at Brown University. He leads a monthly Shabbat morning service at Temple Emanu-El in Providence that incorporates mindfulness practice as well as yoga, chanting and traditional davening.

Jewish demonstrators condemn BDS protests in South Africa CAPE TOWN, South Africa (JTA) – Jewish protesters demonstrated outside a South African chain store to condemn Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement protests that they say have turned anti-Semitic.

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies umbrella body staged the demonstration Oct. 30 outside the Sea Point store, part of the upscale national chain Woolworths, against the Congress of South African Students’ Western Cape branch.

The rally was in response to a pig’s head being placed in what was thought to be the store’s kosher refrigerators the previous week by COSAS. Protestors bore placards reading “Free Speech Not Hate Speech” and “Say No To AntiSemitism” to highlight what the board said is rising anti-Semitism and persecution of minorities, according to the daily Cape Times. The board accused the COSAS branch of intimidation, anti-Semitism and hate speech.

COSAS said its action was in protest of the store continuing to stock Israeli goods in the wake of the Israel-Gaza conflict this summer.

The board’s national director, Wendy Kahn, told protesters that there had been an escalation in

levels of anti-Semitism and hate speech against Jewish South Africans in the past few months, including verbal and physical threats of violence, “culminating in the ultimate anti-Semitic emblem.”

She said the incident “with a pig’s head being smuggled inside a baby’s pram and placed in a freezer that was assumed to contain kosher meat shows a vicious and vulgar hatred. Every South African citizen who cherishes our democracy should be horrified by this.”

The board has lodged a complaint against COSAS and its Western Cape provincial chairman, Siphakamise Ngxowa, with the South African Human Rights Commission. But Ngxowa said the group was fighting for human rights.

“How can they speak about the

issue of the pig when children are being killed in Palestine?” he asked.

Paula Disberry, Woolworths’ group director of retail operations, said the company was “appalled” by the students’ action, which she described as “unacceptable and offensive.”

Meanwhile, News24.com reported that the African National Congress, the country’s ruling party, has “expressed concern” at COSAS’ action, with its deputy secretary-general, Jessie Duarte, describing it as “misguided and extremely unfortunate.” Duarte called on COSAS to “desist from further engaging in such acts.”

“Our calls for solidarity with the people of Palestine and for heightened action to boycott and isolate Israel is not a call or a campaign against Judaism, nor is it anti-Semitic,” she said.

Candle Lighting Times

Greater Rhode Island Nov. 7 ................................ 4:13 Nov. 14 ............................. 4:06 Nov. 21 ............................. 4:01 Nov. 28 ............................. 3:57

November 7, 2014 |

COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOP! WRITE YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY with award-winning education editor R. JIM STAHL, founding editor of Merlyn’s Pen, the New Library of Young Adult Writing, the American Teen Writer Series, and Writer’s Week for teen sailor-writers.

ACE THE INTERVIEW with presentation coach and former Looking Glass Theatre director DIANE POSTOIAN. Sunday, November 16, 9:00 AM to Noon Thursday, November 20, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM Wayland Square Details and registration at www.merlynspen.org Email merlyn@merlynspen.org 401-751-3766

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CALENDAR

Sunday | Nov. 16

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.

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

Temple Am David, 40 Gardiner St., Warwick. 11:15 a.m. program; Noon lunch. $3 lunch donation from individuals 60+ or under 60 with disabilities. Elaine or Steve 401-732-0047.

Through Nov. 16 The Igbo Jews of Abuja. Hillel Gallery.

There is widespread belief among the Igbo of Nigeria, dating back to the 18th century, that they are descendants of the tribes of Israel. An exhibit of Shai Afsai’s photographs and interviews from his three visits to the Abuja (Nigeria) community and its four synagogues in 2013 and 2014. 80 Brown St., Providence.

Through Nov. 23 Hanukkah Art & Writing Contest. Touro Fraternal Association and The Jewish Voice are sponsoring a Hanukkah contest. Students in grades 1-4 are invited to draw or paint a picture. Students in grades 5-8 are invited to write short essay on “My family at Hanukkah” or “What Hanukkah means to me.” Prizes will be awarded in each category.

Entries must be postmarked no later than Nov. 23. Visit thejewishvoice.org or tourofraternal.org for more details.

Through Dec. 5 Gold, Paper, Scissors. By Naomi Geller Lipsky. gallery (401). Naomi uses quilling, gilding, painting and other techniques to create artistic designs, inspired by her love for Jewish heritage.

Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Information, Erin Moseley, director or Arts & Culture, 401-4214111, ext. 108, emoseley@jewishallianceri.org

Through Jan. 8 Encaustics, Prints and Photography.

Temple Habonim Gallery. Works by three artists in a variety of mediums.

Felicia Touhey, encaustic painter and printmaker, uses materials, process and manipulation in her creations. Brian Larkin, artist, musician and historian, has perfected the white (or black) line woodblock printing technique used by Provincetown artists in the early 20th century. Richard Jacobs has a passion for travel photography, principally to obscure and lesser-visited places. 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. Hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1

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p.m. and by appointment. Information, call 401-245-6536, or email gallery@ templehabonim.org.

Sunday | Nov. 9 Pops Concert. 2 p.m. Temple Sinai.

Features Rhode Island Wind Ensemble.

Free. Suggested donation of a nonperishable food item to be donated to the R.I. Community Food Bank. 30 Hagen Ave. Cranston.

Tuesday | Nov. 11 Lunch and Learn. 12:15-1:15 p.m. Study a bit of Torah with Rabbi Naftali Karp over lunch in a one-hour session to explore relevant Jewish topics using ancient wisdom as the guide. Bring a brown bag lunch; be prepared for a lively discussion. Weekly sessions through Dec. 9. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. RSVP 401632-3165. Drop-ins welcome.

TNT! (Tuesday Night Talmud). 8-9 p.m. Open to men, women and teens of all levels and backgrounds. This is a collaborative group study of the first chapter of Masechet Berachot, tractate dealing with blessings. Meets weekly in the rabbi’s study at Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. For information, 401-621-9393.

Wednesday | Nov. 12 Drop-in Crafting Challah Cover. 4-5 p.m. Dwares JCC. Drop in at your leisure to create a special craft. Member price of $1 per child and nonmember price of $3 per child to help cover the cost of materials. RSVP to Michelle Cicchitelli at 401-421-4111, ext. 178 or mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org to ensure enough supplies.

The Ariel String Quartert. 7:30 p.m.

Sapinsley Hall at the Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, Rhode Island College. Concert Program: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, String Quartet in E-flat major, K. 428; Bela Bartok, String Quartet No. 5; Ludwig van Beethoven, String Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 127.

Tickets: $40, $35, $25, and $5 for students. Purchase online at ricmc. org, by calling 401-863-2416, or at the door on the night of the concert. Box office opens at 6:15. 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence.

Thursday | Nov. 13 Introduction to Judaism. 7-9 p.m. Thursdays through March 12. Presented by the Reform Temples of Rhode Island.

Faculty will include Rabbis Goldwasser, Gutterman, Klein and Mack; Cantors Seplowin and Siegel; and Cantorial Associate Kabler. Registration required. $160 per person; $225 per couple.

Classes at Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Information, JGilson@ temple-beth-el.org, or 401-331-6070.

Calendar Submissions Nov. 21 issue, TRAVEL – must be received by Nov. 12 Dec. 5 issue, Hanukkah – must be received by Nov. 26

SEND ALL CALENDAR ITEMS TO: editor@jewishallianceri.org with the subject line “CALENDAR.” Calendar entries may be edited for content, length and relevance. Please submit two weeks prior to issue of publication.

Following Kristallnacht in Vienna: the November Pogrom of 1938 and its Impact on Emigration. 3 p.m. Tifereth Israel Synagogue, New Bedford, Mass.

Dr. Ilana Offenberger, a professor at UMass Dartmouth, will speak and also discuss the rise of anti-Semitism today in Vienna and in Germany. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Holocaust Education and Memorial Committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Bedford.

Monday | Nov. 17 Jewish Philosophy Book Club. 8-9:30 p.m. Congregation Beth Sholom. Open to men, women and teens. Rabbi Dolinger will lead a guided discussion on “Halachic Man,” by Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik. Participants are responsible to order the book. Rabbi’s Study, 275 Camp St., Providence. Information, 401-621-9393.

Tuesday | Nov. 18 Paint & Sip. 7 p.m. Dwares JCC. Create your own masterpiece to take home.

Join your friends at gallery (401) to paint, sip wine, socialize and be inspired. No painting experience is necessary to participate in this step-by-step guided class. Price: $36 (includes all supplies and 2 drink tickets). Ages 21+.

Pre-registration only; no tickets will be sold at the door. Limited enrollment.

For more information, Erin Moseley at 401-421-4111 ext. 108 or emoseley@ jewishallianceri.org.

Friday | Nov. 21 PJ Library Thanksgiving Story Time.

10-11 a.m. Dwares JCC. Enjoy a PJ Library story, songs, movement, crafts and a holiday-themed snack. All children

ages five and under are welcome. To RSVP or for more information, contact Michelle Cicchitelli at 401-421-4111, ext. 178 or mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org.

Shabbat Shabbang. 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Dwares JCC. Join us for a kosher Shabbat dinner and stay for a variety of activities. Appetizers starting at 5:30 p.m. with a musical welcome by Pastrami on RI, Rhode Island’s co-ed a cappella group. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. with Shabbat blessing followed by songs throughout the meal, led by Pastrami on RI and Camp JORI. After-dinner activities, beginning at 6:45, will include: A cappella/sing-a-long workshop for children and adults: Learn the science behind a cappella and join Pastrami on RI, for a family friendly sing-a-long.

Gaga Challenge: Join the fun in the gym as both children and adults participate in the game that is referred to as Israeli dodgeball. There will be a separate gaga pit for adults and children. Crafting: Create Shabbat-friendly crafts using a variety of materials. Gaming: Test your skills at various games. Price: $15 Adults | $7 Children | $36 Family Max. For more information or to register, contact Michelle Cicchitelli at mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org or 401-4214111, ext. 178.

Services with Shireinu, the community chorus of Temple Sinai. 7:30 p.m. In the sanctuary at Temple Sinai. Open to the public. An Oneg Shabbat follows the services. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston.

Sunday | Nov. 23 Thanksgiving Service. 7 p.m. Shireinu, the community chorus of Temple Sinai, joins with the choruses from Woodridge Congregational Church and the Edgewood Congregational Church

This musical event will take place at the Edgewood Congregational Church at 1788 Broad St., Cranston. This event is open to the public.

Monday | Nov. 24 Experience Israel. Historical Decisions in Hysterical Moments: How today’s decisions affect tomorrow with Israeli Shaliach Gilor Meshulam. 7-7:30 p.m.

Dwares JCC. Kaf-Tet Be’November refers to Nov. 29. That was the day, sixty-seven years ago, the United Nations voted to partition Mandatory Palestine into two states – one for the Jews and one for the Arabs. What kind of decisions did Israeli leadership face? How can we learn from this significant time in history and apply it to our everyday decision making? Gilor Meshulam will expose the audience to his own decision-making experiences as a Captain in the IDF, in the heat of battle, and in everyday life. For more information, contact Gilor Meshulam at 401421-4111, ext. 121 or gmeshulam@ jewishallianceri.org.

Jewish Alliance Phone-a-Thon. 6:308:30 p.m. Dwares JCC. Come join the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and help raise money for our Annual Campaign! Learn about our partner agencies and their positive impact on our Jewish community and abroad.

RSVP to Michele Gallagher at mgallagher@jewishallianceri.org.

Sunday | Nov. 30 Chamber Music Concert. 2 p.m. Temple Sinai. Features the Ocean State Clarinet Choir and the Classic Winds Quartet.

Open to the public and free of charge; refreshments will be served. 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston.

COMMUNITY

thejewishvoice.org

Winter Stroll around the corner Dear Wendy, Will there be any Hanukkah activities at the Hope Street Winter Stroll?

Yes, there will be! On Dec. 4 from 4-8 p.m., part of Hope Street closes to celebrate the holiday season! The Dwares JCC will have a table set up so you can not only “Ask Wendy” questions but learn about ASK our fabulous WENDY programs from other WENDY staff memJOERING bers as well.

Come have your kids take a picture with the human dreidel, get holiday recipe ideas and learn about how to stay fit and have fun through the holiday season and the whole winter. Here are just some of the highlights of the evening: We will have a Hanukkah craft and winter craft from 4-8 p.m. at the craft tent by Kreatelier, 804 Hope St. At 4:30 p.m., the David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center will spon-

sor a story time and edible dreidel craft at the Rochambeau Library, 708 Hope St. Sip, Schmooze and Shop at J. Marcel, 808 Hope St., with (401)j beginning at 6 p.m.

Preregister and receive your (401)j card to receive a special discount at select Hope Street merchants for the entire day. To preregister (it’s free) email Erin Moseley at emoseley@jewishallianceri. org, or pick up your card when you arrive.

Come learn about 8 days of Fitness!! Stop by J. Marcel at 6:30 p.m. to receive an eight-day guest pass and be entered to win four 30-minute personal fitness training sessions (open to members and nonmembers).

Olive del Mondo, 815 Hope St., will showcase a homemade oil menorah display.

The Hope Street Winter Stroll is a program of the Hope Street Merchants Association. The Dwares JCC is a division of The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island WENDY JOERING is community concierge at the Jewish Alliance.

Send question to wjoering@ jewishallianceri.org.

November 7, 2014 |

9

Maayan Harel brings her soprano voice to Temple Emanu-El Arts Emanu-El, at Temple Emanu-El Providence, presents Maayan Harel: In Concert.

Harel, a Boston-based, up-andcoming soprano, is Arts Emanu-El’s 2014 guest soloist. During her concert on Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., Harel, who was raised in Rhode Island, will sing in seven different languages.

The public is invited to hear this exciting young soprano, whose voice has been described as full, lyrical and wonderfully expressive, as she sings in Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, German, Italian, English and Czech, and performs a variety of classical, Yiddish and Jewish solo pieces.

“I love music as a universal language,” explains Harel.

“When you sing in concert, you feel that special connection with everyone in the audience.”

To explain the power of music to make connections, Harel recalls singing to her elderly grandmother. “I started singing to her, and she moved her hand to the beat. We were making a connection that was so unique for her at that time and so special to me.”

Harel’s program at Emanu-El will offer those special connections with lovely, melodic songs

by Schubert, favorite arias from popular operas, European cabaret songs and selections from the Yiddish folk tradition.

One emotional high point of Harel’s concert will surely be her singing of three Yiddish folk songs set by Viktor Ullmann, a

Czech composer who was imprisoned at Terezin and perished in Auschwitz. Ullmann composed operas, orchestral and chamber music throughout his life, but only those compositions written during his time at Terezin survived. The three folks songs in Harel’s program are beautiful examples of the life-affirming music based in

Maayan Harel Jewish traditions that Ullmann embraced during his internment. In Ullmann’s own words, “All that I would stress is that Theresienstadt has helped, not hindered, me in my musical work, that we certainly did not sit down by the waters of Babylon and weep, and that our desire for culture was matched by our desire for life.”

Harel’s mastery of such varied and challenging repertoire belies her age. At 23 years old,

Harel is just beginning her professional vocal career, which will surely draw from its roots in Rhode Island. As Harel explains, “I was raised in Barrington, Rhode Island, and nurtured at Temple Emanu-El.” She refers to Temple Emanu-El as her second home and names Emanu-El’s Cantor Dr. Brian J. Mayer as an important mentor in her musical training. Harel also points to her singing with Hazamir Providence and participating in the Hazamir’s annual gala concerts at New York’s Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall as formative events.

These days, Harel sings with The Zamir Chorale of Boston, and she recently returned from Salzburg, Austria, where she sang the role of Pamina in Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte” (The Magic Flute) with the FrancoAmerican Vocal Academy.

Harel’s concert is the second event in Arts Emanu-El’s 20141015 season of programs in Jewish art and culture. The public is invited to Arts Emanu-El’s spring 2015 series, The Tangled Legacy: Being a Jew in France, which includes a documentary film, a book discussion, a lecture and a major concert. For more information, see: teprov. org/arts_emanu-el.

To purchase tickets, $10, for Maayan Harel: In Concert, go to TEProv.org, or send a check to: Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, R.I. 02906. Note: “Maayan Harel.”

10 | November 7, 2014

OPINION

A whole lot of inspiration this week I’m not easily impressed.

Call me a cynic; maybe that’s the traditional journalist in me. It takes a lot for me to say, “Wow, that’s impressive,” let alone be inspired.

H ow e v e r, I was truly inspired last week when I saw the list of ac c ompl i s h ments of the EDITOR com mu n it y memb e r s who received FRAN awards at OSTENDORF the Heroes of Faith breakfast sponsored by the Rhode Island State Council of Churches.

I was there covering the event as a journalist. A member of the Jewish community and The Voice team received an award. Rabbi Jim Rosenberg, as you may have already read on this week’s cover, received the Hebert W. Bolles Life Achievement Award.

As I sat, listening to the welcoming speeches and the introductions of all the award winners, I began to think about how truly amazing these people are. Pastors and community members, young and old, from diverse backgrounds, they all share awards for their service to greater Rhode Island’s underserved: local people who are homeless, battered, down-and-out, hungry. These award winners are working for charities, in shelters, wherever they can make a difference, and make the lives of our neighbors a little easier.

We all have tremendously busy lives. So do these award winners. But they have chosen to use whatever extra time they have to help others.

Rev. Mary Margaret Earle is the associate director of McAuley Ministries, a nonprofit providing basic needs to the hungry, homeless and poor. There, she says, she sees adults every day gather the courage to ask for simple things like bus fare to a doctor’s appointment or help learning to read and write.

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Williams has chosen to work in a

part of Providence where young people need help turning themselves around. By building his church in one of the city’s most impoverished areas, he can tell his young congregants that there is a cause, a reason to do good.

And Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts has spent so much effort working to implement healthcare reforms so that places like the Providence Free clinic aren’t overrun with uninsured community members. There is still a need for the clinic, but there are so many more insured people that the clinic can now handle the requests for its services; it no longer needs to hold a monthly lottery.

Now those are all inspirational stories and inspirational people.

And, remember, this is just one organization presenting awards. There are other awards and many other people in our area doing a lot of good work. I’ll bet none of them even thinks about an award when they set out to help. After all, tzedakah is its own reward, isn’t it? In fact, it’s an obligation and a duty in Judaism. During the High Holy Days, we repeatedly hear that tzedakah is one of the three ways that we can be forgiven of our sins.

So perhaps we can all draw inspiration from the heroes in our greater community and find some way on our own to give back, to offer our own tzedakah. Whether it’s making a financial contribution to a favorite group, a donation of canned goods to a food pantry or offering time to any number of organizations that helps others, we all have something to give.

The inspiration I’ve received from the people I encounter as editor of The Voice pushes me to step back a bit and remember that time is precious, but there’s always a little more of it to spread around.

As we head toward the season of Thanksgiving, remember that we have a lot to be thankful for.

The quote at the top of the program for the “Heroes of Faith” breakfast really says it all: “Everyone can make a difference”

OUR MISSION The mission of The Jewish Voice is to communicate Jewish news, ideas and ideals by connecting and giving voice to the diverse views of the Jewish community in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, while adhering to Jewish values and the professional standards of journalism.

The Jewish Voice

Our journey through the valley Rabbi Andrew Klein began his Rosh Hashanah morning sermon at Temple Habonim in Barrington with the following true story: “When our youngest niece, Jesse, was 6 or 7 years old, she came to spend a few days with her uncles in Rhode Island. On one of our evening walks, Jesse was telling us about the important hapIT SEEMS penings in her life … her TO ME friends, her time at camp, RABBI JIM her art work, her annoying ROSENBERG big brother …

“At one point, (her uncle) Adam noticed that we were approaching a squirrel lying on its back with its feet up in the air, and he said something like, ‘Let’s cross to the other side of the street; that squirrel up ahead is taking a nap.’

“Jesse said, very matter of factly, ‘… he’s not sleeping; he’s dead, and death is a natural part of life.’

“Busted by a 6 year old!”

Jesse is, of course, right; death is a natural part of life.

From the moment we take our very first breath, each one of us sets forth on a journey through the valley of the shadow of death. That is to say, sooner or later, all of us die.

Those of us who have the good fortune to be born in the United States in reasonably comfortable socio-economic circumstances can, statistically speaking, expect to live a long life – well into our 70s. Indeed,

the author of Psalm 90 tells us: “The span of our life is seventy years, or, given the strength, eighty years …” (verse 10) I myself turned 70 this past June.

Nevertheless, even the longest life must come to an end; and as our population continues to age, many of us are being forced to balance the quality of our remaining days with the quantity of those days. Atul Gawande, surgeon at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, discusses this balance between quality and quantity in a column in the Oct. 5, 2014, edition of The New York Times Sunday Review, adapted from his recently published book, “Being Mortal: Medicine and

“Death is a natural part of life. From the moment we take our very first breath, each one of us sets forth on a journey …”

What Matters at the End.” In this column, “The Best Possible Day,” Gawande focuses on the case of his daughter’s piano teacher, Peg Bachelder, who is in the hospital, dying and “utterly hopeless.” Gawande comments: “Her condition was incurable by established means.

So should she press the doctors for other treatments, experimental therapies, anything with even a remote chance of keeping her going, no matter what? Or should she ‘give up’?

“Neither seemed right.”

In interviewing “more than 200 people about their experi-

ences with aging or serious illness, or dealing with a family member’s” for his newest book, the author came to the conclusion that “people have priorities that they need to serve other than just living longer” and that “the best way to learn these priorities is to ask them.”

In discussing with Peg her priorities as she was facing the final weeks of her life, Gawande suggested that she enroll in a home hospice program, the aim of which, “at least in theory ... is to give people their best possible day, however they might define it under the circumstances.”

As it turned out, hospice opened the opportunity for Peg, to resume her piano teaching – if only for a few weeks; she was able to give Gawande’s 13-year-old daughter four additional lessons. “The trick was to give her enough (morphine) to be comfortable to teach and not so much that she would be groggy.”

Hospice, even at its most effective, does not work miracles.

Peg survived six weeks in the hospice program before dying peacefully at home. During those final weeks, hospice did make it possible for Peg to experience not one but several “best possible days” during which she could continue to be with her students – days on which she might well reflect the sentiments of the Psalmist, “This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) JAMES B. ROSENBERG is rabbi emeritus at Temple Habonim in Barrington. Contact him at rabbiemeritus@templehabonim.org.

Loyola U. Chicago sanctions Hillel, Students for Justice in Palestine JTA – Loyola University Chicago has determined that the campus chapters of both Hillel and Students for Justice in Palestine violated university rules.

A board of Loyola administrators ruled Friday that both organizations had broken the rules in a campus incident on Sept. 9, an announcement issued by the university said.

In the incident, members of Students for Justice in Palestine attempted to block and protest a table set up by Hillel to promote Taglit-Birthright Israel trips. Consequently, the Loyola Chicago SJP chapter

was temporarily suspended. It has been reinstated.

The board ruled that Hillel had violated the university’s “solicitation policy” by setting up a promotional table for a non-Loyola organization without the proper approvals. SJP, in turn, was found culpable for failing to gain prior approval to hold an organized demonstration.

As a penalty, the board has placed SJP on probation for the rest of this academic year.

Also, the pro-Palestinian organization must “participate in training related to inter-group

dialogue methods to expand the group’s knowledge and skills in engaging in difficult and meaningful discussions,” according to the university.

For Hillel’s violation, its officers must help to provide training and information to other student organizations about “the importance of registering events on campus, specifically tabling events.”

The organizations can appeal but had not done so by the afternoon of Nov. 3.

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).

OPINION

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Thoughts – trite and true – from the desk of experience

BY HERB RAKATANSKY, M.D. Francis Bacon (1561-1626) is quoted: “Old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read.”

But Satchel Paige (1906-1983) got it right when he said: “How old would you be if you did not know how old you were?” In that vein consider the following thoughts as I enter my ninth decade.

I have traveled to many and various places, but I always came home. Variety is the spice of life, but the spices by themselves are not sufficient. They must be sprinkled on a solid base, be it food or life.

We pay lip service to the effects of making bad choices, but only when we personally experience their consequences do we really understand what happens when we make bad decisions. And if we do not suffer these results, we will generally continue to make more bad choices.

Our children are always our children. If we are no longer attending school plays in person, we continue to attend their life events forever in spirit. We may not tell our children, but we boast to our friends about the performances.

A paradox: as the parts increasingly malfunction and occasionally break we try to behave as if we will go on forever, while acquiring an increasing and undeniable sense of mortality.

Having enough money is wonderful. But we find that more than that does not mean much

unless we use it to benefit others.

Like water in the desert, time becomes more valuable the less there is of it.

As a comfortable chair can lull us into inactivity, comfortable habits can deny us the experiences of life that make it interesting.

Some wine ages well before it spoils. But it is only when drunk at its peak that it fulfills its destiny. So we may age well, but we need to continue to drink of life before it spoils, as it inevitably will.

My mother, who lived to 89, told me that the worst thing about a long life lived in reasonably good health is the loss of friends and family. She was right about this and a few other things.

The Jewish tradition says that the death of one person is like the death of all people. So by analogy being relevant to one person is as important as being relevant to many. Kindness and interest bestowed on one person is a blessing to all.

We often cannot predict the long-term effects of our actions.

I doubt that my grandfather knew when he took me (age 12) for rides to nowhere on the New York subway that this kindness would be multiplied and returned in different forms to my grandchildren.

This “old author” is happy to be able to offer these thoughts.

HERB RAKATANSKY, M.D. is a resident of Providence and clinical professor of medicine emeritus at Brown University.

U.S. Supreme Court debates Israel wording on passports WASHINGTON (JTA) – The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments over whether American citizens born in Jerusalem should have the option of listing Israel as their birthplace.

On Nov. 3, the nine justices weighed claims in a lawsuit filed by the parents of Menachem Zivotofsky, a U.S. citizen born in Jerusalem in 2002. The parents, who hold dual citizenship, want their son’s birthplace on his passport to be listed as Israel, not Jerusalem.

It marks the second time the Supreme Court heard arguments on the constitutionality of a 2002 provision signed into law by President George W. Bush that allows U.S. citizens born in Jerusalem to have Israel listed as their birthplace on passports.

Successive administrations have refused to enforce the provision.

The Zivotofskys filed suit after the State Department refused their request despite the fact that Menachem was born after Bush signed the law.

In 2009, an appeals court ruled that the judiciary had no standing in the case. Three years later,

the Supreme Court said the case was worthy of consideration and ordered the lower court to rehear it. The appeals court last year ruled that the executive branch prevailed on matters of foreign policy, effectively ruling against the Zivotofskys. They appealed, and now the Supreme Court is reconsidering the case.

The Obama administration maintains that changing the wording on passports would damage the American role as a peace broker in the Middle East by favoring an Israeli claim to Jerusalem. Since Israel’s independence in 1948, the U.S. has taken the position that no country has sovereignty over Jerusalem, and that the city’s status must be determined by negotiations.

Alyza Lewin, the Zivotofskys’ lawyer, argued that the passport language would not change U.S. policy toward Jerusalem.

The Supreme Court justices appeared divided over the case, focusing their questions on the degree to which Congress has a say in determining foreign policy.

November 7, 2014 |

11

A new outlook for our people

BY MOSES MORDECAI TWERSKY As we begin in the Jewish year 5775, a radical way to approach the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East, is to refresh ourselves by turning to our Torah for solutions. Torah is dynamic as the cadence of its Hebrew letters import. We were brought out of the burning cauldron of Egypt to give us the Holy Land of Israel. Unfortunately we were exiled twice, but we have now returned through the Zionist progression to the Third Commonwealth of Israel with the unified city of Jerusalem as its holy capital.

What is the duty of Israel in its modern metamorphosis to peace with the Palestinians? Is it to give way to the Palestinian narrative or is it to seek a different approach that would recognize Palestinian rights but preserve Israel’s holy mission as the true sovereign in the Middle East. The two-state solution is a mantra that has fallen in ashes. Three wars perpetrated by Hamas in Gaza and a brooding, sullen resentment in the West Bank – ever ready to explode in violence –would particularly ignite in the absence of an Israeli security presence in the Jordan Valley.

LETTERS I attended the first meeting of the RI chapter of the StandWithUs advocacy group on Oct. Although I don’t share their political views on Israel, the professionals were, well, very professional.

The same could not be said for much of the crowd in the room.

Even StandWithUs’ right-leaning positions were too liberal for this crowd. One person interrupted and yelled down the Brown student who was a StandWithUs campus ambassador for expressing some sympathy for Palestinians. She went on a rant, yelling that the Palestinians were trying to kill all the Jews and drive us off the planet. The next speaker accused StandWithUs of not being

I just received my issue of The Voice. It takes a little longer to get to Florida where I now live after 75 years in R.I. I was thrilled to see the letter from Caryl-Ann Miller Nieforth.

Judy Ann Leven was my sis-

Palestinian revanchism seeks on the one hand to destroy Israel by murder and on the other to truncate Israel through diplomatic means by arrogating its territory and cutting asunder Jerusalem, thereby turning the Holy City into a Stalingrad war zone. Hamas, once again, is seeking to recruit young Palestinian boys into its terrorist forces for another Gaza war. The veneer of moderation Abbas and the PA seek to unilaterally force their version of a peace settlement on Israel through the poison of international coercion. The West Bank would be judenrein.

What is a different approach?

One has to look for a model in the biblical history of Israel.

This is a true approach as it is anchored in the holy truth of Gd’s revealed word. Davidic times tell us what to do. King David subjugated the alien kingdoms around Israel. However, this is a framework not suited for modern times. The Palestinians would be granted autonomous territorial rights (Gaza and the West Bank) with a representative-based council. The territories would be cantons of Israel with Palestinian delegates to the Knesset who would have particular weighted rights as to their territories. Palestinian

Re: StandWithUs

aggressive enough, asking how we could have a dialogue “when they have a gun to our heads.”

Several people expressed hostility toward the Brown Hillel for not being hawkish pro-Israel enough, sponsoring activities

by J Street and hosting Palestinian speakers.

Much of the discussion expressed a deep sense of victimhood that seemed out of touch with reality. The speaker who warmed up the crowd (not from StandWithUs) described a political environment of widespread anti-Semitism, using anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment interchangeably. She asserted that the current era is like 1937 Nazi Germany. Actually, America today is not at all like 1937

Re: Letters (Oct. 10)

ter. She was a wonderful girl and it was a tragedy she passed on at such a young age.

She was the bright one.

She fought long and hard and being president of BBG was a very important part of her last years. It was indeed

custom and Islamic and Christian privileges would be recognized. Political and economic harmony would prevail. This is a true vision of applied Torah in the Middle East. As the cadence of Hebrew letters marches forward, Israeli dynamics are in line with her biblical future. Instead of a Palestinian state destroying itself as armed ISIS or Iranian terror squads subvert it to attack Israel, Israeli pansovereignty with its Palestinian cantons will be a democratic, economic and political engine that will be a new beacon of hope in the terror-plagued Middle East.

To create this vision is an immense task for the United States, Israel, Europe and the world. It requires statecraft of a different order with a different paradigm. Our political leaders must recognize Israel as the true sovereign over her land and Jerusalem as the true capital.

MOSES MORDECHAI TWERSKY is a self-described scion of the Chernobyl Belz Makarov Hasidic rabbinical dynasty, a candidate for a Masters degree in American history at Providence College and a writer.

Germany. Americans consistently support Israel at the level of 62 percent or so, and, as a Pew poll this summer showed, Jews are the most well-liked religious group in America.

StandWithUs’ advocacy strategy emphasizes positive publicity about Israel and fostering personal relationships across groups with different political views on Israel. Given the hostility expressed by many in the audience toward their fellow Jews in Rhode Island, the StandWithUs professionals appear to have their work cut out for them.

Nina Tannenwald Providence, R.I.

gratifying to my parents and me when they named the chapter after her.

Thank you for bringing back this memory.

David E. Leven Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Re: Sukkah of peace (Oct. 24)

In my article “Sitting together in a Sukkah of peace” about Palestinian non-violent peace activist Ali Abu Awwad’s visit to Providence, I mistakenly attributed several comments to Ellen Goodman. The remarks were actually made by Susan Sklar. The missing quote from Ellen Goodman should have

read, “Ali Abu Awwad’s approach of openness to dialogue with Israeli settlers, with bereaved families on both sides, with taking personal responsibility to improve the situation for everyone in Palestine and Israel offers the best path to peace, indeed, in my mind, the only path to peace.”

I also neglected to give credit to Bruce Phillips for taking the photograph that accompanied the article.

Thanks very much for printing these corrections.

Judy Kaye Providence, R.I.

OPINION

12 | November 7, 2014

The Jewish Voice

While threats to Israel surge, so does Christian Zionism, says CUFI’s Hagee

BY JACOB KAMARAS JNS.org – While anti-Semitism in Europe and anti-Zionism on U.S. college campuses are on the upswing, how is American Christian support for Israel trending? Stronger than ever, says the founder of the country’s largest pro-Israel organization.

“I can assure you that the evangelical Christians of America support Israel right now in a more aggressive mood than at any time in my lifetime,” Pastor John Hagee, national chairman of the 1.8-million member Christians United for Israel (CUFI), said in an interview with JNS.org.

Hagee’s assessment of the pulse of Christian Zionism came one day after 5,000 people attended the 33rd annual “A Night to Honor Israel” at Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas. CUFI’s goal is to facilitate that same program in every major U.S. city.

“We want to send the message to the world and to the Jewish people that Christians are standing up for the state of Israel and the Jewish people at home and abroad,” Hagee said.

“It’s not conversation. It’s action.”

At the event held Oct. 26 in San Antonio, that action was the distribution of more than $2.8 million in donations to Israeli and Jewish charities by John Hagee Ministries. The causes included: Afi kim Family Enrichment Association, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Avukat

THEY SEE COLOR WAR.

Or, Bikur V’Ezras Cholim, Forum for Christian Enlistment, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, Heart of Benjamin, International Council of Young Israel, Israel Help and Education Center at Kiryat Gat, Jewish Agency for Israel, Just One Life, Kefar Tsevi Sitrin, Koby Mandell Foundation, Magen David Adom, Meir Panim, Nahal Haredi, Nefesh B’Nefesh, Netanya Academic College, Ohr Torah Stone, Or L’Doron, Save a Child’s Heart, Shurat Hadin, Western Galilee Hospital, Women’s International Zionist Organization, World ORT and Yad Vashem.

The Western Galilee Hospital is a Jewish hospital run by an Arab Christian that treats Syrian refugees – covering “all the bases in one shot,” said Hagee, who sought to address public misconceptions that Hagee Ministries focuses on political rather than humanitarian philanthropy.

“There are people who themselves have political agendas that they’re trying to drive, and they’re trying to do and say anything they can to ridicule what we do so that they can prove their bias is the correct position,” he said. “But no one can look at the millions of dollars that we have given to Israel and call it anything but humanitarian. … You look at that list of donors [from the event], and it’s hard to say, ‘That’s not humanitarian.’ ” But while Hagee Ministries focuses on faith and philanthropy, CUFI’s mission is

YOU SEE COLLABORATION.

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For more information contact Elanah Chassen at 401.421.4111 ext. 140 or echassen@jewishallianceri.org.

PHOTO | PAUL WHARTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Christians United for Israel founder Pastor John Hagee addresses the 33rd annual “A Night to Honor Israel” in San Antonio. different: education and advocacy. Participants of the organization’s annual Washington Summit visit their local U.S. Senate and House of Representatives members to urge the support of Israel. Hagee cited those lobbying efforts as an example of Christian proIsrael advocacy that adds value to what the Jewish community is already bringing to the table, since members of Congress are “not accustomed to gentiles coming in their office, 75 or 80 of them from their district.”

“Whenever those kinds of numbers come from your district and say, ‘We are here to express our support for Israel and we are watching what Congress does with regarding to this specific thing, because this is of great concern to us’ – when the numbers are enough, it becomes of great concern to every person running for election,” Hagee said.

When it comes to current pro-Israel causes, addressing the Iranian nuclear threat is at the forefront of the evangelical Christian community’s thinking.

“We’re all sitting on pins and needles, before November 24th, waiting for the decision [in negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 powers] to come down on Iran’s nuclear bomb efforts, and we all have this deep concern that it’s going to be a nega-

tive decision as far as Israel is concerned,” said Hagee. “[We fear that] America will once again be very conciliatory to Iran, and let them go forward with their maniacal nuclear plans.”

Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer echoed Hagee’s sentiment on Iran during his remarks at the event in San Antonio.

“Folks, I don’t know if there will be a deal with Iran next month, but Israel is very concerned,” Dermer said. “We’re concerned because a year ago, some hoped that the tough sanctions regimen on Iran would only be dismantled if Iran’s nuclear weapons program was dismantled. Today, the international community is prepared to make a deal that would suspend and ultimately lift the sanctions. But no one is talking about dismantling Iran’s nuclear weapons program anymore.”

Addressing the rise of the Islamic State terror group – a threat that he said “would pale in comparison” to Iran’s development of a nuclear weapon – Dermer noted the ongoing persecution of ancient Christian communities and other minority groups in the Middle East.

“Kurds and Yazidis are hunted down and sold into slavery in the 21st century,” he said.

“Militant Sunni and militant

Shi’a [Muslims] massacre each other and even their own if their subjects don’t heed their unforgiving creed.”

Hagee told JNS.org that Christian Zionists see the Islamic State threat within the context of the historical persecution of Jews.

“ISIS (Islamic State) murdering Christians and decapitating children is one of the most extreme forms of terror that we have seen in our lifetime, but as far as Christians supporting Israel is concerned, we see it just as a continuum of the terrorist organizations that have been formed over the years that have a covenant to kill every Jewish person on the face of the earth,” he said, citing Hamas and Hezbollah as well as their state funder, Iran.

Popular radio talk show host and author Dennis Prager made a similar point, telling the crowd at Cornerstone Church that no matter who is being persecuted, understanding the battle against evil is about “understanding the Jews’ role.”

“How people regard Israel is a litmus test of their whole values system,” Prager said. “Do they resent that which works, that which is healthy, that which is productive? … Evil focuses on the Jews. Period.

Jew-haters are the world’s evil group. There are no wonderful people who happen to hate Jews. Those who hate Jews are announcing, as if they wore a button, ‘Hello, I’m evil.’ That is the way it is. … The Jews carry the burden of God in history.

Even Jewish atheists, even Jews who hate being Jews, even Jews who hate Israel – the anti-Semite doesn’t distinguish. Zionists went into gas chambers, anti-Zionists went into gas chambers, Orthodox Jews went into gas chambers, and atheist Jews went into gas chambers. They don’t care – it’s a Jew. The Jew is the embodiment and representation of God on this earth, whether they like it or not.”

Prager described a “civil war” within Christendom between left-wing groups like Presbyterian Church USA, which last July approved a boycott of Israel at its biennial general assembly, and right-wing elements whose replacement theology argues that Jews are no longer God’s chosen people.

But CUFI is “the Christian center,” Prager told the crowd.

“There’s nothing wrong with being right-wing, but you’re not,” he said. “In Christendom, you are truly the center. Because there is a right wing that you are fi ghting just as much [as the left]. … this is Christians united not just for Israel, but for the integrity – ‘I’ is for integrity – of Christianity. You are fi ghting a fi ght within and without, and God bless you for doing so, because we need you to win. If you lose, it’s over, for the U.S. and for much of the world.”

COMMUNITY

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November 7, 2014 |

13

The Woman’s Alliance Rosh Hodesh luncheon: Positive psychology, the Huffington Post and mindful living Not happy with things? Commit to looking inward and changing it up – one small step at a time.

BY JENNIFER ZWIRN jzwirn@jewishallianceri.org On Oct. 28, more than 50 community members gathered at Temple Emanu-El for a Women’s Alliance Rosh Hodesh luncheon presentation by Rabbi Elan Babchuck. The topic was timeless and universal: how is happiness defined today and how has it been defined throughout history.

Cheryl Greenfeld Teverow, chair of the Rosh Hodesh series, welcomed the audience with poignant reminders of the essential and far-reaching impact of giving to the Alliance Annual Campaign. The funds raised through the campaign each year support overseas and local needs such as providing quality programs and imperative social services developed and operated by Jewish Family Service for those seeking mental health and emotional wellness counseling. These reminders were particularly touching given the topic at hand.

Surrounded by women ready to learn and take with them new ideas and concepts, Babchuck began his meaningful discussion by sharing an anecdote of an overgrown plant, unhealthy and contained to his backyard.

It took a local landscaper to point out recently that this very plant required just as much attention as we do to thrive. In fact, it needed the same essentials: water, oxygen and love.

He then turned to the group and asked what else it is we need to thrive. Audience members responded with similar answers, “Kindness. Caring. Community.” Babchuck rolled those suggestions into one term: positive psychology.

According to the online journal Simply Psychology, positive psychology began as a new area of psychology in 1998. It is a term psychologist Martin Seligman took from Abraham Maslow’s 1954 book “Motivation and Personality,” which uses scientific understanding and intervention to aid in the

Rosh Hodesh event committee, left to right, Kit Haspel, Sherry Cohen, Cheryl Greenfeld Teverow, Maybeth Lichaa, Marcia Hirsch, Toby London, Barbara Sheer with guest, Rabbi Elan Babchuck. achievement of a satisfactory life; the goal being to change negative thoughts and reactions to positive ones. It is, in short, a way to connect with the world by making a concerted effort to change one’s thoughts and actions.

“It’s in choosing our activities, our proactive decisions to be more mindful. It’s in being more present and aware of every move we make at every moment so we are grateful for what is, not what we think should be,” shared Babchuck. And as Maimonides reinforces for us, “The external can awaken the internal.”

So just how does this relate to the Huffington Post and the way individuals should consider living their lives today? Babchuck pointed out Arianna Huffington’s overarching question for her new hires – are you living your resume or are you living your eulogy?

As posted online at HuffingtonPost.com, Huffington herself suggests redefining individual success, moving beyond money and power and, instead, acknowledging that success is relative. She says to live a truly

successful life, we must combine comfort, wisdom, admiration and giving into our lives, and be grateful for the process.

She’s made this an ongoing goal of her newspaper and online journal: “It’s easy to let ourselves get consumed by our work. It’s easy to use work to let ourselves forget the things and the people that truly sustain us. It’s easy to let technology wrap us in a perpetually harried, stressedout existence. It’s easy, in effect, to miss our lives even while

we’re living them. Until we’re no longer living them.”

No one will ever state that he wished he spent more time at the office. But he will admit to wishing he’d spent more time pitching a ball to his son, planting a garden with his daughter, sharin g time with his family, or giving back to his community.

Babchuck challenged participants to live more than their resumes, and as the Women’s Alliance luncheon concluded, he reminded everyone, “We need to adjust our views and

control our input to change our output.”

In today’s otherwise seemingly egocentric world, the effects of positive psychology, mindfulness and deliberate reflection or meditation are those we could all benefit from – just go slowly, be patient and be a present fixture in the process.

JENNIFER ZWIRN is in grants and planning for the Jewish Alliance.

A Different View of Palestine-Israel Relations

“My So-Called Enemy” Screening & Discussion Join producer/director Lisa Gossels to view and discuss her award winning documentary film “My So-Called Enemy”.

Sunday, November 16 3:30 p.m. at Temple Habonim.

“My So-Called Enemy” (www.mysocalledenemy.com) follows six Palestinian and Israeli teenage girls, two Muslim, two Jewish, and two Christian, who are committed to justice and mutual understanding after participating in a women’s leadership program in New Jersey.

After the viewing, Emmy award winning director Lisa Gossels will discuss the film, and what has happened to its main characters since the film was released. In addition, there will be Middle Eastern food to sample.

This program is free and open to the community. For further information go to www.templehabonim.org or call the temple office at 401-245-6536.

165 New Meadow Road • Barrington • RI 02806

Temple Habonim

14 | November 7, 2014

FOOD

The Jewish Voice

We give thanks for your support, and hope to feed you soon!

Sun - Thurs 11 am - 10 pm Fri & Sat 11 am - 11 pm

Sun - Thurs 11 am - 1 am Fri & Sat 11 am - 2 am

Lamb Chops

Greek Salad with Chicken

Brendan Weiner receives his award from Jill Tobak.

771 Hope Street • 401-331-4100

www.KitchenBarRI.com Reservations accepted. Gift Cards Available.

FROM PAGE 5

NOSH

off. Describing the reaction to their dessert, the two gushed, “They love it! They come back for more. It’s been a hit!” In fact, the bars looked so great that Catania didn’t mind cheating on the Paleo diet to taste the fi nished product.

Susan Dressler also presented a variation of the usual recipe. Her mother, Roslin Markoff, distributed not just any old blintzes, but Cupcake Blintzes with Blueberry Sauce. Dressler made them according to Markoff ’s recipe. The latter shared that, during Thanksgiving, the family comes for these treats more than for the turkey.

A number of recipes were satisfying in their simplicity yet draining in their call for commitment. For instance, Michael Chazan, people’s choice First Runner Up, made his grandmother’s Potato Latkes the hard way. He ground enough potatoes for about 150 pieces by hand. Even though the process was demanding, the end result was worth the effort. The technique he used resulted in a smoother texture, he believes, ultimately impressing the judges.

A d r i e n n e U f f e r ’s d i s h , Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs, also called for some dedication.

While the recipe was not complicated, she said, it was timeconsuming. Uffer joked, “The

Laura Levinson with her Salmon Party Log.

worst part is peeling the eggs!”

A couple of contestants chose to underscore the unfussy nature of their dish with their presentation. Paula Bodo and Karen Borger, the duo that won the judges’ fi rst prize, displayed lentils, onions and walnuts – the ingredients for their Vegan Chopped Liver – on a gorgeous hand-painted board, next to some freshly cut chives. The nibbles themselves were standing in rows on wooden platforms. This seemingly effortless dish had a flavor that was complicated enough to wow the harshest critics. The best part?

It can accommodate all of your guests, some of whom probably steer clear of meat.

Nancy Kirsch’s setup also drew attention. The stand’s signs recalled a past Wendy’s commercial. One read, “Where’s the beef,” while the other declared, “Here’s the beef,” with an arrow next to it.

Kirsch used her neighbor’s recipe as inspiration for Sandra’s Spicy Meatballs, which she created with beef, veal, lamb and matzo meal, along with some spices and sauces. She said the dish can work as an appetizer as well as an entrée, served with rice, pasta or potatoes.

While most of the dishes were familiar to the crowd, some choices beckoned with international flavor. Matt Goodman’s Borekas with Cheese Filling, a Turkish dish that’s also beloved

by Israeli street vendors, went

really well with Wendy Joering and Rhonda White’s Egg Creams. Because both delicacies are so portable, one could walk around eating and humming Lou Reed’s “You scream; I steam; we all want Egg Cream.”

Faye Stolzman also knows something about combining unexpected new flavors with a Jewish staple. She offered Curried Cheese with Mango Chutney, a dish that boasted Indian spices, such as turmeric, cumin and curry, along with our authentic cream cheese, the glue that held everything together.

Stolzman said she stumbled onto the notion while eating really hot food at a restaurant and fi nding relief in sour cream that cooled her palate.

The evening also reflected our inclination to watch our figures and avoid creamy and cheesy foods that have a tendency to end up on our plates. Many dishes managed to maintain taste and flavor despite their healthy aspect. For instance, Emily Shalansky’s recipe for her mother’s Eggplant Dip was so great that her slightly partial husband, Steven Shalansky, declared, “This is the best eggplant dip I’ve ever had in my life!” Likewise, Kim Zwetchkenbaum’s Hummus was a huge hit with the attendees, who voted it people’s choice winner.

Sara Dorsch brought a Spinach Souffle that betrayed not only a Latin American touch with queso fresco, but also nutritious Sephardic cooking influences. Barbara Barry and Roberta Shapiro also presented a healthy vegetarian option, Mushroom Mock Chopped Liver. They believe that their version tastes better than the original. The two friends made it for Passover and noticed that the guests were more enthusiastic about this cashew, onion, mushroom and egg “liver” than about the real thing that was served next to it.

All in all, the evening was a tremendous success. A number of politicians, including David Cicilline, Jorge Elorza, Brett Smiley, Catherine Taylor, Jack Reed and Aaron Regunberg, sampled the noshes. About 200 attendees went home not only with full stomachs, but also full of recipe ideas. Want some inspiration yourself? Check out our food page for recipes from the event!

FOOD

thejewishvoice.org

November 7, 2014 |

A few noshes for your table from the World Series of Jewish Noshes

BY IRINA MISSIURO imissiuro@jewishallianceri.org (Part one of two parts) These dishes scored high marks from Temple Beth-El’s event judges. Some even won prizes!

Make these delicacies yourself and you might even receive praise from family members.

It’s as easy as chopped liver.

Vegan Chopped Liver Paula Bodo and Karen Borger Ingredients:

1 cup brown lentils 5 large yellow onions 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 2 tablespoons olive oil

Process:

Finely slice onions and sauté in olive oil until nicely caramelized, preferably in a stainlesssteel pan. Stir frequently.

Cook/simmer lentils until soft/moist in 2 to 2 1/2 cups of water for about 40 minutes. Add salt or vegetarian bouillon cube to water. Drain if necessary.

Combine the 3 ingredients plus olive oil in a big bowl and blend with an immersion blender or a hand wand mixer. Add salt to taste.

Prepare a day in advance for ultimate flavor.

Grandma Yetta’s Potato Latkes Michael Chazan Ingredients: 2 cups peeled potatoes 1 small onion 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 2 beaten eggs

Process:

Soak potatoes in cold water for 1 hour. Drain and handgrate potatoes. Combine other ingredients and mix well. Fry in corn/vegetable oil.

Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs Adrienne Uffer Ingredients:

8 extra-large eggs 1/2 cup sour cream 2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed

Adrienne Uffer with her Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs. lemon juice 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives (plus extra for garnish) 4 ounces minced smoked salmon 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Capers for garnish

Process:

Place the eggs in a pot large enough to hold them in a single layer. Cover the eggs with cold water and bring to a full boil over high heat. As soon as the water boils, turn off the heat, cover the pot and let the eggs stand for 15 minutes. Drain the eggs and fill the pot with cold water. Set aside until the eggs are cool.

Peel the eggs and then slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks carefully. Place the yolks in ted with the paddle attachment and arrange the whites on a platter in a single layer with the cut sides up and sprinkle with salt.

Add the sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives, smoked salmon, salt and pepper to the egg yolks.

Beat on medium speed until

fluffy. With a small spoon, fill the egg whites with the egg-yolk mixture. Cover with plastic wrap, taking care not to flatten the filling, and refrigerate for 30 minutes for the flavors to blend.

When ready to serve, garnish with capers and some chopped chives.

IRINA MISSIURO is a writer and editorial consultant for The Jewish Voice.

Michael Chazen with his 150 Potato Latkes.

Karen Borger and Paula Bodo’s Vegan Chopped Liver.

15

16 | November 7, 2014 FROM PAGE 1

THANKSGIVING

The Jewish Voice

THANKSGIVING

the positive aspects and being a part of them. Kick off the holiday in a memorable way – that way, you’ll be motivated to continue the tradition through Hanukkah and into next year!

Below are ten suggestions for spending the four days of freedom. Read on to learn how to stay away from the mall!

Thursday, Nov. 27 Dinner and a stay, Castle Hill Inn 590 Ocean Drive, Newport

Since everything is closed on Thanksgiving, you might as well just focus on the food.

After all, that’s the intention, right? Sit back, celebrate with your friends and family members and enjoy the sweet potatoes. Wait, first someone has to cook the meal, though. If spending a day or two in the kitchen

American Tales. Storyteller Thawn Harris will share his Narragansett culture through songs, stories and dance. Visitors will be able to join a traditional Native American social dance. The shows start at 2 and 3 p.m. Visit childrenmuseum. org for more information.

doesn’t sound like an exciting prospect, why not go out? But don’t just venture out for the evening – take advantage of the extra two days off from work and make a mini vacation out of this opportunity. Better yet – make it a family reunion and enjoy being able to escape to a different room.

Don’t forget – we live in a state that houses one of the most beautiful cities – Newport.

Sample the luxury of the seacoast life by treating yourself and your loved ones to a stay at the highly regarded Castle Hill Inn that boasts spectacular views. The resort offers a New England-style Thanksgiving dinner. To taste the bounty of the fall harvest, make your reservations at 888-466-1355.

Theater, Rosecliff Mansion 548 Bellevue Ave., Newport

After all the commotion at the museum during the day, your kids will appreciate a relaxing evening. Take them to see the Nutcracker at 7:30 p.m. Island Moving Co.’s show is set within the gorgeous mansion. Admire not only the staircase, salons and ballroom, but also the scale and musicality of the production. Who knows, it might just become your holiday tradition!

Visit islandmovingco.org for more information.

Saturday, Nov. 29 Art show, Newport Art Museum 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport

Providence Children’s Museum.

Friday, Nov. 28 Walking tour, Brick Market Museum and Shop 127 Thames St., Newport

What better time than on Thanksgiving to go on a Holiday History Walking Tour?

Starting at 4:30 p.m., you will learn about the history of early American traditions on a lovely stroll through Newport. Find out how the residents celebrated holidays. For reservations, call 401-841-8770.

Kids’ activities, Providence Children’s Museum 100 South St., Providence

If your kids or grandkids are especially boisterous because of all the holiday energy, take them somewhere they can spend it. During Boats Afloat, they’ll be able to build a penny boat and design and race paddle boats from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. As long as you are not the one racing after them!

Then, continue the Thanksgiving celebration with Native

Let them be the

reason

This is a great weekend to check out a show called “Palate to Plate.” Visit the exhibition featuring The Boston Printmakers and displaying food-inspired prints by 99 members of the group. The accompanying catalog even includes the recipes that influenced the works.

While you’re at the museum, check out the Holiday Arts and Crafts Sale that takes place from 3 to 6 p.m. There has to be some shopping in your Thanksgiving weekend since it’s a perfect time to purchase Hanukkah gifts! At least you’ll get the FUN | 17

Ensuring a Jewish future begins today.

With educational and cultural programming, we build upon the very foundations of Jewish life and learning, safeguarding our Jewish tomorrows.

When you leave a bequest or a planned gift at the Jewish Federation Foundation, you touch each one of us. You leave your children and grandchildren a precious inheritance and a lasting testimony to your love and values.

For more information on establishing your Jewish legacy, please contact Trine Lustig, Vice President of Philanthropy at 401.421.4111 ext. 223 or tlustig@jewishallianceri.org.

There are many ways to create your legacy.

Let us show you a few.

THANKSGIVING

thejewishvoice.org

FROM PAGE 1

November 7, 2014 |

FUN

ones that always fit – paintings, ceramics, prints and jewelry. All of the items are made by the Coleman Center for Creative Studies faculty and students. Consult newportartmuseum.org for more information.

Expo, Crowne Plaza 801 Greenwich Ave., Warwick

Is serenity in your future? It can be if you get inspired by The Mind-BodySpirit Experience that takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The expo will exhibit various products and services that enhance life and inform about such crucial subjects as health, the environment and personal development. Enjoy massage, demonstrations and yoga. You’ll also be able to taste many healthy foods and speak with spiritual readers. For more information, consult mindbodyspiritri. com.

Our “Star Kazak”carpet, featured at Rhode Island Public Radio’s 2014 Fall Gala during an interview between Robin Young and Scott Simon at Trinity Rep.

Race, Town Beach Pavilion Corn Neck Road, Block Island

If being active is more your style than browsing art, then a trip to the gorgeous Block Island is in your future. Join the 10th annual Turkey Trot in memory of Michael Coords at 1 p.m. The race is family-friendly and conducive to burning off your Thanksgiving meal. You’ll receive a free T-shirt and an excuse to indulge in leftovers. Consult blockislandchamber. com for more information.

Music and dance performance, Blackstone River Theatre 549 Broad St., Cumberland

Prefer to watch others burn off calories? Stop by the theater’s Homecoming Concert and Silent Auction Fundraiser for some Celtic-inspired music and Irish step dancing by Erika Damiani.

The festivities, featuring Atwater-Donnelly, Eastern Medicine Singers, Phil Edmonds, Bertrand Laurence, Robbie O’Connell, Pendragon, Mary Ann Rossoni and Rick Bellaire, begin at 7:30 p.m.

Consult riverfolk.org for more information.

Sunday, Nov. 30 Fun, Dwares JCC 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence

No need to travel far for some athletic activity and family entertainment. First, instead of your usual leisurely Sundaymorning newspaper reading, lace up your sneakers and join a game of men’s pick-up basketball that takes place from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Then, after you shower and have breakfast, unhand your wife,

Dwares JCC pool. allowing her to have some quality time on the treadmill at the gym. In the afternoon, return to the center as a family – it’s Sunday Funday! Bring your kids at 4 p.m. for some floats, balls, games and more! Visit jewishallianceri.org for more information.

Film shorts, Sketching, the RISD Museum 224 Benefit St., Providence

Before you show up for Sunday Funday, stop by the Providence Children’s Film Festival for some cultural and artistic entertainment. The fi lm shorts start at 2 and end at 3 p.m. – most children’s attention spans can last that long, especially if the movies are entertaining. Come by the Metcalf Auditorium and don’t forget the popcorn!

If someone in your family is not as fond of movies as the rest, not all is lost. While fi lm fanatics are glued to the screen, bring the reluctant child to Family See & Sketch, an activity that also starts at 2 p.m. Explore the work of Tacita Dean and Richard Long – it might just inspire you and your little one to create some drawings of your own. All materials are provided onsite.

BRING HOME A ST★R RUSTIGIAN RUG SALE IN PROGRESS

FALL 15-50% STORE

WIDE

SALE

OFF Area rugs, pillows and hassocks

See store for details. Some exceptions apply.

No further discounts on goods already on clearance.

Calling all interested Scouts Calling all boys, grades 1-5! Come for an evening of excitement, fun and information.

The Dwares JCC is hosting a “Join Scouting” night on Nov. 12 from 6-7:30 p.m., at 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence.

Refreshments will be served. Come check out the programs.

For more information about the new Scouting program, contact Larry Katz, director of Jewish Learning, at 401-421-

4111, ext. 179, or at lkatz@jewishallianceri.org.

For more information about Scouting and all the exciting additional local Cub Scout programs offered, please visit the Narragansett Council at narragansettbsa.org. For a Pack closer to you, visit BeAScout.org, or call the Narragansett Council office at 401-351-8700 or 508-4027060.

One Governor Street, Providence, RI 02906 (401) 751-5100 www.rustigianrugs.com Open Monday-Friday 10-5:30, Saturday 10-5

17

18 | November 7, 2014

COMMUNITY

The Jewish Voice

Growing in Israel Providence mother experiences Israel for the first time

BY FRAN OSTENDORF fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org

COURTESY | ELISSA FELDER

The group from 2014: Top row, left to right: Barbara Fields, Deborah Kutenplon, Alison Walter, Tara Demyan, Elissa Felder, Meryle Cawley, Tichyeh Schochet.

Bottom row, left to right: Jill Pearlman, Laurie Tessier, Julie Bromberg.

JWRP trip seeks to inspire In 2008, eight Jewish women from different walks of life, affiliations, observance and ages began a powerful dialogue.

They agreed that it was time to empower and inspire women with the rich beauty of their Jewish heritage, and the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP) was born.

The JWRP seeks to inspire women to transform themselves, transform their families, their communities and the world. The flagship program is Momentum, an eight-day journey through Israel. According to JWRP, Momentum is more

than a tour of Israel; it is an opportunity to deeply explore yourself. Thousands of women from 19 different countries have already experienced this life-changing trip, paying only their own airfare, and returning home with a new perspective – a deep, eternal connection to Israel, a profound kinship with each other and a heart filled with Jewish values.

After returning home, the journey continues through ever evolving follow-up programming that keeps the inspiration going and helps to create bonds that extend not only to commu-

nities, but globally.

The trip offered by The Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project is intended for women who are not Sabbath observant and who still have children under the age of 18 living at home.

Candidates are reviewed and selected based on an application and interview process.

The next trip being offered to women living within 30 miles of Providence is June 22–June 30, 2015. For more information contact Elissa Felder at Elissafelder@aol.com or 401-241-9631.

The organization’s website is JWRP.org

Tara Demyan’s trip to Israel this summer was an eye opener.

From the moment of arrival in Israel, as part of a group of 10 women from the Providence area, “I fell in love with Israel,” she says.

The group joined 200 other women in the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project’s summer 2014 trip. They arrived in Israel in the midst of the search for the three kidnapped yeshiva students.

Dinner the first night was interrupted by the news of the discovery of the students’ bodies.

The remainder of the trip went on as planned but the news affected the women, all mothers, profoundly. “You could feel the sorrow in the room” that first night, said Demyan.

They dedicated the trip to the memory of the boys. Said Demyan, it was all about “our boys.” It was a very personal feeling throughout the group and Israel.

The women from Rhode Island joined groups from places like Boston, Chicago, Columbus and Norfolk to see the sights of Israel and learn a little more about Judaism.

They came from all walks of life, different ages and affiliations and from all over Rhode Island, according to Elissa Felder, a city leader for the trip along with Tichyeh Schochet. “You go because you want to connect with your Judaism,” Felder said. “It takes mothers out of their lives.”

What do the women have in common? They are all raising Jewish children under the age of 18. Demyan has three children, Zoe Finkelstein, 15 and twins, Hannah and Jacob Finkelstein, 12.

One of the advantages of the trip is that everyone got a chance to meet and get to know other people they might never have met otherwise, said Demyan, a Realtor with Lila Delman Real Estate in Providence. Between the experience of sightseeing and the lectures on Jewish tradition “we bonded,” she said.

The women experienced many of the same sightseeing activities that teens experience on a Birthright trip.

But with an adult spin.

They kayaked on the Jordan River, climbed Masada, even rode camels in the desert. “So you can come home and tell your kids you rode camels,” said Demyan.

Some, who didn’t have them, were given Hebrew names in a brief naming ceremony on Masada. They

Tara Demyan danced at the Kotel, toured the tunnels and experienced a traditional Shabbat if they wanted to. Demyan said she participated in all those activities.

“There was a lot of sharing of stories of how we got there, she said. The 200 women on her trip came from all backgrounds and all degrees of observance.

“We were encouraged to bring care packages for soldiers,” she said. And one afternoon, they delivered the packages.

The takeaway for Demyan: “This trip exceeded my expectations and dreams.

And that was in the first 24 hours.” From the crowds at the wall to Shabbat dinner with lone soldiers, she returned enthusiastic and refreshed. And her children “thought it was pretty amazing,” she said. When Hannah and Jacob celebrate their b’nai mitzvot this spring, they will be wearing tallit that Demyan bought in Israel.

The Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project aims to “bring people back to who they are as a Jew,” says Felder. “It’s about values and the land.”

This summer’s group continues to get together periodically as their busy lives permit. Sometimes they all gather; sometimes just a few are able to participate. Their trip was funded in part by a grant from the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

Felder and Schochet will return as city leaders in summer 2015 with 10 more women. The upcoming trips will now bring 400 women to Israel. But everyone hopes there will be the same “intimate” feeling that Demyan says she experienced.

FRAN OSTENDORF is editor of The Jewish Voice.

COMMUNITY

thejewishvoice.org

FROM PAGE 1

HONORED

morning celebration chuckled and clapped at Rosenberg’s lighthearted remarks.

And they listened intently to remarks by other award winners, including the other recipient of the same award, given to individuals who have continually and consistently served the community from a perspective of hope and faith. Sister Mary Motte FMM, of West Greenwich, a member of Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, an international Roman Catholic missionary community doing work in France, China, Burkina Faso, Mexico and Korea. She also does research on emerging trends in missions and served with the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity. But she was particularly recognized for her service on the Council of Churches Faith and Order Commission, which Rev. Dr. Don Anderson, executive minister of the R.I. State Council of Churches, called “a group not for the theological faint of heart.”

The Faith Leader of the Year award went to Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Williams, pastor of the 500 member King’s Cathedral in the Olneyville section of Providence.

Williams is an innovator in local and international programs, including The Well-Life Project that funds freshwater wells in Kitwe Zambia. He serves on many state, city and civic boards.

Anderson spoke about his “inspirational vision.” Like many award winners, he had a vocal group of supporters at the event.

Rev. Mary Margaret Earl, a Unitarian Universalist minister affiliated with the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Prov-

Rabbi James Rosenberg idence, received the Interfaith Award. She is the associate director of McAuley Ministries, a nonprofit providing basic human needs to the hungry, homeless and poor in South Providence. She is also president of the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless.

Anderson called her “a bridge that brings people together.”

“You have a special gift that makes folks from a variety of traditions feel comfortable working together,” he said.

In her remarks, Earl cited the courage and kindness of those she interacts with each day. “I think anyone who rises in the morning from the street or the shelter bed and keeps trying demonstrates an amazing cour-

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age,” she said. “They are heroes.

The heroes we stand beside to accompany on a journey far harder than we will know.”

The George Dickson Kenney Stewardship Award was given to the Episcopal Charities Fund of Rhode Island, a funding agency for social service programs.

Founded in 1952, it is a link between healers and those in need of healing and has encouraged ecumenical partnerships. In 2013, grants were distributed to 70 agencies throughout the state.

The Community and Faith Service Award, presented to an individual who represents a social service, educational or humanitarian group that works with the faith community to achieve shared goals, was given to Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, a Cranston resident and two-term lieutenant governor for her leadership. Anderson particularly cited her leadership in the area of healthcare reform as chair of the Rhode Island Healthcare Reform C om m i s s ion , the state body tasked with the i mplement ation of the federal healthcare reform law. He also mentioned her work with the Food Stamp Challenge.

The Partners in Faith award winners came from a wide swath of agencies and groups throughout Rhode Island. All were presented on stage by their sponsors.

FRAN OSTENDORF is editor of The Jewish Voice.

November 7, 2014 |

19

Richard Jacobs, “Christmas Day, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia”

Encaustics, prints and photography at Temple Habonim The November/December show in the Gallery at Temple Habonim features works by three artists.

Felicia Touhey, encaustic painter and printmaker, uses materials, process and manipulation in her creations. Her inspiration is nature – its lines, shapes, light and color.

Brian Larkin, artist, musician and historian, has perfected the white (or black) line woodblock printing technique used by Provincetown artists in the early 20th century. His work masterfully uses line and color but also cap-

tures his sense of humor.

Richard Jacobs has a passion for travel, principally to obscure and lesser-visited places. He is wont to quote Susan Sontag: “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on the list.”

The exhibit is on view through Jan. 8. The Gallery at Temple Habonim is at 165 New Meadow Road in Barrington. Gallery hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and by appointment. For information, call 401-245-6536 or email gallery@templehabonim.org.

VETERANS

20 | November 7, 2014

The Jewish Voice

remember the past From the archives of the R.I. Jewish Historical Association

BY GERALDINE S. FOSTER

In remembrance of Veterans Days past

In elementary school we learned that Nov. 11 was called Armistice Day, the day when hostilities ceased in World War I. At ceremonies commemorating that event and those who fought and died in “the war to end all wars,” we recited – by heart – the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae.

The aftermath of World War I did not bring the peace for which we all yearned. In 1954, Nov. 11 became Veterans Day, a day dedicated to the veterans of wars this country has fought in faraway places and closer to home. In this spirit of remembrance, the names of Jewish The Touro Guards, 1898, offered their services during the Spanish-American War. veterans with ties to Rhode Island are engraved in the Jewish War Veterans Wall of Honor at Reilly, a barber in “Jewtown,” ville, Massachusetts, Simon IsLincoln Park Cemetery. Most of the North End of Providence. rael proudly marched with the these men and women served They became so proficient in VFW in Woonsocket parades. during the 20th century, but marching they won a competi- Millville is a short distance we also have a history of vol- tion in New York. from the Rhode Island border. unteers who joined the army to With calls to “Remember the “My grandfather was proud of fight the Spanish in Cuba.

Maine,” the warship that sank his service in the army during The Gay ’90s saw a rise in under mysterious circum- the Spanish-American War,” anti-Semitism in Europe and stances in Havana harbor, the Judge Richard Israel said in a in this country. An overt mani- Spanish-American War began. recent interview, “and I loved festation was found in a let- The Touro Cadets offered their seeing him at the front of the ter published in an American services en masse but were told VFW contingent.” magazine. The charge implied they had to enlist individually.

Simon Israel came to this that Jews would not fight for All the militias in Provi- country in 1892 at the age of 20 their country. In response to dence were summoned to re- and settled in or near Worcesthis slander, Jewish veterans port for enlistment at a prear- ter, Massachusetts. Six years came forward to found the Jew- ranged signal of bells on July later, when the U.S. went to war ish War Veterans in 1896. Addi- 3, 1898. Forty-five Touro Ca- with Spain in Cuba, he joined tionally, many Jewish citizens dets, dressed in full uniform, the Massachusetts Regiment in the U.S. formed voluntary responded. The adjutant called of Volunteers, Company A, in militias. One of these was the the roll, after which they were Worcester and soon found himTouro Cadets of Providence, dismissed. They returned to self on the island. chartered in 1897 for “literary, their headquarters on Canal One of the hazards facing the scientific, social and charitable Street, where, amply provi- American troops serving in purposes.” sioned with food and drink, Cuba was yellow fever. The deThe two platoonsMake of the sure Ca- your they AC remained to celebrate the bilitating illness had wreaked dets practiced their Fourth of July. havoc on the Spanish garrisons is drills readyunfor summer! der the command ofMake “Captain” Although he lived in Mill- stationed there, and now the sure your AC Make your Americans were suffering its efMakesure sure yourACAC is for summer! isisready ready for summer! fects. Although many of Simon ready for summer!

Simon Greenberg in the Spanish-American War. Israel’s comrades were strickMakesure yourAC AC SMsure Make your Make sure your AC our Sure Start 10-point AC tune-up* en, he was not. He volunteered ready for summer! is is ready for summer! is ready for summer! to work in the dispensary and his return and enjoyed special we recognize the veterans who SM Make sure your SM ** our Start 10-point tune-up Make sure your AC ACAC cared for the ill soldiers of his ties to Woonsocket. served in this country’s wars, our Sure Sure Start 10-point AC tune-up SM is summer! our Sure Startfor is ready ready for10-point summer!AC tune-up* regiment. For his compassionIn the archives at the R.I. and we salute them as we pray ate efforts, he became known Jewish Historical Association, for peace.

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Veterans Day 2014 Synagogues throughout Rhode Island will take a few moments to honor the role of Jewish War Veterans during services on Nov. 7 or Nov. 8. Please show your support for our veterans by attending these services.

Veterans, stand up and be counted by attending services and proudly wearing your JWV caps.

Ira Jay Fleisher Senior Vice Commander Jewish War Veterans, Dept. of RI

VETERANS | WORLD

thejewishvoice.org

November 7, 2014 |

21

Setting the record straight: Jewish recipients of the Medal of Honor

BY PETE ZUBOF As every American knows, November is a month of thanksgiving. We celebrate, of course, the Thanksgiving holiday itself, but it’s not the only holiday in which we demonstrate gratitude. On Nov. 11, we also give thanks to our nation’s veterans. Veterans Day is a chance to honor the men and women who have served in our county’s armed forces by both giving thanks for their service and celebrating their accomplishments. On Veterans Day this year, we look back on a somewhat historic year for minority servicemen and servicewomen, including Jews. In March of this year, in one of the largest

ceremonies of its kind, President Barack Obama bestowed the nation’s highest military award, the Medal of Honor, to 24 veterans. This was the largest such group to be awarded that medal since the cessation of hostilities following World War II. Of the 24, 19 of the awardees were minority servicemen.

Their gallantry, it is believed, was overlooked due to possible prejudice or discrimination, based on the fact that they were all of Hispanic, African American or Jewish descent.

Minority organizations applauded the efforts of the Obama administration to restore the lost valor of these servicemen. The Jewish community was particularly outspoken,

Volunteers clean Vienna Jewish cemetery on Christian holiday VIENNA (JTA) – Several dozen volunteers participated in the annual cleanup of a neglected Jewish cemetery in Austria.

Some 60 volunteers came to the Waehringer Cemetery in Vienna, one of the city’s largest ancient Jewish burial sites, on Nov. 2 morning as part of a grassroots initiative that began 10 years ago, bringing predominantly non-Jewish crowds to the cemetery every Nov. 2, or All Souls Day – a day on which many Christians tend to their relatives’ graves.

“My parents are buried far away, so I couldn’t go there this year,” said one volunteer who last year visited the Waehringer Cemetery for the first time on a guided tour. “So I figured that instead of watching television, I’d tend to a grave that usually does not get attention.”

Located north of the city’s center, the cemetery is closed to the public because of the thick vegetation that covers its corroded headstones, some of which have collapsed to form deep pits that make the area unsafe. Thousands of Jews were buried there between 1784 and 1880.

After the rise of Nazism in Germany and Austria, hundreds of graves were opened and their contents emptied by researchers studying race theories. The excavations caused major damage, according to the historian Tina Walzer, who has cataloged many of the gravestones.

The Jewish community of Vienna, which owns the cemetery, “cannot be expected to use its limited resources for the dead at the expense of the living,” said Marco Schreuder, who began recruiting volunteers for the cleanup operations a decade ago when he was a city counselor for the Green Party. The community has only 7,500 members; it once was 200,000 strong.

Despite its condition, “this cemetery is the final resting place of some of the founders of Vienna as we know it, people this city owes a lot to,” he added.

Among the people buried there are members of the Epstein family of entrepreneurs, who helped build Vienna’s famed Ringerstrasse, and Heinrich Sichrowsky, who developed Austria’s railway system.

JTA – Jewels were returned to the descendant of a Jewish couple who had given them to neighbors for safekeeping before being deported by the Nazis.

A Dutch historical society returned the jewels to Els Kok, a descendant of Benjamin Slager and Lena Slager-de Vries, at a ceremony in Winschoten, in the Netherlands, on Oct. 28.

The ceremony was held 72 years to the day that the Slagers were among 500 of the town’s Jews sent to the Westerbork concentration camp, the Dagblad van het Noorden daily reported.

Only 46 of the town’s Jews survived the Holocaust.

Before they were marched to the local train station, the Slagers gave a box with the jewels to their next-door neighbors,

the Schoenmakers. Women in the Schoenmaker family passed on the box from daughter to daughter with instructions to keep them for the Slagers.

In 2013, the last keeper, Astrid Klappe, gave the box to the Old Winschoten Society, which tracked down Kok with the assistance of a local resident, Willem Hagenbeek.

Kok received the box containing a few items including rings, a wrist watch and a locket. She was quoted as saying that she was deeply moved and “happy to have something tangible” by which to remember her relatives.

The town hall ceremony took place following a silent walk through Winschoten in memory of the town’s Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust.

Jewels held for safekeeping returned to heir of deported Jews

with several Jewish publications celebrating the five Jewish awardees: William F. Leonard, Donald K. Schwab, Alfred B. Nietzel, Jack Weinstein and Leonard M. Kravitz. The Jewish list, however, is problematic. Of these five men, only one, Leonard Kravitz, can be definitively identified as a Jew. In an ironic twist, the Jewish community may have been guilty of jumping to conclusions on the genealogy of these men, based purely on stereotypes associated with their surnames. Evidence refuting the Jewish ancestry of the other four Medal of Honor recipients takes a number of forms, but seems fairly definitive. The most convincing sources are searchable online records that contain images of grave markers. From these records, we can verify that three of the identified “Jewish” servicemen: William F. Leonard, Alfred Nietzel and Jack Weinstein, have grave markers engraved with crosses or other Christian imagery.

While this doesn’t eliminate the possibility of these men having some form of Jewish heritage, it does suggest, at least, that they did not identify as Jews at the time of their deaths. Donald Schwab’s grave marker is not available as a public record.

His official Medal of Honor biography, however, lists him as active in the “church and community,” lending credence to the idea that he was a practicing Christian. This is not the first time the Jewish commu-

nity has, unfortunately, jumped to conclusions with Medal of Honor winners. An article in Discover JCC magazine identified “at least 27” Jewish Medal of Honor winners. This directly conflicts with the Jewish War Veterans of America list, which definitively identifies only 16 Jewish Medal of Honor winners. Where, then, does the confusion arise?

Incorrect or stereotyped surname association can account for many of these cases of misidentified Jewish veterans. A number of Medal of Honor winners, particularly those who earned their medals prior to the end of World War II, came from immigrant families who arrived in America in the late 19th or early 20th centuries.

Their surnames were largely Germanic and, as such, have been mistaken by modern scholars as Semitic in origin.

The irony lies in the fact that the Jewish community has laid “claim” to these men based on the same stereotypes that may have kept them from initially receiving the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor recipients are all American heroes. Whether these servicemen were Jewish is a footnote in history. Their heroic acts speak for themselves. As Jews, however, we should feel an obligation to look beyond a simple name and understand the personal stories of each of these American heroes, be they Jew or gentile.

By doing so, we pay proper respects to each of these men as individuals, and not as stereotypes. At the same time, we can appreciate what a rare honor it is indeed to be one of the 16 Jewish recipients who did earn our nation’s thanks and its highest military award.

PETE ZUBOF is a native of Richmond, Virginia. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland and has a master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island. He’s a pilot in the United States Navy and currently on the staff of the Naval War College. Pete is also the Jewish layleader for Naval Station Newport. Pete blogs regularly for 401j. He resides in Jamestown with his wife, Morgan, their son, Logan and dog Cider.

22 | November 7, 2014

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Women: Planning for the financial impact of children Children are a special blessing and their arrival brings boundless love and joy into our lives that you can’t put a price on.

But adding a child to the household impacts the family budget – and women especially – BARBARA in very meaKENNERSON surable ways.

Whether this is your first child or your fourth, here are some financial matters to think about and plan for before and after baby arrives.

Check your health insurance

If you and your spouse are both eligible for employersponsored health insurance, compare plans to see which spouse’s policy offers the best coverage so you’ll be prepared during the open enrollment period. Along with comparing deductibles, co-payments and premiums, look at coverage for prenatal visits, hospital and midwife services, infertility treatments and dependent care.

Once you’ve chosen a health plan, read the policy carefully to see what maternity coverage is provided. Also find out if the policy covers complications from a premature birth, including a stay in a neonatal unit, and whether a separate deductible applies if your baby

is hospitalized beyond a certain period of time. Typically, your baby will be covered under your policy from the time of birth, though you’ll have to contact your insurer to officially add your child to the policy.

If you’re adopting a child, make sure you know when your policy will begin coverage.

Will you go back to work?

The decision to go back to work after having a baby is a personal one, and often depends on many factors. Maybe you want to work because you enjoy your job, or maybe you have no choice but to work because it’s the only way you can survive financially. Or, perhaps you want to stay home and you’ve spent the past few years shoring up your finances. Whatever you decide, know that your decision isn’t etched in stone. Women, much more so than men, tend to move in and out of the workforce to accommodate children.

So whatever you do this year might not be what you’re doing two, five or 10 years from now.

If you return to work, try to keep everything in perspective as best you can. Working outside the home with young children requires a significant amount of mental and physical stamina. For some women, it’s the hardest, busiest time of their lives. At work, women may face supervisors who are skeptical of their dedication to the job or assume they can’t or don’t want to take on challenging, high-level assignments,

Opened since Oct. 1, the new state - of-the -ar t pharmacy at The Miriam Hospital fits seamlessly into the main entrance lobby, where it is located for walk-in access to all: visitors, patients returning home, employees and their families, hospital medical staff and walk-ins from the neighborhood. Doctors can electronically order prescriptions for their patients who can pick them up or have them delivered to the home, free of charge. Refills can be ordered online or by phone and can be delivered.

The new pharmacy has a private room where hospital pharmacists can answer all questions about medications and our knowledgeable technicians can assist customers with insurance plans. Access to patient services at The Miriam makes it possible to speak with an interpreter and

Build a financial foundation

BARBARA KENERSON is First Vice President/Investments at Janney Montgomery Scott LLC and can be reached at BarbaraKenerson.com.

23

New pharmacy at The Miriam Hospital

which can limit opportunities for raises and promotions. At home, women in dual-earner households often face primary responsibility for a seemingly endless to-do list of household and child-related chores. If you’re married, make sure your spouse is an equal partner in these responsibilities and that you’re not trying to “do it all.”

Encourage open communication and realistic expectations.

Even then, be prepared for times when it’s hard to balance everything. In those moments, take comfort in the fact that you are providing for you and your child’s financial future and doing the best you can.

You’ve had the baby, taken maternity leave, gone back to work and things are going smoothly for the most part. But you can’t stop there! Here are some other things you need to do: Draw up or revise your will so you can name a guardian.

If you don’t already have life insurance, consider getting it.

Start a college fund and contribute monthly.

Don’t overlook retirement.

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy all those moments with your child that you can’t put a price on!

November 7, 2014 |

a social worker should the need arise. Being on-site at the hospital makes it easier to fill even rarely ordered prescriptions and possible to reach an on-site pharmacist for emergency advice about dosages, side effects, safety and interactions with other medications or foods, even after regular hours – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

With flu season fast approaching, the pharmacy at The Miriam offers adult vaccinations for flu, shingles and pneumonia. Most insurance plans are accepted. Walk-ins are welcome, or to schedule an appointment call 401-793-5500.

The Lifespan Pharmacy at The Miriam Hospital is located in the main hospital lobby at 164 Summit Ave., Providence, R.I. 02906. Regular business hours; MondayFriday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Website is LifespanPharmacy.org.

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24 | November 7, 2014

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The Jewish Voice

Joy Ladin to speak at URI and Brown Transgender author and professor will share her experiences In an interactive program sponsored by the University of Rhode LGBTQ Center and URI Hillel as part of Trans*Awareness Week 2014, transgender author and professor, Joy Ladin, will speak on Nov. 20 from 4-6 p.m. at the Norman M. Fain Hillel Center, 6 Fraternity Circle, Kingston.

Her presentation will be followed by a light dinner and a question-and-answer session.

The program will conclude with a short vigil in honor of Trans*Day of Remembrance.

At 8 p.m., Ladin will speak at Brown-RISD Hillel, 80 Brown St., Providence. A questionand-answer session and dessert reception will follow.

Professor Joy Ladin’s return to Yeshiva University as a woman after receiving tenure as a man made her the first openly transgender employee of an Orthodox Jewish institution. Her memoir of gender transition, “Through the Door of Life: A Jewish Journey Between Genders,” was a finalist for a 2012 National Jewish Book Award, and winner of a Forward Fives award,

Joy Ladin and she was named to the 2012 Forward 50 list of influential or courageous American Jews. She is also the author of six books of poetry, including “Psalms” and Lambda Literary Award finalist “Transmigration”; her seventh collection, “Impersonation,” is due out in 2015. She holds the David and Ruth Gottesman Chair in English at Yeshiva University. Her work has been recognized with a Fulbright

COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOP! WRITE YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY with award-winning education editor R. JIM STAHL, founding editor of Merlyn’s Pen, the New Library of Young Adult Writing, the American Teen Writer Series, and Writer’s Week for teen sailor-writers.

ACE THE INTERVIEW with presentation coach and former Looking Glass Theatre director DIANE POSTOIAN. Sunday, November 16, 9:00 AM to Noon Thursday, November 20, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM Wayland Square Details and registration at www.merlynspen.org Email merlyn@merlynspen.org 401-751-3766

Scholarship and an American Council of Learned Societies research fellowship. She has spoken about gender identity issues around the country, and was featured on NPR’s “On Being” with Krista Tippett and other NPR programs.

She serves on the Board of Keshet, a national organization devoted to full inclusion of LGTBQ Jews in the Jewish world In “Through the Door of Life,” Ladin takes readers inside her transition as she changed genders and, in the process, created a new self.

With unsparing honesty and surprising humor, Ladin wrestles with both the practical problems of gender transition and the larger moral, spiritual and philosophical questions that arise. Ladin recounts her struggle to reconcile the pain of her experience living as the “wrong” gender with the pain of her children in losing the father they love. Ladin’s poignant memoir takes readers from the death of living as the man she knew she wasn’t, to the shattering of family and career that accompanied her transition, to the new self, relationships and love she finds when she opens the door of life.

The URI program is free and open to the public but RSVPs are requested and may be made by email to Amy Olson at Hillel, amyolson@mail.uri. edu or to Annie Kosar at the LGBTQ Center, anniem@mail. uri.edu. For more information about other Trans*Awareness Week programs at URI, visit www.uri.edu/glbt The Brown-RISD program is also open to all. For more information on that program, contact Abby Kay-Phillips at abbykp@brown.edu or 401863-6507.

The Highlands on the East Side Invites You To Contribute to

The 2nd Annual

MITTENS Project

FROM PAGE 1

(401)j

Sarah Mack of Temple Beth-El, Rabbi Elan Babchuck of Temple Emanu-El, and Rabbi Barry Dolinger of Congregation Beth Sholom – will talk about the innovative NextGen transdenominational program during “Fedovation,” back-to-back TED-style breakout sessions examining how federations are pioneering change. They present on Nov. 11 along with about 50 other innovators from federations large and small.

Each group has five minutes to make the presentation. Then, there is a 25-minute questionand-answer session. Mack and Dolinger will present during the first session; Moseley and Babchuck will take over during the second session.

The opportunity to present at the conference began with a proposal submitted months ago, according to Moseley, director of Arts & Culture and NextGen Engagement at the Alliance. JFNA was putting together a program featuring best practices on everyday topics. It’s meant as an information-sharing opportunity. The (401)j presentation is included in the group, “Show-Stopping Programs: New Ways to Engage New Audiences,” billed as bold approaches to building community. Fellow presenters in this group come from Chicago, New York, Southern Arizona and Washington, D.C. Moseley says the group is looking forward to talking about (401)j. The team has put together a program that illustrates how much cooperation it takes to build a community and engage Rhode Island’s NextGen Jews no matter how religious they are. “This is a chance for us to celebrate our success on a big stage,” she said. “(401)j

turns one in a month; most people think it’s older.”

(401)j is the result of a community programming challenge: How to engage young Jewish adults and keep them in Rhode Island. It is a collaboration between the Alliance, Congregation Beth Sholom, Temple Emanu-El and Temple Beth-El. The community grew from a desire to “work together and be more successful,” Moseley said.

A focus group of 30 people from across the community helped decide how to proceed. The result is (401)j, aimed at people in their early 20s to mid-40s offering programming, an active, diverse blog and a number of special-interest groups called “clusters.” The goal to engage this age group in the community seems to be working, according to Moseley. Young adult synagogue membership is up in the three congregations affiliated with (401)j.

“It’s a learning process,” she says. “You have to grow and change with the times.”

So Moseley and the rabbis will take their presentation to Fedovation and introduce Rhode Island and talk about engaging Rhode Island’s NextGen. “We are going to talk about the new metrics of bringing in young adult members,” said Moseley. “We look at this not as a challenge but as a new opportunity to engage.”

It’s about partnership and working together.

Today’s NextGen community are not necessarily affiliated in the old sense of the word, Moseley said, but they are engaged, and they do identify as being Jewish.

FRAN OSTENDORF is editor of The Jewish Voice.

celebrations 2015

Please Donate by Nov 30th.

Mittens, Scarves, Hats, Gloves & Coats for the shelters and agencies that help the homeless in RI.

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Wednesday, Dec 3rd at 2 pm

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401-654-5259

January 25, 2015

November 7, 2014 |

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Jewish Family Service celebrates 85 years of service to the community

“ A blazing, larger-than-life performance that seemed to celebrate the triumph of the human spirit ”

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Friends from the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island celebrate JFS’ 85 years of service to the community.

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SENIORS

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A stealth plague that avoids headlines American citizens read more newspapers and observe the news on TV/radio more avidly than the citizens of any other nation. An issue that captures our attention is the emergence of a new disease, esOF SCIENCE pecially if it is conta& SOCIETY gious and arises in STANLEY M. an obscure, ARONSON, M.D. tropical site. Ebola fever (EF) currently ravages a number of West African countries; and in recent weeks, a handful of EF cases have crossed the Atlantic. It may be too early to claim, but it is likely that these Western Hemisphere cases will be limited in number and adequately isolated from the vulnerable many.

Sadly, though, there is little correspondence between the tangible threat and the media response to a pestilence. For every proven case of EF, a thousand speculative articles will emerge; while influenza, a disorder lacking in glamour, will kill thousands and yet prompt few news bulletins.

Consider now yet another threat to the health of the American community. The threat is a disease unknown to the medi-

cal world until 108 years ago when a German physician described his findings concerning a 51-year-old woman, identified in history as A.D. He meticulously documented her deteriorating clinical progression for about five years; and upon her death, a careful autopsy was performed.

travails of his patient. He described a middle-class woman with increasingly defective short-term memory, and slowly, the emergence of imagined fantasies to replace the expanding gaps in her memories. The speaker then described the terminal days of his patient, a person who could no longer

“… in Kraepelin’s 1911 textbook, we first learned of a very rare illness called Alzheimer’s disease.”

It was customary, at the turn of the 20th century, for academically affiliated physicians to participate in weekly meetings to hear, and then to debate, newly described diseases or therapies. Such a meeting was held in late November 1906, to hear what this 42-year-old physician, newly entering the world of academic medicine, might discuss.

This, in medical circles, was a great honor; and so this shy physician, balding and with a visible pince-nez and immaculately groomed moustache, told his colleagues of the clinical

think, speak or remember, a patient whose personhood had been lost. An autopsy was performed, and this physician discussed the many microscopic abnormalities disclosed in the brain tissue of A.D. Years went by, and in 1911, this German physician’s superior at The Frankfurt-am-Main Institute for the Insane and Epileptics, was completing his multi-volume texts on psychiatric and neurologic diseases.

Despite its rarity, he believed that this atypical, isolated case of dementia was worthy of in-

clusion in his textbook. But what name to bestow upon it?

Since its status in the panoply of brain diseases was still a total mystery, he decided to name the disease, temporarily, after its discoverer, and so, in Kraepelin’s 1911 textbook, we first learned of a very rare illness called Alzheimer’s disease.

Aloysius Alzheimer (18641915), called by family Alois, was born in the Bavarian village of Markbreit, received his M.D. degree from Wurzburg and practiced neuropsychiatry until his death in 1915. He was described by contemporaries as excessively shy, gentle in demeanor, happily married and with two children. His wife’s dowry allowed him to devote most of his working hours to his neuropathology laboratory. His sole claim to medical immortality is his recognition that this type of organic dementia was unique and distinguishable from others.

In 1985, impelled by numerous nursing home concerns about their patients with dementia, a committee of Brown University physicians gathered. The members visited nursing homes, interviewed and examined many patients and drew conclusions.

A State Senate Committee then invited the chair of the committee to answer questions from the attending senators. And, with the notable exception of one senator (Lila Sapinsley from

Providence), none of the legislators recognized the name, Alzheimer, and expressed misgivings that a disease that they had never heard of might constitute a public health threat.

What had been a trickle of impaired humans, burdened by this form of dementia, has now expanded to a flood of hampered humanity. When A.D. was alive (1906), 4 percent of Americans were 65 or older.

About 90 percent of today’s newborns are expected to live beyond 65. And Alzheimer’s disease? In 1985, we estimated that somewhat fewer than 9,000 Rhode Islanders suffered from organic dementia; and by 2025, a conservative estimate of verified dementia cases is in excess of 23,000.

In the foreseeable future, the organic dementias (Alzheimer’s disease is but one of a number) will dominate the healthcare industry; and, unless a cure miraculously appears, nursing homes will dominate the countryside. Perhaps, in retrospect, we should be comforted by our anxieties over Ebola fever; with appropriate sanctions, it is geographically containable, sometimes treatable. And, there is hope for a preventive vaccine in the near future.

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

The world’s first woman engineer was Jewish

BY TOBY ROSSNER “The first woman engineer in history was a Jewish chemical engineer named Maria who lived two thousand years ago during one of the most intellectually creative periods of ancient times.”

According to Zosimus of Panopoli, the 4th century GrecoRoman authority on Alchemy, the Jews of Hellenistic Egypt originated and spread to Egypt’s early Christian community the concept of Gnosticism. Gnosticism is the view that there is a special kind of spiritual knowledge that can only be obtained by personal experience, a transcendent knowledge that is the only true path to salvation. This notion of a secret, transformative knowledge known only to the initiated, a knowledge that could change what was base into what was precious, would radically alter the direction of ancient chemistry, changing it from what it had been a purely practical pursuit to a mystical mission in which practitioners following arcane formulas attempted to transform base metals into precious ones.

The chief goal of the ancient alchemists, per this expectation of Gnosticism, was to

create gold.

The trick was to “coax” one material into turning into another by gently guiding it through a series of critical steps. In pursuit of this goal Mariae (or Miriam) the Jewess, a gnostic mystic and “the founding mother of western alchemy” discovered hydrochloric acid A balneu Mariae. and invented three pieces collect vapors. It was said to be of laboratory equipment — the a replication of the process of balneu Mariae, the kerotakis the formation of gold that occurs in the bowels of the earth. and the tribikos.

The tribikos is a still with To this day the balneu Mariae (Mariae’s bathtub) is three arms.

“Zosimus writes that the used in chemical laboratories worldwide. It is a double boiler. Jews living in Hellenistic The outer vessel heats water to Egypt had learned the techboiling and the inner vessel is nology of chemistry from the designed to hold a substance Egyptians, but had transmeant to be safely heated no formed the science into a myshigher than that of the outer tic art under the tutelage of God. Since there is no trace of temperature.

The kerotakis is a device alchemy in Jewish tradition used to heat substances and prior to the Hellenistic period,

we may be justified in attributing its rise to the influence of Hellenistic philosophical thought on Alexandra’s Jews coupled with the influence of the Gnostic tendencies that were then present in Judaism.”

SOURCE OF QUOTED MATERIAL: Stephen Bertman,

“The World’s First Woman Engineer” EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series on women scientists.

TOBY ROSSNER (tobyross@ cox.net) was the director of media services at the Bureau of Jewish Education from 1978 to 2002.

About the series on Jewish women scientists

“Great scientists search for answers to the problems of their era, and the solutions often come from looking at those problems from a new angle.

This is also true for the ‘problem’ of women scientists, who have spent decades overcoming hurdles of sexism only to be told that the fact that there are so few women working in STEM fields [science, technology, engineering, and methematics] is not a sign of prejudice but proof that they lack the innate skills for the work. Part of the solution has come from the slow, frustrating work of ensuring women have the same opportunities

as men, but part has come from challenging the problem from a different angle: women who sidestep the question of whether they have the right [or the talent] to be scientists and simply let the genius of their work attest to their abilities.”(Jewish Women’s Archive: Power Couples) The articles on Jewish Women Scientists that will be published in upcoming issues of The Jewish Voice will give you a glimpse of the major scientific contributions made by these women despite their struggle to be accepted in the scientific world.

– Toby Rossner

OBITUARIES

thejewishvoice.org

David Calderon, 90

CRANSTON, R.I. – David Calderon died Oct. 29 at Cortland Place. He was the beloved husband of Arlene (Glantz) Calderon. They were married for 64 years. Born in Indianapolis, Ind., a son of the late Jacob and Rebecca Calderon, he had lived in Cranston for 60 years.

He was the owner of B. Glantz Furniture Co. in Providence for 40 years, retiring 23 years ago. He was a WWII Army veteran, serving in the Pacific Theatre. He was a former member of Temple Torat Yisrael.

Devoted father of Robert Calderon of Cranston. Dear brother of Haim Calderon of Colorado Springs, Colo., and the late Annie Ofengender and Lena Berebitsky.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to your favorite charity.

Irwin Covinsky, 83

WARWICK, R.I. – Irwin Covinsky of Delray Beach, Fla., died Oct. 28 at Sunny View Nursing Home. He was the beloved husband of Gloria (Shatz) Covinsky. Born in Providence, a son of the late Louis and Rose (Weinberg) Covinsky, he had lived in Delray Beach and Narragansett.

He was an Air Force veteran serving in the Korean Conflict in the 102nd AC & W Squadron. He was a member of Jewish War Veterans Post #23, Redwood Lodge of the Masons and a life member of Providence Hebrew Free Loan Association.

Devoted father of Hope Schachter of Rumford, Robin Porter of Narragansett and the late Debra Covinsky. Dear brother of Adele Snyder of Dallas, Texas. Loving grandfather of Sabra, Joshua, Lacey and Scott. Cherished great-grandfather of Jordan.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Parkinson’s Association.

Sharon Lynn DeLuca, 62

WAKEFIELD, R.I. – Sharon Lynn DeLuca died Oct. 28 at Rhode Island Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late Carl E. Veyera. Born in Providence, a daughter of Laurel “Libby” (Pass) DeLuca of Warwick and the late Anthony DeLuca, she had lived in Wakefield for 12 years, previously residing in East Greenwich.

She earned MS, RN and CNS degrees, was director for Emergency Medicine and Behavioral Health at South Kingstown Hospital and Psychiatric Consultant and Adjunct Instructor of Nursing at URI. She formerly practiced as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Department of Medicine at Women & Infants Hospital.

Devoted mother of Michael DeLuca and his fiancé, Paula Gallo, of Wakefield and Greg DeLuca and his fiancé, Susan Barabino, of Ellicott City, Md..

Dear sister of Joe DeLuca and his wife, Beth, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Michelle Ferrara and her husband, Bill, of Clarendon Hills, Ill. Loving grandmother of Alexandra, Max and Bella.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Community Cancer Center at South County Hospital, 100 Kenyon Ave., Wakefield, R.I. 02879.

David M. Goldman, 86

WARWICK, R.I. – David M. Goldman of Brentwood Nursing Home died Oct. 28 at the Home.

He was the beloved husband of the late Elaine (Shapiro) Goldman. Born in Providence, a son of the late J. Samuel and Gussie (Jewett) Goldman, he had lived in Warwick for 56 years. He was an office manager for the former Providence Window Co. in Providence for 25 years. He also worked for Alan Shawn Feinstein Associates for 20 years, retiring 25 years ago. He was an Army veteran serving in Japan after WWII. He was a graduate of Classical High School and Bryant Col-

lege. He was a former member of Temple Am David and its Men’s Club; the Rhode Island Chess Association, where he was a past treasurer; Providence Chess Club; and the U.S. Chess Federation.

Devoted father of Philip A. Goldman and his wife Patricia Wolf Goldman of Warwick, Jeffrey A. Goldman and his wife Amelia of Pasadena, Md., and the late Steven M. Goldman.

Dear brother of Charlotte Feld of Warwick, Sonia Garfinkle of Pembroke Pines, Fla., and the late Albert, Leonard and Gilbert Goldman, Lillian Tolman and Ruth Silberman. Loving grandfather of Gussie, Carly, Isaac and Elijah.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.

Joel Kaufman, 53

KENSINGTON, MD. – Joel Kaufman died at his home on Oct. 29 due to an aggressive form of brain cancer, which he battled valiantly for more than 10 months.

He was born on Nov. 2, 1960 in Providence to Eli and Bernice Kaufman. Valedictorian of his high school class, he obtained a B.A. in political science from Providence College in 1982 with highest honors. He then received a J.D. from Duke University Law School in 1985 and was a member of its honor society.

After law school, he joined the Washington, D.C. office of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft and joined the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1993, where he worked for the remainder of his career. Most recently, Joel served as Associate General Counsel and Chief of the Administrative Law Division of the Office of General Counsel of the FCC. Joel was known for his keen legal mind and devotion to public service and received numerous awards including the Silver Medal for Meritorious Service in 2003 and the Outstanding Public Service award from the FCC Chair-

woman in 2013.

He embraced Reconstructionist Judaism, which he first encountered during law school.

He was a member of Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation for nearly 25 years, and served as board secretary, vice president, and for many, was regarded as the congregation’s best source of institutional memory.

Joel was a man of diverse interests, with a strong passion for U.S. presidential history, the U.S. space program, stamp collecting, ocean cruising and the Boston Red Sox. He will be remembered fondly for his incisive analytic mind, extraordinary organizational skills, gentle humor, strong sense of ethics, kindness and exceptional devotion to his family and community.

Survivors include Joel’s devoted wife of 16 years, Debra Tropp of Kensington, his mother Bernice Kaufman, of Chevy Chase, Md. (formerly of Warwick), and numerous extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation, the American Brain Tumor Association, the Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research & Information and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Jacob ‘Jake’ Kornwitz

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. – Jacob ‘Jake’ Kornwitz died unexpectedly Oct. 25 at home. The beloved son of Dr. Norman and Risa (Guttman) Kornwitz, he was a lifelong Rhode Island resident.

He was a graduate of Skidmore College, Class of ’13 and was attending URI. Dear brother of Jenna Yosefa Kornwitz of Austin, Texas. Loving grandson of Arlene Guttman of East Greenwich and Framingham, Mass., and the late Alfred Guttman and Jacob and Rose Korn-

November 7, 2014 |

27

witz. He loved his pet labradoodle, Ziggy.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the ASPCA, 186 Amaral St., Riverside, R.I. 02915.

Lydia Taub, 78

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. – Lydia Taub died Oct. 26 at Rhode Island Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late Eugene Taub. Born in Romania, a daughter of the late Carol and Lili (Moscovitz) Luftschutz, she had lived in East Greenwich for 38 years, previously residing in Warwick.

She was a travel manager for Collette Travel Agency for 20 years, retiring in 2002. She was a member of Temple Sinai.

Devoted mother of Eva Taub Checoury and her husband Yves of Paris, France.

Loving grandmother of Naomi and twins, Gabriel and Eli. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston, R.I. 02920; American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd., Ste. 3004, Warwick, R.I. 02886; or HIAS.org.

OBITUARIES We print death notices of approximately 300 words for people with ties to our circulation area. There is no charge. We will print a photo if submitted and a small flag for veterans.

Please submit obituary and photo to editor@ jewishallianceri.org and indicate if a photo and/or a flag should accompany the obituary.

28 | November 7, 2014

COMMUNITY

The Jewish Voice

The Igbo Jews of Abuja The following aired on Rhode Island Public Radio on Jan. 21, 2014

his Hebrew song took me by surprise. When I escorted him back to his seat at the conclusion of his talk, it was evident that many of the people in the synagogue, including its rabbi, had been moved to tears

by Pinchas’s words and by his melody.

I believe in the power of faith and song to span the distance between people, connecting them across continents and cultures.

The Igbo Jews of Nigeria, 2014.

Surely you know the Biblical tale about the Tower of Babel in which, according to tradition, God punishes humankind’s arrogance by scattering them and destroying people’s ability to understand one another’s language. In our modern lives, we certainly struggle to communicate across continents and cultures, knowing full well that the stakes are high.

Both international conflict and genuine peace depend heavily on our ability to connect with people whose lives and vocabulary are profoundly different from our own. And as we hear from Shai Afsai, sometimes our well-meaning efforts to connect indeed bear wonderful, wonderful fruit.

– Frederic Reamer

BY SHAI AFSAI There’s a popular tradition among the Igbo people, whose homeland is in southeastern Nigeria, that they’re descendants of the tribes of Israel.

Due to missionary activity and colonialism, today most Igbo are Christian, but even while practicing Christianity many consider themselves ethnically Jewish. In the past few decades, several thousand Igbo have taken this self-identification a step further and embraced Judaism, viewing it as their lost heritage.

Wanting to learn more about this isolated community numbering perhaps two to five thousand, last winter I traveled to Abuja, the Federal Capital of Nigeria, to celebrate Purim with its Igbo Jews.

When I returned to Rhode Island, I began consulting

PHOTOS | SHAI AFSAI

(Left to right) Ariel Ngene, Shai Afsai, and Elder Pinchas Ogbukaa outside Gihon Synagogue in Abuja, Nigeria. with local rabbis about how their isolation might be broken. Before long Obadia Agbai and Pinchas Ogbukaa, two leaders of Abuja’s Gihon Synagogue, received an invitation from two synagogues in Providence – Congregation Beth Sholom and Temple Emanu-El – to travel to Rhode Island. An especially moving moment of their 12-day visit took place a couple of days after their arrival.

On our way to morning services at Beth Sholom, I’d asked Pinchas if he’d be willing to speak.

He replied that he’d be happy to. However, when it came time for his talk and he stood in front of the congregation, Pinchas had to fight back

tears, and I wondered if he’d be able to regain his composure.

Afterward, I told him that I’d had a similar experience when I was asked to speak before the members of Abuja’s Tikvat Israel Synagogue. There was something about being half way across the world, among people who looked very different from me and spoke a different native tongue – but were praying in the same Hebrew language and following the same traditional Sabbath service – that made words difficult and tears easy.

Eventually, Pinchas collected himself. Before concluding his talk, he asked to share one of the Igbo Jewish prayer mel-

odies sung during services at Gihon Synagogue. Pinchas possesses a deep and sonorous voice. The highs and lows of

SHAI AFSAI (ggbi@juno. com) has published articles on Ethiopian, Israeli, Nigerian, and Rhode Island Jews, as well as Jewish-themed short fiction, in Shofar: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies, The Jerusalem Post, Rhode Island History, The Providence Journal, and Midstream: A Jewish Review.

Afsai was the recipient of the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association’s 2013 Horvitz Award. This is reprinted with permission.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Shai Afsai’s photographs from his visits to the Abuja community are on display through Nov. 16 in the gallery at Brown RISD Hillel, 80 Brown St., Providence

Elder Pinchas Ogbukaa, who traveled to Rhode Island for 12 days in September 2013, in Abuja.

Pro-Israel group pledges support to pro-Israel Brown community

BY HOWARD BROWN For the 100 community members at the Dwares JCC the evening of Oct. 29, the joint meeting of Rhode Island Friends of Israel and StandWithUs might as well have been a crossing of the Red Sea. The primary concern of those in attendance was the perceived anti-Israel programming taking place at both Brown University and Brown RISD Hillel. The most dramatic moment of the event was a clear request from Brown pro-Israel students for “rapid-response” help from the community on request, and a commitment clearly enunciated by chairperson Stefanie Feld that community members could be counted on when needed.

Thus, a critical bridge between “town and gown” was put in place.

It was a landmark meeting for both organizations. Just

eight months old, Rhode Island Friends of Israel, unabashedly pro-Israel, is in the process of becoming a chapter of StandWithUs. The turnout was representative of the community and included unaffiliated individuals as well as members of various community organizations.

Stefanie Feld led off with a brief history of Rhode Island Friends of Israel and a litany of its pro-Israel positions, including support for the people of Israel and its democratically elected government, and opposition to the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement. She explained that the move to become a chapter of StandWithUs was intended to bring expertise and resources to pro-Israel Rhode Island.

Evie Stieglitz, Providence native and pro-Israel activist now living in New York, painted a grim picture of rising antiSemitism in communities and

on campuses across the country.

She presented a substantial list of actions that average households and individuals can take to combat anti-Semitism and anti-Israel activities, which ranged from speaking up to the employer of an abusive anti-Semitic individual, to a multitude of actions that can be taken online.

Avi Posnick, StandWithUs regional director, showed a film of how StandWithUs pushes back on anti-Israel and anti-Semitic activities. His key message was empowerment as an alternative to complaining. He then spoke about a long list of resources that StandWithUs makes available as needed, much of it online and targeted toward young people. For instance, according to Posnick, the organization logged 30 million contacts during Operation Protective Edge.

The organization’s strategy, as he described it, is to not let an

anti-Israel campaign go unchallenged, but at the same time not give it more publicity than it already has. Also part of their multi-pronged program is an Israeli fellowship program, which currently has 1,000 grads in Israel, and the Emerson fellowship program operating on college campuses in America.

Following Posnick, Aviva Malveira, regional campus coordinator for StandWithUs, described her responsibilities, which include identifying students on campus to work with StandWithUs, training them to be effective in a college campus environment and making financial support available to a current group of 68 Emerson fellows now on campuses. She reported a 75 percent increase in anti-Semitic activities on campuses this year, including the scheduling of Holocaust deniers as speakers.

The final speaker of the night

was Adam Bennett, who is the Emerson fellow at Brown University. While many in the audience groaned to hear his description of the campus environment, nevertheless a meeting of the minds did take place as the group expressed a commitment to support Jewish students at Brown in their pro-Israel activities.

A question-and-answer session followed. Feld also announced expected follow-up activities where opportunities to become actively involved would become available. For more information on the meeting and organizations involved email rifriendsofisrael@gmail.com.

HOWARD BROWN is North Kingstown resident, co-founder of Rhode Island Friends of Israel and member of Chabad of West Bay.

thejewishvoice.org

WEDDING – Sara Goldenberg and Joshua Toso were married on Oct. 12 at Quidnessett Country Club in North Kingstown with Cantor Remmie Brown officiating. Sam Toso, brother of the groom, was the best man.

The bride is the daughter of Elyse and Jacob Goldenberg of Exeter, and the groom is the son of Mark and Nancy Toso of Wenham, Massachusetts.

Sara earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Rhode Island and is a reading specialist in the Chariho Regional School District. Josh received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and is a marketing manager at U.S. Sailing in Portsmouth. The Tosos reside in Warwick.

Shabbat Shabbang! Friday Night Community Dinner Friday, November 21 5:30 - 8:30pm Dwares JCC 401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence $15 adults | $7 children | $36 family max Shabbat Shabbang is a Friday night dinner designed to welcome our community into our building for a fabulous meal, new friends, and great program offerings. We begin our evening in the lobby sharing appetizers and Shabbat rituals, and then we’ll transition into the Social Hall for dinner, followed by games and activities including: • A capella/sing-a-long workshop for children and adults: Learn the science behind a capella and join Camp JORI and Pastrami on RI, our co-ed Jewish a capella group, for a family friendly sing-a-long.

• Gaga Challenge: Join the fun in the gymnasium as both children and adults participate in the game known as Israeli dodgeball (separate Gaga pits for adults and children).

• Shabbat crafting: Create Shabbat friendly crafts using a variety of materials.

• Gaming: Test your skills at various games, including Bananagrams, Settlers of Catan, Apples to Apples, Life-sized Jenga and more.

Kosher dinner: roasted chicken, red bliss potatoes, seasonal veggies, salad and dessert Children’s meals available: chicken fingers, french fries, and carrot sticks BYO (Kiddish wine provided) For more information or to RSVP contact Michelle Cicchitelli at 401.421.4111 ext. 178 or mcicchitelli@jewishallianceri.org.

SIMCHA

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WE ARE READ | COMMUNITY

Israeli dancing at Temple Habonim Come and learn Israeli folk dancing on Nov 16, at 11:45 a.m. at Temple Habonim, 165 New Meadow Road in Barrington.

Join instructor Lianne Blinn to learn fun circle and line dances, both traditional and modern, that will also provide a great workout. Israeli dancing is a wonderful way to energize as well as discover global and cultural influences on dancing. All ages are encouraged to participate in this hour-long program.

Instructor Lianne Blinn is a senior at Brown University. She studied Israeli dancing for six years before starting to teach others. Blinn is the co-founder of Rikudei Am, the Israeli folk dancing group on Brown’s campus, and she leads workshops throughout the year.

This program is free and open to the community. For further information, go to templehabonim.org or call the temple office at 401-245-6536.

The Jewish Voice QUITE A CLIMB – Aaron Rosen, Steven Adler and Kevin Dwares display The Jewish Voice while standing at the Summit of Mt. Lafayette (more than 5,200 feet) in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

They enjoyed a weekend of hiking and experiencing the mountain’s first snow of the season.

Touro Fraternal Association and The Jewish Voice announce the

HANUKKAH 2014 Art & Writing Contest What’s the Contest About?

Students in grades 1-4 are invited to DRAW or PAINT a picture and; Students in grades 5-8 are invited to write a SHORT ESSAY on either of these themes: • My Family at Hanukkah • What Hanukkah Means to Me

Who’s Eligible?

Jewish students grades 1 thru 8.

Are there Prizes?

Prizes will be awarded in each category: First Prize - $108 Second Prize - $72 Third Prize - $36 First prize winner’s school or synagogue will receive a technology-related gift valued at approximately $720 (ex. laptop, computer station, camera...)

Entry Details • • • •

Visit thejewishvoice.org or tourofraternal.org Download entry form Include name of school or synagogue on entry form Submit hard copy of drawing or essay with entry form to: Entries must be Subject: Hanukkah Contest postmarked The Jewish Voice no later than 401 Elmgrove Avenue November 23 Providence, RI 02906

Winners Announced...

• A panel of judges will be chosen by Touro Fraternal Association and The Jewish Voice • In celebration of Hanukkah and to present the prizes to the winners, Touro Fraternal Association will host a Hanukkah party December 14

45 Rolfe Square, Cranston, RI www.tourofraternal.org

Touro Fraternal Association reserves the right to determine the range and scope of gifts.

HISTORIC VISIT – Neil and Elaine Arbor of Wickford visited the Invasion Beaches at Normandy in September and brought along The Jewish Voice.

November 7, 2014 |

thejewishvoice.org

Let’s change the world together.

This is Gadi. To learn how your generosity through the Alliance Annual Campaign has provided him with a loving and stable evnironment, visit jewishallianceri.org/our-impact/2015-annual-campaign/ or scan here: Gadi (right), with his friend Hyram at Ben Yakir Youth Village

You have the power to make a difference in the world. Serve a hot meal to a poor child in a village in Ukraine. Deliver medicine to a fragile Holocaust survivor in Israel. Build a roof over the heads of a homeless family. Give a local teenager her first Israel experience.

When you connect with the Jewish Alliance, you put the Jewish values of compassion, generosity, and responsibility into action.

Contribute to the Annual Campaign and you’re helping to care for our entire Jewish community—at home, in Israel, and around the world. To learn more or to donate today, visit us at jewishallianceri.org or call 401.421.4111.

Be part of our vibrant and thriving Jewish community by donating to the 2015 Annual Campaign.

Be part of the greater good.

401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI 02906 | 401.421.4111 | jewishallianceri.org

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The Jewish Voice