L'CHAIM MAGAZINE October 2022 Issue

FOREVER

Kris Gelbart

Legal Experts with Humanity

PUBLISHERS

Diane

Alanna

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Laurie

CONTRIBUTORS

Ariela Alush,

Lewis,

Birenbaum,

ADVERTISING

Diane

SALES

prayers & passages

The Joy of Sukkot

Withthe High Holy Days behind us, we move from solemnity and introspection to joy and peace. The week-long festival of Sukkot is traditionally called “Z’man Simchateinu” (season of our rejoicing). It’s the one holiday on the Jewish calendar on which we are actually commanded to be happy:

“You shall rejoice in your festival — you, your son, your daughter, your manservant, your maidservant, the Levite, the stranger, the orphan and the widow who are within your cities.” – Deuteronomy 16:14.

In ancient times, Sukkot marked the culmination of the fall harvest, which is why it is also referred to as Chag Ha’Asif (“Festival of Gathering”). To an agrarian society, expressing gratitude for the successful growth of crops was sincere, because their lives depended on this bounty. During the years when the great Temples stood in Jerusalem, Jews flocked in pilgrimage with their gift offerings to the Priests, where they all celebrated with great joy.

The building of sukkot — temporary huts or “booths” — was established by the rabbis to commemorate the years that the Israelites spent wandering in the desert. The natural material which forms the roof of the sukkah (such as palm fronds or tree branches) must allow the sky and stars to be visible. Seeing the vastness above us as we eat our meals (and for some, sleep at night) allows us the opportunity to be grateful for the food and shelter that we have while being aware that we are part of something much greater than ourselves. In this exposure, we may find freedom: It’s you and nature, you and your family, you and your community.

The temporary nature of the sukkah reminds us of the fragility of life, which can change in a moment. It also serves to remind us that for many in our society, food, shelter, and happiness are not readily available. How we respond to that need is up to each of us. Without all our creature comforts around us, we may take the time to ponder: “What is important to me? What is my true purpose here on earth? How can I feel the ‘sukkat shalom’ (‘shelter of peace’) around me?” Perhaps even Ruach Elohim (the spirit of

God) will fill us as we ponder the miracle of the world around us.

On Sukkot, is customary to hold the “four species” — which includes both a lulav (combination of willow, palm, and myrtle branches) and etrog (citron fruit) — in our hands and wave them in all six directions, symbolically reminding us that God is everywhere. Sukkot is also a time to welcome “ushpizin” (guests) into our community! We envision inviting our Jewish ancestors (e.g. Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Miriam, etc.) into our sukkah, while also inviting friends, family and even strangers to join us in celebration of God’s bounty. In sharing what we have with others, we spread the good fortune with which we have been blessed.

Building a sukkah requires the joint effort of willing hands. Building a compassionate community requires the combined effort of willing and caring hearts. May we all join together this Sukkot to be a part of that effort.

Chag Sameach!

RABBI-CANTOR CHERI WEISS IS THE SPIRITUAL LEADER OF TEMPLE EMANUEL IN HONOLULU, HAWAII.

mazel & mishagoss

Can't a Jewish Bride have a Winter Wonderland?

Announcement

time! I’m getting married. Yes, again! It’s actually #3 for me, and my family is less than thrilled about attending my normally elaborate themed weddings. Hmph…I guess nobody thinks three time’s a charm? “Ever since the pandemic, they do Zoom ceremonies, you know?” This from my mother who hates technology so much she has an outgoing cell message directing callers to dial her landline number so they can leave a message on her home answering machine from Radio Shack. “At the beep” even. Nobody needs a beep anymore!

But I digress. I’ve forever dreamed of a winter wedding in gorgeous Lake Tahoe — glistening snowy mountains, serving guests steaming hot mugs of cocoa, and even a s’mores dessert bar. My first two husbands hated shivering, so we had to say “I do” on a Del Mar Beach in humid August — perspiration drops running down my veiled face as guests wore flower leis and watermelon slushies were served to keep everyone cool and happy.

But this time I’ll get MY way because I’ve acquainted myself with the “Bridezilla” method of wedding planning. Our date is December 18 and I’m already creating my indoor cold weather ambience. (Hot tip: Buy stock in Walmart’s arts n’ crafts section because there’ll be a run on white lace and cotton balls.) I’m using these supplies to sew little yarmulkas on my snowman centerpieces and to fashion a wall mural of faux eggnog out of the cotton. Yay for the Winter Wonderland

theme I’ve always wanted. Afterall it should be the bride’s day, right?

Well, so much for the bride. The Rabbi who’s officiating, (after listening to my decorating plans along with my very Jewish fiancé who backs him up 100%) has nixed the snowman and eggnog as inappropriate for a Jewish affair. So I’m switching to stuffed polar bears and I’ll utilize the bags of cotton for oversized pretend matzo balls on a selfie photo wall-backdrop. In short, I’ll make this winter theme work, even if it kills me. Nobody’s stopping me this time! I even ignore the Rabbi’s chatter about Judah Macabee as I flounce out of synagogue in search of a wooden ski for our friends to sign instead of a guestbook. Clever, yes?

It’s not long before I notice very few RSVP’s trickling in and the ones that do arrive all politely decline. “No thank you! We’re scheduled to do our family laundry on the 18.” And “Oy! December? So chilly! Your Uncle Irving’s bursitis acts up in winter. How about a lovely beach wedding over summer with those delicious iced-drinks you served last time? Aloha!” Grrrr. Or I should I say “Brrrrrr?” Because guess what? I’m NOT budging!

Meanwhile, I notice my fiancé squirreling away menorahs and Stars of David in his garage workshop as I overhear him whispering to his mother about her secret latke recipe. Honestly, if he thinks we’re holding the annual family Chanukah party this year, he better think again. It’s his sister’s turn to host. Besides, I’ve got my hands full

convincing my stubborn flower-girl to throw snowballs (instead of scattering rose petals) as she toddles down the aisle. Plus I’ve gotta train some guy to dress up as Moses to give our guests sleigh rides. There’s only so much one bride can possibly handle. No Chanukah this year. No way. No how.

On the big day, I congratulate myself for pulling off my bridal fantasy. The crowning glory will be the cozy scarves and mittens I’ve obtained for party favors! As I walk down the aisle, (in my flannel gown, tucking my fingers cozily inside a white fur hand-muff!) the scent of fried jelly donuts greets my nose. Why is my groom handing out chocolate gelt to guests seated on each side of me who are spinning dreidels? Upon seeing me enter, people turn to shout “Happy Chanukah!” Nu?? Nobody chants, “Here comes the bride!” anymore?! I look to my future husband with questioning eyes. He shrugs. “People were boycotting our wedding unless it was a Chanukah party!” I shake myself awake; grateful it’s only a bad dream until I check the calendar. Sure enough, Chanukah = Sundown, December 18. I have a few months to stop this sabotage! One thing’s in my favor…the ballroom prohibits open flames which’ll prevent menorah lighting. But of course — with my luck, there’ll be a Chanukah Miracle! Stay tuned…

Kami Maltz sounds like a younger version of Joni Mitchell, who is one of her musical influences.

PHOTO

1000 WORDS

WHY ISRAELI SINGER KAMI MALTZ MAY MELT YOUR HEART

When

she first moved from Tel Aviv to Brooklyn, N.Y., in 2013, Kami Maltz struggled to improve her English, but now her mastery of the language is clear in her work as a singer-songwriter. People are noticing. Maltz took the stage with her band on Aug. 18 at the Museum of Jewish Heritage — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in Battery Park City as part of “Modern Jewish Sounds Concert: Kami Maltz and Friends.”

Maltz, 32, who said the show was her biggest to date, closed the concert with her best song, “It’s Just Your Heart,” in which she played the ukulele. The song, which includes the lyrics, “Well isn’t it clear, once you hit a valley, they all disappear,” is a perfect roadtrip song that is infectious.

It sounds a little like a breakup song, but it’s not one in the romantic sense, explained the singer/songwriter, who combines folk, electronic and pop in her music.

“In Israel, people have their guts out for you to see what they think,” Maltz told JNS. “In New York, I had to see if some people wanted to use me for gain or were real friends that would show up. Some were real, but some didn’t show up for me when I thought they would, so people sometimes say things to try to get ahead.”

Maltz graduated from Alon High School in Ramat Hasharon, Israel, which required an audition for acceptance. Her mother plays the flute and her father the cello. Maltz plays the autoharp, which piqued her interest when she saw a Canadian artist use it.

She showed off those skills, as well as her vocal ability to effortlessly hit high notes, in a highly impressive cover of Joni Mitchell’s

“Carey” with fellow musician Josh Turner. (The song has garnered more than 379,000 hits.) If this tune doesn’t lift your spirits, I’m not sure what will. In the show, Maltz also performed a silky-smooth version of Carol King’s “Just Call Out My Name.”

She said her family jokes that she is an old soul and could have lived in a previous century. Interestingly, she cites an episode of the show “Dr. Who,” where stone statues act like monsters and can send people back in time. It’s the inspiration for one of her songs, called “Weeping Angels.”

“I kind of see myself as a nerd,” she said. “I like reading books, watching sci-fi, ‘Lord of the Rings.’ I don’t bungee-jump or anything crazy like that.”

Joining Maltz on stage were Rosemary Minkler on keys and vocals; Adi Meyerson on bass; and Jay Sawyer on drums.

Maltz is visually versatile when it comes to music videos. She can do something barefoot on a couch or can go the artistic route, like in the video for her song “On the Loose,” where she is first portrayed as serene and then shown with black eye makeup to look like a villain.

“You can say it’s the battle between yetzer hara and yetzer hatov (‘evil inclination’ and ‘good inclination’),” she said. “Or you could say it’s the demonic or reckless vs. the more calculated self.”

The video for her song “Kingdom” has the viewer seeing Maltz through a filter to suggest that “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.”

As wild as it may sound, at one point, Maltz actually considered quitting a career in music.

“It was frustrating,” she said. “It was first hard to get gigs, and you know, people put money into high-tech and spend money on many things. People consume music all the time on their headphones anywhere they go, but often don’t want to pay for it. People don’t realize that a cup of coffee less per month with some money to an artist’s Patreon can make a difference if people do that.”

Still, she said, “I love being on stage. I have a deep sense of purpose. It’s my gift, and I know I have to keep on doing it.”

Most of her songs are in English. But she told the crowd that her Hebrew song “Ma-Asit Kodem” (“What Have You Done Before”) is about uprooting, re-centering and soul-searching. Her tune “Hey Girl,” which she said is a prayer to open the heavens that she wrote on her birthday before moving to New York City, showed off soaring vocals in an opening Middle-Eastern style chant that was hypnotizing. The song evokes the tension of going on a journey of uncertainty.

She said one man in his 60s sent her a video of himself crying because he was so moved by one of her songs.

“Let It Die” is about a breakup. “The world keeps sending us signs,” she crooned, showing no emotion of blame but an understanding of destiny.

She nailed the jazzy feel of “The Nearness of You” by Norah Jones. “Nitnadnedet,” which means swinging on a swing (she was on a real one, asked to do so by a child she was babysitting), is whimsical and fairy-talelike, literally about life’s ups and downs.

“Did you like that one?” she asked the audience.

No answer was necessary.

TURNING MEMORY INTO MEANING

We hold memory as essential, carrying the past into the present in a way that helps us strengthen ourselves for the future. Remembering is something we do not only as individuals, but as a collective, as a community, as a nation united — too often — by tragedy. For too many, the act of remembering becomes in itself a somber experience, one suited for ceremonies or symbolic gestures. And too often, the emotional burden of remembrances is one that feels, for many, too much to bear.

With increasing terror attacks happening around the world, more wars, riots, rallies, revolutions, we are living in a time with no shortage of heinous acts to remember. And yet, we are also living at a time when we feel overwhelmed by the mental and emotional drain of the post-coronavirus world. What more could we do to translate the frustrations so many of us feel into something meaningful?

Throughout the world, remembrance is changing shape. Songs, poems, and art have become a part of the memorial experience both in Israel and in Jewish communities around the world. In their search for engagement with their community, leaders and organizers are looking for new ways to reach the hearts and minds of their members. They realize that the strength of our memory is drawn from the strength of the connection we pass on to our children, helping Jewish history become a part of their Jewish identity in a positive and meaningful way.

Making this happen is a challenge every educator faces. How does one teach atrocities when they are happening more often and are more visible than ever before? How does one translate a painful past event into something meaningful that surpasses the desensitization of today’s young generation? And how can we teach them to embrace Jewish life in a way that incorporates memory in a positive and uplifting way?

It requires inspiration, and passion toward a purpose. To translate memory into meaning, Israel Forever is working to ignite a passion for remembering that stems from the positive ideals and values that our people and our faith have always embodied. When young Jews learn about other young Jews targeted, inhumanely tortured, and murdered for being Jews, for being citizens of the Jewish democratic state of Israel, they should not be afraid to feel a unique connection, but rather should be given opportunities to direct their understanding into a positive expression and connection.

As decades pass from historical event, how it is remembered is an important part of its enduring legacy. The events of the 1972 Munich Olympics serve as an important example. The 22-hour tragedy is remembered by those who heard the fateful words

“They are all gone…” by Jim McKay in his broadcast covering the massacre that was heard all over the world. But it took 40 years before the world took notice of the lack of remembrance on behalf of the International Olympic Committee, and another decade before the families would finally be compensated in what has become a global effort to recall the murder of 11 innocent Israeli athletes at the hand of Palestinian Arab terrorists. For all these years, the message of this tragedy was unfortunately lost until efforts to transform the event into an educational tool began to take shape.

From communities around the world, from campuses to classrooms, a collaborative initiative sought to bring the cause to the attention of the world, the Munich Memory Project, that offered a selection of reflections and insight that educators, parents, coaches and community leaders could use to finally engage in an exploration of the impact, depth and personal relevance of the events.

Our memory of tragedy, of victims of terror, have a lasting impact in our hearts and on our minds. It may invoke silence for some, or discussion for others. But above all, it should bring about a connection; an understanding that we are all Israel, and that these fathers, sons, husbands, brothers, Holocaust survivors, fighters of Israel, Mizrahim and Ashkenazim, Olim from across the world — all united as athletes for Israel — remain a part of our collective identity and our collective memory as with all victims of hate and terror, targeted simply because they are Jews.

To foster understanding about its significance has been, for now 50 years, a challenge many have taken personally. Sadly, in mainstream media and global awareness, victims of terrorism in Israel do not garner the same sympathy as victims of other racial or religious terror attacks. It is in this complex reality that our children live. Empowering them with the knowledge of how to address the horror of terrorism and memorialize victims in a positive way is important not only through education, but also through personal experience. And that involves every one of us.

The tragedy of Munich is behind us, and there is nothing that can change the atrocities that took place. But it is our duty to honor the memory of those who were murdered and translate the lessons for today. Imagine if, around the world, people recognized that the murder of these 11 Israeli athletes is not about politics or religion. This is about the protection of human life and understanding situations when it is compromised by hate and terrorism.

Whether remembering the Holocaust, the Munich Massacre of 1972, the wars forced on Israel, or the terror that threatens Israelis and Jews everywhere in the world, teaching through personal stories has become a central element of transmitting the history in a dynamic way. Making the victims “real” in the eyes of the learner, a fellow Jew just like them, is crucial to making the black and white images of the past into something felt in

the present. Discussing openly the ideas that explore our strength as a nation, the character of our people, and how each and every Jew fits into that story — these are the keys to ensuring that the legacy of the nation of Israel is not lost to the waves of hate, lies and propaganda so popular in modern media.

It is incumbent upon us to protect the memory of the Jewish men, women, young and old, and the message their death should send to the world: that we cannot afford to stay silent or inactive in the face of enemies who seek to destroy, murder, defame, and control mankind through fear. By learning of the importance of the events in our collective history to people then and to as Jews today, we are given a glimpse of the universal meaning of the events that took the lives of the 11 Olympic athletes, the over 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazis, the 21,863 fallen soldiers and victims of terror, and the Jews persecuted generation after generation. We are given an opportunity to say - this story speaks to me, because I am connected to them by our shared lives as Jews in this world. And that is a lesson every generation must learn, again and again, from which to find inspiration, hope, and strength to see the beauty, the miracle of our existence, and of our one and only Jewish state in the world with no politics, only pride and a connection as a people. Those we remember embody the spirit of Israel, and together, in their memory, we can carry on that spirit through an exploration of its significance to each one of us — as Jews, as citizens of the world,

as part of Am Yisrael, and as a part of our hope for a future without terror, where we can live, remember, honor and celebrate as a proud Jewish nation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ISRAEL FOREVER, OR TO BRING ONE OF THEIR ORIGINAL PROGRAMS OR RESOURCES TO YOUR COMMUNITY, PLEASE SEE WWW.ISRAELFOREVER.ORG.

DR. ELANA HEIDEMAN IS A HISTORIAN, EDUCATOR, WRITER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND VISIONARY OF THE ISRAEL FOREVER FOUNDATION, AN INFORMAL ENGAGEMENT ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO CELEBRATE AND STRENGTHEN THE CONNECTION WITH THE LAND, HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE AS THE NATION OF ISRAEL. A DYNAMIC SPEAKER AND PASSIONATE EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT, DR. HEIDEMAN HAS WORKED WITH GROUPS OF ALL AGES ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE HOLOCAUST, ANTISEMITISM, ZIONISM, AND JEWISH PEOPLEHOOD. HAVING EARNED HER PHD UNDER THE MENTORSHIP OF PROFESSOR ELIE WIESEL, ELANA IS COMMITTED TO EXPLORING WAYS TO BREAK BOUNDARIES WITH THE TRANSMISSION OF MEMORY INTO A MEANINGFUL AND PURPOSEFUL CONNECTION. ELANA MADE ALIYAH IN 2005, AND NOW LIVES IN NES HARIM WITH HER 3 CHILDREN.

CHICKEN FLAUTAS

BY DINI KLEIN, FOUNDER OF PREP + RALLY

Ifind

it fascinating how influenced we are by our surroundings. Since living in California, I’ve fallen in love with all the sunny flavors the Golden State has to offer, and poured them into my cooking. This recipe may sound new to you, but I promise it’s super simple and bursting with flavor. This recipe is a family favorite in our house!

INGREDIENTS

3 cups leftover chicken, shredded

Salsa Roja

4 large Roma (plum) or vine tomatoes, halved 3 garlic cloves, peeled 1 onion, quartered Kosher salt and pepper

1 to 2 tablespoons light olive oil 1 dried California or dried Anaheim chile, stem trimmed, optional Juice of 1 lime (2 tablespoons juice) 1⁄2 cup torn fresh cilantro or parsley

To serve 12-14 tortillas

2 avocados

1 lime

Salt and pepper to season Hot sauce (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the broiler to high. Make sure an oven rack is in the second-to-highest position. Line a standard baking sheet with aluminum foil or cook directly on the sheet pan.

2. Place the tomatoes, garlic, and onion on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper and coat with the oil. Broil for 10 minutes, or until you’ve

achieved some blistering and the vegetables have softened. Flip the vegetables over on the sheet pan and continue broiling for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until cooked through and nicely colored on the other side. If you’re using the California chile, add it to the sheet pan in the final minute to toast it ever so slightly, being careful not to burn it.

3. Remove everything from the oven. If you added the California chile, fill a bowl with 2 cups of boiling water and add the freshly toasted chile to submerge. Leave to soften for about 5 minutes before blending. Remove the chili from the water (discard the water) and add the chili and vegetables on the sheet pan to a wide-mouthed storage jar, discarding any juices from the bottom of the baking sheet. Add the lime and cilantro to the jar and blend with an immersion blender until mostly smooth. Taste and season liberally with extra salt and pepper as needed. Let cool, then cover and store in the fridge.

TO ASSEMBLE

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Grease a 9 x 13inch baking dish with oil. Season the shredded chicken with some salt and pepper. Heat a large heavy-bottomed (ideally cast-iron) skillet over high heat, without adding any oil. Place one tortilla down in the pan to warm through for about a minute on each side. This helps soften the tortilla and makes it pliable for rolling. Transfer the tortilla to a plate and put the next tortilla in the pan.

Meanwhile, fill the first warmed tortilla with about 1⁄4 cup of the seasoned chicken. Roll up the tortilla like a tight cigar and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Repeat, warming and filling the remaining tortillas and placing the rolled-up flautas next to each other in the dish. Spray the tops of the flautas liberally with oil and bake for about 15 minutes, until crisp and golden. Serve flautas with Salsa, guacamole, and optional hot sauce.

TO MAKE THE GUACAMOLE Mash 2 avocados with the juice of half a lime. Season liberally with salt and garlic powder.

DINI KLEIN IS A FOOD HOST, FOUNDER OF THE PREP + RALLY™ FAMILY MEAL PREP SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE, AND THE AUTHOR OF PREP + RALLY; AN HOUR OF PREP, A WEEK OF DELICIOUS MEALS. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT PREPANDRALLY.COM OR FOLLOW HER ON SOCIAL MEDIA @PREPANDRALLY.

JOIN SHARSHERET IN THE KITCHEN FOR “PREP + RALLY,” A FREE HEALTHY COOKING DEMO WITH DINI KLEIN (@PREPANDRALLY) ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13 AT 11AM PDT/2 PM EDT. REGISTER AT LINK.SHARSHERET.ORG/ SITKDINIKLEIN. THIS PROGRAM IS PART OF THE “SHARSHERET IN THE KITCHEN” SERIES, BRINGING NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS KOSHER IDEAS TO EMPOWER ALL OF US AT RISK FOR BREAST AND OVARIAN CANCER TO MAKE HEALTHIER DIET CHOICES THANKS TO GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM CEDARS-SINAI.

SHARSHERET, A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, IS 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.

ASHLEIGH AHRENS, ADVOCATE

BY DEBORAH VIETOR

In2019, Ashleigh Ahrens was diagnosed with HER2 positive stage 4 Metastatic breast cancer, treatable but not curable at 32.

Since then, she has received a hip replacement, single mastectomy, takes 14 chemotherapy pills daily, has received brain and breast radiation, and will have immunotherapy every three weeks for the duration of her life. Treatment at times has changed as it stopped working or affected her heart. Currently she faces lung surgery.

With a deep clinical knowledge and understanding of this disease, Ashleigh remains undaunted. Fully appreciating this life is similar for many others in her position, she supports and advocates for others, and does not allow it to define her.

The trajectory of Ahrens life was recently altered in such a positive way. It began with a simple poster she created for a WNBA game with the Las Vegas Aces playing the Seattle Storm in the final game of the regular season. “Living with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. Meeting Plum

#10 is on my bucket list.” (Plum, an Aces player is an Olympic Gold Medal winner from San Diego, like Ahrens.)

A media storm ensued with Kelsey’s mom texting her a picture of Ashleigh from the broadcast and Kelsey tweeted the picture with “Hi, can someone help me find this person?”

Peter Chabot, a fan sitting courtside, offered to try to make this happen, giving her a ride to the game the following day.

Speaking to KTNV-TV about the experience, Ashleigh shared that meeting Plum would “mean a lot” to her, noting “You don’t have as many opportunities. You don’t have the same stuff as Make-a-Wish like kids do.”

“I just became so much more appreciative of every day,” she explained. “The little things didn’t bother me anymore and you hug your loved ones tighter.”

Saying it was a pleasure to meet her and giving her a big hug, Plum

added, ”I just appreciated her for coming and told her to let me know, whatever you need, I’m here.”

The game culminated in a thrilling 109 to 100 Las Vegas victory. After recording 23 points and four rebounds, the sharpshooter bent down to untie her shoes for Ahrens to take home and brought with her a t-shirt.

“I loved her as an athlete before this weekend,” Ashleigh told Insider. “And now I love her as a person.”

The feeling is mutual.

“I can’t even truly express what it means, just the fact that, of all people, she felt pulled to want to meet me,” Plum said. “For her to feel in any way that I’ve impacted her in this fight and in her journey, I mean, I was teary, just at a loss for words.”

“She inspired me, so I think goes both ways,” she added.

Nearly two million impressions on Ashleigh’s response to Plum’s tweet appeared with many new followers across her social media.

Plum said “ln terms of the grand scheme of life, life is so much bigger than basketball.”

Ashleigh has been interviewed by many news sources, including News 3 Las Vegas, Fox 5 News, KNTV 13, Business Insider and Inside Edition.

She was quoted by Business Insider that sacrifices have included not having kids and choosing not to pursue graduate school.

“You can only really live from scan to scan, every three months,” she said. “At 32, it took so many opportunities from me.”

Accelerated in school, graduating from UNLV in Psychology with honors, Ashleigh was an amazing athlete in club soccer, basketball and softball. Today, Ashleigh works for Vista High School with challenged teens, loves her position, learning and teaching, the kids love her as well.

She loves spending time with her fiancée Courtney, and the two plan to be married in December at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, with all proceeds donated to the animals. Her attributes and contributions are surpassed only by her love of family, friends and their menagerie of pets. In addition to the Aces, Ashleigh follows the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team.

Recently she visited Utah, Yosemite, Montana, Yellowstone, Detroit, Chicago, Indiana and Ohio. Her plan is to visit the Northern Lights, Boston, Niagara Falls, and other places, demonstrating how important it is to live your best life.

Plum gifted Ahrens with her basketball shoes, pink, teal and green, coincidentally the same color of the ribbon for Metastatic Breast Cancer. Pink is traditionally the color of the ribbon for breast cancer. For metastatic, green is added representing triumph and teal represents healing and spirituality.

How do I know this? Because Ashleigh is my beloved daughter, a true mensch reminding me daily of what is most important in life.

“A mother’s journey begins before you are born, when I hold you in my heart, Culminating into holding onto a never ending, unconditional love.”

HOW TO SUPPORT

METAvivor is a national non-profit organization dedicated to stage IV metastatic breast cancer research with hope of transitioning the terminal disease to one which is survivable and manageable with a good quality of life, providing support to those living with metastatic breast cancer. Founded in 2009, METAvivor has funded 166 metastatic breast cancer research grants totaling $23.15 million. For further information, visit metavivor.org.

Sharsheret is a nonprofit organization with the goal of supporting Jewish women with breast cancer and ovarian cancer. For more information, visit sharsheret.org.

SUSAN G. KOMEN’S “MORE THAN PINK WALK” IS HELD SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2022. ACCORDING TO DAVID VAUGHT, PHD., SENIOR MANAGER OF RESEARCH GRANTS AT SUSAN G. KOMEN, KOMEN’S MISSION IS DEDICATED TO CONQUERING AGGRESSIVE AND DEADLY BREAST CANCER, INVESTING NEARLY $1.1 BILLION IN BREAST CANCER RESEARCH. CURRENTLY, 72% OF KOMENFUNDED RESEARCH PROJECTS ARE FOCUSED ON METASTATIC BREAST CANCER AND OTHER AGGRESSIVE AND DEADLY BREAST CANCERS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT KOMEN.ORG.

JEWISH LIFE IN THE UAE

THE RABBI MAKING IT POSSIBLE BY YONI MICHANIE | JNS.ORG

LeviDuchman, the chief rabbi of the Jewish community in the United Arab Emirates, celebrated his own wedding on Sept. 14. It happened to be the first Jewish one in Abu Dhabi.

With a guest list of 1,500, including the Egyptian, Moroccan and Chinese ambassadors to the UAE, the wedding simultaneously celebrated the second anniversary of the Abraham Accords’ signing. Jews, Muslims and Christians joined together to celebrate the union of Rabbi Duchman and Lea Hadad, both emissaries of the Chabad movement, as well as the fruits of normalization, cooperation and peace.

As the first rabbi in the UAE, Duchman says he has spent the last eight years building up infrastructure to facilitate the viability of Jewish life in the Gulf nation.

The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING IN THE UAE?

A: I have lived in the United Arab Emirates for approximately eight years. Before the normalization agreements, I was living in Casablanca, Morocco. During my time in Morocco, I had the opportunity to travel to the UAE and host a Passover seder for New York University in Abu Dhabi. Nearly six years before normalization, I moved to the UAE.

Q: FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, HOW HAS JEWISH LIFE IN THE UAE CHANGED AS A RESULT OF THE NORMALIZATION AGREEMENTS?

A: A lot has changed. If you look at the UAE, it is composed of seven

different Emirates that agreed on unification [in 1971-72]. The UAE was always a welcoming place in terms of welcoming all religions—I mean, there are over 200 nationalities living here. Having said that, the Jewish community always received support from the government. In terms of the relationship with Israel, the government did not have that until the signing of the Abraham Accords. Prior to that, living as a rabbi in the UAE, I always felt very welcomed by the government; they always ensured our community has everything we need. In terms of kosher slaughterhouses, institutions for Jewish education, places of worship, or anything else our community needed, we could always count on the full support of the government.

Now, with the Abraham Accords, a huge door was opened for Israelis and Jews around the world who had never heard of the UAE or its levels of religious tolerance. The growth of the Jewish community meant growth in infrastructure, for example, bigger educational facilities, more kosher restaurants, bringing more rabbis into the country, and building Jewish cemeteries.

Q: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE EDUCATION ABOUT JEWS OR THE KNOWLEDGE OF STANDARD JEWISH HISTORY IN THE UAE?

A: Prior to the Abraham Accords, very little education existed about Israel and Jewish history. Now, this has very much changed. For example, I’ve been to a few Holocaust remembrance events in the UAE and have seen in attendance members of the government such as the minister of culture. Jewish and Israel education has certainly risen in the UAE as a result of the Abraham Accords. We,

for example, run a Jewish nursery school and Talmud Torah in our Mini Miracles Educational Center [in Dubai]. Our Sunday and after-school programs for children going to non-Jewish schools hold extremely high standards of Jewish and Israel education. We were successful in bringing different madrichim and madrichot (youth guides in Hebrew) from both Israel and France to help strengthen our educational programming. As of now, we have 112 children signed up for these programs. We have a beautiful center in Dubai and are currently constructing a second one in Abu Dhabi.

Q: HAVE MORE JEWS BEEN MOVING TO THE UAE SINCE THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS WERE SIGNED?

A: Tremendously. Much of it is coming from Israeli startup companies. Major Israeli companies such as Rapyd (a fintech company) are establishing offices in the UAE. This in turn has led to a surge of Jewish families moving to the country since the normalization agreement. You have companies like Hilton, where top Jewish executives have begun moving to the UAE knowing that the community now has the infrastructure in place to cater to their needs. Our community has grown from a few hundred to several thousand.

Q: WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO HAVE YOUR WEDDING IN THE UAE?

A: My wedding was in Abu Dhabi; it was the first Jewish wedding in Abu Dhabi. It was quite incredible because we had 1,500, if not more, attendees at our wedding, including ambassadors, UAE government officials, and both colleagues and friends from around the world who came to Abu Dhabi to celebrate a Chassidic wedding. It was absolutely incredible. We had a Chassidic singer, Israeli band and Neshama choir, all coming to Abu Dhabi to celebrate a kosher Jewish wedding.

It was at our wedding, where we saw Chassidim dancing and celebrating with Emiratis, that we truly saw the power of the Abraham Accords. We had the chief rabbis of Iran, Singapore, Nigeria and Turkey attend and dance at the wedding. We had the Chinese, Egyptian, Moroccan and Irish ambassadors to the UAE attend as well. I did not expect all of these guests to attend, and the wedding was beautifully covered by both Arab and Jewish news outlets. I have been the first resident rabbi here in the UAE. After eight years, I was able to see all the meaningful and wonderful relationships we have built in this country, and it was absolutely incredible.

Q: HOW WOULD THE “JEWISH EXPERIENCE” BE DIFFERENT IN OTHER PARTS OF THE ARAB WORLD?

A: I think the main difference is that the United Arab Emirates gave us the opportunity to build the Jewish infrastructure needed to further develop the community. Mikvahs, places of worship, kosher restaurants have simply made it easier for Jews to build a life here. Judaism can mean a variety of things to different people. It

can mean having a place to eat a kosher meal, to do Kol Nidre or to buy challah in order to do a blessing. What we are here to do as a rabbi for the community is to make sure all Jews in the UAE are catered to. Members of the community are feeling more comfortable because they know they can preserve a Jewish way of life in the UAE. I don’t want to name other countries specifically, but many do not have the infrastructure to attract a Jewish community and allow it to flourish. For example, next week there are some NBA games—I believe the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks. Some members of their ownership are Jewish and they are joining us for Yom Kippur services because they know they can have that here.

Q: SHOULD FUTURE NORMALIZATION AGREEMENTS DEPEND ON ARAB STATES’ WILLINGNESS TO HELP REBUILD AND STRENGTHEN JEWISH COMMUNITIES WITHIN THEIR BORDERS?

A: It is incredibly important to support the building of Jewish infrastructure in the Diaspora; this is exactly what we are doing here in the UAE. Normalization agreements should not be contingent on Arab states agreeing to rebuild and strengthen Jewish communities, but the agreements would be enhanced by such a commitment. For example, many of the Jewish CEOs and executives working for companies in all different types of sectors have willingly moved here because the UAE government has shown a commitment to protect the Jewish community and help it flourish.

Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO COUNTRIES IN THE REGION SEEKING TO ATTRACT AND STRENGTHEN THEIR JEWISH COMMUNITIES?

A: I think it’s about learning about the basic needs of the community, whether it is education or kosher foods. This can be done by working closely with Jewish leaders on the ground who understand the needs and wants of their own community members. We work continually with the UAE government and have achieved incredible advancements through this close collaboration.

It’s about having people on the ground and providing them with the infrastructure needed to live a Jewish life. It is actually easier for me to find kosher food in the middle of Dubai than in central London. Etihad Airways, the national airline company of the UAE, has its own kosher kitchen.

The government is currently building the Abrahamic Family House, which consists of a mosque, church, synagogue and educational center to be built on Saadiyat Island, the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. For our wedding, we didn’t have to import kosher food, everything was done locally. The work cannot be done remotely; we need to be on the ground and infrastructure is key.

Susan Davis Life After Congress

BY MIMI POLLACK

Susan Davis.

Afterserving 35 years as a public servant — six years in the California State Assembly — nine years on the Board of Education, and 20 years in the US Congress — what does one do after retiring? In the case of Susan Davis, one becomes a “private servant,” and continues to help others. In fact, Davis often reaches back to her social work education as a driving force in her approach to public service. An example of that can be found in a 2019 interview with Greg Moran of the San Diego Union Tribune. He writes, “In more than a dozen interviews with the UnionTribune, constituents, community advocates and Republican and Democratic officials, described Davis as someone who was authentic, dedicated, kind, cooperative and above all else, a true public servant.”

Davis may be retired from congress, but she is not retired from serving others. She coordinates co-sponsorship under the Alliance for African Assistance agency to support an Afghan family evacuated after the fall of Afghanistan. In addition, she was sworn in as a board member at JFS and as a member of the newly reconstituted Commission on the Status of Women, as well as joining the very active service oriented ROTARY 33. With her House Armed Services background, Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed Davis to the Commission tasked with reforming how the Pentagon budgets for our national security.

On a more personal note, Davis asked her neighbors to join together and assist an Afghan family in getting settled in California. Many Afghans fled their country last fall after the Taliban took over and chaos ensued. Since November, more than 500 Afghan families have arrived in the San Diego area. Many private citizens, like Davis’ group began to help by sponsoring individual families. They helped the families by working with agencies finding apartments for the families and assembling

basic necessities. They assisted in helping the parents enroll their children in school, as well as ESL classes. They tried to help them navigate life in America. A major challenge for Afghans has been learning to drive here and particularly difficult for women who face isolation.

Many of the fathers had worked as translators for the US military and would have been in grave danger had they stayed in Afghanistan. Davis’s “adopted” family found a place to live in La Mesa. To protect the family, Davis is not naming them, but she says that although it has been a rewarding and positive experience, there were definitely challenges along the way in getting them settled. Life in Afghanistan is so different from life in America, with many cultural differences. For example, it is not generally acceptable for a male other than a spouse or a close relative to teach a woman how to drive.

Here in San Diego, four agencies have been working with the incoming Afghan refugees, including Jewish Family Service, Catholic Charities, International Rescue Committee, and Alliance for African Assistance. As more and more refugees arrived, these agencies have relied on private citizens, such as Davis to help in getting the newcomers settled. This has been a huge undertaking and more volunteers would be greatly appreciated as the agencies can get overwhelmed.

Davis also has a special connection to Afghanistan. When she was in congress, she made 13 trips to Afghanistan where she not only checked in on Armed Forces Personnel, she also was intent on getting to know the women of Afghanistan and finding ways she could help empower them. To that end she led a bi-partisan women’s delegation to Afghanistan. Last fall when Afghanistan fell to the Taliban and so many fled, she offered her assistance to incoming refugees.

Women’s issues, education, and women in the military and family support roles have all been important topics for Davis. Two of the committees she served on while in Congress were Armed Services and Education and the Workforce. Both these committees were well suited for her as she served on the Board of Education in San Diego for nine years and her husband of now 55 years had been a doctor in the Air Force. In his 2015 article in San Diego Jewish World, Don Harrison writes, “Seeking appointment to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce was a natural progression for Davis, and so, one might say, was the House Armed Services Committee, for which she drew upon her experiences as an Air Force wife during the Vietnam War. She gravitated to issues affecting military personnel and their families”.

Judging by the commissions she has joined since leaving congress, her work with refugees, women, education, and the armed forces will continue. At 78 years young, the energetic Davis is retiring on her terms. Plus, she now has more time to enjoy good conversations in the company of her children and grandchildren.

Congregation Adat Yeshurun

Growing through spiritual connection, 'cohesive diversity'

BY JACOB KAMARAS

Amida return to relative normalcy following two-and-ahalf years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congregation Adat Yeshurun of La Jolla is growing its community through what Rabbi Daniel Reich calls the “three Fs” — family, friends, and faith.

“People are not feeling connected on a spiritual level and to community — it’s leading to a lot of issues in the world,” reflects Rabbi Reich, leader of the “vibrant and welcoming Orthodox congregation, according to its mission statement. “People are on more edge, just trying to fend for themselves without thinking about others. The goal that we’re trying to accomplish at Adat Yeshurun is to create a community where people can grow honestly with themselves and with a congregation, to feel more fulfilled in life and more connected

spiritually.”

Rabbi Reich says that the synagogue is striving “to serve not only our existing community, but also to branch ourselves out to cultivate personal growth and happiness for all Jews in San Diego.”

For a sampling of Adat Yeshurun’s programming and resources for all ages, Rabbi Reich notes a robust scholar-in-residence program, featuring renowned speakers from the U.S. and Israel; the Cojab Mikvah, which is used by individuals across the county; parent-child learning on Saturday nights; and special holiday programs such as a festive meal for Israeli Independence Day.

The congregation’s newest community resource is a youth program led by co-directors Netzach and Chana Sapir. The couple’s presence will enable parents to focus during prayer services while their children take part in special activities, or as Rabbi Reich puts it, “While your kids’ souls are being nourished, you’ll step inside and get your own nourishment.” The Sapirs, he adds, “don’t see this as babysitting. They see it as really nurturing the young souls of the community.”

Adat Yeshurun’s offerings, the rabbi continues, are “rooted in the guidance of a proven divine system called Torah Judaism that has been successful in this exact realm of community-building and spiritual fulfillment for thousands of years. It’s not about changing the recipe, it’s just a matter of making it accessible to as many people as possible.”

“It’s impossible to come to shul and not learn something,” he adds.

Yet since the onset of the pandemic, Adat Yeshurun has also embraced digital resources whose impact have been felt even after the widespread resumption of in-person gatherings. All of its Torah classes can be accessed via Zoom, including those of Rabbi Emeritus Jeff Wohlgelernter, who moved to Israel after leading the congregation for 33 years. A variety of WhatsApp groups, meanwhile, connect the community through real-time communication. In addition to a community-wide WhatsApp group, smaller customized groups exist for organizing daily prayer services, young families, and classes that take place outside the synagogue campus. Of particular note is Rabbi Reich’s group “Quick Torah From La Jolla,” which distributes three-minute recordings of his lectures that occur after services each morning as well as in between the afternoon and evening services. Ultimately, Rabbi Reich explains, the Adat Yeshurun community is connected by its “cohesive diversity.”

“In spite of our differences, the Jewish people can come together through the common ground of respect and consideration for every single person, no matter what your cultural background may be,” he says. “Adat Yeshurun is a community that really is a model for the way that Jews should be interacting with each other around the globe — focused on unity and not uniformity, and truly a cohesive diversity.”

PoeFest 5th Annual Fest Returns

During the 75-minute experience, visitors will enjoy

The Weird Sisters - featuring Sandra Ruiz and Liliana Talwatte

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde - featuring Steven Lone

The Raven - featuring Travis Rhett Wilson

(Paul Maley on October 15)

An Audience With Mary Shelley - featuring Megan Carmitchel

Guests will be hosted and guided by the mansion’s staff, Pamela Brittain, Walter Ritter, and Rachael VanWormer

POEFEST REPRISE (AVAILABLE OCT 16, 21, 23, 27 & 30)

Performances at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

During the 75-minute experience, visitors will enjoy

Literary Séance with Madame Philomenafeaturing Rhianna Basore

Write

Out Loud, an organization founded in 2007 with a commitment to inspire, challenge and entertain by reading literature aloud for audiences of all ages, announces the 5th Annual San Diego PoeFest, in performance from October 14th30th at the Villa Montezuma Museum in Sherman Heights. This historic Queen Anne Victorian was named “The Palace of the Arts” by Jessie Shepard, the musician, spiritualist and author who designed it in 1887. Celebrate the strange, the inexplicable, the other-worldly with the Master of the Macabre, Edgar Allan Poe. This year there will be two separate programs performed in rotation you can experience one or both! The $30 ticket for each includes the event and Reserved Parking at Sherman Elementary School. Patrons can reserve tickets at writeoutloudsd.com/poefest or or by calling (619) 297-8953

The two available programs are called PoeFest NEW and PoeFest REPRISE, each with performances at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., featuring 4 distinct encounters. A PoeFest Host will lead each group of 13 guests through these interactive experiences as they explore the mansion.

POEFEST NEW (AVAILABLE OCT 14, 15, 22, 28 & 29)

Performances at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The Trial of Dr Faustus - featuring Monique Gaffney and Eddie Yaroch

Dr. Frankenstein’s Laboratory - featuring Paul Maley and John Garcia Encounter with Edgar Allan Poe - featuring Travis Rhett Wilson

Guests will be hosted and guided by the mansion’s staff, Walter Ritter, Rachael VanWormer and Pamela Brittain.

The Villa Montezuma Museum is located at 1925 K St., San Diego 92102. The Villa Montezuma is an historic building with no elevator. Guests will be standing, walking through the mansion and going up and down multiple staircases. Each performance will last 75 minutes with no intermission.

WRITE OUT LOUD SERVES OVER 30,000 PEOPLE ANNUALLY WITH THEIR CORE PROGRAMS: IN ADDITION TO POEFEST, WRITE OUT LOUD PRESENTS A SIX SHOW SEASON OF STORY CONCERTS; VOICES OF IRELAND EACH MARCH; TWAINFEST — AN ANNUAL FREE FAMILY CELEBRATION OF 19TH CENTURY LITERATURE; STORYBOX THEATRE (KAMISHIBAI) FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS; POETRY OUT LOUD FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS; RIPPLES FROM WALDEN POND - A ONE-MAN PLAY ABOUT HENRY DAVID THOREAU; STORIES FOR SENIORS; READ IMAGINE CREATE FOR TEENS’ AND, NEW IN 2022, LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD - A YOUTH POETRY WRITING INITIATIVE.

SHARON WILKES

The woman behind the brand of luxury handbags

BY SHARON RAPOPORT

SharonWilkes is a woman of many talents. She started her professional life with a successful career in the fashion industry before pivoting to activism and Jewish causes. But creative talent can seldom stay silent, and in Wilkes’ case, the reawakening of her passion came in the form of a creative gift for her daughter’s wedding. The present –a stunning leather purse with the image of a beloved pet- evolved into a full-fledged luxury handbag brand.

Q. WHICH ELEMENTS FROM YOUR JEWISH UPBRINGING INFLUENCED YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?

A. The primary influence in being a designer was my beloved Omama, Serafina Landau, who was a designer in Vienna, and who shared a successful business with her older sisters until the Anschluss in Austria. She was a fashionista and a strong Zionist.

Q. WAS FASHION A PART OF YOUR JEWISH EXPERIENCE GROWING UP?

A. I grew up in New York. It was the “Mrs. Maisel” era of American Jewry, and Jews manifested their success by dressing beautifully for synagogue. My dad would always notice what I was wearing; it was a way to capture his attention. My mother, as a performer, was

very glamorous and made sure her children were well-groomed. The subconscious message was “always look lovely and well-groomed; it speaks before you do.”

Q. HOW DID THE PURSE YOU CREATED FOR YOUR DAUGHTER’S WEDDING COME TO FRUITION?

A. Before getting married, my daughter Michaela asked if I could design her bridal gown. While living in Tel Aviv, she acquired a gorgeous beagle named Loki. Since I was already working with an embroidery company in India, they helped me create a bag with Loki’s image in embroidery and sequins as a surprise for her. Michaela loved the bag and was thrilled to have it.

Q. SO HOW DID YOU END UP MANUFACTURING THE SHARON WILKES BAGS IN ARTISAN FACTORIES IN ITALY?

A. My grandparents and their children were saved from being deported to a concentration camp by the Italian consulate in Vienna. Thus, we have a special connection with Italy. My company continued with theme bags, but on a very professional level. We can customize any image and print it on Satin with heat-fix crystals, soft metallic linen, or leather.

Q. WOULD YOU SHARE TIPS ON HOW TO PAIR HANDBAGS WITH OUTFITS FOR SPECIAL JEWISH OCCASIONS?

A. For a bar or bat mitzvah, a patchwork Natalie – a convertible crossbody that can also be worn as a shoulder or clutch, makes a perfect “shul” bag.

For B’nai mitzvah celebrations and weddings, the Maria bag has a unique draped handle that easily fits a cell phone and has a built-in card case.

The side-handle Renata clutch is a pretty accent to any evening ensemble and comes in several classic metallic shades. In addition, many of our evening bags have handles that can be worn on the arm, freeing the hands during cocktail hour!

We can make customized bridal bags in most styles from our catalog. The base is the same satin color as the gown and with accents of lace or embroidery from the original dress. Or we make bespoke, like the original Loki bag, with the image of the couple’s favorite pet or city.

VISIT SHARONWILKES.COM TO FIND BEAUTIFUL NONENDANGERED EXOTIC SKIN BAGS IN FABULOUS COLORS AND COMBINATIONS. IN HONOR OF SUKKOT, L’CHAIM READERS WILL RECEIVE AN 18% DISCOUNT AND FREE SHIPPING THROUGH THE END OF OCTOBER; USE CODE LCHAIM.

NEWS TO KNOW NOW

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

can lean on each other.

As a result of this institute, all nine synagogues are compiling annual security plans to comprehensively address security throughout their individual synagogues. Jewish Federation’s $10,000 grants to each synagogue will help the implementation of the plans. The nine participating synagogues also voiced their desire to meet 2-3 times annually to continue their important work and share efforts and information.

“The JCSI provided a comprehensive roadmap of the aspects of security that we should focus on,” said one cohort participant. “This was a great opportunity to engage new leaders at our synagogue by inviting them to this institute and then involving them in our security plans.”

This cohort consisted of 9 local synagogues including Congregation Beth Am, Congregation Beth El, Congregation Beth Israel, Ohr Shalom Synagogue, Temple Adat Shalom, Temple Adat Yeshurun, Temple Beth Shalom, Temple Emanu-El and Temple Solel, that each committed to a practice of security that leads to a stronger and more resilient Jewish community.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE WELCOMES RABBI SUSAN FREEMAN

TO CENTER FOR JEWISH CARE TEAM

Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) has hired Rabbi Susan Freeman to help lead the Center for Jewish Care (CJC), which is dedicated to assisting and addressing the needs of San Diego’s Jewish community.

JEWISH FEDERATION OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS CONCLUSION OF FIRST COHORT OF JEWISH COMMUNITY SECURITY INSTITUTE

Jewish Federation of San Diego County concluded its first cohort of the San Diego Jewish Community Security Institute and announced a $10,000 donation to each participating synagogue to show communal support for their efforts.

“The vital work done with the San Diego Jewish Community Security Institute ensures that Jewish organizations are safe places for people to gather and be in community,” says Darren Schwartz, Federation’s Chief Planning and Strategy Officer. “Synagogues in this cohort also shared best practices with each other regarding security. We are proud to support these efforts and know that the synagogues will continue to collaborate in this area moving forward.

In partnership with ADL San Diego, the Jewish Community Security Institute provides high-level tactical and strategic best practices for local Jewish organizations to enhance their approach to security. Organizations learn about operationalizing threat assessments, reviewing manuals and protocols, the role of trainings and drills, the importance of situational awareness, and safeguarding against cyber-attacks. The Institute also fosters dialogue between organizations to learn about best practices and common challenges, creating a better networked and connected Jewish community that

Rabbi Freeman will support the health and well-being of the Jewish community and help amplify how Jewish values guide the agency’s work – both internally to staff and volunteers, as well as to the community at large. She will also provide spiritually based services to those turning to JFS for support – regardless of their religious affiliation – and serve as a Jewish voice around social justice issues and additional issues that JFS is working to address.

“As an agency guided by Jewish values, having a rabbinic resource on our team, and specifically within the Center for Jewish Care, will be valuable to our staff, volunteers and board as we explore the work we do through our uniquely Jewish lens,” said JFS CEO Michael Hopkins. “We are resolved to lift our values in our advocacy work, meet the pastoral needs of individuals served by the CJC and amplify our sacred teachings with a contemporary perspective within our team.”

Rabbi Freeman brings over 30 years of experience working in a variety of settings from synagogues to hospitals. She has focused on healing and the use of spiritual care as a modality to help individuals find peace with life’s most difficult situations. She often embraces tools and adaptions from the field of integrative medicine including dance yoga and mindfulness to open pathways to healing.

“I’m thrilled to join the JFS team,” said Rabbi Freeman. “I have long held JFS in high regards for its incredibly impactful work to strengthen the San Diego community and feel privileged to now be able to contribute to the organization from the inside.”