November 9, 2018

Volume XXV, Issue XIX | www.jvhri.org Serving Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts

SENIORS

1 Kislev | 5779 | November 9, 2018

Rising anti-Semitism a symptom of rising hate worldwide, author says

BY LARRY KESSLER The author of a new book on the resurgence of anti-Semitism in the United States says it will take a collaborative effort between American Jews and other targeted minorities to counter the marked increase in hate speech and crimes since the 2016 election of President Donald Trump.

Veteran journalist Jonathan Weisman, who will be among the speakers at “An Evening of Jewish Renaissance,” on Nov. 17 at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, traces the rise of this latest wave of anti-Semitism in “(((Semitism))): Being Jewish in America in the Age of Trump,” which was published in March.

The most alarming fallout from the sharp rise in anti-Semitism in this country, a synagogue mass shooting, took place in Pittsburgh on Oct. 27 during a Shabbat service that included the celebration of a bris. The gunman opened fire at Tree of Life synagogue, killing 11 people and wounding six

PHOTO | GABRIELLA DEMCZUK

Jonathan Weisman others, including four police officers responding to the shooting. It was the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history.

The triple parentheses bracketing the word “Semitism” in Weisman’s book title is not a mistake; they’re at the heart of how Weisman, 53, said he discovered how widespread anti-Semitism has become.

Weisman’s saga started ANTI-SEMITISM | 26

Facebook opened his road to freedom

BY FRAN OSTENDORF Most of us have some contact with social media, many on a daily basis. And we know its power. You either love it or hate it – and sometimes both.

That’s especially true of Facebook.

It’s a very powerful tool around the world.

The approximately 275 people who heard Mohammed Al Samawi’s story on Oct. 28 learned what a powerful force Facebook has been in his life. As Al Samawi spoke to the packed audience in the Gussie and Victor Baxt Social Hall at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, in Providence, the crowd sat totally entranced. At times, some laughed – and there were even a few tears.

Al Samawi grew up in Yemen and escaped during the civil war there through the power of Facebook.

Growing up with a physical disability, his parents, whom he termed “amazing,” were supportive, and he learned to speak English at a young age.

In school, he was taught to hate Jews.

Mohammed Al Samawi But at age 23, he was given a Bible by a teacher to whom Al Samawi had given a Quran.

“I really wanted to see if my book was better than his book,” Al Samawi said.

Reading the Bible cast doubt on all he had learned.

“I wanted to know why the Jews hate us,” he said.

Since there were no Jews in Sana’a, he reached out via Facebook, hoping to find a Jew to ask.

What he found was a much larger world. “I realized how small my group really was.”

PHOTO | LEAH M. CAMARA

He started encouraging friends to learn English via Facebook, and they formed a group. He became an interfaith peace activist via Facebook.

And threats to him and family began.

“I was afraid for my family,” he said, explaining how his extended family lived in such close proximity that he worried his activities might cause them great harm.

So he moved south. And got caught in the middle of the burgeoning civil war between CAMPAIGN | 4

HIAS, immigrant aid group vilified by Pittsburgh gunman, vows not to back down

BY BEN SALES JTA – Before he shot 11 people dead at a Pittsburgh synagogue, Robert Bowers blamed one Jewish organization: HIAS, an immigrant aid group that has been helping refugees since the 1880s.

“HIAS likes to bring invaders in that kill our people,” he wrote on his website. “I can’t sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics, I’m going in.”

In vilifying HIAS, Bowers targeted an organization that helped get the American Jewish community on its feet as it grew more than a century ago.

Its mission has shifted as the number of Jewish migrants has fallen to a trickle, from helping its own to advocating for others.

It’s also an organization that, even amid opposition to refu-

For more on Rhode Island and HIAS, see page 20. gee admissions from the White House, has maintained broad support from a Jewish community that is otherwise increasingly fragmented.

“It’s not going to affect our mission one iota,” HIAS President and CEO Mark Hetfield told JTA the night of Oct. 28, referring to the Pittsburgh attack.

“If anything, it’s reinforced the need for the Jewish community to be a welcoming community.”

HIAS’s goal once was to welcome Jews to the United States. Founded in 1881 as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, the agency provided resources and education to the Jewish immigrants. It later took an active role in the movement to HIAS | 20

PHOTO | KATIE JETT WALLS

Activist Michele Freed, center, and other young professionals protest with HIAS in front of the White House, March 1, 2017.

2 | November 9, 2018

INSIDE Business 21-22 Calendar 10 Community 2-6, 11-12, 24-26 D’var Torah 7 Food 13 Obituaries 22-23 Opinion 8-9 Seniors 16-20 Veterans 7 We Are Read 27 World 11, 23

THIS ISSUE’S QUOTABLE QUOTE “When people believe in community, we can do anything.”

COMMUNITY

The Jewish Voice

Keynote speaker inspires audience at women’s conference

BY LEAH BOURAMIA PROVIDENCE – On Nov. 4, Batya Feigenbaum inspired women attending the Tichyeh Schochet Memorial Conference for Jewish Women with her keynote address about how she rises above immense hurdles and how she has grown in her faith.

Today, Feigenbaum is a glowing woman with vibrant auburn hair, a cheeky grin and a red scooter that she uses to get around. And, she will tell you with a wink, she sometimes uses that scooter to run over “some very important people.”

But at birth, the Israeli-born Feigenbaum sustained a spinal-cord injury that rendered her a quadriplegic. She could not breathe on her own, she could not even lift her hand.

And then, suddenly, to the bewilderment of her doctors, she could!

When she was 2½, her family moved to Toronto, and through extensive therapies, hard work and prayer, and the constant love and guidance of her family, she gained partial use of her limbs.

In her address at the conference, held at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, Feigenbaum credits not only her faith, but her exceptional parents and five older siblings for her success as a speaker, Bible Studies teacher and director of student affairs at the Tiferes Bais Yaakov High

Batya Feigenbaum School in Toronto. She also credits her attitude, which she spoke of extensively, for her decision to “not become a handicap, but to have one.”

Feigenbaum spoke with tremendous humor and candor about her disability. In one memorable moment, she said that while poking fun at other people is minimizing, poking fun at oneself can somehow render a personal challenge

PHOTO | E. BRESLER

smaller.

A great example of her boundless humor is a prank she pulled on the afterschool activities organizers at her high school. She was handed a sheet of paper and told to make two choices among activities such as theater, sports, music and dance. She circled “dance” several times and wrote next to it “ONLY DANCE!!!” She giggled while recalling the confused faces of

the committee members.

Feigenbaum eventually enrolled in theater, and today she directs a school play every other year at the Jewish high school where she works.

While she cherishes her irreverence toward struggle, Feigenbaum pointed to self-care and empathy as equally important.

“It doesn’t mean it’s not hard, you have to cry sometimes, it is normal. Dealing with your pain is very normal. You can’t get over something without dealing with it,” she said.

In closing, Feigenbaum challenged the women at the conference to remember and consider that: “God’s the one running the show. The one thing we have 100-percent control over is our attitude toward our struggles.

How do you take your struggle, and be happy in spite of it?”

The Tichyeh Schochet Memorial Conference for Jewish Women, sponsored by the Providence Community Kollel, also featured two rounds of workshops on the theme of “Living Life to the Fullest.” Some of the workshops, like “EZ Shabbos Dinner,” offered practical advice, while others, such as “Prayer: The Path to Self Discovery” and “Becoming the Person You Wish to Be,” focused on growing as Jewish women.

The conference ended with a dessert reception and plenty of socializing.

LEAH BOURAMIA is an educator who lives in Warwick.

COMMUNITY

jvhri.org

November 9, 2018 |

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Israeli diplomat to speak at JCC on Nov. 14

BY LARRY KATZ

RIJM open house featured presentation on Benjamin Franklin

On Oct. 14, the downstairs sanctuary of the Rhode Island Jewish Museum was standing room only for the lecture delivered by Shai Afsai, a Providence author.  Afsai spoke about Benjamin Franklin’s influence on Jewish thought. His audience, ranging in age from 25 to 92, was totally captivated. There was a lively question-and-answer session at the end. One of the attendees said that he happened to be driv-

ing through the neighborhood; he was showing his daughters, who were visiting from Maryland, where he used to live. When he saw the Rhode Island Jewish Museum sign announcing an open house, he decided to come inside. He said that when he walked through the doors, he felt like he was a child again, attending services with his grandmother. His face beamed as he pointed out all the memories. While touring the building, he and his

daughters were smiling with nostalgic delight as they found names of relatives posted on memorial plaques or he pointed to the seats where he and his grandmother once sat during services.

For more information on the Rhode Island Jewish Museum, visit the website at rhodeislandjewishmuseum.org.

Submitted by the Rhode Island Jewish Museum

Nadav Tamir, formerly Israeli’s consul general to New England, will be in Rhode Island on Nov. 14 to discuss “Peres Legacy and Vision of Peace and Innovation – How Israel Became a StartUp Nation and How it Will Eventually Achieve Peace.� The program is the second in this year’s Jewish Alliance Israel Culture Series.

Tamir is director of International Policy and Government Affairs at both Peres & Associates Global Advisory LTD and the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, in Israel. He is also a past senior policy adviser to Shimon Peres, a former president of Israel, and a past consul general and political officer at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. The program, organized by Nir Cafri, the shaliach/Israeli emissary to the community, will be at 7 p.m. at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. The event is free but requires prior registration at

Nadav Tamir, nadavtamir.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Cafri at ncafri@jewishallianceri.org.

The R.I. Israel Collaborative is co-sponsoring the program. RIIC is a not-for-profit organization that fosters and strengthens trade, business, academic exchanges and research between R.I. and Israel to benefit their economies and communities.

LARRY KATZ is the director of Jewish life and learning at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

Help bring joy to a child this holiday season This year, the Jewish Alliance wants to bring joy to children and is asking for the community’s participation. You can help in two different ways: BUY A GIFT OR A GIFT CARD for the benefit of children who may not otherwise receive any substantial presents this holiday season.

Gift cards will enable parent(s) or the children to purchase something appropriate.

If you bring a gift instead, do

NOT wrap the gift, so that the parent(s) knows what the gift is.

Feel free to put the gift or card in a gift bag.

You can also leave a message with the gift. Please do not leave any names, as we want this to be completely anonymous.

DONATE A FLASHLIGHT OR BATTERIES that will be brought to Hasbro Children’s Hospital for their “Good Night Lights� program. This is a much-appreciated way of let-

ting hospital patients know that someone is thinking about them. People flash lights at the young patients, who use the donated flashlights to “reply.�

Please bring or mail the gifts, cards or flashlights/batteries to

the lobby desks at the Dwares Jewish Community Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906, for distribution. This program starts immediately and goes until Dec. 7. For more information, contact Larry

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Submitted by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island

4 | November 9, 2018

COMMUNITY

The Jewish Voice

FROM PAGE 1

CAMPAIGN the Houthi Shia in the north and the Sunni Islamists in the south. Al-Qaida militants were roaming the streets looking for anyone resembling a northerner.

Al Samawi fit that bill, with his light skin and accent.

Finally, he was trapped in a small room in the coastal city of Aden – and sent out a plea for help via Facebook. Four people answered his call. And that led to others, via Facebook postings, which led to offers of help and his eventual escape.

Through a harrowing journey that started in that small apartment, Al Samawi arrived at a Sheraton hotel, and then in India, and eventually in the U.S. Again and again, Facebook friends, and friends of Facebook friends, and friends of friends of Facebook friends, stepped up to help.

In many cases, he was helped by people he hadn’t even had contact with, such as the driver who picked him up at the San Francisco airport because someone at Facebook named “Jenna” had sent out the call.

“He really didn’t care about helping. He had a crush on ‘Jenna,’ ” said Al Samawi.

He’s written a book about his story, “The Fox Hunt: A Refugee’s Memoir of Coming to America,” which will soon be made into a movie by Marc Platt, the producer of “LaLa Land.”

Al Samawi hopes that readers will take away these messages: being different is OK, small things matter, and freedom of speech is important.

“The freedom to say whatever you want, and to be who you want to be, and no one will come to kill you” is amazing, he said.

Before Al Samawi’s moving story, the crowd heard high school senior Sadie Gaffin talk about how her Jewish identity has been nurtured by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, beginning with the Infant Toddler Center at the JCC and continuing as a camper and counselor at Camp JORI and as president of her USY chapter. The well-spoken Gaffin, who lives in Providence, talked about traveling to Israel during the summer of 2018 and the life-changing experience

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

PHOTO | RUTH CLEGG

Carol B. Bazarsky, David B. Bazarsky, Yarden Fanta-Vagenshtein, Mohammed Al Samawi, Dan Gamm, James Pious, Adam Greenman, Marisa Garber, Mitzi Berkelhammer

PHOTO | FRAN OSTENDORF

Sara Miller-Paul and Jacob Paul of participating in the March of the Living.

“I am so lucky to be a Jew in this community,” she said.

Chairs for the 2019 Annual Campaign event, Marisa Garber and Dan Gamm, welcomed attendees, as did board chair Mitzi Berkelhammer and Alliance President and CEO Adam Greenman.

Greenman spoke about his

hopes for the community, and its strong foundations.

“When people believe in community,” he said, “we can do anything.”

He went on to compare the community to a puzzle, and challenged the crowd to “make sure your piece isn’t missing.”

Philanthropy Vice Chair James Pious announced that the 2019 annual campaign is off to a

PHOTO | BRIAN SULLIVAN

Mohammed Al Samawi with Lisa and Eric Shorr. strong start, with commitments of more than $1 million from 850 donors.

“The annual campaign is the engine that fuels our community,” he said.

With the shootings at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh fresh on everyone’s mind, a moment of silence was observed at the start of the event.

Earlier in the evening, donors

CONTRIBUTORS Cynthia Benjamin Seth Chitwood Stephanie Ross

PERIODICALS Postage paid at Providence, R.I.

COLUMNISTS Michael Fink Rabbi James Rosenberg Daniel Stieglitz

PUBLISHER The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, President/CEO Adam Greenman, Chair Mitzi Berkelhammer, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

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

THE JEWISH VOICE (ISSN number 1539-2104, USPS #465-710) is published bi-weekly, except in July, when it does not publish.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to: The Jewish Voice, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

MEMBER of the Rhode Island Press Association and the American Jewish Press Association

from the Pacesetters and Lions of Judah heard Dr. Yarden Fanta-Vagenshtein speak about her family’s escape from Ethiopia and their trek through the desert to Israel. She has spoken in Rhode Island in the past about the challenges Ethiopians face in Israel.

FRAN OSTENDORF (fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org) is the editor of The Jewish Voice.

COPY DEADLINES: All news releases, photographs, etc., must be received on the Wednesday 10 days prior to publication. Submissions may be sent to: editor@jewishallianceri.org.

ADVERTISING: We do not accept advertisements for pork or shellfish.

We do not attest to the kashrut of any product or the legitimacy of our advertisers’ claims.

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

jvhri.org

COMMUNITY

November 9, 2018 |

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Erin Dube and Adam Greenman with Jason and Hadley Bazarsky

Marisa Garber

Susan Eides

Michael Gaffin, Sadie Gaffin and Sue Robbio

David and Carol Bazarsky with Yarden Fanta-Vagenshtein Diana and Stephen Lewinstein

Stacy and Doug Emanuel

Ralph and Maria Posner

Mohammed Al Samawi, Cara Mitnick

PHOTOS | THE JEWISH VOICE & THE JEWISH ALLIANCE

Members of the audience listened intently.

6 | November 9, 2018

COMMUNITY

The Jewish Voice

Patricia Raskin’s new passion project is positive aging

BY FRAN OSTENDORF Patricia Raskin has a one-word message for you: Hope.

The East Greenwich entrepreneur, who has had a long career helping others through her media projects, is now focused on positive aging. And she wants us to know that she sees a bright future.

There are limitations as we age, but it doesn’t have to stop us. We don’t move quite as fast, and we aren’t quite as strong, but we are living longer, healthier and better, Raskin says. And we’re in good company – the elderly are the fastest-growing population group in Rhode Island.

After a 30-year career in media and communications, and with a master’s degree in counseling, Raskin has the skills to drive her message of thriving as we age.

Some will recognize Raskin, 71, from her longtime radio show, “The Patricia Raskin Show,” first on WPRO and now on the internet, or from her visibility in the Jewish community, where she serves on the board at Providence’s Temple Emanu-El and writes a column for The Jewish Voice.

Raskin, who grew up in New England, returned to the area in 2008 to be closer to family and because she had an opportunity to bring her radio show here, she says.

She also helps people who

are interested in making podcasts, and she speaks to various groups around Rhode Island on the subject of positive aging. In 2015, she received a Small Business Administration award for her work as an entrepreneur in the radio field.

Her latest project is a Ted Talk, set to be delivered sometime in the spring. The talk will cover positive aging and five steps to help deal with loss. You can get a taste of the Ted Talk in Raskin’s latest Voice column on page 17 Raskin is also putting together a 27-minute pilot on positive aging for Rhode Island PBS. The show, which will focus on a variety of relevant topics, such as technology for seniors and brain health, will be a vehicle to find funding to create a weekly

program.

“The thrust of my work has always been around showing positive role models. Now that I’m older, I’m concentrating on positive aging,” Raskin says.

“What I’m excited about in this pilot is that I want to show seniors aging up. I don’t just want to show people when they go downhill. How do we take what we’ve got and start afresh and look at it positively?

“Keeping hope alive, that’s what my work is about. In all my programs, this is my passion. I’ve been tested. I’ve had to use these skills to keep hope alive.”

FRAN OSTENDORF (fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org) is the editor of The Jewish Voice.

ISRAEL CULTURE SERIES with special guest NADAV TAMIR

First-time campers are eligible for grants up to $1K Summer camp can be a transformative experience, providing children with the opportunity to make memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

The mission of the Jewish Alliance’s One Happy Camper program is to provide more children with the opportunity to attend Jewish overnight camp for the first time by offering grants to qualifying families.

At Jewish camp, children have amazing adventures, try out new skills, and explore who they are – and who they want to become – in a nurturing, fun-filled place. Campers can choose from a variety of activities such as boating, filmmaking, rock climbing, cooking, archery, painting, drama or dance. And they learn lifelong values including kindness, independence and an appreciation for giving back.

Local first-time campers attending any of over 150 Jewish camps throughout the U.S. and Canada, including camps close to home, are eligible to receive the grants. These can be general camps that provide a widerange of choices and activities throughout the camp season or camps that specialize in arts, athletics, health, math/science, or other areas. Teens may even choose from among some travel and leadership opportunities.

Parents who are unsure as to which camp may best meet their child’s needs should consult the database at http://onehappycamper.org/ or contact Larry Katz, Director of Jewish Life and Learning at the Jewish Alliance.

Campers who have partic-

ipated in such camps during previous summers for less than 12 days are also eligible for the grants. $700 grants are available for first-time campers who attend for less than 19 days, and $1,000 grants for those who attend at least 19 consecutive days. The number of grants is limited, and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, regardless of financial need.

Applications for grants are handled online at onehappycamper.org. For questions about camps or the grants, contactLarry Katz, director of Jewish Life and Learning, at lkatz@ jewishallianceri.org or 401421-4111.

Residents of Rhode Island and neighboring parts of Massachusetts are eligible for grants from the Jewish Alliance. Residents of the area served by Boston’s Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) are eligible for the same type of grants, though funded by CJP. Since the amount of available funds is limited, the grants are reserved for students who do attend Jewish day schools. However, The Harold Grinspoon Foundation assists day school families through a drawing for $1,000 grants for first-time campers if they or a sibling have been part of PJ Library. This is the only local opportunity for day school students to receive such a grant. More information may be found at pjlibrary.org/ beyond-books/pj-goes-to-camp.

The deadline to apply for this drawing is Nov. 18.

Submitted by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island

The Peres Legacy and Vision of Peace and Innovation: How Israel Became a Start-Up Nation and How it will Eventually Achieve Peace

Wednesday, November 14 | 7pm | Dwares JCC | 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence The Rhode Island-Israel Collaborative (RIIC), in partnership with the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, is excited to welcome Nadav Tamir.

Nadav Tamir is the director of international policy and government affairs at both the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, and the Peres & Associates Global Advisory LTD. He served as the Senior Policy Adviser to the President of Israel Shimon Peres. Tamir served as the Consul General of Israel to New England and as political officer at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC. Tamir holds his MA in Public Administration from The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard Universtiy.

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This event is free of charge but reservations are required.

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jvhri.org D’VAR

TORAH | VETERANS

November 9, 2018 |

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Jacob and Esau take a journey with relevance today In this week’s Torah portion, Toledot, the narrative begins with the origins of Isaac and Rebecca’s twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Isaac pleads with God on behalf of Rebecca who, like her late mother-in-law Sarah, is unable to conceive. God RABBI he a r s I s a ac ’s HOWARD p r a y e r, a n d VOSS-ALTMAN shortly thereafter, Rebecca is pregnant with twins. But in contrast to past sets of brothers in conflict – Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael – Rebecca’s boys are scrapping inside the womb, wrestling for domination and control even before they are born.

As she endures a difficult and uncomfortable pregnancy, Rebecca seeks an answer from God. God explains that she is giving birth not just to two boys, but to two separate nations. One nation will be more powerful than the other, and the elder (the one who emerges

from the womb first) will serve the younger. And while God’s explanation is certainly, on its face, correct, we must explore whether it actually addresses Rebecca’s question.

Rebecca’s question, “Im kain lamah zeh anochi,” “If this is so, why am I this?” could not possibly be more ambiguous. Based on God’s response, it appears that God believes that Rebecca’s question relates to the pain in her womb. The meaning of the word “this” is her physical suffering. But certainly another, perhaps more plausible interpretation, is that Rebecca’s “this” refers to a much more profound, existential inquiry: if my womb is just an arena for fighting and misunderstanding, then what exactly is the point of all this?

If the two nations, represented by Esau and Jacob, seem predestined for conflict, how will we survive? Whether we are battling it out for physical space (“this is our land, not yours!”) or psychic space (“we own the moral high ground, not you”), the history of our civilization seems to be encapsulated in

this moment. Instead of sharing the world, we divided it up. Instead of sharing resources with our neighbors, we kept them for ourselves.

Indeed, as we read the news today, we seem more determined than ever to divide ourselves into separate nations.

We may refer to these divisions as “bubbles” or “silos” or “echo chambers,” but our nation seems to be following the examples of Jacob and Esau at their impetuous, youthful worst: trading short-term relief to satisfy our immediate needs (a bowl of lentil soup), for longterm needs that will impact us for generations to come (the family’s birthright).

We also seem committed – like our ancestors – to a strategy of deliberate deception to enhance our power. In the Torah, Rebecca and Jacob work together to fool Isaac so that he will give Jacob his blessing instead of Esau. Although this moment will create years of enmity and bitterness between the brothers, Rebecca (and God) achieve the result they desire. In this circumstance, the end justifies

the means.

We know, of course, how our ancestors’ story turned out. Jacob became our patriarch, Israel, the acknowledged leader of our people, and after 20 years of not seeing or speaking to each other, Jacob and Esau reconcile, hugging and weeping for all the time they had lost. The end of our story, however, remains a mystery.

As we live through these times of division and rancor, we seem to have forgotten – like Jacob and Esau – that we are brothers. We have forgotten that dishonesty and distrust can lead to grave consequences.

We have forgotten that demonizing the other side, no matter how righteous we may feel, can only extend the chasm between the camps. And we have forgotten that Jacob and Esau’s reconciliation – however tentative it was – may have been an anomaly.

Our history and experience teach us that harsh words – especially those directed at our brothers – may not be easily forgiven. And though we have come through difficult times as

a nation before (just 50 years ago our political and cultural divisions seemed to be utterly irreparable), in this moment we need to call upon our best selves to restore the collective trust that appears to be eluding us.

Let us remember that after all those years apart, Jacob and Esau found each other in the desert, but they could have easily taken another path. One, or both, could have avoided the encounter and simply moved on to their next destination. Instead, they remembered that they had once shared a womb, a home and a family. They remembered what they shared, instead of what they did not. And with courage and conviction, they walked toward each other and embraced. May we have the courage to do the same: to see our brothers and walk toward them in the spirit of unity and healing.

RABBI HOWARD VOSSALTMAN is the senior rabbi of Temple Beth-El in Providence.

Top 5 riskiest scams for military families and veterans

BY THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU Service members, veterans and their families are common targets for fraud, with a median reported loss of $280 last year – 27% higher than the general population.1 We know how much military members give to the country, and want to help you keep your hard-earned money safe. That’s why we cracked open the data books to identify the top five most risky scams.

The Better Business Bureau receives thousands of reports per year from active-duty service members, military families, and veterans through its crowd-sourced scam reporting tool, BBB Scam Tracker. We then applied the BBB Risk Index, which measures risk according to exposure, likelihood of losing money and median monetary loss. This gives us a better sense of which scams not only take the biggest financial toll on military consumers, but also which kind of scams will most likely result in a loss.

Here are the top five most risky scams from lowest to highest risk:

5. Tech Support Scams

A warning pops up on your screen with the dreaded words: You Have Been Infected. Immediately, the panic sets in: you need to keep in touch with family and loved ones, and prevent all of your valuable files and information from being lost forever. A phone number appears on

the screen, or you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from a well-known tech support company. No matter how much the screen is flashing, or how loud the warning is blasting on your computer – try to stay calm. Scammers use fear to lower your defenses and lure you out of hundreds of dollars. Immediately shut down your device and reboot. Do not give control of your device to a third party that contacts you.

Instead, reach out directly to a local business or online service provider you trust.

4. Online Purchase Scams

Nearly three out of every four military consumers reporting an online purchase scam told us they lost money to a fraudster. Between frequent moves and changing financial situations, families are buying and selling more items online—and falling into common scammer traps. No matter where you’re stationed, purchase items from reputable retailers with a verifiable physical address and a secure website. If you’re selling your items or purchasing them from individuals, use reputable online marketplace sites and apps that offer protections so your transaction is safer and more secure.

3. Fake Check/Money Order Scams

With the increased use of credit cards and other forms of digital payment, it’s easy to forget how checks actually work and how to tell if a check is fraudulent. Scammers take ad-

vantage of this in a number of ways. One strategy fraudsters use is to overpay you for a product or service with a check. The scammer will tell you to just send him or her the difference by wire transfer – and maybe even let you keep a few extra bucks for your trouble. Remember: a check may “clear” in your account, but you are still responsible for the funds – even if it turns out to be fake weeks later. Be immediately suspicious of overpayments, and don’t wire or send money to someone you do not know. Learn more about fake check scams in our latest Investigative Report.

2. Home Improvement Scams

When you’re new in town, it can be hard to know who to trust with your home repairs.

Sixty-one percent of military consumers who reported a home improvement scam lost money, which is significantly higher than the 50 percent

across all consumer types. No matter how trustworthy someone may seem at your door, you should always verify their credentials. Say no to cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics, payments made upfront, handshake deals without a contract, and on-site inspections. Get details in writing and verify reputable contractors and home improvement professionals at BBB.org.

1. Employment Scams

By a landslide, the most risky scam for military spouses and veterans is employment scams; the median dollars reported lost was $1,715 – nearly double that reported across all consumers.3 Whether you’re looking for a flexible opportunity close to home or hoping to secure your first civilian job, it can be difficult to identify if an opportunity is made for you or just plain made up. Thanks to the more than 10,000 military

Candle Lighting Times Greater Rhode Island Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

4:12 4:05 4:01 3:57

consumers who contributed to this article by reporting scams they’ve encountered! You can search for scams in your community and warn others by visiting BBB.org/ScamTracker.

8 | November 9, 2018

OPINION

Roots forged in steel Pittsburgh has a strong draw on its natives and anyone who has spent much time in the city once known for its steel mills.

We’ve learned about this in the past few weeks as people EDITOR worldwide have mourned the tragic FRAN deaths at OSTENDORF Tree of Life synagogue.

From the Rhode Islanders who either grew up in Pittsburgh or spent time there, to the journalists who have written eloquently about their connections to Squirrel Hill and greater Pittsburgh, we have heard much about the solid sense of community in the Steel City.

Even if you left the city willingly, to never return, Pittsburgh is a city that never leaves you. I guess you could say, once a Pittsburgher, always a Pittsburgher.

That became especially evident to me as I watched the horrific events unfold in Squirrel Hill.

You see, I was born in Pittsburgh. My entire family is from Pittsburgh. These roots go back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, when my family arrived from Russia, Ukraine, Austria-Hungary and Germany.

No matter what port they entered through – and most came in from Canada – they ended up in the greater Pittsburgh area.

Pittsburgh’s pull is a little difficult to explain. But whenever I’m asked where I’m from, my answer has always been, “My family is from Pittsburgh, but I grew up in suburban D.C.” I left Pittsburgh in grade school, but I never considered the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., as my primary roots. I always returned to Pittsburgh for holidays and in the summer. I suspect I know Squirrel Hill better than the area of Virginia where I spent

many more years.

Like mine, my parents’ ties to Pittsburgh have never been severed. My mother still reads Pittsburgh’s Jewish Chronicle and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s online edition. My folks root for the Pittsburgh sports teams.

When it came time for college, my son chose the University of Pittsburgh. He said it was in familiar territory. And he developed a treasured relationship with his great-grandmother, who lived near the campus after leaving a house in Squirrel Hill for an apartment in Oakland.

Our daughter chose Penn State. No, not Pitt, but her first roommate was from Pittsburgh.

There is no changing this heritage.

And while nobody in my immediate family attended Tree of Life synagogue, everyone knew someone who went there.

In Squirrel Hill, we lived less than a mile from Tree of Life.

So did my grandparents and other family members.

We all hope that mass shootings will never become commonplace, but they are happening more often. Anti-Semitism is also on the rise. If you don’t see it or hear about it in your daily life, you have surely read about the increasing incidents in media reports and in studies and surveys. And now, Pittsburgh is forever seared into our consciousness.

The Jews who went to Shabbat services on a fall morning in Squirrel Hill never dreamed that they needed to be prepared for anything other than the peace of prayer. Now we know differently. But we cannot let that change our routines and daily life.

I refuse to be fearful. I refuse to change the way I live or worship or express myself.

And I am resolved more than ever before to push for understanding and civility and a shared sense of community, where everyone feels welcome, just like where I grew up – Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill.

NEXT TIME IN THE VOICE Are you ready for Hanukkah? We will be. Look for some new recipes to try and a roundup of new books for the children.

On the road again. A couple of our correspondents have been traveling again, and they report in with tales of Italy and Chicago.

Community news. We’ve got the reports you are looking for!

Stay in touch. Email or snail mail, we are here. Write to us at editor@jewishallianceri.org or 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

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

The Jewish Voice

‘Cruel, only to be kind’ The 2012 Oscar-winning film “Life of Pi” is based on Yann Martel’s bestselling novel of the same name.

Both the movie’s director, Ang Lee, and the screenwriter, David Magee, had fallen in love with the 2001 book. But, IT SEEMS initially, they felt it would be TO ME impossible to translate it into RABBI JIM a movie since ROSENBERG so much of the novel’s energy comes from the Canadian author’s portrayal of the expansive inner life of Pi, the story’s young hero.

While they could not reproduce on the big screen Martel’s chronicling of the intimate details of Pi’s deepest thoughts, feelings and yearnings, they managed, after years of creative collaboration, to offer at least some suggestion of Pi’s interiority through cinematic techniques of breathtaking and, at times, terrifying beauty – overpowering, I am told, in the film’s 3-D format.

A key scene in “Life of Pi” occurs in the first few minutes of the movie. Pi Patel, a 12-yearold boy, lives in Pondicherry, a city on the Bay of Bengal in French-occupied India. Pi senses that he has a special gift for entering into friendships with the animals living in his parents’ small zoo. In particular, he has a unique relationship with the zoo’s male Royal Bengal tiger – named Richard Parker owing to a comedy of errors.

We see the young Pi, clutching a piece of fresh meat in his small right hand, thrusting his skinny arm between the bars of the tiger’s cage, waiting for the arrival of Richard Parker.

Within moments, the 450-pound cat is slowly treading, huge paw after huge paw, toward the boy’s outstretched

arm.

Pi reads in the tiger’s eyes a human-like understanding as the animal continues to close the physical gap between them.

The audience senses a bloody consequence of the boy’s naiveté.

Just before disaster strikes, Pi’s father rushes to his son and yanks him away from the tiger’s maw. The father screams at his son, shouting, “You think the tiger is your friend. He is an animal, not a playmate!”

“Animals don’t think like we do; people who forget that get themselves killed. That tiger is not your friend. When you look into his eyes, you are seeing your own emotions reflected back at you – nothing else.”

With that, Pi’s father proceeds to teach him a most painful lesson, ordering a zoo worker to fetch a young goat – cute as can be – and chain it to the bars inside the tiger’s cage Never anything other than a wild, carnivorous beast, Richard Parker jumps on the goat, tears it to pieces, and eats it right in front of Pi’s crying eyes.

“That tiger is not your friend.”

My initial reaction to this scene was that Pi’s father is acting in an unnecessarily cruel manner. After all, his son is only 12 years old; why subject him to such brutal reality at his tender age?

However, as the narrative unfolded, I came to see that Pi’s father was being “cruel, only to be kind” – to borrow a phrase that entered the English language about 400 years ago when Hamlet tried to explain himself to his mother, Gertrude.

“Life of Pi,” in both its written and cinematic forms, works on many levels as it grapples with an abundance of interconnected themes. It seems to me that one of the most significant of these themes is the role of parenting.

Throughout most of the story, Pi is a 16-year-old, orphaned as a result of a catastrophic shipwreck that leaves him stuck in the Pacific for 227 days on a small lifeboat along with Richard Parker. During this time, his mother and father seem to remain with him as living presences.

Pi’s mother’s undying love inspires him to “keep on keepin’ on” against all odds, and his father’s cruel-to-be-kind lesson has stayed with him, giving him the wisdom and the knowhow to keep the tiger at bay.

The question of when to be “cruel, only to be kind” challenges our parenting instincts.

Sometimes our “cruelty” is a mere pinprick, but there are times when we parents must risk being as cruel to our children as Pi’s father was to his son when he ordered the goat chained to the bars in the tiger’s cage. It is then that we walk on the razor’s edge – uncertain as to whether a kinder future will outweigh the pain and trauma of the here and now.

Do we tell our daughter that she lacks the skills and temperament to pursue the career of her dreams? Do we suggest to our son that the woman he thinks he loves is profoundly flawed? Do we dare to remain silent? Do we dare to speak?

And what if we are wrong?

What if our well-intentioned cruelty is unredeemed by a compensating kindness?

Four years elapsed before Pi’s father’s cruelty turned out to be kind. When we parents choose to be cruel to our children in order to be kind, we are gambling with our future and the future of our children. But sometimes it is a gamble we are duty-bound to take.

JAMES B. ROSENBERG is rabbi emeritus at Temple Habonim, in Barrington. Contact him at rabbiemertitus@templehabonim.org.

Singer Foundation gives $1M for security

JTA – The Paul E. Singer Foundation said it will give at least $1 million to help secure Jewish institutions around New York in response to the shooting attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue that left 11 worshippers dead.

The foundation announced Nov. 5 that the money will go toward safety reviews and en-

hanced precautions at synagogues, day schools and community centers, the New York Post reported.

“The tragedy in Pittsburgh was a painful reminder of the need to revisit our community’s security needs,” Paul Singer, a billionaire hedge fund manager, told the newspaper.

The money will be distributed through the UJA Federation of New York.

The funds also will go toward official security assessments that the institutions need to apply for government funding for security.

COLUMNS | LETTERS POLICY

The Jewish Voice publishes thoughtful and informative contributors’ columns (op-eds of 500 – 800 words) and letters to the editor (300 words, maximum) on issues of interest to our Jewish community. At our discretion, we may edit pieces

for publication or refuse publication. Letters and columns, whether from our regular contributors or from guest columnists, represent the views of the authors; they do not represent the views of The Jewish Voice or the Alliance.

Send letters and op-eds to: The Jewish Voice, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906 or editor@jewishallianceri.org.

Include name, city of residence and a contact phone number or email (not for publication).

OPINION

jvhri.org

November 9, 2018 |

9

#WeAreAllJews: The Jewish media stand with Pittsburgh This joint editorial was originally published Oct. 29.

JTA – Earlier this year, our colleagues at the three leading Jewish newspapers in the United Kingdom published the same front-page headline and joint editorial voicing concern over rising anti-Semitism in Britain’s Labour Party.

Today we have found a mournful occasion to follow in their footsteps.

For many Jews, the United States has long held a unique role in our collective imagination. It has been an unprecedented land of promise, of refuge, of freedom, of opportunity and of safety.

But after the horrific attack last Shabbat at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, in which 11 of our brothers and

sisters were brutally murdered, we can’t help but be shaken and concerned for the America we have come to know and love.

We therefore join together to unequivocally condemn this brutal act of anti-Semitism and all deadly acts of hate. We also condemn the climate of hate that has been building for some time now, especially on college campuses and on social media, where the veneer of anonymity has allowed anti-Semitic cesspools to flourish, and from irresponsible political leaders who engage in hateful speech and are abetted by the silence of others.

As journalists, we hold a variety of opinions about politics in this country and in Israel. The American Jewish community is diverse, and those differences are reflected on the pages of

its media.

In coming together now, we are not erasing those differences, but rising above them to issue a call for solidarity and respect, and asking our political and communal leaders to do the same.

The gunman who invaded a sanctuary on Shabbat did not distinguish among his victims.

To him, they were all Jews.

We are all Jews. Let this horrific massacre be a moment of redemption as well as grieving. Let us argue with each other as Hillel argued with Shammai – with civility. Let us acknowledge our common humanity with other Americans who have been subject to unconscionable violence, too.

Jewish media has a long and proud history in America, and we pledge to continue our mis-

sion to inform, reflect and bind The Jewish Standard, our communities – even more Janet Perez, Managing necessary in this painful time.

Editor, Jewish News of Greater Phoenix, Jane Eisner, Editor-in-Chief Fran Ostendorf, Editor The Forward The Jewish Voice Dovid Efune, Editor-in-Chief of Rhode Island and CEO, The Algemeiner Ami Eden, CEO and Executive Brett R. Rhyne, Editor, The Jewish Advocate, Editor, 70 Faces Media Boston Nadine Epstein, Editor-in- Gary Rosenblatt, Editor and Chief and CEO, Publisher, Jewish Week Moment Magazine of New York Sue Fishkoff, Editor, Joshua Runyan, Senior J. The Jewish News Editorial Director, of Northern California Washington Jewish Week Jeffrey Gaeser, Publisher Liz Spikol, Editorial Director, The Heritage Florida Baltimore Jewish Times Jewish News Leon J. Sternheim, Jerry Greenwald, Managing Editor and Publisher, Editor, The Jewish Press The Jewish Herald Lisa Hostein, Executive David Suissa, President, Editor, Hadassah Magazine Tribe Media/Jewish Journal Gabe Kahn, Editor, Jonathan S. Tobin, Editor-in New Jersey Jewish News Chief, Jewish News Syndicate.

Joanne Palmer, Editor

Anti-Semitism in a new era gets personal “It’s a terrible, terrible thing what’s going on with hate in our country … and something has to be done. …. There must be no tolerance for anti-Semitism in America.”

– President Donald Trump, after the deadly shooting at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.

“I think this is just a moment in our country when hatred and bigotry are more tolerated.

People will say things in public that they wouldn’t have dreamed of saying years ago.”

– Jonathan Weisman, the deputy Washington editor of The New York Times, and author of “(((Semitism))): Being Jewish in America in the Age of Trump.”

BY LARRY KESSLER Anti-Semitism has always been around in our country, and it probably always will be; it just didn’t always carry with it deadly consequences for those exercising their First Amendment right to pray as they see fit.

Until now, that is, when in this age of lunatics amassing huge caches of weapons, a mad man and hard-core neo Nazi/anti-Semite burst into a Sabbath service that ironically included the quintessential welcomingof-a-new-life into this world

ceremony, a bris, and gunned down 11 people and wounded six others.

That anti-Semitism escalated to such a heightened level of violence thankfully remains shocking in the United States, but make no mistake: antiSemitism has thrived here for decades.

It was here in the 1930s, when Father Charles E. Coughlin, an American Catholic priest, used his radio show to foment hatred of Jews.

It was here before we entered World War II, when, even after the Germans began their blitzkrieg across Europe, Charles Lindbergh used anti-Semitism as fuel for his Isolationist policies and friendly overtures to Nazi Germany.

It was here after World War II, when despite 6 million Jews being slaughtered as part of the Nazis’ Final Solution, Jews were told they weren’t welcome at country clubs and at other mainstream American institutions.

It was most definitely here in 1953, when my father, a combat Navy World War II veteran, where he served as a radioman on a destroyer escort, had just moved to Boston with his young family and tried to find a job in

his craft.

An experienced Linotype operator with the Philadelphia Inquirer, he applied to The Boston Globe, and was denied consideration for a job because of who he was. That’s right: Even though there weren’t any “No Jews Need Apply” signs outside of the Globe 65 years ago, there was no prohibition against prospective employers asking the religion of their applicants. He was told that the paper didn’t hire Jews. It all worked out for the best, as the Hearst Corp. hired him, and Ike went on to a 30-year career at the Boston Record-American before retiring several years after the paper became the Boston Herald.

A subtler form of anti-Semitism has affected me, too – whether it is overhearing people at parties talking nonchalantly about the Jewish conspiracy or making other wisecracks promoting stereotypes associated with Jews.

It stung me when people, upon finding out that I was Jewish, would say “you’re not like all the others,” to which I would promptly snap, “Oh, sorry, I left my horns at home today.”

But while the hatred directed at Jews has always been a part of society, its recent deadly

incarnation at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh has escalated it to a frightening level.

The timing of the attack was somewhat ironic as the day before, I interviewed Jonathan Weisman, the deputy Washington editor of The New York Times, about his new book, “(((Semitism))): Being Jewish in America in the Age of Trump.”

Weisman, who will be among the presenters at the Nov. 17 Evening of Jewish Renaissance organized by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, said his book deals with, among other issues, the rise of anti-Semitism, especially online, by the alt-right and neo-Nazis.

He discovered just how bad the situation had become when he found himself, while reporting on the 2016 campaign, being marked on the Web as a Jewish journalist with the use of the three opening and closing parentheses bracketing his name.

Once a journalist is tagged like that, “you get an avalanche” of hate tweets and email, he said.

The rapid spread of anti-Semitism on social media is an especially powerful source of bigotry as the suspect in the Pittsburgh massacre, Robert D. Bowers, 46, had posted a slew of

anti-Semitic slurs on web sites favored by neo Nazis.

That’s disturbing for Jews, who can be excused if they bring fear along with them to Sabbath and holiday services.

Years ago, High Holy Day services I attended carried with them elevated security measures, including the presence of a police officer at the front door. Those measures will now, of course, only increase, but at what cost – financially and psychologically?

The problem seems daunting, but one solution that Weisman mentioned in my interview bears repeating: building coalitions with other minorities under siege.

Above all, we as Americans – from the president down to the voters – must be put on notice to pay more than lip service to words such as “civility,” “respect” and “tolerance.”

If we ignore that warning, we face years of hatred ripping us apart.

LARRY KESSLER is a freelance writer based in North Attleboro. He can be reached at lkessler1@comcast.net.

LETTER Government officials add insult to injury The horrific massacre that took place at a synagogue in Pittsburgh was made worse by two of the highest officials in the US government. President Trump initially responded by saying that perhaps if they had an armed guard, the scenario might have been different. Not a word of condolence was issued

in that statement. Then, the next day he said he thought that perhaps some of the Jewish people were staging anti-Semitic acts to make him look bad – the exact same statement issued by David Duke.

The next day, Vice President Pence held a prayer meeting and had a “Christian Rabbi”

(aka clergyman of the “Jews for Jesus”) officiate. Mr. Pence had to have known that while some Jewish people have gone astray, Jewish people don’t believe in Jesus. This was a slap in the face to the Jewish people. The implications are frightening.

Both men have denigrated the beliefs of the Jewish people by

their deplorable behavior.

During WWII, we fought the Nazis. Now, I fear we may need to fight them again. But this time they are hidden amongst us. When the two highest elected government officials in the country act as they did, there should be a huge backlash – an outpouring of condemnation by

the Jewish people. If we don’t do this now, in the future, it may be too late. We must do more than simply utter the phrase, “Never Again!”.

Bob Schoenberg Cranston, RI

10 | November 9, 2018

Ongoing Alliance Kosher Senior Café. Kosher lunch and program every weekday.

Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Noon lunch; 1 p.m. program. $3 lunch donation from individuals 60+ or under 60 with disabilities. Information or to RSVP, Neal or Elaine, 401-4214111, ext. 107.

West Bay Kosher Senior Café. Kosher lunch and program every Friday.

Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston.

11:15 a.m. program; noon lunch. $3 lunch donation from individuals 60+ or under 60 with disabilities. Information or to RSVP, Steve, 401-743-0009.

Duplicate Bridge. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Mondays noon-2 p.m.: 0-20 masterpoint game.

For less-experienced players. $5 per day. Mondays and Wednesdays noon-3 p.m.: Open stratified game for experienced players at all levels. $7 per day.

Tuesdays and Fridays 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Open stratified game for players at all levels. $7 per day. Thursdays 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Guided play. Beginners and those seeking to hone skills play under the guidance of nationally known instructor Bart Buffington. $6 per day. Information, Bart Buffington at abarton295@ aol.com or 401-390-9244.

Game Night: Mah Jongg and Canasta.

6-9 p.m. every Wednesday. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Lessons available for Mah Jongg. Open to all. Free. Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401885-6600.

“Bridging the Gap” with Rabbi Raphie.

8-8:45 p.m. every Wednesday. Kollel Center for Jewish Studies, 450 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Explore the development and refinement of personality through the eyes of the Mussar movement. Text is “Bridging the Gap.” Free. Information, rabbiraphie@gmail. com or 401-383-2786.

Introduction to Judaism. 7-9 p.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence.

Thursdays through 2/28/19. The Reform temples of RI (Temple Beth-El, Temple Habonim and Temple Sinai) present an introduction to Judaism. Learn the fundamentals of Jewish thought and practice in 18 weeks through a mix of study and discussion. Perfect for interfaith couples, non-Jews considering conversion and Jews looking for an adult-level introduction. Faculty includes Rabbis Jeffrey Goldwasser, Howard Voss-Altman, Andrew Klein and Sarah Mack, and Cantor Judith Seplowin. Cost: $160 per person | $225 per couple (includes all materials and joint Shabbat dinner on 3/1/19 at Temple Habonim in Barrington). Information, Judith Gilson at Jgilson@Temple-Beth-El.org or 401331-6070, ext. 113.

“The Tanakh: New Perspectives.” 7-9:30 p.m. Thursdays through 12/20. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. A Delve Deeper course taught by Michael Satlow, professor of Religious and Jewish Studies at Brown University.

Explore various approaches to the Tanakh, highlighting the diverse ways in which this pivotal text has been, and continues to be, read throughout history. Cost: $200 (scholarships available). Register at teprov.org/institute/ delvedeeper or 401-331-1616.

Children’s Shabbat Programs and Kiddush. 10-11:30 a.m. Shabbat morning.

Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp

CALENDAR St., Providence. Fun, educational programs, grouped by age and led by qualified teens, for ages 2 to 12 years.

Kids Kiddush follows. Free. Information, office@bethsholom-ri.org.

Friday | November 9 Friday Night Live Honors Our Veterans.

6-9 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Musical celebration of Shabbat followed by dinner. Menu: matzo ball soup, Bubbe’s brisket, savory kasha and varnishkes, salad and dessert. Cost: Adults and children over 12 years $20 | 12 years and younger free | Family max. $60.

Information or to RSVP, Torat Yisrael office at 401-885-6600.

Saturday | November 10 Classic Shabbat Service and Bar Mitzvah. 9 a.m.-noon. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Service and Bar Mitzvah followed by Kiddush luncheon.

Information, Torat Yisrael office at 401885-6600.

Sunday | November 11 “Remembering Dokshitsy.” 10-11:45 a.m. Touro Synagogue at the Levi Gale House, 85 Touro St., Newport.

Kristallnacht commemorative screening of “Remembering Dokshitsy,” a documentary film directed by Michele Vlakov. The film highlights the efforts of Aaron Ginsburg as he helped a local government restore a Jewish cemetery and preserve the memory of Dokshitsy, Parafianov and other villages in Belarus. He brought together a local in Belarus and a worldwide network of descendants to dedicate a memorial to this Jewish community and to correct a 1965 Holocaust memorial that denied the Holocaust by failing to mention that the victims were Jewish. After the film, Aaron Ginsburg will give a presentation.

RSVP to rsvp@tourosynagogue.org.

Information, Aaron Ginsburg at aaron. ginsburg@gmail.com.

Hadassah Rhode Island Chai Luncheon.

Noon-2:30 p.m. Wethersfield Commons Condominium Association, One Williamsburg Drive, Warwick. Potluck dairy luncheon. Guest speaker is Rachel Herz, a neuroscientist and professor at Brown University and author of “Why You Eat What You Eat.” Herz examines the sensory, psychological, and physiological factors that influence our eating habits. Cost: minimum donation of $36. Information, Sue Mayes at sue_mayes@cox.net or 401-463-3636.

Tuesday | November 13 PJ Library Story Time. 10-11 a.m.

Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Stories and songs are a great way for children ages 5 and younger to learn about and share different values and customs. We will read the book “All of Me!: A Book of Thanks” and create a thankful keepsake to help decorate your holiday table. All are welcome.

Information or to RSVP, Lyndsey Ursillo at lursillo@jewishallianceri.org or 401421-4111, ext. 141.

Temple Torat Yisrael’s Lunch and Learn.

Noon-1:30 p.m. T’s Restaurant, 5600 Post Road, East Greenwich. Join Rabbi Aaron Philmus at T’s Restaurant. Each participant orders from the menu, and we study Jewish sources addressing current issues. Open to all. Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600.

The Jewish Voice Israeli Fusion East to West Culinary Event with Chef Eran Geffen. 6-8:30 p.m. Hope & Main, 691 Main St., Warren. A unique tasting event that celebrates Israeli cuisine. Chef Eran Geffen will prepare dishes inspired by his upbringing and the influences of Jerusalem, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and other nearby regions. Cost: $75. Sponsored by the Rhode Island-Israel Collaborative (RIIC). Information, info@theriic.org or 401-486-1152.

Merciful Conversations on Race. 7-9:30 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence. Temple Emanu-El and the Rhode Island State Council of Churches-sponsored series of conversations on the dynamics of race in our culture.

Explore how white privilege functions in society and in religious communities and the ways that it negatively impacts people of color. The course seeks to create a positive and trusting space to explore why race conversations can be a struggle and provides help for overcoming this challenge and suggests opportunities to further racial reconciliation. Last in the series. Optional dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Course cost: $36/person. Dinner cost: $8/person.

Register in advance at teprov.org/ form/ConversationsOnRace or call the Temple office at 401-331-1617.

Purim Spiel Auditions/Sing-Through.

7-8 p.m. (also 8-9 p.m. 11/14). Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence.

Purim Spiel performance of “Shushan Rhapsody,” based on the music of Queen, will be held 3/20/19. Information, Cantor Seplowin at 401-331-6070.

Tuesday Night Talmud. 8-8:45 p.m.

Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. Study the fourth chapter of Mesechat Berachot, The Timing of Prayer, with Rabbi Barry Dolinger. Focus is on the story of Rabbi Gamliel and the academy at Yavneh. All backgrounds and levels welcome. Final fall study date. Information, rabbi@ bethsholom-ri.org.

Wednesday | November 14 Israel Culture Series: Peres Legacy and Vision of Peace and Innovation – How Israel Became a StartUp Nation and How it will Eventually Achieve Peace.

7-8. p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. The Rhode Island-Israel Collaborative (RIIC), in collaboration with the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, presents Nadav Tamir, director of International Policy and Government Affairs at both Peres & Associates Global Advisory LTD and the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation of Israel, See story page 3. Registration required: nadavtamir.eventbrite. com. Information, Nir Cafri at ncafri@ jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 121.

Purim Spiel Auditions/Sing-Through. 8-9 p.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Purim Spiel performance of “Shushan Rhapsody,” based on the music of Queen, will be held 3/20/19.

Information, Cantor Seplowin at 401331-6070.

Friday | November 16 T.G.I.F. – Thank G-D It’s Friday. 5:45-7 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Shabbat songs and story with Rabbi Aaron Philmus followed by a free kid-friendly Shabbat dinner. Donations welcome. Information or to RSVP, Torat Yisrael office at 401-

885-6600.

Shabbat Hallelu. 7 p.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Information, Temple Beth-El office at 401-3316070.

Kabbalat Shabbat Service. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Service followed

by Oneg. Information, stephanie@ toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600.

Saturday | November 17 “Arguing with God: The Theology of Elie Wiesel.” 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence.

Dr. Claire E. Sufrin, assistant director of Jewish Studies at Northwestern University, delivers this year’s Judaic Studies lecture, endowed by Peter and Judith Romney Wegner. Sufrin discusses the literary works of Elie Wiesel (1928-2016), a young survivor of Auschwitz who dedicated his life to making sure the world knew about the horrors of the Holocaust. All are welcome at the sanctuary service for Sufrin’s d’var Torah, a special Kiddush lunch at noon and her post-lunch lecture. Free. Information, Rachel Zerin at rzerin@teprov. org or 401-331-1616.

Taste of Shabbat. 9-11 a.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. 9 a.m. Torah discussion and 9:45 a.m. service followed by a light Kiddush.

Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401-885-6600.

Kids’ Night Out: Bookworm Night. Ages 5-12: 5-10 p.m. Ages 2-4: 5-8:30 p.m. (extended times available). Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence.

Children spend the evening with friends in a fun and safe environment, and parents get night out, “kid free.” Themed activities include sports, crafts and more. A pizza dinner and snacks are served, and the evening ends with a movie. The older group also enjoys an hour of free swim. For ages 2-4, make sure to send your child with PJs. Price: $40 | Members: $30 | Siblings: $20.

Information and registration, Shannon Kochanek at skochanek@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 147.

An Evening of Jewish Renaissance. 7 p.m. Dwares JCC, 410 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Experience a night of diverse learning opportunities, discussions, workshops and interactive experiences that will expose you to the many facets of Jewish culture. Brought to you by The Judge Marjorie Yashar and Dr. James Yashar Fund at the Jewish Federation Foundation. Information, Larry Katz at lkatz@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 179.

Casino Royale. 7-11 p.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Dinner, drinks and merriment.

Cost: $50 per person includes $30 in gaming chips. Redeem your chips for raffle tickets to win prizes. Information, stephanie@toratyisrael.org or 401885-6600.

Sunday | November 18 Caregivers Retreat. 9-11 a.m. Tamarisk, 3 Shalom Drive, Warwick. Caregivers enjoy a few hours of pampering such as reiki, reflexology and chair massages.

Limited space. If needed, we can provide care for your loved one during this retreat. Information or to RSVP (by 11/12), Susan Adler at Susana@ tamariskri.org or 401-732-0037.

Humongous Hanukkah Sale. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence. Sales continues on 12/2.

Free admission. Information, Temple Beth-El office at 401-331-6070.

Torah Sprouts. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Temple Torat Yisrael, 1251 Middle Road, East Greenwich. Children ages 3-5 sing songs, hear stories, create arts and crafts, and enjoy snacks. $10 per session. Information or to register, Torat Yisrael office at 401-885-6600.

RI Wind Ensemble. 1-3:30 p.m. Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston. The RI Wind Ensemble is a 50-piece wind orchestra that plays a variety of works.

Open to the public. Refreshments served during intermission. Information, Dottie at dottie@templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center’s Not Your Average Book Club.

2 p.m. Dwares JCC, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Barbara Wahlberg, B.S, M.A.T., M.Ed., leads a discussion of Elie Weisel’s “Night,” one of the first books to openly discuss the events of the Holocaust. Prior to its publication, almost no one was openly speaking about his or her experiences, but afterward people began come forward with their stories.

Free. Information, May-Ronny Zeidman at May@BornsteinHolocaustCenter.org or 401-453-7860.

Cranston Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. 3-5 p.m. Holy Apostles Church, 800 Pippin Orchard Road, Cranston.

Shireinu, the community chorus at Temple Sinai, will participate in this service. Information, Dottie at dottie@ templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350.

Monday | November 19 Monday Night Meditation. 8-8:45 p.m.

Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp St., Providence. Practice a variety of ancient and modern Jewish spiritual meditation techniques. Led by Rabbi Barry Dolinger. Free. Upcoming fall date: 11/26. Advance registration required. Information or to register, rabbi@bethsholom-ri.org.

Tuesday | November 20 Alzheimer’s Monthly Support Group.

6-7:30 p.m. Tamarisk, 3 Shalom Drive, Warwick. Join Robert E.P. Elmer III, Master Trainer in Alzheimer’s Care, for his monthly support group. Each session will give caretakers the opportunity to share and learn about the challenges and successes of dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease. Information, Susan Adler at susana@tamariskri.org or 401-732-0037.

Saturday | November 24 ASDS/JCDSRI Thanksgiving Alumni Event. 8-11 p.m. Red Stripe Restaurant, 465 Angell St., Providence. Enjoy drinks, snacks and friends – old and new. Spouses and significant others welcome. Share this information with your alumni friends and classes. Information, Alison Walter at awalter@jcdsri. com or 401-751-2470.

Sunday | November 25 Ocean State Clarinet Choir. 2-3:30 p.m.

Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston.

This chamber group of 15 clarinets will play music written specifically for clarinet choir and also classical chamber music repertoire. Information, Dottie at dottie@templesinairi.org or 401-942-8350

jvhri.org

COMMUNITY | WORLD

November 9, 2018 |

11

Talking to young people on the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht Last in a series leading up to the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht.

BY HILARY SALK As I write this piece for the Nov. 9 issue of The Voice, the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht, I am preoccupied with thoughts of forboding given the events of Oct. 27, in Pittsburgh at Tree of Life synagogue.

The Pittsburgh event came as no shock to me, as I write and think about the importance of remembering Kristallnacht.

The Saturday night of the attack, I attended a folk music concert where one of the songs I heard was “Kristallnacht Is Coming.” Charlie King sung this song that tells of Kristallnacht as coming for immigrants. (The song can be heard on Youtube.)

I committed to writing about how to talk to children about Kristallnacht and the Holocaust, but the need is more urgent now.

We can help ourselves and our children by our own resilience no matter the direction in which our nation is headed.

I am blessed to be an American, but I cannot be tranquil, given the history of what happened in

Hilary Salk Germany and then throughout Europe. Something is obviously quite different right now as we experience a resurgence of nationalism in our country and in many other countries throughout the Western world.

Should we try to shelter our young people from the truth of our past history and now our present experience? We can’t, even if we wanted to, given the 24/7 news cycle and social media. Even as a young child I have always known the history of what took place in Germany and how it was spread through-

Former Nazi guard goes on trial JTA – A former Nazi SS guard, now 94, went on trial Nov. 6 for being complicit in the mass murders of several hundred prisoners at the Stutthof Nazi concentration camp.

Johann Rehbogen, who uses a wheelchair and is in declining health, was younger than 21 when he worked at the camp between 1942 and 1944 and thus is being tried in a juvenile court in the western German city of Münster.

The trial is scheduled to last until January and will only convene twice a week on non-consecutive days due to Rehbogen’s age and health.

More than 60,000 people were killed at Stutthof during World War II. Rehbogen has told investigators that he was not aware of the killings, which took place in gas chambers, with shots of poison to the heart, shootings and exposure, and did not participate in them.

Prosecutors say that he knew about the murders at the Stutthof and that the guards were essential to the killings.

The juvenile court has not identified Rehbogen by name.

His name was made public by the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

GUIDE BEFORE GOOGLE Check your Guide to Jewish Living for all things Jewish.

out Europe. I also knew stories of people and countries that resisted. And I knew the incredible resilience of people who survived.

Our state legislature has mandated Holocaust and genocide education in Rhode Island’s secondary schools that began in the 2017-2018 academic year. The Rhode Island Department of Education describes the purpose of this on their website: “The study of such past and present events will stimulate thought and discussion on why these tragic incidents happen and, hopefully, how society can prevent them from happening again.”

Two social studies teachers I interviewed shared their experiences of teaching courses that have included units on the Holocaust. In East Greenwich, one teaches a course in American democracy to ninth graders that includes bringing in elected and government officials and community organizers. He prepares his students to be involved in citizen activism.

In Pawtucket, the teacher described his student body as identifying with the experience of prejudice revealed in the subject. The history of genocide opens students up to speaking about their own lives and what is happening currently.

In this extremely tumultuous year, with almost daily news of hate-inspired acts of violence, the opportunity for adults and young people to speak together

in a school setting breaks down the sense of isolation that may be one of the triggers to the perpetrators of violence.

This past September, on the second day of the school year, William Parsons, age 16, was fatally shot outside of the Providence Career and Technology Academy (PCTA). One teacher shared the experience of how she helped the students in her class the day after the shooting, on the third day of the school year.

“I allowed my students to talk openly. I posed questions. They answered them with honesty. It broke my heart to hear a kid say that things will never change.

Many agreed. I told them that I simply couldn’t accept that and that they shouldn’t either.

We talked about checking up on your friends and the power of checking your friends. I told them if they hear their friends talking crazy, do not take it lightly. Reach out to your friends and de-escalate. Remind them that gun violence affects much more than the intended victim.

It hurts the entire community. We talked about toxic masculinity. We talked about the finality of murder. We talked about the power of technology.

We talked about memorializing William by sharing good stories about him. I have anxiety, and I’m replaying everything, hoping I said the right words to make them feel comforted and safe and powerful.”

For younger children who

must be frightened by all that fearsome noise out there, I appreciate being reminded what Mr. Rogers said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

With a little help from our friends, we can all be helpers.

I know I need help. Writing for the Voice has given me a voice.

As part of the Jewish Alliance’s “Evening of Jewish Renaissance” on Nov. 17, I will be facilitating a workshop on talking to children about the Holocaust and Kristallnacht and now to include the recent events of violence in our own cities and towns. As we come together, I look forward to hearing the voices of others.

As we think of what could have been different in Germany 80 years ago, we appreciate the support of people who are Muslim, Christian, people of color who have expressed their solidarity with us. We too must stand with the people targeted in this time of anti-Muslim, anti-black, anti-immigrant rhetoric. Such mutual solidarity could make all the difference.

HILARY SALK is the author of “Eavesdropping in Oberammergau,” a novel that draws on her experiences as an American Jewish girl living with her parents in Germany three years after the Holocaust. Reach her at hilarysalk@hilarysalk.com.

12 | November 9, 2018

COMMUNITY

The Jewish Voice

The ‘Great Rhode Island Challah Bake’ 2018 Challah fun

W

omen and girls gathered again this year to bake challah during the great Rhode Island Challah Bake. On Oct. 25, more than 150 participants mixed and kneaded the dough in the Baxt Family Social Hall at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center in Providence. Everyone went home with two challahs to bake. The event was part of the worldwide Shabbat Project that encourages all Jews to add some observance of Shabbat to their lives. Challah Bakes are held across the globe on the same night. This event is sponsored by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and Kollel/Project Shoresh.

PHOTOS | FRAN OSTENDORF

FOOD

jvhri.org

November 9, 2018 |

13

Healthy eating is right at all ages

BY SUSAN ADLER and DEB BLAZAR Eating healthfully is the right way to eat for all ages. If you are looking for some guidance, try MyPlate.Gov, a food guidance website run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. It offers the following suggestions for healthy eating: “MyPlate is a reminder to find your healthy eating style and build it throughout your lifetime. Everything you eat and drink matters. The right mix can help you be healthier now and in the future.”

• Focus on variety, amount and nutrition.

• Choose foods and beverages with less saturated fat, sodium and added sugars.

• Start with small changes to build healthier eating styles.

• Support healthy eating for everyone.

• Eating healthy is a journey shaped by many factors, including our stage of life, situations, preferences, access to food, culture, traditions and the personal decisions we make over time. All your food and beverage choices count. Focus on making healthy food and beverage choices from all five food groups including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods and dairy to get the nutrients you need.

• Eat the right amount of calories for you based on your age, sex, height, weight and physical activity level.

• Building a healthier eating style can help you avoid overweight and obesity and reduce your risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

At the Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence in Warwick, residents choose from an array of dining options to accomplish these healthy eating goals.

The recipes we share here are created by our chefs. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle via meals, along with a daily fitness program and stimulating social activities keeps everyone in our community and yours happy and healthy.

Winter Vegetable & Bean Soup Serves 10-12

Ingredients

2 large carrots, sliced 1 large onion, diced 2 stalks celery, diced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 leeks, cut lengthwise and sliced 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 plum tomatoes, seeds removed, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 zucchini, skin on, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup diced butternut squash 2 cans cannellini beans 1 large potato, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 large sweet potato, peeled,

cut into 1-inch pieces Fresh thyme leaves Fresh basil 2 cups baby kale, stems removed 7-8 cups water Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Heat oil in soup pot and sauté onions, leeks, carrots, celery, garlic and thyme until soft and translucent, about 15 min. Add the tomatoes and turn heat to medium. Cook for 10 minutes stirring so it doesn’t stick.

Add the zucchini, butternut squash, kale and cook for additional 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper, water and potatoes.

Bring to a boil, then add the beans and simmer covered, for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butternut squash and potatoes are fork tender. Taste and adjust seasoning, stir in the fresh basil and serve.

Root Vegetable Ratatouille

Turkey Meatloaf Ingredients

2 pounds ground turkey 1 medium onion, diced 1/2 diced red pepper 2 eggs, beaten 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 3/4 cups oats 8 ounce can low-sodium V8 Juice 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 cup ketchup

Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine everything but the ketchup and mix until well combined.

Transfer to a loaf pan and rub the ketchup over the loaf. Bake for an hour or until thermometer reads 160 degrees.

Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Root Vegetable Ratatouille Serves 8-10

Ingredients

2 onions, diced 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half 4 cloves garlic, chopped 2 red peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces 8 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 plum tomatoes, seeds removed, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 zucchini, skin on, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup diced butternut squash 2 parsnips, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 large potato, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 sweet potato, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces 1/2 large eggplant peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 1/2 cups water 1 tablespoon sugar 3 tablespoons each garlic and onion powder 2 tablespoons tomato paste Salt and pepper to taste

Winter Vegetable & Bean Soup Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place potatoes, butternut squash and parsnips in a large bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of oil, garlic powder and onion powder and toss. Spray a sheet pan and roast the root vegetables for approximately 20-30 minutes.

While they are cooking, in a heavy pot on medium heat, add the other 4 tablespoons of oil, add the onions and fry for 5 minutes, stir in the garlic and red peppers and fry for another 5 minutes. Add the green beans, zucchini and eggplant, stirring occasionally just until they begin to soften. Add tomatoes, sugar, tomato paste, salt and pepper. Add the roasted vegetables and stir well. Pour in the water just enough to cover half of the vegetables. Cover and leave to simmer gently for 30 minutes. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Uncover and simmer for another 30 minutes until vegetables are very soft and most of the liquid is evaporated. Serve over bas-

mati or brown rice for a meal, or as is for a side dish.

SUSAN ADLER is the marketing and communications director at Tamarisk where DEB

BLAZAR is the executive chef.

For further information about Tamarisk or to schedule a tour, please contact Adler at 401-7320037 ext. 104 or susana@tamariskri.org.

14 | November 9, 2018

The Jewish Voice

EXPERIENCE AN EVENIN Saturday, November 17 | 7:00pm

401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence | No cos

From local speakers to field experts from aroun for a night of diverse learning opportunities, dis interactive experiences that will expose you to life and culture.

Participants will be able to select one class sessions and are strongly encouraged to pre jewishallianceri.org.

Brought to you by THE

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

MARTIN FLETCHER* Journalist, author, granddad

Martin will share some historical insights and humorous anecdotes about Israel based on his experiences as a foreign correspondent with NBC News.

SESSION ONE | 7:30 - 8:20PM 1A: From Fact To Fiction: From NBC Foreign Correspondent to Fiction Author of “Promised Land” Martin Fletcher*, journalist, author, granddad The author will discuss how he transitioned from NBC News Bureau Chief in Tel Aviv to author of a novel about a devastating love triangle, set against the tumultuous founding of Israel.

1B: Seltzer: A Recipe for Delight Barry Joseph*, author, Director of Digital Learning, Girl Scouts of the USA, formerly American Museum of Natural History Put over a decade of seltzer research into a room. Fill with a dash of nostalgia, a slice of history, and a helping of personal interest stories. Squeeze in a spritz of Pamplemousse and Unicorn Kisses.

Sprinkle with seltzer poems, health recommendations, and ethnic identity. Stir once and serve. Drink before the foam disappears.

1C / 2C: How to Break Up With Your Phone:The Secrets to a Healthy Relationship Catherine Price*, author, award-winning science journalist A discussion of what societies' constant connectivity is doing to the brain, body and relationships—and what can be done to take back control. (Note: No smartphones will be harmed or discarded.)

1D: How I Learned About the Holocaust and Kristallnacht Hilary Salk, author, Eavesdropping in Oberammergau Drawing on her childhood experiences in post-war Germany, the author shares how her experiences living in a village famous for its Passion Play have shaped her view of today’s American society. She will also discuss Rhode Island legislation mandating Holocaust education in the public schools.

1E / 2E:The History of Israeli Fashion− From the Kibbutz to the City Liraz Cohen Mordechai (Liri) established Fashionating by Liri Inc., formerly with Duke University and ZARA Israel The presentation tells the story of Israel from the late 19th century until today. Every milestone in Israel's story is presented in two "layers": history and fashion. Discover how significant events have influenced the creation of a new "Israeli outfit" time and time again. Liri will also explore “what’s next” for Israeli fashion.

JUDGE MARJ

1F / 2F: Israeli Short Films Nir Cafri, Community Shaliach / Israeli Emissary A selection of short films created by students of The Ma’aleh School of Television, Film & the Arts in Jerusalem. In The Little Dictator, a dull history professor and expert on the political leaders of totalitarian regimes finds himself in a surreal situation at a family gathering. Getting Serious is a romantic comedy about a young man who, when he meets the girl of his dreams, pretends to be more religious than he is in order to impress her.

1I / 2I: Innovative Ki Sarit Shani Hay, pion of children's environm disciplinary designer We live in an era wher cultural and technologi taking place. In my stud educational spaces enc playful approach, prom learning and creative th layered, ranging from o creation of spaces and workshop I would like philosophy and work p

1G: American Prison Rabbi:The Experiences of a Jewish Chaplain in California Prisons Rabbi Eliahu Klein, former prison chaplain, author of works on Kabbalah and Chassidism Rabbi Klein will share his eye opening experiences and stories from twelve years as Jewish chaplain for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Klein served not only five hundred Jewish inmates but he also helped up to ten thousand non Jewish inmates of all ethnic, gender and religious orientations.

1J / 2H: A Walk of th A Photographic Jou Israel National Trail Udi Goren, travel pho educator and artist Udi has a unique and fa tell, intertwining his ow with the remarkable hi of the land of Israel. By and videos, he takes lis the trail, allowing them adventure for themselv contact with an inspirin of Israelis, Israeli sites a

1H:The Intriguing World of the Hebrew Manuscript Rabbi Eliezer Y. Gibber, Rosh HaYeshiva/ Dean, New England Rabbinical College A journey into the rarefied realm of the hand-written book as it comes alive through a selection of interesting historical specimens.

SESSION TWO | 8

Pre-register at JEWISHALLIANCERI.ORG by November 13 to receive a $5 credit towards book purchase.

We're making check-in easier this year! Stop by the JCC before the event to pick-up your session assignments. Someone will be stationed in the JCC lobby on Wednesday and Thursday, November 14 and 15, from 10am - 2pm.

For questions or to learn more, contact Larry Katz at 401.421.4111 ext. 179 or lkatz@jewishallianceri.org.

2A:The Bottom Lin Issues and Medical E Drs. Herbert Rakatan Schechter and William Following a video dram cases, the panelists will governing end of life is doctors and family mem and patients may or ma competent to make th

November 9, 2018 |

jvhri.org

NG OF JEWISH | Dwares JCC

st to attend

nd the country: Join us scussions, workshops, and o the many facets of Jewish

from each of the two e-register online at

RENAISSANCE LIKE NEVER BEFORE! A pop-up book store and Hanukkah merchandise will be available for purchase.

Complimentary light refreshments will also be available.

Bus transportation from Newport/Middletown may be provided if there is sufficient interest. Please contact Bea Ross at bsrnewport@gmail.com by November 12.

Calling all parents!

We are offering a special Kids’ Night Out to coincide with this event.

Children ages 2 - 4 | 5:00 - 8:30pm | Children ages 5 - 11 | 5:00 - 10pm Price: $40 | Members: $30 | Siblings: $20 For more information or to register, contact Shannon Kochanek at 401.421.4111 ext. 147 or skochanek@jewishallianceri.org.

JORIE YASHAR and DR. JAMES YASHAR FUND at the Jewish Federation Foundation.

re substantial ical changes are dio, we create fun couraging a natural moting versatile hinking. My work is object making to the environments. In this to share my design process.

he Land: urney of the l otographer, speaker,

ascinating story to wn personal journey istory and landscape y using his best images steners with him on m to experience the ves and come into ng and diverse range and landscapes.

8:40 - 9:30PM

ne: End of Life Ethics nsky, Steven m Sikov matizing a couple of l discuss the ethics ssues, especially when mbers do not agree, ay not be deemed heir own decisions.

Can treatment be forced on patients against their will? Which is more important: life or the quality of life? Where do we draw the line between who lives and who dies? Who makes the decisions?

2B: Dramatic Readings from Seltzertopia, in 2 Parts Barry Joseph*, author, Director of Digital Learning, Girl Scouts of the USA, formerly American Museum of Natural History Part 1: The Egg Cream Mafia: “The only thing keeping the mafia hit man from the 13-year old soda jerk was an egg cream…”

Part 2: Bring Me Your Empties! “Spend a day travelling Brooklyn with Eli the Seltzer Man, the oldest in the country.”

2C: How to Break Up With Your Phone:The Secrets to a Healthy Relationship Catherine Price*, author, award-winning science journalist A discussion of what societies' constant connectivity is doing to the brain, body and relationships—and what can be done to take back control. (Note: No smartphones will be harmed or discarded.)

2D: (((SEMITISM))) Being Jewish in America in the Age of Trump Jonathan Weisman*, Deputy Washington Editor of The New York Times and author Weisman looks at how Jews are viewed in America since the election of Donald J. Trump, and how people can move forward to fight anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism has always been present in American culture, but with the rise of threats to Jewish communities since Trump took office, Weisman’s new book and presentation could not be more important or timely.

* Jewish Book Council author

2E:The History of Israeli Fashion− From the Kibbutz to the City Liraz Cohen Mordechai (Liri) established Fashionating by Liri Inc., formerly with Duke University and ZARA Israel The presentation tells the story of Israel from the late 19th century until today. Every milestone in Israel's story is presented in two "layers": history and fashion. Discover how significant events have influenced the creation of a new "Israeli outfit" time and time again. Liri will also explore “what’s next” for Israeli fashion.

2F: Israeli Short Films Nir Cafri, Community Shaliach / Israeli Emissary A selection of short films created by students of The Ma’aleh School of Television, Film & the Arts in Jerusalem. In The Little Dictator, a dull history professor and expert on the political leaders of totalitarian regimes finds himself in a surreal situation at a family gathering. Getting Serious is a romantic comedy about a young man who, when he meets the girl of his dreams, pretends to be more religious than he is in order to impress her.

2G: Mitzvot with the Mouth: Eating and Reading As Expressions of Jewish Identity Rabbi Jonathan Brumberg-Kraus, Professor of Religion, Wheaton College Jewish meals are often performances of “scripts” that have been inherited from Jewish tradition to enhance and elevate the experience of eating “Jewishly.” Learn how Jewish texts like the Passover and Tu Bishvat Haggadot, medieval eating handbooks, Yiddish tkhines books, and modern Jewish cookbooks have provided opportunities

both to connect to the past and to express contemporary identities dynamically, to riff off sacred Script(ure)s improvisationally.

Rabbi Jonathan Brumberg-Kraus calls this culinary midrash.

2H: A Walk of the Land: A Photographic Journey of the Israel National Trail Udi Goren, travel photographer, speaker, educator and artist Udi has a unique and fascinating story to tell, intertwining his own personal journey with the remarkable history and landscape of the land of Israel. By using his best images and videos, he takes listeners with him on the trail, allowing them to experience the adventure for themselves and come into contact with an inspiring and diverse range of Israelis, Israeli sites and landscapes.

2I: Innovative Kids Spaces Sarit Shani Hay, pioneer in the field of children's environments, a multidisciplinary designer This is an era where substantial cultural and technological changes are taking place.

Learn how to create fun educational spaces encouraging a natural playful approach, promoting versatile learning and creative thinking. Sarit's work is layered, ranging from object making to the creation of spaces and environments. In this workshop she will share her design philosophy and work process.

culture

ids Spaces neer in the field ments, a multi-

arts&

15

16 | November 9, 2018

SENIORS

The Jewish Voice

Seniors are often lonely – but you can help

BY NAOMI FINK COTRONE At the end of a day alone, I’m often at a loss for words. Maybe you know what I mean. Whether I’m home sick, left behind in the wake of my teenagers’ full schedules, or even just traveling alone all day from point A to point B, if I don’t speak to anyone all day, I turn inward.

And when I finally do talk to someone familiar, I basically have to unload everything that’s been pent up – even while I am somehow less articulate than usual.

It is in these moments that I can’t help but wonder: if this is how I feel after just 12 hours on my own, what must it be like for those who spend days – even weeks – without meaningful human interaction?

A recent article in Forbes drew my attention to research from the Journal of the American Medical Association that found that 43 percent of older adults report feeling lonely at times. And a 2013 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that social isolation and loneliness are associated with a higher risk of mortality.

But most of us don’t need these numbers to elucidate the point – we can all think of an older or disabled person in our lives who needs more visitors or warm check-ins.

“Whether it is a single individual, a widow, or a senior whose partner is in a long-term care facility, without a constant and reliable team of caregivers and professionals assisting these seniors, they often become forgotten,” said Samantha McCarthy, of McCarthy Law, an estate planning and elder-law

“Jewish tradition says, ‘a grandparent in the home is a jewel.’ ”

attorney licensed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

“I think in our society, the way it is today, with everyone leading busy lives and the increased use of technology to communicate, we see less person-to-person interaction,” she continued.

For many of my clients, I can tell that when there are swaths of time in which they are alone, the loneliness can manifest in increased depression, anxiety and feelings of isolation.

And let’s always be careful not to deal with our elderly loved ones as though

they are a burden. Remember that Jewish tradition says, “a grandparent in the home is a jewel.”

While there are apps and digital platforms that do a lot for many people, I’m a proponent of some old-fashioned tactics for checking in on those at risk for loneliness and helping them to create more social interactions.

I often advise friends and family to set recurring calendar reminders to visit or call loved ones. And for those who prefer more low-tech methods, try creating a visual clue to trigger a remind-

er to call. For example, every time you pass that billboard, you call Grandma.

You can also encourage social interactions by checking out the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s calendar, which shows plenty of events in the community. You also have many options for arranging for transportation for your elderly loved ones. Uber, for example, is a great option for those who can’t drive but are otherwise able. And don’t overlook agencies that provide transportation and light companionship.

Lastly, you’ll get extra mensch points if you buy Bubbe an iPad and set it up for FaceTime.

But the most important advice I can give is that being there for your elderly loved ones is what helps the most. So if every phone call begins with a guilt trip about you not calling more often, just take a deep breath, let it roll off your back, and reiterate how good it is to hear their voice.

NAOMI FINK COTRONE runs the Right at Home of Rhode Island agency, which provides care to elderly and disabled adults throughout Rhode Island.

She became involved with seniors after caring for her grandmother, which gave her a deep understanding of the importance of good care at this life stage.

If we don’t take care of our future, who will?

When you create a Jewish legacy, you take an important step toward strengthening Jewish life for generations to come. Planning your gift now will help ensure your children and grandchildren can enjoy the same rich traditions and closeness of community that have given your life so much meaning and purpose.

The future starts with you.

Jewish Federation Foundation

OF GREATER RHODE ISLAND

NOW IS THE TIME FOR

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For more information about legacy giving, please contact Trine Lustig at 401.421.4111 ext. 223 or tlustig@jewishallianceri.org

jvhri.org

So, nu, retirement?

Is it all it’s cracked up to be?

Ruminations on life after work from a newly retired stockbroker How many people can say that they have had two careers that they loved? I’m one of those people: I’ve had two quite different careers that made me excited and genuinely happy to get up for each day’s challenges … and even the calamities.

But before I go on, full d isclosu re: BARBARA I am a very KENERSON happy person by nature and have been afflicted thusly my whole life. I love every day’s adventure, no matter what it is. Planning and designing a multimillion-dollar investment portfolio? Bring it on.

Teaching a kid algebra? Light my fire. Playing tennis? Whip their butts. Eating ice cream with lots of nuts? Pure heaven.

Teaching grandson Jacob how to play golf? Beyond fab. Plus all of the other zillions of joyous things that fill up my life, complete every day, and make me grateful for every blessed minute.

My first career, as a middle school teacher focusing on gifted math and language arts education, was true bliss every minute. So, why leave? While I totally adored the kids and the work, I despised the administration and the whole union thing. After about 16 years, it was time to exit.

Onward! Stockbroker land, here I am! More prestige, more money, more and bigger everything ... and, oh, a complete lack of security. Great! No problem!

A man’s business in 1982, but, still, no problem! (I’m the oldest in my family and have four brothers.) No salary at all?

I’ll make it! No clients? I’ll get them!

And I did ... I did it all. And I loved it, every exciting minute of severe market gyrations, ev-

ery illuminating trip to check out a company or a piece of real estate for a limited partnership, every meeting with a boring insurance wholesaler or a knowledgeable mutual fund salesperson. And, above all, I loved the clients, most of whom became great friends over the decades – kind, generous, understanding and loving people.

So, why retire? Why do people retire anyway? My small, extremely limited, unscientific survey found these reasons: they hate their job, want freedom, want to travel, their spouse is retired (maybe a good reason to continue working!), they’re sick of “punching a clock,” their job is tedious, the field’s changed ....

Travel? I’ve been fortunate to travel my whole adult life — from Alaska to Morocco, from South America to Switzerland, and everywhere in between.

Now that I’m retired, though, I can travel with fewer worries and responsibilities and take trips longer than a weekend in London or Paris (but not bad, right?).

Now there’s time for amazing classes with Rabbi Yossi Laufer, who “found” me through my investment articles in The Jewish Voice. The student was so ready … and the teacher so capable of filling in so many blanks in a spotty Jewish education.

So, retirement? It was just time. And retirement rocks … just like work rocked.

You can make retirement happy too. Make every day the gift that God intended, filling your days with lectures, classes, spiritual advancement, reading, walks, friends and maybe volunteering – but only if that’s what you want. That’s how you make retirement rock!

In light of the recent tragic murder of 11 people at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, I have once again turned to five practices that I use to get me through losses.

• Accept your situation for what it is and celebrate life.

The Pittsburgh community has shared the stories of the victims so that we can PATRICIA honor them, RASKIN but it is so difficult to accept that these precious elders are not with us anymore. In this time of great sorrow, whatever brings us joy will help us to move on. This could include going to synagogue, praying, being with friends and sharing memories of our loved ones.

• Identify your fears and lean in to them.

Our fears can change, but the big ones can stay with us for a lifetime. Anti-Semitism is not new, but has risen greatly in the last year. We as Jews are not running from the fear of the future. We are working together. The nationwide vigils speak to this. In all this sorrow and fear, I felt uplifted when I lit my candle during the vigil at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, in Providence, and heard words of support and comfort from local leaders of all faiths.

BARBARA KENERSON was The Jewish Voice’s long-time columnist on investing. She can be contacted at kbarbara5641@ gmail.com.

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17

Comforting steps in times of loss

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• Leverage your support network Tree of Life synagogue set an example of utilizing community, family and friends in this time of mourning. We can never do this alone. We always need others. A supportive community will help mourners through this dark period. Being with a supportive community helps us to stay in the light. They are our rocks and angels.

“I think that being a lifelong learner is in our Jewish DNA.” • Use daily rituals for self-care Science shows that routines and rituals can be among the most important contributors to a joyful and connected life. Especially as we age and in times of deep mourning, routine provides a sense of structure, familiarity, ownership, order and organization in our lives.

• Be a lifelong learner I think that being a lifelong learner is in our Jewish DNA. Learning helps to keep us aware, alert and alive. Several studies show that taking on the challenge of learning a new skill as we age can lead to improved memory function and brain health.

At Chabad.org, the article “Growing Old,” based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher

rebbe, states, “The Torah considers old age a virtue and a blessing.” Throughout the Torah, “old” is synonymous with “wise.”

We lost 11 of our elders at Tree of Life synagogue, and are thankful for the wisdom they gave to the community.

In my own life, I’ve never given up hope. Even in my darkest hours, that ray of light still shone through.

This is summed up well in a recent article by Bradley Burston at Haaretz.com titled, “There Was a Pogrom This Week, Lord. In the United States of America.” Burston shares the legacy of those we lost and then closes the article with this prayer: “El Malei Rachamim, God who is made of mercy. El Malei Chemlah, God who is made of compassion. El Malei Or, God who is made of Light.

God whose house has been defiled by a cruel and monstrous and godless darkness – bless us, the survivors.

“Good will come of this. The memories of the fallen are, even now, a blessing.”

PATRICIA RASKIN, president of Raskin Resources Productions Inc., is an award-winning radio producer and Rhode Island business owner. She is the host of “The Patricia Raskin” show, a radio and podcast coach, and a board member of Temple Emanu-El, in Providence.

18 | November 9, 2018

SENIORS

The Jewish Voice

LIVING WELL

Seniors can enjoy a nutritious meal at several sites in R.I. – or have them delivered

BY JEWISH COLLABORATIVE SERVICES STAFF Question: I recently visited my dad at home at lunchtime. Mom passed last year. I asked Dad what he was having for lunch and he quickly changed the subject. During my visit, I opened the refrigerator and saw only old take-out boxes and a jar of gefilte fish. I am concerned that Dad is not well-nourished. Do you have any suggestions? Are there area programs that he can attend?

Answer: Your dad is fortunate to have many choices!

It is important for your dad to socialize, and a mealsite may be the right place for him. In fact, the mealsite at Warwick’s Shalom Apartments may be the perfect choice. Opened in 1996, Shalom’s mealsite serves lunch five days a week to an average of 38 people a day, residents of both Shalom Apartments and the community at large. Shalom’s mealsite manager, Carol Barry, takes great pride in her meal “enhancements,” such as rice pudding or brownie sun-

daes. The cost of the noon meal is $3. Want to know more? Call Carol at 401-737-0180.

In addition to the mealsite at Shalom Apartments, Jewish Collaborative Services operates two Kosher Senior Cafes for seniors and disabled adults.

Our Providence site is located at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., and serves hot Kosher meals Monday through Friday at noon, followed by a social activity or entertainment. Our Cranston site, which operates on Fridays only, is located at Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave. Each Friday begins with a social activity or entertainment and is followed by a noon meal.

The communal Jewish activities at the Kosher Senior Cafes are a tremendous benefit for people who yearn for a connection to Jewish culture but have limited social supports to help make those connections. For some, the social activities are as important as the nutritious meal.

Transportation to either Kosher Senior Café is available to

local residents through Logisticare and can be coordinated through the café site coordinator once you are registered.

Please call Neal Drobnis, Jewish Collaborative Services Kosher nutrition coordinator, at 401-421-4111, ext. 107, for more information or to make a reservation.

If your dad is homebound, he is probably eligible to receive Meals on Wheels. The program delivers nutritious meals five times a week for $3 per meal. Kosher Meals on Wheels is also available to homebound Jewish seniors living in Providence, Pawtucket, Cranston and Warwick.

For more information about Rhode Island’s Meals on Wheels, call 401-351-6700 or email dbrissette@rimeals.org.

This program began in 1969 and currently provides meals to 1,300 individuals.

JEWISH COLLABORATIVE SERVICES is the consolidation of Jewish Family Service of Rhode Island and Jewish Seniors Agency. Contact them at 401-331-1244.

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Renaissance Memory Support at Tamarisk – an unsolicited testimonial

BY RUTH JAFFA ALBERT WARWICK – Since its opening in 2003, the Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence has become well known for filling a need in the Jewish community and beyond.

However, its remarkable Renaissance Memory Support Program deserves wider recognition.

Founded by the Jewish Seniors Agency of Rhode Island, which recently united with Jewish Family Service to become Jewish Collaborative Services, Tamarisk has earned several annual awards from Time-Warner and the Better Business News.

The facility’s executive director, Roberta Ragge, MS, ALA (Assisted Living Administrator), has more than 30 years’ experience in the field of eldercare and developing better dementia care, which is now reflected in the daily operations of Renaissance.

Ragge says, “Preserving a resident’s dignity and supporting functional independence are of the utmost importance.

“Both the Renaissance memory care director, Nancy Hagenston, and activities coordinator, Norma Colaccio, are role models for staff through their skill and compassion.”

Hagenston was an experienced certified nursing assistant before serving as activities director at Sakonnet Bay Manor, in Tiverton, for 10 years.

Since 2014, she has been a certified dementia practitioner at Renaissance. Her main goal is to keep the residents safe and happy.

Colaccio holds degrees in special education and speech therapy. She taught special education in the Cranston schools for 19 years, including 10 as the special education department chairwoman. At Renaissance, she was promoted from assistant activities coordinator to activities coordinator.

Colaccio’s approach to each resident is the same as it was with her former students: focus on each person’s strengths and provide activities to enhance self-esteem.

As the only dog-owner resident of Tamarisk, I am privileged to walk Tootsie through the secure first-floor unit to its enclosed outdoor area. I’ve been able to observe the residents as they enjoy games, songs, stories and other activities that draw out their longterm memories.

For example, Musical Bingo features old favorites on tape. Players listen and locate the song titles on their Bingo

Ruth Jaffa Albert cards. Large-card Uno helps concentration and renews card-sense. Oral “Fill in the Blanks” encourages recall of familiar proverbs and phrases.

Seated exercise classes include tai chi, yoga and tapi n-t i me. P repa r i ng cook ies reawakens culinary skills.

Arts and crafts are frequent activities, as seen in the resident-made decorations. This fall, the residents created “pumpkin shell” dining table centerpieces, made from laundry dryer hoses that were painted orange and then filled with floral arrangements.

Music and Renaissance are inseparable. Pianist Tony Pisano performs every Wednesday evening, and numerous musical groups are on the busy schedule. Some residents sing along or dance.

Cristin Larson, a landscape designer, is a part-time activities assistant. She leads discussions about gardening and flower-arranging. Under her supervision, residents have planted herbs and flowers in window boxes. She has also planted and harvested edible plants in the Renaissance yard.

A self-taught artist, Larson is painting a large mural of a coastal scene just inside the Renaissance entrance.

What prompted me to share my personal tribute to Renaissance was my sad memories of the “recommended” Florida dementia unit where my husband spent the last years of his life, 1995-1998. The place was devoid of anything I have described at Renaissance.

Hopefully, with the passage of time, the administrators of the Florida facility have learned something of Renaissance, of which our Jewish Collaborative Services can be proud.

RUTH JAFFA ALBERT, a native Rhode Islander, is a resident of Tamarisk. She often leads Friday night services for those living in the Renaissance memory unit.

jvhri.org

Thanksgiving in New York Today, when you walk into many houses, you find yourself looking at a designer kitchen with designer appliances. These kitchens that make you feel like you are in “kitchen heaven.”

I want to tell you about Aunt Hannah, my mother’s sister. My aunt MAY-RONNY lived in New York City in ZEIDMAN a residence hotel. She had two rooms: a bedroom/ storage room and her living room, dining room, den and all-purpose room. This was her great room.

But the purpose of this story is to tell you about her kitchen, cooking and entertaining.

Her kitchen consisted of an apartment-size refrigerator, a two-burner hot place, a “Roto Broil” and a bathroom-size sink. I don’t want to forget the Chinese panel folding screen that went in front of the kitchen when it was not in use.

My aunt was one of the best cooks I have ever known.

On my recent trip to Israel, our kitchen appliance area consisted of a refrigerator, large one-burner hotplate, microwave oven and electric teapot.

The first time I got ready to prepare something for us to eat, my head said “how am I going to do this?” This immediately made me think of Aunt Hannah.

My aunt loved to make Thanksgiving dinner. My parents would rent rooms in the

hotel where my aunt lived so we were able to move back and forth to visit with my aunt and other relatives and family friends with great ease. My brother Barry and I loved being able to take the elevator from her apartment to ours without any adult supervision.

My aunt lived on W. 81st St., between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West. Across the street was the Hayden Planetarium and on Central Park West was the Museum of Natural History. Whenever the adults wanted to talk, they sent us to the museum or planetarium.

Back to Thanksgiving. My aunt made the best Thanksgiving dinners. Her mashed potatoes were awesome. We started with a salad. We then had dinner with all the traditional dishes. Since there was no room in the refrigerator for desserts, she covered the cakes and pies, opened a window and placed them on the ledge to stay cold.

When we walked into her apartment on Thanksgiving, a large table with chairs had appeared. My aunt would only use real dishes, silverware and glasses. After dinner, everything was washed in the little sink. Did I mention, there were no counters in her tiny kitchen?

My aunt and uncle were not blessed with children.

My mother shared Barry and me with her. This was a gift for them, but a greater gift for my brother and myself.

MAY-RONNY ZEIDMAN is the executive director of the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center in Providence.

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SENIORS

November 9, 2018 |

19

Are you really prepared to be a ‘senior’ citizen?

BY JASON E. SIPERSTEIN AARP grants you membership at age 50. You can file for Social Security benefits as early as age 62. The average grandparent is age 64.

If you’ve hit some or all of these milestones, do you identify as a senior citizen? Or better yet, do you feel like you’re a senior? If you are like most 50- to 64-year-olds, the answer is a simple, resounding “no!”

In 1950, you would have received normal Social Security benefits at age 65. But the average life expectancy was 67.

Health care has come a long way since then. Today, you can receive full benefits at age 66 and continue receiving them until 2018’s life expectancy of 85 or longer.

In fact, today it is not uncommon for folks to spend 30-plus years in retirement! So, are you really prepared to be a “senior” citizen? And are you prepared for your loved one to be a “senior” citizen?

In answering this question, it is important to understand the three stages of “seniority.”

Stage 1: The first stage starts around 65. You may not be fully employed any longer. This is when you are still quite active, so plan to front-load your bucket list items. You may travel the world, spend time with grandchildren, and pursue your hobbies and passions. As a result, you may find yourself spending more money than when you were fully employed. This stage typically lasts until you are 75 years old.

Stage 2: This shift typically happens around 75 and lasts until 85. Maintaining a house can become stressful, and you may choose to downsize to

make life a little easier. You usually spend less money here since you are still healthy, but you are less active.

Stage 3: This stage usually begins around 85 years old.

While most leisure expenses decrease, health care costs rise making this stage just as expensive as the first. You may find yourself visiting doctors more often and slowing down a bit. It is not uncommon for adult children (or an appointed fiduciary) to become more involved in your financial and medical matters.

The first stage may be easy to envision because you are excited. You are no longer beholden to a desk or boss or clients. It may feel similar to your first year of college when you were free from the structure of your high school or parents’ rules (or at least you thought). But are you giving much thought to stages 2 and 3? Who will take care of you when your health, mobility and independence decline?

If you want to be prepared, you need to tackle these difficult questions. It is important to speak to an estate planning attorney, financial advisor and those you expect to take on important roles. The more prepared you are the easier, less stressful and more enjoyable life will be you and your family.

Here are a few tips on important areas:

Financial and Legal. Update important documents such as your will, health care proxy and durable power of attorney.

Do you have instructions about what should happen to your property after you die (will)?

Who do you want to make decisions about your health care

when you can’t make them (health care proxy)? Who will represent you in decisions about your finances and property when you can’t (durable power of attorney)?

Review your financial plan and ensure you have the ability to finance life’s expected and unexpected events (i.e. longterm care, death of spouse, etc.).

Social. Stay connected. Not surprisingly, studies have shown that loneliness and isolation can be deadly. Technology can help. Consider learning to use some of these helpful apps: Uber, Lyft or GoGoGrandparent are good for transportation; Skype and FaceTime are good for communication; GrubHub or Foodler are good for restaurant delivery; Peapod or InstaCart will get your groceries delivered; Pandora or Netflix will help provide entertainment and for almost everything you can try Alexa Housing. Discuss the costs and pros/cons of aging in place versus assisted living facilities. If you wish to age in place, make sure your home is “senior” friendly.

Do your research. There are many options. If you choose assisted living, understand what happens if/when your money runs out? Medicare does not cover assisted living so incorporate that into your long-term financial plan.

Are you really prepared to be a “senior” citizen? Shoot me an email and tell me why.

JASON E. SIPERSTEIN, CFA, CFP, is vice president, wealth management at Eliot Rose Wealth Management.

Contact him by email, jes@eliotrose.com.

20 | November 9, 2018

SENIORS

The Jewish Voice

REMEMBER THE PAST From the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association

Strands of history: HIAS and Rhode Island

BY GERALDINE S. FOSTER Back in my younger days, if I had gone to any Jewish gathering and asked people of any age if they or their family had any connection to HIAS, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, the answer almost certainly would have been “yes.”

Whether it was immigrant parents or grandparents, other relatives or close friends, or perhaps even the person I asked, HIAS had played a role in their resettlement in this country and their acclimation to this strange new environment.

My answer also would have been “yes.” After my parents had secretly left their shtetl in the Ukraine and managed the dangerous trip through Romania, they were directed to the offices of HIAS. Though they had “shiffkarten” (tickets), sent

by Mother’s cousins, Sarah and Alter Boyman, they still had to get to Holland and the SS Ryndam.

With help from HIAS, they were able to board the ship on time. And when they debarked at Ellis Island, HIAS was there to maneuver them through the immigration process and speed them on their way – not to cousins in Providence, but to a sister in Minnesota.

Before she married my uncle, Isaiah Segal, my aunt Anna (Katze) worked in the Boston office of HIAS during the Hitler years. She earned a reputation for tenacity and single-minded purpose as she pursued every angle, every avenue, to bring FROM PAGE 1

refugees here, find relatives and prevent deportations.

So many Jews and non-Jews in our community have a connection to HIAS and to Jewish Family and Children’s Services. They have stories to tell, and I hope they share them.

The recent tragedy in Pittsburgh brought HIAS unwanted attention as the target of the hate-filled rants of an alt-right murderer. Sadly, the idea that the agency is part of a dark conspiracy is not new. As early as 1905, as Carol Ingall indicated in an article in R.I. Jewish Historical Association’s Notes (Vol.7:7), the Providence Journal published the headline “Undesirable Immigration” over an article that accused HIAS of being part of a worldwide conspiracy to flood this country with Hebrews. (Another article depicted Jewish customs and certain religious practices as bizarre and outlandish.)

That early vilification of HIAS is particularly interesting because the agency was established only three years earlier. A similar organization, the Hebrew Sheltering House Association, had been in existence since 1881. Both had their main offices in New York City. They merged and combined their names in 1909 through the efforts of a young man who grew up in the north end of Providence, Samuel Mason.

Mason was 7 when his family arrived in Providence from Kovno, Lithuania, in the 1880s.

Like many immigrants, they

Samuel Mason chose to settle where they had family and “landsleit” (fellow Jews from the same town or area).

After his schooling, Mason was employed as a bookkeeper.

He also became active in community affairs – he was a founder of the YMHA (the forerunner of the Jewish Community Center), an advocate of physical fitness, and a founder of the Touro Guards, a military-style youth organization.

Mason left Rhode Island shortly after the turn of the century. After several forays into the field of journalism, first in Boston and then New York, Mason found his calling in a totally new field. In 1907, he became general manager of HIAS.

Although he resigned as manager in 1914, he retained his interest in immigration and refugees. He became a member of the HIAS Board of Directors, and in 1917 accepted the chairmanship of the HIAS Committee on Foreign Operations. His work took him first to Japan, then to Manchuria and Vladivostok, Russia. He later traveled to parts of Siberia and the Ural Mountains, where he sought out Jewish refugees stranded

by World War I and the Russian Revolution.

Mason rejoined the HIAS executive staff as managing director in November 1918, and even after retiring, he retained a close relationship with the agency he helped to make a symbol of hope.

It should also be noted that the late Norman Tilles, of Pawtucket, served as president of HIAS from 1984 to 1994.

Almost since its founding, HIAS has not turned away nonJews who needed its help. An undated news article in RIJHA archives tells us that in 1946, a Providence couple approached a Jewish organization, Rhode Island Refugee Service (later part of Jewish Family and Children’s Service), to ask for help in processing immigration papers for Wolfram von Pannewitz, described as an anti-Nazi German Protestant and an aristocrat.

The couple had signed the proper forms, but then found they urgently needed a second affidavit. They also needed a conduit for the money to pay for von Pannewitz’ passage.

The R.I. agency, an affiliate of HIAS, helped them find someone to provide the affidavit and fulfill their other needs. We do not know how large a role HIAS played in von Pannewitz’ rescue. What we do know is that in 1966, he left his entire fortune of $500,000, in equal parts, to Cardinal Francis Joseph Spellman and HIAS. This is the organization that deranged minds have made a target. Long may it prosper.

GERALDINE S. FOSTER is a past president of the R.I. Jewish Historical Association. To comment about this or any RIJHA article, contact the RIJHA office at info@rijha.org or 401-3311360.

| HIAS

free Soviet Jewry.

As Jewish immigration evaporated in the 1990s, HIAS shifted to becoming a refugee resettlement agency for non-Jews.

It is now one of nine agencies tasked with resettling refugees in the United States.

Until 2015, the agency stayed mostly apolitical and focused on navigating the bureaucracy involved in bringing refugees to the country and finding them homes. But that year, the refugee crisis rose to the top of global consciousness, and Donald Trump launched a presidential campaign centered on reducing the flow of undocumented – and even legal – immigrants to the United States.

Soon after his inauguration, Trump signed the first in a series of executive orders barring refugees from the United States, as well as the residents of a number of Muslim-majority countries.

Thus HIAS, which was accustomed to working with the government, found itself on the front lines of opposition to

the Trump administration.

It has since advocated for the admittance of refugees, mobilized Jewish communities and synagogues to its cause, and fought Trump’s travel bans in court.

“That’s the most troubling thing – refugees were really a bipartisan issue,” Hetfield told JTA in 2017. “Some people say HIAS is a liberal agency or progressive Jewish agency. We’re really not. Our whole focus has been refugees, and refugees are not a partisan issue. It really became politicized over the past couple of years.”

HIAS may not have the backing of the White House, but its issue remains popular across the Jewish community. All four major movements opposed Trump’s travel ban last year.

More than 400 congregations are part of its “Welcome Campaign.” Last week, HIAS organized a “refugee Shabbat” across synagogues focused on talking about helping refugees.

Hetfield says the group has faced opposition in the past. But

PHOTO | RELIGLION NEWS SERVICE

Pittsburgh suspect's hatred of Jews, HIAS part of larger anti-immigrant surge. he said he never expected anything as bad as the tragedy on Oct. 28.

“We’ve been aware that there are people out there that de-

spise HIAS and our mission of welcoming refugees to this country, as hard as it is to understand,” he said. “It’s going to make us more aggressive and

focused in speaking out against hate – hate directed at refugees, hate directed against Jews.”

jvhri.org

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22 | November 9, 2018

BUSINESS | OBITUARIES

The Jewish Voice

Lenore Blasbalg, 86

ASK THE DIRECTOR

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

QUESTION: What happens to unclaimed bodies? Is there really a paupers’ graveyard?

R.J. Atlanta, Georgia Dear R.J., I did some research. To the best of my understanding, in Rhode Island, the medical examiner makes the final decision on what happens to unclaimed bodies. Cremation is one of the options the M.E. may choose. I can’t speak for what happens in Georgia. If I get further updates, I will post them.

QUESTIONS ARE WELCOMED AND ENCOURAGED. Please send questions to: ShalomChapel@aol.com or by mail to Ask the Director, c/o Shalom Memorial Chapel, 1100 New London Ave., Cranston, R.I. 02920.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Lenore Blasbalg, died, Oct. 23, at Grace Barker Health. She was the wife of the late Morton L. Blasbalg.

Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Samuel and Adeline (Siegel) Rosenberg, she had lived in Warren for 2 years, and was previously a longtime resident of East Greenwich before moving to Laurelmead and then Tamarisk.

Lenore was a graduate of Hope High School. She was a member of Temple Beth-El. The mother of Dr. Mark Blasbalg (Patricia) of Coventry, Larry Blasbalg (Holly) of Saunderstown, Rhonda Reuter (Dr. Richard) of Riverside, Paul Blasbalg (Karen) of Barrington, and Jordan Blasbalg (Elaine) of Warwick.

She was the sister of Elaine Auger of Providence and Cynthia Argonick of Greenville and the grandmother of 10, and the great-grandmother of 10.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of NE, 60 Walnut St. #102, Wellesley, MA 02481 or Autism Awareness Association, PO Box 780898, Wichita, KS 67272.

Lorraine Kaplan, 94 PLYMOUTH, MASS. – Lorraine Kaplan, mother, grandmother and g reat-g randmother, died peacefully at her home in Plymouth Mass. on Oct. 28.

She was a kind, loving woman who was devoted to her family.

She was born on July 24, 1924 in

Brooklyn, N.Y. Lorraine is the daughter of the late Sarah and Nathan Katzman. At the age of ten she moved to Fall River, Mass., where she resided until the age of 80. After attending B.M.C. Durfee High School, she worked as a bookkeeper. In 1946 she married Samuel Kaplan, a sergeant in the U.S. Army, who had just returned from World War II. She leaves her daughter Jerri Iris & husband, Alan Sher, from Los Angeles, Calif., Robin Gross and her late husband, Dr. Richard Gross, of Plymouth, MA, Neal Kaplan and his wife, Karen, of Providence, R.I. and Priscilla Kaplan and her husband, Jeffrey Prudhomme, of Menlo Park, Calif., She leaves her grandchildren; Amy and Kenneth Margulies, Heather and Charles McDaniel, Samantha and Adam Zirkin, Sarah Gross, Sandra Gross and John Hohmann III, Sergeant Seth Gross, Benjamin Prudhomme, Jordan Prudhomme, Hope Oliveira and Heather Oliveira.

She also leaves her 10 greatgrandchildren; Rachel, Justin, Adam, Craig, Griffin, Aerin, Jacob, Ronen, Rita and Johnny.

She leaves her brother retired Lt. Col. Harold Katzman from Las Vegas, Nevada and her brother, the late Milton Katzman.

Lorraine will be remembered for her outgoing personality, her inspiration, versatility, warmth, understanding, and her ability to include everyone and anyone who came into her life.

Contributions in memory of Lorraine may be made to the Jewish War Veterans – Dept. of Mass., and mailed to: JWV c/o Nancy Goldstein, 51 Dehon

St. Revere, MA 02151 or the Dr. Richard Gross Scholarship Fund, Eastern Bank, 71 Carver Rd., Plymouth, Mass. 02360.

Ruth L. Marder, 91 DELRAY BEACH, FLA. – Ruth L. Marder died Nov. 1 in Delray Beach, Fla. She was the wife of the late Myron Marder. They were married more than 50 years. Born in P r ov i d e n c e , she was the daughter of the late Ben and Freda (Mednick) Stone. She was a resident of New Bedford and Dartmouth, Mass., and spent her last years in Florida.

She graduated from Rhode Island College, Class of 1949. She was an early education teacher for many years in the New Bedford and Dartmouth public school systems. She was a former president of the Tifereth Israel Sisterhood.

Ruth enjoyed traveling, current events, card games, cooking for her family and good conversation. Ruth was fondest of the time she spent with her husband Myron and her family.

She is survived by her sons Daniel Jay Marder and his wife Lisa of Boca Raton, Fla. and Brian I. Marder and his wife, Lisa, of Dartmouth, Mass.; grandchildren, Brad, Eric and his fiancée Jennifer and Ross; and sister Betty Falk. She was the sister of the late Stanford Stone.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Tifereth Israel Congregation, 145 Brownell Ave., New Bedford, Mass. 02740.

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Henry Shapiro, 97

cob Shapiro, William Shapiro and Frances Salk. He was the loving grandfather of Derek, Rebecca, Murray and Stacy. He was the cherished great-grandfather of Londyn and Rivyr.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Hadassah, 17 Pocahontas Drive, Middletown, RI 02842.

WARWICK, R.I. – Henry Shapiro died Nov. 5 at the Rhode Island Veterans’ Home. He was the beloved husband of the late Bernice (Dressler) Shapiro. Born in Pawtucket, a son of the late Hyman and Pauline (Rubin) Shapiro, he had lived in Bristol for two years, previously living in Warwick and Cranston.

He was the owner of H.S. Distributor for over 40 years, retiring in 1983. Henry was also a private music teacher for 17 years. He was a World War II Army veteran, serving in European Theater. Henry was a former member of the Mason’s Barney-Merry Lodge.

He was the devoted father of Howard Shapiro and his wife, Janice, of Cranston, Rhonda Fallk and her husband, David, of Clark Summit, Pennsylvania, and Kenneth Shapiro of Las Vegas, Nevada. He was the dear brother of the late Ja-

Molla Tiffen, 91 POMPANO BEACH, FLA. – Molla S. Tiffen died peacefully Nov. 4 at home surrounded by family. She was the beloved wife of the late Solomon Tiffen and the late Mortimer Dansky.

Born in Bronx, New York, a daughter of the late Martin and Estelle Weiner, she had lived in Pompano Beach and Brick, New Jersey, for 35 years, previously living in Long Island, New York.

She was a special education teacher for BOECES. Molla was a life member and former president of her chapter of Hadassah.

She was the devoted mother of Diane Lazarus and her hus-

band, Howard, of Cranston and Deborah Gerstenblatt and her husband, Joel, of Warwick. She was the dear sister of the late Marcia Weinstein. She was the loving grandmother of Stephanie, Pam, Sara and Michael. She was the cherished great-grandmother of Dani, Jake, Eli, Miles and Gillian.

Contributions in her memory may be made to American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd, #3004, Warwick, RI 02886 or The Miriam Hospital Women’s Association, 164 Summit Ave. Providence, RI 02906.

OBITUARIES | WORLD man Travel in Cranston for more than 30 years.

Joseph was a faithful member of Touro Fraternal and Congregation Beth Sholom, a former member of the Masons and Shriners, and was a Cub Scout Master of Pack 104. He was a past president of the Rhode Island Vaad.

He was a big sports fan and followed the Providence Bruins, Pawtucket Red Sox, and 4 Boston teams.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his children Dov Winkleman, Freda Ronkin (Daniel), Abby

zens who opened the borders and the heart to all the Jewish brothers who chose my homeland to escape the horror and find peace,” Moreno said.

Moreno also said that the Andean nation was one of the few that “did not obstruct” the arrival of Jews and also voted in favor of the United Nations resolution in 1947 that established the State of Israel, which he called the “great homeland” of the Jewish people.

“In times when anti-Semitism resurfaces, Ecuador will always protect its citizens,” Ecuador Jewish community leader Abraham Vigoda declared,

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Joseph M. Winkleman., 69 died Nov. 3.

He was the husband of Roberta (Zeltzer) Winkleman; they were married for 40 years. He was born in Providence, a son of the late Charles and Jennett (Wainer) Winkleman.

Joseph was a graduate of Classical High School and George Washington University.

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adding that the country offers “full tolerance.”

Israel’s ambassador to Ecuador, Edwin Yabo, read a message from Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

“We will not forget the humanitarian response of Ecuador,” Rivlin said. He also recalled Ecuadoran consul Manuel Antonio Munoz Borrero, who was declared Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem in Jerusalem for saving the lives of some 700 Jews during World War II. Ecuador is home to some 650 Jews, many of them descendants of German, Austrian, Czech and Polish founders of the local community.

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Cohen (Reuven), Ari Winkleman (Kelly) and Charles Winkleman; brother Henry Winkleman and sister-in-law Arlene; grandchildren Atira, Maor, and Naava Baer and Binyamin, Yaakov, Tehilla, Shmuel, and Ayelet Cohen, and more than a dozen nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Contributions in his memory may be made the National Kidney Foundation, www.kidney. org/support, Congregation Beth Sholom, or any charity of your choice.

Joseph M. Winkleman, 69

Ecuador’s president highlights Jewish contributions to his country RIO DE JANEIRO (JTA) – The president of Ecuador praised his country’s Jewish community on the 80th anniversary of its founding.

Several Jewish and non-Jewish officials attended the ceremony on Nov. 1 at the Comunidad Judia de Ecuador synagogue in the capital Quito. President Lenin Moreno highlighted the contribution of Jewish Ecuadorans to the South American society, the Agencia Judia de Noticias news website reported Nov. 5.

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24 | November 9, 2018

The Jewish Voice

COMMUNITY

Community members packed the street outside the Dwares Jewish Community Center.

PHOTOS | THE JEWISH VOICE AND THE JEWISH ALLIANCE

A community comes together at prayer and action vigil

BY FRAN OSTENDORF Elmgrove Avenue outside the Dwares Jewish Community Center Monday night, Oct. 29, was packed with more than 1,000 people looking for solace in community. The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island sponsored the early evening vigil honoring the victims of Tree of Life synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

As the sun set, leaders from all faiths in Rhode Island, as well as members of the local political delegation, stood on the stairs outside of the JCC and spoke about ending hate and standing together as a community to combat its ugly outreach.

Rabbi Sarah Mack, president of the Rhode Island Board of Rabbis, gave an impassioned speech about combating the

rise of hate. “Look around,” she told the crowd. “This is how we combat hate.”

Mufti Ikram, imam for Masjid al-Islam in North Smithfield, said he spoke for Muslims everywhere. “We will stand by you in good times and in bad,” he told the Jewish community.

Rev. Donnie Anderson, executive minister of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches explained that pastoral care is the clergy’s responsibility.

She said she never dreamed that she’d be giving speeches like this so often. But then the speech took a turn toward a plea for gun control.

Anderson was interrupted by Rhode Island Attorney General candidate Alan Gordon from the Compassion Party who heckled Anderson. “Is this a political rally,” Gordon shout-

ed. “I’m a Jew and I object to the politicization of my time of mourning.” The crowd heckled right back and Gordon departed.

Other faith leaders spoke in support of the Jewish community and Rabbi Raphie Schochet chanted psalms.

Eleven candles were kindled in memory of the victims.

The crowd began to disperse to the music of “If Not Now.” Several organizations had informational tables set up inside the JCC building. Those included Dorcas International, Anti-Defamation League, RI Coalition Against Gun Violence, Moms Demand Action and the Refugee Dream Center.

FRAN OSTENDORF is the editor of The Jewish Voice.

Eleven candles in memory of 11 lives lost.

Rabbi Sarah Mack.

Some people carried signs

jvhri.org

COMMUNITY

November 9, 2018 |

Pittsburgh, our community stands with you against HATE

Some in the crowd held candles.

Community cantors and song leaders lead the crowd in songs of comfort.

Governor Gina Raimondo was among many elected officials in attendance.

Students from Pittsburgh helped light the 11 candles.

Rabbis Goldwasser and Dolinger confer before the program.

Bishop Knisely

Young people were in attendance too.

Father John Kiley

The program was truly moving.

25

26 | November 9, 2018 FROM PAGE 1

COMMUNITY

The Jewish Voice

| ANTI-SEMITISM

during the 2016 campaign, when he said he sent out a social media message referencing a column by neo-Nazi Andrew Anglin, and got back a message with triple parentheses around his name. Three sets of parentheses bracketing a name are what the alt-right uses “to mark a Jewish journalist,” he explained.

“Once a journalist is tagged like that, you get an avalanche” of hate tweets and emails, he said, adding that during the 2016 campaign, Jewish journalists saw “an absolute deluge of hate attacks.”

After writing an op-ed about the Pittsburgh shootings, Weisman said he was “showered with the ugliest, most violent anti-Semitic imagery imaginable, my face photoshopped on Holocaust victims, my path into Auschwitz accented by gates that read ‘Machen Amerika Great Again.’ ” After the 2016 election, Weisman wrote a couple of pieces on

rising Anti-Semitism for The New York Times, where he is deputy Washington editor, and his agent suggested that he write a book that would be released to coincide with the midterm elections.

Weisman said the term altright was coined during the Bush years, but “we didn’t know it existed until 2016, when it burst out during the campaign.” Before that, he said, “we didn’t give enough credit or pay too much attention to it.”

Weisman said social media continues to be a prime source for the spike in hate-laced thought and speech directed toward Jews. Evidence of this came from the suspect in the Pittsburgh massacre, who had recently posted: “All Jews must die.”

To properly understand the rise in anti-Semitism, especially on social media, Weisman said it’s important to put it into a global context.

“Intolerance is on the rise all

over the world and not just in this country,” he said.

Exacerbating this surge in anti-Semitism, he said, is that people have no filters when it comes to hate speech since Trump’s election.

“I think this is just a moment in our country when hatred and bigotry are more tolerated,” Weisman said. “People will

say things in public that they wouldn’t have dreamed of saying years ago.”

Asked about possible remedies, Weisman said countering anti-Semitism depends on minorities cooperating and supporting each other.

“I think there has to be a lot more coalition-building aimed at hatred itself. Anti-Semitism’s only one manifestation of this,” he said, pointing to an increase in bigotry toward other groups, including Latinos, Muslims and immigrants.

“Standing up against intolerance is not partisan. We need a little more bravery in the public,” he said.

Reaction to “(((Semitism))): Being Jewish in America in the Age of Trump” from the American Jewish community has been mixed, Weisman said.

Some people have embraced it, while other Jews “have been really upset by the book. They think that Trump’s policies toward Israel negate the bigotry” espoused by some of his supporters.

Weisman believes that this kind of division among Jews is counterproductive. “We have spent so much time arguing over Israel that we’ve neglected to talk about our country,” he said.

Weisman, who describes himself as a “well-traveled journalist,” has also worked for The Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

Besides his current book, he published a novel, “No. 4 Imperial Lane,” in 2014, which was a Chautauqua Prize finalist, Amazon Best Book of the Month and Great Group Reads pick at the Women’s National Book Association.

Asked about which type of writing – fiction or non-fiction – he prefers, Weisman said, “I have more fun writing fiction, but sometimes you have things to say.”

LARRY KESSLER is a freelance writer based in North Attleboro. He can be reached at lkessler1@comcast.net.

Anti-Semitism and seltzer among topics at ‘An Evening of Jewish Renaissance’

BY LARRY KESSLER

Katz describes “An Evening of Jewish Renaissance” as “a couple of hours of adult learning, and some socializing,” and notes that it typically attracts a crowd of 400 to 500 people.

“We have been holding the “Evening of Jewish Renaissance” off and on since the year 2000, when it was a 50th-anniversary event for the Bureau of Jewish Education,” he said.

“Judge Marjorie Yashar and Dr. James Yashar endowed the program beginning in 2003.”

“An Evening of Jewish Renaissance” will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence.

Journalists, authors and a fashion blogger will be among the speakers at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island’s “Evening of Jewish Renaissance,” which returns on Nov. 17 after a three-year hiatus.

Larry Katz, director of Jewish Life and Learning for the Alliance, said this year’s Jewish Renaissance will feature up to 18 classes and workshops in each of two sessions

Presenters include:

• Martin Fletcher, a journalist and author who spent years as NBC’s bureau chief in Tel Aviv, Israel. In “From Fact to Fiction,” Fletcher will recount how he went from being a foreign correspondent to the author of a novel about a love triangle set against the tumultuous founding of Israel.

• Udi Goren, a travel photographer, speaker, educator and artist whose work has been featured in exhibits in Israel and worldwide, as well as in media outlets, including the National Geographic Channel and Yediot Achronot, Israel’s largest circulation newspaper.

His presentation, “A Walk of the Land: A Photographic Journey of the Israel National Trail,” is a visual look at Israel’s diverse people, sites and landscapes.

• Sarit Shani Hay, who w i l l d i scu ss “I n novat ive Kids Spaces.” Hay, a pioneer in the field of children’s environments and a designer, combines art and design to create whimsical objects and spaces. Hay operates Israel’s leading interior and furniture design studio.

LARRY KESSLER is a freelance writer based in North Attleboro who can be reached at lkessler1@comcast.net.

If you go

Udi Goren, a well-known photographer and videographer whose work has appeared on the National Geographic Channel, is the first professional still photographer to have walked and documented the Israel National Trail.

• Barry Joseph, director of digital learning for the Girl Scouts and the author of “Seltzertopic,” who will speak about “Seltzer: A Recipe for Delight.”

Based on more than a decade of seltzer research, Joseph’s presentation will include seltzer nostalgia, history, stories, poems and health recommendations.

• Liraz “Liri” Cohen Mordechai, a fashion lecturer and New York City fashion blogger, who will speak about “The History of Israeli Fashion – From the Kibbutz to the City.” Mordechai’s company, Fashionating by Liri Inc., has

a two-part mission: To bring Israeli fashion to the first tier by empowering Israeli fashion designers, brands and companies, and to tell Israel’s story through fashion. She was formerly with Duke University and ZARA Israel, for whom she was Israel’s training and development department manager.

• Catherine Price, an author and award-winning science journalist who has been featured in many publications, including The Washington Post Magazine, Time, the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times. Her presentation, “How to Break Up with Your

Phone: The Secrets to a Healthy Relationship,” will delve into the consequences of being constantly connected, and what we can do to take back control.

• Jonathan Weisman, a journalist for 30 years, a twotime author and the current deputy Washington editor of the New York Times, will discuss his latest book, “(((Semitism))): Being Jewish in America in the Age of Trump.” Weisman is also the author of the novel “No. 4 Imperial Lane,” a Chautauqua Prize finalist, Amazon Best Book of the Month and Great Group Reads pick at the Women’s National Book Association.

What: An Evening of Jewish Renaissance.

Organizer: The Jewish Alliance of

Greater Rhode Island.

When: p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17.

Where: Dwares Jewish Community

Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence.

Admission: Free.

Preregister online at

jewishallianceri.org to

receive a $5 credit toward

book purchase.

Parking: Available at the

Brown Stadium parking lot

on Elmgrove Ave. from

6-10:30 p.m.

Transportation: From Touro

Synagogue to the JCC on a

first-come, first-served

basis. Contact Touro

Synagogue or the JCC for information.

WE ARE READ

jvhri.org

WE ARE READ IN JERUSALEM – From left: Stephanie and Ephraim Kaye, International Studies Yad Vashem; Howard Brown, Rhode Island Coalition for Israel, May-Ronny Zeidman, Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, together in Jerusalem.

November 9, 2018 |

27

WE ARE READ IN ISRAEL – The three Adler siblings together in Israel for the first time. Rabbi Elan Adler who lives in Maaleh Adumim, Israel; Susie Adler, outreach program coordinator for Jewish Eldercare of RI; and Rabbi Ethan Adler, of Congregation Beth David in Narragansett.

– Congregation Beth David of Narragansett members and friends at the Kotel. The group recently toured Jerusalem, Haifa and Tel Aviv.

WE ARE READ IN ISRAEL

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28 | November 9, 2018

The Jewish Voice

Because of your support, the Jewish Alliance’s Annual Campaign is able to help Jewish Collaborative Services (JCS), a recent merger between Jewish Family Service and Jewish Seniors Agency, nurture and strengthen the well-being of seniors, adults, children and families—ensuring access to a full continuum of care through the life cycle within the framework of Jewish tradition and values.

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At the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island we play many different roles for our diverse community: we nurture, partner, educate, enrich, serve, and convene.

Through the generosity of our donors to the Alliance Annual Campaign, we are able to support thousands of people locally and around the world through programs, services, and partnerships. We care for the most at-risk in our community, energize Jewish life, respond to critical needs, and inspire future generations.

Together, with your support, we translate Jewish values into wide-reaching impact.

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