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prayers & passages
Women's Voices
Arecent double Torah portion— Matot-Masei —is bookended by exposing the rights women had (or did not have) in the Torah to use their voices for self-determination. It opens by addressing the laws that govern vows and oaths taken by men:
“If a householder makes a vow to God or takes an oath imposing an obligation on himself, he shall not break his pledge; he must carry out all that has crossed his lips.” —Numbers 30:3 One line. That’s it.
Laws of vows and oaths pertaining to women, however, take up the next fourteen lines of the parsha! Here are the highlights:
- If an unmarried woman takes a vow or oath, if she is living under her father’s control, he has the right to annul it.
- If she is married, a woman’s husband has the right to annul her vow or oath. If he marries her after she has taken a vow or oath, he can still annul it.
“Every vow and every sworn obligation of self-denial may be upheld by her husband or annulled by her husband.” (Numbers 30:14) Only widows and divorced women have the right to use their voices without obstruction to serve God as they see fit. All other women who take a vow or oath run the risk of having
their choices annulled by men, effectively silencing their voices.
While in biblical times women’s lives and decisions were mostly controlled by men, consider our own country’s not-so-distant history: The 19th amendment granting women the right to vote was introduced into Congress in 1878 but was not actually ratified until 1920. The right to own property was only accorded to women first in New York state in 1848 via the Married Women’s Property Law and subsequently in the other states. Before passage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act in 1974, women were denied the right to apply for a mortgage loan or credit card without a male co-signer. And don’t even get me started on the fact that in the US, women were only granted the right to be ordained as rabbis and cantors in the 1980s and 1990s!
Perhaps as a reminder that not all women’s voices were silenced in the Torah, the double portion ends with a followup to the previously-detailed biblical story of the five daughters of Zelophehad: Mahlah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. These brave women had defied the status-quo, insisting to the all-male leadership (including Moses) that they should be entitled to inherit
their father’s share of land after his passing, as he had left no male heirs. Fortunately, God agreed:
“The plea of Zelophehad’s daughters is just: you should give them a hereditary holding among their father’s kinsmen; transfer their father’s share to them. Further, speak to the Israelite people as follows: ‘If a householder dies without leaving a son, you shall transfer his property to his daughter.” —Numbers 27:7-8
At the end of Matot-Masei, the matter is revisited with the added stipulation that in order to keep the division of tribal lands intact, the five women may marry any man they choose provided he is part of their own tribe. Nevertheless, we are reminded of the courage these five biblical women demonstrated by using their voices to right a wrong. May we all stand up for what is just, defend our rights, and advocate for the rights of others who are wronged or marginalized. The future of our free and just society depends on it.
RABBI-CANTOR CHERI WEISS IS THE SPIRITUAL LEADER OF TEMPLE EMANUEL IN HONOLULU, HAWAII.T
BY
The sanctuary of the Zion Plovdiv Synagogue in southern Bulgaria, April 19, 2024.
PHOTO
JOSHUA MARKS.
1000 WORDS
THE MIRACULOUS STORY OF THE ZIONIST SEPHARDIC JEWS OF BULGARIA
Less than a two-hour drive from and southeast of the capital, Sofia, lies Plovdiv, a remarkable ancient Bulgarian city. Plovdiv, known as Europe’s oldest, continuously inhabited city—and one of the oldest cities in the world—is nestled among the famous seven hills along the banks of the Maritsa River. It is here that our Jewish journey begins.
During the Roman imperial period in the 3rd century C.E., the city was called Philippopolis. It is in Plovdiv that the only ancient synagogue in Bulgaria was discovered. At the archaeological museum, visitors can admire a fragmented mosaic floor adorned with a menorah and Greek inscription.
However, the Jewish presence in this region and its surroundings can be traced back even further, as mentioned in the book Bulgarian Jews: Living History by Clive Leviev-Sawyer and Imanuel Marcus. Hellenistic Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria, in his letter “On the Embassy to Gaius,” written around 41 or 42 C.E., refers to Jews residing in Thessaly, Boeotia, Macedonia, Aetolia, Attica and Argos.
In the northern part of Bulgaria, specifically in the city of Oescus, which was part of the Roman province of Moesia Inferior, a Latin inscription from the late 2nd century C.E. was discovered. This inscription features a menorah and mentions the archisynagogos (head of the synagogue).
Joseph Benatov, a Hebrew teacher at the University of Pennsylvania who grew up in Sofia’s Jewish community, shared insights on the history of Jewish communities in Bulgaria. He stated, “The oldest known communities date back to the Roman Empire, the so-called Romaniote Jews, who are the Greek-speaking Jews. And we have clear evidence of organized Jewish communities from that Roman period when Bulgaria was part of the Roman Empire.”
Following the Romaniote Jews, Ashkenazi Jews arrived in Bulgaria
during the 13th and 14th centuries, migrating from central Europe, as explained by Benatov, who conducts tours of the area through his travel agency Sephardic Balkans.
“It was only after these two groups that a significant wave of Sephardic Jews arrived and settled in the region, being embraced by the Ottoman Empire following their expulsion from Spain and Portugal in 1492 and 1497,” noted Benatov, who is of pure Sephardic descent. “Upon the arrival of the Sephardic Jews, they essentially assumed control of Jewish life in the region.”
According to Benatov, many Ashkenazi Jews learned Ladino and adopted Sephardic prayer customs, leading to a rise in AshkenaziSephardic marriages, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nonetheless, there were still distinct Ashkenazi communities in Bulgaria in the early 1900s, constituting around 5% of the Jewish population, while the vast majority, 95%, of Bulgarian Jews in the 20th century until World War II were Sephardic. The Sephardim largely absorbed the Romaniotes, unlike the Ashkenazim who maintained a minor presence.
Benatov highlighted the fact that the Bulgarian-Jewish identity is a relatively new development, stemming from Bulgaria’s independence in 1878. Throughout the previous 400 years that Sephardic Jews resided in the region, they primarily identified as Ottoman Jews, considering themselves subjects of the Ottoman Empire, and were closely tied to their respective hometowns.
My wife’s DNA is particularly interesting, as it reflects the historical encounters between the Ashkenazi and Sephardic communities in Bulgaria. On her maternal side, her family is of Sephardic descent. However, the genetic analysis also revealed a percentage of Ashkenazi ancestry, which can be attributed to her great-great-grandfather, Mr. Berenstein.
In April, we embarked on a journey from Tel Aviv to Sofia to explore Bulgaria’s Jewish sites. We were fortunate to have a highly recommended tour guide, a knowledgeable local named Philip Stanimirov, who was recommended by Joseph. Accompanying us on the tour were family members from my hometown of Washington, D.C.
One of the initial highlights of our tour was the awe-inspiring Central Sofia Synagogue. This magnificent house of Jewish worship is not only one of the largest Sephardic synagogues in Europe; it’s also the largest in the Balkan Peninsula. It is an absolute must-visit for any Jewish traveler exploring Bulgaria.
The Moorish Revival synagogue in Sofia, designed by Austrian architect Friedrich Grünanger, was constructed on the site of the previous Ahava ve Chesed synagogue. Completed in 1909, this architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to the Bulgarian people’s renowned tolerance. The Square of Religious Tolerance, located in the heart of Sofia, evokes the ambiance of Jerusalem’s Old City. Within close proximity, one can find the synagogue, the Banya Bashi Mosque, the Eastern Orthodox Hagia Nedelya Cathedral and the Roman Catholic St. Joseph’s Cathedral, which showcase the diverse religious landscape of the area.
Benatov highlighted the significant role that the Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church played in condemning discrimination against Jews and protecting the community from persecution during WWII. Metropolitan Kiril of Plovdiv and Metropolitan Stefan of Sofia spearheaded efforts to rescue Bulgaria’s Jews, and both were recognized in 2002 as Righteous Among the Nations at Yad Vashem. They are buried at the Bachkovo Monastery just south of Plovdiv.
In a remarkable act of civil disobedience, Kiril, who would later become the patriarch of the Bulgarian Church, led a group of 300 church members to the train station in Plovdiv. This station was where thousands of Jews were being forcibly packed into boxcars, awaiting transportation to Treblinka. Despite the presence of Nazi SS officers, Kiril fearlessly pushed through and attempted to enter one of the train cars. However, he was prevented from doing so by the guards. Undeterred, he proceeded to walk to the front of the train and made a bold declaration that he would lie down on the tracks if the train were to start moving.
It is worth noting that Stephan, the bishop of Sofia, fully supported Kiril’s actions. In fact, he even sent a letter to the king, warning that if the Jews were deported, he too would lie down on the train tracks as a form of protest.
Benatov stated, “This is something that I think Bulgarians are rightly very proud of, that even on the religious level, the Bulgarian East Orthodox Church as a national institution was adamantly pro-Jewish and defensive of its Jewish neighbors and friends in the country.”
The remarkable story of Bulgaria’s nearly 50,000 Jews who were spared from the horrors of the gas chambers during World War II, despite the country’s alliance with Nazi Germany, distinguishes it from many others that willingly handed over their Jewish population for deportation to death camps.
THIS STORY CONTINUES AT JNS.ORG/THE-MIRACULOUS-STORYOF-THE-ZIONIST-SEPHARDIC-JEWS-OF-BULGARIA.
The exterior of the Central Sofia Synagogue in the Bulgarian capital’s Square of Religious Tolerance, April 17, 2024.
PHOTO BY JOSHUA MARKS
OUTSTANDING
Dan and Jaime Feder for StandWithUs
There are those who spend money to buy power, influence and position. There are those who make moves to gain more money to elevate themselves in some way. Then there are those people who both work hard to grow income and invest wisely so they can give back and elevate the people and projects who most need it in this world. It is at this intersection that Dan and Jaime Feder live. Not only that, but it is also a family affair.
It only takes a few moments in the presence of Jaime and Dan to realize what truly outstanding individuals and what a remarkable couple these two people are.
Giving back to numerous organizations, including Just In Time for Foster Youth (Jaime was on the board in the past) and more recently, StandWithUs—through time, effort and money—is why Jaime and Dan Feder are being honored at the 2024 San Diego StandWithUs Gala. on November 17, 2024.
But, how did Jaime and Dan arrive at this moment in time?
Jaime Feder has family roots in Connecticut but made her way to California where she met Dan Feder and was working as Director of Operations for Jerome’s Furniture. She decided in 2010 to stop working crazy hours and focus on having children and raising them with her husband Dan, while giving back to the world. She enjoys both being home and raising their four kids— David, Mayer, Evelyn and Noa—as well as being involved in the San Diego community
The world is large yet very small and I was delighted to find that not only did I have commonality with Jaime in her roots and knowledge about Connecticut and foster care systems, I had something in common with Dan Feder.
Dan has roots in Denmark and Israel. When I asked him about his journey to this moment in time he said, “Jeg hedder Dan og min bro hedder Mark fordi vi er født i Danmark.”
I nearly jumped out of my seat! Dan was speaking Danish, telling me that his brother and he were born in Denmark. I responded in the same language spoken by only about 5.5 million people in the world. Quickly, in Danish I told him where I lived in Denmark, which Danish university I graduated from, which neighborhoods I lived in and where I worked and that I am part Danish with cousins still living there. Jaime interjected wanting to know what we were saying. For a few minutes we were transported back to Denmark.
His ancestors escaped the Holocaust and Dan Feder has valued life, giving back, his Jewish identity and the Jewish community with his every word and action.
Dan shared an interesting anecdote about this family’s Danish roots. He recalled the boat his ancestors used to escape Hitler and his troops—who were already occupying Denmark. Hitler decided in 1943 to deport the 7,800 or so Danish Jews to concentration camps/death camps. The plan was leaked and immediately a Swedish passport was given to all Danish Jews without question. The Danish resistance movement, with the assistance of many Danish citizens, managed to evacuate 7,220 of Denmark’s 7,800 Jews, plus 686 non-Jewish spouses, across the Øresund sea to nearby neutral Sweden during the Second World War. Basically 99% of Denmark’s Jews were saved, including Dan’s family.
That boat is now in the Jewish Museum in Copenhagen.
Dan Feder is a hardworking man. He and his brother were born in Denmark (Denmark in Danish is “Danmark”) to a Danish mother and Israeli Special Forces father. His family was entrepreneurial and owned a small brass bed business in Denmark and later moved to California where he encountered infamous controversial and antisemitic educator Steven Frogue. Frogue became known for teaching students Holocaust denial and making derogatory remarks in class about Jews, African Americans and Asians. Dan’s father once had to go to the school and confront the teacher because he lowered Dan’s grade from an A to a C for countering his antisemitism with facts. Dan’s family had spent time in Israel where he remembers working at “New York, New York restaurant as a dishwasher for 8 shekels per hour, and both being a camper and serving as a camp counselor in Betar, a Zionist youth movement. What he learned at Betar, his love for Israel and all things Zionist empowered him to stand up to the teacher as a teenage boy. Dan’s father was also not afraid to confront Frogue’s Jew-hatred. Frogue was leaving his classroom when he saw Mr. Feder coming to discuss his Jewhatred, and Frogue ran back to his classroom and locked himself in a closet.
“The next day my grade was returned to an A,” said Dan.
After that, Dan worked three different jobs while living with his brother in Florida. He finished college back in California at USC. He worked for a company in the auction/liquidation business. Next, Dan, his brother Mark and their fraternity brother Dave started an equipment leasing business. In 2012, Dan closed the sale of the equipment leasing business and on the same day opened the first office of F & F Properties, a San Diego-based real estate firm focused on multi-family property development. Most importantly, during this time, Dan had his first child (David, named after his deceased father). A hardworking businessman and savvy investor, he uses his resources to invest and grow their
money, then give back to the community, standing proudly with Israel and the San Diego Jewish community.
Dan firmly believes in giving back.
“If you have the ability to give time, it’s a big deal,” he said. “The most precious resource people have is time. If you’re lucky enough to have extra money, we believe you should try to give, to help. And if you can do both, that’s great, too.”
Between Jaime and Dan, they are living examples of this belief.
IT’S A FAMILY THING
As Sly and the Family Stone famously sang, it’s a family affair for Jaime and Dan Feder. The Jewish value of tikkun olam is embedded in both of them and they are immersing it in their four children every day. Dan does the work to bring in the money and invests it in the community. Jaime sits on the boards and committees. Both are immersing their children in Jewish values. Jaime and her husband Dan are raising their children to be proud Jews. They themselves are unapologetically proud of their Jewish identity, unwavering in their support of Israel and about putting their resources into battling antisemitism and educating people about both antisemitism and Israel.
“We are very big on having them (our children) see what the real world is like and how they, even as kids, can give back and make it a better place … tikkun olam.” continued Jaime.
Jaime and Dan shared that while they are not strictly religiously observant, they and their children are unquestionably Jewish.
“Our kids are Zionist. They are Jewish through and through— everything about them,” said Jaime.
Disturbed by the rising antisemitism in the San Diego community, both Dan and Jaime joined the StandWithUs San Diego chapter several years ago.
Utilizing her operations background, she organized and cochaired the StandWithUs San Diego gala several times and worked to help educate and about antisemitism through board and committee work.
On October 8, 2023, Dan and his friends headed to Balboa Park with the largest Israeli flags they could find to make it clear ro pro-Hamas demonstrators that Israel was not defeated.
“If you think you (a Jew) are going to assimilate away, our history should teach us that Jew Hatred is still coming for you, it’s just a matter of time,” Dan said “It happens all the time and the best way to fight it is doing so proudly at home and ensuring there is a strong and safe Israel.”
STANDWITHUS - HONORING DAN & JAIME FEDER
StandWithUs San Diego will host its annual “Leaders of Tomorrow” gala on Sunday night, November 17, 2024, honoring
Dan and Jaime Feder and featuring a keynote address by special guest Israeli author and media personality, Noa Tishby.
Noa Tishby is a two-time NY Times best-selling author and Israel’s former Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism & Delegitimization, testified in front of the Committee on Ways and Means about the connection between campus antisemitism and terrorism financing. Tishby recently addressed members of Congress in a hearing exposing gender-based violence of the October 7th massacre. Her latest book, in collaboration with Emmanuel Acho, is Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew. In it, Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby hope to help reverse the antisemitism and Holocaust denial trend that is happening. The authors ask—and answer—questions that may make you squirm, but together they explain the tropes and catalysts of antisemitism in America today so that we as a nation can better understand what it is—and isn’t—and eradicate not just hate towards Jews, but also learn how to have the conversations that will end hate toward all groups.
WHAT IS STANDWITHUS?
StandWithUs is entering its 23rd year fulfilling its mission to educate about Israel on campuses, high schools, middle schools and the community, and to fight against antisemitism. StandWithUs is an international, non-partisan education organization that supports Israel and fights antisemitism. Its goal is to counter antisemitism, educate the public about Israel, empower others to educate their communities, and make it possible to have reasonable, informed conversations about Israel’s history, policies, and humanitarian aid on campuses and in communities around the world.
GALA TICKETS
Tickets to the November 17 gala start at $250 each, up to $2500 for a table (in addition to other levels of giving) at www.standwithus. com/sdgala2024 For more information on StandWithUs, visit https://www.standwithus.com/sandiego.
Barrett Holman Leak is an author, educator and the creator of Playing Together Project, a Jewish non-profit whose mission is to unite Black and/or Jewish San Diegans over a common love of film, food, music and art. She is a former TV/radio news anchor and reporter as well as the former director of a non-profit organization in Denmark where she worked with diplomats from Columbia, Poland, Denmark, People’s Republic of China, Mexico and more to create large-scale cultural events. When she’s not working, she mothers Shalom, Shiloh and Shlomo.
SIMPLE VEGETARIAN TACO SOUP
BY TAMAR ROTHENBERG, MS, RDN
Do you have children who are picky eaters? Get children involved in the preparation of meals, and they are more likely to try new foods and eat a wider variety of healthy options.
Cooking together will also develop important life skills such as following recipes, measuring ingredients, and practicing kitchen safety. Take advantage of the long summer days to get started on this nutritious, family-bonding meal.
Here is an easy-to-prep and cook soup with family-friendly steps. Enjoy cooking together!
VEGETARIAN TACO SOUP
Ingredients
1 large, sweet onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, pressed
2 red peppers, chopped
2 zucchini, chopped,
1 cup frozen corn
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chili powder
1, 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
3 cups vegetable broth
1, 14.5 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained.
Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
1 lime, cut into wedges
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 avocado, diced
Broken tortilla chips
FAMILY-FRIENDLY DIRECTIONS
1. Adults can chop onion, garlic, and
Get children involved in the preparation of meals, and they are more likely to try new foods.
veggies: peppers, zucchini, and green onions. Dice avocado [if using], which children drain black beans and tear cilantro leaves.
2. Adults sauté onions and garlic gently in olive oil until soft and fragrant.
3. Together, add peppers, zucchini, green onions, cumin, and chili powder to pot and continue to sauté over low heat until vegetables have softened (about 5 minutes).
4. Together, add tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 20-30 minutes.
5. Together, stir in corn and beans.
6. Season with salt. Remove from heat and cover until ready to serve.
7. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with lime juice, cilantro, and avocado.
Tamar Rothenberg, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian who specializes in recovery after breast
cancer in her private practice in Los Angeles. She has a Certificate of Training in Vegetarian Nutrition; and co-led the clinical study, Coping with Cancer in the Kitchen, published in Nutrients. Tamar lends her expertise to Sharsheret Thrivers through nutrition coaching. Check out Tamar’s other recipes in her book, Cancer Diet for the Newly Diagnosed: An Integrative Guide and Cookbook for Treatment and Recovery. Visit Tamar’s website at https:// www.tamarrothenbergrd.com/ for more information.
This recipe was submitted by the non-profit organization, Sharsheret, The Jewish Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Community. If you or someone you love has been impacted by breast or ovarian cancer or has elevated genetic risk, contact Sharsheret for free support and resources. For more information, visit sharsheret.org or call (866) 474-2774.
Kavod
Ahead of the Game
In today’s rapidly changing educational landscape, it’s ideal for schools to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to curriculum, technology, policies, and trends. Kavod Charter School has always been ahead of the game. Their dynamic learning environment is constantly evolving, and they are proven leaders when it comes to classroom innovation. From instructional methodologies to supporting social dynamics, Kavod has found itself ahead of the game in implementing procedures that inevitably are seen as best practices or, at times, have even been turned into educational law within California.
At Kavod, these practices start with supporting the students with their personal growth. Made popular by Carol Dweck, Kavod Charter School has been implementing Growth Mindset strategies years before the methodology made its way into the common practices of classrooms. The “Power of Yet” is the mindset that: “If we don’t know something, we don’t know it yet.” Kavod explorers are engaged in a program that understands that mistakes are a part of the learning process. Mistakes happen academically and in our social lives. Since
Kavod began serving students in 2013, it has implemented restorative approaches that focus on how our social mistakes are also a part of growing. The Kavod team takes the time to see that every interaction has two perspectives and works to grow their students into respectful citizens by ensuring they understand how their actions impact others.
With the rapid growth of social media and smartphones, schools face increasing complexities when it comes to navigating the impact of social interactions in the educational setting. Now making news due to LA Unified’s district-wide initiative of banning cellphones, it has always been Kavod’s policy that students may not have cell phones out during the school day. Removing cell phones increases academics and reduces anxiety among students, and most importantly Kavod creates a community where students connect with one another and develop vital social skills.
While Kavod’s academic program is very rigorous, the team is cognizant to reduce stress and anxiety from students and their families. One of the ways Kavod accomplishes this is by limiting and/ or eliminating homework. It has been proven that homework does
not support the academic aptitude progress for elementary students. Therefore, Kavod students at the elementary level are not required to complete homework. This prioritizes family time at home and reduces unnecessary stress at home. Equitably, it is important to reduce stress during the school day as well. Just now turning into California law is required recess at the elementary school level. Kavod, however, has always prioritized recess for their students, having upwards of four recess breaks a day for its younger students. Studies show the importance of recess and implementing this best practice has allowed the Kavod students to be in a mental state to engage in rigorous academics.
The State of California has also recently enacted into law the requirement of Cursive and just recently a CA voter initiative provided funding for the arts, but Kavod has always brought these skills to their students. Cursive has been a standard at Kavod starting with the third grade curriculum and music and art have been prevalent throughout their entire program. Kavod has a broad array of activities to engage students, but what they are most known for is their language program. Research shows that children gain academic and social advantages when they learn a foreign language. In recent years, the state of California has placed a lot of emphasis on dual language and the cognitive benefits for students. Kavod is a unique gem, teaching modern-Hebrew in a non-religious setting and enriching their students with the benefits of Spanish as well. As a Pathway to the Seal of BiLiteracy School, and an International Baccalaureate School, that is always ahead of the education landscape, Kavod Explorers have a strong edge in their academic foundation. Kavod has it all and what is best about this program is that anyone in San Diego County can attend (if you are lucky enough to get a space). This program doesn’t depend on family finances, or religious affiliation, it is a diverse program open to everyone.
Learn more at kavodcharter.org.
TEST YOUR JEWISH IQTM
1. Which of these famous Jewish delicatessens is not in New York?
a. Canter’s
b. Katz’s
c. Carnegie
d. Liebman’s
2. From which nonkosher animal do we get a kosher food?
a. Ostrich
b. Stork
c. Bee
d. All of the above
3. What did the manna that fed the Jews in the wilderness for 40 years taste like?
a. Dough kneaded with oil
b. Pastry fried in honey
c. Anything you wanted, with a few exceptions
d. All of the above
4. About when did Rabbi Gershom ben Judah ban polygamy for Ashkenazi Jews?
a. 5th Century B.C.E.
b. 5th Century C.E.
c. 10th Century C.E.
d. 15th Century C.E.
5. What is the ending of the Yiddish proverb, “When a poor man eats a chicken, ...”?
a. ... his soul is set to dancing.
b. ... his neighbor goes without.
c. ... one of them is sick.
d. ... he revels in a glorious feast.
6. Which of these is not an explicit positive commandment in the Torah?
a. Build a guardrail around your roof so people won’t fall off
b. Let your donkey rest on Shabbat
c. Do not charge interest on money you lend
d. Be fruitful and multiply
7. Which of these women did not have a romantic relationship first with a well-known non-Jew and then with a well-known Jew?
a. Jacqueline Kennedy
b. Bathsheba
c. Marilyn Monroe
d. Francoise Gilot
8. Who is the author of the biblical ode, Eishet Chayil (Woman of Valor), which is sung on Friday night?
a. Abraham
b. Jacob
c. King David
d. King Solomon
9. Which is the highest mountain in Israel?
a. Mt. Etna
b. Mt. Hermon
c. Mt. Meron
d. Mt. Tabor
10. Reuven wins a $1 million prize that must be claimed within 24 hours or it will be forfeited. Shimon is aware that Reuven is unavailable, and can claim Reuven’s prize, but has not been authorized by Reuven to do so. According to the Talmud, what should Shimon do?
a. Nothing
b. Claim the prize and keep it
c. Claim the prize and split it equally with Reuven
d. Claim the prize and give it all to Reuven
Answers on page 21.
Chai Five
WHY JEWISH PARENTS INVEST BIG BUCKS IN THEIR KIDS' EDUCATION
When it comes to education, Jewish parents don’t mess around. They’re known for going the extra mile (and spending the extra dollar) to ensure their kids get the best schooling possible. But what’s behind this commitment? Let’s dive into the top 5 reasons why Jewish parents are willing to pay top dollar for their children’s education.
1.A RICH BLEND OF SECULAR AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Jewish day schools offer a unique dual curriculum, combining top-notch secular education with deep-rooted religious studies. Kids don’t just learn math and science; they also delve into Jewish history, Hebrew, and Torah. It’s an all-encompassing education that keeps both the mind and soul engaged.
2.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IS NON-NEGOTIABLE
Jewish parents have high academic standards and expect their children to excel. Private Jewish schools are often renowned for their rigorous academic programs that prepare students for the best colleges and beyond. Excellence isn’t just encouraged; it’s expected.
3.
EMBRACING A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY
Jewish schools aren’t just about education; they’re about building a community. Kids grow up surrounded by peers who share their values and traditions, fostering lifelong friendships and a deep sense of belonging.
4.
PRESERVING CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS HERITAGE
Jewish parents prioritize maintaining their cultural and religious heritage. By sending their kids to Jewish schools, they ensure that the next generation understands and appreciates their rich history and traditions.
5.INSTILLING JEWISH VALUES AND ETHICS
Jewish schools emphasize not just intellectual growth but also moral and ethical development. Kids learn about important values like justice, charity, and kindness, shaping them into responsible and compassionate adults.
Jewish parents’ dedication to their children’s education is about much more than academics. It’s about preserving their heritage, instilling values, and preparing the next generation for a successful future. So next time you hear about those pricey tuition fees, remember—it’s an investment in a brighter, better tomorrow.
ANSWERS TO TEST YOUR JEWISH IQ
1. a. Canter’s has been in Los Angeles since 1931.
2. b. A honeybee is the only nonkosher animal from which we get a kosher food – honey.
3. a, b, c, and d. Give yourself a point. The Torah explicitly says manna tastes like dough kneaded with oil, but each answer can be justified. Aaron was commanded to store an omer of manna in a jar with the Ark, so when we find the Ark, we will know for sure.
4. c. Rabbeinu Gershom (ca. 960-1040) also prohibited divorce without the consent of both parties.
5. c. ... one of them is sick.
6. c. The prohibition on charging (or paying) interest is a negative commandment.
7. a. After President Kennedy was assassinated, Jacqueline married Aristotle Onassis, who was raised Greek Orthodox. Bathsheba was married to King David after David had her first husband, Uriah the Hittite, killed in battle. Monroe was married to Joe DiMaggio and later to Death of a Salesman author Arthur Miller. Gilot was Picasso’s lover and Jonas Salk’s wife.
8. d or a. Solomon is most commonly thought to be the author, but give yourself a point also for Abraham, because there is a tradition that he wrote it about Sarah.
9. b. Mt. Hermon at 9,232 feet is one mile higher than the next highest, Mt. Meron. Mt. Etna is higher, but is in Sicily.
10. d. Shimon must claim the prize and give it all to Reuven. Given the opportunity, a Jew is obligated to help prevent losses to others. A Jew can act as a shaliach (agent) without a person’s authorization as long as the action is of certain benefit to the person. This principle is cited as a reason why Adam’s Creator could “steal” a rib from Adam without Adam’s permission. The result, Woman, was of certain benefit to Man.
0 – 2 Talmid/Talmida (Student)
3 – 5 Melamed/Melamedet (Teacher)
6 – 8 Talmid Chacham/Talmidat Chacham (Scholar)
9 – 10 Gaon/Gaona (Genius)
Your comments are welcome at Felber@Jewish-IQ.com
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ARTIST LOREN STEIN
JUDAIC JEWELRY ARTIST
Loren Stein is a multi-media full time Judaic Jewelry artist, paper-cut designer, and want-to-be comedian. She is passionate about Israel and its continued pursuit of peace. After Oct 7, she began creating new designs with Love of Israel as her focus, generously donating 18% of profits to JNF USA’s Israel Emergency Fund, where she and her husband Eric are Chapter Presidents.
Loren has been creating art for as long as she can remember but chose to strengthen her inherent artistic skills through architectural studies, earning her BA in architectural design from the University of Florida and a master’s in architecture from MIT. Although Loren has always been passionate about Judaism, Jewish art and Judaica, her Judaic training began in 1990 after traveling to Israel with her husband in search of the perfect talit clip. However, after much investigation she concluded that she had to design it herself. Upon returning to her home of New York, she went to the 92nd St YMCA and signed up for the beginning jeweler’s class, because the Judaic metal class was full. Unbeknownst to her, this was the only Judaic metal class in the country. After some finagling, she managed to get into the class. Her career as a Judaic Metal Artist began.
“Sitting at a jewelry bench felt so natural, and cutting silver felt like cutting butter,” she said.
Loren continued her learning, and was fortunate to learn under the tutelage of renowned Judaic Metalsmith Bernie Bernstein, z”l for the next 10 years. Bernie trained under Ludwig Wolpert, a German born Israeli-American goldsmith celebrated as the first artist to design Judaica in modern styles.
“I could not have been any more fortunate than to have learned under the auspices of these great artists,” she said.
In 1990, she started Loren Stein Designs and began creating oneof-a-kind pieces, as well as limited edition works. All her pieces tell a
story, and her work is often self-inspired,
“When I was expecting my first child I became obsessed with the story of creation, which led to the Creation Line, including the Seven Days necklace and bracelet, and soon after the line depicting Adam and Eve,” she said.
These pieces are designed with depth and volume, using Loren’s architectural background and are admired as wearable art. However, the pieces she is most passionate about are those that come from personal stories from others. After the tragic loss of her son’s bunkmate at the same summer camp where Loren was teaching jewelry making, she found her studio filled with overwhelmed campers, looking for a way to express their grief.
“They began stamping dog tags with blessings for their friend,” she said.
This led to the Endless Blessings line, where Loren continues to stamp blessings of love, hope and dreams for others, with a percent of sales donated in the memory of the loss.
Hebrew letters have always been a guiding force in Loren’s work, and this passion is evident in her floating stars, Hebrew monograms and paper-cut ketubot.
Her piece, ‘Israel is in my heart, my heart is with Israel,’ depicts the way she was feeling after October 7.
“From a distance you see a heart, looking closer, Israel is centered embraced by the heart, then even closer you see the heart is formed by many smaller hearts. For me this represents the strength of the Jewish people,” Loren said. “Our hearts are one, protecting Israel.”
LOREN DONATES A PERCENTAGE OF EVERY PIECE TO HELP REBUILD ISRAEL THROUGH JNF-USA. LEARN MORE @LORENSTEINDESIGN.COM.
LA JOLLA SUMMERFEST
INON BARNATAN RETURNS AS MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Internationally acclaimed pianist Inon Barnatan returns as Music Director of La Jolla Music Society’s prestigious SummerFest chamber music festival for the sixth year. The program has been bringing the finest classical musicians from around the world to La Jolla for 38 years.
SummerFest, which runs from July 26 to August 24 at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla, sees the return of many popular artists as well as debuts, curated by the Israeli-born Barnatan. Opening night will see the local premiere of British company The Paper Cinema, telling the story of Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale through hand-drawn paper cutout puppets and animation. The tale is that of a soldier’s pact with the devil, and the musical performances will be led by British composer and conductor Thomas Adès, returning for a second year as SummerFest’s Composer-in-Residence.
The Soldier’s Tale is part of SummerFest’s ongoing Synergy Initiative, a series co-produced by Barnatan and investor and philanthropist Clara Wu Tsai, which invites creators of music, dance, spoken word and visual arts to collaborate across their different art forms. This summer the Synergy Initiative also features the world premiere of a new collaboration between pianist Conrad Tao and tap-dance virtuoso Caleb Teicher, and the intersection of jazz and technology featuring jazz pianist Dan Tepfer.
Most SummerFest concerts take place in The Conrad’s BakerBaum Concert Hall, with Tepfer’s two shows on August 15 in the venue’s more intimate cabaret-style space, The JAI. That is also the setting for two shows featuring jazz harp sensation Brandee Younger
and her trio, who will perform there on August 8.
Barnatan’s programming ranges from early music in August 2’s Baroque Fantasia to a selection of compositions written in or influenced by our home state in “California Dreamin’” (August 17). In addition to performing and conducting in several concerts, Thomas Adès will takeover The Baker-Baum Concert Hall on August 1, curating an evening that showcases him as composer, teacher, pianist, and conductor of works by Francisco Coll and De Falla in addition to Adès’ own Forgotten Dances.
SummerFest’s festive vibe will continue with the return of Midweek Masterworks on Wednesdays. These are shorter, intermission-less concerts showcasing cornerstones of the chamber music repertoire, followed by a complimentary drink for ticket holders in The Conrad’s Wu Tsai QRT.yrd. The musicians often join patrons to mingle and raise a glass.
This year sees the return of SummerFest favorites James Ehnes, Augustin Hadelich, Stefan Jackiw, Alexi Kenney, Tessa Lark, Blake Pouliot, Masumi Per Rostad, Jay Campbell, Sterling Elliott, Alisa Weilerstein, Joyce Yang, Anthony McGill, and Kronos Quartet’s Paul Wiancko, among many more. Making their SummerFest debuts are conductors Jonathan Cohen and Ludovic Morlot, Sean Shibe, Caleb Teicher, the Brandee Younger Trio, Dan Tepfer, The Paper Cinema, and the acclaimed vocal group VOCES8, among others.
INFORMATION AND TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THECONRAD. ORG/SUMMERFEST.
SINGING & SHARING a variety of traditional Jewish music
We welcome new members!
Email Rita for more info: rheller8@gmail.com
mazel & mishagoss
YOU
AIN'T NOTHING BUT A (JEWISH) HOUND DOG
We recently adopted a fur-baby from a family who’d gotten in over their heads with responsibility and decided to rehome “Jujubee.” That was the dog’s name (like the old-fashioned gumdrop candies) and because we felt it confusing for the poor chap to change it, the name stuck. Everything changed when the previous owners informed us he responded best to his nickname: JuJu.
My husband decided this was a sign the dog had a Jewish soul and needed tradition and religion. This was a good thing since now there would be no need for a formal synagogue conversion ceremony. We simply changed the spelling on the official veterinary chart to JewJew.
My husband’s first task was attaching a star-of-David onto JewJew’s collar and hanging a mezuzah on his doghouse. Next, even though it wasn’t Passover, he proceeded to ask aloud the (slightly tweaked?) familiar four questions: 1. Why is this dog different from all other dogs? 2. All other dogs play at a dog-park, why do Jewish dogs frolic at a dogparve? 3. If other dogs have their ancestral background listed as ‘canine,’ why then do Jewish dogs have their roots in Canaan? 4. While other dogs learn to fetch, why does a Jewish dog learn to kvetch? Okay, okay,
perhaps I made up that last question and my hubby didn’t really ask it. So sue me.
You may be wondering what kind of breed JewJew was. Clearly not a purebred, so he was what you’d call in Yiddish, a ‘Muttshugana.’ If I had to guess, I’d say a mix of German Shleppard, a Schmaltese, and a bagel … err I mean beagle. But one thing was obvious, when he was happy, he not only wagged his tail, he also wagged his tallit.
Feeding JewJew was social (he liked shmoozing and joking) therefore we dubbed it “Kibble n’ Kibbitz” time. But since he wasn’t a Jewdle poodle, we didn’t serve noodle strudel. Okay, you caught me … now I’m just being overly silly!
In all seriousness, while other owners worried about dogs getting rabies, we worried about Rabbis. Would JewJew bite our Rabbi? Should we muzzle him? Answer: No muzzle, only matzah—he viewed unleavened crackers as yummier than dog treats!
As you might have suspected, JewJew was extremely smart and well-educated, therefore we thought a career in accounting or finance was in his future. In fact, when commanded to roll over, he simply transferred assets from one IRA to another, tax free! When told to shake, the banker found JewJew’s trick a delightful way to seal the deal. But he
wouldn’t play dead without a life-insurance policy.
Not knowing JewJew’s exact age, I could see he was becoming a mature dog so I planned his Bark Mitzvah. My husband couldn’t wait to hear JewJew recite “barwoof atah Adonai” and for our guests to shout “Muzzle Tov!” Instead of traditional yarmulkes, I ordered custom pawmulkes and had the caterer make extra hard matzo-balls for JewJew’s fourlegged guests to play fetch with, while the DJ blasted “Who Let the Dogs Out?” Naturally we made certain there were lots of Jewish “chewish” toys strewn around the party venue. Leftover food was sent home in (wait for it) doggy-bags … duh! There was only one embarrassing moment—a non-Jewish dog thought he was being clever bringing JewJew a dreidel shaped like a bone, but calling it a “drool-del.” We had to explain this was not Chanukah … poor confused gentile pup. Accompanying him on the prance floor was a shvitzing, shickered, shedding, shihtzu shiksa. Oy! But it was the happiest, (yappiest!) Bark Mitzvah I’d ever seen!
STEPHANIE D. GITTLEMAN WILL INJECT HUMOR INTO ANYTHING YOU HIRE HER TO WRITE. EMAIL HER AT THEQUOTEGAL@ YAHOO.COM.
NEWS TO KNOW NOW
WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT
BEREAVED ISRAELI YOUTH, IN U.S. FOR FIDF’S LEGACY SUMMER CAMP
Thirty-two bereaved Israeli youth, including 23 campers and 9 counselors, whose fathers or siblings were among the 674 Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers killed on October 7 or since during the ongoing war, are being hosted in the U.S. for the Friends of the IDF (FIDF)’s Legacy Summer Camp program. The group is one of six delegations totaling more than 340 participants visiting the U.S. this summer, sponsored by FIDF.
FIDF’s Legacy Camp Program brings Israeli children or the siblings of fallen soldiers to the United States for a 10-day summer experience, either immersed in a traditional American summer camp, or traveling on a road trip. This unique program provides the opportunity for these children to find joy, friendship and support from fellow campers and counselors who have experienced similar losses and struggles. The camp’s goal is for participants to enjoy precious moments of happiness away from the grief that has enveloped their
“For the children and siblings of fallen soldiers, carrying such grief can be incredibly isolating. But through camp activities and travel, participants find solace and moments of normalcy in their journeys of healing.”
families, while also providing them with the support and community that can help them process and cope with their loss. Officers from the IDF’s Casualty Unit accompany the campers throughout, and the counselors themselves are graduates of the program.
“FIDF supports thousands of bereaved families who have suffered the devastating loss of a loved one killed during military service. It is a sacred honor for us to offer support and open our homes and hearts to the Legacy campers,” said Steve Weil, FIDF’s chief executive officer.
“The program provides these youth with a transformative opportunity to bond with peers who understand their loss. They’ll make friends with other bereaved children, finding joy and support amidst shared experiences of grief. For the children and siblings of fallen soldiers, carrying such grief can be incredibly isolating. But through camp activities and travel, participants find solace and moments of normalcy in their journeys of healing.”
Learn more at fidf.org
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF SAN DIEGO ANNOUNCES AWARD RECIPIENTS AT ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS LUNCHEON Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS), a nonprofit focused on developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen San Diego, recognized key staff, community and board members for their outstanding community contributions at its 2024 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon, held June 25 at the Catamaran Resort Hotel.
“JFS would not be able to carry out our important, purposedriven work if it were not for these hardworking and visionary team
members,” said JFS CEO Michael Hopkins. “These individuals go above and beyond their day-to-day job duties because they care deeply about JFS and its core values. It is an honor to work side-byside with them as we provide valuable resources and support to the San Diego community.”
Those awarded for their work included:
Henrietta Rubenstein Staff Award: Jesus Mares, Junior Systems and Applications Administrator and Sol Kempinski, Director of Philanthropy, Individual Giving
Charles Zibbell Board Leadership Award: Gary Frost, JFS Board of Directors, Governance Committee, Housing Advisory Committee, Strategic Foresight Committee and Strategic Planning Task Force Board Chair’s Award: Zita Liebermensch, Philanthropist For more information, to donate or volunteer, visit jfssd.org.
JULI BEAR TO RECEIVE 2025 KIPNIS-WILSON/FRIEDLAND AWARD
Jewish Federation of San Diego lay leader Juli Bear is being honored with the 2025 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award for her extraordinary involvement in the local Jewish community.
Recipients of the prestigious, internationally recognized KipnisWilson/Friedland Award are Lions of Judah who are chosen by their communities as “women of valor” with a lifetime of commitment to the Jewish world. The Lions of Judah set an exemplary standard of leadership and giving and are among the most dynamic philanthropic Jewish women in the world. They are strong women of all ages; an international sisterhood of thousands of global activists who care deeply about the Jewish future.
All new recipients will be honored during the International Lion of Judah Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in January 2025.
A proud Lion since 2006, Bear has held many leadership roles for
Federation, including as a former member of both the National Young Leadership Cabinet and Women’s Philanthropy Board, and as chair for numerous events and campaigns, such as Options, Federation’s Young Leadership Division, the Women’s Heart 2 Heart Mission, and the overall Lion of Judah campaign. She also served as San Diego Chair for the International Lion of Judah Conference. In addition to her involvement with Federation, Bear has served on the boards of Hillel of San Diego, Lawrence Family JCC, and Jewish Family Service of San Diego.
“Juli brings wonderful energy, passion, creativity and a sense of fun to everything she does, and she continues to demonstrate her powerful ability to build strong community,” said Federation President and CEO Heidi Gantwerk. “I am so appreciative of all she does for our Federation as a Lion of Judah. Her tireless efforts make her more than deserving of this recognition.”
For more information, visit jewishinsandiego.org.
INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS BRAVE BOMBS AND BIGOTRY TO HELP ISRAELIS THROUGH TATTOO THERAPY
Survivors of the 7 October Hamas terrorist attack are receiving free, healing tattoos from some of the world’s most talented artists who are traveling to Israel to cover their scars—physical and emotional—with tattoos developed by the survivors to allow them to take back their bodies and heal from trauma.
Over 100 survivors of the 7 October attacks, family members of hostages, and relatives of those murdered by Hamas will all be receiving tattoos in HEALING INK, a program of the non-profit, Art Over War.
HEALING INK began in Israel eight years ago to help terrorism survivors and wounded IDF veterans. Since then, the program has expanded to help victims of violence all over the world, including survivors of 9/11, the Virginia Beach mass shooting, and the Las Vegas massacre.
Says Craig Dershowitz, CEO of Art Over War, “the common theme in all HEALING INK journeys is taking back a sense of personal agency—a reclamation of their body, of their mind, of their life story.”.
Survivors and artists have already been working together on designs that will accelerate their healing process.
“These tattoos say, ‘This is my body. This is my life. And I will not let anyone —even a terrorist—rob me of that,’” Dershowitz says.
DAZZLE, DINE, AND DANCE
Sparkle on the field and under the bright lights of America’s Number One Ballpark at the Founders Gala in celebration of the University of San Diego’s 75th Anniversary. Join us for a marvelous evening and step up to the plate in support of USD student scholars.
Darlene Marcos Shiley, Honorary Chair
