Jcn 0415

Community Observance of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance) Sunday, April 19, 2015 – 3:00 pm

Community Celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut

JEWISH FEDERATION OF the desert 69-710 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 324-4737

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit #113 Santa Ana, CA

(Israel’s 67th Birthday) Sunday, April 26, 2015 – 11:00 am

See Page 4 For Event Details

On the cover....

Community Observance of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance) Sunday, April 19, 2015 – 3:00 pm

Community Celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s 67th Birthday) Sunday, April 26, 2015 – 11:00 am

See Page 4 For Event Details

jewish federation BOARD OF DIRECTORS Celia Norian, Chairman of the Board Sondi Green, Co-chair, Campaign Libby Hoffman, Co-chair, Campaign Vernon Kozlen, Treasurer Bernard Reiter, Secretary Howard Levy, Immediate Past President Roberta Nyman, Immediate Past President

Board Joseph Bernstein William Chunowitz Elliott Cohen Nancy Ditlove Ellen Glass Phil Glass Marjorie Kulp Ron Langus

Allan Lehmann Allan Nyman Dr. Paul Ross Stephanie Ross Elisa Schwartz Sandy Seplow Andrew Teitel Lainie Weil

Jewish Federation Partnership with Indigent Jewish Burials The Jewish Federation of the Desert has been able to partner with Jewish Family Services of Los Angeles’ Indigent Burial Program to ensure that Jews living in the greater Palm Springs/Coachella Valley Area, with extremely little or no income, can have a proper Jewish burial.

We are grateful that we have been able to establish this partnership.

The Jewish community in Los Angeles has exponentially greater resources to perform this mitzvah; our community’s resources would be seriously strained if we tried to provide similar services. Of course costs vary from year to year, but past experience suggests we would have an expenditure of up to $100,000 annually to provide similar services locally.

This partnership has allowed us to be able to respond to the spike in Tzedakah Fund requests for assistance with rent, utilities, medical procedures, etc. that we have been experiencing the past few years.

We are able to focus our resources on meeting the emergency needs of our local Jewish community, so that

Bruce Landgarten, Chief Executive Officer

Table of Contents Vol. 40 • No. 9

Community Calendar 16-17 Federation 2-6, 15, 24 LGBT Alliance 6 Women’s Philanthropy 12-13 Food 23 Jewish Family Service 8, 10 Simchas & Classifieds 22 Student Programs 18, 20, 21 Temples Listing 16 Tolerance Education Center 10 Tributes 14-15 2 • JCN • April 2015 • Nissan/Iyar 5775 • www.jfedps.org

they are able to live with dignity in safe home environments.

Through their Jewish Community Burial Program, Jewish Family Services of Los Angeles serves lowincome members of the community by providing a free burial in the Jewish tradition. The program operates according to strict financial eligibility guidelines. A financial screening is completed by a social worker on the deceased individual, as well as on all first degree relatives.

Pre-need arrangements can also be made, allowing the mourners to worry about as little as possible.

Once approved by a social worker, arrangements are made by a funeral home in the greater Los Angeles area to retrieve the remains and place them for a proper Jewish burial.

Referrals are received from a variety of sources, including rabbis, attorneys, hospitals, nursing homes, and funeral homes, among others.

Federation and Jewish Family Services works with the referral source to gather information related to the deceased and where possible, with the next of kin. (Jewish Family

Services is not responsible for locating family and cannot be held liable to find next of kin (a duty of the State). The Jewish Federation of the Desert will pay up to $1,000 towards the transportation cost from the Coachella Valley to the appointed memorial park in Los Angeles.

The funeral home selected determines when legal authority for burial has been established. In the absence of next of kin, Jewish Family Services of LA makes appropriate affordable arrangements that insure a dignified funeral and documents all arrangements and payments.

Currently funeral home expenses are fully covered.

When a request for the Indigent Burial Program arises, the family or responsible individual needs to contact (323) 761-8800 to determine whether the deceased individual or family qualifies as “indigent,” since the deceased’s spouse, children, siblings, and/or parents are expected to pay for a funeral, if possible.

Angel of the Year From the CEO Bruce Landgarten Jewish Federation Chief Executive Officer

000At Angel View’s 61st Annual Benefit Luncheon on February 16, 2015, the Jewish Federation of the Desert was honored as the 2015 “Angel of the Year”, with a special Donor Appreciation Award going to Tamarisk Country Club.

Speaking on behalf of the Jewish Federation Board of Directors and Tamarisk Country Club, CEO Bruce Landgarten thanked Angel View for the honor and continued, “If this award stands for anything, it stands for the united spirit in all of us even though it has our name on it. It is an honor to support community partners as we work to help improve the wellbeing of all the Desert community. Federation demonstrates its commitment to the community through grants that are focused on

investing in organizations that seek to ensure that there is a community now that is vibrant — and one that is strong in the future. There are many signs of a community’s greatness, including its culture of collective responsibility.

How a community cares for those less fortunate is a sign of its compassion and concern.

“The Federation's relationship with Angel View goes back almost 30 years. Angel View receives funding annually from Jewish Federation through one of Tamarisk Country Club’s special projects funded by the annual Jewish Federation Golf Day Fundraisers. Throughout the years Tamarisk and Federation have forged a meaningful and purposeful partnership in helping to provide for the vulnerable in our community.

When Federation presents a menu of projects to Tamarisk committees, Angel View has always been on the priority list.

“Our goal has been to address the need for upgrades in the older homes, especially Joel's and Friedman's House. We have funded the reconstruction of the bathrooms and kitchens, replaced the AC, funded utility and lifestyle furnishings such as electric hospital beds, washers

and dryers, computers, and so much more, allowing the residents to live in a dignified and wholesome environment and relieve Angel View of some of its financial challenges. We want Angel View to continue doing what it does best in providing 24/7 compassionate and competent care.

“Federation is really the Center for philanthropy and community development within the Jewish community, providing a range of social services and humanitarian aid, but not exclusively Jewish.

Some of our recipient agencies in the Desert, along with Angel View, are Meals on Wheels, FIND, Desert Aids Project, and Jewish Family Service. We care for low income elderly senior adults, keeping them living independently in their homes avoiding institutionalization. We have a vested interest in not only the Jewish community but the broader community in the Desert.

“What motivates me is that we help to impact and touch the lives of hundreds and hundreds of people who we and our beneficiary agencies come in contact with every day. What we do is of critical importance. We support organizations to help open doors, provide opportunities, nurture

skills and teach people to get along and work together. This is not an accident.

It is why we are in business.

“The more people we inspire, the more we help leadership to think differently, the more obvious it will be to everyone around us that the Jewish Federation is making a significant impact and that it is a key asset of the community. We hope that the outcome from this kind of event is that people get pumped up by the enthusiasm of others, get inspired by Angel View’s impressive accomplishments and go home proud and challenged to do better, to reach higher and offer more and more to this community.

“My personal thanks to all of you for what you have already done and are doing, for your generosity of time and dollars, for your diligence and intellect, for your professionalism and integrity. Your support to Angel View is testament of what all of you are capable of achieving together. The challenges moving forward are great, but let’s approach them with great optimism. Our vision is clear, our values are powerful, and our mission is compelling. Thank you.”

Inaugural Federation/AICF Event a Huge Success Jewish Federation of the Desert hosted its major donors at a first time collaboration with New York based America-Israel Cultural Foundation at Tamarisk Country Club on February 23rd. The thank you reception was attended by donors who make a minimum $5000 annual commitment per household, and the 60+ attendees experienced the amazing talents of two young and acclaimed Israeli musicians, Asi Matathias on violin and Victor Stanislavsky on piano.

The America-Israel Cultural Foundation supports artistic life in Israel. Since 1939, AICF has played a leading role in helping develop and fund many of Israel’s finest artists and largest cultural institutions.

Jewish Federation CEO Bruce Landgarten noted, “We decided to host this smaller venue for these donors in order to judge the level of interest in this inaugural event. Judging from the terrific response received we are considering hosting a larger venue next season, so that all our donors will be able to experience the toplevel talent of these performers. We thank our three event co-sponsors, Bernard Reiter, Howard Levy, and (left to right) Jewish Federation CEO Bruce Landgarten, Howard Levy, Jack Cohen, who helped support Victor Stanislavsky, Asi Matathias, Bernard Reiter and Josh Salama.

Jewish Federation’s efforts in bringing Among those supported include supporting institutions and programs, the fine work of the America-Israel Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, AICF makes a vital contribution to Cultural Foundation’s top talent to our the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra the cultural foundation of Israel and community.” and Batsheva Dance Company. strengthens her relationship with the By encouraging Israeli artists and United States.

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JEWISH COMMUNITY NEWS A Publication of the Jewish Federation of the Desert VOL. 40, No. 9

EDITORIAL Bruce Landgarten, Chief Executive Officer Miriam H. Bent, Editor Bailey & Co., Layout & Design JCN STATEMENT The Jewish Community News seeks to provide news and feature material of special interest to its readership, and to create a heightened sense of Jewish identity through the dissemination of information about people, events and issues at home and abroad. The JCN seeks to serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions in the Jewish community.

The JCN is published monthly, ten months a year by the Jewish Federation of the Desert, 69-710 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, 760-324-4737, fax 760-324-3154.

Articles & Advertising, Miriam H. Bent, Editor 760-323-0255 e-mail-mhbentjcn@earthlink.net ADVERTISING The JCN does not endorse the goods or services advertised in its pages and makes no representation as to the kashrut of food products and services in such advertising.

The publisher shall not be liable for damages if, for any reason whatsoever, it fails to publish an advertisement or for any error in an advertisement. Acceptance of advertisers and of advertising copy is subject to the publisher’s approval.

The JCN is not responsible if ads violate applicable laws and the advertiser will indemnify, hold harmless and defend the JCN from all claims made by government agencies and consumers for any reason based on ads carried in the JCN. 4 • JCN • April 2015 • Nissan/Iyar 5775 • www.jfedps.org

OF PALM SPRINGS & DESERT AREA

Decrying the Rise of Anti-Semitism 000The Jewish Federation of the Desert is outraged by the precipitous rise in violent anti-Semitic activity in Europe and elsewhere, and stands with Jews around the world who continue to be targeted by anti-

Jewish extremists. It is clear that the world-wide Jewish community feels itself on edge, as the resurgence of anti-Semitism and violent acts against Jewish is undeniable. Too often over the last months and years we have

been the focus of anti-Semitic vitriol and attack, seen in synagogues, schools, homes, cemeteries and memorials. Shops and buildings are vandalized and attacked. Jews have been victims of heinous crimes motivated solely by hate.

Anti-Semitism, along with other forms of bigotry and hatred, are direct affronts to American and Jewish values of inclusivity and pluralism, and to our belief that

all human beings are created in the image of G-d. The freedom to identify as part of a religious or ethnic minority group, openly and without fear, is a foundational value of our democracy.

We reiterate our dedication to freedom of speech and expression, and our unqualified support for those public servants who risk their lives every day to uphold this inalienable right.

Representing Buyers and Sellers throughout the desert for more than 27 years When you think of real estate, "Just Ring a Bell"

760.902.9206 rng.bell@aol.com/www.beverlybell.com

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Angel View Luncheon

SUPPORTED BY

OF THE DESERT

Shabbat Dinner a Success

Jewish Federation’s March 13th LGBT Alliance Shabbat Dinner was extremely successful. The attendees were greeted with a great deal of enthusiasm by the organizers: Stewart Fleishman, Bruce Radler, Spencer Howard and Don Stein.

Thanks to everyone who came Above: Angel View Executive Director Dave Thornton, Jewish out. It was a fun event and we look Federation CEO Bruce Landgarten holding the “Angel of the Year” Award presented to the Jewish Federation and special forward to engaging you in the near donor appreciation plaque for Tamarisk Country Club, and Dr. future.

Walter Johnson, Board President of Angel View.

To learn more about future programs please visit www.jfedps.org.

Right: Jewish Federation CEO Bruce Landgarten receiving awards from Angel View Executive Director Dave Thornton.

Federation Men’s Group Volunteers at FIND

assistance annually, to an average 90,000 individuals in its service area each month. They do so through a network of over 100 communitybased partners, whose programs include food pantries, soup kitchens, afterschool and summer care, senior

Again this year, the Federations Men's Group chaired by Arnie Gillman volunteered at FIND (Food In Need of Distribution) Food Bank, one of Jewish Federation’s recipient agencies.

FIND is the only regional food bank serving eastern Riverside and southern San Bernardino Counties in southern California. FIND distributes more than ten million pounds of food

centers, faith-based organizations, and homeless shelters.

Each member of the Federation’s Men's Group makes a minimum investment of $100 to Federation in his own name, as a statement of personal responsibility for Jews in need at home and abroad. Through this program and other initiatives, the collective power of philanthropic investments is changing lives in Coachella Valley.

Two Gentle Stories from Israel

As we are about to celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s 67th birthday, enjoy these two little stories that illustrate the specialness of our beloved homeland. –Ed. vicinity to help fill in a minyan. uniform to accompany Shani.

Minyan Always Being There Rosa Yerushalmi died after 50 years at the side of her husband Alex. The two Holocaust survivors had worked day-In day-out in their tiny shoe repair shop in Mazkeret Batya – a moshava on the outskirts of Rechovot, after immigrating to Israel from the Ukraine in 1974.

When Segev Afriat, the head of the Holocaust survivor welfare organization Shorashim Shel Nitan (Roots of Giving of Oneself) which had assisted the Yerushalmis during Rosa’s illness, found Alex bereft and beside himself with grief 30 minutes before the funeral, he posted a note on Facebook asking anyone in the

Two hundred strangers appeared out of nowhere for the funeral. During the seven days of mourning, a followup post filled the house with perfect strangers who came from as far away as Haifa, to embrace the widower, offering a sympathetic ear, bringing home-cooked food and helping to put the house in order.

Nofer, 25, who took off work early to make a shiva call, explained her motivations: “I don’t know him or her personally. The Facebook post simply touched my heart…that an elderly man whose wife was all his life should be sitting shiva alone. I didn’t want this to happen to him.”

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It was an only-in-Israel moment.

It is a tradition that when a girl is about to be drafted into the Israel Defense Forces, she is brought to the Induction Center by her mother.

When 18 year-old Shani Winter arrived at the induction center to be drafted she wasn’t accompanied by her mother Anat Rosen-Winter; she lost her mother when she was an infant – in a suicide bombing at the Apropo Café in Tel Aviv on Purim 1997. Yes, her father Miki and her four grandparents were there for this rite of passage, but so was someone else: Tziona Bushari was there in

The photo of a policewoman carrying the wounded 6 month-old Shani in her clown costume from the scene has remained etched on the collective memory of Israelis.

Tziona Bushari, it turns out, has followed Shani’s growth through phone calls and visits all these years.

“You can relax. You’re a very special girl and I know you’ll succeed in the army. I know what you’re going through today when everyone’s here with their moms,” said Bushari, “but you should know that every place you go, I’ll be there for you.”

Israeli Elections a Referendum of Netanyahu’s Leadership

The Jewish Community News goes to press before Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin formally calls the leaders of the major parties and invites one to form a government. However, three days after elections, the following demographics are known: One hundred and twenty lawmakers from 10 parties will take up their posts in the coming weeks, 40 of them rookie lawmakers, following Israel’s 20th

general elections for the Knesset.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

looks to have retained the premiership after his Likud party garnered 30 seats to become the largest party in the plenum, in elections that were largely a referendum of his rule.

Isaac Herzog’s Zionist Union party stood at 24 seats, the (Arab) Joint List won 13, Yesh Atid 11, Kulanu 10, Jewish Home 8, Shas 7, and Yisrael Beytenu 6, tied with United Torah Judaism. Meretz was the smallest party,

Left: Meeting with Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (middle row, second from right): (Back row) Gordon Kramer, California Senator Jeff Stone (representing the California Legislature Jewish Caucus), and Daniel Gryczman.

Middle row: Cheryl (sister of Barbara Kane from San Diego), Barbara Kane, Eva Kramer, Marcia Stein, Rick Stein (member, AIPAC National Board), Congressman Ruiz, Jewish Federation of the Desert CEO Bruce Landgarten. Front row: Diana Stein with a wounded warrior, whose mobility has been enhanced by Israeli technology.

AIPAC 2015 Policy Conference Jewish Federation CEO Bruce Landgarten joined Desert Area representatives at AIPAC’s 2015 Policy Conference March 1-3 in Washington, DC, attended by 16,000 delegates from around the United States.

Langarten observed, “Attending these conferences, whether AIPAC or the Federations’ General Assembly, is a great way to learn more, get more connected, and come back inspired.

It was a very unique opportunity to be at Capitol Hill during a special Joint Session of Congress, in proximity

to the chambers of the House of Representatives, amidst the pomp and circumstance of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington. I am so very proud that each member of California's Congressional Delegation attended the Prime Minister's speech.”

AIPAC (The American Israel Public Affairs Committee) is a lobbying group that advocates pro-Israel policies to the Congress and Executive Branch of the United States. Describing itself as "America's Pro-Israel Lobby", AIPAC

has more than 100,000 members. It has been called "the most important organization affecting America's

eBay Removes Sale of Soap Made from 'Holocaust Victims'

By Tova Dvorin, Arutz Sheva

Dutch prosecutors have successfully blocked the eBay listing of a bar of soap dating back to the Nazi era, the Daily Mail reported March 7th, after it claimed to be made from "the fat of Jewish Holocaust victims."

A Dutch owner attempted to hawk the soap on the auctioning site for a starting price of 199 euro ($215); however, moderators on the site removed the post seconds after it went live.

The antiquities vendor then handed himself in to police for questioning

shortly after the sale was cancelled; in doing so, he also handed over two bars of soap now being tested for traces of human remains.

Historian Arthur Haraf linked the soap to Nazi concentration camp Westerbork, a prime camp for Dutch Jews in the northeastern Netherlands.

Haraf noted that the sale of the soap is a "terrible crime" - not only due to its possible contents, but because any property from the camp belongs to the museum on the site.

Jewish groups responded with

with 5 seats.

A record 28 female Mks (23.3%) were slated to enter the Knesset, up slightly from 27 in the 19th Knesset and 21 in the 18th Knesset.

There was also a large increase in the number of Arab MKs, 17, up from 12 after the previous elections.

Voter turnout stood at 72.3 percent, the highest since 1999, when it was 78.7%.

disgust to the sale. "It is saddening and disgusting to find out that there are people interested in gaining money from the Holocaust," spokesperson for the Dutch Jewish organization CIDI, Ron Eisenman, told the daily. "We can only watch and hope that collectors will use healthy logic and will not

relationship with Israel," and one of the most powerful lobbying groups in the United States. participate in these things."

In November 2013, eBay removed Holocaust memorabilia sales from its site after another expose from the Daily Mail, but other auctions including the sale of Adolf Hitler's furniture and a rare edition of Mein Kampf in French auction houses - have been subject to various legal battles before being cancelled or retracted.

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Sci-Fi Medicine Sees Corals Turned Into Bone Grafts

By Yali Barkan, NoCamels

Far from the ocean, deep in Israel’s Negev Desert, man-made coral reefs are being grown inside large aquariums to be turned into bone grafts.

One company, OkCoral, has been growing coral for over six years in the Negev, and now another Israeli company, CoreBone, is manufacturing bone grafts (bone replacements) from coral grown in the desert – for use in orthopedic and dental procedures.

In 2008, Assaf Shaham, the CEO of OkCoral, started growing coral in his controlled-environment farm near Eilat for aquarium enthusiasts.

But three years ago, when he partnered with Ohad Schwartz, the CEO and co-founder of another Israeli company called CoreBone, he realized that he’d been targeting the wrong market. According to Schwartz, the bone grafting market is a $4.5 billion market and the best bone graft substance is made out of, you guessed it, coral.

Bone grafts are usually used as scaffolding for real bone to grow on, when treating injured bone or bone implants, such as dental implants.

This is especially important for older patients, whose bones are slow to rehabilitate by themselves. At first, bone grafts were extracted from a cadaver or an animal, but after a few documented cases of people

contracting diseases following the graft, synthetic alternatives started to show up. In order for these synthetic bone grafts to be accepted by the body and to induce bone growth, stem cells are added. However, only some synthetic bone grafts are as hard and as effective as the biological ones.

Apparently, coral have essential qualities that are very similar to those of the human bone: their chemical composition is mostly made out of calcium, they provide a vascular pathway and they’re as strong as the human bone. “The main problem with using coral as a bone graft is that they are not bioactive. They don’t have the ability to induce biological activities and ‘communicate’ with the cells of the body,” to attract new bone cells and creating new bone ingrowth.

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So, when Schwartz and his partner, Prof. Itzhak Binderman, the former head of the dental department and hard tissue laboratory at the Sourasky Medical Center, founded CoreBone in 2011, they started developing a coral-based, bioactive bone graft.

Bioengineering expert Binderman b e g a n c o m b i n i n g b i o a c t iv e substances with the coral’s usual diet, so when they are made into bone grafts they contain the qualities of a biological bone graft without the risk of contracting diseases.

At the OkCoral farm near Eilat, coral in aquariums grow ten times faster than they do in the ocean. The team achieves that by controlling the chemical compound of the water the coral are in, monitoring and controlling their light and temperature, as well as creating artificial waves to help their growth.

“There are four qualities you want a bone graft to have: strength, biocompatibility, remodeling and bioactivity,” Schwartz explains. “It should be as strong as the human bone, biocompatible so that the body won’t reject it, enable remodeling (the formation of a new bone as it degrades), and bioactive so that it stimulates the growth of a new bone on its surface.”

The company claims it has developed the only non-biological bone graft that has all four qualities.

It will be used for both dental and orthopedic purposes. According to Schwartz, their bone grafts will also cost less than the ones available today in the orthopedic market, which can cost up to $5,000, including hospitalization.

Later in 2011, CoreBone joined the Mofet incubator, funded by the TrendLines Group, and registered a patent in Europe and in the U.S. for their special ‘coral diet’ and methods of growing coral in a controlled environment. Since then, the company has been developing and testing its product successfully with the latest results even showing that bone grafts implanted in animals create bone marrow, as if they were actual bones.

CoreBone expects to begin human trials in selected hospitals in Israel and in France soon.

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Jewish Family Service of the Desert “Count on us… for life”

801 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 202 Palm Springs, CA 92262 73750 Catalina Way, Ste. A, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 325-4088 • www.jfsdesert.org

Free movies are shown Wednesdays at 10:00 am and 1:30 pm

Jewish Family Service of the Desert is Pleased to Announce

APRIL IS GENOCIDE AWARENESS MONTH

Michael Childers Presents One Night Only

April 1• Shake Hands with the Devil (2007) [R] April 8 • Ararat • (2002) [R]

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 McCallum Theatre

April 15 • Judgement at Nuremberg (1961) [NR]

Contact JFS at 760-325-4088 for more information

April 22 • Darfur Now • (2007) [PG]

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

April 29 • Welcome to Sarajevo (1997) [R]

For further information about these services and others, please call the JFS office, 760-325-4088.

COUNSELING & FAMILY SUPPORT: Experienced therapists help individuals, couples, and families address life's challenges.

DESERT HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL

SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM: JFS counselors serve elementary school children in Palm Springs Unified School District with on-site counseling and now with a new 5th grade curriculum to teach drug refusal and interpersonal skills to prepare them for success in middle school.

SOLUTIONS FOR SENIORS: Serves older adults to maintain independence and help them enjoy a higher quality of life.

BEREAVEMENT GROUP: Free to the local community. This group meets every Wednesday at the JFS Palm Springs office, 3.30-5.00 p.m.

FRIENDLYVISITORS: JFS volunteers visit home bound seniors to provide companionship and support. For more information please call 760-779-9400 Ext. 204.

SHABBAT- IN- A- BAG: JFS volunteers provide companionship and celebration during the Shabbat observance to home bound seniors.

For more information please call 760-7799400 Ext. 204.

CAFÉ EUROPA GROUP: Social programming for holocaust survivors. Transportation available, for dates, times & more information please call 760-779-9400 Ext. 204.

The Desert Holocaust Memorial is located in the Palm Desert Civic Center Park at San Pablo Avenue & Fred Waring Drive.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit this moving memorial, a place of remembrance and monument of hope.

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LET’S DO LUNCH! PROGRAM: Bimonthly activity program for homebound or isolated seniors. Participants take part in social activities; transportation and lunch are provided. Some restrictions apply. Please call Lisa Schmid for further information and to register 760-779-9400 Ext. 205.

Nazi Drum Made from Torah Scroll Arrives in Israel Jerusalem Online

A drum made from a Torah scroll was found last month by volunteers of the “From the Depths” organization in the basement of a man who lived in a village near the central Polish city of Lodz, and whose estate was put on sale. The volunteers came to the sale after hearing that the objects belonging to the man, a former member of the Nazi Hitler Youth movement, contained several that were connected to Jews.

Jonny Daniels, the Israeli founder of

From the Depths, bought the drum and, after consulting with the Israeli chief rabbinate on how it should be treated

in view of religious laws on handling Holy Scripture, decided to incorporate it into a traveling exhibition the group is preparing this year.

Daniels said the segment of parchment that was used to make the drum is “incredibly well preserved.”

It likely came from one of the many synagogues that serviced the area’s Jewish communities, which before the Holocaust had tens of thousands of members. “During the war all the synagogues were destroyed and no

one knew what happened to the Torah scrolls,” Daniels said. “After 70 years, the generations of survivors are leaving us too fast. Now we become responsible to carry on this memory.”

The action was carried out in memory of the family of Joe Levkovitch — a Poland-born, 88-year-old Jew whose parents, among other relatives, were murdered in the Belzec death camp and who last July emigrated from Canada to Israel.

No More Searching for the Elusive Vein

Israeli hospitals will soon start working with a special device which detects veins, preventing nurses' failed attempts at finding the vein.

By Linda Lovitch

Children and needles are not exactly a love story. For those who need a shot or infusion have, they no choice. After being admitted to the hospital a week ago, Dor is still not used to the needles. Sometimes finding the vein is not a simple task. If you miss, you have to stick the patient again. However, a new device used in

Israeli hospitals will make this much simpler. This $7,000 device uses a laser beam to show the veins on the patient's skin. The health care worker can then detect the best vein for the needle. It is like Waze for veins.

The nurse shows Dor through the device a vein which was used in the past and therefore not a candidate for

the latest infusion. Dr. Roni Lubetski, head of Pediatrics in Ichilov Hospital explains, "Searching for a vein is such an unpleasant situation for the child – sometimes you have to hold him down. This makes taking blood and giving infusions much speedier and less traumatic."

Adults are also afraid of needles.

According to research – 5% of adults to be exact. Some even faint at the sight of a needle. While the device does not prevent the need for sticking the patient altogether, it causes less attempts and less time spent staring into the eye of the needle.

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Tribute Card Donations Sending tributes and memorials is a meaningful way to honor loved ones.

Honorarium Tributes –

In Appreciation For:

•

Sandra Borns, Happy Birthday from Audrey Bernstein.

•

Joy Bratter, In honor of your 85th birthday, from Dodie & Dan Cadiff, and Marion Cowle.

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Billy Davids, Happy 90th birthday, from Sheila & Ralph Gurevitch.

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Wendy & Billy DeWoskin, Thank you from Sanford & Rosemary Hertz.

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Susie & Bobby Diamond, Thank you from Dodie & Dan Cadiff, Judith & Elliott Cohen, Judy & Marty Cohn, Nancy & Dennis Ditlove, Edith & Arnold Familian, Toni & Bobby Garmisa, Phil & Ellen Glass, Margot & Jerry Halperin, Sanford & Rosemary Hertz, Libby & Buddy Hoffman, Ruth & Mal Kaufman, Eunice & Jerry Meister, Marnie Miller & Joe Noren, Barbara Platt, Iris & Jerry Pollan, Gail & Bob Scadron, Barbara Schrayer & Cal Levin, Gloria & Michael Scoby, Susan & Burt Sunkin, Leslie & Barry Usow, Arlene & Irwin Volk, Lainie & Tom Weil.

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Ruth Dvorkin, Happy 75th birthday, from Renee & Herb Powell-Rothman.

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Phyllis Eisenberg, Thank you from Roberta Nyman.

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Suzanne & Jeff Feder, Thank you from Dodie & Dan Cadiff, Judith & Elliott Cohen, Nancy & Dennis Ditlove, Edith & Arnold Familian, Toni & Bobby Garmisa, Phil & Ellen Glass, Margot & Jerry Halperin, Sanford & Rosemary Hertz, Libby & Buddy Hoffman, Ruth & Mal Kaufman, Eunice & Jerry Meister, Marnie Miller & Joe Noren, Barbara Platt, Iris & Jerry Pollan, Gail & Bob Scadron, Barbara Schrayer & Cal Levin, Gloria & Michael Scoby, Susan & Burt Sunkin, Leslie & Barry Usow, Arlene & Irwin Volk, Lainie & Tom Weil.

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Betty Feinberg, Thank you from Ron & Natalie Tambor.

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Joel Fishman, Happy special birthday, from Leslie & Barry Usow.

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Ted & Cora Ginsberg, Happy Anniversary from Lila Rauch.

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Shelly & Susan Good, Thank you from Sande & Ed Fineman.

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Melinda Goodman, Thank you from Barbara Platt.

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Myra Gordon, Thank you from Sande Fineman and Rosemary Hertz.

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Stanley & Rosalind Hack, Thank you from Gloria & Michael Scoby.

14 • JCN • April 2015 • Nissan/Iyar 5775 • www.jfedps.org

All contributions received by the Jewish Federation for Tribute Cards are placed in our special Tzedakah Fund, which provides direct monetary intervention for needy Jews living in the Coachella Valley.

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Margot & Jerry Halperin, Thank you from Sanford & Rosemary Hertz.

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Gordon & Pat Hubbard, Thank you from Judith & Elliott Cohen.

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Joan & Pat Kerns, Thank you from Dodie & Dan Cadiff, Judith & Elliott Cohen, Nancy & Dennis Ditlove, Edith & Arnold Familian, Toni & Bobby Garmisa, Phil & Ellen Glass, Margot & Jerry Halperin, Sanford & Rosemary Hertz, Libby & Buddy Hoffman, Ruth & Mal Kaufman, Eunice & Jerry Meister, Marnie Miller & Joe Noren, Barbara Platt, Iris & Jerry Pollan, Gail & Bob Scadron, Barbara Schrayer & Cal Levin, Gloria & Michael Scoby, Susan & Burt Sunkin, Leslie & Barry Usow, Arlene & Irwin Volk, Lainie & Tom Weil.

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Susie & Bruce Konheim, Thank you from Sanford & Rosemary Hertz.

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Dick Leshgold, Thank you from Sanford & Rosemary Hertz.

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Dolly Levy, Happiness on your special birthday, from Judy & Marty Cohn.

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Pearle Rae Levy, Thank you from Rosemary Hertz.

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Bertel Lewis, Thank you from Fefe Passer.

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Graci Novack, Mazel tov on your Bat Mitzvah, from Mary Levine.

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Cydney & Bill Osterman, Thank you from Margot & Jerry Halperin, Sanford & Rosemary Hertz..

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Mimi & Harold Paley, Thank you from Dodie & Dan Cadiff, Judith & Elliott Cohen, Nancy & Dennis Ditlove, Edith & Arnold Familian, Toni & Bobby Garmisa, Phil & Ellen Glass, Margot & Jerry Halperin, Sanford & Rosemary Hertz, Libby & Buddy Hoffman, Ruth & Mal Kaufman, Eunice & Jerry Meister, Marnie Miller & Joe Noren, Barbara Platt, Iris & Jerry Pollan, Gail & Bob Scadron, Barbara Schrayer & Cal Levin, Gloria & Michael Scoby, Susan & Burt Sunkin, Leslie & Barry Usow, Arlene & Irwin Volk, Lainie & Tom Weil.

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Monty and Rella Rifkin, Thank you from Gail & Bob Scadron, Barry and Leslie Usow.

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Rella Rifkin, Thank you from Rosemary Hertz.

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Barry & Leslie Usow, Thank you from Judith and Eiliott Cohen.

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Shelly & Steve Zucker, Thank you from Nora and Don Rado.

Refuah Shleimah –

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Judy Spitzer, Best wishes for a speedy recovery, from Gail & Bob Scadron.

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Allan Steinberg, Glad you are feeling better, from Gail & Bob Scadron.

Memoriam Tributes –

Condolences Sent To:

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Enid Busch, In memory of your loved one, from Ruth Goldberg.

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Burt Chudacoff, In memory of your beloved wife Evette, from Judith & Elliott Cohen, Ruth Goldberg, Sherry Kaplan and Irving Sachs & Marion Hochstadter.

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Mr. & Mrs. Norton Farnoff, In memory of your beloved mother, from Ruth & Mal Kaufman.

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Tina Friedman, In memory of your beloved father Morris Levy, from Judith & Elliott Cohen, Nancy & Dennis Ditlove, Libby & Buddy Hoffman, Rabbi Yankel & Rochel Kreiman, Carol Horwich Luber, Roberta & Allan Nyman, Barbara Platt, Stephanie & Paul Ross, Claude & Elaine Steinberger.

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Joan Holland, In memory of your beloved husband, Eli, from Richard & Marsha Bernhard, Dodie & Dan Cadiff, Diane & Hal Gershowitz, Ruth Goldberg, Mary Levine & Alan Goldstein, Donna & Jim Levitas, Sandie Ovesen, Larry & Cathy Pitts and Elise & Lee Sacks.

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Laura Lewinson, In memory of Nancy’s beloved mother, from Nancy & James Petersen.

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Claire Marks, In memory of your beloved father, from Gerri & Paul Hinkes.

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Fern Miller & Family, In memory of your beloved husband Burt, from Roberta & Allan Nyman.

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Carol Price, In memory of your mother, from Myra & Hilly Spira.

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Barbara Rosenfield, In memory of your brother, Bob Yellin, from Audrey & Joe Bernstein, Sandra & Bob Borns, Judith & Elliott Cohen, Lois & Tom Davidson, Ellen & Phil Glass, Cal Levin & Barbara Schrayer.

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Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Rosenberg, In memory of your sister, from Richard & Marsha Bernhard.

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Marilyn Tischauer & Family, In memory of your beloved husband Randy, from Rabbi Yankel & Rochel Kreiman, Frances & Bob Miller, Sheila Seaton & Rhoda Katz.

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Larry & Shirley Zipkin, In memory of your mother, from Sanford & Rosemary Hertz.

Get Well Wishes To:

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Ruben Poplawski, You are in my thoughts and prayers, from Barbara Platt.

Tribute Card Donations Continued Barbara & Bernie Fromm –

Jewish Youth Enrichment Fund

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Bernie Fromm, In honor of your 80th birthday, from the Fromm Family: Davida, Reid, Michael, Susan, Lou, Rhona, Hannah, Jeremy, Jake, Casey, Jordan & Jamie.

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Bernie Fromm, In honor of your 80th birthday, from Ellen & Jim Labes.

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Barbara Fromm, In honor of your birthday, from Susan & Michael Fromm.

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Susie & Bobby Diamond, Suzanne & Jeff Feder, Joan & Pat Kerns, and Mimi & Harold Paley, Thank you from Barbara & Bernie Fromm.

Call to attend the next informational meeting for our November 4-13 Mosaic 2 Israel Mission 760-324-4737

Going the Extra 6,000 Miles

Defense Force base, helping out and demonstrating their support of Israel with ‘borrowed boots’ on the ground.

Mast braved a cold winter front while leaving a very pregnant wife and two kids on the home front – explaining he was more than willing “to fill sandbags or stir the soup” to demonstrate he stands with Israel and rejects revisionist rhetoric that casts Israel as a villain and the aggressor.

From Yediot, Channel 20

000American army veteran Brian Mast lost both his legs when serving in Afghanistan, but that didn’t stop the former sapper from giving a hand to Israel.

Mast - who is not Jewish and hails from Florida - first encountered Israel bashers on campus at Harvard University where he is studying economics and business

administration. Watching anti-Israel demonstrations during the summer 2014 Protective Edge campaign, he felt he had to speak up.

Write a Facebook post? Send a Tweet? Not this 34 year-old vet!

The former staff sergeant volunteered with Sar-El, the program for civilian volunteers to spend several weeks in Israel in uniform on an Israel

Brian Mast

JCN • April 2015 • Nissan/Iyar 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 15

Shabbat and Weekday Service Information Check the websites or call for times of services.

BETH SHALOM

(Member, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism) Ken Hailpern, Spiritual Leader 79-733 Country Club Drive, Bermuda Dunes, CA 92203 bethshalom18.wordpress.com 760-200-3636 8 pm Friday/9:30 am Saturday Shabbat Services.

8:30 am Monday & Thursday Morning Minyan, followed by light breakfast.

No Friday night Shabbat service April 3, first Seder night.

Yizkor Saturday, April 11 9:30 am

CENTRO CULTURAL HEBREO DE MEXICALI (Conservative) Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico Contact: Ron Cohen www.judiosdemexicali.com 760-960-3392 US (686) 216-7152 Mexico

CHABAD OF PALM SPRINGS & DESERT COMMUNITIES Rabbi Yonason Denebeim 425 Ortega, Palm Springs, CA 92264 www.chabadpalmsprings.com

760-325-0774 Shabbat services Friday/Saturday; daily morning and evening minyan.

Check website for Pesach service schedule.

CHABAD OF PALM DESERT

A project of Chabad of Palm Springs & Desert Communities Rabbi Mendy Friedman www.chabadpd.com 760-969-2153 / 760-969-2158

CHABAD OF RANCHO MIRAGE

A project of Chabad of Palm Springs & Desert Communities Rabbi Shimon Posner 72295 Via Marta, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 www.chabadrm.com 760-7707785 Shabbat services Friday: check website for service times. Saturday 10 am; daily morning and evening minyan. M-F 7:00 am; Sundays 8:00 am/check website for mincha/maariv times. Saturday, April 11 Yizkor service at approximately 11:30 am.

Seders both nights at 8:15 pm.

Reservations required.

Call 760-770-7785.

CONGREGATION HAR-EL

(Member, Union for Reform Judaism) Rabbi Richard Zionts 47-535 Hwy 74, Palm Desert, CA 92260 harelurj@aol.com 760-779-1691 5 pm Friday evening Shabbat Service, followed by speaker or discussion.

Note: No service April 3. Reservations required to attend Seder. Monthly Shabbat Morning Torah Study 10:15 am and Worship Service 11:00 am followed by Oneg. April Shabbat morning service April 11.

TEMPLE ISAIAH

(Conservative) Rabbi Sally Olins 332 West Alejo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 www.templeisaiahps.com 760-325-2281 7:30 pm Friday/10 am Saturday Shabbat Services; morning minyan Mondays & Thursdays - 8:30 am. Friday, April 3 - 55th annual Community Seder. Reservations required. Saturday, April 11 Shabbat Services 10 am - Yizkor

TEMPLE SINAI

(Reform) Rabbis Larry and Linda Seidman 1320 Williams Ave., Banning Contact 951-769-3678/769-7514 Shabbat Service 3rd Friday/ Havdallah 1st Saturday evening.

(Reform) Rabbi Andrew Bentley 73-251 Hovley Lane West, Palm Desert www.templesinaipd.org 760-568-9699 7:30 pm Friday/10 am Saturday Shabbat Services.

Friday, April 3 Shabbat services at 5:30 pm Friday, April 10 Yizkor Service 10 am Friday, April 17 Shabbat Zimra with Rick Recht.

DESERT HOT SPRINGS

BIKUR CHOLIM

CONGREGATION SHALOM BAYIT

Monthly Friday Shabbat Service with Rabbi Faith Tessler September through May. Contact 760-324-4737 for more information.

A project of Chabad of Palm Springs & Desert Communities (Community Outreach) Rabbi Yankel Kreiman www.BikurCholimPS.com 760-325-8076

April Community Calendar Wednesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 10:00 am and 1:30 pm Tolerance Education Center free movies. See page 10 for April movie schedule.

Wednesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 9:00 am Temple Sinai Introduction to Judaism.

Wednesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 10:30-11:30 am and 6:30-7:30 pm Chabad of Rancho Mirage Torah and Tea. A weekly journey into the soul of Torah. Call 760-770-7785.

Wednesdays, April 1, 15, 22, 29 12 Noon Temple Sinai Lunch and Limud.

Wednesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 3:30-5:00 pm Jewish Family Service Jewish Bereavement Group. Meets weekly at the JFS Palm Springs Office, 801 East Tahquitz Canyon. Free to local community and reservations not required.

Thursday, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 1:00 pm Temple Sinai Adult Education: “Kabbalah” led by Rabbi Andrew Bentley.

Course: April – June. $36 members/$72 non-members. Drop in fee for individual session $5 members/$7 non-members. Call 760-568-9699.

Monday, April 6 10:00 am Tamar Hadassah brunch “with Pesachdic delights.” Speaker:

16 • JCN • April 2015 • Nissan/Iyar 5775 • www.jfedps.org

Marcia Stein “Growing Anti-Semitism in the U.S. and Globally.” $12 couvert. Reservations required. Call 760-321-9941.

Monday, April 6, 13, 20, 27 7:00 pm Chabad of Rancho Mirage Men’s Torah Class with Rabbi Benny Lew. For more information call 760636-2897 or email rabbibenny@ chabadrm.com.

Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 10:00 am Mamaloshen at Sinai.

Thursday, April 7 6:00 pm Tolerance Education Center Commemoration of 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Dr. Lawrence Baron: “The Armenian/

Jewish Connection: The Influence of Holocaust Cinema on Feature Films about the Armenian Genocide.”

Admission FREE; reservations required See ad page 10.

Thursday, April 9 11:30 am Jewish Family Service Seder for Café Europa/Holocaust Survivors.

Call 760-779-9400, ext. 204, for details and reservations.

Saturday, April 11 7-9 pm LGBT Shalom Group Matzoh Madness Dinner: An fun elegant evening with friends. At Temple Sinai. $25 until April 5, $30 after. RSVP to www.shalomgroupps.com or call 760-972-4422.

April Community Calendar Continued Tuesdays, April 14, 21, 28 1:00 pm Temple Sinai Adult Education “The Wisdom of the Talmud” led

by Rabbi Andrew Bentley. Course: April – June. $36 members/$72 nonmembers.

Drop in fee for individual session $5 members/$7 non-members.

Call 760-568-9699.

Tuesdays, April 14, 21, 28 (NOTE: Not April 7) 5:00-7:00 pm Chabad Rancho Mirage’s weekly BBQ. Reservations not required, but helpful: 760-770-7785.

Friday, April 10 6:00 pm Tolerance Education Center: Jaci Davis, with the Derek Lewis Trio: “Liza & Ella & Babs, Oh My”, $15.

RSVP to 660-328-8252.

See ad page 10.

Sunday, April 12 11:00 am Third Temple Isaiah Speaker Series: Jon Entine “Israel, DNA & Being Jewish: How Genetics Has Shaped the History of the Jews.” $18.

At Temple Isaiah. See ad page 5.

Monday, April 13 10:30-11:45 am Har-El Galen Monthly Book Course. “Our Crowd” by Stephen Birmingham. Registration required. Call 760-779-1691 or email harurj@gmail.com.

Wednesday, April 15 2:00 pm Jewish National Fund Women’s Afternoon Tea with special guest speaker Terry Katz. See ad page 5 for details and reservations.

Monday, April 20 11 am Community Kaddish Observance for Yom Ha'Shoah at Holocaust Memorial, Palm Desert.

See page 5.

Wednesdays, April 15, 22, 29 4:00 pm Temple Isaiah Adult Education Class “The Song of Songs” led by Rabbi Sally Olins. Call 760-844-7302 for more information.

Tuesday, April 21 11:00 am Temple Sinai Sisterhood Book Club

Wednesday, April 15, 22, 29 5:30 pm Temple Isaiah Beginning Hebrew. Instructor: Rabbi Sally Olins. Call 760-844-7302 for more information.

Friday, April 17 Follows 5 pm service: Har-El Discussion Series: Presenter: Cantor Melanie Fine, “Report on Recent Trip to Israel and New Start-Ups in Technology Field.”

Wednesday, April 22 & 29, May 6 4-5:30 pm Har-El Galen Trimester Course “The World Changed Again: That Was Then, This Is Now – How Are We the Architects for Israel and America?” Fee. For information and enrollment, call 760-779-1691 or email harurj@ gmail.com.

Wednesday, April 22 6:00 pm Jewish Family Service Gala Evening: Michael Childers presents “One Night Only.” Contact the McCallum Theatre or Jewish Family Service (760-325-4088) for information and tickets.

OF PALM SPRINGS & DESERT AREA

Sunday, April 19 3:00 pm COMMUNITY OBSERVANCE OF YOM HA’SHOAH. Galen Auditorium at the Annenberg Center; Eisenhower Medical Center.

Speaker: Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger.

For details, see page 4.

Wednesday, April 22 6:45-8:00 pm Women’s Rosh Chodesh Society. “Reservations for Two: Defining Marriage Boundaries” Chabad of Rancho Mirage. For information and to register call Chaya Posner at 760272-1923.

OF PALM SPRINGS & DESERT AREA

Thursday, April 23 3:00 pm Jewish Federation Annual Meeting. See page 2.

OF PALM SPRINGS & DESERT AREA

Sunday, April 26 11:00 am COMMUNITY OBSERVANCE OF YOM HA’ATZMAUT, Israel’s 67th birthday. U.C. Riverside/Palm Desert Campus auditorium.

Program: In Joy Orchestra with Gilat Rapaport. For details, see page 4.

Tuesday, April 28 11:00 am Temple Sinai Sisterhood luncheon.

Thursday, April 30 4:00 pm Beth Shalom Book Study Discussion.

Friday, May 1 4:30 pm Har-El Reception Honoring Har-El Presenters; followed by services at 5:00 pm.

Tackling ‘Untreatable’ Brain Tumors

New hope for tens of thousands diagnosed with gliomas as Tel Aviv University study shows potential way to stop brain tumor cell proliferation.

By Viva Sarah Press, Israel 21c

A new Tel Aviv University study may offer hope to the tens of thousands of people diagnosed with ‘untreatable’ brain tumors every year.

There are no effective available treatments for sufferers of Glioblastoma multiforme(GBM), the most aggressive and devastating form of brain tumor. And the fatal disease has a survival rate of only six-18 months But new research out of Israel has promising results. “I was approached by a neurosurgeon insistent on finding a solution, any solution, to a desperate situation,” said Prof. Dan Peer of TAU’s Department of Department of

Cell Research and Immunology and Scientific Director of TAU’s Center for NanoMedicine. “Their patients were dying on them, fast, and they had virtually no weapons in their arsenal. Prof. Zvi Cohen [Director of the Neurosurgical Oncology Unit and Vice Chair at the Neurosurgical Department at Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer] heard about my earlier nanoscale research and suggested using it as a basis for a novel mechanism with which to treat gliomas.”

A pioneer of cancer-busting nanoscale therapeutics, Peer has adapted an earlier treatment modality — one engineered

to tackle ovarian cancer tumors — to target gliomas. Published recently in ACS Nano, the research was initiated by Cohen. The Israeli Cancer Association provided support for this research.

“When I heard about Dan’s work in the field of nanomedicine and cancer, I knew I found an innovative approach combining nanotechnology and molecular biology to tackle brain cancer,” said Cohen. Peer’s new research is based on a nanoparticle platform, which transports drugs to target sites while minimizing adverse effects on the rest of the body. Peer devised a localized strategy to deliver RNA genetic interference (RNAi) directly to the tumor

site using lipid-based nanoparticles coated with the polysugar hyaluronan (HA) that binds to a receptor expressed specifically on glioma cells.

Peer and his team of researchers tested the therapy in mouse models affected with gliomas and control groups treated with standard forms of chemotherapy.

The results were, according to the researchers, astonishing. “This is a proof of concept study which can be translated into a novel clinical modality,” said Peer.

“While it is in early stages, the data is so promising — it would be a crime not to pursue it.”

JCN • April 2015 • Nissan/Iyar 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 17

Inland and Desert Hillel

negative energy and give thanks and appreciation for where we are today and how we shall continue to work together and thrive.

Our event calendar for April is packed with events in collaboration with many other student and community organizations, ranging from the observance of Yom HaShoah, Yom Ha'atzmaut, Krav Maga lessons in the park, cooking classes, Israeli dancing and Shabbat services and

By Kevin Giser, Hillel Director of Jewish Student Life

000The Inland and Desert Hillel Council prides itself on being the “Foundation of Jewish Campus Life,” on the campuses we serve. As on college campuses around the country, we face anti-Semitism and the coordinated attempt to pass student referendums that condemn the State of Israel. The “Boycott, Divest and Sanction” movement impacts the lives of our Jewish college students.

While our Hillel faces these issues at UC Riverside, it has fostered an environment of true strength and perseverance in our young, Jewish leaders. We are able to take this

Left: Keley Horan blesses Shabbat candles at a recent UC Riverside Shabbat Dinner

dinners. Our Passover Seder at the University of Redlands will serve over 200 students, faculty and professors from our area. We continue to be dedicated to educating young Jewish leaders on our Jewish heritage and the importance of the Jewish State of Israel.

We thank the Jewish Federation of the Desert for its vital support of the Inland and Desert Hillel Council, and look forward to continuing the partnership. Our Director of Jewish Student Life can be reached at hillel@ iehillel.org, and we welcome all ideas, suggestions and questions. Together, our Jewish community is strong, and we will continue to flourish!

Temple Sinai Teens Attend Washington, DC Retreat

By Leslie Pepper, Director of Education, Temple Sinai

In late February seven teens from Temple Sinai, accompanied

by Rabbi Andrew Bentley, traveled to Washington, DC to participate in the Reform movement’s “L’Taken Religious Action Center Retreat.” The L’Taken Social Justice Conference attracted nearly 2,000 high school– aged students to expose them to a variety of public policy issues and to explore Jewish values.

Our Palm Desert Teens had the opportunity to lobby Congressman Raul Ruiz’s office while on Capitol Hill. The trajectory of programming went from broad to narrow, first having the teens explore a range of topics and then encouraging them to focus on a single specific issue. They had the choice to attend programs on a wide range of topics including Israel, the environment, reproductive

Sinai teens in front of the Capitol

rights, LGBTQ civil rights, church/ state separation, International relations and more. The group had the opportunity to visit the National Holocaust Memorial Museum and

18 • JCN • April 2015 • Nissan/Iyar 5775 • www.jfedps.org

(l to r) Megan Eslamboly, Evelyn Monetatchi , Arianna Freedman, Alana Mittelman, Rabbi Andrew Bentley, Ian Feldman, Jordan Taran, and Joanna Berkowitz outside Congressman Raul Ruiz’s office

the Smithsonian National Mall. They celebrated Havdalah at the Jefferson Memorial.

As a unified voice they became a part of fulfilling the commandment

“Justice, justice you shall pursue, Tzedek, tzedek, tirdot” ” (Deuteronomy 16:20).

A Showcase of Israeli Diamonds and Technology Hundreds of buyers wowed by new technologies at 2015 International Diamond Week in Ramat Gan.

By Viva Sarah Press, Israel 21c

Hundreds of buyers from around the world jammed the trading floor at the Israel Diamond Exchange to find the best gems during International Diamond Week in February. They were also introduced to the latest technological advances in the diamond industry.

“For years, the diamond industry was seen as archaic, working with dated technologies to treat the diamonds,” IDE President Shmuel Schnitzer told exhibitors. “But these times are long gone. The polishing process, as well as the manufacturing process and trade, are done using cutting-edge technologies that are constantly improving.”

Israel’s export of polished and rough diamonds totaled some $9.324 billion last year, up from $9.166 billion in 2013. Diamonds constitute 20 percent of Israel’s total industrial export.

Israel is not only a top diamond exporter but is also considered the most advanced in diamond polishing.

Israeli technology is used in the international diamond industry’s cutting, bruting and automatic polishing machines, as well as computer-aided design systems, according to the Israeli Diamond Industry. “The name of the game is to keep the qualitative edge. And we’re always one step ahead,” says Israel Diamond Exchange Managing Director Moti Besser.

The International Diamond Week event attracted 400 buyers from 24 countries, including large delegations from the US, Belgium and Turkey.

There were representatives from India, UK, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Italy, Austria and South Africa, among others.

“We are cutting diamonds in a most precise way,” says Majestic Jewelry Managing Director Roni Stschik. “We create from smaller stones a look of larger diamonds.

For example, a diamond of one carat looks like three and a half carats. A lady can wear something that costs $5,000 that looks like $50,000 to $100,000. It’s high-tech in jewelry.”

Appraising Diamonds Online The event’s DiamTech exhibit featured leading Israeli players in imaging and diamond-processing advances needed for today’s sellers and buyers doing business in the online marketplace. “Every diamond in a piece of jewelry makes its rounds around the world before it is set,” said Yaakov Almor, the diamond exchange’s director of public relations.

“We have been able to reduce the travel around the world because of the technology. We’ve reached the pinnacle of technology insofar as seeing inside the rough without having to touch it.”

The Shirtal DiaCam360 tabletop scanner, which produces 360-degree photos and videos of diamonds, made its world debut at the exhibit.

This high-tech tool enables clients in distant locations to view Shirtal diamonds easily from every angle, as if they were holding the stone in their hands.

Besser says Israeli technologies also support the critical process of decision-making.” In the past, in order to estimate what you can manufacture from the rough diamond, there were a few specialists who could estimate.

Now there’s this MRI-like machine that can look and see what exactly you can do with the rough diamond [and] what is the value of the polished

diamond,” eliminating the need for manual microscopic inspection.

“Without technology, the industry will not be able to compete. Technology enables the diamond industry to prosper.”

Sarine CEO Uzi Levami said,

“This new generation of consumers wants to know the story behind the diamonds they are buying, and without technology this would be impossible.

In recent years, we are witnessing the integration of technology in sales, and I believe that this trend will only grow.”

A memorandum of understanding with Alrosa, a Russian group of diamond mining companies, calls for developing new methods of sorting and analysis of the origin of diamonds.

It also opens the door to joint research on new technologies for diamond cutting and polishing. Alrosa exports some $550 million worth of rough diamonds to Israel annually, and this number is expected to grow.

JCN • April 2015 • Nissan/Iyar 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 19

Community Schools

Shalom

RELIGIOUS/HEBREW SCHOOLS

Aleph Academy A Project of Jewish Sunshine Circle Director: Shaindy Friedman 73-550 Santa Rosa Way, Palm Desert, Ca. 92260 alephacademy.org • 760-413-4425

Temple Sinai Director: Leslie Pepper 73-251 Hovley Lane West, Palm Desert, CA 92260 www.templesinaipd.org • 760-568-9699

NURSERY SCHOOL

Temple Sinai Tikvah Pre-School Director: Debbie Midcalf • 24 mos - Pre-K 73-251 Hovley Lane West, Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-568-6779

To apply for Emergency Funds from the

TZEDAKAH Shalom The finest in Jewish Living FUND call the Jewish Federation 760-324-4737

20 • JCN • April 2015 • Nissan/Iyar 5775 • www.jfedps.org

2015 CTeen Shabbaton in New York “I could not believe that there were so many Jews in one place without being scared,” Cyril Buchinger, a high school senior from France said in astonishment, as he and some 100 of his peers danced as Jews, Saturday night on Manhattan’s Times Square.

At the CTeen International Shabbaton in New York, Cyril and others among the 1400 teens from countries where Jews are not safe to freely express themselves, were brought to tears by the sheer of joy of an uninhibited

(Left to right) Melanie Peretz, Yael Hezkiya, Rebbitzin Chaya Posner, David Kraman, Addison Kraman, Alexander Campbell (behind Addison), Rabbi Shimon Posner, Adi Srulovitz, Golan Bosnino and Jasmine Bosnino. (Shir Ketyai and Melissa Finger joined the desert group in New York)

CTeens at Times Square

display of their identity.

Ten desert teens, accompanied by Rabbi Shimon and Rebbitzin Chaya Posner of Chabad of Rancho Mirage

left our desert sunshine for a very chilly New York to be part of the annual CTeen Shabbaton weekend. Teens from countries plagued by increased antiSemitism interacted with teens who live in communities, as the Coachella Valley, where living Jewishly can be freely and openly expressed, and each learned from the other.

CTeen was created, in the words of its Director, Shimon Rivkin “to harness the incredible power of youth to affect positive change in the world.”

Report Praises Israel’s Effort to Prevent Civilian Casualties in Gaza

IDF Went Far Beyond Its Legal Obligations, Says Panel of Former Senior U.S. Military Officials and Legal Experts The Times of Israel

Israel’s military went far beyond its legal obligation last summer during its Gaza operation to prevent civilian casualties, according to a report by a panel of former senior U.S. military officials and legal experts.

The Gaza Conflict Task Force report, which was released March 11, 2015, was commissioned by the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, or JINSA. The task force called the conflict “Hybrid Warfare: where non-state actors equipped with

advanced weapons operate in densely populated urban areas, disregarding the safety of civilians and capitalizing on its enemy’s efforts to comply with the law.”

The report praised the Israel Defense Forces for its effort to limit civilian casualties, such as alerting residents in a targeted area through phone calls, leaflets and low impact explosives, but also emphasized that the United States and Israel should study the conflict in order to find a

balance between mitigating civilian casualties and achieving mission objectives.

Michael Makovsky, JINSA’s chief executive officer, said the task force compiled the report after making a fact-finding mission to Israel, where they met with Israeli, United Nations and Palestinian officials, as well as analyzing primary and secondary

research.

JINSA, a Washington-based nonprofit group, advocates for a strong U.S. military relationship with Israel.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused Israel of committing war crimes and violations of the laws of war during its Operation Protective Edge against Hamas in Gaza.

Suriname Pres’s Son Convicted in U.S. for Attempting to Assist Hezbollah for Money

By Tom Dolev, Jerusalem Online

The son of Suriname’s President was sentenced to 16 years of prison, after a U.S. court in New York convicted him of trying to establish a Hezbollah base in his country. The son had contacted American undercover agents who presented themselves as Hezbollah representatives, offering them refuge in Suriname in exchange for two million dollars.

Suriname, the smallest country in South America, is considered a politically stable country, and has been ruled by President Dési Bouterse since he was democratically elected in 2010.

Bouterse had also controlled the country in the 80's as a dictator.

His 42-year-old son, Dino Bouterse, was accused by the Manhattan court of inviting people who he thought were Hezbollah members to establish a base for the organization in his country, in exchange for money. In addition, Bouterse admitted to trafficking drugs

and other dangerous substances. The US State Department declared Hezbollah a terror organization in 1997, and thus any assistance to Hezbollah is forbidden by law.

Before receiving his sentence, Bouterse stated: “What I did does not really represent my country.” He claimed that his arrest would bring harm to his eleven children, aging 2 to 19. “I really regret my actions, and I am deeply, deeply, deeply ashamed of myself. I take full responsibility,” he added.

The prosecutor initially requested that Bouterse be sent to 30 years of prison, the maximum punishment allowed by law. “It is very severe that a country, any country, is willing to open its borders to a terror organization in exchange for pay,” stated Attorney Michael Lockard.

Suriname’s Foreign Ministry has yet to address the verdict, and it is still unclear how it will affect relations between the countries.

JCN • April 2015 • Nissan/Iyar 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 21

Simchas Excited to learn that Jeremy Ginsberg has received a six month internship with MASA Israel Journey which offers study internships in Israel.

He will be leaving in June after graduating from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in History and Global

Classifieds KRISTINE A. KAUFFMAN - SENIOR CARE SPECIALIST. Driving for appointments, shopping, dining, etc; Errands (groceries, banking, etc); Bill paying and other miscellaneous tasks; Companionship. Dog sitting, walking. References available.

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PERSONAL ASSISTANT/PERSONAL AFFAIRS MANAGER Excellent local references. Bill paying, reconcile bank statement, run errands, drive to appointment. Computer help: MS Office, QuickBooks, emails.

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DOOR PROS We specialize in repair of garage doors, sliding glass and screen doors. Reasonable pricing. Same day service. Fully insured and licensed #889442.

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Studies.... Eileen Eisenberg and Marc Kashinsky of Palm Desert are pleased to announce the birth of their second grandchild, Fiona Fiona Kashinsky Nat Kashinsky, on November 28, 2014 in Wilmington,

DE. Fiona is the daughter of Michelle and Josh Kashinsky and little sister to Rose Kashinsky, age 2. Other grandparents are Susan Fadem and the late Rod Fadem of St. Louis, MO. Great grandmothers are Frances Eisenberg of Voorhees, NJ and Char Sherman of St. Louis, MO ... Congratulations to Bob Fey on assuming the presidency (for

DAVID’S CONSTRUCTION Conscientious licensed, insured, bonded, general contractor.

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Room additions, remodeling, patio covers, decks, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, masonry, drywall, cement, wood floors, tile, fences, painting, sprinklers, landscaping, swamp coolers, custom homes and more. License #506-370. davidsconstruction@ ymail.com 760-671-4476.

CAREGIVER AVAILABLE. Let me give you a helping hand at a reasonable rate. Experienced in personal care. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Stroke cases.

Cooking, errands and light housekeeping. Strong. Reliable.

References and background check available. 760-6686764.

JFS VOLUNTEERS WELCOME: JFS has rewarding volunteer opportunities available and is now accepting applications for the following positions: Let’s Do Lunch! Program Driver, Let’s Do Lunch! Program Volunteer, Friendly Visitor, JFS Express Senior Ride Transportation driver, Front Office Assistant. For more information contact 760-779-9400 Ext. 204.

Congregation Har-El SHABBAT LECTURE SERIES FINAL PRESENTATION for the 2015 Season will be Friday, April 17, 2015 at 5 PM. Cantor Melanie Fine will discuss “High Tech Start-Ups in Israel.” Cantor Fine just returned from Israel as a delegate visiting high tech companies. For information on Spring/Summer programs, services, Shabbat dinners and Galen Trimester courses, contact: harelurj@gmail.com or call the Har-El Office: 760-779-1691.

the second time around) of Temple Isaiah. Share your Simchas with us.

Email Miriam Bent at mhbentjcn@ earthlink.net or call 760-3230255.

Bob Fey

SHOP Temple Sinai Sisterhood's newly renovated gift shop for all your Passover needs for adults and children including toys, haggadahs, kipot, matzo covers, afikomen bags, candlesticks, Kiddush cups; just to name a few. Special arrival of new mezuzahs and inserts to adorn all the door posts of your home and gates. Hours from 10 to 1 Tuesday to Friday, Sunday from 9:30 to 12; and by appointment. Cash, check and your credit cards welcome.

CATA L I N A WAY S E N I O R APARTMENTS New One Bedrooms $900/month 73582 Catalina Way Palm Desert 92260 Manager on site or call for appointment 818-404-0787.

SOLVE YOUR FRUSTRATING TECHNICAL PROBLEMS! Installation, technical issues, even how-do-I-do-this problems. No charge if problem not solved. Call me for your Computer, TV, Phone, Audio, Ipad, etc. technical needs.

References. Very reasonable rates.

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Candle Lighting Times Friday, April 3 Saturday, April 4 Friday, April 10 Friday, April 17 Friday, April 24

Shabbat Pesach 6:26 pm 2nd night Pesach After 7:52 pm Shabbat Pesach 6:31 pm Shabbat Shmini 6:36 pm Shabbat Tazriah-Metzora 6:42 pm

We Mourn the Passing of...

Sharon Amov, Howard Appleman, Gladys Becker, Morris Levy, Jordan Orenstein, Albert Rosen, Vivian Slor, Jeff Stratyner and Randy Tichauer. Our deepest sympathies to their families and friends.

May their memories endure as a blessing.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WELCOMED The Jewish Community News welcomes letters to the editor Publication will be based on appropriateness of material and available space, at the discretion of the editorial staff. We reserve the right to edit submissions. Submit letters of 250 words or less by e-mail to: mhbentjcn@earthlink. net, fax to 760-320-6085 or mail to the Jewish Federation, 69-710 Hwy. 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, attn: Editor, JCN. 22 • JCN • April 2015 • Nissan/Iyar 5775 • www.jfedps.org

Laugh out Loud Stories in the news that bring a smile!

FATAL ATTRACTION What makes a particular person attractive to another person?

Researchers have theorized its body chemistry – smell and hormones, but physicians at Beilenson Hospital think they’ve found the real key.

Genetic attraction!

An Israeli study of 1,310 couples whose genetic material was used to establish paternity – that is, while not all were married to one another, all had been intimate at some time in the past – revealed they share certain genetic elements, regardless whether they came from the same cultural background or ethnicity. The same patterns where genes lined up like celestial constellations did not appear when researchers matched up men and women randomly.

OFF THE TOP OF HIS HEAD The bone of contention in a recent medical negligence suit was truly unique: The plaintiff was a 58 year-old man whose head was bashed-in during a brawl in a wedding hall, requiring brain surgery at Rambam Hospital to stop the hemorrhaging. However, several months later, when it came time to put back in place a piece of his skull that had been removed to access the brain cavity, the hospital’s bone bank personnel were left scratching their heads, forced to admit the missing piece was nowhere to be found.

The former patient was forced to have an artificial plate attached (not surprisingly, choosing another hospital to do the procedure). He then filed a medical negligence suit against Rambam … but not only for the wayward bone segment. Unabashed, the patient demanded untold millions for loss of memory and field of vision, depression, and seizures as well, which he now claims were the doctor’s fault.

What about the three assailants who bashed in his head? Oh, they do appear in the case. As co-defendants.

Have A Nosh With Miriam

By Miriam H. Bent

For more than 15 years our family, and all our guests at our Seders, were blessed to have preeminent baker Harriet Goldberg provide all our Pesach cookies. Platter after platter of wonderful baking arrived hours before the first Seder and lasted through the week. A few months ago, after the passing of her husband, Harriet moved back to the Bay Area and not only will she not be part of our Seders, but I have had to pull out my Pesachdic baking recipes and start baking myself again! I’ve selected three easy recipes to share with you, containing just 4, 5 and 6 ingredients respectively!

Warmest wishes for wonderful Seders, surrounded by family and friends. And, Harriet, we all will miss you! Chag samayach. MHB

CHOCOLATE CHIP MIRACLE BARS 2 cups ground almonds (see note) 1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs 1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9" x13" pan. Mix ingredients together and spread in pan with spatula. Batter will be thick but do not add water. Just mix it well.

Bake for 23 minutes. Cool then cut into squares.

Note: Grind almonds in your food processor but watch carefully as you grind them so they don’t become almond butter! Adding a little of the sugar in with the almonds helps with controlling the grinding.

CRUNCHY PECAN COOKIES 6 oz. pecans (1 1/2 cups) 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup potato starch 1/4 teaspoon salt

Scant 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 3 large egg whites, lightly beaten Special equipment: parchment paper

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Coarsely chop 1 cup pecans and set aside.

Pulse remaining 1/2 cup pecans in a food processor with sugar, potato starch, salt, and cinnamon until finely ground (be careful not to pulse to a paste), then stir into egg whites. Stir in remaining cup chopped pecans.

Drop 1/2 tablespoons of batter 2 inches apart on baking sheet and bake until cookies are lightly browned and slightly puffed, 15 to 17 minutes. Slide parchment onto a rack and cool cookies completely (cookies will crisp as they cool), then remove from paper. Bake and cool 2 more parchment-lined sheets of cookies in same manner. (Can be made 1 week ahead and kept in an airtight container). Makes about 42 cookies.

SUGAR FREE COCONUT MACAROONS THE GAME GOES ON 117 grandmasters and 100 Israelis were among the 250 players from 33 countries taking part in the European Individual Chess Championship competition in Jerusalem in late February/early March. Competitors took a free day for a trip to the Dead Sea ... but chess was not left behind, as lightweight chess boards floated in the Dead Sea’s buoyant waters and the games went on.

2 large egg whites ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar 1/3 cup sugar substitute

1 teaspoon almond extract 2¼ cups grated coconut

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place the egg whites and cream of tartar in a large bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form. Continue beating, adding the sugar substitute.

Fold in the almond extract, then fold in the grated coconut. Mixture will be stiff.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a nonstick cookie sheet. Bake 20 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool. Cookies will be 1" in diameter. Makes 35 cookies (1.25 grams carbohydrates per cookie).

JCN • April 2015 • Nissan/Iyar 5775 • www.jfedps.org • 23

HELP US ANSWER THE NEEDS OF THE JEWISH WORLD Our Jewish Federation in the desert has been supporting, sustaining and revitalizing Jewish life for over half a century. Today our work is far from finished. And we need your support.

Your contribution helps to care for our entire Jewish community, enabling us to use your gift whenever it’s needed most … at home, in Israel and around the world.

With our 2015 campaign underway, we ask that you give generously. The needs are great.

The time is now.

OF PALM SPRINGS & DESERT AREA

The Strength of a People.

The Power of Community.

69-710 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760-324-4737 • www.jfedps.org