Table of Contents Features
nEWS & pOLITICS
4. Reaching the Readers
20. Holocaust Legacy That Packs a Punch
5. Welcome to Jewish Orange County
22. New Type of Palestinian Terrorist
6. Keeping It Together
24. Floating over Jerusalem
oRANGE cOUNTY
lIFE & rELIGION
8. Collaborative and Pervasive
26. Interpreting Sukkot
9. Keeping It Safe and More
27. Cherish the Right
10. Dancing Between the Worlds
28. Judaism 1: Back to the Basics
12. Hebrew Language Skills and Reading in Early Years 13. Hebrew Academy Preschool Fruit Trees and Garden 14. Anteaters Eat Ants—That Ain’t Kosher 15. Around OC 16. Jewish Events in Orange County
Opinion + More 32. Project to Keep the Sabbath Aims to Unify Jews Worldwide 33. Avoiding Jew vs. Jew 34. Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards 35. Ethics and News of the Day 36. Republicans Debate the Issues 38. Responding to the Henkin Murders 40. Recipe: Loaves of Love 41. Articles continued
Thank you to our advertisers Ponseggi Photography Saddleback Dental Associates Schneider the Writer Seforim Center Steven’s Pharmacy Wholesome Treasures
How to Reach Us
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Kosher OC Magazine PO Box 7054 Newport Beach, CA 92658 Email: info@kosheroc.com Web: www.kosheroc.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/kosheroc Twitter: @kosheroc YouTube: www.youtube.com/kosheroc Issuu: www.issuu.com/kosheroc
Kosher oc Magazine // October 2015
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Advertising
Reaching the Readers Kosher OC Magazine is a combined website, digital publication, and Facebook page designed to cover Jewish news as it occurs in Orange County, Israel, and all over the world. We combine modern technology with dedicated reporting to be timely, accurate, and responsive to global and local happenings. Kosher OC Magazine previews and reviews the key events in the community and profiles the people who make them possible. We provide and share the opinions of people about Jewish news, Jewish customs and observance, and features on food, fashion, literature, music, and sports. With daily postings of news and insight and periodic listings of special events, we keep the community informed about where to worship, where to learn, where to buy, where to socialize, and where to make a difference. We reach all ages and stages of Jewish people living in Orange County. Visit us at kosheroc.com and ask to be put on our mailing list. Like us on Facebook. Then be prepared for a stimulating Jewish journey. Learn more about advertising with Kosher OC Magazine, including media kit download and the latest rates, visit us online at kosheroc.com/advertising Kosher OC Staff
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Hello Readers
Welcome to Jewish Orange County Kosher OC Magazine is here to give the Orange County Jewish community news when it happens, here and around the world. We combine the best of modern media and dedicated journalism to give you timely and interesting stories about the movers and shakers of the community and the great events they hold. We also talk about Jewish trends and trendmakers in Israel and throughout the globe with interesting ideas about celebrating holidays and celebrating each other. Join us for a window into the world of Judaism, and let us have your insight and input. It is our pleasure to serve this wonderful community. Zach Miller
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Featured
Keeping It Together OC Mega Challah Bake is about unity. By Ilene Schneider
In 2013 Dr. Warren Goldstein, the Chief Rabbi of South Africa, launched the Shabbos Project to bring the Jewish community in his country together to celebrate Shabbos (Shabbat) halachically (according to Jewish law) on one particular weekend in October. The project came with instructions, and a year later Jews all over the world embraced the idea with their own adaptations. By 2014 the initiative expanded to diverse communities from 212 cities in 33 countries. A year later people in 465 cities in 65 countries are, as Rabbi Goldstein says, “keeping it together.” A delightful fringe benefit of the effort is that it spawned a mass challah baking by women, first in the streets of South Africa and then all over the world. It was the first step in keeping Shabbos together as a community as women of all streams of Judaism came together to bake, sing and bond.
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Last year a committee of 14 Orange County women brought 800 women together for the OC Mega Challah Bake on the grounds of Tarbut V’Torah at the Samueli Jewish Campus. Coordinated in a very short time with a very small budget, the event was deemed a huge success by all who attended. Internationally known challah baker Sara Briman keynoted, female rabbis and cantors participated and every woman received and used the tools and ingredients for baking a great challah. The project was so much of a grassroots effort that committee members are reluctant to take credit for it as individuals. Now the committee has expanded to 20 – some in wigs and long skirts, others in shorts and flip flops – and the possibilities are limitless. Clearly, the numbers will go very much above last year’s, and the event will be multigenerational, diverse, open and warm.
“We’re an eclectic group of women from every synagogue, every denomination and every Jewish organization in Orange County, as well as people who are unaffiliated,” said Shana Segall, one of the organizers. “People are coming from all over the county, including a Bat Mitzvah group, a high school group, grannies from Leisure World and everybody in between.” This year’s OC Mega Challah Bake will be held at the Misty May-Treanor Sports Center (MMTSC), 14522 Myford Rd., Irvine. As committee member Reega Neutel explained, “It’s hard to find a good venue that can accommodate more than 1,000 women. We wanted a covered venue that had good lighting and bathrooms, and this place is even giving us free valet parking.” Neutel added that this year’s event will have an exciting décor with color blocks and blowups, as well as screens and a stage setup. There will be kosher snacks and beverages. Challah baking kits will be on the tables, with all the ingredients already packaged in the bowls. Bakers will be stationed at each table to facilitate the baking, so that instruction is more “hands-on.” There will be
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speakers, singers and community blessings.
OC Mega Challah Bake Thursday, October 22, 7 p.m.
Caryn Altman, who is in charge of the table captains for the event, has been going to synagogues and women’s groups, who are, in turn, organizing tables of 10 or 20. Describing last years’ event as “unifying, spiritual, informative and fun,” she decided to help with marketing and outreach. “People who go will be really excited about it,” she said. “We’re all in this together and feeling connected.”
A joint initiative of the OC Jewish Community, the OC Mega Challah Bake will bring hundreds of women together at MMTSC, 14522 Myford Rd., Irvine, to bake delicious challahs and experience the joy of unity and togetherness as a community. The multigenerational event, which will feature speakers, blessings, entertainment and more, is $18 per person. Register by October 15 at www.ocmegachallahbake.com
As Neutel said, “This is a joint community initiative with something for everyone. It belongs to all the Jewish women in Orange County.” “It’s unbelievable what women can do,” Segall summarized. “We’re really making things happen.”
Orange County
Collaborative and Pervasive The prolific Kellermans enjoy writing and doing it together. By Ilene Schneider
It’s amazing enough when a writer can come up with best-selling books time after time, for years on end. It gets even more interesting when one bestselling author is married to another and they occasionally write a book together. Now father and son have teamed up to write too. All of the family keeps popping out best-sellers, and they’re still speaking to each other. In fact, they’re enjoying the experience, drawing from each other’s strengths and creating meaningful characters and scenarios, some with Jewish themes. Thriller icons Jonathan Kellerman, Faye Kellerman and their crime novelist son, Jesse, are as down-toearth as they are prolific. They will talk about their personal chemistry and their latest books on November 8 at 7 p.m. when Women’s Connection Presents, “An Evening with the Kellermans: A Writing Dynasty” at University Synagogue, 3400 Michelson Drive, Irvine. “There’s harmony among all three of us” according to Faye, best known for her 28 Decker/Lazarus thrillers and a consistent New York Times best seller with more than 20 million books in print internationally, including Double Homicide, co-written with her husband and partner-in-crime. “We always learn something different from each other.” 8
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Faye emphasized the discipline involved in writing. “I write continuously and don’t take breaks, but I make the time to do what I need to do and focus on the four grandchildren.” Jonathan, author of 46 books with three dozen New York Times bestsellers, including the Alex Delaware series, and winner of the Goldwyn, Edgar, and Anthony Awards, quipped, “I write two books a year, but all of us manage to be normal people.” Jesse, who has won the Princess Grace Award for best young American playwright and was nominated for the Edgar Award for Best Novel before co-authoring The Golem of Paris with his father, added, “I entered the collaboration with the idea that it was something I might have been able to do on my own, but there was a great benefit to have someone else contributing.” He added, “We’ve had a terrific time writing books together. We work well together and have fun. The original idea was my father’s.” According to Jonathan, “You have to pick collaborators wisely and understand the dual process involved. Jesse was a best-seller on his own. I had a great feeling about working with him, but I didn’t know how the collaboration would go. There were
options for e-mail, phone and face-toface meetings, but the actual writing was done in two different cities. When I collaborated with Faye, both of us were in the same house.” Faye, who has been writing since 1985, said, “It’s not like a comedy team turning out jokes. We’re editors as well as writers. Through the wonders of technology, you can write a big chunk of what you want to write, but it requires discipline, time, thought and rewriting. Inspiration is only a small part of it.” All agree that they enjoy writing. Jonathan explained that he is “driven toward doing it,” having been “born with a creative urge that is channeled in a specific way.” Jesse was “writing before I was being paid for it. It emerges from my personality. It’s something I feel compelled to do.” Faye’s new book, The Theory of Death, puts the characters Rina Lazarus and Police Lieutenant Peter Decker in a new location of upstate New York. “A brilliant math student commits suicide, and there is geek world mayhem on campus,” she said. Jonathan and Jesse’s book, The Golem of Paris, is what they describe as a true sequel about Jacob Lev, a detective in Los Angeles confronted with a crime that traverses continents. There is the contrast of Paris being a
Orange County
Keeping It Safe and More Club promotes gun safety and adds food and friendship. By Robin Silver-Zwiren
beautiful city but one that has a lot of crime, and there is a character who has a tormented relationship with his parents. Faye thinks the book is written “with not just one voice.” She said, “It’s beautifully harmonic.” All of the characters in Faye’s books are Jewish, but at the same time, they are universal. “The characters are vehicles,” she explained. Jonathan said that his writing is “more informed by my experience as a psychologist.” According to Jesse, the golem is a Jewish myth that resonates in other cultures. Jonathan added that Mary Shelley was inspired by the concept of the golem to write Frankenstein. “In Prague they make a big deal about Frankenstein and Kafka, both of whom were nominally Jewish,” he said. “They’re both universal and pervasive.” — Tickets for the evening with the Kellermans can be purchased at universitysynagogue.org
Bullets and Bagels is the local noshing, networking and shooting club founded in 2013 by Dr. Fred Kogen. He is also the president of the club and is thrilled to announce that a second chapter is being formed in San Diego. Fred is a member of Temple Israel in Long Beach, a physician, mohel and NRA member. With these credentials, be assured that gun safety is his primary concern. The group of mainly Jewish members supports the Constitutional Right to Bear Arms in a safe, supervised environment. The group is made up of fun loving, gender-neutral, egalitarian individuals. Add the excellent kosher food, supportive guest speakers and the opportunity to mingle with likeminded people makes gathering at the crack of dawn on a Sunday morning well worth it. Gun safety is taught by NRA certified instructors who volunteer their time to supervise and assist during Bullets and Bagels events. Each event also includes a guest speaker. Past speakers have included Navy
Seals, Huey Helicopter operators and experts in California’s firearms laws. There was even one who critiqued Old Testament views on self defense. Actor Joe Mantegna was on hand at this past August gathering to auction off Israeli made Tavor rifles to benefit the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Are you interested in learning how to shoot? Do you know anyone who may be interested in learning to shoot? Did you serve in the IDF and want the opportunity to brush up on your skills? Check out bulletsandbagels.com — Ready, Aim, Shmear Sunday, October 18, 7:30 to 11 a.m. Speaker: Sgt Richard Garcia. Topic: The use of a tactical shotgun for home protection and to clear rooms. Cost: $60 yearly membership. Event: $45 member, $75 non member (non members who join during the event will be credited $30 on annual membership). Register info@ bulletsandbagels.com
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Orange County
Dancing Between the Worlds Couple communicates in the universal language of dance. By Robin Silver-Zwiren
Two Worlds: One deaf, one hearing but they collide with profound grace and beauty. Amnon and Jill Damti have been married for twenty-five years. They have two much-loved children. Their son is studying neuroscience at university while their daughter is in the IDF. Their story is like a fairytale even though there were some bumps along the way. Amnon, the child of two traditional Yemenite parents who live on a small Israeli moshav, was born deaf and institutionalized when he was only five years old. Taken from his family at such a tender age without the aid of language was devastating. Several years later he found a way to express himself in another language: the universal, nonverbal language of dance. He can feel the vibration in the wood, and with his style, creativity and love for pantomime, he certainly comes alive on stage. He wears a hearing aid but can only hear very high pitched sounds. He may not have been able to converse out loud on a date with Jill, but between his expressions and her empathy, he won her over. He does the same for his audiences now. Jill, who was born in the United States, is from a large family who made Aliyah. Her background is in gymnastics and water ballet. She trained dolphins, and this experience may have helped her better 10
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understand those who communicate differently. Amnon may be the first deaf person she ever met, but their connection is unique. She narrates their story using a combination of English, Hebrew and sign language. However her love and admiration for her partner need no words. The sparkle in her bright eyes tells another story –one they both happily share with their audiences. Orange County residents young and old became mesmerized watching Jill and Amnon perform. To say that the Tarbut v’Torah students were sitting on the edges of their seats is not an understatement. Then again, the Temple Bat Yahm audience was equally enchanted, regardless of age. Residents of Heritage Pointe joined TVT students for the third OC performance, and their outing was certainly a success. Every group came alive as members of the audience interacted with those on stage. Every session was filled with participants more than willing to go onstage. Every act, whether it be a mischievous ape, moving like a robot, leaping like a frog, led to laughter and excitement. Audience members were enthralled with learning each step. The groups who listened to music and “taught” Amnon how to dance walked away with a better understanding of life in a non-hearing world. Sam, a 4th grader, said how amazing it is that
Amnon can dance so well without hearing the music. TVT teacher Sarit Livnat could not sit in her seat during one exercise and joined the group on stage. “Dance to the Waves” was like an ocean breeze bringing these Californians alive. If they were riding surfboards, it could not be more thrilling. “Flying to Australia,” while Amnon pantomimed being a kangaroo, was met with robust laughter. “Man with a Dangerous Dog” brought Amnon off stage as he got audience members to “pet” his imaginary creature. There were all too many volunteers for the time allowed, but these performances will be talked about a lot longer. “Man in the Shadow of Bird” was written for Amnon to perform at the White House. He enthralled everyone who wanted to hitch a ride on his soaring wings. Jill asked how it made the students feel watching Amnon dance this way. One boy eloquently stated how at the beginning it felt calm, like a bird coming out of a nest. The life cycle of the bird and Amnon’s tightly intertwined as his story evolves from a deaf child taken from his nest. Amnon is so light on his feet that it is as if he is in fact flying like a bird. Finding Jill, he need no longer fly alone, for she is the voice he was seeking for so many years. They tell their story in the way they
Orange County
know best. His version may be told differently, but his movements, expressions of joy, the pounding of his heart tell of his love. They connect on such a high level that there is no doubt that they have found their “bashert,” their fate. They often dance back to back, so he can adjust to her movements, but even as they break away, he dances off with fluidity and balance. It is no wonder he has won many international contests. The last dance is to the Hebrew sounds of “A Beautiful Life.” No matter what language it is sung in, it seems to exemplify the lives of Amnon and Jill. “…. A wave washes the world, warmth goes and disappears, a laugh lights up the world… I look at you from in my eyes, I will hug you and together…with the magic in our hearts, let’s forget the pain…just another moment and in the meantime we will remember that the game continues and life is beautiful.” Their eyes meet, they move towards each other, they mesh in form and movement and share their lives with everyone blessed to take part.
husband, Bryan, was one of Amnon’s ape-like volunteers, so it was really a family evening. Bryan’s grandfather, a resident of Heritage Pointe, sat beaming with pride. “Machtainista,” the Yiddish world referring to those united through marriage, is about how the in-laws of your brother are as much a part of your clan as your own uncles are or where your niece’s husband’s grandfather can watch with pride as her aunt and uncle dance on stage. There is no English translation, but Jill and Amnon certainly made up for it with nonverbal cues, combining their two worlds with all of ours.
Seth and Yasuko Siegel for bringing Amnon and Jill Damti into so many OC lives — and hearts.
Thanks to Jill’s brother, Chuck Feingold, and his wife, Dassie, and
The Orange County performances were touching family ones. Jill’s niece, Tal Feingold Wasserman, beautifully sang the moving “Eli Eli” at the Temple Bat Yahm show. Then Amnon and Jill danced together to the taped music, and each segment was extremely heartwarming. Tal’s Kosher oc Magazine // October 2015
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Orange County
Hebrew Language Skills and Reading in Early Years By Dawn Kreisberg
From a young age, even before they become literate, children learn to recognize their world, explain their actions and describe their experiences in narratives. They invent stories about themselves and their surroundings and put these events in a structure that is often found in the narrative genre. Hebrew literacy is connected through similar experiences as children develop expressive Hebrew language and reading skills in the early years. Recent research has shown that studying a second language early boosts a child’s brainpower, vocabulary and self-esteem. Hebrew is a language, with structure and rhythm. Using complete Hebrew sentences helps children learn the structure of the language and not just a list of vocabulary words.
approach means taking into account that children differ from one another in their linguistic levels, their capabilities, learning styles, strengths and challenges.
It is important to create a positive attitude towards Hebrew from the start. Hebrew is an integral part of our Jewish culture. It connects us to Israel, to the Torah, to other Jewish texts and to people around the world. At Olam Jewish Montessori Early Childhood Center, we weave Hebrew into our everyday lives helping children become comfortable with the language. Using the Montessori approach, children are exposed to Hebrew letters and words through the use of miniature objects that correspond to the sounds and words that they are learning. Adoption of this multi-sensory, child-centered
As the children become progressively more familiar and comfortable hearing, understanding and responding in Hebrew it becomes a more natural part of their thought process and learning. By reading stories, dancing to Israeli music, using props and acting out short skits children become engaged in fun and meaningful ways.
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Children naturally love to learn and should also be introduced to Hebrew in an organic and fun way. The children’s ability to accept and understand Hebrew Language comes as they progress through the year. Initially, the children are exposed to spontaneous language, words and phrases that are repeated throughout the day at certain times. During circle time,snack times, story time or creative play, you will see teachers using Hebrew sentences, songs, music and words in print to incorporate the bilingual Hebrew approach.
Engaging children in Hebrew language early will naturally give them the beauty of our heritage. ď ?
Orange County
Hebrew Academy Preschool Fruit Trees and Garden By Nicole Levy-Gray
Seven years ago Steve Berger and Chanie Perelmuter, Preschool Director of the Hebrew Academy of Huntington Beach, met and spoke about the possibility of planting fruit trees and establishing a vegetable garden on the grounds of the preschool. Steve suggested they first plant a fig and pomegranate tree in recognition of them being two of the seven species of Israel, along with planting other more common fruit trees later. Chanie’s answer was an enthusiastic yes, and thus began their physical transformation of the preschool grounds with edible landscaping. They waited a few months so the students could experience planting the trees on Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish new year for trees. The objectives would be to plant trees on the holiday and give the school children a firsthand experience on the planting of a tree. Each child was given a trowel full of mulch to toss onto the ground next to the newly planted trees. Steve explained how this feeds the trees. With his 35 years of growing fruit trees and his involvement in the California Rare Fruit Growers, acquiring the trees was not a problem. The fig tree they planted is a variety known as “Long Neck Yellow”, that has been described by many experts as being one of the best tasting figs in the world. About a year prior, Steve had taken a cutting from an established
Long Neck Yellow fig tree and planted it in a 1-gal pot, where it had rooted and grown leaves and was ready to be transplanted. The pomegranate tree we planted is a variety known as Palermo, has an excellent taste and very soft seeds, so the arils can be eaten without having to spit them out. This tree was also started a year earlier from a cutting of an established pomegranate tree. The following year they planted a ‘stone fruit’ tree, which happened to be a hybrid or ‘interspecies’ tree known as a nectaplum that has nectarine and plum parentage. This is a tree that was developed by a wholesale nursery that specializes in introducing new varieties of fruit trees through controlled crosspollination – not GMO methods. The nectaplum variety is called Spice Zee. They also planted an aprium, also a hybrid tree, with apricot and plum parentage. This variety is known as Cot-N-Candy.
children plant sugar snap peas in late September or early October, and in late March they plant cherry and regular size tomato and onion seedlings (very young plants). Occasionally, they will plant some melon or squash plants as well. This gives the children a real hands on experience with observing a garden, from planting the seeds or seedlings, to watching them grow and then later in the season harvesting the fruit for immediate eating. During the entire gardening experience the students ask questions, taste new foods, are proud of their efforts and show such excitement when harvesting… a wonderful experience for all!
A couple of years later they planted an apple tree and a mandarin tree. The apple variety is Sakai Ichi, perhaps from Japan, which is an excellent apple variety for growing in our Southern California coastal climate. The mandarin variety is called Gold Nugget, which is one of the best tasting of the orange and mandarin varieties. For the vegetable gardens, the Kosher oc Magazine // October 2015
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Orange County
Anteaters Eat Ants—That Ain’t Kosher UCI may be full of hills, but there’s nothing in the way between you and something kosher to eat. By Zach Miller
Besides the Chabad at UCI providing dinners, luncheons, breakfasts, and other kosher treats (like hotdogs)— do look their site up for all the latest kosher fun—UCI actually provides kosher meals as well. If you’re just looking for a quick bite, the Zot-n-Go actually does provide kosher sandwiches—from tuna to turkey and even some vegetarian
options that are so filling you need a spoon to get through it all. Sadly, it’s not a very reliable source, because it may be here today, gone tomorrow. Plus with erratic of a routine, who knows how fresh it may be (though beggars can’t be choosers). But if you need a good kosher meal daily, and not just a quick bite, UCI is here for you too. Only until recently,
UCI now provides kosher options from the UCI Hospitality and Dining center. Although this is a long term meal plan that you must commit to for months at a time, you can always contact Ms. Kelly Kuehnert just in case. Once you’re account is setup, UCI Hospitality and Dining Services offers an online easy-breezy form to submit your meal requests.
October 22 nd, 2015 7:00 p.m (doors open at 6 p.m.) MMTSC 14522 Myford Rd, Irvine, CA 92606 Joint Initiative of the OC Jewish Community
$18 Per Person Register now at www.ocmegachallahbake.com
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Orange County
Around OC A compilation of events and photos in September. By Kosher OC Staff
Feeding Families Every Yom Kippur, Temple Beth El of South Orange County congregants bring food donations to re-stock the shelves of South County Outreach, our local food bank. This year’s donations were 4,358 pounds of food, which will help to feed 109 families of four (436 adults and children) for one week! Community Celebration
best boy in the United States of America,” his grandfather’s favorite expression (for all his grandsons), you come to believe it and boundless optimism ensues. In his unique style, as part of his presentation, Wolfson read chapters of his book, which will become part of his audio book. His audience was “the best audience in the United States of America,” and loved it. Moishe House Sukkah with Rabbi Drew Kaplan
A group of people represented the Irvine Jewish community for the 6th successful year at the Irvine Global Village Festival. The girls from Avanti Dance Studio did an outstanding job performing Jewish Folk dancing on the Najma Quadar stage under the World Religions tent. Among those sharing Judaism with the community were Janet Lawrence and Greg Berkowitz, Debbie and Ami Glazer, Karen Ross, Dina Brown, Deborah and Kayla Globerson and Tony Shaeffer. Best Boy At a well-attended Community Scholar Program event in September, Ron Wolfson, who practically invented the field of Jewish family education, the broadest form of “big tent” Judaism, gave his audience a hint as to how he developed his personal warmth. Apparently if you’re told you are “the
On September 30th, young adults got to learn about the holiday of Sukkot. At the Orange County Moishe House, Rabbi Drew Kaplan of SoCal Jewish Young Adult Enrichment led a discussion about Sukkot, appropriately in Moishe House’s sukkah.
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Orange County
Jewish Events in Orange County October 2015
Plan your month with our October 2015 events calendar of the best activities, including free things to do, festivals and our favorite picks. October 4, 2 p.m. Mitzvah Day 2015 will be held at the Merage Jewish Community Center. Organizers describe the event as “a great opportunity for your friends and family to do a Mitzvah together.” Participants will make tray favors for Meals on Wheels, pack lunches for the homeless, decorate and pack Discovery Art boxes for sick children, make dog toys and more. To get tickets, contact www.jccoc.org October 7, 2 p.m. Heritage Pointe’s Healthy Living Seminar Series addressing a variety of topics related to staying healthy while aging continues with “Keeping Your Brain Healthy” presented by Dr. Tonia Vojtkofsky, Psy.D and president and CEO of Cognitive Care Solutions. Dr. Vojkofsky will talk about how at any age we can learn various strategies that help keep the brain stronger for longer. Learn the modifiable risk factors that are highly correlated to brain health. Addressing these lifestyle factors can help improve brain abilities and keep us functioning at our highest potential through building up our cognitive reserve. For more information, see www. heritagepointe.org October 9, 7:30 p.m. Temple Beth El of South Orange County will host Randol Schoenberg,the lawyer depicted by Ryan Reynolds in the movie, Woman in Gold. The program is presented by the Orange County Community Scholar Program (CSP). Schoenberg is the attorney who sued Austria in the US Supreme Court in an historic case that led the way to the recovery of the Klimt painting, “Woman in Gold,” to its rightful Jewish owner. For more information, see www. occsp.org. October 11, 1 p.m. Mitzvahs & More Expo at the Merage Jewish Community Center in Irvine is a creative event planning expo. More than 30 exhibitors will be on hand to help attendees to plan their special events. Exhibitors include caterers, disc jockeys, entertainers, photographers, videographers and vendors of fashion, flowers, invitations, jewelry, party favors and venues. For more details, see www.jccoc.org
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October 12, 12:15 p.m. Pastrami on Rye: An Overstuffed History of the Jewish Deli is Prof. Ted Merwin’s book that examines the New York Jewish deli. The Orange County Community Scholar Program (CSP) invites the community to enjoy the lecture with a kosher deli buffet at the Samueli Jewish Campus. For more information, contact the CSP at www.occsp.org October 13, 3 p.m. ORT of South Orange County is hosting a prospective member tea. Come and hear about ORT America, the students we support and the various SCORT events we host. R.S.V.P. to Lois Weiss at Loisweiss6279@gmail.com October 14, 6 p.m. “Domestic Violence: Where It Starts and Where It Can End” is an intimate evening with Tanya Brown, sister of Nicole Brown Simpson. Presented by Jewish Federation & Family Services (JFFS), the evening at the Samueli Jewish Campus will include a speech, a book signing, a resource fair and special presentations by the Irvine Police Deaprtment and Human Options. In lieu of a fee, organizers ask that attendees bring a canned food item, gently used clothing or a used cell phone. To register, go to www.jewishoc.org/dv October 15, 8 p.m. Cirque du Soleil prepares to wow Orange County and area audiences with its newest offering, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities. The performance runs from October 15 through November 29 under the iconic blue-and-yellow Big Top at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. Tickets are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com/kurios October 18, 6 p.m. Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Newport Beach will host “Inside Israel’s Iron Dome: the Miracle of Israel’s High Tech” featuring Ari Sacher, rocket scientist. Sacher is the system engineer for the Iron Dome, Israel’s sophisticated missile system designed to destroy incoming missile attacks. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. See www. jewishnewport.com to make reservations.
Orange County
October 18, 6:45 p.m. The Temple Bat Yahm Distinguished Speaker Series will present “A Very Special Evening with scholar and talk show host Dennis Prager, who will share his always compelling, lively, engaging and entertaining discussion,” according to a bulletin article by the congregation president, Scott Seigel. General admission is $54, and tickets are available via http://go.kosheroc.com/4inex October 22, 7 p.m. The OC Mega Challah Bake is a joint initiative of the OC Jewish Community. Hundreds of OC women will come together at MMTSC, 14522 Myford Rd., Irvine, to bake delicious challahs and experience the joy of unity and togetherness as a community. The multigenerational event, which will feature speakers, blessings, entertainment and more, is $18 per person. Register at www. ocmegachallahbake.com. October 25, 1:30 p.m. The Orange County Jewish Genealogical Society (OCJGS) presents “WHAT IS JOWBR, JewishGen’s Online Worldwide Burial Registry And Memorial Plaques Projects,” and how is OCJGS participating? The program will be held at Temple Bat Yahm, 1011 Camelback, Newport Beach. For details, see www.ocjgs.org. October 28, 6:30 p.m. Women’s Philanthropy, Jewish Federation & Family Services Orange County (JFFS) invites Orange County Jewish women to “Girls Night Out! Women’s Voices in the Night” at the Turnip Rose in Costa Mesa. The event will feature fun, cocktails and pop culture with celebrity gossip comedy, courtesy of Kate Casey, blogger of www. loveandknuckles.com. RSVP online to www.jewishoc.org/ women Coming Attractions November 8, 7 p.m. Women’s Connection Presents, “An Evening with the Kellermans: A Writing Dynasty” at University Synagogue. Best-selling novelists Jonathan Kellerman, Faye Kellerman, and now their son, Jesse, have been fascinating readers with tales of mystery, passion, and Jewish family values for more than 30 years. A dessert reception and book signing will follow the program. Tickets can be purchased at www.universitysynagogue.org/shop/kellerman-event/ an-evening-with-the-kellermans-a-writing-dynasty.html for $60 until October 9 and $75 beginning on October 10. Each ticket includes a newly-released book of your choice: Faye Kellerman — The Theory of Death OR Jonathan/Jesse Kellerman — The Golem of Paris.
November 14, 7 p.m. The acclaimed show, Jonna’s Body, Please Hold, comes to Temple Bat Yahm for one night. The outrageously funny chronicle of Jonna Tamases’ real-life bouts with cancer takes a masterful journey inside Jonna’s body, where a sassy receptionist fields calls from a parade of quirky body parts. When two nasty killers invade, it’s a fight for Jonna’s life. Tickets — $20 in advance or $25 at the door — are available by phone (949-644-1999) or by mail (to ATTN: WTBY at Temple Bat Yahm, 1011 Camelback St., Newport Beach 92660).
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News & Politics
Holocaust Legacy That Packs a Punch Meet Dustin Fleischer, the White Tiger. By Jacob Kamaras and JNS.org
Shot three times by the Nazis in Poland, Bernard Fleischer was down for the count. But just as he was about to be finished off, the German soldier’s gun froze. Assuming he’d die anyway, the soldier left Bernard in a barn. Bernard survived and later joined the Jewish resistance movement. Decades later, his son and grandson are perpetuating his Holocaust legacy in the boxing ring. On Saturday, Sept. 26, junior welterweight Dustin “The White Tiger” Fleischer (4-0, 4 KO) defeated Ira Frank (1-1, 1 KO) with a first-round knockout at Veteran’s
Memorial Park in Beach Haven, N.J.—with his father, Phil Fleischer, as his lead cornerman for the first time. Dustin says it is his grandfather’s message that gives him strength. Specifically, he wants to be the answer to the trivia question, “Who is the first world champion boxer to be the grandchild of a Holocaust survivor?” “It helps me bring a message, helps give my career more of a meaning. Especially when it comes to my heritage and my religion,” Dustin Fleischer, 25, of Monmouth Beach,
N.J., tells JNS.org. “I just kind of knew he had his grandfather’s strength in him,” says Phil Fleischer. “There was something about those two. They just kind of clicked.” In his will, Bernard Fleischer left Dustin his Star of David necklace, which Dustin wears while he walks into the ring every time he fights, in addition to sporting a Star of David on his trunks. “I actually wanted it, but he gave it to his grandson,” Phil quips regarding the necklace. Dustin—5-foot-9, 140 pounds—recalls getting picked on because his mother dressed him up in bow ties and suspenders. His response was starting to learning martial arts from age 5, and boxing four years later, following in the footsteps of his father. He thrived, compiling an amateur boxing record of 112-18 and qualifying for the Olympic Trials for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. He lived in the U.S. Olympic training camp at the tender age of 15. “A lot of people thought Dustin could be the one. A lot of people were very high on Dustin about making this [Olympic] team,” recalls Phil. Dustin, however, came down with
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News & Politics
mononucleosis and got sidetracked. “When he came back [from the Olympic camp], he was very depressed, but he learned something from it,” Phil says. “He said, ‘Dad, all my life I pushed for this, but I’ve got to have something else in my life in case I ever get hurt with boxing, so I’m going to finish up my education, and once I finish school I will then turn pro.’” Indeed, Dustin earned a degree in transportation and worked for his father’s trucking company to help the business during the economic recession. All the while, he kept us his boxing skills and would eventually be signed earlier this year by Roc Nation Sports, part of the consortium of entertainment-related entities owned by the rapper Jay Z. On Jan. 9, 2015, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, during the inaugural “throne boxing” event hosted by Roc Nation Sports, Dustin made his professional debut—scoring a secondround technical knockout victory over Frank Jordan. Soon after the fight, Roc Nation Sports signed him to an exclusive promotional agreement. “It feels like everything happens for a reason,” Dustin says of his journey to the pros since falling short of the Olympic team. “I couldn’t ask for anything more. The age that I
turned pro, the people that I’m with. My career is just moving the way I pictured it would move.”
But on the immediate horizon is the fight with Ira Frank. Bernard Fleischer died seven years ago, but the late Holocaust survivor would have most certainly beamed with pride at the father-son team that will enter the ring Sept. 26.
Roc Nation “will only sign a certain level of fighter, and to be at that level is definitely a confidence-booster,” he says. Dustin doesn’t work directly with Jay Z, but has met him.
“This is one step in Jewish history that we’re gonna make Saturday, and we’ll keep rolling from there,” says Phil.
“The way he talks is just kind of like I pictured him…He talks as cool as he raps, really,” Dustin says. Within the world of boxing, Dustin says he seeks to emulate the heart of Timothy Bradley, the smarts of Terence Crawford, and the longevity of Floyd Mayweather.
For more information on boxer Dustin Fleischer, follow him on Facebook, @TheWhiteTigerDustinFleischer, or Instagram and Twitter, @ dustinfleischer.
“There really has never been a fighter who’s been able to stay that dominant throughout all the years he’s been boxing and really not have a scratch on him,” Dustin says of Mayweather. “You’ve really got to admire that as a boxer.” Dustin has never been to Israel, but says he regularly follows Israel news websites and wishes to partake in a boxing match in the Jewish state one day. Kosher oc Magazine // October 2015
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News & Politics
A New Type of Palestinian Terrorist Jihadist Islam is alive and well and growing. By Stephen Flatow and JNS.org
Terrorists who get caught before they strike don’t usually attract much attention. But the arrest of Mrs. Ayman Kanjou deserves extra attention, because she defies every stereotype we have ever been taught about Palestinian terrorists. Men are presumed the most likely to become terrorists, since in Muslim society they are the ones who enjoy various freedoms, while women are sheltered and carefully watched by their husbands or fathers. They didn’t stop Mrs. Kanjou. Young unmarried men are the ones whom we expect to get caught up in radicalism, since they have the least to lose. A middle-aged woman with small children has a lot to lose. Yet there was Mrs. Kanjou, age 44, mother of five small children, crossing through Turkey last month on her way to join the Islamic State terrorists in Syria. According to the stereotype, Palestinian terrorists are uneducated drifters. Not so Mrs. Kanjou; she comes from a “respected” family, said Israeli prosecutor Shunit Nimtzan. She is a college graduate (Al-Azhar University in Cairo), which cannot be said about many Muslim women. And not just a B.A.—she has a Ph.D.! Certainly, a Palestinian terrorist is expected to be impoverished. The whole promise of international aid 22
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to the Palestinians is the notion that poverty breeds terrorism. That’s been the main rationale for the more than $11-billion the United States alone has given the Palestinian Authority since 1994. Mrs. Kanjou, who is married to a local imam (Muslim religious leader), had $11,000 in cash with her on her way to join Islamic State. It doesn’t sound to me like a case of poverty causing terrorism. At the very least, one expects a terrorist to be alienated from his family, a rootless malcontent in search of belonging. Not in Mrs. Kanjou’s case. She has no criminal record. In fact, her father, age 74, actually accompanied her on the trip. Mrs. Kanjou’s relatives are telling the media that she was “framed.” Not likely. Israeli intelligence intercepted her many communications via Facebook with Islamic State recruiter AbAli Asami. According to the indictment, she “expressed to him her desire to live in Syria within the organization, and asked for his help.” She says she could “teach religion and teach activists and fighters the Sharia to raise the spirits and increase their motivation to fight on behalf of the organization.” She even stated that it she was prepared to do anything the organization asked of her. At the very least, according to the standard profile, a Palestinian terrorist
can be expected to have been raised in of those “extreme” Palestinian cities, where radicalism is common. Not in this case. Mrs. Kanjou is an Israeli Arab. She comes from Shfaram, near Haifa. She was presumed to be loyal to Israel. Mrs. Kanjou is not alone. Officials of the Shin Bet (Israel’s security agency) were this week quoted as saying that more than 40 Israel Arabs have joined Islamic State since 2013. Just last month, two Arabs from Jerusalem were caught on their way to reach Islamic State. If a woman with small children and the highest level of education, who grew up in an Israel environment with all the benefits and privileges of Israeli citizenship—if such a woman can turn around and try to join Islamic State, what does that tell us? It tells us that our previous assumptions have to be discarded. That education and a livelihood and material progress are not enough. That territories and settlements are not the real issues. Radical jihadist Islam is alive and well and growing— even among those whom we always suspected least.
News & Politics
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News & Politics
Floating over Jerusalem It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no, it’s a huge white bridal dress! By Stephen Flatow and JNS.org
“What’s that huge white bridal dress floating over the Tower of David?” That’s what visitors to Jerusalem’s Old City asked last week. The wedding gown, created by leading Israeli artist Motti Mizrachi, is part of the 2nd Jerusalem Biennale for Contemporary Jewish Art, an event that blew into town as the Sukkot holiday got underway. Mizrachi, who lives and works in Tel Aviv, created the dress that floats majestically over the Tower of David, the main exhibition site of the Jerusalem Biennale, as part of an installation called “Betrothal.” It’s just one of many thought-provoking pieces that make up this year’s Biennale. With exhibits taking over seven of the city’s most interesting public spaces, the Biennale adds a fresh dimension of culture and innovation to the city’s more traditional Sukkot activities. There’s definitely a buzz around this year’s Biennale, which features 10 exhibits in the seven locations scattered throughout Jerusalem. Almost 200 Israeli and international artists are taking part in the event that has grown significantly from its first appearance in 2013. At the opening of one of the exhibits in the new Polonsky Building of the Van Leer Institute, the Biennale’s 24
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founding director, 36-year-old Rami Ozeri, explains the goals of this year’s event: “The Biennale provides a stage for professional artists who refer in their artwork to Jewish thought, spirit, tradition or experience. The first Jerusalem Biennale in 2013 created an exciting buzz in the contemporary Jewish art world and, as a result, we were inundated with submissions of the highest quality from Israel and around the world. Biennale 2015 will further expand the debate on what is contemporary Jewish art and we are thrilled that, once again, this is taking place in Jerusalem, the spiritual and creative center of the Jewish world.”
excluded from the central discourse of Israeli art. Viewing the ‘there’ from within the prism of the ‘here,’ through an art exhibition that draws its inspiration from Jewish tradition, sources, and culture, can challenge the conventional dichotomy in Israel that separates art from religion, and Jewish art from Israeli art. Unraveling these dichotomies and subverting the resulting hierarchies can inspire the local art scene that alienates itself from tradition.”
This year, two Jewish artist groups from the U.S and one from Buenos Aires are taking part in the Jerusalem Biennale. Artists from the Jewish Art Salon of New York brought their exhibit—“New York, New Work”— to fill much of the ground floor of the Polonsky Building. Curated by Israelis David Sperber and Dvora Liss, the works include pieces by Siona Benjamin that connect Indian iconography, American pop culture, and Judaism, and the comics of Eli Valley that explore the complex Diaspora-Israel relationship.
Another installation that explores the elements that bind and separate Jerusalem and the Diaspora is on display at a restored Templar-era building in the German Colony neighborhood. The Jewish Arts Initiative, based in Los Angeles, uses part of the old buildings for an exhibit called “7,567 mi,” which uses the prism of art to explore the issues that connect as well as separate Jerusalem and Los Angeles. The name of the exhibition is the distance between the two cities. At the same time, and for the first time, the Jerusalem Biennale is extending its reach overseas, with three simultaneous exhibitions in Los Angeles and video hook-ups between Jerusalem and Los Angeles.
At the crowded opening, Sperber points out, “Israeli culture has no defined or well-developed field of Jewish art. Judaism—as a living and unique religious tradition—is usually
One exhibition—“A Sense of Place, A Sense of Space”—is primarily the work of immigrants from Englishspeaking countries. Curator Mallory Serebrin and the artists, including
Heddy Abramowitz, Andi Arnovitz, Ruth Schreiber, Hadassah Berry, Zavi Apfelbaum, and Sharon Binder—all explore issues related to home and place. New York native Heddy Abramowitz, an artist and photographer, says this year’s Biennale—with the expanded presence of Jewish artists from abroad who were looking for the opportunity to show their work in Israel—is refreshing. “It’s also an important outlet for artists working with Jewish subject matter who have limited opportunities to show in Israel,” she says. Over at the First Station space in Jerusalem’s original train station, the “Women of the Book” exhibition hosts 54 artists, including Judith Margolis, Aliza Freedman, Susie Lubell, and Nava Levine-Coren, who bring their visual interpretation of the weekly Torah portion to the public. Funding and support for the Biennale comes from an array of sources including the Jerusalem Municipality, the Jerusalem Foundation, Bank Hapoalim, and the San Diego-based Leichtag Foundation. Charlene Seidle, the Leichtag Foundation’s executive vice president, tells JNS.org that the Biennale fits into the foundation’s “Jerusalem Renewal” vision, whose goal is to encourage young people to stay in Jerusalem and contribute to its diversity. “We see Jerusalem as a source of creativity and creative people should flock there because of the nature of the city….The Biennale is a piece of that…and it’s great to see artists using Jerusalem as a muse,” Seidle says. In April 2016, the foundation will help bring some exhibits of the Jerusalem Biennale to the annual conference of the Jewish Funders Network in San Diego. The Biennale runs until Nov. 5. More information is available at www. jerusalembiennale.org
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Life & Religion
Interpreting Sukkot Sukkot is a holiday dedicated to our journey. By Rachel Sass
Most Jewish holidays commemorate some central event or theme in our people’s journey. Pesach commemorates the exodus from Egypt, Shavuot the receiving of the Torah, Tisha B’Av the destruction of the holy temple. But the holiday Sukkot is just remembering how the Jewish people used to live in huts, which at first thought doesn’t seem to be very notable. There are actually two interpretations in the Talmud of what the Sukkah represents. Rabbi Akiva asserts that a Sukkah is a literal hut, like the ones we build today on this holiday, that the Israelites lived in while they were wandering in the desert. But Rabbi Eliezer believes that when the Torah talks about the Jews dwelling in Sukkot, it is referring to the Ananay Hakavod, the Clouds of Glory. These clouds directed the Jews and shielded them from the elements. Providing the Ananay Hakavod wasn’t the only thing that God did to help make life easier for the Jews in the desert. He also provided them with pillars of fire to guide their way at night, manna, which was food that fell from the sky, and water that spilled from a rock. Everything that the Jews needed for life in the desert was given to them by God. Just as God took the Jews out of Egypt with his miraculous interventions, he completely supported them as they journeyed through the 26
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desert on their way to Israel. Through Rabbi Eliezer’s interpretation, it seems that this holiday is commemorating another one of God’s great miracles. But when we celebrate Sukkot today, we don’t build models of giant clouds, we build huts, so there must be something to Rabbi Akiva’s interpretation as well. The way that I understand this dichotomy of opinions is not to be viewed in contrast, but in congruence. When the Jews first left Egypt, it was as if they were being born again as a new nation, and the beginning of their travels in the desert was like their childhood, so it makes sense that God would provide them with the necessities for survival, just like we as children were completely dependent on our parents for our needs. And there is something worth celebrating in this relationship; in God’s leadership of the Jews, and in the Jews’ trust in God. As it says in Jeremiah 2:2, “This is what the Lord says: ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, how…you loved me and followed me through the wilderness, through a land not sown.’” But just as a child matures over time into adolescence and adulthood, so too did the Jews as they made their way to the Promised Land. The building of Akiva’s literal Sukkah is one of the first things that the
Jewish people did on their own. This temporary shelter was not a grand miracle performed by God. It was a crude home with a roof of leaves. But it was something that the Jews did as a free people, not as slaves. And it must have felt exhilarating for a people who had built structures for their masters for generations and were then rescued and cared for like children by God to finally sit in a home that they had built by themselves, for themselves. In my eyes, Rabbi Eliezer’s Clouds of Glory interpretation of this holiday represents the childhood of our people, and Rabbi Akiva’s literal hut interpretation represents our adolescence, a time when we were just beginning to assert our independence as a nation. This journey, this transition, is something that we as individuals experience as we make our way into adulthood and look back on our own lives. There was a time when we were protected by our parents, by clouds of glory. This is a part of us that we will always cherish and carry with us. But as we mature, we begin to build our own lives and identities, our own Sukkot. Sukkot is a holiday dedicated to our journey. Our journey as a nation, and our journey as individuals. And the building of the Sukkah is a symbolic
Life & Religion
Cherish the Right Find your spiritual home for the holidays. By Ilene Schneider
first step. In our own lives, it can be something as small as getting a driver’s permit, to something as significant as going off to college. This transitional period can sometimes be scary and uncertain, but it is also something to be celebrated. And as we make our way into adulthood, it is important that we appreciate and keep all parts of our journeys with us, because our journeys are what make us who we are.
The shofar sounds its clarion call, beckoning Jewish people to remember the past in order to rectify it, be in the moment in order to pay close attention to it and look toward the future in order to make a difference. It sounds like a tall order, and it is. Being Jewish was never easy, and coming face to face with one’s flaws is even harder. The High Holy Days are an immersion in both.
asked, “why do we bother keeping our Jewish traditions alive? We’ve been studying Torah and learning about Judaism for thousands of years. They teach us values of truth, kindness, compassion and love. Yet if we look at the world, all we see is lies, cruelty, apathy and violence. Why hasn’t Judaism really helped us change our lives for the better?” The rabbi simply remained silent.
Far from a quick trip to the synagogue twice a year, the High Holy Days are an invitation to turn both inward and outward from the beginning of Elul to the end of Simchat Torah. We come to reckoning with God, with the people in our lives and with ourselves. We repent, we forgive and we resolve to do better – and we are much the better for it.
As they continued on their stroll they came upon a young boy, dirty and grimy from head to foot.
Throughout Orange County there are many opportunities to find a spiritual home during the High Holy Days. Do it, and cherish your right to do it. As we well know, it is not a right to be taken for granted, and it is not a mission to be taken lightly.
“What do you mean?” the soap maker replied. “Soap doesn’t do any good unless you use it.”
Rabbi David Young of Congregation B’nai Tzedek in Fountain Valley illustrates the point with this old Hasidic tale: A rabbi and a soap maker were walking down the street together. The soap maker was puzzled. “Rabbi,” he
Said the rabbi to the soap maker: “What good is the soap you make? It has been around for years and years, and yet look at this filthy little boy. Why hasn’t your soap helped to make little boys like him more clean and neat?”
“Aha!” replied the rabbi. “So it is with Judaism. Unless we apply the lessons and teachings of our tradition to our daily lives it is of no use. We can learn, we can study, but if we don’t apply it, then Judaism is as useless as an untouched piece of soap.” (adapted from Yom Kippur Readings edited by Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins, 2005)
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Life & Religion
Judaism 1: Back to the Basics By Robin Silver-Zwiren
Judaism 1, Back to the Basics, should focus on the Commandments first given to our people more than the additions made over time. The Ten Commandments are the essence of Judaism. After all, they were the ones written in stone! 1: I am the Lord your G-d; you shall have no other gods before me. Hashem is our one and only G-d. That means that there is no bowing down to idols as the ancient Egyptians did. We may not believe Hashem always answers our prayers, but it is much more likely than an idol will. 2: You shall not make any graven images. Taking it one step further, not only do we have only one G-d, but we should not be creating others. We should not be ruled by our zodiac horoscopes, for that too is avodah zarah. Being that we are created equal means less idolizing ourselves, musicians, actors and the clothes in our closet. Thank the true Lord who has given us our blessings. That is what makes B’nai Israel different from other nations. 3: You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain. We all curse, but put an extra effort into not using the Lord’s name in those phrases. This verse also means writing the Lord’s name which is why many, including me, write “G-d.” The most proper YHWH cannot be written with the proper Hebrew letter equivalent except for those writing Torah or Mezuzah scrolls. 4: Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Sabbath (Shabbat) comes from the number sheva (7). In fact, until the 3rd century, Christianity was still largely a Jewish sect, and those followers also kept the Jewish Shabbat. During the Jewish-Roman Wars, there was a 28
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push to separate Christianity from Judaism. Changing the Christian Sabbath day was one outcome. It is said that Hashem created the world in six days and rested on the Shabbat. Shabbat is the embodiment of everyone being created equal. Mystics believed that it is not acceptable to simply say the words in the prayer but to believe that you are truly communicating with Hashem. If that means reading in a language other than Hebrew, so be it. Honor Shabbat by making it different from every other night and day. You can keep some age- old traditions such as making kiddush over wine and hamotzi over the delicious challah. Spend time with family and friends. These traditions make Shabbat more meaningful and Hashem’s essence felt. 5: Honor thy father and mother. The first five commandments are said to be between man and G-d and the second between man and man. It is interesting that the one about honoring parents was engraved on the right side of the tablets. Hashem is also our Father, so it makes sense that honoring our earthly parents should be addressed equally. It is the parents’ responsibility to make sure their actions are ones to be respected and honored. Parents need to teach morals, set limits and be good role models. To give respect, we must be respected. 6: You shall not murder. We must remember that Moshe received the Commandments in a very different time in history — a time when men had servants and more than one wife, a time when rapists were not convicted but women were stoned. When Hashem gave us these Commandments, He was doing away with the crimes of life in Egypt. He was
preparing the ancient Hebrews for the Land of Israel and a more civilized way of life. Judaic practice does not permit abortion except when the fetus endangers the mother’s life. Suicide is forbidden, which is why people who kill themselves are usually buried at the outer walls of a cemetery. Slaughtering kosher animals for consumption and sacrifice is permitted, whereas killing animals for sport is not allowed. The laws of kashrut are the most humane of animal slaughter. Practices such as ethnic cleansing are unacceptable and abhorrent. We are taught to be a people who love others as we do ourselves. Humanitarian efforts are encouraged. To save one life is to save the world. 7: You shall not commit adultery. The five commandments between man/woman and man/ woman seem to run together. It is how we treat each other. Are we treating other human beings with kavod as Hashem expects? Religious practice teaches us that marriage is sacred and that certain actions are only permitted within the confines of marriage. Family values are important to Judaism. 8: You shall not steal. Stealing can mean robbing a store as well as a person’s good name. When Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, they robbed him of years of family life. They robbed their father Yaacov (Jacob) of having his most beloved son Yosef near him. Believing it is your right to have what you are not entitled to or that it is acceptable to borrow without approval are also considered stealing. It is against the Commandments to steal a little toy car from the store just as it is not allowable to cheat on your income tax. If it is against the law in the land where you live, then it is against Halacha, Jewish law and the Commandments. 9: You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Bearing false witness is lying to harm someone. It can also mean speaking ill of someone for no reason. It is not the same as telling a white lie when your friend asks if his spouse is making him a surprise party and you answer “no” even when you know exactly when it will happen. There are two instances within Jewish law when you can speak against someone even if it will harm his or her image. If asked about a possible shidduch match and we know that match is not a good idea, we can divulge facts and opinions. If someone asks us about a rav, we can also say what we know. Recently I learned that rav does not just mean any rabbi or teacher but any community leader.
allowed to bear witness, because they are immoral. We hope our governing bodies are made up of people with strong values, morals and ethics. 10: You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, wife, servants… Why is the 10th Commandment not the same as the 7th or 8th? The 10th Commandment does not mean having an affair with your neighbor’s wife or stealing his belongings. It means wanting what others have. It is something so many people desire today. Rampant envy for what others have drives people to another type of lust and desire. We can covet a better life, so that we are motivated to achieve. It is easier to achieve more with education. That is how to best to keep Hashem’s commandments. *** The Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Chassidic movement, sent his students out to communities across Eastern Europe. Many of the followers in shtetl communities were illiterate. Because they did not know the prayers and did not have enough prayer books, the rebbes became their spiritual voices. The rebbe would often act as the cantor while the men answered. Dancing and singing niggunim became a part of synagogue worship. These traditions continue today in Chassidic communities. These groups adopted the dress code of the era, and Moshe Rabbeinu would certainly not recognize them as his spiritual soulmates. Wearing 18th century Eastern European garb has become a practice of Chassidic sects, but this attire is not commanded by the Torah. The Ten Commandments, those of the 613 commandments that are unrelated to the Temple in Jerusalem, the laws found in the Torah and traditions of rabbis must be practiced. A gezirah, or fence around the Torah, helps us keep these commandments. Rabbinic law and practice date back to those who sat in the Sanhedrin courts and are cited in Mishnah and Gemara. We also have highly educated rabbis now to deal with modern-day topics like fertility and ordaining women rabbis/ maharats/rabbas. So much is said about how we dress that it could well be seen as the antithesis to following the precepts of the commandment against coveting our neighbor’s belongings. We need to put more effort into being better people — better parents, community leaders and Jews. The Ten Commandments are a code of ethics that are as important today as they were when Moshe first gave them to our ancient Hebrew descendents. This year, try to make them your code of ethics too.
The Bible states how “usurers,” such as gamblers, are not Kosher oc Magazine // October 2015
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Project to Keep the Sabbath Aims to Unify Jews Worldwide By Raphael Poch
On October 23 and 24, the Shabbos Project aims to unite over one million Jews worldwide by running dozens of special programs encouraging Jews to observe the holiness of the Shabbat (Sabbath) day. At a time when the Jewish world seems to be growing increasingly polarized regarding many issues, the Shabbos Project is attempting to bring together Jewish groups and communities from around the world with one shared Shabbat. The Biblical commandment of keeping the Shabbat, the day on which God rested after creating the world (Exodus 20:11), is fourth of the Ten Commandments given by Moses to the people of Israel at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 20:8; Deuteronomy 5:12). Keeping the Shabbat involves two factors: “remembering” the Shabbat by fulfilling the positive commandments of the day, and “guarding” the Shabbat by refraining from prohibited conduct. The Shabbos Project encourages local individuals to come up with creative ways of publicizing the fact that they intend to keep the Shabbat as mandated by the written and oral laws of Judaism. The organizers hope that the creative publicity will raise awareness and inspire other Jews to join the project. Last year’s creative methods included a South African initiative by schoolchildren to wear special brightly 32
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colored shoelaces to show that they were participating in the event. In South Africa, school uniforms mandate that shoelaces be either black or gray. The bright color of the shoelaces stood out, showing that the wearer was proud to observe the special day and encouraging others to participate as well. (Schools involved gave special permission allowing the shoelaces.) Another idea was the park bench initiative, in which park benches were plastered with the slogan, “Taking a day out of life to live.” The benches were placed at mass transit locations, outside synagogues and at other highly visible points throughout the city. This initiative focused specifically on one of the many positive aspects of Shabbat observance: taking time out of one’s busy schedule to spend on reflection, relaxation and family. In the high-tech world of non-stop communication, mass media and constant work, “We are all desperate for permission to close our minds to work, to stop and smell the roses,” according to the Shabbos Project website, which provides tips on how to observe the Shabbat and connects individuals interested in participating with programs around the world. The concept began in Johannesburg, the largest Jewish community in South Africa, in 2013. It quickly spread as a grassroots movement via social
media. Two years later, it has gone global. It has been referred to as a holy global flash mob. The goal of the project is to allow Jews from all walks of life to join together in one of the most profound and central Jewish traditions, and to rest, reflect and rejuvenate as part of the Jewish community. Organizers of the 2015 event expect more than 500 cities to participate and over one million people to sign up. Some of the events planned for the 2015 Shabbat include synchronized challah baking, communal meals, special prayer services, concerts heralding the Havdalah ceremony, which closes the Shabbat on Saturday night, as well as some other celebrations which will last into the week. Project founder Dr. Warren Goldstein, who is also the Chief Rabbi of South Africa, explained the impetus behind the project, saying, “We are constantly pulled in different directions by distractions, demands, and onerous responsibilities that pile up with increasing speed.” Goldstein said that the idea of celebrating Shabbat gives a person the opportunity to really “be present” – something which he believes is lacking in modern society. cont. page 41
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Avoiding Jew vs. Jew How can we come together? By Ilene Schneider
Amidst the self-reflection, spiritual rejuvenation and sense of community I have experienced during the High Holy Days, a book review of Jews against Themselves in Mosaic jolted me out of my reverie. While the history of self-deprecation is not new, it has taken new and powerful twists in the 21st century. It is both disturbing and dangerous. As the author of the article, Gabriel Schoenfeld, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, points out, there are Jewish organizations that claim to be pro-Israel while being highly critical of the Jewish state. “Hatred of Jews can be infectious — and some of the worst carriers are Jews who defame their own people,” he says. In Jews against Themselves, author Edward Alexander, a professor emeritus at the University of Washington, examines “the disfiguring yet critical subject of Jews who defame their own people.” Historically, according to the author, there has been “fruitful interaction” between Jews who have renounced their religion and anti-Semites in their midst, creating a powerful contribution to “the politics and ideology of anti-Semitism” itself. By the 19th century, assimilation replaced the religious fervor or fear among Jews who had converted willingly or forcibly – or who found that some of their university learning was in conflict with their Jewish values.
In Schoenfeld’s words, “In the 20th century and especially in our own, the self-repudiation of earlier Jewish apostates has taken a novel turn. Even while retaining its trademark spite against the Jews, with the state of Israel most frequently serving as a convenient stand-in, it often does so while waving the banner of Judaism or Jewish ‘values’ themselves.” What amazes the author is that some Jews are highly critical of Israel while claiming to be Zionists. Non-Jews with the inclination to view Israel negatively look at this behavior as verification for their own beliefs.
Certainly, there are differences between each of us, questions about how various Israeli leaders handle specific policies and concerns about how the rest of the world perceives us individually and collectively. By understanding who we are, espousing our convictions and maintaining a united front, we can withstand the challenges that have always been part of Jewish commitment.
While Alexander has no single answer for the phenomenon, he points out that some “anti-Semitic Jews” or “Zionists against Israel” are insecure people trying to succeed in environments – academia, media and entertainment, for example – that are not especially friendly toward Israel. As some of these people become influential, they can be especially destructive to Israel and the Jewish people as a whole. What can be done about it? In the spirit of the High Holy Days, each of us can learn enough to be able to refute the negativity of those who try to delegitimize Israel. We can also demonstrate unity with our communities, here, in Israel and around the world. Kosher oc Magazine // October 2015
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Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards Recognizing up to 15 Jewish teens annually with $36,000 By Kosher OC Staff
The Helen Diller Family Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2016 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards, a program that recognizes up to 15 Jewish teens annually with $36,000 each to be used in support of a social justice project or to further their education. This Call for Nominations presents an opportunity for educators, civic leaders and teen mentors in communities across the United States, to acknowledge Jewish teens whose thoughtful approach to making a difference is creating meaningful change in their communities and the world around them. As many as five teens from California and ten from other communities nationwide will be acknowledged for demonstrating exceptional leadership and successfully working to make the world a better place. Anyone interested in nominating a teen, or any teen interested in self-nominating, should visit www.dillerteenawards.org to begin the nomination process. The deadline for nominations is December 1, 2015. The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards began as the vision of Bay Area philanthropist Helen Diller in 2007, as a way to recognize the next generation of socially committed leaders whose dedication to volunteerism exemplifies the spirit of tikkun olam, a central Jewish precept meaning to repair the world. In its nine-year history, the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards program has given more than $2.5 million to 70 teens from more than 20 U.S. 34
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communities. “Each year’s nominations for the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award are fascinating: we never know who will apply, what are the concerns of teens in that year, and what projects they will have devised to help solve the needs they uncover,” said Jackie Safier, Helen Diller’s daughter and president of the Helen Diller Family Foundation. “We do know that the unusual creativity, hard work, and passion demonstrated by each year’s applicants is impressive. The Helen Diller Family Foundation has been so gratified to initiate this national program and to support the vision and actions of the first 70 award recipients. These past recipients, community leaders of the future, inspire us with the hope they represent.” A video of the 2015 recipients spotlights the power of commitment, passion, and leadership behind each teen project, and inspires hope for real solutions to real world problems. Past recipients of the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards have made their mark through projects that champion a wide range of causes including: changing attitudes about bullying and special needs through peer-to-peer programs, outfitting a school district with solar power, building water wells in Tanzania and Nicaragua, improving life for kids with incarcerated parents, fighting hunger and promoting nutrition in lowincome communities, and many more. The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards
is one of many projects funded by the Helen Diller Family Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, and Sonoma Counties, to develop leadership in teens and enhance Jewish education. Beyond bolstering national recognition of the teens and their projects, the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards program fosters a growing network of award recipient alumni who collaborate on leadership, innovation, and volunteer service across the nation. Members of the alumni network inspire new awardees to follow in their tikkun olam footsteps by mentoring them in future endeavors. Awardees have been recognized by some of the world’s foremost institutions and leaders, including the United Nations Foundation, the White House, the Clinton Global Initiative, Forbes 30 Under 30, The Jefferson Awards, CNN Heroes, and the Nickelodeon HALO Awards. — To nominate, complete the simple online form at dillerteenawards.org.
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Ethics and News of the Day Can people maintain morality all year long? By Robin Silver-Zwiren
What is the moral stance we are teaching our children? Is this the world we want to believe is best? When Hashem, our G-d, greets us, is this how we want to answer? What will happen when the Books are closed after Yom Kippur? Politics is definitely dirty. The candidates are mudslingers and sometimes even mud wrestlers. Sometimes the news needs to be given a “for adults only” x rating. Yet even without Election ’16 in the headlines, not much is bright and cheery. Jonathan Greenblatt, director of the Anti Defamation League (ADL), said that each candidate should put an end to using stereotypes and prejudice. After all, these people are supposed to be the “creme de la crème” of our nation. If only every candidate had to fill out an in depth questionnaire which would give light to business ethics and personal stance on a multitude of topics. It’s not that politicians never lie, but it might give a baseline on to who will serve the country best. Also in the news is the death of a young Bella Bond by her drug addict mother and her boyfriend. The mother had two other children taken away by children’s services. So while making up those questionnaires, maybe it is time to add one for those considering parenthood.
There are so many academic and driving tests. Now it is time to create exams for the issues that really matter. It is time to test the ethical stance those that serve us actually have. University degrees give people the right to serve as teachers, doctors and lawyers. We hope that our children’s’ teachers are not only teaching reading, math and science but how to treat their peers. We hope that as great as our surgeon may be, he/she has a good bedside manner. Defense lawyers are trained to give even murderers and child molesters a fair trial. When these defenders of even corrupt justice return home to their family, hopefully their belief system is even more fair. Then again, we can only hope that every lawyer acts justly, that morals prevail. Yet so often they do not. So why is it that we allow ourselves to be surrounded by people who are unethical? Why do we vote for politicians who we know will cheat? Why do we elect politicians who do not in fact speak for the citizens who elected them? Why do we support politicians who live a life only the top 1 percent can with their fancy clothes, frequently redecorated homes and chauffeured limousines often driven by Secret Service on the taxpayers dollars? Once elected, these officials often go against campaign promises and even religious beliefs. True, we often have few options, but it is time citizens took a stand. The Constitution gives us a right to
free speech. Use that voice to sign petitions, send in letters to editors of local news forums and post on Facebook. Keep in mind that free speech is not speech that elicits physical harm. Keep in mind “sticks and stones can break your bones but words can never harm you.” Do what you can to make sure elected officials stay on the path they were elected to walk. What about those others who represent us, other than politicians? All those teachers, doctors and lawyers should also have to answer to those they serve. If a parent hears that a child has been treated unfairly by a teacher, there is a recourse. Parents often rush to department heads and principals to complain on behalf of their children. When a doctor or lawyer acts against the principles of his or her expertise, he or she should be brought before a board. Often these boards refuse to go against their peers, but they should. It may take years for a person to gather enough evidence and courage to bring the case to the proper board, but it is an option. No one should be afraid to go for it. The only way to keep ourselves and others on the straight and narrow is to have those scales of justice continually balanced. Keep them balanced during the Ten Days of Teshuva between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Keep that New Year’s Resolution for the entire year and try to keep those around you on the same moral and ethical path as well.
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Republicans Debate the Issues Who will be the next President of the United States? By Robin Silver-Zwiren
Who will be the next President of the United States? United States not America. America, or rather North America, refers to the US as well as Canada and Mexico. However, when the candidates discuss illegal immigration, they are less concerned about Canadians crossing the borders than Mexicans. At one time I was an illegal immigrant though. Crossing the border in Plattsburg, New York, is easy — especially in the late 80’s when passports were not needed. I got a job teaching and my H-1, professional Visa process was not done. It did come a few weeks later, so I was no longer illegal — not that I have had an easy time getting citizenship even after marrying a US citizen and bearing three US (and Canadian) children.
Marco Rubio learned important lessons about virtue and morals from his Cuban-born grandfather who spoke to him in Spanish. His grandfather was one of many Cubans who took refuge in the US when Castro came to power, yet Rubio strongly believes that US borders should be more secure. He also says there needs to be a system put in place so those who enter legally, on a 3-month visitor’s Visa, don’t overstay their welcome. Ben Carson thinks people like migrant workers, who are willing to do jobs our own citizens don’t, should be given 6 months to get a Visa. If not, they should be deported.
a driver’s license and have a legal form of ID. It is doubtful that their social security cards, real or forged, are stamped with “Valid For Work Only With INS Authorization” as mine is. I once showed my Social Security card to an immigration lawyer, because he had never seen anything like it. More shocking is that when I got my card, I was here legally. I only worked for a few years before getting married and having children. Medical issues keep me from getting work, but I don’t have enough work credits to get disability. Nonetheless, so many of those who barely contribute to the system do qualify. Changes need to be made.
In order to get a job, the school had to post the job listing to ensure that I was not taking a job away from a US citizen. I was teaching secular and Judaic studies. English is my first language, and it is not as if I don’t look and act like most other US residents. Even my Orthodox Jewish practices fit in with US Judeo-Christian beliefs. These points are ones made by most of the Republican candidates for President during the September 16 debates at the Reagan Library.
Birthright citizenship was on every candidate’s mind. Those women who cross the border at the end of their pregnancy just to have a US-born child should not necessarily be entitled to citizenship. Donald Trump was not the only one to state that other nations do not permit birthright citizenship. All too often these children are born to unskilled workers who live off social services like welfare, unemployment and disability. Their children attend schools and qualify for hot breakfast/ lunch programs, but the parents do not pay taxes. Why should US citizens continue to support these individuals?
Donald Trump said he is willing to give up his benefits — if all of those who sign the “Giving Pledge” to donate large portions of their income also relinquished their social security benefits. Those with their own secured pension plans and stock options contributions that pay large dividends yearly really don’t need a few extra bucks monthly. Tighten up the purse strings, so the 1%, illegals and even refugees could not access these funds. If this notion were put into play, Federal coffers would be far less empty.
Every candidate spoke about the need to tighten up the borders. Bush is married to a Mexican American who has made this country her home.
Meanwhile President Obama is busy granting amnesty and opening US borders to tens of thousands more unskilled laborers. They can now get
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The US is a nation of immigrants, but that does not mean everyone should have free access. How many of us had relatives who were turned back at Ellis Island, because they showed
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signs of glaucoma? Vaccination was another topic discussed by the candidates. Trump says that certain vaccines cause autism. Carson says that decades of studies say this is untrue. However, many vaccines are clumped together, or given at the same doctor’s appointment. Carson agreed with Trump’s idea to give lower dosages but more frequently. Tiny infants should not get the same dose a six-year-old gets. It is better to give half the amount on two separate occasions. All too many immigrants are not vaccinated at all. That is why there are cases of diseases like polio and meningitis in the US again. It is time to vaccinate, and even isolate, immigrants until they are healthy enough to join the masses.
test in any of dozens of languages. It is time that this once-proud nation got back to the basics set forth in the Constitution.
Securing borders must be a priority. Whether people enter by crossing a land border or via an airport, security needs to be tightened up. On the citizenship test, there are questions that ask if you were ever a Nazi supporter or a Communist. Nowadays the test needs to add “are you a member of Hamas, Al Qaeda, ISIS or other extremist groups”? It is bad enough there are enough home-grown cells; we do not need to import more. The men who flew the planes on 9-11 were on student Visas, yet never went to any US university. Instead they learned to fly planes and murder innocent people. Imagine how different things would have been if an efficient government agency tracked them and sent them home before the disaster.
The US economy is at the brink of disaster, but Obama is giving billions to Iran. It is not as if the Arab League of Terrorist Nations needs more than the billions it already receives from oil. That the Iran Nuclear deal passed is a real shanda (shame). Then again, as Rubio said, we now have a President who feels it is more important to bow down to terrorists like the Ayatollah than listening to Prime Minister Netanyahu who speaks for democracy.
The United States is the only major power that does not have an official language. In Canada both English and French are official. Mandarin is the official language of China, although Cantonese is spoken by many too. Obviously, English is the official language of the United Kingdom, and French in France. In Israel Hebrew, Arabic and English are spoken. Although English is the official language for government and business, the US has nothing formal. It is about time, according to the Republican candidates, even those with foreign-born spouses and grandparents. It is rather strange to be permitted to take the US citizenship
Of course, nothing is perfect. The right to bear arms also means that even if there are laws to prevent just anyone from buying a gun, there are always ways to get one. The real criminals don’t abide by the laws, so they can get what they want, even if there is a two-week waiting period. However, if the waiting period and background checks stop, eliminating one Columbine-type attack makes it worthwhile. If one mentally ill person cannot buy the gun to murder his family and himself, then these stricter laws are worth implementing.
Israel, the tiny Middle East nation surrounded by enemies, is also the only democracy in the entire region. Israel may not be perfect. Prime Minister Netanyahu may not be perfect. However, it is not Israel that tortures its own citizens for not following ancient Sharia-like laws. Daily news agencies speak of the horrors in Sudan, Syria, Yemen and across the Middle East and Africa. In Tehran women are fined for wearing the wrong hijab, but Obama believes Iran is a nation with which to build bridges, and nuclear weapons. It is Israel that has more college graduates than the US. It has more companies on the NASDAQ and NYSE and more patents than any other in the region. The fence that separates Israel from enemies like Syria, the West Bank and Gaza is essentially the same as the one candidates suggested to secure US borders.
deals giving other nations billions. The economy suffers when US industry outsources production. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to call a service provider and actually get help from a local person, not someone time zones away? Why not give jobs to the tens of thousands living on welfare? Those living in mining towns that are no longer working can be taught from the same script as those living in India. We could train them to work on oil rigs. It is time to stop letting millions collect welfare when they are actually capable of working even the most menial jobs. Those collecting disability may not be able to work outside of their home but may be able to work from inside. We need more federal funds for other programs, for the future, plus helping citizens realize their potential. The United States has the most expensive education system in the world yet, as Trump says, we are far from the best. Isn’t it time to ask why? Whether Core Curriculum is the answer or not must be discussed. How can we improve a seriously flawed system? How to make post high school education more available to the masses is a major issue. Since Canada and Israel are on the top of the list, maybe time should be spent reviewing those programs. School districts should not be making deals with Saudi Arabia but with countries that have superior education programs to the ones here. Industry, whether it be in the technology sector or food and agriculture, must be kept at home. Although minimum wage is cheaper in India and China than in the US, manufacturers should be given incentives to remain here. Give bonuses and tax credits to those who build plants in the US. On the other end, heavily tax those who outsource. IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Oracle, Sprint, Yahoo, Xerox and dozens of other companies build huge plants overseas. They have call centers worldwide. Why can’t they hire unemployed US citizens first? cont. page 41
The economy suffers when we make Kosher oc Magazine // October 2015
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Responding to the Henkin Murders There are concrete actions that American Jews can take in response to the Henkin murders. By Stephen Flatow
public consciousness, and we all collectively turn the page and shift our attentions elsewhere. “More than 100 Americans have been murdered by Palestinian terrorists since the 1960s, most of them in recent years.” But it shouldn’t be that way. We must not become the turn-the-page business-as-usual generation. There are concrete actions that American Jews can take in response to the Henkin murders.
The heartbreaking murder of Rabbi Eitam Henkin and his wife Naama, gunned down by Palestinian terrorists in front of their children, will generate tear-filled eulogies and anguished recitations of tehillim (Psalms) throughout the Jewish world. As they should. But then what? The depressingly familiar postterrorist attack ritual is already unfolding before our eyes. The Obama administration has issued a formalistic condemnation, adding its standard, amoral appeal: “We urge all sides to maintain calm…” (As if “all sides” are to blame for disrupting the “calm” in the first place.) The news media will portray the murders as a response to something that some Israeli did or is suspected of doing or might have 38
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done, somewhere, at some point. And the United Nations will, of course, remain silent. Palestinian murders of Jews don’t interest anybody in that august building. American Jews will watch all this in anguish and frustration. There will be some angry press releases, some heartfelt tears, and more tehillim. As there should be. (It’s also a particularly personal cause for my own family, which has supported the Henkins’ work at the Torah-study institute Nishmat by endowing the Alisa Flatow Program for International Students in memory of my daughter—who was also a victim of Palestinian terrorism.) What usually happens next, however, is that the news of the murders retreats from the headlines, the memories of the victims fade from
Urge President Barack Obama to put Fatah on the official terror list The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, which is the military division of Fatah, has publicly boasted that it committed the murders. Fatah is the largest faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization, which is the parent body of the Palestinian Authority. (Mahmoud Abbas is chairman of all three: Fatah, the PLO, and the PA.) When the State Department first created its official list of “Designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations” in 1997, it left Fatah off—otherwise, it would have been illegal for the U.S. to keep sending $500 million to the PA every year. But the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade committed so many suicide bombings and other major terrorist attacks in the years to follow, that eventually the U.S. could no longer turn a blind eye. So it opted to play a little game—to pretend
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that the Brigade was not connected to Fatah. The Brigade was added to the Terrorist Organizations list in 2002. Fatah was not. In 2003, a BBC investigation of PA documents captured by Israel proved that the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade is directly financed by Fatah. In June 2004, the PA’s prime minister, Ahmed Qurei, declared, “We have clearly declared that the Aksa Martyrs’ Brigades are part of Fatah. We are committed to them and Fatah bears full responsibility for the group.” The U.S. ignored that and hoped nobody would notice. To this day, Fatah is still left off the list. It’s time to urge President Obama to put Fatah on the list. Support the Meehan bill for terror victims The House of Representatives last week overwhelmingly approved legislation to take $43 billion from frozen Iranian assets and give it to American victims of Iranian-sponsored terrorism who were awarded that amount by U.S. courts. The Obama administration would like to just give the money to the Iranians. The bill now heads to the Senate. American Jewish organizations should be making it their top lobbying priority.
renowned educators Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbanit Chana Henkin, both of whom grew up in the U.S. More than 100 Americans have been murdered by Palestinian terrorists since the 1960s, most of them in recent years. The U.S. government has a special legal and moral responsibility when American citizens are victimized by terrorists. Yet in all these years and after all these Palestinian attacks, not a single Palestinian murderer of Americans has been indicted by the American government or extradited to the U.S. America has not even taken symbolic steps, such as insisting that the PA stop naming schools, parks, and sports tournaments in honor of killers of Americans. We must demand that the Obama administration take action.Yes, this is a time for tears and prayers. But it must also be a time for action by American Jews. Let’s contact our Jewish leaders and our elected representatives, and make it clear that the time for business as usual is over.
Advocate for action against killers of Americans Rabbi Eitam Henkin was the son of the Kosher oc Magazine // October 2015
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Recipe
Loaves of Love It adds that magical flavor that cannot be bought. By Sara Briman
I feel that it is not a coincidence that my Challah received the award and not my souffle, cake or pastries since Challah is not only a physical food bu spiritual too. I have been making Challah for many years, but the secret of my Challah, I learned from my daughter, Karen Zichrona Lebracha… Karen taught me that we do not only elevate bread when we separate a small piece from it and say the Bracha “Lehafrish Challah min Haisa” but that each one of the ingredients becomes an inspiration for prayer to ask Hashem for blessings. The complete experience of creating a Challah becomes one that connects you to G-d and to your loved ones. Meaning of the ingredients on the elaboration of Challah The Flour, which is the largest ingredient in the Challah. I ask Hashem that Bracha, Blessings and Torah, should be the largest ingredient of greatest abundance in our lives. The Sugar, which sweetens the Challah. I ask Hashem that he should sweeten our lives and help me to express myself sweetly to all who surround me. The Yeast, which make the dough rise. I ask that each day, should be one of growth for me and my family. We should rise above any difficulty in our lives and that I should be able to give 40
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my loved ones sincere compliments that will help them grow. The Salt, the smallest ingredient in the recipe, represents negativity and Nisyonot which bring tears to our lives. I ask Hashem that they should be very few and carefully measured so that our lives should not become embittered. The Water, which unites all the ingredients together to form the Challah. I pray, that throughout my life I should always be united to my family and my loved ones in peace and harmony. And that I should constantly feel united to Hashem. The Egg, which is round, is the symbol of life. I ask for good life, with good health for me and for all around me. The Oil, which represents materialistic riches. I pray, that our “Parnasa” should come easily and we should always have enough to be able to share with others. Finally, Kneading the Dough represents the hard work that is needed in our lives to follow the right path to incorporate, internalize, and imprint all these concepts to our soul. It is all this positive “energy” that transforms a few simple ingredients into a beautiful and delicious Challah, a food that nourishes us not only physically but spiritually as well. It adds that magical flavor that cannot be bought.
Ingredients • 1 cup warm water • 1 tbsp dry yeast • 1/2 cup sugar • 1/4 cup canola oil • 1 large egg • 1 tsp salt • 4 cups flour • 1 large egg for glaze • extra flour to shape the Challah • Toppings • Poppy or sesame seeds Steps of Preparation 1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast in water, and add sugar and let stand for 2 minutes. 2. Add oil, egg, and mix well. Then add salt. 3. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. As mixture becomes stiff, use floured hands and knead for several minutes until soft to touch. 4. Cover and let rise in greased bowl until double in size – about an hour. 5. Divide dough into 3 pieces and braid, place on grease pan/baking sheet. 6. Allow to rise again for 15-20 minutes. 7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 8. Brush with egg and sprinkle with seeds if desired. 9. Bake 30-45 minutes or until brown. Remove from pans and cool on racks.
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Cont. from page 37 - “Republicans Debate the Issues“ Fruit of the Loom, Land’s End, Levi Strauss, Lillian Vernon, OshKosh B’Gosh are all known home-grown companies who now outsource. Check the labels on many of your clothes and see that they are not only made in China, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines but in Jordan and Egypt. Facebook pages are filled with Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel and how to in fact buy Israeli products like Ahava. What about buying products made in the USA? Not only should we refuse to buy products made in countries who are anti-Israel, but we should not allow US companies to deal with them. Taking away free choice may seem undemocratic, but it may also be safer. Why put US citizens at harm working in countries that are less tolerant? Why send female executives into countries where they are forced to abide by laws that belittle them? It is not only during wartime that citizens are arrested and tortured in distant lands. Keep US citizens safe at home, working for a decent wage, paying into the system rather than taking from it. Get US companies to build
infrastructure here, so that the country can continue to build and develop and so that there is a future for our children and grandchildren. In the next election vote for someone who is a true ally to Israel. It means someone who will not deal with Iran on one hand and call Israel a friend on the other. You can’t have both. Iran wants the end of both the USA and Israel, so how can it be trusted? Republican leadership means a return to the Judeo-Christian values on which this country was founded. Of course, certain issues are up for discussion, but they must be discussed intelligently and civilly — not with the threat of beheading those who disagree as countries like Iran have in their “justice” system. Voting Republican means ObamaCare, a totally flawed program, will not become the medical system citizens are forced to buy. Socialized medicine can be wonderful, but in order for it to work, it needs to be decent. Hopefully, the incoming President, as well as House and Senate leaders, can sit and work out a solid program that works for everyone. They can review the programs in other countries and make a plan for this one.
Cont. from page 32 - “Project to Keep the Sabbath Aims to Unify Jews Worldwide”
selves, and to revisit and reinvigorate our most important relationships,” he said.
Goldstein explained why he picked this specific commandment to go viral. “Shabbat enables us to momentarily set aside the distractions, demands and pressures of daily life, offering us the time and space to renew our inner
More important than that, however, was the potential that Goldstein saw for the uniqueness of the Shabbat experience to unify Jews across the globe in a way that they haven’t been unified for quite some time.
It is not that the Democrats are bad people. However after these Obama years, this country needs a strong President who will take the helm from day one — a President who will not continue to back the horrors of the past years just because he or she is from the same party. That means no keeping ObamaCare or bad deals with Iran just because Obama did. Can Hillary Clinton be trusted after Benghazi, email faux-pas and Whitewater? Vice President Biden’s track record is not the best plus being 72 he should probably retire. Do we need a Bush 3 legacy? Bernie Sanders, the first Jew since Joe Lieberman to run for President, does not have the same deep convictions as he voted for the Iran deal. So it looks like this one-time LiberalDemocrat must look for alternatives. It is time to stop polluting this country with bad representation and clean up the air. Whoever wins that debate will get my vote.
“We thought that Jewish unity was actually a pipe dream and some kind of utopia that we would never get to. The Shabbos Project gave us a taste of what that could be,” Goldstein concluded.
Kosher oc Magazine // October 2015
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