L'Chaim Magazine December 2018 by L'Chaim San Diego Magazine

ITZHAK PERLMAN

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DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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contents

December 2018/January 2019 • www.lchaimmagazine.com

COVER STORY Itzhak Perlman: Violin Virtuoso.................................................................................................................

FOOD Traditional Scottish "Keepin'" Cakes....................................................................................................... ARTS Hershey Felder.................................................................................................................................................... Diana the Musical.............................................................................................................................................. David Sedaris.......................................................................................................................................................

10 16

HERSHEY FELDER

12 14 15

18 19 20 22 24 28 30 32

FEATURES Holocaust Remembrance Day.................................................................................................................. Alexander Muss High School..................................................................................................................... First Israeli Moon Landing..........................................................................................................................

KEEPIN' CAKE

Linda-Anne Kahn.............................................................................................................................................. A Fusion of Food and Fashion................................................................................................................ Exotic Animals of the Bible........................................................................................................................ Charitable Contributions and New Tax Laws.................................................................................

$1 Million Donation to UCSD...................................................................................................................... COLUMNS

08 35

Torah: Of the Book...........................................

Mazel and Mishagoss............................

JewishMom.com................................................

PUBLISHERS Diane Benaroya & Laurie Miller

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Laurie Miller CONTRIBUTORS Daniel Bortz, Donald H. Harrison, Steve Horn, Stephanie Lewis, Salomon Maya, Mimi Pollack, Sharon Rapoport, Eva Trieger, Deborah Vietor, Chana Jenny Weisberg

ADVERTISING & SALES Diane Benaroya (dianeb@lchaimmagazine.com), Sharon Buchsbaum (sharonbux@gmail.com) 4

FOOD AND FASHION

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO, LLC (858) 776-0550 San Diego, CA 92127 EDITORIAL editor@lchaimmagazine.com

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SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: www.lchaimmagazine.com/shop Copyright ©2018 L’Chaim San Diego LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator” to: publisher@lchaimmagazine.com Published in San Diego, CA • www.lchaimmagazine.com

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TORAH l BY RABBI DANIEL BORTZ

the book Out With the Old, In With the New

s we approach the Gregorian new year of 2019, it’s customary in our culture to take on new resolutions, utilizing this time for a fresh start in an area of our lives. Even though we celebrate our New Year on Rosh Hashanah, it’s always worthwhile to take good resolutions upon ourselves. But far from occurring only once a year, this excitement for newness and renewal is embedded in the entire fabric of our reality. We see the human attraction to the new everywhere. A new song and a new melody or verse within that song brings joy. A novel insight by a teacher gladdens the mind and heart. We even have a special blessing for a new Mitzvah or item, known as: “She’hechiyanu”. Sadly, we humans may seek newness often to our detriment. From intimate relationships and friends to our religious beliefs, we can get bored and search for the next exciting thing. And sometimes it’s the opposite: We gravitate to our favorite songs and movies, the loyalty and love of our spouse and best friends, to the religion and culture we grew up with. Which way is better and is there a way to harmonize these two human desires? The Jewish mystics teach that our universe wasn’t only formed once, but is being created with new energy and intention at every 8

moment of every day. Every second we live is a new opportunity for change and growth. No matter our past, or how bad today’s been going, we can rectify it all by utilizing this moment for positivity. The Torah says: “And Abraham was getting older (literally: ‘coming with his days’)” — he was bringing every moment and day he had utilized for good with him to the next world. Every moment is new! Every interaction with a loved one is fresh. Imagine if today you approached the same person you’ve known forever, as if you had just met them. Might your discussion and connection take on a heightened value? The truth isn’t very far from this. Every morning we say “modeh ani” — thanking G-d for returning my soul and giving me new life today. Look at the same flowers and streets and sky with a fresh pair of eyes today. The killer to inspiration and spirituality is jadedness through repetition. The antidote is appreciating newness through a fresh, elevated perspective. New adventures, journeys, teachings, friends, art — can be very beneficial and growth inducing. But as valuable is approaching nature and routine — the old — with new eyes. The word for song in Hebrew is “niggun”, in Hebrew: nungimmel-nun. It’s a palindrome, like a song

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

which goes around and around. In the numerical symbolism of gematria, The word can be broken up into: Nun — 50, and Gan — garden. 50 symbolizes transcendence, going beyond 7x7 (the natural order), into the Garden of Eden. A song is like a circle that repeats but each time taking us higher. There’s a reason we dance in circles at joyous occasions; it’s a taste of infinite potential, joy and unity without end. In Jewish law, husband and wife separate every month from intimate contact for a certain amount of time, followed by an immersion into a mikvah — body of water. The deep wisdom here is in the fostering of newness and inspiration in a lifelong relationship. Far from a lowering of love and connection, in marriage we look to appreciate our partner with a newly felt and appreciated love. For this year’s resolution, let’s decide to take every moment with newfound appreciation of everything we see and have; for another new breath in this unique life.

RABBI DANIEL BORTZ IS THE DIRECTOR OF JTEEN SAN DIEGO (JTEENSD.COM) AND FOUNDER OF THE TEEN SUCCESS ACADEMY. WATCH HIS VIDEOS AT RABBIBORTZ.COM.

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COVER STORY

ITZHAK PERLMAN Violin Virtuoso

PHOTO COURTESY BBC

BY EVA TRIEGER

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

COVER STORY

he words “violin virtuoso” conjure up images of somber, formal men or women in black tuxedos or floor length gowns, earnestly trying to produce euphonious strains on a beautiful, flawlessly crafted precise and temperamental instrument, carved of maple, spruce or ebony wood and adorned with catgut strings. This is what I believed until I watched a PBS special, which aired on October 14, 2018. Itzhak Perlman completely blew the stereotype out of the water! It is precisely this joie de vivre and animated quality that defines Perlman and makes him so accessible, simpatico and human. The Israeli-born violinist and conductor began life in Tel Aviv, where he evidenced a unique musical aptitude as a very young child. At four years of age Perlman contracted polio, and lost the use of his legs. This seems not to have deterred his pursuit of musical excellence, as proven in his first public concert just six years later. He was just getting warmed up! This past November 2 marked the 60th anniversary of Itzhak Perlman’s debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, a staple in nearly every American household in the 1950s and 60s. A chubby, 13 year-old Perlman served Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto to a ravenous and awestruck crowd. This is but one example of Perlman’s divergence from so many other world-renowned violinists. After drawing national attention, Itzhak went on to study at Julliard School where he benefited from the teaching of great violinists who groomed him for a performance at Carnegie Hall. This led the 20-year-old to garner the coveted Leventritt Competition, giving him global recognition. Itzhak is equally famous for his forays into arenas beyond the strings section. He has conducted the Houston Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Boston Symphony and the orchestras of every major US and Canadian city you can imagine! Internationally, Perlman has held the baton and waved his hands for the Berlin Philharmonic, Concertgebouw Orchestra, London Philharmonic, the English Chamber Orchestra and his own Israel Philharmonic. He exhibits great skill in coaxing a variety of moods and tones from whomever he is directing, both with his musical selections and unique interpretations. Perlman does not restrict his music to the concert hall. He donned a Mets’ jersey and played the national anthem on the pitcher’s mound during a Yankees-Mets game in 2016. Perlman’s impact has been noted through numerous awards and music programs, created by him and his wife of more than fifty years, violinist, Toby Friedlander. Having won four Emmy awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award, sixteen Grammy awards and many more honors, it was clearly time for a documentary on this rare and august man. Alison Chernick’s film, Itzhak has been touted as a “love story on so many levels,” according to the Los Angeles Times. The film chronicles the life, loves and achievements of Perlman from his earliest days in Israel to the present. Included in the film

are candid moments with Itzhak, his wife, Toby, friend, Alan Alda, as well as the family. The intimate moments reveal how Toby and Itzhak met at a music camp, and the smitten young woman proposed to the 17-year-old. The couple celebrates a Shabbat meal with their children and grandchildren, proud of their Jewish heritage. The film is available in its entirety on Amazon Prime, and may be purchased on Amazon. Philanthropy and education register high on the Perlman’s menschlekeit list. Mindful of his own physical struggles, Itzhak uses appropriate public moments to champion the cause of the disabled, and has donated generously to a number of foundations and research concerns. Upon being awarded the 2016 Genesis Prize of $1 million, Perlman, the “Jewish Nobel,” funneled the gift directly toward projects earmarked to create programs that “foster the inclusion of people with disabilities in Jewish life, Israeli society and classical music.” The Perlman Music Program was created at the Juilliard School, and Itzhak has been a full time teacher there each summer since its inception. Toby Friedlander Perlman created this program with the idea that “all gifted young musicians are nurtured with kindness and respect.” The virtuoso recently treated 75,000 San Francisco Bay Area children to a free concert, performed with many of his students. The bill of fare included Gershwin, Liszt and Bach. Perlman credits his love of violin to one of his earliest role models and mentors, Jewish violinist, Jascha Heifetz, to whom he listened on the radio. He also combines his pragmatism with his romanticism. In the trailer to Itzhak, Perlman quips he became a great musician because “you have a talent: use it. You’re not going to be a tennis player.” His passion and zeal come through in his playing and as one man said, “this is not music. It is praying with the violin.” CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS IN ESCONDIDO WILL HAVE THE HONOR AND GREAT FORTUNE TO WELCOME ITZHAK PERLMAN ON JANUARY 19 AT 7:30 P.M. IN THE CONCERT HALL. TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED BY PHONE AT (800) 988-4253 OR ONLINE AT MY.ARTCENTER.ORG.

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ARTS

Hershey Felder

The incomparable actor, author, singer and piano virtuoso returns to San Diego BY EVA TRIEGER

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

ARTS

PHOTO BY DAREN SCOTT

"Our Great Tchaikovsky" starring Hershey Felder

f there is a persona that Hershey Felder cannot embody, I am unaware of it. This brilliant actor, author, singer and piano virtuoso has been enchanting and educating audiences the world over. This Canadian-born phenom has virtually given us the reincarnation of many of the greatest musical contributors in history, for nearly the past 20 years. The Berkeley Rep featured Frederic Chopin, The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts hosted Claude Debussy, Leonard Bernstein was seen at the McCallum Theater in Palm Desert, and Irving Berlin was channeled at the Cleveland Playhouse, with a side trip to New York City’s 59E59 Theaters. Tchaikovsky enthralled audiences in Hartford, Connecticut, just as Franz Liszt wowed them at Laguna Playhouse. And now, San Diego audiences will be treated to Hershey Felder’s transformation into Ludwig van Beethoven. The San Diego Rep’s Lyceum Stage is delighted to have Felder’s energetic and passionate devotion personified through his keystrokes. The pianist will perform Beethoven’s 5th and 9th symphonies, Moonlight Sonata, Pathetique, Emperor Concerto, Fur Elise and other beloved pieces from February 21 through March 24. Tickets may be purchased by phone at (858) 544-1000 or online at sdrep.org. WWW.LCHAIMMAGAZINE.COM

ARTS

Diana

the Musical

PHOTO BY LITTLE FANG

Tony Award-winning creators of Memphis return to The La Jolla Playhouse with Diana

Jeanna de Waal as Princess Diana

a Jolla Playhouse will close out its 2018/2019 season with Diana, a world-premiere musical from the Tony Awardwinning creative team behind Memphis: Joe DiPietro (book and lyrics), David Bryan (music and lyrics) and Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley (director). “One of the best things about La Jolla Playhouse is the way it serves as an artistic home to which amazing artists return again and again to develop their work,” said Ashley. “Among my favorite long-time collaborators are Joe DiPietro and David Bryan — their new musical brings to the stage one of the greatest cultural icons in modern history, and I can’t wait to share it with Playhouse audiences.” In 1981, an assistant kindergarten teacher married the Prince of Wales and, overnight, became the most famous woman in the world. But behind the fairytale, there was a troubled marriage and a young woman struggling to find her voice. Facing an entrenched monarchy and unprecedented media scrutiny, Princess Diana surprises everyone — including herself — as she grows into a global phenomenon and manages to change the world. Christopher Ashley and the writers behind the Tony Award-winning musical Memphis create this highlyanticipated musical, featuring an epic and sweeping contemporary score. Taking on the title role will be British actress Jeanna de Waal, whose Broadway credits include Lauren in Kinky Boots and Heather 14

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

in American Idiot, among others. “For this iconic role, we were looking for someone who could portray Princess Diana’s incredible warmth and poise, along with her deep inner resolve to forge her own identity in the highly controlled environment of the royal family,” Ashley remarked. “A rising star on Broadway, British actress Jeanna de Waal embodies all these traits and more, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have her on board as we develop this extraordinary new musical at the Playhouse.” Following Diana, the Playhouse will launch its 2019/2020 season with the world premieres of Put Your House in Order by Ike Holter, directed by Lili-Anne Brown, and The Luckiest, by Melissa Ross, directed by former Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Jaime Castañeda, developed as part of the Playhouse’s 2018 DNA New Work Series. The season will also include the Berkeley Repertory Theatre production of Kiss My Aztec!, book by John Leguizamo (Playhouse’s Latin History for Morons) and Tony Taccone, music by Benjamin Velez, lyrics by David Kamp, Benjamin Velez and John Leguizamo, directed by Tony Taccone, based on a screenplay by John Leguizamo and Stephen Chbosky; and Cambodian Rock Band, by UC San Diego MFA graduate Lauren Yee, featuring songs by the acclaimed Cambodian-American band Dengue Fever, directed by Chay Yew. Two additional productions and run dates for the 2019/2020 season will be announced shortly. “The 2019/2020 season showcases four riveting new pieces that represent a multitude of vibrant and vigorous voices, all of which examine — in vastly different ways — how ordinary people attempt to persevere under extraordinary circumstances,” Ashley said. “John Leguizamo and Tony Taccone’s new musical takes us back to the 16th century in a savagely funny and deeply-irreverent piece about the Aztec resistance to the Spanish conquistadores; rising Chicago playwright Ike Holter’s Put Your House in Order is a witty, suspenseful cross between a romantic comedy and apocalyptic thriller; Melissa Ross’s The Luckiest – developed during our 2018 DNA New Work Series — paints a moving picture of a young woman attempting to re-take control of her life in the face of a serious illness; and UC San Diego MFA alumna Lauren Yee’s Cambodian Rock Band is a redemptive and rocking story of a father and daughter finding each other amidst decades-old secrets.” MORE INFORMATION ON LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE’S CURRENT AND UPCOMING SEASONS IS AVAILABLE AT LAJOLLAPLAYHOUSE.ORG OR BY CALLING (858) 550-1010.

ARTS

David

Sedaris

Comedian will share a new collection of diary entries in La Jolla BY EVA TRIEGER

PHOTO COURTESY WEINBERG CENTER FOR THE ARTS

David Sedaris.

David Sedaris How many individuals can air their dirty laundry, family tragedies and personal foibles publicly, and win friends and support by doing so? Well, probably not many, but David Sedaris is certainly the exception to the rule! San Diegans will be treated to his delightful wit, wisdom and biting social critique when he takes the Balboa Theater Stage on January 16, 2019. Using his own tsuris as fodder, Sedaris establishes rapport with his readers. He is, at once self-deprecating and selfrighteous, and this combination earns him credibility and panache! This comedian has published ten books which have been translated into 25 languages. This, in addition to his co-authoring plays with sister, Amy, have earned him the title of Master of Satire and three Grammy Award nominations. Sedaris’ book was released in May 2017, a collection of his diaries called Theft by Finding: Diaries (1977-2002). What I found most intriguing is that in interviews about this book, the comic/author details that he read them and found the entries in need of gussying up and so he re-wrote his history. Of course, no one has a license to rewrite history except the creator of it. Upon researching Sedaris, I was gratified and amazed to learn that he does not leave his book signings without talking with each and every person who shows up to hear him. He greets each guest and

"A really good aspect of a diary [is that] your life is just written down and on paper." signs his book. He actually spent over ten hours at a book signing to make certain that every individual received their individually dedicated copy! Sometimes this works out well for the purchaser... and other times ... well, apparently not as they expected, depending on his perception of the purchaser. However, they get an authentic experience due to this diligent and passionate author. Sedaris’ most recent work is a collection of essays entitled Calypso, published in 2018. This is a continuation of earlier diary entries and was accompanied by a companion piece, an art book,” David Sedaris Diaries: A Visual Compendium. The next book is due out in summer of 2020 and will feature later diary entries. David Sedaris is more self-aware and self-conscious than many writers. He said, about the sharing of his diaries that some would understand and others would not, but that he would not compromise his entries “I’m always surprised by things I’d been telling myself for years had been other people’s fault, but then I would look in my diary and realize it was completely my fault! But I think that’s a really good aspect of a diary — your life is just written down and on paper, and sometimes you read it, and you’re just appalled by your judgment or by your jealousy or your pettiness. It’s OK to be reminded of it every now and then ...” This spokesman for our time is not to be missed and whether or not you harmonize with his sensibilities, don’t miss this opportunity. Get tickets for his show. FOR TICKETS, VISIT ARTPOWER.UCSD.EDU. WWW.LCHAIMMAGAZINE.COM

FOOD | ETHEL G. HOFMAN | JNS.ORG

TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH 'KEEPIN' CAKES'

PHOTO BY ETHEL G. HOFMAN

THESE BUTTERY TREATS TAKE TASTE TO A NEW LEVEL

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

FOOD

iet, be damned! I’ll bake, serve and savor every morsel of my mother’s buttery cakes. Memories, unbidden, flash through my mind; I’m transported to my mother’s Shetland Island kitchen. My mother, Jean Greenwald, called them “keepin’ cakes”. She was probably influenced by the extensive makeahead baking that Scots do in preparation of Hogmanay (the riotous Scottish New Year’s Eve celebration). Rich, buttery (and a different oil of sorts), and studded with dried fruits and spices, they were baked in advance, and tightly wrapped and stored. These “keepin’ cakes” won my mother the highest compliment: “a superb baker.” On our island home, doors were never locked. Friends and neighbors would drop in unannounced, especially during the eight days of Chanukah. They were sure of a welcoming pot of tea, kept warm under a padded tea “cosy” (cover) and a luscious variety of Jean Greenwald’s “keepin’ cakes.” Tea, cakes and gossip, repeated every afternoon in our bright, warm kitchen. At these tea times, my mother never failed to tell the story of the biblical Judith, who fed Holofernes, the enemy general, enormous quantities of cheese (possibly a smooth rich ricotta or cream cheese that slips down easily), then plied him with copious drafts of heavy red wine to quench his resulting thirst. As planned, he fell into a stupor so deep that he was quickly beheaded by Judith. Without their leader, the enemy fled, and Judith’s town was saved. Her bravery is said to have inspired Judah Maccabee and

his followers to clean and re-dedicate the sacred Temple in the second century BCE. Although my mother’s “keepin’ cake” custom originated many years ago, the bake and store-ahead method fits in admirably well with contemporary frantic schedules. Rich in butter, this cake can be stored three to four days before serving. Wrap and store in a cool, dry place; the day of serving, bring to room temperature. All of these cakes may be frozen, removed from the freezer about four to six hours before serving.

INGREDIENTS 1 cup glacé cherries, halved 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 3/4 sticks (7 ounces) butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon almond extract 4 large eggs 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon allspice or nutmeg

GENERAL TIPS AND TRICKS *No need to use a heavy Mixmaster, which I’ve relegated to the basement (just in case one far-off day I should need it.) A handheld electric mixer does the job, and it’s easy to clean. *For fail-safe turnout, line the bottom of baking pans with wax paper after spraying with nonstick baking spray. *To soften butter, cut into six or seven pieces. Leave in a covered bowl at room temperature overnight.

2. Line the bottom of a medium-size loaf pan (8½ x 4½ x 2½ inch) with wax paper. Spray bottom and sides of pan with nonstick cooking spray with flour. Toss the cherries with 2 teaspoons of the flour. Set aside.

GLACÉ CHERRY LOAF (DAIRY)

Serves 10-12 Cook’s Tips: *Cut cherries in halves with kitchen scissors. *Toss with 2 teaspoons flour to avoid sticking and dropping to bottom of cake. *In a pinch, use vanilla extract instead of almond. Buy: Glacé cherries, almond extract

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

3. In a medium bowl, beat the butter, sugar and almond extract until pale, 1-2 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, along with about ¼ cup of the flour. Mix well. 4. Add the baking powder, allspice or nutmeg, and the remaining flour, gradually mixing to blend. Using a wooden spoon, fold in the cherries. Transfer mixture to prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spoon. 5. Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes or until risen, golden and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in center. Cool completely before wrapping.

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FEATURE STORY

Holocaust

Remembrance Day

Audience watches Sobibor war drama at the National Arts Club in New York.

n exclusive screening of Russia’s 2019 Academy Award Best Foreign Film candidate, Sobibor, was held at the National Arts Club in New York recently. The film’s director and star, Konstantin Khabensky, attended the event and addressed the audience with opening remarks, panel discussion, and a Q & A. Released in Poland on April 23, the film commemorates the 75th anniversary of the uprising at the Nazi death camp Sobibor. Led by Soviet Jewish officer Alexander Pechersky, it was the only successful prisoner uprising during World War II and became a symbol of the strength of the human spirit and to the ability to fight evil amid horror. However, the uprising never gained wide public attention, in part because Sobibor itself was among the smallest of the Nazi death camp. The panel following the film featured the film’s director and actor, Konstantin Khabensky, Dr. Robert Shapiro of Brooklyn College, political scientist Dr. Nikolai Zlobin, and Professor Olga Gershenson of the University of Mass., Amherst, who moderated the panel. 18

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

“In Russian history, the moment a film raised the Jewish Holocaust, it was banned or destroyed. This film is revolutionary because the Jewish story of the Holocaust is an uncomfortable issue in Russia today,” said Gershenson. “The fact that this film has received support from the Russian Ministry of Culture and other serious government agencies shows it has become gradually acceptable to raise this issue in public,” Khabensky said. The film will “extend human memory” about the Holocaust, he added. “This film shows that the topic of the Holocaust is alive, and no one is indifferent. It is made to wake us up, unsettle us, and make us not ashamed to cry.” The screening was attended by Holocaust survivors, as well as director relatives of the deceased in Sobibor. Among the audience was the extended family of Karoline Cohn of Frankfurt, Germany, who was killed in Sobibor at age 14. The family was contacted about a year ago ,when archaeologists found Karoline’s pendant buried at the camp. Her closest living relative, Barry Eisemann, recounted that the phone call from his daughter, Mandy, left him speechless. The family cousins say the discovery has brought them together as a family, since they did not know about Karoline or about each other. One member of the family said she did not even know that she had Jewish roots. Located in Poland, Sobibor operated from Spring 1942 until Oct. 15, 1943. During this time, 250,000 Jews were exterminated at the hands of German and Ukrainian officers. In October 1943, 300 Sobibor prisoners managed to kill 12 SS officers and break through the gates to hide in the nearby forest. The original plan was to covertly kill all the officers and walk out the main gate. However, after killing 12 officers, the rebellious prisoners were discovered and had to leave the camp under fire. By the end of WWII, only 50 prisoners had survived, including Perchersky. In 2016, he was posthumously honored with the Order of Bravery by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The heroes of Sobibor also received official recognition, with trains and streets named after them and their story added to history books. Today, the story of Sobibor is becoming a symbol of strength and human resilience for future generations.

FEATURE STORY

Alexander Muss High School Teaching the Israel Continuum in Israel

abbi Leor Sinai is the Co-CEO as well as marketing and Outreach Director of Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI). He is also the most passionate and articulate proponent of JNF that I have been privileged to meet. What is the connection between this college prep program in Israel and trees? JNF has taken over and merged with AMHSI and, according to Sinai, this historic and strategic move is helping to ensure the viability of the State of Israel.

If you have been reading the regular monthly column in L’CHAIM, you are aware that JNF has expanded and embraces many other nonprofit organizations in Israel, such as Lotem, Green Horizons and Nefesh B’Nefesh. JNF is no longer just about trees. Education is a major focus, as are water, agriculture, the environment, infrastructure and community-building. The organization has evolved and, by merging with Alexander Muss High School in Israel, is investing in the future of the worldwide Jewish community and of Israel through education. AMHSI, or Muss, is a unique study abroad program for high school students that is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Through coordination with guidance counselors, students complete their home school’s academic course work, including regular, honors and AP classes while following AMHSI’s exceptional curriculum covering more than 4,000 years of Jewish and Israeli history. The Israeli Studies Curriculum includes formal learning in the classroom and informal learning in the field. 90% of the kids who have participated in the program say that it has impacted their life toward living more Jewishly and has been a truly transformative experience. Muss academic program choices include an 18-week Semester Session, an 8-week Mini-mester Session and a 6-week Summer Session. Financial help is available. Through their merger with Muss, JNF is investing in the future of the Jewish people, as they have always done. They have taken on this role to ensure that there is a future Jewish leadership worldwide. Whether young people stay in their home countries or make Aliya to Israel, they see a future in the land of Israel. What are all of JNF’s projects and Task Forces good for if there isn’t the next generation to lead? JNF IDEOLOGY IS POSITIVELY ISRAEL — CELEBRATE ISRAEL — WITH EMPHASIS ON HOW ISRAEL MAKES THE WORLD BETTER. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SENDING YOUR STUDENT TO THIS PROGRAM, YOU CAN CONTACT RABBI LEOR SINAI AT LSINAI@AMHSI.ORG OR (516) 203-4454.

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FEATURE STORY

First Israeli Moon Landing Sylvan Adams joins SpaceIL Project

paceIL recently announced that Canadian billionaire and businessman Sylvan Adams, who brought the Giro d’Italia Big Start cycling race to Israel this year, joined the project to land the first Israeli spacecraft on the moon and contributed $5 million to the organization. Adams announced his contribution as part of a special tour that took place at the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)’s MBT Space facility in Yehud, where the spacecraft is being assembled. Also attending the tour were SpaceIL’s President Morris Kahn; SpaceIL CEO Dr. Ido Anteby; and other senior IAI officials. Adams, who is celebrating his 60th birthday, said at the event that “this contribution to strengthening the Israeli space program, and encouraging education for excellence and innovation among the younger generation in Israel, is the best gift I could have asked for.” Adams added: “I believe that sending the first Israeli spacecraft to the moon will inspire Israeli school children to take up STEM studies and think about space exploration, and especially to believe that everything is possible.” Since SpaceIL’s establishment, the mission of landing an Israeli spacecraft on the moon has become a national project embodying educational values. Adams joins a group of donors who have contributed to the project, including Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson, Sammy Sagol, Lynn Schusterman, Steven Grand and others. Kahn, a businessman and philanthropist, took it upon himself to lead this project and bring it to its completion, donating $27 million and serving as the project’s president. He regards its completion as his personal mission. “I want to thank Sylvan Adams for his generous contribution to our effort,” Kahn said. “He joins an amazing group of donors with a common vision: to land the first Israeli spacecraft on the moon. We are in the final stretch, and I believe that his joining will help us raise the remaining money to complete our ambitious mission.” “We are in the final stretch before the launch and preparations are at full power,” Anteby said. “The teams of SpaceIL and IAI are making great progress in a series of tests and trials being carried out at IAI’s space facility. At the same time, we are stepping up activities to promote scientific and technological education in the State of Israel, ahead of launch. We thank Mr. Sylvan Adams for his contribution.”

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

FEATURE STORY

SpaceIL aims to set in motion an “Apollo effect” in Israel: To encourage the next generation of Israeli children to choose to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); to change their perception of these subjects; to generate a sense of capability; and to allow them to dream big dreams even in a small country. IAI’s Vice President of Space Operations, Inbal Krayes, who also took part in the tour, said: “IAI is proud to partner with SpaceIL in the development and construction of the spacecraft. It is a tremendous technological achievement that constitutes a significant part of the civilian space capabilities in Israel, whose significance will inspire future generations and encourage them to choose to study technology and science.” In October, SpaceIL and the Israeli Space Agency announced a collaboration with NASA that would enable SpaceIL to improve its ability to track and communicate with the spacecraft before, during, and after landing on the moon. IAI, which is the home of Israel’s space activity, has been a full partner in this project from its inception. Over the years, additional partners from Israel’s private sector, the Israeli government and from academia have joined as well. The most prominent among these are the Weizmann Institute of Science; Israel Space Agency; the Ministry of Science, Technology and Space; the Israeli telecom firm Bezeq, and others. SpaceIL was the only Israeli contestant in the international Google Lunar XPRIZE competition. To win the first prize of $20 million, the participants were required to land an unmanned spacecraft on the moon. The competition ended officially with no winner on March 31, when Google announced that it would no longer sponsor the competition. After succeeding in raising the critical funds to continue its activity, SpaceIL announced that it was determined to continue on its mission and to launch its spacecraft, regardless of the competition. Concurrently, the non-profit is continuing its efforts to raise the funds necessary to complete this mission. SpaceIL aims to set in motion an “Apollo effect” in Israel: To

(from left) Inbal Krayes, VP of Space Operations of IAI, SpaceIL President Morris Kahn, Sylvan Adams, and CEO of SpaceIL, Dr. Ido Anteby.

encourage the next generation of Israeli children to choose to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); to change their perception of these subjects; to generate a sense of capability; and to allow them to dream big dreams even in a small country. The non-profit aims to change the discourse in Israel and to encourage boys and girls to regard science, engineering, technology and math as exciting opportunities for their future. In recent years, SpaceIL has ignited the imagination of about 900,000 children nationwide, with the help of a broad network of volunteers.

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FEATURE STORY

LINDA-ANNE KAHN Aromatherapy and the Power of Peace BY MIMI POLLACK

or some people, Tikkun Olam is just an expression. Other folks embody it into their everyday lives. Linda-Anne Kahn is one of those people. From the time she was a young woman, she has made a point of giving back. For example, right now, she is part of a group called the United Aromatherapy Effort, a group that hopes to work and coordinate with firefighters and first responders in California providing aromatherapy help. Kahn is spearheading a team that will be making aromatherapy personal inhalers and sprays for the first responders and firefighters who have congestion due to smoke inhalation. They will also be making inhalers for stress and anxiety for those who have lost their homes or have been evacuated. An immigrant success story, Kahn was born in South Africa and arrived in San Diego in 1980 with her husband and two young children. Her husband had been a pharmacist in South Africa and she worked with him in their pharmacy as a beauty therapist, giving facials and massages. However, neither one was happy with the political situation in South Africa and Apartheid. They wanted a better life for their children, so like many immigrants, they sold their business, packed up, and arrived in San Diego to start a new life from scratch. They lived In the UTC area among many of their compatriots and attended the old Temple Beth El at the time when Rabbi Wayne Dosick was the spiritual leader. Her husband opened up a sheepskin seat cover business and her children attended the Jewish Academy. Kahn opened up a very small beauty salon called, Beauty Kliniek with some equipment she brought with her from South Africa. She worked there doing facials and massages, and she also wrote articles for the local community newspaper. As Kahn says, “You do what you have to do to survive in a new country”. She slowly built up her clientele and hired another woman to help

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

her. As the business grew over the years, the physical location did, too, and she expanded three times. She added more body treatments as well as classes on nutrition. Soon, Beauty Kliniek had become an entire wellness center with many loyal customers. (While writing this story, I found out several of my friends have been going there since the 1980s!) However, when the economy tanked, it affected her business, and Kahn had to simplify and restructure, so she downsized in 2008. Today, she is back to doing the beauty basics and her place is now more focused on being an aromatherapy day spa that uses essential oils that she custom blends to meet specific needs. Helping others, using aromatherapy, has been an important part of her life for many years as she is passionate about the beneficial effects of scented oils. She attends aromatherapy conferences all over the world. She is a member of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists. In addition, she is trained to do lymphatic massages which can help people with lymphedema. What I like about Beauty Kliniek is that besides being a lovely, peaceful place that smells good, Kahn has made a point of hiring other immigrants to work with her. She has people working with her from Hungary, Italy, Iran, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, Ukraine, and Vietnam, as well as Americans. Her latest endeavor is the Varenya Essentials product launch which was in November. Varenya Essentials is a natural skin care and essential oil synergy product line. It features peptides, vitamins, and antioxidant and essential oils. The essential oil synergies were created and blended by Kahn for specific conditions and to nurture the skin; and nurturing is a good word to describe Kahn herself. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.BEAUTYKLINIEK.COM.

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FEATURE STORY | BY MAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN | jns.org

Chef Assaf Granit.

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

FEATURE STORY

A FUSION OF FOOD AND FASHION

IN JERUSALEM

t was a fusion of food and fashion this month at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, when renowned Israeli chef Assaf Granit joined with curators of the museum’s “Fashion Statements” exhibition for “70 Years of Israeli Food and Fashion.” The event used color and cuisine to tell the story of seven decades of Israeli culture. The evening was part of the urban culinary festival “OpenRestaurants,” which ran in Jerusalem from Nov. 13 to 18, 2018. OpenRestaurants combines the cities best aromas, sounds, tastes and colors, and tries to reveal its various cultures and diversity through local and leading cultural institutions, famous chefs, raw material manufacturers, first-class restaurants and local culinary celebrities. Granit, who was born and raised in Jerusalem, said he was not sure what food and fashion had in common when he started this project, but it quickly became apparent to him that not only are they connected on the basic level — “these are simple, basic things that people need” — but on a deeper level, as well. “Almost the same motions and processes were happening at the same time in the culinary world of the country as in the fashion world,” said Granit. “Whether it was a time of depression or a time of building the country, and everyone working together toward the same goals, you see it in our food and our dress.” “Food and fashion talk to culture,” said Fashion Statements curator Noga EliashZalminovich. She collaborated with curators Daisy Raccah-Djivre and Efrat AssafShapira. The exhibition was initiated by Tamara Yovel-Jones. THE STORY OF ISRAELI IMMIGRATION

Flashback to the first decade of the Jewish

“The clothes were made for labor and industry. This frugal fashion was both a necessity and a way of thinking,” said Fashion Statements curator Noga Eliash-Zalminovich. state. Then, most of the population wore a sort of “dress code,” according to EliashZalminovich. She was referring to the iconic khaki shorts, “tembel” hat and biblical sandals of Israel in the 1950s. “The clothes were made for labor and industry,” she said. “This frugal fashion was both a necessity and a way of thinking.” At the same time, there was an embargo on the country, so few foods were being imported. As such, David Ben-Gurion, Israeli founding father and first prime minister, asked the Osem company to manufacture something like rice, which was a staple of so many people’s diets but non-existent in the fledgling Jewish state. The company created small grains of pasta that looked like rice, and was cheap and easy to make. They called it ptitim. “Osem brought this new product to life, and from that day on, every Israeli child eats ptitim — whether he is Kurdish, Russian, Ethiopian or Moroccan,” said Granit. Of course, the tastes and textiles of the holy land started even before the country’s

official founding, said Eliash-Zalminovich, who spent two years with a team of other fashionistas and researchers working on Fashion Statements. Fashion Statements explores the late 19thcentury indigenous pre-Zionist fashion, the opposing forces of Europeanism and Orientalism that converged in the early decades of the state, and, finally, the place that Israeli creativity holds on the global fashion scene today. Eliash-Zalminovich said the first time anyone wrote about Israeli fashion was in 1904. Then, Chemda Ben-Yehuda, the wife of the man who resurrected the Hebrew language — Eliezer Ben-Yehuda — became the country’s first fashion critic. Ben-Yehuda had a column that appeared in the newspaper Hashkafa under the pen name Shoshana Levana. The Hebrew word for fashion, ofna, is a linguistic innovation of hers. An excerpt from Ben-Yehuda’s first column begins: “Fashion. For the first time in its life fashion will enter the gates of the Hebrew press. It is with fear and genuine anxiety that WWW.LCHAIMMAGAZINE.COM

FEATURE STORY

In Israel’s early days, people wore clothes that resonated with the pioneering spirit of the time, and with the ideology of the youth movements and of the nation’s leaders. Shown here are garments made by ATA.

I write these lines. Who will not mock? Who will not laugh at me? Who will not judge me harshly? And who knows whether I shall not be banned as well?” Food and fashion likewise tell the story of Israeli immigration. In 1937, Dr. Erna Meyer, a German immigrant, published the first Israeli cookbook, How to Cook in Palestine. According to Eliash-Zalminovich, in the book, Meyer asks how she can cook in Israel the same way she cooked in Europe. She concludes that she can’t. “It will be pointless, almost futile to take the same recipes and make them in Israel,” Eliash-Zalminovich said. “Rather, she concludes, she will have to reinvent herself and her food in Israel.” Concurrently, designers were grappling with similar challenges, trying to work with new materials in a new place with a new culture and climate. “In Israel, it is summer eight months of the year. There is a desert climate, and European 26

PHOTO BY MAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN.

SOME AMAZING, CUTTING-EDGE THINGS

designers found that the sheep had different colors; there was no pristine black or white, just off-white and off-black,” described Eliash-Zalminovich. Granit said his own grandmother’s story is this story. She moved to Israel from Poland. The food she cooked came from the Eastern European shtetl. When she arrived in Jerusalem, she found herself in an entirely new world. Her neighbors came from all over, and like herself, received all their early culinary education from their grandmothers. “This is what is so special about the city of Jerusalem,” he said. “It is the center of the world, and it draws people from all backgrounds and walks of life. While my grandmother was cooking, she was also constantly talking with her neighbors through the windows. The woman next door was born in Morocco and taught her how to use saffron. A woman down the street came from Yemen, and she taught her how to make malawah.”

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

Granit said that in the last two decades, Israelis have taken their history and culture outside of the Jewish state and are succeeding in the world marketplace, using traditional tastes and textiles with modern interpretations. “Take the keffiyeh, the Arabic fabric used to wrap your head,” he said. “Fashion designers today use that pattern to make dresses and scarves. These modern designs sell in super high-end places outside the country. “They are using our local heritage and telling our story, but creating their version or interpretation,” he said. Similarly, Israeli chefs, including Granit, are using the same techniques. “What we do in India or Paris is we take our old heritage, usually brought to Israel by immigrants, and we elevate it to chef level,” he said. “We use local ingredients and ancient cooking methods in a modern way, and it is not only accepted but well-loved all over the world.” For example, Granit makes a fish kubaneh. Kubaneh has its roots in Syria and Lebanon. In its original form, it’s made of meat or lamb. Granit leverages the techniques and spices of that staple to create his own interpretation. “The kubaneh is our keffiyeh,” Granit said, noting he learned to cook from his Polishimmigrant grandmother, and by exploring the different tastes and aromas of the Jerusalem’s streets — from the stalls in the markets to his grandma’s frying pan. “Whether in Jerusalem’s Machane Yehuda [open-air] market or London’s Palomar or Paris’s Balagan, each and every of my 11 restaurants have their own personality and story, yet they share this amazing encounter between the streets of Jerusalem, and of the experiences and lessons learned from European culture and fine dining,” he explained. Granit said fashion and food are great ways to show off the rich and varied culture that is Israel. “From outside, you don’t understand how far and advanced our culture is,” he said. “Mostly, you hear about the conflict. You don’t know we are creating some amazing, cutting-edge things in Israel.”

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FEATURE STORY | BY ELIZABETH KRATZ | jns.org

EXOTIC ANIMALS OF THE BIBLE

Max Schachter, age 11, was proud to show off his empty plate of quail at the Biblical Museum of Natural History’s Biblical Feast of Birds and Beasts.

t has always been important for Jews to write down recipes from our mothers and grandmothers, and serve those precious treats to our own children. Jewish foods are part of our mesorah, our historic oral tradition — as holy, often, as the Torah itself. Now let’s take it a step further. How do we know what meats are part of our mesorah, which animals and which breeds are considered kosher, and how do we know the steps to slaughtering them all in a kosher manner? It’s not all written down in our holy books, as the laws of shechita (ritual slaughter), like the Talmud, must be passed down by people as well. There must be an unbroken line from one shochet (ritual

slaughterer) to the next, one generation to another. Otherwise, the mesorah is lost forever. Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin, an Israel-based rabbi/zoologist and author, popularly known as “the Zoo Rabbi,” is the creator of a now four-year-old Biblical Museum of Natural History in Beit Shemesh that celebrates the animals mentioned in the Bible, displaying many of them as well. (Slifkin is also wellknown as a blogger focusing on rationalism and creation. Some of his books have been banned by haredi communities, who cited his work as heretical due to his references to evolutionary biology, his suggesting that the six days of creation were not literal days and his offering of scientific conclusions that

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

override the words of Jewish sages.) The museum, however, now a part of Israel’s cultural landscape, caters to every type of visitor to Israel, and in fact welcomes many from the ultra-Orthodox world. In fact, it’s part-zoo, part-natural-history museum and part-educational center. He is committed primarily to providing Jewish education regarding the natural world and to show that Judaism is a living religion, as vibrant today as it was in the days of Abraham and Sarah, all the way down to their living ancestors: ourselves. While it may not be one of his primary motivations, Slifkin’s hosting of high-priced “exotic animal dinners,” of which he has three rotating menus (biblical, non-biblical

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH KRATZ.

LEARNING ABOUT THEM, AND EATING THEM

FEATURE STORY

and legends from the sea), have generated quite a bit of excitement around, and interest in, his museum. OF BIRDS AND BEASTS

Curiosity abounds. It seems that many people are interested, for a wide array of reasons, in keeping alive the treasure of the mesorah of more exotic kosher animals — those that are kosher but have either become less available or fallen out of favor, for one reason or another. Some of these foods were eaten at the “Biblical Feast of Birds and Beasts” in Teaneck, N.J., two months ago, which welcomed a packed group of 70 enthusiastic diners, with many paying as much as $500 a plate. “Biblical food is a totally new aspect of Jewish identity,” said Slifkin, commenting on the wide variety of guests attending, whether they were there as museum supporters, kosher foodies or those who had just come for the spectacle. Rabbi Daniel Senter, the rabbinic administrator for the Kof-K kosher supervisory agency, personally supervised the meal, which was prepared by W Kosher Catering, based in the Five Towns. Senter explained that his role, in this case, involved sourcing exotic animals for the dinner, and noted that everything served at the meal, however unusual it sounded, had an unbroken history of shechita. Those who came to the Oct. 21 meal expecting to eat giraffe or locusts, however, were destined to go home disappointed. But isn’t there an issue about where on the neck to shocht the giraffe? “That’s a myth,” Slifkin told the group. “Giraffe is kosher. We don’t eat them because they’re an endangered species. People would get very upset.” The foods served were not so much endangered as out of fashion, or economically unviable, for kosher consumers. So rarely, Slifkin explained, was venison suitable for kosher shechita (they have to be captured, not shot), that there was only one such supplier available for this gathering, in Upstate New York. At one point, the supplier decided not to sell his deer to Slifkin but to a regular

customer instead (though he relented after he was offered an extra $100 per animal). Slifkin also shared that some of the goats he was going to serve ended up coughing, and on inspection, were discovered to have unclean lungs (not kosher), so he had to find others. He also told the assembled that he dearly wanted to serve locusts, as he had at a prior dinner he hosted with a similar menu in Beit Shemesh (they’re pareve, like fish), but he couldn’t because they’re not certified kosher according to the Kof-K. Instead, he replaced them with molded “chocolate locusts” on the dessert plates — making the distinction, albeit slyly, that they were not, in fact, “chocolate-covered locusts.” THE MEAL ITSELF

After an appetizer of matzah with za’atar (Bible hyssop) and focaccia studded with olives, Slifkin explained that matzah in the Bible was not the hard Manischewitz cracker so many American Jews are used to, but a soft, pillowy bread similar to pita or laffa. The hors d’oeuvres included a roasted slice of goose with a citrus glaze and a whole grilled quail, paired with a subtle pomegranate sauce. The quail—tender, delicate and smaller than can be believed—was beautifully prepared and sauced. Slifkin introduced the group to a remaining live, beautifully feathered bird, as he introduced the course. Max Schachter, 11, who came to the meal with his father and older brother, picked up the tiny bird in his hands, like many of the other diners, and left just a pile of featherweight bones on his plate. Another diner confided that he had eaten the bones— and found them delicious. “These quails have lived better lives than any chicken you’ve ever eaten,” Slifkin told me, noting the disparaging conditions of today’s slaughterhouses. “Chickens are basically bred to be so large they can’t even support their own weight.” Next up was the savory and delicate “dove” soup, which tasted to some like turkey or duck.

“Rabbi Slifkin said he would tell us a little more about the soup after we ate it,” said Elan Kornblum, a longtime kosher-restaurant magazine editor and creator of “Great Kosher Restaurant Foodies,” a Facebook page with more than 48,000 followers. “He then let us on to a secret that what we ate wasn’t exactly dove but pigeon, which he said was essentially the same bird and easier to get. It had the consistency of liver, but tasted a little like duck. It was interesting.” The main course included goat ragout with a fresh homemade, flat tagliatelle-style pasta with red sauce. This was the gamiesttasting meat of the night, and the most grisly. Some at the table said they understood why it was served most often with strongly flavor jerk seasoning in Jamaican and other ethnic dishes, to perhaps break down the meat’s connective tissues and cover its distinctive flavor. The tomato sauce was somewhat effective in this regard, but did allow the flavor to come through. The goat was served alongside a delicate venison, prepared and served like a mediumrare steak. It tasted quite a bit like one as well. For many, the venison was the best bite of the night. “All in all, it was a very classy dinner, where everyone enjoyed learning about the animals, the biblical history and more about the museum, which is trying to raise funds to open in a new, bigger location,” said Kornblum. To continue raising funds—and to continue on his mission of education in biblical foods—Slifkin will be putting on another such dinner in March in Los Angeles. “Simply put, the building has many limitations, especially with regard to capacity,” said Slifkin, noting that during school holidays, the museum ceases doing publicity and has to turn away customers due to space constraints, adding that the museum just welcomed its 50,000th visitor. “In 2019, we are moving to a new, beautiful and vastly larger home. ... We will display more and superior exhibits, and there will also be classrooms and opportunities for a variety of additional programs.” WWW.LCHAIMMAGAZINE.COM

charitable giving

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

& NEW TAX LAWS Things you should know now

BY SHERYL ROWLING, CPA/PFS, PRINCIPAL OF ROWLING & ASSOCIATES

s the end of 2018 approaches, the new tax laws will make tax planning more complicated than usual. Despite the complexity, there are several things you can do to make the most of your charitable contributions without getting stuck in the minutia. Not every option will work for everyone, so be sure to consider your individual circumstances. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some strategies. WILL YOU BE ITEMIZING?

Compared to prior years, 2018 is a different world for itemized deductions. Not only are many deductions eliminated, but the standard deduction amounts also have been increased. This means that fewer taxpayers will be able to itemize deductions. Charitable contributions are one of the few deductions that remain unscathed — in fact, now you can use charitable deductions to offset up to 60 percent of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) as opposed to the prior 50 percent 30

maximum. Unless your total itemized deductions exceed $12,000 for singles or $24,000 for marrieds (the new standard deduction amounts), none of these expenses will reduce taxable income. In the event your deductions are just under these thresholds, you might benefit from postponing deductions one year and accelerating them in the next year. That way, you can claim the standard deduction one year and itemize the next year. One way to accomplish this deduction “bunching” is to double up on charity in the itemizing year and minimize charitable giving the other year. DONOR-ADVISED FUND

When discussing bunching deductions, doubling up on charitable contributions every other year was suggested. But most people don’t donate that way. For example, if you give $2,000 a year to your favorite charity, you probably don’t want to give $4,000 one year and nothing the next. The answer to this dilemma is a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF). And, you don’t have to be rich to use one! A DAF is essentially a charitable IRA. It can be opened with a local community foundation (such as the Jewish Community Foundation). With such a fund, you receive a deduction in the year of contribution. The money stays in the fund and earns income tax-free until you decide to make distributions to charity, either right away or over time. This makes it easy to double up on charitable deductions every other year.

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

DONATING APPRECIATED STOCK

An especially tax-efficient way of contributing to a donor-advised fund or specific charity is by donating appreciated stock or mutual fund shares. You will receive a deduction for the full fair market value — without paying tax on appreciation! Your advisor can provide essential assistance by identifying holdings with the greatest accumulation of unrealized gains. For example, let’s say you bought stock for $2,000 that is now worth $10,000. Assuming a 20 percent capital gain tax rate, you would pay $1,600 in taxes if you sell the stock. If your ordinary tax rate is 35 percent, by giving your stock to charity, you would save $4,000 in taxes. So, giving this $10,000 of stock to charity avoids tax of $1,600 while also providing a tax reduction of $4,000. It’s a good deal! DONATE FROM YOUR IRA

You can still get a tax benefit for charitable contributions even if you don’t itemize! If you are subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your IRA, you can take advantage of qualified charitable distributions. Instead of taking part or all of your RMD, simply send IRA funds (up to the lesser of your RMD or $100,000) directly to charity (not a DAF). The RMD sent to charity is not taxable and there is no charitable deduction. However, it reduces your taxable income – and AGI. Remember, IRA distributions are taxed at ordinary tax rates – and your heirs will have to pay tax if inherited from your estate. So, avoiding tax at ordinary rates is a great way to maximize your charitable dollars.

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charitable giving

$1 MILLION DONATION

TO UCSD

Local philanthropists Daniel and Phyllis Epstein Give BIG

Daniel and Phyllis Epstein committed gifts to UC San Diego totaling $1 million to fund a variety of causes.

aniel and Phyllis Epstein’s move to La Jolla in 1986 started them on a path to becoming loyal advocates and supporters for their neighbor, the world-class University of California San Diego. “UC San Diego is so important to the community, including contributing to the regional economy and producing talent for our skilled workforce,” said Daniel Epstein. “That is why we support the university in so many areas, from healthcare and research to the arts.” Recently, the Epsteins committed gifts to UC San Diego totaling $1 million, which contribute to the Campaign for UC San Diego. Their intention is to fund a variety of causes in which they have a personal interest or relationship, including supporting research by internationally-recognized Department of Urology Chair Christopher

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

Kane, M.D.; creating an endowed faculty fellowship at the Rady School of Management; and helping to underwrite “Inheritance,” a chamber opera staged by music professors about gun violence in America that debuted in October. “It is a time of remarkable potential for UC San Diego thanks to the transformational impact of philanthropy,” said UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “Friends like Daniel and Phyllis Epstein are helping to pave the way with their generous gifts, as well as with their time serving on our Foundation Board and Campaign Cabinet.” Earlier, the couple funded two endowed faculty chairs in management leadership at the Rady School of Management, and an endowed faculty fellowship and fellowship in piano performance in the Department of Music. Daniel Epstein is a Trustee Emeritus of the UC San Diego Foundation, having served as a Trustee from 2003 to 2009. He is a longtime supporter of our campus, serving on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Rady School of Management and the Urban Studies and Planning Real Estate and Development Advisory Board. Daniel holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Southern California. He is the founder of ConAm Management Corporation, an apartment management firm that presently operates approximately 55,000 apartments throughout the United States. Serving a second term as trustee of the UC San Diego Foundation Board, Phyllis Epstein is also involved with the university’s ArtPower program and the School of Global Policy and Strategy, and is actively engaged in Chancellor’s Associates and Town & Gown. She cofounded the California Music Project, designed to strengthen music education and increase the number of music educators across the state. Phyllis earned a B.A. in elementary education from UCLA. THE CAMPAIGN FOR UC SAN DIEGO IS A $2 BILLION COMPREHENSIVE FUNDRAISING EFFORT TO TRANSFORM THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE, THE CAMPUS, AND ULTIMATELY THE WORLD. WITH PHILANTHROPIC PARTNERSHIP, THE UNIVERSITY WILL CONTINUE TO IMPACT LIVES HERE AND ACROSS THE GLOBE. LEARN MORE AT CAMPAIGN.UCSD.EDU.

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THE COMMUNITY PLACE

PARTY WITH Z By Terra Paley

made-to-order and there were no shortage of orders as women pored over the garments and well organized photos of each piece. There was also brisk business at the gift table selling scarves, tee-shirts and mugs with her iconic designs. What can we say, memorable, memorable, memorable--don’t miss the next one from either Zandra or the Westgate.

ADL TORCH OF LIBERTY AWARD GALA

Couture and San Diego is not an oxymoron especially if it involves Dame Zandra Rhodes. Legions of San Diego Influencers, guest models, volunteer dressers, helpers and devoted fans turned out for a sparkling “Party with Z” on October 30th at the beautiful Westgate Hotel. The occasion was a benefit luncheon and fashion show on behalf of (AFZRM) The American Friends of The Zandra Rhodes Museum featuring her latest collection called The Party Collection. Known for her daring and innovative fashion Zandra, effervescent head sprite, warmly welcomed the crowd with hugs and easily posed for multiple selfies while deftly working the room. She is a genuine and natural networker, innately connecting with her tribe with eye contact and warm embraces or handshakes. This was definitely not a one necklace affair, the attendees were wearing Zandra’s new and vintage designs and jewelry plus a smattering of other cutting edge designers. Definitely, the bywords were, “You look marvelous darling”. In this case all that glittered WAS gold plus the rainbow! Lots of exuberance and embellishment in the perfect backdrop, the gorgeous Versaille Ballroom that like Zandra is hip, glamorous and refined. Juxtaposing all the riotous color and old world glamour made for an unforgettable event. What is known as Schiaparelli pink is now indelibly linked with Rhodes...it is her hair color, dominates her website and latest collection. Think pink and you have the “vibe”. Zandra literally burst on the San Diego landscape when she designed costumes and sets for the Opera in 2001 and 2004. She has maintained a studio space in Solana Beach since 1995 that is always busy. Currently, the movie “Bohemian Rhapsody” is fueling a new audience as she receives additional acclaim as designer of some of the most memorable garments in rock history. After the show, guests were encouraged to come behind the scenes to try on featured garments. Everything shown was available for

By Deborah Vietor The Anti Defamation League, (ADL) recently held a most impactful Gala, with over 530 attendees, honoring members of the San Diego community who have made great strides in civil rights, upholding the mission of the ADL which “Fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals, and protects civil rights for all,” doing so through “information, education, legislation and advocacy.” During 2018, reported anti-Semitic incidents rose across the country by 57%, including the recent tragic shooting which occurred at the Tree of Life – Or L’Simcha Congregation in Pittsburgh, Penn. The ADL continues to respond, coordinating appropriate and swift responses as has been it’s mission for 100 years. Lorne Polger was given the Torch of Liberty award, recognizing his enduring commitment in fighting anti-Semitism and securing justice and fair treatment for all. He has served the ADL for 3 decades, currently a National Commissioner for the ADL. Leram Silberstein received the rising Leader Award, and Rescue: The Behavior Change Agency received the Community Leadership Award. A student representing the National Youth Leadership, moved the audience, stating the ADL supports Jews and non-Jews, those of all nationalities and the LGBTQ community as well. Christian Picciolini, an Emmy Award winning television producer, musician, visual artist, renowned public speaker and reformed extremist gave an impactful speech. Recruited at 14 by one of the most powerful white supremist groups in the country, Christian did not know hate. He now believes that if people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love, crediting his sons, the ADL and others in helping him develop a love of humanity. His book “White American Youth: My Descent into America’s Most Violent Hate Movement-and How I Got Out,” chronicles the history of hate groups as they recruit disenfranchised youth, empowering them with lies and hatred. Christian has rescued over 250 youth from white supremist groups, forming a nonprofit, peace advocacy program called “Life After Hate,” supporting equality for all people. For more information regarding the San Diego ADL, sandiego.adl.org WWW.LCHAIMMAGAZINE.COM

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

FAMILY | BY CHANA JENNY WEISBERG

jewish

mom.com Yaakov's Unusual Stutter

y 6-year-old, Yaakov, has a stutter that is unusual because it comes and goes once a year or so. I was stumped regarding the trigger of this on-again, off again stutter, until I realized a few years ago that Yaakov would start stuttering when my husband is abroad. And the stutter would promptly disappear when Abba came home. But a few weeks ago, Yaakov started stuttering again. And my husband is home. This is the first time that has ever happened. So, in my weekly therapeutic writing workshop, when our amazing instructor Yocheved Rottenberg asked us to think of a not-so-big challenge we are facing in our lives, I thought of Yaakov’s on-again, off-again stutter. Then Yocheved gave each of us a slip a paper with a word on it and told us to take a minute writing about our challenge from that perspective. My first slip read: EMOTIONAL. And here’s what I wrote: Yaakov is stuttering because he is falling apart emotionally. There is something stressful going on at school. He is feeling disconnected from my husband and me because he spends SO MANY hours out of the house. And what’s going to be when my husband goes away to conduct interviews in the US next month? Then Yocheved told us to pass our slips over to the person on our right… My next slip read: SPIRITUAL. And I wrote: Every soul comes into the world with its Yeud and its Tikkun, its mission and its aspects in need of spiritual fixing. And Yaakov’s soul also came down with its gifts and challenges. These are the challenges he must struggle with in order to grow and complete his G-d given mission and tikkun in the world. Then came: PESSIMISTIC. This is terrible, and what if this

continues into adulthood?! Just think of all the careers that will be closed to him — teaching, etc. Then: RELATIONSHIPS. Who will want to be friends with a boy with a terrible stutter? It’s difficult to speak to somebody like that! Then: OBJECTIVE. A significant percentage of young children go through periods of stuttering. It is rare for stuttering to continue into adolescence, and all the more so into adulthood. Then, finally: HOPEFUL. Yaakov’s stuttering comes and goes, and it will this time too. It must be because of stress over the transition to 1st grade. By the end of Chanukah, maximum Tu b’Shvat, it will be gone. Afterwards, Yocheved asked us to read over our responses and reflect on them. And reading them over, I felt EMPOWERED. I could CHOOSE my reaction to this challenge. Why not choose to be HOPEFUL, OBJECTIVE, SPIRITUAL instead of EMOTIONAL and PESSIMISTIC. Why make life harder than it has to be?” Yocheved tied up the class, I think quite brilliantly, with a quote from Dr. Seuss: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” AMEN! CHANA JENNY WEISBERG, THE CREATOR OF JEWISHMOM.COM, IS A STAY-HOME MOTHER OF 8 CHILDREN LIVING IN JERUSALEM WITH HER HUSBAND, RABBI JOSHUA WEISBERG. ORIGINALLY FROM BALTIMORE, CHANA JENNY HAS DEVOTED HER NONMOM TIME OVER THE PAST DECADE TO PROVIDING INSPIRATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHER JEWISH MOMS THROUGH HER POPULAR BOOKS EXPECTING MIRACLES AND ONE BABY STEP AT A TIME.

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BRINGING ISRAEL TO ARIZONA

ver 1,300 leaders, philanthropists, and high school and college students from across the U.S. and Israel gathered in the Grand Canyon State for Jewish National Fund’s (JNFUSA) annual National Conference. The dedicated supporters of the 117-year-old organization learned about and discussed the key issues of the day over a powerful and impactful weekend. This year’s line-up of speakers emphasized Jewish National Fund’s critical work in Israel. Speakers included: Marlee Matlin, Academy Award-winning actress and activist, who shared her personal story of overcoming adversity and succeeding in the film industry and recounted her first trip to Israel this year where she was inspired by Jewish National Fund’s work with Special in Uniform. Ronald S. Lauder, JNF Chairman of the Board Emeritus, spoke about putting aside our political differences and coming together as Jews to combat the scourge of anti-Semitism. Dr. Deborah E. Lipstadt, Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish History and Holocaust Studies at Emory University, led a discussion on the harrowing reality of Holocaust denial which was eerily timely and relevant. Bari Weiss, writer and editor for The New York Times op-ed page, changed her topic following the tragic killings in Pittsburgh to speak about her home synagogue, Tree of Life, where she celebrated her own Bat Mitzvah “We will build a Jewish people and a Jewish state that are not only safe and resilient, but self-aware, meaningful, generative, humane, joyful, and life-affirming,” said Weiss. Through a talk show style presentation, conference attendees experienced “Israel Continuum,” exploring how Jewish National Fund connects American Jews to Israel from birth through adulthood. Hosted by Rabbi Leor Sinai, Co-CEO of Alexander Muss High School in Israel, it spotlighted donors at different stages in life. Over the past three decades, Jewish National Fund has helped to bolster Israel’s available water by developing alternative water sources, advancing Israeli agriculture, and improving water quality; the topic was examined in the special session, “Israel’s Water Challenges and Opportunities.” Water and environmental experts from Israel and the U.S. addressed the next steps being taken to confront and mitigate today’s serious global water challenges. On Saturday, the organization recognized the horrific attack at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue with a moment of silence, and a

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

call for unity with the city and families of victims, the entire Jewish community, and the law enforcement personnel who bravely risked their own lives. Conference Co-Chairs Toni Dusik and Marc Kelman remarked “Jewish National Fund-USA mourns with the Jewish community of Pittsburgh and the Tree of Life Synagogue that suffered the tragic act of terrorism Saturday morning during Shabbat services. This episode of mass violence leaves us devastated and heartbroken.” “Jewish National Fund supporters turned out in full force for an unforgettable and meaningful weekend,” continued Dusik and Kelman. “We hope everyone left the conference feeling reenergized and excited for the upcoming initiatives and projects that we are embarking upon in the coming year.” One such project announced during the “Chop and Chat” cooking competition is JNF’s plan to open a state-of-the-art culinary institute in Israel’s Upper Eastern Galilee. The institute, expected to begin classes in the fall of 2019, will be the first of its kind in the Middle East, becoming a center of professional excellence not just in cooking, baking, food science, food technology, and agriculture, but also in restaurant and hospitality management and the business of food security. “Jewish National Fund’s National Conference was an incredible weekend,” said San Diego President Shari Schenk. “I loved learning about all of the incredible JNF projects such as Special in Uniform, Alexander Muss High School in Israel, and all that JNF is doing to improve the water situation in Israel, as well as meeting our partners from Israel. It was a pleasure to share this experience together with over 1,000 like-minded passionate Zionists.” This year’s conference included the largest delegation of college students in conference history, with 250 students from 87 campuses participating in the College Summit. This includes non-Jewish students who participated in Jewish National Fund’s Caravan for Democracy Student Leadership trip offered annually in December to some 80 campus leaders. The students strategized on how better to educate and work with each other and to promote their connection to Israel. JNF also welcomed 125 JNFuture members, ages 22-40, from its young professionals division. Jewish National Fund’s 2019 National Conference will take place in Washington, D.C. September 13-16. For more information and to register, please visit jnf.org/nc.

BY STEPHANIE LEWIS | HUMOR

mazel

& mishagoss Secular New Years Versus the Jewish New Year

y nice, gentile neighbor tries to incorporate cultural or religious things into our friendship to show she’s respectful of and interested in Judaism. Last December 31st, she invited me for a New Year’s Eve party and when I arrived she shouted, “Shana Tova!” On her dessert buffet table was a cheesecake, a box of See’s candy, a chocolate Bundt cake, and a dish of apples and honey. Interesting. As midnight approached, her other guests received pointy hats, noisemakers, confetti to toss, and paper party horns to blow, but I was handed a kippah, a grogger, bread crumbs to throw, and a ram’s horn. Needless to say, I felt it was time to do a little comparing and contrasting for everyone’s enlightenment. VOWS — On Dec 31st people make yearly resolutions to eat less food each day. On Rosh Hashana, I resolve to cut back each day as well -- because I’m in training for fasting on Yom Kippur. WRITING — Come Jan 1st (thru let’s say approximately the 7th) people will (out of force of habit) jot down 2018 when they sign and date something. But next Rosh Hashana, no Jew will accidentally still write 5779 in their checkbook. ROUND CIRCLES — At 11:59 pm on Dec 31st, someone will invariably nudge a family member awake to gawk as the huge ball drops to the ground in NYC Times Square while yelling, “So? Isn’t that exciting!” On Rosh

Hashana, inevitably a large matzo ball will fall onto the kitchen floor and without even a second glance I’ll shout, “Nu? Clean it up!”

inquire what date Erev Rosh Hashana falls on this year and instantly eighteen Jews google, debate, and text their Rabbi.

PRESSURE — The last week in December everyone inquires, “What’s your big deal plan for New Years and what’ll you wear? You’re not staying home doing nothing, are you?” In Sept, no Jew asks where another Jew will be on Rosh Hashana, nor about their attire. Where will they be?? In synagogue all day long, shvitzing because the weather is never compatible for High Holiday tweed suits or stockings for the ladies. And staying home all day doing nothing? Never an option.

ENTERTAINMENT — There’s probably a cool DJ at the New Year’s Eve party and he’s gonna be up to speed on the Top 40 and interact heavily with all the guests. But nobody expects the Cantor in shul to chant anything new, (let alone a hip remixed mashup of BaShana HaBa’ah) on Rosh Hashana. And if they come down off the bimah to do the Hineni prayer, well it’s a fantastic surprise!

SONGS — “Auld Lang Syne” is a traditional melody to belt out on New Years, but after “Should old acquaintances be forgot...” many forget the rest of the lyrics and fake it with lame mumbling. Similarly, “Avinu Malkeinu” comes out nice and strong until that familiar point, but then some people (like me!) stop singing, while lip-synching feebly. MIDNIGHT — It’s the crucial countdown, do you know which person you’ll smooch at 12:00? Figure it out fast! It’s Rosh Hashana but instead of kissing, we’re kibbitzing till the wee hours. If you still need someone to peck, Great Aunt Sophie’s wrinkled cheek will do just fine. WHEN — Ask anyone when the secular New Year will ring in and you’ll get a look like you’re a mashuganah. But innocently

SYMBOL — A baby is used to personify the start of New Year. It’s represented as a chubby tot wearing nothing more than a diaper and a sash across his torso that depicts the year he’s representing. Show a Jew an infant like this on Rosh Hashana (or any day of the year!) and she’ll kvell over the size of his fat, cute pulkes while admonishing, “Put some clothes on this boychick! You’ll catch him his death of cold, G-d forbid!” And now that we’re all clear on the differences, let’s raise a glass of champagne (or Manischewitz wine) high into the air, because soon we’re gonna party like it’s 2019, even though we know it’s actually 5779. Happy New Year, L’CHAIM readers! STEPHANIE D. LEWIS IS A REGULAR WRITER FOR THE COMEDY SECTION OF THE HUFFINGTON POST AND PENS AN ONLINE BLOG CALLED ONCEUPONYOURPRIME.COM. WWW.LCHAIMMAGAZINE.COM

L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

L'Chaim Magazine December 2018

Articles inside

Itzhak Perlman

Itzhtak Perlman