L'Chaim Magazine November 2022

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prayers & passages Blessings

In just a few weeks we will celebrate Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday of the year. (Yes, I know that this is not exactly what you might expect to hear from a Jewish clergyperson, but I have to speak my truth!)

On this day, we give thanks for our privilege of living in this wonderful country and take the opportunity to express our gratitude for family, friends, food, shelter, and health. Sadly, there are too many people who lack these blessings in their own lives.

In Judaism, blessings are meant to be woven into the fabric of our daily existence. In the Talmud (Menachot 43b), we are instructed to say 100 blessings each day. They fall into three major categories. First are those blessings said over something pleasurable such as eating, drinking, smelling flowers or herbs, seeing a rainbow, or wearing new clothes. By reciting these blessings, we are acknowledging that God has created these miracles for us to enjoy and offering our thanks: “Blessed are You, Eternal Spirit, Sovereign of the universe, Who …”

Some of these blessings are more wellknown than others. For example, the blessing over wine or grape juice — “…Borei p’ri hagafen” (…Who creates the fruit of the vine)

— is recited during Shabbat, holidays, and many life-cycle events including weddings and Brit Milah (circumcision). The Ha-Motzi blessing (“… Who brings forth bread from the earth…”) is said prior to any meal that includes bread (including challah for Shabbat and certain holidays). A meal that does not include bread must still begin with a blessing, the specifics of which depend on what is being consumed (e.g. fruits, vegetables, grain products, etc.)

The second category includes blessings recited prior to performing a mitzvah (commandment), such as lighting Shabbat or holiday candles, ritually washing our hands prior to eating, studying Torah, sitting in a Sukkah, eating matzah during a Passover Seder, hearing the sound of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, and affixing a mezuzah on the doorposts of our homes.

Mitzvah blessings invoke a sense of sanctification or holiness. Almost all begin in this format: “Blessed are You, Eternal Spirit, Sovereign of the universe, Who has sanctified us with God’s commandments and commanded us to…” As the wording indicates, we are undertaking an obligation to perform a specific mitzvah

The third category includes those blessings which are recited on special occasions such as hearing good news, returning from a long journey, or recovering from an illness. Perhaps the most well-known of these blessings is the Shehecheyanu: “Blessed are you, Eternal Spirit, Sovereign of the universe, Who has given us life, sustained us, and allowed us to arrive at this moment.” This blessing is recited when we do something for the very first time or have not done in at least one year. Examples include lighting Chanukah candles (first night only), shaking a lulav and etrog on the first day of Sukkot, or entering one’s new home for the first time. It may also be recited when arriving in Israel, our Holy Land. Inherent in this blessing is the acknowledgement that God has brought us to this profound moment in our lives.

Making the recitation of blessings a part of our daily lives prompts us to express gratitude for the wonders and miracles in our midst that we may otherwise take for granted. May we all experience thanksgiving and blessings every day of our lives.

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

mazel & mishagoss

A Phone Call Worse Than a Telemarketer? This is it!

Caution: Never speak with anyone probing into why your former relationship didn’t work out! First came the unexpected text: “Hello! You don’t know me, but I’ve become aware that you were Gabe’s previous girlfriend for several years. I view him as a very large and serious investment and would like to get your opinion — all the pros and cons. Are you available by phone?” Huh??

I believe in women sticking together and the value of female friendship, but this was going too far. “Listen, Sister! We all get married and take our chances. There’s no warranty against product defects and no User Reviews on men — so do your own research and buyer beware!” Did I text that? No. Would I have wanted a warning on Gabe before I’d gotten involved? You betcha! Okay, I’d take her call and alert her about Gabe.

Scarcely had we said hello when she asked how Jewish would I assess him to be? Too little? Too much? Or just the right amount of Jewish? Who was I taking to here? Goldilocks? Next, she wanted to know if he left the toilet seat up? Seriously? I guess women have walked away from relationships over less. But that was only her second question! If they were coming in order of priority, this was gonna get interesting.

I gave her a full run-down on all his many faults. He was messy, lazy, arrogant, he couldn’t show up on time to save his life, and he never even thanked me for giving his

family a Milton’s Deli gift card so they could go out for good corned-beef sandwiches.

“Well, that’s what makes him the wonderful man that he is,” she countered. Okaaay. Time to get serious with some real red-flags. I confided in her that he couldn’t even hold down a job for a week! So, if she was planning a future, she better make good money herself.

“Well,” she hemmed and hawed, “That’s more of an orangish/yellowish flag. I’m sure he had his reasons that were perfectly justified.” What? This was ridiculous. The two of them deserve each other!

When I happened to mention a lot of his personality flaws could probably be traced back to his tumultuous childhood, she fiercely defended his family. “Look Sister,” I said. (And this time I really did call her Sister!) “Did you phone to hear my opinion on what you should watch out for or not? I’m not gonna debate his life virtues with you. If you think he’s such a mensch, then say “yes” and walk down the aisle with him already! But stop noodging me and gey avek!”

I heard a huge ruckus and she dropped the phone. Maybe my terrific command of the Yiddish language shocked her? Nope! When she got back on the line, she announced if that’s the tone of voice I used with him, no wonder he left me. “He left me?” I shouted. You’ve got your facts wrong, Sister! Did he tell you that? If so, we can add “liar” to his list of shortcomings. Because I was the one who

broke up with him!” There was a long pause after which she said, “The story I heard was that you burned kugels and couldn’t make a decent pot of matzo ball soup! And stop calling me sister. I’m actually his mother! I just figured since I manufactured a product, I should probably conduct a few focus groups to see how he’s turned out. Before I release him again to a nice, new Jewish female owner.”

“His mother?” I gasped. “He told me his mother had abandoned the entire family when he was a baby to become a Neil Diamond groupie and live Forever in Blue Jeans.”

“Gabe would never make up a bubbameister story like that,” she huffed. “I’ve obviously got the wrong number. Oh, and by the way, Milton’s deli is good for stuffed cabbage –but every good Jewish woman knows D.Z. Akins is the deli for corned-beef sandwiches. So your measly little gift card just sits in our kitchen junk drawer! And with that, she hung up on me. But I have a sneaking suspicion there’ll be a new and improved Gabe out on the market very soon. And I think I’ll call the next innocent consumer and forewarn her… about both Gabe and his busybody mother! Oy.

STEPHANIE D. LEWIS WILL INJECT HUMOR INTO ANYTHING YOU HIRE HER TO WRITE AT THEQUOTEGAL@YAHOO.COM.

PHOTO BY MATTY STERN / U.S. EMBASSY JERUSALEM

1000 WORDS

SYLVAN ADAMS TAKES TIKKUN OLAM TO NEW HEIGHTS

There is essentially no limit to Sylvan Adams’ commitment to biking, tikkun olam (the Jewish concept of repairing the world) and portraying his beloved country of Israel in a positive light. The Canadian-Israeli businessman and philanthropist, who made aliyah from Montreal along with his wife in 2015, has devoted himself to serving as a self-appointed “ambassador-at-large for the State of Israel.”

From Rwanda to Afghanistan, Adams uses his charm and philanthropy to show off Israel’s and Judaism’s finest qualities.

Adams aims to show the world what he calls the “normal Israel” and “the beautiful reality of the country to gigantic audiences around the world.” At a great financial cost, hundreds of millions of people are exposed to Israel in this light.

In 2018, Adams brought the first three stages of the Giro d’Italia, one of bicycle racing’s three Grand Tours, to Israel. It was the first time the famed race had taken place outside of Europe. More than 1 million Israelis lined the roads and cheered on riders for the three days of racing, and over a billion biking fans around the world viewed the event on TV, Adams notes.

In 2019, when Tel Aviv hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, Adams was the money and brains behind bringing legendary singer Madonna to make an appearance. More than 280 million people around the world saw Madonna — and Israel — on TV.

This summer, Adams was responsible for bringing three of soccer’s biggest stars to Tel Aviv for the Trophée des Champions,

the annual match between the champions of France’s top league and the winners of the Coupe de France, in 2022 Paris SaintGermain and FC Nantes, respectively.

Lionel Messi, Neymar and Sergio Ramos all scored for the Paris side in the sellout match at Bloomfield Stadium, which was viewed by 400 million fans, in addition to the hundreds of millions of social media followers of the game’s stars, who all posted from Tel Aviv.

The soccer event took place one week after Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (commonly referred to as Ichilov Hospital) inaugurated the Sylvan Adams Emergency Hospital, made possible by a $28 million gift from Adams. The 8,000-square-meter (86,000-square-foot), three-floor facility is the largest ER in the world.

Adams has also supported the creation of the Sylvan Adams Children’s Hospital at Wolfson Medical Center in Holon. The facility is the home of Save a Child’s Heart (SACH), a non-profit organization Adams also supports that has provided care to more than 5,400 children from 62 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and South America. The NGO has also performed life-saving surgery for Israeli and Palestinian children.

“SACH shows the true heart of Israel, fulfilling the Jewish imperative of tikkun olam around the world,” Adams says.

To date, he is the only Israeli member of the Giving Pledge, the organization started by Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates in which billionaires and near-billionaires

commit to giving away the majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes.

When Adams is not busy improving the world, the 63-year-old can be seen on his bike — around Israel and around the world. And he has found numerous ways to combine biking, charitable giving and Israel hasbara (public diplomacy).

The devoted biker won the World Masters Championship in Manchester, U.K., in 2017 and is co-owner of Israel-Premier Tech, Israel’s top cycling team that was formerly named Israel Start-Up Nation, and of its development team, Israel Cycling Academy. Israel-Premier Tech competes in the Union Cycliste Internationale’s World Tour, including the Tour de France, known for the 2.5 billion TV viewers and 15 million live spectators who line the streets and roads of France to experience the 23-day cycling event, and the Giro d’Italia, the secondbiggest bicycle race in the world. Adam’s team features Chris Froome, a four-time Tour de France winner.

While Israel Premier-Tech was competing in the Tour de Rwanda, Adams observes how integral bikes are for Rwandans. “Everybody rides bikes with baskets stuffed to the brim. We decided to take on a social mission and adapt the bikes. We provide bikes, helmets, shoes and Israeli cycling clothing. We also provide coaching from Israel and mechanics. Their enthusiasm and appreciation is infectious.”

Adams has also committed to promoting professional biking in Rwanda. “We fund the women’s team in Bugesera [district].” He is

quick to add, “Our work is based on the Jewish value of tikkun olam — our Jewish culture stresses the importance of tikkun olam — all they need is a chance.”

Over the past year, Adams has helped resettle more than 400 refugees from Afghanistan. Perhaps not surprisingly, this group includes some of the country’s top female cyclists.

Adams shared the behind-the-scenes rescue story with JNS in a recent Zoom interview. “Out of the blue, I got a call from a cycling reporter who works in Afghanistan. People were being killed and tortured for the sin of riding a bike. Is there anything you can do?”

Adams went to work. “I started making inquiries.” He contacted IsraAID.

When he learned that it would be possible to locate and assist all the members of the female national cycling team, Adams recalls resolving, “I got this — let’s try to save them. We need to act quickly.”

To date, more than 400 refugees have been rescued and resettled, in three waves.

The rescue mission, which began in 2021, continues to have a biking connection. The last group of female riders to escape the Taliban arrived in Switzerland for the Oct. 22 UCI Afghanistan Women’s National Championship after receiving special visas.

Marjan, the former captain of the Afghan national team, recounts, “I am a human being. I am a woman and I am a cyclist. To bike, I

risked my life. I was a victim and shot at just because I rode my bike. I thought I would die but I got back to my bike, but when the Taliban came back, I thought they would shoot me again. I escaped, found a new home, and now I am on my way to my first race in freedom! We are racing to show the world that Afghan women never give up. We are strong.”

Adams came out to greet the team. “I felt obligated. To save one life is to save the world. To see them race is uplifting. When I heard about the plight of the Afghan cyclists stranded in Afghanistan, a place where these women would be persecuted or possibly killed merely for riding their bikes, I felt an obligation to try to help. To be able to offer this help as a Jew, and as the owner of an Israeli team, felt even more meaningful, a sign of true shared responsibility. Indeed, the Talmud tells us that even a single life saved uplifts our world, and we saved 400 worlds.”

Mahraz, 16, left her entire family behind but expressed happiness here: “We are racing to show the whole world that Afghan girls never give up. They are strong.”

“It is all about our Jewish value of tikkun olam.”

Sylvan Adams (left) at the Oct. 22 UCI Afghanistan Women’s National Championship.

PHOTO BY NOA ARNON.

When attending any mitzvah event, particularly a Bar or Bat Mitzvah or a Jewish wedding, as a guest there are a few things that you can expect — as well as a few things that you may not. Read on for our guide.

Maybe this is your first time at a Bar-Mitzvah; perhaps you haven’t attended one in a long time. Or it may be the first time your child is invited as a guest, and you both need some guidance. Fret not.

B’NAI MITZVOT

Step 1: Decipher the Invitation

By this, we don’t mean pasting the Hebrew phrases in Google Translator; you won’t find the dress code there. Instead, the key information you need to find is:

Synagogue’s name. After learning the name, look for their website. You’ll know if the Temple identifies as Reform, Orthodox, Conservative, or Reconstructionist, which will give you a clue as to what to expect in many other aspects.

Additional events. There’s usually a reception after the service. Pay attention to the location: Does it take place in the Temple? Or is the party moving to a different venue? There may also be a separate event just for the younger crowd. Except for most Orthodox communities, the dress code and social conventions are more relaxed in outside venues.

Mentions of preferred gifts. Occasionally invitations may mention a gift registry; others will ask for donations to favorite charities in lieu of gifts.

Step 2. Plan ahead

As with everything, planning is the key to smooth sailing. The below tips assume you wish to show respect by following the community custom. Or at least you feel more comfortable blending in than standing out. However, they are just suggestions and in no way mandatory:

What To Wear

Though men usually wear elegant suits, and women wear dressy clothes; the variations typically depend on the synagogue’s denomination. Remember that even if your hosts don’t selfidentify as Orthodox or “religious,” they may still attend an Orthodox synagogue. Here, modesty reigns supreme: covered shoulders, mid-length or longer skirts, and no cleavage. When in doubt, wear a cardigan or shawl, which you may take off if

everyone else is bare-armed. Except at Orthodox synagogues, dress pants are also an option for women.

Regarding religious garb, men — and at some synagogues, women — cover their heads with kipot. This is a sign of respect, and you should follow suit. Don’t worry if you don’t own one; there’s usually a basket with kipot at the entrance of the Temple. Jewish men -and women in more liberal settings also wear the traditional shawl called Tallit, which is not expected or required from non-Jews.

Teens and Tweens

Usually, boys wear nice slacks and long-sleeved shirts for the synagogue. However, dark jeans with a plain t-shirt and a blazer are a cool alternative. This outfit also transitions well for the after-party.

Girls look nice in a skirt and top. For a more modern look, add a fun pleather jacket.

Thankfully, tennis shoes are all the rage now, so there is no need to torture your kids with expensive, wear-once-andoutgrow dress shoes. Instead, get them a fabulous pair, and they’ll be good to go!

Gifts

Though not required, bringing a present for the Bar Mitzvah Boy or Girl is customary. Some ideas include gadgets, lotions, fancy pens, gift cards, and, for sports fans, memorabilia. Of course, you can’t go wrong with cash: it is customary to give money in increments of $18 (the number that represents life), so you can do $18, $36, $72, and so on, depending on your budget.

Maybe this is your first time at a Bar Mitzvah; perhaps you haven’t attended one in a long time. Fret not.

Step 3. Enjoy

In Orthodox synagogues, men and women sit in different sections, but only at the most religious the separation extends to the reception. The Bar-mitzvah service is a rite of passage, signaling the transition from childhood to moral adulthood. The boy or girl are now considered adults and expected to follow the rules of Judaism and live by its moral code. Jewish kids usually prepare for this ceremony for an entire year, learning how to read the Torah and recite a portion called Haftarah. This is no easy task, and you’ll see the parents beaming with pride.

JEWISH WEDDINGS

You’ve received the invitation which reads: Dr. and Mrs. Morris Cohen and Mr. and Mrs. Epstein invite you to witness the union of their children, Rachel and Joshua, as they stand under the chuppah, Tuesday evening, November 15th, at Congregation Shir Tikva. Now, you wonder, what makes this a Jewish wedding? Here are a few elements that make this event uniquely Jewish.

What’s a Ketubah?

First, as a guest, you may not get to witness the actual signing which takes place before the ceremony, but likely the marriage contract, or ketubah, will be on display at the wedding reception and later in the couple’s home. This traditional document delineates what a husband is obligated to provide for his wife. Modern ketubahs may detail what each partner is committed to bringing to the marriage.

Tiffany’s 4Cs this ain’t but a cigar band won’t do!

The wedding band, an uninterrupted simple band, is placed on the index finger as that is considered most closely linked to the heart. The band is not to have any perforations or stones, signifying the continuity and permanence of marriage.

What’s a chuppah?

The ceremony itself takes place under the chuppah, a canopy, often a tallit, held by relatives. It symbolizes the couple’s new home. Traditionally, the bride circles the groom seven times, creating a barrier of protection from harm.

What is a sheva bracha?

Following the vows, the recitation of the sheva brachot, or seven blessings, are read by the rabbi or family members or friends, while toasting with wine. The blessings give gratitude to G-d for creating this complete state, where two people commit to each other and honor G-d over themselves.

Why does the groom break the glass?

After these blessings, the groom seals the deal by stepping on a glass (today, couples often use a light bulb wrapped in a napkin) to illustrate the fragility of a union or to demonstrate that life is composed of sorrow as well as joy. This is often met with cheers of “Mazal tov!” To celebrate and entertain the newlyweds, guests join hands and dance. Hora, anyone?

Fabienne has lengthy experience in diplomacy, humanitarian affairs & civic rights in San Diego and around the world.

Fabienne Perlov Regional Director

The Anti-Defamation League in San Diego welcomes its new Regional Director, Fabienne Perlov! Fabienne has lengthy experience in diplomacy, humanitarian affairs & civic rights in San Diego and around the world including more than a decade at the United Nations and the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons. Previously, Fabienne served as Project Director at the Center for Commerce and

Diplomacy at the UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy. She is experienced in the nonprofit space having served as Executive Director of the San Diego Diplomacy Council, which promotes global understanding and collaboration through professional, educational and cultural exchanges. She also served as Vice-Chair of the City of San Diego International Affairs Board, advising the San Diego Mayor and promoting the city’s cultural diversity. We look forward to Fabienne leveraging her passion and expertise in creating innovative programs and partnerships to advance ADL’s mission in the region.

We look forward to Fabienne leveraging her passion and expertise in creating innovative programs and partnerships to advance ADL’s mission in the region.

The Anti-Defamation League in San Diego welcomes its new Regional Director, Fabienne Perlov!

PUMPKIN BUCKWHEAT MUFFINS

BY TAMAR ROTHENBERG, MS, RDN

Feed your guests well on Thanksgiving morning with this perfect fall recipe. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, and a great option for holiday guests with sensitivities.

Ingredients

2 Tbs chia seeds

6 Tbs water coconut oil spray

1/2 cup buckwheat flour

1/2 cup brown rice flour

1/2 cup arrowroot starch

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1/3 cup maple syrup

2 tsp vanilla extract

3 Tbs coconut sugar (or other unrefined sugar)

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

Directions

1. Stir together chia seeds and water and let stand for 15 minutes to gel.

2. Grease muffin tin.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F.

4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flours, starch, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.

5. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin, oil, maple syrup and vanilla. Once chia has gelled, whisk into wet ingredients to combine.

6. Add wet to dry ingredients and stir to combine.

7. Add batter to muffin cups 3/4 full and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 25 minutes or until muffins spring back when touched.

8. Remove from oven and let stand for 2 minutes. Remove muffins from tin and let cool on wire rack.

9. Freeze leftovers.

Notes

These muffins are less sweet than most — feel free to add a bit more maple syrup if desired. Be sure to use plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix.

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 www.tamarrothenbergrd.com

This recipe was submitted by the non-profit organization, Sharsheret, The Jewish Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Community. This November, support Sharsheret's Ovarian Cancer Programs through the Pies for Prevention Thanksgiving Bake Sale. The sale was founded by sisters Sharon Wieder and Adeena Sussman in memory of their mother, Stephanie Sussman, and grandmother, Ann Nadrich, both of whom they lost to ovarian cancer. This program is sponsored in part by Merck. Order your pies and baked goods here: sharsheret.org/getinvolved/pies-for-prevention

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.

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

RESETTLING NORTH AMERICAN JEWRY IN ISRAEL

BY FAYGIE HOLT | JNS.ORG

Twenty years ago, Jews in North America weren’t exactly getting in line to relocate to Israel. Statistics on aliyah in 2002 found that fewer than 1,000 Jews relocated to the Jewish homeland that year.

Unlike Jews from the former Soviet Union or the Falash Mura from Ethiopia, there were no outside forces propelling North American Jewry through the gates of Ben-Gurion Airport as citizens and not tourists. The concept of moving to Israel by choice wasn’t something many Western Jews considered.

There was also no one on the Israeli side eagerly embracing American Jewry. What was awaiting American Jews who had decided to live there was a frustrating bureaucracy of paperwork, a language they for the most part could not speak, and no sure way to utilize their job skills and talents to provide for themselves, their families and their new homeland.

Of those who did give it a try, nearly half returned to the United States within a few years after giving it a “really good try,” according to an article on North American aliyah in the Feb. 14, 2001, edition of the Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia.

All of which the then-nascent organization Nefesh B’Nefesh, and its founders Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and businessman Tony Gelbart, wanted to change. As the Exponent article noted, the organization hoped to make aliyah become a bit easier with the establishment of a new, private, American-based organization titled Nefesh B’Nefesh, “Jewish Souls United.”

“Funds come from individual donors, and the first grants are expected to be given out this summer, with the average compensation for a family to run around $20,000. As part of its launch, the group also plans to charter a plane to Israel this summer for its inaugural recipients.”

A little more than 500 people made aliyah on the very first Nefesh charter flight. Among them were Laura Ben-David and her family.

“We were there from the start. It’s pretty incredible,” said BenDavid who described herself as always “Israel-oriented.”

“Aliyah then wasn’t normalized. It wasn’t like it is now; everybody knows people who made aliyah, not just people who live in Israel,” she said, adding that “Nefesh B’Nefesh made [it] cool.”

Fast-forward to August 2022, Nefesh B’Nefesh has become a game-changer in enabling Jews from North America and other areas to resettle in Israel. In fact, the Jewish Agency for Israel believes that Nefesh B’Nefesh put aliyah on the agenda of the North American Jewish community.

While the pull of Zionism — of Israel as the Jewish homeland — is a draw for many, making the move has become easier in recent years, particularly after two years of a pandemic and months of lockdowns.

“We had always thought about making aliyah, but COVID showed us that remote work is possible, and we thought maybe we can make this happen,” said Zehava Stemp, as she waited in line with her husband, Daniel, and their five children, ages 1 1/2 to 9, waiting to board Nefesh’s 20th-anniversary charter.

They were not alone. According to Yael Katsman, public-relations and communication director at Nefesh, intake surveys of new and prospective new immigrants (olim) since the pandemic, showed that many “saw that employment opportunities were greater now that the hybrid lifestyle became more widespread and viable.” Also, she said, people “grew more accustomed” to living farther away from family but still able to remain connected and even close, thanks to advances in technology.

Conversely, the other trend fueling aliyah is family following family.

Sam Leeman, the 75,000th “oleh,” or new immigrant to Israel, arrived on a Nefesh B’Nefesh flight that landed at Ben-Gurion International Airport.

PHOTO BY SHAHAR AZRAN.

That was the case for Rita and Gabriel Grumer, retirees from Dover, Del., who made aliyah on the 20th-anniversary charter flight.

Gabriel Grumer was born in Tel Aviv, but his family moved away when he was just 6 years old. Now at age 69, he and his wife, who grew up in the Bronx, N.Y., are moving to join their younger son, his wife and grandchild who live in Jerusalem.

“I have very little concerns,” he said. “It’s a different culture and a different way of living, but last year we spent 2 1/2months there, and we loved it. We felt like we were home.”

His wife agreed but went on to acknowledge that there will be some challenges like going to the supermarket and dealing with the bureaucracy. “You need to have patience,” she said.

According to Nefesh’s internal surveys, 90 percent of those who make aliyah with the organization remain for at least three years and are helping to spur growth in the Jewish state.

According to an audit by Deloitte on the “Economic Impact of Nefesh B’Nefesh Olim on the Israeli Economy,” those who come from North America “contribute significantly to Israel’s economy.”

“This is primarily due to the demographic characteristics of the olim: their level of education and employment,” the audit stated, and “their unique characteristics in the fields of innovation and medicine.”

The research found that 65 percent of North American olim come with a bachelor’s degree or higher level of education, and 35 percent of them work in one of four industries; education, nonprofit, health and technology.

The study, which examined data from 2002-2019, found that “for every shekel (30 cents) spent by the state to bring and absorb Nefesh B’Nefesh olim, NIS 4.7 ($1.38) were earned; three from income tax and 1.7 from the unique impact of the olim.”

As with any organization, Nefesh has continued to evolve over the years. For instance, the aliyah grants that were awarded in the organization’s early years are no longer offered because people were continuing to come regardless of the aid. Those funds are now being utilized in “various, different, essential ways,” according to officials with the organization.

Another major change has been the creation of a permanent space to serve as a communal hub for new arrivals. Located just over a walking bridge from Israel’s Supreme Court, the Nefesh B’Nefesh Marcus Foundation Aliyah Campus is a modern facility that serves as an “embassy of sorts, where olim can come and feel involved and that people care,” and where the agency can “unify our contributors” under one roof and to “express ourselves,” explained Fass.

Noting that Jews of every background — Ashkenazi, Sephardi, students, soldiers, religious, secular, young, old — join together on Nefesh’s flights — something that is a rarity in Israel, Fass believes that the building can serve as a bridge and place where such unity is evidenced each day through events and programming.

Already, it has been used as a wedding venue for lone soldiers, hosted regular Shabbat dinners for olim and students from local yeshivahs and seminaries, workshops and more.

The success of Nefesh B’Nefesh, which employs 100-plus people, doesn’t belong to the agency alone. Officials are quick to point out

the partnerships they have formed with Israeli organizations and agencies, among them the Israeli Ministry of Aliyah & Integration, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL), Jewish National Fund-USA and Tzofim-Garin Tzabar are what have made the process smoother.

Joint initiatives have included Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, the “Go Beyond” initiative, which encouraged residents to the periphery of the country — both north in the Galilee and south in the Negev — and provided them with services, grants and resources to do so. Another joint program was the MedEx partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Health, which streamlined the process for medical professionals to obtain proper credentials and certifications to work in Israel.

The Jewish National Fund, meanwhile, has partnered with Nefesh on a number of initiatives such as creating a Nefesh hub in Tel Aviv that serves as a workspace and venue for new olim; as well as JNF-USA’s Lauder Employment Center, which helps olim find job opportunities in the Negev and Galilee.

The groups work so closely together that the Israeli Ministry of Interior stores equipment in the Nefesh building enabling them to process new olim there. The ability to do so on a grand scale was put to the test earlier this year when tens of thousands of Jews from Ukraine and Russia arrived in Israel seeking citizenship and safety from their war-torn homes after Russia invaded on Feb. 24.

“The partnerships that Nefesh B’Nefesh has established are critical in ensuring that olim are able to easily integrate and excel in Israeli society following their aliyah,” said Katsman. “We work incredibly closely with our partners, as well as various governmental offices and agencies to advance changes in policy and legislation for olim.”

It is, she continued, “a holistic approach” that ensures everyone from different areas is “working together with us under one unified roof to ensure a streamlined aliyah process.”

The Jewish Agency says it has a solid and important partnership with Nefesh B’Nefesh, noting that they complement each other to the benefit of Israeli society given the impact new immigrants have on the economy, culture and more.

With 75,000 olim and 20 years of experience — not to mention a new central locale that hosts programs, Shabbat dinners, educational opportunities and more—the question is does Nefesh B’Nefesh need to do more; more to help those who have already made aliyah, those who are considering moving to Israel and more to fully integrate the immigrant Israeli population and the native Israeli population.

“The first 10 years were about removing the obstacles and facilitating aliyah. The next 10 to 20 years were about not only facilitating aliyah but leveraging skill sets of olim for the nation’s needs,” said Fass.

Said Nefesh co-founder Gelbart: “We started out to help people fulfill their dreams to make aliyah — that was the goal. From our first charter to our 63rd charter [in August] and all the 75,000 olim in between, we thank God for what we’ve accomplished. We are not stopping. We are just beginning.”

Faygie Holt was a guest of Nefesh B’Nefesh as part of the 20thanniversary and 63rd charter flight of NBN.

HOLOCAUST EDUCATION

COMBATTING JEW-HATRED

BY JACOB KAMARAS | JNS.ORG

On Oct. 27, the fourth anniversary of the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in U.S. history, hatred of Jews was a palpably inescapable reality in America — from the Kanye West scandal, to a series of anti-Semitic incidents in Los Angeles, to the discourse surrounding the U.N. Commission of Inquiry.

Yet those in search of a more uplifting message on that same day could find one at Congregation Beth El in La Jolla, Calif., where a delegation from the Sharaka NGO participated in a town hall meeting to articulate their vision of turning people-to-people peace into a reality.

Sharaka (“Partnership”) works to realize the potential of the Abraham Accords by building bonds between young leading voices of Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco to strengthen peace, trust and cooperation. In an interview with JNS before the San Diego-area event, Sharaka representatives shared the NGO’s plan to launch a Holocaust education program in 2023.

The seeds of the idea were planted this past April, when Sharaka brought Muslim participants from across the Islamic world on the International March of the Living, the annual 1.9-mile walk from the concentration camp at Auschwitz to the extermination camp of Birkenau in Poland to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. The group included Saudi, Bahraini, Syrian, Lebanese, Moroccan and Turkish participants, in addition to Arab Israelis and Palestinians.

“If we don’t stop anti-Semitism at a certain point, it will spread,”

Ahmed Khuzaie, Sharaka’s director of U.S. affairs, told JNS, calling the Holocaust “a human story. It’s not just about the Jews.”

Since the trip to Auschwitz, the visitors from the Islamic world “have wanted to do more [to counter anti-Semitism and spread Holocaust education] in their communities…every person who went there is an ambassador of the story,” said author Fatema Alharbi, Sharaka’s director of Gulf affairs, who was the first Bahraini youth to visit Israel after the signing of the Abraham Accords.

Sharaka’s forthcoming initiative aims to equip individuals from around the Arab world to launch Holocaust education programs in their countries, while using the Shoah as a vehicle to help people understand extremism in a broader sense.

“It’s important for us as Muslims, because fighting anti-Semitic acts is part of countering extremism,” Alharbi said. “We try our best through the programs we organize to raise more awareness about Jews and anti-Semitism happening all over the world. And we try educating our community so that they will not be part of the problem of anti-Semitism.”

The La Jolla event was hosted by the Jewish Federation of San Diego County, while the Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Southwest brought the Sharaka representatives to the U.S. It also featured remarks from San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, Consul General Hillel Newman and the federation’s President and CEO Heidi Gantwerk.

The mayor’s attendance, as well as the participation of U.S. state

governors, members of Congress and other influential political leaders at previous Sharaka events, “speaks a lot to the fact that this has to be a movement at levels, that peace and dialogue is the way forward against hatred and against extremism,” said Dan Feferman, Sharaka’s director of communications and global affairs.

“International politics filters to the local level,” Feferman said, “and it also means that major cities today are as important as some U.S. states and even some countries [in global efforts to combat extremism]. They have added responsibilities in that regard, and it’s good to see them take it seriously.”

Khuzaie said that political leaders’ participation in events promoting the Abraham Accords at a time of rising anti-Semitism “is beneficial solidarity…and a reflection of their interest in either raising awareness or fighting anti-Semitism, and of making sure that the public and the official side are on the same page, and that such sentiments of hate are not representing the nature of the community.”

Another member of the Sharaka delegation, Ibtissame Azzaoui, is a former member of the Moroccan parliament. When it comes to building on the momentum of the Abraham Accords, she said that her political experience “gives me a deeper view on Morocco’s relations with the world,” emphasizing the importance of “the values that I am defending either as a politician or as a civil society activist.”

Morocco’s rapprochement with Israel was a renewal of relations rather than a first-time normalization agreement, meaning that “we have to link it with the distinguished historical relationship” between the country and its Jewish community, Azzaoui said. Morocco is the only Arab country whose constitution recognizes Judaism as an identity referent, alongside Islam and Christianity.

“Our role, and what I see as the most important step to make these relations sustainable, is to invest in the people-to-people ties and build more bridges between the Israeli and Moroccan people,” she said.

Alharbi recalled the initial backlash she experienced over her participation in Abraham Accords-related efforts in 2020.

“It was harsh. People said all sorts of stuff like, ‘You’re not Muslim, you’re not Arab, you shouldn’t be going there [to Israel],” she said.

Yet by 2021, when Alharbi took the first Bahraini youth delegation to Israel, “so many people wanted to join, it got easier, and there was not as much backlash,” she said. And most recently, when Sharaka

launched its Bahraini chapter, she increasingly saw that “people didn’t mind being pictured in connection with an organization associated with Israel, and more people are asking about visas and flights to Israel.”

The Sharaka delegation’s visit to Southern California also included a stop at the University of California, Los Angeles, one of the many campuses across the U.S. that has become known as a hotbed of antiSemitism. Yet at UCLA as well as the other colleges and universities where Sharaka has held events, even those where anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism are chronic issues, Feferman said that “the challenging questions were respectful.”

In September, a Sharaka-organized delegation from Pakistan visited Israel, building momentum for possible normalization between the countries. The trip “sparked a major conversation in Pakistan” about the multifaceted benefits of relations with Israel, Feferman said.

Meanwhile, in regard to the Abraham Accords’ impact on efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Azzaoui said, “I think by opening doors, by having everybody around the table, we can reach that lasting peace that we want for everybody.”

"This has to be a movement at levels ... peace and dialogue is the way forward against hatred and against extremism.”

Finding a Special Purpose in Israel

BY BEA CARTER

Mitchell Kerbel

At first glance, Mitchell Kerbel seems like your typical 23-yearold. The American student lives in San Diego, attends community college and is brushing up on his rusty Hebrew. But one thing about him is different — he is preparing to enlist in Special in Uniform (SIU), a Jewish National Fund-USA affiliate that integrates young people with disabilities into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Kerbel has never let his diagnoses of autism and ADHD hold him back. He was adopted from Russia in 2000 when he was 18 months old. In the orphanage, there was no nurturing, insufficient food and water, and limited bonding time, all of which may have contributed to the challenges he faces, but that he doesn’t let stand in his way. When he first learned about Special in Uniform in 11th grade, he never forgot about the program’s promise.

“It seemed like an amazing program, and I kept it in my mind; it stuck with me,” Kerbel says.

So, when IDF Major (Res.) Tiran Attia, the Director of Special in Uniform, traveled to the Kerbels’ hometown in December 2021, Kerbel was eager to meet with him. Though SIU no longer takes on lone soldiers, Tiran recognized Kerbel’s passion and commitment right away — and made a split-second decision to ask him to join.

“When he asked me, do you really want to do this? At first, it took me a little bit of time to think about it,” Kerbel says.

“Yeah, like a minute!” Kerbel’s mother, Sabrina adds with a laugh. The Kerbels also have family in Israel, so Sabrina knows her son will feel at home.

“They put you into a job because of your abilities. They test you and put you somewhere, and if they see you are progressing, they’ll promote you. If not, they’ll find something else you can do. They don’t give up on you,” Kerbel says.

Most importantly, Kerbel feels that the organization empowers him and affords him opportunities to give back to Israel in a way he never expected.

The Kerbels also believe SIU is a meaningful program for individuals with autism and other disabilities because of the organization’s promise of lifelong support. SIU helps former service members integrate into Israeli society by finding them jobs and group homes, as well as helping them build the professional and social skills necessary for employment.

“I really wish that more countries would look after people with disabilities by saying they have the ability, as opposed to what most people do, where they limit what people with disabilities can do,” says Sabrina. “As a parent, it’s such a relief to know that there’s something out there like that.”

As of now, the IDF is the only military in the world that integrates people with special needs into their forces.

Kerbel will travel to Israel this summer to meet with Tiran at the base in Palmachim. Since their meeting, he has been practicing his Hebrew. His father, who passed away, used to speak often to him in

Hebrew, but now, he’s a little out of practice. It’s a requirement to be fluent in Hebrew to join SIU and the IDF, so Kerbel will spend some time getting up to speed. Talking to his extended family, most of whom speak Hebrew, will help.

Eventually, he will also need to become an Israeli citizen.

Neither of the Kerbels is nervous about his service or the life he envisions in Israel. Instead, both are excited he has found a meaningful way to give back — and be part of a community.

“As a Jewish mother, all I want for Mitchell is for him to meet and be surrounded by Jewish people his age who accept him for who he is, help him grow his passion and love for Israel, and become a proud and active contributing member of Israeli society,” Sabrina says.

Gold Finch Deli Strikes an Artful Balance

Balancing tradition and modernity

BY JACOB KAMARAS

San Diegans in search of a unique blend of tradition, modernity, and creativity can find it at Gold Finch, the recently opened quick-service delicatessen and full-service restaurant in Torrey Pines.

The menu is a nod to the childhood memories of owner Tracy Borkum, who grew up in London’s Jewish epicenters, Golders Green and Finchley neighborhoods, for which the restaurant was named. The self-described “modern delicatessen rooted in Jewish immigrant culture” recontextualizes staples of Ashkenazi and Sephardic-style cooking, including family recipes passed down from Tracy’s mother, aunt, and grandmother.

Dining with my fellow Jewish media publisher, Diane Benaroya of L’CHAIM magazine, we thoroughly analyzed the extensive and adventurous menu before ordering the shakshuka, loaded giant latke, and banana fritter.

The latke — topped with fried egg, mushroom, broccoli rabe caramelized onion, and horseradish labneh — was plated so beautifully that I initially hesitated to spoil the sight by eating it. Once I eventually delved in, the diverse array of flavors kept me captivated, while the perfectly crispy latke delivered comfort food at its finest. (Pro tip: For those who aren’t necessarily horseradish aficionados, ask your server to hold the horseradish labneh or bring it on the side.)

Diane focused on the notably green shakshuka, as opposed to the more familiar red variety. Sauced up with tomatillo, spinach, chucks of potato, cilantro, dill and za’atar, the eggs were perfectly poached. Paired with nine grain toast, the dish proved to be excellent.

Served with cinnamon sugar, halvah ice cream, toffee coffee syrup, the banana fritter was a delightful, yet not overwhelming sugar rush. The banana is almost beside the point, as even those who aren’t banana lovers will enjoy the delectable cinnamon sugar coating. Tracy was also kind enough to send us home with Gold Finch’s rugelach, which easily melt in your mouth.

The ambiance was just as enjoyable as the food. Located at 3040 Science Park Road, the eatery’s 1,400 square-foot interior and exterior space was designed by Tracy, who is not only a restaurateur but also a design maven. And it shows. The venue is modern, light, and airy; and the vibe is a pleasing happy medium between upscale and casual. You can’t go wrong sitting outdoors or indoors, especially with the latter’s “indoor-outdoor” feel.

If at any given moment you’re torn between traditional Jewish-style food and a more novel option, give Gold Finch a try.

JACOB KAMARAS IS EDITOR AND PUBLISHER OF SAN DIEGO JEWISH WORLD.

Morah Leora: Teacher Extraordinaire

BY BARBARA BIRENBAUM

Leora Lazarus, best selling author, educator, storyteller, is one of the most admirable people I know. Her warmth, generosity, kindness, altruism, ingenuity, humility, persistence, and creativity never cease to be amazing. She is a force from within, withstands pressure and rises above adversity. She is a self-starter, a creative artist, and an independent and self-driven dynamo who is always learning and growing.

A Jewish educator by nature and an early childhood educator by trade, Morah Leora combines these strengths with skills she has developed intrinsically. Currently she serves Ner Tamid Synagogue in Rancho Bernardo, teaching Shul School and leading services for little ones and is the Judaica specialist at two synagogue preschools, Tifereth Israel in San Carlos and Temple Adat Shalom in Poway. She infuses these programs passionately with Jewish values and curriculum using stories, songs, and puppets. Soon she’ll be presenting professional development programs incorporating storytelling and books into early childhood classrooms. Previously, she organized, brought and taught a self-contained traveling preschool into underprivileged communities offering families a rich array of materials and lessons supporting the development of young children who would not otherwise have had the opportunity.

As a serious storyteller, Leora fullfils her promise to her Bobba to

keep alive the stories of the Shoah. One way she does this is through regular appearances highlighting her family’s experiences as a featured storyteller for TeachtheShoah.org, an organization dedicated to “ensuring that the story of the Holocaust lives beyond the survivors”.

Leora has written and self-published 10 children’s books that are meaningful and carry messages that children need to hear and educators need to share. Each one of her books was born from a need and fills a need in the lives of young children.

Naughty Norman, her first book, is a counting book for the youngest readers and includes a number of different counting modalities. Next came Flurble, Five Yucky Creatures, One Disgusting Sound, offering children a delightful outlet for bathroom language, which was (and remains) a challenge in young classrooms.

Her Jewish holiday books reach far beyond the norm and teach genuinely important concepts with charming, clear language understood by children and appreciated by teachers and parents. The Tree and Bird series includes A Simchat Torah Adventure and A Havdalah Adventure. Tree and bird are friends who allow each other to shine while discovering the beauty these holidays. The Tu B’Shevat Etrog promotes the cycle, science and patience of growing a tree from a seed. In the past three years, she has produced a book a year and began creating the artwork as well with delightfully unique results. The Mask Mitzvah (which has two alternate versions, one secular and one Spanish) is illustrated with collage, A Gift for Shira, illustrated with clay is about receiving the Ten Commandmentes at Shavuot, and most recently, The Seven Days of Creation, carefully illustrated by quilling. Resourcefully, she uses materials she has on hand or from recycle bins. Developing the self confidence to trust her process and her creative skills, she has surprised herself with this newfound success. She challenges herself with each new project and her newest book is in the works for Hannukah utilizing her talent with fabric arts.

Her Etsy store offers felt board kits for all the Jewish holidays featuring authentic designs and are affordable resources for educators.

YOU CAN FIND MORAH LEORA ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER, YOUTUBE AND LINKEDIN. HER PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON AND ETSY. REACH OUT VIA HER WEBSITE, WWW. MORAHLEORA.COM TO SCHEDULE A PRESENTATION OR READ-ALOUD IN PERSON OR THROUGH ZOOM.

Creative Connection

BY L'CHAIM STAFF

about life in a trusted way; and a tangible piece of art and visual memento of their time together.

BUSY HANDS AND OPEN HEARTS

What happens when hearts are open, sharing arts and crafts and conversation? We hear with less judgment and practice the art of communication with our children. The Duet Project encourages moms and daughters to nurture confidence in their ability to express themselves verbally and artistically in a loving environment.

The first words of the Torah are B’raysheet Bara Adonai — and God Created. Sharing a creative, interactive, and intentional experience between mothers and daughters provides a healthy pathway to establish skills for expressing thoughts, ideas and feelings. That is the essence of The Duet Project, a convenient and innovative program developed by Amy Miller — mom, credentialed teacher, facilitator, parent coach, artist and Jewish summer camp “Camp Mom.”

Inspired by the long-term impact of nurturing healthy communication habits while keeping hands busy with arts and crafts with her own daughters, Amy created The Duet Project so that other mothers and daughters could strengthen their bond in a unique and playful way.

In launching this program, Amy witnessed the benefits for mothers and daughters that she envisioned.

“This has let us connect and we have just learned more about each other, and I think we’ve grown to understand each other better and love each other better,” a 12-year-old participant said.

Designed for pairs to have meaningful conversations about real life topics, the program offers heartfelt exchange, building a solid foundation through expression; dedicated activities to complete and look forward to monthly; the ability to share stories and perspectives

“What makes a good friend?” or “Did you ever have to end a friendship, and how did you do it?” How would you answer those questions? How would your daughter or mom answer those questions? Discovering our answers to these questions, and others, in a non-emotionally charged environment allows us to strengthen our bond. Questions start out easy to ask and answer and evolve to more intimate to build a bridge of support and understanding.

THE DUET PROJECT COMES TO LIFE

The Duet Project is a monthly offering delivered to your inbox that guides pairs towards a deeper connection using themed conversation starter questions while working side-by-side on a themed craft project. Amy designed this program knowing that busy hands open hearts, and when hearts are open, the impact on relationships can be extraordinary. Themed conversation starters with topics such as gratitude, friendship and courage support the artistic time together exploring projects like mixed media art, paint pouring and card making.

Any age is the right time to cultivate a stronger connection — from 5 to 105. The Duet Project makes a great gift for you and your daughter, or for a special pair of women in your life - and you don’t have to be an artist.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.AMYSARTPALETTE.COM.

What are the Jews Watching?

BY SHARON RAPOPORT

The Patient: A Thriller with a Lot to Say About Judaism

There’s nothing more relaxing than a good thriller. Really. My troubles suddenly seem laughable, my challenges surmountable, my mind is elsewhere. “The Patient,” a psychological thriller, not only provides such escapism; it works itself into a clever commentary on how to escape. It is also a story with Jewish and universal appeal about manhood, meaning, and murder.

In the FX limited series, currently streaming on Hulu, Steve Carrell plays Dr. Alan Strauss, a prestigious Jewish psychotherapist. Sam, a patient with murderous compulsions, decides to bring his therapy home by kidnapping Dr. Strauss. The good doctor is no Zohan, though. Freedom will only come by using his professional training, thoughts, and mind.

Everyone here is running from something. While Sam is trying to evade a traumatic relationship with his father, Alan has time to reflect on the fractured connection with his son. See, the Strauss family is

a veritable sampler of Jewish flavors. Alan’s wife is a female Cantor; there’s the frum son — “he joined a cult;” the secular daughter. The way they view, offend, and interact, mirrors the often prejudiced dynamic between Jewish denominations. The exploration of Judaism runs deeper, though, as visions of the Holocaust start visiting Dr. Strauss, ultimately holding the key to his release.

The Patient shows there’s room for serious reflection within an entertaining story. Worth mentioning is the discussion about Man in Search of Meaning, the book by Jewish psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl. Ultimately, The Patient is a story about acceptance, fatherhood, and meaning, wrapped in the shiny package of binge-worthy TV.

THE PATIENT IS CREATED BY JOEL FIELDS AND JOSEPH WEISBERG; AND STARS STEVE CARRELL, DOMHNALL GLEESON, AND LAURA NIEMI.